Mountain Xpress, December 23 2009

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DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

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on the cover

p. 10 Profiled? This week, our cover story examines two local case studies — and some potentially telling statistics — that raise questions about racial profiling by law enforcement. Cover design by Nathanael Roney Photograph by Jonathan Welch

12 Cavalier Lane Swannanoa

Just Minutes from Asheville

news 16 Staying centered Asheville City Council green-light’s Reid Center construction

18 Make a date Local calendars serve up 2010 in style 40 linking up Local student helps World Bank competition go global

arts&entertainment 47 after asheville Three artists who moved away: What they’ve found and what they miss

50 a banner year For local bands, 2009 really rocked 52 junker’s blues The Bohemians and the Fop: Part One: a tale with important lessons

features

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DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

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Letters Cartoon: Molton Commentary The Buzz WNC news briefs Outdoors Out and about in WNC Community Calendar FreeWill Astrology News of the Weird edgy mama Parenting from the edge Conscious party Benefits GREEN SCENE WNC eco-news Food The straight dish on local eats Small Bites Local food news ClubLand cranky hanke Movie reviews Asheville Disclaimer Classifieds Cartoon: tooth & Jaw NY Times crossword

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letters Stuart Peterson’s sentence may be too lenient. Here’s why ... A young, 20-year-old man committed “armed robbery” with a “gun” and received a threeyears-and-eight-months sentence. This was premeditated. I do not know Stuart Peterson or anyone in that article [“Justice Undone?” Dec. 2 Xpress], but to me this sentence seems extremely lenient for such a crime, and that must be because it was his first felony arrest. Mr. Forbes fails to mention his past record of arrests other than “tales of his former life were hard to believe”; that speaks for itself. Thank God he didn’t shoot anyone during the perpetration of his crime. What I have to wonder is if Stu thinks that his sentence is unjustified? You must remember the “at gunpoint” aspect. His new family has only known him a mere six months — [a family made up of] court-appointed therapists, substanceabuse treatment counselors and an employer he likes. But how long did Stu Peterson choose his extended gang family? The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior! If he proves his new “change” is not just a façade, he’ll get out early, and maybe turn it all around. Everyone has a right to arm themselves legally. But criminals will always have illegal guns. To get guns out of the hands of desperados is simple: If you use a gun in the performance of a crime, you (and anyone with you) [should] get an additional 20 years tacked onto the

sentence(s) with no chance of parole; that will end gun violence as we know it. Even gangbangers can grasp that notion. I am not unsympathetic towards his mother. But when my pregnant daughter-in-law called me sobbing that my 30-year-old son had been gone for days on a crack binge, I advocated for “tough love” and went straight to the police to get him out of the crack house and into treatment. They did, they were wonderful, and they saved his life! Police will help when parents are taking a positive hard stance. Sometimes not “protecting” your child is the hardest choice a parent ever has to make! — Kate Crawford Asheville

Cyclists who don’t follow the rules will hear my horn I must take exception and comment on the commentary by Christopher M. Craig on finding equilibrium between bicycles and cars [Dec. 9 ]. I am one of those people who will continue to blow my horn and shout at cyclists ignoring the rules of the road that they, like other vehicles, are supposed to follow. Mr. Craig admits in his column that he will pass other vehicles who are stopped at traffic lights to get to the front of the line. Stay in your place in line and wait like the rest of us are doing or expect to get blown at and cursed at. He also admits to running through stop signs, thereby endangering all of us; again expect to get blown at and cursed at.

Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, Mountain Xpress, P.O. Box 144, Asheville, NC 28802 or by e-mail to letters@mountainx.com. (Include name, address and phone number.)

xpress staff publisher & Editor: Jeff Fobes GENERAL MANAGER: Andy Sutcliffe senior editor: Peter Gregutt MANAGING editor: Jon Elliston A&E editor: Rebecca Sulock ASSOCIATE editor: Margaret Williams MULTimEDIA EDITOR: Jason Sandford Staff writers: David Forbes, Brian Postelle A&E REPORTER & Fashion editor: Alli Marshall editorial assistants: Hanna Rachel Raskin, Tracy Rose Staff photographer: Jonathan Welch Clubland editor & Writer: Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt contributing writers: Jonathan Barnard, Melanie McGee Bianchi, Ursula Gullow, Anne Fitten Glenn, Whitney Shroyer EDIToRIAL INTERN: Gabe Chess PHOTO INTERN: Joshua Cole Production & Design ManaGeR: Andrew Findley Advertising Production manager: Kathy Wadham Production & Design: Carrie Lare, Nathanael Roney calendar editor & supplements coordinator: Mannie Dalton

Movie reviewer & Coordinator: Ken Hanke Food editor: Hanna Rachel Raskin Advertising director: James Fisher advertising manager: John Varner retail Representatives: Russ Keith, Rick Goldstein, Leigh Reynolds, Scott Sessoms WEB MARKETING MANAGER: Marissa Williams Classified Representatives: Arenda Manning, Tim Navaille Information Technologies Manager: Stefan Colosimo webmaster: Jason Shope web DEVELOPER: Patrick Conant Office manager & bookkeeper: Patty Levesque special projects: Sammy Cox ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER: Lisa Watters ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT: Arenda Manning, distribution manager: Sammy Cox Assistant distribution manager: Jeff Tallman DIStribution: Mike Crawford, Ronnie Edwards, Ronald Harayda, Adrian Hipps, Joan Jordan, Russ Keith, Marsha McKay, Beth Molaro, Ryan Seymour, Dane Smith, Ed Wharton, Thomas Young

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Stuart Peterson, the former gang member turned anti-gang educator featured in the article “Justice Undone?” in the Dec. 2 issue of Xpress, faced his first felony arrest and conviction as described in the article. However, while he faced a single armed-robbery charge, it came from three incidents: two ATM robberies earlier this year, as well as the convenience-store robbery described in the article. If you are riding a vehicle on N.C. streets, follow the laws or get off the road, whether you are riding a bicycle, driving a car, riding a long board or a unicycle. He also admits to taking to the sidewalks, thereby endangering the pedestrians who are following the law — unlike this scofflaw, who just wants his own way. I am more than happy to see him on his bicycle, following the same laws that we, in our much bigger vehicles, also have to follow. … Yes, more bike paths and bike lanes would be helpful, but that doesn’t give Mr. Scofflaw the right to violate these traffic laws, and he needs to work peacefully toward getting these paths and lanes funded. So, I shall continue to blow my horn and to curse at you and others who like to think that you are helping prevent global warming by bicycling and want to have your own way by violating the rules of the road to suit yourselves. Ride your bike all you want, but follow the laws and rules of the road or get the hell off my road. (Yes, my road, since cars and trucks pay the highway taxes and bicycles do not.) — Craig Whitehead Candler

Dear Santa: Forget the toys, just keep my parents safe I want to share the following letter from someone in our community who couldn’t send it herself because her parents are unauthorized immigrants. I obtained it from El Centro Comunitario in Hendersonville. I’ve shortened it a bit but otherwise not changed it:

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“Dear Santa: I am a little girl that is 9 years old. I do not care or mind if you do not bring me any gifts. All I want is that I do not want the police or immigration [to] separate me from my family. Please tell God or Virgin Maria to open the office so people can get their driver’s licenses. I am confused because my dad has diabetes and my mom does not get to drive to the store, doctor or school. Santa Claus, how would you feel if your mom could not take you anywhere? I don’t understand why they say that people are criminal for their origin or skin color. You know, Santa Claus, that if you cannot drive, you cannot

Letters continue

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009

DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

For other Molton cartoons, check out our Web page at www.mountainx.com/cartoons work; if you can not work, you can not eat. Santa Claus tell me how to do it. For example, if my sister or brother are sick in school, how would my mom go to pick them up? I do not understand because some people can go anywhere and some cannot. For example, I wanted to go to see other states [and] Myrtle Beach because I don’t know the sea. … Santa, why do the birds make their nests really high? Because they do not want anything to happen to their babies. Why do the birds go somewhere else when it is winter? Because they do not want their babies to die. Like my parents do not want to go to Mexico because they are killing a lot of people there. That is why I want you to take good care of my parents, so they will

not get deported to Mexico. I am not putting my address because I don’t want them to find my parents — sorry Santa. I hope this is the best Christmas for me and my family.” The U.S. Congress will soon be debating whether we can allow the hardworking people who’ve joined our communities a way to achieve earned legalization. As U.S. citizens, you and I have the power to be Santa Claus to this girl and hundreds of thousands of other children. I hope we’ll do the right thing and ask Congress to pass immigration reform. — Victoria Lyall Candler

Can you guess what he wants for the holidays? “To the world you may be one person, but to a chained dog, you are the entire world.”

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www.ChainFreeAsheville.org mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009

commentary The news we all make

Always grounded in community, Xpress is evolving toward ever more citizen involvement by Jon Elliston

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When I was in journalism school a decade ago, we scrambled to keep up with advances in our field, many of them technological: digital cameras, Web-based research and publishing, and the like. But we were still following the same underlying model that had driven our profession for more than a century: We were the experts, the gatekeepers, the sole generators and providers of news; you were the news consumers, and it was our job to deliver it to you. What a difference a decade can make. Today, some news providers, Mountain Xpress among them, are reinventing our role, with an everincreasing emphasis on collaboration with readers. In the past year, we’ve experimented with numerous initiatives that take us off our journalistic high horse and decentralize how local information is gathered and shared. Along the way, we’ve started crafting systems and an overall approach that are grounded in citizen journalism — and we’ve only just begun. Despite all these changes, Xpress’ mission remains the same. In a nutshell, it is “to build

community and strengthen democracy by serving an engaged, thoughtful constituency at the local level — where the impact of citizen action is greatest.” What’s changed is the potential impact of citizen action on local journalism itself. In other words, as much as we want to help readers stay informed and active, we also want to serve as a forum, a gathering place, a hub where many networks of connections and communications come together. As much as we want to serve you, we now want to serve with you. Amid all the lofty abstractions about citizen journalism, we’re talking about something concrete: a functional model in which every concerned reader has the potential to generate and share the news. And in fact, many of you are doing so already. You’re blogging. You’re tweeting. You’re on Facebook, Flickr and YouTube. You have the tools, and you’re using them to send and shape your own news. Of course, we can’t claim to know precisely what form these new approaches — including

Maybe not everyone wants to be a journalist, but we’re rapidly approaching an era when anyone can be a journalist of one sort or another. our own — will ultimately take. The pace of technological change is accelerating, and no doubt the months and years to come will bring innovations we can’t even imagine yet. In the meantime, however, we’re exploring how the new technologies and new model can foster collaboration with thoughtful citizens in unprecedented ways. These initiatives include: • MXNow A live local-news stream, it uses the microblogging program Twitter to collect and share readers’ dispatches on topics ranging from politics and the environment to entertainment, agriculture and much more. You’ll find the stream on the right-hand side of our home page, www.mountainx.com, in a yellow box. So far, more than a dozen readers have volunteered to partner with our own staff members in sharing the news they come across. • Blogwire Also on our home page is this local-news aggregator, providing a space for reports that are necessarily longer than the 140-

DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

character limit on Twitter. One of our newest ventures, Blogwire is mostly compiled by Xpress staff for now, but we’ve signed up a few readers to contribute there as well, and we’re actively seeking more. • Xpress Forums, at www.mountainx.com/ forums, is a virtual town hall — and sometimes more like a virtual free-for-all. Registration is free, and any registered member of our Web site can launch and/or contribute to discussions on just about anything under the sun. In addition to these features, we’ve worked to open our Web site to community contributions wherever we can, from online comments on all our stories to reader-submitted photos and videos to free classifieds. And looking ahead, we have big plans for 2010. We’re planning to build a hub database/ Web site serving the Asheville area where readers can create, manage and distribute community-focused content using the most advanced methods available — some of which we will develop ourselves. The project will train citizens, collaborate with area software developers, and generate revenue via a local ad network. Of course, this grand shift in the way our society gathers and shares news doesn’t always come easily for us; it can be hard to let go of old ways, of old understandings, and adopt new ones. And indeed, there are key parts of our profession that we’ll hang onto till someone pries the keyboards from our aching hands: We’ll still gather and disseminate crucial news on our own. We’ll still sit through the lengthy localgovernment meetings that aren’t everyone’s idea of a good time. We’ll still do the kind of long-term, in-depth investigations that don’t (or don’t yet) seem to lend themselves to crowdsourcing or citizen journalism. We’ll still count on experienced photographers and designers to make what we do look as artful as possible. But we won’t cling to the outmoded approach that delivers news top-down, strictly from us to you. Maybe not everyone wants to be a journalist, but we’re rapidly approaching an era when anyone can be a journalist of one sort or another. And as the impacts of these fundamental changes spread, we want to be able to say that Xpress helped pave the way for a new kind of journalism that’s richer, more diffuse, more responsive and more empowering than the way we used to do it. Here’s hoping you’ll join us and share in the exciting evolution of the way local matters become local news. X Managing Editor Jon Elliston wants to hear from readers interested in collaborating with Mountain Xpress. He can be reached at jelliston@mountainx. com, or at 251-1333, ext. 127.

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009

news The right profile

Two local cases raise concerns about racial profiling by David Forbes Racial profiling — or even just the possibility of it — by those charged with upholding the law is an extremely sensitive issue, involving questions of potential prejudice, abuse of power and hidden motives. For law-enforcement personnel, trying to gauge whether illegal activity is taking place — often in stressful or ambiguous situations with the very real potential for threats to their own safety — is a tough job. Yet at the same time, citizens have a right to be free from harassment, unreasonable searches or the assumption that they’re involved in something illegal based solely on their race or social status. “It fluctuates, but we do see a significant amount of profiling, including in Asheville,” says staff attorney Rebecca Headen of the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, who heads up the group’s Racial Justice Project. “It’s very commonly connected to a traffic stop, pedestrian or bicycle encounter.” Asheville Police Department spokesperson Melissa Williams, however, emphasizes the delicate balancing act police work entails. “They try to make an admittedly unpleasant situation tolerable — but officers can’t ignore activity that appears suspicious, even if it would be inconvenient if they turn out to be mistaken in their perception. If officers can articulate reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, they can and do investigate,” she notes. “Our officers are well aware that no one likes getting stopped by the police, even for something as basic as a license check. That is why they do their best to treat people in a professional manner and to be polite.” In Asheville, the local branch of the NAACP pursues many complaints about racial profiling, and President John Hayes says he sees real grievances but also a need for a better informed public. “Profiling happens, but what we try to do is educate people, help them understand what makes [an incident] profiling or what makes it a justified stop,” Hayes explains. “People get pulled over, and plenty of them assume it’s profiling. Well, maybe it was and maybe it wasn’t.” In the incidents described below, two area residents — both with clean criminal records — maintain that their race was a factor in what they see as unjust treatment by local lawenforcement agencies. Here’s a look at those cases, along with what statistics reveal about this controversial topic.

10 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

Camping on the Parkway: Navy veteran and student Russell Johnson near the spot where he was detained by Park Rangers after he greeted them and asked for directions. photos by Jonathan Welch

The veteran

Russell Johnson grew up around the Blue Ridge Parkway and had always enjoyed it. “I’m an avid hiker — I used to go up there three, four times a week,” he explains. “As a child I was always up there with my family, going on picnics.” But on April 17, 2008, Johnson, a Navy veteran who’s now attending Mars Hill College, was pulled over by two National Park Service rangers near Weaverville. “I had my windows down; I didn’t have a cigar or anything. I was just riding on the Parkway to study,” recalls the Asheville resident. “They jumped out, asked if I had any drugs in the car, asked what I was doing up on the Parkway, if I had any alcohol. They said they pulled me over because they saw a burn hole in my passenger-side seat (my girlfriend is a smoker). I wish I had glasses that could see that far.” The rangers asked Johnson if they could search the car — he refused, though he invited them to “look wherever you want” without actually opening the doors — and ran a license check. In video the Park Service later gave to Johnson at his request, two rangers can be seen circling the car and looking through the windows while Johnson leans against the vehicle, reading a copy of the U.S. Constitution (“I figured I’d better have my rights ready,” he says).

For some reason, the video begins in the middle of the traffic stop, with the rangers already in possession of Johnson’s license, rather than at the beginning of the encounter. While they wait for his record to come back, Johnson tells the rangers he appreciates what they do, and one of them mentions several recent drug arrests and drunk-driving incidents on the Parkway. “I thought, ‘Well, what does that have to do with me? Are they pulling over everyone because of that?’” Johnson recalls. “I was clean; there was no reason for them to do anything.” After handing back his license, the rangers question Johnson for several minutes about where he came from and where he’s headed. At the end of the video, they can be seen walking up to a white couple. “How you folks doing today?” one ranger asks, before wishing them a good day and departing. The incident, says Johnson, left him somewhat reluctant to go up to the Parkway. The next time he did so was July 25, on a camping trip with his girlfriend. “We wanted to get away from the Bele Chere weekend crowds,” he remembers. “The park rangers were breaking down a DUI checkpoint, and I was taking pictures on the Mills River Bridge. The moon was a sliver: It

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mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 11

of a patrol car and quizzing him about his girlfriend’s number after discovering that he has her cell phone and debit card. (Johnson had left her back at the campsite while he went to get supplies.) “I was just asking a question; now I got to get searched and everything?” Johnson says to them. (See sidebar, “Know Your Rights.”) “When you walk up asking questions with someone else’s card in your pocket,” the ranger replies, after asserting that he’d spotted a big bulge in Johnson’s shirt. “Oh, I see; I understand,” Johnson responds, after which the rangers ask him if he’s carrying guns or drugs. “I knew, at that point, they were making that assumption; that’s what I understood,” he told Xpress later. Following the license check, the rangers let Johnson go, and he tells them again that he understands, that there are no hard feelings. But Johnson says now that the experience has stayed with him, both physically and mentally. “I went to the VA hospital; I’ve been taking muscle relaxers to help reduce the inflammation [caused by their jerking my hands up],” Johnson reports. “I have a lot of friends who won’t go on the Parkway because of this.” Only about 1 percent of visitors to national parks are African-

“Profiling happens, but what we try to do is educate people, help them understand what makes [an incident] profiling or what makes it a justified stop.”

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Walking down the street: Local musician Jonathan Scales near the spot where a police officer stopped him, thinking his handshake with his realtor was a hand-to-hand drug transaction was red and so beautiful, and I just had to get a picture.” Johnson’s car was parked on the other side of the bridge, and he walked over to talk to the rangers before heading back to his vehicle. “When I walked up to one of the cars — there were four at the entrance — I waved and said, ‘I really appreciate what y’all are doing, keeping us safe on the Parkway.’ I asked how long it would take to get to Pisgah from here,” says Johnson, who wanted to get more photographs before the light faded. “He told me — and this is a park ranger — he didn’t know what I was talking about.” On video, Johnson can be clearly seen walking up to the car and waving, though his words aren’t audible. Three rangers emerge from surrounding vehicles and direct Johnson to put his hands behind his back. “I obliged, and they started searching me, going through my little fanny pack, which just had my flashlight, my compass — things you use in the woods,” says Johnson. “One of the rangers grabbed my hands and shoved them up between my shoulder blades.” The impact was so hard that Johnson will now require surgery for a damaged disc, hospital documents confirm. “I get dizzy: I’m a disabled veteran with some nerve troubles; this didn’t help things,” he says. The video clearly shows Johnson with his hands behind his back and the rangers searching him. The rangers then went through his fanny pack, which had camping gear inside it, took his car keys, and one vehicle drove across the bridge to Johnson’s car. While the video doesn’t make it clear if the rangers searched his vehicle, Johnson believes they did. “They’re not supposed to do that,” he says, adding, “The doors were unlocked when I came back.” In the video, the rangers can be seen leaning Johnson against the side

12 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

branch,

NAACP

American, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Johnson believes that the way he was treated was a result of racial profiling, citing the contrasting treatment afforded the white couple. Accordingly, Johnson has hired an attorney and filed a formal complaint with the Justice Department. He’s still hoping the park rangers will apologize for the incident. But Chief Park Ranger Steve Stinnett believes the rangers have nothing to apologize for. “We take all such complaints very seriously,” he reports. “We forwarded [Johnson’s complaints] to our Office of Professional Responsibility, who basically fulfill our internal-affairs function. They investigated it; they interviewed the rangers involved in both incidents and found that there was no basis for complaint.” Johnson, notes Stinnett, was not arrested or charged in either incident. “I have absolute faith in our rangers,” he adds, while declining to comment any further on the incidents.

The musician

Well-known local musician Jonathan Scales has toured around the country, his work on the steel drums drawing raves from reviewers in JazzTimes magazine and elsewhere. But a chance encounter on Aug. 23 led to some far less positive attention, he reports. “I came out of The Rocket Club, I saw a friend of mine, happened to be my Realtor (I was buying a house at the time). I went to say ‘hey’ to him, but he was on the phone and I didn’t want to disturb him, so I shook his hand,” remembers Scales. “I walked a couple of blocks down and this police officer stops me and asked if I knew the man at the gas station. He told me, ‘I saw that handshake; it looked kind of suspicious.’” Scales told Officer Kelly Radford that the person was his real-estate agent. “Basically, at that point he accused me, said, ‘Well, it looked like a drug deal,’” Scales relates. “I was shocked. I’ve never done drugs a day in my life. He took my ID; he asked if I minded if he searched me. I told him I did mind, that I hadn’t done anything wrong; he would just be wasting his time.” According to Scales, Radford then told him that if he was innocent,

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he wouldn’t object to being searched. “I didn’t know a handshake counted as probable cause, that it was suspect,� Scales says with a chuckle. “It was apparent I wasn’t getting out of it. I refused it for about five minutes, then I let him search me. I was against the cop car, his hands on top of my hands, I got the whole pat-down treatment.� The next day, Scales went down to the West Asheville police station and e-mailed Chief Bill Hogan, requesting a sit-down with the officer in question. “They told me he was just doing his job, that it wasn’t profiling,� Scales recalls. “They basically said they weren’t going to do that.� Williams, the APD spokesperson, backed up that assessment, confirming that Radford did, in fact, find Scales’ handshake suspicious. “Jonathan Scales was searched by an APD officer, pursuant to consent, based on actions that appeared to the officer to be a hand-tohand transaction of some type (and not a mere handshake greeting) on Haywood Road,� she wrote Xpress in response to questions about the incident. “No contraband was discovered, and the officer apologized to Mr. Scales for delaying him.�

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Asked for a breakdown of arrests by race and ethnicity, Williams told Xpress, “We don’t track arrestees by race, gender, etc.,� though the individual incident reports do indicate the race of everyone involved. However, most law-enforcement agencies in North Carolina, including the APD, are required to report their traffic stops and searches, broken down by race and ethnicity, to the State Bureau of Investigation. Between Nov. 1, 2008, and Oct. 31 of this year, the APD reported making 6,264 traffic stops. Of those stopped, 873 (13.9 percent) were African-Americans. According to census data, roughly 17 percent of Asheville residents are African-American. Hispanics, meanwhile, accounted for 215 of those APD stops (3.4 percent); 5 percent of Asheville’s population is Hispanic. So, by that measure, the statistics give no hint of racial profiling. Once stopped, however, African-American men are statistically far more likely to be searched. During that same time period, the APD reported conducting 509 car searches. Of those, 180 — more than a third — involved

14 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

Know your rights There are many misconceptions about law enforcement’s legal authority to conduct searches and citizens’ right to refuse them. Here’s what the law actually says, based on a review of federal and state statutes: Law-enforcement personnel can stop or pull a person over based on a “reasonable suspicion� that a person is, has been or is about to be engaged in illegal activity. Legally, such suspicion must be based on observed facts, not a hunch or the officer’s instinct. However, police cannot then search the person, their vehicle, their home or business premises without either their consent, a search warrant signed by a judge or magistrate, or probable cause. The 1983 Supreme Court case Illinois v. Gates defines probable cause as a “fair chance� that illegal actions are being committed — and if police make an arrest, they’ll have to justify that assessment in court. Examples of probable cause include someone screaming for help from inside a house, or an illegal firearm clearly visible on the back seat of a car. If a person objects to a search after law enforcement asserts that they have probable cause, the police may continue with the search, but the person can note that they are not consenting to it. Legally, this is important if a

black males. According to Hayes, the Asheville NAACP deals with about 20 to 30 formal complaints of racial profiling per year, and that rate’s remained steady over the last decade. “Some of them, the officer is disciplined, and sometimes they don’t find in our favor,� notes Hayes. “We get some real problems, plenty of them, but we also get a lot of people convinced the police pulled them over because they were black. Could be, but they need to ask what else was going on, if there’s other reasons the police pulled them over.� “I can’t confirm that your numbers are correct,� Williams wrote in response to questions about the SBI statistics. “However, it is clear that they don’t shed any light on key information such as when and where the vehicle stops/searches occurred, such as in known high-crime areas, where we are charged by the community to devote a great deal of police resources.� Asked about the training APD officers receive, she wrote, “I can tell you that our officers are trained to be effective while operating within the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Constitution, state law and department policy.� The bottom line, according to Williams, is that they “strive to do good, sound police work. They stop cars that they think need to

citizen wants to later make the case that the search violated their rights. Police may pat down an individual’s clothing if they have a reasonable suspicion that the person is carrying a concealed weapon, but may not also search them without probable cause. If police conduct a search without probable cause but make no arrest, the citizen can consult an attorney about pursuing legal action or lodge a complaint with the Police Department’s internal affairs division. A person cannot be arrested for refusing to let the police search them. Likewise, they don’t have to make any statement to the police or answer any questions except for giving their name. Refusing to consent to a search — or to answer questions — does not count as probable cause. If pulled over in their vehicle, a person is required to provide their driver’s license and registration. If police arrest someone, they must tell the person why. For additional information and perspectives on this issue, visit the ACLU’s primer on police searches at aclu.org, or the NAACP’s archive of legal documents at naacpldf.org. — David Forbes

be stopped, and when they think it’s prudent, they search those vehicles.� Nonetheless, says Headen of the ACLU, the experience Scales describes — being pressed by a police officer to submit to a search — is all too common. “That’s really too bad: ‘If you’re innocent you’ll let me search you’ is one of the most common misconceptions out there, especially when an officer may assume that someone’s up to something because of who they are,� she says. “It is never a crime to assert your constitutional rights.� Hayes, meanwhile, encourages citizens to get educated about their rights and, if they do get stopped, to keep their cool and be attentive. “People can get angry, let it escalate. Don’t. Stay calm, look at what’s going on,� he counsels. “When did the police stop you? How long had they been following you? What reason did they give? If you think you’ve been profiled, write everything down as soon as possible; memory fades quickly — for the police and the person who gets stopped. This isn’t TV.� X You can reach David Forbes at dforbes@mountainx.com or at 251-1333, ext. 137.

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 15

news

X

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by Brian Postelle The final Council meeting in an election year is bound to be a curious beast. Even as new Council members are brought in, the holiday break looms; it’s also the last chance to tackle anything that has to be addressed before the end of the calendar year. And with the January retreat still ahead, the incoming Council members have had only limited orientation concerning key issues. As a result, these year-ending sessions tend to be mere formalities, with any serious controversy postponed until after the holidays. But that’s not how things played out Dec. 15 when, at their very first meeting, Council members Cecil Bothwell, Esther Manheimer and Gordon Smith were treated to a nail biter of a discussion, with construction of the long-debated addition to the W.C. Reid Center for Creative Arts hanging in the balance. Due to some empty Council seats, the project barely mustered the four votes needed for approval. The cost to the city of adding a new performance facility and classroom space to the Livingston Street recreation center has fluctuated over the past year, as grant funds have appeared and then vanished. A $500,000 state grant was withdrawn in November because the project had not advanced to the required point. And discussions about the cost and whether it would be better just to renovate the existing gym kept the project bogged down during 2009. The current numbers show a total budget of $1.96 million. And with $133,000 left on hand from the project’s original budget and $738,000 in private pledges at stake, that would still leave the city committing to borrowing nearly $1.1 million at a time when money is very tight. Back in October, Council had approved both the financing plan and a construction master plan on a 5-2 vote. Now, however, they were confronted with an actual contract (with the Ashevillebased H&M Constructors). And with Mayor Terry Bellamy attending a holiday reception at the White House, the head count was already short. Then, on the advice of City Attorney Bob Oast, Manheimer asked to be recused from the vote because her employer, the Van Winkle Law Firm, represents two of the contractors who bid on the project. That left only five Council members at the table, and Council member Bill Russell had already turned thumbs down on the financing option in October. Oast, meanwhile, reminded Council that despite the empty seats, a full majority (four votes) was still needed to carry the measure. And when Vice Mayor Brownie Newman, presiding over the meeting in Bellamy’s absence, asked if

16 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

the issue could be tabled until the mayor returned, Roderick Simmons, the city’s director of parks, recreation and cultural arts, told him that the $738,000 in private contributions raised since 2006 would be off the table if no commitment were made by year’s end. Russell, the lone Republican on Council following Carl Mumpower’s departure, stuck to his position that the price tag had spiraled too high. “I was in support of this, but I withdrew my support when grant money went away and the cost got too high,” he noted. “I wonder if we’re building something a little too glamorous. I don’t think we have the money.” But Mildred Nance-Carson, who volunteers for youth programs at the center, disputed that view. “There is no glam in this building,” she declared, adding that considering the state of the current gymnasium, the youths deserve a new facility. “The city just has not done a great job of keeping it up,” she asserted. “We have been promised many things, none of which have happened.” To help make her case, Nance-Carson had brought along a group of Reid Center regulars. “Without the center, most of the youth in that area have no place to go,” said 16-year-old DeAngelo Brown. “I think there’s a lot of good in that place that just hasn’t been seen yet,” said 15-year-old Jacob Houle.

funds to install sidewalks within the same designated area as the new development. Lifting that restriction, said Ball, would reduce the number of sidewalks to nowhere. A connected sidewalk in another part of town, she noted, would be more valuable than an isolated stretch fronting a development. And in places where sidewalks are required on only one side of the street, argued Ball, letting the fee-in-lieu burden be shared among developers of surrounding properties might encourage more of them to choose the fee option, thus furthering the city’s goal of connecting existing stretches. The measure was approved 6-0, with an amendment suggested by Manheimer that calls for reviewing the policy after one year. While the cost of building sidewalks changes over time, she said, the city’s fee in lieu does not, and developers will use whichever option is cheaper at the time.

Hall of champions

The final meeting of the year is also the time when Council members take note of impressive accomplishments over the past 12 months, and they had no problem finding worthy subjects on whom to lavish praise. In September, Capt. Jeremy Edmonds of Asheville Fire and Rescue was named North Carolina Firefighter of the Year, and in a national competition to see how quickly and efficiently water department employees can

“We have been promised many things, none of which have happened.” — Reid Center Meanwhile, Council member Jan Davis acknowledged that, despite his prior vote in support of the funding method, he’d been ambivalent all along. “This is a difficult place to be in. We’ve sort of created a perfect storm without the mayor here to support this,” said Davis. “I’d hate to see this thing die; I think it would be a travesty.” Newman, however, urged his colleagues to follow through in recognition of all the work that had gone into the project so far. And after some quick calculation based on the number of daily visits to the current facility, Smith maintained that despite the increased cost, it would still be a wise investment. “It comes to $350 per kid per year,” he said. “That’s money well spent.” The construction contract was approved 4-1, with Russell opposed.

Where the sidewalk mends

A change in the way Asheville makes developers pay for sidewalks should enable the city to link up existing segments along major pedestrian routes, Public Works Director Cathy Ball reported. Currently, a developers who builds along a stretch of road that lacks a sidewalk must either install one or pay the city “fee-in-lieu” money. In the past, the city has been required to use those

volunteer

Mildred Nance-Carson

tap a line, the city’s men’s and women’s teams both won at the state level and will advance to the nationals. They all got their turn at the front of the room, along with all 40-plus members of Asheville High School’s award-winning debate team, which will soon compete in the Harvard Invitational. But the most emotional recognition went to quarterback Brandon Whiteside of the Asheville High Cougars. The senior’s family has been ravaged by cancer: His grandfather died of lung cancer in 2004, his younger sister was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in 2007, and his mother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer earlier this year. Whiteside made national news with his pledge to donate $1 of his own money to Asheville’s Relay for Life cancer benefit for every yard of passes he completed during the 2009 season. Racking up 1,854 yards, he broke the school’s career passing record. Whiteside’s campaign also inspired other donors, who brought the total raised to $4,659. Whiteside thanked City Council and those in attendance but also praised his teammates, saying, “Thanks for catching my passes. That also helps.” X Brian Postelle can be reached at 251-1333, ext. 153, or at bpostelle@mountainx.com.

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 17

thebuzz

wnc news briefs

Make a date for 2010 with local calendars It’s time to toss that boring calendar from ’09 that you packed full of lunch dates, soccer practices and yoga classes, and to keep the date in the new decade with style. For several years, Xpress has being doing a roundup of local calendars, but never before have there been quite so many cool ones to feature. You can thank several local groups, businesses and artists for a crop of calendars like no other. Here’s to saving the date stylishly in 2010. — Gabe Chess

Ray’s Weather: Ray’s Weather is a Boone-based weather-forecasting service for Western North Carolina. For the calendar, Ray’s Weather held a contest for the best photographs of the High Country, with the top 12 all receiving a month. The calendar includes the beautiful photographs along with monthly weather averages for cities like Asheville, Black Mountain and Boone, among others. It’s available at www.raysmarketplace.com for $13.95.

Treasured Trees: The Treasured Trees calendar is an annual fundraiser for local nonprofit Asheville GreenWorks. The 2010 edition features black-andwhite images of 12 of Buncombe County’s “largest, rarest, oldest and prettiest trees” printed on Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper. The pictures serve double duty as a selection of postcards; when a given month ends, you can separate the picture and mail it. The calendars are $16, and can be purchased at the Asheville GreenWorks office (357 Depot Street in the River Arts District), at several stories around town and online at www. ashevillegreenworks.org.

18 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

The Lovely Ladies of the Soda Fountain: This is the second year that the Soda Fountain in the Woolworth Walk building has put out a Ladies of the Soda Fountain calendar. Each month features a photograph of one of the Soda Fountain ladies or a group of them. The silly calendar is sure to crack a smile on your face each month, and can be purchased at the Soda Fountain.

Men of Westville Pub: Westville Pub on Haywood Road in West Asheville has cranked out a hilarious and, um, revealing, calendar for the past few years, and this year’s installment continues the tradition. The calendar is being sold at Westville Pub, and proceeds will be donated to Helpmate, a domestic-violence agency working to eliminate abuse and fear. Hence the calendar’s motto: “Objectifying men to help women.”

Freaks of Asheville: The first annual Freaks of Asheville celebrates a city dubbed “America’s new freak capital” by Rolling Stone. The calendar features Heather Mermaid, aka the mountain mermaid, on the cover, along with 12 other fabulous local “freaks,” ranging from Bob Seven to the Silver Drummer Girl to tall-biking dare devil Michael Mooney. Along with the portraits, by Asheville photographer Michael Traister, there is a testimonial from each self-professed freak. Scattered throughout each month are interesting dates in Asheville history: You are sure to impress your friends when you can tell them that Asheville was chartered on Jan. 27, 1798, or that on Sept. 18, 2010, the 30th annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition will be held in Asheville. The calendar costs $13.95 and can be purchased at www.freaksofasheville. com and several local venders.

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A Bee Lover’s Garden: A Bee Lover’s Garden is a project intended to help show individuals what they can do to fight the mysterious disappearance of honeybees. The calendar is full of tips to help your garden be more beefriendly, from maintaining your garden to ideas for plants bees like. It’s for sale at www. abeeloversgarden.com for $20.

Find community snowstorm news on mountainx.com

photo by Jonathan Welch

Like it did to so many in Western North Carolina, last week’s snowstorm caught us scrambling to get our work done, get home, stay warm and help whomever we could. And while our newspaper publishes only once a week (on Wednesdays), Xpress is trying new ways to disseminate emergency news around the clock, every day. As the storm clouds gathered last Friday, we set up a breaking-news box at the top of our homepage — www. mountainx.com — opening the door to hundreds of mini-reports on snowfall levels, power outages and restorations, traffic conditions, openings and closings, etc. We used Twitter, the socialmedia tool that lets Internet and smartphone users quickly share brief reports on the Web. Twitter users can tag their messages to make it easier for users to sort and filter the relentless rush of online news. Among Twitter users, that tag is called a “hashtag.” In the case of this storm, community members adopted the hashtag “#avlsnomg” (as in “Asheville snow, Oh my god!) to mark messages about the weather and its impact on our region.

What resulted was a steady stream of dispatches, pictures and videos from the media, community members, energy companies and local businesses. The messages ranged from the silly (“Cabin fever is such that the teenager has begun running outside barefoot in the snow. Trying to get me to do same.”) to the musing (“Guess next time I summon the Snow Gods to ‘bring it,’ I must be specific about no friggin’ power outages clause”) to the practical (“Our goal is to have majority of people’s power restored by 11pm [Monday]. Extra crews are still on the ground.”). Granted, Twitter-driven news is not a perfect way to stay in the know during a weather emergency — particularly if your power is out and you can’t access the Internet. But it’s a relatively new tool that helped both Xpress and the community share urgent snippets of news in ways we havn’t before. Stay tuned: At press time, there’s a chance for more bad weather on the near horizon; if snowstorms come our way again soon, please join us in sharing the news at mountainx.com. — Margaret Williams

20 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

Doors of Asheville: The Doors of Asheville is an annual art-action fundraiser to support affordable housing in Asheville and Buncombe County. This year’s Doors of Asheville calendar features art by Tom Pazderka, Julia C. Burr, Jonas Gerard and many others. The calendar can be purchased for $15 dollars at www.mtnhousing. org/doors/index. All funds raised benefit Mountain Housing Opportunities.

Laurie McCarriar’s Bookmark Calendar: Local photographer and digital artist Laurie McCarriar, who has put out several calendars in recent years, has a new variety to offer: Each month features one of McCarriar’s photographs of nature, which were taken in various locations including DuPont Forest and Ireland, and can be taken out and used as a bookmark. The calendar is available at her studio, at 170 Lyman St., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at www. lauriemccarriar.com/home/small-gifts, for $10 a calendar, or two for $15.

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UNCA Weather Calendar: Published by UNCA’s Atmospheric Sciences Department, this calendar, in its 25th year, features Asheville climate data, including monthly temperature and precipitation normals, monthly heating-and-cooling degree days, plus daily normals for maximum and minimum temperatures. It’s also got info on moon phases, daily sunrise and sunset times, and a climate-data table showing normals, means and extremes for Asheville. The calendar costs $7, postage included. Make checks payable to “Weather Calendar” and mail to Dr. Alex Huang, UNCA Atmospheric Sciences Dept., 1 University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804-8511.

Bob Moog Foundation: The mission of the Bob Moog Foundation is to “educate and inspire children and adults through the power and possibilities of electronic music.” The calendar’s profits go toward creating a planned Moogseum. Each month features a photograph of Moog as well as other pioneers of electronic music, and a small write-up on the photograph or Moog quote. The calendar is available for purchase at www.moogfoundation.org/shop for $20.

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 21

gallery

www.mountainx.com/gallery

See and be seen in the Xpress Photo Gallery Each issue of Mountain Xpress comes packed with pictures, but if you haven’t checked out our online Photo Gallery, you ain’t seen nothing yet. The collection — at www.mountainx. com/gallery — is an ever-growing portrait of our ever-evolving community. Featuring photos from both Xpress staffers and citizen journalists, the gallery showcases local arts and entertainments, political events, sporting contests, the beauty of mountain nature and much, much more. Here’s a small selection of recently added images by Xpress photo intern Joshua Cole. Come see us his work in the Gallery — you might even see yourself! X

Contra dancing at the Grey Eagle

Shane Conerty of Now You See Them on the LaZoom Tours bus

Belly dancing at Mela Indian Restaurant in Asheville

22 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

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by Cinthia Milner Some families take ski trips to Colorado or travel to Europe for the holidays, but for the Koon girls of Buncombe County, it’s all about their annual Christmas camping weekend with dad. The week before Christmas, they pull out the camping gear (or, more accurately, their dad does) and head out to meet old friends — other fathers and their offspring — for a weekend of rock climbing, zip-lining and other play. The tradition began years ago, when Karl and McKenzie Koon weren’t much older than their kids are now. Karl was a student at Asheville School from 196974, and McKenzie was at Roberson High School around the same time. Both attended a mountaineering camp held each summer at Asheville School. James G. “Pop” Hollandsworth, a physics teacher who headed up the school’s mountaineering program, started the camp in 1967. (He was also the first director of the North Carolina Outward Bound School.) The first Koon family Christmas camping weekend was in 1972, when students, faculty and assorted friends came together for a “Mountaineering Camp Reunion.” In those days, the gatherings were held after Dec. 25, which gave everyone a chance to show off their Christmas loot — new camping gear — while reuniting with friends from the summer program. Among the original dads from

Every year, the girls return tired, wet, full of MREs and scary stories but with Christmas just a weekend away.

Tree Weekend January 9, 10 Sat., 12-4 pm • Winter Tree ID w/ Robin Allison Learn to identify the “really big herbs”, even in the winter Sun., 3-6 pm • Celtic Tree Lore w/ Crystalline Ruby Muse Study Eight Historically Sacred Trees of the Ancient Celts

24 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

photo courtesy Koon family

those early trips were Karl, Bob Jones of Atlanta and Craig Murray of Winston-Salem. Every year, they join Pop (who’s now 94) for the reunion. But at this point, it’s not so much about who got what cool camping gear: It’s about kids, and passing on a mountaineering tradition to the next generation. One quirky but much-loved part of that tradition, say the girls, is the MREs (meals ready to eat) an Atlanta friend always brings. The current crop of girls, ages 7 to 16, haven’t missed a single year of Christmas camping since the eldest — Kelly, now a junior at Asheville School — was 3 years old. So besides camping equipment, the dads also needed to stock up on diapers, favorite blankets, toys (many a Barbie has made the trip) and stuffed animals for the annual excursion. And while some of the kids have grown up and moved on, new ones arrive with their dads each year. No one wants to miss out on the fun: falling in creeks (someone always comes home wet), getting so cold someone ends up in dad’s sleeping bag, and (what camping trip would be complete without them?) scary stories. For Karel Koon, that’s the best part. But no one is allowed to repeat the tales to mom when they get home. So why aren’t the moms also part of this tradition (especially those like McKenzie who attended Pop’s original camp)? The short answer: This way, they get a weekend to themselves. “That’s the weekend the elves

come out at Inadu Lodge,” says McKenzie, referring to the family home off Jones Cove Road in Asheville. The minute the campers drive off, McKenzie begins retrieving Christmas presents from monthlong hiding places, sliding baking trays into ovens, tying bows on boxes of truffles for friends, and all the other tasks involved in turning the ordinary into the magic of Christmas. So when the girls return home after their weekend of roughing it with dad, Christmas has arrived. (Some women do join the men for the reunion, but most opt out in favor of precious, uninterrupted time to prepare for the holidays.) McKenzie remembers years when she stayed up all night just to savor her time alone, listening to Christmas music, baking and wrapping. Meanwhile, the annual event is not complete without a trip to the Pisgah Fish Hatchery — and a gift for mom. Every year, McKenzie gets a new stuffed animal to add to her growing collection of “critters” the girls pick out for her. And every year, the girls return tired, wet, full of MREs and scary stories but with Christmas just a weekend away and still a lot to look forward to. The men? Well, Karl didn’t have much to say about what they did after the children were finally conked out in their sleeping bags. Maybe they just reminisced around the fire, telling scary stories all their own. X Cinthia Milner lives in Leicester.

outdoorscalendar Calendar for December 23 - 31, 2009 Asheville Track Club The club provides information, education, training, social and sporting events for runners and walkers of any age. Please see the group Web site for weekly events and news. Info: www.ashevilletrackclub.org or 253-8781. • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 5:30pm - Carrier Park Runners. Meet at the Carrier Park Pavilion. Leader: Dick Duccini, 645-8887. Pace: slow-moderate —- 6pm - Beginning Runner’s Program. Meet at the Carrier Park Pavilion. Leader: Tom Kilsbury, burytom@charter.net —- 6pm - ATC Walkers Club. Meet at the Carrier Park Pavilion. Leader: Larry Fincher, HawCreekLarry@aol.com. • SATURDAYS, 8am - Carrier Park Runners. Meet at Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary. Leader: Dick Duccini, 645-8887 —- 8am - Beginning Runner’s Program. Meet at Carrier Park Pavilion. Leader: Tom Kilsbury, burytom@charter.net —- 8am - ATC Walkers Club. Meet at Fletcher Park. Leader: Sherry Best-Kai, 595-4148 or bestmsrd@mchsi.com. Call ahead to confirm. • SUNDAYS, 8am - Carrier Park Runners. Park at NC Arboretum Greenhouse. Leader: Dick Duccini, 645-8887. Long, slow distance on trails —8:30am - ATC Trail Run. Park at NC Arboretum Greenhouse. Leaders: Bryan Trantham, 648-9336, and Rick Taylor, 776-3853. Pace: 8:30-9:30mpm. Beech Mountain Parks & Recreation Hikers are required to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and dogs are not allowed. Hikes are free. Info: www.hikebeechmountain.com or 3873003. • TU (12/29), 9am - Shawneehaw Overlook Trail hike. Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Encourages safe and responsible recreational bicycling in the WNC area. To find out more about the club and its ongoing advocacy efforts, or to see a complete club calendar, visit www.blueridgebicycleclub.org. • THURSDAYS - Fletcher Blue Sky Road Ride. Departs promptly at 9:15am. Route and meeting place vary. No one will be left behind. E-mail for

details or if weather is questionable: JohnL9@ MorrisBB.net. • SATURDAYS - Gary Arthur Ledges Park Road Ride. Departs in the a.m. from Ledges Park, located 6.5 miles off UNCA exit on I-26. Ride north along the French Broad River to Marshall for coffee, then return via Ivy Hill. Email for departure time: jbyrdlaw@charter.net. • SUNDAYS - Folk Art Center Road Ride. Departs in the p.m. from the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a show-n-go ride, meaning there may not be a ride leader. Call or email for departure time: 713-8504 or billcrownover@ bellsouth.net. Carolina Mountain Club CMC fosters the enjoyment of the mountains of WNC and adjoining regions and encourages the conservation of our natural resources, through an extensive schedule of hikes and a program of trail building and maintenance. $20 per year, family memberships $30 per year. Newcomers must call the leader before the hike. Info: www.carolinamtnclub.org. • WE (12/23), 9:30am - Seven Gaps and Seven Knobs. Info: 505-0471 or mwbromberg@yahoo. com. • SA (12/26), 8:30am - East Fork Pigeon River. Info: 738-3395 or bcmorg@hughes.net. • SU (12/27), 1:30pm - French Broad River Greenway. Info: 281-3253 or paularww@bellsouth. net. • WE (12/30), 9am - Devil Fork Gap to Rocky Fork Road. Info: 654-9904 or donwalton@bellsouth.net.

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77 Walnut St. Asheville, NC 28801 • (828) 252-7377 mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 25

calendar

your guide to community events, classes, concerts & galleries

Community Events & Workshops • Social & Shared-Interest Groups • Government & Politics • Seniors & Retirees • Animals • Technology • Business & Careers • Volunteering • Health Programs & Support Groups Calendar C a t e g o r i e s : Helplines • Sports Groups & Activities • Kids • Spirituality • Arts • Spoken & Written Word • Food • Festivals & Gatherings • Music • Theater • Comedy • Film • Dance • Auditions & Call to Artists Calendar for December 23 - 31, 2009 Unless otherwise stated, events take place in Asheville, and phone numbers are in the 828 area code. Day-by-day calendar is online Want to find out everything that’s happening today — or tomorrow, or any day of the week? Go to www.mountainx. com/events. Weekday Abbreviations: SU = Sunday, MO = Monday, TU = Tuesday, WE = Wednesday, TH = Thursday, FR = Friday, SA = Saturday

Community Events & Workshops Salvation Army Info: 253-4723. • FR (12/25) - Christmas dinner at the Salvation

Army Center of Hope, 204 Haywood St., in downtown Asheville. Open to all.

Social & SharedInterest Groups Afrikan Village Group • Seeking interested persons in starting an “Afrikan” village group on Choctaw Road in Asheville. Info: 279-8562 or realti@hotmail.com. Asheville Homeless Network Meetings take place at Firestorm Cafe & Books in downtown Asheville. Info: 552-0505. • THURSDAYS, 2pm - All homeless people and interested citizens are welcome. Blue Ridge Toastmasters Club Meets once a week to enhance speaking skills both formal and impromp-

Calendar deadlines:

*FREE and PAID listings - Wednesday, 5 p.m. (7 days prior to publication) Can’t find your group’s listing?

Due to the abundance of great things to do in our area, we only have the space in print to focus on timely events. Our print calendar now covers an eight-day range. For a complete directory of all Community Calendar groups and upcoming events, please visit www.mountainx.com/events..

Calendar Information In order to qualify for a free listing, an event must cost no more than $40 to attend and be sponsored by and/or benefit a nonprofit. If an event benefits a business, it’s a paid listing. If you wish to submit an event for Clubland (our free live music listings), please e-mail clubland@mountainx.com. Free Listings To submit a free listing: * Online submission form (best): http://www.mountainx.com/ events/submission * E-mail (second best): calendar@mountainx.com * Fax (next best): (828) 251-1311, Attn: Free Calendar * Mail: Free Calendar, Mountain Xpress, P.O. Box 144, Asheville, NC 28802 * In person: Mountain Xpress, 2 Wall St. (the Miles Building), second floor, downtown Asheville. Please limit your submission to 40 words or less. Questions? Call (828) 251-1333, ext. 365. Paid Listings Paid listings lead the calendar sections in which they are placed, and are marked (pd.). To submit a paid listing, send it to our Classified Department by any of the following methods. Be sure to include your phone number, for billing purposes. * E-mail: marketplace@mountainx.com. * Fax: (828) 251-1311, Attn: Commercial Calendar * Mail: Commercial Calendar, Mountain Xpress, P.O. Box 144, Asheville, NC 28802 * In person: Classified Dept., Mountain Xpress, 2 Wall St. (the Miles Building), Ste. 214, downtown Asheville. Questions? Call our Classified Department at (828) 251-1333, ext. 335.

tu. Part of an international proven program that takes you through the steps with fun along the way. Network with interesting people of all ages and professions. Info: www. blueridgetm.org or 3332500. • MONDAYS, 12:201:30pm - Meeting. Koinonia Monday Night Potlucks • MONDAYS, 6-10pm - Potluck. The gathering invites visionaries, homeschoolers, activists, spiritualists and folks of all walks of life to share ideas and wisdom. Be a part of fostering an evolved local and global community. Change begins within us. Info: 333-2000. Scrabble Club Come play America’s favorite word game SCRABBLE. Info: 2528154. • SUNDAYS, 1-5pm Meets at Books-A-Million in Asheville. We have all the gear; just bring your vocabulary. No dues the first six months. The New Friends Meetup Interested in meeting new people for friendship, fun, romance, activities, and learning new things? Info: www.meetup.com/NewFriends-Meetup. • WEEKLY - Meets at a bar/restaurant.

Government & Politics Be A Local Leader • Through WE (1/6), 5pm - Application deadline for citizens interested in becoming a local leader by serving on an Asheville City board or commission. Info: 259-5601 or mburleson@ashevillenc.gov. Stand for Peace • TUESDAYS, 5-6pm - Stand for peace with Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, War Resisters League, Military Families Speak Out, Buncombe Green Party and other peace mongers at Pack Place, intersection of Patton and Biltmore Avenues. Info: 582-5180.

Seniors & Retirees Henderson County Senior Softball League The league is always looking for new players, ages 55 and older. Weather permitting, they play yearround. Info: 698-3448 or www.LJRsoftball.com. • TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS - Daytime games at Jackson Park in Hendersonville (April-Oct.) and Leila Patterson Center in Fletcher (Nov.-March). Start times may vary with season.

Animals ChainFree Asheville A nonprofit, all-volunteer effort dedicated to improving the welfare of dogs living outdoors on chains and in pens in Asheville and Buncombe County. Info: www.chainfreeasheville.org or 450-7736. • SUNDAYS, 11am-3pm - Come help a chained dog experience freedom. No experience necessary. Meets 4 times a month within Asheville or Buncombe County to build a fence for a chained dog. Haywood County Animal Shelter Located at 245 Hemlock St., Waynesville. Info: 456-9340. • Through SU (1/3) Haywood County Animal Shelter, Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation and Aidan’s Fund are teaming up to help people adopt a shelter pet. A portion of the adoption fee for pets will be paid. Info: 2469050.

Volunteering Ashevillage Institute (AVI) Nonprofit eco-urban education center and living laboratory for sustainable solutions. Info or to RSVP: 225-8820, info@ashevillage.org or www.ashevillage.org. • MONDAYS through SATURDAYS, 9am-5pm - Volunteer days and potluck lunch. Volunteers needed in: gardening, permaculture, stonework, carpentry, marketing,

26 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

weeklypicks Events are FREE unless otherwise noted.

wed Take a break from holiday preparations and relax at a Unity Center (2041 Old Fanning Bridge

Road, Mills River) workshop titled "Mellowing Your Drama" Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. The workshop will feature discourse, chanting, meditation and neck rubs. Love offering. Info: 684-3798.

Matthias Episcopal Church invites the community to a Christmas Eve concert and service thur St. Thursday, Dec. 24, at 5:45 p.m. The concert will feature gospel and Christmas music, and the service will include a full choir accompanied by organ, piano, trumpet, flute and cello. Info: 252-0643.

fri

Friday, Dec. 25: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

sat

All are welcome to a Kwanzaa celebration, a festive celebration of African-American culture, with food, entertainment and fellowship Saturday, Dec. 26, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Union Grove Family Life Center in Hendersonville. Info: 697-9698.

sun

Winter solstice and holiday plants will be on display at the N.C. Arboretum's Baker exhibit greenhouse through Sunday, Jan. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is $8/vehicle. Info: 6652492 or www.ncarboretum.org.

mon Visit the Haen Gallery, 52 Biltmore Ave., in downtown Asheville, on Monday, Dec. 28, and view the current group exhibition, A Wintry Mix, which will be on display through Sunday, Jan. 31. Info: 254-8577.

tue

The 11th annual Interfaith Service for Peace of the United Religions Initiative will be held Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 7 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe St., Hendersonville. An inspirational evening of music, fellowship and hope. All are welcome. Info: 692-6114.

administration, fundraising and business development. Asheville Area Directors of Volunteers in Agencies D.O.V.I.A., a nonprofit affiliate of the N.C. Association of Volunteer Administration, is dedicated to enhancing the skills of our community’s volunteer managers by conducting educational programs, sharing volunteer management information and resources, providing networking opportunities, and promoting community awareness of the value of volunteer services. • To get involved: 2550696, clee@unitedwayabc.org or http://tinyurl. com/asheville-dovia. Asheville City Schools Foundation Seeking Academic Coaches (tutors/mentors) to support students by assisting them with a variety of tasks that support educational success. One hr/wk min., for one school year, in your choice of school or afterschool program. Training

provided. Info: 350-6135, terri.wells@asheville.k12. nc.us or www.acsf.org. • MONDAYS through FRIDAYS, 8:30am-5pm Academic coaching in the schools or at after-school programs, once a week. Children First/CIS Projects Needs Volunteers Children First/CIS is a nonprofit that advocates for Buncombe Countys children, while providing innovative programs for vulnerable children, and engaging the community in creating a better future for all children. Volunteers are needed at least one hour per week. Info: 252-4810 or patriciah@ childrenfirstbc.org. • Sponsor a child this holiday season by donating gifts, clothing and books to Children First. Help children in our community have a happy holiday season. Call for details. Events at Barnes & Noble The bookstore is located at 3 Tunnel Rd. in the Asheville Mall. Info: www. bn.com.

• Through FR (1/1) - Annual Holiday Book Drive: Barnes & Noble will be collecting books for Toys for Tots. Info: 296-7335. Gear Drive for Inner City Outings • Through TU (1/5) - Support Inner City Outings, a local nonprofit focused on providing kids with outdoor experience, by donating gear in good condition that’s on their wish list, and get the chance to win a $30 REI gift card. Info: www.rei. com/asheville. Graffiti Removal Action Teams Join Asheville GreenWorks in combating graffiti vandalism in our community. Removing quickly and keeping covered is the best way to reduce graffiti. Info: 254-1776. • THURSDAYS - Graffiti removal. Guardian ad Litem Program Seeks Volunteers Volunteers are needed to advocate for children involved in the juvenile court process due to

abuse and neglect. No experience necessary. Free training prepares volunteers to make a difference in a child’s life. Info: 251-6130. • MO (1/11) - Training begins. Call to register. Hands On AshevilleBuncombe Choose the volunteer opportunity that works for you. Youth are welcome to volunteer on many projects with adult supervision. Info: www.handsonasheville.org or call 2-1-1. Visit the Web site to sign up for a project. • Download “Twelve Days of Caring,” a list of 12 simple projects that make our community a better place to live while refocusing on the true meaning of the holidays. Info: www.handsonasheville.org. Raise the Roof Campaign • Through FR (1/1) - Help Raise the Roof on a new community house for low-income families, for people on the streets and for seniors by collecting donations to benefit

Beloved Community. Info: 545-0324. Send donations to: 610 A Haywood Road, Asheville, 28806. Western Alliance Center for Independent Living Located at 108 New Leicester Hwy., Asheville. Info: 298-1977 or www. westernalliance.org. • MONDAYS through FRIDAYS, 8:30am-5pm - Give your computer a second life by donating it to Western Alliance to benefit people with disabilities. Donations are tax deductible. • SA (12/26), 10am-2pm - Computer donations will be accepted.

Health Programs & Support Groups Professional Help For Overshoppers/ Overspenders (pd.) Stop the pain of Overshopping and Overspending • Discover triggers and cues • Learn specific tools, strategies and techniques • Break the cycle of overspending • Overcome the urge to splurge this holiday season • Develop mindfulness in making decisions. Call 231-2107.

Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families • MONDAYS, 7-8:30pm - Open 12-step meeting at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St., Asheville. Rear entrance; first room on left. Info: 298-6600 or maybloomer@yahoo.com. Al-Anon Al-Anon is a support group for the family and friends of alcoholics. More than 33 groups are available in the WNC area. Info: 800-286-1326 or www. wnc-alanon.org. • WEDNESDAYS, 8-9pm - Newcomers meeting and discussion: West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road, across from Ingles. Enter through parking lot door. Info: 225-0515. • WEDNESDAYS, 12:151:15pm - Step study: First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St. Park in the back of lot between Church and Y. Info: 686-8131. • THURSDAYS, 7pm - Discussion meeting for parents of children with addictions: West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road, across from Ingles. Info: 2426197.

• FRIDAYS, 8pm - The Lambda (GLBT) group of Al-Anon is a gay-friendly support group for families and friends of alcoholics, and holds their weekly candlelight meeting at All Souls Cathedral, 3 Angle St. Info: 670-6277 (until 9pm). • FRIDAYS, 12:30-1:30pm - Discussion meeting: First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St. Park in the back of lot between Church and Y. Info: 686-8131. • FRIDAYS, 6:30pm - Discussion meeting for couples only: All Souls Cathedral, 3 Angle St. Info: 676-0485. • SATURDAYS, 10am Al-Anon North: Meeting at Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. • SATURDAYS, 10am - Saturday Serenity at St Mary’s Episcopal Church on the corner of Charlotte and Macon. Beginners welcome. • SATURDAYS, Noon - Weaverville discussion meeting at First Baptist Church on N. Main St., next to the library. Enter via side glass doors. • SUNDAYS, 5-6pm Discussion meeting: West Asheville Presbyterian

Church, 690 Haywood Road. Info: 281-1566. • MONDAYS, 12-1pm - Discussion meeting: First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St. Park in the back of lot between Church and Y. Info: 686-8131. • TUESDAYS, 7pm Discussion meeting: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St. Art of Intimacy Practice Group Learn life-changing communication and relationship skills, drawing from the work of Brad Blanton (Radical Honesty), Marshal Rosenberg (Nonviolent Communication), Susan Campbell (Getting Real), John Bradshaw (Homecoming) and others. By donation. Info: 2545613 or www.centerforsacredsexuality.org. • WEDNESDAYS, 7:309:30pm - Meeting. Beauty Through Cancer Provides programs and services for breast cancer patients and survivors in the WNC area. Located at 131 McDowell St., Suite 202, Asheville. Info: 2528558 or info@beautythroughcancer.org.

• 4th MONDAYS, 5:156:30pm - Women’s cancer support group for individuals going through any type of cancer treatment or recovery. This uplifting group with cover many diverse subjects. Cancer patients, survivors and caregivers are welcome. CarePartners Hospice Bereavement Offers one-on-one grief counseling, support groups, grief education classes, a monthly grief support newsletter and semi-annual memorial services (available to anyone who is suffering a loss through death). Located at 68 Sweeten Creek Road., Asheville. Call 251-0126 to set up an initial visit with a counselor. • WEEKLY - Grief education classes and support group meetings: Good Grief Support Group, Child-Loss Support Group, Suicide Loss Group (monthly). Debtors Anonymous • THURSDAYS, 7-8pm - Meets at Mount Pisgah Lutheran Church, 2606 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville. Info: DAHendersonville@gmail. com.

Depression & Bipolar Support • THURSDAYS, 6-7:30pm - DBSA support group meets at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. Open support for family and friends. Info: peacehead@ gmail.com or DBSAlliance. org/asheville. Eating Disorders Individuals are welcome to come to one or all of the support group meetings. Info: 337-4685 or www. thecenternc.org. • WEDNESDAYS, 78pm - Support group for adults at T.H.E. Center for Disordered Eating, 297 Haywood St. Focus is on positive peer support, coping skills, recovery tools. Led by licensed professional. Free. Henderson County Red Cross Red Cross holds classes in CPR and First Aid for infants, children and adults; Standard First Aid in Spanish; Babysitter Training; Pet First Aid. Located at 203 Second Ave. East, Hendersonville. Info: 693-5605. : Blood Drive dates and locations are listed below. Appointment and ID required.

• WE (12/23), 9am1:30pm - Opportunity House, 1411 Asheville Hwy. Info: 693-5605. • TU (12/29), 11am3:30pm - Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 222 Barnwell St., Hendersonville —- 10am3:30pm - Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave. Info: 693-5605 or www. membersforlife/cbsr. • TU (12/29), 10am3:30pm - Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave. Info: 693-5605. • WE (12/30), 6:30-11am & 12:30-5pm - Pardee Hospital, Jamison Conference Room, 800 N. Justice St. Info: 6964225. Hep C Hope of WNC Group meetings and educational sessions to help those with Hepatitis C learn the skills necessary to cope with their illness, and to lend support through every phase of the disease, including liver transplantation. Info: 254-0590 or www.hepchope.org. • 4th MONDAYS, 6pm - Meetings are held at MAHEC, 501 Biltmore Ave. There will be an open forum to discuss Hepatitis C. Everyone is welcome.

Moms Supporting Moms • TUESDAYS, Noon or 6:30pm - Peer support for moms struggling with depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum. Connect with other mothers and community resources. Meets at the Women’s Resource Center. Info: 213-8241. Directions: 213-8246. Narcotics Anonymous A fellowship of recovering addicts that can help those afflicted get clean and stay clean through a 12-step program. The group focuses on recovering from the disease of addiction rather than any particular drug. For WNC NA meeting schedules and info: www.wncana.net. Helpline: (866) 925-2148. • DAILY - Please call for location details. National Alliance on Mental Illness - Western Carolina Dedicated to improving the lives of persons with severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, clinical depression, OCD, PTSD and anxiety disorders. Free Connection Recovery Support Groups. Info: 505-7353.

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 27

• THURSDAYS, 7:30-9pm - Veterans Connection Recovery Support Group meets at the Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road. Multi-purpose room. Contact Ray at raycarter2001@yahoo. com or 337-0515. • 2nd & 4th MONDAYS, 11am - Group meets at 356 Biltmore Ave., Suite 298. Overeaters Anonymous A fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating.

This 12-step program welcomes everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. Meetings are one hour unless noted. • THURSDAYS, Noon - Asheville: Biltmore United Methodist Church, 376 Hendersonville Rd. (S. 25 at Yorkshire). Info: 298-1899. • SATURDAYS, 9:30am - Black Mountain: Carver Parks & Recreation Center, 101 Carver Ave. off Blue Ridge Road. Open relapse and recovery mtg. Info: 686-8131.

• MONDAYS, 6:30pm - Hendersonville: Balfour United Meth. Church, 2567 Asheville Hwy. (Hwy. 25). Open mtg. Info: 1-800-580-4761. • MONDAYS, 5:15pm - Asheville: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St. Beginners mtg. Info: 277-8185. • MONDAYS, 6pm - Asheville: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St. Open mtg. Info: 2778185. • TUESDAYS, 10:30amNoon - Asheville: Grace

Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. at Ottari. Open BBSS mtg. Info: 280-2213. Red Cross Events & Classes Red Cross holds classes in CPR/First Aid for infants, children, and adults; Babysitter Training; Pet First Aid; Bloodborne Pathogens; Swimming & Water Safety; and Lifeguarding. All classes held at chapter headquarters, 100 Edgewood Rd. To register, call 258-3888, ext. 221. Info: www.redcrosswnc.org.

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: Bloodmobile Drive dates and locations are listed below. Appointment and ID required. • TU (12/29) 8:30am12:30pm - Comfort Suites Hotel, 890 Brevard Road. Info: 665-4000. • TH (12/31), 10am2:30pm - K-Mart, 1830 Hendersonville Road. Info: 274-3411. S-Anon For those affected by someone else’s sexual behavior. Info: 545-4287 or 606-6803. • WEEKLY - Three meetings are available per week.

S-Anon Meetings S-Anon is a 12-step recovery program for partners, family and friends of sexaholics. We share our experience, strength and hope to help solve our common problems. Meetings held weekly in Asheville, Fletcher and Waynesville. Call confidential voice mail for information: 2585117. • WEEKLY - Meetings. Sex Addicts Anonymous A fellowship of men and women recovering from addictive sexual behavior (physical and/or emo-

Ashev i l l e’s

tional). Meetings are held in downtown Asheville. Info: 800-477-8191 (live person Mon.-Fri. 11am7pm) or 348-0284 to leave a local message for a return call. • SUNDAYS, 7pm Meeting. Sexaholics Anonymous SA is a 12-step fellowship of men and women recovering from compulsive patterns of lust, romance, destructive relationships, sexual thoughts or sexual behavior. Call confidential voice mail 681-9250 or e-mail saasheville@gmail.com.

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Info: www.orgsites.com/ nc/saasheville/. • DAILY - Asheville meetings. Step/Weights Class Free ongoing aerobics class with step, weights, resistance bands and stretches. Offered by Asheville Parks & Recreation to promote Asheville’s cardiovascular health. At Stephens-Lee Center (from S. Charlotte, turn on Max St. and go up the hill). Info: 3502058. • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 5:306:30pm - Step/Weights

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Class ending with mat work (stretches, yoga & pilates). All levels. All welcome! Stephens-Lee Center, 30 G.W. Carver St. (Take S Charlotte to Max St at stop light). Qs call 828.350.2058 Support Groups Sessions are led by Charlene Galvin, a board certified Chaplain. Love offering. Info: 329-3187 or chargalvin@hotmail. com. • THURSDAYS, 1011:30am - Living with Life Limiting Illness —1:30-3pm - Caregivers Support Group.

The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity • MONDAYS, 5:156:30pm - A support group of persons who want to discover and recover their creative selves meets. Based on course developed by Julia Cameron. Info: rachael_bliss@ yahoo.com.

Helplines For Xpress’ list of helplines, visit www. mountainx.com/events/ category/helplines.

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Garden N.C. Arboretum Events The Arboretum hosts a variety of educational programs. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free with parking fee ($6/vehicle). No parking fees on Tuesdays. Info: 665-2492 or www.ncarboretum.org. • Through (1/3), 10am4pm - “Winter Solstice and Holiday Plants” will be on display in the Baker Exhibit Greenhouse. Regional Tailgate Markets

• For tailgate listings, visit www.mountainx. com/events and click on “Garden.” For more information, including the exact start and end dates of markets, contact the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project: 2361282 or www.buyappalachian.org.

Sports Groups & Activities Asheville Masters Swimming Competitive, fitness and triathlon swimmers wel-

come. Info: www.ashevillemasters.com • MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS, 5:45-7:15am - Practice at Asheville School. • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 5:457:15am & SATURDAYS, 7-9am - Coached practices at Warren Wilson College.

Disc Golf Check the kiosk at Richmond Hill Park for events and nearby tournaments. Info: 680-9626 or www.wncdiscgolf.com.

• TUESDAYS, 3:30pm - Doubles at Richmond Hill Park.

Pickleball It’s like playing ping pong on a tennis court. For all ages. $1 per session. Paddles and balls are provided. Info: 350-2058. • MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS, 9-11am Meets at Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver St. (take S. Charlotte to Max St.). Women’s Indoor Trainer Sessions

• MONDAYS, 6:15pm - Youngblood’s Trainer Sessions. Bring your own trainer; no roller, please. A few indoor trainers will be available for loan/rent ($10). Begin your winter conditioning program. Info: amy@golightlydesigns.com or tdrews@ trainright.com.

Kids Asheville Art Museum Located on Pack Square in downtown Asheville. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am5pm and Sun., 1-5pm. Admission: $6/$5 stu-

dents and seniors/Free for kids under 4. Free first Wednesdays from 3-5pm. Info: 253-3227 or www. ashevilleart.org. • MO (12/28) through TH (12/31), 1-4pm - Holiday Arts Extravaganza. Day campers will create art of all kinds. For students in grades 1-4. Registration required: call ext. 121 or 122. $18/$20 nonmembers per day. At The Health Adventure Free first Wed. of every month from 3-5pm. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am5pm & Sun., 1-5pm. $8.50 adults/$7.50

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30 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

students & seniors/$6 kids 2-11. Program info or to RSVP: 254-6373, ext. 324. Info: www.thehealthadventure.org. • Through SU (1/3) - Explore the good, the bad and the ugly at Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body. Explore why your body produces mushy, oozy, crusty and stinky gunk at this educational exhibition. • THURSDAYS, 10:3011:30am - Preschool Play Date. Interactive fun just for preschoolers led by museum facilitators. Free with admission. • SATURDAYS, 1-2pm - Experiment with science during Super Science Saturdays. Featuring hands-on activities led by museum facilitators, the programs are fun for all ages. Free with admission. For specific activity descriptions or for more info, visit the Web site. • 2nd & 4th MONDAYS, 4-5pm - “My Mom Is Having a Baby.” Help your child prepare to be an older brother or sister with this class. Learn what to expect, how to hold the new baby, and make a special present to hang over the crib. Free with admission. Celebration Singers of Asheville Community children’s chorus for ages 7-14. For audition/performance info: 230-5778 or www. singasheville.org. • THURSDAYS, 6:307:45pm - Children’s chorus rehearsal at First Congregational Church, 20 Oak St., downtown Asheville. Earth Scouts for Kids Earth Scouts is an environmental education group that is fun and empowering. Kids ages 4 and up learn plant identification, medicine making and earth skills. • THURSDAYS, 6-7pm - Meets at One World Healing Arts Institute, 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville. Parents welcome. $10. Hands On! Gallery This children’s gallery is located at 318 North Main St. in Hendersonville. Hours: Tues.-Fri., 10am5pm. Admission is $5, with discounts available on certain days. Info: 697-8333 or www.handsonwnc.org. • TH (12/31), 10amNoon - “New Year’s at Noon.” Make noise

makers in the Art Room then count down to New Year’s at 12pm with a parade around the museum. All ages are welcome. Haywood County Public Library System The main branch is located at 678 S. Haywood St., Waynesville. The county system includes branches in Canton, Maggie Valley, Fines Creek and Cruso. Info: 452-5169 or www.haywoodlibrary.org. • WEDNESDAYS, 11am - Family story time for children of all ages. Read books, sing songs, learn finger plays and more. Visit With Santa Claus • MONDAYS through SATURDAYS, 10am-9pm & SUNDAYS, Noon-6pm Santa will be at his castle in the Asheville Mall, where he will be available to hear children’s wishes. Plus, Santa Feeds America canned food drive in partnership with MANNA FoodBank. Info: asheville-mall.com. Waynesville Parks and Recreation Info: 456-2030 or recyouth@townofwaynesville. org. • WE (12/23) & MO (12/28) through TH (12/31), 7am-5:30pm - Day Camp for children ages 5 through 12. $20 members/$35 nonmembers per day. Pack a lunch, two snacks, a swimsuit, towel, book and a blanket.

Spirituality Astro-Counseling (pd.) Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Readings also available. Christy Gunther, MA. (828)2583229. Attention Alternative Practitioners • Convenient Office Space (pd.) Samasati Healing Center, Montford Avenue. $450/month, includes all utilities. Call Tim: 2796393 for information. Faerie Pathway Readings (pd.) Guidance from faeries, guardian angels, and spirit guides to help you rediscover the magic in your life. Faerie workshops also available. (828) 645-2674. www. davidswing.com

Tuesday Afternoons • Study • Meditation • Great Tree Zen Temple (pd.) Study: 3:30pm • Meditation: 5:30pm. 679 Lower Flat Creek Road, Alexander. Love offering. More information: 6452085 or www.greattreetemple.org 11th Annual Interfaith Service for Peace • TU (12/29), 7pm - The 11th Annual Interfaith Service for Peace of the United Religions Initiative will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe St., Hendersonville. An inspirational evening of music, fellowship and hope. All welcome. Info: 692-6114. Advent Conspiracy Series • WEDNESDAYS (through 12/16), 6-7:30pm - Longing to simplify Christmas? Land of the Sky UCC invites you to spend less, give more, connect spiritually and resurrect the joy of Christmas. Combat commercialism, explore simple and meaningful family traditions, and serve others together. Info: www. losucc.org. Asheville Center for Transcendental Meditation/An Evening of Knowledge Transcend the busy, active mind—effortlessly—for peace, bliss and full awakening of creative intelligence. The most effective, extensively researched meditation. Revitalizes mind/body, relieves worry and anxiety, improves brain functioning. Free Introduction. Info: 254-4350 or www. meditationasheville.org. • WEDNESDAYS, 7:158:15pm - Introductory Talk: Access your deepest intelligence; compare meditation techniques; explore higher states of consciousness and total brain functioning; and learn about Scientific findings on TM’s health benefits. Held at 165 E. Chestnut St. Asheville Meditation Center Classes are held at the Greenlife Community Center, 90 Merrimon Ave., unless otherwise noted. Info: 505-2300 or www.meditateasheville. org. • THURSDAYS, 6:307:30pm - Meditation Circle. Donations accepted. Awakening Practices Study the works of Eckhart Tolle and put words into action through

meditation and discussion. Info: Trey@QueDox. com. • 2nd & 4th THURSDAYS, 7-9pm - Meets at the EnkaCandler Library meeting room. Buddhist Meditation and Discussion Meets in the space above the French Broad Food Co-op. Suggested donation: $8/$4 students & seniors. Dec. series: “Buddha’s Secrets for Happy Holidays.” Info: 779-5502 or www.meditation-in-northcarolina. org. • WE (12/23 & 30) - No class. Christmas Eve Worship Service • TH (12/24), 5-6pm Land of the Sky UCC and Westminster Presbyterian Church will celebrate the birth of Christ with a joint, family-friendly worship service at Westminster Presbyterian, 15 Overbrook Pl., Asheville. Drama, scripture and Christmas hymns. Child care available. Info: 2420268. Coalition of Earth Religions Events Info: 230-5069 or www. ceres-wnc.org. • 4th WEDNESDAYS Meeting at the Earth Fare Community Room. Call for details. Compassionate Communication Practice Group Learn ways to create understanding and clarity in your relationships, work, and community by practicing compassionate communication. Group uses a model developed by Marshall Rosenberg in his book Nonviolent Communication, A Language of Life. Free. Info: 252-0538 or www. ashevilleccc.com. • 2nd & 4th THURSDAYS, 5-6:15pm - Practice group for newcomers and experienced practitioners. Events at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville Located at 204 6th Ave, in Hendersonville. Info: 693-4275. • TH (12/24) - Christmas Eve Worship: 5pm - Family Service in the Sanctuary. The Children’s Celebration Choir will perform at 4:40pm. Gently used/new stuffed animals will be collected for children at Mainstay and The Healing Place —6:30pm - SONday Praise & Worship in the Barber

freewillastrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

According to astronomer Mark Whittle, the Big Bang began in silence. Soon it crescendoed into a majestic major third chord 50 octaves below middle A. Then it transformed, over the course of a million years, into a wistful minor third chord. In my vision of the first two-thirds of 2010, the music of your life will have a similar pattern: It begins with silence. Next, it progresses into a lush major feel, with spirited and complex contrapuntal themes. Then in June, it evolves into a dreamy, contemplative phase. By late September, however — unlike the Big Bang — you will move into a third act, in which the music of your life returns to the lively mood it had at the start, only now with the gravitas that the reflective phase has instilled.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

I have good astrological reasons to suspect that a year from now, your empire will be bigger. The resources you have at your disposal will be more substantial, the influence you wield will be more meaningful, and the responsibilities you oversee will be more demanding. You can’t, however, just sit back passively and expect fate to make it all happen for you. You will have to work your assets off: get better organized, clarify your game plan, and commit to taking better care of yourself. None of that is mandatory, of course. Being a lazy wanderer with no mission statement is definitely an option. If you do go in that direction, though, don’t complain to me next December about how you feel like you’re made of cookie dough.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

You will need to learn a lot in 2010, Cancerian. You’ll be in a phase of your long-term cycle when it will be wise to enhance your problem-solving skills and increase the knowledge you have at your disposal. So let me ask you: What can you do to gently shock yourself into prying open your mind? What is it that you don’t know but need to know? By the way, the coming year will also be a good time for you to offer yourself up as a teacher. In fact, sharing your knowledge and problem-solving skills will make you more receptive to what you need to learn.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

compulsions you might be harboring. And by the way, 2010 will be one of the best years ever for you to cash in on these capacities.

I was in my first rock band in North Carolina in the 1970s. We did a mix of cover tunes by David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Patti Smith, plus original hippie-punk songs and my poetry rants. Controversy arose virtually every time we performed, especially in places like the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh (where we competed with the cacophony of mooing cows) and frat parties (where we endured the shouted insults of drunken jocks). It wasn’t until I moved to California that I synced up with an audience that appreciated my idiosyncratic musical sensibilities. According to my reading of the omens, Virgo, 2010 could bring you a comparable transition: finding listeners or hooking up with collaborators who are a better fit for your unique qualities.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

I’m always befuddled by astrologers who preach the gospel of doom and gloom when they talk about the influence of Saturn. My experience is that the ringed planet provides the greatest gift imaginable: motivation to become the person you were born to be. It steers you away from pursuing goals that aren’t in alignment with your soul’s code. It pressures you to give up vain fantasies that even if fulfilled wouldn’t make you happy. That’s why I’m happy to report to you the following good news: As Saturn travels through your sign for much of the time between now and October 2012, I expect that you will be prompted and prodded to cut away the irrelevancies that distract you from claiming your birthright.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Comedian Chris Rock has a joke that plays on the stereotypes about your sign: “Most Scorpios die while they’re making love!” (Only he uses the f-word instead of “making love.”) I understand the source of his satire. There are more than a few grains of truth in the notion that Scorpios revel in the enigmas of eros and death. On the other hand, I wouldn’t reduce your mystique to such a simple formula. I’d prefer to say something like this: You’re sexy when you’re letting go of your staunch selfcontrol. Or: You’re an expert at transcending humdrum modes of awareness by stimulating intense pleasure. Or: If fully harnessed, your orgasmic power could kill off any destructive

Books, Music, Gifts & Events That Touch The Spirit

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

According to my analysis of your astrological omens, 2010 isn’t a year to get your head in the clouds, but rather to grow deeper roots. Your job, as I see it, isn’t so much to explore the heights, but the depths. I think you should focus on getting to the bottom of things, not the top. Your instrument of choice should be a microscope, not a telescope. Your specialty won’t be playing spectacular guitar solos but rather groovalicious bass lines. I’m happy to announce that 2010 could be the year when you become a more expert communicator. It’s not that you do a bad job now; it’s just that there is always room for improvement, and this will be an excellent time to attend to that. Life will be bringing you an abundance of experiences that will help you learn to listen better, cultivate more tact, read people’s body language like a pro, and consistently speak about the elusive truth with language that’s both kind and effective.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

I’ve known some practical, sensible, wellgrounded Aquarians in my life. They’re outnumbered, though, by the dominant subtype of your tribe: the imaginative, idiosyncratic irmprovisers with lightning reflexes and highflying notions. But even if you belong to the latter group, in 2010 you’ll be gaining the capacities of the former. In fact, I think this will be the year you get more things done than you ever have before. Attention to detail will be your specialty. You’re likely to excel in mastering the part of genius that’s comprised of 98 percent perspiration.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

The pop star Pink is a successful singer. Not only does she have a great voice; she has also sold 32 million records and won two Grammies. Recently she added what I think is an extraneous element to her live performances: a trapeze act. At the MTV Video Music Awards last September, she delivered her song “Sober” while swinging through the air and hanging upside down 60 feet off the ground. I was perplexed as I watched her, thinking to myself, “Doesn’t she have confidence that her song and her singing can stand alone?” In 2010, Pisces, I urge you not to follow her lead. There’s no need for you to go way overboard as you try too hard to give too much. Just sing your songs. Homework: If you’d like to enjoy my books, music, and videos without spending any money, go here: http://bit.ly/7Cj8rY. © Copyright 2009 Rob Brezsny

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What influences do you really, really need to say goodbye to? The next six months will provide you with ample motivation and opportunity to finally bid those farewells. What longterm cycle really, really needs to be drawn to a close, no more hemming and hawing, all loose ends tied up and all mixed signals clarified? Again, the time between now and the middle of June will bring you the necessary inspiration to make it happen. But it’ll take deep thought and sustained work and an expanded sense of humor, so get started soon.

Do you know any world travelers, shamanic healers, or visionary entrepreneurs? If not, there’s a good chance you’ll meet some in 2010, possibly even forge alliances with them. Crafty activists, brilliant artists, and deep thinkers may come your way, as well. Another possibility is that cohorts and comrades you’ve been linked to for some time will embark on mind-expanding quests that blow your mind as well as theirs. One way or another, Leo, the coming year will bring you more than the usual benefits and challenges that come from being in relationships.

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ARIES (March 21-April 19)

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mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 31

Christian Life Center —- 8:30pm & 11pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Music will begin half an hour before the service. Hare Krsna Sunday Feast Meets above the French Broad Food Co-op, 90 Biltmore Ave. Info: www. highthinkingsimpleliving. org or 506-2987. • Select SUNDAYS, 6-8pm - An evening of bhajans, class on the Bhagavad-Gita and a vegetarian feast. Everyone welcome. Refer to the Web site or call for dates. Land of the Sky United Church of Christ Located at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 15 Overbrook Place, in East Asheville. • SUNDAYS, 5-6pm - Women-led, justicefocused, family-friendly, and open to all. Worship with Land of the Sky UCC. An unconditional church. Mindfulness Meditation Class Explore the miracle of healing into life through deepened stillness and presence. With consciousness teacher and columnist Bill Walz. Info: 258-3241 or www.billwalz.com. • MO (12/28) - No class. • MONDAYS, 7-8pm - Meditation class with lesson and discussions

in contemporary Zen living. At the Asheville Friends Meeting House at 227 Edgewood Ave. (off Merrimon Ave.). Donation. Mountain Zen Practice Center Exploring the ‘how’ of moment by moment peace, joy, and freedom through the practice of Conscious Compassionate Awareness. Info and Orientation times: www. mountainzen.org or 4503621. • TUESDAYS, 7-8:30pm - Meditation and discussion. Mystic Gatherings Share in the community of those who are governed both by logic and observing signs around them: gut, spirit, intuition or whatever That is. Bring your stories and experiences. Gatherings are dynamic and diverse and range from topics such as changes in our society to defining moments in life and much more. Info: 206-2009. • WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - Meeting. Psychic Development Class • 2nd & 4th WEDNESDAYS, 7-8:30pm - Develop your intuition in a stress-free environment. Everyone will have an opportunity to read and to be read. Love

donation accepted. Info: 255-8304. Sh’ma Messianic Ministries Messianic studies, Hebrew classes and Davidic dance. Studies for Jews and gentiles. Hebraic roots with biblical and basic Hebrew language. Free. Visit the Web site for updates. Info: www.shmaministries.com, 367-0775 or rabbi@shmaministries. com. • FRIDAYS - Meets in the evenings. Sojourner Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) A congregation in formation. The goal is provide a caring, non-threatening environment for the exploration of Christian spirituality. Info: www. sojournerchurch.org. • SUNDAYS, 9:30am - Worship —- 10:30am - Fellowship. Lower floor of Morningside Baptist Church, 14 Mineral Springs Road, Asheville. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Located at 10 N. Liberty St., Asheville. Info: http:// stmarkslutheran.net/thisMonth.pdf. • TH (12/24), 4:30pm - Family Candlelight & Christmas Love Feast —7pm - Traditional early Candlelight Communion (music starts at 6:30pm) —- 11pm - Traditional

late Candlelight Communion (music starts at 10:30pm). • SU (12/27), 8:30am & 11am - Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion. St. Matthias Episcopal Church Located at 1 Dundee Street (off South Charlotte). Info: 2520643. • TH (12/24), 6pm - Christmas Eve Service. Preceded by contemporary gospel and Christmas music at 5:45pm. The Holy Eucharist service will include a full choir assisted by organ, piano, trumpet, flute and cello. Everyone is welcome. • SU (12/27), 5-8pm - “The Feast of the Holy Innocents.” Community worship service, followed by a public prayer vigil and feast to bring light to the realities faced by immigrant families in WNC as families are wrenched apart and fear heightened. Toning for Peace Lift your voice in freeform [removed]to generate well-being and peace for the greater benefit of our ever-evolving planet). $5-$10. Info: 667-2967 or www.toningforpeace. org. • 2nd & 4th SUNDAYS, 1:30-2:45pm - At the

32 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

Light Center in Black Mountain. Transmission Meditation Group Join in this group meditation for your own personal spiritual growth, as well as the healing and transformation of the planet. Info: 318-8547. • TUESDAYS, 6:30pm - Meditation for personal and spiritual growth. Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville Located at the corner of Charlotte St. & Edwin Pl. Info: 254-6001 or www. uuasheville.org. • SUNDAYS, 9:15am & 11:15am - Services and Children’s Programs. Unity Cafe Looking for a change from the usual Sunday service? Spiritual conversation and sharing, music, meditation, coffee and pastry. Info: 645-0514, 676-6070 or unitycafe.org. • 1st, 3rd & 5th SUNDAYS, 10am-Noon - Greenlife Grocery Community Center, 90 Merrimon Ave. Unity Center Events Celebrate joyful, mindful living in a church with heart. Contemporary music by Lytingale and The Unitic Band. Located at 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd. Info: 6843798, 891-8700 or www. unitync.net. • WE (12/23), 7pm “Mellowing Your Drama,” discourse, chanting, meditation and neck-rubs. Led by Rev. Chad O’Shea. Love offering. • TH (12/24), 7:30pm - Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service. Celebrate the Christmas story with scripture and music. Free childcare provided. • WE (12/30), 7pm Labyrinth Walk: Discover the healing, magical power of this ancient energy pattern. Led by Sam Richardson. Love offering. • TH (12/31), 6pm - “New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Unity Center.” Enjoy a potluck supper and a burning bowl service, where oldlife issues are released. Bring a dish to share. Childcare provided. Unity Church of Asheville Looking for something different? Unity of Asheville explores the deeper spiritual meaning of the scriptures combined with an upbeat contemporary music program to create a joyous and sincere worship service. Come join us this Sunday and try it for yourself. Located at

130 Shelburne Rd., W. Asheville. Info: 252-5010 or www.unityofasheville. com. • 5th SUNDAYS, 11am - Musical Celebration Service. • SUNDAYS, 11am - Spiritual Celebration Service. Windhorse Zen Community Meditation, Dharma talks, private instruction available Tuesday and Thursday evenings, residential training. Teachers: Lawson Sachter and Sunya Kjolhede. Main center: 580 Panther Branch, Alexander. City center: 12 Von Ruck Court. Call for orientation. Info: 6458001 or www.windhorsezen.org. • SUNDAYS, 9:30-11am - Meditation, chanting and a Dharma talk. • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 7-9pm Meditation and chanting. • FRIDAYS, 5:30-7:15pm - Meditation and chanting at the City Center. Womyn in Ceremony Join the group for connection, sharing, support, healing and empowerment. Meets 12 miles NW of Asheville. Info: www. RitesofPassageCouncil. com or Theresa@ RitesofPassageCouncil. com. • SUNDAYS, 4-6pm (through 12/27) Gathering on various Sundays.

Art Gallery Exhibits & Openings 16 Patton Gallery hours: Tues.-Sat., 11am-6pm and Sun., 16pm (open on Sun. MayOct. only). Info: 236-2889 or www.16patton.com. • Through SA (1/2) Inspirations, an exhibit by Signe Grushovenko. Aesthetic Gallery Located at 6 College St., across the street from Pritchard Park, in downtown Asheville. Hours: Tues.-Sat., Noon-6pm. Info: 398-0219 or www. aestheticgallery.com. • Through SU (1/31) - Environ/Mental Disorder, abstract artist Cliff Yudell’s take on mountain development. New oil paintings on view. American Folk Art & Framing The gallery at 64 Biltmore Ave. is open daily, representing contemporary selftaught artists and regional

pottery. Info: 281-2134 or www.amerifolk.com. • Through TH (12/24) - Big Gatherings, work by Ruth Robinson, Woody Long and Darrell Loy Scott will be on display in the Oui Oui Gallery. Asheville Area Arts Council The Asheville Area Arts Council (AAAC) is at 11 Biltmore Ave. Info: 2580710 or www.ashevillearts.com. • Through MO (1/4) -New work by Meg Manderson, Gloria Gaffney, Mark Holland and Heather Lewis will be on display. Asheville Art Museum Located on Pack Square in downtown Asheville. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am5pm and Sun., 1-5pm. Admission: $6/$5 students and seniors/Free for kids under 4. Free first Wednesdays from 3-5pm. Info: 253-3227 or www. ashevilleart.org. • Through SU (5/9) - Lorna Blaine Halper: The Space Between will be on display in Holden Community Gallery. Asheville Gallery of Art A co-op gallery representing 28 regional artists located at 16 College St. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10am5pm. Info: 251-5796 or www.ashevillegallery-ofart.com. • Through TH (12/31) - New Juried Members Exhibit, featuring work by Kathryn Phillips, Joyce Schlapkohl, Maggie Robinson, Christine Dickey Longoria, Karen Keil Brown and Marsha Balbier. Bella Vista Art Gallery Located in Biltmore Village, next to the parking lot of Rezaz’s restaurant. Open daily. Info: 7680246 or www.bellavistaart.com. • Through TH (12/31) - New works: Becky and Steve Lloyd, handcarved porcelain. New works: Judson Guerard, blown glass. New works: Kathleen Burke, encaustic. Featured wall artist: Sara Linda Poly, landscapes. Black Mountain Center for the Arts Located in the renovated Old City Hall at 225 West State St. in Black Mountain. Info: 669-0930 or www.blackmountainarts.org. • Through FR (1/29) - Second annual Pottery Show in the Upper Gallery. Works by teachers, students and community

members from the Black Mountain Center for the Arts Clay Studio. Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center The center is located at 56 Broadway, and preserves the legacy of the Black Mountain College through permanent collections, educational activities and public programs. Info: 350-8484, bmcmac@bellsouth.net or www.blackmountaincollege.org. • Through SA (2/6) - Past Presence, an exhibition exploring five important aspects of the Black Mountain College story. Blue Spiral 1 The gallery at 38 Biltmore Ave. is open Mon.-Sat., 10am-6pm. Info: 2510202 or www.bluespiral1. com. • Through TH (12/31) - Fall Salon: Sculptural glass, abstract paintings and curvilinear mixedmedia wall installations from six regional artists —- Ceramic sculpture and textiles by Heather Allen-Swarttouw —Paintings by Taiyo la Paix —- Wood-Fired Clay: Contemporary approaches to a time-honored tradition by several artists —- Basketry by Carole Hetzel, Deborah Muhl and Lee Sipe. Castell Photography A photo-based art gallery located at 2C Wilson Alley, off of Eagle St. in downtown Asheville. Info: 255-1188 or www.castellphotography.com. • Through SA (1/23) - The first annual juried exhibition of UNCA Student Photography will be on display. The group show features the work of emerging artists in the UNCA photography department. Exhibits at the Turchin Center Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is at 423 West King St. in Boone. Info: 262-3017 or www.tcva.org. • Through SA (1/16) - Plastic Flame Press, the exhibit presents a progression of designer Chris Williams’ work —- African Vailet: Olivia “Holly” Pendergast —- SAQA: 12 Voices, a traveling exhibit of the Studio Art Quilt Association. • Through SA (2/6) - 225 F: Encaustic Encounters, featuring encaustic paintings —- Collective Dialogues: New work from The Collective on Depot

—- Brush & Palette: Artists Unmasked, a representation of the Brush and Palette Art Club members’ works. Forever Gallery 98 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville. Info: 236-1681. • Through FR (1/15) Progressive original paintings will be on display. Grovewood Gallery Located at 111 Grovewood Road, Asheville. Info: 253-7651 or www.grovewood.com. • Through TH (12/31) - New fiber-art wall hangings by LINT (Ladies in New Textiles) will be on display. Haen Gallery Located at 52 Biltmore Ave., downtown Asheville. Hours: Mon.Fri., 10am-6pm, Sat., 11am-6pm and Sun., Noon-5pm. Info: 2548577 or www.thehaengallery.com. • Through SU (1/31) - The group exhibition A Wintry Mix will be on display. Haywood County Arts Council The HCAC sponsors a variety of art-related events in Waynesville and Haywood County. Unless otherwise noted, showings take place at HCAC’s Gallery 86 (86 North Main St.) in Waynesville. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10am5pm. Info: 452-0593 or www.haywoodarts.org. • Through SA (1/2) - It’s A Small, Small Work, an exhibition of artwork 12 inches or smaller by WNC artists. Odyssey Gallery Exhibits work by Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts instructors and residents. Located at 236 Clingman Ave. in Asheville’s River Arts District. Info: 2850210 or www.highwaterclays.com. • Through TH (12/24) - Resident Clay, featuring works by Amanda Humphreys, Jaclyn Jednak, Patty Bilbro, Leslie Hinton, Beth Bond and Alex Irvine. Upstairs Artspace Contemporary nonprofit gallery at 49 S. Trade St. in Tryon. Hours: Tues.Sat., 11am-5pm and by appointment. Info: 8592828 or www.upstairsartspace.org. • Through TH (12/24) - The Spiritual Image in Contemporary Art and Presents of Art will be on display.

More Art Exhibits & Openings Art at Ananda Hair Studio The salon, located at 22 Broadway, hosts rotating art exhibits. Info: 2321017. • Through SA (1/2) - Red Moon Rising Studios presents Be Love, a textile art and fashion show by Stack. Art at the N.C. Arboretum Works by members of the Asheville Quilt Guild and regional artists are on display daily in The Visitor Education Center. Info: 665-2492 or www. ncarboretum.org. • Through MO (2/22) - Celebrating Rivers and Streams, paintings by Sue Sweterlitsch will be on display in the Education Center, 2nd floor. • Through SU (1/3) Building Small: American Folk Art Houses and Structures will be on display in the Baker Center. Asheville Community Theatre • Through TU (2/2) Miscellaneous Nothing, an art exhibit by Gayle Paul will be on display in the Asheville Community Theatre lobby, 35 E. Walnut St. Info: 2541320. Christmas in Stained Glass • Through TH (12/31) - Pam McCorkhill, owner of Blue Mountain Stained Glass in Arden, will be the featured artist in an exhibit called Christmas in Stained Glass, featuring 40 original designs in the lobby of the Brevard Transylvania County Library. f/32 Photography Group Info: www.f32nc.com. • Through MO (1/4) - An exhibit by the members of this fine photography group will be held at Deerpark on the Biltmore Estate. Grand Bohemian Gallery Located at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Biltmore Village, 11 Boston Way. Info: www. bohemianhotelasheville. com or 505-2949. • Through SU (12/27) - An exhibition of landscapes of the N.C. mountains as well as scenes of the French countryside by renowned French painter Jean Claude Roy will be on display. Transylvania Heritage Museum Located at 40 W. Jordan St., Brevard. Info: 884-

2347 or www.transylvaniaheritage.org. • WE (12/23), 10am5pm & TH (12/24), 10am-3pm - An exhibit of 50 vintage aluminum trees from The Aluminum Tree & Aesthetically Challenged Seasonal Ornament Museum & Research Center (ATOM) will be on display. Free, but suggested donation of $5/$2 kids. Proceeds benefit the THM. Info: 884-5304.

Classes, Meetings & Arts-Related Events Attention Artists and Photographers! (pd.) Need your work Captured, Reproduced, or Printed? Digital Resolutions Group specializes in high-quality large format digital photography, outstanding fine art reproduction and printing. (828) 670-5257 or visit www.ashevilledigital.com Courtyard Gallery An eclectic art and performance space located at 9 Walnut St. in downtown Asheville. Info: 273-3332 or www.ashevillecourtyard.com. • SUNDAYS, 7-10pm - Free Open Studio Night. Bring sketchbooks, canvas, easel, drawing board and art supplies. Work in the medium of your choice in a relaxed setting. Still life and occasional portrait modeling. Free coffee and tea. Info: 707-1859. Elevate Life & Art School • WEEKLY - Classes for varied ages in drama, guitar, graphic design, web design, life drawing, acrylic painting, sign language, video editing, sewing and fashion design, choir, dance, keyboard, photography. $5/class. Info: www. elevatelifeandart.com or 277-1637. Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League Classes are held at the studio, 999 W. Old Rt. 70, Black Mountain. Info: svfal.info@gmail.com or www.svfal.org. • THURSDAYS, Noon3pm - Experimental Art Group. Experimental learning and sharing water-media techniques and collage. $20 for four sessions or $6/session. • FRIDAYS, 10am-1pm - Open studio for figure drawing. Small fee for model. • MONDAYS, Noon-3pm - Open studio for portrait

painting. Small fee for model.

Spoken & Written Word Buncombe County Public Libraries LIBRARY ABBRVIATIONS - Each Library event is marked by the following location abbreviations: n BM = Black Mountain Library (105 N. Dougherty St., 250-4756) n LE = Leicester Library (1561 Alexander Road, 250-6480) • MO (1/14) - Deadline to apply to win a hair makeover. To apply: Write down your name, address, phone number and include three words (along with their definitions) of how you would like to feel after the makeover. Contact the library for details. BM. • TU (12/29), 6:30-8pm - Knitting/crochet group for all skill levels. LE. Events at Malaprop’s The bookstore and cafe at 55 Haywood St. hosts visiting authors for talks and book signings. Info: 254-6734 or www.malaprops.com. • WE (12/23) - Book signing: 2pm - Katherine Russell Rich, Dreaming in Hindi: Coming Awake in Another Language. For Accomplished Asheville Writers Seeking other serious writers for critique group. Mostly fiction and nonfiction. Info: 658-8217. • Alternate THURSDAYS, 6:30pm - Group meets. Haywood County Public Library System The main branch is located at 678 S. Haywood St., Waynesville. The county system includes branches in Canton, Maggie Valley, Fines Creek and Cruso. Info: 452-5169 or www.haywoodlibrary.org. • WEDNESDAYS, 1:30pm - Ready 4 Learning. A story time designed for 4 and 5-year-olds with a focus on kindergarten readiness. This story time runs Sept.-May. • THURSDAYS, 11am - Movers & Shakers. This story time for active 2-3 year olds incorporates dance, physical activity, songs and age-appropriate books. • TUESDAYS, 11am - Family story time at the Fines Creek Branch Library. We will read books, tell stories, learn songs and finger plays,

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and do a simple craft. Info: 627-0146. • TUESDAYS, 11:15am - Family story time for children of all ages at the Canton Branch Library. We will read books, listen to songs, and learn finger plays. Info: 648-2924. Tuesday Morning Poems • TUESDAYS, 8:308:50am - Meditation —- 8:50-9:20am - Poetry reading. Introduce meditation and poetry into your week. Plus, Laura Hope-Gill will read selections from The Soul Tree. Held at 84 N. Lexington

Ave. $5 suggested donation for Wordfest. Info: www.writemindinstitute. com. Writers’ Workshop Events WW offers a variety of classes and events for beginning and experienced writers. Info: 2548111 or www.twwoa.org. • Through WE (12/30) Deadline for the “Fantasy & Science Fiction Contest.” $5 reading fee.

Holidays Bounty of Bethlehem Community Dinner

• FR (12/25), 1-5pm The Bounty of Bethlehem Community Dinner will be held at Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville. Free. Info: 693-5115.

Christmas in Stained Glass • Through TH (12/31) - Pam McCorkhill, owner of Blue Mountain Stained Glass in Arden, will be the featured artist in an exhibit called Christmas in Stained Glass, featuring 40 original designs in the lobby of the Brevard

Transylvania County Library.

Conscious New Year’s Eve Party • TH (12/31), 7:30pm2am - Conscious New Year’s Eve Party at Camp Rockmont with reggae bands Chalwa and Satta Lions, midnight fireworks and vegetarian potluck and late nite drumming circle. Intoxicationfree. $25/Free for kids under 12. Bring dish. Reservations suggested: roskind@boone.net.

Events at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville Located at 204 6th Ave, in Hendersonville. Info: 693-4275. • TH (12/24) - Christmas Eve Worship: 5pm - Family Service in the Sanctuary. The Children’s Celebration Choir will perform at 4:40pm. Gently used/new stuffed animals will be collected for children at Mainstay and The Healing Place —6:30pm - SONday Praise & Worship in the Barber Christian Life Center —- 8:30pm & 11pm -

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Music will begin half an hour before the service.

Holiday Events at Grove Park Inn Located at 290 Macon Ave. in Asheville. Info: 252-2711 or www.groveparkinn.com. • Through SU (1/3) - Entries from the 17th annual National Gingerbread House Competition will be on display. Community viewing is Mon.-Thurs., 10am-10pm.

Holiday Events at the Grove Arcade Info: www.grovearcade. com. • Through SU (1/3) - Thirty-five houses from the annual National Gingerbread House Competition will be on display. Kwanzaa at the YMI Cultural Center • TU (12/29), 2-4pm - A celebration will be held in the Ray Auditorium, 39 S. Market St., Asheville. The featured artist is Otesha Creative Arts Ensemble from Winston-Salem. Hors d’oeuvres and

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beverages will be served. Free. Info: 252-4614.

Kwanzaa Celebration • SA (12/26), 3-6pm - A festive celebration of African-American culture with food, entertainment, and fellowship. Held at Union Grove Family Life Center, Hendersonville. Info: 697-9698, 6960772 or 697-5748. Salvation Army Info: 253-4723. • FR (12/25) - Christmas dinner at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, 204 Haywood St., in

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Music African Drumming With Billy Zanski at Skinny Beats Drum Shop, 4 Eagle St., downtown Asheville. Drums provided. No experience necessary. Suggested donation $10 per class. Drop-ins welcome. Info: 768-2826. • WEDNESDAYS, 6-7pm - Beginners. • SUNDAYS, 1-2pm Intermediates —- 2-3pm - Beginners. Land-of-the-Sky Barbershop Chorus For men age 12 and older. Info: www.ashevillebarbershop.com or 768-9303. • TUESDAYS, 7:30pm - Open Rehearsals at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 51 Wilburn Pl. Mountain Folkharpers This nonprofit is devoted to folk-harp players and craftsman. Events are held at the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore. Info: http://www.mountainfolkharpers.org. • 4th SATURDAYS Meeting. See Web site for details. Song O’ Sky Chorus (Sweet Adelines International) The chorus is always looking for women 18+ who want to learn how to sing barbershop harmony. Please visit a rehearsal. Info: 1-866-824-9547 or www.songosky.org. • MONDAYS, 6:45pm - Rehearsal at Reed Memorial Baptist Church on Fairview Rd. (enter parking lot on Cedar St.). Guests welcome. • MONDAYS, 6:308:30pm - Holiday Harmony. Learn how to sing selected holiday songs. With only four easy sessions, you will be ringing chords like a pro. Registration recommended. $20/$15/$10.

Dance Asheville Ballroom & Dance Centre • Learn to Dance! (pd.) Groups and Privates available. For more information call (828) 274-8320. www.ashevilleballroom.com Argentine Tango Dancers of all levels welcome. Info: www. tangoasheville.com. • SUNDAYS (except 1st), 7-10pm - Argentine

Tango Practica at North Asheville Recreation Center, 37 E. Larchmont Rd. $5 for members/$6 for non-members. Asheville Jewish Community Center Events The JCC is located at 236 Charlotte St., Asheville. Info: 253-0701. • WEDNESDAYS, 78pm - Beginning folk dance lessons. Families especially welcome —8-9:30pm - Not-so-beginning folk dance lessons. Led by instructor Erik Bendix and other guest teachers. $4 members/$6 public. Info: erikbendix@ hotmail.com or 4501670. Donation Classes at Asheville Dance Revolution Sponsored by The Cultural Development Group. At 63 Brook St. Info: 277-6777 or ashevilledancerevolution@ gmail.com. • TUESDAYS, 8-9:15pm - Beginning/Intermediate Adult Jazz. • FRIDAYS, 4-5pm - Boys Dance Combo Class. This is for boys interested in dance. The class touches on all styles of dance for the male dancer —- 67:30pm - African dance with Sarah Yancey featuring live drumming. Open to all. $14. Hunab Kru Dance Studio The studio is devoted to the art commonly known as break dancing. Located at 4 Business Park Circle, Arden. Info: 215-3159 or bboyeducator@gmail.com. • MONDAYS through SUNDAYS - B-boy and b-girl classes will be offered throughout the week for children ages 5-9, ages 10 and up, and for adults. $15 for dropin classes/$5 open floor sessions. Info: 654-7890. Morris Dancing Learn English traditional Morris dances and become a member of one of three local teams as a dancer or musician. Music instruction provided to experienced musicians. Free. Info: 994-2094 or www.ashevillemorris.us. • MONDAYS, 5:30pm - Women’s Garland practice held at Reid Center for Creative Art. Rave.olutioN: The Fifth Dimension • WE (12/30), 9pm2am - Rave.olutioN is a revolutionary dance party taking place in Biltmore

Village. There will be loud music, dancing, blacklights, strobes, lazers, fog. $5, glow sticks will be provided with admission. Info: info@jointheraveolution.com. Studio Zahiya Classes Classes are held at Studio Zahiya, 41 Carolina Lane. All classes are drop-in anytime. $12 per class. $40 for four classes, with other discounts available. Info: 242-7595. • TU (12/22) through TU (1/5) - No classes. • THURSDAYS, 6:307:30pm - Bhangra! A high-energy dance from Punjab, India influence by dancehall, hip hop and Bollywood films. • TUESDAYS, 6-7pm - Beginner belly dance. Learn the basics of belly dance. This class will cover posture and basic movements —- 7:108:10pm - Drills & Skills. Get ready to sweat, workout and practice your intermediate/advanced belly dance. Swing Asheville Info: www.swingasheville.com, 301-7629 or dance@swingasheville. com. • TUESDAYS, 6-7pm - Beginner swing dance lessons. Lindy Hop style. $10/person per week for a 4-week series. No partner necessary. Let your inner dancer out. 11 Grove St, downtown Asheville. Class series starts the first Tuesday of every month. VFW Upstairs. Open to the public. At 5 Points, 860 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Info: 6935930. • SATURDAYS, 6pm - Free dancing lessons —- 7pm - Live band music and dancing. $7. All singles welcome. No partners necessary. Finger food and sweets provided. No alcohol or smoking in dancing area.

Auditions & Call to Artists Call for “Art on Transit” Bus Graphics Program • Through WE (1/20) Application deadline. The City of Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department invites all area artists to submit artwork. The juried competition offers artists the chance to have their work displayed on the exterior of a City of Asheville bus.

To apply: www.callforentry.org.

Call to Artists for Flat Rock Playhouse Craft Show • Through SA (1/30) - Artist application deadline for the first Flat Rock Playhouse Craft Show to be held in May. A juried show of fine, contemporary craft. $20 jury fee. Applications can be downloaded at www. flatrockplayhouse.org.

Montford Park Players Seeks Directors • Through TH (12/31) - Seeking directors for the 2010 outdoor season. Interested candidates should request a guidelines packet by e-mailing info@montfordparkplayers.org. Proposals are due by Dec. 31. Info: 254-5146.

Performers Needed • Seeking m/f dancers with musical and theatrical talent for upcoming performances. Must be ok with adult and queer content. No nudity required, just a desire to have fun. Auditions by appointment thru the end of the year: spyce618@ gmail.com or 401-4192850.

Transylvania Community Arts Council Located at 349 South Caldwell St. in Brevard. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10am-4 pm. Info: 884-2787 or www.artsofbrevard.org. • Call to artists for new gallery exhibits in 2010. Open to all Transylvania County and WNC artists as long as the artwork fits the theme of the show. Contact the council for more info.

CALENDAR DEADLINE The deadline for free and paid listings is 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY, one week prior to publication. Questions? Call (828)251-1333, ext. 365

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 35

36 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

newsoftheweird Lead story

• Spare the Rod: In September, in connection with the venerable Dussera holiday, Hindu priests in India’s Tamil Nadu state ritually whipped 2,000 young women and girls over a five-hour period as penance for sins ranging from insufficient studying to moral impurity. One sobbing yet inspired lash recipient told an NDTV reporter, “When we are whipped, we will get rid of our mental and physical ailments and evil spirits.” And in November, Pope John Paul II was revealed to have periodically atoned for sins by privately whipping himself, according to a nun who worked with him and who was cited in the Vatican’s ongoing consideration of John Paul II for sainthood. The nun said she heard him distinctly several times from an adjacent room.

Compelling explanations

• From a police report in the North Bay (Ontario) Nugget (Nov. 7): An officer in line at a traffic light, realizing that cars hadn’t moved through two light changes, walked up to the lead car to investigate. The driver said she couldn’t proceed on the green lights because she was still on the phone and thus, driving off would be illegal. The officer said a brief lecture improved the woman’s understanding of the law. • The inspector general of the National Science Foundation revealed that on-the-job viewing of pornography Web sites was so widespread at the agency that the resultant ethics investigations hindered his primary mission of investigating fraud in grant contracts. The agency report, obtained by The Washington Times in September, said the heaviest user was a senior executive who logged on to pornography at least 331 days in 2008. He subsequently retired but defended his habit before leaving, claiming that he helped impoverished women in Third World countries earn a decent living (by posing for pornography). • Fine Lawyering: Acting as his own lawyer at an October hearing, 21-year-old Jacob Christine, after denying charges that he’d severely slashed a fellow inmate at an Easton, Pa., prison, offered this observation: “Whoever attacked [the victim] had a high regard for life,” said Christine, because the cut “isn’t deep at all. It’s on his neck. It’s not on his face.”

55 Taps

Ironies

• When Minnesota’s Riverview Community Bank opened for business in 2004, founder Chuck Ripka claimed divine inspiration -- that God had told him to “pastor the bank” and, in exchange, that He would “take care of the bottom line,” leading Ripka to use “prayer” as a theme in the bank’s promotions. In October 2009, Riverview became only the sixth bank in the state to be shut down by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Riverview acknowledged that it had invested aggressively in real estate. • Dr. Hulda Clark, 80, passed away in September of multiple myeloma, an advanced cancer of the plasma cells. Before she was stricken, she had authored three books touting her eccentric remedies as cures, first, for “all diseases,” and then, especially, cancer. In her books The Cure for All Cancers and The Cure for All Advanced Cancers, she urged those diagnosed to immediately stop chemotherapy and embrace her quixotic regimens, to subdue the “parasites” that cause cancer.

The litigious society

According to a November Chicago Sun-Times report, county officials in Chicago have agreed to pay a $14,000 injury claim to janitor Mary Tait of the Sheriff’s Department. The amount covers two incidents, in 1997 and 1998, in which she hurt her back in the same way: while “reaching around to pick up a piece of toilet paper.”

Latest human rights

• In November, a judge in Somerville, N.J., overruled a local police chief who’d rejected a firearms license for hunting enthusiast James Cap, 46. The judge ordered the chief to grant the license, even though Cap is a quadriplegic and will need to mount the gun on his wheelchair and fire it by blowing into a tube. (Cap was an avid hunter before a football injury incapacitated him.)

Read News of the Weird daily with Chuck Shepherd at www.weirduniverse.net. Send items to weirdnews@earthlink.net or PO Box 18737, Tampa FL 33679

Smooth reactions

(1) In July, Charles Diez was charged with the attempted murder of a bicyclist whom Diez felt was carrying his 3-year-old son on the bike unsafely on a busy Asheville, N.C., street. According to police, Diez was so anguished that he pulled his gun and fired at the bicyclist, grazing the man’s helmet. (2) In October, just as Pennsylvania federal Judge Lawrence Stengel was launching into his explanation for the sentence he was about to impose, bank robber Trammel Bledsoe grew impatient and exclaimed: “Can you hurry this up? I don’t have time for this. Just sentence me.” (“You’ll have all the time in the world,” responded Stengel, who gave Bledsoe 41 years.)

Least-competent criminals

• Could’ve Planned Better: (1) Vincent Salters, 46, was arrested in East Knoxville, Tenn., in November after having shoplifted shoes from the Shoe Show store the day before. He dashed out hurriedly with several display shoes, but an employee said they were all for the left foot. Salters was arrested outside the store the next day, perhaps having come to pick up right-foot shoes. (2) Travis Himmler, 22, was charged with burglary in November after allegedly stealing the cash register from the Golden Wok restaurant in Bloomington, Minn., and carrying it away on his bicycle. He was found down the street, injured, after taking a bad tumble when the dangling cash register cord got caught in the bike’s spokes.

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• In November 2000, Las Vegas body modifier Nathan McKay, 24, complained about the difficulty of getting proper medical care: specifically, further surgery to prevent his already-surgically-forked tongue from fusing back together. He also wanted all his teeth removed and replaced with platinum implants. McKay, who also has 1-inch-stretched holes in his earlobes (for holding ebony disks), explained, “I want my tongue split ... as far back as possible, to the uvula, so I have two separate strands in my mouth.” The original surgeon, a family friend, has balked at any follow-up. Said McKay, “I’m not trying to turn myself into anything except someone to remember.” X

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edgymama

parenting from the edge by Anne Fitten Glenn

The biggest loser: if Rocky can do it, so can your cat Remember Rocky, our 22-pound sumo cat, whom we’ve been torturing through kitty fat camp for the past two months? This photo of him was taken after his spring “lion� shave. We give his tubbiness a kitty crew cut so he’s not utterly miserable during the hot summer months. But now that he’s the biggest feline loser, maybe we can bypass the spring shave. And he is a loser — Rocky’s lost almost three pounds! That’s 10 percent of his body weight. While not yet svelte, he’s definitely less bulky. And more playful. The kids realized that the Rock & Roller had knocked off some pounds when he was leapt into the air in an attempt to knock a ball-shaped ornament off the Christmas tree. This from a cat who hasn’t leapt over a lizard in years. Then during my book club, Rocky was rolling around under the tree playing with a ribbon on a present. Somehow the ribbon got wrapped around one of his back legs, and he took off across the room, present in tow, being chased by a curious dog — and by me. He untangled himself before I could get photographic evidence (to prove that no animals were harmed in the writing of this column). Yes, Rocky’s both thinner and more active. It’s kind of a miracle.

healthier raw food — about as close to prey as a lazy carnivore gets (full disclosure: Kristi’s supplying us with raw food as part of Rocky’s weight loss program. You can buy her food at Greenlife). So, yeah, he’s lost weight, but he’s been pissed off for most of the past two months. And mouthy as hell. “Mom, Rocky’s yelling at me,� says my son. “Mom, Rocky’s giving me ‘the look,’� says my daughter. “Give him some catnip,� I reply. That’s the other thing that’s helped him — feline drugs. Kristi mailed us some primo organic catnip. The day it arrived, Enviro-spouse threw the padded envelope on the kitchen counter with the rest of the mail. I arrived home a few hours later to find two blissed-out cats. Rocky’s brother, Houdini, had jumped on the counter, ripped open the envelope and joyfully spread catnip around the kitchen. Both cats were rolling in the dried weed and batting at the air. Now I hide the catnip in a high cabinet. Per the instructions of Jane Mitchell of Miss Jane’s Pet Sitting, I rub a feather in the kitty weed or put a dash in a balled-up piece of paper, then give it to Rocky. Makes him forget all about his food bowl. For about 15 minutes. X

After I first wrote about the Rocky Project, I received lots of e-mails from readers struggling with obese kitties of their own. Why are there so many fat cats in the world? Why is the term “fat catâ€? a clichĂŠ? Because clichĂŠs are rooted in reality. According to one member of Rocky’s weight loss team, Kristi King of Green Earth Pet Food, cats evolved in deserts (think Egypt) and got the majority of their liquids from prey. In other words, while cats will drink water, they prefer to get H2O from, like, chipmunk blood. So, when we feed our domesticated cats dry cat food, the kitties don’t get any liquid from their food — and they might be living in a state of perpetual semi-dehydration. This plus higher carbs in dry food can contribute to obesity, plus a host of other health problems, such as kidney failure. So the primary change we’ve made in Rocky’s life is giving him wet, high-protein cat food instead of dry. Getting him to eat wet food was more of a challenge than I expected. I’ve caught him sneaking dog food that Biscuit left behind, and he once knocked a bag of dry cat food off a pantry shelf and ripped it open for a midnight snack. Now our goal is to get him to eat the even

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Anne Fitten “Edgy Mama� Glenn writes about a number of subjects, including parenting, at www.edgymama.com. Parenting Calendar for December 23 - 31, 2009

MORE PARENTING EVENTS ONLINE

Crisis Counseling • Multicultural/ Diverse Lifestyles (pd.) • Teens • Young Adults/Adults • Eclectic/diverse therapy: Cognitive-Behavioral, Equine, Afro-centric, Parent Coordination/Mediation. • Tracy Keene, LPC, 828-318-3991, tracy@KeeneCounseling.com • 13 1/2 Eagle Street, Suite P, Asheville, 28801. www. KeeneCounseling.com Involve Your Partner In Your Child’s Birth •   Empowered Birthing Classes (pd.) Increase confidence, learn hands-on tools, enjoy your birth! 828-231-9227. Classes monthly: Wednesdays, 6p.m. $175. Next begins Jan. 13. www. AshevilleWomensWellness.com

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Check out the Parenting Calendar online at www.mountainx.com/events for info on events happening after December 31.

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Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s MLK Everyday Essentials Drive • Through TH (1/14) - Toiletries drive for ABCCM and Swanannoa Valley Christian Ministry. Donated items should be new and in their original packaging. Drop off sites: Harvest House, Lakeview Senior Center, Shiloh Center, Weaverville Library,

Land-of-Sky Regional Council. Info: patti@landofsky.org. The Diamond Ball • TH (12/31), 9pm - Third annual Diamond Ball at the DoubleTree Biltmore Hotel. Kat Williams will perform. Food, cash bar, champagne toast, silent auction, diamond raffle. Black tie. Proceeds from the event support the Junior League of

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MORE BENEFITS EVENTS ONLINE

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greenscene

environmental news by Margaret Williams

Linking up

Local student helps World Bank competition go global The World Bank might seem an unlikely institution to turn its attention to small-scale sustainability projects, and even less likely to use social-media tools to spotlight them. But such perceptions may be outdated, says Noah Wilson, a Warren Wilson College senior who got an inside look at the organization last month at an event the international development agency sponsored in Washington, D.C. “In the past, the bank was known for dictating. [But] in the competition I volunteered at — ‘100 Ideas to Save the Planet’ — the bank and its partners were instead very carefully listening. … And the whole world was tuned in live, via webcast and on YouTube,” Wilson wrote in an e-mail to Xpress a week after attending the event. Born in New York City, the tall, lanky 21-yearold describes himself as one of those “weird and bright kids” who’s already explored a number of ventures — attending an alternative school in Vermont at age 16, and later hawking cheese, working as a line cook and dabbling in the pottery-and-ceramics business. “I didn’t see those as long-term career choices,” he notes. These days, Wilson serves as the college’s water-efficiency coordinator. “I fix the plumbing,” he jokes, explaining that even though he’s exceptionally tall for a plumber, being skinny helps him wriggle into tight spaces. But it’s his social-media know-how that earned him an invite to the Nov. 10-13 competition — plus the fact that his aunt works for the World Bank Institute, the arm of the agency that’s focused on small-scale, innovative technologies for developing nations. “She was involved with the ‘100 Ideas’ project, and she called me about using social media for the event,” says Wilson, adding something many young adults today can say: “Social media is my life.” He came of age with the Internet, cell phones, FaceBook, YouTube and the newer kid on the

block, Twitter. “The Net has the ability to help you sort out ‘this is good/this is bad,’” Wilson continues. And with social-media tools and approaches such as “crowdsourcing,” “Feedback can happen in real time, and you can get lots of brilliant ideas.” “It’s easy to see the World Bank as simply this big thing, but it’s made up of people,” stresses Wilson. And people, he argues, want to make connections. This year’s competition saw 100 finalists from 47 countries descend on D.C. for a chance to pitch their ideas. It marked the final stage of the ninth annual Development Marketplace program, which this year focused on projects involving indigenous peoples and climatechange adaptation/risk management. The prize? Twenty-six grants of up to $200,000 apiece, totaling $4.8 million. “Part of what I did was get little Flip Video cameras and run a desk to lend them out to the finalists,” Wilson reports, explaining that his mission was to integrate social media into the competition’s feedback and publicity aspects. “We gave them instructions to shoot no more than three, two-minute takes — behind-thescenes videos and interviews — about their proposals.” Editing the footage as little as possible, Wilson quickly got it all up on the Web via blogs, YouTube and Flickr. One result was an increase in visits to the competition Web site. What’s more, he adds, 89 percent of the roughly 7,000 YouTube views that week came from outside the United States. “We had brought the event out into the world and out of the hallowed halls of finance,” Wilson noted in his e-mail. Among his favorite proposals was a solar desalination project in Djibouti, a small country on the East African coast where a a depleted water table has resulted in their drinking water becoming too salty to use. Lacking the resources for a costly, high-tech solution, their team pro-

Connected: Noah Wilson, a senior at Warren Wilson College, recently helped the World Bank Institute stage a social-media exercise at a “100 Ideas to Save the Planet” competition in D.C. photo by Jonathan Welch

posed using the sun’s heat energy to desalinate the brackish water now coming from the wells, Wilson explains, noting that such simple techniques have been around for centuries. Another standout in his mind was a Kenyan proposal for a crop-shading/fog-collecting system that also employs inexpensive fixes for an environmental problem. Photovoltaic structures made of 100 percent recycled plastic will shade crops in the country’s increasingly arid Eastern Province. Fog collectors, meanwhile, will cap-

ture moisture “carried on the winds” to water the crops, says Wilson. For him, however, the biggest thrill came not from machines but from human beings. One contest participant, he recalls, said, “I came here thinking about my people and my country, and I left thinking about the world.” X Send your environmental news to mvwilliams@ mountainx.com or call 251-1333, ext. 152.

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food

the straight dish

Bread Pudding: recession-era dessert … or more

photo by Anne Fitten Glenn

By Anne Fitten Glenn

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42 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

Bread pudding — that simple mixture of leftover bread or cake, eggs, milk and spices — may be one of the oldest desserts around, say food historians. In medieval times, and possibly even earlier, frugal cooks figured out that soaking stale bread in milk or custard and baking it was an easy way to make dessert — and a good use for old bread. Then they discovered that adding a little fat, such as butter, or a handful of raisins, could transmute bread pudding into a special confection. Nowadays, cooks whip up a whiskey, rum or caramel sauce to spoon over the pudding, thus elevating the humble treat to a guest-worthy gourmet dish. “Bread pudding is one of the truly univer-

sal dishes. Recipes, ingredients and method vary greatly according to place, period and taste. Whether economical leftover ‘make-do’ dish or grand expensive holiday presentation, bread pudding fits the bill,” says Lynne Olver, editor of foodtimeline.org. Puddings, and especially bread puddings, have been associated with the holidays since at least the 19th century. The presentation of a plum pudding is one of the highlights of the Crachit family’s Christmas dinner in Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. (See the recipe at the end of this article for “Poor Man’s Bread Pudding” from The Carolina Housewife, first printed in 1847. But one of the ingredients, “stoned raisins,” isn’t what you might think. They’re merely raisins without stones or pits.)

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Jodi Rhoden, owner of Short Street Cakes in West Asheville, grew up eating her grandmother’s bread pudding in Georgia and now bakes the dessert in her cake shop. Although she’s making bread pudding to order for the holidays, she encourages folks to try baking their own, both for its simplicity and frugality (see her recipe below). “I love sharing recipes. I always say the only thing better than a Short Street cake is a cake made by your mama,” she says. Rhoden adds that the smells of home baking are strongly associated with the holidays — and cooking special dishes for festive occasions is an important part of how we celebrate. “That’s one of the reasons we have warm and fuzzy feelings about the holidays,” she says. The day I dropped by for a taste, the Short Street kitchen was fragrant with cinnamon and nutmeg from baking bread pudding, and yes, the scent transported me back to my grandmother’s pre-holiday baking sprees. Rhoden’s bread pudding is a custard-style pudding, bound with eggs. She uses leftover carrot spice cake, although she stresses that

you can use any leftover bread or cake, even birthday cake with icing. Although bread pudding is versatile and can support a variety of ingredients and spices, Rhoden emphasizes that nutmeg is indispensable. “Nutmeg and eggs together are something magic,” she says. She also offers what she says is her most important advice about cooking: “Something a little bit sweet in anything salty and something a little bit salty in anything sweet.” For example, she adds a teaspoon or two of sugar to pasta and never cooks anything sweet without salt — especially bread pudding. Civil War-era soldiers would have been thrilled with Rhoden’s protein-rich dessert. Back then, a rare treat for them involved pounding crackers into fine pieces, mixing them with water, raisins and a little sugar, if they had it, and boiling the “dessert” in their tin cups over the fire (from A Taste for War: The Culinary History of the Blue and the Gray). Bread pudding’s come a long way, baby. X Anne Fitten Glenn can be reached at edgymama@ gmail.com.

Carrot Cake Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce • (courtesy of Short Street Cakes) • 2 cups whole milk • 1 cup heavy cream • 2 tablespoons butter • 5 eggs, beaten slightly • 1 teaspoon vanilla • ¼ cup sugar • ½ teaspoon salt • 5 cups leftover cake cubes (Use leftover cupcakes, trimmings from making layer cakes, or stale pound cakes. Cut into 1-inch cubes. I use carrot spice cake). • Cinnamon and nutmeg to taste 1. Scald milk and cream (bring to just below a boil in a heavy saucepan until a skin forms). 2. Stir butter into hot milk mixture.

3. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, vanilla, sugar and salt. 4. Whisk hot milk mixture into egg mixture. 5. Grease a 9 x 14, 2-inch deep casserole, and fill with cake cubes. 6. Pour custard mixture over cake cubes, making sure all cake is coated with custard mixture. 7. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg on top. 8. Place pan in a water bath (a larger pan filled half-way with boiling water, so the hot water comes half-way up the side of the bread pudding pan). 9. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes or until eggs set and a knife inserted into center of pan comes out clean.

Bourbon Sauce • 1 cup salted butter • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar • 1 egg • Dash nutmeg • 2 tablespoons bourbon 1. Melt butter in a small cast iron skillet. Add sugar and cook over medium heat,

whisking constantly until glossy. Remove from heat and quickly whisk in egg, then stir in bourbon. Pour over warm bread pudding. 2. (No time to bake your own? Rhoden makes bread pudding to order: $18 for a tray that serves 15 and $10 for a pint of Bourbon sauce. Call 505-4822 to order.)

Poor Man’s Bread Pudding

(from The Carolina Housewife, first printed in 1847) Pour boiling water over half a loaf of stale bread, and covering it up closely, let it remain until thoroughly soaked; then squeeze it in a towel until half the water is out; put it in a bowl, and sweeten with brown sugar to the taste; add, while hot,

a large tablespoonful of butter; flavor with grated nutmeg, a spoonful of brandy, ditto of rose-water; add some stoned raisins. It should be put in a well-buttered baking dish about an inch deep, and should bake four hours in a slow oven.

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smallbites

photo by Jonathan Welch

MAYFEL’S: Costuming for cheap food has been a theme of the recent recession — thousands of people showed up at their local Chick-fil-A’s dressed like cows earlier this year to claim free sandwiches. But Mayfel’s been promoting the concept since 2004, when the downtown eatery rolled out its first-ever Pajama Party Brunch. Anyone who wears their PJ’s to the New Year’s Day festivities is eligible for discounted food. The event runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. “We’ll be celebrating all day with fantastic brunch specials, mimosas and our famous Bloody Mary Bar,” office manager Suzie Corr writes. To learn more, call 252-8840. HICKORY TAVERN: Hickory Tavern Grill and Raw Bar this month became the newest restaurant in the rapidly expanding Biltmore Town Square. The Asheville outlet at 30 Town Square Boulevard is the seventh location for the restaurant, which specializes in quality pub grub: Its menu includes crab cakes, burgers, potato chips and chili. Call 684-0975 for more information. AMIE’S DEELISHUS GLUTEN-FREE GOODIES: An Asheville baker is using an old-fashioned strategy to enter a niche market that’s still considered novel. “I’m handing out fliers with my phone number,” says Amie Tanner, who recently debuted a new line of gluten-free treats. “I’m not savvy in the ways of Web design.” Tanner is considering adding an Internet presence to her business plan but has no intention of ever putting any flour in her chocolate-chip cookies, cranberry-orange nut bread or apple muffins. Tanner says her “greatest joy” is sharing her products with people who tell her “I haven’t had a cookie in five years.”

“My husband is gluten-intolerant, and he also has a bit of a sweet tooth,” explains Tanner. “Sweets were something he grudgingly had to give up.” Tanner, a refugee from the hard-hit world of real estate finance, saw an entrepreneurial opportunity in the recipes she started preparing for her dessert-starved husband. Her products are now available only by special order, but she’s hoping to eventually place them in local cafes and groceries. “I like to think they’re quite good, even as regular cookies,” she adds. To find out more, call 505-7223. GROVE CORNER MARKET: Now that Grove Corner Market has relocated to West Asheville, the independent grocery is ready to shed its geographically linked name — and asking its new neighbors to suggest a suitable replacement. “Giving folks a chance to name their market is really exciting and a great way for us to start the New Year,” owner Rosanne Kiely writes in a release. Customers are encouraged to enter as many names as they like. Staff favorites will be posted around the store and shared via Facebook and Twitter (for now, the account’s still @grovecorner.) The market’s offering an attractive prize package to whoever comes up with the winning name: a $100 gift certificate and the chance to see one’s idea enshrined in the store’s new logo, signage and website. “I can’t wait to see what people come up with,” Kiely adds. “It should be a blast.” The contest is open through Dec. 29. For more information, call 225-4949, check out the store’s Web site at thegrovecornermarket.com, or visit the store at 771 Haywood Road.

Send your food news to food@mountainx.com

46 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

arts&entertainment After Asheville

Three artists who moved away: What they’ve found and what they miss by Ursula Gullow When Ryan Ford arrived in New York City nearly four years ago, he carried only a backpack of clothes and $300 in his pocket. Ford, a painter who has shown his work widely in the WNC area, decided to move to the Big Apple in an effort to take his art more seriously. “After being in Asheville for four years, I felt ready to make something happen. I had poured my heart out in Asheville throwing awesome shows with a crew of mad-talented artists of all sorts, and there was very little return — almost no return, financially,” he says. “That’s the number one reason” why he left, Ford adds. It’s a story we’re all familiar with: Small-town artist breaks out and heads into the big city to find fame and fortune. Indeed, this is the legend that has propelled such greats as Bob Dylan, Jackson Pollack and Andy Warhol. On a recent visit to New York City, Xpress caught up with Ford and former Asheville artists Lauren Gibbes and Jason Weatherspoon, who’d made the big move some years ago, to report their thoughts on life as an artist in NYC versus smalltown Asheville. “When I lived in Asheville, my artistic sight could span a distance of 90 degrees,” says Ford. “Since I’ve lived in New York City, my sight spans 360 degrees.” It’s easy to comprehend a remark like this when you consider that NYC boasts more than 80 major museums, nearly 1,000 galleries

(though that number fluctuates daily), 34 colleges, hundreds of theaters, historic architecture, monumental parks and a 24-hour mass-transit system that acts as the arteries of this city that never sleeps. Add to this a multicultural population of 8.3 million people, where more than 170 different languages are spoken, and a richly documented history of creative movements such as Tin Pan Alley, the Harlem Renaissance, abstract expressionism, hip-hop, salsa and disco. Outgrowths in movements like punk rock and beat poetry also were spurred by the influx of bohemians and artists during the ‘50s and ‘60s. Rock icon and poetess Patti Smith put it best in her “A Little Prayer for New York”: “New York is the thing that formed me. New York is the thing that deformed me. New York is the thing that perverted me. New York is the thing that converted me.” But those cultural movements and the artists associated with them were spawned in an era when rents and the cost of living in New York were considerably cheaper than they are now. These days, many artists question the advantage of living in a city with high rents and dense population — not to mention the grit and grime of city living. “It takes a really long time to come around to liking the city,” Ford says. “But I love this place now. It makes you tough as nails. People always test you here: It forces you to be social and upfront

We owned our time there: “What I miss most about Asheville is freedom,” says Jason Weatherspoon with a laugh.

“New York is the thing that converted me”: Lauren Gibbes in front of her painting. Gibbes, a former Asheville resident, moved to NYC several years ago. “It was just something I always wanted to do,” she says. photo by ursula gullow

like no other place, and for a creative person that’s always stuck in their shell, this can be a positive experience. I still feel like I’m growing here as a stronger person for myself and my artwork.” Today Ford lives in Bushwick, Brooklyn, a place he refers to as “hell on earth.” He explains: “The air stinks from food-distribution plants, stinky recycle places and just pollution in general. [There are] fast cars everywhere, confrontational people, loud ambulances and car systems. I wake up and walk down a hallway that stinks like dead people because so many rats die down in the basement.” For $430 a month, Ford rents an apartment with two other people. He paints out of a spacious studio that he shares with four artists, paying $315 a month for the space. Located in a renovated warehouse just blocks from his apartment, the 1,200square-foot studio has wood floors, skylights and 15-foot ceilings. Since his move in 2006, Ford has exhibited his paintings in a handful of group shows around the city and has started a T-shirt business featuring his silkscreen designs. Mostly he concerns himself with developing his art — large imaginative and detailed narrative oil paintings, often affixed with sculptural elements giving them a three-dimensional form. Recently Ford began selling small paintings of inventive characters often posed in inspired sce-

narios, on the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan under the alias “Rotgut.” “I can make anywhere between $70 and $200 dollars a day, and it’s a lot of fun talking to people” he says. “New York is kinda like a big Ferris wheel, and you’re always trying to hold on, and it’s always trying to kick you off,” says Ford. “Let’s put it this way: The contemporary-art world doesn’t need you. It’s already flooded with so many people.” Later, he confesses, “But the fast-paced vibe of the city sucks you in. You become addicted to it like a drug.” On occasion, Ford still visits Asheville, and he admits to missing the community feeling that Asheville offers. “People don’t have time in New York. You fight for every moment. You value your time here more.”

Missing freedom, finding opportunity

Jason Weatherspoon and his wife, Lauren Gibbes, are both artists who moved to New York City more than two years ago, agree. “What I miss most about Asheville is freedom,” Weatherspoon says, laughing. “We really owned our time there.” “I miss having a car,” Gibbes says. “Things are so spread out here, and it takes an hour to get anywhere. It just requires more effort and more organization — like only buying enough groceries that you can carry. Getting art supplies is more difficult because you can’t just return to the store

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 47

if you forgot something.” While living in Asheville, the couple lived and worked out of a studio they had renovated in the Wedge Building and were known around town for curating shows at John Payne’s Gallery in the same building. “You have to create your own scene in Asheville,” Gibbes says. “Here you just plug in. There’s always something going on; no matter what you’re doing, there’s something else to do.” The two arrived in New York with a 26-foot UHaul truck in July 2007 and promptly moved into an apartment in Bushwick they found on craigslist. (Coincidentally, the apartment was located in the same building that Ford was living in a the time.) Says Weatherspoon: “I knew what was going to happen if I stayed in Asheville: house, baby, career — a good life. I had a great network in Asheville.

New York was a mystery where anything could happen.” “It was just something I always wanted to do,” says Gibbes. “I wanted to be near all of the amazing museums and immerse myself in all that the city had to offer.” “For the first year and a half, we were going out all the time,” says Weatherspoon. “It was a nonstop party.” At that point, Gibbes had already exhibited work at some galleries, including The Cynthia Broan Gallery in Chelsea and 31 Grand in Brooklyn. (Both galleries are no longer in business.) The couple spent their early months in the city forming networks within the creative community. “We were learning diplomacy about galleries and who to go with,” says Gibbes, “It’s like being in a cafeteria — who you sit with determines the rest of the year.”

“Things really changed last winter,” says Gibbes. “Galleries have dropped like flies. Up until then we were getting into group shows, and then our main gallery closed. We both had a studio visit lined up with a gallery and a week later they closed down.” Weatherspoon adds, “On top of that, there are so many artists here right now who don’t have a market.” Ironically, the couple says they feel lucky for their emerging position in New York’s art world. “ A lot of our friends had the cushion yanked out from under them – their prices were inflated to such a degree that it scared off their investors,” says Gibbes. The economic downturn has had some advantages though. Faced with job losses, many professionals decided to quit the city life and sell or rent their upscale living spaces at relatively affordable prices. Taking advantage of this, Gibbes and

Making the connection Asheville-based artist Nava Lubelski shows her work in New York City by Ursula Gullow On your next visit to New York City, be sure to check out the Museum of Art and Design’s latest exhibit, Slash: Paper Under the Knife to see the work of Asheville-based artist Nava Lubelski, who appears alongside well-known artists like Kara Walker and Tom Friedman. Lubelski is a multimedia artist who grew up in Soho and moved to Asheville three years ago. “I wanted to try something different, calmer, cheaper and less distracting,” she says. Prior to her arrival in Asheville, Lubelski had exhibited work at The Queens Museum of Art and reputable galleries in Boston and NYC. “I am at a place in my art career where I am somewhat able to get away with not being in a major art center,“ she says. “Not that I haven’t missed out on dozens of opportunities by being out of New York City, but it’s still been possible for me to move forward and to show in New York and elsewhere.” For the show at MAD, Lubelski exhibits her piece “Crush,” a remarkable assembly of hundreds, if not thousands of tiny rolled strips of paper resembling a circular topographical map. Constructed out of love letters and paper mementos relating to an acquaintance’s failed relationship, the piece took Lubelski months to complete. “The putting together of the piece was improvisational and may or may not have been influenced by the contents of the papers,” says Lubelski, who used every piece of paper relating to the man’s relationship, including ticket stubs, Post-It notes, and e-mail printouts. “He said I was welcome to read them, and so I did read each page as part of the process of making the piece,” she says. “It felt sort of ritualistic to read the papers for the last time before they were reconstructed and made unreadable forever.” Lubelski’s multimedia artwork examines “the contradictions between the impulse to destroy and the compulsion to mend.” Her stained and obsessively hand stitched “paintings” have received international recognition, and last year a solo show garnered a writeup in The New York Times. While they may be a material departure from her stitched pieces, Lubelski’s paper sculptures also tie into concepts of repair and restoration. Her first in the series was constructed out of old tax files, forms and receipts. Another piece was con-

48 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

structed from gallery rejection letters. “I felt a kind of heartbreak at the thought of all the dead trees and the waste and wanted to treat the paper honorably,” she says. “I had the idea of reconstructing a slab of the dead tree in which you could read the information as a new language. In the same way that you can read a tree’s age and its experience, you could look at a slab of my papers and perhaps understand something from the colors of my receipts and the shapes they formed.” Slash: Paper Under the Knife will be up until April 4. www.navalubelski.com and www.madmuseum.org.

“The contemporary arts world doesn’t need you”: Artist Ryan Ford sells small paintings on the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan under the alias “Rotgut.” Weatherspoon managed to secure an apartment in a swank neighborhood just two blocks from Central Park. “Living in the Upper West Side is a nice mix of culture, nature and convenience,” says Gibbes. “Right now I am really enjoying walking across Central Park to the Met [Metropolitan Museum of Art]. I feel like I’m learning so much from studying the paintings there.” And it shows. The fine-tuned hyperrealist paintings that Gibbes makes reflect an overly glamorous and commercialized way of life, and have become even more refined, sleeker and more … New York. The biggest challenge Gibbes has faced with her art is finding good-quality wood to paint on, like she did in Asheville, so she has started to paint on canvas instead. “The difference in New York, as opposed to Asheville, is that here, people don’t make work with the intent of selling it. It’s more academic-driven — the communication of concept overshadows the drive to sell,” says Gibbes. “In Asheville, we had so many craft contemporaries who were concerned with making their living from their art. In New York, people care more about securing gallery representation, or museum shows, or grants, or a good review. … It’s not so much about the money you can make from selling the work.” Weatherspoon no longer creates the figures and sculpture that earned him a reputation in Asheville. Faced with limited opportunities to buy clay or use a kiln, Weatherspoon has moved into painting. “In Asheville everyone has a kiln and a loading dock — getting clay was easy. When I moved to New York I was creatively stifled because I couldn’t find the proper facilities in Bushwick to work out of.” Referencing the patterns and geometric shapes that once graced his ceramic sculptures, Weatherspoon began juxtaposing them with realistically rendered images for an overall effect that reads like an optical illusion of shifting perspectives. “New York City charged my art,” he says.

“In Asheville it was more nature-based. Here I’m so over-stimulated — this is more of my reality.” The reality is that the couple is paying more each year in rent than Weatherspoon made from a year’s work in Asheville. To pay the bills, Gibbes works part-time writing subtitles (a job she had while she lived in Asheville, and Weatherspoon works with museums and galleries as an art handler, hanging the works of big-name artists like Mathew Barney for big-time curators like Nancy Spector in well-known venues like the Guggenheim Museum. “It’s a perfect job for artists because you get to be around so much art,” he says. “My construction background and those years I spent helping Lauren curate shows in Asheville have come full circle.” Currently Gibbes and Weatherspoon are collaborating on a children’s book, and just last month, Gibbes acquired representation by Betsy Bickar of the recently formed Galeria Bickar out of San Jose, Costa Rica. She was also included in a group show at Camel Art Space in Brooklyn, which received a mention in New York Magazine. Camel Art Space is an artist-run gallery much like the Flood Gallery in Asheville. “There have been quite a few artist spaces popping up in NYC since the recession hit, which is really exciting,” says Gibbes. The art scene “is going back to be more of a grassroots thing, with more people curating out of their apartments. It’s more intimate now.” New York City “is an expensive place to live but there is tons of opportunity so it sort of equals out” says Gibbes. Weatherspoon adds, “If I were to sum up what keeps us here in a word it would be ‘energy.’ You can feel it as you drive over the bridge or emerge from the tunnel. This place is like fission.” Ryan Ford shares that sentiment. “You will never see me moving to a small town again,” he says. “But I will always love Asheville, and I still love some of the Asheville artists more than any other artists I’ve seen in New York so far.” X

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 49

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by Alli Marshall No matter how you look at it, 2009 was a weird year. For some it was downright trying, while for others it ranked up there among the best 12 months ever. The latter group just happens to include a number of local musicians who — despite a dwindling recording industry — managed to put out great albums, win prizes, tour far and wide, play big-name events, rub shoulders with stars and get name-checked by national press. Asheville-based guitarist Tyler Ramsey earned props from The New York Times for his appearance as part of folk icon Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden this past May. Bruce Springsteen was there, as was Dave Matthews, but it was our own Ramsey (and Band of Horses frontman Ben Bridwell) who caught the reviewer’s attention. Since joining the indie-rock phenoms Band of Horses, Ramsey — a keen singer/songwriter in his own right — has been traveling to some dream locales, like the Beatday Festival Copenhagen this year. Ramsey and Band of Horses also got to play with country star Willie Nelson. In Hawaii. The one place Ramsey hasn’t spent much time in 2009 is in the studio working on his next solo release, a follow up to 2008’s A Long Dream About Swimming Across the Sea. He recently told Xpress he plans to record again in 2010. And don’t forget former Blue Rags-bassist Bill Reynolds, who’s come into his own as a producer (he’s also the bassist for Band of Horses). His latest project is the Fat Possum recording artist/big ol’ emotional voiced singer Lissie, whose new EP is out now. The people spoke (well, clicked frequently on the online “vote� box) and Josh Phillips, in a brilliant display of musical democracy, was elected to a 2010 term on Jam Cruise. To celebrate (and to thank his voting constituency), Josh Phillips Folk Festival held a Jam Cruise pre-party at the Orange Peel last week, on the band’s second anniversary. But Phillips’ big year included more than just his unique blend of reggae, soul and folk music. In April, he won the regional leg of the Bud Lite Hard Bat Ping Pong Tournament, beating out 10 other competitors in the single-elimination challenge. His prize was air fare to Vegas last June, three nights at the Venetian Hotel and a chance to compete for $100,000. Ultimately, the musician didn’t walk away with the prize, but winning isn’t everything. See Phillips’ ESPN clip on www.youtube.com. The big news this year for kid-hop innovator Secret Agent 23 Skidoo was that he signed to “ultra funky kids label� Happiness Records, which reissued Skidoo’s much-praised album Easy. The Easy single “Gotta Be Me� was selected for the Kidzapalooza Compilation CD. Skidoo performed at Kidzapalooza (founded by Perry Farrell) in August and is already on the list of performers — along with Zach Gill of Jack Johnson’s Band — for 2010. Earlier in the year, Skidoo released a DVD with videos for “Gotta Be Me� and “Family Tree,� the former won first place (coincidentally, by 23 votes) in the 2009 Zooglobble Tournament. Overachiever Michael Libramento has, at the tender age of 23, mastered guitar, bass and keys and his singing’s none too shabby, either. Just out of college, the musician is already living the dream (that is, making a living as a musician rather than slinging coffee). A veteran of a number of local bands (stephaniesid, Mind vs. Target, Ice Cream), he joined Floating Action on bass this year. As if touring cross-country with Floating Action wasn’t enough, Libramento was handpicked by Floating Action tour/label-mates (Park the Van Records) The Generationals to join their tour. Our suggestion for next year: Join at least three more bands, ace the bassoon and run for public office. We’ll totally canvas for you. Libramento’s triumphs aside, Floating Action has earned plenty of notches in the proverbial belt. The brainchild of singer/songwriter/ producer/multi-instrumentalist Seth Kauffman, Floating Action went

50 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

Top to bottom: Floating Action by Sandlin Gaither, Ahleuchatistas by Josh Rhinehart, Tyler Ramsey by Christopher Wilson, John Doyle, Mad Tea Party by Sandlin Gaither, Josh Phillips by Lydia See, Reigning Sound and Now you See Them by Michael Traister

%*4$06/5

For some local bands, 2009 really rocked

through a few incarnations (one was called Tropical Disease) before settling on its current name and sound. Kauffman’s sound borrows from the island lilt of vintage Caribe and the swank and strut of MoTown, with plenty of surprise soundscapes and the effortlessly cool lo-fi production that is Kauffman’s stamp. (Check out this year’s Fare You Well, the album Kauffman produced for country singer/songwriter Cary Fridley.) The band opened a string of shows for labelmates Dr. Dog that culminated with a spot in Park the Van’s SXSW label showcase (Floating Action is already on the roster as a SXSW showcasing band for 2010). Following the Asheville-based launch of its self-titled album, Kauffman’s band headed out on a cross-country tour, garnering favorable reviews with indie-media. For many people, a trip to Europe is a rare pleasure, if not a once-in-a-lifetime excursion. For punk/metal/avant-jazz trio Ahleuchatistas, it’s a yearly occurrence. The band headed to France and Spain this past fall (and have Italy and Austria dates lined up for March and April, 2010), touring in support of the John Zorn-founded Tzadik label release Of the Body Prone. Prone is Ahleuchatistas’ fifth album and earned them reviews in The New York Times (“Together they lurch swiftly from speed metal to thrash punk to a kind of heat-stroke minimalism. There’s noise and fire in their playing, but most of these tunes are also studded with signposts, demanding close attention and clear execution.”), All About Jazz (“This take-no-prisoners music is purposeful virtuosity. Perlowin’s guitar writes math equations on ‘Owls’ while the band swaps directions and speed.”) and NPR (“It’s the kind of musical tug-of-war that sounds as jagged as it is graceful”), among others. Look for 2010 to be a similarly big year for the group and its members, and watch for Shane Perlowin’s new solo release in February, along with the dimension he adds to the significant post-folk project Pilgrim. This year, much-loved and too-seldom-heardfrom Reigning Sound released Love & Curses on label In The Red — the band’s fifth release (depending on how you count). The record warranted a writeup in The New Yorker, complete with praise such as, “Cartwright serves up reminders that he is at his best when he is most emotional, which is not to say sentimental, and though there

Ashev i l l e’s

are plenty of barn burners (‘If I Can’t Come Back,’ ‘Debris’) the songs with the most staying power are the ones that aren’t in such a hurry to get away.” That, and they toured Spain (one stop was the Go Sinner Go music party in Madrid). Then, in his spare time, front man Greg Cartwright was featured in the November issue of Uncut magazine, released a solo album (Live at the Circle A) and reunited with his famously rad former band, the Compulsive Gamblers. In 2010, Asheville will still be lucky as hell to claim Cartwright as a resident. Mad Tea Party, the ultimate DIY group (for starters, the duo plays enough instruments — at one time — for a full band), spent most of 2009 on the road. Jason Krekel and Ami Worthen started the year with POPAsheville (including a recording with Jar-e that aired on WNCW), played the Denver Ukulele Festival, toured the Northwest in May and the Northeast in July, recorded and released the Halloween EP Zombie Boogie and then did a Southeast tour and a Gulf Coast tour in support of the album. All of that amidst two major family losses — but the Mad Tea Party just kept on rockin’ in fine style. It’s not even been two years since folk-pop trio Now You See Them landed in Asheville (fresh off round-the-world adventures, including being deported from Australia). But the band’s serious work ethic, constant gigging (clubs, streets, farmer’s markets, wherever and whenever) saw not only their rapid rise on the local scene but several exciting career developments. 2009 played out something like this: Won WNC Magazine’s Last Band Standing contest and with it a coveted Bele Chere slot. Rocked the Flat Rock Music Festival, Shakori Hills Grassroots Music Festival, LAAFF and D.I.G. Documented by photojournalists, completed a Monkeywhale. com video session, recorded their fourth Live from Asheville EP and got into Echo Mountain Studios to work on two more songs. And to prove just how good their songs are, both songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist Shane Conerty and Dulci Ellenberger were finalists in Mo Daddy’s Brown Bag Songwriting Competition. The band is now working on not one but two albums with producer Eric Wilson and has signed on a management/ promo/booking team. For 2010, says drummer Jason Mencer, “We’re dreaming very big.” When

frontwoman

1 ST D o - it -Your s elf

Stephanie

www.thesoapydog.com

Ireland-born guitarist John Doyle gained international recognition during his turn with Celticinfluenced band Solas. Doyle’s decision to leave Solas and the group’s New York home base for a solo career and a move to Asheville (in 1999) might have raised some eyebrows, but the guitarist knew what he was doing. Not only has Doyle’s solo work amassed an impressive fanbase; he also landed an impressive supporting slot on tour with folk legend Joan Baez. This year saw Doyle — who is currently is Musical Director/guitarist/singer with Baez — completed his third extended tour with in late November with the folk singer. (Go to Baez’s tour

blog on her Web site www.joanbaez.com, for a super-cute photo of Doyle being visited on the road by his daughter.) He’ll round out the year performing for the BBC’s televised Hogmanay New Year’s Eve celebration in Glasgow, Scotland, but even more impressive than that is what 2010 could bring: Doyle’s 2009 Compass Records release Double Play (with fiddler and frequent collaborator Liz Carroll) has been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional World Album category. Other notables: The Cheeksters had the song “Movers and Shakers” in an NFL commercial. Buncombe Turnpike’s video “Where the Hills are Blue” made it onto CMT’s Music City Madness online video contest. Steep Canyon Rangers were hand-picked as the backing band for comedian/ banjo player Steve Martin’s 2009 tour. David Holt and Josh Goforth were nominated for a Grammy, in the category Best Traditional Folk Album for their new release Cutting Loose. Toubab Krewe continued its phenomenal rise, playing a host of big-name festivals (including Bonnaroo) and sitting in with members of The Dead at Rothbury. See the video on youtube. com. And in a cool twist, the four local musicians — Kim Roney, Mark Capon, Drew Wallace and Joshua Carpenter — who backed up underground folk icon Rodriguez at his Grey Eagle appearance continued touring as his backup band, playing a series of East Coast dates, Les Ardentes in Belgium and the Austin City Limits festival. X

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announced there would be no POPAsheville (the much-loved winter music festival she founded and ran) in 2010, the crowds despaired. But part of the reason was so Morgan and Co. could focus on their band — an understandable move, and one that seems to be paying off. With the release of this year’s Warm People, stephaniesid seems to have risen another rung on the ladder to national acclaim. Music reviews popped up in dozens of magazines and music blogs; some notable include Blurt and Billboard magazines. But the attention didn’t stop with the written word: The band was tapped as a World Cafe NEXT Artist in June (songs “Bullet Train” and “Big Grey Peepers” got airplay). Warm’s single “Hey Hey Hey” aired on the Showtime comedy noir “Nurse Jackie;” filmmaker Mariano Vivanco included the same song on the the fashion clip “Ninety Five Chapel Street.” Expect more big news this year.

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mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 51

Dog Training In Your Home

junker’sblues

by Whitney Shroyer

The Bohemians and the Fop, Part One: Never Leave Junk on the Table

828-254-4DOG

I’ve spent the last year mapping the junker’s geography — his haunts, her habits, my priorities. Over the course of the next year I’ll be attempting to set down some lessons learned while traveling the junkscape. These lessons are based on my own and others’ experiences in the field, usually the failures, as a) you learn more from failure than success and b) failure is funnier. Just call me Ae-shop. The first lesson: Never leave junk on the table. You make a deal, you take the stuff with you. Do what you need to do to close the deal, and remember: The deal isn’t done until the junk is in your car and your car is on the highway. I once made a house call to look at records in a retirement community off Hendersonville Road. The collection belonged to a very nice woman, recently widowed, seeking to simplify her life. Her husband had been the collection’s primary curator. He’d been a member of the New York intelligentsia in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and had acquired a number of amazing things – books, art, music, curios. I was put on the case by another junker, a bona fide antiquer, who thought I’d handle the records respectfully. illustration by NATHanael Roney

I arrived at the condo mid-afternoon and met my client, who was understandably reluctant to part with her memories, but determined to move forward. Over the course the afternoon I heard great stories about going to nightclubs and shows in New York, seeing everything from jazz to vintage Broadway debuts. Her husband had whisked her away from a small town and dazzled her with the nightlife — her tales of coming of age in one of New York’s golden eras, not quite bohemians but certainly not bourgeoisie, were vivid and charming. I’d been told the collection was about 500 pieces strong, but when we went down into the basement, I saw it was more along the lines of 3,000. I get this a lot — owners rarely accurately estimate the number of records they have — I’ve also been told a stack of 20 is “hundreds of ‘em.” For future reference, one foot of records equals about fifty LPs. This presented a problem. I’d come in my Nissan Sentra. All those records were not going to fit in it – a Nissan maxes out at around a K’s worth of LPs. And his was a no record left behind situation. This is a common part of the junk job: taking the bad — or more accurately no longer marketable — with the good. Unfortunately, the ratio of usable to unusable in this collection was slight. Few hipsters desire to get down with the original cast recording of The Man from La Mancha or the complete works of Teresa Brewer, for better or worse. After explaining this to my client, I started to

52 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

dig through the collection. I found some very interesting jazz and folk records, and a respectable pile of winners started to emerge. I set these aside to determine my base price, and after spending a few pleasant hours chatting and sifting, I separated the wheat from the chaff. Once I had my stack of good ones, probably about 10 percent of the collection, my price came clear, and I made my offer. A final value was agreed upon. The deal was struck. Unfortunately, it was getting late, I hadn’t brought enough cash, and had nowhere near the car space to haul all of the records off. I was also late to Rebelles practice, but that’s another tale entirely. But my client and I had rapport, so we agreed to finish the deal the next afternoon. As I walked up the basement stairs I looked back to the shelves and shelves of “not so goods” that lined the wall and sighed. That stuff was going to be hard on my back, but it was part of the job. Then I looked over at my stack of good records. It was an interesting pile — full of lots of stuff I’d never had before. It was going to be fun to learn about the records, hear what was on them, and to figure out what they were worth. For the junker selling has rewards beyond monetary compensation. I left the house sure I’d done right by my client and myself. The buzz of the score and the dig was ringing nicely in my head. I was ready to get back to work on the collection the next day. Tune in next week for The Bohemians and the Fop, Part Two: The Anonymous Phone Call. X

clubland

Dwtn Swannanoa

where to find the clubs • what is playing • listings for venues throughout Western North Carolina C lubland rules •To qualify for a free listing, a venue must be predominately dedicated to the performing arts. Bookstores and cafÊs with regular open mics and musical events are also allowed. •To limit confusion, events must be submitted by the venue owner or a representative of that venue. •Events must be submitted in written form by e-mail (clubland@mountainx.com), fax, snail mail or hand-delivered to the Clubland Editor Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt at 2 Wall St., Room 209, Asheville, NC 28801. Events submitted to other staff members are not assured of inclusion in Clubland. •Clubs must hold at least TWO events per week to qualify for listing space. Any venue that is inactive in Clubland for one month will be removed. •The Clubland Editor reserves the right to edit or exclude events or venues. •Deadline is by noon on Monday for that Wednesday’s publication. This is a firm deadline.

Wed., December 23 Back Room

Open mic

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Robert Gowan & Li’l Soul (folk, rock,

Steak & Wine

Open mic

reggae)

Live piano music

Bosco’s Sports Zone

Horizons at Grove Park Inn

The Blackbird

Shag dance

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm

Broadway’s

Jack Of The Wood Pub

‘80s Night, 10pm

Old Time Jam, 6pm

Club 828

Mo-Daddy’s

Hip-hop open mic

Screaming Jays (rock)

Curras Dom

Nine Mile

Eleanor Underhill (singer/songwriter)

Crystal Kind (cosmic reggae)

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party

Bluegrass jam night, 7pm

Woody Wood (soul, pop) The Hookah Bar

Open Mic w/ Sven Hooson Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

‘80s night Town Pump

Open Mic w/ David Bryan Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Picnics

Hump day dance party w/ The Free Flow Band

Frankie Bones

Singer/songwriters feat: Juan Holladay,

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter)

Justin Lee, Zaq, James Stinnett & Jason

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Garage at Biltmore

Ross Martin, 3-8pm

Surf Church (surf, dance) w/ Rubber

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Cushions

Hits & Shits w/ Jamie Hepler

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Red Stag Grill

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm

Bobby Sullivan (blues, rock, standards)

Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band),

Rocket Club

show, 8pm-1am

Beacon Pub

7-11pm

Open jam

Handlebar

7HITE (ORSE IS -OUNTAIN 8´S "EST -USIC 6ENUE OF

"LACK -OUNTAIN 3WANNANOA 6ALLEY ~ Thursday 12/24 ~

White horse free holiday concert:

Wilderness act, Kimberly hughes, & bob hinKle 6-8 pm

~ saturday 12/26 ~

Jazz the riPPer 8 pm • $7

~ sunday 12/27 ~

sPorts sunday

bar opens at 12:30 • $10 six Packs • no cover

~ tuesday 12/29 ~ 6:30 Pm - celtic sessions 8:30 Pm - oPen miKe night with Parker brooks • no cover

~ Thursday 12/31 ~

neW years eve

2-3:30 pm: agent 23 skiddoo, kid/family show $6 adults, $4 kids 8 pm: The business & The swayback sisters, $20

828-669-0816

whitehorseblackmountain.com

“Super dance party� feat: Adam Strange & Crick Nice DJ

Operation Bosco’s Sports Zone

Open mic & jam Club 828

Hip-hop & DJ night Courtyard Gallery

Open mic w/ Jarrett Leone

Door Prizes, Champagne Toast Time’s Square Ball Drop on 6 TVs

Mark Guest (jazz guitar) Decades Restaurant & Bar

Jazz piano w/ Garnell Stuart Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am Five Fifty Three

Waynesville Water’n Hole

Steve Wolrab & guests (jazz, guitar)

Bluegrass jam

Frankie Bones

Westville Pub

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter)

Jammin’ w/ Funky Max

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Please Call All Venues To Confirm Holiday Hours Of

New Year’s Eve PARTY DJ Dance Party w/ Karaoke

Curras Dom

Marc Keller (variety)

Thu., December 24

LIVE MUSIC beaconpub.info

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Closed for

ChriStMaS eve & ChriStMaS Day - enjoy! Saturday, deceMber 26

Duke BlueSMan FreeMan

thurSday, deceMber 31

new year’S eve with wink keziah & Delux Motel

SunDayS: $1.50 Beer• MonDayS: $1 Beer weD: open MiC niGht, 8:30pM w/ DaviD Bryan Open SundayS nOOn- Midnight MOn. - wed. 3pM - Midnight thurS. - Sat. 3pM - 2aM

828-669-4808

135 Cherry St. BlaCk Mountain, nC

MySpaCe.CoM/townpuMptavernllC

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 53

7J > ;D7ÉI DJ’s Thurs. - Sun.

$1 Beers Everyday December 23rd

Screaming Jays Rock Ragtime

NFL Ticket Free Pool on Wednesdays

December 24th & 25th

Bobby Lee Rodgers December 28th

Infusions Lounge

Live music Jack Of The Wood Pub

Bluegrass Jam, 9:30pm Lobster Trap

Hank Bones Mela

Belly dancing Never Blue

Closed - MERRY CHRISTMAS! December 26th

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm

Singer/songwriter showcase

Mon. - Sat. 6 pm - 2 am • Sun. Noon - 2 am

252-2456 • 14 College St. • Asheville, NC (Next to Tupelo Honey)

Jones for Revival December 29th

Acoustic JAMbalaya December 30th

Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

Mark Keller (singer/songwriter) Red Stag Grill

Anne Coombs (jazz, swing) Rock Bottom Sports Bar & Grill

Kemistry (Southern rock, covers) Root Bar No. 1

Live music w/ Chetta’s Boy

Screaming Jays

Scandals Nightclub

December 31st

Stockade Brew House

Rock Ragtime

NYE Party with David Earl

and The Plowshares All shows at 9:30 pm unless noted 77b Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 828-258-1550 • mo.daddys@gmail.com Check out our music online! myspace.com/modaddysbar

DJ TJ The Big Ivy Project (bluegrass, folk) Temptations Martini Bar

Dance party w/ DJ Steele The 170 La Cantinetta

Dave Lagadi (smooth jazz) Vincenzo’s Bistro

Aaron LaFalce (acoustic guitar, singer/songwriter) White Horse

Christmas music w/ Wilderness Act, Kim Hughes & Bob Hinkle, 6-8pm Zuma Coffee

O’Malley’s On Main

Southern Silk Duo (jazz, blues), 7:30-10:30pm

Five Pound Fire

Jerusalem Garden

Purple Onion Cafe

Belly dancing w/ live music

Clay Ross (guitarist)

Lobster Trap

Red Room at Temptations

Live music by local artists

DJ SPY-V

Purple Onion Cafe

Red Stag Grill

Fred Whisken (jazz pianist)

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

Red Room at Temptations

Rock Bottom Sports Bar & Grill

Live music w/ a “surprise DJ”

Live music

Red Stag Grill

Rocket Club

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

LOL Comedy

Rocket Club

Root Bar No. 1

Open at 8pm

The Wellhouse Band (roots)

Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Scandals Nightclub

Live music w/ singer-songwriters

DJs Acolyte & Josh

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Stockade Brew House

Ruby Mayfield & friends present a holiday show

Open mic

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Straightaway Café

Bobby Sullivan (piano)

Dave Foraker (Americana, blues)

Sat., December 26

Tallgary’s College Street Pub

Back Room

Moonshine Babies (folk, country) Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

The Wellhouse Band (roots) Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm Boiler Room

Dawn of the Dude (punk, Ska) w/ Skadoosh & Corporate Fandango Decades Restaurant & Bar

42nd Street Jazz Band Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Thursday night bluegrass jam

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Fri., December 25

Feed and Seed

Please Call All Venues To Confirm Holiday Hours Of Operation Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm Broadway’s

Christmas w/ the “Krektones” Curras Dom

Greg Olson (world, folk) Decades Restaurant & Bar

Southern Crescent (bluegrass) Funny Business Comedy Club

Tim Northern (comedy)

Live music Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Live music w/ singer-songwriters Town Pump

Duke Freeman (blues) w/ Freegrass Revival Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Skinny Legs and (blues, funk, soul) Vincenzo’s Bistro

Live music w/ Tom Coppola (early) & Marc Keller (late) Well-Bred Bakery and Cafe

Mary Jo (piano, vocals) Westville Pub

Rafe Hollister (bluegrass) White Horse

Jazz the Ripper Wild Wing Cafe

Contagious (rock covers)

Garage at Biltmore

Sun., December 27

CRIME & Trust Fund Kidz

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Luke Wood

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Bosco’s Sports Zone

Handlebar

Club 828

Shag dance & lessons

Rotating jazz bands

Mac Arnold and Plate Full O’Blues (“day-afterChristmas blues explosion”) w/ Riyen Roots

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm Infusions Lounge

The Two Guitars of Yasmin & Lou, 10am12:30pm Bob Zullo (guitar), 630-10:30pm

Eleven on Grove

Live music

Salsa & Mambo Dancing, 10pm-2am Dance Lessons, 10:30pm

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm Holland’s Grille

Live Bands Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm

54 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

Infusions Lounge

Darren Nicholson Band (bluegrass feat: Balsam Range’s mandolin player)

Country music roundup & dancing Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Irish session, 5pm Tom Waits time, late Lobster Trap

Jerusalem Garden

Chris Rhodes

Belly dancing w/ live music

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Vinyl at the Vault w/ Chris Ballard

Bobby Lee Rodgers (“guitar master”)

Rocket Club

Nine Mile

Sunday jazz jam

Crystal Kind (cosmic reggae)

clubdirectory

FOOTBALL

Complete clubland directory: www.mountainx.com/clubland. Questions or errors? E-mail (clubland@mountainx.com). The 170 La Cantinetta 687-8170 Asheville Civic Center & Thomas Wolfe Auditorium 259-5544 The Back Room (OSO) 697-6828 Barley’s Tap Room (SH) 255-0504 Beacon Pub 686-5943 The Blackbird 669-5556 Blue Mountain Pizza (OSO) 658-8777 Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center 693-0087 BoBo Gallery (OSO) 254-3426 Bosco’s Sports Zone 684-1024 Broadway’s (SA) 285-0400 Cancun Mexican Grill 505-3951 Club 828 252-2001 Club Hairspray (SA) 258-2027 Courtyard Gallery 273-3332 Curras Dom 253-2111 Decades Restaurant & Bar 254-0555 Desoto Lounge 986-4828

Diana Wortham Theater 257-4530 Dock’s Restaurant 883-4447 The Dripolator 398-0209 Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar 252-2711 Eleven on Grove 505-1612 Emerald Lounge (OSO) 232- 4372 Feed & Seed + Jamas Acoustic 216-3492 Firestorm Cafe (OSO) 255-8115 Five Fifty Three 631-3810 Frankie Bones 274-7111 Fred’s Parkside Pub & Grill 281-0920 French Broad Brewery Tasting Room 277-0222 Funny Business Comedy Club 318-8909 The Garage 505-2663 Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern (OSO) 232-5800 Grove House Eleven on Grove 505-1612 The Grove Park Inn 252-2711

TO

Guadalupe Cafe 586-9877 The Handlebar (864)233-6173 The Hangar (SA) 684-1213 Havana Restaurant 252-1611 Highland Brewing Company 299-3370 Holland’s Grille 298-8780 The Hookah Bar 252-1522 Infusions 665-2161 Iron Horse Station 622-0022 The Lobster Trap 350-0505 Mack Kell’s Pub & Grill 253-8805 Magnolia’s Raw Bar (ISS) 251-5211 Mela 225-8880 Mike’s Tavern 281-3096 Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill (SH) 258-1550 New French Bar Courtyard Cafe 225-6445 Never Blue 693-4646 Old Fairview Southern Kitchen 277-7117

O’Malley’s On Main 246--0898 The Orange Peel (OSO) 225-5851 Panther’s Paw 696-0810 Pisgah Brewing Co. 669-0190 Purple Onion Cafe 749-1179 Rankin Vault 254-4993 Red Stag Grill at the Grand Bohemian Hotel 505-2949 Rock Bottom Sports Bar & Grill 622-0001 Rocket Club 505-2494 Root Bar No.1 299-7597 Ruby’s BBQ Shack (ISS) 299-3511 Scandals Nightclub 252-2838 Shovelhead Saloon (SA) 669-9541 Steak & Wine / Satchel’s Martini Bar 505-3362 Stella Blue 236-2424 The Still 683-5913 Stockade Brew House 645-1300

Straightaway Cafe (OSO) 669-8856 Switzerland Cafe 765-5289 The Red Room at Temptations (SA) 252-0775 Tallgary’s College Street Pub 772-1489 Temptations Martini Bar (SA) 252-0775 Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub 505-2129 Town Pump (SA) 669-4808 Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues (SA) 254-7072 Vaso de Vino Wine Bar & Market 687-3838 Vincenzo’s Bistro 254-4698 The Watershed 669-0777 Waynesville Water’n Hole 456-4750 Wedge Brewery 505 2792 Westville Pub (OSO) 225-9782 White Horse 669-0816 Wild Wing Cafe (SA) 253-3066 Xcapades 258-9652

S M OK E  O R  NOT TO  S M OK E

7.#´S ALL NEW UPSCALE !DULT 2OOM 3PORTS ,OUNGE

College and NFL Package

Live Music Weekends 733 Haywood Rd. • West Asheville (on the corner of Brevard & Haywood Rd.)

828-505-2129

IRISH PUB

bring in

20rig1ht!0

OSO: outdoor/patio smoking only • SH: smoking hours, call clubs for specfics • ISS: indoor smoking section • SA: smoking allowed Guadalupe Cafe

The Hookah Bar

D Mack Sharon LaMotte (jazz) w/ Bill Gerhardt, Mike Holstein & Sonny Thornton

Belly dance showcase w/ live bands

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Open mic w/ Yorky

Town Pump

Marc Keller & Company (variety)

Lobster Trap

Pickin’ at the Pump, open acoustic jam

Westville Pub

Geoff Weeks

Vincenzo’s Bistro

New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

Johnny Blackwell (variety, covers)

Open mic w/ Scott Stewart 7:30pm Apres OM, 11pm

Mon., December 28

Tue., December 29

Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Back Room

Contra dance

Carrie Arrowood (singer/songwriter)

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Barley’s Taproom

Bob Zullo (guitar), 630-10:30pm

The Creek Jumpers (bluegrass)

Handlebar

Beacon Pub

Homecoming Jam feat: Godfrey Brothers w/ former Marshall Tucker members Frank Wilkie, Tim Lawter & Tony Heatherly (Southern rock)

Open mic

Hangar

BoBo Gallery

Open mic night w/ Aaron LaFalce

Headway

Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Eleven on Grove

Jones For Revival (progressive, jam band) Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

“A DiskFunktional Holiday” feat: DJ Dress & Queen April

The Oxymorons (improv comedy)

Emerald Lounge

Rocket Club

Tuesday Night Funk Jam

Asheville Jazz Orchestra (swing, jazz)

Feed and Seed

Temptations Martini Bar

Will Ray’s Mountain Jam

Open mic w/ Pierce Edens

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Scandals Nightclub

Dance party w/ DJ Stratos & drag show

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Makia Goove (funk, reggae, fusion)

Ian Moore’s Mountain Music Miscellany Iron Horse Station

Big NY’s Eve Party Champagne Great Drink Specials

Tomato Tuesday comedy open mic Southern Silk Duo (jazz, blues) Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Rock Records w/ Matty Temptations Martini Bar

Aaron LaFalce (pop, rock, acoustic) Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Chuck Lichtenberger presents “An Evening of Jazz” with special guests Vincenzo’s Bistro

Marc Keller & Company (variety) Watershed

Live music w/ Robert Greer Westville Pub

Blues Jam w/ Mars Fariss White Horse

Irish session, 6:30pm Open mike w/ Parker Brooks, 8:30pm Wild Wing Cafe

Darren Nicholson

Wed., December 30

WNC’s Only Spinning Pole Great Nightly Drink Specials Pool Tables & Games Ladies & Couples Welcome

Come meet our Gorgeous New Entertainers! (now over 30 Feature Entertainers)

(828) 298-1400

520 Swannanoa River Rd, Asheville, NC 28805 Mon. - Sat. 6:30pm - 2am mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 55

Back Room

Open mic Beacon Pub

BoBo Gallery

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Sean Benjamin (acoustic, rock)

Hits & Shits w/ Jamie Hepler

Bosco’s Sports Zone

Red Stag Grill

Shag dance

Bobby Sullivan (blues, rock, standards)

Broadway’s

Rocket Club

‘80s Night, 10pm Club 828

“Super dance party” feat: Adam Strange & Crick Nice DJ

Hip-hop open mic

The Blackbird

Curras Dom

Eleanor Underhill (singer/songwriter)

Ellen Trnka w/ Christabel and the Jons (Southern swing)

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Mark Bumgarner (Americana) BoBo Gallery

New Year’s Eve party w/ Sirius.B (absurdist Gypsy, metal, folk) & A Gypsy and a Jew Boiler Room

The Hookah Bar

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Open Mic w/ Sven Hooson

Bosco’s Sports Zone

Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Open mic & jam

Eleven on Grove

‘80s night

Club 828

Zydeco dance & lessons

Town Pump

Hip-hop & DJ night

Emerald Lounge

Open Mic w/ David Bryan

Courtyard Gallery

Asheville Horns (“big sound horn”)

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Open mic w/ Jarrett Leone Curras Dom

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter)

Peggy Ratusz & Friends (holiday showcase, blues)

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Decades Restaurant & Bar

Old Time Jam, 6pm

Marc Keller (variety)

Jazz piano w/ Garnell Stuart

Mo-Daddy’s

Waynesville Water’n Hole

Screaming Jays (rock)

Bluegrass jam

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Nine Mile

Westville Pub

Mark Guest (jazz guitar)

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

club xcapades EROTIC EXOTIC?

Great Drink Specials Full Menu Served Until 1:30am

IN TH E   C LU B S MONDAY Mack Kell’s Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues TUESDAY

The Secret B-Sides (soul, hip-hop, R&B)

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Champagne Toast at Midnight...

K ARAO K E

Back Room

New Year’s Eve w/ Sliver Machine (electronics)

•2010•

Getaway’s (Eleven on Grove) Hookah Bar Mike’s Side Pocket W EDNESDAY Fred’s Parkside Pub & Grill The Hangar • Infusions Temptations Martini Bar O’Malleys on Main • Holland’s Grille T H URSDAY Beacon Pub • Cancun Mexican Grill Chasers • Club Hairspray Shovelhead Saloon FRIDAY Infusions • Mack Kell’s • Shovelhead Saloon • Stockade Brew House The 170 La Cantinetta SATURDAY Club Hairspray • Holland’s Grille Infusions • Shovelhead Saloon The Still SUNDAY Bosco’s Sports Zone • College St. Pub Getaway’s (Eleven on Grove) The Hangar • Mack Kell’s Wing Cafe • Cancun Mexican Grill Eleven on Grove

New Year’s Eve Bash

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS

Emerald Lounge

WNC Ladies up close & personal

Five Fifty Three

Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band (funk) Steve Wolrab & guests (jazz, guitar) Frankie Bones

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter)

New Exotic Cage Stage & 3 Satellite Stages

Comfy, Casual? Just relax in our upscale lounge and take in the views. Enjoy our billiard tables & interactive games. We have one of the largest spirit selections in WNC & have great specials every night.

The Fireworks will Be Right Outside Our Front Door, Over the New Pack Square Park

(Below Fiore’s Restaurant)

Avett Brothers (rock) w/ Langhorne Slim (indie)

Barley’s Taproom

“Blackbird Allstar” (performances by Blackbird staff)

Frankie Bones

Mon-Sat 4:30-2am • 281.0920 122 College St., Downtown

Asheville Civic Center

Toubab Krewe (Afro-beat, rock, other) w/ State Radio

Open mic

Independent Music Awards’ Nominee for Best Blues Album (2009)

Thu., December 31

Orange Peel

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

MARSHALL RUFFIN TRIO & GUESTS

Jammin’ w/ Funky Max

Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

Bluegrass jam night, 7pm

Open jam

Bring in 2010 with Some Good Music & Great Friends

Crystal Kind (cosmic reggae)

Fred’s Parkside Pub & Grill

Marshall Ruffin Trio (blues) & guests French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

Dave Desmelik (Americana) Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

New Year’s Eve w/ Larry Keel & Natural Bridge (bluegrass, progressive) Handlebar

Culture Prophet (indie, electro-funk) w/ Secret Vessels & We Are Now Holland’s Grille

Mon. - Sat. 7pm - 2am • 21 to Enter

828-258-9652 99 New Leicester Hwy.

(3miles west of Downtown -off Patton Ave.)

56 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

New Year’s Eve masquerade party w/ live music Infusions Lounge

Live music Iron Horse Station

New Year’s Eve w/ Pierce Edens (“raw roots Americana”)

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Wild Wing Cafe

Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Woody Wood & Hollywood Red (soul, alternative country)

Luna and the Lunatics

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm

Zuma Coffee

Decades Restaurant & Bar

Lobster Trap

Thursday night bluegrass jam

42nd Street Jazz Band

Fri., January 1

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Hank Bones Mela

Belly dancing Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

NYE: David Earl & the Plowshares (amphetamine folk), Paige Turner (formerly of the Rebelles), Jesus Christ & the Handsome Devils

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Acoustic Swing Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm

Pseudo Blue and the Majestic (rock, fun, jam band)

Curras Dom

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Singer/songwriter showcase

Decades Restaurant & Bar

Grayson Capps (Americana, country, blues) w/ Tennessee Hollow (rock)

Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

Rotating jazz bands

Handlebar

Mark Keller (singer/songwriter)

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Orange Peel

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Taylor Moore Band (blues, roots) feat: The Will, Charles Wood, Jeff Holland, Chuck Beattie, Gwyn Fowler & Brandy Blackwell

Eleven on Grove

Infusions Lounge

Live music

New Year’s Eve party w/ The Scoot Pittman Trio

Salsa & Mambo Dancing, 10pm-2am Dance Lessons, 10:30pm

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Cary Fridley & Down South (alternative country, blues)

NYE party Red Stag Grill

Anne Coombs (jazz, swing) Rock Bottom Sports Bar & Grill

Kemistry (Southern rock, covers) Rocket Club

NYE party feat: Broomstars (rock, experimental) w/ Forty Furies & The Poles

Vollie & Kari and The Western Wildcats (honkytonk, Western swing)

Belly dancing w/ live music

Live Bands

Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Infusions Lounge

Open Windows (folk, rock)

Southern Silk Duo (jazz, blues), 7:30-10:30pm

Nine Mile

Iron Horse Station

Crystal Kind (cosmic reggae)

Glenn Spayth (singer/songwriter)

Red Room at Temptations

Jack Of The Wood Pub

New Years Eve Blast feat: Hudson South (rock)

The Space Heaters (Gypsy jazz)

Red Stag Grill

Scandals Nightclub

Jerusalem Garden

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

New Year’s Eve Bash

Belly dancing w/ live music

Rock Bottom Sports Bar & Grill

Stella Blue

Lobster Trap

Live music

The Crank County Daredevils (rock) w/ The GoDevils (psychobilly, punk) & Dielectric

Live music by local artists

Scandals Nightclub

Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Dance party w/ DJ Stratos & drag show

Stockade Brew House

Woody Pines (old-time acoustic, folk)

Stella Blue

The Big Ivy Project (bluegrass, folk)

Purple Onion Cafe

Straightaway CafĂŠ

Fred Whisken (jazz pianist)

Vic Crown and The Force (rock) w/ Stone Ridge, Skull Thunder

New Year’s Eve show w/ Freegrass Revival

Red Room at Temptations

Stockade Brew House

Temptations Martini Bar

DJ D-Day

Open mic

Dance party w/ DJ Steele

Red Stag Grill

Straightaway CafĂŠ

The 170 La Cantinetta

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

Will Straughan (visual, surf, freestyle)

Dave Lagadi (smooth jazz)

Tallgary’s College Street Pub

Tallgary’s College Street Pub

Town Pump

Live music

Live music

New Year’s Eve w/ Wink Keziah & Delux Motel (Americana, country, roots)

Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

The Brittany Reilly Band (bluegrass, country)

Live music w/ singer-songwriters

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Town Pump

Vincenzo’s Bistro

New Year’s Eve party feat: The Free Flow Band (funk, R&B, soul)

The Good Old Boyz (Southern rock) Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Live music w/ Tom Coppola (early) & Marc Keller (late)

Vincenzo’s Bistro

New Year’s Day show w/ Whitney Moore

Well-Bred Bakery and Cafe

Aaron LaFalce (acoustic guitar, singer/songwriter)

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Jenne Sluder (acoustic)

Bobby Sullivan (piano)

Westville Pub

Watershed

Well-Bred Bakery and Cafe

Riyen Roots (“old-school original blues�)

Jon Dana (acoustic, folk)

White Horse

Wild Wing Cafe

Bob Margolin Blues Band (Americana, blues)

Bone Pony

Wild Wing Cafe

New Years Eve w/ DJ Squirl Daddy Westville Pub

NYE bash feat: Dashvara (progressive, funk, fusion) White Horse

23 Skidoo family show, 2-3:30pm The Business & The Swayback Sisters, 8pm-1am

Sat., January 2 Back Room

Space Heaters (rock, pop)

504 Haywood Rd. West Asheville 828-255-1109

with

Keel Brothers, Bawn in the Mash Dwayne Brooke 9pm Welcome The New Year with Vollie & Kari and the

Fri. 1/1

Western Wildcats Dance Lessons at 8pm

Grayson Capps

Sat. 1/2 thur. 1/7

Jerusalem Garden

DJ SPY-V

Root Bar No. 1

kitchen open til’ we close 3pm-2am everyday pinball, foosball & a kickass jukebox “It’s bigger than it looks!�

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Holland’s Grille

NeW YeAr’s eVe

Larry Keel & Natural Bridge,

Emerald Lounge

Never Blue

Purple Onion Cafe

thur. 12/31

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Greg Olson (world, folk)

Toubab Krewe (Afro-beat, rock, other) w/ State Radio

featuring matinee shows

with Tennessee Hollow 9pm Those Darlins and Kovacs

& The Polar Bear 8:30pm

Fri. 1/8

suttree w/ Pilgrim and Angela Faye Martin 9pm

Sat. 1/9

robinella & rob Ickes 9pm

232-5800 www.thegreyeagle.com 185 Clingman Ave.

FRIDAY 12/25

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SATURDAY 12/26

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THURSDAY 12/31 CZl NZVgÂżh :kZ l$ LddYn LddY =daanlddY GZY

Dusty Reels pResents‌ Open Mic night hOsteD by scOtt stewaRt 7:30 sign up

we’ll be clOseD eaRly chRistMas eve anD all Of chRistMas Dayhave a gReat hOliDay! SaturDay, December 26

Rafe hOllisteR newgRass

thurSDay, December 31

FREE CHAMPAGNE AT MIDNIGHT

new yeaR’s evev bash with

Dash vaRa

FRIDAY 1/1

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SATURDAY 1/2

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SaturDay, January 2

Riyen ROOts

OlD schOOl ORiginal blues - tueS. -

blues JaM Featuring the

Westville All Stars hosted by Mars

Contagious (rock covers)

BUSOFFICE@LAUGHINGSEED.COM

- WeD. -

JaMMin’

with Funky Max

- Fri. -

Trivia Night with Prizes 9pm

Smoke-Free Pub • Pool & DartS

777 Haywood Road • 225-wPUB (9782)

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 57

675 Merrimon Ave • Asheville, NC

FB;7I; L?I?J 7I>;L?BB;F?PP7$9EC

JE I;; J>?I M;;A½I CEL?;I J?C;I $3 Admission • Movie Line 254-1281

Delivery or Carry Out until 11pm • 254-5339

Join us at both locations for our

LUNCH BUFFET M-F 11-3pm • Now open Sundays! Pizza, salad, baked potatoes and more! Asheville Brewing Company 77 Coxe Ave. Downtown Asheville

255-4077 T h e

Pocket

3 8 9 M e r r i mon Avenue 8 2 8 . 2 58.9828 M o n d ay

League Night Come join the action T u e s d ay

Customer Appreciation Night $1 PBRs W e d n e s d ay

Free PooL Awsome specials!

T h u r s d ay

$1 Vodka Night

F r i d ay

Fabulous Drink Specials s aT u r d ay

oPeN MIC • LIVe MUSIC s u n d ay

Free PooL!! DJ Chubby Knuckles Great Place to Watch Football! BeST DrINK PrICeS IN ToWN Free PING PoNG eVerY NIGHT! We support All Local Breweries on Draft!

Book Your Holiday Parties Now!! Asheville’s Cheers – Where everybody meets! Private Club - Immediate Memberships Available 58 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

crankyhanke JJJJJ is the maximum rating

theaterlistings WEDNESday, WED DEC 23 - Thursday, DEC 31

Due to possible last-minute scheduling changes, moviegoers may want to confirm showtimes with theaters.

movie reviews and listings by ken hanke

n Asheville Pizza &

additional reviews by justin souther • contact xpressmovies@aol.com

Please call the info line for updated showtimes. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG) 1:00, 4:00, 7:0 Paranormal Activity (R) 10:00

pickoftheweek Me and Orson Welles

n Carmike Cinema 10

(298-4452)

JJJJJ

Director: Richard Linklater (A Scanner Darkly) Players: Zac Efron, Claire Danes, Christian McKay, Ben Chaplin, Zoe Kazan, Eddie Marsan Historical Comedy/Drama Rated PG-13

The Story: A young man finds himself a part of Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre and their modern-dress production of Julius Caesar. The Lowdown: A wildly entertaining, beautifully crafted film that captures the excitement of the theater — and something of the genius that was Orson Welles. No one could be more surprised than I am that I would love a Richard Linklater movie, but it’s true: I love Me and Orson Welles. It’s a film that proves other startling things — like the fact that Zac Efron can act and Ben Chaplin can be interesting. It also introduces us to an unknown Brit actor named Christian McKay, whose portrayal of the young Orson Welles is downright uncanny. Beyond that, it’s one of the best films I’ve ever seen about the theater, about being young and in love with art, about the first disillusionment with art, and about the ability to bounce back from that disillusionment. It helps immensely that the film is also just plain entertaining. I watched it late on a Saturday night, got up on Sunday and watched it again. The story concerns a high-school kid, Richard Samuels (Efron), who is immediately established as being interested in the arts. He bumps into a girl, Gretta Adler (Zoe Kazan, Revolutionary Road), playing Gershwin in a music store and bemoaning the death of the composer. This leads to a discussion of Gershwin and Richard Rodgers — complete with youthful overstatement (Gretta claims she’d give anything to have written the first five notes of “There’s a Small Hotel”) — and further revelations about each one’s creative dreams. (Justin Souther pointed out to me that this scene is one that keeps the film from feeling like a standard period piece, noting that two kids discussing Gershwin and Rodgers in contemporary terms translates perfectly into something modern by simply changing musicians.) Sooner than Richard could possibly imagine, the opportunity for a full immersion into the creative world of the theater drops into his lap — and not just any theater, but Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre and Welles’ version of Julius Caesar, with the play presented as a contemporary story of fascist Italy. He lands a (non-paying) role in the production by being able to play a drum roll (to herald the great man’s arrival) and on sheer moxie — the latter especially appealing to Welles. In no time, Richard is thrust into the storm that constantly surrounds Welles and any Wellesian

Brewing Co. (254-1281)

Christian McKay is the embodiment of Orson Welles in Richard Linklater’s beautiful period film Me and Orson Welles. undertaking. Everything appears to be chaos dictated by Welles and his egocentric desires. Much happens — including a romance with Sonja Jones (Claire Danes), the woman who keeps the madness as in check as it can possibly be — and all of it is geared, one way or another, to the world of the theater and the realization of Welles’ vision. The more familiar you are with Welles and his company, the more certain aspects will mean. So many people central to Welles’ career are there — Joseph Cotten (TV actor James Tupper), John Houseman (Eddie Marsan, Happy-Go-Lucky), George Colouris (Ben Chaplin), Norman Lloyd (Leo Bill, Kinky Boots) — and recognizing that adds to the film’s resonance, but it’s by no means a requisite for following it. One of the most remarkable aspects of the film lies in the glimpses we see of the openingnight performance of Julius Caesar. Not only does Linklater capture the excitement of the event, but he does so in a way that justifies Welles’ ego, arrogance and apparent disorganization. He creates something truly rare — a play depicted on film in such a way that you really wish you could have been there to see it. On its simplest level, Me and Orson Welles can be taken as a coming-of-age story, but in its way, it’s two coming-of-age stories — Richard’s passage to adulthood and Welles coming into his full-blown genius. Both levels have their share of joy and sorrow — and, if it comes to that, of two studies in self-promotion and the promise of self-induced downfalls. There’s a great deal more going on here than may be apparent on the surface. The film’s attention to period detail feels effortless and authentic. I only caught one small instance

of cheating where the popular music track was concerned: the use of the 1938 Benny Goodman recording “Swing, Swing, Swing” in 1937. That it comes across so smoothly is all the more remarkable when you realize that much of the film was shot on the Isle of Man where the Gaeity Theatre offered the closest approximation of the longdemolished Mercury. There’s very little to fault here and much to praise, but most especially there’s Christian McKay’s Orson Welles. If nothing else about the film had worked, his portrayal — embodiment really — of Welles would make the film worth seeing. He is truly astonishing, but in many ways so is the whole film. Rated PG-13 for sexual references and smoking. reviewed by Ken Hanke Starts Friday at Carolina Asheville Cinema 14.

Avatar JJJJ

Director: James Cameron Players: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez Science Fiction Rated PG-13

The Story: In the future, an ex-Marine inflitrates the indigenous race on the planet Pandora, only to find their simple ways superior to those of civilzation as he knows it. The Lowdown: An undeniable effects and design extravaganza, Avatar is nonetheless a fairly basic story with a new paint job. Cranke Hanke continues on page 62

No shows after 7:45 Christmas Eve No shows before 2:00 Christmas Day Avatar (PG-13) 12:00, 1:00, 2:15, 3:30, 4:30, 5:55, 7:00, 800, 9:30, 10:30 Did You Hear About the Morgans? (PG-13) 1:45, 4:35, 7:10, 9:45 The Men Who Stare at Goats (R) Thru Thu only 1:15, 3:25, 5:35, 7:45, 9:55 Old Dogs (PG-13) 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40 Olivia’s Winter Wonderland (G) Sat-Sun only 1:00 Pirate Radio (R) Thru Thu only 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:45 The Road (R) 1:00 (no 1:00 show Sat-Sun), 4:00, 7:00, 9:50 Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) Starts Fri 1:00, 2:00, 4:00, 5:00, 7:00, 8:00, 10:00, 11:00 The Twilight Saga: New Moon (PG-13) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:50 Up in the Air (R) 1:30, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30

n Carolina Asheville

Cinema 14 (274-9500)

No shows before 1:45 Christmas Day Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (PG) 11:45, 2:00, 4:15, 7:10, 9:25 Avatar 3D (PG-13) 11:30, 3:00, 7:00, 10:25 Avatar 2D (PG-13) 12:00, 3:30, 8:00 The Blind Side (PG-13) 12:15, 3:20, 7:25, 10:20 The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (R) Thru Thu only 11:25, 2:10, 5:00, 7:40, 10:35 A Christmas Carol 2D (PG) 11:35, Thru Thu only 2:00, 4:30, 7:15, 9:40 Christmas Day only 2:35 The Damned United (R) Thru Thu only 11:45, 2:25, 5:10, 7:50, 10:05 (Sofa Cinema showing) Did You Hear About the Morgans? (PG-13) 11:40, 2:10, 4:40, 7:30, 10:00 Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) Thru Thu only 12:05, 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:35 (Sofa Cinema showing) Invictus (PG-13) 12:20, 3:35, 7:10, 10:15 It’s Complicated (PG-13) 12:30, 3:15, 7:20, 10:10 Me and Orson Welles (PG-13) Starts Fri 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:20, 9:50 Nine (PG-13)

Starts Fri 11:50, 2:35, 5:10, 7:45, 10:20 Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (R) 2:35 (no 2:35 show Christmas Day), 5:10, 7:45, 10:25 (Sofa Cinema showing) The Princess and the Frog (G) 11:25, 1:45, 4:05, 7:00, 9:30 The Road (R) 11:35, 2:20, 5:05, 7:50, 10:35 Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) Starts Fri 12:45, 4:00, 7:15, 10:30 Up in the Air (R) 12:00, 2:30, 5:05, 7:40, 10:15 n Cinebarre (665-7776)

Avatar 2D (PG-13) 11:50, 3:30, 7:10, 10:35 The Blind Side (PG-13) Thru Thu only 10:30, 1:30, 4:30, 7:35, 10:25 The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (R) Thru Thu only 11:05, 1:50, 4:35, 7:40, 10:20 Did You Hear About the Morgans? (PG-13) 11:15, 1:45, 4:40, 7:30, 10:00 It’s Complicated (R) Starts Fri 10:45, 1:50, 4:45, 7:40, 10:30 Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) Starts Fri 10:20, 1:20, 4:20, 7:25, 10:25 Up in the Air (R) 10:45, 1:40, 4:25, 7:20, 10:15

n Co-ed Cinema

Brevard (883-2200)

Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) Starts Fri 1:00, 4:00, 7:00

n Epic of Hendersonville (6931146) n Fine Arts Theatre (232-1536)

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (R) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, Late show Fri-Sat 9:30 The Young Victoria (PG) Starts Fri 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, Late show Fri-Sat 9:40

n Flatrock Cinema

(697-2463)

It’s Complicated (R) Starts Fri 1:00 (no 1:00 show Fri), 4:00, 7:00

n Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15 (684-1298) n United Artists Beaucatcher (298-1234)

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (PG) 12:00, 12:40, 2:30, 3:00, 5:60, 5:20, 7:20, 7:50, 9:50, 10:10 The Blind Side (PG-13) 7:10, 10:15 A Christmas Carol 2-D (PG) 12:15, 2:40, 5:00 Invictus (PG-13) 12:50, 4:00, 7:00, 10:05 It’s Complicated (R) Starts Fri 12:10, 3:30, 7:40, 10:25 Nine (PG-13) Starts Fri 12:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:30 The Princess and the Frog (G) 12:20, 2:45, 5:10, 8:00, 9:50

For some theaters movie listings were not available at press time. Please contact the theater or check mountainx.com for updated information.

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 59

Listen to Bad Ash & entertainment writers

every Sunday on

nowplaying Avatar JJJJ

Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez Science Fiction In the future, an exMarine inflitrates the indigenous race on the planet Pandora, only to find their simple ways superior to those of civilzation as he knows it. An undeniable effects and design extravaganza, Avatar is nonetheless a fairly basic story with a new paint job. Rated PG-13

The Blind Side JJJJ

Tune In to Cranky Hanke’s Movie Reviews

5:30 pm Fridays on Matt Mittan’s Take a Stand.

Carpentry by Lucy • Insured • Over 30 Years Experience • AGC Certified Master Residential Carpenter • NC Licensed Journeyman Carpenter • Residential and Commercial Remodeling • Interior Painting

658-2228

Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Ray McKinnon, Kathy Bates, Jae Head Fact-Based Uplifting Sports Drama Fact-based story of Michael Oher, a poor black kid adopted by an upscale white family. A manipulative, but effective, uplifting sports drama that benefits from a strong cast, but never escapes a sense of condescension and questionable messages. Rated PG-13

The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day JJ

Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Billy Connolly, Clifton Collins Jr., Julie Benz Cornball Action The vigilante MacManus brothers return to Boston to clean the streets of mobster riffraff. A flatly directed actioner full of cheesy, broad humor and macho posturing that comes across like a two-hour-long beer commercial full of uninspired bloodletting. Rated R

Brothers JJJJ

Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire, Sam Shepard, Clifton Collins Jr. Drama Two brothers—one a war hero and the other an ex-con—must deal with the after-effects of one being a prisoner of war in Afghanistan. A very human, occasionally warm film about family that, unfortunately, too often feels uneven and lacks the appropriate emotional punch it’s looking for. Rated R

A Christmas Carol JJJ

Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Fionnula Flanagan Re-Animated Christmas Story Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas ghost story gets the Disney treatment.

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60 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

An overblown, but occasionally interesting, version of the story that often seems more like a theme-park ride than a serious attempt at telling the tale. Rated PG

The Damned United JJJJJ

Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, Jim Broadbent Fact-Based Drama In order to get even with an old nemesis football (soccer) manager, Brian Clough accepts the job of handling a team he utterly despises. A fact-based drama—with comedy overtones—that turns out to be one of the year’s most entertaining films, thanks in no small part to the performances of Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. Rated R

Did You Hear About the Morgans? JJ

Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sam Elliot, Mary Steenburgen, Michael Kelly Romantic Comedy After witnessing a murder, two married New Yorkers on the outs are sent to a small town in Wyoming by the witness relocation program. A harmless romantic comedy that fails due to a lack of chemistry between its leads and a complete lack of originality. Rated PG-13

Fantastic Mr. Fox JJJJJ

(Voices) George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Michael Gambon Animated Comedy Bored with life as a respectable fox citizen, Mr. Fox reverts to a life of poultry thievery and outwitting local farmers. Witty, sophisticated comedy, splendid voice acting, brilliant animation and personal filmmaking combine to create perhaps the most pure fun to be had at the movies all year. Rated PG

Invictus JJJJ

Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Patrick Mofokeng, Matt Stern, Adjoa Andoh Fact-Based Drama The story of Nelson Mandela helping to unite South Africa through a rugby team and a sense of national pride. A very good, interestingly made film that gets close to greatness without quite making it. There are, however, sufficient compensations to make it worthwhile. Rated PG-13

Me and Orson Welles JJJJJ

Zac Efron, Claire Danes, Christian McKay, Ben Chaplin, Zoe Kazan, Eddie Marsan Historical Comedy/Drama A young man finds himself a part of Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre and their modern-dress production of Julius Caesar. A wildly entertaining, beautifully crafted film that captures the excitement of the theater—and something of the genius that was Orson Welles. Rated PG-13

Old Dogs J

Robin Williams, John Travolta, Seth Green, Kelly Preston, Conner Rayburn, Ella Bleu Travolta “Family” Comedy A 50-odd-year-old man finds himself saddled with a pair of children he didn’t know he had and has to learn how to be a dad. A pitiful, pathetic, lazy attempt at bilking money out of the market for familyfriendly fare during the holiday season. Rated PG

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire JJJJJ

Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz Drama A grimly realistic look at the life of a largely illiterate Harlem teen, the circumstances that created her, and the people who try to help her. Maybe not quite the brilliant film it’s been touted to be; nevertheless, this often brutal—and always brutally frank—movie is a strong, must-see work. Rated R

The Princess and the Frog JJJJ

(Voices) Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jennifer Cody Animated Musical/Fantasy A prince gets turned into a frog, and in turn, accidentally turns a serving girl into one when he mistakes her for a princess. Beautiful to look at, but so determinedly old-fashioned that it feels slightly processed and formula-driven. Rated G

The Road JJJJ

Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce

Post-Apocalyptic Drama A man and his son attempt to survive in a hopeless, post-apocalyptic world beset with myriad dangers. A stark, unrelentingly grim film that works due to strong performances and an underlying sense of humanity that occasionally peaks through. Rated R

2012 JJJ

John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Danny Glover, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt Mega-Budget Disaster-thon Roland Emmerich’s take on what happens when the Mayan calendar runs out. Grotesquely overlong and overproduced, but if you want to see the world end without actually being there, it’ll probably fill the bill. Rated PG-13

The Twilight Saga:New Moon JJ

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Michael Sheen Teen Romance/Horror/Fantasy More teencentric romantic entanglements among the supernatural set and one whiny girl. It’s better made than the first one, but it may be even dumber in its attempt to go for the world’s record in moping teens. Rated PG-13

Up in the Air JJJJJ

George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, J.K. Simmons, Melanie Lynskey Dramatic Comedy A man whose job is to fly around the country and fire people finds his way of life—and his perceptions of life—changing. Bitterly funny on the one hand and heartbreaking on the other, Up in the Air is a film of surprising depth and humanity. Rated R

The Young Victoria JJJJJ

Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Jim Broadbent, Thomas Kretschmann Romance/Biopic The story of Queen Victoria’s early years and her romance with Prince Albert. Much more entertaining, lively and human than the subject matter probably suggests, this lovely film benefits from literate writing, stylish direction and strong performances. Rated PG

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL

It doesn’t matter that the original big-screen Alvin and the Chipmunks was an abomination. It made a lot of money, so a sequel — or as it’s preciously called here a “squeakquel” — was inevitable. And once more, parents will probably take their tiny tykes to see it — as strong an argument against having children as could be imagined. Granted, this high-pitched rodentia appears to be a largely American phenomenon, but the reviews from Great Britain strongly suggest that this may be even worse than the first one, which, frankly, seems impossible.(PG)

Early review samples: • “The Squeakquel is astonishingly high-pitched, like 100 helium balloons being let off in your head. A caveat, then: dogs may pick up on subtleties I’ve missed.” (Catherine Shoard, The Guardian) • “The world’s most irritatingly high-pitched rodents are back and noisier than ever, in this lobotomised rip-off of the High School Musical franchise.” (Chris Tookey, Daily Mail)

UP IN THE AIR

See review in “Cranky Hanke.”

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startingfriday IT’S COMPLICATED

Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday) is back with a new one that will probably delight her target audience and annoy everybody else. This round we have Meryl Streep entering into an affair with her re-married ex-husband (Alec Baldwin), while also becoming attracted to romantically-inclined architect Steve Martin. Since Meyers’ movies absolutely wallow in Architectural Digest-styled settings, the architect would seem a more reasonable choice. If this is your kind of thing (and you know who you are) and even if it’s not, you know what to expect here. If nothing else, it’s nice to see Steve Martin not in a Pink Panther movie. (R) Early review samples: • “As with her previous films, It’s Complicated is far too long and the antics outstay their welcome long before the multiple endings kick in.” (Mike Goodrich, Screen International) • “Cute and clever though the plot may be, everything is played out in the broadest possible terms without an iota of nuance or subtlety. Characters rip, snort and holler, or at least make faces, in reaction to the slightest provocation.” (Todd McCarthy, Variety)

ME AND ORSON WELLES

See review in “Cranky Hanke.”

NINE

When Rob Marshall made the overrated Chicago back in 2002, he could do no wrong. Then in 2005 he made Memoirs of a Geisha and proved otherwise, so what more natural than for him to return to his apparent strength and bring another Broadway musical to the screen? And so we get the 1982 hit show Nine in a big-screen version — and whatever else it is, it appears to be a completely polarizing work of the “you either love it or you hate it” variety. The story — a musicalized variant on Fellini’s 8 1/2 — has always been problematic. It’s unclear whether anyone but Fellini could really make a film about not being able to make a film entertaining, and that may be the case here. The cast — Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman, Penélope Cruz, Judi Dench — certainly gives it some clout. The trailer

is a mix of the appealing and the awkwardly kitschy, so it’s a hard call. (PG-13) Early review samples: • “Sophisticated, sexy and stylishly decked out, Rob Marshall’s disciplined, tightly focused film impresses and amuses as it extravagantly renders the creative crisis of a middle-aged Italian director, circa 1965.” (Todd McCarthy, Variety) • “Straining to capture artistic frenzy, it descends into vulgar chaos, less a homage to Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2 (its putative inspiration) than a travesty.” (A.O. Scott, New York Times)

SHERLOCK HOLMES

Perhaps more shocking than the fact that Guy Ritchie has taken on such a venerable institution as Sherlock Holmes is the prospect of Ritchie making a PG-13 rated movie about anyone or anything. But here it is — causing many Sherlockians to froth at the mouth over its apparent liberties — after a variety of trailers all promising more action than one expects from Holmes, and all promising the hyper-stylization for which Ritchie is so rightly famous. Robert Downey Jr. looks like a spectacular piece of casting for Ritchie’s vision of the famed detective and Jude Law looks possibly even better as Dr. Watson. With the chief villainy handed over to Mark Strong (also villainous this week in The Young Victoria) it looks like a hard parlay to beat for the Christmas-day release — assuming you’re not a hardcore Holmes purist. Early reviews have been leaning toward the positive, too. (PG-13) Early review samples: • “The excess and the extravagance extend even to Holmes and Watson’s quarters, which are so cluttered that you can’t pick out a single item in the chaos. But you see the two men clearly enough, and Downey and Law are terrific together. For me, watching them act is the movie’s principal pleasure.” (David Denby, The New Yorker) • “Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes is a riot. The director takes on a British institution with a swagger and a wink and the result is boisterous and unabashed fun.” (Wendy Ide, The Times (UK))

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mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 61

At a cost of around $500 million to make, Avatar is going to have to gross somewhere in the neighborhood of one billion dollars in order to break even. What do you get for all this money? Well, at the risk of my life being taken by angry fanboys (who’ve already pushed the thing to the level of “25th greatest movie ever made” on the IMDb at this writing), I’d say you get the longest, most expensive B picture ever made. While I liked the film better than I’d expected to, I was often bored and found myself marking time while waiting for the not only predictable, but telegraphed plot points to fall into place. However, as pure technical spectacle, Avatar is pretty impressive most of the time. I didn’t find it particularly groundbreaking, which was a little disappointing, because I felt at first that it might be. The very opening scenes, with their almost offhand use of amazing effects, generated some of the sense of awe I felt in 1968 when I first saw 2001. Even the dime-store-level hardboiled narration didn’t dispel that sense, but the film couldn’t keep it up once its plot truly set in. What you have is a standard-issue “noble savage” tale, trumpeting the superiority of more primitive cultures over that of civilization — and ironically using the most sophisticated technology that civilization can provide and money can buy to convey that far-from-fresh message. It’s the old saw about a man who attains wisdom by joining up with a “simpler” and “more pure” people and learning their ways. Indeed, this man may be the fulfillment of the people’s own prophecies. (I kept hoping someone would say that all this could be because our hero is the “Kwisatz Haderach.”) The fact that the man is a paraplegic ex-Marine (Sam Worthington) — who interacts with the blueskinned, 10-foot-tall, vaguely simian cat people through a scientifically engineered avatar — is just flashy window dressing. Thematically, Avatar is supposed to be important and rather daring as a condemnation of American military imperialism. But Cameron has hedged his bets by making the villains a greedy corporation out to displace the indigenous people of Pandora in order to secure a large deposit of the preposterously named mineral “unobtainium.” And their army is clearly identified as made up of mercenaries. What he ends up with is the warmed-over anti-corporate villainy of his Aliens (1986). As action filmmaking, Avatar is as close to flawless as you’re likely to get. Cameron stages coherent action scenes — even if they often go on too long — and he does them for maximum excitement. It’s also noteworthy that he takes it all very seriously. Apart from a few one-liners and having Sigourney Weaver’s avatar sport a Ripley-styled wife-beater, the film has none of the camp of a Star Wars picture or the tasteless humor of a Michael Bay excess-a-thon. That in itself is refreshing. And yes, the movie has a distinctive look that’s very striking — sort of like a Heavy Metal comic done in Maxfield Parrish colors and looked at under a black light in a head shop. But ultimately, it struck me as overbalancing the thin story line. This is an effects- and design-heavy movie that’s clearly the work of a first-rate technician, but whether it’s the work of a first-rate filmmaker is another matter. Personally, I was much more impressed with Neil Blomkamp’s similarly themed District 9.

Does Avatar signal the death of movies as we know them, as all the hype and a good many critics suggest? I seriously doubt it — not in the least because, technology to one side, it very much is movies as we know them. Will it change the way movies are made? My guess is — assuming that it’s the success it’s positioned to be — that it may change the way a certain type of movie is made, but not much else. Time will tell. Rated PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language and some smoking. reviewed by Ken Hanke Playing at Carmike Cinema 10, Carolina Asheville Cinema 14, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande 15.

Did You Hear About the Morgans? JJ

Director: Marc Lawrence (Music and Lyrics) Players: Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sam Elliot, Mary Steenburgen, Michael Kelly Romantic Comedy Rated PG-13

The Story: After witnessing a murder, two married New Yorkers on the outs are sent to a small town in Wyoming by the witness relocation program. The Lowdown: A harmless romantic comedy that fails due to a lack of chemistry between its leads and a complete lack of originality. After only three features — all starring Hugh Grant — it appears that the proverbial well has run dry for director Marc Lawrence. Regardless of the popularity or modest critical success that accompanied Two Weeks Notice (2002) or Music and Lyrics (2007), Lawrence and Grant’s latest romcom foray, Did You Hear About the Morgans?, is nothing but a dud. It seems the Lawrence we’ve inherited this time around is more akin to the man who wrote Miss Congeniality 2 (2005). Of course, with the exception of the occasional quirkier or more ambitious attempts, the romantic comedy isn’t a genre that lends itself to inventiveness. However, this lack of innovation doesn’t mean these movies can’t be enjoyable as entertainment, as long as the movie has some charm to it. This isn’t the case here, where goodwill has seemingly transformed into phoned-in laziness. The plot is nothing special, with Manhattan high rollers — newly separated man and wife — Paul (Grant) and Meryl Morgan (Sarah Jessica Parker, notable only since this is her first role sans chin mole) and their floundering marriage being shipped away by witness protection to Wyoming after the couple witnesses a murder. And since these two are used to the hustle and bustle of New York City, the requisite clashes of culture are not far behind. Paul gets chased by a bear and can’t chop wood. Meryl is astonished by the existence of $5 sweaters. And the rest of the town’s hodgepodge of quirky bumpkins mill about for added hilarity. Intersperse a heap of marital nagging here and there and some gradual reconciliation, and it’s just a matter of waiting for the final reel to roll around so the bad guy (Michael Kelly, Law Abiding Citizen) can show up and Paul and Meryl can finally get back together. None of it’s fresh, but even this might be overcome if any actual effort had been put forth. Hugh Grant’s self-deprecating mumbling only goes so

62 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

far, and here “so far” is about to the end of the opening credits. It certainly doesn’t help that he and Parker have the chemistry of a couple of wet paper towels. When your film’s big climax finishes with Sam Elliot knocking a man unconscious with a tossed horseshoe, you know you’ve witnessed a kind of lameness seldom seen. The only personality to be found in this junker resides in Wilford Brimley’s mustache. Those with more tolerance and patience for this kind of thing will probably get a good bit more distance out of The Morgans and its romcom formula than I did, but even then it might be taxing. For everyone else, you’ll probably be wishing movie theaters were equipped with a fast-forward button. Rated PG-13 for some sexual references and momentary violence. reviewed by Justin Souther Playing at Carmike Cinema 10, Carolina Asheville Cinema 14, Cinebarre, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande 15.

The Road JJJJ

Director: John Hillcoat (The Proposition) Players: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce Post-Apocalyptic Drama Rated R

The Story: A man and his son attempt to survive in a hopeless, post-apocalyptic world beset with myriad dangers. The Lowdown: A stark, unrelentingly grim film that works due to strong performances and an underlying sense of humanity that occasionally peaks through. After numerous fits and starts and changing release dates, the silver-screen adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Road has finally hit town. And the question now becomes, was it worth the wait? Unfortunately, the best answer I can give is a big, fat maybe. This is not a movie to be enjoyed — it’s simply too bleak for that. Instead, The Road is more a movie to admire in many ways and respect in more. A friend of mine, after watching the film, remarked that he felt — despite being a fan of McCarthy’s novel and not particularly caring for the movie — that this adaptation of The Road is the best anyone could have hoped for. And I tend to agree with that assessment. If director John Hillcoat’s previous feature, the bleak and grimy The Proposition (2005) is any indication, then the man was tailor-made for this story and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone better suited. Post-apocalyptic tales are nothing new, but they’re usually just a chance to indulge in some bloody action scenes peopled with guys sporting spiked leather get-ups. Despite occasional outbursts of violence, this is not the case with The Road. Instead, this is a no-frills story of an unnamed man (Viggo Mortensen) and his son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) traveling through the wastes of civilization’s remains. Little is spelled out, as all we’re told is that what appears to be Armageddon — in the form of a bright, unknown light — has taken place and society has disintegrated. Most animals have died off; the weather is constantly cold, overcast and rainy; and the bulk of humanity is made up of roving gangs of bandits, murderers and cannibals. As a literary adaptation, the film stays true to

the book (though Joe Penhall’s screenplay streamlines the narrative a bit), while never becoming too literal. Like the novel, Hillcoat’s film travels more as a sequence of small set pieces, as the man and his son scrape for survival, traveling towards the coast for no reason other than it’s a goal. The plot, however, isn’t the point of the movie. Instead, it’s the relationship between a father and his boy and the will to survive in a world without the hope of ever living a normal life. To a lesser extent, it’s the need to be righteous and just in the face of such a desolate existence. Hillcoat realizes that this underlying humanity — embodied by the love of a father and son — is where the film’s center lies. Without it, the film simply invokes wrist-cutting nihilism. The inherent gloominess of the material keeps The Road from greatness. It’s a story that just has to be humorless — there’s no way around it. But regardless of how difficult a film it is to like, it’s certainly not one that should be ignored. Rated R for some violence, disturbing images and language. reviewed by Justin Souther Playing at Carmike Cinema 10, Carolina Asheville Cinema 14.

Up in the Air JJJJJ

Director: Jason Reitman (Juno) Players: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, J.K. Simmons, Melanie Lynskey Dramatic Comedy Rated R

The Story: A man whose job is to fly around the country and fire people finds his way of life — and his perceptions of life — changing. The Lowdown: Bitterly funny on the one hand and heartbreaking on the other, Up in the Air is a film of surprising depth and humanity. Jason Reitman’s Up in the Air — currently the smart-money bet for a Best Picture Oscar — is marketed as a comedy, which I guess is fair. It could be called — and has been — an existential comedy, though that term is so closely associated with David O. Russell’s I Heart Huckabees (2004) that I hesitate to adopt it because the two films aren’t very alike. It’s far safer, I think, to call the film a drama with brilliantly barbed dialogue, flights of absurdity and moments of bitter comedy — but that doesn’t fit into a nice little category. George Clooney stars as Ryan Bingham, a man whose job is to travel around the country for the express purpose of coming into large companies and firing people. The job seems to cause him no qualms, despite its cold nature and potential pitfalls. (The latter are deftly illustrated in several amusing and wrenching scenarios involving firing Zach Galifianakis’ character.) The reason is simple: It’s a job that allows him to live as many days out of the year on planes or in hotels as possible, and that allows him to be totally devoid of any ties or commitments. He’s even a stranger to his family, though he does find himself in the embarrassing position of having to photograph a cardboard cutout of his sister (Melanie Lynskey, The Informant!) and her fiancé (Danny McBride) at various picturesque spots as a kind of wedding gift. The man’s big goal in life is to amass $10 million in flight miles and gain recognition of the achievement from the airline. I’m not sure anyone has had a shallower life goal.

All this comes to an apparent halt when a young hotshot, Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick, The Twilight Saga: New Moon), sells her boss (a spectacularly smarmy Jason Bateman) on firing people via Internet connections on computer monitors, thereby effectively grounding Bingham in Omaha, Neb. But he gets one last round of “personal firings” — taking Natalie with him so she can better understand the whole procedure. This trip and Ryan’s “no strings” sexual relationship with fellow frequent flyer Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga) make up the bulk of the movie. In some ways, the arc of the story is fairly predictable, but in most respects, it plays against expectations. Much of the satire is grounded in the idea of people getting something like the “reward” they deserve, as when Natalie, author of the impersonal firing program, finds her boyfriend dumping her via text message. This also — like the firing procedure — is a shrewd comment on the impersonal nature of so much of our communication, which has turned us into beings as isolated as Bingham without our realizing it. Some scenes are even touching — as in the sequence where Bingham fires J.K. Simmons’ character — and suggest that there is at least some degree of caring behind Bingham’s glib firing spiel. It’s clearly a film that reflects the uneasy times we live in, but Up in the Air isn’t interested in being preachy. It’s interested in delving into its characters. The actors are almost unbelievably good. Vera Farmiga seems like an almost sure bet for a supporting actress award. However, at the center of it all, is George Clooney in the role he seems born to have played — a role he’s lived himself into. His skills as a subtle actor of greater nuance than is often thought carry him all the way. He’s nothing short of brilliant here — and the film is at least close to his level. Rated R for language and some sexual content. reviewed by Ken Hanke Opens Wednesday at area theaters.

The Young Victoria JJJJJ

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.) Players: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Jim Broadbent, Thomas Kretschmann Romance/Biopic Rated PG

The Story: The story of Queen Victoria’s early years and her romance with Prince Albert. The Lowdown: Much more entertaining, lively and human than the subject matter probably suggests, this lovely film benefits from literate writing, stylish direction and strong performances. A late-in-the-year pleasant surprise is the best way to describe Jean-Marc Vallée’s The Young Victoria, a film I dreaded the prospect of so much that I put off seeing it as long as possible. I mean as much as I liked Emily Blunt in The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and this year’s Sunshine Cleaning, could anything sound less enticing than the romance of the old gal on the Bombay gin bottle and the man perpetually in need of being let out of that tobacco can of prank-call legend? Even the realization that the characters would be considerably less ossified than those ingrained images wasn’t enough to make it seem much more exciting. However,

director Vallée and screenwriter Julian Fellowes (Separate Lies) have done something very close to exciting. In terms of story, it’s a solid combination of material you probably already know — at least in rough form — and the kind of court intrigue that is the backbone of all historical dramas of this particular type. Fellowes delivers all of this, but he also delivers considerably more. The major — and even some of the minor — characters all seem human and vibrant. Whether it’s the carefully nuanced portrait of Blunt’s Victoria herself or the over-the-top characterization of Jim Broadbent’s King William, there’s a sense that these are real people with real passions and personalities. They’re people in whom you can invest some degree of human interest. Where Fellowes leaves off, Vallée steps in. Not only is this a gorgeous-looking movie, but it also has a unique feel. Part of this comes from Vallée’s insistence that Fellowes rework much of the screenplay in terms of a musical composition. In interviews, Vallée has said that the film is a kind of waltz being done by the characters trying to position themselves in the drama, but there’s more to it than that. The film is kept moving — brilliantly — largely by being built on cross-cutting. It’s constantly a case of one scene playing off another, making things seem to move faster than unbroken scenes would have done. Then there’s the physical look of the film, which is quite remarkable. Despite his insistence on capturing the very rich palette, Vallée is intent on making a film that looks like it’s taking place entirely either in candlelight or in light coming in through the windows. But lighting is only part of it. There’s also a marked tendency for shots to be done with lenses open all the way (a necessity of low-light photography), giving the film an extremely shallow depth of field. Even when the film is outdoors, Vallée tends to favor this approach, constantly using shifts in focus to direct the viewer’s eye. Of course, all this would matter very little if The Young Victoria didn’t engage us as romance and drama, which it happily does. There’s both fire and backbone in Emily Blunt’s Victoria, but there’s also a sense of the uncertainty of youth — and the fear of being taken advantage of by those who would manipulate her to their advantage. Similarly fine is Rupert Friend’s (Cheri) Albert, who moves from pragmatic politician to love-struck suitor to unfulfilled prince consort and beyond with a depth I’d previously not expected from the actor. But in many ways, the smaller roles hold the film in place. Paul Bettany’s scheming charmer, Lord Melbourne, is a standout — all the more so in his final scene, which is played with moving conviction. Miranda Richardson as Victoria’s conflicted mother is also of note. If I can find any quibble with this richly rewarding film, it’s simply that it’s about Queen Victoria and Prince Albert — a subject that in itself just isn’t that inherently exciting. That the film makes the basic material so good and so entertaining is something of a miracle. Rated PG for some mild sensuality, a scene of violence and brief incidental language and smoking. reviewed by Ken Hanke Starts Friday at Fine Arts Theatre.

Happy Holidays from Va Va Vooom!

Asheville’s Sexy Boutique a female friendly environment for lingerie • shoes • legwear home & body essentials jewelry • original fine art massage oils adult toys, books and workshops 36 Battery Park Ave. Downtown Asheville, NC 28801 828-254-6329 • www.vavavoom.com

December’s Vooom Girl

Delaney

mountainx.com • DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 63

64 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 • mountainx.com

Classified Advertising Sales Team:

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• Tim Navaille: 828-251-1333 ext.111, tnavaille@mountainx.com • Rick Goldstein: 828-251-1333 ext.123, rgoldstein@mountainx.com • Arenda Manning: 828-251-1333 ext. 138, amanning@mountainx.com

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The Green Family Goes Green

The FAQs

p. 66

Real EstateSpotlight a paid advertising feature highlighting the best in local real estate

About Green Building Mr Green has been hearing a lot of talk about programmable thermostats recently. He was curious about them, so he asked his neighbor, Mr. Warm-NToasty, what the deal was.

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Pre-construction pricing starts at $159,900. Beautifully, upgraded homes now available for $169,900: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 9’ ceilings, open, ideal floor plans all on one level. Hardiplank exterior, front yards with mulched beds and extensive landscaping along with a stream meandering in the backyard! USDA approved • 100% financing available.

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Out-Of-Town Property

DOWNTOWN KRESS BUILDING Custom Condo in the historic Kress Building. 2 PINs, adjoining spiral staircase. Original maple floors, private balconies, high ceilings. • $525,000, lease/purchase also available for $1800/month. MLS#423787. The Real Estate Center, (828) 255-4663. www.recenter.com

Real Estate

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$159,900 • DARLING GARDEN HOME 3BR, 2BA, 1392 sqft. Great neighborhood near downtown Hendersonville. Recent quality construction, garage, fireplace, private patio, designer upgrades. MLS#451875. Below tax value! 809A South Whitted. (828) 274-5059. • 40+ photos: www.JoyProperties.com

10% DOWN • 10% INTEREST • 10 YEAR TERM 10/10/10 Owner Financing package, offering residents the opportunity to reserve a lot in the community for a small down payment and monthly payment, even if they are not quite yet ready to build. It will allow future residents who are still waiting to sell a home, or are not looking to build for a few years, to secure a position in WNC’s most progressive sustainable ecovillage. Too good of an opportunity to pass up. Crest Realty, LLC:(828) 255-7787. villagesatcrestmountain.com

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HISTORIC S&W CONDOS New condos in the heart of downtown in historic art deco building. 3rd and 4th floor units w/elevator access and city or mountain views. From $290,000. The Real Estate Center: (828) 255-4663, www.recenter.com • info@recenter.com

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AshevilleHolisticRealty.com 1000’s OF ASHEVILLE HOMES! On our user friendly property search. New features include Google Mapping and Popular Neighborhood searches. Check it out at townandmountain.com COMPACT COTTAGE COMPANY • Small “green”built buildings usable for an enormous variety of practical applications, such as: Sleep, Work, Mother-in-law storage, A unique and independent agency since 1979. Call us, 255-7530 or search area properties: www.appalachianrealty.com

Poker, Karaoke, Be in the doghouse in. From $15K-30K. compactcottages.com, 828-254-5450.

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Heating & Cooling LEXINGTON STATION Downtown high-end condos on Lexington Ave. Hardwood floors, stainless appliances, balconies, fitness center, parking. 3BR penthouse: $525,000 • 1BR: $185,000. • The Real Estate Center: (828) 255-4663. www.recenter.com

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*Based on 100% financing, APR 4.229% on 5 year ARM. No prepayment penalty, no balloon payment, no PMI. Rates are subject to change at any time. Based on 80% 1st mortgage of $111,920 (principal + interest) and 20% 2nd mortgage of $27,980 (interest only) APR 4.125%. Both loans are variable rate, subject to change at 5 years. Select condos only. Does not include taxes and insurance. Nitch Real Estate: (828) 6549394 or bricktonvillage.com

$135,000 • CLINGMAN AVENUE Between Downtown and the River Arts District. New 1BR, 1BA urban condo. Parking, storage, private balcony. The Real Estate Center, (828) 255-4663. www.recenter.com

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General Services

Heirloom Quality Homebuilding & Custom Woodworking Cabinetry and Fine Furniture Making Utilizing Local, Ecologically Sound Materials

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Commercial Listings

Commercial Property 12,000 SQFT RECORDING STUDIO • WEST ASHEVILLE Or Dance or other studio. • For sale or lease, all or part, triple net. • Short or long term lease. Includes 3000 sqft dance room: 12 work rooms underneath, 5 office spaces, 7 bathrooms (3 full) and a • Huge 3500 sqft loft Apartment above, with pool, hot tub, stainless commercial kitchen, gas fireplace, wet bar, etc. • Serious inquires only. (828) 259-3663. COMMERCIAL FOR SALE • Downtown, old fashioned building w/character on busy 0.25 acre corner, reduced, $675,000. • Downtown, Coxe Avenue newer building, ground-floor office/retail w/onsite parking, $349,000. • Downtown, brick building w/high ceilings, roll-up doors, concrete floors, $330,000. • The Real Estate Center, (828) 255-4663. www.recenter.com SOUTH ASHEVILLE OFFICE SPACE • Near hospital. Located in a family doctor practice. Hardwood floors, fireplace, parking. $795/month. Steve, 828-273-9545.

Business Rentals Computer COMPUTER SERVICE AT YOUR DOORSTEP We Come To You! • PC and Mac • Slow computer? We’ll speed it up. • Repairs • Upgrades • Networking • Tutoring. Senior Citizen/Nonprofit Discounts. Call Christopher’s Computers, 828-670-9800. Member Better Business Bureau of WNC. christopherscomputers.com

Home ROBERT’S PAINTING • Interior and exterior. Power washing, staining, and repairs. Free estimates. Licensed and insured. 352-459-8541.

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1 MONTH FREE! (W/12 month lease). River Arts Studios starting at $180/month, includes utilities. Call 2509700 or e-mail: rega@charterinternet.com

18 ORANGE, DOWNTOWN OFFICE SPACE Across from Staples. 1,325 sqft, entire first floor, large kitchen/bath, $1,295/month, water and electric included. By appointment: 828-273-3765. ASHEVILLE • ALL POINTS Check out our inventory of commercial property starting at $595-$6000 monthly lease or $295K and up for sale. Paula Cooper, The Real Estate Center, (828) 775-1485. www.recenter.com BE ON BUSY TUNNEL ROAD! Anchor space to starter space available from 300 sqft to 3500 sqft. Great for Medical, Office or Studio use. Contact (828) 215-2865 for showings. BUSY BUSINESS CORRIDOR Space available on Smokey Park Highway, approximately 700 sqft. Great visibility! $700/month. Call (828) 2152865 for showings. CONVENIENT OFFICE SPACE Samasati Healing Center, Montford Avenue. $450/month, includes all utilities. Call Tim: 279-6393 for information.

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE: For lease. Retail and office suites, 222 to 2,964 sqft. Very prominent locations. Call G/M Property Group, 828-281-4024. jmenk@gmproperty.com DOWNTOWN Ground-floor retail w/courtyard on Lexington Avenue. Approximately 2982 sqft, hardwood floors, newer building. $2000/month. The Real Estate Center, (828) 2554663. www.recenter.com LARGE TREATMENT ROOM In Healing Arts Practice. Ideal for massage therapist. Available 2-3 days per week. Large parking lot. Waiting room. Downtown Asheville. Phyllis, 828-606-2382.

LEXINGTON LOFTS Renovated restaurant and retail spaces between 1100-2000 sqft on Lexington and Rankin Avenues w/competitive lease rates; ready for upfit mid-2010. The Real Estate Center, (828) 2554663. www.recenter.com LEXINGTON STATION 2000+ sqft, first floor, high ceilings, hardwoods throughout, one handicap accessible restroom, parking. $2200/month. The Real Estate Center, (828) 2554663. www.recenter.com RIVER DISTRICT 6,000 sqft shell - artists; flexible uses. Owner will upfit for Class A office. Call G/M Property Group, 828-281-4024. jmenk@gmproperty.com

Rentals

Rooms For Rent ARDEN • FURNISHED ROOM Near Airport, shopping, I-26. Beautiful, private setting. Organic property. Stress-free healthy living. • Responsible health conscious person only. • No smoking/substances. • Employed. $395/month. 687-2390. BENT CREEK AREA • Shared home. 4BR, 2BA. 2 story, nice older home. Quiet country atmosphere. W/D, cable, utilities, parking included. No smoking. $400/month, $200/deposit. 828-667-1053.

Apartments For Rent Glen Beale, *2nd month free*, $575-$675/month, 828-253-1517, www.leslieandassoc.com $325/MONTH CANTON; $450/MONTH CANDLER Nice, renovated 1BR apartments; minutes from downtown Asheville. No smoking; no pets. Call (828) 337-5447.

1 AND 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS Starting at $595/month. Move now and get *January Free! (* Must move in by 12/31/09). Call 274-4477. EHO. woodsedge.webs.com 1-2BR, 1-2BA, HENDERSONVILLE, 2010 LAUREL PARK, coin-op laundry, $495-$655/month, 828-693-8069, www.leslieandassoc.com 1, 2, 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS From $525$1500. • Huge selection! • Pet friendly. (828) 251-9966. Alpha-Real-Estate.com DUPLEX • EAST ASHEVILLE 1BR, 1BA. Cozy, nice, quiet. Hardwood floors. Wooded views. • No smoking. • Pet considered. $550/month. Lease. Deposit. 230-2511. 12,000 SQFT RECORDING STUDIO • WEST ASHEVILLE Or Dance or other studio. • For sale or lease, all or part, triple net. • Short or long term lease. Includes 3000 sqft dance room: 12 work rooms underneath, 5 office spaces, 7 bathrooms (3 full) and a • Huge 3500 sqft loft Apartment above, with pool, hot tub, stainless commercial kitchen, gas fireplace, wet bar, etc. • Serious inquires only. (828) 259-3663. 1BR, 1.5BA NORTH • 154 Barnard. $625/month. Bonus room, dishwasher. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 1BR, 1BA CENTRAL • 15 Grindstaff. Carpet/vinyl. $525/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 1BR, 1BA NORTH • 10 Lenox. $635/month. Porch. Heat included. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 1BR, 1BA NORTH • 12 Golf St. $625/month. Hardwood floors, gas heat. 828-2531517. www.leslieandassoc.com 1BR, 1BA NORTH • 7 Banbury Cross. $525/month. Hardwood floors, high ceilings. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 1BR, 1BA NORTH • 7 Murdock. $530/month. Porch, water included. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 1BR, 1BA WEST • 19 Brucemont, $590/month. Porch, hardwood floors. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 1BR, 1BA • 37 Skyview. $545-$575/month. Nice views. 2nd month is FREE. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 1BR/1-1.5BA NORTH • 265 Charlotte, hardwood floors, coin-op laundry. $625$725/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 1BR/1BA MONTFORD • 333 Cumberland, $625/month. Sunroom, high ceilings. 828-253-151. www.leslieandassoc.com 1BR/1BA NORTH • 83 Edgemont, water included. $495/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com

1BR/1BA, EAST • 314 Fairview, porch, $525/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2-3BR, 1.5BA NORTH • 30 Clairmont. Close to shopping and dining. Water included. $615-$635/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2-3BR, 2BA, NORTH, 81 LAKESHORE, A/C, coin-op laundry, deck, $675$725/month, 828-253-1517, www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1.5BA MONTFORD • 346 Montford. $750/month. Hardwood floors, fireplace. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA Duplex - South • Gas heat. $575/month. 828253-0758. Carver Realty 2BR, 1BA EAST • 28 Hillendale. $625/month. Sunporch, carpet. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA NORTH • 501 Beaverdam. $525/month. View. Includes water. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA NORTH • 69 Rice Branch. $895/month. Fireplace, deck. $895/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA SOUTH • 6 Lakewood. $630/month. W/D hookups. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA WEST • 9 King Arthur. Dishwasher, baseboard heat. $625/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA WEST • 92 Appalachian Way. $895/month. Harwood floors, W/D connections. 828-53-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA, EAST, 7 LINDSEY, A/C, W/D hookups, $595/month, 828-693-8069, www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA, NORTH, 365 Weaverville, w/d hookups, $435-$555/month, 828-693-8069, www.leslieandassoc.com

2BR, 2BA EAST • 2484 Riceville Rd. Open floor plan, porch. $615/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com

LEICESTER • Available immediately. 1BR with office. $550/month. 828-350-9400. www.arcagencyasheville.com

BLACK MOUNTAIN • 2BR, 1BA. Heatpump, central air, W/D connection. Nice area. Only $525/month. 828-252-4334.

EFFICIENCY APARTMENT • 1BR/1BA, Haw Creek. Quiet neighborhood near cul-desac, convenient to town. 450 sq.ft. Excellent condition. Ceramic tile bath, kitchen, carpeted livingroom/bedroom. Closet space, extra storage. W/D, electric, water, cable included. No smokers, no pets, no drugs. Security deposit, references. $485/month. 828-298-0337.

CENTRAL • 1BR. Heat and water provided. $620/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty.

EFFICIENCY APARTMENT • Available immediately. 289 E Chestnut ST. Ground floor units available, $450/month. No pets. 828-350-9400.

NORTH ASHEVILLE • 2BR, 1BA. Heat pump, central air. W/D connection. Close to Beaver Lake. $525/month. 828-252-4334.

CHARMING UPSTAIRS STUDIO APARTMENT Renovated house in Norwood Park near UNCA. Private entrance, off-street parking. $660/month. All utilities + cable TV and wireless internet included. No pets/smoking. Security deposit, references. Patti: (828) 230-3210.

GET QUALITY RESULTS! I received calls from a lot of high quality renters, as opposed to other publications I’ve tried. I will continue to advertise with Mountain Xpress. Patricia H. You too, can find the ideal renter, just call us! (828) 251-1333. Mountain Xpress Classified Marketplace.

NORTH • 1BR. Hardwood floors. $500/month. 828-2530758. Carver Realty

3BR, 2BA EAST • 126 Aurora Dr. Carpet, W/D hookups. $750/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com

DUPLEX • HENDERSONVILLE 2BR. • WD connections. Fenced backyard. Very convenient, close to downtown. $525/month includes water. 423-5160.

GLEN BRIDGE APARTMENTS • 1BR, 1BA. $450/month. Includes water/garbage. Small complex in Arden. Move in special with one year lease. www.arcagencyasheville.com. 828-350-9400.

STUDIO, 1BA DOWNTOWN • 85 Walnut. $645/month. Hardwood floors, roof access. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com

A HOME IN THE MOUNTAINS • GREAT PRICE! Live in a beautiful, green, conveniently located scenic resort-style community! • Fireplaces • Heated pool • Fitness Center and more. Call (828) 6870638. kensingtonplaceapts.com

DUPLEX • HISTORIC MONTFORD Unique and spacious 1BR, 1BA. Gourmet kitchen, radiant heat floors, high ceilings w/exposed beams. Laundry room w/WD. Pet friendly w/private backyard. $850/month. Call Tim: 279-6393.

HENDERSONVILLE • 1BR Studio. Walking distance to downtown. Includes water. Only $350/month. 28-252-4334.

2BR, 2BA, SOUTH Skyland Heights, $595/month, 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2Br. 1.5BA NORTH • 172 Macon. Garage, dishwasher. $695/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR/1BA WEST • 257 Sandhill, A/C, W/D hookups. $715/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR/2BA, ARDEN • 216 Weston, A/C, W/D hookups. $795/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 3BR, 1BA NORTH • 22 Westall. Close to UNCA. Water included. $695/month. 828253-1517. wwwleslieandassoc.com

ACTON WOODS APARTMENTS • Beautiful 2BR, 2BA, loft, $850/month. • 2BR, 2BA, $750. Include gas log fireplace, water, storage. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty

KENILWORTH • 1BR, upstairs unit. Hardwood floors. $475/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty

STUDIO 2BR, 1BA DOWNTOWN • 68 N. French Broad Ave. $595-$775/month. Mountain Views. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com

STUDIO • Sunny, spacious, quiet, porch, garden. Montford. Great location. Walk to downtown! No smoking/pets. $475/month. Available now. (716)908-6367 11am-9pm. SWEETEN CREEK RD. Kensington Place. $680/month. 1BR/1BA. Move in immediately. Cathedral ceilings, W/D included. Must rent until 9/2010. Excellent location. Call Graham 828553-6436. Come see. TWO 1BR APARTMENTS in Montford across from park. $500 and $625/month. 2526944. holderwilliam@bellsouth.net UNFURNISHED 1, 2, 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS • Available in West Asheville. Water, garbage included. Washer/dryer connections available. $529.00 -$649.00. Call 828-252-9882. rbaker@orionra.com

The area’s largest selection of Rental Homes under one roof. Tel: (828) 650-6880 Toll Free (800) 789-1135 x 6880 PO Box 580, 2602 Hendersonville Road, Arden, NC 28704

www.tonsofrentals.com

MOVE IN NOW EMD <EH L;HO BEM Get January FREE!* CEDJ>BO F7OC;DJI 1 and 2 Bedrooms starting at $595/month

9B?D=C7D 7L;DK; BE< JI • 1 & 2 BR Condominiums

• Great location • Great prices

• Close to downtown

Call today: (828) 274-4477

• Nine foot ceilings • Energy Star and NC HealthyBuilt Home certified

www.woodsedge.webs.com *Must move in by 12/31/09 to get January free.

• Private Balconies

Sign a lease in December and we’ll waive your rent for the month! WOODRIDGE

A PA RT M EN T S

• Conveniently located at 61 Bingham Road, Asheville • 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms NOW AVAILABLE! • SPACIOUS • COMFORTABLE • AFFORDABLE Now accepting pets with deposit.

Call 828-250-0159 Today!

Own for only $650/month Includes Mortgage, Taxes & Association Fees

;BA C EKDJ7? D JEMD>EC ; I Own for as low as $700/month

Includes mortgage, taxes and association fees. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. Less than 4 miles from downtown Asheville and minutes from UNCA.

9Wbb C_a[ LWdY[ (+*#*&)& [nj$ ''-

Professionally Managed by Partnership Property Management Section 8 welcomed.

NORTH ASHEVILLE TOWNHOMES •Special• Off Merrimon. Walking distance to town. • 2BR, 1BA. $495/month. 3BR, 1BA $595/month. Includes water. 828-252-4334

STUDIO • South. Forestdale. 2BR, 1BA. A/C. 2nd month rent FREE. $525-$650/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com

Equal Housing Opportunities

mountainx.com

• DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009

67

WEST • 2BR, 1BA. $500/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty.

jobs WALK TO MISSION! Nice, ground level, 1BR, 1BA, hardwood floors. Off-street

Condos/ Townhomes For Rent

FLETCHER • 2BR, 1.5BA townhouse available for immediate rental. Very nice unit with one car garage. Duplex style living, very convenient to I-26 and south Asheville shopping/restaurants. One small pet considered. $800 per month. 828-350-9400.

parking. Heat and water furnished. $625/month. $625 security deposit. Contact Tom, 828-230-7296. STUDIO/1BA NORTH • Fall Special! 85 Merrimon, all utilities included. Furnished. $550/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com

Mobile Homes For Rent 14X80 • OAKLEY AREA 3BR, 2BA. • Fireplace in living room. Stove, refrigerator, garbage pickup, lawn care provided. WD connections. • No pets. $585/month. 298-8939. 2BR, 1BA • Close to schools, shopping, I-26 and I-40. Minutes from downtown Asheville. $495/month. Call David: 828-777-0385.

2 MONTHS FREE!* (on 13 month lease term) on 1, 2 and 3BR condos. • A beautiful community with fitness center, pool, playground, business center and car wash. * (Movein month free and following month). • • Hurry, offer ends December 31, 2009. • Call Seasons at Biltmore Lake: (828) 670-9009 for more details or visit: www.ownseasons.com 2BR. 1.5BA NORTH • 47 Albermarle. $845/month. Fireplace, deck. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com BEAUCATCHER MOUNTAIN • Close to downtown, hospitals. 2BR, 2BA. • Great Winter views! • Fireplace, deck, washer/dryer. Nice pool! • $950/month, includes condo fee, water. (828) 712-1675. DOWNTOWN CONDO 2BR, 2BA, hardwoods, stainless appliances, granite countertops, jet tub, balcony, fitness center, parking, $1550/month. The Real Estate Center, (828) 255-4663. www.recenter.com

NOW HIRING

Earn $65k, $50k, $40k GM, Co-Manager, Assistant Manager We currently have managers making this and need more for expansion. One year salaried restaurant management experience required. Fax resume to 336-431-0873

LUXURIOUS STUDIO CONDO Downtown Asheville, Kress building. Fully furnished with water, trash, power and parking included for $1250/month. Please call (828) 670-9772 or email: lisa@rodhubbardinc.com NORTH ASHEVILLE TOWNHOMES •Special• Off Merrimon. Walking distance to town. 2BR, 1BA. $495/month • 3BR, 1BA 595/month. Includes water. 828-252-4334 TOWNHOMES AT CONNER CREEK • 38 Amersham Lane, Fletcher. 3BR, 2.5BA. Gas fireplace, hardwood floors, deck, refrigerator, D/W, W/D, 1-car garage. $875/month. 904 501-7323. WEST ASHEVILLE Canterbury Heights, 46 and 48 Beri Drive. Newly renovated, 2BR, 1.5BA, split level condos, 918 sqft. Pool, fitness center. $725/month. Mike 919-624-1513.

Homes For Rent 1ST CALL US! 2, 3 and 4BR homes from $700-2500. • Pet friendly. • Huge selection! (828) 251-9966 Alpha-RealEstate.com 20 MINUTES NORTH OF ASHEVILLE 3BR, 2BA. Clean and spacious. WD connections. Private, beautiful setting. Deck, garden space. $800/month. Call evenings: 658-1718. 2BR 1BA WEST ASHEVILLE • 15 Howard St. W/D, D/W, microwave. New stove, refrigerator. Full basement. $850/month. 828-281-0721. james.wallace09@ymail.com

2BR, 1BA ARDEN • 85 Tampa. $1135/month. Oak floors, fireplace. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA KENILWORTH • 271 Forest Hill. $895/month. Garage, back yard. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA NORTH • 42 Hollywood. $850/month. Porches, hardwood floors. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 3BR, 1BA WEST • 39 Ridgeway. Oak floors, garage. $895/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 3BR, 2BA $1,050/month. Dishwasher, air-conditioning, master bedroom with bath and walk-in closet, bamboo floors. Storage shed, small yard. Convenient to downtown but near trail system. Asheville. Year lease and security deposit required. Pets negotiable. 828-2985088/828-691-8793. 4BR, 2BA ARDEN • 6 Strathmore. $1495/month. Garage, fenced yard. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com ARDEN, OAK FOREST • 3BR, 2BA with full basement/garage. Nice area. Reduced to $1050/month. $30 application fee. 828-3509400. www.arcagencyasheville.com ARDEN • 1 home available from $895/month. Great layouts. 828-350-9400. www.arcagencyasheville.com ASHEVILLE AREA RENTALS $550-$1950/month. • 1-East. • 3-West. • 3-North. • 3South. • Century 21 Mountain Lifestyles: (828) 684-2640, ext 17. For more details: www.DebraMarshall.com CANDLER • 3BR, 3BA. Private. $1,200/month. Call 828-253-0758. Carver Realty

Help Others while

COZY CHALET • 1244 sq.ft. 2BR, 2BA, loft, garage, covered deck, views, private close to hospitals. On 1 acre, washer/dryer, tile, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances. Option to lease 6 months or monthly. $1200/month. 775-4707. NORTH ASHEVILLE TOWNHOMES •Special• Off Merrimon. Walking distance to town. 2BR, 1BA. $495/month. 3BR, 1BA $595/month. Includes water. 828-2524334. OFF THE HOOK! We got a great response from our ad for our Rental house in the Mountain Xpress! The phone rang off the hook! Thanks, Ander, owner, Design Painting. Get your Apartment or House rented quickly and affordably. Call (828) 251-1333. Mountain Xpress Classified Marketplace.

WOODLAND HILLS • North Asheville. Perfect for family or roommates. 2 Master B/R suites with built ins/baths plus bonus room wiith bath. Large kitchen. Living room with fireplace. Mature landscaping on 1.5 acres with fenced area, 2 car garage, W/D. $1150/month, deposit, lease and references. (828) 2325547 • (828) 712-5548. JUPITER/BARNARDSVILLE • 2BR, 1BA. Office, heat pump, new windows. $795/month. www.arcagencyasheville.com BEST TIME IS NOW!

*Best time to buy, pay less than rent, 1% rebate from Buyer Agent Commission, see BuncombeRealty.com, 3012021 Visit us at BuncombeRealty.com

Vacation Rentals A BEACH HOUSE At Folly. The legendary dog-friendly Rosie’s Ocean View and Kudzu’s Cottage now booking now booking for oyster season! Call (828) 216-7908. www.kudzurose.com

READY TO RENT • WEST ASHEVILLE 3BR, 2 full BA, living room, dining room, utility room, washer, dryer, central A/C. Large storage space underneath home. Great family neighborhood. Walking distance to Carrier Park. Pets considered with deposit. $1,050/month + $1,050 security deposit. One year lease. (803) 524-5229.

BEAUTIFUL LOG CABIN Sleeps 5, handicap accessible. Near Warren Wilson College, Asheville, NC. (828) 231-4504 or 277-1492. bennie14@bellsouth.net

RIVER ARTS DISTRICT • 2BR + office, 1.5BA, W/D, gas heat. 2 porches + deck. New everything! Pets considered. Available now. $1200/month. 828-350-7603.

$450 Downtown Area Upscale Suited for a working professional that is neat/clean,considerate no heavy alcohol/drg and is without pets. 828-781.1499

SOUTH • Off Hendersonville Rd. 2BR, 1BA. $675/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty.

Arden. Furnished room, beautiful/private setting. Organic garden. Chemical-free household. Seeking responsible, clean roommate(s). No pets. $395/month, utilities included. No lease. (828) 687-2390.

SOUTHCHASE • 3BR, 2.5BA. Gas heat, 2 car garage, nice neighborhood. $1250/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty WEAVERVILLE/BARNARDSVI LLE • Available immediately. 2BR with office. Views on 1 acre. No pets considered. $795/month. 828-350-9400.

Roommates

Scenic Enka/Candler mountain views. 1 or 2 rooms, $400 each/$700 both including utilities. 10 minutes to downtown, highspeed internet. 828-553-5856.

Share Apartment with 2 GM’s. Private room/bath. $500/month, includes utilities. GM preferred. $200 deposit. No pets. 828-275-8923 Leave message.

Employment

General ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY • Seeks Community Outreach Coordinator for special events and marketing/publicity. $26-30k. Visit www.ashevillehumane.org to learn application details. CAB DRIVERS Needed at Blue Bird; call JT 258-8331. Drivers needed at Yellow Cab; call Buster at 253-3311. CARETAKER - PART TIME • For upscale mini-estate five miles from downtown Asheville. Must be experienced with yard work, horses, dogs, chain saw, large mower, small tractor, etc. Couple preferred. One bedroom apartment with utilities provided. Apply with pertinent and detailed information to: FAX 828-253-3820. HIRE QUALITY EMPLOYEES “Our employment advertisements with the Mountain Xpress garner far more educated and qualified applicants than any other publication we have used. The difference is visible in the phone calls, applications and resumes.” Howard Stafford, Owner, Princess Anne Hotel. • Thank you, Howard. Your business can benefit by advertising for your next employee in Mountain Xpress Classifieds. Call 251-1333. VICTORIA’S ESCORT SERVICE is looking for pretty girls as providers of companionship. Girls with experience as Escorts preferred. Call 828-551-2727

mountainx.com

Sales/ Marketing SALES PROS • Time to get paid what you are worth AND have a life. Call 1-888-7004916.

HOW TO GET A SALES JOB YOU'LL LOVE • Apply for a career-advancing opportunity at COMBINED INSURANCE and you're on your way to a sales job you'll love to go to every day. 7000 employees worldwide and 89 years in business attest to this fact. We invest in you through paid training, comprehensive corporate benefits, and competitive compensation up to $65K annually depending upon position. We have 2 positions available immediately. To find out more information on this job you may love, please forward your resume to: richard.winter@combined.com

Restaurant/ Food

Employment Opportunities • Call (828) 225-6122 or visit: biltmore.com

Services include: • Therapeutic foster care • Respite • Intake Assessments • Therapy • Other Services

APOLLO FLAME • WAITSTAFF Full-time needed. Fast, friendly atmosphere. Apply in person between 2pm-4pm, 485 Hendersonville Road. 274-3582.

NC Mentor is looking for foster parents in Buncombe, Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, and Rutherford counties. Be a hero in your community and open your home to a child in need. We provide training, 24 hour support, and a generous stipend.

Please call Nicole at 828-696-2667 x 14

Plasma Biological Services

DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 •

WILLOW’S DREAM SALON • After a successful 2009, Willow’s Dream has restructured and we now have openings for a professional stylist with clientele. Booth rental. Please email us at: willowsd@bellsouth.net

North Carolina MENTOR was established in 1993 to provide community-based care for at-risk youth in the state. Today, North Carolina MENTOR serves hundreds of at-risk youth in Western North Carolina.

DONATE PLASMA, EARN COMPENSATION

68

A STYLIST For busy Organic salon, North Asheville. Clientele preferred. Flexible hours. Experienced, selfmotivated. Supportive environment. thewaterlily@mac.com • (828) 505-3288. The Water Lily Wellness Salon

OPEN YOUR HEART… OPEN YOUR HOME

Helping Yourself

(828) 252-9967 interstatebloodbank.com

Salon/ Spa

Asheville 828-253-8177

Together we can make a difference in our community

Hendersonville 828-696-2667

Employment Services

MOUNTAIN X JAMS! As a growing business that relies on the face put forward by our employees, Mountain Xpress Classifieds is where we turn to find them. The volume of

FAMILIES TOGETHER • Now hiring a licensed

high-quality applicants

professional to provide

replying to our ads can be

assessments to children and families and partner with

hard to choose from, and it is always worth our investment. Thanks Mountain X! Rebecca

Henderson and Transylvania stakeholders. Qualified candidates will include LPC’s, LCSW’s, LMFT’s, LCAS’s,

and Charlie, owners, Tomato

PLCSW’s, or Board Eligible

Jam Cafe.

Counselors. FTI provides a positive work environment,

SERVERS • Professionals needed with fine dining

flexible hours, room for advancement, health benefits, and an innovative culture.

experience. Call 230-2750 for

www.humanresources@

appointment. Cellar Door

familiestogether.net

Medical/ Health

• Now hiring a licensed

Care

assessments to adults, linkage

professional to provide to services, and partner with

BANALTRUM CAREGIVERS • CNA’s Needed: Experienced

Henderson County stakeholders. • Qualified candidates will include LPC’s,

CNA’s for in-home care to

LCSW’s, LMFT’s, LCAS’s,

start immediately. Call 251-

PLCSW’s, or Board Eligible

0034 or visit office and fill out

Counselors. FTI provides a positive work environment,

application. 33 Mineral

flexible hours, room for

Springs Road, Asheville, NC

advancement, health benefits, and an innovative culture.

28805.

humanresources@ familiestogether.net

Human Services • Now hiring a Licensed CARE MANAGER • Access II

Clinical Addictions Specialist

Care seeks FT Medical Care

to provide assessments for

Manager to work with

adults in the Henderson County Detention Center. FTI

Carolina Access Medicaid and

provides a positive work

uninsured patients in Polk and

environment, flexible hours, room for advancement, health

Henderson Co. Position includes work with multiple primary care practices and

benefits, and an innovative culture. humanresources@ familiestogether.net

travel within both counties.

• Now hiring Mobile Crisis

Minimum RN or BSN, BSW

Management Coordinator to

with care management or

the community to all populations. Rotating on

minimum CM experience.

call. Now hiring in Buncombe, Henderson, Polk and Rutherford counties.

preferred. Send resume and

Bachelors degree and related

cover letter to:

experience required. Email resume to

hr@accessiicare-wnc.org or fax to 828-259-3975.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR/CASE MANAGER Needed to provide services to pregnant and postpartum women. Position requires Master’s Degree and working in the community. Send resume: Suzanne Boehm sboehm@drugfreenc.org or 35 Orange Street Asheville 28801.

provide crisis interventions in

home health services. 2 yrs

Bilingual English/Spanish

Haywood/Buncombe County RN: Assertive Community Treatment Team. Must have four years of psychiatric nursing experience. Please contact Mason Youell, mason.youell@meridianbhs.or g QMHP Assertive Community Treatment Team. Must have mental health degree and two years of experience working with adults with mental illness. Please contact Mason Youell, mason.youell@ meridianbhs.org Vocational Specialist Assertive Community Treatment Team. Must have mental health degree and two years of experience working with adults with mental illness. Please contact Mason Youell, mason.youell@ meridianbhs.org Jackson/Macon/Clay County Team Leader Assertive Community Treatment Team. Must have master’s degree and be license eligible. Please contact Ben Haffey, ben.haffey@meridianbhs.org Cherokee/Clay/Graham County Therapist/Team Leader Child and Family Services. Masters degree and license eligible. Please contact David Hutchinson at david.hutchinson@ meridianbhs.org Team Leader Adult Recovery Education Center. Masters or Doctoral Level Clinician. Must be licensed or license-eligible. Please contact Julie DurhamDefee at julie.durhamdefee@meridianbhs.org QMHP Assertive Community Treatment Team: Must have mental health degree and two years of experience working with adults with mental illness. Please contact Patty Bilitzke at patricia.bilitzke@meridianbhs. org • For further information and to complete an application, visit our website: www.meridianbhs.org

humanresources@ familiestogether.net

FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES OF ASHEVILLE is seeking licensed therapists and QMHPs to provide mental health services to children, families and adults. Email csimpson@fpscorp.com

FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES OF HENDERSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Has an immediate opening for a Clinical Supervisor. Candidate must have a Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related field and be fully licensed or fully licensed eligible in the state of North Carolina. Please forward resumes to wfhoward@fpscorp.com

Teaching/Education ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR • Warren Wilson College invites applications for an Advancement Communication Director. The Advancement Communication Director, reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, is responsible for strategic communications that target development and alumni communications activities. In addition, the director is responsible for some print design, web design and the associated content. A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. The successful candidate’s background should include the following: five years experience in communications, advertising, journalism, or marketing, including writing duties; demonstrated ability to write compelling, strategically aligned copy and to write quickly and effectively under pressure; ability to constructively evaluate and direct design and/or writing projects of others; proficient with electronic media and computer systems and a variety of software programs; extensive working knowledge of the Internet and related ecommunications; experience writing for a variety of media, as well as a demonstrated ability to effectively repurpose content from one medium to another; excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated project management skills. Candidates must submit a cover letter explaining how their experience reflects the above requirements, a resume, and a list of three references with complete contact information (including email addresses). Electronics applications are required. Do not send portfolio at this time – samples will be requested later. Applications will be treated in confidence and should be submitted to: hr@warren-wilson.edu. *Application deadline is January 15, 2010.* YMCA OF WESTERN NC • Afterschool Program Opportunities $7.25 $13/hour Please visit our web site for details: www.ymcawnc.org

2009 • DON’T JUST SURVIVE • Thrive! Snelling delivers results with staffing expertise that connects people and businesses with the power to thrive! www.snelling.com/asheville /application HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Fast, affordable & accredited. Free brochure. Call now! 1800-532-6546 Ext. 97 www.continentalacademy.com (AAN CAN) UNDERCOVER SHOPPERS Get paid to shop. Retail and dining establishments need undercover clients to judge quality and customer service. Earn up to $100/day. Please call 1-800-720-0576.

Professional/ Management EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Parttime. Western North Carolina Historical Association. • Application Deadline: February 5, 2010. Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA) seeks a selfdirected, organized professional for a part-time Executive Director (ED). The ED will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating fundraising for WNCHA and overseeing the day to day operation of the SmithMcDowell House Museum. • If interested please respond with a current resume and a cover letter indicating why you believe this is the right job for you, based on your experience, interest, and qualifications to: (mail) Smith McDowell House Museum, 283 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801 Attn: Personnel Committee or (email) wnchistory@gmail.com • EOE. FINANCE ASSOCIATE • At Hendersonville conservation nonprofit. More details at www.carolinamountain.org

ECOTRIPS FOR SALE For innovative, green transportation system featuring electric vehicles for local shuttle service. Unique and established business model needs an imaginative entrepreneur who wants to expand this groundbreaking idea and can focus time and energy to its unlimited potential. Serious inquiries only. For more info go to www.ecotripsasheville.com or email to info@ecotripsasheville.com NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPANY Cutting Edge Technologies. Alkaline Water / Indoor Air Quality. $6000/month plus part-time. Local training. (828) 989-6057.

Announcements ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS in 111 alternative newspapers like this one. Over 6 million circulation every week for $1200. No adult ads. Call Rick at 202-289-8484. (AAN CAN) ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS in 111 alternative newspapers like this one. Over 6 million circulation every week for $1200. No adult ads. Call Mountain Xpress Classifieds at (828) 251-1333. (AAN CAN) PREGNANT CONSIDERING ADOPTION? • Talk with caring agency specializing in matching birthmothers with families nationwide • Living expenses paid. Call 24/7 • Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions • 1-866-413-6293. (AAN CAN)

SHE WHO SCOOTS Can run errands for you. To the grocery store, pharmacy, post office, etc. In and around downtown Asheville. $10 minimum for errands taking up to 30 minutes. Call or email Amanda: 828- 301-0091. amandaj.levesque@gmail.com WOMEN, Earn $18k-$30k for 6 egg donations with the largest, most experienced Agency in US. Call: 800-4447119 or to apply online visit: www.theworldeggbank.com (AAN CAN)

Mind, Body, Spirit

Business Opportunities Bodywork BEST HOME-BASED BUSINESS EVER! It’s fun; it’s simple; it’s lucrative. To hear 3-minute message, call 1866-257-3105, code 1. BIZ OP • Want to purchase minerals and other oil/gas interest. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201

**ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE MASSAGE-GIFT CERTIFICATES!** $35/hour. Perfect pressure! Caring, intuitive, professional therapist. Tranquil sanctuary just 3 blocks from Greenlife & downtown! Open Mon thru Sun. 9am to 8pm by appt. only. Brett Rodgers LMBT #7557. www.vitalitymassage.net (828) 255-4785.

mountainx.com

Natural Alternatives

#1 AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY CONSCIOUS MASSAGE CENTER Best rates in town! $29/hour. • 20 Wonderful Therapists to choose from. Therapeutic Massage: • Deep Tissue • Swedish • Sports • Trigger Point. Also offering: • Acupressure • Energy Work • Reflexology • Classes. Call now for your appointment: • 10 Biltmore Plaza, 505-7088. Asheville. www.thecosmicgroove.com AAA & AARP DISCOUNT • Massage gift certificates available for the Holidays. Great rates. Professional office. Stress Busters Massage. LMT #7113. 828275-5497. BEST MASSAGE IN ASHEVILLE Deep tissue, sports massage, Swedish, esalen. Available in/out. Jim Haggerty, LMBT# 7659. Call (828) 545-9700. www.jhmassage.com MASSAGE/MLD Therapeutic Massage. Manual Lymph Drainage. Lymphedema Treatment. $45/hour or sliding scale for financial hardship. 17+ years experience. 828254-4110. NC License #146. www.uhealth.net SHOJI SPA & LODGE • 7 DAYS A WEEK Looking for the best therapist in town—- or a cheap massage? Soak in your outdoor hot tub; experience the invigorating cold plunge; then get the massage of your life! 26 massage therapists. 299-0999. www.shojiretreats.com STAY RELAXED. Massage therapy at your home/office. 1/2 or 1-hour appointments. Call Sarah Whiteside, LMBT#4741, (828) 279-1050. sarahsgolf@charter.net THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND HOLISTIC HEALING • First session 75minutes $55.00. December Only. Located in a beautiful, clean, healing arts center in downtown Asheville. Earth Conscious practice. 100% organic oils/lotions. Ayurvedic Massage, Deep Tissue, Thai Stretching, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Swedish, Hot towels, Spa treatments. Gift certificates! Schedule yourself for a relaxing massage today! (828) 3332717. Lauren Barta. NCLMBT # 7219.

Spiritual A SPIRITUAL MENTOR Nina Anin. Wherever you are, by phone: (828) 253-7472 or email: asknina@excite.com ANCIENT VOICE CONSULTING "Divining the Truly Essential” *Love*Money*Health*Relations hips*Business*The Spiritual. Call Lil’lei Well at 828-275-4931.

HOLISTIC IRIDOLOGY® Fascinating detailed Iris Analysis, Bio-Chemistry Analysis, Cardiovascular Screening, and Meridian Kinesiology for ‘Total Health Assessment’ with effective Natural and Holistic Therapies, Bio-Detoxification programs, Advanced Energy Healing. Call Jane Smolnik, ND, Iridologist at (828) 777-JANE (5263) for appointment or visit www.UltimateHealing.com

Musicians’ Xchange

Musical Services ASHEVILLE’S WHITEWATER RECORDING Full service studio services since 1987. • Mastering • Mixing and Recording. • CD/DVD duplication at the best prices. (828) 684-8284 • whitewaterrecording.com GUITAR INSTRUCTION • Beginner to advanced guitar and bass lessons are available for $25/hour. Call Ian Harrod (828) 775-5363. PIANO-GUITAR-DRUMSBASS-MANDOLIN-BANJOSINGING Learn what you/your child wants to learn. Knowledgeable, flexible, enthusiastic instructor. 828-242-5032.

Equipment For Sale 1919 Gibson L1: Round hole arch top w/original case. $1200. Plays and sounds great. Great condition. 350-7929. Fender Jazz King $800 Like new Fender Jazz king amp. very powerful 15inch speaker250w. Comes with pedal, soft shell case, and casters. 317-417-0633 Adam. Ibanez Artcore AM Series Hollow Body Electric Great condition. Comes with case. Asking $250. Affinity Series. Great condition comes with gig bag. Asking $100- need $ for school 828-335-9237 Tama 5 piece drum set with Zildjian cymbals excellent condition, stool, sticks & extras $500 obo 828-7799940 Valley Arts $1800 Beautiful sounding, gibson made guitar. Handmade in Nashville, flame maple body, sunset yellow, rosewood fretboard, birds eye maple. 317-417-0633 Adam.

Musicians’ Bulletin Female Singer Looking for Band. A teenaged female singer seeking band members for an alternative rock style group. Contact for more information. freakish_m@yahoo.com Male Bassist, 11 years experience, live experience, reliable, open-minded. Looking for gigs. Styles concentrate on rock/blues/county/bluegrass. call at 336-432-7770-Chris

• DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009

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LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE! End cruel and dangerous constant chaining of dogs in NC! Lobby your state reps to reintroduce legislation addressing dog chaining. For information, contacts and downloads, visit www.crittersong.org

Vehicles For Sale

Motorcycles/ Scooters

Firewood

125cc Buddy Scooter: 2009. 11,000 miles. Very reliable. Single owner. Windshield, rear rack. Well maintained. $1650. 60 mph, 85 mpg. Call 337-9705.

Heaping load, split and

Automotive Services WE’LL FIX IT AUTOMOTIVE • Honda and Acura repair. Half price repair and service. ASE and factory certified. Located in the Weaverville area. Please call 828-275-6063 for appointment.

Seasoned Hardwood delivered $75, larger load available at reduced rate. Hendersonville/Arden area 828-216-0726 or 828-582-4487.

General Merchandise Lasco Tub/Shower Surround 1-pc. Fiberglass tub/shower enclosure-surround. 5’long, 33

Autos 1991 Toyota Corolla LE 232K. Incredibly reliable. 37 mpg on the highway. Power locks and windows, cassette/radio, and good heat/AC. Kelly Blue Book value listed as $1,040 for fair condition. Asking $950. (828) 252-6319 or rangerellie@gmail.com

Pets for Adoption

Pet Xchange

Lost Pets A LOST OR FOUND PET? Free service. If you have lost or found a pet in WNC, post your listing here: www.lostpetswnc.org

MICKEY MOUSE • Grey/white male, 5 yr old, neutered. Green collar with tag.

LOST YOUR PET? FOUND A PET? Call Asheville Humane Society, (828) 253-6807, to fill out a missing or found pet report. Visit 72 Lee’s Creek Road, Asheville. www.ashevillehumane.org

Microchipped. Has extra toes. Lost North Asheville/Spooks Branch. Well loved. Please help us bring Mickey home.

ABBY IS WAITING! Abby is a Schipperke mix who is searching for a loving home.

HELP HONEY HAVE HOME! Honey is a Terrier mix puppy who is searching for a loving home. For more info, contact Brother Wolf Animal Rescue at 808-9435 or visit www.bwar.org

Wolf Animal Rescue at 8089435 or visit www.bwar.org FIND THE LOVE OF YOUR

Adopt a Friend • Save a Life HARLEY Male/Neutered Hound/Mix 1 year 7 months I.D. #5296596

LIFE! Cats, dogs, & other small animals available for adoption at Asheville Humane Society • 72 Lee’s Creek Road • Asheville, NC • (828) 253-6807 www.ashevillehumane.org

HELP SCARLETT FIND HER HOME! Scarlett is a Shepherd mix puppy who is searching for a loving home. If you are interested in adopting , please call 808-9435 or for more information, visit www.bwar.org

Acoustic Music Room Recording Studio & Video Production

THUMPER Female Domestic Shorthair/Mix 4 months I.D. # 9203462 HIP Female Terrier/Mix 2 years 6 months I.D. #9206248

Musical Recording Mixing & Mastering

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Music & Event HD Video Services

Buncombe County Friends For Animals, Inc.

www.amrmediastudio.com • visa/MC

72 Lee’s Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 253-6807 • AshevilleHumane.org

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828-335-9316

DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009 •

Yellow Lab Puppies 10 week old yellow lab puppies need a good home. Call 386 864 1579 for more info.

Pet Services

For more info, contact Brother

Reward. 828-337-7661.

F[ji e\ j^[ M[[a

Kittens for Adoption Gorgeous short & long haired kittens. Spayed/neutered and shots included. Contact Friends2Ferals at TNRCatCatcher@yahoo.com or 803-553-7919. Located in Asheville.

mountainx.com

1996 Mazda Miata Black w/ tan top, automatic, 113,000 miles, new tires, brakes, timing belt, etc. Runs beautifully. Asking $4,800. Call Allie 828-277-1976. 2003 Buick Rendezvous CXL V6 AWD Leather Sunroof 96K Miles Blue $8,200 OBO Call (828)505-0476 Asheville 2003 Silver Saturn Ion Sedan 81,000K. Power windows/locks, AC, Automatic, 6 disc changer, cruise control. $4700, obo. 828-279-2475. 2006 Honda Element Ex 50,000mi, Auto, power windows and doors,CD and Xm, excellent condition. $15,000 Please call 828-243-8975

ASHEVILLE PET SITTERS Dependable, loving care while you’re away. Reasonable rates. Call Sandy Ochsenreiter, (828) 258-0942 or 215-7232.

Nissan Altima 1998 New leather, sunroof, 1 owner, pwr win/doors green 178k miles $3750. 828-280-5159

DOG GIRL AT LARGE Dog training and behavior modification. All positive reinforcement. Sitting services for all creatures. Call Heather 404.788.2085 or doggrrly@yahoo.com

2001 Tundra lg. cab 80k m. runs great,surface blemishes only, rhino bed liner asking $5k. 828-216-7004

Trucks/Vans/SUVs

5 Speed Transmission with 2 speed transfer case-bolts to toyota 22 RE motor,excellent 400.00 firm 828-667-1407

1/4”deep, 72 5/8”high.

For Sale

Detailed installation directions. $75. Call 828-683-3936 or

Antiques & Collectibles

828-273-5271.

1936 F30 Farmall jlowman8221@bellsouth.net for pictures. 704-538-8221 great to restore.

arms of his Mother. Italian

Ancient Roman sculptures/print Variety of ancient Roman reproduction statues/wall friezes, large framed Pompeii print, urn. Am relocating, need to sell. (828) 989-1133 Bob

Pieta Statue of Christ in ceramic-look! Antique cremecolor. 14”high, 6”wide on 12”base. 7 pounds. Nice Christmas gift. $25. 828-683-3936.

Wanted

Electronics

Solid Wood Coffee Tables.

2 Verizon internet phones. 1HTC VX6900 touch screen brand new and 1 samsung Omnia new touch sreen internet phones are ready to be connected email@amccrack@unca.edu

have an open mind. Email me.

Pentax Digital SLR + 2 lenses Camera plus 18-55mm lens & 70-300mm lens JerryIra@Charter.net

Tools & Machinery DEWALT 12 inch LATHE Tube bed. Model ULA. Needs live center for tailstock,stand and motor. $75 OBO. 232-0905. ELECTRIC MOTORS 1/2 HP Craftsman on motor mount $10. 1/3 HP Delco - $5. 232-0905

Furniture Classic style pub table w/2 high chairs, dark oak/black, very new, am relocating. $300. Let’s talk (828) 989-1133 Bob MATTRESSES Pillow-top: queen $250, king $350 • Extra firm: queen $175, king $275 • Full: $150 • Twin: $99. New, in plastic. 828-2772500.

Ideally simple lines, however I stevedigi2000@yahoo.com

Adult Services A MAN’S DESIRE • Holiday stress? • Santa’s helpers can relax and de-stress you! • Monday-Saturday, 9am-9pm. • Incall/outcall. (Lic#0800020912). • Call (828) 989-7353. A PERSONAL TOUCH Asheville. • Ask about our Hot Holiday Specials! Incall/outcall: 713-9901. A WOMAN’S TOUCH “We’re all about you!” Ask us about our “Autumn Special”. • Call 275-6291. MEET SEXY SINGLES by phone instantly! Call (828) 239-0006. Use ad code 8282. 18+

The New York Times Crossword Edited by Will Shortz No. 1118

Across 1 Like some cheddar 6 Spicy Asian cuisine 11Musician’s deg. 14Personnel director, at times 15“___ Mio” 16Small island in a river 17Olympic trackand-field event 19Toiler on a hill 20Knock to the ground 21Latin list ender 23Simple hanger 24Beast in an Ogden Nash poem 27Roasted, in Rouen 28Childish plea 30Play and film about a noted 1977 series of interviews 33Humble abode

35Make ready for winter flight 36Loosely woven cotton fabric 40Vintage synthetic fabric 41Parts of a tour 44Indoor dipole antenna, colloquially 49Subtle glow 50Melville work set in Tahiti 51“The Lord is my light and my salvation …,” for one 53Census datum 54World of espionage 57Causes of some untimely ends 59Lunar New Year in Vietnam 60Five-card draw variation … or a hint to 17-, 30-, 36- and 44Across 64Leandro’s love 65Bone: Prefix

66Dementieva of tennis 67Palacio resident 68“Beat it!” 69“Mary Had a Little Lamb,” e.g.

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Guy Morganstein, LPC • Couples Counseling • Adolescent & Families

Amanda Bucci, LCSW • Child & Family Therapist

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Down 1 “Zip your lip!” 2 Historic racetrack site 3 Eau de vie from Gascony 4 “Ratatouille” rat chef 5 Green shampoo brand 6 Korean conflict, for one 7 Escort to a seat, slangily 8 Fish-fowl connector 9 Soothing succulent 10Small salamander 11“___ moment” (ad catchphrase) ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 12Over and done A D D O N U T A H R O M A 13Reach P R I M O S O S A A D A M 18Massage deeply B E E R B R E W E R M I R E 22Short opera S I M I L A R A D D R E S S piece E V I L L A O 23Desk toppers F R A T I D I D I N D E E D 251903-04 cars R A D I O G A N G B L O sold only in red O N E T W O T H R E E F O U R 26“Just ___!” S T P L U S T R A N D I 29Washington T O T H E T E E T H D Y E S Irving’s Crane O R B R H E A 31No later than, T A L L Y U P R A M P A G E briefly E M I L R O T O R O O T E R 32Cpls. and sgts. S O T O S L A B N O R M S 34Actress Russell of “Waitress” S K E W T O P S G R I S T

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www.trccounseling.com

and Champagne Bar

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“trading wines by the glass & books by the thousands” over 60,000 titles (828) 252-0020

Puzzle by Ricky Ini Liu

37“The Lord of the Rings” creature 38Ooze 39Collar wearer, often 42Roll call response 43Clarence Clemons’s instrument

44Team listing 45Current measure 46Young stud 47Money of exchange 48___ machine 52Made low noises?

55Spanish eyes 56Opposite of fem. 58Star turns in music 61Basketball position: Abbr. 62Mauna ___ 63Roll call response

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554. Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information. Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

1 Battle Square, Asheville, NC 28801 (just north of Grove Arcade)

Remodeling Painting Home Repair

Gustafson Builders Decks Hardwood Floors Windows Doors

Work Done Right The First Time Call Today (828) 776-9022 gustafsonbuilders@charter.net References available upon request. Insured. Free estimates.

Publishing in March • 25,000 Copies! Contact Your Ad Rep Now for Rates 828.251.1333 • advertise@mountainx.com Presented by:

mountainx.com

• DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2009

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