Sunday, June 12, 2016

Interview with Insane Clown Posse

The Juggalos are among us!

My interview with Shaggy 2 Dope of Insane Clown Posse can be found at Richmond Magazine's website. The two-man ICP is still indulging in its distinctive aural mayhem after more than two decades of controversial "horror rap," and Shaggy (Joseph Utsler) talks about the duo's devotion to professional wrestling, the early Detroit rap scene, the changing music industry, and why the group's rabid fans -- the Juggalos -- have been officially classified as a "gang" by the F.B.I. We also address the unlikely strains of spirituality that some have found in their rancorous music.


Catch the mayhem by going right here. Photo courtesy Psychopathic Records.



Saturday, June 11, 2016

Candy Land: A Look at the H.E. Williams Candy Company

The H.E. Williams company is Virginia's oldest and longest-running candy manufacturer. And the factory is still going strong, creating sweets the old-fashioned way.

Using much of the same archaic equipment that it started with, the family-run operation has been selling handmade hard candy (like its trademark Peach Buds) in South Norfolk for nearly 100 years. You won't find a more delicious throwback.

My feature article, "Candy Land," tells the story of this fascinating, defiantly old-school business -- no web presence, no credit cards, no social media -- and is now online at the Coastal Virginia Magazine site.

And, yes, I had to do a lot of very thorough research into H.E. Williams' products while writing this piece -- that's just the kind of diligent journalist I am.  Don't mention it. I'm just dedicated like that.

Read "Candy Land" by clicking right here.

(Photo by the sweet-toothed David Uhrin!)