Happy Wednesday!
Although it looks like thunderstorms and rain are in our near future in Wilmington (this afternoon), the summer is upon us. For those of you who don't know, the first official day of summer is tomorrow!! So, get out the sunscreen and the grill and get ready to have fun this summer!!
Here's a little lesson from NASA on "The First Day of Summer"-
In the northern half of the world, June 21st is the first full day of summer. The sounds of lawn mowers are everywhere, and everyone's headed to the pool. It's time for sunscreen and summer fun.
Far to the south, across the equator, winter is arriving. June 21st will be the shortest day of the year. The coldest weather of the year is on its way, and winter sports are about to swing into action.
The reason for these changes has to do with the Earth's yearly trip around the Sun. For part of the year the Earth's North Pole points away from the Sun and part of the time toward it. This is what causes our seasons. When the North Pole points toward the Sun, the Sun's rays hit the northern half of the world more directly. That means it is warmer, and we have summer. But when the North Pole is pointed toward the Sun, the South Pole is pointed away. So, the Earth south of the equator gets less warmth from the Sun, and it is winter there.
Summer is even warmer and winter is colder because of the length of our days and nights. In the summer, daylight lasts longer, and nighttime is shorter. In winter, the days are shorter and the nights longer. That means there is more time for the Sun to warm us during long summer days. And short winter days have long, cold nights.
June 21st is not only the first day of summer. It is also the longest day of the year north of the equator. That's called the summer solstice. The word solstice means “Sun stands still.” The shortest day is in the first day of winter, around December 21st or 22nd, north of the equator. That's called the winter solstice.
But right in between winter and summer, on about March 20th, day and night are each 12 hours long. This is called the vernal equinox. It is the first day of spring north of the equator, and the first day of autumn in the southern half of the world.
In between summer and winter, there is another equinox called the autumnal equinox. Just like the vernal equinox, day and night are the same length. Only this change is the first day of autumn north of the equator, and the start of spring to the south.
Here's a look at what's happening in the Wilmington area this weekend-
Thursday, June 21st
BIRDING TOURS
10:00 AM
By Cape Fear River Watch. Guided birding tours of Greenfield Lake. Reservations required. $15. Public contact: 409-1378; 762-5606.
10:00 AM
By Cape Fear River Watch. Guided birding tours of Greenfield Lake. Reservations required. $15. Public contact: 409-1378; 762-5606.
Open drum jamand fire spinners
4:00 PM
at Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St. Public contact: 763-2223.
4:00 PM
at Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St. Public contact: 763-2223.
Sing-a-long piano bar with Tim Buie
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
at The Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Road. . Public contact: 509-2865; myspace.com/thedirtymartiniwilmington.
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
at The Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Road. . Public contact: 509-2865; myspace.com/thedirtymartiniwilmington.
Tom Sharpe (country)
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
at 17th St. Deli & More, 6132 Carolina Beach Road (Masonboro Landing). Public contact: 791-0109.
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
at 17th St. Deli & More, 6132 Carolina Beach Road (Masonboro Landing). Public contact: 791-0109.
Root Souls Project Duo
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach. . Public contact: 458-2000.
GOLF DEMO AND WORKSHOP
6:00 PM
at Pro-Golf, 323 Eastwood Road. By the local American Single Golfers Association chapter. Public contact: www.wilmingtonnc.singlesgolf.com.
6:00 PM
at Pro-Golf, 323 Eastwood Road. By the local American Single Golfers Association chapter. Public contact: www.wilmingtonnc.singlesgolf.com.
Battery (metallica tribute band)
8:00 PM
at Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach. Public contact: 256-2776.
8:00 PM
at Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach. Public contact: 256-2776.
Sing-a-long piano bar with Tim Buie
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
at Delancey's, 1121-A Military Cutoff Road. Public contact: 256-2580.
Friday, June 22nd
Wilmington Wine Shoppe - Wine Tasting 6/08/06 6-8PM
Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc, Chile Dry Creek Chenin Blanc, California Hopler Pinot Blanc, Austria Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon, California Veramonte Primus, Chile
Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc, Chile Dry Creek Chenin Blanc, California Hopler Pinot Blanc, Austria Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon, California Veramonte Primus, Chile
Wilmington Wine Shoppe110A South Front StreetWilmington, NC 28401910.772.2077Wilmingtonwineshoppe.com
Quilt Show
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
at Hoggard High School, 4503 Shipyard Blvd. Quilters by the Sea Guild of Wilmington 25th annual judged quilt show, 'Silver Threads.' Quilts featuring traditional and non-traditional methods by local and regional quilters. The show also inlcudes the 'Quilt of Hope' for the Good Shepherd Center, special exhibits, raffle quilt, basket raffles, demonstrations, gift boutique, resale and vendor booths. Admission is $5. Public contact: 686-5804.
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
at Hoggard High School, 4503 Shipyard Blvd. Quilters by the Sea Guild of Wilmington 25th annual judged quilt show, 'Silver Threads.' Quilts featuring traditional and non-traditional methods by local and regional quilters. The show also inlcudes the 'Quilt of Hope' for the Good Shepherd Center, special exhibits, raffle quilt, basket raffles, demonstrations, gift boutique, resale and vendor booths. Admission is $5. Public contact: 686-5804.
Category 4
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach. Public contact: 458-2000.
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach. Public contact: 458-2000.
Root Soul Project (acoustic)
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach. Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave. 256-2231. Public contact: 256-2231.
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach. Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave. 256-2231. Public contact: 256-2231.
Musical Comedy
8:00 PM
at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. Opera House Theatre performs ‘Guys and Dolls’. $25. Public contact: 343-3664.
8:00 PM
at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. Opera House Theatre performs ‘Guys and Dolls’. $25. Public contact: 343-3664.
Who's Bad (Michael Jackson tribute band)
9:00 PM
at The Soapbox, 255 N. Front St. $10 advance; $12 day of show. Public contact: 251-8500; www.soapboxlaundrolounge.com.
9:00 PM
at The Soapbox, 255 N. Front St. $10 advance; $12 day of show. Public contact: 251-8500; www.soapboxlaundrolounge.com.
Saturday, June 23rd
FARMER'S MARKET
8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
at Water and Market streets, Wilmington,.
8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
at Water and Market streets, Wilmington,.
Quilt Show
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
at Hoggard High School, 4503 Shipyard Blvd. Quilters by the Sea Guild of Wilmington 25th annual judged quilt show, 'Silver Threads.' Quilts featuring traditional and non-traditional methods by local and regional quilters. The show also inlcudes the 'Quilt of Hope' for the Good Shepherd Center, special exhibits, raffle quilt, basket raffles, demonstrations, gift boutique, resale and vendor booths. Admission is $5. Public contact: 686-5804.
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
at Hoggard High School, 4503 Shipyard Blvd. Quilters by the Sea Guild of Wilmington 25th annual judged quilt show, 'Silver Threads.' Quilts featuring traditional and non-traditional methods by local and regional quilters. The show also inlcudes the 'Quilt of Hope' for the Good Shepherd Center, special exhibits, raffle quilt, basket raffles, demonstrations, gift boutique, resale and vendor booths. Admission is $5. Public contact: 686-5804.
CITY POOLS
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
All three pools open to the public at Northside Pool at 750 Bess St., 341-7865; Robert Strange Pool, 410 S. Tenth St., 341-7864; Southside Pool (Legion Sports Complex), 2131 Carolina Beach Road, 341-7863. Handicap accessible and equipped with bathhouses . Admission: $1 per child; $2 adults.
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
All three pools open to the public at Northside Pool at 750 Bess St., 341-7865; Robert Strange Pool, 410 S. Tenth St., 341-7864; Southside Pool (Legion Sports Complex), 2131 Carolina Beach Road, 341-7863. Handicap accessible and equipped with bathhouses . Admission: $1 per child; $2 adults.
Carrie Stone (acustic solo)
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach. Public contact: 256-2231.
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach. Public contact: 256-2231.
Big Fish (modern and classic rock)
8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
at Wilson's, 4925 New Centre Drive. Public contact: 793-0999.
8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
at Wilson's, 4925 New Centre Drive. Public contact: 793-0999.
LIVE OUTDOOR SHAKESPEAREAN DRAMA
8:00 PM
at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Drive. ‘As You Like It’ by Shakespeare on the Green. Bring picnic. Free. Public contact: 762-6393; shakespeareonthegreen03@yahoo.com.
8:00 PM
at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Drive. ‘As You Like It’ by Shakespeare on the Green. Bring picnic. Free. Public contact: 762-6393; shakespeareonthegreen03@yahoo.com.
Lez Zeppelin (all-female tribute band)
9:00 PM
at The Soapbox, 255 N. Front St. $10 advance; $12 day of show. Public contact: 251-8500; www.soapboxlaundrolounge.com.
9:00 PM
at The Soapbox, 255 N. Front St. $10 advance; $12 day of show. Public contact: 251-8500; www.soapboxlaundrolounge.com.
Sunday, June 24th
Jeremy Norris (acoustic)
9:30 PM
at Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff. Public contact: 256-3838.
LIVE OUTDOOR SHAKESPEAREAN DRAMA
8:00 PM
at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Drive. ‘As You Like It’ by Shakespeare on the Green. Bring picnic. Free. Public contact: 762-6393; shakespeareonthegreen03@yahoo.com.
8:00 PM
at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Drive. ‘As You Like It’ by Shakespeare on the Green. Bring picnic. Free. Public contact: 762-6393; shakespeareonthegreen03@yahoo.com.
L Shape Duo
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach. Public contact: 458-2000.
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach. Public contact: 458-2000.
Marc Siegel (jazz)
11:20 AM to 2:30 PM
at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach. Public contact: 256-2231.
11:20 AM to 2:30 PM
at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach. Public contact: 256-2231.
Quilt Show
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
at Hoggard High School, 4503 Shipyard Blvd. Quilters by the Sea Guild of Wilmington 25th annual judged quilt show, 'Silver Threads.' Quilts featuring traditional and non-traditional methods by local and regional quilters. The show also inlcudes the 'Quilt of Hope' for the Good Shepherd Center, special exhibits, raffle quilt, basket raffles, demonstrations, gift boutique, resale and vendor booths. Admission is $5. Public contact: 686-5804.
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
at Hoggard High School, 4503 Shipyard Blvd. Quilters by the Sea Guild of Wilmington 25th annual judged quilt show, 'Silver Threads.' Quilts featuring traditional and non-traditional methods by local and regional quilters. The show also inlcudes the 'Quilt of Hope' for the Good Shepherd Center, special exhibits, raffle quilt, basket raffles, demonstrations, gift boutique, resale and vendor booths. Admission is $5. Public contact: 686-5804.
Between Taste and Travesty: Costume Designs by William Ivey Long
An exhibition of work by Broadway costume designer William Ivey Long native North Carolinian and four-time recipient of the Tony Award, featuring sketches and costumes from his personal archives.
An exhibition of work by Broadway costume designer William Ivey Long native North Carolinian and four-time recipient of the Tony Award, featuring sketches and costumes from his personal archives.
Pleasure Island's Free Movies at the Lake
Free familiy movies at the lake every Sunday! The movies are held at the Carolina Beach Lake Park in Beautiful Carolina Beach, NC. The movies start after sunset (approx 8:45pm). For a full schedule call or visit website. gail@pleasureislandnc.org Business Phone: (910)458-8434
Free familiy movies at the lake every Sunday! The movies are held at the Carolina Beach Lake Park in Beautiful Carolina Beach, NC. The movies start after sunset (approx 8:45pm). For a full schedule call or visit website. gail@pleasureislandnc.org Business Phone: (910)458-8434
Pleasure Island's Free Fireworks at the Beach
Free fireworks every Thursday at the Beach! The fireworks are launched on the beach in front of the famous Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Fireworks start after sunset (approx 9pm) gail@pleasureislandnc.org Business Phone: (910)458-8434 GeneralContact: Gail McCloskey
Free fireworks every Thursday at the Beach! The fireworks are launched on the beach in front of the famous Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Fireworks start after sunset (approx 9pm) gail@pleasureislandnc.org Business Phone: (910)458-8434 GeneralContact: Gail McCloskey
As you can see, there's a lot going on this weekend in the Wilmington area so, enjoy your weekend!!
And now it's time for another edition of...
Wendy's Helpful Hint of the Week!!!
Summer Travel Guide: Coping with High Gas Prices
Tips For Traveling
Consumer groups have many handy hints on how to save money on gas...
How about changing your air filter? A clean filter typically shaves 28 cents per gallon off your gas bill. You can save another four cents a gallon just by cleaning extra junk out of the trunk--every 100 pounds of weight cuts fuel economy by 1% to 2%. Also, Consumer Reports says the notion that any car runs better on expensive premium gasoline is a myth, so feel free to keep more money in your pocket by avoiding it.
Consumer groups have many handy hints on how to save money on gas...
How about changing your air filter? A clean filter typically shaves 28 cents per gallon off your gas bill. You can save another four cents a gallon just by cleaning extra junk out of the trunk--every 100 pounds of weight cuts fuel economy by 1% to 2%. Also, Consumer Reports says the notion that any car runs better on expensive premium gasoline is a myth, so feel free to keep more money in your pocket by avoiding it.
Also:
Straighten those wheels: Poor alignment forces the engine to work harder and wears the tires down more quickly, reducing gas mileage by as much as 10%.
Tune up: A tuned engine can improve mileage 4%, to about 11 cents a gallon.
Pump the tires: Nearly 25% of cars are running on improperly inflated tires, costing the average motorist eight cents a gallon in lost fuel economy.
Check your gas cap: An estimated 17% of cars have broken or missing gas caps, which cost 2 cents per gallon.
Lose the Canoe. At highway speeds, more than 50% of engine power is used to overcome wind drag. Consumer Reports tested a Toyota Camry sedan and a Mercury Mountaineer SUV with a Thule Cascade car-top carrier. It lowered the Camry's gas mileage to 29 mpg from 35 mpg, and it lowered the Mountaineer's gas mileage to 20 mpg from 21 mpg.
Also worth noting:
Conventional wisdom holds that air conditioning drains the fuel tank faster, but Consumer Reports found it reduces fuel economy by about one mile per gallon. Ditto the myth that opening the windows causes wind drag. Consumer Reports test drove cars with windows open at 65 mph, and the effect was "not even measurable."
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