Jul 04, 2008 — Birthdays that end in a 0 tend to get our attention and make us reflective. Commentator Paul Willcott, who is turning 70 as the nation turns 232, takes a look backward and forward at his own life and that of America.  Go to full article

Jun 13, 2008 — This Sunday is Father's Day. Commentator Renate Wildermuth, of North Creek, remembers her dad and a lesson on the importance of the smaller things in life.  Go to full article

Apr 02, 2008 — Lost in the debate over wind power and other alternative energies, says commentator Tom Gerstenberger, is a bigger question. Why aren't we talking more about using less?  Go to full article

Mar 06, 2008 — St. Lawrence County officials faced public accusations of homophobia this week for removing a poster advertising a local gay-lesbian film festival from a public bulletin board. About two dozen gay and lesbian residents and their supporters came to the county legislature's meeting Monday night to protest the decision. According to the Watertown Daily Times, about six employees had complained to the county's administration that they found words in the films' plot summaries offensive. County Administrator Karen St. Hilaire told Monday's gathering she's discussed the incident with the head of Prism, a gay-rights group, and a committee is being formed to address sensitivity training for county employees. NCPR station manager Ellen Rocco thinks that's just not enough.  Go to full article

Jan 01, 2008 — Some say when people reach a certain age they begin to spend time looking back. Commentator Paul Willcott doesn't think of himself as old, but he admits that he's beginning to look over his shoulder a little more than he used to, especially when he thinks about the future of his grandchildren.  Go to full article

Sep 04, 2007 — They're like a banner announcing the change of season -- the occasional spray of vivid red leaves along the roadside or the water's edge. They DO foreshadow the color change to come. But why so early? Commentator, and arborist, Paul Hetzler lives in St. Lawrence County. he says it has to do with the tree's balance sheet, as well as the time of year.  Go to full article

Jun 08, 2007 — The philosopher George Santayana said, "There is no cure for life or death, save to enjoy the interim." He meant it as a reminder to really live. For the past 14 years, NCPR's Jonathan Brown had a different kind of reminder: Furry, four-legged and full of drool.  Go to full article

May 23, 2007 — Standardized test scores released yesterday show unexpected strength among middle school immigrants just learning English. Commentator Tom French has one of those immigrants in class this year, and has learned lessons that cross the language barrier.  Go to full article

May 03, 2007 — We just heard some tips on how to live with blackflies. Commentator Gary Kelly has taken a lesson from another natural force -- the wind.  Go to full article

Dec 27, 2006 — Commentator Gary Kelly tells us about getting caught in one of life's unguarded moments -- singing to oneself.  Go to full article