Asheville Unveils New Online Development Mapper

From the excellent Mountain Xpress blog:

"MapAsheville uses Geographic Information Systems technology to retreive detailed information about large-scale development projects, displaying them on multi-layered interactive maps. The electronic maps are accompanied by detailed information on meeting dates, as well as links to city staff documents. You can search by owner name, address or PIN number, and the technology allows you to measure distances, perform basic real estate research and even create mailing labels for a neighborhood gathering."

Wildwater

Vigil Coverage

Thunder Pig attended the "Stop The Harm" Flashlight Vigil in Asheville on Thursday night and has lots of video of the event. Go here to see it.

Want better public transit? Vote with your butt.

I've been engaged in the Brainshrub Bus project for about seven months; and longer I use the bus as my primary means of transportation, the more I realize that the Asheville Transit System (ATS), like so many other transit systems in the United States, is caught in a Catch-22 situation that prevents more investment:

People would take public transit, or at least they say they would, if it could meet their needs; but until more people use the bus, such a system can't be funded or built.

I have an idea to break this cycle, and make it politically feasible to completely revamp the ATS. I'm talking about an upgrade that would make western Europeans jealous. Imagine it: A bus/trolley infrastructure that runs 24/7; where no citizen would have to walk more than three blocks to get to a sheltered stop, and vehicles arrive every 15 minutes during daylight hours.

To make this happen, all I need is your butt.

Allow me to explain.

According to this May 24, 2006 report,* ATS gives about one million rides a year - 1,019,330 to be exact. Out of a serviceable population of 68,889 - 14.8 percent use the bus at least once a year. This breaks down to approximately 10,195 Ashevillians. Each person has one butt.

Think about it: 10,195 butts who ride the bus a minimum of once a year is enough to justify maintaining eighteen routes here in Asheville.

The way I figure it, if we could get another 10,000 butts to ride the bus once a year - it would be politically feasible to expand the public transportation utility to meet the needs of more citizens.

But where to find an extra 10,000 new asses?

Thankfully, there are many here in Asheville! I'm referring, of course, to Democrats. (What??? The symbol of the Democratic Party is the mighty ass. What did you think I was talking about?) According to the Buncombe County Election Commission, there are 27,767 registered Democrats in Asheville as of 2005.

Let's say that half of these Democrats are opposed to the Iraq and/or Afgan oil wars. Half of these Democrats are concerned about the effects of sprawl. Half of these Democrats cared about air quality.**

Half of 27,767 is 13,883.

If these people, who complain the loudest about the inherent problems an automobile-based transportation system creates, would just take the bus once in the next 12 months; they would collectively more than double the amount of people who ride, at least on paper. And "at least on paper" is how legislators decide how much money goes into funding.

More people on paper --> More funding --> More routes --> More people.

"But Paaaaaaaul," some Democrats may bleat. "I care about those issues, but taking the bus so haaaaaaaard. My busy schedule is too demanding to ride public transit. Now excuse me, I'm late for my Yoga class in downtown - and that means I have to get there extra early to find a parking spot."***

To this I reply: Take the bus for only one block.

During your next jog, or when when you have five minutes to blow - just hop on the bus, pay a buck, travel a block, then get off. The collective effect of this simple action would be tremendous, and greatly increase lobbying power for advocates of public transit.

So, if you want to see a better public transit system, vote with your butt.

For the explanation behind the Brainshrub Bus Project, click here.

To see all posts for the Brainshrub Bus Project, click here.

* Yes, I recognise the irony of using a study from the John Locke Society to support increasing public transit.

** I used registered Democrats in Asheville for my data set. I could have used Republicans, who also care deeply about the health of the city. However, by-and-large Democrats are a bit more gung-ho about community transportation.

*** Someone actually said this to me.

On fire

The Unifire fire dancers put on a pretty good show Tuesday night in downtown Ashvegas. We first saw the fire dancers at last year's Lexington Avenue Arts Festival. This time around, a few of the dancers look a bit tentative with the heat, but they put on a fun show.

Is Asheville a creative class city?

Asheville in the top 10 list of Smart Places in America according to Kiplinger's magazine.

“A virtually franchise-free downtown, world-class cuisine, amazing crafts, live music venues and fine arts make this city tucked into the Blue Ridge mountain range one of a kind.”

But is Asheville a Trustafarian and Superstar City? Does Asheville have what it takes to be an "superstar city" as Charlotte has?

Resolution: Let the drinking begin

Ashvegas City Council tonight will vote on the following resolution. This is why it's important to keep abreast of your local government:

Resolutions making provisions for the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at the following 2007 Special Events:
-Mountain Sports Festival on May 4-6
-Asheville Downtown Association’s Downtown After 5 events on May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, and September 14
-Fourth of July Celebration on July 4
-76th Annual City of Asheville Open Tennis Championships Picnic on July 19-20
-GoomBay!Festival on August 25-27
-Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival on September 9
-Fiesta Latina Festival on September 22
-11th Annual Brewgrass Festival on September 22
-Asheville Greek Festival on September 28-30
-The Asheville Grizzlies home games on various dates during the summer.

From the blogosphere to the ionosphere

Matt Mittan, Western North Carolina's talk radio talking head, recently announced that his station - WWNC AM 570 - will host a monthly roundtable gathering of local bloggers. Theoretically, they all gather round and... well, talk.

So if you want to go from the blogosphere to the ionosphere, e-mail Mittan at Matt570@clearchannel.com. Check out the WWNC station web site here.

Buncombe Turnpike

via Ashvegas:



"Local band Buncombe Turnpike has a video that has made the cut of 64 music videos to be part of CMT's Music City Madness competition. People vote on their favorite videos as they go head-to-head with other videos, and eventually there's a winner.

The County Music Television web site isn't all that good. But go here to vote. Buncombe Turnpike's video is at the bottom left of the brackets."

BlogAsheville: Victorious

What the Hell?, Virtual Inanity, Brainshrub, and Scrutiny Hooligans rallied last night at Joli Rouge for another round of bloggy fellowship and laughs.

Pictured here is the beer I bought for Ash. He and Edgy Mama must've been plum tuckered after their DILO meeting, because they were conspicuously absent.

But then, so were a lot of you. Was it the cold night, the bad weather, the location, or some other secret reason?

Please use this thread to suggest times, dates, locations for our next BlogAsheville gathering. I'm thinking we ought to head back to the bowling alley for Bowling Thunder 2007...

Dr. Bloggy McBadass Makes the Scene

Dr. Errington Thompson, trauma surgeon, author, radio host, blogger, activist, and all-around stand-up guy, got a mention on the front page of Daily Kos,

"While on the book tour in Asheville, NC (one of the most beautiful corners of this country), I had the pleasure of hanging out with Errington Thompson and doing his radio show. It was meeting people like him that made the grueling three-month tour enjoyable"

The mention links to an extensive bio and interview in the AC-T. Excerpts:

"Job responsibilities: A trauma surgeon helps direct the care of a critically injured trauma patient.

As a talk show host, I try to present the important political issues of the day in a fun and entertaining manner.

Description of your organization: As a trauma surgeon, I work in an extraordinary medical center with outstanding physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other health professionals who all work together to care for the injured patient. …

As a talk show host, I have two wonderful producers who work hard to try to get me to sound professional — Agnes Cheek and Rodrigo Schiffino. My administrative assistant, Linda, works hard to try to find local and national guests for the show. There are several other people who make my show possible, including my wife, Karen. "
[...]
"Bookmarked Web site(s) include: Center for American Progress, DailyKos, Crooks and Liars, and The Nation.

Favorite place to do lunch: Unfortunately, I eat on the run.

Currently in your CD player: Art Blakey, “Night in Tunisia”; Miles Davis, “Kind of Blue”; Fourplay, “X.”
[...]
"What you do to unwind and de-stress: I listen to music. I talk with my wife. I play video games … . Finally, I love to talk, chat and gel with my old friends from college, high school and medical school."

It was great seeing your name at Kos, Errington. You're one of Asheville's shining adopted sons!

Everyone ought to check out his blog - Where's The Outrage?

I'm on NPR!

Details here.

Shutterbug Saturday

Calling all you flickrites - don't forget the meet-up at 4 p.m. Saturday at Asheville Brewing on Coxe Avenue. Just a laidback time to get together, drink some beer and talk a little photography. As you'll recall, we're going to pick a day in April to shoot a Day in the Life of Ashvegas.

See you there.

Real Romance

Once again, I'm home alone on Valentine's Day. Wait, no, I have my kids here. That's romantic, right?

Actually, as we all know, unless you're still a kid or still in the dopamine stage of love (see article below), this is a pretty dull excuse for a holiday. Although I do think that the world would be a better place if EVERYONE (of legal age) got some wild loving today.

If you are alone and want to talk to someone, go to my buddy Neil's bloggie. He's got Mr. and Ms. Valentine standing by to I.M. with anyone who needs them. For free. Although I hear time slots are limited.

For further real romance, go to Fringes' bloggie. Over there folks are telling their worst sexual adventure stories (not me, of course--though after I quaff a beer or two, you never know what might come spewing out of my fingers).

So, enjoy. And Happy Valentine's Day. If you're celebrating.

BLIZZARD?!?!

Did I just see a snowflake?

BlogAsheville: Our Time Of The Month

Did that come out right?

BlogAsheville gathers together again in the warm bosom of downtown Asheville's Joli Rouge. Saturday, Feb. 17, 7pm until Ash runs out of money.

All Asheville area bloggers and their people are welcome. See you there!

Jar-e

Welcome to the Flood poetry reading series

Flood Fine Art Center

Friday February 16, 7 PM

Poetry reading featuring local poets:
Britt Kaufmann
Matthew Mulder
Brian Sneeden
Barbara Gravelle

Flood Fine Art Center located in the Phil Mechanic Studios, 109 Roberts St., Asheville, NC 28801.

This is an ongoing poetry series that began in December (2006) and will be held on the third Friday of every month. The reading is more than just a cultural event--it is a fund raiser to assist in the renovations of the Flood Fine Art Center.

Press release here and here.

Utter Transformative Joy - The Tarheel Tavern

Scrutiny Hooligans is hosting this week's Tarheel Tavern, #103 for those keeping score.

The Tavern is a weekly showcase of NC blogging. Go read. While you're there, be sure to check out the inaugural post of our newest Hooligan, Drama Queen.

Ya'll Give a Warm Bloggy Welcome to....

the newest blog members of BlogAsheville:

1. Talking My Walk

2. Lavender Log

3. SunFireDude (formerly known here as The Everyday Adventures of a Theatre Crazed God-Boy)

Here's to you!

Drinking Liberally: Sharing the Bar

Drinking Liberally, that weekly abundance of left-leaning political wits, comes together again Thursday night at Asheville Brewing Company, 77 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville. From 7-10pm we'll don our beery goggles and make way for the very exciting Democracy For America (DFA) group meeting on the same hallowed ground.

DFA is having a big organizing meeting that you're welcome to attend. From their announcement:

"RETHINK YOUR PRECINCT! Become the spine you want to see in the Democratic Party!
[...]
"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.

Drinking Liberally does not endorse any particular political party or issues. We're a simple drinking group with a passion for politics, and we're overjoyed to share the bar with a highly motivated bunch of do-gooders.

See you there.

Tarheel Tavern Now Accepting Submissions

Scrutiny Hooligans hosts The Tarheel Tavern, a weekly blog carnival open to sumissions from all North Carolina bloggers, on the Sunday before Valentines Day. In a declaration of vitality and ecstasy, the theme of the Tavern is Utter Transformative Joy. While all submissions will be received like family, take the opportunity to gush your gushiest goodness for our readers all over North Carolina.

This week's Tavern will be a week to get your friends and neighbors involved. Invite new voices and feel free to submit the work of other NC bloggers. I'm ready for a deluge.

This week's Tavern will appear at Scrutiny Hooligans, with a front page link at BlueNC, BlogAsheville, and American Samizdat. Please use this opportunity to spread the word about our amazing NC blogging community.

Send your links to scrutinyhooligans<>yahoo()com - Get it to me by Sunday morning at 7am. The Tavern will go live by sundown.

Activists Scale Billboard To Protest Power Plant

Activists scale billboard to protest power plant

Two local environmental activists protesting a power plant proposed for northern Buncombe County took over a billboard along U.S. 19-23/Future I-26 this morning. The residents are part of Rising Tide North America, a group dedicated to fighting the root causes of climate change. The protest lasted over three hours until local police and fire department forced them down.

Micah Lee, 21, and Abigail Singer, 27, both of Asheville, scaled the billboard around 7:30 a.m. and put up their own sign that read "Burning Oil Ain't Progress. No new Woodfin power plant." The sign, which the Asheville Fire Department cut down around 9:30 a.m., featured 3-foot-tall letters and was clearly visible to interstate travelers.

SEE VIDEO OF PROTESTORS

via/link/back story
x-posted: here/and here/

Toughman action

Sparring partners

Asheville Tae Kwon Doe sparring exhibition Friday night before the Toughman competition.

Shameless plug...

Totally shameless, in fact. First off, I have completely overhauled Bird On the Moon and introducted a sparkling, breezy, vaguely web2.0 redesign. W00t.

Here's the second (and far more important) plug; I am attempting to raise over $5k for a therapeutic summer program for emotionally/behaviorally challenged low income kids. We had an awesome pilot program last year and this year will be far bigger in scale and outreach. I have joined the "Robin Hood Fund," a social fundraising network. Those who complete the wish cycle with the most page views, ratings and favorites win their requested amount. So, BlogAshevillians, I'm asking you to take 10 seconds of your daily clickthroughs to visit the wish page and hopefully elevate this into a dream realized. The $ will go to fund experiential activities as well as assisting uninsured kids in accessing the program.

I'm not typically into self promotion, but obviously this isn't about me; it's about empowering kids to become role models of recovery. So, thanks, y'all, and if you need more skinny you know how to reach me.

It did snow...

...up at Cataloochee Ski Resort in Maggie Valley yesterday morning. A powder day in North Carolina! Sweet!

Hey, That Guy Looks Familiar...

I'm sure I wasn't the only one this week who picked up the new issue of Mountain Xpress, thumbed through a few pages to the "Buzzworm" section and said "Holy crap! I know that guy!"

I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing congratulations to Paul -V- and Brainshrub.com for getting some wider recognition for the Brainshrub Bus Project, which has also become a semi-regular feature here @ BlogAsheville.

Keep up the good work, ya public-transit ninja!