So I was stumbling around YouTube tonight and came across (through various linking, Googling, etc.) something kind of cool happening soon: the 2009 Twestival!
Apparently, it is an event that is happening world round, and nearly 200 US cities are hosting Twestival parties.
Twestival is a Twitter-ran eco-conscious charity event held on February 12th where 100% of all proceeds at the events will go towards getting clean water to poverty-stricken countries around the world.
There's more information about the Raleigh Twestival here. Enjoy and maybe see you all on February 12th!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Bravo Channel - Time Warner Cable
Although this is old news, the Bravo channel was added onto the Time Warner Cable roster for Raleigh subscribers back on December 31st. However, I was just informed (as I have a feeling many other local bloggers were informed about too) that Bravotv.com's daily news blog, The Dish, has given Raleigh a personal shout out!
It's pretty cool we get a shout out between a post about supermodels and a chef, but I wish people would recognize us for more than just Dawson's Creek. I mean, we do have One Tree Hill to be completely proud of! :P
It's pretty cool we get a shout out between a post about supermodels and a chef, but I wish people would recognize us for more than just Dawson's Creek. I mean, we do have One Tree Hill to be completely proud of! :P
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Burning Coal Presents...
Way to Heaven!
Burning Coal Theatre Company in downtown Raleigh (near the Krispy Kreme off of Peace Street... mmmmm)is kicking off the new year with another great new production. The show opens up tonight, Thursday, January 22nd in the Meymandi Theatre at 7:30 PM.
Way to Heaven is a bit different, in terms of production, to the average play you see on a night out. The play, written by Juan Mayorga, is presented to the audience in both English and Spanish, on alternating nights of course!
The dramatic play will surely set the path for Burning Coal Theatre Company's year, which will only lead its audience to crave for even more brilliant works out of them!
Burning Coal Theatre Company in downtown Raleigh (near the Krispy Kreme off of Peace Street... mmmmm)is kicking off the new year with another great new production. The show opens up tonight, Thursday, January 22nd in the Meymandi Theatre at 7:30 PM.
Way to Heaven is a bit different, in terms of production, to the average play you see on a night out. The play, written by Juan Mayorga, is presented to the audience in both English and Spanish, on alternating nights of course!
A representative of the Red Cross is sent to investigate alleged atrocities in Germany at the start of World War II. What he finds is a beautiful, serene, model city, peopled with smiling Jewish citizens. Will his report to the Red Cross reflect what his eyes have seen ... or what his heart is telling him?
The dramatic play will surely set the path for Burning Coal Theatre Company's year, which will only lead its audience to crave for even more brilliant works out of them!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
First Snow of 2009!
As I'm blogging this, Raleigh (along with the rest of the state) is seeing snow flurries fly all through out our skies. Go on and check out your window!
UPDATE: Here's a video to go along with the story!
Early in the morning on Tuesday, January 20th 2009 (which just by chance is the inauguration day), the state of North Carolina is seeing blankets of snow coming down on them! Although this isn't the first snow of the season, it is the first snow "storm" in 2009 and the most relevant snow "storm" we've seen this season.
Meteorologists are predicting anywhere from 2"-6" of snow fall throughout the state. Central North Carolina, such as Raleigh and the Triangle, are expected to receive the most snow fall with numbers anywhere between 4"-6".
The snow storm was first seen in Raleigh, North Carolina around 12:00 midnight-ish. Currently at 6:00 AM, the snow fall has grown much denser, stronger, and now sticking everywhere that it touches down on, including downtown Raleigh (which is a total rarity). If the storm keeps up, then there is no doubt that the meteorologists will be correct especially considering that the high for tomorrow/ today is 28 degrees. Guess we will have to wait until the sun up to know more of what is to happen!
UPDATE: Here's a video to go along with the story!
Early in the morning on Tuesday, January 20th 2009 (which just by chance is the inauguration day), the state of North Carolina is seeing blankets of snow coming down on them! Although this isn't the first snow of the season, it is the first snow "storm" in 2009 and the most relevant snow "storm" we've seen this season.
Meteorologists are predicting anywhere from 2"-6" of snow fall throughout the state. Central North Carolina, such as Raleigh and the Triangle, are expected to receive the most snow fall with numbers anywhere between 4"-6".
The snow storm was first seen in Raleigh, North Carolina around 12:00 midnight-ish. Currently at 6:00 AM, the snow fall has grown much denser, stronger, and now sticking everywhere that it touches down on, including downtown Raleigh (which is a total rarity). If the storm keeps up, then there is no doubt that the meteorologists will be correct especially considering that the high for tomorrow/ today is 28 degrees. Guess we will have to wait until the sun up to know more of what is to happen!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Metered Parking for Downtown Raleigh
Yay.
That is my initial response. I'm not too incredibly thrilled about this, but before I go into a rant, here is a bit more about the story.
On Tuesday, City Council voted 7-0 to convert various downtown street hourly parking spaces into metered parking spaces. Here's the reason they gave:
I can view that to be truthful, but there's just a tiny part me that thinks it is more than just the city's answer to relieving the stress of parking hunts. With the recent fee increase on parking fines, the state-wide budget cuts, and of course with the country's economic downfall, it makes me question just how much of the reason behind this new system is money-based. I'd completely understand if the main objective for this new system was to bring in a new means for city income, but can't they just admit to it if that were the case?
Being a downtown resident, I'm constantly having to struggle with friends and family on helping them find free parking close by. With this new system, it will surely discourage most of the people I know from coming to downtown. Of course, that may not be the case for most citizens since a dollar or two may not seem bothersome.
Even as mentioned on New Raleigh, this could be an effort to start getting more people using public transit, especially considering there will be a free downtown drunkulator, erm, circulator starting in February.
If this is a push for encouraging downtown transit usage, it seems to be one of the first real pushes the city has done then.
In final, I believe that this could be a good thing for the downtown visitors who only make it out to downtown on occasions and a potentially not-so-great thing for downtown residents who have cheap friends. Only time will tell!
That is my initial response. I'm not too incredibly thrilled about this, but before I go into a rant, here is a bit more about the story.
On Tuesday, City Council voted 7-0 to convert various downtown street hourly parking spaces into metered parking spaces. Here's the reason they gave:
"The purpose of the plan is to discourage long-term parking in on-street spaces so there is more turnover."
I can view that to be truthful, but there's just a tiny part me that thinks it is more than just the city's answer to relieving the stress of parking hunts. With the recent fee increase on parking fines, the state-wide budget cuts, and of course with the country's economic downfall, it makes me question just how much of the reason behind this new system is money-based. I'd completely understand if the main objective for this new system was to bring in a new means for city income, but can't they just admit to it if that were the case?
Being a downtown resident, I'm constantly having to struggle with friends and family on helping them find free parking close by. With this new system, it will surely discourage most of the people I know from coming to downtown. Of course, that may not be the case for most citizens since a dollar or two may not seem bothersome.
Even as mentioned on New Raleigh, this could be an effort to start getting more people using public transit, especially considering there will be a free downtown drunkulator, erm, circulator starting in February.
If this is a push for encouraging downtown transit usage, it seems to be one of the first real pushes the city has done then.
In final, I believe that this could be a good thing for the downtown visitors who only make it out to downtown on occasions and a potentially not-so-great thing for downtown residents who have cheap friends. Only time will tell!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Let's Commercialize Raleigh!
So, I recently stumbled upon a blog or two that really got me thinking (and one got me to actually DO something). Wouldn't you just love to see an H&M pop up in downtown Raleigh? Or a Sephora pokes it pretty, little nose in Cameron Village? Or have an American Apparel open up off of Glenwood South (or more preferred, Fayetteville St.)? Well, it could happen.
How? Well, if you click on the first link I provided (Raleigh Philosophical Society), the people at RPS made it a bit easier to DIRECTLY contact some great commercialized stores in hopes of bringing them to Raleigh. Because of that list, it made it VERY easy for me to send off e-mails to H&M, Dean & Deluca, and American Apparel. Out of those three, I have received responses from both H&M and Dean & Deluca within a twelve-hour period.
Although that seems to be a somewhat computer automated response, it does give a shimmer of hope to those who truly are hopeful. Especially considering of the years-past rumors of a possibility that H&M would come to downtown Raleigh.
... :'(
Anyway, one can only hope Dean & Deluca can find that "right" location here in Raleigh someday soon!
While at work today (I work in Cameron Village), I couldn't shut up to any of my co-workers about the "what ifs" of the possibility of having some commercialized stores making an appearance in Cameron Village. I mean, think about it, the Village would be an IDEAL location for the not-so-daring corporate honchos to try out one of their stores. Cameron Village already gets plenty of foot traffic, both during the weekdays and weekends, plus everyone who goes there typically has the mindset to at least shop for something. Don't get me wrong, I do understand the appeal Cameron Village has for the fact that they have many independent boutique-style stores, but I could see an even greater improvement in customer and sale counts if they push for more mainstream, commercialized stores like H&M, Urban Outfitters, Armani Exchange (c'mon Raleigh, we need one!), Burberry, Sephora, etc.
Cameron Village is also close enough to downtown to have it be dubbed the "fashion district" of downtown Raleigh, and hopefully bring more of downtown towards that direction as well. With both a rather controversial residential tower and a two-story Chik-Fil-A (the first ever, I believe) slated for construction soon, Cameron Village will be seeing some changes. Now, the question is: Will Cameron Village be able to attract more commercialized businesses (beside Victoria Secret)to make it an even great "downtown" attraction? That may not be something we can make happen, but we can certainly try to!
What I'd love for everyone to do is to go out and contact each business you'd love to see in Cameron Village, on Glenwood South, or throughout the Fayetteville St./ Downtown District and let them know that you WANT them here! The more voices heard, now matter how small they may be, may give us just a bit more hope to have them here! Also, let me know what commercialized businesses you'd love to have here!
Thanks goes out to:
Raleigh Philosophical Society
The Raleigh Connoisseur
gogoraleigh
Each of them for having very comprehensible and helpful blogs!
How? Well, if you click on the first link I provided (Raleigh Philosophical Society), the people at RPS made it a bit easier to DIRECTLY contact some great commercialized stores in hopes of bringing them to Raleigh. Because of that list, it made it VERY easy for me to send off e-mails to H&M, Dean & Deluca, and American Apparel. Out of those three, I have received responses from both H&M and Dean & Deluca within a twelve-hour period.
Hello Myles,
We appreciate your interest in H&M.
Since our launch in the U.S. 9 years ago, we have been focused on a rapid expansion and are currently looking for the perfect location in your area.
Although that seems to be a somewhat computer automated response, it does give a shimmer of hope to those who truly are hopeful. Especially considering of the years-past rumors of a possibility that H&M would come to downtown Raleigh.
Dear Myles,
Thank you for your recent email to Dean & Deluca.
At the present time, we have no plans for a store in Raleigh, North Carolina. However, this area is a great market and we would love to come once we find the right location!
... :'(
Anyway, one can only hope Dean & Deluca can find that "right" location here in Raleigh someday soon!
While at work today (I work in Cameron Village), I couldn't shut up to any of my co-workers about the "what ifs" of the possibility of having some commercialized stores making an appearance in Cameron Village. I mean, think about it, the Village would be an IDEAL location for the not-so-daring corporate honchos to try out one of their stores. Cameron Village already gets plenty of foot traffic, both during the weekdays and weekends, plus everyone who goes there typically has the mindset to at least shop for something. Don't get me wrong, I do understand the appeal Cameron Village has for the fact that they have many independent boutique-style stores, but I could see an even greater improvement in customer and sale counts if they push for more mainstream, commercialized stores like H&M, Urban Outfitters, Armani Exchange (c'mon Raleigh, we need one!), Burberry, Sephora, etc.
Cameron Village is also close enough to downtown to have it be dubbed the "fashion district" of downtown Raleigh, and hopefully bring more of downtown towards that direction as well. With both a rather controversial residential tower and a two-story Chik-Fil-A (the first ever, I believe) slated for construction soon, Cameron Village will be seeing some changes. Now, the question is: Will Cameron Village be able to attract more commercialized businesses (beside Victoria Secret)to make it an even great "downtown" attraction? That may not be something we can make happen, but we can certainly try to!
What I'd love for everyone to do is to go out and contact each business you'd love to see in Cameron Village, on Glenwood South, or throughout the Fayetteville St./ Downtown District and let them know that you WANT them here! The more voices heard, now matter how small they may be, may give us just a bit more hope to have them here! Also, let me know what commercialized businesses you'd love to have here!
Thanks goes out to:
Raleigh Philosophical Society
The Raleigh Connoisseur
gogoraleigh
Each of them for having very comprehensible and helpful blogs!
Friday, January 2, 2009
January's Triangle Theatre Guide
So a new year means a new set of entertaining theatrical plays hitting the theaters all throughout the Triangle! Below you can see a list of what the Triangle has to offer (If I'm missing anything, let me know and I'll add it up):
Broadway Series South @ Progress Eneregy's Center for the Performing Arts
A Chorus Line
National Touring Production! Straight from Broadway.
In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed -- to have the chance to dance. This is A Chorus Line, the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards®, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever. Now A Chorus Line returns. Come meet the new generation of Broadway’s best. “A Chorus Line is back, and it’s thrilling!” - John Lahr, The New Yorker
Show dates: January 6th - January 11th, 2009
Suntrust Broadway Series @ Durham Performing Arts Center
Rent
Starring Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp from the Original Broadway Show and Film Adaptation of Rent.
Set in the East Village of New York City, RENT is about being young and learning to survive in NYC. It's about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award® for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize, RENT has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that really resonates. Whether it's your 1st time or your 100th time, the time is now for RENT!
Show dates: January 20th - January 25th, 2009
North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre
Love Letters
Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years—where Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of "good schools." While Andy is off at war Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong and she continues to keep in touch as he marries, becomes a successful attorney, gets involved in politics and, eventually, is elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them.
Show dates: January 30-31, February 1, 6-8, 13-15
Show Times: Friday and Saturday Evenings at 8:00PM, Sunday Matinee at 3:00PM
Carolina Ballet
Balanchine - By George!
George Balanchine's natural curiosity and creativity led him to push boundaries that resulted in timeless classics that were so far ahead of their time, they are still amazing today. He embodied a passionate fervor that kept him working into his eighties, turning out a body of work that made him the Father of American Ballet. This season we present two of his amazing achievements: La Sonnambula and The Four Temperaments.
Show dates: January 29th - February 1st, 2009
Show Times: Thursday - Saturday Evenings at 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM
Burning Coal Theatre Company
Way to Heaven
A representative of the Red Cross is sent to investigate alleged atrociities in Germany at the start of World War II. What he finds is a beautiful, serene, model city, peopled with smiling Jewish citizens. Will his report to the Red Cross reflect what his eyes have seen ... or what his heart is telling him?
Show dates: January 22nd - February 8th, 2009
Show Times: Thursdays - Saturdays 7:30 PM, Sundays 2:00 PM
NOTE: The play alternates between being spoken in English and Spanish on various nights. You can view those nights here.
Common Ground Theatre
Souvenir: A Fanatasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins
An incapable coloratura and a down and out musical accompanist team up and achieve cult status fame. Their bizarre partnership yielded hilariously off-key recitals that became the talk of New York and culminated in a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall.
Show dates: January 9th - January 24th, 2009
Show Times: Thursdays - Saturdays Evenings at 8:00 PM, Sundays Matinees at 2:00 PM
Manbites Dog Theater
Hungry Ghost
A haunting winter tale featuring shadow puppetry, masks, bon raku, and marionette puppet styles comes to Manbites Dog this January, when Paperhand Puppet Intervention and Theater of Performing Objects present HUNGRY GHOST. Thematically based in ancient traditional (and contemporary) Asian religious belief and cultural myth, HUNGRY GHOST tells stories of the insatiable human condition. Intended for mature audiences.
Presented as part of Manbites Dog Theater's Other Voices Series
Show dates: January 14th - January 24th, 2009
Playmakers Repertory Company
The Young Ladies Of...
We’re thrilled to present the audaciously talented actor/playwright Taylor Mac in his moving exploration of a son’s desire to know his father. A father who led a very different life than the one the son has made for himself as a New York performance artist, who performs the show in drag, playing a ukulele and singing songs from Carousel. What can we say? It’s brilliant!
Show dates: January 7th - January 11th, 2009
Show Times: Wednesday - Sunday Evenings at 8:00 PM, Sunday Mantinee at 2:00 PM
Well
'Lisa’, the onstage playwright, attempts a memory play about her force-of-nature mother who though constantly ill manages to heal a community. Characters rebel at Lisa’s version of events, upending the story in a howlingly funny and emotionally powerful look at mother/daughter dynamics. This Tony-nominated Broadway sensation comes from the original voice of Lisa Kron, whose OBIE-winning 2.5 Minute Ride was a sold-out hit in last season's PRC2 series.
Show dates: January 24th - March 1st (In Rotation with The Glass Menagerie)
The Glass Menagerie
PlayMakers presents Williams’ masterpiece the way he always intended - as a break from “the exhausted theatre of realistic conventions.” A moving tale of a mother/daughter relationship complicated by the daughter’s disability, with universal themes of family conflict and dreams deferred, its groundbreaking theatrical form helped establish the memory play in the theatrical canon.
Show dates: January 25th - February 28th, 2009 (in Rotation with Well)
Broadway Series South @ Progress Eneregy's Center for the Performing Arts
A Chorus Line
National Touring Production! Straight from Broadway.
In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed -- to have the chance to dance. This is A Chorus Line, the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards®, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever. Now A Chorus Line returns. Come meet the new generation of Broadway’s best. “A Chorus Line is back, and it’s thrilling!” - John Lahr, The New Yorker
Show dates: January 6th - January 11th, 2009
Suntrust Broadway Series @ Durham Performing Arts Center
Rent
Starring Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp from the Original Broadway Show and Film Adaptation of Rent.
Set in the East Village of New York City, RENT is about being young and learning to survive in NYC. It's about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award® for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize, RENT has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that really resonates. Whether it's your 1st time or your 100th time, the time is now for RENT!
Show dates: January 20th - January 25th, 2009
North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre
Love Letters
Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years—where Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of "good schools." While Andy is off at war Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong and she continues to keep in touch as he marries, becomes a successful attorney, gets involved in politics and, eventually, is elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them.
Show dates: January 30-31, February 1, 6-8, 13-15
Show Times: Friday and Saturday Evenings at 8:00PM, Sunday Matinee at 3:00PM
Carolina Ballet
Balanchine - By George!
George Balanchine's natural curiosity and creativity led him to push boundaries that resulted in timeless classics that were so far ahead of their time, they are still amazing today. He embodied a passionate fervor that kept him working into his eighties, turning out a body of work that made him the Father of American Ballet. This season we present two of his amazing achievements: La Sonnambula and The Four Temperaments.
Show dates: January 29th - February 1st, 2009
Show Times: Thursday - Saturday Evenings at 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM
Burning Coal Theatre Company
Way to Heaven
A representative of the Red Cross is sent to investigate alleged atrociities in Germany at the start of World War II. What he finds is a beautiful, serene, model city, peopled with smiling Jewish citizens. Will his report to the Red Cross reflect what his eyes have seen ... or what his heart is telling him?
Show dates: January 22nd - February 8th, 2009
Show Times: Thursdays - Saturdays 7:30 PM, Sundays 2:00 PM
NOTE: The play alternates between being spoken in English and Spanish on various nights. You can view those nights here.
Common Ground Theatre
Souvenir: A Fanatasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins
An incapable coloratura and a down and out musical accompanist team up and achieve cult status fame. Their bizarre partnership yielded hilariously off-key recitals that became the talk of New York and culminated in a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall.
Show dates: January 9th - January 24th, 2009
Show Times: Thursdays - Saturdays Evenings at 8:00 PM, Sundays Matinees at 2:00 PM
Manbites Dog Theater
Hungry Ghost
A haunting winter tale featuring shadow puppetry, masks, bon raku, and marionette puppet styles comes to Manbites Dog this January, when Paperhand Puppet Intervention and Theater of Performing Objects present HUNGRY GHOST. Thematically based in ancient traditional (and contemporary) Asian religious belief and cultural myth, HUNGRY GHOST tells stories of the insatiable human condition. Intended for mature audiences.
Presented as part of Manbites Dog Theater's Other Voices Series
Show dates: January 14th - January 24th, 2009
Playmakers Repertory Company
The Young Ladies Of...
We’re thrilled to present the audaciously talented actor/playwright Taylor Mac in his moving exploration of a son’s desire to know his father. A father who led a very different life than the one the son has made for himself as a New York performance artist, who performs the show in drag, playing a ukulele and singing songs from Carousel. What can we say? It’s brilliant!
Show dates: January 7th - January 11th, 2009
Show Times: Wednesday - Sunday Evenings at 8:00 PM, Sunday Mantinee at 2:00 PM
Well
'Lisa’, the onstage playwright, attempts a memory play about her force-of-nature mother who though constantly ill manages to heal a community. Characters rebel at Lisa’s version of events, upending the story in a howlingly funny and emotionally powerful look at mother/daughter dynamics. This Tony-nominated Broadway sensation comes from the original voice of Lisa Kron, whose OBIE-winning 2.5 Minute Ride was a sold-out hit in last season's PRC2 series.
Show dates: January 24th - March 1st (In Rotation with The Glass Menagerie)
The Glass Menagerie
PlayMakers presents Williams’ masterpiece the way he always intended - as a break from “the exhausted theatre of realistic conventions.” A moving tale of a mother/daughter relationship complicated by the daughter’s disability, with universal themes of family conflict and dreams deferred, its groundbreaking theatrical form helped establish the memory play in the theatrical canon.
Show dates: January 25th - February 28th, 2009 (in Rotation with Well)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year's Eve 2009 - Raleigh
The Mint is set to have their first ever New Year's Eve celebration this evening. The Office Nightclub's resident DJs Riot the DJ and DJ Rozeman. The restaurant will transform into a nightclub with both their house bar upstairs and a made-for-New-Year's-Eve bar down in the main dining room. There's no cover charge, either!
Also happening on New Year's Eve is the 18th annual Artsplosure's First Night Raleigh.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Capital City Grocery Closes
Against the small hope that many had for this downtown Raleigh grocery store, as reported by WRAL, signage was posted on the door today stating that today will be its last day open... permanently.
Reason for closing has yet to be identified, but I'm sure with the economic issues that didn't help too much. The fact that many of their shelves are empty also didn't help for business, especially considering a full-fledged grocery store, Harris Teeter, is less than two miles up the street.
As WRAL also reported, downtown Raleigh has acquired two more grocery stores since 2007, of which I haven't seen, however they did state one more is set to open next summer.
I personally would enjoy to see a true downtown grocery store location, right near Fayetteville St.
Reason for closing has yet to be identified, but I'm sure with the economic issues that didn't help too much. The fact that many of their shelves are empty also didn't help for business, especially considering a full-fledged grocery store, Harris Teeter, is less than two miles up the street.
As WRAL also reported, downtown Raleigh has acquired two more grocery stores since 2007, of which I haven't seen, however they did state one more is set to open next summer.
I personally would enjoy to see a true downtown grocery store location, right near Fayetteville St.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Raleigh Christmas Parade
Just a friendly reminder to everyone that the 64th annual Raleigh Christmas Parade is happening in downtown Raleigh tomorrow starting at around 10:00 AM. Festivities begin at 9:30 AM, so make sure you bring your gloves and overcoats as to stay warm during the cold day's activities!
To find out more info about the parade, you can go to WRAL for more info.
To find out more info about the parade, you can go to WRAL for more info.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
First Snow of the Season!
If you live in the Triangle (and even further out around), then you may have noticed some on-again off-again snow flurries blowing through the breezy North Carolinian air. For me, the first time I saw the snow today was earlier this morning while I was at work. Many of us got so excited to see the first snow fall of the season that we all bolted out the door and onto the sidewalks of Cameron Village to enjoy the short novelty.
The brief snow didn't accumulate to much in the Triangle with no reports of it actually sticking to the roads (or hardly even to front lawn from what I've seen).
I don't know about any one else, but I surely hope this is setting us up for quite a white Christmas! One can only hope...
The brief snow didn't accumulate to much in the Triangle with no reports of it actually sticking to the roads (or hardly even to front lawn from what I've seen).
I don't know about any one else, but I surely hope this is setting us up for quite a white Christmas! One can only hope...
Thursday, November 6, 2008
NCScoop - Burning Coal Theatre Presents Hysteria
Burning Coal Theatre in downtown Raleigh will be premiering the play "Hysteria" this Thursday evening (November 6th) at 7:30 PM in their fairly new theatre Meymandi Theatre at the Murphy School Auditorium.
Hysteria is a dramatic farce fictionalizing a meeting between Salvador Dali and Sigmund Freud with a few other characters mixed in between. The play is full of great comedic scenes mixed together with some tense dramatic pieces and brought all together by some phenomenal acting talents and direction.
If you want to get tickets to one of the play dates, you can find all of those dates listed here. Don't forget to also check out Burning Coal Theatre's Website for any other information you may want to know.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Raleigh Obama March
After President-elect Barack Obama gave his Victory Speech, hundreds of Obama supporters marched and cheered on the streets of downtown Raleigh. The march started somewhere up in north downtown Raleigh, presumably from a massive watch party, and marched its whole way down Wilmington St. and what seemed to be ending at Shaw University.
The march appeared to be impromptu and was being maintained by local law officials keeping a close proximity of the fairly long march.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Barack Obama Rally, Plus Sarah Palin and Huckabee in Raleigh
Upon entering Halifax Mall in downtown Raleigh, the first thing I noticed were the security check-point they had up, which seemed very minimal compared to airport security. Of course, they needed to keep it simple to maintain the crowds. And crowds there were! From the video you can slightly see the crowds, but it felt like thousands upon thousands were in attendance for the Sen. Barack Obama campaign rally.
Also in Raleigh today was former Republican Presidential nominee, Mike Huckabee. He was only here for a brief while at the Raleigh Victory Office, but he's scheduled to make an appearance at 4:00 PM at the Charlotte Victory Office. He's also supposed to pop in for a 4:30 PM appearance at Hef's Bar & Grill Restaurant.
And some new information that was just reported by Charlotte Observer, Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin is scheduled to make an appearance at an hour-long event this coming Saturday night, November 1st. Any further details, such as location and whatnot, are not available yet.
Gotta love to have everyone wanting a piece of North Carolina! ;)
Here's more information about Mike Huckabee's locations:
Wednesday October 29th, 2008
Charlotte Victory Office
4:00 PM
1515 Mockingbird Lane Suite 218
Charlotte, NC 28209
(704) 910-0696
Hef's Bar and Grill Restaurant
4:30 PM
1600 E Woodlawn Road
Charlotte, NC 28209
(704) 523-1008
Oh, and sorry for the shaky camera work. Between them not allowing tripods into the rally and the strong winds... it made camera work a nightmare (not to repeatedly mention the fact that there was no way to get a good, clear shot of Sen. Barack Obama).
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Brad Cooper's Indictment
I know, I'm a good twelve hours or so late with this news, but chances are... some of you may not have heard of this yet either!
On Monday, October 27th, Brad Cooper was indicted for first-degree murder of his wife, Nancy Cooper. In the early morning on July 12th, Nancy Cooper was said to have gone jogging through the suburbs of Cary. Later in the morning, a man walking his dog discovered her body in a storm pond in the neighborhood. The investigation has been going on for three months with much speculation pointing to husband, Brad Cooper.
You can catch the full story over at WRAL!
On Monday, October 27th, Brad Cooper was indicted for first-degree murder of his wife, Nancy Cooper. In the early morning on July 12th, Nancy Cooper was said to have gone jogging through the suburbs of Cary. Later in the morning, a man walking his dog discovered her body in a storm pond in the neighborhood. The investigation has been going on for three months with much speculation pointing to husband, Brad Cooper.
You can catch the full story over at WRAL!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
NCScoop's NC State Fair Adventure!
Earlier this week, I had to do my annual ritual of going to the North Carolina State Fair on their can donation day. Usually, its one of the most crowded days out of the fair, but it really didn't feel as crowded as it usually does. I'll blame the economy for that. The fair was actually more pleasant for me with less people there; less elbow bumping and crowd swimming! It could be one of my best fair experiences to date!
Anyway, the fair had all the usual rides, vendors, and concessions... but some concessions received some new goodies I had never seen before there. Two of the things I sampled while there were the fried mac and cheese - which was rather bland and boring tasting - and the fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich; that was the real winner! If you only limit yourself to one fried delicacy, you should definitely make the fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich your pick!
Food within the fair ranged in price. If you're an avid hunter for the cheapest dishes, than just be patient and you'll find the stuff you're looking for that is almost affordable. Its a fair though, so you can't expect finding a dollar hotdog anyway. As for the rides... they were overpriced, as usual. I really think that they should continue doing the $25 unlimited ride pass for next year, but expand it to the ENTIRE duration of the fair instead of only on the preview day.
With each year I get older, the more and more I like the Village of Yesteryear. All of the craftsmanship vendors, olden-day North Carolina living, a peaceful garden area, and free hush puppies at the mill -- there's no wonder that this place is growing on me! Definitely make sure to check out the Village of Yesteryear when you make it to the fair.
Be sure to go to the fair soon though, since this coming Sunday on October 26th will mark the last day of the 2008 North Carolina State Fair.
You may have heard the music pieced into the video adventure. The band is named Grand Piano Falling and they are a local alternative rock band right out of Raleigh! I've been fans of theirs for nearly three years now and I definitely suggest for you all to give them a listen!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Craftland @ The Scrap Exchange
There are some who already may know of The Scrap Exchange, and then there are others who -- like me a few weeks ago -- have no idea what The Scrap Exchange is. That's where I'll be starting off first!
The Scrap Exchange is a creative reuse facility that houses hundreds of unique reuse materials that have either been donated to The Scrap Exchange, or one of their many volunteers have brought into the facility. The facility is located right on the edge of downtown Durham, very fitting for a street with various art galleries and stores.
The materials in the facility range from things like chemical beakers, to balls of yarn. The purpose of the facility is to redirect "junk" from going to the junk yards to The Scrap Exchange where people are encouraged to purchase these random objects to use in artistic projects -- or whatever you want to use them for. Its another form of traditional recycling, but with an artsy twist.
To show off their recycling creativity, The Scrap Exchange and the NC Triangle Etsy Street Team have teamed up to bring to the public the 5th annual Craftland event.
Craftland is a three-month long art show held in The Scrap Exchange's Green Gallery. The show features environmentally friendly purses, dolls, drawings, lamps, mittens, and various others products created by artists from all around the area. All items on display are available for purchase and are aimed to be the perfect, most environmentally-conscious gift you can give someone this Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday you do or don't celebrate.
Craftland is running from October 17th through January 5th. There are two more grand opening receptions to be held on November 21st and December 19th in The Scrap Exchange, both from 6PM-9PM.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Will to Power Film Debut
Recently, the The School of Communication Arts hosted a film debut screening of Will to Power. The film stars some Hollywood familiars such as David Rountree (xXx: State of the Union), Kiko Ellsworth (Heroes: Going Postal), Jerry Mathers (Leave it to Beaver), Jonathan Breck (Jeepers Creepers 1 & 2, W.) and Kathy Lamkin (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, No Country for Old Men).
A little excerpt about the movie:
“Will to Power’s” story is a psychological thriller of intrigue, betrayal and dark ambition set in North Carolina. Demers comments, “No one under 18 years of age will be allowed into the theatre without their parent in attendance.” Further Demers adds, “You will need to see “Will to Power” as it addresses some very social issues, with dark elements. And points what can happen with the abuse of drugs and alcohol among college age students." David Rountree, states, “I wanted my first script and my first directorial debut to be in North Carolina. Great talent in front of and behind the camera. With all the locations this is a great state to make a movie.”
With this film's completion, it adds another film under North Carolina's belt. Not many people know, but North Carolina has been at the number 3 spot of annual films produced in the state out of the whole country for the past twenty years. With notable films such as Junebug, 28 Days, Hannibal, Nights in Rodanthe, The Last of the Mohicans, Patch Adams, Hounddog, Idlewild, Leatherheads, Cabin Fever 1 & 2, and of course Bull Durham, its no real surprise that North Carolina has stayed at the top of the list.
In recent times, North Carolina has been gaining on NY's film productions and has even surpassed their annual total. Its no surprise though, with such vast filming locations such as the beach, the mountains, the city, and the countryside. If that isn't a big enough reason why people bring their films to North Carolina, then maybe its the incentives that the state offers to productions.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
North Carolina's State Fair is Here!
Technically, I lied. As I'm writing this, the gates haven't opened yet. But come 3:00 PM later on today (Oct. 16th), the gates will swing open and all kinds of people from the state (and maybe further) will shuffle on in during a crowded frenzy. We can't escape the crowds... however, we can escape the driving crowds!
This year, I'm a huge supporter for the Park-and-Ride system that the North Carolina State Fair has this time around. With the addition of a new weekend Park-and-Ride lot in Garner, an expanded bus line from Durham's DATA buses, and with a North Raleigh and Cary lot from CAT, there are plenty of options to get you to and from the North Carolina State Fair. Even Amtrak's Carolinian's train is making a special stop right in front of the State Fair at Blue Ridge Road.
You can get all the info needed by going to North Carolina State Fair's transportation page.
Another thing worth mentioning is something that could make this year's fair profitable to you. The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer will have a booth open for the entire length of the fair that will be used to find unclaimed property for North Carolina citizens.
If you feel that you may have some unclaimed wages, utility deposits, bank accounts, etc., then you may want to check out the booth.
For more information, you can check out NC Cash.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
School of Communication Arts - Site Update
Viddler:
YouTube:
First, just want to mention that I'll still be uploading all videos up onto NCScoop's YouTube page (and the less popular MySpace page).
In regards to the upcoming open lecture/ seminar at the School of Communication Arts, Jim Laing will be speaking about audio, video, and computer media and how they all relate to one another. It'll be a great event to attend if you're interested or already involved in the media realm.
Here's a little excerpt from the School of Communication Arts in regards to Jim Laing:
"School of Communication Arts would like to present Jim Laing in the theater on Monday, October 13th at 1:30pm.
Jim Laing owns JL Media Services and graduated from Boston College with a Masters in Computer Science. He will be speaking about the importance of merging the ever-changing world of computers to the audio/video production realm.
Mr. Laing has worked in video and audio production for fifteen years and is a consultant in the Triangle area with clients who include; Glaxo, IBM, Duke and UNC-TV.
Also a musician, Jim plays in two local bands Back Sense, and TMC, his unique insights will give students tips and trends about the industry and a history lesson on how the two mediums converged in his career."
YouTube:
First, just want to mention that I'll still be uploading all videos up onto NCScoop's YouTube page (and the less popular MySpace page).
In regards to the upcoming open lecture/ seminar at the School of Communication Arts, Jim Laing will be speaking about audio, video, and computer media and how they all relate to one another. It'll be a great event to attend if you're interested or already involved in the media realm.
Here's a little excerpt from the School of Communication Arts in regards to Jim Laing:
"School of Communication Arts would like to present Jim Laing in the theater on Monday, October 13th at 1:30pm.
Jim Laing owns JL Media Services and graduated from Boston College with a Masters in Computer Science. He will be speaking about the importance of merging the ever-changing world of computers to the audio/video production realm.
Mr. Laing has worked in video and audio production for fifteen years and is a consultant in the Triangle area with clients who include; Glaxo, IBM, Duke and UNC-TV.
Also a musician, Jim plays in two local bands Back Sense, and TMC, his unique insights will give students tips and trends about the industry and a history lesson on how the two mediums converged in his career."
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