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Volume 27 Issue #15
!"#$%&'()*+*,%$$*-%$$%./&*0*12%34)*+*5')%&36*7(.8'*0*9:;8(*<.=.>()*+*7"8%*?.3( Cover Design - Bill May • Graphic Arts Director - Don Sprinkle • Photography - Mark Marquette Advertising - Dave Carter, Akey Kincaid, Lisa Lyons, Tabitha Lambert, Terry Patterson Contributing Staff - Jim Kelly, Andy Ross, Ken Silvers, Mark Marquette, Pat Bussard Published by Creative Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 3596, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com • info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (advertising 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 loss of 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.
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Northeast State Theater Stages Treasure Island
A pirate story worthy of the most daring buccaneer hits the stage next month when Northeast State Theater presents Treasure Island, a whirlwind of adventure, special effects, and drama on the high seas. Adapted by Ara Watson from the novel of Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island is the coming‐of‐age story of Jim Hawkins’ thrilling adventure – as !"#$"%&"'()*+,(-.(/01(2')$&(1"$3(4( in search of buried treasure on a distant and mysterious island. Directed by Elizabeth McKnight Sloan, the play features a cast of swashbuckling pirates surrounded by elements of wind and water, swords and sea chanteys, and old ropes and rowboats on the South Seas. The play follows young Jim’s adventures with the pirates, ship battles, betrayal, and the infamous Long John Silver, who just may be the “devil hisself.” The show will run for two successive weekends of April 4‐7 and April 12‐14. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., April 4‐6 and April 12 and 13. Matinee performances begin at 2 p.m., April 6‐7 and April 12‐14. Tickets are $10 general admission. Performances are free to current Northeast State students, but they must pick up &0%5"&1(2&(&/"(-+6(+3#0%"7((80%5"&1( can be purchased online at www. NortheastState.edu or at the &/"2&"!91( -+6( +3#0%"( +,"( /+)!( prior to the show. The house opens 30 minutes before show time. All shows will be held in the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts (WRCPA) Theater on the College’s main campus at Blountville, adjacent to Tri‐Cities Regional Airport. The play is being presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. As a bonus attraction, historian Gail Selinger will lecture on all things pirate April 3 at 7 p.m. at the WRCPA. She has been featured in movies, documentaries and radio shows for her expertise in historical accuracy and knowledge of pirates. She was a founder of a
privateer historical re‐enactment group, Port Royal Privateers and is still actively involved. The event is free and open to the public. She has written several books and stories including Complete Idiot’s Guide to Pirates, Mystery
Date, The Magic Toy Box and her latest Swordplay. For more information, contact Northeast State Theater at 423.354.2479, e‐mail emsloan@ NortheastState.edu or visit the Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/NSCCTheatre.
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Fisk Jubuilee Singers to Share Message, Music at ETSU
Kwami and DCHS Madrigals
Martha Street Culp Auditorium March 26th 7:30pm
Since 1871, Fisk Jubilee Singers® have been on a mission to share the art form of Negro spirituals, making music for kings, queens and presidents as well as the common folk around the globe. But equally important as the music is the message, says Dr. Paul T. Kwami, director of the a cappella group. “The message is that there are beautiful things in the world and music is one of the sources of this beauty,” says Kwami, a native of Ghana who was a Fisk Jubilee singer himself in the 1980s. “As we study and perform music, we discover this beauty and share it with others. This may take the form of encouragement, expression of love, expression of our faith in God and the knowledge of our responsibility in sharing our gifts with other
people for the good of the world. Music gives us more than just entertainment.” Fisk Jubilee Singers® will share this traditional music and its messages of hope and love at ETSU on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Martha Street Culp Auditorium. The 16‐member ensemble will be joined by the David Crockett Madrigal Singers on four pieces, and under the direction of DCHS Choral Director Kelly Sams, the high school chorus will perform four pieces from the Madrigals’ repertoire. To help prepare the 20 Madrigal Singers and teach them this special style of singing, Kwami has made three visits to Crockett High School, one in January, February and March. The program for the March 26 performance will include
pieces by well‐known African‐ American arrangers such as Moses Hogan, Undine S. Moore, Jester Hairston, John W. Work III and William Dawson, as well as one of Kwami’s own arrangements. Spirituals will include “Soon‐Ah Will Be Done,” “Ain A That Good News,” “Poor Man Laz‐rus,” “Nobody Knows the Trouble I See” and “The Battle of Jericho.” Stressing the importance of such music in global and arts culture is also part of the focus of Kwami’s educational gift to these area students, and critical to that education is “understanding,” he says. “One thing I am very particular about is having an understanding of the music that is being performed, that is, the message of the song that is being p e r f o r m e d ,”
Kwami says. “Without an understanding, the performer cannot effectively share the message. When my students sing with understanding, it helps the emotion and emotion is a very important part of music when it is performed and then it affects the audience … “Once they understand what we are singing about, it speaks to them, and therefore they understand it and have fun with it. I know that some people may not agree with me, but I have come to realize that Negro
spirituals today can be used to achieve some beautiful things and if you ask my students, they will tell you it is true. I know the -","#0&( +3( ),'"!1&2,'0,:( ;/2&( the songs mean today.” 8/"(-","#0&1(+3(&/"(%+<<),0&.( collaboration, Sams says, will last much longer than the end of spring term. “These students and I are participating in a musical opportunity that we will remember all our lives,” says the Milligan College master of education. “I still can’t believe Continued on page 7
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we were chosen to participate in this project! I can already see improvement in their musicality in the short time Dr. Kwami has worked with them. They’re paying attention to the details and expressing the music with such emotion. “We’re also being introduced to a genre of music in a way that I would never have been able to fully communicate to them without this opportunity. They’re experiencing the Fisk Jubilee Singers
March 19, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 7 %+$$2-+!2&0+,( #0!1&/2,'( ;0&/( such a remarkable musician … Having the opportunity to sing with such a prestigious group as the Fisk Jubilee Singers® is an incredible opportunity for all of us.” Enhancing student experiences is one of the missions integral to the way funding was established for the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, says its Director Anita DeAngelis. “At a time when funding for education is diminishing somewhat – yet we know how
important it is – it is wonderful to have someone in our community say, ‘It is important for me to see these kinds of activities in our schools,’ ” DeAngelis says. “It’s a good opportunity for our local students to come in direct contact with an artists’ organization and perform with them. It’s going to be great fun to see what happens.” In addition to the message and music, the Jubilee Singers are also sharing a rich tradition, not only of spirituals but also of their own ensemble and historic
school in Nashville. The Jubilee Singers broke racial barriers in the U.S. and abroad in the late 19th century, entertaining and enthralling European royalty and raising money to support their beloved school through '03#0%)$&(&0<"17( “We have never had anyone of this caliber come and work with us,” says alto Chelsea Shaw, a senior and student president of the DCHS Choral Department. “It’s going to open great windows for us. We’re going to learn a lot. Ms. Sams is a great teacher but there’s always room for improvement. I was so excited to hear we were actually singing with them in concert.” Basses Jacob Anderson and James Allen say the visits from Kwami have already been productive and enjoyable. “I’m honored,” says Allen, a junior. “It’s awesome getting to work with him and I want to go into music education. It’s a different type of genre than I am used to singing. It will help me be a more well‐rounded musician.” Tickets are $5 for all area students with a valid student ID, $15 general admission and $10 for seniors 60 and over. Group discounts are available for general admission and senior tickets. Financial support for the concert and educational activities is provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission.
For more information on Fisk Jubilee Singers®, please visit /&&*=>>;;;7#015?)-0$""10,:"!17 org. You may ‘Like’ David Crockett high School Choral Department on Facebook. For information about the ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, call 423‐439‐TKTS (8587) or visit www.etsu.edu/ cas/arts. “Like” ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts on Facebook and Follow it on Twitter at TheArtsAtETSU.
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Carousel Fine Craft Show & Brass Ring Gala March 22-24
8/"( @0&.( +3( A0,:1*+!&( B3#0%"( of Cultural Arts is pleased to announce the Carousel Fine Craft Show and Brass Ring Gala Reception. In celebration of the amazing community project known as the Kingsport Carousel Project we present Kingsport’s new premier juried, high quality, #0,"( 2!&1( 2,'( %!23&1( 1/+;7( 8/01( ?)!0"'( 1/+;( ;0$$( 3"2&)!"( #0,"( artists, artisans, craftspeople and photographers. The show has been juried by Kingsport Artisan Walt Turpening and will take place at the Kingsport Farmer’s Market at the corner of Center C&!""&( D( @$0,%/#0"$'( C&!""&( 0,( Kingsport, Tennessee. The show will feature only original hand‐ <2'"(;+!51(+3(#0,"(%!23&>2!&7(EB( commercial items for resale, kits, imported or consigned goods will be accepted. Many show booths will have live demonstrations of their craft. Carousel animal carvings
and rounding board paintings (some still in progress) will be prominently displayed. The public is encouraged to visit the show to see the progress of the Carousel Project and to interact with the carvers, painters and other volunteers as they perform live demonstrations, as well as taking part in the Fine Craft Show. The future site of the Kingsport Carousel will be in the vicinity of the Kingsport Farmer’s Market. Special opportunities to sponsor animals and paintings will be
made available to the public. The show will be opened up with the Brass Ring Gala Reception on Friday March 22 from 6‐9 pm sponsored by Engage Kingsport. This will be a special fundraiser for the Carousel Project. This reception will be a true celebration with all the carousel animal carvings and paintings together under one roof along with all our incredible carvers, painters and other volunteers on hand to interact with. The gala will feature My New Favorites, a local Tri‐Cities band. My New Favorites is the union of four musicians that play a fusion of old time, bluegrass, rock, gospel, jazz and classical. This will be a festive time with music, food, drinks and a cash bar with wine and beer as well as exclusive access to the Carousel Fine Craft Show, Kingsport’s premier juried show, featuring some of the best regional artisans and their /2,'F<2'"( ;+!51( +3( #0,"( %!23&( and art. All Gala attendees will get a 2 day pass to the show. Please join us as we celebrate the Kingsport Carousel Project and launch it to the next level. Continued on page 9
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This project would never have taken place without the support of the people of Kingsport and the region. We encourage you to pass this information on to your family and friends. Gala Reception: Friday March 22, 6 pm – 9 pm Show hours: Saturday March 23 10 am – 5 pm Sunday March 24 10 am – 5 pm Tickets available now at www. EngageKingsport.com or use this QR code: • Gala Event is $35.00 Includes entry pass to show for all days. Gala Event will include food /drinks & beer/wine for sale, with exclusive access to the Fine Craft Show as well as Carousel Project volunteers along with the carousel animals, paintings & carving demonstrations. • Tickets to Fine Craft Show are: $5.00 for 1 day $7.00 for 2 day pass It started as one man’s dream to have a carousel for the Kingsport community. He talked a few fellow Kiwanis members into investigating the idea and the Four Horsemen took charge. Now Kingsport has a carousel carving studio at the Lynn View Community Center where the carvers can be found working on their animals. It is open to the public M‐F from 10 am – 5 pm. Volunteer painters are also hard at work painting the hand‐ carved animals. Another set of volunteer painters are painting Kingsport scenes on Rounding Boards for the Carousel. Mechanics, merchants, fund raisers and enthusiasts are urged to get involved in this legacy project for Kingsport. The work continues until the 1956 vintage Herschel frame is in its own round house connected to the Farmers’ Market and all animals have a place on the carousel with children of all ages riding. Completion date is set for spring 2014 so there is a lot of work to be done and a great way to get to know great people! !"#$%&'($)*$+&,-./)0'$1*2&3#$ of Cultural Arts, part of the City of Kingsport, connects, coordinates and engages the public with a creative community. It operates a public art program, concert and theatrical events, the Carousel Project and a
March 19, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 9 My New Favorites
broad range of support to the area’s arts organizations. They work in tandem with Engage Kingsport, a private 501(c)3 ,+,F*!+#0&(+!:2,0G2&0+,H(0,(+!'"!( to facilitate their goals. The Carousel Project’s dream of having a hand‐carved menagerie style carousel is getting closer all the time. Built by a group of nearly 100 volunteers, the Carousel will become a treasure for families
of the region for many years to come. In addition to the Carousel Project, Engage Kingsport’s goals are to collaborate with a variety of arts organizations as well as non‐arts organizations, with the aim of increasing opportunities and outlets for artists of all types. As Kingsport becomes a destination for artists, new markets emerge for the creations of these artists.
Kipp Brixey
Functional Pottery
Joy Ann Darling
Nantucket & Appalachian Baskets
Susan Lane & John Plutchak
Quilting
Sandy Moore
Dichroic Glass Art & Jewelry
Tim Roberts
Porcelain & Stoneware Pottery
Rob Scaffe
Furniture
Joyce Bolton Smith
Nantucket & Shaker Baskets
Jeffrey Stoner
Photography
Ellen Turpening
Weaving
Walt Turpening
Furniture/Weaving
Lyle Wheeler
Furniture/Woodworking
Blair White
Sterling Silver & Gold Jewelry
Tom Wilkins
Woodwork
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Playing Card Exhibit at Mars Hill College Library Librarian Dan Koster stands beside a portion of an exhibit at Mars Hill College library detailing the history of playing cards.
That standard deck of 52 playing cards is classic and timeless, right? Not so, according to Dan Koster, reference and public services librarian at Mars Hill College. Koster is the researcher and collector behind an exhibit now on display at the college’s Renfro Library, which chronicles the many varieties and uses of playing cards over a period of approximately seven centuries. The exhibit, which is free and self‐guided, includes around 30 display frames and cases throughout the library which compare and contrast various kinds of cards used
through the years. The exhibit incorporates the history and evolution of the standard playing deck. Displays include comparisons of similar face cards through the years, the development of the Ace of Spades and Joker cards, color prints of rare cards from around the world, cards in unusual shapes, decks of cards used as advertising devices and many other variations. Cards used for children’s games, from Old Maid to I+5J<+,(&+(KL(1%0",%"(#0%&0+,( fantasy cards, are included in the exhibit, as are collectibles like baseball cards. Even tarot cards from the 15th century to the present are included, with historical information about connections between standard cards and fortune telling.
“Playing cards provide a fascinating window on approximately 700 years of history,” Koster said. The earliest table top games were played in Eastern countries using dominos or tiles; then, in the 14th century, similar games began to be played in Europe using pieces of paper. “That timing coincides with the development of mass production printing,” he said. “So when you look at playing cards you’re also chronicling the history of printing from the 14th century to the present day.” Another evolution which Koster notes is societal attitudes. “Because cards have always been used by ordinary people, the designs and illustrations tell us a lot about what different cultures and eras have considered to be normal. Some of the earlier Old Maid cards, for example, exhibit stereotypes of race and gender that we
would consider insensitive and outdated today, but at the time were considered acceptable,” he said. Above all, Koster said, he chose playing cards as the subject of this exhibit “because they are so visually varied ‐‐ they are tiny, beautiful works of art.” The exhibit will be open for viewing from now until May 8. Renfro Library is open daily. Hours are: Sunday, 2 pm to 10 pm; Monday‐Thursday, 7:45 am to 10 pm; Friday 7:45 to 4 pm; and Saturday 12 noon to 4 pm. Mars Hill College is a private, liberal arts institution offering over 30 baccalaureate degrees and one graduate degree in elementary education. Founded in 1856 by Baptist families of the region, the campus is located just 20 minutes north of Asheville in the mountains of western North Carolina. www.mhc.edu 1‐866‐MHC‐4‐YOU.
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Abingdon’s Love of Local Author Charles B. Shanks, Jr: The Light Wolves Continues Advance Abingdon, Abingdon’s Main Street program, announces the third installment of its popular public art project,Who’s Afraid of Virginia’s Wolves? Wolves, a unique and endearing part of Abingdon’s history, will be displayed as adult and pup‐sized sculptures beginning in the spring of 2014. Sponsorships for those sculptures are available to businesses, civic groups and individuals now through April 30, 2013. Pre‐purchase options are also available. In addition, Advance Abingdon is soliciting submission of wolf designs from regional artists. Sketch packets are available at the Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau, 335 Cummings Street, Abingdon. According to Advance Abingdon board member, Loni Willey, “Great public enthusiasm for the 2009 and 2012 projects has made it clear to our organization that we should sponsor this wonderful community project at least one more time. Residents and visitors alike have really connected with our wolves, and we look forward to another exciting summer of wolf sightings!” Sponsored wolves will be auctioned in the fall of 2014. For more information about the project, contact Advance Abingdon at 276.492.2237 or by email at advance@abingdon‐va.gov. Artists for included photo ofMuster at Wolf Creek are Leigh Anne Hunter and Katie Jessee
In the mountains of East Tennessee, a young man comes of age in the closing months of the Civil War. He struggles with his desire for materialism versus his desire for the blessings and comforts of home and hearth. Unusual circumstances compel him to join the Union army. When the war ends and he returns to his mountain home, everything has changed; 2,'(/"(1&!)::$"1(&+(#0,'(/01(;2.(0,(2(%/2,:"'( world. This is a story of a young man and his home life in parallel with his military life, all woven together with a life message. The setting for this writing is in Hawkins County at his grandparents’ home and community. The conversations are in local vernacular of the time period. About the Author: Charles B. Shanks, Jr. Charles served in the United States Air Force where he developed a love of freedom and country, which is just as strong today as ever. He is a graduate of Dobyns Bennett High School, Cleveland Institute of Technology, and East Tennessee State University with a BSN in Nursing and Health Sciences. He worked 30‐plus years in local emergency medical services. After retirement, he developed an increased interest in writing. Growing up under the culture and 0,#$)",%"( +3( &/"( 1&!+,:F;0$$"'( *"+*$"( $0M0,:( in the mountains of East Tennessee has been paramount in his current appreciation for
family values and deep sense of patriotism. Charles is currently active in many civic and volunteer agencies in the local area. He is also an active member of The Gideons International. The Light is Available through: Amazon ‐ paperback and ebook Barnes and Noble ‐ paperback and ebook. LifeWay Christian Bookstores ‐ The Light has been approved for their stores and can be ordered through them locally with an ISBN search. ISBN: 9781624199134
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Diane Rehm to Speak at ETSU March 21st 7pm
Radio personality Diane Rehm will be the featured speaker at East Tennessee State University’s Roy S. Nicks‐Willene Paxton Distinguished Lecture on Thursday, March 21,
at 7 p.m. at the Martha Street Culp Auditorium in the D.P. Culp University Center. A reception and book signing will follow in the Alumni Gallery area outside the auditorium. Rehm began her career in 1973 as a volunteer producer for WAMU 88.5, a Washington, D.C. member of National Public Radio (NPR). By 1984, she was host of the station’s “Diane Rehm Show.” Each week, more than 2.2 million listeners across the country tune in the show, which has become one of NPR’s most popular programs. She is heard on more than 160 stations nationwide through NPR, NPR Worldwide and SIRIUS XM satellite radio. Local listeners hear her on WETS‐FM/HD weekdays from 10 a.m.‐noon. During her two‐hour programs, Rehm includes questions and comments from listeners who call to participate in a civil exchange of ideas on topics ranging from Iraq and the U.S. economy to the art of landscape design and James Joyce’s novel Ulysses. Newsweek magazine called Rehm’s show one of the most interesting talk shows in the country and the National Journal says Rehm is “the class act of the talk radio world.” Rehm’s guests have included then‐Sen. Barack Obama, former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, former Vice President Dick Cheney, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Sen. John McCain, author Toni Morrison and photographer Annie Liebovits. Rehm was &/"( #0!1&( !2'0+( &2$5( 1/+;( /+1&( &+( 0,&"!M0";( 2( 10&&0,:( *!"10'",&( 0,( &/"( BM2$( B3#0%"( ;/",( 1/"( interviewed President Bill Clinton. The Diane Rehm Show was named to the Top 10 list of the most powerful programs in public radio in 2007 and 2008, the only live call‐in talk show on the list. In 2010, Rehm won a Peabody award for her more than 30 years in public broadcasting. In 1998, Rehm developed spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological voice disorder &/2&( %2)1"1( 1&!20,"'H( '03#0%)$&( 1*""%/7( N3&"!( treatment, she returned to the show and called attention to the condition. The National Council on Communicative Disorders recognized her work with an award and ABC’s Nightline devoted a program to a conversation with Rehm about the disorder. Rehm is the author of three books, including Finding My Voice, Toward Commitment: A Dialogue about Marriage, and Life with Maxie. For additional information, or to arrange special assistance for those with disabilities, contact Teresa Brooks Taylor at (423) 439‐7776 or taylort@etsu.edu.
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The Grascals
Northeast State March 23rd 7pm N( ,2&0+,2$( &+)!H( /0:/F*!+#0$"( appearances, and a growing reputation as one of the top bluegrass bands of the century, The Grascals will perform at Northeast State Community College on Saturday, March 23. The Grascals take the stage of the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts Theater on the College’s main campus, adjacent to Tri‐Cities Regional Airport. The show begins at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online now at www. NortheastState.edu. Vocally, the trio of Terry Eldredge, Jamie Johnson and Terry Smith are tighter than ever, cutting loose on driving solo vocals and soaring trios with "O)2$( #0!"( 2,'( *2110+,7( N1( 2,( instrumental unit, The Grascals have never sounded sharper, with mandolin ace Danny P+-"!&1H( #0''$"!( Q"!"<.( N-1/0!"( and banjo player Kristin Scott Benson leading the charge. The Grascals are among the most beloved and acclaimed bands on today’s bluegrass scene, having won SPBGMA’s Bluegrass Band of the Year award in 2010, its Instrumental Group of the Year in 2013, the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Emerging Artist of the Year award in 2005 and earning its Entertainer of the Year honor in both 2006 and 2007. The group earned a Grammy nomination this year in the Best Bluegrass Album category for their most recent album “Life Finds a Way”. Timely yet timeless, The Grascals make music that is entirely relevant to the here and now, yet immersed in traditional values of soul and musicianship. It’s a unique sound that has earned two of their previous releases Grammy nominations for International Bluegrass Music Association’s Best Bluegrass Album. As their releases prove, The Grascals’ rare musical empathy gives them an unerring ear for just the right touch to illuminate each offering’s deepest spirit
– whether they’re tearing up one of their original songs or reworking a bluegrass classic or pop standard. Grascals make music that is entirely relevant to the here and now, yet immersed in traditional values of soul and musicianship. For those who know them, the quick emergence of the group came as no surprise, for these are musicians whose roots and crossed paths reach back over more than two decades in bluegrass ensembles like the Osborne Brothers, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, the Sidemen and New Tradition. Their roots can also be traced back to Nashville’s larger musical community, where The Grascals have been able to draw on legends like Bobby Osborne, George Jones, Vince Gill and others for songs and for performances in the studio, on stage, and for national television appearances. Thanks to those experiences and those friendships, The Grascals embody a profound grasp of and familiarity with country and bluegrass tradition that made them a natural choice for Dolly Parton to turn to for recording and tour support not long after the group was created in 2004. The group continues to push the envelope and, in 2010, The Grascals joined The Rowdy Friends Tour, traveling far and wide with Hank Williams, Jr., playing before huge crowds, expanding their fan base and exposing new audiences to the diverse and unique “BluGrascals” sound. Though it is still – at least in bluegrass terms – a new group, the web of friendships, band memberships, recordings and personal appearances that binds The Grascals together has produced an ensemble of unsurpassed cohesion and focused artistic direction. Whether in the studio or on stage, The Grascals honor the past and forge into the future, bringing fresh yet familiar sounds to the bluegrass world and beyond.
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Emma Nelson
Acoustic Coffeehouse March 27th 8pm With her extraordinary blend of heart‐wrecked, lust‐fueled folk and roll, Emma Nelson retro‐activates the feeling of unrest in all our hearts. This is music that is burning alive and surfaces with numbness and hate, it is calculating 2,'( #0$$"'( ;0&/( heavy judgment. Choosing to feel as 1/"( 1""1( #0&H( R<<291( music is blatantly forthcoming. With vocals to match her knock‐your‐socks‐off lyrics, Emma Nelson will make you take a step back from your imaginary reality and drag you back down to earth. If you’re not moved, then there must be nothing to move in you.
Turkey Tracks Trio Acoustic Coffeehouse March 23, April 13 & 27 Turkey Tracks Trio will be playing at The Acoustic Coffeehouse this spring and summer, beginning March 23, April 13 and 27. Jennifer Gillenwater and Mary Mays (both teachers at Johnson County High School in Mountain City) and Linda Miller (Asst. Librarian at Johnson County Public Library, Mountain City) are entering into their third year of playing and singing together. You may have seen and heard them at the Picking Porch or on WCYB TV or WMCT Radio. Jennifer sings lead and writes some of their songs, ballads about local lore or Christian songs. She plays guitar and the dulcijo (a
unique instrument based on the mountain dulcimer with a rounded end that adds resonance and volume.) Don't stop there! Gillenwater also *$2.1(&/"(#$)&"S( Mary Mays, the trio's banjo player (in the frailing style) sings lead and also plays autoharp and guitar. The combination of dulcijo and autoharp is a lovely “mountain music” sound. Linda Miller supports the sound playing bass and singing harmony. The Turkey Tracks Trio is all about harmony! They love to sing songs that are familiar and fun! The trio looks forward to seeing you at the Acoustic Coffeehouse.
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4x4 Miniature Masterpieces Carnegie Hotel March 24th
The Johnson City Area Arts Council anxiously anticipates its eleventh annual 4x4 Miniature Masterpiece fundraising event on Sunday, March 24th at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City. As one of the premiere social events in the region, it is designed to raise funds for the Arts Council’s programs and services that support arts education and opportunities in our region. This event is highly anticipated every year because each ticket holder receives one four‐inch by four‐ inch piece of original art. JCAAC Executive Director, Suzanne Burik‐Burleson shares, “It’s a fantastic event because we get to showcase so many talented local artists and raise funds for our other programs at the same time.” The JC Area Arts Council invites over 100 artists of a variety of mediums to create 4”x 4” pieces to donate and be showcased. This year’s collection includes paintings, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and books, among others. As guests present their event ticket, they draw a number that corresponds with one of the miniature masterpieces. That piece is theirs to keep or to trade, creating a lively, interactive atmosphere. In addition to the excitement created by the plethora of original art, the “4x4” event has also become known for its creatively themed decorations. This year’s theme is “The Enchanted Forest,” and will feature live trees, plants, and #$+;"!1( &/2&( %2,( -"( *)!%/21"'( as part of the fundraiser. In addition, there will also be a silent auction that features larger pieces of artwork and a variety of attractive packages. JCAAC is immensely grateful to the following sponsors who have made the 2013 “4x4 event” possible: A.O. Smith, Harold Dishner State Farm, Eastman Credit Union, Evergreen Terrace Apartments, Shorter, Carden, Mitchell, and Gray P.C., Carter County Sheriff’s Department, Heidi and Scott Dulebohn, Joan and David
Elliott, Ferguson Enterprises, Phil Fox, Anne Brading, Senator Rusty Crowe, June Huddleston, Doug and Carol Taylor, Suzanne Burik‐Burleson, Kenton Coe, Virginia Farr. And thanks to in‐kind sponsors: Carnegie Hotel, Cherokee Distributing, Johnson City Press, Landscape Impressions, Mountain States Health Alliance, Nelson Fine Art Center, Parkway Discount Wine & Liquor, and Wellington’s. The money raised at this event helps to match grants received from the Tennessee Arts Commission, Harris Fund for Washington County (a fund of East Tennessee Foundation,) and Target and helps support the Arts Council’s work, much
which focuses on arts education for youth. For 26 years, JCAAC has held an Arts In Education Conference giving area teachers skills and resources to increase arts integration in their classrooms. Another program, Arts Corps provides at‐risk children the opportunity to make art and to take art classes taught by professional teaching artists. To support the Arts Council and become a recipient of one of the 4”x 4”masterpieces, please call 423‐928‐8229 to purchase a $150 ticket for yourself and a guest. The ticket entitles each pair to one piece of art and an elegant buffet party at the Carnegie Hotel on Sunday, March 24th from 5 to 8 p.m. If you are a member of the Johnson City Area Arts Council (or wish to join), then a ticket for two is $125. For more details about the event or the Johnson City Area Arts Council, please call 423‐ 928‐8229 or visit www.arts.org.
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Mandy Barnett Paramount Center March 23rd 7pm
This month marks a milestone in the history of country music, not a milestone many like to remember, but one not easily forgotten by the true country music lovers of our time. In March of 1963 the Grand Ole Opry lost one of its greatest talents, Patsy Cline, in a plane crash west of Nashville. Her legacy to the country music industry was her rich tone, emotionally expressive and bold contralto voice. Many have tried to imitate the style and sound, but few have ever succeeded. “World‐class vocalist Mandy Barnett comes as close as anyone I have ever heard,” said Darlene Cole, Venues Manager for the City of Bristol. “I have been lucky to have been seated in front of many stages in my years within this industry and listened to many artists try to master that Cline sound, but when I heard Mandy, I knew this kid had it.” Barnett will be performing one show only at Bristol’s Paramount Center on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 7:00 PM. Barnett’s voice is rooted in the classic country style. She is not only able to master the sounds of Patsy Cline, but those of Tammy Wynette, Brenda Lee and even those outside the country music sound like Connie Francis and Dinah Washington. Barnett’s voice was heard by Seymour Stein, who introduced the world to Madonna, became “spellbound” immediately signing Mandy to a record deal. Cole continued, “She is a master of her craft and we feel very fortunate to be able to bring her to Bristol, country music’s birthplace, to perform on the Paramount stage. I think those who attend will walk away feeling they just shared an evening with the greats of country music, even those of the late great Patsy Cline who died 50 years ago this month. What a great tribute for the country <)10%(2#0%0+,2'+1(+3(+)!(2!"27T Tickets are limited and on sale now at the Paramount Center or U050,:(V2$$(W+6(B3#0%"17((80%5"&1(<2.(2$1+(-"(+!'"!"'(+,F$0,"(2&(RF&067 com or by phone at 423‐274‐8920 or 423‐764‐0188.
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Mountain Park Old Time Band Carter Family Fold March 23rd 7:30pm
Saturday, March 23rd, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert by the Mountain Park Old Time Band. Admission to the concert is $8 for adults, children 6 to 11 $1, under age 6 free. 8/"!"( ;0$$( -"( 2( #0$<( %!";( from African television doing a segment entitled Country Hart met Juanita – A Journey to &/"( V"2!&( +3( @+),&!.7( ( 8/"( #0$<( segment will feature Juanita Du Plessis, a South African singer who has won multiple CMA awards in her native Africa. She has been voted the most popular artist in South Africa, has released 11 CDs and 5 DVDs, and has had a total of 44 platinum awards. Country Hart met Juanita is a road trip through the southern states in search of &/"(0,#$)",%"1(+3(%+),&!.(<)10%7((( Over the past several years, the Mountain Park Old Time Band has been creating a stir in old time music circles. 8/"( :!+)*( /21( #0M"( members, all of whom are versatile and talented musicians. Johnny Gentry plays guitar, '+-!+H( 2,'( #0''$"( as well as doing vocals for the band. Nancy Gentry plays
upright bass and sings. The only &/0,:( -"&&"!( &/2,( +,"( #0''$"!H( 01( &;+(#0''$"!17((P+:"!(C&2<*"!(2$1+( *$2.1(&/"(#0''$"7((@7(87(Q2,,".(*$2.1( the washboard – an “instrument” rarely played today. Dr. Mark Handy plays banjo and does vocals. When he’s not playing old time, Dr. Handy practices medicine in Abingdon, Virginia, and farms where he was raised in North Carolina. The Mountain Park Old Time Band has played at the Blue Ridge Music Center, the Mountain Music Jamboree, and at Bristol’s Rhythm and Roots Festival. They have also been featured on National Public Radio. The group has released two CDs – Fire on the Dance Floor and Dancing with Sally Goodin. Fans of groups like the Whiteop Mountain Band will love the Mountain Park Old Time Band. Be sure to bring your
dancing shoes, and be ready for a night of down home fun. Nothing gets you out of your seat and +,( &/"( '2,%"( #$++!( 321&"!( &/2,( a rousing old time band. Don’t miss the Mountain Park Old Time Band at the Carter Family Fold! For more information on the group, go to: www.myspace. com/mtnparkoldetimeband. Carter Family Memorial
Music Center, Incorporated, is a ,+,*!+#0&H(!)!2$(2!&1(+!:2,0G2&0+,( established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go to http://www. carterfamilyfold.org. Shows from the Carter Family Fold can be accessed on the internet at http://www.carterfoldshow. com. Carter Music Center is part
of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http://thecrookedroad.org. Partial funding for programs at the center is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276‐386‐6054.
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Take Back the Night 5K Race/Walk ETSU March 23rd
To raise awareness about the problem of sexual and partner violence against women and children, East Tennessee State University will host the ninth annual “Take Back the Night” 5K race/walk on Saturday, March 23. All proceeds from the race ;0$$( -","#0&( $+%2$( *!+:!2<1( supporting survivors of sexual and partner violence. Last year the race/walk attracted over 270 participants and raised more than $4,900 for organizations such as the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) program at Johnson City Medical Center, which provides competent, compassionate medical care for survivors of sexual violence. The race starts at 9:30 a.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Cave Patio area of ETSU’s D.P. Culp University Center. The entry fee is $14 before March 15 and $16 from then through the day of the race. Registration forms may be found at www.runtricities.org. The event is a State of Franklin 8!2%5( @$)-F%"!&0#0"'( A0,:( 2,'( Queen 5K road race, and the course traverses the ETSU campus and the historic Tree Streets community. The ETSU Counseling Center’s OASIS program and Kappa Delta Sorority are organizing the event with the assistance of
many campus and community donors and volunteers. Among the major sponsors are the Women’s Nutritional Health Center, WUJ Medical Alliance and the ETSU Interfraternity Council. Other sponsors include ETSU’s Women’s Studies Program and the departments of Campus Recreation and Housing and Residence Life. In addition, a candlelight vigil honoring survivors of abuse is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m. in the ETSU Amphitheatre, located behind the Culp Center. A brief program of <)10%( 2,'( &/+):/&3)$( !"#$"%&0+,( will be followed by a reception. Another “Take Back the Night” event, the Clothesline Project, will be held Wednesday, March 20, through Friday, March 22, from 11 a.m.‐2 p.m., as well as Saturday, March 23, from 8:30‐ 11 a.m. in the Amphitheatre. Participants are invited to decorate a t‐shirt with a message supporting “breaking the silence of domestic and sexual abuse.” Further information about all “Take Back the Night” events may be obtained by contacting Kristen Feemster or Jennifer McGhee of the ETSU Counseling Center at (423) 439‐4841, or by e‐mailing oasis@etsu.edu.
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Tibetan Monks Perform Sacred Dance Tusculum College March 21st 7pm
The famed multiphonic singers of Tibet’s Drepung Loseling Monastery will perform Thursday, March 21, at Tusculum College. The singers, whose sellout performances in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center have received national acclaim, will perform “Sacred Music Sacred Dance for World Healing.” The performance will be at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum College campus. The event is part of the Tusculum College Arts Outreach Acts, Arts, Academia’s 2012‐13 performance and lecture series. The performance features multiphonic singing, wherein the monks simultaneously intone three notes of a chord. The Drepung Loseling monks are particularly renowned for this unique singing. They also
utilize traditional instruments such as 10‐foot long dung‐chen horns, drums, bells, cymbals and gyaling trumpets. Rich brocade costumes and masked dances, such as the Dance of the Sacred Snow Lion, add to the exotic splendor. The monks’ performance is part of their international tour, The Mystical Arts of Tibet, co‐produced by Richard Gere Productions and Drepung Loseling Institute, the North
American Seat of Drepung Loseling Monastery, India. Endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the tour has three basic purposes: to make a contribution to world peace and healing, to generate a greater awareness of the endangered Tibetan civilization and to raise support for the Tibetan refugee community in India. The monks of Drepung Loseling have a very distinguished modern‐day musical history. On past tours they have performed with Kitaro, Paul Simon, Philip Glass, Eddie Brickell, Natalie Merchant, Patti Smith, the Beastie Boys and the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart. In addition, two of their recordings achieved top‐10 listings on the New Age charts: Tibetan Sacred Temple Music (Shining Star Productions) and Sacred Tibetan Chants (Music and Arts Program of America, Inc.). Their most recent recording, Compassion (Milennia Music), pairs them with the Abbey of Gethsemani Schola in an encounter of Gregorian chant with Tibetan multiphonic singing. Their music was featured on
the Golden Globe‐nominated 1+),'&!2%5( +3( &/"( #0$<( C"M",( Years in Tibet, starring Brad Pitt (Columbia Pictures) and they performed with Philip Glass in Lincoln Center in the live presentation of his award‐ winning score to the Martin C%+!1"1"(#0($<(A),'),(XL01,".Y7 The Loseling monks have twice been featured artists at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, representing Tibetan culture, and in July 2003 enjoyed the rare honor of representing Tibet in
the Cultural Olympiad of Greece, a pre‐Olympic celebration of World Sacred Music and Dance. For this event the monks toured Greece and performed at venues that included the Acropolis and ancient Olympia, the historic site of the original Olympics. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (60 years of age and over) and $5 children under 12 years of age. For more information, please call 423‐ 798‐1620 or email jhollowell@ tusculum.edu.
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Marty Stewart & His Fabulous Superlatives
Niswonger Performing Arts Center March 23rd
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) will present “Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives” on Saturday, March 23rd at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $30.00 for adults, $15 for students. The 1130 seat performing arts center is located adjacent to the campus of Greeneville High School in Greeneville, TN. “Marty Stuart, singer‐songwriter and musician, has shown a showman’s zest for "M"!.( %+,%"0M2-$"( #$2M+!( +3( %+),&!.( <)10%TH( said Angie Wilson, Managing Director of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. “The four‐time Grammy winner, platinum recording artist and Grand Ole Opry Star, now is the leader of the extraordinary, versatile touring and recording band, The Fabulous Superlatives”. For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.npacgreeneville. com Since starting out singing gospel as a child, the bluegrass stint with Lester Flatt in the ‘70s, the six years with Johnny Cash in the ‘80s, and coming up with his smash “hillbilly rock” hits of the ‘90s, the four time GRAMMY‐winner, platinum recording artist, Grand Ole Opry star, country music memorabilia preservationist, stylist, designer, photographer, songwriter, all around renaissance man, charismatic force +3( ,2&)!"H( 2,'( X#0!1&( +3( 2$$H( *"!/2*1YH( $"2'"!( of the extraordinary, versatile touring and recording band The Fabulous Superlatives, Marty Stuart has shown a showman’s zest for "M"!.(%+,%"0M2-$"(#$2M+!(+3(%+),&!.(<)10%7(E+&( to mention, a missionary’s zeal for bringing the importance of the music and its themes home to long‐time fans and newcomers alike. Musicologist Peter North cites, “Marty Stuart seems wrapped in his destiny at this point in time. Not only as country music’s most notable ambassador/caretaker, but as its main archetypical crusader. He has without question evolved into one of the most important roots musicians and visionaries in America.” “I’m always on the prowl for the kinds of recordings that can inspire and potentially make a difference,” Stuart says. “What inspires me now, is traditional country music. Continued on page 21
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It’s the music I most cherish, the culture in which I was raised. It’s the bedrock upon which the empire of country music is built, the empowering force that provides this genre with lasting credibility. It’s beyond trends and it’s timeless. With all that being said, I found traditional country music to be on the verge of extinction. It’s too precious to let slip away. I wanted to attempt to write a new chapter.” That new chapter is Ghost Train (The Studio B Sessions) which includes such unmitigated country (and Studio B style) staples as the male‐female duet (the gorgeous, heartfelt “I Run to You,” written and sung with Connie Smith), the dramatic !"%0&2&0+,( X#0&&0,:$.H( 21( *2!&( +3( “Porter Wagoner’s Grave,” a story song written by Stuart that raises the ghost of the late, great %+),&!.( 0%+,H( ;/+1"( #0,2$( 2$-)<( Marty produced, in the dramatic style Porter mastered), the chugging, bluesy—and spooky— fellow Mississippian Jimmie Rodgers‐like train song “Ghost Train Four‐Oh‐Ten,” and such steel guitar driven, hardcore heartbreak ballads such as “A World Without You,” (another co‐ write with Connie) and “Drifting Apart.” As the Ghost Train project unfolded, Stuart notes, “I referred to the original blueprint of country music for the subject matter…those were my standards. I wrote about love, marriage, heartaches, trains, home, work (or the lack of), vagrancy, the law, jail, rivers, death, sin, redemption, drinking and good‐hearted women. Those words and melodies are wrapped around rounders, ghosts, lovesick fools, the tortured soul of a grim executioner, a wino, a preacher, the working man, rocking and rolling country boys, weary tear‐stained travelers, gamblers, thugs, thieves, and the likes of me. The stories are staged from locations that vary from San Francisco to Texas, Heaven, Hell, a graveyard, hanging gallows, Nashville and on to Mississippi where all of those places somehow slowly morph into railroad tracks that disappear into the middle of nowhere. Now that’s my kind of story 2,'( 2( *!"&&.( /+,"1&( !"#$"%&0+,( of the last few years of my life.
It’s pure language from the Old Testament side of country music. And according to the newspaper I read this morning, all of the above mentioned are alive and well…still valid.” “Developing Ghost Train (The Studio B Sessions) was a life changing experience in many ways,” Marty adds while strumming on a guitar from his celebrated, lovingly assembled collection of country music &!"21)!"1( X2( #$2&( &+*( &/2&( +,%"( belonged to Hank Williams Sr. no less). “These songs have been
lived through and this project comes from the heart. I’ve said it many times, it’s amazing what happens when you fearlessly follow your heart, whatever the cost. It always leads you to the right place. This time, it led me home to traditional country music and the result is the music of Ghost Train (The Studio B Sessions). I’m comfortable with that, as a matter of fact, I’m very proud of it…it’s truly who I am.” ‐Barry Mazor ‐ Nashville
Page 22, The Loafer • March 19, 2013
Space News Full of Surprises
The recent month of space news has ranged from a comet &/2&(/21(1+<";/2&(#0GG$"'(&+(&/"( discovery on Mars that nutrients are their to support life. And there is business as usual on the International Space Station and the three‐person expedition crews have been switched, and there’s a gold rush for samples of the Russian meteorite that exploded over an urban city a month ago. . Comet PanSTARRS ‐‐ Finally making its appearance in the Northern Hemisphere as it swung around the Sun, the comet
was hard to see next to the thinly crescent Moon on March 12 and 13. Part of the disappointment was because the tail of the comet ;21( #$+;0,:( 2;2.( 3!+<( )1H( instead of being seen at a broad length. But the cosmic intruder is still a rare event, and all amateur astronomers delight in any comets, particularly those with a naked eye tail. This week PanSTARRS is high above the western horizon in the darker part of the sky after sunset and should be easily visible with the
naked eye, and much better in binoculars. MARS ‐‐ It’s just a matter of time when we discover life on &/"( P"'( I$2,"&7( ( W)&( '"#0,0&"$.( NASA scientist know they chose the right spot to look for clues when it landed the Curiosity lander in the once water‐ drenched ancient lake bed of Gale Crater. “We have found a habitable environment,” said John Grotzinger, project scientist for the Curiosity mission. “The water that was here was so benign and supportive of life that if a human had been on the planet back then, they could drink it.” 8/2&( %+,%$)10+,Z&/"( #0!1&( ever made about another celestial body—was announced after Curiosity drilled inside a rock and deposited the dust inside its laboratory aboard the SUV‐sized rover. Just think about it, long ago, Mars had the conditions and ingredients to support life. 8/"0!(#0,'0,:(01(-21"'(0,(*2!&( on the discovery of both clays and sulfate minerals drilled out of the rock named after deceased
mission project manager, John Klein. Both the minerals only form in water, and only in water that is low in potentially life‐ killing acids. The Curiosity rover landed Aug. 6, 2013 in a pinpoint location at the base of the 3 mile high Mt. Sharp, in the middle of an 80 mile wide crater called Gale. The system of cameras, the 10‐foot arm with an array of 1%0",&0#0%(0,1&!)<",&1(2&(0&1(",'H( and the six wheels of the one‐ton rover are all working perfectly. A planned three‐year mission is possible by the nuclear power source, and planetary 1%0",&01&1( 2!"( "6%0&"'( &+( #0,'( such tantalizing results early 0,( &/"( <0110+,91( :+2$( &+( #0,'( $03"( sustaining ingredients on Mars. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION ‐‐ The second mission of the commercial spacecraft called Dragon was launched by Space X and docked the next day as supplying the ISS is changing. The cylindrical 12‐foot wide, 20‐ feet high capsule weighs 9,000 pounds, and can carry to orbit 10,000 pounds of payload and Continued on page 23
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5,000 pounds of maneuvering fuel. It can return 5,000 pounds back to Earth, and it will do so &/"( ",'( +3( [2!%/( ;0&/( &/"( #0!1&( valuable science experiments handled by a commercial space business. The astronauts unloaded around 1,200 pounds of science cargo, parts for the station and crew supplies, then stuffed it with unwanted items, dirty laundry and racks of experiments ranging from medical to plants. This week there are three astronauts aboard, as three members of Expedition 34 and its Soyuz TMA‐06M spacecraft returned to Earth on March 15. Three new members of the Expedition 35 crew will be launched March 28th aboard the Soyuz TMA‐ 08M, the fourth generation of the original 1968 Soyuz spacecraft. The Russian Soyuz is the only ride available to the ISS after the 2010 retirement +3(ENCN91(C/)&&$"(#$""&7(( RUSSIAN METEORITE‐ ‐A pair of astronomers have taken the dashboard cam and security videos of the meteorite that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia on Feb. 15, \]^KH?(2,'(#0:)!"'(+)&(/+;(-0:( it was and where it came from. Jorge Zuluaga and Ignacio Ferrin at the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia, used the unconventional method, a testament to our 21st Century world. Using the trajectories shown in the videos posted on YouTube, the researchers were able to calculate the trajectory of the meteorite as it fell to Earth and use it
March 19, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 23
to reconstruct the orbit of the meteoroid before its fell to Earth and cause the shockwave that damaged buildings and shattered windows. From their calculations, they were able to determine the height, speed and position of the meteorite as it fell to Earth. According to the team’s paper: “…the Chelyabinski meteor started to brighten up when it was between 20 and 30 miles up in the atmosphere. The velocity of the body predicted by our analysis was between 30,000 and 40,000 miles per hour (relative to the Earth).” The astronomers used data on Solar System objects being tracked from the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington,
DC to calculate the likely orbit. From all this, they came to the preliminary conclusion that the meteorite came from the Apollo class of asteroids, a well‐known group of space rocks that cross Earth’s orbit. This discovery is reason for concern, since the Apollo group, which orbits the Sun in the vicinity of Venus and Earth, contains over 2000 asteroids that are larger than one‐half mile in diameter. And they frequently intersect the orbits of Earth and Venus‐‐and one day a planet might just be in the way! The Chelyabinski meteoroid was around 50 feet wide, and when it exploded 10 miles high, the blast concussion caused more than 1400 injuries, the <2?+!0&.(<0,+!(3!+<(#$.0,:(:$211H( and damaged more than 4000 buildings in the area. A sort of “gold rush” for fragments of the meteorite has created a demand for souvenirs as collectors descend in the Russian town of one million, 950 miles east of Moscow. Prices posted on the Internet range from $10 to $100 a gram as local residents undercut the meteorite vendors. The best advice for potential buyers is to deal with a well‐established meteorite broker (there are many) and buy a fragment that has been authenticated. Otherwise, buyer beware!
Page 24, The Loafer â&#x20AC;˘ March 19, 2013
www.theloaferonline.com Celestial events in the skies for the week of March 19‐26, 2013 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.
The Vernal Equinox this week means the Spring season has begun, and that is a welcome relief as everybody is just about fed up with cold weather. One sure sign of Spring to stargazers is the familiar star pattern of the constellation Leo the Lion rising in the east. Meanwhile, Comet PanSTARRS keeps getting higher above the western horizon, and should be seen naked eye, but easily with binoculars. Sunset is after 7:35 pm, and that makes it dark around 8:20 pm Daylight Saving Time‐‐and later by a minute or so every day. That’s not good for stargazers, so get out and look at the starry night before you’re mowing the lawn at 9 pm! Tues. March 19 First Quarter Moon, a beautiful sight in the south at sunset against the power blue sky. A pair of binoculars will show you the dark seas, bright mountains and lots of craters. A small telescope at low power will reveal much more! Wed. March 20 _0!1&(L2.(+3(C*!0,:S(8/"(,"!'.('"#0,0&0+,(+3(&/"(C*!0,:(RO)0,+6=(&/"(C),H(2**"2!0,:( to travel along the ecliptic, reaches the point where it crosses the equator into the northern celestial hemisphere. The Sun stands directly over the equator at local noontime, and continues moving northward, staying in the sky longer each day, until it reaches the point of Summer Solstice on June 21, the imaginary line of the Tropic of Cancer. We have 12 hour of daylight and 12 hours of night today. Thurs. March 21 Planet Jupiter is the brightest “star” in the sky, directly overhead in Taurus the Bull. The bright red star Aldebaran, the bull’s eye, is to the left of Jupiter, and to the right of the planet is The Pleiades star cluster. Fri. March 22 On this 1997 date in astronomy history, Comet Hale‐Bopp was closest to Earth, an easy naked eye sight in the evening sky. Looking skyward tonight, at dark is the brightest star in the sky, Sirius directly south. Sat. March 23 Many will remember on this 2001 date in Russian MIR Space Station reentered Earth to crash as there was some anticipation about the 140‐ton complex crashing in civilized regions But a well‐timed engine burn by an attached cargo ship nudged the 15‐year‐old space station into Earth’s atmosphere and major destruction over
March 19, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 25 &/"(C+)&/(I2%0#0%(B%"2,7((8/"(-)$5(+3(),-)!,"'(3!2:<",&1($2,'"'(,"2!(E2'0H(_0?07((( By the time of the station’s deorbit, it had been visited by 104 different people from twelve different nations, making it the second‐most visited spacecraft in history after the International Space Station. Sun. March 24 Palm Sunday. This date, and all the Christian Holy Days back marked from next ;""591(R21&"!(C),'2.(2!"('"&"!<0,"'(-.(2,("21.(3+!<)$2(&/2&(0,M+$M"1(&/"(#0!1&('2.( +3(1*!0,:(2,'(&/"(3+$$+;0,:(_)$$([++,7((R21&"!(01(&/"(#0!1&(C),'2.(X[2!%/(K^Y(23&"!( &/"(#0!1&(_)$$([++,(X`"'7([2!%/(\a&/YH(23&"!(&/"(#0!1&('2.(+3(C*!0,:H(X[2!%/(\]Y7(8/"( #$)%&)2&0,:('2&"(+3(&/"(#0!1&(_)$$([++,(23&"!(&/"(U"!,2$(RO)0,+6(01(;/.(R21&"!(%2,(-"( as early as March 20 and as late as April 22. Mon. March 25 N1(.+)($++5(2&(&/"([++,(&+,0:/&(),'"!(b"+(&/"(b0+,H(&/0,5(2-+)&(&/"(M"!.(#0!1&( photo taken of our closest neighbor this month in 1840 by John William Draper, an Englishman who emigrated to become a chemistry professor at New York University. Today, a smartphone held just right at a telescope eyepiece will take a much better photo than Draper, though his was pretty good on a silvered, metal plate!
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Oz the Great and Powerful
We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz. I don’t know how many times I have seen “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), but I do know I have 1"",( &/"( #0$<( <+!"( &0<"1( &/2,( any other. When I was growing up there were yearly television airings of cBGT(&/2&(<2'"(&/"(#0$<(2,("M",&( for all fans of the movie, and as technology advanced, we were 2-$"( &+( +;,( &/"( &!"21)!"'( #0$<( and have viewings at our leisure. `/",( 2( *!"O)"$( &+( &/"( #0$<( was announced, all “Oz” fans were clicking their ruby slippers together with excitement. The history of “Oz” on the big screen actually began with the ^d\e( 10$",&( M"!10+,( +3( &/"( #0$<H( followed by the 1939 classic. B&/"!( #0$<1( -21"'( +,( &2$"1( 3!+<( the land of Oz were “The Wiz” from 1978, and “Return to Oz” from 1985. I remember “The Wiz” being a fun musical with Michael Jackson blasting off the
screen as the Scarecrow. I own a copy of “Return to Oz”, which is an amazing cinematic trip itself, and would love to see the 1925 silent version. Flash forward to 2013 for the “Oz” prequel “Oz the Great and Powerful”, directed by Sam Raimi (the “Spider‐Man” trilogy), and starring James Franco as the Wizard. 8/"( #0$<( -":0,1( 21( 0&( 1/+)$'H( in black and white, as we are introduced to Oscar Diggs, a small‐time circus magician, who has poor ethics, but longs to become something special in the world. After one of his performances ends on a rather sad note, Oscar takes off in a hot air balloon, only to be swept off the Kansas ground by a tornado. After a scary ride in the &+!,2'+H( B1%2!( 1++,( #0,'1( /0<1"$3(#$+2&0,:(0,&+(&/"(%+$+!3)$( Continued on page 27
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$2,'(+3(BGH(2,'(&/"(#0$<(%/2,:"1( to color as in the original. After he crashes in Oz, he soon meets the witch Theodora (Mila Kunis), all resplendent in 2( !"'( 2,'( -$2%5( +)&#0&H( 2,'( 1/"( is immediately smitten with the visitor. The two head to Oz, where Oscar is immediately crowned the Wizard the land has been longing for. Despite his reluctance, and doubts from Theodora’s sister Evanora (Rachel Weisz), Oscar decides to accept his title of the Wizard of Oz. The road to becoming Oz +3#0%02$$.( 01( ,+&( "21.( /+;"M"!H( as he meets sweet witch Glinda (Michelle Williams), who is not convinced he is the great wizard everyone is saying he is. Oscar is aided in his efforts to prove worthy to hold the title by 2(&2$50,:(<+,5".(&/2&(%2,(#$.H(2,'( a small “china” girl. Glinda is also helping the newest citizen of Oz, as they must battle Theodora and Evanora, 2,'(&/"0!(#$.0,:(-2-++,17( Despite all the power of the “bad” witches, Oscar is able to use his magic talents and knowledge of inventions, to thwart the evil sisters. In addition to revealing how the Wizard originated, we see the origin of the character who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. You know, the green one.
March 19, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 27 f3(.+)(/2M",9&(1"",(&/"(#0$<(."&H( don’t expect any ruby slippers, because MGM invented them for &/"(^dKd(#0$<H(2,'(`W(,+;(/+$'1( the rights. That fact aside, the colors 0,( &/"( #0$<( *!2%&0%2$$.( *+*( +33( the screen, and often do in the KL( 3+!<2&7( 8/01( 01( +,"( #0$<( f( recommend seeing in 3D, and +,( &/"( -0:( 1%!"",( 3+!( .+)!( #0!1&( M0";0,:7(C+<"(#0$<1(?)1&(,""'(&+( be seen at the theater, and “Oz” falls in that category. The performances are all wonderful, and Franco surprised my with his exuberant performance. Kunis, Weisz, and Williams all clearly relish their roles, and no doubt enjoyed donning their fantastic costumes. The effects in this Land of BG( '"#0,0&"$.( -","#0&( 3!+<( \]^K( movie technology, and director Raimi uses them to full and masterful effect. Also I warn you not to expect 2,.(10,:0,:(21(;0&/(&/"(#0!1&(#0$<7( There is only one brief moment where the Munchkins sing, but Oscar quickly and humorously hushes them. I was overjoyed to have the opportunity for a new visit to the Land of Oz, and “Oz the Great and Powerful” proves to be a wonderful prequel to the original movie. Now if I only have the heart, the brain, and the nerve, I will make a return visit to “Oz” at the theater. (Rated PG) A
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What’s On Your Mind?
I have a strict personal policy when it comes to Facebook. I $05"(&+(5""*(<.(_2%"-++5(*!+#0$"( weird. What do I mean by that? Simply that I try not to over share, I try to not bemoan how I feel that day, and I try to post things that I think will make people laugh. Especially the ones who I actually see on a regular basis, and not the ones who never talked to me in High School, yet want to be Facebook friends anyway (what’s up with that?). Sure, I rant and rave sometimes, but never about politics. Usually my Facebook rants are all about stupid Hollywood remakes, and bad music. But mostly I’m just actively making sure I
don’t engage in a far too often encountered Facebook trap, that which I mentioned above, over sharing. The biggest example of over sharing that I see far too often on the Facebooks, is that which occurs by people in relationships. You might know both parts of the relationship, or only one, but it doesn’t matter. Both of them usually engage in over sharing. What is it about couples over sharing that makes it a particularly unique brand of Facebook hell, you ask? Because there’s nothing worse when you’re scrolling down your news feed, looking for fun and snarky posts by friends, only to discover
a picture of a couple making out like dogs in heat. They think it’s cute, you feel nauseous. There’s always a caption with this picture, something along the lines of “I know he is truly the one!!!” It seems in this modern age the way you discover if someone is your soul mate, or not, is by ramming your tongue down their throat in 2,(2&&"<*&(&+(#0,'(0&7( Now I’m not against people dating, or relationships. Some people do have true love, and that’s great. It’s also great that most of them don’t feel the need to celebrate their love by posting about it all over Facebook. It all comes down to “relationship grandstanding”. Most the posts are designed to show how superior their relationship is to yours, or how much more 3)$#0$$0,:(&/"0!($0M"1(2!"(10,%"(&/".( are not longer single like you. I am single, and I am a little bitter about dating, I freely admit it. It’s an issue for me. However, I would suspect that those of you who 2!"(0,(*"!3"%&$.(#0,"(!"$2&0+,1/0*1( would agree with me on the need for a lack of photographic evidence of the more passionate moments. Peppered in between the couples who feel the need to
out do each other, are the posts of various pictures. I’m not talking about your personal pictures or Instagram shots. Nope. I’m talking about those pictures which have no real clear origin, but all have things along the line of “If you don’t share/like this picture, then you are clearly the worst human being who ever walked the face of planet earth” attached to them. No one is exempt from this rule. If Gandhi was on Facebook, and if he didn’t share your picture of a dog delivering roses to someone, it’s an automatic shun. “Yeah, sure he helped a lot of people, BUT HE DIDN’T SHARE THE DOG PICTURE!!” So yes, there is a duality to
being on Facebook. It can be fun, and silly, and weird—the way I try to keep it. Or it can provide a glimpse into the personal life of our friends that we never really wanted. Is it really too much to ask that one use a slight bit of common sense before blowing up their feed with make out photos, and political statements? Remember, kids, we’re happy you’re in love. We just would prefer you not to show it as often. See you next week, follow me on Twitter @ThatAndyRoss.
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New Pope Chosen, Miley Cyrus Engagement Cancelled (For Now, at Least)
Lest you worry, I’m not implying that there is some connection between the Artist Formerly Known As Hannah Montana and Francis, the newly‐ chosen Pontiff. But, in the wild and wacky world of pop culture, who knows? Maybe the new Pope knows something we don’t about the much‐publicized split (as of this writing) between Billy Ray Cyrus’ daughter and her 2$$":"'(#02,%JH(b02<(V"<1;+!&/7(( Allegations like this are not generally the province of “Kelly’s Place,” however. I like to let the gossip columnists do their work with nonsense like this, while I turn my attention to more serious stuff—like Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. Yes, I am scraping the bottom of the barrel &/01(;""5H(-)&(;0$$(/+*"3)$$.(#0,'( something of worth while I’m down there. On more than one occasion, I have proposed the publication of a new magazine called either “So What?” or “Who Cares?” Of course, there is room in this world for both, given the stupendous amount of stuff that could end up in either one. At least their reporters would never be at a loss for words. In any event, the front cover of both magazines this week would no doubt be festooned with pictures of Ms. Cyrus and Mr. Hemsworth, a great big jagged slash dividing their likenesses. Where do I start? Although
there are hundreds, perhaps thousands or even a gazillion pieces about this non‐event, I chose one to start with that seemed the most even‐handed to me. Where else but a little segment of the Los Angeles Times entertainment section called “Ministry of Gossip: The Gospel On Celebrity And Pop Culture”? Even if it’s not very authoritative, I like the name. Christie D’Zurilla, the columnist assigned to write this little slice of pop culture, begins her column with this priceless piece of gossipy prose: “Whether Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth have split up has been the topic of much rumor for the last week or so—with the talk hitting a fever pitch Wednesday morning [March 13—the same day Pope Francis started moving furniture into his new digs at the Vatican] as a report citing ‘multiple sources’ pronounced, ‘It’s over.’ But hours later, another outlet said not so fast. . . .The couple have been engaged since May 31 of last year, dating for about three years.” And that, folks, is really all you need to know about &/01( *!"&&.( 0,10:,0#0%2,&( &)!,( +3( events. But I must continue to write in a vain attempt to purge this story from my memory. Does it really matter that Ms. Cyrus has been tweeting her displeasure with all this media coverage? The real problem with Twitter is that we really would be
better off not knowing that Miley is “so sick of LA. And sick of the lies that come with it.” She goes on to tell her Twittersphere that she may not actually be calling off her wedding, is taking a break from social media [can she put that in writing and have it notorized?], and is “not discussing anything but my music from now on” [maybe we would rather choose to hear her discuss her on‐again / off‐again wedding]. To make matters worse, we learn that Miley’s engagement ring was noticeably absent when she went out partying to celebrate/mourn her break‐up while her ex/soon‐to‐be‐forgiven -+.3!0",'>#02,%J( c#$";( /+<"( &+( his native Australia,” expressing concern over Miley’s descent into wildness. To make a much‐too‐ long story short, we can conclude for certain (at least as I’m writing
this) that “He’s on one continent while she’s on another.” And I guess that’s supposed to make us feel positively rotten, or at least geographically challenged. I, for one, am hopeful that they will never see each other again, bringing an end to this very anticlimactic media hoopla. Of course, we all know the cycle will start all over again when they -+&/(#0,'(+&/"!(/2*$"11(*2!&,"!1( to become engaged to and then to dump amid a frenzy of media speculation and tweets. Rumor has it that Mr. Hemsworth has been fooling around with January Jones who plays the ex‐Betty Draper on my favorite TV show, “Mad Men.” If they get together, maybe Liam will become a cast member and will have to face the icy stare of Don Draper. _""$0,:( %+<*"$$"'( &+( #0,'( at least one more source, after
having searched the vacuous MileyCyrus.com in vain for more juicy gossip, I settled on that bastion of objectivity, Fox News, and found another very revealing and very meaningless statement that “They have broken up before, and are broken up again now. There was drama because she suspected he had a wandering eye. And she recently tweeted a denial that he cheated.” We also discover that Miley tweeted that her new album “will shut everyone up.” We can only shudder to think what that might mean. Yes, we need “Who Cares?” more than ever. If only we had access to that magazine’s exclusive coverage, maybe this whole sordid mess could be laid to rest. And why I am writing about this? Surely I have other things to write about. True, but I just couldn’t pass up an opportunity &+(!"#$"%&(+,(2(*"!3"%&("62<*$"(+3( why I love pop culture so much. While much (actually most) of it is very worthwhile—i.e. the history of music, movies, sports, technology, etc.—a lot of it is just downright diversionary and utterly meaningless (witness the “what‐are‐we‐thinking/ not thinking?” popularity of “Honey Boo‐Boo”). Of course, even meaningless pop culture shines a light on our history and :0M"1( )1( +%%210+,( &+( !"#$"%&( +,( who we are, where we’ve been, and where we might be headed. Unlike many observers, however, I am very optimistic about my #0"$'H(2,'(;+)$'(,+&(;2,&(&+($0M"( at any other time. How can you hate living in a time that takes you to Vatican City one minute and to Australia the next? And, the most important thing to remember about pop culture is &/2&( 01( M"!.( #$""&0,:7( W.( &/"( &0<"( you are reading this, Miley and Liam might be husband and wife and looking forward to tweeting happily ever after. Or, we might be reading about the torid love affair between Liam and January. Or, even more interesting, we might have just woke up to the news about Miley’s new love interest, Justin Bieber. And that #0$$1( <"( ;0&/( %+)!2:"( &+( 32%"( another day. Here’s hoping you had a most wonderful (and green) St. Patrick’s Day and that you are $++50,:( 3+!;2!'( &+( 2( ;""5( #0$$"'( with endless pop culture goodies. See you next week.
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