Smoke and mirrors

Energy is clearly in the spotlight these days, and since I was quoted in a recent article by Jason Sandford (see “Solar Projects Catch Fire,” Nov. 26 Xpress), I am writing to clarify my position on this crucial issue facing our state and nation. In fact, I do strongly believe that we need to force […]

Water, wells and wildlife

As a Fairview resident living approximately half a mile from The Cliffs at High Carolina and the Tiger Woods golf course, now under construction: Please hear our cries! We, along with all residents of the Spring Mountain community, rely totally on wells and springs for our homes. Western North Carolina is in an extreme drought […]

Picking the perfect roommate

In an ad in [Xpress’] “Roommates” section, “Seeking mature conscious female to share” etc.: I would hope so. No one wants an unconscious roommate. The correct word is conscientious. I would not be so picky, but the above substitution of words has occurred several times in this paper. — Pat Jenkins Fairview Editor’s note: While […]

United Way’s Hands On Asheville-Buncombe

Lori Sweeney & Kassie Morton Lend a hand to others in the community this holiday season with the help of United Way’s Hands On Asheville-Buncombe. Visit www.handsonasheville.org and choose a volunteer opportunity with an Asheville or Buncombe County nonprofit that works for you. With more than 200 short-term, seasonal and ongoing volunteer opportunities listed in […]

Studio snapshots

There’s something about the Toe River Arts Council’s studio tour that feels like a perfect cup of coffee. Perhaps it’s because coffee always tastes better when served in a mug handmade by someone you know. Something to crow about: Sculptural lamp by John D. Richards. Andirons from blacksmith Zack Noble. Already in its 15th year, […]

Love, hate and Christian stereotype­s

On Nov. 15, I attended the Asheville chapter of a national protest against the recently passed Proposition 8 making same-sex marriage illegal in California. As I approached the Pritchard Park gathering, my stomach churned as I anticipated the opposition of Christian fundamentalists and the hateful signs and words I was sure to encounter. It bothers […]

Outdoors: Chasing the herd

Crisp autumn afternoons are a sure sign that the all-American parking-lot ritual of devouring meat and processed food is under way. Yet a ballgame isn’t the only reason for a tailgate party. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the sporting attraction is more likely to be a herd of elk. Cataloochee grazer: Elk were […]

Picking a Council member

Why is Matt Mittan so hung up on the City Council selecting a replacement [and not choosing someone] who, after serving one term, was denied another term by a majority of voters [“Meet the New Boss … Same as the Old Boss,” Commentary, Nov. 19]? And what’s wrong with knowing where your Council member falls […]

City saves citizens from park benches

It has been a long time coming, but the city has finally taken the bold, much needed action of addressing the problem of those constant scofflaws … the park benches. These benches—and not just the one that was recently busted in front of the library, but all the numerous other benches around downtown—have long been […]

Take a minute for a life

It’ll only take a minute of your time. But you can change a man’s life and correct a terrible injustice. Many readers will remember the Mountain Xpress cover story [“Sprung,” May 21] on Glen Edward Chapman, who was released last spring after spending 14 years on death row for crimes he did not commit. You […]

What is hip

Hip Replacements, the secondhand clothes/T-shirt/accessories shop on Lexington Avenue, has changed hands again. The store, which also carries a large inventory of quirky items, has been a fixture of Asheville digger and hipster culture for well more than 10 years now. The new owners are Kip Veno, 38, and his partner for the last two […]

A change is going to come

The word “change” has been thrown around a lot these days as a slogan, an idea, a mantra for some and even a source of derision for others. But for singer/songwriter David LaMotte, change isn’t just a buzzword—it’s where he finds himself and his career. Peacemaker: LaMotte is retiring from music to pursue a World […]

The hardest-working band in show business

Widespread Panic has been busy—though not too busy to play a two-night, post-turkey run in Asheville. Consider: • The band’s hard-working habits earned it the recent honor of the first “Road Warrior Award” from Billboard magazine. This award represents their work ethic, steadfast dedication to touring year after year, and their commitment to the art […]

Times are tough, they dance

“I’ve run my life by saying ‘yes’,” explains the exuberant Leo Monahan, whose work is currently on exhibit in the lobby of the Asheville Community Theatre. Country neighbors: Quilt artist Webb-Lee and paper artist Monahan live near to each other in Barnardsville. Shown here is Webb-Lee’s “Squarely Divided. The widely-acclaimed paper artist’s spirit of adventure […]