OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Spring has arrived in Franklin County -- complete with typical temperatures that yo-yo from almost summer-like one day to downright chilly a day or two later.
As usual for this time of the year, the winds have been brisk -- and that keeps tons of pollen stirred up, which may be good for plants but isn't much fun for those with seasonal allergies.
But what is most noticeable this year is the fact that it is very, very dry -- and that the few showers most of us have received have been far too little and far too short to change that very much.

The job of a reporter can open you up to experiences that are weird or wonderful ... and, sometimes, both.
I've had to drink moonshine in order to secure an interview for coverage of the annual Neuse River Days in New Bern.
Trust me, it was worth it to get the crew of the Cirrhosis of the River to open up to me.
In order to get adrenaline junkies to trust me in Lynchburg, Va., I had to agree to go tandem skydiving before they'd be willing to talk with me.

Dear editor: President Obama's signature foreign policy achievement was the agreement with Iran to restrict their nuclear program.
The Iranians reduced their enriched uranium stockpile by 98 percent, leaving them a fraction of the amount needed for even one weapon.
They removed most of their centrifuges and stored them under international supervision.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had 24/7 inspection access to Iranian nuclear facilities. The IAEA always reported that Iran was in compliance.

Dear editor: I've worked really hard to deceive you.
I've tried every trick in the book.
I've lately come to a realization.
You're not as dumb as you look.