The Loafer 90

The Dog Days of Summer

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Founder: Bill Williams

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Friends!

Dogs Days of Summer! What is that?

The hottest and most unbearable days of the season. Do you agree that is what is happening now? I have noticed a large number of people are having air conditioning problems at their homes. How are you and your young ones staying cool? Swimming in the pool or lake or staying in your cool and comfy house? Please remember to hydrate even more during this time. I make fresh squeezed lemonade for my family in the summer and they love it so

The Five Best Classic Summer Movies

By [https://EzineArticles.com/ expert/Zack_Mandell/1396543]

Zack Mandell

As summer approaches, moviegoers’ thoughts wander to up-and-coming blockbusters, action movies with big-name stars and even bigger explosions, and high-budget animated family fare. In all the splashy excitement and heavy advertising, however, it can sometimes be easy to overlook classic films in a related yet different genre: movies that celebrate the summer season itself.

During the summer, the sun is still out even after an hour when many kids would have to go to bed during the school year. Sleepovers, latenight dates, and travel become more the norm than the exception. Summer has a kind of anarchy to it; rules that apply throughout the rest of the year are suspended, and anything can happen. Great summer movies reflect that freedom from the rules-along with the excitement, the romance, the horror, or the absurdity it can cause.

“American Graffiti” (1973)

Summer takes on different meanings as people age. For kids, it’s a break from school; for teenagers, it might include dates and part-time jobs; and for adults, it’s often just the same

old same old. Few things bring that as starkly to light as teenagers’ last summer before graduating from high school-often the last chance they’ll have to enjoy everything life has to offer without being burdened by responsibility. The George Lucas classic “American Graffiti” takes that concept a step farther, focusing on the final night of one group of teens’ last childhood summer.

Steve (Ron Howard) and Laurie (Cindy Williams) break up and get back together. Curt (Richard Dreyfuss) meets a mysterious blonde who may or may not have a seedy past and goes to great lengths to pursue her. Toad (Charles Martin Smith) and John (Paul Le Mat) go cruising, and John later races Bob (Harrison Ford) and Laurie (Cindy Williams), who barely walk away after Bob flips his car.

Romance, fast cars, minor mysteries, rock-and roll music, and brushes with death-anything can happen on the last day of summer, and in “American Graffiti,” it does.

“Dirty Dancing” (1987)

Sheltered, wealthy Baby (Jennifer Grey) spends her summer vacation in the Catskills with her physician father (Jerry Orbach). Hard-bodied dance instructor Johnny (Patrick Swayze) quickly captures Baby’s attention, and

she develops a crush that only grows after she’s invited to a clandestine after-hours staff dance party, where Johnny teaches her some of the finer points of the mambo.

After a serious of unpleasant events, Baby’s father forbids her from seeing Johnny. Discovering her own independence for the first time, Baby sneaks around with Johnny anyway and only reveals their relationship when Johnny is falsely accused of theft.

“Dirty Dancing” combines one part coming of age, one part summer camp, one part dance, and one part romance. These elements are underscored with a sweeping soundtrack and garnished with a dollop of high drama to make “Dirty Dancing” a classic summer story.

“Stand by Me” (1986)

Gordie (Wil Wheaton), Chris (River Phoenix), Teddy (Corey Feldman), and Vern (Jerry O’Connell) are four misfit young friends. After Vern overhears his brother discussing a body he found while he was disposing of a stolen car, he convinces his buddies they should go searching for it. The body is that of a high-profile missing child, and the boys are sure that if they locate it, they’ll be rewarded with fame.

“Stand by Me” has a simple and straightforward plot, but it’s an adventure kids could only take over the summer, when they’re free to explore, camp out, and disappear for a weekend. The friends bond over the journey, and this moment in time becomes pivotal in their understanding of each other-and of themselves. It’s a coming-of-age story largely centered on character development, but it calls to mind those young teenage moments of self discovery that only seem to occur on summer adventures with friends.

“Caddyshack” (1980)

When Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, and Chevy Chase team up, plot becomes almost irrelevant.

“Caddyshack” has been widely hailed as one of the funniest movies of all time, and it’s also a great example of lighthearted, uproarious summer fun.

Danny (Michael O’Keefe) is working at the country club, often caddying for golfing sensation Ty Webb (Chase).

Danny ends up involved in a feud between the club’s cofounder, Judge Smails (Ted Knight), and wealthy jerk Al Czervik (Dangerfield). Meanwhile, bumbling assistant groundskeeper Carl (Murray) has been tasked with the surprisingly difficult job of eliminating a pesky gopher.

Carl eventually resorts to the nuclear option to deal with the gopher. Danny puts his job and a scholarship on the line to golf for Czervik in his duel with Smails. Naturally, these events coincide, leading to hilarious hijinks. “Caddyshack” requires suspension of disbelief and a strong sense of humor, and it’s perfect summertime popcorn fare.

“Vacation” (1983)

The first entry in National Lampoon’s “Vacation” series sees the Griswold family embarking on a cross-country road trip to visit Walley World. Clark ( [http://movieroomreviews.com/ chevy-chase]Chevy Chase ) attempts to trade in the family car for a sporty new wagon, but at the dealership, he winds up with an unappealing vehicle: “The Family Truckster.”

His wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) and kids, Rusty (Anthony Michael Hall) and Audrey (Dana Barron), are less than enthused about hitting the road in the Truckster, but Clark talks them around. What follows is a road trip of epic comedy and abject failure-from getting stranded in the desert to the unexpected on-the-road death of Aunt Edna (Imogene Coca), everything that can go wrong does. Unflinchingly hilarious, the movie includes something for everyone who’s ever taken a summer family vacation, and it serves as a cautionary tale for those who haven’t.

Article Source: [http:// EzineArticles.com/?TheFive-Best-Classic-SummerMovies&id=7714790] The Five Best Classic Summer Movies

Bristol TN/Va

Bristol, TN/VA

WEDNESDAY July 12th

Eric Yost 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY July 13th

Little Jon Chrisley and Friends

5:00pm at Cascade Draft House

FRIDAY July 14th

Highway 11E 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Shake It Like A Caveman

8:00pmat Bristol Casino Bar

Andrew Scotchie

10:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY July 15th

Tuatha Dea 4:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

The Audacity 5:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Ali Randolph 8:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Cash Crop 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

MONDAY July 17th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City

Johnson City, TN

TUESDAY July 11th

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

WEDNESDAY July 12th

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

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Royal Bliss | Royal Thunder | New Monar 8:00pm at Capone’s

THURSDAY July 13th

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Preston Benfield Band 6:30pm at Lakeside Concert Series

Rocky Horror Music Show

8:00pm at Capone’s

FRIDAY July 14th

Ali Randolph Band 6:00pm at Tulip’s American Grub and Pub

Fridays After 5 Donnie and the Dry Heavers

6:30pm at King Commons Park

Halo Scars | Covalence | Broken SideFoster 10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY July 15th

Rusty Steel 4:00pm at Wrecking Crew Harle Davidson

Pressing Strings7:00pm at Tennessee Hills Brewstillery

Dirtbag Poets Band 7:00pm at Tulip’s American Grub and Pub

POET The Band Album Release | Minute After Midnight | Devil’s Cut 10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY July 16th

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

Kingsport

Kingsport, TN

FRIDAY July 14th

Momma Molasses 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

The Breakfast Club 8:00pm at Twilight Alive

SATURDAY July 15th

Road Soda 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Stone Fire Band 8:00pm at Kingsport Moose Lodge

Gents & Liars 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Elizabethton

Elizabethton, TN

SATURDAY July 15th

Hollow Ground 8:00pm at Covered Bridge Jams

Two Band Night: The Bill Perkins Trio , Jason Decristofaro

7:30 at The Bonnie Kate Theatre

Jonesborough

Jonesborough, TN

Friday July 14th

Ed Snodderly 7:00pm at Music on the Square

Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer

By [https://EzineArticles.com/expert/ Banken_Dyste/923148]Banken Dyste

Dogs don’t sweat like humans do. And aside from being incapable of sweating, your dog is also covered in fur. Keeping your dog cool and healthy during the summer can also help extend your dogs’ life. Thus, it is important to know how to keep your dog cool when the temperature starts rising.

Understand How Dogs Cool Down

Dogs cool down primarily through panting. Unfortunately this is not the best method for cooling down. Panting works when air passes over the saliva on the dog’s tongue thus cooling it before entering the dog’s body. However, if the temperature outside is warmer than the dog’s normal body temperature, it is not very likely will be able to do much to cool your dog down. There’s another mechanism that helps dogs cool down. According to Dr. Wimple at the Angel Veterinary Clinic in Texas, dogs have an involuntary response to heat wherein the blood vessels in the head, ears face and feet constrict, limiting the blood flow to those areas and thus cooling him or her.

Plenty of Shade

If your dog stays outside, make sure to protect him or her from the heat of the sun by providing plenty of shade. The shade moves as the sun moves across the sky, meaning there might not be any (shade) during midday when the sun is at its peak. Therefore, you should make sure that there is a shade for your dog throughout the day.

Fresh Water Supply

Drinking water is a means for dogs to cool themselves so make sure your dog has adequate fresh water supply.

It is not enough though to simply provide a big bowlful of water. Under the hot summer sun, a water bowl can get hot very fast. Consider getting a water bowl with a hose attachment that replenishes water and keeps a fresh supply that is cooler than standing water.

Dogs can even turn over their water bowls leaving them without water throughout the day. This could be a very dangerous situation. Make sure to get your dog a water bowl that is resistant to being turned over.

Reduce Fatty Foods

Fats keep dogs insulated during the cooler months. But in the summer, dogs do not need the added insulation so it is best to feed them low fat dog foods to keep then lean and healthy. Lean dogs will feel lighter and cooler without the layers of fat. However, you should consult with your vet first before changing your dog’s diet.

Banken Dyste is an expert when it comes to pet care. He is an affiliate of

PetLabs360, a company that provides excellent pet care products. They have products that helps in keeping dogs cool in summer [http://www.petlabs360.com]. PetLabs360 can help you in getting the best pet health [http://www.petlabs360. com] that will better fit your most precious cats and dogs.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles. com/?Keeping-Your-Dog-Cool-InSummer&id=5899564] Keeping Your Dog Cool In Summer

LIBCON: High Fives and Mad Vibes

Saturday, July 15

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Johnson City Public Library

All ages are invited to LibCon, a free fandom convention. This year’s LibCon is a throwback to the 80s and 90s! The event will include interactive panels, games, “summer camp” activities, karaoke, vendors, and a cosplay contest.

INTERACTIVE & PANEL SESSIONS

11:00am

Collaborative Madlibs

Storytime Room

1:00pm

SINGO

Storytime Room

1:30pm

Throwback Karaoke

Meeting Room

2:30pm

Cosplay Contest

Meeting Room

3:30pm

Retro Dance Party

Meeting Room

MEETUPS

10:00am-12:00pm

Trading Card Swap Meetup

Children’s Library

12:00pm-2:00pm

Manga/Graphic Novel Swap Meetup

Children’s Library

HANDS-ON CRAFTIVITIES

10:00am-12:00pm

DIY Slap Bracelets

Yarn Crafts

Cootie Catchers

Origami

Zines

12:00pm-2:00pm

Friendship Bracelets

Scratch Art

Popsicle Stick Art

Zines

PASSIVE ACTIVITIES (ALL DAY)

Vendor Alley

Buffalo Mountain Room

Selfie Stations

Throughout Building

Voting Stations

Throughout Building

MOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’

10:00am-1:00pm

Hands On! Discovery Center/Gray

Fossil Site will facilitate music and movement actrivites for kids in the Natural Adventure Park in front of the library.

Relive the glory days (of the 80s and 90s) on Saturday, July 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at LibCon V!

At this year’s fandom convention we’ll take you on a nostalgic trip back to those totally rad decades. So grab your scrunchies, dust off your Walkman, and join us for the throwback extravaganza!

Visit: libcon.jcpl.org to find out all the fun panels, games, karaoke, vendors, and cosplay contest we have planned for you!

LibCon is free and open to fans of all ages!

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.

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

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Johnson City Community Concert Band Holds Summer Concert at Northeast State

Northeast State Community College welcomes the Johnson City Community Concert Band for a rousing summer concert performance. The band’s concert “Summer Sounds” happens July 15 at the Ballad Health Center for Performing Arts theater on the Blountville campus next to Tri-Cities Airport. The show is free and open to the public The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Founded in 1983 by faculty members from East Tennessee State University,

the Johnson City Community Band is celebrating 40 years of music in 2023. The band is comprised of members and associate members who have diverse backgrounds in music. Professional musicians to physicians, attorneys, dentists, schoolteachers, and other occupations collaborate to create the band’s music. The band performs around the region at popular festivals and schools.

Membership is open to anyone over the age of 18 that plays a concert band instrument and is

interested in joining likeminded individuals in making music. The band’s conductor, Dr. Christian Zembower, is director of bands and associate professor of music at East

Tennessee State University. For more information about this performance, visit:

www.jcccband.org/ or contact 423.279.7669.

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

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

THURSDAY JULY 13TH

Zoo Knoxville 11:00am at Johnson City Public Library

FRIDAY JULY 14TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Food Truck Friday 11:00am at Ronald McDonald House

Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night

6:00pm at CardFox

Rumble In The Hills Bike & Audio Show 6:00pm at Tulip's American Grub and Pub

SATURDAY JULY 15TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Johnson City Farmers Market

8:00am at Founders Park

Storytime & Paint:

"Just Narwhal"

10:00am at Into the Fire

Rumble In The Hills Bike & Audio Show 11:00am at Tulip's

American Grub and Pub

Grand Opening Celebration

5:30pm at Miabella's Salon

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

SUNDAY JULY 16TH

Hiking Date For Couples

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Sunday Makers Market

12:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Company

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY JULY 12TH

State Street Farmer's Market

2:00pm at Downtown Center

THURSDAY JULY 13TH

"Flamingo Stampede"

Canvas Class 6:00pm at Kil'n Time Studio

SATURDAY JULY 15TH

Dear Heart Bridal Expo

10:00am at Delta Hotel

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Comedy Knockout 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY JULY 13TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Pratt's BBQ

SATURDAY JULY 15TH

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

Nature: Wolf Howling

10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Downtown Street Fair 10:00am at Downtown Kingsport

SUNDAY JULY 16TH

Lazy Days of Summer

Handmade Market 11:00am at Kingsport Farmer's Market

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling Guild

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

WEDNESDAY JULY 12TH

IBN BIZ Lunch 11:30am at The Black Olive

SATURDAY JULY 15TH

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

Summer Supper on Spring Street 2:30pm at Heritage Alliance

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY JULY 12TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY JULY 14TH

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

SUNDAY JULY 16TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

GRAY

SATURDAY JULY 15TH

R.K. Gray Gun Show 9:00am at Appalachian Fairgrounds

SUNDAY JULY 16TH

R.K. Gray Gun Show 9:00am at Appalachian Fairgrounds

PINEY FLATS

SATURDAY JULY 15TH

Old-Fashioned Independence Day 10:00am at Rocky Mount State Historic Site

ELIZABETHTON

WEDNESDAY JULY 12TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at The Black Olive

Hospitality and Tourism Management Certification Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the hospitality and tourism management certification program, a partnership with the East Tennessee State University Office of Professional Development and Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. The certification is the first of it’s kind in Tennessee, having grown over the past five years to include 50 graduates.

Classes will be held each Tuesday, August-November, 6-9 p.m., at the Hands On! Discovery Center. Registration is required and scholarships are available. The certificate in hospitality and tourism management requires the completion of two six-week sessions offered during the fall semester.

Certification is for anyone interested in expanding their skills and knowledge for personal and/or professional development. This includes tourism and hospitality professionals who would like to hone their skills in management, public relations, current technology and social trends, or graduate students who want to augment their programs of study with an invaluable skill set. The program prepares graduates for entry or advanced promotion into a range of management positions in culinary, food and beverage, lodging, attraction, and tourism related industries. It is intended for those who desire skills that are needed in

Biker Events

sponsored by biker wear

the workforce at large. During the course of the program, designed with strong emphasis on applied skills, students will learn regional and international facets of hospitality and tourism, with topics ranging from marketing, financial, safety, entrepreneurship and management in tourism. Students will have access to industry leaders, as well as experienced ETSU faculty and staff.

“Tourism is the second largest industry and a major employer in our area,” said Alicia Phelps, Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association Executive Director. “An investment in the local workforce through continued education will further strengthen the hospitality and tourism industry, which plays such a large role as an economic driver in our area. We’re elated to partner with ETSU by offering this program. We have a strong force of experts and internationally known entities in our area, and the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association is able to pull from those partners as designated speakers for topics within the certification.”

For class schedule, cost and enrollment, visit NortheastTennessee.org/HTC or call ETSU Office of Professional Development at 423-439-8084.

Useless Facts

1. July has two birth flowers – the water lily and the larkspur. The water lily is a symbol of a pure heart, while the larkspur (especially its white form) represents the lightness of the heart. The birthstone of July is the ruby, considered by many to be the king of gems1.

2. July is UFO season.

3. The phones started ringing in July 2.

4. The month is named after an emperor.

5. It’s a month of many odd holidays.

6. It tends to be peak pruning season.

7. You’ll also see plenty of hay in July.

8. Only two people actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th John Hancock and Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress. Most of the others signed on August 2nd

9. On July 4, 1778, George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for his soldiers to celebrate the holiday.

10. Fireworks have been a major part of Fourth of July since the earliest celebrations. In 1884, miners blew up the post office in Swan, Colorado, because it wasn't supplied with fireworks.

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:

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 everyone, hope you had a fun and safe July 4th Holiday. July is the month in which we celebrate our country’s independence. Our founding fathers sealed the declaration on July 4th, 1776. Our country is 245 years old. Now let’s take a short trip through history.

On July 2, 1776, Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved, and the document was published. In 1775, people in New England began fighting the British for their independence. On July 2, 1776, the Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved, and the document was published. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, 1776. Delegates began to sign

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. In 1870, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1941, it became a paid holiday for them. The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He described "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations" throughout the United States. However, the term "Independence Day" was not used until 1791. Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States, died on July 4, 1826 - exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration. It is also important to note that Native Americans lived in the country and each tribe had its own nation and government prior to the European settlers. Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is observed on Friday, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. Government offices and schools are closed. Some businesses may be closed as well. In some years, many employees use a proportion of their vacation days to create a long weekend. This can cause congestion in some places, particularly towards popular holiday destinations. There are many public events, parades, shows and fireworks displays. This may cause local disruption to traffic. Independence Day is a day of family celebrations with picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon

or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities and tug-of-war games. Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. The most impressive fireworks are shown on television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite beach or vacation

spot. Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive aspects of the United States. Many politicians appear at public events to show their support for the history, heritage and people of their country. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today's Americans. The Statue of Liberty is a national monument that is associated with Independence Day.

Call for Entries for Arts in the Airport at McGhee Tyson Airport

The Arts & Culture Alliance and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (McGhee Tyson Airport) announce a call for entries for Arts in the Airport, a juried exhibition developed to allow regional artists to compete and display work in the most visited site in the area. Approximately 40-45 fine art works encompassing all styles and genres from both emerging and established artists will comprise the exhibition in the secured area behind McGhee Tyson Airport’s security gate checkpoint from October 26, 2023 – April 2024. Prizes include at least $1,000 in cash awards.

Artists may find more information and an online entry form at www. knoxalliance.com/airport-entry.

The deadline for entries is Sunday, September 10, 2023.

The call for entries is open to all artists 18 years and older residing in the 33 counties of East Tennessee. There is no entry fee, however artists must be individual members of the Arts & Culture Alliance by the entry deadline, and membership is open to all. Each artist may submit up to five

entries which must be original works in the following categories: 2-D (painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, photography) and 3-D (sculpture of all media). Entries are juried by digital image only.

Juror: John Douglas Powers received his M.F.A. in sculpture (with distinction) from The University of Georgia and a B.A. in art history from Vanderbilt University. His work has been featured in The New York Times, World Sculpture News, Sculpture Magazine, Art Forum, The Huffington Post, Art in America, The Boston Globe and on CBS News Sunday Morning. He is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Virginia A Groot Foundation Award, a Joan Mitchell Foundation MFA Grant as well as a Southeastern College Art Conference Individual Artist Fellowship. His sculptural work has been exhibited nationally at venues including Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, The Hunter Museum of American Art, The MIT Museum, The Mariana Kistler Beach Museum of Art, The Huntsville Museum of Art, The Wiregrass Museum of Art, The

Alexander Brest Museum, The Masur Museum, The Gadsden Museum of Art, Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, Brenda Taylor Gallery, The Vero Beach Museum of Art and Cue Art Foundation. Powers is a Professor of Sculpture and Time-Based Art at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. www.johnpowers.com

For more information, please contact Suzanne Cada at (865) 5237543 or sc@knoxalliance.com.

**PICTURED: Artwork from current Arts in the Airport exhibition: Mule Alley, 2022 by Christine Dano Johnson, Chaos by Michelle Carr,

About the Arts & Culture Alliance

The Arts & Culture Alliance serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. The Arts & Culture Alliance serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. The Alliance receives financial support from the Tennessee Arts Commission, the City of Knoxville, Knox County, the National Endowment for the Arts and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

and Viking Ship on High Seas by Lennie Robertson

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

Make It Make Sense

Please stop posting content like this. Read your terms and conditions (facebook. com/policies_center). And maybe stop to ask who Larry and Tim are and why, if this is truly from an attorney, there are so many grammatical errors. "Special thanks to Larry for this legal advice… and to Tim Barker for posting this information: Due to the fact everyone is slowly getting hi-jacked yeah hi-jacked not hacked anymore there flat out hijacking our accounts, even more now.

Just in case Notice: An attorney advised us to post this. The violation of privacy can be punished by law.

NOTE: Facebook Meta is now a public entity. All members must post a note like this. If you do not publish a statement at least once, it will be technically understood that you are allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile status updates.

I HEREBY STATE THAT I DO NOT GIVE MY PERMISSION TO USE ANY OF MY PERSONAL DATA OR PHOTOS. Copy and paste, do not share." Make it make sense to post something like this that is very obviously fake. Your permission is provided when you agree to the terms and conditions, so posts like this will not hold up in a court of law.

By [https://EzineArticles.com/expert/ Val_McQueen/628373]Val McQueen

Every one around our country waits for summer. Summer brings with it sunshine and warmth driving away the bone chilling cold. Children wait for summer holidays, which is the vacation time to have fun and enjoy life.

Summer does not essentially mean that it will be hot. A cool summer brings with it gentle warmth with cool breeze.

We tend to snack a lot during summer all through the day and gorge or outside food. The seasons special are the hot favorites. There are many summer special snacks that may appeal to you no matter what your personal tastes and preferences have to be. There’s the sweet stuff, and then there’s the savory. There’s the spicy and there’s the refreshing. There’s healthy food and some of the things we like to treat ourselves to once in a while. No matter what you end up deciding to have, one thing is for certain. One who appreciates some tasty treats must try these to enjoy their flavor.

Are you calorie conscious and cannot binge on ice creams, preferring instead to go with

Summer Special Snacks

something lower in calories and healthier for the body? You’re not alone, and if this is what you like, then frozen yogurt is the ideal choice. Frozen deserts with real fruits are low calorie stuff that is cooling especially during summer times.

For the coffee lovers who cannot do without the caffeine in your system, the best summer drink can be the iced coffee. Cool and creamy iced coffee in summer is very refreshing and replaces the smoking hot coffee of winters.

For the others who love beverages other than coffee, there is the iced tea, which is cooling, and tasty drink for a hot summer day. One must try the snow cones during summer. You can find them on the beach and at the fairs. Now is the time during summer that one enjoys snow cones.

Hotels like to use decorative bath towels [http://guesttowels.org/decorative-bathtowels/] and embroidered bath towels [http://guesttowels.org/embroidered-bathtowels/].

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles. com/?Summer-Special-Snacks&id=4910533]

Summer Special Snacks

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

A Familiar Voice Signs Off The News

Fred Sauceman planning a new program to air on WETS-FM

Fred Sauceman, news director at WETSFM, will sign off the news desk for the last time on Friday, June 30, 2023, after a decade of delivering local and regional news at the station.

In 2013, WETS-FM introduced its first news department in its 40-year history, with Sauceman at the helm to add local news content during National Public Radio’s newsmagazines “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.” For the last 10 years, Sauceman has focused on stories and issues that affect listeners in the region, such as education, the environment, the economy and local and state government.

“Fred Sauceman has elevated the news coverage at WETS and has been a steady, consistent and trusted voice in our community,” said WETS-FM Station Director Chad Barrett. “Thankfully, our listeners will continue to hear his familiar voice on the radio, even after he’s

concluded his role as news director.”

Sauceman is stepping away from his day-to-day role in news to plan a new program called “Vital Voices,” which is set to begin airing later this summer on WETS. Airtimes will be 7 a.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays, and the program will feature guests from a wide variety of fields. He will also continue to record underwriting credits and public service announcements to air on WETS.

“I have listened to WETS since it first went on the air in 1974, my senior year in high school,” Sauceman said. “When I was a student at ETSU, I used to have the station on while I was studying for my classes. Then, beginning in 1985, I oversaw station operations through my position as head of the University Relations office at ETSU. For nearly 50 years, WETS has entertained, informed and uplifted our region, and being part of the station’s staff has been one of my life’s greatest honors.”

Sauceman began his radio career in

Greeneville, Tennessee, hosting pop-rock shows as a teenager. He spent his early days on the air doing everything from reading obituaries and birth announcements to election coverage to DJ’ing country music. He also worked in television, doing field reporting and anchor work for WKPTTV, the ABC affiliate in Kingsport. He spent the majority of his career in higher education administration at East Tennessee State University, leading the Alumni Office for several years and the Office of University Relations for 25 years. In 2012, he retired from his full-time role at ETSU and returned to radio as news director at WETS-FM.

Sauceman is also a published author and columnist, known for his writing about Southern and Appalachian foodways. He and his wife, Jill, write the “Flavors” column for Blue Ridge Country magazine. Sauceman shares his food expertise on a monthly

segment on WJHL-TV called “Food with Fred” and in a monthly column in the Johnson City Press and Kingsport Times-News called “Potluck.”

Harvest Food Bank Family Food Boxes

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

To Upgrade or Not To Upgrade?

Those of you who read this column regularly know that I talk about new and interesting releases on blu-ray and 4K blu-ray. But I don’t often talk about my home theater I watch those releases in before I share my reviews with you. I’ve had a home theater for about 20 years now, starting in the DVD era with a good ole boxy CRT TV and a JVC home audio receiver with Dolby Digital surround sound processing. There have been upgrades over the years, the CRT was replaced with a rear projection HDTV, the JVC receiver was replaced with a Panasonic one that added DTS sound to the mix, and then when it died I upgraded to a Yamaha one I still use which was able to process the high-resolution, master audio grade formats from Dolby and DTS that are commonly found on most blu-ray discs.

It’s always been a basic 5.1 sound system, where you have five speakers and a subwoofer for those rattling exploding sounds that go off during James Bond movies. One thing about my theater is I don’t like to upgrade if something is still a perfectly working piece of equipment. That’s one reason that

the 2006 TV wasn’t replaced until last year when it began to get difficult to track down the replacement light bulbs for the back.

Last year I upgraded to a very nice 4K OLED TV that I love, it’s been about a year with the TV, and the shocking quality I get out of this TV gives me a near-cinematic experience in my home theater. Because things never go simple, just weeks after upgrading the fancy TV one of the speakers in my home theater went out, which isn’t too shocking when you consider those speakers have been serving me well for 20 years. So after I replaced that one speaker, and after being so impressed by what my new TV could do, it put a bug in my ear.

Should I upgrade my sound system?

5.1 has been a standard format for 30 years now, and over time it was expanded to 7.1 and now you can

use a 7.1 system with Dolby Atmos, which from my understanding uses some kind of magic to make it seem as if the objects in the movie are whizzing right by your year, over moving from speaker to speaker. But I’ve never heard anything in Dolby Atmos so I don’t know how much of an improvement upgrading would be, any disc I have that has a Dolby Atmos track will automatically down-mix itself to a 5.1 mix for my system—it’s designed that way.

All of this got me thinking about one thing. I miss Circuit City. In particular, I miss that little soundproof demo room they had where you could in and test out various speakers, receivers, and surround sound demos to get a feel for what you wanted in your own home. What if I don’t need to upgrade? As I don’t. Everything is

working fine and I love the Yamaha receiver that is the heart of my home theater.

Plus, at the end of the day, I only have a few discs with Dolby Atmos mixes on them, most of my surround soundtracks on the movies I own are 5.1 mixes. This is why I wish I could sit in a demo room and just see for myself if it is something I think I’d benefit from. But alas, if I upgrade I will just go for it and hope for the best. I suspect I won’t. I suspect I’ll wait till something happens to the Yamaha, then I probably will upgrade it to Atmos. But with my luck something fancier will come along after then and then I’ll wonder about upgrading all over again. See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com