Latest news with #BlackMountain
Associated Press
8 hours ago
- Associated Press
Uncharted Japan Celebrates First Anniversary with Over 5,000 Subscribers and Hundreds of Thousands of Views
06/27/2025, Black Mountain, North Carolina // PRODIGY: Feature Story // John and Josephine Haynes on their travels (source: Uncharted Japan) Uncharted Japan, an independent travel storytelling venture, has announced major milestones. Following its first anniversary, its YouTube channel has crossed 5,000 subscribers and accumulated hundreds of thousands of views. Uncharted Japan's growth, especially within the niche category of culturally rich, off-the-beaten-path Japanese travel, reflects a growing demand for authentic, meaningful travel content and the channel's distinct voice. 'We never imagined this would resonate the way it has. I'm in my 60s, and before we started, I had never uploaded a video, never used editing software, and certainly had no experience running a YouTube channel,' says John Haynes, co-founder of Uncharted Japan. 'Most creators on this platform are half our age, and yet here we are, a couple with zero production background, reaching thousands and being recognized in Japan by viewers who've changed their travel plans because of us.' Founded by John and his wife, Josephine, Uncharted Japan began as a passion project inspired by a decades-long love affair with Japan's culture, countryside, and people. John, a former top-producing real estate professional in the US, left a successful career of nearly four decades to launch this channel alongside Josephine, whose ties to Japan run generations deep. Born in Japan, Josephine represents the fourth generation of her American family to have lived there. In 1861, her great-great-grandparents arrived as some of the earliest missionaries permitted into the country after centuries of isolation. That legacy, as well as their frequent visits to the family home near Nagano, gives the Hayneses a unique perspective in the online travel space. Uncharted Japan isn't a typical travel channel. It doesn't showcase the same viral hotspots found on every influencer's itinerary, from Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing to Kyoto's Fushimi Inari or Osaka's Dotonbori. The channel delves into quiet villages, forgotten temples, mom-and-pop eateries, and historic neighborhoods that rarely, if ever, appear on travel blogs or Instagram feeds. Uncharted Japan's content is carefully curated for an older, more discerning audience who value substance over spectacle. 'We avoid clickbait thumbnails or outrageous challenges,' says John. 'We offer in-depth storytelling to travelers who want a slower pace and a genuine connection with Japan's culture and communities.' This focus on depth and discovery distinguishes Uncharted Japan. It has always been dedicated to revealing the side of Japan that most visitors and even some locals overlook. Uncharted Japan's impact is evident in the comments across its videos. Viewers praise its sincere approach and the richness of its recommendations. For instance, its episode on the Osaka Expo 2025 has drawn over 185,000 views, providing viewers with a comprehensive guide to one of Japan's largest events in decades. The Hayneses also receive heartfelt emails and comments almost daily, not only from viewers but also from the Japanese locals whose stories they help amplify. Remote innkeepers and small-town restaurateurs express deep gratitude for the exposure Uncharted Japan provides. Viral travel content usually chases clicks over connection. Uncharted Japan represents a return to what travel is supposed to be about: discovery, understanding, and storytelling. 'Our passion is to show people that there's so much more to Japan than neon lights and cherry blossoms,' John says. 'It's a country of astonishing diversity, history, and quiet beauty, especially in the places most tourists never go. If we can help people experience that, then we've done something worthwhile.' This is what Uncharted Japan remains committed to doing as it moves into its second year. Media Contact Name: John Haynes Email: [email protected]
Arab News
22-05-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Aseer's nature-sculpted basalt columns tell ancient volcanic tales
RIYADH: Deep within the mountains and plains of Aseer, nature unveils one of its most magnificent geological masterpieces in the form of the region's basalt columns. Meticulously shaped, they stand tall as timeless witnesses, narrating chapters of the province's rich volcanic history. These formations are not just rigid rock structures, but natural sculptures, shaped over millions of years, embodying a harmonious blend of natural beauty and scientific depth. The basalt columns of Aseer are among the most remarkable and rarest geological phenomena in the Kingdom, captivating the attention of visitors and science enthusiasts. Composed of volcanic rock formed from slowly cooled lava flows, these columns have shrunk and cracked over time, creating stunning geometric shapes, often hexagonal, pentagonal, or quadrilateral, with astonishing natural precision. King Saud University Seismic Studies Center director and Saudi Society for Geosciences president Prof. Abdullah Al-Amri shared exciting insights. He highlighted the Aseer region's rich geological formations, which can be found in several captivating locations, including Muhayil Aseer, Jabal Mishrif in Al-Harajah, Qarn Mujal east of Tendha, Wadi Al-Asran, and the coastal area between Al-Qahma and Al-Barak, nestled within the Black Mountain range. Al-Amri noted that these formations have been recognized since ancient times. Renowned geographer Abu Muhammad Al-Hasan Al-Hamdani described them in his book 'Sifat Jazirat Al-Arab' as part of the Sarat Janb range, stretching from the north of Dhahran Al-Janub to the north of Sarat Ubaida, now known as Harrat Al-Sarat. A Cenozoic volcanic field, Harrat Al-Sarat covers around 700 square km and boasts towering mountains like Jabal Ferwa, which rises 3,004 meters above sea level, and Jabal Zalm, standing at 2,575 meters. Saudi Geological Survey spokesperson Tariq Aba Al-Khail elaborated on the fascinating formation of basalt columns. The unique structures arise from thermal contraction when lava cools and solidifies, resulting in vertical cracks at right angles to the cooling surface. While the columns typically appear vertical, they may bend or tilt depending on the cooling conditions. Aba Al-Khail likened the formations to the cracking of clay as it dries, but instead, they occur in igneous rocks, particularly basalt, and can also be found in andesite, trachyte, and rhyolite. He explained that the remarkable formations date back around 30 million years and have been discovered in the southwestern volcanic lava fields, such as Harrat Al-Barak. The phenomenon holds significant scientific value, offering researchers the opportunity to explore ancient volcanic activity in the Arabian Peninsula.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
More than 25,000 reported without power in North Carolina
BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (WSPA) – Duke Energy reported that more than 25,000 people are without power in Western North Carolina. Duke Energy said that the cause of the outage remains unknown at this time. Most of the outages are located within the Fletcher, Montreat, Black Mountain and Swannanoa areas. Power is expected to return to the area between 9 and 10 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Michelle Kennedy leaving Greensboro for planning & development job in Black Mountain
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A long-time Greensboro public official is making a move out west. On Monday, the Town of Black Mountain announced that former Greensboro councilwoman and current Director of Neighborhoods and Housing Michelle Kennedy has been hired to serve as the town's Planning & Development Director. She will begin this new job in late April. 'The search for a new planning director was significantly impacted by the disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Helene, which required town leadership to shift focus toward emergency response and recovery efforts,' Black Mountain said in their statement. 'Michelle Kennedy will replace Jessica Trotman, who served as Planning Director since 2017 before transitioning to a hybrid role in FY 23-24 and later being promoted to Assistant Town Manager in July 2024. Since that time, Trotman has also served as Interim Planning Director.' D.H. Griffin cited by labor department after employee killed by train in Greensboro 'Michelle's leadership and experience in housing and community development will be a wonderful asset to Black Mountain,' said Town Manager Josh Harrold. 'We were committed to finding the right person for this critical role, and while the search took longer than expected, we are confident that Michelle's background and passion for public service will serve our community well.' 'It has been an honor to serve as Planning Director I'm proud of the department's accomplishments and excited to have Michelle continue this important work,' Trotman agreed. 'I look forward to seeing her leadership in action.' Kenney provided the following statement to FOX8: It has been my privilege to have spent most of my career serving Greensboro. I'm proud of the programs and initiatives that I helped to foster as a nonprofit leader, City Councilperson and as the Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development. However, for me, it is time to move on. I am thrilled to be joining the Town of Black Mountain as their Director of Planning and Community Development. I can think of nothing more meaningful than the opportunity to contribute to the recovery and future of Western North Carolina and there is no team I respect more than that of Black Mountain. Black Mountain Strong! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2025 Rivian R1T, R1S California Dune Editions Look Fit for the Desert
Rivian has launched its first special-edition models, the and California Dune Edition. Their exteriors wear a tan paint job, with the option to match the same hue on the 20-inch wheels that come as part of the standard All-Terrain package. The cabin features a two-tone look, with a Black Mountain upper section and a Sandstone lower section. The Rivian R1T truck and R1S SUV received comprehensive updates for the 2025 model year, bringing tweaked exterior styling, a lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry in the standard battery, and a new drive unit in the Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor powertrains. Now, Rivian is enhancing the R1 duo even further with the California Dune Edition, a special version of the R1T and R1S that gets a desert-inspired paint job and standard off-road gear. This marks the first time Rivian has launched a limited-edition variant of its R1 line of vehicles. The special-edition model is differentiated from standard Rivians by an all-new paint color called, unsurprisingly, California Dune. The color was inspired by Southern California's beautiful dunes. The vehicles also wear an exterior Darkout package to accentuate the contrast between the badging and the tan paint job. Inside, each California Dune Edition sports a hue called Sandstone on the lower section of the cabin with a Black Mountain upper half. The interior also features flooring material that's supposed to be easy to clean, with Sandstone floor mats to match the seats, center console, and door panels. The California Dune Edition is based around the R1 models' Tri-Motor setup, which packs three electric motors spitting out a whopping 850 horsepower and 1103 pound-feet of torque. This allows the electric SUV and electric truck to rip from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 2.9 seconds. The Tri-Motor powertrain also features a Soft Sand drive mode, which ties in nicely with the California Dune theme. The special Rivians also come fitted with the All-Terrain package as standard. Normally a $3700 add-on, the package adds 20-inch wheels, a spare tire, and a reinforced underbody shield. The wheels are offered here with two finishes, either a darkened look or a California Dune paint that matches the rest of the body. The inclusion of the All-Terrain package does knock the Tri-Motor powertrain's EPA-rated range from 371 miles to 329 miles. The California Dune models also feature a couple of unique accessories. There are black MAXTRAX traction boards that live atop the roof rack, which also get a darkened appearance. On the R1T pickup truck, there is also a standard powered tonneau cover, which got a revised design for 2025. Rivian didn't say how many examples of the California Dune models will be built, but it did describe the model as limited editions. The special Rivians are available to order now, with the R1T California Dune Edition starting at $99,900 and the R1S California Dune Edition starting at $105,900. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
