Makin’ Whuffie: Knoxville’s Cache of Social Capital

Laura Bower Local Living, Social Networking 15 Comments

Contrary to popular belief, social media isn’t the end of civilization as we know it. Facebook didn’t put a stop to interpersonal communication. LinkedIn doesn’t negatively impact the vital, vibrant pulse of the business community. Twitter hasn’t replaced the kitchen table or the corner bar for meaningful human interaction. Rather, …

Sweet Melissa: A Story About the Beauty of Friendship and Orchids

Laura Bower Local Living, Popular 14 Comments

My friend, Melissa, told me her grandmother advised her always to have orchids in her house, especially in winter, because they bring a cold room to life. So, Melissa’s lovely home teemed with live orchids of every variety: phalaenopsis, cattleyas, paphiopedilums, dendrobiums and oncidiums. Her favorite orchid was called “Lady’s …