The Center for Documentary Studies at Duke presents a conversation about documentary writing, including what defines the genre, where it’s practiced, and why it makes a lasting impact. Two accomplished long-form writers are featured: Roger Hodge, editor of Harper’s Magazine, and Pittsboro journalist and author Duncan Murrell. Wednesday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Center for Documentary Studies. FREE.
Author: webstaff
Democracy NC on activism
Here’s the release from Bob Hall and the gang at Democracy NC on a study of activism in the recent elections:
(link to xls file here)
democracy-nc.org
NC Counties Ranked for Voter Activism;
Both Major Parties Can Claim VictoriesNorth Carolina’s record turnout in the 2008 election made it the state with the biggest increase in voter participation over 2004 and helped Barack Obama win a narrow victory, but a new analysis shows that five of the 10 NC counties with the most intense voter activism favored John McCain.
“The counties that experienced the highest turnout or the heaviest use of early voting did not uniformly line up to hand one candidate or one party a clear victory,†said Bob Hall, director of Democracy North Carolina, the nonpartisan election reform group that conducted the study. “They are the counties where voters of both parties, unaffiliated voters, blacks and whites, and new voters, all get involved. They illustrate why North Carolina will likely be a hotly contested state in 2010 and beyond.â€
Cornucopia House fundraiser

Nearly 500 people attended the 10th annual “A Chocolate Affaire†auction and fundraising event on Feb. 8, hosted by Cornucopia House Cancer Support Center. The event raised nearly $60,000 to go towards the Cornucopia House’s free services to support cancer patients. Services include yoga classes, massage therapy, educational forums, lending libraries and more. The total money raised set a record high in fundraising.
This year’s honorary co-chairs were Dr. H. Shelton Earp, director of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Dr. H. Kim Lyerly, director of Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Cornucopia House is an expert in non-clinical cancer support services and its programs complement the services of the hospital-based cancer centers in the Triangle.
For more information go to www.cornucopiahouse.org.
I’m melting…

We’ve been getting periodic sun breaks since mid-morning. But the warmth of the sun and temps rising to just above freezing are causing the snow to start melting. And that means the threat of black ice later tonight and early tomorrow is very, very real.
Beginning at sunset and extending through tomorrow’s morning rush hour, drivers, bikers and pedestrians should be on the lookout for icy patches on roads and sidewalks.
AAA Carolinas has tips for driving in wintry weather on its website, www.aaacarolinas.com.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration offers these tips for walking on ice and snow:
* Take short steps and walk at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction.
* If you must walk in the street, walk against the traffic and as close to the curb as you can.
* Be on the lookout for vehicles which may have lost traction and are slipping towards you. Be aware that approaching vehicles may not be able to stop at crosswalks or traffic signals.
* Wear bright clothing or reflective gear at dawn, dusk or dark, as dark clothing will make it difficult for motorists to see you.
* During the daytime, wear sunglasses to help you see better and avoid hazards.
Black ice advisory issued
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for black ice in effect from 6 pm this evening to 9am Tuesday.
Recent snowfall has resulted in wet and slushy roadways across much of central North Carolina. Temperatures will struggle to Reach freezing this afternoon, and will quickly drop well below freezing after sunset. Low temperatures on Tuesday morning are expected to drop into the lower to mid teens across the entire area. As a result, any water, snow or slush on area roadways will quickly turn to ice around or shortly after sunset this evening and remain that way through rush hour Tuesday morning.
A winter weather advisory for black ice means that treacherous road conditions are expected. Travel in the advisory area is strongly discouraged from sunset this evening through mid to late Tuesday morning. If you must travel, exercise extreme caution while driving — especially on bridges and overpasses. Allow for extra time to reach your destination and avoid sudden stops or accelerations.
Business hours updates
Here’s what’s open, for now:
Carrboro Coworking: Contact Brian if you plan to come in. He may close early.
Weaver St. Market: So far, they’ve announced that the Hillsborough store will close at 6pm, and the Southern Village location could close around 7pm, “depending”. No word on the Carrboro store yet. Update: Weaver Street folks checked in and they’re going to stay open until 9 p.m. after all.
3 Cups: Is open.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA: closed for the day
In other news, Orange County announced that urban recycling and haz mat collection is canceled for today.
If your enterprise is open today, and/or closing early, post here or email margot@carrborocitizen.com.
What’s at Market
Check out what’s at the Carrboro Year Round Farmers’ Market:
Tulips, daffodils, irises, lettuce, hydroponic basil, chard, spring onions, pac choy, flour, onions, garlic, arugula, beets, broccoli, watercrest, cabbage, carrots, winter squashes, cauliflower, collards, fresh herbs, kale, leeks, mustard greens, salad greens, spinach, sweet potatoes, turnips, turnip greens, winter squashes, pecans, herb and vegetable starters, NEW chicken-sausage, maple sausage, smoked ham, smoked ham hocks, liverwurst, lamb, bacon, chicken, eggs, cow’s milk cheeses, breads, doughnuts, tortes, pies, cakes, jams, and relishes
Spring Hours Begin: Starting Saturday, March 14th our hours change to 7am-Noon at the Farmers Market!
Spicy Winter Sweet Potato Soup
Recipe Provided by Market Customer: Debra Turner
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 ½ cups water
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped *
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped *
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
Procedure:
Saute the onion and garlic in butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until the onions are light brown. Stir in the spices and cook to release their flavors for about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, peanut butter, water, and sour cream. Add sweet potatoes and carrots. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer until the vegetables are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat, and puree until smooth. Serve with a garnish of cilantro on top.
Spring Hours at the Market: Starting Saturday, March 14th our hours change to 7am-Noon!
Starting Saturday, March 15th our hours change to 7am – Noon.
To help you get up early, Dorette Snover owner and chef of C’est Si Bon Cooking School, will be cooking up some good food in the gazebo. Rise and shine, it spring at the Carrboro Farmers Market!
Solid waste centers closed
This from OC:
The Orange County Solid Waste Management Department Administrative office will be closed today, Monday, March 2nd, due to snow.
The five staffed Solid Waste Convenience Centers are also closed today.
Rural (bi-weekly) curbside recycling will not be collected Monday, March 2. As of today, the make-up collection day for today’s rural recycling route only will be Saturday, March 7, weather permitting.
Urban (weekly) recycling routes are cancelled, with no make-up day. Urban recycling route customers should hold their recycling until next Monday, or use 24-hour drop-off sites.
The Orange County Landfill on Eubanks Road is open and operating, however the Hazardous Waste Collection is closed today.
We appreciate the patience of our customers as we make decisions based on safety and efficiency.
News for commuters

While most major city streets are clear around the county, secondary streets and country roads remain challenging and caution is urged. Be sure to scrape your headlights and taillights as well as your windshields and allow extra time so you can drive slowly.
Chapel Hill Transit is running on schedule for all routes except these streets which were not being served as of 7:30 this morning:
The Hillsborough Street hill (Windy Hill to us old timers)
The Pritchard Avenue hill
Village Drive
Highland Hills
Officials expect to get these routes open later today, but check the Chapel Hill Transit web site for updates.