Devon Sproule: Like a Penny in the Field

Posted in Music on June 28th, 2010 by marklynn
Devon Sproule: Like a Penny in the Field
Have you ever been walking in a tall grass field, looked down and had to blink over and over because you’resurprised to see a new copper penny half buried in the soil? That’s what it’s like when you first see Devon Sproule. She is a glimmering young songstress, a stunner from Charlottesville. Sproule's latest album: ¡Don’t Hurry For Heaven! Check out the below clip to see what I mean. Watch how Sproule’s head tips Read More »


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Appalachian English

Posted in History & Culture on June 21st, 2010 by marklynn
Appalachian English
Me, when I had a strong accent. Once I had a mountain twang. It was thick as bacon fat and stronger than the scent off a rose bush in full bloom. When I was three and living on Bent Mountain, my daddy recorded me. On that tape, you can hear me sassing at bedtime, ”Maw’ma, ayan’t slea’pee. Ayan’t red’ee for bed, Maw’ma.” I didn’t know that I spoke with a dialect. Everyone around me talked the Read More »


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National Parks Weigh Nothing

Posted in Outdoors & Travel on June 13th, 2010 by marklynn
National Parks Weigh Nothing
Want to shed a couple pounds from your pack? Ditch the guidebook and try one of the digital versions now available for the iPhone. Apps are popping up left and right for the two national parks in the Appalachians. Here are two of my favorites: Great Smoky Mountains National Park The folks at Nomad Mobile Guides have mastered their trade. They’re guide to the Great Smoky Mountains is user friendly, chock full of handy info, and most import Read More »


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Show Your AT Pride…By Driving

Posted in Outdoors & Travel on June 10th, 2010 by marklynn
Show Your AT Pride…By Driving
Tennessee residents may be able to show their Appalachian Trail pride with a special license plate. It seems that an all-important 1000 applicant threshold has been met and the final decision is now up to the state Department of Revenue. Design by Matt Montgomery and subject to approval from TN DMV The plates could be available as soon as early November, but if you live in Tennessee, you can apply for yours now and support the Appalachian Trail Read More »


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The Beaten Biscuit Crusade

Posted in History & Culture on June 6th, 2010 by marklynn
The Beaten Biscuit Crusade
Growing up, we were a bi-bread household. Mother made biscuits and cornbread, both from prepackaged mixes sold under the same brand–Jiffy. It’s a breezy moniker, and the products always lived up to it. You add a dribble of water to the corn or flour mix. There’s no kneading. No lard. No baking soda. Just one bowl and an oven rack. Snap. You’re done. Read More »


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