Stories with Tag North Carolina

• I salvaged $6k of luxury items discarded by Duke students

  permalink

  Posted: 2025-05-27 15:59:23

  Verbose tl;dr

  A Duke University student, Dumpster Diving Freegan, documented their finds after scavenging discarded items from student move-out. They salvaged an estimated $6,000 worth of furniture, electronics, clothes, and other luxury goods, including a working MacBook, a mini-fridge, and designer clothing. The student highlighted the excessive waste generated by affluent students and questioned the consumer culture that leads to perfectly usable items being thrown away. They plan to donate some items and keep others.

  Within the hallowed halls and manicured lawns of Duke University, a prestigious institution renowned for its academic rigor and affluent student body, a peculiar phenomenon unfolds annually as the academic year draws to a close. As the departing students prepare to embark upon their summer sojourns, a veritable treasure trove of discarded goods materializes, left behind in the overflowing dumpsters that dot the campus periphery. One enterprising individual, driven by a combination of frugality, environmental consciousness, and perhaps a touch of anthropological curiosity, embarked on a mission to document and salvage these forsaken riches. This individual, whose identity remains shrouded in a veil of relative anonymity within the Indy Week article, chronicles their exploration of the opulent refuse, meticulously cataloging the discarded items, which range from the mundane to the extravagant. Among the detritus, they unearthed a plethora of perfectly serviceable, and often high-end, possessions, including, but not limited to, fully functional refrigerators, microwaves exhibiting nary a scratch, and televisions still displaying vibrant images. Furthermore, the scavenger unearthed a collection of smaller yet valuable items, such as designer clothing still bearing the pristine tags of their upscale origins, unopened cosmetics promising enhanced beauty, and a variety of electronic gadgets, including laptops and gaming consoles, seemingly abandoned in perfect working order. The cumulative value of these recovered treasures, the article posits, reaches an astounding sum of approximately six thousand dollars, a figure that underscores the sheer volume and inherent worth of the discarded goods. This act of dumpster diving, while perhaps unconventional, serves as a poignant commentary on the pervasive culture of consumerism and disposability that permeates even the most elite echelons of academia, highlighting the stark contrast between the privileged lifestyles of these students and the inherent value of the resources they so readily discard. The author’s meticulous documentation of this phenomenon provides a compelling glimpse into the often unseen consequences of affluence and the surprising bounty that can be found within the refuse of the privileged.

  • dumpster diving
  • Duke University
  • luxury goods
  • salvaging
  • Waste Reduction
  • student life
  • consumerism
  • college culture
  • North Carolina
  • Durham
  • Indy Week
  • thrifting
  • discarded items
  • repurposing

  Summary of Comments ( 204 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44108207

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters were largely unimpressed with the "luxury" items salvaged, questioning their actual value and the legality of taking discarded items from private property. Several pointed out that taking trash from dumpsters on private property, especially in multi-unit dwellings like dorms, is often illegal and could be considered theft. Others debated the ethics of profiting from student waste, with some suggesting the practice is exploitative while others argued students are responsible for their own discarded possessions. A few commenters expressed skepticism about the $6,000 valuation, suggesting the "luxury" label was exaggerated. There was also discussion about the broader issue of student consumerism and wastefulness, with some suggesting universities could do more to promote sustainable practices.

  The Hacker News post discussing the Indy Week article about Duke students dumpster diving has generated a significant number of comments. Many commenters express skepticism about the claimed $6,000 valuation of the salvaged goods, suggesting it's significantly inflated. Several users question the legality and ethics of dumpster diving, particularly on private property, with some citing potential health and safety concerns.

  A recurring theme is the perceived wasteful nature of affluent students and the broader societal implications of consumerism and disposable culture. Some commenters draw parallels to the phenomenon of "freegans," individuals who reclaim and consume discarded food and other items as a lifestyle choice. Others discuss the potential for similar waste at other universities and within different demographics.

  Several commenters share anecdotes of their own experiences with dumpster diving or finding discarded items of value. Some offer practical tips for safe and effective dumpster diving, while others debate the legal and ethical considerations. A few comments delve into the psychology of discarding valuable items, speculating on the reasons why students might throw away seemingly usable goods.

  The legality of dumpster diving on private property is a point of contention, with some commenters asserting that it's generally illegal while others argue that it depends on local ordinances and the specific circumstances. The issue of potential liability for injuries sustained while dumpster diving is also raised.

  Some commenters express concern about the potential for harassment or conflict with property owners or law enforcement, advising caution and discretion. Others suggest alternative approaches to acquiring discarded items, such as contacting university departments or student groups directly to inquire about unwanted goods.

  A few commenters criticize the article and the student's actions, characterizing them as opportunistic or exploitative. However, many others express empathy for students struggling with financial constraints and see dumpster diving as a resourceful way to acquire needed items.

  Overall, the comments reflect a wide range of perspectives on dumpster diving, encompassing ethical, legal, practical, and societal considerations. The discussion highlights the complex interplay of wastefulness, resourcefulness, and the challenges faced by students in a consumer-driven society.

• The US island that speaks Elizabethan English

  permalink

  Posted: 2025-03-11 14:24:48

  Verbose tl;dr

  Tangier Island, a small, eroding island in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay, is home to a unique dialect preserved from the 17th century, when settlers from southwest England arrived. This dialect, with its distinctive pronunciation and vocabulary, retains echoes of Elizabethan English, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Islanders, largely isolated due to their geographical location and traditional fishing-based economy, have inadvertently maintained this linguistic time capsule, though the island's very existence is threatened by rising sea levels.

  Nestled within the cerulean embrace of the Atlantic Ocean, a mere stone's throw from the bustling metropolises of the eastern United States seaboard, lies a diminutive landmass harboring a linguistic anachronism of the most peculiar and captivating nature: Tangier Island, Virginia. This isolated isle, a veritable time capsule of linguistic preservation, boasts a dialect so antiquated, so reminiscent of the golden age of English literature, that it transports the contemporary listener back to the era of Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth I.

  The article from the venerable British Broadcasting Corporation delves into the fascinating etymology of this unique vernacular, postulating that the islanders' speech, a melodious blend of archaic pronunciations and grammatical structures, has remained remarkably unchanged for centuries due to their geographical isolation. The inhabitants of Tangier, predominantly engaged in the toils of crabbing and fishing, have maintained a degree of linguistic insularity, their speech patterns largely unaffected by the relentless march of linguistic evolution on the mainland. This isolation, coupled with a strong sense of communal identity and pride in their heritage, has allowed the distinctive cadence and vocabulary of Elizabethan English to flourish, resisting the homogenizing influence of modern American English.

  The article meticulously elucidates the various linguistic peculiarities that distinguish the Tangier dialect, showcasing its distinctive pronunciation of vowels and consonants, its retention of archaic verb conjugations, and its employment of vocabulary long since abandoned by mainstream English speakers. It paints a vivid portrait of a community clinging steadfastly to its linguistic heritage, a heritage that serves as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the remarkable resilience of language in the face of societal and technological advancements. Furthermore, the article underscores the importance of preserving such linguistic anomalies, not merely as curiosities but as valuable windows into the evolution of language and the rich tapestry of human cultural expression. It highlights the urgency of documenting and studying these linguistic relics before they are inevitably lost to the tides of time and the pressures of globalization, thereby depriving future generations of a unique and invaluable insight into the linguistic past.

  • US
  • USA
  • America
  • United States
  • Island
  • english
  • language
  • dialect
  • Elizabethan English
  • Early Modern English
  • History
  • culture
  • travel
  • North Carolina
  • Outer Banks
  • Ocracoke Island
  • Ocracoke
  • Atlantic Ocean

  Summary of Comments ( 96 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43332752

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters discuss the BBC article about Tangier Island's unique dialect. Several point out that the dialect isn't truly Elizabethan English, but rather a mix of influences including early colonial English and Cornish, shaped by the island's isolation. Some debate the level of Cornish influence and the accuracy of the "Elizabethan" label. Others discuss the impact of rising sea levels and the islanders' resistance to climate change science, attributing it to religious beliefs and economic dependence on crabbing. A few commenters share personal anecdotes or express interest in visiting. The thread also touches on linguistic preservation, the challenges faced by small island communities, and the role of dialect in shaping identity. One compelling exchange revolves around the island's uncertain future and the potential loss of this unique dialect as residents are forced to relocate.

  The Hacker News post titled "The US island that speaks Elizabethan English" (linking to a BBC article about Tangier Island) has a moderate number of comments, sparking a discussion about language change, isolation, and the romanticized notion of "Elizabethan English."

  Several commenters challenge the premise of the article, pointing out that the islanders' dialect isn't truly Elizabethan English frozen in time. They argue that language is constantly evolving, and even in isolated communities, change is inevitable. One commenter suggests that the dialect likely retains some older features that have been lost in mainland American English, but it's also developed its own unique characteristics over time. This leads to a discussion about the nature of dialects and how they diverge and converge. The idea of a perfectly preserved historical language is seen as unrealistic.

  Another commenter notes the influence of nautical terminology on the island's dialect, given its history and reliance on fishing and crabbing. This reinforces the point that the language has been shaped by the community's specific circumstances, rather than simply being a relic of the past.

  Some commenters express skepticism about the BBC article's claim, suggesting that it's exaggerating the distinctiveness of the dialect for sensationalist purposes. They mention encountering similar claims about other isolated communities, which often turn out to be overblown upon closer examination.

  Several commenters express interest in the sociolinguistic aspects of the situation, wondering about the islanders' interactions with outsiders and how they navigate the differences in language. One commenter raises the question of language attrition and whether younger generations on the island are maintaining the dialect or shifting towards more mainstream American English. This ties into a broader discussion about the forces that drive language change and the challenges faced by smaller language communities.

  Finally, a few commenters share anecdotes about encountering unique dialects in other parts of the world, further illustrating the diversity of language and the ways in which it reflects local history and culture. One commenter mentions the Outer Banks of North Carolina, suggesting a parallel with Tangier Island in terms of relative isolation and distinct dialectal features.