Pop Life
The Last Summer
Archie (K.J. Apa) from the television series “Riverdale” stars in the new Netflix film “The Last Summer”, which chronicles the lives of several high school seniors in Chicago as they enjoy the last summer before entering college. The film provides Apa the opportunity to leave the dark tone of Riverdale behind and enjoy brighter moments […]
The Loafer
Veteran of the Week
Rob Phillips Full name: William Robert “Rob” Phillips Born: August 28, 1925 – May 13, 2019 Rob was a United States Army Veteran having served his country honorably during WWII. He was awarded the WWII Victory Ribbon and Army Occupation Medal (Germany). Rob was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He adored his […]
Appalachian Wanderers
Exploring Wildwood Grove
Since Dolly shoveled that first pile of dirt in 1985 to signify the birth of her Smoky Mountain theme park, three things have remained a constant at Dollywood: the music icon’s guiding presence, welcoming hospitality, and a whole lot of change. Change is what transformed a small railroad tour into the national destination the Dollywood […]
Batteries Not Included
Summer Stock
It was slated to be a reunion for two of MGM’s most popular duos, Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. The pair had starred in nine films together, the last of which was 1943’s “Girl Crazy.” The script was even tailored to bring back memories of the films the two had been made before—the central plot […]
Pop Life
Avengers: Endgame
This week it’s time for me to discuss the behemoth that is “Avengers: Endgame”. I’m sure by the time this is published the film will have made 2 trillion dollars, and it should come as no surprise as this is the culmination of Marvel Studio film series that began with the 2008 film “Iron Man”. […]
Appalachian Wanderers
The Opening of Wildwood Grove
Dolly Parton has been one busy… well… Butterfly! Just last Friday we were on site at Dollywood in the park’s newest expansion with Dolly herself to officially open Wildwood Grove. Inspired by the beauty of the Smokies, Wildwood Grove is Dollywood’s brand new $37 million dollar land addition that is the theme park’s largest capital […]
Batteries Not Included
The Seats Are Buzzing: The Films of William Castle (A Rerun)
When my column celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2016 I re-ran a few select columns to celebrate that. It was the first, and only time I had done so. However, this week I’m dusting off a favorite from 2014 and running it again, my piece on Director William Castle. My father is ill and I’ve […]
Pop Life
Gotham
When the Fox Network announced they would be producing a show called “Gotham”, set in Batman’s city, I was thrilled, as any fan of the Caped Crusader would be. However, I was not so thrilled when I found out the show would NOT feature Batman, but would follow the rise of Detective Jim Gordon (Ben […]
Batteries Not Included
Oh, No! There’s a Bear!
It was late this past Saturday and I was tired. Not just the “Oh, let’s get to bed early” kind of tired, but the “I’m juggling all the things and coffee is now all I am made of” tired. I got home around 11:00 after a gig, fed my cat, then got ready and climbed […]
