Two local experts on the economy delivered a restrained assessment of the financial landscape during an annual Asheville forum on July 15, a forecast that left little doubt that the current recession will leave a lasting impact. Economic upheaval: Tom Tveidt, a researcher at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, says the current recession has … Read more
The filing period for Asheville's municipal elections ended July 17, and there's no shortage of candidates. Ten candidates are running for City Council and four for mayor. The Oct. 6 primary will narrow the field to two mayoral aspirants and six Council hopefuls. The Nov. 3 general election will determine who ultimately occupies the three … Read more
Anticipating a 10-percent budget reduction by the state (about $4 million), UNCA has eliminated 43 staff positions, including eight actual layoffs. According to a July 13 press release, 26 of the positions were vacant at the time. Nine of the remaining 17 employees were reassigned to other open positions. With state education funds in short … Read more
The push for green jobs is well under way in Buncombe County and nationwide, and A-B Tech students are right in the thick of it. As part of the school's array of sustainability programs and initiatives, students in construction-industry programs, in particular, have been busy with both on-campus and community projects. Roof 'n' tumble: Blending … Read more
We in Western North Carolina should be grateful that we have a representative in Congress who's a good listener. This is not a skill that's easy to come by. Good listening is a gift, often born of a family and spiritual life in which it was valued by significant people during one's early years. I … Read more
After witnessing The Jesus Lizard with Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Southern Culture on the Skids on Thanksgiving in 1993, Milton Carter came home that night and started punk band The Mathmatics (misspelling intentional). He enlisted his skateboard buddy Dougal Bailey on drums and guitarist David Cooper (replaced by Tom Cook a year later). Their … Read more
With song titles like "Neon Syrup for the Cemetery Sisters," lyrics such as "Iron lemonade, eat my face away" and themes of witches and bubble gum, Black Moth Super Rainbow makes the kind of music you'd expect from the mind of a mad daydreamer who had exiled himself to a smoke-filled basement littered with a … Read more
I have an aversion to hype. But Xpress-proclaimed "local rock hotties" Cobra Horse ― recipients of a significant acclaim in their short history ― can back that hype with ridiculous rock-and-roll. Cobra Horse kick out the jams at a recent Emerald Lounge show. Photo by Lydia See. During their most recent engagement at the Emerald … Read more
Here's a project that should be a boon for WNC media artists and professionals: A savvy online directory where artists can upload their portfolios, create profiles and get the word out about their skills. "We have such a huge amount of talent here," says Robert Zimmerman, whose company has developed the site. A grant from … Read more
While area chefs have dutifully stocked their pantries with Hickory Nut Gap meats, Sunburst Farms trout and Spinning Spider cheeses, Appalachian food advocates say perhaps the most local of local foods is still missing from area menus. Photo by Jonathan Welch "People who like to eat out should see more beans with local history," asserts … Read more
