Friday, November 16, 2012

Our State Recommends Regulator Bookshop

Ir the December issue of Our State, the magazine recommended that visitors visit Durham's independently owned and operated Regulator Bookshop.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

NBC News and Live Science Recommend Duke Lemur Center


"If you want to see lemurs, there are two places in the world you may want to visit. The first is Madagascar, the island nation where these unique primates evolved and the only place on Earth they're found living native. The second, oddly enough, is Durham, N.C., home to the Duke University Lemur Center, a primate research mecca where lemurs roam free on acres of fenced-in woods."

- Want to watch lemurs? Head to, of all places, North Carolina, NBC News and Live Science

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Our State Magazine Says Grace in Durham

"Duke divinity school covers all religions. If any place in this state has answers on the meaning of saying grace, it’s this short stretch of land in Durham."

- Saying Grace, Our State Magazine

Friday, October 26, 2012

Margie Goldsmith, a lifestyle writer who is a contributing writer to publications such as Elite Traveler, Huffington Post and TravelandLeisure.com recently spoke to Portland radio station AM 860 about her recent trip to Durham. Goldsmith was especially impressed with dining options in Durham. “The food scene is really exceptional. It doesn't matter if you’re eating gourmet food or food off of mobile trucks!” Goldsmith was also impressed with how much there is to do in Durham. “You can run, you can bike, you can stroll through Japanese gardens, you can eat, you can do all the outdoor adventures, you can do cultural things. I was shocked by the sophistication of the city...I didn't expect it to be so cosmopolitan. I was pleasantly surprised.”


Monday, September 10, 2012

The Augusta Chronicle - DPAC

"Augusta Tomorrow folks have visited Szostak’s work in Durham, N.C., several times and have come away more than impressed. They’ve been wowed. And for good reason: Little Durham has turned itself around, largely through the savvy design and professional operation of its $46 million performing arts center – which is, incredibly, the busiest in America."

- Changing the Skyline, The Augusta Chronicle

Sunday, September 9, 2012

The Boston Globe - Durham's Central Park

"While it won’t be confused with a certain New York locale, the Central Park neighborhood in downtown has surfaced as an offbeat, community-minded place to hang and have a bite. These spots have led the way."

In Durham, N.C., meals with community flavorThe Boston Globe

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Huffington Post - BUYSTAND

"Julia Hawkins talks about the beginnings of BUYSTAND, what it offers and how important the expo was important to her." Watch video.

- BuyStand (Video), Huffington Post

Monday, August 27, 2012

The New York Times - Beth El Synagogue

"Four years ago, when the longtime rabbi of Beth El Synagogue here retired, a member named Barak D. Richman joined the committee searching for a successor. Everything went smoothly enough until the congregation reached outside Conservative Judaism, its formal affiliation, to consider candidates from the Reform and Reconstructionist branches, and to place a few online advertisements."

- Seeing and Battling a ‘Cartel’ in the Hiring of Rabbis, The New York Times

Monday, August 20, 2012

MAGNET - The Old Ceremony, Durham NC

"Certain cities give off an energy that lets you know that exciting things are happening there. It is just in the air. Detroit in the Big Three/Motown 1960s probably had this. Maybe Seattle in the 1990s. Or Chicago in the 1890s. Well, the air of the formerly sleepy town of Durham has it, too. Unused warehouses turn into art spaces or rock clubs or artisanal bakeries as if by time-lapse photography. New bands form and old bands reinvent. If I could live anywhere right now, this is where I would live. Lucky for me, I already do."

- From The Desk Of The Old Ceremony’s Django Haskins: Durham, N.C., MAGNET

NC Artblog - The Scrap Exchange's Green Gallery

"I’ll admit up front that I was already a fan of Julia Gartrell’s work before I went to see her current show at the Scrap Exchange’s Green Gallery...The larger connections of the show to the Scrap Exchange itself is also an enjoyable element.  For any creative individual, it is hard to see the things that Gartrell makes out of  mundane objects and not end up searching for similar objects in the warehouse outside."

- Julia Gartrell – Multiples and Machines, NC Artblog

Friday, August 17, 2012

Magnet Magazine - The Old Ceremony, Durham NC

'Certain cities give off an energy that lets you know that exciting things are happening there. It is just in the air. Detroit in the Big Three/Motown 1960s probably had this. Maybe Seattle in the 1990s. Or Chicago in the 1890s. Well, the air of the formerly sleepy town of Durham has it, too. Unused warehouses turn into art spaces or rock clubs or artisanal bakeries as if by time-lapse photography. New bands form and old bands reinvent. If I could live anywhere right now, this is where I would live. Lucky for me, I already do."

- From The Desk Of The Old Ceremony’s Django Haskins: Durham, N.C., Magnet Magazine

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Cheese and Champagne - Fullsteam Brewery, Reliable Cheese

"I made a quick stop at Fullsteam brewery (their Summer Basil really is summer in a glass) en route to Reliable Cheese. Having seen owner Patrick Coleff make the final 12 at the Cheesemonger Invitational, I was eager to see his shop. He maintains a small but impressively stocked cheese counter right in downtown Durham. And when I asked for local cheeses, he suggested the trio below. (A note: You can purchase a Reliable Cheese cheese board at Fullsteam. The brewery also hosts local food trucks, including a pizza truck the day I was there.)"

- Southern Belle: Beer and Cheese of North Carolina, Cheese and Champagne

High Heeled Traveler - Durham Arts & Culture

"After such a wonderful reception to the first Art Scene Guide, let's do some more exploring, shall we? This week we will go to Durham, North Carolina with Lindsay Gordon the Artist Services Manager at the Durham Arts Council...'I was witnessing the city of Durham commence a period of cultural and downtown growth that is still going strong today.  I wanted to be a part of that.'" 

- DA+AH: A Guide to the Durham Art Scene, High Heeled Traveler

CBS This Morning - Coach K

"Krzyzewski is best known for his long and successful tenure as Duke University's head coach...Asked how he managed 12 of the NBA's brightest stars who often make headlines as much for their egos as their wins, Krzyzewski said, 'They're really good guys. They're professionals. They get it. They're brilliant. They want to play for the U.S., so it's not like me having to do some magical things to get them they want to do that. They want to do that. They want to cooperate. And then you are honest with one another and we've gotten to know each other over the years. So there's familiarity, there's friendship, there's trust and - but it comes from them. They were never a problem. Not one second. And totally - all of them, to a man say, "Coach, I'll do whatever you want me to do to win the gold medal." ... They're terrific.'"

- Why Coach Mike Krzyzewski is ending stint as Olympic USA men's basketball coach, CBS This Morning

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The New York Times - Coach K

"Surrounded by women, Krzyzewski, of all people. He grew up without a sister, went to an all-boys Catholic high school, attended West Point before it allowed women, served in the Army and became a basketball coach. A men’s basketball coach. Now, the women in his life, the ones who call his Duke team “our Duke team,” helped him to become both a better coach and an international one. The family traveled to every tournament, as Krzyzewski coached LeBron James and Kobe Bryant by day and returned to his wife and his children and his grandchildren at night."

- Nurturing Champions, With Family at His Side, The New York Times

Salon - Coach K

"...neither [Kobe Bryant] nor Coach K — the two “old-school” guys — will be [at the Olympics] in 2016. Kevin Durant, on the other hand, is almost certain to return. And he knows exactly what he’ll miss most: Krzyzewski’s even — make that mostly even — temperament. 'We come back to the bench, we might have a bad stretch giving up seven or eight points in a row. He keeps us calm. That’s what we need from our coach. He’s just the coolest guy in the world.'"

- Going out in style _ ‘K Boys’ golden again, Salon

SKIMBACO Lifestyle - Guglhupf

"Durham is quickly becoming known as a place for foodies to rejoice because it has some of the best culinary restaurants in North Carolina. My husband and I took the assignment of finding a restaurant for the evening very seriously...We chose Guglhupf. It was fantastic. I felt as if I had been transported into a German Biergarten."

- Travel Insight: Live Life As If Every Destination Is A Vacation, SKIMBACO Lifestyle

Hines-Sight - The King's Daughters Inn

"Durham is quickly becoming a mecca for foodies...The King’s Daughters Inn is only steps away from some of the best restaurants and from the area’s thriving cultural arts scene in the revitalized Downtown District.  It’s definitely an urban retreat in the heart of the action."

- Pack Your Bags: We’re Heading to the King’s Daughters Inn in Durham, N.C., Hines-Sight Blog

Monday, August 13, 2012

Inside Higher Ed - Duke Admissions

"When Cara Rousseau, social media manager for Duke University, emailed me about the new Duke University Admissions website, I was immediately intrigued. With a stated goal of wanting to "create a true-to-life Duke experience within the digital space" that focused on the "student voice and student-to-student interactions, the new site is mobile-ready and built upon quality storytelling. One particularly notable aspect of the new Admissions site is that it incorporates a longer, scrolling page design."

- Duke Admissions Would Like to Tell You a Story, Inside Higher Ed

Friday, August 10, 2012

Independent Weekly - Kathy Griffin, Durham

"Kathy Griffin: “I thought you were giving me the hot, inside-Durham scoop!”
Craig Lindy:  "Hot, inside-Durham scoop?" First of all, I live in Raleigh!
Kathy Griffin: “Oh, I'm sorry! Big difference, Craig! Big difference!”"



- D-lister Kathy Griffin talks about the wealth of topical material she'll bring to DPAC, Independent Weekly

The Morning Call - Delta Rae

"Delta Rae has had a roller coaster year. A couple years ago, it was a four-piece vocal group cutting its teeth in Durham, N.C. Only months ago, it was signed by the legendary record executive and talent scout Seymour Stein of Sire Records (Ramones, Talking Heads, Pretenders, Madonna). The group has been in full gear ever since, recording its debut album, "Carry the Fire," touring coast to coast and performing on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno about a month ago."

- Delta Rae is a bundle of fiery, southern magic, The Morning Call

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

USA Today - Proposed Downtown Durham Hotel

"The artsy 21c Museum Hotels group is moving closer to building another luxury boutique hotel combined with a contemporary arts museum - this time in Durham, N.C...The first 21c location opened in 2006 to much acclaim in Louisville. Now, more are on the way. The Durham hotel, which would include a contemporary art museum, restaurant and bar - would open in 2015 if all goes as planned."

- Durham, N.C., to get artsy, luxury 21c Museum Hotel, USA Today

Monday, August 6, 2012

NPR - Project Homeless Connect

"Every year since 2007, a raft of 25 or so volunteers has organized Project Homeless Connect — a one-day, one-stop service event. People living on Durham's streets have access to dozens of agencies in one place. They can: apply for housing assistance, learn of social services, explore veterans' benefits and more. The day also brings together folks from businesses, local government and churches. The event is not political, not divisive. It is love on display."

- Making Connections In Durham, N.C., NPR

Friday, August 3, 2012

Project Q Atlanta - www.outindurham.com

"Visit gay North Carolina? Yup, at least one city in the state that definitively banned same-sex unions at the ballot box seeks gay visitors. Durham tourism officials launch the Out Durham campaign and microsite (top photo) to attract LGBT travelers to 'the most tolerant city in the U.S.'"

- Matthew Mitcham, gay Durham, KFC parody, Project Q Atlanta

Metro Weekly - www.outindurham.com

"The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau launched a new website, OutinDurham.com, to help promote North Carolina's fourth-largest city as a welcoming destination. LGBT visitors to OutinDurham.com will find a useful overview of the city's attractions, nightlife, shopping, dining, accomodations and faith communities."

- Durham creates website to promote gay tourism, Metro Weekly

Passport - www.outindurham.com

"New LGBT tourism website, OutinDurham.com, was launched this past Tuesday in efforts to increase the amount of LGBT visitors to one of North Carolina’s most progressive cities...The DCVB launched the website to promote the city as the welcoming destination it is for the LGBT community. A majority of Durham’s residents voting against the state’s gay marriage ban in May, and the city was ranked as the nation’s most tolerant city last year by The Daily Beast/Newsweek magazine."

- Durham, NC Hopes to Increase Gay & Lesbian Tourism, Passport Blogs

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Examiner.com - www.outindurham.com

"One of the state's most progressive cities announced a new campaign to encourage gays and lesbians to visit...the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau launched a new website, OutinDurham.com, to help promote North Carolina's fourth-largest city as a welcoming destination...LGBT visitors to OutinDurham.com will find a useful overview of the city's attractions, nightlife, shopping, dining, accomodations and faith communities."

- Durham wants gay visitors, launches new LGBT-focused tourism website, Examiner.com

Joe. My. God. - www.outindurham.com

"After North Carolina's same-sex marriage ban was approved many LGBT folks declared that they'd never vacation there again. (The Outer Banks have long been a favorite summertime gay destination.) The city of Durham thinks you should still visit and has launched a new website promoting itself as a gay-friendly place."

- Durham Launches Gay Tourism Campaign, Joe. My. God.

The Burg - Durham Food & Shopping

"Durham is having a food revolution. Well, at least that’s what I was told during a recent trip there, and I’d be hard-pressed to disagree. The variety — and quality — of the food was amazing."

- Summer road trip: Durham, North Carolina, The Burg

Monday, July 30, 2012

Travel Channel: Baggage Battles, Durham NC

"The auction specialists head to North Carolina to bid on some unusual items, including a vintage car and coffin, at a freight auction...[Duke Homestead"is where America's first cigarette company was born. The team uses it as a location for one of the appraisals."

- Baggage Battles: North Carolina, Travel Channel

Jane's World - The Scrap Exchange

"Most original. Most fun. Most memorable. The Scrap Exchange on Franklin St., in Durham. It’s a huge, un-airconditioned, jammed-packed warehouse of barrels, shelves and stacks of materials just waiting for a second and third use: shoe parts, plastic trays, single eye lens, sheet music, cardboard tubes, vintage patterns, wheels on casters, bubble wrap, artificial flowers, black strap rings, corks, bottle caps and beads...Everyone’s in there to have fun and do something cool with what they buy."

- Best of show in Durham, N.C., Jane's World

The New York Times - Olympian, Duke Diver Abby Johnston

"The medals were silver, but the smiles of Abby Johnston and Kelci Bryant showed that they meant much, much more than that. Johnston and Bryant finished second in the women’s synchronized 3-meter competition Sunday, claiming the first United States diving medal since 2000."

- U.S. Pair Earns Silver Medal in Diving, The New York Times

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Philanthropy Roundtable - The Duke Endowment

"Tobacco made [James B. Duke] one of the richest men in the world, and he created a worldwide market for North Carolina’s signature crop...although he had a Fifth Avenue mansion in New York, although he had tobacco interests around the world and hydroelectric projects as far afield as Quebec, when he turned to philanthropy, he remained a man of the Carolinas."

- Duke of Carolina, Philanthropy Roundtable

Southern Living - Downtown Durham / Central Park

"Downtown Durham is fertile ground for homegrown epicurean businesses. Their ace in the hole: a bounty of empty tobacco warehouses waiting for conversion to artisanal bakeries and microbreweries."

- South's Best Neighborhoods: Downtown-Central Park, Durham, Southern Living

Monday, July 23, 2012

Tech Crunch - Bound Custom Notebooks

"One interesting manufacturing start-up we met in Durham last week was Bound. This small printing company offers notebooks in multiple styles (including a vegan leather Moleskine-esque number) but with a twist. You can, if you so desire, have something different printed on every page. You can make a little notebook for just a range of dates or add a map, some tic-tac-toe boards, and a musical staff. You can pop in an iPhone design template or some graph paper."

- Bound: If Custom Notebooks Be The Food Of Love, Print On, Tech Crunch

Tech Crunch - Organic Transit

"Our week in the Southeast gave us plenty of memorable moments, but perhaps my favorite of the entire trip was when I stumbled upon the Elf — a pedal-solar electric hybrid vehicle from Organic Transit in Durham, NC. It’s one of those products that — given the right financing and marketing — could be completely disruptive in Urban areas."

- Hands-On With Organic Transit’s Pedal-Solar Electric Hybrid Vehicle, “The Elf”, Tech Crunch

Charlotte Observer - Fullsteam, Bull City Burger & Brewery

“From a visitor perspective, Fullsteam is a wonderful place to hang out with the local beer-loving community. These breweries do that generally, but Fullsteam does that very well...Quite a few craft breweries use chocolate – cocoa nibs, which aren’t as sweet and give beer an earthy flavor. One that’s in season right now and which is delicious is Wonka Wash, at Bull City Burger & Brewery in Durham.”

- Your guide to cool microbreweries in North Carolina, Charlotte Observer

Thursday, July 5, 2012

The New York Times - American Dance Festival

"Were Monica Bill Barnes a more venomous artist, you might suspect her of laughing at her audience’s expense. During her performance at the American Dance Festival here on Monday she got the crowd in the Reynolds Industries Theater to applaud her for — among other cheap tricks — balancing a chair between her teeth."

- Chair in the Teeth, Feathers on the Head, Maybe Feet on the Floor, The New York Times

Sports Illustrated - Duke Divers

"The U.S. Olympic diving team will have a decidedly Duke flavor to it. Two Blue Devils are on the Americans' roster for the London Games: Abby Johnston qualified in the women's 3-meter springboard synchro, while Nick McCrory made it in both the men's individual and synchro events on the 10-meter platform."

- Duke University well represented on U.S. Olympic diving team, Sports Illustrated

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Carolina TravelPlanner - The Brothers Vilgalys Baltic-Style Spirits

"As artisan distilled spirits are becoming all the rage, we knew it wouldn't take long for the trend to catch on in North Carolina. The newest entry into the handcrafted liquor scene is The Brothers Vilgalys Baltic-Style Spirits with their Lithuanian honey and spice liquor called Krupnikas in Durham, North Carolina...in keeping with many of Durham's core values, they intend to feature local sourcing with a commitment to sustainablity and carbon neutrality."

- Spirits Coming to Durham, North Carolina, Carolina TravelPlanner

INC - Rachel Weeks, School House

"Starting a company with a social mission was always important to Rachel Weeks.  She launched School House, which manufactures fashion forward college-branded clothing, while she was in Sri Lanka on a Fulbright Grant, and insisted that the factory pay its female workers livable wages. Weeks no longer manufactures in Sri Lanka, but she still has a social mission, and it involves a commitment to manufacturing right in her own backyard...'We’re rebranding “Made in the USA” for a new generation.'"

- Fashionable, Fresh ... & Made in USA, INC.

Friday, June 29, 2012

U.S. News & World Report - American Tobacco Campus

"For decades, the skeleton of the once great American Tobacco Company sat vacant in downtown Durham, N.C., a nostalgic but sometimes painful reminder of the institution that was once the nucleus of a thriving southern city and the icon of a multibillion-dollar industry...[Michael Goodmon, vice president of real estate at Capitol Broadcasting Company] saw potential in the old American Tobacco campus. Past the broken windows and unruly grounds, he envisioned the re-emergence of a bustling center of commerce and the possibility for American Tobacco to once again be the nucleus of the surrounding community."

- Redevelopment Projects Give Historical Icons a Second Life, U.S. News & World Report

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

MTV - The Old Ceremony

“'It does seem kind of like a downer as a title,' the Old Ceremony vocalist-guitarist Django Haskins says of naming the rock group’s new album Fairytales and Other Forms of Suicide. 'The overall upshot, lyrically, though, is a positive one.' The record, he explains, shares many themes with the song of the same name. Specifically, the track is meant to encourage listeners to let go of not only the childhood fairytales they grew up with but 'fairytales about love, life, death and everything else,' according to the singer...As heady as all of this is, it makes for an ornate song, built from expertly textured baritone guitars, violin and percussion, teetering between tension and release."

- The Old Ceremony Want to Let Go With “Fairytales and Other Forms of Suicide", MTV

Serious Eats - Durham Food Trucks

"It seems like wherever you go in the Triangle these days, there's gourmet food just around the corner (or, in this case, parked right on it)...Looking for a cool treat after a trip to the farmer's market, The Parlour was there to scoop us up some ice cream love. We didn't have to search far for late-night comfort food, either: KoKyu had us covered with their Korean BBQ sliders and duck fat tots. We'll save you the history lesson, but suffice it to say that over the past 4 years, the food truck scene in the Triangle has exploded. Since The Cookery opened in 2011, new trucks have been sprouting up so quickly that it's getting hard to keep track of them all."

- North Carolina: Our 8 Favorite Food Trucks in the Triangle, Serious Eats

Garden & Gun - Fullsteam Brewery

"Born when a Fullsteam brewer livened up a can of Bud with a handful of fresh window-box herbs, Summer Basil gets its unusual lemon-pepper aroma from six pounds of basil per batch, fresh from local farms."

- Dixie Southern Brews, Garden & Gun

Monday, June 25, 2012

Felt & Wire - Shed Letterpress

"The expanse of rattan from Shed Letterpress above makes me feel relaxed, retro and resort-y. Thank you, Sarah Almond, for letterpress printing this card. And for blind debossing the wood texture on your business card."

- Our roundup of pleasing thank-you cards, Felt & Wire

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Fast Company - Durham's Tech Scene

"Durham’s innovation scene is kindled by tech giants like IBM, Lenovo, and about 140 other companies with stakes in the ground at the 7,000-acre Research Triangle Park. It’s an unincorporated area, a swath of land belonging to no municipality, dedicated to R&D. Its secret sauce is a steady stream of computer science graduates from nearby Duke University, NCSU, and UNC-Chapel Hill, making the area a tech recruiting oasis, an electromagnet for technology companies in the American South, and a place prominent U.S. startups like Airbnb choose to outsource their design and development."

- 15 Tech Scenes In Places You'd Never Think To Look, Fast Company

Garden & Gun - Fullsteam Brewery

"Cutting-edge even in craft beer–besotted North Carolina, Fullsteam uses local crops in “plow-to-pint” beers like a corn grits cream ale and—the standout—Carver, made with sweet potatoes."

- Wild Brew, Garden & Gun

ColorLines - Mobile Homecoming Project

"In April of 2009, Alexis Pauline Gumbs and her partner Julia Wallace sat in a small conference room in Durham, N.C. Both were Southern-born, twentysomething activists with academic training...They were at a larger annual gathering of labor and human rights organizers, and around them sat over a dozen women, all of them self-identified black lesbians, and each one at least 20 years older. The workshop session was led by Mandy Carter, a longtime LGBT activist, and Carter wanted to share only one thing: stories...The idea turned into the Mobile Homecoming Project, a multimedia storytelling project to uncover hidden histories. Gumbs and Wallace scour their networks to find older members of the black LGBT community, record them on video or podcasts, and sometimes host screening events that bring together people from all ages."

- A New LGBT Politics Seeks To Marry Issues, Not Just People, ColorLines

MetroNC - Outdoor Dining: Vin Rouge, L'Uva, Tobacco Road

"In Durham, several restaurants offer quaint patio seating, but my favorite is Vin Rouge. Another Giorgios res­taurant, the French brass­erie has a charming terrace off to the side that’s the ideal setting for an early evening dinner or Sunday afternoon brunch...Following the success of Revolution, Jim Anile opened his second Triangle restaurant, L’Uva, in the American Tobacco Complex featuring a small but lovely outdoor seating area facing the little canal. Open for lunch, dinner and now brunch, L’Uva is a great spot to venture for a low-key lunch or a romantic dinner...For ample sunlight and free baseball, all while enjoying your lunch (or dinner), head to nearby Tobacco Road behind the Durham Bulls stadium."

- Al Fresco In The Triangle: Area Restaurants And Outdoor Dining, MetroNC

TIME - Duke University Behavioral Economist Dan Ariely

"Behavioral economist Dan Ariely, who teaches at Duke University, is known as one of the most original designers of experiments in social science. Not surprisingly, the best-selling author’s creativity is evident throughout his latest book, The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty. A lively tour through the impulses that cause many of us to cheat, the book offers especially keen insights into the ways in which we cut corners while still thinking of ourselves as moral people."

- Why (Almost) All of Us Cheat and Steal, TIME

The New York Times - Sherry Trending in Durham

"In London, sherry bars have been the rage for five years or more. In New York, top sommeliers and wine geeks have gotten the bug, holding sherry dinners and trading rare bottles...Sherry has begun to insinuate itself in places like Toronto; Portland, Ore.; San Francisco; and Durham, N.C."

- In Spain, Sherry Producers Learn to Think Small, The New York Times

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Meetings Focus - Durham Meetings & Entertainment

"Three quarters of Research Triangle Park is within [Durham's] boundaries, and so is Duke University. This means about 4,000 tech, medical and education meetings find Durham’s side of The Triangle a great destination choice annually. 'Durham has a unique sense of place—not a typical city with a downtown district and lots of big buildings,' says Corey D. Bizzell, director of group sales and services for the Durham CVB. 'We are doing lots of revitalization, particularly of our former industrial areas like the Tobacco District, where groups now find great event spaces, restaurants and entertainment.'"

- The Tried-and-True Triangle, Meetings Focus

Meetings Focus - Durham, NC

"Group entertainment around The Triangle region can range from a night with the Durham Bulls in their 10,000-seat stadium to discovering the area’s foodie culture. From down-home Southern goodness to gourmet tidbits, groups can enjoy a variety of appetizing adventures in the area."

Tastes of the Triangle, Meetings Focus

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Clean Techies - Duke University

"As a leading university, Duke University also looks to take the lead when it comes to environmental stewardship by creating a number of sustainable initiatives throughout the campus. By raising environmental awareness among students, faculty, administration, and staff, as well as making the university itself much more sustainable and therefore more environmentally friendly, Duke University looks to remain at the head of the list of sustainable universities."

- Top Ten Sustainability Initiatives of Duke University, Clean Techies

Serious Eats - Old Havana Sandwich Shop

"Savor it plain, or spice it up with a dash of the shop's Papa Bull hot sauce. Oh, and there's lipstick on that pig: Old Havana uses only hormone- and antibiotic-free pork from local, pasture-raised pigs, so your conscience will be as tickled as your taste buds."


 - A Sandwich A Day: El Caney at Old Havana Sandwich Shop in Durham, NC, Serious Eats

Friday, June 8, 2012

The New York Times - Duke Campus Farm

"Grassy quadrangles are staples on most college campuses. But maybe all that soil can be put to a different use: a handful of colleges and universities have planted small student-run farms on formerly grassy areas in recent years...students at Duke University started the Duke Campus Farm in 2010, and much of what the farmers produce is served in Duke’s own dining halls."



- Farming on the Campus Quad, The New York Times

Broadway World - West Side Story at DPAC

"Everybody knows West Side Story. Even if you have never seen the show before, even if you haven’t seen the movie, you know West Side Story. The iconic show is so enmeshed in American culture that it is inescapable. For good reason, I might add. West Side Story is landmark theater, marking the genesis of the modern musical. And it’s at the Durham Performing Arts Center now."

- BWW Reviews: West Side Story Heats Up Durham, Broadway World

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Forbes - Coach K

"Leaders are measured not just on what they achieve personally but also on what the people they mentored go on to do as leaders in their own right. Sports provides many examples, one of the best is Duke’s head Coach Mike Krzyzewski...Coach K’s “coaching tree” has had numerous former players go on to become head coaches at NCAA Division I schools, including Amaker, Johnny Dawkins (Stanford), Mike Brey (Notre Dame) and Jeff Capel (former Oklahoma coach)."

- Duke's Coach K and Building a Leadership Legacy, Forbes

CityBizList - Durham, NC

"Baltimore, Philadelphia, Trenton, N.J., New York and Durham, N.C. are among the best, and most affordable, cities for singles, according to a ranking by Kiplinger magazine...North Carolina's Durham, with 53 percent of unmarried households and a date-night tab of $27.71, placed ninth on the list. It had a median household income of $50,889."

- Durham 9th Best City for Singles, CityBizList

Oxford American - Dame's Chicken and Waffles

"Eating chicken and waffles is like this: the sweet you want, the savory you want, all at once. Eating Dame’s chicken and waffles is like this: perfectly fried chicken. A light breading—flavorful, crispy. Underneath, a deep-pocketed Belgian waffle, warm in the center, sweet...The shmear acts as a lubricant between the chicken and the waffle, adding a layer of moisture that seeps down into the waffle’s pockets and coats the fried chicken. Sometimes flavored syrups are drizzled on top of the chicken."

- The Habit of Eating: Food & Culture in the South, Oxford American

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Country Living - Monuts Donuts

"To sate your sweet tooth in Durham, Ellie Snow, who writes about art, design, and handmade objects at Mint, recommends chasing down the bike that sells fresh, homemade doughnuts. The food trike she speaks of is Monuts Donuts, a bakery on wheels that specializes in unique flavor combinations, such as cranberry ginger, vegan toasted amaretto, and pumpkin chai — though it also offers a glazed option for purists."

- 50 Things to Do This Summer in 50 States, Country Living

The Escapist - Durham Geeks

"I always had a suspicion the area surrounding The Escapist offices was a Mecca for nerds, dorks and gamers, but now I know it's for real."

- Durham is One of America's Geekiest Cities, The Escapist

New York Post - Durham Food & Beverage Scene

"Entering Durham, you can’t miss the giant logos for old-timey tobacco brands — Lucky Strike, Chesterfield, Bull Durham — emblazoned on the smokestacks and brick walls of former tobacco factories and warehouses all over town...Tobacco may be dead in Durham, but the culinary and cocktail scenes are thriving."

- Tasting the Triangle, New York Post

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Rolling Stone - Delta Rae

"Durham, North Carolina-based six-piece Delta Rae are set to release their debut album, Carry the Fire, on Sire Records. The group, which infuses rich four-part harmonies with blues, country and rock, is on tour through the summer in support of the album."

- Premiere: Delta Rae's Anthemic 'Fire', Rolling Stone

Becker's Hospital Review - Duke University Hospital

"Duke University Hospital (Durham, N.C.). Duke University Hospital's roots trace back to 1930, when it was founded with the intention to be the best medical institution between Baltimore and New Orleans. Today, this 924-bed academic medical center has been ranked as one of the top 10 hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Duke's innovations in community care and partnerships with local clinics caught the eye of President Barack Obama's administration, which used them as models for elements of healthcare reform. In 2012, the hospital will open its new $230 million cancer center."

- 100 Great Hospitals, Becker's Hospital Review

The New York Times - American Dance Festival

"GROWING up in Colorado, Jodee Nimerichter was a serious bunhead: a driven young ballet dancer, whose dedication had landed her in a conservatory program. And then one day, in 1992, for reasons she still can’t fully explain, she quit. Full stop...Fast forward to 2012, and, well, everything has remained all about dance. More specifically, everything has remained all about the American Dance Festival."

- Put One Foot in the Past, Point One to Tomorrow, The New York Times

Friday, May 25, 2012

CoupleofSports.com - Durham Bulls Athletic Park

"A night out at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park is more about fun than the actual game of baseball itself... the Durham Bulls have a winning formula that has kept them near the top in minor league attendances each and every year. They’ve created a fun atmosphere inside of an open and picturesque ballpark that lends itself to communal interaction."

- Durham Bulls Minor League Baseball Game-Durham NC, CoupleofSports.com

EcoSalon.com - Farmhand Foods

"In recent years, the food truck phenomenon has exploded, bringing cheap, tasty cuisine to parking lots, sidewalks, and street fairs around the country. Whether you love food trucks or hate them, you can’t deny their convenience and relative cost-effectiveness, particularly when they’re parked outside your office at lunch hour. Here, a look at some classic, cool, and completely wacky roaming restaurants from across America (and beyond)...Farmhand Foods, Durham, North Carolina."

- 30 Photos of Food Trucks, EcoSalon.com

DesignSponge - Shed Letterpress

"For me, cards are almost always about telling someone special that you care about them. I’ve gotten better at sending “just because” cards, but I always prefer to send something sweet. So for today’s National Stationery Show post, I wanted to share my favorite lovey-dovey cards...Hot stuff card by Shed Letterpress."

- national stationery show 2012: sweet nothings, DesignSponge

Monday, May 21, 2012

Serious Eats - Pauly Dogs

"Pauly Dogs opened for business outside of Duke's campus almost 15 years ago, a crazy hot dog cart run by former bartender and pizzeria cook Paul Konstanzer...What's really fun about Pauly Dogs compared to a sit-down gourmet hot dog restaurant is that the dogs are cheap and small enough to try a bunch different crazy stuff without spending all your money and eating enough for a horse. It also helps that Pauly is a great guy who has become a fixture of the campus. Students often come back years later just to visit the cart and have one more Pauly Dog."

- Hot Dog of the Week: Pauly Dogs on Duke's Campus in Durham, NC, Serious Eats

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

CNN - Duke's Nascar Star Paullie Harraka

"Paulie Harraka is using his college degree to propel his career on the track."[VIDEO]

- Duke's Nascar Star, CNN

Industry Week - Burt's Bees

"Nature Becomes You" is more than just a marketing tagline for Burt's Bees. The Durham, N.C.-based manufacturer of natural personal-care products -- best known for its popular lip balm -- sees sustainability as the starting point for its innovation process."

- Three Ways that Sustainability Drives Innovation at Burt's Bees, Industry Week

Monday, May 14, 2012

Edge New York - Kym Register, The Pinhook

"As Kym Register talks about North Carolina’s effort to stop same-sex marriage, the feelings of shame and pride can be heard in her voice...Register, who owns what she calls a queer positive live music venue in downtown Durham, hopes that LGBT travelers will continue to come to North Carolina -- especially to its many welcoming cities. 'We need people to come and be visible," says Register. "This is not the time to turn your back.'"

- North Carolinians Say Don’t Judge Our Cities by the State, Edge New York

Wall Street Journal - Standing Out in North Carolina

"On Tuesday, North Carolina voters decided 61% to 39% to approve a constitutional amendment defining marriage as strictly between a man and a woman. A hand-painted sign on a street in the city of Durham Thursday, however, touted the surrounding county's contrary vote."

- Standing Out in North Carolina, Wall Street Journal

Friday, May 11, 2012

BrewChief.com - Bull City Burger and Brewery

"Bull City Burger and Brewery is a true gem of the local craft brew scene. We feel spoiled as craft beer fans when we visit because these guys have completely redefined the brewpub experience. An emphasis on high quality and local sustainability has resulted in an atmosphere full of amazing beer, amazing food, and amazing people."

- Brewer Bytes with Bull City Burger and Brewery, BrewChief.com

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Getting to Greener - Darko Urban Farm, Boutiful Backyards

"Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Darko Urban Farm, located in downtown Durham, North Carolina. The farm is comprised of Rochelle and her partner Will, their incredibly diverse front and backyard, and their newly acquired 'back forty.' It’s lovely for me to see what a backyard-turned-farm looks like and to see how productive such a small area can be. Their main vegetable garden is contained within a fence—mostly to safeguard precious garden tools—and is complete with four ducks and a beautiful kiwi trellis...Behind the vegetable garden and adjacent to a neighborhood lunch place, Big Daddy’s, is the farm’s brand-new fruit orchard.  Installed with the help of Bountiful Backyards, a local business that helps people create edible gardens, there are now Asian pears, a medlar tree (according to Rochelle, 'is like an apple, but doesn’t require as many chill days as an apple tree,' a persimmon, cherries, figs and a variety of other fruits that do well here in North Carolina."

- Farming and the Local Food Scene: Urban Farming in Durham, North Carolina, Getting to Greener

Friday, May 4, 2012

The Street - Koinonia Coffeehouse

"I spend many hours each week in restaurants and coffeehouses around the country, between meetings, on my way through airports and when meeting clients. Like many others my "corner office" is often a table or a booth on the way to or from another meeting. A few weeks ago I stopped in a local coffeehouse in the Research Triangle Park/Durham, N.C. between meetings, looking for a quiet spot to write an article...Koinonia Coffeehouse is a combination of polished concrete floors and intimate booths and tables. Part industrial loft and cozy contentment, Koinonia has a warm atmosphere that invites you to sit down, get comfortable and focus on your purpose for being there. You can read a book in a cozy leather chair, hold a meeting in the back, or sit for hours in one of the booths getting your work done."

- The Coffee House Isn't Just Your Corner Office, The Street

Saveur - Guglhupf Bakery

"French-style bakeries get plenty of praise, but let's not forget that Germany also has a strong bread-baking tradition. Guglhupf founder/owner Claudia Kemmet-Cooper grew up in Deutschland, and her Durham bakery reflects her nostalgia for her home country's artisans. Case in point, the Five Grain loaf. With an interior texture that's reminiscent of pound cake and a seed-laden crust, this bread reaches its full potential when toasted and blanketed in peanut butter."

- American Bread: 45 Loaves We Love, Saveur

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

New York Times - John Dee Holeman

"Maybe it was the form that John Dee Holeman’s frail fingers took when wrapped around his guitar. Perhaps it was the passion in his soft voice as he recounted growing up in North Carolina, learning to play the blues while tending to the family tobacco farm. Jimmy Williams is not certain what captivated him first, but after speaking to Mr. Holeman about his love for his guitar and his daily struggles to survive, Mr. Williams knew he wanted to tell the guitarist’s story."

- A Right to Sing the Blues, The New York Times

Monday, April 30, 2012

Washington Post - Duke Football

"Most of Duke’s offensive linemen hope to build some team chemistry — and perhaps some more muscle— by helping build an African community. Guard Dave Harding is bringing 10 teammates and a strength coach to Ethiopia for nearly two weeks to drill at least one freshwater well in a remote area of the country, while also volunteering at an orphanage and holding a sports camp for kids...One thing’s for certain: this will be no vacation."

- 11 Duke Offensive Linemen Hope Service Trip to Ethiopia helps build team camaraderie, Washington Post

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Smart Planet - The Smoffice

"Measuring in at about 20 square feet, it’s dubbed the world’s smallest office space. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in ambition in one North Carolina city...Cities are always looking for ways to grow their startup scene...The challenge can be to get that startup culture to stick. Gimmick or not, Durham seems to have successfully found ways to make that happen."

- The world’s smallest office: Growing a city’s startup scene, Smart Planet

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The New York Times - Dr. LeRoy T. Walker

"LeRoy T. Walker, a leading American track and field coach who was the first African-American to coach a United States men’s Olympic track team and to serve as the president of the United States Olympic Committee, died Monday in Durham, N.C... When he was named the president of the U.S.O.C., he told The New York Times that he marveled at the road he had taken as 'a guy born in Atlanta, where segregation was rampant.' He added, 'It sounds Hollywoodish, yet there it is.'"

- LeRoy T. Walker, a Pioneer of U.S. Olympics, Dies at 93, The New York Times

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Southern Living - The Parlour

"The Parlour, Durham, NC - Made with local fruits and veggies, these scoops are based on old Southern cookbook recipes. Try the Blueberry Buttermilk (shown) or Sweet Potato."

- The South's Best New Artisan Ice Creams, Southern Living

Monday, April 23, 2012

The New York Times - League of Upper Extremity Wrestling Women of Durham

"At a little over a year old, the [Five-Borough Ladies Arm Wrestling League] is dedicated to raising money and awareness for women’s charities. It is a newer chapter of a national network called the Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers, which began in 2008 in Charlottesville, Va., as the project of workout buddies Jennifer Hoyt Tidwell and Jodie Plaisance. The popularity of the clashes led to similar groups springing up across the country. There are now seven member and four apprentice leagues in cities including Durham, N.C., and Austin, Tex."

- A Lighter Side of Arm Wrestling, for Charity, Sport and Feminism, The New York Times

Friday, April 20, 2012

Paste Magazine - Bull City Records

"[Heather McEntire, Mt. Moriah: Bull City Records] Sweet shop dog, Rothko. Chaz, the owner, is really one of the best folks around. The store is intimate and not pretentious. There are occasional free shows there too. You can even buy screen-printing ink, and the local sections are always prominently featured."

- 101 Musicians Discuss Their Favorite Record Stores, Paste Magazine

Thursday, April 19, 2012

ESPN.com - Duke, David Cutcliffe and Peyton Manning

"Manning, of course, committed to Cutcliffe and Tennessee nearly two decades ago, when the Duke coach was the Volunteers' quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. The two have remained close over the years, and the Blue Devils' fenced-in practice facility became a lab of sorts for Manning and his NFL friends to help the four-time MVP recover from neck surgery. Durham was, essentially, the city Manning inhabited."

- How Duke Helped Peyton Manning Recover, ESPN.com

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Washington Post - Hillary Clinton in Durham, NC

"Oct. 26, 1992:  Hillary Rodham Clinton sits on the lap of her husband, Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton, left, as she jokes with vice presidential candidate Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, during a brief rest on their bus in Durham, N.C."

- Hillary Rodham Clinton away from the microphones, Washington Post

Fast Company - The Smoffice

"The prize must've seemed irresistible: free office space (plus Wi-Fi and a nearby condo) for six months to help one lucky startup open shop in the entrepreneurial Promised Land of downtown Durham, North Carolina. One catch: At just about 30 square feet, it's by all conventional measures the world's smallest office...the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Durham, Inc., unveiled the winners of the Smoffice, short for, you know, a really small office: The Makery, a flash-sales site created by three sisters who grew up in Durham. The announcement ended a month-long competition to lure entrepreneurs as part of Durham’s proudly oddball push to expand its startup culture."

- What the World's Smallest Office Says About Durham's Bigg Innovation Ambitions, Fast Company

Monday, April 16, 2012

Fast Company - Durham, NC

"Cigarettes and technology startups have at least one thing in common: Durham, North Carolina. One hundred fifty years ago, Durham-based entrepreneurs Washington Duke and W.T. Blackwell battled for tobacco sovereignty...Today, Durham’s innovation scene is kindled by tech giants like IBM, Lenovo, and about 140 other companies with stakes in the ground at the 7,000-acre Research Triangle Park...Though Big Tobacco’s heyday has come and gone, Durham, you could say, is still smoking."

- For Lexus, Acura, And Airbnb, The Center Of The Mobile Galaxy Is Durham, NC, Fast Company

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

LA Times - Carolina Chocolate Drops

"The Durham, N.C.-birthed Chocolate Drops schooled a packed hall with such context, offered the ins and outs of pre-World War II country blues, old-time fiddle music, waltzes and minstrel songs via the music of, among others, Hobart Smith, Charlie Poole and “Bogus Ben” Covington. Along the way, the group illustrated the complicated, remarkable history that ultimately gave birth to the blues, country, rock ’n’ roll and virtually every variation that followed, from hip-hop to black metal."

- Live: Carolina Chocolate Drops at Royce Hall, LA Times

Monday, April 9, 2012

USA Today - Foster's Market

"Foster's Market, Durham, N.C. - When [Susan Russo , author of The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches] lived in North Carolina, this was one of her weekend haunts. 'If you've never had a bacon and avocado, you're in for a treat,' she says. 'It's a really simple sandwich, elevated to something special. There's so much contrast going on between the salty bacon and the cool, creamy avocado.'"


- 10 great places to bite into a surprising sandwich, USA Today

Sports Illustrated - Duke vs UNC

"Eight miles and two shades of blue separate rivals who can deliver anything, be it a brawl (Art Heyman and Larry Brown in 1961) or eight points in 17 seconds (Carolina's, to force overtime in a 1974 victory). From Walter Davis and Bobby Jones to Gene Banks and Austin Rivers, the stars shine; but so do bit players like Duke's Fred Lind, who after scoring 12 points all year delivered 16 in an 87--86 triple-OT win in 1968. And to think the Tar Heels and the Blue Devils have never met in NCAA tournament play."

- Oh, The Places You Can Go, Sports Illustrated

Thursday, April 5, 2012

American Rivers - Green Roofs in Durham, NC

"A concentration of green roofs in the urban core of Durham would have many benefits for building owners, the environment, and the community...American Rivers has partnered with Downtown Durham, Inc. to make this thought a reality...business leaders are excited to partner with the city to create a more sustainable city. Durham has an opportunity and a need to be the leader in green infrastructure in North Carolina."

- A Vision of Green Roofs in Durham, NC, American Rivers

Monday, April 2, 2012

GUYOT - Nana's

"Southern gourmands cross state lines for chef Scott Howell's elevated Mediterranean stylings, which incorporate North Carolina delicacies like striped bass and coastal white shrimp."

- 2012 Top 10 Insider Picks in the U.S., GUYOT   

Thursday, March 29, 2012

The New York Times - American Dance Festival

"This summer’s 79th edition of the American Dance Festival, the first under its new director, Jodee Nimerichter, will feature world premieres from Jodi Melnick, Helen Simoneau and Reggie Wilson along with performances from festival regulars including the Paul Taylor Dance Company and the Mark Morris Dance Group. Ms. Nimerichter took over the modern dance festival set in Durham, N.C., earlier this year, replacing Charles L. Reinhart, who retired at the end of 2011 after 43 years as director."

- American Dance Festival Unveils New Executive Director's Fist Lineup, The New York Times

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The New York Times - McKinney, "The Pitch"

"Contestants on reality competition shows perform tasks like seeking spouses, racing around the world, eating bugs, losing weight, living in houses rigged with cameras and working for Donald J. Trump. A new series is arriving with a contest all its own: wooing advertisers to say yes to campaigns...'We went through several weeks of back-and-forth with Studio Lambert and AMC,' said Jeff Jones, president at McKinney, who appears in the episode in which his agency and WDCW LA compete for the Subway assignment, 'but we were willing to take the risk because we ask our clients every day to take risks.'"

Getting Ad Agencies Into Reality TV, The New York Times

Brew Chief - Bull City Burger and Brewery

"When it comes to identifying great beers, image is almost as important as taste. You could be presented with the best beer in the world, but if it’s served in a plastic cup at a dirty bar, you’re not going to get the full experience. This is why we always insist that good beers be served properly. This is why glasses and their shapes are so important. Taste is only one aspect of the better beer process. Ever wonder why a stout tastes horrible if you drink it out of the bottle? It’s because you have absolutely no idea what to expect. You haven’t seen the color, or the thickness, or the head, or the sediment. You haven’t smelled it in the open air. You haven’t taken the time to form any expectations. This is why I love visiting Bull City Burger and Brewery in Durham, NC. They understand the concept of proper presentation."

- Worth a thousand words, Brew Chief

Mother Nature Network - Branford Marsalis

"'We certainly recycle and force our children to recycle and we compost,' says saxophonist Branford Marsalis, adding that his wife's attempts at gardening have lacked success 'because the deer and rabbits and raccoons love the garden more than you do.' He lives in Durham, N.C., 'an environmentally conscious area... I have a hybrid, but I would love a hydrogen car.'"

- Branford Marsalis goes green, finds his roots, Mother Nature Network

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Southern Living - Dame's Chicken & Waffles

"If you're a fan of this combo (or-gasp!-have never tried it), then you simply must visit this gem, where chef and co-founder Damion Moore whips up some of the best fried chicken we've ever tasted accompanied by tender fluffy waffles ($10-$12). What sets this dish apart, though, are the inventive flavored butters he calls "shmears" and creative drizzles like Whiskey Creme and Caramel-Cashew Sauce. The combination of sweet and salty breakfast bread and fowl is simply heavenly. Damion is so passionate about chicken and waffles, he's decorated the walls of his cozy restaurant with images or 1930s Harlem, the era and area in which the dish first gained popularity."

- Fried Chicken and Waffles, Southern Living

Monday, March 19, 2012

StarNews - Durham Bulls Athletic Park

"Like curious students on a field trip, the Wilmington City Council and one county commissioner boarded a city bus and headed early Friday morning to the Durham Bulls stadium for a tour and boxed lunch...By the end of the day as they stepped onto the green grass of the Triple A stadium, the bright sun shining between a giant bull and a historic Lucky Stripe tower, the excitement was palpable. They posed for pictures, walked to the outfield, touched the grass and pretended to take swings at home plate."

- Officials tour Durham Bulls' Park, StarNews

The Black Urbanist - The Bull City

"Durham is known locally as the Bull City... I found that Durham has community characteristics that resemble it’s nickname. These characteristics are not so much in how the city is shaped, but how the city has been shaped by it’s people... First, the city has a lot of spunk... Secondly, the city has a lot of fight... Finally, the city has a heart... But then again, it’s really what’s inside that makes Durham bullish and ready to seize the day."

- Durham, The City as a Bull, The Black Urbanist

The New York Times - Nasher Museum of Art

"In the 21st century, university art museums have become more aggressive in extending their missions and collections to reach deeper into classrooms and curriculums not ordinarily associated with art. At Duke’s seven-year-old Nasher Museum, two members of its 30-person staff are devoted exclusively to finding uses for pieces from the collection to enhance course work in various academic departments. Medical students, for instance, spend a day studying visual art in an exercise intended to hone observation and description skills that Nasher staff member developed with professors."

- Art Museums Giving It the Old College Try, The New York Times

Serious Eats - La Vaquita

"We're not going to lie: as any West Coast or Southwestern transplant can tell you, finding great tacos on the East Coast is no easy task, but it's not impossible. You just have to be willing to go a bit off the beaten path... Carnitas from La Vaquita: You can't miss this spot from the road: a giant cow beckons you from its rooftop. Their soft corn tortillas are homemade with a moistness matched only by their carnitas, which are crisp, fatty, and deeply porky. Order a couple from the takeout window, spoon on some of their fiery red salsa, and pull up a bench at one of the communal picnic tables out front where locals and travelers take a welcome break in the shade."

- The Search for America's Best Tacos: East Coast Contenders, Serious Eats

Complex - bikeCOFFEE

"That's right, you read that headline correctly, bikeCOFFEE is a coffee cart, attached and pulled by a bike, that travels around Durham, NC, keeping the city's hipster population well caffeinated."

- bikeCOFFEE The Bicycle-Pulled Coffee Cart, Complex

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

CraftBeer - Bull City Burger & Brewery

"Jack Tar Dry Irish-style Stout [Bull City Burger and Brewery] is very dark and roasty with deep charred malt flavors. The dark malts in this beer have been kilned at higher temperatures to caramelize the sugars and even blacken the color."

- Craft Beers to Enjoy on St. Patrick's Day, CraftBeer

Slate - Ron Burt (1991-92 Blue Devil)

"On Oct. 15, 1991, dozens of students shuffled into Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium with hopes of making one of the best college basketball teams ever. In the real world, walk-on tryouts aren’t cinematic. As the hopefuls scrimmaged, it became clear who was going to grab the Blue Devils’ single open roster spot: Ron Burt, a senior from Kansas City... Over the next few weeks, you’ll hear dozens of stories about the 1991-92 Blue Devils, who 20 years ago beat Kentucky in the greatest college basketball game ever played en route to their second straight NCAA title. Duke’s dominance that season surprised no one. Burt’s path, on the other hand, was both unlikely and fortuitous."

- Blue Angel, Slate

Monday, March 12, 2012

CBS News - 9th Wonder

"Grammy award-winning producer, 9th Wonder, not only spends most of his days in the studio, but also the classroom. He's co-teaching the "Sampling Soul" class at Duke University, part of a huge movement of hip-hop based classes on college campuses across America."  [VIDEO]

- 9th Wonder: A Wonderful Professor, CBS News

The Daily Meal - La Superior

"One of the best places to eat Mexican food in America today is North Carolina, and especially the city of Durham. The first big wave of immigration from Mexico and Central America came to the region in the early 1980s, in response to a shortage of local agricultural workers. Today, it is estimated that 8.7 percent of the state's population is Hispanic — and there are parts of Durham and the surrounding area, especially along Durham's Roxboro Road, where the taquerias outnumber the hamburger joints and pizza parlors.

There's even a massive Hispanic supermarket, La Superior, on Roxboro, and here, in addition to rows upon rows of canned and other packaged goods, a terrific meat market, and a tortilleria selling freshly made corn tortillas for $0.99 a pound, there's a counter dispensing first-rate tacos, tortas, and gorditas, with all manner of fillings."

- Sandwich of the Week: Carne Asada Gordita at La Superior in Durham, N.C., The Daily Meal

Friday, March 9, 2012

Charlotte Observer - Tourism Value of Minor League Baseball

"Four years ago, Durham tourism officials released a study saying the economic impact of minor-league baseball statewide amounted to tens of millions of dollars...Today, as the Charlotte Knights make a renewed push to leave Fort Mill, S.C., for a new stadium uptown, one argument in favor of a new public subsidy is that it would provide an economic boost for Charlotte...The Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau released its study in 2008, which coincided with efforts to renovate the Durham Athletic Park, the old home of the city's minor-league team, the Bulls."

- Critics skeptical about economic benefits of an uptown stadium, Charlotte Observer

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

The New York Times - The Smoffice

"Google kicks off a program to get more North Carolina small businesses online while a contest in Durham offers entrepreneurs the chance to win six months in the “Smoffice” — the world’s smallest office."

- This Week in Small Business: An Immense Fiscal Cliff, The New York Times

INC Magazine - A Small Orange, Douglas Hanna

"Douglas Hanna is the CEO of a multi-million dollar company, but you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at his office filled with mostly empty desks. But Hanna is confident that business is steadily humming—just not there. At least 20 of the company’s 38 employees are hard at work—remotely... Hanna, a junior at Duke University, works in the office—when he doesn’t have to go to class... He puts in about 40 to 50 hours a week toward the business, which he calls a priority over school. Hanna understands this mindset might not be good, but he’s focused on the long run with his business, which he plans to stick with after he graduates in December of 2012."

- A Gracious Host for Bloggers: A Small Orange, INC Magazine

Friday, March 2, 2012

Startup Smart - The Smoffice

"Imagine walking down the street and seeing a start-up entrepreneur working away in a glass-encased box, like some sort of spread sheet-toting version of illusionist David Blaine. This rather bizarre concept is being made reality in the US city of Durham, where a tiny office space, called The Smoffice, has been erected in a prime business area."

- The Smoffice, Startup Smart

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Tech Crunch - The Smoffice

"Durham (a city in North Carolina) is looking to vitalize their already burgeoning startup scene by giving away the “World’s Smallest Office,” a moniker I once reserved for my attic bathroom but can now be rendered unto a bit of space in the front of a Cafe in Durham’s beautiful Downtown. Although the office shown above appears to be more like a monkey cage than a formal workspace, the Smoffice (as it’s called) will be available to one small startup for six months."

- Startups: Durham Wants You In Their Smoffice, Tech Crunch

Garden & Gun - Big Spoon Roasters

"We’ll admit it. Sometimes we get nostalgic for the lunch pails of our youth, and nothing screams childhood like a good old peanut butter and jelly. But thanks to two North Carolina-based outfits, Big Spoon Roasters and Farmer’s Daughter Preserves, you can give the classic PB&J a grown-up Southern revise... Big Spoon owner Mark Overbay spent a decade searching grocery shelves for the perfect peanut butter before deciding he could do better."

- PB&J Grows Up, Garden & Gun

Tech Journal South - The Smoffice

"Sometime in May, you’re going to be walking down Main street in Downtown Durham and pass by a glass-encased habitat at the front of a well-known coffee shop where a single entrepreneur or team of entrepreneurs will be feverishly working for your enjoyment... You’ll be peering through the glass at The Smoffice, a so-crazy-it-has-to-work partnership between the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Durham Inc., Beyu Caffe, and a host of other local sponsors."

- Durham to stuff the next big thing in a tiny little office, Tech Journal South

Monday, February 27, 2012

Small Market Meetings - Entertainment Options in Durham, NC

"Tobacco warehouses and textile mills have become entertainment options in Durham, home of Duke University. In the past decade, this city of 235,000 has revitalized its downtown by restoring historic buildings and creating entertainment districts filled with baseball stadiums, breweries and ballet."

- Southeast: That's Entertainment, Small Market Meetings

Washington Post - Philip Freelon

"On Tuesday morning, architect Phil Freelon will watch a symbolic shovel break ground on a five-acre site for a new museum adjacent to the Washington Monument...The museum’s design is the result of an intense collaboration among Freelon and two other architects: David Adjaye and the late Max Bond... Freelon, now the museum’s architect of record, specializes in designing spaces that weave together the nation’s history, fabric and culture."

- Philip Freelon, Lead Architect of the Smithsonian's African American Museum, Washington Post

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

About That Car - Durham, NC

"Lexus has never dispensed an egg, in my view, and there’s no hen in the DNA of its RX 350... used during a recent excursion around delightfully quirky and creatively cool Durham, N.C. This is a Lexus, for sure... Drive-wise, the sport-ute ably carted friend and me to the sticks to Elodie Farms, where we first-class noshed on — famished? turn away now — three courses including a delicate goat cheese salad and sublime vinaigrette; pan-seared yellowtail snapper with candied yams, brussel sprouts and beets; and braised pork leg with mushroom and corn risotto plus an exquisite flower salad. Awesome... This is a nice in-and-out, easy-parking about-town car, as evinced during a congested run to the popular Durham Performing Arts Center, in a revived downtown, to see the vaunted Rockettes. Later, vehicle agility and a good steering ratio got us easily parked at Duke University, where renown classical pianist Greg McCallum put on a fine — and free! — recital."

Friday, February 17, 2012

Huffington Post - Luchadoras

"More than 500 spectators cheered the little "Golden Eagle" on as she launched herself against her opponent in Durham, N.C., in January. They were witnessing the final conflict between 10 luchadora women competing in traditional Mexican Lucha Libre wrestling. But these women were fighting for more than just cheers.

Members of the North Carolina Dream Team are used to taking on fearsome foes, whether demonstrating for the DREAM Act, the federal legislation that would allow students without papers to attend college and get legal, or organizing campaigns to keep undocumented youth from being deported. Now female members are donning masks to get in the ring and literally grapple with their opponents to help raise support for their cause."

- Female "Lucha Libre" Wrestlers Fight for a Dream in North Carolina, Huffington Post

ESPN - Duke Blue Devils

"No deficit seems too deep these days for Duke -- even if the Blue Devils insist they can't afford to keep winning this way. For the second time in nine days, Duke (No. 4 ESPN/USA Today, No. 5 AP) staged a remarkable comeback to beat a neighborhood rival."

- Duke rallies from 20 down to fight off NC State, ESPN

Thursday, February 16, 2012

FunnyLove - Broad Street Cafe

"Broad Street Café in Durham, North Carolina is my type of place. It is a pretention-free atmosphere that makes you feel at home as soon as you walk in the door...All I can say is that if you’re in Durham, North Carolina you should swing by Broad Street Café and check them out. I would love to go back in the spring and sit on their patio and listen to live music while I literally try every single beer on tap."

- Restaurant Review: Broad Street Cafe, FunnyLove

The Washington Post - Duke Divinity Prof. Lauren Winner

"Lauren Winner is a jumble of contradictions: A Jew who found Christianity in a dream starring Daniel Day Lewis as Jesus, an accomplished historian who rides an oversized tricycle to work, and a memoir writer who wants to keep details of her private life private...writing popular books is where her calling lies. “What I do best is this act of translation,” she said, taking religion scholarship and making it accessible to a wider audience. On a recent Sunday, she turned that act of translation on the congregation at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Durham, where she preaches about six times a year."

- Historian Tackles Doubt, Divorce and the Priesthood, The Washington Post

NPR - Midtown Dickens

"Only Brother," the first single from Midtown Dickens' new album Home, sets a twangy tone for the North Carolina band's most nuanced and beautifully produced album yet...the song does what the group does best: It resurrects old folk and bluegrass sounds and injects them with verve, quirkiness and modern ideas...Just last year, though, [Midtown Dickens] took a big step toward national recognition by touring with The Mountain Goats. Now, with Home, Midtown Dickens is ready to invite the rest of America onto its front porch."



- Midtown Dickens: Sound of a Shapeshifter, NPR

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The Post Game - NC Central University

"'White boy.' That's how Landon Clement is referred to by a lot of students here on the historically black campus of North Carolina Central University. When he first arrived two years ago, the term was not exactly a compliment...But he was no hanger-on. He was good. Really good...But students here don't just appreciate Clement because he can shoot the trey. They also respect the way he carries himself -- the way he walks through campus with his hoodie up and backpack strapped tight, calling no attention to himself whatsoever. He's not a big talker. In fact, he's not much of a talker at all."

- White Star, Black School: Landon Clement Is The Face Of Upstart North Carolina Central, The Post Game

ESPN - March Madness / Duke Blue Devils

"Four freshmen (besides Anthony Davis) who will have the biggest say in how their team fares in March:

1. Austin Rivers, Duke: The Blue Devils point guard had his "aha!" moment when he swished a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to beat North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Seth Curry, Ryan Kelly and the Plumlee brothers are nice pieces, but Rivers is the Blue Devils' game changer."

- Four Weeks Until March Madness Begins, ESPN.com

Michael Sullivan's Real Estate Blog - Durham Dining

"Twenty or so some odd years ago when I moved to Durham there wasn’t a whole lot of choice when it came to my cities dining out menu.  Oh there were chain restaurants, a few upscale eateries and just a smidge of ethnic foods. Today at 2012 not only is the Bull City a medical destination, a diet destination but we are a food destination... The food and service at all of these spots is amazing and happily in Durham, you’ll find a whole lot more to explore, eat and love. Why I could write a book. Hmm, maybe I should."

- Where to eat in Durham NC, Michael Sullivan's Real Estate Blog

Foodservice Equipment & Supplies - Bull City Burger & Brewery

"When Bull City Burger and Brewery opened its doors in March of last year, the goal was not only to serve burgers its customers would come back for, but also to play an integral part in the cycle of energy from the farms it sources. The entire Bull City menu, including the buns, is made from scratch on-site by staffUnlike traditional casual burger joints, Bull City is positioned as part of the farm-to-fork movement. Its pasture-raised beef is sourced from North Carolina farmers that are part of the Farmhand Foods Network... Grain left over from the restaurant's brewing process feeds locally raised pigs that are used to make Bull City's bacon."

- Q&A: Seth Gross, owner, Bull City Burger and Brewery, Durham NC, Foodservice Equipment & Supplies

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Eater.com - Durham Dining

"A lot of places are kind of doing following the style of the established restaurants like Magnolia Grill in Durham. It's sort of this southern, seasonal, fairly sophisticated cuisine, and a lot of places are following that format. And there's such a wonderful foundation, so much to draw upon, that it's pretty natural for a lot of chefs to get into. The energy is coming out of Durham and Chapel Hill. There are places like Piedmont, Vin Rouge, Rue Cler, and then smaller spots like Guglhupfs, a great bakery in Durham."

Bowerbirds' Mark Paulson on NC's Best Restaurants, Feasting with Bon Iver, Eater.com

CBS Sports - Why Duke?

"In college basketball's biggest rivalry, there's no gray area when choosing your shade of blue... except the people at ground zero of the rivalry -- the players. At least half the players on Duke's current roster gave serious consideration to UNC when they were choosing a college, and a similar number of Tar Heels pictured themselves playing home games at Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium... Duke players talked about the close relationship coach Mike Krzyzewski forged with them and the experience of watching a game at Cameron, but when it came to answering one question -- "Why Duke?" -- they tapped their chests instead of their heads."

Why Duke? For Blue Devils, it's all about business... and heart, CBS Sports

New York Times - Beverly McIver, "Raising Renee"

"WHEN she left North Carolina 23 years ago, Beverly McIver never imagined returning. Feisty, talented and ambitious, Ms. McIver was more than eager to shake off the warm clinches of her family and the chilly, intractable racism of the South... But in 2007, Ms. McIver, now 49, was lured from a tenured position at Arizona State University by North Carolina Central University, the historically black university where she had learned to paint. By then, her mother had died of cancer and left Ms. McIver with the care of Renee, a responsibility she assumed just as her career was taking off. “Raising Renee,” a documentary that will be shown on Feb. 22 on HBO, follows the sisters for six years, from Ms. McIver’s first New York City solo gallery show in 2003 to the day Renee, now 52, wakes up in her own apartment, a rather miraculous turn of events."

Painting on a New Canvas, New York Times

ESPN - Austin Rivers

"Freshman Austin Rivers has never been to a Duke-North Carolina game in person -- and thus, has never experienced the pregame hysteria, the midgame intensity, the postgame ear-ringing. But after years of watching the rivalry on television, of rewinding replays on YouTube, of seeing the highlights on "SportsCenter," the Blue Devils guard knows exactly what he has to do... Austin Rivers is one of several freshmen who could have an impact on the Duke-UNC game. "I'm going to have an impact." Bold prediction for a rookie? Perhaps. But in Wednesday's game at the Dean E. Smith Center (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET), the rookies who make an impact could make the difference, just as they have so many times in the past."

- Freshman play a key role in Duke-UNC, ESPN

Monday, February 6, 2012

The Rebel Yell - School House LLC

"What happens when a passionate person has a vision? They turn it into reality. Rachael Weeks is the founder and CEO of School House American Collegiate Craftsmanship. Weeks was a Trinity Scholar from Duke University then traveled to Sri Lanka as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar where she started to give life to her dream of owning an ethically manufactured clothing line. School House is just that. A socially responsible collegiate fashion brand based in Durham, N.C. The line made it’s debut here at UNLV and students can already be seen sporting the gear."

- School house: the newest collegiate clothing line, The Rebel Yell

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Yes! Weekly - DPAC

"Since opening in 2008, the Durham Performing Arts Center, or DPAC, has become the fourth highest grossing performing arts center in the nation, greatly benefiting downtown Durham, said United Arts Council of Greensboro President Tom Philion. When Brown was asked how much money a center could generate, he said it was easier to say how much Greensboro was losing to DPAC.

“DPAC has successfully captured the market,” said Philion, adding that around 6 percent of the Durham audience traveled from Greensboro. “A performing arts center is critical to this city remaining competitive whether you are talking about attracting employers or people looking at Greensboro as a place they want to live.”

In order to remain competitive, Brown said, it is more important to build a performing arts center quickly than where exactly it is constructed. “The longer we wait… we’re going to be embarrassed one day if we don’t have the facility,” he said."

- City exploring options for a performing arts center, Yes! Weekly

Perez Hilton - Kelly Clarkson @ DPAC

"No one can question that Kelly Clarkson has talent, but what continues to amaze us is how much she appreciates other people's music! Take for instance that at all over her concerts, she always manages to squeeze in a cover of an incredible song and give it her own personal twist. That's exactly what she did with this gorgeous song by Sara Bareilles called Gravity. Check out the video to watch Kelly croon her way through the somber song beautifully and with ease at a concert in Durham, NC!"

- Kelly Clarkson, This is Exquisite, Perez Hilton

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Bon Appetit - Durham Food Community

"Corks pop as the guests stream in. The chefs on hand are psyched for Lee's brash cooking, which mines the correspondences between Korean and Southern foods, redefining expectations along the way. Representing Durham are Phoebe Lawless, whose Scratch Baking has revitalized a deserted pedestrian street with scuppernong tarts and chocolate chess pies, and Matthew Kelly from the bistro Vin Rouge. From Kinston, North Carolina, is Vivian Howard of Chef & the Farmer and her sommelier husband, Benjamin Knight. Drew Brown from Farmhand Foods sells pasture-raised beef and pork to area restaurants and runs the Sausage Wagon food truck. And there's Sean Lilly Wilson, the upstart brewer at Fullsteam, who concocts "plow-to-pint" beers with Southern produce like sweet potatoes."

- One Rowdy Night in Carolina, Bon Appetit

Huffington Post - Duke Students

"Just over a week ago, a group of students and I who are part of the Coalition for a Conflict-Free Duke sent a video message to Tim Cook, Apple CEO and fellow Dukie, imploring him to create a conflict-free product by the end of 2013... In conjunction with the Change.org petition by Congolese activist Delly Mawazo Sesete, we hoped the video would pique Tim Cook's attention and help build a constituency demanding change, but we never guessed that Apple would publicly acknowledge our call to action... But a few days ago, I received a call on my iPhone from San Jose, Calif. It was Steve Dowling, Apple's spokesperson, telling me that had seen our video, heard our call for action, and said that Apple is very committed to going conflict-free."

- How I got Apple To 'Think Differently' - Huffington Post

In the Long Run - The Scrap Exchange

"Last week my husband and I visited a college friend down in Durham, NC. Being on vacation, I of course needed to check out the fabric stores at the places we were visiting. I came back with some good finds. Most of them came from a neat store in Durham, The Scrap Exchange. This store collects random stuff of all types and then sells it for use by crafters and artists. And by random stuff, I mean RANDOM! You want a 2008 calendar from a dentist office? Sure. Old wallpaper swatchbooks? Check. Miss-matched work boots? Yup. Empty glass test tubes? Got those too. All in a large warehouse space. But the icing on the cake? Bins full of fabric scraps, many of them about 1/4 yard, for 75 cents a piece."



- Recent Fabric Finds, In the Long Run

Monday, January 30, 2012

Greensboro News & Record - DPAC

"To see what downtown Greensboro boosters have in mind for an entertainment venue, it's only necessary to look about 55 miles east. The Durham Performing Arts Center, or DPAC, has been a hit... DPAC has contributed to a strong revitalization of Durham's downtown, adding a major attraction to its sports and entertainment district. Could a downtown GPAC -- Greensboro Performing Arts Center -- match that success?"

- Editorial: Only Downtown, Greensboro News & Record

Friday, January 27, 2012

Facilities Online - Durham, NC

"With so many key attributes – affordability, accessibility and memorable attractions – it’s no wonder destination personnel express a new-found confidence as they compete in today’s meeting marketplace. 'Durham is able to host 85 percent of the conventions in United States,' said Sam Poley, Director of Marketing & Communications, Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau. 'We have two major airports within minutes of our convention center, which has just been renovated. Meeting Planners are looking for affordability and our costs are competitive.'"

- North Carolina Meetings Uniquely Growing, FacilitiesOnline

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Entrepreneur - Automated Insights

"Plenty of people will feel itchy at the thought (the editors at Entrepreneur among them), but there are machines out there that can write. Not just type or print, but actually turn bits of data into full sentences. Durham, N.C.'s Automated Insights has put its writing program to work to create more than 400 websites, 700 Twitter feeds and 400 mobile apps. The 13-person firm creates every single grammatically correct word of this network by machine, and founder and CEO Robbie Allen believes automated authoring has a home in almost any business."

- 10 Tech Trends Defining the Future of Small Business, Entrepreneur

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Washinton Post - Delta Rae

 "When you are in a six-piece band that features four lead singers and three siblings, you would think that things would get complicated, right? Not so for Delta Rae, the North Carolina-based group performing at Sixth and I Synagogue on Tuesday. After a year of touring and releasing a five-song EP in 2010, the band just released a new single, “Bottom of the River,” an intense movement that has drops of blues, soul and rock. Brothers Ian and Eric Hölljes talked with Click Track about using Kickstarter to fund their new LP, keeping the sibling rivalry at bay, and how even the creation of their band name was a family affair."

- Delta Rae on witch trials and keeping music in the family, Washington Post

Paste Magazine - Colin Stetson @ Motorco Music Hall

"Colin Stetson is set to hit the road this March behind last year’s New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges and the Those Who Didn’t Run EP. The bass saxophonist will tour with Sarah Neufield, who collaborated with Stetson in Arcade Fire and Belle Orchestre, opening the dates. Former Battles frontman Tyondai Braxton will also open for Stetson in Durham, N.C."

- Colin Stetson Announces Tour, Paste Magazine

Bleacher Report - Duke Basketball

"The Blue Devils don't have to worry too much about compromising their long-term goals, as they will be a threat to win the ACC Tournament when it rolls around, and they have enough talent to make a run through the NCAA Tournament when it comes calling. The rest of the regular season is a mere formality, with a couple high-profile games against North Carolina mixed in."

- Duke Basketball: Blue Devils Need Strong Finish from Austin Rivers, Bleacher Report

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

ABA Journal - Nancy Buirski/The Loving Story

"For most lawyers, the U.S. Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia is a familiar one. The 1967 decision struck down Virginia’s antimiscegenation statute, which prohibited and criminalized interracial marriage. Now a documentary film is bringing to light the story of the people behind the seminal civil rights decision... Filmmaker Nancy Buirski says she became interested in making The Loving Story after reading Mildred Loving’s obituary in the New York Times after her death in 2008... Buirski, for her part, says the documentary has unusual relevance today with the debate over marriage equality and the racially blended society in which we now live."

- A True Love Story: Documentary Looks at Couple Behind Famous Civil Rights Case, ABA Journal

Monday, January 23, 2012

AARP - Durham, NC

"This one-time Tobacco Road warehouse town has plenty of genteel charm, but its farm-to-table restaurant renaissance and cutting-edge cultural offerings make it quite worldly. The beneficiary of tobacco barons, Durham is where Wall Street hedge-funders retire early to grow heirloom vegetables on riverside farms. It’s also home to prestigious Duke University and the nearby Research Triangle, which give it a kinetic energy. Throw in the sun-dappled North Carolina climate, perfumed by honeysuckle and pine, and you have a winning U.S. destination. Stroll Duke’s neo-Gothic campus and admire the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Cheer on the Durham Bulls, the minor league baseball team featured in the 1988 movie Bull Durham. Downtown, eateries in former tobacco warehouses serve Southern classics with contemporary twists. Try shrimp and grits at Watts Grocery or southern French cuisine at Vin Rouge. The Magnolia Grill and Nana’s also put Durham on the culinary map."

- Great U.S. Destinations for 2012, AAPR

Friday, January 20, 2012

Bloomberg - Duke University Admissions

"Duke University, which last year offered seats to 13 percent of applicants, may be the beneficiary of some competitors having admission rates in the single digits. Freshman applications to the school in Durham, North Carolina, increased by 6.2 percent to more than 31,000, according to Christoph Guttentag, dean of admissions. “While sports may have a nominal impact on applications at Duke, it says something about selective college admissions when a 13 percent admit rate looks more possible,” Guttentag said in an interview."

- Applications at Top Universities Retreat Amid 'Impossible' Odds, Bloomberg

Examiner.com - Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

"Although baseball and basketball are the king sports in Durham, you can still get your football on at several great bars in town. Among those is Tobacco Road Sports Café, an upscale restaurant/bar located at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park downtown next to the Durham Performing Arts Center and the American Tobacco Historic Campus (there’s one in Raleigh as well). One of the things that makes this place a unique sports-watching venue is that they have a patio (I know, maybe you don’t want to sit out there in the winter) that forms the top of the left field wall for the ball park, plus two walls of windows, and great views of downtown. But wait, what gets my attention are the 40 TVs, about a dozen of which have a corresponding recliner."

- Hot Spots to Get Your Superbowl On, Examiner.com

Matador Records Blog - Bull City Records

"Bull City – or Bull Cittay, as it’s sometimes known around here – is one of our favorite stores around. Owner Chaz Martenstein is everything awesome about independent record stores. His love of new music and his devotion to his local Durham scene are second to none and his store is far too awesome for one measly post but here goes…"


- Get to Know Your Local Independent Retailer Vol. 5 - Bull City, Matablog

Thursday, January 19, 2012

TechCrunch - Triangle Startup Factory

"Serial entrepreneurs and mentors Chris Heivly and Dave Neal are kicking off the re-launch of their North Carolina-based startup accelerator, Triangle Startup Factory, in the hopes of providing entrepreneurs with a founder-friendly option for accelerating their early-stage tech businesses... Durham, North Carolina, where the accelerator is headquartered, is part of the so-called Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill “Research Triangle”, which includes Duke University, UNC, and NC State. Thus, it’s home to some great resources, and is an up-and-coming entrepreneurial hub in its own right."

- Triangle Startup Factory Re-Launches Accelerator; Promises $50K To Each Founding Team, TechCrunch