“People are always asking me where to take vacation. What’s a cool place? What’s the most scenic drive?”
WRAL News Anchor Bill Leslie attempts to answer those questions and others in his Carolina Conversations blog.
Today at 9:23 a.m.
Today is the deadline to sign up for our overflowing gift basket. Pledge to stay within two pounds of your normal weight over the holidays. All you have to do is post on this blog that you accept the challenge and you will be entered. In early January we will use the honor system to find out how many of the entrants met their goal and those will be eligible for the final drawing.
The gifts include four weeks of personal training from Tara Wind at Lifetime Fitness. The winner will also receive all of my CDs, my book Blue Ridge Reunion and many other treats you will love.
Tara, a registered dietitian offers the following tips to avoid explosive weight gain over Thanksgiving:
Cut the Fat!
Broil or Bake the turkey instead of frying. Eat light meat and don't have the skin.
Watch the gravy - it does not need to go on every food item.
Have pie without ice cream.
Eliminate sausage from stuffing....
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Nov. 19, 2009
Forgive me if this sounds like bragging but I wanted to tell you about my trip to Greensboro last week. I was summoned to the Proximity Hotel to receive an award from the North Carolina Travel Industry Association. It’s probably the most unusual award I’ve received in my ancient career as a journalist. It’s also one of the most satisfying.
The Charles Kuralt Award is given annually to someone who helps further a positive image about North Carolina. I can think of many people much more worthy of the award but I was delighted to accept it. T. Jerry Williams of Raleigh who presented the award said it was given to me for a combination of reasons – my work as a journalist at WRAL including this blog, my NC-themed songs and the book I wrote about growing up in western NC titled Blue Ridge Reunion.
Needless to say I was thrilled and deeply honored especially since Kuralt was one of my journalistic idols. I was fortunate enough to interview him just...
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Nov. 18, 2009
If North Carolina has a factory of fame it would have to be Wilmington. What in the world is in the water down there?
This week on WRAL’s Morning News on Fox 50 we have been saluting NC towns with famous residents. Wilmington has a wealth of celebrities.
Take a look at Wilmington’s list. Can you think of another town to beat it? Consider the following:
Though he was born in Brooklyn basketball superstar Michael Jordan grew up in the Port City.
Two of the greatest broadcast journalists of the 20th century were born in Wilmington: Charles Kuralt and David Brinkley.
Two NFL quarterback greats came out of Wilmington: Sonny Jurgenson and Roman Gabriel.
Harlem Globetrotters great Meadowlark Lemon was raised in Wilmington.
And Wilmington was also home to boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard.
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Nov. 17, 2009
It was truly an awkward moment. 6:55. WRAL's Morning News today. Kelcey Carlson and I introduced Bill Jordan and Lynda Loveland at Mix 101.5 WRAL-FM for their 45 second daily blurb on their popular morning show. Lynda launched into her pitch: 7 Ways to Get Rid of Muffin Tops.
I look at Kelcey and she looks at me. Neither one of us know what a “muffin top” is as referenced by Lynda. Brian Shrader to our left off-camera begins his best charade-like demonstration. We finally get it.
A "muffin top" is slang for flesh hanging out over a person's waistline. Synonyms include love handles and Dunlap Disease.
The internet is fertile ground for slang. New phrases are popping up every day. How do you keep up with it all?
Did you know what a muffin top was? What are some other phrases worth mentioning here?
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Nov. 16, 2009
I had forgotten how much a human being can love a dog.
We begin our third full week with Rufus. I love him more every day. I took this picture while playing with him in the backyard Sunday.
Our cock-a-poo puppy is beginning to exert his independence. He’s quicker than lightning. He visited two neighbors’ yards over the weekend before I could catch up with the rascal. He likes to hide out under my car. He doesn’t like the leash.
He has wild puppy spells. He zips around the house like a whirling dervish. He attacks all of his toys and dominates them with sheer force and determination. Then he melts in a furry ball of docility lapping up love, kisses and tummy rubs.
He’s pretty good about sleeping through the night now. His accident rate is on the decline. Puppy training will begin soon.
Rufus doesn’t like loud noises. All of those leaf blowers were starting to unnerve him.
He loves Cindy’s robe. He loves...
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