Asheville Daily Planet December 2014 by John North

— See Review, Pg. B1

Jane Austen gets new twist in novel

Stop selling off Asheville’s charm!

‘Lisztomania’ film: classic still thrills Director Ken Russell

— See Story , Pg. B1

— See Editorial, Pg. A14

ILLE V E H AS ASHEVILLEʼS GREATEST NEWSPAPER

December 2014

Vol. 11, No. 01

An Independent Newspaper Serving Greater Asheville www.ashevilledailyplanet.com FREE

Yule splendor at Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate’s annual Christmas tree-raising on Nov. 5 drew about 2,500 people. A 35-foot-tall freshcut Fraser fir with more than 500 ornaments was put in place. The tree, grown in Avery County, was hauled to the Biltmore House’s entrance on a horse-drawn, Santa-driven wagon as musicians played Christmas classics. The tree-raising marked the beginning of the holiday season at Biltmore, which continues through Jan. 11. It is one of the busiest times of the year for the popular attraction. “We see approximately 300,000 visitors out of the more than a million visitors who come to Biltmore annually,” said spokesperson Marissa Jamison. More tree-raising photos appear on Page A18.

Special photos courtesy of The Biltmore Company

Amid turmoil, police chief opts to retire Fire chief to help in APD reset From Staff Reports With the Asheville Police Department mired in turmoil, Chief William Anderson unveiled plans Nov. 14 to retire, making Dec. 31 his last day. The city has agreed to pay him $35,000 and, in turn, Anderson has agreed not to sue under labor laws. City officials praised some aspects of Anderson’s performance and noted that they will appoint an interim chief and conduct a nationwide search for a replacement. Anderson’s decision came about a month after nearly one-fourth of the APD’s officers signed a petition, saying they had no confidence in the department’s leaders. The retirement announcement was made just days before a city Civil Service Board hearing for a lieutenant claiming he was transferred to an administrative job after raising concerns internally about downtown staffing. (The Civil Service Board dismissed his case on Nov. 19 on the basis that he did not file on time.) Various local news media probes into the APD found allegations of on-the-job retaliation, an increase in officer resignations and administrative errors that led to officers using expired radar guns. As a result of

What’s going on? Insider shares insights

By JOHN NORTH

john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com

An insider’s view of the global and national political scenes was provided by Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for The New York Times and best-selling author, during Warren Wilson College’s Global Impact Forum on Nov. 17 in downtown Asheville. During the lengthy program, the only prediction by Baker that generated some murmers among the decidedly liberal audience was that he thinks, ultimately, President Barack Obama will go along with passage of the Keystone Pipeline in exchange for other environmental concessions from its proponents. Baker added that the thinking in the White House — as he perceives it through

his contacts — is that the purported damage from the pipeline will not be as significant as presented by its opponents and that much more important concessions could be extracted in exchange for Obama’s support. Also, Baker raised some eyebrows in the crowd when he said that “one Russian official said recently that we are as close to war with the U.S. as ever.... during the Cold War.” He asked, hypothetically, if the U.S. and its allies really would be willing “to go to war with the Russians over the Baltics” — or Ukraine? A standing-room-only turnout of 258 people, according to the official count, amazed the organizers, who noted that it was impressive, especially on a cold November night. See INSIGHTS, Page A12

City Police Chief City Fire Chief William Anderson Scott Burnette the latter mistake, hundreds of traffic cases have been dismissed. Amid the problems, City Manager Gary Jackson in late October took the unprecedented step of putting city Fire Chief Scott Burnette in charge of overhauling the APD. In addition, the city hired a consultant — for the second time in a year — to work on problems within the department. What’s more, the city has hired an accountant to audit radar and officer certifications going back three years. See CHIEF, Page A17

The Advice Goddess

Shrieking beauty ....

Q: — Our neighborhood bar started having karaoke night on weekends, and my wife always wants to go and sing. I love her, and she’s a great person, but she’s an absolutely terrible singer, and I’m embarrassed for her (and a little for myself) every time she gets up there and belts one out. Does love mean being honest with your wife about her singing voice? — Broken Eardrums Amy Alkon

Want to know the answer?

See ADVICE GODDESS, Page A18

A2 - December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Tillis upsets Hagan, but Dems sweep locally

From Staff Reports Republican challenger Thom Tillis upset incumbent Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan by less than 50,000 votes to take her seat in the Nov. 4 general election. Tillis’ victory was part of a GOP sweep across the nation, enabling the Republicans to gain control of the Senate. They also kept control of the House. However, in Buncombe County, the results were reversed, as the Democrats defeated Republicans in every contested race. In perhaps the biggest upsets locally, challengers Brian Turner and John Ager defeated incumbent Republican state Reps. Tim Moffitt and Nathan Ramsey, respectively. Among other notable results, incumbent Democrat Ellen Frost beat Republican challenger Christina G. Merrill for the District 2 seat on the Buncombe Board of Commissioners. The two had squared off in the last election, with the results so close that Merrill challenged them, although to no avail. This time the margin was a bit wider. In another race of interest, challenger Cindy McMahon defeated incumbent Lisa Baldwin for the Reynolds District seat on the Buncombe Board of Education. Baldwin had been a frequent outspoken critic of the board.

U.S. Senate, North Carolina Thom Tillis, Republican 1,413,269 votes (49.0 percent)

Buncombe County Sheriff

Sheriff Van Duncan, Democrat 61,332 votes (72.27 percent)

Thom Tillis

Mike Bustle, Republican 23,533 votes (27.73 percent)

Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams, Democrat 48,434 votes (62.35 percent) Ben Scales, Unaffilliated 29,251 votes (37.65 percent)

Buncombe County Schools Board of Education, Reynolds District (all

Lisa Baldwin 25,373 votes (45.13 percent)

NC District Court Judge District 28

Buncombe County Schools Board of Education, Enka District

J. Matthew Martin 30,071 votes (47.13 percent)

Max Queen 31,415 votes (57.52 percent) Nancy Cooper 23,108 votes (42.31 percent)

Buncombe County Schools Board of Education, Erwin District Pat Bryant 18,529 votes (35.36 percent)

school board races are nonpartisan)

Stephanie Buckner 17,465 votes (33.33 percent)

Cindy McMahon 30,748 votes (54.68 percent)

Jason Summey 16,303 votes (31.11 percent)

Ed Clontz 33,737 votes (52.87 percent)

Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor William Hamilton 40,133 votes (47.90 percent) Elise Israel 27,453 votes (32.77 percent) Alan Ditmore 15,429 votes (18.42 percent) EDITOR’S NOTE: All of the results reported here are unofficial results via the N.C. Board of Elections. The results are not final until the Board of Elections certifies them at a later date.

Celebrating our 41st anniversary!

Sen. Kay Hagan, Democrat 1,364,758 votes (47.3 percent) Sean Haugh, Libertarian 108,183 votes ( 3.7 percent)

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, District 2 Vice Chair Ellen Frost, Democrat 15,293 votes (50.85 percent) Christina Merrill, Republican 14,780 votes (49.15 percent)

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, District 3 Miranda DeBruhl, Republican 13,567 votes (54.41 percent) Nancy Waldrop, Unaffilliated 11,368 votes (45.59 percent)

N.C. House 115 John Ager, Democrat 15,452 votes (50.81 percent) Rep. Nathan Ramsey, Republican 14,959 votes (49.19 percent)

N.C. House 116 Brian Turner, Democrat 13,236 votes (51.89 percent) Rep. Tim Moffitt, Republican 12,273 votes (48.11 percent)

N.C. Senate District 49 Sen. Terry Van Duyn, Democrat 42,133 votes (61.27 percent) Mark Crawford, Republican 26,632 votes (38.73 percent)

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Asheville Daily Planet â&#x20AC;&#x201D; December 2014 - A3

A4 — December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Turner, Ager: Need to avoid N.C. ‘overreach’ DeBruhl notes desire to promote fiscal responsibility in county government

By JOHN NORTH

john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com

ENKA — Two local winners of state House seats in the Nov. 4 general election stressed the need to avoid state legislative “overreach” in local government affairs during a discussion of their future plans at an issues meeting of the Council of Independent Business Owners on Nov. 21 at A-B Tech’s Enka campus. Addressing CIBO were North Carolina House members-elect Brian Turner (H.D. 116) and John Ager (H.D. 115) — and Buncombe County commissioner-elect Miranda DeBruhl (District 3). Turner and Ager are Democrats, while DeBruhl is a Republican. About 60 people attended the earlymorning breakfast meeting. In addition, CIBO was presented an update on the redevelopment plans — and funding possibilities — for the AshevilleArea Riverfront Redevelopment Commission by its chair, Pattiy Torno. Speaking first, Turner said, “It’s been a long year, but I’m looking forward to the next two years... I’d like to work to make sure the relationship between Raleigh and Buncombe County — all parts of Buncombe County — are improved.” Since his election victory, Turner said he has had the opportunity to speak with David Gantt, chairman of the Buncombe Board of Commissioners; and Esther Manheimer, Asheville’s mayor, among others. “I’m going to try to find that balance when, as a state representative I should be involved (in local issues), and when I shouldn’t be involved,” he said. Turner also noted that has been an issue in his election victory. “When I ran for office, I ran with focus on education and the environment. So when I go to Raleigh, those will be my” prime objects of attention. Turner also mentioned touring Duke Power’s Lake Julian electricity-generating facility since his election — and voiced his fervent hope that the coal ash cleanup there and in other places in North Carolina is not hindered by a lawsuit against the state’s new Coal Ash Management Commission. (N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory and two of his predecessors sued North Carolina’s top legislators recently over the makeup of the state’s CAMC.) Turner also expressed his desire — as a legislator — to care for the environment, noting he is interested in environmental protections that could be made through the state Wildlife Commission, as “I like to hunt and fish myself.” In a word of praise for Rep. Tim Moffitt, R-Arden, whom he defeated, Turner said, “Tim was very good at helping with the craft brew industry. Now we've got the distilleries popping up. We are becoming a craft beverage mecca in the western region” — and Turner said his efforts will be directed toward helping that industry grow. “I'm looking to go to Raleigh to represent you, to represent your needs and to represent your community,” Turner concluded. In a brief question-and-answer period, CIBO member Mac Swicegood said he has seen some “disconnect with a lot of the politicians, especially this (election) season... How do you see Asheville connected? Asheville’s a hub... We need someone to work collectively” on improving I-26 through Asheville. “We don’t need to be clogged up in traffic. There needs to be some collaboration and intelligent minds ... so I hope

pay and that, “a bigger, more complicated issue is education reform. As an old educator, it’s something I want to wade into. “Another thing I’m interested in is a fair shake for the new farmers. I Brian Turner John Ager Miranda DeBruhl would like to help you’ll focus on that.” the many niche “I represent District 116 — that’s part of farmers in Western North Carolina,” Ager Buncombe College,” Turner replied. “So said. He is owner of Hickory Nut Gap Farm we’ve got to work together as a western re- in Fairview. Ager added that he would “like to avoid” gion, as a sort of counter-balance to what has sort of been a tilt toward Raleigh.” Turner continuing to have an “overbearing” Gensaid he agrees that I-26 is a major concern for eral Assembly. He also noted that North Carolina is the Asheville, Buncombe and the region. Another man said, “I hope there might fourth “most ‘solar-ized’ state” and “I would be a resurgence of local control, rather than support renewing the energy tax credits.” What’s more, Ager opined, “My read state control” for Asheville and other localiof the election is voters are fed up with hyper-partisan legislative bodies. The voters took it out on President (Barack) Obama,” but he also noted that “the North Carolina General Assembly has abysmal approval ratings... Churches are rife with politics... Other coun— State Rep.-Elect Brian Turner tries no longer view our democracy as they used to,” meaning as a paragon to emulate. ties around the state. “I’m a big sports guy,” Ager said. “When “Well, it’s interesting,” Turner said. “Boone just filed suit about their ETJ (extra I was young, we looked up to sports for heterritorial jurisdiction). It should show how roes. My hero was Brooks Robinson — that this new process works.... We’ve got to be shows how old I am.” (Known as “the huvery careful because zoning is a very touchy man vacuum cleaner,” Robinson is regarded issue around here. We’ve got a great county as — arguably — the best defensive thirdcommission and great city council and need baseman the game of professional baseball them to take care of things, without Raleigh has ever seen. He was a long-time All-Star for the Baltimore Orioles.) stepping in.” Ager then lamented that “our beloved” The next speaker, Ager, who defeated Rep. Nathan Ramsey, R-Fairview, said he UNC Chapel Hill “has been blighted by would be addressing “my goals in Raleigh... scandal.” His reference was to athletes getI’m glad y’all keep bringing up I-26... ting grades and course credits — allegedly You’re right, that’s one of the big issues we unearned — through the African-American Studies Department there. all need to work on.” “Our young people, to some degree, have As for Medicaid expansion, Ager said, “It looks like the Republican (dominated) leg- lost faith in families.... I want to work hard islature is pushing back on that... I’m very and be practical — and not ideological... We positive toward Medicaid expansion... We need to think of our economy as not only need to be able to be able to spread the risk— leaders in Western North Carolina, but in that’s the whole purpose of insurance. That’s Appalchia... We all need to be leaders.... where we’re going to go, unless we’re just “It was saying in the paper (Asheville going to deny people health care.” Citizen-Times) that they (the students) In an apparent jab at the legislature, Ager speak 130 languages in Buncombe County also said, “It looks like we’re going to build schools.... We need to be civil in our disup a big revenue shortfall.” course. As a public leader I have a specific He added, “It looks like the issue of the responsibility... So I put the charge back on day is income inequality. There’s now a you, ‘What are we going to do’” to move the growing divide between the super-super rich — and ‘just the rich.’ Jumbo jets are TO REPORT AN ERROR hard to get now.” (Some in the CIBO audiThe Asheville Daily Planet strives to be acence laughed at Ager’s joke.) Ager also said “we need to move on” coal curate in all articles published. Contact the News Department at news@ashevilledailyash removal. As for the practice of ‘fracking’ (hy- planet.com, (828) 252-6565, or P.O. Box draulic fracturing — a process to remove 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490. natural gas or oil from deep underground), Because of a production error, the Daily Ager asserted, “I’m a history buff. Like global warming, I wonder... How could we Planet incorrectly stated that a story that apbe fighting on that? I’m going to come out peared in November’s edition on a recent stabbing in Montford was the first in a series squarely in trying to face up to this issue. He said he favors increasing teacher of two stories. It actually was a one-part story.

“I’d like to work to make sure the relationship between Raleigh and Buncombe County — all parts of Buncombe County — are improved.”

community and the nation forward? Audience member Bill Oglesby then accused Ager of telling “a blatant lie” about Ramsey during the campaign, asserting, “You need to get off that bandwagon.” Ager did not respond, since no question was posed. Dwight Butner, owner of Vincenzo’s Ristorante and Bistro in downtown Asheville, questioned Ager on his view about income inequality, noting that “most of my employees are at minimum wage or above” — and that he has limits, financially, on what he can afford to pay employees. “How are you seeing income inequality?” In response, Ager said, “First of all, I’m very pro-business. When I talk about income equality, what worries me is it’s growing more in that direction” now than it has historically. “I just don’t think when you have 25 percent poverty rates in North Carolina — that that is going to pull the state forward. I really think the main problem with our schools is the 25 percent poverty rate. “You’re never going to get (income) equality, but you do need to worry about the people who are in poverty, because they drag us all down,” Ager said. The final victorious candidate invited by CIBO to speak, DeBruhl, said she has recieved a mix of responses to her election win and, “regardless of the reactions, I’m very happy — very humbled. I’m very happy to put the campaign behind me and look forward to putting effort on county” issues. “It’s my sincere desire to promote good government and to foster fiscally responsible ideas,” DeBruhl said. “That means we’re in transition and I look forward to working with you. I’m open and I want to work with you.” Swicegood, who often poses challenging questions to CIBO speakers, took a different tack with DeBruhl — thanking her for running. “I believe Buncome County needs someone in your (younger) age group.... I think you'll give us a whole new slant,” he said. DeBruhl laughed and said, “Diversity is good.”

Published monthly by Star Fleet Communications Inc. JOHN NORTH Publisher 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:

News: news@ashevilledailyplanet.com Letters to the Editor: letters@ashevilledailyplanet.com Display Advertising: advertising@ashevilledailyplanet.com Classified line ads: classads@ashevilledailyplanet.com Circulation: circulation@ashevilledailyplanet.com Publisher: publisher@ashevilledailyplanet.com

To subscribe to the Asheville Daily Planet, send check or money-order to: P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490 One-year local subscription (Asheville, Buncombe County, N.C., only)..............................$35 One-year out of area subscription (outside of Asheville, Buncombe County, N.C., but inside the United States).........................................................$50 One-year outside U.S. subscription (outside U.S.)..................................................................................$100 Copyright 2011 by Asheville Daily Planet. Advertising copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The Asheville Daily Planet is available free throughout Western North Carolina. Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 per copy, payable at the ADP office in advance. No person may, without prior permission, take more than one copy of each issue.

Asheville Daily Planet — December 2014 - A5

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A6 — December 2014 — Asheville Daily Planet

UNCA student shot, remains in critical condition

From Staff Reports

A UNC Asheville student remained in critical-but-stable condition — at the Daily Planet’s Nov. 25 press deadline — after a shooting near campus around 11 p.m Nov. 22. The incident occurred at The Grove Apartments at 100 Bulldog Drive Aptartment 101, near UNCA. First responders found 23-year-old, Norman Dean Wolfe, with a gunshot wound to

the upper body. He was transported to Mission Hospital where he is being treated. Asheville Police later said no suspects are in custody. Two males, possibly Hispanic, entered the apartment wearing hoodies, according to witness statements. One was described as orange and the other white with a pattern. The investigation is active and on-going. Anyone with information in the incident is being asked to contact the Asheville Po-

lice Department at 252-1110 or Buncombe County Crime Stoppers at 255-5050. UNCA media spokesperson Steve Plever said the school sent a warning to students just after midnight, after the shooting at 100 Bulldog Drive. The suspect description posted on the UNCA website is as follows: “The suspects are described as two hispanic males, one wearing a white hoodie with a pattern and one wearing an orange hoodie. Both suspects are reportedly

armed with semi automatic handguns. The suspects were last seen traveling on foot on Bulldog Drive toward Montford Avenue. Any suspect information should be reported immediately to the Asheville Police Department by calling 911.” The alert also said all classes and campus activities would be held, as scheduled, the following day.. UNCA Media Spokesperson Steve Plever released the following statement Nov. 21: See SHOT, Page A13

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Asheville Daily Planet —December 2014 — A7

A8 —December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Faith Notes

CHANAKUH LIVE 2014 CEREMONY, 4-7 p.m., Crowne Plaza Resort, 1 Resort Drive, Asheville. The event will feature the Billy Jonas show and a lighting ceremony of an 8-foot-high grand menorah. The menorah was constructed of children’s toys, books and games to be donated to the Mission Hospital Children’s Center and to needy Jewish children in the community. Holiday crafts and games also will be offered.

Send us your faith notes

Please submit items to the Faith Notes by noon on the third Wednesday of each month, via e-mail, 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. Sub-

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Wednesday, Dec. 3

ADVENT SERVICES, 6 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Ave. W., Hendersonville. The church will offer Advent services on Dec. 3, 10 and 17. The first two Wednesdays will be Holden Evening Prayer. The third will be a Service of Prayer for Healing, Taizé-style. A light supper will be served from 5 to 5:30 p.m. in Stull Hall. Admission is free, but reservations are required by calling 693-4890, no later than the previous Friday. Yoga Class, 6:30-8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. A sadhana flow yoga class is held each Wednesday. The class is billed as offering “an energy-filled, all-levels yoga asana class focusing on the elements of breath work, yoga pose alignment, vinyasa-style flow, and meditative awareness.” The class is led by Greg Morris, who is a graduate of the Sadhana Yoga School and a Yoga Alliance RYT-200 certified instructor with several years of both Zen and Tantric meditation experience. The class will focus on deepening individual yoga postures and incorporating those into a vinyasa, “flow” style of practice, with one pose moving into the next. “A LONG STRANGE TRIP” CLASS, 6:308 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. The religious education class “A Long Strange Trip” is billed as a narrative of the twists and turns of the UU’s liberal religious heritage over the centuries, via a DVD presentation. The Rev. Mark Ward, lead minister, and Lisa Bovee-Kemper, associate minister, will take turns leading presentations of parts of the DVD with facilitated conversation to follow.

Thursday, Dec. 5

“A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM” PROGRAM, 6:30-9 p.m., French Broad Baptist Church, 182 Grandview Lane, Hendersonville. “A Night in Bethlehem” is billed as offering the opportunity to “experience the first Christmas as it might have been 2014 years ago.” It is an indoor walk-through experience with crafts, food and live nativity. Admission is free.

Saturday, Dec. 6

CHRISTMAS AT THE COVE, 3-10 p.m., The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, 1 Porters Cove Rd., Asheville. Christmas at The Cove will celebrate the birth of Christ with dinner and music. The music will begin at 7:30 p.m., with Cliff Barrows & Friends, along with The Collingsworth Family. For tickets, which are $59, call 298-2092, or visit http://thecove.org. DRIVE-THROUGH CHRISTMAS PAGEANT, 6-8 p.m., Gabriels Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 111 Gabriels Creek Church Rd., Mars Hill. The two-night drive-through pageant will feature “The Life of Christ From the Annunciation to the Ascension,” including a live cast and animals. The pageant will also be offered Dec. 7. Admission is free. BIG-BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT, 7 p.m., Deaverview Baptist Church, 220 Johnston Blvd., Asheville. The Blue Ridge Big Band will present a “Traditional Christmas Classics” concert. Admission is free.

Sunday, Dec. 7

“MESSIAH” PERFORMANCE, 4 p.m., First Baptist Church, 63 N. Main St., Weaverville. Handel’s “Messiah,” sponsored by the Weaverville Music Study Club and directed by Robert Boer, will be performed by Weaverville and Montreat area singers.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Contemporary folk musician John Gorka will perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville in the monthly Mountain Spirit Coffeehouse Concert Series. CONCERT, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. John Gorka will perform in the montly Mountain Spirit Coffeehouse Concert Series. Gorka is an American contemporary folk musician. In 1991, Rolling Stone magazine called him “the pre-eminent male singersongwriter of what has been dubbed the New Folk Movement.” Gorka was born in Edison, N.J. He received his first guitar as a Christmas gift, though Gorka alleges that his older brother stole it from him shortly thereafter. He eventually learned, instead, to play the banjo, and began performing in a folk music group at his church. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

Monday, Dec. 8

CHRISTMAS DINNER/CONCERT, 3-10:30 p.m., Billy Graham Training at The Cove, 1 Porters Cove Rd., Asheville. Christmas at The Cove will celebrate the birth of Christ with dinner and music. The music will begin at 7:30 p.m., with the Tommy Coomes Band. For tickets, which are $59, call 298-2092, or visit http://thecove.org.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, 4 and 9 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. The UUCA will celebrate an intergenerational Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m. and a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 9 p.m. CANDLELIGHTING SERVICE, 7:30 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. Unity Center’s annual candlelighting service is billed an enabling participants the opportunity to “experience the beauty and magic of Christmas, reflected in the candle-lit faces of your spiritual family.” The service will be a celebration of the Christmas story in scripture with festive music.

Thursday, Dec. 25

SALVATION ARMY CHRISTMAS DINNER, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Salvation Army offices, 204 Haywood St., downtown Asheville. The Salvation Army will offer a Christmas dinner open to the community.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

POTLUCK/BURNING BOWL SERVICE, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. A New Year’s Eve potluck dinner will be held at 6 p.m., followed at 7:30 with a burning bowl ceremony. The latter is “a purification process symbolized by fire, when we meditate to discover what we’d like to release, write it down and release it to the burning bowl, where fire takes them away.”

Special photos by Angie

Fornof

‘Daydreamer’ mural dedicated

Ian Wilkinson and Alex Irvine recently completed a mural called “Daydreamer” on the side of Aloft Hotel, 151 Biltmore Ave., downtown Asheville. The public art mural was dedicated on Nov. 8.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

SENIORSALT CAROL SING, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, 1 Porters Cove Rd., Asheville. A SeniorSalt Carol Sing will be held, led by Ron Whittemore and David Gaines. The “sing” will be followed by a buffet luncheon. The event also will be offered Dec. 10 and 18. For tickets, which are $25, call 298-2092, or vist http://thecove.org.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Friday, Dec. 12

CHRISTMAS DINNER/CONCERT, 3-10:30 p.m., Billy Graham Training at The Cove, 1 Porters Cove Rd., Asheville. The annual Christmas at the Cove dinner will be followed at 7:30 p.m. by a concert featuring Point of Grace. For tickets, which are $59, call 2982092, or vist http://thecove.org. SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM SCREENING, 7-9:30 p.m., Sandburg Hall, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. A film to be announced will be screened during the monthly Social Justice Movie Night.

Saturday, Dec. 13

CHRISTMAS DINNER/CONCERT, 3-10:30 p.m., Billy Graham Training at The Cove, 1 Porters Cove Rd., Asheville. The annual Christmas at the Cove dinner will be held at 7:30 p.m. followed by a concert featuring Sara Groves. For tickets, which are $59, call 298-2092, or vist http://thecove.org.

Covenant Reformed

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www.covenantreformed.net Wednesday— 7 p.m. Prayer/Bible Study Sunday— 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship • 6 p.m. Worship

Celebration Services 11 AM Sunday

Unity Church of Asheville An Informal Spiritual Center of Practical Christianity for Everyday Living.

Bookstore Meeting Rooms

130 Shelburne Road West Asheville 252-5010 www.unityofasheville.com

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@ $10 per month

If interested, e-mail us at

advertising@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com ... or call 252-6565. Unity Center

A Church Family for ONE and ALL Come as you are! Sunday Services Sunday Services 10:00 a.m 9:30am & 11:00am Serving WNC for 60 years

891-8700 / 684-3798

2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd. Mills River 28759 Rev. Chad O’Shea

www.unitync.net

Asheville Daily Planet — December 2014 - A9

Bid for APD re-accreditation pulled by chief From Staff Reports

Amid concerns about public perception of the accreditation process, Asheville Police Chief William Anderson pulled his department’s re-accreditation bid, according to a memo he sent staff on Nov. 24. The memo— from City Manager Gary Jackson and originally sent to City Council — explains Anderson’s decision to ask the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies to defer the APD’s re-

accreditation until July 2014, the Asheville Citizen-Times reported Nov. 25. The city pays the commission about $5,000 per year to be accredited — and accreditation is voluntary. Anderson announced his retirement on Nov. 4. (See story on Page A1 for details.) “The commission requires police departments to have professional standards in four areas: policies and procedures, administration, operations and support services,” the AC-T story noted. “Departments are accred-

Homeless man plans to run for City Council From Staff Reports

A man who claims he has been homeless in Asheville for two years announced in late November that he plans to run for City Council. James Bullman, 38, is the first person to announce a bid for the autumn 2015 municipal election affecting three of the seven council seats. While he has lived in Asheville, Bullman this year voted outside the city. However, he said he will change his voter registration in time to qualify for the office. A person must be registered to vote in Asheville to be qualified to run for council. There is time for Bullman to change his voter registration, Buncombe County elections officials said. Even though the race is nonpartisan, Bullman, who said he is disabled from post-traumatic stress disorder, noted that his Republican party affiliation, in announcing his candidacy on social media. He said homelessness issues are not on his agenda, noting that “all that is pretty much taken care of.” Instead, Bullman said he would advocate for single people and promote food-growing by residents, gun rights and reversing gay marriage rights. “There’s not a voice for single people,” he stated. “There’s a lot of voices for homosexuality. We say equal employment for everyone, but very seldomly do you hear the idea of a single person being brought up.” Bullman, who said he was ordained as a Baptist minister in 2005 but does not work formally in a church now, served as a fundraiser for Homeward Bound, claiming to help raise $16,000. Also, Bullman said he wants stronger prosecution of sexual abusers and people accused of violent crimes.

ited for three years. They must undergo a reaccreditation process to stay in the program. It includes an inspection by commission officials and a vote by the commission.” In his memo, Jackson stated that CALEA representatives spoke to Anderson and Deputy Chief Wade Wood about events at the APD during the group’s fall conference in mid-November in New Mexico. “During the meeting, CALEA’s concerns about the integrity of the accreditation process and public perception appeared to

be the focus,” Jackson wrote. Anderson sought the deferment so that improvements could be made after a consultant looks at the APD and an auditor examines radar and officer certifications, the memo stated. This is the first time the APD has asked that a re-accreditation application be deferred, city spokesman Brian Postelle noted.

A10 — December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Asheville Daily Planet — December 2014 — A11

Citizen-Times unveils its ‘playbook’ Second in a series of two stories By JOHN NORTH

john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com

Elizabeth Colton

Diplomacy, news ‘dots’ connected

Second in a series of two stories By JOHN NORTH john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com

Asheville resident and former journalist and diplomat Elizabeth Colton compared diplomacy and news, noting she would connect the dots in her “Diplomacy in Troubled Times” talk on Oct. 22 at the Country Club of Asheville. A story in November’s Daily Planet noted that Colton said the current “big stories” — Ebola, ISIS, Russia in the Ukraine — are “all big diplomatic stories... They all require diplomatic solutions.” Stories often do not show nuance because “the American news business” believes its audience does not like complexity, she said. Citing the news business, she said that “when it’s being bombarded by major stories (especially in August)... they are triaging it... In a triage, they decide there’s only two or three stories we can cover. “I’ve been looking at the papers in the last few days... Ebola, ISIS, some about Russia, some about the Ukraine... But we’re not hearing about other stories that are bubbling along... The reason is lack of resources and, to some degree, the complexity. “As for resources, it’s where the news business is somewhat like the military,” Colton said. “So what happens in the news business is a triage... Nobody could decide what would sell the best (earlier)... The Wall Street Journal today says ‘The Ebola Battle’ — Dallas, Liberia, Monrovia, Atlanta, Washington... Why so many resources there? Well, of course, a disease, a potential pandemic — they know that that’s a story that will sell. “If you look at ISIS, it’s not quite exciting enough because nothing seems to be happening,” she said. “Now, jump to diplomacy. I know the people in those three or four countries — including Nigeria. Diplomats in those countries sent in reports, saying something really bad is going to happen. They went to low-level officials... It wasn’t a big thing until it hit in Dallas. Then it was news. It’s not like the diplomats didn’t know before. “Another example, in the case of the Iranian revolution in September 1978, the people in the embassies were sending reports back to Washington. Suddenly, when it exploded in September, American officials said they had no idea and it was a complete surprise. The fact is, it wasn’t a complete surprise. The dipomats were doing their jobs. “It turns out to be helpful to diplomacy for the spotlight to be on their efforts.” She concluded with the following points: • “Unless something big happens, it’s not going to make news,” pointing to the issue of climate change as an example. • “The U.S. is trying to avoid something happening with China....” • Nuclear issues will continue, including those with North Korea and Iran. • “Russia is not just in Ukraine. There are questions of whether Russians are in the archipelago of Sweden. The reason we don’t know is because the news business has limited resources,” Colton said.

Current and future plans for maintaining the Asheville CitizenTimes’ standing as the region’s No. 1 news organization were unveiled Sept. 26 by Jon Ostendorf, the AC-T’s newly named investigative reporter, during his Fab Friday lunch-and-learn presentation, “The Asheville Citizen-Times Playbook,” at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. As noted in an initial story on his talk in November’s Daily Planet, Ostendorf addressed and, in some cases, defended recent major changes in the content and presentation of the city’s only daily newspaper, which also is the largest news-gathering operation in Western North Carolina. Ostendorf was filling in for Josh Awtry, the AC-T’s new executive editor, who had a scheduling conflict. Awtry also is the new top editor at the AC-T’s nearby sister newspaper, The Greenville (S.C.) News. The mostly older audience of about 50 people was allowed by Ostendorf to raise questions throughout the presentation, despite his announcement that he would hold a dedicated question-and-answer period at the end. A number of questions were related to the re- Jon Ostendorf cent addition of some daily sections and features from USA Today to the Citizen-Times. (Gannett Co. owns the AC-T — and the company’s flagship newspaper is USA Today.) However, the questions ran the gamut. For instance, a woman asked, “Having sales and marketing with your news team in your news meetings — does that affect your objectivity?” “No,” Ostendorf replied. “We will never compromise a news story if someone pulls an ad. Fortunately, we still have enough advertisers” to be able to resist the pressure. Another woman observed, “On the Internet, the most important articles are lost... That’s one of the things I like about a newspaper — the most important stories are placed on pages in order of importance.” Agreeing, Ostendorf said, “On websites, even ours, it’s not as clear as to what’s the most important story,” as he would like for it to be. “We’re getting a little bit better — on the iPad (format), in particular.” A man asked, “To what extent does Gannett drive the editorial position of the (AC-T) newspaper?” “That does not happen,” Ostendorf replied. “They (Gannett’s top officials) do have a say in our staffing levels... We have to meet revenue goals and, if we don’t, we have to eliminate positions.” With a smile, he added, “In our situation, we’re adding positions for reporters, while eliminating some supervisors.” A man asked about the AC-T’s financial strength, especially in regard to “resources to defend against challenges.” “We have vast resources (through the AC-T’s affiliation with Gannett), so that makes it easier for us to defend ourselves,” Ostendorf said. “I’m in a big argument with City Hall right now. I want some records and they don’t think they have to give them to me… I think I will succeed in getting them…. We’re going to do more of that. But it is a serious challenge.” Returning to his oft-interrupted presentation, Ostendorf said, “We used to be journalistic aristocrats — kind of like robots with press hats,” but not any more, as a result of competitive pressures. “I encourage everyone in this room to call us. Give us a story idea. … If we don’t listen, I’ll give you my number and you can call me personally.” He said the axiom was: “The best way to market your newspaper is to be a great newspaper.” But Ostendorf said that axiom has changed and reporters must connect with the community on a personal level. “Can anyone name a reporter at (Asheville-based television station) WLOS?” he asked the audience. Crowd members called out the names of reporter Sherrill Barber, morning anchor Jay Siltzer and long-time news anchor Darcel Grimes, among others. With a grin, Ostendorf triggered laughter when he noted, wistfully, “I watched Darcel on TV when I was a kid....” After a pause, he then asked, “Who covers education for the AC-T?” There was a moment of silence, until somebody finally shouted, “Nobody!” Nearly everyone in the room, including Ostendorf, broke into laughter. Ostendorf then said Julie Ball is the AC-T education reporter. “Who covers sports for us?” “Keith Jarrett,” several men answered. “Right!” Ostendorf said. “Who covers crime?” When nobody knew the answer, Ostendorf finally revealed that Sabian Warren is the paper’s crime reporter. “Who’s our columnist?” “John Boyle!” numerous audience members said, without hesitation. “My point is we did not do a good job of telling who our people are — and TV does that wonderfully,” Ostendorf said. “We have to market... Our experience of accuracy has to be marketed. We can no longer assume” that everyone knows about that. “We want you to know that Julie Ball covers education for us… City and county government is covered by Romando Dixon,” who previously covered crime for the AC-T.

At that point, a man suggested that the AC-T should include introductions of the reporting staff on its website. However, another man expressed concern about what he termed “the cult of personality…. Promoting the individual reporters could become less credible than more credible” for the newspaper. In response, Ostendorf said, “So he’s saying there’s a double-edged sword… But nationally, more people say they trust local television news than any other source… I submit to you we are more accurate and more thorough than the local news that you get from WLOS. However, we’ve got to get you to know us, too…. We can’t sit back in our offices and be news aristocrats. That’s killing us.” A man said that he preferred the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), so that he could get “both sides.” Smiling, Ostendorf said “I love NPR (National Public Radio) and BBC, but we (at the AC-T) want to be your preferred news source.” Citing examples of research showing a need for newspapers to change through the last 100 years or so, Ostendorf said little or no change occurred because newspapers were such profitable businesses. “We didn’t change, we didn’t innovate and what happened is customers exited. Young people exited by droves. Young people don’t read the newspaper” any more. The loss of readers, especially young ones, “was bad for business. We’re going to fix it... I still believe we’re going to fix it. From my side of the shop, we’re going to fix content... “What we can’t do is assume newspapers are going to make a comeback,” based on the idea that “technology is not cyclical,” Ostendorf said. Specifically, he said, “We (at the AC-T) are seeing a steady plateauing of our circulation income… Circulation is seeing a continuing decline everywhere. So we’ve got to innovate. We have to create more revenue products.” To that end, he summarized the AC-T’s gameplan as follows: • Create a more riveting product that connects dots. “We have to say why it’s important and why they did it,” Ostendorf said. • Move into the real world with personal brands and engagement. • Illuminate the community by transitioning to a full-service/member platform. He asked, “Right now, where do we (at the AC-T) get our money?” “Advertising!” some of the crowd members answered in unison. “Every minute on our website, we’re tracking what people are reading. Also, we find out how long people are reading a story... Anyone want to guess what the average read time for a story on our website is? “Twenty-five seconds... So a 39-second read time is pretty good. So if we start to break a minute on a story — and we do — with the more investigative and connect the dots (stories)... We connect for 5 minutes with some stories.” He then asked, “Does anyone know why this is good for us?” “Advertisers!” some in the audience shouted. “So if we have stories that have average read times of 7 minutes, advertisers want to be next to those stories,” Ostendorf pointed out. A man asked, “Why should people who can get all this informaton on the Internet immediately... why would someone buy the paper?” “We (at Gannett) have 80 journalists between Asheville and Greenville, South Carolina, that need to be supported” to keep the public informed of what is happening in the news, Ostendorf replied. Also, he noted, “Our website is not totally free.” He later added, “We live off of the print newspaper. But the growth trend in revenue is in digital... We know there’s a difference between what people want in a print newspaper versus on the web. Part of my job is to put interesting stories in the print newspaper, especially investigative stories. But there is a difference in the readership.” A man said, “You’re saying print is driving your company, but all of your metrics are digital. Do you have any print metrics?” “We do have a print focus group,” Ostendorf replied. “That said, what we’re seeing is digital information because it’s a lot easier to measure... A big part of our job is to show that it’s important to know… and read... We have to serve the ‘spinach’” — the less-popular, substantive stories. Another woman asked, “Since newspapers are businesses and advertising rates are tied to read-times, how do we get the ‘spinach’ substantive stories, if the vast majority of readers are not reading those stories?” “We’re not selling read-times, yet,” Ostendorf said. “We know if we do quality work that people care about, our page-views will go up.” A man added, “It seems to me that as the paper becomes more reader-centered, it might introduce more bias into the reporting. Because in Asheville the readers would tend to be more liberal, so it would publish more of what they’d want.” The crowd laughed when Ostendorf then noted that there is a fear that, “If we do what readers want, it’ll be cat galleries and mayhem.... “This is where professional journalists come in. We won’t let an advertiser or a reader ‘bias us.’ We’re not going to do that. We’re just not. We’d just eventually end up with this tiny group of loyal people, which isn’t big enough to support us,” he asserted. “We need to diversify our portfolio. Advertising is 83 percent of revenue and circulation, 17 percent. Advertising gives us our money. But we want to change that. We want subscriptions to give us our money. Why do you think that would be better? “Because the reader will be more committed. They’re not going to say, ‘I’m pulling half a million dollars in advertising right now.’ The New York Times is now supported by readers, not advertisers. We want to get to that, too,” Ostendorf said.

2013 Christmas Rounds, 2014 Christmas Rounds, .999 Silver .999 Silver

A12 — December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Insights

did a better job of weeding out problematic candidates” in the latest general election. “They did a better job of managing who their candidates would be and pushing out the problematic ones... They had more disciplined candidates. No doubt the Republican Continued from Page A1 Party absorbed — somewhat — the tea party. The event, held at the Center for Craft, (Sen. Mitch) McConnell (who is now the Creativity & Design, 67 Broadway St., was in Senate Majority Leader) comes out and says, WWC’s new location in its physical expansion ‘There’s not going to be any government into Asheville. shutdowns,’ but (House Majority Leader) Baker joined WWC President Steven L. John Boehner said, ‘Well, maybe.’ So... it’s Solnick in a conversation about American not totally clear.” politics in the wake of the midterm elections, SOLNICK: Asked Baker about his assessinternational politics (including the new tenment of Obama’s influence on the election sions with Russia and the war in Ukraine), results. the legacy of the Bush-Cheney administration BAKER: “He (the president) felt very and the future of journalism in the digital age. constrained. He felt very left out. He felt they Solnick, who became WWC’s president in were treating him like an anathema.” 2012, is a former associate profesSolnick: “As a White House sor of political science at Columreporter, how do you know if the bia University, where he also was president is really upset?” BAKER: “The eyebrows, coordinator for Russian studies at Steven!” More seriously, the CU’s Harriman Institute. journalist said that, to ascertain Baker was a reporter for 20 the president’s mood, “You talk years at The Washington Post to people around him (Obama). I before joining The Times in 2008. think he felt frustrated that he was He and his wife, Susan Glasser, sidelined. Having said that, even also spent four years as Moscow the places he did go, it didn’t go bureau chiefs, chronicling the rise very well.” He noted that Obama of Vladimir Putin. visited Maryland and Illinios, In an introduction of Baker, it Peter Baker where the Democratic candidates was noted that, before covering lost. Obama, he had covered George W. Bush and “‘If you care about Obama, my policies are Bill Clinton in the White House. on the ballot’... He kind of stepped right into Solnick triggered laughter from the crowd that... At the Democratic headquarters, they when he thanked everyone “for coming out were tearing their hair out at that,” as they on a balmy … night.” were wanting the Democratic candidates to run Baker noted that he has been in Asheville on the various issues on which, they felt, they before. “Anyone who covers President had particularly strong stances. Obama has been to Asheville,” he said. He SOLNICK: “Is there anything that could spoke of playing golf at, and staying in, the have been done” by Obama to have turned Grove Park Inn in North Asheville. the election to the Democrats. In a reference to the president, Solnick BAKER: “The stock market is as high asked, playfully, “Is there any truth to the as ever,” noting that many jobs have been rumor that he’s buying retirement property created lately. Obama “thinks he’s got a good here in Asheville?” Smiling, Baker replied, “He’s also been ru- record to run on... But, on the other hand, there’s still a lot of angst out there. Even mored to be looking at other places ... except though there’s a lot of positives, people don’t in eastern Ukraine.” (The crowd laughed.) feel positive about” what is happening in the Solnick then noted that he and Baker planned to discuss global and national politics economy under the president. SOLNICK: “Is there an element there for 40-45 mins — and then field questions for of the Democrats realizing what the valid 15 minutes or so. counter-argument to their argument is — and Turning to Baker, Solnick said, “So you’re therefore they don’t want to make it?” in North Carolina, and we drove through BAKER: “There is an argument to be North Carolina from the airport. North Caromade that if you tell people things are betlina is a state that’s gone totally Republican. ter, they’ll be able to convince themselves In the last election, we were the only one of things are better... But you have to be able to the swing states that swung. Are we early in sell it... When Ronald Reagan talked about the pendulum swing? Can we look for things ‘Morning in America,’ unemployment was to turn around?” still relatively high, but Reagan was able to “People keep saying it’s the beginnng of convince Americans that things were better... generations of various ascendencies,” Baker When he (Obama) said the fundamentals of replied. However, he said it would be prudent, based on history, “to be very cautious in the economy are strong, it sure didn’t look making predictions. North Carolina is among like it” to most Americans. SOLNICK: “Is there any doubt he’s going the eight other states” that can swing the to sign an executive order on immigration?” presidential election. BAKER: “Nothing’s guaranteed, but it apIn naming some of the other swing states, pears definite. His (Obama’s) base would just he listed Colorado, Virginia and Iowa. He revolt if he didn’t. The real question is timing. also said that “Ohio is obviously superHe’d like to do it by the end of the year. The important, and maybe Florida... It was very Democrats in Congress would like for him compettitve between Kay Hagan and Thom to hold off until they get some spending bills Tillis” for the U.S. Senate seat from North Carolina, in which the GOP’s Tillis prevailed. through....” SOLNICK: “Can you explain what he’s Following are some other highlights of the (Obama’s) planning to do” on immigration Solnick-Baker discussions: reform? SOLNICK: “One school (of thought) BAKER: “There’s a real debate on whether would say that the Republican Party tamed the tea party on its way to victory” — and yet he (Obama) has the power to do that. In one sphere, it’s President Obama vs. President another would say “the tea party took over Obama — a couple of years ago he said GOP on its way to victory.” he couldn’t do that” because he lacked that BAKER: “There’s no question that parties authority under the U.S. Constitution. “Since then, some (U.S. Department of) Justice TO REPORT AN ERROR lawyers have said he has unassailable authorThe Asheville Daily Planet strives to be acity to do it... There is talk among a very small curate in all articles published. Contact the fringe of people about impeachment. His News Department at news@ashevilledailyopponents will try to put in (budget) bills to planet.com, (828) 252-6565, or P.O. Box limit what they see as the damage.” 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490. SOLNICK: “Are you reasonably confi-

dent that we’re not going to be tying up” the president in the immigration issue in a way that could lead to his impeachment? BAKER: “On a cold night in Asheville, I’d say ‘no.’ The last time (impeachment arose) was about whether President Clinton lied under oath about having sex. The argument this time would be” — on a higher level — “a great affair of state... Should a president be a king? That would be the issue. We could have a vote of no confidence and throw him out... I don’t think we’ll have that (impeachment) happen, but I wouldn’t bet my house on that.” SOLNICK: ”Let’s imagine the 2016 president debates.. Who’s standing there and if you’re on that panel, what question would you be asking?” BAKER: “Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Rick Perry, Scott Walker, John Kasich....” SOLNICK: “Do you get a Mitt Romney?” BAKER: “I don’t think so... In the past, the GOP has had a hierarchical process, with the guy who’s next in line getting it (the presidential nomination)... This time, it’s the exact opposite,” with the Democrats having a definite frontrunner in Hillary Clinton, while the Republican field appears to be wide open. SOLNICK: Asked what Baker would say was the top selling point in the recent election of the successful Republican candidates. BAKER: “Quite successfully, they (the GOP candidates) could boast to voters that they are ‘not Obama.’” “In 2016, it’s going to be more complicated. They don’t know, right now, the dynamics of the race. You’ve got Rand Paul and not Ron Paul. He’s been the most interesting person on the Republican side. Whether that sticks or not.... I don’t know.” (He also noted that the conservative Republican establishment is wary of Rand Paul.) SOLNICK: “Who’s going to be the ‘Not Hillary’” for the Democrats? BAKER: “I just don’t see the messenger, right now, who has the ability to go the distance.... If she (Clinton) doesn’t run, the Democratic Party doesn’t have a ‘bench,’ so they’re in big trouble.” Thus, the Democratic establishment is telling her, rather desparately, that “‘It’s we who want you to run because we don’t know what we’ll do if you don’t run.’” In contrast, the GOP has presidential hopefuls “getting roughed up, which prepares them” well for the race ahead. SOLNICK: “Is it a new Cold War yet?” BAKER: “The Cold War really was about two ideologies fighting it out on a global scale. Putin doesn’t have an ideology. And it’s not being fought on a global scale... He’s not someone — at the moment — who is challenging us for dominance on a global scale. It’s a dangerous period. We would be better off being friends with Russia than enemies.... We’re not talking global geo-thermal war.... They have the capacity to cause us a lot of trouble.... What would we do if 10,000 Russian soldiers slipped over the border into the Baltics for a weekend? We have agreements. Do we want to go to war with the Russians over the Baltics?... One Russian official said recently that we are close to war with U.S. as ever during the Cold War.” SOLNICK: “Was there any way, given where they started, to not end up where we did (with foreign policy)? In what way should have American policy bee different?” BAKER: “Should we have expanded NATO policy? Maybe we should have made it more of a political organization than a military organzation. Maybe we should have included Russia in NATO... Are there ways we could have made them less paranoid? Could we have brought them in more? Maybe... Some people argue that Putin has changed. I don’t think so.” (Baker referred to Putin as, ultimately, “a rational actor.”) SOLNICK: “Let’s talk about Crimea and Ukraine... Is there anything else we could have done” better (regarding foreign policy)? BAKER: “President Obama was worried about irritating the Russians. Obama got

on the phone repeatedly to Putin. (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel got on the phone to Putin. None of it seemed to do any good... Crimea was easy for Putin. Once in, he felt he had ownership of the situation. … He was emboldened to enter Ukraine. It looks like it will be an indefinitely frozen situation...” SOLNICK: “Regarding Bush-Cheney — Your book (‘Days of Fire’) is extraordinary. It was, to me, a remarkably sympathetic portrayal of George Bush. You wrote, ‘He was at his best when he was cleaning up his worst.’” BAKER: “The line actually comes from David Frum,” a former speechwriter for Bush, and it was in reference to the fallout after Bush “sent troops to Iraq and bailed out the banks.” Despite his conservative critics, “in both cases, it seemed to work. You could argue that it was to his own neglect that led to the great crisis, for which he had to rise to the occasion.” SOLNICK: “You quote Bush ’43 that ‘all presidents get reassessed.’ ‘Days of Fire’ is a reassessment. What do you think the reassessment will be of him (Bush) 20 years from now?” BAKER: “So Bush’s numbers have gone up” since he left the White House. “He’s in the 50s with his numbers — higher than Obama’s. First, he didn’t criticize his successor and he wasn’t part of the tea party,” both of which went down well with the public. “That doesn’t mean that he will go down in history in a fundamentally different way. The Iraq War is still the Big Kahuna in the room.” SOLNICK: Asked Baker for a prediction on Obama’s legacy. BAKER: “Look at Clinton. He had one of the worst exits. He pardoned a bunch of people,” even as he was leaving office. “Twothirds said Bill Clinton would be most remembered for scandal — when he left office. Now, people think about the peace and prosperity of the Clinton years” — and they think that it was not such a bad presidency after all. Baker added Obama can claim, as his legacy, that he “prevented Big Depression, got us health care. The other argument he wanted to make was: ‘I got us out of two wars.’ It depends on where Iraq and Afghanistan are (with U.S. military involvement) when he leaves office. If he gets a deal with Iran, that would be a big thing... The chance of there being a recesssion before he leaves office” is high, based on history. SOLNICK: “Talking about journalism in this day and age. When you started, you had to file a story... nowadays, you’re tweeting, on (television’s) ‘Morning Joe,’ NPR... podcasts... Has the job of a journalist in this digital age become impossible?” BAKER: “Yes, and we all deserve a raise. … Now, I have this ball-and-chain... I can literally file a story from a movie theater with my kid. There are tradeoffs. We are blessed, in a way. There’s more information available at our fingertips than ever before... Readers for the first time, have the opportunity to check us out” through their access to original documents over the Internet. “On the bad side, we don’t have time to ponder and think” before filing a story. “It’s a real challenge to journalism.” SOLNICK: “So you’re working at one of the most distinguished ‘dead-tree’ newspapers and your wife is editor of Politico — one of the most distinguished websites....” BAKER: “We’re always going to be The New York Times. We’re never going to be Politico. On the flipside, Politico is taking on some aspects of The New York Times — long (analytical) pieces... Our bread-and-butter is we’ll always be the authoritative voice to tell what it all adds up to.” During the question-and-answer period that followed, a woman asked Baker for a prediction on the Keystone Pipeline proposal. “He (Obama) might trade environmental impacts” to the pipeline’s proponents in exchange “for removing his objections to the project,” Baker replied. “It’s a relatively smaller thing than it’s been blown up to be.” Baker’s comments triggered murmers among some of the forum’s attendees.

Ferguson verdict triggers Asheville rally drawing 200 From Staff Reports

About 200 people exemplifying a mix of ages and races gathered on the night of Nov 25 near the Vance Momument in downtown Asheville to protest what they deemed an injustice following a grand jury decision Nov. 24 not to indict Missouri police officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown. Brown, a black 18-year-old, was unarmed when he was shot by the white police officer in August, although there was evidence of a scuffle — and Wilson has since claimed he felt his life was in danger. The incident has been highly publicized and has triggered weeks of protests, which sometimes have been violent, showing what some see as deep racial tensions between African-Americans and police. A chant at the rally typifying the senti-

Shot

Continued from Page A6 “In response to a shooting late Thursday night, Nov. 20, at the Grove Apartments near UNC Asheville’s campus, the university activated its BulldogAlert system and issued an emergency notification to students, faculty and staff via phone and text. “Because many students live in the Grove Apartments, UNC Asheville was notified of the incident and learned that one student suffered gunshot wounds and was transported to the hospital. The student’s family has been notified. The incident

ment of the crowd wents as follows: “Darren Wilson, you can’t hide. We charge you with homicide.” The protesters gathered about 5 p.m. — and the size of the group grew as its chants continuing into the evening. The police presence was minimal. The rally organizers — Bella Jackson, 26, of Asheville, and her husband, Calvin Allen — said they put together the protest so that whites could see the pain, fear and sadness surrounding the grand jury’s ruling. She is white and her spouse is black. The crowd of veterans, hipsters and others packed the square, holding candles and signs. With a drumbeat quietly in the background, two other chants were: • “No justice, no peace, no racist police.” • “Hey, hey, ho, ho, killer cops have got to go.”

occurred off campus and the university is cooperating with the Asheville Police investigation. “The university also circulated police descriptions of two suspects via emails to students, faculty and staff, and on university websites. When Asheville Police determined that there was no further threat to Grove Apartments residents or to the campus, the university issued an ‘all clear’ message via BulldogAlert.” UNC Asheville classes and programs were held as scheduled on Nov. 21.

Asheville Daily Planet — December 2014 — A13

A14 - December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

The Daily Planet’s Opinion

Is council selling off city’s charm?

e are concerned that Asheville seems to be on the road to the ruination of its uniqueness in selling naming rights of community landmarks to the highest corporate bidders. There have been two prominent and alarming instances in recent years. At the end of 2011, amid complaints of a lack of transparency in the process, City Council voted 6-1 to change the name of the Asheville Civic Center to the U.S. Cellular Center. U.S. Cellular offered $810,000 over five years, growing to $1.35 million if the city agreed to a three-year extension. Council justified the move as an attempt to help renovate the aging facility. Cecil Bothwell, a columnist for the Daily Planet, cast the dissenting vote. The latest outrage — in late October — involved another approval by council of the sale of naming rights of the plaza in front of the Asheville Art Museum on Pack Square in the

heart of downtown Asheville. This time, Council voted unanimously to approve a deal with State Employees Credit Union for $1.5 million. The “SECU Plaza” name applies for the entirety of the museum’s current 30-year lease with the city. The money will go toward a planned $17 million museum expansion project. As with the case with the 1970s-era Civic Center, we trust that the improvements to the museum are necessary and will benefit the community. However, we also do not want to see our city sold off and transformed into a collection of corporate logos. Uniqueness is one of the reasons it is a significant destination for hipsters, tourists and retirees, well-known as an arts, food and music mecca. Thus, renaming should be done thoughtfully. Asheville is a special place. If council continues its crassly commercial practices, our city risks morphing into “Anyplace, USA” — losing its standing as the nation’s “quirkiest town.”

Political battle ... like epic tennis match

CHAPEL HILL — What is the connection between U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan and acclaimed U.S. tennis player John Isner? Both come from Greensboro, but it is more than that. Isner is known for his three-day 2010 Wimbledon match against French tennis player Nicholas Mahut. Isner won in the fifth and deciding set, with no tiebreaker, 70-68. As painful as Hagan’s recent loss must be to her and her supporters, it is just the latest game in a long struggle between conservative and liberal or progressive political forces in North Carolina in which each side has won and lost many times. Until the 1970s conservatives and liberals fought their battles in the Democratic primaries. Since then, conservatives have been moving to the Republican ranks. This epic political tennis match between conservatives and liberals began with the 1948 Democratic gubernatorial primary when the populist and unapologetic liberal commissioner of agriculture, Kerr Scott, upset the establishment and conservative candidate, Charles Johnson. Scott’s victory seemed to signal a permanent shift in our state’s political orientation. However, establishment conservatives came roaring back in 1950 when the more conservative Willis Smith defeated liberal Frank Porter Graham in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary. In 1952, conservative William Umstead defeated Scott’s candidate in the gubernatorial primary, seemingly assuring the reestablishment of the conservative tradition. But in 1954 Scott won election to the U.S. Senate. This liberal team, now preferring to call themselves progressive, continued winning when Terry Sanford beat Beverly Lake in the 1960 Democratic gubernatorial primary run-off. Momentum shifted again in 1964, when the Scott-Sanford wing’s gubernatorial candidate Richardson Preyer lost to more conservative Dan Moore, signaling a shift back to establishment conservatism. Progressives came back in 1968 when Kerr Scott’s son, Robert, was elected governor. Only four years later the conservative team, now operating within the Republican Party, won a resounding victory, electing Senator Jesse Helms and Governor Jim Holshouser, seemingly moving the state towards long-term Republican dominance. That tide reversed in 1976 when Jim Hunt became governor and gained re-election in

D.G. Martin 1980. It reversed again in 1984 when Helms beat Hunt in the U.S. Senate race and Jim Martin was elected governor. In 1986, Democrats came back with Terry Sanford’s U.S. Senate victory over Jim Broyhill. Republicans took back momentum with Jim Martin’s reelection victory in 1988 and maintained it in 1990 as Jesse Helms beat Harvey Gantt in the U.S. Senate race. In 1992, Hunt’s winning campaign for governor would have given progressives cause to celebrate had it not been for Lauch Faircloth defeating Sanford in the U.S. Senate contest. In 1994, riding on a national wave of disapproval of the Clinton administration, Republicans took charge of the state’s house of representatives and asserted that their permanent takeover was on the horizon. However, in 1996, Democrats came back with Hunt’s reelection, followed by a 1998 John Edwards victory over Faircloth in the race for the U.S. Senate and Mike Easley’s win in the 2000 gubernatorial election. Republicans came back in 2002 as Elizabeth Dole beat Erskine Bowles in a high-profile U.S. Senate contest and in 2004 with Richard Burr’s U.S. Senate victory. In 2008, Barack Obama’s, Hagan’s, and Beverly Perdue’s wins suggested that North Carolina had made a permanent shift toward the Democrats. In 2010 Republicans won control of the legislature and the power to redistrict and assure control indefinitely. With victories in 2012 and 2014, they have good reasons to celebrate. But the political tennis match is far from over. Kay Hagan’s strong showing in a Republican year should give Democrats hope. Ask John Isner. Winning one game, or even two in a row, does not necessarily mean a win in a long tennis match — or in a struggle to gain long-term dominance of a state’s politics. • D.G. Martin hosts “North Carolina Bookwatch,” which airs at 9:30 p.m. Fridays and at 5 p.m. Sundays on UNC-TV.

Letters to the Editor

Math ‘mistakes’ alleged in column on Mideast wars

In (Carl) Mumpower’s recent column — “Vets are fast becoming another selfish interest group” — there are mistakes. He said that “thanks to ill-advised military adventurism in Iraq and Afghanistan…. over the past five years.” Well, yes, these wars were ill-advised, but it has been much longer than five years. The war on Afghanistan is 13 years old now, and the war on Iraq was (technically) from 2003 to 2011. I say “technically” because we have recently started bombing them again. So, Mr. Mumpower either cannot subtract or he does not know recent history, which is interesting because if my memory serves correctly, he was very much a supporter of both ill-advised wars and even stated that anti-war protests should stop once the invasion of Iraq commenced. And those statements convinced me that Mr. Mumpower is not much of a supporter of the First Amendment of our Constitution. Susan Oehler Asheville

Who would Photoshop City Hall with a swastika? I happened to read the Asheville Daily Planet today (Nov. 11) and noticed the article about the flag.

I have to agree with Dr. Carl Mumpower, it is, indeed, Hitler all over again. For the ones under you who do not know who Adolf Hitler was, he was a right-winged politician who hated samesex-oriented people, people who were not Christian (Jews, for example). He draped public buildings with the Nazi swastika. He basically hated everybody who was not like him and who did not follow his (often weird ) state of mind. And he also had his own doctor, Doctor Mengele... So yes, Mr. Mumpower, you are absolutely right, you are indeed just like Hitler .... And it is not because some narrowminded person Photoshops City Hall, that a newspaper has to follow him in his bigotry by printing it in that same newspaper. Gino De Neef Franklin

Write a Letter to the Editor

The Asheville Daily Planet print letters to the editor, preferably less than 150 words in length. All letters must be signed and include a daytime telephone number for confirmation purposes only. Send your opinions to Asheville Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490 or e-mail them to letters@ AshevilleDailyPlanet.com.

The Candid Conservative

Progressives post a victory flag....

“I use emotion for the many and reserve reason for the few.” — Adolf Hitler

The Problem

sheville’s liberal-socialist-progressive movement is winning the city’s undeclared culture war. Like a touchdown booty dance, the illegal presentation of the Gay Pride banner on City Hall heralds the victory. Locals steeped in traditions more clearly grounded in reason should be waking up – your values, heritage and children are being kidnapped by mischievous transplants.

Why the fuss?

Take a moment to ponder the mocking reality that people of the same sex are obtaining moonlight marriages in Buncombe’s courthouse; topless exhibitionists are free to parade in city parks; illegal aliens operate with open immunity; and drugs now compete with tourism as the city’s primary revenue generator. Who, having grown up in “Cool Whistle Blower Green Asheville,” would ever have imagined the rapid transition to a self-congratulating “Cesspool of Sin?” The transformation is imported. Though open systems are healthier than closed, the equation of refreshment doesn’t work when the doors, like our nation’s borders, are porously vulnerable to toxic intrusions. Like kudzu, acid rain and killer bees, too many newcomers have arrived with a dedication to manhandling versus enhancing the existing culture.

How Did They Do It?

When the mission is power, the unscrupulous always find a way. Forgetting that it is not possible to do good things through bad means, the left has imported a rainbow of

Carl Mumpower

wicked strategies championed by naïve mascots, social predators and the self-serving. Boo-Boo Governance – Buncombe’s School Administrators recently offed a great example of distraction as a power tool. Instead of facing facts like 51 percent of our kids can’t read at grade level; we have the third most dangerous school system in the state; and 50-plus percent of students are milking a subsidized meal deal, they highlight more attractive data. The model mirrors a parenting technique deployed when little ones get a boo-boo. “Look at the butterfly” works equally well on children and taxpayers. Personal attacks – When the left can’t compete on ideas, verbal assault is the fallback position. Witness a sitting city council member’s email when the above mentioned banner enactment was compared to Nazi methodologies – “You are so incredibly bonkers that I can’t quite begin to understand why you are still allowed out in public.” Note the jackboot overtones. Promise something for nothing – Read the left’s political platform and observe the absence of accountability and expense. Merchants and politicians alike hook the vulnerable with a pretense of free stuff. Nature tells us nothing is free and thus the left is doomed to be the political movement of seduction over production. We go down with them. Relativism – One way to undo a culture’s sense of right and wrong is to sell the fabrication that right and wrong don’t exist. In that hedonism is more fun that responsibility, those selling the former can break a society’s morale compass. How does one know what’s morally right and wrong? See CANDID CONSERVATIVE, Page A17

Commentary

he idea that Republicans routinely lie is not particularly startling. We’ve seen it over and over again in elections since at least 1980, but with less scruple and more muscle in the past few years. In this past election there were thousands of mailers from GOP sources misdirecting voters in North Carolina and other states, not to mention the hyped-up fraudulent warnings about Ebola and ISIS. It’s best to not even think about the birthers, the impeachers and the death-panelers. But the lie I’m interested in examining in this essay is the claim that Republicans “took back” the North Carolina government in 2010 and 2012 after a purported 100-plus years of Democratic rule. Well, well. Labels are pretty malleable, as I noted in last month’s column. In the past few years Tar Heel Republicans have asserted that they “reclaimed” the state after a century of Democratic rule. What they fail to mention is that many of the Democratic polls who ruled this state before WWII or even up into Nixon’s presidency, switched parties. The new boss is, in many cases, exactly the same as the old boss. Think Jesse Helms, for one. Looking back, the greatest political divide followed the Civil War. Lincoln pretty much started the Republican Party, or at least put it on the political map. Following the war the newly emancipated and registered former slaves in the South voted Republican. The carpetbagger governments were Republican

Asheville Daily Planet —December 2014 — A15

On the left

corporations coupled with an increase on taxation of the middle class and poor is yet another. My point being this: don’t let anyone tell you that one party ruled North Carolina for a century and was finally thrown out in 2010. The truth is that one set of plutocrats has ruled North Carolina for most decades since reconstruction, they sometimes swap labels when the old ones wear out. • Cecil Bothwell, author of nine books, including “She Walks On Water: A novel” (Brave Ulysses Books, 2013), is a member of Asheville City Council.

Meet the new boss Cecil Bothwell and Republicanism was ascendant in the South right up until the Compromise of 1877. That’s when Southern Democrats ensured the selection of Rutherford B. Hayes as president (in a hotly contested post-election Congressional settlement) in exchange for removal of Union troops from the South. Reconstruction was over. Democrats quickly imposed the laws and rules we now call Jim Crow, and among other changes, tens of thousands of black voters were stripped of their registrations. So the Democratic Party that ruled North Carolina from the late 1800s until well into the post-WWII era was racist and deeply conservative at its core. That began to change. The national Party had aligned with labor during the FDR era, and began to support minority rights (though with big resistance from what would become known as the Dixiecrats.) When President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1964 Civil Rights Act, he predicted that the Democrats had lost the South for decades. Democratic governors from Terry Sanford to Beverly Perdue moved this state in a steadily

centrist to progressive direction, and the party dominating the General Assembly moved that way as well. Those governors pressed for better education, broader civil rights and an effort to attract future-leaning industries and the state leapt forward in university education and research. This accelerated as the rightwing Democrats moved into the Republican camp, following the example of Helms in North Carolina and Sen. Strom Thurmond to the south. What this means is that the current crop of Republicans who have gained control across much of the Old South are the direct heirs of the Democrats who once held those posts. It’s clear that the big uptick in 2010 Republican votes was a direct reaction to the election of a black man to the presidency in 2008. However, now that the Dems-turnedGOP have regained power in Raleigh, we see the same policies being enacted that were featured in the post-Civil War Democratic agenda. Suppression of voting rights, defunding of public education, cuts to welfare programs, preferential treatment for large land-owners and influential corporations, and all the rest. The sweetheart deal Senator-elect Thom Tillis cut with a Spanish multinational to privatize highway transport in our state is just one example of the trend. The voter ID law he and his cronies imposed on the state is another. Reduction of taxes on the rich and

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A16 - December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Commentary

N.C. weathered 2 civil wars; 3rd one looms

t’s not easy living in a time of civil war. North Carolina has had at least two, and now we’re in a third one. There was, of course, the big Civil War. And the Revolutionary War in North Carolina was more a civil war than a revolution. North Carolinians were split between Loyalists and Patriots. Each side had militias with generals and colonels on down to privates. My multi-great-grandfather, Oyen Dowd, died in that civil war. He was killed in the Battle of Lindley’s Mill in 1781. (Fortunately for me and my grandchildren, he had the foresight to have a son, Owen.) The day before Lindley’s Mill, Loyalists had kidnapped Gov. Thomas Burke in Hillsborough and were taking him to Wilmington to the British. The next day, a collection of Patriot militias from nine counties, led by a general (who was sheriff of Orange County), ambushed them and attempted a rescue. Both sides had 500-600 men, and both sides suffered more than 100 casualties. Thomas Lindley, on whose land the battle was fought, died of a heart attack that day because he had sons on both sides. But this column is not a history lesson. It’s a case study in how destructive, and sad, a polarized society can be. And a warning for us in our time. The Dowd saga in the Revolutionary War began with Oyen Dowd’s father, Connor. He came to America from Ireland (Ulster) in 1754 with almost nothing, starting as a pack-peddler for an Irish merchant in Wilmington. He bought land along Deep River in what is now Chatham County. By the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Connor owned over 7,000 acres, a tavern, store, distillery, tannery, ferry, four different kinds of mills and a fine house. He also had what a visitor called a “parcel of

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to the big Civil War. Confederates and Patriots were alike in wanting independence. They were revolutionaries. Loyalists in the Revolution were like Unionists in the Civil War. They wanted the status quo. In both cases the state government was in the hands of the revolutionaries who required military service on their side. It was difficult to be a Loyalist or a Unionist. The civil war that’s going on now in North Carolina is not about political independence. It’s over religious liberty and intolerance, like Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. Our current civil war will be discussed in this space in the next Daily Planet. • Lee Ballard lives in Mars Hill.

Lee Ballard

negroes.” With the war came decision: Patriot or Loyalist? Connor Dowd chose to be a Loyalist – from 1776, when he sent supplies to British troops at the coast to the very end. Why? He belonged to a denomination of Baptists who taught (following Paul in Romans 13:1) that it was wrong to oppose lawful government, that is, the British. But his assets included wagons that were used to carry his crops State Inand manufactured goods to Cross Creek (now Fayetteville) spection and return with merchandise and supplies. One big moti$25ºº vation for Loyalists was maintaining trade with Britain. General Spiritual, material or both, Connor Dowd was an all-out Brake Seropponent of the Revolution. vice In 1781, he outfitted a band of 35 Loyalists, under the $110ºº command of his son, Oyen. They joined Fanning’s Loyalist troops and were there for the Patriot ambush. Cornwallis surrendered a month later, ending the war. In this civil war, Connor Dowd had backed the wrong side. 889 Riverside Drive • Asheville • 255-5528 He was deported and died a Loyalist pensioner in Ireland. √ Free estimates √ Wholesale new tires √ Complete auto repair √ In business in Asheville since 1997 His property was confiscated and sold. His family he left behind was destitute. Oyen’s widow’s letter to Advertisement the General Assembly is sad Leader Tom Delay TO SPEAK AT 22nd ANNUAL CHARLES TAYLOR HOLIDAY DINNER to read. “The Hammer” — more formally known as former Republican House Majority Leader Tom This 1776-81 civil war in Delay — will be the keynote speaker and guest of honor at the 22nd annual Charles Taylor HoliNorth Carolina was similar day Dinner. Delay represented Texas’s 22nd congressional district from 1985 until 2006. DeLay’s

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ironclad control of the House of Representatives was legendary and earned him the nickname, “The Hammer.” Delay will headline this year’s annual Charles Taylor Holiday Dinner. The dinner will also pay tribute to members of the U.S. Armed Services, both past and present. 2014 marks the 22nd year for the popular holiday gathering, which is the largest sit-down political dinner in the state. Delay will be joined by North Carolina Sen.-elect Thom Tillis, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, Congressman Richard Hudson and other elected ofﬁcials will speak at the annual dinner. The 22nd annual Charles Taylor Holiday Dinner will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center in Asheville. People who attend a separate, private reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. will get an opportunity to meet and have a photo session with Delay and the other speakers. Taylor says the annual dinner is an opportunity for candidates and elected ofﬁcials to meet with supporters in Western North Carolina.

Tickets for the 22nd annual Charles Taylor Holiday Dinner are $50 per person, if purchased before Dec. 9, 2014 and $55 per person if purchased afterwards. Reservations must be made prior to the dinner. Checks should be made out to “Charles Taylor Christmas Dinner” and mailed to: Charles Taylor, P.O. Box 7587, Asheville, N.C. 28802. For more information, please contact Trish Smothers at (828) 243-2187 or tasmothers@yahoo.com.

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Chief

Continued from Page A1 The city announced the audit on Oct. 31, the same day District Attorney Ron Moore said he was suspending the handling of traffic cases involving some police radars for the second time in a month. Other issues with the chief that have arisen include the following: • The no-confidence petition by the relatively large contingent of APD officers. • Media probes finding allegations of onthe-job retaliation and an increase in officer resignations. • The removal of Lt. Bill Wilke from a hearing involving the Chad Anderson wreck and Wilke’s allegations that he was pressured to make false statements about the incident — and later was written up by Anderson for taking time off for Army Reserve duty. (Chad Anderson is the son of the chief.) • The filing of a grievance by Lt. Mark Byrd for being transferred involuntarily from patrol to an administrative job. Byrd claimed that he was moved as punishment for raising concerns about downtown police staffing. (The city has hired a consultant to do a thorough inquiry into the APD’s organization and operations, with Fire Chief Scott Burnette as a facilitator.) In addition, the standards division of the North Carolina Department of Justice has begun its own inquiry.

ager’s Office did not allow the process to work itself out. In four years we have had two Police Chiefs (Hogan & Anderson). The City Manager’s Office must also be held accountable for their mis-steps in not publicly supporting Chiefs Hogan and Anderson. “In both situations, the City Manager’s Office put Chief Hogan and Chief Anderson before the process. Now, you have two Chiefs who have retired without anyone looking into or asking about the process and no support from the City Manager’s Office,” Ogden said. “Now that I have a better understanding of the role and the responsibility of the Office of the Police Chief of Asheville; someone intentionally empowered the Civil Service Board so that the final decision of disciplinary actions, promotions and any major decisions by the Chief, rest solely, and can be overturned by, the Civil Service Board. The Office of the Chief of Police of Asheville is nothing more than a figure-head position without any hiring and firing authority. This must be changed. “Chief Anderson, like Chief Hogan, never had a chance to lead a mismanaged Police Department under the legislative restraints set forth by previous policy makers,” Ogden said. “There are three entities within the City of Asheville that wield and exercise too much power. They are: a. Civil Service Board b. Fraternal Order of Police c. Police Benevolent Association. “Unless the City Manager’s Office and City Council do what is right to ensure that a Chief of Police of Asheville has the authority and necessary tools to do their job without

their hands being tied; those disgruntled police officers, and others within the Asheville Police Department, will be allowed to continue to perpetuate dysfunction, racism and selfish desires throughout the department,” Ogden said. When contacted for his comment on the APD turmoil, City Councilmen Cecil Bothwell, who also has been an outspoken supporter of Anderson and expressed concerns about racism, wrote to the Daily Planet on Nov. 23, “I am confident that when all of the facts are known, when all of the reports are released, that a lot of people who have criticized Chief Anderson and the City of Asheville will look like fools.” Additionally, Dr. Carl Mumpower, a local conservative activist and former city councilman, wrote the following statement regarding the APD situation on Nov. 23: “Our police department, like all others, will always be a work in progress. Officers operate amidst a tangle of criminals, politicized administrators, ego driven politicians, and a fickle public.That’s not an equation conducive to seamless outcomes. Managing public safety is like managing diabetes – it’s a one day at a time thing requiring discipline, diligence and dynamism. “That said, there is little difference in bribing an officer to dodge a traffic ticket and bribing a Chief to dodge a political scandal. The Chief was given a golden parachute to protect the City Council from further embarrassment. That’s an easy deal when you’re using taxpayer money to conceal a very visible oversight failure,” Mumpower stated.

Why Does It Matter?

• Do you have information about a source of mischief in our community? You can safely contact us at 828-2528390 or drmumpower@aol.com. We are offering a $500 reward for information

on corruption, crime, or other harms you share in confidence and we reveal in print. Bad things grow in the dark. We have a flashlight – do you have a whistle? • Carl Mumpower is a former member of Asheville City Council.

Candid Conservative Continued from Page A14

Look to what works and stands the test of time. We are rapidly abandoning the JudeoChristian model of morality that brought us to a great dance. Optimistic relativism mirrors the absurdity of one who doesn’t believe in gravity, jumps off a sky scraper and on the way down exclaims “so far so good.” False choices – Progressives falsely market their position as an alternative to opposition ‘extremes.’ If you don’t agree with same-sex marriage, then you’re ‘homophobic.’ If you don’t embrace government handouts, then you hate poor people. If you don’t support abortion, you’re warring against women. How about the lucid options of a Biblical position on sexual morality; resisting condemning people to a life of subsistence; and not buying the idea that killing 55 million children uplifts anybody? Diversity avoidance – When’s the last time you remember a liberal-conservative debate on local issues? Liberals scrupulously avoid such – whether it’s through left-minded dominance at UNC-A or 7-0 representation on Asheville’s council. Despotism is always revealed by fear of opposition. There’s that Nazi ringtone again. Playing the God card – America’s left has little regard for Christian theology except as a tool. Hitler also referenced Jesus and the Bible to mark points. The latter suggests “You shall know them by their deeds.” Advocating dependence, sexual immorality, drug use, abortion, and stealing through government are misdeeds having absolutely no connection to God’s Biblically stated will. Deviance advocacy – Any comparison between the ‘Greatest Generation’ and the ‘Me Generation’ will note a clear preference for normalcy by the former and deviance by the latter. We’ve reached a point in our cultural slide affirming the scriptural declaration “I will make children their chiefs, and foolish ones will have rule over them.” The left reliably sells deviance as normal and normal as deviant and a whole lot of people are buying the scam. Why? For the same reason that hooded white southerners once flocked to the KKK – it’s fun to truck with what’s in. Nazis called it “unity through uniformity.”

Asheville Daily Planet — December 2014 — A17

In its November edition, The Urban News, which bills itself as covering the area’s “multicultural community,” ran a story headlined “Now... for the Rest of the Story” — an extensive interview with Anderson prior to his retirement announcement. On its front page, under a picture of the chief, the News includes a quote from Anderson that states, “It’s very interest, no one has asked me what’s happening.” Regarding “the disconnect” in the APD, Anderson told the News, “I think the disconnect comes down to change. With a different administration, expectations might be different. There’s a different level of accountability expected from this administration than historically. My style, my expectations may be different, the expectations that I have of our officers doing their jobs on a daily basis.” Contacted by the Daily Planet for his viewpoint, Anderson said in a statement Nov. 24, “Thank you for the opportunity” to comment on the situation. “I stand by my discussions with The Urban News. As for my retirement, not resignation, after 37 years in public service as a law enforcement officer and 15 as a chief of police, I am looking forward to retirement. “I wish all the men and women of the APD and the citizens of Asheville nothing but the very best,” Anderson wrote. Furthermore, Dr. Keith A. Ogden, pastor of Asheville’s Hill Street Baptist Church, who has expressed concerns about racism in the ADP turmoil, offered the following statement on the situation to the Daily Planet on Nov. 23: “I’m very disappointed that the City Man-

Would that I had a hundred dollar bill for every profanity, insult and threat received for challenging that Gay Pride flag on city hall. “You are a quack” cards from California; banishment emails from city council members; drive-by oral bullets; and other forms of liberal love make it tough to follow the rainbow. One of my favorite criticisms centers on “insensitive” comparisons between the gay pride banner and the Nazi banner. The Nazi reference was a Photoshopped possibility by counter-protestors. The Gay Pride flag was a real and startlingly insensitive display by living breathing elected officials. Those pulling the sympathy card to discredit a David-like challenge to the city’s Goliathlike governing body might want to read up on the holocaust. The Nazi comparison remains all too fitting. Although fading memories of that period’s dark touch are typically limited to genocide, war and chaos, that’s the end game. Hitler’s early rise to power mirrored the tactics of today’s liberal-socialist-progressives. Nazism took down what was arguably the most culturally advanced society in Europe. It’s foolish to believe this generation’s version of Hitler 2.0 can’t do it in America. Demigods have to kill what is to become the next what is…

Conservative Tip of the Month Absolute truisms don’t exist, but the caution “you get what you earn” comes close. Contrary to the false doctrine of the left, true equality is never legislated, given or stolen. The minute one asks for equality, inequality is affirmed. When it comes to gender, race, or economic standing, there is only one sure path to equality – be an equal. Like all other good things, that mission is accomplished through learning, growing, working, and contributing – not through political benevolence. Authentic self-worth rests firmly in our own hands and always comes at a price.

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A18 — December 2014 — Asheville Daily Planet

Advice Goddess

Special photos courtesy of The Biltmore Company

Oh, (35-foot) Christmas tree! The Biltmore Estate’s annual Christmas tree-raising on Nov. 5 required a crew of about a dozen men to move the 35-foot Fraser fir into the house’s 72-foot banquet hall. Then a set of ropes were used to pulled the 2,000-lb. tree upright from the organ loft — to the applause of the visitors. Christmas marks a key point in the Biltmore’s history: About 120 years

ago, estate builder George Vanderbilt first opened his grand mansion to family and friends on Christmas Eve. And Christmas is practically a year-round holiday at the estate. Decorations are made during the summer months, and are installed starting in October, according to Cathy Barnhardt, Biltmore’s floral displays manager.

Continued from Page A1 Your wife is one of the few karaoke singers who manages to surprise the audience — making people turn around to see whether someone’s singing “Blackbird” or being pecked to death by one. This actually isn’t a bad thing. “Karaoke” is Japanese for “y’all better be drunk, because I’m trying my luck at Donna Summer.” Great karaoke isn’t about doing it right; it’s about doing it proud. So you show your love for your wife by whooping up the audience — clapping and cheering as she misses all the high notes (singing from the heart but with the vocal stylings of a diseased spleen). While you’re at it, consider yourself lucky. People with a healthy sense of confidence make the best relationship partners — if somewhat costlier ones, like when you need to get your house professionally soundproofed so the neighbors will stop reporting you for animal cruelty. Interestingly, the satanic rituals involving a flock of chickens and a nail gun always seem to take place when your wife is in the shower.

Along came polygraph

I’m an aspiring comedian — seriously aspiring — so I’m out most nights doing stand-up. My girlfriend gets upset about all the time I put into this and expects my nights off to be spent with her. Recently, I was going to an open mic, when a friend called and invited me to a birthday party. I ended up blowing off stand-up for the party, but later, my girlfriend asked me how stand-up went and I just said “fine.” I don’t normally lie, but looking back, I was just tired and not up for a drawn-out conversation. The next morning, I said something about the party, and she realized that I’d lied. Now she is upset and says that if I’d lie about something so insignificant, maybe I’m lying about bigger things. — Stand-up Guy You’re an aspiring comedian but a failed sociopath — telling a lie about your whereabouts at night but going all “whoopsy” about maintaining it the morning after. On the success-incrime scale, this is like getting picked up by the cops for bank robbery — because the bank manager spotted you making off with that pen on a chain. Still, yours was not a white lie — a lie to spare another person’s feelings — but more of a beige lie: a lie to spare your own feelings (allowing you to get into bed instead of into a three-hour parole hearing). Obviously, lies are not Miracle-Gro for a relationship. Even small lies gnaw away at trust and can destroy your bond. But seeing as there’s no evidence you’re a serial liar, what’s important is why you told this lie. Maybe you’re generally conflict-avoidant. But chances are, you’re specifically conflict-

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avoidant — comedy conflict-avoidant — probably because your girlfriend sees your devotion to your comedy as a crime against the relationship. This is probably what led her to believe that all of your non-comedy nights belong to her — which amounts to your being an indentured boyfriend, working off all your stand-up nights with romantic evenings out. When you love somebody, no, spending time with them isn’t the worst thing in the world. But you also need time to goof off and be a person -- to cut out of comedy some night to hang with a friend at a party or just sit in your underwear and stare at the UPC label on a can of beer. As you’ve seen, avoiding conflict doesn’t make it go away; it just goes away and sharpens its fangs. You and your girlfriend need to discuss whether she’s truly on board with your doing comedy and all that entails, including your need for some unapproved lone fun. If, for her, this isn’t so much about time as it is about feeling important to you, you could pledge to be extra-affectionate when you’re together -- hug her, kiss her, sweetie-talk her — and set aside a designated day every week to spend together (as a number of comedy couples do). If she can opt for quality over quantity, you should be able to retire from your brief career as a failed liar -- or at least put lying in its proper place: getting out of your driveway in the morning without starting a blood feud with the neighbor and keeping holiday dinners with the family from ending with somebody’s face pressed between the plates of the George Foreman grill. • (c.) 2014, 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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Asheville Daily Planet — December 2014 — A19

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Entertainment

and Calendar of Events

Special Section PULLOUT

Asheville Daily Planet — December 2014

Photo courtesy of the Asheville Film Society

Roger Daltrey (of the rock group The Who) starred in Ken Russell’s 1975 classic film “Lisztomania.” The film was drawn from a biography of Franz Liszt and depicts the flamboyant composer as the first classical pop star. Also featured was Ringo Starr (drummer of The Beatles) who played the pope.

Lisi Russell, wife of the late film director Ken Russell, gives Ken Hanke, Asheville’s best-known film critic, a hug during a recent special screening of her husband’s classic “Lisztomania” at Carolina Asheville Cinema in South Asheville. Hanke is founder of the Asheville Film Society, which hosted the screening, and is the author of “Ken Russell and His Films” (Scarecrow Press, 1984).

‘Lisztomania’

Brilliant 1975 film’s portrayal of bawdy life of composer-piano virtuoso celebrated EDITOR’S NOTE: Asheville Film Society offered a special screening of Ken Russell’s classic “Lisztomania” Oct. 15 at Carolina Cinemas in South Asheville. Scott Douglas is a member of the AFS. By SCOTT DOUGLAS Special to the Daily Planet

When “Lisztomania” was released in 1975, critical response ran the limited spectrum from cold to outright hostile, but it is a film

Caleb Johnson added to lineup of Christmas Jam

overdue for re-evaluation. Released a scant six months after the tremendous box office success and Oscar nominations of director Ken Russell’s previous collaboration with star Roger Daltrey, The Who’s “Tommy,” critics and audiences alike were thoroughly unprepared for what awaited them in theaters. Those expecting a sequel to “Tommy” were destined for disappointment; instead, “Lisztomania” represents the next phase of

40 years since its release is well-deserved. To modern audiences not expecting another “Tommy,” the film is a remarkably unique and entertaining cinematic experience. Critics blinded by the extravagance of Russell’s stylistic and narrative flourishes were oblivious to the film’s central thematic conceit, namely its depiction of the psychological ramifications of celebrity-driven excess on the creative soul. See ‘LISZTOMANIA,’ Page B9

Jane Austen, revisited Book interweaves tale of literary icon, fictional modern woman — and men

From Staff Reports

Caleb Johnson, Asheville native and “American Idol” winner, recently was added to the lineup of the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, which begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in Asheville’s U.S. Cellular Center. In addition, Americana artist Jason Isbell has been named as a concert headliner, along with country legend Vince Gill. Other highlights will include Gov’t Mule, a jam band formed by Haynes, a Woodfin native and Grammy-winning blues rock guitarist. The Christmas Jam benefits the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, and the concert has raised more than $1.8 million for the nonprofit organization since the jam started in 1989. In 2013, the jam expanded to two nights to celebrate the event’s 25th year. In 2014, Haynes donated a record $500,000 to Habitat for Humanity. See JAM, Page B8

Russell’s artistic evolution. “Lisztomania,” though often historically accurate, never purported to be a strictly factual biography of composer Franz Liszt. A surrealistic examination of art, excess and the emotional cost of brilliance, “Lisztomania” delivers a cogent and often surprisingly touching explication of the psychological burden borne by that rarest of creatures, the creative genius. The cult status garnered by “Lisztomania”

“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” — Jane Austen By JOHN NORTH

john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com

“First Impressions” is billed as a thrilling literary mystery co-starring Jane Austen from The New York Times bestselling author of “The Bookman’s Tale.”

Author Charlie Lovett presented his new mystery novel, “First Impressions,” on Nov. 10 at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café in downtown Asheville. Lovett spoke about Austen and related topics and read from his work for about 45 minutes. He then fielded questions for more than 15 minutes from those who attended his reading. He finished by signing copies of his recently published second novel. About 25 to 30 people attended Lovett, who is from Winston-Salem, praised Malaprop’s, which he called one of the top American independent bookstores — and its book-savvy, eclectic clientele. He did a reading previously at Mala-

prop’s after the publication of his debut novel, “The Bookman’s Tale,” which tells of an antiquarian bookseller’s search through a period of 300 years — and the works of Shakespeare — for his lost love. This time, Lovett was Charlie Lovett introduced as the author of “First Impressions,” his second novel, which is a mystery involving a fictional portrayal of “the beloved Jane Austen.” He began his talk by noting that this novel represented a good case for judging a book by its cover. “I really love the cover of this book. I love the fact that you’ll be able to come back to the cover” after reading the novel and appreciate the symbolism. Unlike “The Bookman’s Tale,” Lovett added, “The good news is ‘First Impressions’ is only set in two different time frames.” See AUSTEN, Page B9

B2 - December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Calendar

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.

Monday, Dec. 1

ARBORETUM WINTER LIGHTS SHOW, 6-10 p.m., N.C. Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville. The Arboretum’s Winter Lights show will be offered nightly through Jan. 4. Admission at the gate is $18 for adults, $16 for children ages 5-11 and free for children 4 and younger.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

AFRICA TALK, 7:30 p.m., Manheimer Room, Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. Dorina Bekoe, a senior research associate in the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention in Washington, will overview “Peacekeeping in Africa.” The program is hosted by the World Affairs of Western North Carolina.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

CHRISTMAS THEATER CLASSIC, 2 and 8 p.m., Mainstage, Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock. The Charles Dickens holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” will be performed Wednesdays through Sundays through Dec. 21, generally at 2 and 8 p.m., except Fridays, when there is just an 8 p.m. show. Tickets may be purchased by callling the Playhouse box office at 693-0731, or visiting FlatRockPlayhouse.org. FALL CONCERT, 7 p.m., Ferguson Auditorium, A-B Tech, Asheville. The A-B Tech Community College chorus will perform a few holiday selections, as well as a medley from the musical “Wicked,” “Africa” by Toto and other various selections. Also featured will be soloists and ensembles from the chorus. The event is free and open to the public. “DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER” PRODUCTION, 7:30 p.m., North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Lane, downtown Asheville. The troupe will present a production of “Don’t Dress for Dinner” through Dec. 7. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, call 239-0263 or visit ncstage.org.

Thursday, Dec. 4

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS WALK-THROUGH, 6-8 p.m., off Long Shoals Road, Arden. Lake Julian Park will present “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” at the park. The first night of the festival is for walkers only. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children. ASHEVILLE BEYOND COAL EVENT, 7 p.m., New Mountain Asheville, 38 N. French Broad Ave., Asheville. Asheville Beyond Coal will present its first-ever New Mountain Climate Bash. The bash celebrates both local music and Asheville Beyond Coal’s efforts to move beyond coal, fight climate disruption, and stop the poisoning of our rivers from toxic coal ash. Tickets are $8 beforehand, $10 at the door ($5 student tickets with identification at the door). All proceeds will go to benefit Asheville Beyond Coal’s efforts to protect the mountains and planet. Beer specials and food trucks will be available.

Friday, Dec. 5

WINTERFEST IN THE GORGE, 3 p.m., parking at Arcade area, 103 Arcade St., Lake Lure, or Public Parking Lot, Main Street, Chimney Rock. Winterfest tours will be held Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. The tour will begin at Lake Lure Beach, where a beachside bonfire will be held and attendees will be treated to s’mores. Next, picture with Santa will be taken, followed by hayrides and a trolley ride. (Hayrides are $5 for individuals or $20 for families of four or more.) The tour will pass by the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, decked with lights to the Christmas Village in Chimney Rock. TREE LIGHTING/CHILI COOK-OFF, 5-7 p.m., firehouse, Chimney Rock. The village’s tree-lighting will be held, followed by a chili cook-off. Chili dinners will be offered for $7.50. Later, bingo will

be played. FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS DRIVE-THROUGH, 6-9 p.m., off Long Shoals Road, Arden. Lake Julian Park will present “Drive-Through Nights” at the park through Dec. 23. The first night of the festival is for walkers only. Admission is $5 per car, $10 per van and $25 per motor coach. CHRISTMAS THEATER CLASSIC, 7:30 p.m., Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, Waynesville. HART’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” is billed as returning “even bigger than before.” In addition, a promotional flyer noted, “Featuring an original script by Mark Jones and an original score by Anne Rhymer Schwabland, this holiday classic is a great reminder of what the season is really about.” The show will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13. It will be presented at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14. For tickets, which are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for students, call 456-6322, or visit www.harttheatre.com. VISITORS CENTER HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, 5-8 p.m., Visitors Information Center, 201 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. The center will host a Holiday Open House in condjuction with an Olde-Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas. Participants are invited to share holiday cheer and the warmth of the season at the gala. Holiday treats will be given out by the center’s staff and volunteers. The event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, Dec. 6

SANTA ON THE CHIMNEY EVENT, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock. Santa Claus reportedly will rappel down Chimney Rock on Dec. 6 and 13. In between climbs, children will be invited to sit on Santa’s lap, meet Mrs. Claus and snack on cookies. Events are free with park admission, which is $15 for adults and $7 for ages 5-15. MANHATTAN TRANSFER CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin. The multiGrammy winning vocal quartet The Manhattan Transfer will perform in concert. Riding a wave of nostalgia in the 1970s, The Manhattan Transfer is billed as having “resurrected jazz trends from boogie-woogie to bop to vocalize in a slick, slightly commercial setting that sometimes failed to gel with the group’s close harmonies.” Originally formed in 1969, the quartet recorded several albums of jazz standards, as well as much material closer to R&B/pop. “Still, they were easily the most popular jazz vocal group of their era, and the most talented of any since the heyday of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross during the early ‘60s,” according to a promotional flyer. For tickets, which are $25, $30 and $35, call 5241598, or visit GreatMountainMusic.com. CROSBY, STILLS, NASH AND YOUNG TRIBUTE, 8 p.m., Altamont Theatre, 18 Church St., downtown Asheville. Deja Vu: A Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young will feature John Keane, billed as a “legendary Athens, Ga., record-producer.” For tickets, which are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, visit www.thealtamont.com.

Sunday, Dec. 7

PAN HARMONIA CONCERT, 3 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church St., downtown Asheville. Pan Harmonia will present “A Chamber Music Messiah,” billed as organist Eric Wall leading “a merry band of musicians in an instrumental version of Georg F. Handel’s favorite Christmas tradition.” Suggested donation is $25 per person or $30 per family, but nobody will be turned away. Proceeds will benefit Homeward Bound, which aims to end homelessness in Western North Carolina. RINGERS’ CONCERTS, 3 p.m., Blue Ridge Community College, East Flat Rock. The Blue Ridge Ringers, a community handbell ensemble, will perform in concert with the Hendersonville Community Band. In addition, the Ringers will perform at noon Dec. 9 at Transylvania County Public Library, 212 S. Gaston St., Brevard; at 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at Henderson County Public Library, 301 N. Washington St. Hendersonville; and at 4 p.m. Dec. 21 at First Presbyterian Church, 699 N. Grove St., Hendersonville. Admission is $10 for adults and free for students.

See CALENDAR, Page B4

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Asheville Daily Planet — December 2014 - B3

A SOUTHERN SOUL FOOD REVIVAL Moe’s Original Bar B Que serves up an award-winning, all things Southern, Alabama BBQ experience.

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B4 — December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

The iconic vocal group Manhattan Transfer will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Calendar of Events

Continued from Page B2

Sunday, Dec. 7

Sounds of the Season CONCERT, 3 p.m., John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. The annual “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert, featuring faculty and students in small chamber groups and larger ensembles, will be presented by WCU’s School of Music. The program will begin with performances by the University Chorus and Concert Choir of “Sing Noel,” “Gloria” and “O Christmas Tree.” Also performing will be the WCU Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Student Trombone Quartet, Percussion Ensemble, Continuum Saxophone Quartet, Euphonium Ensemble and Early Music Ensemble/Recorder Consort. Lyn Burkett and Pavel Wlosok will share piano arrangements of “Variations on Adeste Fideles” and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” respectively. Susan Belcher, wife of Chancellor David O. Belcher, will perform the whimsical parody “A Little Christmas Music (with apologies to Mozart)” accompanied by the WCU Concert Choir and Ann Tiner, harpsichordist. The Jackson County Children’s Choir, a group made up of more than 40 students from Fairview, Cullowhee Valley and Scotts Creek elementary schools, also will perform. A sing-along of holiday favorites will be led by special guest Santa Claus to close the program.Reserved seat tickets, which are $17 for adults; $11 for WCU faculty, staff and those 60 and older; and $5 for students and children, visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or call 828-227-2479. HANDEL’S “MESSIAH,” 4 p.m., First Baptist Church, 63 N. Main St., Weaverville. Handel’s “Messiah” will be presented by the Weaverville Music Study Club. Admission is by donation.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

OBJECTIVISTS’ MEETING, 6 p.m., North Asheville Library Meeting Room, 1030 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. Attendees are invited to celebrate Ayn Rand, her philosophy of Objectivism and the prime value – life. Admission to the meeting is free.

AUTHOR’S PRESENTATION, 7 p.m., Malaprop’s Bookstore-Café, 55 Haywood St., downtown Asheville. Jaye Robin Brown will present his book, “No Place to Fall.” Admission is free. LIBERTARIAN MEETING, 7 p.m., Oakleaf Furniture, 130 Miller St., downtown Waynesville. The Haywood County Libertarian Party meets on the second Tuesday of the month. Open discussion and debate are encouraged with all perspectives and persuasions welcomed, regardless of political or religious affiliation.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT LAB SESSION, 11 a.m., 214 Balsam Hall Computer Lab, A-B Tech, Asheville. Those unsure about how to sign up for insurance under the Affordable Care Act will be able to use the computer lab and sign-up in person. Certified Navigators will be available to answer any questions that come up and can even walk ACA prospects through each step of enrollment. THEATRE-ARTS PROGRAM, 6:30 p.m., Wesley Grant Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville. A theater-arts program, billed as “a different kind of ‘Nutcracker Sweet,” will be performed by people of all abilities and beliefs, working together to support community needs. While there will be some high trained ballet and modern dancers, there also will be Southside drummers, rap, beach music, dancing owls, sign language and more. AUTHOR’S PRESENTATION, 7 p.m., Malaprop’s Bookstore-Café, 55 Haywood St., downtown Asheville. Rick Bragg will present his new book, “Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story.” Admission is free. MOSCOW BALLET’S “NUTCRACKER” SHOW, 7 p.m. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St., downtown Asheville. Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” will feature Tchaikovsky’s master score with the magic of larger-than-life puppets, a glowing Christmas tree and super-sized Matrushka dolls. For tickets, visit www.nutcracker.com/yourcity/asheville-nc, or call (800) 320-1733.

See CALENDAR, Page B6

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                                                                                       

Complete CompleteFabric Fabric FabricCenter Center Center Complete Complete Fabric Center Complete Fabric Center Complete Fabric Center                                                                                                                                                      

Drapery DraperyMaterial Material Material Drapery Drapery Material Drapery Material Drapery Material               

            Roc-Lon Drapery Lining                                                   Drapery Print and Solid                            Waverly                      

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AUTOMOBILE AUTOMOBILE AUTOMOBILE AUTOMOBILE AUTOMOBILE AUTOMOBILE              

                         3049 HENDERSONVILLE HIGHWAY      

   

I-26 Exit 44, North miles I-26 I-26 Exit Exit 13, 13,then then thenNorth North North miles 3 miles I-26 Exit 13, then 3333 miles I-26 Exit 13, then North miles

I-26 I-26 Exit Exit 13, 13, then then North North 33 miles miles

684-0801 684-0801 684-0801

Asheville Daily Planet — December 2014 - B5

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B6 - December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Calendar Events

Continued from Page B4

Wednesday, Dec. 10

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY JAM XIV CONCERT, 7 p.m., The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., downtown Asheville. The jam will feature Mike Barnes & Friends, Marc Keller Band, Joe Lasher Jr., Sons of Ralph, Rory Kelly’s Triple Threat, Ryan Perry Band, Jack and Jim Mascari, and the Asheville Rock Academy presents The Patrick Dodd Band. Special guests will include Marsha Morgan, Andy Buckner and Andrew Scotchie. The jam is a benefit for Mission Children’s Hospital and breast cancer research. For tickets, which are $10 (and the donation of one can of food), visit www.hometownholidayjam.net. CHRISTMAS SHOW, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. The Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2014 show will be performed. The show will feature Koz along with three special guests: Jonathan Butler, who has earned accolades in the R&B, contemporary jazz and gospel fields, along with two artists who are new to the run — Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, known for such Top 10 hits as “Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind,” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” and Soul Train award winner/Grammy nominee Maysa, who has released 10 solo albums and collaborated with everyone from Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan to Incognito and Angela Bofill. For tickets, call (423) 638-1679 or visit boxoffice@npacgreeneville.com.

Thursday, Dec. 11

CHRISTMAS CONCERT, 7 p.m., Feed and Seed, Fletcher. The Fletcher Community Chorus will present “Sing We Now of Christmas.” Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” SHOW, 7:30 p.m., HART Theater, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. HART will present its production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-14, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 14. For tickets, which are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors, $10 for students and teachers

and $6 for matinees for students, call 456-6322, or visit www.harttheater.org. “A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS” CONCERT, 8 p.m., Playhouse Downtown, downtown Hendersonville. The Music on the Rock series will feature “A Motown Christmas” Dec. 11-14 and Dec. 18-21. The concerts generally are at 8 p.m., although there are a number of 2 p.m. matinees, too. Released in 1973, the original “A Motown Christmas” featured performances by Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations and Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. Unique arrangements of beloved Christmas classics like “Silent Night” and “White Christmas” featured harmonies that epitomized the Motown sound. The FRP rendition of the concert “will come to life at Playhouse Downtown with a group of singers that are guaranteed to bring some extra joy to your Christmas season,” a FRP noted. For tickets, which are $24, call 693-0731or visit flatrockplayhouse.org.

Friday, Dec. 12

Charles Taylor Holiday Dinner, 7 p.m., Expo Center, Crowne Plaza Resort, Asheville. “The Hammer” — more formally known as former Republican House Majority Leader Tom Delay — will be the keynote speaker and guest of honor at the 22nd annual Charles Taylor Holiday Dinner. Delay represented Texas’s 22nd congressional district from 1985 until 2006. Delay’s ironclad control of the House of Representatives was legendary and earned him the nickname, “The Hammer.” Taylor has been hosting the annual holiday dinner for more than two decades to give Western North Carolina residents “an opportunity to hear from the state’s leading gubernatorial, congressional and presidential candidate,” an event flyer stated. Delay will be joined by North Carolina Sen.-Elect Thom Tillis, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and other elected officials. In addition to the dinner, there will also be a separate, private reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Mount Mitchell Suite, where those attending will get an opportunity to meet and have a photo taken with Delay and the other speakers. Tickets for

the dinner are $50 per person if purchased before Dec. 8. After Dec. 9, the dinner ticket cost will be $55 per person. Tickets to attend the private reception are $150 per person and include admission to the dinner. Checks should be made out to “Charles Taylor Christmas Dinner” and mailed to: Charles Taylor, P.O. Box 7587, Asheville, N.C. 28802. For more questions or more information, contact Trish Smothers at 243-2187 or tasmothers@yahoo.com. JOHN BERRY CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin. Country music singersongwrier John Berry will perform in concert. Between 1979 and 1990, Berry recorded and marketed six albums on his own label and his ensuing popularity prompted Capitol Records to sign him in 1992. His string of hits includes “Your Love Amazes Me,” “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye,” “I Think About It All the Time,” “Change My Mind,” “If I Had Any Pride Left At All,” “Kiss Me in the Car,” “What’s in It for Me” and “You and Only You.” For tickets, which are $20, $25 and $30, call 524-1598, or visit Great-

MountainMusic.com. CHRISTMAS SHOW, 7:30 p.m., John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. “Cinammon Grits: Christmas in the South” will provide a mix of storytelling and music that provides a Southernstyle look at the holidays. The show is a followup to the popular show, “Grits: The Musical.” For tickets, which are $21, call 227-2479 or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

Saturday, Dec. 13

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, 9 a.m.-noon, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville. A Breakfast With Santa event will feature a pancake breakfast, holiday-themed dance workshop and a make-an-ornament class. The program is designed for children ages 2-9, and their parents. Separate breakfast seatings will be offered at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For reservations, which are required (and for tickets, which are $8), call 259-5800 or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/Parks.

See CALENDAR, Page B7

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Calendar

Continued from Page B6

Saturday, Dec. 13

WARREN HAYNES CHRISTMAS JAM, 7 p.m., U.S. Cellular Center, downtown Asheville. Caleb Johnson, Asheville native and “American Idol” winner, recently was added to the lineup of the 26th annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam. In addition, Americana artist Jason Isbell has been named as a concert headliner, along with country legend Vince Gill. Other highlights will include Gov’t Mule, a jam band formed by Haynes, a Woodfin native and Grammy-winning blues rock guitarist. Also perfomring will be Billy & The Kids, Hard-Working Americans, The Revivalists and additional artists to be announced. The jam benefits the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, and the concert has raised more than $1.8 million for the nonprofit organization since the jam started in 1989. Trace Adkins’ Christmas Show, 7:30 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Resort, Cherokee. “The Christmas Show” Tour begins a new Trace Adkins holiday tradition for years to come. Envisioned as a theatrical production, Adkins will alternate between fireside storytelling of anecdotes (both personal and historical) and performances of classic carols with a 12-piece ensemble — a quartet string section, female vocalists and a range of traditional instruments. The tour is inspired by Adkins’ annual hosting duties at Disney World’s Candlelight Processional, where his deep baritone narrates Christmas stories, while a full choir and orchestra performs. For tickets, which range from $35.50 to $56.50, visit Ticketmaster.com. SINBAD COMEDY PERFORMANCE, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. Comedian Sinbad, who arrived on the comedy scene with a “hit ’em in the face” style of comedy that has kept audiences laughing for the past two decades, will perform. “He freely admits that he doesn’t know any jokes, except for the ones that his Dad told him ‘back in the day.’ Instead, Sinbad tells stories. The basis of his humor comes from everyone he’s met,

everything he’s seen, and everything he’s done,” a promotional flyer noted. Ranked by Comedy Central as one of the top 100 standup comedians of all time, Sinbad has built a loyal following for his observation of embarrassing moments from day-to-day life. He has also learned to be profound without being profane. He has starred in the television sitcom “A Different World,” as well as his own series, “The Sinbad Show.” He is also internationally known for his roles in hit movies like “Jingle All the Way,” playing opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger; “Houseguest,” co-starring the late Phil Hartman; and “Necessary Roughness.” For tickets, call (423) 638-1679 or visit boxoffice@ npacgreeneville.com.

Asheville Daily Planet — December 2014 — B7

Sunday, Dec. 14

HOLIDAY CABARET, 7 p.m., The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. The music hall will present “A Holiday Affair,” a show that will include dance sets from Les Filles Charme, les Femmes Mystique, and Bollywood dancers, music from Groovin’ Roots Jazz Band and what is billed as “some serious circus and comedy fun.” Local actress and comedian Delina Hensley will guide the audience through the evening cabaret mayhem. For tickets, which are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, visit http://thegreyeagle. com/files/2014/10/Garvin-Christmas.jpg.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

“JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL” SHOW, 7:30 p.m., N.C. Stage Co., 15 Stage Lane, downtown Asheville. “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” will be offered Dec. 17-28. The shows are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. For tickets, which are $15, $22 and $28, visit www.ncstage.org, or call 239-0263.

Thursday, Dec. 18

“SING WE JOYOUS!” CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., First United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St., downtown Asheville. Cantaria, the gay men’s chorus of Asheville, will present its “Sing We Joyous” concert. Also, the concert will be performed at 4 p.m. Dec. 21 at the church. Tickets, which are $20 for regular seating and $25 for VIP/reserved seating, will be available at the door, at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café or by visiting CantariaAsheville.org.

Comedian Sinbad will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville, Tenn.

Saturday, Dec. 20

CHRISTMAS SHOW, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. The Francesca Battistelli Christmas Tour will perform its show. Since her debut in 2008, Francesca Battistelli has earned a Grammy nomination (Best Gospel Performance), six Dove Awards including

2011 Artist of the Year and 22 Dove Award nominations. Both her debut album, “My Paper Heart” (certified gold in 2012), and her 2011 sophomore release, “Hundred More Years,” took the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Album chart. For tickets, call (423) 638-1679 or visit boxoffice@ npacgreeneville.com.

See CALENDAR, Page B8

B8 - December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Police end STS9 concert early after 7 overdoses reported

From Staff Reports

Emergency medical personnel transported seven people who were “unresponsive” from the Sound Tribe Sector 9 concert at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Oct. 25, an event that turned ugly after police took the rare step of shutting down the show early. It started about 8:45 p.m. and was shut down around 11:30 p.m. A dozen officers were called in to disperse the crowd of 1,400 and clear the streets. Police were pelted with bottles and other debris as they were helping those in need. EMS workers reported that a powerful hallucinogenic drug known as ketamine was involved in at least two of the

Jam

Continued from Page B1 Earlier this year, Johnson, a 23-yearold Asheville native, won the reality television singing competition. He served as grand marshal for the Asheville Holiday Parade on Nov. 22. Johnson also recently sang the national anthem before the football game between Enka and Erwin high schools. Johnson is a graduate of Erwin. Other acts scheduled on the 2014 Christmas Jam lineup include Billy and the Kids, a new group formed by Bill

overdose cases at the electronic music concert. Medics were not able to determine the cause of the overdoses in the other cases. All seven people who were transported to Mission Hospital were later discharged. Mission officials said they could not discuss the drugs involved, and Asheville police also declined to be specific, saying the investigation is ongoing. Ketamine, with a street name of “Special K,” is an anesthetic that is used mostly for animals in veterinary medicine. The drug has become popular among young people attending parties and concerts. The effects include euphoria and an out-of-body experience, and some users experience a “Khole,” a slang expression for a state of vivid hallucinations.

Kreutzmann, a founder of the Grateful Dead; and The Revivalists. Also performing will be Hard-Working Americans, billed as a new rock super group featuring singer Todd Snider, bassist Dave Schools from Widespread Panic, Neal Casal of Chris Robinson Brotherhood on guitar and vocals, Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi on keyboards and Duane Trucks on drums. The recently added co-headliner, Isbell, released a 2013 album, “Southeastern,” which was welcomed by widespread critical acclaim.

In September, Isbell, a former member of the Drive-By Truckers, captured awards for Artist, Song and Album of the Year at the 13th annual Americana Music Honors & Awards. The other co-headliner, Vince Gill, is billed as a country legend who has earned 20 Grammy Awards — more than any other male country music artist — and sold more than 24 million albums. Gill has recorded as a solo artist for almost three decades. For tickets, which are $70.51, visit www.xmasjam.com.

Calendar

Continued from Page B7

Sat., Dec. 20

CHRISTMAS SHOW, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. The Francesca Battistelli Christmas Tour will perform. For tickets, call (423) 638-1679 or visit boxoffice@npacgreeneville.com.

Sun., Dec. 21

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, 2 and 7 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack Place, downtown Asheville. The 12th annual winter holiday celebration, “A Swannanoa Solstice,” will feature Al Petteway, Amy White and Robin Bullock, joined by the talents and voices of special guest musicians, storytellers, dancers and Doug Orr, the host and founder of “The Swannanoa Gathering” at Warren Wilson College. For tickets, call 257-4530, or visit dwtheatre.com.

Sat., Dec. 27

Connemara CHRISTMAS,

10 a.m., The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, Flat Rock. Christmas at Connemara will offer a festive celebration honoring Carl Sandburg and highlighting the family tradition of singing holiday music. Also featured will be guided tours of the Sandburg home, decorated in the simple style of the Sandburg’s with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree, cookies and cider.

Wed., Dec. 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA, 7 p.m., Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Dr., Brevard. The Larry Keel Experience with Jeff Sipe will be the headliner at the brewery’s third annual New Year’s Eve Hootenanny. For tickets, which are $30 in advance and $40 at the door, visit http://brew.oskarblues.com/events/nye-brevard.

Sat., Jan. 3

Jeff Foxworthy SHOW, 7:30 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Resort, Cherokee. Comedian Jeff Foxworthy will perform. For tickets, which range from $53 to $85, visit Ticketmaster.com. See CALENDAR, PAGE B10

‘Lisztomania’

Continued from Page B1 The damage Liszt’s philandering does to his young family is evident, but Russell humanizes what could be an unlikeable character by unexpectedly referencing Charlie Chaplin. A silent vignette depicts the degeneration of Liszt’s loving relationship with mistress Marie D’Agoult (Fiona Lewis), eventual author of the tell-all memoir loosely adapted in Russell’s script. Watching this relationship strained to breaking by the birth of three children delivers emotional effect comparable to the best romantic melodrama without succumbing to saccharine tedium. Russell’s Liszt could be fairly associated with many of Federico Fellini’s protagonists: despicable cads granted an arresting degree of pathos by a sympathetic director. Reminiscent of the harem fantasy sequence

in Fellini’s “8-½,” the closing scenes depict Liszt’s afterlife, in which his music and his women persist in harmonious cohabitation. Russell’s indulgence in male wish-fulfillment, while overt, seems almost cloyingly sweet in contrast to Fellini’s darker and more misogynistic depths. Regardless, Russell’s films, like Fellini’s, are intended to be not merely seen, but felt. Any film with a 10-foot phallus guillotined by a blatant negative Anima figure might never appeal to the broadest possible audience. Similarly, Richard Wagner resurrected as a Hitlerian Frankenstein, murdering Jewish stereotypes with a machine-gun guitar, could raise a few eyebrows. However, the emotional resonance of Liszt’s struggles to reconcile his creative genius with life’s most difficult tasks, finding love and meaning, make “Lisztomania” a picture that should be on every film-goer’s bucket list.

Continued from Page B1 “First Impressions” interweaves two stories — one set in the present day focusing on a young woman named Sophie, while the other stars Austen in 1796, when she was 20 years old and busy writing the first drafts of “Pride and Prejudice” (1813) and “Sense and Sensibility” (1811). Lovett noted that the book’s subtitle — “A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen” — summarizes the tale. As for Austen, he noted that “she was a real person,” who lived from 1775 to 1817 in Steventon, England. She wrote several significant books, including (in her early period) the two that he referenced previously, as well as “Northanger Abbey” (1817). In Lovett’s novel, Austen’s “love interest,” Richard Mansfield (1716-1796), “was not a real person,” he said. Regarding his technique for writing about Austen, Lovett said, “I wanted to be sure I had the basic facts about her correct. To write her as a character, I went back to her first period of creative activity — ‘Northanger Abbey,’ ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Sense and Sensibility.’” Lovett said he asked himself, “What kind of person wrote these novels? Someone with a great sense of humor, keenly intelligent, quick-witted, bold and quietly revolutionary. That’s the kind of character I tried to write.” He also traveled to where Austen lived and visited the churchyard in which she was buried, interacting with the locals. He noted that he decided to make her love interest, Mansfield, 60 years her senior so that the relationship is purely an intellectual bonding — and not physical. In his first scene, where Austen first encounters Mansfield, Lovett read a passage that noted that “neither dullness nor impetuousness were among them.” Austen told Mansfield that “‘I imagined you reading a book on garden slugs.’” “‘I actually was reading a novel,’” he said. To that, Austen said, “‘While I aspire to write novels, you can’t imagine that I’d... read them.’” Lovett noted that, in real life as well as in his book, Austen “thought novels were absolutely horrid.” In turning back to the book’s cover, Lovett said, “Our other heroine, Sophie Collingwood ... is a fictional person... She’s not a real person, but she’s the main character in ‘First Impressions.’” He added, “It just so happens that ‘First Impressions’ was Austen’s inital name for her work that eventually became ‘Pride and Prejudice.’” With a smile, Lovett said he checked with his father, who is knowledgeable about Austen — “and he knows” about that title, “so I thought Jane Austen fans would (also) ‘know’ the significance of my novel’s name. So I liked the title a lot.” He then read a passage from the first scene involving “our modern heroine (So-

phie) at Mansfield Park. “‘She knew every curve of the Thames path.... She spotted a young man under a tree, reading... Slovenly would be the best way to describe him... To go out of one’s way to look bad just seemed rude.’” The young man uttered some reference to her about “What really gets me is these Austen fan girls....” “‘Not that it’s any of your business, but I just happen to read Jane Austen,’” Sophie responded. To Sophie’s amazement the man responded with an Austen quotation about “lounging on the banks of the Thames on a sunny summer day.” “‘You’re surprised that ... I quoted from (Austen’s) ‘Northanger Abbey,’” he told her, noticing that she was impressd. “So that’s how Sophie comes to meet Eric,” Lovett said. In developing the relationships between both sets of characters in his new book, Lovett said he researched “unexpected love.” On Google, he found references to “young people on the beach, or hearts and teddy bears.” He added, “Sophie has two gentlemen courting after her. It’s possible she might share some character traits with (Austen’s) Mr. Darcy and …. I wanted to explore the fact that love is more than 20-somethings walking on the beach at sunset.” Further, Lovett said, “The relationship between Jane Austen and (the) Rev. Richard Mansfield... He recognizes in Jane the seeds of brilliance. He encourages her. He becomes someone she can confide in... She can read her work to him. She goes to visit her brother and has a sudden realization. Jane Austen loved Richard Mansfield,” but “it was more intellectual than passionate. Avuncular. There was a meeting of the minds that was rare.” As for the modern relationship, Lovett said, “So Sophie grows up in this big English manor house. It has a grand library that remains locked. It’s really her Uncle Bertram that introduces her to the world of books. She discovers this world of cracked leather bindings” — and vexing men. After Lovett’s talk, attendee Emily E. Wood of Asheville, upon request, wrote the following response to what she heard: “Prior to Malaprop’s promotion of this event, I was unfamiliar with Mr. Lovett & his work. Thus, it was my long admiration of Ms. Austen & the six complete novels she left to posterity that prompted me to attend. It is intriguing that Mr. Lovett has chosen to use Ms. Austen as a main character in his newest novel and refreshing that he has refrained from following in the recent trend of some authors who have borrowed her renowned characters for the creation of spin-off narratives. I am eagerly anticipating an entertaining read sprinkled with mystery & wit from a bibliophilic perspective.”

Austen

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B10 - December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet

Holiday Parade with ‘Idol’ winner draws big turnout

From Staff Reports

The Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles on Nov. 22, featured almost 100 entries from area nonprofits, schools, marching bands and businesses. “American Idol” winner and Asheville native Caleb Johnson led these entries as grand marshal. Thousands of people attended the parade, organized by the Asheville Downtown Association. Several long-time parade attendees said the turnout was larger than usual, attributing it to excitement over the appearance of Johnson. The day was sunny, but moderately cool. The parade started on Biltmore Avenue at South Charlotte Street, turned west on Patton Avenue, and ended at South French Broad Avenue. The performance stop was

Calendar

Continued from Page B8

Friday, Jan. 16

Gregg Allman CONCERT, 9 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee. Gregg Allman, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band and inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will perform in concert.The ABB’s unique amalgam of rock, blues, country and even jazz-flourishes expanded the boundaries of rock music and their signature, extended onstage jamming set new standards for live concert performance, according to a press release. In addition to his singing and playing, Allman wrote many of ABB’s most memorable signature hits, including the classics “Whipping Post” and “Dreams” from the self-titled debut album “Midnight Rider” — and “Please Call Home” from the band’s second LP, “Idlewild South,” and “Melissa” from 1972’s “Eat A Peach.” For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.

Saturday, Feb. 7

UMPHREY’S McGEE CONCERT, 8 p.m., U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St., downtown Asheville. Progressive rock band Umphrey’s McGee will perform in concert. For tickets, which are $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the show, visit www.ticketmaster.com, or clal (800) 745-3000.

Saturday, Feb. 21

HEART CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Resort, Cherokee. The rock band, founded by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson four decades ago,will perform in concert. Heart has sold more than 35 million records worldwide, and is best-known for songs “Barracuda,” “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” and “Alone.” For tickets, which are $42 to 62, visit www.ticketmaster.com, or call (800) 745-3000.

Tuesday, March 10

GARRISON KEILLOR SHOW, 7:30 p.m., Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, U.S. Cellular Center, downtown Asheville. Performer-writer Garrison Keillor will perform in concert. Keillor, a bestselling author and host of NPR’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” delivers “hilarious anecdotes about growing up in the American Midwest — and the aging process... not to mention ‘late-life fatherhood,” an event press release noted. “With a wonderful, dry sense of humor, he captivates audiences and delivers with class, charisma and humor.” Keillor has received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for his recording of “Lake Wobegon Days.” Tickets, which are available at the U.S. Cellular Center Box Office or by calling (800) 745-3000, also may be ordered by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Friday, March 13

STYX CONCERT, 9 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Resort, Cherokee. The band Styx will perform in concert. Styx, a rock band from Chicago, became famous for its albums from the mid-1970s and early 1980s. For tickets, which range from $37 to $69.50, visit www. ticketmaster.com, or call (800) 745-3000.

near the Vance Monument at Biltmore and Patton avenues. The grand marshal float, sponsored by Mission Health, led the parade along with the Honored Veterans float, sponsored by Goodwill of NWNC. The Santa float, sponsored by Deerfield Retirement Community, concluded the parade. Other highlights included the Hillcrest High Steppin’ Majorettes and Drum Corp, the Amazing Pubcycle peddled by the Blue Ridge Roller Girls, and Off the Wagon Dueling Piano Bar. After the parade, U.S. Cellular Center hosted Ingles JingleFest throughout the afternoon. Johnson stopped by JingleFest for a meet-and-greet with area fans — and

signed autographs. JingleFest also featured entertainment with performances from many of the groups that participated in the parade, along with inflatables and bouncy houses. Families also were able to have their children’s photo taken with Santa, courtesy of Icon Media Asheville. Plus, Macaroni Kid and Asheville Flyer provided a craft station for young children. New this year at JingleFest was the handmade craft market, featuring 25 local crafters. • Photos of Caleb Johnson from the parade appear on Page B11

Remember the neediest!

Asheville Daily Planet — December 2014 - B11

Special photos by TODD DAVIDSON

“American Idol” winner and Asheville native Caleb Johnson led the annual Holiday Parade as grand marshal on Nov. 22 in downtown Asheville. He later signed autographs at JingleFest at the U.S. Cellular Center. Johnson also is scheduled to perform at the annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, which begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in the U.S. Cellular Center. A story on the parade appears on Page B10 — and on the jam on Page B1.

Staff Photos

Asheville’s annual Holiday Parade on Nov. 22 featured (top left) one of many floats carrying children, the Montford Park Players (above) decked out in Dickens-era outfits and the crowd turnout was quite large (left), with several attendees attributing it to the presence of Caleb Johnson.

B12 - December 2014 - Asheville Daily Planet