All in Columns
RALEIGH — Progressives are frustrated by North Carolina’s just-enacted state budget, hostile to recent deregulatory initiatives and tax cuts, and outraged at recent welfare reforms and school-choice expansions. They think our state is careening dangerously in the wrong direction. If their preferred candidates win state and local offices in November, they hope to reverse course.
I recently wrote about some of the signers of the Declaration of Independence who suffered personal and professional losses during the American Revolution. Today, I want to highlight just a few of the signers who became significant figures in the newly formed American republic.
I read an interesting article recently which helps to explain the differences between three types of business executives. Some are managers. Some are leaders. Others become mentors.
Recently June 2 has been officially declared as National Scallops Day. Sorry we missed the 2nd, but no need to miss out on enjoying fresh scallops!
Too many people today think of the Declaration of Independence as some ancient document – something akin to the Dead Sea Scrolls or The Odyssey. A truth few stop to consider is that the principles expressed in the Preamble to the Declaration are just as important today as they were in 1776.
It seems as though every family has or has had a person who became a caregiver at some point. Some took care of a disabled or a sick sibling, parent, or child for some period of time. To me, care-giving requires a special type of person. If you know someone who has been one, raise your hand.
In honor of one of America’s most beloved foods, the hot dog, we thought it would be fun to introduce you to some of the many unique and delicious ways it can be served. Trust us, there are more than you might imagine.
Within six months of electing Baptist preacher Rev. James D. Cavanaugh as pastor of Hickory Grove in November 1883, the Church trustees inexplicably called a second pastor, Rev. James D. Carpenter. The two men essentially shared the pulpit as co-pastors, although they conducted services on different regular Sundays each month:
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we are often so caught up in the document itself that we overlook the 56 people who signed it. While the Declaration itself is worthy of more consideration than we ever give it, we need to consider the men who placed themselves and their families at risk in signing the document.
Summer is here. For some, it is their favorite season. Vacations are planned. The best fruit is available for fiber-rich light meals. Swimming pools and beaches are open for refreshing fun in the sun. Schools are closed to give teachers and students time to rest up for the upcoming school year's work.
As we approach July 4th this year, we are especially drawn to remember the 250th anniversary of The Declaration of Independence. But we must never forget that no document exists in a vacuum. Jefferson and the committee that worked on the Declaration of Independence were carrying out a charge they received after the Second Continental Congress adopted the Lee Resolution on June 7, 1776.
In an episode of the original Matlock tv show, Ben has lost an old case. But he has a chance to help his former client Les Matthews again, if he will let him. The client is angry because in the case Ben lost, Matthews had maintained his innocence of killing his partner. He served a 7-year sentence. Finally, this client came up for parole, and he was granted it due to his exemplary behavior while in prison. He didn't belong there.
Squash is in abundance this time of year…these healthy vegetables seem to be less affected by a shortage of rain than some others. Squash is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol and Sodium.
“Let’s celebrate!” I often look forward to gathering together with others to celebrate lived experiences. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones are all reasons to rejoice. Parents have parties to celebrate children’s birthdays. Couples go out to dinner to celebrate wedding anniversaries. Families come together to applaud their high school and college graduates. Communities come together to celebrate holidays.
From nearby Duplin County, Rev. James D. Cavanaugh (1837-1904) was a Baptist minister who dabbled in politics. He lost his 1882 race for a seat in the N.C. House of Representatives. In October 1883, Hickory Grove chose him as pastor to succeed Rev. B. W. Nash:
We were supposed to be married on Friday the 13th on the rooftop of The O'Neil, but due to rain, we were married in front of an antique bank vault that fit our vibe just the same. Our first camping trip ended in a flash flood where we almost died. Our second cruise was rerouted due to civil unrest in Haiti. Our third cruise was held off port due to mutant fog, and then Tampa had a power outage at the port.
While many of us have been focused on America’s 250th anniversary as we celebrate the Declaration of Independence and remember the war that followed, we would be remiss to forget that this year also marks the 251st anniversary of one of our most important institutions.
I sat stunned after receiving a phone call letting me know that our cousin Jacques O'Keith Cobb had passed away the day before. I think I was in shock. Keith and I had just exchanged text messages about a week or so before. He had just read the Mother Jones Magazine article I was in on April 30th, and he said "Who is that pretty lady?" I texted back "You're so sweet." Had absolutely no clue of what was coming.
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