Volume 03 Issue 15 Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative DIrector Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor Peggy Gale DIstribution Elizabeth Armstrong Entertainment Coordinator Andreax Jarre
your week’s line-up
03 5 of the Best New Years
09 Karaoke
10 Puzzle Page 11 Pets of the Week 11 Old Christmas at Fort Watauga 12 Tri-Cities Faces and Places 13 Things To Do 14 Tri-Cities Faces and Places
Bring a Family Together
Po Box 39
24 A Healthy Homemade Soup to
Telford, Tn 37690
Jumpstart the New Year
423-930-7319
26 5 Ways to Keep Your Home Cozy
www.theloaferonline.com theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com
NOTE
FROM THE
PUBLISHER
09 Trivia
22 How Creativity and Crafting Can
The Loafer
Let’s Get Social!
07 MPCC Hosts Glow Stick Swim
with These Educational Tools
Tim SImpson
LBD
06 Spotlight
20 Gear Up for Spring Semester
Wendy Hayden
FAMILY MEDIA
Tri-Cities Faces and Places
Members with Loved Ones
Ken Silvers
Founder: Bill Williams
04
18 Gaming Connetcts Military
Andy Ross Kathie Scalf
All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.
Resolutions Tips
17 WQUT Concert Schedule
Contributing Staff
All Winter Long
columns & reviews
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19 Ponderings to Ponder A Movie Review and Then Some 21 Social Sentiments: Who Are You? 23 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie: The Season of Giving Back 25 Pop Life: Red Notice 27 Batteries Not Included: Thingness
Hello Loafer Readers! This will be our last issue for 2021 as we will be celebrating with our families for the holidays. This year has been challenging to say the least! I will never understand why we have to deal with such a nasty virus. So many people have lost their lives this year and it breaks my heart. Just this morning I read about another local young husband and father that lost his battle with covid. Vaccination is an area where I will not voice a public opinion and I will not judge anyone for their decision. I just pray this gets better in 2022. This year with the Loafer has been different. I worked for Kimberly for about 2 years and I took ownership this fall and it is very challenging for me to learn what needs to be done. I could never put this paper out to you weekly without JB Forrester. He does an amazing job making everything look so wonderful. Our advertisers are top notch and I love working with all of them. We are going to spend the next few weeks working on our website and some new ideas for 2022. We appreciate the support from everyone and look forward to new and exciting things next year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher
By [https://EzineArticles.com/expert/ Glen_M_Wilson/861246]Glen M Wilson Have you made any fitness or nutrition new year resolutions yet? Have you already broken them? Don’t give up, the year has only just begun. Making a new year resolution is easy, keeping it is the hard part. All you might need is a bit of guidance to harness your motivation and enthusiasm. For a better chance of achieving your fitness and nutritional goals follow my best new year resolutions tips... 5 of the Best New Year Resolutions Tips Tip # 1: You must identify the reason you want to change. If you embark on a new fitness regime or healthy eating plan without a reason, then you will fail. How do I know you will fail? Because you don’t know why you are trying to make a change. Identifying your reason for change will allow you set your goals. Tip # 2: Make you resolution quantifiable. Don’t make a resolution such as ‘I am going to
lose weight’, your resolution should be to lose a certain amount of weight. Making your resolution quantifiable will enable you to set your goals and identify your finish line, giving you something to strive for. Tip # 3: Don’t make too many resolutions and make sure the ones you do make are something you really want to achieve. By this I mean don’t make a resolution based on the suggestion of a partner or friend. Tip # 4: Once you have thought of your resolutions, document them and record your progress. Write down your resolutions and put them somewhere you will see several times a day. Some ideal places are on the fridge at home, on a wall in your bedroom, in your purse or wallet, even save them in your phone or computer. It doesn’t matter where you put them, you just want to reinforce them to yourself several times a day. In addition keep a track of any progress you have made in a diary or notebook.
Tip # 5: Give your resolution a deadline. A resolution without a deadline is a dream. If your resolution does not have an end date then it is not measurable. When giving your resolution a deadline, be sure to break your main resolution into smaller milestones with a deadline of their own. For example, if you are trying to lose 10kg, break it down into 10 mini milestones ie: 1kg within a certain time frame.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles. com/?5-Of-the-Best-New-YearResolutions-Tips&id=6794109] 5 Of the Best New Year Resolutions Tips
Achieving your new year resolutions can be difficult, but not impossible. Like everything in life, you will need to commit to it, work hard and attack it with intensity and consistency. Even the best new years resolution tips won’t help you if you are not committed to achieving your goals. Millions of people around the world have spent their hard earned money on fitness fads and gadgets only to be disappointed when they don’t achieve the body of their dreams. Remember there are no quick fixes when it comes to your health. Make this year the year you overhaul your lifestyle by committing to getting active and eating better. If you have any questions or want any
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5 of the Best New Year Resolutions Tips
more help with achieving your new year resolution, simply drop a comment below or message me through the [http://www. noexcusefitness.com.au/contact-me/] contact me section.
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Tri-Cities Faces and Places Celebrating the people and places of our community! Believe in the magic of Christmas
Celebrating the people and places of our community! Believe in the magic of Christmas
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
Tri-Cities Faces and Places
5
Spotlight
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SUNDAY Jan 9th
Kingsport Kingsport, TN
Some Old Friends 2:00pm at TN Hills Distillery
FRIDAY Jan 6th
Bristol Bristol, TN/Va TN/VA Johnson City, Tn Johnson City, TN
Benny Wilson Band & Retroville 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar
TUESDAY Jan 4th
TUESDAY Jan 4th
SATURDAY Jan 7th
The Guido Awesome Show 10:00pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub
Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza WEDNESDAY Jan 5th
WEDNESDAY Jan 5th
Memory Layne CJ’s Debut 8:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar JC Tokes & the Empty Pockets 8:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company
HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza
Banjo Bar-Bee and the Buzz 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House
THURSDAY Jan 6th
FRIDAY Jan 6th
Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza
Rare Fiction 6:00pm at Cascade Draft House
FRIDAY Jan 7th
SATURDAY Jan 7th
Night Moves 70’s and 80’s High Energy Hits!! 10:00pm at Capone’s
Trevor Meade 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House
Downtown Country 6:30pm at Jiggy Ray’s
Hoskins-Mervis Old Friends 7:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ
RoanRoan Mountain, TN TN Mountain,
Railway Express 9:00pm at Sidetracks
Cody Fair Acoustic Trio 7:30pm at The Station 19E
SATURDAY Jan 8th Jacob Danielsen-Moore with Bobby Kitchens and Kasey Williams 10:00pm at Capone’s
ABINGDON Abingdon, VA SATURDAY Jan 7th Jared Bentley 3pm at Abingdon Vineyards
Elizabethton, TN Elizabethton TUESDAY Jan 4th
SATURDAY Jan 8th
Submit Your Live Shows to: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319 to be Featured in the Loafer Spotlight
7
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
TUESDAY Jan 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th
MPCC Hosts Glow Stick Swim Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will be turning the lights down low, the music up loud and throwing glow sticks in the pool Friday, Jan. 7 from 6-7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY Jan 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th
THURSDAY Jan 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th
family and friends. The cost is $2 for youth ages 12 and younger and $3 for individuals ages 13 and older. No registration required.
For more information, call All ages are welcome to come and enjoy the first of Rachel Evans at three glow stick swims with 423-480-3143.
Last Week's Puzzle Answers Sudoku
Crossword
Cryptogram:
Dropquote:
"I want people to walk around delusional about how great they can be - and then to fight so hard for it every day that the lie becomes the truth."
"If stock market experts were so expert, they would be buying stock, not selling advice."
There are Five New Years Babies hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?
3636 Fort Henry Dr. Kingsport, TN 37660 423-246-6801 www.bandbpackage.com
theloaferonline.com January 04, 2021
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COUNTRY TRIPLE SHOT TOUR
FRI. FEBRUARY 18TH DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM SHOW STARTS 7 PM
TUESDAY TUESDAY
Karaoke at Numan’s - JohnsonEntertainment City Karaoke with Absolute at The Pub Out Back Karaoke with Bert & L.A. at Kingsport Moose Lodge 7pm (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7:00
WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge Bar Turn the Page Karaoke at VFWand Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN Karaoke NightSteak at Wonderland Lounge and Bar Karaoke at Quaker and Lube (Bristol, VA) 7pm Johnson Moose City, TN 9pm6pm Karaoke at- Kingsport Lodge Karaoke with RonValley at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm Karaoke at Thunder Tavern 8pm
THURSDAY THURSDAY
Karaoke at Zachary’s Steakhouse Karaoke with Karaoke with Open Mic Entertainment Michael’s Krazy Karaoke at Stateline Bar & Grill at Wild Wing Café Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez Top Shelf Entertainment Wild Wings Café JC Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN at 10pm Karaoke at Numan’s Johnson City Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN Karaoke at Hell JiggyYeah Rays Pizzeria Abby’s Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar - Kingsport, TN 8pm 8pm Karaoke w/Tony & RodToad at CJ’sTavern Sports Bar Karaoke at Tipsy - JonesboroughTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 7pm Karaoke at Tipsy Toad (Jonesborough) Open Mic & Karaoke at Wonderland Lounge/Bar N Grill Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 7-10 Karaoke at Midnight Oasis - Brtistol, TN Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Karaoke at Sonny's Marina/The French Restaurant Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson Quarter City, TN 10pm
FRIDAY
Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment FRIDAY at Rainbow Asian Cuisine 9pm
Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb at The 8:30pm Turn the PageKaraoke Karaoke atCottage VFWPost 2108 – Johnson City, TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at City Tulips Grub & Pub 8-11 Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke at Numan’s Karaoke w/ Michael Hawkins at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) –Macado’s Bristol, VA Kingsport Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City Karaoke at 27 Lions (Marion, VA) 9:00pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine 9pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Laurel Marina on South Holsten 9pm
SATURDAY
Trivia TUESDAY
Wild Wing Café JC- Team Trivia Tuesdays 8:30pm Johnson City Brewing Company- Trivia Tuesdays 7pm Aubrey’s Johnson City- Trivia Night 7pm 27 Lions - Trivia Night 7pm Union Street Taproom - DJ Trivia 6pm
WEDNESDAY
Tipton Street Pub- Trivia Wednesdays 9pm Aubrey’s Bristol- Trivia Night 7pm Johnson City Moose Lodge 1831 - DJ Trivia 7pm Tipsy Toad (Jonesborough) - Trivia 7pm
THURSDAY
Holy Taco & Cantina Trivia Night 9pm JRH Brewing - Trivia Night 7pm Mellow Mushroom Johnson City - Mellow Trivia 7pm Gypsy Circus Cider Company - Trivia 6:30pm
MONDAY
Barley Waters- Trivia Night 7pm Yee-Haw Brewing- Trivia Mondays 7pm Woodstone Deli - DJ Trivia 7pm Model City Tap House - Live Team Trivia Night 7pm
SATURDAY
Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 8-11 Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City Karaoke w/ Tony & Rod at CJ’s Sports Bar
SUNDAY 7pm Open Mic with Karaoke at Go Burrito Johnson City Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6pm
MONDAY
Karaoke at Thunder Valley Tavern 8pm
**The schedule is subject to change due to the request for social distancing at this time.**
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
KARAOKE Kara ke
9
PUZZLE
theloaferonline.com January 04, 2021
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SUDOKU
CROSSWORD
Down
1. Diaper, in Devon 2. Poplars 3. Put on display 4. "The better ____ you with, my dear!" 5. In the heart of 6. "The ____-Weed Factor" (John Barth book) 7. Foes 8. Hindu loincloth 9. Biblical verb 10. More ostentatious 11. Bad luck sign 12. It's west of Davenport 13. Historical seamstress 15. Griffin's grippers 20. "Ugh!"
DROPQUOTE QUOTE DROP
C RY PTOG RAM
ACROSS
22. Canal site
1. Ilie ___ of tennis 8. Abu ___, UAE 13. Kurosawa film 14. Women of ill repute 16. Facing 17. Senators' home 18. Like lava 19. Lacking historical validity 21. From that moment on 22. Letters before O in a refrain 23. Kitchen gadget brand 24. That, in Spanish 25. Hic, ____, hoc 26. Curve toward the center 27. "Sara" singers 30. Email address symbols, for short 31. Louis of the FBI
ZSB FTP PYAYK HYI TUU IQY OTFIN OKSC XBNI SPY CRYPTOGRAM
PYRNDTDYK, TPG BPUYNN ZSB QTAY TUU IQY OTFIN, ZSB FTPPSI CTEY DKSDYK XBGHCYPIN TLSBI RQTI WN HSWPH SP. — Harry S. Truman
33. Quick to get angry 35. "___ la guerra!" (Spanish antiwar chant) 36. "Mission: Impossible" assignment, maybe 40. "If I Were ___ Man" 42. Site with step-by-step instructions 43. River leading to the Rhine 46. Cambodia's Phnom ____ 47. 2008 bank failure, for short 48. Terminated 50. Renounce power 52. With maturity 53. Apply pressure 54. Zimbabwe, for a time 56. Ripen 57. Glued 58. Packs of paper 59. Had a hankering
25. Chuckle 26. Knock down ____ (humble) 28. Keyboardist John 29. "____ a Putty Tat" (Tweety cartoon short) 31. Ancestor 32. Bad-weather contingency plan 34. "The Thin Red Line" actor 35. Incendiary stuff 37. Defeated 38. 1989 Bob Dylan album 39. With "louse," a French city 41. ____ Achebe (Nigerian novelist) 44. Hymn start 45. Depended (on) 47. Fades away 48. Down from a duck
Answers to last week’s puzzles can be found on page 9.
49. Group of two 51. Bulblike underground stem 52. "Arrivederci" city 55. Half a bray
January 8 & 9, 2022
S us ie B el l
Peekaboo! This cute face belongs to Susie Bell. She is a bit scared in our community cat room with all the cats around. But she loves human attention and being held. If you sit down, she might climb on your lap
and sleep there. She is a very sweet cat. Susie Bell will probably be ok with another cat or two as long as they give her space. She has been spayed and is up to date on vaccinations.
R yd er Wow, what a handsome boy Ryder is !!! He is a pure bred German Shepherd and weighs 68 lbs. Ryder knows basic commands and is house broken. He has been
neutered and is up to date on vaccinations. A fenced in yard and an experienced breed adopter is required. Bday 3-18-2019.
If you are interested in adopting : The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter 423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75 Blountville, TN Facebook: bridgehome
bridgehome.org
Christmas isn’t over yet! Come to Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park and see how our colonial ancestors celebrated a holiday called “Old Christmas”. In Colonial America, Christmas was celebrated as a twelve day holiday with many traditions and customs. Does The Twelve Days of Christmas sound familiar? These twelve days of feasting, and merrymaking ended on January 5th or “Twelfth Night” with a grand celebration.
On Saturday, January 8th from 10am-3pm and Sunday, January 5th from 10am-3pm the Washington County Militia will hold their annual Old Christmas Celebration. As you walk through the gates of Fort Watauga you will travel back in time to an 18th century Old Christmas “Jollification”. Each cabin in the fort will be the setting of Christmas, New Year, and 12th Night traditions as celebrated by the settlers of different cultures
on the colonial frontier. Many of our modern Christmas customs are taken from centuries old practices such as English Christmas Guns, the Irish Holly Wreath, the German Tannenbaum, Scottish First Footing, and the Dutch Sinterklaas. See how our Christmas practices of today are steeped in these old-world traditions.
Get the most out of the Holiday Season and visit Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park for a fun, entertaining, and educational family outing. Arrive ready to be filled with the spirit of Christmas. It’s an event that is sure to become a tradition with your family year after year. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is located at 1651 W. Elk Avenue in Elizabethton, TN. For more information contact the Park at 423-543-5808 or visit our websites at www.sycamoreshoalstn. wordpress.com or tnstateparks. com/parks/sycamore-shoals.
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
PETS
OF THE Old Christmas at Fort Watauga WEEK
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Presents11
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Tri-Cities Faces and Places Celebrating the people and places of our community! Believe in the magic of Christmas
JOHNSON CITY
SATURDAY JAN 8TH
THURSDAY JAN 6TH
SATURDAYS
All About Resin 10:00am at The Inventor Center
The Crooked Road January Jam & Dinner 5:00pm at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center FRIDAY JAN 7TH
ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm. Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149 TUESDAY JAN 4TH Woodland Fox Canvas Class 6:00pm at Into the Fire Trek Tech 101: Basics 6:30pm at Trek Bicycle Johnson City THURSDAY JAN 6TH Book Worms: Snoozefest 6:00pm at JC Public Library
Nature: Wolf Howling 10:00am at Bays Mountain Park Nature: Bobcat Tales 1:00pm at Bays Mountain Park
Reading Between the Wines Book Club: The Beekeeper Parents Night Out 6:00pm at Greater Kingsport Family YMCA of Aleppo 4:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards SUNDAY JAN 9TH
Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club THURSDAYS Pick a Side Stupid 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club
SUNDAY JAN 9TH
FRIDAY JAN 7TH
Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center
Standup 101 Graduation Show 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club
BRISTOL
ELIZABETHTON
SATURDAY JAN 8TH Boomtown Improv! 8pm at Wallace Theater
THURSDAY JAN 6TH
Storytime & Paint: "Snowmen at Night" 10:00am at Into the Fire
Free Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic 7:00am at Bristol Public Library Watauga Valley Art League Meeting and Guest Speaker Incredible Business Networking 4:30pm at Sycamore Shoals Biz Lunch 11:30am State Historic Park at Stateline Bar & Grille
THURSDAY JAN 6TH
WEDNESDAYS
Planetarium – “A Part of the Sky Called Orion” 12:00pm , 2:00pm, 4:00pm at Bays Mtn Park
SATURDAY JAN 8TH
KINGSPORT
COMEDY SHOWCASE
ABINGDON, VA
First Thursday Shop and Hop 12:00pm at Downtown Kingsport WEDNESDAY JAN 5TH Nature: What Does the Fox Say? Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon 3:00pm at Bays Mountain Park Community Center
SUNDAY JAN 9TH
DAMASCUS, VA TUESDAY JAN 4TH National Trivia Day 4:30pm at Damascus Public Library
FRIDAY JAN 14TH Hunter Roberts 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club SATURDAY JAN 15TH Hunter Roberts 7:30pm and 9:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club Improv Open Mic 8pm at Wallace Theater SATURDAY JAN 15TH Comedy Showcase 8pm at Wallace Theater
To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
THINGS TO DO
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Tri-Cities Faces and Places Celebrating the people and places of our community! Believe in the magic of Christmas
Celebrating the people and places of our community! Believe in the magic of Christmas
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
Tri-Cities Faces and Places
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theloaferonline.com January 04, 2021
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Jan 29 Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience-Prince Tribute Feb 4 Brass Transit-The Musical PARAMOUNT Legacy of Chicago Jan 7 Dailey & Vincent Feb 12 Stayin Alive-Bee Gees Tribute Jan 8 Black Jacket Symphony Feb 19 Home Free will perform The Beatles Mar 5 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band White Album Mar 13 The Kentucky Headhunters Jan 14 Rumours-Fleetwood Mar 20 Herman’s Hermits with Mac Tribute Peter Noone Jan 21 Leo Kottke Mar 26 Richard Marx Jan 23 Marty Stuart Apr 8 Hotel California& his Fabulous Superlatives Salute to The Eagles Jan 30 Bill Engvall Apr 9 The Commodores Feb 3 The Fabba Show-Abba Tribute May 1 Dailey and Vincent Feb 5 Woodwinds and All That Jazz May 14 The Oak Ridge Boys Feb 6 Rodney Atkins Bristol
BRISTOL TN/VA
Mar 12 Mar 18 Apr 3 Apr 9 Apr 16
Free Fallin-Tom Petty Tribute Randy Houser Crowder Mark Lowry Bela Fleck & The Flecktones
CAMEO THEATER Jan 13 Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Jan 14 Lilly Hiatt Jan 26 Robert Earl Keen Jan 28 Night Ranger Feb 18 8 Second Ride, The Dugger Band and Aaron Walker Band Feb 22 Gin Blossoms Mar 31 Rodney Carrington
JOHNSON CITY TN
JOHNSON CITY
FREEDOM HALL Feb 21 Reo Speedwagon Mar 12 Casting Crowns
KNOXVILLE TN
Knoxville
TENNESSEE THEATRE Jan 8/9 Jason Isbell Jan 13 Old Crow Medicine Show Jan 29 Ron White Feb 11 Ashley McBryde Feb 12 Erick Baker Feb 19 Drew & Ellie Holcomb Feb 20 Punch Brothers Mar 19 Little Feat Mar 24/27 Big Ears Festival Mar 31 JohnnySwim THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA Jan 29 Reba McEntire Mar 10 Korn Mar 11 MercyMe Apr 8 Elton John
KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM Jan 13 Jo Koy ETSU MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Jan 21 John Crist Apr 27 Melissa Etheridge Feb 18/19 Billy Strings Feb 23 Dancing With The Stars GREENVILLE Mar 6 Joe Bonamassa Mar 13 Bert Kreischer NISWONGER PERFORMING Apr 21 Modest Mouse Apr 25 Rainbow Kitten Surprise ARTS CENTER Jan 7 Russell Moore and IIIrd KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM Tyme Out Jan 13 Riley Green Jan 22 Little River Band
GREENVILLE TN
Jan 28 Feb 12 Feb 18 Apr 15
Cody Johnson Josh Dunham Gabriel Iglesias For King & Country
BIJOU THEATRE Jan 14 Citizen Cope Jan 18 Joanne Shaw Taylor Jan 21 Tab Benoit Jan 22 Steep Canyon Rangers Feb 15 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Feb 19 Hot Tuna (acoustic) Mar 2 Lyle Lovett Mar 4 Donna The Buffalo Mar 11 Marc Broussard Apr 6/7 The Wood Brothers Apr 11 Henry Rollins Apr 14 The Zombies
NASHVILLE TN
Nashville
Feb 16 Mercy Me Feb 18 New Edition Feb 25 Dierks Bentley
ASHEVILLE NC
Asheville
THE ORANGE PEEL Jan 16 Zoso-The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience Jan 27 Railroad Earth Feb 3 Gaelic Storm Feb 19 Trial By FireTribute to Journey Feb 25 Elle King Mar 3 Lyle Lovett Mar 4 The Breakfast Club Mar 10 Dropkick Murphys Mar 16 Graham Nash Mar 20 Ministry, Melvins and Corrosion of Conformity Mar 23 Shovels & Rope
NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Mar 23 Judas Priest with THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM Queensryche Jan 11/12 Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit May 7 Deftones Jan 19 Little Feat Feb 5 Joss Stone RYMAN AUDITORIUM & Corinne Bailey Rae Jan 15/16 Tom Segura Feb 8 Pat Metheny Jan 19/20 Dwight Yoakam Mar 1 Nick Cave & Warren Ellis Feb 3 Joss Stone & Corinne Mar 12 Zach Williams Bailey Rae Mar 24 Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros Feb 4 /5 Black Pumas Mar 28 Glass Animals Feb 6 Beach Boys Feb 9 Marshall Tucker Band with Cherokee, N.C.: Dave Mason and theAtlanta Rhythm Section HARRAH’S CASINO Feb 12 Three Dog Night Jan 15 Dwight Yoakam Feb 15 Punch Brothers Jan 21/22 Jamey Johnson Feb 9 America Feb 4 Alice Cooper Feb 20 The Temptations and The Feb 12 Aaron Lewis Four Tops Feb 25 Bret Michaels +Last in Line Feb 16 Beth Hart Feb 22/26 Tedeschi Trucks Band Greenville, SC Feb 28 Elle King
CHEROKEE NC
GREENVILLE SC
BRIDGESTONE ARENA Feb 11 Kacy Musgraves Feb 14 Dua Lipa
BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA Jan 27 Reba Feb 26 Morgan Wallen
CALL WQUT @ 477-1015 FOR MORE CONCERT INFORMATION OR VISIT W W W.W Q U T.CO M
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
CONCERT SCHEDULE
Gaming Connects American Military Members With Loved Ones
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For military members, video games are not just a fun way to unwind during downtime, they can provide much-needed stress relief and are an opportunity to connect with friends and family. For these reasons, the United Service Organizations (USO) has focused part of its mission on providing military members with opportunities to connect and relax with video games. Many of these games require players to form collaborative relationships with other gamers, during which service members can discuss the challenges of their lives beyond the screen. Beyond featuring dedicated gaming areas at a growing number of USO centers, the nonprofit hosts gaming events, including the “Operation Play it Forward” Streamathon, which took place over Veterans Day on the USO’s Twitch channel, twitch.tv/theuso. Sponsored by USAA, Pratt and Whitney and GEICO Military, the second annual Streamathon was a 72hour gaming experience, tripling 2020’s 24-hour event.
Service members from around the world were joined by family, friends and special guests, including USO gaming ambassadors, entertainers and celebrities like Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Juju Smith-Schuster and Twitch streamer Tfue. As part of the Streamathon the “Battle of The Branches,” presented by GEICO Military, featured service members teaming up with top gamers to compete in “Call of Duty: Warzone.” “Members of the military community, military supporters, celebrities and fellow gamers connected with us during an exciting 72 hours of gaming with some of the most popular video games and creators out there right now,” says Callum Fletcher, USO Director of Global Gaming Operations.
featuring USO gaming ambassadors, celebrity engagements and tournaments. In addition, the organization is planning to open more gaming centers in the months to come. With the support of Razer, gaming centers will soon be wellequipped at Marine Corps Base Quantico and Eglin Air Force Base. To learn more about how the USO gaming program has evolved, visit uso. org/gaming. More information about USO entertainment programs can be
found at USO.org/MVP. To join the USO Discord, head over to discord.gg/theuso. “Gaming provides the military community with opportunities for stress relief and entertainment,” says Fletcher. “And thanks to new technologies, it also provides connection to loved ones, civilians, veterans, and the broader community of gamers.” PHOTO SOURCE: (c) USO Photos (StatePoint)
In recent years, the emergence of platforms such as Twitch and Discord has allowed service members to connect with their family and friends while deployed or serving in geographically separated locations. Since the inception of its gaming program, the USO has hosted 90 events
We install within 7-10 business days after template. Family owned and operated. 100’s of colors available.
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First let me say I am a movie buff, I like old movies, new movies, silent movies, talking movies black and white movies, and colored movies. I like action, drama, horror, and comedy. I love everything about movies however there is one genre of movie that I absolutely love more than anything and that is the comic book movie. You see growing up in the 1980s Comics were my escape into a fascinating world where any and everything was possible. These books were more exciting to me than even cartoons or movies, at the time the movie industry was limited by their limited technology so my favorite heroes of the day came across the screen looking cartoonish and in some cases downright embarrassing. Then the first big budget Spiderman movie happened. The one with Toby Maguire. I was blown away, I was stunned as spider man swung through the streets of New York. I was hooked. And now all the years later the movies have only advanced and grown into an amazing universe that has set a new precedent for other franchises to follow. My girlfriend and I went to see Spiderman no way home and wow what a movie, tons of surprises
Ponderings to Ponder
By Tim Simpson timsimpson2008 @gmail.com
which I will not spoil here. Guest appearances, surprise appearances all around and of course action galore with a little romance thrown in for good measure. Over all a thrilling ride. My son who doesn’t find anything outside of Tesla cars interesting set glued to the big screen the entire time. The movie was rather long but worth every minute of it. Oh and you have to stay for the finale end credit scenes. A Different Kind of Christmas by Lorie Ann McReynolds I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas. My Christmas was different this year. This was the first Christmas without both of my parents. All the “firsts” are hard. My daddy passed away in January of this year so my sister, my brother and I have had many firsts. I was actually dreading this Christmas without him. However, it wasn’t as
bad as I thought it would be. All my family and my sweet guy came to my house for Christmas dinner. We ate a delicious meal and then watched the kids open presents. (We adults don’t exchange gifts but I did happen to surprise my sister with a My Heritage DNA kit. I will talk more about that in later columns.) While the kids played with their presents, the adults played games. My nephew’s girlfriend brought a very interesting but challenging game from Disney. We all need more practice with that one. But then we played my favorite game, Pictionary. I think it is my favorite because of the laughter it creates. You are given a word on a card. And from that word you are supposed to draw a good enough picture for your partner to guess that word. We laughed until we cried. Even though I am dating an artist (see comic strip below), we still lost. But it was a lot of fun.
So, this Christmas was different for sure, but it was still very good. Laughter and love filled my house. Special memories were made. And yet while our hearts were heavy from missing our daddy, we knew he was celebrating Jesus’ birthday with Him. And with our mom. You just never know how God can turn sorrow into something wonderful. So, next Christmas I think I will try to make my daddy’s banana pudding. It was one of everyone’s favorite desserts. Please enjoy one free audio review copy of 1954: The S.S.S Strikes (Noir Book 1), now available on Audible. Redeem the one-time use code below at https://www.audible.com/ acx-promo 4DRTNYFGQUE6N
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
A Movie Review and Then Some
theloaferonline.com January 04, 2021
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Gear Up for the Spring Semester With These Educational Tools The spring semester represents the academic home stretch, that time of the school year when students can see the finish line. But that doesn’t mean they should coast their way to the end of the year. Be sure that they’re properly equipped to put in their best effort.
students to take notes in a number of formats, include typing, stylus and even with audio. They can then access those notes across their devices. Plus, sharing and collaboration features can help out when students are assigned group projects.
Fresh School Supplies
Though most students are back in the classroom, online resources are still as essential as ever for homework, studying and research. ClassPad. net is a free online mathematics platform for teachers and students that supports arithmetic, graphing, geometry and statistics and offers a personalized approach to what is for many, one of the toughest school subjects. Its greatest benefit is its cross-platform capability. Plus, using the platform, teachers and students can share problems and solutions with each other. For students who prefer a scientific or graphing calculator, the many offerings available from Casio feature natural textbook display, intuitive design, as well a host of other features that make learning
It helps to give the start of the spring semester the same importance in your mind as the start of the school year. After all, new supplies can motivate students to get serious about their coursework. To that end, consider doing a full inventory of pens, pencils, notebooks and more, and then updating and replacing items as needed. Perfect Note-Taking Note-taking can quickly become tedious or disorganized without a proper strategy. The good news is that now students have technical solutions at their disposal, some of which are free, to eliminate such concerns. For example, OneNote by Microsoft, allows
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mathematical concepts fun and engaging. Cram for Exams Even with the best of intentions, a study session can be easily derailed by any number of digital and analog distractions. Keep students both on-task and refreshed with a productivity app that builds in short but intense work periods of no interruptions interspersed
with quick breaks. The Marinara Timer, for example, will allow your student to choose between different settings and find the one that fits best with their study style. For their best semester ever, help your student gear up with the supplies and tools they need to stay organized, ontask and comfortable with the material. (StatePoint)
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What does your brand do?
You went into business for a reason. Your audience needs you, but do they know WHY they need you? Ask your audience what their pain points are and solve them. Solving issues is a great way to build trust and a loyal customer base. Why are you passionate about your brand? Why did you build your business? What makes you get out of bed in the morning ready to make it better than it was the day before? Use that passion to fuel your marketing efforts. Your passion will drive customers to your product/service and can turn them into brand ambassadors who are just as passionate about it as you are. Why is your brand your top priority?
Social Sentiments By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com
socialsentiments.net
You want to make a profit. Your brand has to be a top priority to make that happen. Why are you willing to put your brand above everything else to turn a profit? What makes your brand special enough to put forth the amount of effort it takes to thrive? Knowing what drives you towards profits will help you reach your goals and build a better business. What makes you want to read your own content? Do you create content that makes you want to share it with your friends and family? How are you solving problems for your potential customers via social media? Put your heart and soul into your social media persona and your audience will keep coming back. Authenticity builds brands because people buy from people. Selling a product on social media will bring in profits, but authentically providing
solutions to potential customers via social media will create word of mouth marketing and social media sharing that will far surpass traditional marketing methods. What challenges would you face if you were your own customer? If you came into your office or store right now, what would be your main goal? Step inside the shoes of your customers to get a feel for what they are looking for from your company. Stepping into their shoes will help you see your brand from a new perspective and will benefit both you and your customers. Knowing your brand inside and out is beneficial to building your customer base. Take the time to learn what makes you unique and let those qualities shine! *Printed in Volume 02 Issue 125, April 27, 2021*
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
Who Are You?
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theloaferonline.com January 04, 2021
How Creativity and Crafting Can Bring Families Together The benefits of family quality time, which include positive impacts on mental health, reduced stress, promoting adaptability and more, are well understood. But the importance of creativity in families is less common knowledge. According to a recent online study conducted by Ipsos, adults who participate in creative activities are more likely to describe themselves as optimistic, happy, passionate and joyful. But though art and creativity are vital for child development -- helping develop fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving abilities and even improving emotional wellness, according to education experts -- they’re not always a focus in schools. According to the Ipsos study, seven in 10 parents feel as though standardized test scores are prioritized more than creative thinking in school. In a world where families juggle work, school and other responsibilities, it’s important to find ways to unwind and to create joyful moments that get children and adults off the couch, away from screens and developing habits of lifelong
learning. The Ipsos study found that 75% of parents want their child(ren) to have more opportunities to be creative than they did when they were young, and twothirds of adults admitted they wish they got to use their creativity more in life. The good news is families can get creative right at home by seeking out opportunities for cross-generational learning. Grandparents can pass down their hobbies and crafts. Parents can teach children the traditions that make up their heritage. Whether it’s knitting, crocheting, cooking or woodworking, such hobbies are often specific to a family’s culture and are precious to keep in practice. If this is not an option, no worries. Online services can help your family get creative. For example, Craftsy, the premiere digital destination for creatives, is revolutionizing the way people tap into their potential and engage with lifestyle passions. The site can guide and encourage your family to create meaningful, creative experiences together, allowing you to set up ongoing craft projects to do with your kids, such
as decorating cupcakes, sewing a cozy pillow or learning to draw something new. Even families and friends who live apart can spark creativity and learn together from the comfort of their homes. Families and friends will soon be able to share their membership with loved ones to unlock unlimited access to over 1,500 courses, many of which are now also available in Spanish. From beginner to advanced, the site offers content and community for families and individuals of all ages in more than 20 categories. Services like Craftsy offer expert instruction, a passionate virtual community and plenty of opportunities for families to say, “We did it!” from participating in classes such as painting, gardening and cooking. To learn more or get started, visit craftsy.com Lifelong learning is a powerful form of personal development, helping individuals tap into their human nature of wanting to grow and explore, and when families find new hobbies and develop new skills together, they can collectively reap the benefits of creativity. (StatePoint)
by Kathie Scalf
The season of giving is behind us, but with January and all its resolutions inspiring a sense of fresh starts, the season of giving back has just begun. While it’s nice to demand and seek more within our own lives, one can truly never be fulfilled without living a life of humbled gratitude. If you’re like me, this holiday season I was more blessed than I deserved- and my family didn’t even exchange gifts. If you enjoyed a warm meal with a stable roof over your head, that alone is putting you in a far better position than millions of people around the globe. And if you had the privilege of spending it with loved ones who drive you crazy while exchanging presents, you’re fortunate beyond measure. In this era of “all about me” delusion, the most impactful commitment you can make in 2022 is putting in effort to help those less fortunate. If the thought of doling out meals in a soup kitchen or building houses with Habitat for Humanity seems overwhelming to your lifestyle at the moment, remember that charity starts at home. Begin by cleaning out your probably overrun closets and pantries. Outdated or ill-fitting clothes that are taking up residence in much-needed storage spaces could be a miracle gift for a person living on the streets or trying to build back after a natural disaster. If you stocked up on paper products and canned goods for the Great Toilet Paper Apocalypse of 2020, perhaps you should unload some of that stuff to people who could actually use it. Makeup bags filled with body care, feminine products and oral hygiene tools are worth their weight in gold to a woman who doesn’t have access
to daily hot showers. Consider all the luxuries of home most of us take for granted and unload any usable hoarded items to not only benefit someone else but also detox space for growth within your own environment. If you want to be more hands on, volunteerism is always the best option for paying it forward. Everyone, no matter their income, age, race or gender, has the capacity to make a difference in this world; you don’t have to be Jeff Bezos to be a hero for another living being. In fact, the most important charitable asset you have to play with doesn’t cost a dime- your time. Volunteering your hands even just a few hours can be invaluable to non-profits who are operating on shoestring budgets while being overrun with need. If handing out blankets to veterans or scooping poo at the animal shelter isn’t as glamorous as you’d like, there are plenty of organizations who conduct annual galas that fundraise for charity. If you have a background in marketing, event planning, sales or even finance, hopping on board the planning committees for such events are an excellent way to put your unique skillset to use, while also networking and building your own social connections. It’s also a terrific way to attend expensive ticketed events full of booze, food and fun for free! Wins all around! When it comes to financial charitable endeavors, most of us are limited on what we can contribute. I personally struggle with money, especially over the last 2 years of economic chaos, so if someone asks me to give fiscally my knee-jerk reaction is to say no. But let’s be real here…we all have money we’re wasting. Whether it’s a twice weekly $5 coffee at Starbucks, a $20 three wick candle at TJ Maxx or another $500 pair of designer shoes, 99% of us reading this have the means to cut out one impulse
purchase and contribute that money to a worthy charity, regardless of our tax bracket. Skipping one meal out and eating at home could be a week’s worth of meals for an underprivileged child. It could sponsor an animal on death row at a shelter. It could mean a tank of gas for a single mother trying to work and get her children to school in a rural area. Whether it’s $1 or $1 million, money can definitely go a long way and add up no matter the amount. Find something reputable that speaks to your heart and give what you reasonably can. Speaking of finding an organization that speaks to YOU, it is very important to align yourself with a cause you can be passionate about. There are charities for practically everything, and while none of us are ok with poverty, hunger and homelessness, your best efforts will be made to something near and dear to home. If you’re an animal lover, choose a rescue or shelter and go all in. If you grew up in a single mother household, seek out a women’s charity. Love children? Become a mentor! Someone close to you passed from cancer, brain injury, heart disease, or diabetes?? There are associations for ALL those illnesses that offer support for patients who are suffering. Go read to elderly people at a nursing home. Throw a charity ball that supports children in the arts. Volunteer on an LGBTQ suicide hotline. Regardless of your personal beliefs, background, education or means, the beauty of extending a helping hand is that we ALL can – and should – be doing it. No matter what you choose to call it (karma, The Golden Rule, etc), doing good makes you feel good and returns good back to you. One way or another, the things we do will come back on us down the road. I firmly believe people should help with no expectation of recognition
or reciprocation for their good deeds, but it doesn’t hurt that you never know the positive impact your generosity could create on your own life. The hand you shake at a charity function could be your next employer, or the child you mentored in basketball could be the next Kobe and set you up for life…who knows. All I know is you can’t go wrong when it comes to giving back. For the sake of space I won’t list all available charitable organizations in the Tri; you guys are smart enough to use Google. But having been personally associated with multiple boards and charities over the years, if anyone would like suggestions please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email or Instagram. I’m more than happy to point you in some directions. Happy first week of 2022 friends!
XO - Kathie
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
T he Season of Giving Back
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A Healthy Homemade Soup to Jumpstart the New Year
theloaferonline.com January 04, 2021
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When sweater weather arrives, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a pot of something savory and delicious simmering on the stove. As you turn to hearty soups this winter, having the right seasonal staples means you’ll be well on your way to having piping hot meals on the table, quickly and hassle-free. Keep your pantry and fridge stocked with essential ingredients like onions, carrots and celery, along with a collection of earthy, zesty spices and versatile, all-purpose seasonings. You’ll also need a rich and all-natural stock handy, such as Kitchen Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock. Simmered all day with chicken, vegetables and McCormick herbs and spices, this deeply flavored stock can bring a burst of savory warmth to countless dishes. It’s low on sodium so it’s a good-for-you start to many delicious meals beyond soup, like rice, sauces, and more.
puts this stock -- aka “liquid gold” -- front and-center. Yep, you guessed it, Savory Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. Nostalgic and nourishing, all you need is 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes cooking on your stovetop. Ingredients: • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 cup chopped yellow onion • 1 cup chopped carrots • 1 cup chopped celery • 2 tablespoons McCormick Garlic, Herb and Black Pepper and Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning • 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Turmeric • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 2 cartons (32 ounces each) Kitchen To help you embrace the colder Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock weather, try a recipe for a hearty classic • 2 cups uncooked medium egg noodles loaded with tender veggies, chicken, • 1/2 cup frozen peas egg noodles and robust flavor that
Instructions: 1. Heat oil in large saucepan on medium heat until shimmering. Add onion, carrots and celery; cook and stir 3 minutes or until softened. Stir in seasoning and turmeric; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken and stock. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. 2. Transfer chicken to medium bowl; shred using two forks. Set aside. Stir noodles into broth; cook 6 minutes or until tender. Return shredded chicken to saucepan. Gently stir in peas. Sprinkle with parsley to serve, if desired. For more great ways to warm up this season, visit: mccormick.com/kitchen-basics. During the short, dark days of winter, healthy soups like this will feed your body and warm your soul.
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The new film "Red Notice" contains the star power of Dwayne Johnson ("Black Adam"), Ryan Reynolds ("Deadpool") and Gal Gadot ("Wonder Woman"), and their combined wattage practically melts the screen. The film was supposed to be released by Universal, but was purchased by Netflix, and began streaming on November 12th to a tremendous response from viewers. The story reveals how two thousand years ago Cleopatra was gifted with three jeweled eggs as a wedding gift. The eggs were lost over time, but two of them were found in 1907, however the third remains missing. Enter Special Agent John Hartley (Johnson) who is sent to a museum in Rome to investigate the theft of the egg that has been on display at the museum. While at the museum, Harley reveals the egg on display is a forgery and discovers the thief, international art thief Nolan Booth (Reynolds) is standing nearby and attempts to flee. Booth is captured by Hartley and is taken into custody. While the real egg is being transported, another international art thief, Sarah Black AKA "The Bishop", steals
Pop Life
By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com
the egg during the transport. Meanwhile, Hartley discovers he has been blackmailed and is arrested for being part of the theft of the egg. Thus, Hartley and Booth find themselves incarcerated at the same remote prison in Russia. While at the prison, the two are confronted by Black who suggests they all work together to find the third egg. The duo decline her offer, but eventually manage an exciting escape from the prison involving explosives and a helicopter. The two men have made the decision to work together and head to Valencia, Spain to get the second egg before Black. While attending a masquerade ball at a mansion in Valencia the duo once again encounter Black who is also in the mansion to collect the egg. The trio have a knock down drag out fight in the mansion, which eventually ends with a surprising twist. At this point, Black has the upper hand, and tourtes Hartley in an attempt to get Booth to reveal the location of the third egg, of which only he knows the location. After tricking Black, the duo find themselves in Argentina where the third egg is located. While the duo find a massive treasure trove of artifacts, they are convinced they have eluded Black, but like any good international thief, she shows up. At this point in the story, the trio decide to team up in order to elude the authorities, who have also tracked the location of the missing egg. When the trio escape the underground bunker containing the treasures and the pursuing authorities, the story features yet another surprising twist I certainly didn't see coming. Eventually the film ends with the trio making a surprising decision, which could certainly lead to a sequel. I was impressed with
how the actors interacted, and they have wonderful onscreen chemistry. I love how Johnson plays the fall guy to Reynolds wise cracking smart aleck. Meanwhile, Gadot again displays why she makes such an amazing Wonder Woman, showing her skills with a spear (yes she uses one during a fight), and elegant outfits. There are also many great lines of dialogue in the film, one of which has Reynolds describing Johnson as a "wall". The film is fast moving and wastes no time in
getting into action mode, which is great for this genre of film. I really hope there is a sequel to this film, as a film series could be spawned. "Red Notice" is a breezy and fun action/comedy which is a delight for fans of the actors involved, and became the most watched movie on Netflix. (Rated PG-13)
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
Red Notice
5 Ways to Keep Your Home Cozy All Winter Long
theloaferonline.com January 04, 2021
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According to the Energy Information Administration, heating bills for homes that use natural gas could be significantly higher this winter – perhaps by as much as 50%. Why? Based on recent weather trends, colder temperatures are expected, which not only boosts the energy your home needs to stay warm, but quickly raises the demand for those resources as well. Weatherizing your house to ensure it stays comfortable during the long winter season is a great way to help control possible increased costs on your utility bills. Here are five easy ways to keep your home cozy all winter long. 1. Maximize Heating Options: Unpredictable weather can cause outages, so it’s best to prepare with alternative ways to heat your home. A log fireplace is wonderful, but for those without one, it may be best to invest in a gas heating alternative, like an individual heater or small generator. 2. Temperature Control: Bringing
those utility bills down means keeping the warm air inside. Shifts in temperature can cause wood to expand or contract, creating small cracks or leaks which need to be filled. Duck Brand Foam Weatherstrip Seals form the perfect barrier from drafts with self-adhesive foam strips to ensure utility bills remain low with minimum effort and maximum savings. These heavy-duty strips also provide protection year-round by blocking dust, pollen and insects. 3. Swap Your Furnace Filter: Trapped dust and dirt in your furnace filter can cause low air flow and limit your furnace’s ability to properly function when you need it most. This can unnecessarily raise the temperature on your heat and cause energy bills to skyrocket. A simple filter change on your furnace and even air conditioning units as often as once a month can help maintain excellent air flow.
concentrate on preventing drafts by their front door; they often forget about the largest opening in their house – the garage. Protect against snow, water and cool winter air from entering your garage with a Duck Brand Garage Bottom Seal. This heavy-duty, waterproof rubber seal won’t freeze or crack, and creates a tight, protective border all year long. 5. Cover Exterior Access Locations: Built-in pet doors and mail slots often go overlooked. Lower your energy bill
by covering those spaces and opt for alternative options when taking out your pets and receiving mail. For more information, visit DuckBrand.com. Staying prepared for any shift in weather is always something homeowners should prioritize. With some quick tricks and the right products on hand, weatherizing your home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. (StatePoint)
4. Create a Barrier in the Garage: While many homeowners
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When WhenAdele The Criterion releasedCollection, her newest album it was announced that she those crafters some of the finest had asked streaming giant home video editions music of the best Spotify remove the option moviesto ever made—going onto for listen to her album on shuffle play.a almost 40 years now--announced Spotify complied request, few months backwith theyher would debut much to my shock some people their first-ever titles on 4K Ultra HD seemed angry at the idea of Blu-Ray to bybe year’s end, there was not being able to shuffle play the much celebration. Most of the titles album. I understood why she made Criterion would debut in 4K were the request. Albums are put together titlesdesigned they hadtopreviously released and play in a certain on blu-ray over the last few years. sequence to create moods and emotional impact.Powell Just letting an Directors Michael and Emeric album play on 1948 shuffle removes that Pressburger’s film “The Red and takes away Shoes” was onefrom suchthe title. The film is artist’s intention. a title that Criterion has released on every formatreaction that they’ve ever to been The negative of some Adele’s request made think on in business with, first me appearing about a conversation my Laserdisc in 1995. TheI had film with is widely friend Jordan notoftoo I’m considered one thelong bestago. British going to all paraphrase good bitthe here, films of time and aperhaps so if I get the facts of this muddle directing duo’s masterpiece. The up a bit, I apologize. However, film is about a ballerina who the gist of the is what’s under the conversation hand of a demanding, important here. Jordan was telling a perfectionist impresario, becomes me about “thingness” which is, star on the stage. in essence, about the physical Alongside the ballerina’s rise aWe representation of something. were discussing it as it pertains to young, hopeful composer is asked
Batteries Not Included
By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com
art. Movies, music, TV shows. Things that for most people no longer exist in physical realms, but just as ones and zeroes floating through the ether.
things that represent such a huge part of my life.
I take comfort in it. If I woke up at four in the morning and wanted to listen to the soundtrack album to I realize before I go any deeper that the 1994 Jim Carey film “The Mask” I can. I have it. I own it. No one can I risk getting into “old man yells at take that away from me. And that cloud” territory here. I don’t wish album? It’s not streaming. Less than to, but I can’t help but feel that something is very much lost in how half of the songs on that album are streaming in one form or another. we devalue art as a whole today. I Streaming isn’t a miracle cure. Not use streaming, I don’t want you to think of me as a hypocrite. I enjoy it, every TV show, movie, or album will but nine times out of ten, if I discover be there without fail. something streaming that I love, I The other side of this, especially with go out and buy it in some format— music, is that if you buy the album typically vinyl because that’s me. if you own it—you are supporting I have a music collection that I’ve been curating for my entire life. Anyone who knows me or has read this column knows how much I love music. It’s extremely central to whom I am a person. I have the very first CD I ever owned still—Paul Abdul’s “Forever Your Girl” if you’re curious. I can’t imagine making digital copies of it all, and just dumping it all in some thrift store or other shop and leaving behind
love her as much as you say you do? I’m sure are laughing at my thoughts, scoffing at it all. That’s fine, that’s like the people who deride my record and movie collection with snide comments like “You’re never going to listen to all that!” No. I’m not going to sit down one day and go through it all from A to Z. But that’s not the point. I own it. It’s mine. It’s there when I need it. It makes me happy. “Thingness” to me is not a fetishization of the physical object, but a celebration of the music that the object holds.
It’s a whole package deal that was put together with thought and care. the artist whose music you love far It’s meaningful. It has depth. I feel more than if you just stream it. At what point will people want to make like we could use more of that now. The tangible connection. It’s a bonus music as a living if we continue to to the artist experience you’ll have take the living aspect out of it? We will lose a lot. More than maybe we listening to the music or watching realize now. Adele made her album the TV show or watching the movie. I hope we never lose that, but I fear to be experienced in a certain way. we will. Think about it. See how If you love her and are mad she took away the option to shuffle the “thingness” applies to your life. I bet it does in ways you don’t realize. See album, destroying the experience she has intended for you, do you you next week.
theloaferonline.com | January 04,, 2021
Thingness