While living the life of a showgirl on stage during “The Eras Tour,” Taylor Swift poured every thought she had offstage onto paper and a 12-track record. Her goal with this project was to create infectious melodies and vivid yet crisp lyrics. The album’s main theme encompassed everything that happens behind the curtain of the pop star’s life. Reuniting with producers Max Martin and Shellback,...

Every fall, thousands of tourists flock to the Appalachian Mountains to witness the trees changing colors. Thousands more fly to Germany for a taste of its vibrant beer culture. Boone’s Oktoberfest offers the best of both.  Alyssa Hasty, the marketing coordinator for Lost Province Brewing Co., helped plan the brewery’s Oktoberfest celebration.  “Boonetoberfest is definitely our biggest...

The sixth annual High Country Bee Fest takes place Oct. 11 at Hidden Happiness Bee Farm from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local vendors, live music, hayrides, food and honey will be offered in celebration of these winged insects.  H.S. Greene, the owner and beekeeper of the farm, said the festival exists to educate the public on bees and serve the local community.  “The community needs support itself,...

What began as writing songs in their dorm room quickly became a campus sensation that propelled five individuals to sign multiple record deals.  Rainbow Kitten Surprise returns to App State Oct. 17 for a hometown show in the Holmes Convocation Center.  The alternative-pop group got their start in Boone 12 years ago when members Ela Melo and Darrick “Bozzy” Keller met in Bowie Residence...

Rows of books line the shelves of Belk Library and Information Commons — some old, some new, all filled to the brim with knowledge. Wide-eyed freshmen can be seen running their fingers across the books for the first time while seasoned seniors weave their way through the rows to their long-claimed study corners.  In an age where artificial intelligence platforms, like ChatGPT and Google Gemini,...

Last week’s episode of “Survivor 49” introduced new alliances, a beware advantage and the first journey of the season. Without supplies, the Kele tribe ate worms for sustenance. However, for one Kele member, this was not a problem.  “I’m perfectly comfortable being uncomfortable,” Annie Davis said. “And so the worse our conditions are, the better it is for me because I am fine...