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Obamania on the wane?

2009-07-15T20:34:05Z

Is President Barack Obama’s teflon wearing a bit thin?

The president’s approval rating has dropped below 50 percent in North Carolina for the first time since he took office, according to a survey by Public Policy Polling, reports Rob Christensen.

The poll found that 49 percent approve of the job Obama is doing and 44 percent disapprove.

Obama was the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry the state in 32 years.

"Some independent voters are starting to pin the blame for the economy on Barack Obama instead of George W. Bush and as that happens his approval ratings are seeing a slow decline," said Dean Debnam, president of the Democratic-leaning firm that is based in Raleigh. "That movement is not too dramatic though as his approval has come in somewhere between 49 percent and 54 percent every month since he took office."

The survey of 767 North Carolina voters was conducted July 10-12 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

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Today in Asheville

2009-07-15T04:15:00Z

Guitarist Reeves Gabrels plays tonight at The Garage at Biltmore.

Golf tournament benefits Hospice

2009-07-15T16:15:00Z

The 23rd Annual Hospice Golf Tournament and Fun on the Mountain event will be at Wolf Laurel Country Club July 17-18 to benefit Hospice of Madison County.

Trail maintenance volunteers needed at Grandfather Mountain

2009-07-15T16:15:00Z

LINVILLE -- Grandfather Mountain will host a volunteer weekend July 18-19 to knock out a few more necessary trail projects.

Change The World Wednesday

2009-07-15T13:00:00Z

How did everyone do with last week's challenge? I loved it ... we "left the car home" for the majority of the week (for full disclosure, however, I will say that we work at home). Deciding not to use the car seemed to give me permission to stay home and do a few things that I never have time for ... like reading or working on hobbies. And when we got "cabin fever", we headed out for a walk instead of a ride. When we did use the car, we really thought about it, asking ourselves if it was necessary and if so, how could we best use the trip to do the most with the least amount of gas. While we always try to conserve, this challenge pointed out that there are areas where we can do better.

Here's this week's Honor Society:

Connie Mishali at http://seewhykinsman.blogspot.com/2009/07/change-world-challenge.html

Inge' at http://dementiafor2.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-no-driving.html

Pseudonymous High School Teacher at http://phhhst.blogspot.com/

Sotorrific Twins at http://sotorrifictwins.blogspot.com/

Natura at http://naturaredweb.com/2009/07/08/top-3-car-free-solutions-to-reduce-carbon-footprints/

Kristi at http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/

Dafthermit at http://theblackbuscompany.blogspot.com/

Mukund at http://life-hereinindia.blogspot.com/2009/07/challenge-for-all-of-you.html

Sober White Women at http://thoughtsofasoberwhitewomen.blogspot.com/2009/07/eco-pimping.html

Shari (sorry, we don't know Shari's site address)

Sarah (sorry, we don't know Sarah's site address but we hear that she posted about this)

GigiSxm at http://adventuresingigi.blogspot.com/2009/07/change-world-wednesdays_08.html

Harmony at http://harmonytravel.blogspot.com/2009/07/change-world-wednesdays.html and at http://harmonytravel.blogspot.com/2009/07/why-walkingbikingrollerblading-is-good.html

Chicamom85 at http://chicamom85.blogspot.com/2009/07/change-world-wednesday-july-8.html

Sinclair at http://sharingourgifts.blogspot.com/2009/07/change-world-wednesday_08.html

Eemilla at http://eemilla.wordpress.com/2009/07/09/forty-five-weeks/

Kate at http://holdfastseeker.blogspot.com/

EcoGrrl at http://ecogrrlnetwork.blogspot.com/

Thomas Winther at http://www.renewablesathome.com/recycling/6-reasons-why-you-worry-too-much-mercury-cfls and at http://www.renewablesathome.com/transport/why-getting-rid-of-my-car-was-a-great-relief

Elizabeth Barrette at http://ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com/698676.html

Joe Todd at http://www.myqualitytime.net/

RhianB (sorry, we don't have a website for RhianB)

Mindmatter at http://anewbeginning-mindmatter.blogspot.com/

S. Engelmohr at http://sengelmohr.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-change-cfl-way.html

Isn't that a great group? While I didn't have time to comment on everyone's posting this week, I did read all of the articles. I hope that each of you will take a minute to visit some of our Honor Society ... there are some great articles out there!

Okay ... are you ready for this weeks challenge? Today's challenge was suggested by Kelli at Thoughts of a Sober White Women. She calls this the "No Spending Diet" and says that she has been on this diet for a year. Wow, Kelli ... that's fabulous! Thanks for this week's challenge. Here we go:

For one entire week, put yourself on a "No Spending Diet" ... don't buy anything new (except for food, health and safety products). No new clothes ... no new shoes ... no new gizmos or gadgets ... forget about a new car, new furniture or new appliances ... nothing new for one week!

OR ... if you're already in the habit of buying used or repurposing what you have, for all or most of the time, write a paragraph or two about how it works in your life or write about your favorite repurposed item and send it to me (you'll find Reduce Footprint's email address on the left sidebar). In an upcoming post, I'll include everyone's ideas!

If you're wondering why a "No Spending Diet" is good for the earth, check out The Story of Stuff. It's a brilliant video!

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who participates in our challenges and spreads the "green" word. I appreciate your open minds, willingness to try something new and concern for the earth we live on!

We're changing the world ... one challenge at a time!

As always ... I would love to hear from you!

Day In The Life Of Asheville

2009-07-15T15:36:00Z

From now until August 14th the Day In The Life Of Asheville (DITLOA) photography exhibit will be on display at the Pack Place library. This community photo project took place in May and over 200 photographers took part in documenting Asheville over a 36 hour period.

The exhibit contains 100 photos selected by three judges as well as a photographers choice photo that every participant could submit. The judges of the event were Marti Saltzman, Heff Wignall and George Schaub, all leading experts in the field of photography. There were a total of 890 photographs submitted for judging. You can view these images here.

During this same weekend the Citizen Camera project was also put into place by DITLOA volunteers. Disposable cameras were placed at various stations around Asheville asking whoever stumbled across it to take a picture. These were later collected and the images have been recorded here.

This is an annual event open to photographers of all skill levels.

Tonight in Swannanoa: Groovin' on Grovemont

2009-07-14T18:30:11Z

Press release here, from loyal reader Tammy:

WHAT: 7th ANNUAL GROOVIN' ON GROVEMONT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

A benefit for two Swannanoa non-profits: The Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Emergency Assistance Program (a program of the Swannanoa Community Council)

WHEN: Tuesdays, July 14, July 28, and August 11 - 6pm each evening

WHERE: Grovemont Square adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Ave, Swannanoa, NC, 28778

DETAILS: The Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council present the 7th annual Groovin' on Grovemont summer concert series in Grovemont Square adjacent to the Swannanoa Library. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come enjoy these family-friendly evenings of great music! The series is free and open to the public. Pizza and baked goods will be available for sale. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Emergency Assistance Program.

Admission to Groovin' on Grovemont is free, but donations are always welcome. Individual and business sponsorship opportunities are still available. To inquire, please email Groovin@iLoveTheLibrary.org or call (828) 250-6486.

SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, July 14 at 6pm

The Barrel House Mamas

The Barrel House Mamas conjure the sweet and sultry sounds of the southern Appalachian mountains in their robust vocals and original songs. Come share this roots-pure experience with hints of Appalachian old time, classic folk, blues, country, and a bit of swing.

Tuesday, July 28 at 6pm

The Groovemont Players

This collection of Swannanoa-based players represents a "who's who" of regional talent, performing a mix of rock, soul, blues, and beyond!

Tuesday, August 11 at 6pm

The Firecracker Jazz Band

The Firecracker Jazz Band revitalizes the roots of Jazz. In homage to Dixieland and New Orleans, the Firecrackers carry the torch lit by such greats as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong & Bix Beiderbeck.

Bonus feature: GIANT HALF PRICE BOOK SALE during each Groovin', 5pm - 8pm at the Swannanoa Library Thousands of great books at unbelievably low prices!

For more information about Groovin' on Grovemont, please contact the Swannanoa Library (828)250-6486 or visit www.iLoveTheLibrary.org.

More information (press, photos for publication, etc.) about the entertainment:

The Barrel House Mamas: www.barrelhousemamas.com

The Firecracker Jazz Band: www.firecrackerjazz.com

Madoff arrives at NC prison

2009-07-14T16:37:00Z

WASHINGTON -- Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff arrived today at a federal prison in North Carolina to begin serving a 150-year sentence for what is believed to be the largest Ponzi scheme in history.

Guided free hike at Roan Mtn.

2009-07-14T19:09:00Z

Here's a release from the Southern Applachian Highlands Conservancy

"Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for a grassy bald management / goat-viewing hike on beautiful Roan Mountain at 10 am on Saturday, July 25.
This summer, the “Baa-tany Project,” is rotating goats through test plots of vegetation on the high-elevation grassy balds of protected Roan Mountain, in hopes of finding a low-impact method of bald preservation.
Ecologists suspect that historically, grazing animals such as woolly mammoth, bison, elk, and then the cows of European settlers maintained the open balds that characterize the Roan massif. Just to prolong our beautiful day, we’ll continue on to Grassy Ridge. We’ll be able to compare the mechanical efforts with those of the goats up close and personal. The hike will be around 5 miles of moderately steep terrain.
Please dress for the weather and remember to bring hiking shoes, rain gear, backpack lunch, water, and a camera. We’ll break for a picnic in the middle. Directions and meeting location will be sent upon RSVP. This hike is free and open to the public.
For more information contact: Stacy Neiman at (828)253-0095 ext. 205 or stacy@appalachian.org

Junk Mail, Catalogs and Phone Books ... Oh My!

2009-07-13T15:32:00Z

Last year, in an effort to reduce the amount of paper in the world, I started a campaign to eliminate junk mail and catalogs from my mailbox and discontinue the delivery of phone books to my home. While I did enjoy, to some extent, browsing through those advertisements ... and while the phone books actually worked great as door stops ... I really didn't need them. And I got to thinking ... if everyone was receiving the quantity that I was receiving ... and eventually sending it all to the landfill ... well, that's a lot of trees being cut down (for nothing) and a lot of waste. So ... it had to end.

Initially it took a little effort ... even when I signed up for a "do not mail" or "opt out" service, I still got stuff ... unwanted stuff. So, when the stuff appeared, I found out who was sending it, called them, and politely asked them to stop sending it to me. Usually people were glad to do it ... and when they were hesitant, I explained that I would be happy to receive emails from them but didn't want to waste paper and hurt the environment (they were more agreeable to my request when they learned it wasn't anything "personal" and when I gave them an alternate way to "stay connected"). If you'd like to read about my initial efforts, you can do so here:

Junk Mail
Phone Books

Today, about a year later, my mailbox is free of clutter and my doorstep hasn't been graced with a stack of phone books in months. Yay! More importantly, paper has been reduced, trees have been saved and the landfill hasn't been filled with paper from my house. Imagine if every home in America ... or the world ... could say the same. Wow!

Here are some proven methods for eliminating junk mail, catalogs and phone books:

DirectMail.com. These are the people who send out advertising. Their philosophy is that it is expensive to send fliers, mail, etc. to people who aren't interested so they can save money by not wasting their efforts.

Catalog Choice. I really like this site. When a catalog arrives, I log into this site, search for the catalog and opt out of receiving it. That's it ... real easy. As with the direct mail advertisers, many companies don't want to spend money sending out catalogs to people who don't want them. So Catalog Choice works with companies to easily offer an opt-out service. If a catalog or particular company isn't listed on their site, one can request that a catalog be included and the administrators of the site will contact the company and work with them to offer this service. Brilliant!

Opt Out Prescreen. Did you know: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you. That's why mailboxes fill up with those pesky "You are Pre-Approved" offers and why every insurance company in the world seems to think that you need their coverage. This site allows you to opt out of those kinds of offers.

Yellow Page Goes Green. The purpose of this site is to get your name and mailing address off the delivery list. This is the site that I've had the least success with ... many phone books are just bundled up and dropped at the door. Also, there are a bunch of companies who print and deliver "phone books" in my area ... and not all of them are covered by this site. By all means, sign up on this site ... it will eliminate some books. Beyond that, whenever a book is delivered, check it for the providers name and phone number and then call them ... they'll take you off the list. Calling has worked the best for me ... I no longer get phone books.

Here's a little bonus ... while the next site doesn't save a lot of paper, it does reduce the stress of having to deal with telemarketers:

National Do Not Call Registry. When you sign up on this site, you'll be amazed at how many telemarketer calls will be eliminated. If one should get through, ask them to place your number on the "Do Not Call" list ... which, by the way, is different from asking them to take you off their call list (which won't accomplish anything).

So ... visit a few sites, make a few calls ... eliminate paper waste. It's a good thing!

As always, I would love to hear from you!

Ingles Info Aisle - 7/18 - 8:05am

2009-07-14T13:58:00Z

My guest is Dr. Amy Lanou from UNCA about the vegetarian and vegan diets.

Urban chickens reported stolen

2009-07-13T21:43:14Z

Someone apparently stole a flock of urban chickens living on the campus of Isaac Dickson Elementary School in Asheville, according to a school parent who has worked closely with the school and its birds. Teacher Patti Evans went to check on the chickens early Saturday and discovered coops on the school grounds empty, says Kate Fisher, who has two children at the school on Hill Street. Eight chickens in all, including unofficial school mascots Lily and Winter and two three-month-old chicks that school children watched hatch, were gone. Fisher says the school filed a police report. “I want people to be on the look-out” for chicken thieves, says Fisher. “If they took ours, the could take anybody’s.” Chickens living inside Asheville city limits have been in the spotlight recently after a group of residents (Asheville City Chickens

UNC Asheville announces layoffs

2009-07-13T18:34:01Z

UNC Asheville announced on Monday that, due to an anticipated 10 percent budget cut for the state university system in the next fiscal year, it had eliminated 43 staff positions, resulting in eight layoffs. Of the 43 positions, according to the campus press office, 26 were vacant. Of the remaining 17, nine staffers were found jobs in other open positions. The eight employees laid off were given 30 days notice and severance pay, according to a press release. No faculty positions were eliminated. The cuts will also mean the closing of the campus convenience store and the phasing out of a spectroscopy research center and the Environmental Quality Institute, which analyzes local water samples for municipalities and individuals. — Brian Postelle, staff writer

Health care battle brews in N.C.

2009-07-14T15:54:04Z

With the health care debate entering a key phase in Congress, both sides are turning up their grassroots lobbying efforts in North Carolina.

An arm of the Democratic National Committee has been holding grassroots meetings across the state, seeking to mobilize the army of supporters that helped President Barack Obama carry the state last November. Meanwhile, conservative opponents of Obama’s health care plan is beginning to organize, reports Rob Christensen.

The North Carolina Chapter of Americans for Prosperity is planning to hold two rallies next week to oppose what they call "harmful government-centered health care reform proposals in Congress" and to demand free-market solutions.

The featured speakers are Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, the GOP nominee for governor last year and possible future candidate, as well as Steve Lonegan, who lost the Republican nomination for governor of New Jersey earlier this year.

Lonegan, a former mayor of Bogota, New Jersey, is a conservative activist who heads the New Jersey chapter of Americans for Prosperity.

The "Patients First Tour" will hold a rally on July 21 at the RBC Center in Raleigh with a reception at 6:15 p.m. and a dinner at 7 p.m. On July 22, the group will hold an event at the Jesse Helms Center at Wingate.

But just as in last year’s presidential campaign, conservatives appear to be playing catch up to the better organized Obama forces.

More after the jump

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State ACLU has new president

2009-07-14T17:28:44Z

The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina has a new leader.

Durham attorney Carlos Mahoney was elected as president of the legal advocacy group's state board, according to a media release issued Tuesday. He replaces Mark Kleinschmidt, whose term as president ended in June, Michael Biesecker reports.

Mahoney, a partner at the Durham law firm Glenn, Mills, Fisher & Mahoney, has been a member of the ACLU board since 2005

A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill's School of Law, Mahoney has served as vice president of the ACLU-NC Legal Foundation for the past two years and has been recognized by the North Carolina Advocates for Justice for his service as chairman of the Civil Rights Section and Hispanic/Latino Legal Issues Division.

Kleinschmidt, the outgoing president, praised Mahoney's selection in a written statement.

"The civil rights community can rest assured that the ACLU-NC has a very bright future with Carlos at the helm,” he said, according to the release.

Mahoney recently helped win freedom for Erick Daniels, a Durham teen who wrongly served seven years in prison on a robbery conviction that a judge found was based on flawed and poor evidence.

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Today in Asheville

2009-07-14T10:47:00Z

Hank Williams III plays tonight at The Orange Peel.

Road report for Buncombe County

2009-07-14T11:29:00Z

Depending on weather and unforeseen circumstances, construction sites where delays may occur this week include:

Here's where you can see 'Harry Potter' movie in Asheville (with review and interactive quizzes)

2009-07-14T13:12:00Z

Editor's note: Anxious to see the latest installment of "Harry Potter" series?

'Take our Tomato' photo contest begins

2009-07-14T14:15:00Z

ASHEVILLE -- Earth Fare announces the "Take our Tomato" photo contest. Anyone can enter for a chance to win over $500 in prizes - just take a photo with an Earth Fare tomato.

Asheville bank is buying historic Mars Hill house

2009-07-14T15:15:00Z

An Asheville bank wants to renovate a bed and breakfast in downtown Mars Hill for its next branch office.