Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Biltmore is state's top historic attraction

Asheville's Biltmore Estate is the state's top historic attraction, according to Carolina Publishing Associates' annual survey.

Following Biltmore on the list were Fort Macon in Atlantic Beach, the N.C. Zoo in Asheboro, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh and Fort Fisher at Kure Beach.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

N.C. 'cue > K.C. 'cue

... at least according to Anthony Bourdain. And I think he knows a thing or two about food.

In an upcoming issue of Budget Travel, Bourdain puts "five great rivalries to rest." One is the N.C. vs. K.C. barbecue debate. The winner? Us.

"It's so minimalist - dressed with only a bit of vinegar, salt, and pepper," said Bourdain. "It's hard to argue with that."

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

I - for one -- refuse to believe this

There's a gradual shift toward a less distinctive regional accent, and our vowel sounds are leading the way, says the News & Observer.

"Language is always changing, always in flux," said Robin Dodsworth, an associate linguistics professor at N.C. State University. "Over time in Raleigh, the Southern variant is disappearing."

Apparently, this is a story about the South in general, not just Raleigh. I don't believe it.

Walt Wolfram, NCSU's William C. Friday distinguished professor of English linguistics, says the South isn't losing its identity in terms of speech - it's reconfiguring. The South, particularly in urban areas, has transformed itself during the past 30 years, Wolfram said. Cities have been more influenced by outsiders, and this vowel shift is partially a product of that change. And it's more subtle than natives might realize.

"If a Southern person goes north, people are still going to say you sound Southern," Wolfram said.

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Charlotte lands 2012 DNC

Congrats to the Queen City.

The Democratic National Committee announced Tuesday that it will hold its 2012 convention to nominate a presidential candidate in Charlotte. The convention is expected to draw up to 50,000 delegates, politicians and journalists to the city for the week of Sept. 3, 2012. ...

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx said, "We have an unmatched opportunity to show the world what a beautiful, energetic, innovative and diverse city we are building in Charlotte." ...

Gov. Bev Perdue said, "“Today’s decision is fantastic news for North Carolina regardless of your political party."