Asheville

I want to give quick props to Congressman Heath Shuler for coming out against the Woodfin oil-burning power plant.

Okay, he hasn't officially come out against it yet - but since Shuler has already publicly supported building a "Research Triangle for Alternative Energy" in western North Carolina, it's logical he'll soon make such an announcement.

For those of you who don't have the pleasure of living in Asheville: The neighboring township of Woodfin, which is just north of us, has agreed to let Progress Energy build an oil-burning power plant in their area.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that the plant is a done-deal, and the time for public comment and protest has already passed; but this hasn't stopped local activists and environmentalists from banding together to prevent construction.

Don't get me wrong, I think the plant is a bad idea - mainly because pollution from the plant will be dumped onto my community's air, and into my already-weakened lungs. (I'm asthmatic.)

Behold this map I lifted from The AsheVillein, and slightly enhanced to make my point:

That black line is 5 miles long on this map, in the direction of the prevailing winds from the Diesel power plant in Woodfin. I live smack-dab under that line in West Asheville.

However, I'm not too worried about it because by the time the thing gets built, oil will be so expensive they won't be able to burn anything in it.

That last sentence is not meant to be ironic. I'm deadpan serious.

Since Shuler is pro-environment, and obviously understands the need for investing in alternative energy instead of another soon-to-be-obsolete oil-powered plant... I'm going to be the first to congratulate him for taking the lead, and opposing the construction of this plant.

Thank-you Congressman Shuler.

Read counterpoint here.

Tags: Woodfin - Progress Energy - Power Plant - Heath Shuler - Alternative Energy - Research Triangle for Alternative Energy - My Lungs

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One week ago today there was a winter storm that was supposed to cover Asheville in a few inches of snow and ice. While in the end all we got was a dusting, and the worst of the storm missed the city, many people were spooked enough to close most schools, libraries and small businesses.

To the city's credit - the bus service remained open and ran on schedule the entire day. Otherwise, the working poor would have been stuck on the streets after their employers closed closed shop after 11am.

Keep in mind that even if the brunt of the storm had hit us, it would have only been four or five inches. Enough to close roads in the suburbs, perhaps; but hardly a regional catastrophe. After all, we are in the mountains - it's not like snow is an anomaly here.

As far as I can tell, the difference between those who took the ice in stride, and those who reacted as if Godzilla were approaching the city - was the source of information they were getting about the storm-front.

Case in point: My co-workers who did not have cable TV showed up at the office on-time. Those who did have have cable were either late or stayed home altogether.

Obviously, one blogger's observations of his office's attendance are hardly scientific - but it seems to fit an overall observation about heavy television viewers: They are easily spooked.

Read counterpoint here.

Tags: television - snow - cable tv - Eek! Snow is coming! Be afraid! Ooga Booga!

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The following email is circulating ammoung bloggers in the Asheville area, and I'd like to give it a quick shout:

DFA (Democracy For America) Asheville is meeting at the same place with Drinking Liberally to organize progressives for the annual Democratic precinct meetings on February 17th.

Join us *Thursday, February 8th* at Asheville Brewing Company in Downtown Asheville, 77 Coxe Avenue -- just down from the Post Office.

What's a precinct meeting?

Every two years Democratic activists gather in their neighborhoods to choose their local leadership, select delegates for the county convention, and get a head start on organizing for the next election.

You could say that the precinct meetings are the first step toward turning Buncombe blue in 2008. But in addition, these meetings will determine:

1. Whether progressives can hold a significant voting bloc at the county convention;
2. Whether progressive resolutions will become a part of the Party's platform as we move to the county, district, and state conventions.
3. Whether we can form a true grassroots movement to get out the vote two years from now.

--- end of email ---

ScrutinyHooligans has a good writeup on precinct organizing and what it means for progressives in Asheville.

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Now is the time to make a difference in this election.

1) Vote EARLY on Tuesday. Asheville area polls are open from 6:30 am to 7:30pm. Heath Shuler (U.S. House), Susan Fisher ( N.C. House), and other candidates need your overwhelming support.

2) Volunteer at the Democratic Headquarters. We need you to join other concerned citizens. If you have never volunteered for a campaign, just come to the Asheville Democratic Headquarters in Oakley (.951 Fairview Rd). We will match your interest with our immediate needs.

3) Get your friends to vote. Call and your friends to make sure they vote.

1-2 hours of your time today or tomorrow will make a difference in the many important races this year. Volunteering is easy and fun, so come join the movement to change the U.S. and N.C. Congresses.

Join the national wave of change by making your voice heard on the war, the environment, and healthcare. Today's urgent issues to are too important to let others decide them for us!

Call me at 828-582-8153 to volunteer.

Jeremy Tarr
Volunteer
Susan Fisher for NC House District 114
Asheville, NC
828-582-8153

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From WNCNN's episode four, a musical tribute to the end of the Taylor era.

This is, by far, my favorite WNCNN episode. It made me laugh, it made me cry.

And by the way, according to my sitestats it appears that Taylor's people have been hitting this site fairly regularly these past few days.

Thanks for the traffic Taylorpeeps! This video is for y'all.

Enjoy:

To see all the WNCNN videos, check out their YouTube page. 

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September 2, 2007 @ 5:45 PM EST: This is not the original text of "The Charles Taylor Sex Rumors You Never Heard About."

A family member of someone who was mentioned in this post has requested I remove it. As a courtesy, I have done so while we talk about why they feel I should permanently delete it.

I'm not inclined to erase anything I've written. But human decency demands I at least hear the family member out.

In the meantime, I will only show the original article upon request to members of the media or serious bloggers. Use the "contact" button at the top of this blog to make such a request.

Sincerely,

Paul -V-

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There is a very good reason why I haven't updated the blog since Monday.

Tune in tomorrow for some interesting news about Charles Taylor.

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Here are some pictures from the Shuler-rama party last night. Unfortunately a most of the photos I took with my camera didn't come out very well due to poor lighting. Therefore, most of the people who came didn't get their picture taken at all.

Thankfully, Bill, a DemocraticUnderground member, brought a decent camera. Most of the images below were taken by him. Thanks Bill!

Enjoy!

Photo 1: No party in Asheville is complete without fresh fruit.

Photo 2: I grilled veggie, vegan and carnivore burgers for people. Being a typical Liberal gathering, more veggie burgers were consumed than meat burgers.

Photo 3: And what photo-album would be complete without at least one picture of someone who had their eyes closed when the shot was taken? BTW:This is Laura, a MoveOn.org organizer and her boyfriend.

Photo 4: OMG! Kerry, decided to show up for the event! He was rather quiet though the whole event 'tho. (Almost 2-dimensional.)

Photo 5: Here I am showing off the famous blue blogging bath-robe. Lots of ooohs and ahhhhs followed.

Photo 6: Naomi and Rick. I don't know what Rick was looking at.

Photo 7: Kerry, who lacked balls in 2004 by not holding the Bush Administration accountable for torture, Katrina, the Iraq War, healthcare or even making sure every vote was counted, was given a pair at the Shuler-rama.

Photo 8: One of several group shots, but this was the only one that came out well. Myself, Althea, Rick, Brandy and Naomi.

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Do you feel an emptiness in your life? A void deep within your soul that you desperately try to fill with sex, drugs and money?

Well, I can't help you.

But I can take your mind off the spiritual angst, at least for an evening, by inviting you to a house party. Let's celebrate like it's 1999 - and pretend we still have a president that can speak in coherent sentences.

The theme I've chosen* is: "Heath Shuler-rama" As in Heath Shuler, candidate for congress in NC District 11.

• The date will be this Tuesday, October 3rd @ 7:00pm - 9ish
• The location will be at my home in West Asheville. If you'd like to come, please RSVP to brainshrub - at - gmail.com. I will then email you directions.
• This will be a BBQ. I'll provide meat, buns and condiments - you bring a side-dish and beer.

FAQ:

Wait a second, I know you Paul... you are not a big fan of Heath Shuler. Why are you throwing a house party for him?

Because someone from his campaign asked politely and I feel like having a party. Just because I probably won't vote for the guy does not mean I'm not a dedicated Democrat.

Will Heath Shuler be there?

I've invited him, but I doubt it.

I see this will be a BBQ; but I'm a vegetarian (Vegan / freegan / I only eat dirt and insects) will you have anything that meets my dietary restrictions?

I'll buy a pack of veggie-burgers, but other than that you are on your own.

What is the purpose of this event?

My event will not be the only House Party for Shuler. (Although it will be the most fun.) The Shuler staff have asked people across NC district 11 to host simultaneous house parties. The goal is to promote Shuler for Congress, perhaps raise a bit of money and encourage people to volunteer for the campaign.

How many people will be at this event?

I'm planning to keep it small: Under a dozen or so. But if it blows all out of proportion I won't get upset.

Will there be any celebrities, prizes and/or activities at this party?

Yes!

1. You will meet "Scooter the Cat" who is pictured in the banner of this blog.
2. You will get to see the blue bath-robe that I wear when writing most of these posts. (Including this one.)
3. You will marvel at the HUGE Amazing Potato Gun that a friend and I built in college.
4. A twister game and chess set will be available. Both are clothing-optional. :)
5. I have a cardboard cut-out of Kerry in my basement that will be given away as a prize to the person who can hit it with a football from 100 feet.... or at least comes closest!
6. And more!

I'm scared of mimes and clowns.

There will be no mimes, clowns or Republicans at this event.

* To be clear: while I was asked to host this party on a particular date and time by a Shuler organizer, this event is my own creature.

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I'd like to beg my national readers indulgence for a few moments while I address a local issue of great importance that you may not appreciate unless you live in Asheville.

*ahem*

I would like to state, for the record: The new location of the local Drinking Liberally meetings is awesome!

Now I admit, when the decision was made to switch from the bar "Jack of the Wood" to "Asheville Brewing Company", I was nervous.

I had grown accustomed to being treated rudely by the staff for not drinking until I ran up a $300 tab like the tourists do. I had grown accustomed to cramped little tables and over-priced food.

Well boy-howdy, was I wrong!

There is no down-side to the Asheville Brewing Company. The staff is polite and attentive, the beer is good, there is plenty of room on the patio to mingle, they have a "ladder golf" game, the live entertainment doesn't drown out conversation, the Wi-Fi access is solid, they have an X-box to play video games, and, an HDTV WHERE THEY LET US CHANGE CHANNELS TO WATCH CSPAN!

Let me repeat that last part:

An HDTV where they let us change channels to watch CSPAN!

Do you have any idea how rare that is outside of Washington DC? What more could a political wonk want?

Heck, the place is even right next to the bus terminal. With the new late-night bus-routes, you can drink all you want and still get home safely.

This week, the two guys who normally organize Drinking Liberally are out on vacation. So I'm going to promote this weeks gathering.

Come to Drinking Liberally at the Asheville Brewing Company at 77 Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville this Thursday. We'll be there from 7 to at least 10pm. Lots of fun for everyone.

Did I mention they let you watch CPAN on the HDTV?

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