Shawn Wen

The Kids Are Alright. In Fact, They're Knitting and Baking Bread!

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:45:28 +0000

You may have noticed a DIY trend among young people these days. Some are getting into knitting sweaters; others are keeping backyard chicken coups. Otherwise, they are making cheese, canning, beekeeping and growing their own vegetables. These labor-intensive homemaking projects may not be just a trend towards rustic pleasures.

Emily Matchar calls this movement the New Domesticity. And she documents this phenomenon in her new book, "Homeward Bound: Why Women are Embracing the New Domesticity." Generally, she is writing not about people who embrace DIY culture out of necessity, but rather as a voluntary lifestyle.

Is The Southern Accent Fading In Raleigh?

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:27:37 +0000

It’s no secret that Raleigh and other parts of the Triangle have changed drastically in the past decades. But new linguistic research shows that along with social and industrial change, the Triangle is seeing its Southern accent fade.

Acclaimed Band Releases New Album

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:21:58 +0000

When Birds and Arrows first started making music, they were writing a lot of love songs. But after 10 years of living in Chapel Hill, their music has evolved and become grounded in the North Carolina landscape. They've recently released their new album, Coyotes, which features a great deal of collaboration with other friends and musicians.

The Centennial Anniversary Of Winston And Salem Becoming "Winston-Salem"

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:42:33 +0000

The Rhino Times has been the signature conservative newspaper in the Triad since January of 1992. But it’s recently announced its closing, after 21 years of service. In other news, today marks the centennial anniversary of the joining of Winston and Salem, to become Winston-Salem.

Scientists And Musicians Collaborate To Explore The Underwater World Of Biomusic

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:37:33 +0000

Music production is often considered a very “human” creation. But scientists have recently discovered the songs of mice, elephants, and other animals that human ears are unable to capture. Scientists and musicians in Greensboro have been exploring the world of biomusic, music produced by nature, beneath the ocean surface.

Researcher Creates A Database Of Global Terrorist Groups

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:31:18 +0000

Veryan Khan has devoted the last decade to researching terrorist groups across the globe. Trackingterrorism.org is a database created by Khan, to curate information about different terrorist groups.

How Does Money Affect An Election?

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:22:16 +0000

The previous State Elections Board's term expired just as they were beginning to investigate $235,000 of allegedly illegal political donations. The donations implicate Gov. Pat McCrory and legislators from both parties. Governor McCrory made the unusual decision of replacing all of the board members.

The Life Of An Acclaimed Southern Writer Gets Made Into A Documentary

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:45:02 +0000

Elizabeth Spencer’s most famous book is called “The Light in the Piazza.” It’s the story of an American girl who falls in love with a man in Italy. And it’s been adapted to a movie and a stage musical. But Elizabeth has created a large body of work, though none is quite so famous. There’s a new documentary based on Elizabeth Spencer’s life called “Landscapes of the Heart: The Elizabeth Spencer Story.”

Top Raleigh Chef Takes The National Stage As A James Beard Award Finalist

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:26:34 +0000

To Ashley Christensen, a restaurant is not just a place where you sit down to eat. It’s an entire concept. She carefully plots an immersive experience for her diners.

Student Reporters Put Together Stories Of Humor And Tragedy

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:54:38 +0000

A group of student journalists is getting a course in professional radio reporting at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The class has opened a world of experience to them. One of the students, Mark Haywood, had the opportunity to report on an incident of human trafficking right in his hometown of Randolph County, North Carolina.