9
“Freedom Anthem” at LampLight Theatre
15
Arts In The Park Artists’ Deadline
...plus so much more
Page 2 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
www.theloaferonline.com
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 3
Volume 29 • Issue #35
Umoja 2015
Publisher Luci Tate
Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle
Downtown Johnson City
Office Manager Luci Tate Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Terry Patterson Lori Hughes Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Joshua Hicks Karie Grace Duncan Brian Bishop Nathan Cox 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 (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (advertising) All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any loss of expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.
Founder: Bill Williams
happenings 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 23
UMOJA 2015 Emi Sunshine at Carter Family Fold ETSU Intern hopes to bring nonprofits together Homegrown Tomato Fest BigWig Challenge Border Bash Sweet Sixteen Summer Concert 2nd Annual “Hear Me Roar!” Hollow Ground at Winged Deer Park Kim Weitkamp to Host Storytelling Live!
music & fun 14 24
Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times Crossword & Sudoku
columns & reviews 12 Batteries Not Included - Indiana Jones and The Basement of Doom 16 She Does It Herself - No-Bake Pies 23 The Trivial Traveler - Remember the Desert of Maine 18 Stargazer - Perseid Meteors Flying; Peak Aug. 12th 19 Skies This Week 20 Mountain Movers - Russell Bennett Interview 22 Screen Scenes - “Pixels” 25 Lock, Stock & Barrel - Preventing Blowblack 26 Kelly’s Place - Tequila Mockingbird
Page 4 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
UMOJA 2015
August 14th & 15th •Downtown Johnson City
Since 1978 Umoja Art and Cultural Inc.’s mission has been to bridge and unify diverse cultures through education and artistic presentations of art, culture and heritage with Umoja 2015. In 1997 that community picnic became a full fledged festival and in 2010 it moved to downtown Johnson City. Umoja 2015 will be held August 14th and 15th, 2015. Today our festival’s permanent home allows the festival to spread out and to be more accessible to all. Here we have a festival atmosphere and a place where downtown businesses can bring in more revenue. This years festival, Umoja 2015!, will be bigger and more exciting than ever featuring dozens of international arts and crafts vendors as well as a selection of diverse food options. Unique local, regional and national artists will perform on one of the many stages to be located throughout the downtown area. A children’s park and entertainment will be provided for young kids. There will be blocks of family fun to be experienced by the expected crowd of up to 40,000 visitors over the two days. Your company can experience increased exposure, branding, team building, employee fellowship through corporate partnership of Umoja 2015! Although the original unity picnic was removed from the original location, the tradition continues; and on an even larger scale, upholding the purpose of the Umoja ... A celebration of ethnic diversity and universal love of life Artisans: Over the years Johnson City has attracted many artists and artisans to its festivals. Umoja 2015 will do that again, but in a different way. This year, for the first time ever, live artisans will be gathering in downtown Johnson City for the two days of Umoja 2015. These artists will be exhibiting their trade to the public. That’s right, the public can watch while glass is blown, metal is smithed, leather is worked, wood is carved, yarn is spun; just to name a few of the potential exhibits to be on display. Not only will they be displaying their trade, but each artist will have the opportunity to sell the items they are making in the complimentary 10’x10’ booth provided to them, a $350 value. These trades help us understand and be exposed to otherwise unknown cultural ties to other heritages. There are many types of culture in the world. Music, religion, sports, and military help us define various cultures. What is culture? Culture refers to learned behaviors, and to practices of specific groups of people. Though we have talked about different cultures for years, it is very noticeable that the words culture and changing culture have become the latest buzzwords. Food: The focus of Umoja 2015 is to provide the community an opportunity to sample items from around the world, from different countries and cultures. One of the things that every culture does, just in their own way, is food. Currently we are soliciting food vendors who offer a taste
of that world diversity. Umoja 2015 is about sharing, even something as simple as a meal, and experiencing a new culture. Food trucks are permitted as well as 10x10 and 10x20 booths. Crafts: Craft vendors will come from around the world to display their handmade goods. These items range from artisan wares to jewelry, clothing, or photography and much more. These crafts are traditions that are passed down through generations. At Umoja 2015, items of importance to the heritage of ethnic groups from around the globe will be featured. Entertainment: Umoja 2015 is set to feature a variety of local, regional, and national acts featuring different styles and genres of music from around the world. New to the festival this year, the main stage will be in Downtown Square. At capacity it will accommodate over 15,000 attendees. Our feature stage will host not only local and regional artists but will showcase international artists. Thus continuing the effort to bring cultural awareness to the community through entertainment and music. Also in collaboration with ETSU and The National
Storytelling Festival, our spoken word stage is to feature storytellers from around the world. A part of our history no matter where we are from is the stories passed from generation to generation. The annual Umoja Parade will take place on August 15th at 10am. The parade allows organizations and businesses the opportunity to showcase their resources available to the community. This year we have entries from area churches, Science Hill drumline, ETSU athletics, Chaparral motors, and local businesses. We are still accepting entries for the parade. For more information please contact Ron Smith @ (423) 741-5079 or (423) 737-6544.
www.theloaferonline.com
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 5
What is Umoja?
Umoja is Swahili for “Unity” which is to be in harmony, and of one accord, to combine and to include all.
www.umojajc.org
Page 6 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
Emi Sunshine performs at Carter Family Fold
Saturday, August 8th, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert of Appalachian music by Emi Sunshine. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free. It’s impossible to explain the exceptional talents of Emi Sunshine, a 10-year old east Tennessee prodigy who has captured the nation’s attention as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Steeped in Appalachian music, she is a true vocal stylist, one who instinctively knows how to interpret the nuances of a song with her impressive range, even though she has yet to gain the life experience and empathy seemingly necessary to fully comprehend the words she sings. Despite a given name that reflects optimism, she is drawn to dark themes in music – like that of the Louvin Brothers. The Tennessean is just the latest to describe her as an old soul – noting Onstage, this soul’s presence is commanding and her singing voice authentic and folksy. While her youth might remind many of Taylor Swift, a more apt comparison would be to artists such as Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, or members of the Carter Family. Whether she’s performing on the Today show or the Grand Ole Opry – or taking the stage at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium – she is fearless, confident, and firm in her musicial direction. As she says, she sings old time music, but it’s her own unique blend of roots music that is equal parts Americana, bluegrass, gospel, and country – with a little bit of blues thrown in for good measure. Her talent is indescribable and quite inexplicable; but fortunately, it doesn’t have to be understood to be appreciated. What makes me want to do this is I just love it, she says. I just really, really love it. I wouldn’t trade anything not to do this. I love how I get to sing to people and make them happy, she says. I’m really blessed that I get to do this. It makes me feel amazing, like I’m touching somebody’s life. Offstage, Emilie Sunshine Hamilton is a typical 10-year old
girl who loves video games, pets, and colorful clothes. She’s had a normal upbringing in Madisonville, Tennessee, where her mother worked as a nurse and her father is a recording engineer. But when she begins singing, playing, or writing, something else takes over, a phenomenon that began before she could talk. Before she spoke, at around 10 months old, she began singing pure tones and humming melodies from Tom Petty songs. She harmonized with her grandmothers and great-grandmothers, continuing a musical heritage to a third generation. Great-grandmother Wanda Matthews sang on the Tennessee Barn Dance and gave Emi the same advide that June Carter Cash gave
her –Don’t let anybody walk all over you, and don’t think nothin’ about what they say. As soon as Emi was old enough to walk down the aisle, she began singing in church. She was too little to know the words, but you could hear her harmonies over the others’. At age four, she sang You are my Sunshine at her aunt’s wedding and learned how to sing the Dixie Chicks’ Traveling Soldier. When she was three and four, her mother, who is a songwriter, created songs for her. By age five, she wrote her first song My Time to Fly. At age seven, she learned how to play the ukulele
Sunshine ....
Continued on page 13
www.theloaferonline.com
ETSU social work intern, honor society hope to bring region’s nonprofits together
What would a free conference where every nonprofit organization in the region came together to learn about each other look like? Donny Brock, an East Tennessee State University social work intern, and Phi Alpha Nu, an ETSU social work honor society, hope to find out. Brock extends an invitation to all nonprofit agencies in the region to join him at the Community Outreach Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 11 in the D.P. Culp Auditorium Room 100. Brock has created a nonprofit collective called Community By The Book, which is hosting the event. “Community By The Book is a program exploring the benefits of having social workers in libraries,” Brock said. “This conference allows some of the newer nonprofit organizations and community outreach agencies to gain exposure and get noticed.” Through his recent work networking with the community through libraries, Brock discovered a need to create an outlet for all nonprofits to come together. The conference gives nonprofits face-to-face interaction with one another. There’s also a Facebook
leader will help give a presentation about an overdose prevention program. Angelee Murray, Red Legacy director, said she will join two partners on stage to talk about naloxone and how it can help reverse side effects of an overdose. Murray is also hoping to network with other nonprofits. “The reason I’m also going as an attendee is because I want to bring more awareness to Red Legacy,” she said. “I want to network with other nonprofits so I know about them and what services they offer. Page where Brock encourages All of us need to work together so nonprofits to post information we can provide the best resources about upcoming events. to the people we serve.” In fact, an emphasis on social Other guests include Nancy media and online presence is also Roark, director of Holston River an innovative subject the confer- Regional Library, who will speak ence addresses. regarding Tennessee Electronic Elizabethton Planning and Library (TEL) services and DenEconomic Development Director etria James, an ETSU social work Jon Hartman will give a presenta- clinical assistant professor, who tion about getting nonprofits on will address the topic of self care Google Maps. in regards to balancing work and Brock encourages nonprofits to personal endeavors. foster an appreciation for the InFor more information, email ternet. communitybythebook@gmail. “It allows them to reach more com, visit communitybythebook. people and have larger expo- wordpress.com or search for Comsure to the area they are trying to munity By The Book on Facebook, serve,” Brock said. Twitter and LinkedIn. A Carter County nonprofit
Jonathan Edwards Brings “SUNSHINE” To Bristol
Folk/Country Classic Performs at the Birthplace of Country Music August 8 The Birthplace of Country Music will host Jonathan Edwards as part of the organization’s Friends of 1927 Concert Series on Saturday, August 8 at 7:30 p.m. Four decades into a stellar career of uncompromising musical integrity, Jonathan Edwards simply delivers songs of passion, insight, and humor, all rendered in his signature pure and powerful tenor pitch. With a repertoire of classics such as “Sunshine,” “Honky Tonk Stardust Cowboy,” “Sometimes,” and “Don’t Cry Blue,” Edwards’ shows are warm as the summer sun, real as the truth, and as intimate as a long overdue visit be-
tween old friends. Edwards latest release Tomorrow’s Child features a number of Nashville luminaries, from Shawn Colvin, Jerry Douglas, and John Cowan to Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, and more. In the 1990s Edwards took part in the 1994 “Back to the Future” tour that also included Don McLean, Tom Rush, Jesse Colin Young, Steve Forbert, and Al Stewart. In 2008, Edwards appeared in the romantic comedy film The Golden Boys, starring Bruce Dern, David Carradine, Charles Durning, Mariel Hemingway, and Rip Torn. The Friends of 1927 Concert
Series is an intimate concert experience where fans have the opportunity to interact with artists in a relaxed setting; cocktails and hors d’oeuvres included. The concert will take place at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum’s Performance Theater and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the concert are $80 each and are now available for purchase. Ticket price includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and open bar. For more information and tickets, visit www.BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org.
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 7
Page 8 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
Homegrown Tomato Fest XI
The Eleventh Annual Homegrown Tomato Fest will take place Saturday, August 8, 2015, from 8 11 a.m. at the Kingsport Farmers’ Market, Center Street & Clinchfield Street in Kingsport. This celebration of the juicy red fruit features tomato contests, free tomato tastings (including many heirloom varieties), free tomato refreshments, cooking demonstrations, tomato-growing advice, tomato recipes, activities for kids, and fun for the whole family. Gardeners are invited to bring tomatoes to compete in contests for Best Tasting, Biggest, Prettiest, Ugliest, Most Bizarre and Best Dressed. Cooks are encouraged to make an extra batch of their favorite salsa and enter the Best Salsa Contest. Admission is free and there are no entry fees. Entry forms may be downloaded from the SAPS website, www.saps.us, or picked up at Downtown Kingsport Association or at the event. Entries will be accepted from 8 - 9 a.m. for all contests, and winners will be announced after 10 a.m.
Homegrown Tomato Fest is sponsored by the Southern Appalachian Plant Society (SAPS) and Downtown Kingsport Association (DKA). For more information contact Dennis Marshall, Tomato Fest Chairman, at 423-288-3675 or dmarshall@chartertn.net Southern Appalachian Plant Society (SAPS) is a regional nonprofit educational organization
which promotes sound horticultural practices in our homes and communities. Its members are horticulturists, Master Gardeners, nursery professionals, and gardening hobbyists. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in gardening. For more information, contact Membership Chairman Jim Hill at 423-246-7246 or jimhill7@aol.com.
VHCC to Sponsor Colorful 5K Fun Run
Registration is now under way for the third annual Color X-treme 5K Fun Run that winds through the Virginia Highlands Community College campus, leaving participants covered in a rainbow of colors. Modeled after The Color Run™, a national event designed to promote healthy living, the Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run at VHCC will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m. The colored powder is a harmless mixture of cornstarch and food coloring that will leave participants covered in color at the finish line. The race will be timed for those interested in competing, but participants of all ages and ability levels are invited to run or
walk at their own pace. The event is being sponsored by the VHCC SGA, and all proceeds will support a scholarship program for second-year students at VHCC who exhibit outstanding leadership abilities. Registration is $25. Teams of six may participate for $100 and Youth Teams (10 members under the age of 18) may participate for $120. The registration fee includes a commemorative race t-shirt and a bag of color. Additional information and an online registration form are available at www.vhcc.edu/5k. You may also call the VHCC Student Success Center at (276) 739-2434.
www.theloaferonline.com
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 9
The 2015 Susan G. Komen® Tri-Cities BigWig Challenge Residents of the Tri-Cities will soon see 16 local, community leaders wearing bright pink wigs throughout the area, all in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Susan G. Komen Tri-Cities®. The 2015 Susan G. Komen® TriCities BigWig Challenge is being launched with a goal of raising a minimum of $16,000 to fund local breast cancer patient services and education programs. The campaign will run from August 1 to August 31, 2015. “The idea for BigWigs originated with a Komen Affiliate located in Savannah, Georgia,” said Cindy Lemons, Fund raising Chair for Komen Tri-Cities. “When members of our Affiliate heard about this campaign, we knew we wanted to mirror it. We are an energetic community that is full of the giving spirit, which made this style of campaign the perfect way for us to raise funds and awareness.” Sixteen local leaders, dubbed “BigWigs” by the local Komen Affiliate, will lead the month-long campaign and are committed to
raising at least $1,000 while promoting breast cancer education and awareness. The 2015 Susan G. Komen® Tri-Cities BigWigs who have accepted the challenge are.
• Julie Bennett • Miles Burdine • Shirley Carrier • Lafe Cook • John Clark • TR Dunn • Ashley Grindstaff • Brian Hullette • Sherri Jessee • Phil Jones • Jim Maxwell • Michele Mitchell • Lisa Marie Pierson • Donny Reeves • Morgan Taylor • Carol Trammell “Our tag line, Every BigWig Knows What’s Raised Here Stays Here, reminds donors that their contributions truly make a differ-
ence right here in our local community,” says Lisa Marie Pierson, Executive Director of Komen Tri-Cities. “Seventy-five percent of net funds raised during this campaign will support vital local breast health services. The remaining twenty-five percent goes directly to support national research to find the cures.” Since 2005, Susan G. Komen TriCities has poured more than $2.4 million dollars back into their service area through their Local Community Grants Program. Komen Tri-Cities is committed to finding the cures for breast cancer. The Tri-Cities Affiliate has contributed more than $800,000 since 2005 to the Susan G. Komen Global Scientific Research Program. Visit www.komentricities.org for more information and click on the “events” tab to make your donation. Donations can also be mailed to Susan G Komen TriCities, 301 Louis Street, Suite 304, Kingsport TN 37660. Office phone number is 423-765-9313.
Page 10 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
The FINAL Border Bash Sweet Sixteen Summer Concert Rocks Out
Set in Historic Downtown Bristol, the FINAL “BASH” of the year will be held on Friday, August 7, 2015. Border Bash will occur in the 400 and 500 blocks of State Street. Events will start with children’s activities, crafters, and concessions at 6:00PM. Live music begins at 7:00PM with Desert Noises followed by Fly Golden Eagle at around 8:30PM. As always, Border Bash is free to the public! Don’t miss this final Border Bash, the night will be full of spirit and rock’n’roll. All the bands featured during Border Bash 2015 will be back in Historic Downtown Bristol for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, September 18-20, 2015. Organizers truly appreciate all the support given from our sponsors in 2015, particularly Toyota of Bristol, who have stepped up as the event’s primary commercial sponsor. Organizers also wish to thank the downtown merchants and the cities of Bristol; we can’t do this without you! Desert Noises 7:00PM: Desert Noises is a rock’n’roll indie band that incorporates influences of beat-oriented soul and R&B as well as classic psychedelic rock. The Utah native band has spent the last two years building a reputation as a must-see live act by touring relentlessly and bringing their signature brand of unbridled, infectious rock to clubs and major festivals throughout the U.S. Fly Golden Eagle, 8:30PM: Fly Golden Eagle is an “only in Nashville” combination that leads to a new sound, a sum that is equally indebted to all of its parts. But while Nashville may be responsible for bringing these musicians together, their sound speaks to a much bigger musical world. Hailing from Detroit, MI, Knoxville, TN, Huntsville, AL, and Celeste, TX, Fly Golden Eagle is all about the heart of the music and representing each member’s background and its influence on their sound. Border Bash is hosted by Believe in Bristol, Birthplace of Country Music®, the Cities of Bristol, and Toyota of Bristol. Border Bash
Desert Noises
Fly Golden Eagle would not be possible without our community sponsors. Our sponsors in 2015 include Bank of Tennessee, Benjamin Walls Gallery, Bill & Brenda Johnstone, Blackbird Bakery, Blakley Mitchell Co., Bristol Herald Courier, Camellia Digital, Celebrate Bristol, CocaCola, Cranberry Lane, Dent K Burk CPAs, Doug & Amy Williams, Dr. & Mrs. Ben Cowan Jr., Dr. & Mrs. Jim Geiger, Dr. & Mrs. John Fincher, Electric 94.9 FM, Express AV Productions, First Sentinel Bank, First Tennessee Foundation, Mer-
rill-Lynch, Quaker Steak & Lube, Renasant Bank, Revolution Curbside Recycling, Spiegler Blevins & Co. CPAs, Spike & Lisa Tickle, The Homer A. & Ida S. Jones Charitable Trust, The Southern Churn, The Williams Company Inc, Tom & Barbara Smith, Tri-City Tent & Event, TriCities Entertainment, Walling Distributing, WCYB News 5,Wellness Yoga of Bristol, Wells Fargo, WEXX 99.3 FM,WXBQ 96.6 FM, and Young Cypress Consulting LLC.
www.theloaferonline.com
STAR WARS characters helping deaf children HEAR at the second annual “Hear Me Roar!”
Waiting to Hear is partnering with The 501st Legion, the official star wars costuming troop, and Creation Kingdom Zoo in Gate City VA to help bring a world of sound to deaf and hard of hearing children in Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee. The second annual “Hear me Roar!” event will take place Saturday August 8 at 7pm at Creation Kingdom Zoo in Gate City VA. The event raises awareness about cochlear implants and helps to fund projects that support a hearing and spoken language outcome for deaf children in our region. This year the event holds something special in store for Star Wars fans. The 501st Legion, the official star wars costuming troop will be providing characters to make sure guests have an “out of
this world” experience. In addition to seeing their favorite Star Wars characters attendees will also have the unique opportunity to see Creation Kingdom’s nocturnal residents come alive after closing time. There will be additional story book and cartoon characters roaming the zoo for photo opportunities with smaller children, and a chance to win tickets to some of the areas hottest attractions just for attending. 2015 sponsors include Creation Kingdom Zoo, and Wellmont Health System. Donors for the ticket giveaway include: Carrowinds Amusement Park, Redbox, Fathead, Hollywood Wax Museum, and Wonderworks. About Waiting To Hear: Waiting to Hear is a 501(c)3 nonprofit
based in the Tri Cities. Their Executive Officer and Founder, Shannon Ball explained the need for more awareness by saying “Currently 95% of newly diagnosed deaf individuals do not receive ANY information on cochlear implants. We’re working hard to change that. All too often children are simply being labeled ‘deaf’. We prefer to think they are only...waiting to hear.” Ball formed the organization in 2013 after his daughter lost her hearing and received two cochlear implants. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Shannon Ball at 276-494-4138 or email at Shannon.Ball@WaitingToHear.org.
Civic Chorale to hold auditions for 2015-2016 season The Civic Chorale, the region’s leading independent auditioned choir, will hold auditions for new members on Thursday, August 13, in the choir room of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, at the corner of Roan and Market Streets in Johnson City, where the group rehearses. The 2015-2016 season includes a fall program of centered around Hugo Distler’s Totentanz, a musical setting of a medieval morality play. Our performance on October 25 (in English) will include actors along with the singers of the Chorale. Other music on the program will include composers Samuel Barber, J. S. Bach, Heinrich Schütz, Frank Ticheli and others. On December 19, the Choral will present our traditional Christmas concert. In March, we join with the Milligan College Choir and Orchestra in singing the Stabat Mater by Cecilia MacDowall, a living composer from Great Britain. The season will
conclude by joining with the Symphony of the Mountains and Voices of the Mountains for Randall Thompson’s Testament of Freedom and J. S. Bach’s Dona nobis pacem. The Chorale anticipates a few open positions in each voice part, with a special interest in tenors and basses. Ideal candidates are singers with good sight reading skills who love choral music. Interested singers should contact the conductor, David Hendricksen at (423) 638-0409 or by email at <conductordavid@embarqmail.com> in order to schedule an audition appointment time for August 13. Auditions are private and short (about 15 minutes), and involve singing a familiar piece, sight reading, and some simple vocal exercises to check pitch and dynamic range, control of vibrato and general vocal production. The Civic Chorale was founded in 1973 by Robert LaPella with a small group of invited singers and
Jane LaPella as the gifted accompanist. Over the years, the group has grown to become the region’s premiere auditioned volunteer chorus. In addition to singing the standard choral repertoire from Gregorian chant to modern compositions, the Chorale has presented numerous world and regional premieres and frequently collaborated with other music organizations in the region, including the Symphony of the Mountains, the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, and the East Tennessee Children’s Choir. Since 1998, the Chorale has been led by conductor David Hendricksen. Accompanists are Lisa Runner, piano, and David Runner, organ. For additional information, visit the Chorale web site at www. thecivicchorale.org or contact the conductor by phone at 423-6380409 or by email at conductordavid@embarqmail.com
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 11
Page 12 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
Indiana Jones and The Basement of Doom After years of talking about it, it finally happened. The Ross Family basement was dug into for a clearing. Decades worth of acquired items were to be cleared out for a yard sale. My mother’s laments of
how terrible the basement is would soon be squelched. It began a few months ago. Slowly looking at this box, slowly looking at that box. A storage tub or two. As the dates of the yard sale began to approach,
two weeks were set aside to really dig deep, organize, and clear it out. It almost broke me. The amount of stuff in the basement was, frankly, shocking and overwhelming. There were the things that weren’t surprises, like all my old Batman toys. But then you’d see something like test papers from 9th grade Science class. Why in the hell did I think those needed to be archived for the ages? Then we came to the things we had to have debates about “Do we need these 15 year old Christmas decorations we never use? What about all of this vintage glassware you bought when you were really into that for a year?” I used to always chide my folks about the fact that “It’s not all my stuff down there, you all have a lot of stuff too.” Let me publicly apologize for all the times I have said that, it was not true, in fact, the majority of the basement was things that all belonged to me at
various points in time. Now, it’s a well known fact throughout this America that I am one of the true sex symbols of our time, so I’m sure the following list of items will just confirm all that you’ve ever thought about my powers. Was there a complete Columbia House collectors edition of “Star Trek: The Original Series” on Betamax? Oh, baby, you know there was! An almost complete Power Rangers Megazord? Baby, you know I’d never give you up. Bae, I know you think I don’t got what you need, but I do. I got that VHS of “Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm.” (Breaks out into a dazzling rendition of Barry White’s “Never Gonna Give You Up,” accidentally impregnating 16 women in the process, and being noted as causing the heat index to go up so high it gives Mark Reynolds a panic attack.) Once all this sorting was done came time for the yard sale. Two days, seven in the morning to five in the evening. I was dead tired from all the basement digging,
but now came the marathon. As I barely moved around setting up tables with my family at 5:30 in the morning, all I could think about was how desperately I needed some coffee. “Oh sweet bosom of caffeine, come embrace me soon!” was my mantra. As people showed up en masse, my exhaustion began to take a toll on me. I couldn’t keep track of what day it was. Around high noon my vision became blurry and all I could hear in my head was “One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small...” I fell asleep on the couch inside the house sometime after lunch, I woke up hours later with cold fries from Pals on my shirt, and a strange sense of “What year is this!?” Not to mention the side effect of being on The Night Watch. On the plus side all the things we put in the yard sale sold, and I got to sleep for a week. Everything was finished up in the week afterwards, but slowly I am starting to feel like a member of society again. See you next week.
This week’s lakeside concert to feature Hollow Ground
Bluegrass and gospel music will fill the air at Winged Deer Park’s Goulding Amphitheatre this Thursday (Aug. 6) when Hollow Ground takes the stage. Hollow Ground is comprised of local musicians including Robert Edwards (lead guitar/lead vocals), Millard Edwards (banjo/ tenor vocals), Bran Vicchio (rhythm guitar/bass vocals), Dr. Josh Jessee (mandolin/baritone vocals), David Holtsclaw (dobro) and Mike Adams (bass). This free concert takes place from 7-9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Winged Deer Park is located at 4137 Bristol Highway, and the lakefront amphitheater is off Carroll Creek Road. For more information, call (423)283-5815, email jcparksinfo@johnsoncitytn.org, or go to www.facebook.com/jcparkstn.
www.theloaferonline.com
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 13
Sunshine .... Continued from page 6 – the guitar was too big for her little hands – and used it to write Little Weeping Willow Tree. That was the same year she recorded her first two albums Strong as the Tall Pine and Wide River to Cross in her father’s studio. She learned how to play guitar and mandolin at age nine. The picks are still too large for her, and she has since picked up the xylophone. By age eight, she was stripping down Hush Little Baby and rearranging the melody to sing to the pigs. Her parents filled the house with music by Buddy Miller, Johnny and June Carter Cash, and Emmylou Harris – and her musical tastes were formed. Those influences served as a foundation on which she built her own sound. It’s kind of what came out, she says of her sound. I always loved that music and I thought, that’s what I wanted to play. This is what I want to do. She performed in churches, festivals, theaters, and for a time in talent shows. One day I decided I didn’t want to do talent shows anymore because you could see the kids’s disappointment, and it didn’t make me happy, she says. She had no idea that someone captured her flea market performance of Jimmie Rodgers’ Blue Yodel No. 6 and posted it on YouTube in 2014. It went viral, she says. We started getting a bunch of likes, and we really didn’t know where it was coming from. Again, without the family’s knowledge, the Today show featured the video. We were really excited and surprised, she says. We didn’t know what to think. There was such a tremendous response to her performance that the show invited her on to perform live – a moment that changed her life because word of her talent immediately spread on Music Row. It led to performances on Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam at the Ryman during CMA Music Fest, and then to ongoing performances at the Grand Ole Opry. She performs about 150 shows a year, and touring is a family affair. Her mother took a leap of faith and gave up her nursing career to travel. Father Randall Hamilton plays upright bass, her brother is on mandolin, her Uncle Bobby on drums, and her Aunt Kristal sells merchandise. It’s fun, like how I get to be with my family all the
time. Emi, who has 350,000 likes on Facebook, remains unaware of much of the whirlwind and demand swirling around her. We’re in Oklahoma and people recognize her. She doesn’t get why they know her, says her mother Alisha Hamilton. When they come up and say My mama was dying, and you gave her the best four weeks of her life. You comforted her and me – she doesn’t understand that she has made that impact on people’s lives. I tell her some of it, but not all of it because it’s a heavy weight. Emi Sunshine’s career moves will be dictated not by opportunities, but integrity. She knows who she is and what she wants her music to be, and her parents remain committed to ensuring that her wishes are not compromised in any way. After coming off a year where many of her dreams came true, Emi is quickly creating new dreams and plans. But her untimate goal remains the same. I just want everybody to know who I am. For a show unlike any other, don’t miss Emi Sunshine at the Carter Family Fold. There will
be family fun for all ages. Be prepared to have your heart stolen by little Emi. For more information on Emi Sunshine, go to http:// theemisunshine.com/. Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go to http://www.carterfamilyfold. org. Shows from the Carter Family Fold can be accessed on the internet at http://www.carterfoldshow.com. Carter Music Center is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http://thecrookedroad.org. Partial funding for programs at the center is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts the National Endowment for the Arts. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054. The Fold is on Facebook – page Carter Fold – and Twitter – @carterfoldinfo. To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276-594-0676. One of our volunteers will get back to you as soon as possible.
Page 14 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
FAIRVIEW UNION
TUESDAY - Aug. 4th JASON LLOYD & FRIENDS at Biggies Clam Bar
at Quaker Steak & Lube
ANNIE ROBINETTE at 620 State Street
JUKE BOX BOYS
CEDAR VALLEY
7pm at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe
RANDY & THE LUGNUTS
(Rockin’ Boogie Blues) 7pm at VA Highlands Festival
at Full Moon Jam
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
WEDNESDAY - Aug. 5th THE DUO TONES at Marker “2” Grill
OPEN MIC
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
THURSDAY - Aug. 6th JAZZ
at Wellington’s - Carnegie Hotel SHAWN HAGAN (Folk) 10pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub
HOLLOW GROUND 7pm at Winged Deer Park Lakeside Concert
BONNIE BLUE
7pm at Marker “2” Grill
WYLDEHEART
at Quaker Steak & Lube
CATFISH FRYE BAND BARDELLO & HUNDRED ACRES
6:30pm at Kickin’ Back Kings Alley
SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND (Country)
at The Outdoorsman
LIVE BAND
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
JASON ELLIS
at Country Club Bar & Grill
JOHN SUITES & MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 8pm at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
STEPHEN EVANS IGNOBLE
APPALACHIAN STRING’S 7pm at David Thompson’s Produce
COPPER RIDGE
at Country Club Bar & Grill
JONATHAN EDWARDS
at Birthplace of Country Music Museum
BLUESMAN
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
LEATHER GUINEVERE HANDSOME & THE HUMBLES at Acoustic Coffeehouse
THE HONEYCUTTERS
at Biggie’s Clam Bar
BLACK HAT
at Marker “2” Grill
at Birthplace of Country Music Museum
CORBIN HAYSLETT at Bone Fire Smokehouse
MICHAEL CORWIN APATHY WIZARDS at Acoustic Coffeehouse
LAUREN COLE BAND
MONDAY - Aug. 10th
JOHNSON DEPOT
BLUEGRASS JAM
MARK LARKINS
VW BOYS
at Biggie’s Clam Bar
at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
FRIDAY - Aug. 7th
at Holiday Inn (Exit 7)
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
at Carter Family Fold
THE FUGITIVES
7pm at Marker “2” Grill
at Quaker Steak & Lube
CARRIE MORRISON
EMI SUNSHINE
JOHNSON DEPOT
THE DUO TONES at Bone Fire Smokehouse
at Willoughby Ruritan
RETROVILLE
at Bristol’s Border Bash
7pm at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe ACOUSTIFRIED (Country) 7pm at Marker “2” Grill
THE BAND CONCORD
SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND (Country)
SUNDAY - Aug. 9th
SATURDAY - Aug. 8th
at Biggie’s Clam Bar
8pm at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
DESERT NOISES
GOMER & THE THREE PYLES at Full Moon Jam
49 WINCHESTER w/ JAKE & THE COMET CONDUCTORS
NIGHTSHIFT
(Country, Southern Rock, Oldies) at Army National Guard 4pm
at Hardee’s (Boones Creek) 7pm at Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch
OPEN MIC
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
KARAOKE TUESDAY
Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************
WEDNESDAY
Karaoke At Bristol VFW - Bristol TN Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - JC ***********************
THURSDAY
Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Electric Cowboy - JC Karaoke At Holiday Inn - JC Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Everette’s Bar & Grille - JC ***********************
FRIDAY
Karaoke At Bristol VFW - Bristol TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertaiment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - JC Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - JC Karaoke At Elizabethton VFW Elizabethton TN Karaoke w/ DJ Marques At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************
SATURDAY
Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************
SUNDAY
Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Mellow Mushroom - JC Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Everette’s Bar & Grille -JC ***********************
www.theloaferonline.com
Stephen Evens Acoustic Coffeehouse 8pm | Thursday, Aug. 6th
Asheville, NC singer-songwriter, Stephen Evans, is playing a solo acoustic show at The Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, TN Thursday, August 6th, 8-10pm, in support of his debut CD release, “Something to Bleed.” After years of putting his music career on hold, Stephen Evans has finally released his debut CD, “Something to Bleed”. This record is a sweet blend of dark, brooding rock and fun, uplifting grooves. With solid vocal melodies and delicious dancing counter melodies, one will find themselves humming these tunes long after the music has stopped playing. The lyrics are creative and pull you into dark, romantic scenarios then send you spiraling upward with hope. The album features Stephen Evans (acoustic guitar / lead vocals) with his band, the True Grits, backing him up. The True Grits: Brian Shoemaker (bass / lead guitar/ tambourine), Sam Hess (drums), and Woodstock (mandolin). Special guests: Halli Anderson of River Whyless (violin / backing vocals), Scot Evans, his brother, of Floating Men (bass) on the song ‘1000 Roses’, and Barbara Evans, his mother, (backing vocals) on ‘Sound’. http://stephendalevans.reverbnation.com http://www.facebook.com/stephendalevans http://stephenevans.bandcamp.com http://www.twitter.com/stephendalevans
Spotlight Directory Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423/434.9872 Army National Guard Bristol TN Biggies Clam Bar 417 W Stone Dr Kingsport 423/765-9633 Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 276/623-0037 Boozy Creek Community Center 1989 Shelley’s Rd Hiltons VA 276/ 466-0026 Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 620 State St Bristol 423/573-2262 Carter Family Fold 3449 A. P. Carter Hwy Hiltons Va 276/594-0676 Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423/844-0400 David Thompson’s Produce 251 Highway 107 Jonesborough 423/913-8123
Full Moon Jam Bristol Downtown Center 423/ 989-5500 Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100 Kickin’ Back at King’s Alley 156 E. Jackson St. Gate City VA 276/386-3831 Marker “2’ Grill at Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock, Kingsport 423/323-4665 O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423/844-0049 The Outdoorsman 4535 Highway 11W Kingsport Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St Bristol VA 276/644-9647 Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One St. Gray TN 423/283-4014 Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City • 423/979-6400 The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Winged Deer Park 4137 Bristol Hwy Johnson City 423/ 283-5816
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 15
Page 16 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
No-Bake Pies A great no-bake recipe is essential for any chef or foodie. No matter how advanced or amateur your cooking skills may be, a simple mix and serve dish can help get you out of a bind. If you’re too busy to bake or only have a little time left, you might be totally lost without one of these little tricks up your sleeve. It’s also the middle of a super hot summer; so, these kinds of recipes also serve as a great way to cut down on utilities since they only need to be chilled or instantly served. Because of the hot summer we’re having, I chose to make a chilled recipe that would also satisfy my sweet tooth: Snickers Cream Pie. Pies are often thought to be impossible to make without baking because of their crusts, but I have two solutions to that problem. If you’re really out of time or don’t enjoy in-depth recipes, you can buy your piecrust. In the interest of creating a completely homemade recipe, I made my own nobake piecrust. This requires only six full sheets of graham crackers and six tablespoons of melted butter. Mix the two together until they create a coarse, sandy texture that molds easily. Pour it into your pie tin or pan and press the bottom with your hands or a flat object to condense the crust. Chill your crust for at least an hour before filling. To create the pie filling, you’ll need just a few cheap ingredients: an eight ounce block of cream cheese, ten ounces of cool whip, a cup of powdered sugar, a cup of chocolate chips, and three snickers bars. Feel free to use the low fat/calorie/sugar version of all of these ingredients as I did (except for the snickers, because to my knowledge that doesn’t exist); it will taste just the same. Start by
whipping your cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the texture is creamy and easily pliable. Next, add in the cool whip and mix until the entire mixture looks like cool whip but feels slightly thicker. Chop two and a half snickers bars. I chopped most of my snickers into really fine pieces but some into chunky pieces that included nougat, caramel, peanuts and chocolate. Fold those into your filling. Melt a half cup of chocolate chips in the microwave and mix into the filling one tablespoon at a time.
Now you are ready to fill your fully chilled piecrust. I only place half my filling into my crust at one time. This makes it easier to level the filling. When your filling is smoothed to perfection, it’s time to garnish. I sprinkle my remaining half cup of chocolate chips in the center of my pie and chopped large chunks of a half a snickers to decorate the edge of the pie but any combination will do. Be sure to chill for at least an hour before serving your simple and savory desert.
www.theloaferonline.com
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 17
Remember the Desert of Maine! Well, it’s not really a desert, but it sure does look like one. This curious place near Freeport, Maine, isn’t a desert in the normally understood climatological sense. The fact that it is covered in sand is not at all a direct response to a lack of precipitation. You see, it is surrounded on all sides by the rest of Maine, a place that could never ever be mistaken for the Sahara or even Tattooine. (Yup, a Star Wars joke.) It’s not a beach either – being located in the midst of a sprawling Pine forest.
But Brian, how can this be? Oh, it be. In fact, the Desert of Maine used to be even bigger than the 45 acres it now occupies. During its heyday in the early twentieth century, you would have found 300 acres of this exposed glacial silt. That’s nearly half of a square mile. The thing is, this ‘desert’ was born of a perfect storm that included rampant land clearance, a complete lack of crop rotation, and overgrazing. The architects of this ineptitude, the Tuttle family, found that doing the exact op-
posite of what the handbook for sustainable agriculture suggests led to the erosion of all of their soil. Yes, all of it. What remained was the sand-like silt pictured here that was left over from the last Ice Age. Decades worth of wind and weather has spread about and gathered the sand in such ways that there are now dunes, some as high as 90 feet. Some of the farm’s former outbuildings, including a springhouse, now lie completely buried. Nowadays, this natural odd-
ity serves as a tourist attraction. For a modest fee, you can get a guided tour of the desert, several great photo ops, and admittance to the – wait for it – Museum of Sand. There are also some exhibits around about farming in the nineteenth century, which is
funny because clearly the Tuttle family knew nothing at all about such things. See it all now though, because unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective) the pine forest is slowly reclaiming the desert. In 75 years, it may well be gone.
Page 18 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
Perseid Meteors Flying; Peak Aug. 12th
“Catch a falling star Put it in your pocket Never let it fade away.” “Catch a falling star Put it in your pocket Save it for a rainy day.”
Vance and Pockriss sung famously by Perry Como Stargazers, get ready for a perfect opportunity to see some “shooting stars.” Everybody knows about “that meteor shower in August,” maybe having a memory or two of camping or hanging outside watching the annual celestial fireworks. Well the famous Perseid Meteor Shower is sandwiched between two weekends this year, the peak happening the night of Aug. 12/13, Wednesday/Thursday. And there will be no moonlight to interfere— our bright neighbor being Moon “new” phase on Aug. 14 after the shower peaks. Meteor “showers” are brief, one or two day events when our Earth plows through the thickest part of a stream of debris that is circling the Sun. Parts of the shower stream can be seen in meteors a week before or after the peak night. The cosmic debris is from old comets or even smashed asteroids. Mostly the size of a grain of sand or salt, the cosmic debris smashes into the Earth’s atmosphere at up to 30,000 mph and burns up instantly by the friction. We see the energy burst into light for a brief instant, shooting across the night sky. Usually the bigger the cosmic particle, the brighter the meteor. Of course, there are large objects that occasionally crash into
Earth’s atmosphere and make it to the ground. When flying through outer space, the cosmic debris is called a meteoroid; it’s called a meteor when streaking through an atmosphere; and that space debris is called a meteorite when on the ground or in your hand. Meteors have actually been recorded streaking across the night sky of Mars by the NASA landers. And rovers Opportunity and Spirit have driven up to several large meteorites on the Martian surface, one the size of a football! The Perseid Meteors seem to emanate from the constellation
Perseus. That’s an optical illusion. It’s like watching snowflakes or a driving rain hit the windshield of a car traveling down the road. The snow or rain seems to come from a point straight ahead, but really the car is plowing through the precipitation that is falling straight down. So, meteor showers are named for the constellation they seem to be coming out of. If you trace backward all the streaks of light from a meteor shower, they show a pattern of emanating out of one area of the sky, hence the constellations name is tagged to the shower. You are always going to see more meteors after midnight, and
the two hours before dawn usually have a few stray meteors or two. To explain why, think of the car driving in the snow. The back window represents the daytime and the front windshield is the early morning. During daytime our part of the Earth is facing away from our direction of travel along our 365-day orbit around the Sun. After midnight our Earth has turned into the orbit and strikes cosmic debris head on, like the front windshield of car. Perseid meteors are the remains of a comet named Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun every 130 years, and last cruised by in 1992. This is the most dependable and usually the most prolific of the ten major meteor showers a year that yield 20-plus “shooting stars” during peak hours. The Geminids are equally as good as the Perseids. But they occur in mid-December and aren’t watched as closely even by amateur astronomers because it is too cold or we’re too busy a week before Christmas! Known for bright and fast meteors, the Perseids can rain down at more than one a minute when the peak occurs. The Perseids are also known for leaving a “train,” a thin wisp of smoke that usually disappears quickly. Like a flashing needle, the bright meteor streaks with light and a smoky trail—all come and gone in a second or less. No special equipment is needed for meteor watching, just a pair of eyes scanning upward from a comfortable lawn chair. Recline with your head toward the direction of the rising star pattern Perseus in the northeast. That way the meteors zoom from behind you across your line of sight. Amateur astronomers all over the world will be losing sleep to watch the yearly event that always calls for a road trip to some dark, secluded observing site. The farther away from light pollution, the fainter meteors can be seen, increasing the nightly numbers. Observing a meteor shower with a few friends is like fun fellowship like any stargazing event. There is an unearthly feel that bonds the participants together in a oneness with the Earth and heavens above. A streaking meteor captured by a dozen pairs of eyes will unite those six people for a brief instant as they shared something truly cosmic pass before their eyes. And just
hearing the “oohs and ahhs,” and even a few yelps and squeals of delight at a really bright meteor! The meteor shower experience makes for an entertaining evening that won’t be forgot. There will be plenty of meteors to see—5-10 each hour—in the nights leading up to and after the Perseid peak on Wednesday night/ Thursday morning Aug. 12/13. So the weekends before and after the mid-week peak will be worthwhile to enjoy under the stars. Go ahead and make plans to drive to the lake, mountain top or a country place that’s dark and spend a couple hours looking up. Your equipment checklist will look like a trip to the beach—a rather cold beach: lawn chair, blanket or sleeping bag, pillow, radio or MP3 player, snacks, drinks—and maybe binoculars to scan the starry Milky Way. Don’t go alone, don’t trespass and let your eyes adapt to the dark for at least 10 minutes. Then avoid white lights, even your car’s interior lights, as they’ll ruin your “night vision.” Use a red flashlight to look at charts or walk in the dark. Red cellophane over the lens or red nail polish on the bulb will allow you to see things without ruining your night vision. And as for photographing a meteor, well, good luck! Digital cameras with long exposures over 30 seconds might luckily capture a streak of light among the stars. But you really need a camera that will keep its shutter open for minutes. A tripod is a must. Use sensitivity ISO of 1,000 or above, a 50 mm lens with the aperture (fstop) wide open at the lowest number. Move the camera around to different areas of the sky, and keep checking for dew on your lens, wiping off carefully with lens paper or unscented toilet paper. Once you see your images on the computer there will be some interesting and colorful star trails, and maybe some streaks of sky-shooting Perseids—it’s just not a predictable photograph. Get outside under the stars and check out the Perseids during the next two weeks. You won’t be disappointed. Unless, of course, we are looking at darn clouds!
www.theloaferonline.com
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 19
Celestial events in the skies for the week of August 4th - August 10th, 2015 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. The Moon moves into the aftermidnight skies as it waxes to Last Quarter this week. This sets up moonless nights for next week’s famous Perseid Meteor Shower that peaks on Wednesday night/ Thursday morning, Aug. 12 & 13. Leading up to the 50 or so meteors an hour that can be seen at peak, you’ll likely see a few an hour each night. Suddenly, Venus and Jupiter are gone in the western horizon, and directly south is the yellow “star” that is ringed world Saturn.
Tues. Aug. 4
Nothing says “astronomy” like seeing the rings of Saturn in a telescope. And that means any telescope you might own. Though it might be tiny, the ring is there like nothing else seen. And see the amazing close up images from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft by surfing over to their website.
Wed. Aug. 5
The Moon rises at 11:30 pm DST in the constellation Aries, and nearby to kjlj is the seventh planet Uranus. A decent backyard telescope can see the tiny, greenish disk.
Thurs. Aug. 6
On this 1961 date in space history, Russian Gherman Titov was the second person rocketed into space, and the first to sleep during his full day journey. Titov, deceased, is still the youngest of more than 500 human space travelers—his flight was one month before his 26th birthday.
Fri. Aug. 7
On this 1997 date in space history, Space Shuttle Discovery was launched on Space Transportation Mission #85 (STS-85). Six astronauts spent 12 days in space releasing and recapturing an atmospheric satellite and testing materials for the International Space Station (ISS).
Sat. Aug. 8
On this 1989 Columbia was launched on STS-28, a top secret mission for the Department of De-
fense. Five astronauts deployed two spy satellites on the quick 5-day mission. In 2007 Columbia STS-118 Endeavour was launched on a “hard hat” mission to the construction destination 225 miles above—the growing ISS.
top of the “Northern Cross”), in the middle is the brightest, Vega in Lyra the Harp, and to the south is Altair in Aquila the Eagle.
Mon. Aug. 10
On this 2001 date in space history, STS-105 with orbiter Discovery Sun. Aug. 9 blasted off the Florida East Coast The Summer Triangle is high and four astronauts delivered a overhead, made up of three bright cargo hold full of supplies to the stars from three separate constel- ISS and continued installing life lations. To the north is Deneb, support equipment during two the tail of Cygnus the Swan (or space walks.
Page 20 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
The Russell Bennett Interview Here is the story of a guy who is a real piece of work! A real piece of art work is more like it. Russell Bennett is a successful artist and singer who is passing his craft on to the next generation of Mountain Movers. BRIAN: Hey Russell, thanks for giving us some of your time. The best place to start is right here. You are truly a local. Tell us where you are from and where did you grow up around here? RUSSELL: Well Brian, both of my parents are from Johnson City.
A couple years before I was came along, dad took a teaching job in Tampa, Florida but I was born in the old Johnson City Memorial hospital during summer vacation. We lived in Tampa until the summer I turned ten. We always made lots of trips each year during the summer and on holidays to visit family and friends in East Tennessee, so I have never been without the feeling that this is home. When we moved back, it was nice to be in an area where most of your family lives. I feel as if I have grown
up with a strong sense of my family and local heritage. It was good to be here and enjoy the last years that my grandparents were with us. My teen and young adult years growing up in our area were spent in the Happy Valley/Milligan College part of Carter County. Those were great times and a great area in which to have grown up. BRIAN: Now I admit without hesitation, I could not draw if my
Movers ....
Continued on next page
www.theloaferonline.com
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 21
Movers .... Continued from previous page life depended on it, but you are one of the most gifted artists I have ever seen. When did you realize that is a passion for you and how did it start? RUSSELL: You are too kind. Like many young children, I always loved to draw. It didn’t matter if it was superheroes, sports figures, dinosaurs or whatever. As I grew older, I began to realize that I had a strong desire and an increasing ability in my artistic skills. By the time I was in high school, I realized art could be a career possibility for me. I specifically began entertaining the idea of teaching art. I credit those inspirations to my high school art teacher, Mr. Pate. Upon entering college at ETSU, I declared a general art major. That lasted a couple of semesters and left school to manage a chain of pizza restaurants for three years. I returned to school with a bit more wisdom and drive and set myself on the path of art education. Roll forward the clock. I just completed my 20th year of teaching art this past year. I have taught ages ranging from pre-kindergarten through adult education classes. I know I have been blessed with my abilities and don’t take them for granted. As an artist I work in a variety of media and projects. In addition to teaching, I take commissions for drawings, paintings, graphic design work, ceramic sculpture, photography...you name it, I’ll give it a go! BRIAN: And art has made a career for you that has got to be satisfying in the most awesome of ways! You get to pass it on. Tell us about that. RUSSELL: Teaching is not for sissies. Sharing my knowledge is the thing that keeps me going. I truly enjoy any chance at passing knowledge and skills on to students. Naturally, students receive this information with a varying amount of enthusiasm. There are real skills, abilities and concepts in art that I want to foster in an art student. The grand goal is to see a student go on to use their artistic abilities as a career but at the least I would like to see them leave my room with an appreciation of what an artist contributes to the world
and how to use problem solving skills in other areas of life. BRIAN: And the creativity doesn’t stop there for you. You are quite a super gospel singer. Tell us that story about where the seed was planted, where it began and what you are doing with it now. RUSSELL: You know Brian, I have always enjoyed lots of different types of music in my life. However, music was not part of my upbringing so I was a bystander for years. As a kid I remember watching the gospel singing Jubilee on Sunday mornings as a kid, listening to the choir at church sing from the Church Hymnal and listening to Elvis gospel records. Decades later, I borrowed a Cathedrals Quartet cassette tape and it was kind of like coming home. I was hooked! I wanted to sing in the worse way (and at times I’m sure I did.) I asked God to give me the ability and I would use it to spread His word. I started singing a little bit in church and eventually started a quartet with a friend. This is where you and I first met when you joined us as the original tenor in that quartet. Your readers may like to know that you are also a very talented singer. We did the quartet thing for almost 10 years. During this time and with God’s leading, I developed my own take on what a song ministry should act, look and sound like. I saw doors beginning to open for me as a soloist as early as 2009. We brought the quartet to a close in December 2012. God wasn’t finished with my song, I have continued on as a soloist since 2012 and He has truly blessed. My ministry focus is to reach the lost and encourage the believer of the Tri-Cities and the surrounding area. I am often asked to describe what it is that I do. My ministry is rather unique, heartfelt, with a dash of humor and the message of salvation. With my most recent project, “Gospel Jukebox”, I have evolved into my own niche and sound. It combines two of my favorite things: a gospel message and a rockabilly feel. It is like a trip down memory lane. BRIAN: Where can folks see your art and hear your music my friend?
RUSSELL: For those that would like more information about my artwork you can find me on Facebook at www.facebook. com/theartcoach1 or on the web at www.theartcoach.net I enjoy portraits, CD cover designs, teach-
ing workshops and all sorts of artistic endeavors. For interest in my music ministry you can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/russellbennettsings or on the web at www. russellbennettsings.com I would
love to speak with churches, groups or individuals that are in need of gospel music and an uplifting message for an event of service. I would like to say a big thanks to God for his blessings and talents, to my wife Katie and my boys.
Page 22 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
In Theaters Now
Box Office Top 10
Adam Sandler and 1980’s video games sounds like a lethal combination. The combination didn’t stop Hollywood from doing just that in the new film “Pixels”. As readers of this column know, I am no fan of Sandler and his repetitive characters, but I decided to give him a chance. The film was bravely directed by Chris Columbus (“Home Alone”), and is the story of a group of nerdy guys who grew up with 80’s video games, and have various degrees of success as adults. The main characters, led by Sandler as Sam Brenner, are all experts at old school video games, and that fact will come in handy when aliens attack the Earth with pixels representing classic games. Since the United States will be attacked at various locations, the current dim-witted leader, President Will Cooper (Kevin James), a childhood friend and video game fan, calls Brenner for advise and support. How did aliens come in contact with video games? A time capsule containing various items, including the video games, was sent into space years ago was perceived by the aliens as a declaration of war. Thus, the aliens are attacking Earth with lethal pixel versions of all the classic video games. President Cooper has Brenner and his friends join with the military to battle the invaders. This movie works best when Brenner and his co-horts are fighting the invaders. When the movie tries to provide a love interest for Brenner, in the form of Michelle Monaghan, the movie falls flat. Speaking of flat, that’s exactly how Sandler comes off in this film. The often mopey actor simply appears tired during most of the film, as he seems to realize
Ant-Man (2015)
Paper Towns (2015)
Trainwreck (2015)
Mr. Holmes (2015)
Southpaw (2015)
Terminator Genisys (2015)
Armed with a super-suit with A young man and his friends the astonishing ability to shrink in embark upon the road trip of their scale but increase in strength, cat lives to find the missing girl next burglar Scott Lang must embrace door. his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a Inside Out (2015) heist that will save the world. After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved Pixels (2015) to San Francisco, her emotions When aliens misinterpret video Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadfeeds of classic arcade games as ness - conflict on how best to navia declaration of war, they attack gate a new city, house, and school. the Earth in the form of the video games. Jurassic World (2015) A new theme park is built on Minions (2015) the original site of Jurassic Park. Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob Everything is going well until the are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a park’s newest attraction--a genetisuper-villain who, alongside her cally modified giant stealth killing inventor husband Herb, hatches a machine--escapes containment plot to take over the world. and goes on a killing spree.
“Pixels”
Having thought that monogaAn aged, retired Sherlock Holmy was never possible, a commit- mes looks back on his life, and ment-phobic career woman may grapples with an unsolved case have to face her fears when she involving a beautiful woman. meets a good guy. Boxer Billy Hope turns to trainer John Connor sends Kyle Reese Tick Willis to help him get his life back in time to protect Sarah Conback on track after losing his wife nor, but when he arrives in 1984, in a tragic accident and his daugh- nothing is as he expected it to be. ter to child protection services. Source: IMDb.com • (8/01/2015)
he could never compete with the did have some exciting moments. special effects. In my opinion it’s Were those few moments enough time for Sandler to stick to ani- to save this film? No. Game over. mated fare and avoid live action features until he figures how he can continue his film career. Aside from Sandler, the other actors do the best they can against the scene stealing pixels. I will admit, the film was enjoyable in 3D, and
Rated: PG-13
C
www.theloaferonline.com
Kim Weitkamp to Host Storytelling Live!
The International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough will soon host a special series of performances by Kim Weitkamp, a popular humorist, musician, and storyteller. Often associated with industry icons like Bil Lepp and Andy Offutt Irwin, Weitkamp is known for everything from ghost stories to original guitar numbers. She tells old folk tales and funny personal stories, often in the same set—usually punctuated with a song or two for good measure. While she’s a celebrated expert on traditional tales and classic forms, Weitkamp is perhaps best known amongst her peers as an innovator. In many, if not most, professions, that’s a trait that’s automatically tallied in the ‘plus’ column. But in storytelling, a medium with a special emphasis on tradition and preservation, folks can be a little suspicious when it comes to trying new things. Fortunately, Weitkamp is such a talented and tireless ambassador for the form that she can win over the most serious of skeptics. “I’m trying to get people invested in storytelling,” she says. “I’m still preserving the ancient art. I’m just having a lot of fun doing it.” Weitkamp’s appearance in Jonesborough is courtesy of ISC’s Storytelling Live! series, which hosts a new performer each week through October. Matinee shows will be offered daily Tuesday through Saturday, August 11 – 15, in the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall. Showtime is 2:00 p.m. sharp, and tickets are just $12 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and children under 18. The storyteller’s matinees will pull from her favorite genres, including tales from her own childhood. (“I’ve got a whole new section of my childhood that I’m bringing to the stage,” she says. “It’s really funny stuff.”) She’ll also share more recent personal stories, folk tales, and even ghost stories, which she firmly believes should be year-round entertainment. “Suspense, thrillers, spine-tingling mysteries—this stuff is good all year,” Weitkamp says. “Just ask Neil Gaiman and Stephen King. They’re not just selling books in October, so we as storytellers shouldn’t save those stories for October, either.” On Thursday, August 13, Weitkamp will host an additional evening show. A groundbreaking performance created especially for ISC, the show “Murder Mystery at the Storytelling Hall,” will be a living story with plenty of opportunities for audience participation. Tickets for the exclusive Thursday night show are only $15. Advance purchase for it, as well as the matinees, is highly recommended. All ticket holders will save 10
Photo credit: davidcortner.com percent on same-day dining at The Dining Room, Jonesborough General Store and Eatery, or Main Street Café. Information about this season’s performers, as well as a detailed schedule, is available at www.storytellingcenter.net. Storytelling Live! is supported by program sponsors CrestPoint Health and Eastman Credit Union, and media sponsors News 5-WCYB, FOX Tri-Cities, Tri-Cities CW, Johnson City Press, Kingsport Times-News, Herald & Tribune, Cumulus Media and Foster Signs. Additional funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Niswonger Foundation, and the Arts Fund of East Tennessee Foundation. The International Storytelling Center is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information about Storytelling Live! or to make a group reservation, call (800) 952-8392 ext. 222 or (423) 913-1276.
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 23
Page 24 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
www.theloaferonline.com
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 25
Preventing Blowback
Any shooter that has experienced blowback can tell you it is not pleasant and can be quite painful. Blowback occurs when carbon buildup mixed with oil and is jettisoned forcefully from the rear of a firearm often into the shooter’s face. Most commonly blowback occurs in .22 handguns but can occur in any semiautomatic firearm. I have experienced blowback twice, the first time was with my Ruger Mark III, and the second was with a Walther P22 I rented from a range. In both cases I was failing to wear eye protection, which I justified because I wear corrective lenses. Let’s just say after the second time I invested is some eye protection that went over my glasses. Before we discuss cause and prevention of blowback for my readers who haven’t experienced it let me explain what it was like for me. I was shooting the Walther P22 I had just rented from the range I was visiting, you see I was considering buying one and I figured why not try it out first? So I set my target up and emptied the first magazine into it,
I then reloaded the magazine and began to shoot again. About three rounds into the second magazine I see a bright flash and instantly it felt like someone heated up ice picks red ho and stabbed me in the eyes with them. I was blinded, I struggled to open my eyes but couldn’t. I wiped my eyes gently with my shirt and after a few minutes was able to see again. I took the gun back and went home, a whole day of shooting wasted, which hurt way worse than my eyes. So what causes blowback and what can you do to prevent it? Blowback is caused by residual oil mixing with the carbon buildup that accumulated as you shoot. An unnoticeable amount of this occurs every time you shoot. This is how Forensic Investigators are able to check your hands and clothing for gunshot residue. However the dangerous blowback that happened to me with the P22 is the direct result of over oiling. That’s right by putting too much oil in the action or forgetting to wipe off the excess oil when you’re cleaning your gun
you’re setting yourself up for blowback. Although I didn’t clean the P22 I should have checked it before I shot it, I also should have been wearing eye protection. A few article back we discussed proper gun cleaning and I mentioned that if you are storing a gun long term you’re going to want some residual oil. However, you need to clean that gun to remove that excess oil before you shoot it. Also cheaper ammo uses cheaper powder which leaves more carbon buildup, so if you’re using cheap ammo it might be worth your time to do quick field cleaning every 50 rounds or so. .22’s for some reason are more susceptible to blowback so be especially careful to remove any excess oil before shooting them. As a rule when I field strip a handgun I place one drop of oil on either side of the slide rail and that’s it. I hope you enjoyed this article, and as always if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me. I look forward to your feedback.
Page 26 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015
Tequila Mockingbird Since we are still being subjected to the hoopla surrounding the much belated publication of Harper Lee’s “first” novel, GO SET A WATCHMAN, this is probably a good time to reflect on the ways in which Ms. Lee’s most famous novel, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, has entrenched itself in American pop culture, as well as how pop culture in general has a way of recycling and reimagining nearly all of its artifacts. And the best guide to this phenomenon is a recent Los Angeles Times piece by Michael Schaub, “46 Times ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ Echoed Through Pop Culture.” Although Schaub tells us that Lee’s novel has “echoed through pop culture” forty-six times, I believe it is fair to say that her work has echoed far more times and will continue to echo now that the controversial companion novel (or “first draft” of the second novel) is on the shelves. And, as we should all be aware, one doesn’t have to read the novel to be influenced by it. As Schaub notes, many people who aren’t familiar with the novel have seen the movie or been privy to the many references to the novel throughout the domain of pop culture. In fact, he makes the rather bold claim that the novel “has likely made more appearances in American pop culture than any other American novel (with the possible exception of ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry
Finn’) [and has] become an inescapable part of our cultural DNA . .” Schaub’s fascinating column
is organized by the categories in which the novel has appeared since its initial release in 1960. The title of the column you are now reading comes from a 1969 episode of the Don Adams-Barbara Feldon TV show “Get Smart” in which several secret agents are in hot pursuit of a statue dubbed the “Tequila Mockingbird” (which is a reference to the 1941 Humphrey Bogart classic “The Maltese Fal-
con,” which was in itself a remake of an earlier 1931 version based on the still earlier novel by Dashiell Hammett, and even the title of a cut on one of jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis’ 1970s albums, illustrating the convoluted paths often taken by pop culture to reach its audience). Other TV references include a “30 Rock” episode featuring a character named “Scout” (Atticus Finch’s daughter played by Mary Badham in the 1962 movie version of Lee’s novel), an episode of “Community” in which a character is dressed as a ham, referencing the costume worn by Scout, and a “Simpson’s episode that has Homer complaining that he might have to read his wife’s new romance novel, which he compares to the unpleasant experience he had while trying to read the Lee novel (“I swore never to read again after ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ gave me no useful advice on killing mockingbirds”). In the field of music, we have a British rock group from the Nineties called The Boo Radleys, named after the reclusive character played by Robert Duvall (in his screen debut) in the movie; the group had a hit with “Wake Up, Boo!” Two groups, Paint It Black
and the Noisettes, both recorded songs named after Attitus Finch, although the former group’s song had absolutely nothing to do with the lead character in Lee’s novel. Two movies about the writer Truman Capote, who was a childhood friend of Harper Lee’s, both feature actresses portraying Lee (“Infamous” and “Capote”); both films deal with Capote’s harrowing experiences doing research for his famous novel IN COLD BLOOD. A much less familiar film, “The Perks Of Being A Wallflower” (2012), features students who are assigned the novel in their English class—a familiar experience for students and a fact that has helped make the novel the icon it is today. In the past few weeks we have learned that “Atticus” is beginning to top the list of the most-chosen baby names, and it probably comes as no surprise that celebrities have named their newborns after the novel’s protagonist. For instance, Jennifer Love Hewitt and husband Brian Hallisay chose the name for their son, who was born on June 14, as did Casey Affleck and Summer Phoenix (2008) and Daniel Baldwin (1996). And Jake Gyllenhaal has named his two dogs Atticus Finch and Boo Radley. Needless to say, the world of merchandising offers a wealth of items with Mockingbird themes. T-shirts, pendants, cufflinks, prints, posters scarves, tennis shoes, mobile device covers, bookmarks, handbags, and coffee cups are widely available, especially now that the novel is back in focus. Of particular interest is a clothing company, Atticus Clothing, founded by members of the pop music group Blink-182. The popularity of the novel/ film is also reflected in the world of body art, where numerous Mockingbird-inspired tattoos are available, from the most simple to the most elaborate. If you are not afraid of pain, you probably won’t mind sitting for hours while your favorite tattoo artist engraves this popular quote from the novel on your skin: “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” We can only
wonder where this quote appears on the body, and Schaub provides no clue. And we probably wouldn’t want to know. The last example given by Schaub is a particularly interesting one. Berkeley Breathed, creator of the “Bloom Country” and “Outland” comics, received a fan letter from Harper Lee after he published a tribute to her novel and a humorous suggestion that Quentin Tarentino and Oliver Stone were teaming up to produce a “Mockingbird” sequel (this was before GO SET A WATCHMAN was announced) titled “Kill Mo’ Mockingbird: Boo Radley Loose In The Hood.” If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, then Harper Lee’s novel is firmly entrenched in the pop culture firmament. And the aforementioned pop cultural references serve to show how we live in a remixed culture. Cultural artifacts are constantly reimagined and mashed up and served in numerous ways. A relevant example is how Alfred Hitchcock’s films have been, and still are being referenced. Take the infamous shower scene from “Psycho,” for example. Nearly every horror movie since 1960 has included some sort of variation of this much-analyzed scene—perhaps the most overlyanalyzed scene in movie history. An interesting website, “Genius,” is devoted to pop culture mashups and features a really cool page analyzing pop culture references in the films of Quentin Tarantino, including his “Psycho” references. The director Brian DePalma has built his career on paying tribute to Hitchcock, and a particularly good example of this process is AFTER HITCHCOCK: INFLUENCE, IMITATION, AND INTERTEXTUALITY, a book of essay edited by David Boyd and R. Barton Palmer (2006), that trace the ways in which Hitchcock’s films have been recycled and referenced in all sorts of familiar and surprising ways. This could serve as a textbook for students interested in the process of pop culture mashups. I will leave you to seek out your own pop culture references and influences, which can of course include my columns, which are chock full of pop culture mashups each week. See you next week.
www.theloaferonline.com
August 4, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 27
28 | The Loafer | August 4, 2015