It is definitely summer, and the hot temps are here to prove it. Enjoy your evenings outside with the warm breezes and super sunsets, keep your dinner meals simple, and get out and grill!! Here are some recipes to enjoy this Holiday.
All in Columns
John Hood: Progressive politicians hurt downtowns
Conventional wisdom has it that progressives champion urbanity and conservatives disdain it. There’s some truth to that. Progressives are far more likely than conservatives to prefer walkable, high-density communities over auto-dependent, detached-dwelling neighborhoods.
Leon Steele: Did you know? Part 4
Did you know that two adjoining burned out buildings on Gordon St were recently purchased by a California developer who converted them into four nice market-rate apartments, all of which leased immediately? People from out of town are buying our properties, sometimes two at a time. They feel our vibe and sense of community. They like where we are going. They have been paying attention to what we are doing and want to be a part of it. Downtown Kinston is setting an example of progressive recovery from severe decline and many people are paying attention to it.
Reece Gardner: Cherish the one you love
I want to share with you some additional accounts of my 58 wonderful years of marriage to My Emma, which I hope will encourage you to more fully appreciate that very special person in your life. My favorite songs are "heart" songs, and I often use the wisdom from those songs to help me my message of love across.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Summer Figs – get them fast
Sweet, juicy, and crunchy, it’s hard to think of a fruit that compares to the goodness of a fresh fig. A fig's unique flavor makes it a wonderful treat all on its own, but when added to a recipe, the results can be very tasty.
Mike Parker: Seven key elements of being an effective father
In doing research for my recent column on the importance of fathers in the lives of children, I came across a publication from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services titled “The Importance of Fathers in the Healthy Development of Children.” The publication outlines seven specific dimensions of effective fathering.
Leon Steele: Did you know? Part 3
Did you know the Pride of Kinston downtown revitalization organization has been around since the 1980’s? We belong to the North Carolina Main Street Association which has 88 participating communities. We all belong to the National Main Street organization called Main Street America that was formed in the mid-1980’s to reverse the decline of historic commercial districts across the U.S. by applying a tested methodology associated with design, organization, promotion, and economic development, for which our core working committees are named. Prestigiously speaking, Kinston was one the very first communities selected by the national organization to participate in this nation-wide endeavor. This means that Kinston has been in the process of revitalizing its downtown for 35 years.
Cooper commits monumental error
We cannot continue to glorify a war against the United States of America fought in the defense of slavery,” Cooper had argued in 2017. “These monuments should come down. Our Civil War history is important, but it belongs in textbooks and museums — not a place of allegiance on our Capitol grounds.” But the governor had also made it clear that the ends don’t justify the means. A 2015 enacted [law] by bipartisan majorities in the General Assembly had forbidden state or local officials from removing public monuments except under limited circumstances.
Reece Gardner: Do you believe in miracles?
Do you believe in miracles? If not, could it be that they are out there but you just don't recognize them? An illustration of that mindset can be seen in the situation with Bob, who was in his boat with his dog out on the water one day when a flock of geese flew overhead.
Leon Steele: Did you know? Part 2
Did you know the condition and vibrancy of a downtown (or neighborhood) is a barometer of community health and attitude?
Father’s Day should inspire a sober look at the important role of Dads
Sentiment and emotion have their special place on Father’s Day, but more of us should take at least part of that day’s celebration to reflect on the important role fathers play in the life of their children.
Reece Gardner: The challenge with requiring mail-in absentee ballots
I want to talk mainly today about the effort underway to increase the use of traditional mail-in absentee ballots, but first let's recognize Father's Day, which is on this coming Sunday, June 21. President Johnson became the first president to officially honor fathers in 1966, and six years later, in 1972, President Nixon successfully established Father's Day as a national holiday.
Michael Spears: Is the risk of a second wave of infections rising?
Over the past week, we’ve had some good news in that there hasn’t been any sign of a national second wave of infections. In fact, the spread rate dipped below 1 percent for the first time on two days, and case growth seems to have stabilized to around 20,000 per day. From an economic perspective, the news is good, as the reopening is proceeding smoothly. Let’s take a look at the details.
Mike Parker: When Papa serves as a practice dummy, anything can happen
When my grandchildren come a-calling, I know what to expect. I stock the shelves and fridge. Sometimes I experience a brief moment of pity for the parents who must constantly feed these little critters.
John Hood: Police misconduct is everyone’s problem
The gruesome death of George Floyd, captured on video in vivid and revealing detail, will revolt and enrage anyone with a moral conscience. You witness one human being mistreating another with either actual malice or callous disregard. You witness the tragic result.
Leon Steele: Did you know? Part 1
Today we launch a series of shorties entitled Did You Know? focusing on the revitalization of downtown Kinston, NC and the work that Pride of Kinston undertakes to make our downtown and community better. We hope you enjoy them.
Reece Gardner: The Flag is speaking to us today
This coming Sunday, June 14, is Flag Day, the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777, when the Continental Congress sanctioned a flag for the brand-new United States of America. It was this flag, during the war of 1812, that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner, when our massive flag flew triumphantly atop Baltimore's Fort McHenry after U.S. soldiers withstood a 25-hour bombardment by British warships.
Justin Barnett: Come together
Our nation may be more divided right now along the lines of race that it has ever been before. Recent events have shaken our country. People of color are especially hurting, and many are angry. What our nation needs now is healing. In order to heal, we must come together. In order to come together, there must be understanding.
Mike Parker: Learning the language of married life
On Feb. 18, Sandra and I celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary – just two years shy of our Golden Anniversary. No couple can stay married for 48 years without learning a few lessons along the way.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Broccoli!
Fresh broccoli is starting to appear at our local Farmers Market, and you cannot beat fresh local broccoli!!