A video on the social media platform TikTok was shared with me where a content creator criticized PepsiCo for altering the iconic Aunt Jemima logo, one of the longest-running logos and trademarks in the history of American advertising.
All in Columns
Mike Parker: Join us for ‘Breakfast on the Boat’ on Saturday, April 20
This Saturday, April 20, the CSS Neuse II will host its first public “Breakfast on the Boat” for 2024. “Breakfast on the Boat” is one of the Neuse Foundation’s smaller fundraisers to help raise money to support the Neuse II.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: It’s Strawberry Picking Time
We have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the fresh juicy local strawberries and they are finally here!! Strawberries are a super fruit; they are packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients that can reduce inflammation. They also support heart health, boost cognitive function, aid digestion and help regulate blood sugar. Strawberries are also super versatile for adding some sweetness to snacks, desserts, and even main dishes.
Mike Parker: Poet featured at April 18 ‘Artist Talk’
Stephanie Brea is a poet whose work centers on community engagement. She will be the featured artist at the “Artist Talk,” scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, at the smART Gallery at 210 North Queen Street. What choice could be more fitting for National Poetry Month?
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Why Add Asparagus
Asparagus is popping up, and I do mean popping up, this interesting vegetable grows straight up, and can pop up to almost a foot. Most asparagus you will see is green, but there are other varieties you may sometimes see, white, which is more delicate and difficult to harvest, and purple, which is smaller and fruitier in flavor. No matter the type you choose, asparagus is a tasty, versatile vegetable that can be cooked in lots of ways or enjoyed raw in salads.
Kristy Kelly: Jolene is the devil, but not for the way you think
I listened to Beyonce’s version of “Jolene”. While I liked it better than the original, I couldn’t figure out what it is that bothered me about it. I’ve secretly judged Dolly Parton for the song “Jolene”. Born in 1979, I barely made the cut to call myself Gen X, so I’m young enough to accept throughout history women believed themselves to be powerless, and old enough to realize how little collective power women had. It’s because of songs like Jolene.
Dr. Travis Towne: Celebrating April as Financial Literacy Month
As a high school educator entrusted with teaching students about personal finance, I have a message: we need your help to prepare our youth for their financial futures.
Mike Parker: ‘Spirit of Lenoir’ – Christian music in family-friendly atmosphere
Allen O’Neal is no stranger to gospel music. The son of the late Ed O’Neal, the bass singer with the iconic gospel quartet Dixie Melody Boys, he grew up with the harmonies and lyrics of Christian music reverberating in his ears, mind, and heart.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Easter Brunches
Celebrate Easter with a brunch this year. If you ever wanted an excuse to eat all of the yummy breakfast foods, this is the Holiday! Whether you dine before or after the egg hunt, or even all day, here are some great recipes!! Most of these you can make ahead and that makes the day ever more fun and relaxed.
Mike Parker: 3rd Renaissance Faire brings bygone years to life
The Lenoir County Fairgrounds will be transported back to when King Arthur ruled at Camelot, and his knights took their place at the roundtable. The 3rd Renaissance Faire promises to be bigger and better than ever. But just what is a Renaissance Faire?
Theresa Parker Pierce: In your Easter bonnet
At Teacher’s Memorial Elementary School in Kinston, NC, Mrs. Skinner taught us all the seasonal songs. I must have loved music class because I memorized every word she taught us. “In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it…On the avenue, fifth avenue, the photographers will snap us, and you’ll find that you’re in the rotogravure.”
John Hood: Licensing Laws Shackle Labor Markets
North Carolina is one of the toughest places in the country to enter a new career — and that doesn’t auger well for our future economic performance.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: March is National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month and this year's theme is "Beyond the Table" which fits perfectly into our goals of eating and buying local!! The LC Health Department celebrated BIG!
Mike Parker: Battlefield weekend brought dozens to study our history
When a variety of local history buffs began planning “Evenings on the Battlefield,” they wondered just how many people would pay the $150 fee to spend two days touring the Wyse Fork battlefield, visiting the CSS Neuse Museum, and learning the local history of this area.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: All Things Green for St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick's Day is a holiday known for parades, shamrocks and all things Irish. From leprechauns to wearing Kelly green, thousands of Irish Americans gather with their loved ones on St. Patrick's Day to share a "traditional" meal of corned beef and cabbage. In Ireland, lamb is in season, so lamb dishes including stew are often enjoyed.
Mike Parker: ‘Artist Talk’ with Izzy set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 14
At 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, you will have an exceptional opportunity to join Kinston smArt Artist Izzy Piel at the smART Gallery for a captivating Artist Talk that will take you on a visual journey across the United States as Lizzy explores the colors of emotions inspired by her travels.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: An Aging Sector
Several of my friends and my cousin have birthdays in the first week of March. I won't say their ages, but we are all considered "seniors." I know when I celebrated my birthday in January, I changed the number on one of my greeting cards to "30ish." It made everyone at dinner laugh.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Is Rotisserie Chicken a Healthy Choice?
If you have a busy lifestyle and most of us do, you probably know the value of a rotisserie chicken. A rotisserie chicken gives you the home cooked vibes, without the home cooking! They are generally budget friendly ad super filling.
Mike Parker: This Karate Madness focuses on competitive martial arts
For more than 20 years, the Little Union Academy of Martial Arts has brought a different type of March Madness to Kinston. From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, Little Union will host the 19th Annual Karate Madness Open Championship Tournament in the Kinston High School gym here in Kinston.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Winter Salads You Will Love
It might be winter and there might not be as wide of a variety of fresh local vegetables, but don’t let that stop you from eating delicious salads made with fresh ingredients available during this season. Hope you will enjoy these tasty healthy options for winter salads!