TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
@tonysarris.bsky.social
Humanist, mensch, husband-to-my-husband, father & friend. Love nature, architecture, travel, world history, books, food, wine & craft beer. So fortunate to live in beautiful Blue Ridge Mtns in cool, quirky Asheville, NC (AVL). Follow mostly ppl in AVL/NC.
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
The General Assembly is eager to take away North Carolina voters’ power but can’t be bothered to pass a budget. It’s disgraceful. www.axios.com/2025/11/27/n...
N.C. can use Republican-drawn congressional map, judges rule
The N.C. GOP aims to flip a U.S. House seat amid Trump's push for states to redistrict ahead of the 2026 midterms.
www.axios.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:42 PM
The General Assembly is eager to take away North Carolina voters’ power but can’t be bothered to pass a budget. It’s disgraceful. www.axios.com/2025/11/27/n...
Still a few tickets remaining for the Asheville Gay Men's Chorus winter holiday performance, The Holidays Are A Drag, with special guest Divine The Bearded Lady. Fri Dec 12 at 7:30 PM & Sat Dec 13 at 4:00 PM at the A-B Tech Ferguson Auditorium.
ashevillegaymenschorus.org/home/tickets/
ashevillegaymenschorus.org/home/tickets/
November 30, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Still a few tickets remaining for the Asheville Gay Men's Chorus winter holiday performance, The Holidays Are A Drag, with special guest Divine The Bearded Lady. Fri Dec 12 at 7:30 PM & Sat Dec 13 at 4:00 PM at the A-B Tech Ferguson Auditorium.
ashevillegaymenschorus.org/home/tickets/
ashevillegaymenschorus.org/home/tickets/
Just one word describes "Special" Envoy Steve Witkoff. That word is traitor. If you are helping Russia achieve its goal of conquering a neighboring country, you're not representing America's best interests. There's no spinning that.
November 26, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Just one word describes "Special" Envoy Steve Witkoff. That word is traitor. If you are helping Russia achieve its goal of conquering a neighboring country, you're not representing America's best interests. There's no spinning that.
Great article explaining why today's artificial intelligence systems (really Large Language Models) are artificial, but not so intelligent. Utilizing language models is not at all the same as understanding the concepts behind the words. In short, today's AIs don't really "know" anything at all.
Cutting-edge research shows language is not the same as intelligence. The entire AI bubble is built on ignoring it.
Read more from @benjaminriley.bsky.social: www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
Read more from @benjaminriley.bsky.social: www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
November 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Great article explaining why today's artificial intelligence systems (really Large Language Models) are artificial, but not so intelligent. Utilizing language models is not at all the same as understanding the concepts behind the words. In short, today's AIs don't really "know" anything at all.
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
If you've actually gone grocery shopping recently, it's pretty easy to tell that prices aren't down.
November 24, 2025 at 10:21 PM
If you've actually gone grocery shopping recently, it's pretty easy to tell that prices aren't down.
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
We can do away with it without a new Supreme Court. Nor do we need a constitutional amendment. There’s a far simpler way to get rid of Citizens United. Let me explain. https://robertreich.substack.com/p/how-to-get-rid-of-citizens-united
November 24, 2025 at 3:37 PM
We can do away with it without a new Supreme Court. Nor do we need a constitutional amendment. There’s a far simpler way to get rid of Citizens United. Let me explain. https://robertreich.substack.com/p/how-to-get-rid-of-citizens-united
Great article by a Canadian who sees what's happened in America & is happening in Alberta & is issuing a call to action.
My first published story was in The Western Producer in 1985.
It took 40 years, but this is my best sentence:
"Democracy dies with a shrug, not a coup"
markhamhislop.substack.com/p/part-ii-th...
It took 40 years, but this is my best sentence:
"Democracy dies with a shrug, not a coup"
markhamhislop.substack.com/p/part-ii-th...
Alberta's Attack on the Idea of Canada
Democracy dies with a shrug, not a coup
markhamhislop.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Great article by a Canadian who sees what's happened in America & is happening in Alberta & is issuing a call to action.
I'm not anti-military. As a country, we have to defend ourselves & I thank those who serve our country as members of the armed services.
That said, a soldier with a gun kneeling at a Christian grave in front of a tank (with a No Climbing sign) doesn't exactly say Merry Christmas or Peace on Earth.
That said, a soldier with a gun kneeling at a Christian grave in front of a tank (with a No Climbing sign) doesn't exactly say Merry Christmas or Peace on Earth.
November 22, 2025 at 6:15 PM
I'm not anti-military. As a country, we have to defend ourselves & I thank those who serve our country as members of the armed services.
That said, a soldier with a gun kneeling at a Christian grave in front of a tank (with a No Climbing sign) doesn't exactly say Merry Christmas or Peace on Earth.
That said, a soldier with a gun kneeling at a Christian grave in front of a tank (with a No Climbing sign) doesn't exactly say Merry Christmas or Peace on Earth.
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Did you know that North Carolina is the nation's second largest producer of Christmas trees? Nearly all of those are grown right here in the western part of our state. Buying a locally grown tree is a great way to support small farms and local agriculture! 🎄
#NC11 #WNC #WesternNC
#NC11 #WNC #WesternNC
November 21, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Did you know that North Carolina is the nation's second largest producer of Christmas trees? Nearly all of those are grown right here in the western part of our state. Buying a locally grown tree is a great way to support small farms and local agriculture! 🎄
#NC11 #WNC #WesternNC
#NC11 #WNC #WesternNC
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
I had a great day in Yancey County with a legend Johnny Deyton who took me to visit small businesses and farms, to tour some damage of the Cane River from Hurricane Helene, and had some fellowship with a lively crew at lunch.
November 20, 2025 at 5:20 PM
I had a great day in Yancey County with a legend Johnny Deyton who took me to visit small businesses and farms, to tour some damage of the Cane River from Hurricane Helene, and had some fellowship with a lively crew at lunch.
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
The American people begged their leaders to stand up to Trumpism. Instead, their Senate “leader” sold them out. When courage becomes optional, democracy becomes impossible...
open.substack.com/pub/thomhart...
open.substack.com/pub/thomhart...
Chuck Schumer’s Quiet Betrayal: The Day the Democratic Party Forgot Who It Serves
The American people begged their leaders to stand up to Trumpism. Instead, their Senate “leader” sold them out. When courage becomes optional, democracy becomes impossible...
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:42 PM
The American people begged their leaders to stand up to Trumpism. Instead, their Senate “leader” sold them out. When courage becomes optional, democracy becomes impossible...
open.substack.com/pub/thomhart...
open.substack.com/pub/thomhart...
Local mountains around Asheville as seen from my street have a dusting of snow this AM. The farther away & higher elevation ones up towards Tennessee I can't get a good picture of, but they're covered in white.
I like to think of this just as a winter "preview", since Saturday it may be close to 70
I like to think of this just as a winter "preview", since Saturday it may be close to 70
November 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Local mountains around Asheville as seen from my street have a dusting of snow this AM. The farther away & higher elevation ones up towards Tennessee I can't get a good picture of, but they're covered in white.
I like to think of this just as a winter "preview", since Saturday it may be close to 70
I like to think of this just as a winter "preview", since Saturday it may be close to 70
For Schumer & the 8 Dems who sold out the people who elected them, just a reminder America the Great is the only major Western industrialized country that doesn't provide at least basic universal healthcare for its citizens.
America, we can do better than this! Make America Healthy: Tax the Top 5%.
America, we can do better than this! Make America Healthy: Tax the Top 5%.
November 11, 2025 at 1:40 PM
For Schumer & the 8 Dems who sold out the people who elected them, just a reminder America the Great is the only major Western industrialized country that doesn't provide at least basic universal healthcare for its citizens.
America, we can do better than this! Make America Healthy: Tax the Top 5%.
America, we can do better than this! Make America Healthy: Tax the Top 5%.
This pretty little scene in Asheville this morning is what happens when autumn abruptly comes to an end & winter suddenly arrives in a blast. Warmer weather is on the way back soon, but I'm guessing this glimpse of winter will now get people thinking about the upcoming winter holidays.
November 11, 2025 at 1:20 PM
This pretty little scene in Asheville this morning is what happens when autumn abruptly comes to an end & winter suddenly arrives in a blast. Warmer weather is on the way back soon, but I'm guessing this glimpse of winter will now get people thinking about the upcoming winter holidays.
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Groceries saw their biggest jump in nearly three years last month, a worrisome sign for inflation-weary shoppers. Tariffs are contributing to higher prices for imported staples like bananas and coffee.
Grocery prices have jumped up, and there's no relief in sight
Groceries saw their biggest jump in nearly three years last month, a worrisome sign for inflation-weary shoppers. Tariffs are contributing to higher prices for imported staples like bananas and coffee.
n.pr
November 9, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Groceries saw their biggest jump in nearly three years last month, a worrisome sign for inflation-weary shoppers. Tariffs are contributing to higher prices for imported staples like bananas and coffee.
Songs From the Road Band closed out the public celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Asheville Sessions with a performance at Wicked Weed Funkatorium. Such a great collab among bass guitar, guitar, mandolin, fiddle & banjo on traditional Appalachian roots tunes & 60/70s tunes done roots style.
November 9, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Songs From the Road Band closed out the public celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Asheville Sessions with a performance at Wicked Weed Funkatorium. Such a great collab among bass guitar, guitar, mandolin, fiddle & banjo on traditional Appalachian roots tunes & 60/70s tunes done roots style.
Asheville's River Arts District (RAD) hosted RAD Fest 2.0 today & again tomorrow from 10 AM to 5 PM. All studios open in the Upper RAD plus pop up artists' booths in a couple of the parking lots. If you go, you gotta checkout the recently re-opened Marquee in the Lower RAD. Even better than before!
November 8, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Asheville's River Arts District (RAD) hosted RAD Fest 2.0 today & again tomorrow from 10 AM to 5 PM. All studios open in the Upper RAD plus pop up artists' booths in a couple of the parking lots. If you go, you gotta checkout the recently re-opened Marquee in the Lower RAD. Even better than before!
I was surprised last year to discover that some bonsai trees are bonsai versions of deciduous trees, meaning their leaves turn colors & fall off just like their bigger cousins. So this year I went back to the NC Arboretum in Asheville just in time to enjoy "Bonsai Autumn". Here's some pics.
November 5, 2025 at 10:49 PM
I was surprised last year to discover that some bonsai trees are bonsai versions of deciduous trees, meaning their leaves turn colors & fall off just like their bigger cousins. So this year I went back to the NC Arboretum in Asheville just in time to enjoy "Bonsai Autumn". Here's some pics.
The fall color show is rapidly approaching its end in the Asheville area. Some individual trees in town are still pretty, but the trees in the mountains are browning & losing their leaves. Possible snow Sunday night/Monday morning! Some pics from the NC Arboretum at the Blue Ridge Parkway today.
November 5, 2025 at 1:44 AM
The fall color show is rapidly approaching its end in the Asheville area. Some individual trees in town are still pretty, but the trees in the mountains are browning & losing their leaves. Possible snow Sunday night/Monday morning! Some pics from the NC Arboretum at the Blue Ridge Parkway today.
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Grijalva: I do think that Speaker Johnson misplayed his hand.
There are people all over this nation who were out there with signs that said, “Swear her in.” They wouldn’t have even known about me otherwise.
Thank you for highlighting how corrupt the system you’re protecting really is.
There are people all over this nation who were out there with signs that said, “Swear her in.” They wouldn’t have even known about me otherwise.
Thank you for highlighting how corrupt the system you’re protecting really is.
November 4, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Grijalva: I do think that Speaker Johnson misplayed his hand.
There are people all over this nation who were out there with signs that said, “Swear her in.” They wouldn’t have even known about me otherwise.
Thank you for highlighting how corrupt the system you’re protecting really is.
There are people all over this nation who were out there with signs that said, “Swear her in.” They wouldn’t have even known about me otherwise.
Thank you for highlighting how corrupt the system you’re protecting really is.
Baker Farm & Winery at Buffalo Creek in Fallston, NC is a wonderful NC winery between Charlotte & Asheville. It's a great place to enjoy a glass or bottle of their wine, or a wine flight tasting. Charcuterie boards plus food trucks when they have events, like live music when we were there today.
November 2, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Baker Farm & Winery at Buffalo Creek in Fallston, NC is a wonderful NC winery between Charlotte & Asheville. It's a great place to enjoy a glass or bottle of their wine, or a wine flight tasting. Charcuterie boards plus food trucks when they have events, like live music when we were there today.
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Life in Asheville
October 30, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Life in Asheville
Whether they end up in 1st or 2nd place in The Netherland's election, the center-left D66 party has the best chance to form a government, led by the youngest & 1st gay Prime Minister. @petebuttigieg.bsky.social are you watching this election?
www.reuters.com/world/dutch-...
www.reuters.com/world/dutch-...
www.reuters.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Whether they end up in 1st or 2nd place in The Netherland's election, the center-left D66 party has the best chance to form a government, led by the youngest & 1st gay Prime Minister. @petebuttigieg.bsky.social are you watching this election?
www.reuters.com/world/dutch-...
www.reuters.com/world/dutch-...
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Thank you to everyone who came out to our campaign event in Madison County at the Old Marshall Jail last week. 200+ folks, all fired up to elect a voice for the people of Western NC!
Special thanks to my friends Josh Copus for hosting us and Graham Sharp for bringing the fun. #NC11 #WNC
Special thanks to my friends Josh Copus for hosting us and Graham Sharp for bringing the fun. #NC11 #WNC
October 29, 2025 at 8:58 PM