Officials looking to speed up passenger train routes from Charlotte to Atlanta

The very near future may see a time where Amtrak passengers could enjoy a trip from Charlotte to Atlanta on trains that go up to 100 mph, according to the Charlotte Observer.

"A federal study released this month found that officials could realistically develop service that travels between 90 and 110 mph without needing major changes to the existing rail corridor."

Currently, that route "has a top speed of 79 mph but still takes more than five hours to make a trip that takes less than four hours in a car.

"The preliminary study assumed there would be as many as nine stops between Charlotte and Atlanta, serving passengers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Gastonia, Spartanburg, S.C., Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Greenville, S.C., Clemson, S.C., Toccoa, Ga., Gainesville, Ga., and Atlanta. The study also looked at continuing rail service to Macon, Ga.

"Officials in the three states are now preparing to conduct a more detailed study to assess ridership potential and costs. ...

"The railway would not meet the definition of a 'high-speed' line, which is generally reserved for At 90 to 110 mph, the trains could share the same track as freight lines and would only need small changes such as sidings to allow the trains to pass. And David Foster, project manager for the corridor at the North Carolina Department of Transportation, said a train averaging 80 mph on curves and 110 mph on straightaways would offer good service.

" 'We are enamored with top speed,' Foster told the Observer. 'But we get more bang for our buck bringing curves up to 80 mph than running a short straightaway for 125 mph. If you could get an average speed of 90 mph with a couple of trains a day you'd be tickled to death.' ..."

The article does not mention what it would take to link Raleigh to this route via the Triad. I've gotta assume that option is being discussed; it would potentially provide a high-speed link all the way from Boston to NYC-Philly-Baltimore-D.C.-Richmond into Raleigh. Not a bad concept, but not sure what the reality is for its prospects. The economy is in disarray; however, the President has talked quite a bit about stimulus packages, much of which could go for infrastructure, including mass transit.

(Train photo from Amtrak.com; Southern Railway sign from Flickr)

Kay Yow (1942-2009)

RALEIGH (AP) | N.C. State’s Kay Yow, the Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach who won more than 700 games while earning fans with her decades-long fight against breast cancer, died on Saturday. She was 66. | ESPN.com

Yow coached the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team to a gold medal in 1988, won four ACC tournament championships, earned 20 NCAA tournament bids and reached the Final Four in 1998.

But for many fans, Yow was best defined by her unwavering resolve while fighting cancer, from raising awareness and money for research to staying with her team through the debilitating effects of the disease and chemotherapy treatments. In her final months, Yow was on hormonal therapy as the cancer spread to her liver and bones.

She never flinched or complained, relying on her faith as the disease progressed. She commonly noted there were other patients with “harder battles than I’m fighting” and said it was inspiring for her to stay with her team.

“Almost everybody is dealing with something,” Yow said in a 2006 interview.

Yow’s story touched players, fans | The News & Observer

Yow’s considerable efforts will live on | ESPN.com

ESPN videos: Remembering Yow | Yow’s Legacy

WRAL video: Yow: 38 years of coaching, inspiration

Halls of Fame: Basketball | N.C. Sports

Rest in peace, Coach Yow

From the N&O:

Kay Yow died this morning, cancer finally taking her from the game — and the players — she wouldn’t quit.

Yow, N.C. State University’s long-time women’s basketball coach and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, died after a second struggle with breast cancer. She was 66.

New eats

The fine folks over at GoGoRaleigh and New Raleigh have some news about some new Raleigh eateries we thought we'd share in case you haven't been over to their sites of late.

- Uncle Fatty's Drive-In to Cameron Village: "The Cameron Village website is showing that "Uncle Fatty’s Drive-In" is coming to Cameron Village in 2009, says GoGoRaleigh. This is presumably the next project by John White, and the next version of the concept formerly known as 'Burger Dawgs.' White is fresh off of opening Raving Brand’s latest Flying Biscuit location, in Cameron Village. UF’s will be located on Woodburn Avenue, next door to Piccola Italia."

"Where will it be on Woodburn Road?" asks New Raleigh. "And what kind of Drive-In are we talking? Sonic? In-and-Out burger is a hip destination for the masses in the Southwest US. The Dixie Drive-In was popular in my hometown. Then there’s always Arnold’s Drive-In. Maybe Richie, Potsie and Fonze will stop in for a shake. Ayyyyyy!"

- Natty Greene's to take over the old Southend location: "The site at 505 W. Jones St., formerly occupied by Southend Brewery and later Prime Only, will soon be home to Greensboro-based Natty Greene’s Brewing Company," says GoGoRaleigh. "The brewpub specializes in its own beer, and has a menu similar to that at Village Draft House (and its siblings). ... This sounds like a repeat of the Southend Brewery theme for the space. ..."

Hopefully folks won't be confused by the fact that there is a "Napper Tandys" just around the corner.

-Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food" to shoot in the Triangle on Jan. 28: Not exactly under the category of "new eats," but it's restaurant-related nonetheless. "Adam Richman, the host of the Travel Channel’s 'Man vs. Food,' will be coming to Raleigh" on Jan. 28 (Wednesday), says GoGoRaleigh. Richman will begin at The Pit, which is "taking reservations for spectator seating that night (6-9). They will also be offering somwhich is e topical specials that night:

• Double Combo (Carolina Ribs and Chopped Hog) with two sides for $14.99 (normally $19.99)
• All you can eat Chopped Hog and two sides also for $14.99 (not normally available)."

New Raleigh mentioned that Richman will partake in a hot dog-eating contest at the venerable Roast Grill before venturing to The Pit.

We're with you, Coach Yow

I posted this on the Dare Society site, but wanted to share it here too...

Goes without saying, but our thoughts and prayers are with N.C. State women's basketball coach Kay Yow as she is in a local hospital battling stage 4 cancer as her Wolfpack prepares to take on Miami.

"Yow's longtime oncologist, Dr. Mark Graham, recommended that she enter the hospital," said the N&O. "Graham said that the overall complexity of Yow's care prompted him to make that decision. ...

"Yow, who has coached with metastatic breast cancer since 2004, is said to have not felt well while resting at her Cary home. She had not been hospitalized during the four games she missed earlier in the season.

"Yow, in her 34th season with the Wolfpack, missed her first game this season on Dec. 22 and would miss four before taking a leave of absence. Graham advised that it was best for Yow to 'focus on her disease and its treatment, which she will need to do for the foreseeable future.'"

Graham said Wednesday that Yow's status for in-home care or hospital care would be determined 'day to day.' He would not disclose the name of the hospital or speak directly about Yow's care."

I had the pleasure of interviewing Coach Yow as a student reporter years ago, and she went above and beyond giving me the time and attention I deserved for a piece on which I was working. Keep fighting, Coach Yow. We're all with ya.

‘Antiques Roadshow’ to make stop in Raleigh

“Antiques Roadshow” — the television series in which people find 100-year-old junk in their basement and are shocked when it is worth thousands of dollars — is coming to Raleigh.

The PBS series stops in Raleigh on June 27 at the new convention center.

Admission to the show is free, but advance tickets are required. I got mine. | Get yours.

Ticket holders are allowed to bring two items for a free verbal evaluation by experts from leading auction houses and by independent appraisers and dealers.

“Antiques Roadshow” airs weekly at 8 p.m. Mondays on UNC-TV.

I'm sure it's a good school and all ...

... but I would have serious doubts about sending my kids to Enloe High School these days.

"Raleigh police are investigating the mugging of an Enloe High School assistant principal this morning," says the N&O.

"The assistant principal, Carrie Jacobs, was struck by the culprit, but not physically injured, police reported.

"Police spokesman Jim Sughrue said Jacobs arrived on campus about 6:45 a.m. and parked behind one of the school buildings. When Jacobs got out of her vehicle she was approached by a man in his early to mid-20s. ...

"Police had already beefed up patrols near the school in response to two incidents in recent weeks, Sughrue said.

"In December, a student was robbed at gunpoint walking to school on Bertie Drive near campus. Two men, one of whom was armed, took the student's iPod. Around the same time nearby, another student reported being approached and pushed down by two men, one of whom had a knife. ...

"Police urge anyone with information about the robbery to call the Raleigh Police Department at (919) 996-3555."

I know Enloe's not in the greateast part of town, but students and teachers should at least be safe in and around their schools. This is just getting sad. Of course, these days, because of gangs and -- I'll say it -- violent video games, school kids and teachers have to be concerned about the students doing stupid and dangerous things as well.

My Walk Score - not unlike my GPA - is good, but not great

I came across an article in the latest Independent about a website (http://www.walkscore.com/) that calculates just that -- your "Walk Score." Basically, it calculates the walkability of your home address.

"That's difficult if the nearest grocery is five miles away, the movie theater looms across an eight-lane interstate, and the coffee shop so distant you'd need to pack a lunch if you walked there," said the Indy.

My address/neighborhood scored a 75, which seems pretty reasonable. I'm less than a quarter of a mile away from a grocer, and less than half-a-mile from a multiples restaurants, museums, a library, a hardware store and a drug store -- and just over a half-mile from Costco (though I don't think I'll making that walk anytime soon).

The paper typed in the local mayors' addresses to see how they would score. Raleigh's Charles Meeker, a Boylan Heights rez, scored the same as me, 75. Carrboro's Mark Chilton scored the highest, at a whopping 82.

"The grade isn't a judgment on neighborhood choices as much as it's a commentary on how well or poorly we're planning our cities," writes Lisa Sorg.

Krispy Kreme Challenge set for Feb. 7

I may have missed some of the early PR about this, but the Krispy Kreme Challenge is set for February 7. According to its website, some 850 folks have already registered. Yep, that's 850 folks who are looking forward to running two miles, downing a dozen hot glazed and then running back the way they came.

The family gave it a shot last year, albeit the wussy way: we ran for most of the first leg, and then took our time downing a few glazed before walking back toward N.C. State's Bell Tower. It was a wonderful time, and this event has become one that we look forward to in our household.

And maybe this year our oldest girl can help us throw down some doughnuts, since I was being selfish last year.

In all seriousness (if that can be said about the Challenge), this event is for a great cause and has provided a much-needed tradition for N.C. State -- a school that seems to lose one tradition after another over the years. Last year, more than 3,000 people participated. Here's to hoping it's even more this year.

The Cedar Waxwings are here

I'm no bird expert, so I wasn't sure what all the commotion was about when I got an email from a neighbor earlier saying that the Cedar Waxwings are now in town. But from looking at this photo (thanks, T.S.), I can honestly say that that's one of the coolest birds I've ever seen. And the fact that there are hundreds of them here now -- if for only a short stay -- well, that's pretty darn cool.

"At least once every winter, a flock of these beautiful birds come through and eat all the ripe berries in [Oakwood]," writes our friend Matthews. "Yesterday hundreds gathered on and around the huge ligustrum on the 300 block of Elm St. for part of the day, then wandered elsewhere for a while. They will return to that ligustrum, because there are still berries on it. They love to drink from the stream across the street.

"Cedar waxwings have crests like cardinals. They are brown with a pale yellow breast, a black face mask, a bright red patch on each wing, and a bright yellow tail. They live up north in the summer. In the winter, they wander around the south looking for berries."

So, if you get a chance, say hi. They may not be in Raleighwood for long.

(Photo from flickr.)

To toss. Or not to toss. That is the question.

So I live in a condo close to downtown and like all responsible citizens try to recycle as much as possible.  I may actually be a little overzealous.  "Toothpaste tubes?"  "The aluminum foil that wrapped my burrito at Salsa Fresh?"  "Empty toilet paper tubes?"  To me there seems to be a lot of grey area for those of us trying to do all we can.  So this morning I visited Raleigh's website to see what is allowed and what is not.  There is actually a lot of information on a few pages.  Acceptable items and descriptions.   Examples with pictures.  Examples of things that can't get recycled.  I encourage everyone to check these pages out and do your part for our fair city.   Here are a few things I learned:

• Empty paper towel and toilet paper tubes are recyclable as long as all paper remnants are removed.

• Paper board containers such as cereal boxes (make sure to get the bag out,) pasta boxes, etc.  It's the thicker brown paper that's like cardboard but not corrugated.  Be sure there is no foil layer or anything attached.

• And speaking of it, corrugated cardboard is good.  It's the kind that has a wavy layer inside.  Not pizza boxes though or anything else that might have food residue on it.  That's out.  And be sure to break it down flat.  Squashing it by stepping on it doesn't count.

• Food free aluminum foil and trays are in.  No food on it though as it gets processed without being further cleaned.

• Plastic BOTTLES.  Drink, hairspray (without the pump/spray part,) detergent, vegetable oil, ...  Not yogurt or butter tubs.  Check the webpages to be sure.

• And yes paper, newspapers with all inserts, envelopes (even the ones with the windows,) and any white paper no matter the color ink.  No paper that started life any color other than white but again, the amount and color of ink on the page doesn't matter.  Toss it in.  No unopened junk mail though as it might contain something other than what is acceptable.

• Oh, and no phonebooks in the regular recycling.  That paper is el-cheapo and doesn't pass muster.

Again, there are a lot more so check the website and get on board to do your part.  You'll feel better for it.

Update: 'Where the winds of Dixie softly blow, o'er the fields of ... South Korea?'

Update: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. This proposal got a "thumbs-up" today. (See below for more.)

N.C. State University is reportedly looking at supporting an educational institution in South Korea. The government there is offering State $1 million "to study the feasibility of building a campus at a city-size economic development park near the port city of Incheon. On Thursday, university officials are expected to ask the UNC Board of Governors for permission to accept," says the News & Observer.

This would be State's first overseas campus (not counting office space in Prague); it could eventually accomodate 3,000 students in a new tech park called the Incheon Free Economic Zone, which "NCSU's proposal to the board of governors describes as a $200 billion next-generation version of Research Triangle Park."

As a State alum, there are two very important items that MUST be taken care of for this new campus to work. First of all, all NCSU-Incheon (or whatever it will be called) students must swear an oath that they despise the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (or at least the one at Singapore).

The other requirement? NCSU-Incheon must be built in all brick.

And here's some help on learning the school's various tunes.

The Red and White

We're the Red and White from State
And we know we are the best.
A hand behind our back,We can take on all the rest.
Come over the hill, Caroline. [May be substituted with 'Go to hell, Carolina!']
Devils and Deacs stand in line.
The Red and White from N.C. State.--- Go State!!

The N.C. State Fight Song

Shout aloud to the men,
Who will play the game to win.
We're behind you,
Keep fighting for State.

Hold that line,
Hold them fast,
We will reach vict'ry at last
We're behind you
Keep fighting for State.

Rise up to the fray,
And let your colors wave,
Shout out for dear old NC State
(Go State!)
For where e'er we go,
We will let the whole world know,
We're behind you,
Keep fighting for State

[In all honesty, even the most ardent State fans rarely seem to know these words.]

The Alma Mater

Where the winds of Dixie softly blow
O'er the fields of Caroline,
There stands ever cherished, N.C. State,
As thy honored shrine
So lift your voices! Loudly sing,
From hill to ocean side!
Our hearts ever hold you, N.C. State --
In the folds
Of our love and pride.

[Again, few know the words. Just shout "NNNNN CCCCC STAAAATTTEE!" at the end, and you're good to go.]

(Photo from NCSU.edu)

Update: State got a "thumbs up Thursday to accept $1 milllion from the South Korean government to study the idea of building a campus at a $200 billion economic development park taking shape near the port city of Incheon, and next door to Seoul," says the N&O.

The new campus would not only give NCSU an Asian hub of operations but also could expand the state’s economic development reach, university officials told members of a UNC Board of Governors committee.

The committee endorsed the idea unanimously. Approval by the full board today was expected to be little more than a formality.

Not so-good news about Blount Street

According to the Triangle Business Journal, the much-celebrated Blount Street Commons project in Downtown Raleigh is being delayed because of the national economic downturn.

"The Blount Street Commons project will eventually include nearly 500 new homes amid 25 historic Victorian homes in a six-block area bounded by Peace and Lane streets. Some of the century-old residences were jacked up off their foundations and moved to new locations in the development," said WRAL.

"Project developer LNR Southeast Investments Inc. has delayed closing on its purchase of the final two phases of the four-phase project from the state Department of Administration. The state bought up much of the property decades ago, turning many of the homes into government offices.

"In exchange for the delay, the state will retain ownership of the Hawkins Hartness House, which previously served as office space for the lieutenant governor and is considered among the most well-maintained houses in the neighborhood, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. ...

"Crews broke ground last summer on the first phase of the 21-acre Blount Street Commons, and a spokeswoman for the project said some of the row houses and carriage houses will soon be ready for occupancy."

The TBJ also states that Doug Redford has left LNR: Blount Street was Redford's "pet" project.

The good news is that, as the article states, some of the row houses and carriage houses will soon be completed.

Chalk it up to bad timing. This project -- if completed -- can still be an unbelievable urban renewal project. It just looks like it will take a bit longer to complete than we originally hoped. I've heard of at least one neighbor who had hoped to purchase one of the "jacked" old houses, but because of the mortgage crisis had to withdraw.

Help needed in picking a tree

There is a small white flag in my yard today, a sign that Raleigh's NeighborWoods program has tagged my street for its wonderful tree-planting operation. I'm highly ecstatic about this.

I've vaguely known about this program for some time; I firmly believe trees lining my street will further enhance my little corner of Paradise.

"City staff have identified rights-of-way that are most in need of trees," says the city website. "Neighborhoods with the least canopy are selected first. ... City staff identify the planting sites, which entails locating aboveground utilities, determining appropriate types of trees for that location, and placing a small white dot on the curb and a stake where the tree will be planted. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to have their underground utilities located prior to digging.

"Staff leave a door hanger at the residence that is adjacent to the identified right-of-way. The door hanger explains Raleigh NeighborWoods, asks the residents to choose the type of tree they prefer from the types of trees recommended for that location, and explains that the residents would be responsible for planting the tree in the specified location, and watering and mulching it. A return post card is attached to the door hanger. Included on the card is a space to indicate if the residents will need to have the tree planted for them, due to a physical disability.

"When the card is mailed back to the City, indicating that the resident wishes to participate in the Raleigh NeighborWoods, the City staff deliver the tree, along with planting and maintenance instructions. City staff will also periodically prune the trees and monitor their performance."

Sounds easy enough.

Now comes the hard part: deciding which tree to plant. The city has given me two choices: a Ginkgo biloba or a Magnolia grandiflora. I honestly don't know with which one to go. There's a southern, romantic idea of the Magnolia -- but honestly, will I ever live to see it reach its grand potential (pictured)? There's a sustainability notion to the gingko -- "a living fossil," it's called -- but I understand it can be rather, well, stinky.

This is where you can help. I'll appreciate any pros or cons, yeas or nays about these two tree choices.

(Ginkgo photo from wikipedia; Magnolia photo from Vanderbilt.edu)

Finally, a rickshaw ride

First of all, happy 2009 to everyone. Sorry I haven't "rapped at ya" in a while (to quote one of my favorite Onion "columnists"). But I hope to get on the horse a little more now that the Ral-idays are over.

(By the way, if you thought Raleigh dropping an acorn to celebrate New Year's was wacky, just go to our sister blog to see what other N.C. towns do. Amazing. Just when you think North Carolina is shedding its hillbilly image ...)

Anyway, one highlight over the holiday season was a nice evening out for the wife's birthday. We started out at one of our favorite restaurants, 18 Seaboard -- which is quickly becoming perhaps THE favorite restaurant. It's a shame; I think the hidden qualities of the Seaboard area actually makes my mind forget that places like 18 Seaboard, J. Betski's and others are even there, even though we love them. (The lack of signage doesn't help, either.) But everytime we make it to Jason Smith's place we come away impressed -- and very full.

On this night, I started with the artichoke and blue cheese fondue, then had salmon with the Chef's Complement of champagne tarragon butter. This may be the best fish dish around. Now, I know it's somewhat boojy to ask for sauce for your meat at a restaurant, and I'm sure some foodies may have a problem with a place that actually recommends this. But I've yet to go wrong with one of the suggestions at 18 Seaboard.

We then walked over to Solas for the first time. Being that it was the night before New Year's Eve, and that it was a Tuesday night, it wasn't exactly hoppin' (which was fine for us). Didn't make it upstairs or to the roof, but was impressed with the chic decor, and the bartender (Ryan?) was chatty -- but not too chatty, which was nice. (I got The Saint to drink.)

Our night ended with a Raleigh Rickshaw ride from Glenwood South home. I'm ashamed that it's taken me this long to take advantage of this wonderful transit option. You really can't beat the price (free -- tips recommended), and it's a relaxing way to see the city -- even on a cold, windy night. Our driver/rider/pedalist was friendly, and it sounds like business is doing very well. So hopefully that means we will be able to do that again soon.