Apologies for the long-ass post and any formatting issues as I’m on mobile.
Backstory: I graduated college 2019 and got a graphic design position at a small publishing company shortly after. All around, no complaints. They weathered covid well and ended up going full-remote in March of 2020 so I was working from home the majority of my career thus far. Early 2021 was promoted to Senior Designer. Mid 2023 I started getting antsy. Wanted more money, more career growth, etc. It’s a small company that operates on cash so they’re not the most competitive with salary but I was always happy with the people I worked with and bragged about company culture/politics and how they handled themselves during covid and with political shit all throughout. Fast forward to earlier this year, after applying to places here and there and never hearing back, I finally got an interview which turned into an offer. Before accepting I told the company I was at how much I appreciated them and loved working there and asked if they could be competitive. They offered an Assistant Art Director position to me that would be ready in a few months but the new place heard the offer and upped the salary to where my old place couldn’t compete (only a 2k difference but still).
Fast forward: I’m at my new gig and it’s….fine. I’m in office 9-5 with two other ladies (they are not designers). I’m working in the restaurant industry now trying to get some bars open and doing everything from logos to neon signs to window vinyls, etc. It’s all over the board and definitely exercises parts of my brain that went somewhat dormant while working in editorial for almost five years but I’ve had issues with the business itself. One of the ladies I work with is apart of the family that owns the company so she’s a partial owner and always has the news on, constantly talks about politics, trump, anti-trans, etc. It’s hard to bite my tongue but there’s no real HR to go to and if I did I know she’d just have a vendetta against me. On top of that she has snapped at me and talked to me in ways I’ve never been talked to in a professional environment and it was all because she misunderstood what I said. She apologized after but I couldn’t help but feel she had it locked and loaded and jumped at the slightest hint towards a reason to go off. Outside of dealing with people I don’t jive with, I hate the way they conduct business. The timelines feel made up and nothing is planned out, everything is “needed like yesterday” and so when we go to print stuff we push our printers and make them rearrange their workflow and their planned out schedule to get our stuff in and printed fast and it’s not uncommon that once it’s done it’ll just sit there for weeks, maybe even months before we use it. I’ve already had a printer come to me and tell me he’s no longer doing rush orders for us and the way we treat him is disrespectful and all I could say is “fair”.
Now onto where I need advice: when leaving my old place they told me to reach back out if in a few months i’m not happy and still interested in the asst. art director position. It’d be a 2k pay cut but my work/life balance would improve and I’d be around people I like and working with a like-minded company who respects our vendors and people we rely on. When talking to my dad he chalked up my complaints to “that’s just work”. I don’t want to jump ship if it’s because I have unrealistic expectations but I’m still early in my career and everything feels scary. I’m sure I could muscle through here for a year or two and find something else but the idea of going back is getting more and more enticing.
As design professionals what do y’all think of this situation? is it worth it to stick it out and beef up my portfolio with big names? (all the restaurants I work on are celebrity-affiliated) or would it be more beneficial to have the assistant art director on my resume and really just hone in on editorial design?

https://archive.is/6pWeU
As people load up their kayaks, canoes and boats ahead of Memorial Day weekend, local recreation company Adventure East and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are advising folks to keep safety in mind during National Safe Boating Week.
In 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,040 accidents and 636 deaths resulting from recreational boating activities. Boaters of all types — especially paddlers in kayaks and canoes, as well as those on paddle boards — are urged to get their equipment inspected, properly prepare for boating and follow safety tips to ensure everyone has a fun and, most importantly, safe experience. National Safe Boating Week is observed the week before Memorial Day each year, as the holiday typically marks the arrival of warmer weather, which ushers in the recreational boating season. This year it is being observed from May 18 through May 24.
“Kayakers, paddlecraft as we call them, don’t think they’re boaters,” said William Bell, a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for 43 years. “Things happen quick in small boats, that’s why in a kayak it’s more important [to be prepared]. … Good swimmers think they can put a life jacket on in the water, it’s difficult.”
To mark the occasion in the Pioneer Valley, where paddlecraft make up the vast majority of boaters in the region’s rivers, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is partnering with Sunderland-based outdoor recreation company Adventure East to inspect the business’ fleet of boats and then with the Sunderland Public Library to offer inspections of the public’s vessels.
On Friday, May 24, from 3 to 6 p.m., folks are invited to bring their kayaks, canoes and other boats to the parking lot behind the Sunderland Public Library at 20 School St., where Coast Guard Auxiliary members like Bell and Tom Fydenkevez, who also previously served decades on the Selectboard, will inspect the vessels free of charge. Adventure East will also be on hand to share details about their boating safety procedures, additional paddlecraft safety tips and great locations for people to bring their boats.
If your boat is in compliance, you will receive a vessel safety check decal for your boat to indicate you are in full compliance with federal and state boating laws. If deficiencies are found, a written report will be put together.

Safety tips

While it may be obvious, a key point for all boaters and passengers is the importance of wearing a life jacket or other form of personal flotation device, as Fydenkevez noted 75% of all fatal boat accidents involve drowning. In 85% of those drownings, the person who died was not wearing a life jacket. Three in four drownings also involved vessels less than 21 feet in length, according to the Coast Guard. He added that life jackets should fit properly and high-visibility ones are more effective.
“You know, the black and the blue [life jackets] look really good, but if you’re out there, it’s nice to have a red one or brightly colored one. … Coloration is really important,” Fydenkevez said.
As for additional items and equipment, all boaters should have a personal ID on them and it is recommended to have some sort of identification on the vessel. This identification should have a phone number on it, so if a boater is safe, but separated from their boat, first responders aren’t sent on an unnecessary search.
Paddlecraft boaters are advised to have an additional paddle or oar, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a registered beacon that can be attached to a boat to track their location, and food and water. Boaters are advised to leave alcohol on the shore, as its use is listed as the “leading-known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents,” according to the Coast Guard.
“People think they’re on the water, ‘What could happen to me?’” Fydenkevez said of many people’s mindsets when getting in or on a boat. Beyond equipment, and much like going for a hike, the public is advised to have a “float plan,” where you inform a family member, friend or other responsible party of your plans, which includes where you’re going and the expected time you’ll return. That way, authorities can be notified if you do not come back.
Other tips include dressing for the water, not the weather, because even if the weather is going to be above 90 degrees, water temperatures can still be dangerously low. This time of year in particular, the water temperatures are still in the low 60s, “so you don’t have an unlimited amount of time,” Fydenkevez said. The National Weather Service notes “cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous” from 60-degree water as it is with 32-degree water.
As members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Adventure East prepare to inspect boats on Friday, Adventure East founder Brian Pearson said his business has gotten their life jackets inspected and they get all 45 kayaks, 15 canoes and two giant canoes inspected by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
“A lot of people kind of start their pathway into paddling with Adventure East, so we have a lot of people who may have fear or anxiety about starting a new thing that has more risk. … The Coast Guard says we know what we’re doing, which is a huge thing,” Pearson said. “It’s great to have that partnership and their interest in helping and supporting us.”
For more information about National Safe Boating Week, visit the Coast Guard’s website at:
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3778406/coast-guard-urges-safety-during-national-safe-boating-week-memorial-day-weekend/

I am a Comms major and am heavily interested in public relations. Here’s what I would do.

1. Public statement- obviously there needs to be some sort of verbal acknowledgment of the situation. Based on what I have gathered from the general public, what would best go over is something like this- “For the past several years, I have been focusing on improving my relationship with my mental health and those around me. Because of this, I have taken a step back from the political sphere. However, I now realize that my role is a visible public figure requires my participation in the greater good.” Something like that.
2. Commitment to better practices- Obviously she needs to cool her jet engines. Committing to hiring a team to create a tour schedule that allows her to take sustainable transport is key. She would also need to make a commitment to reducing the waste her merch produces and putting out less of it. Billie is selling vinyls either made of recycled materials or packaged in it which would be a great thing to emulate.
3. Donations- donating the majority of the profits from her next leg of the eras tour and encouraging fans to donate to vetted charities is vital.
4. Inviting Greta Thunberg to be the person who gets the 22 hat- I think this would be cute and get more eyes on her. Of course Greta may not be willing, but it’s an interesting idea.
5. Merch partnership with the NFL- there is already chiefs merch inspired by Taylor coming out. If she did some sort of “13” Swift jersey made of recycled materials and donated the profits that could be super cute.
6. Sending the Swifties en masse- Providing some sort of petition or actionable support for the climate crisis and encouraging her fans to use their immense power to call their reps about a bill would be a great way to get something real done. What do y’all think?

Hi all,
I am a DIYer and learning as I go. I watched a ton of videos now and for the most part I feel pretty good that this wont be too hard to do. Everywhere I plan on putting flooring in is square rooms with a few entry areas that I'd wrap around, but all 90 degree (as best I can tell) cuts.
I figured in my area, I was quoted about 30K to do our 4Ksqft home removing carpet/etc and cost of wood flooring and installation. Granted that could go down.. though lately with costs so much more than when we had that quote 5 years ago, I suspect unless we choose a really cheap floor of some sort its going to be more than that.
So I have myself the tools.. got the kit with the rubber hammer, handle/block to line each row up, the pull bar, a chalk snap thingy, etc. The flooring I went with as we plan to sell this home soon.. so I didnt want to go crazy, is Costco Mohawk Home 6mm (20mil waterproof) something or nother. It was $37 for a box I think just a hair over $2 a sqft. It says it has the underlayment on it.
So my first question is.. I see various videos where they put down this blue moisture barrier roll of stuff and then there are a few other things like QuietWalk, etc. My bottom floor is on cement, and one of our neighbors said he had to spend $5K to "seal" the cement to avoid moisture coming up and eventually ruining the wood flooring. I do think he put in nice wood flooring though and not vinyl but not sure. In my garage, I put down a mat below our car and after a few days, when I moved it there was definitely moisture under it.. cement was wet. So not sure if this is the sort of thing trying to avoid by sealing cement? Is it necessary? Or is the underlayment on the flooring I got going to be good enough and I don't have to worry about any moisture? Does it help to put QuietWalk down for any reason even with underlayment on the panels? Or just dont bother with that extra expense and process?
Seen some videos where they put a chalk line using that snap string thingy. I am unclear if I need that and what it is used for. I thought there was some mention of using it in hallways to get the dead center of the hallway, but not sure if that means you start one edge of panels right on that line, or what? Also.. some videos they did it in rooms and I vaguely understood something about making sure the panels line up with it? Not sure if that was to ensure all the panels fit straight in the room so one side to the other they line up perfectly with the chalk line.. or some other use.
I have 5.5" baseboards. I plan on taking them off.. as they have some scuffs, need paint, etc anyway. Is there any reason not to? Removing carpet/tack strips out of the room so not sure if once all that is removed and vinyl is in if there would be a gap anyway.. so it seems to make sense to take them off, clean/paint them, and realign them right above the flooring once its in.
See some using spacers, some use a piece of the vinyl board.. and some dont do anything.. the kit I got has these orange shim spacers.. not sure the best approach against the wall I start on.
Biggest concern is the transition. The outside area is all tile.. so the floor will go up to the tile at the door. I suspect it will be lower.. so I assume in this case I use a transition strip between the tile and wood edge at the door, and get like a 2" transition that can cover the slight height difference between the two floors?
But what about in my other room where we have carpet going up to the tile that is in our kitchen (e.g. family room opens to kitchen.. and family room is all carpet including a hallway to the front door 20ft away). That doesnt have any sort of transition right? Because that would be odd walking in from front door and suddenly a transition strip you stub your toe on or something? So do I try to put the vinyl floor butted right up to the tile and work my way to the other side of the room wall? If there is a height difference there how do you adjust that when its an open floor area?
That's about it. I am excited to make this work. Bought a new table saw (with the savings I'll have from hiring someone) to ensure I get accurate cuts (that's what I told my wife I was buying it for :D).
Appreciate any/all thoughts/links/"dont do that", etc.

I recently moved to a quaint, quiet little cottage on an old farm in the south west of England last year, and it had been my dream to someday build it back up to be the farm it once was, ever since I laid eyes on it. After weeks of research and negotiation, I managed to firmly put my price on the property and was accepted; being 29 with two small children meant it was a very daunting task but luckily the resistance wasn't too gritting, and they accepted my very reasonable offer. After packing all of our belongs and moving in within a month, I decided to take my boys (6 and 3) on a little adventure around the farm; thick forest paved what would've been our 'backyard', cows, sheep, pigs in near by fields filled the silence of the thicket with gentle coos and sniffles, and the boys couldn't soak it up enough. My oldest is the shy, much prefer to observe than get stuck in type, whereas my youngest has the thirst for adventure that even Evel Knievel would admire, so it meant the adventuring was more of making sure the youngest didn't get caught up trying to ride a cow, and less actually letting both boys feel the hay between their toes for the first time. After an hour of said 'exploration', we headed in and as I set up the first fire, the boys played with their new house warming gifts from grandmother. Whilst I was wrestling with the clearly never cleaned before chimney, I heard a large crashing sound come from upstairs, after glancing to make sure both boys were out of harms way, I told them to sit tight as I went to investigate.
As I reached the top of the old staircase, I was greeted by the strangest animal I have ever witnessed. It's eyes so dark, no light reflected off of them, it's meer presence chilling my bones to their marrow, it's legs all manageabled into a pile, at which it still stood nearly 5feet tall from the ground. Sitting on a pile of cloth that was blood soaked, and grinning it's half broken teeth a me, all I could muster was a 'good boy' from my lips. This wolf hybrid had clearly been nesting here for a few nights, and when we had opened the door to come in it was startled and tried to flee, only to be caught on an old bear trap that had been placed under the windowsill from long ago. I could see the blood glistening off the rusted teeth of the trap, and how more than half of both back legs had been entangled in it. I froze and didn't know which way to flee. Do I try to chuck an old, heavy blanket over it's face like they do to horses when ushering them into the horse box to disoriente it into submission, do I flee to my boys and leave it where it lays and pray that by the time the authorities come to rescue us it doesn't do a Cujo on our asses? Do I try to slip our dogs slip leash onto it to secure its position? I was at a loss, whichever option I chose had it's downfall, but I had to act fast. I decided to slowly walk backwards, closing the door and use myself as a human blockade, whilst shouting for my oldest to fetch my phone. I rang grandmother and insisted she leave the rest of the boxes of books and come retrieve the boys as fast as she could. I told them to wait in the toilet downstairs and close the door behind them, only opening to either me or grandmother uttering our family password. I tried the local authorities 3 times before someone answered, and even after hearing my frantic plees to come sort this monster out, and officer huffed down the phone in a gritty, disinterested voice,
"Welcome to farm land lady, this is what happens. I guess I'll come take a look at the mangey mutt."
I couldn't believe it, an officer being so completely disinterested in a wild wolf residing in my soon-to-be bedroom, potentially bleeding out, whilst I had two small children downstairs.
After an hour of waiting and grandmother coming to rescue the children, and overweight, middle aged officer with salt and paper beard came cursing his way through my front door.
"For fuck sake, where's this mutt then? How hard can it be to shoot a damn dog in the fucking head these days."
"This damn dog is upstairs, can't you hear it howling officer?" I snapped back.
After waltzing his way through my front room, kicking over my children toys and shuffling himself up my stairs, almost out of breath already, he told me to 'step aside city girl.' I stepped away and held my breath, knowing that what he was about to see wasn't any normal dog, I parted my lips to warn him of the scene he was about to step into when suddenly I saw him run into the room, almost crying, falling to his knees.
"DALLAS! MY FUCKING BABY! WHAT HAS THIS BITCH DONE TO YOU?!"
Dalas. The deputies fucking dog. Of course. But how could this monster be a dog?! I grew up around alsatians and this was no fucking dog.
"HOW THE FUCK DID YOU MANAGE TO CAPTURE HER LIKE THIS?! SHES AN ANGEL AND YOUVE FUCKED HER LEGS UP! HOW DARE YOU! ILL HAVE YOU SENT DOWN FOR THIS!" He screamed, hurling his arms around this beast and kissing it's face, trying to pry the bear trap with his own two hands away from the managed flesh and bone that was his Dalla's' legs.
"Excuse me? How the HELL was I meant to know that thing was a dog, let alone YOUR dog?! I've just moved in. I heard a crash and came to investigate and there it was, snarling at me."
"You'd snarl too if some fucking cunt trapped you in a bear trap! MY POOR BABY!"
I stood there, astonished. I saw him reach in his holster and immediately slammed the door shut. I screamed to him I was unarmed and that shooting me wouldn't solve any issues.
"I'm getting my knife you fucking idiot. I need to get out of this. Here girl it's okay, daddy's here. Daddy's going to help."
After what felt like an eternity of him rustling, crying, shouting and howling alongside Dallas' screeches, he finally kicks the door away and stands there, holding his blood drenched hound in his arms.
"Get in the fucking car." He demands, storming past me, nearly knocking me to the floor. I adhere to his command and follow him to his patrol car parked bumper to bumper with my truck.
"You're paying for this. You're paying for whatever Alks says the bill is."
Apparently Ashley Alkaine was the resident vet in the nearest town, and of course, his very own cousin. The officer proceeded to push me into the car and threw the carcass of the wolfdog ontop of me, and proceeded to speed his way into town to where the vets resided. This was no dog, my legs were half dead by the way we reached our destination, and the sheer amount of blood dripping from this beasts mouth and hind was enough for 3 dogs to bleed out by now, at least. Without the car even fully coming to a hault, the officer jumped out of his door and came clambering to mine to retrieve his prized pet, half punching me in the side of the head whilst doing so.
I solemnly followed, pondering my conviction for the heinse crime of moving into my new home and inadvertently hurting an animal by simply entering a room, I was greeted by the foulest smelling human I'd ever encountered. This vet was covered head to toe in excrement, I almost couldn't believe my watering eyes. This apparently didn't phase the officer because he forced his way past her and daintily laid the animal on the metallic table.
"You have to save her. You fucking have to."
The vet took off her coat and donned a new, white overall coat, which in hindsight made little to no difference regarding the sheer amount of shit hanging off of her, but the officer acknowledged the gesture with a nod.
"Jesus Christ....a bear trap? This big? Poor Dallas. Why would you do this to such a poor, defensesless creature?!"
Both parties staring into my soul as if I had a target on it, and their eyes winning the bull's-eye shot.
"I...I..." I stammered. "I just moved in. I didn't even get to explore upstairs yet when I heard a crash. Maybe she was asleep up there and fell on the trap?"
"BULL. FUCKING. SHIT." The officer shouted as he started stomping towards me. I backed into the wall, causing some equipment to fall to the ground with an ear shattering cry. Hearing this, Dallas jumped from the table onto the floor and tried to run away, but both back legs being incapacitated meant they slid from underneath her, causing her to flail on the floor, ricocheting blood all over the tiny, porcaline office.
"GET THE FUCK OUT!" I was shoved from the office and the door forcefully slammed behind me by both the vet and the officer. I ask the receptionist if I should stay, or go, as I didn't want to make matters worse but also didn't want to be rude if I was indeed, the one paying for bill.
"Don't worry about it, go home m'love. He gets like this everytime she wonders off for a few days. She usually comes back beaten and bruised from fighting wild animals in the thicket, and he has a temper tantrum all the time about it. Go get some rest and welcome your new home, newbie.' The sweet, frail receptionist said with kind eyes, and a gentle hand on my arm. Conflicted wasn't even the word to describe how the last hour and a half of my day had been, but I reluctantly thanked her and set back home.
Grandmother picked me up from outside the vets and took me and the boys both back to hers for ice-cream and cuddles, I just couldn't face spending our first night in the blood soaked room, not just yet anyway. The morning came and we geared up to tackle the sepsis filled floorboards with marigolds and bleach, whilst the boys enjoyed their first day back at school after the weekend. After a few hours of scrubbing the floors, and disposing of 3 more beartraps scattered throughout my new bedroom, we headed into town to grab some food. That's when I saw the town littered with posters of Dallas, with the words "FIND MY BABY, PLEASE. CONTACT ×××××× IF FOUND." strewn across every shop window and every lamppost. I asked grandmother if I should make an appearance at the police station to see how Dallas faired at the vets, but was met with a shaking head and a pat on my shoulder.
"Best not dear, leave it a few days. He knows where you live if he wants to give you the bill."
I gulped down my milkshake and agreed to give it space to breath for the both of us.
That night, after getting home with the boys and helping them redecorate their room with Spiderman decals and Pokémon plushies, we heard another crash, but this time coming from the front door.
I crept down the stairs and peaked through the bannister to find the officer stood in my open doorway, with an axe in one hand, and Dallas hobbling, still spitting blood from her fangs beside him.
"Leave this place. NOW." He swang the axe so it landed beside Dallas, stucking firmly into the naked floor boards, whilst staring into the deepest depths of me. "You're not the woman I married. GET OUT!"

If you’d like to add an event to our calendar, submit an event here. Please check with the event organizers to see if events change due to weather. Have a great week!
See the full weekly calendar on our website.

Noteworthy Events

The Lion King at DPAC

• Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway.
• Wed, May 15 - Sun, June 9
• $29.50+

Durham Bulls vs Memphis at Durham Bulls Athletic Park

• Tue, May 21 - Sun, May 26
• $10+

The Patio Dance Parties : Clueless Fridays at Unscripted Durham

• Every Friday night head up to the rooftop at Unscripted Durham to swim, dance, and gather with throwback 90's jams and killer cocktails.
• 6-10 p.m.
• Rooftop is 21+
• Free admission

Taste of Soul NC at Durham Central Park

• Food & Merchant Vendor Rodeo happening at Durham Central Park.
• There will be something for everyone including a DJ, bounce houses and axe throwing.
• Sat, May 25
• 3-8 p.m.
• Free admission

Durham Underground Market at Durham Central Park

• Enjoy this monthly series featuring new bands every month from Oak City Music Collective, 45+ local vendors, food trucks, workshops by Joy Worthy Co, beewine/bubbly from The Glass Jug and more!
• Sun, May 26
• 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Free admission

Sweet Tea: A Sunday Tea Dance Presented by Stormie Daie! at The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

• Take your holiday long weekend to the next level with performances inside and out by Alex Thee Rabbit, Santos, G-Clef, and Stormie herself — featuring beats by Jorden The DJ.
• Sun, May 26
• 4-6 p.m.
• 21+ event
• Free admission

Multi-Day Events

Historic Buildings Open House at West Point on the Eno Park

• Enjoy a look inside the historic McCown-Mangum House, Photography Museum, and Mill.
• Sat, May 25 and Sun, May 26
• 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Free admission

Movies at The Carolina Theatre

• Ponyo
• Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
• The Searchers & 3:10 to Yuma
• Dawn of the Dead
• The Best Years of Our Lives

Monday, May 20

9:30 a.m.
Discovery Paddle at Eno River
2 p.m.
Board Game Night at The Glass Jug in Downtown Durham
5 p.m.
Arts & Drafts at Fullsteam Brewery
6 p.m.
Disc Golf Putting League at The Glass Jug in RTP
6:30 p.m.
Silent Book Club at DSSOLVR Durham
Trivia Night at Ponysaurus Brewing Company
7 p.m.
We Still Skating Adult Skate Class at Durty Bull Brewing Brewing Company
Community Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery
8 p.m.
Monsoon at Rubies on Five Points

Tuesday, May 21

Events at Boxyard RTP

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Boxyard Run Club
• 6-7:45 p.m. - Music Bingo
• 6-7 p.m. - Book Club: Genre Challenge

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Brewing Company

• 12-8 p.m. - Food Truck: Mike's Vegan Cookout
• 7-9 p.m. - Bull City Beer Runners Run Club

Events at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in Downtown Durham

• 5:45-6:30 p.m. - Community Fitness Classes with YMCA
• 6-8 p.m. - Music Bingo

Events at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP

• 6-8 p.m. - The Glass Jog Run Club
• 6-9 p.m. - Stitch & Sip

5:30 p.m.
Thomas Taylor's Third Tuesday Jam: The Music of Dizzy Gillespie at Sharp 9 Gallery
6 p.m.
Queer Talent Show at Arcana
Pints & Pups at Ponysaurus Brewing Company
Bring Your Own Vinyl with Jaffar at Rubies on Five Points
Dancing With The Carolina Stars Fundraiser at The Carolina Theatre
Women on the Wall at Triangle Rock Club - Durham
6:30 p.m.
Trivia at Durham Food Hall
6:35 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Memphis at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7 p.m.
Trivia at Beer Study Durham
King Trivia Tuesdays at Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Not Rocket Science Trivia at DSSOLVR Durham
Tuesday Blues Jam at The Blue Note Grill
7:30 p.m.
Eloquent Soul - Open Mic Night hosted by Dasan Ahanu at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
8 p.m.
Jeremy 'Bean' Clemons Trio at Kingfisher
Julia Holter at Motorco Music Hall

Wednesday, May 22

Events at Boxcar Bar + Arcade

• 7-9 p.m. - Monthly Pinball Tournament
• 8-10 p.m. - Air Hockey Tournament

Events at Boxyard RTP

• 12-2 p.m. - Hear & There: Daniel Delorenzo
• 5:30-8:30 p.m. - Game Night

Events at ZincHouse Winery & Brewery

• 7-8 p.m. - Signature Wine Tasting
• 7-8:30 p.m. - Laughs Comedy Night

2 p.m.
Film Screening — "Temple Grandin" at Durham County Main Library
3 p.m.
Durham Farmers’ Market at Durham Central Park
Seeing Without Eyes: Walking the Tightrope between Doubt and Belief at Rhine Research Center ~ Online
4 p.m.
Whiskey Wednesdays at Alley Twenty Six
5 p.m.
Free Wednesday Wine Tasting at Beer Study Durham
5:30 p.m.
"Take Tea Like a Bridgerton" Experience at JB Duke Hotel
6 p.m.
Figure Drawing and Tarot with Heiltje at Arcana
6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night with Pickle at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP
6:35 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Memphis at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7 p.m.
My Hero Academia TCG Girl Power Prerelease at Atomic Empire
Hammered Trivia at Hi-Wire Brewing
Karaoke Night at Mavericks Smokehouse
Music Bingo at Ponysaurus Brewing Company
Brett Chambers Open Mic at The Blue Note Grill
8 p.m.
Trivia Night at Bull McCabe's
Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery
Queer Country Night w/ Line Dancing + Country Karaoke at The Pinhook
10 p.m.
World Goth Day All Vinyl Dance Party at Rubies on Five Points

Thursday, May 23

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Brewing Company

• 12-8 p.m. -Food Truck: Mike's Vegan Cookout
• 7-9 p.m. - Thursday Trivia with Nick

12 p.m.
Taking Back Thursday: Mysti Mayhem at Boxyard RTP
1 p.m.
Botany Spotlight: Bamboo at Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Meet the Keepers at Sarah P. Duke Gardens
3 p.m.
Guided Museum Tour at 21c Museum Hotels Durham
5 p.m.
Night Market at American Tobacco Campus
Thirsty Thursdays at Dashi
5:30 p.m.
World Turtle Day Celebration at Piedmont Wildlife Center
Walking Club with Bull City Strollers at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in Downtown Durham
6 p.m.
Dyke Night and Tarot with Rene at Arcana
Dungeons n' Drafts at DSSOLVR Durham
Vinyl Night with DJ Deckades at Gizmo Brew Works
“Rhythms of the Rumba” Dance Class at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
6:15 p.m.
Pony Run at Ponysaurus Brewing Company
6:30 p.m.
Line Dance Classes at Mystic Farm and Distillery
Sacred Traditions: Exploring African-Based Spirituality at Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
Boulders & Brews Meetup at Triangle Rock Club - Durham
DIY Charcuterie Class at Weldon Mills Distillery
6:35 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Memphis at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7 p.m.
Trivia Night at Beer Tooth Taproom
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night at Congress Social Bar
Sound Bath at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church
Summer Jazz Jam (Curated by Al Strong) at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
Community Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery
Periodic Tables: Beyond HIPAA – Mental Health Apps, Health Data, And Privacy at Motorco Music Hall
7:30 p.m.
Trivia Night with Big Slow Tom at Clouds Brewing Brightleaf Square
8 p.m.
Weekly Single Mingle at Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Trivia at Fullsteam Brewery
Megayacht / Hypnic Jerk at The Pinhook
9:30 p.m.
Karaoke Night at The Tavern

Friday, May 24

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Company

• 5-9 p.m. - Food Truck: Weizzie's Country Kitchen
• 8-11 p.m. - Open Mic Stand-up Comedy

10 a.m.
Tasting at Ten at Counter Culture Coffee
12 p.m.
Co-Working Social at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in Downtown Durham
5 p.m.
Food Truck Friday at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP
5:30 p.m.
Friday Night Live: Emily Musolino at Boxyard RTP
6 p.m.
Jo & Lee Tarot with Emily at Arcana
Friday Night Makes at Durham Arts Council
Yonder at The Blue Note Grill
The Patio Dance Parties : Clueless Fridays at Unscripted Durham
6:35 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Memphis at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7 p.m.
Negativland + Sue-C Present "We Can Really Feel Like We're Here" at Motorco Music Hall
Tim Wells & Les Bons Temps — Cajun Dance Party at Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen
7:30 p.m.
Recital: Spring Star-tacular at Barriskill Dance Theatre School
Members-Only Rose` Party at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
Keith Waters/Jon Metzger Quartet at Sharp 9 Gallery
8 p.m.
Stereo Reveries at DSSOLVR Durham
Karaoke! at Fullsteam Brewery
9 p.m.
Hush Hush at Mettlesome
Leo Album Release Party! at Moon Dog Meadery
Lip Sync 4 Ur Life + PHK Karaoke at The Pinhook

Saturday, May 25

Events at Atomic Empire

• 11 a.m. - Kings of War GT: Carolina Cryptid 2024
• 5:30 p.m. - Flesh and Blood: Part the Mistveil Prerelease

Events at Boxyard RTP

• 10-11 a.m. - Drag Story Hour
• 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Saturdaze: DJ k.ward
• 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Disco Differences: PopUp
• 12-2 p.m. - Cartoon Artist Pop-Up

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Company

• 1-8 p.m. - Food Truck: Lobster Dogs
• 1-6 p.m. - Art Day!

Distillery Tours and Tastings at Liberty & Plenty

• Every Saturday, 10-10:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m.

Events at Mettlesome

• 7:30-8 p.m. - Bull City Press Presents
• 8-9 p.m. - Golden Age
• 9-10:30 p.m. - Secret Society Showcase

Events at Moon Dog Meadery

• 1-2 p.m. - Improv Jam
• 8-11 p.m. - A Metal Show: Bunker Hill Bloodbath, No Falks Given, Demiurge, Alpha Strain
• 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. - Outside: CoLaB on Fire

Events at The Blue Note Grill

• 3 p.m. - CHHS Mini-55th with the Reunion Band
• 7:30 p.m. - 8-Track Minds

Guided Walking Tours with Triangle Adventures

• 2 p.m. - Downtown Durham Walking Tour
• 4 p.m. - Durham African American History Tour
• 6 p.m. - Downtown Durham True Crime Tour

8 a.m.
Durham Farmers' Market at Durham Central Park
parkrun Durham at Southern Boundaries Park
9 a.m.
South Durham Farmers' Market at Greenwood Commons Shopping Center
9:30 a.m.
Women's Introduction to Standup Paddleboarding at Falls Lake
10 a.m.
Party for the Planet at Museum of Life and Science
Flower Portraits at Sarah P. Duke Gardens
12 p.m.
Crafternoons at Gizmo Brew Works
3 p.m.
Taste of Soul NC at Durham Central Park
4 p.m.
Mystic Medieval Knights at Mystic Farm & Distillery
5 p.m.
Opening Reception - Renzo Ortega "Acts of Serenity" at Craven Allen Gallery
6 p.m.
Tarot with Heiltje at Arcana
Doodle Jam at Lonerider Distillery and Taproom
6:30 p.m.
Blackhawk Quintet at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
6:35 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Memphis at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7 p.m.
The Lofi Lounge at American Underground
7:15 p.m.
Sunset Float at Falls Lake
7:30 p.m.
Full Moon Fever Bike Ride at American Tobacco Trail
Recital: Spring Star-tacular at Barriskill Dance Theatre School
MOSS: Theo Bleckmann, Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinhan, Jo Lawry, Kate McGarry at Sharp 9 Gallery
9 p.m.
Blackhawk Quintet at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
Boston 168 at The Fruit
10 p.m.
House of Black Dance Party at The Pinhook

Sunday, May 26

10 a.m.
Jazz Brunch at Lula & Sadie's
10:30 a.m.
Al Strong Presents Jazz Brunch at Alley Twenty Six
11 a.m.
Durham Underground Market at Durham Central Park
12 p.m.
One Piece TCG Tournament at Atomic Empire
Sunday Dollar Bin Sale for Charity at Rumors Durham
Farmers Market at ZincHouse Winery & Brewery
12:15 p.m.
Public Tour at Duke Chapel
2 p.m.
Soul Sunday w/ DJ Soul at Congress Social Bar
Hammered Trivia with Casey at Durty Bull Brewing Company
Hillandale Golf Beginner Clinic at Hillandale Golf Course
4 p.m.
IAR Adopt-a-Dog Fundraiser at Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Sweet Tea: A Sunday Tea Dance Presented by Stormie Daie! at The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge
5:05 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Memphis at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
6 p.m.
Ann Arader and Tarot with Rene at Arcana
6:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night at Moon Dog Meadery
8 p.m.
Beloved Presents: Innerworlds at Rubies on Five Points

Running Art Exhibits

Constellations: 40 Years of Explorations within Sacred Geometry by Steven Ferlauto at Horse & Buggy Press and Friends

• Sacred Geometry is an ancient field of physics whose equations are expressed through shape. Shape is a way to explore the universal fabric of our existence.
• Sat, May 4 - Sat, June 1
• Free admission

Cameron Elyse's Divine Nine Legacy Memoir Exhibition at Hayti Heritage Center

• The Divine Nine Legacy Memoir delves deep into the history of the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) or "Divine Nine," a collective of nine Greek Letter organizations founded on May 10th, 1930.
• These organizations were born out of the necessity to provide a voice for Black American students within the collegiate space. United by principles of service, community, brotherhood, and sisterhood, the Divine Nine work collectively to uplift society through acts of service to underserved areas across the nation.
• Fri, Apr 19 - Sat, June 1
• Free admission

It Ain’t All Black And White at DAG Truist Gallery

• It Ain’t All Black and White is a photography exhibition that encourages us to consider emotions such as serenity, apprehension, yearning, and more.
• Captured by 11 dynamic photographers dedicated to documenting the fullness and complexity of Black life, this exhibition offers each of us an opportunity to see ourselves with renewed attention.
• Thu, Apr 25 - Sun, June 2

María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold at Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

• María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold is a monographic exhibition of a visionary voice in photography, immersive installation, painting and performance.
• Thu, Feb 15 - Sun, Jun 9
• Every week, Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 12-5 p.m.
• Free admission

Ley Killeya: Solitary Women at 5 Points Gallery

• 5 Points Gallery in downtown Durham invites you to appreciate Chapel Hill artist Ley Killeya's engaging exhibition featuring vibrant and thought-provoking paintings, exploring themes of identity, belonging, vulnerability, and acceptance, particularly for people from marginalized communities.
• Fri, May 17 - Sat, June 15
• Free admission

Counterpoints at Durham Bottling Co.

• Counterpoints is a curated showcase of local AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) artists, delving into the convergence of AAPI identity and mental health. Inspired by the intricate layers of musical counterpoint, its purpose is to weave together diverse narratives and confront the stigma surrounding mental health within our communities.
• Wed, May 1 - Sun, June 16
• Mon - Fri, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Why am I doing this?
I've heard a lot of chatter over the course of the offseason about the Texans' wide receiver room. I hear people saying 'Tank Dell is the real WR1,' or 'Stefon Diggs will be the most productive WR on the team; just look at his pedigree!' I haven't heard much love for Nico at all, and it seems absurd. He had an incredible season last year, finishing as the WR7 in PPG. I feel like I'm losing my mind—clearly, the guy who just lit it up production-wise is the best player, right?
Some Data Points of Note:
Nico Collins in 2023
(50 Tgt Min.)

• 7th among all WRs in PPR PPG (17.4) - FantasyPros
• 2nd in Yards Per Route Run (3.11) - PFF
• 3rd in PFF Grade (91.4) - PFF
• 3rd in YAC/REC (7.1) - PFF
• 3rd in Missed Tackles Forced (22) - PFF
• 3rd In ESPN RTMs OVR Score (86) - ESPN Analytics
• 1st in total Broken Tackles on Receptions (16) - PFR
• 1st in Passer Rating when targeted (129.6) - PFR

I will be the first to say that a lot of these stats are redundant and describe the same thing. The main point is that he was extremely good last year. He was performing like a real elite WR1 in this offense. I don't see how he could be faking this kind of performance.
What does Tracking Data Tell Us?
To take this a step further, let's look at the Receiver Tracking Metrics more granularly. Overall Score is by far the most predictive of future fantasy points, but the breakdown between Open, YAC, and Catch Score lets us know more about the type of player Nico is.
For those unfamiliar, the Receiver Tracking Metrics are ESPN's attempt to turn tracking data into metrics that describe and predict wide receiver play. I'll also leave an explainer article here.
Nico Collins' 2023 RTMs (Scale is 0-99)
Nico had some of the best Catch (3rd) and YAC (2nd) scores of any WR last year. His Open Score, however, was not a bright point, but a 57 is still an above-average mark. For reference, Ja'Marr Chase and Amon-Ra St. Brown finished the season with a 58 Open Score, while Puka Nacua finished with a 53 Open Score.
Understanding Open Score I'm not sure why some of these elite WRs seem to score lower in Open Score, while others score higher. My best guess is that there is too much situational adjustment in the model, causing it to be biased against certain types of WRs or certain play types. From my testing, Open Score doesn't have much predictive power by itself, but it does when combined with Catch and YAC scores, which is what the Overall (OVR) Score represents.
A Mini-Study on WRs that have elite seasons
We have established that Nico Collins just had a monstrous breakout season where, on paper, he looked like one of the better WRs in the league. This got me thinking: of all the WRs to have seasons like Nico had, how often did they maintain a high level of production? I looked at all WRs who had an 80+ OVR Score in the ESPN RTMs and compared their PPG from that year to the next year. I also ensured that each season a player had to play 8 or more games to be included in the sample, to avoid including players who suffered injuries.
All Seasons by WRs with a 80+ OVR Score (2017-2022)
Mini-Study Results There are 21 WR seasons listed here; 15 out of 21 (71.4%) had 16+ PPR PPG in the next season. Of these 21 WR seasons, 14 had 16+ PPG in that season. Out of those 14, 13 had a 16+ PPG season again the next year. The one WR in the sample who didn't repeat 16+ PPG in the next year was 2021 A.J. Brown. If you look through his game log on Sleeper, you'll see a season riddled with injuries, and of course, the team's high run rate and having a bad QB only exacerbated things.
WRs with an 80+ OVR Score and 16+ PPG seem to be really good bets to repeat their 16+ PPG performance. Almost every WR season since 2017 that met the two thresholds of an 80+ OVR Score and 16+ PPG repeated a 16+ PPG season the next year. Although this is a relatively small sample, it seems reasonable to believe this trend will continue. These are the best of the best WRs based on the tracking data and fantasy production, and they have been and still are very good bets to make in fantasy.
In 2023 there were only 4 WRs to reach a 80+ OVR Score and 16+ PPG

1. AJ Brown
   
2. CeeDee Lamb
   
3. DJ Moore
   
4. Nico Collins
   

Okay, But what if the stats are LYING???
This is a good question. Sometimes a system and scheme can overly inflate a player's production. I don't think that's the case here, but it's worth exploring if the player's talent is actually evident on film. This is our 'sanity check,' if you will. I, like most, think Matt Harmon is the best WR analyst in all of fantasy football, so I usually default to his film opinion when checking my work. He has been a big fan of Nico Collins even before his big breakout season. He discussed the Texans' WR room in a Mailbag episode on his YouTube channel after the Stefon Diggs trade. I strongly suggest you go and watch that video. I'll do my best to summarize his thoughts on the offense here. He discusses how the Texans were initially trying to trade for Keenan Allen to fill their need for a short-area target. Harmon points out that Diggs' success rates on down-the-field routes are not as good as they once were, and he alludes to this being what tends to happen as WRs age. Matt describes how Diggs fills the void of the short-area target in the offense, and that he and Tank Dell will rotate as the slot/flanker positions in the offense. He then goes on to say that Nico Collins will be the pure X-WR that never leaves the field. The biggest statement of note to me was when Matt said, 'Just to be straight, of all these three players... the best film last year was Nico Collins, including Stefon Diggs.... I think he's the best Texans receiver right now.'"
Screenshot from Harmon's video showing Diggs decline on down the field routes
Harmon also takes note of Tank Dell's injury and speculates that he might not be 100% to start the season.
It's important to mention that after this 'real football' discussion, Harmon still said he believes this room is a mess from a fantasy perspective. This, of course, is the safest stance you can take in this scenario. And I know all the fantasy strategy guys will simply say to take the one they feel is the biggest value at ADP. This is fair, and something I would agree with most of the time, but in this instance, I think people are getting too cute.
The numbers he put up last year, tracking metrics, and film all seem to point to Nico being a stud WR1, and these types of players generally tend to find a way to ball out no matter what the circumstance.
Disliking Nico Goes Against Current Consensus:
I'm generally of the belief that ADP and Consensus fantasy values are fairly accurate, or at least as accurate as possible. So to me, it is important to get an idea of what the 2024 consensus thinks of Nico Collins.
This may be a shock to some out there, but Nico is already projected as the consensus WR1 on the Texans by ADP and early projections.
2024 FantasyPros Projections (CBS & ESPN Average)
As you can see looking at the initial FantasyPros projections Nico Collins is projected as the WR10 overall, not only is he projected as the WR1 on the Texans but he is projected to be a low-end WR1 in fantasy leagues.
2024 Aggregated BestBall ADP
Here is the ADP from BestBall leagues: Nico is currently going as the WR13 off the board, once again as the WR1 on the Texans offense.
The consensus market seems to be very much in on Collins as a Low-End WR1 this year. Yet, still, I hear people say they prefer Diggs or Tank Dell at a seemingly alarming rate, hence this deep-dive.
Lastly looking at the Texans 2023 Pass Rate and how it could change in 2024
Last year the Texans Early Down Pass Rate was the 26th lowest in the league (RBSDM.com)
This stat was pretty alarming to me. Why does a team with such a good passing game refuse to pass on early downs? I suspect this might have been due to injuries to the receiving group, or maybe it was precautionary to prevent Stroud from having too many rookie mishaps. It's not like they were a good running team either.
The Houston Texans Run Block Win Rate in 2023 was 25th (ESPN Analytics)
The Texans Rush EPA/Play was below average (RBSDM.com)
As you can see their run game as a whole just wasn't effective last year. And they didn't do much to address it this year either.
2023 Pass Rate Leaderboard (TeamRankings.com)
Last year, the Texans had about a league-average Pass Rate. It's probably fair to assume that they will somewhat increase their Early Down and Overall Pass Rate, given Stroud is going into Year 2 earning more trust from the staff. Adding Diggs also suggests that they will pass more in 2024 as well. If the Texans are indeed more pass-heavy in 2024, it will increase the likelihood of all three of the Texans' top pass catchers producing. It will be especially good for their young, stud WR1 in Nico Collins.