LOOK, LISTEN & LEARN OUTER SANDBOX

Sure, Plato and Nietzsche are still well-known today, but the majority of philosophers, and their philosophies, are still somewhat obscure. Have you ever had a conversation on how crucial metaphysics is to our comprehension of the world? Have you heard of verificationism? Nigel Warburton and David Edmonds, hosts of Philosophy Bites, offer introductions to the arguments, the thinkers and the ideas that have influenced our world, even if we’ve never heard of them.

Why did it take police 27 years to find Jacob Wetterling, an 11-year-old boy who was kidnapped? That question is examined in the first season of In the Dark. In season two, the case of Curtis Flowers, a Black man, who was tried six times for the same offense is explored, and in a follow-up “special report,” the impact of COVID on the economically weak Mississippi Delta is discussed. Rigid investigative reporting and epic suspense are characteristics of this podcast. It will get any true crime aficionado fired up.

This podcast by Tyler Mahan Coe is about the history of country music. In the first season, subjects include the debate surrounding Loretta Lynn’s recording of The Pill, the significance of Merle Haggard’s Okie from Muskogee, and the Louvin Brothers’ musical relationship. The episodes of the show are thoroughly researched and offer a look inside the workings of the country music industry.

Road trip! Beyond the boundaries of our little sandbox, there is much to see. Here are a few events worth checking out. For events with a more local flavor, check out moorechoices.net. And check with locales before heading out!

FEBRUARY 11

Chocolate Festival

Pinehurst | pinehurstumc.org/events/chocolate-festival-2023 OK, this one is close to home, but the annual Chocolate Festival, put on by the women of the Pinehurst United Methodist Church, is a day of treats and getting to know your neighbors. Stock up on sweets for your special someone while raising money for women’s and children’s charities in Pinehurst. It’s chocolate, people!

FEBRUARY 18

The Great Outhouse Races

Sapphire | sapphirevalleyresorts.com

Feeling bored this winter? Sapphire Valley has the solution: Race outhouses down hills. Don’t worry, the poop huts are empty and, yes, it is possible to put skis on a wooden outhouse and ski your way to victory! Outhouse Races are broadcast on WNC Live, and all revenue goes to the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau.

MARCH 18

Birds, Brews & BBQ

Sylvan Heights | shwpark.com/events/birds-brew-bbq

Craft beer from North Carolina goes well with fantastic Eastern North Carolina barbecue. Vote for your favorite local craft beers and eastern NC barbecue as NC craft brewers, distillers and chefs vie to win the title of BBQ Cook-Off Champion. In addition to games, music and other activities, your ticket includes access to Sylvan Heights Bird Park.