Monday, January 04, 2010
Saturday, January 02, 2010
"Efforts to Curb Cellphone Use While Driving Gain Momentum" - NYTimes.com
Southern Village should impose its own"ban" on the use of any portable device while driving a vehicle.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
"Be the Journalist: Where to Share" - The Local - Maplewood Blog - NYTimes.com
It would be nice to get people in Southern Village and environs thinking about things we'd like to do that we are not, as a community, and things we shouldn't be doing that we are...... Feel free to add them here or anywhere else of your choosing!
"He Delivers Christmas Trees for Rent" - NYTimes.com
What a great idea for Southern Village to do next December!
"Antismoking Program in Mass. Draws Attention" - NYTimes.com
Why don't we declare Southern Village to be a non-smoking community? Of course, we cannot enforce that, but, still, some signs spread around the place declaring it so would be a very good thing, I think.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
"Giorgio Carbone, Elected Prince of Seborga, Dies at 73" - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com
Anything for Southern Village to learn here? I have been to Seborga and can only imagine......
Southern Village HOA
When we first moved here 10 years ago, we had a printed directory of almost everyone else who was living here, and that was updated for a couple of years. Then it stopped.
More recently, I recall that there was an electronic directory of some sort, but I cannot find it on the Southern Village Home Owners Association site. Is it still there, somewhere?
It's hard to imagine having much of a community if we have no way of knowing who all of our Southern Village neighbors are, is it?
More recently, I recall that there was an electronic directory of some sort, but I cannot find it on the Southern Village Home Owners Association site. Is it still there, somewhere?
It's hard to imagine having much of a community if we have no way of knowing who all of our Southern Village neighbors are, is it?
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Cars parked on streets?
When we moved here ten years ago, it was impressive to see that every car had a place to go and that it went there most of the time. Now, the situation has changed. Maybe there are more cars. I hope that is not true but I fear it may be.
What seems more common, though, is that people are parking their cars on the street and not in their garages. This may be pure laziness in some cases. It may be packrats who have filled up their garages to the point of their being no room for their cars.
In any case, it takes a lot away from the streets of Southern Village and I, for one, wish people would put their often very large polluting machines in the garage where they belong and keep them there for every possible minute that they can!
What seems more common, though, is that people are parking their cars on the street and not in their garages. This may be pure laziness in some cases. It may be packrats who have filled up their garages to the point of their being no room for their cars.
In any case, it takes a lot away from the streets of Southern Village and I, for one, wish people would put their often very large polluting machines in the garage where they belong and keep them there for every possible minute that they can!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Town of Chapel Hill : Municipal Parking
This is a useful map of downtown showing both parking lots and metered parking spaces for those times when walking or taking the bus downtown is not possible.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Southern Community Park
How does the Town measure success of the park? With rare exceptions, any time that I walk through the park, the only facility in use is the playground area.
Does the Town calculate any utilization numbers?
Shouldn't we be trying to get more people out there using it?
It increasingly seems to me that tremendous opportunities were lost in not providing facilities that individuals can use as opposed to teams, and the frisbee throwing course seems to be falling into disrepair fueled by lack of use.
Does the Town calculate any utilization numbers?
Shouldn't we be trying to get more people out there using it?
It increasingly seems to me that tremendous opportunities were lost in not providing facilities that individuals can use as opposed to teams, and the frisbee throwing course seems to be falling into disrepair fueled by lack of use.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Brown Alumni Magazine - Car Wreck
Lots to think about here for all the cars, especially the SUVs, that travel our streets far more often than necessary.
Leaf removal cost?
I wonder what it costs Chapel Hill (us) to have all of the trucks run around our streets sweeping the gutters clear of leaves in front of everyone's home? Imagine how much we would save if everyone simply picked up and composted the leaves in front of their homes. There are not many gutters in Chapel Hill that collect leaves naturally that are not in front of someone's home. As the saying goes, if everyone cleans the street in front of their house, the street will be clean. No wasted fuel for the truck, no expense, lots more compost!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
"Solar Street Lights-Solar Street Lighting"
What a great way to imagine adding more street lights to Southern Village!
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
"Denmark and Better Place in Ambitious Test for Electric Cars" - NYTimes.com
I wonder what we know about how hard it would be to replicate a program of this sort in and around Southern Village? How far do the cars of our area normally travel? Would there have to be a central charging station? How would that work? It sure would help us all to understand this issue better to map out exactly what would change here - given current technology - if most people switched to electric vehicles.
"Clear.com High Speed Mobile - Wireless Internet Service Provider"
Just FYI, in case anyone was wondering... It looks like Southern Village and vicinity are covered. I put in our Graylyn Drive address and it says we are in the zone.
Has anyone signed up yet? Reactions?
Has anyone signed up yet? Reactions?
South Orange Rescue Squad
I'd like to understand better the relationship between the South Orange Rescue Squad and service to Southern Village and environs. If we call 911, do they respond? Or, only if needed? Just how do they relate to us? Perhaps someone knows?
Comments from a friend
A friend who has just moved to Southern Village from another state, and originally, another country had some interesting comments to make about Southern Village.
One was how expensive are the products on sale at Weaver Street Market.
The other was how disappointing it is to find no bus service from Chapel Hill Transit on the weekends.
Sure seems like fair and accurate comment to me.
One was how expensive are the products on sale at Weaver Street Market.
The other was how disappointing it is to find no bus service from Chapel Hill Transit on the weekends.
Sure seems like fair and accurate comment to me.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Street lights
I love our street lights in Southern Village and nearby. In fact, I wish we had twice as many, or even more. It's a long, dark distance between too many of them.
That said, I wonder if the lights are either compact fluorescent of LED or some comparable technology?
And how much does it cost to keep them lit for a year?
I think we should at least know the answers to those two questions.
That said, I wonder if the lights are either compact fluorescent of LED or some comparable technology?
And how much does it cost to keep them lit for a year?
I think we should at least know the answers to those two questions.
Monday, November 23, 2009
"find toilet rebates in North Carolina :: water rebates in U.S.A with toiletrebate.com - toilet rebates - water efficiency - water rebates programs"
Is this program available to us in Southern Village?
Granted, there seem to be funding problems for these programs in other places if not here as well.
Granted, there seem to be funding problems for these programs in other places if not here as well.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Merlion Restaurant
I thought I would simply call attention to some of the websites for people and organizations in or near Southern Village. When I have time, I may add a little commentary....
Light-a-luminary
I think it is wonderful to see money contributed to the Ronald McDonald House. That's what the light-a-luminary effort says it is designed to do and money has indeed been contributed from Southern Village and vicinity.
We got a mailing from the project a week or so ago, and I wonder if spending the 44 cents on a letter to all (I am assuming this went to everyone) is the best way to make the largest contribution. Imagine, instead, that this became a project to see how much we could raise in Southern Village and environs for the House without spending money on mailings and without the fleeting but time consuming exercise of lighting a bunch of candles.
It seems to me that the focus ought to be on raising money instead of lighting candles.
We got a mailing from the project a week or so ago, and I wonder if spending the 44 cents on a letter to all (I am assuming this went to everyone) is the best way to make the largest contribution. Imagine, instead, that this became a project to see how much we could raise in Southern Village and environs for the House without spending money on mailings and without the fleeting but time consuming exercise of lighting a bunch of candles.
It seems to me that the focus ought to be on raising money instead of lighting candles.
Leaf composting
Why would anyone who lives in or near Southern Village want to put their leaves out at the curb for pickup by the town or county? Why not compost all of them and then spread the resulting compost in your yards in a month or two? What's so difficult about that?
I was amazed today in walking around Southern Village to see the number of homes with leaves piled in front. It's worth making a picture album with each house identified so we can talk more about this.
I was amazed today in walking around Southern Village to see the number of homes with leaves piled in front. It's worth making a picture album with each house identified so we can talk more about this.
"Welcome to NC54-I40 Corridor Study"
I'd hazard a guess that everyone who lives or works in Southern Village, or nearby, has a stake in this.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Nature trail and frisbees
I tested out the "nature trail" today, so marked on the Fan Branch Trail behind Scroggs School. It was not clear where it went, but I walked along encountering a number of the frisbee baskets, for whatever that game is called. What I did not encounter was anyone playing this game.
Do we have a map of the "trail" anywhere?
Why do we have the frisbee course if no one uses it? Or am I missing the frisbee rush hour somehow?
Do we have a map of the "trail" anywhere?
Why do we have the frisbee course if no one uses it? Or am I missing the frisbee rush hour somehow?
Hello and Bonjour
I divide my professional and personal time between Southern Village and a quartier of Nice in France called Mont Boron.
The similarities and differences continue to fascinate me.
One of the notable differences, however, seems to be lessening.
In France, as I walk about our hilltop, covered with pines and wild olive trees, I pass a few more - but not many more - people than I pass out walking the sidewalks of Southern Village. When I say hello to someone in France, the reaction is often one of being startled as I do not know the person. Recently, my sense is that this has changed. On my last trip, people seemed to go out of their way to say hello. I don't want to overstate this; most did not, but a few really seemed determined to make the effort to exchange a bonjour.
When we moved to Southern Village ten years ago, we were struck by how friendly people seemed to be...both the native North Carolinians and those of us who had moved to town. Recently, my sense here, too, is that things are changing. When I was out for a walk yesterday and today, one couple - whom I know - barely said hello as I greeted them by name. Several whom I passed seemed not to respond at all to my hi or hello. And most simply mumbled in response. Only a few seemed to be uttering a very friendly response.
So, bravo for France, and less so for Southern Village.
The similarities and differences continue to fascinate me.
One of the notable differences, however, seems to be lessening.
In France, as I walk about our hilltop, covered with pines and wild olive trees, I pass a few more - but not many more - people than I pass out walking the sidewalks of Southern Village. When I say hello to someone in France, the reaction is often one of being startled as I do not know the person. Recently, my sense is that this has changed. On my last trip, people seemed to go out of their way to say hello. I don't want to overstate this; most did not, but a few really seemed determined to make the effort to exchange a bonjour.
When we moved to Southern Village ten years ago, we were struck by how friendly people seemed to be...both the native North Carolinians and those of us who had moved to town. Recently, my sense here, too, is that things are changing. When I was out for a walk yesterday and today, one couple - whom I know - barely said hello as I greeted them by name. Several whom I passed seemed not to respond at all to my hi or hello. And most simply mumbled in response. Only a few seemed to be uttering a very friendly response.
So, bravo for France, and less so for Southern Village.
"Driven to Distraction - A High-Tech Nanny to Cut Off Cellphones" - Series - NYTimes.com
What a great notion - disabling the driver's cellphone when behind the wheel and driving! If the jerks who talk on phones and drive cannot be convinced to change their habits, this is a great way to protect the rest of us.
Friday, November 20, 2009
"Town of Chapel Hill North Carolina Executive Summary"
The Morgan Creek Trail project....set for action Monday night.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Reusable bags
I just added my vote to a poll on the CVS site. The results appear below and I wonder if the numbers are much different for the CVS on 15-501?
"Do you shop with a reusable bag at CVS/Pharmacy?
Yes
(1112)
29%
No
(1621)
43%
Sometimes
(1061)
28%"
"Do you shop with a reusable bag at CVS/Pharmacy?
Yes
(1112)
29%
No
(1621)
43%
Sometimes
(1061)
28%"
Friday, November 13, 2009
Speed display?
I was just driving through a town here in France that has erected a permanent device - not very big - on a lamp pole that tells drivers how fast they are going. We see this in NC from time to time, but it is usually only temporary and usually quite large and obtrusive.
Imagine if we could pick the road in Southern Village where there seems to be the most speeding, and erect such a device - with the Town's permission of course? As I watched cars pass this device here in France, almost all of them slowed down.
Imagine if we could pick the road in Southern Village where there seems to be the most speeding, and erect such a device - with the Town's permission of course? As I watched cars pass this device here in France, almost all of them slowed down.
Monday, November 09, 2009
"Transportation For America » Dangerous By Design: Most Dangerous Large Metro Areas for Pedestrians"
Has any pedestrian died in Southern Village in a traffic accident? Note the ranking of Raleigh-Cary metropolitan area. I think we are in a Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area but I cannot find anything online that gives a map of the two metropolitan .... or one or the other.
Trees
Southern Village was built at the cost of thousands of trees. So, too, the widening of 15-501, and the Southern Community Park.
How about we now take a tree census? Yes, let's count all of the trees in Southern Village and some defined set of environs and then keep track. If one or many come down for some reason, let's look for ways to replace thenm somewhere else.
How about we now take a tree census? Yes, let's count all of the trees in Southern Village and some defined set of environs and then keep track. If one or many come down for some reason, let's look for ways to replace thenm somewhere else.
Friday, November 06, 2009
"The Backlash Against Cyclists" - Bay Area Blog - NYTimes.com
How do we get cyclists in Chapel Hill to obey traffic rules? That includes stopping when you get to one of those red signs so indicating!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
"OWASA seeks comments on November 11th regarding draft Update of Long-Range Water Supply Plan"
"NEWS RELEASE November 5, 2009
OWASA invites all customers to participate in a Community Meeting on Wednesday night, November 11th regarding the draft Update of our Long-Range Water Supply Plan.
The meeting will begin at 7 PM; will be held in the Chapel Hill Town Hall, 405 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; and will be televised on local cable channel 18.
OWASA staff drafted the update in light of the severe droughts in 2001-02 and 2007-08 and significant reductions in water demand in recent years. Key items in the draft update include:
· OWASA’S existing Cane Creek/University Lake/Quarry Reservoir system can meet the community’s needs substantially further into the future than previously thought.
· Expansion of the Quarry Reservoir west of Carrboro continues to offer the most cost-effective increment of additional supply and will provide full control of a substantial amount of high quality water with minimal capital investment. An expanded Quarry Reservoir is expected to meet most anticipated water supply needs for the 50-year planning period.
· OWASA should develop agreements with neighboring utilities to secure the permanent ability to purchase or sell water under appropriate conditions of supply and demand. Except for the expanded Quarry Reservoir, temporary purchases offer the most cost-effective option evaluated, especially for the infrequent times and limited amounts of water that may be needed in the next 25 years or more. Purchase agreements also provide mutual support when critical facilities are out of service due to maintenance, equipment failure, severe weather, etc.
· All customer groups have significantly reduced their water consumption in recent years. OWASA also began operating a new reclaimed wastewater system serving the University, promoted conservation with seasonal and increasing block water rates and public information, and implemented “process” water recycling at the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant.
· Investing in an expansion of OWASA’s reclaimed water system or establishing financial incentive programs, such as plumbing fixture rebates, to promote additional conservation is substantially less cost-effective than other options evaluated.
“The Long-Range Water Supply Plan Update presents a positive future for the community we serve. Through aggressive, conservation-focused actions, future generations will be able to enjoy a reliable supply of high quality drinking water with far less capital investment than predicted nine years ago,” said Ed Holland, OWASA’s Planning Director.
The Draft Water Supply Plan Update and a summary of it are available on OWASA’s website, http://www.owasa.org/, and paper copies will be provided on request.
For more information:
Ed Holland, Planning Director, 537-4215; e-mail: eholland@owasa.org
400 JONES FERRY ROAD, CARRBORO, NC 27510
PHONE: (919) 968-4421; FAX: (919) 968-4464
WEB SITE: http://www.owasa.org;/ E-MAIL: WEBMASTER@OWASA.ORG"
OWASA invites all customers to participate in a Community Meeting on Wednesday night, November 11th regarding the draft Update of our Long-Range Water Supply Plan.
The meeting will begin at 7 PM; will be held in the Chapel Hill Town Hall, 405 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; and will be televised on local cable channel 18.
OWASA staff drafted the update in light of the severe droughts in 2001-02 and 2007-08 and significant reductions in water demand in recent years. Key items in the draft update include:
· OWASA’S existing Cane Creek/University Lake/Quarry Reservoir system can meet the community’s needs substantially further into the future than previously thought.
· Expansion of the Quarry Reservoir west of Carrboro continues to offer the most cost-effective increment of additional supply and will provide full control of a substantial amount of high quality water with minimal capital investment. An expanded Quarry Reservoir is expected to meet most anticipated water supply needs for the 50-year planning period.
· OWASA should develop agreements with neighboring utilities to secure the permanent ability to purchase or sell water under appropriate conditions of supply and demand. Except for the expanded Quarry Reservoir, temporary purchases offer the most cost-effective option evaluated, especially for the infrequent times and limited amounts of water that may be needed in the next 25 years or more. Purchase agreements also provide mutual support when critical facilities are out of service due to maintenance, equipment failure, severe weather, etc.
· All customer groups have significantly reduced their water consumption in recent years. OWASA also began operating a new reclaimed wastewater system serving the University, promoted conservation with seasonal and increasing block water rates and public information, and implemented “process” water recycling at the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant.
· Investing in an expansion of OWASA’s reclaimed water system or establishing financial incentive programs, such as plumbing fixture rebates, to promote additional conservation is substantially less cost-effective than other options evaluated.
“The Long-Range Water Supply Plan Update presents a positive future for the community we serve. Through aggressive, conservation-focused actions, future generations will be able to enjoy a reliable supply of high quality drinking water with far less capital investment than predicted nine years ago,” said Ed Holland, OWASA’s Planning Director.
The Draft Water Supply Plan Update and a summary of it are available on OWASA’s website, http://www.owasa.org/, and paper copies will be provided on request.
For more information:
Ed Holland, Planning Director, 537-4215; e-mail: eholland@owasa.org
400 JONES FERRY ROAD, CARRBORO, NC 27510
PHONE: (919) 968-4421; FAX: (919) 968-4464
WEB SITE: http://www.owasa.org;/ E-MAIL: WEBMASTER@OWASA.ORG"
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
"WakeWatch - From grease to fuel in Raleigh" - newsobserver.com blogs
Should we consider doing the same in Southern Village?
Monday, November 02, 2009
"Portland Establishes Climate Action Plan" - Green Inc. Blog - NYTimes.com
Why can't we set up our own community compostable collection plan? I could imagine a bicycle driven cart that could make the rounds with volunteers picking up compostable materials and dumping them in a place to be selected in Southern Village. Skip the not in my backyard argument; we've got plenty of places where we could pu this.
We should also run down the full list in this report and see what we could adapt to Southern Village and environs.
Frankly, I see no reason why we cannot act on most of them in our own way, in cooperation with the town of Chapel Hill and Orange County and North Caorlina, plus any federal government considerations.
We should also run down the full list in this report and see what we could adapt to Southern Village and environs.
Frankly, I see no reason why we cannot act on most of them in our own way, in cooperation with the town of Chapel Hill and Orange County and North Caorlina, plus any federal government considerations.
"Driven to Distraction - Britain Sets Tough New Laws for Texting While Driving" - Series - NYTimes.com
Any driver driving around Southern Village, or anywhere else, using a hand held electronic device is both stupid and selfish. It's a combination that leads to people dying. If the state of North Caorlina is not going to do what it should in banning all such use, we should be telling these jerks (the only term that describes them well) - our neighbors - to stop it. It's not a matter for debate; it's something that we all have the power to change either one-by-one or, even better, by act of our legislature.
So if you see a driver pick up a phone while driving, just say no, and/or get out of the vehicle if you are a passenger.
Fortunately, more and more people are realizing that on this issue there is only one right way to approach it - ban all handheld use while operating a motor vehicle.
So if you see a driver pick up a phone while driving, just say no, and/or get out of the vehicle if you are a passenger.
Fortunately, more and more people are realizing that on this issue there is only one right way to approach it - ban all handheld use while operating a motor vehicle.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Cittaslow
I watched a program here in France about the relatively new Slow City movement as it is happening in one Turkish city. Is this something we should be considering for Southern Village and Chapel Hill? I don't mean joining this specific network necessarily or at all - but rather, adopting some of the ideas that are behind the movement, an offshoot of the Slow Food movement, also originating in Italy. Indeed, here is that piece and it happens to have been on the BBC, in English.
Friday, October 30, 2009
"Report Argues for a Decentralized System of Renewable Power Generation" - Green Inc. Blog - NYTimes.com
Note the estimate here that NC could meet 28% of its energy needs with rooftop solar installations. The full report here says we can generate 8% of our need from ONshore windpower and 200% from offshore. It goes on to show land area required for the solar application (.49%) and then other figures for geothermal, etc.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
"21st Annual RSVVP Day" - The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service
It's nice to see at least two - Merlion and Weaver Street Market - Southern Village eating spots participating in this program.
UNC library events
We are lucky to live within easy walking distance of UNC. Here are some upcoming events at the library there that might be of interest, and well worth the walk!
"Southern Historical Collection Book Series
Monday, November 2, 2009
Devin Fergus will speak about his book Liberalism, Black Power, and the Making of American Politics, 1965-1980.
5:00 pm Reception and exhibit viewing, Melba Remig Saltarelli Room, Wilson Library5:45 pm Talk, Pleasants Family Assembly Room
Gallery Talk - We Shall Not Be Moved
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A gallery talk given by Holly Smith, lead curator of the exhibit We Shall Not Be Moved. Come hear more about the people, places, events, and themes represented in the exhibit.
2:00 pm Gallery talk, Melba Remig Saltarelli Room, Wilson Library
Ediciones Vigia, Handmade Books from Cuba
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A talk by Linda S. Howe, Wake Forest University, as part of a month-long celebration of Cuba sponsored by the Institute for the Study of the Americas. For more information on the speaker and the event click here.
5:00-6:30 pm Lecture, Pleasants Family Assembly Room, Wilson Library
Archie Green Memorial Symposium
**Saturday, November 21, 2009 (please note date change)**
Symposium in honor of folklorist Archie Green. The event will include panel discussions, reminiscences, and performances. The Southern Folklife Collection is co-sponsoring this event with the American Studies Department. This event is free, but registration is required. For more information about the event and how to register click here.
9:00 am-5:00 pm Pleasants Family Assembly Room, Wilson Library
Comics and Graphic Novels
Saturday, November 21, 2009
A panel discussion hosted by the Rare Book Collection.
11:00 am-1:00 pm Rare Book Reading Room, Wilson Library
From the Living Writers course
Distinguished Visiting Writer - Andrea Barrett
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Andrea Barrett is the author of six novels, most recently The Air We Breathe, and two collections of short fiction, Ship Fever, which received the National Book Award, and Servants of the Map, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. A MacArthur Fellow, she has also been a Fellow at the Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library, and has received Guggenheim and NEA fellowships. 5:30 pm University Room, Hyde Hall"
"Southern Historical Collection Book Series
Monday, November 2, 2009
Devin Fergus will speak about his book Liberalism, Black Power, and the Making of American Politics, 1965-1980.
5:00 pm Reception and exhibit viewing, Melba Remig Saltarelli Room, Wilson Library5:45 pm Talk, Pleasants Family Assembly Room
Gallery Talk - We Shall Not Be Moved
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A gallery talk given by Holly Smith, lead curator of the exhibit We Shall Not Be Moved. Come hear more about the people, places, events, and themes represented in the exhibit.
2:00 pm Gallery talk, Melba Remig Saltarelli Room, Wilson Library
Ediciones Vigia, Handmade Books from Cuba
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A talk by Linda S. Howe, Wake Forest University, as part of a month-long celebration of Cuba sponsored by the Institute for the Study of the Americas. For more information on the speaker and the event click here.
5:00-6:30 pm Lecture, Pleasants Family Assembly Room, Wilson Library
Archie Green Memorial Symposium
**Saturday, November 21, 2009 (please note date change)**
Symposium in honor of folklorist Archie Green. The event will include panel discussions, reminiscences, and performances. The Southern Folklife Collection is co-sponsoring this event with the American Studies Department. This event is free, but registration is required. For more information about the event and how to register click here.
9:00 am-5:00 pm Pleasants Family Assembly Room, Wilson Library
Comics and Graphic Novels
Saturday, November 21, 2009
A panel discussion hosted by the Rare Book Collection.
11:00 am-1:00 pm Rare Book Reading Room, Wilson Library
From the Living Writers course
Distinguished Visiting Writer - Andrea Barrett
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Andrea Barrett is the author of six novels, most recently The Air We Breathe, and two collections of short fiction, Ship Fever, which received the National Book Award, and Servants of the Map, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. A MacArthur Fellow, she has also been a Fellow at the Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library, and has received Guggenheim and NEA fellowships. 5:30 pm University Room, Hyde Hall"
How much more expensive is or is not Weaver Street Market?
I wonder if anyone has tried to calculate what a week's worth of groceries for a family of 1-4 people might be if bought entirely at Weaver Street Market v. driving to whatever one considers to be the lowest price option, perhaps Food Lion or even COSTCO. In other words, if you bought everything you need for a week at Weaver Street Market and bought the same things at a perceived lower price competitor, what would the price difference be?
"Got Milk? Yes, at My Doorstep" - Cranky Consumer - WSJ.com
Is it possible to get milk delivered in Southern Village? Sure, that means potentially one more vehicle on the streets, but there are offsetting considerations. In any case, we shoudl all know if this service is available and then we can make our individual choices.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
What are our schools doing to drive sustainable initiatives at home and in the community?
We have (as far as I know - having no children in any of them) three excellent schools serving Southern Village and its environs. They are Scroggs elementary, Culbreth middle, and Carrboro high.
Since much change is often driven from the young people of commuinties, I wonder what sustainability programs and projects are part of the school curriculum - or just available there - that might have, or could have, an impact on the community starting with the homes of the students? In other words, are kids coming home with projects to do that involve energy conservation, exercise, nutrition, etc? And what has been the experience with such initiatives if they exist? What are the schools open to consider by way of new efforts to help drive a more sustainable community through the active involvement of teachers and students?
Since much change is often driven from the young people of commuinties, I wonder what sustainability programs and projects are part of the school curriculum - or just available there - that might have, or could have, an impact on the community starting with the homes of the students? In other words, are kids coming home with projects to do that involve energy conservation, exercise, nutrition, etc? And what has been the experience with such initiatives if they exist? What are the schools open to consider by way of new efforts to help drive a more sustainable community through the active involvement of teachers and students?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Op-Ed Columnist - Changing the World - NYTimes.com
This is an excellent column.
What Bob HERBERT says about politics and government in general applies specifically to environmental and sustainability issues related to life in and around Southern Village. It's worth reading it with that thought in mind.
What Bob HERBERT says about politics and government in general applies specifically to environmental and sustainability issues related to life in and around Southern Village. It's worth reading it with that thought in mind.
"Obama putting $3.4B toward 'smart' power grid" - Future of Energy- msnbc.com
Here are the North Carolina projects on the list. It does not look like any will affect us in Southern Village, at least not directly?
"Duke Energy Carolinas LLC Charlotte, NC
Install 45 phasor measurement units in substations across the Carolinas and upgrade communications infrastructure and technology at the corporate control center.
Duke Energy Business Services LLC Charlotte, NC with addtl. benefits in IN and OHComprehensive grid modernization for Duke Energy’s Midwest electric system encompassing Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Includes installing open, interoperable, two-way communications networks, deploying smart meters for 1.4 million customers, automating advanced distribution applications, developing dynamic pricing programs, and supporting the deployment of plug-in electric vehicles.
Progress Energy Service Company, Raleigh, NC with addtl. benefits in SCBuild a green Smart Grid virtual power plant through conservation, efficiency and advanced load shaping technologies, including installation of over 160,000 meters across its multi-state service area."
"Duke Energy Carolinas LLC Charlotte, NC
Install 45 phasor measurement units in substations across the Carolinas and upgrade communications infrastructure and technology at the corporate control center.
Duke Energy Business Services LLC Charlotte, NC with addtl. benefits in IN and OHComprehensive grid modernization for Duke Energy’s Midwest electric system encompassing Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Includes installing open, interoperable, two-way communications networks, deploying smart meters for 1.4 million customers, automating advanced distribution applications, developing dynamic pricing programs, and supporting the deployment of plug-in electric vehicles.
Progress Energy Service Company, Raleigh, NC with addtl. benefits in SCBuild a green Smart Grid virtual power plant through conservation, efficiency and advanced load shaping technologies, including installation of over 160,000 meters across its multi-state service area."
Monday, October 26, 2009
"Police Cite 7,500 Drivers for Cellphone Use" - City Room Blog - NYTimes.com
They surely ought to be equally illegal in NC, and in Southern Village especially.
"Rethinking Laundry in the 21st Century" - Room for Debate Blog - NYTimes.com
Now, here's an answer to Southern Village's energy challenges - set up clotheslines in our front yards!
"CEOs for Cities :: New Study Shows More Walkable Homes Are Worth More"
Sidewalks are a lot cheaper than roads, and we are very lucky that D.R. BRYAN developed Southern Village to have many more yards, perhaps miles, of sidewalks than we have roads!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
"Duke sets lofty goal on energy" - Local/State - News & Observer
What can Southern Village and its environs learn from the Duke plan, and how can we get a copy of the UNC plan and figure out how we could make ourselves part of that? Think for a moment about what a small amount of land separates Southern Village proper from UNC. Supppose we proposed to work with the people who live between us to make a much larger environmental improvement area?
"Will Smarter Roads Save Us More Money?" - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com
We have a lot of people who work for IBM in Southern Village and nearby. Couldn't they tell us more about this program in the context of Southern Village and its environs? What are the possible ways in which traffic could be improved in our community that would reduce its impact on the environment, enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety, and generally improve people's lives? Since IBM is doing so much on this, shouldn't we expect our neighbors there to explain this in terms that relate to our community?
Friday, October 23, 2009
"When Members Run Afoul of the Park Slope Food Coop" - NYTimes.com
I wonder if all don't need to understand better the people who work at Weaver Street Market, both employees and volunteers?
"By Degrees - To Cut Global Warming, Swedes Study Their Plates" - NYTimes.com
Could we work together with Weaver Street Market and the restaurants of Southern Village to deal with some of this????
Thursday, October 22, 2009
"Florida may become first bagless state in nation" - Home/Garden - News & Observer
Why don't we talk with all of the merchants in Southern Village and do this now? Maybe there is a place for Southern Village shopping bags - the permanent kind?
"California - Plastic, Now Paper?" - NYTimes.com
What more can we do to reduce the bags taken out of Southern Village stores by customers, and what we do to reduce the number of bags that Southern Village and environs customers bring home from stores elsewhere, or stuff that they get in the mail?
"Skin Deep - A Few Cookies a Day to Keep the Pounds Away?" - NYTimes.com
Note the views of Southern Village resident Sue HOBBS, toward the end of the story.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
"Duke Energy and Utility Commission reach settlement on rate increase" - newsobserver.com blogs
What a great opportunity this presents to people in Southern Village and environs to reduce their electricity consumption. Wouldn't a personal/household target of trying to reduce consumption enough to offset the price increase be a good one? For next year, that would be around a 4% decrease in electricity use and then a further decrease the following year of about the same. It seems reasonable and achievable to me. Who is willing to make their electric bills public for the past year and then continue to do so for next year?
"Business Travelers Take to Their Bikes" - NYTimes.com
A lot of people who live in Southern Village travel a lot. What are some of the interesting stories about what they do when they travel to reduce their impact on the environment?
In my own case, I spend a lot of time in France. For many years, I would rent a car each time I came. But now when I am here alone, I seldom rent a car, or do so only for special events as I am doing for three days at the end of my current trip. I walk everywhere I can and use the bus and tram system, and take taxis only a few times a year.
What do others do when they travel to another locaiton for personal or business reasons?
In my own case, I spend a lot of time in France. For many years, I would rent a car each time I came. But now when I am here alone, I seldom rent a car, or do so only for special events as I am doing for three days at the end of my current trip. I walk everywhere I can and use the bus and tram system, and take taxis only a few times a year.
What do others do when they travel to another locaiton for personal or business reasons?
"A New Recycling Strategy Is Catching On" - NYTimes.com
It seems to me that there are a lot of things that we could do in Southern Village that would help us move in the same direction. For example, let's just take food waste that is compostable. My guess is that whatever that total amount is for Southern Village and its environs, including businesses, organizations and restaurants, that we are composting altogether perhaps 10% of the total - I bet it is closer to 5%.
If people do not want to compost at home, surely there is a portion of the community park or even one of our natural areas where we could set up compost containers for all to use, no?
If people do not want to compost at home, surely there is a portion of the community park or even one of our natural areas where we could set up compost containers for all to use, no?
Monday, October 19, 2009
"The European Week for Waste Reduction" - ewwr.eu
It might be interesting to see what a week's focus could do for solid waste in Southern Village? Here is how France is addressing the matter (in French), noting that the per person waste in France is 390 kg or a little over 800 pounds. That includes everything that gets tossed; compostable garbage represents more than 275 pounds of the 800. What are the numbers in Southern Village?
"Powering a Nation"
This is a project at the journalism school at UNC, just up the street. Wouldn't it be nice to figure out some way that Southern Village and its environs could "plug in" - could not resist - to this undertaking?
"The Ridge at Chukker Creek: Equestrian Community with Green Homes and Homesites in Aiken, SC" - CarolinaLiving.com
How close to Net Zero could Southern Village homes become, and what would it take in renovation to ge there?
"10 Simple Steps to a Green Home: More Healthy, Energy Efficient & Environmentally Friendly" - CarolinaLiving.com
One can never slice this important pie in too many different pieces!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
"Green Inc. Column - Local Assaults on the Global Climate Problem" - NYTimes.com
Wouldn't it be wonderful, as is said, if Southern Village and its environs could announce at the end of 2010 that we had all done X things that had resulted on our reducing our negative impact on the environment by Y amount? Whose willing to commit to try? What are you willing to do, specifically, that you are not now doing or what are you prepared to stop doing that you are?
"‘No Impact Man,’ by Colin Beavan" - First Chapter - NYTimes.com
I wonder if the Homeowners' Association "green" committee will get anyone to try this in Southern Village?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Scroggs information session?
There are some number of us who live in Southern Village and its environs who know about Scroggs school only through the children (of neighbors who attend) and their parents. I, for one, would love to attend a program at the school where the principal simply gives us non-parents of Scroggs kids a rundown on the current state of the school, issues, problems, accomplishments, profile, etc.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
"Localism: Fewer Americans are Relocating" - Newsweek Personal Finance -- Retirement - Newsweek.com
This would be excellent background readin for a coffee chat in Southern Village sometime. As further background, it would be really interesting to to the research on how many homes in Southern Village and its environs have changed hand in recent years. One could separate out the new houses until they were sold, and then focus on the percentage of homes that turnover each year and see what those trends are.....
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
"Reporter Resurrects Career - Buys His Own Paper" - NYTimes.com
If 2,600 people in New Mexico can support two newspapers, more or less, is there not some hope that the 3,000 plus people who live in and around Southern Village might be able to do the same?
"Market street Association at Southern Village petition to Council"
I don't think I recall reading this earlier in the year.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
"Triangle fast-food restaurants go green" - WRAL.com
One of these is the Subway in Southern Village.
"Love Your Farmers Market Contest sponsored by Care2.com and LocalHarvest.org"
The Carrboro Farmers' Market finished 3rd.
"Mayoral Candidates Address Downtown Issues" - The Chapel Hill Magazine Blog - Chapel Hill Magazine
I sure am not impressed by what any of these candidates appear to have had to say. Where is the creativity? Where is the appreciation of how much taxes have increased? It strikes me that they are just touching hot buttons instead of getting inside the "machine" to fix what is wrong with downtown and with our tax bills.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
List of countries that ban cellphone use while driving
I am in France, and I am struck, as I look at drivers in vehicles that they do not use any portable devices. The fine for doing so seems to do the trick? How can we be so stupid in the US as to allow people to risk the lives of others and their own by such idiotic behavior as trying to drive while holding a phone to one's ear????
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
Thursday, October 01, 2009
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