Take a Peek Inside

The excitement of archaeology and architecture coupled with a recently restored home in our own backyard can only mean one thing. No, not that. Or that, either. Okay, okay, we give: A visit from Home and Garden Television. ( And isn't it about time?)

HGTV's weekly program Restore America will air a spotlight on Lexington's own Millard House on June 17th at 10pm. The house, which had been essentially abandoned from 1871 to 1993, has undergone an extensive restoration process, including replastering 18-inch walls.

The result? You'll just have to tune in to find out. -Loree Stark

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Agenda

On Tuesday, June 12th, Kristie Phelps crouched naked (save for tiger-themed body paint) inside a cage on the corner of West Vine Street and North Broadway. No, she wasn't looking for tips. No, she is not available for the weekend. Phelps is a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals activist and her eye-catching display was aimed at the heart of America's unsung evil: the circus.

"What's so bad about a circus?" one may ask. According to PETA, there's plenty. The exotic animal spectacles that Americans have come to adore, clapping their hands in excitement while errant chunks of overpriced popcorn cascade out of their mouths, bear a huge price for the unpaid animal performers. Oversized animals (such as lions and elephants), equipped by nature to roam large, open areas are confined to cages only two times the size of their bodies. Feats such as the fire-jumps, marching and posing are accomplished through systematic training in which whips, muzzles, electric prods and bullhooks are employed as teaching tools. Circus animals are expected to endure these on-the-job tortures while at the same time, keeping up with a nightly performance schedule for 48-50 weeks every year.

As PETA President Ingrid Newkirk reminds us: "These animals are not volunteers. They are deprived of all their precious freedom for a few cheap tricks." According to PETA, most of the animals are hauled out of their natural habitat in Africa and are unwilling participants in an enterprise which exploits them. -Eric Newman

That Killer Instinct

"Killing Timothy McVeigh just continues the cycle of revenge."

This was the message of the Kentucky Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty at a Silent Vigil on June 11 from 7-8am at the Fayette County Circuit Courthouse. McVeigh, who was sentenced to execution by lethal injection in connection to the Oklahoma City Bombing, was executed at 7am the same day amidst the protest of groups from across the country.

For more information about the McVeigh execution and the Federal Death Penalty, go to http://www.kcdp.org. -LS

Kids and Architecture?

Sick of seeing your child brainwashed by those violent blockbusters and that evil, evil music? Never fear - The Kentucky Historical Society has devised a diabolical plan to educate your child and let them get their hands on some Play-Doh at the same time.

On Saturday, July 7, kids ages 5-12 can attend the "Amazing Architecture" Super Saturday program at the Kentucky History Center in Frankfort. The program, which begins at 10 am and ends at 3 pm, will have children exploring the ever-exciting world of architecture by doing hands-on activities like designing a city and buildings, scavenger hunts and of course, sculpting clay gargoyles.

But don't let them have all the fun alone. Children must be accompanied by adults. For more information, call (502) 564-1792, ext. 4424. –LS