Fatal accidents involving pedestrians wearing headphones have tripled since 2004, according to a study published by Richard Lichenstein, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland.

“I see it everywhere, everyday,” said Mary Henson, 45, local Asheville taxi cab driver.  “Honestly, it scares me how oblivious to the rest of the world these people seem to be.”

Activist and artist Damali Ayo criticized UNC Asheville programs and perceptions about racism in a lecture and afternoon tea discussion last Thursday.

“We have this perception, which is really, really crazy, that this doesn’t apply to me,” Ayo said. “What major are you that it doesn’t apply? Where are actual human beings irrelevant?”

UNCA held multiple events throughout the week, including Ayo, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. day.

Asheville Green Drinks, an environmental grassroots organization, meets every Wednesday evening at Posana Café in downtown Asheville to discuss environmental issues and sustainability over a cold pint of locally brewed beer.

“I moved to Asheville in 2001, and by 2005 I had decided that much of Asheville's bluster about sustainability was just that,” said Joseph Malki, co-founder of Asheville Green Drinks. “I mean, the whole area is powered by mountain top removal coal. How green can we ever be?”

More than 700 cities internationally participate in the Green Drinks movement, and Asheville joined in 2006. Most cities host monthly events designed to educate the public, but Asheville Green Drinks provides weekly lectures.

The track and field team set school records in a solid meet at the Niswonger Invitational last Friday and Saturday in Johnson City, Tenn. Improving sprints and hurdles are the team’s top priority.

“Everyone you compete against is a competitor and has an equal chance prior to a race. There’s no focus on a single person or even group of people,” said sophomore Milan Ristic. “Your biggest competition is probably the race itself and trying to improve on past performances.Trying to get better at something you've done many times is, in itself, a challenge.”

New times, new ways at the airport security check.

 Anyone who has ever traveled by airplane probably has a comment to make about the security check at the airport. Whether it's the anxiety to have your hand luggage x-rayed or the feeling of getting a pat-down by a complete stranger, I'm always nervous at the security check. I know that I don't have anything sharp, anything flammable or any type of liquid in my bag, but it’s nerve-wracking. When the metal detector starts beeping and someone rushes to start patting my legs, I try to keep a poker face and smile, although I feel like they suspect me of something.  For me, the fear is all about the big respect I have toward security authorities, but to some other passengers it seems to be more about sensitivity and exaggeration.