Ty Lawson scored 22 points to help No. 1 North Carolina beat North Carolina-Asheville 116-48 on Sunday despite playing without national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough.
Danny Green added 18 points for the Tar Heels (7-0), who had an easy time staying unbeaten heading into their matchup with fifth-ranked Michigan State this week in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. North Carolina shot 57 percent, led 53-19 at halftime and cracked the 100-point mark with about 5 minutes left.
Jason Ridenhour had eight points and six rebounds for the Bulldogs (3-3), who led 6-2 early before the Tar Heels kicked into gear and sprinted far out in front. UNC-Asheville shot 27 percent for the game, including 3-for-18 from 3-point range.
The Tar Heels didn't miss Hansbrough, who sat out as a precaution as he continues to recover from a preseason injury to his right shin. The senior was coming off a 34-point performance against Notre Dame in the championship of the Maui Invitational, but spent this game watching from the bench while wearing his pregame warmups.
Hansbrough has yet to play in a home game this year, sitting out the first two here against Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
His absence allowed the Tar Heels to show off their depth yet again, whether it was Lawson cracking the 20-point mark in the Smith Center for the first time in his career or Deon Thompson's latest solid performance up front with 17 points and nine rebounds.
Green certainly made things interesting, hitting his first six 3-point attempts of the second half to charge up a holiday weekend crowd. The last one of that burst came from several steps behind the arc for an 82-32 lead with 11 minutes left, and had the crowd playfully yelling "Shoot!" as he brought the ball across midcourt in transition on the ensuing possession.
Green obliged but missed, ending a run that had even coach Roy Williams chuckling during a timeout a short time later.
Freshman Ed Davis started in Hansbrough's place and finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Wayne Ellington also had 13 points as 12 players scored for the Tar Heels.
It ended up being the biggest margin of victory and highest scoring output for North Carolina under Williams, surpassing a 57-point win against Cleveland State in the 2005-06 season and a 115-point performance against George Mason in 2003-04.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
N.C. State beats UNC Greensboro 79-52
Courtney Fells scored 22 points to lead North Carolina State past UNC Greensboro 79-52 on Sunday.
Ben McCauley added 17 points and 15 rebounds for the Wolfpack (4-0), who pulled away with a 16-4 run near the end of the first half before opening the second half with another 16-4 spurt.
Tracy Smith scored 14 points for N.C. State, which shot 47.2 percent (34 of 72) from the floor.
Javier Gonzalez tallied nine points and seven assists to help the Wolfpack win their 22nd consecutive non-conference home game against in-state competition.
Kendall Toney led UNC Greensboro (1-3), which trailed 39-28 at halftime, with 16 points. Damian Eargle added 10 points for the Spartans, who shot 33.5 percent (20 of 59) from the field and missed 10 of 20 free throws.
Ben McCauley added 17 points and 15 rebounds for the Wolfpack (4-0), who pulled away with a 16-4 run near the end of the first half before opening the second half with another 16-4 spurt.
Tracy Smith scored 14 points for N.C. State, which shot 47.2 percent (34 of 72) from the floor.
Javier Gonzalez tallied nine points and seven assists to help the Wolfpack win their 22nd consecutive non-conference home game against in-state competition.
Kendall Toney led UNC Greensboro (1-3), which trailed 39-28 at halftime, with 16 points. Damian Eargle added 10 points for the Spartans, who shot 33.5 percent (20 of 59) from the field and missed 10 of 20 free throws.
White House Christmas
The 20-foot White House Christmas tree arrived by a 2-horse drawn carriage at the North Portico of the White House and was met by First Lady Laura Bush Sunday afternoon .
The official White House Christmas tree will be decorated and displayed in the Blue Room with decorations provided by artists around the country.
Mrs. Bush, wearing a red coat and holding an umbrella, said that while this is the first event of the season, she would reveal the theme of this year's decorations on Wednesday .
The North Carolina grown Fraser fir was selected by the chief usher in October from River Ridge Tree Farms in Creston, North Carolina; This being the 11th time the blue room Christmas tree has come from North Carolina.
President Bush did not venture out in the rainy weather to see the arrival, but his spokesperson said "he’s looking forward to the holidays".
The National Christmas Tree Association has presented a tree to the White House every year since 1966, when Lyndon Johnson was president.
The official White House Christmas tree will be decorated and displayed in the Blue Room with decorations provided by artists around the country.
Mrs. Bush, wearing a red coat and holding an umbrella, said that while this is the first event of the season, she would reveal the theme of this year's decorations on Wednesday .
The North Carolina grown Fraser fir was selected by the chief usher in October from River Ridge Tree Farms in Creston, North Carolina; This being the 11th time the blue room Christmas tree has come from North Carolina.
President Bush did not venture out in the rainy weather to see the arrival, but his spokesperson said "he’s looking forward to the holidays".
The National Christmas Tree Association has presented a tree to the White House every year since 1966, when Lyndon Johnson was president.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
NC State vs. Miami-Florida
NC State vs. Miami-Florida
Russell Wilson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as he led the North Carolina State Wolfpack to a 38-28 win over the Hurricanes of Miami-Florida in ACC action at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Wilson completed 11-of-23 passing for the Wolfpack (6-6, 4-4 ACC) for 220 yards and survived five sacks on the afternoon. Wilson also picked up 58 yards on 16 carries, although he ended up losing 55 yards due to the sacks.
The Hurricanes (7-5, 4-4) were paced by Javarris James and his 65 yards and two touchdowns on 16 attempts, while Jacory Harris made good on 12-of-20 passing for 138 yards and a score, but he was sacked twice and picked off two times in the setback.
Midway through the first quarter Andre Brown scored the first of his two touchdowns as he made his way into the end zone on a two-yard run to give NC State a 7-0 advantage.
Later in the frame Miami battled back with a 69-yard touchdown pass from Robert Marve to Dedrick Epps to knot the score at 7-7. The Hurricanes followed that up with a one-yard TD run by James to make the score 14-0.
The Wolfpack then scored 13 straight points, beginning with a 28-yard touchdown run by Wilson and a 39-yard field goal by Josh Czajkowski to give the home team a 17-14 edge at the break.
Czajkowski knocked through the second of his three field goals to begin the third, this time from 24 yards out.
With 6:58 remaining in the third quarter James hit the end zone again, this time from a yard out, to give Miami a narrow 21-20 advantage.
However, once again NC State notched the next three scores to move out to an insurmountable lead. The run began with a 32-yard touchdown catch by Owen Spencer and with a successful two-point conversion the squad moved ahead by seven at 28-21. Czajkowski converted a 42-yard field goal to begin play in the fourth frame and Brown capped a five-play, 32-yard drive with a four-yard TD run with just 2:35 remaining in the contest.
Harris tossed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Laron Byrd less than two minutes later for the Hurricanes, but by then it was too late in the 10-point decision.
NC State generated 439 yards of total offense on the day, while the defense for the Pack held Miami to just 4-of-12 on third down opportunities.
Russell Wilson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as he led the North Carolina State Wolfpack to a 38-28 win over the Hurricanes of Miami-Florida in ACC action at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Wilson completed 11-of-23 passing for the Wolfpack (6-6, 4-4 ACC) for 220 yards and survived five sacks on the afternoon. Wilson also picked up 58 yards on 16 carries, although he ended up losing 55 yards due to the sacks.
The Hurricanes (7-5, 4-4) were paced by Javarris James and his 65 yards and two touchdowns on 16 attempts, while Jacory Harris made good on 12-of-20 passing for 138 yards and a score, but he was sacked twice and picked off two times in the setback.
Midway through the first quarter Andre Brown scored the first of his two touchdowns as he made his way into the end zone on a two-yard run to give NC State a 7-0 advantage.
Later in the frame Miami battled back with a 69-yard touchdown pass from Robert Marve to Dedrick Epps to knot the score at 7-7. The Hurricanes followed that up with a one-yard TD run by James to make the score 14-0.
The Wolfpack then scored 13 straight points, beginning with a 28-yard touchdown run by Wilson and a 39-yard field goal by Josh Czajkowski to give the home team a 17-14 edge at the break.
Czajkowski knocked through the second of his three field goals to begin the third, this time from 24 yards out.
With 6:58 remaining in the third quarter James hit the end zone again, this time from a yard out, to give Miami a narrow 21-20 advantage.
However, once again NC State notched the next three scores to move out to an insurmountable lead. The run began with a 32-yard touchdown catch by Owen Spencer and with a successful two-point conversion the squad moved ahead by seven at 28-21. Czajkowski converted a 42-yard field goal to begin play in the fourth frame and Brown capped a five-play, 32-yard drive with a four-yard TD run with just 2:35 remaining in the contest.
Harris tossed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Laron Byrd less than two minutes later for the Hurricanes, but by then it was too late in the 10-point decision.
NC State generated 439 yards of total offense on the day, while the defense for the Pack held Miami to just 4-of-12 on third down opportunities.
Friday, November 28, 2008
lawsuit against Freddie Mac
A turf battle between state Treasurer Richard Moore and state Attorney General Roy Cooper has cost North Carolina the chance to lead a class action lawsuit against mortgage backer Freddie Mac.
At issue is which state agency should handle lawsuits seeking to protect the state's pension funds.
On Monday, a federal judge in New York found that North Carolina had the most money at stake in the Freddie Mac suit – $18 million – but he denied Moore's request that North Carolina be the lead plaintiff because of Cooper's objections.
“Given the uncertainty surrounding the Treasurer's legal authority to act on the (N.C. retirement system's) behalf, the Court cannot accept his certification that (the retirement system) is willing and able to serve as lead plaintiff,” U.S. District Court Judge John Keenan wrote.
The lead plaintiff takes control in a class action suit. Moore said in a statement he was disappointed at losing that position.
“It is unfortunate that this decision means North Carolina cannot use every tool and resource available to get the largest recovery possible for our 820,000 pensioners,” Moore said. “Protecting members of the retirement systems and their investments is at the heart of the Department's mission.”
Keenan's ruling could affect a second class action suit filed in September against the officers of the other government supported mortgage company, Fannie Mae. Moore petitioned the court to be the lead plaintiff in that case earlier this month, because the state has lost more than $70 million in investments with Fannie Mae.
Both suits accuse the companies' top officials of misrepresentation to investors.
Like the earlier suit against Freddie Mac, Moore has hired an out-of-state law firm and a local firm to represent the pension funds, which serve 820,000 current and retired state and local government employees, including teachers and firefighters. And also like the earlier suit, Cooper's office has filed a letter with the court saying Moore lacked the authority to take action without the approval of Cooper and Gov. Mike Easley.
Cooper's spokeswoman, Noelle Talley, said that Cooper's office has been trying to get Moore to develop a competitive bidding process for the hiring of outside counsel.
Documentation provided by Moore's office also suggests that he made such a proposal in March, but did not hear back from Cooper's office.
Meanwhile, Moore's staff says he needed to quickly sign on to the class action suits or the state could lose out on damages.
Cooper's office would also likely hire out-of-state lawyers if the state became the lead plaintiff. Talley said the office has a competitive bidding process for the selection of outside counsel.
Top firms in securities litigation have given to Cooper's campaigns.
This year alone, they chipped in roughly $45,000, according to his campaign reports.
The local firm Moore hired for both lawsuits includes former Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker as one of its partners. Wicker and his family were big campaign contributors to Moore's campaigns.
Wicker said he thinks his firm, SZD Wicker, got the business because it specializes in securities litigation. Keith Anthony, the firm attorney who is handling both cases, said the state needs local representation to make sure its position is protected and to comply with requests for records and other information.
But Anthony said there may not be much of a need for a local law firm if North Carolina's retirement system is not designated as the lead plaintiff.
At issue is which state agency should handle lawsuits seeking to protect the state's pension funds.
On Monday, a federal judge in New York found that North Carolina had the most money at stake in the Freddie Mac suit – $18 million – but he denied Moore's request that North Carolina be the lead plaintiff because of Cooper's objections.
“Given the uncertainty surrounding the Treasurer's legal authority to act on the (N.C. retirement system's) behalf, the Court cannot accept his certification that (the retirement system) is willing and able to serve as lead plaintiff,” U.S. District Court Judge John Keenan wrote.
The lead plaintiff takes control in a class action suit. Moore said in a statement he was disappointed at losing that position.
“It is unfortunate that this decision means North Carolina cannot use every tool and resource available to get the largest recovery possible for our 820,000 pensioners,” Moore said. “Protecting members of the retirement systems and their investments is at the heart of the Department's mission.”
Keenan's ruling could affect a second class action suit filed in September against the officers of the other government supported mortgage company, Fannie Mae. Moore petitioned the court to be the lead plaintiff in that case earlier this month, because the state has lost more than $70 million in investments with Fannie Mae.
Both suits accuse the companies' top officials of misrepresentation to investors.
Like the earlier suit against Freddie Mac, Moore has hired an out-of-state law firm and a local firm to represent the pension funds, which serve 820,000 current and retired state and local government employees, including teachers and firefighters. And also like the earlier suit, Cooper's office has filed a letter with the court saying Moore lacked the authority to take action without the approval of Cooper and Gov. Mike Easley.
Cooper's spokeswoman, Noelle Talley, said that Cooper's office has been trying to get Moore to develop a competitive bidding process for the hiring of outside counsel.
Documentation provided by Moore's office also suggests that he made such a proposal in March, but did not hear back from Cooper's office.
Meanwhile, Moore's staff says he needed to quickly sign on to the class action suits or the state could lose out on damages.
Cooper's office would also likely hire out-of-state lawyers if the state became the lead plaintiff. Talley said the office has a competitive bidding process for the selection of outside counsel.
Top firms in securities litigation have given to Cooper's campaigns.
This year alone, they chipped in roughly $45,000, according to his campaign reports.
The local firm Moore hired for both lawsuits includes former Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker as one of its partners. Wicker and his family were big campaign contributors to Moore's campaigns.
Wicker said he thinks his firm, SZD Wicker, got the business because it specializes in securities litigation. Keith Anthony, the firm attorney who is handling both cases, said the state needs local representation to make sure its position is protected and to comply with requests for records and other information.
But Anthony said there may not be much of a need for a local law firm if North Carolina's retirement system is not designated as the lead plaintiff.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Miami-Florida (7-4) at NC State (5-6)
Miami-Florida (7-4) at NC State (5-6)
FACTS & STATS: Site: Carter-Finley Stadium (57,082) -- Raleigh, North Carolina. Television: Raycom. Home Record: Miami-FL 4-2, NC State 3-3. Away Record: Miami-FL 3-2, NC State 2-3. Neutral Record: Miami-FL 0-0, NC State 0-0. Conference Record: Miami-FL 4-3, NC State 3-4. Series Record: Miami- Florida leads, 7-4-1.
GAME NOTES: The NC State Wolfpack will try to avoid a repeat of last year's season finale when they host the Miami-Florida Hurricanes for an ACC clash at Carter-Finley Stadium this Saturday. The scenario is simple for the Wolfpack: win, and they'll become bowl eligible. Lose, and go home -- again. Last season, with a bowl berth on the line in their final game against Maryland, the Wolfpack were blanked at home, 37-0. This time, however, they've got momentum on their side, having won three straight. On the other side of the field, Miami enters this game hoping to rebound from last Thursday's 41-23 loss to Georgia Tech. The setback snapped the Hurricanes' season-best five- game win streak. It was the team's longest win streak since an eight-game tear in 2005. Miami holds a 7-4-1 edge in the head-to-head series, although NC State won last year's meeting, 19-16, in overtime.
Against Georgia Tech, the Hurricanes had the most success throwing the ball, as freshman quarterbacks Robert Marve and Jacory Harris combined for 283 passing yards and three touchdowns. However, both threw an interception, including one by Marve that was returned 26 yards the other way for a touchdown. For the most part, the Hurricanes had trouble moving the chains, as they converted just 3-of-13 third downs. While they've struggled with their consistency from week to week, the Hurricanes have shown a penchant for generating points. They enter this contest ranked second in the ACC in scoring (27.91) and will no doubt be looking to improve upon last week's effort.
Last weekend against No. 25 North Carolina, the Wolfpack looked as sharp as they have all season en route to a 41-10 victory. Freshman quarterback Russell Wilson completed 17-of-29 passes for 279 yards and two TDs. He has thrown 203 consecutive passes without an interception, the longest active streak in the nation. He has also thrown multiple touchdowns in five straight games. Senior running back Andre Brown carried 20 times for 81 yards and a touchdown, spearheading a rushing attack that netted 187 yards and three scores on the ground. As a result, NC State held a key 16-minute advantage in time of possession.
The Wolfpack forced North Carolina into a season-high six turnovers, which no doubt was one of the biggest factors in the win. The NC State defense came away with three interceptions and recovered two fumbles, while the kick return team also got in on the action with a fumble recovery. The six turnovers were the most the Wolfpack has forced since 1998. They were able to stuff UNC at every turn, holding the Tar Heels to just 203 yards of total offense. Defensive end Willie Young headlined the box score with two sacks and an interception in the win. Four different Wolfpack defenders forced fumbles in the game. Look for a similarly aggressive game plan for the NC State defense this week.
NC State is playing well at the moment, and the team needs this game in a big way. Miami's freshman quarterback tandem won't have a whole lot of time to sit in the pocket and make plays in what should be a raucous environment at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: NC State 34, Miami-Florida 24
FACTS & STATS: Site: Carter-Finley Stadium (57,082) -- Raleigh, North Carolina. Television: Raycom. Home Record: Miami-FL 4-2, NC State 3-3. Away Record: Miami-FL 3-2, NC State 2-3. Neutral Record: Miami-FL 0-0, NC State 0-0. Conference Record: Miami-FL 4-3, NC State 3-4. Series Record: Miami- Florida leads, 7-4-1.
GAME NOTES: The NC State Wolfpack will try to avoid a repeat of last year's season finale when they host the Miami-Florida Hurricanes for an ACC clash at Carter-Finley Stadium this Saturday. The scenario is simple for the Wolfpack: win, and they'll become bowl eligible. Lose, and go home -- again. Last season, with a bowl berth on the line in their final game against Maryland, the Wolfpack were blanked at home, 37-0. This time, however, they've got momentum on their side, having won three straight. On the other side of the field, Miami enters this game hoping to rebound from last Thursday's 41-23 loss to Georgia Tech. The setback snapped the Hurricanes' season-best five- game win streak. It was the team's longest win streak since an eight-game tear in 2005. Miami holds a 7-4-1 edge in the head-to-head series, although NC State won last year's meeting, 19-16, in overtime.
Against Georgia Tech, the Hurricanes had the most success throwing the ball, as freshman quarterbacks Robert Marve and Jacory Harris combined for 283 passing yards and three touchdowns. However, both threw an interception, including one by Marve that was returned 26 yards the other way for a touchdown. For the most part, the Hurricanes had trouble moving the chains, as they converted just 3-of-13 third downs. While they've struggled with their consistency from week to week, the Hurricanes have shown a penchant for generating points. They enter this contest ranked second in the ACC in scoring (27.91) and will no doubt be looking to improve upon last week's effort.
Last weekend against No. 25 North Carolina, the Wolfpack looked as sharp as they have all season en route to a 41-10 victory. Freshman quarterback Russell Wilson completed 17-of-29 passes for 279 yards and two TDs. He has thrown 203 consecutive passes without an interception, the longest active streak in the nation. He has also thrown multiple touchdowns in five straight games. Senior running back Andre Brown carried 20 times for 81 yards and a touchdown, spearheading a rushing attack that netted 187 yards and three scores on the ground. As a result, NC State held a key 16-minute advantage in time of possession.
The Wolfpack forced North Carolina into a season-high six turnovers, which no doubt was one of the biggest factors in the win. The NC State defense came away with three interceptions and recovered two fumbles, while the kick return team also got in on the action with a fumble recovery. The six turnovers were the most the Wolfpack has forced since 1998. They were able to stuff UNC at every turn, holding the Tar Heels to just 203 yards of total offense. Defensive end Willie Young headlined the box score with two sacks and an interception in the win. Four different Wolfpack defenders forced fumbles in the game. Look for a similarly aggressive game plan for the NC State defense this week.
NC State is playing well at the moment, and the team needs this game in a big way. Miami's freshman quarterback tandem won't have a whole lot of time to sit in the pocket and make plays in what should be a raucous environment at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: NC State 34, Miami-Florida 24
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
North Carolina man used a Social Security number
GRAHAM, N.C. Authorities say a North Carolina man used a Social Security number belonging to a 3-year-old girl to sign up for hone and natural gas service.
The North Carolina News and Record of Greensboro reported Tuesday that 44-year-old Michael John Maris of Mebane was charged with one count of identity theft and two counts of obtaining property by false pretense.
Alamance County North Carolina sheriff's officials said the child's grandmother, Linda Raker, contacted authorities after a collection agency began looking for unpaid utility bills in her granddaughter's name.
The North Carolina sheriff's office said the suspect is related to Raker, but did not disclose the relationship.
Maris was being held Tuesday on $5,000 bond at the North Carolina Alamance County jail. Court records didn't show that he had an attorney.
The North Carolina News and Record of Greensboro reported Tuesday that 44-year-old Michael John Maris of Mebane was charged with one count of identity theft and two counts of obtaining property by false pretense.
Alamance County North Carolina sheriff's officials said the child's grandmother, Linda Raker, contacted authorities after a collection agency began looking for unpaid utility bills in her granddaughter's name.
The North Carolina sheriff's office said the suspect is related to Raker, but did not disclose the relationship.
Maris was being held Tuesday on $5,000 bond at the North Carolina Alamance County jail. Court records didn't show that he had an attorney.
Thanksgiving
Despite plummeting gas prices and unusual last-minute holiday deals on airplane tickets, more Americans are expected to stick close to home this Thanksgiving.
Nationally, the Automobile Association of America says 41 million Americans were expected to travel more than 50 miles for the holiday, down about 1.5 percent, or 600,000 people, from last Thanksgiving. Of those, about 4.5 million are expected to fly, down about 7 percent from last year, while around 33.2 million will drive, a decrease of about 1 percent.
It is the first decrease in holiday travel nationally since 2002, and the largest since the Thanksgiving that followed the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
The reason, as a surly economist might say: It's the economy, stupid.
"The economy is in such bad shape. ... They're still really hesitant to take that trip," said Beth Mosher, spokeswoman for AAA Chicago.
But a 7 percent reduction is a relatively minor dip, so ...
"You're probably not going to notice," Amy Ziff, editor-at-large at Travelocity, told CBS News correspondent Thalia Assuras, "because the airlines have cut capacity and there are still going to be a lot people on the roads and even more people taking trains and buses to get to their Thanksgiving destinations this year."
For airlines, the lowered fares at a time when they usually can mark them up can't combat the extra fees the struggling industry has tacked on to everything from checked baggage to pillows to in-flight food.
At Boston's Logan Airport, Alicia Kelly, her husband and two children were heading to Miami to spend the holiday with family. Kelly said there were no lines at Logan Airport Wednesday morning and that it was the lightest Thanksgiving travel she's ever seen.
Likewise, in Colorado, holiday travelers found short lines and brief waits at Denver International Airport as airlines ramped up for the Thanksgiving rush.
Airport officials in Denver expect about 20,000 fewer travelers this week than last year because of the worsening economy.
Security lines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were also short. Spokesman John Kennedy predicted their Thanksgiving travel numbers will go up slightly to 1.67 million from 1.65 million last Thanksgiving holiday.
Graeme Wallace, chief technical officer for farecompare.com, a consumer airline ticket research Web site, said it may take until after the first of the year before airlines know if the recent fare reductions will put many more people on planes. He said in his recent experience, business flights have been crowded but leisure flights are often half empty.
"With the economy tanking, they're thinking, 'Do I want to spend $400 for a 1,200 mile trip?"' Wallace said.
Nationally, the Automobile Association of America says 41 million Americans were expected to travel more than 50 miles for the holiday, down about 1.5 percent, or 600,000 people, from last Thanksgiving. Of those, about 4.5 million are expected to fly, down about 7 percent from last year, while around 33.2 million will drive, a decrease of about 1 percent.
It is the first decrease in holiday travel nationally since 2002, and the largest since the Thanksgiving that followed the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
The reason, as a surly economist might say: It's the economy, stupid.
"The economy is in such bad shape. ... They're still really hesitant to take that trip," said Beth Mosher, spokeswoman for AAA Chicago.
But a 7 percent reduction is a relatively minor dip, so ...
"You're probably not going to notice," Amy Ziff, editor-at-large at Travelocity, told CBS News correspondent Thalia Assuras, "because the airlines have cut capacity and there are still going to be a lot people on the roads and even more people taking trains and buses to get to their Thanksgiving destinations this year."
For airlines, the lowered fares at a time when they usually can mark them up can't combat the extra fees the struggling industry has tacked on to everything from checked baggage to pillows to in-flight food.
At Boston's Logan Airport, Alicia Kelly, her husband and two children were heading to Miami to spend the holiday with family. Kelly said there were no lines at Logan Airport Wednesday morning and that it was the lightest Thanksgiving travel she's ever seen.
Likewise, in Colorado, holiday travelers found short lines and brief waits at Denver International Airport as airlines ramped up for the Thanksgiving rush.
Airport officials in Denver expect about 20,000 fewer travelers this week than last year because of the worsening economy.
Security lines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were also short. Spokesman John Kennedy predicted their Thanksgiving travel numbers will go up slightly to 1.67 million from 1.65 million last Thanksgiving holiday.
Graeme Wallace, chief technical officer for farecompare.com, a consumer airline ticket research Web site, said it may take until after the first of the year before airlines know if the recent fare reductions will put many more people on planes. He said in his recent experience, business flights have been crowded but leisure flights are often half empty.
"With the economy tanking, they're thinking, 'Do I want to spend $400 for a 1,200 mile trip?"' Wallace said.
Gov. Mike Easley said
Gov. Mike Easley said Wednesday that he will fast-track more than $700 million in capital projects across the state in an effort to kick-start the North Carolina economy.
Easley's actions push up by two months the timeline for the projects, including more than $200 million in work at North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Now, the Council of State will approve financing for the projects in early January, with the state floating bonds shortly thereafter. Easley's press secretary, Renee Hoffman, says the bond sale will give the state the $200 million it needs to fund the first 12 months of the projects. Principal and interest payments won't start for about six months, Hoffman says.
The governor's office estimates that some 26,000 people could be hired to work on the projects.
Easley's actions push up by two months the timeline for the projects, including more than $200 million in work at North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Now, the Council of State will approve financing for the projects in early January, with the state floating bonds shortly thereafter. Easley's press secretary, Renee Hoffman, says the bond sale will give the state the $200 million it needs to fund the first 12 months of the projects. Principal and interest payments won't start for about six months, Hoffman says.
The governor's office estimates that some 26,000 people could be hired to work on the projects.
Toll Brothers
Toll Brothers, (Durham, NC) the nation's leading builder of luxury homes and developer of fine communities across the Triangle, recently showcased the Company's first eco-friendly model homes in North Carolina at a special preview Grand Opening at its newest community, The Hills at Southpoint. The special event was an opportunity for REALTORS®, city officials and guests to tour the Company's three new environmentally friendly model homes at its new community located just one mile from The Streets at Southpoint shopping center. When complete, the community will consist of 260 luxurious single-family homes, for which home buyers can choose from a multitude of green and energy-saving options to qualify their home for ENERGY STAR® certification.
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to be the first Toll Brothers community in North Carolina to introduce our new ENERGY STAR® qualified, GREEN built model homes," said Bobby Schooley, Division Vice President with Toll Brothers. "These homes not only feature the quality and craftsmanship that Toll Brothers is known for, but will also save homeowners money and energy, as well as increase durability and reduce the impact on our environment."
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to be the first Toll Brothers community in North Carolina to introduce our new ENERGY STAR® qualified, GREEN built model homes," said Bobby Schooley, Division Vice President with Toll Brothers. "These homes not only feature the quality and craftsmanship that Toll Brothers is known for, but will also save homeowners money and energy, as well as increase durability and reduce the impact on our environment."
Monday, November 24, 2008
economic update
The number of available IT jobs across North Carolina dropped by 12.4 percent in October as the economic slowdown hit home, a new study says.
The North Carolina Technology Association and employment research company SkillPROOF say that IT job openings across North Carolina were 2,960 in October. In September, they were 3,380; in October 2007, they were 3,840.
Across the U.S., the report says, the number of open IT jobs fell by 8.8 percent in October.
“IT job seekers will have to be prepared for a longer job search,” the report says. “Due to the bad economic climate, we don’t expect employers to provide more opportunities this year.”
The North Carolina Technology Association and employment research company SkillPROOF say that IT job openings across North Carolina were 2,960 in October. In September, they were 3,380; in October 2007, they were 3,840.
Across the U.S., the report says, the number of open IT jobs fell by 8.8 percent in October.
“IT job seekers will have to be prepared for a longer job search,” the report says. “Due to the bad economic climate, we don’t expect employers to provide more opportunities this year.”
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Former Gov. Jim Hunt
Former Gov. Jim Hunt is being honored for his longtime dedication to education in North Carolina while also being discussed as a possible U.S. education secretary.
North Carolina State University will honor the four-term governor during the College of Education's annual award ceremony Nov. 19.
Hunt has served on the federal Commission on the Future of High Education. He also is scheduled to speak about educational policy during a ceremony for President-elect Barack Obama's administration.
Hunt was a driving force in starting North Carolina's Smart Start early childhood education program. Hunt has served on the federal higher education commission since leaving his post as governor.
His name has been mentioned as Washington observers speculate who will make up Obama's Cabinet.
North Carolina State University will honor the four-term governor during the College of Education's annual award ceremony Nov. 19.
Hunt has served on the federal Commission on the Future of High Education. He also is scheduled to speak about educational policy during a ceremony for President-elect Barack Obama's administration.
Hunt was a driving force in starting North Carolina's Smart Start early childhood education program. Hunt has served on the federal higher education commission since leaving his post as governor.
His name has been mentioned as Washington observers speculate who will make up Obama's Cabinet.
Friday, November 7, 2008
President-elect
President-elect Barack Obama was Friday declared the winner of North Carolina, three days after the US elections, making him the first Democrat to take the state since 1976, media said.
Obama's triumph over Republican John McCain in the southern state adds another 15 electoral college votes bringing his total to 364, with 270 were needed to win the election.
The results from Missouri, however, are still not declared with the two candidates running a neck-and-neck race with only a few thousand votes separating them, with McCain narrowly in the lead. Missouri has 11 electoral votes.
Independent tracking website RealClearPolitics.com said Obama had won North Carolina with just 0.5 percent more of the vote. MSNBC gave the result as 2,123,395 votes for Obama and 2,109,402 for McCain.
Obama's triumph over Republican John McCain in the southern state adds another 15 electoral college votes bringing his total to 364, with 270 were needed to win the election.
The results from Missouri, however, are still not declared with the two candidates running a neck-and-neck race with only a few thousand votes separating them, with McCain narrowly in the lead. Missouri has 11 electoral votes.
Independent tracking website RealClearPolitics.com said Obama had won North Carolina with just 0.5 percent more of the vote. MSNBC gave the result as 2,123,395 votes for Obama and 2,109,402 for McCain.
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