#Carolinian zone

[tootiredforthistish]

[beardedmrbean]

A bill passed in the South Carolina Senate on Thursday would allow gun owners to carry their weapon in public without a concealed carry permit and would provide free firearms training.

The bill was approved by a 28-15 vote after nearly two weeks of debate surrounding concerns from some lawmakers and law enforcement officials over the open carry aspect. The addition of free firearms training is what led to a compromise and ultimately ended the debate.

The proposal now returns to the House, where representatives will need to agree to the Senate's addition of the free firearms training, and other changes, in order for the bill to make it to Gov. Henry McMaster's desk. 

If signed into law, South Carolina will join 27 other states – including nearly every one in the Deep South – that allow open carry without a permit.

MARYLAND BILL WOULD BAN GUN CARRY FOR OWNERS WITHOUT INSURANCE POLICY OF AT LEAST $300K

The Senate's amendments to the bill also include a required statewide advertising campaign to inform South Carolinians of the free concealed weapons permit training classes while also informing residents that guns can be carried openly by those over 18.

The proposed bill does not change the fact that convicted felons cannot legally carry guns and also keeps places like hospitals, schools and the Statehouse gun-free zones. Gun owners would also not be allowed to carry in other businesses that have decided to ban weapons.

The bill also includes new state penalties of at least five years when a felon is convicted of a crime using a gun, enhanced penalties for those convicted of carrying a gun in prohibited areas, and up to three additional years in prison for someone convicted of a gun crime who has not taken the concealed weapons permit class.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said the bill probably would not have passed the Senate without the aforementioned changes, according to The Associated Press. Though he does not have a formal estimate on how much it will cost the state per year to host at least two free training classes per week in all 46 counties, he guessed it would be at least $4 million based on the number of concealed weapons permits issued in South Carolina each year.

CALIFORNIA JUDGE BLOCKS GUN CONTROL LAW REQUIRING BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR AMMO PURCHASES

Republican Sen. Shane Martin celebrated the bill passing in the chamber and said allowing open carry has been a goal of his since he was elected to his position in 2008.

"I don’t think it's going to cause as many problems as they think it’s going to because the one thing we have to remember is the criminals are always going to be carrying," the senator from Spartanburg County said, adding that the bill wasn't exactly what he wanted, but the compromises were needed for it to pass.

Sen. Mia McLeod, an independent who often votes with Democrats, said she is concerned the bill will turn South Carolina into the "Wild, Wild West" with "no licenses, no training [and] inadequate background checks."

Law enforcement leaders have expressed worry over people carrying guns without training or experience, and the possibility of encountering armed people at a shooting scene and not being able to determine who is a threat and who is trying to help.

The concerns from law enforcement are what initially caused many Republican lawmakers to question the bill.

[flytohurt]

24 years & i still don’t know how i feel about shelton

i’m obligated to support him as a fellow south carolinian (also from the 803, to boot) but he bores me 😬 i don’t even know why. he’s talented & he’s had an insane career. but i instantly zone out when he’s on screen.

maybe it’s a me problem?

[sandra-journals]

Trump's Real Estate Vision Clashes with His 'America First' Agenda

When a real estate mogul becomes president, it’s no surprise that his foreign policy takes on a developer’s mindset. Donald Trump’s latest proposal exemplifies this approach—an audacious plan to transform war-ravaged Gaza into a luxurious global tourist destination, branding it the "Riviera of the Middle East."

This idea, as radical as it sounds, raises a question that has followed Trump since he entered the political arena: Should his vision for Gaza be taken literally, seriously, both, or neither?

A Controversial Plan with Global Backlash Trump’s proposal suggests U.S. "ownership" of Gaza, coupled with relocating over two million Palestinians. The response has been swift and fierce. Palestinians have vehemently rejected the idea, and Arab nations—who would play a crucial role in any such resettlement—have dismissed it outright. International critics, including American lawmakers, have condemned the plan as impractical and offensive.

"Turning a war zone into a Trump resort isn’t diplomacy; it’s an insult," stated Democratic Congressman Troy Carter. Even within Trump's own party, some Republicans have expressed skepticism.

Senator Lindsey Graham, usually a staunch Trump ally, voiced concerns over deploying U.S. forces in Gaza. "Most South Carolinians wouldn’t be thrilled about sending American troops to take over Gaza," he remarked. Senator Rand Paul was even more direct, posting on social media, "America First means no new occupations."

The Contradictions of Trump’s Foreign Policy Trump’s plan for Gaza represents an apparent contradiction in his foreign policy approach. While he has pushed for reducing U.S. involvement overseas���cutting foreign aid and focusing on domestic priorities—his rhetoric has hinted at expansionist ambitions.

His interest in acquiring Greenland remains strong, with administration insiders confirming his seriousness. His previous comments about making Canada the "51st state" and reclaiming the Panama Canal have moved beyond offhand jokes. Now, his Gaza proposal marks another shift from his longstanding opposition to U.S.-led nation-building efforts, such as the Iraq War.

A Pattern of Viewing Foreign Policy as a Business Venture This isn’t the first time Trump has framed global conflicts as business opportunities. During his meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2018, he spoke about the country’s "great beaches," envisioning high-end hotels lining the coast. While those ambitions never materialized, his Gaza proposal follows the same pattern.

Trump has also been vocal about Gaza’s economic potential for years. During his 2024 campaign, he suggested the region could be "better than Monaco" if Palestinians had taken advantage of their "prime location in the Middle East." Shortly after taking office, he told reporters that Gaza needed to be "cleaned out" and its people resettled.

Potential Consequences for Middle East Stability While some might see Trump’s unconventional strategy as an attempt to push Middle Eastern nations toward finding their own solutions, the risks are significant. His comments could jeopardize the fragile Israeli-Hamas ceasefire, alienate Arab states that previously engaged in diplomatic talks under the Abraham Accords, and embolden Israeli hard-liners to expand settlements.

Given Trump’s history, there’s also no guarantee that he will follow through with this idea. His attention could shift overnight—from trade battles with Canada to development ventures in Greenland or elsewhere. If history is any indication, his Gaza vision may end up as another unrealized business pitch rather than a serious policy initiative.

[cmccormickarts346]

(ARTS346) Process & Systems Course Planning (Cont.) - Final Narrative

Putting My Idea Into Writing - The Grand Strand Project - The Story

The Grand Strand Project 

Introduction - The Reasoning Behind the Story

When thinking about a beach town, what instantly comes to mind? From living in South Carolina for over seven years, I instantly think of Myrtle Beach, one of the locations along a 60-mile stretch of beaches off the coast, mirroring the Atlantic Ocean. Depending on the person you ask, many consider beaches, such as Myrtle Beach, to have gained a negative reputation, often coined "Dirty Myrtle" by South Carolinians across the state as the destination has been known to be a rowdy party town during much of the Spring and Summer months. This negative reputation has caused many areas next to Myrtle Beach to be unfairly grouped into this same negative party town reputation, including my small town, Murrells Inlet. While it is understandable how specific locations can be characterized as touristy party zones, I believe it is essential to let non-locals understand that the Grand Strand is so much more than just "Dirty Myrtle." Instead, it is a collection of vibrant communities with unique stories that together create the narrative of the Grand Strand. As a graphic designer passionate about history, this project is an excellent opportunity to combine my interests by discussing the story of the Grand Strand and incorporating the design skills I have learned from previous courses to execute this vision. These beach towns deserve to have their stories told and not tarnished by the negative reputation of a single location because there is so much more to these destinations. As a local of the Grand Strand, I am responsible for using my experience and graphic design skills to help tell that story. 

Another reason for this project, beyond bridging the gap between historical stories and graphic design, is to apply my line of work to tourism along the Grand Strand. How can I use what I have learned within my design courses to help tourists reach their destinations? I had never tackled tourism design before taking this course, making it an additional challenge to discuss experimentation design and whether it works well in a tourism setting such as a gift shop or local business. How could I implement graphic design to improve a tourist destination or improve a tourist destination’s reputation? 

Overall Goal: To Highlight the Story of the Grand Strand in Unique Ways. Ensure cohesive branding is applied to every physical and digital element to ensure a consistent and cohesive feel throughout the projects/marketing materials.

Backup Plan: As a backup plan, if the Grand Strand is considered too broad of a subject, I can focus on just Murrells Inlet's history and culture. This area connects with me as I lived there for seven years, and it still ties to the initial goal of highlighting the story of the Grand Strand uniquely, just more centered on the history and culture of Murrells Inlet. The same rules apply to ensuring a cohesive branding identity that is used in every physical and digital project to provide a coherent look and feel for marketing materials.

Screen Design (UI Design)

A combined, comprehensive website with easy user flow/navigation that outlines the Combined History of the Grand Strand and the various towns that make up the 60 miles of ocean fronts. Since no combined website currently exists that tells the story of these places to give details of activities, events, and places to stay in a single, convenient location, this website can be a creative solution to this problem. The initial goal should be to design improvements for an official, unified Grand Strand website with an easily accessible, user-friendly flow and experience. This website should provide relevant information, resources, historical context, and important dates. It is also important to mention that this content also needs to be applied to both a mobile and desktop format, in which the mobile format would be created first and the desktop format second. This screen design would be made using Figma and Adobe applications to help plan and execute this vision and sketch the user flow to understand better the various paths the user may choose when navigating the website. It is crucial that all info is simplified, straightforward, and in one easily accessible website. Having a single, cohesive website would make this information more accessible and easier to obtain rather than having to scroll aimlessly on different websites to find the appropriate information. Considering that I have lived in the area with my family for over seven years and had difficulty finding the information I was looking for, I'm hoping this approach to UX design would eliminate this difficulty, especially for those with no prior knowledge of the beaches of the Grand Strand. The ultimate goal is to develop content for the screen to make planning and visiting the Grand Strand as easy as possible without stressing out or confusing the user. Additional ideas for screen design include establishing a more cohesive identity on social media to reach the targeted guests/audience. The social media content would primarily be for Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. While this section of the project is not exactly the most experimental in terms of creating a website or content for social media, this process will remain experimental in the sense of creating a unified brand identity for the Grand Strand as a whole, then creating sub-branding identities for the seven beach towns. This step is crucial in creating a cohesive look and theme for the design deliverables. 

Package Design - Designing to be Sold in Gift Shops, Local, & Small Businesses

According to DesignRush.com, "Packaging design involves the material and visual elements used on a product’s wrapping, box, or container. It serves a critical aesthetic and functional purpose: protecting the product, conveying important information, and attracting the customer’s attention." In line with creating a more cohesive identity for the Grand Strand, this portion of the project should be dedicated towards the creation of merchandise that can be ideally placed in any of the beach town gift shops or small businesses along the Grand Strand, giving guests a chance to take home a souvenir that is unique to the town they are visiting but is also cohesive with the theme/style of the Grand Strand brand identity. In a hypothetical scenario, this would also be an excellent opportunity for local businesses to work with local artists and designers to get their work out there while promoting the tourism of the area, forming a short partnership with artists and their community while also diving into the tourism industry in a small, but impactful way. In terms of physical merchandise items, Several ideas for package design are as follows: a pack of vintage-inspired postcard designs that capture the unique elements of each town along the Grand Strand, sticker packs in custom packaging (each unique to the different beach towns along the Grand Strand), a collection of images of various landmarks and areas across the grand strand (pictures taken on a film camera to give it a nostalgic, vintage effect while also exercising my skills and love for film photography) sold in custom packaging. This idea can be expanded to incorporate the imagery I took and an illustrative element, maybe small drawings or illustrations that somehow highlight the image. In custom boxes, Screen printing is a timeless, traditional way to incorporate graphics onto multiple surfaces. The process of screen printing creates this vintage, timeless look. I would love to learn more about the process. I have done t-shirt designs in the past, but they were minimal and had little color (specifically black ink on a gray shirt). If it's not too much trouble, I would like to dabble a bit in screen printing techniques and learn how these techniques can be applied to packaging design and other design forms. This was discussed previously, but a basic introduction to the letterpress process may involve stamping and mark-making to make these designs more personal and unique rather than computer-generated. A demo would help teach the basic steps to working with ink and set type. 

Book Design - Experimenting with Maps & Folklore

Creating a map of the beaches of the Grand Strand in book form would be an interesting challenge, requiring me to study past map designs and figure out how to create a book that displays a map, showcasing each beach in a fun, memorable way. These map books could also be individually sold in the local visiting centers along the Grand Strand to help guests better visualize and guide themselves around the various beaches. This map can also be altered to fit a display in a hypothetical visiting center or to be painted/printed on a wall in said visitor center (not exactly a book design, but a fun, creative challenge to think about regarding environmental design.) The target audience is those who are new to the Grand Strand or locals looking to explore their hometown better. This map book highlights all landmarks along the Grand Strand using current maps or photographs for reference. Can we experiment with making pamphlet designs for the various attractions in the area but make them fun, exciting, and interactive? Such as having multiple tactile elements or places to physically pull information from, such as pulling out a map from behind or within the small booklet. Is this idea too old since phones can do the same thing? Maybe construct/design an activity booklet/folder that hotels can physically give to guests that are staying in the hotel that tells the guests about the area they are staying in, local events, food recommendations, facts about the beach, etc. Rather than having them look up on their phones from an endless number of websites to try and find something to do for the week or weekend. A personal, more fun/interactive way to receive information. Another idea for a book design is to capitalize on the local folklore of the Grand Strand by creating books specifically for each legend or character. Essentially, I would like to make these books into the shape of the character, either ink the details of the character onto the front and back covers or physically create indentations into the front and back covers of the book, in which the features are lightly highlighted when reflected into the light (or there can be a continuous line that traces these features.) Remember, I have no idea how this process is done, and I have never attempted to do a bookbinding project before. Demos on basic bookbinding techniques would be helpful, as ideally, I would love each book to have its custom binding design (this is more of a "Blue Sky" idea, as I have no experience with binding and I may need to stick to a single binding technique to save time and meet my deadlines for these projects.) Additionally, demos on die cutting and/or embossing and debossing designs into paper would be really helpful in making this design idea a reality. Ideally, this should be a mini-book series that can be sold in the respected gift shops or local businesses along the Grand Strand so that families, adults, and children can enjoy the folklore of the various beach towns.

The Grand Strand - The Story

Located 60 miles off the southeastern coastline of South Carolina is a cluster of vibrant beach towns that make up the community of the Grand Strand. A term coined by the locals up and down these sandy beach towns, these bustling communities stretch all the way from Little River to Winyah Bay in Georgetown. Initially inhabited by the Indigenous tribes of the Waccamaw, Winyah, Pee Dee, and Catawba, this humble stretch of land first began as a flourishing ecosystem made up of luscious forests, barrier islands, and salt marshes, which are still enjoyed today by locals and guests visiting the area (Daniels). The lands’ iconic landmarks, such as the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers, still reflect the influence of these native peoples to this day. After the Europeans’ arrival to the Grand Strand in the 18th century, the area's local economy became dependent on the planting of crops, indigo, and rice farmed by the enslaved Africans (Wiersema). Georgetown became the major port for exporting these goods (Daniels). 

As the Grand Strand entered the late 19th and early 20th century, the rise of tourism caused the land to separate and form its local communities and culture. These communities became known as North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, and Pawleys Island. Considered to be the birthplace of “the Shag,” North Myrtle Beach is a vibrant place combined with swing dancing and charm. In 1968, North Myrtle Beach was formed when four smaller beach towns (Crescent Beach, Windy Hill, Ocean Drive, and Cherry Grove) merged into one community (“Explore the Rich History of the Grand Strand.”). Notable landmarks include the Cherry Grove Neighborhood, home of the Cherry Grove Pier, the only privately owned pier in North Myrtle Beach by the Prince family since 1965 (“Explore the Rich History of the Grand Strand.”). The pier is mainly known for its fishing and two-story observation deck. Another notable neighborhood is Ocean Drive, which has been named the official home of the “Shag,” a type of swing dance often accompanied by beach band music (“Explore the Rich History of the Grand Strand.”). This activity is still frequently enjoyed by the locals and visitors of the Grand Strand today, as the National Shag Dance Championship competition is held every year to keep the culture alive (“Explore the Rich History of the Grand Strand.”). 

In the heart of the Grand Strand is the city of Myrtle Beach. Along with the railroad's arrival in the early 20th century, the town of Myrtle Beach went from a humble village that thrived on timber farming to a booming resort town, constructing historically significant hotels such as the Seaside Inn, Arcady, Ocean Forest Hotel, and eventually corporate-run businesses such as the Holiday Inn motel and Hilton hotel of Myrtle Beach (Daniels). As hotels began to line up along the oceanfront, another leisure activity rose along with it. Golf became a popular activity within the area for locals and visitors alike, as Pine Lakes was the first official golf course of the area, eventually expanding as the golf package became introduced, linking golfing experiences with hotels and motels of the region (Daniels). With the increase in tourist attraction came the construction of famous landmarks such as the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion and the downtown Myrtle Beach boardwalk. As more tourist entertainment made its way to Myrtle Beach, another form of golf took center stage: mini golf. Due to the influx of colorful themed mini golf courses, Myrtle Beach has been coined “The Mini Golf Capital of the World,” attracting families to explore the large variety of courses available (Mowder). 

The tourism boom in the Myrtle Beach area led to the establishment of Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach. Both towns originally started as small fishing villages and transitioned into resort towns during the warm months. Along with much of the Grand Strand, Garden City and Surfside Beaches suffered significant damage from Hurricane Hazel in 1954, which struck the South Carolina shores as a category four hurricane (Harrelson). In Garden City, only two structures remained unaffected, causing most of the remaining buildings to suffer significant damage or be demolished (Harrelson). Garden City also experienced devastation from Hurricane Hugo in 1989, which destroyed much of the original Kingfisher Pier (Harrelson). Despite the destruction caused by these hurricanes, the towns have rebuilt and recovered. Today, Garden City and Surfside Beach are known for their fishing piers, which provide both guests and locals the chance to fish, enjoy the scenery, and experience vibrant live entertainment.  

As the railroad brought more visitors to the area, guests experienced classic Southern hospitality and were introduced to a variety of new dishes. Nicknamed “The Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” Murrells Inlet became a popular destination for tourists nationwide to try all things seafood (“Welcome to Murrells Inlet.”). Originally a small fishing village situated between the Waccamaw River and the Atlantic Ocean, it shares a similar history with other towns along the Grand Strand, which thrived on rice plantations as their primary economic source (Daniels). After the Civil War, finishing became the primary source of income, encouraging people to travel to Murrells Inlet to try a variety of seafood ranging from rustic oyster roasts to fish fries (Daniels). As the tourism industry grew in Myrtle Beach in the mid-20th century, famous tourist destinations such as Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park began to pop up. Both founded by philanthropists Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, the gardens served as an outdoor museum dedicated to the couple’s collection, including several creations by Anna Huntington herself (Daniels). At Huntington Beach State Park, the winter home of Archer and Anna, known as Atalaya Castle, is often referred to as the “castle by the sea” (Daniels). Since the couple’s passing, both locations have been open to the public to enjoy, offering public access to the sandy beaches and abundant wildlife. Other destinations favored by locals and visitors include the Marshwalk, featuring various local restaurants and scenic views, and Goat Island, previously inhabited by several goats and peacocks during the warmer months to help maintain the vegetation (“Welcome to Murrells Inlet.”). Crazy Sister Marina offers guests unique water excursions such as pirate ship boat rides and opportunities to rent kayaks, jet skis, speed boats, etc (“Welcome to Murrells Inlet.”).  

At the far end of the Grand Strand lies the charming historic beach towns of Litchfield and Pawleys Island. Known for the ancient live oak trees covered in spanish moss, Litchfield Beach has a rich history, much like many other towns along the Grand Strand. It originally began as a small fishing village inhabited by indigenous peoples (“Pawleys Island.”). Pawleys had a similar humble history, beginning as a destination for rice planters to escape from the mosquitos. Much of the land making up Litchfield and Pawleys Island was closed off from the public, as the only public building was the Pawleys Island Town Hall, a chapel, and a couple of historic inns (“Pawleys Island.”). Both towns have become hot spots for local finishing, kayaking, windsurfing, beach-combing, and spotting wildlife. 

In the 21st century, the Grand Strand continues to welcome visitors from across the state and the country. From dining along the Marshwalk of the Inlet to enjoying the Shag in North Myrtle Beach, this 60-mile coastline carries its stories of the past while eagerly embracing the future. It's a unique place filled with vibrant, bustling communities with rich cultures that carry traditions passed down from generation to generation. It's a place filled with busy traffic and calm beaches, celebrating the excitement with quiet moments along its shores. As the Grand Strand continues to grow, there is a constant challenge of learning to preserve the past while balancing the progress of the future. Despite various challenges arising from natural forces or nearby construction, locals demonstrate remarkable community spirit and resilience. There is an ongoing effort to embrace change while cherishing the region’s origins. It is essential to honor the past and to never forget it as the years go by. The history and heritage of the Grand Strand offers its story to anyone willing to listen. For those who visit briefly, its shores will always remain waiting, beckoning you to listen.

Sources:

Adam. “Why Is the Myrtle Beach Area Called ‘The Grand Strand?’ -.” Condo World Resort

Properties, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 18 Mar. 2024, blog.condo-world.com/why-is-the-myrtle-beach-area-called-the-grand-strand

“Explore the Rich History of the Grand Strand.” Visit Myrtle Beach, Discover South Carolina, 30

Oct. 2024, www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/article/explore-the-rich-history-of-the-grand-strand 

Daniels, Ashley. “A History Buff’s Guide to Murrells Inlet.” Visit Myrtle Beach, 29 Jan. 2024,

www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/article/a-history-buffs-guide-to-murrells-inlet. 

Daniels, Ashley. “A History Buff’s Guide to Myrtle Beach.” Visit Myrtle Beach, Discover

South Carolina, 16 Feb. 2023, 

www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/article/a-history-buffs-guide-to-myrtle-beach. 

Daniels, Ashley. “A History Buff’s Guide to North Myrtle Beach and Little River.” Visit Myrtle

Beach, Discover South Carolina, 23 Mar. 2023, www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/article/a-history-buffs-guide-to-north-myrtle-beach-and-little-river

“Facts About Garden City Beach, South Carolina.” Quick Facts about Garden City, South

Carolina, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 2022,

www.visitgardencitybeach.com/garden_city_quick_facts.html. 

Harrelson, Greg. “Surfside Beach Historical Facts.” GregHarrelson.Com, 26 Jan. 2023, 

www.gregharrelson.com/blog/surfside-beach-historical-facts/. 

“In Town.” In Town | Surfside Beach, SC, 2023, www.surfsidebeach.org/198/In-Town. 

Mowder, Chris. “The History of Myrtle Beach Tourism.” MyrtleBeach.Com, 22 May 2017,

www.myrtlebeach.com/history. 

“Pawleys Island.” SC Picture Project, 5 July 2019, 

www.scpictureproject.org/georgetown-county/pawleys-island.html. 

“Litchfield Beach, South Carolina.” Visit Myrtle Beach, Discover South Carolina, 2023, 

www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/beaches-communities/litchfield-beach#:~:text=Established%20in%201978%2C%20Litchfield%20Beach,town%20is%20worth%20a%20visit. 

“Welcome to Murrells Inlet.” MyrtleBeach.Com, 9 May 2017, 

www.myrtlebeach.com/myrtle-beach-area/murrells-inlet. 

Wiersema, Libby. “Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand – A Vacation Mecca.” Discover South 

Carolina, SC Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, 2022, discoversouthcarolina.com/articles/myrtle-beach-and-the-grand-strand-a-vacation-mecca

[longwindedbore]

** Congress has poured billions of dollars into programs to buy out homeowners and help them relocate to safer areas after natural disasters. But they're not expected to win over many residents in flood-ravaged rural North Carolina.**

** The flood assistance program pays pre-disaster market-based prices for properties that have been damaged by floods…**

** Zeb Smathers, the mayor of Canton in western North Carolina, said he’s no longer comfortable persuading people and businesses to remain after heavy rainfall from Helene overflowed the banks of the Pigeon River just three years after a “once-in-a-lifetime” flood hit the town of 4,400. So Smathers is looking to federal programs to help residents and business owners who want to move out of the town.

**“There was a western North Carolina that existed before this and there’s the one that comes after,” Smathers said in an interview. “I’m numb, but I experienced this three years ago — which allows us to ask some of the tougher questions.”

**But Smathers admitted he didn’t expect many residents to take up the offer from the federal government. There’s not many other places nearby for people to go, he said, since Helene brought “apocalyptic” damage to all corners of western North Carolina, where housing affordability is a top concern. Many people simply want to hold on to their properties, many of which have been in their families for generations, he said.**

** The swaths of Appalachia that Helene devastated in North Carolina are also priority zones for the Biden administration’s efforts to steer investment to impoverished areas dealing with persistent pollution and environmental degradation. Several Census tracts in the affected region fall into a scoring system that identifies vulnerable areas that President Joe Biden has vowed would receive 40 percent of all federal clean energy and climate benefits, an effort designed to bolster equity in places long overlooked for investment.

**But aid workers, community groups and environmental organizations say few people are likely to take advantage of federal programs that are flush with new funding from Congress. Their long family ties to the area, skepticism about the federal government and a dearth of affordable housing in nearby communities all point to people trying to rebuild in the same place — potentially leaving thousands of residents vulnerable to the next storm.

**“We’re a heavy Republican state, let's just say that. They don't believe in climate change, don't believe in environmental justice, believe that DEI is from the pits of hell,” said Paula Swepson, executive director of West Marion Community Forum, a community organization working to overcome racial barriers to development in nearby McDowell County. “So how can we continue to fight and let people know that these things are real – and if you didn't believe it, how do you think this happened?”**

[the-eternal-quest-for-balance]

Buttigieg and FEMA’s mishandling of this disaster is not just an issue of bureaucratic red tape—it’s a deliberate attempt to control the narrative. FEMA’s lies and obfuscations have left North Carolinians in the dark, both figuratively and literally.

The federal government, instead of empowering its citizens to help, has taken unprecedented steps to stifle their efforts.

Adding insult to injury, Buttigieg’s order was followed by a weak clarification from the Department of Transportation after the backlash became too loud to ignore.

“The USDOT tweet from yesterday was referring to temporary flight restrictions that were in place but were lifted late last night,” a DOT spokesperson told Fox News Thursday.

The spokesperson also added that the FAA “is not banning drones from providing Hurricane Helene disaster relief and recovery assistance.”

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Have you had enough yet America ? Are you tired of being brutalized by a Federal Government that hates you ? That wants to ruin and destroy you and your family ?

HAVE YOU HAD ENOUGH YET ? ? ? ?

Trump 2024

It has to be too big to rig ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

[adventures-in-poor-planning]

Woah thank you very much ...... hi from the top of the Carolinian life zone! I love hearing what my southern neighbors have in their backyards

I feel like there's gonna be a really obvious answer to this, but I've started wondering why so many Carolinian plants are named after Virginia (i.e. Virginia waterleaf, southern live oak/Quercus virginiana, Virginia mountain mint, etc). There's even a Wikipedia page dedicated to "shit that has virginana as a scientific name." Do they have more naturalists there? Is it just that it sounds like a better name than, like, ontarioensis?

[blackswallowtailbutterfly]

Garden news:

Two orders of plants came in this week! Also got contacted for the other pickup order but they let me know they’d prefer to wait a couple weeks since one of the plants was still pretty small. Not only do I not have any personal experience with that species but they’re literally the only place that carries it so I told them I trust their judgment and I can wait. So I will!

My large toothwort seems to be very happy in my window well and I like that I now have a plant to look at from my basement. Can’t wait to add a fern.

Speaking of which, that order will be coming this weekend or in this coming week.

My wood lilies are coming up! I thought they had died last summer. And I’ve ordered four more...lol Oh well. Judging by my Michigan lilies’ babies I think they must act as a kind of ephemeral when they’re young. Because while the mature Michigan lilies will last in some form pretty much until fall, the babies they made died in the spring last year. I thought I had done something wrong but they came up again this year and are a little bigger this time around. So I guess it’s the same with the wood lilies.

One of the nurseries I ordered from contacted me about a replacement since they didn’t have one of the plants I wanted (it died), which was already a replacement for something else, but that’s okay because I already have that plant and only ordered it again because I didn’t know if it had survived its first winter in my garden (it did!). So I’m getting a species I don’t have that they hadn’t yet marked as available on their website. :) Also they said they’d put me on a waiting list for two other species they carry that I really want and can’t find anywhere else so I’ll be notified as soon as they get them! If they get them this year, which they hopefully will. My common tall sunflowers tried to pull their trick of blending in with the pearly everlasting again, but no! It also sent a shoot up between the sidewalk stones. Because of course it did. I’ve also now realized the difference between the common tall sunflower shoots and the stiff sunflower shoots, so I pulled a bunch of the common tall sunflower shoots because they are bullying the stiff sunflower. You stay on your side! So far the Canada goldenrod I relocated is oddly well-behaved, but I’m sure that won’t be for long.

Something, likely a caterpillar, is eating my purple giant hyssop, but I can’t find the damn thing. It’s probably happening at night. Maybe I’ll go out there with a flashlight this evening. A squirrel dug up one of my squirrel corn bulbs but it’s okay, the plant is cool with it, because sometimes the bulbs have “pups” and the squirrels’ digging loosens and scatters them which allows the plant to spread. And the squirrels don’t actually eat them, so it’s fine.

I think I’ve lost my bigleaf lupine. I hope I’m wrong about that because I got that species entirely by accident when it was supposed to be a sundial lupine (which I now have the real thing). I hope I’m wrong because although it is a native species, most native plant nurseries won’t carry it because it can be got at regular garden centres but the problem there is that they’re nearly always cultivars, and some of those cultivars have turned the plant super aggressive, so it acts like an invasive species even though it isn’t. The one I got by accident was a mixup wherein they were supposed to get sundial lupine and sold it as such, but then the plants grew with too many leaflets and it was obviously not that species. So they let everyone know when they realized and gave out a coupon, but I was overjoyed when they said what it was instead, and this bigleaf lupine was a very well-behaved plant. Anyway, reason I worry is that my sundial lupine in full leaf right now and I don’t remember when the bigleaf lupine emerged in the spring last year but there’s not even a hint of it yet. I dearly hope I’m wrong and it’s just taking its time.

My hopniss, wild yam, bush clovers, and dwarf milkweed aren’t showing any signs of life yet but I don’t know when they’re supposed to so maybe they’re fine. The butterflyweed hasn’t yet either but I don’t expect it to until like July. My buffalo berry is just starting to show signs of life. Thought I’d lost it, but appears not!

Weeds: I finally got to plant a native thistle but that hasn’t stopped the non-native ones from being a nuisance. There’s one in particular that spreads by rhizome. It’s not prickly but it is prolific. I’ve allowed one to stay until it flowers just so I can identify the bloody thing. I’m still pulling up garlic mustard and dog-strangling vine from time to time but I’ve got a good handle on them now. I remember a couple years ago it seemed impossible that I would be able to keep on top of them, but I hardly ever see the dog-strangling vine on the back hill anymore and it’s eventually going to get to the point where they’ll only end up in my garden from the wind blowing the seeds in now and then. Dandelions are dandelions. They don’t hurt anything, there’s just a lot of them. I’ll pull them up from the beds, but not the lawn.

Flowers! My Virginia strawberry is flowering (white) and maybe it’ll make fruit this year. My woodland strawberry is too (white) and will probably make fruit this year since it did last year. My common elderberry has buds (will be white) and will hopefully make more than one fruit this year, the multiple smallflower forget-me-nots (blue) around the yard are in flower, and both Jack-in-the-pulpit plants still have their flowers (striped purple and green). My spicebush is in flower (yellow), all my violets are flowering (purple and white), my tall bluebells have opened their flowers (blue), and my Virginia bluebells are still budding (will be intense blue). My perennial flax is in flower (blue violet) and so is my fragrant sumac (green), my chickweed (white), and my rock cress (white). My thrift seapinks are putting up buds (will be vivid magenta), and my field pussytoes were already in flower (white) when I got it. One of my streamside fleabanes is about to open its bud (likely pink). Both my columbines are blooming (one red and yellow and the other blue and yellow), and my alexanders (yellow) too. My wild geranium has gotten quite sizeable this year and has many flowers (pink). My woodland phlox is going to bloom this year (will be white or blue). My barren strawberry certainly is (yellow). My blueberry that I moved last year has lots of flowers (pale green). My bog rosemary is flowering too (pink) and my tall meadow rue has its flower spike up (will be white I think). My Canada garlic and wild chives are starting to put buds up too (pink). Plenty more to come!

[temenosjournal]

Vernal Vibes Of Canadian Woodlands

“The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity… and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.” William Blake

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the…

[1296-very-good-year]

Moved to Port Rowan last week and Backus Woods is just a few mins away. It's one of the last old growth forests in Ontario and I really wish I could convey the SIZE of these trees... pictures really don't do them justice.

[biggoldbelt]

CZW The Redefining Generation Results

CZW The Redefining Generation Results

Combat Zone Wrestling Combat Zone Wrestling is officially back! Returning to regular competition after last month’s Renaissance of Tradition, CZW continues to build a roster of young and hungry talent. They are highlighting a collection of New Jersey, Maryland, DC, & North Carolinian wrestlers. The promotion continues to execute solid events with family-friendly fan engagement. Here are the…

[whitepolaris]

Dr. Venable and the Great Shower of Blood

We begin with a few facts about our chief investigator, lest anyone be tempted to dismiss outright bizarre facts described below. Professor Francis Preston Venable was one of the most accomplished scientists of his day. He excelled in chemistry and held multiple degrees from the University of Virginia and the German universities of Berlin and Göttingen. He authored major scientific books on atoms (1904) and radioactivity (1917), and is credited with having perfected the Bunsen burner. Dr. Venable retired in 1930 after serving fifty years on the University of North Carolina faculty. Venable Hall, one of the main science buildings on the U.N.C. campus, is named for him. 

So this is not the kind of guy who would risk his reputation on a trifling subject. But in 1884, he filed a serious scientific paper on a very strange topic indeed, namely, that a large quantity of blood seemed to have fallen out of the sky onto a small plot had of land in Chatham County, NC, less than fifteen miles from Chapel Hill. The event was first brought to the public’s attention in the March 6, 1884, issue of the Chatham Record newspaper. 

“The wife of Kit Lasater . . . who lives on the farm of Mr. Silas Beckwith in the New Hope Township, states that, about 2 o’clock on Monday the 25th of February . . . a shower of blood fell around her from a sun-bright sky! Many of the neighbors, after hearing of her statement, visited the spot and they all say that the ground-embracing an area about 60 feet in circumference-was covered with splotches of something like blood, and an examination of the trees in the space showed blood on the branches.”

Upon hearing about the strange event, Venable visited the spot himself and did a very detailed analysis of the samples he obtained. His extensive tests revealed the presence of hematine, a component of blood. His conclusion in the Journal of the Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society: 

[t]his leaves little or no reasonable doubt then that the samples examined had blood upon them. The question arises, were they carefully taken; had no animal ever bled on the same ground; had pigs ever been slaughtered in the quarter of the field? etc. As to theories accounting for so singular a material falling from a cloudless sky. I have no plausible ones to offer. It may have been some bird of prey passing over, carrying a bleeding animal, but a good deal of blood must have fallen to cover so large a space. If a hoax has been perpetrated on the people of that neighborhood it has certainly been very clearly done and an object seems to be lacking.”

Similar observations had occurred from time to time, and Venable’s decision to submit his report may have been encouraged by intriguing articles that had appeared many years earlier in other scientific journals. In 1841, the American Journal of Science described a rain of muscle tissue, fat, and blood that landed in a tobacco field near Lebanon, Tennessee. The incident created fear among people who saw biblical portent in it. Fear were once reinforced when an article in the North Carolinian several years later headlined “GREAT FALL OF FLESH & BLOOD, EXTRAORDINARY PHENOMENON IN SAMPSON COUNTY” and described the “astonishing particulars” of a shower of gore that occurred on February 15, 1850, on the property of Thomas Clarkson,  near Clinton, NC. 

The shower fell in a roughly rectangular pattern and covered a zone about thirty feet wide by nearly three hundred yards long. It also included many large pieces of flesh-meat, liver, lungs, and brains-along with gobs of blood. The blood fell in enough quantity to run down the leaves of the trees and splash on the ground like a heavy rain. A lawyer who lived nearby spotted that it came from “a cloud overhead, having a red appearance, like a wind cloud. There was no rain.” He took samples of the fallen flesh materials, which were later confirmed to be putrefied flesh. 

The site of the old Beckwith farm in Chatham County is through to have been along Parker’s Creek, about a mile east of Mount Gilead Church (a few miles northeast of Pittsboro), while the Clarkson farm in Sampson County was thirteen miles southwest of Clinton. -Special thanks to Tom Maxwell

[daybreak-delusion]

Chapter 1

Introduction: Whitney Goodwinson was planning on inheriting one of her deceased grandmother's properties, but not a little house off the coast of North Carolina.  As she struggles to meet new people, fix up her new property, deal with troublemaker JJ Maybank, and perfect her grandmother's infamous lemonade she might just find that the Outer Banks has more to offer than it seems.

Series Masterlist

It was just like a regular family gathering. Aunt Elizabeth was wearing something that was completely inappropriate for a 50-year-old, cousin Will was shaking from cocaine withdrawals, and my mother was whispering more family gossip into my ear. Not the best circumstances for my grandmother's funeral, but she wouldn’t have expected much from us.

“This is ridiculous,” Mother hissed/whispered into my ear, “your grandmother always said that she wanted white roses not white lilies at her funeral,” she finally finished, sitting up straight in her chair. I just kept staring ahead trying to ignore the fact that my family is insane. Grandmother was the only thing keeping us all together and after her will reading, we would probably never see each other again. Allow me to explain, Grandfather was the highest paying heart surgeon in the L.A. county by the age of 30. He met my grandmother at a yacht club off the coast of North Carolina and I guess it was love at first sight. A load of bull that was, Grandfather had countless affairs and they barely stayed in the same home together. I guess that’s love.

“As we celebrate the life of Victoria Goodwinson, daughter, mother, and friend, we ask that the family come forward with their flowers,” said the perspiring priest gesturing towards the first row to step up.

“Come on,” grunted Father, leaving a laughable sweat mark on his seat. Honestly, who picked black for the color of death and why did Grandmother have to die in June? Whatever, we all got up and gathered our white roses, which triggered another comment from Mother, and headed to the casket. I adjusted my black dress and moved my straightened brown hair over my shoulder. I could tell from the look on my mother's face and the sweat on the back of my neck that my hair was probably frizzing up and going back to its waves. There goes another hour of straightening down the drain. Just like we practiced Uncle Richard and Aunt Elizabeth's family went first, followed by Uncle Charles and Aunt Anne’s family, and finally our little whirlwind. Oldest to youngest, straight backs, and mournful looks on our faces. Sadly this meant that I would have to hold a sad face and stand with my shoulders back the longest. By the time it was my turn I had started seeing black dots. I placed my rose on top of the others and actually started to think about Grandmother for the first time since she died. It’s not like I was granddaughter of the year or anything but I still felt a close connection with Grandmother. She would always talk about her glamorous life in London, New York, and Singapore, the Channel fashion shows, and the exquisite champagne imported from Paris. She was the only adult that let me drink in her presence, so she was basically my favorite human being and ultimate role model. Then about two years ago Grandfather died. After that, she stowed away to the place where they met, and then she died. Snapping back to reality I realized the service was over. Let the games begin.

My relatives looked like lions chained up in a meat locker. We were all in the family mansion in L.A. patiently waiting for the attorney to show up. As patient as a bunch of spoiled rich children can. When the clock struck four minutes past 3 Uncle Richard started to pace, causing Aunt Elizabeth to convince him to sit down which caused an argument which caused an awkward feeling to rise in the room. Normal stuff. Thankfully the attorney walked in right as Uncle Richard was criticizing my father's necktie after he tried to stop him from throwing a vase. Everyone quickly shut up and put on their best phony smiles. This was it the real reason we all left our luxurious homes and spent 3 hours in the hot blistering California sun, the will. Now, Grandfather has left all of his assets to Grandmother and hopefully, the most valuable assets will be given to MY family. Personally I was hoping to be given her flat in London. Every summer I would spend a month there walking through the gardens, having tea in ancient places, and just spending time with her. It was my favorite city in the world and I couldn't wait to live there.

“Thank you all for gathering here today for the reading of Mrs. Victoria Goodwinson’s will and testament,” said the monotone attorney, “please save your questions for the end of the reading I’d like to begin.”

I kinda zoned out the beginning, but then he started with the good stuff.

“The mid-size private jet, Amazon shares, New York apartment residence and all that is in it, and a 5 million dollar allowance goes to Mr. Charles and Mrs. Anne Goodwinson,” continued the attorney, his voice becoming a little hoarse from all of the talking. Uncle Charles and Aunt Anne looked satisfied with their lot.

“The large size private jet, the L.A. mansion and all that is in it, and a 5 million dollar allowance goes to Mr. Henry and Mrs. Mary Goodwinson.”

I know Mother was hoping for the yacht that was given to Uncle Richard and Aunt Elizabeth, but getting the L.A. house, the house that Grandmother and Grandfather lived in, was enough to make her satisfied. The mansion had countless paintings that could sell for millions, plus the location was ideal and would sell for double what Grandfather had originally bought it for. 

“Now for the client’s grandchildren,” said Mr. get-to-the-point finally getting to the point “to Mr. William Speakman the London flat and a 2.5 million allowance is given.”

I just sat there in shock. What?! Are you kidding me? Crackhead Willy got the London flat and not me! This is absurd. Despite my outrage, I kept a smile on my face and my shoulders back.

“And finally to our last recipient, Mrs. Whitney Goodwinson…”

I leaned forward a bit just waiting for what the old man was gonna say. Since I wasn’t getting the London flat, maybe Grandmother had a secret cottage in the French countryside or another apartment in Italy. Anything would have been better than what Mr. bad news Bob said next.

“The Outer Banks, North Carolinian residence and a 3.5 million allowance will be given. This closes the end of the reading of the will and testament. Any questions can be asked now.”

Oh boy did I have questions. First off what the hell was Grandmother thinking. Outer Banks!? A dingy island that I had never been too?! I had never heard Grandmother speak of it and had to find out from Father that it was the island where Grandmother first met Grandfather. That meant it was also the place where she died, which did not seem right.

“Whitney she didn’t die in the house, she died in a hospital on the mainland,” said Mother while lighting a cigarette, a “once in a while” habit of hers. We were on the balcony of my parents’ new mansion looking over the Los Angeles skyline. Mother and Father wasted no time kicking everyone out and moving into their new home. In the distance, I could see the sun setting into the Pacific Ocean. It hurt me that in a few hours I would be leaving this perfect place and would be looking at a completely different ocean on the other side of the country in a town where I didn’t know anybody and was unfamiliar with. “And don’t complain it was your grandmother's dying wish to give you her old shack in North Carolina, the least you could do is visit it before you sell it.”

“Fine,” I said rolling my eyes, “I just hope someone is willing to buy.”

“Don’t worry honey we already have a list of possible buyers and I have a personal friend who’s a realtor there who said that she’d help you out. I told her you would be arriving tomorrow and she’s gonna come by the house.” Ah yes, my mother ladies and gents all ready setting up people for me to meet. I swear she knows people in every state, but at least I’ll have help selling the shack.

“You’re sure I can’t take the private jet?” I pleaded with my best “please take pity on me because I got screwed out of a London flat” face.

“Honey you know that your father and I need to go to Sweden to pick out new furniture for the house. Flying first class will be fine and I’m sorry you have to take a red-eye, but it was so last minute You know what’s funny? Your father and I already had a plane ticket to London for you,” she laughed, “we were so sure the flat was yours!” I did not in fact think it was funny.

“Yeah me too,” I said miserably.

“It’ll be fine honey, who knows,” she said snuffing out her cigarette,” you might even like it there.”

I highly doubt that.

 a/n: First chapter is finally up! Thank you for reading and not dropping out after the first sentence! Second chapter should be up shortly, for the time being I’m going to be posting two chapters at a time every other day. I figure this will motivate me even more to write! I am so excited for you guys to see where the story goes and all of its twists and turns! Stay tuned for the next chapter! 

[wilderwoodsfans]

Bear Rinehart Explores His Softer Side with Wilder Woods Project and “Supply & Demand” Acoustic [Q&A + PREMIERE]

Wilder Woods marks the beginning of a new era for seasoned folk-rocker Bear Rinehart. Rinehart has had a long and illustrious career as a founding member and lead singer of the band NEEDTOBREATHE, having racked up six full-length albums (including RIAA-certified gold The Outsiders) and a Grammy nomination since the group’s formation in 2001. Nearly two decades later, the singer begins his journey as a solo artist under the moniker Wilder Woods.

Our first look at Rinehart’s new project came in the form of a two-song release titled Introducing Wilder Woods, which contained the singles “Sure Ain’t” and “Someday Soon,” followed shortly by a third single titled “Supply & Demand.” While each track maintains elements of the singer’s folk-rock and soul familiar to us via Rinehart’s work with NEEDTOBREATHE, the Carolinian presents three vastly different approaches to songwriting and performance with each of the songs. For example, while “Sure Ain’t” is a defiant declaration featuring raspy vocals and soulful horns, “Supply & Demand” is a laid-back pop tune that feels drinking lemonade on your porch in the summertime.

To celebrate the emergence of the entity that is Wilder Woods, we sat down with Bear Rinehart to discuss his decision to start a solo project, the role of family in his music, and more.

OTW: What made you want to pursue a solo project after a successful career with NEEDTOBREATHE? Who should we know Wilder Woods to be?

BR: Yeah, man. I mean, a lot of reasons. I’ve always wanted to do it. Everybody always wonders what it would be like on the other side. Probably it was prompted by some of the songs that I started to write for the band that weren’t right for the group, but I still really wanted to do. Collaborating with other people was a big factor, too. Spending more time with other people I hadn’t worked with before. It inspires fun artistic processes. I wanted to be scared to death. Wilder Woods wasn’t really a means to an end; there was no particular end in mind. So it’s been a wild ride. It’s something I set up to make sure I wouldn’t be my old self, to challenge myself to keep growing as a person. Not for any sort of marketing.

OTW: You’ve released three singles so far in the lead up to your debut LP – of all the songs on the album, what made you choose these three as the world’s first look at Wilder Woods?

BR: Hmm. There are a lot of factors that go into that choice. I definitely was trying to share a broad scope of what’s on the record. Some of them are just favorites. “Sure Ain’t” is a song I really like. When we were recording that it really felt like a moment when we found the sound of Wilder Woods. “Someday Soon” is probably the heaviest lyric on the record. It’s definitely a side I wanted to expose, something I could make to teach my kids about feelings like guilt and duty. We picked “Supply & Demand” because it just feels like a single. I remember coming home from recording it and listening back and thinking, “Wow. This could be something you hear on the radio.”

OTW: You’ve mentioned that your family has had a profound effect on your work – hence your moniker, a combination of your sons’ names. Are there specific memories or experiences with your family that you connect with specific songs on your album?

BR: I think everybody questions everything again when they have kids. For me, it makes me think about what’s important. Like, what do you want to leave with these people when they turn 20, when they don’t think your music is cool anymore. Who do you want them to see you as when they read through your liner notes? The experience of having kids changes everything.

OTW: How does the concept of “home” fit into your songwriting style?

BR: That’s interesting. One of the songs on the record is called “Hillside House.” I wrote it the day I moved to Nashville. I was shopping for a home, and I found one I loved and knew that one was the one I was going to buy. I wrote the song about how I loved this house but how empty and pointless it would feel without a family in it. There’s always a little gravitas when you look at things through that lens. It’s also a reminder to keep my family included – something that is really difficult to do when you’re on the road with your band. This project allows me to keep my family included more directly, like how my wife is in the music video for “Sure Ain’t.”

OTW: Clearly, Wilder Woods is the beginning of a deeper journey into Bear Rinehart as an individual. With this in mind, how did you go about choosing your collaborators during the album creation process?

BR: You know, I asked my team to find people that were completely foreign to me. I wanted people who do something completely different than I do, to be in there with pop track guys and people who make dance records and that sort of thing. It was kind of exploratory, but I wanted to be scared out of my comfort zone. The guy who produced this record, I’d never met him before. Our teams were worried about us meeting, they didn’t think we would get along. But we hit it off and made something incredible. It would have been impossible to do without people pushing back a lot.

OTW: You’re kicking off your first tour as Wilder Woods this September. Are you particularly excited for any dates? Why?

BR: The first one. It’s the first time I’ve done it with these guys. What we’re planning for the tour is really coming together now. I know who the band is gonna be and all that. I think we’re gonna blow people away. It’s gonna be nerve racking in all the best ways. I think it’s gonna be great. It’s been a while since I’ve had that nervousness, it’s exhilarating.

OTW: You’ve toured all over the world with NEEDTOBREATHE. Are there any locations you haven’t played that are on your performance bucket list as an artist?

BR: There are definitely some things in Europe I’d like to do. We’ve done a little bit, but not as much as I’d like to. But really, no. It feels like the vibe of these Wilder Woods shows is going to be a lot of different. I think that venues I’ve played before will feel totally different with this project. It’s definitely going to scratch an itch I’ve had for a while now.

OTW: If you could form a supergroup made up of you and any three other musicians, living or dead, who would they be?

BR: Oh, man. I’d make a man band I think, of all singers. Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, and Otis Redding. And we’d just do three songs a piece or something like that. I’d probably just stand there while they sing, to be honest.

OTW: Who are your Ones to Watch?

BR: Some of them are starting to be known pretty well, but I’d say Foy Vance. I like him a lot. And Rainbow Kitten Surprise. People are figuring that one out, but their stuff is amazing.