” We are learning that many plant species in the forest, from trees to orchids, plug into the underground network of fungi for supplemental nutrition and for a means of communication. … The orchids of the Blue Ridge are a window into this underground network of fungi-plant relationships.”
“Earlier editions of Waynesville’s Kevin Adams’ North Carolina Waterfalls sold more than 65,000 copies. That is an amazing report, but easier to understand when the reader and viewer see his photographs of hundreds of our state’s enchanting waterfalls and read his detailed and compelling descriptions of the falls, how Adams approached his task and the dangers to these treasures from human activity.”
“In a society where death is largely relegated to hospitals, impersonal mortuaries and mass cemeteries, home burial has fallen by the wayside. Yet just a generation or two ago, death was recognized as a natural part of life.”
“Grown men don’t cry, but it was hard to keep a dry eye as we walked through these profoundly evocative memorials, knowing the gut-wrenching agony of the families of all these thousands of men and women who, had they survived, might have been on the bus with us this very day.”
“People need to see the power they really have, especially the power to prevent Duke Energy from making all the decisions,” says Asheville Community Rights co-founder Kat Houghton. “Corporations should not have more rights than people. That is not a democracy.”
“With each day that passed, however, we gained confidence and learned more about our solar equipment. Once we knew how much capacity our solar panels and batteries had, we removed the only propane appliance left in the Toaster — the stove/oven combo — and our home became 100 percent fossil-fuel-free!”
“Robert Morgan’s latest novel, recently out in paperback, is set in pre-Civil War times. It follows a crafty teenage runaway slave on a northward journey toward freedom. From the Carolina mountains all the way to Ithaca, N.Y., he finds dangers, adventures and comedy.”
“Let their mysterious glow enchant you. And as you enjoy the spectacle, learn to think like a firefly: Imagine that every artificial light interferes with your ability to serenade a mate. Make friends with the darkness.”
“The scene at the depot was a depressing beehive as these raw recruits, many no more than young boys, had their last meal with their families at the Atlantic Quick Lunch and then walked across the street to board a train.”
“Frankly, it’s a bit of a crazy time for nonprofits. … In a time of uncertainty and volatile change, local nonprofits are doing their best to remain strong and adapt.”
“This is a remarkable environmental success story! Many agencies and organizations can be proud of their contributions to this. Together, they’ve demonstrated that bold action at many different levels can successfully address serious environmental issues.”
“Most of all, I want my children, your children and our grandchildren to grow up in a world with a stable climate.”
“As the tale goes, Crockett became upset over some tolls that were being charged for travelers coming up and down what is now known as Old Fort Mountain. Not willing to stand this outrage, he blazed his own road down the mountain, one that folks could traverse without interference or fees.”
‘Whether they’re pure battery electrics like the Nissan Leaf or plug-in hybrids like the Chevy Volt, [plug-in electric vehicles] offer WNC many benefits. But first we need to drain a swamp of disinformation.”
“Bobby’s story highlights the spectrum of housing experiences that many families travel — homelessness, doubling up and public housing. This instability impacts families’ health, the ability to secure work and children’s academic success.”
“And amid the gloom and doom, the River District provided entertainment venues for the struggling masses. The big excitement was when, from time to time, a circus came to town and pitched its big tent in one of several large, flat lots along the riverbanks.”
“I’ve learned that laws can be overturned, executive orders can be changed and congressional acts can be reversed. It is now clear that until women are explicitly included in the U.S. Constitution, there is no guarantee we will have equal citizenship. Currently, the only constitutionally protected right for women is the right to vote.”
“I’m sharing my story in hopes that you, too, will recognize this unique opportunity to change a child’s life while achieving something special in your own.”
“Land values went sky high, and huge inns were built to accommodate the visitors. The kingdom was awash in gold, and ornate schools and offices were being built at a record pace with the help of the money-changers and the naive municipal bond buyers. What could possibly go wrong?”
We’re challenging our readers to strive for more civil, respectful discourse in the online comments on our site.
“I think the book is written to expose the bad guy in all of us. My goal was to show that each one of us has a little worm in our shiny apple.” Local author Abigail Hickman will read from and discuss her book Saturday, Feb. 18 at Malaprop’s.