Greenberg is an idiot

Jeff Greenberg is a travel editor for the No Brain Corporation, better known as NBC. Recent comments made by the the No Brain Corporation editor pertaining to New Bern NC help prove journalism is dead in America. His comments make it clear he has never visited this area and like most of the drive by media today, he gets his data second hand from the Internet.

I have lived in New Bern my entire life and have swam, fished, and boated on the Trent and Neuse Rivers since I was a kid. I live on the Trent River and during the warm months I spend several days a week on the water. This past summer the rivers were the cleanest I have ever seen them. We saw species of fish in the New Bern area that I have never seen before. Pods of dolphin were common all the way to Fairfield Harbor and shrimp were caught in Wilson Creek which is 5 miles up the Trent River. Hardly the cesspools that Greenberg would make them out to be.

I suggest before the No Brain Corporation, NBC, trash a beautiful city such as New Bern they actually visit it. Has anyone at this dying media outlet ever read a real report about this area which is consistently rated one of the top retirement and travel destinations in the country.

Fairfield Harbour Golf Courses

Who is that sweet swinger in the picture? Why me, of course. I have been playing golf since I was 6 years old and have played the courses in Fairfield Harbour many times. As many of you may know both courses have recently closed in FFH and the FFH POA and others are trying to figure out a way to purchase it from Mid-South Golf. Lets hope they can work out an agreement.

But regardless whether they do or not FFH is a great place to live with or without golf. There are many other things to do in FFH including boating, sailing, swimming, tennis, walking, biking, and an large assortment of clubs and organizations.

So, if you are considering living in FFH I would not let the closure of the golf course stop you. There are many other things to do there. Just ask some of the residents.

Interest Rates

Folks, this is really getting interest-ing. Take it from a guy that had to sell homes when interest rates were 18%, todays mortgage rates should make buying a home a slam dunk. I have seen quotes as low as 4.5%, and these rates have not been seen since the 1940's.

Will home prices continue to slide backwards? Perhaps, nobody can say for sure. But I am confident that the affordability index of owning a home may never be better. Now is the time to make your move. For all you need to know about buying a home in New Bern go to www.newbern-nc.info

Retirees often have some free time and want to help their others that are not as fortunate. New Bern NC has an abundance of non profits, clubs, and organizations that do wonderful things for the needy. I have listed quite a few of these organizations on a web site http://www.newbern-nc.info/New-Bern-happenings.html for the convenience of those wanting to serve others or that have a hobby and want meet other's in the area that have similiar interest.

If you know of other organizations that would like to be included on this website let me know and I will be glad to do so.

Household Electronics Recycling

January 10, 10:00-2:00 unwanted electronics items including televisions and computers will be accepted at no charge. As you are aware electronics are a major source of pollution at our landfills so now is a great time to dispose of these items in an enviormentally friendly manner.

Drop of location will be the Craven County Agricultural Building parking lot located in the Industrial Park.

2008 Coming to an End-better days ahead

2008 is coming to an end soon and I am looking forward to 2009. I am optimistic about the upcoming year for many reasons. I cannot help but believe that the below 5% interest will start to have a positive effect on the housing market over the next 12 months. Hopefully we will see a reduction in inventory to to the attractive rates. This will have a positive effect across the entire economy as the housing industry affects some many different businesses.

My biggest concern is that as Americans we all need to wake up and stop living over our heads. We have to much debt and need to start saving for the future.

My 2009 New Year Resolution. Excercise and reduce debt. And yes it has been a dificult year but we made it through it, well almost, just a few more days. At any rate Merry Christmas and I hope 2009 will be a good year for you.

New Bern's Tryon Palace wins national recognition

Located in historic downtown New Bern the Tryon Palace was the colonial mansion for the governor of North Carolina. New Bern served as the capital until the late 1770's when the capital was moved to its present location in Raleigh. Go to http://www.newbern-nc.info/New-Bern-history2.html for more New Bern History.Eventually the palace was destroyed in a fire. In the 1950's the palace was rebuilt on its origional foundation and today is one of the top tourist attractions in the south.

For many years the Palace has gone all out during the Christmas holidays with decorations and Christmas cheer. Recently the Tryon Palace was named as one of the top 7 places in America to find holiday cheer. From Dec.1 through the first week in January the palace is wrapped in garlands and old fashioned wreaths bearing apples and pine cones. Staff members dress in period costumes creating a realistic colonial period setting. Christmas productions add even more spirit resulting in a fun and cheerful filled December.