Pam Bunch

Beyond the 99 percent versus the one percent...beyond Republican or Democrat...beyond Catholic or Muslim or Southern Baptist or Methodist or Jewish...beyond all that there is a more basic difference and inequality that still exists in this country.  That difference and inequality is between so-called 'whites' and blacks or even browns.

Dr. Henrie M. Treadwell knows all about that. She is the author of a book called "Beyond Stereotypes in Black and White: How Everyday Leaders Can Build Healthier Opportunities for African-American Boys and Men."

Have you ever wanted to work on stage? Have your ever had a dream of becoming a producer or a playwright or even a screenwriter? Well, in Asheville once a year for the past few years, you've had a chance. 
 It's called the Community Choreography Project and the performances are June 20 through 22 at Diana Wortham Theatre.
 I have never heard of the Community Choreography Project. So when I had the opportunity to speak with its founder and director, Barrie Barton, recently I asked her about it.

If you live in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas City, or Texas, you don't HAVE to like barbecue.  But, if you don't people are likely to ask - just curious, ya know - 'What the heck's wrong with you?!' And if you live in Western North or South Carolina and you've never been to the Blue Ridge BBQ and Music Festival - like maybe you live in a cave or you've just moved here - you have GOT TO GO...This Year...This Friday and Saturday!

The Appalachian Trail remains one of the most iconic and beautiful places in the United States, covering 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine, with a good portion of it going through our backyard. It was actually begun in the early 1900s, and even now continues to grow.

When it comes to military personnel, the members of the elite SEAL teams are among the most prestigious, most admired, and most secretive.  So how could author Eric Blehm write this story of one extraordinary member of the most elite SEAL team known, Team Six?  We'll talk about that and about this amazing young man who died just as he seemed to have everything he ever wanted.

This book is for environmentalists and for those that don't believe in 'global warming'. It's  for those who had (or have) a wonderful relationship with a parent, and for those who don't. It's a book to share with your children to get them fired up about hanging out with you. It's also a book to get them fired up about saving the environment. It's really a book for just about anyone.

In 'Journey to the Edge of Eden, " Schmelz writes a memoir of a fascinating life that started in the city of Newark, NJ and ended up in a place that couldn't possibly be any different.

There is no cure for AIDS currently and there is no HIV vaccine, yet. The National Institutes of Health says that, "Safe, effective , and affordable vaccines that can prevent HIV are the best hope for controlling and/or ending the AIDS epidemic."

The Annual Veteran's Administration VA Research Week is going on today through May 17th all across the country. I spoke with Dr. Joel Kupersmith, Chief Research and Development Officer, Veteran's Health Administration at the Department of Veteran's Affairs last week as he was preparing for this week's activities.

Dr Kupersmith says the week is designed to highlight the groundbreaking achievements of VA investigators, and to honor the Veteran Volunteers who participate in many VA Research studies.  Accordingly, this year's theme is "VA Research Inspires."

The first thing to say about this book is that it is intended to be read by MATURE AUDIENCES  to adult language and adult situations. 

The second thing to say about this book is that it is the truth and it is a wonderfully funny and touchingly sad at the same time.  Sharon L. Hicks says she always intended to tell the story of her mother's mental illness.  In "How Do You Grab A Naked Lady?", Hicks tells it all in unflinching detail.  And, by telling the story of her mother, she ends up telling her own story.

May is Mental Health Month, and perhaps now, more than ever before, this issue of mental health is something that everyone has to deal with concerning someone in his or her family.  May is also the month when St. Luke's Hospital shines a light on mental health with a special event.  I spoke recently to Becky Brodar, RN and Community Outreach Coordinator for St. Lukes Center for Behavioral Medicine in Columbus, NC.