Asheville Daily Planet March 2014

Local advances on ‘American Idol’

Montreat College: It’s worth saving

Jones & Dap-Kings pack the Peel — See Review, Pg. B1

— See Daily Planet’s Opinion, Pg. A14

Caleb Johnson

— See Story, Pg. A5

ILLE V E H AS ASHEVILLEʼS GREATEST NEWSPAPER

March 2014

Vol. 10, No. 4

An Independent Newspaper Serving Greater Asheville

Gun rights defended at city rally

From Staff Reports Some people wore empty holsters, but the Daily Planet saw no guns openly carried during the hour-long second annual Second Amendment rally for gun rights held at “high noon” on a mild Feb. 22 at Pack Square in downtown Asheville.

More than 100 attendees showed up to express deep concern about what they perceive as an erosion of the right to bear arms enshrined in the Bill of Rights. The turnout was about the same as last year’s inaugural rally.

Several people openly carried guns at last year’s event, triggering a debate over language in the city ordinance on whether that is allowed under the local law governing picketing. However, this year the organizers urged participants to “bring Carl Mumpower signs containing supportive language to the Second Amendment and/or wear an empty holster demonstrating your inability to exercise your rights.”

Rally speakers were Dr. Greg Brannon, a Republican candidate for the state Senate; Dr. Carl Mumpower, a former member of Asheville City Council; and Kevin King, rally organizer.

See GUN RIGHTS, Page A9

A smashing occasion

Special photo courtesy of BILL SANDERS, Asheville Citizen-Times

Despite winter weather, the 4th annual AntiValentine’s Day Pillow Fight went on as scheduled on the evening of Feb. 14 at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. The event — for folks who don’t like Valentine’s Day — drew

about 50 participants, a smaller crowd than usual. General rules were no eyeglasses were to be worn among combatants — and no feather pillows were to be used in the hourlong battle that has become a local tradition.

City man finds connection in Israel

By JOHN NORTH john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com

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the Israelis so interesting that “I now have it on my bucket list” again and is pondering, “When are we Asheville native and businessman going to go back?”

John Maltry and his wife Maria returned The visit, he added, recently from a trip to Israel with a tour “was beyond my wildest group led by former Ark. Gov. Mike dreams. It was a combiHuckabee, a possible Republican candination of walking where date for president who now serves as a Jesus walked — the relitalk show host on Fox News Channel. gious aspect — as well as During the Feb. 15-25 trip, Maltry, the political aspect. along with others, had a chance to meet “I used to read in black privately with Israeli Prime Minister and white, and now I’m Benjamin Netanyahu — an interchange seeing in color. As a Jewthat Maltry said he will long savor. Esish person, you need to pecially memorable for Maltry was his Special photo courtesy of JOHN MALTRY know nothing about Chrisopportunity to question the PM. Asheville native John Maltry (right) shares a laugh with tianity. As a Christian, Maltry has visited more than 30 you need to know about countries, but never has been to another Mike Huckabee during a Feb. 15-25 tour of Israel.

Judaism” to understand country where he so quickly connected Originally, he had decided to visit Israel Jesus. “After visiting Israel, “it (Jesus’ story) with the people, he said during a Feb. 26 because it was on his “bucket list” of expe- is no longer a fictitious story or parable. It telephone interview with the Daily Planet. riences he wanted to have at this point in becomes real life.”

“Connecting with Israel — that’s really his life. However, Maltry found Israel and See ISRAEL, Page A8 what it was about,” Maltry noted.

The Advice Goddess

Amy Alkon

Friskies sour

Q: -- My best friend, “Rob,” is really into this girl he’s been dating. She is loud, talks constantly about vapid subjects, generally rubs everyone the wrong way, and -- I’m not kidding -- makes cat “meow” sounds. (For instance: “I’m hungry; let’s get pancakes!

Meow.”) Recently, a mutual friend blurted out to Rob, “Dude, seriously, how do you put up with her?” Rob was upset, and I sympathized, but the reality is, we all think that.

Shouldn’t he know the truth -- that none of us wants to be around him when he’s around her?

-- Biting Tongue Want to know the answer?

See ADVICE GODDESS, Page A13

A2 —March 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Montreat College’s future still in limbo with merger rejection, cash flow woes From Staff Reports

MONTREAT — Montreat College, which has experienced financial challenges in the recent past, got another jolt when the board of trustees of Point University, a Christian school located near Atlanta, voted Feb. 24 to discontinue pursuit of a merger of the two institutions.

The Point board cited complications with deed restrictions and controversy over the plan from leadership and students at Montreat.

Talks of a merger reportedly began a year ago at a convention for Christian students in Atlanta, when an unnamed trustee from Montreat College broached the subject with Point President Dean Collins.

However, the idea was less-than-popular with the Montreat community, many of whom believed they found legal reason to stave off the merger.

First, Montreat’s campus is deed-restricted. The college operates through an affiliation with the Mountain Retreat Association, the Presbyterian Church USA’s largest conference center. And Montreat College is forbidden to sell any portion of the land, based on an agreement with the MRA. Secondly, the ageement which allows the college to operate on the land requires that no non-Presbyterian group fill a majority of seats on the board. Point University is nondenominational.

While negotiations continued, it appeared the closing of the Montreat residential campus might become a part of the deal. This outraged many faculty members, who sent a letter to the trustees stating, in part, “This has created a slow erosion of confidence in the direction that our leadership is taking us.” Faculty members further called for the resignation of any trustee who supported the campus-closing scenario.

From the beginning, students were opposed, posting “BIG DISLIKE!” comments on the college’s Facebook page.

TO REPORT AN ERROR

The Asheville Daily Planet strives to be accurate in all articles published. Contact the News Department at news@ashevilledailyplanet.com, (828) 252-6565, or P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490.

Also in late February, the students held a rally to show support for leaving the college independent, while college supporters continued a fundraising drive to collect $2 million to buy the college’s independence back.

The community was drawn into the debate when the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce revealed that local businesses could lose $3 million annually if the college folded.

The merger would have continued a national trend. Christian colleges with low enrollments and no large endowments have been combining, even across state lines.

Meanwhile, Montreat College’s board of trustees was to have met March 1 to consider the next steps.

Barney Wright, chairman of the college’s board of trustees, responded to the “no confidence” vote of faculty members in a letter stating the college has cash flow issues and could run out of money as early as June.

Published monthly by Star Fleet Communications Inc. Phone: (828) 252-6565 • Fax: (828) 252-6567 Mailing address: P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490 Website: www.ashevilledailyplanet.com E-mail the following departments:

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Asheville Daily Planet — March 2014 - A3

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A4 — March 2014 — Asheville Daily Planet

‘Beyond Coal Initiative’ stirs debate

By JOHN NORTH

john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com

ENKA — A presentation on the Beyond Coal Initiative by Kelly Martin drew a number of questions and a few criticisms during a Feb. 7 breakfast meeting of the Council of Independent Business Owners at A-B Tech’s Haynes Auditorium.

In addition, an update on A-B construction was provided by Jon Creighton, assistant county manager of Buncombe.

Also, a presentation on changes in the building permit process in the City of Asheville was given by Shannon Tuch, the city’s development services director.

More than 60 persons attended the meeting.

Martin began by noting that “I work with the Sierra Club... Specifically, I work with the Beyond Coal Campaign, where we facilitate the shift from coal across the country... I lead that work in North Carolina and also in Florida.”

She added, “We do, in fact, envision a day when Western North Carolina gets its energy from something other than coal....

However, I do not want them to flip a switch and cut off energy right now,” as it would leave a shortage of electricity for customers.

Nonetheless, Martin said, “We feel this transition beyond coal is within our grasp.”

She explained that the Beyond Coal group wants to “get off coal” because “this an outdated and fairly inefficient way” to generate energy.

“Burning coal is the single biggest source of carbon disruption... So if we want to tackle climate change,” then reducing or eliminating coal-burning to produce electricity is crucial.

“It’s strategic — and that’s what motivates me,” Martin said, adding that the result “provides cleaner air and cleaner water....”

To that end, she asserted, “The investments in air control have really helped in terms of our asthma rates and ability to breathe in clean air.”

She then turned to the topic of coal ash, noting that it is being stored by Duke Energy in 14 locations across the state and “we recently had the accident near Danville, Va.,” spilling the equivalent of “200 railcars-full (of coal ash) that now is in the Dan River. It’s still dripping, I wouldn’t say it’s gushing. But it’s still not plugged.”

She listed the top reasons she advocates moving beyond coal as the following: • Reducing climate change.

• Increasing clean air and clean water.

• “The economics (of alternative energy) are finally on our side.”

After a pause, Martin said, “Finally, the cost of (burning) coal is going up... Utilities are moving out of coal. So we’re seeing wind energy in the Midwest... It’s finally cheaper to get our power from wind than coal. We’re seeing more jobs in the clean energy economy (solar-wind) than in coalnatural gas.”

In North Carolina, she asserted, “We’re seeing the results from it. We have a really robust solar market,” with 15,000 jobs created.

“The electricity market is really changing rapidly. So, whereas for decades we got electricity from several sources, now we’re seeing more sources... In North Carolina, we just worked with the regulators, so that Duke Energy can be compensated for that “investment in alternative energy production.”

She called the aforementioned transition to alternative energy “one we’ll see happening over a decade or so...”

Martin then admitted that “it makes people pretty nervous when we talk about

“I see my role more advocating for clean energy, then telling people what they should and should not do,” Martin replied. “My organization works within the courts. We have about 2 million supporters nationwide... We’re a different organization from Greenpeace.

Your’e not going to see Sierra Club Kelly Martin Jon Creighton Shannon Tuch (members) hanging off your smokestacks.” moving off coal,” but “no more coal plants State Rep. Nathan Ramsey, R-Fairview, are going to be built, folks. The transition is said, “You mentioned a lot of coal plants one that’s not happening overnight....” retiring ... replaced by natural gas. We don’t Further, she said, “We need to prepare have natural gas in Western North Carolina.” now and make investments for the clean“While we’d like to see a transition off energy economy now.” Yet, “we can’t flip coal, we’re not asking for the same transithe switch — and no longer rely on coal tion off natural gas,” Martin answered. plants now.” Martin reiterated her prediction that, in the near future, reliance on coal After a pause, she added, “We’d like to leapfrog over natural gas... would be drastically reduced.

However, Ramsey noted that “the sun During a question-and-answer session doesn’t always shine and wind doesn’t after her talk, CIBO member Mac Swicgood asked, “Power plants typically have to plan always blow.” out 50 years and make a huge investment. In A second speaker, Tuch, addressed light of that, how do you see Lake Julian off customer service “enhancements” recently coal in 50 years? instigated by the City of Asheville in its “I’d say we won’t be on coal there building permits office. forever,” Martin replied. “I think the utility In reviewing recent permits data, “You’ll would agree with that. ... We don’t know see there weren’t a lot of ups and downs what the cost of coal, natural gas, etc., are during the recovery period.... We still congoing to be.” tinued to drop in ‘11 and ‘12 and until ‘13, CIBO member Mark Delk asked, “A few minutes ago you mentioned how you didn’t you don’t see the values going up... There’s quite a large climb between 2012 and 2013. want the switch turned off — today — at “Even in 2013, the single-family market the Lake Julian plant. But a few years ago, has not recovered to 2008 levels. But multiGreenpeace trespassed” onto the property family is approaching our 2008 levels. If and draped a protest sign across one of the smokestacks. He asked if she would condone or condemn that behavior.

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you’d ask our staff what is booming right now, they’d say ‘hotels and multifamily.’”

As for the total number of permits, Tuch said, “We’re definitely exceeding the last several years. We’re not at 2008 levels, but we’re definitely approaching them. We’re about 73 percent — or even higher — of where we expected to be in the year. If our revenues increase, we can increase staff to meet demand.

“We’re tracking projects over $5 million .... that list currently has 18 different projects on it.”

Overall, she said the city’s new permitting system — launched on Excel spreadsheet software last November, “has amazing capability. It gives us opportunity to really streamline some of our programs.”

The other speaker, Creighton, spoke of a number of A-B Tech building projects being funded by the new county sales tax. “It was to generate $134 million to be payable over 17 years,” he said.

In questioning after his talk, Swicegood asked, “Tell us about Woodfin. Are you going to have a firing range?

“Nobody wants to pay for it and nobody wants it next door to their house,” Creighton replied. “It’s just a hard thing to do. Time’s starting to run out. Biltmore has been nice to let us use their property, but basically they’ve said it’s time to move on. ... We’ve got a great (emergency training) facility at Woodfin — it’s the best, if not one of the best, in the state.” The new facility cost the county $15 million to construct.

Asheville Daily Planet — March 2014 - A5

Hilton hotel proposed for former Tripps site

Asheville’s Caleb Johnson advances on ‘American Idol’

From Staff Reports

Young Asheville rock singer Caleb Johnson learned during the Feb. 27th “American Idol” show that he has survived another contestant cut on the TV talent show, and next will return to sing again March 5 on Fox (WHNS/Channel 21).

Just 12 contestants remain on the program after 71 million votes were cast by “Idol” viewers, according to Host Ryan Seacrest.

Johnson has been an up-and-comer on “American Idol” since the beginning of the 13th season. However, this marks his first time on the TV talent show, following unsuccessful bids in 2011 and 2012.

He was given the show’s prime closing slot on the night of Feb. 26, when he wowed the judges and the studio audience with with a sizzling performance of “Pressure and Time” by the Long Beach, Calif., band Rival Sons.

Judge Jennifer Lopez jumped to her feet in an ovation. “You are so ready for the rock star life,” she said. “You have the goods to back it up.”

Agreeing, Keith Urban said, “That was a great song. You’ve got to figure out how to put a twist on that.”

In addition, the online media also bubbled with praise for Johnson’s Feb. 26 perfor-

From Staff Reports

Caleb Johnson mance on the show.

Johnson “may have made the performance of the night (and he scored the coveted final spot!) with his gorgeous cover of ‘Pressure and Time.’ Welcome to the competition, Caleb!” the website Eonline.com said.

Meanwhile, USA Today gave Johnson an A-minus for his effort, saying he was “confident, in tune and comfortable with his choice of material. And his Robert Plant howl is pretty spectacular — especially when the sound guy adds the echo.

“But he still sounds too stuck in the ‘70s, and, at best, he would’ve been just a journeyman rocker during that era.”

The website GossipCop.com said that Johnson “blew away his ‘American Idol’ competition.”

“I’m ready to go out here and rock ’n’ roll,” he told “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest just before his Feb. 26 performance.

Plans to build a six- or seven-story hotel in the lot where the Tripps Restaurant used to operate in downtown Asheville are described as “tentative.”

Preliminary plans were presented for review at the Feb. 14 meeting of the Asheville Downtown Commission.

Proposed is a complex that includes a Hilton Garden Inn hotel, a four-story office building and a parking garage.

The complex would extend down Charlotte Street, into the dirt parking lot traditionally used for jury-duty parking.

If the project goes forward, the WinstonSalem firm Quality Oil will oversee the hotel building. Quality Oil, in addition to owning several gas stations and convenience stores, is in the real estate development business, and it owns seven Hampton Inns.

Local developer Rusty Pulliam would be in charge of constructing the office building.

Based on recent experiences, developers have found launching plans for a tall building downtown can be risky business.

While real estate agents look forward to capitalizing on the dense urban population, large projects have a history of being derailed by organized activist groups, who would like to see more parks and greenways on prime ur-

ban real estate.

The current City Council is considered more developer-friendly than its pre-Recession predecessors, but the odds are slim that the project will advance to that level.

In accordance with recent changes made to the city’s design review process, the hotel would only need the approval of the city Planning and Zoning Commission.

Another potential problem is the perception that Asheville is glutted with hotels, as the last proposal for building a large hotel downtown was withdrawn by the developer.

Last year, McKibbon Hotel Group dropped its plans to construct a hotel in the dilapidated Flying Frog parking garage across from the U.S. Cellular Center when local hoteliers joined forces and threatened to sue.

Rob Hill, Quality Oil’s senior vice president of hotels and marketing, said that “studies show” Asheville can support more hotels.

Furthermore, he expects his hotel will attract a niche market, located so close to city and county offices.

The first floor of the hotel would be home to 80,000 square feet of retail and office space, which Hill believes would create a more “urban feel” in a less developed part of the downtown area.

Hill hopes to officially enter the design review process sometime this spring.

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A6 — March 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Decision pending on controversial project near WWC

By LESLEE KULBA

news@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com

Consideration of a controversial development for the old Coggins farm property in Riceville, near Warren Wilson College, slid off the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners’ agenda.

In meetings leading to the postponed public hearing, neighbors had taken advantage of the public comment portion of the meeting to plead with the commissioners to reject plans for a 382-home development with additional commercial units.

The 169-acre parcel was once a working farm — and that is something the county commissioners continually recommit to preserve. As planned, the community would have included 50,000 square feet of office and retail space, and possibly a school.

The farm concept would be preserved to supply a farm-to-table restaurant, which would also be on the property.

To build the developers’ dream, rendered

Write a Letter to the Editor

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Send your opinions to Asheville Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490 or e-mail them to letters@ AshevilleDailyPlanet.com.

“We are devoting our lives to this thing.”

— Developer David Case as a quaint and flourishing village in architectural watercolors; though, the commissioners had to approve a zoning change.

The development would have been the first big construction project in the county since the onset of the Great Recession. And, as can be expected from huge land-use modifications, the NIMBY (Not in my backyard) cry went out.

The arguments against the project were typical of the outcry from other such area developments.

Neighbors were concerned about increased traffic and viewshed destruction.

Some referred to the development as an affront to history, while others were concerned about wildlife habitat and river siltation. Worse, following the recession, they asked what would happen if the developer were to go bankrupt and leave a big, ugly patch of half-baked foundations behind.

Developer David Case had plans to build a mini-town. He was involved with a project known as Civano in Tucson, Ariz., which

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received recognition from President Bill Clinton by way of the National Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing.

The project was to be the antithesis to sprawl. From a design perspective it was state-of-the-art; but to date it hobbles behind schedule, hit like so much else in the building industry, by the Great Recession.

As the Riceville project progressed, the developer reached out to the Riceville community for input with two charettes and other community meetings.

Case said he would be willing to reduce the number of housing units by one-third.

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What’s more, Case is on record for saying, “We are devoting our lives to this thing.”

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The new publisher and new editor of the Asheville Citizen-Times unveiled their strategy of sweeping changes for the newspaper during a Feb. 27 Critical issues luncheon address at the Country Club of Ashevillle.

Publisher Dave Neill spoke briefly, and Editor Josh Awtry, at length, during the Leadership Asheville Forum. The hourlong program drew nearly 100 people.

LAF had promoted the luncheon via email by noting, “For years, many Asheville residents have had a love-hate relationship with the Asheville CitizenTimes. Whether you belong to the ‘love’ or the ‘hate’ faction (or somewhere in between), you probably have some strong opinions about the paper.

“Now comes a team of journalism professionals who say they plan sweeping changes to the area’s only daily newspaper.

Publisher Dave Neill promises ‘some of the most significant product changes in our history.’ Executive Editor Josh Awtry says his aim is to redefine community journalism and ‘the ways in which people interact with their information source.’”

Neill, who spoke first, triggered laughter when he began by noting that “the people of Asheville have a very entertaining aspect,” especially compared to the people of Greenville, S.C. On a more serious note, he said, “This is a very passionate community” and that he has heard many complaints about the AC-T since taking over the paper’s helm.

“It’s apparent that this newspaper, the Asheville Citizen-Times, is not a leader in the community, is not as influential as it could be, not as relevant as it could be.”

What’s more, the publisher said he has heard the newspaper’s staff described as “arrogant” and “nasty,” to name just a few of many criticisms voiced to him.

“So Josh and I have our work cut out for us. Josh has been here literally for one month. While he was in Colorado, he was awarded as the Innovator of the Year by the Colorado Press Association.

Neill, who was named president and publisher of the AC-T in August 2013, then noted that “technology has changed the media business, like every business.”

Moreover, he said, “The enjoyment in our business, and we’ve lost some of this — and we’ve lost this in Asheville and to some extent in Greenville — is losing our connectivity to the community.

“That’s our role (to connect), but we haven’t done a good job of that. So we want to improve our connectivity....”

When he first came to Asheville, Neill said he wanted the paper’s news staff to teach him about the city. “They identified about 12 diffferent communities, saying they make up Asheville. “‘How many communities do we serve?’

I asked. ‘Three,’ they said.”

As the crowd laughed, Neill said, “I ask for your patience. We have all kinds of actions (needing to be taken), from accuracy in our reporting to delivery of our newspaper to people’s homes.... This isn’t going to happen overnight. I look forward to the opportunity.”

Next, Awtrysaid, “I’ve been here just a few days over a month.” He then said people sometimes ask him how he feels about

Asheville Daily Planet — March 2014 - A7

Josh Awtry Dave Neill what many see as the challenging future of newspapers. Awtry said his response is: “Forty years ago, nobody had any chance to innovate. People were making money hand over fist” in the newspaper business.

“Right now, we have a great opportunity to innovate,” as a result of the challenges.

Awtry added, “We have a plan, here are the main steps: • Listen to people and analyze their reading interests.

To that end, Awtry said he has seen to it that, in the AC-T newsroom, “what there are up on the wall are four screens, showing what people are clicking on (in real time) when they’re reading online. Very few people in the industry actually use it.... Once we use this information, we can know where to go.”

• Expand — “We just need to get bigger... It’s got a little heft to it now,” Awtry said of the expanded page count of the AC-T. • Reconfigure — “This is the hard part.

We’re discovering people are reporting on things that people are interested in and other things that they want more of,” he said.

• Connect dots — “We don’t step out (now) to be a leader,” as the AC-T should, Awtry said, adding that the paper should be defining — for the community — what the issues are.... We have a lot of training development to do to take a leadership (role) in the community.... “ Among other considerations to produce a livelier, better AC-T, he noted, including practices such as “Could a headline (instead) be written using the word why’ — or a question head” in general? Such an approach results in more involvement for the reader, he said, citing research.

• Engage — “Engaging readers is more than just listening, but even more, talking back and forth. Our job is to answer questions. Ask us questions — and we will answer them. So expect a much higher level of engagement.”

• Refine — “After we get all of this done, we will refine it,” Awtry said. “Some people call our different package a ‘redesign.’ But it’s not really a ‘redesign’ yet.

Hope to have that done by May.” • Enrich — “Great journalism comes out of community forums, he noted. In the future, he hopes those who are interested will be welcome “to come on in — and you guys get to see how we decide on stories and their ‘play.’” With a laugh, he said the AC-T my even “open up a coffee shop” in which readers may occasionally rub elbows — and converse — with journalists.

Awtry added, “The solution isn’t always “write more” Often, it’s “write (more of) what your community needs.”

See CITIZEN-TIMES, Page A10

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Israel

Continued from Page A1 Those on the tour, hosted by Huckabee and his wife Janet, were — predictably — “pretty much a Christian conservative group,” Maltry said. He had heard about the Huckabee tour “from someone else” and decided to sign up his wife and himself to participate.

He called Huckabee “a really down-toearth guy. As the week wore on, Mike became just one of the guys. He is a very good preacher. He spoke a lot about the Beatitudes....” Maltry said Huckabee’s wife also is gracious and friendly. Among the celebrities along for the Huckabee tour was Larry Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers country music trio.

“The best line I heard (about Huckabee) was from Netanyahu, who said of their relationship, where they differ on some issues, “Mike and I are friends,” so some disagreements are OK. Maltry said he feels the same way about Huckabee, in that “I don’t agree with his positions on everything, but we’re friends.”

Maltry, a member of the board of directors of the Asheville Tea Party, said, “As far as him (Huckabee) being called a ‘progressive’ (by talk show host Glenn Beck), the most important thing in my mind is winning the ‘big enchalada’” — control of the U.S. government.

“The way I’m thinking about it is, we’ve got to take control of the Senate. We need to be smart about how people get into there. Maybe that’s where Huckabee’s coming from. It’s not a rigid idealogical approach (with him). I’m leaning more and more that way.”

As for the tour, he said, “It was a combination of ‘Why is Israel important?’ and ‘What are the relevant aspects of Israel?”

To Maltry’s delight, he was among a group on the tour who were treated to a meeting with Netanyahu on Feb. 23. “They (the tour leaders) asked for volunteers” without disclosing that for which they were volunteering.

“I volunteered. They didn’t tell us where we were going until we were on the bus. We had a 45-minute session with the prime minister. It was in his office, not the news media room.”

Maltry added, “You can’t understand the ‘return to the ‘67 borders’ admonition — by some — without being there and seeing the mortar fire,” which he experienced on the tour.

“There were three reasons why Israel was important to me,” he said, listing the following: • “Knowing your Judeo-Christian walks — the ongoing work of discovery... weekly, they’re finding stuff. So the archaeological aspect is a pretty significant historical location.”

• “The model of freedom for the Middle East... I saw many nations lobbing mortar shells back and forth in many Arab nations.

Israel (in contrast) is a model of democracy.”

• “It seemed to be an intellectual and creative base. They turned wasteland into a green area. It’s a model of freedom in the Middle East.”

Further, he said, “I bonded with Israel within just hours. Such a far way to go, but this one trip” was exceptional — and “now I want to go back.

During the meeting at prime minister’s office, Netanyahu gave the opening remarks, followed by some remarks by Huckabee.

Those present were asked not to take pictures. Maltry did not take notes, but has a good memory, said the following is what he termed “just the general thrust” of the meeting with the PM. “What is your No. 1 priority?” someone asked Netanyahu.

“Security,” he said emphatically and without hesitation, according to Maltry. “We’re a small nation surrounded by enemies that would like us to be destroyed. We cannot afford to lose one single war.”

Another question was: “What can Am-

Mike Huckabee (left) at tour group’s briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. merica do to help Israel?”

“Ensure that Iran doesn’t gain a nuclear weapon,” the PM replied. “Israel is the local satan, while they (the Arab nations) regard America as the big satan. Why do you think they’re developing long-range nuclear missiles?”

Maltry said Netanyahu went on to note that Iran said it has manufactured new missiles with the range of 1,200 miles, capable or reaching Israel and U.S. military bases in the Middle East. “They can already hit Israel. Why do you think they keep developing longer-range missiles that could reach 1,900 miles? I’m not suggesting thety’re going to hit the United States (mainland), which is 6,000 miles away.”

However, Maltry said the PM expressed the view that the U.S. is “the big target.”

Someone asked the PM — “off the record — “if we swear on a stack of bibles — what did you say to our young president when he

insisted you return to ‘67 boundaries?”

Netanyahu smiled and said, “Our countries are friends, and friends can have disagreements,” Maltry recalled.

The aforementioned question prompted another person on the tour “to stand up and apologize for the actions of our inexperienced president. People applauded,” Maltry said.

“What are your thoughts on Israel finding one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves in waters just off Israel?” the PM was asked.

“We’re glad to have such a large energy finding off our shares,” Netanyahu said. “It will help us be energy-independent and a net exporter of energy. But I’m glad we found it now, but not sooner. Since we were not originally energy-rich, we first had to develop (pointing to his head and implying brains).

Now that we have energy, we’ll be able to use it better and more wisely.”

From the back row, Maltry, feeling that many of the earlier questions “were softballs,” then addressed the PM. “I thanked him for taking the time off to talk to us.”

Then Maltry asked, “As you know, there’s a growing movement in the United States to shrink the size of our government, reduce taxes and reduce spending. Many individuals in the United States are interested in improving our homeland, versus helping other countries.

What would you say to those individuals thinking this way?”

Suddenly, Netanyahu turned off the lights on the podium, so that he could clearly see Maltry — and spent about 10 minutes answering his question.

“The prime minister said America cannot pull back from its global position,” Maltry recalled. Nentanyahu added, “If the United States is not there (as the global superpower), then someone else will be there. The United States may not like the values that whoever takes our place, so it is imperative that America maintain a strong military presence.

To do this, the United States must have a strong economy. A weak America is not good for Israel — and it’s not good for America.

“As finance minister, I learned the value of... “ at which point, Maltry said he quickly interjected: “Laffer Curve!”

The PM said, “Yes, the Laffer Curve.”

Maltry recalled that Netanyahu paraphrased the theory that says there’s an optimum point of taxation to maximize revenues to the government. Increasing taxes beyond that point can hurt an economy and ultimately hurt its military capabilities, under the theory.

Regarding Maltry’s question on having smaller government in the U.S., Nantanyahu said that governments should try to remain small, adding that governments do not produce anything — they just consume.

Another question was: “Do you read your Bible?”

Netanyahu said that this year he is doing a Bible study that will take him through it in one year. He was “very proud” of his son, who had just won the National Championship on Bible Knowledge, Maltry recalled.

The PM added that, through his youth, he routinely read the Bible to his son at nights.

See ISRAEL, Page A17

Gun rights

Asheville Daily Planet — March 2014 - A9

Continued from Page A1 “The point of this rally is to bring awareness to the fact that we cannot open carry right now,” said King, who is founder of the Mountain Area Citizens’ Political Action Committee. “It’s an infringement.

“A militia is us. It’s an armed populace.

That is the basic right of people to bear arms.”

Among the signs carried by the participants were messages including “Guns have 2 enemies: rust and liberals,” and “The Second Amendment protects all the others.”

By LESLEE KULBA

to our founding document (the Constitution), and those who believe they can more surely make servants out of unarmed citizens than armed ones,” he said.

Mumpower argued civil society is adrift.

The government of this country is no longer bound by the very document that is supposed to limit the reach of government, he said, adding, “When a civil and Constitutionallygoverned society ceases to be such – we are the primary protectors of our liberties, opportunities, and responsibilities.”

Like others at the rally, Mumpower emphasized that the common enemy bringing everybody together that day was tyranny. He told how government buildings have become fortresses with armed guards and metal detectors.

Mumpower urged those present to not go silently. Referring to a gun, he closed his remarks saying, “Make no mistake – liberalprogressive-socialistic Democrats of the left will empty this – if we let them.”

The headliner of the event, Dr. Greg Brannon, whose campaign bills him as” the constitutional conservative candidate for Senate in North Carolina.” Several people at the rally were gushing over national talk-show host Glenn Beck calling Brannon, in a recent interview, “the real deal” — and saying he “had a man crush” on him.

Brannon began his talk with a rehash of basic civics that, he said, is lost on many legislators now serving. He said the proper role of government is protecting rights.

“The Bill of Rights declares rights,” he said. “It does not create them,” he reinforced, “Governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed.”

“The Constitution is six pages long!”

Brannon noted. It was designed “to protect the individual and the state” from “the overbearing leviathan of the federal government.”

He contrasted that to an infamous thousandpage law people still are trying to understand.

Then, he launched into a swift synopsis of the illegal actions Congress undertook to make Obamacare law.

A couple in the audience tauntingly waved Thom Tillis signs. Tillis will be running against Brannon in the primary. At one point, Brannon called out to them and asked about Tillis’ flipflopping on the subject of toll roads.

He asked how Tillis allowed Common Core to become law in the state on his watch as speaker of the House.

As Brannon continued his attack booing against Tillis’ support of a bill that would have created health care exchanges in North Carolina.

Then, acting as if Tillis would be an easy out in the primary, Brannon turned his attacks against incumbent U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C. Again, reviewing what he termed the proper role of the federal government, “national defense, negotiating treaties, and regulating interstate commerce,” he challenged her support of cronyism.

Hagan had voted in favor of the DoddFrank Act, which essentially put the wealth of Wall Street in the hands of government rather than leaving it to any semblance of market vulnerability.

See BEARING ARMS, Page A10

Bearing arms termed a right, not a privilege News@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com

To say it was a conservative rally would be oxymoronic. By definition, conservatives want to preserve the status quo, and rallies are generally the purview of the oppressed and underrepresented.

So what radical purpose drove more than 100 so-called conservatives to disengage from their families and employment to congregate downtown near Asheville’s Vance Monument on Feb. 22, a Saturday afternoon?

Guns.

In opening remarks, Kevin King, rally organizer and one of the founders of the Mountain Area Citizens’ Political Action Committee, reiterated that keeping and bearing arms is not a privilege — it is a right.

The Second Amendment of the Constitution reads, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

That was why several protesters carried posters with messages like, “What part of infringed don’t you understand?” and, “Free men don’t ask permission to bear arms.”

Asheville City Councilman (and Daily Planet columnist) Cecil Bothwell was the target of several signs. Before the election, a Bothwell resolution was approved by council — purportedly — supporting the “rights of citizens.”

One rally sign read, “Bothwell helps abort babies, but calls our guns dangerous.” Another, alluding to a comment Bothwell made during a candidates debate, asked, “Do you think Bothwell supports the Second Amendment? Bull dinky.”

Paul Yeager of Waynesville was dressed in a tricorn hat and knickers and carrying a Gadsden flag. “We have a government designed by several brilliant men over 200 years ago for the purpose of protecting our rights, and those rights are being slowly taken away from us, and apparently some of us like to accept this,” he told the Daily Planet.

Meanwhile, Bill Whitehead’s sign was more alarmist, stating, “Socialist dictators like Stalin and Hitler took away the peoples’ guns, and hundreds of millions have died as a result.”

A few carried signs reading, “Molon Labe,” which is Greek for, “Come, take,” a phrase purportedly uttered by King Leonidas when the Persian army asked him to surrender his weapons.

A couple of demonstrators carried full-size flags with AR15s and the American phrase, “Come and Get It,” at the bottom. Jim Reeves added, “Hey, Obama,” to his sign.

“Why were more people killed by their own government than by individuals bearing arms in the last century?” Reeves asked.

Former Asheville City Councilman Carl Mumpower, who was the first to address the crowd, discussed the irony, if not the absurdity, of how those elected to office must take an oath to protect the rights of citizens, not the least of which are enumerated in the Bill of Rights. Then, they proceed to enact all forms of gun regulations, he said.

“Our rights at all levels are under persisting assault by three groups: elitists who think they are smarter, more gifted and more privileged than we are, those who are indifferent

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A10 — March 2014 — Asheville Daily Planet

Bearing arms

Continued from Page A9 Brannon asked what business Hagan had giving $3 trillion in taxpayer pledges to foreign banks like Barclay’s, when back home the people she is supposed to represent are racking up “$150-215 trillion in unfunded liabilities in multigenerational debt.”

Brannon asked the crowd to remember how the Founders “pledged their life, fortunes, and sacred honor,” warning, “We’ll fall if we forget who we are.”

On a positive note, Brannon recalled Ben

Citizen-Times

Franklin’s comments about the sun carved into the back of George Washington’s chair, as he presided over the Constitutional Convention. Franklin said he had long wondered if the sun was setting or rising.

Brannon closed by saying he believes, as Franklin did, that it is going to be a rising sun.

Following the two speakers, King told the crowd, “I’d like to thank the Asheville Police Department for being back with us, hanging out with a bunch of crazy constitutionalists for two (consecutive) years.”

King said that it is difficult for a 20-some-

Continued from Page A7 In general, Awtry said the AC-T needs “bolder, issuesbased stories... Let’s start doing what readers ask us to do...

Things just keep growing because we actually decided to partner with the community.

“The long and short of it is, we’re here to be the community’s partner. We have a lot of work to do.”

The crowd applauded and then a 30-minute questionand-answer session followed.

A man asked how the AC-T duo saw the future of reading online versus print?

“We’re not about to turn off the printing press any time soon,” Awtry replied. “At the same time, go ask your kids or grandkids, and they don’t read a newspaper. So we’re riding both horses. Fifty years from now — still printing a newspaper? I doubt it.”

Awtry also said that “reading online is a very interactive process... We’re going to keep them both (print and online) strong. Our goal in print is to be more newsmagazine-ish and online, very interactive.”

Someone asked about the AC-T’s goal for its Facebook page.

“We will use to to solicit opinions,” Awtry answered.

A woman said, “I applaud you for coming to Asheville and trying to learn it, but I wish you’d learn more about Raleigh, too.” She then complained that she has yet to find “a concise way to pick up on news from Raleigh” — and wished the AC-T could fill that void.

With a smile, Awtry asserted, “One of the new beats (he is adding) is going to be a full-time reporter, keeping up with our legislators. That’s going to happen in the next couple months.” Awtry appeared somewhat surprised when the crowd applauded that news.

A man said he “wished editorial, symbolically, did not have to follow the obituaries... Also, do not forget the international... They’re linked in many ways. Hope you can do more to keep us up internationally.”

Awtry responded by noting that “we decided to move all of our local news into the first section of the newspaper. It allowed us to ensure it’s as fresh as possible. If you think there’s irony with obits preceding editorials, there’s even more irony with obits being in the Living section on Sundays.” The crowd laughed, heartily.

More seriously, Awtry said, “That’s part of why we partnered with USA Today. Now we’ve got a full eight-page nation-international report. Before, it was maybe a page a day.”

A man asked, “Will you continue to welcome guest columnists and, if so, how will you do that?”

“Guest columnists will continue to be a part of our editorial pages,” Awtry replied. He added that the selection process for guest columnists includes trying to provide as many viewpoints as possible.

Mark Barrett, a reporter for the Biltmore Beacon, told Autrey that “about five years ago, the Citizen-TImes ran a full page with everyone still employed at the newspaper pictured” and their contact information. “Hope you’ll do it again.”

“One thing we’re trying to do is build a better relationship with our reporters” and the community, Awtry said.

A woman said, “I appreciate your adding USA Today, but this Sunday it was a lot of movie stars and stuff like that,” which she skipped over. In contrast, she said, “I pick up The New York Times and read it for a couple of days” because she feels it is chockful of serious news.

Appearing nonplussed by the criticism of the quality of USA Today stories, Awtry said, “On Sundays, there are two USA Today sections — one on arts and leisure and the other on national-international news. If you think it’s too soft, we will pass that on to them” and ask for a more hardnews approach. (USA Today is the flagship newspaper of Gannett Company, which owns the Citizen-Times.)

thing not to act like a socialist in this country.

He said people expect him to wear a Che Guevara shirt, adding that kids today act like the conflict is between upholding the Constitution and being cool.

The rally organizer reiterated that the battle is not between left and right or Democrat and Republican. Instead, he said, it is a battle of liberty against tyranny.

King asked those in the audience to recall how there were several differences of opinion during the Constitutional Convention over just about every issue. “But the one thing they didn’t argue over was the right to keep and bear arms. It was universally accepted.”

Oddly, no firearms were allowed at the

A woman said, “This is an age of self-selecting news.

One of the great reasons that a newspaper still exists is to be” the provider of a blend of news and other information that trained editors believe give readers what they need to know. She expressed concern about the possibility of the AC-T just giving its readers what they claim they want.

Awtry disagreed that the AC-T was going with a populist approach. “So it’s not a case of us saying (for instance), ‘Not many people are reading the arts coverage — let’s get rid of that.’ It’s: ‘Not many are reading arts, let’s figure out why.’”

The editor added, “We’re not out to be the ‘American Idol’ of newspapers. We use them (clicks by online readers) for cues.”

A man asked about the AC-T’s editorial policy, wondering if it is any reflection of corporate philosophy in either the news or editorials.

“We’re not out to be the ‘American Idol’ of newspapers. We use them (clicks by online readers) for cues.”

— AC-T Editor Josh Awtry

Awtry replied, “Neither of us are long-term (Gannett) company people... That said, ‘Have they ever told the newspaper what to print or not to print?’” No, he said, adding that “anytime a national issue comes up, they (Gannett officials) send out an email saying to say what we want.”

Neill added that, among the criticisms he has heard since he arrived in Asheville is “people thought that, even in the headlines of the Citizen-Times, they knew which way that story was going to bend. I received a lot of feedback on that. We’re working to eliminate that.”

A man asked, “Journalism can sometimes take an easy route of “he said/she said” and create a false moral equivalency, in some cases and “What is a fact is very up for debate.” He also wondered how the AC-T plans to do “theater and restaurant reviews without hurting people’s feelings.”

“Can we become so adhered to ‘no bias,’ that we give false balance? Awtry asked, in paraphrasing the question.

“That’s a tough thing — and very tough thing to work with. Who are we to say that someone is crazy?”

Continuing, Awtry said, “On the news side, we want to be as unbiased as possible. We can help the community with leadership on issues.”

A woman asked, “I wonder if you have given any consideration to reaching out to high schools and secondary schools about the importantce of the news.”

Awtry replied that “I don’t want to teach someone to read the newspaper, but how to be informed.”

Another woman asked, “Is (the AC-T’s) online paywall here to stay?”

“The short answer is ‘yes,’” Awtry replied. “Thirty-five people come to work each day in our newsroom. The old formula says the bulk of that revenue comes from advertising. That still holds true... but I love that part of it is coming from readers, too. That means the work we do has value.

“So, yes, we have the paywall in place. ... Eventually, you will want to support us. We do the sort of work that you will want to support.”

A woman asked, “I’ve noticed through the years, Gannett does not pressure the AC-T on stories and editorial, but where they come down (on its newspapers) is profitability.

So you’re doing a lot of things — do you have a time limit?”

With a grin, Neil repled, “You’re asking, ‘Is Gannett going to allow us to spend money to improve the product?’

“Being brand new to Gannett and new to the community, I’m playing dumb a lot on how this corporation works.

demonstration supporting the right to keep and bear arms. Participants were asked to bring empty holsters to raise awareness. At last year’s rally, people with concealed carry permits claimed to be exercising their right to bear arms.

Event organizers decided to err on the side of friendliness, following legislative changes to when and where people can bear arms on public property in Asheville, compounded by mixed signals from city representatives.

A man in an Uncle Sam suit came late to the party, but when a reporter for the Daily Planet asked if he could spare a bailout, he replied, “I’m not that guy.”

If I’m going to go down, I’m taking someone with me,” Neill said, pointing with a smile to Awtry.

“What I’ve done is examine the way we’ve done business (at the AC-T). Gannett is notorious for paying attention to the bottom line... I’m speaking a little bit out of school here. Our commitment here is to rebuild the Citizen-Times.

“I actually went to Virginia (Gannett’s headquarters in Tysons Corner, near McClean) for several million (dollar) to help us rebuild the Citizen-Times. We did get the green light on some of that. Also, hopefully we’re changing the culture at the Citizen-Times... I don’t know if we’re going to be successful,” but that is surely his aim.

A woman noted that, as “just a followup, (former AC-T Publisher-President) Virgil Smith was much-beloved in this community” and was active in many organizations.

Neill said he agrees with the woman’s assessment, based on what he has heard in the community, as well as from knowing Smith personally.

Awtry added, “In Fort Collins, Colo., once we turned things around, we didn’t have to keep cutting (news) positions. We were able to add positions. More money to me means only one thing — more money to cover stories.

That, to me, is the real goal.”

A woman said, “You talk about the future, but could you take a minute to talk about history? I just wondered if your journalists will know the roots of issues they report on?

“Great question,” Awtry replied. “There are people who come to work in that (AC-T) newsroom every day as journalists longer than I’ve been alive. The amount of institutional knowledge in that newsroom is an amazing resource for a newsroom to have.” In the future, he said, “We will allow people (reporters) to immerse themselves in a topic... That’s an interesting notion — to get people involved in history.

A woman said she feels “like the paper caters to those 55 and under.” However, she lamented that there is “very little information for the senior population, which is a big part of your readership.”

“It’s a good point,” Awtry said. “We’re still trying to do that.... My goal overall... is to find the issues that cut across demographics” — income, age and other aspects..

A woman said that, as a long-time reader, she is dismayed by the AC-T’s dropping of “national columnists.”

She also said that, with addition of USA Today, she “is missing out on deep AP stories. Now the columnists are gone and AP writers are gone.”

“The national columnists are coming back,” Awtry said, triggering applause from the crowd.

Sounding somewhat amazed with the serious news and opinion interests of Asheville area residents, Awtry mused, “It’s funny — every city is different. Here, folks really wanted those nationally syndicated columnists.”

Regarding national news, Awtry said, “The AP — we still have that, we just need to find a home for some of that.

You’re right, USA Today has taken over a lot of the nationworld news” in the AC-T. A woman in Saluda lamented the AC-T won’t offer delivery to potential home subscribers there.

“We’re on our way,” Awtry said. “We’re pushing south.

We’ve added some more routes in Henderson County. If folks have an iPad or tablet, you can get every page of the newspaper. There’s a great app” that makes it fun to read the AC-T on an iPad or tablet.

Regarding the print and digital versions of the AC-T, Awtry said, “There’s the serendipity of (reading a) paper, but the online edition is actually a pretty cool thing (too).

But we’re on our way. Thank you!”

The crowd applauded and a number of people lined up to greet the two AC-T executives — and to ask them even more questions and share their opinions with them.

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A12 —March 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. The monthly UU Women’s Brunch Bunch.

Any woman may attend by bringing $1 and a potluck dish to share. The group will be discussing service projects and other activities for the coming year.

Faith Notes Send us your faith notes

Tuesday, March 18

Please submit items to the Faith Notes by noon on the third Wednesday of each month, via email, at spirituality@ashevilledailyplanet.com, or fax to 252-6567, or mail c/o The Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490. Submissions will be accepted and printed at the discretion of the editor, space permitting. To place an ad for a faith event, call 252-6565.

BILLY GRAHAM’S GRANDSON’S SPEECH, 6:30 p.m., TD Convention Center, Greenville, S.C. Bestselling author and evangelist Billy Graham’s grandson, Tullian Tchividjian, will be the keynote speaker at a fundraiser for Miracle Hill Ministries. The agency provides emergency shelter services for individuals throughout South Carolina. Tchividjian is the author of “One Way Love: God’s Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World,” released in October, as well as “Glorious Ruin: How Suffering Sets You Free” and “Jesus + Nothing = Everything.” To register, contact Sandy Furnell at (864) 631-0137, or visit www.MiracleHill.org/banquet.

Saturday, March 1

PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER, 7-10 a.m., Applebee’s restaurant, 279 Smoky Park Highway, Asheville. An “all-you-can-eat” pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held by Boy Scout Troop 138 of Abernathy United Methodist Church. Proceeds will support troop activities. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or from any member of the troop.

AGLOW MEETING, 9:30 a.m., The Stream, 1479 Oleta Rd., Hendersonville. An Asheville-Hendersonville Aglow meeting wll focus on “Instruments of God’s Glory.”

GARDEN PROJECT, 10-11 a.m., parking lot, Mills River Presbyterian Church, 10 Presbyterian Church Rd., Mills River. The church will launch a community initiative called Garden Rolling on Wheels. The educational program will include the start of a tire garden on a flat-bed trailer that will grow winter greens for the community. Rain date for the event is 2 p.m. March 2.

SINGING, 1 p.m., St. John “A” Baptist Church, 20 Dalton St., Asheville. A singing program of old-time spirituals and hymns will be held. Refreshments will be served. Donations will be accepted. The church urges attendees to car-pool, or the church van will pick up those who gather at the Kenilworth Park parking lot at 12:15 p.m.

Sunday, March 2

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING, 3 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. A special congregational meeting has been called for the purpose of voting to call the Rev. Lisa Bovee-Kemper as associate minister.

BEER AND HYMNS PROGRAM, 3 p.m., The Poe House, 105 First Ave. W., Hendersonville. A Beer and Hymns program will be held by Grace Lutheran Church.

“We wanted to do something different and encourage people to engage with God in a different place,” senior pastor Greg Williams noted.

CHORAL EVENSONG/RECITAL, 5 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main St., Hendersonville. The church’s choir will sing Choral Evensong for Epiphany at 5 p.m., followed by a violin and harp recital by Thomas Joiner and Anita Burroughs-Price. Joiner is professor of violin and orchestral activities at Furman University in Greenville, S.C. Burroughs-Price teaches harp at Furman University and also is head of the harp division. The events is free, but donations will be accepted.

Thursday, March 20

Tullian Tchividjian (right), who will speak at 6:30 p.m. March 18 at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, S.C., shares a laugh with his his grandfather, the Rev. Billy Graham, a world-famous evangelist who lives in Montreat.

Wendesday, March 5

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES, 12:15 and 7 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Ave. W., Hendersonville. Ash Wednesday services will be held and also allow those attending to approach the altar for the imposition of ashes from the burned palms from last year’s Palm Sunday, prior to receiving Holy Communion. Nursery care will be available.

Thursday, March 6

WELCOME PROJECT PREVIEW, 4-8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. Drop-in visits will be welcomed to preview the Welcome Project, which is a package of construction projects that the Campus Development Committee is considering to make the entry and worship experiences “much more welcoming,” the UUCA noted. Visitors will be able to look at rough sketches and three-dimensional drawings and offer feedback to the committee.

ful implantation of the Word of God. Wyrtzen is the founder and director of women’s ministry Daughters of Promise, a Bible teacher, storyteller, and a Dove Award-nominated artist who’s recorded 18 albums.

She is also the author of four books and host of two radio programs — the daily syndicated feature “Daughters of Promise” and the weekly half-hour program she hosts with her daughter Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze called “Nighttime.” For luncheon tickets, which are $29, call 298-2092 or visit www.thecove.org.

MOUNTAIN SPIRIT COFFEEHOUSE CONCERT, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. No Fuss & Feathers Roadshow will perform during the Mountain Spirit Coffeehouse Concert.

Saturday, March 15

WOMEN’S BRUNCH BUNCH, 10 a.m., Unitarian

FILM, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, 1 Porters Cove Road, Asheville..

The film “Senior Salt Impact” will be shown with the intent of encouraging senior adult believers to reach their friends and family for Jesus Christ. For tickets, which are $25, call 298-2092 or visit www.thecove.org.

Saturday, March 29

FUNDRAISING TRIP INFORMATIONAL MEETING, 4 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. An informational meeting for a fundraising trip for the UUCA to an area just north of Provence, France, will be held. Sylvie Delaunay, organizer and a native of the region, will introduce th area, propose an itinerary and field questions and comments.

Sunday, March 30

MOUNTAIN SPIRIT COFFEEHOUSE CONCERT, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. Legends of the Celtic Harp will perform during the monthly Mountain Spirit Coffeehouse Concert.

Saturday, March 8

MIND-BODY-SPIRIT DAY, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., The Light Center, 2190 N.C. 9, Black Mountain. Mind-Body-Spirit Day will feature crystal bowls, Reiki circle, toning for peace and healing.

Sunday, March 9

WOMEN’S LUNCHEON, 12:45 p.m., The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, 1 Porters Cove Road, Asheville. ”The Cultivation of a Woman’s Heart” will be addressed by Christine Wyrtzen. She will focus on learning to prepare the right kind of soil for success-

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Celebration Services 11 AM Sunday

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Bookstore Meeting Rooms

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Asheville Daily Planet — March 2014 — A13

Advice Goddess

Continued from Page A1 A: When you’re all out to dinner, you must live for those moments when she and some other woman excuse themselves to go talk about all you guys in the litter box.

As hard as it must be for you to hold back, all this guy should know is that you’re his friend. People mistakenly believe that you can criticize somebody into changing. You can’t. What you typically end up doing is criticizing them into clinging even more tenaciously to whatever you were hoping to pry them away from. Because, in relationships, initially adorable idiosyncrasies can turn screechingly annoying, it’s possible your friend will eventually grow allergic to loud, vapid women who make cat sounds.

Until then, well, that’s why there’s guys’ night out at the cigar bar. You might also try to curb your annoyance by feeling happy for him. For him to be blind to how irritating she is, she must do some really special things in the bedroom — you know, like marking the bed with urine and killing mice and leaving them on his pillow.

The grating outdoors

This great girl I’ve been dating just invited me on a camping trip. Frankly, there is nothing I would like to do less. I hate camping, and I won’t know anyone but her. The trip is three days with 20 of her friends, including her ex-boyfriend, so I worry about asking her to go without me, especially since we aren’t “official” yet. Can I skip this without it being a big deal, or is it a mistake to let her go when we’re right at the monogamy crossroads?

— City Boy

The Advice Goddess

Amy Alkon

The comforts of civilization abound.

Even Walmart stocks a heated toilet seat — complete with a handy-dandy nightlight in the bowl — for a rather reasonable $119.

Yet — go figure — there are all these people who think it would be super-cool to go out for a weekend and squat behind a bush.

In other words, I’m right there with you, City Boy. My idea of camping is waiting for our room to be ready in the lobby of a hotel with exposed wood. My favorite hiking safety tip? Avoid hiking. But I understand your problem. It’s a bad idea to stay home when it means she’ll be out there in nature with nothing to block the view of her ex-boyfriend. Unfortunately, you’re being asked on not just a camping trip but a vetting trip (even if she hasn’t put it that plainly to you or even herself). She’ll be looking at how well you fit in with her friends (which will tell her something about how well you’ll fit into her life) and, possibly, evaluating your camping prowess: whether you can start a fire with a single soggy match, put up a tent using only your teeth, and talk geopolitics with a raccoon.

But chances are, if she were some hardcore camper looking for the man to play Lewis to her Clark, she wouldn’t even consider dating a guy whose idea of a nature hike is probably cutting across the lawn to get the mail. I shared this thought

with a mentally ill friend of mine (translation: one who camps on purpose), and she agreed. She also added that “camping with 20 people is not camping; it’s ‘camping.’

It’s getting drunk beside your car, tripping over your tent stake, and passing out next to your sleeping bag. Even a city boy can do that once.”

Let your girlfriend know that camping isn’t your thing but that you’re sure you’ll have a great time with her over the weekend. This sets her up not to expect much more of this outdoorsy business from you while setting you up as a good sport who’s willing to go out of his way to make her happy. If both you and your relationship survive the weekend, maybe you can show her a thing or two about the great indoors — like how, of all the current wonders of nature, one of the most wonderful is how you can sit in your house drinking martinis while watching them on Discovery Channel. And don’t forget my absolute favorite thing about nature — the whoosh it makes as you’re driving past it to get back to your hotel.

Sigh tunes

Am I the only one who doesn’t like to have music playing during sex? When I’m with a guy, I’m turned on by hearing his breathing and sounds he makes while aroused. If the music’s good, I’ll be listening to it rather than paying attention to him or my own arousal. If the music’s bad, I don’t want to hear it at all. I’m seeing a new guy, and I’m already worried that he’ll play some annoying pop music when we get intimate. Plus, if he needs music, I’ll

think, “Well, am I boring you?”

— Audibly Distracted Responding to this question on Reddit, “What is the absolute worst song to play during sex?” Redditor 5secsofpleasure posted, “Hi, I’m Sarah McLachlan, and I’m about to kill your erection.” Though for many people the right music can be a real sex enhancer, there can be tragic accidents, like when a guy doesn’t realize that he got sloppy in pulling together his HSP (Hot Sex Playlist) and the dogs barking “Jingle Bells” play at exactly the wrong moment.

Regarding your suspicion that a guy would only put on a soundtrack because he finds sex with you a bore, you’re probably just falling prey to a common cognitive bias -- the assumption that other people’s minds work just like our own. You simply need to make your preference known before any clothing goes flying. Maybe start talking about music and casually mention that you don’t understand why some people like to listen to music during sex — such a distraction. The guy will probably nod offhandedly, but in his brain, a tiny stenographer from the sex department will be feverishly taking notes. As for any worries you may have that this will turn a guy off, trust me; there probably isn’t a guy out there who won’t find the musical silence during sex preferable to the sound of you sitting with your arms folded on the couch.

• (c.) 2013, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved.

Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail AdviceAmy@aol.com

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A14 - March 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

The Daily Planet’s Opinion

Montreat College?

A gem worth saving

Despite the woes Montreat College is facing, we think the community and future generations would benefit from figuring out a way to keep the unique educational institution financially viable.

As of this writing, the fate of Montreat College, founded in 1916, remains in limbo, with potentially unresolvable cash woes looming.

One point of contention that no longer exists is (what was viewed by some as) the threat of a merger of the college into Point University near Atlanta. The plan revealed last summer was rejected Feb. 24 by Point’s board of trustees.

The board said its decision not to pursue the merger was “due to complications involving legal agreements” and the controversy within the Montreat College community.

However, the college’s future remains murky because as it continues to average a $3 million deficit annually, with a rapidly disappearing financial cushion.

Some of our top reasons for wanting to keep Montreat College afloat as a small, private Christian liberal arts college, include the following: • The college has shown an ability to produce successful graduates in today’s increasingly competitive world.

• As a smaller school emphasizing Christian values, it provides much-needed diversity in the academic arena.

• The college provides economic benefits not only to the students, faculty and staff, but spinoffs to the area in general.

Indeed, we believe the college is invaluable and encourage someone with deep pockets to step up and save this gem.

Age 90 is the new 60 (or 50)

CHAPEL HILL — Famed Chapel Hill author Elizabeth Spencer has proved a North Carolina rule again.

“Ninety is the new 60.”

Or 50.

Spencer, like academic leader William Friday and historian John Hope Franklin a few years earlier, shows that the nineties can be incredibly productive years.

The evidence in Spencer’s case is her latest book of short fiction, “Starting Over,” which was released on January 1.

Spencer is 92. Six of the book’s nine stories were written by her in the last three years, proving that her talents and work ethic are still strong.

Spencer is best known, perhaps, for her novella, “The Light in the Piazza,” written more than 50 years ago. That book still has legs. After being adapted into a popular movie in 1962, it was more recently the basis of a Broadway musical.

Not so widely known is that Spencer’s novel, “The Voice at the Back Door,” was recommended for a Pulitzer Prize by the Prize’s jury in 1957. However, the Pulitzer board decided not to make an award that year.

No reasons were stated for that decision, but Spencer’s candid look at race relations in the South may have been too far advanced for the times.

The title of the new book, “Starting Over,” probably refers to the characters in several of the book’s stories in which changed circumstances require them to look at their lives in entirely different ways.

Many North Carolina readers may already be familiar with one of the stories titled “Christmas Longings,” first published in the 2012 Christmas edition of “Our State” magazine. Although the completion of a single short story often takes many months, sometimes even longer, Spencer confesses she wrote this one in a matter of days because she had forgotten about the magazine’s deadline.

But the story suggests that it was not created in a vacuum, perhaps reflecting Spencer’s memories of her childhood Christmases.

The leading character, Sonia, now living in New England, looks back 40 years to growing up in North Carolina, a time when she wanted to be an angel in a fictional Smithville

D.G. Martin Presbyterian Church’s Christmas pageant and her sister wanted snow more than anything.

But she was too big to be an angel and there was no snow. Using coat hangers to support the wings, her mother made an angel costume, and her father and uncle drove all the way to the mountains to get enough snow to make snow cream. Then, outside, real snow began to fall.

Back to the present, Sonia’s unbelieving husband says, “Now I’ve quit believing you.

Your parents did everything to please you, but does God do it too?”

In a more provocative and complex story, “The Wedding Visitor,” a cousin, Rob Ellis, travels to a family wedding. The prospective bride had backed out on two recent weddings and the prospective groom is accused of stealing from a road construction account. Rob helps fix the problems and leaves wondering if and when he will ever come back.

My favorite is the book’s opening story, “Return Trip,” in which a North Carolina couple and their son are visited by the wife’s kinsman from Mississippi. Years earlier the wife and her kinsman had an ambiguous encounter about nine months before the couple’s son was born.

Even though the son looks like the kinsman, none of the characters in the story deal directly with the obvious possibility, and the reader is forced to join the characters in wrestling with the situation and then moving on, or “starting over.”

Of course, that title “Starting Over” might have another meaning. It could also be an assertion by Spencer of her willingness to keep on “starting over” for the rest of her life.

If so, she is a good model for the rest of us, whether we are 90, or 60, or 50, or 20.

• D.G. Martin hosts “North Carolina Bookwatch,” which airs Fridays at 9:30 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. on UNC-TV.

Letters to the Editor

Abortion subsidies called responsible way forward

I have previously believed that, for the abortion rights leadership, making abortion more accessible was the primary objective and centralizing power an unfortunate side effect; but now I think the reverse is true, that centralizing power in Washington and the U.N. is their primary objective and making abortions more accessible is merely a fringe benefit to them.

This is the only way I can explain the leadership’s steadfast refusal to even suggest to local governments, abortion subsidies for the rapidly growing number of indigo blue localities in which residents still struggle with huge financial and transport hurdles to safe and timely abortions; even though such subsidies would cost nothing after subtracting local savings in school enrollment and environmental protection.

I hope federal paralysis forces such issues on localities as well as the movement leadership.

Alan Ditmore Leicester

Americans urged to think big, follow their intuition

The following prophetic words were spoken from very different viewpoints and by very different people.

Love of our country and its freedoms may be their only common ground, delivered in the ‘50s and ’60s.

• “When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing - When you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors - When you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don’t protect you against them, but protect them against you - When you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice - You may know that your society is doomed.”

• “There is little value in ensuring the survival of our nation if our traditions do not survive with it. And there is grave danger that an announced need for increased security will be seized upon by those anxious to expand its meaning to the very limits of official censorship and concealment.”

The first, Ayn Rand, in “Atlas Shrugged, and the second, President John F. Kennedy.

And if you feel bad, that may be a good sign. “It is of no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society,” Jiddu Krishnamurti.

Remember, we are all unique and incredibly special. Think big and trust your gut WILLIAM S. CHALK Asheville

American Experiment?

It’s truly a dismal failure

Two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the occupations there, as well as engagements in other nations, cost the United States about $400 million — per day.

See LETTERS, Page A16

The Candid Conservative

Leaders vs. personalities

Man has this curious love-hate thing with higher authority. We love to worship, but we also love to resist. That’s not to say we’re worshiping God. As evidenced by where our energy goes, most of us worship food, work, sex, money, personal vanities, or – and this one is really important – people. For many the tendency to seek mascot status with celebrities is a strong passion. But it’s with our Presidential candidates that we really get crazy. That’s why we elect personalities instead of leaders.

We want elected officials who make us feel good, who promise to give us stuff, who promise to take care of us – you know, the things that God offers to do – except he expects a little responsibility on our end. The traits that make for a pleasing personality have little in common with what makes for a good leader. Recent events make it crystal clear that unless the majority votes as adults, we will not get adult leadership in Washington. God’s job is already filled – it never was an elected office.

Aircraft carriers reveal much folly

There are few products of man more impressive than the aircraft carrier. These floating cities carry enormous power and do an excellent job of illuminating America’s big stick to a dangerous world. In the 21st century, they’re also expensive targets destined as coffins to our young. America has more aircraft carriers – eleven – than all the world combined. China recently joined that fraternity and they have more on the way.

Though carriers are great islands of power in small or temporary conflicts with weaker adversaries, in a war with a nation of technology, they are today’s version of yesterday’s sitting duck battleships. In a real war, missile technology and numbers will overwhelm carrier defenses with frightening efficiency.

Carl Mumpower Carriers are simply too big, too slow, and too expensive to compete with micro-chips.

That most of those chips are now made in China will one day teach us a lesson in the ever changing nature of power.

London calling

For a look into why so many people are arming themselves in the name of selfdefense, take a tour of London. Their three nights of terror in 2011 hold many valuable lessons. The riotous behavior of white sixteen year olds and subsequent dysfunction of the police offers a preview of the future for many of the world’s population centers.

Look to the benevolence of big government advocates for the causes behind the chaos.

Having successfully disarmed their citizenry, politically paralyzed their police, and artificially empowered the off-spring of a permissive society, they will do doubt now call for more government as the recovery medicine. London’s authorities defended their no action actions with the claim that words are Britain’s enforcement tool of choice – not force.

See CANDID CONSERVATIVE, Page A17

TO REPORT AN ERROR

The Asheville Daily Planet strives to be accurate in all articles published. Contact the News Department at news@ashevilledailyplanet.com, (828) 252-6565, or P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490.

Asheville Daily Planet —March 2014 — A15

Commentary

A

s I write this column, the City of Asheville is about to commence demolition of its decrepit buildings on Haywood Street (i.e. the Haywood Street Property, or HSP), across from the Civic Center. I don’t know anyone who thinks removal of those buildings isn’t long overdue.

But the land underneath those buildings is the subject of a longstanding public dispute. What, if anything, ought to be done with the property?

The land and buildings were purchased by the city, using transit funds, in order to build a multistory parking garage. The plan was approved by council and was slated to begin around 2005.

The public reacted badly to the idea of a high-rise parking garage surrounding the Battery Park Apartments. When the Catholic Church demolished its St. Justin Center in 2004, opening the view of our majestic Basilica St. Lawrence for the first time in many decades, the public outcry increased.

How could we justify a mega-structure that would overshadow an architectural gem?

In the 2005 City Council election, Mayoral candidate Terry Bellamy and council candidates Robin Cape and Bryan Freeborn ran hard against the proposed deck. Bellamy and Cape won, with Freeborn narrowly losing to a massively funded real-estate candidate (who outspent Freeborn by 6:1) The parking garage idea died.

Very quickly a once-discarded scheme arose: Let’s build a hotel!

While the Civic Center had never been developed as a conference center (with the

On the left

An urban vision test necessary breakout rooms and food court), it was suddenly imagined that it would become a conference center, if only there were hotel rooms nearby. Who cares if there are actual conference facilities available if you have a place to sleep?

Right?

The city’s proposal for a hotel development on HSP became a formal request for proposals. When the dust settled only one company placed a bid.

One company.

McKibbon Hotel Group was willing to pay a bargain-basement price for what is easily the most valuable piece of real estate in downtown.

One bid. Only one bid. (Am I alone in thinking that this is either an example of citizen disillusionment/disempowerment, or ... hmm ... insider trading?)

The city accepted, with a contract that required build-out of the proposed hotel/ whatever by 2010.

McKibbon failed. Nothing happened.

That is until 2012 when McKibbon squeaked. (Against my vote) Council

elected to extend the defunct contract.

“We” (not I, to be clear)) gave them several more months to fail. They failed.

In December 2013 they failed to renew the (illegally extended) contract.. (Breathe a huge sigh of relief, you who give a damn about our fair city! McKibbon has already besmirched our downtown with the Sovietstyle Aloft on Biltmore! Do we need more evidence?)

McKibbon has decided to invest whatever economic clout they enjoyed into redevelopment of the ghastly BB&T building with some sort of hotel component up top.

(As many folks commented to me: better that McKibbon screw around with the universally despised BB&T than to be given license to further screw up our downtown space.)

But here’s the thing: We can now decide to create a wonderful downtown park, a logical extension of the Civic Center for free and community events, a view-shed for the internationally recognized Basilica of St. Lawrence, an enhancement of the cool, hip, historic, quirky, chill reputation

Cecil Bothwell

of Asheville. Or we can sell the parcel to some developer with all of the artistic sensibility of McKibbon. Asheville’s downtown can be just one more piece of high-end dirt for sale to the highest bidder.

No matter the outcome.

The important matter here is that you can make a difference. This is your city, whether you are a resident and taxpayer or a frequent visitor. You can shape where the city goes with the idea of sell-out or sell-up.

What we are and become over the next century will be a direct outcome of what you want our city to be and become.

Are we for sale to the highest bidder?

Are we a community with a dedication to common goals? Are we “anywhere USA”?

Are we proudly Asheville and a leader in the Southeast and nation?

Your call, Asheville. Your call.

• Cecil Bothwell, author of nine books, including “She Walks On Water: A novel” (Brave Ulysses Books, 2013), is a member of Asheville City Council.

Write a Letter to the Editor

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Send your opinions to Asheville Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490 or e-mail them to letters@ AshevilleDailyPlanet.com.

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A16 - March 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Commentary

Tyranny in Raleigh? GOP leadership decried In September 1972, I was a luncheon guest (with others) of President and Mrs. Ferdinand Marcos at Malacañang Palace in Manila. Coincidentally, that same week, Marcos declared martial law.

The power grab was perfectly orchestrated. The main national newspaper was closed, and a government paper appeared in days. Marcos’ harshest critics were imprisoned. Marcos declared a “New Society” – a flood of “reforms” that changed Philippine life. Congress was replaced by a parliament. Many businesses of old Spanish and Chinese families were privatized. Marcos had efficiently established a totalitarian regime.

Hold it! Why does this sound so familiar – like déjà vu backwards?

Of course! It’s like the Republican regime in Raleigh!

Republicans can’t declare martial law or shut down newspapers, but that’s just a detail. There’s more than one way to skin the cat named Tyranny.

Tyranny in Raleigh? Exactly. Here’s what the Declaration of Independence says about tyranny: “The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all hav-

Lee Ballard ing in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.”

The key word is “usurpations.” Dictionaries generally define “usurpation” as “wrongful seizure or exercise of authority” or “wrongfully seizing and holding an office or powers.”

Some definitions use “illegal” in their definitions, but that can hardly be Jefferson’s intent. After all, he’s writing about the king. Whatever he wanted to do in his colonies was legal.

The usurpations Jefferson had in mind were acts against a higher law than the king. The king was guilty when his legal actions violated the God-given rights of the American people.

• Over the past three years, the Republican General Assembly has taken actions, legal actions, that have precisely paralleled those

Letters to the Editor Continued from Page A14 Since 2001, $8 trillion (that’s $8,000 billion) has been spent on the military and homeland security.

I repeat! Since 2001, $8 trillion (that’s $8,000 billion) has been spent on the military and homeland security — while millions of poor Americans go hungry and homeless ... And lack medical insurance.

And lack the basic necessities of life.

Our reprentatives in government have been corrupted by such special interest groups as the military-industrial complex, and the security-industrial complex.

Our representatives in Washington may be OF the people, and may have been elected BY the people, but they sure aren’t FOR the people!

They are for themselves and their cronies and special interests, such as the militaryindustrial complex and security-industrial complex.

Their attitude toward America’s growing poor is, “Let them eat cake!”

It isn’t only the poor who have been betrayed by our government representatives! Is is also the middle-class. Economist David Autor reveals in the May-June Mother Jones newsmagazine that robots with artificial intelligence will soon be taking away jobs from the middle-class.

He also reveals that even though government economists are fully aware of this, they are taking absolutely no steps to protect the middle-class.

Would putting a third party in the White House and Congress restore representative government of the poeple, by the people and for the people?

You know, it wouldn’t! You understand human nature as well as I do.

But the whole point of this is to shine a light on the fact that the American Experiment is a failure.

Yes! We have proven we can govern ourselves.

But the American Experiment in gover-

nanceby a government for the people has proven to be an experimental failure.

of King George and Ferdinand Marcos.

King George, Jefferson says in the Declaration, retained absolute control by squelching opposition. Specifically, he prevented state legislatures from doing anything that opposed “his invasion of the rights of the people.”

Marcos changed the Philippine form of government to ensure a friendly legislative branch. He weakened all opposition to his regime.

Republicans in Raleigh have abused power to guarantee they won’t lose power.

The new GOP voting law, that the League of Women Voters calls “NC’s voter suppression law,” puts severe restrictions on Democratic constituencies – seniors, minorities, young people.

But the big power move was in redistricting. Majority parties have slanted electoral districts in their favor ever since our nation began, but redistricting in North Carolina has always been reasonable.

For example, Democrats held majorities in the General Assembly in 2000. They configured congressional districts so that our 13 members of Congress were seven Democratic and six Republican. More than fair.

When the GOP gained control in 2010, they hired Tom Hovelled at the Republican National Committee to draw their redistricting maps. His computer worked in Washington, without input from North Carolina.

The resulting gerrymander was stunning.

In 2012, Democrats got 2.2 million votes to 2.14 for Republicans statewide, but Republicans held the state House 77 seats to 43 for Democrats and the state Senate, 32-18.

This is tyranny.

I predict that for all their talk over decades about wanting nonpartisan redistricting, Republicans will make no effort to pass the bipartisan bill titled, “Nonpartisan Redistricting Process.” Why give away the gravy train?

I also predict that if Republicans hold the General Assembly in November, they’ll move to rewrite the state constitution to make permanent the changes they’ve made on social issues, schools, state economy, the election process.

One thing to remember about tyranny: a taste of unchecked power makes the tyrant hungry for more.

• Lee Ballard lives in Mars Hill.

The nation’s poor are going to have to realize that the government isn’t going to

help them out of poverty.

See LETTERS, Page A17

Asheville, Hendersonville & Waynesville have been DESTROYED! “I’m alive and I’m glad I shopped at the Combat Zone

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Candid Conservative Continued from Page A14

In the left’s fantasy world, reality is no match for philosophy. In the real world, fantasy is no match for absurdity. The city that withstood Hitler’s blitz, was not prepared for the blitz by socialism’s off-spring.

London is calling with a message – neither is America.

Enabling in Jesus’ name

It’s funny how many liberals ridicule Christianity except when they can use Jesus as a weapon. Anytime a politician raises concerns about government living beyond our means, you can almost bet he or she will be hit with guilt and shame in Jesus’ name. While it’s true that Christ modeled love, compassion, and generosity, there is very little evidence of his enabling anyone.

When he called on men to give up wealth, it was to clear an obstacle to spiritual growth, not to fund irresponsibility. From start to painful finish Jesus was at least as dedicated to personal accountability as he was to love. He knew that one did not work well without the other. In fact, that’s the best way to tell the difference between real social justice and enabling – does the beneficiary have skin in the game? Obama’s massive extension of food stamp benefits is enabling of the first order. In truth, Jesus modeled that place between abandoning our fellow man and helping him sit down.

He knew that enabling was mostly for the enabler.

Liberalism has been Progressively corrupted

Most true conservatives have a touch of engrained liberalism. For the inspiration behind that bit of confusion, look no further than the Latin word “liberalis” – “of freedom; worthy of a free man, gentlemanlike, courteous, generous”. By that definition, any conservative of conscience might qualify for this fraternity and proudly so.

Authentic liberals, like authentic conservatives, are a rare commodity. Worse, the wholesome liberal ideals that have propelled mankind for centuries have been distorted into a twenty-first century paradox

Israel

Continued from Page A8

Maltry said he concluded from the meeting that the PM’s top three priorities are military defense, military defense and military defense. “He really emphasized it.”

When the meeting broke up. Netanyahu shook some hands of those nearest to him, so Maltry missed that opportunity.

Prior to the meeting, Maltry said, “We got a chance to hear from other members of Knesset (Israel’s parliament) and the defense minister.

We got to go through the Jordan and the Dead Sea area. We got to see the fight going on, from the miltary post in the Golan Heights.”

While U.S. President Barack Obama has said Israel should consider moving back to the 1967 boundaries, Maltry said, based on his experience in Israel, “To suggest such a thing means your either ignorant of the situation, or incredibly naive — or desire the destruction of Israel.”

Maltry added, “Israel is a small country surrounded by hostile enemies, with a land size 650 times greater. Biblically, this was land was given to Israel. It was called Sumaria and Judea. However, it was not part of the land given to Israel in 1948, when it became an independent country. In 1967,

of harm. The liberal truth no longer exists except in a progressive fantasy.

The mutation of reality is almost always predatory. Someone benefits from the swap while someone else pays. The modern make-believe liberal, like the make-believe conservative, is typically a master at deception through words. Today’s more common liberal concoctions are something can be had for nothing, truth is relative, and morality doesn’t matter.

Liberals love the word “diversity.” But note what happens when they encounter something outside their comfort zone.

Uniqueness is embraced only so long as it matches their sense of good and bad.

Observe how few conservatives exist in our education system and other liberal environments. Mature people delight in the differences that God built into mankind and yet retain lucid perspective on the importance of values, experience, and reality.

Modern-day liberals love to defend the indefensible. Unfortunately resistance as an end unto itself is a primitive approach to identity – think “terrible twos” – and not remotely up to the challenges of a dangerous world. Liberal advocacy for homosexual marriage, abortion, and minority entitlement has less to do with compassion than the need to build the progressive movement’s identity through the process of resistance.

Even though true liberalism has a systemic tie to liberty, today’s liberals, if measured by actions, hate freedom. If you see a new law, rule, or restriction coming from government, behind it usually stands a liberal feeling progressive. Conservatives are understandably confused by new age liberalism that is so passionately dedicated to control.

Most true liberals hold kinship with conservatism. For the inspiration behind that bit of confusion, we need look no further than the Latin word “conservare” – “to preserve.” Real liberals, like real conservatives, love liberty and are dedicated to its preservation....

• Carl Mumpower, a former member of Asheville City Council, may be contacted at drmumpower@aol.com

Israel was spontaneously attacked by six Arab nations. Israel won the war and was granted the right to have essential defendable boundaries via UN resolution 242.

Continuing, Maltry said, “To do this, you must maintain three or four things. You must maintain control of the Jordan Valley. The second thing is they could not give up control of key mountain areas, which otherwise would be giving up places where rockets could be fired.”

Under the aforementioned conditions, “The only national airport in Tel Aviv would not be safe from RPG attacks. It would reduce the narrowest width of the country from 44 miles to 9 miles. It would basically be impossible to defend. Part of that defense would be to cut off major transportation arteries.

“A last reason,” he said, is “the air control response. You need so many minutes to be able to respond from when a warning goes off. By reducing the area, you basically cut that response time in half.

“After seeing the area and talking to the individuals. ... it ain’t going to happen (taking it back to the ‘67 borders.) Maltry then reiterated, For any president of the United States” to say otherwise, “either is naive, ignorant — or wanting the destruction of Israel.”

Asheville Daily Planet —March 2014 — A17

Letters to the Editor Continued from Page A16 And the country’s middle-class needs to realize that robots are going to take their jobs from them in the near future.

The poor and middle-class will get poorer, and capital-owners will get wealthier.

In the economics literature, the increase in the share of income going to the capitalowners is known as “capital-biased technological change.”

And economist Paul Krugman says to expect lots of “capital-biased technological change” in the coming years.

So in the future, the poor will get poorer, and not receive the government bailout,

and the middle-class will have its jobs threatened by robots; and capital-owners will get richer at everybody else’s expense.

Our lives, and our country, will be in the hand of special-interest-ruled government.

RICHARD D. POPE Hendersonville

TO REPORT AN ERROR

The Asheville Daily Planet strives to be accurate in all articles published. Contact the News Department at news@ashevilledailyplanet.com, (828) 252-6565, or P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490.

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A18 — March 2014 — Asheville Daily Planet

Esoterica

Aries (March 21st-April 19th) My dear Aries spring is on it’s way and it’s time you make some plans to enjoy the rays of the sun.. Start planning your garden, maybe plant some exotic plants, too. Be that lady down the street with the best roses or the best melons.

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A20 — March 2014 — Asheville Daily Planet

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Calendar of Events

Special Section PULLOUT

and Concert Reviews

B1

Asheville Daily Planet — March 2014

Special photo courtesy of Frank Zipperer Photography

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings fired up a capacity crowd at The Orange Peel during a Valentine’s Day show on the night of Feb. 14.

Concert review

Jones & Dap-Kings? A ‘funk-alution’

By JOHN NORTH

john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com

Sharon Jones promised less and delivered more — much more — during her charismatic Feb. 14 performance as the lead singer fronting the fabulous funk-soul revivalist group the Dap-Kings at a sold-out Orange Peel in downtown Asheville.

Near the beginning of the two-hour Valentine’s Day show (including an encore and no intermission), Jones admitted that she was “under the weather” with a cold and sore throat, but “if I can kick cancer in the ass, I can kick a little sniffle.” She added that backup vocalist Starr Duncan Lowe also was feeling ill, but she vowed that that would not stop them.

Her pluck — and ability to connect — prompted the 1,100-person capacity audience to immediately issue a thunderous cheer of its encouragement to her.

Jones, 57, and a former Rikers Island corrections officer and obscure session singer, is now widely regarded as a commanding soul dynamo. However, in the past year her rags-to-riches music career has been up in the air after she was diagnosed with bile duct cancer, requiring removal of a tumor and chemotherapy.

As a result of her cancer treatment, she has lost her hair, but her tenacity to beat the disease was evident during the show through her words about whipping cancer — and her effort, vocally as well as with her highly energetic choreography.

Indeed, she gave it her all, even accidentally kicking off

one shoe while dancing her heart out during a song. “I have to put my (other) shoe back on — and catch my breath” before performing the next song, Jones told the cheering Orange Peel audience, During the Asheville concert, her voice was memorable, but, as a result of her sniffles, she sounded — at times — just a bit raspy, and her vocal range seemed a tad more limited than usual.

The only other minor criticism of the concert was that too many funk numbers, with similar fast rhythms that sounded too-much alike, were performed in the first half.

However, there was pleasing variety — even including some slow songs and ballads — in the second half.

See DAP-KINGS, Page B7

Concert review The Spinners spin a web in Spindale with ‘Philly Soul’ gold

By JOHN NORTH

john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com

SPINDALE — The Spinners, billed as the most popular soul vocal group of the 1970s and touring since the 1980s as a nostalgia act, gave the Spindale audience a musical spin on the joyous Philadelphia Soul train during a Valentine’s Weekend concert on Feb. 15.

The group sang the expected big hits, but the show’s highlight was the group’s vocal jamming and general improvisation during a a performance of Sam Cooke’s “Having a Party” that was sandwiched in a medley between the beginning and ending of The Spinners’ disco mega-hit “Cupid.”

On “Having a Party,” the group alternately sang louder and quieter, faster and slower, even scat singing, while the backup band — at times — provided just minimal accompaniment — resulting in an intoxicating concoction with an a-cappella accent.

Also standing out were some dramatic and imaginative endings — with a flourish — of several of The Spinners’ songs that were not on the original recordings, and the generally

Special photo courtesy of The Foundation Performing Arts Center

The Spinners appeared in their yellow jackets and trousers, with black T-shirts and black shoes. upbeat tenor of a show that celebrated the 1970s — a truly fun and innovative era of American pop culture.

Clad in dazzlingly yellow jackets and trousers, with black T-shirts and black shoes, The Spinners sang in precise fivepart harmony, while performing amazing choreography, for one 90-minute set, including two encores, at The Foundation Center for Performing Arts at Isothermal Community College.

About 800 people turned out and many of them were on their feet at the end, demanding more, but the group, sav-

ing some of its top hits to perform during the first encore — eventually — announced it had to stop singing, pack up and move on to its next show.

The Spinners have been active for more than 50 years as a group, and the quintet performing in Spindale included the lone surviving original member Henry Fambrough (still spry at age 78).

See THE SPINNERS, Page B7

B2 - March 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet The Warriars of AniKituhwa will perform Native American dances and speak of Cherokee traditions at 12:30 p.m.

March 25 on the University Quad at UNC Asheville.

Calendar

of

Events

Send us your calendar items

Please submit items to the Calendar of Events by noon on the third Wednesday of each month, via e-mail, at calendar@ashevilledailyplanet. com, or fax to 252-6567, or mail c/o The Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 288148490. Submissions will be accepted and printed at the discretion of the editor, space permitting.

To place an ad for an event, call 252-6565.

Saturday, March 1

READING, 1 p.m., Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood St., downtown Asheville. Local author Katherine Stanley will present her newest work, “A Book of Bullies.” A self-proclaimed expert on bullies, Stanley was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome and has been the target of much bullying.

“A Book of Bullies” is billed as a humorous and uplifting look at bullies— and the hurt and harm they can do.

MEDITATION AND DUP CELEBRATION, 1-5:30 p.m., Earthhaven Ecovillage, Black Mountain. A meditation and dup celebration will be held. For more specific directions, visit www. earthhaven.org.

DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Earthhaven Ecovillage, Black Mountain.

Dances of Universal Peace will be held. For directions, visit www.earthhaven.org.

Sunday, March 2

CHARGE OF THE GODDESS DANCE CYCLE, 7-9:30 p.m., Town and Mountain Training Center, 261 Asheland Ave., Asheville. Charge of the goddess dance cycle will be led by Sara Rain.

Men and women alike are invited to attune to the power, compassion and imminent presence of the Divine Feminine in their own beings and in the world.

Tuesday, March 4

GARDENING LECTURE, 4:30-6 p.m., 206 Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. Dr. Kevin Moorhead will address “The Science of Gardening.” The STEM Lecture Series — interdisciplinary with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — is free and open to the public.

BUSINESS LEADER TALK, 6 p.m., Western Carolina University, Biltmore Park, Asheville. Bill Murdock, chief executive officer of Eblen Charities, will speak in WCU’s weekly spring lecture series.

His 40-minute talk will be followed by a questionand-answer period.

TURKEY LECTURE, 7:30 p.m., Manheimer Room, Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. Dr. Samer Traboulsi of UNCA will address “Turkey” in the Great Decisions 2014 Series. The public is invited.

Admission is $10 for nonmembers of the World Affairs Council of WNC and free for students.

Wednesday, March 5

“FIGHT FOR SOCIALISM” PROGRAM, 6-8 p.m., bottom-floor community room, Pack Library, downtown Asheville. A “Fight for Socialism” program will be presented. The case will be made that “capitalism is the exploitation of the masses,

with only the top 1 percent benefiting.” As an alternative to capitalism, attendees will learn why and how socialism works.The program will explain why revolution is needed from below, along with working class self-emancipation, resulting in the 99 percent taking control of society to serve its own interest. The program will make the case that the economic crisis of 2008 has been weathered by the capitalist class, and profits are at record highs. “This has only been possible on the backs for the working class, through austerity,” a news release said. “Furthermore, the capitalist class relies on oppression to keep us divided, as Frederick Douglas said, ‘They divide each, to conquer both.’ Therefore we must stop the war on women, end the new Jim Crow, and fight against all oppressions.”

Thursday, March 6

GREAT QUOTES PROGRAM, 7-9 p.m., Smoky Mountain Theater, Lake Point Landing, 333 Thompson St., Hendersonville. Using the Bob Dylan quote, “ Ah, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now,” Chris Pollack will speak about how each and every person can take years off one’s actual age and have a better life.

His presentation is titled “Be Your Own Rock Star.” Pollack is director of sales and marketing for Embedded Processor Designs, which is billed as the world leader in call systems for “Dine In” Cinemas and, has presented to the International Cinema Technology Association a number of times. He also is a past president of Asheville Toastmasters and has won a number of awards. Following his 30-minute presentation, a discussion will be held. An “applied philosophy” discussion on the topic will follow and the program will end with the speaker getting the last word. Admission is $5, with proceeds supporting a general scholarship at Mars Hill University.

Friday, March 7

LIBRARY BOOK SALE, 10-11 a.m., SkylandSouth Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Rd., Asheville. The library will hold a preview sale of books at $1 each for Friends members — and anyone can join as a Friend at the door. The sale will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale also will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 10. Proceeds from the book sale will benefit the library.

CLASSICAL CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Grace Baptist Church, 718 Haywood Rd., Asheville. The Blue Ridge Orchestra will perform concerts at the same time March 7 and 8. Featured will be musical gems

by Bach, Haydn and Beethoven. The concert is offered for free, but donations will be accepted.

See CALENDAR, Page B3

Thanks for reading the Asheville Daily Planet

Asheville Daily Planet — March 2014 — B3

Gary Puckett and The Union Gap (pictured above at its musical height in the late 1960s) will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 8 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Calendar of Events Continued from Page B2

Saturday, March 8

CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin.

Gary Puckett & The Union Gap will perform. For tickets, which are $18, $23 and $28, call 5241598.

JAMES GREGORY COMEDY SHOW, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. James Gregory, billed as “the funniest man in America,” will perform. For tickets, visit www.

NPACgreeneville.com, or call (423) 638-1679.

Tuesday, March 11

ISRAEL LECTURE, 7:30 p.m., Manheimer Room, Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. Dr. Heather Hawn of UNCA will address “Israel” in the Great Decisions 2014 Series. Admission is $10 for nonmembers of the World Affairs Council of WNC and free for students.

Thursday, March 13

JUMPSTART THE VOTE TRAINING, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., YWCA, 185 S. French Broad St., Asheville.

Democracy North Carolina, Asheville AAUW and the Asheville YWCA will hold two separate regional training sessions for local volunteers involved in Operation Jumpstart the Vote, a statewide campaign to counter the wave of new voting restrictions with hundreds of local nonpartisan projects. The training is free and all are welcome to attend who are currently, or want to be, part of a local voter registration, voter education or voter protection project.

Friday, March 14

CONCERT, 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack Place, Pack Square, downtown Asheville. The Paul McKenna Band will perform.

Saturday, March 15

AUTHOR’S READING, 5 p.m., Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood St., downtown Asheville.

Local author Denise Kiernan will celebrate — via a reading — the paperback release of her bestselling book, “Girls of Atomic City.” Kiernan took the story of women workers in Oak Ridge, Tenn., all over the country, garnering praise from such newspapers as The Boston Globe, The Omaha World-Herald and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

DON WILLIAMS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin. Country music standout

Send us your calendar items

Please submit items to the Calendar of Events by noon on the third Wednesday of each month, via e-mail, at calendar@ashevilledailyplanet. com, or fax to 252-6567, or mail c/o The Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 288148490. Submissions will be accepted and printed at the discretion of the editor, space permitting.

To place an ad for an event, call 252-6565.

Don Williams will perform in concert. For tickets which are $35, $40 and $45, call 524-1598.

“HAMLET” PERFORMANCE, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. The play “Hamlet” will be performed. For tickets, visit www.NPACgreeneville.com, or call (423) 638-1679.

CONCERT, 8 p.m., Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, U.S. Cellular Center, downtown Asheville.

The Asheville Symphony Orchestra will present “Beethoven and the Romantic,” with pianist Alon Goldstein and also music by Bruckner.

Sunday, March 16

ETHICAL TALK/DISCUSSION, 2-3:30 p.m., Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Rd., Asheville. “How to Destroy a Democracy Step by Step” will be presented by Dan Carter of Pisgah Forest at the monthly meeting of the Ethical Society of Asehville. Carter will consider “Jeremiad: A long mournful complain or lamentation. A list of woes. A cautionary or angry warning.” He will contend that “today, not a week goes by without a new Jeremiad of an America in economic decline.” His “declension” narrative is part of a tradition going back to the Puritans, although there have always been optimists who have resisted.

The ESA noted that “his talk has less to do with the current preoccupation with America’s economic woes than its often hidden political crisis.” Carter is the Education Foundation Professor of History Emeritus at the University of South Carolina.

See CALENDAR, Page B6

B4 - March 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Asheville Daily Planet — March 2014 — B5

B6 - March 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Calendar Continued from Page B3

Tuesday, March 18

RETIREES’ MEETING, 10 a.m, parlor, Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 123 Kenilworth Rd., Asheville. The WNC Alliance for Retired Americans will hold its quarterly meeting. The group says it is nonpartisan and its meetings are open to everyone who is concerned about the need for jobs that pay a living wage, as well as issues which affect all retirees.

BUSINESS LEADER TALK, 6 p.m., Western Carolina University, Biltmore Park, Asheville. George Briggs, executive director of the N.C. Arboretum, will speak in WCU’s weekly spring lecture series.

His 40-minute talk will be followed by a questionand-answer period.

Thursday, March 20

LECTURE, noon, Broyhill Center, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill. Rep. Susan Fisher, D-Buncombe County, will speak at MHU’s observation of Women’s History Month. The event is free and open to the public.

Friday, March 21

YOUNG STUDENTS’ PROGRAM, 10 a.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack Place, Pack Square, downtown Asheville. The Chase Brock Experience will offer a lecture-demonstration and dance performance for students in grades six through 12.

ENVIRONMENTAL LECTURE, 3-5 p.m., RiverLink offices, 170 Lyman St., River Arts District, Asheville. Dr. Frank Kalinowski will address :Environmental Legacies: Politics, Policy and American National Character. He is a retired professor from Warren Wilson College and an author.

MAINSTAGE DANCE PERFORMANCE, 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack Place, Pack Square, downtown Asheville. The Chase Brock Experience will perform in the Mainstage Dance Series on March 21-22.

Saturday, March 22

GABRIEL IGLESIAS CONCERT, 7 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee.

Gabriel Iglesias will perform in concert.

BLUES BROTHERS REVUE, 7:30 p.m., The Foundation Center Performing Arts Center, Isothermal Community College, Spindale. The “Official Blues Brothers Revue” will perform in concert. The Blues Brothers (or, more formally, The Blues Brothers’ Show Band and Revue) are an American rhythm and blues revivalist band founded in 1978 by comedy actors Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as part of a musical sketch on “Saturday Night Live.” For tickets, which are $19 and $24 for adults and $8 for youths, call 286-9990 or visit www.Foundationshows.org.

THE PURDUETTES SHOW, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. The Purduettes will perform. For tickets, visit www.NPACgreeneville.com, or call (423) 638-1679.

Sunday, March 23

BLUES BROTHERS REVUE, 3 p.m., Niswonger

The Blues Brothers Revue will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 22 at The Foundation Performing Arts Center at Isothermal Community College in Spindale.

Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. The “Official Blues Brothers Revue” will perform in concert. For show details, see March 22 listing for Spindale, N.C., show. For tickets, visit www.

NPACgreeneville.com, or call (423) 638-1679.

Tuesday, March 25

Every Monday is “Trivia Night”

SPEAKER/PERFORMANCE, 12:30 p.m., University Quad, UNC Asheville A program featuring “Warriors of AniKituhwa ” — designated as the official cultural ambassadors of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians by its tribal council — will include a Native American speaker and a performance. The group will re-create tribal dances of 1762, including the War and the Eagle Tail Dance. Warriors also will address the significance of their dances, their clothing and Cherokee history and culture. The bad-weather location is Alumni Hall in Highsmith University Union. Admission is free and open to the public.

BUSINESS LEADER TALK, 6 p.m., Western Carolina University, Biltmore Park, Asheville. Terry O’Keefe, an author and columnist, will speak in WCU’s weekly spring lecture series. His 40-minute talk will be followed by a question-and-answer period.

Thursday, March 27

LECTURE, 5:30 p.m., Mountain Suites, Sherrill Center, UNC Asheville. Dr. Shaun Gabbidon will speak on “The Black Thief Stereotype, Shopping While Black, and Consumer Racial Profiling in the 21st Century.”

Friday, March 28

YOUNG STUDENTS’ ANTI-GRAVITY SHOW, 10 a.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack Place, Pack Square, downtown Asheville. “LEO: The AntiGravity Show” will show the laws of gravity being defied in this one-man show designed for students in grades three through 12.

ANTI-GRAVITY SHOW, 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack Place, Pack Square, downtown Asheville. “LEO: The Anti-Gravity Show” will show the laws of gravity being defied in this one-man show in the Mainstage Series March 28-29.

See CALENDAR, PAGE B7

Is Moving to a New Location on March 1, 2014

Please make a note of address located at former Ballard Appliance at 1238 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville, NC, 28803,

828-253-0853

“Come compete for fantastic prizes” Starts at 9 p.m.

Tuesday night is “Blues Jam” Music and dancing starts at 10 p.m.

Every Wednesday is “Brewery Night” where we feature an array of high quality micro-brewed beers. “Buy a Pint, Keep the Glass!”

3/5 - Blue Mountain Brewery 3/12 - New Belgium Brewing

3/19 - Oskar Blues Brewery 3/26 - Highland Brewing

Saturdays and Sundays brunch starts at 10:30 and goes till we run out.

All-you-can-eat breakfast plus a full menu and omelette specials.

“Everyday lunch and dinner specials!”

We offer 27 beers on tap, a full liquor bar, freshly made eclectic food items with locally sourced ingredients, 2 pool tables, shuffleboard, foosball, video games, full service patio, a wide variety of sports on our 11’ screen and kid-friendly (till 10pm), dog-friendly (on the patio) great time.

Saturday night bands:

3/1 “Mojomatic” 3/8 “The Paris Thieves”

3/22 “The Heritage” 3/29 “The Gypsy Swingers”

Tuesday 3/17 St. Patricks Day Party: “Gypsy Dargle” (Irish Folk Music) Thursday 3/20: “The Fustics”

www.sassys.com

Why Would You Go to a Geek When You Can Come to a Guru?

Asheville Computer Repair With the Fastest Repair Service in Town!

777 Haywood Road West Asheville 828-225-9782 www.westvillepub.com

Dap-Kings

Asheville Daily Planet — March 2014 — B7

Continued from Page B1 Without question, the show’s highlight had to be the encore, when the Dap-Kings band returned to the stage after a solid 90 minutes of high-energy music during the regular show.

The eight-piece band included two guitarists, a bassist, a bari-saxophone, a tenor saxophone and two percussionists,including one who played bongos. In addition, Lowe provided backup vocals. Besides excellent musicianship, the band provided top-notch soul choreography.

The group’s name came from its signing with Daptone Records. The Dap-Kings are billed as the spearheads of a revivalist movement that aims to capture the essence of funk-soul music as it was at its height in the mid-1960s to mid-1970s.

After thanking the audience for giving the band the opportunity to perform, a bandmember then teased the crowd, which was begging for an encore, “Y’all just bein’ greedy.

Y’all just had a full show... After all that, y’all are sayin’ that’s not enough?”

The Spinners

Continued from Page B1 About midway through the show, the group noted with sadness the recent death of the other long-lived original member, Bobby Smith, who sang lead on most of the Spinners’ early records (and many of their biggest Atlantic hits). Smith died on March 16, 2013. The family connection, however, continues, as Ron Smith, Bobby Smith’s son, plays guitar in The Spinners Ensemble, the group’s backup band.

Ironically, the group, with a run of classic hits especially during the 1970s, was the most successful of the “Philly Soul” groups, despite the fact that they were from Detroit and were in the Motown Records stable of artists for years. However, The Spinners had virtually no hits with Motown, before leaving and achieving smashing success when they joined up with Philly Soul producer Thomas Bell.

Besides Fambrough, the group now includes Charlton Washington (lead singer), Jessie Peck (the group’s best dancer and bass singer), Marvin Taylor (mid-range and occasional lead singer) and Ronnie “Raheem” Moss, falsetto and the newest member.

The Spinners Ensemble, a five-man band that included a guitarist, bassist, drummer and two keyboard players, provided seamless musical accompaniment for the vocalists.

With no Jones in sight, the suspense built as the DapKings performed a rousing instrumental, “Honkytonk Popcorn,” at the end of which Jones, like royalty, finally returned to the stage. Predictably, the crowd erupted in wild applause.

Jones said she was going to perform “This Land Is Your Land,” a 1940 folk anthem written by Woody Guthrie and popularized by the late Pete Seeger.

With sassy, sizzling soul vocal styling, an ultra-funky beat put down by her band and the crowd really into it, Jones and the Dap-Kings scored an undisputed knockout on a chilly, rainy winter’s night.

At one point, the band suddenly stopped playing, as Jones wailed, “I just got something to say! You ... know ... that ... this ... land — was made for you and me! Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!”

The crowd roared its approval and would have been content for the encore to go on and on, but the house lights were cranked up and Jones smiled and bowed — and promptly left the stage, appearing triumphant but worn-

The concert started with the Ensemble performing a 10-minute instrumental overture of The Spinners’ most-popular songs, at the end of which the band leader said evenly, “Goodnight. Thanks!”

The crowd’s laughter at the joke rapidly turned to delight and cheering, as The Spinners raced onto the stage and launched into a rousing vocal rendition of “Can’t Believe I’m Falling in Love.”

After noting that the next song was a big hit for The Spinners written by Stevie Wonder, the group performed “It’s a Shame.”

Moss sang the gorgeous falsetto part of the song to perfection.

After that, the group performed “I’ll Be Around,” showing its five-part harmony skills at its best, along with dazzling choreography.

Among other songs performed were The Spinners’ disco version of The Four Seasons’ “Working My Way Back to You,” as well as “Sadie” and “Mighty Love.”

After performing a medley of “Cupid” and “Having a Party,” the group left the stage, with the crowd on its feet, cheering for more. Short-

ly, The Spinners ran back onto the stage and the group said it would perform a few more songs under one condition — that the audience remain on its feet and dance along.

For its first encore, the group charged into a medley of some of its other big hits, including “Then Came You,” “One of a Kind Love Affair,” “Rubberband Man” and “They Just Can’t Stop It (Games People Play).” The group inventively danced with huge white rubber bands on “Rubberband Man.” The Spinners left the stage again, to thunder-

Calendar Continued from Page B6

Saturday, March 29

REPUBLICAN CONVENTION, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Ferguson Auditorium, A-B Tech, Asheville. The Buncombe County Republican Party 2014 Convention will be held.

ZAC BROWN BAND CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee. The Zac Brown Band will perform in concert.

Tuesday, April 1

BUSINESS LEADER TALK, 6 p.m., Western Carolina University, Biltmore Park, Asheville. Susan DeFerie, chief executive officer of Asheville Savings Bank will speak in WCU’s weekly spring lecture series. His 40-minute talk will be followed by a questionand-answer period.

Tuesday, April 8

BUSINESS LEADER TALK, 6 p.m., Western Carolina University, Biltmore Park, Asheville. Maj. Gen. Richard Devereaux of the U.S. Air Force will speak in WCU’s weekly spring lecture series. His 40-minute talk will be followed by a question-andanswer period.

Saturday, April 12

LINCOLN-REAGAN DINNER, 6:30 p.m., Renaissance Hotel Asheville, 31 Woodfin St., downtown Asheville. The annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner will feature Reo. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., as its keynote speaker. Gowdy considers himself a “constitutional conservative.” His district includes much of the Upstate region, including Greenville and Spartanburg. In addition, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest will serve as emcee.

A reception will precede the dinner at 5 p.m. The affair will provide an opportunity to meet the local and statewide GOP candidates.

out. A band spokesman thanked everyone for attending the show and noted that it was over.

Topping the most memorable songs from the regular show was the vocally and instrumentally funk masterpiece, “Making Up and Breaking Up.” Other standouts included a rip-roaring rendition of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” which was followed — to great effect — by the romantic and slower “If You Call.” Also delightful were “100 Days, 100 Nights,” “Slow Down” and “Better Things.”

A highlight of the regular show was an interlude during a song in which Jones declared, “I’m gonna take you back to 1965. Give me some boogaloo,” as the band played, she danced the boogaloo’s steps. “The dance I’m going to do (next) is the jerk — watch me work.”

To the audience’s delight, she next wailed — and danced the steps to — “Ride your pony — get on your pony and ride.” She also enthusiastically danced the mashed potato, the funky chicken, the camel walk and the swim, including the backstroke.

$2 Tuesdays

$2 domestic draft Wednesdays Breakfast Club-Brunch menu served until noon on Sundays before shows.

ing applause, and returned to perform “Gotta Get On Up,” after which the group once again thanked the crowd for its attendance — and left the stage permanently.

weekend g n i v r e Now s

brunch

B8 - March 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet