they were all born pretty

in new york city tonight…

In Downtown news:
It has been tooooo long since Downtown looked pretty.
A news story about no news…hmmm….
Thoughts on City Market

In Raleigh news:
I’m still sitting at work when there is jewelry to be found??
New driver’s licenses
Jersey Boys is coming to Raleigh

In local-ish news:
Wachovia will still look the same
North Carolina is buying Grandfather Mountain
Find out where your food is from


In irrelevant news:
Sorry Michael, apparently fame doesn’t buy you drinks… (thanks Austin)
You can die from too hot sauce?? (thanks Steve)
It’s brain was COOKED!? (thanks Steve)

Events:
Spree! starts Wednesday
Base Jumpers on Thursday!
Old Habits is playing 42nd Street on Thursday
It’s First Friday!
Who’s Bad is playing Lincoln on Friday
Big Bad Ball is this weekend!!

Fun Stuff:
Green house! (thanks Elizabeth)
Winners from the bike rack competition
Cheap photo prints!

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Note to self: Plan get away ahead of time…


Happy Tuesday!!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com

you roll out of bed

and down on your knees…

Good morning…. Vote. :)

In Downtown news:
What is a gastropub you say? Moore on the Oxford
I love new bars.
Monday history!

In Raleigh news:
Kel can hear birds! And other notes on the importance of hearing…(thanks Nina)
Halloween on Hillsborough Street?
I’m glad we took the time to note he was from Apex…

In local-ish news:
“The skirts skirted the matter”
Ooooh Haunted Houses!
Awww, Paul Newman….


In irrelevant news:
Springsteen is playing the Super Bowl
Google is 10 years old!
I guess something had to kick start the shopping season

Events:
Spree! starts Wednesday
Base Jumpers on Thursday!
Old Habits is playing 42nd Street on Thursday
It’s First Friday!
Who’s Bad is playing Lincoln on Friday
Big Bad Ball is this weekend!!

Tim Reynolds is coming to Pour House!
Lil Wayne is coming to RBC

Fun Stuff:
Annuals new stuff
What are your friends reading? (thanks Emily)
Cool concert posters

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Oh – a DIY coffin….sure…


I hope everyone had a great weekend!!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com

fall asleep next to me

wait for everyone to go away…

In Downtown news:
Progress for Greenshields?? And more!
ArtRaleigh is coming!
Friday history!

In Raleigh news:
Enloe makes it too easy…
Free wings for a year?! Knightdale??
Wolfstock – how cute!


In local-ish news:
It’s really important to threaten elementary students with guns
Pirates!
Who pretends to drown??

In irrelevant news:
Harry Potter’s getting naked!
Britney is a wreck.
How to become a socialite (thanks Adrianne)

Events:
Hootie is here tonight!
Bike Fest is this weekend
Do something good with your drinking this weekend
A Joel Lane event?!
Sam Fisher is at Amra’s Sunday

Mark your calendar:
Jimmies Chicken Shack – November 16
Pink Floyd is moving!

Fun Stuff:
Every Friday deserves Ari Gold. [excessive profanity – but you knew that, it’s Ari Gold…] (thanks Tim)
Check out some local folks music!
Excerpts from a funny book

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
He couldn’t hold it no more. (thanks Katie/Dan/Steve)


Happy Friday folks!!




Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com

stay out super late

picking apples, making pies…

Are you registered to vote yet?

In Downtown news:
Base jumpers at RBC!
I suppose if you don’t have a reason to complain, you can just make one…
A new Crema location

In Raleigh news:
People like our food.
Goodbye old Qdoba
That’s so Durham.

In local-ish news:
This story may be a trick. It sounds like good news…
Let’s go to the beach and play on bridges!
Obama will be in Greensboro on Sunday


In irrelevant news:
Notorious – the Biggie Smalls story (thanks Dan)
“How not to be the first contestant kicked off a reality show.” (thanks Charlie)
You pick the worst part, freezing your dead mom, or worrying about charging a dead guy…

Events:
Coconut Grove Band tonight!
Traveling Mayhem tonight
Hootie is here on Friday!
Bike Fest is this weekend

Fun Stuff:
How to make pretty wine! (thanks Lisa)
Cool Craigslist tool
10 ways to get out of a speeding ticket

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Of course your hunting buddy gave it to you... (thanks Steve)


Happppppy Thursday!!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com

i never saw my hometown

until I stayed away too long

pretty slow day…

In Downtown news:
Do something good…
Some pictures of Dix
10 spaces in Downtown that ought to be filled

In Raleigh news:
I love Clinton Kelly!
The Big Ten sports channel is coming
What is with high schoolers?!

In local-ish news:
It’s Design Awards time!
Whew – we finally have non explosive fertilizer! (thanks Steve)
Sea turtles!


In irrelevant news:
Clay Aiken is coming out in People magazine
Cool new phones!
Skydiving over Everest is only a tiny bit cooler than the Swiss Alps

Events:
Coconut Grove Band is playing on Thursday
Traveling Mayhem is playing on Thursday
Hootie is here on Friday!
Bike Fest is this weekend

Mark your calendar for Emo Phillips
Also, for the Oakwood Candlelight tour

Fun Stuff:
I know disaster when I see it… (thanks Caitlen)
How do you know you’re bored? You listen to videos of rain…
Stuff White People Like – Frisbee Sports (thanks Charlie)

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
I cant say I blame her…


Happy humpday kids!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com

why don't you come with me little girl

on a magic carpet ride…

It’s TryTransit Week

In Downtown news:
I do like pretty.
Check out the COD lecture schedule
I googleheart Posta.

In Raleigh news:
New Mexican!
I LOVE new breweries – even if they are in Durham….
Check out the Greenway!

In local-ish news:
What Ben Stein thinks
Free Cold Stone!!
Haha, a Booby trap…..


In irrelevant news:
This would be the BEST birthday present EVER!
Oh – a Cleavage Caddy. That’s perfect….! (thanks Adrianne)
“But you can do that in Oregon…”

Events:
Blue Grass at the Pub tonight!
Coconut Grove Band is playing on Thursday
Traveling Mayhem is playing on Thursday
Hootie is here on Friday!
Bike Fest is this weekend

Annuals are playing Conan on Oct 27

Fun Stuff:
Thoughts on parking at Broughton
How to stay awake at work (thanks Adrianne)
I wouldn’t have minded having this option

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
5th graders…!?


Happppppy Tuesday! Again, sorry for the delay :)

and I am still here waiting

though I still have my doubts…

It’s Family Day! and also, Elephant Appreciation Day! (thanks Dan)

In Downtown news:
West love!
The George has closed :(
History!

In Raleigh news:
Yeah- this’ll stop gang riots at malls…
Snoopy’s is 30!
Trader Joe’s news

In local-ish news:
Bodie Island Lighthouse is a finalist!
Franklin Street on Halloween is sort of a nuisance?
They will bring you IKEA!


In irrelevant news:
Budweiser will debut a new beer
Now, with Sparks Red, you can have a red mouth!
They found a new Mozart piece

Events:
Chris Suiter is at Amras tonight
Coconut Grove Band is playing on Thursday
Traveling Mayhem is playing on Thursday
Hootie is here on Friday!
Bike Fest is this weekend

Mark your calendar-
Doo Wop!

Fun Stuff:
It’s punkin time! (thanks Lisa)
Something inspirational for your Monday (thanks Caroline)
Top 5 mad geniuses

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
It is the first day of Fall. (thanks Dan)


Sorry for the wait – hope everyone had a great weekend!!

you don't even talk about forever, but you never say never…

Today is National Talk like a Pirate Day!

In Downtown news:
Bogarts will no longer serve lunch
Stuff Consignment is sticking around
Deep South is serving Cherry Bounce – is your bar?
RIP Chef Rameux :(

In Raleigh news:
Oh Broughton kids…
Capital Blvd a freeway?
A green McDonald’s….hmmm… (thanks Dan)

In local-ish news:
Everyone likes the triangle
Could Cats Cradle move?
They found a whole bunch of new animals


In irrelevant news:
Radio in Latin!?
DNA for politics?
Rest easy, Paris’s dogs were not eaten by a coyote…

Events:
SparkCon!
Bluegrass at Capital City
Bugs and kids…gross.
We are over halfway to St. Pats!
Saturday at North Hills there is an Iron Chef event
Rock n roll Hall of Fame after party at Lincoln on Saturday
Urban Sophisticate is at the Pour House on Saturday
Down by the Tracks is Sunday! Grab your dog (or your friend’s) and come out!

Fun Stuff:
Cooool visualizations
Stuff White People Like
Silly jokes about typography

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
The Spice Girls, over Led Zeppelin??


Happy Friday folks! I hope everyone has a great weekend!
you don't even talk about forever, but you never say never…

Ashton Mae Smith
http://www.beraleighblog.com/
http://www.glenwoodagency.com/

the last three days the rain was unstoppable…it was always cold, no sunshine…

In Downtown news:
New bars!
Thoughts on the Big Ideas publication and more!
SparkCon you say??

In Raleigh news:
Jimmy V Golf Classic is coming back to Raleigh!
New restaurants at North Hills and an Asian one too!
Big Boss is moving west!

In local-ish news:
Michelle Obama is in North Carolina
These folks are not your friends..
Coooool cars!


In irrelevant news:
Whatchu want??! A cookie?! (thanks Steve)
Those bowling alleys will get you…
There will be another in the Hitchhiker’s series

Events:
SparkCon kicks off tonight!
Old Habits is playing Friday
Rock n roll Hall of Fame after party at Lincoln on Saturday
Down by the Tracks is Sunday! Grab your dog (or your friend’s) and come out!

Dolly Parton is coming to Raleigh

Fun Stuff:
The color challenged should not attempt this – it will only make you angry (thanks Emily)
I love cool stuff.
Not fun. Not happy. Sorry. (thanks Lisa)
Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Yoga is wonderful. Yoga for your dog is absurd. (thanks Lisa)


Its Little Friday!! Make it a good one :)
the last three days the rain was unstoppable…it was always cold, no sunshine…

you’ve got to kill the queen, and then you’ve made it…

In Downtown news:
This is awesome. [and also a large .pdf]
Pooles!
They voted to keep the parking lot

In Raleigh news:
Everyone loves Raleigh these days…
Ohhh Millbrook…
No one likes Cary anyway

In local-ish news:
We do eat well around here… and more….
Best Buy is buying Napster
I hope we’re helping to pay for this…


In irrelevant news:
They’re going to mess with your tv tonight
Miley’s got a new guy
Well it was nice that they waited for him to deliver it…

Events:
SparkCon kicks off on Thursday (thanks Caroline)
Sunday is Down by the Tracks
Rock n Roll Hall of Fame concert is this weekend too

Magic School Bus is Coming!
Think pretty. Design is cool.

Fun Stuff:
Worst college logos
How doesss twilight work?
50 jokes!

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
I think there is probably a special place in the world for people like this…


Whew. Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!!
you’ve got to kill the queen, and then you’ve made it…

so make it one for my baby, and one more for the road…

In Downtown news:
Streetcars for Rah town?
Substation update
Slims!

In Raleigh news:
Wally Jones is going to Texas
Drama in Glenwood/Brooklyn
Colleges are good for Raleigh

In local-ish news:
I don’t know where Hurdle Mills is – but I’m into literacy…
Richard Wright died
New planets? That aren’t planets?


In irrelevant news:
Do something good while you shop
Apparently gymnasts don’t get to eat 12,000 calories
Jump suits are in?

Events:
Bluegrass tonight!
Old Habits is playing on Thursday
SparkCon starts Friday
Urban is at the Pour House on Saturday
Sunday is Down by the Tracks


Fun Stuff:
Help pick out the bands for Downtown Live next year! (thanks Dave)
Everyone likes a good pie in the face video (thanks Leo)
Tina Fey as Sarah Palin [video]

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Ah yes, salvation and cocaine… (thanks Catherine)


My weekly voting plug.

I am out of the office today and tomorrow, but I will do my best to get something out for you guys! Hope everyone has a great week!
so make it one for my baby, and one more for the road…


Ashton Mae Smith
http://www.beraleighblog.com/

they call me charlie mason, stargazer am I….

In Downtown news:
Development news
AIA building details (thanks Sam)
Tyler’s news!
Charter Square launched a new website

In Raleigh news:
Everyone loves Raleigh
Yessss another Super Wal-Mart!
More new hotels

In local-ish news:
Duke is expanding their business school
Vennnnniceeee
The ocean is too noisy for whales…


In irrelevant news:
World Monopoly
Britney has a new album coming out
"In the shop we found 120 pieces of magic mushroom chocolate and countless cannabis lollipops,"

Events:
SparkCon starts Friday
Urban is at the Pour House on Saturday
Sunday is Down by the Tracks

Some do-good type things coming up (thanks Lisa)

Fun Stuff:
It’s a baby Rick Steeves! (thanks Emily)
Wait – what was that song?
How to make a Rice Krispie Panda….

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
"I remember thinking to myself, 'I'm alive, but the bear's here. Oh, this is bad." (thanks Steve)


Happy Monday folks! Sorry about the delay – we were out of internet for a bit this morning….
they call me charlie mason, stargazer am I….

what a world, what a life….

Not much today…

In Downtown news:
Charter Square
Ben Stein is in Downtown Tuesday
A ‘nail house’ you say?

In Raleigh news:
A fight, at Enloe?? Ha. That’s too easy.
The Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame Benefit is coming.
We are keeping Eric Staal

In local-ish news:
You can’t train to be a terrorist on YouTube anymore
Michael Phelps is nervous for SNL
Ha. They tricked monkeys…


In irrelevant news:
Kanye got arrested?!
I would probably go to NY just to catch this flight… (thanks Katie)
The whole Spears clan

Events:
Saturday is the Light the Night Walk
FanFest is also on Saturday
Downtown Designers Market is Saturday
Oyster Fest is Saturday too!
The Magnificent Mile is on Sunday

Puppets this weekend!
Dog Olympics this weekend too!

Fun Stuff:
The new Ben Folds video
Now with valet parking… (thanks Seth)

Flackback:
[since I’ve been at this nearly a year now, I thought it would be fun to highlight things from last year every so often. Enjoy!]
Man charged with pit bull sex

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
44 – 12??? Really???


Happy Friday everyone!!
what a world, what a life….


Ashton Mae Smith

it doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not…

I can’t not say anything about it. It’s been 7 years. Take a moment and remember…..





In Downtown news:
What restaurant do you miss?
People think we need a sports venue
Burning Coal is opening a new show

In Raleigh news:
The Hurricanes got new jerseys
Rock n Roll Hall of Fame is coming up!
"We thought some of our uniform tops were gone, which would have been tragedy," Smith said.

In local-ish news:
Miss North Carolina is Miss America
The burner was still warm…
Some folks are suing Budweiser


In irrelevant news:
Apparently the KFC recipe is a big deal
Rick Flair is taking people out (thanks Ben)
Michelle Obama and Paula Deen??

Events:
Check out Crush for free tonight
Saturday is the Light the Night Walk
FanFest is also on Saturday
Downtown Designers Market is Saturday
Oyster Fest is Saturday too!
The Magnificent Mile is on Sunday

Dish it Up is this weekend!

Southern Proper is having a Trunk Show – Sept 19
N.E.R.D. is coming to town – Oct 3

Fun Stuff:
Yayyy politics!
Find your people…
Coooool pictures.

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Who punches a kangaroo?!?


Sorry for the delay folks! Hope everyone is having a great day!
it doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not…

i was making a stand, but my plan was undone…i woke up laughing.

In Downtown news:
Plaza construction to start in October?
Charter Square information and a pretty neat map
Progress on Blount Street Commons

In Raleigh news:
Transit things
Broughton will keep its front lawn
Chapel Hill development news

In local-ish news:
They want to make Orange County safer
Is Grandma bad for the environment? (thanks Charlie)
Get 100 miles to the gallon in your Prius


In irrelevant news:
Really?? Another Tour de France??
Ashton Kutcher is coaching football…
They are screening the new Bond for the first time

Events:
Check out Crush for free on Thursday
Saturday is the Light the Night Walk
FanFest is also on Saturday
Downtown Designers Market is Saturday
Oyster Fest is Saturday too!
The Magnificent Mile is on Sunday

Fun Stuff:
80s Music Videos
Polish movie posters
Power Houses [youtube] (thanks Katie)

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
I guess the 25th time is the charm…


Happy Hump day!
i was making a stand, but my plan was undone…i woke up laughing. (thanks Dan)

i like gospel music and canned applause….

You can vote early. Do it. – I promise not to get too annoying until we get closer….but then I promise nothing….

In Downtown news:
Thoughts on bikes
Take a look at what Matt can do to West
What stores do you miss?

In Raleigh news:
News on the Cameron Village project
The Hurricanes have a new logo
Changes in Durham

In local-ish news:
Is the lottery legal??
Putin saves tv crew from tiger? (thanks Steve)
Mandatory boating classes for NC?


In irrelevant news:
Why social networking works
Bid on your travel plans!
Don’t hide in portable toilets (thanks Steve)

Events:
Raleigh Hall of Fame tonight
Movie night at 101 on Wednesday
Check out Crush for free on Thursday
Saturday is the Light the Night Walk
FanFest is also on Saturday

Fun Stuff:
Another view of ACC football
Make your own Cherry Bounce
Monkey Cards! (thanks Lisa)

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
You can now let the people of the internet decide your relationship


Happy Tuesday folks!
i like gospel music and canned applause….

the view from up here is getting better with you by my side…

In Downtown news:
I love new bars. Especially basement ones….
Fashion in Raleigh? And more about it (thanks Ben)
Booo for not having great sushi

In Raleigh news:
North Hills is doing an Iron Chef thing
UNC is making cancer treatment easier
More on the Durham Performing Arts Center

In local-ish news:
“Pipkin said the sheriff's office has called surrounding air bases and airports, and none reported a missing plane.”
Marion Jones is out of jail
Green polar bears?!?


In irrelevant news:
Doughnuts for tailgating??
You thought your golf game was good…
40 and 50 year old prostitutes are out of work

Events:
Run a 5k, then drink beer! – tonight!
Raleigh Hall of Fame tomorrow
Downtown Designers Market is this weekend
So is Oyster Fest - Saturday

There is like a billion things happening this month!
Fundraising at Caffe Luna on the 16th

Fun Stuff:
Raleigh Wide Open 3 recaps
You’re right Dan – it’s exactly like a train wreck… [youtube]
The 10 strangest travel guides ever published [side note, I miss you, rick steeves.]

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
10 boxes of condoms and an energy drink (thanks Caroline)


Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend!!
the view from up here is getting better with you by my side…

she never compromises…

Seriously, this weekend is going to be amazing. Come on - there is a beer garden…..

In Downtown news:
They lit up the Shimmer Wall and some more annnd more
Mo’s updated their menu
Friday History!

In Raleigh news:
The police are moving!
Approval for Cameron Village project?
Centennial Campus is getting a huge addition

In local-ish news:
Go do something outdoorsy…
A new, cheaper hybrid option? (thanks Steve)
Crime solving bears!

In irrelevant news:
What your brain looks like….
Tattooed on his finger??
Naked hiking!

Events:
Check out the Raleigh City Museum this weekend
Music! All weekend!
It is Scoop Sunday in the Village
Entourage starts Sunday!!

Finalllllly another Block Party

Fun Stuff:
Stuff White People Like
The Front Fell Off [youtube] (thanks Katie)
Play with hurricanes!

Back by Popular Demand:
I may get arrested tonight. Would you like to be an accomplice, or a victim? And other bar sign language…

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Only in Ocala….


Happy Friday! Hope I see you guys this weekend!!
she never compromises…

baby, you’re a perfect 10…

In Downtown news:
A review of the Convention Center
Jumping from RBC? Cool.
Bridge Pub has a manager! Maybe they’ll open before year end….

In Raleigh news:
NCMA movie schedule
Toll Road news
Bone marrow transplants for your dog

In local-ish news:
Ben Folds is coming to UNC
Oh, Vogue…
An elephant is going to rehab


In irrelevant news:
“If I want to drink several pints, I want something where I can still have a conversation…”
Blame the Romans…
They found pictures of a black hole…

Events:
They are lighting up that Shimmer Wall on Thursday Evening and a little more about it
Its First Friday!
We are having a giant party on Friday
Old Habits is playing The Pour House on Friday
Transformers in Moore Square on Saturday

Entourage starts this weekend!!
Attached is a schedule of bands playing this weekend (thanks Nina)
Seinfeld is coming to town!

Fun Stuff:
“ITB > Raleigh > Charlotte.”
Some post Labor Day facts for you
Apparently a lot can happen in 60 seconds

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Hmmmm.


Happy Little Friday! Hope everyone makes it out to see them turn on the shimmer wall tonight!
baby, you’re a perfect 10…

when you come back in from no where, do you ever think of me?

a few exciting things today…

In Downtown news:
Edison got approved!
The Hillsborough got an extension
A review of the Marriott Opening

In Raleigh news:
Check out the City Museum this weekend
The RailHawks are doing good things
They are opening 2 new homeland security centers here

In local-ish news:
Get free Jersey Mikes
Cow vs. Washing Machine (thanks Karla)
Jumping over Mt. Everest is only a little cooler than skydiving the Alps…


In irrelevant news:
Make a left at the giant picnic basket…
Jennifer Aniston is going to be on 30 Rock
Tiger Woods is having more babies

Events:
Its First Friday!
We are having a giant party on Friday
Old Habits is playing The Pour House on Friday
Transformers in Moore Square on Saturday

There is another Downtown Designers Market on the 13th
The Local Beer/Local Band schedule for September

Fun Stuff:
“I got a whole warehouse full of peas!” [youtube, pg13] (thanks Dan)
Christian Bale vs. Kermit (thanks Katie)
Patches the Horse-Dog (thanks Karla)

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
12 miles of yarn, 10 months, and you get a fake Ferrari? (thanks Karla)


Happy Wednesday folks! Hope it’s a good one!
when you come back in from no where, do you ever think of me?

the parties are all ovvvver, they ended just past dawn…

In Downtown news:
A Downtown housing update
Some Edison love
News on Hillsborough

In Raleigh news:
Progress Energy wants more money
A new hotel for Durham
Yet another reason to never leave Downtown

In local-ish news:
How to lose your job. (thanks Steve)
Russia don’t want no chickens.
Google has a web browser now


In irrelevant news:
The man who made the Lips only got 50 pounds…
A facebook movie?
“The pair – who is not a couple – was arrested…”

Events:
Acella Vega is playing Lincoln on Thursday
Its First Friday!
You might not have heard – we are having a giant party on Friday
Transformers in Moore Square on Saturday

Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band is playing Lincoln on Halloween

Fun Stuff:
Just touched down in London-town – cooool pictures
Tiny houses!
More pretty pictures

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Saved by Denny’s


Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope everyone had a great weekend!!
the parties are all ovvvver, they ended just past dawn…