Writer, editor, sailor, angler, explorer, raconteur, amateur triathlete & semi-pro theologian masked as journalist/pundit for 35 years. Also, @BlueSmokies

NC-11
Joined September 2008
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued a fact check disputing several claims made earlier today by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Specifically, CENTCOM rejects IRGC assertions that the Strait of Hormuz is unsafe for commercial shipping, that multiple U.S. military aircraft, including three F-35 fighter jets, have been destroyed, and that the motor tanker Nora successfully breached the U.S. naval blockade of Iran. CENTCOM stated that each of those claims is false, describing them as part of an ongoing Iranian disinformation effort surrounding military operations in the region.
Over the past few hours, Iranian state media have continued to report false claims by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – three in particular. 🚫 FIRST CLAIM: The IRGC (again) claims free and open routes through the Strait of Hormuz are dangerous for commercial vessels. ✅ FACT: The immediate dangers posed to commercial vessels and their civilian crews are the IRGC’s verbal threats and attempted attacks. 🚫 SECOND CLAIM: The IRGC claims Three U.S. F-35 stealth fighters and three other aircraft were destroyed during a recent Iranian attack on an American air base. ✅ FACT: No U.S. aircraft were destroyed or damaged in recent attempted Iranian attacks. All missiles and drones were intercepted or failed to reach targeted areas. 🚫 THIRD CLAIM: Iranian state media is reporting that a commercial oil tanker, M/T Nora, has broken through the U.S. blockade. ✅ FACT: The commercial vessel has not broken through America’s steel wall blockade. More than 20 U.S. warships, hundreds of aircraft, and thousands of service members remain vigilant and continue to fully enforce the blockade.
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🇯🇲 Praying for #Jamaica.
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Year 28 of covering @LadyVol_Hoops has begun. Let's go. #ladyvols
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New details regarding plans for a new outdoor concert venue in east Asheville are in my latest newsletter. There’s a link in bio, or please find the Ashevegas Hot Sheet on Substack.
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Large outdoor music venue in the works for Thompson Street; temporary ice rink planned for downtown Asheville; Los Nenes Bakery eyes new location; more, by @Ashevegas open.substack.com/pub/asheve…
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NASA was founded today 1958, six months before announcement of Mercury astronauts:
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Constitution of the United States was signed at Philadelphia today 1787:
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If you're really concerned about the safety of North Carolinians, Mr. Vice President, you would reverse the federal cuts to local and state law enforcement that you and Michael Whatley championed so that our police have the tools to keep North Carolinians safe.
Law enforcement arrested this thug 14 times. It wasn’t law enforcement that failed. It was weak politicians like you who kept letting him out of prison.
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For the first time in program history, the Lady Vols have earned a No. 1 ranking 🔥
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John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay signatures on Treaty of Paris, ending Revolutionary War, today 1783:
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General MacArthur accepts Japanese surrender, U.S.S. Missouri, Tokyo Bay, this week 1945, ending World War II:
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The Soothingly Blue Ridge Mountains
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The Spanish call of Joey Aguilar’s BOMB is absolutely ELECTRIC⚡️🍊 #VAMOSVOLS @CarlosOnTheGo12
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JOEY AGUILAR first TD pass as QB1 but EN ESPAÑOL. So blessed to have this opportunity to bring Spanish broadcasting to all of my Latino brothers and sisters and for everyone else that will enjoy it. @benjaminwhodge always coming clutch with putting these together. 🍊#VAMOSVOLS
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When is Trump sending the National Guard to clean up this trash?
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Blue Ridge Parkway Update: 150+ miles now open in North Carolina! Here's the latest map. More sections north of us will reopen by fall (Deep Gap to Doughton Park). #westernnorthcarolina #wnc
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In the latest Hot Sheet newsletter: Xico upscale Mexican restaurant coming to downtown; Highland Brewing adding pizza eatery; Mermaiding in the mountains; the return of Finch Grocery, AutoCamp; more.
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I am deeply honored to accept this appointment as UNDP Eritrea's Goodwill Ambassador. This is not just a personal honor, but a profound responsibility. As UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, I will strive to use my influence for the greater good, advocating for climate action and supporting #Eritrea's sustainable development on the African continent and beyond. @GrmayeBiniam @IntermarcheW @UNDPAfrica @UNDPEritrea    #EritreaNationalFestival2025
BREAKING: Eritrean cycling champ Biniam Ghirmay joins @UNDP as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Climate Action and Youth Empowerment for Eritrea!🌱 From making history at the Tour de France, Biniam is now championing youth-led climate action. Welcome to the family, Biniam! Read UNDP Eritrea press release here: ⬇️undp.org/eritrea/press-relea… @GrmayeBiniam @UNDPAfrica @UNinEritrea #Eritrea
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This could’ve been an email face...⁣ ⁣ Don’t call me, owl call you.
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