Russ's Outer Banks Blog

The New Normal

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Fri, 10 May 2013 01:42:00 +0000

The "new normal" is a phrase often tossed around by politicos on both the left and right.

From the right, the mantra has come to epitomize large government and a grudging acceptance of a stagnant economy coupled with higher-than-normal unemployment rates.

The left sees the "new normal" as capitalism run rampant, where big corporations have replaced the robber-barons of the 19th century.

They control our finances from Wall Street while doling out minimum-wage jobs to vast swaths of our citizenry toiling at Walmart or McDonald's.

Both sides have valid concerns about what we as a nation have come to accept as normal.

But none of that will matter if our future denizens are unable to read, much less write, something as simple as this blog piece.

It's an issue we talk about often-the decline of our nation's public school system.

Here is what the "new normal" looks like from my perspective:

High school graduates who have never written a term paper.
Open book tests are the norm rather than the exception.
Test reviews and "study" guides that basically tell students what will be on each test.
Absolutely no grammar skills.
The use of slang and "words" like "gonna" or phrases such as "America is all pissed off and messed up" introduce the theme of an essay.
Forget calculus. Many high school graduates can't compute the area of a triangle or even a square, nor can they calculate percentages.
In one class of fifteen students, not a single class member understood the word "mandate."
Textbooks are never read and are seldom brought to class.
The vast majority of students I meet have no idea how to use a library, even one "online"--- to research a paper. They freely "cut and paste" from newspapers, Wikipedia or articles they stumble upon via Google with no understanding of what they are 'writing'.
See the preceding bullet point. They don't understand plagiarism either.

Go to any college website, especially community colleges or commuter-based four-year institutions and browse the online course catalog for "Developmental" courses.

You will find these courses often comprise the single largest component of the catalog. These courses are generally offered in English, writing, and math and are, quite frankly, geared to what most of them should have been taught before they left middle school.

Because of all of the above, many students must spend their first two or three semesters taking courses that carry no college credit and are offered to bring them up to a skill level their state-issued high school diplomas imply they have already mastered.

What is interesting is that only a few students really complain about the workload in college being "too hard."

If you sit down and converse with these young folks, you'll find many, if not most, are appalled and angry once they attempt to read a text or follow a college lecture and realize, to put it in the vernacular, they've been ripped off by their public school systems.

School systems across the country tout their "test scores", which seems to satisfy voters and justify huge salaries for school system administrators.

Teachers, on the other hand, are still relatively underpaid and contrary to media stereotypes, they are as frustrated as I am with the quality of the product they are turning out.

But their hands are tied. Test scores mean more than critical thinking, discipline, or holding students to even "average" performance standards.

While our public schools wallow in political correctness, standardized tests, and self-interested parents who worry more about material possessions, our kids are suffering the consequences.

In my generation, there was no global economy. I didn't compete with high school graduates from Poland, India, or China for well-paying jobs with companies who operate across international borders.

Our kids will compete in such an environment.

And they aren't ready.

Why our public schools underperform...

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Wed, 08 May 2013 03:08:00 +0000

High school graduates have never seen a footnote, written a term paper, and are baffled by simple arithmetic such as calculating a percentage or the area of a triangle.

But our school teachers are well versed in free speech (as practiced in authoritarian regimes) and Dr. Phil psychology.

Which is why our family home schools its pets.

http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/22050127/suspended-for-wearing-nra-t-shirt

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/suffolk/boy-who-held-pencil-like-gun-suspended

"A pencil is a weapon when it is pointed at someone in a threatening way and gun noises are made," said Bethanne Bradshaw, a spokesperson for Suffolk Public Schools.

What is really scary is that a Suffolk School system employee not only "thinks" this way, but repeats those inane thoughts in public, and most likely, will never be fired by her employers or feel any pressure from the public.

Boy who held pencil like gun suspended

South Nags Head beaches looking good!

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 22:15:00 +0000

In case you are wondering about the shape of south Nags Head's beaches after this winter's nor'easters. here are pictures looking north and south from about MP 21.

There is more beach beyond where you see the water "meet" the sand in the picture. That is actually the point of a small drop off with enough beach for two or three to walk abreast. The berm will smooth out as wave action diminishes.

As for the beach itself, to give perspective, one could easily drive 4 or more SUV's side by side without coming close to touching.

Before the beach was widened, it would have been difficult to get one SUV on this beach.

Volleyball fans should be happy this summer!

Oh Shoot!

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 06:26:00 +0000

While I would have eventually got around to it, my decision to actually purchase firearms was hastened when members of Congress and the president began to make noises about banning certain types of guns, restricting the size of magazines, and even forcing registration of "bulk" purchases of ammunition.

I won't go into the details of what I own, but I moved quickly to acquire what I thought I needed, whether or not the weapon or accessory was part of any proposed gun legislation.

In the past, I had probably fired about 50 rounds in my entire life--and that covers 56 years.

The first gun I ever fired was the .45 Magnum made famous by Clint Eastwood.

Deep in the woods of rural Pennsylvania a group of about six of us, all college-aged, took the huge handgun into a remote area and shot targets with the menacing device. All of us took a lot of time to acclimate to the gun's "kick".

I remember shooting a rather large limb off a tree with two shots and that was enough for me and guns for a while.

Next weekend I will be sitting for my conceal-carry class and a friend and I went out to the Outer Banks Gun Club so I could practice with various pistols.

I can see the possibility of how one might become addicted to target shooting, but frankly, I wish we had an indoor shooting range here.

Between the wind. the cold, and trying to get an entire range "cold" so folks could set up, check, or remove targets takes more patience than I am willing to give while I am in the learning stages.

Today, even with a half-dozen clothespins, targets were moving and blowing off their frames, making the shooting experience more of a chore than relaxation.

But, it was fun and I found, to my surprise, I shot much better with a larger weapon than the small caliber weapon I thought I would bring to the class.

In case you are wondering, I don't want the permit so I can conceal and carry.

I don't feel that threatened in Dare County and my past and current work prohibits guns (and knives) on the premises, including vehicles.

But a conceal permit greatly speeds up the purchase of handguns, and now that I own what I consider necessary for personal defense, I plan on looking for collector sidearms--especially those my father and uncle might have used in military service in WWII and Korea.

The conceal-carry will make purchasing those easier in-state, even if I have to order them from out-of-state and have them sent to a local federally licensed dealer.

Otherwise, one must get a "permission to buy" permit from your local sheriff, and they only issue a maximum of five permits per application.

That is more than enough for personal protection, but if you want to collect older automatic sidearms and revolvers, you would need to keep returning to the application process every five purchases.

And yes-if you buy through a private sale, by law, you re supposed to turn over one of those precious certificates to the seller. Most people, I suspect, do not.

The conceal class consists of four hours of class time and then time on the range to demonstrate reasonable knowledge, safety concerns and accuracy of the firing. Once you complete the class, you must still apply through the sheriff's department, get fingerprinted, and have a background check completed on you.

Then you get your conceal permit and it also allows you to purchase guns unfettered, as your permit number is part of the database each time you purchase from a licensed dealer,

We're Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 07:23:00 +0000

I don't know how often I'll post here. I am not sure what the content of this blog will include.

Since 2010 I have been lucky enough to be a co-owner of the Outer Banks Voice with my partner Rob Morris and our advertising partners, Max Radio of the Carolinas. In turn, that brought us their newsperson, Sam Walker, who now promotes the Voice on Max's many radio stations.

Then there are our writers and contributors, Teuta Towler, Cate Kozak, Michelle Wagner, videographer Douglas Kenyon and barrister/surfer/photog Ben Gallop.

But I still have things I want to talk about that doesn't quite fit into the Voice.

First and foremost, there is the issue of national and international politics. I love the stuff and most of those issues just don't fit into the Voice.

And then there are my hobbies, too numerous to name. Of interest to my friends, but not high on the list of the 6,000-8,000 daily visitors to the Voice.

Finally, there's just random stuff that I'd like to chronicle.

Especially things that have changed since I left the world of commercial lending after 30 years and am now hold down two full-time jobs--teaching at a community college (American Government, International Relations, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics) and co-owning the Outer Banks Voice.

We might post a few times a week, once a week, once a month, or even once in a blue moon.

But we will publish.

Stay tuned.

An Evening for Life-Pamlico Jacks-A Relay For Life Event

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:31:00 +0000

You asked for it, so here are some previews for "An Evening for Life". There is still time to attend....

Wines from Native Vine to be paired with Pamlico Jack's Tapas:

Ch. D'Or et De Gueles, Rhone; Delas Viognier, Rhone Mas Guiot "Cuvee Alex" Syrah/Cab; Italy Tommasi Rompicollo '07, Tuscany Astoria "9.5" Prosecco Blend; Melini Orvieto; Southern Hemisphere PKNT Carmenere, Chile; Cederberg Bukketraube, S. Africa; Entrada M

albec, Argentina; NC Biltmore Viognier; Owls Eye Chambourc

in; Shelton Riesling North America Meiomi Pinot Noir '08, Calif.; Montefiori Cab/Sangiovese (Baja); Talbott Chardonnay '08k, Calif.

And now a preview of just some of the items for auction:

More Bans From Our Friends In Government

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:01:00 +0000

Yesterday was yet another bizarre day in annals of government intervention into free choice. Two bans were imposed by the state of North Carolina, and the one common thread is both have a tie to what many consider to be "sins". This concept is so entrenched that taxes on tobacco and alcohol, especially in the South, have often been referred to as "sin taxes".

The first new prohibition (pun intended) was on legal moonshine, particularly the 190 proof product made by Everclear. Moonshine, especially the illegal variety is ubiquitous in many parts of rural America, and I'd be lying if I said I've never sampled some smooth "applejack" in my day. That said, a libation that is 95% alcohol really holds no appeal to me, and the one "grain" party I attended at UVA back in the 70's was not my cup of tea.

The rationale for the state ABC board banning the product was eerily similar to Kill Devil Hill's smoking ban. Why? Because the action was taken to protect the youth. It all started with the Mecklenburg County ABC Board, according to a stroy on WRAL-TV's website:

WCNC-TV in Charlotte first reported the change after the Mecklenburg County ABC Board found much of the pure grain alcohol was being sold at stores close to college campuses. Mecklenburg board chief executive Paul Stroup calls the product dangerous, with no redeeming social value.

Unless these are grad students, then similar to KDH, we have a case of illegal activities undertaken by underage participants. In this situation, its booze, in KDH it was smoking. So the state jumps in and under ther guise of protecting kids also makes the drink unavailable to a fifty-year old. Strangely, the 151-proof version of Everclear will still be offered. I see little difference in the two products--students, if drinking, will simply consume more of the 151 proof Everclear in order to achieve whatever effect they are seeking from the consumption of grain alcohol. Studies already reveal that "lite" beer drinkers and cigarette smokers merely compensate for the lower alcohol and nicotine content by consuming more of the "lite" product.

The real problem here is underage drinking of any kind. If North Carolina believes a 20- year old can't handle beer, wine, or vodka, the consumption of legal moonshine should be of no greater or lesser concern. And given how easy it is to obtain illegal grain, it seems more reasonable to offer a legal alternative where the purity and contents are known and controlled. College kids are resourceful. They will find homemade versions if the legal product is banned.

And today, a ban goes into effect on video sweepstakes and poker games that operate on the Internet. The games are often played on machines in "Internet Cafes" and in many bars. Unlike online gambling, these are not skill games--the outcomes are predetermined based on mathematical formulas and the player has absolutely no control over the outcome. Governor Perdue signed the law banning the games in July.

With the state operating a lottery, replete with billboards and TV commercials reminding us we "can't win if we don't play", the sheer hypocricy of this bill is alarming. Gambling is either an evil that needs to be illegal, or its a choice available to adults. Operation by the state doesn't remove the moral issues, nor does the accrual of "profits" to government coffers instead of private sector profits. If Perdue really thought these games were bad, she'd abololish the North Carolina lottery, or at the least, curtail the huge ad campaign that encourages poor people to bet on a huge jackpot they have virtually no chance of winning.

The state lottery was born in scandal involving the hiring of a paid lobbyist for one of the companies that supply the lottery hardware--the same company that won the state contract. Add to that the fact that the state has already raided these funds, which were supposed to benefit education exclusively by merely shifting general funds formerly earmarked for education to other programs and substituting the lottery proceeds for the state's contribution to education and one is left with little faith in public sector legalized gambling.

And don't believe this is merely a moral issue for the state. As WRAL reported, Perdue's logic for the ban was revealing.

"I think, if you have video sweepstakes, whether it's video poker or video machines in general, we really do need to have some kind of concentrated, organized, unified system of regulation where they are under a set of standards, rules and regulations where we can be sure no one is profiteering from it," she said.

State lawmakers considered regulation. They even talked about letting the North Carolina Education Lottery take over the games as a way to raise revenue.

"Perdue said as things stand now, the sweepstakes cafes are "uncontrollable."

So, we need to ban 'em for some reason. Unless the state takes them over, where the games will then be free of corruption and "profiteering". Because if the state owns the revenue stream, we all know profits will never be part of the plan!

Another Change

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 20:51:00 +0000

As most of you know, my efforts have been heavily concentrated towards the Outer Banks Voice, a 50-50 venture between Rob Morris and myself. The Voice is growing by leaps and bounds and has started to garner some commercial advertising success.

Even though The Voice is an e-paper with unlimited "space", we do have limitations on sections, article length and content as the site can't be so large as to make browsing a chore. We want The Voice to be comprehensive, like any print newspaper, but not unwieldy.

This means that from time to time, articles, pictures and other information get "cut" from the Voice, even stuff I write. And some activities, such as charitable events, need more exposure more often than what we can provide on The Voice.

So consider this "The Voice" backup, especially for things of interest to me. We'll link stories to the Voice Facebook page, and if it catches on here, it might find it's way back to the Voice which I suspect will enjoy a much wider readership.

So stay tuned as my blog morphs once again!

Raising money for a good cause--First Flight Rotary

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:59:00 +0000

Be there..or be square. And call or write me if you need tickets...

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Shine That Light

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:04:00 +0000

Sometimes I look at local blogs and just have to wonder. Over at EOD, a lot of discussion takes place about beach nourishment (mostly anti), which is fine. A lot more discussion occurs, however, from the writer and readers who post comments on the blog about how other writers are slanted in their approach, or refuse to expose both sides. Click on the image and read the comments from the author that appear below.

Interestingly, this graphic appears on the right hand side of EOD's blog site. Note the comments below the graph and the parts of the graph marked in red by the EOD editor.

Now, click below to see the mentioned survey in greater detail

Now, let's talk about sunlight, disinfectant, and fair coverage.

EOD draws our attention to the fact there were 1338 respondents, and only 55 listed beach nourishment as important. Sounds pretty scant. Yet, he fails to point out the numbers at the top of the survey: 172. That was the number of respondents choosing the top answers to the question--- and there was a tie between affordable/workforce housing and replacing the Bonner Bridge. So even the two number 1 questions garnered only 12.8% each of the total respondents votes. Aside from the fact respondent answers were all over the board, the fact of the matter is, not a single question came close to collecting a significant level of support. If we take EOD at its word, that the raw numbers speak truth, then we must also conclude Dare County residents don't care about affordable housing, replacing the bridge to Hatteras, more beach accesses, or even property taxes (5.6% of the respondents), another issue EOD seems to believe should have the entire population fired up.

In fact, beach nourishment support ranked 9th among the 37 total possible answers, which placed support in the top 25% of the respondents concern. Indeed, support for nourishment bested traffic congestion, traffic infrastructure needs, schools, and drug and alchohol abuse.

Another red mark missing from EOD's graphic is a red mark around the number of the 1338 respondents who checked off "No beach nourishment". I'll give EOD the benefit on the doubt that these were people who opposed beach noruishment since the other question, answered by 55 people, clearly says "Beach nourishment-support". So, while only 55 supported, only 17 voted no. That's 1.2% of the total, and 70% fewer than those who expressed support.

The reality, of course, is that this survey says nothing about anything. There are far too few respondents (over 700 skipped the question altogether), and far too many choices for anyone to glean one single insight into what the survehy takers thought important. Even I can't believe beach nourishment support outranks traffic problems.

That is the only conclusion any balanced assessment of this survey could muster. But, if we are going to claim these numbers mean something, then it is only fair to point out to the readers all of the facts; the small number of supporters for any possible answer to the question relative to the sample size, the actual ranking of beach nourishment support relative to all the possible answers, and the incredibly low number of respondents and even lower ranking of those opposed to nourishment.

Light is a great disenfectant, but it all depends upon where one shines it. Or, in this case, doesn't.

Myrtle Beach "Thrills"

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 19:55:00 +0000

Greystone Project--"Piping Mad"

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:39:00 +0000

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=593797982139

Clink on the link for a short video from the Greystone Project. I have not been able to discover much about this group, but according to their Facebook page, they are planning a national roll out of a full length documentary "Weathering the Storm" regarding the actions of environmental groups and Federal judge Terrence Boyle.

This short mini-documentary is being circulated as a teaser. It's quite compelling, but I will have to reserve final judgment when the full-length version is released. I am not sure if the numbers cited by business owners were as bad in 2010 as they were whenever this video was shot. Likewise, I am not convinced all of the shots of local businesses 'for sale' or 'closed' are directly related to the plover issue and the closures.

On the other hand, the entire debate is not really about economics, in spite of some web sites, message threads, and even blogger attempts to make it so. It has more to do with the politicization of science, the incestuous relationship between government agencies and those self-same scientists, wise use of our tax dollars, the actual benefit to the plover after all is said and done.

Dare County Orders Mandatory In-Vacuation

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:02:00 +0000

With skies expected to clear by late Friday, Dare County authorities have ordered tourists forced to evacuate on Wednesday and Thursday to return to the northern beaches. While the order has not been expanded to Hatteras Island, county personnel stated they expect all tourists who left Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Duck and Manteo to be back on the beach by 4PM today.

A tourist bureau spokesman reminded evacuated guests that they "had signed binding contracts" which, under a penumbra our attorney's assure is quite enforceable, also contracted tourists to spend money at local stores and restaurants. "We expect those guests to honor the last 36 hours of their commitment to Dare County with their wallets".

Our Virginia Beach bureau reports that Dare County "Tourism Truancy" patrol officers were already rousting former Dare tourists who found refuge in Virginia Beach from bars and nightspots starting around midnight, when it became apparent Earl would not do much damage to the northern part of the county. The ex-pat tourists were held under secure guard at a central Virginia Beach hotel and will be escorted to their cars and back to our beaches starting at 1PM today.

OBX Hurricane Prepardness-A Local's Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:08:00 +0000

Outer Bankers pride themselves on taking approaching hurricanes in stride. Currently, a well developed Category 4 is on the way. Here is a mental and actual checklist OBXers go through as a storm approaches.

Is Jim Cantore of The Weather Channel here yet? This doesn't indicate a big one is imminent, but local females enjoy seeking out the "weather stud" while he is working. In fact, if Cantore is here, it's a good bet the storm will be minor.

On the other hand, if some lesser known and expendable Weather Channel person shows up, most of us evacuate.

OBX males ask, at these times, why is there no Fox Weather Channel sending correspondents that look like their News channel reporters and anchors.

Is the onrushing hurricane liberal, conservative, or religious? This must be determined quickly. A left leaning hurricane is bad news, as it moves west (obviously trying to find California) and leaves behind it a mass of destruction allowing politicians to bestow newly minted billions on the local economy. Right-leaning hurricanes move east, costing the taxpayers nothing. Religious hurricanes heed the call of the Rev. Pat Robertson and smite some other town, most likely one that recognizes gay marriages or allows dancing. On rare occasions, a "centrist" hurricane makes landfall, leaving everyone feeling empty.

Once we have gone through the above assessments and arrive at the conclusion a hurricane is on the way, one swings into the preparedness stage:

House Protection:

OBXers use a variety of protection devices, including plywood, wood shutters, and in my case, prefabricated panels. As you can see from this picture, it is important that your panels be safely stacked in a corner of each deck, preferably opposite of the prevailing hurricane wind. Make sure they are well secured, like these are, with multiple bungee cords or other restraining devices. Otherwise, they might damage a neighbor's house, or worse, blow away.

If you believe you have gotten your money's worth from the five consecutive annual 15% increases in your wind and hail premiums, you might want to install your protective devices. Otherwise, place tarp over objets d'art, widescreen TV's, your fishing citations and leave the panels stacked where they are. Your check from the insurance Gods will arrive. Someday. Maybe. It's the only chance you'll ever get some of that money back.

Water:

You need to store some potable water.

Looks good to me. Check.

Lay in supplies. Outer Bankers understand what is important. See how empty the Harris-Teeter lot is 48 hours from the projected brush-by?

Now, see where the real line is?

Don't laugh. As electrical service may be interrupted, bread, which is composed of cereal grains makes for an easy meal. Beer, on the other hand, includes many of the same grains, plus water, supplying two vital live-giving resources at one time.

Fruits are also important to your diet, and will keep without refrigeration, if no other option is available. White fruits, by the way, don't taste as good when warm.

As are ingredients for bourbon steak (cooked on a grill, of course), rum cakes (baked in a gas oven) and tequila over glass (no cooking required). No need to rough it just because the power grid has failed.

And of course, your freezer will keep food for several days without power-- if you refrain from opening it often or for extended periods of time. Fatty foods such as these can be cooked on a grill, maintain body weight and slow down the circulation of blood, making your heart beat much slower in times of stress.

Finally, dried vegetable and plant matter has a long shelf life. These can be chewed, smoked (but not during the storm as they burn too quickly in 100 mph winds). Keep some handy.

And be safe.

Punks on Parade

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 03:03:00 +0000

Long ago I grew weary of "local" newscasts. As a well-versed friend stated recently, television stations don't even bother to call these programs "news"--they now refer to them as 'shows'. I have been following one reporter around on two OBX related stories and found both of the so-called investigations to be lacking on so many levels I can't really critique the efforts properly. And it's not just one station. All four Hampton Roads outlets offer up more sensationalism than news. Worse, they have now begun tying news "stories" into promotions for their network's prime time programs. For example, if CSI runs an episode on a person who stalks his murder victims on Facebook, we get an "expose" on the dangers of Facebook at 6PM--with a plug for the CSI program that night--and a follow up at 11.

So here I sit at 11:03 watching channel 3-WTKR. The headline story is about an 18- year old kid who broke into cars in his neighborhood. He was apprehended by an alert Virginia Beach police officer recently. The officer noticed him riding a bike in the wee morning hours carrying stuffed backpacks. Making a connection between prior break ins and the backpacks he stopped the young man and found his pack full of iPods and a laptop and other stolen material.

The thrust of the story was a jailhouse interview with the offender in order to shock us with the glaring admission that he wasn't a bit remorseful. No sir--his only comment was people should "lock their cars" and if they don't, apparently, to the crook go the spoils.

By showcasing his personality, providing him some PR, and splashing his name over the airwaves, TV-3 has given this punk exactly what he most desired--a platform to show off his arrogance and obvious lack of social adaptation. And some street cred among his peer group of equally punk-ish associates.

What he needs is to be ignored. And in my day, a good butt-whippin'. Channel 3 in particular seems obsessed with the idea of shocking us with stories that in reality are all-too-common in today's environment. Small town political disputes, youthful punks with bad manners, allegedly overpaid government and private sector officials--all of this is nothing new and nothing shocking. A few weeks ago the lead story on this channel was about a young woman who had " befriended" several sailors, wiped out their checking accounts, and now wanted to turn herself in. The channel picked up an interview from Alabama (where she had fled) conducted by a sister network affiliate, interviewed one sailor who lost his money (his face appropriately blacked out) and her promise to take a bus to Oregon and turn herself in (as Alabama had no reason to arrest her but Oregon apparently does). Women taking advantage of sailors and their money--a crime (or scam) that has been around since years were denoted by BC instead of AD. And yes, so has murder, but hustling sailors is not the stuff of a lead story even on a slow news day. Brandy, you're a fine girl, but....

And, as I finish the post at 11:19 PM, a breaking report of a teen arrested for assaulting a female jogger, with anchor Bianca Martinez noting the neighborhood had been "pretty much scared" since the incident occurred. Pretty much? My wife, who doesn't even know I am writing this blog mockingly repeated "Pretty much?". Go get 'em Bianca.

I doubt I will be perfect in my new journalistic career. But I hope I turn out to be "pretty much" better than the folks who qualify as anchors, reporters and investigators for our local TV stations. Because, quite frankly, I'd "pretty much" rather watch 'South Park' than the local TV news.

The Original Rhondell's

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 01:21:00 +0000

Bill Deal passed away in 2003, and sometime co-vocalist Fat Ammons has his own gig, but various former members of Bill Deal and the Rhondel's are still playing that old beach music and sound fantastic under the name "The Original Rhondels". The two horn players on the far right were in the very original group and are on all of their three national hits: "May I", 'What Kind of Fool" and "I've Been Hurt".

Memory--The Gigabytes are Failing

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 18:17:00 +0000

Now that I am approaching "double nickels" in terms of age, I am just starting to notice the subtle slips of mind that creep into your everyday existence. At first, it would manifest itself in things like looking for my sunglasses while I was already wearing them. Comparing notes with reluctant buddies, some much younger than myself, confirmed this happens to them also. I don't worry too much about losing my keys in the house, I've been a master of that art for decades--long before I could assign the cause as the advance of Father Time.

But now, more examples seem to creep into the mental dialog. I love music, have about 4500 tunes on my iPod and usually "can name that tune" or even the artist is less than 5 notes. Yet, twice in last two weeks I've struggled to remember the name of one of Fleetwood Mac's lead vocalists. The first time, I simply could not muster the name "Stevie Nicks" at all--I was forced to do a quick Wikipedia check on my cell. A week later, when one of songs came over the radio, I kept trying to make her Nikki Stevens, which I knew wasn't quite right.

A couple of times, I found myself--in a hurry and usually late for a meeting--talking on the cell phone, as business calls only arrive when one is in a hurry to be somewhere. And twice, while talking on the cell phone I caught myself frantically searching for the self-same cell phone throughout the house before I realized where it was--stuck in my ear.

Last night I was covering a story for the Voice at a restaurant. I use three cameras for stories depending upon how complex I think the photography required will be for the story. Since pictures are now stored on those little discs, I discovered early on that if I was working on a story with my laptop there was a good chance the memory card was also inserted into my computer. On occasion, I would leave the card in the laptop when I finished the story and discover I had no card when I was out in the field the next day. So I bought extra memory cards for each camera case to prevent a disaster.

So there I was at Mulligan's last night and ready to take pictures of the owners and the food- when I realized-the memory card was still in the camera from a story I wrote earlier that morning. Completely forgetting I had specifically prepared for such a contingency, I told Gus and Shannon (the co-operators of Mulligans) I needed to run home and get a card. Gus brought several cards from his office, none of which fit my Nikon. So, after 30 minutes of deciding what to do, just before I got up from my seat to make the short trip to the house, I remembered I had an extra card in the case. Sigh.

I am heading to Subway to get some sandwiches right now--the new one at MP 10.5. I hope I remember where my house is located after I pick them up.

Outer Banks Epicurean

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:16:00 +0000

Been awhile since I've posted as I have been devoting most of my time to The Voice. In fact, I wrote an article on Outer Banks Epicurean when it opened, which you can find here. I also joined their Wine Club, which for couples includes two Gourmet Dinners to Go, over and above the wholesale priced cases, wine by the bottle discounts and tastings. I picked up my first meal to go last night. The fee, around $200--- easily covers the 24 meals, which retail around $9 to $12 per entree.

Last night for our first selection we chose the beef ragout, over organic basamati rice and local veggies mixed in. I am not sure how the meal was spiced, it had a definite Asian touch, the beef was generously proportioned and the dish was fantastic. Our second choice was local shrimp over linguine with fresh finely chopped local tomatoes, basil and garlic. Again, OBE didn't skimp on the main event--those local crustaceans..at least one was included in every bite. And again, an excellent, tasty treat.

Not included in the Gourmet2Go are the optional side dishes, but who could turn down tarragon-mustard deviled eggs topped with garlic (local) shrimp. Not me. Or my wife. Ate 'em all. I was hesitant that shrimp over a deviled egg would taste good, but it was a surprisingly good match.

The serving size was such that we did not finish our meals, leaving enough for one of us to combine the two into a leftover dinner tonight (Rose called dibs, and I took the spaghetti we made two days ago).

There are always three entrees, one of which is a vegan choice. Tonight for example, they are reprising the ragout, but added blackened local catch with shrimp butter over Pleasant Valley Heirloom grits and Robert's Ridge Off the Cob Sweet Corn. Locals know where the Robert's farms are in Currituck.

Learn more about OBE, including the Wine Club, dinners to go, meals made at your cottage and cooking and etiquette classes at their website http://www.outerbanksepicurean.com/Outer_Banks_Epicurean/Welcome.html

Local Plants

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:23:00 +0000

The first flower can be found almost anywhere behind a dune line. The last two are in my yard. Muscadine is pesky, but the grapes are cultivated in eastern North Carolina for wine. Trumpet vines are easy to spot this time of year--look high in any green foliage on trees, especially hard woods and you'll likely spy a red or orange spot of color in them.

Gaillardia

Muscadine Grapes

Trumpet Creeper

Gore-Al Warming

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:10:00 +0000

While claiming to advocate severe measures to reduce global warming, it appears Al Gore has been contradicting himself on a regular basis. The red spots represent areas where Al, through his sexual escapades, has been heating up the planet on a regular basis. Oregon is home to his "masseuse" , which is what I think they call those kind of girls now. LA is home to his alleged girlfriend and movie co-producer, Laurie David, who has denied the allegations.

The blue-red spots in Tennessee are not the results of Gore's use of carbon offsets, at least not in the typical sense. The red represents the carbon footprint of Gore's 10,000 square foot "house", while the blue represents a blast of cold coming from the master bedroom shortly after details of Gore's other activities surfaced.

Skeeter's Redux

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 03:28:00 +0000

My third "Asian" night at Skeeter's on Colington Road. This has to be the among the best kept OBX secrets among locals and the few tourists who have discovered this restaurant.

So tonight I sent in two orders of fried pork wontons. Scarfed them right down.

A third appetizer was described merely as "Asian scallops". I have no idea what the spices were, or the white sauce drizzled on each. I could tell they were pan seared, and perfectly executed. And the combination of spices and drizzle made them fall easily into the the Top 5 scallop dishes I have ever had the pleasure to consume.

I am serious folks..you need to visit, adopt, and support this restaurant. I've heard the same praises from those who prefer Wednesday Taco's or Friday Prime Rib. Give these guys the props they dserve!

Text Driving

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:14:00 +0000

My wife found this on one of her Facebook friends newsfeeds, and it was too good to pass up...Not sure the church of origin

Plover Closures Extended to All of Hatteras

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:26:00 +0000

It was a sad sight to see as the last of Cape Hatteras' National Park Service personnel were carried out by truck as a Federal judge expanded the closure areas around piping plover nests. Under a bizarre clause in the judge's order regulating human and vehicular traffic on the island during nesting season, any act of vandalism committed against an enclosed wildlife area is met with ever-expanding restricted corridors, unless the culprits are apprehended. Thus far, numerous acts of vandalism have occurred with no arrests. Environmentalists accuse radicalized ORV drivers, while ORV drivers accuse environmentalists of committing the crimes in order to expand the restricted areas and create a negative opinion of ORV advocates.

As one can see from the map, the corridor has now expanded to such an extent that not only has the entire Cape Hatteras park at "the Point" been placed off limits to visitors and employees alike, the ban has now been extended over the entire island, Ocracoke Island and a sizable portion of the ocean and sound.

As this DOT picture demonstrates, the exodus of Hatteras residents, moving northward into Currituck created a rare Wednesday morning backup on the Wright Memorial Bridge.

Mayor Bob Oakes, noting the ban already borders Nags Head along the Oregon Inlet portion of the park, advised south Nags Head's residents and visitors to be ready to vacate the area if one more act of vandalism is recorded.

The question still remains--exactly who is responsible for all this vandalism? After many nights of reconnaissance, the OBJ staff uncovered this photo of the culprit, just before he and other accomplices pulled up a fence and destroyed signs.

For those who doubt the plover's ability to conduct such activity, it should be noted that the NPS has secreted videos of local piping plovers in the company of the following avian allies...a cunning group of birds known to be able to pull off the most incredible stunts through the use of MacGyver-like tactics and the copious use of hurling.

One plover we interviewed stated they weren't so much interested in ridding the region of humans for mating success as they were in flipping the newly acquired territory to other species. While refusing to confirm or deny, a group of Oyster Catchers and Terns soon-to-be evicted from Audubon land in Virginia are rumored to among the potential buyers for the valuable oceanfront real estate.

Amazon-Saving the Environment

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 01:54:00 +0000

I love the Russian "nesting dolls". An interesting concept of a very old school artisan craft, now long gone, (like old Swiss watch mechanism's or real German nutcrackers).

But Amazon takes the nesting "cake". The bottom box contained those air filled plastic shipping bladders, which were securing the smaller box. The smaller box contained yet more air bladder cushions which in turn held the very small camcorder battery on the inside.

A company named after a river that flows through some of the most ecologically important habitat on the planet should think a tad more about the waste in their shipping.

Sunday--Barnes Street

noreply@blogger.com (Russ) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:54:00 +0000

I bought a new DSLR in the spring for use in the Voice. I've been playing with the telephoto lenses and other add-ons just to get used to them. The waves last Sunday at Barnes Street in Nags Head were far-from-gnarly; in fact, mostly non-existent. I'd guess about 1-2 feet about the time I got there (around 5:30 PM). Even folks on those sponge-board "starter" surfboards had a difficult time getting a ride. But, once in a while, even a small wave had a long enough break to catch a reasonably long, if not life-threatening ride. [Click on image to get a larger image]

Skim boarders were giving it their best, but the small waves led to even smaller shore break. The new breed of skimmers (as opposed to my age group, some thirty years ago) likes to skim the shore then turn into the shore break. If the break is large enough, they can pull a U-turn and "surf" the skim back to shore on the break..or, if the shore break is really large and the water deeper, they will ride into the break, launch from the board and perform aerial somersaults and other acrobatics in the one foot deep water. Today, just skimming and a slow, boring fade away...but the water droplets on the pix are pretty cool!