The Loafer April 17th by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

on the cover

Volume 32 • Issue #20 Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis Carolyn Kestner Marques Puckett Chris Massie Office Coordinator Amanda Lane

Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Daniel Worley Jason Worley Langley Shazor Jon Lester Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger Published by Pulse Publishing, 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 adcopy@theloaferonline.com 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 lossof 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.

Founder: Bill Williams Let’s Get Social!

columns & reviews

Social Media Manager Jon Lester

18 Stargazer Astronomy Day this Saturday! 19 Skies This Week 20 Batteries Not Included The Awful Truth 23 Pop Life A Quiet Place 24 The Nerd's Corner Nano Metalfigs 27 The Casual Word Gargoyle 28 Puzzle Page 31 Kelly’s Place English 101: Out With THE OLD, In With THE NEW?

your week’s line-up

Creeper Fest

Publisher Luci Tate

4 Virginia Creeper Fest 5 Creeper Fest Schedule 6 Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play 7 Paul Edelman Back In Bristol 8 Dawn of Hope Golf Classic 9 In The Heat of the Night @ Barter 10 Old Oak Festival 12 The Midtown Men perform @ NPAC 13 Journey into the Unknown 13 Spoken Word Open Mic 14 May I Serve You? 15 Virginia Ground's Band Camp 16 Spotlight 22 How Does Your Garden Grow? 25 Jenny & The Hog Drovers @ Carter Fold 26 Paramount Partners 29 Pets of the Week 30 Things To Do

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

The Award-Winning Festival Returns

he Virginia Creeper Fest returns to Abingdon for a second year, celebrating all things outdoors. This free, family-friendly festival takes place Saturday April 28, 2018, from noon to 5:00pm at A Street Park, near the trailhead of the Virginia Creeper Trail. Virginia Creeper Fest celebrates the creation of the famous Virginia Creeper Trail, and highlights the multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities along the trail. Designed to be a hands-on experience, the VA Creeper Fest encourages attendees to practice, interact and get involved – for ages two to 102. Virginia Creeper Fest returns for a second year Saturday April 28, from 10:30am to 5:00pm. With activities like a climbing wall, hammock hangouts, disc dog exhibitions, and field games for the kids, tree identification along the trail and scavenger hunts, there will be plenty to keep the hard-core outdoor enthusiasts and novice nature lovers busy all day. There will be also be live music, food trucks and local outfitters, as well as raffle giveaways. Throughout the day, visitors can participate in geocaching activities to earn free swag, and visit the photography exhibit at the Creeper Trail Welcome Center, “A Day on the Abingdon Branch: The Photography of O. Winston Link 1955-1957.” This stunning black and white photography documents the Creeper Trail’s history as a working railroad line. Visitors can bring their bikes for the free bike safety inspection courtesy of the Creeper Trail Club, and bring a hammock to try out the new Hammock Hangout installed at Wye Park on the Creeper Trail. Over 27 vendors will be on hand, representing the wide range of outdoor fun to be had near Abingdon. Each vendor must create a hands-on activity in order to participate in the festival, providing plenty of opportunities to play. For a full list of vendors and activities, visit www.vacreeperfest.com. The festival takes place in Abingdon, at the intersection of Green Spring Road and A Streets, near the trailhead. Additional activities, like nature walks and bike rides, will take place on the trail itself. Parking is available at the Abingdon municipal lot (234 W. Main Street), or Magic Mart (510 Cummings Street) with free trolley service 11:30am to 5:30pm). Or park in downtown Abingdon and walk to the festival. Note: Pecan Street/Green Spring Road are closed to vehicle traffic. One of the earliest rails-to-trails success stories, the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is now a major economic engine for Southwest Virginia, drawing over 200 thousand visitors annually. Media sponsorship is provided by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, The Loafer and 99.3 The X, additional support provided by the Abingdon Parks and Recreation Department, Abingdon Music Experience, and the Virginia Creeper Trail Club. For more information: www.vacreeperfest.com or 276-676-2282

9:00 AM: Birding Walk with Blue Ridge Discovery Center 10:30 AM: Yoga in the Park presented by Whitetop Yoga FREE 12:00 PM: Festival Vendors Open 12:30 PM: History Ride to Alvarado with Creeper Trail Club 12:30-4:30 PM: Kids Field Games 1:00-1:30 PM: Disc Dog Demo presented by Fetch N Fly 1:00 PM: Wolf Hills Brewery Behind the Scenes Pint & Tour $10 1:00 PM : Trailside Bike Repair Clinic presented by TREK 1:00-2:30 PM: Fritz & Co. *Music* 1:30-2:00 PM: Secrets of the Creeper Trail presented by Ed Davis 1:30PM: Wildflower Walk with Blue Ridge Discovery Center 2:00 PM: O. Winston Link Presentation at Creeper Trail Welcome Center 2:30PM: Tree Identification Walk presented by Department of Forestry 2:30-3:00PM: Disc Dog Demo presented by Fetch N Fly 3:00PM: Trailside Bike Repair Clinic presented by TREK 3:00PM: Wolf Hills Brewery Behind the Scenes Pint & Tour $10 3:00-5:00PM: Get Right Band *Music* 3:30PM: Birding Walk with Bristol Bird Club 3:30PM: Disc Golf Putting Tournament presented by Emory & Henry 4:00pm: Backpacking 101 presented by Sundog Outfitters 4:00pm-4:30pm: Disc Dog Demo presented by Fetch N Fly 5:00pm: Sunset Ride on the Creeper presented by Sundog Outfitters

Ongoing:

Geocaching:

The Town of Abingdon and the VA Creeper Trail have dozens of caches to discover! Find and document 3 caches the day of the festival, and earn free swag! Drop by an Info Tent and tell us about your geo-caching adventures to redeem.

Hammock Hangouts:

Bring your hammock to Wye Park to break in our newest addition to the Creeper Trail: a hammock hangout area! Additionally, a small hammock space in A Street Park will have demo hammocks provided by Mahoney’s.

Bike Safety Inspection:

Bring your bike for a safety inspection by the VA Creeper Trail Club throughout the day. Located near the trailhead at the Creeper Trail Welcome Center.

A Day on the Abingdon Branch The Photography of O. Winston Link, 1955-1957:

This rare collection captures the last steam train on the Virginia Creeper rail line. Open 12-5pm at the Creeper Trail Welcome Center. In partnership with William King Museum.

www.vacreeperfest.com

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

Schedule

2018 Virginia

Creeper Fest

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

MR. BURNS A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY ETSU to present

ast Tennessee State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play” April 19-22 in the Bud Frank Theatre. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday–Saturday (April 19-21) and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 22. As “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play” opens, it is the end of everything in America. Civilization has collapsed. A future without power. Who will survive? In the post-apocalyptic world of Mr. Burns, a group of strangers bond while gathering around a campfire and recreating the plot of “The Simpsons” episode of “Cape Feare” entirely from memory. The play travels into the future to examine how this and other forms of pop culture become the live entertainment of a society trying to hold on to its past. Written by Anne Washburn, “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play” played to sold-out audiences in New York City and was hailed by the New York Times as one of the top 10 plays of 2013. The cast of ETSU students includes Ashton Bishop, Jonathan DeLozier, Gabriel Felty, Angel Thacker, Gracie Fulghum, Hannah Gossett, Zoë Hester, Izzy Hodgson, Kimberly Ireson, Rachel Lawson, Keith Maultbay, Tyler Mitchell, Drake Parrott, Braylee Polson, Katie Rowe, Keeper Spencer, Ryan Stapleton, Kaleb Stone, Jalon Stubbs and Luke Walker as Mr. Burns. ETSU faculty member Cara Harker is directing and choreographing “Mr. Burns, a PostElectric Play” and is joined by Kate Patton as stage manager, Beth Skinner as costume designer, Melissa Shafer as lighting designer, Andrea Greer as hair/makeup designer, Zach Olsen as scenic designer/technical director, Seth O’Kegley as music director, Claire Johnston as costume design assistant, Andrea Marshall as costume technician and wardrobe supervisor, Matt Edwards as assistant stage manager and Alex Brown, Eulalah Prater and Hunter Thomas as costume design assistants. Members of the technical crew include Charles Clark as lighting technician, Caroline Denning, Madisen Evens and Bailey Walters as wardrobe assistants, Vianna Isbister as audio technician, and Caleb Harrison, Alex Hennage and Collin Thomas as production assistants. Tickets are $5 for students, faculty and staff (with ID) and youth, $10 for general admission, and can be purchased at www.etsu.edu/theatre or by calling 423-439-6524.

PAUL EDELMAN Back in

& JANGLING SPARROWS Bristol

mericana/Roots singer-songwriter-guitarist Paul Edelman and his band Jangling Sparrows, return to Bristol to perform at O'Mainnin's Pub, 712 State St., Wednesday, April 18. Showtime: 10pm. Free. Info: (423) 844-0049 or visit facebook.com/omainninspub/. The band's most recent album 140 Nickels album was voted a "Best Indie Album of 2017" selection by the L.A. Music Critic Awards, who added, "Watch for these guys near the top of the Americana music scene!". Guitarist-vocalist Edelman explains how the album title 140 Nickels came about: "I was romanticizing about how broke I was and didn’t care...the idea that I could sit there and pound through a six-pack and write songs and not care about anything and when I ran out of beer I’d would scrape up enough change from my couch to go down to the corner bodega and buy another six pack. I was really hungry and had a lot of passion of what I was doing. I don’t want to forget that.” Read the rest of Edelman's recent interview in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, here. 140 Nickels is available for purchase at www.janglingsparrows.com and has received stellar reviews from national publications No Depression, The Alternate Root, Music Connection and more, plus national/ international airplay.

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

TEEHope off with

resented by Tennessee Office Supply, the 31st Anniversary Dawn of Hope Golf Classic will be held April 30, 2018 at the Johnson City Country Club. Proceeds raised by the event will provide crucial funds Dawn of Hope’s person-centered support services which aim to increase independence, healthy living, active participation in the community, access to competitive, integrated employment opportunities and an overall higher quality of life for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities in the Northeast Tennessee Region. The tournament will be a 2-person team, select shot event with both 8:30 am and 1:30pm tee times. Coed teams are welcomed. The registration fee for each player is $150, which includes cart & green fees, a moisture wicking commemorative polo, breakfast & lunch which will be provided by Chick-fil-A of Elizabethton, Carrabba’s Italian Grill of Johnson City and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. There will be prizes for putting, long drive, closest to the pin, and closest to the line contest winners. All participants receive a bag of goodies, and entrance into the door prize drawing. Silent Auction items up for bid at both tee times. Dawn of Hope is dedicated to providing person centered supports to help people pursue the life they desire including community involvement and integrated work opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. For more information on the golf tournament or to find out how you can make a difference in the lives of Dawn of Hope Service Recipients, visit www.dawnofhope.com, call 423-722-1689 or email lisapawley@dawnofhope.com.

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

Award-Winning Murder Mystery

IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT Comes to Barter Theatre

arter Theatre presents “In the Heat of the Night” running through May 12. This thrilling murder mystery is based on John Ball’s award-winning novel that inspired an Oscar-winning film, which resulted in the Emmy-winning television series. “In the Heat of the Night” is an action-packed murder mystery that will keep you on your toes. Set in 1962, a murder takes place in Argo, Alabama where racial tensions run high. There are no witnesses to the crime, no clues left behind, and no motives. As the story of this heinous act unfolds, you are taken on a journey that will shake you to your core. Jasper McGruder has directed all over the world and is returning to Barter Theatre to bring this thriller to life. He has previously performed at Barter Theatre in the fan favorite, “Driving Miss Daisy”, among others. This production stars Amara Aja, joining us from his recent performances in New York for his Barter debut, as well as the beloved Rick McVey from Barter’s resident acting company. “In the Heat of the Night” is made possible by our sponsors The Barter Theatre Board of Trustees. To purchase tickets, please visit bartertheatre.com or call 276-6283991. Tickets for all performances of “In the Heat of the Night” begin at just $20. Barter Theatre, the nation’s longest running professional theatre, is located in Abingdon, Virginia. The theatre opened in 1933 during the Great Depression. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.

Tusculum

April 20-22

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

Old Oak Festival

his year’s festival will feature a wide variety of music, food and fun and will span three days, providing something for everyone, including live music, theater, arts and crafts or fabulous festival food. “This festival is going to be wide ranging with opportunities that will allow visitors to experience the arts in a number of ways, as well as provide opportunities to eat, shop and enjoy a wide variety of entertainment,” said Nicole Rader, director of alumni engagement at Tusculum. “Music, theater, art showings and book signings are just a few of the arts we are featuring at this year’s festival.” Throughout the weekend on stage, the music will present the sounds of the region, with a wide variety of music from bluegrass to jazz featuring local vocalists and instrumentalists. Sunday will feature gospel music on all stages. This year’s special events will include an art show at Allison Gallery, theater performances by GLAWPIGT (Great Literature Alive, Well and Playing In Greeneville Tennessee) and a historical Lego building contest. The Allison Gallery will feature recent work by local artist Clem Allison, with a focus on aspects of the Tusculum campus. Allison previously served as art department chairman and director of the Division of Arts and Humanities until his retirement as professor emeritus of art in 2000. Local artist Nic Hankins will also be on site on Sunday at 1 p.m. to provide an interactive painting demonstration. The 2018 Old Oak Festival will also provide an opportunity for one-on-one interaction with local authors. Authors’ Row gives the public an opportunity to explore the works of local authors and talk to them about their work. The authors will be located in the lobby of the Pioneer Arena during the festival and will be signing works. The youth theater group, GLAWPIGT, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, will showcase the young talent of the Greeneville and Greene County school systems with special performances each day during the festival. The Third Annual LEGO Historical Building contest offers the opportunity for entrants to building their own historical structure. This year’s theme is American History. Reg-

istration begins on April 1. Anyone interested may sign up at www.facebook.com/ events/157242611642193/. Prizes will be awarded in five categories: Kindergarten- Grade 2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12 and Adults. Within each category there will be three winners: 1st Place, Runner-up, and Crowd Favorite. The judging will be held on Saturday, April 21, from 1-3 p.m., and the Awards Ceremony will be Sunday, April 22, at 3 p.m. at the Doak House Museum. Tusculum’s President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library will feature a new exhibit, “Tusculum at 225,” which will open to the public on April 20 and run throughout the festival. The museum exhibit is part of the celebration of the 225 birthday of Tusculum. "Working on the new exhibit has been an insightful experience in more than just the research aspect," said Alex Rollison, senior museum studies student. "Creating interpretative panels and building exhibit components is fantastic real world experience. While researching my time period I was able to learn more about the civic arts that Tusculum has put an emphasis on in the last 30 years." Additionally, 19th century style toys and games will be available in a special children’s area on the lawn near the Thomas J. Garland Library on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The games will be supervised by a service learning class from Tusculum. Medic Regional Blood Center will hold a blood drive behind Haynes Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. There is no fee to attend the festival. Art vendor hours will be Friday from noon until 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainment and food continues into the evening. For more information, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 423-636-7303. Service animals are welcome; however, no pets allowed. Coolers, firearms and alcohol are also prohibited on Tusculum College campus property during the festival. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. For updates and more information, visit the website at www.oldoakfestival.org or on Facebook.

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

MIDTOWN MEN Perform at NPAC

THE

he Midtown Men reunites stars from the smash Broadway hit musical, “Jersey Boys,” at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on April 20th at 7:30 p.m. Formed in 2010, the popular vocal group has been widely praised for their signature renditions of the greatest rock and roll songs of the 1960s. Together, they have played over 700 concerts in North America, Europe and China, and have headlined alongside over 30 symphonies including The Boston Pops and The National Symphony. Featuring stories and songs, their acclaimed concert features classic tunes originated by The Four Seasons, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, and more! Television audiences have enjoyed The Midtown Men on Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Chew, Katie, and Access Hollywood. Their debut album, THE MIDTOWN MEN: Sixties Hits, was met with critical acclaim and garnered 5 star album reviews

across iTunes. A follow-up live album and concert film, Meet The Midtown Men, has enjoyed multiple runs on public television nationwide and their holiday single, “All Alone On Christmas,” produced, arranged and recorded with Stevie Van Zandt and members of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, plays yearly across radio airwaves. Enjoy Sixties hits with The Midtown Men on Friday, April 20th at 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited with $40 mezzanine and $35 balcony seats. Tickets may be purchased online at NPACgreeneville.com, in person at the NPAC box office, or by calling 423-638-1679. NPAC offers online seat selection with no processing or delivery fees. There is an additional $1.50 ticketing fee per ticket regardless of purchase method. The box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The 1150 seat performing arts center is located adjacent to the campus of Greeneville High School. For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.npacgreeneville.com.

OPEN MIC

avid Joe Miller's Spoken Word OPEN MIC once again returns to McKinney Arts Center, 103 Franklin Ave. in downtown Jonesborough on Friday April 20th at 7pm. Sign up begins at 6:30. Participants are urged to bring their ten minute story or poetry and sign up to present their words in front of our enthusiastic and welcoming audience. There is no theme, no competition and no censorship. A ten minute time limit is enforced so that every will have a chance to tell, recite or read their work. This is a wonderful opportunity to try out new material or hone your public speaking skills. Guest hosts will be storytellers Jerry Muelver and Lori Olmstead, both wonderful Jonesborough storytellers. This even is always free and sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. David Joe Miller of Asheville, NC.

davidjoemiller.com

13 theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

The UNKNOWN

JOURNEY Into Spoken Word

here is good unknown and bad unknown. The “good” unknown can be things like roller coasters, zip lines, or horror movies. A “bad” unknown can include final exams, public speaking, fear of failure, or relationships. Why do we fear the unknown? And what role, if any, does the phenomenon of “dark matter” play in our fears? Explore these questions when mesmerizing mentalists Rich and Marielle Aimes present their interactive psychological workshop “Journey Into the Unknown” at Northeast State Community College on April 17. The event features THREE free workshops scheduled at 10:30 a.m., noon, and 7:00 p.m. at the Regional Center for the Performing Arts on the Blountville campus, 2425 Highway 75. Audiences will experience bizarre phenomenon of controlling ectoplasm, telekinesis (moving objects with mental energy), two-person telepathy and the manipulation of unseen forces. The workshop gives everyone tools to deal effectively with the unknown and even make those scary unknowns fun and positive. This is an interactive show for entertainment purposes only. A board-certified hypnotist with the National Board of Hypnotist Education and Certification (NBHEC), Rich Aimes studied psychology and theater as an undergraduate college student. As a student of hypnosis, he trained in Los Angeles and Florida with some of the top hypnotists in the country. Marielle, his wife and stage partner, is also a board certified hypnotist with NBHEC. The workshops are open to the public. For more information, contact 423.279.7669 or e-mail jpkelly@ NortheastState.edu.

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

May I Serve You? April 23 at 7 p.m. with musical guest

AARON JAXON

onesborough is known for its incredible hospitality and dedication to providing service. This month, the Jonesborough Yarn Exchange celebrates the stories of people who work in support of all the wonderful restaurants, shops, and activities in the region. From the town’s earliest beginnings, with David Deaderick’s store, providing everything from pantaloons to spectacles to razors, cloth, and other sundries, Jonesborough has always strived to provide for the needs and wants of the community. The Deaderick’s store in the early 1800’s, along with the Chester Inn, provided for the needs. Other places provided for the “wants”, like the Andrew Jackson Tavern, the saloon, Buddy Gresham’s Hotel and store (which during the 1930’s was the only place to purchase bubble gum), as well as Jarman’s Shoes and Dobyns-Taylor, up through today’s innovative and serviceoriented people like Deb Kruse at the Corner Cup Coffee Shop. Stories abound surrounding this region’s penchant for providing excellent care to locals, visitors, and guests. This month’s radio show on April 23 will bring to life the stories of the people who make our lives better- the stories of those who serve. Joining the cast this month as musical guest will be regional favorite, Aaron Jaxon, playing his original contemporary music, which The Sound Asylum says, “transcends modern country and rock, finding themselves somewhere on a dirt road near Dylan poeticism, Levon Helm country, Lynyrd Skynyrd rock and small-town church gospel.” The production will take place at 7 p.m. April 23, at the International Storytelling Center. For tickets, call 423-753-1010 or purchase online at: Jonesborough.com/tickets. The Yarn Exchange Radio Show is sponsored in part by The Tennessee Arts Commission and Ballad Health. For more information, contact Jules Corriere at 423-794-6320.

Festivals

Got an event coming up?

Events

Send it to The Loafer! info@theloaferonline.com

Concerts

Exhibits

at Holston River Brewing By Paul Kavanaugh

April 21

he David Mayfield Parade Headlines a Stellar cast of artists for Saturdays Lineup!!!!! Along with locals Annabelle's Curse, Virginia Ground, JP Parsons & The American Bandwagon and 49 Winchester, you will sample sounds of Bluegrass from David & Valerie Mayfield "The Bluegrass Sweethearts" to Americana, Indie Rock and even the Space Age Psychedelic Rock of The Wormholes from Charlotte, NC!!

April 22

unday Brunch and Jams at The Brewery will start at 11am and end at 2pm featuring Momma Molasses, Kirk Fleta and Bella Raye!!!

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

irginia Ground's Band Camp is a 2 Night, 3 Day gathering of friends, family and fans at Holston River Brewing Co. and Campground. ALL AGES are welcome, kids 12 & Under are FREE with an Adult ticket. With 3 Stages, you will get a taste of some of SWVA & NETN's BEST talent along with acts from The Carolinas, Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio!!! Weekend Passes are $55 and are for the entire weekend and include primitive camping. If you have a Camper or RV and need Full Hookups, you will need to purchase the "Full Hookup Upgrade" ticket for $40 in addition to the Weekend Pass. Friday and Saturday Only Passes are $35 each, Sunday Only is $20. The "MAIN Stage" will be in the parking lot facing the Brewery. The "Brewery Stage" is inside Holston River Brewing Co. and will serve as the 2nd stage for the festival. "The Garden of EDM" will serve as the 3rd Stage and will be in a Dance Tent in the back part of the campground and will be where the Late Night entertainment will take place!! Tent Stage will not kick off till after Midnight and go till early morning!!!

Spotlight Since 2010

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

- TUESDAY - April 17 -

- FRIDAY - April 20 -

If you or your band are playing in the upcoming week and would like to be in The Spotlight, call in advance to (423) 283-4324 or go online to: theloaferonline.com. Due to last minute cancellations or changes, please call the location to confirm.

- SATURDAY - April 21 -

Stemwinder Band Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Billy Crawford Band Down Home

Jon King & Ryan Asbury Bristol Station Brews & Taproom

Richard Hood, Smoky Mtn. Bluegrass Yee Haw Brewing Company

Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Nightshift Band Washington County Moose Lodge

Shady Sadie Just One More Bar & Grill

Blue Reign Quaker Steak & Lube

HB Beverly High Voltage

John Monnecka Sleepy Owl Brewery

Matt Smile, Wyldheart, Ashland Craft Patton-Crosswhite VFW Post 6975

The Midtown Men Niswonger Performing Arts Center

Blue Reign Quaker Steak & Lube

Crocodile Smile Sonny’s Cafe

L.I.P.S / Dead Wait / Swamp Rat Mecca Lounge

Cross Road Outdoorsmen Club

Kaitlyn Baker Down Home

Shooter Band Johnson City Senior Center

Cross Road Johnson City Moose Lodge

Andy Farrell Yee Haw Brewing Company

Shooter Band CJ’s Sports Bar

SHAKE yo MoneyMaker CJ’s Sports Bar

Nobody’s Darling Featuring Victor Travis Phillips High Voltage

- WEDNESDAY - April 18-

Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Gypsy Circus Cider Company Open Mic The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room HB Beverly Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill - THURSDAY - April 19

JP Parsons O’Mainnin’s Pub Wolf Hills Jazz Quartet Wellington’s Restaurant Chuck Brodsky Down Home The Tides Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill Jeff Little Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre - FRIDAY - April 20 -

Nerve Endings / Wampus Cat Indighost The Hideaway Steve Rutledge & the Groove Evolution Wild Wing Cafe The Tan and Sober Gentlemen Capone’s The Buddz Bristol VFW Post 6975 Marcus Bunch / Dylan Walshe Sleepy Owl Brewery The Pythia & Archaic Knowledge Bloom Cafe and Listening Room

Marques & Paul Quaker Steak & Lube Major Mojo w/ Annie Robinette Rain Nightclub The Buddz Patton- Crosswhite VFW Post 6975 Railway Express Country Club Bar & Grill Singer & Songwriter Nite Bears Bar The New Familiars, C2 & The Brothers Reed Holston River Brewing Company 415 In Progress Woodstone Deli - SATURDAY - April 21 -

Matt Hickey Band Wild Wing Cafe Loose Leaves, Juggernaut Stomp, Rhythm & The Roosevelts Capone’s

Ashland Craft Bristol VFW Post 6975 The Whiskey Sticks Damascus Brewery Jenny & the Hog Drovers Carter Family Fold Acoustifried Sonny’s Cafe Nightshift Band Show Palace The Get Right Band Wolf Hills Brewing

7 Mile Mushroom Model City Tap House Asylum Suite Country Club Bar & Grill Nothing Special Band Bears Bar CrossRoads Buffalo Ruritan David Mayfield Parade, Annabellas Curse Holston River Brewing Company Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria The PF Flyers Jericho Temple Loose Leaves Capone’s Rusty Steel w/ Quarter Bounce Kingsport Moose Lodge #972 Below 7 Woodstone Deli - SUNDAY - April 22 -

Marty Stuart Paramount Center for the Arts

Sundown Band David Thompson’s Produce The PF Flyers Jericho Temple

for show time & more details, visit

theloaferonline.com

TUESDAY

Karaoke w/ Crossroads & Josh Blevins at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke at Zachary’s Steakhouse - Kingsport Family Night Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke at Numan’s

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion Michael’s Krazy Karaoke at Marx the Spot Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City

THURSDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainmentat Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Zachary’s Steakhouse - Kingsport Michael’s Krazy Karaoke at Stateline Bar & Grill Karaokeat CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Marques Top Shelf Entertainment at Wild Wing Cafe - Johnson City Karaoke at Numan’s Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainmentat New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria

FRIDAY

KKaraoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke At Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke at Numan’s

SATURDAY

Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

Kara ke

Astronomy Day

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

A Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

t some time, we all look up and wonder about a bright star or marvel at the Milky Way when away from city lights. In that way everyone has a connection with astronomy, the oldest of the sciences. The spirit of stargazers is as old as the cave drawings of the Moon and stars etched by some primitive human tens of thousands of years ago. The night sky was mysterious to ancient stargazers, and in a way, it still is today. It takes a moment to realize that that Sun, Moon and stars move in the sky over our head because it is the Earth moving below our feet. The knowledge of the night is officially celebrated this Saturday on National Astronomy Day, also observed world-wide. Across the fruited plain of America, museums, science centers and space places will be talking all day about the wonders of the night. Catch the family fun activities at your closest science center. Maybe you had a parent or friend help you understand the seasons or maybe you got the stargazing bug and learned to trace the dot-to-dot patterns of the constellations. You don’t have to be kid, you can get turned on to the hobby of astronomy at any age. Unlike painting, quilting, pottery or any other hobby you can think of, in astronomy, nobody owns the original. Everyone has access to the authentic article, whether brightest star Sirius 8.2 light years away or the Andromeda Galaxy 2.2 billion light years distance. You, in a sense, own the Universe! The reward for every amateur astronomer showing people the sights in a telescope is the “Wow!” factor. That 1st look at Saturn is never forgotten—I’ve been asked many times if there’s a picture taped on a telephone pole that we’re looking at! That look in binoculars at The Pleiades star cluster is like a hundred dazzling diamonds. And the long gaze at the Andromeda Galaxy makes you wonder if anyone is looking back. Amateur astronomers are a lot like birdwatchers (except there is three or four times more of them). Both hobbies attract Renaissance people—involved in many liberal arts disciplines from music to writing. Basically, good people to hang out with, and usually full of great stories and insight. And they’ll know what that bright star is in the evening twilight these Spring evenings (Venus). Do you want to escape the doldrums or just clear your head? Pull out the lawn chair, dress appropriately for weather, and just lay outside under the stars. You’ll see satellites, maybe a meteor and lost of stars. Sit or lay out in the shadows away from neighborhood lights. Allow your eyes a good 15 minutes to adapt to the dark and you’ll see much more. A red light will not ruin that “night vision,” but avoid any white light or you start all over dilating your eyes in the dark.

this Saturday

Time to Look Up!

Starlight is something very special. It acts like a wavelength—that’s where we get the color like when a prism separates those wavelengths into red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. And starlight acts like a particle, entering your eye and bouncing around your retina. A piece of that star has entered your body, and just think about it, we are absorbing starlight just like sunlight. Stars are also a time machine, as the distances are so incredibly far that even at an amazing 186,000 mile per second, starlight takes dozens, hundreds and even thousands of years to reach our eye. That’s what a telescope is, a time machine, showing us celestial wonders as they once were, not knowing how they have changed. Amateur astronomy has many different areas that appeal to some but not all. There are those who enjoy watching variable stars change in brightness over days, weeks and months (there are hundreds of these stars). Others hunt for double and multiple star systems (two thirds of all stars we see have a companion). Many amateur astronomers enjoy the planets and Moon from their light polluted backyards. They aren’t affected by the lack of dark sky. But when away from civilization and those pesky security lights, most amateur astronomers like hunting down the “faint fuzzies,” those galaxies and nebulae that look like a grey dust ball under the bed. It took photography to reveal the true nature of the Great Nebula of Orion being a huge stellar nursery and Andromeda being an island of hundreds of billions of stars like our own Milky Way Galaxy. A funny thing about being an amateur astronomer…how can you know so much about something and still be an amateur? You don’t see amateur biologists dissecting frogs on the sidewalks. Or amateur chemists making polymers to a park audience. Yet. Amateur astronomers number about 500,000 in America. The set-up telescopes and binoculars in parking lots, rural meadows and parks, showing off the jewels of the night. Most everyone has a star story. A lot of us have seen our first meteors on a camping trip with family or scouts. Maybe you remember Comet Hale-Bopp in 1997, or that 2003 closest approach of Mars. And how about the 2017 Great American Eclipse when our favorite star hid behind the Moon? Yeah, admit it, you, too, enjoy astronomy. Your ears perk up hearing news about planets orbiting other stars, and your eyes remember the latest incredible image from the Hubble Space Telescope you’ve seen. And when there is another “Super Moon,” or that special “Super Blue Blood Moon,” who you gonna call? You’re astronomy friend, that’s who! And they’ll always tell you to keep asking cosmic questions and keep looking up.

stronomy Day on Saturday puts the focus on the hobby that begs you to look up. Started in 1973, the celebration of stargazing if filled with family fun activities at science centers around America. Always around the First Quarter Moon, our celestial neighbor is a great place to begin a lifetime of looking up and becoming familiar with our night sky. Tuesday, April 17 On this 1970 date in space history, America’s Apollo 13 aborted moon mission safely landed in the Pacific Ocean after a nearfatal four-day emergency ordeal. The rescue mission of the three astronauts is aptly portrayed in the Hollywood movie “Apollo 13.” The world watched closely as an exploded oxygen tank on the way to the Moon put the crew in mortal danger and tested NASA space engineers with their biggest challenge ever. Wednesday, April 18 Orion starts to nod toward the western horizon as it sets around 10:30 pm, taking with it the bright star patterns of Winter, including Taurus, Canis Major and Gemini. Thursday, April 19 That bright star near the crescent Moon is the eye of Taurus the Bull, the star Aldebaran. On this 1971 date in space history, the Soviet Union launched the world’s first space station, called Salyut 1. It was occupied for 28 days by the three-man crew of Soyuz 11. But an air leak in the cabin during reentry killed the cosmonauts, quietly suffocating them as their spaceship landed safely.

Friday, April 20 On this 1972 date in space history, Apollo 16 safely landed on the Moon in a mountainous area called Descartes. John Young, deceased, and Charlie Duke, 84, camped out for three days on the lunar surface, driving their Lunar Rover 17 miles during three, 7-hour exploration trips outside the safety of their moon ship. Saturday, April 21 National Astronomy Day! Check out local planetariums and science centers wherever you are for some day and night events to take astronomy to the people. Sunday, April 22 NFirst Quarter Moon is tonight in Cancer between Gemini and Leo. Springtime is Big Dipper time—just look to the north to see this all-time favorite star pattern. Its two outside bowl stars are the “pointers” that guide a person to the North Star, Polaris. Follow the handle curve to bright star Arcturus and continue the arc to blue-white Spica and red planet Mars above. Monday, April 23 In the north, the Big Dipper is visible in all its glory, its three-star handle arching to bright star Arcturus, speeding on to bright white star Spica with red Mars above in the ancient a huge constellation Virgo the Virgin.

19 theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Apr. 17-23, 2018 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

The Awful

TRUTH

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

ther than Film Noir, Screwball Comedy is perhaps the most revered form of film made during Hollywood’s golden era. Director Leo McCarey’s 1937 screwball comedy “The Awful Truth” is one of the high watermarks of the genre. This charming, delightful film stars Cary Grant (swoon), Irene Dunne (swoon) and was a big hit upon its release both critically and commercially. “The Awful Truth” was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning one for Best Director—the first of two Best Director Oscars Leo McCarey would win during his career (The second for the 1944 film “Going My Way” with Bing Crosby). In “The Awful Truth” Grant and Dunne play a young, witty couple Jerry and Lucy Warriner. Grant returns home after two weeks in Florida—only he didn’t go to Florida and is at his club trying to get a quick tan on a sunlamp to cover. After arriving home, Dunne appears too—along with another man dressed the nines in tails. It’s her music teacher, whom she had to stay the evening with since the car broke down “unexpectedly” they claim. Lucy soon learns that Jerry didn’t actually spend two weeks in Florida—and the two begin to grow suspicious of one another and split up. Jerry and Lucy divorce—with a 60 day wait time for the full terms to take effect. Lucy moves into her aunt’s apartment, where she meets one of the neighbors, a wealthy Oklahoma businessman played by Ralph Bellamy. Jerry gets mixed up at first with a nightclub performer, then with a wealthy socialite. Lucy and Jerry both keep running into each other out and about,

and start to engage in little fun exercise to upturn the other’s romance, all the while perhaps realizing that maybe they filed for divorce just a bit too hastily. It had been a few years since I had seen “The Awful Truth” which comes out on blu-ray this week for the first time in a wonderful new edition from The Criterion Collection. Last time I saw the film was during my Nashville days when I caught a 35mm print of it playing in town at a Cary Grant festival. In the course of Grant’s career “The Awful Truth” was a very important film for the iconic actor. Grant had been working his way through his film career trying to find out exactly who he was. Less we forget that “Cary Grant” was an invention of the British born Archie Leach (Grant’s real name). McCarey was a masterful director of slapstick and liked to improvise on set—early in his career he worked on silent comedies and with Laurel and Hardy. Grant was hesitant of working with McCarey on the film and tried desperately to back out of it—that open, improvisation style seemed daunting. But McCarey insisted Grant stay in the film and worked with him. Grant had been an acrobat in his younger life, and together the two helped to solidify that light comedy profile that we all know and love today as “Cary Grant.” The confidence, the physically, the facial gestures, the ease with words. It all came together during “The Awful Truth” and the world would be ever grateful for it.

BATTERIES continued on page 26

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

HOW DOES YOUR

By Paul Kavanaugh

GARDEN GROW? T

hat’s a great question this time of the year. When do you plant what? Is your soil ready for the season? How about the fertilizer? We chatted with Denise Torbett at Torbett’s Plant Farm in Piney Flats to gain some insight on how to do it right. No matter what you are planting, you need to properly prepare your soil. Getting the weeds out and generally cleaning up the area is the very first step. But then, before you start any planting, broadcast some fertilizer over the entire area and then till the garden to get it all mixed up. Direct fertilizer can burn plants, so it is quite important to get it mixed in to the soil. So now, when to do the planting. Well, the cool weather crops, onions, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli can all go in now. A late freeze should not hurt them, nor does cool weather. The staples of most local gardens, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, radishes, zucchini, eggplant, etc. have a different planting premise. These will not grow until the ground begins to get warm. The traditional date is Mother’s Day – Denise says just use May 10 as your target. She recommends a 10-10-10 fertilizer, which refers to the three main ingredients, nitrogen, phosphate and potash. But do NOT put a little fertilizer in each hole as you plant. This will tend to burn out your plants because it is too strong – use the aforementioned broadcast and till method. Later, as your garden starts to mature, and you want to use some additional fertilizer, don’t put it on the plants themselves – dig a small trench near the plants and put it in there. It will reach the plants without doing any harm. I missed this tip last year and hurt my tomatoes as we went along. Didn’t wreck the whole crop, but definitely held production down. The helpful staff at Torbett’s are always happy to answer questions and point you in the right direction. They are stocking a huge variety of garden ready plants this year, getting them started in their greenhouse. Denise says a couple varieties of tomatoes, the German Johnson and the Old Timey Yellow with Red Center are going to bee very popular this year as are her Excursion peppers in multiple colors and flavors. Good luck on your garden. Be sure to call The Loafer when your tomatoes start to come in and we will be more than happy to help you eat them!

I Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

Rated PG-13 4 Aliens (out of 4)

've always considered the "Alien" movies to be some of the best sci-fi/horror films ever produced. Now along comes "A Quiet Place", giving the "Alien" series a run for its frights. The film is directed by John Krasinski, who stars in the film with his real-life wife Emily Blunt, and is the tale of a frightening not so distant future, 2020, after the Earth has all but been decimated by nasty extra-terrestrials. Not only do these aliens have the appearance of a creature from your worst nightmares, they have highly sensitive hearing which causes them to attack at the slightest sound. The story introduces us to the Abbott family, led by Lee (Krasinski) and Evelyn (Blunt), who live in farm country with their children, one of which is hearing impaired. The family survives by harvesting food from their farmland and scavenging supplies from the nearest deserted town. They must always walk barefooted and communicate via American Sign Language. Lee has been attempting to create a device to help with his daughter Regan's (Millicent Simmonds) hearing, and despite having little to no success, one of his devices will play a pivotal role in the fight against the aliens. The family has adapted well to their situation, with Lee training his son Marcus (Noah Jupe) to catch fish and how to care for the family when he grows older. Of course, there are several "accidents" leading to the unwanted appearance of the vile invaders, and I must again convey they are frightening in appearance. To make matters even more challenging for the family, Evelyn is about to give birth, so you can imagine the trouble and danger this could bring to the Abbott house. In a smart move, Lee has monitors set up in the basement of the house to monitor the land around his house for any sightings of the unsightly creatures. The family has also prepared for the pending birth of the latest Abbott, and I must say the way they plan to help shield the babies crying is extremely clever. As with any family, there are some internal conflicts which are resolved due to their harrowing experiences with the nasty invaders. The film has plenty of jump worthy moments, and I was jolted several times. I was really impressed with the intensity of the film, and how many surprises were delivered by the screen writers. The actors were very impressive and effective in their roles, and Krasinski sure put his wife through some tough moments, but Blunt proved she could deliver. The child actors were extremely good, and were a definite highlight of the film. At the end of the film I felt like I could finally exhale, and left the theater wishing for a sequel. I made the mistake of eating popcorn during the film, which I felt embarrassed doing because of the films many quiet moments. I recommend a snack of soft candy or just a drink for this one. Leave the popcorn and nachos in the lobby. "A Quiet Place" is a thrilling sic-fi/horror flick on par with the "Alien" films. Shhh! Don't made a sound.

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

A QUIET PLACE

METALFIGS

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

NANO

The Nerd's Corner

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

implicity, portability, affordability and the chase. Just a few of the words that come to mind when thinking of this new line currently flying off the shelves at stores! These collectors recently found themselves in the toy (searching for the latest Funko POP! and Marvel Legends) and something caught our attention that we hadn’t seen there before. What were these small painted metal characters hanging from the pegs in the toy isle? A new product? A new line from an existing toy? What could this be that captivated our minds and captured our wallets? It seemed as if we had stumbled upon the newest creation by Jada Toys, the Nano Metalfigs. The new toys are 1:65 IN scale, stand about 1 and ½ inch tall and made of 100% die cast metal. The tiny painted metal characters cost less than $1.00 (only 97 cents to be exact at Walmart!) and come in cardboard packaging with a plastic display window just like their larger scale counterparts of plastic. It appears as of now, these little guys can be found in your favorite Marvel, DC, Harry Potter, WWE Wrestling, Street Fighter, Fantastic Beast, Halo and Disney/Pixar characters. You have the options of purchasing them in a single pack toy, a five pack, ten pack and even 20 pack assortments. What we found was that the multi packs contain characters that can’t be bought in the single packs. So for instance if you are a Harry Potter fan, and you want to collect the whole set, the only way you will be able to get Ginny Weasley Quidditch is to buy the 20 pack assortment as she is exclusive to that package. Or if you want to get Severus Snape, you must buy the Nano Scene – yes you read that right, Jada also makes scenes for the nano figures, currently only for Harry Potter and DC and these boxed scenes also have exclusive characters. So while they may be cheap to buy, some can also be hard to find. It may also be worth noting that after searching several Walmart and Target stores (Toys R Us also sells them – RIP), it appears that the figures are being released in waves. While we were able to find most of the ones we were interested in (it looks as of now most sets are only in Wave 1 or Wave 2) we noticed that some have not been released. The back of the cardboard packaging is a good reference as it shows pictures of the remaining in the set of the one you are holding and even has a checklist to use if you don’t care to write on it. For those that are “in box” and “in package” collectors like us, you can go to www.jadatoysinc.com and download/print official checklist of the set you like. These new toys are like a flashback to the simpler days of collecting in the 80’s. The toys are cheap – more kids will be able to afford them for purchase AND if they lose it or destroy it, it’s not the end of the world! At 97 cents, its easily replaceable, if you can find it, and they

“

start all over again. They are small, so they fit easily in most places. Kids can carry them in their pockets, backpacks and trade them on the playground. And unlike most toys of their size these days, these are not in some type of mystery box, black plastic bag or any other way hidden. You can clearly see which figure you are purchasing making it much easier for us that try to complete whole sets. Some of you may still be asking, “who is Jada Toys” or “what is a metalfig”, so let us give some background information on this company and toy. Jada Toys is an American manufacturer of collectible diecast model cars, figurines and radio controlled vehicles. The company started in 1999 so its still fairly new but established in the toy industry. The company headquarters is in City of Industry, CA and sells all over the US market. 2016 saw the introduction to the Metal Die Cast line of figures. These popular toys were made in 4 inch and 6 inch scales with limited characters in 10 inch and 12 inch scale. Due to the popularity of these new items and the release of over 150 different die cast products in the first year, the Nano Metalfig was release. We hope with the introduction of this new toy line, it may give some of you an idea for a new collectable. Its small enough to display or store, cheap enough to collect full series and popular enough that it covers some of the major collecting lines. We fully expect to see these collectables around for a long time and popping up at toy fairs and cons!

Here is the truth about being a nerd. You don't have to be an expert in something, you just have to be passionate. There is no test and no application. Only a love of a thing that is the best.” Cecil Castellucci

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

JENNY

& the Hog Drovers

At Carter Family Fold

aturday, April 21st, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert of old time music by Warren Wilson College’s old time band - Jenny & the Hog Drovers with their professor Phil Jamison. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $2 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free. Jenny and the Hog Drovers are an old time stringband from Asheville, North Carolina that formed at Warren Wilson College as part of the college’s Traditional Music Program. Band members include Maddy Mullany (fiddle), Clarke Williams (fiddle and banjo), Phil Jamison (banjo), Leo Shannon (guitar), and Landon George (bass). The band’s name comes from the “drovers” who herded hogs to market from the mountains of western North Carolina during the nineteenth century. Warren Wilson College is a Work College – all students participate in a work program - & two of the band members have worked with the pigs on the college’s farm. Phil Jamison is a nationally known dance caller, old time musician, and fine flatfoot dancer. He has called dances, performed, and taught throughout the U.S. and overseas since the early 1970s. During that time, he spent more than thirty-five years as a member of the Green Grass Cloggers. His flatfoot dancing was featured in the film Songcatcher for which he also served as Traditional Dance consultant. For twenty-two years, he toured with Ralph Blizard and the New Southern Ramblers. Ralph was a much- loved member of the Carter Fold family who won the NEA National Heritage Award just prior to his death. Phil recently published a book called Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance which was based on over thirty years of research. Having taught Appalachian music and dance (and mathematics) at Warren Wilson College for twenty-five years, Phil coordinates the Old Time Music and Dance Week at the Swannanoa Gathering. Phil and the Green Grass Cloggers did a fund raiser in the late 1970s to concrete the Carter Fold’s dance floor. The Fold will be hosting a film crew the 21st as well. Come on out and join us for some of the best traditional old time music you’ll ever hear. Bring your friends, your family, and your dancing shoes. You can check out Jenny & the Hog Drovers (& Phil Jamison) on Facebook, YouTube, and on the web. It just doesn’t get better than hearing old time music in the place it came from. For further information on the center, go to www.carterfamilyfold.org or call 276-386-6054.

BATTERIES continued from page 20

Biker Notice Runs, Rides and Bike Nights Sponsored by Bear’s Bar

This will be a new addition to The Loafer. Just like the bands in Spotlight and the Karaoke events, we are adding a new section to let folks know about events in our biker community. To list your upcoming ride or event, please email details and basic info to info@theloaferonline. com. A contact name and phone are mandatory as are date, time, etc.

Paramount Partners

As I said it had been a few years since I last saw “The Awful Truth” and the awful truth of that is that I had forgotten just how funny this film is. Irene Dunne and Cary Grant make for a dream team, and both of them are such a delight together on screen that it makes this movie a pure pleasure from start to finish. With McCarey’s able direction and a terrific supporting cast, this film is such a gem. The Criterion Collection’s blu-ray of“The Awful Truth” is simply marvelous. There’s a new 4K restoration of the film made from surviving 35mm elements—the film’s original negative no longer exists, and as such grain may be just a tiny touch on the high side, but it’s not distracting or a negative. The film looks sparkling, and that beautiful, silvery nitrate black and white look of films from this era really shines in HD. Special Features for this blu-ray include an interview with film critic Gary Giddins about McCarey, a video essay from critic David Cairns on Grant’s performance and his transformation into “Cary Grant.” There’s also an illustration audio interview with Irene Dunne from 1978, and a Lux Radio Theater adaptation of the film from 1949 that stars Grant and Claudette Colbert. A booklet rounds out the features with an essay by film critic Molly Haskell. Criterion has put together another wonderful edition of a film from Hollywood’s golden age. “The Awful Truth” is still as fresh and as funny as it was in 1937, and this new blu-ray gives audiences a chance to see it looking the best it has in years. Highly recommended by yours truly. See you next week.

Discounts available with ticket stub day of performance

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

• Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Half off first pint or flight • Blackbird Bakery 10% off your order • Stateline Bar & Grille 2 for 1 Appetizers • Machiavelli’s Buy An Appetizer, Get second one for Half Price • The Angry Italian Half Off Toasted Ravioli • Quaker Steak & Lube 10% Off Total Order (Excluding Alcohol and Tax) • Zachary's Steakhouse 10% Off Total Order (Excluding Alcohol and Tax) • Whiskey Rebellion 1/2 Off Your Appetizer & Free Dessert w/Entree

Visit paramountbristol.org

Discounts valid for any and all performances at The Paramount.

Carefully perched The watchman Keeping an eye From high atop his nest Proper vantage point Those below Unsuspecting Carrying on the routine

The Casual Word

By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord thecasualword@ gmail.com

Mundane Ordinary Lifeless All the while He records these movements Keeping a fixed gaze A steady mind This silent sentinel Casting a stare Without ever casting stones On his marble observatory

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

Gargoyle

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

Answers on page 38

Oreo is a 2 year old male domestic short hair. He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. A very sweet and friendly cat!

Patches is a 3 year old female domestic short hair. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. This sweetie is ready for her furrever home!

he Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville, TN 37617 and a second aluminum can collection site at Airworks Heating and Cooling, 5633 Memorial Blvd Kingsport. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals. The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time.

Donations can be sent to The Bridge Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items: pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies, Purina weight circles. Phone: 423-239-5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm6pm Sat 12pm-3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www.bridgehomerescue@ gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bridgehome

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

PETS

OF THE WEEK

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

THINGS TO DO

keep music selections in the style NRHS; attn.: Carolyn Gregg, 460 Master Gardener Class The 2017 North East Tennessee of the show and no longer than 32 Plainview Heights Circle, GreenMaster Gardener class is sponsor- measures (1/2 minute long). Sheet eville, TN 37745. Space is limited and tickets ing a Srping Forward Fair on the music should be in a 3-ring binder must be purchased no later than 21st of April Saturday from 9am to and clearly marked for the accomMay 7. For more information, 3pm at the Ron Ramsey Regional panist. Be prepared to list any concontact Carolyn Gregg at carolyn- Agricultural Center 140 Spurgeon flicts or potential conflicts during Wisdom of Mantra course you can bring your own gregg55@yahoo.com, 423-639- Lane Blountville Tn. There will be the rehearsal process. Rehearsal Russill Paul, world-renowned drums or percussion. It's all im- 3966 or 423-329-4369. food, prizes,vendors,special topic will begin in full force in June and teacher, musician and mantra provised, so there are no misspeakers,gardening and home- continue all summer. There will be •••••••••••••••••••••••••• master returns to Johnson City. takes. We just smile and keep stead workshops, make and take a tentative rehearsal schedule proFriday, April 20, 2018, 7:30pm playing. Shine or rain, the pavil- The Casual Word and much more! Free and open to vided at auditions. Performance Healing the Healer ion has us covered. Bring your Adult Creative Writing Class the public. More info at springfor- dates are Thursdays through SunHealing the Mantra Meditations own seating! Join us for a free, fun, engag- wardgardenfair.com and master- days, August 17 – September 9. Saturday, April 21, 2018, 1-4pm For more information, contact the •••••••••••••••••••••••••• ing, and different look into writ- gardeners2017@gmail.co. Transform Negative Energy into director, Janette Gaines, at jrteduing. In this class, we will not focus •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Positive Force: Mantras for Daily Liv- Train excursion & cation@gmail.com. on structure, form, or rules, but ing. $40 Early bird, $45 at the door Riverboat cruise JRT to hold Auditions on the freedom of writing. It is •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Saturday, April 21, 2018, 7pm The George L. Carter Railroad the goal of this class to open the The Jonesborough Repertory Soaring With Angels and Other Museum at East Tennessee State mind to its full creative potential Theatre will hold auditions at the City celebrates Earth Day Spiritual Presences: Concert – Ec- University and the George L. CartIn recognition of Earth Day, the by allowing participants to write theatre on Sunday, April 22, at 3:00 static Mantras for Dancing & Devo- er Chapter of the National Railp.m. and Monday, April 23, at 7:00 staff at Steele Creek Park will be what they want, how they want to tion. $20 Early bird, $25 at the door way Historical Society will sponp.m. It’s located at 125.5 W. Main overseeing a clean-up day at the write it. Sessions will be student Sunday, April 22, 2018, 2-5pm sor a scenic train excursion and Street in Jonesborough, TN. Castpark. The event is scheduled for lead; we will engage in topics and Celebrating Earth Day and the riverboat cruise in Knoxville on ing male and female roles ranging Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 9am subjects that are of interest to Divinity of our Biology: When Saturday, May 19. from ages 10 – 60. Auditions will to Noon. Anyone wishing to take the students. The atmosphere is Mantra meets Tantra. $40 Early Tickets for the excursion are casual and jovial. This class is de- consist of dancing, singing and cold part in the clean-up day can meet bird, $45 at the door $90 each for adults and $80 for signed for all those 18 and up who readings. Please wear comfortable at the Nature Center to collect supWeekend Event Ticket Prices: children ages 3-12; children ages wish to try their hand at creative shoes and clothing. If you’d like to plies and receive instructions for Early Bird Discount for tickets two and under may ride free. writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. be considered for one of the princi- the day. For more information, conpurchased before Apr 1, 2018 Passengers should arrive at Jones Creativity Center. Bristol pal roles, come prepared with a vo- tact the Nature Center at 423-989are $110. Ticket prices beginning ETSU’s parking lot 22A on Go cal audition. You may bring sheet 5616 or email jstout@bristoltn.org. Public Library. April 1 are $135. Bucs Trail no later than 7:30 a.m. music or sing a’ cappella. Please Tickets can be purchased by to travel to Knoxville. The Three contacting Samadhi Healing Arts Rivers Rambler steam train will Center at (423) 926-2020. Checks depart from the depot at 10 a.m. Cryptogram: You have all the reason in the world to achieve your grandest dreams. can be mailed to Samadhi Heal- and follow a scenic route along Imagination plus innovation equals realization. ing Arts Center, 423 W Walnut the Tennessee River. Upon return- DropQuote: "But penance need not be paid in suffering... It can be paid in forward motion. St, Johnson City, TN 37604 or ing to the boat dock at noon, pas- Correcting the mistake is a positive move, a nurturing move." follow the link to Eventbrite at sengers will be delivered to the www.eventbrite.com/e/wisdom- Tennessee Riverboat Co.for the of-mantra-with-russill-paul- luncheon cruise. Buses will begin tickets-43147421098 to purchase loading at 2:30 p.m. for departure tickets online. at 3 p.m. and will return to Johnson City around 5:30 p.m. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Ticket order and liability waiver Johnson City Community forms are available at the Carter Drum Circle Railroad Museum, located in the The Johnson City Community Campus Center Building at ETSU Drum Circle meets every Wednes- and open on Saturdays from 10 day evenings through October 24, a.m. to 3 p.m., or by visiting www. 7pm - 8:30pm, inside the Farmers’ memrr.org and clicking on “NRHS Market Pavilion next to Founders Excursions” and “Excursions.” A Park. Everyone is welcome and signed liability waiver form must any body can play. Come drum, accompany the ticket request. hoop/holler, dance, or just relax Payment may be made by check and take in the scene, no experi- or money order payable to the ence or “talent” necessary. There G.L. Carter Chapter, NRHS, and are shared instruments and of mailed to G.L. Carter Chapter,

been in flux throughout our history. A recent, and very mind-blowing example is David Reich’s much-discussed new book, WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE GOT HERE: ANCIENT DNA AND THE NEW SCIENCE OF THE HUMAN PAST. I am adopting a wait-and-see attitude about these linguistic changes. Will they be able to coexist with our familiar Harbrace Handbook rules, or will they bring about a revolution in written expression? Or will they only be a passing fad that will be forgotten by this time next year? My guess is that, like so many other developments, they will meet with initial resistance and then gradually be integrated in our communication. I am therefore going to be noncommittal in my attitude for the time being to avoid any unpleasant confrontations. And I am definitely not a confrontational person. Especially when it involves arguing the finer points of whether to capitalize or not. However, I will attempt to compose a full sentence using the new language rules as listed above. Here goes: “Although i cant fully accept these new rules of grammar i want to make THE POINT that we should be open minded (..) because IDK where all this is going and we shouldnt create unnecessary confusion or anger so lets #justchill and relax LOL while all of this plays out” Even though I seem to have gotten my point across, I feel like my writing the previous sentence was an act of rebellion. So please don’t expect next week’s column to be written in this manner, because I am not quite ready to make the transition into this brave new world of “atypical capitalisation.” And let’s not forget that my daughter often chides me for my grammatically-correct text messages. Here’s hoping you will spend this week contemplating how you use words. See you Next Week TM

ENGLISH 101:

Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

Out With THE OLD, In With THE NEW?

31 theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018

anguage is a very malleable, and very human thing. As Tom Wolfe writes in his thought-provoking new book, THE KINGDOM OF SPEECH, language is the thing that defines our humanity. Looks like we humans evolved as creatures that speak in order to compensate for our very poor sensory skills (i.e. dogs smell, hear, and see much better than we do). Grammar quite naturally evolved in the wake of speech and gave us the power--and the rules--to communicate in simple yet sophisticated ways. Now it seems those rules are evolving once again. In a very interesting and infuriating (to some, at least) article (Mashable, April 2, 2018), Rachel Thompson tells us that Millennials “destroyed the rules of written English--and created something better.” This “something better” is contentious to say the least and has become a hot-button issue for those who teach grammar. According to Thompson, “spelling and grammar rules do not apply on the Millennial Internet. That’s because millennials have created a new rulebook for a variant of written English unique to social media. A rulebook which states that deliberately misspelled words and misused grammar can convey tone, nuance, humour, and even annoyance.” These are, quite understandably, fighting words for the vast army of English composition teachers that occupy classroom across the world. Not everyone who teaches English is ready to do battle, however. Dr. Lauren Fonteyn, an English Linguistics teacher at the University of Manchester, is confident that “millennials are breaking the constraints of written English to be as expressive as you can be in spoken language.” Further, this “new variant of written English strives to convey what body language and tone and volume of voice can achieve in spoken English.” Some of these new rules include “atypical capitalisation” (capitalizing words that normally aren’t capitalized and reducing others to lower case letters), removal of abbreviation marks (such as “dont,” “cant,” and “im”), use of those familiar texting abbreviations like “lol,” “idk,” and “bc”, and “paralinguistic meaning” (the use of periods to denote a full stop, which is often interpreted to mean that the writer is angry or frustrated, or just wants you to stop reading). And then there is the use of the “comma-ellipsis” which uses two periods (..) that mean “continue” or “please elaborate” and three periods (...) that conveys an “awkward or annoyed silence” or “are you serious?” And then there is the absence of any punctuation to convey “unadulterated excitement.” All of these new rules, and more, are apparently designed to more closely align written language with body language and emotion. And, of course, they are clever and defiant ways of announcing that this world no longer belongs to our parents and grandparents. Sound a little like the “never trust anyone over 30” phrase that was so prevalent during my formative years “back in the day” (i.e. the 1960s). Dr. Peredur Webb-Davis, a professor of Welsh Linguistics (how intriguing) from Bangor University sums all this up by saying that what “we’re witnessing is the nascent beginnings of informal written English becoming even more expressive than spoken English.” For most English grammar teachers, this probably sounds like the end of the world, a virtual linguistic apocalypse (VLA). For those who are becoming overly excited about these changes, we are witnessing some very interesting research that suggests that language has

theloaferonline.com | April 17, 2018