Are Rebates Really a Good Deal?

Wow! A $100 rebate on a computer! What a deal! But is it really worth it? Will you REALLY remember to send that rebate in?

Spyware: Somebody's Watching You

How do you know if spyware is on your computer? Read on for the clues that could tell you if it has been installed without your consent.

Pets as Presents

A spur of the moment decision to buy a pet for your child for Christmas will affect you for many years to come.

Food Safety Tips

How many times after a holiday gathering, have you felt a little "out-of-sorts" and blamed it on eating too much?

Give the Joy of Quitting

Enjoy a poem written by someone who has experienced the pain of trying to quit smoking and the joy of giving the gift of quitting.

Pet of the Week

Congratulations to Terryjean Moody of Asheville for the picture of her dog, Chance!

Recipe of the Week

Congratulations to Amy Brantley for her Fudge Truffle Cheesecake recipe!

Because Lake Julian is a thermal lake (it serves as a cooling agent for Progress Energy) some of the best fishing occurs from October through March. Lake Julian has an abundance of bass, catfish, brim, crappie and an imported fish called "Talapia".

All Buncombe County offices will be closed for Christmas on the following dates:

Friday, December 23 - Monday, December 26

Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Day will be cancelled for:

December 23, 2005 -- Christmas Holiday

HHW and Electronics will be taken all other Fridays at the Landfill between 9 am - 3 pm.

The City of Asheville has just joined Buncombe County in requiring owners to spay/neuter their pets or pay for an unaltered animal permit.

The Animal Compassion Network has low-cost (only $35) certificates for sterilizing your pets. To purchase a certificate, come to an adoption event on the first or third Saturday of each month. The next opportunity to buy a spay/neuter certificate is Saturday, December 17 from 11am - 3pm at PETsMART.

If you have questions, or for more information, call 258-4820.

Asheville Transit Commission will hold a press conference on Tuesday, December 20 at the Asheville Transit Garage, 360 West Haywood Street to unveil their new maps and signs aimed to improve riders' ability to easily navigate the City's bus system. 

Routes have been color coded and the bus schedule will be posted at over 200 of the city's busiest stops.  

The new maps are now available at several locations throughout the City including the Transit Center and on all buses.  Get your copy on line at http://www.ashevilletransit.com/ or call 253-5691.