The Blue Banner

Hope remains after 36-year-old homicide

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

It was the perfect day for a Sunday picnic, exactly what Thomas Guthrie and Larry O'Kelly were enjoying before they discovered UNCA student Virginia Olson's bound and murdered body. After 36 years, literature professor and UNCA alumna Deborah James's voice still quivers when she talks about the fear she felt as an upcoming graduate dealing with the murder of a fellow student.

Music festival season in full swing

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

This summer's local area music and arts festival lineup began last weekend with MerleFest 2009, a festival to commemorate the loss of Doc Watson's son, on the campus of Wilkes Community College, in Wilkesboro, N.C. "The magic of MerleFest is the unique, eclectic mixture of all the artists who're there over the course of the weekend," said Karen Byrd, media relations spokesperson for MerleFest.

The Blue Banner issue 12

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Open publication - Free publishing - More university

University receives anonymous $1.5 million donation

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

A mystery donor gave UNC Asheville $1.5 million from a growing pool of donations now totaling $60 million given to universities around the country since March, according to the university. "The gift is among the largest ever made to UNCA," said Merianne Epstein, director of news information.

Economist predicts economic growth despite poor job market

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

With a record audience of 400 people, UNC Asheville's 25th annual Economic Crystal Ball Seminar filled Lipinsky Auditorium as students and Asheville residents listened to the predictions of our current economic recession. "By the end of this year, we will be out of this recession; we will see positive economic growth at the end of the fourth quarter," economist David W.

Ice cream shop thrives in improved location

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Locally-owned retro ice cream cafe The Hop invites students and other Asheville residents to enjoy a scoop of homemade ice cream in a funky environment. "The Hop was a retro building, a retro name, and it just makes people think of a simple time when you could eat ice cream and twist the night away," said owners and UNC Asheville alumni Ashley and Greg Garrison.

UNCA gains alternative, above-ground fuel tanks this summer

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Thanks to a $70,000 Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant from the North Carolina Division of Air Quality, the UNC Asheville Transportation Office will begin construction this summer on three above-ground fuel storage tanks and 2,000 gallons of B50 (50 percent biodiesel, 50 percent petroleum diesel), 2,000 gallons of E10 (10 percent ethanol, 90 percent gasoline) and 1,000 gallons of E85 (85 percent ethanol, 10 percent gasoline).

Obesity remains an issue in U.S.

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Obese Americans continue to indulge in fast food at not only their expense, but that of the fast food industry, according to local health officials. "Blaming fast food companies is an excuse for poor choices," said Jill Moffit, director of campus recreation at UNC Asheville.

Group clowns around to deliver alternative form of health care

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

With the semester coming to a close, UNC Asheville is sending in the clowns, encouraging students and local residents to get active and spread some joy within the community this summer. UNC Asheville's class clowns, the Geshundheit Institute and the School for Designing a Society will host a day of workshops aimed to generate ideas and think playfully on incorporating passions for community and creativity into careers and everyday lives, said Ash "Devine" Krauss, UNCA senior drama major and class clown.

UNCA soccer standout plans comeback

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

On September 6, 2008 UNC Asheville men's soccer senior defenseman Edwin Wotortsi lost more than just the game against the visiting Appalachian State Mountaineers. "From what I can remember, we were playing pretty well," Wotortsi said. "Ten minutes to go, they had a corner kick and they scored off of it, and in turn we tried to push up to tie the game.

Pearson highlights strong track season

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The UNC Asheville outdoor track season brings about many improvements, a foundation for years to come and some stellar performances from Junior Natalie Pearson. "I'm very happy with how my season's gone so far," Pearson said. "I ran well indoor and outdoor, setting personal records and I even surprised myself with my 100-meter time.

Youthful tennis season filled with surprise, talent

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The UNC Asheville women's tennis team finished its season 12-9 overall and 3-5 in the Big South Conference after falling to Coastal Carolina in the 2009 Big South Women's Tennis Championship. In reflecting upon the season, the women said, above all, they learned the importance of solidarity among the team.

Bonnaroo 2009 promises greatness

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Last year's Bonnaroo music and arts festival featured a near-dawn performance by Kanye West, a classics-filled set from Metallica, new material from Chris Rock and a taste of nearly every musical genre imaginable. This year's lineup once again proves the annual event hosts some of the most diverse talent in the festival circuit.

Peeing is a privilege

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, the UNC Asheville drama department performed their final spring show Urinetown, selling out its first night. "What a good production," said psychology student China Whiteside. "Usually in theater, one part of the performance is lacking. But in this show, the acting, singing and dancing were all great.

Avant-garde music comes to Bobo

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Avant-garde music comes alive May 15 at the Bobo Gallery in downtown Asheville. The Orange Tulip Conspiracy, a West Coast blend of traditional jazz, world music and heavy metal styles, will perform alongside the Southeast's own twisted version of rock 'n' roll Ahleuchatistas.

Spontaneous plans yield community garden

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Not knowing the impact his Pisgah View Community Peace Garden would have on the Asheville youth community, Bob White planted a few seeds two years ago, purchased with the $2 he had in his pocket. "I was in my house listening to music, and a little voice came into my head that said, 'Start a community garden,'" White said with a serious look in his eyes.

10th annual Lawn Party hosts comedy and music

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

UNC Asheville hosted their 10th annual Lawn Party with a retro theme last Saturday, representing each generation dating back to the '50s. "The main purpose of the (Lawn Party) is for students to have as much fun as possible and get their minds off of the stress of exam time coming up," said Cassady Burke, president of Underdog Productions.

Scottish rock clashes with Orange Peel audience

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Instrumental rock legends Mogwai delivered an extra dose of their patented wall of noise to Thursday's Orange Peel crowd. The encore, a 25-minute version of the epic "My Father My King," forced the sizeable crowd to stand still and soak in over 10 minutes of pure guitar noise at the song's end.

Comics, Etc.

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Poetry festival celebrates its second year in Asheville

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In an effort to spark community connection and interaction with poetry, the upcoming Wordfest poetry festival hosts renowned poets from around the world. "I see poetry as a stem cell," said Laura Hope-Gill, Wordfest executive director. "In and of itself, poetry can be all things to all people.

Travel abroad helps puts perspective on American life

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Studying social theory at the University of Sunderland in England, it's like a puzzle learning the social perceptions in another country, but secretly and constantly applying them to American culture. A lot of people tell me it's culture shock, but it's really not.

Ineffective anti-plastic bag policies damage environment

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

While San Francisco's plastic bag ban looks like it helps the environment, the lower energy costs and recycling ability of plastic prove otherwise. San Francisco's legislature passed an ordinance in 2007 banning plastic bags from grocery stores and pharmacies.

As economy shrinks, gardens grow

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

With the economy still struggling and unemployment rising in many parts of the country, being able to afford food is a growing concern for many people. The lack of a steady source of income can make it difficult for individuals and families to afford food, and it can also lead to unhealthy diets.

Administration fails to consult students on calendar change

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

READ THIS ARTICLE. It has been written to inform the student body of a major adjustment in the academic calendar for the 2009-10 academic year. This change has been initiated by Provost Fernandes and ratified by the faculty senate as an attempt to decrease operational days without losing instructional days in light of the current economic climate.

I'm doing this for you

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT