Carol Wright
Verified
(She/Her)
As seen in:
Her Campus,
Splunk (Blog),
Music Week,
Santa Fe New Mexican,
Finger Lakes Times,
The Manhattan Mercury,
ISG (Information Services Group),
The Cowley Courier Traveler,
Gadsden Messenger
Covers:
Music, Fashion, Culture, Television, Film, Art, and Entertainment.
Founder & Editor in Chief of @NYOTAMagazine
Articles by Carol Wright
Arts Corner: Haunted Book Sale returns
By Carol Wright, Gadsden Public Library Staff Member It has been whispered over the years that the GPL is haunted, and since everyone is welcome there — as long as they behave — we thought we would honor our most talked about, but least seen patrons, our ghosts. The GPL was not always located at 254 College St. It used to be on Seventh Street and Forrest Avenue. The new facility was built in 1964, but before that it was the site of the old Striplin Elementary School.
Splunk Academic Alliance: From Data to Networks to Security
Key takeaways Splunk and Cisco are expanding their academic programs to give students a more complete, real-world understanding of data, networking, and security together. This combined learning path reflects growing industry demand for professionals who can connect these areas, not just specialize in one. The program helps students build practical, career-ready skills through hands-on training aligned to real cybersecurity and IT roles.
Splunk is Nurturing Tomorrow’s Cybersecurity Leaders Today
As a former college professor, I spent years in the academic world, guiding students through the complexities at the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, and learning and development. My passion for education has driven me to focus on bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.
The dos and don'ts of dining with dogs
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THEATER REVIEW: 'Men of a Certain Age' will make you laugh, tear up
A while back, you might have been lucky enough to catch a performance of an original play, “Women of a Certain Age,” by local playwright Steve Duprey. That was a funny, well-plotted and well-acted production presented by the Geneva Theatre Guild. The play centered on a group of close female friends spending a couple of eventful days together in a cozy mountain cabin. The story was imaginative and even a tad far-fetched, but it was delightful and enjoyable in every respect.
THEATER REVIEW: Going to see 'Misery'? Don't say you weren't warned
WATERLOO — History has shown that no imaginary monster — however terrifying or destructive it may be — can ever be as horrific as a truly deranged and obsessive human being. Legendary movie director Alfred Hitchcock knew this and demonstrated its truth with consummate skill in several works. Writer Stephen King does the same thing in his nightmarish novel “Misery,” which has been adapted as a movie and a stage play.
THEATER REVIEW: SCP's production of 'Chicago' is 'jazzy ... fun'
WATERLOO — Bold-faced lies, murder, sexy liaisons, sensational courtroom drama: They were the stuff of headlines in the Roaring Twenties. That same melodramatic stew is frequently dished out in some lurid media reports across the nation today. So the plot and characters of the Broadway musical “Chicago” might sound somewhat familiar to modern audiences: Toss together a few flashy showgirls, a brash grandstanding lawyer, a hapless husband and a con artist or two, stir well and serve up hot.
Half century and counting for Winfield veterinarian
Dr. John Johnson loves caring for animals so much that after 50 years practicing veterinary medicine, he has no plans to retire. Johnson, 74, is the owner of Johnson Veterinary Clinic, at 4201 S. Pike Road, in Winfield. With a generous heart and an easygoing personality, Johnson has treated dogs of different breeds and sizes, from the littlest Chihuahua to a Great Dane that thought it was a lap dog.
'Mellencamp' lays out triumphs, flaws of legendary rock musician
Writing songs has not been so easy for John Mellencamp. And even if one could try to write a song describing this man of music and mystery, it would be almost as complicated as himself. Some of his early songs have a homegrown flavor, of teens growing up in the heartland, experimenting with sex in the back seat of a car; of hard-working people, brow-beaten as they labor on the farm or in a factory.
Stephen King creates another monstrous 'Fairy Tale'
It’s been several years since I’ve read any novels or short stories by Stephen King. I’m so glad that I found “Fairy Tale,” his most recent epic that did not disappoint me. Sure, this book is a “monster-sized” volume of more than 600 pages, but the number of pages didn’t cause me alarm. I realize not everyone is a fan of King and his novels. They might get a notion to use this book as a doorstop or large paperweight (the book is really heavy).
'Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus' examines spiritual lives of rockers
Did you know that John Lennon of The Beatles studied various religions and that he also supposedly wrote a summary of his life in the form of a letter to Oral Roberts? This letter was Lennon’s cry for help. In fact, the songs “Help,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Nowhere Man,” “Let it Be,” “Yesterday,” “In My Life,” and “A Day in the Life” were all semi-autobiographical. Paul McCartney, Lennon’s fellow bandmate, once said that Lennon’s entire life had been a cry for help, redemption and peace.
THEATER REVIEW: 'Women of a Certain Age'
If you’re going to write a realistic play about women who have been around the block a few times, it helps to be married to one — and to be a good listener when she’s hanging loose with some of her women friends. Steve Duprey checks these boxes.
THEATER REVIEW: SCP's 'Foreigner' is really good stuff
A two-act comedy with a bit of a dark twist in the plot is the first offering of the 51st season of Seneca Community Players. “The Foreigner,” by playwright Larry Shue, is described as a comedy, with a bunch of characters that are primarily caricatures. It debuted in an off-Broadway theater in November 1984 and eventually won two Obies and two Outer Critics Circle Awards.
James Patterson takes on his own great tales in 'The Stories of My Life'
Once upon a time there was a boy. But, he wasn’t just any boy. His name was (is) James Patterson. (Okay, Gentle Reader, you can applaud now. Patterson would probably like that.) And this story isn’t just any ol’ story. It’s a wonderfully, brilliantly written series of autobiographical stories. He writes so well, as if he was telling a spine-tingling, gutsy, and sometimes sad tale.
Researchers show 'The Way Out' of chronic pain
All pain is real. But, sometimes, after being treated for and healed from back or knee surgery, your brain somehow convinces you that the pain is still a nuisance. Confused? You are not alone.
'Animal' compelling despite uncomfortable subject matter
One thing I have learned while reading a book that upsets, intimidates or frightens me is to be patient. And I need to learn to be more patient with an author who writes about uncomfortable subjects. Just like the weather in Kansas can change in 10 minutes, my attitude can also change.
Stray cat finds a home at Winfield restaurant
One lucky stray cat has been enjoying breakfast, lunch and dinner when he comes to the front door of Braum’s, in Winfield. The young, stray cat named “Braums” by Raven Norman, shift manager, and Dawson Zimmerman, crew member, has been hanging around the food establishment for several months. Still a bit timid but quite street smart, Braums sports a beautiful coat of gray, black (or dark brown) and white markings; he is possibly a tabby mix.
One of Danielle Steel's latest grapples with woman's 'Invisible' childhood
It’s been years since I picked up a novel by Danielle Steel. I started eons ago with “Palomeno,” then skipped a few along the way, and ended up with “Vietnam.” So, yes, I am considerably behind. I suppose Steel continues to make most of her readers happy or content, at least, by putting out what seems like hundreds of novels in a year. I couldn’t even begin to read them all or try to play catch-up.
'The Housekeeper' keeps readers guessing in thriller about revenge
Before I settled down to read Natalie Barelli’s psychological thriller, “The Housekeeper,” I wish I could have studied some of her previous works including “The Emma Fern Series: Books One and Two,” “The Loyal Wife,” “Missing Molly” and “The Accident.” Sad to say that I don’t know much about this author, but I’m glad to have stumbled across such a sensitive and suspenseful novel as “The Housekeeper.” I should, however, point out that although her writing is tense from start to halfway through...
'Book of Eels' examines the mystery behind the creature
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'World of Wonders' serves as a guide to learning about nature
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College administrator pens book on faith
Tony Crouch encourages people to dig deeper and experience more of what God has planned for them in their lives. Crouch is vice president of finance and chief financial officer at Southwestern College, and now an author in the field of Christian faith.
THEATER REVIEW: 'Little Women' comes to life at Fatzinger Hall
WATERLOO — Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy: the March sisters, teenagers living with their mother in modest circumstances in New England during the Civil War while the father, a minister, is off working with the troops. Who doesn’t know about those girls? Louisa May Alcott’s novel “Little Women” is a story that has reverberated through the ages over and over again in movies and TV series.
‘I love them, and they love me’
Biederman’s Bistro in Winfield is usually packed every Friday night. But one recent Friday night it was almost standing-room-only. The air was charged with excitement as the crowd anticipated the performance of Rusty Rierson (pronounced Rye-er-son), a popular Nashville recording artist who makes his home in Augusta. Several people chatted with Rierson while he removed his guitar from its case, set up equipment and checked the sound system.
Cookie Lady
It might be hard for most people to resist eating just one of Jandi Harding’s specialty sugar cookies decorated with icing that melts like silk in the mouth. Winfield locals have affectionally dubbed Harding “the cookie lady.” The name of her operation is Dutch Creek Sweets. The sweet treats are a big hit with family, friends, business associates and others in the area. She also bakes cakes and other treats for individuals, groups and events, such as parties and weddings.
If you're still having quarandreams, you're not alone
Even when the world is not dealing with a pandemic, sleep can be a hard thing to come. As the world figures out its next steps, it’s easy for stress to take hold, and that stress can be stopping us from getting a good night’s rest. Going to bed stressed can, unfortunately, become a cycle. When you lay your head down at night and can’t stop overthinking or feel as though your heart is hammering outside of your chest, your body can’t get into a relaxed state.
Party Barn offers rural wedding setting
It was the movie “White Christmas” that partly inspired Jan Geringer to host weddings at Redbud Party Barn. Surrounded by lush gardens, woods and spacious countryside views, this unique barn is at 11255 SW 200th St., in Douglass. “I always loved ‘White Christmas,’ especially at the end of the movie where the inn is filled with guests and the doors open to the beautiful snowfall,” Geringer said. “And I have always loved vintage.
New librarian fell in love with WPL
Patty Wagner is used to answering a lot of questions from curious patrons of the Winfield Public Library. One of the most recent and frequent inquiries has been, “When will the Winfield Public Library reopen?” Wagner, the new library director, assured the public that the reopening will happen soon if everything goes as planned. She and other staff are busy working on an appropriate time frame to reopen. The library’s Board of Trustees promoted Wagner to the position of library director.
Meet Bessie Coleman: the Black woman who became a pilot before Amelia Earhart
For stories of Black history and excellence, check out our Black History Month series. Celebrate with us by sharing your favorite articles on social media and uplifting the stories, lives, and work of Black people. There are certain people you find out about in adulthood that you can’t believe you didn’t know about before. This happens the most when it comes to those in marginalized groups.
The Fur. | Nyota Magazine
by Carol Wright | Dec 30, 2020 | Music | Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Puzzleman Leung We got to chat with musical-duo The Fur. about their sophomore album Serene Reminder and how living in Taiwan has influenced their sound. How did The Fur. come to be? What motivated you to start putting your music out in the world?
Jacques Chevelle
by Carol Wright | Dec 11, 2020 | Culture | Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Tim Schaeffer at Cellar Door Studios @cellardoorstudios.la | Wardrobe: Ben Sherman We got to chat with actor Jacques Chevelle about his show Side Hustle on Nickelodeon and what inspired him to start acting. Did a particular movie or television show inspire you to start acting? When I saw Queen Latifah on screen, I just knew! It was something she translated through the screen to my subconscious.
ARIA Releases Music Video for Original Song “Am I Next?”
by Carol Wright | Nov 25, 2020 | Music | Photographer: Tevin Johnson Through her original song, ARIA contemplates the dangers facing her generation and the African American community today as well as the importance of speaking out for social justice. The singer/songwriter wrote the song in July as this is a topic very important to her.
I like to work out now thanks to YouTube
When it became apparent that quarantine was going to last longer than a couple of weeks, I came to terms with the fact that I needed to create a routine. Since I was still a college student at the time, I had to figure out how to build a schedule that gave me room to work and “play”. Although I didn’t want to acknowledge it I knew I needed to work out and implement staying fit into my schedule. See, the gym and I have a love/hate relationship.
Film score: the sadly underrated and not so silent hero of cinema
Growing up a trip to the movie theater was exciting. There was seemingly magic in the air as we purchased popcorn or pretzel bites, chose a seat in the theater, and waited for the lights to dim. Once the movie was over the crowd would leave, practically buzzing, as they shared with fellow moviegoers their thoughts on the film. There are some films that stick with an audience once they leave the theater.
Sex positivity is impossible in South Asia with hypocritical OBGYNs
OBGYNs (Obstetricians and Gynecologists) in South Asian countries are notoriously known for being judgmental. Not entirely stereotyped however, most women have faced doctors who have judged them for sexual choices/having premarital sex. Hailing from a misogynistic Desi background primarily focusing on patriarchy, I have always been judged about my outlook on sex and life in general. This did not change, it was especially clear the moment I went to the doctor.
Sex doll brothels: Is technology replacing the real thing?
Technology has made everything easier, from the way we communicate, the way we store money, and now even the way we have sex. Since the invention of vibrators that connect to Wifi and have Bluetooth capabilities, the most intriguing creation has been the rise of sex doll brothels. Sex dolls were first widely used in the 17th century when long expeditions on the sea left sailors sex-starved they began carrying a prototype of a doll created by French philosopher Rene Descartes.
I took a break from a friend and it make our relationship stronger
Holding the phone at my ear, I picked at a frayed thread on my couch throw. On the other end, a close friend of many years was recounting a story about her day, how she had run across the whole city for an assignment then gotten lost with her group members. “And then what?” I asked, but I was thinking of something else, I had called her to say something. But I quickly found myself doubting it mattered, plus she seemed to have a lot to share. The story eventually shifted to her family at home.
Is it necessary for schools to enforce dress codes for remote learning?
Pandemic or not, students have always been frustrated with their schools’ strict and unfair dress codes. At some schools, camouflage isn’t allowed, while at other schools students can’t wear certain graphic t-shirts or tank tops with thin straps. At its core, dress codes are put in place to ensure students are focusing more on learning than what they’re wearing. It also aims to create a more serious and professional learning experience.
21 things live music fans are missing right now
There’s something special about live music that’s difficult to put into words. Whenever I’m at a concert and the crowd starts to scream as the lights go down, or I look around at the complete strangers belting out the same lyrics as me, I am filled with an inexplicable joy. For however long the show lasts, I find myself completely in the present – the entire world outside the concert venue disappears. Live music does so much for us.
Dealing with an unhealthy gut? Here are some helpful tips
Throughout my life, I have heard about the importance of having a healthy gut. Whether it was through doctors who tried to help me, my parents, or even through television, honestly I still have that colon health bit from Fairly Odd Parents stuck in my brain after all these years. There is no escaping hearing about how we all need to do specific things to keep our guts healthy. It can be confusing to figure out what exactly this means and how to fix it.
To stream or not to stream... this is the question (during quarantine)
Television has always served as a comfort. When viewers would like to escape into other people’s drama or romances they use television to do so. If the chance to dive into new worlds presents itself people use television to teleport to faraway places. During a time like now, with a pandemic and people cooped in their houses due to quarantine, the need for a comforting escape is imminent. Luckily we live in a time where streaming services reign.
Why Generation Z is more likely to work as entrepreneurs
With a global pandemic weighing over our heads, Generation Z has proven to be resourceful and resilient during this time. Although stereotypes of us being lazy have become normalized, those ideas can be easily shattered. Over the past few years, those born between 1995 and 2015 have found it easier to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them. To me, this is because of a mix of things. We’ve grown up in the pinnacle of the tech era, rather than teetering between the before and after.
"Women in Music" are changing the industry this summer
“Los Angeles / Give me a miracle, I just want out from this,” Danielle Haim sings on the first track “Los Angeles” in Haim’s newest album Women in Music Pt. III. The song is centered around the sisters growing up in the valley. Yet, as I sat and listened to the song all the way in New Jersey I felt connected to this opening line. When an album is released in the middle of a pandemic you turn to it as a way to escape, and Women in Music Pt. III served as much needed escapism.
Where do mobile payment apps stand in today's world?
“Just Venmo me.” These are three words I got very used to hearing throughout my college years. When someone would forget their wallet or decide to split a meal with another person, repaying became infinitely easier as long as both parties had a mobile payment app. It took time for me to hop on the mobile payment app train but once I realized how useful they were and how rarely I had cash on hand, I soon found myself on board.
John Lewis taught us that we need good trouble
There are certain public figures that have an air about them that makes them seem invincible, practically even immortal. Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis was one of those public figures. He was beaten and bloodied while fighting for racial equality across the Jim Crow South, and in 2017 his character was attacked by the sitting President. But Representative Lewis stood tall as if nothing could truly take him down.
You might be unhappy about Kamala Harris, but that shouldn't stop you from voting
When it was first announced that Joe Biden was running for president, there were mixed responses. People who liked Biden throughout his time as vice president were happy to see he was campaigning, while those who were focused on bringing in a more progressive candidate were not so thrilled. Although he is an experienced politician, the road to the White House has not been easy.
Looking for a new skill? Check out these awesome video editing apps
Editing videos became a pastime of mine when I was in middle school. My best friend would come over and we would spend our time filming and putting the footage together on my old laptop’s iMovie. We created comedy sketches, choreographed dances to songs like Whip My Hair, and created our own mini-alien abduction movies. Even when our acting was awful and our choreography was subpar, watching the videos always brought us both an indescribable amount of joy.
Wearing a mask during a pandemic shouldn't be a debate
Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began our main goal has been to stop the spread. This is a feat that can only be done if everyone follows necessary precautions such as staying 6ft apart, washing your hands, and more importantly wearing a mask. That final task is one that has provoked the ire of numerous Americans. Additionally, this government mandate has also started up a conversation about the infringement of rights.
High Fidelity shows the importance of a complicated lead (and why Hulu shouldn't cancel it)
Quarantine has given all of us the chance to catch up on shows we promised ourselves we’d watch. I often fall into the habit of rewatching New Girl because well I already know which episodes are my favorite and there’s no hassle of having to pay attention to new characters from season to season. In quarantine, things have changed and I decided to dig into my ever-growing TV list. Thankfully I landed on Hulu’s High Fidelity.
Forget about internships, there are other ways to pad your resume
My university constantly emphasized the importance of internships. On the first day of class as an upperclassman, it wasn’t uncommon for a teacher to tell students to share internships they’ve had as an ice-breaker. As an underclassman, professors would share resources that were available on campus to help us have stand-out resumes and cover letters. It was even more normal for one of my classmates to fit an experience they had at one of their internships into discussions in the classroom.
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