At Occano, the Sound is a gift we unwrap day after day—and share with the ones we love most. And we look forward to sharing it with you.

Sometime between 1916 and 1918, James Barber constructed the first miniature golf course on the gardens of his Pinehurst estate “winding in and out among the shrubbery” “a kind of glorified and elongated putting green,” said part of the famous article published Saturday, Feb. 2, 1918, in “The Pinehurst Outlook.” The article’s headline, “Miniature Golf” seemed to help preserve the name of the new game. Let’s find out about the father of this popular pastime and the birth of miniature golf in North Carolina.     James Barber, who owned the Barber Steamship Lines of New York, is credited with building the first… Read More »

Is your dishwasher in danger of catching fire? Do the outdoor lighting fixtures on your home pose a shock hazard? Will the peanut butter in your pantry send you to the hospital? Every year in the United States, countless products ranging from power tools to plush toys are recalled by manufacturers. In the first half of 2010, major recalls included several million vehicles and 43 over-the-counter children’s medicines. In December 2009, virtually every Roman blind and roller shade on the market was recalled due to strangulation hazards posed by their cords. To help consumers stay aware of unsafe, hazardous or… Read More »

National tell a joke day is observed on 16th August every year. This national tell a joke day has to be filled with laughter from the morning till night. The joke is not just an easy thing; it has to have humorous stories, and often it will end with a punchline; usually, best jokes will be short. You can try to deliver a good joke to your friends on this national tell a joke day, remember joke comes in many forms, so try your favorite one on this beautiful occasion. Timing and delivery are the two essential things for a… Read More »

When firing up your grills this summer, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds you to barbecue safely whether you use gas or charcoal. Gas Grills Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Many of these occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill’s gas container. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, consumers should routinely perform the following… Read More »

Many of us regularly recycle soda cans and water bottles, but did you know that many other food and beverage containers and household items also are recyclable? Take a look at the list below for some guidelines for what you can put into your community-provided recycling bin and what should be handled by a waste management professional. EVERYTHING isn’t recyclable. However, these six items are recyclable in most of NC: plastic bottles, jugs and jars; metal cans; paper; and cardboard. That’s it! That means all of those other plastic items (pouches, cups, to go containers, etc.) are trash! Most plastic… Read More »

On Sunday May 15 and into Monday, 16, 2022 there’s going to be a big total lunar eclipse—a “Blood Moon”—visible across North America for a jaw-dropping 84 minutes. All you need are clear skies and wide eyes. The appearance of the Moon during the May 2022 total lunar eclipse. Credit: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio On the night of May 15, 2022, and into the early hours of May 16, skywatchers will be treated to a spectacular phenomenon that takes place every 1.5 years or so: a total lunar eclipse. Total lunar eclipses occur when the Moon and Sun are on opposite sides… Read More »

             Our community is fortunate to have a local farmers market. If you haven’t shopped there before, consider the many advantages of patronizing our local merchants. Here are a few… Edenton Farmers Market www.edentonfarmersmarket.org – 200 N Broad St, Edenton, NC 27932 · (252) 484-5440 Soggy bottom Roadside Farmers Market – 4040 Mackeys Rd Roper, NC 27970 (252) 505-0068 Martin County Main Street Market – Main St. and Smithwick St. Williamston, NC  27892 Farmers markets have gained popularity in the last few years as more and more consumers have come to enjoy the very fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, eggs,… Read More »