This is as much for my benefit as yours, since I’m still playing catch-up. Forgive me:
-More snow on the way: Ray’s Weather, who says Asheville may see another inch or two of snow tonight and early Thursday, is officially calling his fearless winter forecast dead. That forecast called for a milder than average winter.
-Big benefit tonight: Here’s the big doings – the launch of a new nonprofit in Asheville:
Join 10^10 for a benefit and concert at 29 Carolina Lane in downtown Asheville from 6:30 – 9:30 on January 12! With a performance by Asheville based soul/rock/blues band Ol’ Hoopty, the duo will introduce their venture and simultaneously work to benefit SEED_Haiti, the team’s inaugural 10^10 global project.
-Deli open: Viva Delicatessen has opened on Haywood Road. It looks delish. Anyone checked it out yet?
-Tuscon shooter’s attorney: A Roberson High School graduate who has gone on to become the most well-known public defender in federal court in the U.S. will defend Tuscon shooter Jared Loughner:
An Asheville native who has defended the likes of Eric Robert Rudolph and “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski will take the case of the man accused of attempting to assassinate a congresswoman and killing six people.
Judy Clarke, a 1970 graduate of Roberson High School, was recommended by the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Phoenix to represent Jared Loughner, who authorities say shot U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in the head outside an Arizona grocery store Saturday morning.
-Hot one: From NOAA scientists at Asheville’s National Climatic Data Center:
According to NOAA scientists, 2010 tied with 2005 as the warmest year of the global surface temperature record, beginning in 1880. This was the 34th consecutive year with global temperatures above the 20th century average. For the contiguous United States alone, the 2010 average annual temperature was above normal, resulting in the 23rd warmest year on record.
-Cut the Risk benefit: Twenty of Asheville’s best salons in will donate their services Monday to help raise money for Western Carolinians for Criminal Justice.
-Writer event: Tickets are on sale now at Malaprop’s for the appearance by Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert.
-Music on the mind: Tickets for Ice Cube at The Orange Peel went on sale last week, while tickets go on sale Friday for Lucinda Williams at the venue. Meantime, I’m dreaming about upcoming spring and summer music festivals, including the annual Mountain Jam in NY, featuring Gov’t Mule, Toubab Krewe, the Avett Brothers, Warren Haynes Band and many more.
-Leftovers: Anyone know what’s up at Sensibilities spa on Haywood Street? They’re closed until mid January. A Twitter friend says it’s a major remodeling job for the spa.
Also, anyone known when the Battery Park Champagne Bar and Book Exchange will reopen in the Grove Arcade? Answer from @mxarts: Feb. 1. Thank you for the update!