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A Final Farewell

vkfields — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:06:10 -0500

Shanghai, China is a fabulous city; and apparently the rest of the world agrees. The city has been selected to host the 2010 World Expo from May to October.

The high-speed train was amazing. Covering a route of 20 miles, from inside the city limits of Shanghai to the airport depot in about seven and a half minutes, I can accurately report that the Maglev train provides a smooth ride at a maximum speed of 431 kilometers per hour, which equates to approximately 260 miles per hour for those of us who haven't yet mastered the metric system.

In the past two days, we cruised on the West Lake, toured the Longjing Green Tea Plantation, visited the Lingyin Temple which features a statue of Buddha more than 50 feet tall, explored the Shanghai Silk Rug Factory, and admired the late-night lights of downtown Shanghai and The Bund waterfront park. Absolutely amazing!

The Cost of Freedom

vkfields — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:44:10 -0500

It's hard to objectively view the sights and sounds of China without considering the historical filter of its Communist roots and regime. For those of us who only know democracy and freedom as a way of life, the alternative can be a bit intimidating. At times, the Chinese system seems to overwhelm and overshadow those it was constructed to support and protect. Every aspect of life still hints at being mechanical and controlled - with little tolerance beyond the established boundaries.

There's an old saying: "Ask me no questions, I tell you no lies." I like the fact that there are few (if any) single parents or teenage pregnancies in China; however, there's a dark shadow that looms behind the ability to manipulate and control the makeup of an entire population. I wish Americans still had a healthy respect and regard for family, seniors, and the sanctity of human life. But generations of tight-knit families living together in poverty versus fractured and dysfunctional families in luxury seem to equate six of one, and half a dozen of the other. Finally, it's hard to fathom that the majority of Chinese police officers don't carry guns - but knowing the potential consequences for disobeying the law--they probably don't need to.

Made in China

vkfields — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:17:10 -0500

In the last 48 hours, our travels have included the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou - China. I saw firsthand how pearls are extracted from oysters - and then bought a few items made of authentic, homegrown pearls (ring, necklaces, and a bracelet for good measure) from The Pearl Market. I witnessed up-close-and-personal how silk worms develop from eggs into cocoons, and how they're harvested into strands of silk and woven into beautiful garments or linens; then I purchased a silk robe from The Suzhou Silk Factory.

Finally I observed Chinese factory workers in the process of hand-stitching intricate patterns of embroidered tapestries; and went on to buy a silk, embroidered handbag from the National Embroidery Institute - and in addition, decided that the embroidered gold placemats and matching chopsticks were too good of a deal to pass up. In my own defense, I can't actually be expected to use my new jade chopsticks everyday, so a backup set seemed like a necessity. There's very little that isn't "Made in China" - and all of it is for sale. Don't let it be said that I didn't do my part to support commerce and economic development in the nation of China.

Our boat ride down the Grand Canal--sometimes referred to as the Oriental Venice--was enlightening. At first glance it looks like an American-style flea market along the banks of a river. Upon closer inspection, you see that it's a bustling "mixed use" area of residential and small business enterprises. The people we saw were going about their daily lives of cooking, cleaning, washing their clothes in the canal and selling their wares in the alleys alongside the canal. These people weren't a part of our tour, didn't speak or understand English, and couldn't care less that we were there. I almost got the sense that we were actually experiencing real Chinese living--unencumbered by the sales pitch--until our boat guide approached us to purchase postcards of our excursion and a set of playing cards featuring images from the Grand Canal. Indeed, it was back to business as usual.

Our guide in Beijing shared an old saying about the cuisine in China. It goes something like this: 'In China, we eat everything with two legs except the people; and everything with four legs except the table.' And based on some of the meals we've had this past week, I'm inclined to say that's true. From what I understand, there has been a crackdown on the consumption of wild animals and game - however, the memo obviously didn't get to everyone. Judging by the ubiquitous presence of unidentified "meat" in the Grand Canal region and beyond, that saying still holds true.

Usually, I'm the adventurous type... willing to try almost anything once - just to say I did it. Here in China... not so much. Every day, I've eaten a lot of rice and "chicken" - and washed down lunch and dinner with bottled Sprite or bottled water. Thus far, I've missed out on authentic Chinese sushi, squid and Peking duck. However, I've had the American version of them all before and did not feel so inclined to eat them here; no need to tempt fate while I'm 7,000 miles from home.

I'm excited about tomorrow because we're heading into Shanghai where we get to ride on the famous Maglev train that travels about 500 kilometers per hour. [Goodbye traffic jams on I-40] I'm told that it covers a route of 20 miles in 7 minutes and 20 seconds. I can't wait!

A Day in the Life

vkfields — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:30:21 -0500

I'd be lying if I said we were roughing it here on the cold, hard streets of China. The reality is that these trips are organized through a joint collaboration between the Chinese government and Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chambers of Commerce to foster communication, economic development and openness between the two nations. We've been treated extremely well... probably better than most.

In one day, we experienced open access and first-class guided tours to: The Summer Palace, an imperial estate built in 1153 during the Jin Dynasty as a summer retreat; The Pearl Market; The Palace Museum (The Forbidden City), a palace where 24 emperors were enthroned during the Ming and Qing dynasties; Hutong Tour, an authentic glance into the lives of real Beijing residents; Beijing Tong Ren Tang, one of the oldest herbal remedy and drugstores in Traditional Chinese Medicine; Tian' anmen Square, the largest square in the world--infamously known for the 1989 military conflict with Chinese student protestors; and finally, a Chinese acrobatics show. That was just one day.

A Squatty What?

vkfields — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:42:34 -0500

Squatty-Potty. OMG! So exactly what is a squatty-potty? Three words: my worst nightmare. I had been warned in advance about encounters of the squatty-potty kind gone wrong. But some things you just have to see for yourself. The technical term for "squatty-potty" is toilet; more accurately, a toilet that is built flush into the floor or ground. The non-technical term for "squatty-potty" is a scary, slippery-when-wet (don't ask), hole in the ground. You can figure out the rest. But for those of you with a more inquisitive nature, e-mail me for details. Yes, I took a picture of one - and will be happy to pass it along.

From Good to Great

vkfields — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:53:21 -0500

When you consider the 4,000-plus years of recorded history for Chinese culture, the United States of America seems almost brand new.

Today we visited the Temple of Heaven which was built in 1420 A.D. Its purpose was to give the Chinese emperors a place to pray for a good harvest.

Later, we made the much-anticipated and highly regarded trek to The Great Wall of China: 2,000 years old and 4,000 miles long. OK, "trek" might be overstating it. Frozen remnants of snow and black ice on the steps of the Wall (accompanied by a below-freezing temperature and wind chill) resulted more accurately in a "stroll" along a tiny portion of The Great Wall - and an in-depth exploration of the indoor, heated gift and souvenir shop.

We're Here

vkfields — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:30:00 -0500

We flew from RDU Int'l Airport to JFK airport in New York - and after flying all day and all night, we arrived safely in China. Crowne Plaza Sun Palace hotel in Beijing, China, to be exact. The hotel is fabulous. Fortunately, we missed the early-winter snow storm that shut down the airport yesterday. 13-hour flight. Three Chinese meals. And I learned two more words/phrases: "goodbye" and "that costs too much." Tomorrow, we tackle The Great Wall of China. So for now... goodnight.

Excited for Newmoon

purple_gareth — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:29:41 -0500

Hi there! Gareth here! Are you guys also excited to the upcoming Newmmon movie? I know I still have to wait a week for the showing of Newmoon but I'm really excited to watch it already. I already invited my friends to come with me on it's first day and I'm sure it is also amazing like the Twilight movie.

With my excitement to this film I always watch it's trailer to Youtube and it is really cool. But of course I hate it also because Bella and Jacob has lots of scenes. I hate Jacob when his trying to get Bella. I hate him because his convincing Bella that Edward is for no good. Hmmmp! I'm Bella and Edward forever (lol).

How Ironic

vkfields — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:30:00 -0500

Years ago I served on the Board of the Literacy Council of Wake County. How ironic that today I feel like an illiterate. Admittedly, I've known I was coming to China for the better part of six months. However, that knowledge in no way propelled or motivated me toward learning any more than two words of Mandarin Chinese (and I think I'm pronouncing one of those incorrectly).

The thing I love about great opportunities is that they give you perspective; a chance to grow beyond the confining walls we routinely construct in our lives. Today I was oblivious to most of what was going on around me, and I found it fascinating.

My Travels with Molly and Dolly and Louie

prlong — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:06:16 -0500

My pups and I recently traveled from Indian Beach, on one of North Carolina’s barrier islands, to Colfax, a community in Guilford County, on the western edge of Greensboro. It was a sad trip.

C.A., the third oldest of my brothers, had died, and we were heading back for his funeral.

Depositions, Etc.

daniekb — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:32:42 -0500

Depositions, Etc., is a full-service court reporting agency serving the state of North Carolina. The company was founded in 2001 by Tracy Daniels who has been providing quality court reporting services to the Triangle area since 1993. After working in the court reporting industry for 8 years, Tracy formed Depositions, Etc., a company that uses state-of-the-art technology and provides clients with the highest quality of services in Raleigh and throughout the state of North Carolina.

For more information contact us at:

Apex Art Gallery

chedrick — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:59:38 -0400

Just outside my office is a wonderful treasure: it doesn't have an official name, but unofficially we call it the Apex Art Gallery. This is where much of the art from Ronnie Williams' art classes are displayed. There are two ways out of my office, but I usually choose to go out through the Art Gallery. No matter how often I walk by, I find something worth stopping for.

Here I Come, World

vkfields — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:06:42 -0400

It’s official… I’m heading to China on Nov. 12 along with 30+ of my new closest friends from the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. For me, this is an extraordinary opportunity of a lifetime and a chance to fulfill my personal and professional desire to see the world.

I’m approaching this amazing expedition with no preconceived notions; only the desire to embrace and absorb a culture previously unfamiliar to me. I invite you to join me online during my stay – and share this phenomenal experience with me.

Donate to help the Loggerheads

treasuretheturtles — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:23:23 -0400

Treasure the Turtles, a group dedicated to saving the Loggerhead Sea Turtles in North Carolina, is collecting donations this week. All donations will be sent to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation center.

We currently have donation jars in ENLOE HIGH SCHOOL, but if you wish to donate and are unable to do so at Enloe visit this link for instructions.

Visit our website for more information.

Treasure the Turtles

treasuretheturtles — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:10:54 -0400

Loggerhead Sea Turtles are one of the magnificent species that reside on the coast of North Carolina. They are very important to the ecosystem because their eggs provide nutrients to the beaches and dunes, areas that are in a need for nutrition to supply to their vegetation. They also keep the ecosystem balance with their diet, which consists primarily of jellyfish, crab, shellfish, mussels, clams and sometimes fish, seaweed and sargassum.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles have been badly hurt by the pollution and the development in coastal areas, which leaves them no place for nesting. Another major threat to their existence is the presence of shrimp trawls and fishing nets. They have also been hunted in the past for their meat, eggs, fat and shells; even though they are now internationally protected, the hunting still caused a decline in their numbers.

My Travels with Molly and Dolly and Louie

prlong — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:15:58 -0400

Mother Nature is a beautiful lady, even though on her worst behavior she sometimes behaves like a spoiled brat. We all know that few dangers equal the destructive rage of even her lowest category hurricane. And her riptides sweep unsuspecting swimmers out to sea with frightening regularity.

But…ah, her beauty. The grace of a dozen or so seemingly ungainly pelicans is unforgettable, as the large birds soar, one after the other, only inches above the sea in search of food. That comforting sight has penetrated my dreams more than once.

stolen truck

mill947 — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:20:08 -0400

hi we need your help on thursday at the siemens training center between 9-11 am our ford F250 was stollen it had delaware tags red crew cab

if any one has spotted our truck please contact me at mill947@aol.com

Interact's Open House & Candlelight Vigil

interactofwakedotorg — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:45:04 -0400

Join InterAct in recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month by attending our annual Open House & Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm at InterAct's Family Safety & Empowerment Center.

InterAct has a special event in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

interactofwakedotorg — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:32:16 -0400

- October 20 - Authors Series with Johnny Lee, 6pm to 7:30, at InterAct’s Family & Empowerment Center.

Johnny is the director of Peace at Work, an agency dedicated to violence prevention in and through the workplace. He is also the author of the book, "Domestic Violence in the Workplace," published in 2005.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

interactofwakedotorg — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:25:43 -0400

“Victims of violence often suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn, with little or no guidance and support. Sadly, this tragedy does not just affect adults. Even when children are not directly injured by violence, exposure to violence in the home can contribute to behavioral, social, and emotional problems. High school students who report having experienced physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, are at greater risk of suicide, and may carry patterns of abuse into future relationships.

Fresh Market Lost My Business Today

needlepointernc — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:02:59 -0400

Last time I went to the new Fresh Market on Falls of Neuse, I couldn't find the Jewish Food section. I didn't have time to ask, so when I went in today, I asked the manager where the Jewish Food section went. He said Corporate has discontinued that section. I am amazed that they have made this decision. I asked if it was because the products didn't move. He said no that wasn't the reason. So, what is the reason. I told him that I would have to take my business elsewhere.

Whole Foods is now carrying Kosher chicken and more Kosher products. Harris Teeter at North Ridge has a larger selection now too. I really like to buy my meat at Fresh Market and it was convenient for me today to shop there because I was getting my haircut next door.

Constitution Week at Apex Middle

chedrick — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:55:14 -0400

The week of Sept 14-18 was Constitution Week at Apex MS. We had VIP guests all week reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and teaching the students about the Constitution through tidbits over the announcements:

Mr. Mike Jones of the Apex Town Council

Mr. Kevin Hill, Chairman of the School Board

The Honorable Keith Weatherly, mayor of Apex

Crystal Cave of Giants

Java55 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:45:26 -0400

Crystal Cave of Giants

I am speechless - must I say more?

IIS is a Champion When It Comes to SEO Hosting

AntOnaf — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:17:39 -0400

I am sure some will disagree with me, but I've been a proponent of Microsoft products for a long time so it's hard to sway my judgment. IIS is the premium choice when it comes to SEO hosting and management. If you understand your needs then SEO with IIS is a piece of cake. I mean hosting, URL rewriting, redirections, sub-domains, everything!

There isn't anything you can do in one platform which you can't do in another, you may not know how to do it, but it doesn't mean it can't be done. So let's go over what IIS can do for your SEO campaign.

106 Colonade Ct. Benson, NC 27504 $329,900

ColonadeNC — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:04:43 -0400

106 Colonade Ct. Benson, NC 27504 $329,900 Partially Furnished - Firm. No Agents please. Visit http://www.colonadenc.com for further details.

Poetry at Apex Middle

chedrick — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:47:18 -0400

I've been walking around the classrooms since school started, getting to know the students and staff, and I'm beginning to see why Apex Middle is such a great school. These folks started teaching the very first day! In just a short time, I've seen many best practices such as: visuals, manipulatives, discussion, cooperative learning, content-related vocabulary, poetry, graphic organizers, experiments and study guides. I've heard higher order questioning, literary discussions, and cues to help students think. I've seen teachers use scavenger hunts to help their students get to know thei

InterAct's Authors Series, featuring WRAL's Amanda Lamb

interactofwakedotorg — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:25:41 -0400

WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Amanda Lamb will share from her true crime book, "Deadly Dose: The Untold Story of a Homicide Investigator's Crusade for Truth and Justice," at InterAct’s Authors Series on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at InterAct's Family Safety & Empowerment Center.

InterAct's Authors Series takes place quarterly and allows the community the opportunity to hear from a local author, while learning about InterAct's services for families impacted by domestic violence and rape/sexual assault.

**Purchase YOUR book in advance at:

Area Special Olympians compete in national softball and golf

teribb — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:10:46 -0400

Nine Special Olympics North Carolina golf athletes, three partners and 15 softball athletes competed in the 2009 Special Olympics National Invitational Golf and Softball Tournaments held July 31-Aug. 3 in Lincoln, Neb., according to a news release from Raleigh-based Special Olympics North Carolina.

Special Olympics North Carolina athletes competed among more than 150 golfers from 20 Special Olympics programs around the nation, and the 15 N.C. softball athletes were among 160 athletes from 14 states who competed in the inaugural National Invitational Softball Tournament.

Local Special Olympics North Carolina programs represented: Cabarrus, Rowan, New Hanover, Orange, Wake and Wayne counties.

10th annual National Invitational Golf Tournament
Highlands and Mahoney courses
Cabarrus County: Marvin Deese, Level 1 (individual skills), silver medal
New Hanover County: Richard Hansen and Mike Best (Unified Partner), Level 2 (nine-hole alternate shot), bronze medal
New Hanover County: Craig Lendino and Wally Simpson (Unified Partner), Level 2 (nine-hole alternate shot), silver medal
Orange County: Joey Kessler, Level 4 (nine-hole individual stroke play), silver medal
Rowan County: Edward Fortune, Level 1 (individual skills), gold medal
Wake County: Prentiss Judd Coats and James Coats (Unified Partner), Level 3 (18-hole Unified team play), silver medal
Wake County: Carl Hibbert, Jr., Level 5 (18-hole individual stroke play), silver medal
Wake County: John D. Sweet, Level 5 (18-hole individual stroke play), silver medal
Wayne County: Erica Walderman, Level 4 (nine-hole individual stroke play), gold medal

Others in the Special Olympics North Carolina golf delegation
Cabarrus County: Bradley Overcash, coach
Orange County: John Kessler, caddie
Rowan County: Ted Oglesby, coach
Wake County: Peggy Hibbert, caddie, John H. Sweet, caddie
Wayne County: Debi Walderman, coach; Rich Walderman, caddie

Competition: All athletes participated in three rounds of competition at one of five levels ranging from individual skills to 18-hole play.
Level 2 competition pairs a Special Olympics athlete with a partner playing a nine-hole alternate shot format.
Level 3 competition pairs a Special Olympics athlete with a Unified Partner in an 18-hole alternate shot format. At each level, thletes were placed in divisions based on age, gender and ability level.

Inaugural National Invitational Softball Tournament
At Fleming Fields
Wake County: Wake Chargers, bronze medal

Wake Chargers Team Members
Jeffery Autry, Zach Butler, Bryan Chew, Keith Esbenshade, Michael Gorman, Preston Jordan, Kendrick Mangum, Sven Miller, Casey Phillips, Charles Powell Jr., Marlo Reese, Kevin Richardson, Alan Watkins and Jaclyn Williams.

Wake Chargers Coaches
Jeff Butler, Brad Homlotis, James Sprenkel and Michael Moore.

Area youths advance to Golf Pride Junior Classic in Southern Pines

teribb — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:27:35 -0400

Zachary Martin of Pinehurst combined great putting with a bit of local knowledge to win the 88-player Boys Division of Sunday's K12 qualifying tournament for this week's Golf Pride Junior Classic. (Complete results are below.)

The 18-hole qualifying event, conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, was played at the Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club at Southern Pines. The field consisted of 88 boys and 12 girls ages 12-18 and from 10 states and China. The par-72 course was played at 6,522 yards in the Boys Division and 6,072 yards in the Girls Division. Several Triangle competitors were among the 10 boys and five girls who advanced to the Golf Pride Junior Classic, which starts Tuesday at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines.

Martin shot a 5-under-par 67, a score that included seven birdies and was helped by the golfer's appreciation of Mid Pines and other Donald Ross-designed courses.

“I like Donald Ross courses, and apparently I seem to play well on them,” Martin said in an AJGA news release. “My approach shots were really close and I felt confident on the four to five foot putts. I just want to keep it steady this week and stay in a good position.”

Kayla Sciupider of Etowah took a five-stroke victory in the 12-player Girls Division after shooting a 3-under-par 69.

Sciupider relied on her iron game during Sunday’s K12 Qualifier and was even par most of the day but had a birdie on No. 14 and then closed with two more birdies on Nos. 17 and 18.

“I finished birdie-birdie and I never really got into trouble,” Sciupider said. “I struggled with my driving but I always knew I would have an easy putt because my irons were so consistent.”

Both medalists chose to play in this week’s Golf Pride Junior Classic. Golfers who qualify at K12 qualifying events can choose to play in that week's tournament or save exemptions for future events.

Ten other boys qualified to play in this week’s tournament: Daniel Pizetoski of Davidson, nd Larry Han of Raleigh at 3-under-par 69; Andrew Decker of Greenville, Christian Cichan of Charlotte,, Thomas Stewart of St. Augustine, Fla., and Alex Ehlert of Raleigh at 2-under-par 70; Richard Fountain of Raleigh, Stanhope Johnson Jr. of Greensboro and Kyle Arakelian of Raleigh at 1-under-par 71; W. Coalter Paxton IV of Wilson, Dennis Driscoll of Manhasset, N.Y., and John David Sanderson of Suffolk, Va., at par 72.

Girls qualifying to play this week were Jacqueline Shelly of Fernandina Beach, Fla., at 2-over-par 74, Sarah Bae of Raleigh at 3-over-par 75 and Katie Mitchell of Seymour, Tenn., who carded an 85.

The nonprofit American Junior Golf Association has an annual junior membership (boys and girls ages 12-18) of approximately 5,000 golfers from 50 states and 25 countries.

Raleigh youth wins Dogwood State Junior Championship golf title

teribb — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:34:25 -0400

Will Minton of Raleigh put together three straight rounds under par to win the boys’ 12-13 division at the Dogwood State Junior Championship golf tournament played Aug. 4-6 at Cabarrus Country Club in Concord. The annual junior championship is conducted by the Carolinas Golf Association.

Minton's victory came by one stroke over Kyle Austin of Mebane. (Complete results are below.)

Michael McGowan of Southern Pines and Allison Emrey of Charlotte won championships in their division.

McGowan, the 2008 North Carolina Junior Player of the Year, added to his résumé by shooting a final-round 68 to win the overall championship and the boys’ 16-18 division by two strokes. McGowan, an incoming freshman at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, finished with a 210 total, which was 6-under for the tournament.

Web Maturity Trumps Dollar Signs. A True Overnight Success Story

AntOnaf — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:37:40 -0400

Does conversions rely on a specific time of maturity a website has before it can claim a stake in online success or does overnight success truly exist? Search traffic definitely has a wait time --- you must wait for search engines to pick up on your changes, verify and validate your website, then rank your website, this will usually take days or weeks, in many cases months, but is this the case for all or just the majority of us who don't have throwaway dollars.

Let's say you had $100,000 to spend on Internet marketing and you spent it all in the first month, does this spend guarantee you online success? Would in one month your website be a goldmine and recoup its investment? In the real business world you'd be foolish to think such returns would occur? So what makes the online world different?

Personal Political Power

GrassRootsGuy — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:58:25 -0400

Town Hall Meetings Become Town Hell Meetings

Fake Grass Roots operation busted

See links below for the full stories

RDU is rich with political clout as is NC in general.

So advocacy groups across the country are mobilizing their troops to make contact here during the August recess.

But the barrage of electronic and astro turf techniques cascading out of Washington may drown out the voices of real grass roots. To cope with more emails, phone calls, faxes and visits than they can handle, MemCongs use finer and finer filters to weed out phony communications, sometimes throwing the baby out with the bath water.

American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity became the first casualty, innocent though it is (in this case). An overenthusiastic PR firm hired by the coalition had an employee who sent fake letters from local advocacy groups to members of Congress and got caught.

This sort of thing never works and often backfires as it has here.

Full story

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0809/25772.html

Other groups are mobilizing anger to upset and disrupt town hall meetings, displacing real discussion and discouraging open meetings.

Full story

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0809/25765.html#ixzz0ND9PKAge

Which means people trying to influence members of Congress this recess will need to develop more personalized, high-touch techniques. E-mail and other mass techniques are becoming more and more counterproductive.

Personal relationships and the hard work of delivering a meaningful personal message to your senator or representative is becoming more powerful.

Twins States girls golf championship in Fuquay-Varina July 28-29

teribb — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:12:39 -0400

Fans of girls golf should be sure to check out the competition Tuesday and Wednesday, July 28 and 29, when Bentwinds County Club in Fuquay-Varina hosts the 43rd Twin States Junior Girls Championships.

FIELD: A strong field of 82 of girls 18 and younger is expected, including defending champion Anne Marie Covar of Edgefield, S.C. Covar, ranked No. 7 among junior girl golfers in South Carolina, won the title last year at Cherokee National Golf Club in Gaffney, S.C., by a three-stroke margin after shooting 73-70--143.

TOP CONTENDERS FROM NORTH CAROLINA: Allison Emrey of Charlotte, winner of the North and South Junior last month and the current No. 2-ranked Tarheel State junior. Sixth-ranked Courtney Taylor of Lincolnton.

Triangle athlete, Duke grad, UNC med school student wins national paratriathlon

teribb — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:00:54 -0400

Triangle resident, recent Duke University graduate, lower-leg amputee and soon-to-be University of North Carolina medical school student Kelly Bruno also is a newly crowned national triathlon champion. Maybe she'll become a world champion, too.

Bruno won the division for her physical impairment at the Accenture USA Triathlon Paratriathlon National Championships held Sunday, July 26, on the New York City Triathlon course, according to a USA Triathlon news release.

Bruno, who says on her Web site that she lost her lower right leg to a birth defect when she was 6 months old, had a time of 2 hours, 37 minutes, 57 seconds over the course, which consisted of a 1.5 swim in the Hudson River, 40k bike along the Westside Highway and a 10K run through Central Park.

Vote by July 26: Cary in running for 'Best Tennis Town'

teribb — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:52:47 -0400

Cary needs your help!

If you play tennis in Cary, you already know it's a great town for hitting the courts. Now, though, word has gotten out on a national level.

Cary has been chosen a finalist for the "Best Tennis Town Award" by the U.S. Tennis Associaiton. The winner is the town that receives the most votes from the public.

The town that wins the award receives a prize of $100,000 to spend on tennis facilities and programs.

Voting ends July 16-July 26 at besttennistown.com. You may vote once from each email address you use.

Raleigh martial arts student Paul Corrigan trying for third-degree black belt

teribb — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:30:11 -0400

Could you do this?

Complete 100 push-ups
Perform 100 sit-ups
Demonstrate 18 memorized forms
Demonstrate 20 learned self-defense moves
Demonstrate full knowledge of 5 weapons
Spar - or “fight” - the entire academy
Perform numerous jumping board breaks

That's what Paul Corrigan will have to try to achieve on Saturday, July 25, as he takes the test to earn his third-degree black belt. It will be no easy task.

"We purposely test a black belt student to their near breaking point so that they have to find a strength from within if they are to survive our most physically challenging test," his teacher, A.L. Benevento, writes in an e-mail.

Corrigan, 23, will be tested in mind and body from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Red Sun Academy in North Raleigh.

Corrigan, who has been involved in the martial arts since he was small, Benevento said, also recently published a book on the martial arts, which was one of his qualifications for third degree black belt.

Check back soon to learn more.

It's Happening Again

PastorG — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:48:17 -0400

It's happening again! I prayed in the Spring, "God, would you perform a miracle this Summer and let us grow instead of shrink in attendence as usual for most churches?" And God has answered that one big-time! We have been growing all Summer and even growing on Wednesday nights. If you are looking to get in the middle of what God is doing, you want to check out Calvary Faith Center this Summer!

Sundays - 10:30 AM - Sunday Celebration

Wednesday - 7:30 PM - Wednesday Family-Night

See you there!

Pastor Glen

www.calvaryfaith.com

Triangle Churches | Calvary Faith Center

Good Job, Lila!

interactofwakedotorg — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:51:47 -0400

Our dear local author Lila Hopkins shared her latest novel, "The Master Craftsman," at InterAct’s Authors Series on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at InterAct's Family Safety & Empowerment Center. Lila writes a regular column for the Fuquay-Varina Independent and has written several other books, including "Strike A Golden Chord" and "Weave Me A Song." She was recently honored with the Book of the Year Award in Family Drama by the High Country Writer's Club for her latest novel, "The Master Craftsman."

Many of her friends from Fuquay-Varina's Retirement Community were present at this event to support Lila. She did a very inspiring presentation on her book and her insights. Lila and the audience also had a great time together.

West Raleigh all-star teams are having a big summer

teribb — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:07:32 -0400

This is an expanded version of the report published in the Play! Recreational Sports Report on Page 3C of The News & Observer on July 21, 2009:

West Raleigh All-Stars having a big summer
All-star teams from the West Raleigh Baseball Association have been faring very well in 8U-12U Cal Ripken baseball play, 13U Babe Ruth baseball, 10U Babe Ruth softball and 8U-12U Tar Heel League baseball. Here are a few highlights submitted by West Raleigh officials:
-- The season continues for the West Raleigh Blue 10U team. After winning the Eastern N.C. Cal Ripken Baseball state championship with a 3-2 victory over Sanford Northview on July 12 in Sanford, West Raleigh will play in the Southeast Region tournament Thursday through Tuesday in Arlington, Va. Four players earned player of the game honors in the state tournament: Game 1, Kyle Gensler; Game 2, Ben Highfill; Game 3, Colin Molden; and Game 4, Ben LaSpaluto.
Distict scores: WR 21, Durham 0; WR 19, Hillsborough 0; WR 11, North Wake 2; WR 8, North Wake 6.
State scores: WR 13, Camden 1; WR 14, Northview 0; WR 10, Hamlet 4; WR 3, Northview 2.
Players are Connor Munz, John Paul Roque, Robbie Frongello, Ben LaSpaluto, Jake Feder, Brycen Braswell, Kyle Gensler, Colin Molden, Ben Highfill, Drew Buchholz, Cameron Loy, Garrett Lewis and Sean McQuillan. Coaches are Marty Loy, Paul Gensler and Denis LaSpaluto.
-- The big-hitting 12U team won the Eastern N.C. Cal Ripken District 2 title 10-0 over North Wake. In the Eastern N.C. State Championship, West Raleigh kept rolling, defeating Wayne County 17-0, North Wake 16-4 and Wilmington’s Winter Park 11-1 before pushing past West Chatham 7-6 in 12 innings. This week, West Raleigh travels to the Southeast Region tournament in Atlanta, where the winner will receive a berth in the Aug. 14-22 Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen, Md. The all-stars from West Raleigh’s National League are Daniel Barton, Wilson Booth, Robbie Case, Dillon Cooper, Grant Hayes, Wilson Jolly, Kalvin Kromer, Zach Lancaster, Matt Mitchum, Patrick Morton, Mark Stallings and Chris Tutwiler. They are coached by Mike Cooper, Danny Poole, Rich Kromer and Lou Case.
-- The 12U Tarheel Red All-Stars won the district title, defeating Lee County 13-0 on July 11. Next up is the July 30-Aug. 2 state tournament in Valdese.
-- The 11U team won the July 9-12 Cal Ripken state tournament at Winterville stopping Winter Park 12-0. For the fourth straight year, West Raleigh advanced to the regionals, July 29-Aug. 4 in Aiken, S.C.
-- The 9U team hosted and won the Cal Ripken District 2 tournament, taking the title 9-5 over North Wake, then defeated North Wake again, 17-13, for the Eastern N.C. state title July 13 at Laurinburg. Next, the team plays in the Southeast Regionals, which start Thursday in Lewisburg, Tenn.
-- The 8U Cal Ripken team finished its all-star season with a record of 28-0. The team won the District 2 title 11-1 over North Wake, won the Eastern N.C. state title 11-1 over New Bern Neuse and then won the Southeast Region 15-2 over Western N.C. champion Asheville.
-- The 10U Babe Ruth softball team won its first ever District 4 championship on June 28.

N.C. Aquatics wins sectionals; Duke Aquatics, Marlins of Raleigh in top seven

teribb — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:39:49 -0400

The North Carolina Aquatic Club of Chapel Hill won the championship and two other Triangle teams finished in the top seven at the July 16-19 Southern Zone Eastern Sectional Championships hosted by the Pilot Aquatic Club at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn.
Duke Aquatics finished fifth, and the Marlins of Raleigh Swim Team was seventh. (The top 10 team scores are below. For individual results, click here.)

Among NCAC's individual standouts were event champions Katura Harvey (200, 400, 800 and 1500 freestyles) and Marie Pesacreta (200 individual medley).

MOR was lead by Kirsten Smith, who made four U.S. Open qualifying times and won two events. Her 400 IM victory came by more than 9 seconds, MOR coach Paul Silver reported. Taylor Harris qualified for the U.S. Open in the 400 IM by finishing second, and he had three other top-eight finishes. Other MOR swimmers scoring individual points included Victoria Mitchell (200 IM, 400 IM, 200 backstroke, 800 free, 1,500 free), Kirsten Esplin (800 free, 1,500 free), Nicole Giamber (200 breaststroke), Casey Lawton (400 free, 800 free, 1,500 free), Elizabeth Oliver (200 breast).

FINAL TEAM SCORES
1. N.C. Aquatic Club 717
2. Lakeside Seahawks 527
3. Pilot Aquatic Club 487
4. Mecklenburg Aquatic Club 388
5. Duke Aquatics 383
6. Tennessee Aquatics 284
7. Marlins of Raleigh Swim Team 271
8. South Carolina Aquatics 259
9. Cardinal Aquatics (Kentucky) 248
10. Virginia Aquatics 245

Raleigh helps coaches choose healthy snacks for youth teams

teribb — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:00:55 -0400

Along with exercise, good health requires healthy eating, and the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging healthy snack choices by young athletes.

The department soon will distribute information to football, cheerleading and baseball coaches to help coaches choose healthy snacks for their teams.

“Many coaches purchase snacks for their athletes. The City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department wants to make sure the coaches understand the importance of choosing a healthy snack," Cara McLeod, the city's marketing coordinator, said in a news release.

The information is being made available through the Healthy Snacking Project created by Advocates for Health in Action, the Wake County Council on Health and Fitness and Community Care of Wake and Johnston counties.

It’s a big week for Triangle swimmers

teribb — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:06:26 -0400

This is an expanded version of the report published July 14, 2009, in The News & Observer's Sports Section:

It’s a big week for Triangle swimmers

If you think you’re seeing a lot of swimmers lately, you’re not mistaken. Hundreds of swimmers from the 75-team Tarheel Swimming Association competed in three meets for summer league teams this past weekend in the Triangle, and hundreds more are scheduled to compete in big meets in Cary this week.

Greater Raleigh Summer League Championships
The competition, hosted by the New Wave Swim Team year-round organization, drew 1,162 swimmers from 34 community teams to the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary. After the 64 events were completed, Seven Oaks took first place with 1,110.5 points, and Greystone was second at 1,000.5.

Check out The News & Observer's Photo Gallery from the meet.

For individual results, click here.

Team scores
1. Seven Oaks, 1,110.5
2. Greystone, 1,000.5
3. Lake Park Swim Team, 983.5
4. Springdale Aquabears, 786
5. Abbington Alligators, 749
6. Stonebridge, 725.5
7. University Club, 568
8. Harrington Grove, 499.5
9. Walden Creek Wahoos, 474.5
10. Northbrook, 472
11. Wood Valley Otters, 423
12. North Hills Superstars, 422.5
13. Summerfield North, 420
14. Falls River Club, 418.5
15. North Raleigh Swim Club, 405
16. Manchester Marlins, 359
17. Heritage Betas, 352
18. Durant Trails Typhoons, 345
19. Kildaire Farms, 331.5
20. Coachman's Trail Sharks, 308
21. Brier Creek, 229
22. The Christian Community, 208
23. Hedingham Swim Team, 187
24. Planter's Walk Pirhanas, 177
25. Quail Hollow Swim Club, 161.5
26. North Ridge Country Club, 130
27. Lakemont Swim Team, 116
28. Crooked Creek Crocks, 110
29. Black Horse Run, 72
30. Oak Park Swim, 68
31. Southall Swim & Racquet Club, 42
32. Wendell Waves, 35
33. Zebulon Swim Team, 11
34. Raleigh Racquet Club, 8

South Wake Invitational
Shepherd’s Vineyard Swim Club came out victorious in the fourth annual South Wake Invitational Meet hosted by the Marlins Of Raleigh Swim Team on Sunday at the Sunset Ridge Swim Club in Holly Springs. More than 460 swimmers from 12 summer league teams competed.

Jack Ratz Jr. Memorial Junior Golf Tournament coming up Aug. 3

teribb — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:40:45 -0400

Among the Triangle's many fundraising golf tournaments are some that are conducted as memorials. Here is one of the longer-running events:

JACK RATZ JR. MEMORIAL JUNIOR GOLF TOURNAMENT: The 20th edition of the annual summer competition takes place Aug. 3 at Wildwood Green Golf Club in Raleigh. A Triangle Junior Golf Association qualifying event, the tournament is for male and female golfers ages 6-18 and is played in memory of the Cardinal Gibbons freshman who died in car accident at age 15. The Ratz family will donate $1,000 to the CGHS Memorial Scholarship Fund in the names of the flight winners. The entry fee of $45 includes practice round. Contact the club at 919-846-8376.

Lufkin Teacher Named Wake Co PE Teacher of the Year!

chedrick — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:37:55 -0400

Lufkin Road Middle School is proud to announce that Jennie Jones has been selected the Wake County Middle School Physical Educator of the Year and is Wake County's nomination to NCAAHPERD for the State Middle School Physical Educator of the Year.

My Travels with Molly and Dolly and Louie

prlong — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:25:32 -0400

Just the mention of Brick “Big Daddy” Pollitt got my attention.

Remember Big Daddy? He was Tennessee Williams’ cantankerous patriarch in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Leo, a man the pups and I met along the beach, recalled Big Daddy, or someone who 40 years ago reminded him of Big Daddy. So Dolly, Louie and I hung around him longer than we intended to hear his story.

Family Fun Run to Benefit Nancy's Butterfly Fund

interactofwakedotorg — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:22:59 -0400

Family Fun Run to Benefit Nancy's Butterfly Fund
Nancy's Butterfly Fund is hosting a Family Fun Run on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre's Symphony Lake in Cary, North Carolina. The race marks the one-year anniversary of Nancy Cooper's death, a Cary mother whose friends created the fund in her memory.

Nancy's Butterfly Fund will provide financial assistance to individuals and families participating in Interact's domestic violence and rape/sexual assault. The goal is to minimize the financial barriers that may prevent people from leaving violent, unsafe homes.

WHAT: Family Fun Run to Benefit Nancy's Butterfly Fund

2009 HOLE-IN-ONE HONOR ROLL (updated July 21)

teribb — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:05:21 -0400

2009 HOLE-IN-ONE HONOR ROLL

Check out the 2008 Hole-in-One Honor Roll.

Club professionals may send new hole-in-one reports to play@newsobserver.com.

The most recent aces are listed first in the list below.

HARDY HOGAN: The 11-year-old Raleigh resident shot a hole-in-one
during the National Junior Golf Club’s Central Summer Tour tournament
June 12 at The Preserve at Jordan Lake in Chapel Hill, tour representative
Debbie Jackson reported. The 5-iron shot came on the 120-yard, par-3 No. 3
hole. Witnesses were Michael McMahon of Raleigh and Will Degrood of
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
JUSTIN SMITH: The 13-year-old student at Raleigh's Carnage Middle School recorded his first hole-in-one on June 2 when he aced the par-3, 133-yard No. 8 hole at Hedingham Golf Club in Raleigh. The right-hander used a 9-iron and was competing in a Hedingham subdivision residents league. The shot was reported to club pro Mark Thompson. Smith is the son of News & Observer subscriber services manager Bobby Smith.
PETE DOYON: The Morrisville resident hit his first hole-in-one in 21 years of golf on May 10 on the 162-yard No. 15 hole on Prestonwood Country Club's Fairways course. Witnesses to the 7-iron shot were fellow Prestonwood members Roman Hytry, Bennie Fussell and John Farnsworth.
SCOTT TATUM: The 43-year-old finance and insurance manager from Durham aced the par-3, 130-yard No. 3 hole at Occoneechee Golf Club in Hillsborough during a Feb. 25 superball tournament, club pro Bruce Stone reported. The right-hander, who has been playing for about 22 years and has two previous aces on the same hole, used a 53-degree wedge to make the shot, which was witnessed by Clyde Hance, Roy Alexander and David Mangum.
HENRY MORRIS: The 74-year-old Chapel Hill left-hander scored his
second hole-in-one on Feb. 9 during a private round at the Occoneechee
Golf Club in Hillsborough, club pro Bruce Stone reported. The shot, wit
nessed by playing partner Carson Wiggins, was made with a pitching wedge
on the 90-yard, par-3 No. 8 hole during a round of 92.

N.C. Junior Championship under way for young golfers

teribb — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:47:10 -0400

N.C. Junior Championship under way

Henderson, N.C. — Kayla Sciupider of Etowah played her way through rain and wet conditions to become the girls’ qualifying medalist and secure the No. 1 seeding in the N.C. Junior Championship, which began with stroke-play qualifying on a rainy June 16.

Sciupider, a rising high school junior, finished with a 3-over-par 75 at Henderson Country Club in Henderson.

Finishing tied for second at 78 was Lizzie Bundy of Clayton, Laura Wearn of Charlotte and Megan Burnham of Gastonia.

The first round of match play for the girls’ division will begin at 8:00 am on Wednesday.

The boys division did not finish play because a 3 1/2-hour rain delay caused the stroke play qualifying to be suspended because of darkness. Play will resume at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, then move into match play around 11 a.m.

This junior championship is conducted by the Carolinas Golf Association.

Girls’ Division (6040 yards, par 72, 75.2/132)
Place Competitor Score
1 Kayla Sciupider (2011), Etowah, NC
37-38--75
T2 Lizzie Bundy (2010), Clayton, NC 40-38--78
T2 Laura Wearn (2009), Charlotte, NC 37-41--78
T2 Megan Burnham (2010), Gastonia, NC 41-37--78
T5 Katie Kirk (2011), Davidson, NC 43-38--81
T5 Lori Beth Adams (2010), Burlington, NC 39-42--81
T7 Jessica Neese (2009), Liberty, NC 42-40--82
T7 Brianna Clemmons (2009), Oak Ridge, NC 41-41--82
9 Morgan Cranford (2011), Greensboro, NC 41-42--83
10 Sarah Bae (2013), Raleigh, NC 41-43--84
T11 Taylor Allison (2012), Elizabeth City, NC 41-44--85
T11 Mallory Warrick (2011), Wilson, NC 41-44--85
T13 Grace Stallings (2010), Raleigh, NC 45-41--86
T13 Jane Shavlik (2010), Raleigh, NC 43-43--86
T13 Virginia Lane (2012), Winton, NC 46-40--86
T13 Ashley Osiecki (2013), New Bern, NC 42-44--86
T17 Shauna Walor (2009), Wake Forest, NC 46-41--87
T17 Kathryn Rand (2010), Hampstead, NC 42-45--87
T17 Lane Gakeler (2012), Greensboro, NC 43-44--87
T17 Tara Simmons (2013), Goldsboro, NC 45-42--87
21 Cecily Overbey (2014), High Point, NC 44-46--90
T22 Walker McLear (2009), Durham, NC 51-40--91
T22 Shelby Osiecki (2013), New Bern, NC 47-44--91
T22 Mary Katherine Donovan (2012), Hampstead, NC 45-46--91
25 Samantha Gilder (2010), Pinehurst, NC 52-42--94
26 Anna Padgett (2010), Wake Forest, NC 49-47--96
27 Emma Marlatt (2011), Chapel Hill, NC 53-51--104
28 Erica Clinard (2011), Clemmons, NC 62-49--111
29 Madison Clinard (2012), Clemmons, NC 63-53--116
- Morgan Schultz (2013), Raleigh, NC -WD

Girls’ Round 1 Match Play Starting Times and Pairings
#1 Tee
8:00 Jane Shavlik, Raleigh, NC (86) vs. Shauna Walor, Wake Forest, NC (87)
8:08 Jessica Neese, Liberty, NC (82) vs. Samantha Gilder, Pinehurst, NC (94)
8:16 Morgan Cranford, Greensboro, NC (83) vs. Shelby Osiecki, New Bern, NC (91)
8:24 Megan Burnham, Gastonia, NC (78) vs. Madison Clinard, Clemmons, NC (116)
8:32 Ashley Osiecki, New Bern, NC (86) vs. Tara Simmons, Goldsboro, NC (87)
8:40 Katie Kirk, Davidson, NC (81) vs. Erica Clinard, Clemmons, NC (111)
8:48 Mallory Warrick, Wilson, NC (85) vs. Cecily Overbey, High Point, NC (90)
#10 Tee
8:00 Virginia Lane, Winton, NC (86) vs. Kathryn Rand, Hampstead, NC (87)
8:08 Brianna Clemmons, Oak Ridge, NC (82) vs. Anna Padgett, Wake Forest, NC (96)
8:16 Sarah Bae, Raleigh, NC (84) vs. Mary Katherine Donovan, Hampstead, NC (91)
8:24 Grace Stallings, Raleigh, NC (86) vs. Lane Gakeler, Greensboro, NC (87)
8:32 Lori Beth Adams, Burlington, NC (81) vs. Emma Marlatt, Chapel Hill, NC (104)
8:40 Taylor Allison, Elizabeth City, NC (85) vs. Walker McLear, Durham, NC (91)

Communicating

chedrick — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:48:53 -0400

So I've been posting info about Lufkin on this site for a few months now, and it looks like some folks are actually reading it. Wow! I'm wondering who's reading what I post, and what you want to read. I had thought it would be a good place to put upcoming information and to brag about Lufkin. Email me if you have ideas: chedrick@wcpss.net.

Upcoming Dates at Lufkin

chedrick — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:44:50 -0400

Here are some upcoming Lufkin dates:

Track 2,3,4 Awards Day June 30; Track 3-7:45am, Track 2-9:30am, Track 4-12:30pm
6th grade Meet the Teacher, Tracks 1,2,3, 1-3pm-July 6
7th/8th grade Tracks 1,2,3 pick up schedules 1-3pm-July 6
8th grade info sessions 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 to discuss modified schedule for 2009-10 school year: July 6, 1:30 & 2:15
6th grade Meet the Teacher, Track 4, 9-11am-July 25
7th/8th grade Track 4 pick up schedules-July 25, 9-11am
July 7-FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, Tracks 1,2,3
July 27-FIRST DAY OF SCH
read more