April 23, 2013 by The Loafer

Page 2, The Loafer â&#x20AC;˘ April 23, 2013

April 23, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ The Loafer, Page 3

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Volume 27 Issue #20

!"#$%&'()*+*,%$$*-%$$%./&*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%$@()&H*<.)F*<.)G"(33(H*!.3*,"&&.)2 !"#$%&'(2*#6*5)(.3%@(*!"#$%&'%=>H*L=8MH*!M9M*,4N*OPQRH*J4'=&4=*5%36H*?S*OTRUV Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com â&#x20AC;˘ 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.

Page 4, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

Niswonger Performing Arts Center Presents

An Evening with LeAnn Rimes

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) presents “An Evening with LeAnn Rimes” on Saturday, May 4th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $65 for orchestra and mezzanine sections, $50 for balcony. The 1130 seat performing arts center is located adjacent to the campus of Greeneville High School in Greeneville, TN. “We are pleased to welcome

LeAnn to Greeneville for a great evening of entertainment”, said Tom Bullard, Executive Director of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. “Since her breakthrough into county music in 1996 with her debut album, Blue, she has sold over 37 million records worldwide. That initial album reached the #1 position on the Top Country !"#$%&' ()*+,' *-.' /*&' (0+,1210.'

multiplatinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)”, said Bullard. “I have had the pleasure of working with LeAnn previously. She is a truly amazing performer and our audience will enjoy multiple hits. Many persons don’t realize that her hit single, Blue, was originally intended to be recorded by Patsy Cline in the early 1960’s. Amazingly she gained early national attention and acclaim for her similarity to Cline’s vocal style. Of course, she has since made a move into a more contemporary sound… let’s call it country pop… over the last decade”, said Bullard. For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.npacgreeneville.com Continued on page 5

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Continued from page 4

Margaret LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (born August 28, 1982), best known as LeAnn Rimes, is an American country/pop singer. She is known for her rich vocals and her rise to fame as an eight‐year‐old champion on the original Ed McMahon version of Star Search, followed by the release of the Bill Mack song “Blue” when she was 13 to become the youngest country music star since Tanya Tucker in 1972. Since her debut in 1996, Rimes’s soprano voice and vocal style have often been compared ,3' *-.' 1.0-,1210.' /1,)' 4*,&5' Cline. Cline showed distinctive emotional expression in most of her material. Rimes has also used distinctive emotional expression in many of her &3-6&7' %3&,' -3,*#"5' )0+' 21+&,' single, “Blue”, which was sung in the style of Cline. Rimes’s vocal similarities to Cline had brought wide interest to the idea that Rimes was the

April 23, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 5

successor to Cline’s legacy, and brought her novelty appeal. Allmusic has called Rimes’s vocals “rich and powerful.” Her vocal ability has also brought Rimes to comparisons to past teenage country stars, including 50s country star Brenda Lee and 70s country star Tanya Tucker. Rimes has won many awards,

including two Grammys, three ACMs, a CMA, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and one American Music award. She has also released ten studio albums and four compilation albums through her record label, Asylum‐Curb, and placed over 40 singles on American and international charts since 1996.

Page 6, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

Tennessee to Honor Mary B. Martin School Benefactor ETSU April 23rd James C. “Jim” Martin has changed “the face and the future” of ETSU and the arts in the region, says ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. Five years *8,0+' )1&' 21+&,' 618,' ,3' 9:;<' *-.' the arts in Upper East Tennessee in memory of his wife Mary B. Martin, Jim Martin is receiving Tennessee’s highest honor in the arts. The Governor’s Arts Awards will be presented to nine recipients Tuesday, April 23, by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam *-.' 21+&,' "*.5' =+1&&5' >*&"*%' 1-' a special ceremony in Nashville, produced by the Tennessee Arts Commission. “We congratulate each recipient of the 2013 Governor’s Arts Awards,” said Anne Pope, executive director of the Tennessee Arts Commission. “These exceptional individuals represent excellence in the arts,

and illustrate the rich diversity of our state’s cultural heritage. It’s gratifying to see their many accomplishments recognized in such a special way.” Recipients for the 43rd awards ceremony were selected 8+3%' *' 210".' 38' -3%1-00&' 1-' three categories – Folklife Heritage, Arts Leadership and Distinguished Artist. Martin is receiving an Arts Leadership Award, along with Donald Fann of Woodbury and Knox Phillips and David Porter of Memphis. Recipients in this category may come from arts organizations, business, education, arts administration, corporations or volunteer or patron groups and )*?0' .0%3-&,+*,0.' &16-121(*-,' support or participation fostering the arts in the state. In January 2009, Martin established the Mary B. Martin

School of the Arts at ETSU, a program that provides a wide‐ range of arts activities including high‐caliber performing arts events, exhibitions, workshops, speakers and other arts events to the campus community and the public, as well as arts advocacy, education and outreach activities for both ETSU students and the community. Most recently, Martin laid the monetary foundation for construction of the university’s $39 million arts classroom building and performing arts center with a $3 million lead gift. Since 2009, Mr. Martin’s total contributions to various arts organizations in Tennessee have exceeded $7.1 million. “The Martin funding allows ETSU to bring artists to the Tri‐Cities area, many of which normally would be seen in major

metropolitan areas,” says Mary B. Martin School of the Arts Director Anita DeAngelis. “Funding allows ETSU to keep ticket prices very low for performing arts events while other activities are free, thus encouraging access to the arts for a wide segment of the community. As new generations of Tennesseans are provided with more opportunities to 0@A0+10-(0'&16-121(*-,'*+,1&,&7',)0'

Martin legacy will make lasting contributions to the arts both in the immediate community and throughout the state of Tennessee.” Martin’s gifts and vision “have changed the face of the institution and they’ve changed the future of the institution,” says ETSU President Dr. Brian Continued on page 7

www.theloaferonline.com Continued from page 6

Noland. “We are much more active in a public setting because of Mr. Martin’s generosity. Our students have the opportunity through the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts to perform on a national stage, on an international stage but also to perform close to home. That opens the institution up to the community as a whole, because at the end of the day we can only be as strong as our partnerships with the community that supports us.” Martin’s generosity has extended to myriad arts organizations in Upper East Tennessee, including renovations to the International Storytelling Center, Jonesborough; the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra for the Mary B. Martin Memorial Concert; Milligan College, Elizabethton, for renovations to the auditorium at Seeger Chapel; Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts for the Town of Jonesborough, to convert the former Booker T. Washington School into an interpretive area for African‐American contributions to Jonesborough and a new community arts center; Symphony of the Mountains, Kingsport, for the symphony’s family, school and Youth for Youth concerts. Martin has made a tremendous impact on the arts in Northeast Tennessee,

April 23, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 7 DeAngelis says. “It is particularly noteworthy that this unprecedented level of support in our community has come at a time when advocacy for the +3"0' *-.' &16-121(*-(0' 38' ,)0' *+,&' in the lives of people is receiving diminishing recognition and support nationally,” says the ETSU Art & Design faculty %0%#0+B' CD3,' 3-"5' )*&' )0' 21""0.' a gap, but he has provided advocacy and momentum for

the arts to reach new levels throughout the region.” “I have been slowly trying to weave a tapestry,” Martin told A! Magazine for the Arts, “of local art‐oriented institutions that can cooperate and begin to form an 1-2"$0-,1*"'A+0&0-(0'1-'3$+'*+0*BE Although Martin and his wife, Mary, were longtime scientists at Eastman in Kingsport, they shared a love of performing and visual arts and an appreciation

83+' ,)0' #0-021,&' 38' *+,1&,1(7' *&' /0""' *&' &(10-,121(7' 0.$(*,13-*"' grounding. “I think science plus art equals innovation …” Martin says. “I was called upon to lead many teams during that time, from corporate acquisition to designing small, individual new products. Almost invariably if I had a choice in selecting a team, the team would always have someone who was an artist or

who could think like an artist because artists think differently from scientists but the blend of the two is remarkable. It’s way more productive … There’s a lot of value in the so‐called Renaissance Man concept.” 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.

Page 8, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

Blue Ridge Brass and Pipes Grandfather Mountain April 28th, 2pm

:)0'&3$-.'38'#*6A1A0&'/1""'21""' the air at Grandfather Mountain April 28. Blue Ridge Brass and Pipes, known for their annual performance at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, are making an extra trip this year to celebrate the Celtic culture. The performance will begin at 2 p.m. and last approximately 45 minutes. The concert is scheduled to occur at the Let It Rain Picnic Shelter, located next to the Nature Museum. The performance is included in regular park admission and those attending are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Blue Ridge Brass and Montreat Scottish Pipes and Drums began playing together in 1985. Their

21+&,' A0+83+%*-(0' /*&' *,' ,)0' Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 1986. Since that time they have performed at all the opening ceremonies and worship services for the Games, as well as special concerts. In addition to a concert tour in Scotland (1997), they have performed in Colonial Williamsburg and at the First Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. Other concert venues include Washington National Cathedral, Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The band performs traditional

and contemporary original Celtic music and is sponsored by the St. Andrews Society of NC, the Montreat Scottish Society, Scottish Heritage USA and the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. James Laughridge is the conductor and arranger and Joseph Bailey is the pipe major. The group delighted visitors at Grandfather Mountain last October and the hope is that a large crowd will attend this year as well. The April 28 performance will be during the last weekend of April Dollar Days, a time period with discount admission for those who live, work and go to school in Avery, Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, Watauga and Mitchell counties. Those hoping to attend the concert may want to give themselves ample time to arrive, as the Entrance Gate line may be long with Dollar Days visitors. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is *' -3,F83+FA+321,' (3+A3+*,13-' 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, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800‐468‐7325. Pictured: Blue Ridge Brass and Pipes at Arlington National Cemetary in Washington D.C.

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April 23, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 9

Bonnie Bishop

The Down Home April 26th, 8pm “Bonnie Bishop is so talented, and very special. She’s an amazing presence. I think she’s going to be a big star.” (Bonnie Raitt) Bonnie Bishop’s critically‐ acclaimed national debut release, “FREE” (October 9, 2012/ Be Squared Records), was produced by Bonnie with help from keyboard player/songwriter Jimmy Wallace. On “FREE”, Bonnie’s unapologetically honest stories 38' &$+?1?*"' *-.' +0.0%A,13-' 21-.' their way into empowering and anthemic songs . The opening track, “Keep Using Me”, is a song about the anguish of realizing that you’re in a relationship that is hurting you. “It’s so hard to see things clearly when youre madly in love with someone ‐ the keyword being ‘madly’. I think that song was probably the moment i realized that letting someone take advantage of you isn’t what Love is about.” Of the title track “Free”, “a gospel‐tinged confessional about redemption and reawakening” (Joey Guerra/ Houston Chronicle), Bonnie Bishop states, “After my divorce, I realized I had always looked for other people to love me rather than learning to love myself. Through an incredible spiritual rebirth, I found forgiveness and &0"8F"3?0' 83+' ,)0' ?0+5' 21+&,' ,1%0' and it gave me the strength and peace to move forward with my life, truly on my own. I know I’m ‘free’ because I don’t hate myself for my mistakes anymore. I forgive myself for being human and I love myself for being who I am.” Three parts Gavin Degraw, Janis Joplin and Bonnie Raitt, with a splash of Grace Potter and a shot of Robert Earl Keen, Bonnie’s affecting lyrics and musical prowess underscore her ability to encourage and validate the listener. Born and raised in Houston, TX, at age 12 Bonnie moved with her mom & stepdad, former Texas A&M head football coach Jackie Sherrill, and relocated to

Starkville, Mississippi, where he had taken the job as the head football coach of Mississippi State University. There Bonnie joined the choir and learned to sing. The local girls used to stand in a circle at recess and harmonize together on old Boyz To Men songs et al. They eventually welcomed Bonnie in and taught her ear training and how to blend ‐‐ even vibrato, “cause I was like, ‘’how do y’all make ur voices shake like that?’ Anyways, that’s probably where I picked up my soul. In Mississippi.” She left Mississippi in 1995 and returned ,3'21-1&)')16)'&()33"'1-'>3$&,3-B'' Two years later, Bonnie moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. In 2008, Bonnie came off the road and moved to Nashville to pursue a songwriting career. She married and divorced during this touring hiatus, only to write her way through the heartache and 21-.' 83+,1,$.0' *-.' faith among her instruments. Her soulful compositions and raspy voice outlive her personal reinvention as she 21-.&' .+1?1-6' +3(G' rhythms in her guitar and on her piano – the latest addition to her cadre of talent. Bonnie wrote the new material with a simple notion in mind: You have to

love yourself before you can fully love and be loved by anyone else. Bonnie frequently writes with some of the most lauded songwriters in Nashville including Mike Reid, Al Anderson (NRBQ), Lee Roy Parnell, Pat McLaughlin and Seth Walker. “Not ‘Cause I Wanted To,” a song she co‐wrote with Anderson, was recently recorded by her musical hero Bonnie Raitt for Raitt’s “Slipstream” album released this past April ‐‐ a dream come true for Bishop. When she’s not touring, Bonnie Bishop calls Nashville her home. Her creativity also comes to life in the kitchen where she’s perfecting a style of healthy cuisine as unique as her music. Full of life and reinvigorated, Bonnie’s excited to meet new fans and reconnect with those who’ve supported her over the years. Whether she’s performing an intimate, one‐woman show or rocking out with a full band, Bonnie’s music will shake your core, lift you up and bring you back around to the bright side. Bonnie Bishop’s music will set you “Free”.

Page 10, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

The Breath of the Spirit

Munsey United Methodist Church April 28th, 3pm Flutist Elisa Wardeska and organist David Runner will present The Breath of the Spirit on Sunday, April 28, at 3:00 pm at Munsey United Methodist Church. The concert is free and open to the public. The Breath of the Spirit, a verse drama and musical composition

for two narrators, flute, and organ, features a series of nine poems by poet‐playwright Ken Gaertner. The poems speak of the emotional and spiritual

worlds of several biblical characters: Mary, Herod, Jesus, Thomas, Mary Magdalene, and Judas. The work features a score by Gregory Hamilton which explores the emotional and spiritual imagery of the poetry. The poems will be narrated by Patty and Ken Denmark. H*+.0&G*' 1&' *' A+1?*,0' 2"$,0' instructor and freelance performer who lives in her native Johnson City, Tennessee. She is a current member of Cambia Flute Ensemble and The Civic Chorale, and was the piccolo player for the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra this past season. She is a Staff Sergeant in the Air National Guard Band of the Smoky Mountains, based in Knoxville, TN. Runner is a Professor of Music at Milligan College, Tennessee, where he teaches organ, piano, and music theory. Currently organ accompanist for the Civic Chorale, he regularly performs solo organ recitals at Milligan College, and has played in such venues as New York City, London and Birmingham, England, Atlanta, and at the Piccolo Spoleto festival in Charleston, SC. For more information, contact Elisa Wardeska at (423) 926‐ 4046.

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John Fehskens

Acoustic Coffeehouse April 24th, 8pm John Fehskens will be playing at the Acoustic Coffeehouse on Wednesday, April 24th from 8 to 9 p.m. He will be playing a mix of originals and covers including folk, rock, blues, and oldies. John Fehskens’ music is both recognizable and fresh – a Lead Belly‐ esque guitar lick peppered with a sly brush of wit; a rock jam tempered with relaxed self‐restraint. In his own words: “I don’t think there’s anything new out there... the trick is to distill all of those things you hear – how to play, how to sing, how to write – and synthesize it into something that nobody but you can play. Then it’s familiar, but individual…and that’s exciting to me.” Indeed, in the context of one of John’s live performances, Johnny Cash prison songs, alt rock, and mock‐heroic originals somehow compliment each other. With guitar and banjo in hand and a harmonica strapped around

his neck, he’s entertained crowds at venues across the country, stretching from North Carolina to Ohio, from Indiana to New York. Based in Elizabethton, Tennessee, John has produced three albums of his 3/-' %*,0+1*"7' I-$-.*,0.7' ;1%A"1210.' World, and Present for the Hearing. John is available for solo performances ranging from one to three hours in length. CDs and mp3s of sample material are available upon request.

CASA Volunteers Needed to Help Protect Vulnerable Children In our society the basic needs and rights of children are entrusted to their families, but when the family—for whatever reason—is unable to meet those obligations, our most vulnerable children are placed in the foster care and child welfare system. That system is full of compassionate lawyers, judges, social workers and foster families, but according to recent statistics, each year more than 748,000 children are placed in foster care nationally. This intense need can strain the system. So the little girl who has already suffered in an abusive home enters the foster care system which places her in three or four different homes in just a few months. Or the two siblings who lost their mother to incarceration are split up and living on different sides of the same county. There is a program in place to help ensure that children involved in out of home placements have a voice. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is the program. People Incorporated’s CASA of the 28th Judicial District serves the City of Bristol and the Counties of Smyth and

Washington. CASA trains and supports volunteers to speak out and act as advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Volunteers are trained to work within the child welfare and family court systems and are appointed by judges to individual cases. With the help of a CASA volunteer, a child is half as likely to experience an extended stay in the foster (*+0'&5&,0%7'*-.'1&'%$()'%3+0'"1G0"5',3'21-.' a safe and permanent home. Due to the demand, CASA can only reach 35% of the children in need each year. That means almost 500,000 children (138 in our own region) have no‐one advocating for their rights. The CASA program is committed to making sure that every child in need has access to a CASA volunteer. The program is seeking to recruit more volunteers to offer community members ,)0'3AA3+,$-1,5',3')0"A'1-',)0'216),'*6*1-&,' child abuse. Anyone interested in volunteering or seeking additional information can contact CASA of the 28th Judicial District at 276‐ 591‐1430 or espicer@casa28thjd.org

Page 12, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

Kingsport’s 7th Annual Sculpture Walk

!"#$%&'($)*$+&,-./)0'$1*2&3#$ of Cultural Arts is proud to present Kingsport’s 7th Annual 4356/'50#$7869$&,$3),:5,3'&),$ with DKA’s pARTy in the heART Festival in Downtown Kingsport. Kingsport has a wonderful tradition of public‐private partnership and we can clearly see this in the annual Sculpture Walk exhibition. The annual Sculpture Walk is a juried temporary exhibition of sculpture in the heart of Downtown Kingsport that

changes each year. Kingsport has developed a program with great impact and return that contributes to the effort of improving livability in the city. Over the last 6 years, through individual gifts and endowments, the city has been able to acquire 8 sculptures from this temporary exhibition to be part of their permanent growing public art collection. In addition to the sculptures themselves, the unveiling of the yearly exhibition has brought on a new tradition, Downtown

Kingsport Association’s pARTy in the heART, a rather unique downtown festival. The celebration includes a reception with the artists, a tour of the new sculptures guided by the juror and an arts celebration in the heart of Downtown Kingsport. Visitors can enjoy face painting, food vendors, a ballet performance, theater performance, and musicians in the street, street performers and more. Finished animals of the Kingsport Carousel Project

will also be on display in ;)<,')<,$ +&,-./)0'=$ $ >)69.$ 38,$ 3"#39$ )5'$ '"#$ /0)-0#..$ being made by the Kingsport Carousel Project as its team )*$ ?)65,'##0$ 380?#0.$ 8,@$ painters show off at various 6)386$ @)<,')<,$ A5.&,#..#.=$ !"#$ /5A6&3$ <&66$ A#$ 8A6#$ ')$ -#'$ information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities still available. For more information on the Sculpture Walk call the City of J1-6&A3+,'K821(0'38'=$",$+*"'!+,&' at (423) 392‐8414 or visit www. EngageKingsport.com For more information on pARTy in the heART, and related festivities call the Downtown Kingsport Association at (423) 246‐6550 Juror Statement (Peggy Townsend, public art director of Chattanooga): Welcome to ArtWalk VII! From a national juried competition, ten works were selected for the exhibition and will be on view for one year in the heart of Downtown Kingsport. In choosing works for this year’s exhibit, I looked for artistic excellence, a variety of form and scale, diverse materials, and a balance of representational and

non‐representational work. The City of Kingsport should be congratulated for supporting and growing such an important public art program. Public art plays a vital role in your city. It energizes public space, connects people and place, and transforms where we live, work and play into a more welcoming and vibrant community. The level of interest from artists across the country and the high caliber of their work shows that Kingsport is regarded as a city that values public art and understands the important role that it plays. Congratulations to the City, the Public Art Committee, sponsors and the artists for incorporating such wonderful works into your city. Sculpture Walk 7 Artists and Pieces (New art installed April 24‐26): Jim Collins: “Moodusa’s Daughter” Mark A. Connelley: “Saoirse” Hanna Jubran: “Spring and Summer” Shawn Morin: “Final Fan‐Dango” Lina & Gus Ocamposilva: “Sunset” Continued on page 13

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April 23, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 13

Continued from page 12

Marvin Tadlock: “Got Oil?” Wayne Trapp: “Double Half in Balance” L*?1&'!-.+0/'H)1,210".'IMN'''''''' “Mixed Emotions” Andrew Yff: “Fork, Knife and Spoon Sun” Aaron P. Hussey: “Magnolia Bluff

43"#@56#$)*$B?#,'.C

Friday April 26 D)),C$ This year’s juror, Peggy Townsend, public art director of Chattanooga, will kick of the festivities with a talk about “Creative Place Making” and the amazing project in Chattanooga known as the Main Terrain Art Park at the Downtown Kingsport Association, 140 W. Main St. (2nd 2"33+OB' ' :)0' (3&,' 38' ,)1&' 0?0-,' 1&' $10 and includes lunch. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.EngageKingsport.com or by calling (423) 392‐8414 and will also be available at the door. E$F$G$/HC Reception for the Sculpture Walk Artists and community sponsors held at Cindy Saadeh’s Fine Art Gallery, 128 E. Market Street in Downtown Kingsport from 5 – 7 pm. The public is invited to meet the 10 sculptors selected for the 7th annual Sculpture Walk exhibit in Downtown Kingsport. Saturday, April 27th

I$8HC Bagels from Bagel Exchange at Star Trails Downtown Gallery at 246 Broad St. Enjoy a breakfast reception in this beautiful gallery as sculptors, juror and Sculpture Walk enthusiasts gather prior to the Sculpture Walk ‘talk and tour’. JK$8HC Sculpture Walk ‘talk and tour’ led by juror Peggy Townsend. This ‘walk and talk’ lecture is free and open to the public. It will begin at Glen Bruce Park on Broad Street near the Library. Peggy Townsend, public art director of Chattanooga will lead the group and introduce the 10 selected artists and their art. JJ$8H$F$L$/HC The ART MARKET will be

open with booths and activities set up on Broad and Market Streets. Enjoy face painting, food vendors, a ballet performance, theater performance, musicians in the street, street performers, as well as animals with their carvers and painters from the Kingsport Carousel Project and more.

WEDNESDAYS

Page 14, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

World-Renowned Buddhist Teacher, Garchen Rinpoche, to Speak in Johnson City Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center April 28th, 6pm

The public is invited to hear his Eminence Garchen Rinpoche speak about mindfulness at the Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center (ADMC) in Johnson City on Sunday, April 28, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Garchen Rinpoche is a Tibetan Lama who is the subject of the documentary CP3+',)0'Q0-021,'38'!""'Q01-6&E'*-.' is considered a living saint by his followers. Garchen Rinoche was born in Tibet and recognized as the reincarnated leader of the Drikung Kagya lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. At the age of 22, he was imprisoned for 20 years in China. Since his release in 1979, Garchen Rinoche had dedicated himself to rebuilding the Drikung Kagya monasteries.

He is reestablishing the Buddhist teachings and is currently the spiritual director of the Garchen Buddhist Institute in Chino Valley, Arizona. “It is very unusual to have a Buddhist teacher of Garchen Rinpoche’s level visit the TriCities area,” notes Marina Munjal, board president of ADMC. “We feel very honored.” Garchen Rinpoche will address the topic of mindful awareness at the event. A dana or donation of $10 at the door is suggested. The donations will go toward the teacher’s travel expenses. ADMC is located at 108 West 10th Ave., Suite 3 (downstairs), Johnson City, TN. For more information go to www. dharma4et.org.

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April 23, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 15

Train Performs at ETSU April 26th, 7pm

Tickets are on sale for the upcoming concert by Grammy Award‐winning band Train at East Tennessee State University. Train is a San Francisco‐ based band whose recent hits include “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Drive By,” “Drops of Jupiter,” “50 Ways to Say Goodbye” and more. This concert – the major spring event sponsored by ETSU’s Student Government Association (SGA) – begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at the ETSU/Mountain States Health Alliance Athletic Center

(Minidome). The opening act for Train will be The Dirty Guv’nahs, a grassroots band from Knoxville. The SGA’s major spring concert is usually open only to ETSU students and employees, but this spring’s event is open to the public. ETSU students may receive one free ticket with ID, and tickets for the public are $15 each. Tickets may be

purchased at www.etsu.edu/ sga. The Train concert is open to those 18 years of age and older, and attendees must present valid ID along with tickets at the door. For more information or special assistance for those with disabilities, contact the Student Organization Resource Center at (423) 439‐6633.

Page 16, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

MerleFest 2013

Presented by Lowes Four days of performances by over 90 artists on 14 stages !"#$% &'()#*+,+'-% ./'% 0% 12)3%

tone, taste and timing. Getting to play alongside him at the past 25 MerleFests has been a true privilege and a lesson in how it’s done.” – Sam Bush

MerleFest 2013' 3821(1*""5' begins next Thursday, April 25, and runs through Sunday, April 28, on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. As in years past, fans at MerleFest can expect the unexpected with special surprises, spontaneous jam sessions and one‐of‐a‐kind

Sculpture of Doc Watson at the corner King and Depot Streets, Boone, Watauga County, North Carolina. Unveiled on June 24, 2011. The plaque on the bench reads "Just one of the People". Sculpture created by Alex Hallmark musical collaborations, with over 90 performers playing on 14 stages during the four‐day festival. >3/0?0+7' 83+' ,)0' 21+&,' ,1%0' 1-' its 26 years, MerleFest will take place without beloved music icon ;)3$ 78'.),, who passed away on May 29, 2012. So during this year’s festival, attendees can anticipate special tributes to the man and the musician who was described by the New York Times as “the guitarist and 83"G' &1-60+' /)3&0' 2"*,FA1(G1-6' style elevated the acoustic guitar to solo status in bluegrass and country music, and whose interpretations of traditional American music profoundly 1-2"$0-(0.' 60-0+*,13-&' 38' 83"G' and rock guitarists.” As in previous years, the list of A0+83+%0+&' 21,&' ,)0' C,+*.1,13-*"' A"$&E' .021-1,13-' 3+161-*""5' offered by the late Doc Watson. Watson coined this term to describe the unique mix of music found at MerleFest: traditional, roots‐oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old‐time music, and expanded to include

Americana, country, blues, rock, “plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play,” he explained. The complete lineup and stage schedules are posted at www.merlefest.org, and festival updates are delivered via Twitter (@MerleFest) and Facebook. Thursday, April 25, will feature performances by artists including The Charlie Daniels Band, Leon Russell, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Dehlia Low, Red Molly, The Greencards, Enter The Haggis, Pete and Joan Wernick and others. That afternoon, participants in Pete Wernick’s MerleFest Bluegrass Jam Camp will perform on the Cabin Stage. A rare opportunity for Thursday festival attendees is the chance to pick or sing during “open mic” sessions with legendary Dobro player Tut Taylor and the Local Boys. The Opening Night Dance with Enter The Haggis will take place starting at 10 p.m. at the Dance Stage. Thursday is also a day for community outreach, with Continued on page 17

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several MerleFest artists visiting and performing at local schools. The schedule on Friday, April 26, includes performances by Gov’t Mule, The Del McCoury Band and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Steep Canyon Rangers, Peter Rowan, Matraca Berg, Delta Rae, Chris Smither, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, The Greencards, The Kruger Brothers, The Black Lillies, Scythian, The Waybacks, The Honeycutters, Tony Williamson, The Quebe Sisters Band, Jeff Little Trio, Doug MacLeod, Carol R12G1-7' S*$+*' Q33&1-60+7' R35' Book Binder and others. The culmination of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest takes place on Friday; after contest chairperson Jim Lauderdale announces the winners, the songwriters perform the winning entries on the Cabin Stage at 5 p.m. Additionally, the annual ;)3$ 78'.),$ M5&'80$ %"8H/&),."&/ is held on Friday; this year’s judges include Peter Rowan and Uwe Kruger, as well as last year’s contest winner, Benjamin Cockman. The annual Merle 78'.),$ N65#-08..$ N8,:)$ Contest is also held this day; this year’s judges include Pete Wernick, Steve Lewis and Blind Boy (Jeron) Paxton, as well as last year’s contest winner, Brandon Green. The lineup for Saturday, April 27, includes performances by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sam

April 23, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 17 Bush, Jerry Douglas, John Cowan, Jim Lauderdale, Michael Martin Murphey, Peter Rowan Band, Nashville Bluegrass Band, Sutton, Holt and Coleman, Matraca Berg, Chris Smither, Delta Rae, Mountain Heart, Della Mae, The Kruger Brothers, Scythian, Chatham County Line, Donna the Buffalo, David Holt, Pokey LaFarge, Phil Wiggins & Corey Harris, Eilen Jewell, Blind Boy Paxton, Tom Feldman and Mike Farris among others. One of the most talked‐ about events of the festival will be Saturday evening’s Celebration Jam. The Jam will be hosted by Sam Bush and will feature many of Doc’s closest musician friends as they tell stories and play some of Doc’s favorites tunes. The Jam’s core band will consist of Sam Bush T%*-.3"1-U21.."0O7' V088' S1,,"0' (piano), T. Michael Coleman (bass), Jack Lawrence (guitar), Bryan Sutton (guitar) and David Holt (banjo.) Additionally, the ever‐popular Hillside Album Hour – where a revered or iconic album is performed live from start to 21-1&)' W' /1""' 3-(0' *6*1-' #0' hosted by The Waybacks, with many surprise guests joining in the performance. The highly‐ anticipated Midnight Jam will take place in the Walker Center (separate ticket required and available for purchase by 4‐day ticket holders and Saturday‐ only ticket holders). This year’s Jam is hosted by Scythian, with special guests The Waybacks, Donna the Buffalo, John Cowan, Jim Lauderdale, The Black Lillies, The Honeycutters, Pokey

The Dance Tent went up on Wednesday, April 10, and is now ready for Enter The Haggis to bring it to life on opening night of MerleFest 2013.

LaFarge and many others. Sunday, April 28, will feature performances by the Avett Brothers, Nashville Bluegrass Band, Tift Merritt, Michael Martin Murphey, The Kruger Brothers, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Avett, Chatham County Line, T. Michael Coleman, Jeff Little Trio, Paul’s Creek Band, Jack

Lawrence, Pokey LaFarge, Eilen Jewell, Susana and Timmy Abell, Pete and Joan Wernick, South Carolina Broadcasters, Roy Book Binder, Blind Boy Paxton, Bobby and Blue Ridge Tradition. In addition to the Avett Family Gospel Hour with Jim Avett and family, fans can experience the “Spirit of Sunday” set with the Nashville Bluegrass Band, which

will contain a special tribute to Doc Watson. Throughout the four‐day festival, the Dance Tent will feature various workshops and dance instruction with plenty of opportunities for festival attendees to cut loose with some stellar music performers. Continued on page 18

Page 18, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

Continued from page 17

Additionally, Mayes Pit/Cohn Auditorium in Thompson Hall at MerleFest is devoted to a wide variety of workshops and demonstrations on Friday and Saturday, where world‐class performers share their expertise with attendees. The Songwriters Coffeehouse will once again showcase the art of the song on Friday. On Saturday, blues lovers will want to check out the “Greatest Acoustic Blues Show on Earth” at the Austin Stage in Alumni Hall. For those attendees who like to do a little performing themselves, there is a continuous “open mic” at the Plaza Stage. In addition to music, MerleFest offers special activities and shopping, all in a family‐friendly atmosphere. The Shoppes at MerleFest is a centrally‐located shopping village featuring demonstrating artisans, vendors, convenience foods, 3821(1*"' X0+"0P0&,' %0%3+*#1"1*' *-.' &0+?1(0&' &$()' *&' 21+&,' *1.7' lost and found, and Internet access. The Little Pickers Family Area offers children’s activities, crafts and entertainment, and

the MerleFest Youth Showcase, hosted by Andy May, at the Little Pickers Stage. Nature walks of the gardens and forest on the WCC campus will be offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. “For those wanting an affordable weekend getaway, MerleFest provides a true value to its customers,” said festival director Ted Hagaman. “The admission prices are extremely reasonable ‐ especially considering that we feature over 90 artists on 14 stages. Also, there are no hidden charges. We provide free parking, a free shuttle that will deliver you to the entrance, a free program guide as you enter, and all children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. In addition, our Little Pickers Family Area for children offers each child the opportunity to make crafts and participate in several interactive exhibits – all free of charge.” Ticket purchases can be made on the web at www.merlefest. org, by calling 1‐800‐343‐7857, or at the gate. Gates open on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m.

MerleFest 2013 is presented by Lowe’s. MerleFest is grateful to 100+ sponsors for their support in making the event possible, including: Wells Fargo, Charlotte and Greensboro area Burger King restaurants, G&B Energy, Pepsi, Tyson, Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority, The InterFlex Group, Winston‐ Salem Journal, WXII 12, the S*/' K821(0&' 38' :1%3,)5' LB' Welborn, Hardee’s, Carolina Ford Dealers, Carolina West Wireless, CenturyLink, Chobani Yogurt, Hampton Inn Wilkesboro and visitwilkesboronc.com, Wilkes Regional Medical Center and Carolinas Healthcare System. A complete listing of all MerleFest sponsors and additional information about all aspects of the festival can be found at http://www.merlefest.org. MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, is an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of American music legend Doc Watson who passed away May 29, 2012. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots‐oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old‐time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts over 90 artists, performing on 14 stages during the course of the four‐day event. The annual event has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Endowment Corporation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.

www.theloaferonline.com

April 23, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 19

Broadway’s Next H!T Musical Diana Wortham Theatre April 27th, 7:30pm “A spontaneity, wit and inventiveness that must be seen to be believed!” ‐New York Post “At last! A musical of, for and by the people…That’s entertainment!” ‐Time Out NY The Diana Wortham Theatre Board of Directors presents Broadway’s Next H!T Musical – New York City’s original, award‐ winning improvised musical (3%0.5' W' 1-' *' &A0(1*"' #0-021,' evening for the Diana Wortham Theatre, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville. In Broadway’s Next H!T Musical, every lyric, melody, and jazz hand is made up on the spot to create the show. Master improvisers gather made up, “hit song” suggestions from the audience and create a spontaneous evening of music, humor, and laughter. The audience votes for their favorite song and watches as the cast turns it into a full‐blown improvised musical — complete with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and plot twists

galore. :)0' #0-021,' 1&' A+0(0.0.' #5' a special VIP reception with refreshments and decadent desserts at 7:30 p.m. and concludes with a post‐ performance meet‐and‐greet /1,)',)0'(*&,B':)0'#0-021,'0?0-1-6' is sponsored by Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., and is presented by the Diana Wortham Theatre’s Board of Directors to provide vital 21-*-(1*"'&$AA3+,'83+',)0'3-631-6' programs of the theatre. “I saw this show in New York City and immediately thought it would be a fun, engaging show 83+' ,)0' *--$*"' #0-021,7E' &*5&' John Ellis, Managing Director for Diana Wortham Theatre. “It isn’t often that an audience is able to see a new show created in front of their very eyes. It’s a great evening.” Under the direction of improv veterans Rob Schiffman and Deb Rabbai, Broadway’s Next H!T Musical has appeared at The Triad, Tribeca Film Festival, and the New York Musical Theater Festival, to name a few. The

New York Times hails the show as “Hilarious!” and the New York Post calls it “Remarkable… Something that few improvisers anywhere have the talent, experience and wit needed to successfully do…An ‘A‐list’ of seasoned improvisers.” With memorable characters, witty dialogue and plot twists galore, this show continues to delight audiences everywhere it goes. Located in the heart of the Pack Square Cultural District on historic Pack Square in downtown Asheville, Diana Wortham Theatre offers live performances of music, theatre and dance throughout the year by nationally touring artists (the Mainstage Series), as well as a wide array of performances by professional and avocational regional arts groups such as the Asheville Lyric Opera, The Asheville Ballet, Ballet Conservatory of Asheville, the annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, and Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance. The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place is located in the same complex as the Asheville Art Museum and the Colburn Earth Science Museum. The intimate theatre seats just over 500 and boasts exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making it the premier performance space in all of Western North Carolina. The Mainstage Series is supported by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency. The Mainstage Series 2012/2013 Season Sponsors are the Asheville Citizen‐Times, Creative Energy, Laurey’s Catering and Gourmet‐to‐go, the North Carolina Arts Council, and Renaissance Asheville Hotel. To obtain more information on the &A0(1*"' #0-021,' A0+83+%*-(0' 38' Broadway’s Next H!T Musical on April 27 or to purchase tickets ‐‐ VIP Tickets (7:30 pm Reception plus Orchestra‐level Seating): $75; Regular (Performance Only; Balcony Seating): $50 ‐‐ call the ,)0*,+0Y&'#3@'3821(0'*,'TZ[ZO[\]F 4530 or visit www.dwtheatre. com. A portion of the ticket price is a tax‐deductible contribution to the theatre.

Page 20, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

Senior Art Exhibit

Mars Hill College

Mars Hill College’s Weizenblatt Gallery will feature a collection of *+,/3+G'1-'?*+13$&'%0.1*'#5'21?0' senior student artists, from April 17 through May 3. There will be an opening reception for the exhibit on April 17 from 6 until 7 pm. Artists featured in the exhibit are: Olivia Buckner, Joel Dempsey, Emma Hoffman, Kristen Landers,

and James “Jamie” Raezer. 16&?&8$ N539,#0 is an art education major from Mars Hill, NC. Her work, called “Body as Canvas,” features photography of painted models. “I have managed to bring both mediums of paint and photography into one. My show is called Body as Canvas where I have used people to display my work,” she said. “I also wanted to bring my faith into my work. I *%'*'=)+1&,1*-'*-.'*'21+%'#0"10?0+' that if God is in your life and using you, it will show. This was my inspiration for my show. We are works of art that God has created individually and uniquely; we are the canvas. I hope you enjoy it!” Joel Dempsey is a graphic design major from Mars Hill, NC. During his college career, Joel said his art has evolved from traditional drawings to computer‐generated art. His theme is “Heroes Recycle.” He said, “The art process today has changed a lot from how it was in the past. Today, a good majority of the art is produced digitally even though you might not know it. This is what directed me toward being a graphic designer. … Over the last semester I have been working with a recycle theme for my show. This was actually an ongoing theme that I have done a few pieces for over the past two years. On these new pieces, I pushed the idea “heroes recycle” a little further. I hope you enjoy the show. And don’t forget to recycle.” BHH8$ O)**H8, is an art major from Asheville, NC. Her artist statement describes how her love for art emerged over time. “When I came to Mars Hill I didn’t have any intention of pursuing a major in art. It was during my required art education class that I changed my focus,” she said. “I began with a concentration in ceramics but have moved to photography as I love the use of spatial awareness that it requires to take a successful photograph. I prefer to use minimal amounts of Photoshop work as I prefer my edits to be made through the lens.” Many of Emma’s photos feature items which are seemingly out of place. “My goal for this series

of photographs is to make the viewer feel uncomfortable and misplaced,” she said. Kristen Landers is an art major from East Flat Rock, NC. Kristen said she hopes to use photography and graphic design to make others aware of issues in the world. She said, “With most of my artwork, I try to make the viewer have a reaction to it. This is what led me to Photographic Expressionism. This expresses the nature in which the photograph is distorted or exaggerated for the emotive or expressive purposes. Using a harsh subject matter and color is a way of expressionism leaving the viewer to have a reaction. Photographic expressionism is how I show the viewer the world I create in my head. Welcome to my world of expressionism.” James “Jamie” Raezer is an art major from Downington, PA. He said he came to Mars Hill to pursue a degree in business administration, but quickly realized that a studio art major with a concentration in graphic .0&16-'/*&'*'#0,,0+'21,B' “Over the last four years here at Mars Hill College I have progressed as a designer with *&A1+*,13-&' 38' 21-.1-6' *' &3"1.' career in the design industry,” he said. “For this exhibition I strived to display different forms of design. Looking at the pieces displayed, the viewer will see Adobe Photoshop illustrations, clothing designs done with Adobe Illustrator and also designs done with spray paint on canvas.” Pictured: “Abandonment” by Emma Hoffman

www.theloaferonline.com

April 23, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 21

Bristol Dragway Thunder Valley Madness April 26-27th

Some of the world’s top doorslammers descend upon Bristol Dragway April 26‐27 for the X‐treme Drag Racing League’s Thunder Valley Madness and the event also boasts a hint of nostalgia. The second event on the 2"0.6"1-6' ^FLRSY&' &()0.$"07' Thunder Valley Madness welcomes Pro X‐treme standout and Pro Mod legend Quain Stott to the weekend activities. Stott drives one of four period‐correct gassers which will make special exhibition passes during the two‐day event, another bonus for a memorable X‐DRL debut at historic Bristol Dragway. The four gassers featured are Stott’s ‘41 Willys “Executioner,” Greg Porter’s ‘55 Chevy “Night Stalker”, Jeremy Pearson’s “Bone Shaker” ‘57 Ford and “Bad Company,” a ‘55 Chevy driven by Craig Owen. “This is really exciting for me and I have to thank the X‐DRL and Bristol for helping make it happen. This is something we were really interested in doing and I think the fans are really going to love it,” said Stott, a Pro Mod world champion and multi‐ time event winner. “I love Bristol and, of course, the gassers raced at Bristol back in the day. They were real big at this track and it will be kind of neat to repeat history. These cars were the stepping‐stones to what we’re driving now.” The cars in the X‐DRL’s PX class at Bristol, including Stott’s LeeBoy Corvette, run in the 3.60s and at speeds of more than 200 mph, but the gassers often are just as entertaining, running in the 5.90s in the eighth‐mile at more than 120 mph. They feature a four‐speed stick shift, old‐style suspension, mechanical fuel injection and every other minute detail that makes them period‐correct. The driving style also makes the gassers a favorite with the fans, and Stott thinks the Bristol

crowd will enjoy the nostalgic touch during the X‐DRL weekend. “It’s going to be exciting to race these in front of a big crowd. I think the fans will really like the 4‐speeds in these cars,” he said. “We’re all over the track, got the wheels in the air and these are just high‐revvin’ and gear‐ jamming cars. It’s going to be a lot of fun for the fans. It’s going to be cool. “I watched these cars as a kid and I loved them, and they just give you an incredible thrill.” Stott will have a busy two days in Bristol. In addition to his gasser and PX driving duties he also calls the shots for rookie Pro X3.1210.'.+1?0+':BVB':1-."07'/)1()' means Stott will have very little down time. But he wouldn’t have it any other way at a track he has always held in high regard.

“Bristol is probably my favorite track. Just the history here makes it a worthwhile experience and I’m really looking forward to it,” Stott said. “I watched a lot of racing at Bristol growing $A'*-.',)0'21+&,',1%0'I'+*(0.' there was 1978. It’s always exciting to go there and I think we’ll do well.” Along with the Pro Turbo class at Thunder Valley Madness, racing also takes place in Supercar Showdown, Pro Junior Dragster, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, X‐Treme Pro Mod, X‐Treme Pro Stock, Pro Nitrous, and Pro Extreme, the quickest and fastest full‐bodied doorslammer class in the world. Tickets, on sale now, are available for $25 each day for adults with children 12 and under getting in free. A weekend pass is available for $45. Anyone who purchases tickets prior to April 25 at 5 p.m. can save $5 on each ticket purchase. To purchase tickets, please call 423‐BRISTOL (274‐7865). Gates open Friday and Saturday at 8 a.m. with qualifying slated for 10 a.m. both days. Eliminations begin at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Page 22, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

MarQ’s SmartPhone Apps for Stargazing

I held off a while to get a fancy computer telephone in my pocket‐‐a smart phone‐‐and it didn’t take me long to load up on those applications simply called “Apps.” And, as you might imagine, this stargazer has some favorite astronomy and space apps that are fun, educational and quite

useful. Let me share with you some that amateur astronomers like me have loaded into their phones to make looking skyward more fun and rewarding. Now I have an Android version of a smartphone, and the rest of the world is the IPhone of Apple. If you don’t have either, sorry‐‐

the 21st Century awaits you. As well as next week’s Stargazer column! But for those who do have one of those amazing devices in their possession, I share what I’m packin’ to maximize my passion for looking up at the night sky. And go to your favorite “app” store to download a compatible version for you. First app on my smartphone is a Compass. This is useful for many things not related to stargazing...like getting lost in the woods! I most recently used it to explain to my teenage daughter how to lay out a garden. Figuring where the sunrise in the east and sunset in the west were, allowed an understanding that short crops like lettuce and onions will be on the southern side, while tall veggies like tomatoes and pole beans will be on the north side, thus maximizing the sunlight. You need to know your directions to see the International Space Station‐‐and that’s included with a cool app called ISS Detector. I love this 3-07' *&' 1,' 61?0' 53$' *' 21?0' %1-$,0' warning of when the ISS passes by, all the data of time, how high and a simple arc of the path with

a pointer to keep you in the right direction. The incredible, $40 billion complex covers a football 210".'/1,)'1,&'&$-F+02"0(,1-6'&3"*+' panels and six large segments the size of a bus. Put some binoculars on it, and you’ll see a boxy shape. But is bright and predictable as it goes through phases of evening and morning

sightings about once a month for a week or so. To learn the constellations, and what bright star that is you’re looking at, you can’t beat the free app Google Sky. This is simple, quick to learn, and even dims to red light at night‐‐which doesn’t affect the night vision Continued on page 23

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when our pupils dilate wider open. I paid $1.99 for another “planetarium in your pocket,” the SkyEye app. And it works great for a seasoned stargazing pro, but a little too much detail for the casual observer. You can strap it on a telescope, and it will help point to those galaxies and nebula the backyard amateur astronomer enjoys. When the Moon is visible, and you look at it with binoculars or a telescope, it’s great to know the names of the prominent craters, mountains and those ancient, dark seas. That’s where the Lunar Map HD app comes in handy. Every feature you can see on the Moon has a name, most honoring the world’s greatest scientists and thinkers of history. And since they never change, it’s quite impressive to point out the crater Copernicus or the shore of the Sea of Tranquility, where the 21+&,'!%0+1(*-'%33-'&)1A'"*-.0.B' If I’m looking at the Moon through one of my half‐dozen telescopes, I am sometimes curious at to how much “power” I’m using. That varies

April 23, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 23 with the size telescope and eyepiece I use, and to calculate ,)0' %*6-121(*,13-7' I' )*?0' *-' app, Telescope Calculator. PS: Backyard astronomers rarely use more than 250x, that %*6-121(*,13-' T3+' A3/0+O' #01-6' a maximum for clarity and atmospheric conditions, no matter what those department store telescopes advertise! When looking at Jupiter in a telescope, you’ll always see the four brightest moons‐‐or you’ll want to know the name of the moon that is hidden behind or lost in front of the planet’s disk. The app Where is Io? is named after the inner moon, and will show you also where Ganymede, Callisto and Europa are as they whizz around Jupiter in hours from side to side. And just for fun, I have a Mars Map app, though it is a good telescopic object only every two years or so. But since I’m a Mars nut, and very familiar with its geography, I like to look where the Opportunity and Curiosity rovers are, and visualize where the other missions to the Red Planet ended up. It’s something to pass the time at the doctor’s

3821(0' 3+' *-5' 3,)0+' #3+1-6' &1,$*,13-'I'21-.'%5&0"8'1-B'' Okay, what astro apps are left on my smartphone? Duh, my Meteor Showers app, which give the start date, the peak and ending dates of all the major and minor meteor showers. The Earth just plow through the Lyrids this week, peaking April 22. And the peak of the eta Aquarids is May 6th‐‐rated four out of four stars because moonlight won’t interfere. I can’t live without my daily dose of NASA news, and there’s an app for that! And, I enjoy getting an Astronomy Picture of the Day, the APOD app. Finally, a little head’s up on what’s up in the sky is available with a weekly synopsis from the SkyWeek app of Sky & Telescope, amateur astronomy’s longest running magazine. This app provides a day‐by‐day highlight of where the Moon is located, what events are taking place, and what celestial objects are available for viewing. Astronomy apps are educational and entertaining, and now a part of my stargazing life. Check ‘em out and keep a cosmic connection yourself.

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www.theloaferonline.com Celestial events in the skies for the week of April 23‐30, 2013, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. !'+*,)0+'1-&16-121(*-,'A*+,1*"'lunar eclipse will take place on April 25, Thursday, visible over Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Only a tiny sliver of the Moon will be covered by the Earth’s darkest umbral shadow at maximum eclipse at 20:07 Universal Time, which is 4:07 pm EDT. Though not visible from America, Facebook reports to enjoy the eclipse are another example where people don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story! Tues. April 23 At 10 pm tonight in the east, the Moon is on the west side of Virgo and planet Saturn rising on the east side of the Virgin, with the bright star, Spica, between the two. 7#@=$P/0&6$QL NASA has suspended communications with Mars rovers and orbiters this month as the Red Planet passes almost directly behind the Sun. Mars is only one‐half a degree from the center of the solar disk. The Sun can easily disrupt radio transmissions during the near‐alignment with Mars. Thurs. April 25 Full Moon is today at 3:57 pm, rising in Virgo with the planet Saturn to its left. A very slight partial eclipse will have already occurred over Europe. The Full Moon of April is called the Egg Moon, or Grass Moon. Fri. April 26 The Big Dipper is the hindquarters of the much larger constellation Ursa Major, the Big Bear, high over the north. While the “pointer stars” of the bowl guide one to the North Star, Polaris, the three stars of the handle arc to the bright, orange star Arcturus in Bootes, the Herdsman. Sat. April 27 The last public “StarWatch” of the spring season at Bays Mt. Park. The planet Jupiter, objects in Orion, Taurus, Gemini and Leo the Lion will be featured in telescopes manned by the Bays Mt. Amateur Astronomers. Sun. April 28 Saturn is at “opposition,” astronomer talk for a planet rising at sunset, opposite the Sun in the east. As Jupiter sets in the west after dominating the winter skies, we will have the fabulous ringed world to watch all summer.

April 23, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 25 Mon. April 29 K-',)1&'[__`'.*,0'1-'&A*(0')1&,3+57'L0--1&':1,3?'7'][7'#0(*%0',)0'21+&,'&A*(0',3$+1&,7' paying $20 million for a ride in the Russian Soyuz spaceship to the incomplete International Space Station. In February 2013, Tito , a American, multimillionaire 0-61-00+7'*--3$-(0.')1&'1-,0-,13-',3'&0-.'*'A+1?*,0"5'21-*-(0.'&A*(02"16),',3'Mars by 2018. Check out Titov’s Inspiration Mars Foundation for more details.

Page 26, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

No, Mr. Bond! I Expect You to Tweet!

Story time, gang! Gather round the whole story tree and lend an ear! (I promise I’ll never start a column off like that again, OK?) So here’s something about me that you might not know. When I was in my pre‐teen/middle school years, I was a MASSIVE James Bond fan. It was a great time to be a young James Bond fan in the mid/late 1990s. The series had just been freshly booted with Pierce Brosnan in Goldeneye, and there was the KILLER corresponding video game for the Nintendo 64 that WE ALL PLAYED. Just how big was my 007 fandom? Up to 1998, I had ALL the Bond movies on VHS tape. Each and every one. On their own shelf. In order. Next to a stack of James Bond trading cards. That was next to a book of 007 Movie Poster art—a book I still have. I used to spend those lovely lazy Saturdays in my room, watching marathons of Bond movies. One week I’d watch all of Sean Connery’s movies, then the next I’d tackle all of Roger Moore’s. Why is it that I only had all the Bond movies on VHS up to 1998? Because I worked at my parent’s store and saved up my money all Summer, to buy one of those new, mysterious, DVD players. I vividly recall my Grandmother taking me to Circuit City, and getting the cheapest player they had. Which at the time cost $400. :)0'21+&,'LML'I'0?0+'#3$6),a':)0' then newest James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies. The second DVD I ever bought? Dr. No. I still have both of them (and that player too in my basement, come to think of it—I’m not a horder). So, yeah. I like James Bond movies. I always will, they’re part of my pop culture DNA from being 13 years old and a massive fan. In 2010, when I bought a blu‐ray player, what was one of ,)0' 21+&,' #"$F+*5Y&' I' #3$6),a' b0AB' A Bond movie, my favorite one, Thunderball. Now I do realize that people do have issue with the Bond movies. Ya know, the whole little bit of sexism and misogyny. I respect that, and I understand that. But that’s not related to why I like James Bond movies. Anyway, point of all of this is that for the past few weeks, I’ve been taking part in these fun James Bond tweet‐alongs over there on the Twitter. It’s a little collective called Bond Age, and

each Wednesday night at nine, /0'*""'21+0'$A'*'(3A5'38',)0'Q3-.' movie for that week, and tweet along with it. The last one was for The Living Daylights and used the hashtag #TLD. It seems that during the course of Timothy L*",3-Y&' 21+&,' 3$,1-6' *,' __]7' /0' managed to get #TLD trending on Twitter. It’s a great deal of fun. Half informational tweetings, and half loving MST3King of James Bond. K-0'21"%',)*,'A+3?1.0.'6+0*,'8$-' for the group was Roger Moore’s "*&,'21"%'A View to A Kill. Which is the James Bond movie that is so 1980s, it pistol whips you with its 80sness. There were jokes a plenty about Moore’s age—he was 58 at the time. Tweets about the fact that it has Grace Jones in it. Tweets about the fact that it has Christopher Walken in it, which resulted in many Bond‐ian variations on “I have a fever...” Now that a good number of ,)0' Q3-.' 2"1(G&' )*?0' )1,' D0,2"1@' Instant, you really have no excuse not to join in on the fun if you like. I’m not sure what movie will be next by the time you see this, but just do a Twitter search for Bond Age and you should be able ,3'21-.'1,B';00'53$'-0@,'/00G7'*-.' you can follow me on Twitter @ ThatAndyRoss.

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Page 28, The Loafer â&#x20AC;˘ April 23, 2013

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April 23, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 29

Scary Movie 5

I'38,0-'800"'%*-5')3++3+'21"%&' spoof their own genre. Many times this may be intentional or $-1-,0-,13-*"'3-',)0'21"%%*G0+&' part, but you will have to admit many of the same themes run ,)+3$6)3$,'')3++3+'21"%&B' My thoughts aside, an actual admitted spoof of horror/fantasy 21"%&'1&'#*(G'3-',)0'#16'&(+00-'1-' the form of “Scary Movie 5”. The 21"%'1&'*'+0#33,'38',)0'&0+10&'"*&,' seen in 2006, and ignores the 3,)0+' 21"%&' (3-,1-$1-6' &,3+5"1-0B' :)0'21"%'*"&3'.30&-Y,'80*,$+0',)0' main stars of the series, Anna Faris and Regina Hall. :)0'-0/'21"%')*&'%*-5',*+60,&' *-.' &A338&' ,)0' 83""3/1-6' 21"%&N' “Paranormal Activity”, “Mama”, “The Cabin in the Woods”, “Evil

Dead”, “Inception”, “Sinister”, “Black Swan”, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”, Insidious”, and the 50,' ,3' #0' 21"%0.' CP18,5' ;)*.0&' 38' Grey”. The story opens with Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan paying themselves (kudos to both), and the duo almost immediately experience paranormal activity in Sheen’s home. Following the hit and miss sequence with the infamous duo, the plot reveals Charlie’s three kids are missing. :)0' 21"%' ,)0-' 2"*&)0&' 83+/*+.' three months later to Snoop Dogg and Mac Miller wandering through the woods until they stumble into a cabin in the woods. The duo discover three children in the cabin living like

animals, who are later revealed to be Charlie’s offspring. The kids are soon taken to live with Charlie’s brother Dan (Simon Rex) and his wife Jody (Ashley Tisdale), resulting in a major spoof of “Mama”. As ,)0' 21"%' A+36+0&&0.7' I' G0A,' wondering if everyone in the *$.10-(0' +0(36-1c0.' ,)0' 21"%&' that were being targeted. What if

an audience member had never seen “Mama”? Oh well, if you haven’t seen any or part of the aforementioned 21"%&7'53$'&,1""'%*5'0-d35'C;X'\EB' :)0' +0&,' 38' ,)0' 21"%' 83""3/&' L*-' and Jody in their adventures through movie spoof land, and Tyler Perry’s Madea character even manages to make an appearance.

You have to worry about a comedy that elicits few laughs from an audience. I was purposely paying attention to audience reaction, and while I can recall a few scattered laughs, there were no “belly” laughs, and for the most part the audience remained quiet. Not a good sign for a comedy. !8,0+' e' 21"%&7' )*&' ,)0' &0+10&' lost its steam? It remains to be seen, and I hold little hope for a part 6. While there was a large break between parts 4 and 5, I expected more from the series. Don’t get me wrong, there were &3%0' 8$-' %3%0-,&' 1-' ,)0' 21"%7' but they were counteracted by many just too painful to watch. I was impressed with Sheen and Lohan for poking fun at themselves, and for once felt they left too soon. If the two troubled stars stayed around longer, ,)0' 21"%' %*5' )*?0' #00-' %3+0' enjoyable. Overall, “Scary Movie 5” was lackluster and silly, and if you survive a viewing, stay seated for the end credits as the outtakes *+0' #0,,0+' ,)*-' ,)0' *(,$*"' 21"%B' (Rated PG‐13) C

Page 30, The Loafer • April 23, 2013

Cool or Fool? Slides and Swings (And Maybe Some Sand) Inside Your House or Office The inspiration for this column began last Monday after I visited a local t‐shirt shop and was amazed and delighted to see a tree swing suspended from the ceiling next to the manager’s desk. Before I left I had to try it out, and after a few back and forth swings my attitude toward the day ahead was greatly improved. Why don’t I have a &/1-6'1-'%5'3821(0a'I'*&G0.B'>3/' cool it would be to have meetings while swinging back and forth or just being suspended there while ,)0'(+0*,1?0'd$1(0&'2"3/B After my pleasant and thought‐provoking encounter with that indoor tree swing, I happened upon a website called HB: Home Bunch that introduced me to another provocative trend. The site’s regular Friday blog, “Cool Or Fool,” presented several pictures of homes equipped with slides connecting various parts of the house. That’s right‐ ‐playground/waterpark slides built right into the home’s architecture. After seeing these pictures I cast my vote for “Cool” and wondered why I had never visited any homes with such fun features. A very enthusiastic response on the website had this to say: “As I child I tried many times to convince my parents nothing would be cooler than a pool in our basement with a slide to access it from the kitchen. I .+0/'$A'*'2"33+A"*-'3-(0',3'61?0' my argument more weight. I stand by my inner child—slides in a house, especially a water

slide—very cool! Having said that, I won’t be installing one anytime soon but if I had the money to throw around . . .” Of course I agree. Why stop at slides and swings? H)5' -3,' 21""' *' +33%' 3+' ,/3' with sand and create a beach atmosphere right inside your )3%0' 3+' 3821(0a' H3+G1-6' $-.0+' a beach umbrella while burying my feet in the sand sounds like a perfectly reasonable idea to me. And, interestingly enough, I have a story to back up my idea. When I was living in Knoxville oh so many years ago, I attended a #0*()'A*+,5'1-&1.0'*')3$&0'21""0.' with sand. Yes, it’s very true, and I hadn’t thought about it very much until I began writing this column. The story behind this wonderful memory is quite simple. After a group of students discovered their rented house was about to be demolished to make way for a parking garage, they approached their soon‐to‐ be‐ex‐landlord with a novel idea. Since his house was going to be destroyed anyway, why not go out in style? So, the weekend before the house was scheduled for its encounter with the wrecking ball, a dump truck showed up and dumped who knows how much &*-.' 1-,3' ,)0' )3$&07' 21""1-6' 0*()' room with ample sand to host a really swinging beach party in the middle of February. Needless to say, this is one of my most interesting memories, and I am glad I found myself on the guest list for this most unique event.

Ken Robinson’s wonderful book, Out Of Our Minds: Learning To Be Creative (rev. ed. 2011) provides the theoretical platform 83+'*""',)0&0'2"16),&'38'8*-(5'*#3$,' indoor tree swings, slides, and beaches. Although his main points are about business and education, his ideas have much wider implications. The way he sees it, creativity is one of the most important human impulses, but an impulse that is too often suppressed by the demands of the “real” world. “Creativity is the greatest gift of human intelligence,” writes Robinson. “The more complex the world becomes, the more creative we need to be to meet its challenges. Yet many people wonder if they have any creative abilities at all. . . . Our own times are being swept along on an avalanche of changes. To keep pace with these changes, we will need all our wits about us. . . . To realize our

true creative potential—in our organizations, in our schools and in our communities—we need to think differently about ourselves and to act differently towards each other. We must learn to be creative.” The kind of creativity that inspires indoor swings, slides, and sandboxes. All these refreshing thoughts about how the interiors of 3$+' )3%0&' *-.' 3821(0&' (*-' be transformed by creativity reminds me of an observation by John Ruskin (quoted in Alain de Botton’s philosophical meditation on the meaning of living space, The Architecture of Happiness) about the two ways we can think about buildings. “We want them to shelter us. And we want them to speak to us—to speak to us of whatever /0'21-.'1%A3+,*-,'*-.'-00.',3'#0' reminded of.” It seems to me that "1?1-6' *-.' /3+G1-6' &A*(0&' 21""0.' with tree swings and slides could

speak to us in very loud voices. Very playful and very creative voices that refresh and invigorate us and force us to think outside the proverbial box. In fact, they inspire us to get rid of the box altogether. I am looking forward to doing more business with my new‐found t‐shirt shop so I can once again enjoy their swing. And I hope I can convince my supervisors that I need a tree &/1-6' 1-' %5' 3821(0B' :)0' &*-.' might take a little convincing, however, and installing a slide might be a little daunting, but I think I might be able to swing that swing. And I hope you can do the same. Be creative and loosen your moorings to the all‐too‐real world. See you next week. Maybe I (*-'21-.'*'/*5',3'/+1,0',)1&'/)1"0' swinging.

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