What recession?

All of a sudden it feels like 2007 again.

WRAL has two articles that allude to major, uh, development developments in Downtown Raleigh.

The first is news that progress has picked up on the idea of a downtown amphitheater.

City officials have reached a deal with concert pomoter LiveNation to bring acts to an outdoor concert venue slated for downtown.

The city has eyed the site across McDowell Street from the new convention center as a potential amphitheater for several years. A previous plan to split the cost of a giant tent for the site with LiveNation fell through, and the recession hampered negotiations on booking acts for the proposed venue.

City Manager Russell Allen said he would ask the City Council on Tuesday to shift $1.6 million into accounts so contractors can be hired to construct seating for 4,200 people on the grassy slope. The amphitheater also will have standing room for another 800 people.

"This is one of those things that will bring people to our city, particularly in the summer when we need them here," Mayor Charles Meeker said. "It will help make the town more lively. It's not the only thing going on, but it's one of many things happening."

LiveNation will bring 15 to 20 shows a year to Raleigh, and the city will use the venue for several local shows as well, Meeker said. ...

The other is news that Mayor Meeker broke ground on a park ... slated for the recently-stalled Blount Street Commons.

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

“Our continued maturation of a city is best exemplified by our commitment to green and open spaces,” Meeker said in a statement. “Parks provide a great place for the community to gather, children to play and neighbors to get to know each other.” ...

Although the recession has slowed the project, David Welch, an executive with developer LNR Blount St. LLC, said home sales have increased in recent weeks.

Where are the good Christmas candlelight services?

Growing up, one of my favorite Christmas traditions was the Christmas eve candlelight service at my Methodist church -- where the lights are dimmed and everyone gets a candle. (Divine Street in the house!) My current church (not Methodist), to my knowledge, does not offer a similar service, even in the days leading up to Jesus' b-day.

My question for all you Ralwegians is: ARE there some nice candlelight Christmas services in the area? If so, when and where? I'd love to know; it'd be a nice thing to which to take the kids.

Update: A quick Google search shows Westover UMC doing one.

I wonder if Pele still has some game left in him?

Like disco and eight-track tapes, nothing screamed "The 1970s!" quite like the old North American Soccer League (NASL). Pele & Co. brought professional soccer to America's conscience -- at least for a while.

Well, it appears the NASL is back ... sorta.

"The new NASL will bear little resemblance to the old one, other than the name," writes the TBJ's Jeff Drew. "The new league has applied to the U.S. Soccer Federation to operate as a second division league, one step below Major League Soccer. MLS was launched after the 1994 World Cup was held in the United States – filling the void for a top-level U.S. professional league created when the original NASL went under a decade earlier."

And your Carolina RailHawks are part of the new/old league.

“By becoming the NASL, we are paying respect to the players, coaches and leaders who were pioneers for men’s professional soccer in North America, many of whom remain involved and committed to the growth of our game in various capacities throughout the U.S. and Canada,” said Selby Wellman, principal owner of the Carolina RailHawks and newly appointed president of NASL LLC. “For that, we honor and thank them with a new era for the NASL.”

Joining the RailHawks are former USL teams in Atlanta, Miami, Minnesota, Montreal and Vancouver. New teams in Baltimore, St. Louis and Tampa Bay are also slated to join the mix. Play is scheduled to begin in April of 2010. However, there have been some rumblings that Montreal is not pleased with the NASL direction and may try to accelerate its inclusion in MLS. Stay tuned.

Blast! If only Gatling was my last name ...

My buddy David was telling me not long ago about an interesting scholarship opportunity at our esteemed alma mater. He noted that if your last name was Gatling -- as in the gun -- then you would get a free ride to Brick U.

It didn't take much "research" to confirm it.

John Gatling was a Raleigh, North Carolina businessman, contractor, and real estate executive. He was a loyal and supportive North Carolina State University alumnus, and it was his desire that his estate be used primarily for educational scholarships [says the actual application- pdf]. Gatling established the grant at NC State for first time undergraduate, degree-seeking students who are born with the surname Gatlin or Gatling. No other spelling of the surname is eligible.

The Gatling Grant stipend is approximately $9000 for NC residents and $18,000 for out of state residents. Annual interest earnings determine the level of available grant funding.

That amount is basically free college. Nice. Naturally, you'll need a birth certificate handy.

This grant program has wound up on some sites about "Easy" or "Unusual" scholarships.

It should be noted that there is no known relation between this John Gatling and Richard Jordan Gatling (pictured), the inventor of the famous gun. But, knowing N.C. State's great military heritage, it wouldn't shock me. Plus, the gun inventor was an N.C. native.

(Gatling image from Wikipedia; Gatling Gun image from worldweapons.org)

Raleigh resident is first American-born Philly Marathon winner since 2000

From the Philadelphia Daily News:

John Crews wasn't exactly considered the favorite to capture the 16th annual Philadelphia Marathon. In fact, his name was absent from the press kit handed out to the media.

It probably shouldn't have been.

The 25-year-old Raleigh, N.C., resident, who starred on the North Carolina State track team, had aspirations of not only winning the marathon, but also making the 2012 Olympic Trials. He vigorously trained 130-150 hours a week to reach those goals - goals that came to fruition yesterday morning under perfect weather conditions.

Crews conquered the scenic 26.2-mile course in 2 hours, 17 minutes, 15 seconds to become the first U.S.-born man since 2000 to win the Philadelphia Marathon. His personal-best time easily qualified him for the Olympic Trials and was just 28 seconds shy of tying the course record, 2:16:47, set by Joseph Ndiritu in 2003. Brian Clas, of New York, was the last American-born man to win in Philly.Emory Mort, 26, of Ghent, N.Y., finished in second (2:24:31), while Karl Savage, 30, was the top Philadelphia finisher, placing third (2:26:02).

Crews, who also won his hometown Raleigh Marathon as well as the Keybank Vermont Marathon, said "no" when asked if he was confident that he would win.

"I thought if I had a good day then I'd be up there," he said. "But anything can go wrong in a marathon. I just wanted to run my pace [which ended up being 5:14 per mile] and do as best as I could. I was shooting for both the win and a sub-2:19:00 [to get into the Olympic Trials]."

He secured both, spelling his name for the unenlightened media in his post-marathon interview, then receiving congratulations from his fiancee, Amy Kelly, 23, a Philadelphia native who attended St. Hubert High before meeting Crews at North Carolina State, where they both ran track.

...

Said Crews, who is completing his graduate studies at N.C. State in mechanical engineering: "You've gotta have a supportive fiancee. That helps. We're each other's biggest fans."

Jutta Merilainen, 37, a native of Finland who trains near Toronto, won the women's event, crossing the finish line in a personal-best 2 hours, 46 minutes, 44 seconds. Doreen McCoubrie, 48, of Malvern, finished second (2:49:09).

Zach G sits down with Conan 'Between Two Ferns'

NCSU alum Zach Galifianakis over at FunnyorDie.com has consistently put out some of the funniest stuff anywhere with his "talk show," "Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis."

It's not exactly brand new, but Zach's latest guests are Conan O'Brien, Andy Richter and (briefly) Andy Dick. "Between Two Ferns" isn't for everybody, nor is it always suitable for work, but it is HI-larious.

Enjoy!

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis from Between Two Ferns

Light up the holidays with the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour, December 12 & 13

Yes, I am biased, but the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour is one of the best annual events Raleigh has going. This year's tour will take place Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13 from 1-7 p.m.

Whether you’re interested in getting a glimpse inside the candlelit windows, learning more about Raleigh’s history and architecture, or simply looking for an excuse to spend a little extra time with friends in downtown Raleigh, you’re invited to come celebrate the holidays on the Candlelight Tour.

Tickets are available for advance purchase online or at select locations throughout the Triangle. On the days of the tour, they may be purchased at The Oakwood Inn, 411 North Bloodworth Street. Tickets are not tax deductible or refundable. Tour held rain or shine.
In Advance: $15
Tour Day: $20

Go here to purchase tickets online.

Wade Avenue no longer on the CD-skipping s*&t list?

A couple of years ago we described in this space the problem of "CD-skipping roads" -- streets that "are not very conducive to CD enjoyment" because of the number and quality of its potholes. And while we admitted then (as we do now) that CDs are becoming a thing of the past, it is still a hassle to be driving around and hear a song start over, skip or just stop altogether. (One particular album completely started over because of a gnarly bump I hit whilst leaving Crabtree Valley Mall on Saturday.) In fact, this little problem is a nice gauge of just how bad a road can be.

"Jellyfish City" has had its share of CD-skipping roads over the years. Thankfully, one particularly-bad artery may be coming off the list, thanks to the ARRA.

If you've been on Wade Avenue -- especially from around Oberlin to Ridge -- you may have noticed the repaving project. And while some of the curves and hills along that stretch could potentially equal death or dismemberment, it's still nice to enjoy a smooth ride. Hell, the lyrics to "Roxanne" repeat enough as it is -- Gordon, Stewart and Andy don't need any help in that department (Hey, oh!)

Bruce Siceloff has reported that the rest of the Wade repaving -- from Oberlin to Capital -- should begin in March and be completed in June.

But wait -- there's more. The other notorious CD-skipping road -- Glenwood Avenue -- is also slated to get a nice new coat of asphalt.

"NCDOT also awarded a $1.2 million contract this summer to repave Glenwood Avenue inside the Beltline, but that job now is scheduled to start in March," he wrote.

Hallelujah! Glenwood takes the cake, in my opinion, so this is a great thing to read.

Now, if we could just get Peace Street from around, oh, Blount Street up to the Capital Boulevard exit taken care of ...

(Pothole image from webwiseforradio; map image courtesy of the N&O)

Sweet: Raleigh chocolate seller to start making its own goodies

In case the Krispy Kreme on Person Street was not enough of a sugar fix for you, you will soon be able to mosey just a few blocks away for locally-made chocolate, according to the News & Observer.

"The city is about to get its first chocolate factory, a confectionary workshop that will let visitors watch as raw cacao beans are transformed into gourmet bars and truffles.

"The Escazú artisanal chocolate factory, set to open on Blount Street this month, is the culmination of a business dream for Hallot Parson, a chef-turned-chocolatier. ..."

According to Escazú's website, the factory location is set to be 936 N. Blount Street.

"... About a half-dozen specialty stores in the area create their own products. But chocolate factories are another matter. Only about a dozen chocolate factories on a commercial scale are estimated to be operating in the country, according the National Confectioners Association in Washington.

"The concept fits in with Raleigh's downtown revitalization philosophy of promoting businesses that are local and unique, as a point of differentiation from shopping malls and national chains. ...

"Parson opened an Escazú chocolate store on Glenwood Avenue in 2007 and sells gourmet bars priced up to $6. The company is named after the Costa Rican town where Parson stayed on the trip that led to his chocolate awakening. Today Escazú chocolates can be found at dozens of locations, including Whole Foods, A Southern Season, Ornamentea and the Umstead Hotel.

"But at his retail site, Parson is limited to buying pre-made chocolate slabs, which he melts down to create his signature confections. At his chocolate factory, he will make chocolate from scratch to his specifications, starting with raw beans imported from Costa Rica and Venezuela.

"When Parson opens his chocolate factory on Blount Street near Peace College, he'll close the Glenwood Avenue shop less than a mile away. The factory is still a work-in-progress, with unhinged doors leaning on unpainted walls and equipment lying in disarray in the unfinished front section. ..."

I have to say it: Sweet.

It's official: RailHawks are in a new league

Up until yesterday, the Carolina RailHawks were basically an orphaned professional soccer team with players and a first-class stadium -- but no one to line up against on the pitch. But the RailHawks -- along with four existing teams and one team yet to be actually established -- have formed a new league.

The owners of the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Miami FC, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps, formerly of USL-1, together with St. Louis Soccer United today announced that they have formed a new professional soccer league to play in the United States and Canada beginning in April 2010.

The team owners yesterday submitted an application for sanctioning of the new league as a Division II Men’s Outdoor Professional League by the United States Soccer Federation. An application for sanctioning as a Division I League will be submitted to the Canadian Soccer Association shortly and applications to other sanctioning bodies in the region will be submitted as needed.

Joey Saputo, President of the 2009 USL-1 champion Montreal Impact, was recently elected Chairman of the Board of Governors of the new league.

“This is not your typical new league,” Saputo said. “Most of our teams have existed for years. We have united some of the best owners, teams and markets around a new vision for a professional soccer league in North America.

“We look forward to elevating our teams and league in order to give more opportunities to players, coaches, media and sponsors, entertain our fans and play our role in helping soccer truly recognize its potential in the United States and Canada.”

The RailHawks, along with several other formerly USL-1 teams, were essentially kicked out of the league a month ago.

Today, at least, the teams have a home.

“Over the past two years we have been working tirelessly to re-structure the league to be owned and controlled by the owners in order to elevate our league on and off the pitch," Selby Wellman, RailHawks owner, said in a release. "The owners make substantial investments in their teams. However, the level of national level investment required has not been made because the league has always been owned, operated, and controlled by third parties. We simply want our league to be operated and managed like all other pro sports leagues around the world.”

Carolina will continue to play at WakeMed Park, considered one of the best in the nation for "the beautiful game."

"As for the USL," SBI reports, "it will continue operation in 2010 with as many as 11 teams. Austin, Cleveland, New York, Puerto Rico, Portland, Rochester, Tampa Bay, Edmonton and Ottawa had representatives at a recent meeting to discuss the future of the USL, while Baltimore and Detroit were also represented."

The RailHawks had been members of the USL-1 league for three years, and were 16-7-7 last season.

Former Pack player Lassiter a candidate for National Soccer Hall of Fame

One of my favorite soccer sites, SoccerByIves, has a listing of the candidates for the National Soccer Hall of Fame's newest class. One of the proposed names is former Athens Drive and N.C. State standout Roy Lassiter who, at one point, was Major League Soccer's all-time leading goal scorer.

"The National Soccer Hall of Fame released its final ballot for the Class of 2010 and the 24 former soccer players chosen represent a vast array of teams and eras," writes Ives.

"Former U.S. national team standouts Earnie Stewart, Peter Vermes and Thomas Dooley, Women's national team stars Cindy Parlow and Shannon McMillan, as well as foreign-born MLS pioneers Marco Etcheverry, Peter Nowak and Carlos Valderrama are just some of the candidates on the ballot. ...

"Voters will be able to select up to 10 candidates for entry, with all candidates that appear on 66.7 percent of ballots being inducted."

Another former NCSU and MLS (and U.S. National Team) great, Tab Ramos, is already a member. Ramos was the first player to ever sign with MLS.

(Photo of Lassiter from eveningsun)

Raleigh, Progress Energy, and Carolina Solar Energy team-up on project

From a recent Triangle Business Journal article: "The city of Raleigh, Progress Energy, and (Carolina Solar Energy of Durham) are working together on a large solar energy project that could be zapping power onto the grid by early 2010." The small 250 kilowatt solar array will be constructed at the E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant on top of a 30,000 sq.ft. concrete enclosure that holds treated water. The array will produce enough electricity annually to power 25 average homes and will avoid 264 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Just to let you know how much CO2 that is, according to the EPA, the average car driving 12,500 miles per year and getting 21.5mpg produces 11,450 lbs. of the stuff so this is like taking 51 cars off the road.

This agreement looks to benefit everyone involved including the citizens of Raleigh who will pay nothing. By law, energy companies must produce at least 3% of their power by means of renewable sources by 2012 so Progress is on board and Carolina Solar Power will lease the space from the city and will keep all tax credits and utility incentives. Should the city decide to buy the array in the future, it (we) can apply the proceeds of the lease agreement to do so.

This is the second solar photovoltaic project begun this year by the city. A larger 1.7 megawatt facility will be installed at the Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant by Raleigh's own Southern Energy Management and will produce enough electricity to power 130 homes reducing CO2 emissions by 1,300 metric tons (250 cars) annually. The parties involved have the same type agreements as in the Johnson Plant plan.

This got me thinking. Where else could the city

and/or Wake County place PV (photovoltaic) arrays? I'll give my 2 ideas. The first is on top of the Raleigh Convention Center. I mean, look at it. A huge flat space on a very high-profile building. And I would think that having this "green" feature would be a selling point for attracting future conventions to our city. My second idea could really be called my 2nd through 160th ideas. I would love to see a program where solar PV panels are added to the roofs of most, if not all, Wake County Public School locations. For work I visit most WCPSS schools and almost all are built in what amounts to a field with

unobstructed sunlight and roofs tailor-made for PV electricity capturing possibilities. How about a plan where Progress Energy or maybe one of these local solar installers foots the bill for the installations and then rightfully collects the tax incentives, credits, and compensation for the power production until the projects are paid-for. At that point, power produced can be used by the school to reduce energy bills or sold back to Progress Energy to produce a source of revenue for the school system to reduce overall costs. All the while, we have installed working laboratories at the schools to help teach the kids about the environment, physics, engineering, chemistry, ...

Wake County still enjoying growth while other 'boom' counties suffer

The Associated Press has an interesting piece on the different ways that the "boom" counties (Wake being one of them) have handled the recession. Wake appears to be one of the poster children for how to survive a downturn in the economy. others, like Lake County, Fla., have not fared as well.

"In the state [of North Carolina's] capital’s downtown core, $500,000 decorative street lights beam down on bustling crowds who’ve come to dine and play along a recently revitalized pedestrian plaza," says the article, referring to the newly-opened City Plaza.

"A few states to the south, the lamp posts shine largely on empty lots in a subdivision outside Orlando where only a third of the 95 planned homes have been built.

"Wake County, N.C., and Lake County, Fla., shared the spoils of the real estate surge as two of the nation’s 100 fastest-growing counties of this decade, until the recession hit and their paths diverged."

The AP Economic Stress Index – a score based on a county’s unemployment, foreclosure and bankruptcy rates – shows that the nation’s 100 fastest-growing counties have, as a whole, fared worse than the national average since the start of the recession.

Yet 42 of those 100 counties are bucking that boom-then-doom trend, including one west of Des Moines, some in northern Virginia and the Texas counties outside Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, according to the AP’s analysis.

The fast-growing areas that have been resilient tend to have large, diversified economies, researchers and business leaders said. ...

The areas often owe the favorable mix of jobs to recruiting by local leaders. Raleigh and nearby communities have spent decades courting pharmaceutical and technology companies to an area that’s long benefited from state government, university and health care jobs.

The effort has paid dividends during the downturn: LED lighting maker Cree Inc. recently announced that it was adding more than 500 jobs in Durham. Deutsche Bank AG announced this summer it plans to open a technology development center the Raleigh suburb of Cary, bringing more than 300 jobs with wages at twice the county average.

Adrienne Cole, executive director of Raleigh Economic Development, said while the region’s large construction industry has taken a hit, the other sectors helped provide stability. Wake County’s unemployment rate of 8.3 percent in September falls below both the national average of 9.8 and the state’s 10.8 percent jobless rate.

“I think we could argue that we were one of the last communities in the recession and we’ll be one of the first communities out,” Cole said.

Let's hope so. If true, Raleigh and Wake County will position themselves nicely against other metro areas.