Greensboro dancing, NC dance lessons, Dance classes, Dancing with stars, North Carolina dance studios, Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Tango, Foxtrot,Waltz, Cha Cha, Salsa

Greensboro dancing, NC dance lessons, Dance classes, Dancing with stars, North Carolina dance studios, Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Tango, Foxtrot,Waltz, Cha Cha, Salsa

Greensboro Dancing has reached a new height, one might say a celestial height, with Stellar Dancing.

Want to dance like the stars? Stellar Dancing provides dance instruction and coaching in Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Tango, Foxtrot, Waltz, Cha Cha, Salsa, Rumba and other popular dance steps. Stellar Dancing management has been involved in studio management and instruction in Greenboro, Orlando and Houston as well as in numerous competitions. World class resources are available if you are seeking the highest levels of competition and professionalism.

Stellar Dancing is a Greensboro, NC based dancing instruction and coaching company. Dancing with the Stars has brought dancing to the forefront of the American entertainment and nightlife scene. The word stellar evokes images of stars performing.

From the dictionary:

Stellar:  of or relating to the stars;

composed of stars;
of or relating to a theatrical or film star;

outstanding

From the website:
“At Stellar Dancing, we offer a wide range of instruction in Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Wedding, Freestyle, Jazz, Country-Western, and Hip-Hop including styles such as: Rumba, Cha Cha, Tango, Argentine Tango, East and West Coast Swing, Fox Trot, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, Cumbia, Samba, Merengue, Bolero, and Theater Arts.

We offer taylored programs for social dancing, weddings, individual, and athletic/fitness based instruction, choreography, and performance based instruction and training. No expensive dance packages or contracts. No obligations. Just enjoyable expert training with expert results. Contact us now and start learning how to dance today.”

http://stellardancing.com

Greensboro photography, Greensboro NC photography studios, Tate St coffee artwork

Greensboro photography, Greensboro NC photography studios, Tate St coffee artwork

Tate Street Coffee in Greensboro, NC is one of my favorite coffee shops in the country. Located adjacent to UNCG, it not only features great coffee but interesting artwork which often includes great photography. I ran into someone recently who I have known for many years, Richard Krol. As often is the case with me, I learned something about Richard I was not aware of. Not only is he a friend of a family member, but he is also an accomplished photographer. And not only is he an accomplished photographer, but he has captured on film some of my favorite images, memories from Tate St. Coffee.

Here is some information about Richard Krol.

Richard does portraits, snapshots, head shots, as well as pet photos. Richard’s photography covers many areas including art projects, time period photography (historical), model portfolio starters, and product/merchandise photography.  Richard also offers engagement and small wedding photography.

Richard Krol’s bio:

Richard was first exposed to photography over thirty years ago when he tagged along with his father who was taking a photography course in Virginia Beach, VA.  He was given an old 35mm and wandered around that summer snapping pictures of ducks, fish, and assorted lake life.  During this period he learned about black and white film developing and printing. In high school he received his first 35 mm that was his own and used it to document organizations in which he was involved.  That camera was the PENTAX K1000 (which he still has among his cameras).

With the advent of the digital age of photography Richard experimented with point and shoot digital cameras.  These cameras did not give the freedom of creativity that a SLR provided.  With the release of the PENTAX *ist D family he finally had his Digital SLR.  When the PENTAX K10D came out Richard was able to incorporate his older lenses and continues his use of PENTAX products.

        Richard has participated in several group showings in Greensboro, most recently at New York Pizza on Tate Street.  He also assists NYP by taking photos when requested.  Locally he has provided photography for print ads, for display in restaurants, and for local bands. Richard has also sold images in several countries via the Internet.

Visit Richard Krol’s website and view some of the incredible photos on display.

http://Krols.com

Richard Krol Self Portrait

NC energy, NC jobs, Green energy initiatives, Green Energy On-line grant, January 1, 2011

NC energy, NC jobs, Green energy initiatives, Green Energy On-line grant, January 1, 2011

From Green Energy On-line, December 29, 2010.

“On Saturday, January 1, 2011, we will be notified by the Pepsi Refreah Project team if our project application has been approved for voting. If approved, a link will be provided on this site as well as on our social media accounts such as Twitter and Facebook.

We have been very active in passive solar and wind energy research and development using our own limited finances and resources. The Pepsi Refresh Project grant money, if received, will jump start our efforts, especially our planned design for solar augmented wind energy. Our advanced wind energy design should open new markets in lower wind speed areas.

We have already been in discussions and tests with two local established small businesses and will use them in our projects. We will immediately inject cash into the local economy with the intent of putting more people to work locally and nationally with labor intensive installations of passive solar and wind energy.

We will be utiliziing some active solar as well as passive solar. What we are particularly attracted to is more effectively using wind energy. Let’s face it. Using active or passive solar alone with a best case scenario of about 8 hours a day on average is not a good cost vs benefit solution.”

http://greenenergyon-line.com/2010/12/29/pepsi-refresh-project-grant-voting-january-1-2011-green-energy-on-line-geo-energy-and-jobs/

The president of Green Energy On-line expects to be approved by the Pepsi Refresh Project team. They have been using their own money and resources thus far and regardless of whether or not they receive this grant money, they will move forward. The biggest innovations in this country came from small businesses like the Wright Brothers and Thomas Edison and without grants.

Pepsi Refresh Project voting begins January 1, 2011, GEO Green Energy On-line

Pepsi Refresh Project voting begins January 1, 2011, GEO Green Energy On-line

GEO, Green Energy On-line is a NC company developing and promoting simple passive solar and wind technology. Green Energy On-line currently has an application being reviewed by the Pepsi Refresh Project staff. If accepted, their project will be voted on by the general public.

From GEO,  Green Energy On-line, December 1, 2010.

“Our application for a Pepsi Refresh Project grant was submitted early this morning and received for review.”

“Project Vision.

The plan, already in place, is to promote simple, inexpensive passive solar solutions. A house built in 1910 is being adapted for wind energy & passive solar. The first wind generator installed with passive solar collectors will provide heat for the downstairs.Long terms plans are to fine tune the passive solar and to experiment with wind generators that produce electricity with lower wind speeds and solar heat assistance.
Ultimately the goal is to promote passive solar energy, the cheapest and most flexible of our abundant free energy. A byproduct of this effort will be putting people to work installing the solutions, which can be as simple as the window heat unit.
We are also working on the aesthetic aspect of passive and active solar. Too many of the existing products are an eyesore. We are brainstorming with another company to provide more aesthetically pleasing and more varied products which will allow more people to embrace this technology. ” 

http://greenenergyon-line.com/2010/12/01/pepsi-refresh-project-grant-december-1-2010-application-received-being-reviewed-additional-information/

How to vote:

“Voting for a Pepsi Refresh Project grant proposal is simple.

First

Login in first with your email address and password

or

Use your Facebook account information.

Who can vote?

Legal residents of the US states or District of Columbia, age 13 and older.

How to vote

10 votes per day are allowed. Each vote must be for a different project. Voting starts on the first of the month and continues through the last day of every month. Unused Votes do not roll over.”

http://greenenergyon-line.com/2010/12/06/pepsi-refresh-project-voting-how-to-vote-vote-for-geo-green-energy-on-line/

NC jobs, Green energy jobs, Solar energy, Wind energy, Passive solar, Weatherizaton, North Carolina Green Business Fund

NC jobs, Green energy jobs, Solar energy, Wind energy, Passive solar, Weatherizaton, North Carolina Green Business Fund

From GEO, Green Energy On-line November 22, 2010.

“Win win situations. Creating jobs, saving money and becoming more energy independent. What’s not to like?

That is what we believe. And that is what we are working on. GEO, Green Energy On-line, new company name for projects we have had in the works for a while and research that began in the 1970′s. We are focusing on passive solar and wind energy with some integration of active solar. Why? Because it is so simple and can be employed in existing and new home construction without major costs.

We are testing multiple passive solar strategies beginning with ones that are portable and smaller in scope. Our first and second passive solar projects are operational and providing heat. The first one feeds heat through a window passage. The second is attached to a crawl space opening and connected to ductwork. We are working on new designs that will be not only be cost effective but also unobtrusive and even attractive.

Our 2000 watt wind generator has been operational for over four months. As expected it produces electricity part of the time due to the lower wind speeds in the Piedmont of NC. However, it may come close to running as much as active solar panels. Remember, best case scenario, solar cells produce electricity on average 8 – 9 hours a day on sunny days.

We are working on a design that integrates solar and wind energy to drive a wind generator. This will greatly increase the output in lower wind areas and thus will make this option attractive to more people.

We are in the process of applying for a Pepsi Refresh Project grant. It is hoped that the public will see the value in our projects and in our vision for using down to earth simple techniques to take advantage of the “free energy” surrounding us, save money and put people to work. The beauty of spreading these simple technologies is that they will put many people to work in communities across our state and the nation.

Weatherization is another simple way to save money, become more energy independent and put people to work. A good friend of mine with a small electricial company is being very proactive in embracing new energy and energy saving technologies. He is currently updating his weatherization skills. We meet almost daily to discuss our projects. He has taken a keen interest in our projects and has helped on the installation.

The North Carolina Green Business Fund.

“As a State-authorized advisory board administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Board of Science and Technology encourages, promotes, and supports scientific, engineering, and industrial research applications in North Carolina.

The Board is focused on accelerating North Carolina’s next generation of technology and technology companies.

The Board works to investigate new areas of emerging science and technology and conducts studies on the competitiveness of North Carolina industry and research institutions in these fields.

The Board also works with the North Carolina General Assembly and the Governor to put into place the infrastructure that keeps North Carolina on the cutting edge of science and technology.

Created in 1963 (the first such organization in the US), the Board has been responsible for the creation of a number of internationally recognized initiatives to catalyze the transformation of the North Carolina economy by leveraging university research, science, entrepreneurship, and technology-based economic development.”

http://www.ncscienceandtechnology.com/about.htm

The North Carolina Green Business Fund has used up all funding for 2010. We will seek funding from them in the future. However, many politicians speak in platitudes about becoming energy independent and putting people to work. This is simple. I am reminded of efforts from the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison and others who, without initial government aid or prodding, persisted with hard work and changed the country and certainly created jobs.”

http://greenenergyon-line.com/2010/11/22/nc-jobs-green-energy-jobs-solar-energy-wind-energy-passive-solar-weatherizaton-north-carolina-green-business-fund/

Pepsi Refresh Project, Green Energy On-line grant application, Passive solar, Wind energy, NC company seeks Pepsico grant

Pepsi Refresh Project,  Green Energy On-line grant application, Passive solar, Wind energy, NC company seeks Pepsico grant

From the Pepsi Refresh Project.

“The Pepsi Refresh Project is an online grant program which makes available millions of dollars to be granted to projects which are intended to improve communities through an online, democratic voting process (“Grant Program“). The Grant Program is open to individuals, for profit organizations (which have a maximum of $25 million in annual revenue) and non-profit organizations (see Section 1 below for more eligibility requirements). The Grant Program consists of six (6) categories (1) HEALTH – fostering wellness; (2) ARTS & CULTURE – celebrating the arts; (3) FOOD & SHELTER – ideas for providing food and shelter for the community; (4) NEIGHBORHOODS – building better communities; (5) EDUCATION – helping people learn at any age; and (6) THE PLANET – ideas which help the planet (the “Categories“).”

Read more:

http://www.refresheverything.com/

From GEO, Green Energy On-line.

“GEO, Green Energy On-line is committed to the goal of advancing green energy, making it more affordable and putting people to work. To that end we are focusing primarily on a combination of passive solar and wind energy with the integration of some active solar. To speed this process up and as the old saying goes “we are not made of money,” we will be pursuing a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project. Our application is complete and awaiting the next window of application on December 1, 2010. If we are able to get our application accepted then, more information on how to vote will be provided. Please return often for updates on the grant application and ongoing projects.”

Read more:

http://greenenergyon-line.com

Michael Wells, Dancing Orlando, Stellar dancing with Michael, Kristin Wells brother

Michael Wells, Dancing Orlando, Stellar dancing with Michael, Kristin Wells brother

Michael Wells is a native of North Carolina and brother of HGTV Smartfix host Kristin Wells.

From Stellar Dancing:

Michael Wells, brother of HGTV Smartfix host Kristin Wells, and a star in his own right, will be at Fred Astaire Orlando for the Grand Opening on Friday, November 5, 2010. Michael brings his own style of stellar dancing to the studio as well as his other talents.

Michael Wells is a North Carolina native. Michael joined the Fred Astaire organization in 1997. Michael has worked in Banking, IT and Marketing during his interval away from Fred Astaire. He is currently managing the Fred Astaire studio in Orlando, FL.

Fred Astaire Orlando announcement:

Dancing Orlando.
Fred Astaire Orlando Open House Friday, November 5, 2010.
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM  

Reception, Hors D’Oeurvres , Performances. Free Admission.

RSVP to fadsflorida@Yahoo.com
to confirm attendance and availability.

Meet Michael Wells (brother of HGTV Smartfix host Kristin Wells) and other stellar dancing professionals. Learn to dance like the stars.

http://StellarDancing.com

Downtown Greensboro NC, Downtown Greensboro homes, Historic homes, Preservation Greensboro, Greensboro neighborhoods, College Hill, Bellemeade, Fisher Park, Aycock

From Preservation Greensboro:

“Treasured Places
Greensboro’s Most Treasured Places”

 
“There are few places that evoke such a diverse sense of Southern
American history as Greensboro. The cultural center of the Society
of Friends in the South gave birth to such notable personalities
as plucky First Lady Dolley Madison, the enigmatic writer O. Henry,
and pioneering broadcaster Edward R. Murrow. However, Greensboro’s
historical legacy is not limited solely to personalities. The city
has long been home to a large and vibrant African American
population, Southern Industrialists, and numerous institutions of
higher learning.”
“Economic and social upheaval of the Civil War capped growth in the
region until industrialists tapped the area’s low-wage labor pool,
efficient transportation system, and abundant cotton and tobacco
resources. With growth of the textile and cigarette industry in the
late nineteenth century, Greensboro’s population surged. This growth
resulted in the development of one of Greensboro’s hallmarks:
charming and well-defined neighborhoods such as College Hill,
Bellemeade, Fisher Park, and Aycock. A low-income housing crisis was
averted through establishment of self-contained mill villages
throughout the city that served burgeoning textile mills. The era
also saw growth of service sector jobs along South Elm Street,
illustrated by ambitious projects such as the Jefferson Standard
Life Insurance Headquarters, celebrated as the city’s first
skyscraper.”
“As Greensboro’s nineteenth century rail system facilitated the
city’s twentieth century manufacturing renaissance, industrial wealth
has endowed the city’s foundations and educational institutions to
great success. The city contains an inordinate number of generous
foundations that sponsor the development of parks, athletic
facilities, academic programs, and community arts initiatives. With
fewer headquarters and more back-office operations, Greensboro’s
future lies increasingly with its colleges and universities. The year
2008 will be Greensboro’s bicentennial, and though the city struggles
to assimilate its current identity with its future potential, its
soul is indelibly written in the facades and history of its treasured
places.”

Read More

Downtown Greensboro Homes

Charlotte observer, book reviews, Susan Wells, A game called Salisbury, snubbed?

There is a rumor circulating that the Charlotte Observer has snubbed Susan Wells, penname Susan Barringer Wells. Susan has written a new book, “A Game Called Salisbury.” The book is about the murder of the Lyerly Family in 1906 and the subsequent  arrest and later lynching of 3 sharecroppers. The book is also about racial attitudes in the south and the nation. There is a Charlotte connection beyond any racial aspects. The 3 prisoners were brought to Charlotte for their safety before the trial was to begin. After their return to the Rowan County jail, an angry mob, stirred up by outsiders, lynched the 3 men.

Book signings have been taking place all over the state and the Greensboro Daily News, The Asheville Citizen and Salisbury Post have written articles about Susan and the book. With the involvement of the Mecklenburg County Jail in the story and Susan’s ancestral roots going back over 250 years all around Charlotte, one would think that sufficient to warrant coverage. Is there some other reason? Is this just a unjustified rumor? Are there still remnants of racism in Charlotte? Charlotte Observer, do you have a response?

A Game Called Salisbury, Susan Barringer Wells, review by Professor George Tex Wood

Professor George Tex Wood of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College has provided a review of “A Game Called Salisbury”, the new book by Susan Barringer Wells:

“…Faulknerian in its revelations and observations of human nature, clearly spotlighting the question of real responsibility not just for active human evil, but also for spawning its activity. Those PEOPLE in the media (not some amorphous Media) are held to account. I doubt they’ll appreciate seeing that fact bared, so I doubt we’ll see many reviews of this thorough indictment. Wells shows us that lynchings were (and are) the tip of the iceburg, the cruel result of calculated manipulation of our base human natures and our cowardliness in not confronting evil when we see it, either now or then.
While this book lacks Twain’s humor, it rivals his incisiveness.”