Moog Music is known for its instruments. More specifically, analog synthesizers, the ones designed originally by Dr. Robert Moog and that carry his name. But even the best synthesizer is only as good as the musician playing it. Composer Wendy Carlos is credited with introducing the Moog synthesizer to the general public by way of … Read more
Shawna Morey remembers attending the very first Blue Ridge Pride Festival back in 2009. Since then, she says, “It’s gotten huge.” But the annual event is only one of the many ways Blue Ridge Pride, an Asheville-based nonprofit, works to promote local acceptance of the LGBTQ community. “We filed for power of attorney at Blue … Read more
In 1905, at a certain bar in Albuquerque, every drink was served with a fried oyster, according to Chall Gray's research. While Top of the Monk, the bar Gray helped open last week, won't serve fried oysters, it will offer what Gray calls "companion bites," snacks that accompany every drink by default. Think a prosciutto-wrapped, … Read more
In order for a dairy cow to be profitable, it must give milk regularly [”From Cow to Cup,” Sept. 18 Xpress]. This is done by inseminating cows within weeks [after they] give birth, so that they are continuously producing milk. This cycle of constant impregnation and being milked daily by machines stresses the animal, such … Read more
The Fitzgeralds (F. Scott and Zelda) have been in the collective consciousness a lot lately. There was the Baz Luhrmann remake of The Great Gatsby this spring; the May publication of both Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald and Call Me Zelda; and recently NPR’s “Morning Edition” ran a story on the Fitzgerald’s “dark chapter … Read more
Like the fermented beverage it serves, Blue Kudzu Sake has developed over time. The plan for the nation's fourth independent sake brewery (as the owners slate it) began in 2011. Two years later, the sake finally is flowing in the River Arts District. Blue Kudzu will begin as a bar and restaurant, and as the … Read more
UNCA professor in national spotlight for photographic discovery The discovery of Abraham Lincoln in a rare photo at the scene of the Gettysburg Address has put local professor Christopher Oakley in the national spotlight as the 150th anniversary of the president's famed oratory approaches. Smithsonian magazine, USA TODAY and the New York Times all featured … Read more
Fuller Moore's Sept. 11 letter, “Who's Playing God Here,” is a typical conservative male response to abortion. The sly reference to Gov. Pat McCrory “stepping on tender toes” and Fuller's old “skool” advice to “man up” is disgustingly disrespectful. The implication that women are overly sensitive, uneducated and the weaker sex is embarrassing. Why should … Read more
Watch for more voices in Xpress’ Food section, thanks to Gina Smith, our new coordinator who took over last week from outgoing Food Writer Emily Patrick. She will help evolve the section into a forum for readers, food activists, restaurateurs, chefs and community leaders to tell their food stories. Smith will also contribute articles and … Read more
Big, brash Broadway-style musicals aren’t up everyone’s alley — when people gnash their teeth about musicals, they’re usually railing against gaudy showtunes. What’s interesting is that this kind of passionate, misinformed point-of-view often creates an equally fanatical set of theatergoers on the other end of the spectrum — the kind who adore big dance numbers, … Read more
