Culture watch

Reader Predictions for 2007

Last week, to get people in just the right cynical mood for the coming months, we published a collection of sarcastic predictions for the new year. On something of a whim, we also posted a call on our blogs (www.mountainx.com/blogs) for 2007 predictions. Many readers responded, and given that it’s otherwise kind of slow around here this time of year, we thought we’d share some of their more amusing thoughts with you.

“I have a gut feeling that traffic issues on Merrimon Ave. will surely be resolved thanks to the fantabulous new off/on ramps. Ha.”
– Mrs. Leah Marie, via the Xpress MySpace page

“I predict the faint sounds of drumming off in the distance, perhaps from the direction of Pritchard Park- Oh wait, that’s happening right now.”
– Mica Mouse

“Seeing as downtown is now host to a new Ale boutique and soon a new wine bar, I predict that the powers that be will just go ahead and turn our city into a big-assed airport, complete with more cutesy drinking spots, plus more kitschy gift shops, more abstract kinetic sculpture, moving sidewalks and duty-free shops (which no one who actually lives here will be able to shop in because we aren’t arriving or departing).”
– Ethan Clark

“I predict that in the year 2007 the tourist population will all decide that Asheville isn’t really all that just because we have a giant iron. Instead they will discover the wonder of Waynesville’s giant jellyfish.”
– Moira

“Orange Peel will book some mediocre jam bands. More construction on million dollar apts. downtown which will sit empty will take place. Someone will redesign a street to make it more confusing for drivers but more lucrative for [the city]. People on the City Council board will do what’s best for their financial interests rather than for the people. One big building built in the last 10 years will be vacated and more land will be cleared for another useless big building to be built – wait, I’m sorry, this is my list from 2003.”
– Exree Hipp

“I predict that Mountain Xpress will get a real A&E editor, who actually has an idea about music, not some roly-poly who sits in the dark, fantasizing what Superman really has under his cape, drawing cartoons of himself, trying to socialize with true music fans – Mr. Shanafelt go back to the dark side you live in, Princess Leah and the ewoks want you back [on] the farm. PLEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEEE McGEEEEEEEE-hurry back !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
– The Truth

[Shanafelt replies: I’m actually more of a Slave Labor– comics kinda guy, and I’m far more interested in a Kurosawa flick than in anything Lucas has ever done. Still, this is the only prediction that’s actually come true, as Melanie McGee Bianchi returned to the A&E Editor post last week.]

[Contact Steve Shanafelt at unknowncity@hotmail.com.]

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.