Reams of pretty writing have been printed about Asheville. Guidebooks and brochures have laid down miles of words in praise of the mountains. Pages of newspapers and magazines have brimmed with the story of a town that is a mecca for people seeking good health and good vibes, an appealing mix of the arty and … Read more
The modern publishing scene has brought yet another type of literary tourist to Asheville: the writer on a book tour. Xpress approached a couple of these authors to ask what memory defined Asheville for them. Here are their e-mailed replies. Dave Eggers Eggers read in Asheville in October 2002. His friend Amanda Davis was killed … Read more
Even as Tracy Chapman albums go, last year’s Let It Rain is a subdued affair. Arrangements are typically spare, with voice and guitar mixed up front. This is nothing new for Chapman, of course — only this time, the other instrumentation is pushed almost to the margins. The folksinger affects a ghostly presence through plaintive … Read more
Digging for recognition “We tried to play everywhere, but nobody would let us,” says Ted Robinson, taking a long drag off his cigarette. “If you see a picture of us playing, or hear any description of us, it’s really a test for people. I mean, who would trust a guy that said, ‘I’m in this … Read more
OK, I admit it: Initially, I was disappointed. I wanted to hear the Boss bark that line about “broken heroes on a last-chance power drive.” I wanted to slump low in my seat and let the penetrating bass of some blue-chip cruising standard send primeval rumblings through my chest and nether regions. War’s “Low Rider” … Read more
Sitting in the soft, feathery shade of a black walnut tree, I’m reminded of the paradox that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure (or, perhaps, one person’s love is another’s frustration). And labeling plants “good” or “bad” may say as much about our own judgment and agenda as it does about the plants themselves. … Read more
Vetiveria zizanioides (or, as it’s more popularly known, khus-khus) is an Asian grass that’s native to the tropics, where it has enjoyed a reputation as both an erotic perfume and an ingredient in island cooking. Also known as vetiver grass, its roots yield an oil that is prized for its ability to fix other aromas, … Read more
“The age of the steam engine is coming to an end, and it’s being replaced by a fuel cell.” — UNC-A environmental-studies professor Rick Maas It’s more than 200 years since the Industrial Revolution launched its machine-based retooling of human societies, yet our high-tech gadgetry is still mostly dependent on the steam engine. That’s right … Read more
A cross between a battery and a generator, the fuel cell uses a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to create a current of electricity. Its only waste products are water (pure enough to drink, when straight hydrogen is the fuel), carbon dioxide, and a small amount of heat. Although it sounds futuristic, this high-tech … Read more
