There’s a certain smugness to the portraits of communal living in Diana Leafe Christian’s latest book, Finding Community: How to join an Ecovillage or Intentional Community (New Society Publishers, 2007). But, since Christian is the editor of Communities magazine and herself a resident of Black Mountain’s Earthaven Ecovillage, she’s well versed in the perks and … Read more
In the few years surrounding the turn of the last millennium, there was an explosion of performance troupes across the country digging up the bones (or at least mending the wounds on the badly battered body) of old-time vaudeville and burlesque entertainment. Like any cultural explosion, though, most of these scrappy, by-the-seat-of-their-pants troupes burned out … Read more
There are few people who have influenced the culture of Asheville as much as Thomas Wolfe. His epic, semi-autobiographical books—particularly Look Homeward, Angel—examined the small-town culture of Asheville in obsessive detail. Back to Dixieland: Julia (Carla Pridgen) and Thomas Wolfe (Tom Dalton) in Return of an Angel. For sharing his vision of this city with … Read more
Political party: Democrat Occupation: Business owner (Jan Davis Tire Store) Education: Attended Western Carolina University Political experience: Asheville Planning & Economic Development Committee, Public Safety Committee, Boards & Commissions Committee, Downtown Commission, WNC Regional Air Quality Agency, Historic Resources Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Civic Center Commission, Tree Commission Donors (top 3): Jerry Sternberg $1,000; … Read more
Marcel Duchamp, who horrified the establishment in the early 20th century by displaying a urinal as a work of art, said, “Since Courbet, it has been believed that painting is addressed to the retina. … I wanted to put painting once again at the service of the mind.” He opened a door to new and … Read more
There’s a trend afoot (in the case of Payless ShoeSource it really is afoot) for discount retailers to feature lines by high-end designers. Mass manufacturing, inexpensive fabrics and less emphasis on detailing allow mall and big-box companies to sell these collections at affordable prices. Though Kmart has long carried products by celebrity designers Kathy Ireland … Read more
Political party: None Occupation: Massage therapist, nanny, construction Education: Currently enrolled at A-B Tech Political experience: None Donors (top 3): None accepted Endorsements: Did not respond 1) What are the best and worst steps City Council has taken in the past two years, and why? Best: “The July revision of steep-slope policy, which helps protect … Read more
Political party: Democrat Occupation: Publisher and Editor, Critter Magazine Education: A.A. paralegal studies, Cecil’s College; attended University of South Florida Political experience: None Donors (top 3): Charlie Thomas $3,000; David Lynch $600; Cecil Bothwell $500 Endorsements: Sierra Club, Buncombe County Green Party, Mountain Green Party, Asheville Democracy for America 1) What are the best and … Read more
Political party: Libertarian Occupation: Contractor Education: Environmental studies and civil engineering, UNCA; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Political experience: Libertarian Executive Committee; Libertarian Reform Caucus Donors (top 3): I’ve been asking my friends to donate $20-$50. Endorsements: Libertarian meeting (by consensus) 1) What are the best and worst steps City Council has taken in the … Read more
All summer, the five huge old maples around my home create a cool, refreshing microclimate—inside and out. Beyond this shady haven looms the baking heat. One of these maples holds my daughter’s favorite childhood entertainment, a simple swing built by her dad. Trees like this beg to be climbed, to harbor forts, to serve as … Read more
