Topic: Appalachia

Paving over America's country roads

One iconic symbol of America's rural poverty has been the dirt road, especially in Appalachia. Despite decades of paving over these back roads in the name of progress, many are still dusty washboard surfaces.

Kosmoceratops richardsoni: New dinosaur adorned with bony bells and whistles

Kosmoceratops richardsoni had a horn over its nose, one atop each eye, one at the tip of each cheekbone, and 10 across the rear margin of its bony frill.

Classic review: The Hunger Games

In a dystopian future state, a teenage girl must fight for her freedom – and her life.

Obama eulogizes Sen. Robert Byrd under West Virginia skies

At a memorial service for Sen. Robert Byrd in West Virginia, regular folks and presidents alike gathered for a public celebration marked by moments of grace and humor.

Rhinoceros-sized dinosaur had horns the size of baseball bats

Unearthed in Mexico, a newly discovered species of dinosaur was found to have had horns bigger than any member of its group, including the legendary Triceratops.

Is progressive Asheville Obama’s vision for America?

Hip, environmentally aware, self-reliant and undeniably quaint, Asheville, N.C is a progressive’s vision of what America could be. But mountain liberalism comes at a price.

Opinion: West Virginia mine disaster shows high cost of fossil-fuel dependence

The West Virginia coal mine explosion should compel us to work for a 21st-century energy strategy that doesn’t depend on costly and dangerous fossil fuels.

Massey Energy: West Virginia mine explosion site's checkered past

The Upper Big Branch mine, where the West Virginia mine explosion occurred Monday, had about 500 violations issued against it last year. The mine is owned by Massey Energy.

Biden to unveil broadband expansion projects to boost jobs

Vice President Biden goes to Georgia Thursday to announce $182 million in stimulus grants for increasing broadband access to homes and businesses in 17 states. A total of $2.5 billion of stimulus money has been set aside for broadband projects.

Joel Salatin advocates a better way to raise food

Farmer/lecturer Joel Salatin champions 'moral farming' as a better way to raise food. 'What is a moral way to raise a chicken?' he asks.

Why police are keeping quiet on Census worker Sparkman death

Just because Census worker Bill Sparkman was found hanging from a tree with the word 'fed' written on his chest doesn't mean he was murdered in an antigovernment act. Sparkman died in an insular county of moonshiners and pot-growers, and police are wary of taking a wrong step.

Grisly hanging of Census worker: an antigovernment act?

FBI is investigating worker's death in Kentucky. Is crime-scene reference to 'fed' a clue or a feint?

Hard times boost pot economy

A surge in marijuana farming this year may be due to unemployment as well as growing demand for the drug.

Uh-oh, Governor Sanford returns from another vacation...

The Food of a Younger Land

How America used to eat.

West Virginia names coal as its official state rock

What are you reading about the enviroment?

Bicycles

Love poetry as the antidote to the craziness of the world.

A scrawny tree’s spring surprise

The little pink flowers resembled decorations on a wedding cake.

The Hunger Games

In a dystopian future state, a teenage girl and boy must fight for their lives and their freedom.

Christmas songs in the spotlight

From Enya's dulcet tones to Faith Hill's powerhouse vocals to a surprisingly pretty singing saw, peace on earth arrives in tune.

Bush’s parting moves on the environment

Last-minute rule changes would weaken environmental protections, critics say.

Candidates’ healthcare fixes: tax credits vs. more federal spending

The US spends twice as much on healthcare per capita than other nations but still trails in access to care.

Why we 'R' the way we 'R'

How one little sound came to be the hallmark of 'standard American' speech.

USA