June 4, 2013

Page 2, The Loafer • June 4, 2013

June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 3

www.theloaferonline.com

Volume 27 Issue #26

!"#$%&'()*+*,%$$*-%$$%./&*0*12%34)*+*5')%&36*7(.8'*0*9:;8(*<.=.>()*+*7"8%*?.3( 54@()*A(&%>=*+*,%$$*<.6*0*B).C'%8*D)3&*A%)(834)*+*A4=*EC)%=F$(*0*!'434>).C'6*+*<.)F*<.)G"(33( D2@()3%&%=>*+*A.@(*5.)3()H*DF(6*I%=8.%2H*7%&.*764=&H*?.#%3'.*7./#()3H*?())6*!.33()&4= 54=3)%#"3%=>*E3.::*+*J%/*I($$6H*D=26*K4&&H*I(=*E%$@()&H*<.)F*<.)G"(33(H*!.3*,"&&.)2 Published by Creative Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 3596, Johnson City, TN 37602 !'4=(L*MNOPNQO+MONM*RDS*+*MNOPNQO+MOTU www.theloaferonline.com • info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com (editorial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

Page 4, The Loafer • June 4, 2013

Clinch Mountain Music Fest Carter Family Fold, Saturday, June 8th

Appalachian Trail

Clinch Mountain Music Fest is gearing up for its eighth‐ annual celebration of mountain music in Scott County, Virginia, on Saturday, June 8, 2013. This year’s festival will be held at the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons.

The goal of Clinch Mountain Music Fest is to preserve and perpetuate the heritage of the Appalachian region through its music.

This year’s festival is once again dedicated to Jay Dixon who !"#$%&'()"&(*&+)$,#-(*.%((/$,&(0&#%+( and passed away in January of 2012. The festival features special talent ‐‐ some old friends and new faces: Audie Blaylock and Redline, the McLain Family Band, Appalachian Trail, and the Town Branch Bluegrass Band.

Gates open at 12:00 noon for early seating. Admission is $15.00 per person – all day.

Artisan and food vendors will be found around the grounds of the Carter Fold. The festival kicks off at 3:00 p.m. with welcoming speakers and festival history.

Music starts at 3:30 p.m. with Appalachian Trail and the Town Branch Bluegrass Band at 5:00 p.m. A dinner break will allow the festival goers to visit the tents and attractions on the grounds.

Music resumes at 7:00 p.m. with the McLain Family Band.

Audie Blaylock and Redline will close out the festival beginning

at 9:00 p.m. There will be a 15 to 30 minute break between the scheduled performers to allow sound set up. The Carter Family Museum and A.P. Carter birthplace cabin will be open from noon to 7:00 p.m.

Appalachian Trail is a union of seasoned and innovative singers, songwriters, and musicians who are breaking new ground in the bluegrass arena.

Ireland, Scotland, England, Russia, Sweden, Canada, Holland, and Switzerland are some of the countries that have hosted the talents of the individuals in this band, as well as coast‐ to‐coast here at home.

Formed in 1984, the band combines strong lead vocals, tight harmonies, and distinctive picking.

Tommy Austin is no stranger to the bluegrass community.

He started playing guitar and singing as a boy in local churches.

Later, he moved to mandolin when he became interested in the bluegrass sound. Tommy helped organize the Rising Wind band which toured extensively in the 1980s and

1990s as well as Tennessee Skyline. Tommy has recorded with several groups, including Ray Harper, Carl Story, the Hopson Family, Trey Hensley, and the Linda Lay Cracker Barrel project.

Currently he sings lead and harmony, plays mandolin, and shares the songwriting and arranging with the other members of Appalachian Trail.

Vickie Austin has been signing for audiences since age six, when she caught the performing bug by winning two dollars in a school talent show. At age thirteen, Vickie became the church pianist. She learned how to play by watching her grandmother chord an old pump organ. Traveling to local churches in the east Tennessee/ southwest Virginia area as the Page Sisters, Vickie developed an extensive vocal range. Eventually joining Twin Springs Bluegrass Band, Vickie honed her skills on the upright bass. She plays bass for the group and sings lead and

McLain Family Band

harmony vocals.

If you know bluegrass, Tim Laughlin is a name you probably recognize. Tim has worked with many of the bluegrass greats. While Doyle Lawson was recuperating from heart surgery, 1$2( /$--&'( $3( *.%( )"&( 4%.56( .3( mandolin. He’s also played with Jim and Jesse, Lynn Morris, Dale Ann Bradley, and many others.

Doing his part to continue the tradition, Tim teaches mandolin during the day. With Appalachian Trail, Tim shines on /$''-&7( 45$)#%7( 2#3'.-$37( #3'( .3( harmony vocals.

As long as bluegrass music has echoed through the hills and valleys of the Appalachian Town Branch Bluegrass

region, musicians of all ages have gathered together to play and preserve their favorite style of music. This southwestern Virginia group showcases the traditional songs of yesterday, along with the driving sound of a modern style. The group began doing back porch picking and performing at local events seven years ago. Town Branch Bluegrass is now one of the region’s hottest new bands.

The group features Brandon Elkins on banjo, Bill Newman on mandolin, Peggy Ely on bass, Shirley Smith on vocals, and Jack and Wayne Bonham on guitar and vocals. For further information on the band, go to http://townbranchbluegrass. com/.

The McLain Family Band began performing at Carter Music Center when Janette 8#%)&%( /$%+)( 9&4#3( 6%&+&3)$34( concerts in the old A.P. Carter Grocery in 1974. Raymond McLain, Sr. formed the family band in the late 1960s when his /$,&( !"$-'%&3( :&%&( ,&%0( 0.534;(( Mr. McLain was a Carter Family Memorial Music Center board member from the day the center was created. His son Raymond now serves on the Music Center’s board of directors in addition to serving as the Artistic Director at the Fold. Raymond is Director of the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State University. He also Continued on page 5

www.theloaferonline.com Audie Blaylock

Continued from page 4

performs, produces, and records.

Raymond’s 40 plus years of entertaining have taken him to performances in all 50 states and 62 foreign countries, including a tour as a musical ambassador of the U.S. State Department.

For 21 years with his family band, Raymond was featured internationally at thousands of festivals and concerts and also as a soloist in appearances with over 230 orchestras. Raymond was with Jim & Jesse’s Virginia Boys for ten years. He currently performs with Canadian Audie Blaylock and Redline

June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 5 A four‐time IBMA Guitar Player of the year candidate, Audie Blaylock has performed with some of bluegrass music’s most distinguished artists over the years including Jimmy Martin and Rhonda Vincent. His session work earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album and an IBMA nomination for Recorded Event of the Year for A Tribute to Jimmy Martin: The King of Bluegrass. This group project included Audie on guitar and vocals along with a stellar lineup of musicians including former Sunny Mountain Boys J.D. Crowe, Paul Williams, and Kenny Ingram. Audie has also performed with the legendary Red Allen, the Lynn Morris Band, and songwriting great Harley Allen. Audie Blaylock and Redline had the honor of being nominated for the IBMA’s

Emerging Artist of the Year award in both 2005 and 2006.

In October, 2007, while Blaylock was the featured artist with Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, they brought home the Instrumental Group of the Year award at the 18th Annual IBMA Awards show. This particular award had previously gone to groups like Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Nickel Creek, and Del McCoury.

Born in El Paso, Texas, into a family whose roots go back to the hills of Virginia and Tennessee, Audie learned to play guitar and sing with his parents and siblings and went on to play locally in the Lansing, Michigan, area where he grew up. In 1982, at age 19, Audie joined Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys and spent nine years on the road learning the craft of bluegrass from one of the genre’s /$%+)=4&3&%#)$.3(-&4&3'+; The group Redline features &>!&6)$.3#-( /$''-&7( 2#3'.-$37( banjo, and bass players. Patrick McAvinue has been 6-#0$34( /$''-&( +$3!&( "&( was seven and was named Deleware State Fiddling Champion two years in a row. He’s performed with Marty Stuart, J.D. Crowe, Paul Williams, Michael Cleveland, and many others. Russ Carson is the newest member of Redline. He’s been playing banjo since he was a child growing up in central Pennsylvania.

Also an award‐winning picker, Russ was formerly Continued on page 6

harmonica whiz, Mike Stevens, and with his family whenever possible. Through the years, the McLains have produced dozens of CDs and records.

McLain plays a new and unique combination of musical +)0-&+( %&/-&!)$34( "$+( 9#!<4%.53'( in bluegrass, blues, and old time country music. Backing him up will be Raymond’s siblings and their spouses – a real treat for those who remember the McLain Family Band from the earliest years of the Carter Family Fold. For more information on Raymond McLain, go to the family’s web site ‐ www.mclains. com.

Page 6, The Loafer • June 4, 2013 soul that sounds as durable as bluegrass itself has proven to be over time. His mellow, wailing tenor and l i g h t e n i n g ‐ f a s t guitar picking have made him one of the names to watch in the world of traditional bluegrass. For more information on Redline, go to http:// audieblaylock.com/.

Clinch Mountain Music Fest 2013 is presented by the Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Inc. Donations to support the continuation of our Appalachian music heritage are welcome and may be mailed to Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Inc., P.O. Box 111, Hiltons, Virginia, 24258, or given to our volunteer staff at the event.

Thank you to our sponsors the Scott County Virginia Star, Bryant Label Company, the Appalachian Cultural Music Association, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts. For information on Clinch

Raymond McLain

Continued from page 5

with Gold Heart. Reed Jones is Redline’s bass player. With family ties in both Kentucky and Ohio, he grew up playing and singing mostly in church.

Performing professionally since he was a senior in college, Reed has also won multiple awards.

Jason Wood, mandolin player for the group, grew up in North Carolina in a family steeped in musical tradition. He learned a great deal from both his father and grandfather and has performed since he was a child.

Jason is particularly proud of his family’s gospel music tradition.

After three releases, Audie has settled into a traditional bluegrass style full of energy and

Mountain Music Fest 2013, go to the Carter Music Center web site or the Clinch Mountain Music Fest web site: www.clinchfest. net.

Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, $+( #( 3.36%./$)7( %5%#-( #%)+( organization 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. The Fold is on Facebook – page Carter Fold – and Twitter – Twitter @carterfoldinfo. To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276‐594‐0676.

Audie Blalyock and Redline

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June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 7

Summer Theater Day Camp

Niswonger Performing Arts Center The Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville, TN is introducing summer theatrical day camps for students in grades K‐9. For 2013 there will be 3 separate one week camps in July.

Tuition: $250 per student. The tuition for additional siblings in the same session is $225.

Auditions: A short audition .3( )"&( /$( %+)( '#0( .*( &#!"( !#26( session places students in the appropriate roles.

Camp Time: Monday–Friday 9:00am ‐ 3:00pm (drop‐off time 8:45am; pick‐up time 3:15pm) Meals: Students should bring a snack, lunch and beverage each day.

Our professional instructors will introduce students to

the Dalcroze, Kodaly, and Orff methodologies. These methods foster music appreciation, ear training, and improvisation while improving musical abilities. This creates a connection of music, movement, mind and body. Camp NPAC Kids is a fun, educational experience!

The Tales of Hans Christian Anderson July 8‐12, K‐2nd Grade Join us this summer for a one week, full‐day camp for rising K‐2nd graders. Students will become a part of the delightful retelling of three favorite stories

by Hans Christian Andersen which features songs written

by Frank Loesser (“Guys and Dolls”). Students will develop foundational acting skills as they rehearse the beloved stories of ?1"&( @26&%.%A+( B&:( 8-.)"&+7C( “Thumbelina,” and “The Ugly Duckling.” Students will rotate

through voice, art, music and drama classes throughout the day. Each class will offer an exciting and energetic look into the world of theatre. As with each of our three summer camps, the week concludes with a showcase performance with your child as the star!

Hansel and Gretel July 15‐19, 3rd‐6th Grade Your child becomes “lost” in the woods with Hansel and D%&)&-(#+()"&0(/$(3'()"&2+&-,&+(#)( the mercy of a nasty witch with #( +:&&)( )..)"( $3( )"$+( +$26-$/$( &'( version of the opera by Engelbert Humperdinck. Some of the well‐ loved songs include “Brother, Come and Dance with Me,” “Suzy, Little Suzy,” and “Evening Prayer.” Students will spend their '#0( :$)"( E5#-$/$( &'( $3+)%5!).%+( rehearsing drama and music while designing sets and creating costumes and of course, having

FUN! !"#$%&'#( )*%%+"$,( -%./0&( 12!)

July 22‐26, 7th‐9th Grade This one week, full day camp provides an opportunity for students to experience the excitement of producing a show.

Campers will rehearse the popular musical Sleeping Beauty, culminating with a performance .3()"&(/$(3#-('#0(.*(!#26;(F)5'&3)+( will rotate classes daily focusing on voice, set design, costuming and rehearsals. Join the cast of

fairies, forest creatures, goblins and of course the ferocious dragon as Princess Aurora is awakened from the cursed deep +-&&6( 90( -.,&A+( /$%+)( <$++;( F.34+( from the beloved movie include “Once Upon a Dream,” “I Wonder,” and many more!

For more information, including requesting a registration form, please contact Angie Wilson, Managing Director of Niswonger Performing Arts Center at 423‐638‐1328 or awilson@npacgreeneville.com.

Page 8, The Loafer • June 4, 2013

“Springtime in Haynesville: 1863” Tipton-Haynes June 8th, 10am-3pm

You are invited to Tipton‐ Haynes as the site presents “Springtime in Haynesville: 1863” on Saturday, June 8th from 10am till 3pm. With a unique perspective, Tipton‐Haynes is celebrating the Civil War Sesquicentennial by following Landon Carter Haynes and his immediate family during the four

years of the war. Many historic sites throughout the United States have only celebrated the 150th anniversary with one single event. Tipton‐Haynes is each year commemorating the Haynes family and their involvement during the war with two events. The Civil War will always be remembered as great, bloody battles or for the famous generals, and even for great men of leadership; but Tipton‐Haynes is extraordinarily displaying how families, such as the Haynes, were affected by the war.

Come and view a Civil War e n c a m p m e n t of volunteers as they prepare to defend East Tennessee. You will be able to stop and talk with some of the Haynes family and learn of their experience as the war approaches their doorstep.

Period food cooked over the open hearth will be available for sampling. Also, relax and walk the nature trail as you look for

native plants blooming or explore the historic cave.

A donation of $4 is suggested and would greatly be appreciated.

For more information call 423‐926‐3631 or email tiptonhaynes@embarqmail.com.

Tipton‐Haynes State Historic Site is located at 2620 South Roan Street in Johnson City. Bring a picnic and come and enjoy the day on June 8th as we celebrate )"&(/$%+)(.*():.(&,&3)+(*.%()"&(8$,$-( War Sesquicentennial.

Photos by Woody Woodruff`

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June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 9

UnShelved

William King Museum Opening June 7th William King Museum is excited to share its newest exhibition UnShelved: Nick DeFord, Daniel Essig, Travis Head and Robyn Raines opening to the public on Friday, June 7. The exhibition will be open through September 29.

From all corners of the region, the artists selected for this exhibition reveal an interest in text‐based images, seeing books as art objects, and working with paper in both traditional and alternative ways. In many ways these artists are astute collectors ‐ of images, publications, stories, and things – which also serve to inform their work.

Nick DeFord, of Knoxville, Tennessee, collects maps, 2$>&+( #%)( +566-$&+( :$)"( .*/$!&( supplies, and often references art history, popular culture and

places known for mysterious events. DeFord explores how information is mediated through society, and how this can relate to what is known and unknown about our universe.

Daniel Essig of Asheville, North Carolina, sees books as prized possessions and creates original books using found objects and ancient binding techniques. At times, his books become sculptural, so much so that a large‐scale sculpture might serve as a reliquary for a miniature book tucked away in the most unlikely place.

Travis Head of Blacksburg, Virginia, uses his sketchbooks

as a journal and documents events from his life through notes and drawings. Often meticulously crafted, his drawings demonstrate a desire to capture memories on paper and pay tribute to these memories through each intricate detail.

Robyn Raines of Abingdon, Virginia, has collected vintage books, magazines, and hundreds of other objects as well as made books on her own. For this exhibition, participants are invited to contribute and take away from these collections, books are carved like sculpture, and manipulated pages become a statement involving curious human tendencies.

The opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Thursday, June 6 from 6‐8 p.m.

Artists will be in attendance to mingle with guests and discuss

their work. There will be refreshments and a cash bar.

This event is free and open to the public.

For more information on this and all other exhibitions, please visit us on the web at www. williamkingmuseum.org or call 276‐628‐5005.

William King Museum is located at 415 Academy Drive, off West Main Street or Russell Road, in Abingdon. The Museum *&#)5%&+(/$,&(&>"$9$)$.3(4#--&%$&+7( artist studios and outdoor sculpture garden. Educational programs in the visual arts are offered year‐round for both children and adults, and school audiences are served by in‐ house and outreach programs.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the William King Museum is a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a member of the Virginia Association of Museums and is funded in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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The Anatomy of Frank Acoustic Coffeehouse June 11th, 10pm A combination of wanderlust and frenetic energy, The Anatomy of Frank are on the path to record an album on all seven continents on earth. Yes, this includes the uninhabitable Antarctica, where a rock album has never before been recorded. Lead singer Kyle Woolard says, “Albums like Black Paris 86 by Arms and Sleepers, among others, have been almost solely responsible for me going completely stir‐crazy and buying an expensive plane ticket. I dream of places when I hear the music, and stories begin to form in my head.”

Their debut album, Pangaea, which combines atmospheric post‐rock builds with catchy hooks (to arrive at the genre “post‐pop”), was recorded in their hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia with producer Lance Brenner. It has already landed them tours across Iceland,

Britain, mainland Europe, and North America, including most of the 50 states. Pangaea introduces a prelude to their continent saga: after all, it was the ancient supercontinent that predated all of the continents breaking apart.

It represents separation, starting off sweetly and dealing with love, and ending with brooding, sprawling epics about distance.

“I have been very inspired by wanderlust, particularly for places like Antarctica, Iceland, northern Canada, and other places like Sri Lanka and India.”

In Woolard’s second year at The University of Virginia, the dorm he lived in shut down for Christmas break. There was no heat, and everyone was gone because all of the students went home and weren’t allowed to stay in the dorm. He hid out and stayed for two weeks to experience what it was like to be

very cold and very alone. In those two weeks, he wrote the entirety of the Antarctica album. “I kept the lights out for most of the time too, to see what it felt like to live in darkness.”

Once the band, which includes Erik Larsen (guitars/vocals), Jimmy Bullis (keyboards/ vocals), Jonas Creason (bass), and Chris Garay (drums) began touring, the North America album began to come together.

In fact, they currently have three albums’ worth of material for it, and now must size it '.:3( ).( #( 2#3#4&#9-&( /$45%&;( Each continent has inspired a different mood for the band: North America has spawned a sprawling collection of songs, full of lengthy epics and nuanced post‐rock. Europe and South America have their own stories, too. “It is in no way going to be #( %&/-&!)$.3( .*( )"&( 25+$!( .*( )"&( place,” says Woolard. “We’re not going to make salsa music for South America, or tribal drum music for Africa. That would feel *#<&;( G)H+( 2&%&-0( #( %&/-&!)$.3( .*( the feeling the place instills in us, whether it’s from dreaming about it, knowing the story of

someone living there, or actually going there ourselves.”

Each band member provides their own unique relationship with the world: Garay retreated to Brazil for a month to study percussion, Larsen spent time in Russia during high school, Bullis is part Latino and visits family in South America and Europe, and Creason grew up on the opposite side of the continent. The quintet shows its respect for fans all over the world by surprising them with strange concerts: they have performed in a defunct grain

elevator in northern British Columbia, a house show in the woods of Alaska, a tiny art gallery $3( )"&( I%!)$!( /J.%'+( .*( G!&-#3'7( and on the roof of a skyscraper in Minneapolis.

This is how the band absorbs inspiration for their music. This is how they plan to meet the world, one continent at a time.

Each album will have its own personality—though no one knows yet what that personality will be—and they intend to not question why that is, but to just run with it.

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Intro to Orienteering Grandfather Mountain June 8th

As the summer months roll in with incredibly beautiful weather, it is time for the second of this year’s guided hike series: Introduction to Orienteering.

This June 8 activity instructs participants on how to use a map and compass to navigate across unfamiliar terrain. It will teach guests how to read topographic maps, navigate various terrain and vegetation, and to be able to understand how to read and c o m m u n i c a t e c o o r d i n a t e s .

Participants will also embark on a practice course to test their new skills.

“This will be a fun activity for young and old,” said Chief Interpretive Ranger Gabe Taylor.

“We will learn the basics of getting from point A to point B without the help of a GPS.” No prior registration is necessary and the experience is free to guests with paid admission to Grandfather Mountain. Interested patrons should meet at the Woods Walk picnic area at 11:00 a.m.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is #( 3.)=*.%=6%./$)( !.%6.%#)$.3( established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources. For more information about guided hikes at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800‐468‐7325.

Photo: Grandfather Mountain guests learn the basics of using a compass. Photo by Carly Fleming.

June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 11

Page 12, The Loafer • June 4, 2013

We Be Jammin In Abingdon On Thursdays

JD McPherson

June 6th, 6:30pm

The Town of Abingdon has created a Thursday Jams concert series for the summer as part of the Abingdon Music Experience. Starting May 16th until September 19th, there will be nationally recognized bands showcased at the Abingdon Market Pavilion each Thursday.

Each concert will start at

6:30pm and will be FREE to the public. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. There will be food and beverage vendors serving BBQ, Hamburgers and Pizza. No coolers are allowed. The events will be held rain or shine.

To kick off the Thursday Jams in June, we have JD McPherson.

He is known for a retro sound

rooted in the rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and rockabilly music of the 1950’s. McPherson is well versed in the process of :.%<$34( :$)"$3( !-&#%-0( '&/$3&'( formal parameters, and he employs a similarly rigorous discipline with his music. Among 2.%&( .9,$.5+( $3/-5&3!&+( -$<&( Little Richard and Fats Domino, he also draws inspiration from artists as diverse as the Wu‐Tang Clan, Pixies, and Led Zeppelin.

With an unaffected take on vital American music and a voice that channels the spirit of James Brown ‐ JD McPherson and HiStyle Records present traditional Rhythm & Blues and Rock N’ Roll with fresh, exciting songwriting.

Promotions for these events #%&( 9%.54")( ).( 5+( 90( K.3&/$%&( Brands.

For more information on the concerts, you can call 276‐676‐2282 or visitwww. abingdonmusicexperience.com.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Walling Distributing Company, BVU Authority, Capo’s Music Store, Charter Media, Comfort Inn of Abingdon, Eastman Credit Union, Johnston Memorial Hospital, Steel Fab, Thompson and Litton and Virginia Tourism Corporation.

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Backcountry Colonial Day Camp 2013 Abingdon Muster Grounds June 17-21

The Abingdon Muster Grounds will host a free day camp, June 17‐21 for children ages 9‐11. Come learn about life in the Backcountry of Virginia in 1780 from interpreters in period dress and Teacher Rangers!

Activities will include educational presentations, fun and games, and hands‐ on crafts. Only 25 spots are available so sign up today!

Lunches will be provided.

Registration forms can be picked up at the Keller Interpretive Center at the Abingdon Muster Grounds.

They can also be found online at www.abingdon‐va.gov.

June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 13

Page 14, The Loafer • June 4, 2013

Megan Clay & Charlie Engle “Lunch on the Lawn” Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park June 7th, 12pm

The

Southwest

Virginia

Museum Historical State Park :$--( ".+)( $)+( /$%+)( &,&3)( $3( )"$+( year’s “Lunch on the Lawn” series Friday, June 7th at 12pm, featuring Megan Clay & Charlie Engle.

Megan Clay and Charlie Engle are like your momma’s fried chicken: a little crunchy on the outside but oh so warm and tender on the inside.

Separately, their voices can warm your soul, but as a duet, )"&0(!#3(+&)(0.5%("&#%)(.3(/$%&;( They make you feel right at home during their concerts, and the songs go with you when you leave.

Megan and Charlie began

singing and playing together in the spring of 2006 when Megan joined Charlie to sing on his recording project Out of the Groove at Maggard Sound in Big Stone Gap , Virginia. Charlie formed a band that same fall, and they have been together since, playing with the band and performing concerts as a duet, showcasing their blend of blues, Americana, bluegrass, progressive folk, and original music.

Their abilities don’t end :$)"(+$34$34L()"&0(#%&(9.)"(/$3&( musicians and songwriters.

Charlie’s songs have been compared to the likes of John

Prine, Guy Clark, Tom T. Hall, and Kris Kristofferson—not bad company to be associated with. Their music has been called “Eclectic, a combination of traditional and progressive folk with a touch of country and blues stylings.” With Megan’s sultry sound and Charlie’s deep resonating tone, they blend to produce a brand of music you won’t soon forget.

The “Lunch on the Lawn” event is free and open to the public. Visitors may bring their own lunch or pre‐order one from the park for $5.00 each. Orders must be made in advance by 9:00am each Friday by calling the museum at 276‐523‐1322.

For more information, please visit the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park website at http://www.dcr. virginia.gov/state_parks/sou. shtml or call 276‐523‐1322.

The award‐winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate‐controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800‐933‐PARK or visit www. virginiastateparks.gov.

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Editor’s note: Folk Soul Revival’s website address was incorrect last week. The correct address is www.folksoulrevival. com.

Folk Soul Revival is a harmony drenched, boot stomping, rowdy, rootsy Americana band from the Appalachian mountain region of Virginia/Tennessee.

FSR has just released their third album ‘Prompting The Dapperness.’ The completely fan funded release (following a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign) returns to the formula that has continued to make the band so endearing‐ strong songwriting, sing along melodies, impassioned vocals and most of all honest music that resonates deep within the listener. There’s a reason the band has such a loyal fan base (‘The Congregation’) and garners accolades wherever they travel.

In 2010, the band’s second album ‘Words Off the Tongue’ was ranked among the Top 15 Albums of the Year by No Depression magazine.

‘Prompting the Dapperness’ reached #12 on the iTunes country charts and #99 on the overall charts on the day of its release, and has already charted on BillboardMagazine’s Heatseekers Charts at #10 (South Atlantic division.)

In 2011, the Virginia Tourism

June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 15

Folk Soul Revival VA-KY District Fair June 8th, 9pm Board awarded FSR the Virginia

Magazine named the band

Band of the Year and in 2012

among the Top Three bands in

readers

the Commonwealth of Virginia.

of

Virginia

Living

Page 16, The Loafer • June 4, 2013

Music In The Park Johnson City Tree Streets Featuring Doc Bonhomie June 9, 3pm Sunday, June 9, 3pm to 5pm the Historic Tree Streets Neighborhood Music in the Park will feature DOC BONHOMIE. The concert will be in Veterans Park, Southwest Avenue, Johnson City. Admission is free. Donations for the musicians will be appreciated. Bring your lawn chair or your blanket and spend a relaxing afternoon under the shade trees. Sponsored by the Southside Neighborhood Organization. Visit us at www.treestreets.us.

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June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 17

“Who Art You?” Kids Art Camp

Downtown Bristol Registration Open Believe in Bristol and the steering committee for the Arts & Entertainment District of Downtown Bristol are pleased to announce registration is now open for their arts‐based summer camp for children called “Who Art You? Find Yourself at Art Camp.” The camp will be offered for two weeks during the +522&%L()"&(/$%+)(+&++$.3(:$--(9&( held June 24–28 and the second session will be July 22–26. It runs daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The purpose of the art camp is to expose campers to the wonderful art experiences in Historic Downtown Bristol and to encourage them to express their own creativity. During their week at Who Art You? camp, children ages 8 to 12 will participate in a vast array of creative activities including culinary arts, creative movement, music, healing arts (yoga), painting, magic, martial arts, graphic design, pottery and much more! In addition, they will get to tour the historic Paramount and see a lunchtime show there, engage in storytelling with

the Beaver Creek Storytellers, and explore the many public sculptures on the Art in Public Places walking tour.

“There is a huge diversity of arts here in Downtown Bristol, and we are so excited that the artists, galleries, and arts organizations can share their love of art with children in our community. It is a great opportunity for children to learn more about the arts, but also just to have a fun experience as they explore their creative sides,” said René Rodgers, Associate Director of Believe in Bristol. “Last year our art camps were very popular #3'( /$--&'( 56( E5$!<-0( +.( %&4$+)&%( now!”

Each day will offer a different experience for Who Art You? campers. For example, a day could include exploring graphic design and the art of superheroes at Bridgeforth Design Studio, a tour of the Paramount at lunch, and then a chance to try out basic kicks, punches, strikes and blocks at Japan Karate‐Do Organization in the afternoon.

Registration deadline for )"&( /$%+)( +&++$.3( .*( !#26( is June 17, and the second session deadline is July 15. Cost is $250 per child, with $25 off for additional children. Space is limited to 12 campers per session, so call today to reserve your spot.

For more information, please contact René Rodgers at Believe in Bristol at 276‐ 644‐9700 or rrodgers@ believeinbristol.org.

Page 18, The Loafer • June 4, 2013

Hands On! Museum June Calendar of Events

340()0/5"6()78%5/*% Hero Cards: Do you have a hero? Heroes come in many forms and could be a family member, a teacher, or an athlete.

Throughout June we will be making thank you cards for our heroes! This is a great way to show your father, grandfather or uncle your appreciation of them for Father’s Day. Monet Landscapes: Claude Monet was famous for his paintings of landscapes, gardens, #3'( /-.:&%+;( M+&( .$-( 6#+)&-+( ).( create your own Monet inspired masterpiece.

All month long ‐ .99¢ key 78."$#("$(08%(9":0()86+; </%#5.&=(>.&(?@08(A()/$5.&=( B/$%(C08(A()"$D(64()E"FG Help us celebrate World Oceans Day in the Eastman Discovery Lab! Learn about density, salinity, and ocean life.

N$3'( .5)( :"#)( "&-6+( 0.5( /-.#)( and watch a swimming egg. Try your hand at testing various items to see which ones sink and which ones swim! The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day.

H4"5.&=(B/$%(I08(J().0/45.&=( June 8th, 10:00 am ‐ 4:00 pm ‐ Tie Dye Party at Blue Plum Stop by our tent at the Blue Plum Children’s Area to learn about color mixing chemistry while making your own unique tie dye t‐shirt! The secret to success is a special fabric reactive dye. Cost is $15 which includes a Hands On! tee, fabric‐reactive dyes, and supplies to help you create a masterpiece. Purchase a shirt and receive a pass for free admission to the museum on Friday, June 7th or Saturday, June 8th!

).0/45.&=( B/$%( @08( A( -65&( K.4$"L.*M(<8%()7"%$7%(.$5(H/$( of Being You Opens This new feature exhibit explores the physical science of the human body. The concepts of force, pressure, light, sound, mathematics, and the laws of motion are all part of how our bodies interact with the world.

Through a variety of exciting and engaging activities, children can understand the science of how their body works. Learning zones include Balancing Act, Dizzy Tunnel, Walk the Plank, Hang Time, Think Fast, and many more!

Monday, June 10th ‐ )/$5.&=( B/$%( ?N45( A( )/+%4( )6*.4(O6E%4 Stay out of the sun and join in on the fun in recognition of Sunscreen Protection Day. Learn all about the sun’s rays, test out our mini solar cars, and create a UV changing bead creation to wear home. The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day.

)/$5.&=(B/$%(PQ08=(PMRR(+F( ‐ 4:00 pm ‐ Father’s Day Fathers enjoy FREE admission to the museum!

Monday, June 17th ‐ Friday, June 21st ‐ Kid’s Kaleidoscope )/FF%4(K.F+ Join Hands On! Regional Museum for Kid’s Kaleidoscope summer camps. Children ages 5 to 12 can explore and discover the worlds of the arts, sciences, humanities, and more in our week long summer camps that are sure to make learning exciting and fun! Please see our web site for the kaleidoscope of summer camp fun! Register

by May 1st and SAVE! http:// handsonmuseum.org/play‐ learn/summer‐camps/

Monday, June 24th ‐ )/$5.&=( B/*&( I08( A( S$7*%( ).F( )7"%$7% Celebrate Independence Day learning about density, color mixing, air pressure and 2.%&;( ( 8%&#)&( -$E5$'( /$%&:.%<+( with common household items, +&3'(+&-)O&%(%.!<&)+(/-0$34( $3).( the air, and watch our famous potato launcher send potato 6$&!&+( /-0$34( $3).( )"&( #$%P( ( 1"&( Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day.

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Vote For Your Favorite Greenspace Name! www.johnsoncitytn.org

June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 19 Vote for your favorite greenspace name today!

The City of Johnson City is asking citizens to help name a new public greenspace that will be located along State of Franklin Road at the former site of Free Service Tire

Company and other facilities.

This is an exciting chance to help make history!

The 5‐acre tract will serve as a stormwater detention basin that will assist with reducing /-..'(&,&3)+($3()"&('.:3).:3( area and will include an open creek channel with sitting walls, an amphitheater, and a large greenspace for play and special event activities.

A list of names submitted by citizens has been narrowed down by several community groups.

Now, residents are asked to vote for their favorite of the 17 contenders.

Visit www.johnsoncitytn. org (or direct link www. s u r v e y m o n k e y. c o m / s / namethegreenspace) to select your favorite today! Voting ends Friday, June 14.

The plans for the greenspace have changed a bit since this drawing was made. The pond has been replaced with three to four 2 feet high small cascades.

Page 20, The Loafer • June 4, 2013

I’ve Made A Huge Mistake

OK, let me get the awkward 6#%)( .5)( .*( )"&( :#0( /$%+);( Q&+7( this WAS supposed to be a column on my little movie club experiment watching The Bride of Frankenstein. But here’s the thing. I forgot to tell everyone to start the week I meant to.

I woke up on Memorial Day, and I found myself wondering ?R&0P( 1"#)H+( %$4")7( /$-2( !-59( starts this week. So I need to write up...wait...oh no.” Blame it on a week of too much going on. Family members needing me ).( )#<&( )"&2( ).( '.!).%( .*/$!&+7( students graduating, and my own uber excitement over the return of Arrested Development.

Next week, movies, this week—which I’m sure some of 0.5(/$45%&'(.5)(*%.2(20('.59-&( meaning title—is about the return of Arrested Development.

Here’s the cliff notes version for those of you who need to be caught up. Arrested Development is a sitcom that ran on FOX from 2003‐2006. It was innovative, groundbreaking, and lead the way for a show like the recently departed The S*/$!&;( 8%$)$!+( -.,&'( $)7( ,$&:&%+( didn’t, outside of a few who were /$&%!&-0(-.0#-().()"&(+&%$&+;(G(:#+( one of those, I actually watched $)(#--(/$%+)(%53(.3(NST;( The series was canceled, much to cries of shame from the series fan‐base. Almost immediately fans wanted a movie. What followed was seven years of “will they/won’t they” about the series return.

News of which ended in 2011, :"&3( $)( :#+( !.3/$%2&'7( )"#)( $3( all actuality, there was going to be, seriously, another season of Arrested Development. You see, during the time the show was off the air, this new modern concept of “binge watching” began. People were getting DVDs of the show’s three years and watching them in days. The series, known for his density in jokes, call backs, and foreshadowing, suddenly found more voices crying for more.

B&)/-$>7( :"$!"( !#2&( .5)( $*( $)+(/$%+)(%&#--0(2#J.%(#))&26)(#)( original programming earlier this year with House of Cards, was to be the series new home.

And despite the prestige of the cast and crew of House of Cards, the return of Arrested Development is more of a Continued on page 21

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Continued from page 20

2#J.%('&#-(*.%(B&)/-$>;(1"&( series made its return last week, May 26. You most likely heard, the cast was on many talk shows and morning shows to talk up the event. In all honesty, I can’t recall the last time there was a TV event this #3)$!$6#)&'(UB.7()"&(/$3#-&( of The Bachelor does not count. Because, Dear God, get out of the house and look at some trees).

Therein lies the problem with reviewing the new season of the series. Anticipation is so high, it’s almost to the point it can’t live up to anyone’s hopes. Critical reviews are split on the new season, some love it, other like it, others are mixed. What’s my view on it, you ask? (Not that you did, but I’m gonna tell you anyway).

The fourth season of Arrested Development is groundbreaking, and that’s why some people are confused. Is it the same as the old show? No, it’s not. Something that series creator Mitch Hurwitz

said so in the weeks leading up to May 26.

V&+$43&'( *.%( B&)/-$>( streaming, this season is all about the story you’re going on, jumping from episode to episode, calling backs to one before, and setting things up that will only pay off at the end. Much in the way that mini‐ series used to be “The Novels of Television” this new version of Arrested Development does

just that. It takes the long form, novelistic approach we see on dramatic series like Mad Men and Breaking Bad. This is the /$%+)( )$2&( #30.3&( #+( #66-$&'( that to a comedy, and it works.

Beautifully. There are times when some things don’t click, as you have with any season of television. (That one episode of Mad Men that recently aired?

The one that confused the entire internet? Yeah...)

The new Arrested Development works. Yes, it takes a few episodes to get going, by the third I was worried, by four, I was delighted. I suspect the more times I re‐watch this—and I will be doing that—I’ll appreciate it more and more. Most amazing of all, is that this is the return of a TV series that a major network said no one wanted to watch, and it’s become one of the most buzzed about TV events in

recent memory. The more time I spend with season four, the more and more I love it.

Alright folks. There it is, my thoughts on the new season of Arrested Development. Next week, I promise you, the movie club thing begins. We’ll just be a week off. So hey! Use that spare time to watch Arrested Development! See! It all ties in together! See you next week.

Page 22, The Loafer • June 4, 2013

Circumpolar Constellations Run in Circles

There are a bunch of star patterns that do nothing but run in circles around the North Pole‐ ‐and you can see them at some time every clear night.

Unlike the seasonal stars of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter which parade across the night sky from east to the west, there are a handful of constellations that never set and are always visible somewhere in the night skies looking north.

Among these “circumpolar” constellations are some of the best known as well as a few of

the more obscure star patterns.

Just which constellations are visible all night long and every night of the year in our northern skies is determined by how far away you are from Earth’s North Pole.

Of course, there are Southern Circumpolar constellations seen only south of the equator.

Most of the world’s population in the Northern Hemisphere is between the latitudes of 30 to 60 (the North Pole being 90 degrees. So the same circumpolar constellations are familiar to literally billions of people.

Of course the main “star” of the rotating star patterns is the Big Dipper, which is not a whole constellation, but an “asterism” of star patterns that is easy to identify to even the casual skywatcher. The familiar

seven stars look like a dipping ladle to North Americans, and to Europeans, they imagine a farm plow with handle and blade.

The Big Dipper is really the hindquarters and long tail of the third largest constellation, theBig Bear, Ursa Major‐‐whose other stars are much fainter and cover a fourth of the circumpolar skies. Oddly, there has never been discovered a bear with a

long tail‐‐including fossils.

Various legends around the world curiously call these stars a bear, and the stories are told that #3!$&3)( D.'+( /-534( the bear into the night sky. Some myths have the Big Bear being herded around the North Pole by nearby Bootes. But North American Indians realized that bears don’t have long tails, so they saw the “tail” as three hunters chasing the bear, which was the bowl stars.

All seven stars of the Big Dipper are around 2nd magnitude, and each has names.

From the outside handle star they are Alkaid, Mizar and Alioth.

The inside bowl stars are Megrez and Phecda, and the two that point to the North Pole, Dubhe and Merak. These stars never set below the horizon, though in the Continued on page 23

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June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 23

Continued from page 22

winter months the Big Dipper is dragging along the north horizon.

The Big Dipper is high overhead these Spring nights, and the two outer stars of the bowl point to the star closest to the North Celestial Pole, Polaris.

Imagine an arrow pointing out of the rotating axis of the Earth, and $)(6.$3)+().(#(+6&!$/$!(+6.)($3()"&( night (and day) sky. In the north, it points within a half‐degree of second magnitude Polaris, the tail star of the Little Dipper. The Southern Hemisphere has no bright stars near the exact spot of the South Celestial Pole, which is in the non‐descript constellation Octans, a naval navigation tool.

It is a mere coincidence that seven other circumpolar stars make the shape of a smaller dipper. The Little Dipper stars pour into the Big Dipper, and they, too, are just an asterism of a slightly larger set of fainter stars in the constellation Ursa Major, the Little Bear. From a dark observing site free of light pollution, you can watch the Little Dipper move from one side of the sky to the other as the Earth rotates eastward.

The other constellations that never set as they circle Polaris #3'( )"&( B.%)"( W.-&( #%&( /$,&( “W”‐shaped stars of Cassiopeia the Queen, always opposite the Big Dipper; the King Cepheus whose stars look like a house; the meandering dragon, Draco; and Camelopardalis, the Giraffe.

There are also small parts of other constellations’ boundaries of stars that never set below the horizon during day or night. So, also circumpolar are a dozen or so stars in the constellations Perseus, Andromeda, Lacerta, Cygnus, Hercules, Bootes, Lynx and Auriga.

Both the Snake and the Giraffe are interesting constellations that take up a lot of space with stars that can’t be seen from most suburban backyards.

Draco is perhaps the dragon that Hercules slayed, as the )#-&+( .*( +5!"( /$%&=9%&#)"$34( creatures have been part of human mythology for 5,000 years. Draco is the 8th largest constellation, his head starting near Hercules and its tail between the two dippers.

Literally translated at “camel

leopard,” Camelopardalis is no camel at all, but The Giraffe! It was added to star charts in 1614 ).( /$--( #( ,.$'( .*( X)"( 2#43$)5'&( stars, and contains some interesting galaxies and a small cluster of 15 or so stars.

While the circumpolar stars of north and south hemispheres seem to be unchanging as they circle the poles like clockwork, over thousands of years the Pole Star shifts as the Earth’s axis wobbles. That’s right, the Earth rotates like a spinning top once every 24 hours. But the spinning top is tilted to its side by 23.5 degrees, and the axis we spin around is in a slight wobble that takes 26,000 year to make one circle in the sky. The wobble is called “precession,” and possibly has long‐term effects on climate. One effect is revising the calendar every 500 years or so to compensate for “precession of the equinoxes” as the axis precession changes the dates of the seasons over thousands of years.

When the Egyptians built the Pyramids 5,000 years ago, the Earth’s axis pointed to the star Thuban in Draco as the pole star. In 5,000 years, that slight wobble of Earth will shift to an unnamed star in Cephus‐‐and in 10,000 years the bright star Vega in Lyra the Harp will be the North Pole!

Of course, any shift in the North Pole will alter what constellations are circumpolar.

And as time goes on, we lose

sight of the Big Dipper in about /$,&(2.%&(2$--&3$#; So for the next few thousand years, while Polaris is the North Pole and the Big Dipper rises high in the Spring and scrapes the horizon in the Winter, I’m going to enjoy the familiar stars of the North Circumpolar constellations.

Page 24, The Loafer • June 4, 2013

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June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 25

Celestial events in the skies for the week of June 4‐10, 2013 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

Spring constellations are in full bloom as the Moon is banished to the early morning hours, though it takes until nearly 10pm to see the stars in full darkness. Leo the Lion is beginning its dive to the western horizon, Bootes is high overhead, and the "54&7(+6%#:-$34(!.3+)&--#)$.3(Y$%4.($+($3()"&(+.5)";(1"&(K$4(V$66&%(9&4$3+().(/-$6($)+( handle westward, as the bright stars of the Summer Triangle begin to peak above the eastern horizon. It’s an exciting time to be outdoors on warm evenings and enjoy the starlight. Get your share!

Tues. June 4 Saturn is the jewel of our Spring night, shining brightly directly south around midnight. To the right of the ringed world is the bright, white star Spica, literally translated to “sheath of wheat,” which Virgo the Virgin is imagined to be grasping in her hand as a symbol of fertility.

Wed. June 5 Just a year ago, planet Venus passed in front of the Sun in a rare transit that will not be repeated again until 2127! The second planet begins its steady climb to a perch in the western twilight throughout the summer. Leaving Jupiter and Mercury in the solar glare, Venus will draw eyes to the west as twilight deepens around 9:30 pm. Venus is so bright that it is often mistaken for an aircraft landing lights! <8/4#T(B/$%(Q Happy 81st birthday to Apollo 15 moonwalker David Scott. He and Jim Irwin, deceased, rode the /$%+)(Z53#%(%.,&%().()"&(&'4&(.*(R#'-&0([$--&($3(\5-0( 1971. Of the 12 moonwalkers of Apollo, eight are still alive to share the experience.

Fri. June 7 Bootes is an ancient constellation and an odd name for a herdsman, often thought of as chasing the great bear, Ursa Major, around the North Pole.

Anchored by the fourth brightest star in the sky, orange‐red Arcturus, the stars of Bootes (boo‐OH‐ tez) make an elongated triangle shape that looks -$<&(#3($!&(!%&#2(!.3&(.%(#(/-0$34(<$)&;

).0T(B/$%(@ Facing north and looking high overhead at 10pm, there are the most familiar seven stars in the entire sky‐‐the Big Dipper. Just an “asterism” of the much larger and fainter stars of the constellation Ursa Major, it is called “The Plow” in Europe after the farm implement. The outside two stars of the bowl are called “The Pointers” for good reason‐‐the point to the North Star, Polaris. )/$T(B/$%(C Polaris is the last star of the Little Dipper’s handle, which is also an asterism that is just a part of the larger constellation, Ursa Minor, the Little Bear. In the suburban light‐polluted skies, it is pretty hard to see all seven stars of the Little Dipper, but the are there, seemingly pouring into the Big Dipper.

Mon. Jun 10 It’s hard to ignore our favorite star, the Sun. But we all take it for granted. The Sun is supposed to be in the peak of an active cycle of sunspots and solar storms, but this “solar maximum” is producing sporadic bursts of sunspots, than days with none at all. The Sun rotates its 800,000 mile wide diameter once every 33 days, but solar satellites deep in space are monitoring the backside we don’t see as well as the front ,$+$9-&($3(.5%('#$-0(+<$&+;((]&&6(56(:$)"('&)#$-+(.*()"&(F53(#3'($)H+($3/-5&3!&(.3(@#%)"(#)( www.spaceweather.com.

Page 26, The Loafer • June 4, 2013

Fast & Furious 6 This week I am proud to present a double feature!

1"&( ?N#+)( ^( N5%$.5+C( /$-2( series has become a cash cow for

Universal Studios, so if the series continues to make money, expect ).(+&&(2.%&(/$-2+(6%.'5!&'(53)$-( Vin Diesel has dentures, and Paul Walker’s hair turns grey. The

latest installment in the series, “Fast & Furious 6” has crashed $3).()"&#)&%+7(#3'()"&(/$-2($+7(:&--7( fast and furious. Diesel returns as street racer and fugitive Dominic Toretto, and Walker is back as Brian O’Conner, former FBI agent, and Dom’s best friend. Let

Double Feature

2&(9&()"&(/$%+)().(+#07(G(#2(+5%&( 2.+)( 6&.6-&( #))&3'( )"&+&( /$-2+( for the car chases and stunts, so don’t pretend you go for plot development and award winning acting. The plot is simple, as it +".5-'( 9&( $3( )"&+&( /$-2+;( K#'( guys, led by Luke Evans as Owen Shaw, are racing wild in the streets of Russia, and have taken out a Russian military convoy, and are planning other illegal acts. Enter Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson), the diplomatic Secret Service agent introduced in the -#+)(/$-27().(%&!%5$)(V.2(#3'("$+( crew to take down Shaw and his crew. As an added enticement, Hobbs reveals Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez), Dom’s former girlfriend, who was believed dead, may still be alive, and with Shaw. Thus the battle is set for a no holes barred battle between the forces of Dom and Shaw, which features cars, motorcycles,a plane, and &,&3( #( )#3<;( B52&%.5+( /$+)( /$4")+( #%&( *&#)5%&'( )"%.54".5)( )"&( /$-27( #3'( 2.+)( #%&( ,&%0( entertaining, especially the /$4")( 9&):&&3( \."3+.3( #3'( a Russian hulk. Even though the action is fast and furious (sorry), there is still plenty of time for wisecracks between the actors, and opportunity for )"&(!"#%#!)&%+().(9.3';(1"&(/$-2( Continued on page 27

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Continued from page 26

has plenty of over‐the‐top stunts, and a shocking ending featuring a surprising cameo by a famous action star. For a pure pop corn /-$!<7(?N#+)(^(N5%$.5+(_C7(:$3+()"&( race, and a sequel has been fast tracked for 2014. (Rated PG‐13) B

Epic I( 9&#5)$*5-( #3$2#)&'( /$-2( $+( currently playing in theaters, and is a must see for fans of the genre. I am referring to the new %&-&#+&(?@6$!C;(1"&(/$-2($+(-..+&-0( based on the children’s novel “The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs”, and can be seen in both 3‐D and standard 2‐D. For )"$+( /$-27( G( %&!.22&3'( )"&( `=V( option, to fully appreciate this work of cinema art. The movie is the tale of tiny soldiers, called Leafmen, who live in the forest and protect Queen Tara (Beyonce Knowles), the queen of the forest, from the Boggans, horrid

June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 27 creatures out to destroy the living forest. As the battle of the forest is taking place, the world of humans invades the world of the tiny creatures when Mary Katherine (Amanda Seyfried) is shrunk after coming in contact with Queen Tara. After Mary Katherine realizes she is not dreaming, she becomes involved with the Leafmen’s battle against the Boggans. During her adventure, Mary meets a handsome, but rebellious Leaf Man, Nod (Josh Hutcherson), and the two develop an instant attraction. The two might as well be Romeo and Juliet, because the relationship is '..2&';( 1"&( /$-2( "#+( "#+( )"&( required side kicks, in this case a slug and a snail, and they provide plenty of laughs if matters turn too serious. The battle between the Leafmen and Boggans is exciting, and features the Leafmen riding on hummingbirds, and the Boggans on crows. Oh, and for good measure, some bats are used in the battle. To keep a foot in the ?%&#-( :.%-'C7( )"&( /$-2( *&#)5%&+( #( !.3/-$!)( 9&):&&3( a#%0( #3'( her father, and a hilarious pet dog named Ozzie. However, )"&( %&#-( 2#4$!( .*( )"&( /$-2( $+( when the action is in the forest, which is teaming with life, and a Beyonce song. “Epic”, featuring visually stunning animation, is #( :.3'&%*5-( /$-2( *.%( )"&( :".-&( family, and may encourage kids to actually venture outside, and ponder the wonders of the unseen. (Rated PG) A‐

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Hobbit Party & Movie Teen Summer Reading June 7th & 8th

Teen Summer Reading Program Kick‐off Friday, June 7, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Gray Library

Saturday, June 8, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Jonesborough Library

The Washington County‐Jonesborough and Gray Libraries are kicking off the Teen Summer Reading Program with a Hobbit Party and movie. We invite teens to come dressed as Hobbits (or your favorite Tolkien character) for a costume contest, Hobbit food and Hobbit fun! Make Hobbit “feet” socks and watch The Hobbit while enjoying popcorn and soft drinks.

This program is free and open to tweens and teens, grades 6 to 12. Registration is required and space is limited! To register, please call the Jonesborough Library at 753‐ 1800 and the Gray Library at 477‐1550.

This program is sponsored by the Washington County Friends of the Library.

June 4, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 29

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Living In A Skeuomorphed World

As an enthusiastic supporter of lifelong learning, I enjoy /$3'$34( 3&:( $'&#+( ).( 6-#0( :$)";( This past week, while thumbing through a “real” (i.e. not online) issue of Time magazine, I came across a term I had never encountered before, although I knew what it referred to.

“Skeuomorph,” a nifty sounding word, describes “an element in an object’s design that’s no longer functionally necessary but has been retained anyway for ornamental purposes.” Akin to an anachronism, a skeuomorph gives us something familiar to reference as we use something that is new or perhaps unfamiliar.

The inevitable Wikipedia entry uses the example of those popular “woody” automobiles that, in the 1930s, used real wood but converted to simulated woodgrained details in the 1940s and 1950s to offer drivers the illusion that they were in a covered wagon or similar antiquated, yet nostalgic vehicle;

supposedly, real or simulated wood offered the comfort of feeling in touch with nature while driving a product of modern, “unnatural” technology.

Of course, this concept is best illustrated in digital devices that use icons that refer to non‐digital objects (i.e. trashcans to indicate %&!0!-&( 9$3+7( 6#6&%( /$-&( *.-'&%( 6$!)5%&+(*.%(/$-&+7(6#4&+()"#)()5%3( in e‐books, and calendars and calculators that look like their physical counterparts). Why, *.%( $3+)#3!&7( '.&+( I66-&( /$3'( it necessary to house its iBook titles in a simulated wooden bookcase? The irony is that skeuomorphs, in their effort to remind us of real objects, only work if the user is familiar with what is being referenced.

For instance, viewing an old‐ fashioned hand‐held telephone receiver icon on a digital phone might not make any sense to the many current users who have never seen or used a traditional telephone. Similarly, the familiar

/-.660('$+<($!.3(5+&'().('&3.)&( the Save function on most computers is wasted on those :".("#,&(3.($'&#(:"#)(#(/-.660( disk is. When is the last time you used one to save something?

The Time article credits (as does Wikipedia) the coining of the term to Archaeologist Henry 8.--&0( a#%!"7( :".( /$%+)( 5+&'( $)( in his 1890 scholarly essay, “The Meaning of Ornament: Or Its Archaeology and Its Psychology.”

For him, an ornament was something that looked good but really had no practical function.

Our world, like his, is littered with skeuomorphs. See how 2#30( 0.5( !#3( /$3'( )"$+( :&&<;( For instance, should we describe the online version of this week’s column a skeuomorph? Or is it possible to describe the printed version of this column (if you are reading the online version) as a skeuomorph?

March’s ideas are very much in the news today as Apple

p r e p a r e s to unveil iOS7 and OSX10.9 at this month’s much‐anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference.

Jonathan Ive, Apple’s hardware design guru, has created a buzz over his anti‐skeuomorph stance and promise that the next generation of Apple’s products will do away with many familiar, detailed and nostalgic icons. So, get ready to say goodbye to the cute little metallic trashcan, the desk calendar, wooden bookcases, and maybe even the illusion of slowly turning pages. What will a computer interface without skeuomorphs look like? According to Time’s Lev Grossman, Apple (and undoubtedly other computer users) should be prepared to &3)&%( ?#( 9%#,&( #3'( ,&%0( /-#)( new world.” No doubt there will still be icons in this brave 3&:( /-#)( :.%-'7( 95)( :"#)( :$--( they look like? Some say they will resemble the colorful tiles used in Microsoft’s new Windows 8 software. Very cute,

very functional, and non‐referrential to objects in the “real” world. The question is—Do we want to leave those neat little nostalgic icons behind?

Needless to say, there are arguments for and against getting rid of skeuomorphs.

Those in favor of keeping them say it will be much more '$*/$!5-)( ).( 3#,$4#)&( #( world without real‐ world referrants. “If it ain’t broke, don’t /$>($)C(+&&2+().(9&()"&( mantra for this group of hangers‐on. Those in favor of opting for )"&( 9%#,&( 3&:( /-#)( world say skeuomorphs provide unnecessary clutter in a world that i s

supposed to be sleek and &*/$!$&3);( I3'7( as mentioned above, they also point out that more and more users have no experience with the objects being referred to U$;&;( )"&( 6".3&( #3'( /-.660( '$+<( icons and maybe even wooden bookshelves and the illusion of turning pages). According to Austin Carr, writing about Apple’s proposed move away from skeuomorphs, “The issue $+():.=*.-'b(/$%+)7()"#)()%#'$)$.3#-( visual metaphors no longer translate to modern users; and second, that excessive digital imitation of real‐world objects creates confusion among users.”

That is the issue in a nutshell (try not to visualize a real nutshell while reading this, however).

This sceumorphic topic is obviously related to the concept .*('&+$437(#(/$&-'()"#)($+(%&!&$,$34( a lot of attention lately. As more companies and institutions (particularly schools) are giving

serious thought to how design $3/-5&3!&+( !5+).2&%( %&-#)$.3+( and learning, we are becoming more aware of how our physical and visual environment $3/-5&3!&+( )"&( :#0( :&( -$,&7( work, and learn. The ideas of two writers have been particularly $3/-5&3)$#-(.3(20(:#0(.*()"$3<$34( about design. A stimulating and “fun” book is Warren Berger’s enticingly titled CAD Monkeys, Dinosaur Babies, and T‐Shaped People: Inside The World of Design Thinking and How It Can Spark Creativity and Innovation (2010, originally titled Glimmer in the hardback version), which is a treasure‐trove of fascinating stories about creative designers and how they think and approach problem‐solving tasks.

The second author, Donald Norman, has written a trilogy of books about design that will change the way you view and experience everyday objects: The Design Of Everyday Things, The Psychology of Everyday Things, and Emotional Design. I encourage you to peruse them.

Hopefully you have learned a new word this week and have begun to think a little differently about many of things you have formerly taken for granted. If not, I have enjoyed spending this time with you and look forward to a new column next week. At this point I have absolutely no idea what my topic might be, but I’m sure something will pop up just in time. Your ideas and suggestions are of course always welcome.

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