The Loafer 89

Go Out and Play!

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!

Get out and play! The theme for this week’s cover reminds us to get outside and enjoy this wonderful time of Summer. If you don’t want to or able to play just enjoy the outside. There is something to be said about finding a spot in the shade or a porch swing to enjoy a nap or a good book. Take a walk with your child or pet and enjoy the sights around your neighborhood.

What has been the best part of Summer so far for your family? We had a week at PCB Beach in Florida recently with most of our kids, grandkids and our in laws. Even with the red flags that didn’t allow us to swim in the ocean it was still great to spend time together.

I hope you are enjoying your time and your family. Have a great week!

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

Simple Outdoor Fun

By [https://EzineArticles.com/ expert/J_Gill/2267559]J Gill

Finding the right activity for children of various ages to be entertained outdoors can be tough. You can’t go wrong with a bubble blower. Younger children can struggle to blow their own bubbles and they will quickly get frustrated. With this type of device, you can have tons of bubbles for all the kids to enjoy. Listen to them laugh and giggle as they bounce around capturing them. A bubble maker is very simple to use. While the real process can vary by-product, the concept is the same for all. There is a mechanism that turns, allowing the bubbles to be created when you turn it on. There is a container where you pour in the bubble mix to produce them. Most run with batteries and some models even have a remote control to turn it on and off.

Get them Moving

Too often, children today are indoors using electronic devices. Technology has become a huge part of what they do all day long. You need to come up with activities to get them moving and get them outside without complaining. A bubble blower is a huge hit and they will be glad to put away the phones and the video games for a bit and enjoy it. Keep lots of bubble making product ready.

If you have several kids around the neighborhood who seem to be bored, the bubble blower can be a way for them to all have some fun. You will be offering a safe environment for them to relax and have fun in. It can be a great bonding experience for the kids in the neighborhood. Adults can enjoy bubbles too and get the body moving. The kids will love seeing you involved.

Chasing bubbles can also offer

a great source of exercise. With childhood obesity being at an all-time high, it can seem like a great deal of work to get them more active without a fight. They will have so much fun with the bubbles, it isn’t even going to

it flow faster. Many children like the incentive of something like this offered as a special treat. They aren’t going to drag their feet getting their tasks and chores out-of-the-way so they can have more time to enjoy it. Don’t be surprised if they start trying

Inexpensive

You don’t have to spend lots of money to create simple outdoor fun for kids of all ages. You can’t go wrong with a bubble blower! Don’t be surprised if the parents around also smile and enjoy it. They will like seeing the kids being so playful. They may share memories of their own childhood and blowing bubbles too!

Find a well-made bubble blower though so you don’t feel like you through your money away. Unfortunately, some of the products are made from cheaper materials and they just don’t perform as well as you would have anticipated. Read reviews, customer feedback, and compare products to help you decide which one is going to be the best buy for you.

cross their mind you have them taking part in exercise! This is clever parenting at its finest!

Special Treat

Getting kids to take care of chores can be tough, but encouraging them to get it all done so they can use the bubble blower can make

to using this to their advantage too. They will ask if they can play with it after they do their homework, put away the dishes, or anything else on the agenda. It is a great benefit for the household as it can reduce stress and power struggles.

You can count on AMOS to be your one stop shopping site for most of the products you see advertised on TV. We strive to offer a wide variety of products for you to learn about and to purchase. We are proud to be the largest such merchandiser out there. We work with all of the major brands so you can compare products and selection. You will love what we offer and the fact that we do all we can to reduce environmental waste with our packing methods. Check our website at http://amos.co.uk or call to talk to our customer service department with any questions you may have.

Article Source: [http:// EzineArticles.com/?SimpleOutdoor-Fun&id=9667524]

Simple Outdoor Fun

Bristol TN/Va

THURSDAY July 6th

Little Jon Chrisley and Friends

5:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Mac Arnold 8:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

FRIDAY July 7th

Harris and Ragsdale 5:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Craig Streer Rabmlers

8:30pmat Bristol Casino Bar

Pretty Tied Up -

Guns N’ Roses Tribute

8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY July 8th

Tuatha Dea 4:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Chris Long followed by Mchale Bright 5:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Dave Eggar & Friends 7:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Bachelor Boys Band 10:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

MONDAY July 10th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City

TUESDAY July 4th

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

WEDNESDAY July 5th

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

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Michelle Malone and Sarah Peacock

7:30pm at The Down Home

THURSDAY July 6th

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

The Big Throwback 6:30pm at Lakeside Concert Series

Kendell Marvel 8:00pm at the Down Home

FRIDAY July 7th

Yarn 8:00pm at the Down Home

Donnie & the Dry Heavers | Sam Foster 10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY July 8th

The Bosses

10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY July 9th

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

Kingsport

FRIDAY July 7th

Sam Collie 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Departure: The Journey Tribute Band 7:00pm at Twilight Alive

Flatline: Metallica Tribure

7:30pm at High Voltage

Kev & The Big Dog Howlers

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY July 8th

Matt Byrd Band 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

David Jones & Keeping Up with The Joneses 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Elizabethton

SATURDAY July 8th

Dimestore Cowboys 8:00pm at Covered Bridge Jams

Jonesborough

Friday July 7th

Charlie Maples 7:00pm at Music on the Square

Summer Day Camps Are Great for Bored Children!

By [https://EzineArticles.com/expert/ Beverly_Frank/42486]Beverly Frank

Summer is a fun time for activity and enjoyment for kids. Camps can help them fill their summer with excitement. The following is a look at some of the summertime activities for kids and the benefits of summer camp:

Kids love to swim. Swimming has been a summer pastime for years. Many summer camps offer swimming as an activity that kids can participate in, and most kids jump at the chance to do so. They love the ability to stay cool, get a tan, and just enjoy time with friends. This is a great way to get fit during the summer as well. Swimming can be a full body workout, which means that having your kids participate in swimming as one of their summer activities, and as an activity offered at any camp you send them to. If you aren’t sending your kid to summer camp, and there is a pool nearby, then get them a swim pass to the poor for the summer so that they have something to do during the summer.

Another great summer activity for kids is a team sport. There are all kinds of soccer leagues, baseball, t-ball, football, touch football, softball, coach pitch, tennis,

and other things. So, ask your kid which summer activity they are interested in, and then sign them up. They can either be part of a team that they practice with and play games on weekends or a specific night of the week. Or, they might want to go to a summer camp that is a sports camp and focused on a specific sport, so they learn different skills, drills, techniques, and the like. Sports help kids learn to get along with others, work with people, helps them stay active, and can be a lot of fun. These are all good reasons for sports and sport camps to be part of your kid’s summer activities. Another great summer activity is having your kid take a class or visit a day camp or summer camp of some kind. Usually it is something like space camp, or a class on photography or something else that interests them, but is still fun for summer, and is not really serious like a literature class or math class. Options could include things like pottery, art, music, dance, karate, etc. Find an activity your child has always wanted to be apart of or try, and then sign them up for a camp or a class so that they can experience. It will fill their day with fun activities, and give them a chance to see if they are as interested in it as they thought they would be.

If you are running low on activities for your kid, ask them what they are interested in. Most recreation centers, colleges, and the like offer plenty of summer activities to keep your kids busy and learning, while having fun.

Beverly Frank is a stay-at-home mom and writer. For more [http://www.

surfnetparents.com/]parenting tips, visit [http://www.surfnetparents.com]http:// www.surfnetparents.com.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles. com/?Summer-Day-Camps-Are-Great-forBored-Children!&id=5009648] Summer Day Camps Are Great for Bored Children!

Outdoor Activities and Games for the Whole Family

By [https://EzineArticles.com/ expert/Dave_C._Roth/639689]

Dave C. Roth

There are many things to do when it comes to fun outdoor activities. They can vary depending on the number of people involved, the space available and interests of the participants. Let’s discuss some common and not so common options.

One of the most popular outdoor activities for groups of people is most likely a nice softball game. Almost everyone knows how to play softball and it’s great fun no matter what your skill level.

If the outdoor activity is set at a public park, there is most likely a baseball field already available there for a game. Before you go, make sure to bring the key equipment necessary like bats, balls, and perhaps mitts. At some

larger parks you may need to reserve a baseball diamond in advance because sometimes adult leagues or little league teams will book diamonds for practice at public parks, so make sure to check with your local park to see if reservations are required or recommended. The game can be arranged for larger or smaller teams, depending on the number of participants involved. A softball game is a great thing to do before or after the serving of an outdoor meal like a barbeque. It gives the cooks time to prepare the meal and set up the tables. Or if set up after the meal, it’s a nice way to keep people busy throughout the day.

Some people enjoy football so they make like to plan for a simple game of touch football. It is a nice game for boys and

girls. The teams can be as small as three or four each so it’s great for smaller gatherings. The equipment typically only entails a football so it’s easy to plan for.

For a fun outdoor activity by the beach, there is nothing better than a great game of beach volleyball. Simply set up a net in the sand and players can have a fun time bouncing the ball back and forth. Beach volleyball is also a very social sport, so you may even have strangers on the beach asking if they can join in on the fun too! There are some great lawn games consider as well. A popular one is horseshoes. Most people already know how to play the game and it can be a great source of entertainment. Another game which has been played in the Midwest and particularly Ohio for many years is called Cornhole. It uses simple equipment including two slanted boards with a hole on each end and a bunch of corn filled cotton bags. The goal of the game is for each player to toss the bags at the slanted board and try to keep it

on the board. If they are able to get the bag to slide up the board and into a hole at the end, they will earn maximum points. The great thing about cornhole is that it is a very easy game to learn and it perfect for players of all ages, so you can have grandparents playing right alongside the grandkids! But whatever game you play, get outside and have some fun!

[http://www.cornhole-game. org]Cornhole game is always a great game and can be played by people of all ages and abilities, which makes it the perfect outdoor game for any event. If you cannot find a [http://www. cornhole-game.org/cornholesets.html]cornhole bags or cornhole boards locally, you might consider checking online.

Article Source: [http:// EzineArticles.com/?OutdoorActivities-and-Games-for-theWhole-Family&id=6645414]

Outdoor Activities and Games for the Whole Family

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

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

THURSDAY

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

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

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

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN

Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN

FRIDAY

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRIVIA BINGO DJ NIGHT

TUESDAY

Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café

Johnson City TN

DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom Erwin, TN 5pm

Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm

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

Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 7:00pm

TUESDAY Singo at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 6:30pm

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

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

THURSDAY Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm

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

Down

1. Actress Wührer

2. Part of DNA

3. "Time" cofounder

4. On ___ of (as a proxy for)

5. Credit card no.

6. Karate kin

7. Dictator Idi

8. Rum cocktail

9. Primitive elongated fish

10. AK-47 cousin

11. ___-de-sac

12. Bother

13. "L.A. Law" star

18. In flight

22. Quad bike, e.g.

24. Gen-____ (post-boom babies)

26. "As sly as ____"

27. Shark of golf

28. Raised to the third power

29. Addax's bigger cousin

30. Frozen-potatoes name

DROP QUOTE

ACROSS

1. TV newsman Marvin

5. Caught in ___

9. Clear as a bell

14. Give ____ to (prompt)

15. Mountain lion

16. Blue color

17. Son of Edward, the Black Prince

19. Like dandelion sap, in color

20. Utopian

21. Available from a keg

23. Bagel topper

25. In ___ (hypnotized)

30. Basketball breach

33. Doberman sound

35. Too too, in Toulouse

36. ___ Linda (Nixon Library site)

CRYPTOGRAM

CHRRGLMNN GNL'D NBQMDCGLX UBJ MERMVGMLKM, GD'N NBQMDCGLX UBJ VMQMQTMV.

Oscar Levant

37. Onionlike vegetable

39. Be cheap

42. Angel and Wolverine

43. Water source

45. "Get used ____!"

47. Count up

48. Best Actress 1953

52. Ware in a Fleet Street shop

53. "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" band,for short

54. Mimes, at times

57. Being in debt

61. PC communication

65. Standard greeting

67. 1974 film about a stray dog

68. Enclosed in

69. Condé ____ Publications

70. Supports

71. Wisecrackers

72. Grant, et al.

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

31. Stock symbol for a mobile tech. corp.

32. Maliciousness

33. Flash

34. Song-and-dance program

38. Part of a Nintendo game title

40. Janitor's tool

41. Mr. of soda

44. Residents of Katmandu

46. Privately instruct

49. Little yelp

50. Cornball show

51. A Ravenclaw, in Potter lore

55. Tomato variety

56. Jug chug

58. Start of Popeye's favorite saying

59. Quite inquisitive

60. Courage

61. Decline

62. Culpa lead-in

63. Mandela's pol. party

64. H-L connectors

66. Word with want or personal

OF THE WEEK PETS

Acea is a 2 yr old boy that has the cutest mustache !!! He is a little shy so he might need a quiet home. Acea would probably do best with no dogs and children over 12 years old. He does great with other cats and loves playing with feather toys!

Acea Duke

Acea has been neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped. Acea has been at the rescue for more than a year and qualifies for the “name your price” adoption fee during the month of June.

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Sudoku Crossword

Duke is a friendly 6 yr old Boxer mix with such a handsome face, he’s a great dog, house trained, good manners, loves kids and is okay with dogs that are smaller than him. We don’t know how he’d react to a dog his size or larger. He loves to ride in the car. Duke was surrendered due to his owners both becoming disabled and

couldn’t give him the care and attention he needed���� Duke has developed an aggression towards cats so if you have cats, then he’s not the dog for you. But if you need a good trained house dog, then he’s exactly what you need. Duke has been neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped, heartworm negative.

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:

"Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit."

Dropquote:

"How can a question be answered that asks a lifetime of questions?"

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

By [https://EzineArticles.com/expert/ YWee_Williams/1953628]YWee Williams

There are different schools of thought on the idea of how Children should spend their Summer Break, some parents and caregivers believe Children are kept so busy during the school year so they deserve to rest and be lazy during the summer while some other caregivers and parents believe children should be kept busy during the summer.

Summer Programs - Summer programs focus on various topics ranging from school work revision, to others that focus on skills such as swimming, arts and craft, cooking, drama or other. There is an increasing number of Summer Camp options in Lagos now.

Reading - This is a good time to encourage children to brush up and practise their reading skills. Reading is never wasted as long as the reading is educational material, let them explore reading things that interest them. Encourage them to read books on various topics and materials such as books about famous inventions, books about nature and other materials that broaden their minds.

How to Spend the Summer Break

Here the use of the internet could be encouraged to research and learn about different topics, just be sure to monitor their internet usage.

Work Experience - Depending on the age of your child, summer time could be a good way to get some experience in the office setting. Have them volunteer and spend a few hours a day in an office setting. They will learn what it means when people say they are “going to work”. It enables them pick up necessary work experience skills and more importantly will open their minds as they see people at work.

Summer Project - All children have skills and interests which might not be explored appropriately during the school year so Summer could be a good time to pick a project based on their interest. They can be encouraged to complete this project and present to you by an agreed time. A child who likes to write can write a play or a story that you read together by the end of the summer. You could also encourage children who are old enough to journal their summer experiences.

Relaxation and Exploration - All children

need time to relax and to explore their thoughts, their surroundings and their interests. This should be encouraged all the time but more importantly during the summer children should have ample time to explore in a more relaxed setting.

According to the [http://www. parenting.org/article/schools-outbut-summer-experiences-keep-kidslearning-0]research of Entwisle, Alexander, and Olson (2001), students who are not provided with summer learning opportunities start each school year with a learning deficit, compared to students who enjoyed experiential opportunities for summer learning. Their work refers to these types of experiences: organized sports, day camps, swimming lessons, and trips to local attractions.

If you enjoyed this article do visit http:// www.lagosmums.com for more articles and topics on parenting matters

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles. com/?How-to-Spend-the-SummerBreak&id=8634841] How to Spend the Summer Break

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

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

TUESDAY JULY 4TH

Tree Streets Fourth of July Parade and Celebration

10:00am at Veterans Park

WEDNESDAY JULY 5TH

Sip and Sew: Bowl warmer and pot holder set 6:30pm at The Philosopher's House

THURSDAY JULY 6TH

Cosplay 5:00pm at Johnson City Public Library

FRIDAY JULY 7TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night

6:00pm at CardFox

SATURDAY JULY 8TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Johnson City Farmers Market

8:00am at Founders Park

Cosplay Creative Circle 4:00pm at The Philosopher's House

Tulips Cruise In 7:00pm at Tulips

American Grub And Pub

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

SUNDAY JULY 9TH

Hiking Date For Couples

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Sunday Makebreak: Sunshine Wood Frame

2:00pm at Michaels

BRISTOL

THURSDAY JULY 6TH

IBN BIZ Linch 11:30am at Michael Waltrip Brewing Co.

"Pretty Pig" Canvas Class

6:00pm at Kil'n Time Studio

FRIDAY JULY 7TH

Aaron Weber 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY JULY 8TH

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Aaron Weber 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

TUESDAY JULY 4TH

Independence Day Blast!

11:00am at Fizzy Fairway

THURSDAY JULY 6TH

First Thursday Shop and Hop

4:00pm at Downtown Kingsport

SATURDAY JULY 8TH

Farmers Market 8:00am at Kingsport Farmer's Market

Nature: Wolf Howling

10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling Guild

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

WEDNESDAY JULLY 5TH

IBN BIZ Lunch 11:30am at The Black Olive

SATURDAY JULY 8TH

Jonesborough Farmers Market 8:00am at Downtown Jonesborough

Historic Jonesborough

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

Old Jonesborough Cemetery

Tours 2:30pm at Heritage Alliance

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY JULY 5TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY JULY 7TH

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

SUNDAY JULY 9TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

GRAY

SATURDAY JULY 8TH

Gray Block Party 5:30pm at Appalachian Fairgrounds

HAMPTON

SATURDAY JULY 8TH

Family Fun Day 6:00pm at Hampton Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Department Station 1

ELIZABETHTON

Carter County Car Club Cruise In 5:00pm on Elk Avenue

Biker Events

sponsored by biker wear

Second Harvest Food Bank Family Food Boxes

The Washington CountyJonesborough Library is happy to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee to distribute family food boxes. Now through the end of July,

you can visit Jonesborough Library or Gray Branch Library to pick up a box for your family on a weekly basis. Boxes contain a variety of canned and dry food goods for meals and snacks.

WOOD FIRED PIZZA. BURGERS. DRINKS. & FUN.

Useless Facts

1.There is a metallic asteroid shaped like a dog bone named “Kleopatra.”

2. A “jiffy” is about one trillionth of a second.

3. The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.

4. Dragonflies have six legs but can’t walk.

5. It’s possible to lead a cow upstairs… but not downstairs.

6. Pope John Paul II was an honorary Harlem Globetrotter.

7. Mulan has the highest kill-count of any Disney character.

8. 3.6 cans of Spam are consumed each second.

9. The average American looks at eight houses before buying one.

10. Most pandas in the world are on loan from China.

11. A snail can sleep for three years.

12. Your stomach produces a new layer of mucus every two weeks so that it doesn’t digest itself.

13. Right handed people, on average, live nine years longer than left handed people.

14. Women have more tastebuds than men.

15. Women see more colors than men.

Local Events:

1. Hungry Mother Festival Marion VA July 21st – 23rd

2. Celebration of Life for Travis Mizzell July 16 at Highlands BBQ

3. DTB Hillbilly & Vet Pre-Party East Tennessee Distillery 6p - 11p July 15th

4. Hillbilly Show & Shine Maggie Valley, NC July 22nd

Bike Night:

TUES. June 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th BRIM & MARCI LEAL

WED. June 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th HB BEVERLY

THUR. June 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th

JUSTIN MYCHALS HAPPY

Available for a Limited Time HONEY SMOKIN’ PORK TACOS ULTIMATE FRIED PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH PIG OUT SANDWICH

1. Wednesday – 19E Pit Stop

2. Wednesday – Jonesboro VFW – Dog Tags

3. Thursday - Quaker Steak & Lube

4. Friday - Tulips

Rides:

1. Ride of his Life Travis Mizzell Memorial Ride Hampton Highschool

11:30am July 15

2. DTB Hillbilly & Vet Ride to Maggie Valley Meet at Jonesborough VFW 8:30am July 22

Rallies:

1. Thunder In The Smokies June 30th – July 2nd Maggie Valley NC

2. 55th Annual Dirt Drags June 30th – July 2nd Boozy Creek

3. Sturgis KY Bike Rally July 12th to 16th Sturgis KY

4. Harley Davidson 120th Anniversary July 13th to 16th Milwaukee Wisconsin

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello my fellow riders. Hoping you and your families are having a great summer. Please stay safe watch out for other riders and those who are in the cage.

The motorcycle has long been synonymous with disenfranchised youth. The influential 1953 film The Wild One, which starred Marlon Brando as the young leader of a California biker gang, helped permanently shape the look and attitude of the pop-culture motorcyclist. Given the film's success, it was only a matter of time before record labels took notice. In 1955, the classic songwriting duo Lieber and Stoller penned the Cheers' "Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots," a song inspired by biker culture. Despite being about a motorcyclist who crashes his bike into a diesel truck, the song became a worldwide smash single, and the "teenage tragedy song" was born. Singles like Wayne Cochran's "Last

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

Kiss" and Jan and Dean's "Dead Man's Curve" maintained this sad pop genre's popularity, but the teenage tragedy song really hit its peak in 1964 with the ShangriLa's legendary "Leader of the Pack." But not all songs about riding a motorcycle are so sad. Bikers and riders are a unique breed. We love the freedom, independence of the open road, and of course, we love their bikes. Something about a motorcycle captures the imagination and inspires passion like nothing else. Whether it’s the thundering sound of the engine or the wind in your hair, there’s nothing quite like riding a bike or listening to songs about motorcycles. If you’re a biker or rider, then you know the feeling that comes with biking songs. And if you’re not, then you probably envy us. Steppenwolf’s classic biker anthem “Born to Be Wild” is a must for anyone’s motorcycle playlist. If you’ve ever heard it blasting out of the open windows of an old Harley, then you understand why this needs to be in your library. The song perfectly captures the spirit of riding and freedom. The songs about motorcycles are all about the joys of riding and being on the open road. Willie Nelson “On The Road Again” sings about the simple pleasures of life and how they can be found while traveling on your motorcycle. He sings that life without care is ‘just around the bend.’ Also, the song’s guitar solo is phenomenal, making it one of the best riding songs ever. Bruce Springsteen is the ultimate biker singer. His song is all about the power and freedom of the open road. The lyrics talk about the ‘wind in your hair and how ‘nothing can stop you now. It’s one of the perfect songs about

motorcycles and riders who crave adventure and freedom. He released ‘Thunder Road’ in 1978, and it has become an all-time motorcycle classic. Christopher Cross sings about the pleasures of riding a motorcycle. ‘Ride like the wind,’ he sings as his voice echoes across the open road. The song is all about how wonderful it feels to ride on a sunny day with nothing to stop you from reaching your destination. It gives you a feeling of freedom and independence that’s hard to find anywhere else. Tom Cochrane ‘s ‘life is a highway’ and riders love to live their life on it. The artist sings about riding his motorcycle with the wind in his hair and how good it feels. It’s the perfect anthem for anyone

who loves to be on the road and explore new horizons. This song is all about the freedom of the open road. Tom Cochrane sings about how life is a highway and riders can ‘take it to the limit one more time.’ It’s a song for those who cherish moments while the strong wind blows through their hair as they speed off on their bikes. This is just a few of the songs that should always be on your play list when you are riding the open roads with your knees in the breeze. Whether you’re a hardcore biker or just a casual rider, songs about bikers will get your heart racing. So put on your favorite helmet and hit the open road.

Tusculum University Launches Dorm Refresh Campaign to Enhance the Residential Living Experience for Students

Tusculum University has embarked on a $110,000 campaign to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable living space on campus for its traditional residential students by providing an updated look and feel.

The university has launched the Dorm Refresh Campaign. This opportunity for the community will help Tusculum continue to provide quality residence halls that complement the active and experiential learning the university provides.

Among the items the campaign will fund are replacement furniture, flooring and ceiling fans as well as fresh paint and enhanced lighting. The campaign will impact residence halls throughout Tusculum. The university seeks to have some of the initial projects completed by the start of the fall semester in August.

“Residential life at Tusculum is an enriching part of the university experience,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Within the residential halls, memories are made and life-long friendships are formed. The shared experience connects current students to generations of alumni who have lived there before. We are grateful for those who are supporting our students by refreshing the dorms to provide them with a great learning and living environment.”

Student leaders and Tusculum alumni have embraced the campaign.

“In the fall, I will have lived in every space that a female student can reside on campus, and each dorm has its own unique environment,” said Maggie Vickers, a senior pursuing majors in history and English and the Student Government Association president. “I have gained many of my opportunities from residential life. While living in the dorms, I met my current best friends and created a home for myself in a place that I thought would never feel like home. A refresh of the dorms is so important for the comfort of our students.”

Investing in the residence halls will enhance student retention, Vickers said. A residence hall is a

major component of a traditional student’s collegiate experience, and this campaign will strengthen the bonds students will establish at the university, she said.

Many individuals have already donated to the campaign. Justin Jeffers, a 2004 Tusculum graduate; his father, Richard Jeffers; and his aunt, Sharon Jeffers Hill, have contributed $15,000 for a study room in the Charles Oliver Gray East residence hall. The donation is in honor of Justin Jeffers’ grandmother, Helen Gillespie Jeffers, a 1941 Tusculum graduate, and her sister, Louise Gillespie Seaver, a 1936 Tusculum graduate. Tusculum will hold a ceremony Thursday, July 20, at 3 p.m. to unveil the study room.

“We wanted to do something in memory of my grandmother since she passed away,” Justin Jeffers said.

“When we heard about the Dorm Refresh campaign, we saw that as the opportunity we were seeking. Since she was an educator, we thought the study room would be the most appropriate way to incorporate her memory into the campaign. We also knew she would not want to be honored by herself and would prefer

that her sister be included as a fellow alumna.”

In addition, Dr. Scott Niswonger, a 1987 Tusculum graduate and a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, as well as a prominent businessman, civic leader and philanthropist, has donated $10,000 to the campaign. It is the latest sizeable donation he has made to Tusculum and

hold a yard sale from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at the university’s Welcome Center, which is across the Erwin Highway from Tusculum Baptist Church. The church is located at 775 Erwin Highway in Tusculum.

All proceeds from the yard sale will benefit Tusculum’s residence halls. Anyone who would like to contribute items to the yard sale can contact Belle Kemp, director of alumni and community engagement, at bkemp@ tusculum.edu or 423-636-0565. She will work with interested individuals to set up a date and time for bringing the items to the university.

“We’re proud to assist the students who have followed us at Tusculum, and we wholeheartedly support the Dorm Refresh Campaign,” Kleinertz said. “Alumni have wonderful memories of living on campus and treasure that period in their lives. We want today’s students to have a terrific time as Pioneers, and the updated look through the Dorm Refresh Campaign will be another contributing factor to what makes Tusculum an outstanding university.”

aligns with his extensive commitment to education as founder of the Niswonger Foundation.

“This campaign is an excellent initiative because it contributes to the overall learning that takes place in college,” said, Dr. Niswonger, who was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2006 by Tusculum. “The friendships and collaborative atmosphere in residence halls bolster a student’s personal and academic development. I am enthusiastic about the way this campaign will stimulate a fun and inviting environment in the residence halls and help students progress in their studies.”

Two alumni have organized a special event to support the campaign and the students. Bob Kleinertz, president of the Alumni Executive Board, and Carol Eggert, both of whom are 1976 graduates, will

Anyone who is interested in supporting the campaign can donate by visiting www.tusculum.edu/giving. Donors can also mail a check, made payable to Tusculum University, to the Office of Institutional Advancement at P.O. Box 5040, Greeneville, TN, 37745. Please note that the check is for the Dorm Refresh Campaign.

Additional information about the campaign is available at https://site. tusculum.edu/dorm-refresh/. Further detail about Tusculum’s residence halls is accessible at https://site. tusculum.edu/housing-2/. To learn more about the university, please visit www.tusculum.edu

Bob Kleinertz, left, president of the Tusculum Alumni Executive Board, and student Laikin Smith stand inside the lobby of the Charles Oliver Gray East residence hall.

Rebound From Your Karen Moment

In a world where every single thing is documented, it’s easy to be caught in a bad situation. The way you handle the situation speaks volumes about your character and can help turn a bad perception into a teachable moment.

Overcoming a Karen moment starts with understanding what it entails. The behavior is often associated with entitled, demanding, and confrontational actions. The term does not refer to instances where a change in tone or mood is warranted. A Karen moment refers to a person who exhibits a sense of entitlement, a sense of superiority, and a tendency to complain or make unreasonable demands. The consequences of these moments can be detrimental to that person and everyone

around them.

These moments can be problematic if the person refuses to learn from the experience, but if handled correctly, a rebound can save their reputation. Everyone has bad days and problematic moments can ensue, but understanding the false entitlement and lack of empathy felt in those moments can lead to overcoming a bad situation. The moment may not be typical for the person and may be the result of an underlying issue that has not been addressed.

Shaming a person who is having a Karen moment only ignites the issue. Videos do nothing but give the internet five minutes of entertainment. If you can help diffuse the situation, put your phone down and help. If you aren't able to help, try

to find someone who can or simply walk away. Changing the perspective of a Karen moment is essential to diffusing the situation.

Think about a time when you had a bad day and accidentally lashed out at someone who didn't deserve it. Were you labeled as a Karen in that moment? How many people changed their perception of you based on just that one moment? How many people only have that moment to use to describe you? One interaction is never enough to truly define someone. The next time you encounter a Karen moment, take a step back to understand where they are coming from to gain perspective on how you can recover when you have a moment of your own.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

His Work Is Educating The World – And Winning Major Awards

Even before Anthony Salas crossed the commencement stage in May, the East Tennessee native had earned experiences that seasoned industry experts could envy.That includes time with ESPN films and HGTV. Now, he can add another line to his already impressive résumé. A film he helped produce won Best Documentary Short at Tribeca, a prestigious annual film festival in New York. The honor means the work automatically qualifies for an Academy Award. “Black Girls Play,” an 18-minute film that emphasizes the contribution to popular culture that young Black girls have had in upholding musical traditions through hand games, was one of about 60 short films accepted –out of thousands of submissions –at Tribeca.

“It is always a pleasure to not only learn things about my own culture, but to share that information to educate the public is one of our highest honors in the documentary space generally,” said Salas.He credits his time at ETSU

for laying a sturdy academic and professional foundation.

“ETSU helped prepare for my career with the opportunities available not just in the classroom but with experience accessible outside of the usual curriculum,” he said.

Salas’s involvement in a variety of activities makes plain the opportunities open to ETSU students.

He was president of Alpha Sigma Iota and worked as a member, as well as vice president, of BucFilms. He also served as a writer and editor for the East Tennessean.

Students getting hands-on learning opportunities is at the core of ETSU’s approach to education. The Department of Media and Communication, where Salas spent four years, has made tremendous investments to ensure students are prepped for the workforce. More than 40 industries have partnered with the university and department to provide collaboration and training, and

students have access to $1.5 million worth of experiential media facilities.

All professors, including chair Dr. Andrew Dunn, have real-world career experience.

A few months ago, Salas made clear

that he doesn’t want to be viewed as an outlier.

“This is an attainable goal for many people if you are willing to work hard. Our department wants you to succeed, and the instructors will do all they can to help you,” he said.

Affordable Local Escape

I’m not sure if it’s symptomatic of having a career in sales or just getting old and sick of everything and everyone, but these days I far prefer peace and relative solitude over high energy crowds when it comes to time away from work. Gone are the days I dreamed of vacationing in all-inclusive Mexican resorts or the wild pool parties of Vegas; now an ideal vacation consists of 9-hour sleeps, connecting with nature and zero cell service.

Lucky for me and the rest of the TriCiites we have the perfect location for just such an escape. A weekend camping on Watauga Lake can be as action packed or relaxing as you like, and it’s so affordable it can be done for less than the cost of 1 night in most hotels. So allow me to share my itinerary for an amazing mountain getaway that’s close enough to go out for dinner but secluded enough to hide from your in-laws for a few days.

First you need to secure your accommodations in advance.

Carden’s Bluff is a beautiful campground located on the banks and cliffs of Watauga Lake, with 40+ sites that offer firepits, functioning showers and toilets, and gorgeous water views. Because of its ideal location and amenities the spots book well in advance, particularly on holiday weekends, so you need to get online and book right away. There are options for tents as well as RVs and car camping, and each site is only $12 per day! Imagine waking to birds singing each morning, the sun rising over the

lake and surrounding mountains, doing a light yoga stretch while you boil water over open fire for a hot French press. No blaring iPhone alarms to jolt you into consciousness, just the gentle stirring of rising with the natural world. I can’t fathom anything more serene.

Once you’re up and going, you’re going to want to take advantage of some activities. Make sure to pack your walking shoes, because this area is right along the Appalachian Trail with plentiful routes for sightseeing, sweating and cooling off. If you’re in the mood to get in a great workout, there is a 9-mile round trip hike just down the way from Shook Branch to Wilbur Dam. If that is too long or strenuous, there’s a much easier 1.1 mile hike from Carden’s Bluff that links up to the AT. You can drive just a few miles away and do the Laurel Falls hike, which will end with an opportunity to wade in and cool your heels next to breathtaking mountain waterfalls. (Please use extreme caution and do not swim in these areas without a life preserver, no matter how calm the water appears to be. There are dangerous currents beneath that can’t be seen from the surface.)

When you’ve had your fill of hiking, you obviously need to enjoy the water. If you just want to unwind and relax, pack a few inflatables and spend the day floating and sunbathing. Shook Branch and Watauga Point offer swimming access where there’s no threat of being mowed over by a passing boat. And speaking of boats, if you want to splurge there are plenty of pontoons available for rent for around $150-$200. Pack your cooler full of snacks and drinks,

grab your friends and explore from one end of the lake to the other. Most have tubing capacity as well, so tie up and enjoy the ride! If you want some non-motorized excitement there’s also the option to rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards at multiple docks ranging from $40-$75. One of my favorite ways to spend a day is exploring all the lagoons, passages and islands by kayak that are too small or shallow for large boats to get through.

Once you’re fully tuckered out from sun and fun, it’s time to retire back at the campground. Make sure you bring plenty of seating, blankets, tiki torches and solar powered string lights when you set up. There’s nothing quite as American as toasting marshmallows and weenies around a campfire, but depending on how much you want to invest in camp gear you can create quite the culinary feast. For me, if I’m only spending a couple of days, I’d like to keep the bear bait to a minimum and just have snack or even grab a couple of pizzas. If you indulge in alcohol you can stock your cooler with locally canned brews or wine from the surrounding wineries. If you or any of your fellow campers are musically inclined you can break out a few instruments, or just power up a Bluetooth speaker and let your favorite tunes set the mood for stargazing. It shouldn’t be tough to fall asleep after a long day of outdoor activities, but the lull of cicadas and frogs won’t hurt. I consider myself more of a “Glamper” than a camper, so I like to make sure my sleep setup is a luxurious as possible, whether it’s in the back of an SUV or a tent. Get a blow-up mattress and sleeping

by Kathie Scalf

pad, layer on the sheets and soft blankets, bring a few fluffy pillows from home and hang battery powered lanterns from the ceiling of your sleeping quarters. I also highly encourage brining some batter powered fans in case you’re like me and can’t sleep if it’s stuffy. Far too often we hold ourselves back from taking much-needed “me time” because we tell ourselves it’s too expensive or we don’t have enough time. When you live in one of the most beautiful places in the US, there’s no excuse for not taking advantage of a few days in practically your own backyard. The older I get the more I realize the best things in life really are free and very simple; connecting with nature and disconnecting from digital stressors being at the top of the list. Take a few days to enjoy this beautiful asset to our community with your friends and family!

XO - Kathie

Emory & Henry Breaks Ground on New MultiSport Complex for the Region

Emory & Henry Breaks Ground on new MultiSport Complex for the Region Thanks to Generous Lead Gift of $4 Million from Food City

Hundreds of Emory & Henry College students and thousands of middle and high school students will soon be playing sports including lacrosse, track and field and soccer at the new MultiSport Complex at Exit 26 just off the I-81 Emory & Henry Education Corridor. Emory & Henry spans facilities from Marion to Bristol in Virginia serving more than 1,400 students. It is estimated that the new complex will be ready for use by Fall 2024.

The $15 million facility will feature year round game action, adding a boon to economic development in the region including Abingdon lodging and restaurants specifically. “This is a collaborative vision to build a high caliber sports facility at Emory & Henry College. The MultiSport Complex is not only for our DII student-athletes but to support the youth in Southwest Virginia and those coming into Abingdon at the Meadowview Sports Complex,” said John W. Wells, president of Emory & Henry. “We envision opportunities to support one another and to host large tournaments and events throughout the seasons. This will also be an engine for economic impact and growth by increasing the number of visitors to our region who will enjoy lodging, dining, transportation, and recreation in Washington County.”

Leading off the project with a lead gift of $4 million is locally owned Food City. Food City continues to support initiatives that help market and grow the region with an eye on family engagement and healthy lifestyles. The gift is part of the Collective

Connections Campaign underway at the College to support student success and experiences.

“Food City is proud to partner with our friends at Emory & Henry to help make this project possible,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. “We’ve been very fortunate to hire a number of Emory & Henry graduates and former athletes, many of whom worked or interned at our Corporate Support Center, Distribution Center and stores while attending college. We’re honored to work with Dr. Wells and see his outstanding stewardship of the University, as well as the many other great individuals at Emory & Henry. We’re excited to welcome families from all over the globe to Emory & Henry’s campus to compete at this state-of-theart multi sports complex. Not only will this project benefit the students of Emory & Henry and the surrounding areas, but it will also be a huge economic engine for Washington County.”

K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company), headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, operates 150 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.

The new complex, to be named the Food City Sports Complex at Emory & Henry, will be managed by Synergy Sports Global. According to Jason Boudrie, founder and CEO with Synergy, working with Emory & Henry College to develop a sports complex is an exciting opportunity for several reasons.

“Developing a sports complex in alignment with the move to NCAA Division II demonstrates the college’s commitment to providing their student-athletes with top-notch facilities and resources. Being part of this growth and expansion journey is exhilarating, as it allows us to contribute to the development of a high-caliber athletic program,” said Boudrie. “The opportunity to play a role in shaping the spaces where athletes will compete, train, and excel

is truly exciting and rewarding. A well-designed sports complex can give them a competitive edge by providing a facility that aligns with the standards and expectations of their new division.”

Burwil Construction has been retained to build the complex that will feature a Mondo track and turf court, stadium seats, concessions, game day locker rooms, restrooms and ample parking. The complex will include night lighting.

Additional funding to support the construction via a loan comes from local lender, The Bank of Marion.

“This is an amazing opportunity for our athletics department, student athletes and Emory & Henry College,” said Anne Crutchfield, Vice President for Athletics.

“The complex will attract future students and youth teams to our campus and the region. We hope their families explore the area to take advantage of the recreational amenities we offer in Southwest Virginia and enjoy coming out to support E&H events and other events on our campus.”

Emory & Henry Sophomore

Madison Osborne, a 2022 graduate from local Patrick Henry High School in Washington County and thrower on the Women’s Track and Field team, shared her comments on the new complex development and what it means to all athletes coming to Emory & Henry in the future. She is a resident of Glade Spring, Virginia.

To learn more about the process and timeline, visit www.edc.edu/sportscomplex

To become a title sponsor, contact Rob Parker, VP for Advancement, rjparker@ehc.edu

How to book for tournaments starting in Fall 2024, jason@synergysportscenter.com

Fast X

It's hard to believe the first ""Fast and Furious" movie was released in 2001(!), and has been spinning off sequel after sequel since then. The first film concentrated on illegal street racing and followed this pattern through the 2009 film "Fast and Furious", until changing the film series into heists and spying plots with the 2011 release "Fast Five". The "Fast" films are Universal Studios largest franchise and there appears to be no stopping the films as they continue to experience box office success. The latest film in the franchise, "Fast X" is currently in theaters and is the first in a planned two part finale. In this effort Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his team: Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez), Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson), Tej Parker (Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Han Lue (Sung Kang), and Ramsey (Natalie Emmanuel), are ordered by the Agency to steal a computer chip in Rome, Italy, that is coveted by the the bad guys of the film. While Dom and Letty sit this mission out, they are told by criminal mastermind Cipher (Charlize Theron) there is someone far worse than her who is out to harm Dom and his family. That person would be Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa), the son of a drug lord who is seeking revenge against Dom and his crew for the death of his father and the loss of his family's fortune during the events of the 2011 film "Fast Five". After

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers

theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

she reveals this to Dom at his home, she is taken into custody by Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood) who tells Dom there is no Agency mission in Rome, and realizes they have been set up by Dante. Dom and Letty head to Rome to rescue his team from the clutches of Dante. When they arrive in Rome, the duo discover the team has been locked in a truck containing a bomb that if set off, could devastate a large part of the city. After the exciting pursuit to stop the bomb and save his team, Dom is eventually able to guide the bomb into the Tiber River, but the resulting explosion still results in some major damage. As a result of the explosion, Dom and his team are blamed for the bombing, and a multi-million dollar bounty is set for their capture. Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, Dom's son Brian "Little B" Marcos is being cared for Dom's sister Mia (Jordana Brewster), and the duo are soon under attack by an armed team out to capture Little B. Dom's brother Jakob (John Cena) arrives in time to save the duo, and takes Little B to a secret location in Portugal, where they will wait of Dom to arrive. Meanwhile, Dom is informed Dante is in Rio de Janeiro, and heads off to confront his new nemesis. When he arrives in Rio, he agrees to race Dante, and the race does not end well for two of the four participating. While this is happening Letty is being held in a prison in Antarctica with Cipher, and the two agreed to work together to form an escape plan. Whew, there is a lot going on in this movie! There are a lot of other happenings that lead to the eventual major showdown between Dom and Dante, which is exciting and overthe-top, as is most of the action in this film. Over the years, fans of the series have expected over-the-top stunts and witty banter between the actors and there is plenty of go around in the latest film. With all the actors making appearances in this film, including Alan Ritchson, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, Rita Moreno, and Jason Statham, you would

think it would be hard to stand out in this crowded film, but Momoa does, It's as if the "Aquaman" star has decided to play the Joker in a fancy wardrobe and chew the scenery in every scene he is in. His performance is a sight to behold, and leaves him as one of the best villains of the franchise. The film also features surprise appearances from two other stars featured in past films, Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot. There is a mid-credits scene, so don't leave the theater too

soon. The ending leaves you wanting more, and we will get more as "Fast X: Part 2" is scheduled for release in 2025. Despite all the bombast, and amazing special effects, the heart of these films is always family, both related and chosen. "Fast X" is an epic summer film containing all the ingredients for a fun time at the theater. Now playing in theaters.

(Rated PG-13)

Bristol

BRISTOL TN/VA

PARAMOUNT

Jul 2 Ozark Mtn Daredevils

Jul 8 The Platters with The Drifters

Jul 13 Farm and Fun Time featuring Rodney Crowell

Jul 22 Head Games-Tribute to Foreigner

Jul 29 Journeyman: Tribute to Eric Clapton

Aug 12 Yellow Brick RoadTribute to Elton John

Aug 15 Jimmie Vaughan

Sept 13 Ben Folds

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

Oct 14 Lady SupremeTribute to Diana Ross

Nov 10 Kathy Mattea

Nov 11 Chi-Town Transit AuthorityTribute to Chicago

Nov 19 Joan Osborne

CAMEO THEATER

Jul 2 Firehouse with Trixster Acoustic

Jul 9 Glam Slam Metal Tour with Enuff Znuff, The Quireboys and Bad Marriage

Jul 16 Stryper

Jul 17 Tommy Emmanuel

Aug 17 Foghat

Nov 11 Bellamy Brothers

Dec 2 The Wizards of Winter

BRISTOL RHYTHM & ROOTS REUNION

Sep 8-10 Nickel Creek, Margo Price, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, Watchhouse, The Mavericks, 49 Winchester, Larkin Poe, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives and more

JOHNSON CITY

JOHNSON CITY TN

FREEDOM HALL

Nov 1 Foreigner

Dec 1 Keith Anderson

Dec 2 Theory of a Dead Man and Skillet

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Sep 8 The Black Jacket Symphony: Saturday Night Fever

Sep 20 Daniel Tosh

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

KINGSPORT

KINGSPORT TN

FUN FEST SUNSET CONCERT SERIES

Jul 20 Danny Gokey with Ellie Holcomb

Jul 21 Boys II Men with JohnnySwim

Jul 22 Clay Walker with Brittney Spencer

GRAY

GRAY TN

APPALACHIAN FAIRGROUNDS

Aug 21 Zach Williams

Aug 22 Joe Nichols

Aug 23 Scotty McCreery

Aug 24 Travis Denning and Chayce Beckham

Aug 25 Josh Turner

Aug 26 Elle King

GREENVILLE

Aug 31 Hardy

Sep 14 Parker McCollum

Sep 28 Jon Pardi

Dec 1 & 3 Nate Bargatze

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM:

Sep 24 Joy Koy

Sep 29 Crowder

BIJOU THEATRE

Jul 22 Crash Test Dummies

Aug 11 /12 The Steeldrivers

Aug 23 Devon Allman & Donavon Frankenreiter

Aug 25 The War and The Treaty

Aug 4 The Wallflowers

Oct 7 Henry Cho

Nashville

NASHVILLE TN

Jul 24 Greta Van Fleet

Jul 27 The Chicks

Jul 28 50 Cent

Jul 29 Sam Smith

Aug 1 Nickelback

Aug 12 Luke Bryan

Sep 12 Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie

Sept 20 Wu-Tang Clan

Sept 22 Avenged Sevenfold

Sept 29 Thomas Rhett

NISSAN STADIUM

Jul 15 Beyonce

Jul 22 Ed Sheeran

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

BROOKLYN BOWL

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Jul 14 Dugger Band

Knoxville

GREENVILLE TN KNOXVILLE TN

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Jul 15 1964: The Tribute

Jul 25 ZZ Top

Aug 15 Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

Aug 16 Cinderella’s Tom Keifer Band

Aug 18 Kansas

Aug 31 Gladys Knight

Sep 26 Chicago

Sep 28 Tanya Tucker

Oct 26 Lewis Black

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Jul 15 Thomas Rhett

Jul 29 The Chicks

Sept 12 Guns n Roses

Sep 22 Koe Wetzel

Sep 27 Nickelback with Brantley Gilbert & Josh Ross

Oct 6 Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick

Oct 16 Shania Twain

Nov 3 Tool

Nov 24 Kiss: End of the Road Tour

Dec 8 Lauren Daigle

KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM

Aug 24 Billy Strings

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Jul 6 Sam Bush

Jul 11 The Mountain Goats

Jul 13 Rhonda Vincent

Jul 21 Ed Sheeran

Jul 25 & 26 Ryan Adams and The Cardinals

Jul 27 Ricky Skaggs

Jul 28 America

Jul 30 Melissa Etheridge

Aug 9 The Turtles, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, The Cowsills

Aug 14 Counting Crows

Aug 7 Sara Evans

Aug 19 Kansas

Aug 29 & 30 LeAnn Morgan

Sep 17 Squeeze and the Psychedelic Furs (Grand Ole Opry)

Sep 24 Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band

Sep 28 Switchfoot

Sep 29 & 30 Little Feat

ASCEND AMPHITHEATER

Jul 18 Louis Tomlinson

Jul 19 Yungblud

Jul 20 Boy George & Culture Club with Howard Jones And Berlin

Aug 18 3 Doors Down

Aug 27 Ghost

Sep 12 /13 Artic Monkeys

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

Jul 3 Matchbox Twenty and The Wallflowers (new date)

Jul 16 Blink 182

Jul 9 The Struts

Jul 15 King’s X

Jul 25 Ann Wilson & Tripsitter

Aug 25 The Dirty Gov’nahs

GEODIS PARK

Aug 26 Guns n Roses

Sep 22 Pink with Brandi Carlile & Grouplove

BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER

Jul 22 Randy Travis

Jul 25 Melissa Etheridge

Jul 30 Ann Wilson and Tripsitter

Aug 2 Boz Scaggs

Aug 18 Steve Earle

Aug 19 Don McLean

Aug 20 Jimmie Vaughn and the Tilt-A-Whirl Band

NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM

Oct 10 Three Days Grace and Chevelle

Oct 26 -28 Hardy with Lainey Wilson

Beech Mountain

BEECH MOUNTAIN NC

BEECH MTN SUMMER SERIES:

Jul 30 My Morning Jacket

Hampton va

HAMPTON VA

HAMPTON COLISEUM

Dec 8 & 9 Goosemas

I first saw Director Terry Gilliam’s 1981 movie “Time Bandits” back when I was in high school, at the peak of my Monty Python fandom. I know you’ll find this shocking, longtime readers, but yours truly was the stereotypical Monty Python nerd in high school (I even had a theater teacher who hated me for it). The film was Python member Gilliam’s second film as a solo director, and it was co-written with fellow Python cohort Michael Palin, plus John Cleese another member of the legendary comedy group turns up in the film as Robin Hood.

“Time Bandits” is a sprawling comedy fantasy that is about a kid named Kevin who gets swept up on a journey through time and space thanks to a group of travelers who have stolen a map of time and space from The Supreme Being. As the unlikely group takes a wrong turn, they land

Time Bandits

in Kevin’s bedroom. Kevin is a bright lad who is interested in history and as he winds up an accidental passenger with this merry band’s journey of looting treasures from various points in time, he finds it to be a great deal of fun.

The pedigree of the people both on and off screen for “Time Bandits” is impressive as well. The great character actor David Warner shows up as the Evil Genius, Sean Connery as King Agamemnon, and Shelly Duval and co-writer Palin have a fantastic recurring bit as lovers at various points in history. The film was also produced by George Harrison as part of his HandMade Films company that originally began for the Python’s previous movie “Life of Brian.”

The first time I saw the film was on a DVD by The Criterion Collection, which has released the film in every format they’ve ever worked in, including Laserdisc and blu-ray. They’ve now revisited the title yet again by bundling their previous blu-ray with a grand new 4K UHD blu-ray disc of the film. The new 4K restoration was supervised by Terry Gilliam and the original stereo soundtrack is presented in an uncompressed, lossless format.

watching a pristine 35mm print of the film, the original camera negative was used as the source for this 4K restoration.

All the bonus material has been carried over to this release from the previous blu-ray, including the very good commentary track with Gilliam and other creative people from the film that was first recorded in the late ’90s for the Laserdisc release of the film. A great clip with Duvall on Tom Snyder’s “Tomorrow” show from 1981 is one of these features, as is the very funny

trailer, a still gallery, and a short documentary on the production design of the film.

As beloved as “Time Bandits” is I admit it’s not my favorite of Gilliam’s work, but it’s a fun comedy/fantasy film that is accessible for all the family that is well welcomed in a great 4K edition from the good people at Criterion. Fans of the film will be more than pleased with the upgrade. See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

Like most of Criterion’s 4K discs, this one is presented in Dolby Vision and it looks absolutely stunning. I recall this movie looking a bit dull the last time I saw it all those years ago, but this new 4K disc gives the film a great-looking, rich color pallet with sharpness and detail that looks like you’re