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a of RaleighJOHN BROWNOrchestra of Raleigh

BridalFashion

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What to look for when choosing awedding dress and attire for

your wedding party.

Spring isFinally Here!Spring isFinally Here!

See everything that is happeningin the Triangle this spring season!in the Triangle this spring season!See everything that is happeningin the Triangle this spring season!See everything that is happeningin the Triangle this spring season!in the Triangle this spring season!See everything that is happeningin the Triangle this spring season!See everything that is happeningin the Triangle this spring season!in the Triangle this spring season!See everything that is happeningin the Triangle this spring season!See everything that is happeningin the Triangle this spring season!in the Triangle this spring season!in the Triangle this spring season!in the Triangle this spring season!in the Triangle this spring season!in the Triangle this spring season!See everything that is happeningin the Triangle this spring season!

Meet Colum McCannMeet Colum McCannInterview of the author of “Let the Great World Spin”and Winner of 2009 National Book Award

Join Your Local ChamberJoin Your Local ChamberWhy businesses really bene�twhen they join their chamber!

SPRING ISSUE 2010 • COMPLIMENTARY ISSUE

personal environment. Even when you are not in your working environment; take your purpose- driven personal image everywhere you go.

Don’t leave it back at the o�ce. You never know if the CEO of your company is standing in line next to you in the grocery store or sitting behind you in a movie theater.

Establish that necessary sense of awareness in a given atmosphere of the obvious/not so obvious and use your “class” as a tool to accentuate that “Polished Image” that will undoubtedly keep your personal and professional goals on that pathway of success! Make those things that you don’t know about around you more important to you than those things that you know of and is aware of. It is important to have experience and skills to get a job. More importantly, it takes a polished professional image to keep your job.

Your goal should always be to stay sharp on the job to create a remarkable image that lasts on both sides of the door.

character in good condition at all times. Com-municate with others by using eye contact and listen to what they have to say making them feel that their thoughts and input are heard. Follow through on your promises. Make yourself accountable for what you say and do. Be reliable.

Be punctual and on time. Don’t be afraid to admit when you are wrong and be resolution-orientated by addressing then take the necessary steps to �x any problems or issues. Maintain self-control by speaking in a soft tone at all times.

Choose your words wisely and do not allow yourself to be coaxed into negative conversation to rescind your integrity; a compromise is not worth discrediting your personal/professional image. �is could cost you too much. It could cost you a promising career.

Not only should you wear a “polished” pair of shoes but you should also keep a positive“polished” attitude for both your professional and

FUNERAL HOME, INC.FUNERAL HOME, INC.HOME, INC.

By Pre-arranging, your family is spared from making difficult decisions at a very difficult time. You will also eliminate doubts. Wondering what a loved one would have wanted is an added burden for family members who are already dealing wtih grief from their loss.

WHY Pre-Arrange?

Pre-Planning Can Save You Money!You may select products at today’s price and not worry about inflation, because you and your monies are protected against it.

It also helps your family to make informed choices ahead of time, instead of hasty and emotional ones that often occur at the time of need

How Do You Know if Pre-Need is for You?Whatever your wishes, they can be acknowledged and fulfilled in a way that will create a memorable service as well as a comfort for all family and friends.

COMPLETE FUNERALSERVICE ARRANGING

PRENEED ANDPREPLANNING OPTIONS

CREMATION SERVICE

INSURANCE PLANS

2415 S. Wilmington StRaleigh, NC 27603

(919) 832-2835

come in all shapes and sizes. �is can

make �nding the right dress that �atters

all of them somewhat di�cult. Consider

di�erent style dresses of the

same color. If they are similar

in size then di�erent colors of

the same style dress will give

your bridesmaids some crea-

tive freedom with a stylish

twist. For the groom and grooms-

men, the choice between tuxedos

and suits will depend on how

formal the wedding.

If the event is during the daytime and semiformal you may skip the tux and wear a suit.

Choose a white shirt with or without a tie.

If the event is formal and in the evening then

wear a classic black tux with a white wing or

spread-collar shirt,

black bow tie and

matching vest or

cummerbund.

Keep in mind

that classic,

elegant and

simple is

always sharp.

Sources:www.theknot.comwww.realsimple.com

Feeling eager to sample something entirely new? Local fare consists of menus and classic dishes from ethnically diverse areas of the world, including India, Poland, Jamaica, the Czech Republic, Ethiopia and Brazil — to highlight a few.

Global cuisine has a strong foothold in the Triangle area, but equally important — the region also stays true to its Southern roots with eateries creating fried chicken, biscuits and North Carolina barbecue recipes that are tough to top.

�e search for culturally vibrant and eclectic cuisine generally comes with an added bene�t — a break from the predictable pace and service o�ered in a conventional chain restaurant atmosphere. In many cases, a surprise for the taste buds comes wrapped in a unique, locally-owned package.

While these out-of-the-way hot spots may take a few wrong turns to locate, they are usually well-worth the trouble! Whether sitting at a posh oyster bar sipping an ice-cold vodka martini, or pulled up to the counter at a local diner or brew-pub, restaurants in the Triangle provide an ambiance and dining “experience” that leaves an impression to rival that of the food itself.

In many cases, a surprise for the taste buds

comes wrapped in a unique,

locally-owned package.

““

TheCityInsight.com 17

77

It is safe to assume that among the many reasons authors write books is for recognition, both from the literary community - for a work well done - as well as from the general public, the readers, for writing the great novel. Such recognition is usually given through awards, among which one of the greatest and probably most coveted by aspiring authors is the National Book Award, given by publishing groups in order to bring before the public an exceptional book.

9 North Carolina has many well-known authors. Who are some of your favorites?

My absolute favorite is Michael Parker who is in Greensboro (where I will be visiting in April). He’s written a number of books including “Don’t Make Me Stop Now,” “Hello Down �ere,” “Virginia Lovers” and “Can’t Find My Way Home.” I believe he’s been given the North Carolina Award for Literature. If he hasn’t been given it, he should be given it – twice, three times, four times. He’s an incredible writer who constantly captures the moment when the thorn enters the skin.

10

11

What do you want your readers to be left with as they read your books?

A feeling of grace. A feeling that the world has shifted sideways a little.

Which of your character has inspired you the most, and why?

It’s not really my place for my charac-ters to inspire me, I suppose. I still feel a fondness for Tillie, the 38-year-old hooker/grandmother in “Let the Great World Spin.” I hope she’s doing all right wherever she happens to be.

TheCityInsight.com 34

12

13

14

Besides writing you also teach at Hunter College

in New York. What inspires you about teaching?

Quite honestly, the students. �ey open up the world for me.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Read, read, read. Go into bookshops and get angry that others are publishing books. Go home and write a better book. And, as Beckett says, fail better.

If you were to give us an estimated guess, how long until your

next book is published?

In about two or three years. I’m writing it right now.

Books are the heart of the matter for me. Literature sustains me.

""

To learn more about Colum MccCann

visitwww.colummccann.com