Twentieth Century Fox raids the vaults in search of a holiday hit, and uses one of its most revered and timeless science fiction classics as target practice. The original 1951 The Day the Earth Stood Still remains a trendsetting space-age fable.

A flying saucer lands in Washington D.C., and its crew of two (a humanoid and a powerful robot) warn the world’s leaders of impending doom unless man abandons his war-mongering ways. Under the expert direction of Robert Wise and propelled by one of composer Bernard Hermann’s most memorable scores, the film is unquestionably a standout. (more…)

The New Familiars are a case in evolution. Band members Justin Fedor (vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo) and Eric-Scott Guthrie (vocals, guitar, harmonica, banjo) had been playing together for quite a while. They met Josh Daniel (vocals, resonator, guitar) around the beginning of 2006 and the duo became a trio. Other players came and went, but Pat Maholland (bass) joined around the beginning of this year and Daniel Flynn (drums) came in shortly thereafter. (more…)

We have all seen public service announcements advocating the importance of art and music for kids. Many of us listen to music to and from and sometimes during work. Music has inspired us and facilitates a range of emotions. Sometimes it can recall old memories and good times. The way music affects us is influential to who we are.

The Craig County School District wants to offer music for its students, but it has had its problems cut out for them in terms of funding a music program. Recent budget issues have kept Craig County from providing as solid a music program as it would desire. (more…)

Sometimes it’s tough to get into the Christmas spirit. Many folks would gladly forego the decorations and gift exchange this year, and some admit they’d prefer to hole up alone than travel or deal with another extended family holiday party. If you find yourself having similar thoughts, I suggest you go see Another Night Before Christmas at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon.

This two-person musical production addresses the inner cynic we all feel rearing its ugly head. The lead character, Karol Elliott (Wendy Piper), heads home on Christmas Eve—exhausted from her job as a social worker—and donates her leftovers to a bearded vagrant who happens to know her name. (more…)

With continued cold and damp weather in the New River Valley this December, a steaming plate of lasagna sure hits the spot.

You can make this Italian favorite ahead and simply pop it in the oven when you get home from work. Here, we show you 18 different ways to try it this winter from Florentine Lasagna to Smoked Salmon Lasagna to Vegetable Lasagna.

Heather Morgan Shott, the BHG.com Senior Food Editor, lives in New York. Many consider her to be like lasagna—warm and cheesy. (We love you Heather!)

The world has moved on since the glory days of Guns N’ Roses, when the Terminator was hunting Axl Rose on MTV. Now, 15 years after their last album, Axl Rose is all that remains of the original lineup, although Use Your Illusion bit-player Dizzy Reed is credited with some contributions here. (more…)