PARTIAL
BREAKING NEWS
Paulson Announces New Federal Reserve's Consumer Facility with '$200 Billion Starting Point' to Guarantee Consumer Loans
*CONSUMER CREDIT LOAN FACILITY IS DESIGNED to jump-start U.S. economy by providing more loans to consumer | This Tues. morning, Nov. 25, 2008, U.S. treasury secretary Hank Paulson said "the lack of consumer credit" is hurting the American economy. Consequently, he announced the formation of a new fed facility that would help get credit moving to consumers in time for the holiday buying season. Report by Mediabear. | "Feds bet $800 billion on consumers." Report by CNNmoney.com: Click Here> | "New facility targets consumer lending." Report by WSJ.com: Click Here> |"U.S. unveils new programs to ease credit." Report by NYTimes.com: Click Here> | "Slight rise in consumer confidence." Report by NYTimes.com: Click Here>
Feds to Buy $600 Billion in Mortgage-Backed Assets
*U.S. TREASURY ROLLS OUT NEW PLAN that will use TARP money to help keep the banking industry stable and safe | U.S. treasury secretary Hank Paulson said today that the newly announced purchase of $600 billion in mortgage-backed assets is designed to keep America's banks safe. The historic action is hoped to free up new mortgage money. The huge cash infusion is designed, in part, to allow for banks to process loan modifications for homeowners who are having trouble making their monthly mortgage payments. Paulson said: "The trouble is getting the balance right between the homeowners and the banks. ... We're working hard [on this mortgage problem], and we're making progress." Report by MediaBear. | "Paulson's rescue plan is called 'TARP'." Background report by Politico.com: Click Here> | "Economy shrinking, home prices dropping." Report by AP.org: Click Here> | To apply for loan modification, visit DirectMortgage.com of Asheville, NC, or Click Here>
FEATURED NEWS
Holiday Shoppers Must Avoid Parking in Fire Lanes
*FIRE MARSHAL WARNS VIOLATORS of Increased Enforcement | If someone stays with a vehicle being loaded, they are not in violation of the city ordinance, said Asheville Fire and Rescue Department officials. However, shoppers will be subject to a fine if they illegally park their vehicles in travel lanes of parking lots, in front of fire hydrants and in fire lanes. Such violations present emergency vehicles and personnel with access problems. Local deputy fire marshals request that shoppers properly park their cars, load their vehicles in loading zones, and have someone stay with the vehicle while loading.
If you've never seen a real camel before, here's your chance. * Photo: WNC Nature Center
One Hump or Two?
*NATURE CENTER FEATURES VISITING CAMELS Dec. 3 - 10 | On display at the WNC Nature Center from Dec. 3 through Dec. 10, 2008, will be two, female, single-humped, dromedary camels, named Blue and Glory. | For more info or specific questions on camels, contact Henry Bulluck, animal curator, at 828-298-5600, ext. 311. | For more excitement at the Nature Center, visit wildwnc.org or Click Here>
ASHEVILLE DISCLAIMER POKES FUN AT THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS
Apply for Vacant Seat on City Council by Tomorrow
*HOLLY JONES' SEAT AVAILABLE due to her win as Buncombe County commissioner | City Council will review applications that are submitted by Weds., Nov. 26 and make a decision by Dec. 9, 2008. | For details and application form, Click Here> | For an example, examine Cecil Bothwell's application: Click Here> | For a humorous take on the matter by the Asheville Disclaimer, Click Here>
3rd Annual 'Homeless Initiative' Meeting Dec. 2
*10-YEAR PLAN TO END HOMELESSNESS UPDATE open to the public | The Homeless Initiative Community Stakeholders’ meeting is organized by the City of Asheville and will be held on Tues., Dec. 2, 2008, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Public Works Building, 161 South Charlotte St, Asheville. All sectors of the community, including the homeless, are encouraged to attend. Stakeholders will evaluate program successes, gaps in services, and what actions should be taken next year to address homelessness. | For details, call 828-259-5851 or Click Here>
'City Manager's Development Forum' Dec. 5
*SEMI-ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING FOR CITIZENS AND DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS RESCHEDULED for Fri., Dec. 5, 2008, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Held at the Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte Street, the forum updates the community about development process and budgetary issues. For more details, call 828-232-4505. | For presentation slides and agenda, visit ashevillenc.gov/ed or Click Here>
Police Offer Safety Tips After ATM Holdups
*WACHOVIA BRANCH ATM ON HENDERSONVILLE ROAD becomes 'holdup heaven' lately | On Oct. 29, Nov. 13, and most recently on Nov. 18, 2008, Asheville police reported three incidents of armed holdups when patrons tried to make withdrawals or deposits at the automated teller machine at the Wachovia branch (2373 Hendersonville Road). In light of these problems, the police offer the following tips to increase safety at ATMs: Click Here>
WNC HEALTHCARE
MISSION HOSPITALS: Western North Carolina's Largest Healthcare System
Mission Hospitals: 'Look for Major Projects and Purchases to Be Delayed'
*MISSION HOSPITALS' NOV. 21, 2008, 'SCOPE' NEWSLETTER highlights how the financial meltdown is affecting our community health system | Writes Mission: "The number of uninsured and underinsured people in our region is on the rise. ... The tight credit markets will affect everything from new construction to the purchase of major equipment. ... Look for major projects and purchases to be delayed in 2009." | To read the current "Scope" issue, pick up a copy at the hospital. | To view previous issues online, Click Here>
Our Ailing Heathcare System
*FIVE MYTHS about America's Ailing Healthcare System | Washington Post reports: Click Here>
The Obama-Biden Plan
*FOR THE OFFICIAL NEWS about Obama's healthcare plan, Click Here>
CURRENT NEWS
PHOTO: ZEN SUTHERLAND * ZEN'S PHOTOSTREAM
Give Peace A Chance Every Tuesday
*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>
Gingerbread House Display Now Open
*THE GROVE PARK INN'S ANNUAL GINGERBREAD COMPETITION AND PUBLIC DISPLAY began Nov. 19, 2008, and runs through Jan. 11, 2009. | For details and photos about the popular event, Click Here>
FRANK HARMON: Architect to design Craft Campus * Photo: UNC Asheville
Craft Campus Design Process Begins Dec. 4
*FRANK HARMON, designer of UNCA's Craft Campus, will head the first of two design charrettes. | The Craft Campus will be constructed on the old landfill site located on Riverside Drive, and will utilize methane gas from the landfill to fire its kilns. | For more information on architect Frank Harmon and his design team, visit the Craft Campus website at unca.edu/craftcampus or Click Here>
SHOPPING ASHEVILLE
Featuring Independent Businesses
Swedish Massage by Brett Rodgers * Photo: Vitality Massage
Give (Yourself) the Gift of Massage
*ONE HOUR OF BODYWORK THERAPY FOR $35 BY A LICENSED ASHEVILLE PRO is one introduction that the weary shopper can't pass up to become revitalized | Treat yourself to a full range of massage (with names you may have trouble pronouncing, but little difficulty enjoying) by Brett Rodgers (NC License #7557). | For photos with descriptions about soothing aching muscles: Click Here>
Laurey's Basket of Yum * Photo: Laurey Masterton
Gift (Basket) Time
*LAUREY MASTERTON OF REMINDS ASHEVILLE that it's time to give thanks | And she's right. For a beautiful basket of goodies this Thanksgiving, Click Here> | For Laurey's most recent note about her quest to bring awareness and support of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and early detection with her major cross-country bike ride, Click Here>
FOR MORE IDEAS AT SHOPPINGASHEVILLE.COM, Click Here>
ART NEWS
'Faces You Might Know' by Vadim Bora
Vadim Bora's Portrait Show Begins Dec. 1
*OVER 200 ORIGINAL PORTRAITS, SCULPTURES AND CARICATURES that celebrate the portrait genre will be on display Dec. 1 - 14, 2008, at Vadim Bora Studio and Gallery | Reception: Dec. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. | For additional exhibition details, Click Here>
Calling All Artists by Dec. 1
*'ON THE VERGE' ART COMPETITION Ends Dec. 1 | Aimed at discovering new regional talent, this competition is for you. Whose invited to participate? Painters, potters, sculptors, glassblowers, photographers, blacksmiths, or whatever your specialty. Organized by the Asheville Area Arts Council and WNC Magazine. | For competition details, Click Here>
*ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN GALLERY Association | Click Here>
*ASHEVILLE AREA Arts Council | Click Here>
*ASHEVILLE Art Museum | Click Here>
*RIVER DISTRICT Artists | Click Here>
*ASHEVILLE ART Galleries | Dozens to visit | Click Here>
