5^th Annual “Biggest Block Party Ever” Features Lukas Nelson and 650north

Saturday, July 31, 5:30pmWashington and 4^th Street
Downtown Columbus

The Biggest Block Party Ever, a fundraiser for the Columbus Area Arts Council, takes place on Saturday, July 31 at 5:30 at Washington and 4^th Streets in downtown Columbus.  There will be great food and beverages, children’s area and incredible music.

This year’s party has been expanded to three stages and twelve bands.  The entertainment features familiar national, regional and local talent.  The entertainment on the stage on 4^th Street begins at 5:30 with 40 Years of College, followed at 6:45 by Lonesome Highway, at 8:00 Push/Play and at 9:30 650north.

Down the street in the PNC parking lot, Identity Crisis begins playing 6:00, Ashworth at 7:15, Twin Cats at 8:30 and at 10:00 Lukas Nelson and The Promise of The Real finish out the evening.

An acoustic stage was added this year at the 400 block of Washington Street.  Powerhouse Trio begins at 6:00, 3 Chord Monty at 7:00, Brad and Derrick at 8:00 and Franny Hall at 9:00.

“We always enjoy giving local talent a venue to perform, and the Block Party is the perfect place for this to happen,” said Warren Baumgart, exec. director of the Arts Council.  “But, we also like to bring in groups that we would not normally play at such a small venue.  650north and Lukas Nelson and The Promise of the Real are good examples of groups that we’re pleased to present at this event.”

California-based Lukas Nelson was raised on blues, country and rock and ‘n’ roll.  One reason is that his famous father Willie Nelson had quite an impact on his musical taste.  Sam Sanborn of The Oregon Music News said recently of Nelson.  “He is fiercely proud of his roots and of his family background, Lukas Nelson is a dedicated and focused young man who has what it takes to succeed on his own merit.”  His music is described as three parts genuine rock, two parts American heart and soul, one part blues, one part funk and a pinch of country.  Lukas Nelson and The Promise of the Real’s debut album, Brando’s Paradise Sessions is out now.  A new album is schedule for release this fall.

Osgood, Indiana’s 650north have been playing together since 2003.  In the summer of 2007, they began to work on their debut album, Empty Drawer. “Afraid of Falling,” a single from this album, was charted at #35 on the Radio and Records Top Indicator Chart, an extremely rare feat for an album that was not produced by a major label.  They have performed internationally including a tour with Guns N’ Roses.

The Block Party opens at 5:30 and tickets are $6 for adults and children 12 and are free.

12 Bands • 3 Stages

Saturday, July 31
5:30 pm - Midnight
$6 entry
12 and under - Free

Dunlap Stage (The Commons)

5:30 – 6:30p
40 Years of College

6:45 – 7:45p
Lonesome Highway

8:00 – 9:00p
Push/Play

9:30 – 11:00p
650 North

Budweiser Stage (NCB Lot)

6:00 – 7:00p
Identity Crisis

7:15 – 8:15p
Ashworth

8:30 – 9:30p
Twin Cats

10:00 – 11:30p
Lukas Nelson and The Promise of the Real

Johnson-Whitkemper Acoustic Tent - tentative times (400 block of Washington Street)

6:00pm
Jason Henderson

7:00pm
3 Chord Monty

8:00pm
Brad and Derrick

9:00pm
Franny Hall

I have a theory that if I see a new product or gadget twice in a short period of time, like a week, then I should learn more about it. Recently a co-worker brought a LÄRABAR into work and while I was intrigued, I continued about my tasks. Later in the same week, information about LÄRABAR was included in a Better Crocker food/recipe email.

Checking out the website I learned that all LÄRABARs contain in between 2 to 9 ingredients, are made from 100% real food with no chemicals, fillers, processing, cooking or added sugar and they contain around 200 calories. For about buck and some change ($1.50), I can eat something better than what I would normally grab while out and about.

The gently blended raw, natural food bar retains whole food energy to get your body humming. The LARABAR’s energy is in the purest food form for health, life and fun - it’s loads better for you than that dollar burger from the value menu.

I have been writing for Liberty Monthly for a year and half. In that time, I have amassed a small collection of odd facts and interesting tidbits that never seemed to fit into any of my previous articles. For your reading pleasure, here are a few of my favorite random bits that I think we should all know.

Never put your feet on the dashboard of a moving automobile. A few years ago, a fire department in Jackson County responded to a collision involving two vehicles. A truck had hit another truck head-on; the driver of the first truck smacked headfirst into the windshield of his truck. The passenger in the second truck was a young woman who had been traveling with her bare feet on the dashboard. Upon impact she went through the windshield feet first, skinning herself from her feet to her hips. She landed on the smashed windshield of the first truck and survived the collision. Imagine the excruciating pain she was in and how much more pain and suffering she endured throughout the numerous surgeries that were required to repair the damage this accident had caused. Please travel with your feet safely on the floor.

Cervical cancer affects about 11,000 American women a year and will kill around 4,000 each year. This disease has no symptoms at first, which can make it difficult to detect in a timely manner. Cervical cancer is caused by several strands of a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread through sexual contact. HPV can also cause genital warts. Men get HPV from female partners and can then pass the virus on to future sexual partners. Women who have been sexually active at any time in their lives should have a PAP smear and pelvic exam every year, as this is the best way to detect cervical cancer earlier on. Women who know that they have HPV should undergo an oral cancer exam, which is given by a dentist, each year because studies have confirmed that HPV is a risk factor for this type of cancer and having HPV has been linked to 25% of all new oral cancer cases in America.

A vaccine called Gardasil is used to prevent genital warts and cervical/vaginal cancers caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 in girls and young women from the ages of 9 to 26. Gardasil is used to prevent genital warts in boys and young men ages 9 through 26. This vaccine is three shots given over a six-month time frame. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for all girls ages 11 or 12 and for girls and young women, up to age 26, who have not received the vaccine. Women and men can receive Gardasil even if they have already had genital warts or have had a positive HPV test. Gardasil will not treat active genital warts or HPV-related cancers and will not cure an HPV infection.

Clear ammonia is a great way to stop the itching that results from a mosquito or other bug bite. There is no ouch factor with this method and it produces immediate relief because ammonia helps neutralize the bug’s poison. Just dip a paper towel into the ammonia and then dab the wet towel on the skin where the itching or the welt is. For the more curious among us, asktheexterminator.com claims that a piece of scotch tape, placed directly on top of the bite and allowed to remain on the skin for 4 hours will show the poison extracted from a mosquito bite. For those of us who would like things to be easy, a commercial product called After Bite, which is an applicator stick that contains ammonia, is available at some chain retail and drug stores in our area.

Cat owners can impact the environment, negatively or positively, each time they purchase cat litter. Clay-based litters are a strip-mined, non-renewable resource that does not biodegrade in landfills. Environmentally-friendly litters come in both clumping and non-clumping forms and in pellet and crystal forms as well. Many of these new, greener cat litters are completely biodegradable and come from plant sources such as cedar, corn, pine, soybean, wheat, and even recycled paper products that were originally made from various tree sources. Whichever litter cat owners decide to purchase, they should still keep the cat litter box clean and scoop it on a daily basis. Special scoops can be purchased for use with non-traditional litters to make this an easier task.

Avoid feeding your dog or cat a generic food. Protein sources for generic foods often come from poor-quality sources that are difficult to digest. Studies have shown that dogs feed on low-quality foods suffer nutritional deficiencies and experience health problems, which mostly affect the kidneys and liver. These problems went away after the dogs were switched to a higher-quality food. Some local veterinarians are warning pet owners who feed generic foods that their animals are at risk of bleeding to death during routine surgeries, such as spaying or neutering. If you must feed a generic food, switch to a higher quality food a few weeks before your animal is scheduled for surgery to help reduce the risk of complications. When buying pet food, read the ingredient list and look for protein sources that originate from actual meat sources and meat by-products as opposed to chicken feathers and grain meals.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the world’s first birth control pill on May 9, 1960. The pill was called Enovid-10 and was developed by G.D. Searle & Co. Today, there are a countless variety of birth control pills available by prescription. It is a myth that birth control pills are expensive; at the Planned Parenthood in Seymour some uninsured patients pay as little as $6 per pack of pills with a cap of $22 per pack, with this cost being typical for insured patients with higher income brackets. Planned Parenthood will see any patient regardless of insurance stasis, although funding varies from clinic to clinic, which is why many Bartholomew County residents are seen in the Seymour location instead of the Columbus office.

Karri Emly has a journalism degree from Western Kentucky University and has been writing health articles for Liberty Monthly since December 2008.

Summer is by far the best season of the year. Long sunny days slowly turn into lazy nights and while it’s easy to go-go all summer long, these are the books that will be keeping us busy this summer. With help from Terry Whittaker at Viewpoint, we chose a stack of best-sellers, new releases and a couple just for fun. Whether you’re looking for local food ideas, a new hiking trial, a big belly laugh, or even just a good old-fashioned cry there is a summer read for you.

Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual |

Simple, sensible, and easy to use, Food Rules is a set of memorable rules for eating wisely, many drawn from a variety of ethnic or cultural traditions. Whether at the supermarket or an all-you-can-eat-buffet, this handy, pocket-size resource is the perfect guide for anyone who would like to become more mindful of the food we eat.

Home Grown Indiana |

In addition to the 177 lively profiles of Hoosiers who produce fabulous food in Indiana, Home Grown Indiana discusses topical issues such as grass-fed beef, raw milk, and pastured poultry and eggs. Indiana residents who love flavorful food will want to own this insightful and entertaining guide - we carry a copy in the car.

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress |

“This is an intelligent, funny, wonderfully written memoir.  Janzen has a gift for following her elegant prose with the perfect snarky aside.  If it weren’t for the weird Mennonite food, I would like very much to be her friend.”—Cynthia Kaplan, author of Why I’m Like This and Leave the Building Quickly

The Girls From Ames |

A story of a group of ordinary women who built an extraordinary friendship. With both universal insights and deeply personal moments, it is a book that every woman will relate to and be inspired by.

Little Bee |

Chris Cleave’s Little Bee works because the unflinching, brutal story balances an outwardly political motive with rich, deep character development (and even some welcome humor), focusing narrowly on events before broadening to reveal some larger truths. Cleave’s firm grasp of human nature and his unsparing disdain for injustice allow him to articulate lives as different as those of Little Bee and the less-likeable Sarah; both characters, though, are unforgettable.

Three Cups of Tea |

While critics agree that Three Cups of Tea should be read for its inspirational value rather than for its literary merit, the book’s central theme, derived from a Baltistan proverb, rings loud and clear. “The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger,” a villager tells Greg Mortenson. “The second time, you are an honored guest. The third time you become family.”

Hiking Indiana |

This second edition of Hiking Indiana adds several new trails to the choice selection in this guide. It points readers to the often-overlooked trove of natural treasures across the Hoosier State, from the living sand dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan to the glacial lakes of the northeast to the rugged topography of the southern hill country.

One Second After |

In this entertaining apocalyptic thriller a high-altitude nuclear bomb of uncertain origin explodes, unleashing a deadly electromagnetic pulse that instantly disables almost every electrical device in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. Airplanes, most cars, cellphones, refrigerators—all are fried as the country plunges into literal and metaphoric darkness.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest |

The exhilarating conclusion to bestseller Larsson’s Millennium trilogy (after The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire)

The Lonely Polygamist |

Golden Richards is a polygamist Mormon with four wives, 28 children, a struggling construction business, and a few secrets. He tells his wives that the brothel he’s building in Nevada is actually a senior center, and, more importantly, keeps hidden his burning infatuation with a woman he sees near the job site.

Solar |

The protagonist, physicist Michael Beard, won a Nobel Prize several years ago and has been resting on his laurels ever since. A serial cheater, he is now married to his fifth wife, who leads a totally separate life, indicating her complete disdain for his wandering eye.

Keeping Chickens |

After reading One Second After you’ll want and need information about how to raise chickens - trust me….

Written by Joe Hull

I am a local restaurant employee who wants to give you a few helpful hints on how to most fully enjoy your evening out on the town. Many people aren’t sure of the proper etiquette for a successful dining experience, so I am here to help you out.

First of all, and a very important consideration, is to make a reservation. It is a much nicer way to start the evening. Everyone benefits from this, from the wait staff in the front of the house to the cooks in the back of the house. Casual diners do not usually do this, however, and then are upset when they can’t be seated immediately. Open tables are seen and the question is always asked, “Why can’t we have that table”? It’s because someone was courteous enough to reserve that table, that’s why. If the establishment knows how many to expect, they prepare accordingly, from staffing to food preparation. If an establishment is only aware of X amount of reservations, it doesn’t want to over prepare. That is why when 100 people show up we sometimes run out of food, and that upsets people. It is unfortunate, but a fact of life. Make a reservation!

Another important point to a successful dining experience is asking questions. If for some reason you do not know the answer or are afraid to ask, don’t be. There are no stupid questions. We are more than happy to answer your questions thoroughly and in an informed way. No one wants to disappointed due to confusion that could have been easily taken care of. Servers are our first line of defense. They generally are knowledgeable and more than happy to answer any and all questions about food, wine, preparation etc. they are an excellent resource, but if they are unable to answer a specific question, you can always “politely” defer to a manager or the chef.  Stupid is as stupid doesn’t.

The next point is my personal pet peeve. The menu is not a suggestion! If you do not see a list of sides, it’s because there aren’t any. If that is how you choose to dine, OK, but just go to a chain restaurant. Any one of those establishments will be more than happy to oblige you. If not, you might want to know the kitchen staff worked really hard pairing the meals on the menu, and it kills them a little bit inside every time you make one of these requests. Please don’t try to use whatever clout you think you have to influence to the server into doing your bidding, like you deserve some sort of favor. It just makes you look like an arrogant ass, and yes, we do talk about you. You must like the food, or you wouldn’t “eat here all the time”. However, we are sensitive to food allergies such as gluten and nuts, but I do know what Celiac Disease is and it doesn’t mean you are allergic to vegetables…just sayin. Finally, if you want to make your own menu, learn to cook.

Last and most importantly, take care of the people who take care of you. Take things in stride; there is no reason to be rude. Even though we make a lot less money than you, there is no excuse to treat us like second class citizens. If things don’t work out perfectly, our best efforts will be made to fix it to your satisfaction. Just make sure you remember we wok in a sometimes thankless job. Fifteen percent gratuity is a guideline, but there is no reason if you love your experience, food, drinks, atmosphere, and service that you can’t leave 20-25%. We love that! If we didn’t love making people happy and providing a great experience, we would have become politicians.

Thanks and keep on comin’ out.

“Outside of a dog, a book is probably man’s best friend, and inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” — Groucho Marx

Liberty Monthly has a Twitter account - I mainly use it as another outlet to share Face book posts and other information to readers around the community and world. Since I started using Twitter I’ve noticed that hash tags are an important part of information sorting and sharing - no, this isn’t a lesson on hash tags, it’s more an explanation of how I ran into the information I’m about to share. (Keep in mind that a hash tag is simply a way for people to search for tweets that have a common topic.) I keep an eye on hits that include the phrase “#Columbus ,Indiana” via hash tags. Just the other day I found a Harrison College blog written by Vincent Darlage, a business instructor at the Columbus campus, which I found interesting and somewhat scary.

He recently took a survey of his students and found that only one out of twelve had read a book recently - in the past year. The book, which many of us have read and enjoyed, was “Twilight” by Stephanie Meyer. He found this puzzling - as do I. It might come down to time or even fear. With so many other things are vying for our attention it almost seems silly to sit down and read someone else’s stories with other views and ideas - or does it? With information on nearly anything you wanted or needed to know within reach, via the internet, and being able to able to keep up with most of your friends via Face book - it seems that the majority of our adult free time is spent on the computer or in front of the television - where we can easily be fed the views and ideas of others.

I have always been an avid reader and have never been picky about what I read. While I prefer fiction, many nonfiction books have found a permanent home on my bookcase. I’ve read a little of everything and I can even admit, lots of nothing.

Vincent’s survey revealed that less than 10% of his students admitted to reading a book in the past year. According to the Washington Post, 25% of adults don’t read books at all! Nothing, nada - not even one book - not even the ones about vampires or wizardly teenagers dashing about magical castles.

Many popular television shows are based on books. The characters you already know and love were born on paper and have been around for years before they made their star-studded television debut. Jeff Lindsay based the Showtime series “Dexter” on a series of novels, while the show “Bones” was based loosely on Kathy Reich’s life, who is a forensic anthropologist. You may know her better as “Temperance “Tempe” Brennan.” Oh and let’s not forget the hit series “True Blood” - Sookie Stackhouse was brought to life on the printed page long before she appeared  on HBO channel. The transition from page to film can be seen in many of our favorite television shows and movies.

I understand that many people weren’t raised to be readers, maybe your family didn’t place a high value on reading - while that’s unfortunate it’s not too late to reap the benefits of a good book. Reading helps build your comprehension level, increases your attention span, and benefits countless other areas in your personal and professional life. Reading is an active mental process – unlike TV, books make you to use your brain. By reading, you think more and become smarter and who doesn’t want to be smarter.

Vincent mentions in his blog that he read 46 books last year. I honestly have no idea how many books I have read - I do know that I my bookcase is packed to the brim and my reader friends are surprised that I share books by the box. How many books have you read in the past year? Check out our 12 Suggested Summer Reads.

Addison Overfelt, editor

I would like to deny what is happening. In all honesty, I would like to continue chugging along as if everything is fine. No, as if everything is better than fine - by god it’s great. Fantastic, never been better, however, that’s just not true. To be honest, I’m not really sure what I was thinking in August of 2008. Why in the world did I think that Columbus could or even would want to support an independent publication? After a little research, it’s come to light that many long-standing publications are no longer getting press time. Gourmet magazine, which began in 1941, printed its last issue in November - their ad rates where over $30,000 per year and that was the smallest ad with a continuous run discount. I haven’t made anywhere close to $30,000 in the past two years Liberty Monthly has limped long. Oh and  remember the magazine George? It was founded and ran by John F. Kennedy, Jr - if a Kennedy can’t make a publication work, how can I? Gosh, not only was he smarter, he also had the right last name and a family legacy to aide his cause.

While, I’m not sure how much longer I can continue printing, at least Liberty Monthly is a one-person show and lots of people won’t lose their employment due to closure. It’s not like there is a group of sales staff, editors, paid writers and delivery staff to pay - thank goodness! Last month’s revenue was $100.00. After the all paper related bills were paid: printing for the April issue, Best of Columbus posters, postcards, and postage, along with time spent on design, one tank of gas for delivery and numerous man-hours - that figures out to 0.76 per hour. While it seems to be the rule of thumb for bill payment begins with 30% going towards housing that would mean that last month my housing cost would be $30 and we all know that isn’t true. $30 doesn’t even fill up the gas tank and I drive a 10-year-old Dodge Neon.

I guess it comes down to the fact that stuff is expensive and when our community lacks employment options, our personal income decreases and our community suffers the loss of what helps define us. Many locations in town have struggled or been forced to close up shop. TC’s Memphis BBQ (a 2009 & 2010 Best of Columbus winner) has recently closed it’s doors for good - while many other places are already locked up tight. I’ve recently heard grumblings about how the 2008 flood is still playing havoc on the local economy - while I don’t doubt it, I’m sure the looming 10% unemployment rate, the rising cost of essentials and the addition of extra city fees don’t help our struggling personal pocketbooks.

So once again, my personal pocketbook will take the hit of this month’s printing, which will be around $600.00. I really don’t mind paying, however, the thing is that the magic money tree is drying up and at some point if ads aren’t filled with cash clients the paper will fail. Only to be added to the list of other Columbus businesses that didn’t get the community support they needed to provide continued service.

Addison Overfelt
addison@libertymonthlymag.com

When it comes to planting your vegetable or herb garden, there is one way to easily increase your chances for a bumper crop. All you need is a little knowledge about “companion planting” and some advance planning.

Companion planting has been around for centuries. In the days when chemical pesticides did not exist, farmers had to find more natural ways to keep harmful bugs from infesting their crops. Over time they began to realize that certain plants did better when planted with each other, sharing in their fight against harmful bugs, while others fared badly if placed too close together. Modern gardeners have continued to use and perfect this technique, which is called “companion planting.”

When planning your garden, simply keep this chart in mind. The following outlines which plants would do best if planted together (“good companions”), and in most cases also advises you on which plants to plant apart (“bad companions”).

Basil

Good companions: Pepper, Tomato, Marigold, Oregano, Asparagus, Petunias

Beans (Bush)

Good companions: Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Pea, Radish, Strawberry, Savory, Tansy, Marigold
Bad companions: Onion, Fennel

Beans (Pole)

Good companions: Carrots, Corn Cucumber, Eggplant, Lettuce, Pea, Radish, Savory, Tansy
Bad companions: Onion, Beets, Fennel

Beets

Good companions:
Beans (bush), lettuce, kohlrabi
Bad companions: Pole beans, Mustard

Broccoli and Cabbage

Good companions:
Beans (bush), Beets, Celery, Onions, Any Strong Herbs, Marigold, Nasturtium, Potatoes
Bad companions: Strawberry, Tomato, Pole Beans, Eggplant

Carrots

Good companions: Beans (bush and pole), Lettuce, Onion, Peas, Radish, Tomato, Sage
Bad companions:  Dill

Celery

Good companions: Beans (bush), Cabbage, Onion, Spinach, Tomato

Cucumbers

Good companions: Beans (bush and pole), Corn, Lettuce, Onions, Peas, Radish, Marigold, Nasturtium, Sunflowers, Savory
Bad companions:  Any strong herbs, Potatoes

Eggplant

Good companions: Beans (bush and pole), Spinach

Lettuce

Good companions: Beans (bush and pole), Carrots, Cucumbers, Onion, Radish, Strawberries

Onion

Good companions: Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Cucumber, Lettuce, Pepper, Squash, Strawberries, Tomato,
Bad companions:  Beans (bush and pole), Peas

Parsley

Good companions: Asparagus, Carrot, Chives, Onions, Roses, Tomato

Peas

Good companions: Beans (bush and pole), Carrots, Corn Cucumber, Radish, Turnips
Bad companions:  Onion

Peppers

Good companions:     Onion

Radish

Good companions: Beans (bush and pole), Carrots, Cucumber, Lettuce, Melons, Peas, Squash, Spinach
Bad companions:  Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Turnips, Kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts

Spinach

Good companions: Celery, Eggplant, Cauliflower

Squash

Good companions: Corn, Onion, Radish

Tomato

Good companions: Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Mint
Bad companions:  Corn, Fennel, Cabbage, Cauliflower

If you use this companion planting information when planning your garden, you can increase your chances for a successful garden this year. Enjoy!

2 ½ years of tireless work from the dedicated volunteers of CIDPA, Inc., has culminated in the ground-breaking ceremony at the future site of Columbus Indiana Dog Park on April 19th 2010.  This ground-breaking marks a significant occasion for the CIDPA, as well as the city of Columbus.  Although the ground-breaking marks a considerable stride with regard to the project goal, there is still plenty of work to be done to make this facility befitting of a city such as Columbus.  Amenities such as park benches and water stations will make the dog park enjoyable for all members.

Phase one of the dog park will include two off leash areas that can be used to separate small dogs and large dogs, and usage can be rotated to allow the grass time to recuperate.  An interesting feature of the dog park is that the shelter house will be fenced off from the off leash areas.  This will allow members who can’t be in the off leash areas the ability participate and feel included in the dog park experience.

Since this park is not funded with tax payer money, the community has been pivotal in helping CIDPA reach its financial goals.  Organizations such as The Heritage Fund of Bartholomew County and generous donations from individuals throughout the community have made the dream of a dog park in Columbus a reality.  Columbus Parks and Recreation has also been an important resource in providing guidance to this project.  This park will be a valuable asset to the community of Columbus for years to come.