Topic: Asheville

Spurs and Thunder star in NBA’s Western Conference Finals: 10 extra dimensions

The clash of the Spurs and Thunder in the NBA’s Western Conference finals may fly a bit under the national radar when it opens Sunday. Here are 10 factors that make this showdown intriguing.

FCC chairman: Time to let public TV raise money for charities

We at the FCC have proposed relaxing the ban that keeps public noncommercial TV stations from doing third-party fundraising for charities. The change won't hinder the educational mission of these stations, but help them fulfill it by raising awareness and meeting community needs.

Hey, what happened to winter? What its wimpiness portends for spring.

Despite a few powerful snowstorms, the winter of 2011-12, with record-breaking temperatures and less precipitation than normal, has been the fourth warmest on record in the US. What gives?

Forecast: Seattle weather could stay eventful in next three months

Forecasters looking at temperature and precipitation trends are calling for cooler and wetter conditions than normal in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle weather this week has consisted of snow and ice storms.

Hurricane-force Santa Ana winds: Another sign of global warming?

The Santa Ana winds have been extreme this year, and some climatologists suggest global warming might be strengthening extreme weather. But the Santa Ana winds could show a different aspect of global warming's impact. 

President Obama's economic road show: Why the bus?

To promote his jobs bill, Obama is rolling down the highway this week in a $1.1 million black bus, code-named 'Stagecoach.' The bus, it seems, has some big assets over Air Force One or the traditional motorcade.

Public-school losses: private schools' gain

As public school teachers face what may be the longest string of layoffs ever, the private sector gets a boost. Transport and janitorial contractors, online tutoring companies, and private schools are among those seeing a more talented workforce or an uptick in business.

At Mycelium school students grow, absorb, and latch onto new ideas

The Mycelium School, planned for Asheville, N.C., will use hands-on learning, community service, and a social entrepreneurship curriculum to help students build self-reliance and confidence.

Why has 2011's tornado season been so terrible?

Nearly 1,200 tornadoes have swarmed the United States this year and the death toll from these tornadoes has likely topped 500, a number not seen since 1953.

When Freedom throws a party

Thinking her son is intrigued by freedom, a mother struggles to explain the concept in 5-year-old terms.

Winter storm raises the question: What's going on with the weather?

This week's winter storm – and others before it – are being influenced by climate patterns in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Scientists are working to understand how these patterns work.

Foreclosures on the rise: Is your city on the Top 10 list?

Foreclosures have been huge in cities that rode the real estate bubble in the West and in Florida. But the fastest rise in foreclosures is taking place primarily in far less frothy metropolitan areas of the Southeast, according to a new report by RealtyTrac. North Carolina alone was home to four of the Top 10 fastest-rising foreclosure metros last year. While their foreclosure rates are still quite low compared with most places, these metros and their plight illustrate how the poor economy is driving the housing crisis now.

Global warming waning? Hardly. 2010 was tied as warmest year on record.

2010 tied as warmest year ever, NOAA climatologists say. Year's data are consistent with the notion that greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels are contributing to global warming.

Paving over America's country roads

One iconic symbol of America's rural poverty has been the dirt road, especially in Appalachia. Despite decades of paving over these back roads in the name of progress, many are still dusty washboard surfaces.

The virtue of going off the electric grid

Green living: Off the grid families pioneer sustainable energy lifestyles

Once on the fringe, about 750,000 off the grid American households pioneer green living by tapping sustainable energy from the wind, sun, and earth.

Wyclef Jean's uncle to run for president of Haiti

Wyclef Jean's uncle, Raymond Joseph – who is Haiti's ambassador to the US – tells the Monitor that he is running for president this fall. Will the hip hop artist and his uncle team up – or compete against each other in Haiti's presidential campaign?

Temperatures hit record highs globally. El Nino or global warming?

The first half of 2010 was the hottest six-month period recorded globally with temperatures around the globe 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit above averages.

Florida vacation? Obama is headed to the Gulf Coast next month

Florida vacation! Obama and family are headed down south in August.

Tornadoes in Wisconsin, Montana spur early warning system

The VORTEX-2 tornado research project completed last week aims to increase warning times and reduce false alarms.

Is progressive Asheville Obama’s vision for America?

Hip, environmentally aware, self-reliant and undeniably quaint, Asheville, N.C is a progressive’s vision of what America could be. But mountain liberalism comes at a price.

Grove Park Inn: Where the Obamas are heading on a weekend getaway?

The Obamas headed out for a short weekend break from Washington. Word has it they'll be staying at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. Maybe a little golf?

Has blogging peaked?

The demands of blogging have pushed many to abandon the form for faster, simpler word bursts on Twitter or Facebook.