Icon Jan 2013

ARTSEVENTSTASTE j a n u a r y / 2 0 1 3

JOSEPH BIRDSONG HAS

27 CARDIGANS & COUNTING

OOPS, I DID IT AGAIN

RED GYPSY COVERS UP LAST YEAR’S BAD IDEAS

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w w w . i c o n w a y . n e t

GARRY CRAIG POWELL

‘STONING THE DEVIL’

THE PUNCH BROTHERS are coming to hendrix the black box girls conway locally grown vocal training sharp-dressed men the golden age of gaming

ARTSEVENTSTASTE K B O V B S Z t X X X J D P O X B Z O F U

JOSEPH BIRDSONG HAS

27 CARDIGANS & COUNTING

OOPS, I DID IT AGAIN

RED GYPSY COVERS UP LAST YEAR’S BAD IDEAS

GARRY CRAIG POWELL

‘STONING THE DEVIL’

ON THE COVER A ‘newgrass’ bluegrass sound as The Punch Brothers make a stop in Conway.

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contents

ABOUT

THE PUNCH BROTHERS ARE COMING TO HENDRIX

THE BLACK BOX GIRLS CONWAY LOCALLY GROWN VOCAL TRAINING SHARP-DRESSED MEN THE GOLDEN AGE OF GAMING

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Conway happenings: iCon has you covered with our events calendar. Check out photos from past area events. PAGES 4-7.

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sports: New Arkansas Football Coaches

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flavor: Conway Locally Grown

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author: Garry Craig Powell

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music: Vocal Coaching at Preston Palmer Studios

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tech: The Golden Age of Gaming

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fashion: Joseph Birdsong’s life art 27 Cardigans

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fashionmista: Sharp-Dressed Man

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iconart

UCA’s Blackbox Girls ready to take the art world

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food conway

The Punch Brothers coming to Hendrix

STAFF CREATIVE DIRECTOR / STEWART COLE GUEST EDITOR / LISA FERENCE PUBLICATION SALES MANAGER / RHONDA OVERBEY GRAPHIC ARTISTS / JAY PRINCE & KELLIE MCANULTY SPECIAL EVENTS / LEAH BROWN FEEDBACK@ICONWAY.NET ADVERTISING SALES JESICA TALBERT • BETSEY WILLBANKS SARAH ALLEN • TARA SANDERS Follow us on Twitter: @iconwaymagazine www.iconway.net Check out our Facebook page for weekly calendar of events.

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JANUARY 2013 / VOL. 3, ISSUE 1

lastlook

Red Gypsy Tattoo

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Write to us at feedback@iconway.net. iCon, Conway City Magazine, is a publication of the Log Cabin Democrat. All rights reserved. iCon is published monthly.

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ICONEVENTS

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UCA Women’s Basketball 12.18 {Tuesday} UCA women’s basketball vs. Southern Arkansas University, 7 p.m., At UCA.

The Nelson Family singers in concert 12.20 {Thursday} The Nelson Family singers bring the joy of the holidays and the pure mountain sound of traditional gospel music and Christmas carols to listeners once again. 7 p.m. Faulkner County Library, 1900 Tyler St., Conway. Refreshments will be served. All library events are free and open to the public. For more information call the library at 501-327-7482 or email Nancy@fcl.org, facebook and twitter.

Faulkner County Day School’s Racin’ New Year’s Eve 5k 12.29 {Saturday} Faulkner County Day School, 1700 South Blvd, Conway. 10 a.m. For more information, please contact Teresa Little at 329-8102 between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

in partnership with

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CONWAY CHRISTMAS PARADE

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HUMANE SOCIETY VOLUNTEER PARTY

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UCA Men’s Basketball 12.31 {Monday} UCA men’s basketball vs. Central Baptist, 3 p.m., at UCA. CBC Women’s Basketball 01.04 {Friday} CBC women’s basketball vs. York College, 5:30 p.m., at Central Baptist College.

CBC Men’s Basketball 01.04 {Friday} CBC men’s basketball vs. York College, 7:30 p.m., at Central Baptist College.

CBC Women’s Basketball 01.05 {Saturday} CBC women’s basketball vs. York College, 3 p.m., at Central Baptist College.

CBC Men’s Basketball 01.05 {Saturday} CBC men’s basketball vs. York College, 5 p.m., at Central Baptist College.

UCA Women’s Basketball 01.10 {Thursday} UCA women’s basketball vs. Stephen F. Austin, 5:30 p.m., at UCA. UCA Men’s Basketball 01.10 {Thursday} UCA men’s basketball vs. Stephen F. Austin, 8 p.m., at UCA. Antique Alley Arkansas Antique Show 01.12-01.13 {Saturday-Sunday} 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Forty-thousand-plus sq.ft., temperature-controlled Conway Expo Center.

Exhibitors come from nine states bringing architectural salvage, industrial items, advertising, old toys, linens, paper items, primitives, antique furniture, Fenton glass and much more. Admission is good for both days and will be $3 each for adults and $1 each for children 12 and under. Parking is free!

UCA Women’s Basketball 01.12 {Saturday} UCA women’s basketball vs. Northwestern State, 2 p.m., at UCA. UCA Men’s Basketball 01.12 {Saturday} UCA men’s basketball vs. Northwestern State, 4:30 p.m., at UCA. Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda 01.20 {Sunday} 2 p.m., Reynolds Performance Hall. Mezzosoprano Joyce DiDonato, one of the world’s most exciting singers, takes on the virtuosic bel canto role of the doomed Mary, Queen of Scots. Director David McVicar turns to the second opera of Donizetti’s Tudor trilogy, which explores regal characters at fateful moments of their lives. Elza van den Heever sings Elizabeth I, and Maurizio Benini conducts.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY 01.21 {Monday} Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (A day of service).

Gee’s Bend 01.23-02.10 {Wednesday-Sunday} 7 p.m., Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 601 Main Street, Little Rock. Gee’s Bend is based on a true story and follows the life of Sadie Pettway and the women in her sewing circle as they turn to quilting to provide comfort

and creative expression to their lives. What begins as a labor of love soon turns into a spiritual and artistic awakening. Pieced together from discarded clothes and seasoned with laughter and tears, the women sew a patchwork of inventive abstract designs in rich, blazing colors. Stitch by stitch, the stories of these strong women are revealed as their experiences unravel and inspire them to create what the New York Times called “miraculous works of modern art.”

UCA Women’s Basketball 01.24 {Thursday} UCA women’s basketball vs. McNeese State.

5:30 p.m., at UCA. Dan Welcher: Murphy Visiting Librettist 01.24 {Thursday} 7:30 p.m., Reves Recital Hall, Hendrix College, 1600 Washington Ave., Conway. Composer and librettist in one, Dan Welcher recently wrote both the words and music for an operatic setting of the Charlotte Perkins Gilman story, “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Best known as a composer, but also an accomplished poet, Welcher has been on faculty at the University of Texas at Austin for more than 30 years. He has almost 100 works to his credit in nearly all musical mediums that include opera, concerto, symphony, wind ensemble, vocal literature, piano solos and various kinds of chamber music. He has won awards from the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Rockefeller Foundations, the MacDowell Colony and numerous others. For more information, call (501) 450-4597 or email vanaman@hendrix.edu.

ers has gradually evolved from a band that existed to present the ideas of one guy into a band presenting the unified idea of five guys, Thile said. The group’s latest album is “Who’s Feeling Young Now?” Art, Pray, Love event at St. Peter’s 01.26 {Saturday} The 4th Annual Art, Love, Pray — the premier art show and silent auction in Conway. It will showcase 26 artists from Arkansas. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.

In addition there will be live entertainment. The event will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, located at 925 Mitchell, from 6-9 p.m. The funds raised from the event will be used to assist in sponsoring a medical mission to Guatemala. Entrance fee is $25 per individual or $45 per couple. For details, contact Dee Sanders, 803-238-7560.

UCA Men’s Basketball 01.24 {Thursday} UCA men’s basketball vs. McNeese State, 8 p.m., at UCA. ‘A Chorus Line’ 01.25 {Friday} 7:30 p.m., Reynolds Performance Hall, UCA. In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It’s what they’ve worked for — with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always dreamed — to have the chance to dance. This is “A Chorus Line,” winner of nine Tony Awards including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line.

UCA Women’s Basketball 01.26 {Saturday} UCA women’s basketball vs. Lamar University. 2 p.m., at UCA. UCA Men’s Basketball 01.26 {Saturday} UCA men’s basketball vs. Lamar University.

4:30 p.m., at UCA. The Punch Brothers 01.26 {Saturday} 8 p.m., Worsham Student Performance Hall, Hendrix College. Formed in 2006 by mandolin player Chris Thile who recruited guitarist Chris Eldridge, banjo player Noam Pikelny and violinist Gabe Witcher to back him on a solo album, “How to Grow a Woman,” bassist Paul Kowert joined the band three years later. They officially became Punch Brothers in 2008, releasing “Punch,” their debut album. Since then, Punch Broth7

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ICONSPORTS NEW COACHES

BIELEMA READY FOR RUGGED SEC

FAYETTEVILLE (AP) — Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long first met Bret Bielema while in Miami to attend an end-of-season awards ceremony surrounding the 2005 national championship game.

Bielema was a 34-year-old up-and-coming assistant coach at Wisconsin, and Long was the athletic director at Pittsburgh, still a few years away from leaving to take over the Razorbacks program for the retiring Frank Broyles.

Always one to network and keep his emergency file of potential coaches ready, Long followed the career of that assistant he met on the beach. Little did he know that he would one day hire Bielema to coach Arkansas, helping end what had been a spiraling eight months for the Razorbacks following the scandal-ridden exit of Bobby Petrino.

The end of the ultra-secretive search came to an end when the former Wisconsin coach agreed to take over the Razorbacks. The 43-year-old was introduced at a news conference the next day, giving Arkansas hope it can return to the upper echelon of the Southeastern Conference.

“I’m very relieved,” Long said. “You know, coaching searches are stressful searches. There’s a lot depending on it. ... It’s always good to have a search completed. But I really feel good about the coach we have to lead these student-athletes.”

Bielema, who left the Badgers after seven seasons, won’t coach Wisconsin in the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl game against Stanford. Instead, he’ll immediately step in the ultra-competitive world of recruiting in the SEC — home to the winners of the last six national championships.

The former Iowa and Kansas State assistant could have a difficult time initially selling an Arkansas program that was 4-8 this season and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2008. However, he won’t have to go back far to remind recruits of success at the school, which was 21-5 in 2010-11

under Petrino and finished as high as No. 5 in the final rankings.

Given Bielema’s background as a defensive coach, the rugged SEC seemed to him like the perfect fit. He said he had no apprehension about joining an SEC West already loaded with Alabama and LSU, among others.

“The thing I think probably intrigued me more than anything as I’ve watched the SEC over the years, there’s a lot of coaches that have my type of background that have had success,” Bielema said. “I’m excited to work with the caliber of athlete the SEC can bring and what we can bring here to the University of Arkansas is very exciting.”

The Razorbacks had an equal amount of confidence in their new coach after meeting with him, and they expressed little doubt Bielema could go toe-to-toe with the likes of Alabama’s Nick Saban and LSU’s Les Miles.

“I don’t think, I know he can,” Arkansas cornerback Tevin Mitchel said. “You can see how confident he is. That’s a good feeling for us as players.”

Led by current Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Wisconsin was sixth in the country in scoring in 2011.

Bielema, who was 68-24 with the Badgers, preached a balanced attack and said he’ll tailor the offense to fit the players. Wisconsin running back Montee Ball was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy last season, and he’s second in the Big Ten this season with 1,730 yards rushing.

“I’m going to recruit a certain way and you’ll get more and more specific what you want as the years go forward,” Bielema said.

“But if you don’t have the right dogs in the race, you’re not going to win it.

“So whatever race we get into with our philosophy, we have to make sure we have the right people to run it.”

ASU HIRES HARSIN JONESBORO (AP) — Former Texas co-offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin hopes to bring some stability to Arkansas State as its new coach.

Harsin was introduced as the new coach of the Red Wolves a day after he agreed to leave the Longhorns and replace former Arkansas State coach Gus Malzahn.

The former Boise State assistant coach becomes the third head coach in as many years for the two-time Sun Belt Conference champion Red Wolves. Malzahn left after one season to take over Auburn last week, while current Mississippi coach Hugh Freeze did the same two years ago.

“It was the right time,” Harsin said at a news conference in Jonesboro. “I had a purpose, and this was the opportunity and the chance that I’ve been looking for and wanting to be a part of and to be a part of this family and this team and this community. I’m excited to be here.”

The 35-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Longhorns, but he’ll begin work immediately with the Red Wolves and won’t coach Texas during the Alamo Bowl against Oregon State.

The Longhorns, who were 16-9 the past two seasons, will turn over play-calling duties to co-offensive coordinator Major Applewhite.

“Brian has done a tremendous job for us, and we appreciate all the energy he’s poured into our program the past two seasons,” Texas coach Mack Brown said. “He’s a bright young coach with great enthusiasm and passion for the kids and the game. He’ll do a tremendous job at Arkansas State.”

Harsin signed a five-year contract for $700,000 annually, including a $1.75-million buyout if he leaves during the first year.

That buyout lowers to $1 million in the second year, $500,000 in the third, $300,000 in the fourth and $100,000 in the fifth.

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ICONMUSIC THE PUNCH BROTHERS

‘Newgrass’ bluegrass The new-grass movement is currently taking the music industry by storm with a growing number of musicians using traditional bluegrass instruments and techniques to produce a style of music that doesn’t quite fit the mold of any existing genre. Major players on this emerging scene, The Punch Brothers, are bringing their unique sound to Hendrix on the evening of Jan. 26, and this is a show that you don’t want to miss.

The Punch Brothers have existed in their present incarnation since their first studio release in 2008, though the band’s members had each been active in the industry previous to their current union. The quintet, led by former Nickel Creek member Chris Thile, is comprised by musicians who can only be described as masters of their respective instruments, a statement that is never more clearly evidenced than when seeing them perform live.

Their most recent release, “Who’s Feeling Young Now?” is a tribute to the band’s development as an ensemble, a complex collection of songs that explore the multiple facets of the human condition with grace and complete command of each of the member’s respective instruments. It has been met by praise from music critics and fans alike, all ready to see how far the band will push the boundaries moving forward as they help to further develop this cutting-edge new genre.

This will mark the band’s second appearance in the Natural State in only a few short months, having performed at the annual Harvest Festival in Ozark last October to a highly responsive audience. Their set included many songs from “Who’s Feeling Young Now?,” including a jaw-dropping performance of the album’s title track, and was met by thunderous applause from fans of all ages eager to hear more from the newcomers.

What to expect at the show? High energy music that begs for dancing in what will undoubtedly be a full house. If you’re not into dancing, don’t fret — this is music that can be appreciated from the sidelines as well, and if you’re an aficionado, you won’t want to miss this performance. Doors open at 7 p.m. — plan on arriving early to assure your entrance, as the venue is likely to fill quickly, and wear comfortable shoes, as we’ve heard it will be standing room only to accommodate as many fans as possible.

Just can’t make it? Don’t worry — it’s rumored that the band will be headlining the Fayetteville Roots Festival in August offering one more opportunity for Arkansans to catch them in 2013. For additional dates, a full bio and rockin’ merchandise, visit their website at www.punchbrothers.com where you’ll also find a number of videos to help you do your own research before you go. For more info on all of the spring happenings at Hendrix, visit their site at www.hendrix.edu.

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CHECK ‘EM OUT Visit www.punchbrothers.com for more information.

Paul Kowert, Chris Eldridge, Noam Pikelny, Chris Thile and Gabe Witcher

WATCH ‘EM PLAY The Punch Brothers will be performing at Hendrix on Jan. 26.

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BY LISA FERENCE

DANNY CLINCH PHOTO

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ICONART THE BLACK BOX GIRLS TAKING ON THE ART WORLD They say that good things come in threes. Such is certainly the case with the trio of student directors for UCA’s Black Box Gallery: Jessica Camp, Caley Pennington and Brittany Madalone.

The three women are an artistic powerhouse, each poised to storm the art world upon graduation, and they credit their time at UCA for preparing them for the next leg of their professional journey.

Camp, a native Texan, was planted in Central Arkansas as a child, and when the time came to choose a college, staying local and near family was a natural choice. After weighing her options she made a home at UCA, impressed by both the art department faculty and facilities, and she has since been working feverishly at honing her craft.

While her concentration is painting, Camp is also interested in sculpture and is currently completing an exploration of the three dimensional world, a journey that will culminate in her collection for the Spring Senior Exhibition. She will be displaying sculptural pieces that are representational of sound frequency and waves, a concept that she is thrilled to bring to fruition after the new year.

Camp’s impressive body of work is incredibly sensual in nature, each piece baring the unmistakable mark of her femininity. The graceful movement present in her work is perhaps a direct reflection of her abiding love for music. In fact, it is not difficult to imagine each piece as a visual response to an auditory stimulant as line and color move about the canvas in an almost symphonic manner.

Camp credits her family, specifically her aunt, for the early development of her interest in the arts, having provided her with the opportunity for experimentation in multiple mediums at an early age. In the same vein, she is excited to pay this sentiment forward through the work in museum education she will be completing as part of an internship with the Louise Hopkins Center for the Arts in Lubbock, Texas, next summer.

Caley Pennington, also a painting concentration, is a native Arkansan hailing from the small community of Prescott. One of only a handful of students from her graduating class to pursue a college degree, Pennington came to UCA on an honor’s scholarship and has an immense amount of gratitude for her time in the program, stating that it has changed her outlook on both her field and the world to unimaginable degrees.

Caley’s area of focus is photorealism with an obvious emphasis on portrait and the human form. Her highly-saturated depictions of situational life are an honest and moving commentary on the 12

BY LISA FERENCE

“Self Reflecting” by Jessica Camp

“Will it Change” Caley Pennington, 2012 LISA FERENCE PHOTO

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“Bubbles” by Caley Pennington, 2011. human condition, each an immediately relatable representation of shared emotive human experiences. Whether the expression of a moment of pensive introspection or the fleeting wish of a child, each idea is captured with such elegance that one cannot help but be transported to an alternate place in time when viewing.

Caley intends to pursue an MFA post graduation, and in the long term will follow in the footsteps of her mother as an art educator, ideally in a university setting.

Rounding out the Black Box trinity is printmaker Brittany Madalone. Madalone, a double major seeking both a BFA and a degree in art education, is a great admirer of the natural world. This is evidenced by her body of work, much of which concentrates on the magical depiction of insects, delicate and intricately detailed subject matter to which she brings life on paper.

Madalone’s expressive prints are mesmerizing, each brimming with complexity of form and leaving no detail unaccounted for. She is currently working with large scale wood cuts, pieces that when presented for viewing act as art objects themselves.

Madalone, through her mastery of the medium, is able to render life-like forms that are rich in both depth and dimension, and are a testament to her love of nature.

“Floral Arrangement” by Jessica Camp 14

You will have the opportunity to view the work of all three women as a part of the Spring Senior Exhibition at UCA’s Baum Gallery, date to be announced. For more information on upcoming events at both the Baum Gallery and the Black Box, visit www.uca.edu/art.

“Tangled” by Jessica Camp

“An Unwanted Message” by Brittany Madalone “Electric Insect” by Brittany Madalone 15

ICONFLAVOR CONWAY LOCALLY GROWN

SHOP HERE WITH GET-FIT FOODS

The new year is upon us and it’s time to shed that pesky winter weight in preparation for swimsuit season. Now, I’m aware that it’s only January and that the annual swimsuit panic usually doesn’t begin until at least April, but why not get an early start and avoid all the stress later?

Kelly Carney, owner/operator of North Pulaski Farms, a member of the locally grown network, at the Urban Farm Fest event held at the Faulkner County Library in September. LISA FERENCE PHOTO.

We all know that eating better quality food is important, but many of us are on a tight budget and I know what you’re thinking- how far will your dollar stretch? I wondered the same thing so, armed with $100, I put Locally Grown to the test and the results may surprise you.

Here’s what my shopping experience yielded:

{} 3 1 lb. Italian Sausage 3 1 package Chicken Breasts 3 1.5 lbs Beef Skirt Steak 3 1.5 lbs Baby Roma Tomatoes 3 2 heads Romaine Lettuce 3 1 bunch Radishes 3 2 lbs Sweet Peppers 3 I basket Jalapenos 3 4 lbs Sweet Potatoes 3 1 dozen Eggs 3 1 bag Golden Delicious Apples 3 1 loaf Fresh Baked Bread 3 1 Chocolate Cake 3 1 jar Honey 3 1 lb. Pecans

Pretty impressive, right? And I did all of my shopping in my pajamas which is clearly a bonus.

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There are three fundamental concepts that are vital to developing healthy eating habits. Eat fresh, eat in season, eat local. If you follow these simple rules, nature will do the hard work for you. (Well, perhaps nature and a little help from the treadmill.) This year pledge to skip the processed foods and opt for a higher quality plate by supporting your local farmers and artisans.

While this may seem like a daunting task with local farmer’s markets on their annual hiatus, never fear. Fresh produce, proteins and more are awaiting your procurement and you don’t even have to leave the house to place your order.

Conway Locally Grown is a virtual marketplace that allows shoppers to connect to local farmers and artisans year round. With constantly changing inventory that ranges from peppers and tomatoes to beef and baguettes, satisfying your grocery list and keeping the week’s menu fresh is a cinch. Shoppers simply fill their virtual basket, place their orders online by Tuesday each week, and pick up their groceries on Friday at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Conway.

Each item is brought to order, and will await your arrival for pick up. Health doesn’t get much easier than that.

Each of the community’s growers are listed on the site, allowing you to take a closer look at where the products you purchase are coming from, and Locally Grown encourages you to engage growers and artisans with any questions or concerns you may have. Every item available on the site is produced within a 150-mile radius, making tracing the origins of your dinner a much easier feat.

So how does it work? There is an annual membership fee of $25 to officially join the community — a fee that directly benefits the growers and assists in the continuation of this wonderful service. However, the market invites you to place two orders free of charge as a test run.

With no minimum purchase, now is a perfect time to try out some of what Arkansas has to offer whether it be a full basket of veggies or simply a jar of local honey. For a complete listing of available products and more information on each of the community’s growers, check out the website for yourself at www.conway.locallygrown.net and pledge to support your community and treat your body to better living in the new year!

BY LISA FERENCE

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TAKE A TRIAL RUN Visit conway.locallygrown.net for a complete list of available products.

The market invites you to place two orders free of charge.

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BY LISA FERENCE

Jon-Stephen Stansel PHOTO

ICONAUTHOR GARRY CRAIG POWELL

‘STONING THE DEVIL’

UCA PROFESSOR MAKING WAVES WITH FIRST NOVEL UCA Creative Writing Professor Garry Craig Powell is making waves with the release of his new novel-in-stories, Stoning the Devil. The novel, set in the United Arab Emirates, examines the curious, and at times disturbing nature of the social construct of the region through the tales of Powell’s powerful characters, giving readers insight into a world rarely visited by authors.

The well traveled Powell lived and worked in this fascinating region for a number of years, acting as a professor for female undergraduates at an Arab university. He credits the experience for providing a window into the world of Arab women that is seldom available to Westerners.

Stoning the Devil presented him the opportunity to share brief snapshots of this complex and previously unexplored 18

world with readers. The result is an incredibly well crafted collection of linked stories that are at times poignant, at times erotic, and always an enthralling quest into the unknown.

Powell presents characters to a Western audience that are contradictory to our preconceptions of Arab life, challenging the stereotypes that have been force fed to us through popular media, and his depiction of Western expatriates living in the region beg us to question the Westerner’s role in the dark societal underbelly that exists there.

While the self involved quest for pleasure of character Colin is perhaps a nod to the egocentrism of Western society, Powell is quick to expose the equally absurd acts

of violence carried out by the Arab nation on their own people while all heads are seemingly turned. Barbarism exists in tangent with glamorous overindulgence creating what can only be described as a literary quarry from which Powell has mined thought provoking and moving material for reader’s consideration.

Expect to be horrified, delighted, and possibly aroused by this stunning and sensuous depiction of life in the Emirates. The book is available for purchase through Amazon, or at a number of local retailers including Hastings. For more information on Stoning the Devil, or to a schedule of Powell’s upcoming public appearances visit www.garrycraigpowell.com where you will also find the author’s biography in his own words.

ICONMUSIC INSTRUCTION

BY PRESTON PALMER

TWO VOCALISTS JOIN PPS At Preston Palmer Studios, we’re always on the lookout for talented people to work with, whether that means for a concert, a business endeavor or one of our in-house programs. We’re especially choosy when it comes to the people who teach our students. After all, what’s a music school without talented instructors?

So, we’re excited to announce the addition of two new teachers to the PPS team: Ron McDaniel and Jaimee Jensen-McDaniel. They are heading up our brand new community choir program, which is performing many different genres, from traditional choral literature to early music, world music, folk and much more! This ensemble is open to anyone age 16 and older, regardless of experience, and currently meets once a week on Thursday evenings. It’s a great opportunity for anyone that enjoys singing, and wants to sit under some great instruction from a couple of talented musicians.

Other upcoming projects that they will be in charge of include an after-school program for younger children; a “mommy-and-me” music class, which will give parents and children the chance to learn about music together and at the same time; and a “slow-jam session” to teach traditional Irish tunes. Jaimee and Ron have similar teaching styles, and enjoy teaching their voice students in tandem. By having two sets of ears and eyes in a lesson, the student can enjoy the benefit of having both a “high voice” and “low voice” expert in his or her lesson, to bring different perspectives to their learning experience.

Jaimee is a native of Mountain View, Ark., and holds an MA in Ritual Chant and Song from the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland, as well as a BA in Music from the University of Central Arkansas. She is well-versed in a wide variety of vocal repertoire including folk, chant, medieval song, opera and art song, traditional Irish song and musical theater.

Ron hails from Jacksonville, Ark. A graduate of UCA with a Bachelor’s degree in music with an emphasis in vocal performance, he also earned a Master’s degree in Community Music from the University of Limerick (UL) in Limerick, Ireland. Ron has a an extensive background in choral music, vocal/instrumental chamber music, world chant, gospel music, opera and art song and musical theater. Ron also dabbles in American folk music, bluegrass and Irish traditional music.

Part of the reason both like traditional Irish music along with other older forms of the art is the rich history associated with them. While they were staying in Ireland, Ron and Jaimee got to see how integral and important traditional music was to the identity of the country, and the ways in which stories and values are passed down through the generations through music and song.

After all, part of knowing where our society is going is to take a look at where it’s been, and music is a fantastic way to do that.

We’re honored to have such talented people that are willing to come work with us, and we’re looking forward to what Ron and Jaimee are going to bring to the table at PPS in the future. To keep up with what they’ll be doing at the studio, as well as all of our other events and announcements, “like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, sign up for our e-mail newsletter or check out our website at www.prestonpalmerstudios.com.

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ICONTECH

GAMING’S GOLDEN AGE

If you’re a Lay-Z-Boy athlete like myself, then you’ve noticed that we’re currently experiencing a renaissance of quality with the current crop of sports video games out on the market. In the past few months, we’ve had top-notch versions of NFL, NHL, NBA and soccer games released. All of these games were rated as high or higher than any previous versions. With such an influx of high-quality sports games hitting store shelves in a short period of time, it begs the question — is this a golden age in sports gaming?

The best four sports games this year are NHL13, FIFA13, Madden13 and NBA2K13.

Electronic Arts released the NHL, FIFA and Madden franchises and 2KSports released this year’s NBA game. All featured big leaps and bounds in feature sets and gameplay.

This year, NHL13 introduced what they call ‘True Performance’ skating, bringing realistic physics to the skating experience.

It adds a big element of realism to the game but also ups the difficulty.

EA’s annual soccer game, FIFA13, the bestselling video game in the world not named Call of Duty, also ups the ante on realism. FIFA included a brand new simulation aspect in the new ‘First Touch Control’ system, which randomizes what the soccer ball does as it first makes contact with each player.

Madden also jumped on the physics bandwagon. As with the other games, EA included a cleverly named new physics system, the ‘Infinity Engine.’ Physics and hit detection, play an important role in a football game, so this addition really adds to the feeling of reality when playing Madden. Madden also added a mode called ‘Connected Careers’ that ties your franchise together and allows you to perform various game functions on the console, smartphone, tablet or PC. 2K Sports NBA franchise has been the most praised game over the past few years, starting with the new gameplay introduced as part of NBA2K11. The level of control implemented creates a sense of simula20

tion not before approached in a basketball game. This year, 2K Sports added hundreds of individual moves tailored to players. They also added more control of the dribble itself using the right stick.

While these games have made huge strides in becoming near perfect simulations of their real-life counterparts, they’ve also become harder and harder to play. For veterans of these series that might be OK, as the changes are somewhat incremental.

But for a new player trying to jump in fresh, the learning curve is incredibly steep. To aid in climbing the learning curve, some of the games offer a tutorial. For example NBA2K13 runs through around 50 of the right-stick enabled moves, and while even that seems daunting, it barely scratches the surface of the move-set available.

The other games offer training modes and mini-games but they don’t do a great job of teaching new players the fundamentals of playing the game. I’ve been spending a lot of time with FIFA13, but I have to ratchet the difficulty way down to play competitively. And while playing, I get the sense that I’m barely scratching the surface of everything the game has to offer.

While these new levels of simulation are great, this is a problem that game developers need to overcome. Also, as the video games become more like the real sports we watch on tv, you get the feeling that you need to have a deep understanding of the sports themselves. Another feature that would be great to add to these games would be something that teaches newcomers the rules and strategies of the sports.

Another issue that may be preventing us from getting the best we can out of the current crop of sports game developers is the trend of issuing exclusive licenses from the leagues. In the past there was healthy competition as each league usually had multiple licensed games coming out each year. For the first time this year, each of the big four mentioned above are exclusive licensees and have no competition. As of now this hasn’t affected the quality of the games, but healthy competition can never hurt and usually is the biggest driver of innovation.

BY JAMES RYKEN

HOT IN TECH

Hot Video Game Call of Duty – Black Ops 2.

What else could it be? It’s the holiday season, so that means it’s time for the Call of Duty juggernaut to break sales record and eat away days and days of playing time.

Hot Website The FiveThirtyEight blog.

During the heated political season, sometimes it’s refreshing to just sit down with cold hard facts. Former baseball sabremetrician Nate Silver created the FiveThirtyEight (the number of votes in the electoral college) blog during the 2008 election and has provided spot on analysis of various polls and other statistical probabilities related to all election topics. He nailed the races this year, getting 50 of 50 states correct in the presidential race.

Hot Tech Feature iOS6 Panorama mode.

If you have an iPhone you can take great panoramic pictures with your upgraded IOS device now. Panorama mode is perfect for those wide angle moments when you can’t fit the whole shot into a normal picture.

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ICONTECH ON THE HORIZON

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Luke Irvin // Irvin Media // @thelukeirvin

TRENDS YOU WILL SEE IN 2013 Revolution of the Second-Screen

So far, more than 80% of smart phone and tablet owners are using their devices while watching TV. What we’ll see in 2013 is brands getting more aggressive at engaging users through these second screens while they are watching TV. We will see things ranging from advertisement placement on your smart devices to extending the viewing experience onto them after you turn off your television set.

BIG DATA

As more and more users interact and engage more through the internet and smart devices, the amount of data collected is growing larger and larger. The question now is, what will we do with this data? This will result in a huge impact of improving our technology.

Not much to say about this now but it excites me thinking about how this will change our future.

END OF PRIVACY

The more and more we are interacting through the digital world the less privacy there will be. With the amount of technology requiring access to our social feeds or requesting us to share a status with, the less private our lives will become. And let’s not forget about the growing population of people that don’t care about their privacy.

Perhaps in 2013 we’ll see a rise of new technology that incorporates an “incognito” mode to protect privacy? Only time will tell.

3D PRINTING

They’ve started moving into homes and retail stores this year, but in 2013 they will explode. I’m predicting we will see these in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and maybe even auto mechanic shops.

I’m curious to how creative businesses will get when using these devices.

EMBEDDED TECHNOLOGY

Even though NFC, Near Field Communication, wasn’t added to the iPhone 5 I’m betting big we’ll see it incorporated into any “smart” gadget we use in 2013. Any place a sensor can be added to capture data (this is why Big Data will be huge) there will be embedded technology. It could be your door handle, your microwave, or even your own driveway!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Please send me an email at luke@irvinmedia.com 23

ICONFASHION JOSEPH BIRDSONG

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BY LISA FERENCE

27 CARDIGANS AND COUNTING A successful blog, weekly webcasts that reach thousands of viewers, and a dedicated fan base aren’t enough to satisfy Internet sensation Joseph Birdsong. The sky is the limit for this virtual virtuoso, and he’s rising to the challenge, one cardigan at a time.

What does a successful vlogger with thousands of followers look like? Pretty darn normal. Most days Joseph Birdsong can be found sporting a T-shirt and jeans and his signature Pokemon ball cap, walking amongst us with little indication that he has reached star status on the world wide web.

A fairly quiet guy, Joseph draws little attention to himself and rarely speaks of his online life unless he is asked directly. He’s no podcast prima donna, just a small town Arkansan who has managed to turn his amazing personality into a marketable product, one that fans can’t seem to get enough of.

Six years ago when Birdsong began making short YouTube videos he couldn’t have imagined what they would lead to.

Eighteen years old at the time, he was finding himself and looking for a creative outlet when he discovered the world of video blogging, or vlogging. He immediately fell in love with the medium and started posting regularly and developing an audience. Six years later, that audience has grown into almost 71,000 subscribers and Joe’s videos have become a thriving business with no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

In addition to his own website/series, “Cup of Joe Show,” Birdsong is a regular contributor on multiple web channels, has cut two full-length albums available for purchase on iTunes and he even has his own app. But all of that is just another day in the life of a rising Internet star, and when the opportunity recently presented itself for Joe to take on a more personal project, he seized it, giving birth to his new fashion blog, “27 Cardigans.”

Though this blog has just been born, Joseph’s experience with fashion actually began some time ago when he moved out of state to pursue a degree in the field.

“I lived in Philadelphia for two years and I went to Art Institute of Philadelphia where I studied visual merchandising, which is like fashion merchandising, pretty much. And it was a very interesting world. (While there) I did my internship at Allure magazine, and I think that’s what made me want to do writing and not fashion — because of the atmosphere of the fashion

world. It (also) made me develop my own views of fashion, whereas I think of fashion now as having and developing a personal style rather than being told what to wear each season.”

Taking all of the experience he gained while with Allure, and pairing it with his fundamental belief in individualism, Birdsong has developed a unique fashion blog that is truly informative, while never taking itself too seriously. In each post, Birdsong’s humorous voice can be heard loud and clear, reminding readers that they should never take themselves too seriously either.

So how does the management of this new endeavor differ from that of his “Cup of Joe” empire?

“Well, It’s a lot less strict. I don’t really have to do a set number of posts or anything — it’s more creative than that. If I have an idea I’m like, OK, let’s do this. Whenever I want to, when I have the time. In my free time. It’s more like fun whereas “Cup of Joe” is like a job now. It’s like you do three of these videos a week, have to do it. No matter what.

The “Cardigan” blog, so far — and I would like to keep it this way — is just me and my personal voice, and I do it when I want to. Stuff like that.”

And fun it certainly is. There are a variety of posts for perusing, covering the hottest topics in the world of button-up sweaters such as ordering “cardies” (as Joe lovingly refers to them) from overseas, patterns that work and those that just don’t, and common cardigan malfunctions, such as the dreaded cape back. What do Joe’s current subscribers think of the newest addition to his online arsenal? The response has been great.

“Whenever I do a new post I tweet the link or post it on Facebook and that’s good, but at the same time I want it to grow its own audience because it’s one of those situations where I don’t want someone to like the blog just because they like me. I want them to like the content as well. I know a lot of my subscribers to ‘Cup of Joe,’ they aren’t interested in this kind of thing. I want to build into that community instead of having people read it who don’t really care what I have to say. At ‘Cup of Joe,’ they just want a quick five minutes of humor instead of like a life story. (‘27 Cardigans’) is a little more intellectual.”

Writing in this voice, one that is more of a reflection of Joseph himself, has been a refreshing change. He goes on to say that writing without the pressure of pleasing a target audience is allowing him a greater sense of creative expression, a welcome change from his regular gig.

So where does he see this project going long term? He has no expectations and that’s where the beauty lies. “This blog is mine and I want it to stay that way. If it goes somewhere it goes. If it doesn’t, that’s OK too.”

There’s little doubt that, with Birdsong’s golden touch, “27 Cardigans” is headed straight for the top. Check it out for yourself at www.27cardigans.com where you’ll find links to the “Cup of Joe Show” as well as Joe’s weekly videos on Anwserly and his weekly video, “Week in Fashion,” for The Stylish.

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FASHIONMISTA SHARP-DRESSED MAN

GENTLEMEN, SUIT UP Some say that every man should own at least one nice suit. You might find you need one for formal occasions, such as wedding and funerals. Or maybe you work a job that requires business attire and you will need several suits to rotate in your wardrobe.

The important thing to consider when buying a suit is finding one that fits and flatters your particular body type and one that is “classic” enough that it won’t go out of style next season. Ask your salesperson to help you find a good, basic cut and style that you will wear on many occasions.

Tips on Buying A Suit

COLOR

Buying a suit for the first time can be daunting, especially if you have little experience with the topic. The whole process is made much easier and more enjoyable if you find a friendly and knowledgeable salesperson to assist you. If you want a suit that looks good and fits comfortably, be prepared to spend a good deal of time with your salesperson, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or speak up when something feels odd or uncomfortable. If you aren’t working well with a particular salesperson, don’t hesitate to try another store or find someone else to assist you.

It will be worthwhile to find a person who will really take an interest in helping you.

A good way to find a knowledgeable salesperson is to ask a well-dressed friend or relative where they purchased their suit.

POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SUIT

When shopping for a suit, consider fabric, style and cut, color and proper fit. You should also consider the accessories you’ll need with a suit, such as a dress shirt, a tie, a belt and a good pair of shoes. Keep those items in mind and mention them to your salesperson when considering your budget.

FABRIC

It is highly recommended that your first suit be made of 100% wool. Wool is a natural fiber that breathes, which means you’ll be more comfortable and you’ll sweat less than in a suit made of man-made materials. Wool is also durable and travels well.

STYLE

For a first suit, it is generally safe to stick with a basic single-breasted style — where the jacket buttons in front in a single row of buttons, rather than a double-breasted suit — where the materials folds over itself with two rows of buttons. Single-breasted jackets come in a variety of styles, including the classic two-button and modern three- and four-button styles. Always leave the bottom button on a single-breasted jacket undone.

CUT

The cut of a suit refers to how the suit sits or hangs on your body. Suits can be broken down into three basic cuts: The American Cut First introduced by Brooks Brothers, it features a boxy silhouette, straight hanging lines, natural shoulders, flap pockets and a single center vent in the jacket. The American Cut is a classic cut that is a fine choice for a first suit.

The British Cut This cut has more shape than the American suit, with a slightly pinched waist, double vents, higher armholes, padded shoulders and flap pockets.

The European Cut (Italian) This suit is sleek and modern with padded shoulders, no vents, flapless pockets and tapered waist on the jacket.

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For your first suit, it is advisable to stick with dark, solid colors, such a charcoal gray, black or navy blue. If you are buying an additional suit or suits beyond your basic solid colors, subtle patterns such as pinstripes or herringbone may be considered. Try to choose colors and patterns that will stand the test of time and be appropriate for the settings in which you will wear the suit.

fitting the suit properly

When you are shopping for a suit, you should expect the salesperson to take all of your measurements: neck, shoulders, sleeves, chest, waist and inseam. Have them measure you first, before you begin looking at suits. If there is any part of the suit that doesn’t fit exactly right it should be tailored by the shop. In some stores, tailoring is free, but in other shops you will pay a fee.

how the suit should look The jacket The jacket should lie smoothly over your shoulders and across your back, and should look proportional to your physique. The length of the jacket should cover your entire backside (your butt). The back of the jacket should end where your butt meets your leg. Jacket sleeves should end at the point where your hands meet your wrists and show 1/2 inch of your shirt cuff. Higher armholes may help your suit drape better on your body, but they should never feel tight or binding. Make sure you have free movement of your arms. As a test, bring your arms straight out in front of you. The collar should hug the back of the neck without buckling or pulling. One-half inch of your shirt collar should show from under the suit’s collar.

The pants The waistline should be comfortable; make sure you can stick two fingers into the waist while you’re wearing them. Suit pants tend to be worn a bit higher than jeans, which are usually worn on the hip. Usually the waist of suit pants will be below the navel.

The shirt It is best to have a 100% cotton dress shirt to wear with your suit (like wool, cotton breathes). Colored or plain white, point collar shirts are OK with all styles of suits and on all occasions. There are numerous variations in shirt collars — you should choose a collar that is both classic and flattering to your face. For example, if you have a narrow face, you might want to consider a spread collar; if you have a round face, consider a straight point collar. As a rule, never wear a button-down collar shirt with a double-breasted suit. Your shirt should be smooth around the neck and allow for an index finger of breathing room in the collar. You should never feel choked by your collar. Most men who feel choked when wearing a suit and tie often are wearing shirts with an ill-fitting collar. Make sure you get measured to fit your shirt and collar properly.

Belt, shoes and socks Your belt should be the same color as your shoes, and both belt and shoes should preferably be made of leather. Black is usually a safe choice for both shoes and belt. Wingtips or other traditional lace-up shoes are recommended. Socks should

BY DERRICK BARNHART stobyman@yahoo.com

be dress socks and should match your pants. The metal of your belt buckle should match the metal of your watch, if you wear one. The tie you choose should have subtle patterns and background colors to match the suit. One hundred percent silk ties tend to make the best knots. If you feel choked when wearing a tie, make sure that the collar of your shirt is not too tight.

DON’T FORGET

• Maintain your nails • Keep your hairstyle polished • Keep your face trimmed • Clean up your eyebrows • A nice watch is a must • Wear your favorite cologne

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LASTLOOK NO MORE TATTOO NIGHTMARES

FORGET LAST YEAR’S MISTAKE RED GYPSY TATTOO HAS YOU ‘COVERED’

After all of the gleaming ornaments are carefully placed back in the attic and the giant ball has dropped in Times Square, most of us welcome a new year with an extra five pounds of winter weight and a laundry list of resolutions. Some resolve to drop those pounds, others to drop a bad habit. No matter what promise is made, we all share a common bond; the new year brings everyone the opportunity to start with a blank canvas, fresh for the painting.

But what if the canvas has already been doodled on? What if you must face yet another year with an unsightly rendering of Elmer Fudd on your ankle, or perhaps a misspelled word on your forearm? No need my friends. If you, like me, for some unknown reason, long ago, chose to immortalize a moment in ink and have grown to regret it, this is the time to make a change, to forge a new path. This is the year to turn that Fudd into a stud.

I speak from experience as I recently ended a 15 year relationship with a hideous turtle that took residence on my right shoulder in a moment of weakness. Oh, to be young and impulsive.

After a long and dysfunctional stint with the terrible terrapin, I finally resolved to kick it to the curb and presented the task of facilitating the breakup to the folks at Red Gypsy Tattoo.

Red Gypsy is a custom shop. If you’re not familiar with what constitutes custom, it means that there will be no pictures of roses and butterflies hanging on the walls to choose from when you walk in the door. Don’t get me wrong, they are happy to give you roses, rainbows- whatever you like. But each individual tattoo they create is a unique piece of art, and you’re not likely to see another one like yours on a passing shoulder at the water park next summer.

This artful approach to tattooing is a service that Red Gypsy is proud to offer to Conway, and is what separates the shop from competitors. Employees here are artists first and foremost, and they are committed to delivering only the best work every time they approach a new piece. Each brings an artistic skill set to the table that allows them to execute a wide variety of subject matter. Portraits, posies, dogs playing poker- you name it. They can make it happen.

When you’re seeking a cover-up piece, this range of options is vital, as shop owner Zac Meyer will quickly tell you that the most important element to a great cover-up is the customer’s willingness to think outside of the box and trust their artist.

Texture and layering in a piece are both key to covering your current hot mess, and being open to your artist’s ideas will assure that you walk away with tattoo you will be proud to show off. This means that, although you may go in thinking how nice a unicorn may be, you should be open to hearing a variety of options that may better cover your dirty little secret. Each of the artists at Red Gypsy are happy to take a look at what you’ve got and sit down to discuss the best way to approach 28

your new piece.

Before you head in to turn that disaster into a masterpiece, we have a few tips to make your experience more successful. First, remember that proper aftercare is vital to your tattoo standing the test of time. I made the mistake of waiting until the summer season to take the plunge, thinking of how beautiful my new art would look in a sundress. What I wasn’t considering was the fact that new ink requires protection from the sun for about a month, and swimming during the healing period is a no go. Don’t schedule your session for a week before your Spring Break pilgrimage to Daytona, and certainly not a few days before your sister’s outdoor wedding. These winter months are great time to get the hard work out of the way so that you can show off your new artwork when those sunny days return.

Second, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. You probably got the last one on a whim, right? Well, look where that got you. Go in for a consultation in advance. Look through all of the artist’s portfolios and get a feel for who may be a great fit for the piece you’re interested in getting. This will also allow you to discuss how long your sitting may take so that you can plan for it accordingly as a large tattoo can take hours to complete, some even requiring multiple appointments.

Next, repeat after me- there is no such thing as a great twenty dollar tattoo. You get what you pay for, people. You probably wouldn’t by twenty-five cent sushi from the gas station or an engagement ring from the dollar store and you shouldn’t expect a quality tattoo for the same price as a case of beer. While Red Gypsy has offerings at a variety of price points to suit every budget, if you have your heart set on a Van Gogh painting on your shoulder (and yes, they can do that,) you may need to budget for it. The important thing is to remember that you’re making an investment in artwork that will be seen by everyone you meet. You want to pay for quality.

Last, remember that when you select a tattoo you’re making a lifelong commitment. Select subject matter that you feel can stand the test of time. You may be a huge Justin Beiber fan right now, but if you get I’ve Got Beiber Fever permanently fixed on your arm, can you be sure that you will still feel the same in twenty years? Better to select something that you are likely to love just as much tomorrow as you do today. When you’re making your final decision for the artwork, think timeless.

Make this year the time to correct that less than great decision.

While tattoos can be a beautiful expression of who you are, beauty can quickly become burden if you’re unhappy with what you get. Take your time, and when you’ve decided what to get, leave the task to Red Gypsy as I did. You won’t be disappointed. Until then, check out their website at www.redgypsytattoo. com to start planning. Happy tattooing!

BY LISA FERENCE

Back row: Albert Ramirez, Erika Lindsay, Michael Coleman; front row: Mary Ramirez, Zac Meyer, Shari Davis. LISA FERENCE PHOTO

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