so everybody put your best suit or dress on

let's make believe that we are wealthy for just this once…

Tonight is a blue moon…

In Downtown News:
Annuals had their equipment stolen, but will still play tonight
There appears to be flash mob type dance happening for NYE on Fayetteville St and more
Things to consider outside of First Night

In Raleigh News:
Goodnight, Raleigh reviews 2009
Want to know what other laws go into effect this weekend?
Beanie + Cecil baby is moving to the old Seaboard Imports location (thanks Julie)

In Local-ish News:
There’s a chance your iPhone will work a little better…
He kept a guitar made by Picasso in a shoe box under his bed?
Folks are celebrating New Years


In Irrelevant News:
Ever wonder what happens after the ball is dropped in Times Square?
Get yourself a wing suit (thanks Mike)
“The Babysitters Club” is being reissued

Events:
Still wondering what to do tonight?
Re-do New Years at Oxford on Friday
Winter Metal Festival at Lincoln Theatre on Saturday
Sledding ramps at Winterfest on Sunday

Mark your calendar:
Nickelodeon is bringing Storytime to Memorial in May

What the Weather Holds:
The weather should be mild tonight
Thurs: Cloudy any possibly rainy. 51° 33°
Fri: Possibly early rain. 48° 40°
Sat: Sunnier but cold. 38° 25°


Fun Stuff:
A Tarantino video mix tape (thanks Tom)
10 resolutions for Twitter users (thanks Helena)
10 best TV ads of 2009 (thanks Tom)

27 most ridiculous promotional items of the year (thanks Danny)
PassiveAgressiveNotes.com – wifi style..
The decade according to 9 year olds…

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
A blood alcohol level of .708 – holy moley.


You are a mere 14 hours away from surviving the decade. Congratulations.

I hope everyone has an excellent evening! I hope to see lots of you out and about tonight! Happy New Year!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

i've got this sentimental heart that beats

but I don't really mind that it's starting to get to me now…

In Downtown News:
The Parking Pay stations are going in
Find a bunch of old newspapers online – like 23,000
More information on what to do tomorrow night

In Raleigh News:
Losing Fox, adding more channels?
The city wants to mulch your Christmas tree
In case you didn’t realize the smoking ban goes into effect Saturday, it does.

In Local-ish News:
Family reunions at South of the Border? Ouch.
I would love to shred most of 2009…and 2008…and at least half of 07… (thanks Rhett)
Stone is going to Europe


In Irrelevant News:
Some love for Phillip Rivers
Snow Patrol has most widely played UK song??
A collection of essays on ‘the dude’?

Events:
Biscuit Night at Tir na nOg tonight
Thursday is New Year’s Eve!
The NCMA Contemporaries are doing a New Years event
Times will have a cask night for NYE
Re-do New Years at Oxford on Friday
Winter Metal Festival at Lincoln Theatre on Saturday
Sledding ramps at Winterfest on Sunday

What the Weather Holds:
Wed: Mostly Sunny 44° 26°
Thurs: Cloudy and cold. 51° 33°
Fri: Possibly early rain. 48° 43°


Fun Stuff:
The history and style of the middle finger
An update from Helena
Best album covers of 2009 (thanks Sam)

"...from Octomoms and Balloon Boys to Swine Flu and Auto Bailouts, one thing’s for sure: this year needs to end."
I’m on a Mac
“”I don’t want anybody in here without coats and ties,” Sinatra snapped.”

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Hey man – sometimes ya just need a ride…


The last hump day of the year!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

we sit side by side in every class

the teacher thinks that i sound funny, but she likes it when you sing…

In Downtown News:
Tyler wants you guys to go running with him in the mornings
Wondering what to do New Years? Lisa, et al put together a great searchable list (thanks Lisa)
Updates on The Diner and Natty Greene’s

In Raleigh News:
New tacos in Cameron Village?
We don’t read so good anymore…
There is a new indoor park in North Raleigh (thanks Charissa)

In Local-ish News:
Capital Cabaret is opening near RDU
More on the Time Warner/Fox drama
What to do with all those empty car dealerships


In Irrelevant News:
The Tyra Show is ending
Clever ways to repay library fines
Jon Gosselin staged his apartment trashing?

Events:
Open Mic Night at Deep South tonight
Biscuit Night at Tir na nOg on Wednesday
Thursday is New Year’s Eve!
The NCMA Contemporaries are doing a New Years event
Re-do New Years at Oxford on Friday
Winter Metal Festival at Lincoln Theatre on Saturday
Sledding ramps at Winterfest on Sunday

What the Weather Holds:
Tues: Sunny 44° 26°
Wed: Mostly Sunny 42° 23°
Thurs: Rainy and cold. 48° 33°


Fun Stuff:
I hate when toddlers dance better than me and this kid is actually good… (thanks Dan)
Helena has a bunch of great links for you to check out – go ahead, skip down to ‘procrastination’ [ps, thanks for including me Helena!]
A ’92 civic that gets more than 90 mpg?? (thanks Chris)

101 oddest books ever written
The last 10 years, in a nice little chart
Baby Jesus theft


Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Suspended for wearing a Santa suit?


It’s your last Tuesday of 2009…hope it’s a good one!




Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

i need it all

the money, the fame, the cars, the clothes… (thanks Emily)

In Downtown News:
Finally an update on Catch 22 and also, Knockabout is closing…
It’s almost First Night time!
Where’s the best place to get a drink in Downtown?

In Raleigh News:
Raleigh Specials Tonight is tallying New Year’s events
Pre-fab modern homes?
Some Durham history

In Local-ish News:
Crazy bank theft thingsYou can rent a Christmas tree
Vic Chesnutt died


In Irrelevant News:
Saturday the 2nd is a palindrome date
They’re working on an alcohol substitute (thanks Nora)
Jon Gosselin’s apartment was ransacked

Events:
nOg Run Club tonight
Open Mic Night at Deep South tomorrow
Biscuit Night at Tir na nOg on Wednesday
Thursday is New Year’s Eve!
Re-do New Years at Oxford on Friday
Winter Metal Festival at Lincoln Theatre on Saturday
Sledding ramps at Winterfest on Sunday

What the Weather Holds:
Mon: Sunny 44° 35°
Tues: Sunny 44° 26°
Wed: Mostly Sunny 42° 23°


Fun Stuff:
It’s Lovely, I’ll take it!
“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.”
Best Viral Videos of 2009

The Selvedge Yard – a look at Bear Bryant
If you’ve ever lost a manual, find it here!
An electric guitar documentary

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Pong liberated women?


Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

tiny tots with their eyes all aglow

will find it hard to sleep tonight…

In Downtown News:
Really, who doesn’t love Fayetteville St at Christmas? And more pretty
Catch 22 is moving – and having a huge sale today
A Downtown Raleigh ‘Light Writing’ marriage proposal [youtube]

In Raleigh News:
The Raleigh Rescue Mission is short on food
First Night Needs Volunteers
Steve Winwood is coming to DPAC

In Local-ish News:
The detective with the gun in the snowball fight is pretty old news now, but just in case… (thanks J.Ross)
Venice is all underwater again… oh Venice….
The balloon boy father is arrested and both parents fined


In Irrelevant News:
‘Somethin’ like that’ is the decades most played single
Lesson learned, don’t dress up like the animal you’re hunting… (thanks J.Ross)
Mahhhn – that is some crazy stuff those Playboy models are up to…

Events:
Date and Skate tonight with Zely and Ritz
Eat Christmas dinner at Tir na nOg on Friday
Weekend Excursion is at Lincoln on Saturday raising funds for Jimmy V
Benefit for Carter Pepper at Tir na nOg Saturday
Edwin McCain is at Lincoln on Sunday

What the Weather Holds:
Thurs: Mostly Sunny, then Partly Cloudy. 48° 28°
Fri: Rainy and cold. 56° 33°
Sat: Mostly Cloudy. 56° 42°


Fun Stuff:
IsItNormal.com
The Ugly Sweater Store (thanks Susan)
Mapping Main Street

Lots of high tech ways to follow Santa this year…
ThisIsPhotoBomb.com
Free taco?

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
“If you do math, again, there may be 100 young women that are basically my son's age that are his half-siblings” says the father of 400 sperm donated children… (thanks @embalog)


“…Although it’s been said many times, many ways, a very Merry Christmas to you”

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!! And a very happy birthday to those of you who share them with Christmas!




Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

it's in the singing of a street corner choir

it's going home and getting warm by the fire, it's true, wherever you find love it feels like christmas… [yeah, those are muppets… :) jump to 2 minutes if you just want the song…]

actually some news today…

In Downtown News:
The Contemporary Art Museum is beginning construction soon
ACE Hardware has a huge kitchen section now
I love blaming Louisiana for things…

In Raleigh News:
The Hillsborough St roundabout is open
Dana reviews Crabtree Tavern
WakeUP Wake has a new board of directors

In Local-ish News:
The Auschwitz sign stealing was ordered from abroad
Olivia from Sesame Street has died
Volvo is going Chinese


In Irrelevant News:
Tarantino got a giant award in London
Balloon Boy’s parents have to pay 42k for rescue mission
Steven Tyler checked into rehab

Events:
Straight No Chaser is at Meymandi on Wednesday
Eat Christmas dinner at Tir na nOg on Friday
Weekend Excursion is at Lincoln on Saturday raising funds for Jimmy V
Edwin McCain is at Lincoln on Sunday

What the Weather Holds:
Wed: Mostly Sunny 50° 27°
Thurs: Partly Cloudy. 48° 28°
Fri: Rain likely. 52° 33°


Fun Stuff:
What’s your favorite road? (thanks Mike)
Stuff White People Like is back for Christmas! “If you see no Wayfarers you are either at Country music concert or you are indoors.”
Awkward Holidays from 2birds1blog

Nike, Muppets, and Santa rapping… [youtube]
Animated stereoviews of old Japan
Beard Heads – you can’t not laugh at this…

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
13 year old arrested for drinking and driving…


Happy hump day folks! When it’s over, you’ve only got one more left this year…


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

how'dja like to hang a stocking on a great big coconut tree?

how'd you like to stay up late like the islanders do? wait for santa to sail in with your presents in a canoe…

In Downtown News:
Southland Ballroom is opening in Glenwood South
Renderings for the new public safety center
Greg Hatem is getting honored by the Design Guild and the CoD

In Raleigh News:
It’s Krispy Kreme Challenge Time!
3 local projects are getting federal money
Local folks doing good things

In Local-ish News:
They’re ‘greening’ the Empire State building
They got the sign thieves to reenact the theft
More on the San Diego brain project


In Irrelevant News:
I hope you guys are planning to have Snooki at your next event (thanks Tim)
Firefox on my phone? Yes please.
Carrie Underwood is engaged

Events:
Busy Bee is having an Aviator cask night tonight
Straight No Chaser is at Meymandi on Wednesday
Eat Christmas dinner at Tir na nOg on Friday
Weekend Excursion is at Lincoln on Saturday raising funds for Jimmy V
Edwin McCain is at Lincoln on Sunday

What the Weather Holds:
Tues: Sunny 50° 25°
Wed: Mostly Sunny 48° 25°
Fri: Mostly Sunny. 48° 30°


Fun Stuff:
A crazy fire starter thing
Retail math (thanks Emily)
Your Jersey Shore Handbook

“Because those plastic bags offer the same amount of protection that hiding under your desk during a nuclear attack offers: none.”
Urban Dictionary Word of the Day (thanks Adrianne)
PassiveAgressiveNotes.com

Synchronized Christmas Lights – like, more than 30,000 of them…
Norman Rockwell
It’s Lovely, I’ll take it!

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Richard Branson dressed as a stewardess


Happy Tuesday folks!

Leah, it was great to meet you last night! Hope you guys had a great night!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

santa make him hurry

tell him he can take the freeway down, run, run rudolph 'cause I'm reelin like a merry-go-round…


Today is the shortest [best] day of sunlight in the year. – It’s all sunnier from here folks! :)

When I cant give you much real news, I try to give you more fun things…

In Downtown News:
There is a new sign celebrating the Winter Solstice [12:47pm today] in Moore Square
Beers and brewery reviews, 2009
Awww remember this guy!

In Raleigh News:
Some local, new building design updates
Win free lights from Cree
The toll contracts have been awarded

In Local-ish News:
Britney Murphy died this weekend
They’re moving ahead with another tunnel between NY and NJ
They found the stolen Auschwitz sign


In Irrelevant News:
South of the Border is 60 years old…
So was there a point to this study at all? – they found ‘perfect’ female face dimensions…sort of…
I don’t even understand the purpose of an ‘online drinking game’

Events:
They’re playing ‘A Christmas Story’ at the ice rink tonight
Straight No Chaser is at Meymandi on Wednesday
Eat Christmas dinner at Tir na nOg on Friday
Weekend Excursion is at Lincoln on Saturday raising funds for Jimmy V
Edwin McCain is at Lincoln on Sunday

Mark your calendar:
Jibarra is having an international fest January 9 (thanks Antoine)

What the Weather Holds:
Mon: Sunny 47° 27°
Tues: Sunny 50° 25°
Wed: Mostly Sunny 45° 25°


Fun Stuff:
Wish you’d been able to tour Stone Brewing with us?
Cool animal stuff
The Known Universe

Indy gives us the top 10 triangle albums and 40 triangle tunes
Alicia Keys on Letterman doing ‘Emipre State of Mind’ (thanks @nealstewart)
2009 buzzwords

PassiveAgressiveNotes.com
The periodic table of beer
Some funny impressions – including morgan freeman…

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
I think it’s safe to say he won’t be dating anytime soon…


Happy Monday folks!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

you'd better watch out

you'd better not cry, you'd better not pout, i'm telling you why…

lots of entertaining things today…

In Downtown News:
Café Carolina is helping to serve troops over the holidays
Churches helping to support Downtown
Best of 2009 – Live Music

In Raleigh News:
The amusements at Pullen have been closed for renovation
Golden Corral is knocking down the Glenwood Ave location and starting over
How are you supposed to lie about your grades?

In Local-ish News:
FullSteam is hiring an exec from Abita
A crazy bowling alley coming to Mebane, then Raleigh?
GM is closing down Saab


In Irrelevant News:
They found a really deep underwater volcano (thanks @gregoryng)
George Michael is still on the radio?
Landon Donovan is staying with the Galaxy

Events:
The Nutcracker opens today
Squirrel Nut Zippers are at Lincoln tonight
The Connells are at the Pour House tonight
Raleigh Ringers on Saturday
Chatham County Line on Saturday at Pour House
Rock and Shop moves to All Saints Chapel on Saturday
Gretchen Wilson is at City Limits on Saturday
The sled ramps are back on Sunday

What the Weather Holds:
Fri: Cold and gross. With a possibility of snow. 38° 32°
Sat: Cloudy and cold. 35° 33°
Sun: Mostly Sunny. 43° 26°


Fun Stuff:
Snoop Dogg reads ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (thanks Pat)
Crazy Game (thanks Caroline)
Mentally Stimulating Diversions (thanks Emily)

2birds1blog
Fun kid/Santa pictures
Name That Movie

It’s Lovely I’ll Take It brings you: Top 10 tips for Real Estate Agents
World’s Smallest Snow Man (thanks Mike)
How to parallel park perfectly

10 coolest houses of 2009
Detroit in 3D
Jason reviews Trader Joe’s wine

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Why not marry your virtual girlfriend?? (thanks Katie)


Happy Friday folks! Hope everyone has a warm weekend!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

when you feel like the only kid in town without a christmas tree

heres a list of people who are jewish, just like you and me… [except, it’s Neil Diamond singing it]

Today is ‘free shipping day’ in online shopping… I didn’t even know there was such a thing…

In Downtown News:
2009 in review: Music, Streets, and all the [mostly] silly things we banned
2010 Wish list
The story behind the entryway mosaics

In Raleigh News:
The Barrel Monster builds again
Southwest is adding 3 more flights (thanks Charissa)
Byron Pitts [of 60 minutes] is going to be signing his new book at Quail Ridge on Friday (thanks Dan)

In Local-ish News:
They’re getting better at transplanting lungs
“He gave $40 of it to his mother and spent the other $60 on a Carolina Panthers jersey.”
A row boat…across the Atlantic Ocean…? (thanks @BonnieYarboro)


In Irrelevant News:
The Killers ‘Sam’s Town’ is most underrated album of 2009
Who wants a gross-o used toothpick??
2011 Audi A8 to come with Google Earth (thanks @gregoryng)

Events:
Wine Dinner at Vic’s tonight
The Nutcracker opens on Friday
Squirrel Nut Zippers are at Lincoln on Friday
The Connells are at the Pour House on Friday
Raleigh Ringers on Saturday
Chatham County Line on Saturday at Pour House
Rock and Shop moves to All Saints Chapel on Saturday
Gretchen Wilson is at City Limits on Saturday

What the Weather Holds:
Thurs: Sunny. 50° 27°
Fri: Cold and drizzly. 40° 30°
Sat: Cloudy and cold. 37° 33°


Fun Stuff:
What are your odds of a white Christmas?
"Seriously, Radiohead is the Tim Tebow of the music press, and it's time to move on."
Those houses are made of gingerbread?! (thanks @gregoryng)

‘Killing Santa’ – The Movie [youtube] (thanks Mike)
What if someone had stolen baby Jesus?
“it uses regenerative braking to turn any bike into a hybrid and connects to a smartphone to serve as a personal trainer and navigator”

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
That is a commitment to grilled cheese…


Happy Thursday folks – you’re almost there!


Ashton Mae Smith

www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

have yourself a merry merry christmas

have yourself a good time, but remember the kids who got nothing, while you’re drinkin down your wine… (thanks Michael)

In Downtown News:
Rock and Shop is Saturday
A beer truck got stuck on Peace St (thanks Dan)
I cannot tell you how many times WE tried to build an igloo... perhaps we should have left the ‘blocks’ out of it…

In Raleigh News:
I don’t know anyone in Raleigh getting richer…
Local folks running with the Olympic torch
Falls River is getting a pub

In Local-ish News:
Cree is getting an exhibit at the Smithsonian
Man – I hattttte when that happens!
They found ‘super-earths’


In Irrelevant News:
Shoes for cheap.[er].
Free pancakes are coming
Susan Boyle is most popular on YouTube

Events:
‘A Christmas Carol’ is on its last right and tickets are still available!
Meatloaf night at Tir na nOg tonight
Wine Dinner at Vic’s tomorrow
The Nutcracker opens on Friday
Squirrel Nut Zippers are at Lincoln on Friday
The Connells are at the Pour House on Friday
Raleigh Ringers on Saturday
Chatham County Line on Saturday at Pour House
Rock and Shop moves to All Saints Chapel on Saturday

What the Weather Holds:
Snow this weekend?
Wed: Sunny. 48° 35°
Thurs: Sunny. 50° 27°
Fri: Cold and drizzly. 43° 27°


Fun Stuff:
TackyChristmasYards.com
Funny signs
PassiveAgressiveNotes.com

PhotoshopDisasters.com
LettersofNote.com
More Chicago climbing

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Did they really need him to explain why he said he was a secret agent?


It’s hump day! Have a good one…


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

it's christmas time in hollis queens

mom's cooking chicken and collard greens, rice and stuffing, macaroni and cheese, and santa put gifts under christmas trees… (thanks Michael)

today is pretty boring news wise…if I were you’d id probably just skip rigggght down to fun stuff…as there is a lot of it.

In Downtown News:
Shop local for the holidays
We saved a lot of money on the Justice Center
Burning Coal is running ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

In Raleigh News:
Some news in the Transit world
You can get your own copy of the Comp Plan! Merry Christmas!! :)
The Cameron Village library has some events coming up

In Local-ish News:
Win some Ray-Bans
Whole Foods has a coupon site now
Oh North Carolina…you’re so good at bible thumping… (thanks J.Ross)


In Irrelevant News:
"I almost drowned laughing when I saw this the first time."
Using Twitter to track earthquakes
Kate and A-Rod splitting?

Events:
‘A Christmas Carol’ is still running!
Have you been Ice Skating yet?
Meatloaf night at Tir na nOg on Wednesday
Wine Dinner at Vic’s on Thursday

The Nutcracker opens on Friday
Squirrel Nut Zippers are at Lincoln on Friday
The Connells are at the Pour House on Friday
Raleigh Ringers on Saturday
Chatham County Line on Saturday at Pour House
Rock and Shop moves to All Saints Chapel on Saturday

What the Weather Holds:
Tues: Cloudy. 61° 49°
Wed: Sunny. 48° 35°
Thurs: Sunny. 50° 27°


Do Something Good:
Get a pretty scarf for a donation
Not enough? Do more.

Fun Stuff:
Watch all your favorite move clips free
PassiveAgressiveNotes.com
Another Muppet Video

Extreme diving and pretty pictures (thanks J.Ross)
Hippos eating crocs! And other cool pictures (thanks J.Ross)
Tips for signing holiday cards (thanks @rhodesian)

The Boeing 787 has its first flight today
Magic Highways – also with links to ‘Futurama’ from the 1939 World’s Fair
Hilarious Raisin Brain ad

What Should I Drink?
Christmas Light Hero
2Birds1Blog: Dr. Reuben's Q&A o' the Day

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
The North Face is suing The South Butt


Happy Tuesday!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

don't shoot me santa claus

i've been a clean livin' boy, i promise you, did every little thing you asked me to…

In Downtown News:
Natty Green’s [Raleigh] has started hiring
The Pullen train is running this weekend
Local artist spotlight

In Raleigh News:
Baileys has a few trunk shows this month
Walden books has a temporary store
NC Museum of Art and History are teaming up

In Local-ish News:
Mebane is getting outlets
Bennet Place is reenacting a Civil War Christmas
Imagine going from Portland to VA in 3 hours
In Irrelevant News:
Natty Boh is brewed in NC now?!?! – and there is Boh Ice?!?
Monkeys talk a lot like people?
Austrians hate Santa

Events:
‘A Christmas Carol’ is still running!
Have you been Ice Skating yet?
Meatloaf night at Tir na nOg on Wednesday
The Nutcracker opens on Friday
Squirrel Nut Zippers are at Lincoln on Friday
The Connells are at the Pour House on Friday
Raleigh Ringers on Saturday
Chatham County Line on Saturday at Pour House
Rock and Shop moves to All Saints Chapel on Saturday

Mark your Calendars:
Rosebuds and Megafaun are playing a show in January
McKinney’s Battle of the Bands will be May 15

What the Weather Holds:
Mon: Foggy then Cloudy 59° 40°
Tues: Drizzly 64° 49°
Wed: Sunny. 48° 38°


Fun Stuff:
Gourmet Library
TeuxDeux
Whack a Banker!

Cool Subway architecture
12 cities that have been destroyed and rebuilt
5 kinds of beer drinkers

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Thanks for not selling me for a sell phone mom and dad (thanks J.Ross)


Happy Monday folks! Hope everyone had a great weekend!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

some thought he had religion

others thought he had a demon, harrv thought he had a weed eater loose in his fruit of the looms… (Happy Birthday Caitlen!!)

again, sorry about the delay – to make up for it, I gave you extra almost everything. Enjoy the weekend! Thanks to everyone who made it out for Jingle Ball last night – I believe over 2,400 toys were collected.

In Downtown News:
Finnnnnnnnnnally, the Vics boys are getting the new pizza place thing happening
2009 in review
Goodnight, Raleigh!
More than 150k people have ridden the R-Line

In Raleigh News:
Yancey’s will open on New Years
The Long Branch is reopening
Mixed use project near Crabtree?
A neat private school initiative in Durham

In Local-ish News:
7000 soccer playing boys are in town this weekend…
A Raleigh based sauce is going to Australia! Yummy kangaroos! :)
An RTP connector?
It’s a good thing Raleigh isn’t a “College Town” – we’d totally have won this. (thanks Tim)


In Irrelevant News:
If he’s too heavy to cremate, who’s going to carry the casket?
T.Rex had a tiny cousin
George Stephanopoulos is going to ‘Good Morning America’

Events:
Cinderella opens tonight
The Breakfast Club is at Lincoln tonight
Daniel Tosh is at Meymandi tonight
Old Habits Holiday party tonight at Pour House
Oakwood Candlelight Tour is this weekend
International Christmas Market at Seaboard Station this weekend
The Mordecai Lantern Tour is happening Saturday

Mark Your Calendar:
A Museum of Art Contemporaries New Year! (thanks Steve)

What the Weather Holds:
Fri: Sunny. 42° 28°
Sat: Mostly Sunny. 47° 22°
Sun: Rainy and cold. 45° 35°


Do Something Good Today:
I’ve done this before, but it’s a good time of year to do it again


un Stuff:
It’s Lovely, I’ll Take it!
More Chicago climbing
Super Cool Dancin Video! (thanks Karla)

Ever wondered what a Japanese typewriter looks like?
They’ll write your love song for you
RandomCreepyGuy.com

WhenIHadBraces.com
SketchySantas.com [Steve, you on here yet??]
IHateMyParents.com

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
That’s how they do it down in Louiss-i-ann…


Have a great weekend!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

feels like you're always coming up last

pockets full of nothing, ain’t got no cash…

In Downtown News:
Edelweiss Café is open for real (thanks Christina)
City Market will getting a shoe store and a Spa! (thanks Christina)
Kate Gosslin was in town… [okay, I know, this is more aptly filed under irrelevant…sorry.]

In Raleigh News:
Disney on Ice, 4 for $40 (thanks Charissa)
Forbes doesn’t love us, but other folks do!
Where is Clay Aiken registered to vote? [yeah, I know this is in the wrong spot too…]

In Local-ish News:
Winston-Salem is getting Street Cars??
Those folks in Virginia came to their senses… (thanks J.Ross)
Let it be noted…don’t mix the stuff you dip your gum in… (thanks J.Ross)


In Irrelevant News:
Record labels pirate music too… (thanks J.Ross)
The ole ‘fake a heart attack to scare your burglar’ Trick (thanks J.Ross)
I’m pretty sure that is ‘drink riding’, - that horse knows where home is… (thanks J.Ross)

Events:
‘A Christmas Carol’ runs all week!! Saw it last night. Per usual, loved it.
Flying Saucer is doing a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser tonight – all the proceeds from LoneRider sales go to Habitat
Jingle Ball is coming Thursday
Local Beer Local Band on Thursday
The Breakfast Club is at Lincoln on Friday
Daniel Tosh is at Meymandi on Friday
Old Habits Holiday party on Friday at Pour House
Oakwood Candlelight Tour on Saturday
International Christmas Market at Seaboard Station this weekend

Mark your calendars:
A new City Museum exhibit in January

What the Weather Holds:
Wed: Disgusting and then better. 66° 50°
Thurs: Sunny. 50° 38°
Fri: Mostly Sunny. 44° 27°


Fun Stuff:
Climbing tall buildings in Chicago!
"415. The pleats on a cummerbund face up."
Fun old skiing pictures – check out JFK Jr. and that dog!

The Photography of Dorothea Lange
The Complete Far Side
Yule Log On Demand (thanks Meagan)

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
I hate when casinos get me drunk and make me gamble 127 million dollars (thanks J.Ross)


Today’s email was brought to you by J.Ross, Jingle Ball, and the letter Z. Happy Wednesday folks, hope everyone’s boat held up on the way to work…



Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

gentleman caller in the blue suede shoes

he don't know what to do, he just wants to look good for you…

In Downtown News:
There is a new Raleigh Times menu
Bring non-perishables to the tree lighting on Tuesday
Jingle Ball is coming Thursday
Mosquito has changed ownership and will become ‘Liquid Lounge’ in the Spring (thanks Andy)

In Raleigh News:
Tavola Rossa is now Crabtree Tavern
Its ‘Coats for the Children’ time
WUNC has an iPhone app now

In Local-ish News:
Like shopping local?
Wrightsville is getting a new marathon
‘"I don't want to beat him, but arguments are inevitable and I can't help myself," his wife told the newspaper.’ (thanks J.Ross)


In Irrelevant News:
Check out Richard Branson’s Space Ship
‘A guy said, “What do you want?” I said: “Mind your own business. I want an Irish bar.”’
Who’s insurance doesn’t cover ‘Acts of Cow’? (thanks J.Ross)

Events:
‘A Christmas Carol’ opens tonight!!
Flying Saucer is doing a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser on Wednesday
Local Beer Local Band on Thursday
The Breakfast Club is at Lincoln on Friday
Daniel Tosh is at Meymandi on Friday
Old Habits Holiday party on Friday at Pour House
Oakwood Candlelight Tour on Saturday
International Christmas Market at Seaboard Station this weekend

What the Weather Holds:
Severe weather tonight?
Tues: Cloudy, storms late 47° 40°
Wed: Stormy, cloudy. 63° 42°
Thurs: Sunny. 50° 38°


Fun Stuff:
“I was Accidentally Racist #235234”
Unsubscribe (thanks Meagan)
Colored Bubbles? Sign me up.

National Geographic 2009 Photo Winners (thanks @samhlee)
Bicycle Boulevards
‘Taking your relationship with Santa to a whole new level’

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Ah geez…I can’t even come up with something clever for this... (thanks Karla)


Hooorayyyy Tuesday….



Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

i got that girl from overseas

now she’s my miss america, can I be her soldier please… [really cute video project, take a look] (thanks Antoine)

In Downtown News:
The amphitheatre site plan is posted
Rosengarten Park news [with comments from Dan!]
Noted, no breaking into the Capitol…

In Raleigh News:
Eric Clapton is coming to RBC (thanks Charissa)
The NCMA released their new logo
The Hillsborough Street Bike Lane debate continues...

In Local-ish News:
FullSteam brewery needs an artist
Airport changes
They got fake elves in Jorja. (thanks J.Ross)


In Irrelevant News:
Reagan on your iPhone? (thanks J.Ross)
iPhone Orchestra ready for debut
Obama honors Springsteen

Events:
‘A Christmas Carol’ opens on Tuesday!
Flying Saucer is doing a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser on Wednesday Hooray charity drinking!
Jingle Ball is Thursday!!
Local Beer Local Band on Thursday
The Breakfast Club is at Lincoln on Friday
Daniel Tosh is at Meymandi on Friday
Old Habits Holiday party on Friday at Pour House
Oakwood Candlelight Tour on Saturday
International Christmas Market at Seaboard Station this weekend

What the Weather Holds:
Mon: Chance of Rain 50° 27°
Tues: Cloudy 52° 34°
Wed: Rainy and cold. 63° 45°


Fun Stuff:
20 things worth knowing about beer (thanks @gregoryng)
Bob Dylan singing ‘it must be christmas’ (thanks Jessica)
5 worst inventions of 2009

You can get the new Buffett album for $3.99 today
Clever Holiday set up… (thanks @ocell)
The Dumbest Kitchen Tool Ever

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
I love when my drugs look like Barack… (thanks J.Rosss)


Hope everyone had an excellent weekend!!


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

silk suit, black tie, i don't need a reason why

they come runnin' just as fast as they can, cause every girl is crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man…


Get a weird fact everyday, compliments of a J.Ross find… - today we learn that a ‘hobbit’ of wheat is heavier than a ‘hobbit’ of oats.

In Downtown News:
Tyler shot a fun promo video for Winterfest (thanks Tyler)
Wondering where to go tonight? Follow Donna’s trail and the NewRaleigh folks have some ideas too
Did you know the Christmas tree at the Capitol is the ‘Tree of Life’ – but in a totally morbid kind of way… (via @rootrootroot)

In Raleigh News:
Groan. Of course this guy is local and I made fun of this…
Imagine being run over by a herd of deer
An update on the Triangle Expressway

In Local-ish News:
Chatham Hill Winery is highlighted in the NY Times (thanks Charissa)
“Normally the only way people of modest means come into a sudden fortune in Europe is through the lottery…” Please. Everyone has billionaire relatives. (thanks J.Ross)
The World Cup will be filmed in 3D


In Irrelevant News:
Is ‘Black Peter’ outdated? (thanks Brian)
Someone has been watching too many old westerns (thanks J.Ross)
Perhaps they overreacted… (thanks J.Ross)

Events:
A Barbie exhibit opens tonight at NC Museum of History (thanks Charissa)
Issac Hunter’s Tavern is open too
Organ Symphony tonight at Meymandi
Jingle Bell Walk/Run is Saturday
David Allan Coe is at Lincoln tonight
American Aquarium is at the Pour House Saturday
17th Annual Art Walk on Sunday

Some First Friday Plugs:
Brooke is showing/selling jewelry at Art House 444
Annemarie is at the new Flanders and Adam Cave
Hipsteria Modern is having a furniture sale starting tonight



What the Weather Holds:
Snow tomorrow? Or more likely just cold rain…
Fri: Partly Cloudy. 54° 35°
Sat: Rainy. 44° 44°
Sun: Sunny. 48° 29°

Fun Stuff:
So you think you know Pasta?
A new kind of Auction website
USB Handwarmer and massager…

The Evolution of the Hipster (thanks @embalog)
Personalized earbuds
Super cool pictures of birds [yeah, I said that…]

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Miley Cyrus has never heard a Jay Z song (thanks @ladyejane)

Today’s Sign We Just Might Make It After All:
Robber pays back store owner (thanks J.Ross)


Happy Friday folks! Hope to see lots of you out and about this evening!



Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

please her, please him, buy gifts

don't steal, don't lift, twenty years of schoolin', and they put you on the day shift… (thanks Michael)


In Downtown News:
Council voted to move forward on new projects
In case you’ve missed it – Winterfest is this Friday
Downtown via skateboard?

In Raleigh News:
Bella Monica is staying for another 10 years (thanks Donna)
More on the whole Time Warner thing
The NC Chamber is going to stop producing its magazine

In Local-ish News:
CVS will stop selling Energizer batteries?
Ancient Byzantine port discovered while building transit hub
World Cup seedings are released


In Irrelevant News:
‘Blood Don’t Sign my Name’ is out in February
So you’re telling me I can get vodka in a pill?? Merry Christmas indeed. (thanks Kelly)
Ronnie Wood was arrested for assault

Events:
Thursday LoneRider Brewing releases a new Pale Ale tonight at The Pit [with Old Habits Playing]
Old Avenue CD Release Party at Deep South tonight
Burning Coal brings you ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ tonight
It’s First Friday
Winterfest is Friday with Michelle Branch
Jingle Bell Walk/Run is Saturday

Mark your Calendars:
That ‘boom, boom, pow’ is coming to RBC Feburary 19 (thanks Charissa)

What the Weather Holds:
Thurs: Sunny. 61° 44°
Fri: Partly Cloudy. 54° 38°
Sat: Rainy. 42° 41°


Fun Stuff:
A cool Blackberry shopping comparison app
What the 12 days of Christmas costs now (thanks Mike)
San Francisco circa 1905

2birds1blog
Nikon Girl and Cannon Guy
Hellllllo Chicago.

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Tweeting from the Alter See Tera, it could have been okay if Tom did it…. (thanks Colin)


Almost there folks…hang in there…


Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

johnny was a schoolboy

when he heard his first beatles song, 'love me do,' i think it was…


In Downtown News:
There will be sledding at Winterfest too!
Green Square updates
What you missed when you weren’t looking at the sky

In Raleigh News:
More tracks found on Hillsborough Street
Ruths Chris is going to offer lunch in December
Pet adoptions for $25 during December – thanks for that.

In Local-ish News:
Some pretty scarves that raise funds for burn victims – do good things, check em out! (thanks Karla)
‘Critter Crossings’ being built in Brunswick County
The ‘Circle Line’ in London will be broken


In Irrelevant News:
I want to get paid to study ‘counting ants’ (thanks Dad)
A new video of Marilyn Monroe is out…
Google is taking away free news

Events:
Thursday LoneRider Brewing releases a new Pale Ale Thursday at The Pit
Old Avenue CD Release Party at Deep South on Thursday
Burning Coal brings you ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ on Thursday
It’s First Friday
Winterfest is Friday with Michelle Branch
Jingle Bell Walk/Run is Saturday

Mark your calendars:
Old Habits Christmas Party December 11 (thanks Craig)

What the Weather Holds:
Wed: Rainy and cold. 59° 36°
Thurs: Partly Cloudy. 61° 44°
Fri: Partly Cloudy. 52° 38°


Fun Stuff:
Minimalist TV Posters
Turn your cassettes into MP3’s (thanks Manning)
The ‘Rules of Shotgun’

Atlas of True Names – very cool.
Autocompleteme.com
The First Church of Tiger Woods has disbanded (thanks Tim)

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Yeah, and I don’t even ‘like’ vodka…


Well, it’s a rainy Wednesday…enjoy it!



Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com

i'm just a little bit heiress

a little bit irish, a little bit tower of pisa whenever i see you…

wow – lots and lots going on today!

In Downtown News:
We finally reached a deal for our amphitheatre! (thanks Dan)
Jimmy John’s opens today in City Plaza (thanks Charissa)
A new park for Downtown and more (thanks Donna)

In Raleigh News:
Business is down on Hillsborough Street
Raleigh is a ‘best’ city for drivers?
All the other laws that go into effect today

In Local-ish News:
Ginny gives us the run down on holiday happenings in the triangle
Some TTA buses are getting WiFi
Ireland is not getting an extra World Cup spot


In Irrelevant News:
What’s next for the Harry Potter kids?
I’m tryin to be a ‘tweeter in residence’
The scoop from the White House party crashers

Events:
WRAL is lighting up that tower tonight at 6 – hoorah.
Cirque Dreams starts tomorrow
Thursday LoneRider Brewing releases a new Pale Ale Thursday at The Pit
Old Avenue CD Release Party at Deep South on Thursday
Burning Coal brings you ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ on Thursday
It’s First Friday
Winterfest is Friday with Michelle Branch
Jingle Bell Walk/Run is Saturday

What the Weather Holds:
Tues: Sunnier. 58° 38°
Wed: Rainy and cold. 59° 36°
Thurs: Partly Cloudy. 60° 44°


Fun Stuff:
Why you should be at Jager Ball this weekend
Lovely Listing
Muppet’s doing Bohemian Rhapsody [hasn’t this been around for ages?] (thanks Daniel)

Color your iMac product
Nintendo Monopoly
Make your own touch screen friendly gloves

Today’s Sign of the Impending Apocalypse:
Don’t worry, Cabell made the flight and Manning is out of jail…for now.


Fingers crossed, cabell doesn’t read this far down…. :)

Happy Tuesday folks!



Ashton Mae Smith
www.beraleighblog.com
www.glenwoodagency.com