Asheville Daily Planet June 2012 by John North

‘Ghost-buster’ survives harrowing Dracula trip — Pg. 8 LLE I V HE AS ASHEVILLEʼS GREATEST NEWSPAPER

June 2012

Vol. 8, No. 7

An Independent Newspaper Serving Greater Asheville

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By JOHN NORTH

john@ashevilledailyplanet.com

The Council of Independence Business Owners on June 1 heard presentations on the proposed Buncombe County budget, on food security in Asheville and Buncombe and on the formation of a neighborhood advisory committee for Asheville. The addresses were featured during a CIBO Issues Meeting that followed an early-morning breakfast buffet in the food court at Biltmore Square Mall in West Asheville. About 50 people — mostly business-owners — attended, as well as a number of political candidates and local officials. After each talk, CIBO members questioned the speakers, sometimes expressing sharp disagreement with their ideas. County Manager Wanda Greene, who led off the hour-long program, said that, before the recession, the county issued $12 million in food stamps. That total reached a high of $70 million a few years ago and “has leveled off” to about $58 million, she noted. “While things are improving, we’re still not out of the woods,” insofar as the local economy is concerned, Greene said. “We are dealing with horrific, horrific adult- and child-abuse cases,” in terms of their volume and intensity. See HORRIFIC, Page 6

Daily Planet Staff Photos

Reggae band rocks Montford Above, Dub Kartel, billed as a seven-piece instrumental reggae act from Asheville, entertained the crowd late in the morning of May 19 on the Soco Stage at the Montford Music & Arts Festival in Asheville. Formed in 2010 from members of Shining Rock, “The Farm”- based funk band Strut and Common Foundation, Dub Kartel makes music that had the crowd dancing away its worries. To the left is the Asheville Morris Men, who danced to demonstrate Asheville’s cultural freedom.

More photos of the festival appear on Page 2

Tickling funny bones ... with a neo-conservative twist? By JOHN NORTH

john@ashevilledailyplanet.com

Daily Planet Staff Photo

Eric Golub, aka the Tygrrrr Express, kept the crowd laughing on May 29 in Skyland.

SKYLAND — Meetings of the Asheville Tea Party usually are serious affairs, but the featured speaker, comedian Eric Golub, had the 40 or so people in stitches of laughter with his rapid-fire jokes on May 29 at the Skyland Fire Department. In addition to tea party regulars, several members of the newly formed Conservative Jewish Alliance were in attendance — as was an unidentified-but-frequent female participant in liberal-progressive protests in downtown Asheville. She was wearing a baseball cap with FBI stenciled on the front of it. She departed soon after the meeting. ATP Chair Jane Bilello introduced Golub as Brooklyn-born, Long Island-raised, Jewish and politically conservative. She also noted that he has lived in Los Angeles since 1990. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Judaism and an MBA from the University of

Southern California. He is a former stockbroker. He also is a well-known blogger, aka the Tygrrr Express, and “has been “inflicting” his views on his readers” since March 11, 2007, Bilello said with a smile. His site won the Bloggers Choice Awards for Most Passionate Fan Base in 2007. Bilello also quipped that, “after years of dating liberals, he’s finally seen the light and only dates Republican Jewish women” now, triggering much laughter from the attendees. Meanwhile, Wikipedia describes Golub as “politically neo-conservative” and that he calls himself the “pre-eminent politically neo-conservative comedian.” Golub also is author of a trilogy of books, which he offered for sale after the program, including “Ideological Bigotry,” “Ideological Violence” and “Ideological Idiocy.” As he noted during his performance, he was caught up in a controversy for making a joke that

compared liberals to “special-needs children” at the tea party-affiliated “Restoring America” rally in Indianola, Iowa, before Sarah Palin spoke on Sept. 3, 2011. Palin has a son who was born with Down Syndrome. Golub, who defended his comment in Skyland, has reportedly made the same assertion at other conservative events. Golub began his comedy routine by asserting, “The good news in North Carolina is (Gov.) Beverly Perdue is stepping down ... The bad news is, she’s probably going to be the coach of the Charlotte Bobcats.” Noting that North Carolina is in the Bible Belt, he told of a Jewish friend getting lost in Charlotte — and finally seeking help from a Baptist church. The Baptists asked his friend lots of questions about where he was headed, eventually irking the Jewish man and his passengers when they kept referring to “Billy Graham.” See FUNNY, Page 18

2 —June 2012 - Asheville Daily Planet

Daily Planet Staff Photoss

The Asheville-based tropical swing band Kon Tiki (above left) entertains the crowd, as a couple performs classic surf dance stylings (top right), much to the crowd’s amusement. The band members are (from left) Russ Wilson, percussion and vocals; Henry Westmoreland, tuba; Lin Lewellyn, vocals and ukelele; and Hank Bones, Hawaian lap steel, guitar, vocals and bird calls.

9th Montford festival proves entertaining From Staff Reports

The 9th Annual Montford Music & Arts Festival reportedly drew more than 6,800 people — its largest-ever crowd — during the all-day neighborhood celebration on a sunny, balmy May 19. In addition to a musical lineup that was

headlined by the traditional bluegrass of David Holt and the Lightning Bolts, there were numerous colorful booths featuring local artwork, unusual clothing, local crafts and services. Besides Holt and his band, other performers included Kon Tiki, Ira Bernstein and John Hermann, Buncombe Turnpike,

Snake Oil Medicine Show, Free Flow Band, WestSound, Evergreen EMBE Marimba Band, Dub Kartel, Bittersweet, The Secret B Sides, The Judas Horse, Lyric, Jahman Brahman, Pick Your Switch and the Swayback Sisters. In addition, the Montford Park Players were performing scenes from their

then-current production of “The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged).” Also entertaining the crowd were The Mountain Lion Dragon Dancers, which snaked through the crowd; the dancing of the Asheville Morris Men, the Ashgrove Garland Dancers — and a Maypole celebration, as well as children’s activities.

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Asheville Daily Planet — June 2012 - 3

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Daily Planet Staff Photo

Bill Stanley (right) receives an award for his service from retired Navy Capt. Kenneth Vasilik (far left) on May 28 in Asheville. In the middle are Terry Bellamy, Asheville’s mayor; and David Gantt, chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.

Military personnel and their well-wishers salute during the Memorial Day observance in downtown Asheville.

Memorial Day marked by sparse turnouts From Staff Reports

Memorial Day ceremonies drew relatively sparse turnouts in Asheville and Black Mountain on May 28. A ceremony held near the Veterans Memorial in Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville — jointly hosted by the city and Buncombe County — drew about 150 people to a mid-afternoon program. Earlier in the day, dozens reportedly gathered at the WNC State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, where about 4,400 people, including spouses, are buried. “I think those who die in war want us to know that they died for us,” retired Navy Capt. Kenneth Vasilik told the

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Standoff with public radio station continues From Staff Reports

The head of the Ad-Hoc Committee for Responsive Public Radio was its lone representative at the WCQS-FM (88.1) board meeting May 16 in Asheville — and he remains frustrated with the way the station is handling the group’s complaints. Flaxman’s committee had filed a petition with the Federal Communications Commission, asking that the Ashevilled-based public radio station’s broadcasting license, which is up for renewal, be turned down. In its filing, the group had charged that WCQS was not responsive to the local listernship and had violated some FCC requirements. The committee has offered to withdraw its FCC petition, if WCQS is willing to work out a compromise. WCQS claims it still is pondering the complaints — and the FCC has not yet acted on the petition. Jody Evans, WCQS’ executive director, responded via e-mail to questions from the Daily Planet on June 5, seeking the station’s side of the story. Evans stated in the e-mail, “Because the petition to deny our license is still pending, we have no comment regarding Mr. Flaxman, his committee or this issue. “We expect the FCC to make a ruling on the petition this summer. “I do think it is important to note that WCQS board meetings are open to the public and we welcome anyone to attend and to participate,” Evans wrote. While she did not address the question about WCQS’ recent success in her e-mail response, Evans reportedly told the board recently that the station is now the second most-listened-to public station – per capita – in the U.S. and the second most-listened-to station in the Asheville area, following only Kiss Country Radio (99.9 FM).

Meanwhile, after attending yet another WCQS board meeting — this one at the Habitat for Humanity offices on Meadow Road, Flaxman noted to the Daily Planet, “As usual, I was the only person from the public to show up, which I did a few minFred Flaxman utes early. Bryan Smith, the board chairman, sat down next to me before the meeting began, apologized for having to miss the last board meeting. as he was sent by his company, Volvo, to a business meeting in Europe. “Mr. Smith said that he and the board really wanted to discuss our January letter with us, but were advised by their FCC attorneys not to do so until the FCC reviewed their application for license renewal.” Flaxman added that Smith “suggested that in the meantime we work through their Community Advisory Board, which he said was a well-functioning group now with a new chairperson. “I replied that I did attend their most recent meeting in Hendersonville and that, since then, a CAB member had asked me for a copy of our January letter to share with the CAB members for discussion. I sent her the letter by e-mail. “I asked Mr. Smith the reasons for their attorney’s advice, to which he replied that the FCC application process was very complicated and that’s what they advised and continue to advise. He told me that he had

not spoken to their attorney himself. “When the meeting began, public comments came first, so I made mine about being totally surprised by their attorney’s advice, knowing that the FCC encouraged us to try to resolve our issues with the station, if we could, and thus withdraw our petition to deny their license renewal. “I said that that would be beneficial to all concerned, except, perhaps, the attorney, who might not make as much money on the case. I asked Mr. Smith to call their attorney to find out why he gave that advice, and to get back to me with the reasons. He promised to do so within two weeks. “I stayed for the rest of the meeting, which lasted more than an hour. Afterward, the new chair of the WCQS Community Advisory Board, Rendi Mann-Stadt, introduced herself to me and asked if she could attend our May 23rd meeting, which she heard about from one of our members. She did that. “In the first hour, when we talked to Rendi, we learned how hard it is for anyone connected in any way with WCQS to admit that even having CAB meetings quarterly rather than twice a year might be a good idea! And that was the easiest to implement of all our proposals. “But at least she asked to meet with and listen to us — the first quasi-WCQS person to do so. Also she indicated, but didn’t promise, that she would try to bring up our proposals for discussion with the CAB without waiting almost a half a year to do so. (As the CAB chair, she can call a meeting anytime she wants to — twice a year is a minimum for regular meetings, not a maximum.) “The rest of our meeting was spent discussing our committee’s options, depending on whether or not the FCC approves WCQS’s license renewal. That part was in

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executive session and is confidential, as I’m sure you’ll understand,” Flaxman said. In a letter to his committee sent prior to the meeting, Flaxman noted that “I’ll point out that I consulted with the FCC before we sent the board our letter and that the FCC encouraged us to see if we could meet with WCQS to resolve our issues and then withdraw our petition to deny WCQS its license renewal. We would have to do that in writing with an affidavit affirming that we did not receive financial compensation from WCQS for withdrawing our petition.” #4

What injuries are covered by Workers’ Compensation? Worker’s Compensation (WC) law covers any accident on the job. An “accident” covered by WC law includes any unusual or unexpected injury, not only accidents in the sense most of us think of them. Health problems related to work conditions (referred to as occupational diseases) that are developed over time may be covered. Back injuries involving a specific traumatic incident that can be traced to work are also covered under N.C. law. Psychological problems directly related to your work may be compensable. Even pre-existing ailments might be covered if they were sufficiently aggravated by the accident. You should consult a qualified lawyer to determine whether your work injury is covered by WC law.

Asheville Daily Planet — June 2012 — 5

Tips offered for choosing, maintaining ‘prep vehicles’ Second of two stories

From Staff Reports BLACK MOUNTAIN — “Prep Vehicles” should be chosen for sustainability, reliability and maintainability, guest speaker Tim Glance told the crowd at the 2nd Annual Sensible Mountain Preparedness Seminar May 4-5 at Ridgecrest Conference Center. “Pick a vehicle that fits your needs,” the number of people one needs to transport, intended use, terrain expected and driver’s abilities, he asserted. “I recommend four-wheel-drive ... always,” Glance said. The seminar drew about 700 people on May 4 and about 1,100 people on May 5. It was organized by Carolina Readiness Supply in Waynesville. The keynote speaker was Dr. William Forstchen, author of the New York Times bestseller, “One Second After.” He is a history professor at nearby Montreat College. The book tells of a fictional electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the United States and the action is centered in Black Mountain. The June edition of the Daily Planet featured a story on the talk by Forstchen and an interview with Brooklyn Bagwell, casting director of the National Geographic TV series “Doomsday Preppers.” Bagwell did not address the seminar, but had a table in the vendor area, where she was seeking prospective participants in the show. Glance, who is taking over Old Grouch’s Real Military Surplus in Clyde from his father Buddy, told the crowd on May 4 that he is a former U.S. Army warrant officer — and thus is fastidious about maintenance in particular and details in general. He said a possible EMP attack would “fry” solid-state devices, transistors and microchips. Gas-powered vehicles, built before the mid-1970s, lack solid-state devices, so they are considered more likely to remain operable if an EMP hits, although he said some models built as late as the early ‘90s “can be retrofitted.” As a former Army warrant officer, he said with a laugh, “Preventative maintenance was drilled into my head.” To that end, he said, “most breakdowns are preventable. A little work now makes your vehicle more reliable when you need it most. Replace parts before they wear out or break. Check your vehicle often. Check your gear you carry. Don’t skip recommended maintenance intervals.” Earlier, he stressed that maps are “excellent” and one should always have spare parts and tools. “One spare is a must; two is better, if you can fit” it in. He also recommended packing a batteryoperated compressor and a tire plug kit, which “can make changing a (flat) tire unnecessary.” In general, he said one should pack all of the basic hand tools needed “for any job on your vehicle that can be done in the field.” As for spare parts, Glance said, “At a minimum, (pack) all belts, hoses and common failure parts” for one’s vehicle. A more advanced spare parts kit would include an alternator, starter, carburetor or fuel-injection pump, water pump and U-joint. “Research your vehicle to learn what can fail and what is hard to get” during a crisis. For those who are not mechanically included, Glance recommended, “Carry it

(a spare part), even if you don’t know how to repair it.” He said the chances are someone will have the skill to make the repair, if a mishap occurs. While he said one can save lots of money from buying certain parts at a junkyard, he noted that it is Tim Glance better to buy belts and hoses at a parts store. Regarding communications devices for prep vehicles, Glance said there are three major options, including a CB radio, a scanner and a ham radio. “A CB radio is good ... and it has the most users that also — at times” — provides “one of the must unreliable information from malicious users.” As for scanners, he said, “If I had to choose one of the three, it’d be a scanner.” He called a scanner “a must to get real-time information after a disaster. Glance called a ham radio ‘The best, most reliable communication, but it requires some effort to get licensed” to use one legally. “When it all comes down to it, ham radio operators will be the last ones talking in the world.” However, Glance said “the ideal setup is all three” — a CB radio, a scanner and a ham radio. He added, “In some states, it’s illegal to have a scanner in your vehicle.” Glance suggested that one check his state’s laws on the matter. Next, he addressed recovery equipment, including a shovel, ax, saw, high-lift jack, traction aids (planks, chain-link fence), recovery straps, tow straps, tire choices and a come-along cable-puller. As for fuels, he said “gas is very dangerous. If carried in a vehicle’s trunk, he recommended “not more than 5 to 10 gallons.” If one is carrying fuel outside a vehicle, “more is OK,” but “avoid the crush area on the rear.” He suggested rotating surplus gas every six months.

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He said one should avoid storing ethenol, and that diesel “is far stafer and stores much longer” than other fuels. He stressed that diesel should be stored in a metal container that is not 100 percent air-tight. Glance also urged people to keep enough of all other fluids to replace if all are lost. “Military metal cans are best. If you get get thick plastic, though, use it.” Further, he said one should pack engine oil, transmission fluids and “lubes for your (vehicles’) rear-ends” Among the many other items he suggested packing is a 5-lb. fire extinguisher, ABC- or BC-rated. He suggested getting it inspected every six months “and know how to use it. During a question-and-answer session

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afterward, Glance told a questioner that biofuel can be stored for “up to two years.” A woman asked whether a stick shift or automatic transmission would be better in a “prep vehicle,” if an EMP were to hit. “If it’s not a computer-controlled transmission, modern automatics are nice,” but if one prefers a stick shift, Glance did not see any problem with opting for one. Someone pressed Glance for a specific vehicle he would recommend for use in a possible cataclysm. “The old diesel-powered Blazers and Suburbans ... because you still have fourwheel-drive” — and they are built to last. Glance also said that those sturdy vehicles have been popular for many years, so parts would be plentiful in junkyards.

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Horrific

Continued from Page 1 “I want to emphasize that we have “really dedicated (DSS) staff and they do a really good job, considering the case load,” Greene said. On a separate matter, she noted that “there is very little change” in the proposed Buncombe budget — “it’s up 1 percent over 2012.” She also said that the revenue streams for the county budget leaves the county with limited options. The property, intergovernmental and sales taxes represent about 80 percent of Buncombe’s revenue stream, Greene said, while human services, education and public safety account for about 82 percent of expenses. The county did record an 0.8 percent increase in sales tax revenue, she noted, adding that “we had the second lowest tax rate of the nine other urban counties” in the state. “At out existing tax rate, we’ve met most of the needs.” Greene asserted, “We do a really good job of collecting property taxes,” especially relative to the other urban North Carolina counties. “We’ve done all this with fewer employees than we’ve had in 20 years” by contracting services to private companies. “We’re 1,420 employees today,” handling a heavy workload, especially the Department of Social Services and the sheriff’s office. She said a public hearing would be held on the proposed county budget on June 4 and that a “reappraisal/revaluation (of real estate) is underway. We will have those values on Jan. 1, 2013 ... The really high-end homes still have not reach bottom. The under $200,000 to $300,0000 homes — we’re

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Asheville Daily Planet —June 2012 — 7

Councilman pushes for food security for poor From Staff Reports

Food security in Asheville and surrounding Buncombe County was the focus of a June 1 talk by Gordon Smith, a member of Asheville City Council. In addressing the Council of Independent Business Owners in Biltmore Square Mall, Smith began by noting that “we’ve got over 55 percent of our kids on free or reduced lunches” locally. He defined “food security” as “when people have access to healthy, affordable food at all times ... In meeting with various groups, everyone agreed that what we had here in Buncombe County is a problem that can — and must — be addressed.” To that end, Smith said the AshevilleBuncombe Food Policy Council has been formed to address the issue. The councilman expressed concern that when school out for the summer, children that reciving free lunches and breakfasts are going hungry because their parents are unable to provide for their needs. Also, Smith said that “we know kids who are not getting adequate nutrition do not do as well (in class) as those who do.”

In studying what has been successful on the issue elsewhere, Smith said the answer is local food policy councils. “Y’all know there’s been a lot of knowledge lost over the last few generations over how to produce and eat a proper meal,” he noted. “I see this as a 25-year processs. I invite all of you to join in this ... It cuts across all ideological lines.” With a note of pride, Smith said City Council recently eliminated a restriction on holding a farmers market in neighborhood areas and committed to purchasing at least 10 percent of foods from local sources. “There aren’t a lot of farms producing big volumes of food (locally) to take care of larger institutions, such as the hospital,” Smith warned. The latest development in local food security effort, he said, include council receiving a draft of ideas from the BFPC, which was sent for review to the city Sustainability Advisory Council. “In nine to 14 months from now, I’m hoping we’ll have a food security plan for Asheville City Council to vote on.” During a question-and-answer period afterward, CIBO member Karl Koon said he

Neighborhood advisory council plan explained to business group From Staff Reports The formation of a neighborhood advisory council was Asheville City Councilman Chris Pelly’s topic of a June 1 presentation to the Council of Independent Business Owners at Biltmore Square Mall. Pelly began by noting that he is six months into his first term on council. He noted that before being elected to council, “I worked on the neighborhood level ... to bring in parks and sidewalks.” Pelly also pointed out that he has lived in East Asheville for around 20 years. The area long has lacked representation on council, he said The councilman said he has observed over the years that “neighborhoods and city governments don’t talk to each other very well. “I often thought it’d be a good idea to set up a mechanism” to handle the problem, “so Asheville City Council has set up a neighborhood advisory council. Pelly said he envisions having a ninemember NAC to enable organizers to “get as much diversity on it as possible .... “The idea is to take about six months and see how we could do better ... Hopefully, it can come up with suggestions (for improvements) to Asheville City Council.” In closing, Pelly said, “I felt it’s better to start small ... rather than to impose additional bureaucracy on the city.” During a question-and-answer session, CIBO member Robert M. “Mac” Swicegood II asserted, “It seems like you’ve always had your own agenda.” Swicegood lamented that efforts, such as those of Pelly, have resulted in the delay in construction of the I-26 connector. He also cited concern about a proposal for Charlotte Street to be reduced from three lanes to two. In response, Pelly said, “I want to get a fresh start here” on council. “I want to get away from that conflict paradigm.” To that, Swicegood then questioned Pelly’s plan to have nine members on the

NAC. “Don’t you think nine is going to be more cumbersome than five?” Responding, Pelly said, “That might be right, but there’s others who want 15 members (on the NAC) ... The idea was to have broad zip-code representation, so that parts of Chris Pelly the city don’t feel left out.” CIBO member Dwight Butner said, “Chris, thank you for all you’re doing. How plugged in are” the city’s neighborood coordinators to the NAC plan? Pelly said a key neighborhood coordinator will served as the city’s liaison. “But also the city manager has an interest in this as well.”

LETTERS The Asheville Daily Planet invites Letters to the Editor of 200 words or less. Please include your name, mailing address, daytime telephone number and e-mail address. For more information, call (828) 252-6565. Send mail to: Letters, Asheville Daily Planet P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, NC 28814 Send e-mail to: letters@ashevilledailyplanet.com

Mac Swicegood

Gordon Smith

applauded the efforts on food security. However, CIBO member Robert M. “Mac” Swicegood II said that Warren Wilson College, despite its best efforts, “can’t cover itself with food production.” Smith replied, “Warren Wilson College can produce some of the food it needs.” In an interview after the meeting, Swicegood told the Daily Planet that, even though WWC raises beef and park, “if you want to buy a cow or hog, you have to take it to a butcher ... They can’t feed it to their students. They have to go through the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“So if you have vegetables (or fruit), you might be able to take them to Ingles” and sell them, but “you can’t go to a farmers market and sell a side of beef.” In his view, Swicegood said, “There either has to be a relaxation of roles by the state or federal government.” or “you need to bring a (meat) processing facility here. Will that have to be subsidized by local government?” Swicegood said the idea of producing all or most of the area’s needed food locally constitutes “a wonderful idea.” However, Smith’s ideas make him wonder if it is a duplication of the function of MANNA FoodBank and if city leaders are “vote pandering. There’s a disconnect.” Swicegood called WWC “a wonderful asset, but if they can’t make it work, how can this?” In previous times, the school was able to raise beef, chicken and hogs, which it butchered, and fed to the students. Now, with more stringent laws, “anything to do with blood and meat, the feds get involved.” He suggested that local governments have created some of their own problems, when it comes to food security.

8 - June 2012 - Asheville Daily Planet

Strange incidents reported in land of Dracula Paranormal investigator survives macabre attacks; cites corroboration

By JOHN NORTH

john@ashevilledailyplanet.com

Asheville paranormal investigator Shelley Wright recently returned from the “Dracula 2012 Paranormal Expedition” to Transylvania in Romania — and she says she had two eery experiences while she was visiting the land of Dracula. The May 19-28 trip was sponsored by Joshua P. Warren’s “Speaking of Strange” radio program on WWNC-AM (570) in Asheville and Dave Schrader’s KTLK-FM’s DarknessRadio in Minneapolis, Minn. Thirty-twop people signed up for the trip, with contingents from both radio hosts’ areas. Both Warren and Schrader are major figures in the paranormal field. Wright, along with Patricia Dement, both studied under Warren, from whom they received their certifications as paranormal investigators. In general, Wright said she was pleased that her fellow travelers were “fairly serious” about paranormal studies and “came from all walks of life. It was really fun. There was a wonderful group dynamic.” However, early in the trip, on May 21, Wright said she was one of two people who “got choked in one of the rooms” during a visit to Bran Castle. As she walked into the Queen Anne sitting room, Wright told the Daily Planet in a June 3 interview, “Suddenly, all of the air went out of the room. I felt like I was being choked or strangled. I can still feel the thumbs pressing against my windpipe. All of the air was sucked out of the room.” The sensation was over quickly, she said, and as Wright explained to the others what she had felt, another woman in the group, Shelby Record, said the same thing had happened to her. As for why she supposed such an experience would happen, Wright replied, “Maybe whatever was there didn’t want us there.” Still, she said, “That was cool because both of my experiences were corroborated” by others. A few days later, the second strange experience happened to her and Dement, whom Wright nicknamed “Demented Patty.” They were staying in “a very old hotel, but a beautiful place,” the Casa Wagner, in Sighisoara. That evening, the group dined at a nearby restaurant, when Dement said she was not feeling well

Most authorities believe the character of Dracula in Bram Stoker’s novel was based upon the historical figure Vlad Tepes (depicted in a painting above), who intermittently ruled an area of the Balkans called Wallachia in the mid-15th century. He was also called by the names Vlad III, Vlad Dracula and Vlad the Impaler.

The group that took the “Dracula 2012 Hunedoara. and returned to their hotel room. “I came back three or four hours laters — and the room was dark. And I realized it was awfully cold in there ... I got into bed, lay down, got under the covers and, all of a sudden, a ball of blackness came down at her from the ceiling— it just kind of seemed to shift ... and got bigger toward the bottom, as if to envelope me.” However, at the last moment, she sat up to keep it from covering her — and it disappeared. “I keep looking for it, but I didn’t see it,” Wright said. “I gave a yelp or scream, and I was breathing heavily,” awakening Dement, who asked Wright

Paranormal Expedition” to Romania poses in front of the Hunyad’s Castle at what was wrong. With the room still dark, she told Dement what had happened to her. To Wright’s surprise, Dement told her that earlier in the evening, when she was alone in the room, she felt that something was watching her from the ceiling. Dement also told her that, when Wright walked into the room, it suddenly got colder, “even after we closed the windows,” Wright recounted. She said it got so cold in the room that each woman grabbed her investigative equipment and asked questions aloud, such as “Is anyone there?” She said they did not hear any answers — and that they had their tape-recording equipment operating. They did hear what sounded like little pebbles or

marbles being thrown against the walls. “I think it was paranormal,” Wright said of her second experience. “I don’t know what the motivation was for the thing coming down at me .... “I don’t know if my sitting up made it dissipate.” So did Wright think the apparition tried to attack her because she was female? “Maybe,” she replied. “If I had to choose, I’d say it was male. It seemed like it was male ... it had that certain aggressiveness about it.” Later, “We found out there’d been a 5-pointsomething earthquake. Joshua (Warren) said earthquakes tend to intensify paranormal activity.” Wright said,

This group photo — of women jokingly called “the brides of Dracula” — was shot inside inside Hunedora Castle, where Vlad the Impaler reportedly was held prisoner. From left are paranormal investigators Shelley Wright, Patricia Dement — and a fellow traveler known merely as “Andrea the Canadian.”

Asheville Daily Planet — June 2012 — 9

Concert review

Midtown Men work magic in the mountains

By JOHN NORTH

john@ashevilledailyplanet.com

FRANKLIN — The Midtown Men, four stars from the original cast of the Broadway smash “Jersey Boys,” brought back the sounds of the 1960s during a dazzling June 2 performance with impeccable harmonies and top-notch choreography at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. The quartet of big-time, Broadway-trained singers-dancers, backed by a crack seven-piece band that showed off its own ‘60s’ moves, opened in high-octane fashion with the Four Seasons’ “Let’s Hang On” and “Working My Way Back to You,” followed by Neil Sedaka’s “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.” The crowd responded in kind, applauding the group’s youthful vitality and full-fledged efforts. Following the three opening songs, the Midtown Men noted that this was the group’s first trip to the Smoky Mountains — and that they liked the area. They also told a bit about their backgrounds and noted that, while performing in “Jersey Boys,” they “fell in love with the great songs of the ‘60s ... We’re truly having the time of our lives!” As the crowd cheered, one group member teased the crowd that it was time to get rowdy, saying, “Let’s make them to call the Franklin police on us!” The group then performed a note-perfect rendition of The Beatles “Can’t Buy Me Love,” followed by The Turtles’ “Happy Together” and Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t That Peculiar?” Langoria, who played the part of Franki Valli (lead singer of the Four Seasons) in the musical “Jersey Boys,” then told the crowd of one evening when he was lounging in his jeans and T-shirt in his apartment in New York. Suddenly, he received a telephone call, saying that Valli, his idol, had asked that Langoria be invited to that night’s Four Seasons’ concert, which was to start shortly. The singer said he was so excited that he immediately ran out of his apartment, got his free ticket at the box office and figured nobody would pay any attention to his sloppy attire, as he was seated near the rear of the concert hall Instead, he said Valli eventually introduced the star of “Jersey Boys,” as the spotlight was trained on Langoria — and he was invited to join Valli on stage to sing a song. Embarrassed by his scruffy appearance, Langoria said he was even more mortified as Valli sang the first verse of “Let’s Hang On” — and then invited him to sing the rest of the song. The Franklin crowd roared with laughter as Langoria explained that only the first verse of “Let’s Hang On” is sung in ‘Jersey Boys” — and Valli had

Daily Planet Staff Photos

The Midtown Men (from left) are Michael Langoria, who sang the part of Franki Valli; Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard and J. Robert Spencer. sung the only verse he knew. Nonetheless, Langoria Midtown Men also performed the Four Seasons’ said he improvised, using the wrong words — and “Candy Girl,” The Association’s “Never My Love,” it somehow worked, much to Valli’s amusement. the Four Seasons’ “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and the At that point, the Midtown Men broke into Mamas and Papas’ “California Dreamin’” the Four Seasons’ “December 1993 (Oh, What a After an intermission, the group, previously Night),” which the group noted it had the honor to clad in sports coats, reappeared in maroon dinner sing at a Dick Clark New Year’s Eve party. (Clark, jacksets, black trousers, black shoes, black ties and they added with a note of sadness, died recently.) white shirts, resembling the “Rat Pack” in their Next, the group sang the Four Seasons’ dynamic stage presence and appearance. and dramatic “Dawn (Go Away),” prompting The Midtown Men launched into The Foundasome of the loudest applause of the evening. The tions’ “Build Me Up, Buttercup,” The Monkees’ “Daydream Believer,” The Zombies’ “Time of the Season” and the Ides of March’s “Vehicle.” The group’s version of “Time of the Season” — with even more pronounced dramatic pauses than the original had — was a highlight of the night. Among the other hits performed were Valli’s first The group waves to the cheering solo hit, “My Eyes Adored You,” followed by The Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” the Jackson crowd at the end of the concert. Five’s “I Want You Back,” The Temptations’ “My group gratefully bowed, waved and left the stage. Girl” and “Just My Imagination (Running Away However, the sustained roar of the crowd With You)” and a reprise of the Four Seasons clasprompted the Midtown Men to return for an encore sic “Oh, What a Night.” — the rollicking and appropriate Four Seasons’ hit As the crowd applauded enthusiastically, the “Bye, Bye, Baby, (Baby Goodbye).”

The group members autograph their CD for fans after the concert.

The Midtown Men performed the first half of the concert in sports coats.

10 - June 2012 - Asheville Daily Planet

Calendar

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.

Thursday, June 7

AUTHOR’S TALK, 7 p.m., Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood St., downtown Asheville. Douglas Veenhof will discuss his biography of Tibet’s lost American emissary, “White Lama.” TANGO CONCERT/DANCE, 7:30 p.m., White Horse, Montreat Road, Black Mountain. AmiciMusic will present “Totally Tango 3” with the Asheville Tango Orchestra. A dress dance will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for $5, followed at 7:30 by the dance for $15. CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m., Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa. A contra dance is held weekly, preceded by beginner’s lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $6.

Friday, June 8

ONE-WOMAN SHOW, 7 p.m., Jubilee Community Center, Wall Street, downtown Asheville. “The Education of Lala Girl” will be performed by Rivera Sun Cook, a cast member of Rising Sun Dance and Threater. The show also will be presented at 1 p.m. June 9 in the same venue. Cook plays more than 30 characters in a marathon of drama and humor. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. Admission is $15 on June 8 and $10 on June 9. AUTHOR’S TALK, 7 p.m., Montford Books and More, 31 Montford Ave., Asheville. Hal Littleton will discuss his historical novel, “Jesus: A Would Be King.” AUTHOR’S TALK, 7 p.m., Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood St., downtown Asheville. Osama Wazan discusses his novel, “The Last Moderate Muslim.” CONCERT/DANCE/CAR SHOW, 7-9 p.m., outside Visitors Information Center, 201 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. The Music on Main Street series will present the band Tuxedo Junction for dancing or

listening. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs. A car show will be held in conjunction to the concert. Admission is free.

Saturday, June 9

CIVIL WAR LECTURE, 2 p.m., Simpson Lecture Hall, A-B Tech, Asheville. The Western North Carolina Historical Association will continue its series “Civil War Comes to the Mountains” with a lecture presented by Darin J. Waters, a professor of history at UNC Asheville. His lecture is titled “A Place of Their Own: The Young Men’s Institute and Black Social Uplift in Post-Civil War Asheville.” The event is open to the public and is free to WNC Historical Association members. A $5 donation is suggested for nonmembers. AUTHOR’S TALK, 7 p.m., Grateful Steps Publishing House & Bookshop, 159 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville. Hal Littleton will discuss his historical novel, “Jesus: A Would Be King.” AUTHOR’S TALK, 7 p.m., Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood St., downtown Asheville. Susan Woodring will read from her novel “Goliath.” MUSICAL REVUE, 7:30 p.m., The Performing Arts Center Theatre, 250 Pigeon Highway 276 South, Waynesville. The musical show “The Marvelous Wonderettes will be performed, featuring girl groups of the late 1950s and early ‘60s. The final show will be presented at 3 p.m. June 10. For ticket information, call 456-6322, or visit www.harttheatre.com. CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S. Pack Square, downtown Asheville. The “Taste of Opera” concert will be preceded at 6 p.m. by food. For tickets , which are $50 to $75, call 257-4530, or visit www.dwtheatre.com.

Sunday, June 10

CONCERT, 4 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S. Pack Square, downtown Asheville. Francis and Weiser piano duo will present “One Wild Ride: Two Magical Pianos.” For tickets, which are $15 to $35, call 348-5327, or visit www.dwtheatre.com. CONCERT, 8 p.m., Grott, Highsmith University Union, UNC Asheville. Pan Harmonia, led by Asheville flutist Kate Steinbeck, will perform.

Monday, June 11

TEA TIME SOCIAL, 6 p.m., Lone Star Steakhouse, Arden The Asheville Tea Party will hold its weekly Tea Time Social. All interested are invited to attend.

COIN CLUB MEETING, 7 p.m., basement, Grove Arcade, downtown Asheville. The Buncombe County Coin Club will hold its monthly meeting. WEST COAST SWING CLASSES, 7:30 and 8 p.m., The Hangar, Clarion Hotel, Fletcher. Free beginners’ lessons for West Coast Swing will be held at 7:30, followed by intermediate lessons at 8 every Monday. The lessons are free. After the lessons, an open dance will be held. CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m.,Grey Eagle. 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. A contra dance is held weekly. Admission is $6.

Tuesday, June 12

TANGO LESSON/DANCE, 6 p.m., Eleven on Grove, Grove House Entertainment Complex, 11 Grove St., downtown Asheville. Tango lessons will precede a dance. SWING LESSON/DANCE, 6:30 p.m., Club Eleven, Grove House Entertainment Complex, 11 Grove St., downtown Asheville. A lesson will be followed by a dance. SHAG DANCE, 7-11 p.m., The Hangar, Clarion Inn Airport, 550 Airport Road, Fletcher. The Mountain Shag Club’s weekly dance will feature a DJ. At 6:30 p.m., free lessons will be offered by Paul and Debbie Peterson. Admission is $5. BEE GEES MUSICAL REVUE, 8 p.m., Flat Rock Playhouse, 125 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. The Music on the Rock Downtown Series will feature “Stayin’ Alive — the Music of The Bee Gees.” The Bee Gees are billed by the FRP as “music’s most successful brother act ... No popular music act of the ‘60s. ‘70s, ‘80s or ‘90s attracted a more varied audience than the Bee Gees ... What remained a constant throughout their history is their extraordinary singing, rooted in three voices that were appealing individually and melded together perfectly.” The show also will be presented at the same time and venue June 13-14. All tickets are $24 amd can be purchased by calling the Playhouse box office at 693-0731, or visiting online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org. OUTDOOR FILM, 9 p.m., outside Cinebarre theater, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville. The outdoor film screened will be “The Princess Bride.” Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and blankets. Cinebarre will be selling grilled foods — as well as the theaters full menu. Admission is free.

Thursday, June 14

CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m., Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa. A contra dance is held weekly, preceded by beginner’s lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $6.

Friday, June 15

AUTHOR’S TALK, 2 p.m., Henderson County Library, Hendersonville. Noted author Donald Vedeler will discuss his books, including “Moles in the Eagles Nest,” “Tainted Eagle” “A Shipwreck Survivors Tale” and “Letters to His Grandson.” Admission is free. DOWNTOWN AFTER 5 CONCERT, 5-9 p.m., North Lexington Avenue, downtown Asheville. The DA5 concert will feature the band The Secret B-Sides and Space Capone. Admission is free. CONCERT/DANCE, 7-9 p.m., outside Visitors Information Center, 201 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. The Music on Main Street series will present the band Wishful Thinkin’ for dancing or listening. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs. Admission is free. PROGRAM, 8 p.m., Jubilee Community Center, Wall Street, downtown Asheville Jay Joslin will present a slideshow and program titled “An Evening in Asia: Dance of the Water Dragons.” He will share a sampling of tastes, sights and tales from his monthlong journey through Southeast Asia. Billed as “much more than a ‘slideshow,’” Jubilee noted that “he will focus on stories that share the cultures and laughs - but most importantly, potent lessons that transcend a single person’s voyage to inspire your own. A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated but not required.”

Saturday, June 16

CONCERT, 7-9 p.m., Cecil Park (in front of Hickory Tavern Grill & Raw Bar), Town Square, Biltmore Park, Asheville. The band The Vinyl Brothers will perform. Admission is free. See CALENDAR, Page 11

Calendar

Continued from Page 10

Events

Sunday, June 17

STAMP CLUB MEETING, 2 p.m., Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community Center, 1617 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville. The Asheville Stamp Club will hold its monthly meeting. MUSIC BY THE LAKE CONCERT, 5-7 p.m., area next to the lake, Blue Ridge Community College, East Flat Rock. A band to be announced will perform in a concert by the lake. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and picnics. The rain location is the Thomas Auditorium. Admission is free.

Monday, June 18

TEA TIME SOCIAL, 6 p.m., Lone Star Steakhouse, Arden The Asheville Tea Party will hold its weekly Tea Time Social. All interested are invited to attend. COIN CLUB MEETING, 7 p.m., basement, Grove Arcade, downtown Asheville. The Buncombe County Coin Club will hold its monthly meeting. CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m.,Grey Eagle. 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. A contra dance is held weekly. Admission is $6.

Tuesday, June 19

Peterson. Admission is $5. OUTDOOR FILM, 9 p.m., outside Cinebarre theater, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville. The outdoor film screened will be “Speed.” Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and blankets. Cinebarre will be selling grilled foods — as well as the theaters full menu. Admission is free.

Thursday, June 21

LECTURE, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. Bob Wiley will present a lecture on “Today’s Politics — Left and Right or Right and Wrong? The Philosophic Origins of Liberalism and Conservativism.” The lecture, hosted by the N.C. for Creative Retirement, is free and open to the public. OUTDOOR CONCERT, 7-9 p.m., adjoining Lake Tomahawk, Black Mountain. The season’s Park Rhythms concert series will feature Shannon Whitworth, a singersongwriter, in concert. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs. Meals will be offered or sale. Admission is free. CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m., Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa. A contra dance is held weekly, preceded by beginner’s lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $6.

Friday, June 22

CONCERT/DANCE/CAR SHOW, 7-9 p.m., outside Visitors Information Center, 201 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. The Music on Main Street series will present the band Dashboard Blue for dancing or listening. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs. A car show will be held in conjunction to the concert. Admission is free.

Saturday, June 23

ECO CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Blue Ridge Community College, East Flat Rock. ECO’s

rows & rows of REAL books at REALLY GREAT PRICES

Asheville Daily Planet — June 2012 - 11

25th anniversary concert will feature Balsam Range, with guests Atomic Sisterhood and storytelling by Chuck Breckheimer.

Monday, June 25

Tuesday, June 26

Peterson. Admission is $5. OUTDOOR FILM, 9 p.m., outside Cinebarre theater, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville. The outdoor film screened will be “Breakfast Club” Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and blankets. Cinebarre will be selling grilled foods — as well as the theaters full menu. Admission is free.

Thursday, June 28

PRO-CAPITALISM PRESENTATION, 6:308:30 p.m., Skyland Fire Department, 9 Miller Road, Skyland. Buncombe Forward will host a Civitas Free Market Academy on “The Morality of Capitalism.” Registration is free, but seating is limited. To register, contact Brian Balfour at brian.balfour@nccivitas.org, or call him at (919) 834-2099. OUTDOOR CONCERT, 7-9 p.m., adjoining Lake Tomahawk, Black Mountain. The season’s Park Rhythms concert series will feature the Stoney Creek Boys, playing bluegrass music, in concert. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs. Meals will be offered or sale. Admission is free. CONTRA DANCE, 8 p.m., Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa. A contra dance is held weekly, preceded by beginner’s lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $6.

Friday, June 29

CONCERT/DANCE/, 7-9 p.m., outside Visitors Information Center, 201 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. The Music on Main Street series will present the band Asheville’s 96.5 Band for dancing or listening. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs. Admission is free.

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12 - June 2012 - Asheville Daily Planet

Faith Notes

Friday, June 8

SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. The UUCA monthly social justice film “How to Start a Revolution” will be screened. The film tells the “story of Nobel Peace prize nominee Gene Sharp, the world’s leading expert on nonviolent revolution.” One year beyond “the Arab Spring,” but in a world still enmeshed in challenges international and domestic, director Ruaridh Arrow “reveals how Sharp’s work has given a new generation of pro-democracy leaders the nonviolent ‘weapons’ they need to overthrow dictators.” The film runs 52 minutes and a discussion will follow. Admission is free. MEDITATION INITIATION, 7 p.m., Jubilee Community Church, 46 Wall St., downtown Asheville. Sri Sir Sri Shivabalayogi, billed as “an Indian master,” will offer a free meditation initiation. Swamiji is a true Yogi whose mission is to bring people of all faiths into meditation.

Saturday, June 9

WORKSHOP, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. A workshop titled “Awaken the Dreamer” will be presented by Charley Rogers and Pam Prather. The topic is a worldwide initiative that is billed as having inspired thousands of people to realize their tremendous potential as agents of change. The workshop is intended to equip attendees to take on the challenges and opportunities of this moment in hisotyr, make a positive changes in their community and live a fulfilling life. A love offering will be taken. AGLOW PROGRAM, 10 a.m., Fletcher Feed & Seed, 3715 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher. The Asheville-Hendersonville AGLOW Community Lighthouse will host a program titled “Restoring the Foundations.” BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, 11 a.m., East Asheville United Methodist Church 48 Browndale Rd. (across from VA Hospital), Asheville. A blessing of the animals will be held during a joint service of East Asheville, Fairview/Sharon and Elkwood Methodist churches.

Sunday, June 10

“COMMUNITY” SERMON, 10 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. Guest minister Sarah York will present a sermon titled “Living in Community: The Most Difficult Spiritual Discipline.” Regarding her address, the UUCA noted, “We long for meaningful community, where we grow bonds of caring, and inspire one another to become who we can be. Building such a community is both challenging and rewarding.” CONCERT, 10:50 a.m., Oakley Baptist Church, 70 Fairview Ave., Asheville. The Land of the Sky Boys will perform in concert.

Wednesday, June 13

PROGRAM, 7 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. Don Porter, a summer resident of Cashiers, will present a program on “How I Beat Cancer: An Evening of Hope!” Porter, who is billed as a “cancer victor,” will share his story of determined investigation to find a natural way of beating the dreaded disease. A love offering will be taken.

Friday, June 15

GOSPEL CONCERT, 7 p.m., Trinity Baptist Church, 216 Shelburne Rd., Asheville. A bluegrass gospel concert will feature Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and The Rochesters. General admission is $10, while ages 7-12 is $5 and ages 6 and under, free.

Saturday, June 16

MEN’S CONFERENCE, 2-4 p.m., New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 2 Herman St., Asheville. The annual men’s conference will feature a leadership workshop. Also, a worship service will be held at 11 a.m. June 17.

Sunday, June 17

“FELLOWSHIP” SERMON, 10 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. The Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, assistant minister, will present a sermon titled “The Right Hand of Fellowship.” Regarding her address, the UUCA noted, “Shaking hands is a common social practice, commonly used as a greeting or to confirm an agreement. You may have experienced the ‘right hand of fellowship’ at a Unitarian Universalist installation or ordination. The gesture has deep meaning and historic connections. We will explore the history and well as the meaning to us today..” FATHER’S DAY POTLUCK COOKOUT, 12:30 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. Firing up the grill, Unity will provide hot dogs, burgers, veggie burgers, buns and condiments, while participants will bring potluck items to share.

Tuesday, June 19

SING ALONG, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville.A Sing Along will be held, welcoming all singers and music lovers who enjoy group singing with friendly people. A wide range of well-known selections is sung and lyrics and music handbooks are provided. There are no auditions or musical requirements. The group is led by musician/composer Dave Bates.

Wednesday, June 20

WORKSHOP, 7-9 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. Tricia McDonald will present a program on “Awakening the Global Heart.” The program is billed as facilitating “higher states of consciousness, our oneness of life ... these mountains, the waters and each other.” A love offering will be taken.

Saturday, June 23

SOLSTICE PROGRAM, 3 p.m., French Broad River Park (off Amboy Road), Asheville. To celebrate the summer solstice, The Mother Earth Goddess Temple will hold a potluck picnic. SOLSTICE CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. John Serrie will perform his revolutionary contemporary electronic music in a Summer Solstice Celebration Concert. Tickets are $12 in advance (by calling 8918700) and $15 on the day of the show. Refreshments will be available.

Sunday, June 24

“HEAVEN” SERMON, 10 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. The Rev. Sarah York, guest minister, will present a sermon titled “Heaven Is a Potluck Party.” The UUCA noted that “this sermon draws from a parable of Jesus (the dinner party) and explores the dynamics of power in human relationships. This is Sarah’s last Sunday as our guest minister during Rev. Mark Ward’s sabbatical.”

Wednesday, June 27

“UNDERSTANDING MEN” WORKSHOP, 7 p.m., Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Mills River. Terri Crosby will present a program — for women only — on “Understanding Men.” She will address the following questions (and more): Are men just a hairy, muscular, rough-and-tough version

of women? What are the difference between men and women and how do you capitalize on those diferences to be better partners? Are you weary of the “war between the sexes,” but don’t really know where to start to make it better? The program is billed as being helpful for those who want closer and more beneficial relationships with men, such as fathers, husbands, ex-husbands, brothers, business partners and/or sons. As a bonus, Crosby claims women will emerge from the program understanding and appreciating who they are as women even more. A love offering will be taken.

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Asheville Daily Planet — June 2012 — 13

They’ll always have parasites in boyfriend’s house

My boyfriend of two months is a gem, but his house is a horror. The fridge and bathroom are disgusting, and the whole place is seriously messy. There’s this eerie feeling that the house was formerly homey, like nothing has changed since his wife left him three years ago -- down to the box of sanitary pads in the bathroom cupboard and the very wife-ish folksy kitchen art everywhere. I wonder if the state of things reflects some inner devastation he’s feeling post-divorce. He takes pride in his home’s exterior, meticulously maintaining his lawn, and I don’t think he’s trying to impress the neighbors (not a pretentious bone in his body). He hadn’t changed his sheets in our two months together, so I removed the pillowcases and dropped them on the floor as a hint. He didn’t get it. It seems too early in the relationship to say anything. Still, I don’t feel I should have to keep faking that I’m comfy in his home and in his bed on sheets that feel like they haven’t been washed since the 1980s. — Yuck A woman can leave a man, but apparently, cows grazing on a field of gingham and “Rooster Crossing” signs are forever. And of course, nothing says a man’s open to a relationship like his ex-wife’s 3-yearold box of Kotex. Welcome to the Museum of the Ex-Wife. At least, that’s how you’re seeing it, and that’s understandable. In trying to make sense of things, people have a tendency to look for some underlying deep meaning. And, sure, maybe the biohazards and lingering Kountry Kitchen Kwaintness are reflective of some inner darkness on his part (depression, inability to cope with his loss and move on). Or…maybe it was his job to care for the outside of the house and hers to care for the inside, and after she left, he never thought to fill in the blanks on the chore wheel. Before long, the place became Home Sweet Bacteria Rodeo. If you don’t see other signs suggesting he’s depressed or troubled, he’s probably just mess-blind. It’s hard for those who practice what would be considered ordinary tidiness and house hygiene to understand, but for some, all the chaos and grunge just blends into a big, benign whatever. The basic rule of this sort of laissez-faire housekeeping: If the crud isn’t so big and scary that it’s grabbing your ankle as you’re en route to the toilet, why get your last pair of clean underwear into a wad? It is cute that you thought dropping stuff on the floor -- the floor of a man who basically lives in a two-bedroom landfill -would have an impact on his housekeeping standards. You should actually consider it a bit troubling that he apparently made no attempt to tidy up for you. Even the most squalor-inured tend to look at their living situation through new (and horrified) eyes when a new romantic partner is coming over and try to do something -- get a backhoe in there, burn the bedding, crash a Febreze truck into the living room. I’m not suggesting you go all Joan Crawford on the man (“NO. MORE. WIRE. HANGERS!”), but you can’t let him think it’s no big deal for you to get in bed onto sheets that feel like they haven’t been washed since the Reagan administration. (If you put out a message that anything goes for you, whether in the housekeeping department or any other, very likely, anything will.) Don’t be pulling on any rubber gloves, either. (Start cleaning up after him and you’ll keep cleaning up after him.) Instead,

The Advice Goddess

Amy Alkon

say something gentle but direct like “I think you’re a great guy, but I really need you to clean your place so I feel comfortable there.” There is a chance that he’ll break up with you over this. But, what kind of man kicks the girl out of bed and keeps the cracker crumbs? Instead of trying to get him to clean up his whole act at once, take things step by grody step. Whatever effort he makes, keep letting him know you appreciate it. If the house isn’t getting to a civilized level of clean, gently suggest that it needs a woman’s touch — a cleaning woman’s: “Ever thought of getting a maid once a month?” Finally, address the ex-wife’s leftovers by joking that some of the decor doesn’t quite seem a reflection of him. In fact, you’re particularly confused by the box in the bathroom cabinet, but you’d like to be supportive: “A man’s first period is a very special time, and there’s no reason to feel ashamed about the changes in your body, which should soon have you turning cartwheels in a flowing white skirt.”

Wedding her whistle

I just turned 26, and I’m ready to be married. My previous two boyfriends dragged their feet and then said the blood-boiling line: “I will marry you… someday.” I met a guy online, and we initiated a relationship on the basis that he was ready for marriage. Four months after our first kiss, I broke up with him after he, too, expressed hesitation about marriage. He insisted that he loves me but is hesitating because I have a drinking problem and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Once a month, I take everything that I love and tear it to shreds -- as if in a werewolf state. I come to, devastated by my actions. I need structure and commitment from a loving partner for strength, and an engagement now would help me transcend my conditions. He wants me to do it alone and wants to see improvement before he commits. I want to make him realize how cruel he was in insisting in his profile that he was ready for marriage and not following through. — Unwed You’re a fierce advocate of truth in advertising — except when you’re the one engaging in the sins of omission: “I’m ready to be married. Oh, also, once a month, I’ll try to rip out your internal organs with a shrimp fork. Any takers?” Typically, when a man is ready for marriage, he’s looking to settle down with the right woman, not sprint to the altar with the first woman he meets who can fit into a size 8 long white dress. If marriage actually were a cure for alcoholism, people in AA would have florists instead of sponsors, and church basements would be packed with brides tearfully confessing to being powerless before a $10,000 wedding cake that releases a flock of white doves. You likewise don’t marry a guy because your hormones turn you into a werewolf once a month and you need somebody to bolt the exits so no sheep or cattle go missing. Per psychiatrist Dr. Emily Deans in one of my previous columns, biochemi-

cal options for dialing down turbo PMS include the 24-day or three-month birth control pill; the antidepressant bupropion; magnesium malate supplementation (500 milligrams at bedtime); and cycling from a low-carb diet to a higher-carb, low-protein diet three days to a week before your period starts. At the moment, you’re married to escaping your problems. Addiction treatment specialist Dr. Frederick Woolverton writes in his very helpful book, “Unhooked,” that at the heart of any addiction is avoidance of suffering. Instead of feeling uncomfortable feelings and dealing with them, you hold their little heads down and drown them in a pond of cheap gin. And instead of doing the grown-up thing and working to overcome your addiction, you decide that the “power greater than yourself” will be the groom. But, only when you don’t need a man to feel whole are you healthy enough to choose one for the right reasons. Then you see, over time (a year, at the very least), whether you and he make sense together. Marriage is a lifetime commitment, not a lifeboat to rescue you from your troubles already in progress: “Do you take this woman…to have and to hold, and to hold her hair back as she’s driving the porcelain bus? Okay then! You may now detox the bride!”

Youth is fleeing

My friend is constantly dragging me to parties to be her wing woman. She’s in her late 40s, but hits on hot young guys in their early 20s who never reciprocate interest. Guys her age or older approach her, but she blows them off. I’m sick of these depressing evenings and of accom-

panying her to the mall so she can get “hipper clothes.” Is there a kind way to tell her she needs to rethink who she’s pursuing? — Frustrated How uplifting, spending your weekends watching Generation Y getting hit on by Generation Why Are You At This Party? Of course you want to clue in your friend, “You could wear head-to-toe Forever 21, and you’d still look 49 and counting.” And you could gently suggest she expand her dating horizons to include men who are actual possibilities. But her persistence in the face of failure suggests she’s pretty attached to believing that the answer to her datelessness can be found at the mall. What you can control is how you spend your time. Extending yourself to make a friend happy is nice; subjecting yourself to regular misery is too nice and leads to bubbling resentment. The next time she tries to drag you along, tell her you’re party-weary and tired of the mall…but how about lunch or a hike? Granted, out on the trail, you could still witness the uncomfortable sight of a cougar stalking its prey — but not by changing out of its mom jeans. • Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail AdviceAmy@aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com)

Amy Alkon’s just-published book: “I SEE RUDE PEOPLE: One woman’s battle to beat some manners into impolite society”

14 - June 2012 - Asheville Daily Planet

Daily Planet’s Opinion

Memorial Day given snub in Asheville area

Many of the residents of the Asheville area — as with too many other localities throughout the United States — are making a sad joke out of Memorial Day. The holiday, which is intended to honor those who died in the nation’s service, all-too-often is simply regarded as a three-day weekend that unofficially launches the start of summer. It’s also regarded as a time for sales by retailers. In our increasingly superficial, dumbed-down, “Dancing With the Stars”distracted culture, there is only a small contingent of tuned-in, historically

knowledgeable citizens left to attend the highly meaningful ceremonies that are held each year around the Asheville area. This year, for instance, perhaps 150 people attended the observance in Pack Square Park, while “dozens” were reported present at the WNC State Veteran’s Cemetery, where a flock of white doves were released. These sparse turnouts are shameful. Those who died in service to our country deserve to be honored — and not snubbed — on the day that has been set aside to honor them.

On the left

A St. Lawrence park?

Several years ago, more than 1,000 people signed a full-page ad in our local daily paper, urging the City of Asheville to create a park opposite the Basilica St. Lawrence. City Council completely ignored the clear preference of all those citizens for a beautiful green space and attempted to sell the land to a hotelier. In late 2011, the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte reawakened that dormant hotel plan when it offered (more or less) the city $2 million for the property. Actually, the offer was for $1 million, with the stipulation that the city knock down defunct buildings on the property and install surface parking, which would be given to the church to operate at a profit until such time as it executed undetermined development plans. Somewhere down the line, the city would receive another $1 million. In February, the offer was increased to $2.6 million. The deal was a non-starter because the city is constrained by law from selling property on the open market without an auction. What the church offer did accomplish was to reawaken the sleeping deal cooked up with the McKibbon Hotel Group in 2008. Back then, as the country slid into what we now call the Great Recession, McKibbon was the only respondent to a Request for Proposals aimed at redevelopment of the 0.8-acre parcel. The difference between sale on the open market and an RFP is that under the latter a municipality stipulates conditions for a sale, and consequently is permitted to select a compliant buyer. Theoretically, that’s a good way for a city to shape use of property it deems critical to its overall development objectives. In this case, the McKibbon Group was the only bidder, so the question came down to whether or not to accept their offer. The city gave McKibbon a tentative nod with the stipulation that the project be designed in accordance with the RFP and the Downtown Master Plan and completed within 2-3 years. McKibbon’s offer was for $2.3 million for the 0.8-acre site, or $66 per square foot, and that company would be responsible for knocking down the structures currently on the site. At first blush that might seem like a good deal — certainly better than the church offer which saddled the city with an

Cecil Bothwell estimated $500,000 demolition bill, plus pavement for parking. But how does that look in light of comparable sales. Hmm. Where else in Asheville have we seen a recent real estate deal involving a vacant lot and decrepit building that were sold for redevelopment? Aha! There’s that great deal the city made at 51 Biltmore, where we purchased property from Public Interest Projects in order to develop a parking deck and a hotel. And look! It even involved the selfsame McKibbon Hotel Group! I bet you couldn’t find a better comp in the whole history of real estate valuation! The sellers at 51 Biltmore received more than $152 per square foot, between the city and McKibbon. And lest we forget, the city had to demolish the Hot Dog King. The property across the street from the Civic Center, the Basilica, and the Grove Arcade, described at a recent State of Downtown luncheon as Asheville’s “crown jewel;” is worth at least as much as the property across the street from Barley’s Taproom & Pizza, no matter how many local brews are on tap. At $152 per square foot, the Haywood property is worth well above $5 million. It is absurd for the city to accept an expired, uncompetitive, inadequate offer from the McKibbon Group at a time when real estate sales and prices are rebounding, when Asheville’s international reputation is huge and growing, and when there is no reason whatsoever for a fire sale. In the meantime, the City of Asheville should proceed as we were before the church stuck its foot in the door — tear down the old buildings, build surface parking, and start raking in an estimated $75,000 per year in parking fees. Do note that under our current development laws, such a parking area will necessarily require planting of trees, just like any other new lot. That’s a little bit like a park. • Cecil Bothwell is a member of Asheville City Council.

Letters to the Editor U.S. urged to withdraw now from United Nations

Is it not long pass time that the United States withdrew its membership in the United Nations? I say, YES. Withdraw membership, pull out of all treaties with them, and give them 30 days to remove all U.N. agencies and personnel from the U.S. And then NEVER have anything to do with them. Fremont V Brown III Vice Chair Asheville Tea Party/Asheville Tea PAC Asheville

GOP’s stand against own members termed vanity

It has been brought to my attention that the Buncombe County GOP is considering a resolution to bar nonmembers from open attendance to Executive Committee meetings. It is my further understanding this extraordinary constraint is deemed necessary per concerns with “infiltration, intimida-

tion, and violence to otherwise disrupt, delay, and destroy the BCGOP efforts to build a well-organized approach to campaigning.” As a former chairman of the BCGOP, I would like to offer a brief response to this action. First off, I am impressed — impressed that our current leadership would have the creativity to develop such an effective means to eliminating dissenting perspective, the audacity to take a stand on a matter, and the courage to boldly shine light on their foe. If they could apply that same creativity, audacity, and courage to resisting the social, political, and moral harms of the Democrat Party and the liberal-socialistprogressive movement, I’d be very encouraged. Unfortunately, taking a stand against your own party members has more to do with vanity and power interests than principle. That’s anything but impressive. Chad Nesbitt Liecester See LETTERS, Page 15

The Candid Conservative

Trading ‘harms’ with Mexico

The violence going on south of our border matches the worst horrors you can find in history. It just doesn’t get much worse than cutting off heads, burying people alive upside down, and using older folks for target practice. All that and more has happened in Mexico – a place where 15,000 or more people are murdered each year by drug cartels. It’s all thanks to an informal free-trade arrangement whereby Mexico exports illegal immigrants and drugs to us and we export dollars and guns to them. The money comes from our employers who like the cheap labor and our drug users who like the high. Both groups portray themselves as innocent victims but, in fact, are silent partners in an Hispanic version of Murder, Inc. As of now, Mexican authorities are losing the fight against drug gangs and cartels. And both are entrenched in the U.S. It’s just a matter of time before they start exporting their terror here too…

Egyptian fantasies

The liberal media, and that includes most media, has revealed its hypocrisy and immaturity on the fantasy of an Egyptian spring. Instead, extremists now control 72 percent of parliament. The left told us the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists were not popular in Egypt. The New York Times called them the “Bumbling Brotherhood” and, amazingly, argued that poor people who took their help would not vote for them. Though that’s precisely the model the Democrat Brotherhood successfully uses here. The Huffington Post touted the UN Secretary General’s naïve belief that, “The power of the Muslim Brotherhood has been exaggerated. It’s been a European obsession more than an Arab reality.” Wrong – by a long shot. The brotherhood won 47 percent of Egypt’s parliament and other hardliners won 25 percent. You can count on the left to continue marketing hope and change fantasies over unpleasant realities.

Immigration deceptions

One of the nice things about being a liberal is a core belief that ends justify means. That means it’s OK to hide, exaggerate, or otherwise abuse the truth because your mission is holy. Take illegal immigration. The left takes great pride in supporting

Carl Mumpower porous borders, resisting enforcement, and conspiring to enable illegal aliens wherever possible. One recent falsehood centers on the pretense that tough laws in Georgia and Alabama are costing farmers million in rotting crops. Farmers have access to unlimited workers through the migrant visa program. The rotten crops came from farmers who preferred hiring illegals under the table. By the time they starting working within the law, it was too late. Too bad – that’s their fault, not ours or the system. Farmers who refuse to stay legal or mechanize crop recovery are getting what they’re earning. Once again the left reveals it’s addiction to half-truths.

Obama misstep

North Carolina just handed the left its most stunning defeat in recent memory. By a resounding majority, voters supported a Constitutional amendment affirming marriage as between one man and one woman. North Carolina has been a successful playground for liberals seeking to downgrade America with their corrupt version of progress. In word and deed, deviance, division, and dependency define the Democratic Party. They’ve had great success in capturing the Tar Heel state – to a point of arrogant assumption on their infallibility. Sounds a bit like our President, doesn’t it? Curiously, PBO came out in favor of same sex marriage after the vote. For liberals it was a day late and dollar short. For conservatives it was just the affirmation they needed to further rally against Obama’s brand of liberal socialism. Election day was a reality check for the left’s culture vultures. Their head bird may have also wrung his own neck. • Carl Mumpower, a former member of Asheville City Council, may be contacted at drmumpower@thecandidconservative.com

Asheville Daily Planet —June 2012 — 15

Tea party movement needs to be crushed into oblivion I was a kid during World War II. My Daddy had a victory garden. We crushed cans for scrap drives. We took “Is this trip necessary?” seriously. Our lives were driven by “the war effort.” We were patriotic. Our country called, and we answered. We didn’t just wave flags. I’m still patriotic today. For me, America is Ronald Reagan’s shining city on a hill. I’m proud that my son is a diplomat representing his country well to the world. The Founding Fathers got it right. When I read history, though, I’m not proud of some things we did as a people: slavery, our Indian policy, Jim Crow. And also the 70 years after the Industrial Revolution when American workers were crushed into awful poverty by robber baron capitalists ─ and government backed them with National Guard troops and machine guns (for example, Google “horse creek mill strike”).

Lee Ballard But I see these terrible chapters in our history as anomalies — sad lapses in a great nation. I feel great pride in America when I look back on times when we followed our greatness ─ when Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery, when Franklin Roosevelt liberated American workers, when Harry Truman airlifted to besieged Berlin and did away with segregation in the military, when John Kennedy gave us a vision for space travel, when the Supreme Court outlawed segregation in schools and Lyndon Johnson followed with civil rights legislation, when

Letters to the Editor

Continued from Page 14

Communist goals from 1958 were accomplished

In light of the ongoing and very successful assault on our families, faith and culture under the guise of gay rights and tolerance, I thought it was a perfect time to make you aware of what I and vast numbers of Americans believe is really going on. Listed below are seven of the 45 reported Communist goals as noted in the U.S. Congressional Record on Jan. 10, 1963 (The list was taken from the 1958 best-selling book “The Naked Communist” by then FBI agent, Leon Skousen. I would ask that you to take a moment to review the list and think about the state of our country in regards to our faith, culture, churches and families): 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing and policy-making positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. “Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art.” 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as “normal, natural and healthy.” 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with “social” religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a “religious crutch.” 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. Would you agree that some or all of these goals have been accomplished? I know that many will scoff and accuse me of sporting my best tin-foil hat and being a conspiracy theory whacko, but if are willing to objectively read this list, can you truly and with any degree of truthfulness, say that these goals have not been met? Keep in mind that this list was written in 1958! How many TV series or major motion pictures promote promiscuity, obscenity and include gay, lesbian, transgender and/or transsexual characters? How much

of current music espouses our traditional values? When did it become art to display an image of Christ in a cup of urine? Some of you may have heard of the term “social justice” which basically means the forced redistribution of wealth. This is being taught as gospel in churches all over the country along with the idea that Christians have to be “tolerant” of all lifestyles and actions regardless of Biblical truths and teachings. Divorce, abortion, fatherless children, broken homes, pornography and sexually transmitted diseases are at all-time highs. Our faith, culture and family values

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Richard Nixon gave us clean air and water, when the U.S. military brings relief to earthquake and tsunami victims. These are times when America fulfills its destiny. And I wave the flag in my heart. I write this today because America stands at a crossroads. Do we go forward to greater glory, or do we slide backward? At issue is the Tea Party. I hear and read their words, and I’m puzzled. They constantly say that government is treading on their liberty, and they want “freedom.” But the world they say they want has already been tried ─ back in the dark time when bankers and industrialists did whatever they pleased with their workers, with the nation’s economy and with God’s earth. And government either stood silently by or was an accomplice. If the Tea Party were to succeed ─ electing a Republican governor and legislature, U.S. president and Congress ─ there would

are being eroded through our music, media, art and even in our churches. It was Karl Marx, the father of communism and the author of ‘The Communist Manifesto” who said “I want to dethrone God and destroy capitalism!” He understood that he could not accomplish the latter without first destroying our faith and families! To that end, I thank those who voted for the N.C. Marriage Amendment, taking a stand to defend our traditional values, faith and families! Beth Walker Bakersville

be a great irony. They would get their wish to be free of government, but they wouldn’t get the freedom they want. Instead, they would take on a crueler master: big business. Without government as a check to protect the people, big business owns government. Read the newspaper every day with news from Raleigh ─ how different business groups dictate to docile Tea Party Republicans the laws that give corporations all the freedom they want. If the Tea Party continues to urge us back toward our dark past, then it will be my patriotic duty to work extra hard to clobber them into oblivion in November. • Lee Ballard lives in Mars Hill.

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16 - June 2012 - Asheville Daily Plane

425 years apart, two real estate promoters pick the same spots CHAPEL HILL — What does a resort real estate sales brochure have to do with Sir Walter Raleigh and with the Lost Colony that disappeared from North Carolina’s coastland 425 years ago? The colorful brochure that was delivered to my house last week promoted “A Retreat from the Ordinary” at Scotch Hall Preserve, a 950-acre resort community in Bertie County on the Albemarle Sound. A photo of a lovely Arnold Palmer golf course overlooking a broad expanse of open blue water got and kept my attention. The sales pitch explained, “If North Carolina has a ‘sweet spot,’ this is it. Set above the majestic Albemarle Sound, where cypress trees silhouette the shoreline.…As grand as Nature herself, this unspoiled place sits amidst stands of cypress, yellow pine and oak trees on a bluff overlooking the historic Albemarle Sound…. the second largest estuary in America, second only to the Chesapeake Bay.” Sir Walter Raleigh would have admired this sales pitch. He would have understood the need to engage the imagination of prospective purchasers or investors by the use of attractive and colorful illustrations. To raise funds to finance a permanent colony in what is now North Carolina, he used the lovely drawings of the native peoples and landscapes of the area prepared by John White. White also prepared a “sales map” of the area, one that covered the coast from the Chesapeake Bay to Cape Lookout and lands far into the interior. White’s map was beautiful and amazingly accurate. That map made news a few weeks ago by delivering a clue that suggests where the Lost Colonists might have gone when they left their encampment on Roanoke Island. Here is how the British Museum, which has custody of this “Virginea Pars” map, announced discovery of the clue: “After decades of unsuccessful searching, archaeologists may have their best evidence ever of the possible fate of Sir Walter Raleigh’s ‘Lost Colony.’ It comes in the form of a clue from Sir Walter himself, secreted within the 425-year-old ‘Virginea Pars’ map drawn by his expedition to site the first English colony in the New World.” This clue resulted from the curiosity of Brent Lane, adjunct professor of heritage economics at UNC-Chapel Hill’s KenanFlagler Business School. Lane noticed two small parts of the map were covered with paper patches. He wondered what was under the patches, thinking that perhaps John White had been persuaded to make a correction or two to his map after it had been completed. Lane persuaded the museum staff to look under the patches to see if there were anything interesting underneath. Using a powerful light source, the staff found something important under one patch, a discovery that made front-page news in North Carolina and across the Atlantic.

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D.G. Martin Under the patch was a symbol of a fortress, which probably marked the future location for the “Cittie of Raleigh,” the planned center of the colony. To Lane, this location, marked under the patch, made perfect sense. Why? Because it put the colony’s planned capital at the confluence of the Chowan and Roanoke rivers and on the Albemarle Sound. These rivers and the sound would be major internal trade routes. But what does this have to do with Scotch Hall Preserve? Its owners and Sir Walter picked the same location to build a major development. Brent Lane and others think that when the Lost Colonists left Roanoke Island they may well have made their way to the site of the colony’s planned capital as shown under the patch. Lots of on-ground research will be necessary to explore and document this possibility. So, with the permission of the Scotch Hall owners, archeologists may soon join golfers in digging up the ground in the sand traps and fairways of the resort’s Arnold Palmer course. • D.G. Martin hosts UNC-TV’s North Carolina Bookwatch, which airs at 9:30 p.m. Fridays and 5 p.m. Sundays.

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Asheville Daily Planet —June 2012 — 17

BCGOP chief recognized for service

Henry Mitchel (center) recently received the distinguished Buncombe County Republican Party Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Service in 2011-2012. The plaque was presented by J.B. Howard, candidate for county commissioner chair, on behalf of all local Republican candidates and clubs. From left are Robin Ramsey, wife of N.C. House candidate Nathan Ramsey; Marie Yates, Mitchell, Brenda Fryar, and her husband Mike Fryar, county commissioners’ candidate from District 2. Elected last year, Mitchell has greatly increased the number of precinct chairs, donations, diversity of volunteers, voter turnout and club memberships in the county. Monthly meetings (except June, buncombegop.org, Facebook, 253-5800) are open to any interested registered Unaffiliated or Republican voter and are held every fourth Monday at 6:30 at the Skyland Fire Department. There is no charge to attend meetings.

Candidates voice views during BBQ From Staff Reports

Several candidates attended — and gave brief speeches — during a mid-afternoon May 27 barbecue luncheon over the Memorial Day weekend hosted by J.B. Howard, a Republican candidate for the chairmanship of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. The soiree was held at the Buncombe County Firefighters Training Center in northwest Buncombe. BCGOP Chairman Henry Mitchell introduced the candidates who were present and he thanked the party faithful for supporting him and his efforts. Among those who spoke were Mike Fryar, a candidate for the District 2 of the county commissioners. “We did good in the primaries,” Fryar told the crowd. Fryar said the current commissioners are “going to have us $400 million in debt — and we need to stop that” by voting in fiscal conservatives like him. Patricia Cothran, who is running for the county regisrer of deeds post, said, “The register of deeds is not something most people think about, but it’s a very important position.” Speaking last, Howard quipped that “you can pull a straight Republican ticket ... because everyone in here says that that bunch at the county commissioners’ office needs to be gone, with its free-speending ways.

Further, Howard said, “I’m going to need a minimum of 200 people to step forward to help in this election ... On Election Day, we’re going to need about 180 people at the polls” on behalf of the BCGOP. If the Republican candidates are victorious, “then we’ll try to give y’all some relief” from the current commissioners’ liberal policies and programs. In closing, the crowd cheered when Howard said, “I certainly will have one (another barbecue gala) around Labor Day. Thank y’all!”

J.B. Howard The crowd cheered Howard’s remarks. Continuing, Howard asserted, “Also, you can get rid of that 28-year-old (Democratic) register of the deeds because the progressive crowd downtown wants to make him the engineer of the (political) train” in the county. He said that “Republicans can stop that.” His reference was to Drew Reisinger, the incumbent who is running against Cothran. On a light note, Howard said thatl in the past, he thought he was the front-runner in his bid for office, but “this time, let’s make sure that everyone knows I’m going to win — not just me.” The crowd laughed.

18 - June 2012 - Asheville Daily Planet

Comedian fields questions, shares his political views

Eric Golub spoke in Skyland in May.

Funny

Continued from Page 1` Golub said his friend complained that “you’re jamming religion down our throats” — until the minister said, “You’re not from around here ... Billy Graham (Parkway) is the name of the highway for you to take to your destination.” The crowd laughed heartily at the story. (Graham lives in nearby Montreat.) More seriously, Golub said, “Now I’m here because our freedoms are under assault ... I live in L.A., which is a basket case, so it’s a pleasure to be among the Bible-thumping, flag-waving, gun-toting people” of North Carolina. The crowd laughed at his characterization. He reiterated, “I’m here because our freedoms are under assault and it starts at the top.” Referring to President Barack Obama, Golub said that his opposition to the president is “not personal.” The comedian even said he could say some positives about Obama, including “he’s a good husband ... and an excellent father.” Further, Golub asserted, “It’s not that he’s light-skinned or dark-skinned — it’s them (the liberals) being thin-skinned.” He then offered what he termed a “compromise” on the issue of gun control, stating, “by having the liberals give their guns to us. Then we’ll have all the guns.” On the matter of conservative candidates speaking out on “social issues,” Golub said less is more. He suggested that conservatives keep quiet on social issues to avoid antagonizing potential swing voters. “People say you can’t even make fun of Barack Obama ... He’s so cool, so collected” and that he is similar in that way to actor Will Smith. To the contrary, “I say: ‘Yes, we can!’” in reference to poking fun of the president.

By JOHN NORTH

john@ashevilledailyplanet.com

SKYLAND — During a question-andanswer session after his May 29 presentation, someone told comedian Eric Golub that a truism she always has followed is “And the truth shall set you free.” To that, Golub added, “And it doesn’t hurt to win the (presidential) election.” The crowd laughed. A man asked, “Why are the Jews liberal?” “You’re a ‘plant,’ sir,’ Golub joked. He then advised, “Don’t tell people what they should care about. Ask them what they care about ... and then tell them how” they can achieve their goals through the conservative political movement. Regarding the man’s question, the comedian said, “Liberal Jews are no different from any other liberals. They’re leftists first, and Jews second ... Liberal Jews are scared to death of religious Christians ... and religious Jews, too.” In general, he advised those in attendance at the Asheville Tea Party meeting, “Don’t bring up social issues with liberal Jews. They’ll run away. Talk to them about Mitt Romney’s economics,” his status as a good father and husband and that “he’s succeeded at everything he’s done.” Golub predicted a Romney victory over President Barack Obama, noting, “If it’s not close, they can’t cheat ... We have them (the liberals) on the ropes. Also, he said, “if we win with Gov. Scott

Walker (in Wisconsin) in June, they’ll (the liberals) be bloodied. Send them (Waler’s campaign) money if you can.” (On June 5, Walker won in a recall election.) He said a Walker victory would set up Romney for victory because Wisconin is considered a key swing state. “That’s what the tea party is all about ... getting the Republican Party to have a spine,” Golub said. “I don’t think Barack Obama has a chance to win North Carolina. His gay marriage remark wiped him out here.” As for who Romney should choose for his vice presidential candidate, Golub said, “This is a safe election ... People are tired of flash and charisma ... I want the vice presidential candidate to be perceived as boring ... tall, good hair and inoffensive.” Filling that bill, he said, is Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. “They’ll (the liberals) hate whoever the choice is ... We want the media so bored out of their minds” with the GOP vice presidential choice that they ignore that individual. (Golub admitted that conserviatve firebrand Michele Bachmann is his personal preference, but he feels she would be alienate independents, who would otherwise support Romney.) “This is a one-third, one-third, one-third country,” he said. “Get away from anything that demonizes Barack Obama personally. Get away from his birth certificate ... He’s not Hitler ... He’s someone who’s wrong on virtually everything. Don’t come across as angry. As (syndicated talk-show host) Rush

On a lighter note, Golub said, “I’ve been driving all the way from Eastern North Carolina today — and I’ve got one thing to say ... Never use a Palestinian GPS” — global positioning system. “It took me to a Jewish cemetery, where it said, ‘You’ve now reached your final destination ... I got so mad, I threw it out the window — and it exploded.” For instance, Golub said Obama’s head is so disproportionate (with his ears protruding), they should rename him Air Force One ... With ears that big, he should be able to listen,” but he does not. As for the presidential race, the comedian said, “I’d rather see the second coming of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher,” with solid conservatives, such as Sarah Palin or Michele Bachmann, but those are not the option. On a lighter note, Golub said, “I’ve been driving all the way from Eastern North Carolina today — and I’ve got one thing to say ... Never use a Palestinian GPS” — global positioning system. “It took me to a Jewish cemetery, where it said, ‘You’ve now reached your final destination ... I got so mad, I threw it out the window — and it exploded.” Switching gears, Golub asked, “Why do they (the liberals) go after people like Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann? I don’t agree with them on everything. Being from California, I can’t stand their views on traditional marriage.” He then spoke the names of several married and highly attractive women and lamented that “they’re each married to someone else — and not to me.”

Golub called Vice President Joe Biden “the Barney Fife of the administration ... The left should love Sarah Palin ... She has a beautiful special-needs child.” He said the reason for the opposition to Palin may be because the left is an entire ideology of special-needs children,” with an attitude of “I’m entitled. Give me.’” Regarding his aforementioned joke, Golub noted that “a 22-year-old CNN reporter lied and said I went after special-needs children. Liberals are nothing like specialneeds children. Special-needs children have value.” To his critics, Golub said, “I have a military record — I did two tours of duty at New York public schools.” Regarding the economic problems in Detroit, he said, “Let’s surrender and admit defeat and pull our troops out of Detroit — and send them” to the Middle East, “where we have a chance of winning.” “The George Bush movie, the real one, was called ‘Batman.’ You know who the Joker was?” On a serious note, Golub said, “I always respected George W. Bush and Gen. (David) Petraeus. However, he urged Patraeus to “stop being like George W. Bush — stop being so polite” the next time he testifies

Limbaugh says, “‘Be of good cheer.’” Golub said that “I’m going to rally around around whomever Romney picks” for his vice presidential candidate. “It’s now time to be good soldiers, fall into line and support him (Romney). He’ll be a better man for what we want than Barack Obama ever will be.” In a brief interview with the Daily Planet afterward, Golub said he is a neo-conservative on foreign policy and a supply-sider on economics. Regarding Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, the comedian said he has many good ideas but “goes of the rails” with his foreign policy. So does Golub consider himself a libertarian or libertarian-leaning? No, he replied. “I’m totally against legalizing drugs” and he wants to increase defense spending. If the U.S. becomes a socialist country, or he is forced — for whatever reason — to leave, where would he go? “I want to fix this country,” Golub said. Rather than leave the country, if things went badly, “I’d pick up my gun and say, ‘I’m not going anywhere.’” Speaking of politics, he said, “Right now, the George Bush foreign policy is still the GOP foreign policy” model. Golub noted that he receives death threats, sometimes from leftists, but most frequently from Ron Paul followers, asserting that “they’re a violent group.” He said he also receives occasional threats from radical Islamists, whom he called “bullies.”

before Congress. “They (liberals) hate you. Stop being so polite.” “Why am I a conservative?” he asked, rhetorically. “Because I’m the son of a Holocaust survivor,” Golub said. In speaking of his father, he said one time he told him that social studies class was too hard. “Did the teacher try to shoot you?” his father inquired. “No,” Golub said. His father then sent him to his room without supper. One time, the comedian noted, “My Dad said we need to secure the border.” “I said, ‘What have the Cubans ever done to you?’” “He said, ‘I’m talking about the northern borders — keeping the New Yorkers out of Florida.’” With a grin, Golub said his father had a dream of commanding the cadets from The Citadel, envisioning them guarding Florida’s northern border from migrating yankees. He said North Carolina “has a very large LDS population,” in a reference to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, more succinctly called the Mormons. The Democrats will be slamming the Mormons, of which presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney is a member, Golub predicted. “I told (black conservative) Herman Cain that we’re not read for you yet” as president, but “I’m so proud that we finally have put bigotry aside and elected a Vulcan” — a reference to Obama. He concluded his 30-minute presentation by saying, as conservatives, “we are right. The left is wrong.” He noted that his own philosophy is to “live, love, laugh, win.” At that point, Golub said, “I want to open it up to questions. It’s always better” than a long comedy routine.

Asheville Daily Planet — June 2012 — 19

1. Announcements

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11. Rentals

Analog Moon launches DA5

Daily Planet Staff Photos

The first Downtown After 5 celebration of the 2012 season opened on May 18 with Analog Moon, which was followed by the headliner, Velvet Truckstop, the latter billed as a soulful Carolina rock band. The event is held on the third Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. throughSeptember on North Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville.

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20 - June 2012 - Asheville Daily Planet

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