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Kathie Scalf

Ken Silvers

Wendy Hayden

Ann Hartley

The Loafer

Po Box 39

Telford, Tn 37690

423-930-7319

www.theloafer.net

theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com

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.

Founder: Bill Williams

line-up

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Friends!

January is almost over friends! I hope you have enjoyed the month and haven’t been too cold. I must admit I have not wanted to be outside at all. I just want to be inside my warm house snuggled under a blanket. When you do feel like getting out in the cold plan a trip to Tiebreakers. We are thrilled to have them on our cover again to feature the specials they have on Wednesday nights. It really is a great place for a family night or date

If you would like to advertise anything for Valentine’s Day or any other event, please let us know.

Bristol TN/Va

Bristol, TN/VA

WEDNESDAY Feb 1st

Chris Long 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

Peter Dee 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Feb 2nd

Blues Night with Jamie & The Catfish 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

Black Hollow Road 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

RJ Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

FRIDAY Feb 3rd

Live X: The NeXt Big Thing Session with Illiterate Light

7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Corey Snowden 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube

Kayla McKinney 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Railway Express 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Feb 4th

Leftover Souls 5:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Derek Downtown followed by JP Parsons 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Cash Crop 7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Alli Epperson 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube

Johnson City

Johnson City, TN

TUESDAY Jan 31st

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

WEDNESDAY Feb 1st

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Feb 2nd

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

EMO Night with Johnny Red 9:00pm at Capones

FRIDAY Feb 3rd

John King Band 8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub

The Tim Shelton Syndicate 8:00pm at the Down Home

Holly Ann & Dirt Road Rising 10:00pm at Capones

SATURDAY Feb 4th

Railway Express 8:00pm at Johnson City Moose Lodge

Orchid Thief | Cardboard Box

Colony | Fairview

10:00pm at Capone’s

Kingsport

Kingsport, TN

FRIDAY Feb 3rd

JC Tokes 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Shady Sadie

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Feb 4th

Tequila Mockingbird

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Big Things Are Happening at East Tennessee Distillery

Written by Andreax SynJyn Jarre

Big things are happening at East Tennessee Distillery, in Piney Flats Tn. Neil “Tiny” Roberson and crew have had an incredible 2023, and its only February. “Last year we dipped our toe into the Concert business, with the Labor Day show featuring Kentucky Headhunters and Confederate Railroad, this year we have so much more planned for the Distillery”

We have started to develop Celebrity brands of Moonshines/ Vodka for touring bands and artist. We have just signed a contract with Comedian Donnie Baker.to manufacture his Howl’in Wolf Moonshine.which we anticipate will be out sometime in the first quarter of 2023, and we’re planning a huge rollout party and concert with him and some special guests for Saturday, May 20th 2023.

A Lot of people don’t realize that we have a full graphics and sign shop on site, run by master Graphic Artist Wilbur Hunter. So we’re capable of designing and printing banners, t-shirts, stickers, signs, and marketing materials with a very quick turn

around and at a competitive rate due to low overhead. So when we’re not printing labels for our Moonshine and Vodka clients, were busy taking on printing projects from local businesses and the general public. Also, thanks to our onsite partner, John Greer Builders, we have started to shape and mold our 21-acre property for some larger events, including car shows, block parties, carnivals, and of course. concerts. We can comfortably host up to 1500 people, and park close to 800 cars on any given day. We have discussed adding a 6000 sf Pavilion with enough space to accommodate large weddings and parties.

The great thing about East Tennessee Distillery being in Piney Flats, is that were a convenient travel distance from most of the major cities in the area. Our retail store is open every day from12 to 5pm, and hosts daily tours and tastings where you can sample any of our 15 flavors of Moonshine or Vodka

“We’re excited to see what 2023 brings us, looks like it’s going to be a great year”.

TRI-CITIES NIGHTLIFE

WEDNESDAY

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

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

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

Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm

THURSDAY

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

Sing Your Heart Out Karaoke at Wild Wings Cafe - Johnson City, TN 9pm

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

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN

Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN

FRIDAY

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY

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

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Union Street Taproom - Erwin, TN 8pm Jan 28, Feb 18 & Mar 4

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

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

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

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

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

TRIVIA BINGO DJ NIGHT

TUESDAY

Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café Johnson City TN

DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom Erwin, TN 5pm

WEDNESDAY

Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm

Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm

THURSDAY

Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom

Johnson City, TN- 7pm

WEDNESDAY Bingo at Tipton Street Pub Johnson City, TN 9pm

Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina Boones Creek, TN 8pm Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN 6pm

THURSDAY

Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm

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

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

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

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

DROP QUOTE theloafer.net |January 31, 2023 8

ACROSS

1. Bueno's opposite

5. Roman letters

9. Cupcake cover

14. Corporate VIP

15. Elmer's, for one

16. At no time

17. Booth Tarkington book

19. White wine of Italy

20. Ballet's Black Swan

21. Overstuff

23. Sass

25. Slanted letters

30. Stress response choice

33. Atlas abbr.

35. Name in Flemish painting

36. Newsman Matt

37. Compensates

HU CRYPTOGRAM

FYSDHFJHA

Down

1. "You've Made ____ Very Happy"

2. Chopped down

3. Big name in denim

4. Peacock "eyes," e.g.

5. Mil. rank

6. Naval Academy freshman

7. Which, in Vichy

8. Painter of "The Bathers"

9. Hook up

10. Head honcho

11. First name of "Tokyo Rose"

12. Loc. of Reno

13. Test for M.A. seekers

18. Snow, in French

22. Fed. bureau

24. Ed. opener

26. Neeson of "The Phantom Menace"

27. Words of lukewarm commitment

28. Game of kings and queens

39. Hearts and diamonds

42. Arizona city

43. Skip ___ (flutter, as the

heart)

45. Final or midterm

47. NY-to-Atlanta dir.

48. Incompetence

52. Biting gnat

53. Indy 500 sponsor

54. She killed Bill

57. Common small town sign abbr.

61. They're hardly spineless

65. Small blood vessel

67. Object of a coulrophobic's fear

68. Wax monogram

69. Board game with a lead pipe

70. Put on sale, perhaps

71. Major rds.

72. Stately trees

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

29. Sipper

30. Young chickens

31. Horned Frogs' sch.

32. Some Steinbeck characters

33. Reproduce, in a way

34. Something just not done

38. Satisfy fully

40. Appreciative abbr., online

41. ____-serif (type style)

44. Elvis nickname

46. About 39 inches

49. Him, to Henri

50. Break in a title

51. Wire repair

55. Sleuth Nancy

56. "Our Gang" approval

58. Hood's gal

59. Kind of lord

60. Golf props

61. "Suzie Q" band, briefly

62. Draft pick

63. Barracks bed

64. Bygone carrier

OF THE WEEK PETS

This handsome green eyed boy is Oliver !!! He is a 6 1/2 yr old orange tabby that was surrendered due to his Mom going into a care facility. Oliver is a little shy at first, has lived his whole life indoors, is good

with other cats, loves high places and toy balls with the bells inside !!! He has been neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

There are 5 Night Owls hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers Sudoku

Ted is a 1 1/2 yr old medium sized Cana Corsa mix with incredibly high anxiety. He needs an active family and a lot of exercise throughout the day and someone that can be calm and patient to help him through his

anxiety. Ted is dog selective, good with children over 12 yrs old, knows sit, paw and down commands, takes treats easily, housetrained, neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

Cryptogram:

"It is only the great men who are truly obscene. If they had not dared to be obscene, they could never have dared to be great."

Dropquote:

"It sometimes seems that intense desire creates not only its own opportunities, but its own talents."

at The Prospect Center, Kingsprt, TN

Inaugural Broadway Season Kicks Off at the ETSU Martin Center

The ETSU Martin Center for the Arts kicks off its inaugural Broadway season on January 25-26 with “Annie,” presented by Bravissima: Women Sponsoring the Arts.

Directed by Jenn Thompson, “Annie” features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award®winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the “hard knocks” life throws your way. Limited tickets are still available for both performances.

Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, “CATS,” presented by Truist, is set for March 6-7. The show features the original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, original scenic and costume design by John Napier (“Les Misérables”), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (“Aladdin”), all-new sound design by Mick

Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (“Hamilton”) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne and direction by Trevor Nunn (“Les Misérables”). Tickets for “CATS” are still available.

“Riverdance – 25th Anniversary Show,” presented by News 5 WCYB, takes the ETSU Foundation Grand Hall stage for one night only, March 21. A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite celebrated the world over for its Grammy® award‐winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Composer Bill Whelan has re-recorded his mesmerizing soundtrack, while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground‐breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage, and costume designs. Due to the great response for Season Tickets, “Riverdance –

25th Anniversary Show” is sold

out.

On its 25th anniversary tour, “Chicago”, presented by Bank of Tennessee, consists of epic dance numbers, fame, fortune, a scandalous murder, and all that jazz and will stop at the Martin Center on April 25-26. The show has been honored with six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards®, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing

ovations. Tickets for “Chicago” are still available.

For more information on ETSU Martin Center’s 2023 Spring Broadway Season, visit ETSUMartinCenter.org. For more about the Martin Center or to purchase tickets, visit ETSUMartinCenter.org or call the Martin Center box office at 423-439-2787

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY FEB 1ST

Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

THURSDAY FEB 2ND

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Stateline Bar and Grille

“Love Grows Here” Canvas Class 6:00pm at Kil'n Time

Contemporary Ceramic Studio

Improv Stand-Ins 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

FRIDAY FEB 3RD

Ahmed Bharoocha 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY FEB 4TH

Farm Expo 23 10:00am at Bristol Motor Speedway

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Ahmed Bharoocha 8:00pm 10:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

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 FEB 2ND

Friends & Wine Canvas Class 6:00pm at Into the Fire

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

FRIDAY FEB 3RD

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (SelfGuided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Two Cats + A Herd of Buffalo

– Downtown Art Exhibition

5:00pm at Dos Gatos Coffee Bar

Valentine Door Hanger

6:00pm at Into the Fire

Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night

6:00pm at CardFox

SATURDAY FEB 3RD

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (SelfGuided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Storytime & Paint: Lovely Things 10:00am at Into The Fire

SUNDAY FEB 4TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY FEB 2ND

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

SATURDAY FEB 4TH

Nature: Wolf Howling

10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Blue Ridge Artisan Days

10:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market

SATURDAY FEB 11TH

L.O.V.E. Women's Support Group presents Super-Self Saturday 10:00am at The Prospect Center

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling Guild “Stories n’More” Show

7:00pm at The International Storytelling Center

WEDNESDAY FEB 1ST

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at The Black Olive

SATURDAY FEB 4TH

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

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY FEB 1ST

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

SUNDAY FEB 5TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

BLUFF CITY, TN

TUESDAY JAN 31ST

Art Program 11:30am at Thomas Memorial Library

Useless Facts sponsored by biker wear

1. The Saxons called February “Sol-monath” which means “cake month,” because they would offer cakes to the gods during February.

2. Of all the words you can misspell, February is one of the most misspelled words in the English language. Even the White House has misprinted the word “February” before in a press release!

3. February is the only month where it’s possible to go the entire time without having a full moon.

4. The odds of being born on February 29th are about 1 in 1,461. Those born on a leap day can be called a “leaper” or “leapling.”

5. February, March, and November always start on the same day of the week unless it is a leap year.

6. It was in February 1964 when The Beatles made their first American television appearance on the “Ed Sullivan Show.” Over 73 million Americans watched!

7. There are many U.S. states that entered the Union during the month of February. These include Massachusetts, Oregon, Arizona, and Mississippi, which were readmitted.

8. Sadly, on February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle “Columbia” broke apart in flight, which killed all seven crew members. The accident was believed to be a result of damage that occurred during lift-off. The tragedy occurred only 16 minutes before the shuttle was scheduled to land.

9. On February 2, 1848, U.S. and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended their war. The U.S. paid Mexico $15 million in exchange for California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Texas.

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Well January 2023 is behind us now. Here comes February 2023. Each month in the modern Gregorian calendar consists of at least 28 days. That number would be a nicely rounded 30 were it not for February. While every month besides the second in the calendar contains at least 30 days, February falls short with 28 (and 29 on a leap year). So why is the most widely used calendar in the world so inconsistent in the lengths of its months? And why is February stuck with the fewest number of days? Blame it on Roman superstition.

February is a terrible month. By the time it arrives, we’re sick of the cold, sick of our winter clothes, and in many cases, just plain old sick. Fortunately, it’s a short month— just 28 days. But why? Turns out, it’s not because everyone in the history of the human race has hated February. The month’s quirky timing dates back to the 10-month Roman calendar, which began in March and ended in December. That’s right. For a while, January and February didn’t even exist. To the Romans, who made their lot by planting and harvesting, winter was a nameless, dateless slog. For part of the year, there was literally no system for keeping track of the days. By the time the second king of

By Anne Hartley

Rome took the throne around 750 BC, the Romans decided to add two more months to their year in order to sync their calendar more accurately with the 12 lunar cycles. These two months January and February—had 28 days each, until the king decided to add an extra day to January to make the year 355 days long. Even numbers were considered unlucky at the time, and a 354-day year was unacceptable. The calendar still had its flaws. Following the lunar cycle worked well for a few years, but soon the seasons became out of sync with their typical months. To fix it, the Romans added a leap month called Mercedonius. Rome’s high priests would decide when the month would arrive, and no one else in the city could keep track of what day it was. When Julius Caesar took power, he reconfigured the entire thing again and aligned the length of the year with the sun, so that each year would add up to 365 days. For some reason, he left February at 28 days. And you know what? I totally agree with that arbitrary decision. February should always be as short as possible; no one likes it that much anyway. February comes from the Latin word februa, which means “to cleanse.” The month was named after the Roman Februalia, which was a month-long festival of purification and atonement that took place this time of year. February 29th is a special day for some people. That’s because it’s their birthday! If you were born on February 29th, then you celebrate your birthday every four years. The reason for this is because February 29th is not a regular day. It’s a leap day, which means that it’s added to the calendar every four years. If you're stuck with a February 29 birthday, I am sorry. The day only exists in a leap year, which has 366 days instead of 365, meaning your "real" birthday only occurs once every four years. Your Sweet Sixteen is more accurately a Fabulous Four. And if you're turning 21? Well, you're actually still just five. At least if you're dreading the big 4-0, though, you can take solace in knowing that you're a mere 10-year-old, in a sense. While strange and annoying for those afflicted. But every year you still get older. Dates to remember: February 2 is Groundhog

Day—the day we find out whether winter will last six more weeks or call it quits early. February 12 is Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday. The 16th president of the United States. February 14 is Valentine’s Day. February 15 is Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday. February 15 is National Flag of Canada Day! February 20 is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday also known as Washington’s Birthday that is celebrated on the third Monday in February. (George Washington’s actual birthday is February 22!) February 21 is Mardi Gras, (aka “Fat Tuesday” or Shrove Tuesday), which is the final feasting day before the Christian tradition of Lent begins on the following day, Ash Wednesday. February 22 is Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent. February 27 is Clean Monday. Also called Pure Monday, this day marks the beginning of Great Lent for followers of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church. This day is similar to Ash Wednesday of the Western Church. Zodiac Signs for February: Aquarius (January 20–February 19)

and Pisces (February 20–March 20) Even though so many roses are sold during February due to Valentine’s Day, the Violet and the Primrose are the symbolic flowers. The violet signifies watchfulness, loyalty, and faithfulness. Give a violet to someone to let them know that you’ll always be there for them. The primrose lets someone know that you can’t live without them. Like the violet, February’s birthstone is a purple color. It’s the beautiful amethyst. This gem is a form of quartz; it can range from a pale lilac color to a deep, rich purple. The name is based on a Greek myth that speaks of a nymph named Amethyst who was inadvertently turned into white stone; in remorse, the Greek god Bacchus poured wine over her to turn her a beautiful purple. The amethyst was thought to prevent intoxication and keep its wearer thinking sharply. It was worn by English royalty in the Middle Ages.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

Know Your Terms!

Will that post you're about to send violate the social media terms of service? Are you sure?

Content can be censored based on potential harm to other users of the platform. You may truly believe that your post is harmless, but another user may be offended by it or make actions based on your post that could negatively impact their life. Each platform has the responsibility to remove any posts that can cause harm. That responsibility is covered in the terms of service that you agree to when creating an account.

On the flipside, you can create a positive influence and inspiration through your content that will brighten an otherwise dark day. The terms of service are in place to ensure that each user has

a positive experience on each platform and that more good than harm comes from the time spent using each platform.

Before you post, take a moment to read through the terms of service for each social media platform. Reforms are in the works to keep up with the current state of the world, and you may be inadvertently violating the terms, which could result in a temporary, or, based on the severity, a permanent ban from the platform that you are using to spread your message. We live in a world where terms of service are brushed over, but being thorough could save you from a ban or embarrassment on your favorite platforms.

Local Trains Focus of ETSU’s Heritage Day

Local lines will be the focus of this month’s Heritage Day, happening Saturday, Jan. 28, at East Tennessee State University’s George L. Carter Railroad Museum.

The event runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

“The Lil’ Chicago name once was slang for Johnson City due to the rail traffic that once came through town,” said Geoff Stunkard, the coordinator of the Heritage Day program. “Both the Southern Railway and the Clinchfield had mainlines, small yards and industries they serviced here, while the original Tweetsie, the ET & WNC shortline, was headquartered here as well.” During much of the 20th century, the area now occupied by State of Franklin Road was the site of the city’s largest yard trackage. Stillexistent remnants of this operation are visible near Legion Street where the Tweetsie Trail now starts and close to Broadway Avenue, which once hosted a steel mill during the

city’s industrial heyday. Beyond the rail connection, Lil’ Chicago references the occasional visits by notorious gangster Al Capone during Prohibition, museum officials said.

The Carter Railroad Museum is open every Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and includes model railroad layouts, a special children’s activity room and ongoing programs. There is no admissions fee, but donations are welcome.

Identify the museum by a flashing railroad-crossing signal at the back entrance to the Campus Center Building. Visitors should enter ETSU’s campus from State of Franklin Road onto Jack Vest Drive and continue east toward 176 Ross Drive, adjacent to the flashing railroad crossing sign.

For more information about Heritage Day, contact Dr. Fred Alsop at (423) 439-6838 or alsopf@etsu.edu

For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.

Having been friendly acquaintances with Chef de Cuisine and business partner Romeo Tivoli for a few years, I’ve known a new restaurant in the old Café Pacific location was in the works for quite some time. I’ve eagerly anticipated the addition of a fresh, independent, fine dining concept in the Tri-Cities, as this area is oversaturated with fast-casual chains and fast food drive-thru ventures. I finally got my opportunity to sit through 3 courses with my closest friends on a recent visit home and left with a heart as full as my stomach. Like the atmosphere of the building itself, the menu is new but familiar, feeling approachable enough not to intimidate, but elevated enough to feel like an occasion to indulge with loved ones.

My first impression upon entry was the airy brightness the owners have managed to capture within the old farmhouse’s four walls. This time of year can lend a drab, gray darkness to any setting, but stepping out of the cold and into Juniper’s front sunroom was as welcome as the first 70 degree day in spring. Crisp, white shiplapped walls are adorned with brightly patterned quilts and framed photos from yesteryear, and as you wind your way through the building and up the stairs, pops of jade green jump from the mouldings beneath mid-century sconces and hanging fixtures. And the steep angles of the natural beadboard ceiling offer complimentary contrast to the white-topped tables below. My favorite aesthetic component of the space was the bar area, which greets you within feet from the host stand and offering brief glimpses into the bustling kitchen. The white marbled bartop is intimate, seating no more than 10 at a time, but feels un-cramped and effortless due to the bright natural light beaming in through a front-facing bay window, which is framed by open shelving full of glistening glassware and assorted wines and spirits.

Picking Juniper by

As I’m notoriously always the first to arrive, I enjoyed a cocktail at the bar while I waited on my party to join. I was excited to see Ivy manning the shakers, as she’s an experienced bartender who has prepared a number of lovely libations for me over the years. Since I was there at 4:45pm, it was the time of day that I needed an energy boost but not too late to keep me up all night, so I requested an espresso martini with no substitutions or questions regarding preparation. I judge an establishment on how they make an espresso martini; some who have no idea what they’re doing will make such a thick, creamy monstrosity it may as well be a Mudslide. However, Ivy passed and excelled this test, creating a beautiful cocktail with a half-inch of well shaken foam topping a perfect mix of coffee, vodka and I dare say something almost coconut. I didn’t ask her secrets, but will not stop her from making me more down the road.

When everyone arrived we were seated in a corner table downstairs, another familiar face in the Johnson City hospitality scene greeting our table as our server. Josh Maples, or just Maples as I’ve always known him, has provided me with many a fun dining experience over our combined years in the area and this evening was no exception. He passed out the menus and informed us of the specials that evening, leaving us long enough to make our appetizer decisions. One of my favorite items from the entire Juniper menu might in fact be the wood roasted oysters. Smoky and savory, the bread crumbs and espellette butter offer a golden light spice that make this spin on oysters Rockefeller totally unique. The blistered shishitos are served with a side of ranch, which lends a southern wink-and-nudge to a traditionally Japanese dish. And the chicken pot pie croquettes are peak comfort food in a lady-like package; one bite into these neatly placed deep fried balls and your mouth is filled with an explosion of creamy home-cookin’. Again, a welcomed juxtaposition of presentation and delivery.

For dinner course I encouraged

everyone to order different items so we could enjoy as much of the menu as possible. On the table landed slow roasted duck breast served with seasonal vegetables and a tableside umami broth, pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon from locally owned Cured Meats, served with hericot vert (or fancy green beans) and grits, a few bowls of French onion soup and house-made focaccia bread with honey butter, and crispy brussels sprouts. All the meats were accurately cooked to preference and Juniper’s concerted effort to incorporate as many locally sourced ingredients was evident and appreciated, perfectly complimenting their thoughtful but uncomplicated pairings.

The wine list earned major points with me; quite frankly it’s one of the best in the area. Grapes from around the world are well-represented on just a handful of pages, offering the best selections from each region without becoming lengthy and intimidating. How refreshing it is to open a menu in East Tennessee and not have the wind sucked out of my sails by a mediocre “lesser of ten evils” selection of massproduced California juice in various shades of white to red. You honestly cannot go wrong with any selection on this list, but some standouts to note would be the Terre Rouge Grenache Blanc for anything salad and appetizer, and the Kermit Lynch Rhone Valley Red Blend will compliment any of the meat offerings. I highly recommend starting your evening with a toast of bubbles, and their sparkling Rebula from Slovenia is the perfect crisp and festive glass. The prices are also insanely reasonable, which is always one of the most pleasant aspects for me when dining back home versus Nashville. Finally, you absolutely do not want to skip dessert here. One of the owners is a pastry chef and it shines through in their after-dinner indulgences. It was a lengthy decision, but I finally landed on a warm, gooey peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie, topped with a fat scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. They’ve incorporated a pinch of sea salt that elevates this simple plate to

Kathie Scalf

positively sinful. I paired my dessert with a glass of Riesling, and this is the only place I can take issue with the Juniper menus- I wish there was a selection of dessert wines and ports offered to pair with these incredible sweet finishes. The Riesling did the trick, but a sauternes or 20 year port would have been perfection, and seems only a natural addition to the already well-rounded wine list. Regardless, dessert course was my favorite and ended the meal on a high note.

Juniper was worth my wait. The owners have captured an essence of forward thinking while honoring their roots which is desperately needed in the area. The delightfully unexpected but thoughtfully intentioned culinary and aesthetic choices will leave you feeling full but refreshed. I’m excited to see this menu evolve when the seasons turn and how the owners pivot this success into future local endeavors.

- Kathie

XO

The Pale Blue Eye

If you enjoy mystery thrillers with a gothic tone then you may want to check out "The Pale Blue Eye" now playing on Netflix and in select theaters. The film stars Christian Bale as Augustus Landor, a retired and alcoholic detective, who is asked by the military to investigate the mysterious hanging of Cadet Leroy Fry at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York in 1830. We discover Landor is a widower and lives alone after his daughter Mathilde (Hadley Robinson) left home several years back. When Landor arrives at West Point, it is revealed to him Fry's heart was removed from his body. After this shocking revelation, Landor finds a fragment of a note in the deceased hand and marks on his neck, leading to the conclusion he did not commit suicide but was murdered. As his investigation begins Landor is able to get assistance from Cadet Edgar Allen Poe (Harry Melling), who has expressed interest in the case. The two come to the conclusion based on the note fragment that someone was summoning Fry to a secret meeting. Also adding to the case is the recent discovery of a

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

slaughtered sheep and cow found with their hearts missing, leading the duo to deduce black magic rituals must be part of the crime. Not long after the dead animals are discovered, another cadet has gone missing and is later discovered hanged with his heart missing. Then a third cadet is discovered missing, who is closely connected to the other deceased cadets, and is presumed to be the next victim. As their investigation continues, Landor and Poe begin to suspect the family of Dr. Daniel Marquis (Toby Jones), after dining with the family one night and begin to feel something of "off" with the family which includes the doctor's wife Julia (Gillian Anderson), and children Lea (Lucy Boynton) and Cadet Artemus (Harry Lawtey). Landor and Poe place special suspension on Lea, who suffers seizures , and Artemus. While at the Marquis home, Landor discovers an old officer's uniform, and feels the uniform directly connects to the murders. When confronted by Landor, the doctor admits he had resorted to black magic in order to cure Lea of her seizures, which initially worked. Meanwhile, Poe has become enthralled with Lea, and tells her he will do whatever she wants. His words lead to trouble, and soon Poe has been drugged and is being used in a ritual to continue to supposedly help Lea. The ritual is taking place in the basement of a building Landor has discovered earlier, and he later races to the building to find Lea, Artemus and Julia involved in the ritual and preparing to murder Poe. The ritual is thwarted, and matters do not end well for the Marquis family, as the case is solved. Or is it? I will stop here to say there is a surprising twist in the story that I didn't see coming, and if

you haven't read the 2003 novel on which the film is adapted from, you may be shocked as well. There is also a revelation involving Landor's daughter that surprises. The twists in the film were great and only added to the mystery of the storyline, and the heart wrenching ending also surprised. All the actors involved, led by Bale, are wonderful, and director Scott Cooper ("Hostiles") keeps us on our toes with the

mysterious happenings around a snowy West Point. With great performances and an intriguing plot, "The Pale Blue Eye" is a film you don't want to miss if you are a fan of gothic thrillers, especially one that features Edgar Allen Poe. Now playing on Netflix and in various theaters. (Rated R)

Bristol

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

GREENVILLE

BRISTOL TN/VA GREENVILLE TN

PARAMOUNT

Feb 2 Ace Frehley

Feb 3 Neko Case

Feb 4 Cash UnchainedTribute to Johnny Cash

Feb 23 Sierra Hull and Justin Moses

Mar 11 Free Fallin’-The Tom Petty Tribute

Apr 1 49 Winchester

Apr 15 Best of the Eagles-Tribute

Apr 29 Ashley McBryde

May 11 Steep Canyon Rangers

May 19 A Brothers RevivalTribute to The Allman Brothers

May 21 Mac Powell

Jun 17 Nightrain-Tribute to Guns n Roses

Jul 22 Head Games-Tribute to Foreigner

Jul 29 Journeyman: Tribute to Eric Clapton

Aug 12 Yellow Brick RoadTribute to Elton John

Sep 16 EW&F-Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire

Oct 14 Lady SupremeTribute to Diana Ross

CAMEO THEATER

Feb 11 Lorrie Morgan

Feb 24 William Lee Martin

Mar 4 The Fab Four-The Ultimate Beatles Tribute

Mar 10 BoDeans

Mar 17 John Michael Montgomery

Mar 18 Bad Marriage

Mar 26 Eric Gales

Apr 8 Billy Prine and Prime Time Band

Apr 19 Trampled By Turtles

Apr 22 The Band of Heathens

May 10 An Evening with Roger McGuinn

Jun 17 Vixen

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL

Apr 4 The Price is Right Live

Apr 14 Nate Bargatze

Jun 2 Mr. Speed- Kiss Tribute

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

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

Feb 28 Chanticleer

Apr 30 Amy Grant

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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

Apr 22 Masters of Soul

May 5 Wild World of Animals Free Community Concert Series

May 13 Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

May 20 Get The Led OutLed Zeppelin Tribute

Knoxville

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Jan 26 Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Feb 3 Kevin James

Feb 25 Chris Rock

Mar 3 Home Free

Mar 16 Buddy Guy

Mar 18 Cheap Trick

Apr 26 Ben Folds and a Piano

Apr 27 Wilco

Apr 28 Amy Grant

May 13 Alice Cooper

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Feb 17 Journey and Toto

Feb 18 Cody Johnson featuring Randy Houser

Feb 24 Blake Shelton

Mar 30 Kane Brown

Apr 1 Eagles

Apr 21 Lizzo

Jul 15 Thomas Rhett

Oct 16 Shania Twain

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

Feb 2 Scotty McCreery

Feb 4 Fortune Feimster

Feb 17 Heather McMahan

Feb 21 Tedeschi Trucks Band

Mar 3 Zach Williams

Mar 14 Third Eye Blind

Mar 22 Champions of Magic

Apr 7 Rodney Carrington

Apr 13 Million Dollar Machine

Apr 20 Casting Crowns

Apr 29 Theresa Caputo

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

Feb 16 Whiskey Myers

Apr 15 & 16 Leanne Morgan

BIJOU THEATRE

Jan 21 Drivin & Cryin

Jan 27 Scott Miller and David Childers

Feb 11 Erick Baker

Feb 17 Steep Canyon Rangers

Mar 9 BoDeans

Mar 11 Marc Brossard with Seth Walker

Mar 17 The Mavericks

Mar 23-25 Drew & Ellie Holcomb

Apr 7 David Sedaris

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Jan 27 Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Jan 29 Andrew Dice Clay

Jan 30 Mammoth WVH and Alter Bridge

Feb 5 Night Ranger

Feb 6 Paramore (Opry House)

Feb 9 & 10 Blackberry Smoke

Feb 14 Death Cab for Cutie

Feb 20 Bush

Feb 23-25 Tedeschi Trucks Band

Feb 26 Billy Strings

Mar 4 Dawes

Mar 11 & 12 Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros

Mar 18 Buddy Guy

Mar 31 & Apr 1 GOOSE

Apr 6 The Mountain Goats

Apr 7 & 13 Morgan Wade

Apr 8 Leann Rimes

Apr 14 & 15 Lady A

Apr 19 Leann Morgan (Opry House)

Apr 21 David Spade

Apr 27-29 Nickel Creek

May 8-10 John Mellencamp

May 19 Crowded House

May 24 Rick Springfield

Jul 6 Sam Bush

Jul 13 Rhonda Vincent

ASCEND AMPHITHEATER

May 6 Whiskey Myers

May 11 Koe Wetzel

Jun 23 Walker Hayes

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

Feb 9 Andrea Bocelli

Feb 17 Adam Sandler

Feb 19 TobyMac with Crowder

Feb 24-25 Billy Strings

Mar 1 Carrie Underwood

Mar 31 Kane Brown

Apr 7 Chris Tomlin

Apr 16 New Edition

May 4 Janet Jackson with Ludacris

NISSAN STADIUM

Apr 15 Luke Combs

May 5-7 Taylor Swift

May 19 Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks

Jun 11 CMA Fest

Jul 22 Ed Sheeran

Jul 28-29 George Strait, Chris Stapleton & Little Big Town

BROOKLYN BOWL

Mar 7 Theory of a Dead Man

Mar 9 moe.

Mar 23 They Might Be Giants

Mar 31 Larkin Poe

Apr 6 The Winery Dogs

Apr 14 Queensryche

Asheville

THE ORANGE PEEL

Feb 3 Squirrel Nut Zippers

Feb 18 Elle King

Feb 25 Paul Thorn

Mar 4 Donna The Buffalo

Mar 6 The Beths

Mar 10 They Might Be Giants

Mar 23 moe.

Apr 4 The Winery Dogs

Apr 20 Judah & The Lion

May 12 & 13 Drive By Truckers

May 21 Trae Crowder

Jun 22 Margaret Cho

Winston Salem North Caroiina

LJVM COLISEUM

Mar 3-4 Billy Strings

Mar 18 Koe Wetzel

There’s a habit I’ve developed during much of the shut-in times that has become a part of my regular morning routine. As I sit there with my first cup of coffee I’ll have my tablet in my lap and I’ll open the Zillow app. If you’ve never used Zillow it’s an app and website that has various real estate listings and you can search by zip code, town, and things like that.

I’ll set the search parameters for our region and while I let the coffee wake me up I’ll glance over houses for sale. I don’t know exactly why I like looking at houses for sale that I largely can’t afford. I’m not in the market, but I do like seeing people’s design choices. Some of them make sense to me, then some of them leave me with a lot of questions, such as the one time I saw a bathroom with the HVAC unit right next to the toilet.

A strange commonality and I don’t know if it qualifies as a trend or not, that I’ve noticed is some of the larger homes that

Coffee and Zillow

cost absurd amounts of money all have really small kitchens. To the point that I find myself questioning who designed them. Whoever it was, has never cooked for a group of people in their life. If I was in the market for a McMansion to use as a status symbol—and that’s what they are, let’s get that very clear—I sure as heck would be upset if my thousands upon thousands of dollars home had a small, galley kitchen.

I’m not saying a galley kitchen isn’t functional or doesn’t have its place, there is a townhouse I saw once with a well-laid-out one that made sense, but anything over $500,000 with a galley kitchen is ridiculous. There are so many awful design trend sins that HGTV will have to answer for one day. The worst is draining all older homes of any character. You can see some of that too on Zillow.

A house that from the outside

has the promise of lovely midcentury modern architecture— something I’m a fan of. Yet on the inside, the color period title of all the bathrooms has been transformed into something so generic it just looks like a wonderful case of “why bother?” I guess some people want to live in generic places, or they just have bad taste or both. These are the homes that cause me to head scratch the most. Not to mention the absurd about of shiplap you see nowadays. Another common thing you see is that you’ll look at a house that is perfectly lovely and fine, then you get one room that just makes you wonder “what?” I don’t know if it’s a room that is supposed to be a rec room or a “man cave”—a term I hate—but the typical suburban home that looks like a very cozy place to live then suddenly upstairs you see a room that appears to be a low-rent take on Elvis’s Jungle

room at Graceland.

I know that realtors tell their clients to change certain things about homes to make them sell, I wonder how much Zillow has to do with this? Yet, I also wonder why they’d said “Your house is perfect except for the jungle room that may be where you do freaky things, but you know what? Let’s RUN WITH IT!”

The morning sit with a coffee and Zillow is always an interesting look at what is going on with our region’s real estate market, design choices both good and bad, and sometimes things that just give you a lot to think about while you’re trying to start your day. I’m still haunted by the Jungle Room, and I hope you’ll go looking for it too on Zillow. I don’t want to suffer alone. See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com