Here's a top 10 list that North Carolina doesn't make.
And that's a good thing.
Unfortunately, many of our Southern neighbors have wound up on the list of the most obese states in the Union.
"The South tips the scales again as the nation's fattest region, according to a new government survey," says the AP.
"More than 30 percent of adults in each of the states tipped the scales enough to ensure that the South remains the nation's fattest region.
"Colorado was the least obese, with about 19 percent fitting that category in a random telephone survey last year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The 2007 findings are similar to results from the same survey the three previous years. Mississippi has had the highest obesity rate every year since 2004. But Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia and Louisiana have also clustered near the top of the list, often so close that the difference between their rates and Mississippi's may not be statistically significant. ..."
These are the 10 states with the highest levels of adult obesity, according to a 2007 survey by the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention.
1. Mississippi, 32.0 percent
2. Alabama, 30.3
3. Tennessee, 30.1
4. Louisiana, 29.8
5. West Virginia, 29.5
6. Arkansas, 28.7
7. South Carolina, 28.4
8. Georgia, 28.2
9. Oklahoma, 28.1
10. Texas, 28.1
The article goes on to suggest fat-heavy and fried foods (you think?) may have something to do with it, in addition to the South having a "large concentration of rural residents and black women -- two groups that tend to have higher obesity rates."
North Carolina has its share of fatty, fried foods as well, no doubt. It's interesting that Virginia and North Carolina are not on the top 10 list. (Haven't seen the whole list; we could be No. 11 for all I know.) But perhaps a slightly higher-educated population, along with a migration to urban, metro areas may play into North Carolina not winding up on this top 10 list?
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Quick hits: One museum sees dwindling numbers, while another is running out of space
10 years after fire to Wolfe house, visitors dwindle
"Any other old home so badly damaged by fire would have been razed.
"Early on the morning of July 24, 1998," writes the Asheville Citizen-Times, "an arsonist broke a window in the dining room of the Thomas Wolfe House, a wood frame home memorialized in the author’s autobiographical 1929 novel 'Look Homeward, Angel.' The person started a fire that smoldered for an hour or so, then erupted into a conflagration.At 3:07 a.m., a call to 911 sent more than 25 firefighters to the house on Spruce Street, and they found flames shooting through the crumbling slate roof of the rambling, 29-room home.
"Built in 1883 and significantly expanded in 1916, the house was the boyhood home of the famous American author from 1906-16 and a tourist draw that brought in 30,000 visitors annually.
"And it was burning down.
" 'I would say in another five-eight minutes we would’ve lost that house,' said Tommy Brooks, a division chief with Asheville Fire and Rescue and a captain at the time of the fire 10 years ago this week.
"Firefighters saved most of the structure and 85 percent of the artifacts, though, and after an extensive renovation, the site reopened in 2004. But visitation has never returned to pre-fire levels, and state officials and site workers struggle to explain why. ..."
A museum loaded with N.C. history
"Walk into the North Carolina Baseball Museum, and you wonder where to begin," writes the News & Observer's A.J. Carr.
"The 3,200 square-foot space inside Fleming Stadium is stocked with about 4,000 items, from a 1893 Eastern League scorebook to an autographed bat by Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton.
"Since the facility opened in 2004, an estimated 30,000 visitors from 45 states have perused the montage of pictures, pennants, gloves, bats, hats and other memorabilia.
"Organizers say it's running out of space, while still seeking more memorabilia. A campaign is getting under way to raise $200,000 to add more room. ..."
"Any other old home so badly damaged by fire would have been razed.
"Early on the morning of July 24, 1998," writes the Asheville Citizen-Times, "an arsonist broke a window in the dining room of the Thomas Wolfe House, a wood frame home memorialized in the author’s autobiographical 1929 novel 'Look Homeward, Angel.' The person started a fire that smoldered for an hour or so, then erupted into a conflagration.At 3:07 a.m., a call to 911 sent more than 25 firefighters to the house on Spruce Street, and they found flames shooting through the crumbling slate roof of the rambling, 29-room home.
"Built in 1883 and significantly expanded in 1916, the house was the boyhood home of the famous American author from 1906-16 and a tourist draw that brought in 30,000 visitors annually.
"And it was burning down.
" 'I would say in another five-eight minutes we would’ve lost that house,' said Tommy Brooks, a division chief with Asheville Fire and Rescue and a captain at the time of the fire 10 years ago this week.
"Firefighters saved most of the structure and 85 percent of the artifacts, though, and after an extensive renovation, the site reopened in 2004. But visitation has never returned to pre-fire levels, and state officials and site workers struggle to explain why. ..."
A museum loaded with N.C. history
"Walk into the North Carolina Baseball Museum, and you wonder where to begin," writes the News & Observer's A.J. Carr.
"The 3,200 square-foot space inside Fleming Stadium is stocked with about 4,000 items, from a 1893 Eastern League scorebook to an autographed bat by Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton.
"Since the facility opened in 2004, an estimated 30,000 visitors from 45 states have perused the montage of pictures, pennants, gloves, bats, hats and other memorabilia.
"Organizers say it's running out of space, while still seeking more memorabilia. A campaign is getting under way to raise $200,000 to add more room. ..."
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Things sure are wild in the Smokies
It only takes a few minutes of walking around Asheville on a Saturday night to see that Western North Carolina as some, uh, interesting "species" that are rarely found in other parts of North Carolina. Now a 10-year study confirms that (sorta).
"A 10-year study has found more than 6,000 species of plant and animal life previously unidentified in Great Smoky Mountains National Park," says the Associated Press.
The All Taxa Biodiversity Project also discovered nearly 900 species "that are new to science."
"A 10-year study has found more than 6,000 species of plant and animal life previously unidentified in Great Smoky Mountains National Park," says the Associated Press.
The All Taxa Biodiversity Project also discovered nearly 900 species "that are new to science."
The results of the study were discussed Monday during a Senate subcommittee field hearing in Asheville.
The project began in 1997 to inventory all species in the park that covers more than 800 square miles in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. More than 1,000 scientists have studied species in the park, identifying a total of more than 16,000.
Clemson picked to win ACC football; App expected to win SoCon
The Clemson Tigers are the preseason favorite to win the Atlantic Coast Conference's football championship this year, as predicted by members of the media.
Clemson was picked No. 1 in the (still ill-named) Atlantic Division. I'm guessing by looking at the preseason rankings that Clemson is expected to knock off Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game. The Hokies are expected to leave the (equally ill-named) Coastal Division.
As far as N.C. teams go, UNC-Chapel Hill is expected to finish second in the Coastal, and Wake Forest second in the Atlantic. At the other end of the spectrum are Duke and N.C. State, who are expected to finish last in the Coastal and Atlantic, respectively.
In other football news, three-time national champ Appalachian State has been picked to win the Southern Conference ... again. The Mountaineers received eight of nine first-place votes in the preseason coaches poll.
Elon University was picked second, while Western Carolina was picked eighth.
Clemson was picked No. 1 in the (still ill-named) Atlantic Division. I'm guessing by looking at the preseason rankings that Clemson is expected to knock off Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game. The Hokies are expected to leave the (equally ill-named) Coastal Division.
As far as N.C. teams go, UNC-Chapel Hill is expected to finish second in the Coastal, and Wake Forest second in the Atlantic. At the other end of the spectrum are Duke and N.C. State, who are expected to finish last in the Coastal and Atlantic, respectively.
In other football news, three-time national champ Appalachian State has been picked to win the Southern Conference ... again. The Mountaineers received eight of nine first-place votes in the preseason coaches poll.
Elon University was picked second, while Western Carolina was picked eighth.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Ooh la la!
Who knew Vass, N.C., was such a culinary hotspot?
"In rural North Carolina, Susan Rice is planning her attack on the French.
"Her strategy does not involve guns or soldiers. Instead, the assault is gastronomical, as she starts a 200-acre black truffle 'farm' in hopes of earning beaucoup d'argent from the sale of the musky, earthy, aromatic fungi," writes the Associated Press.
"Truffles, which grow underground among the roots of trees, are prized by chefs and gourmands, but difficult to cultivate. A pound of fresh French Perigord truffles can cost more than $1,500 retail, depending on the season. White truffles from the Alba region of Italy are even more expensive.
" 'We're trying to make it more of an American product, where we can enjoy it here,' said Rice, whose farm is near Vass, N.C., about 50 miles southwest of Raleigh. ..."
"In America, the truffle has only recently wafted into popular food consciousness, which has become much more global with the popularity of cable food networks and the organic and natural foods revolution. Even Cheesecake Factory, the American chain restaurant known for giant portions, has offered white truffle oil as a topper to its pasta Bolognese, at a $3 premium.
"To help educate the American palate, Rice has enlisted the help of celebrity Italian chef Nick Stellino, who has had television cooking shows and written several cookbooks. ...
"Brent Demarest, a produce buyer for Whole Foods Market, is interested in Rice's operation and, if the quality of the truffles is good, plans to sell the North Carolina truffles in its stores. ..."
Kudos to Rice. And to North Carolina.
"In rural North Carolina, Susan Rice is planning her attack on the French.
"Her strategy does not involve guns or soldiers. Instead, the assault is gastronomical, as she starts a 200-acre black truffle 'farm' in hopes of earning beaucoup d'argent from the sale of the musky, earthy, aromatic fungi," writes the Associated Press.
"Truffles, which grow underground among the roots of trees, are prized by chefs and gourmands, but difficult to cultivate. A pound of fresh French Perigord truffles can cost more than $1,500 retail, depending on the season. White truffles from the Alba region of Italy are even more expensive.
" 'We're trying to make it more of an American product, where we can enjoy it here,' said Rice, whose farm is near Vass, N.C., about 50 miles southwest of Raleigh. ..."
"In America, the truffle has only recently wafted into popular food consciousness, which has become much more global with the popularity of cable food networks and the organic and natural foods revolution. Even Cheesecake Factory, the American chain restaurant known for giant portions, has offered white truffle oil as a topper to its pasta Bolognese, at a $3 premium.
"To help educate the American palate, Rice has enlisted the help of celebrity Italian chef Nick Stellino, who has had television cooking shows and written several cookbooks. ...
"Brent Demarest, a produce buyer for Whole Foods Market, is interested in Rice's operation and, if the quality of the truffles is good, plans to sell the North Carolina truffles in its stores. ..."
Kudos to Rice. And to North Carolina.
Quick hits: Burlington focuses on mass transit & journal focuses on state's humor
Burlington eyes public transit
"In Alamance County, the need for public transportation is growing along with the population – especially in Burlington, which is the largest city in North Carolina without a public transit system," said News 14 Carolina.
"Buses are filling up across the state as working class citizens opt to leave their cars at home. The best Burlington has to offer is 28 passenger vans. 'We do about 275 trips a day currently, and that demand continues to go up,' explained Dennis Williams, executive director of the Alamance County Transportation Authority. ..."
Annual journal puts focus on state's humor writers
"The 2008 North Carolina Literary Review showcases work by some of the state's best writers on the topic of humor," said the Greenville Daily Reflector.
"It may make you laugh out loud, or tear up in that 'laughed-so-hard-I-cried' kind of way.
Margaret D. Bauer, NCLR editor and Rives Chair of Southern literature at East Carolina University, admitted to having both of those reactions while she reviewed material for this year's edition.
"And she hopes readers — and listeners to special, supplemental CDs — will share the experience.
" 'Humor is a popular topic, and we thank these literary critics and the creative writers who responded to our call for contributions, and we know you'll enjoy reading the issue's content as much as you do listening to the CDs,' Bauer said. ..."
"In Alamance County, the need for public transportation is growing along with the population – especially in Burlington, which is the largest city in North Carolina without a public transit system," said News 14 Carolina.
"Buses are filling up across the state as working class citizens opt to leave their cars at home. The best Burlington has to offer is 28 passenger vans. 'We do about 275 trips a day currently, and that demand continues to go up,' explained Dennis Williams, executive director of the Alamance County Transportation Authority. ..."
Annual journal puts focus on state's humor writers
"The 2008 North Carolina Literary Review showcases work by some of the state's best writers on the topic of humor," said the Greenville Daily Reflector.
"It may make you laugh out loud, or tear up in that 'laughed-so-hard-I-cried' kind of way.
Margaret D. Bauer, NCLR editor and Rives Chair of Southern literature at East Carolina University, admitted to having both of those reactions while she reviewed material for this year's edition.
"And she hopes readers — and listeners to special, supplemental CDs — will share the experience.
" 'Humor is a popular topic, and we thank these literary critics and the creative writers who responded to our call for contributions, and we know you'll enjoy reading the issue's content as much as you do listening to the CDs,' Bauer said. ..."
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Oil rigs (literally) on the horizon?
On Monday, President Bush lifted restrictions on offshore oil drilling, which could have major implications on North Carolina.
"At issue for North Carolina are 300 miles of some of the nation's most undeveloped coastline. Waters off the state's coast contain significant fishing and birding habitats, while the coastal tourism economy is among the state's most important.
"But North Carolinians are paying more than $4 a gallon for gasoline, and most tell pollsters they support offshore drilling," said the N&O.
Among the politicians who have changed their minds in recent weeks about drilling offshore are Dole, who faces re-election this year, and Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Mel Martinez of Florida, all Republicans.
One person who has blatantly supported the potential of offshore oil drilling is Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, Republican candidate for governor. He told a Greenville audience earlier this month that this type of action could have major economic implications for Eastern North Carolina.
"The east has a higher unemployment rate and lower per capita income than the rest of the state, but it does not have to be that way," McCrory said. "With safe, environmentally sound drilling in the deep sea off our coast, we can create new high paying jobs, jobs that the people of our poor counties can fill."
Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, McCrory's rival for the governor's seat, has said she is opposed to the idea, citing environmental concerns.
"At issue for North Carolina are 300 miles of some of the nation's most undeveloped coastline. Waters off the state's coast contain significant fishing and birding habitats, while the coastal tourism economy is among the state's most important.
"But North Carolinians are paying more than $4 a gallon for gasoline, and most tell pollsters they support offshore drilling," said the N&O.
"The only thing standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is action from the U.S. Congress," Bush said. "Today, I've taken every step within my power to allow offshore exploration" of the Outer Continental Shelf.
Such exploration and drilling would have almost no effect on current gas prices, though. Experts point that it would take at least eight to 10 years to produce oil offshore once all the bans are lifted.
Bush's action is the latest salvo in an election year that has seen Democrats and Republicans diverge sharply in recent weeks on offshore drilling. Republicans -- including presidential candidate John McCain and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole -- have pushed to search for oil in the Outer Continental Shelf. Democrats such as presidential candidate Barack Obama and U.S. Senate challenger Kay Hagan oppose drilling offshore. ...
U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, a Farmville Republican, said states' governors and legislatures should make the call on offshore drilling. He has been hearing from constituents who are agitated over gas prices.
"At this point, I know that we've got a critical need in this country, and I believe it's going to get more expensive," Jones said.
Among the politicians who have changed their minds in recent weeks about drilling offshore are Dole, who faces re-election this year, and Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Mel Martinez of Florida, all Republicans.
One person who has blatantly supported the potential of offshore oil drilling is Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, Republican candidate for governor. He told a Greenville audience earlier this month that this type of action could have major economic implications for Eastern North Carolina.
"The east has a higher unemployment rate and lower per capita income than the rest of the state, but it does not have to be that way," McCrory said. "With safe, environmentally sound drilling in the deep sea off our coast, we can create new high paying jobs, jobs that the people of our poor counties can fill."
Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, McCrory's rival for the governor's seat, has said she is opposed to the idea, citing environmental concerns.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
New site designed to help N.C. film industry
The North Carolina Film Office is revamping its website, director Aaron Syrett said, to make it easier for the film industry to learn about the state. The site also should make it easier for locals to find film-related jobs.
Syrett said his group wants to become more "friendly to Hollywood."
The new site, which should be online by August, will feature a list of locations that may appeal to film executives and a directory of industry professionals and their resumes. The site will also "enable the central office to present one package of locations to a producer rather than delegate those duties to the five regional film commissions across the state."
North Carolina has quite a solid history of making movies. Some famous flicks shot in the state include "Bull Durham," "Last of the Mohicans," "Firestarter," "Nell" and parts of "Forrest Gump.
Syrett said his group wants to become more "friendly to Hollywood."
The new site, which should be online by August, will feature a list of locations that may appeal to film executives and a directory of industry professionals and their resumes. The site will also "enable the central office to present one package of locations to a producer rather than delegate those duties to the five regional film commissions across the state."
North Carolina has quite a solid history of making movies. Some famous flicks shot in the state include "Bull Durham," "Last of the Mohicans," "Firestarter," "Nell" and parts of "Forrest Gump.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
BHI among 10 most scenic spots sans cars
"Gas prices, traffic, kids screaming in the backseat.... It's enough to make you want to get out and walk. So why not do just that?" asks Budget Travel. "At these 10 spots, there are no cars at all (unless you count golf carts)."
Among the 10 most scenic spots without cars is Bald Head Island.
"Bald Head has a rowdy past as a pirate hideout, but the island has since become a vacation-home haven. Old Baldy, as the island's lighthouse is often called, was what inspired Jeff and Tonya Swearingen to first visit Bald Head. Last year, they bought a second home there. 'We love having no cars and having the woods next to the beach,' says Tonya. ...
"Over 80 percent of the island's 12,000 acres is conservation land. The Bald Head Island Conservancy leads nature hikes and special walks to sea-turtle nesting sites ..."
Among the 10 most scenic spots without cars is Bald Head Island.
"Bald Head has a rowdy past as a pirate hideout, but the island has since become a vacation-home haven. Old Baldy, as the island's lighthouse is often called, was what inspired Jeff and Tonya Swearingen to first visit Bald Head. Last year, they bought a second home there. 'We love having no cars and having the woods next to the beach,' says Tonya. ...
"Over 80 percent of the island's 12,000 acres is conservation land. The Bald Head Island Conservancy leads nature hikes and special walks to sea-turtle nesting sites ..."
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