Rep. Heath Shuler was in Asheville yesterday, fielding questions from citizens on the radio and speaking to local businesspeople. He reaffirmed his opposition to health care reform legislation currently before the House of Representatives, but said “we’ve got to have reform.”

Here’s a look at what’s going on around Western North Carolina: Ghost Town in the Sky is still losing money; all UNC-system college students will be required to have health insurance next year; moviemakers are spotlighting people and locations in Haywood County; and more.

I was talking to an old friend about movie ratings. He mentioned that on military bases movies were rated in pre-MPAA rating days—something with which I was unfamiliar. I don’t recall the rating system, but I was interested to note that one of the “forbidden” movies was David Swift’s Under the Yum Yum Tree. What slightly surprised me was my immediate response, “And so it ought to have been,” and the realization that I find this movie offensive.

Twitter-coverage of Heath Shuler’s radio comments today about health insurance.

Live electronica pioneers The New Deal hit the Orange Peel on Friday. Want to go? Xpress is giving away two guest-list spots for the show.

The Orange Peel Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Asheville’s premiere downtown music venue with a national reputation as a top music destination, is expanding.

Just in time for the upcoming municipal elections, Council approves four new early-voting sites.

Here’s a round-up of environmental news that affects Western North Carolina, from local issues to national news we’ve been tracking.

Goombay kicks off, Greenlife celebrates five years in Asheville with food, drink and music, local bands commandeer Pritchard Park, poets recite, rockers reunite and DJs spin while shoppers scores some great sale prices. And it’s all super budget friendly.

Prepping for move to new south Asheville studio, b-boy dance outfit Hunab Kru will hold its final weekly training session at Stephens-Lee Recreation Center Wednesday night.

The play features some very talented actors and an unfortunately lackluster script.

It’s Michael Myers vs. Death Incarnate at the movies this week for what should be the grudge match of the year. My money is on Michael Myers. He’s got the brand name and Rob Zombie at the helm. On the other hand, Death is all dolled-up in a nice 3-D suit. Should be an interesting bout. And if that doesn’t excite you, Ang Lee is on hand with a little 40-year-old nostalgia.

Didn’t get to be part of the Downtown Master Plan Advisory Committee? Here’s your chance to sit on the Downtown Master Plan Action Committee.

In a statement issued today, the group says that the four proposed plans for the Interstate 26 highway connector are “a major threat to the quality of life in Asheville.”