The Archer Pelican

Energy Conservation Sales Job at Southern Energy Management

Posting for friends at Southern Energy Management -- this is a great job for a sales professional who wants to make a positive difference

Existing Homes Sales Manager

Full Time Position: Available Immediately

Location(s): –Domestic travel required.

Description
The Existing Homes Sales Manager oversees the development and performance of all sales activities in the existing homes market. The position requires establishing plans and strategies to expand SEM's residential customer base and contributing to the development of training and educational programs for the general public and sales staff. Providing leadership and direction to the sales team will maximize value creation, growth and profitability in line with SEM vision and values. The ideal candidate will have marketing and home building experience.

Job Duties:
• Manage the development of a business plan and sales strategy for the existing homeowner market to meet or exceed company sales goals and profitability.
• Prepare action plans with individuals and sales team to effectively develop sales leads and prospects.
• Maintain contact with clients in the market area to ensure high levels of client satisfaction.
• Work with Strategic Business Development Director to initiate and coordinate action plans that maximize value creation in high potential markets.
• Assist in the development and implementation of marketing plans as needed.
• Create and conduct proposal presentations and RFP responses.
• Control expenses to meet budget guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records of all pricing, sales, and activity reports generated by sales team.
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures and business ethical standards and ensure they are communicated and implemented within the team.
• Work with HR staff to recruit, test and hire sales team based on criteria agreed upon by senior management.
• Ensure that each sales person meets or exceeds all activity goals for prospecting calls, appointments, presentations, proposals and closes.
• Conduct regular coaching and counseling sessions with sales team to build motivation, selling and value creation skills.
• Conduct one-on-one reviews with each sales person not less than once per quarter to build more effective communication; understand his/her training and development needs; and provide insight for the improvement of the team's sales activity and performance.
• Provide timely feedback to senior management regarding performance.
• Assist sales team with preparation of proposals and presentations.
• Interact and cooperate with all SEM team members.
• Lead by example in areas of personal character.
• Commit to triple-bottom-line business principles.
• Monitor and support work/life balance for the sales team to sustain high performance and job satisfaction.

Required Skills/Qualifications:
• Minimum 5 years experience as sales manager in construction services or home building.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
• Familiar with salesforce.com CRM
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Must be willing to travel out of the local area at least 25% of the time.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently while also collaborating in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills for working with both the internal team and clients.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:
• Associates Degree in related field.
• Marketing experience.
• Home building experience.

This is an excellent career opportunity for the right individual, with outstanding growth potential. We are committed to sustainability at all levels of our organization, and believe that our success as a company depends on the success of every team member.

If you're ready to work hard, make a difference and have fun doing it, then you could be just the person we're looking for!

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to
opportunity@southern-energy.com or contact Jason deFreitas at 919-862-8602.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Foodshare Challenge this SATURDAY at the Carrboro Farmer's Market

FOODSHARE CHALLENGE - RAISE 1000 POUNDS OF FRESH FOOD TO FEED THE HUNGRY

CARRBORO FARMERS' MARKET THIS SATURDAY 8AM UNTIL NOON

Please join the Carrboro Farmers’ Market farmers in challenging local residents to come out to the Carrboro Farmers Market on Saturday, September 26th between 8a and noon to raise 1000 pounds of food to feed the hungry. The CFM farmers have donated over 7,500 pounds of marketable food since June to organizations that feed the hungry in Orange, Chatham and Durham Counties.

On Saturday, we will give shoppers the opportunity to follow our farmers' example. They can buy their groceries at the market and while they are there, donate a bag of food for the hungry.

According to the USDA, NC is the second highest state in the country for childhood hunger. One in four children in North Carolina do not have adequate access to food. The FoodShare Challenge is a great opportunity for local residents to come to the market, support the farmers and learn more about what we can all do to help feed the hungry in our community.

The event will feature photos from nationally recognized photographer Donn Young, of The North Carolina Hunger Project, and educational information from hunger relief organizations from Raleigh, Durham, Chatham, Orange and Wake Counties. The event will have art activities for children, a donation station and lots of good food -- all for a good cause.

In addition to volunteers, participating community organizations include: The Inter-Faith Council for Social Services, The Society of St. Andrews, Durham Branch of the central and eastern NC Food Bank, Fair Local Organic student organization from UNC, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, and the Chatham County Outreach Alliance. Eastern Carolina Organics (E.C.O.) and Weaver Street Market of Southern Village are donating the boxes and the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle of Raleigh will be doing the deliveries with their refrigerated trucks.

Please call or email Margaret Gifford at 919.967.6464 or [email protected], or Sarah Blacklin at 919.280.3326 or [email protected] for more information, or to volunteer or donate.

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Photo: CarrboroWeb

More info on: Carrboro's Farmer Foodshare

Carrboro Farmers' Market Farmer Foodshare -- Unsold Food Goes to Poor

My friend Margaret recently started a food gleaning program at the Carrboro Farmer's Market.  Her low-tech, common sense "why didn't someone think of this already?" effort reminds me that there are so many "obvious" opportunities for good that still need someone to notice, step up to, and do. In this case, talk about your "low hanging fruit" :-).  No diss to the good farmers and organizers at Carrboro Farmer's Market for not doing this until now -- they've been doing many great things for years.  Now they're doing one more.

Excerpt from yesterday's News & Observer:

Margaret Gifford makes her rounds on a recent Wednesday evening near closing time at the Carrboro Farmers' Market. With a cardboard box in hand, she reminds farmers that she's there to collect any produce they can't sell and won't keep until the next market day.

...The idea came to Gifford, a market regular and former public relations executive, when she heard farmer Ken Dawson of Maple Spring Gardens talking about composting unsold tomatoes. "I noticed farmers taking some unbelievable produce home," she says. "We need to get the food from the people who have the food to the people who need the food."

...On that recent Wednesday night as the farmers start breaking down their stations, the collection begins. John Ferguson of Ferguson Farm donates two large boxes of ripe peaches, which were just selling for $4 to $7 a basket. Alex Hitt of Peregrine Farm brings over a box of tomatoes worth more than $60. Basil comes from Cane Creek Farm. Cucumbers come from Turtle Run farm. Elise Margoles of Elysian Fields Farm drops off a grocery bag filled with eggplant.

"Thanks for taking care of this," Leah Cook of Wild Hare Farm tells Gifford. "It's so nice that someone will take it from here."

-- Collecting Unsold Produce for the Hungry (<-click for full text).  Andrea Weigl, News & Observer, Sunday July 26, 2009.

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For my Durham friends: the article mentions that the Durham Farmer's Market has been donating to Urban Ministries of Durham for years :-)

Go, Kaaren, Go! A Big Day for Kidney Transplants

My friend Kaaren is scheduled for a new kidney today.  Along with a dozen other people in an incredible swap.  See the News & Observer for a great article: Bad Kidney Makes Good Pals.  Please hold Kaaren, John and all in the Light.  And consider a donation to help Kaaren and John with uninsured expenses related to the long recovery time.  We're hoping to raise $7k.  Ping me for details.  Kaaren is pretty much a saint.

Update: to make a tax-deductible contribution, visit www.transplantfund.org and enter Johanson in the patient name box.

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Photo: Kaaren with Ira Glass at Memorial Hall.

Human Trafficking 101 -- Durham County Department of Social Services, 1 April 2009

PSA for the Department of Social Services:

Free Workshop: Human Trafficking 101

Baltimore police closed down a brothel that used Mexican women imported into the country through Durham.  We  cannot ignore this issue locally.

Join us on April 1, 2009, from 3‐5 p.m. in the conference room of the Durham County        Department of Social Services for Human Trafficking 101.    

Government agencies, non‐profit, faith‐based organizations, schools, hospitals, and law        enforcement representatives are  encouraged to attend. 

North Carolina has  been identified as  among the eight  most common destination states  for human   trafficking, due in part to its location along I‐85 and I‐95.

Trainer: Donna Bickford, a local expert with the Carolina Women’s Center   

Topics covered will include: • Definitions • Statistics  • How people are trafficked  • How to identify or detect trafficking  • Challenges of working with trafficking survivors   

April 1, 2009  Durham County DSS, 220 East Main Street, Room 609  3pm‐5pm

Space is Limited.  To Register call 560‐8082.  Durham County Department of Social Services   919‐560‐8000 (Bilingual) 

http://www.durhamcountync.gov/departments/dssv

Download Poster: Human Trafficking 101

Greg Cox, Triangle Food Critic -- on the radio next Wed (18 Feb)

Local eaters take note:

Restaurant critic spills the beans on the radio

Tune your radio to 100.7 The River next Wednesday, February 18 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., when I’ll be the guest on the Mornings with Kitty Kinnin Show. Excerpts of my recorded conversation with Kitty about the local food scene will be scattered throughout the program. For a more complete sampling (or if you miss the broadast), you can catch the podcast at www.river1007.com/cc-common/podcast.html whenever you like.

posted by Greg Cox at the N&O blog.

Hey, why didn't Shooting the Bull get him first?! :-)

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Image yoinked from N&O, duh.

John Gorka Tonight -- Benefit for Urban Ministries of Durham (Friday, 13 Feb)

Date: Friday, February 13, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Parish Hall, St. Philip's Episcopal Church
Address: 403 E Main St (enter on Queen St.)
City: Durham, NC

$20 at the door; $8 children 8-12; childcare available; refreshments available, including local brews from Triangle Brewing Company; free, monitored parking.

All ticket proceeds to Urban Ministries of Durham.

Rock Camp for Corporate Team Building -- Free Test Slots This Sunday

Posting for cool friends:

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS to help test out our new team building curriculum
on February 15 from 10 - 6 at Mansion 462 on Franklin St. in Chapel
Hill.

Team Built Music provides team building to corporations, large
institutions, and other medium to large businesses.   We do this
through music, specifically taking groups of 20-30, breaking them into
small teams, with each team led by a professional
multi-instrumentalist musician who guides them in writing music and
lyrics for a song.  They then either perform live at a small local
venue or record it in a professional sound studio.

During this test run, you will get the chance to learn some drums,
bass and guitar as well as learn basic songwriting skills.  If you
know how to play, you are given permission to play all day without
interruption…. try that at home!  Local professional musicians will be
leading the groups.   Lunch and snacks provided.

Please email [email protected]. or [email protected] with any
questions and/or to volunteer.  It will be a blast!!!

Office Condo -- Amazing Sunlight, in town in Durham

LOCATION! LIGHT! LEASE!

Make your office home in a bright and airy two story suite with six offices.

Second floor offices feature 14-foot ceilings with high windows. The first floor reception has an 18-foot ceiling and two floors of windows. Offices like these will make a difference for you and your professional colleagues.

This office condo is at Duke Forest Place Office Park, 3326 Chapel Hill Durham Boulevard (also known as Highway 15-501 Business) near the intersection with Highway 751. This is a convenient location for access to all parts of Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill via I-40 and I-85. You're just five minutes to Duke; ten minutes to downtown Durham, twenty-five minutes to the Airport or Chapel Hill. Dozens of restaurants are nearby, including Foster's Market, Guglhopf, Nana's and many more. Sam's Club and Super Target are just blocks away.

With high second-floor ceilings, windows and skylights, the space is bright enough to avoid artificial lighting during the day. The suite includes six private offices, a large reception area with an 18-foot ceiling and two floors of windows, kitchen, two restrooms, and a 2nd floor balcony that faces west for warm afternoons. Ample and safe parking for employees and visitors.

The office suite is approximately 1,500 square feet for lease at $1,750/month. Landlord pays taxes, property insurance and condominium fee. Tenant pays water, sewer, utilities and janitorial services.

Contact David at 919-384-5820 or E-mail to set up a visit.

More photos at www.bullcityoffices.com

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Note from Phil: I'm posting this for a friend and would appreciate anyone passing it along.

National Heritage Day - For American Indians, For Now

Did anyone hear about this?  I just saw it in my Yahoo newsfeed:

National heritage day honors American Indians

By MARY HUDETZ, Associated Press Writer  – Fri Nov 28, 8:10 am ET

PORTLAND, Ore. – For the first time, federal legislation has set aside the day after Thanksgiving — for this year only — to honor the contributions American Indians have made to the United States.

Frank Suniga, a descendent of Mescalero Apache Indians who lives in Oregon, said he and others began pushing in 2001 for a national day that recognizes tribal heritage.

Suniga, 79, proposed his idea to a cultural committee that is part of the Portland-based Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians. The organization took on the cause of a commemorative day, as did the National Congress of American Indians and other groups.

Congress passed legislation this year designating the day as Native American Heritage Day, and President George W. Bush signed it last month.

The measure notes that more Americans Indians than any other group, per capita, serve in the U.S. military. It also cites tribes' artistic, musical and agricultural contributions.

"The Indians kept the Pilgrims alive with turkeys and wild game," Suniga said. "That's the reason it was attached to the Thanksgiving weekend."

After the Thanksgiving weekend, Suniga said, he and other advocates plan to lobby to place the Native American Heritage Day on the nation's calendar annually.

It isn't certain, however, that all tribes would agree that the fourth Friday in November is the best day to recognize their contributions and traditions.

"Thanksgiving is controversial to some people," said Joe Garcia, director of the National Congress of American Indians.

The holiday marks a 1621 feast in which English settlers and Wampanoag Indians celebrated and gave thanks in Massachusetts for their harvest, but it was followed by centuries of battles and tense relations between the United States and tribes.

Unfortunately, tribes have had virtually no time to plan events to commemorate Native American Heritage Day because the legislation creating it was signed only last month, noted Cleora Hill-Scott, executive director of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.

"What's difficult is this day is going to come and go without much being done." she said.

I would love a permanent national holiday dedicated to apology, atonement, and forgiveness -- a national, secular version of Yom Kippur. Others have probably proposed this in more detail.  Please point me to any links you know of. 

Regarding this year's National Heritage Day, I wanted to point you to other coverage and commentary, but there isn't any.  Google National Heritage Day and you will see that the AP article is damned close to the only web-findable thing written on the topic.  Blogger Rowan Wolf comments on the paucity of press, and more.  A copy of the resolution is here at the Melungeon Historical Society.

PSA: Freeze Watch -- Bring In Your Plants

Weather forecast for the Triangle puts us into the TWENTIES several nights this week.  Bring in your plants if you haven't already!

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Photo courtesy of Iowa Agricultural Extension

Strong Odds, No Guarantees, and One Ugly Spectre

Is Obama's current lead with four weeks to go a guarantee?  Not according to past results.  Since 1936, the only lead this strong at this time that has been lost was... Gore v. Bush in 2000.

Bryan Schaffner: 50%, 8% and October: Some Historical Context, at Pollster.com.

Help the Indy, Win $600. Survey.

Posted for my pals at the Independent Weekly:

Folks, Earn a chance to WIN $600 and other prizes
while helping the Independent Weekly serve the community.

Fill out our survey to enter the drawing for the
INDY ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE

To enter, go to http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/

Scroll down the home page and click on the red and blue survey logo.

A Barack Obama Comedy Fundraiser, Sunday Sep 21, Carrboro

From Graig Meyer:

Convincing Friends, Family, and other Crazy People to Vote Barack!

A Barack Obama Comedy Fundraiser

Feeling anxious about the election? Let some comedy help you relax, and learn a little something along the way.

Sunday, September 21

2:00-4:00 PM

DSI Comedy Theater in Carrboro 

Two 30-minute sets of comedy

-Stand up

-Improv

-True stories from the local campaign

Two 15-minute lessons on how to convince people to vote for Barack

-Guidelines for framing and messaging

-Presentations from local campaign staff and DNC delegates

-Real ideas that you can really use

Suggested Donation:

Estimate the difference between Barack Obama's IQ and George Bush's.  Pay a dollar per IQ point.

$15 suggested minimum

$30 conservative estimate

$60 close to accurate

Seating is limited. Reserve tickets online here:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs7rv7

Co-Sponsored by Graig Meyer and DSI Comedy Theater

For more information, contact Graig Meyer at [email protected]

This event is open to the public. Please forward widely.

Bronwyn Merritt -- Linocuts and Land at Community Realty in Carrboro

Round Table, linocut, 1998.

The multitalented Bronwyn Merritt is showing new and old art at her Carrboro Realty office (corner of Greensboro and Weaver streets), beginning with tonight's Artwalk from 6 to 9.

And see Bronwyn for all things real estate at her extraordinary firm: 

"Carrboro Realty is dedicated to the support of local non-profit agencies. That means when we buy or sell your home we donate 100% of the profits to local charitable organizations such as EmPOWERment, a non-profit that empowers people to control their own destinies through affordable housing, advocacy, community organizing and grassroots economic development." (from the website).

Delegate Counting

I'm not a huge fan of our weird way of electing presidents by delegate counts.  But that's the way it is, and with McCain and Obama essentially tied in the popular vote these days, I'm kind of relieved.  Why?  Because Obama still leads in the electoral predictions.  (Still, I appreciate/worry-over Barry R's recent comment, "The election remains Obama's to lose. If he keeps running his campaign out of the Dukakis playbook, he may just do that.")

So where to get the intel and the coverage?  Various places, including the New York Times, RealClearPolitics.com and Pollster.com.

Here's some electoral poll commentary from today's SFGate.com, "McCain, Obama in dead heat, poll says" (oddly titled, seeing how they spend significant time on the electoral college non-dead-heat):

Electoral College is key

RealClearPolitics.com, for example, has state polls giving Obama 238 electoral votes and McCain 174, with 10 states with 126 electoral votes listed as tossups. Pollster.com, which also aggregates state polls, gives Obama 260 electoral votes, just 10 short of the 270 he needs to become president.

"It's difficult to say the race is really tied," said Schnur. "If McCain and his advisers thought he was in the driver's seat, they wouldn't have made the type of gamble selecting Sarah Palin (as the vice presidential nominee) represented."

[snip]

While there are still a few national events ahead - most importantly three presidential debates - both campaigns will concentrate their efforts on a handful of states that can flip the Electoral College numbers on election day.

"Now McCain and Obama are going to spend the final two months fighting for a relatively small number of white, working-class voters," Schnur said. "Most of the action is going to be in states where you can see a Big-10 football game, places like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota."

--- p.s. look at the maps and oh no, maybe Florida as the decider again.

Sonja Kramers -- In Memoriam

Sad news for people and dogs.  My friend Sonja Kramers died unexpectedly last weekend in Asheville.

Only the week before, she'd celebrated the 2nd birthday of her Happy Tails Country Club for Dogs.

Sonja and I grew up together in Asheville, as churchmates, schoolmates and family friends. In fact, it was thirty years ago this month that we walked down the aisle as flower girl and ring bearer at my aunt and uncle's wedding.  A photo of the two of us from that day hung on our family pictures wall for many years until we moved, and it was always fun to see Sonja as one of our only "Anglo" kin on display.

I'll try to write more about Sonja and her folks soon.  The four of them were like a second family to me, and they gave me many gifts of fun, experience and perspective that shaped my life more than I probably realize.

But for now I'll tell you this about Sonja's good example: if more people quit their corporate jobs that they didn't truly love and followed their dreams to open a successful cage-free dog kennel (or whatever else they'd really like to do), the world would be a much better place.  Sonja took a big risk to do something she believed in and was passionate about -- and something great happened as a result.

Link to Sonja Kramers article in the Asheville Citizen-Times.

Link to Obituary and Guest Book at Groce Funeral Home.

Link to A Short List of Virtues -- thoughts on Sonja's way of living.

Services and additional information from Groce Funeral Home : Funeral Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m., St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Arden; interment 2 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville. A second celebration of her life is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Sunday at her business, Happy Tails Country Club on Cane Creek Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sonja Kramers Fund to benefit Young Life, c/o Matt Sloan, 199-A Elkwood Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804.

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photo: Citizen-Times

A New York Panhandler and a Durham Biochemist

"At first glance, he looks like a Barney’s-outfitted Wall Streeter scooting among the traffic in Queensboro Plaza in Long Island City. At least until you realize that the man wearing the suit and tie has a crumpled cardboard cup in his hand is proffering it to drivers either entering or leaving the bridge.

"That’s no exec. That’s Baker Howard, who calls himself the best-dressed panhandler in New York...

"He said his daughter is a biochemist in [Durham] North Carolina and his son works in Los Angeles but that, “I ask for nothing from my children.”"

From Hey Buddy, Can You Spare Some Cuff Links? by Corey Kilgannon in the New York Times City Room blog, 22 April.

The article just says "North Carolina" but on the video, Howard says "Durham, North Carolina."  The article also mentions that Howard is homeless despite holding both bachelor's and master's degrees. 

If you know his daughter, you might tell her about the article. 

And if you'd like to help the homeless in Durham, consider a gift to Urban Ministries of Durham, which needs $10,000 from new donors in April to earn a $25,000 matching grant.  Give online via Network for Good's Urban Ministries of Durham Page.

Job Opening - Development Director at Urban Ministries of Durham

Urban Ministries of Durham seeks an
Exceptional Development Director. 
Our current budget is just over $1MM. 
Our goals are even bigger.
That’s why we need someone great.

The Opportunity

Homelessness. Hunger. Substance Abuse. Poverty. We confront these challenges every day. Can you help us fuel our efforts – as we work to improve the lives of our brothers and sisters in need?

Our work isn’t easy. Every day, we provide shelter to ~110 people, and serve more than ~500 meals. We have a substance abuse recovery program that opens the door to great successes, but that takes immense effort. Our food pantry and clothing closet serve ,more than 450 people every month. And much more work needs to be done.

In the words of one of our Board members, “we could double our spending and still use every penny on the essentials.”

We know that the money is out there. We just need to help people decide that they want to put it to work through Urban Ministries of Durham.

The Ideal Candidate

What are we looking for in our next Development Director?  Here are the essentials:

• Compassion – You believe in the dignity of each person. You work in a way that respects and increases the dignity of our clients, donors, volunteers, and staff.

• Commitment to Results – You set goals you believe in, and you find a way to meet them.  You create good outcomes even when the path is not easy.

• Leadership – For corporate and individual gifts, you lead by example and by teaching. Sometimes you make the Ask. Other times, you help the executive director (or a board member, or another volunteer) make the best Ask they can. With your leadership, the team gets stronger every year.

• Organization and Follow-through - You are a self-starter who sets and implements solid work-plans. For annual giving and for foundation or government grants, you work with your team of volunteers and colleagues to create professional and timely requests that turn into reliable funding streams. And you make sure we deliver the very best “Thank You”.

• Strength and Spirit – you make principled decisions based on shared organizational values.   You inspire confidence among donors and colleagues.

Why Work with Urban Ministries of Durham?

Here are some reasons we might be the right place for you to do your good work:

• Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD) has a strong reputation built on nearly 25 years of service. Our programs improve every year.

• We partner closely with City and County government, religious organizations, and the private sector. We are a faith-based organization whose services are primarily secular.

• We have a diverse set of funding sources. Individuals, congregations, corporations, government grants, and foundation grants fuel our work. We are not over-reliant on any one funder, and many of our funders have supported us over many years.

• While it won’t be easy to meet and grow our budget every year, we know it can be done. Durham has the resources we need to rebuild lives and to strengthen our community. We have some great development volunteers who are ready to receive your quality guidance.

• Durham is a vibrant and growing community. Our downtown neighborhood is in the midst of incredible new development and urban renewal.

Much more about us is online at www.umdurham.org
                      

Professional Qualifications

We recognize that successful development directors come in different shapes and sizes, and that they come from different paths. That said, we have a list of likely characteristics:

Proven success in several of the following:
• Fundraising for $1MM+ budgets
• Annual Fund campaigns
• Major Gift campaigns (with responsibility for some fraction of Asks)
• Foundation and government grant writing
• Corporate giving requests.

Proven competence with several of the following:
• Leading and teaching other development committee staff and volunteers
• Database management (Sage Fundraising 50, MS Access)
• Public relations and marketing
• Event planning

Candidates with strong connections within the Durham community are particularly encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Please send resume and letter of interest no later than May 20 to:
   UMD Search Committee
   c/o Phil Marsosudiro
   UMD.search + gmail + com

Five Points Cafe is Open!

I had a nice lunch there with Claire from The Crone Report.*

And I asked the owner, Steven Matherly, what he'd like us to share with you:

• We're open!
• Breakfast opens at 7, and deli sandwiches and the like for lunch ($7 or $7.50 for a nice-sized sandwich, fancy chips plus a fountain drink.)
• The plan for evenings: "downtown Durham's dessert destination."  Current desserts are provided by "The Cake Lady", Mrs. Lott (see pics below), who rents kitchen space at the Cafe, and also from Sweet Jane's and Guglhopf.
• In Phases 2 and 3, the cafe will add international dry goods (chick peas, arborio rice, etc. etc.), fresh vegetables, staples like milk and such, soon followed by sliced deli meats, fresh fish on ice, and eventually...
• ...Wine with a focus on affordable bottles, with many from South America.

Best of luck to Steven on his expansion into what I hope he'll eventually call "Five Points Cafe & Market" or some other name that suggests shopping and not just eating.  Downtown Durham would love such a spot.  A small, sustainable version of what Fowler's had hoped to be.  A place for downtown residents and workers to pick up their evening's dinner groceries.  You know, like they were living in a "City".

Here's a pic of Mrs. Lott (in hat) and other friendly folks:

Among her offers at the Cafe: pound cake, sweet potato pie, and a coconut cake of some kind.  Below, ~1/3rd of a serving her very dense and not-to-sweet bread pudding.  A monster-sized slab** goes for $2.85, which is a bargain for the amount of food and flavor you'll get.

Five Points Cafe
347 W. Main St.
Durham NC 27701

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* DurhamFood of CookingEatingDurham came in just after we did, but was gracious enough to let me call blog dibs on "we were there first!"  (I'm sure he could have gotten to his computer faster than I, had he wanted to.)  And Claire was double-gracious enough to let me blog first -- extra nice since she picked up the tab. 

Related: I never knew that I had a competitive personality until ~10 years ago when a few people pointed it out.  Damn.  Oh well.  But since it's out now, I'll say it:  "We win, we win, we win!" 

N&O Coverage of Durham -- My Comment and the N&O Editor's Response

I recently sent a frustrated comment to the News & Observer regarding their seeming "Most everything in Durham is crime" coverage.  See below for my comment, and for the reply from the N&O's Durham editor, Rob Waters (who graciously gave me permission to publish his response).

My comment (27 March, 8:45 p.m.):

Subj: Is there nothing else to report about in Durham?

12 out of 15 articles in today's N&O "Durham" link are about crime (see below)*. I'm not denying that most of the 12 are in some form newsworthy. But is there nothing else happening in Durham that might be MORE newsworthy than at least half of these? Would your readers not find it interesting or useful to read about more things than an 80% roster of crime-related happenings?

I'm a Hillsborough resident who spends a lot of time in Durham. And I'm finding the N&O less and less useful at telling me about what might be happening in my second city.

News & Observer Durham Editor Rob Waters's response (28 Mar, 10:30 a.m.):

From: rwaters [mailto:rwaters@newsobserv...

Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 10:23 AM
To: phil@marsosudi....
Cc: metroeds; Eric Frederick
Subject: Re: Contact Newsroom: Is there nothing else to report about in Durham?

Mr. Marsosudiro,

We report plenty of news other than crime in Durham, but sometimes our Web site makes it seem otherwise.

The snapshot you provided was from early last evening, before we posted our stories that are in today's print edition. Below is a snapshot from this morning, that contains a bit more of a mix.

As the day progresses, our Web site is programmed to list the most recent postings first. Some of them are fairly trivial, and more than a few of them are simply announcements from the city or county government or the Durham PD — information these public entities would like to have out there — and we're just passing it along. A lot of days, the posting of these minor news items (many of which are about crime) has the effect of displacing some of our more comprehensively reported stories. It's an imperfect system, and we're continually trying to tweak it to make it more useful.

The other thing you should know if you're interested in news from Durham is that much of our news-gathering energy is focused on the weekly Durham News, which comes out Saturday and is distributed free to about 70,000 households in Durham County (but not to Hillsborough). You can find that online by poking around the regular N&O site for awhile, or you can go to it directly here:
http://www.thedurhamnews.com/
A fresh weekly batch of stories (none of them about crime) will be posted there early tomorrow morning.

Our Durham staff also maintains a blog. We have busy days and slow days, but generally we post a dozen or more times a week here:
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/bullseye/

Thanks for writing,

Rob Waters
Durham editor, The News & Observer
Editor, The Durham News
Durham, NC
919 956-2431

----------------------------------------------
(FRIDAY A.M. SNAPSHOT)
Durham police report 'suspicious death'
Durham police this morning are investigating "a suspicious death" of a man at Bay Creek Apartments, 1309 Hudson Ave.
Updated: Mar. 28, 2008 7:26 AM | Full story

Durham police get new deputy chief
Triangle Briefs: A new deputy chief will be among 24 Durham Police Department employees promoted at a ceremony tonight.
Updated: Mar. 28, 2008 3:21 AM | Full story

Schools might ask for more
School officials could ask county commissioners for a $7.4 million increase in their local budget for next year, according to a draft proposal that debuted at a school board meeting Thursday.
Updated: Mar. 28, 2008 3:21 AM | Full story

Teen with a record gunned down on Durham street
John Fitzpatrick Jr. saw Sean Kali Buwe as more than just a defendant he represented in court. He wanted to help change the 18-year-old for the better.
Updated: Mar. 28, 2008 3:21 AM | Full story

Used adult bikes wanted
They will be sent to Costa Rica.
Updated: Mar. 28, 2008 3:21 AM | Full story

Durham police wrap up internal cases
Internal investigations into the actions of three Durham police officers, including one who shot and killed a teenager, have been completed, but the public may never know whether the department thought the officers acted appropriately.
Updated: Mar. 28, 2008 3:21 AM | Full story

Durham police chided for marijuana case
A prosecutor has tossed out marijuana trafficking charges against a Duke University student, prompting criticism from a defense lawyer that police are doing their business backward.
Updated: Mar. 27, 2008 5:28 AM | Full story

County is collecting hygiene items
Triangle Briefs:Several county agencies and volunteers are leading a drive to gather donations of personal hygiene supplies for middle schoolers.
Updated: Mar. 28, 2008 7:37 AM | Full story
Suspect in break-in surrenders to police

Triangle Briefs: A man wanted in connection with a break-in at a home on North Roxboro Street on March 12 turned himself in to authorities Wednesday.
Updated: Mar. 27, 2008 2:24 AM | Full story

Durham sets session on probation
Failure to keep up with two now accused of murder prompts crime Cabinet meeting.
Updated: Mar. 27, 2008 2:24 AM | Full story
Man fatally shot on Durham sidewalk

Durham police officers are investigating a homicide after a man was found fatally wounded on a sidewalk Wednesday night.
Updated: Mar. 27, 2008 2:23 AM | Full story
3 shootings, 3 deaths, 3 autopsies

Triangle Briefs: Recently released autopsy reports detail how three men who died late last year were killed, including one who died from police bullets.
Updated: Mar. 26, 2008 3:02 AM | Full story

Man collapsed, died after fight
Frank Carver Jr. of Durham was talking with police after the affray when he fell ill.
Updated: Mar. 25, 2008 2:44 AM | Full story

First there's 'smoke,' then ATM is swiped
Triangle Briefs: A tall man apparently led a Durham motel clerk astray with a false report of smoke in the building, then wheeled the motel's ATM into his waiting pickup truck, police said.
Updated: Mar. 25, 2008 2:43 AM | Full story

Durham trial opens window on police work, gangs
A murder trial set to begin today in Durham offers a glimpse into how young people can be drawn into gang life in this city.
Updated: Mar. 24, 2008 8:22 AM | Full story

---------------------------------
Stories from The Durham News:

Downtown boom bypassing civic center
City debates spending $6 million on upgrades.

Mold-free building wows crowd
Adolescents surged through the doors of Durham School of the Arts in February to see new building.

Prayer vigil scheduled for slain Duke grad student
Abhijit Mahato was fatally shot Jan. 18.

Pitch made for city-funded neighborhood liaison
Advocate would cut through bureaucracy, some claim, but others say it's unnecessary.
More stories...
Special Advertising Section

2008 Summer Options - Durham/Orange County
For School-Age Children and Teens

---------------------------

*here was the previous evening's list that I was complaining about:

Durham police chided for marijuana case
A prosecutor has tossed out marijuana trafficking charges against a Duke University student, prompting criticism from a defense lawyer that police are doing their business backward.
Updated: Mar. 27, 2008 5:28 AM | Full story

County is collecting hygiene items
Triangle Briefs: Several county agencies and volunteers are leading a drive to gather donations of personal hygiene supplies for middle schoolers.
Updated: Mar. 27, 2008 4:52 PM | Full story
Suspect in break-in surrenders to police

Triangle Briefs: A man wanted in connection with a break-in at a home on North Roxboro Street on March 12 turned himself in to authorities Wednesday.
Updated: Mar. 27, 2008 2:24 AM | Full story

Durham sets session on probation
Failure to keep up with two now accused of murder prompts crime Cabinet meeting.
Updated: Mar. 27, 2008 2:24 AM | Full story

Man fatally shot on Durham sidewalk
Durham police officers are investigating a homicide after a man was found fatally wounded on a sidewalk Wednesday night.
Updated: Mar. 27, 2008 2:23 AM | Full story

3 shootings, 3 deaths, 3 autopsies
Triangle Briefs: Recently released autopsy reports detail how three men who died late last year were killed, including one who died from police bullets.
Updated: Mar. 26, 2008 3:02 AM | Full story

Man collapsed, died after fight
Frank Carver Jr. of Durham was talking with police after the affray when he fell ill.
Updated: Mar. 25, 2008 2:44 AM | Full story
First there's 'smoke,' then ATM is swiped

Triangle Briefs: A tall man apparently led a Durham motel clerk astray with a false report of smoke in the building, then wheeled the motel's ATM into his waiting pickup truck, police said.
Updated: Mar. 25, 2008 2:43 AM | Full story

Durham trial opens window on police work, gangs
A murder trial set to begin today in Durham offers a glimpse into how young people can be drawn into gang life in this city.
Updated: Mar. 24, 2008 8:22 AM | Full story

Boy's death in pool is ruled an accident
Triangle Briefs:The death of a 6-year-old boy in an abandoned pool near Durham has been ruled an accident.
Updated: Mar. 20, 2008 2:42 AM | Full story

Autopsy shows man riddled with bullets
Victim attacked in car on N.C. 98.
Updated: Mar. 20, 2008 2:42 AM | Full story

Durham convict is granted a new trial
Triangle Briefs: The N.C. Court of Appeals granted a new trial Tuesday to a Durham man convicted of assault because a prosecutor failed to provide adequate explanations for dismissing potential jurors who were African-American.
Updated: Mar. 20, 2008 2:42 AM | Full story

Gubernatorial forum set at Duke
Triangle Briefs: Duke University will host a forum from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday for gubernatorial candidates on "The Future of Water in North Carolina."
Updated: Mar. 20, 2008 2:42 AM | Full story

Suspects sought in trailer break-in
Triangle Briefs: Investigators are looking for the people who entered a business parking lot at 5420 Chapel Hill Road about 11:30 p.m. Feb. 12, broke into a trailer, stole about $6,000 worth of tools and fled in a white Ford F-250 crew-cab truck.
Updated: Mar. 19, 2008 2:42 AM | Full story

Suspect who fled police is sought
Triangle Briefs: Police are trying to locate Walter Chavis IV, who is wanted on weapons and drug charges.
Updated: Mar. 19, 2008 2:42 AM | Full story

First Annual Downtown Durham Conference -- March 31 at Duke

This will probably be a fine conference (see below for details from the Duke Real Estate Club), but I hope that whoever did the posters isn't hoping for a job with Greenfire.  See alternate spelling of "Lemanski", highlighted above.*

March 31, 2008 -- 1st Annual Downtown Durham Conference -- http://www.DurhamConference.com

The purpose of the Downtown Durham Conference is to foster awareness of the revitalization of downtown Durham. The conference will feature a panel of city leaders, Duke University officials, and real estate developers involved with downtown Durham. The panel discussion will focus on the collaboration of the city, developers, and Duke to rebuild downtown.

The panel will include: 

• Bill Kalkohf, President of Downtown Durham Inc.
• Michael Lemanski, Managing Partner of Greenfire Development
• Andy Rothschild, President of Scientific Properties
• Patrick Baker, Durham City Manager
• Mike Woodard, Durham City Councilman
• Scott Selig, Associate Vice President of Capital Assets at Duke
• Dr. Phail Wynn, Vice President of Durham and Regional Affairs at Duke

The conference will consist of a panel discussion from 7-9 PM followed by a reception. The event will be located at the Love Auditorium, Duke University West Campus. Free parking will be available at the Bryan Center Parking Lot.

--------------

*Hooray that they fixed it on the website.  If these folks learn anything in B-school, it's that you need to double-check important documents before they go out...  I won't ask why they put a poster with tear-off strips inside the window of a locked office. 

Thinking back, I can't remember the last time I made a poster with tear-off strips.  What was I selling?  What was I trying to get someone to do?  I'll be happy to never do another.  It's too easy to make mistakes that earn heckling :-)

"'Rescued' from Tibet" at Kelly's

A timely and informative post from Kelly:  "Rescued" from Tibet.  <-- click for full article.  Photo and excerpt, below:

According to the Chinese English language newspaper China Daily, I was along with almost 600 other tourists "rescued" from Tibet on Saturday. Forced out is more accurate description. We were given one option: leave Tibet.

By the time we woke on Saturday AM, the Chinese military was well on its way to imposing martial law. The roads were blocked. Our Tibetan guide and our driver were unable to reach us at our hotel. We were told not to leave the hotel under any circumstances because it was unsafe. I didn't feel unsafe. I could see out the window of my hotel some military and local Chinese people standing around smoking cigarettes.

Brave of her to take the photo, if you ask me.

Candlelight Peace Vigil on the 5th Anniversary of This War in Iraq -- Wed, 7 to 8, Brightleaf Corner

On behalf of the Durham Friends Meeting:

The Peace and Social Concerns Committee of the Durham Friends Meeting invite members of the Durham community and beyond to join together for a candlelight vigil on the 5th anniversary of the war in Iraq. Wednesday, March 19, 2008 7:00-8:00PM at Brightleaf Square on the corner of Main and Gregson Streets in Durham.  Names of some of the many who have lost their lives will be read.  Bring candles.  For more information contact: Nikki Vangsnes 699-8207 or Karen Stewart.

Candlelight Vigil for Peace on the 5th Anniversary of the War in Iraq
Wednesday, March 19, 7:00-8:00PM 
Brightleaf Square 
Corner of Gregson and Main 
Durham, NC

       Wednesday, March 19, 2008 marks the fifth anniversary of the US-led war in Iraq. One month prior to the invasion in March 2003, the Durham Friend Meeting approved the following minute. Quakers were against the war then and stand against it still.  We grieve the loss of each of the nearly 4000 soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqis whose lives have been lost.  We mourn for the many more who have been wounded physically, emotionally and spiritually and whose suffering continues.

       "With regard to our nation's insistence on seeking military solutions, Durham Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) holds firm that only a nonviolent response, grounded in spiritual truth and love disarms fear and terror.  The basis of our commitment is our belief in the presence of that of God in every living person.  Global security rests on the development of collaborative and just relations with peoples and nations around the world and at home.  We, as Quakers are called to witness again to the continuing power of God's love in our violent and suffering world and to work for peace, reconciliation and justice for all in the human family." approved 2/9/03

       The human and fiscal costs of the war continue at a staggering rate.  US taxpayers spent over a trillion dollars on the first four years of the war, and are currently spending at a rate of $750 million dollars a day.  The American Friends Service Committee, estimates that just one day of spending on the Iraq war could have supported 95,364 Head Start places for children, 12,478 elementary school teachers, 163,525 people with health care or 34,904 four year college scholarships or provided 6,482 families with homes. http://www.afsc.org/

       Please join us on Wednesday, March 19th at 7:00PM.

Peace and Social Concerns Committee
Durham Monthly Meeting

"Durham - A Self-Portrait" Saturday in RALEIGH

Durham - A Self-Portrait <-works best in IE.

• 8 March, Saturday, 2 p.m. NC Museum of History, Raleigh
• 30 March, 12:45 and 4:45, NC Triangle Jewish Film Festival, Galaxy Theatre, Cary
• 11 April, 7:30 p.m. Durham Arts Council

DVDs available for purchase or as a premium for $30+ donations.

Shout out to Raleigh blogger RDUWTF.com for the info.

---------

Rumor has it that I appear for a second or two in the back of one shot.

Fidel, Such Timing!

From the AP:

HAVANA - An ailing, 81-year-old Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president Tuesday after nearly a half-century in power, saying he will not accept a new term when parliament meets Sunday.

Ah, for the love of Pete -- I'm going to Cuba on Sunday and he frickin' resigns just before I get there.  It looks like I won't be able to say I visited Cuba under Fidel.  Technically, anyway.  Dang. 

Full Castro article here at Yahoo.

Photo yoinked from The Onion with a clickworthy caption.

Sarah Susanka - Not So Big House / Life Author Speaks in Raleigh Tonight

**** News Alert via Triangle Emerging Green Builders ***

Sarah Susanka (author of the The Not So Big House & Not So Big Life)
will be speaking in Raleigh tonight (Tuesday, February 19, 2008
7:00pm. Details below and on web site,
http://www.notsobiglife.com/appearances/index.html

The Longview Center - the 1880 Hall
Sponsored by Unity Church of the Triangle
Sarah Susanka's "Not So Big Life"
118 S. Person Street
Raleigh NC
Telephone: (919) 832-8324
Open to Public: Limited Seating, first-come basis
For more information, see Long View Center

http://www.notsobiglife.com/appearances/index.html

Suzanne S. Lessler -- 8 Feb 2008

A tremendous loss for all of us.  Please join me in holding her family in the Light: husband Brad and their three young daughters.

Obituary notice from 13 February:

Suzanne Catherine Stephens Lessler, 44 of Chapel Hill, passed from this life into the eternal on February 8, 2008. Suzanne has been the loving wife of Brad Alan Lessler since June, 1992 and the devoted mother of Allena Suzanne (11), Rebecca Addison (9), and Sofia Grace (5).

The fifth daughter of John Francis Stephens (departed) and Mary Ann Tomlinson Stephens Grimes of Lexington, North Carolina, Suzanne was born October 28, 1963 in White Plains, NY. Suzanne moved to Lexington, NC with her family, where she attended Lexington Senior High. Suzanne graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a Physical Therapist at Duke University Medical Center since 1993. Suzanne loved water sports, traveling, gardening, skiing, cycling and making special memories with her family and friends. Suzanne is the treasured sister of Marilyn Stephens Edwards, Virginia Stephens Baker, Elizabeth Stephens Visnic, and Louise Stephens Cain.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Eno River Unitarian Fellowship in Durham. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Heifer International or Water Partners International.  Arrangements are under the care of Griffin Funeral Service of Pittsboro.

Happy Birthday, Dorknose

Dave is 40!  In the 24 years since we first roomed together, I don't recall ever throwing him a party.  Today the tradition continues, though I might buy him a beer or something when he visits Mexico in February.

Above: a pic from November with Dave and his ass-kicking chicken cooked in a clay pot.  I don't think he included much more than a chicken, some vegetables and seasoning (and some sausages), but it came out perfectly.  Growing up as I did with dried out flavorless chicken as a regular dinnertime feature, it was a revelation to discover that home-cooked chicken could be as fall-apart moist as this one was.  Way to go, Davebutt!  I hope you have a good dinner today, too.

Opening and Re-Opening Plans at Nikos, Gatsby's and Sinuses

Taverna Nikos has again announced a new re-opening date (black ink, above) but as you can see, someone snarky has added a revision (in red ink, above).  I snapped this photo last week.  The good news is that someone (presumably from the restaurant) has wiped out the "2010".  Which means, at least, that some action is happening behind those doors.

Gatsby's on Main St. (at the former Bread & Kabob location) now has stuff in the building and one of the owners told me today that they plan to open the 2nd week in February.

-----------

As for me, my sinuses are improving but still (like Nikos and Gatsby's) not yet fully "open".  I'm glad that I didn't hop on an airplane today.  I'm about to try an Ayr nasal rinse but not a Neti pot.

Foundation for a Sustainable Community at Spice Street tonight for Emerging Green Builders

From the Triangle Emerging Green Builders -- a cool program tonight:

REMINDER - **EGB DECEMBER GREEN DRINKS** - TODAY

Join us at Spice Street for a cold beverage and a short dialogue on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber's Foundation for a Sustainable Community.

THERE WILL BE GREEN DRINKS SPECIALS FOR ALL ATTENDEES!!

Date : Tuesday, Dec. 18th
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Location: Spice Street, 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill
For directions, please visit their website at: www.ghgrestaurants.com/spice/spicestreet.html

Speaker: Foundation for a Sustainable Community 

The mission of the Foundation for a Sustainable Community is to invest business and community resources to promote and advance the triple bottom line of community sustainability: environmental stewardship, social equity and economic prosperity.

The Foundation's programs are focused on sustaining the environment, building relationships in the community, providing affordable housing, supporting local schools, amplifying community leadership skills and generating economic prosperity. Some of these programs include:

Community Leadership Collaboration
Institute for Sustainable Development
Workforce Housing Partnership
Business in Education Partnership
Leadership Chapel Hill-Carrboro
Sustainable Enterprise Certification

There will be a 15 minute discussion and then we will commence with our usual networking and socializing.
Come join us for a cold beverage and networking with other green-minded people!

Hell Changes Owners but the Chairman is still the Chairman

Mark on the bar at Hell -- photo by Primo,
yoinked from Dave Thomas's Fistful of Plooble.

Mark Dorosin and Bronwyn Merritt, former Duke undergrad celebrities (Mark of "Cyrus X" fame and Bronwyn of the Duke Film Society) have sold their interest in Hell, the Chapel Hill bar/club that they opened in 1997.  I used to have an office next door and spent way too much time in that great place: the bar for people who didn't have a bar; home to dogs, foosball playing lesbians, skinheads to hug, disaffected civil rights lawyers, thirty-something musicians, politicians, and scenesters.

Mark's announcement email, below.

Subject: Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated...

Reports of my retirement however, are well taken.

As some of you may have heard, Bronwyn and I have, after 10 1/2 glorious, dank-laden years, sold our interest in that cruel but tempting mistress we call Hell.  It has been a fabulous and wild ride, and we want to thank all of you whose friendship, love, loyalty, dedication, appreciation and dipsomania made the bar such a great success, and the time we spent there so meaningful.  Without your support, counsel, good humor, and indulgence, neither of us could have hung in as long as we did, nor would we have wanted to.  We met many of you through the bar, and for that, we will always cherish the time we spent there.  The same cannot be said for the cirrhosis or the lingering effects of the second-hand smoke.

The bar itself will continue as Hell and remains in good hands and with all of the current staff you know and love.  Please continue to drink, dance and enjoy the increasingly intense live music schedule.  I will still be hosting Trivia on Thursday nights, and promise to be as low-brow, esoteric, rude, and shamelessly self-promoting as ever.  Krusty has set a high bar, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp.  "Hey-hey." You will undoubtedly find me there other times, nursing a PBL in the corner, muttering about socialism, and plotting my next scheme.

Speaking of next schemes and shameless self-promotion, we'll not lay low too long.  In April we will be producing a new trilogy of short plays at the Artscenter--"Assininenation: A Comic Perspective of Presidential Tragedy." We'll be looking for performers and of course, insist you all come out and laugh your collective ass off.

Emerson wrote that, among other things, "to laugh often and much" is to have succeeded. Looking back at the last 10 1/2 years, I am sure he was right.

We love you all, but are only in love with some you.

xoxoxox,

Mark & Bronwyn

Restaurant Starlu Closing Dec 22

Sad news.  Restaurant Starlu is closing.
Good news.  Sam Poley is planning something new for soon.  It won't surprise me if the new thing is just as good, food wise, and perhaps even more fun (and smaller) and fully sustainable as a business.

See below for the nice letter from Sam that went out today (pix in margin from me).  Of note, his appeal for folks to hire his staff.

Oh, and one of my fave Starlu posts, with pix.

-------

To our friends and guests,

 

The anatomy of goodbye is complicated by emotion.  First, there is the news that you are going away; then the explanation and the questions about why; and lastly there is the departure and all its inherent finality.

 

It is with great sadness that I share with you all that December 22 will be our last day to serve you.  We have truly enjoyed the opportunity, but we can no longer sustain the effects of factors we cannot control.  There are no fingers to point and there are myriad contributing components to this decision.  Just know that Stephanie & I and everyone involved including our staff, property management and building ownership have done everything we can think of to avoid this outcome.  At some point though, no matter how great the highlights, you need to realize that there needs to be a solid foundation of routine business that simply is not coming in our door.

 

We will be open over the next few weeks and hope that you will visit over that time so that we can say thank you in person.  For us, this is more than the dissolution of a business; this is the disassembly of a sort of family and such things need closure.  We look forward to have the final laugh, smile and chat with each of you.

 

We want to go out with the same grace with which we entered - we do not want to be the place that suddenly went dark with no explanation.  Help us, if you will, use these last weeks to accomplish that goal.

 

In conjunction with our melancholy, we'd like to share with you the joy of remembering our successes.  In our 3+ years in business we:

• helped raise over $43,000 for charity through our Bottles of Change program,
• bought holiday gifts for children living under the auspices of Children's Home Society,
• raised awareness of dozens of great organizations doing wonderful work in Durham and beyond,
• received numerous accolades generated by our diners attesting to their appreciation of what we do,
• and had the pleasure of getting to know so many wonderful people.

As a business owner I enjoy as friends the people I am fortunate enough to work with, and I care deeply about their futures.  So I say the following with all seriousness - please hire my staff.  These are good and capable folks who do a great job in a professional manner.  If you have, or know of any, positions available that would be suitable then please let me know so I can share this information with them.

 

There are two practical matters that need addressing.  First, we will be liquidating our wine inventory.  If you have an interest then please let me know at [email protected] and I'll be glad to discuss this with you.  Second is gift certificates.  As the old saying goes, "Smoke 'em if ya got 'em," or, put otherwise, us them now.

 

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you.  We could not have done it without you and we hope to do it again - soon.  We'll be back, and when we are, we hope you'll join us then as well.

 

I'd like to leave you all with a closing thought taken from the obituary of a customer we deeply miss:

"Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings.  Only one thing endures, and that is character." - Horace Greely

 

Honestly, thanks for the memories and we hope to see you soon.

 

Sincerely,

Sam

 

Starlu is located at:

3211 Shannon Road
Suite 106 Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 919.489.1500
Fax: 919.489.6390

House/PetSitter Available Nov 30 to ~Jan 10 (Me!)

Durham/Orange-loving Housesitter
– available Nov 30 to Jan 10

Need someone to mind your house, plants, cats, and such?

I’m a long-time Durham resident who has taken up house- sitting as a way of life: good for simplicity, curiosity, economy, and the environment. I currently have an open six weeks between Nov 30 and ~Jan 10 and would love to fill these weeks with a sitting gig or gigs in Durham or Orange County. 

Multi-week stays are best but I can consider shorter stays as schedule permits. I’m happy to take care of indoor plants, cats of any sort and other modest needs for no fee. 

For more intensive tasks (e.g., outdoor plants or lawn care, 3+ pets, indoor-outdoor dogs, etc.), we can negotiate a modest fee. Unfortunately, my schedule does not allow for dogs that require walking.  Dogs with dog-doors and yards are fine.

Sound useful?  Contact me, Phil Marsosudiro via email or 919/491.4530.  References available.

Triangle Emerging Green Builders -- Bull City Biofuels Tour

Join the Triangle Chapter Emerging Green Builders as we discuss alternative fuels and tour the Bull City Biodiesel facility!

Where:    Bull City, 1404 Angier Ave., Durham NC

When:      November 14th, 2007 @ 6pm

We hope to see you soon!

Readers might be interested in the Triangle Emerging Green Builders, which: "encourages the integration of students and recent graduates into the Triangle Chapter, encouraging participation and involvement. EGBers develop valuable relationships in the field while established professionals benefit from the energy and enthusiasm of the next generation of green building leaders.  EGB initiatives include lectures, community outreach, LEED Study Groups, green program university development, networking, and more!"

The Triangle EGB is sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council.

 

New Hope For Durham Calls for Moratorium on Development

Kevin at Bull City Rising has a post today on (among other things) New Hope for Durham's call for a moratorium on development. 

New Hope for Durham's spokesperson Claire Jentsch (who has published a previous letter on Durham zoning at the Archer Pelican) asked me to publish their letter on the moratorium, which I'm including here.  As always, opinions expressed are of the writer, not the Archer Pelican:

Moratorium on Development

On Monday, November 19, at 7 p.m. the Durham City Council has the opportunity to approve or deny a Rezoning Request (Z06-64) to build 308 multi-use residential units off Garrett Road. Our group, [email protected], is concerned about current and future traffic, pollution, road, and water and school problems due to careless development. Development is obviously degrading our welfare and environment.

Yes, Plan Designs stay within legal guidelines. But a Development does not exist entirely unto itself: It is a piece of the overall Plan for a Collective Good. It needs to be an asset, not a detriment, to the Community. The addition of students to our overcrowded schools, the increase in the number of cars, the widening of roads, the spread of impervious surfaces, the continued pollution of Jordan Lake and the raising of taxes should be given serious attention before a Proposal for yet more construction is considered acceptable.

We are hoping that citizens will attend this Meeting in order to show our elected officials that Development is not a Natural Disaster – it is a Man-made Disaster that can be controlled. Please come on November 19 to City Hall so a Moratorium on Development can begin.

Claire F. Jentsch
Durham, NC 27705

"Adopt Me, Please"

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you're probably a regular reader of the Independent Weekly.  And if you read the Indy, I suspect you've seen the great pet adoption ads run by the Independent Animal Rescue.  Here's a current ad for "Annie" from IAR's website:

Annie is a playful girl who loves affection. She enjoys going for runs with her foster parents, chasing her ball, chewing on a bone, and snuggling with humans. Her favorite part of the day is her afternoon ride in the car where she sits politely in the back seat and enjoys the view. She is truly a pack animal and wants to be surrounded by loving humans, as well as other dogs, as much as possible. She loves to curl up for a nap with the pugs in her foster home. Her house training is coming along very well. To prevent accidents, Annie is crated when her foster parents are not at home. Annie wants to become a member of a family that has lots of love and attention to give her.

Annie was found by a volunteer, and though it appears she has been a street girl most of her life, she came right to volunteers with no signs of fear or aggression. She was hungry, tired, and eaten up by fleas, but immediately rolled on her back, wanting her belly scratched and giving lots of kisses. This special girl was even rated a "Gold Star Puppy" by our IAR trainer for her wonderful temperament.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you're probably not a regular reader of The Triangle Tribune, "The Triangle's Choice for the Black Voice".  But if you saw last week's issue of The Triangle Tribune, you might have seen this adoption ad from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services:

Question (with no judgment implied): why doesn't the NC DHHS place adoption ads like this in the Independent Weekly?  According to the AdoptUSKids website sponsored by DHHS, there are 192 active "cases" of kids awaiting adoption in North Carolina.  My sense is that all of these are non-baby/toddler kids currently in foster care.

Shearon Harris: Does Energy Conservation = Water Conservation?

I just read in the N&O that Shearon Harris and the City of Durham use about the same amount of water each day: 33 million gallons per day for the power plant vs. 28 million gallons per day for the Durham water system.

So does this mean that conserving electricity is an immediate method of conserving water?  It's not clear to me.  Shearon Harris draws from Harris Lake, while Durham drinking water comes from Lake Michie Reservoir and the Little River Reservoir.  How tightly is Harris Lake's water supply tied to the other two?

Here's a primer on the hydrological cycle (how water moves around the planet).  Scroll ~3/4 down the page for a graphic showing how US household water consumption compares to other countries.  You won't be surprised.

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Photo: nrc.gov

"If It's Yellow, Let It Mellow..." - Water Conservation at Halloween

If it's yellow, let it mellow.  If it's brown, flush it down.

-- water conservation slogan that I first heard in the mid-80s.

Live it for Halloween:

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Toilet costume photo from JokesUnlimited.com, which will sell you that Halloween costume or many others.

Coalition to Unchain Dogs - Durham Benefit Concert October 13

The Coalition to Unchain Dogs will be holding a benefit concert on October 13, 2007 at Durham Central Park. For a $10 donation ($12 at the door), you will enjoy an autumn afternoon on the green grass of Durham Central Park as six wonderful acts fill your ears with music.

About the Coalition to Unchain Dogs (from their website):

Our three-tiered mission:    
1. Raise money and build fences for chained dogs in the community    
2. Provide support to and educate the community as to why chaining is cruel and dangerous and raise awareness of the physical, mental and emotional needs of dogs    
3. Advocate for the passing of laws that disallow or severely restrict the chaining of dogs

Editorial -- Z06-64 Zoning Plan

Editorial posted on behalf of a friend.  Opinions expressed are those of authors, not the Archer Pelican:

‘Orange’ you interested?

We of the Durham Watch ([email protected]) need your help and advice. 

On Monday, October 15, 2007, at 7p.m. the Durham City Council will vote on yet another Rezoning. 

We hope to convince the Council to postpone, or deny, the Proposal. We need lots and lots of people to show up wearing orange to prove to elected officials that we citizens demand sensible development – not urban sprawl and the curse that goes with it.

This particular Plan (Z06-64) embodies all the ills of careless land use.  Citizens will suffer:

1. ECONOMICALLY –housing Prices Drop as roads get very busy and schools get more overcrowded;  and read on
2. DANGEROUS ROADS-increased traffic on Hope Valley and Garrett add risks of accidents and lives; 15-501 is one of the most Dangerous in Durham;
3. POLLUTED WATER/ENVIRONMENT-Jordan Lake Reservoir is on list of “impaired waters” and Cape Fear Standards for Improving Jordan Lake Reservoir have not been passed yet;
4. MORE CROWDED SCHOOLS-The cost for each added child to a trailer is $20,000;
5. EXCESS # OF HOUSES-Our homes are a Big investment in the future and we want them to be prime;
6. LOSS OF HISTORICAL LANDMARK-The Old Garrett House is to be removed;
7. INCREASED TAXES-City of Durham estimates that cleaning up Jordan Lake could cost more than $1.2 billion over a 30 year period (and we’re planning add to the mess…).

Elections are in November so now is the time to set a PRECEDENT with rejection of a very poor Plan that disregards the needs of the community for now and for the future.  It could be the Landmark Decision that brings about some change… We are hoping you have suggestions as to how to contact many people and make a Petition perhaps.

Thank you, Claire F. Jentsch       Stan Bekowski    Helen Fischer

LocoPops 2nd Anniversary Party -- Sunday, Sep 30, 3-6

Locopops 2nd Anniversary Party

Sunday, September 30th
3 to 6 pm on the new CCB plaza in the heart of Downtown Durham!      

Music will be provided by the Ron Hunter Trio.

Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. 

Admission is free. 

Pops will be sold with all proceeds donated to Music Maker Relief International, a Durham-based international charity which assists musicians from the South meet basic living needs and gain recognition for their contributions to the Southern musical tradition.      

About Music Maker Relief International: "The Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. helps the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music gain recognition and meet their day to day needs. We present these musical traditions to the world so American culture will flourish and be preserved for future generations.   Our criterion for recipients is they be rooted in a Southern musical tradition, be 55 years or older and have an annual income less than $18,000.   Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. is a tax exempt, public charity under IRS code 501(c)3.   Programs       Musician Sustenance - grants to meet basic life needs and emergency relief.       Musical Development - grants and services for recipient artist professional development and career advancement.       Cultural Access - supports the preservation and proliferation of American musical traditions.       New Orleans Musician's Fund - assistance to musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina."

Durham City Council Zoning Decision Meeting -- Monday 15 October

JUST BE THERE

On Monday, October 15, 2007, the Durham City Council will decide on a Zoning Development Plan (Z06-64) that requests a 308 unit multi-family residential on Garrett Road.  As private citizens we want to gather many, many citizens to appear (wearing orange shirts) at City Hall that evening.  The presence of so many voters, constituents, will prove to the Council Members that citizens want a better Plan.

We are mainly concerned that the numerous impervious surfaces, of recent and future developments, damage creeks and streams and, of course, further pollute Jordan Lake.  Since EPA already lists the Lake as “impaired water” now is the time to challenge the course of  heedless construction – residential and commercial.   For much building is being done purposely without waiting for the passage of the Standards for Improving the Quality of the Jordan Lake Reservoir.

We realize that development  will occur.  Nevertheless, it should be committed to the community’s well being.  Endangering water, overcrowding schools and increasing traffic does not support  the needs of the environment and of  the public.   

Any suggestions or support is welcome.

Wear orange to the Meeting!  We can do this as often as we want to express our views and get results!

Contact - Claire Jentsch or Helen Fischer [email protected]

This editorial notice posted at the Archer Pelican on behalf of Claire Jentsch.  Views expressed are of the writers and not the Archer Pelican.

Durham Greenhouse Gas Action Plan -- Public Meeting, This Thursday

*** THURSDAY -- JUNE 21 ****

This just in, via the Triangle Green Builders listserv.

Greetings on behalf of the Durham City-County Environmental Affairs Board (EAB).

The EAB would like to remind you and the members of your organization to attend the public forum on Durham's proposed Greenhouse Gas Action Plan. 

The forum is the public’s opportunity to share their thoughts about and ideas on how to improve the proposed plan.  It is being held on Thursday, June 21, 2007, at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, located on the first floor of Durham City Hall. 

The draft plan can be found at www.durhamnc.gov/ghg and at local libraries.  Please share this with your members as well as with anyone else and encourage them to come to the forum.  Citizen input is vital for the draft plan to be effective.  Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the forum.

Kathleen Snyder Durham City - County Planning Department

Housesitter Available -- April 24 through May 30

Hi folks -- I'm available to housesit in the Triangle from April 24 through May 30.

Happy to manage mail, plants, and cats but not dogs.

Prefer week+ engagements.  Multi-week engagements best. 

Please feel free to forward!

Contact:  "phil .at. marsosudiro.com" or 919-491-4530.

Trader Joe's -- Hell Yeah, Baby!!!

I visited the new Trader Joe's in Cary last week, and it was hard to quit beaming the whole time I was there.  In my right hand, a bottle of $2.99 Sauvignon Blanc (perfectly decent), and in my left hand, two ~10 oz. logs of goat cheese, ~$3.95 each.  I was pretty psyched to have a "local" Trader Joe's for my springtime in Raleigh, but wow am I excited now that one is coming this fall to Eastgate in Chapel Hill!

See below for article from the Durham Herald-Sun.

And please, if you know anything bad about Trader Joe's' buying or hiring practices, please wait a week or so before you tell me.  I'm really enjoying this happiness thing.

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Trader Joe's is on the way to Eastgate
April 3, 2007   7:37 pm
by Neil Offen, Herald-Sun

CHAPEL HILL -- Trader Joe's, the eclectic, low-priced specialty grocery store, is coming to Chapel Hill.

The owner of the Eastgate shopping center, Federal Realty Investment Trust, confirmed Tuesday the long-rumored opening of the California-based chain at the former location of Earth Fare in the northeastern Chapel Hill shopping center.

Trader Joe's, known for its quirky selection of house brand products, will open a 13,000-square-foot store by the late fall, Federal Realty announced.

"Trader Joe's complements the unique merchandise mix and provides the residents of Chapel Hill more variety in their neighborhood shopping choices," said Chris Weilminster, Federal's senior vice president of leasing.

[End excerpt.  Full article here at the Herald-Sun.]

“Where Should I Go for Graduate School?” PhDs.org Has the Data for Deciding

“Where Should I Go for Graduate School?” PhDs.org Has the Data for Deciding

PhDs.org launches the Graduate School Guide(sm). Graduate students now have the tools needed to find potential career opportunities, and prospective graduates have the ability to select graduate programs based on their needs.

RALEIGH, NC (PRWeb) March 28, 2007 -- Thanks to funding provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Burroughs Welcome Fund through the Center for Science and Media, PhDs.org now provides the data and tools needed to find the best graduate programs and careers available. Based upon the needs of prospective graduate students, The Graduate School Guide(sm) provides free, custom rankings of potential career and educational opportunities for post graduates.

“Every graduate student is different,” says PhDs.org founder Geoff Davis, who earned his own Ph.D. in mathematics from New York University. “Other ranking systems assume that all graduate students are the same. In reality, some hope to become professors, whereas others want to work in industry or government. Some people may prefer to study in a small department that has a strong focus in one narrow area; others desire a large program with a broad range of research options. The unique benefit of the Graduate School Guide is that a student can use its ranking mechanism to select a program based on his or her educational priorities.”

The Graduate School Guide allows prospective students to query and weight various characteristics, such as placement rate at graduation, time required to earn a doctorate or percentage of women in the program. This customized ranking aid combines search flexibility with comprehensive and newly updated data from the U.S. National Science Foundation, the National Center for Education Statistics and the National Research Council. For the first time ever, users can rank programs based on post-graduation career outcomes as well as on other critical academic and demographic information.

“There's a black hole of ignorance among some students considering grad school,” says Sheila Curran, Fannie Mitchell Executive Director at the Duke University Career Center, “not because the data do not exist, but because the information is hard to find and evaluate. Too often, the result is that students make decisions based solely on general reputations, ones that may or may not be deserved.”

The Graduate School Guide includes comprehensive information for nearly 6,000 programs at 418 U.S. universities. The Guide is one of the first to incorporate the high standards of the 2006 Berlin Principles on Ranking of Higher Education Institutions, which call for radical improvements in data transparency, accuracy and other measures of validity and usefulness.

“Current ranking systems have serious flaws,” says Davis. “Rankings based solely on programs’ reputations are of questionable validity.  And students are seldom able to examine the data in a way that yields the answers they consider most important in choosing where to apply.”

With the help of PhDs.org’s Graduate School Guide, students considering graduate study can finally select graduate programs on the basis of accurate data drawn entirely from impartial sources, sifted and weighted to reflect each student’s individual needs.

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About PhDs.org and the Graduate School Guide(sm)

PhDs.org is a comprehensive web resource for graduate students, prospective graduate students, and recent graduates of doctoral programs.  Offerings at PhDs.org include the Graduate School Guide(sm), job listings for Ph.D.s, and an extensive collection of articles and advice on the graduate school and careers for Ph.D.s.

Dr. Geoff Davis created PhDs.org while a professor of mathematics at Dartmouth College. His current research is focused on graduate education and career options for students entering and emerging from Ph.D. programs. In 2005, Dr. Davis completed the most comprehensive survey to date of scientists in postdoctoral training in the US.

CONTACT:

Geoff Davis, Ph.D.
(919) 345-4731
[email protected]
http://graduate-school.phds.org

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Dork Fest 2 at the Broad Street Cafe, 3 Marh

DORK FEST 2
3 March 2007
Broad Street Cafe
1116 Broad Street
Durham NC 27705

With:
Véronique Diabolique
Gates of Beauty
& at least two or three more bands TBA.
$5
All Ages.

Clinic: (Women's) Basketball -- How it Works, How to Watch

How to Watch Women's Basketball
An Encore Clinic with Rob Clough
Broad Street Cafe, Durham
Saturday, 24 February, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Back by popular demand -- and this time for a full 90 minutes of any question you want to ask!  Last time was a blast.  Our instructor, Rob Clough, made it easy to ask questions from the basic ("what's a rebound?" to the profound ("what's the difference between women's basketball and men's basketball?")  Come to this one, even if you came to the last one.  Note that this clinic is one day ahead of the Duke vs. UNC women's rematch.

About the Clinic

In a season when Duke's men's basketball team is struggling because of its youth, the women have been ranked in the top five all year long.  The regular season is winding down with the big rematch between Duke and UNC looming on February 25th. Come out to the Broad Street Cafe on February 24th at 11:30 am to hear Rob Clough break down both teams, talk about the history of the Duke program, answer questions on women's basketball and basketball in general, and even go over some video.

Instructor Bio

Rob Clough has been writing about Duke women's basketball for the past twelve seasons and has seen them rise from obscurity to one of the top programs in the country.  He writes about ACC women's basketball for Full Court Press and collaborates with long-time friend & photographer Orin Day on dwhoops.com, the first and only website devoted only to full coverage of Duke women's basketball.

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pic from Duke University Sports