22 December 2008
15 December 2008
13 December 2008
10 December 2008
"Shopping District Tries Soft Selling for Holidays" - NYTimes.com
How about our downtown areas in Chapelboroham doing more of this?
09 December 2008
"Dillard's Investors Press Further on Records" - WSJ.com
This of clear importance to us in Chapelboroham.
08 December 2008
07 December 2008
"Back at Junk Value, Recyclables Are Piling Up" - NYTimes.com
And here in Chapelboroham, what's the story?
06 December 2008
Where do the leaves go?
How does Chapel Hill dispose of the leaves that it collects from gutters, as it is doing in Chapel Hill this morning? Are they composted? Reused how?
05 December 2008
03 December 2008
Sidewalks
I was in Cary this week and was struck by the seemless web of sidewalks. Perhaps it is just so much easier to build them in new communities, as with here in Southern Village. It's just a shame that we cannot seem to do the same throughout our community.
29 November 2008
Our Community
What is the purpose of this and is anyone paying attention either to the site or what others place there?
Google Maps
Chapel Hill Transit does no appear to participate in this Google Maps service. If you pick the public transit for a directions search here, you may find as I did that the response is:
"Your search for transit directions from 143 graylyn drive, chapel hill, nc to E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, Orange, North Carolina 27514 appears to be outside our current coverage area. Please consult our list of participating public transit agencies."
When clicking on that link, the list does not include Chapel Hill Transit or any other public transit in NC.
"Your search for transit directions from 143 graylyn drive, chapel hill, nc to E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, Orange, North Carolina 27514 appears to be outside our current coverage area. Please consult our list of participating public transit agencies."
When clicking on that link, the list does not include Chapel Hill Transit or any other public transit in NC.
"Buy a brick for the Orange County Library" - newsobserver.com
With all of the bricks in Chapelboroham, and the need always for more sidewalks, isn't this a tremendous way to exercise our First Amendment rights, remember people, words or whatever you like. I hope the idea - not, of course, a new one - spreads rapidly all over Chapelboroham!
26 November 2008
Chapel Hill Historical Society
It's becoming increasingly rare - thank goodness - to go to a website and not find an e-mail address there for contact. Perhaps e-mail is too fare in the future for a historical "society" to include!
25 November 2008
ECONOMY - 140 West Franklin
32 of 140 units committed so far..... This is not an especially promising picture.
24 November 2008
22 November 2008
21 November 2008
"Union Gas Limited - MyAccount - Customer Service - Reading Your Gas Meter"
Why is is that PSNC does not supply its residential customers with natural gas meters that are easy to read? The dials are very confusing.
The link above is to a Canadian energy company that does provide easy to read meters. See the first photo.
When I called PSNC, and later spoke with a Todd MINGUS, in the metering department I was told that they had no plans to replace the existing meters (which I believe are called "electric mechanical") with models that are easy to read (odometer display).
Mr. MINGUS said that none of the companies that supply them with meters produce what is pictured in the linked site above.
Yes, there are issues related to power source, their "RF device", etc., but I did not learn of any apparently valid reason why this change is not being made to easier to read meters.
The same energy that is required to turn the clock dials on the existing meters (pictured second on the Canadian site) could turn the numbers in an odometer fashion as it apparently does on the first one pictured on this site.
The easier it is to read these meters, the more likely we all are to manage our energy usage better, and I hope we can find a way to get from here to there.
PSNC is deploying automated meter reading. If this can transmit to a truck on the street, why can it not transmit to a simple panel inside the house?
The link above is to a Canadian energy company that does provide easy to read meters. See the first photo.
When I called PSNC, and later spoke with a Todd MINGUS, in the metering department I was told that they had no plans to replace the existing meters (which I believe are called "electric mechanical") with models that are easy to read (odometer display).
Mr. MINGUS said that none of the companies that supply them with meters produce what is pictured in the linked site above.
Yes, there are issues related to power source, their "RF device", etc., but I did not learn of any apparently valid reason why this change is not being made to easier to read meters.
The same energy that is required to turn the clock dials on the existing meters (pictured second on the Canadian site) could turn the numbers in an odometer fashion as it apparently does on the first one pictured on this site.
The easier it is to read these meters, the more likely we all are to manage our energy usage better, and I hope we can find a way to get from here to there.
PSNC is deploying automated meter reading. If this can transmit to a truck on the street, why can it not transmit to a simple panel inside the house?
20 November 2008
19 November 2008
"Center for Global Initiatives" - UNC
This database of faculty at UNC with international expertise is very impressive.
10 November 2008
06 November 2008
"State's school test performance falls" - newsobserver.com
Why is Chapel Hill doing so poorly???? See the details.
05 November 2008
Too much congestion there already...
There is too much auto traffic in and out of the Catholic school already. I do not believe that an expansion ought to have been approved.
"St. Thomas More Catholic Church: The Council approved development applications to allow the expansion of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and School. The expansion will permit 137,405 square feet of floor area, 422 parking spaces, and nine buildings."
"St. Thomas More Catholic Church: The Council approved development applications to allow the expansion of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and School. The expansion will permit 137,405 square feet of floor area, 422 parking spaces, and nine buildings."
Chapel Hill sidewalk projects
"Sidewalk Construction Program: The Council held a public forum to receive input on a draft list of sidewalk projects to be considered for construction. The adopted 2008-09 budget includes a provision to sell $800,000 in sidewalk construction bonds in the fall of 2008. A related item on the Council agenda reflects the addition of $200,000 for pedestrian improvements along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard."
04 November 2008
"Lenovo Goes Global, but Not Without Strife" - WSJ.com
The success or failure of Lenovo impacts a lot of people in Chapelboroham. How they have dealt with an increasingly globalized world becomes locally very relevant!
30 October 2008
29 October 2008
28 October 2008
25 October 2008
"Get in Touch With Your 'Moodle' at Noodles & Company" - MarketWatch
You've got three chances to check this out - in Chapel Hill, Durham or online!
05 October 2008
02 October 2008
"OKC Million"
Couldn't Chapelboroham shed a lot of pounds, too? Part of this undertaking involves new investment in the city's network of sidewalks.
01 October 2008
"Continued Education"
Links to the three principal opportunities for continuing senior-oriented learning in the Triangle.
29 September 2008
Construction on 54/15-501
One of these may be the project (but I do not see it) that held up traffic today at 2:30 for nearly 45 minutes north or eastbound on 54/15-501 in Chapel Hill. They seem to be adding additional space in the left turn lane for Laurel Hill Road. I presume that is to accomodate more students at the Roman Catholic School there. It was a huge inconvenience and I have seldom seen so many drivers pass others waiting in line after a clear warning to merge left. I thought people had better manners around here.
22 September 2008
20 September 2008
19 September 2008
Chapel Hill Transit and electronic devices
Brian LITCHFIELD, assistant director at Chapel Hill Transit has assured me that there is a policy in place on all Chapel Hill Transit buses - prohibiting the use of any cellphone - but not necessarily all other electronic devices - by drivers when the buses are in motion. I asked yesterday after reading the news from California implementing such a policy on train operators, at least some of them and at least temporarily. The Chapel Hill Tranist policy:
"CHT drivers are not permitted to use cell phones while the bus, car, or van is in service
or in motion. Use of cell phones distracts your attention from driving safely. The use of a
cell phone with an earpiece is also prohibited. Please do not wear your earpiece while in the
driver’s seat." This the text of the California measure.
"CHT drivers are not permitted to use cell phones while the bus, car, or van is in service
or in motion. Use of cell phones distracts your attention from driving safely. The use of a
cell phone with an earpiece is also prohibited. Please do not wear your earpiece while in the
driver’s seat." This the text of the California measure.
17 September 2008
"Panera Reiterates Earnings Outlook" - WSJ.com
We probably ought to be paying more attention to what is happening at a regional or national level in companies that serve us in Chapelboroham. In this case, it's a story about two neighbors on Franklin Street - Chipotle and Panera. The report is not rosy.
16 September 2008
Carolina Theater, Chapel Hill
What has happened to the space that was formerly the Carolina Theater on Franklin in Chapel Hill? Is it still configured as a theater or has it been put to some other use?
"The Energy Challenge - States Aim to Cut Gases by Making Polluters Pay" - NYTimes.com
Where are Chapelboroham and North Carolina in all of this?
15 September 2008
"Green City 3: Portland, Ore." - HowStuffWorks
How are we doing compared with Portland, Oregon? How could we do better?
10 September 2008
Chapel Hill - Hillsborough bus route
"From: "Triangle Transit Customer Service"
To: tmaguire@newspaper.comSubject: TRIANGLE TRANSIT REQUESTS FEEDBACK ON POSSIBLE CHANGES TO ROUTE 420
TRIANGLE TRANSIT REQUESTS FEEDBACK ON POSSIBLE CHANGES TO ROUTE 420
Triangle Transit’s Route 420 (Hillsborough to Chapel Hill) is experiencing overcrowding during peak commute times. To address this issue, Triangle Transit is working with Chapel Hill Transit to add vehicles with more seating capacity to this route during peak commute times. Mid-day service would still be operated by Orange Public Transportation (OPT).
In addition to increasing capacity during peak commute times, Triangle Transit is also proposing a change in the route to provide service to the new Durham Tech Orange County campus in Hillsborough and the new 125-space Park and Ride lot provided by Orange County adjacent to the campus.
Please note that the Triangle Sportsplex P&R lot and three stops on NC 86 (Home Depot, Stanback M.S., and Millhouse Rd) would no longer be served during peak commute times. The Durham Tech Orange County Park and Ride lot would be served all day.
The routing changes in both the peak and mid-day will also likely have some small effects on the schedule. Triangle Transit expects that the new routing may make the peak trip faster.
Triangle Transit is still exploring the feasibility of these service changes. Any implementation date is still to be determined
MORE INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITIES:
For more information, including a map of the proposed service changes, and a feedback form, please visit:
www.triangletransit.org/bus/planning/420.
You can also call 485-PLAN (7526) to leave a message for one of Triangle Transit’s service planners.
Feedback will be accepted until Friday, September 19th."
To: tmaguire@newspaper.comSubject: TRIANGLE TRANSIT REQUESTS FEEDBACK ON POSSIBLE CHANGES TO ROUTE 420
TRIANGLE TRANSIT REQUESTS FEEDBACK ON POSSIBLE CHANGES TO ROUTE 420
Triangle Transit’s Route 420 (Hillsborough to Chapel Hill) is experiencing overcrowding during peak commute times. To address this issue, Triangle Transit is working with Chapel Hill Transit to add vehicles with more seating capacity to this route during peak commute times. Mid-day service would still be operated by Orange Public Transportation (OPT).
In addition to increasing capacity during peak commute times, Triangle Transit is also proposing a change in the route to provide service to the new Durham Tech Orange County campus in Hillsborough and the new 125-space Park and Ride lot provided by Orange County adjacent to the campus.
Please note that the Triangle Sportsplex P&R lot and three stops on NC 86 (Home Depot, Stanback M.S., and Millhouse Rd) would no longer be served during peak commute times. The Durham Tech Orange County Park and Ride lot would be served all day.
The routing changes in both the peak and mid-day will also likely have some small effects on the schedule. Triangle Transit expects that the new routing may make the peak trip faster.
Triangle Transit is still exploring the feasibility of these service changes. Any implementation date is still to be determined
MORE INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITIES:
For more information, including a map of the proposed service changes, and a feedback form, please visit:
www.triangletransit.org/bus/planning/420.
You can also call 485-PLAN (7526) to leave a message for one of Triangle Transit’s service planners.
Feedback will be accepted until Friday, September 19th."
09 September 2008
08 September 2008
OWASA level at 95%!
This just received in an e-mail from OWASA, as of this morning:
"3.38 billion gallons of water, which is 94.8% of their capacity"
"3.38 billion gallons of water, which is 94.8% of their capacity"
06 September 2008
"Board talks Smith Level widening" - Carrboro Citizen
Here is a map to show the stretch of Smith Level that is to be widened:
What about sidewalks from 54 into Carrboro?
"Tree removal to precede installation of duct bank along campus side of South Columbia" - UNC News
Here's a map that shows the area where the trees are to be removed:
Storm update from the Town
This appears to have been issued at 10 AM (received by e-mail about 10:30 AM). Note the success rate for the use of the Town's Code Red system that is supposed to be a way that the Town can reach all of us in the event of an emergency.
"Tropical Storm Hanna Update
09/06/09 - Tropical Storm Hanna has caused minimal problems for the Chapel Hill area. Heavy rain bands began to pass through the area just after midnight. Only a few minor power outages have been experienced and all traffic signals are operating.
At approximately 4:15 the low lying areas (mostly parking lots) in the South Estes area began to flood. This primarily included Brookwood, Camelot and Ridgefield. At this time no buildings have been involved.
Police activated the Code Red system to advise residents in the specific areas of the rising water and police and fire personnel went door-to-door to suggest residents move their cars and consider relocating. Few if any left the complexes. Approximately 4,348 calls were made with a 53% contact rate.
The Town of Chapel Hill requested that Orange County activate the shelter at Smith Middle School with minimal staff for any residents who wanted to relocate. It was opened with a skeleton staff and as of this report it is still open but no residents have taken advantage of it.
Umstead Drive is flooded and barricaded off this morning.
Six to 8 inches of water is across Weaver Dairy Road at Kingsmill Apartments and a tree on a house has been reported at Summerfield crossing. There were no injuries.
As residents woke up this morning, multiple reports of limbs and utility lines down were being reported. And emergency personnel are also experiencing multiple alarm calls due to wind's effect on telephone lines.
The area continues to be under a Flash Flood Warning until 11 a.m.
For adverse weather information, visit www.townofchapelhill.org/index.asp?NID=883."
"Tropical Storm Hanna Update
09/06/09 - Tropical Storm Hanna has caused minimal problems for the Chapel Hill area. Heavy rain bands began to pass through the area just after midnight. Only a few minor power outages have been experienced and all traffic signals are operating.
At approximately 4:15 the low lying areas (mostly parking lots) in the South Estes area began to flood. This primarily included Brookwood, Camelot and Ridgefield. At this time no buildings have been involved.
Police activated the Code Red system to advise residents in the specific areas of the rising water and police and fire personnel went door-to-door to suggest residents move their cars and consider relocating. Few if any left the complexes. Approximately 4,348 calls were made with a 53% contact rate.
The Town of Chapel Hill requested that Orange County activate the shelter at Smith Middle School with minimal staff for any residents who wanted to relocate. It was opened with a skeleton staff and as of this report it is still open but no residents have taken advantage of it.
Umstead Drive is flooded and barricaded off this morning.
Six to 8 inches of water is across Weaver Dairy Road at Kingsmill Apartments and a tree on a house has been reported at Summerfield crossing. There were no injuries.
As residents woke up this morning, multiple reports of limbs and utility lines down were being reported. And emergency personnel are also experiencing multiple alarm calls due to wind's effect on telephone lines.
The area continues to be under a Flash Flood Warning until 11 a.m.
For adverse weather information, visit www.townofchapelhill.org/index.asp?NID=883."
05 September 2008
Orange County Artists Guild
Note postponement of "Arts in the Meadow" at Meadowmont until 13-14 September.
04 September 2008
Health press release from OWASA
"Orange Water and Sewer Authority
NEWS RELEASE September 4, 2008
Elevated levels of disinfection by-products found in drinking water samples
In the week of August 11th, 2008 OWASA collected water samples from 19 locations to test the levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are by-products of disinfecting water with chlorine. OWASA uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia to disinfect drinking water.
OWASA is the community-owned, public non-profit water and sewer agency that serves the Carrboro-Chapel Hill community.
THMs and HAAs form when chlorine reacts chemically with natural organic matter in water. People who drink water with elevated levels of THMs or HAAs for many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
On September 3rd, OWASA received test results from the private laboratory which analyzed the water samples. THMs in 13 of the 19 samples exceeded 80 parts per billion (ppb), and HAAs in 5 samples exceeded 60 ppb. One part per billion is like one penny in $10 million.
Under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and related State regulations, THM levels may average up to 80 ppb for the last 12 months and the HAA level may average up to 60 ppb. THM levels in OWASA’s sampling program have averaged 53 ppb in the last year. The average for HAAs was 48 ppb.
OWASA’s drinking water is safe to drink. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Public Water Supply Section, a person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day with levels above the Federal and State standards for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of having the described health effect.
OWASA’s Laboratory staff has contacted customers where testing indicated elevated THM and HAA levels, and delivered letters regarding the test results. OWASA has also contacted the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Public Water Supply Section.
OWASA is investigating the potential causes of the elevated levels of THMs and HAAs so they can be addressed. OWASA will collect and test additional water samples to evaluate the recent information and will report the results.
THM and HAA levels in recent water samples
Location
Address
(in Chapel Hill unless otherwise noted)
THM (ppb)
HAA (ppb)
Chapel Hill North Medical Center
1838 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd #B-19
86
60
UNC Horace Williams Airport
1003 Estes Drive Extension
65
61
Chapel Hill Bible Church
260 Erwin Road
93
66
Hardee's
1800 Fordham Blvd.
82
53
Montessori Community School
4512 Pope Road
83
64
Express Lane convenience store
601 NC Highway 54 West
85
58
Orange County Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Rd.
80
45
Christ United Methodist Church
716 Market Street (Southern Village)
80
57
Starpoint convenience store and grill
US 15-501 South
102
67
Vine Veterinary Hospital
1217 East Franklin Street
77
52
Carr Mill Mall
200 North Greensboro Street, Carrboro
76
51
UNC Hospitals
Manning Drive
79
60
East Chapel Hill High School
500 Weaver Dairy Road
85
5
Seawell Elementary School
9115 Seawell School Road
91
59
Timberlyne Apartments
200 Westminster Dr.
91
59
UNC James T. Hedrick Building
211 Friday Center Dr.
94
64
Rashkis Elementary School
601 Meadowmont Lane
93
58
Calvander Food Mart
108 Dairyland Road (west of Carrboro)
97
54
McDougle Middle School
900 Old Fayetteville Road, Carrboro
92
59
For more Information:
Rachel Monschein, Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant Laboratory Supervisor, 537-4227; e-mail: rmonschein@owasa.org
Sandra Bradshaw, Laboratory Manager, 537-4206; e-mail: sbradshaw@owasa.org
Ken Loflin, Water Supply and Treatment Manager, 537-4232; e-mail: kloflin@owasa.org
400 JONES FERRY ROAD, CARRBORO, NC 27510
PHONE: (919) 968-4421; FAX: (919) 968-4464
WEB SITE: WWW.OWASA.ORG; E-MAIL: WEBMASTER@OWASA.ORG"
NEWS RELEASE September 4, 2008
Elevated levels of disinfection by-products found in drinking water samples
In the week of August 11th, 2008 OWASA collected water samples from 19 locations to test the levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are by-products of disinfecting water with chlorine. OWASA uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia to disinfect drinking water.
OWASA is the community-owned, public non-profit water and sewer agency that serves the Carrboro-Chapel Hill community.
THMs and HAAs form when chlorine reacts chemically with natural organic matter in water. People who drink water with elevated levels of THMs or HAAs for many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
On September 3rd, OWASA received test results from the private laboratory which analyzed the water samples. THMs in 13 of the 19 samples exceeded 80 parts per billion (ppb), and HAAs in 5 samples exceeded 60 ppb. One part per billion is like one penny in $10 million.
Under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and related State regulations, THM levels may average up to 80 ppb for the last 12 months and the HAA level may average up to 60 ppb. THM levels in OWASA’s sampling program have averaged 53 ppb in the last year. The average for HAAs was 48 ppb.
OWASA’s drinking water is safe to drink. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Public Water Supply Section, a person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day with levels above the Federal and State standards for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of having the described health effect.
OWASA’s Laboratory staff has contacted customers where testing indicated elevated THM and HAA levels, and delivered letters regarding the test results. OWASA has also contacted the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Public Water Supply Section.
OWASA is investigating the potential causes of the elevated levels of THMs and HAAs so they can be addressed. OWASA will collect and test additional water samples to evaluate the recent information and will report the results.
THM and HAA levels in recent water samples
Location
Address
(in Chapel Hill unless otherwise noted)
THM (ppb)
HAA (ppb)
Chapel Hill North Medical Center
1838 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd #B-19
86
60
UNC Horace Williams Airport
1003 Estes Drive Extension
65
61
Chapel Hill Bible Church
260 Erwin Road
93
66
Hardee's
1800 Fordham Blvd.
82
53
Montessori Community School
4512 Pope Road
83
64
Express Lane convenience store
601 NC Highway 54 West
85
58
Orange County Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Rd.
80
45
Christ United Methodist Church
716 Market Street (Southern Village)
80
57
Starpoint convenience store and grill
US 15-501 South
102
67
Vine Veterinary Hospital
1217 East Franklin Street
77
52
Carr Mill Mall
200 North Greensboro Street, Carrboro
76
51
UNC Hospitals
Manning Drive
79
60
East Chapel Hill High School
500 Weaver Dairy Road
85
5
Seawell Elementary School
9115 Seawell School Road
91
59
Timberlyne Apartments
200 Westminster Dr.
91
59
UNC James T. Hedrick Building
211 Friday Center Dr.
94
64
Rashkis Elementary School
601 Meadowmont Lane
93
58
Calvander Food Mart
108 Dairyland Road (west of Carrboro)
97
54
McDougle Middle School
900 Old Fayetteville Road, Carrboro
92
59
For more Information:
Rachel Monschein, Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant Laboratory Supervisor, 537-4227; e-mail: rmonschein@owasa.org
Sandra Bradshaw, Laboratory Manager, 537-4206; e-mail: sbradshaw@owasa.org
Ken Loflin, Water Supply and Treatment Manager, 537-4232; e-mail: kloflin@owasa.org
400 JONES FERRY ROAD, CARRBORO, NC 27510
PHONE: (919) 968-4421; FAX: (919) 968-4464
WEB SITE: WWW.OWASA.ORG; E-MAIL: WEBMASTER@OWASA.ORG"
Rita's in Carr Mill Mall
I wrote them a note to ask when the new shop will open in the Carr Mill Mall. The response:
"Thank you for your recent inquiry about Rita's. We appreciate the time
you took to reach out to us and want you to know that your feedback is
very important to our company.
We love hearing from our Guests and thank you kindly for expressing your
excitement about our new location in Carrboro, NC. This location is
currently scheduled to open in mid November 2008.
We hope to see you there!
Rita's Water Ice is a franchise company with more than 500 stores in 14
states. We always welcome your comments and questions. It is our
pleasure to serve you and we look forward to seeing you at Rita's again
soon.
Thank you,
Fallon Iacono
Guest Service Coordinator
Rita's Water Ice Franchise Company, LLC"
"Thank you for your recent inquiry about Rita's. We appreciate the time
you took to reach out to us and want you to know that your feedback is
very important to our company.
We love hearing from our Guests and thank you kindly for expressing your
excitement about our new location in Carrboro, NC. This location is
currently scheduled to open in mid November 2008.
We hope to see you there!
Rita's Water Ice is a franchise company with more than 500 stores in 14
states. We always welcome your comments and questions. It is our
pleasure to serve you and we look forward to seeing you at Rita's again
soon.
Thank you,
Fallon Iacono
Guest Service Coordinator
Rita's Water Ice Franchise Company, LLC"
03 September 2008
02 September 2008
01 September 2008
31 August 2008
30 August 2008
29 August 2008
"California Moves on Bill to Curb Sprawl and Emissions" - NYTimes.com
Don't we all need to understand this a lot better to see if we can even smarter in the development that occurs in Chapelboroham?
"Writer finds solace at UNC" - newsobserver.com
An odd story at a time when newspapers are facing such pressures, but I am sure the subject enjoyed it!
28 August 2008
Water
From OWASA by e-mail:
"Orange Water and Sewer Authority
NEWS RELEASE Thursday, August 28, 2008
OWASA’s lakes rise from 70% to 79% full due to Tropical Storm Fay.
Thanks to rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay, University Lake rose almost 5 feet and water was flowing over the dam Thursday morning.
The much larger Cane Creek Reservoir, which is the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community’s primary water supply, went up 9 inches and is about 5 feet below full.
At the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant in Carrboro, which is about a mile from University Lake, OWASA’s rain gauge recorded 4.8 inches from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning. At Cane Creek, 2.9 inches fell.
Overall, OWASA’s three lakes, including the small Stone Quarry Reservoir west of Carrboro, are 79% full compared to 70% earlier this week.
As the 2007-08 drought intensified a year ago, the lakes were 70% full on August 28, 2007. In the extreme drought of 2002, OWASA’s lakes were only 35% full on August 28th.
OWASA officials emphasized that year-round conservation requirements remain in effect for OWASA customers, and that the utility continues to monitor supply and demand."
"Orange Water and Sewer Authority
NEWS RELEASE Thursday, August 28, 2008
OWASA’s lakes rise from 70% to 79% full due to Tropical Storm Fay.
Thanks to rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay, University Lake rose almost 5 feet and water was flowing over the dam Thursday morning.
The much larger Cane Creek Reservoir, which is the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community’s primary water supply, went up 9 inches and is about 5 feet below full.
At the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant in Carrboro, which is about a mile from University Lake, OWASA’s rain gauge recorded 4.8 inches from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning. At Cane Creek, 2.9 inches fell.
Overall, OWASA’s three lakes, including the small Stone Quarry Reservoir west of Carrboro, are 79% full compared to 70% earlier this week.
As the 2007-08 drought intensified a year ago, the lakes were 70% full on August 28, 2007. In the extreme drought of 2002, OWASA’s lakes were only 35% full on August 28th.
OWASA officials emphasized that year-round conservation requirements remain in effect for OWASA customers, and that the utility continues to monitor supply and demand."
"Newspaper's Woes Hit Journalists' Training Ground" - NPR
We have the makings of the same sort of competition here in Chapel Hill. Why it has never progressed to the same level as in Columbia, MO, I am not sure.
"UNC officials shut out reporter" - Daily Tar Heel
I join the Daily Tar Heel in saying that this meeting should have been open.
Triangle Transit
I expect my local bus service to work every day. Just received this in an e-mail from Triangle Transit:
"Dear Riders,Triangle Transit will not operate bus and shuttle service on Monday, September 1st in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Triangle Transit will resume regular bus and shuttle service on Tuesday, September 2nd. If you have any questions please contact Customer Service at 919-485-RIDE (7433).
Thank you for riding Triangle Transit!"
"Dear Riders,Triangle Transit will not operate bus and shuttle service on Monday, September 1st in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Triangle Transit will resume regular bus and shuttle service on Tuesday, September 2nd. If you have any questions please contact Customer Service at 919-485-RIDE (7433).
Thank you for riding Triangle Transit!"
27 August 2008
26 August 2008
Sidewalk breaks
I was on South Elliott today and needed to cross the street from where Phydeaux now has its new store - and Mina's - to the other side where one finds Great Harvest, the snappy new ABC store, and soon, 3 Cups, among others.
It's a good example of how far down the list pedestrian walker interests find themselves. There is no reasonable crosswalk, and there ought to be many.
What has to happen for this to be implemented?
It's a good example of how far down the list pedestrian walker interests find themselves. There is no reasonable crosswalk, and there ought to be many.
What has to happen for this to be implemented?
OWASA - Supply and Demand Graphs
Yesterday, for the first time in several months, the reservoir level at OWASA dropped below 70% of capacity.
"Carrboro Creative Coworking | North Carolina's First Professional Coworking Space"
This may prove to be a big success but its space is next to a new building that seems to have only a couple of tenants. What's the problem?
Sidewalks
One of my urban interests is sidewalks - where they are, how to use them, who uses them, and how they are designed and constructed.
It struck me yesterday walking from Parking Lot #5 to Carrboro that the sidewalks of Chapel Hill are really quite nice for the most part along that route, but that there is one principal problem when one enters - more or less - Carrboro.
The sidewalks are too close to the road.
Just after I passed Crook's Corner, a bus passed me. Although I was in the center of the sidewalk, had I raised my arm, I could have touched the bus as it roared by.
Is there any Carrboro plan either to widen the sidewalks or to put in a buffer zone between the sdewalk and the curb?
It struck me yesterday walking from Parking Lot #5 to Carrboro that the sidewalks of Chapel Hill are really quite nice for the most part along that route, but that there is one principal problem when one enters - more or less - Carrboro.
The sidewalks are too close to the road.
Just after I passed Crook's Corner, a bus passed me. Although I was in the center of the sidewalk, had I raised my arm, I could have touched the bus as it roared by.
Is there any Carrboro plan either to widen the sidewalks or to put in a buffer zone between the sdewalk and the curb?
25 August 2008
"1M meals, from Fetzer with love" - Daily Tar Heel
This is a great opportunity to involved the larger non-university community.....
24 August 2008
Alley next to Varsity Theater
My wife and I went to a movie on Saturday night at the Varsity on Franklin Street. We parked in the lot behind the theater off Rosemary. The alley that connects the lot to the Franklin Street sidewalk always seesm to be poorly illuminated, not to mention the mostly dark paint that seems to sort of be on the walls. Is there some project afoot to improve the safety and security of that passage? I sure hope so!
Carrboro Music Festival
I can only assume that something more specific about this year's festival will be posted here in coming weeks.
Welcome to the Peck and Artisans Website
I liked the ad I saw from them in the Carrboro Citizen. It read, in part, "How much does it cost to ride the bus from West Main to Whole Foods Plaza?".
Their website, tho, seems a little underused. Perhaps there is more here than appears on first look. Maybe that's why the URL was not in the print ad?
Their website, tho, seems a little underused. Perhaps there is more here than appears on first look. Maybe that's why the URL was not in the print ad?
Townsend, Bertram & Company - Chapel Hill & Carrboro Outdoor Store
I've seen their sale (began, it seems, last Saturday) ad in only one place - the Carrboro Citizen.
Carrboro Creative Coworking | North Carolina's First Professional Coworking Space
This looks like a pretty interesting undertaking....with lots of good information about the initiative on their website.
Eastgate
My wife and I were driving by Eastgate on Friday evening about 9 PM and decided to test out Evos for the first time. We had a couple of milkshakes which struck me as a bit expensive, but the cappucino was especially good. The other - mixed berries - was also quite good. Here is the all important nutrition information.
The first item here is the reaction of another local first time visitor.
We walked around the center looking in a number of windows.
At that hour, Trader Joe's' people were at work cleaning up and apparently doing some restocking. The Loop had a big contingent on young people out on the sidewalk. I made note of the new Carmine's that says it will open next month.
We looked at what is still the skeleton of what I think will become the new Starbucks of that is all on track. It is still listed here as "coming soon".
Bruegger's had closed, TCBY was open, as was Subway and China Chef.
Great opportunities to add a little animation out on one sidewalk or another. I hope something is in the works!
Oh, yes, here is the Eastgate website.
The first item here is the reaction of another local first time visitor.
We walked around the center looking in a number of windows.
At that hour, Trader Joe's' people were at work cleaning up and apparently doing some restocking. The Loop had a big contingent on young people out on the sidewalk. I made note of the new Carmine's that says it will open next month.
We looked at what is still the skeleton of what I think will become the new Starbucks of that is all on track. It is still listed here as "coming soon".
Bruegger's had closed, TCBY was open, as was Subway and China Chef.
Great opportunities to add a little animation out on one sidewalk or another. I hope something is in the works!
Oh, yes, here is the Eastgate website.
23 August 2008
22 August 2008
Rita's Water Ice Franchise Company
What's the story on Rita's Ice in Carrboro? The "coming soon" sign has been there a long time.
Informed electorate
Combine these numbers (news readership trends from Pew) with the numbers to the left (also from Pew) and then apply them to these and what do you get?
McCAIN posters, stickers?
As I walk and drive around Chapel Hill, I see an increasing number of OBAMA signs and stickers...not a huge increase, but a steady one. In all honesty, I have yet to see a McCAIN poster or sticker anywhere. Yesterday, I spied a bumper sticker with the word McCAIN in bold letters. I thought, "finally, one brave soul!". Alas, in small print underneath it said something like "four more years of BUSH".
I am personally a strong OBAMA supporter, but this community, and all communities need to have a debate with those of varied political views in order for our system to work right. Majority, not unanimity is what we need most!
I am personally a strong OBAMA supporter, but this community, and all communities need to have a debate with those of varied political views in order for our system to work right. Majority, not unanimity is what we need most!
21 August 2008
"23% of young adults not registered to vote" - newsobserver.com
How many in Chapelboroham? How do we all - as a community - try to convince the holdouts to get registered and to vote?
18 August 2008
17 August 2008
16 August 2008
"The Future of Energy and the Environment in North Carolina" - UNC School of Government
For anyone interested in the environment in North Carolina this looks to be a must read!
15 August 2008
14 August 2008
13 August 2008
"Specialty Coffee Roasters Brew in New York" - NYTimes.com
Note reference to Durham's Counter Culture Coffee.
"Franklin Street to gain new tenants" - Daily Tar Heel
The renovation is positive but the lack of any tenants to announce is not.
12 August 2008
Triangle Transit carrying more and more passengers
Here is the release that formed the basis for a short item yesterday on WUNC:
" JULY 2008 RIDERSHIP TOPS 100,000 � SETS NEW RECORD
Research Triangle Park, N.C. (August 11, 2008) � Ridership on Triangle Transit hit a neww record in July.
During July 2008, Triangle Transit’s bus and shuttle service recorded ridership of 108,284. It marks the first month of ridership over 100,000 and helped to boost the month’s ridership 50.2% over July 2007. Ridership one year ago was 72,103.
“We’re pleased to see that public transit is making a difference,” said Triangle Transit Board Chairman Sig Hutchinson. “With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate, more and more people are choosing to help their budgets and give transit a try. Our service improvements, including the recent addition of service in Wake Forest, are having a positive impact.”
This is the fourth straight month of ridership gains. Ridership in April rose 20.5% over April 2007 with 83,926 riders. May’s ridership topped 85,652 for a gain of 14.5% over May last year. During June 2008, Triangle Transit’s bus and shuttle service recorded ridership of 97,172, an increase of 30.2% over June 2007’s ridership of 74,622.
A person in the Triangle can save more than $8,000 per year annually by taking public transportation, according to a new analysis of gas prices in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). According to APTA’s “Monthly Transit Savings Report” a person can save an average of $670 dollars per month based on a gas price of $3.856 as reported by AAA on Friday, August 8.
Triangle Transit connects people and places in a way that is reliable, safe, and easy. Bus service is available to Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Hillsborough, RDU International Airport, The Research Triangle Park, Raleigh and Wake Forest. In addition to vanpools, ridematching and paratransit services, Triangle Transit provides resources for commuters and hosts GoTriangle.org, the convenient on‑line resource for public transportation information in the Triangle.
For more information, visit www.triangletransit.org or call (919) 485-RIDE."
" JULY 2008 RIDERSHIP TOPS 100,000 � SETS NEW RECORD
Research Triangle Park, N.C. (August 11, 2008) � Ridership on Triangle Transit hit a neww record in July.
During July 2008, Triangle Transit’s bus and shuttle service recorded ridership of 108,284. It marks the first month of ridership over 100,000 and helped to boost the month’s ridership 50.2% over July 2007. Ridership one year ago was 72,103.
“We’re pleased to see that public transit is making a difference,” said Triangle Transit Board Chairman Sig Hutchinson. “With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate, more and more people are choosing to help their budgets and give transit a try. Our service improvements, including the recent addition of service in Wake Forest, are having a positive impact.”
This is the fourth straight month of ridership gains. Ridership in April rose 20.5% over April 2007 with 83,926 riders. May’s ridership topped 85,652 for a gain of 14.5% over May last year. During June 2008, Triangle Transit’s bus and shuttle service recorded ridership of 97,172, an increase of 30.2% over June 2007’s ridership of 74,622.
A person in the Triangle can save more than $8,000 per year annually by taking public transportation, according to a new analysis of gas prices in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). According to APTA’s “Monthly Transit Savings Report” a person can save an average of $670 dollars per month based on a gas price of $3.856 as reported by AAA on Friday, August 8.
Triangle Transit connects people and places in a way that is reliable, safe, and easy. Bus service is available to Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Hillsborough, RDU International Airport, The Research Triangle Park, Raleigh and Wake Forest. In addition to vanpools, ridematching and paratransit services, Triangle Transit provides resources for commuters and hosts GoTriangle.org, the convenient on‑line resource for public transportation information in the Triangle.
For more information, visit www.triangletransit.org or call (919) 485-RIDE."
11 August 2008
10 August 2008
"Colleges peddle bikes to car - loving students" - NYTimes.com
What other programs like the one mentioned here at Duke do we have in Chapelboroham?
"Secret Cold War bunker vacant in Chatham" - News & Observer
The nice thing about local history is that it gets written every day - both about what's happening and what happened "then"!
"Celebrate Sun Gold tomatoes" - News & Observer
There are so many great tomatoes at the Farmers' Market and so short a season to enjoy them!
"Hot Stuff" - News & Observer
This mentions favorably a firm at the Pittsboro end of Chapelborham. It's Kerala Curry.
09 August 2008
Durham Saves Water
I have not checked to see if this is linked from the OWASA site, but it should be.....
"Whole Foods Market® Voluntarily Recalls Fresh Ground Beef" - Whole Foods
This applies to North Carolina as well.
It's remarkable to me that Whole Foods does not put a mention of this on its website's home page. Instead, I had to click on pressroom and find it there. How many people routinely check the press releases on a website?
Oh, on checking again, I see that this item is one of several that appear at the bottom of the home page, in rotation with other "news" items. Whole Foods ought to rethink how they communicate really important information compared to far less important stuff.
It's remarkable to me that Whole Foods does not put a mention of this on its website's home page. Instead, I had to click on pressroom and find it there. How many people routinely check the press releases on a website?
Oh, on checking again, I see that this item is one of several that appear at the bottom of the home page, in rotation with other "news" items. Whole Foods ought to rethink how they communicate really important information compared to far less important stuff.
07 August 2008
Food Lion owner
06 August 2008
newsobserver.com | Off the beaten bites
There's a mention here of Evos in Eastgate and Noodles and Co. that has opened first in Durham but is reported to be coming to the Wicked Burrito building in Chapel Hill soon.....
05 August 2008
Saint James Cathedral - Rush Hour Concerts
Is there a place for something like this somewhere in Chapelboroham? Is it already here? See how NBC covered its story tonight.
03 August 2008
newsobserver.com | Growth is missing the buses
The picture of the Raleigh bus system is not an encouraging one. How would a similar story look if written about Chapelboroham, or any portion of it?
05 July 2008
14 June 2008
13 June 2008
"UNC Foundation to buy Chapel Hill properties" - newsobserver.com
11 June 2008
04 June 2008
"Highway officials OK I-40 widening" - News & Oobserver
I guess this is a good thing, but I sure wish we could focus more on coming up with the I-40 version of this.
29 May 2008
Southern States
I called Southern States a couple of days ago to ask if they would once again have big ceramic pots on sale this year. The answer was end of July, beginning of August. If that's true, it's well worth noting on the calendar as it surely was last year...if they do the same thing again. Great products at very low prices.
28 May 2008
27 May 2008
Triangle Transt not operating on Memorial Day
Triangle Transit did not operate yesterday.
That means one of two things, perhaps three.
One is that they do not have enough business to justify service on Memorial Day.
A second, related to the first, is that they have not attracted enough customers to make the service essential every day of the year.
And the possible third is that they just don't understand the importance of having bus service every day.
That means one of two things, perhaps three.
One is that they do not have enough business to justify service on Memorial Day.
A second, related to the first, is that they have not attracted enough customers to make the service essential every day of the year.
And the possible third is that they just don't understand the importance of having bus service every day.
25 May 2008
What's at the Carrboro Farmers' Market?
This is a very nice feature - photos taken yesterday at the Carrboro Farmers' Market of some of the items on sale there. I do not know if this is updated each week, but it sure provides a nice way to browse through what's there!
23 May 2008
Gas Prices
This is a link to a list - changing regularly - of gas prices in or near 27516 zip code/Chapel Hill.
22 May 2008
Maps and Directions to Carolina Inn in downtown Chapel Hill North Carolina
They've changed the entrance and traffic flow at the Carolina Inn.
21 May 2008
Pilgrim's Pride
Couldn't we start an effort to turn the Pilgrim's Pride plant into an environmental plant producing state-of-the art, but basic, environmentally-sound items for local use? Put the same employees to work?
"Bag recycling bill passes committee" - Greensboro News-Record
This sure strikes me as a very good idea.
OWASA rate increase proposal
Here is the background information from OWASA to explain the proposed 24% increase in rates.
NC blueberries!
There seem to be a couple of places in Chapelboroham, but you need to search on each of the three counties to find them - Orange, Chatham and Durham.
20 May 2008
Presdential bumper stickers
For a long time, mine was the only car I encountered on the road with an OBAMA bumper sticker showing.
Now I seem to be seeing many more.
What I don't see, though, are any bumper stickers for Hillary CLINTON or John McCAIN. In driving around town, I have not noticed a single one for either of those candidates.
Now I seem to be seeing many more.
What I don't see, though, are any bumper stickers for Hillary CLINTON or John McCAIN. In driving around town, I have not noticed a single one for either of those candidates.
Northgate Mall Home
I happened to see a print ad today in the Herald-Sun for a "Senior Citizen Day" at the Northgate Mall. When I went to the website, I expected to find more details. Instead, I find only the same information that appeared in the newspaper.
Remarkably, the mall has no "contact us" function on the website; only a phone number. It's 2008 for heaven's sake.....
Remarkably, the mall has no "contact us" function on the website; only a phone number. It's 2008 for heaven's sake.....
19 May 2008
"North Carolina Cell Phone Laws Email is False" - WECT
What a disappointment that this appears to be a hoax!
Sheraton crossing
The new iterchange on 15-501 by the Sheraton seems to be working remarkably well. I went through it in a big rainstorm the other day and the water drained and the cars kept moving!
There is a very nice and distinctive brick or brick-looking pedestrian crossing there. Is that a new standard? Would it help catch drivers' eyes better? What is the best and safest?
There is a very nice and distinctive brick or brick-looking pedestrian crossing there. Is that a new standard? Would it help catch drivers' eyes better? What is the best and safest?
"Starbucks to close 100 stores" - Triangle Business Journal:
So far, no sign of any of these closings occurring in Chapelboro. I asked a manager at the Harris-Teeter by University Mall if they would be keeping their in-store Starbucks and he said he knew of no reason they would be closing it.
NCGoGreen.com
This seems to be a new site from WNCN, pulling together storis relating to "green" issues. It would be nice if they added just a few sentences explaining what they are trying to do with this.....
18 May 2008
Amber and silver alerts....
We all see them from time to time - especially the Amber alerts. I saw the first Silver alert just this past week.
What are we supposed to do when we see the?
How effective is the communication process to get the word out on these effectively? In other words, how well is the system functioning to try to get the word to the people most likely to be able to help?
Nothing here - this is the current Amber alert - provides much guidance other than to call if you have any information concerning the abduction.
For example, should all Neighborhood Watch networks in the state be asked to pass this along? Surely, we can all organize this process better to maximize the chances of finding this little boy and others....
What are we supposed to do when we see the?
How effective is the communication process to get the word out on these effectively? In other words, how well is the system functioning to try to get the word to the people most likely to be able to help?
Nothing here - this is the current Amber alert - provides much guidance other than to call if you have any information concerning the abduction.
For example, should all Neighborhood Watch networks in the state be asked to pass this along? Surely, we can all organize this process better to maximize the chances of finding this little boy and others....
"Another Pedestrian Killed in Chapel Hill" - WRAL.com
This is such sad news.
We must figure out what we can ALL learn from these tragedies. That means understanding fully and quickly exactly what happened in each case.
And, once we know the facts and adjust our own vigilance accordingly, we need to focus as a community on what needs to change to be sure that pedestrians have at least equal rights and facilities to be able to co-exist with motor vehicles.
We must figure out what we can ALL learn from these tragedies. That means understanding fully and quickly exactly what happened in each case.
And, once we know the facts and adjust our own vigilance accordingly, we need to focus as a community on what needs to change to be sure that pedestrians have at least equal rights and facilities to be able to co-exist with motor vehicles.
"Tethering of Dogs in Orange County" - Orange County Animal Services
The ad in the Chapel Hill Herald today for "Tethering of Dogs in Orange County" has a typo in the URL. This is the correct one. This is the memorandum explaining the proposal.
Road markings...
When I take to the road at night in Chapelboro, I am often reminded of what a poor job our roads do in helping us find lanes and directions. In many places, the markings are worn off the road surface. In others, a very bright traffic light blinds drivers who cannot see into the darkness on the other side. When there are markings on the road, they usually do not show up very well in headlights in many places.
Are we at the current state of the art here?
Are we at the current state of the art here?
"The Visitor", downtown Chapel Hill and parking...
We went to see "The Visitor" last night at the Varsity. It is a very moving film and lends itself to much reflection about immigration, immigrants, the debate about "illegal" immigration, and how we all deal with one another.
But I have to add that it's too bad on two counts....
One is that I don't recall seeing any Chapel Hill coffee shop, restaurant, bookstore or any other place where two or more might get together --- offering a chance to talk about the film in a very local way. How many people like the stars from Senegal and Syria do we have among us here in Chapelboro? Most may be from Mexico but that does not change the issues.
Why hasn't someone stepped forward to organize an event and reap the business benefits - not to mention the community value - of doing so?
The other "too bad" is that we chose to park in the lot more or less behind the Varsity as we often do. All we did was attend the movie. When we left, the parking fee was $3.25.
I think having people downtown spending money (in our case, $16 for two movie tickets) ought to result in a break on the parking....especially for institutions like the Varsity that many of us hope will remain a part of this community well beyond its current owners.
Can't we work something out to reward those who contribute to the financial sustenance of downtown when they use a pay lot to do so?
And I need to add a third "too bad". This one is for the alley next to the Varsity that connects to the parking lot. It is poorly lit on the best of occasions, it seems to me. Last night, one of the lights was out, and it was even worse. Cannot "we" get that illuminated a whole lot better -- all of the time?
But I have to add that it's too bad on two counts....
One is that I don't recall seeing any Chapel Hill coffee shop, restaurant, bookstore or any other place where two or more might get together --- offering a chance to talk about the film in a very local way. How many people like the stars from Senegal and Syria do we have among us here in Chapelboro? Most may be from Mexico but that does not change the issues.
Why hasn't someone stepped forward to organize an event and reap the business benefits - not to mention the community value - of doing so?
The other "too bad" is that we chose to park in the lot more or less behind the Varsity as we often do. All we did was attend the movie. When we left, the parking fee was $3.25.
I think having people downtown spending money (in our case, $16 for two movie tickets) ought to result in a break on the parking....especially for institutions like the Varsity that many of us hope will remain a part of this community well beyond its current owners.
Can't we work something out to reward those who contribute to the financial sustenance of downtown when they use a pay lot to do so?
And I need to add a third "too bad". This one is for the alley next to the Varsity that connects to the parking lot. It is poorly lit on the best of occasions, it seems to me. Last night, one of the lights was out, and it was even worse. Cannot "we" get that illuminated a whole lot better -- all of the time?
"Subscribe & Save"
This is a new Amazon service. Why can't the local merchants of Orange County work together - or with an independent local entity - to offer the same kind of value to their customers, locally?
I heard about this Amazon service today in this commentary.
LIEBER mentions that he cannot fill up his gas tank or buy birthday presents this way, but I wonder how close to that a local merchant might choose to come?
It all spells opportunity to me.
I heard about this Amazon service today in this commentary.
LIEBER mentions that he cannot fill up his gas tank or buy birthday presents this way, but I wonder how close to that a local merchant might choose to come?
It all spells opportunity to me.
16 May 2008
"UNC to get ABC bureau" - News & Observer
The real test of this will come in how much ABC includes on-air or on its website from this "bureau". In the meantime, I imagine it will be a teaching tool and certainly a recruiting tool for ABC. It would have been better, I think, if they had turned their students loose on doing a better job of covering Chapelboro. Why not link this up with the local ABC affiliate and start producing better content for its website and for local on-air coverage? In other words, why not go to work first at the local level for local audiences and if any of that is of interest to others, great. But I fear news priorities being what they are in television, the emphasis will be all-too-often on sensational stories. That said, here is what a search of the ABC News site turns up as latest Chapel Hill entries:
"Edwards endorses Obama ... North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said Edwards' support "signifies a ... May. 14, 2008 From Staff; Wire Reports
Labor-friendly John Edwards in Obama's court ... North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said Edwards' support "signifies a ... May. 14, 2008 From Staff; Wire Reports
Edwards Endorses Obama, Calls for 'Bold Leadership' ... ' home in Chapel Hill, N.C., to personally ask for his support. Only ... May. 14, 2008 Jennifer Parker
Telecommuters: Invisible workers? ... management consultant in Chapel Hill, N.C. Instead of being the ... May. 11, 2008 Marilyn Gardner
Taylor Helps Sandy Creek Win AAA ... a second. Chapel Hill edged Tucker by one point to take the AAAA ... May. 10, 2008 George Henry Associated Press Writer
Georgia Boys State Track Finals ... 'Bryant, Chapel Hill, 1:56.66. 2, Vince Brown, McIntosh, 1:56.67. 3, ... Johnathan Parks, Chapel Hill, 39.62. Class AAA 400 meter relay& ... May. 10, 2008
Georgia Boys State Track Meet Preliminary Results ... 'Bryant, Chapel Hill, 1:59.60. 4, Vince Brown, McIntosh, 1:59.74. 5, Gabe ... Taylor Lord, Chapel Hill, 9:27.64. 2, Nathan Vassey, Woodward Academy, 9: ... . 3, Chapel Hill, 22. 4, Northwest Whitfield, 18. 5, tie, ... May. 9, 2008
Student Dead at Crash Scene Was Murdered ... grew up in Chapel Hill, N.C., after her parents moved from the country in ... Yarmolenko graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 2006. Yarmolenko ... North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was shot and killed near the university ... May. 9, 2008 David Schoetz
N.C. first-time voters, African-Americans assist Obama ... North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "Whether it can come back together in the ... May. 7, 2008 Fredreka Schouten; Usa Today
Kids more vulnerable to swimming-related illness ... Research Laboratory in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and colleagues note, ... May. 7, 2008 Anne Harding"
"Edwards endorses Obama ... North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said Edwards' support "signifies a ... May. 14, 2008 From Staff; Wire Reports
Labor-friendly John Edwards in Obama's court ... North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said Edwards' support "signifies a ... May. 14, 2008 From Staff; Wire Reports
Edwards Endorses Obama, Calls for 'Bold Leadership' ... ' home in Chapel Hill, N.C., to personally ask for his support. Only ... May. 14, 2008 Jennifer Parker
Telecommuters: Invisible workers? ... management consultant in Chapel Hill, N.C. Instead of being the ... May. 11, 2008 Marilyn Gardner
Taylor Helps Sandy Creek Win AAA ... a second. Chapel Hill edged Tucker by one point to take the AAAA ... May. 10, 2008 George Henry Associated Press Writer
Georgia Boys State Track Finals ... 'Bryant, Chapel Hill, 1:56.66. 2, Vince Brown, McIntosh, 1:56.67. 3, ... Johnathan Parks, Chapel Hill, 39.62. Class AAA 400 meter relay& ... May. 10, 2008
Georgia Boys State Track Meet Preliminary Results ... 'Bryant, Chapel Hill, 1:59.60. 4, Vince Brown, McIntosh, 1:59.74. 5, Gabe ... Taylor Lord, Chapel Hill, 9:27.64. 2, Nathan Vassey, Woodward Academy, 9: ... . 3, Chapel Hill, 22. 4, Northwest Whitfield, 18. 5, tie, ... May. 9, 2008
Student Dead at Crash Scene Was Murdered ... grew up in Chapel Hill, N.C., after her parents moved from the country in ... Yarmolenko graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 2006. Yarmolenko ... North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was shot and killed near the university ... May. 9, 2008 David Schoetz
N.C. first-time voters, African-Americans assist Obama ... North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "Whether it can come back together in the ... May. 7, 2008 Fredreka Schouten; Usa Today
Kids more vulnerable to swimming-related illness ... Research Laboratory in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and colleagues note, ... May. 7, 2008 Anne Harding"
"Our favorite greenways" - News & Observer
We in Chapelboro at least got one on the list, if not two if you count Durham!
What did he leave out?
What did he leave out?
"Commission boosts Triangle Expressway" - News & Observer
Why aren't we all pressing very hard for a Triangle Tram INSTEAD? Imagine if we just started all over and said we'd like to have a light rail that interconnects the downtowns of Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh with mandatory link to RDU and some easy connection or stop at major shopping centers - plus possible extensions to Carrboro (easy) and Pittsboro.
Imagine if we threw away all the good work that has been done to try to hammer out a complex ineffective system and just said - with a map in hand - how do we do this as one project, along what best route (adjacent to railroad tracks and/or highways), and then come up with a financing scheme that allows us all to pay for it over time through tax and use......?
Imagine that?
Why not?
Imagine if we threw away all the good work that has been done to try to hammer out a complex ineffective system and just said - with a map in hand - how do we do this as one project, along what best route (adjacent to railroad tracks and/or highways), and then come up with a financing scheme that allows us all to pay for it over time through tax and use......?
Imagine that?
Why not?
"Six Wake stores fined for price errors" - News & Observer
Are we free of this problem in Chapelboro and Durham? Some of these chains have stores here as well, of course.
"It's boom times for bus service" - News & Observer
These are impressive numbers, with Chapel Hill Transit at over 600,000 and Durham Area Transit Authority over 400,000. Triangle Transit is over 80,000.
If we all try harder, how much higher can we push these numbers and how we can measure the hoped-for decrease in automobile usage?
If we all try harder, how much higher can we push these numbers and how we can measure the hoped-for decrease in automobile usage?
15 May 2008
07 May 2008
newsobserver.com | Epicurean for Wednesday, May 7
Note Miel Bon Bons in Carr Mill Mall in Carroboro.
04 May 2008
Chapel Hill Transit bus stops
Why is is that so many of the Chapel Hill Transit bus stop signs either show the letters of no routes that service that stop or show an incomplete list? For example, I find the V route shown on less than half the signs at stops that I use when traveling that route.
Worse than that is the absence of any current schedule for all routes. Only some are at some stops.......
Worse than that is the absence of any current schedule for all routes. Only some are at some stops.......
23 April 2008
Durham Bulls
We went to our first Durham Bulls game last night. I'll add some notes to this post later, but it was a nice evening and for those who love baseball, it's a very nice local resource!
21 April 2008
17 April 2008
Whole Foods Market - Chapel Hill : Calendar
Lots of things happening at Whole Foods this month, it appears. Here's the store's calendar. Don't miss the items on Earth Day, 22 April.
"Reece Holbrook & NC Children's Hospital Present: Vince Gill"
The promotion for this Vince GILL concert - at Memorial Hall on 30 April - says that all proceeds go to the NC Children's Hospital.
Chapel Hill Town Council agenda for 28 April
For those interested, here is the agenda for the next Council meeting.
This, too:
"A detailed agenda with attachments will be posted on Friday after noon at http://www.townofchapelhill.org. For more information, contact the Communications and Public Affairs Department at 919/968-2743 or publicaffairs@townofchapelhill.org "
This, too:
"A detailed agenda with attachments will be posted on Friday after noon at http://www.townofchapelhill.org. For more information, contact the Communications and Public Affairs Department at 919/968-2743 or publicaffairs@townofchapelhill.org "
"WCOM Rock n’ Roll Benefit"
There will be a benefit evening of bands at Cat's Cradle 19 April for the community radio station in Carrboro, WCOM. Here is the program.
16 April 2008
"Mary Johnson Rockers"
Chapelboro is graced to have so many wonderful musicians and we ought to be talking about the people who live here and who make great music. Here is one of them - Mary JOHNSON.
Fridays on the Front Porch - Carolina Inn
Here's the 2008 schedule for these Friday concerts at the Carolina Inn, starting with Big Fat Gap next Friday, 25 April. Although there is no cover charge for the events, you might want to look at the menu to avoid any sticker shock once you arrive! I've attended a number of these, and they are great fun, especially on a nice Friday afternoon.....
01 April 2008
Neighborhood looks to curb development - City
Are we all clear on why this sort of project only seems to be happening in the area around Meadowmont? That's neither a yes or no on the underlying issue, but is it clear why projects such as described here are not proposed N, W and S of Chapel Hill and only more or less east?
28 March 2008
Public Radio East Home
It's pretty amazing - but, sadly, not surprising - that there is no reference to the debate tonight among the candidates in the Democratic US Senate race on the WUNC site. Here is the relevant paragraph on this link:
"Public Radio East and the North Carolina League of Women Voters are hosting a live Democratic US Senatorial Forum on the Campus of Craven Community College in New Bern. The Debate is scheduled for March 28th at 8pm in Orringer Auditorium.
Public Radio East News Director Megen George will be moderating the forum with a timekeeper appointed by the League of Women Voters.
The forum will be free and open to the public and will air live on the Public Radio East News and Ideas Network FM frequencies of 88.5 in New Bern, 90.3 in Kinston to Raleigh, 88.1 in Greenville and 91.5 in Atlantic Beach. The forum will also be available via a live stream and for download on Public Radio East's website and will be available via podcast the following day."
Why would WUNC ignore this on its website? I can think of reasons, but they just make me angry.
"Public Radio East and the North Carolina League of Women Voters are hosting a live Democratic US Senatorial Forum on the Campus of Craven Community College in New Bern. The Debate is scheduled for March 28th at 8pm in Orringer Auditorium.
Public Radio East News Director Megen George will be moderating the forum with a timekeeper appointed by the League of Women Voters.
The forum will be free and open to the public and will air live on the Public Radio East News and Ideas Network FM frequencies of 88.5 in New Bern, 90.3 in Kinston to Raleigh, 88.1 in Greenville and 91.5 in Atlantic Beach. The forum will also be available via a live stream and for download on Public Radio East's website and will be available via podcast the following day."
Why would WUNC ignore this on its website? I can think of reasons, but they just make me angry.
Carolina Sky Bar, 136 E. Rosemary St., Chapel Hill, NC
I am interested to know why this place is called the "white lounge"?
Police offer tips for housing break-ins - City
Do most Chapelboroians take advantage of this police service? I doubt it.
UNC leader steps down - University
Has Chapelboro really tapped all the environmental resources at UNC? Forest and trees language seems especially appropriate!
26 March 2008
newsobserver.com | Duke to allow patients to set appointments online
What a no-brainer! Where is UNC on this?
25 March 2008
Le Monde.fr : 61% des Français ont l'intention de réduire leurs dépenses
I wonder how many people in Chapelboro intend to reduce their expenses in coming months? In France, it is 61%!
News 14 | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES
This is a good site - News14 - to check for occasional stories relating to Chapelboro.
Nice.maville.com Nice - Piétons : quelles sont les rues les plus dangereuses ?
We should do an annual review of pedestrian accidents in Chapelboro.
Le Monde.fr : Alerte à la viande avariée en France
Would grocery stores in Chapelboro do the same thing in the event of a recall or product problem -- i.e., use our frequent shopper information to notify us?
21 March 2008
Contre l'euro fort, des industriels européens investissent en zone dollar
How successful is North Carolina today in attracting these businesses?
Contre l'euro fort, des industriels européens investissent en zone dollar
How successful is North Carolina today in attracting these businesses?
Chapel Hill seeks to improve safety along Fordham Boulevard
It is always positive to see improvements that will help pedestrians in Chapelboro. The more of these the better! And, eache time something like this moves forward, we should all be asking how isolated improvements relate to how someone walks to get to these places. Often, they are done in isolation with good intentions but without a comprehensive plan for fitting these things into how people really lead their lives, it is hard to plan well.
13 March 2008
newsobserver.com | History overlooked, till now
This is an especially opportune moment to bring these photos to Chapel Hill.
08 March 2008
"Police release photo of suspect in ..." - Herald-Sun
The linked story includes a photo of a suspect in the death of Eve CARSON, the UNC student body president. Police contact information is also included.
27 February 2008
NC Voices: Growth & Transportation — North Carolina Public Radio WUNC
This series has a lot to say about the future of transportatin in Chapelboro.
25 February 2008
Buckhorn Road project
This is the subject of a hearing in Hillsborough this evening.
Two questions:
How much will this project be integrated into the surrounding area by new sidewalks, bike lanes, and other connections that make it more than an Interstate exit stop?
What is the possibility that approval of this project could be tied to some investment in train service for Hillsborough, perhaps an obligation to build a light rail connection from the Buckhorn project to the Hillsborough train station?
Two questions:
How much will this project be integrated into the surrounding area by new sidewalks, bike lanes, and other connections that make it more than an Interstate exit stop?
What is the possibility that approval of this project could be tied to some investment in train service for Hillsborough, perhaps an obligation to build a light rail connection from the Buckhorn project to the Hillsborough train station?
"Hillsborough weighs limits on pine straw" - Newsobserver.com
What are the rules in the rest of Chapelboro?
24 February 2008
"Where trains can take us" - Newsobserver.com
Chapelboro could figure very prominently in this with the right planning.
"Your Daily Commute" - OrangePolitics
Shouldn't we be thinking about pedestrian safety and convenience at least as much as we do for automobiles? This video raises some important questions about how good or bad a job that Chapel Hill - and all of Chapelboro - is doing to create a smooth pedestrian network alongside our automobile network.
The ArtsCenter - Always Inspiring
The Carrboro Arts Center continues to book outstanding performances. One of the reasons they are able to do this is because "we" all buy tickets. If you take a look at the website, it's nice to see a number of the upcoming programs showing either 2 tickets short of a sell-out or relatively few places remaining.
Townside Terrace, Chapel Hill
The first newspaper ad that I have seen appeared today. The site says that they have sold one unit out of 14, with construction to start in "Early Spring 2008". Here is the location.
23 February 2008
21 February 2008
Chapel Hill NC Wedding and Party Band Franklin Street North Carolina
The Carolina Inn has booked this group for tomorrow night. The Inn sends out an e-mail with virtually no informatin about the band in the e-mail, but with a link to the front page of the Inn's website where there is no additional information. Honestly, does no one look at these things from the perspective of a recipient? How hard would it have been to include a link to the band's website?
"Think far outside the bun" - Newsobserver.com
Johnny's sounds like a good place to visit, especially on Saturday!
Buckhorn development
Linked to this post is the full agenda item for the meeting of the Orange County Commissioners next week at which the Buckhorn project will be considered. This is such a large project with so many implications for all of Chapelboro that many people may choose to read it and to offer their views. This is far too important a move for it pass through the review process unstudied by us as citizens.
North Carolina Money Map Breakdown
This map and chart provide good insight into where Chapelboro people stand in NC compared to other areas. The state is surprisingly evenly divided when you look at the color coding. For Chapelboro, Orange County is strongly Democratic and Durham and Chatham are leaning Democratic in contributions to federal races this cycle.
With so much information available on the web, I look forward to following my friends and neighbors over the course of the campaign. It is important that we all have the ability - whether we exercise it or not - to know from whom the money is coming to fuel much of these campaigns.
With so much information available on the web, I look forward to following my friends and neighbors over the course of the campaign. It is important that we all have the ability - whether we exercise it or not - to know from whom the money is coming to fuel much of these campaigns.
Southern States Cooperative
I had missed the news that the Southern States in Carrboro was about to reopen in its renovated state. They have a full page ad in the Chapel Hill Herald today announcing this and various events associated with the reopening.
19 February 2008
Guns in Chapelboro
This is a useful guide from AG Roy COOPER. What it does not appear to answer, however, is whether we citizens can learn who in our community has a gun. I'd like to know that about my neighbors.
"Road to Iron Mountain: The railroad comes to Chapel Hill" - OrangePolitics
It sure would be nice to get something with people in it rolling on those same tracks....
"Commissioners address Chatham growth" - Daily Tar Heel
Do developments like the Buckhorn project in Mebane help address any of these issues? I don't think so. How to keep all of this in better balance as what happens in Chatham does not stay in Chatham when it comes to the Chapelboro region.
18 February 2008
The Fresh Market, A Fine Neighborhood Specialty Grocer
It says here that the Glen Lennox store is still scheduled to open in Summer, 2008. From the street, there is little activity.
12 February 2008
Very latest from OWASA on drought
This outlines how OWASA may move to Stage Three water rules on 1 March if we do not get a lot of rain between now and then.
11 February 2008
"Wildfire Cause Probed in Va., Carolinas" - The New York Times
It is possible, of course, that we could find a "forest" fire in Chapelboro that was started by humans. Regardless of the cause, how prepared are we to deal with it?
"Forest" fires in Chapelboro?
09 February 2008
"Chew On This!" - News & Observer
Every business - every structure - in every community has a rich story to tell, and the rest of us have much to learn from each. How do we better organize all of that history?
05 February 2008
"Interactive Graphic: Water Use" - News & Observer
This is an excellent interactive graphic allowing for comparisons of total water consumed and then reductions in water consumption since 1 Oct 2007. The comparison includes OWASA and other area water services.
04 February 2008
Sidewalks
Why don't we approach sidewalks in the same way we approach roads? Shouldn't we expect the same consistency of walking surfaces that our automobiles enjoy? In other words, should we have to walk in the grass, in the mud, on unstable and uneven surfaces in order to WALK around Chapelboro? I have taked several long walks in recent days and find the situation really disappointing. Can't we - together - change this?
02 February 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
