The Loafer 118

Hello Friends!

Earth day is a great time to talk about this wonderful planet where we reside. We should protect her every day and not just on this one day. What are you doing to protect our Earth? Let’s all show her the love.

I don’t know if we have needed all of this rain but I am really tired of it. I am really begging to have the Spring and Summer weather every day! I want to feel the sun on my face and smell fresh cut grass on the weekends.

Please take a moment to check out the fun things to do locally that we have listed inside. Theatre Bristol and ETSU Martin Center has some great plays coming up very soon.

Bristol TN/Va

WEDNESDAY Apr 17th

Rare Fiction 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Apr 18th

The Salty Moondogs

7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

FRIDAY Apr 19th

Holly Ann & Dirt Road Rising

6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Matt Mullins 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

W Albert Edwards

8:00pm at The Corner

Marques Puckett & 8 Second Ride

9:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Apr 20th

Feel Good Fest with Julia Stills, RJ Smith, Artificial Ignorance, Orbital Planes 2:30pm at Cascade Draft House

Alli Epperson 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Corey Snowden

8:00pm at The Corner

MONDAY Apr 22nd

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City

TUESDAY Apr 16th

Old Time Jam 5:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Company

Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

WEDNESDAY Apr 17th

Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Apr 18th

Justin Mychaels 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

Tannahill Weavers 7:30pm at the Down Home

FRIDAY Apr 19th

Jeff Lane 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

Corey J Smith 7:00pm atTennessee Hills Brewstillery

Home Cookin’ | Mark Jones | Chancellor Lawson 10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY Apr 20th

Logan Fritz , The Kindest People

Donnie & The Dry Heavers 12:00pm Groovy Grover’s

High Time - Feat. Shadow of the Moon Band 6:00pm at Tennessee Hills Brewstillery

Wyndrider | PondDigger | dybbuk 10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY Apr 21st

Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Kingsport

THURSDAY Apr 18th

Donnie and the Dry Heavers 7:00pm at Model City Tap House

FRIDAY Apr 19th

Blues Driver 7:00pm at Model City Tap House

Southbound 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Apr 20th

The Deathcore Strain (420 Metal Show) 6:00pm at VFW 4933

JC Jazz Collective 8:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Jusfine 8:00pm at Model City Tap House

Three Mile South 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Elizabethton

THURSDAY Apr 18th

Mick Kyte 7:00pm at 19E Pit Stop

FRIDAY Apr 19th

LIghtnin’ Charlie 6:00pm at Jiggy Rays

SATURDAY Apr 20th

Powershift 6:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s

Jerry Pierce & The Nightlife Band 8:00pm at the Elizabethton Elks

Roan Mountain

SATURDAY Apr 20th

BD Frank 7:00pm ar The Appalachian Station at 19E

JONESBOROUGH TIN

SATURDAY Apr 20th

Corey J Smith 6:00pm at Tennessee Hills DIstillery

Community Square Dance: A Partnership With Bristol Ballet

Saturday, April 20 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Come do-si-do and promenade with us!

Join the Birthplace of Country Music and Bristol Ballet for a community square dance on Saturday, April 20. Caller Tyler Hughes will lead a short introduction to dance steps at 6:30pm, followed by a full square dance with a lively string band at 7:00pm.

Bristol Ballet Address: 330 Buford St, Bristol, VA 24201

This event is open to all ages and no experience or partner is required; we recommend sturdy shoes so you can dance all night! Square dancing is FREE and open to the public, but there is limited space on the dance floor, so please RSVP soon if you wish to join!

(Donations are greatly appreciated and will support the Museum and Bristol Ballet.)

Rainbow Fish

New Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail Unveiled in Northeast Tennessee

The Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association is thrilled to unleash the Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail, a unique drive through the hills that immerses visitors in the region’s rich history of moonshine production, stock car racing, and captivating mountain scenery. With fourteen distinct locations, visitors can carve their own legend on the asphalt tapestry of the Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail.

The trail, a collaborative effort between several Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association and partners, winds its way through stunning mountain landscapes, taking visitors past historic sites associated with bootlegging and stock car racing’s early to present days. Travelers can explore the region’s moonshine heritage at historic distilleries, museums, and even former moonshine caches. The trail also celebrates the legacy of legendary stock car drivers who honed their skills on the backroads of Northeast Tennessee, paving the way for NASCAR’s future stars.

“The Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail offers a one-ofa-kind adventure for visitors seeking to delve into the captivating history and culture of Northeast Tennessee,” says Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association Executive Director Alicia Phelps. “From moonshine stills to legendary racetracks, the trail brings the region’s past to life, all while showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.”

The trail is designed for self-guided exploration, with a user-friendly website (bootlegburnouts. com) serving as a comprehensive travel companion. The website features details on participating destinations, historical insights, and

recommendations for restaurants and overnight stays in host cities. Visitors are encouraged to pick locations in any order preference combined for a multi-day experience.

“Whether you’re a history buff, a car enthusiast, or simply seeking a scenic road trip, the Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail has something to offer everyone,” adds Phelps. “We invite visitors to embark on this exciting journey and carve your own legend on the asphalt tapestry of Northeast Tennessee.”

Cheers to Responsibility

The Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail celebrates the spirit of adventure, but safety is always a top priority. This trail is all about the history, not the hooch. Enjoy the scenic views, but designate a driver or plan a safe ride after exploring distilleries.

About Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association

The Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, chartered in 1977, is a non-profit tourism agency that serves and supports Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties. The organization was named Tennessee’s Destination Marketing Organization of the year in 2019 and 2023, and serves as one of nine statewide regional tourism organizations recognized by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Tourism generates more than $841 million locally in Northeast Tennessee each year. Visit northeasttennessee.org to learn more about the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association or netta-members.com for membership information.

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Pub Out Back (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge and Bar - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm

Loudmouth Karaoke at Michael Waltrip Brewing Company - Bristol, VA on Wednesday, April 5th at 7pm

THURSDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub - Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Wild Wings Cafe - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN

Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN

FRIDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Sports Mill - Kingsport, TN 8pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke with DJ Clyde and Prestige Entertainment at Macado’s -Kingsport, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

TRIVIA BINGO DJ NIGHT TRI-CITIES NIGHTLIFE

TUESDAY

Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café

Johnson City TN

DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom

Erwin, TN 5pm

Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm

Trivia at Aubrey’s Johnson City 7pm

WEDNESDAY

Trivia at Tipsy Toad

Jonesborough, TN 7pm

Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom

Bristol, VA 7pm

Trivia at Aubrey’s Bristol 7pm

THURSDAY

Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom

Johnson City, TN- 7pm

Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork

Bluff City, TN 7pm

TUESDAY

Singo at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork

Bluff City, TN 6:30pm

WEDNESDAY

Bingo at Tipton Street Pub

Johnson City, TN 9pm

Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina

Boones Creek, TN 8pm

Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom

Johnson City, TN 6pm

THURSDAY

Bingo at Mellow Mushroom

Bristol VA 6pm

Singo at Aubrey’s Bristol 7:00 PM

THURSDAY

DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm

FRIDAY

Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY

Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

SUNDAY

DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm

To have your events added to this list email: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call: 423-930-7319

Answers to last week’s puzzles can be found on page 09.

OF THE WEEK PETS

Introducing Nyx, a stunning 3 yr old feline with mesmerizing eyes and a luxurious black coat that she loves to be complimented on. Nyx is a social cat who thrives on human attention, though she prefers to keep all four paws on the ground and may not be a fan of being picked up. Oh, and she definitely doesn’t

like dogs! Nyx has a unique story - she came to the rescue as part of a large group of cats from a hoarding case, and she’s the only one left searching for her forever family.

This beauty is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on all vaccinations, including testing negative for FeLV/FIV.

Bleu just turned 9 yrs old and he adores people, is dog selective, no cats, weighs 66 lbs, house trained, neutered, microchipped and fully vaccinated.

He enjoys walks, couch cuddles, and playtime. If you’re ready for a loyal and loving companion, consider adopting Bleu and make his life complete! Bday 4-7-15

If you are interested in adopting : The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter 423-239-5237

There are 5 Planet Earths hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers Sudoku

Cryptogram:

"Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half the time."

Dropquote:

"A store of grain, Oh king is the best of treasures. A gem put in your mouth will not support life"

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm. Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149

WEDNESDAY APR 17TH

ETSU Spring Literary Festival 10:30am at Reese Museum

THURSDAY APR 18TH

ETSU Spring Literary Festival 10:30am at Reese Museum

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at The Golden Corral

Tri-Cities Turtles Run Club 12:45pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Co.

FRIDAY APR 19TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Woofstock 5:30pm at Memorial Park Community Center

SATURDAY APR 20TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Art•Struck Festival 10:00am at The Pavilion at Founders Park

Spring Sings for the Grouchy Ladybug 10:00am at Into the Fire

Improv Open Mic 8:00pm at Wallace Theatre

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

BRISTOL

THURSDAY APR 18TH

“Funky Chicken” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time

Contemporary Ceramics

Bad Date Mic 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

FRIDAY APR 19TH

“Butterfly” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time

Contemporary Ceramics

Scott Eason 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY APR 20TH

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Scott Eason 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

FRIDAY APR 19TH

Kingsport ARTS Festival 6:00pm at Renaissance Arts Center

2024 BrewHaHa 6:00pm at MeadowView Convention Center

SATURDAY APR 20TH

Downtown Kingsport Loft Tour 9:00am at Downtown Kingsport Association

Kingsport ARTS Festival 10:00am at Renaissance Arts Center

Nature: Wolf Howling 10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Kid Power 2024 10:00am at Kingsport Civic Auditorium

SUNDAY APR 21ST

Brunch 11:30am at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling Guild

“Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The Intl. Storytelling Center

SATURDAY APR 20TH

Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY APR 17TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Moon Dog Brick Oven

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY APR 19TH

Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library

SUNDAY APR 21ST

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

UNICOI

WEDNESDAY APR 17TH

IBN Biz Lunch 10:00am at Maple Grove Resturant

Local Events:

1. Rod Runs April 18th – 20th Pigeon Forge

Join the Main Street Program for the 2024 Spring Sip & Shop

The Johnson City Main Street Program invites the community to an evening of sipping, shopping and strolling at the upcoming Spring Sip & Shop event. Scheduled to kick off on:

Thursday, May 2 at 4 p.m., the Spring Sip & Shop will offer exclusive discounts and prizes along with a fun night supporting downtown merchants. “Downtown’s Sip & Shop events provide a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, explore our vibrant downtown, and support local businesses,” said Main Street Director Lindsey Jones. For a ticket price of $20, participants will receive a limited edition tumbler, a raffle ticket for exciting prizes, and exclusive in-store discounts at various downtown businesses participating in

the event. Proceeds will benefit Connect Downtown Johnson City, the nonprofit advisory board of the Johnson City Main Street Program. Committed to fostering a vibrant and thriving downtown district, Connect Downtown organizes events and initiatives that promote economic development, community engagement, and cultural vitality in Johnson City’s historic downtown area.

Tickets are capped at 500 participants and are expected to sell out quickly. To secure your spot at the Spring Sip & Shop and for more information, visit: www.downtownjctn.com/sip

Event registration and check-in will take place at Majestic Park, 239 E. Main St., conveniently located downtown between The Hideaway and Allied Dispatch

2. 1st Annual Stoners Ball April 19th – 20th Maggie Valley NC

3. WJ’s Spring Bike Show April 20th 11am

4. Biker wear 10th Anniversary May 1st at Wild Wing Café 7pm Below 7 Live

5. Kicking It for Kim Benefit Concert May 4th at 19E Pit Stop 4pm to????

6. Dirt Drags at Boozy Creek May 10th – 12th

7. Black Jacket Symphony Martin Carte Center ETSU May 17th

8. Iris Festival Greeneville, TN May 18th & 19th

Bike Nights:

Wednesday: 19E Pit Stop Elizabethton, TN

Wednesday: Jonesborough VFW

Thursday: Darrell Waltrip Bristol, VA

Friday: Tulips Johnson City, TN

Rides:

1. Triple T Poker Run Meet Peacemakers April 27th 10:30am at Jonesborough VFW KSU Noon

2. Spring Kickoff Ride for the Senior Citizen Center April 27th Registration 9:30am KSU 10:30am start at Wrecking Crew

Harley Davidson Hosted by Appalachian Warriors

3. Kicking It for Kim May 4th Chaotic Crew Clubhouse Meet 10:30am KSU 12 noon

Bike Rallies:

1. Tallahassee Bike Fest April 11th – 14th Tallahassee, FLA

2. Thunder Beach Spring Rally May 1st to 5th

3. Route 66 Bike Stock May 2nd – 5th Depew, OK

4.

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello everyone, hope your riding season is going well. As more and more bikes are getting out and about and bike nights are happening, I thought it would be nice to once again go over some safety tips for bikes and cars.

1. Never ride without a motorcycle license. In the U.S., you are required to have a motorcycle license or endorsement in addition to a driver's license to legally ride a motorcycle. Regulations vary by state, with some also requiring riders to pass a Statesponsored education course. Taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) riding course can increase your skill as a motorcyclist and better prepare you to make emergency maneuvers when necessary. In some cases, passing an MSF course can lower your insurance costs and streamline the application process for a motorcycle license. Some courses are free.

2. Always wear an adequate helmet. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces your risk of serious head injury and death in the event of an accident. In some states, wearing a helmet is mandatory for some or all riders. You should wear a helmet every time you ride a motorcycle, even for short journeys. When buying a new helmet, make sure it meets the safety standards approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Approved helmets will display the DOT

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

symbol (either painted or as a sticker), usually on the outside back of the helmet.

3. Check your bike before you ride. Before every ride, do a quick check to make sure your bike is fit for the road. This includes checking that the tires are properly inflated and not worn down, and that everything is in working order, particularly the brakes. If you spot signs of a fluid or oil leak beneath the bike, or other signs of damage or overuse, don't risk riding it. Adjust your bike's suspension and tires every time you intend to carry a passenger or a load that's heavier than normal.

4. Sit down and hold tight. Sit in the center of the seat, keeping both hands on the handlebars, except when signaling. If you have a passenger who is inexperienced in riding a motorcycle, explain safety measures to them before they ride.

5. Obey traffic laws and be aware of other vehicles.

6. Watch for damaged roads and obstacles.

Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles. Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night. Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle. Avoid riding in the blind spots of cars and trucks. If possible, flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.

For those of you who are in vehicles please look twice before you turn or pull out. NEVER think well I can beat them out, that is one of the reason cars and bike hit. Listen for motorcycles, watch when changing lanes. Put Away Your Phone. Give Motorcyclists Extra Space. It's common to misjudge the speed and distance of a motorcycle compared to a car. Always give bikes an extra cushion to prevent rear-ending them if you have to come to a quick stop. While a collision may just be a fender bender to a car, it could kill a motorcyclist.

Let’s all stay safe. Happy Riding!

Useless Facts About Animals:

1. Cats have a genetic defect, because of which they can’t taste sweet things.

2. If your nose is shut, you won’t be able to tell the difference between an apple, a potato, and an onion.

3. Human kidney stones are just human pearls

4. Kissing someone while they are asleep is the purest form of love unless you are in prison

5. There is a McDonald’s in every continent except Antarctica.

Full Moons of 2024

1. Pink Moon on Tuesday, April 23 - 7:51 pm

2. Flower Moon on Thursday, May 23 - 9:55 am

3. Strawberry Moon on Friday, June 21 - 9:10 pm

4. Buck Moon on Sunday, July 21 - 6:19 am

5. Sturgeon Moon on Monday, August 19 - 2:28 pm

6. Harvest Moon on Wednesday September 18 - 10:36 pm

7. Hunters Moon on Thursday October 17 -7:27 am

8. Beaver Moon on Friday November 15 - 4:29 pm

9. Cold Moon on Sunday December 15 - 4:02 am

RING OF FIRE Brings Life of Johnny

“I always thought life was like a train ride. It may take you to places you’ve seen all your life, or it may take you to places you never dreamed you’d visit. But one thing is certain; no matter where the train takes you, sooner or later the trip will end. So, the question is, the man who gets off at the last stop, is he a good man?”

Through his eyes and music, a legendary country singer and songwriter teaches us that life is a journey. And wants us to ask ourselves - at the end of that journey, how did you live your life?

Known and revered as “The Man in Black,” Johnny Cash became a country legend – with an instinct and knack for musical storytelling. Cash’s inspirational journey led him to the mountains of Appalachia, where he found not only a richer soil to grow his music, but also love and healing.

Barter Theatre’s Associate Director of New Play Development. Nick Piper, specializes in creating theater that is real and relatable – which is one reason he is excited to be directing “Ring of Fire” on the Gilliam Stage this Spring.

“It’s very universal and something we all think about, probably not enough. But at some point, your head is going to hit the pillow for the last time, and in that moment, you can think of all the bad things you did over your life and you can try to rationalize them, but at the end, there’s one last time you have to reckon with,” Piper said. “What’s exciting about doing something like ‘Ring of Fire’ is that in a few weeks, we will come together as a band and come together with the sound. And playing music together is about as collaborative a thing as you can do,” Piper said. “It takes listening and patience, and singing a song is very personal. It feels like all that fuels the storytelling of a show. Music is such a foundational part of Appalachian culture that it’s another way our audience connects with us. Particularly when you’re telling the story of Johnny and June Cash Carter – people have their own personal connection with the music.”

The intimacy of the artform of theater becomes somewhat even more intimate with a story so woven into the

roots of Appalachia as that of Johnny and June Cash. Piper added that by doing so, you are not only asking an audience to recognize themselves in a story, but to emotionally connect to music that they may have grown up

Cash to the Stage

music and spirit coming together that strengthens the connectivity to the region and each other.

on such as “Folsom Blues” or “Ring of Fire” itself.

As Appalachians, many have been exposed to the music and story of Johnny Cash since they were old enough to sing the songs along with him, and Piper explains that it is that

“When an audience comes to see a show, whatever show that is, they want to be transported, they want to be drawn in and taken on a journey. Nothing transports people like music does,” Piper explains.

“When you hear a song you’ve heard a thousand times before, you’re connected to it – you don’t even have to work at it. It automatically connects you to a certain

moment of your life. Then, when you see how that song is connected to the story, it provokes emotion. Whether that emotion is laughter or tears, you’re mixing your own story and your own connection with the story that’s being told. And I think that’s something that’s pretty powerful. “There’s nothing that’s really being asked of the audience so much as just to be open to the journey. For a show like “Ring of Fire,” it has an expectation of, I’m going to hear Johnny Cash’s music – so it delivers on that. But I think that what’s neat about this, is it’s his story told through his music,” Piper said. “We want to capture the essence of Johnny and not the essence of Broadway. One of the things that is important to our audience is the authenticity of the sound of the music.”

Cash used his music to also focus on the idea of moving forward and returning home. Strewn along the tracks of his songs, Cash implements the image of a train as a euphemism and metaphor for life itself. In “Folsom Blues,” Cash sings “I hear the train a-comin,’ it’s rolling ‘round the bend.” In Casey Jones the lyrics “Trouble ahead. A lady in red. Take my advice, you’d be better off dead. Switchman sleeping, train hundred and two is on the wrong track and headed for you.” He even has a song called “Waiting for A Train.”

Much like Barter and its ability to share stories such as Cash’s throughout and beyond Appalachia, Cash explains that the nature of a train is to return home to where it started. Though it may be used to take you away to other places, some part of it will always return where it began.

It’s this love for his music, stories, and spirit that brings a draw to Appalachians across the nation. Whether they have lived here their entire lives, or if they followed their roots back home like a roadmap, Cash proves we are all connected in our own “Ring of Fire,” a burning desire to connect, not only with each other, but with the mountains and places we all call home.

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash takes center stage at Barter’s newly renovated Gilliam Stage April 12 - May 11.

Create Your Social Media Branding!

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com socialsentiments.net

Content is king. Three simple words convey the importance of effective social media writing. Social media is about engagement. It is a conversation between friends. Each platform has a different way of initiating the conversation, but the goal is the same: get people talking about your brand.

Twitter focuses on short conversations. It is the equivalent of a text message. With a small character limit, getting your message across can be tricky. Keeping a thesaurus handy is advantageous to the character count of posts. Hashtags are a great way to reach a large amount of people while also decreasing character count. Text posts work very well on Twitter. A simple post such as: “What are your #plans for this #weekend?” contains 41 characters (which is well below the Twitter limit), two widely used hashtags (which will significantly increase reach), and a subtle request to comment on the post. Tweets move at lightning speed. Asking your followers to retweet and comment on your posts will prolong your presence in the Twitter news feed. Retweets are a two way street. If a piece of information is relevant to your business, retweet it. Retweeting posts from other accounts not only helps your reach, it shows your followers that you are interested in providing valuable information, not just promoting your brand. Posting links to websites can be advantageous to your brand; however, it is best to use a link shortener such as Bit.ly or Ow.ly to decrease the character count of your post.

Link shorteners also give posts a clean look.

Facebook is great for long posts, links, pictures, videos, question posts, and surveys. Although

Facebook allows for longer posts, status updates should be short and eye – grabbing, as readers are more likely to skim long updates. Visuals garner more engagement on Facebook than text posts. Pictures and videos are easy ways to engage fans. When posting a link, always remove the link from the status box. A clickable preview of the link will automatically generate. The link is not needed within the status box. Do not leave the status box empty when posting a link, picture, or video. Always post a comment to let your fans know why the post is relevant to them. If you are ever stuck for content or status ideas, check out the pages your brand follows or pages that are relevant to your industry. Following pages is a great way to boost reach and find relevant content; however, going overboard will dilute your newsfeed. Like and follow the pages that are most relevant to your brand while keeping tabs on and posting to pages that can increase your reach.

Pinterest and Instagram are visually oriented. Posts should be eye –catching and include hashtags. Hashtags should be used within a caption to give the post a clean look. A picture of a cell phone with the caption “What is your favorite #smartphone #app?” has a cleaner look than the same picture with the caption “What is your favorite smartphone app? #smartphone #app.” Be sure to include a link to your website on each post. This will help boost search engine visibility while driving visitors to your site. Women are heavy users of Pinterest. Websites like Gentlemint and Dudepins are similar to Pinterest and are geared towards men.

LinkedIn is geared towards industry professionals. The tone is serious and professional. Posts should be industry oriented. Selling

your brand, not your product, is a top priority on LinkedIn. Let your followers know why they should buy from you, use your services, or work for you. Potential employees look to LinkedIn for job listings and to gain insight into the brand. Potential consumers, customers, and clients look to LinkedIn to validate their spending. Posts should be geared towards validating each visitor’s needs.

Blogs are a great way to boost search engine visibility and spread company news. Breaking news can be posted on blogs, but it should also be promoted on other social networking sites as well, since blogs are not shared at the rate of speed of most social sites.

Although each platform has a different tone, the message should be consistent. Connections are more important than sales pitches. Focusing on connecting instead of selling will create a tone that your customers will respond and relate to. Using humor and slang is appropriate in certain situations, but keep in mind that posts should portray the personality of your brand. Think of your posts as a conversation with a friend. The expression “think before you speak” is just as true on social media as it is in real life.

The Old Oak Festival at Tusculum University

Great Fun And Multiple Activities For People Of All Ages Make The Old Oak Festival At Tusculum University a Can’t-Miss Event

Family fun awaits guests as they enjoy an impressive array of memorable activities that will enrich their lives at Tusculum University’s annual Old Oak Festival. One of Tusculum’s cherished traditions, the festival returns Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, with something for everyone. The event will include staples such as vendors, food, authors and high-caliber entertainment.

Additional touches that will highlight the festival’s comprehensiveness are a car show, inflatables for children and creative writing readings by Tusculum students.

Art will occupy a prominent place at the festival. For the second straight year, the university will have an en plein air painting event featuring the iconic Old Oak Tree on campus. In addition, the popup art competition for Greeneville and Greene County elementary school students showcases their talent. The festival will also contain an exhibit of works by Bill Bledsoe, assistant professor of art and design, and pieces developed by high school students during the Old Oak Workshops held prior to the festival.

“We are thrilled to welcome everyone to Tusculum University for this outstanding and diverse festival,” said Edward Roberts, vice president of institutional advancement. “Spring has brought an extra layer of beauty to our historic campus, and the sight of our friends from

the community on our campus makes this time of year even more special. We look forward to visiting with our guests but, most importantly, watching them have a great time and return home with smiles on their faces.”

Festival Overview

The festival is open to everyone, and admission is free. The festival hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on April 20 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 21. Parking is available in some campus parking lots as well as in front of the university’s costume shop next to TaylorMade Grooming Lounge and at nearby Tusculum Baptist Church and Doak Elementary School. On Sunday, the lot at Tusculum Baptist will not be available until after church services conclude at noon. Shuttle service from some lots on campus will be available.

Additional activities will take place during the weekend, some during the festival hours and some afterward, that the community can also incorporate in their calendar. Theatre-at-Tusculum will hold performances of the musical “Newsies” April 20 at 7 p.m. and April 21 at 2 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre in downtown Greeneville. Tusculum’s football team will also have its annual spring game at Pioneer Field on campus at 1 p.m. April 20.

In addition to community members, the festival has become a popular destination for Tusculum alumni, who come back to visit with their classmates and faculty and staff members who have impacted their lives as students

and post-graduate professionals. Tusculum faculty, staff and students help run and support the many festival activities as volunteers but also take time to partake in the buoyant atmosphere that permeates the campus.

Sponsors are Eastman Credit Union and Premium Waters. Festival organizers expressed their appreciation to these companies for their support.

“Everyone loves to come to the Old Oak Festival,” said Jolin Hawk, senior director of development and alumni relations, and the festival committee’s chair. “Guests eat tasty food, listen to fantastic music and buy wonderful items, all while spending time with their families and seeing friends and neighbors. People can do so many things that we encourage them to return for more.”

Specific Details

As of April 1, about 100 vendors, including artisans, food vendors and authors, had registered to take part in the festival. That number will continue to climb until the festival opens. The festival will be concentrated primarily in the center of campus, but some activities will take place at other locations on the grounds.

All activities will take place during the festival hours unless noted. Here are some specific items to know:

· The Old Oak Show and Shine car show will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 20 in front of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center and Katherine Hall. Depending on the number of entrants, the show could also incorporate the parking lot between those two buildings.

· The creative writing readings will be

held at 2 p.m. April 20 in The Pioneer Perk, which is located next to The Tusculum Campus Store inside the commons.

· The en plein air painting, led by Bledsoe, is occurring in the grass area near the Old Oak Tree at 1 p.m. April 21. The cost is $20 cash, which covers supplies.

· The entertainment schedule is available at bit.ly/3xoTpst.

· Authors’ Row and the Pop-up Art Contest, which is sponsored by the Greeneville Art Council, will be in the Thomas J. Garland Library.

· Kiddie Korner, which includes the inflatables and other children’s items, will take place in the Quad in front of the Scott M. Niswonger Commons.

· The art exhibit of works by Bledsoe is being held in the Clem Allison Art Gallery, which is located inside Annie Hogan Byrd.

“The Old Oak Festival is a collaborative initiative involving numerous individuals from the university and the community,” said Greg Fay, director of continuing education and camps and the festival’s vice chair. “We are grateful to everyone who is ensuring the event’s success. All who are assisting with the festival are focused on providing an inviting and warm environment and are committed to further building our connections with the community. Come join us.”

Additional information about the festival is available at site.tusculum.edu/oldoak-festival/. To learn more about the university, please visit www.tusculum.edu.

Some at the 2023 Old Oak Festival participated in the en plein air painting activity.

There is a great chance guests at the Old Oak Festival will see Tusculum students volunteering or enjoying activities. Here are students Marc Caceres, Antonio Aparicio and Cristobal Morales, left to right, at the 2023 festival.

Knowing Your Worth

I was recently talking with a friend who is going through some relationship issues; matters of which I tend to tread lightly. As they divulged some of the details of their discord, I found myself repeatedly stating, “you know you’re WORTH more than this.” The more I reiterated this short statement, the more they kept excusing and defending the other person’s behavior, and I suddenly realized that my friend did not in fact know they were worth more than what they were getting. And worst of all, I saw in them the same behavior I myself have routinely exhibited. One of the most underrated skillsets as a human being is being able to find - and subsequently KNOW - your worth. Whether it’s in regards to relationships, job salaries, or simply personal standards, how does one “set their going rate?”

The worth of an item is only determined by the value assigned to it. I’ve never really thought about why items cost what they cost, but as I’m writing this article I began considering why it is that 2 purses can have the exact same functionality, style, size, and features, but will cost $9.99 at Walmart and $3,799 at Gucci; more importantly, why is one so much more highly coveted? That is because someone, whether it’s the designer, the media, or the consumer, have decided that the word ‘Gucci’ carries more value than ‘Walmart.’ Knowing that it truly is that simple, that you only must believe with your mind that something is valuable to make it so, why don’t we do the same thing to ourselves?

People will put themselves through incredible agonies because they don’t see the value they add to the

world. I’m speaking from experience on this matter as someone who struggles a great deal with imposter syndrome every single day. I never really knew what that phrase meant; I assumed it meant you were someone who constantly tried to “fake it til you make it” and were a con or something. It’s not that at all, and in the simplest definition, ‘imposter syndrome’ means you never feel like you deserve good things when you get them, that you’re a fraud for receiving them, or you’re not worthy. A lot of my issues stem from growing up in the way I did and how that impacted the core person I am today; for that reason I don’t think I’ll ever fully conquer those demons.

While I grew up thankfully with two amazing, loving parents who did the best they could and worked hard to ensure I never wanted for a thing, financially I had less assets than my friends. I lived in a trailer; the first 6 years of my life in a trailer park, the rest on 3 acres of land in the country until I moved out to my own apartment. My parents held down multiple blue collar jobs to keep us going, but there were times I definitely remember payday hitting on Friday and having $20 left on Monday that would last the rest of the week. I feel like I’ve lived my life in survival mode, from paycheck-topaycheck, navigating catastrophes as they arise and never fully feeling like I’m able to get ahead. I struggle with seeing the progress I’ve made, whether it’s in my career or health or whatever because I don’t know how to feel comfortable with or worthy of the wins; it’s a mindset of scarcity, that the promotion, the weight loss, the move was a fluke and shouldn’t have happened to me so I don’t need to get too comfortable enjoying it because it won’t last.

There are times I look around the room when I’m eating in nice

restaurants or walking around my neighborhood and think, “this isn’t my life. I’m that girl in the trailer and I’m going to wake up and none of this is real.” Or when I’m doing a private presentation to a group of high end clients in one of their multi-million dollar homes and they’re all listening to what I have to say, I feel like a fraud, like they’re all staring at me and they know I don’t belong there. This same inner voice is what has led me to accept less in relationships, to pursue people who were less attractive, less successful, had smaller goals and ambitions than I wanted, simply because I felt someone of a higher caliber would see right through me and not want me, so why try? It’s the same voice that silenced me into accepting first offers on salaries without negotiation, because I never believed I was smart enough or added enough value to the company to deserve more.

Navigating the last few years on my own has helped me begin to see my own worth and enforce it. On a personal level most recently by valuing my health as my most precious asset and treating it as such. I’m worthy of nourishing foods and clean ingredients versus boxed cheap crap full of toxins and chemicals. I’m worthy of fresh air and exercising my body and enjoying every inch of freedom and mobility it affords me. After back-to-back life altering heartbreaks, I’ve stayed single since 2018, refusing to allow another human being that much control over my life again and knowing I’m worth more than being lied to, lied about, and deserve someone who will treat me at LEAST as good as I treat myself because it’s not asking too much. I’ve put the work into building my career, learning as much as I can and becoming as much of an asset to the workforce as possible so when I climb those rungs on the ladder I have

by Kathie Scalf

ammo for salary negotiations. I know now that my work ethic is stronger than most, that I always rise to meet a challenge and that I deserve every penny I earn because I worked hard for it.

People can subconsciously see the value you’ve assigned to yourself. It’s the way you speak, the way you carry yourself, the things you accept; all those things are how you “set your going rate.” People will treat you with the same respect you treat yourself, so you must believe you’re a very rare, high-dollar item. Think of yourself as that one-of-a-kind Gucci bag and not the Walmart purse that’s been produced for mass consumption at the lowest dollar. Make a physical list of all your wins, the things you’ve done that were no small feat and review them regularly. It truly is as simple as believing you deserve these things to make other people start to see it too.

XO - Kathie

Timothee Chalamet is having box office success with his recent hits "Willy Wonka" and "Dune: Part Two." When "Dune: Part One" hit theaters and Max in 2021, the awarding winning film left fans wanting more, and we finally have the sequel. Director Denis Villeneuve ("Blade Runner 2049) has a knack for stylized epic films, which is clearly on display in the now announced "Dune" trilogy. The new film begins where the first one left off, after the destruction of House Atreides, of which our hero Paul Atreides (Chalamet) is a member. The Atreides house was wiped out, save for Paul and his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) by the bizarre and evil House Harkonnen, led by the vile Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard). Paul and Lady Jessica have been introduced to the Freman society of the planet Arrakis, home to the mysterious and coveted spice. After meeting many of the Freman, the various members of this society feel Paul and his mother are spies, or Paul is the long awaited messiah who will bring peace and prosperity to their planet. There is a bit of infighting among the Freman about Paul and his mother, but eventually Lady Jessica takes over for the groups Reverend

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint

Dune Part Two

Mother, who is dying. While his status is being debated, Paul has a budding romance with Freman Chani (Zendaya) that continues during the course of the film. After she becomes the new Reverend Mother, Lady Jessica implores Paul to drink the "Water of Life", which is toxic liquid taken from a dying sandworm typically fatal to males. As a reminder, or for those who don't know, Sandworms are giant worm-like creatures native to Arrakis, whose larvae produces a drug called melange, which is the aforementioned "spice". The spice is highly desired because it's essential in making interstellar travel safe and accurate. The water taken from the worms awakens the mind to much knowledge and memories of the previous Reverend Mothers for those who drink the liquid. Paul drinks the Water of Life at the encouragement of his mother, and even though he seemingly dies, survives. For those who have never read the Dune novels, myself included, the storyline is at times complicated, but this new film version is a bit easier to follow than the original film, released in the 1980's. Director Villeneuve did make some changes to the latest adaptation, some of which are an improvement, and some not so. One such change is Paul's sister Alia, of which Lady Jessica is pregnant with during the course of the film, but is able to directly communicate with due to having drank the Water of Life. The director decided to keep Alia unborn during the second film, with the character only appearing briefly as a grown adult in one of Paul's visions. The main reason for the change is the fact the film does not do a two-year time jump as the novel does. leaving the time frame an eight-month period just after the ending of the first film. The director also concentrates on the romance between Paul and

Chani, which I feel gives the plot a bit more emotion due to a pending betrayal. The storyline eventually leads to the Freman, led by Paul, battling House Harkonnen, led by the Baron's nephew Beast Rabban (Dave Bautista). If Beast isn't bad enough, Paul eventually fights the Baron's other nephew Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), who will certainly go down in cinema history as a villain on par with Darth Vader of the "Star Wars" films. Butler is nearly unrecognizable as the bald Feyd, and nearly steals the film from Chalamet. I have left out many plot points and cast members, otherwise this review would go on for pages. I will say the second

film in the "Dune" series is a must see on the largest screen possible, and I recommend the IMAX size if you are near one. Despite Butler nearly overshadowing the main star, Chalamet holds his own as he continues to grow and display his talents in the role of Paul Atreides. "Dune: Part Two" has the required action, emotion, betrayal, and thought provoking moments to fill several sci-fi films. This is one beautiful film filled with epic moments to be enjoyed by fans of the novel and cinema buffs alike.

(Rated PG-13)

Bristol

BRISTOL TN/VA

PARAMOUNT

Apr 25 Glenn Miller Orchestra

Jun 1 Mac McAnally (sold out)

Jun 20 Steve Earle

Aug 17 Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Sep 28 Dusty Slay (two shows)

Oct 4 Destination Soultown featuring the Sensational Soul Cruisers

COUNTRY THUNDER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Jun 28-29 Cody Johnson, Hardy, Bailey Zimmerman, Lonestar, Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Shenandoah, Travis Denning, Jake Worthington, Josh Ross, Emily Ann Roberts.

IN THE PINES

Jun 1 Dwight Yoakam, Elle King, Paul Cauthen and Wyatt Flores

BRISTOL RHYTHM & ROOTS REUNION

Sep 13-15 Ashley McBryde, The Wallflowers, The Red Clay Strays, Sam Bush, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, The Steeldrivers, 49 Winchester and more.

JOHNSON CITY

JOHNSON CITY TN

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Apr 25 Rain: A tribute to the Beatles

May 17 Black Jacket Symphony will perform Purple Rain From Prince

Aug 17 The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

FREEDOM HALL

Apr 21 ETSU SGA Spring Concert with Riley Green, Maddie & Tae and Jordy

Apr 27 We The Kingdom

May 16 Breaking Benjamin & Daughtry

GSTLINBURG

GATLINBURG TN

THE MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aug 23-25 Joan Jett, Tesla, Night Ranger, Foghat, Aldo Nova, Slaughter, Quiet Riot, Lynch Mob, Great White, Dangerous Toys, Vixen and many more.

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

Kingsport

KINGSPORT TN

RED WHITE AND BOOM

Jul 6 The Marshall Tucker Band and The Cleverlys

FUN FEST AT J. FRED JOHNSON STADIUM

Jul 25 Crowder

Jul 26 Tyler Hubbard, Emily Ann Roberts & Carson Peters

Jul 27 Goo Goo Dolls with Phillip Phillips

GREENVILLE

GREENEVILLE TN

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Apr 27 The Barricade Boys

May 4 Anthem Lights

May 10 John Anderson Acoustic

May 14 Brothers of the Heart

MARION VA

MARION, VA

THE LINCOLN THEATRE

Apr 20 Aaron Tippin

Apr 21 Chapel Hart

Apr 27

Jun 15

William Lee Martin

Mark Lowry & Friends with Endless Highway and The Sound

Aug 24 Landslide: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Oct 19 & 20 Gene Watson

Nov 8 Killer Beaz

Nov 16

Knoxville

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage

KNOXVILLE TN

BIJOU THEATRE

Apr 24 The Wailers

Apr 26 Ruston Kelly

May 31 Steep Canyon Rangers

Jun 14 Kevin Smith

Oct 26 Henry Cho

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Apr 20 Ashley McBryde

Apr 25 Nickel Creek

May 1 Bonnie Raitt

May 19 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Jun 8 Brad Williams

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Apr 21 MercyMe

Apr 26 Tim McGraw and Carly Pearce

Apr 27 Spin the Block with Nelly, Ashanti & Bone Thugs and Harmony

May 9 & 10 Zach Bryan

May 23 Lionel Richie with Earth Wind & Fire

July 14 The Doobie Brothers with Robert Cray

Aug 24 Heart and Cheap Trick

Sept 12 Hootie and the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain

Oct 5 Aerosmith and The Black Crowes

Oct 25 Jelly Roll

Oct 27 Black Keys with The Head and The Heart

Nov 19 Justin Timberlake

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM:

Jun 13 Matt Rife

KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM:

May 11 Kevin Gates

July 25 Jordan Davis

Nashville

NASHVILLE TN

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Apr 26 Leftover Salmon & the Infamous Stringdusters

Apr 27 Jo Dee Messina

Apr 29 JohnnySwim

May 4 Tracy Lawrence

May 8 Marshall Tucker Band

May 10 & 11 Amy Grant

May 12 Devo

May 14 Sum 41 with The Interrupters

May 16 The Steeldrivers

May 20 Todd Rundgren

May 31-Jun 1 Jim Gaffigan

Jun 6-9 Matt Rife

Jun 13 The Del McCoury Band

Jun 21 & 22 Blackberry Smoke

Jun 30 The Alan Parsons Live Project

Jul 10 Dave Barnes

Jul 24 Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks with special guests The Return o Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Jul 25 Ricky Scaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Jul 29 Donnie Osmond

Aug 16 Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Aug18 Joe Bonamassa

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

Apr 25 Tim McGraw

Apr 29 The Postal Service with Death Cab For Cutie and Pulp

May 11 Bad Bunny

May 14 Stevie Nicks

May 24 & 25 Noah Kahan

Jun 3 Niall Horan

Jun 2 James Taylor

Jun 14 Luis Miguel

Jun 23 Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett & Morgan Wade

Jul 27 Hootie and the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain

Aug 9 & 10 Chris Stapleton

Aug 14 Five Finger Death Punch with Marilyn Manson and Slaughter To Prevail

Aug 20 Earth Wind & Fire with Chicago

Aug 22 Jennifer Lopez (cancelled)

Aug 28 Sammy Hagar and Loverboy

BROOKLYN BOWL

Apr 24 Ty Segall

May 16 Mammoth WVH

Aug 6 10CC

NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM

Aug 9 Bush with Jerry Cantrell and Candlebox

ASCEND AMPHITHEATRE

Apr 27 Cody Jinks

May 18 Billy Currington & Kip Moore

May 31 & Jun 1 Lainey Wilson

Jun 2 Pixies & Modest Mouse

Jun 22 Cypress Hill

Jun 29 Sarah McLachlan

Jul 12 Styx, Foreigner and John Waite

Jul 13 Lake Street Dive

Aug 3 Thirty Seconds to Mars

Aug 6 Tate McRae

Aug 13 Creed with Tonic and Finger Eleven

Aug 31 King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

NISSAN STADIUM

Jun 6-9 CMA Fest

Jun 29 Zach Bryan

Jul 20 Def Leppard and Journey with Steve Miller Band

Aug 3 Kenny Chesney & Zac Brown Band

I’ve been making a concentrated effort to limit my time on social media lately. The vestiges of what once was Twitter have largely become a wasteland. Facebook only makes me want to compare myself to others, which leads to nights of misery. Instagram might be only the one I enjoy, as it rarely makes me feel like crap. Yet, almost every morning I hit that blue and white Facebook icon and start to scroll.

Facebook has those different types of reactions you can make to a post, from the old like, to love, to sad, to care, to angry, to funny—or as I like to call it “haha.” As I’ve sat in the mornings looking over things, I’ve noticed something. Facebook will show you a sort of average of the kinds of reactions a post will have, and there have been far too many things that don’t warrant a “haha” reaction that will have a significant number of them on it.

To be clear, what I find so disturbing about it is I wonder what kind of person would “haha” react to a post that reads “new children’s hospital opens in the area” or “school provides free lunch to children.” The veil of being behind your computer

A Laughing Reaction

By Andy Ross

or phone does bring out the worst in people, and makes you wonder what goes on inside the mind of someone who would “haha” react, and comment “LOL” to “major cancer treatment breakthrough.”

In my mind, these people must be those family members that everyone dreads coming over for a holiday gathering but knows they have to invite anyway. We all have one or two of those, usually. It’s like taking a turn at a roulette wheel wondering how they’ll behave at the family gathering. You’ll talk about how “Little Timmy got all straight As in all their classes!” Then this person will fall to the floor, doubled over with laughter at this news.

What type of satisfaction does a person of this ilk get from reacting to things that are largely positive and good in such a manner? I suspect it’s a “smug superiority.” That they know more of “the real world” than to be satisfied by things they deem marginal. These are people who take comfort in their smugness, as they sit alone, judging the world parading by them on the tablet in their lap.

I think they’d react this way to everything. “Congrats, you’ve won 125 million dollars, your dream car, a house, and your own fullystocked TCBY in your own home.” “LMBO!” They’d say, shaking their head at this in some kind of detached disgust. God only knows

what their reaction to getting married must have been.

Still, I know that as the parade of Facebook never ends, I’ll keep seeing people who react with laughs to things that seem like a positive net gain for the world. It will continue to baffle me. I guess things to help children in need, clean up our air and water, and improve our downtowns are stupid things not worth pursuing in their eyes. I’m sure they’ll have the last laugh when they find themselves alone with their phone or tablet on Christmas morning. They’ll be having such a better time than the rest of us. See you next week.