Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

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you gotta meet this guy, plus progressive sandwich-making, shuffleboard, etc.

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
Hey Tractivists, 

One of the nicest, coolest guys you’ll ever meet will be in town tomorrow (Thurs), and I really want you to meet him.  He’s my buddy Justin Krebs and he’ll be making sandwiches with other Tractivists at Traction HQ before heading over to the Regulator for a reading.  Will you join us?

Your guide to Thursday evening:
5pm-6:45pm: Happy hour and sandwich night at Traction HQ (map).  
We’ll probably fill up the kiddie pool so you can cool your feet and/or your tush.  Bring something that will contribute to a great sandwich, or a veggie side dish.  (Bonus points for protein-y side dishes…)
 
7pm: At the Regulator, Justin reads from his new book, “538 Ways to Live, Work and Play like a Liberal,” about all the little ways you can live out your progressive values every day.  He’s awesomely sharing the stage with local folks who live liberally, like Stephen and Rebekah Hren who have a carbon-free home and are helping launch the Durham Central Market.  It’ll be a great conversation and I guarantee you’ll learn a new way to up your PQ (Progressive Quotient).  Did I mention that Justin talks about Traction in his book???  
8:30ish: Justin likes his beers (he’s the founder of Drinking Liberally), so we’ll head back to Broad Street for drinks and pool and shuffleboard at the Green Room.  Some of us will surely take a detour to Locopops on the way there.  

One reason why this is really important to ME: for years, Justin’s heard me brag about Durham and Traction, and I need you to help me make good on my big talk!  Will you stop by for any or all of the festivities?  RSVPs appreciated: 538@getTraction.org 
Then on Sunday, celebrate the 50th anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book on race and crime in the South.  Several Tractivists are acting in, and directing, scenes from this classic work.  3pm at Durham’s Main Library.  Like Cliff Notes, but way better.
Stay cool, 
Lanya Shapiro
reader, agitator, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Thurs, July 8: Hang out w/ Justin Krebs: founder of Drinking Liberally and author of 538 Ways to Live, Work and Play like a Liberal. 538@getTraction.org
 Sun, July 11: Scenes from To Kill a Mockingbird. mocking@getTraction.org  
Sat, July 17: Blueberry-picking!  blues@getTraction.org 
Plus more outdoors events, maybe a green brewery tour, a wine tasting, and other ways to quench your summer thirst…

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drink liberally with me (and 537 other progressive things you can do)

Monday, June 28th, 2010
Dear Tractivists,

You’re invited to a special event to celebrate the release of “538 Ways to Live, Work and Play Like a Liberal.”  It’s my new book, and it’s about the many small ways to live progressive values in your every day life and the bigger idea of what it means to be liberal and why that matters for our country.

Even better: YOU are in the book!

WHAT: Three-part celebration of “538 Ways to Live, Work, and Play Like a Liberal”
WHEN: Thurs, July 8th from 5pm until 10-ish
WHERE: Traction HQ (map), then the Regulator, then Dain’s / Locopops
RSVPs appreciated: 538@getTraction.org

I founded Drinking Liberally back in 2003 and now I’m touring the country, visiting Drinking Liberally chapters and other progressive partners like Traction — who I featured in the book!  I’m eager to meet Tractivists and hopefully learn from you a few MORE ways to live like a liberal. 

Join me next Thursday, July 8th.  We’ll start at..
– 5pm at Traction HQ for a happy hour / sandwich night, then move to a…
– 7pm reading at the Regulator Bookshop, plus conversation including fellow Tractivists and other local liberals — including Stephen and Rebekah Hren of the Carbon-Free Home and Durham Central Market. After that, around…
– 8:30ish, we’ll cap off the evening by drinking liberally down the street at Dain’s.  (And since Lanya swears I shouldn’t miss Locopops, some of us will probably take a detour there and circle back to Dain’s.)

Join us for any or all of the evening!  If you’re coming to Traction HQ, bring some sandwich-fixings to share and we’ll see what this community can whip up together.  Kinda like Stone Soup, but between two pieces of bread.  At a time when Tea Party activists dump our national discourse overboard, come discuss the vibrant cultural movement on the Left — and take part.

A little background on me:
Like many liberals during the Bush years, I needed a drink. So my friends and I started Drinking Liberally — getting together in a bar to talk politics. One liberal told another who told another and soon Americans everywhere were taking part.  As the organization grew, I realized how much more we could do to live our liberal values beyond voting and campaigning.  Food and entertainment choices should reflect our values.  We should choose media, retail and community resources free from corporate control.  We should bring the spirit of shared goals and common resources into interactions with neighbors and coworkers.  It’s all very Traction-esque, no?

Living Liberally now incorporates Eating Liberally meals, Screening Liberally films, Laughing Liberally comedy, and Reading Liberally book clubs.  Around the country, in 300 communities, more than 50,000 proud liberals who have found their political home.  Drawing from stories from across the United States, in my book — available at major on-line booksellers like indiebound.org, amazon.com, borders.com, barnesandnoble.com, and at local bookstores near you, including the Regulator — I offer 538 ideas on how you can make a difference in your everyday life.

I’ve been inspired by Traction from afar over the years.  This is my first time coming to Durham, and I’m excited to see the city and meet you all in person.  Join the fun — I look forward to sharing a night of discussion and some liberal drinking.

Justin Krebs
Roadtripper, Liberal Drinker, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
June 30: Life of Pie (how to get the whole thing instead of just a slice): a life balance workshop. balance@getTraction.org Just 4 spaces left!
July 8: Hang out w/ Justin Krebs: founder of Drinking Liberally and author of 538 Ways to Live, Work and Play like a Liberal.  538@getTraction.org
Plus more outdoors events, maybe a green brewery tour, a wine tasting, and other ways to quench your summer thirst!

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Make a splash this Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Greetings fellow Tractivists!

After a week of rain, the clouds are starting to clear to reveal full swimming holes and the warmth of late May.  Spend time with friends this Memorial Day swimming in the quarry and enjoying a Locopop, in celebration of the start of summer and everything that servicepeople have given to this beautiful country.

WHAT: Memorial Day swimming, community, and frozen treats
WHERE: Eno Quarry and then Locopops
WHEN: Mon. May 31st, 1:00 – 3:30 pm (swimming) + 4pm (Locopops)
We will meet at the Cabe Lands parking lot off Howe St. at 1pm.  Those who wish to carpool from Traction HQ (1018 Broad St.) should be prepared to leave at 12:40 sharp.  If you would like to set up a carpool from another area or need further directions, then please e-mail outdoors@getTraction.org.  We will follow up the fun in the sun with a trip to the Durham Locopops on Hillsborough Rd.

Keep in mind:

- The walk in is about a mile and there are no bathrooms nearby.

- The parking lot is very small, so you are strongly encouraged to carpool!

- The water is deep and rocky in places.

DO BRING: Walking shoes, water to drink, kids of all ages, snacks for yourself or to share, towel, sunscreen, and fun floating stuff
DO NOT BRING: Stereos and dogs.  I love ‘em, but it isn’t a good idea with leash restrictions and the presence of many others.

While bathing in the beauty of the Eno River State Park, we should not forget the reason for our day off: personal sacrifice.  Whether the large personal sacrifices that come with serving your country or the relatively smaller ones that come in the name of everyday community-building, it is personal sacrifice that helps to move our country forward.  Between the splashes and laughs, tell a friend about a sacrifice that you plan on making this year to help a neighbor, a park, or even a whole planet.

See you on Memorial Day!!

James Beidler
outdoor bather, Durham-lover, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Mon 5/31: Memorial Day at the Eno: swim@getTraction.org Wed 6/30: work / life / community balance workshop: balance@getTraction.org
Thurs 7/8: 538 Ways to Live, Work and Play Like a Liberal… with the awesome Drinking Liberally founder Justin Krebs
Plus a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org, more outdoors events and more…

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Save $$, heal yourself, heal the world: freezer party

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Dear Tractivists,

Summer is on the way! For me, our sunny and hot season means lots of time outside enjoying long beautiful days. It also means I have less time in the kitchen to cook healthy homemade meals.

How is it possible to eat well AND have time to enjoy the great outdoors? Here’s a way to do both….

WHAT: potluck-style Freezer stock-up Party
WHO: health-, eco- and money-conscious Tractivists
WHEN: Sunday, April 25, 3:00pm
WHERE: Traction HQ (1018 Broad St. in Durham)
RSVPs appreciated (and for more details): freezer@getTraction.org
Here’s how it works: You bring a big dish to share (at least seven servings) like a soup or casserole, one copy of the recipe, and empty tupperware containers. You taste lots of other dishes made by fellow Tractivists and take home the ones you want, along with the recipes. The next time you’d rather go for a walk or play frisbee than cook dinner, voila! you have healthy, homemade options right in your freezer.
Why is this a great idea? In addition to having convenient frozen dinners (without all the packaging), you save on money, time, and dirty dishes! You get to make one dish once, yet enjoy the flavors and nutrition from many different meals over many days. You get to meet other Tractivists who like to cook but, like you, would sometimes rather do something else.

I hosted Traction’s last freezer-stock-up party, and it was a huge success. I’m still eating delicious homemade meals from the freezer, and I know several other Tractivists who are too! And this time, feel free to bring questions or thoughts about the current primary election. It’s hard to stay informed about local races — we can swap info while we swap dishes.

I’ll make the same promise as last time: to try to use the most local and sustainably-grown ingredients — even some from my own garden! But you don’t have to.  Homemade food made with conventionally grown ingredients is still healthier and more eco-conscious than pre-processed frozen dinners. So whatever your angle, we welcome your creative culinary license!
Enjoy those outdoors and I hope to share some culinary love with you this Sunday!

Jayme Johnson
scientist, teacher, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Sun 4/25: Return of the Freezer Party (aka the potluck that keeps on giving): freezer@getTraction.org
Sat 5/15: Civil Rights Walking Tour of Durham: race@getTraction.org
Mon 5/31: Memorial Day at the Eno: swim@getTraction.org
Plus strawberry-picking (at least once, maybe twice), a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org, and much more…

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Spring into Traction Outdoors with a mountain hike this weekend

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Greetings fans of the outdoors and other Traction types!

The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and spring fever is spreading like pine pollen.  Well, friends, it is time to cure that spring fever with a special hike brought to you by Traction Outdoors!

What: Hiking and Picnicking on Occoneechee Mountain
When: Sunday, April 18; picnic at 1pm, hike starts at 2pm
Where: Occoneechee Mountain Picnic Tables
Why: Take in a unique ecosystem right at our backdoor
RSVP: outdoors@getTraction.org (by Saturday please)

This Sunday join us for a strong dose of breathtaking river overlooks, deep-green rhododendron cliffs, and bright wildflowers as we hike through one of our area’s most unique ecosystems: Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area.

Get an extra dose of medicine by coming early for lunch at the picnic tables where we will chat with new and old friends and plan future Traction outdoors events.  Even if you aren’t eating, feel free to come early for conversation — we’ll have drinks for you.

The hike has some steep inclines and rocky areas over about two to three miles of moderately difficult trails (about 1.5 – 2 hours), so you will need to wear comfortable shoes.  The forecast is for a mild, sunny 75 degrees at this point, but please bring water as you will get thirsty.  You can find directions here.  We’ll meet at the park’s picnic tables in the shaded area near the parking lot.  Friendly, well-behaved dogs that love interesting smells and being on the leash are welcome.

Jutting up over the Eno River near Hillsborough, Occoneechee Mountain is the highest point in the Triangle and one of the most unique places in the state.  The park is home to a very diverse ecosystem, thanks to a topography that allows just enough changes in temperature to support flora and fauna common to both the NC Piedmont and the mountains.  Along the trails, you will come across pines, laurels, blueberries, hollies, and a wide array of hardwoods — some familiar, some seemingly straight from your last trip to Asheville.  The park is part of the Eno River State Park and is made up of former mill and quarry land.

Start getting control of your spring fever now with a hike at Occoneechee Mountain.  See you this Sunday!

James Beidler
spring lover, tree hugger, Tractivist

P.S. We would love to see you carpool with a friend or even ride your bike!  If you let me know your home area when you RSVP, I’ll connect you with other Tractivists interested in carpooling.

P.P.S. Upcoming event notes…
POSTPONED: The trip to the new civil rights museum in Greensboro.  Write gbo@getTraction.org for more info.
Sun 4/25: Return of the Potluck that Keeps on Giving (aka Freezer Party): freezer@getTraction.org
Plus strawberry-picking, a Memorial Day swim, and a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org

Posted in Environment, Events | No Comments »

Drain. Filter. Rinse. Bank your Savings. Repeat if desired.

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Hello out there in TVland,

Earth Month starts tomorrow, and there’s been a lot of talk recently about the new eco-friendly cars — biodiesels, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen-powered Wienermobiles, you name it. And sure, those are all great things. But who can afford one these days? Not us, anyway.

Instead, Traction is proud to bring back, by popular demand, a fun-filled afternoon of ways to make your existing car gentler on both our world and your wallet. You can just come to watch and listen, or dive in and get your hands dirty. Or not. We have gloves. James Beidler and I will be the hosts, but y’all will be the stars.

What:    Green My Ride

Where:  Traction HQ (1018 Broad St., Durham)
When:   Sun, April 11th at 2pm

RSVP:   greenmyride@getTraction.org no later than 4/7 (that’s Wednesday)

We’ll be discussing and demonstrating (with real cars!):
* how to change your own oil and transmission fluid
* how to switch to motor oils that don’t need to be changed often or are NOT made from petroleum
* geeky ways to improve your gas mileage

* non-geeky (incredibly simple) ways to improve your gas mileage

* and much more

And if your car is due for an oil change anyway, why not do it yourself? Let us know ahead of time and we’ll arrange to help you change it at the workshop. We’ll provide ramps, tools, and new oil and filters, and we’ll help you every step of the way.

If you’ve been itching to get a deeper understanding of the expensive, mysterious contraption that rules your life (not your iBerry; that’s another day); if you want to reduce your environmental impact without springing for a custom plug-in Prius; or if you’re just looking to save a buck or two, then come on down to Traction HQ and join us during Earth Month.

IMPORTANT INFO:

* If you want help working on your own car at the event, let us know ASAP.   We need to make sure we have enough equipment for all and SPACES ARE LIMITED.

* If you’re not sure whether you’ll make it, RSVP as a maybe.

* If you have a specific thing you want help with, but you’re not ready to tackle it just yet, please include that info in your RSVP so we can be sure to address it.

* If you came last year and want a refresher, we’d love to have you back.

* and that address once again: greenmyride@getTraction.org

Colin Cannell
smuggler, libertine, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Sun 4/11: Learn to shrink your car’s carbon tireprint: greenmyride@getTraction.org
Sat 4/17: Trip to new civil rights museum in Greensboro: gbo@getTraction.org
Sun 4/25: Return of the Potluck that Keeps on Giving (aka Freezer Party): freezer@getTraction.org
plus a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org
and Spring means the Traction Outdoors group is back!  Write outdoors@getTraction.org to be in the loop on hikes, swims, berry-pickings and more.

Posted in Environment, Events, Tractivists in Action, Walk the Talk | 1 Comment »

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