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May 27, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 3
Volume 28 Issue #25
Publisher - Bill Williams • Editor/Graphic Arts Director - Don Sprinkle • Office Manager - Luci Tate Cover Design - Bill May • Photography - Mark Marquette Advertising - Dave Carter, Akey Kincaid, Terry Patterson Contributing Staff - Jim Kelly, Andy Ross, Ken Silvers, Mark Marquette, Pat Bussard Published by Tree Street Media, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com • info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (advertising All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof.The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any loss of expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement,including claims or suits for defamation,libel,right of privacy,plagiarism,and copyright infringement.
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Thursday Jams Concert Series Set To Kick-Off in Abingdon, VA
The Town of Abingdon is gearing up to kick off the 2nd annual Thursday Jams Summer Concert Series. A wide range of nationally recognized bands will be showcased at the Abingdon Market Pavilion each Thursday as part the free, outdoor concert series. “We’re excited about the music lineup we’ve been able to put together for Thursday Jams this summer,” said
their summer vacations around the concert lineup after coming to Abingdon last year,” explained Cardinale. The series is sponsored in part by Eastman Credit Union and Walling Distributing. Doors open at 7:00 pm, with music starting at 7:30 and ending at 9:30pm. Locally owned restaurants will also be set up selling food at the concerts. No outside alcohol allowed. The beer garden
and Beach Concert. Also, on August 7th, music at the pavilion will be hosted by the Highlands Festival. Be sure to check their schedule for details in the Highlander. The series includes a wide range of music types, centered around the Americana genre, but also including folk, rock, blues, country and bluegrass. Cardinale noted that many bands performing during Thursday Jams have
The Duhks May 29th
Special Events Coordinator, Sara Cardinale. The weekly free concert series begins on Thursday, May 29th, through August 28th, and include well-known musical acts The Duhks and The Wood Brothers, among many others. The first year was well received by visitors to the region as well as local enthusiasts. “People have been calling, eager to plan
will be expanded this year to include more local, craft beer options for concertgoers. Proceeds of beer sales will benefit the Abingdon Main Street organization. For 4th of July week, there will not be a Thursday Jams concert, but there will be a concert at the pavilion featuring popular beach music on Saturday, July 5th, at 6pm, aptly named the Red, White
also appeared at internationallyrecognized festivals like Rhythm and Roots Reunion, Floyd Fest, Bonnaroo and others. For a full listing of musical acts and dates, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com and www. hopsandhowlers.com. For more information, call 276-676-2282 or email scardinale@abingdon-va. gov.
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Carter Railroad Museum to feature
‘Modern Railroads’ at Heritage Day
“Modern Railroads: Power in the 21st Century: with be the theme when East Tennessee State University’s George L. Carter Railroad Museum will hold its May Heritage Day on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Modern trains and equipment from the large North American railroad systems will be featured,
including Amtrak and the local CSX and Norfolk Southern lines. The numerous North American railroad companies have evolved through technological development and economic realities into a handful of “super railroads.” Increased horsepower and responsible environmental changes have made today’s trains some of the
most impressive in history. Geoff Stunkard, coordinator of the museum’s Heritage Days program, says, “The Carter Railroad Museum’s historical focus is our primary mission, but we use the annual May program to showcase what modern railroading looks like. National Train Day is in early May, so we focus May’s
Heritage Day on the current era. Our younger visitors and club members really identify with these displays.” Members of the Mountain Empire Model Railroaders (MEMRR) club and the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society are coordinating the program. Visit www.memrr. org to learn more about MEMRR, which helps demonstrate and maintain the model layouts, museum exhibits and other projects. The Carter Railroad Museum is open every Saturday from 10 a.m.3 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. The museum can be identified by a flashing railroad crossing signal at the back entrance to the Campus Center Building. Visitors should enter ETSU’s campus from State of Franklin Road onto Jack Vest Drive and continue east to 176 Ross Drive, adjacent to the flashing RR crossing sign. For information about the museum, visit http://johnsonsdepot.com/glcarter/cartermuseum. htm. For more information about
the event, contact Dr. Fred Alsop, Carter Railroad Museum director, at (423) 439-6838 or alsopf@etsu. edu. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.
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Art in the Heart of Downtown Kingsport: Friday, May 30th & 31st
Sculpture, Artists, Art Organizations, Music, Food, Musicians and more will be a part of the 2014 Art in the Heart Celebration in Downtown Kingsport! Art in the Heart is presented by the City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, Downtown Kingsport Association, and a variety of local Art Galleries and enthusiasts. The Downtown Kingsport community invites the region to join in the celebration which will include a Sculpture Walk reception, Arts Crawl, music and art demonstrations as well as exhibitions by the Symphony of the Mountains, the Kingsport Art Guild, KingsportARTS Youth Programs, Suzuki Talent Education Association, and Kingsport Ballet! Friday, May 30th 2014: A reception honoring the artists, Juror and sponsors of Sculpture Walk VIII will be held at 5 PM at The Cindy Saadeh Fine Art Gallery, 128 E Market St, Kingsport, TN. The Sculpture Walk reception is free and open to the public. The Arts Crawl is back! Downtown Kingsport Association will revive the popular Art Crawl on Friday, May 30, 2014. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35
the day of the event. Ticket holders will be encouraged to stroll to 6 art galleries located along Broad and Market Streets from 5 – 8 PM. Galleries will have unique exhibits, featured artists,appetizers from local restaurants and a variety of fine wines. At each gallery, patrons are encouraged to get their passports stamped at this event or throughout the month to qualify for the
drawing of a special gift basket. Galleries included in the Art Crawl: • Cindy Saadeh Fine Art Gallery • Dirt Werks • Star Trails Downtown Kingsport • Style • Suzanne Barrett Justis Gallery and Studio • Up Against the Wall Gallery You may purchase tickets online: www.EngageKingsport.com Tickets are available in advance in person at the City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts in Room 224 of the Renaissance Arts Center, 1200 E. Center Street and at the Downtown Kingsport Association, 229 Broad Street, in advance or the night of the program. Tickets available by phone: (423) 3928414 Twilight Alive Concert: May 30 will also feature Scott Miller for the Twilight Alive concert. Beth Snapp will warm up the audience beginning at 6:30 PM with the very popular Scott Miller Concert beginning at 7:30 PM. Other activities in the street will include an opportunity to work
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Broad Street, Kingsport. 10 am: Walk & Talk! Hank T. Foreman will give a special inaugural guided tour of the new installation. Gain insight into the art work with Hank’s intelligent commentary and unique brand of humor. About the Juror: Hank T. Foreman is an artist, administrator and educator. He is currently employed by Appalachian State University in Boone, NC where he serves as Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Chief Communications Officer. This area administers the programs of An Appalachian Summer Festival, the Performing Art Series, Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, as well as University News, Marketing & Public Relations, and Appalachian Media Productions. He also serves Appalachian as Director and Chief Curator of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. Foreman began his affiliation with Appalachian State University in August 1993, and has taught in both the Department of Art and Watauga College /Inter-disciplinary Studies programs. Foreman reon a ‘city-scape’ mural, art dem- ket Street. By Friday, May 30 all ceived his B.C.A. in Painting and onstrations and music and dance 10 new pieces will have been in- Sculpture from the University of interludes. stalled along the walk. This year’s North Carolina at Charlotte and Sculpture Walk VIII: juror is Hank T. Foreman. Over the his M.A. in Art Education from The eighth annual Sculpture past 7 years the City of Kingsport Appalachian State University, and Walk Exhibition will kick-off the has been fortunate to acquire 12 his professional activities include Art in the Heart celebration. An- sculptures from this annual exhi- curating exhibitions, serving as nually new contemporary out- bition and add it to the permanent juror for competitions, lecturing, leading workshops, consulting on door sculptures are installed along public art collection. public art projects, and creating Broad and Main Streets bringing Saturday May 31st, 2014: new perspectives and vibrant 9 am: Bagel breakfast with the his own studio work. Foreman has color. This year the exhibit will Juror Hank T. Foreman at Star lectured for numerous organizaalso include locations along Mar- Trails, Downtown Kingsport, 246 tions including the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and the International Sculpture 8th annual Sculpture Walk includes Center. In 2010 Foreman was sethe following artists and pieces: lected as a cohort for the National Alliance of Media Arts + Culture Leadership Institute for Visual Arts Organizations funded by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. In 2014, Foreman will be a lead contributor for an art education conference held at the School for Pedagogy and the Fine Arts in Kalisz, Poland – a part of Adam Mickiewicz University.
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24th annual Native American Culture Festival at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area is proud to announce our annual Native American Festival to be held Saturday, and Sunday, May 31, and June 1, 2014. This educational event provides the opportunity for our visitors to experience many facets of Native American culture, particularly that of the Cherokee. The event opens on Saturday, May 31st, running from 10 am until 8:00 pm; and from 11 am until 4 pm on Sunday. Most activities are held at Fort Watauga, unless it rains. In the event of rain the show will relocate to the Visitors Center. The Saturday evening program will be held in the amphitheater behind Fort Watauga. This weekend long festival will feature traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, traditional Native American song and dance, Cherokee storytelling and legends,
Native American flute, Cherokee language workshops, and craft demonstrations and sales. A unique feature of the Native American Culture festival is our educational/demonstration area, located within Fort Watauga. The dance circle is located in the center of the fort, where the popular traditional dance and drum performances take place. In addition, flute music, storytelling, lectures, and so much more take place within the circle, which share native culture and history with our visitors The interior of the fort will also host a variety of excellent demonstrations, which include a children’s blowgun challenge, beadwork, gourd art, pine needle basketry, stone carving, Cherokee language, wood carving, flintknapping, corn shuck dolls , native river cane flutes, pottery, and
a replicated Cherokee cabin from the early 19th century with historical reenactors, Mark and Sherry Finchum. Just outside the fort, exceptional Native American arts and crafts will be featured, in addition to ethnic Cherokee food, and a Lakota Tipi exhibit. In our annual tradition, the circle will host several performances of Native American music, drum, and dance. The dancing demonstrations will include the Fancy Dance and Hoop Dance, the Jingle Dance, the Men’s Traditional, Grass and Straight Dances, and many more. All are invited to dance, so bring your regalia. Newly added will be a demonstration of 18th century Cherokee social dancing. The host of this portion of the event, Dale Cloer, makes his home in Cherokee, North Carolina.
Our featured Cherokee dancers are internationally known hoop dancer Eddie Swimmer, and champion powwow dancer Nikki Crisp! Eddie Swimmer has captivated audiences across the globe using between 36 and 42 hoops. His accomplishments include a former World Champion Hoop Dancer title, performances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and in the World Cup Soccer Tournament in Dallas Texas as well as choreographing the Broadway show hoop dance for ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Nikki Crisp as danced across the world as well, and has been performing for over 20 years. Her talents also include traditional beadwork and authentic frybread cooking. Nikki Crisp will be providing food vending for this event, including her famous Indian tacos. Our 2014 featured Cherokee art-
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Native American Culture Festival -ist is Lloyd Carl Owle, of Cherokee, NC, who will be demonstrating the carving of Cherokee stone pipes and other stone carvings. Mr. Owle is a member of the Eastern Band of The Cherokee Indians and has a deep love for the Cherokee cultural traditions which are interpreted through his work. Lloyd’s sculptures can be found throughout the world in private collections and major museums. Our 2014 featured storyteller is Freeman Owle. He is a noted lecturer, historian, and member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, and has traveled all over the eastern United States lecturing to various groups, which include churches, military units, and schools. Freeman Owle has told stories and presented programs on Cherokee history and culture throughout the Southeast for more than ten years. Well known in the Cherokee community, Freeman Owle serves on the board of directors of the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual and is a coordinator for the Chero-
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kee Heritage Trails project of the Blue Ridge Heritage Initiative. He is one of the featured storytellers in the book Living Stories of the Cherokee, and he also appears in the video documentary Cherokee: The Principal People, which aired on public television in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky. At 6:30 pm on Saturday evening, in the amphitheater behind Fort Watauga, he will be hosting a traditional evening campfire. Freeman will be sharing unique Cherokee tales and stories the whole family will enjoy. Our 2014 featured speaker is Dr. Michael Abram of the Cherokee Heritage Museum and Gallery in Cherokee, NC, who will provide a glimpse into Cherokee history and legend. He will give two lectures on Saturday, “The Role of Games in the Cherokee Culture”, and “Traditional Cherokee Dance,” inside the circle of Fort Watauga. Dr. Abram has been presenting at this show since its begin-
ning and is owner of the Cherokee Heritage Museum and Gallery. The gallery is presently being relocated from Cherokee to a location near Chattanooga. Dr. Abram has devoted his life to studying, preserving, and lecturing on Cherokee culture. Daniel Bigay of Greeneville, TN will entertain with traditional flute music in addition to having his handmade, traditional Cherokee style flutes for sale. Daniel is a flute maker, Artist, Performer/ Recording Artist, and demonstrator, who lives with his wife, Kay, in the mountains of Tennessee. He has released two CD’s, the most recent being nominated for best flute recording at the 2005 Indian Summer Music Awards. Daniel and Kay are passionate about education and sharing of the Cherokee culture in the school system, at Pow-Wow’s, and various shows and festivals. A limited number of our full color promotional posters will be available for sale during the week-
end. This is the 4th year that these collectors editions will be available. Each year Vicki Shell designs these stunning posters for the Native American Festival. Vicki is a partner in the firm, Osborne, Shell and Miller Advertising, Johnson City,Tennessee. www.osm-adv. com Admission is $4.00 per adult, $1.00 for children. All proceeds from admissions go to Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, to support this event. This event is made possible by the support of Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, Vicki Shell, the DoubleTree by Hilton, and the Comfort Inn of Johnson City. For information contact Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, 1651 W. Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643 (423) 543‑5808. www.sycamoreshoalstn.org www.friendsofsycamoreshoals.org tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals
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Abingdon Main Street Launches Crowd Funding Campaign for Downtown Mural
Photo by Stephen Wolfsberger
Abingdon Main Street, Inc., a designated Virginia Main Street program, has initiated an online crowd funding campaign in support of its downtown mural project. After extensive research, artist Ellen Elmes, began painting the 15 x 45 foot mural in July, 2013, and is scheduled to complete it this summer. Abingdon Main Street needs approximately $10,000 to finish the project and has set a goal to raise half of those funds through an online campaign that gives perks to donors based on the amount of their contributions. “There are seven levels of giving, anywhere from $25 to $2,500,” says Susan How-
ard, Executive Director of Abingdon Main Street. “The perks include getting your name painted in the mural border, a social with the artist and much more . People have loved seeing the mural’s progress and we’re appealing to the public to help us finish it.” The mural features six banners that appear to wave in the breeze. Each banner is filled with images reflective of Abingdon’s cultural and social history as a community. For more information, visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/abingdon-main-streetmural.
The John M Reed Annual Golf Tournament The John M Reed Foundation is proud to announce the John M. Reed Classic Annual Golf Tournament sponsored by New Beginnings Care will be held on May 31st at Twin Creeks Golf Course in Chuckey, TN. Entry fee is $40 per player and one mulligan may be purchased per player for $10. The tournament will being with a shotgun start at 8:30 am. Lunch will be provided. Prizes include $5000 for Hole-in-One on Hole 17, Premium Electronics Package for Hole-in-One on Hole 15, Airline tickets for
two for Hole-in-one on Hole 9 and a choice of premium Golf Equipment for a Hole-inOne on Hole 6. Team prizes are First Place $400, Second Place $300 and Third Place $100. Additional prizes will be given for the best ladies team and the best men’s team 65 or older. For more information contact Jane at (423) 426-3360 or Brenda at (423) 534-1311. Please join us for a day filled with fun, fellowship, good food and great prizes.
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Kickin Back @ King Alley
Kickin Back @ King Alley Concert Series is coming to Gate City, Virginia! The Gate City Arts and Music Initiative will host the Kickin Back @ King Alley Concert Series beginning on Saturday, May 31st and then every Friday night through August 22, 2014. Live performances throughout the summer months will feature a variety of genres of music including Classic Rock and Roll, Country, Acoustic, Bluegrass, Gospel, Folk and Beach music to name a few. “The Gate City Arts and Music Initiative (GCAM) was created by the Gate City Economic Redevelopment Committee to help create different venues in Gate City to help promote our music heritage while stimulating economic de-
velopment” Mark Freemen, Chairperson of the Gate City Economic Development Committee said. “We are excited about the new concert series and hope everyone will come to Gate City this summer and experience the intimate venue King Alley has to offer.” The Kickin Back @ King Alley Concert Series is conveniently located in the center of downtown Gate City just off the intersection of Jackson and Kane Street. The first concert on Saturday May 31st, 2014 beginning at 6:30 PM will feature Clinch Mountain Mojo. “This will be a special event for the Town as we will also be celebrating the Grand Opening of Smoke N Pig BBQ restaurant.” Freeman said.
Limited Vendor spaces will be available during the weekly live performances. “We are encouraging businesses in Gate City to take advantage of the vendor spaces that are available” Allan “Cotton” Roberts, Vice-Mayor of Gate City said. “Vendor spaces will be provided at no charge to businesses in Gate City. But, they are on a first come first serve basis.” Anyone wishing to reserve a vender space should contact the Gate City Town Hall at 276-386-3831 for more information. The Kickin Back @ King Alley concert schedule is posted on KingAlley.com. The concerts are free and the public is welcome to attend.
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Johnson City Area Arts Council Presents
“Art of the Highlands” The Johnson City Area Arts Council will feature an exhibit of fine art by members of the “Art of the Highlands” group from June 2 through June 30, 2014 at their downtown Johnson City gallery in the King’s Centre, 300 East Main Street, Suite 102. All are invited to the artists opening reception on Thursday, June 12th from 6-8 p.m. In addition, “Art of the Highlands” will be open to the public during regular business hours TuesdayFriday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The exhibit will feature the work of three female artists who work in a wide variety of art media and painting
styles. Viewers will find works in acrylic, watercolor, oil, and pastel painting media. Uniquely painted furniture will also be on display. “Art of the Highlands” is a group of artists formed from members of the former Bristol Art Guild that disbanded in 1997. Member artists have entered and exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally in shows for many years and have received awards for works in various media including watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, and mixed media. Their work is in private and public collections from New York to California. One of the “Artists of the Highlands,” Joyce Kistner, became a full-time artist and volunteer af-
ter finishing twenty-eight years of teaching. Kistner wrote a book entitled, Tracking the History of Bristol Va.-Tenn. including fortythree colored pictures that accompany the text. Her artwork is primarily composed of paintings from her travels and inspirations from nature. Kistner enjoys working in acrylic, mixed media, and collage. In addition, her unique brightly-painted furniture is a favorite amongst her collectors. She has received awards from competitions at the Bristol Regional Medical Center, Carroll Reece Museum, Virginia Highlands Festival, Watauga Art Guild. Another group member, Joyce Samuel, fell in love with art at a Bristol Sign on State Street by Joyce Kistner
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Art of the Highlands - continued from previous page very early age while on scholarship at the Chicago Art Institute in her elementary years. Samuel’s artistic passion continued throughout her school years and she continues to pursue adult education at every opportunity. Marriage and family prompted a move to San Diego, CA in 1970 where she continued her art studies while raising a family and managing an art gallery and antique and florist business. Since her move to the Southeast in 1993, she has participated in the Watauga Valley Art League, Bristol Art Guild, and is a resident artist at the Arts Depot in Abingdon, VA. Samuel also exhibits her work in numerous juried art shows in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Kentucky. Barbara Kitty Williams is a third member of the Highlands group and is an accomplished pastel artist. Her work conveys subtlety and often captures a play of light or a particular mood. Williams feels the experience of her work may stir feelings of personal connection and oneness with nature and our universe in the viewer. She prefers pastel as her medium of choice because of its expressiveness, immediacy, and fluidity. The community is invited to meet the “Artists of the Highlands” at their opening reception on Thursday, June 12th, 2014 between 6-8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Their artwork may be viewed during JCAAC open gallery hours on Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 300 East Main Street, Johnson City location. JCAAC is a designated local arts agency supported in part by grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission and contributions by members and businesses. To become a member of the Johnson City Area Arts Council or for more information, call 423-928-8229 or visit www.arts.org.
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Untitled watercolor by Joyce Samuel
Trail Dog pastel by Kitty Williams
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New play by ETSU professor to be performed at Cincinnati festival
Cast of “Bebe” A new play written by an East Tennessee State University faculty member will be performed at the Cincy Fringe Festival in Cincinnati next week. The play is called “Bebe” and is written by Cara Harker, ETSU associate professor of Theatre and Dance. According to Harker, “Bebe” features a series of vignettes of performers who jump from scene to scene “from emotion to emotion, exposing their fears and vulnerabilities…navigating their way through life and learning what it takes to openly and honestly be themselves.” “The six of us have decided to accept ourselves in all our varied, neurotic and often contradictory glory,” Harker said. “We’re applauding our triumphs, cringing at our failures, and rooting for each other as we learn to ‘just be.’” Harker will appear in “Bebe” along with ETSU graduates Hannah Hasch, Josh Holley, Chelsea Kinser, Camielle Reed and E.T.
Tarlton. This is the third production Harker has penned. Her most recent work, “Memoir of a Mythomaniac: the True Story of a Compulsive Liar (or Tallulah Dies),” received its world premiere at the Cincy Fringe Festival in 2011 and was later performed at ETSU. Harker directs ETSU’s minor degree program in dance and is a member of the Tennessee Association of Dance board of directors. She holds an M.F.A. in theatre performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and worked as an instructor, choreographer and instructor in Chicago and Cincinnati before coming to ETSU. The Cincy Fringe Festival is produced by Know Theatre of Cincinnati and features up to 150 performances of 33 productions during the course of 12 days. For more information, contact Harker at harkerc@etsu.edu.
Volunteer needed for Planning Commission The Johnson City Board of Commissioners will be considering one city appointment to the Johnson City Regional Planning Commission. This board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. and is responsible for administering the City’s Subdivision Regulations and for advising the City Commission on matters of long-range development policy, zoning and annexation. Each term is three years. Applicants should be interested in community affairs and must live inside city lim-
its. Applications are available at the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St., or by calling (423)434-6021 for an application to be mailed or faxed. To complete applications online, visit www.johnsoncitytn.org. The deadline for submitting an application is May 31. Applications are kept on file for current year only. For additional information regarding the Johnson City Regional Planning Commission, please contact Development Services Director Angie Carrier at (423)434-5955.
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Dylan Bentley at Acoustic Coffeehouse June 1st
In the short time he has been performing his brand of alt-country/indie-folk music, Illinoisbased singer-songwriter Dylan Michael Bentley has been heralded by Blues Musings as “an incredibly gifted songwriter [who] races along with the intensity of a locomotive at full speed.” The B-N Groove noted that “he plays around the Midwest constantly... Impressing new audiences all the time with a great level of maturity and talent, especially for someone as young as he is.” The Daily Journal (Kankakee,
IL) observed and concluded that “although he does write his own pained music, he isn’t just another guy with a guitar. A homemade stomp box lays a nice thick beat under his heavy guitar notes. Bentley strums with as much conviction as he sings and adds some extra layers with the tambourine and harmonica.” Dylan is proud to be making his debut at The Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, TN on June 1st at 8pm. For music, please visit soundcloud.com/dylan-michael-bentley
‘Dive-in’ movie
set for May 30 at MPCC Celebrate the end of school with a Dive-In Movie at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., on Friday, May 30 from 6-9 p.m. Bring all your friends and dive into fun with the Disney classic
The Little Mermaid. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served during the movie. Open to all ages. Admission is $5 per person. Call (423)434-5749 for more information.
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Leo the Lion Roars In Night Sky I’m always complaining about how city lights are stealing away the night sky. But Leo the Lion is one constellation that everybody’s has heard about and is also an easily visible star pattern even from light polluted, suburban backyards. At 9 pm when darkness has settled in, just stand facing the south (where Atlanta is), and look up. There will be five equally bright stars forming a backward question mark, punctuated by a brighter, yellow star. And to the left will be three more equally-bright stars in the form of a right triangle. The question mark, or a farmer’s curved, cutting sickle, is the head, mane and neck of the mighty lion. The triangle is the hindquarters. And the bright star marking the forefeet is Regulus, given a regal name for more than 5,000 years. Look at Leo the Lion and all its celestial goodies on the Internet! Download to your computer one of the best planetarium programs money can buy—and it’s free. The website is Stellarium.org, and I have bought four other planetarium programs costing up to $200 each, and this is the computerized sky chosen by many, including myself, over all of them. Trust me. The Stellarium planetarium program is a quick, 5-minute download and easy to use. Like most night sky programs, it can be easily adjusted for any date and time in history—which is cool for checking out your birthday, anniversary or any historical date to see what the starry skies were like that night. It’s amazing to be looking at Leo the Lion on a computer screen, having spent decades awaiting the animal’s arrival in the east as a sure sign of spring. When you see the stars of the crouching lion in the midnight skies of February, it gives hope that warm weather is on the way. Leo is one of the most ancient of
the constellations. Being in the Zodiac and so prominent in its easy to identify pattern of stars, the lion has played a key role in the mythology of the ages. So has the brilliant star Regulus, for some reason thought of by many different civilizations as a noble star. Indeed, it lies in the middle of the ecliptic and has been recorded by sailors since 4,000 BC as an important star for navigation. Soft, yellow Regulus is one of the four “Regal Stars” of ancient mariners, the other three being Aldebaran in Taurus, Antares in Scorpius and Fomalhaut in the obscure constellation Piscis Austrinus, the Southern Fish. Once a month the Moon is near Regulus, and maybe twice a year occults, or covers up, the bright star. The crescent Moon will visit Regulus on the nights of June 3 and 4. The great Polish astronomer Nicholas Copernicus gave Regu-
lus its name in the early 1500s, changing it from the Greek word for “royal,” Basilicos. The ancient astronomer Ptolemy had named this important star around 200 AD, and also said everything revolved around the Earth, including the Sun. Copernicus shook up that erroneous concept believed for 13 centuries, as well as renaming Leo’s brightest star. Regulus is 85 Light Years away, is about twice the size of our Sun, and spins incredibly fast—750,000 mph! This makes the star eggshaped, and oddly, the star is much brighter at its poles than at the equator. Regulus also anchors the orbital gravity for three other companion stars, much smaller and complex in their own ways. The whole stellar menagerie may be under one billion years of age, while our Sun is in mid-life at 4 billion years. The 15th brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere sky, Regu-
lus was called “Venant” by Persian astronomers in 3,000 BC, and was considered the heart of the lion by the Arabic stargazers. To the Persians, this star pattern was called Ser; to the Turkish, Artan; to the Syrians, Aryo; to the Babylonians, Aru—all meaning Lion. Even the Sphinx of Egypt may be inspired by the celestial lion. Arabians named the second brightest star in Leo, the one in the triangle, Denebola, which means tail. The corner star making the right angle is named Coxa, and the top star of this triangle is Zosma. Because Regulus lies in the ecliptic, the Moon can pass in front of it, but so can a planet, though rarely. Venus passed in front of Regulus July 7, 1959, and will do it again on Oct. 1, 2044. Any other planets occulting Regulus will have to wait until the 22nd Century. Amateur astronomers just love Leo for its treasure trove of galax-
ies. There are some five galaxies that can be seen with very good binoculars, and they look like faint fuzzies in even small telescopes. This is the time of year in Earth orbit when we are looking away from our own Milky Way Galaxy and out into a corner of the Universe framed by the stars of Leo, and nearby Virgo. A literal cluster of galaxies are visible in professional telescopes as we are looking into the opposite direction of our own Galaxy and into the expansive void of the incredible Universe. The brighter galaxies are some of the first targets for newbies in stargazing, as they were cataloged in the 1700s by French astronomer Charles Messier and given designations of “M” objects. Thus, M-65 and M-66 under the triangular rear of Leo, and M-95, M-96 and M-101 under his belly are familiar targets to many backyard telescopes. Many a curious and enthusiastic stargazer has turned his first telescope to Leo on a warm, spring night and bagged some galaxies while searching around the lion’s den. In a small telescope, a galaxy looks like a gray splotch of light in the shape of a tapered cigar or maybe a pinwheel. And though a Hubble Telescope photograph of M-66 will blow you away in detail, it is gratifying to see it in a backyard telescope and realize photons of light traveled not millions of miles, but millions of Light Years to strike your human eye. Fill your eyes with some regal light this spring, and watch Leo jaunt about the summer nights. You might roar with delight! And don’t forget to take a virtual tour of Leo the Lion and other constellations on the Stellarium planetarium—any time, day or night, cloudy or clear. It’s almost like being there.
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May 27, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 17
Crooked Road Ramblers & Kilby Spencer Friday, May 31st at Carter Family Fold
Friday, May 31st, 2014, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a special concert by Kilby Spencer and the Crooked Road Ramblers. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free. The Crooked Road Ramblers play traditional old time dance music from the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. Members of the band are Kilby Spencer on fiddle, John Perry on guitar, Peco Watson on clawhammer banjo, Donald Hill on guitar and vocals, Wayne Dye on mandolin, and Karen Carr on bass and vocals. Most of the band are second and third-generation musicians who now play old time mountain music influenced by their families and communities.
Kilby grew up in a musical family. His parents are Thornton and Emily Spencer of the Whitetop Mountain Band – a band that has performed for over four decades. John Perry is well-known throughout our area for his guitar playing. Lots of people remember John for playing in the award-winning band the New River Ramblers. Donald Hill has been playing music his entire life. His father, Leon Hill, was a musician and singer as well. Don is the senior member of the band, and he was actually playing guitar with the Whitetop Mountain Band in 1982. In fact, he was playing at the 1982 World’s Fair while Kilby was being born. Karen Carr is a dream-come-true for any old time or bluegrass band. She loves to play music and sing. She and Don also handle comedy
Pictured above: Crooked Road Ramblers
for the group. Karen is deeply rooted in the musical heritage of the region with relatives who played including Fred Cockerham and Wilson Ramey. Karen’s won the award for best old-time bass at Galax twice. Wayne Dye is a former member of the Russell County Boys – a band formed by the former sheriff of Russell County – Trigg Fields. Peco Watson is wellknown throughout the region. He played with the award-winning New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters for many years. Kyle Creed taught
At right: Kilby Spencer
him a great deal on the banjo. Don’t miss Kilby Spencer and the Crooked Road Ramblers at the Carter Family Fold. It will be an evening of down-home entertainment. Bring along your friends and your dancing shoes! For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054. The Fold is on Facebook – page Carter Fold – and Twitter – @carterfoldinfo. To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276-594-0676.
Page 18, The Loafer • May 27, 2014
Skies This Week Celestial events in the skies for the week of May 27th - June 2nd, 2014, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.
The Moon is new phase and that means dark skies in this mid-spring point of our celestial journey around the Sun. There is plenty to see, even from light polluted skies of our suburbs. Spending an hour or so under the stars will certainly find some sporadic meteors crashing through the atmosphere, as well as many satellites that will glide across the star patterns. If you see a satellite moving from south to north, (or north to south), it is most likely a spy satellite; those others are probably Earth resource satellites. Leo is high in the sky, setting around midnight, and the Big Dipper is pouring its contents on the northern horizon. Tues. May 27 Elusive first planet Mercury is low in the western horizon twilight, a bright star that glows a ruddy reddish color seen through the dense atmosphere of Earth. Mercury will be hanging around the horizon for another month, before ducking below the horizon and reappearing in the morning sky. Wed. May 28 The Moon is at new phase, invisible in the daytime sky below the Sun. It will begin making its appearance in the evening sky on Friday as a thin crescent. Each day the Moon will move 12.5 degrees eastward, with more and more of its surface being revealed. The line between night and day on the Moon is called the terminator, and on Earth our terminator is what we know as twilight. Thurs. May 29 The Big Dipper in the north is just part of the much larger constellation Ursa Major, the Big Bear. Its two outside bowl star, Merek and Dubhe, point to the North Star, Polaris. And Polaris is the end star of the handle of the Little Dipper, just a part of the small bear, Ursa Minor. Fri. May 30 Follow the handle of the Big Dipper and arc to the bright orange star, Arcturus, the brightest star in Bootes the Herdsman. Arcturus is one of the most ancient names for stars, being a guide for ancient sea mariners as it moves high overhead before beginning its dip to the western horizon.
Sat. May 31 Using the curved handle of the Big Dipper, the saying is “Arc to Arcturus and speed on to Spica.” Spica is the brightest star in the large, sprawling constellation Virgo the Virgin. And above bluish white Spica is red Mars, now speeding away from Earth after being closest during “opposition” a month ago. Sun. June 1 The first day of June has 14 hours and 8 minutes of daylight from sunrise to sunset, and add about 45 minutes of twilight to the morning and evening—giving us nearly 16 hours of daylight. That’s good for outdoor enthusiasts, but only eight hours of dark skies for stargazers. Mon. June 2 On this 1966 date in space history, America’s Surveyor 1 spacecraft soft landed on the Moon, a major accomplishment in the Moon Race with the Soviet Union. Rocket scientists were now sure that a manned moonship wouldn’t be swallowed in deep lunar dust.
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May 27, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 19
Page 20, The Loafer • May 27, 2014
Storytelling Live! Welcomes Anne Shimojima June 3rd - June 7th
Anne Shimojima, a storyteller known for her mesmerizing folk tales, will be the next performer in the International Storytelling Center’s popular Storytelling Live! series. Shimojima, a professional teller who was formerly an awardwinning librarian, is a third-generation Japanese American with a particular interest in old Asian stories. “Stories that have lasted for hundreds of years always have a grain of truth in them,” she says. “They’re not necessarily realistic, but there’s an inner truth to the stories. And I think people respond when you’re telling them something true.”
The storyteller honed her art for many years in an elementary school library, first reading from books and then increasingly relying on stand alone performances. “When you put the book down and tell the story, it’s a much more intimate experience because you’re looking into their eyes,” she explains. “There’s no book between you. I was immediately hooked because the kids were hanging on to my every word.” During her weeklong residency in Jonesborough, Shimojima will share a range of folk tales from around the world, peppered with family and literary stories. Performances will run June 3 – 7, Tues-
day through Saturday, with daily matinees at 2:00 p.m. in the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall. Tickets for all shows are just $12 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and children under 18. “I’ll also be giving a workshop on oral history and developing family history projects,” Shimojima says. “During my own family history project, I interviewed family members, searched for historical documents, prepared a photo book, and made a DVD. I’m going to show how I did all that.” Her own family project, which explores her grandparents’ experience in the Japanese internment camps during World War II, was
eventually crafted into a performance piece, which Shimojima plans to share the week of her residency. The workshop, “Hidden Memory: Ideas for Your Family History Project,” will take place on Thursday, June 5, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Admission is only $30 and is open to the public. It’s expected to sell
out, so advance purchase is highly recommended. An attendee at the National Storytelling Festival for some 30 years, Shimojima is delighted to have the opportunity to get to know Jonesborough in the off-season. “Other tellers have told me what a lovely experience it is,” she says. “It’s so beautiful down there, and the people are so friendly. I’m just excited about coming.” Information about all TIR performers, as well as a detailed schedule for 2014, is available at www.storytellingcenter.net. Season passes that offer savings of 44 percent will be available while supplies last, and ticket holders will save 10 percent on same-day dining at The Olde Courthouse Diner, The Dining Room, Jonesborough General Store and Eatery, or Main Street Café. The International Storytelling Center is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information about Storytelling Live! or to make a group reservation, call (800) 952-8392 ext. 222 or (423) 913-1276.
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May 27, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 21
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies announces its New Exhibit ‘Slime’ and its Special Events Line-Up for 2014! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Ripley’s Attractions announced today the opening of the new and exciting Slime exhibit along with What’s New & Exciting and Spectacular Events planned at Ripley’s Attractions for 2014. Slime! Things that make you say “EEWWW”! is an interactive and educational exhibit featuring amazing aquatic animals and how they use slime to survive. Slime has dozens of Unique, Exciting, Interactive and Educational Exhibits. People of all ages will be mesmerized by the species in aquatic tanks that use their slimy adaptations in oceans and rivers all over the world. “Our new “Slime” exhibit provides our guests an opportunity to see and appreci-
ate first hand these magnificent aquatic animals in a new way by having a handson experience. One of the highlights of the exhibit is the Jellyfish Encounter where you can actually touch slimy, wiggly moon jellyfish that previously you would have only been available to view behind acrylic,” said Ryan DeSear, general manager of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. During the walkthrough of this amazing Slime exhibit visitors will be able to see: Over 15 Interactives and Videos Over 15 Aquarium Tanks featuring: African Lungfish, Hagfish, Moray Eels, Soap Fish, Parrot Fish, Discus Fish, Mud Puppy, Continued on Page 23
Page 22, The Loafer • May 27, 2014
“Godzilla”
Godzilla first romped onto theater screens in 1954, and the world was introduced to a monster that would become a cultural icon. For those unaware, Godzilla was actually created by the Japanese as a metaphor for nuclear weapons, which now seems hard to believe as the “King of Monsters” has become so embedded in our conscious. His origin aside, Godzilla has been presented in film as either vicious, a friendly protector to mankind, or a comedic creature. Godzilla has even been presented in animated form and has his own comic book, plus I have a Godzilla action figure and a key chain. The only item I lack is a t-shirt featur-
ing his mug, but that is on my list of to get items. After Hollywood got hold of him and changed his look in a dreadful 1998 release starring Matthew Broderick, we thankfully have the true Godzilla back on the big screen. Yes, Hollywood is once more in control of the monster, but this outing takes the creature back to his origin. In the new film, we learn the nuclear bomb tests in 1954 at Bikini Island were actually done in a effort to kill Godzilla. The film then flashes forward to 1999 where we are introduced to the character of Joe Brody (Bryan Cranston), who plays a pivotal role in the uncovering of the Godzilla mystery.
After the 1999 segment, the film moves to the present day. Joe’s son Ford (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is a grown man in the military, and Joe has been living a hard life in Japan, where he still is working on the mystery of the monster. While Ford is in Japan to convince his father to come home to the U.S., a giant chrysalis hatches and unleashes a colossal winged creature, and the film is really off and running. In no time flat, a similar creature hatched in the desert near Las Vegas, and the two creatures are headed for a mating. Meanwhile, Godzilla, after waking from an apparent years long slumber, is about to make an appearance in Hawaii,
and then head to the west coast of the U.S. The scientist in the film are soon convinced Godzilla must destroy the two MUTO’s (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism) before they can breed and unleash their offspring on the world. Enter Godzilla as defender of humanity. Of course, being a monster, Godzilla causes his share of destruction, but his main goal is to take out the “bad” monsters. The fights between the MUTO’s and big guy are fun, and the fights are why we see Godzilla films, along with him stomping around cities, and shooting nuclear fire from his mouth. I love the fact the director teases us with only parts
of Godzilla at first, before unveiling the screaming monster in his full glory, and after the “Jaws” style tease, the wait pays off. The only part of the film I became impatient with were most of the human actors, as I tired of the too long segments with Ford and his family. In addition, Cranston “leaves” the film too soon. When it comes down to it, I just want to see Godzilla make people scream and run while he battles bizarre creatures of all varieties. With all its scientific hokum and marvelous special effects, “Godzilla” provides the famous monster a fine return to the big screen. (PG-13) B+
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May 27, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 23
Ripley’s Aquarium - continued from Page 21 Clownfish & Anemone, a variety of snails, slugs, worms, and many more. Along with the new exhibit, Ripley’s Live Mermaids are back by popular demand and will perform daily at the aquarium during the summer at Coral Reef. Throughout history there have been many stories of sea travelers seeing mermaids and now everyone can see mermaids. In addition to the Slime Exhibit and Mermaids, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Ripley’s Attractions have a great list of amazing performances and events throughout the year including Kid’s Fin-Tastic Seasons featuring celebrities from Disney Channel and ABC Family Channel Series and characters such as Mr. Potato Head and Cat in the Hat. May 25 through August 9: Live Mermaids Back By Popular Demand
June and July: Amazing Camp Adventures featuring: Jr. Aquarist Camp, Kid’s Night Out, SSI: Shark Scene Investigator. June 7: Kid’s Fin-Tastic Summer Special Appearance by Keegan Allen who plays Toby from ABC Family Channel’s Pretty Little Liars. June 14: Believe It or Not! Side-Show Performers Maybelle and Captain Stab-Tuggo, finalists on America’s Got Talent and the Fire-Eater in The Hunger Games Catching Fire. June 14: Kid’s Fin-Tastic Summer Special Appearance by Jason Dolley who plays PJ on Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie”. July 12: Believe It or Not! SideShow Performer Travis Fessler. August 16: Kids’ Fin-Tastic Summer Special Appearance by Jake Short who plays Fletcher on Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm”. August 23: Kid’s Fin-Tastic Sum-
mer Special Appearance by Avan Jogia who plays Danny on ABC Family Channel’s “Twisted” August 24 through 28: Senior Days September 2 through 22: Tennessee County Days Food Drive September 7 through 13: Special Appearance by Mr. Potato Head September 14 through 20: Special Appearance by Cat In the Hat
September 28 through October 12: Fall Educator Appreciation Days October: Ripley’s Haunted Adventure Fright Nights Backwoods Terror 2: Back to the Woods! October 3 through 5: Special Appearance by Gunner Hansen ‘The Original Leatherface’ October 5 through 13: Celebrate
African Penguin Day November 15: Kids’ Fin-Tastic Winter Warm-Up Special Appearance by Drake Bell of Nickelodeon’s “Drake & Josh” For Updates, Information and Times, call 888-240-1358. Visit www.RipleysAquariumOfTheSmokies.com and www. RipleysGatlinburg.com.
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May 27, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 25
www.theloaferonline.com
The Night of an Insomniac
It was one of those nights where I quickly realized that sleep wasn’t going to be coming anytime soon. I occasionally have nights like that. Nights where my brain seems to be restless, and trying to get it to settle down can take longer than I’d like. Sometimes it’s because I have a song stuck in my head, or I’m thinking of a particular event from that day that I tend to play over and over again in my brain. One tiny, insignificant thing I said, can later in reflection seem like the dumbest set of words ever uttered by a human person ever. That can, needlessly, keep my brain from settling down at night. Sometimes it’s the radio that does it. I sleep with one on, have for as long as I’ve been upright and breathing on this planet. Currently I’m using the convenience of modern technology to send to my fancy new bluetooth equipped bookshelf stereo, the stream of an
internet radio station out of NYC, that provides a never ending supply of songs from The Great American Songbook and a lot of Frank Sinatra (The Jonathan Channel, if you’re curious). This can keep me up, as sometimes I hear the start of a song, my brain and I recognize it, and soon the rolodex of music in my head starts to spin at an alarming rate as I try to catch the name of the tune before Ol’ Blue Eyes starts to sing. On the nights when I seem to have a song stuck in my head, and I realize that sleep is no where to be found, I’ll get up and head over to my iPod and put my headphones on. Thumb, spinning in a circle, I’ll scroll through the massive list of artists and try to find the tune I’m thinking of, or the music of a particular artist that might clear my head and settle it down. Frank Zappa was the artist of choice that night. A few tracks off of “Freak
Out” played, then back I went to try for sleep round two. In bed I tossed, I turned, and found that precious sleep was still elusive. This where the level of brain distraction activity begins to increase, which sometimes perilously walks a fine line between distraction, and “Let’s play the Forbidden Island iPad app again, wake the brain up good and proper, and curse that you’ve never been able to beat that damn game!” That night, I avoided giving into the temptation of digital board games on my iPad. Instead I left my bed for a second time, and I walked into the kitchen, trying to do so quietly as to not wake up my cat. I open the fridge looking for something to have a sip of, that isn’t water, that might settle the system down. Green tea? Maybe. Coke. No, that’ll wake me up. Cold brewed coffee? Absolutely not. I gave up, and settled for a glass of water. A glass of water that while drinking, causes me to feel the sensation of soft fur brushing across my legs. The cat was up. Demanding attention, he followed me into the living room, where we both collapsed into an arm chair that I reclined. I petted him, he purred, and next thing I knew it was morning. We had both fallen asleep in the living room, and I woke to him giving me the “Human, I require kibble” look. That is how that particular night of insomnia went, one of my better ones, as some sleep was actually had for a change, and not just me in my Pjs cursing at my iPad while playing a game. See you next week.
Page 26, The Loafer • May 27, 2014
I’ve Got A (Shielded) Secret When it comes to social media, I tend to follow Groucho Marx’s very wise advice that I would never want to belong to an organization that would accept me as a member. While I enthusiastically advocate the use of social media for businesses and organizations, I find little of interest there for my personal use. My personal life is not very interesting and can be downright boring, even to me. So, pretty much everything the world needs to know about me and my sometimes jaded view of the world is found very conveniently on this page every week, or in my classroom. By allowing “Kelly’s Place” to satisfy my social media needs, I not only save vast amounts of time, but I also don’t have to constantly worry if someone “likes” what I think or say. But that’s enough about me. Let’s examine two intriguing tidbits of news from the world of social media. First up is a little Secret. Although I like to keep most of my personal life a secret, I can’t see myself installing Secret, the new anonymous App that is apparently in line to become the next big thing. Available on the Apple store for a few months, this App has just landed in the Android world last week and therefore announced its global presence. I’m sure by now you have heard of this App, and probably are even using it. It represents an inevitable development in the world of social media and promises to be very controversial and troublesome. All the more reasons for people to download it. Right? If you have never heard of Secret, here’s how mercurynews.com describes it: “Secret, a smartphone app that allows users to post messages anonymously to friends on their social networks, and to their friends’ friends, is available everywhere except the few countries where it’s banned.”
Don’t worry, it’s still okay to use it here in the United States. And how does this new App work? Well, unlike Facebook and other popular (and ubiquitous) social networks, Secret doesn’t reveal the identity of the person sending the message. So, in theory (and I say “in theory” because there is probably no such
As the aforementioned article points out, “. . . .[Now that] Secret [is] open for much of the world to divulge its deepest and darkest thoughts, experts say the startup faces a greater risk that it will become the go-to platform to expose trade secrets or delicate business information—think the recipe for Coke or the specs of Apple’s next
formation. And don’t think that will never happen. Stay tuned for all sorts of interesting news from the Secret front. In the meantime, have fun spreading all the nasty information and gossip you want. It’s like Facebook without the face. But, of course, the downside is that it doesn’t have the narcissistic appeal of Facebook and oth-
thing as total anonymity on the internet), a Secret user can air all the dirty laundry he or she wants and never have to face angry reprisals or defriending. Since most of social media is devoted to the blandest and most shallow form of triviality, I doubt this will be much of a big deal. However, many observers assume Secret will not be used primarily to broadcast a new hairstyle, recipe, selfie, or other forms of self-indulgence, but will become a repository for much darker and potentially damaging information.
invention.” Or, more realistically, think of all the Edward Snowdens out there just itching to anonymously expose more classified information or much darker secrets. And, it all goes without saying that Secret will, and has, been used to spread confidential and scandalous information about girlfriends, boyfriends, business associates, and employers. All without the fear of being exposed or getting caught. That is, until someone issues a subpoena to Secret, forcing the San Francisco based company to divulge the source(s) of its in-
er non-secretive forms of social media. Many people will not be attracted to any new media that doesn’t make them the center of attention (the driving force behind most social media). On another, yet related note, I couldn’t help but notice a little news release a couple of weeks ago (on CNET) about a proposed line of special clothing that is designed to address our smartphone addictions. In today’s society we are caught between the proverbial rock and hard place when it comes to mobile technology.
On the one hand, we want to be constantly connected, whether in secretive or non-secretive modes, but we also wish we could occasionally find some relieve from constant pressure to check how many “likes” we have received in the last couple of seconds. To address this latter need, Kunihiko Morinaga, a Japanese designer, is proposing the marketing of a line of clothing that literally renders your smartphone and other mobile devices temporarily useless. Tentatively termed “Focus: Life Gear by Trident,” this new—and really clunky and ugly—line of apparel is made out of frequencyshielding material that blocks mobile reception as long as the device is near the clothing. Check out the inevitable YouTube video for more information. Anthony Domanico, the CNET column author, tells us that “as long as your phone is in your pocket, you won’t be distracted by the dings and buzzes from tweets, emails, and Facebook messages. In theory, this encourages you to engage with the world around you (wait, what’s that again?)” This idea seems to mesh with the growing number of hotels, campgrounds, and resorts that have “online free” zones for patrons who want to escape—albeit temporarily—from the distractions of the mobile universe. Domanico speculates that even if Morinaga’s proposed line of shielded clothing never sees the light of day, someone will no doubt be marketing other phone cancellation technology “built into thick rimmed glasses, rolled-up jeans, and plaid shirts.” Give some thought to these entrepreneurial ideas during the coming week and then post your response on Secret. See you next week with something a little less secretive— or shielded.
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May 27, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 27
Wild Ponies
at Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Buzzed-about Americana band Wild Ponies bring their dead right, honest songwriting blended with a kick-ass band to Johnson City on
Friday, May 30 when they perform a hauntingly beautiful and gritty at Willow Tree Coffeehouse & neo-traditional Americana wrapMusic Room. Offering dead right, per. honest songwriting delivered in Wild Ponies takes all the rich detail and narrative of Doug and Telisha’s earlier work and adds a sonic right fist. Quick wit and fearless delivery make every show stunning and personal. Touring in support of their release on Ditch Dog Records, “Things That Used To Shine”, Wild Ponies - Doug and Telisha Williams with drummer Jake Winebrenner - bring energy and charisma along as they perform brilliant new songs as well as some of the old Doug & Telisha favorites. Written during a busy year on the road, “Things That Used To Shine” is an album about leaving some things behind ... and meeting others head-on. The album finds Telisha opening up about the skeletons that have haunted her closet for years. Grammy-winning producer Ray Kennedy (Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams) recorded the 12 songs in three days, running the band’s harmonies through the same preamps once used by the Beatles. “It’s a terrific, raw, robust sound these guys have going on” said Kim Ruelhl in “No Depression”. www.wildponies.net
Page 28, The Loafer • May 27, 2014