Free Republic

The leader of a group that marketed a fake currency called Liberty Dollars in the Asheville area and elsewhere has been found guilty by a federal jury of conspiracy against the government in a case of “domestic terrorism.” Bernard von NotHaus was convicted Friday at the conclusion of an eight-day trial in U.S. District Court in Statesville. The jury deliberated less than two hours, according to the Department of Justice. Charges remain pending against William Kevin Innes, an Asheville man who authorities said recruited merchants in Western North Carolina willing to accept the “barter” currency, according to court records. Innes...

AC Entertainment has officially announce the dates for MoogFest in Asheville, NC. The festival will take place Oct. 29-31, 2010. Confirmed headlining artists include Massive Attack, MGMT, and Thievery Corporation. These will be joined by more than 25 additional artists performing in multiple venues throughout downtown Asheville, including the Asheville Civic Center Arena, the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, and Asheville¹s renowned world-class club, the Orange Peel. ...attendees will be able to participate in workshops, engage with artists in panel discussions, enjoy visual art exhibitions, installations and film screenings, and play with a variety of Moog instruments...

In a shot across the bow of Dems, the labor powerhouse SEIU is starting a new third party in North Carolina that hopes to field its own slate of candidates, part of an effort to make the Democratic Party more reliable on issues important to labor, I’m told. SEIU officials setting up the new party, called North Carolina First, are currently on the ground collecting signatures to qualify as a state party, SEIU officials tell me, adding that there are around 100 canvassers on the ground right now.The goal: To have the party up and running so candidates can run...

Okay, maybe the Obamas’ Asheville, N.C., trip is just a romantic getaway and a chance to grab some 12 Bones BBQ, as the White House suggests. But you know something is going on when even the local “tea party” affiliate welcomes Obama to their “mountain paradise.” Critics like Hoover Institution fellow Shelby Steele have complained that Obama’s “ultimate vision, he has not been very clear about.” So given that the Obama’s “kind of fell in love” with the Buncombe County burg during a debate prep visit during the 2008 campaign, could Asheville itself be a clue to what the President...

First stop for the first couple's weekend vacation on Friday was a roadside restaurant that President Barack Obama visited during the final month of his White House campaign. First meal on the trip: barbecued ribs. Obama and first lady Michelle Obama landed in the Blue Ridge Mountains and made a quick stop at Twelve Bones Smokehouse on the way to their resort. The White House said the first couple ate ribs, mac and cheese, greens, baked beans, corn bread and corn pudding before motorcading to their mountaintop hotel. Deputy press secretary Bill Burton said the couple -- vacationing without their...

Apparently our Dear Leader is going to be bringing Michelle my belle to Asheville, NC next weekend to the Grove Park Inn.....Hmmm maybe some Tea Party signs are in order????

There is nothing quite like the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. A national historic landmark, with the country largest private home and spectacular gardens, Biltmore has been a center of attention since George Washington Vanderbilt II commenced buying property near Asheville to build "Vanderbilt's Palace." [Vintage photographs]

The premiere city of Southern Appalachia is without doubt Asheville, North Carolina. It has to be -- it's the one with the palace, Biltmore House. Since the late 19th century, Asheville has been a travel and resort destination without peer in the region. [Vintage pictures]

Recently had she-crab soup at the Blue Ridge Restaurant at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. It was divine!! Asked the waiter about a cookbook, and he said the recipe was online. But after many repeated searches under many different keywords, I have yet to find it. I have the cream sherry, I have the crab. What I don't have is the recipe.

A strange story surrounding a North Carolina city council election has suddenly become national news. Cecil Bothwell won his election fairly, a fact no one disputes. However, the former head of the Asheville NAACP has attempted to block Bothwell’s seating by pointing out an obscure clause in North Carolina’s state constitution that bars atheists from holding public office. The dispute will likely have to be settled in federal court:

Here are some confirmed events for October 17th, 2009 SAN DIEGO, CA - NBC Studios 225 Broadway - 3:00PM see page 5 ATLANTA, GA - CNN Center corner of Marietta St. and Centennial Olympic Park Drive - time TBA see page 3 ASHEVILLE, NC - ABC aff. WLOS see website for location and time see page 5

Breweries and beer drinkers are excited to learn Asheville has tied with Portland, Oregon as America's number one beer city. Asheville's Pisgah Brewery and Highland Brewing Company say they've worked hard to help Asheville achieve that title. But, they say they couldn't do it without a supportive community and beer drinkers who demand the highest quality. The poll was conducted by beer writer Charlie Papazian for www.examiner.com which is located in Baltimore.

Medhat Salameh is in trouble. During the gas shortage, people working at his gas station took it upon themselves to adjust the price of fuel accordingly. His gas station raised prices as much as 46%, netting over $4200. Salameh flagrantly flew in the face of government, failing to consult his legislators on the latest mood in their powers to deem, and responded to the market. Worse, consumers defiantly purchased the overpriced goods without consulting their attorneys. Asheville resident Don George fueled his Volvo at M&J Wednesday evening. George said he buys gas there about three times a month and remembers...

Teacher Controversy A former Asheville teacher causes a stir on the internet when bloggers say she berates a young student for supporting John McCain. Diantha Harris used to teach at Jones Elementary, and now works for a school in Cumberland County. A video clip making its way around the internet shows Harris asking students why they support certain candidates, and then singling out a young McCain supporter. She tells the girl, whose father is in the military, that McCain would keep her father in the service for another 100 years. Harris tells News 13 the clip is heavily edited, and...

First we had the Obama lawyer telling student journalists who discovered actual voter fraud that he was "watching them." We publicized that, and he issued an apology. Then there was the pro-Obama professor, who gleefully admitted to stealing McCain lawn signs. We publicized that, and he was fired and the matter was referred to law enforcement. We have another out of control Obama supporter who needs to learn that her actions have consequences. Looks like her name (late in the video at the top of the screen) is Diantha Harris and it looks like she teaches in Asheville, NC. She...

Teacher Dianthia Harris browbeats McCain supporting student,Kathy,in Ashville N.Carolina grade school. The poor girl is obviously distressed over the teacher's line of questiong and belittling her choice of candidate in front of her school mates.

Mlakin has the lyrics and video of Sarah Palin in jeans, rocking out to “Redneck Woman”. Good stuff!

<p>Supporters of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama are confronting people attending a North Carolina event featuring Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.</p> <p>The faceoff in downtown Asheville included loud yelling and vulgar signs. The event showcased the tension between people who live in the liberal enclave and the others living in conservative counties that surround Asheville.</p>

I just had a call from some friends who are stuck in the crowd outside the Asheville venue for tonight's rally. They've been in the same place (there's no line, just a mob, LOL) outside, but nothing seems to be happening, no movement to get in...they're only about 20 feet from the door. Does anyone know if the venue is packed out already. Doors opened at 4 and you were supposed to be inside by 6...but they've been stuck in the crowd outside for quite awhile now, waiting on word of what's happening. If anyone has any info, could you...

Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin's speech in Asheville Sunday night will kick off a wild week of campaigning across North Carolina that will put all four major candidates on the trail in the state. Palin will speak in a "Road to Victory Rally" at the Asheville Civic Center, 87 Haywood St., around 7 p.m. Country singer and "Redneck Woman" Gretchen Wilson will also appear at the rally. Watch Palin's speech LIVE on WRAL.com. Doors open at 4 p.m., and guests must be inside the civic center by 6 p.m. Tickets are available from the GOP campaign's Web site.

I thought I saw that Sarahcuda was going to be in Asheville, N.C., (East San Fran), on Sunday. Does anyone have any details, info, ticket details? Thanx.

Click here to find out more! Mike McWilliams, Citizen Times Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin will pay a visit to Asheville this weekend. The Alaska governor is scheduled to appear Sunday evening at the Asheville Civic Center, according to the McCain campaign. Free tickets to the event will be available from 4-8 p.m. today at the Asheville Victory '08 headquarters, 16 Regent Park Blvd., according to the Buncombe County GOP Web site. Tickets will also be available at McCain campaign headquarters in Bryson City, Boone and Hickory. Electronic tickets can also be downloaded at www.johnmccain.com/calendar, more information is available. Doors...

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will make a weekend campaign stop in North Carolina. A release from the John McCain campaign said Palin will visit Asheville on Sunday for a "Road To Victory Rally" at the Asheville Civic Center. The event is scheduled to begin after 4 p.m. Palin last visited North Carolina with an appearance at Elon University on Oct. 16. Sunday's rally will be her third visit to the state in as many weeks.

GOP To Celebrate McCain/Palin During Obama Visit This Sunday, while Barack Obama holds a rally in Asheville, local Republican Party activists will gather at the Asheville High School beginning at noon, to show their support for Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin as well as Republican candidates at the local, state, and federal levels. The group will then reconvene at the City-County Plaza for a 3:30 press conference, where candidates and local business owners will talk about why it is essential for Republicans to be elected at all levels of government in order to get our economy and our...

Officials in the Asheville area say they don't expect fuel to begin flowing normally again for at least another week and are urging drivers to conserve gasoline. Buncombe County said Tuesday there is enough gas in the area to keep police cars and fire trucks fueled, and officials promised the shortage won't affect 911 service. But all non-emergency county staff have been asked to work an alternate schedule or from home. And officials say area residents should consolidate their trips to conserve fuel and consider avoiding trips that aren't necessary. Hurricane Ike closed oil refineries along the Gulf Coast. Analysts...

Is an area high school haunted? Asheville is abuzz after video was captured by a motion-activated camera at Asheville High school at 2:51 a.m. Friday, August 1. In the video, a dark image –some say looks like the silhouette of a child- appears by an elevator. The image advances forward and is again captured in the hallway. It’s something, so far, the Asheville School District says can’t be explained. Charlie Glazener, Executive Director of Public Relations for the District says, “I’m a logical person, and I wanted to be able to explain to these folks, or anybody, this is what...

WHAT KIND OF MINDLESS HORSESQUEEZE IS THIS? I spent the first part of the Independence Day weekend at the Grove Park Inn & Spa in Ashville, North Carolina playing a bit of golf, relaxing and working on "Somebody's Gotta Say It" While there I was treated to several editions of The Asheville Citizen-Times. This is a Gannett newspaper ... same folks as USA Today. Needless to say, the slant is decidedly leftists. That seems to fit in quite well with the Asheville community which, I'm told, is quite proud of its liberal leanings. A quick glance at the letters to...

I'm thinking of the Carolina mountains as my next place to live. Would you consider Asheville, with its art deco feel as the place to live or would you go for Greenville with its more settled ambience? I've lived in California on the coast all my life and I'd like to try something different. Low cost of living, affordable housing, a safe place to live and having that view outside the window without the price tag. I know Colorado is expensive because every one goes there but no one seems to know the Blue Ridge Mountains are just as stunning....

A gay asheville couple says they lost work because of their sexual orientation. The two snapped souvenir photographs for skiers at Wolf Laurel Ski Resort in Madison County for the past two ski seasons. They say after their wedding announcement ran in a local newspaper, the owners of the resort informed them they no longer wanted to do business with the women. The women say it's a case of discrimination, but according to state and federal law Wolf Laurel was completely within their rights. Even if the two women were employees, there is no state or federal law that protects...

Isn't nonstop fawning press coverage wonderful? Other than entrenched, well-connected liberals like Al Franken, of course, who exactly would have an idea of how that feels? For the Radio Equalizer, the toughest task is weeding through it, otherwise we'd cover nothing but Frankenfluff (a term we coined to describe the particular level of positive press Al routinely enjoys). Even this mainstream media lovefest can have pitfalls for unsuspecting recipients, however. Why? Because it eventually leads to carelessness and overconfidence. Particularly during recent television interviews, we've already seen that in Franken, who can't seem to understand why anyone wouldn't find the...

My wife and I are thinking of retiring in Asheville in a couple of years. (We are also considering other places.) We welcome any FReeper comments, opinions, experiences, recommendations, resources, links, etc. about living in Asheville....housing market, services, government competency, churches, medical facilities, cultural life, political environment (red/blue), etc. We are interested in what kind of neighborhoods there are (we have houses in historic districts of two different towns right now, so we have an obvious interest in that) and we prefer established neighborhoods as opposed to new developments. Please feel free to FReepmail any personal comments, but comments in...

Leo Durocher got a bad rap. He didn’t quite say, “Nice guys finish last.” Besides, sometimes nice guys do finish first. No, I’m not talking about any politician, or pro athlete, or entertainer. Nope, I’m talking about someone you all know, and I’m certain you’re all rooting for. Ken Jennings is a nice guy, and he’s already finished in first place. His incredible run is rumored on the Internet to have gone about 71 consecutive shows and about $2.6 million in winnings. The trade press says the show where he loses has already been taped, and will air in about...

[snip]The billboard worker owed money he didn't have, so he found a way to erase his debt: He let his creditor cover six billboards with a biblical passage condemning homosexuality. That deal backfired spectacularly, at least for the employee. Billboards are meant to be seen, after all. When sign company executives saw them a few weeks ago, they promptly fired the worker and papered over the unauthorized messages. [snip]

(snip) Today, Asheville, [NC] is one of a handful of boroughs from St. Paul, Minn., to Manhattan that top the destination lists of ex-addicts wary of returning to the siren calls of their former haunts. These cities tend to be gritty, but artsy, places where the harsher realities of city life are on display alongside art openings and late-night cafes. Here in Asheville, there's also a strong religious backbone, a growing number of available service jobs, and a broad community of recovery support groups and counselors. What's more, the cost of living is relatively low, with lots of free things...

Monday of this week I was invited to speak before the Asheville Rifle and Pistol Club. As I write this, I have a stack of cards from these folks on the desk next to me. But I won’t use any names. They are all private citizens, and by inviting me to their monthly meeting, they didn’t bargain to see their names in print, or in electrons if you prefer, in a national column. This is not a matter of secrecy, however. The Club meets monthly in the lecture hall above the Skyland Fire Station in Arden, just outside Asheville. About...

ROXBORO -- Under a warm October sun Friday, a black man carried the Confederate battle flag and led 20 white men up the middle of Main Street to the front lawn of the Person County Courthouse, singing "Glory, glory hallelujah. The South will rise again."The old song competed with the squelch and squawk of police radios. Outnumbering the marchers, police officers, sheriff's deputies and state troopers looked on from the corner sidewalks of the courthouse.As the short, gray-bearded man who led the march stepped up to a monument honoring Person County's fallen Civil War soldiers, he was met with cheers...

Asheville, North Carolina-AP -- Airport police in North Carolina have arrested a juvenile on felony charges -- after the boy checked a suitcase allegedly containing chemicals that could be used to make a bomb. Officials say baggage inspectors at Asheville Regional Airport discovered the chemicals, an instruction manual on bomb-making and information about bombs from the Internet in the suitcase. Airport police say authorities removed the boy from his flight Sunday, then arrested him on charges of possessing components of mass destruction. An F-B-I agent says the boy may face additional federal charges. Authorities won't release the boy's name because...

<p>Rally starts at the Asheville City County Plaza at 1 PM. A large turnout is expected.</p> <p>Madcelt (my husband) is already there. We hope to be able to upload his pictures after the event.</p> <p>You can listen live to the second half of the event beginning at 2:55 pm at the link below. There are some good pictures of the event preparation at this link.</p>