Page 2, The Loafer • January 14, 2104
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January 14, 2104 • The Loafer, Page 3
Volume 28 Issue #6
3XEOLVKHU %LOO :LOOLDPV ‡ (GLWRU &KULVW\ /HDFK ‡ 2IÀFH 0DQDJHU /XFL 7DWH &RYHU 'HVLJQ %LOO 0D\ ‡ *UDSKLF $UWV 'LUHFWRU 'RQ 6SULQNOH ‡ 3KRWRJUDSK\ 0DUN 0DUTXHWWH $GYHUWLVLQJ 'DYH &DUWHU $NH\ .LQFDLG /LVD /\RQV 7HUU\ 3DWWHUVRQ 3DP -RKQVRQ %RZOLQJ &RQWULEXWLQJ 6WDII -LP .HOO\ $QG\ 5RVV .HQ 6LOYHUV 0DUN 0DUTXHWWH 3DW %XVVDUG Published by Creative Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 3596, Johnson City, TN 37602 3KRQH )$; www.theloaferonline.com • info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com (editorial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
Page 4, The Loafer • January 14, 2104
The 29th Annual
It  is  time  again  for  the   Annual  Tri  Cities  Bridal  Show  at  the  D.P.  Culp  Center  at  ETSU  in  Johnson  City!  Here  we  are,  more  than  ʹ͝ ›‡ƒ”• •‹Â?…‡ ‘—” Ď?‹”•– •Š‘™ and  our  focus,  as  always,  is  on  our  brides  and  providing  an  outstanding  collection  of  true  wedding  professional  suppliers  that  will  always  be  there  to  take  care  of  their  needs.  There  will  be  many  door  prizes  and  amazing  deals  from  the  exhibitors  PLUS  we  will  also  be  presenting  TWO  LUCKY  COUPLES  with  honeymoon  dream  cruises  from  Cruise  Planners  and  Summit  Travel  at  the  end  of  the  show.   It  is  the  mission  of  all  our  fabulous  exhibitors  to  assist  brides  and  grooms  in  creating  the  wedding  of  their  dreams  and  desires.   There  will  be  mannequin  models  throughout  the  show  displaying  the  latest  ladies  and  men’s  wedding  day  fashions.  Â
Continuing  our  new  tradition,  we  will  have  two,  runway  style  fashion  shows  at  2:30  and  3:30PM.   Weddings  are  one  of  the  most  celebrated  and  sometimes  confusing  rites  of  humanity.  They  are  events  that  inspire  hopeful  dreams  but  also  require  a  great  deal  of  planning  and  thought.    Our  culture  places  much  emphasis  on  weddings  and  the  phrase  that  you  hear  a  lot,  is  the  ability  to  provide  the  ever  elusive  “Dream  Weddingâ€?.   The  simple  reality  is  that  your  wedding  should  be  the  wedding  of  your  own  dreams,  not  those  conjured  up  by  other  people  trying  to  change  your  concept  of  what  your  wedding  should  be.   That  dream  belongs  to  you  so  when  considering  the  suppliers  that  will  be  assisting  you  with  your  wedding,  make  sure  that  they  are  willing  to  work  with  you  to  achieve  your  ideas  and  goals.   That  is  what  makes  YOUR  wedding  unique. We  have  a  phrase  that  describes  the  suppliers  that  just  do  the  same  thing,  over  and  over,  and  concentrate  on  making  it  faster,  cheaper  and  easier  on  them;  In  the  event  industry  we  call  those,  “McWeddingsâ€?  or  Wedding  Mills! ‘— ƒÂ?† ›‘—” Ď?‹ƒÂ?Â…Âą ƒ”‡ —Â?‹“—‡ people,  and  your  wedding  should  ”‡Ď?Ž‡…– ›‘—” ’‡”•‘Â?ƒŽ Dz ‘˜‡ –‘”›dzǤ ‡ Šƒ˜‡ Â’Â”Â‡ÇŚÂ“Â—ÂƒÂŽÂ‹Ď?‹‡† our  exhibitors   so  that  you  can  be  assured  that  they  are  among  the  best  available  in  this  region.  They  will  be  at  the  29th  Annual  Tri  Cities  Bridal  Show  to  assist  you.    This  …‘ŽŽ‡…–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ –Š‡ Ď?‹Â?‡•– ’”‘ˆ‡••‹‘Â?ƒŽ suppliers  will  meet  you,  develop  some  ideas,  simplify  your  planning  process  and  most  importantly  create  lasting  relationships  and  friendships.   Remember,  the  best  people  book  far  in  advance  (some  as  much  as  2  years)  so  it  is Â
important  to  reserve  your  wedding  planner,  venue,  entertainment,  photographer,  caterer  and  others  as  early  as  possible!     This  show  is  the  oldest  and  largest  wedding  event  produced  in  the  Tri  Cities  of  Ȁ ƒÂ?† ™‡ Š‘’‡ –Šƒ– ›‘— Ď?‹Â?† just  those  “right  connectionsâ€?  to  make  your  wedding  exactly  what  you  want  it  to  be! Advance  tickets  are  available  at  www.tricitiesbridalshow.com  for  $8.00  or  $10.00  at  the  door,  pre-Ââ€? registered  brides  can  purchase  $4.00  admission  tickets  on  the  website  through  January  17th! There  will  be  many  other  door  prizes  and  drawings  plus  the  Grand  Prize  Cruises! Professional  Exhibitors  Include:   Celebrate  Rentals,  The  Wedding  Boss,  Cruise  Planners  by  Kathy  Kennedy,  Summit  Travel,   DJ  Alan  Dodson,  Red  Carpet  Event  Photos,  Venue  at  King  Center,  DJ  Robbie  Britton,  Happily  Ever  After  Farm,  A  Continued  on  page  5
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January 14, 2104 • The Loafer, Page 5
Continued from page 4
Sharp Entertainment, Rae of Light Photography Works, Pratt’s Catering, Men’s Wearhouse (MW Tux), The Venue at King Center, Maple Lane Farm, Jean Moree Photography, Lalonde’s Bridal Boutique, Princess Diaries, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-‐Bristol, VA, Tracy’s Treats, Slumber Parties by Rachel, Meadowview Convention Center, Jim Goodwin Photography, Advanced Photography, Mr. Picture Booth, Tracy’s Treats, Daniele Elyse Photography, Rejuva Laser Skin Center, Jim Goodwin Photography, Mary Kay, Cake Art, Curl Up and Dye Salon, Premier Jewelry, It Works Wraps, Gourmet Bridal Registry, Plexus Slim, Origami Owl, VIP Seen Magazine, Oh So Haute Photography, J.J.’s Catering & Restaurant, Outback Steakhouse of Bristol VA, Katrina Serene Photography, Stan Crabtree Photography, Orange Leaf Media, TW Wedding Cinematography, Blackthorn Club, Beck Mountain Corn Maze, Heartwood, Little Black Book Boudoir Photography and more! The Tri-‐Cities Bridal show is produced by An Unforgettable Event, Inc. and Co-‐Sponsored by Celebrate Rentals of Johnson City. WTFM and VIP Seen providing Media Coverage.
Page 6, The Loafer • January 14, 2104
Jonesborough Contra & Family Dance January 18th The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will hold a contra dance on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street from 7:30
p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with a class for beginners starting at 7:00 p.m. The featured band will be “Flying The Tune” consisting of Lew Gelfond ϐ keyboard. Calling the dance will be ETSU Student, Clinton Ross from Charlotte.. Admission is $7, $5 for HJDS members and $5 for full time students. The evening will begin with a family dance from 5:30-‐6:45pm. The family dance is truly a family event where parents or grandparents and children ages four and up learn traditional dances. The dance will consist of easy steps for participants of all ages taught by Christi Bothwell. The goal is to teach the fundamentals of dancing with a focus on having fun and placing less of an emphasis on dance techniques. Types of dances include circles, long-‐ways sets, squares, and odd number sets. All dances will be taught and called with high-‐energy live music from students in the ETSU Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music program. Family dances promote community, inter-‐generational interaction, and bring traditional dance to a new generation, making the dance community stronger and enduring. Admission to the family dance is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Family package costs $15 for parents and all their children. If
the participants wish to stay for the regular dance, their Family Dance admission can be applied to the regular admission costs. Clinton Ross began his calling career in 2012. Ross, a member of the ETSU Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music program, is an accomplished musician but took very quickly to contra dance after participating in the on-‐campus dances twice a month at the Culp Center. He was immediately drawn to calling. He attended the Cumberland Dance Week, a camp in Nancy, KY, two summers ago where he was tutored by one of the nation’s top callers, Seth Tepfer, from Atlanta. After calling in Jonesborough in January of 2013, Clinton has traveled around the country making calling appearances in many established dance communities. For more information, please contact event organizer, David Wiley, at 423-‐534-‐8879 or visit w w w. h i s t o r i c j o n e s b o r o u g h dancesociety.org and Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on FACEBOOK.
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January 14, 2104 • The Loafer, Page 7
The Barefoot Movement & Loves It Renaissance Arts Center Theatre January 24th, 8pm
Š‡ ‹–› ‘ˆ ‹Â?‰•’‘”– ˆĎ?‹…‡ ‘ˆ Cultural  Arts  in  partnership  with  Â?›Ď?Ž‹‰Š– ”‘†—…–‹‘Â?• ’”‡•‡Â?–• an  evening  with  The  Barefoot  Movement  with  special  guest  Loves  it  at  The  Renaissance  Arts  Center  Theater  in  Kingsport,  TN  on  Friday  January  24,  2014  at  8pm.  Johnson  City?s  The  Barefoot  Movement  have  been  making  waves  in  the  folk  world  since  the  release  of  their  2011  debut  album  Footwork. 2013  brought  the  release  of  a  new  album,  cross  country  touring,  and  all  manners  of  shoeless  excitement.  Their  new  effort,  “Figures  of  the  Yearâ€?,  comes  on  the  heels  of  their  west  coast  tour,  opening  for  Anti  Records  artists  The  Milk  Carton  Kids  from  Denver  to  San  Francisco  to  Vancouver.  The  record  itself  is  a  journey  through  a  year,  each  song  telling  its  part  of  the  larger  story,  with  both  original  and  traditional  numbers,  complete  with  all  the  elements  that  make  up  the  Barefoot  sound:  lush  harmonies, Â
thoughtful  instrumentation,  and  memorable  melodies. From  the  foot-Ââ€?tapping  instrumental  “Sheepherderâ€?  to  the  emotional  ballad  “Thunderâ€?  and  everything  in  between,  these  roots  music  newcomers  have  assembled  quite  the  collection  here,  both  old  songs  and  new,  offering  something  for  everyone. Loves  It  was  born  in  the  vibrant  honky  tonkin’  community  of  Austin  TX  in  2010.  Vaughn  Walters  and  Jenny  Parrott,  each  veterans  of  the  road,  left  their  other  bands  to  hit  the  ground  running  as  a  duo.  Their  homemade  melodies  and  rhythms  are  inspired  by  folk,  country,  gospel,  and  punk.  Loves  It  plays  with  a  veneration  for  tradition  and  a  determination  to  bring  a  modern  voice  to  their  favorite  sounds.  By  playing  200  shows  per  year  in  the  US,  Europe,  and  Asia,  Loves  It  has  amassed  a  collection  of  all  new  original  music  for  their  Ď?‹”•– •–—†‹‘ ”‡Ž‡ƒ•‡ Dz ÂŽÂŽ ‡ ”‡dzǥ
due  out  October  2013.  Loves  It  has Â
sound.  Kinky  Friedman  calls  their Â
Renaissance  Theatre,  where  there Â
appeared  at  such  festivals  as  Bristol Â
debut  album  “Yayâ€?  “an  American Â
is  not  a  bad  seat  in  the  house.  Â
Rhythm  and  Roots,  Red  Wing  Roots, Â
original,  another  step  on  the  road Â
Refreshments  will  be  for  sale  at  the Â
OK  Mozart,  and  has  appeared  on Â
to  the  stars.�
theatre.
Wisconsin  PBS  special  “30  minute Â
An  incredible  line  up  is  already Â
music  hour.â€?  The  harmony  driven Â
set  for  Kingsport  all  the  way Â
duo  switches  between  guitars, Â
through  the  summer  of  2014.  All Â
Tickets:  $12  Reserved  Seats Â
Ď?‹††Ž‡ǥ ƒÂ?† „ƒÂ?ÂŒÂ‘ÇĄ ‘ˆ–‡Â? ƒ††‹Â?‰
Â?›Ď?Ž‹‰Š– ”‘†—…–‹‘Â? •Š‘™• ˆ‡ƒ–—”‡
Book  Now:  www.EngageKingsport.
special  guests  to  create  a  bigger Â
reserved  seating  in  the  beautiful Â
com
Show  starts  at  8  pm  (Doors  open  at  7  pm)
Page 8, The Loafer • January 14, 2104
Kevin Prater Band Carter Family Fold January 18th
Saturday,  January  18th,  2014,  at  7:30  p.m.  the  Carter  Family  Fold  in  Hiltons,  Virginia,  will  present  a  concert  of  bluegrass  music  by  the  Kevin  Prater  Band.  Admission  to  the  concert  is  $8  for  adults,  $1  for  children  6  to  11,  under  age  6  free. The  Kevin  Prater  Band  sprang  from  the  long  musical  association  between  Kevin  Prater  and  Tom  Timberlake,  beginning  with  the  Timmy  Cline  Band  in  1994  and  then  continuing  with  Redwing  in  later  years.  Years  into  Kevin’s  tenure  with  the  James  King  Band,  Tom  began  trying  to  convince  Kevin  that  he  should  be  doing  his  own  music,  and  his  persistence  paid  off.  He  put  –Š‡ Ď?‹”‡ —Â?†‡” ‡˜‹Â? –‘ ’—”•—‡ Š‹• dream  of  fronting  his  own  band,  and  soon  they  were  forming  the  Kevin  Prater  Band.  They  started  picking  together  again  and  working  on  new  music  with  a  couple  of  local  Â?—•‹…‹ƒÂ?•ǥ ’Žƒ›‹Â?‰ –Š‡‹” Ď?‹”•– •Š‘™ together  as  the  Kevin  Prater  Band  in  2009.  Kevin  has  played  many  different  instruments  over  the  ›‡ƒ”• ƒÂ?† Šƒ• Ď?‹Â?ƒŽŽ› …‘Â?‡ „ƒ…Â? –‘ Š‹• Ď?‹”•– Č‚ –Š‡ ‰—‹–ƒ”Ǥ ‹• •‘Ž‹† rhythm  and  lead  is  a  driving  force  of  the  KPB  sound.  His  vocals  are  the  backbone  of  the  group,  and  what  their  music  is  built  around.  Danny  Stiltner  is  one  of  the  most  talented  bass  players  in  eastern  Kentucky.  Danny  and  Kevin  had  known  each Â
other  since  their  childhood,  when  they  used  to  play  local  shows  around  the  area.  They  always  said  they  would  love  to  play  together  in  a  band,  but  didn’t  know  so  many  years  would  go  by  before  it  would  come  to  pass.  Tom  Timberlake  plays  banjo  for  the  group.  He  is  one  of  the  most  hard  driving  banjo  players  today  and  also  knows  how  to  back  up  vocals  and  make  them  truly  shine.  His  harmonies  are  second  to  none.  Gary  Moore  is  the  mandolin  player  for  the  KPB.  His  playing  is  very  strong  in  rhythm,  and  his  leads  add  a  great  deal  to  the  melody.  Gary’s  vocals  are  a  true  pleasure  to  listen  to,  and  he  brings  great  sounding  harmonies  to  round  out  the  KPB  sound. The  band  comes  from  a  wide  ”ƒÂ?‰‡ ‘ˆ ‹Â?Ď?Ž—‡Â?…‡• ƒÂ?† Â?—•‹…ƒŽ heroes.  The  original  Seldom  Scene,  the  Country  Gentlemen,  the  Osborne  Brothers,  Doyle  Lawson  &  Quicksilver,  Red  Allen,  the  Stanley  Brothers,  and  Boone  Estep  and  the  Ramblin  Grass  are  among  the  different  styles  of  music  they  have  all  admired  and  studied  together  throughout  the  years.  The  KPB  bases  their  sound  on  strong  vocal  harmonies,  built  around  high  trios,  and  their  style  is  reminiscent  of  the  classic  Seldom  Scene  and  the  1970s  Country  Gentlemen  performances.  They  are  also  steeped  in  the Â
tradition  of  gospel  music,  and  pride  themselves  on  the  acapella  hymns  and  great  gospel  songs  that  people  have  come  to  enjoy.  The  band  also  includes  classic  country  in  their  repertoire  and  loves  bringing  old  familiar  favorites  to  life.  They’ll  be  bringing  along  a  Ď?‹††Ž‡ ’Žƒ›‡” ˆ‘” some  lively  dance  tunes  as  well. For  some  of  the  best  traditional  bluegrass  the  region  has  to  offer,  be  sure  to  come  out  and  see  the  Kevin  Prater  Band  at  the  Carter  ‘Ž†Ǥ Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ Ž‘–• ‘ˆ Ď?‹††Ž‡ tunes,  tremendous  vocals,  great  instrumentals,  and  amazing  harmony.  For  more  information  on  the  band,  go  to  http:// thekevinpraterband.com/. Carter  Family  Memorial  Music  ‡Â?–‡”ǥ Â?Â…Â‘Â”Â’Â‘Â”ÂƒÂ–Â‡Â†ÇĄ ‹• ƒ Â?‘Â?’”‘Ď?‹–ǥ rural  arts  organization  established  to  preserve  traditional,  acoustic,  mountain  music.  For  further  information  on  the  center,  go  tohttp://www.carterfamilyfold. org.  Shows  from  the  Carter  Family  Fold  can  be  accessed  on  the  internet  athttp://www. carterfoldshow.com.  Carter  Music  Center  is  part  of  the  Crooked  Road:  Virginia’s  Heritage  Music  Trail.You  can  visit  the  Crooked  Road  Music  Trail  site  at  http://thecrookedroad. org.  Partial  funding  for  programs  at  the  center  is  provided  by  the  Virginia  Commission  for  the  Arts  and  the  National  Endowment  for  the  Arts.  For  recorded  information  on  shows  coming  up  at  the  Fold,  call  276-Ââ€?386-Ââ€?6054.  The  Fold  is  on  ƒ…‡„‘‘Â? Č‚ ’ƒ‰‡ ƒ”–‡” ‘Ž† Č‚ ƒÂ?† ™‹––‡” Č‚ ™‹––‡” ĚˇÂ…ÂƒÂ”Â–Â‡Â”ÂˆÂ‘ÂŽÂ†Â‹Â?ˆ‘Ǥ To  speak  to  a  Fold  staff  member,  call  276-Ââ€?594-Ââ€?0676.
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January 14, 2104 • The Loafer, Page 9
Sundy Best Capone’s January 16th
for release in March 2014, world premiered on CMT in November. They made their Grand Ole Opry debut last year and are playing there this Friday night. Sundy Best video for “Home” spent 10 weeks in the Top 10 on the CMT Pure 12 Pack, including multiple weeks at #1; the duo’s proven active fan base is only ϐ Sundy Best will perform at Capone’s, 227 E. Main Street, on Thursday, January 16th. Tickets are $7 at the door. Doors open at 8pm and show starts at 10pm. Ages are 18 and up. Sundy Best is a country duo made up of Kris Bentley and Nick Jamerson from Lexington, Ky. These guys stormed onto the music scene in spring 2013 and have quickly become a household name. Their video for the popular single “Home” debuted at number one on CMT’s Pure 12-‐Pack Countdown last April and they have been climbing the music charts ever since. They made their Grand Ole Opry debut Thanksgiving weekend and performed there for a second time on January 10, 2014. This country duo is on a fast track to super stardom, yet they remain humble and grounded to their Kentucky roots. With their own mix of country, bluegrass, rock, soul, and rhythm and blues, they are a fan favorite among a variety of music genres. Their current album “Door Without A Screen” is available now and they have a new album titled “Bring Up The Sun” that will be released in March. Their video for “These Days” from their new album, slated
#kinfolkmovement coming to the party. Front porch melodies and lyrics grown out of the rocky topsoil of Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains intertwine Sundy Best’s roots into the songs they sing. They are storytellers, musicians, friends, and the impetus of the ‘kin folk movement’ that is organically connecting a strong music-‐loving
family that believes in solid, real and relatable songs. They are crowd rockers and party starters. The band’s visceral sound and incredible live shows have gained them a loyal following of dedicated fans from the hills and hollers of Appalachia, all the way to the bustling one way streets under downtown city lights across the south. There are mountains in their music-‐ valleys of love lost and missing home, peaks of rowdy Saturday nights and the journey in between. The guys have been friends since they were in elementary school. They both grew up singing in their church for fun while starring in high school sports in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. After college sports success for each, Kris in basketball, and Nick in football, the friendship continued in music as they began playing patio parties, restaurants, and clubs, often playing 4 hours Ǥ ϐ songwriters, they bring songs to each other and together create their own style and sound.
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Eisenhower Dance
Diana Wortham Theatre January 17th & 18th
With virtuosic dancers and thrilling choreography, one of the nation’s premier contemporary dance companies Eisenhower Dance blends drama, momentum and force with technical brilliance in its performances at Diana Wortham Theatre on Friday and Saturday, January 17 and 18, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Founded by Artistic Director Laurie Eisenhower in 1991, Eisenhower Dance has been captivating audiences for more than two decades with an evolving, exhilarating repertoire dedicated to the performance of a diverse range of contemporary dance works. In its January 17 & 18 performances at Diana Wortham Theatre, Eisenhower Dance performs the following works: Begin with the End in Mind, an abstract work by Ron de Jesus that showcases the dancers’ dynamic range, from soft and tender to powerful and athletic; Open Veins by Laurie Eisenhower, a virtuosic pure movement work; Threads, a luscious and passionate work for eight dancers—a signature work by Eisenhower Dance and an audience favorite; Music Lesson, a piece by Eisenhower that utilizes old recordings of narrated music lessons spliced with new music samples, giving a tongue-‐in-‐cheek version of music history and form; and Better Places, a crown-‐pleasing suite of ϐ ϐ music, also by Eisenhower. An additional work by a guest choreographer will be revealed at the performances. Eisenhower Dance has received critical acclaim along with enthusiastic audience support from around the world, called “stunning” by the Holland Sentinel and acclaimed as “intelligently crafted repertoire” by Dance Magazine. The company
has received numerous grants and awards for its work, including a prestigious Touring Award from the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) to present its work N e w DA N C E f e s t during the 2012-‐ 2013 season. With support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the company has also collaborated with Michigan Opera Theatre, the Warren Symphony, the Immigrant Suns, the Rackham Symphony Choir in Carmina Burana, and the Motor City Lyric Opera and the Toledo Opera in Amahl and the Night Visitors. In addition to the public performances, Diana Wortham Theatre hosts Eisenhower Dance for an extended residency at the theatre. Activities include an after-‐school performance, “Kids in Motion,” on Wed., Jan. 15 at 3:30pm; a Master Class for the public on Thurs. Jan. 16 (location and time to be announced); a Matinee Series performance, “Motown in Motion,” on Fri. Jan. 17 at 10:00am; and a workshop at Care Partners. In addition, ticket holders of the Jan. 17 & 18 evening performances can attend free pre-‐performance discussions with Laurie Eisenhower and/or Eisenhower Dance dancers at 7:00pm both nights prior to the 8:00pm performances. All activities except for the Care Partners
workshop are open to the public; more information at www.dwtheatre.com. Funding for the residency is made possible by South Arts. Since founding Eisenhower Dance, Laurie Eisenhower has created over 100 dances for the company in addition to works for numerous professional and university dance companies. She has been awarded several Creative Artists grants from state arts foundations, the Michigan Dance Association Choreographers Festival Award, the Women in Art Award for Choreography, Artserve’s Michigan Governor’s Arts Award for Outstanding Michigan Artist and, most recently, the prestigious 2012 Kresge Artist Fellowship. Eisenhower Dance’s Asheville performances are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council; and presented with support from The Art Fryar Charitable Trust; and by Performance Sponsors Steve & Rena Hoffman, and by Mainstage Dance Series Sponsors Hedy Fischer & Rancy Shull, Tina & John McGuire, Ronna & Rob Resnick, BMW of Asheville, and Diamond Brand Outdoors; with additional support from Media Sponsors WNC magazine and WCQS 88.1FM. The new entrance for the Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place is marked by the location of the theatre’s new marquee between 12 and 14 Biltmore Avenue. Patrons enter the theatre through the breezeway between Marble Slab Creamery and Circle in the Square restaurants, and into a large interior courtyard for Pack Place with multiple glass doors to the theatre’s lower lobby and new ϐ Ǥ just over 500 and boasts exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making it the premier performance space in Western North Carolina. The Mainstage Series is supported by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency. The Mainstage Series 2013/2014 Season Sponsors are the Asheville Scene, Blue Moon Water, Creative Energy, Laurey’s Catering and Gourmet-‐to-‐ go, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. To obtain more information on the Mainstage Series or to purchase tickets, ǯ ϐ (828) 257-‐4530 or visit www. dwtheatre.com. Ticket Prices: Regular $35; Students $30; Child $15 Student Rush day-‐of-‐the-‐ show (with valid ID) $10
Ȁ ǣ ϐ (828)257-‐4530 • www. dwtheatre.com Artist’s Website: www. eisenhowerdance.org
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Justin Timberlake & Bristol Featured on 2014 Tennessee Vacation Guide Cover Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has released the ʹͲͳͶ ϐ in print and online as an e-‐guide, recognizing Bristol as the Birthplace of Country Music. Ȃ that message comes through loud and clear in the new 2014 ϐ Ǥ A striking cover shows native Tennessean and international superstar Justin Timberlake paying homage to Tennessee’s musical roots, while callouts highlight some of the state’s top music destinations, including Bristol, the Birthplace of Country Music. “We’re thrilled to showcase Justin Timberlake on the cover ʹͲͳͶ ϐ Vacation Guide as we celebrate the 60thanniversary of rock n’ roll and all that Tennessee offers as the global music destination of choice.” said Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Tennessee Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, who resides in the Bristol area, is a strong supporter of Tennessee’s tourism industry. “Being the Birthplace of Country Music and having Bristol Motor ϐ driving force behind tourism in this region,” he said. “It’s absolutely wonderful that Bristol is receiving this type of recognition.” Matt Bolas, executive director of the Bristol Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, is happy to see Bristol featured on the cover of the vacation guide. Bristol is recognized as the Birthplace of ϐ country music recordings were made here in 1927. “We have such a wonderful partnership with Tennessee Tourism and we’re honored that Bristol has a place on the cover,” he said. “We feel very fortunate to be able to work with such an amazingly talented group of people, and they, along with Virginia Tourism, continue to work diligently with us on the opening of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.”
Leah Ross, executive director of the Birthplace of Country Music, was ecstatic to learn of Bristol’s billing on the guide. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be included on the cover, along with Justin Timberlake, and we’re honored to be recognized for the role Bristol has played in shaping the music of Tennessee,” she said. “We appreciate Tennessee
Tourism for giving us this kind of recognition, particularly in the year in which we’re opening the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.” Also inside the guide, some of the music industry’s top celebrities, including Dolly Parton and Sheryl Crow, share their favorite Tennessee experiences throughout a dynamic photo essay
highlighting several facets of the state’s travel industry. A series of features also showcases Tennessee music, food, spirits, outdoors, festivals and the diverse network of Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways, including can’t-‐miss stops along each one. A special double-‐ page spread highlights Union City’s brand new $100 million attraction, Discovery Park of America. Add to that a list of annual events, regional overviews and best bets, maps, attraction listings and more, and potential visitors have everything they need to plan the perfect Tennessee vacation.
Like last year, a new iPad app of the guide will be available soon in iTunes offering additional rich media and interactive content, as well as links to all advertisers. More than 550,000 guides are available at the state’s 14 Welcome Centers and to tourists requesting the publication via tnvacation.com and 1.800.GO2. TENN. It is also available as an e-‐guide at tnvacation.com. The guide is Tennessee’s primary vacation planning and marketing publication for domestic and international tradeshows.
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Red Cross Calls For Blood Donations After Severe Winter Weather Impacts Collections
Urgent need for blood donors with types O, A negative and B negative As severe winter weather begins to subside, the American Red Cross is asking all eligible blood donors to help offset a weather-‐related shortfall in donations. ʹͺͲ ʹͷ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ ͺǡ ͶͲͲ Ǥ ʹǤ “It’s the blood products already on the shelves that help save lives when severe weather hits,” said Gwen Hunter, Blood Donor Recruiter in East Tennessee. “Thanks to generous Red Cross blood donors, blood products were available for patients who still needed transfusions despite the weather. Now we invite those previously ‘frozen out’ from giving blood to come in soon.” Blood donors with the most in-‐ demand blood types — O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative — are urgently needed to give blood in the days and weeks ahead to offset the shortfall. Red blood cells, the oxygen carrying component of blood, are the most widely transfused blood product and must be transfused within 42 days. ǣ ǡ ͳͶ Johnson County EMS Rescue in the Crewette Building, 203 Vandilla Street, Mountain City, 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm, Call American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive, Johnson City,
2:30 pm to 7:00 pm ǡ ͳͷ American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive, Johnson City, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm ǡ ͳͺ American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive, Johnson City, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm ǡ ʹͲ Johnson City/Washington County NAACP, 322 West Watauga Avenue, Johnson City, 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm Simply call 1-‐800-‐RED CROSS (1-‐800-‐733-‐2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other ϐ at check-‐in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-‐for-‐ ϐ on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us ̷ Ǥ
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Korean Children’s Choir
Paramount Center for The Arts January 17th, 7pm The  Korean  Children’s  Choir  will  present  the  2014  CCA  KIDZ  TEAM  -Ââ€?  Suwon,  Korea,  Carl  Powers  Memorial  Tour  at  the  Paramount  Center  for  The  Arts  January  17  from  7-Ââ€?9  pm.  Admission  is  free. The  Korean  Children’s  Choir,  a  ministry  of  the  international  media  ministry  Far  East  Broadcasting  Company  (FEBC),  founded  by  Dr.  Billy  Kim,  who  is  often  referred  to  as  the  “Billy  Graham  of  Asia.â€? The  CCA  Kidz  Team  Korea  Children’s  Choir  has  delighted  audiences  around  the  United  States  with  their  beautiful  voices,  colorful  costumes,  skilled  choreography  and  traditional  Korean  dance.  Members  of  the  children’s  choir  are  selected  through  a  competitive  audition  process.  The  children,  ranging  in  ages  from  7  to  13,  receive  training  from  a  voice  trainer,  choreographer  and  conductor.  The  choir  has  performed  a  variety  of  concerts  at  churches,  cultural  centers,  theme  parks,  schools  and  universities  throughout  Canada,  Australia,  Saipan,  Guam,  Taiwan,  Cambodia,  Southeast  Asia  and  different  parts  of  Europe.
Dr.  Billy  Kim  was  born  in  1934,  into  a  poor  farm  family  near  the  end  of  the  Japanese  occupation.  When  the  Korean  War  broke  out  in  June  of  1950,  his  family  could  not  escape,  so  they  endured  the  hardships  of  war  in  Suwon.  Kim  was  able  to  get  work  as  a  houseboy  for  the  U.S.  military,  where  he  met  Sgt.  Carl  Powers,  the  U.S.  Soldier  who  would  change  his  life  forever.  Powers  helped  Kim  get  to  America  and  Ď?‹Â?ƒÂ?…‡† Š‹• ‡†—…ƒ–‹‘Â?Ǥ ‹Â? Ž‡ˆ– ‘”‡ƒ ƒ– ƒ‰‡ 17,  and  Powers  enrolled  him  at  the  Bob  Jones  Academy  in  Greenville,  S.C. “We  hope  to  express  our  deep  appreciation  for  the  American  people  for  what  they  have  done,  both  missionaries  and  those  in  the  military,â€?  Kim  said.  “The  audience  will  cry,  laugh,  rejoice  and  be  blessed  from  these  kids’  songs  and  message.  Korea  is  the  second  largest  missionary  sending  country  in  the  world,  and  we  hope  to  encourage  the  American  audience  as  well  as  our  young  people  and  those  hoping  to  go  to  the  United  States  for  college  to  consider  missions.â€? Bristol  bluegrass  band,  Duty  Free,  will  open  for  the  Korean  Children’s  Choir.  Duty  Free  members  include,  Hal  Boyd,  Bobby  Love,  Tim  Laughlin  and  Charlie  and  Rick  Powers,  nephews  of  Carl  Powers.  The  event  is  being  sponsored  by  sponsored  by  Friendship  Hyundai  of  Bristol  and  Johnson  City.
Page 14, The Loafer • January 14, 2104
Top Stargazing Events of 2014
Two eclipses of the Moon during the “graveyard shift” of early morning will highlight the stargazing in our celestial skies for 2014. April 15 the Moon slips into the Earth’s shadow beginning at 2:46 am and be total at 3:46 am. The same celestial magic happens again Oct. 8th, but dawn will ruin the total phase on our Eastern USA coast. The planet Jupiter dominates the winter and late spring as the third brightest star in Gemini the Twins, joining brothers Pollux and Castor. And then the will be the April close approach of Mars to Earth. The third and fourth planets will be about 55 million miles apart on April
8th, not super close but a distance that will make it easy to see dark surface markings and bright white polar caps. The planet Venus will become the pre-‐sunrise beacon in the east through summer, while Mercury will play its usual back and forth in the morning and evening horizons twice throughout the year. The year ends with Saturn bejeweling the autumn in Virgo, a sight in a telescope that simply says “astronomy.” Any astronomy year is full of surprises, new discoveries and a
Saturn’s hexagonal south pole
Lunar eclipse photo by Mark Marquette
closer understanding of just where we ϐ into the grand scheme of the Universe. There could be a comet come out of nowhere (like Hale-‐Bopp in 1997, or there might be another destructive asteroid collide with Earth, like the Russian explosion in February 2013. Maybe Mars rover Curiosity will turn over a rock and ϐ ϐ skeleton! Now, THAT would be a surprise for the ages. And there will no doubt be more fabulous images of Saturn and its retinue of fascinating moons Continued on page 15
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Continued from page 14
from the billion dollar Cassini spacecraft, now in its 10th year orbiting the ringed world. One area under study this year is the unique hexagonal hurricane in the center of the south pole, as well as the environment on moon Titan’s surface of lakes and rivers made up of minus -‐200 liquid methane. In the human space frontier, the International Space Station is experiencing its 13th year of continued occupancy with 12 more astronauts that make up Expeditions 39 and 40 taking residence for 5-‐month stints. Business as usual will include more supply missions with modules built by two private contractors who have billion dollar contracts with NASA. Still the only ticket to ride to the ISS is the Russian Soyuz TMZ Ȅ ϐ ϐ Ͷͷ Ǥ expensive ticket it is with NASA spending up to $60 million for one of three seats on the cramped Soyuz space capsule. The New Year will show progress in the building of NASA’s four-‐man Orion space capsule, much like the Apollo spaceship of the 1960s. And private space entrepreneur Space X is involved in test to convert its Dragon spaceship into a manned vehicle for trips to the ISS. One unique aspect of a new year of stargazing is looking forward to seeing the same old celestial friends that avid amateur astronomers have become familiar with—much like old friends. For instance, watching Orion leap over the eastern horizon on its side and then standing straight up in the direct south hours later as a rite of the Winter season. And with a backyard telescope, there are dozens of celestial sites that include the Great Nebula of Orion, The Pleiades star cluster, and brightest star of all, Sirius. When Leo is seen rising in the east, it’s time to think of Spring, reinforced when Hercules joins the early evening. Then the parallelogram of stars that make up Lyra the Harp with brilliant star ϐ Ǥ
Photo by Mark Marquette
when the Great Square of Pegasus rides high in the eastern sky in the early evening, it’s Autumn time. And then, again, appears Orion as the cycle of Earth orbiting the Sun continues. Think of our 365 and one-‐fourth day trip around the Sun as being on an 800 million mile circle race track. The Sun is in the middle, and we start out the year looking at the stars of Orion and company in Turn 1. As we approach Turn 2, the grandstands represent the stars of Spring with Leo and friends. The ϐ that lead into Turn 3 and the Summer stars. Finally, Turn 4 is where the Autumn stars are seen as we whizz by at 30,000 mph. When down the front stretch and looking at Winter’s starry wonders in the stands, we can’t see the stars of Summer on the backstretch of the orbital racetrack because of the bright Sun. They are in the daytime sky. So every celestial lap, we are looking in the grandstands of stars,
ϐ we move at a predictable speed governed by the gravity of the Sun and laws of physics. That is what makes every celestial year a special one, reacquainting the stargazer with the familiar starry friends. After all, they are always there—and never let you down.
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January 14, 2104 • The Loafer, Page 17
Prince Caspian: Return to Narnia Central Ballet Theatre at Tusculum January 17th-19th
Central Ballet Theatre of Greeneville is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the production of “Prince Caspian: Return to Narnia” Jan. 17-‐19 at Tusculum College. Set to emotionally stirring music, the ballet tells the timeless tale of faithfulness, belief and courage, based on “Prince Caspian,” the second book in the popular Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis. This ballet is Central Ballet Theatre’s second world premier and its eighth original ballet. More than 90 local children and adult dancers and four professional dancers will perform in the ballet which will run from Jan. 17 -‐ 19 at the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum College campus. “Prince Caspian: Return to Narnia” is the powerful sequel to “The Lion, the Witch, and the Ǥdz ϐ amid a Civil War as the villainous King Miraz prevents the rightful heir, his young nephew Caspian, from ruling the land of Narnia once his own son is born. The story details Caspian’s journey to claim his rightful place in the kingdom. “This is a very powerful ballet
because there is so much depth to the story,” explained Lori Ann Sparks, artistic director and choreographer for Central Ballet Theatre. “Certain selections really make the audience think about the very meaning of life. This ballet is a challenge to all people to live for truth. It is told through the story of C.S. Lewis, one of the best storywriters of all time, set to powerfully stirring music and presented in a most beautiful art Ȃ Ǧ Ǥ ϐ weak of heart. It has real sword-‐ ϐ ǡ ǡ and beautiful relationships that bring to life a story that is no longer a fairy tale but rather lessons the audience will both enjoy and take home with them.” Fourteen additional dances with new choreography have been added to the ballet since it was originally performed by Central Ballet Theatre. In addition to her original choreography, three of the dance selections were choreographed by Richard d’Alton of International Ballet of Houston, who has received the “Outstanding Choreographer” award by the Youth
America Grand Prix competition judges for many consecutive years. In addition, Marilyn duBrisk, director of Tusculum College’s Arts Outreach, choreographed a piece called Old Stories for this ballet. In celebration of Central Ballet’s 10th anniversary, there is an opportunity to win a beautiful quilt, handcrafted by Kymberly Boschee and created from the t-‐shirts from the past 11 ballets Central Ballet has performed in its 10 years. Tickets may be purchased in the lobby during the shows. “Prince Caspian” will be performed at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17 and 18. Matinee performances are scheduled at 2 p.m. on Saturday and on Sunday, Jan. 19. All performances will be in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum College campus. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at Three Blind Mice, Evans Jewelry, The General Morgan Inn and Richland Creek Gifts as well as at the door. For ticket reservations, please call 724-‐7014 or 798-‐1620. For more info, visit www.centralballet.com.
Page 18, The Loafer • January 14, 2104 Celestial events in the skies for the week of June 14-‐20, 2014, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. The gibbous Moon is waning to Last Quarter phase next week, rising Tuesday beside Jupiter in Gemini at 5:30 pm, and by next Monday it rises in Leo at 10:30 pm. Moonlight has been the inspiration for the nov-‐ elist, artists, poet and songwriter— maybe you are among those bathing in moonshine this week. The stark landscape of winter and silvery light are a unique vision, espe-‐ cially on a cool, crisp night. Ǥ Ǥ ͳͶ On this 2005 date in space his-‐ tory, mankind touched another world when the Huygens space-‐ craft landed on the Saturn moon Titan. Taking images while it parachuted to a soft landing on the shore of a methane lake, Huy-‐ gens showed pebbles and eroded rocks in a surface photo. Ejected from the Cassini spacecraft that is still orbiting Saturn, the three-‐ foot wide Huygens is now a dead relic from Earth.
Ǥ Ǥ ͳͷ On this 2006 date in space history, the NASA spacecraft Stardust’s reentry capsule crash landed in a Utah desert containing particles of Comet Wild 2, completing a 12 year mission that ϐ and Comet Tempel 1. The Comet Wild 2 samples contained water and hydro-‐ carbons that are building blocks of life. Ǥ Ǥ ͳ Jupiter rises in east and dominates the rest of the night. Even in the cheap-‐ est telescope, you can see the squashed globe of Jupiter, its dark bands and the changing positions of it four, star-‐like moons, each of which are interesting worlds in their own right. Ǥ Ǥ ͳ Here are some of the bright stars that dazzle our night sky this week: Betelgeuse, Rigel, Sirius, Procyon, Capella, Aldebaran, Castor and Pollex. These are among the 20 brightest stars in the night sky, and form a giant, celestial hexagon on the sky.
Ǥ ͳͻ Launched on this date in 2006 toward the dwarf planet Pluto, NASA’s New Horizon’s spacecraft is past Uranus and ϐ ʹͲͳͷǤ
Ǥ Ǥ ͳͺ Orion the Hunter is reaching its peak time at around 9 pm, as it stand high over the south horizon. Betelgeuse means armpit of the giant, and this red star is the Hunter’s shoul-‐ der. Rigel is the white star of Orion’s knee. The other knee star is Saiph, and the other shoulder star is Bellatrix.
Ǥ Ǥ ʹͲ Happy 84nd birthday to Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin. He was standing beside Neil Armstrong in the American moonship Eagle when they landed in Mare Tranquility on July 20th 1969, and the second man to set foot on an alien world.
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Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones In what now seems like a never ending movie series, another Dz dz ϐ screen. “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” is the latest in the series that began in 2007, and once again is in the “found footage” format. If you saw the original ϐ ǡ initial reaction? I remember all the hype surrounding the original release, and the reactions of some of the audience members when I ϐ Ǥ The one thing I do remember was how several audience members began to grow impatient due to the fairly slow pace of the story, and made their displeasure Ǥ ϐ ϐ build in intensity and I remember thinking, yes, this is an example of our “Instant satisfaction” culture. I guess if some character isn’t running around with a machete trying to off cast members, some people just don’t have the desire to wait for something better. ϐ the 5th outing, and despite the fact
ϐ ǡ ϐ Ǥ ϐ character Jesse (Andrew Jacobs), who lives in Oxnard, CA. with his family, and has just graduated from high school. After several days of ǡ ϐ mark on his arm, and one night when he is out with his best friend Hector (Jorge Diaz), the duo are attacked by two thugs, who soon have been knocked unconscious by Jesse. After realizing he had no idea how he knocked the thugs out, Jesse soon realizes he has superhuman abilities (insert Spider-‐Man joke here). However, even as Jesse is enjoying his new abilities, matters
for the recent graduate begin to deteriorate. Jesse is actually one of many children who were “selected” before birth to become part of a sinister plot by the witches seen in ϐ Ǥ After Jesse’s mood and behavior ǡ ϐ ǡ with Hector and friends in hot pursuit of their wayward friend.
Their search for Jesse leads them to the house where the character of Grandma Lois lived in the third ϐ ǡ you want to be. Let me say to my friends right away, if you ever venture to an evil witches house, don’t expect me to follow! After Jesse’s friends reach the mysterious house, the ϐ ϐ ϐ again see the character of Katie. ϐ moments, as it should, and the characters are all interesting, despite being annoying at times. Most impressive to me was how the ending cleverly connected to ϐ ϐ Ǥ Overall, “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” was a scary blast that could actually end the series. We shall see. (Rated R) B
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For Phil
Usually the deaths of famous people and artists don’t affect me that much. I’ll have a moment of sadness and think about it, but then it’ll pass from my brain. But when the death of Phil Everly, half of the pioneering, wildly ϐ ǡ Brothers, passed away it really hit me. When the news of Phil’s death came in the evening of January 3rd, delivered to me from a post by a friend on Facebook, I said out loud “Oh, no.” I quickly grabbed a video of “Walk Right Back” off YouTube and posted it to my Facebook page, then I went over to my record player and started playing Everly Brothers records.
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I listened to the songs that night, and was reminded—as I am every time I listen to them—of how crazily perfect their harmonies were. It wasn’t till the two days later, the morning of the 5th, that it really seemed to hit me. CBS’s Sunday Morning program did a lovely tribute to Phil, and when I heard the opening chord to “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” I felt tears slowly begin to form in my eyes. I was caught off guard by this, and I know it’s because I heard that opening chord. “All I Have to Do Is Dream” is one of those songs that, to me, is damn near perfect. “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” has always been one my favorites by them, and it’s hard to pick favorites with a group whose catalog is rich with killer songs. I listen to
“All I Have to Do is Dream” and it reminds me of everything that love should be, could be. Maybe it isn’t that pure, or that simple, or that wonderful. But if I would ever get married, “All I Have to Do Is Dream” is the kind of song I’d want to have played at the wedding. We often take people for granted, and then their deaths remind us of why we fell in love with them in the ϐ Ǥ Brothers for granted. They’re one of a handful of artists that’s always in my main rotation of music. I’ve heard their music most of my life, and it wasn’t til high school, when my music library began to really ϐ some of their albums. But Phil’s passing served as a reminder to me of just how damned perfect they were. The Everly Brothers were transcendent. Don’t let anyone kid you into ǯ ϐ Ǥ Without The Everly Brothers, Simon and Garfunkel wouldn’t have been Simon and Garfunkel. Without The Everly Brothers, the sound of Lennon and McCartney wouldn’t have been what it was. It’s popular to dismiss some of the
early rockers these days, as many people have crazy ideas on what rock is. Granted, I’m one of the most opinionated people in the world when it comes to music, but I love what I love, and I love it with all my heart and soul. The Everly’s music won’t fade anytime soon, or at all, really. Younger kids will grow up with parents whose passion is music, and they’ll introduce them to Ǥ ϐ who realize that music means more to them than anything else, will discover them, and that great wave of joy that once washed over me ϐ ǡ over them as well. So thank you, Phil. Thanks for making some of the most amazing
Phil and Don Everly
music I could have ever hoped to Ǥ ϐ heart and soul with joy, happiness, and hope. You and Don made magic, and I will be eternally grateful for it. Rest in peace.
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Let’s Make This A Maru-Inspired Year
Unless you’ve been hiding in a box for quite some time, you no doubt are familiar with Maru, the Japanese cat (a male Scottish Fold, belonging to the species Felis domesticus) who has become quite the Internet celebrity. According to his inevitable Wikipedia entry, Maru, who was born on May 24, 2007, is a very watchable cat indeed. ʹͲͲͻǡ ϐ video was posted, his exploits with boxes and other household paraphernalia have been viewed “an average of 800,000 views each” with the total number of views for all his videos reaching 200 million, as of this past April (no doubt this number is much larger by now); and his YouTube channel is the “7th most subscribed in Japan.” There are probably more impressive viral videos out there (should we mention Miley Cyrus?), but very few as calming and as reassuring as the ones featuring this wonderful feline. And what exactly does Maru do?
Well, to be honest, not very much. His favorite activity is exploring and nesting (or trying to nest) in a variety of cardboard boxes and containers. And he is also very adept at getting a variety of paper and plastic bags stuck over his head—don’t worry, I don’t think he is in any danger of suffocating, because his “invisible” owner is ϐ ǯ activities. She keeps pretty busy collecting and arranging all those boxes, but she is very careful never to be seen or heard during the ϐ Ǥ as “Mugumogu” (her YouTube account name) and she inserts clever English and Japanese title cards into her videos to let us know what is going on. Perhaps only I see this as an affectionate nod to the silent movie tradition—the videos are not silent, of course, but usually all we hear are the sounds of boxes ϐ an occasional “Meow” from Maru. Sound is therefore not an essential
ingredient in Maru’s rise to fame. While his YouTube videos are hugely popular, Maru has made appearances in other media, most notably in a Fresh Step commercial, also on YouTube, and there have been two Maru picture books, with accompanying DVDs, published in Japan. Can a movie be far behind?
ϐ see it, and propose that all those who bring a cardboard box to the theatre be admitted free. As neat as a movie would be, I would like to see the development of a Maru reality show. Maru would ϐ the pretty sordid and over-‐crowded roster of reality shows that have disgraced our living rooms since their debut in the 1990s (unless you count “Candid Camera,” which was very popular in the 50s and 60s). Here is a brief list of reasons why Maru should have his own reality show and why he would be much better at this medium than what we have to choose from today: He doesn’t have numerous celebrity ego issues to confront us with He hasn’t been in rehab and probably never will His face will probably not show on too many tabloid covers (just the tabby-‐loids!) He shows up to work on time (well, sometimes) He will never get into trouble by espousing controversial socio-‐ political-‐religious views He doesn’t make other cats ashamed to belong to the same
Think inside the box
species as him He won’t record any ridiculous Christmas albums or make other attempts at being talented He won’t aggravate you with his bizarre and annoying family (except for maybe his new kitten companion, Hana, who joined his household this past August) His show doesn’t require any special props (except for boxes and bags), exotic locations, obnoxious roommates, or overpaid and underdressed celebrity judges His show, unlike every reality show out there, won’t be scripted; just give him a couple of boxes and he is ready to go (as if cats would follow a script if they could read or take direction) I suppose this list could be expanded at will, but you get the idea. In addition to promoting Maru
as a reality show star, I also believe he could become a motivational “speaker” of sorts and an advocate of various self-‐improvement programs. And I know he would do a much better job that most of the people out there who are trying to motivate, inspire, and improve us. For one thing, Maru advocates a very simple life, not one crowded with time-‐management seminars, leadership workshops, and PowerPoint presentations. What’s more, he promotes creativity rather than self-‐improvement. You don’t have to shell out hard-‐earned money for books, DVDs (except perhaps for the ones about him), and doomed-‐to-‐fail multi-‐step improvement programs. To make ǡ ϐ box and let your imagination run wild. Maru, rather than being an advocate of “thinking outside the box,” tells us to “think (and sleep) inside the box.” So, let’s make this New Year a Maru-‐inspired one. After watching Maru, I am trying very hard to get our two cats—Kee-‐Kee and Nigel— inspired to become viral video stars, but so far I’m not having much luck. Wonder if there is room for a video series showing cats sleeping? See you next week. In the meantime, hang on to those cardboard boxes. *Special thanks to our fearless Editor, Christy Leach, for making me aware of the wonderful world of Maru. Maru’s blog can be found at http://sisinmaru.blog17.fc2.com
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