February 2004

Don't Drink the Water

No, I'm just exagerating. But maybe I will stock up on bottled water next week...

In the month of March, 2004 as in March of 2003, OWASA will again use chlorine instead of chloramines for disinfection. The purpose of this change, which occurs annually, is to help ensure a high level of disinfection in the community’s network of water mains.

North Carolina standards require OWASA, and other utilities that normally use chloramines for disinfection, to instead use chlorine for one month each year. For example, the Cities of Raleigh and Durham and Towns of Cary and Apex will also use chlorine for disinfection in March instead of chloramines.- OWASA Press Release

I have heard (and observed) that the tap water is pretty "hard" in my neighborhood. You can smell the chlorine when you turn on the shower, I even feel it drying out my skin. Is this really worse in Northside than other neighborhoods? One friend's theory had to do with proximity of the plant, but then folks in Carrboro would have it even worse.

Myth or Reality

I have been wondering for some time now how "liberal" Chapel Hill really is. It often seems as if our progressive reputation somehow gives us permission to do things we otherwise would be challenged for (like Nixon going to China).

For example, of all the critical issues addressed by the Town Council the one that I have seen bring the absolute biggest number of passionate protesters to Town Halln was the elimination of back-yard pick up. It was like armageddon would be upon us as soon as we rolled our garbage to the curb. In addition, the continued attempts to whitewash downtown so that suburbanites will feel more comfortable parking their large cars while ignoring the poverty that results from their greed is another prime example.

Finally, this very website has been deluged with postings from readers ranging from Republican to Libertarian. Progressive voices here are few. I suspect this may not be representative of the readership, or maybe I'm just deluded by the myth of a left-leaning community.

Springtime for Hitler in Raleigh?

Not quite. About 30 Nazi's came to Raleigh on Sunday to visit with their KKK pals. I'm proud that the opposition was led and populated largely by people from Orange County. The N & O put the ratio at about 20 protesters per Nazi.

The white supremacists marched onto the Capitol grounds to furious shouts from the protesters. Several wore brown uniforms reminiscent of Adolf Hitler's Third Reich. Three others donned Ku Klux Klan robes.

About a half-dozen speakers cited a wide range of complaints including interracial marriage, the war in Iraq and what they said was Jewish control of the media.- Raleigh N&O, 2/22/04

I guess you can add OrangePolitics to the list of Jewish-run media. Look out, I'm taking over!

Explore Carolina North on Sunday

I just received the following announcement from the Friends of Bolin Creek. Sounds like a fun and educational trip.

Friends of Bolin Creek Walk: The Impact of Carolina North on Bolin Creek Watershed

February 29, 2004 at 2:00 p.m.
Beginning at Seawell Elementary School Parking Lot

Walk the Ground!
See how UNC's Plans might impact the Land and Bolin Creek

For More Information
Call Dave Otto 966-6226 or Dave Cook 942-5315

UNC's Neighbors Getting Organized... Again

I was surprised to learn that yet another group, called "Neighborhoods for Responsible Growth," has come together in response to UNC development. I'm glad Northside is included for a change, but Timberlyne? Why not just admit that everybody in town will feel the brunt of Carolina North if/when it's built?

Although members said the group hopes to work on a range of issues that affect neighborhoods, the focus for now will be on the university's plans for the new campus. ...

The new group claims membership from neighborhoods including Elkin Hills; Mason Farm; Pinebrook Estates; Westside; Timberlyne; Gimghoul; Northside; Westwood; Colonial Heights; Homestead Village; Glen Heights; Coker Hills West; North Haven; Ironwoods; Northwoods V; and Greenwood.

The group had some initial meetings before the election last fall, [Mike] Collins said. But it's ramping up now in part because the council will take comments on March 1 on recommendations from its Horace Williams Citizens Committee on what the council should push for in reviewing plans for Carolina North. - Chapel Hill Herald, 2/25/04

Have Your Say on UNC Development

There are lots and lots of meetings relating to UNC's development plans, but this Monday is one not to miss. The Chapel Hill Town Council will hold public hearings on two issues that will define the future deliberations about Carolina North.

1. The report of the Horace Williams Citizens Committee (HWCC). This committee was charged with the task of advising the Council on issues related the Horace Williams tract and the University's development of it. The HWCC has worked on this report for over a year. It contains detailed goals and principles, from the econmic and environmental impacts to constuction phasing, transit plans, and neighborhood protection. This report should be used in the future to provide some support to the Council by demostrating the community's goals for this land.

Climate Change Forecast: Warmer but Still Snowy

They may have their tongues in cheek (it's hard to tell), but the editors of the Chapel Hill Herald today told us that "We know all about global warming. We just don't believe it."

The reason for this leap into irrationality: the several snow events that we've had this winter.

The Herald appears to be committing the common error of confusing climate with weather. Weather is the state of the climate at a given time and place. Climate describes long term weather patterns. Global warming is about climate change. Yesterday’s storm was the weather.

Among the impacts of climate change are increases in and changing patterns of precipitation. Increased precipitation during the winter, even at a degree or two warmer, will usually result in more snow.

New Stuff on OP.org

I just wanted to let folks know that I have made major improvements to the search engine for this site. You'll find it beneath the archives on the right side of every page. Speaking of the archives, there is now a "master archive" of all the posts on the site. That is listed after the topical and monthly archives also in the right-side navigation.

Enjoy!

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