Marc Basnight, Longest Serving North Carolina Senate Leader, Dies at 73
RALEIGH, N.C. Former state Sen. Marc Basnight, a Democrat from North Carolina’s barrier islands who became one of North Carolina’s most powerful contemporary political leaders while serving a record 18 years as Senate leader, died Monday. He was 73.
Basnight, who was ill for years with what was later diagnosed as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, died at his Manteo home with family members present, according to Amy Fulk, Basnight’s chief of staff while he held the chamber’s top job.
Despite humble beginnings and little formal education, Basnight rose through state politics to serve in the Senate for 26 years. His nine two-year terms as Senate president pro tempore made him the longest-serving head of a legislative body in North Carolina history.
Yes, summiting fourteeners and rafting the Grand Canyon are unforgettable experiences you should totally have. But in a moment when we’re rethinking how to make the most of our time outside, why limit yourself to the expected? We came up with 23 surprising ways to get you inspired for 2021 and beyond.
1. Ski and Surf on the Same Day
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Photo: Chris Burkard)
Hawaii-based alpine ski racer Julia Mancuso, who surfed the Black Sea after competing at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, has a piece of advice for anyone who plans to attempt this iconic same-day duo: “Ski first, then surf.” You’ll be more motivated to take off ski boots than to put them on, she says. Here are three tried-and-true beach and mountain combos. Our pro tip? Pack a thick wetsuit. Taylor Gee
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was first lit on Dec. 16, 1870.
Show Transcript
Welcome to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Dare County, North Carolina. Today we celebrate the sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, this lighthouse, maybe the most iconic lighthouse in the world. It has been said that if you close your eyes and start thinking about a lighthouse, it s quite likely that a stunning image of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will appear in your mind. This lighthouse, famous among photographers and visitors for its beauty, also symbolizes three important American values. Dedication, community and ingenuity. Standing just under 200 ft tall is a symbol of our nation s dedication to protect Mariners from becoming part of the graveyard of the Atlantic. It s been called that due to the large number of ships that have been lost to the Diamond Shoals just off the coast, Ah, large and treacherous area of shallow water a
Gardens of the Cross Timbers: The sands of time
Becky Emerson Carlberg
Contributing writer
The rat at my house must be a sentient animal. The rodent decided weeks ago the engine block of my 1997 Ford Aerostar is the perfect place for its winter home. Notice I said is. The rat has so far constructed three cozy homes in exactly the same place. Each nest was disassembled and placed far away from the van. The next day the entire nest had vanished. Seven days later, the nest was back under the hood. Chicken wire did not deter the animal. The rat circumvented bars of Irish Spring soap and hanging moth ball cakes. The natural rodent deterrent “Mouse Magic’, sachets of corn cob shavings saturated with peppermint and spearmint oil, offered a charming foundation for the last nest. The morning after the peppermint was installed, I walked to the van and saw the rat hop out and go west. It had been busy decorating. Keeping in the Yule spirit, the rat had taken one of