PRE NewsRoom

Jones County, NC (2009-10-22) Looking at the calendar we see a slate of holidays and celebrations dead ahead Halloween next Saturday, Thanksgiving come November and Christmas in December. At the end of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol," Ebeneezer Scrooge vowed to honor the spirit of Christmas all year round. Commentator Jenny Philips is advocating we honor the spirit of another celebration months away Arbor Day on a daily basis as well.

Nicotine Nostalgia... commentary from Joan Carris

Beaufort, NC (2009-10-02) It hasn't been a good year for North Carolina smokers, with both the state and federal government hiking taxes on cigarettes. In addition to paying more to satisfy their craving, state smokers will continue to deal with what they might see as the smug attitudes of those who successfully kicked the habit. Commentator Joan Carris is among those who have done just that... but without the attitude.

Heaven is for Animals... commentary from Marion Blackburn

Greenville, NC (2009-09-10) In the typical household that includes pets, it can often be difficult to determine exactly who is in charge of whom. That's true with commentator Marion Blackburn who has no complaints.

Clunkers... commentary from Jenny Phillips

Jones County, NC (2009-09-04) Nearly 700,000 cars were sold during the Cash for Clunkers program which recently came to a halt. Among those whose car didn't... to her surprise...qualify for the program was commentator Jenny Philips.

Issues with August... commentary from Joan Carris

Beaufort, NC (2009-08-21) If it's possible to reschedule the "winter of our discontent," commentator Joan Carris believes that in eastern North Carolina it would fall in August.

My Inner Card Shark... commentary from Marion Blackburn

Greenville, NC (2009-08-14) While all the other parents were telling their children to "play nice," commentator Marion Blackburn's parents instructed her to cut loose... at least in one instance.

Snakes!... commentary from Jenny Philips

Jones County, NC (2009-08-07) A fear of snakes is common... and irrational. Commentator Jenny Philips has that fear and knows its irrational... and she's o-k with that.

Marriage as Comedy... commentary from Jenny Philips

Jones County, NC (2009-05-26) If the behavior of your spouse drives you to the point where laughing is the only option remaining, commentator Jenny Philips explains that is just how it was designed to be.

Gifts from the Recession... commentary from Joan Carris Beaufort, NC (2009-05-19) It's not all bad news during the recession. If you look long and hard enough... really hard... you can find a few good things mixed in. Commentator Joan Carris has more.

Dogs & Deer... commentary from Jenny Philips

New Bern, NC (2009-04-23) In troubled times, commentator Jenny Philips will take solace where she can find it.

Finding Myself on Facebook... commentary from Marion Blackburn

Greenville, NC (2009-04-14) She swore she never would, but she did... Marion Blackburn tells you more.

Commentary from Chuck Twardy... the newsroom lights dim

Ayden, NC (2009-04-06) Commentator Chuck Twardy has long been out of the newspaper business, but the recent rash of closures, bankruptcies and cutbacks still weighs heavy.

Remembering for Mother... commentary from Jenny Phillips

New Bern, NC (2009-04-01) Life's events were remembered by commentator Jenny Phillips with a specific purpose in mind. Now that purpose is gone... bringing up heartache but also fond remembrance.

Figuratively Speaking... Commentary from Marion Blackburn

Greenville, NC (2009-03-10) Marion Blackburn enjoys a little wordplay with the month of March.

My Early Decision...

New Bern, NC (2009-02-26) Olivia Cho is a senior at Arendell Parrott Academy in Kinston who has come through the early decision process not unscathed but not broken either.