The Loafer 61

Tis the Season for Giving.

and published by the

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.

Kingsport Ballet Presents

Bristol TN/Va

Bristol, TN/VA

WEDNESDAY Nov 30th

Kevin Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Dec 1st

Trevor Meade 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

FRIDAY Dec 2nd

Some Old Friends 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

SATURDAY Dec 3rd

Bluegrass Jam 2:00pm at Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Mark Larkins followed by Crash Test Acoustic 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Double Tap 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

MONDAY Nov 28th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Spotlight

Johnson City, Tn

Johnson City, TN

TUESDAY Nov 29th

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

ETSU Bluegrass, Old-Time, & Roots Music Studies 7:00pm at The Down Home

WEDNESDAY Nov 30th

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Dec 1st

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

The Rice Flyers 7:00pm at the Down Home

FRIDAY Dec 2nd

Gentlemen and Liars 7:00 at Wild Wing Cafe

SATURDAY Dec 3rd

A Holiday Evening with Isaac Gibson of 49 Winchester 7:30pm at The Down Home

Railway Express 9:00pm at Johnson City Moose Lodge Jet Black Audio 10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY Dec 4th

A Holiday Evening with Isaac Gibson of 49 Winchester 7:30pm at The Down Home

10 Years 8:00pm at Capone’s

Kingsport

Elizabethton, TN Kingsport, TN

FRIDAY Dec 2nd

Crossfire 8:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Dec 3rd

Jon Cox Band 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Abingdon

Abingdon, VA

FRIDAY Dec 2nd

Caleb Caudle 6:00pm at Wolf Hills Brewing

lizabethton

TUESDAY Nov 29th

Frito Puente with Will Boyd 7:30pm at Bonnie Kate Theatre

FRIDAY Dec 2nd

Wild Blue Yonder 7:00pm at Bonnie Kate Theatre

SATURDAY Dec 3rd

Crosby Tyler 7:00pm at Riverside Taphouse

Kara ke

KARAOKE

TUESDAY

TUESDAY

Karaokeat Numan’s-JohnsonCity

Karaoke with Bert & L.A. at Kingsport Moose Lodge 7pm

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

WEDNESDAY

Trivia

TUESDAY

Wild Wing Café JC- Team Trivia Tuesdays 8:30pm

WEDNESDAY

Turn thePage Karaokeat VFWPost 2108 – Johnson City

Karaoke Night at WonderlandLounge andBar

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

Karaokeat Quaker Steak andLube (Bristol, VA) 7pm

Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6pm

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

Karaoke at Thunder Valley Tavern 8pm

Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm

THURSDAY

THURSDAY

KaraokeatZachary’s Steakhouse

Michael’s Krazy Karaoke at StatelineBar & Grill

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

Gypsy Circus Cider Company - Trivia 7:00pm

WEDNESDAY

Karaokew/DJ MarquezTop Shelf Entertainment at WildWings CaféJC

Karaoke with Karaoke with Open Mic Entertainment at Wild Wing Café Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaokeat Numan’s-JohnsonCity

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

KaraokeatJiggy Rays Pizzeria

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN

Abby’s Hell Yeah Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar - Kingsport, TN 8pm

Karaokew/Tony &Rod atCJ’s SportsBar 8pm

KaraokeatTipsy Toad(Jonesborough)

Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - JonesboroughTN

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 8pm

Open Mic & Karaoke at Wonderland Lounge/Bar N Grill

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

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 7-10

Karaoke at Midnight Oasis Brtistol, TN

FRIDAY

Karaoke at Sonny's Marina/The French Quarter Restaurant

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

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

FRIDAY

Karaokew/ ShaneRouseat Bear’sBar

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine 9pm

Karaokeat KingsportMooseLodge

THURSDAY

Holy Taco & Cantina Trivia Night 9pm

JRH Brewing - Trivia Night 7pm

Mellow Mushroom Johnson City Mellow Trivia 7pm

MONDAY

Karaokew/Reverb Karaokeat TheCottage 8:30pm

SATURDAY

Turn thePage Karaokeat VFWPost 2108 – Johnson City

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

KaraokeatElizabethtonVFW

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 8-11

Barley Waters- Trivia Night 7pm Yee-Haw Brewing- Trivia Mondays 7pm

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

Karaokew/ Michael Hawkinsat HolidayInn (Exit 7) – Bristol, VA

Karaokeat Numan’s–JohnsonCity

Karaokeat27Lions (Marion, VA) 9:00pm

Woodstone Deli DJ Trivia 7pm

Model City Tap House - Live Team Trivia Night 7pm

Meet Sable !!! She is a little over a year old and is a lovely green eyed black cat with beautiful markings from a grayish white undercoat. Sable came in with 15 other cats that were abandoned at the Rescue in early summer.

love attention and

you

She has become friendly and will meow at you wanting treats and loves to be petted, but she’s still adjusting. Sable is good with other cats, spayed, current on vaccinations and microchipped. of these! I can be a little aggressive with my food. We are also unsure if I am housetrained. I do ok on a leash but could do better with some training. I’m a smart girl, submissive and a people pleaser. I have been spayed, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

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

THURSDAY DEC 1ST

World Aids Day Memorial 6:30pm at Pride Community Center

FRIDAY DEC 2ND

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Holiday Sip, Shop, & Stroll 4:00pm at Downtown Johnson CIty

Holiday Family Movie Night 5:00pm at Memorial Park Community Center

Christmas Tree Cake Door Hanger 6:00pm at Into The Fire

SATURDAY DEC 3RD

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park Cookies for Santa Mommy & Me 9:00am at Into the Fire Bike & Beans

10:00am at Trek Bicycle

Johnson City Christmas Parade 10:30am Starts at ETSU and Ends at Old Burley Lot

The 2022 Cane Masterpiece

Auction 1:00pm at Kimball M. Sterling, Inc Visions of Christmas: 1861 2:00pm at Tipton-Haynes Historic Site WCQR’s 25th Anniversary Celebration 4:00pm at Founder's Park

Mountain Empire Camera Club Photo Outing 6:30 at Founder's Park

SUNDAY DEC 4TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

KINGSPORT

TUESDAY NOV 29TH

Old-Fashioned Christmas Fair 10:00am at Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre

WEDNESDAY NOV 30TH

Farmer's Market 7:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market

THURSDAY DEC 1ST

First Thursday Shop and Hop 5:00pm at Downtown KPT

FRIDAY DEC 2ND

Ullr Fest: Viking Snow & Snowsport Festival 6:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

SATURDAY DEC 3RD

Farmer's Market 7:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market

Christmas in the Country 10:00am at Exchange Place

Kingsport Christmas Parade 1:00pm at Downtown KPT

BRISTOL

THURSDAY DEC 1ST

Incredible Business Networking Biz Lunch 11:30am at Michael Waltrip Brewing Co.

Bristol Christmas Parade 7:00pm at Downtown Bristol

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAY NOV 29TH

Macrame Ornament Workshop 6:00pm at Mill Spring Makers Market

Jonesborough Storytelling Guild “Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The International Storytelling Center

SATURDAY DEC 3RD

Victorian Christmas 10:00am at the Chester Inn State Historic Site

Holiday Makers Faire 10:00am at Mill Spring Makers Market

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

Jonesborough Christmas Tree Lighting 6:00pm at Downtown Jonesborough

HIRING EVENT

Advanced Call Center Technologies Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour with bonus opportunities. Various Shifts Available Offers on the spot available!

Locations in: Johnson City, Boones Creek, Kingsport, and Blountville. Wednesday, Dec 7, 2022

10AM - 3PM Eastern Time 3043 Boones Creek Road Suite 102 Johnson City, TN

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY NOV 30TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY DEC 2ND

Movies for Grown-Ups 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library

SATURDAY DEC 3RD

Holiday Market 10:00am at Abingdon Farmers Market

SUNDAY DEC 4TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

PINEY FLATS

FRIDAY DEC 2ND

Candlelight Christmas Tours 5:00pm at Rocky Mount State Historic Site

SATDAY DEC 3RD

Candlelight Christmas Tours 5:00pm at Rocky Mount State Historic Site

ELIZABETHTON

NOV 20 - DEC 4

WinterFest Art Show

Every Mon Sat 9am 4pm, Every Sun 1pm 4pm at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

FRIDAY DEC 2ND

Holiday Sip and Shop 5:00pm at August Muse

EAT •SHOP • PLAYTHE L O REFALACOLS’ SAMTSIRHC

Christmas! My favorite time of the year. The time to enjoy family and friends and remember the reason for the season……. Jesus! We are so excited to bring you the ABCs of Christmas again this year on a Santa train. This year our theme is Shop, Eat and Play local. I would really like to encourage everyone to spend your holiday budget locally as much as possible. We need to work hard to keep these local businesses going. Online shopping so convenient and sometimes we need it but please don’t forget the local stores. I hope that you will take the time to look through the ads and make plans to visit some of them. We will focus on Christmas the next 3 weeks.

-Lisa Durbin, Publisher

Eat, Shop and Play Local!

Local Christmas Parades

Johnson City Christmas Parade

Saturday December 3

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

This year’s theme will be “Christmas Around the World.”

The parade starts on East Tennessee State University’s campus, goes onto University Parkway and then W State of Franklin. From there, the parade turns left onto Buffalo Street and down onto E Main Street, then Colonial Way. The parade ends in the Old Burley Lot at the corner of Legion Street and E State of Franklin. www.jcchristmasparade.org/ Bristol Christmas Parade

Thursday December 1

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

One of Bristol’s most anticipated celebrations, the Bristol Christmas parade takes places the first Thursday of December at 7 p.m. Helping usher in the holiday season, the parade, which starts on Bob Morrison Blvd. and travels down State Street to the historic Bristol Train Station, brings out thousands of

area residents who can’t wait to see the beautifully decorated floats, as well as the jolly old man himself www.bristolchamber.com/ christmas-parade

Kingsport Christmas Parade

Saturday December 3

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

HO! HO! HO! It’s time to Jingle & Mingle in Downtown Kingsport! Join the celebration as the community lights up Downtown Kingsport with Christmas Spirit! The parade will begin at 6pm and the floats will glow with lights! You don’t want to miss this event as our iconic parade moves throughout downtown and legendary Church Circle! The Tree Lighting ceremony will begin immediately after the conclusion of the parade. www.downtownkingsport.org/ events/kingsportchristmas-parade/

Abingdon Christmas Parade

Saturday December 3

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Join us for the 55th Annual Abingdon Christmas Parade organized by the Kiwanis Club for the Town of

Abingdon and sponsored by Bart Long & Associates Realty and Auction, LLC. The parade will start promptly at 6pm at the Main Street and Court Street intersection. We look forwarding to seeing everyone in the community again this year and don’t forget about seeing Santa to kick of the Christmas holiday! www.facebook.com/ events/608107287461446

Greeneville Christmas Parade December 4

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

The 2022 Greeneville Christmas Parade, a collaborative event between the Exchange Club of Greeneville and the Greene County Partnership, is set to take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 4th.This year’s theme will be “Christmas Around the Globe” where participants are challenged with creating a unique float or decorated vehicle that exemplifies a specific place and its culture from around the world. The parade will be staged on Bohannon Avenue, turning left on North Main Street. It will then travel through the downtown area on South Main, proceeding to West Main and dispersing on to Carson and West Main streets at the intersection in front of Crescent School. https://www.facebook.com/ GreeneCountyPartnership

Shopping Local and Made in USA

By [https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Gini_ Cunningham/146831]Gini Cunningham

How are you doing at your Christmas and holiday buying? I know it is easy to hop on the Internet and enter every cyber sale in existence. There are wonderful bargains and goodies galore that arrive at the door without need of venturing outside of home. I use the Internet - it is an addictive sort of force. A click or two, a perusal or three, the tapping of credit card information and bam! Holidays are ordered and in the mail in an instant. Of course, there are snags such as the wrong size requested, or order mix-up, or odd colors and quality but with care, these mistakes can be avoided or returned via the next shipment out. While online retailers do not want to see their package reappear in the "return bin", they also know that most folks just keep the junk, either unable or unwilling to venture to shipment service to exchange the error, and so while customers and gift recipients may lose, the cyber folks thrive and await the next errant order.

About five years ago I entered my buy USA phase. What I thought would be a simple task became an arduous affair. It seems that most products are not made here or sometimes the parts are made here and then sent overseas for assembly or they are made here with foreign

The items varied from clothing to kitchenware to bedding and camping gear. Everything I picked up was "Made in China". I was certain I was reading wrong and so I continued beyond my 10 gift ideas and at 25 I simply gave up. Not a single product could be found made in the USA or even in any other foreign country aside from the one mentioned. I have nothing against products made in other nations; I was simply shocked and appalled and very disappointed.

After much research I did find some USA product websites, but I had to read carefully as some were made here but a click sent me to items not made here. Or in the case of a Christmas tree, the tree was made here but not the lights. I explored well-known American company names and again and again ended up in foreign-made products. After hours of searching I finally discovered bed sheets, cookie sheets, and home-crafted toys and so those made up my gift purchases. Unfortunately, I fell off of the USA wagon and have gone for out-of-country buys, but I am trying to mend my ways this year. Looks like everyone is getting sheets yet again!

I am also working on shopping locally so that my merchant neighbors will have a good year. It is hard to operate a small business when big stores come in and so I am doing my part, shunning the conglomerates and focusing on small enterprises. Again the task is not easy especially now that I have learned that my

favorite local is going out-of-business. So far this year I am faring quite well with this endeavor. I have a few more presents to buy and if I cannot get them here I have my USA sites in mind. I know this is an individual crusade and I recognize that I will have to pay more because US workers receive higher salaries, but it is worth it to support locals and products of this country. Are you in?

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles. com/?Shopping-Local-and-Made-inUSA&id=9247733] Shopping Local and Made in USA

Creative Christmas Activities For Awesome Family Fun

By [https://EzineArticles.com/expert/ Mary_Jennings/135124]Mary Jennings

At the center of the Christmas season is spending time with family. Making lasting memories with your family is at the top of every to-do list during the holiday season. There are many festive activities to bring into your family life so Christmas is more memorable and fun for everyone. Tradi tional activities and out of the box ideas make the holidays super-special.

Christmas Memories and Traditions

Take a few minutes to remember your own childhood and how you spent the Christ mas season at home. Do certain memories stand out as special in your mind? These are probably the Christmas traditions your own parents created for the family. Now it's time to create memorable Christ mas traditions in your own home. Make gingerbread houses together. Decorate holiday cookies. Are you short on time but still recall the delicious smell in your mom's kitchen at Christmas time? Simmer potpourri to create a warm aroma in your home even if you don't have time to bake very often.

Christmas Fun In The Kitchen

Maybe baking just isn't your thing. There are still plenty of fun Christmas activities to do in the kitchen. You can make all kinds of gift items in the kitchen without baking. Make chocolate covered pretzel sticks and chocolates. Pair the chocolate treats with homemade hot cocoa mix to give as Christ mas gifts.

Christmas Music

Include music in your family holiday tra ditions. Have fun with your family singing Christmas carols and making your own CD for the holidays. Use the recording of your family singing carols as holiday music every year while you decorate and enjoy Christmas festivities. Get really crafty and dress up the CD cases to look attractive so you can give them as gifts.

Cutting Down The Christmas Tree

A timeless tradition for many families is cutting down the Christmas tree. This activity adds a lot to the Christmas season at home. You can find Christmas tree farms just about everywhere. Ask a local grower's group for tree farm locations near you. The family shows up at the farm where mom or dad grab a saw to cut down the family Christmas tree. Everyone hunts for the perfect tree so mom or dad can cut it down

and bring it home. Some farms are large and some are small. You may only need to walk a short distance to find the perfect tree or you may wind up hiking up and down hills before the right tree turns up.

More Than A Christmas Tree Add dimension and fun to the Christmas tree cutting activity. Include additional family traditions in the day, such as lunch at a special place every year. You can also get Christmas candy to eat in the car on the way home with your tree. Another tradition can be shopping together for new ornaments after you bring the tree home and put it in a bucket of water.

Community Christmas Fun

Traditions are also created when you participate in annual community events. Does your town decorate a Christmas tree every year? Does your neighborhood have a block where all the homes are decorat ed with hundreds of holiday lights? Drive or walk to local Christmas festivities and make them part of your family traditions every year. Try to walk if the weather per mits so you have more time to observe the detailed holiday decorations together.

Christmas Cocoa

For kids and adults alike, hot cocoa is an essential part of the holiday season. Start a family tradition of making hot cocoa mix at

the beginning of the season. The children can each have a small cup of cocoa every night before bed during the month of De cember. As Christmas Day gets closer, add special goodies to the hot cocoa such as whipped cream and mini-marshmallows. Leave a cup of homemade hot cocoa for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

Christmas In Every Room

As your children get older, they enjoy decorating their rooms for Christmas. Add holiday cheer to every room when you en courage your children to decorate their own space. Let them do all the decorating them selves then take photos of them in their finished rooms. Look at the photos every year to see how the Christmas decorations in their rooms have progressed.

One last thing -- Imagine the look on your child's face if they received a personalized letter from Santa [http://www.hellofrom santa.net]. You can also include extra good ies with the Santa letter like Reindeer food. It's a gift that makes a strong and lasting impression.

Article Source: [http://EzineArti cles.com/?Creative-Christmas-Activities-For-Awesome-Fami ly-Fun&id=1592942] Creative Christmas Activities For Awesome Family Fun

for

Buy Locally for Flowers This Christmas

By [https://EzineArticles.com/expert/ Rachel_P_Carlson/1235303]Rachel P Carlson

As you think about gifts this Christmas season, floral gifts are great to give to someone at the office, people who have worked for you throughout the year, as a hostess gift, for your own dinner centerpiece, as decorations for your home or office. The best way to do this is to spend a little time and search online for a florist in the delivery town or zip code. Once you find a list of them look at the ratings and read the reviews, also look for websites that are not run by the national companies. The more individual the websites are the better chance you have of getting to a local florist for that area. A local phone number, address and even just calling the florist will let you know if you have a true local business that can attend to your order. the more personalized the service the better the quality of the arrangement.

Christmas floral gifts can be arranged in keepsake containers if you want those many florists have bought from the national services but order them locally and save the fees for your order. A $60.00 order that you pay for through a national chain will have approximately 40% attached to it in fees in the end. 27% is attached right away and the rest are hidden fees that come along. That will reduce your order to the florist to $36.00 and the florist has to make some kind of profit in the arrangement to stay in business. However, if you call the florist direct you get the full value of your order because those fees won't apply and the florist can create

and innovate the order with so much fun that you will be delighted in the end result

The poinsettia is a great way to give the holiday spirit. When you order direct from a local florist the poinsettia you can get will be much larger than the one you will order from a national wire service. That national wire service will contact a local florist randomly but the 50.00 value that you spent will be reduced because of the fees and therefore the size of the poinsettia you have delivered will be reduced.

There is the whole issue of customer service too, if you want to change the message on the enclosure card for instance, calling the national florist wire companies can put you overseas, in fact your original order could have been taken by an overseas customer service representative and the hold times for the phone call I think have discouraged people from calling florists. Call a local florist and get not only better customer service but more personalized service. The reputation of the florist is involved and on a local level this is very important. The florist wants to get it right and have a great customer experiences. So shop local and get the best value for your money when you purchase a floral arrangement gift this holiday season!

Rachel Carlson at http://www.thewildorchidllc.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles. com/?Buy-Locally-for-Flowers-ThisChristmas&id=6726123] Buy Locally for Flowers This Christmas

Waiting for Santa

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello everyone, well we have Halloween and Thanksgiving behind us. Now we wait for the first day of winter and Christmas then New Years. Must folks are now in the cage but maybe there will be a warm day or two where we can ride. But putting your knees in the breeze this time of year requires warmer clothing plus leather. Be safe!

The first day of winter is December 21st. This day will have the least amount of sunlight and the longest amount of nightfall. Starting on December 22nd our days will start getting longer.

The winter solstice, also called the hibernal solstice, occurs when either of Earth's poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. This happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere (Northern and Southern). For that hemisphere, the winter solstice is the day with the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year, when the Sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the sky. Either pole experiences continuous darkness or twilight around its winter solstice. The opposite event is the summer solstice. The winter solstice occurs during the hemisphere's winter. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the December solstice (usually 21st or 22nd December) and in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the June solstice

(usually 20th or 21st of June). Although the winter solstice itself lasts only a moment, the term also refers to the day on which it occurs. The term midwinter is also used synonymously with the winter solstice, although it carries other meanings. Traditionally, in many temperate regions, the winter solstice is seen as the middle of winter, although today in some countries and calendars it is seen as the beginning of winter. Other names are the "extreme of winter" (Dongzhi), or the "shortest day". Since prehistory, the winter solstice has been a significant time of year in many cultures and has been marked by festivals and rituals. It marked the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun; the gradual waning of daylight hours is reversed and begins to grow again. Some ancient monuments such as Newgrange and Stonehenge are aligned with the sunrise or sunset on the winter solstice. The solstice may have been a special moment of the annual cycle for some cultures even during Neolithic times. Astronomical events were often used to guide activities, such as the mating of animals, the sowing of crops and the monitoring of winter reserves of food. Many cultural mythologies and traditions are derived from this. This is attested by physical remains in the layouts of late Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeological sites, such as Stonehenge in England and Newgrange in Ireland. The primary axes of both of these monuments seem to have been carefully aligned on a sightline pointing to the winter solstice sunrise (Newgrange) and the winter solstice sunset (Stonehenge). It is significant that at Stonehenge the Great Trilithon was oriented outwards from the middle of the monument, its smooth flat face was turned towards the midwinter Sun.

meat was available. The majority of wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking at this time. The concentration of the observances was not always on the day commencing at midnight or at dawn, but at the beginning of the pagan day, which in many cultures fell on the previous eve. Because the event was seen as the reversal of the Sun's ebbing presence in the sky, concepts of the birth or rebirth of sun gods have been common. In cultures which used cyclic calendars based on the winter solstice, the "year as reborn" was celebrated with reference to life-death-rebirth deities or "new beginnings" such as Hogmanay's Redding, a New Year cleaning tradition.

Useless Facts:

1. THERE ARE ACTUALLY TWO FIRST DAYS OF WINTER: There is an astronomical first day of winter and a meteorological first day of winter. The meteorological first day of winter begins on December 1.

2. THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER IS USUALLY NOT THE COLDEST DAY OF THE YEAR. Even the though sun is at its most southern point on this day, the Earth continues to retain some of its heat for a little bit.

3. SOME PEOPLE THINK ENGLAND’S FAMOUS STONEHENGE MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT IN CELEBRATION OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE.

word, solstitium, which means ‘standing sun.’

8. On this day, the sun rays are directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, i.e., 23.5° south latitude.

9. It is the day between September and March when Earth’s Northern Hemisphere gets the least exposure to direct sunlight over the course of a day.

10. Our Earth orbits on a tilted axis. From September to March, the northern hemisphere gets less direct sunlight than the southern hemisphere, thus making the days shorter and the nights longer. The rest of the year, southern hemisphere gets less direct sunlight than the north. It’s the reason why we have different seasons.

11. This is the shortest day and longest night of the year, at times, even called the darkest day of the year.

12. Although it is the first official day of winter, it is not the coldest day of the year. The coldest days are in the months of January or February (in some places).

13. Usually astrologists describe the day as a ‘significant turning point’ or ‘a start of a new cycle’. It is thus believed to be a good time to slow down and introspect your life decisions.

14. All snowflakes have six sides due to hydrogen bonding with the coolest facts.

By Anne Hartley

The winter solstice was immensely important because the people were economically dependent on monitoring the progress of the seasons. Starvation was common during the first months of the winter, January to April (northern hemisphere) or July to October (southern hemisphere), also known as "the famine months". In temperate climates, the midwinter festival was the last feast celebration before deep winter began. Most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter, so it was almost the only time of year when a plentiful supply of fresh

4. THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER HAS SOME OTHER HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AS WELL. December 21st is actually the day that the pilgrims arrived at Plymouth

5. THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER DOES NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN ON DECEMBER 21. It can occur anytime between December 20 and December 23. This is because of the difference between the tropical year (the amount of time it takes the sun to circle to the exact same spot on the early) and our commonly used Gregorian calendar year.

6. THE WINTER SOLSTICE CAN AFFECT PEOPLE’S MOODS. Around the winter solstice is when SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) typically sets in.

7. The word ‘solstice’ originates from a Latin

15. The Polar Plateau in Antarctica has the world’s coldest winter. The yearly average temperature is -72.9 degrees Fahrenheit.

Beanz Biker Corner

Four Things To Ask Before You Post

Posting content in a cancel culture world can feel like walking on eggshells. There are four specific things to consider to make sure your content doesn't negatively impact your image.

How would a customer view this content?

What would you think of your company if you were seeing your content as a first time customer? Take a step back and view your content from the perspective of a first time buyer. First impressions can make or break your customer base and most first impressions are now made online.

What if this went viral?

Going viral is unlikely in most scenarios, but you still need

to consider the possibility. Mistakes or improper remarks will be amplified if your content does go viral, leading to potential reputation loss.

Can this be interpreted as offensive?

Defending an unpopular stance can be tricky. Even if the offensive post is taken down, screen shots may still exist. Your brand could come crashing down with one word or photo. The golden rule is that if an issue doesn't directly impact you or your brand, stay silent.

Do I absolutely need to post something political?

Politics is a very touchy subject. It's impossible to have every person that sees your content agree with you. If politics applies to your brand, post

sparingly and carefully. Keeping your political beliefs unseen and unheard can save you and your brand from a lot of time spent handling backlash.

Carefully considered content can save you from a world of hassle. A 30 minute brainstorming session is well worth not having to deal with potential lost revenue.

By Wendy Hayden

Holiday Do’s and Dont’s

Is it just me or is time now flying by so quickly it’s not even happening? When this article is published we will be halfway through November and my mind is still trying to process July. Bearing that in mind, the holidays are basically here, so if you’re not ready it’s probably high time to get that way. This time of year can quickly spiral from “the magical season of giving” to “stress fueled dumpster fire” without some type of game plan. Luckily for you all, in my decades of holiday hosting I’ve learned a few valuable lessons I can share. The rest, you’re going to just have to learn from experience. Behold, my abridged list of holiday do’s and dont’s!

My first DO- decorate your house in a tasteful, elegant, minimalistic, monochromatic color scheme! Which leads me to my first Don’t- DON’T listen to me, or anyone else! That is how I like MY house to look, but you feel free to go as overboard and loud as you want. If you want your house to be lit up like the Griswolds, go for it! The Christmas spirit is all about feeling warm and fuzzy, so whatever makes you feel that way is the ‘right’ way to decorate. I do request you keep the inflatable yard décor to a minimum because, respectfully, they are a bit much. But otherwise, create a Christmas scheme that is authentically you.

However, DON’T leave your decorations up ‘til the groundhog can see his shadow beside them. There is nothing more depressing to me than seeing a dilapidated brown wreath hanging haphazardly on someone’s door beneath one sad string of lights a month after the glitz and glamour of the holidays has passed. If I made the rules, it would require breaking

everything down on New Year’s Day, but since I don’t it isn’t mandatory. I think a week following New Year’s is plenty of time to have enjoyed the décor and then stashed it away until next November. The way time is flying, it’ll be back before you know it anyway.

DO put your tree up whenever you’re good and ready. I have always been staunchly against Christmas trees before Thanksgiving and one of my favorite traditions has been spending black Friday picking out and decorating a tree with my family. But times and circumstances have changed, and this year with mom and dad coming to Nashville for Thanksgiving instead of me coming home plus a lack of storage space, I had to go ahead and put my tree up November 10th. It’s not so bad, and will leave time for other activities during my parents’ visit. If you love basking in the warm glow of the tree, put that sucker up and enjoy it as long as you want.

While there may be many reasons for the season, we all know food is the real star of the show. Whether you’re cheffing the main event or just contributing a snack, everyone wants to have a standout dish. But the holidays are not the time to try out a new recipe. DO make the meat of your menu classics that stand the test of time. People wait 365 days to eat Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner; DON’T throw everyone for a loop because you decided to be adventurous and switch up their favorite fried turkey for a spicy curry slow roast bird. However, I do encourage you to throw in at least one new dish for everyone’s sampling. Whether it’s a specialty cocktail or a side dish, you never know what might become everyone’s new favorite classic for years to come. There’s nothing wrong with exploring, just don’t stray so far off the beaten path

that it throws everyone for a loop. Speaking of guests, it’s time to tackle the toughest do’s and dont’s of them all- with whom and where you will spend your quality holiday time. It’s a fact that being forced to mingle with people you only see once a year can get dicey or in some cases downright ugly; for some it’s what makes the holidays miserable. If that’s the case, DON’T do it. Just because someone shares a blood line with you doesn’t require suffering through an evening of dry turkey through gritted teeth and tears in the bathroom. DO surround yourself with people you love who bring you joy, whether it’s family or friends or the bartender down the street who can’t get back home this year. People put way too much emphasis on sharing these special occasions simply because ‘blood is thicker than water.’ I say to heck with that; sometimes you just aren’t compatible no matter who the person is. But in the spirit of forgiveness, DO make an honest effort to mend any burned bridges that might be weighing on you. While it’s not healthy to let any old person back into your life, if you find yourself missing someone or you’re just being petty because someone you genuinely enjoy shares a different view than yours politically, let that stuff go. Life is too short to hold grudges.

Finally, DO put a focus on tradition and making memories. People get so caught up in material things during the holidays, when the real joy and magic comes from the feelings within. The glow of lights, the smells of yummy desserts, the playful bickering while trimming the tree…this is what leaves lasting impressions, not how many likes you got on the Instagram video unwrapping the latest Jordans. Each year, DO resurrect the things from years past that are unique to your family, whether it’s watching a

by Kathie Scalf

certain movie, playing board games or a recreating Grandma’s classic Grinch punch. But DON’T be afraid to start a new tradition! Maybe this year everyone is saving money so you draw names, or someone gets a karaoke machine and spikes Grandma’s punch and it’s a hit; if something new is fun, bring it back the next year.

Don’t let the true values of Christmas get lost in the commercial BS of social media and television. Do things that make you feel good on the inside and you can guarantee the best holiday season ever. Give to those less fortunate, forgive those who deserve it, spend time with the people you love and decorate as little or as much as you want. Keep it simple and low stress and remember, if worst comes to worst, it’ll be over before you know it! Happy Holidays!

Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons

As you can probably tell from past articles I am a huge Batman fan, and I am there for anything involving the Dark Knight. One of the current releases featuring Batman, but not in a starring role, is "Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons". While the film does feature Batman, as voiced by Troy Baker, the primary focus of the film is on the characters of Jonathan Kent (Jack Dylan Grazer) and Damian Wayne (Jack Griffo), the sons of Superman (Travis Willingham) and Batman respectively. I would hazard a guess that most of the general public or non comic book fans had no idea Batman and Superman had sons. If you have ever seen the television show "Superman and Lois" you know Superman has twin sons in that show, which has taken liberties with the comic books. On the other hand, Batman's son Damien might be a bit better known as the offspring of the Caped Crusader and one time affair with Talia al Ghul, and has been featured in the comic books for years and various animated movies. The two sons are front and center in this DC Animated Universe film and their eventual team-up is the core of the storyline. When the two

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint

first meet, Damien, in his usual manner, brushes off Jonathan as annoying, declaring being a trained assassin has little time to invest in Superman's son. However, Damien's many attempts to become part of the Teen Titans are again postponed, leaving him feeling devastated. The film also features some great moments between Clark Kent and his son while they are in Smallville, and this is where Jonathan discovers the reason is father is often away, and that he has inherited some of his father's super abilities. We also see Bruce struggle to keep Damian in check, which would require the determination of a superhero to do so effectively. The story really kicks into high gear when the world is invaded by Starro, an alien creature that looks like a giant starfish and releases small starfish to attach to the faces of others in order to take control of them. Both Superman and Batman and eventually the entire Justice League and Titans are taken over by Starro, leaving Jonathan and Damian/Robin to save their fathers and the planet, quite the task for two young heroes. The duo take one of the Bat vehicles in order to reach the orbiting Watchtower (one of the headquarters of the Justice League) , in order to rescue their fathers and take on Starro. The battle in space is exciting and the duo prove to be formatable as they fight for their lives in order to save the world. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Lois Lane (Laura Bailey) has managed to be free of Starro's grasp and attempts to get help from U.S. President Lex Luthor (Darin De Paul) in the fight of the invading creature. As one might expect, the villain is thwarted and all ends well for our duo and their budding friendship. Many parts of this film were enjoyable, especially the slower moments such a

Jonathan flying with his father after he learns he is Superman, and a moment at the end with the often aloof Bruce hugs Damien after the rescue. The animation is wonderful, and at times is breathtaking. This is one animated film that would have been great to see on the big screen at a theater. This is a fun and action packed film for Batman and Superman fans, or for those who would like to

learn about Jonathan and Damien. Make "Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons" part of your animated movie watch list. Now available on Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming on various outlets including Amazon Prime and YouTube. (Rated PG-13)

Bristol

PARAMOUNT

Dec 4 Chris Isaak

Dec 16 Mark Chesnut

Jan 6 Dailey & Vincent

Feb 3 Neko Case

CAMEO THEATER

TN/VA

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

Knoxville

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Jan 12 Tommy Emmanuel

Jan 26 Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Apr 28 Amy Grant

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Dec 14 Tab Benoit and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Dec 22 The Wizards of Winter

Feb 11 Lorrie Morgan

Mar 18 Bad Marriage

May 10 An Evening with Roger McGuinn

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL

Dec 1 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Dec 2 Little Texas

Apr 14 Nate Bargatze

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Nov 10 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Dec 13 Michael W. Smith Christmas Show

Feb 4 The Black Jacket Symphony: Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours

Apr 30 Amy Grant

GREENVILLE

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Nov 15 Jimmy Fortune, Bradley Walker, Ike Rogers and Ben Isaacs

Nov 19 Atlanta Pops Holiday Radio Show

Dec 2 The Gatlin Brothers Country & Christmas

Nov 17 Five Finger Death Punch with Brantley Gilbert

Dec 8 Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Feb 17 Journey and Toto

Feb 18 Cody Johnson featuring Randy Houser

Feb 24 Blake Shelton

Mar 30 Kane Brown

Jan 27 Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Jan 30 Mammoth WVH and Alter Bridge

Feb 14 Death Cab for Cutie

Feb 23-25 Tedeschi Trucks Band

Feb 26 Billy Strings

Mar 4 Dawes

Mar 18 Buddy Guy

Apr 7 & 13 Morgan Wade

Apr 14 & 15 Lady A

May 8-10 John Mellencamp

May 19 Crowded House

ASCEND AMPHITHEATER

Oct 1 Jon Pardi

Oct 15 The Head and The Heart

Oct 16 Stevie Nicks

Greenville, S.C.

GREENVILLE SC

BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA

Nov 18 MercyMe

Nov 19 Charlie Wilson and Friends

Nov 20 Five Finger Death Punch and Brantley Gilbert

Dec 9 Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Jan 29 TobyMac, Crowder, Cochren & Company

Mar 18 Kane Brown

Winston Salem North Caroiina

WINSTON-SALEM, NC

LJVM COLISEUM

Mar 3-4 Billy Strings

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

Nov 10 Clay Walker & Tracy Lawrence

Nov 11 Sal Vulcano

Nov 18 Aaron Lewis

Nov 26 Switchfoot Christmas Tour

BIJOU THEATRE

Nov 11 Sam Bush Band

Nov 17 Joanne Shaw Taylor

Nov 18 Morgan Wade

Nov 19 Natalie Grant

Nov 30 Eric Gales

Dec 1 Paul Thorn

Dec 3 Dave Barnes Christmas

Dec 6 Herb Alpert & Lani Hall Christmas

Jan 27 Scott Miller and David Childers

Feb 3 Amanda Shires

Mar 23-25 Drew & Ellie Holcomb

JOHNSON CITY TN NASHVILLE TN

Jan 21 The Isaacs

Jan 27 The Doo Wop Project

Feb 3 Heather Land

Feb 11 I Am He Said

-a Neil Diamond Tribute

Feb 17 Roots & Boots Acoustic tour with Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye and Sammy Kershaw

Mar 4 Resurrection- A Journey Tribute

Mar 11 Jefferson Starship

Mar 31 Gentri (The Gentlemen Trio)

Apr 4 One Night of Queen-performed by Gary Mullen And the Works

Apr 14 Mark Lowry

Apr22 Masters of Soul

Nashville

NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM

Nov 30 Black Veil Brides, Motionless in White and Ice Nine Kills

Dec 10 Rainbow Kitten Surprise

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Nov 23 W.A.S.P.

Nov 30 Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin

Dec 6-8 Lauren Daigle

Dec 9 Allman Family Revival

Dec 10 Leann Rimes

Dec 12-15 Amy Grant and Vince Gill

Dec 16 Smokey Robinson

Dec 19 Aaron Lewis

Dec 30/31 Old Crow Medicine Show

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

Nov 16 Five Finger Death Punch with Brantley Gilbert

Dec 2 Maren Morris

Dec 9 Jelly Roll

Dec 11 PentatonixA Christmas Spectacular

Dec 14 Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Dec 30/31 Widespread Panic

Feb 19 TobyMac with Crowder

Feb 24-25 Billy Strings

Mar 1 Carrie Underwood

Mar 31 Kane Brown

Apr 7 Chris Tomlin

Asheville

ASHEVILLE NC

THE ORANGE PEEL

Dec 3 Scott Bradlees Postmodern Jukebox

Dec 5 JohnnySwim

Jan 20 Larkin Poe

Feb 18 Elle King

THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM

Nov 20 Nate Bargatze(2 shows)

Dec 3 Lindsey Stirling

EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA

Dec 10 Warren Haynes Christmas Jam

Cherokee, N.C.:

CHEROKEE NC

HARRAH’S CASINO

Nov 18 Mike Epps

Dec 10 Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Jan 7 Styx

Jan 13-15 Jamey Johnson

Pikeville, Ky

APPALACHIAN WIRELESS ARENS

Nov 18 Warrant, Winger and Bullet Boys

Dec 31 Noah Thompson & Chase Matthew

Charlotte

CHARLOTTE NC

SPECTRUM CENTER

Dec 10 Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Feb 8 Carrie Underwood

PNC MUSIC PAVILION

May 30 Dead and Company

OVENS AUDITORIUM

Dec 6 Allman Family Revival

Dec 31 The Avett Brothers (Bojangles Coliseum)

Jan 29 Death Cab for Cuti

Feb 8 John Mellencamp e

Mar 3 Joe Bonamassa

THE FILLMORE

Nov 27 W.A.S.P.

Mar 16 Static-X

Apr 13 Fozzy

Myrtle Beach, S.C

MYRTLE BEACH, NC

House of Blues

Dec 3 Blue October

Dec 30 Marcus King

Dec 31 Corey Smith

Mar 25 Eric Johnson

Apr 7 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

Every year people often complain that the line between Halloween and Christmas is getting shaved thinner and thinner. Many people are not here for Thanksgiving erasure (nor were they here for my holidaythemed Erasure tribute band called the same), and often lament how quickly the jack-o-lanterns are replaced by Christmas trees. It seems that due to the great duress we’ve been under these last few years that more and more people want to get into Christmas mode as soon as possible.

Who can blame them? It’s been a “not great, Bob” time to be alive. Yet, I have noticed something this year that did catch my eye as being a bit more unusual than most. The Spector of Black Friday sales, that day that all capitalists and retail fans live for, appeared on the horizon far quicker than usual. 'Twas in the second week of November that an email arrived in my inbox telling me that “The countdown to Black Friday is on!”

This email assured me that Black Friday was right around the corner, and to keep an eye on my inbox for another email coming soon to tell

The Sales Begin

me what would be on sale, then a further email would come to tell me when the sales would begin. There was a teaser graphic in the email, a clock that showed the minutes and seconds till the sale began, but the hours and days were both replaced with two question marks, “??”

I thought nothing of it and went about my usual life. I’m not one to get into the middle of the madness on that day. The older I get the more I dislike being around large groups of people. Standing outside Kohls to go HAM inside a big box store was never my idea of a good time and I sure as heck will not start now. I might cybershop some, but that would be the extent of it.

As promised a second email came in to tell me that “this year’s Black Friday sale is going to start even earlier than before! Be ready and save up to 80% off our entire stock!”

There was no countdown clock with this email. Just a warning. A note to say “When it happens, and it will, be prepared.” I do not know if the ominous tone was intentional, but it shook me to my core. How will it affect society as we know it to suddenly spring an early Black Friday sale on us? Can we endure such a shock to our system?

of a new email that had come in.

As I reached for my phone I heard a similar sound from the phones of the other people in line. I swiped on the screen and my email app opened.

It was the conclusion of the emails that had been coming in all month long, it had one simple sentence within. “Black Friday has begun!”

Wait, this was a Sunday. Black Friday wasn’t supposed to be before that coming Friday. What was this madness? As I looked up from my phone the other people around me were also looking at their phones with confusion on their faces. “But it’s Sunday!” one of them exclaimed.

There was a sound of faint, manic laughter from the last person in the line, two people behind me. “It has begun” they exclaimed, “Black Friday is now!” The mood in the store began to shift. There was a pause, then the cashier abandoned their station and ran to the clerk at the station behind them. As soon as they got there they started to hockey punch the other cashier.

I felt an arm around my neck, and the man behind me yelled “Your hams are mine!” As he tried to take my food from me I struggled to free myself. Luckily, I grew up in the schoolyards of the 1990s and know how to defend myself. I grabbed a Pay Day bar and began to use the salty, abrasive peanuts on the man’s eyes. His screams were horrible. When I got free I abandoned my cart and ran out of the store.

I got to the parking lot and found fistfights, duels, and people eating Mayonnaise with a spoon while crying. It was madness. I was lucky to get out of there alive. The audacity of moving Black Friday had brought havoc to my quint community. The store later apologized for this. They said it was never their goal, they hoped to offset this madness by starting it early. This is why we only do those sales one day of the year. I can only hope it will be a lesson for us all. I know I’ll be careful of any store from now on when November winds down. See you next week.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

Why was I so worried? I do not partake in Black Friday sales. Yet, I found it so odd that all these “hype emails” kept coming in. I wasn’t going to go anywhere the day after Thanksgiving. Ideally, I’d be too full of turkey and starches to leave my bed. But that tone, that weird sense of a man wandering the local pub saying “stay off the moors” had my guard up. Again, I went about my life as I always did.

But then came the day when the emails proved true. I was standing in line at the grocery store the Sunday before Thanksgiving. I was quietly keeping to myself with a cart full of ham and potatoes when my phone made a sound. It was the notification