I got the COVID-19 vaccine shortly after it became publicly available. I did so because I was persuaded that the benefits of vaccination far outweighed the risk.
All in Columns
John Hood: What’s more Democratic than an election?
Do the ends justify the means? This familiar question produces strong feelings precisely because its answer is necessarily complicated. Just about all of us admit to a scenario, such as the proverbial ticking time-bomb, in which we would countenance unsavory means if required to save lives. In general, however, most religious and ethical traditions teach that we are not permitted to use injurious or unethical means to accomplish even noble ends.
Obituary: Glenn Fields
Glenwood Allen Fields, 77, was received into the open arms of his Savior on Monday, September 13, 2021. A service to celebrate and remember Glenn’s life will be held by the graveside at Fairview Cemetery on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
Reece Gardner: How to age gracefully
Age is undoubtedly a subject that we hear a lot about, which is understandable since we all experience it. Today, I want to explore this topic with an emphasis on how we might age gracefully. Wisdom, resilience, and a well-rounded and mature perspective on life are often credited as the hard-earned rewards of aging. Looking and feeling good as we age requires a fine-tuned combination of aging gracefully and defying the very laws of time.
Mike Parker: Northeast needs supporters to rocket the school to solar success
On July 6, Kristy Bock wrote a story about Northeast Elementary School here in Kinston. Northeast is one of 15 North Carolina schools awarded a solar educational package valued at $42,000. The package includes donated SunPower solar modules, a STEM curriculum, and teacher training.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Celebrate the bee!
Each year we celebrate National Honey Bee Day, on the third Saturday in August. The celebration began in 2009 with the purpose of the bringing together beekeepers, bee associations, and other interested groups to connect with the communities to advance beekeeping, using a united effort one day a year. What better way to celebrate the honorable honeybee than to enjoy their delicious honey!
Kristy Bock: We broke our vows to never forget
As I scrolled through Facebook, the “Never Forget” memes that are ever-present in the month of September fill my feed with sad reminders of a day that devastated our nation. Everyone from every walk of life in our country who was alive on September 11, 2001, can remember what they were doing when they learned about the horrific events that transpired on that day.
Mike Parker: ‘Wings Over the Neuse’ takes flight Friday
This year marks the 13th consecutive year the CSS Neuse Foundation has hosted “Wings Over the Neuse,” the foundation’s major fundraiser.
John Hood: Make licensing reform a priority
According to the most-recent ranking I can find, North Carolina requires state-approved licenses in more occupations (nearly 200) than most other states do. North Carolina licenses twice as many occupations as Virginia does, and three times as many as South Carolina.
Reece Gardner: Grandmother's notebook of beautiful thoughts
Most of the news concerning Afghanistan consists of lies being presented as truths and fiction posing as fact. It is rather depressing. So let's look away from that for now and focus on the positive things in life, such as the Granddaughter telling about how her Grandmother used to carry an old notebook with her wherever she went. She would fill it with beautiful thoughts she gathered along the way.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Muscadine Grapes are Ripe and Ready
Muscadine grapes originated in the Southeastern region of the United States and as you know are quite commonly grown and celebrated right here in our area. They are about 1 1/2-inches in size and have a large, tough outer skin. They don't grow in tight bunches like grapes, but in clusters of 4 or more fruits. They're commonly used in jams, jellies, wines, or any other recipes using grapes.
John Hood: Jefferson neighbors seek liberty
Before Thomas Jefferson died in 1826, he wrote his own epitaph. Did he mention any of his political offices? No. Jefferson wanted only three accomplishments listed on his gravestone: author of the Declaration of Independence, founder of the University of Virginia, and author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
Reece Gardner: Our flag is more than just a symbol
Among the horrible sights we have witnessed in Afghanistan has been the burning of the American Flag as The Taliban celebrated what it considers to be a victory over the USA. But our flag is more than just a symbol, and it has a long & glorious history. It was the flag , during the war of 1812, that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner, as our massive flag flew triumphantly atop Baltimore's Fort McHenry after U.S. soldiers withstood a 25-hour bombardment by British warships.
John Hood: Families are swinging suburban
It’s my go-to slide. I’ve shown it to all the classes I teach at Duke University.
The slide is striking. It’s revealing. And now it’s out of date.
Mike Parker: Kicking off the school year right
Most who have read my columns through the years know I am a retired high school English teacher. I spent 37½ years in the classroom, so I consider myself somewhat of an authority on what parents need to do to help their children succeed in school. In addition, I have four adult children, all college graduates, who have become productive citizens. They work, raise families, pay mortgages, and do a good job “adulting.”
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: The Healthy and Versatile Eggplant
It’s that wonderful time in summer when eggplants, in their many shapes and colors have taken over more than a few tables at the farmer’s market. While eggplant is readily available throughout the year, its peak season is right now, from early August through October.
John Hood: CON laws are too risky
I’ve long thought the North Carolina General Assembly should reform our state’s archaic and anti-competitive requirement for certificates-of-need. In the post-COVID world we are entering, however, CON reform is no longer just a good idea. It’s an imperative.
Olde Kinston Gazette: Black business thrived in the early 20th century
Just 39 years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, with the “slave experience” still fresh in the memories of black Kinstonians, a number of black businesses sprang up with tenacity and industry, creating three all black business districts in Kinston.
John Hood: Biden’s tumble unnerves democrats
In a nationwide Reuters/Ipsos poll taken on August 11 and 12, approximately 51% of Americans approved of President Joe Biden’s job performance, while 43% disapproved. Just one week later, the same pollster found a strikingly different result: 46% approval, 49% disapproval.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Abundance of Banana Peppers
Do you have more banana peppers than you think you possibly could ever eat? I am here to help!! Banana peppers are so versatile you can freeze, stuff, fry, pickle, or even grill them. Bananas are sweet, and sometimes even hot.