Football Players + BB Guns

I feel like I'm the only one who's noticed this so far:

Oct. 8, 2014 - No. 19 ECU suspends 3 after BB gun incident

Seven days later...

Oct. 15, 2014 - NC State suspends seven players following BB gun incident

Are these kids all from the same small town or something? I can't for the life of me remember any of my college cohorts entertaining themselves with BB guns.

Get it together, y'all.

It's Game Week

...and no matter the outcome of the game, I know it's going to be a great tailgate when it starts with an email like this:

To be a State fan takes real character, it just makes you stronger. So when you all have kids and Uncle Evan is teaching them this, you'll appreciate that I'm doing it to help make them a better person.

Who's ready for a little Wolfpack vs. Tar Heel football, y'all?!


image via PACK NIPS HEELS at SportsPosterWarehouse.com

By the way, that picture was taken during my (super) senior year at State. What a great win that was to see in person! Let's go for another W, Wolfpack!

I'm Still Here...

...just doing a lot of working (and I do mean A LOT), social events and weddings, tailgating, and the like. It is that time of year, again. I've also been DVRing a lot of 5 Ingredient Fix with Claire Robinson on Food Network. (I promise I'll explain next why that's related.)

Back to the tailgating!
I served up these two recipes, courtesy of Claire, for the NCSU vs. S. Alabama tailgate last weekend:
Brie and Onion Puff
Memphis Banana Bites

They went so quickly, I didn't even get pics. One suggestion? On the Memphis Banana Bites, I cut down on time in a big way by spreading the banana chips out on wax paper in the bottom of a 9x13 glass pan and poured the chocolate and peanut butter melt all over the top. I let it cool and then let my fellow tailgaters break off pieces (like a bark) to enjoy at their own pace. Perfection!

I think I'm going to take these next week fr the NCSU vs. GT tailgate (before I leave early for Brandon and Tiffany's wedding!): Spicy Baked Chickpeas.

What are your meatless tailgate favorites?

So Many Options this Weekend

The only problem will be finding time for them all!

Retail, etc.

SmartMomma Grand Opening (in their new location!)
Saturday - 9/25 - 10:00am until 6:00pm
http://smartmomma.com/Locations-Raleigh-NC-sp-6.html
First 100 families to arrive are getting a nice free gift, which may or may not include a VERY nice discount from SmartMomma's neighbors at Fred's Beds. Just throwing that out there... ;-)

Downtown Designers Market (is back!)
Saturday - 9/25 - 9:00am until 3:00pm
http://www.designersdowntownmarket.com/
Jewelry, crafts, apparel, and other fab vendors in the Ornamentea parking lot!

The Green Chair Project Fall Furnishings Drive
Saturday - 9/25 - 9:00am until 1:00pm
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/greenscene/green-chair-project-holds-fall-furniture-drive
http://www.thegreenchair.org/
Got stuff? Donate it to keep it out of landfills - and help those who need it!

Festivals

Ray Price Capital City Bike Fest
Friday and Saturday - 9/24 and 9/25 - 10:00am until 10:00pm
http://CapitalCityBikeFest.com/
I don't personally "ride", but my family and LOTS of friends do... so I'm always game for going along for partaking in the sights, food, and fun.

Hillsborough Street Reopening
Saturday - 9/25 - 1:00pm until 10:00pm
http://hillsboroughstreet.org/event/
http://www.technicianonline.com/news/campus-buffer-to-get-proper-reopening-1.2337841
In true Raleigh fashion, let's close a street to traffic to celebrate it being re-opened to traffic. (It's what we do.)

Triangle Uncorked
Saturday - 9/25 - 2:00pm until 6:00pm
http://www.triangleuncorked.com/
Wine tasting event benefiting the Frankie Lemmon Foundation and Rotary!

Talking Football Already?

What's that you say? There are less than 2 weeks until college football starts?

How did this happen??

(And where did my summer go?)




GO PACK!

PS - For those who are wondering, I did not renew my season tickets this year. Our schedule is kind of lame, honestly. Between the games at UNC that Nick has season tickets for - and Thursday night games usually being hard to get to in a timely fashion - it just didn't make sense. But I'll be buying some single game tickets, as available!

Welcome to Alum Status, Sis!

I swear NCSU made the grad attire red just so she couldn't reuse mine (which was black).

And while she may be an undergrad alum, she's heading back to NCSU in the fall for four more years. At the end of those four years and a board certification or two, you may call her Dr. Mandy and you will take your puppies and kitties to her for all their TLC and veterinary needs... when she's not taking care of the Army's animals!



If you didn't know, I'm her official part-time paparazzi. You can peruse 153 photos here :-)

PS - I realize I'm a weekend and some change late on this post, but the day after graduation she and her pals hopped on a cruise from Florida to Mexico, then she came home and hopped in a car bound for Atlantic City, and then flies back tomorrow and then goes to D.C. for the weekend... so she won't see this until next week (or today on facebook) anyways. Who knew she'd graduate and become a lady of leisure?

Let's Go Pack!

If you're not in Wolfpack Country, the statement "Let's Go Pack!" might mean that you're about to go somewhere. For those of us who are in Wolfpack Country... it means we hope to go somewhere with our TEAM! ;-)

Tomorrow is the NCSU vs. UNC basketball game and I am co-hosting one of the Alumni Association's three Raleigh-area watch parties. If you're a fan (alumni or not), please come hang out and feel free to bring some friends!

Wake County NC State Alumni Network
Choose the game-viewing party closest to you!

Join local alumni and fans as we cheer on the Pack against the UNC Tarheels this Saturday. We'll be at three locations for the 4 p.m. tip-off.

Bucks Sports and Spirits at 5625 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh 27612. Click here to register.

Backyard Bistro at 1235 Hurricane Alley Way, Raleigh 27607. Click here to register.

Kickback Jacks at 1405 Garner Station Boulevard, Raleigh 27603. Click here to register.

Are you Red & White for Life?
Your Alumni Association membership supports the Wake County NC State Alumni Network. Your membership is important! Join at www.alumni.ncsu.edu.
PS - I will be at the Kickback Jack's location! I have facebooked/tweeted about this place before. It replaced the Rock Ola Cafe in the Raleigh/Garner area. It's a great sports bar with a huge menu selection. And it is ALWAYS packed. Come see what the hype is about - they've reserved half of the heated patio for us!

Add This to Your Christmas List

I was debating whether or not to blog about this, but it's gotten a TON of attention on my facebook... so apparently the people approve!



My question to my twitter/facebook friends was this, "Do you think my Tarheel boyfriend would kill me if my car played the NC State fight song when I unlock the doors?"

The press release I read about the Motor Mouth includes the following:

"Looking for the perfect gift that someone will enjoy long after the holiday season is over? Look no further than Motor Mouth, the product that can turn anyone's car or truck into a personal broadcast system. The product, which gives individual vehicles a unique ringtone so owners can tell the world what they are passionate about, is available in several sound series including hunter and sportsman, specific colleges, auto racing, barnyard, holiday and several others."

"Sounds available include: Sportsman Series: wild turkey (NWTF Licensed), duck commander, wild boar, goose, deer, duck and elk. Sports fans can enjoy the "Start Your Engines" race series or baseball, while the lifestyle series offers holiday sounds, barnyard animal sounds, horse sounds and hound dog sounds. The company also has exclusive rights with NC State University, East Carolina University, West Virginia University and University of Tennessee to market the sounds unique to those schools, including the school's fight songs."After several "likes"' and amusing comments on facebook, it appears that boys AND girls are a fan of this. I imagine people would have a fit over it in the parking lot at the NCSU vs. UNC game this weekend.

I personally don't need to attract any more wildlife than necessary (the deer are everywhere this year, drive safe!), but I do like the selection they have and think my car should play the NC State Fight Song... or maybe something NASCAR (I prefer "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity" over "Start your engines", but I guess DW has that trademarked!).

If you are so inclined, you can check out their website.


{PS} This blog post was not endorsed or sponsored by Motor Mouth, nor am I employed by them - I just thought it was kinda cool. Lucky for them, huh?

Toys for Tots and the Wolfpack!

Toys for Tots is a campaign that my family and I have participated in through various groups over the years (for example: the Ray Price Harley-Davidson Toys for Tots Toy Run).

Here's another great opportunity to do a little good while having a lot of fun!

via GoPack.com

NC State head football coach Tom O’Brien expects his players to be champions in the classroom, in the community and on the football field. As part of that effort, the NC State football program announced today that it will be partnering with Coca-Cola and Harris Teeter to collect new toys and donations throughout the 2009 football season to benefit the U.S. Marine Corp’s Toys for Tots campaign.

During each game this season, Coca-Cola will donate $500 to the NC State/Toys for Tots Fund for every touchdown the Wolfpack scores. At the conclusion of the season, representatives from the Wolfpack football program will use the funds to purchase toys that will be donated to Toys for Tots and distributed to needy children. During the 2008 season, Coca-Cola contributed $17,000 for the 34 Wolfpack touchdowns scored.

Coca Cola will also join with Harris Teeter throughout the Triangle to set up drop-off locations for fans to donate toys. From November 5 - December 10, Toys for Tots/Coca-Cola displays with toy-donation bins will be located in Raleigh-area Harris Teeter locations. Fans can drop off new toys to any of the participating Harris Teeter locations (see below for list of locations.)

Football fans in the Triangle will have an additional opportunity to donate to the cause when NC State hosts Clemson at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, November 14. A toy drive will take place in the Wolfpack Fan Zone, located in front of the RBC Center. Coca-Cola and Toys for Tots representatives will be on hand to collect toys in the Wolfpack Fan Zone up until kick-off. Although all toy donations are appreciated, new toys for toddlers ages 2-4 and pre-teens ages 10-12 are needed most. Cash donations will also be accepted at the stadium gates until kick-off, and at the toy donation area in Fan Zone. Fans donating a new toy or a cash gift at the Fan Zone on game day will also receive a free 2 Liter from Coca-Cola and Harris Teeter.Visit GoPack.com/ToysForTots over the season for updates or ToysforTots.org for information at events in your area and how to get involved!

PS - Kudos to game-day beverage Coca-Cola for it's season-long commitment to this program!

Zac Brown Band Coming to Cary

It's a little messed up that they backed out of the State Fair, but I guess I won't hold a grudge... and will still put their next local show on my calendar.

Via ZBB email today:

The Breaking Southern Ground Tour 2009
Kicking off September 24th in Cary, NC.

Tickets on sale August 14th, 2009
(Thanks for the advance notice guys... *insert sarcastic look here*.)Thank goodness it's a Thursday concert and doesn't interfere with weddings (Nikki and Randy's that weekend) and wait for it... college football (NCSU vs. Pittsburgh)!

So Appropriate

UNC is playing right now, actually.

Received this funny little story via email today... and it's SO appropriate.

Two boys in Raleigh were playing basketball when one of them was attacked by a rabid Rottweiler. Thinking quickly, the other boy ripped a board off a nearby fence, wedged it into the dog's collar and twisted it, breaking the dog's neck.

A newspaper reporter from the News & Observer witnessed the incident and rushed over to interview the boy. The reporter began entering data into his laptop, beginning with the headline: "Brave Young Tar Heels Fan Saves Friend From Jaws Of Vicious Animal."

"But I'm not a Heels fan," the little hero interjected..

"Sorry," replied the reporter. "But since we're in North Carolina, I just assumed you were." Hitting the delete key, the reporter begins again, "NC State Fan Rescues Friend From Horrific Dog Attack."

"But I'm not a State fan either," the boy responds.

The reporter says, "I assumed everybody in this state was either for the Heels or the Wolfpack. What team do you root for?"

"I'm a Duke fan," the boy says, grinning widely.

Hitting the delete key, the reporter begins again, "Arrogant Little Yankee Bastard Kills Beloved Family Pet."Bwahaha. Hope you all enjoyed. Sorry Beaufort Belle... I'll try and pass along some Duke funnies for your house divided, too.

E-Waste Recycling Event at NCSU

I would to credit this to the source where I saw it first, but I can't remember where I saw it (a green blog, something NCSU, who knows)!

E-Waste Recycling Event

What can be recycled?
Pretty much anything you can plug in!

*Computers – CPU’s and laptops, main frames, peripherals
*Monitors – CRT’s and flat screens
*Telephones, Cell phones and Telephone systems
*Fax Machines and Central Office Equipment
*Printers and Copiers
*Banking and Financial Equipment
*Medical Equipment
*Rechargeable batteries
*Electronic Circuit boards and components
*Stereo Equipment, Games, PDA’s
*Televisions (There is a $5 fee per television)

Location: Centennial Campus
Directions: Main Campus Drive between Monteith Eng. Research Center & Corporate Research 1

Date: March 11th
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sponsored by: Synergy Recycling L.L.C., NCSU Waste Reduction and Recycling, S.E.E. NCSU
For more information, email recycling@ncsu.edu or check out the online event PDF (which includes all the information I posted here, but in a pretty flyer).

Such Cool News for Downtown Raleigh

This past weekend the R-Line* was launched. This week, NC State ties into the R-Line with WolfProwl.

Via The Howl - an email from NCSU's Student Body President

WolfProwl - NC State's connection to downtown Raleigh
For years, students have been seeking a way to access the incredible entertainment district that is downtown Raleigh. Starting this Thursday, WolfProwl will make that connection for thousands of NC State students.

Service will run 9pm-3am every Thurs.-Sat. and tie into the "R-line" downtown circulator serving:
-Glenwood South
-Convention Center
-Fayetteville Street
-Moore Square & more

Tapping existing Werewolf routes, service will include:
-Main Campus
-Hillsborough St.
-Greek Village
-Wolf Village
-Avent Ferry Rd.
-Gorman St. & more

Service will run approximately every 30 minutes. Until more definitive arrival/departure times are known, riders can use the online Transloc service to find their bus. For more info, maps, & rules, click here: http://ncsu.edu/wolfline.

Student government is hosting a kickoff event will at 8:30pm Thursday on the steps of Talley - click here for info: http://facebook.com/event.php?eid=50513004804.There are already tons of online updates about R-Line, so check those out, too!

*Here's a quick definition of the R-Line from the City of Raleigh:"The R-Line will connect employees, residents, conventioneers and other visitors in the central business district to retail and entertainment venues, restaurants and parking. Two environmentally friendly hybrid electric buses, both with 36 seats, will be used on the route.

The R-Line will run every 10 to 15 minutes. Hours of operation for the new service will be 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday."Yay!

PUMPED

While everyone is celebrating last night's UNC victory over Duke, let's be honest... both are tops... one was going to win. More importantly, let it be known that NCSU beat Wake!

And in even MORE fantastic news, look what came out today:

(Click to enlarge.)
Heck to the yes.

I have been agonizing over whether or not to renew my tickets. I know what most of you are thinking "umm, there's nothing to consider - get them already", but it's just that it's SO much money. Totally worth it, but still, so much money.

Scout.com and GoPack.com are reporting four weeks of opening at home (ie: half of the season will be warm weather tailgating!), 3 of those being evening games (tentatively), and NCSU vs. UNC on home turf on a holiday weekend.

I think the decision has already been made. Goodbye $900.00 - Hello season two in the end zone seats!

(Image: GoPack.com)

Local Legends: Coach Kay Yow

I cannot even begin to express how much I admire Coach Kay Yow and what an amazing inspiration she is to all of us here in Wolfpack Country. The following email came across my inbox this morning:

"You may have seen in today's paper that Kay Yow remains in the hospital. Her condition is very serious. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. This is yet another of many examples as to why our effort in cancer research is so critical."Here's wishing the best to Coach Yow - please keep her in your thoughts and prayers! To read more about her amazing career check out GoPack.com and her wiki.

Image Credit: WUNC.org.

Go Pack!

We may not be able to beat Duke in basketball (in Cameron), but we've still got better commercials.

PS - You see that brick (duh, it is State still) building over his left shoulder? That's where I spent all of my time in undergrad... the COT!

A Few Easy Ways to Help

I am so thankful for all the little things in life that can so often be taken for granted. I'm doubly thankful for always being surrounding (in college and out of college) by so many giving individuals, groups, and organizations!

Here are a few ways some of the NCSU Greek Life houses are making local contributions this week:

Pi Beta Phi
Our national philanthropy is literacy and the NC Delta chapter is holding a book drive this week to distribute among local partners that are making great strides in improving literacy in our community.

Any and all donations are welcome and will be accepted at the Pi Beta Phi house on Greek Court after this weekend's holiday break. (I'll be glad to pick up any donations from anyone in the area and deliver them, if needed!)

FIJI
The brothers of Phi Gamma Delta are holding a first-year event, Fiji's "Kill the Chill" clothing drive" to benefit local homeless shelters. The event will take place Tuesday, December 2nd, in the Brickyard.

Again, I'll be glad to drop any donations by for anyone who can't make it but would like to contribute.Please feel free to send any listings my way you'd like to share, too!

Homecoming Breakfast Brunch

SO many of my favorite people in this world are going to be back in Wolfpack Country this weekend for Operation T.O.B. - Homecoming 2008!

Game time? Noon... ugh. Another breakfast tailgate it is - hopefully not so chilly this time!

I'm going to experiment with this for the tailgate dish a la Lil Lisa (maybe I'll substitute raspberries or strawberries for the blueberries to keep it Wolfpack red!):

French Toast BakeI'll be sure to update after as to whether this resulted in a domestic adventure or a domestic misadventure!

You Stay Classy, Carter-Finley

Two thumbs up from me:

State Salutes the State
"When the Wolfpack football team ran out of the tunnel on Saturday, 'two Wolfpack players were given the honor of carrying onto the field the United States' flag and the flag of North Carolina,' writes our good friend James at Yet Another N.C. State Sports Blog.

'It was classy, respectful and mindful of who we are and what our role is as the Land Grant University of the state of North Carolina. We serve the state, first and foremost; this entrance echoes that mission.'"I like it.

Be sure to click through to find out how the players are selected to carry the flags on to the field.

Exciting News for Wolfpackers & V Foundation Supporters

Thanks for the email scoop to my favorite V Foundation volunteer, Aunt Deb!

Jimmy V Golf Classic returning to Triangle
from WRAL.com

"The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic is returning to the Triangle in 2009, with the golf tournament being held at the new N.C. State course and other events designed to highlight the fundraiser.

The classic started in Cary in 1993 and has raised millions for cancer research, organizers said. It moved to Pinehurst in 2007 and 2008.

The event will be Aug. 12-16, 2009 and commemorates former N.C. State basketball coach Jim Valvano. Valvano’s final season at State was in 1990 and he died of cancer in 1993.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research will introduce several new events to coincide with the annual golf tournament and black tie gala, including a V Wine & Spirits Celebration, a concert, and a cancer symposium at the new Raleigh Convention Center, organizers announced.

'We felt it was important to return the Classic to the Triangle where it started,' said Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation and brother of the late coach."Be sure to click through to read the full story with lots of great info.

While you're at it, visit the V Foundation's official website and sign-up to volunteer your time and talents with any of their great event throughout the year!