"It was the height of the punk rock/new wave craze. The beer cans strewn about the stage floor were thrown at the band at the urging of Wunderle and Lou. Someone, somehow, completely destroyed a toilet that evening. Holly Coffman got hit on the head with a chair and had to get stitches. Fools Face opened and The Symptoms closed. In this photo, left to right: D. Clinton Thompson/guitar and vocals; Ron 'Rongo' Gremp/drums; Jim Wunderle/vocals; Lou Whitney/bass & vocals. Not pictured: Maralie Whitney/keyboards & vocals.
Thompson and Whitney formed The Skeletons and The Morells after the Symptoms. They've also been in bands backing national acts Dave Alvin, Robbie Fulks, Steve Forbert and Syd Straw. Gremp is playing with The Ozark Mountain Daredevils. The Skeletons re-formed in 2011 adding Wunderle.
I found these stocks in the basement of the Legion Hall. I had no idea what the Legionnaires might possibly have used them for. I figured it was some sort of secret ritual. All I knew was I was gonna sing in them.An opportunity like that only comes along once in a lifetime.
It was and remains the craziest gig I've ever played."
]]>
]]>
The sun just kisses the tops of the hills and the ground fog drifts down the long valley. The warm morning sun makes the new tree buds look more like fall. This hill along U.S. 65 south of Ozark, Missouri always speaks to me. Spring.]]>
]]>
It happened earlier this month in a simple school building near near the tiny village of Tenende close to the western border of Tanzania in east Africa. Kelsey Esther, a junior at Springfield Central High School demonstrated a laptop to students at Mwaya school, many of which had never seen a computer before. The sound of an electrical generator droned in the background of a school without electricity, plumbing or even glass in the windows.
Twelve amazing Springfield high school students and three from Drury University set up a computer network, recorded health data and began a sustaining food program with the Mwaya PTA (yes they have a PTA and you should see the turnout) that is just the start of something special.
Chocolate University is a community outreach program of Askinosie Chocolate where students are exposed to business and the world beyond their own. The experience is touching lives on both sides of the world. In one short week I witnessed fifteen students change their lives and those of hundreds in Tanzania.
It was really fun to watch Missouri State graduate students net bats at the mouth of Sequiota Cave Monday night. They examined several species but were primarily interested in the endangered Gray bat.]]>
This year's event had the most water I have ever seen. Saturday's competition was delayed for four hours to allow the water level to drop a bit. I went to photograph the races with my friend and excellent outdoor photographer, John Dengler. http://denglerimages.com/
It was challenging for even the most experienced paddler. In this photo Kurt Pelzer of Tipton, Iowa, nears the finish line where the most tubulent water made clearing the gates let alone staying upright a real chore.
]]>
I'm glad Jessy decided to take that impromtu shower in the falls!
]]>