Things to do in North Carolina

Battleship USS North Carolina - Standing with quiet dignity and majesty across from historic downtown Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina beckons visitors to walk her decks and envision daily life as well as fierce combat situations that her veterans faced in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Aurora Fossil Museum - Learn about great geologic forces over millions of years that created the Coastal Plain. Explore two rooms of fossilized bones, teeth, shells, and coral on display. Core Sound Waterfowl Museum - The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum preserves the waterfowling heritage of Core Sound through exhibits, demonstrations and events. The museum's collection is the region's largest of waterfowl art and local decoys. North Carolina Maritime Museum - The North Carolina Maritime Museum, an agency of the Division of Archives and History, Department of Cultural Resources, is driven by its mission to preserve and interpret all aspects of North Carolina's rich maritime heritage through educational exhibits, programs and field trips. Airlie Gardens - Designed in the early 1900's, Airlie Gardens encompasses 67 acres of post-Victorian European style gardens with 10 acres of freshwater lakes. Features include azaleas, camellias, statuary and the historic Airlie Oak. Cowan Museum - A collection of the rare, the unique and the unusual can be discovered at Cowan Museum. A multitude of artifacts fill the restored 1848 Kelly-Farrior home depicting the early rural heritage of North Carolina and Duplin County. Orton Plantation Gardens - Orton Plantation Gardens offer a self-guided, walking tour through an impressive set of formal and informal gardens covering 20 acres. North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher - The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is situated on 24 acres of property within the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. The 30,000-square-foot building houses aquariums ranging from 100 gallons to 17,000 gallons, a touch tank, interactive exhibits, classrooms, meeting rooms, a large auditorium and a gift shop.

The Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum - The Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum is a collection of American art, architecture and decorative arts, housed in a 45,000 square foot building designed by architect Charles Gwathmey. The museum’s permanent collection includes American work from the 19th century to the present, and features a special in-depth collection of works by North Carolina artists and artisans spanning two centuries. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts - THCPA has been in continuous use since it opened in 1858. Forming the east wing of Wilmington's magnificent City Hall, the facility hosts over 250 performance events annually. The complex houses three performance venues, the Main Stage, the Grand Ballroom, and the Studio Theatre. Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens - Tryon Palace was the 18th-century residence of the governor of the colony and state of North Carolina. The site also includes 14 acres of beautiful period gardens, three historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, and the New Bern Academy Museum. Frisco Native American Museum - Located in a building with a hundred years of history, the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center contains a nationally recognized collection of Native American artifacts, exhibits, and natural history displays. North Carolina Aquariums - Located on Roanoke Island, at Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Fisher, the Aquariums were established in 1976 to promote an awareness, understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the diverse natural and cultural resources associated with North Carolina's ocean, estuaries, rivers, streams, and other aquatic environments. Day At The Farm - Day At The Farm is the site of a 150 year old Craven County farm. The farm offers picnic areas, nature trail, animal feeding, an ice cream parlor, maze, guided tours and more. Buckner Hill Plantation - One of the largest antebellum plantation houses in North Carolina, recently restored Buckner Hill House (1855), still surrounded by hundreds of acres of cotton, corn, and tobacco, provides visitors with a rare view of original, mostly undisturbed Greek Revival plantation architecture.

North Carolina Pottery Center - The mission of the North Carolina Pottery Center is to promote public awareness and appreciation of the history, heritage, and ongoing tradition of pottery making in North Carolina through educational programs, public services, collection and preservation, and research and documentation. Piedmont Environmental Center - Piedmont Environmental Center provides programs and a place for people to learn, conserve, and enjoy the natural world through hands-on experiences emphasizing the interrelated and fragile nature of life. Rankin Museum of American Heritage - The Rankin Museum of American and Natural History is recognized for its diverse and unique collections. The museum's emphasis is on the history and cultures of Early American life; beginning with the Native American occupation and continuing to the present. North Carolina Museum of History - Since its founding in 1902, the North Carolina Museum of History has been an exciting place to explore North Carolina history. The museum's collection contains more than 250,000 artifacts representative of North Carolina's rich heritage. Iredell Museum of Arts and Heritage - The Iredell Museum of Arts and Heritage is a window into the rich heritage of Iredell County, and is a showplace for the arts and artisans who continue to develop their talents in North Carolina. Airborne and Special Operations Museum - The Airborne & Special Operations Museum will provide a unique educational experience on United States history and basic core values through the preservation interpretation and recognition of U.S. Army airborne and special operations history, equipment, technology, legend, art and weaponry. The Broach Theatre - The Broach Theatre Company, Inc. is a professional Not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to challenging artists and audiences by presenting productions for children and adults, that are accessible, imaginative and stimulating; while remaining true to the integrity of the plays and the author. Morehead Planetarium - The Morehead Planetarium Building and grounds, complete with a 68-foot, domed Star Theater and Zeiss Model VI Star Projector, scientific exhibits and classrooms, 24-inch Cassegrain reflecting telescope and observation decks, Visitor's Center, art galleries, rose gardens and the massive sundial were built for students of all ages with all interests. Carolina Raptor Center - A living museum with one of the largest collections of eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, and falcons in the country. See over 20 species of raptors along an inviting nature trail. Visit the Betty J. and J. Stanley Livingstone Eagle Aviary, the only one in the Carolinas. Recorded guided tours in English, Spanish, Japanese, French and German. Chinqua-Penn Plantation - Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Chinqua-Penn Plantation includes a 27-room house museum, filled with art and furnishings from around the world, and 22 acres of historic gardens and landscape. Blue Heaven Basketball Museum - The Blue Heaven Basketball Museum is an international shrine that preserves the legacy of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, one of collegiate athletics’ most successful programs, and showcases the rich history and great tradition that has entertained so many. Discovery Place - One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that foster experiences in areas that range from life science to space exploration. The North Carolina Transportation Museum - From a dugout canoe to powerful steam locomotives....From the covered wagon and plank roads to luxurious railcars....From early automobiles to North Carolina's first Highway Patrol car... Share in the dramatic history of mankind's quest for transportation at the South's largest transportation museum. Triangle Metro Zoo - The Triangle Metro Zoo features over 30 acres of exotic animals. Travel the world in just an afternoon. See Watusi cattle, Himalayan bears, ring-tailed lemurs, and much more. SciWorks - At SciWorks, it's fun to learn about science. Travel through the solar system under the dome of a state-of-the-art planetarium. Come face-to-face with river otters and other animals indigenous to North Carolina in a 15-acre Environmental Park. Enjoy interactive, hands-on special exhibits and programs in spacious exhibit halls. Museum of Life and Science - Packed with highly interactive exhibits, the Museum of Life and Science showcases aerospace, weather, geology, Carolina wildlife, farmyard, train rides, traveling exhibits, gift shops, café and more culminating with the tropical Magic Wings Butterfly House and Bayer CropScience Insectarium. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden - Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a 450-acre garden located on Lake Wylie. The garden features four prominent gardens highlighting plants with four-season interest, eye-catching color schemes, natives, tropicals, ornamental grasses, bulbs, trees and cottage plantings, a Visitor Pavilion, a dozen sparkling fountains, a half-mile Woodland Trail and newly expanded Gift and Garden Shop. Cape Fear Botanical Garden - Located on 85 acres where Cross Creek meets the Cape Fear River the CFBG features a large urban forest with nature trails, a natural amphitheater, steep ravines sheltering unusual plants, and a variety of terrain from open pine forest to lush riverbank. Paramount's Carowinds - The Carolinas' premier 100-acre water and theme park has more than 50 attractions for all ages including thrilling rides, musical revues and shows, children's area, WaterWorks water park, concerts and special events and a year-round campground. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences - The new North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences opened its doors to the public Friday, April 7, 2000. Four floors of exhibits include four great whales, the world's only Acrocanthosaurus and Willo, the dinosaur with a heart!

Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art - Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art is a non-profit, visual arts center presenting exhibitions and educational programs focusing primarily on contemporary North Carolina art. With Over 7,000 feet of exhibiting gallery space. ArtQuest is Green Hill's hands-on art gallery for children and families. Greensboro Children's Museum - Experience an exciting, colorful place brimming with hands-on exhibits and activities. Fly a plane, dig for buried treasure, wrap yourself up in a gigantic bubble, and take a stroll through ""Our Town"" complete with a grocery store and bank. Greensboro Cultural Center at Festival Park - The Greensboro Cultural Center provides four levels of galleries, studios, classrooms and rehearsal halls to stimulate the mind and excite the senses. Imagination Station Science Museum - Imagination Station Science Museum is a dynamic science and math learning center where the entire family can touch, spin, pet, climb, listen, look and learn basic science and math in a relaxed & fun environment. Mint Museum of Art - Take a walk through the cultures and artistic expressions of the Americas in the Mint Museum of Art's permanent collection. With a focus on art in the Americas, including influential art from other cultures, the Mint provides a unique perspective that spans from pre-Columbian through Colonial America to the present day. Museum of Anthropology - The Museum's permanent exhibits consist of objects from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Two to three times a year the special exhibits gallery houses topical exhibitions reflecting University and community interests. Carolina Theatre - The Carolina Theatre opened in 1927, this restored vaudeville theater serves as one of Greensboro's principle performing arts centers featuring theater, dance, concerts and films. NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center - The mission of the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is to serve our community, region and state as the leading cultural and educational provider of performing and related arts with special programs and performances, and as a premier cultural center in the state and the nation. North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame - The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame features over 35 cars on display, the Goodyear Mini-Theater, and displays showcasing racing's past and present. The Art Gallery features many of motorsports' top artists including Garry Hill, Sam Bass and Jeanne Barnes and many others. North Carolina Museum of Art - The North Carolina Museum of Art houses the art collections of the State of North Carolina. The paintings and sculpture in the state's art collection represent more than 5,000 years of artistic heritage, from ancient Egypt to the present. North Carolina Zoo - The North Carolina Zoological Park, with more than 500 acres in its African and North American continental regions, is a place of wonder and discovery. It is the country's largest and finest walk-through, natural-habitat zoo. This means that the animals and plants in its exhibits are seen in settings that closely resemble the habitats in which they would live in the wild. Emerald Pointe Water Park - Emerald Pointe Water Park is the largest water park in the Carolinas featuring over 34 rides and attractions. Afro-American Cultural Center - Through comprehensive programs and presentations in the visual and performing arts and innovative education for the community the Afro-American Cultural Center preserves, promotes and presents African-American art, history and culture to all citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and the nation. North Carolina Botanical Garden - The North Carolina Botanical Garden, first opened to the public in 1966, is part of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Garden's display collections, Piedmont Nature Trails, Coker Arboretum, Mason Farm Biological Reserve and other lands comprise nearly 600 acres. Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) - The mission of the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art is to educate and involve audiences in the art of our time. SECCA presents and interprets contemporary art of the United States with programs encompassing the issues engaging artists today. Ackland Art Museum - The Ackland Art Museum museum exhibits from a permanent collection of more than 14,000 works of art from around the world. Greensboro Coliseum Complex - The Greensboro Coliseum Complex was conceived as, and continues to be a multi-building facility to serve the Citizens of Greensboro and the surrounding area through a broad range of activities, including athletic events, cultural arts, concerts, theater, and other entertainment, educational activities, fairs, exhibits, and public and private events of all kinds. Furniture Discovery Center - Located in downtown High Point, the Furniture Discovery Center is the nation's only museum of furniture design and manufacturing. With more than 8,000 square feet of exhibit space, visitors can explore the worlds of furniture design, styling, marketing, construction and production, history and numerous special exhibits. African American Cultural Complex - The African American Cultural Complex is a unique collection of artifacts, documents and displays of outstanding contributions made by African Americans and are housed in several buildings along a picturesque nature trail. Raleigh City Museum - The Raleigh City Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the heritage of our North Carolina's capital city through temporary and permanent exhibits. Korner's Folly - This Victorian-era home, dating to 1878-1880, is like no other. The brainstorm of Jules Korner, interior decorator and painter of the famous Bull Durham bulls across the South, this amazing structure began as a bachelor's quarters and showroom.

Western North Carolina Nature Center - Western North Carolina Nature Center is a living museum exhibiting and interpreting the plant and animal wildlife of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center - Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center is a unique cultural centerpiece in downtown Asheville housing five of Western North Carolina's premier attractions in one complex. The Asheville Art Museum, Colburn Gem & Mineral Museum, Diana Wortham Theatre, The Health Adventure, and Y.M.I. Cultural Center. Mountain Heritage Center - The Mountain Heritage Center celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of the southern Appalachian region. Through exhibitions, publications, educational programs, and demonstrations, the Center promotes the rich traditions of the mountains. You will see the Appalachian region from new perspectives and come away with an enhanced understanding of its land, culture, and people. Linville Caverns - Located at the base of Humpback Mountain in the beautiful Linville Valley lies a natural wonder, Linville Caverns. After remaining a mysterious secret for centuries, the caverns have been opened for safe and convenient public touring. These natural limestone caverns feature guided tours showing spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. Jim Bob Tinsley Museum - The museum primarily houses the western items Jim Bob Tinsley collected over his life time. In addition it houses his music awards and the many books he has written. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy year-round scenic train journeys across fertile valleys, through tunnels and across river gorges in a spectacular region of eastern America called the Great Smoky Mountains. Gold City Amusement Park - A day at Gold City is like stepping back in time. Visitors spend the day mining for such precious gems as Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst, Topaz, Citrine, Tourmaline and much more. Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine - Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine shares the rich history and tradition of mining in Mitchell County. Visitors can experience the wonder and excitement of prospecting for gemstones in a very pleasant and comfortable atmosphere. Beech Mountain - Beech Mountain is Eastern America's highest town at 5,506ft above sea level. Located in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina, the resort offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, golf, tennis and mountain biking. Beech is also the home of Ski Beech, the South's highest ski resort, where you can ski, snowboard, tube and ice-skate. Tweetsie Railroad - Since 1957, thousands of visitors to Tweetsie Railroad have enjoyed a ""blast from the past"" as they visit a western town, hop aboard an historic steam locomotive for a 3 mile trip around the mountain, pan for gold, enjoy toe-tapping music and dancing, visit the animals in the petting zoo and take in the beautiful mountain scenery. Wheels Through Time Museum - A consummate collection of over 250 rare antique American Motorcycles and Automobiles. Equally as astounding is the memorabilia collection that unites the 'art of the motorcycle' with the generation of Americans that enjoyed a lifestyle peculiar to the 'American Mainstream.' Brevard Music Center - Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, this premier summer music festival and comprehensive music training program has set the highest standards in performance and education for more than six decades.

Flat Rock Playhouse - The State Theatre of North Carolina produces top quality entertainment for the entire family. The season runs from May through December annually and includes Broadway musicals, comedies, drama, and theatre for young people. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) - Foothills Equestrian Nature Center is a 320-acre nature education and recreation center nestled in the beautiful foothills of Tryon, North Carolina. The center offers 5 miles of hiking and riding trails, an equestrian center , a variety of family-oriented nature education programs, outdoor concerts and more. Appalachian Cultural Museum - The Appalachian Cultural Museum was created to foster an understanding of the people of the Appalachian Mountains and to serve as a laboratory for new museum ideas. Through exhibits, publications, and special events, the Museum presents the rich traditions of the region. The Museum gives new meaning to life in western North Carolina in a manner that is authentic and non-stereotypical. Historic Johnson Farm - The farm features an 1870's brick house, a 1920's boarding house, a barn-loft museum, 10 historic buildings, two nature trails, and 15 acres of fields, forests, and streams. North Carolina Arboretum - The 426-acre site is nestled in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the United States. Mountain peaks bound the property's visual perimeters and 1.8 miles of the Bent Creek stream run through the center of the Arboretum. Scottish Tartans Museum & Heritage Center - The Museum is the only American extension of the Scottish Tartans Society in Pitlochry, Scotland. The Franklin Museum not only displays Scottish Tartans, but covers various aspects of the Scottish experience, culture, history, dress, and military. Chimney Rock Park - Chimney Rock Park is a scenic attraction located 25 miles southeast of Asheville. The parks offers spectacular 75-mile views, numerous hiking trails, a 404-foot waterfall, Nature Center, picnicking and more. Emerald Village - If you like gem mining...you'll LOVE Emerald Village! The indoor portion of the tour features uses of the minerals & gems found in these mines. A collection of mining lamps, dynamite plungers and other mining memorabilia are on display. The village also features the Mining Museum and offers underground mine tours. Blowing Rock Stage Company - The Blowing Rock Stage Company is a non-profit organization producing professional theatre as a community service for the High Country since 1986. Asheville Art Museum - As the single visual arts facility serving Western North Carolina, the Asheville Art Museum features special exhibitions and a unique and important permanent collection of 20th and 21st century American Art. Cherokee Bear Zoo - Cherokee Bear Zoo offers a first hand observation of wild Black Bears. Feed them and watch them stand on their hind legs and beg you for more. The facility also features a petting zoo. Asheville Community Theatre - Asheville's premier theater has offered professional-quality productions since 1946. The theatre features comedies, musicals and dramas. Go Blue Ridge Attractions Pass - A multi-attraction pass that includes admission to over 25 attractions, tours and activities along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Attractions include the Biltmore Estate, Tweetsie Railroad, Grandfather Mountain, Asheville Trolley Tour, Smoky Mountain Jet Boats, Rafting, Gem Mining, Museums and more.

From the coast to the mountains there is much to see and do in North Carolina.

History In Brief - North Carolina

Cherokee, Hatteras, and Tuscarora Native American groups lived in North Carolina when European explorers first arrived in the early 1500s. Giovanni da Verrazano was the first to explore Cape Fear for the French in 1524. Spanish explorer Lucas Vásquez established a colony near Cape Fear two years later, but those who did not die of disease and starvation left the area.

English explorers arrived in North Carolina in 1584. They colonized Roanoke Island and appointed John White as their first governor. White left to England for supplies that same year, but when he returned in 1590, the colony could not be found. It later became known as the Lost Colony. England again tried to colonize the area in 1629, but all attempts failed.

The first permanent white settlers of North Carolina were farmers from Virginia. They arrived during the 1650s. Later, European settlers arrived. From 1663 to 1691 the colony of Carolina was divided into three counties with separate governors. After several governors were driven from Albemarle County, in a revolt known as Culpeper’s Rebellion, one governor was appointed for the entire Carolina colony. In 1712, the North Carolina region became a separate colony.

Several settlers moved into Carolina during the early 1700s. Bath, the first town was established near the Pamlico River. By 1710, settlements spread along the entire coast of the Neuse River. That same year New Bern was established. Native Americans grew angry as white settlers took their lands. In Sept. 1711, Tuscarora Indians massacred hundreds of settlers, destroying most of the settlements along the Neuse River. This marked the beginning of the Tuscarora War (1711-1713).

Many conflicts were fought during the following years. The pirate Blackbeard was killed near Ocracoke Island in 1718, ending a series of pirate attacks along the eastern coast. Troops from Carolina were sent to resolve colonial wars, including the French and Indian War (1754-1763). In 1761, an important victory over the Cherokee opened much of western Carolina to settlement.

Colonists in North Carolina were divided during the Revolutionary War. Tories remained loyal to Britain and those who opposed Britain were called Whigs. The Whigs won the first battle in North Carolina at Moore’s Creek Bridge in 1776. Although much of the fighting left North Carolina, its soldiers continued fighting for both sides in Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina.

North Carolina’s delegates were the first to cry for independence to the Continental Congress in 1778 and ratified the Articles of Confederation that same year. North Carolina waited to ratify the Constitution until the Bill of Rights was added to it. On Nov. 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12^th state of the United States of America.

Growth was slow in the state until the constitution was revised in 1835. Railroads and roads were built and the agriculture industry increased. North Carolina depended much on slave labor to work cotton and tobacco plantations. Before the Civil War began in 1861, many Southern states seceded from the Union. North Carolina remained in the Union, but withdrew to join the Confederacy shortly after the war began.

Over 125,000 soldiers fought for the Confederacy from North Carolina and many battles occurred within the state. At the end of the war, most of the state lay in ruins. Reconstruction began. North Carolina was under military rule until a new constitution outlawing slavery was ratified. North Carolina was readmitted to the Union on June 25, 1868.

After the war, huge plantations were divided and sold to tenant farmers. Tobacco manufacturing grew rapidly in Durham while the furniture industry built factories in High Point. Textile mills flourished along the rivers. By the end of the 1920s, North Carolina led the nation in production of cotton textiles, wooden furniture, and tobacco products. State leaders improved education and created the State Highway Commission to expand roadways.

The Great Depression (1929-1939) left thousands without work. North Carolina and the federal government created jobs expanding roads and cleaning up state parks. The state improved welfare and reduced state taxes. By the late 1930s, the economy was steadily improving. During the 1940s, construction began on Fontana and Kerr Dam. New medical centers were built and roadways continued to expand throughout the state.

During the 1890s, laws were passed that required racial segregation of schools, restaurants, and public facilities. In 1960, four black students in Greensboro held the nation’s first sit-in, by refusing to leave a restricted lunch counter. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act banned the segregation of public facilities. During the 1970s, schools also became integrated.

Today, North Carolina continues to improve education and roadways. Traditional industries seem to be doing well, but state leaders are striving to attract new businesses to the state.

It's what they call us ...

The Tar Heel State.
One version of the nickname's origin has the name first being applied to North Carolinians during the War between the States.

One record talks of the battle at Mananas Junction (that's Bull Run to you Yankees) in Virginia, where their supporting column of Virginians retreated, but the North Carolina troops fought alone.

The victorious troops were asked in a condescending tone by some Virginians, who had retreated, "Any more tar down in the Old North State, boys?"

The response came quickly: "No, not a bit; old Jeff's bought it all up."

The Virginians asked: "Is that so? What is he going to do with it?"

The reply: "He is going to put it on you'ns heels to make you stick better in the next fight."

(Editor's Note: North Carolina was known for its production of tar in the later 18th century through most of the 19th century)

Intersting Facts About ... North Carolina

• The state's best-known scenic attraction is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located astride the North Carolina-Tennessee border.
  

• The North Carolina Museum of Art, in Raleigh, is the nation's only art museum whose collection was founded with state funds.
  

• The Wright Brothers made the first successful airplane flight in 1903 in Kitty Hawk.

• Students at a Wilson County school petitioned the North Carolina General Assembly for the
  establishment of the sweet potato as the Official State Vegetable. Their assignment led to the creation of
  the newest state symbol. North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the nation harvesting
  over 4 billion pounds of the vegetable in 1989.

• Coastal North Carolina was the scene of the first attempt to colonize America by English-speaking
  people. Two colonies were begun in the 1580's under a charter granted by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Walter
  Raleigh. The first colony, established in 1585 under the leadership of Ralph Lane, ended in failure.

• North Carolina has had two permanent capitals, New Bern and Raleigh, and there have been three capitol buildings. Tryon Palace in New Bern was constructed in the period 1767-1770, and the main building was destroyed by fire February 27, 1798. The first capitol in Raleigh was completed in 1794 and was destroyed by fire on June 21, 1831. The present capitol building was completed in 1840.

• The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is the oldest State University in the United States.

• Whitewater Falls in Transylvania County is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States.

• Krispy Kreme Doughnut was founded in Winston-Salem.

• Pepsi was invented and first served in New Bern in 1898.

Some Notable North Carolinians

Caleb Bradham (1867 - 1934) Pharmacist from New Bern, North Carolina, created the first Pepsi-Cola for dyspepsia, or indigestion. In 1902 Bradham began bottling the soft drink in the back room of his drugstore. Born in Chinquapin, NC John Coltrane (1926 - 1967) Tenor and soprano saxophonist, bandleader, and composer; Known for his jazz music. Born in Hamlet, NC Ava Gardner (1922 - 1990) Became a Hollywood star and acted in more than 20 films by the age of 28. Born in Brogden, NC Andy Griffith (1926 - ) Actor made famous in television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. Born in Mount Airy, NC Andrew Johnson (1808 - 1875) Started his career as a tailor's apprentice in Raleigh, North Carolina and rose to lead in the reuniting of the nation as the seventeenth President of the United States. Born in Raleigh, NC

Herman Lay (1909 - 1982) An American businessman who became the owner of the Frito-Lay Company. Born in Charlotte, NC James K. Polk (1795 - 1849) Eleventh President of the United States; He served from 1845-1849 and was the last strong pre-Civil War president. Born in Mecklenburg County, NC William Sydney Porter (1862 - 1910) Writer who used the pen name O. Henry; He has written over 400 short stories that are known for their wit and twist endings. Born in Greensboro, NC Hiram R. Revels (1827 - 1901) Clergyman, first African American to sit in the U.S. Senate (1870 - 1871). Born in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, NC Hiram Rhoades Revels (1822 - 1901) First African-American member of the United States Congress. Born in Fayetteville, NC

Judge's wife calls Web porn story 'outright lies'

A federal appeals court judge under scrutiny for sexually explicit videos and photos posted on a personal Web site is the victim of distortions and "outright lies" published by the Los Angeles Times, his wife charged Monday.

Marcy Jane Tiffany, wife of 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge Alex Kozinski, described some of the material stored on the home computer as raunchy and juvenile. Only about a half-dozen files among hundreds had a "sexual aspect," but they were not pornography, she said.

"Alex is not into porn - he is into funny - and sometimes funny has a sexual character," Tiffany wrote in a nearly 2,000-word defense of her husband, posted on a Web site called patterico.com.

In a brief telephone interview, Tiffany confirmed that she wrote the statement and declined further comment, except to quote the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York, "Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts."

The newspaper's California editor, David Lauter, said in a statement that the articles were fair and accurate.

The stories "raised important issues on a matter of significant public concern," Lauter said. "The judge was presented with the facts ... and was given a full opportunity to respond."

Meanwhile Monday, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts transferred a review of Kozinski's conduct to the judicial council of a different circuit. The chairman of the judicial council of the Philadelphia-based 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, Chief Judge Anthony Scirica, then named himself and four other judges to handle the ethics investigation.

Kozinski called for the probe after news articles about the Web site were published. Separately, Kozinski last week declared a mistrial in an obscenity trial over which he was presiding.

The now-blocked material on the Web site, alex.kozinski.com, included a photo of naked women on all fours painted to look like cows, and a video of a man being pursued by a sexually aroused donkey. The Times said the site included images of masturbation, and a slide show featuring a striptease with a transsexual.

*****

"Do wacka do wacka do" ... Now, why is that old corny Aussie tune popping up in my head right about now?!

Who Are The Big Spenders, Again Now?!

For those out there that still believe the lie that Democrats are the big spenders in government take a gander at this chart showing the trend in the National Debt from 1974 through today.

Notice the pattern?

The same pattern holds true back to the inception of the republican party, it is they who are the big spenders and the big liars accusing the Democrats of exactly what they are doing.

What's more the pity ... that people are fooled by that lie.

Historians see little chance for McCain

The old man has a 200-pound ball and chain named Bush

One week into the general election, the polls show a dead heat.

But scholars doubt that John McCain stands much of a chance, if any.

Historians offered a litany of historical comparisons that give little hope to Gramps.
Several saw Obama’s prospects as the best for a Democrat since FDR trounced Hoover in 1932.

“This should be an overwhelming Democratic victory,” said Allan Lichtman, a presidential historian.
Lichtman, who has correctly predicted the last six presidential winners, predicts that this year,
“Republicans are screwed, blued and tattooed.”

“McCain shouldn’t win it,” said presidential historian Joan Hoff. She compared McCain’s prospects
to those of Hubert Humphrey, whose 1968 loss to Nixon resulted from LBJ's unpopularity.

“It is one of the worst political environments for the party in power since World War II,” added
Alan Abramowitzy. His forecasting model gives McCain about the same odds as a cow flying.
“It would be a pretty stunning upset if McCain won,” Abramowitz said.

Another human foot washes up on Canadian shore

Yet another human foot has washed up along the British Columbia coast.

Police in southwestern British Columbia say a left foot was found partially submerged in water on Westham Island, south of Vancouver, Monday morning.

It's the fifth foot in less than a year that has washed up on shorelines along islands in British Columbia

The four previous feet were all right feet wearing socks and shoes, and two of them were size 12.

The last one was found on May 22 on Kirkland Island in the Fraser River.

Police are trying to see if they are linked.

*****

This one has me baffled. Feet washing up on shore is not your everyday occurrence, now is it?!

World Blogger Award Winner

I need to check my IN-Box more often. All the positive comments are nice to read.

Also, surprises such as finding out you have won an award for your blog is wonderful.

Comments from the IN-Box

Today's e-mail comments:

Hi! Wonderful blog you got there! Keep up! Have a nice day!

Great Blog!

Best thing since breakfast this morning!

Just found your blog and I love it!

It's refreshing to see wit and fearlessness again, what with all the dullards and craven pandering that abounds on the net ever once and a while a light pierces the darkness.

Articulate and witty!

Love this blog and her sister blog!

Stor sted Jeg skjønner din snakke Norsk.
(Great site, I see you speak Norwegian.)*

Thank You!

Love it, love it, love it!

* Editor's translation because I do speak Norwegian.

Wedding bells chime for California same-sex couples

California officials began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples Monday evening after a state Supreme Court ruling legalizing the ceremonies took effect.

The May 15 ruling took effect at 5:01 p.m. Monday. Gay and lesbian couples had lined up for hours outside county clerks' offices in anticipation of the decision coming into force.

Clerks expect a much larger number of couples to show up Tuesday morning to complete marriage-license applications that replace "Bride" and "Groom" with "Partner A" and "Partner B."

The decision makes California the nation's second U.S. state, after Massachusetts, to legalize same-sex marriage. Four other states allow civil unions. iReport.com: Share your feelings, photos and videos

As the Contra Costa County clerk in northern California, Stephen Weir has signed off on hundreds of marriages and officiated over several ceremonies.

Now Weir can get a marriage license of his own.

Weir and his partner, John Hemm, planned to be the first in their county to marry under a California Supreme Court ruling that allows same-sex marriage.

"I promised myself and my partner and the community that when this was legal I'd be first in line," Weir said.

Weir, 59, and Hemm, 53, have been together 18 years. They have long wanted to get married, Hemm said, but he "didn't think it would ever happen."

George Takei -- who portrayed Mr. Sulu in the "Star Trek" television and film series -- and his partner of 21 years, Brad Altman, also planned to be among the first in line to wed Monday evening.

"We're excited, we're nervous and we're overjoyed," Takei said.

"The march of equality that needs to include everybody equally and fairly is here -- at least in California," said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. "But that I recognize that it's not existent in 48 other states means that we have a lot of work to do."

Critics of the ruling have talked about staging protests against same-sex marriages this week.

Opponents say they've collected enough signatures to call for a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as between a man and woman. The California secretary of state must verify the signatures before a November vote can be held on the proposed amendment.

Though the law affects only California, it has national implications. "Because we're in a presidential campaign right now, it's going to be a real flash point for the electorate to come together and say this really matters to us," said Charmaine Yoest of the Family Research Council, a conservative Christian group based in Washington that opposes gay marriage.

Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, California, issued a statement on behalf of seven bishops Monday, saying the Catholic Church "cannot approve of redefining marriage."

Marriage "has a unique place in God's creation, joining a man and a woman in a committed relationship in order to nurture and support the new life for which marriage is intended," the statement said. "The meaning of marriage is deeply rooted in history and culture, and has been shaped considerably by Christian tradition. Its meaning is given, not constructed."

Newsom said the issue "is about civil marriages, not about religious marriages. ... We're not telling religious institutions what to do. They can continue to do what they've done."

The high-profile mayor heated up the debate on same-sex marriages in February 2004, when he ordered city officials to issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples.

The California Supreme Court later ruled Newsom had overstepped his authority and declared about 4,000 licenses invalid. But at the time, the court sidestepped the issue of whether banning same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, allowing legal cases arguing that issue to work their way through the lower courts.

Several gay and lesbian couples -- along with the city of San Francisco and gay-rights groups -- sued, saying they were victims of unlawful discrimination. A lower court ruled San Francisco had acted unlawfully in issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

In the May 15 ruling, the California Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage as unconstitutional. The ruling surprised legal experts because the court has a conservative reputation. Six of its seven judges are Republican appointees.

Four Thousand Ninety-Nine Wasted

4099

As of right now:
That is the number of our youth wasted by the shrub and the cabal in Iraq!

Bush, Musharraf, Ahmadinejad least trusted leaders

U.S. President George W. Bush is ranked only slightly above the rulers of Pakistan and Iran as one of the least-trusted leaders in the world, a survey released on Monday showed.

The survey, carried out by WorldPublicOpinion.org in 20 countries around the world, found that no national leaders inspired wide confidence outside their own countries. But Bush, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ranked at the bottom, the polling showed.

Only 23 percent of people outside the United States had "a lot or some" confidence in Bush, compared to 22 percent for Ahmadinejad and 18 percent for Musharraf.

The leaders of other countries fared little better. Only 26 percent had confidence in French President Nicolas Sarkozy, 28 percent in Chinese President Hu Jintao, 30 percent in British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and 32 percent in Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has since become prime minister.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had the highest confidence levels, at 35 percent.

"While the worldwide mistrust of George Bush has created a global leadership vacuum, no alternative leader has stepped into the breach," said Steven Kull, director of WorldPublicOpinion.org. "Hu Jintao and Vladimir Putin are popular among some nations, but more mistrust them than trust them."

WorldPublicOpinion.org is a project involving research centers around the world and is managed by the Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland.

The group polled 19,751 people in nations that represent 60 percent of the world's population. The survey was conducted between January 10 and May 6, with margins of error of plus or minus 2 to 4 percent.

*****

As the old song says ... "How low can you go?" Well, the shrub has shown how low!

True Definitions

The definition of what is a Liberal and what is a conservative is not properly used, especially be those calling themselves 'conservative'.

The true definitions are as follows:

Being Liberal is a state of mind wherein openness, forward thinking, acceptance, ability and willingness to change or adapt, and inclusiveness are the mainstays.

Being conservative is a state of mind wherein closure, rearward thinking, non-acceptance, inability and unwillingness to change or adapt, and exclusiveness are the mainstays.

*****

True liberals are conservative and true conservatives are liberal in that they look to preserve and expand what is good with new ideas and tried traditions and knowing which and when to embrace while discarding the bad accordingly. They are calling us Progressives right now.

The current crop of those claiming to be conservative are anything but - they are autocratic Fascists and National Socialists (Haters for short). And use the same old fear mongering that their kind have used since before history began. It works for a short while when the world, in its short memory loses sight of the total disaster they made the last time these misogynistic troglodytes reared their nasty heads from the fetid swamp where they are spawned, then the world wakes up from its stupor and ousts them and exiles them back to their putrid abodes under the rocks at the bottom of their swamp.

We are seeing that ousting and exile in progress right now.

NC couple accused of tying son to tree formally charged

A couple accused of killing their 13-year-old son by tying him to a tree for two nights have appeared in a North Carolina courtroom to face charges.

Attorneys appeared Monday with 41-year-old Brice Brian McMillan and his wife, 36-year-old Sandra Elizabeth McMillan.

Edgecombe County District Court Judge Joseph Harper told the two they are charged with murder and felony child abuse. A probable cause hearing was scheduled for July 2.

Edgecombe County Sheriff James Knight said the McMillans are accused of tying the boy to a tree for two nights to punish him for disobedience. He was found unresponsive outside the house on Thursday

*****

Look at the 'mother's' picture above ... now who wouldn't want that for a mother!

Poll Results

Have you altered your local travel routines (work, shopping, recreation, etc.) due to high gas prices?

Yes		76%	16947 Votes
No		23%	5072 Votes

Total: 22019 votes