On March 31, the North Carolina Senate passed the hugely controversial SB 387, titled the Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021, by margin of 48 senators in favor, none opposed.
All in Columns
Reece Gardner: If it's to be, it's up to me
Let's get right to the essence of what I want to talk about today. We are all faced with ups and downs in our lives and sometimes we might forget that it isn't the situation we face that really matters, it is how we handle it.
Mike Parker: Make your home a fortress against child abuse
When I was training to be a teacher, I first heard the “IALAC” story. The story of a child who goes through each day with people ripping little pieces from his sign emblazoned with “IALAC” made a profound impact on me. Each day, the sign returns, but a little more of it is torn away. “IALAC” stands for “I Am Lovable and Capable.”
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Healthy, quick and easy suppers for Spring
Spring is here and these dinner recipes are perfect for the new season. Use fresh seasonal produce for dinners are also low in calories and high in fiber, which is a key combination if you’re looking to maintain a healthy weight. Sheet pan recipes, pastas and veggies, and fruit and chicken salads, are always a favorite. Hope you will find these recipes bright and delicious!!
John Hood: State has too much debt already
Thanks to the fiscally responsible policies of the North Carolina General Assembly, state government has some $5 billion in unspent funds and unanticipated revenues in its General Fund.
Reece Gardner: Do you believe in Easter?
Edith Burns, a Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas, had a habit of introducing herself in the following way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" She would then explain the meaning of Easter. She was in declining health and was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips.
John Hood: No, inequality isn’t increasing
Every argument has three parts: definitions, premises, and logical reasoning. When conservatives and progressives disagree about a specific issue, each side often leaps to the conclusion that the other side is being illogical (or dishonest, or stupid).
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Why you should enjoy artichokes!
Besides a good spinach artichoke dip, most of us don’t really know what to with the very interesting vegetable. Aside from having a good number of health benefits, the artichoke is way more versatile than given credit for.
Mike Parker: Honor our Vietnam Veterans today
In October 1968, I turned 18. I was about halfway through my first Fall Semester at Ohio State, plodding through Freshman Comp, Differential Calculus, and the first course in the freshman chemistry sequence.
John Hood: Let’s head off labor shortages
It may sound preposterous at the moment, with North Carolina’s unemployment rate still significantly above its pre-COVID rate, but I think our leaders should be talking about the state’s coming labor shortage.
Reece Gardner: Count your blessings instead of sheep
All you have to do to find out if people are having problems in their lives is to read "Dear Abby." There you will find out about the trials and tribulations of life, and how people deal with them.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Happy, healthy Easter brunch!
Celebrate Easter Sunday with a special brunch featuring classic and seasonal dishes. Pick the perfect recipes to share with your family and friends. Enjoy!
Mike Parker: Sharing historic memory across generations
During this school year when Pitt County students have faced “Virtual Mondays,” Abby and Hannah, two of my granddaughters, have stayed with Sandra and me from Sunday afternoon until I return them to their mother Rachel, who teaches at South Central, on Monday afternoon.
John Hood: Liquor business should be private
North Carolina governments shouldn’t be in the liquor business. Two recent stories illustrate this story well.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Healthy St. Patrick's Day
It is super easy to keep St. Patrick’s Day healthy and green and still tasty and fun!! There are so many healthy “green” options as well as some of the traditional “Irish” favorites!! Give these recipes a try!
John Hood: Stimulus bill is reckless
The $1.9 trillion “COVID relief” bill just enacted by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden gives out $1,400 checks to most Americans. It boosts the child-tax credit, keeps weekly unemployment-insurance checks $300 higher than normal, and throws lots of other (borrowed) money around.
Mike Parker: Cooper, legislature strike deal on school opening
The Republican-led legislature passed Senate Bill 37 mandating that all schools from grades K-12 must provide an option for in-person instruction. Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the bill, claiming the legislation threatened the health and safety of students just when the pandemic seemed to be waning.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Carrots!
We all know that eating carrots is great for your eye sight, but they have a lot more to offer. The bright orange (most of the time) vegetable boosts your immune system, promotes vibrant skin, reduces cholesterol, boosts oral health, protects your heart, improves digestion, increases cardiovascular health, and detoxifies the body. You may be forgetting about the carrots in your diet, if so, it is time to reconsider, from breakfast to dessert, I am sure you will find something that suits your taste buds!!
Reece Gardner: One day at a time
In last week's Column I wrote about the passing of my brother, Rick Gardner, and how the loss of a loved one can be painful to those who remain. But we are in this life "One day at a time," and it is incumbent upon us to cherish each day and be thankful for the opportunity we are given to share our lives with others, particularly members of our families.
Mike Parker: Beware fake email ‘bills’ and other contacts
Last week, I wrote about scammers using the telephone to intimidate and extort money and information from the unsuspecting. These thieves pretend to be federal government officials who are suspending social security numbers for suspicious activities and often demanding huge payments be made to avoid arrest and prosecution.