“Rue McClanahan has also played witches and bitches, killers and drunks,” that actress reminds us in her tell-all memoir, My First Five Husbands … And the Ones Who Got Away (Random House, 2007). Still, she’s best known as sex-pot Southern belle Blanche Devereaux from TV’s The Golden Girls. And, as often happens, many fans confuse … Read more
When Asheville Ballet reprises its 2000 performance of Porgy and Bess this week at Diana Wortham Theatre, many in the audience may be unaware of the story’s local roots. Porgy, the novel, was started and finished in Hendersonville, where Charleston writers Dubose and Dorothy Heyward owned a summer home. Dubose’s book was lauded as “the … Read more
Last year, Thames & Hudson published an endearing little book called David Hockney’s Dog Days. In the preface, the famed ‘60s pop artist writes: “I make no apologies for the apparent subject matter. These two dear little creatures [a pair of dachshunds] are my friends. They are intelligent, loving, comical, and often bored. They watch … Read more
• They’re doing it again! Despite all the unnecessary red tape they waded through last year, Arlene and Robert Winkler are organizing another river-park sculpture exhibit. Let’s hope they’re rewarded with more cooperation from the city this time around. • Time again for the Doors of Asheville fundraiser. Neighborhood Housing is such a worthy cause, … Read more
Insert Gangsta-Rap Reference Here Tired of hearing about new albums by local bands that feature an all-star group of Asheville musicians? Tough, ‘cause I’ve got one more for ya. Folky, jazzy “hipster swing” group Jen and the Juice appear to be nearly ready to release their latest recording, the five-song EP Fruits. The album is … Read more
Shuler co-sponsors a climate bill Rep. Heath Shuler recently signed on as co-sponsor of a bill to reduce global warming emissions. The Climate Stewardship Act of 2007, also known as H.R. 620 or Gilchrest-Olver after the representatives who introduced it, is one of six bills introduced at the federal level that seek to address climate … Read more
Blueberry pie is a great summer dessert, but first you have to grow the berries (OK, you could buy them, but that’s not quite as fun or tasty.) Berry maven Walter Harrill of Imaldris Farm is offering an afternoon workshop in blueberry management through the Organic Growers School. The class, geared toward backyard growers, includes … Read more
Dig a little deeper: The Carolina Mountain Club invites you to join them for a little maintenance this weekend along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Granted you could spend Saturday, May 12, drowsing in your hammock, but wouldn’t you rather spend it clearing downed limbs and digging out water bars? Dress for hiking and bring your own … Read more
The five kilometer footrace or “5K” is the country’s most popular running event. Last year, more than three million Americans finished a 5K, and participation numbers continue to rise. Many choose the 5K as a fitness goal, from novices lacing up their first pair of running shoes to seasoned veterans out to collect race T-shirts. … Read more
Spring is egg season on the farm. While eggs are certainly a year-round delight, the rich, golden yolk and distinct flavor of a farm-fresh egg shines best in spring, when hens enjoy a diet of new green plant growth and insects newly emerged from winter’s cold. This time of year, the differences between a farm … Read more
