Day: March 22, 2011
Gospel of Peter
"I don't feel cynical at all. I feel as vital and valid as ever," says musician Peter Murphy. Over the years he's been many things to many people: The frontman for British post-punk band Bauhaus, the harbinger of gothic rock, an underappreciated solo act, a world-music maverick. If his career began on a lark (according … Read more
Doc Aquatic’s finely orchestrated chaos
There’s something so buoyant and blithe about local indie/psychedelic band Doc Aquatic that it’s pretty near impossible to watch them on stage and not smile. The band started off its Grey Eagle set, opening for The Baker Family Band, with lots of bounce and energy. In fact, the crowd for the opener was sizable — … Read more
Wising up
"Most people don't get so lucky, to just be born into their career, bred for it like a horse," says Jessica Lea Mayfield. The 21-year-old Ohio native isn't exaggerating. She's been performing since the age of 8, first in her parents touring bluegrass band and soon after as a solo singer-songwriter, including a bar residency … Read more
Exploding science
If you’re a parent, you may know just how important it is to get kids focused on science. Kids know, too, from watching TV shows like Sid the Science Kid and Magic School Bus. But how to get kids the knowledge they need, when science education is hampered by budget cuts? In WNC, there are … Read more
Into the woods
Think back to the science classes you had when you were a kid. Mine conjure up the acrid smell of formaldehyde as my high-school biology classmates and I dissected enormous, pale, flatworms that seemed too otherworldly to slither on the earth. Nature photographer Kevin W. FitzPatrick has a similarly uninspiring story. "When I was a … Read more
Do the Robot!
The traditional view of a kids’ summer camp is steeped in a nostalgic woodsy setting. There’s always a lake for swimming and canoeing and a nightly campfire with singing, swapping spooky stories and roasting various treats-on-a-stick. This classic design was the “forest” ushering in a growing acceptance of “trees” — or the rising tide of … Read more
Smart play
When it comes to the explosive intersection of kids and chemicals, it’s not just about the baking-soda-and-vinegar volcano anymore. Solar-powered vehicles and other green-themed toys are on the rise; likewise modern adaptations of beloved classics. Xpress contacted local independent stores whose primary retail space is devoted to toys, and discovered the very latest in weird … Read more
DIY Science Projects
Bored? Want to make a minor mess and learn something at the same time? Do try these experiments at home (with a parent's permission, of course). Exploding soda fountain: We've all seen the baking-soda volcano. It's a classic example of an experiment that can be performed with common kitchen ingredients. While non-damaging and safe explosions … Read more
Summery summary
Western North Carolina’s many summer camps are keeping up with the techie times. Some offer up-to-the-minute instruction in rocketry, robotics, ecology, Web design and music production, among other exciting subjects. Delve into the science of summer! Nature, Adventure, Health and Science Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism offers an Earth Sprouts! Summer Camp August 1-5 from … Read more
