The Loafer 70

Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor

Peggy Gale DIstribution

Elizabeth Armstrong Sales

Jessica Carlisle Entertainment Coordinator

Andreax Jarre

Contributing Staff

Andy Ross

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

week’s line-up

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Friends!

The month of Love is here! Happy February! Let’s ignore what the news and the ground says and hope for early Spring. I know most of us are tired of the rain and cold. Have you made those plans for Valentine’s Day so you can treat the one you love? I know some say it’s a Hallmark day but I think it is a great time to show anyone in our life how much they mean to us. The tradition in our family is that my husband takes the whole family out for the holiday. Even when our girls were growing up and had boyfriends they were invited along to our family dinner. Whatever the tradition you have I hope you enjoy the day or the weekend!

Have

Let’s Get

Bristol TN/Va

WEDNESDAY Feb 8th

RJ Smith 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

Peter Dee 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Feb 9th

Double Tap 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

Bill Dotson 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

RJ Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

FRIDAY Feb 10th

My New Favorites 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Hospital State followed by Cody Fair 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Victor Lawson Acoustic 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube

Banditos 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Leftover Souls 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Feb 11th

Cripple Creek Gang 5:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Blue Mountain Saints followed by Cory Michael Harris 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Craig Street Ramblers 7:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Jason Lloyd 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube

SUNDAY Jan Feb 12th

Off With Their Heads 7:00pm at The Hide Away

Kingsport

FRIDAY Feb 10th

Kingswood Kid’s Benefit w/ Borderline & Buddy Jewell

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Feb 11th

The RushHour Experience 8:30pm at Market Street Social Club

Prom Night w/ Stone Creek

Four and Ali Randolph 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Johnson City

TUESDAY Feb 7th

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

WEDNESDAY Feb 8th

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Feb 9th

Ballads, Banjos, & Blues

5:00pm at Reece Museum

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

FRIDAY Feb 10th

Midnight Mojo 8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley

8:00pm at the Down Home

Slick Cadillac | Black Wolf

10:00pm at Capones

SATURDAY Feb 11th

Renegades from East Tennessee

8:00pm at the Down Home

Big Son | The Toby Gibson Band

10:00pm at Capone’s

Bristol, TN/VA

Kingsport, TN

Valentine’s Day Celebrations at General Morgan Inn Include Sweet Entertainment, Room Package, Special Dinner

The historic General Morgan Inn has planned some sweet entertainment as part of their Valentine’s Day celebrations, which also include luxurious overnight stays and decadent dinners.

Four area musicians are scheduled to perform in the hotel’s lobby, starting with Valentine’s Day weekend. Tristan Bauer, jazz pianist, will perform on Friday, Feb. 10, from 6-8 p.m.; and Martha Painter, harpist, will be featured on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 6-8 p.m.

On Tuesday, Feb. 14, Pianist Kris Carlson will be the guest performer on Valentine’s Day from 5-7 p.m., followed by pianist Kasie Shelnut from 7-9 p.m.

“We invite the public to enjoy the special music in our lobby,” Isaac Myers, the hotel’s general manager, said. “They are all talented musicians!”

In addition, a special “Cupid’s Package” will be offered Friday and Saturday,

Feb. 10-11, featuring an elegant guest room with champagne and chocolatecovered strawberries. Brumley’s Restaurant will serve a special a la carte menu and a signature “Cupid’s Arrow” cocktail on those days from 5-9 p.m., as well as again on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The special menu showcases several decadent entrees, including the General’s Surf & Turf, Roasted Lamb Lollipops, Seared Ahi Tuna, Chicken Florentine and Bucatini Pesto. (To see the full menu, go to their website: https://generalmorganinn.com/ valentines-day-menu/)

Reservations are required -- call 423.787.1000 to reserve the room package and 423.787.7500 to make dinner reservations.

“Romance will definitely be in the air all week long,” Myers said, noting that many proposals, weddings and anniversary parties have occurred at the hotel over the years. “We really enjoy being part of our community’s love stories.”

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

SODOKU CROSSWORD

DROP QUOTE

ACROSS

1. Head, to Henri

5. "The king" in Spain

10. Coat hanger

14. Violinist Hilary

15. Screening device

16. Employ

17. Scored 100%

18. Troops on horseback

20. Kojak's first name

21. "___ gratia artis"

22. Young ladies

23. Is spellbinding

25. "___ be a pleasure!"

26. ___ house

CRYPTOGRAM

TXFGV DSXWGM JBEK EKG QXSS XPM ZEKGYV

ZH EKXE PXERYG, XYG EZZ

OBZSGPE HZY EKG QZMW XPM VEXFD PZ

UKXYXUEGY ZP EKG FBPM. SGE

WZRY TRP EKGYGHZYG QG EKG UZPVEXPE

UZFDXPBZP ZH WZRY JXSAV.

—Thomas Jefferson

28. Lip?

33. Monastic title

34. Twin Falls's home

36. ___ Laredo

37. Nexus

39. Online publication

41. Brace

42. "Like me"

44. Famous fountain

46. Barely get by, with "out"

47. Heavy

49. Ham

51. And so on (abbr.)

52. "That's ___" ("Don't!")

53. "The Vagina Monologues" playwright

57. Nigerian language

58. Saucers in the sky

61. Sent flying

63. Future jr.

64. Lion prey

65. Young dragonfly

66. Part of HOMES

67. Without

68. Endowments

69. Plant starter

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

Down

1. One of those things

2. "To ___ his own"

3. Betty MacDonald memoir

4. Tabitha's TV grandmother

5. Caper

6. Perjurers

7. Men of the cloth, briefly

8. ___ Marie Saint

9. Try to communicate with, in a loud room

10. "Wide Sargasso Sea"

author Jean

11. Gets ready to shoot

12. Manitoba tribe

13. Ranges of knowledge

19. Rn, to scientists

24. "Woe ___" (grammar guide)

25. "___ of those people who..."

26. Half-step above A

27. Dublin-born

28. Tank or polo

29. 16 tablespoons

30. Previously

31. Conjure up, as memories

32. Rodeo contestant

35. Early Mexican

38. Catholic fraternal org.

40. 50/50 chance

43. "____ on Loving You" (Reba McEntire song)

45. "As I see it," in text-speak

48. Like tennis rackets and violins

50. Difficult burdens

52. Not miss _____

53. Records of beats-per-minute: Abbr.

54. Nursemaid dog of literature

55. Shock

56. Dundee damsel

57. "You Can Make ___ You Try" (Rolling Stones song)

59. Role for little Ronny Howard

60. Place for tools

62. Chou En-___

OF THE WEEK PETS

My name is Selina and I am a very independent girl who likes to do things on my terms. I am a 5 1/2 yr old beautiful Tabby with gorgeous green eyes !!! It might take me a while to get

Selina Roxy

to know you but once I do, we will be friends. I love to sit in the window and watch the world and be petted. I have been spayed, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Meet Roxy !!! She is a 3 1/2 yr old Rottweiler/Lab mix and a beauty with a shiny black coat of hair !!! Roxy is playful, friendly, and well behaved. She was previously an outdoor dog, but she is definitely house trained !!! Roxy would prefer to be an only animal

and would not be good with small kids due to her size and strength and No cats. She would love to be a part of your family. Roxy has been spayed, current on vaccinations and will be microchipped when adopted. Come by and play with her. Bday 5/27/19

If you are interested in adopting : The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter

423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75 Blountville, TN

Facebook: bridgehome

bridgehome.org

Cryptogram:

"No one has the right to destroy another person's belief by demanding empirical evidence."

Dropquote:

"This desk of mine is one at which a man may die, but from which he cannot resign."

Johnson City to Host Tennessee Songwriters Week Qualifying Round

Discover the musical story of Tennessee from the ones who are writing it. Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week, now in its fifth year, is underway with more than 50 qualifying rounds at music venues, restaurants, museums, coffee shops, and more in seven musically distinct regions across the state. For the first time, in partnership between Visit Johnson City and Boones Creek Museum and Opry, the Tennessee Songwriters Week Johnson City Qualifying Round will take place February 9th at 6pm at the Boones Creek Opry.

Local judges within the songwriting community will consider lyric originality, performance, and connection with the audience. Three songwriters will be chosen to advance from the Johnson City Qualifying Round and perform at the Regional Showcase Round at The Down Home in Johnson City on February 22nd. These qualifying round winners will be joined by other selected songwriters from their respective

rounds in Northeast Tennessee.

One songwriter will be chosen at The Down Home, along with six others from the regional showcases across the state. They will win the once-ina-lifetime opportunity to perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe during a private event in March with music industry professionals. Finalists will also win a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night hotel stay in Nashville, $100 gift card for travel, and a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International.

“The Boones Creek Opry is honored to be a qualifying round host in partnership with Visit Johnson City. It has given us the opportunity to promote Boones Creek, Tennessee’s first community, Northeast Tennessee’s musical heritage and culture, songwriters, and Johnson City tourism”, said Vicki Shell of the Boones Creek Historical Trust.

Seating for the Johnson City Qualifying Round is on a first come, first serve basis and has limited capacity. There are no advance ticket sales, and the

public is encouraged to donate $2 or more at the door.

Tennessee Songwriters Week was established in 2019 to support music venues, celebrate songwriters with live performances in all genres of music, drive visitation and inspire travelers to experience thestate’s music stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception, more than 3,500 songwriters have shared their original music across Tennessee stages during the annual celebration.

The Boones Creek Opry was founded by the Boones Creek Historical Trust as a way to preserve, exhibit, and celebrate the traditional culture of East Tennessee and its oldest community.

Visit Johnson City strives to showcase the uniqueness of the community by promoting its distinctive resources, events, and attractions to both visitors and citizens. To learn more about Visit Johnson City, go to VisitJohnsonCityTN.com.

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY FEB 8TH

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

THURSDAY FEB 9TH

Be Mine Canvas Class 6:00pm at Kil'n Time Contemporary

Ceramic Studio

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

FRIDAY FEB 10TH

Gianmarco Soresi 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY FEB 11TH

Sweetheart Kids Class 1:30pm at Kil'n Time Contemporary

Ceramic Studio

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Gianmarco Soresi 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

WEDNESDAY FEB 8TH

Mommy & Me Morning 10:00am at Into the Fire

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

THURSDAY FEB 9TH

Love Birds Canvas Class

6:00pm at Into the Fire

FRIDAY FEB 10TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

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

Valentine Door Hanger

6:00pm at Into the Fire

Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night

6:00pm at CardFox

SATURDAY FEB 11TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

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

Maple Syrup Festival and Pancake Breakfast 8:00am at Tipton-Haynes Historic Site

Hedgehog Love Kids Canvas

10:00am at Into The Fire

Couples Date Night

7:00pmat Into The Fire

SUNDAY FEB 12TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

KINGSPORT

SATURDAY FEB 11TH

Nature: Wolf Howling

10:00am at Bays Mountain

Park & Planetarium

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

FRI, FEB 10 – SAT, FEB 11

8th Annual Chocolate Fest at Downtown Jonesborough

SATURDAY FEB 11TH

Historic Jonesborough Town

Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn

State Historic Site

ROAN MOUNTAIN

SATURDAY FEB 11TH

12th Annual Roan Mountain

Winter Naturalists Rally 9:00am at Roan Mountain State Park

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY FEB 8TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

SUNDAY FEB 12TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

BLUFF CITY, TN

TUESDAY FEB 7TH

Art Program 11:30am at Thomas Memorial Library

Useless Facts

sponsored by biker wear

Facts about Motorcycles:

1. The first motorcycle was built in 1885. The first internal combustion engine motorcycle (motorised bicycle) was built in Germany in 1885. Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach created the Daimler Reitwagen, which they named Einspur. But, unfortunately, it was lost in a fire in 1903.

2. The word ‘motorcycle’ was first used in 1894. The question, ‘when were motorbikes invented’, also evokes curiosity about the origin of the word ‘motorcycle’. The first recorded usage of the word is seen in 1894 when Hildebrand & Wolfmüller launched the Motorrad (motorcycle).

3. Yamaha started as a piano manufacturer. Many associate the name Yamaha with motorcycles, but the company’s origins lie in musical instruments. In 1887, Yamaha started producing pianos and slowly expanded its operations to other areas. It first began making motorcycles in 1955 under the newly formed branch, Yamaha Motor Company.

4. Triumph Motorcycles began production in England in 1898. Motorcycle history in England began in 1898 when Triumph Motorcycles began making motorbikes. By 1903, they had produced 500 bikes, but production took off during World War I when troops needed motorbikes to maintain communication on the front.

5. Harley Davidson was established in 1903. Established in 1901, the first US motorcycle manufacturer, Indian Motorcycle, became the world’s largest manufacturer by World War I. Harley Davidson, however, began production only two years later in 1903 and, by 1920, managed to eclipse Indian to become the world’s largest manufacturer.

6. The Vespa was introduced in 1946. We know who invented the motorbike, but who created the ever-popular Vespa? In 1946, the Italian designer Piaggio introduced the Vespa to gain instant popularity. The Vespa, however, saw a surge of acclaim after it was featured in the film Roman Holiday—100,000 Vespas were sold in one year.

7. The first Honda motorcycle was produced in 1949. Honda is a wellknown name in the motorbike industry. Its first complete motorcycle was produced in 1949, and 15 years later, Honda became the largest producer of motorcycles globally.

8. The first chopper was produced in 1969. The question, ‘when were motorcycles invented’, also heightens intrigue about the development of certain types of bikes, such as the first chopper, which came into the picture in 1969. The Raleigh Chopper was the first motorbike of its kind—a cultural icon of the 70s.

9. The first Harley Davidson motorbike could only reach 40 km/h. Motorbike facts reveal that the first Harley Davidson could reach a maximum speed of 40 km/h. This bike had a single-cylinder engine and sported a tomato can as a carburettor.

10. The world’s fastest motorcycle is the Dodge Tomahawk. The Dodge Tomahawk can reach a top speed of 420 mph (approx. 675 km/h), making it the fastest motorcycle on the market.

11. The Smalltoe is the smallest motorcycle ever produced. The smallest rideable motorcycle is called the Smalltoe, with a front-wheel diameter of only 16 mm and a rear-wheel diameter of 22 mm. So when was this motorcycle invented? The Smalltoe was created in 2003 by Tom Wiberg, who rode it about 10 m.

12. The longest motorcycle is 26.29 metres long. Bharat Sinh Parmar built the longest motorcycle ever built at 26.29 m. He first introduced it in Gujarat, India, in 2015.

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Well here we are the first month of 2023 is over and we are faced with the shortest month of the year February with only 28 days. I’m sure everyone is looking forward to warmer days. 47 days till the first day of Spring. With Spring just around the corner it’s time to get our motorcycle in the shop for a checkup. Get your oil changed, check your tires etc…

Riding a motorcycle can be a dangerous activity - for both riders and people in other vehicles. As the days start to get warmer, it's important for motorcyclists to ensure they are doing all they can to protect themselves and others on the road. While some motorcycle accidents are unavoidable, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of injury to yourself, your passenger, and other road users

Riding a motorcycle is adventurous and an

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

exhilarating experience. However, the harsh reality is that motorcycle riding can be very dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Take a safety course. A safety course will teach you the rules of the road for motorcycles. You will also learn the appropriate actions to take in unpredictable riding situations that can arise. Driving a motorcycle requires skill and good judgment and a safety course can help you practice these. Check the weather before heading out. Rain, ice and snow can compromise your ride. Driving in these elements is hazardous for bikers because you have less traction than a car and visibility is lower. Choose a different day if inclement weather is in the forecast. Wear motorcycle gear. Motorcycle gear protects you from the elements, debris and road rash. Appropriate gear includes a DOT-approved helmet, goggles, leather jacket, leather pants or chaps, over the ankle boots and non-slip gloves. Dress in layers to adjust to any changing weather throughout the day. Inspect your motorcycle before each ride. It’s a good idea to inspect your bike before you ride to ensure it is as safe as possible. Check your headlights, taillights, turn signals, brakes, fuel, oil, tire pressure, mirrors, handlebars and horn. Obey traffic rules, use your signals and drive the speed limit. This may sound remedial, but it’s important to follow traffic rules, use signals and drive the posted speed limit to avoid accidents. Be visible. You cannot assume you are visible to other drivers,

75% of accidents involving motorcycles are due to the fact that other drivers did not see the motorcycle. Here are some ways to remain visible: Avoid other drivers’ blind spots; Drive with your headlights on even during the day; Wear reflective or bright clothing, and; always use your turn signals and hand signals. Be observant and watch for road hazards. Driving defensively enables you to anticipate traffic problems and road hazards. Sand, oil and gravel can make you lose traction. Bumps and potholes are equally dangerous and should also be avoided. Cross railroad tracks at the appropriate angle. Stay at a safe distance. Tailgating is not safe. It is recommended to stay at

least four seconds away from the vehicle in front of you. This will allow you to stop in an emergency situation. Also, it is good to have an escape route in mind such as moving to the shoulder should you not be able to stop in time. Carry a first-aid kit. Keeping a basic first-aid kit with your motorcycle is a good idea in case of injury. It should include: disinfecting wipes, bandages, hand sanitizer, gauze, adhesive tape and Band-Aids. Take an advanced riding course. Practice and increase your skills by taking an advanced riding course. You will learn collision avoidance maneuvers, advanced turning, control tips and braking techniques.

Sponsored By Biker Wear

You're Doing Social Media All Wrong

Do you have a dedicated social media specialist on your team?

I don't mean a marketing specialist, I mean someone specifically dedicated to social media marketing. Most likely not, which means you're doing it wrong.

Social media marketing requires dedication that is not necessary for traditional media. It requires consistency and communication and unless you have that, you're doing it wrong.

Consistency keeps your posts in front of your target audience. At least two posts per day will help your brand stick out among a sea of content. Keeping your content at the head of your audience's feed ensures that they will consistently see and be able to interact with your message.

Communication is the key to creating a two way conversation with your audience. If your audience feels heard, they are more likely to interact with you and share your brand with their friends and family. It allows you to spot the issues within your brand and fix them in a way that shows your audience that you are listening to them. Without consistency and communication, your brand will be lost among the competition. A true dedication to social media marketing takes time and effort, but is well worth it to keep your message at the forefront of the feed and gives you leverage against the companies who are not using social media as a brand management tool.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

Valentine’s Staycation

Ah love…

We’re one week out from (allegedly) the most romantic day of the year. At this point, reservations are maxing out quickly, so it’s time to make some plans for that special someone in your life, whether it’s a significant other, a best friend, or just your own dang self. While I’m a woman who loves an evening on the town being wined and dined, one of my all-time favorite things to do is treat myself to a luxurious staycation. In the Tri-Cities there is hardly a better space for an all-encompassing experience than The Carnegie Hotel. A person can relax with a spa day, enjoy an elegant meal, and unwind with a cocktail next to a cozy fire while never leaving the confines of their four walls.

The Carnegie was brought back to life in 2000, built from the ground up and furnished in the same stately manner as its namesake which stood in Johnson City from 1891 to 1905 before being consumed by a devastating fire. The grand mahogany and brass entryway, flanked by two proud, ivory lion statues standing guard, leads into a lobby and common area that feels as if you’re stepping through the looking glass into the past. Floor to ceiling woodwork on the walls, antique leather and floral seating arranged in such a way to invite conversation and a beautiful tiffany skylight feature welcome guests to an almost Biltmore-esque lodge that is hardly believed to have been conceived during the same year the Baha Men were trying to figure out “Who Let the Dogs Out.”

There are a variety of rooms and price ranges available, and while all are perfectly lovely and dressed with oversized oak sleigh beds, fainting couches and large desks to

attend to matters of business or the heart, if you can swing the splurge I highly suggest booking one of their Presidential Suites. At 1,000 square feet in size, these rooms are 300 square feet larger than my 1-bedroom apartment. What better setting for romance than a spacious room equipped with a claw foot tub, a fireplace and a dining room table for 6?

Regardless of where you decide to settle in for your stay, room service is a must. I travel frequently all over the state for my job, and I can truly say that room service is one of life’s best little luxuries. Whether this is a trip for two, a Galentine’s getaway or a solo expedition, there is hardly anything better than having a hot breakfast rolled into your room while you lounge in pajamas. Stay in bed and enjoy crispy breakfast potatoes, eggs cooked to order, a pot of coffee and of course you can’t forget the mimosas.

Bum around in bed with your bubbles and OJ until it’s time for ultimate relaxation in the Austin Springs Spa. They offer a wide variety of services, from basic mani/pedis, a hair salon, and all the way up to deep tissue massage. They also do monthly specials, and this time of year they offer couples massages and holiday specific facials. Upon arrival, slip into a warm cozy robe and order a drink from the upstairs bar, or enjoy a glass of refreshing spa water. I would highly recommend adding hot stones to any of the massage services, and be very up front about the level of pressure you like to receive. The professional staff at Austin Springs want you to leave feeling your absolute best.

Following your afternoon of pampering, it’s time to get cleaned up and head to dinner. Wellington’s offers traditional American fare that leans a bit to the South. Items like deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes grace their appetizer

list, with mains including standard dishes from land and sea. One item you might expect to be featured is a must- the namesake Beef Wellington. Presented in a pleasantly unexpected deconstructed fashion, the 8oz filet and foie gras stuffed puff pastry lie separately among a bed of savory mashed potatoes, bright green beans and drizzled with a cabernet demi glaze. This dish screams for a big, bold Napa Cab, and Wellington’s wine list features several California options. Speaking of the bar, skip dessert at your table and mosey over to the lounge to round out your evening. Winter evenings can hardly be better spent anywhere but here. Wellington’s offers standard seating bellied up to their impressive antique bar, where you can admire their wines and spirits which includes a collection of over 200 whiskeys, but for the most intimate, cozy finish to your night, snuggle up on one of the couches in front of the fireplace. If you’re lucky, you’ll be in on a night that features live music for perfect ambiance. Finally, request a big fat slice of cheesecake to go from your server; requesting a bottle of something bubbly to take along with it and continue the night in your room is optional. By this time you’ll probably be full and totally relaxed and ready to slip into something more comfortable in your room, where you’re free to wind down in the big king bed as you see fit.

A staycation at The Carnegie is the perfect Valentine’s gift, regardless of your relationship status. An overnight or weekend getaway here can be tailored to spoil a couple looking for a night away from the kids, a girls or guys trip to have fun and reconnect, or just a single person who is overworked and deserving of a day of luxury pampering. Remember, the most important love is self-love and “treat yo’self” is my life motto. Don’t wait for someone else to spoil you on Valentine’s Day when you can take

by Kathie Scalf

the reins and book the trip yourself. There are all different kinds of love in this world, and each one is cause for celebration. The Carnegie offers an excellent setting to do just that.

Dog Gone

Before I begin this week's review let me begin by saying no dog dies in this film. I have always refused, unless caught off guard, to watch a film where a dog dies. There is just something so pitiful and gut wrenching watching man's best friend pass in a movie. So I did begin viewing "Dog Gone" with a bit of caution hoping the dreaded event didn't occur. "Dog Gone" is based on real life events and follows the story of college student Fielding Marshall (Johnny Berchtold), who struggles in school but has a heart big enough to adopt a yellow lab puppy he falls in love with when visiting an animal shelter. Fielding's college friend Nate (Nick Peine) thinks his best friend is making a horrible mistake of taking on such a responsibility. Despite his friend's warning, Fielding takes the lab puppy to his college home and keeps his new roommate, which he names Gonker with him for the rest of his college career. Gonker is always with Fielding on campus, and is loved by Fielding's other friends, and is well known on campus. When graduation rolls around all of Fielding's friends have jobs lined up, but Fielding is not sure of his path in life, which worries his father John (Rob Lowe), who wants his son to succeed in something. After

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

graduation, Fielding is jobless, and he and Gonker move back to his parents home, where after a bit of hesitation, the new resident of the Marshall household becomes a loved family member, especially by Fielding's mom Ginny (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) who has a painful childhood memory about a beloved dog she had when she was a child. So while all is going well with Gonker at first, it's soon discovered he has Addison's disease and will need a shot every month for the rest of his life in order to survive. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to his parents, Fielding has begun dealing with his own health issues, but continues to search for his path in life. One day when Nate visits, he joins Fielding and Gonker on a brief hike on the Appalachian Trail. While on the hike, the trio spot a fox, and with encouragement, Gonker runs after the fox. When Gonker doesn't return, the guys rush back to Fielding's house convinced he is lost. The missing dog brings up bad memories for Ginny who immediately sets up a control room in the house and begins calling local shelters, the media and hospitals in the hopes someone will find the missing pet. Time is of the essence as Gonker will need his monthly shot in three weeks. Fielding and John begin searching the Appalachian Trail,and as their extensive search continues, Fielding's health begins deteriorating, but he will not give up searching. The time Fielding and his dad spend together searching for Gonker is good for both of them and eases the strain of their relationship. Nothing like a dog to bring people together! At this point I will just say despite the health issues of Fielding and Gonker, all ends well for the best friends with a joyous reunion. I love how the story conveys how the love of a dog helps a troubled youth experience unconditional

love, and find his possible path in life while on the Appalachian Trail. All the actors in the film are great, and Berchtold is so wonderful in his role he is never overshadowed by Gonker, who could have easily stolen the movie, as most dogs in films do. The film is based on a novel and was executive produced by Lowe, and directed by Stephen Herek ("Critters"). The only thing cringe worthy about the film is how the actors often pronounce "Appalachian." Did no one on the

set, which was filmed around the Atlanta area, tell the actors how to properly pronounce Appalachian? That nick picking aside, "Dog Gone" is a heartwarming film about love, forgiveness, patience, and the unconditional love of a sweet dog. Just keep a few tissues handy. Now playing on Netflix.

(Rated PG)

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

Christmas Morning 1997 Revisited

Picture it! Christmas morning, 1997. I’m 12 years old and I couldn’t sleep. I was too excited. I had a feeling/ hope I was going to get a Nintendo 64 with Goldeneye. This was the peak of my James Bond fandom as that was also the year I tried to watch every Roger Moore movie in a single day—while consuming an entire two-liter bottle of Surge. It was very early in the morning, sometime between 3:30 and 4:00. I was quite literally pacing in my room as I couldn’t seem to get back to sleep no matter how hard I tried. My Grandmother was sleeping in the adjacent room, she heard me and woke up. She came into my room and asked if anything was wrong. I told her the situation and she replied” If that’s why you’re so excited let’s just go into the living room and look.”

So we did. We quietly walked into the living room and she flipped on the overhead lights. At that moment I knew what it was like to be on The Price is Right and hear the phrase “It’s a brand new car!” There was a Nintendo 64, Goldeneye, rumble

pack, and a NEW TV under the tree! I was beyond the moon and accidentally woke my sleeping mother up, who walked in and asked what was going on.

“He was too excited to sleep so I told him we should look under the tree so he can go back to bed,” my grandmother told her. With the adrenaline of anticipation out of my system we all went back to bed. As morning properly came, we all woke up, the TV and Nintendo were set up in my room, and I played Goldeneye all day long. It remains one of my fondest Christmas memories, especially since my grandmother isn’t with us anymore. That is why for me, and other people of my generation when the news was announced last year before Thanksgiving that the muchbeloved video game was getting re-released for the first time since 1997, there was much rejoicing. Though a remake of the game was issued about ten years after for the Nintendo Wii, the original game has

been tied up in very complicated legal red tape keeping it from seeing the light of day again.

Nintendo, has a say in the game, as does Microsoft as they have since bought the studio that developed the game for Nintendo. Then you have to get MGM to sign off on it and Eon Productions, the company that has the rights to the James Bond movie franchise. As the game was finally re-released on the Xbox and the Nintendo Switch, many have been a bit disappointed it’s a straight port of the game. However, considering all the legal issues it took to make this happen, I am more than happy to have the game.

How was it to play Goldeneye for the first time in over 20 years?

Frankly, fantastic and emotional. The game is just as good as I recall, and I was surprised by how quickly I took to playing it again. I assumed I’d be a bit rusty and would find a learning curve in how the game's controls are on

the Nintendo Switch controller over the original, and very unique, Nintendo 64 controller. I had such a good time I blasted through almost half of the game in a single day.

I say it was emotional too as I kept thinking of that Christmas morning and my late Grandmother. It’s a moment that is very special to me, and one I’ll always associate with the game. It’s so nice to see a game you loved as a kid still holds a certain place for you as an adult, and that it’s just as fun as you recall. The real test will be how that legendary multiplayer mode stacks up these days.

Despite the inclusion of online play for that mode for Switch users, I still need to make it happen in person. Add friends, a pizza, and a rented movie from Popcorn Video and it’s Friday night 1997 all over again. I’m kinda here for it. See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com