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SNAPSHOT - November 6, 2008

MEDIABEAR PRESENTS
DowntownAsheville.com: Connected
'Community News from the Grassroots Up' TM

*TODAY'S Weather | And forecast. Click Here>
*AIR Quality | Ridge tops and valleys. Click Here>
*ASHEVILLE AREA Maps | Find your way. Click Here>
*13 CALENDARS of Events | What's new to do. Click Here>
*LINKS Directory | Good stuff daily. Click Here>

FEATURED NEWS

Fundraiser Tonight Will Open Doors of Possibilities
*ANNUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUNDRAISER NOV. 6 at The Orange Peel | For details about the 2008 Doors of Asheville featuring art by regional artists, call 828-254-4030, visit mtnhousing.org, or Click Here>

Asheville Film Fest Begins Today
*CITY-SPONSORED EVENT NOW IN 6TH YEAR Will Feature 75 Independent Films Nov. 6 - 9 | Oscar-nominated actor Brad Dourif and Oscar-winning writer/director Frank Pierson will both be celebrated for their contributions in motion pictures. The festival runs Nov. 6 through Nov. 9 in six venues located in Downtown Asheville. | For details, Click Here>

Dems Win Big in Buncombe
*OBAMA AND LOCAL DEMOCRATS WIN BIG in Buncombe County | Buncombe voters swept Democrats into office, including five Democrats to fill all five Buncombe County Commissioner seats. | For Buncombe County election results, Click Here> | For more North Carolina election results, county-by-county, Click Here>

Have Leaves, Will Deliver (or Pickup)
*WANT FALLEN LEAVES DELIVERED or Want Them Removed? | Most city residents and businesses want their fallen leaves collected by the city, and the city recently released its pick-up schedule. However, for those who want fresh leaves for mulching, the city is more than happy to deliver them at no charge. For details, call 828-251-1122. | For the city's current leaf collection schedule: Click Here>

ASHBIZ

Internet Seminar at Chamber Nov. 7
*REGISTER TO ATTEND a Chamber-Sponsored Event that Focuses on the Importance of the Internet | Entitled, "The Internet: Why it's more important than ever for business success," the seminar will be held at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce from 9 to 11 a.m., Nov. 7, 2008. | For more info, Click Here>

$3 Million Bribe by Fraga?
*MUMPOWER REQUESTS TRANSPARENCY in Fraga High-Rise Project | City council member Carl Mumpower recently sent a letter to Mayor Terry Bellamy requesting that a “Fraga Project and Public Benefit Packages” issue be added to an upcoming agenda. Mumpower contends that the "public benefits offer" by the developer of the proposed massive Fraga hotel and condo project with two 20+ story towers in Downtown Asheville "was, in essence, a three-million dollar bribe intended to sway the Council to make a political versus legal decision on his project." | For Mumpower's complete letter, Click Here>

POLITICS

More than 20,000 Supporters Listened to Barack Obama on Oct. 5, 2008, at the Asheville High School stadium * Photo: Lisa Ringelspaugh-Irvine/MediaBear

Oh Obama!
*IN ASHEVILLE, BARACK OBAMA Spoke with Eloquence, Passion and Focused on Healthcare to 20,000+ | Obama electrified Asheville on Oct. 5, 2008 as he spoke for over an hour to over 20,000 who attended the Obama political rally at Asheville High School stadium in Downtown Asheville. He was introduced by a Mission Hospitals' nurse who spoke passionately in favor of healthcare reform. Obama, in turn, focused on his vision for heathcare for all Americans. | For photos, Click Here> | For Obama's Canton, Ohio, speech ("We'll emerge from this crisis stronger and more prosperous"), Click Here> | For president-elect Barack Obama's website, Click Here>

Golly Gannt!
*WHO WOULD HAVE IMAGINED THAT DAVID GANNT Could Have Beaten Nathan Ramsey for Chair of the Buncombe County Commissioners? | Maybe in a word: PARKSIDE. | Here's Gannt's letter of thanks to supporters:
"The election last night was a wonderful reminder of what a great country we live in. I am humbled and grateful for your support in this election. Thank you for your time, talent and efforts on my behalf. I have met so many wonderful people and made friends that I will always treasure. | Buncombe County has elected a wonderful Commission with K. Ray Bailey and Holly Jones joining Carol Peterson and Bill Stanley as Commissioners. Each of these fine individuals are proven leaders and innovative thinkers who will help Buncombe County move in the right direction. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with these friends who are so deeply involved in good programs and policies for all of us. | Now that the election is over, I would like your help in taking down my political signs. Please dispose of them or call my office at 828.252.2852 so I can arrange to have them picked up. | Thanks again and I look forward to working hard as your Chairman for the next four years. Please email me at commissioner@davidgantt.com with any questions and/or comments about Buncombe County that I might be able to help with. -- David Gantt, Buncombe County Commissioner, 82 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801.

Record Voting in Buncombe at 'Early Voting' Stations, as well as on Nov. 4 * Belzak/MediaBear

High Five Holly!

*HOW HOLLY JONES, ONE OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY'S NEWEST COMMISSIONERS, Stands on the Key Issues | Holly Jones, currently an Asheville City Council member, won her bid to become one of the new Buncombe County Commissioners. To view Jones' stand on key issues, Click Here>

As Easy as A-B for Bailey
*YET ANOTHER DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE, K. RAY BAILEY, Rode the Obama Wave to Win a Seat on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners | K. Ray Bailey of A-B Tech fame put the who-hah on his competitors to take a Buncombe County commissioner seat away from more conservative candidates. To view Bailey's website, Click Here>

AVAILABLE AT CAFE PRESS * CLICK HERE>

Remove Signs by Nov. 9
*THE CITY OF ASHEVILLE RECENTLY REMINDED CITIZENS that Political Signs Must Be Removed Within 5 Days of Election | Signs must be removed within five days of Election Day by property owners and candidates. | For more info about political signs within city limits, call the Planning Department at 828-259-5830.

Do the Math
*270 ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES WERE NEEDED to Win | To do the math with this interactive U.S. map, visit 270towin.com or Click Here>

OBAMA IN ASHEVILLE * Lisa Ringelspaugh-Irvine/MediaBear

*ON VIDEO, Barack Obama Promises to Restore Prosperity to America | Truthout posts video of Obama: Click Here>

CURRENT NEWS

Download Money-Saving Coupons
*CHAMBER ANNOUNCES NEW WEBSITE, SaveInAsheville.com | To download online coupons provided by local businesses and professionals, Click He re>

Progress Still Pushes Coal and Nuclear
*MIKE HOPPING REPORTS on the Latest News and Noise from Progress Energy | Filed on Oct. 10, 2008, the bottom line is bad: Progress Energy will keep pushing its worn out agenda of increased coal pollution and nutty nuclear in the name of electrical power. When will Progress get serious about renewable energy? Read journalist/author Michael Hopping's even-handed take ("Welcome to My World: CEAC XVI") on WNC's so-called Progress. Click Here>

Give Peace A Chance Every Tues.
*STAND FOR PEACE AT VANCE MONUMENT Each Tues. Afternoon | Stand for peace with members of Veterans For Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Western North Carolina Peace Coalition, Buncombe Green Party and sundry peace-mongers each Tues., 4:30 to 6 p.m., at Vance Monument, located at Biltmore and Patton avenues in the heart of Downtown Asheville. | ALSO, Veterans For Peace Chapter 099 holds a monthly meeting that is free and open to the public the first Thurs. of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Firestorm Cafe & Books, 48 Commerce Street, Asheville NC. | For details about Veterans for Peace in Asheville, Click Here> | For WNC Peace Coalition info, Click Here> | For directions to Firestorm, Click Here>

BAILOUT NEWS & VIEWS

*WHERE ARE THE TAXPAYERS' BAILOUT BUCKS Really Going? | The Associated Press recently broke the news that bankers, flush with the taxpayers' $700 billion, are spending it in ways that will make Americans' blood boil. Take a seat, pop a beer, and Click Here>

*MAYBE Alan "The Maestro" Greenspan Was Wrong? | Now that's an understatement as one listens to his testimony in front of blistering questioning by U.S. Senators about what happened with the economy and his part in it. | For Greenspan quotes, Click Here> | For intelligent public response to Greenspan's admitted surprise that banks couldn't self-regulate themselves, dah, Click Here>

*MARKET Watch | Follow the bouncy ride. Click Here>

*SERIOUS Financial News | Worth Reading. Click Here>

*BAILOUT DETAILS ABOUT H.R. 1424 That Have Been Signed into Law | To read H.R. 1424 posted at the Library of Congress, Click Here>

ON THE BEAT

RAPID RIVER MAGAZINE IS THE REGION'S OLDEST AND
MOST WIDELY READ ARTS AND CULTURE MONTHLY

*CURRENT ISSUE of Rapid River | Click Here>
*CURRENT ISSUE of MountainXpress | Click Here>
*CURRENT ISSUE of WNC Woman | Click Here>

'RIDE, BABY, RIDE'
*A NOTE from Laurey Masterton | Click Here>

Citizen-Leader Wanted
*CITY OF ASHEVILLE ANNOUNCES CITIZEN OPENING for ABC Commission | Application deadline: Nov. 13, 2008. | For details about the Asheville ABC Commission and to submit an application to become a commission member, Click Here>

JOHN MAC KAH'S NEW LIMITED EDITION: COLD MOUNTAIN IN AUTUMN

Mac Kah Presents New Work
*NEW WORK OF COLD MOUNTAIN by John Mac Kah now available at BlackBird Frame & Art | Recently, Asheville artist John Mac Kah presented his newest work of Cold Mountain in the fall at BlackBird's newest location on S. Lexington Ave. | For details and directions to BlackBird, Click Here>

Downtown Master Plan Coming Soon?
Been wondering about the consultants' progress?
*AFTER THE SEPTEMBER PUBLIC MEETING WAS CANCELLED, Citizens Have Been Waiting for a New Meeting Date to Analyze the Master Plan for Downtown | The long-awaited Master Plan for Downtown Asheville produced by city-hired consultants Goody Clancy of Boston is being readied and may be unveiled in a public meeting sometime in late Nov. or early Dec. Stay tuned. | For official city news about the plan to date, Click Here> | For more news and photos, Click Here>

PARKSIDE NEWS

'STOP PARKSIDE' STICKERS ARE WORN BY MANY AT HEARINGS * Photo: Belzak/MediaBear

Asheville's Epic Struggle Not Over Yet: Coleman Appeals

*DOWNTOWNASHEVILLE.COM CONTINUES Its In-Depth News Coverage about Parkside | Asheville's most contentious real estate development -- an epic struggle between middle class citizens and the powerful, well-heeled elite -- just won't go away. | For comprehensive coverage of Parkside scandal, Click Here> | For Jennifer Saylor's article about Parkside in The Blue Banner, UNCA's newspaper, Click Here>

Coleman's 'Spite House'?
*ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE CONCERNING THIS BAD DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL According to Many Local Real Estate Professionals Who Wish the Project Would Go Away for Good | Here's what developer Stewart Coleman could do on land that he owns -- and in the process tear down Asheville's oldest building that's next to the new $21 million City-County Plaza park now under construction with Pack Square Conservancy oversight: Click Here>

*OUT IN ASHEVILLE Launches Daily Gay News Online | Click Here>

ASHBIZ.COM
THE BUSINESS OF ASHEVILLE

GOVERNMENT ALERT

Have You Seen Her?
*HAVE YOU SEEN MISSING TEEN Jessica Renee Hall? | Any info? Click Here>

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Asheville's "No Ads" Movie Theatre
*FINE FLICKS at the Fine Arts Theatre | For current schedule of Downtown's only independent movie theatre, Click Here>
*TOP 21 Nightspots | For fun downtown. Click Here>
*PARTY Too Hearty? | Call four cabbies! Click Here>
*ASHEVILLE Calendar | Any way you like it. Click Here>

HISTORICAL ASHEVILLE

MUSIC AND MORE

Hometown Holiday Jam VIII
*COMMUNITY HOLIDAY BENEFIT for Manna Food Bank and Salvation Army | On Dec. 10, 2008, at The Orange Peel. $10 advance / $12 at the door. Bring a can of food or a toy, too. Help your hometown through the tough times. | Click Here>

HUMOR (NO KIDDING!)

Compliments of AllFordMustangs.com

TONGUE-ON-CHEEK
Questions of the Week

*What are we, (fill in the blank)? Click Here>
*Is a 'Sense of Humor' store just for laughs? Click Here>
*Is it time for some campaignin'? Click Here>
*Will the anti-Bush merchandise market collapse? Click Here>
*Can the Society for Creative Anachronism modernize? Click Here>

FOR MORE PRESSING QUESTIONS, Click Here>

FOOD NEWS

*RESTAURANTSAsheville.com | Only unique restaurants in Asheville listed, such as Rosetta's Kitchen. | To find your favorite place, Click Here>

QuickClickDIRECTORY
Click Here>

ELI: Helping to create a much-needed Firestorm * Belzak/MediaBear

101 IN GOOD FOOD, GOOD FOLKS: Eli of Firestorm Cafe and Books is a worker-owner of one of Downtown Asheville's best new places to eat, read, compute, organize, and have a cup of mud with some clear talk. SPECIAL NOTE: The cafe has a virtually unprecedented Buncombe County Health Dept. rating of 101, although soon the county will change its grading system so that no establishment can receive a higher mark than 100. * For more info about how to become a part of the worker-owner movement at Firestorm, Click Here>

REAL LOCAL NEWS FROM THE GRASSROOTS UP...
*FOR NEARLY FOUR CONSECUTIVE YEARS, DowntownAsheville.com has been reporting the news about our unique urban community. The more we know about each other, the more we are truly connected. Help keep Downtown Asheville weird, wired and wonderful ... from the grassroots up. Many thanks for your emails of news, photos and essays. We will continue to post as many as we can. Keep it real, and email: byron(at) mediabear.com or Click Here>

Photo Courtesy of AdvantageWest

DowntownAsheville.com
*YOUR Independent News about Downtown Asheville, North Carolina ... a diverse, urban, Southern Appalachian city ... where business bustles ... new ideas germinate ... grassroots' activism grows ... the All-American City and county seat of Buncombe ... "Anyway You Like It" ... located in the Blue Ridge Mountains ... along "America's Favorite Highway," the Blue Ridge Parkway ... a vibrant city dubbed "Paris of the South" ... the heartbeat of Western North Carolina. Click Here>

*DowntownAsheville.com is published daily by MediaBear | MediaBear, a division of Wenoca Real Estate, Inc., is an independent Internet publisher and writing service based in Buncombe County.

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