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Articles by Larry Clark
WSU-Chile collaboration reveals border-hopping virus
An international team of scientists recently collaborated to identify a mysterious viral disease damaging pepper and tomato crops in Chile. Publishing their results in Plant Disease, virologists at Washington State University and the Pontifical Catholic University (PCU) of Chile confirmed the presence of pepper necrotic spot virus, an insect-spread pathogen discovered in Peru but previously unknown in its southern neighbor. Hanu Pappu, Chuey Endowed Chair and Samuel H.
How Heartfelt Treats: Valentine's Day Boxes Filled with Love
Valentine's Day is a time to express love, appreciation, and affection for those who hold a special place in our hearts. While traditional gifts like flowers and chocolates have always been popular choices, personalized gift boxes have risen in popularity in recent years. These thoughtfully curated boxes, often packed with unique treats and meaningful items, offer a way to show just how much you care.
Music Is Your Curriculum, Choose Wisely!
SBO+: This is the first in a series of articles explaining common practices used by publishers and state MEAs in grading music. Future articles will focus on grading practices for string orchestra, chorus, jazz band, and marching band. Selecting music for your band is the most important decision you make as a teacher. It is your curriculum. The growth and success of your students depends on you selecting pieces that fit the technical limitations based on their level of maturation.
Gifts for the friend who loves strategically placed photobooks
There’s no better friend to buy for than the coffee-table arranger. Whether they’re into flashy homeware, scuzzy fanzines, rare erotica or a wildcard novelty item, there’s no end of joyful, sometimes sexy things that look great on a coffee table, a bedside table, an occasional table or a pool table. You name it, we’ve got it. Stüssy ceramic boot vase The centrepiece of every good-looking coffee table ought to be some kind of garish, novelty ornament.
Opinion: Media criticism - We’ve heard it all before
Criticism of the news media is nothing new. The big news outlets have been accused of “fake news” before. That includes made-up news and flat-out lies about newsmakers.I covered a Catawba Valley Executives Club meeting in 1982. The speaker was William J. Gill. The veteran journalist and television producer was also an author and international trade consultant.
Opinion: Actions speak louder than words
We are a contentious and accommodating society by design. Our founders thought the free exchange of ideas, through political contention tempered by the love of liberty, would be the surest way to achieve greatness and solve problems.With accommodation built into our very fabric – through the Constitution and, again our penchant for freedom – E Pluribus Unum would keep us focused on prosperity and equal justice.At no time was violence endorsed as a building block of security, justice or unity.
Opinion: Don’t stare at the sun; so long Glen
The upcoming total solar eclipse is a chance to see one of nature’s most dramatic phenomena. First, a warning that cannot be said too often: Wear eye protection if you want to look at it.Even a few seconds viewing an eclipse with your bare eyes will (not can, will) cause permanent eye damage. This ain’t no old tale designed to ruin your fun. You really can go blind if you don’t protect your eyes.Ancient peoples had ways of dealing with eclipses.
Opinion: Hummies, shoppers somewhat similar
I like watching wild things. The wild things in my woods, that is, and the critters on which entire TV episodes are based.From time to time, I see previews on TV for shows about wild things “never before seen.” If they’ve never been seen before, how did the TV crew know where to set up the cameras?I can understand why Yeti or Sasquatch remain elusive, but the intrepid explorers on one show took most of their show time to find a gorilla in Africa.
Opinion: Outdoor workers define sweat equity
I admire people who must work outside no matter what the temperature. The hot spell has slowed me considerably. I don’t tolerate heat – especially in open sun – as I once did.I know journalists seem to work in air-conditioned offices most of the time, and that’s fairly accurate. From time to time, however, we have to tolerate the sun, high humidity, rain, snow, and weather extremes. News won’t wait for decent weather.Neither will jobs.
Opinion: People’s voices louder through social media
Many Americans don’t like President Trump’s use of Twitter. True, I don’t always agree with his sentiments, but Trump sees it as an important part of his political being. He’s right.There is no doubt that social media is the preferred mode of mass media for grillions of people around the world.Construction of the Internet secured immediate means of communication for people who once had only a letter to the editor (or station manager) as their conduit for praise or criticism.
Opinion: Cleanliness is far from discommoding
I’ve heard “Cleanliness is next to godliness” all my life. Sometimes, it’s used as a positive exhortation. Other times, it seems to be a dire warning that God’s gonna get you if you don’t wash up.Most sources say the exact maxim is not in the Bible, but it’s there in spirit. A lot of commentary goes into the definition of cleanliness. In my youth, the dictum meant to be washed. That doesn’t clear up anything. What is washed?
Column: Freedom inherited across generations
Back in 1976, the bicentennial anniversary of the United States, David Araial wrote a drama called “The Inherited Freedom.” The thought behind the drama was that a free America was gained by our ancestors, and each generation must do its part for the next.David was the first formal artist-in-residence in Caldwell County. He was attached to Caldwell Community College. David’s greatest role was helping revive community theatre.
Column: History compressed at old Spanish fort
History moves at a rapid pace. Even though years seem long, history can unfold in less than a wink.I was reminded of this at Joara last Saturday. Joara is a native Catawba village in Burke County. The long-uninhabited place is the site of Fort San Juan and Cuenca, the first European settlement in the interior of what is now the eastern United States.Joara/Cuenca is now an archeological excavation.
Column: We automatically take shelter when it rains
Humans are the only animals I know that resist rain. We will run through sprinklers or hop in mud puddles, but we don’t like to get caught in the rain.Deer don’t mind rain. Lizards like the damp. Birds will take shelter in trees and nests, but they simply shake off the water if they get wet. Even butterflies don’t seem to mind. Neither do rabbits and other mammals, but I think it’s more of a safety measure than an aversion to getting wet.In a hard rain, hearing and vision are seriously impaired.
Column: Power in the tweets; clean air is sweet
A tweet is as good as a signed, front-page newspaper commentary.I can’t count how many times I’ve heard this, or said it myself, but the most ancient rule on opening or closing one’s mouth is never say anything you don’t want published on the front page of a newspaper. The same holds true for writing down anything – or not writing.Today, a tweet is as good as a thousand newspapers in relation to publicizing your thoughts.
Column: Survival is an unnecessary struggle
I’ve noticed a number of shows on television about survival and survivalists. Some are made for TV, others are old movies that deal with post-apocalyptic life. Too, there are old shows and movies about the legendary Mountain Men.I gravitate toward some of this because I like escapism in entertainment. Obviously, I’m not alone in that respect.None of these episodes, however, deal with the reality of survival if our world as we know it ceased to function.
Column: Overnight in shelter gave insight, respect
Way back yonder in April 1991, The Hickory Salvation Army laid plans for a new homeless shelter. Jeff Shu was the Hickory reporter for The Record then. He was assigned the story about new facility.Jeff was a crackerjack reporter. He expressed mild skepticism about the people staying at the existing shelter and the way The Salvation Army worked.
Column: Leadership conversations duck the issue
I am amused at conversations about leadership I’ve see on television over the past month or so. The debaters hit all around the topic, but never really defined the term.Leadership, so I was taught, is predicated on the willingness to lead. That means making decisions you sometimes don’t want to make, taking sides you may not want to take, and stepping up when you really want to step away.When we think of leaders, we most often look to the past.
Column: Rudy Wright was a champion for Hickory
I was stunned when I heard the news about the death of Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright.Not him. Not now. But it is true, and I’m in the mass of mourners who grieve for a lively man who gave everything he had for his city and his business.I refer to him as Rudy, in respect for his ability to make contact with people and make you feel like an old friend.
Column: Different freedoms, different attitudes
Forty years in journalism gave me extreme respect for freedom of speech. I am not dismayed in the least about the executive order that relaxes IRS oversight of churches.If a minister or congregation leader wants to talk to the flock about an election, there is nothing that can get in the way. I have long thought that threatening a church with loss of tax exemption if politics is mentioned in the pulpit is as arrogant as it is wrong.Yes, there is a “wall of separation” between church and state.
Column: Apropos TV ticker resurrects good old word
I learned a new-old word the other day: Clamber.When I saw it on a news channel ticker, I thought it was a mistake. “Lawmakers … clamber to reach budget deal.” They mean “clamor” I snickered to myself.But the more I thought about it, the more I thought clamber might be a real word. The spelling is a far cry from clamor, and lawmakers aren’t exactly raising a ruckus to get something done.
Column: ‘Buy American’ is not an impediment
The “Buy American” executive order from President Trump is not isolationist. I daresay most Americans, including many of Trump’s opponents, welcome a policy that demands the U.S. government buy products and services at represent American workers.Don’t forget that foreign investment in America provides jobs for Americans. Auto manufacturers that do so are easily identified. But there are many others.In the Catawba County area alone are more than 30 foreign companies that have invested in America.
Column: Youth is no excuse to drive stupid
When I was a teenager, I pulled some stupid stunts behind the wheel. Full of vim and vigor and the certainty I was a great driver, I skirted the edges of motor vehicle laws and sometimes went over the line.My indiscretions involved speeding. I didn’t break speed limits in populated places. I was careful in town. But there were lonesome sections of highway where I sometimes cheated. I was stupid. I was inconsiderate.
Column: No such thing as omniscient judges
Criticism from some members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch was evasive in the committee’s confirmation hearing is itself misleading and evasive.I am not endorsing or criticizing any of the nominee’s beliefs. But he was correct in saying he cannot say how he would rule on issues that might come before the high court.What opponents are conveniently sidestepping is the reality that Supreme Court cases hinge on written and oral argument.
Column: Haste does not make waste in the spring
Spring is the busy season – no time to lose for most plants and animals, even though spring is three months long. We have a pear tree that just barely showed green buds on Sunday. By Tuesday, the buds had grown considerably. It won’t be long before the young tree is in full leaf.Buds are evident on the aging azaleas. Hyacinths, bluets and daffodils have bloomed and are now mounds of deep green, showy leaves.
Column: Chuck Berry is Rock’s master architect
I know of several countdowns of the best Rock ‘n Roll songs ever. Of the ones I heard – and I’m sure there were many I didn’t hear – not one had “Johnny B. Goode” as the No. 1 Rock song of all time.Chuck Berry’s iconic number was always in the top 5 or so, but never the dubbed the greatest. I disagree. “Johnny B. Goode” is the National Anthem of Rock ‘n Roll.
Column: Meals on Wheels makes a big difference
I reject Mick Mulvaney’s comment on Meals on Wheels.Mulvaney is President Trump’s budget honcho. Thursday, he said “Meals on Wheels sounds great,” but “to take that federal money and give it to the states and say, ‘Look, we want to give you money for programs that don’t work’ — I can’t defend that anymore.”His statement is not accurate. Meals on Wheels is a vital service to many people, the majority older Americans.Years ago, I got to see, up close and personal, the program at work.
Column: No matter the season, candy is dandy
When is more candy sold, Halloween or Easter? It’s Easter, according to the National Retail Federation. Last Easter, Americans spent about $2.4 billion on Easter candy, some $300,000 more than on sweets for Halloween.Who cares? I’m an equal-opportunity candy season customer.I always liked Easter candy better than Halloween candy. For Halloween, a lot of people buy candy I don’t like and never did: Hard candy, gummy candy or imitations of the premium stuff. For Easter, only the best will do.
Column: Out on the ocean, a sea of windmills
I differ slightly on the definition of “renewable energy.”My idea of renewable energy is the power produced by tapping gas produced by landfills, the safe incineration of waste materials such as wood, and the development of biomass to make electricity. The ecosystem array at Catawba County’s Blackburn Landfill is a stellar example.Wind and solar power, however, should come under the name “perpetual energy” in my opinion. We don’t have to create wind and sunshine.
Column: Even little surprises aren’t always funny
I must admit, I do little things from time to time that seem hilarious to me, but not as funny to others.
Column: Praise be to South’s beloved red clay
Southerners have been known to curse the red clay dirt that is common to our geology. Yet, it’s a benefit when the rains come.Our clay dirt (there are many hues, but red is the most prevalent) grabs moisture and holds it. It resists erosion. It makes for a better foundation for trees and buildings.We see the flooding out West and the damage the high, rushing water does to buildings and mountainsides.
Column: Revenge factor clouds fair government
When Jim Holshouser Jr. became North Carolina’s first Republican governor of the 20th century in 1973 (he was elected in 1972), vindictive Democrats gave the new lieutenant governor, Jim Hunt, more administrative power.
Column: New Year’s Day heaped with resolutions
Now comes the new year and with it the pretension to make resolutions to make it better than this year.If you search the Internet for New Year’s resolutions, you will find weight loss web sites in abundance among the first dozens of hits.We make spiritual resolutions; humorous resolutions; promises to do better, think better and feel better; and resolutions on how to handle people we don’t like and people we love.
Column: Crusty editor left indelible mark on Christmas
Francis Pharcellus Church was a crusty old coot. He wasn’t unfriendly, far from it. But Church was a workaholic and devoted his life to journalism. He is one of the most famous newspaper editors and writers of all time, even if you don’t recognize his name.Church was born in February 1839 in New York. He was a preacher’s boy and the grandson of a Revolutionary War soldier. At 20, he graduated from Columbia College (now University).
Column: As dear Bob would say, ‘They’re Just Kids, Lord’
Children say the funniest things. Their innocence is refreshing and the way they hear things can make even the scroogiest stone face giggle.You know, like the Christmas carol “While Shepherds Washed Their Socks By Night.” I go back to the humorous kid items I have stored over the years. They make me happy. I have shared the following before. They always are delightful.Much of the funny stuff I have comes from the late Bob Terrell of Asheville, one of the best newspaper columnists and writers ever.
Column: A note about elections
When my father was head of his voting precinct many years ago, all ballots were on paper. When the polls closed, the counting crew would go to work. When all the counters and recorders reached the same total twice in a row, Dad would certify the totals.
Column: This great man’s spirit shall endure
Billy Sudderth is one of the finest people I ever met.You will excuse me if I refer to Billy on this occasion in first person. He is one of those rare people – even though his earthly life is over – whose character is so strong that his spirit will remain among us for generations.Billy believed that everybody – everybody – has the God-given rights to fairness and justice. They cannot in any way be abrogated by human convention.
Column: Loyal, loving army never deserted Arnie
I got to talk with Arnold Palmer once upon a time – for about 30 seconds. It was a lot of years ago when the Kemper Open was at Quail Hollow in Charlotte. I can testify that Palmer was the real deal.He was articulate, friendly, always smiling, very smart and above all, accessible. Accessibility was what made him a fan favorite. Before Palmer, there were plenty of golfing greats admired by the fans.
Always been a lot to see on the radio
We owe a lot to radio. Not only did radio provide a nationwide network for real-time entertainment, news and communication, it also elevated standards for script-writing that endure across multiple media.I remember old radio serials, such as “Gunsmoke,” “The Lone Ranger,” and “Sherlock Holmes.” Several shows were repeats, some were new. Comedy abounded. There were productions of Shakespearian drama and modern plays.
Column: Always been a lot to see on the radio
We owe a lot to radio. Not only did radio provide a nationwide network for real-time entertainment, news and communication, it also elevated standards for script-writing that endure across multiple media.I remember old radio serials, such as “Gunsmoke,” “The Lone Ranger,” and “Sherlock Holmes.” Several shows were repeats, some were new. Comedy abounded. There were productions of Shakespearian drama and modern plays.
Column: When words fail, make up a Sniglet - HDR | Hickory Daily Record : News
Remember Sniglets? They’re made-up words for things for which we don’t have words. Sniglets were hugely popular in the 1980s, mainly because of Rich Hall’s HBO comedy series “Not Necessarily the News.” Hall said a sniglet is “any word that doesn’t appear in the dictionary, but should.” There were books of sniglets, but the exercise in humorous word creation crept into the background. An online service is needed to view this article in its entirety.
Column: Excuses do not measure credibility - HDR | Hickory Daily Record : News
I’m always finding interesting things while reading. Sort of like the late columnist Sidney Harris, I discover stuff when looking up other stuff. One such discovery is “Qui s’excuse s’accuse.” I came across this many years ago. For some reason, it stuck. It’s French. The clearest translation is “He who excuses himself accuses himself.” An online service is needed to view this article in its entirety. You need an online service to view this article in its entirety. Choose an online service.
Column: Hooray for American shooters in Rio - HDR | Hickory Daily Record : News
I have to say it: As a Southern boy, I think it’s great that the first gold medal awarded at the Rio Olympic Games was one for shooting. And an American woman was the winner. Virginia Thrasher took the gold in the 100-meter air rifle competition. A bit later, Corey Cogdell took bronze in women’s trap. That’s a shotgun sport, for you who don’t know about such things. An online service is needed to view this article in its entirety. You need an online service to view this article in its entirety.
Column: Absolutely! ‘The system’ can be rigged - HDR | Hickory Daily Record : News
Some observations in regard to recent events: » No international trade policy or agreement will be successful without the consent of the business and industry such deals are supposed to enhance. Foreign manufacturers are successful only if the companies that import or outsource actually place orders before goods are shipped – regardless of the nations involved. An online service is needed to view this article in its entirety. You need an online service to view this article in its entirety.
Column: Thunder can make a turtle hurtle - HDR | Hickory Daily Record : News
Afternoons are slow these days because of the extreme heat. I don’t venture out much, at least into the full sun, when the weather turns this nasty. I am ready for cooler times. I grew up hearing that a long hot spell or a drought will not break without violence. If the legendary “old folks” are right, a huge storm is coming our way. I know many storms have come through our area in recent weeks, but they’ve been scattered and the heat is still here.
Column: Summer heat breeds cold-weather sayings - HDR | Hickory Daily Record : Opinion
I love summer, but I’m tired of this hot, muggy weather. Middle 80s is my tolerance level these days. So it is that I have daydreamed a couple of times about late fall and early winter. I love winter, too, but not biting cold. Frosty weather is good. Single-digit chills are bad. An online service is needed to view this article in its entirety. You need an online service to view this article in its entirety. Choose an online service.
Column: Top cops can withstand the heat - HDR | Hickory Daily Record : Opinion
I never had any doubts about Tom Adkins’ commitment and caring, before or after he became Hickory’s police chief. The depth of his character became obvious to everyone in his public statements about Zahra Baker, the victim of one of the most heinous crimes in the Hickory area’s history. The emotion Adkins revealed was a gauge of the powerful feelings a chief – and officer, for that matter – must have to serve the people in the manner they expect and deserve.
Column: Thrills were made on forgotten O-deck - HDR | Hickory Daily Record : Opinion
Visiting airports was always a real thrill. The fun was not only to fly, but to watch. All the big airports I saw had unrestricted observation decks where visitors and waiting passengers could see the aircraft took off and landed. Observing airplanes and the service crews at smaller airports such as Hickory was also fun, and there were many points of view. Observation decks weren’t needed.
Column: Can you write the way you talk? - HDR | Hickory Daily Record : Opinion
Some observations: It’s a wonder anyone learns English. We have so many “nyms” and “phones” that keeping words in their proper context can be difficult. An online service is needed to view this article in its entirety. You need an online service to view this article in its entirety. Choose an online service. The following services are print only and offer no digital access Need an account? Create one now. kAmp? 6I2>A=6 :D 2 C646?E %' ?6HD :E6> :? H9:49 E96 9625=:?6D 82G6 2 3C:67 6IA=2?2E:@?
Column: Some fun, playing with a spider - HDR | Hickory Daily Record : Opinion
Sometimes I think I’m too easily entertained. Maybe retirement has something to do with it, because now I seem to have the time to spend time on things I passed by when I didn’t have as much time to call my own. Then again ... I discovered a little spider perched on the blinds covering the back door. We live in the woods, so spiders appear frequently. Mostly, they’re outdoors. I swipe away all the spiders, webs and egg sacs I find on the porch or around the closest shrubs.
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