http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com?source=rss Wed, 22 May 2013 16:45:30 EDT Wed, 22 May 2013 16:45:30 EDT en-us Copyright 2011 Mountaineer Publishing http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/dc-comics-m-i-a-heroes/1003552?source=rss In September 2011, DC Comics relaunched its entire company and universe dropping all existing titles and replacing them with 52 new ongoing books. This “New 52” revamped many of DC's most popular heroes such as the Justice League, the Legion of Superheroes, etc. for a younger generation of readers. Five months or so later, DC added another round of six more titles to the New 52, expanding their new world and ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/dc-comics-m-i-a-heroes/1003552 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:21:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Eric S. Brown) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/rolling-with-stone/1003777?source=rss ]]> Memorial Day Perhaps Memorial Day should be a somber day as we honor all the men and women who have lost their lives in military service to this country. Yes, it’s bittersweet, but I’ve attended enough Memorial Day ceremonies to know it makes people happy to pay remembrance to their loved ones and reflect on the good memories they hold on to no matter how much time has passed. Hearing their heroic stories brings ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/rolling-with-stone/1003777 Wed, 22 May 2013 13:47:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Staff) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/rolling-with-stone/1001306?source=rss ]]> Finally! A beautiful weekend. While a little rain lingered on Friday, the dedicated Relayers came out to Maggie Valley for the annual Relay for Life event. The Mountaineer team set up a fundraiser game, Bra Pong, and it was a success. It gave the kids something fun to do while raising a little extra money for the cause. The object was to try to throw a Ping-Pong ball into one of the various sized bras on a board. ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/rolling-with-stone/1001306 Wed, 15 May 2013 11:35:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Jessi Stone Guide editor) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/dogs-suds-a-wiener-of-a-way-to-help-sarge-s-may-16/999709?source=rss ]]> Oh how time flies. It seems like yesterday that I wrote about the first, and as I remarked at the time, “Hopefully Annual,” Dogs & Suds Fundraiser for Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation. The photo I chose for that article caused quite a stir — Or should I say ruckus — because it showed tiny puppy dogs, not much larger than wieners, laying atop buns that were clearly — never meant to be used to consume them. Sure, ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/dogs-suds-a-wiener-of-a-way-to-help-sarge-s-may-16/999709 Wed, 15 May 2013 07:24:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/rolling-with-stone/994728?source=rss This rain has got to go. People are chomping at the bit to get out of the house and enjoy some fun and sun. Rain, rain go away But sadly the April showers didn’t let up last weekend. I was excited about the Women of Waynesville’s Mom’s Music Festival where Matt and I were going to play some tunes, but it was called off after just an hour due to the relentless weather. Never fear, WOW plans to reschedule the ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/rolling-with-stone/994728 Wed, 01 May 2013 13:50:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Jessi Stone Guide Editor) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/flood-of-festivals/988592?source=rss ]]> You may be reading The Guide for the first time this week because our carriers dropped one off at every house on their routes whether you are a Mountaineer subscriber or not. I hope you pick it up and read about all the great events and interesting people in Haywood County. This one time opportunity will hopefully encourage you to get the Mountaineer on a regular basis, especially on Wednesdays when The Guide can ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/flood-of-festivals/988592 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:10:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Jessi Stone Guide Editor) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/suds-on-saturday/985215?source=rss ]]> What a beautiful weekend we had! You can’t help but to be happy and thankful for where we live in that kind of weather. As I mentioned last week, I had friends drive up from Athens, Georgia to spend the day with me and Matt and I must say, we had a wonderful day. Our goal was to tour many of the microbreweries in Waynesville, Asheville and especially wanted to get up to Pisgah Brewing in Black Mountain. Ashevill... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/suds-on-saturday/985215 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:22:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Jessi Stone Guide Editor) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/beer-and-poetry/982215?source=rss It is now April in North Carolina and two of my favorite things are being celebrated this month. The state is recognizing April as North Carolina Beer Month and it also is National Poetry Month. So I encourage you to drink your favorite local beer and read your favorite poet — or better yet, discover a new favorite beer and a new favorite poet. And hopefully The Guide will be able to point you in the right ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/beer-and-poetry/982215 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:43:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Jessi Stone Guide editor) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/up-down-and-around-the-county/979057?source=rss Easter excitement The sun peaked through the clouds for a little while Saturday afternoon as I made my way through a crowd of kids at Bethel’s Easter Eggstravaganza at Encouraging Word Baptist Church. I couldn’t help but smile in a moment of childhood nostalgia. They were all so happy — running around with painted faces and an array of Easter baskets full of colorful eggs and candy. They dyed and decorated eggs, ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/up-down-and-around-the-county/979057 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:28:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Jessi Stone Guide editor) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/rolling-with-stone/976356?source=rss Well St. Patrick’s Day weekend didn’t turn out exactly like I had planned — but that didn’t stop me from enjoying myself. This time last week I figured I would spend the weekend cooking some traditional Irish foods, attending some of the local St. Paddy’s events and wearing green. Trip with Pisgah fans But on Saturday I traded my green garb in for red and black. I’m quite accustomed to red and black, being a ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/rolling-with-stone/976356 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:39:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Staff) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/when-you-shop-high-and-low-you-can-save/945437?source=rss ]]> I’ve got to admit it: as the popular country song goes, “I was raised on an asphalt farm, never heard a rooster crow.” In other words, I’m not you’re typical country boy — far from it. But I’m still very much a "hunter gatherer." As a young city boy, I used to ride off, not in a pickup truck, but on my bicycle —rooting around the backs of stores looking for treasure. And I found it. At 6 years old, I bagged my ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/when-you-shop-high-and-low-you-can-save/945437 Tue, 08 Jan 2013 07:40:00 EST news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/goats-will-go-to-great-heights-to-eat-even-christmas-trees/943275?source=rss ]]> I must admit, everything I know about goats I learned in kindergarten, plus the research on an occasional goat-related story in 2012. But just after Christmas, I saw a news story on an ABC-TV affiliate that opened my eyes — about how goats just love eating Christmas leftovers. Trees, that is. As a matter of fact, goats will strip a Christmas tree of its ever-greens and soft bark in minutes. And as a bonus, the ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/goats-will-go-to-great-heights-to-eat-even-christmas-trees/943275 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 08:03:00 EST news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/the-twelve-days-of-christmas-is-a-study-guide-for-all-christians/936076?source=rss ]]> We all know the Christmas song/carol that begins, “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me — a partridge in a pear tree.” Did you know? — According to lore and legend, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was created as a primer for children to aid their study of the Christian catechism. It harkens back to a time when many Christian groups were oppressed and repressed, unable to practice their religion ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/the-twelve-days-of-christmas-is-a-study-guide-for-all-christians/936076 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 09:01:00 EST news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/deck-the-halls/931318?source=rss ]]> I’m such a “right jolly old elf” that you might think Christmas is my favorite time of year — but it isn’t. Like most men, I don’t look forward to dragging 20 or more storage tubs up from the basement, or stringing the icicle lights outside on the deck, or trimming the tree with (at minimum) 10 strings of lights and 50 years’ accumulation of ornaments. Bah humbug! It’s my wife’s job to “deck the halls” at our ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/deck-the-halls/931318 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:11:00 EST news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/un-stuff-your-christmas/927560?source=rss ]]> A few years ago my wife and I realized (maybe later than most folks) that we had way too much “stuff.” So when the holidays came around, and the family and friends asked us, “What do you want for Christmas?” we started steering them toward alternative gifts. First we requested consumable gift items — mostly in the form of food and drink that we could either consume ourselves or share with others. You know what I ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/un-stuff-your-christmas/927560 Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:09:00 EST news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/what-happened-to-the-bounty/925405?source=rss ]]> Thanksgiving is upon us, but it has been Donald Trumped by a retail onslaught like we have never seen before. What used to be a quiet celebration of America’s bounty has become a race to buy more of America’s booty. And the mega-marts are leading the charge. This week Walmart, K-Mart and Target stores announced that their Black Friday sales would begin on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day). So plan to eat lightly this ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/what-happened-to-the-bounty/925405 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 05:46:00 EST news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/a-claus-for-a-cause/922850?source=rss ]]> As you know, I often write (and talk) out of both sides of my mouth. Last week I groused about Thanksgiving, and how it has been nearly eclipsed by the Christmas rush of retail displays and advertising. This week I am writing about a character often included in this holiday hype — Santa Claus. But this is a “behind-the-scenes” look at a Santa Clause you might not know— one that embodies the Christmas spirit of ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/a-claus-for-a-cause/922850 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 06:26:00 EST news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/holy-smoke/917690?source=rss ]]> Turkey Day, as many of us call it, is right around the corner. But the retail world has kept it a big secret. For the past couple months, we’ve seen Halloween everything — decorations, costumes, candy and cookies. And from children to adults, we’ve eaten it up. Except for the northeastern States, still recovering from Frankenstorm, we’re all pretty much over Halloween. Thanksgiving is our next national holiday, ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/holy-smoke/917690 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 08:11:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Staff) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/something-to-crow-about/915055?source=rss ]]> This column was inspired by our neighbors, Alden and Lanie Robinson, who both have a lot to crow about. Lanie is a gifted Master Gardener, and crafter; Alden is an accomplished woodworker. One evening this summer, my wife and I were sharing some wine with the Robinsons on their deck, when the crows interrupted the conversation. I immediately asked Alden for his recommendation of a small weapon that would be ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/something-to-crow-about/915055 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 17:22:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/bears-on-the-prowl/912325?source=rss ]]> It’s bear season in North Carolina — both the legal hunting season for bear in many western counties, plus the dangerous time of year when bears everywhere are in a “feeding frenzy,” packing on the pounds before going into hibernation. I have been accused of doing the same thing at recent Oktoberfest celebrations, but I don’t want to make light of the serious situation. This time of year, bears are hungry — ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/bears-on-the-prowl/912325 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:10:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/foggy-mountain-breakdown/909068?source=rss ]]> I have an old Magic Eight Ball. It’s a toy I have been fond of since the 1950s, and I find it a great way to prepare for almost any outing, especially if you are going up on the Blue Ridge Parkway to check out the fall color. Just ask your Magic Eight Ball, “What will it be like up on the Blue Ridge Parkway?” This time of year, you can count on the answer: “Reply hazy, try again.” That’s the kind of luck my wife ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/foggy-mountain-breakdown/909068 Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:26:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/hats-off-to-haywood-county-brewers/905949?source=rss ]]> Even if you are only an occasional reader of this column, you know that I am a big fan of beer — good beer, aka craft and/or micro-brewed beer. It’s a favorite subject (and beverage) of mine. And — Did you know? If I had my way, there would be a column dedicated to Haywood County’s growing beer scene in the pages of The Mountaineer. But alas, the ‘Austin Powers that be’ have denied us that privilege, even as ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/hats-off-to-haywood-county-brewers/905949 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:27:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/take-the-fitness-challenge/902782?source=rss ]]> These days, you can’t pick up a newspaper or magazine or turn on the television, without hearing the words "obesity" and "epidemic" in the same sentence. Yes, America’s weight problem is well documented, and if you think we are unaffected here in Haywood County, take the blinders off for one minute and look around you — at work, in church, in the store — or better yet, in the mirror. It’s no wonder that health ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/take-the-fitness-challenge/902782 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:58:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/one-grand-view-after-another/893669?source=rss ]]> My wife and I will never forget our first glimpses of Haywood County. We were on a day trip from Cashiers with Carol’s mom. The Cashiers/Lake Glenville area had been our fall getaway destination for several years, and got us seriously thinking about buying a home in North Carolina. But on this particular day, we set out to explore Waynesville. Our itinerary included (1) a stop at Ghost Town Harley-Davidson and ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/one-grand-view-after-another/893669 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 05:02:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/what-to-do-with-all-those-maters/887928?source=rss ]]> Ah, ’tis ’mater season again, and Yellow Stripeys, Cherokee Purples, Orange Noodles and good-ole Boxcar Willies are taking over our porch, kitchen countertop and both refrigerators. I’ve had tomato omelets for breakfast, ’mater sandwiches for lunch, and a ’mater side salad for every dinner I can remember. The other day, I felt something funny in my ear, and (You guessed it) I had ’maters coming out of my ears. ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/what-to-do-with-all-those-maters/887928 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 04:25:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Staff) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/the-world-wears-olympic-yellow/882036?source=rss ]]> Like most of the world, I have been captivated the past few days by the great NBC television coverage of the 2012 Olympics. The parade of colors during the opening ceremonies was spectacular, but when the various competitions began — Did you know? All I saw was yellow — neon bright yellow — with just the right cooling touch of green in it. Almost every Olympic athlete was sporting and competing in these brighter-t... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/the-world-wears-olympic-yellow/882036 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:19:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/goats-seen-a-ghost/871667?source=rss ]]> My first two columns in July — devoted to goats — caused quite a stir, and I heard a variety of comments from readers — everything from, “Nice goats” to “We need more goats,” and even “Surely, you made up the whole story about fainting goats.”I hate when people call me “Surely.” So, back by popular demand is another goat-related column about a legendary creature that (I’m not making this up) sucks blood from ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/goats-seen-a-ghost/871667 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:17:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/hillbilly-grocery-is-the-real-mccoy/842889?source=rss ]]> Editor's note: The Guide offers a hearty apology to Paul, whose column was accidentally cut off last week. You can read the column in its entirety — not to mention his past columns and all of The Guide's stories — for free at www.themountaineer.com. As y’all know by now, I didn’t grow up 'round these parts. I hail from the suburbs of Denver, Colorado — where the only hillbillies were on TV. But there were plenty ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/hillbilly-grocery-is-the-real-mccoy/842889 Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:09:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/just-say-no-to-goats/847999?source=rss ]]> The other morning, I was awakened by our two cats at 3:15 a.m. Believe it or not, this is their normal wakeup time, as of late — when the hunger pangs of our new kitten are so strong that she attacks our older cat, wrestling in, around and under the bed to get our attention. Actually, I should say "my" attention, because my wife (and love of my life) mostly ignores the cats’ morning shenanigans, so it has become ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/just-say-no-to-goats/847999 Thu, 28 Jun 2012 05:24:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/a-healthy-extra-income/838119?source=rss ]]> From time to time, I have focused on the healthful benefits of fruits and vegetables. I have written columns titled "Eat the rainbow" and encouraged readers to grow their own "The three sisters garden." But truth be known, I haven’t always had the time (or discipline) to practice what I preach. And I’m not alone. Let’s face it — it’s hard to eat the recommended 7-13 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. I ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/a-healthy-extra-income/838119 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 05:16:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/i-went-to-a-garden-party/835418?source=rss ]]> OK, this is another column that will date my wife and me. But I make no apologies whatsoever. We both had the great fortune to grow up "children of the 60’s." During our formative years, we witnessed the birth of rock and roll, experienced The Beatles' visit to America, and in college … learned to take our coffee with a lot of "Cream.” These days, we listen to more country music than anything else — but because ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/i-went-to-a-garden-party/835418 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 06:01:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/here-come-the-dog-days/832090?source=rss ]]> This year everything is coming early, and the hot “dog days” of summer are already upon us. Memorial Day weekend ushered in record high temperatures for many cities in the U.S. In Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis, it was so hot, you didn’t even need a barbecue to do your grilling. Did you know? The traditional “Dog Days” of summer are not until July and August, when Sirius, aka the “Dog Star” is closest to the ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/here-come-the-dog-days/832090 Thu, 31 May 2012 06:44:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Staff) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/driving-in-circles/825564?source=rss ]]> I have noticed that many drivers in our “neck of the woods” seem confused with traffic circles, or as the Brits call them, roundabouts. We only have two in the Waynesville area that I know of, and gratefully there are none in Maggie Valley — where speed (especially with the logging trucks) prevents their use completely. Did you know? — Waynesville’s roundabouts are rather tame, especially compared to those in ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/driving-in-circles/825564 Sat, 26 May 2012 09:53:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/invasion-of-the-giant-mosquitoes/829009?source=rss ]]> Often my views are influenced by the wonderful view — from our deck. We look north at Chambers Mountain, and often see the "traumahawk" (medical evacuation helicopter) scoot by on its way to and from Mission Hospital. Other flying objects within our beautiful view include hummingbirds, downy woodpeckers, finches, morning doves … and on one particular evening this week — GIANT MATING MOSQUITOES. Now I have been to ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/invasion-of-the-giant-mosquitoes/829009 Wed, 23 May 2012 21:33:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Staff) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/stop-shooting-dogs/822972?source=rss ]]> I must warn my readers that this column is a departure from my normally light and occasionally entertaining looks at life in Western North Carolina. This column contains some violence, and is about adult content of the most shameless kind. It hits close to home. And that hurts. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve been a pretty happy camper since my wife and I moved to Waynesville. I’ve gotten involved in the community, ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/stop-shooting-dogs/822972 Fri, 11 May 2012 07:46:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/its-a-snake-farm/817777?source=rss ]]> OK, this column is going to be a real can of worms — big worms, AKA: snakes.Now if I can identify with any line of dialogue from any movie, it would be Indiana Jones’ reaction after falling into (literally) a pit of vipers: “Snakes! I hate snakes. Why did have to be snakes?” My long-standing fear of snakes goes back to the exciting days of my youth and the hours spent playing alongside Highline Canal, in suburban ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/its-a-snake-farm/817777 Tue, 01 May 2012 07:57:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/the-taps-at-headwaters-are-flowing/816768?source=rss ]]> Try as hard as I can — one pint at a time — I can’t seem to keep up with the new breweries coming to our area. Though it’s a long way off, I’d like to lift a glass to both New Belgium Brewing Company (Fat Tire) and Sierra Nevada (Pale Ale) for having the wisdom to pick Asheville for their East Coast home. But even closer to home (and helping Waynesville come of age) this month, yet another microbrewery is making ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/the-taps-at-headwaters-are-flowing/816768 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/dining-out-for-life/813594?source=rss ]]> I apologize in advance for all the acronyms in this column. I don’t like hurling a lot of initials around, but I am on a mission this week. You don’t read much about HIV or AIDS these days. And I’m guessing, right now many of you are saying to yourself, “That doesn’t affect me.” Well — Did you know? — HIV/AIDS remains a global epidemic, and we in Western North Carolina are not “immune” from this ravaging disease. ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/dining-out-for-life/813594 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:42:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/a-heavenly-way-to-treat-elders/805268?source=rss ]]> With my dog bite behind me, and a new kitten coming onboard, I’m now going to turn to a subject near and dear to my heart — eldercare. I know a bit about this subject because I worked (during my advertising days) on the Life Care Services account. Also, my wife owned and operated a homecare business in Miami. Furthermore, a few years back at a Grateful Dead concert, I was stunned, but honored, when a young lady ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/a-heavenly-way-to-treat-elders/805268 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:33:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/the-journey-of-life/802308?source=rss ]]> I’m not surprising anyone when I remind you that each our lives is a journey. We don’t know where that journey will take us on any given day. For example, I had no Idea that a week ago, today, my day off would be derailed by a surprise dog bite, but it was. And I’m hoping today takes me on a better path. After all that’s why my wife and I make Haywood County our home. And we love our lives here. We are surrounded ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/the-journey-of-life/802308 Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:03:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/acolyte-horror-show/223503?source=rss ]]> My daughter, Nina, sat in the front row fidgeting in her white robe. I tried to be patient. After all, as a new acolyte she had a lot to remember. Ask the usher light the long wick/snuffer combination in the back of the church. Wait until prelude. Slowly walk up the center aisle of the church, flame in front and snuffer on the back. Light the left candle, cross before the altar, and light the candle on the right. ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/acolyte-horror-show/223503 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:27:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Angela Dove) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/skaggs-family-brings-the-christmas-magic/193664?source=rss I just spent Christmas with Ricky Skaggs and his family. That’s honestly how intimate their annual holiday tour feels. At “A Skaggs Family Christmas,” which recently came to Franklin’s Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, it was easy to forget the stage and the hundreds of others sharing the show with me. It was fun to let go of the fact that I don’t always like Christmas concerts or even country ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/skaggs-family-brings-the-christmas-magic/193664 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:59:00 EST news@themountaineer.com (Stina Sieg) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/thank-you-sam-roberts/190086?source=rss ]]> Sam Roberts rocked my world. There is no other way to put it. When I saw that Canadian indie-rock star perform recently in Asheville, something shook loose in me. I was dancing wildly, with a crazy freedom I had honestly never felt before. I was whooping at the end of each song, and I was smiling at the other concert goers as if we were all good friends. Did I mention that I went totally alone? It didn’t ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/thank-you-sam-roberts/190086 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:50:00 EST news@themountaineer.com (Stina Sieg) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/my-fruitcake-was-stollen/187817?source=rss ]]> Nothing brings out the joy (and madness) of the holidays like fruitcake. Case in point was a publishing department Christmas party I had the “privilege” of attending many years ago. Everyone in the department was contributing to the dinner, and the partiers were all abuzz about whether George would bring his @#$&! fruitcake again. Sheryl, the senior member of the gathering (the one who had endured so many ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/my-fruitcake-was-stollen/187817 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:59:00 EST news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/thank-you-notes/185712?source=rss ]]> Not many people take the time to write thank you notes anymore. But we of the “older generation” know our manners. We thoughtfully put pen to paper and send a written “thank you” for personal kindness of others and the gifts we receive DYK — the younger generation (LOL) just whips out their thumbs and fires off a barrage of text messages. I’m sorry 4 U, & I hope you learn some manners L8R in life. Sadly, my ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/thank-you-notes/185712 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:15:00 EST news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/travels-in-vietnam-part-i/180756?source=rss The other night, I slept fitfully. I kept waking up, looking around in the darkness and wondering what big, messy hotel room I was in. It wasn’t until about 4 a.m. that I figured it out and got up for good. Half awake, I realized I was in my own bedroom. I just hadn’t been there in almost a month. I’ve been back from Vietnam for a few days now, and I’m not sure what feels more like a dream — being here again or ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/travels-in-vietnam-part-i/180756 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:00:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Stina Sieg) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/a-journey-to-thanksgiving/181527?source=rss When I was young, November was a sullen downtime between the exciting bookends of Halloween and Christmas. Thanks to a friend, it’s become my favorite month of the year. Here’s why. Three years ago I was spending a grayish, overcast morning on Facebook perusing the events of my friends’ lives. It was the first week of November, and lots of my parent friends were posting pictures of their munchkins in costume ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/a-journey-to-thanksgiving/181527 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:15:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Staff) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/c-u-dinner/162095?source=rss ]]> An unexpected delay in my schedule left me sitting outside my son’s piano lesson late one afternoon instead of emailing my girlfriends a reminder about our dinner later in the week. So I thought I’d try one of those text messages the young folk are always mentioning. (OK, I’ve sent texts before, but not many. And those few experiences made me feel like my natural habitat is sitting in a rocking chair watching ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/c-u-dinner/162095 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:38:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Angela Dove) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/from-haywood-to-vietnam-and-back-again/162638?source=rss A few nights ago, I was sitting on damp grass in the Canton countryside and watching a world I’d never seen unfold all around me. To my left, people were piling potluck vittles onto their plates, and in front of me a group of musicians was beginning to form, though their banjos and guitars and fiddles were still in their cases. This could have been a family reunion or maybe a church gathering if it hadn’t been ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/from-haywood-to-vietnam-and-back-again/162638 Thu, 29 Sep 2011 01:00:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Stina Sieg) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/my-battle-with-the-great-pumpkin/162465?source=rss ]]> For those of you who just want to skip the set-up, have no fun and learn absolutely nothing, I’ll cut to the chase — I lost again. This year, the score was: Great Pumpkin —1, Paulie Viau — nothing! Actually, I lost by forfeit, as I was forced to tendon-pull out with an injury this year, courtesy of “Big Mac.” For those of you who are not-so-squash literate, “Big Mac” is a trade name for a monster, behemoth, ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/my-battle-with-the-great-pumpkin/162465 Thu, 29 Sep 2011 01:00:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Staff) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/director-secretly-wishes-for-slight-mishap/162023?source=rss ]]> I was asked to help direct a funny series of skits on the naming of various town and communities in Haywood County, to be performed at the historic Herren House this coming Saturday night. And I was thrilled at the invitation. I thoroughly enjoy watching actors strut their stuff. As a writer, I’m also fascinated by the process of the written word being slipped on like a new skin and coming to life for the ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/director-secretly-wishes-for-slight-mishap/162023 Sun, 25 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Angela Dove) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/my-tale-of-the-dragon/158283?source=rss ]]> I’m sure many of you have heard of Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort in Tennessee. As resorts go, it’s a bit lacking in amenities. But as a Mecca for bikers, Deals Gap is the real deal — the home base for the world-famous, twisty-turny stretch of state highway 129 called the Tail of the Dragon. Now, I must confess that after more than three years here in this biker paradise, I still hadn’t ridden the Dragon. Sadly, ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/my-tale-of-the-dragon/158283 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 01:00:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/hair-today-gone-tomorrow/155330?source=rss ]]> Men, this is not just another, “Woe is me, I’m going bald” sob story … so please, read on. This is all about that hair you don’t want and how to get rid of it. Perhaps you are like me and have these great tufts of black hair growing out of your ears … My wife calls them “Old man ears,” and goes on (and on) likening my ears to memories of her grandfather from the old country. Or maybe you’re like my college ... http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/hair-today-gone-tomorrow/155330 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 01:39:00 EDT news@themountaineer.com (Paul Viau) Arts & Entertainment