Day: June 21, 2011
Getaway: Play ball!
With two outs, runners at first and second are wary, anticipating a pickoff attempt. The Asheville Tourists are down by one run in the bottom of the ninth. Tourists right fielder Kyle Parker, once the starting quarterback for the Clemson Tigers, digs in and glares at the pitcher. The first pitch is a fastball, low … Read more
Mastering the craft
At some point, all gardeners find themselves stumped: What the heck is eating my plants? When do I prune my hydrangeas if I ever want them to flower? Master gardeners, the county extension agents’ strong right arm, are the certified experts we turn to when the going gets rough. Here’s a rundown of the questions … Read more
"This is what shakes out of it all"
If Ben Sollee looks to be an unlikely rock star (he's unassuming and usually bespectacled, possibly sporting a bike helmet and definitely carrying a cello case), just wait until he starts playing. The Lexington, Ky., musician may resemble a math tutor but he can captivate an audience from the first note. (During this year's HATCH … Read more
Who’s in charge?
Most states place some limits on what their legislature can do to the localities under its jurisdiction, delegating broad authority to city and county governments. But in North Carolina, things are different. “The Legislature has absolute control over local governments,” says Frayda Bluestein of the UNC School of Government. “They're created by the state Legislature; … Read more
Quit complaining: Law enforcement works perfectly
There has been plenty of discussion recently in the Mountain Xpress about the Asheville Police Department's recent changes, allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The truth is that local police forces recruit and maintain exactly whom the system will tolerate. By system, I mean the two-class system that runs the Western world. Sit through a couple … Read more
Brews News
The first Asheville Beer Masters Tournament (modeled after the Wyncoop Beer Drinker of the Year and Philly Beer Geek competitions) was a sudsy success. The winner, Asheville Beer Master Trevor Reis, talked to me about his success, Asheville beer, why Green Man Brewing’s double IPA should be Mayor of Asheville and more. Xpress: Tell us … Read more
Praise for the Asheville Disclaimer
I am consistently impressed by the quality and originality of the quirky news stories that the Asheville Disclaimer brings to light in our region — stories of the little people that might otherwise be overlooked by major media outlets. In the June 1 Disclaimer piece, "Local Company Offers Organic Way to Rid Your Lawn of … Read more
Ruled from Raleigh?
Relations between Raleigh and the city of Asheville are strained, to say the least. “Our relationship, historically, with our local delegation has been very open,” notes Asheville City Council member Gordon Smith. “What's changed with this session is seeing bills that don't have consensus from the local delegation and seeing legislation move forward without any … Read more
