Black Friday began as a term rooted in economic chaos but has become a celebrated kickoff to the holiday shopping season across the country.

Originating from the turmoil of the 1869 gold market crash and later chaos in 1960s Philadelphia crowds, the phrase now signals the moment retailers shift from loss to profit.

Today, Black Friday is a global shopping event, attracting millions.

In 2024, nearly 197 million Americans joined the Thanksgiving weekend shopping surge, with a significant boom in online and mobile commerce — mobile purchases made up 57% of global sales.

To make the most of the day, shoppers should plan lists, set budgets, and use price-tracking tools for real savings.

Comparing deals, joining loyalty programs, and focusing on major discounts in electronics and apparel can help shoppers navigate the busy season and score the best bargains.

Q/A Questions

Q: What are the best outdoor activities to do in Chapel Hill, NC?

A: There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Chapel Hill, NC, such as hiking in the Chapel Hill Community Center Park, exploring the North Carolina Botanical Garden, or taking a walk around the beautiful UNC-Chapel Hill campus.

Q: Where can I find the best restaurants in Chapel Hill, NC?

A: Chapel Hill, NC, has a vibrant food scene with a variety of restaurants to choose from. Some popular options include Lantern for Asian fusion cuisine, Crook's Corner for southern comfort food, and Mediterranean Deli for delicious Mediterranean dishes.

Q: What are some must-see attractions in Chapel Hill, NC?

A: There are several must-see attractions in Chapel Hill, NC, including the Ackland Art Museum, Carolina Basketball Museum, and the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. These attractions offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Chapel Hill.

Elon Musk is challenging conventional engineering with a bold five-step algorithm requiring relentless scrutiny and efficient decision-making.

The process begins by questioning every requirement, urging teams to examine even widely accepted standards and never shy away from doubt.

Next, Musk advocates eliminating unnecessary components, pushing for aggressive removal of anything that doesn’t directly add value — even if it means occasionally putting something back.

Simplification and optimization follow, but only after unnecessary elements are gone, ensuring teams don’t waste effort enhancing what should never exist.

Once streamlined, the cycle time is accelerated, but Musk emphasizes not to rush a flawed process.

Automation is the final step, reserved for systems perfected through prior steps, preventing the amplification of inefficiencies.

This approach transformed Tesla’s battery production, slashing costs and eliminating bottlenecks.

Musk’s strategy inspires innovation far beyond engineering, challenging everyone to rethink efficiency and push boundaries.

🥗 Winter Citrus & Roasted Fennel Salad with Burrata & Spiced Pistachio Crumble

🧾 Ingredients:

• 1 large fennel bulb, sliced
  
  

• 2 blood oranges, peeled and sliced into wheels
  
  

• 1 cara cara orange, segmented
  
  

• 1 small grapefruit, segmented
  
  

• 1 small head of radicchio, chopped or torn
  
  

• 1 ball of burrata cheese (or substitute with fresh mozzarella)
  
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• Salt & cracked black pepper
  
  

For the Pistachio Crumble:

• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios
  
  

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  
  

• 1/2 tsp sea salt
  
  

• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
  
  

• 1 tsp maple syrup
  
  

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  
  

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1 tsp white balsamic vinegar
  
  

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  
  

• Salt & pepper to taste

🥣 Instructions:

1. Roast the fennel: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss sliced fennel with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized.
   
   

2. Make the pistachio crumble: In a small skillet, toast pistachios with paprika, chili flakes, and salt over medium heat. Add maple syrup and stir until glazed. Remove from heat and chop roughly once cooled.
   
   

3. Make the dressing: Whisk orange juice, mustard, vinegar, and olive oil until emulsified. Season to taste.
   
   

4. Assemble: On a platter, layer radicchio, roasted fennel, and citrus slices. Tear burrata over the top. Drizzle with dressing, sprinkle with pistachio crumble, and add cracked pepper.

💡 Why It Works:

• Fennel and citrus are both at their peak in winter.
  
  

• Burrata adds creaminess to balance the bitterness of radicchio and tangy citrus.

On this day in 1895, Alfred Nobel reshaped his legacy by establishing the renowned Nobel Prizes.

He transformed from being the inventor of dynamite to an enduring symbol of purposeful achievement and global recognition.

That same spirit of reinvention pulses through Chapel Hill, where women over 50 are embracing new challenges and opportunities.

Leading the way, the founders of P.E.A.C.H. Apartments—five African American women, each with decades of service—have launched a 10-unit affordable housing project in downtown Chapel Hill to address local needs.

Meanwhile, the Newcomers Club of Greater Chapel Hill empowers over 350 members, offering activities that foster community and growth for those navigating life transitions.

Women here are opening businesses, advancing their education, and redefining their impact, proving that bold decisions can create lasting legacies at any stage of life.

Interesting Facts

In Chapel Hill, Thanksgiving stands as a powerful reflection of the town’s deep history and vibrant sense of community.

After President Franklin D. Roosevelt unified the nation by designating the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving in 1941, Chapel Hill embraced the tradition and wove it into its own fabric.

The days leading up to the holiday are bustling with energy, thanks to signature events like the Pre-Thanksgiving Market at University Place, where local vendors bring fresh produce and handcrafted foods, underscoring the importance of supporting neighbors and small businesses.

Thanksgiving in Chapel Hill also means lending a hand. Initiatives such as the CORA Food Drive, led by local churches, ensure that every household can join in the celebration, spotlighting the town’s strong spirit of generosity.

As students leave the University of North Carolina campus and Franklin Street restaurants come alive, Chapel Hill invites residents to pause, connect, and appreciate all they share together.

Secret Little Hack

One secret hack for Chapel Hill, NC is to explore the local food scene by visiting Carrboro Farmers' Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods, followed by a stroll through Franklin Street to discover hidden gems and unique dining experiences.

Enjoying the vibrant culture and culinary delights of the area is a great way to immerse yourself in the community and create lasting memories.

Agatha Christie’s debut of The Mousetrap on November 25, 1952, in London set a new standard for murder mystery theatre, launching what would become the longest-running play worldwide.

Seventy-three years on, its legacy still enchants audiences, echoing the ongoing commitment to strong storytelling found in Chapel Hill.

In this creative community, from the bustling arts scene to UNC’s lecture halls, the narrative tradition runs deep.

Recent happenings like the Bugonia screening at Chelsea Theater and the Center Theater’s Youth Conservatory production of The Addams Family spotlight the town’s devotion to new voices and time-honored stories alike.

What sets The Mousetrap apart is its careful construction, chilling suspense, and well-drawn characters—a formula embraced by Chapel Hill’s emerging writers and seasoned artists.

Here, respect for narrative secrecy and community tradition echoes the very spirit that keeps Christie’s masterpiece alive.

Quote Of The Day

"Good morning Chapel Hill! Today's quote of the day is: 'The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.' Have a great day filled with new discoveries and knowledge!"

Charles Darwin's legacy of curiosity and intellectual courage lives on in Chapel Hill, where boundless inquiry shapes community life.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) anchors this spirit, driving both research and education to national heights.

In 2024, UNC earned a top-ten spot from the National Science Foundation, surpassing $1.55 billion in research spending, a testament to its commitment to global challenges.

Exciting changes are ahead: a wet lab incubator for life science startups opens downtown in 2025, fueling collaboration and new discoveries.

Plans are also set for North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital in partnership with UNC Health and Duke Health, with groundbreaking anticipated by 2027.

This vibrant academic community mirrors Darwin’s own dedication, continually evolving through rigorous inquiry, bold creativity, and a shared drive to shape the future.