Asheville area music producer asks: "What do you love?"

The Asheville electronic music scene has been growing and growing in the Asheville area each year.  Actually, Asheville was recently rated the #1 Small City for Art, and the art coming out of this city is consistently great.

One such Asheville-native electronic music producer is Danny Peck, and he develops music under the moniker "dep."  His music is one part film score, one part glitchy electronic beats, and one part ambient, down-tempo groove, and he has been dropping albums at a steady pace on his website, http://justdep.com since 2005.

His forthcoming new album is titled "Start Loving the Robots," and is set for release this summer.  In preparation for the release, dep is performing an experiment that he's dubbed "The I Love____ Global Collaboration Project" where he's asking individuals to phone in to his automated phone line and leave a short message telling him what they love.  From "I love strawberries," to "I love my mom and dad," the calls have been flowing in, and dep promises that the best 150 entries will be mixed in to one of his tracks on the new album and sent a free copy as well!

dep is hitting the streets of Asheville as well, asking random individuals what it is they love and recording their responses.  If he records you, your voice will appear on this forthcoming release and you'll receive a free copy of the album as well.

To participate roll over to dep's website and follow the instructions to send in your response today! http://justdep.com/

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Tao instructor de Vos to offer feminine workshop in WNC

WHITTIER, N.C. – Minke de Vos, Senior universal Tao instructor and director of Silent Grounds Retreats, Vancouver, B.C., will offer a one-day feminine sexual energy workshop in Western North Carolina.

Ms. de Vos has devoted over 20 years to the practice of internal arts, offering a wide range of energetic and spiritual skills. She has an international reputation as a top teacher of qigong, healing, and women's sexuality.

“In the workshop, participants will be initiated into the sacred art of female sexual energy practices,” says Anyaa McAndrew, an internationally known women's spirituality facilitator, and coordinator of the one day event. “Women can cultivate sensual, powerful sexual energy with emotionally transformative meditation exercises, Tao Yoga, Sensual Qigong, and empowering Jade Egg exercises.”

The workshop will focus on female sexual energy that is beneficial for women of all ages, and includes practices for easing menstruation, menopause, strengthening women internally, balancing our hormones, cultivating radiance and rejuvenating vitality.

Space is limited, though lodging is available. The workshop will be Tuesday, June 29, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., at Isis Cove Community and Retreat Center, Whittier, N.C. (one hour west of Asheville). For more information, contact Anyaa McAndrew at anyaa@vzemail.com/, or www.goddessontheloose.com/.


Sherri L. McLendon is a freelance writer in Weaverville, N.C. She can be reached directly at sherri@sherrimclendon.com, or check out her media blog at www.sherrimclendon.com/.

Marijuana - Does Asheville need some Weed?

North Carolina NORML Chapter Inaugural Benefit Concert


Sunday, June 27, 2010, 9:00pm, The Garage at Biltmore, 101-D Fairview Rd., Asheville

Asheville attorney Jennifer Foster announces the initiation of a statewide North Carolina Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), www.norml.org, a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. No statewide chapter has existed to date.

NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession and responsible use of marijuana by adults. This model, similar to that recommended to Congress by President Nixon's esteemed Shafer Commission in 1972, is called "decriminalization.” NORML also strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering. NORML has advocated for the legal use of medicinal marijuana since 1972. Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate the non-psychoactive strain of cannabis known as hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.

On Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 9:00 pm, The Garage at Biltmore will host a benefit concert for the forming chapter featuring Trouble with Aaron Woody Wood, Jay Sanders, Jason Flournoy, and Mike Rhodes, whose collective resume spans such influential groups as Acoustic Syndicate, The Blue Rags, Donna The Buffalo, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Hollywood Red and Shanti Groove just to name a few. Closing out the evening will be The Screaming Js, featuring Jake Hollifield (The Blue Rags), Jason Krekel (Mad Tea Party), Mike Gray (Firecracker Jazz Band), Jonathan Paul Hess (Erika Jane and Remember the Bees). A minimum donation of $10 at the door will help the forming chapter gain 501(c)(3) status and provide for initial operating expenses.

Information will be provided as to how citizens can become involved to support the pending North Carolina Medical Marijuana Act, HB 1380, and otherwise help to reform marijuana and hemp prohibition in North Carolina.

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Asheville Protest / Rally - Hands Across The Sand - This Saturday

Ashevillians to Join Hands As part of The Largest Gathering against Offshore Oil Drilling In History

On Saturday, June 26, Asheville will participate in the largest gathering against offshore drilling in the US. At noon, in Carrier Park, participants will join hands along with participants on beaches and in parks and cities all across America as well as the Ireland, Dominican Republic, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. All participants of “Hands Across the Sand” will be united against the dangers offshore oil drilling present to our oceans and marine wildlife, fishing industries and coastal economies.

Hands across the Sand's mission is to steer America's energy policy away from its dependence on fossil fuels and into the light of clean energy. The aim is to convince our leaders to abandon expanded offshore oil drilling and adopt policies that encourage clean and renewable energy sources. In Asheville, on Sat. June 26 from 11am to noon, speakers and musicians will talk about the Gulf disaster and offer ways for participants to reduce their dependence on oil and encourage renewable energy.

"The image is powerful, the message simple,” said event founder Dave Rauschkolb. “No to offshore oil drilling, yes to clean energy. We are drawing a line in the sand against offshore oil drilling along America’s beaches and in solidarity events across America and around the world. No one industry should be able to place entire coastal economies and marine environments at risk with dangerous, dirty mistakes."

Hands across the Sand was founded by Dave Rauschkolb, a restaurant owner in Florida, in October of 2009. He organized a statewide gathering on February 13, 2010, to send a message to Florida's legislators and Governor Crist that Floridians did not want them to lift the bans on near and offshore oil drilling. Ten Thousand Floridians joined hands, from Jacksonville to Miami Beach and Key West to Pensacola Beach, to protest the efforts by the Florida Legislature and the US Congress to lift the ban on oil drilling in the near and off shores of Florida. Shortly after the event the Florida Legislature tabled the effort.

Hands across the Sand is endorsed by numerous national environmental organizations including: Sierra Club, Audubon, Greenpeace, Defenders of Wildlife, Alaska Wilderness League, Ocean Conservancy, Friends of the Earth, Environment America, 350, MoveOn.org, Center for Biological Diversity and CleanEnergy.org

What: Gathering to show solidarity for the Gulf Region, protest off shore oil drilling and promote clean energy
Where: Carrier park at the French Broad River
When: Saturday, June 26, speakers and displays-11am-noon, Joining hands by the river- noon to 12:15

Please see our website: http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/

Facebook: Hands Across the Sand - Asheville
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Hands-Across-The-Sand-Asheville/133652279982187?ref=ts

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The Wonder of Connection in Asheville - Relationship Workshop

Please join us for a special one-day event in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. An Inspirational Day with Internationally-Renowned Relationship Builders Hedy & Yumi Schleifer.

Date: Sunday, August 1, 2010 - Time: 8:30 am Coffee & Registration, 9:00 am Workshop, 12:00 pm Lunch (on your own in downtown Asheville), 1:00 – 5:00 pm Workshop,

Venue: Asheville Renaissance Hotel - 31 Woodfin St, Asheville NC 28801,

Cost: $95* pp by July 19, 2010, $120* pp after July 19, 2010, * Non-refundable after July 19, 2010



Who: This day is appropriate for growth-oriented individuals and couples who want to live life to the fullest, as well as professional therapists and counselors.

Married for over 45 years, Hedy and Yumi Schleifer’s contagious enthusiasm for life, love and each other make them one of the most unforgettable couples you’ll ever meet. Through a combination of video presentation, heartfelt, insightful and humorous discussions and demonstrations, as well as experiential exercises, this dynamic couple will demonstrate practical and innovative ways to enhance and/or heal personal and business relationships.
Discover:

• life-changing relationship skills

• how to “cross the bridge” into another person’s world

• ways of turning daily grumbles between us into vehicles for change

• healthier means of dissolving conflicts

• how to be fully alive, totally present and ready for the richest connections possible

To register online, visit http://www.hedyyumi.org/ For more information or to register by phone, contact Geoffrey@HedyYumi.org or 305-604-0010.

***Also check out “Adventures in Intimacy” – 3 Day Couple’s Workshop. More information here: http://hedyyumi.org/docs/AII-AUG10-NC.pdf

2-Day Clinical Training: http://www.hedyyumi.org/training/ArtOfRelationalTherapyNC.html

Video movie clip: http://www.youtube.com/hedyyumi


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Hi, I'm Koda; I'm Handsome & Looking for my Forever Home

I am a strong and loving fellow. I love people and love to play with other dogs. They say I'm an alpha male, whatever that means. I just know that I like to be respected because I respect others, people and dogs. I think respect is important in life. I guess that's why I listen and obey and I am house and leash trained. My volunteer walkers tell me I'm the smartest of the bunch because I sit and shake and go down and do all the funny little things people want me to do. I am here (on earth) to please, what can I say. I enjoy how these small things I do make people so happy... like it was a big deal.

My volunteer walkers also tell me I've been at Brother Wolf way too long. They think I am too smart and good to always be passed on. But they treat me nice here at Brother Wolf and I am thankful... so I tell my walkers not too worry; I know my forever home is out there and my family will come soon. Between us, though, the truth is I would love to find my forever home soon. I am well-adjusted and flexible. Whatever comes my way, I am happy. That's the way it should be. Why fret about what you can't change. But, it sure would be really nice to have a family I can call mine. A lot of my friends have been adopted and I patiently wait because I know my turn will come. I think that's what people call faith.

I know the right home is out there. I can't wait to cuddle up with my family and watch TV and go for walks and just play and have fun.

I am wondering... would that be you?
________
You can meet Koda at Brother Wolf. He is such a good boy. Come and meet him and take him for a walk. Give him a chance. He is an amazingly loving dog. Once trust is established he is simply the best. Bonus: We'll pet sit for you if you have to go out of town.







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"We The People"

We'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Best case scenario is that the relief well being drilled, expected to be finished in August, will work. Lets pray for that and hope that this gives the citizens of this world enough reason to bring about a change in our energy paradigm. What will true change require?
"We The People"!

 Live Video Feed of BP Gulf Oil Spill


AP

AquaPro@AskaquaPro.com 
www.AquaEnvi.org
www.AquaProSolutions.com
www.AshevilleGreenPlumbing.com

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HELP: Asheville's $500 Challenge - businesses please pay attention

Jeff Fobes, founder and Publisher of the Mountain Xpress has put $500 in to help Save the Fourth of July with our MPAC's 4th of July WNC Block Party. He is also challenging everyone else in Asheville / WNC to match it. We only need 15 more! Where will you be counted?!


Contact for donations is Randy@myMPAC.com, or by phone: 828-645-2030. Checks made payable to: NCMAYSA -  8 England Woods Drive Weaverville NC 28787

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Everyones Singing Asheville...

Asheville North Carolina comic by DAMAGEINK. "Everyones Singing Asheville..."



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Asheville professional organizers help client move into a retirement community

Simply Change is a company in Asheville North Carolina that specializes in downsizing, decluttering, cleaning, moving and more. Here is a great testimony of someone that was living in a much larger home and needed to relocate to a retirement community in the Asheville area. Robert and Julia help folks in the community get their lives, minds and homes organized. And from what we have seen, they do a great job. Thank you Simply Change.



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Asheville Tax Help by 1040 on Wheels

Edwin Chamberlain of 1040 on Wheels in the Asheville Western North Carolina area is a tax professional that has assisted many area businesses and individuals attain peace with their taxes. He not only services the local area, but can assist businesses around the world with the premium online tax software he uses. They can login online on their end and see exactly what he is doing. Most of Ed's business is done online and communications via the Internet is easy for him. 1040 on Wheels is also available to come to you with local travel around the WNC area.




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Asheville business maybe scammed by Uber Frenzy

Appearance's Salon and Spa in the North Asheville Woodfin NC area recently signed up with a new promotional company called "uber Frenzy" and is far from happy with the results. Jeanne Perry originally planned on getting more business at a discounted rate and then some of the profit made from these discounted sales. As of yet, she has had several people come to redeem coupons, but cannot get in touch with the company or collect on any of the payments. It seems the company is selling these discounts to her shop and keeping all of the money. She is honoring all of the coupons that come in as of now. The number she has is for uber Frenzy is Richard 865-684-9153. If you have any information about this company, please contact Appearance's Salon at 828-645-8585. Thank you.

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IT'S RAINING OIL!

that's my expectation of news headlines in the coming months of what is expected to be a busy 2010 hurricane season. There is good reason to be concerned about what the rains may deliver to the Asheville area as storms move inland from the Gulf of Mexico.








It's heartbreaking enough to consider the impacts of what is already happening. Devastation to wildlife and coastal environments, the long term impacts of which have yet to be fully understood and economic loses to communities that will be felt for generations.

It is hard to believe the environmental catastrophe created by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could have a direct impact in the Mountains of Western North Carolina. Guess what; it can get worse, much worse. Consider this likely scenario; a tropical storm develops and moves into the Gulf. As it progresses on any of the historical tracks seasonal Gulf storms take, the storm strengthens and becomes a hurricane; or not, it really doesn't matter. As the storm builds and feeds on the warm waters it will also pick up oil from the surface. The oil will be carried high into the upper regions of the building storm. As the system intensifies and continues to progress towards landfall it will bring with it a churning concoction of oil and chemicals that have been spilled and sprayed into the ocean. We should be concerned, very concerned of what this storm will leave in its wake. Contamination from the oil spill could reach well beyond of the Gulf region. The oil and chemicals could be spread as far as the storm is capable of traveling. This toxic mixture will end up in watersheds, lakes, forests, mountain tops and valleys possibly as far inland as the Great Lakes or beyond. Everywhere the rains fall from this storm will be at risk of receiving some measure of this toxic soup drawn up from the Gulf of Mexico. Its a very troubling possibility.

Data from NASA's QuikScat satellite was used to monitor changes in surface water resulting from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Mississippi River basin. In these images, the colors represent increases in surface soil moisture resulting from rainfall.
 

All forecasts indicate the United States will experience a very active 2010 storm season. La Nina is rapidly forming in the Pacific with characteristics similar to those of the 1998 La Nina event. All trusted data sources indicate an above average storm season. As for the Gulf region, data indicates the likelihood of five to seven named storms forming, of which two to four will become hurricanes. Researchers expect three to six of the named storms to make landfall along the Gulf, with an 80 percent chance that at least one of those storms will be of hurricane status. In addition, there is a 55 percent chance that one major hurricane will hit the U.S. Gulf Coast.
I’m not going to make predictions of where a storm would be most likely to make landfall (we'll let recent history speak for itself) but you can be almost certain that it will happen.

I’m not a scientist, but water quality and water resource preservation are what I think about everyday. A storm laden with oil and chemicals could create a situation with health and environmental impacts much greater than those of the spill itself. The consequences of such an event must be considered and planned for; and soon. As of noon today we see what is likely to be the first tropical storm of the season forming in the Atlantic on a track that could bring it into the Gulf.

AP

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www.AquaProSolutions.com
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WNC Women Awaken the Sacred, Sexual Feminine

WHITTIER, N.C. – Twelve women will gather from North Carolina and from as far away as the African continent to explore an awaken their creative life force through the awakening of the sacred, sexual feminine June 23-30, at Isis Cove Retreat Center.

Gathered by facilitator Anyaa T. McAndrew, a licensed professional therapist known for her international work with the Shamanic Priestess Process,™ the group will honor the divine feminine through living ceremony.

“Living ceremony means that we’ll co-create within a circle of supportive women meaningful rituals allowing us to dance our truth, breathe deeply into our essence, meditate, then move again,” says McAndrew. “In the process, we will claim and clear ancient wounds, share our sexual stories, and safely explore sexual healing.”

Part of the work involves awakening the kundalini, the powerful energy flow through the chakra system.

“Sharing inner reflection and experiential practices allows women to embody their Shakti energy to heal themselves and their relationships to their body,” says McAndrew.

“When that happens, women allow the divine feminine within themselves to blossom. They become able to co-create with Spirit the life they’ve always wanted,” she says.

Participants would agree, according to Morgan Dragonwillow, a massage therapist from Georgia who chose to clear negative past experiences through the process.

“I felt lighter, more free, and have a deep knowing that I healed and cleared some very important wounds forward and backward in time to insure that I didn't pass it down the line to my granddaughter,” she says.

“Awakening the Sacred-Sexual Feminine” will be June 23-June 30 at Isis Cove Retreat Center near Whittier, N.C. Contact Anyaa T. McAndrew at www.goddessontheloose.com, by email at anyaa@vzemail.com, or call 828.788.0773 for more information.

Sherri L. McLendon is a freelance writer in Weaverville, N.C.

The search for a good Asheville Deli / Delicatessen

Grabbing a sub, hero sandwich or regular sandwich at a "Deli" in the Asheville North Carolina area is getting pretty difficult these days. New York Bagels on Merrimon and Keiffer's Deli in Fairview were my favorite spots around town until they went out of business or changed owners.

Now we have some new places in the running. Here is a "Deli" list in the Asheville area:

1. Franks Deli (South Asheville on Sweeten Creek Rd) We have been to Frank's Deli several times and their sandwiches are incredible and they use Boar's Head deli products.

2. Romans Take Out (Downtown Asheville on Haywood St) Have only been here once and it was great. Lots of good feedback from the community. They use Boar's Head deli products as well.

3. Circle In The Square (North Asheville on Merrimon Ave) They specialize in Pizza, but their deli of Boar's Head products is amazing. Great sandwich shop / pizzeria.

4. Loretta's (Downtown Asheville on Patton Ave) This is a little "hole in the wall" sandwich shop that is pretty popular in the area. We have eaten here many times and had great lunch meals every time.

5. Jersey Mike's (North, South and West Asheville)

6. Jimmy Johns (Downtown Asheville on Biltmore Ave)

7. Lenny's Sub Shop (Biltmore area on Biltmore Ave)

8. Firehouse Subs (East and South Asheville)

9. Subway (North, South, East, West and Downtown Asheville)

10. Blimpie (East Asheville)

***PLEASE comment below on any that we might have missed. Also leave comments of your favorite place and why. Thanks!!

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Americana Burlesque and Sideshow Festival in Asheville NC

Starting Friday June 11th, the Americana Burlesque and Sideshow Festival will kick off in the downtown Asheville area with great shows on the schedule. This event will go on through Sunday the 13th.

From their website:

Michelle L'amour - Headliner
Miss Exotic World 2005 , Michelle L’amour , is one of the premiere names in modern burlesque. Since 2002, she’s been seen by more than 100 million people on five continents as a result of her awe inspiring performances on stage, television (Semi Finalist for “America’s Got Talent ” – Season One, Featured on “Sexual Healing” – Showtime) and international documentaries (like “What a Booty” and “The Art and Heart of the Tease”). Acclaimed by legends like Dixie Evans and Bunny Yeager (who featured Michelle in her most recent book ) and highly sought after as a burlesque instructor, she’s teased from Sao Paulo to Switzerland, Toronto to London, Los Angeles to Paris.

Read the rest of this post on ABS Fest.



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Beer City Fest in Asheville - because we have won!

Despite all of the wonder on how "Asheville" could win the Beer City USA title, we did win. How could a City the size of AVL beat other bigger cities with 10 times the amount of people? The Craft Beer subculture in the area is tremendous. We brew, home brew, drink, celebrate, enjoy, party and have fun. These are not your average beer drinkers either. Boutique brew puts a whole new light on the subject. With advocates such as Barley's Taproom, Bruisin Ales, Highland Brewing and so many others popping up on the scene; Asheville continues to grow as the Brew Mecca. Asheville??? Yes... Asheville!!!

Here are some video clips from the recent Beer City Fest at Pack Square Park in downtown AVL.



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Asheville Tattoo Artist rises from the ashes

Miya Bailey grew up in the Asheville community with something far from a silver spoon in his mouth. Along with many hard situations he faced in life, his dream was to be an artist. Today he works for the City of Ink in Atlanta Georgia with clients flying in from around the World. Here is a quick interview that we took at the Hotel Indigo in downtown Asheville.



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Local Asheville Fashion - The Movement of 2010

In about 5 weeks, the Asheville Fashion industry will be in full gear and show as Push Productions comes to the Orange Peel on Biltmore Ave. July 16, 2010 is the special event date for Push Asheville Fashion.



See additional videos of Push Productions.

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