The Loafer August 8th by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

on the cover

Volume 31 • Issue #36

Little Chicago

Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle

Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Brad Parris Janie Jarvis

Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Langley Shazor 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

Office Coordinator Amanda Lane

18 Stargazer Spacey Surprises that make Marq go "WOW! REALLY?" 19 Skies This Week 20 Batteries Not Included Where The Blues Are 22 Pop Life Dunkirk 24 Mountain Movers The Randy Pierce Interview 26 Appalachian Wanderers Hiking Saftey Tips 27 The Casual Word Creation 28 Puzzle Page 31 Kelly’s Place The Chainsmokers Meet The Beatles

your week’s line-up

Music & Arts Festival

Cover Design Bill May

4 5 6 7 7 8 10 11 11 12 13 14 16 23 27 29 30

Little Chicago Music & Arts Festival Little Chicago Music Line Up Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers Solar Eclipse Events Balds and Brews Paper and Ink Print Exhibit Appalachian Men's Ensemble Seeking New Members Garden Chronicles K.T. Vandyke & the Loars & Holston River Brewing Co. Photography Contest Pinkalicious The Musical Ivan Appelrouth @ Acoustic Coffeehouse Spotlight The Trouble and the Pet Insurance.... Slabtown Distrist Convention is Coming Back Pets Of The Week Things To Do

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Little Chicago Back This Year With

Big Plans

n its 2nd year, the Little Chicago Festival is back with all the fun from last year's weekend! As a downtown street festival, Little Chicago features delicious food vendors, arts & crafts vendors, a family fun zone, kid's activities, art competitions, a block party, and of course, incredible live music. You can hear popular regional bands like the ETSU Celtic Pride Band, Sammy Gunns, Doctor Ocular, and many more, plus a Block Party with DJ Breese.

NEW for 2017: A petting zoo for kids and a DJ Stage on Spring Street for tweens and teens! Admission to the festival is completely free for the whole family. The Little Chicago Festival is presented by the Downtown Merchants Association and sponsored by Holston Distributing, Cherokee Distributing, Main Street Pizza, and the Johnson City Press.

www.littlechicagofestival.com www.facebook.com/littlechicagofestival/ www.instagram.com/littlechicagofestival/

SAMMY GUNNS • DOCTOR OCULAR • LOOSE LEAVES • THE KINDEST PEOPLE • LOVE UNIT • SHIMMY & THE BURNS JORDAN COPAS • RHYTHM & ROOSEVELTS • US, IF • JAKE QUILLIN BAND • 49 WINCHESTER • THESE ARE THE ANGELS FIELD NOTES • JARED BENTLEY AND FRIENDS • STERLING SPRINGS • EARTH SUITS • DEADWOOD DRIFTERS SANG SARAH • RBTS WIN •INDI GHOST • ARRON JAXON BAND • ETSU CELTIC PRIDE BAND JACKDAW'S 7 • A GREAT DISASTER • TUATHA DEA • BLOCK PARTY WITH DJ BREEZE

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

CHEROKEE STAGE 2:00 - 2:45 Sammy Gunns 3:30 - 4:15 Doctor Ocular 5:00 - 5:45 Loose Leaves 6:30 - 7:15 The Kindest People 8:00 - 8:45 Love Unit 9:30 -10:30 Shimmy & the Burns

Saturday, Aug. 12

Friday, Aug. 11

MUSIC SCHEDULE MAIN STAGE / HOLSTON STAGE 1:00 – 1:45 Jordan Copas 2:30 – 3:15 Rhythm & TheRoosevelts 4:00 – 4:45 Us, If 5:30 – 6:15 Jake Quillin Band 7:00 – 7:45 49 Winchester 8:30 – 9:15 These Are the Angels 10:00 – 10:45 Field Notes

CHEROKEE STAGE 12:30 - 1:15 Jared Bentley and Friends 2:00 - 2:45 Sterling Springs 3:30 - 4:15 Earth Suits 5:00 - 5:45 Deadwood Drifters 6:30 - 7:15 Sang Sarah 8:00 - 8:45 Rbts Win 9:30 - 10:30 Indighost MAIN STAGE / HOLSTON STAGE 1:00 - 1:45 Arron Jaxon Band 2:30 - 3:15 ETSU Celtic Pride Band 4:00 - 4:45 Jackdaw's 7 5:30 - 6:15 A Great Disaster 7:00 - 8:45 Tuatha Dea 9:15 - 10:45 Block Party with DJ Breese

On-Going Family Zone Activites Both Days:

Petting Zoo •Fender’s Farm Cow Train Rides • Face Painting • Balloon Animals • Inflatable for Toddlers Only • Baby Oasis Tent provided by BABE Breastfeeding Coalition • Special Needs Oasis Tent provided by Dawn of Hope • Senior Oasis Tent provided by Johnson City Parks and Rec Senior Cente • Children’s Activity Tent • Voter Registration Tent • Children’s Craft Tent • USA Raft Play Area and Photo Opp Misting Tents • Little Chicago Fest Selfie Booth

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers to perform fundraising concert in Kingsport

On August 12th, sounds of Americana and Texas tinged swing will fill the air when Phoebe Hunt and the Gatherers play a concert at High Voltage Performance and Event Venue, 101 Cherokee St., Kingsport to benefit Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD).

limited number of tickets are now on sale at asdevelop.org/underthestars. Tickets are $75/ person and include an indoor cocktail reception featuring a menu of heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared with local, in-season Appalachian ingredients and an open beer and wine bar. After mingling at the reception, guests can purchase beer and wine while enjoying Phoebe’s soulful and plaintive voice during a concert at High Voltage, Kingsport’s, TN's newest hangout spot. Jake Harris, ASD Board Chair and Vice President at Citizen’s Bank explains, “We are impacting economic

development and addressing food insecurity. Over the last 5 years, we have deepened and increased local and regional collaborations in an attempt to have greater collective impact. And there is growing interest in our work as people understand and value the solutions we provide. To reach more people, this year we are executing an event strategy with a focus on smaller, more intimate experiences that are casual and more affordable. That way we can get all kinds of folks involved. This event will allow more people in Kingsport to learn about ASD’s good work, enjoy a great musician and help us raise much needed funding."

For more information about Phoebe Hunt and the Gatherers, go to: https://www.phoebehuntmusic.com/.

at The Johnson City Public Library

The Johnson City Public Library will distribute a limited supply of eclipse glasses to the public free of charge. The glasses will be available at any of the library service desks, and there is a limit of one pair per person.

presented by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

BaldsandBrews

n August 17th at 6:00 p.m., the public is invited to the Jones Meeting Room for a pre-eclipse event. Dr. Rico Ignace from the Department of Physics & Astronomy at East Tennessee State University will explain how and why solar eclipses occur and go over the proper way to view an eclipse safely. Library staff will assist patrons in making their own pinhole viewers out of every day materials for safe eclipse viewing. A limited number of eclipse glasses will be handed out to the attendees of this program on a first-come, first-serve basis. On August 21st, the public is invited to gather at the library to view the solar eclipse. The library will stream NASA’s live feed coverage of the eclipse as it makes its way across the country. The terraced lawn across the street from the library will serve as a viewing area, and a limited number of eclipse glasses will be distributed to those who need them on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 1:30 p.m. Each of these programs is free and open to the public. To learn more about these and other upcoming events, visit the library’s events calendar at www.jcpl.net, like the library’s Facebook page, or follow the library on Twitter or Instagram. For more information about these free programs or other Youth Services programs, please call 423-434-4458.

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy as our summer Duke Stanback Intern Sarah Sanford presents her work cataloging the last three decades of grassy balds management in the Roan Highlands. Sarah will use GIS data, historic photographs, and interactive maps to portray the years of work performed by SAHC, our partners, and local volunteers.

he presentation will also include a brief overview of the natural and cultural history of the Roan Highlands, from land conservation efforts to mountaintop festivals. Following the presentation, join us for a cold brew at JRH Brewing in Johnson City. JRH is donating $1 of every pint to SAHC in support of our land and water conservation efforts. JRH Brewing is located at 458 West Walnut Street in Johnson City. RSVP to presentation preferred. For more information or to RSVP, contact Pauline: pauline@appalachian.org or (828) 253-0095 x 216.

When: Friday, August 11th Where: Balds presentation in Room 304, D.M. Brown Hall at ETSU, followed by Brews at JRH Brewing.

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Solar Eclipse Events

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Paper and Ink Prints Exhibit at Reece Museum

“Paper and Ink: Prints, Drawings and Installations,” an exhibit featuring work by Laken Bridges and John Hilton, at East Tennessee State University’s Reece Museum, continues through Sept. 22.

he idea for the exhibition is rooted in the artists’ shared passion for paper and ink media. “The title is the result of common ground between our individual work – the use of paper and ink as a primary medium,” Hilton says. “There is a rich tradition of paper tied to the history of printmaking. Paper has an incredible memory and is the perfect vehicle for recording the marks of each work.” “I love that printmaking is a democratic process – it has a history of collaboration, mass communication and distribution of

ideas,” adds Bridges. “It has not always had the prestige of other fine arts media, but has proven itself to be a versatile medium that provides a platform for making art that is accessible to many.” Both Bridges and Hilton earned bachelor of fine arts degrees at ETSU and master of fine arts degrees with concentrations in printmaking at Clemson University. Beyond their similarities in medium and education, both teach art in the ETSU Department of Art and Design. Stylistically and conceptually, there is a “dialogue” between the two artists’

work – both use symbolism and humor to establish critiques and narratives. An artists’ talk and reception will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, from 5-7 p.m. Both the exhibit and talk/reception are free and open to the public. Regular Reece Museum hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, call the Reece Museum at 423-439-4392 or visit www.etsu.edu/reece. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Seeking New Members Appalachian Men’s Ensemble (AMEn) invites male singers age 16 and up to audition for the 2017-2018 concert season.

pen auditions will be held on Thursday, August 31 from 6:307:30 p.m. in the Chapel at Munsey Memorial United Methodist

Church, 201 E Market St, Johnson City. No appointment is necessary; arrive anytime during the hour. Singers should prepare a brief solo (two minute maximum length) that is unaccompanied or selfaccompanied. Music can be of any style or genre. Singers that are interested but unable to attend the open audition can schedule an individual appointment with the Artistic Director. Contact AMEn at AppalachianMensEnsemble@gmail.com to schedule an audition appointment or for more information. The Appalachian Men’s Ensemble is an all-male vocal ensemble of auditioned voices from throughout the greater Tri-Cities area. The group is dedicated to performing a wide range of choral repertoire – both sacred and secular – from the late Middles Ages to the present. AMEn’s programming and presentation of music is vast and varied, featuring a cappella pieces, accompanied songs, rock and pop arrangements, and classical works from a variety of cultures. AMEn is unique in its formation and execution, representing one of the few American male choral ensembles of its size to perform music of such a demanding caliber while also programming popular arrangements and familiar standards. The group rehearses in a three week period prior to each concert. Rehearsal times vary but are generally Sunday and Tuesday evenings. AMEn was founded in the fall of 2013. Dr. Alan

Stevens is the Artistic Director. Stevens is also currently the Associate Director of Choral Activities at East Tennessee State University. The season concert schedule and additional information about can be found on their website: www.AppMensEnsemble.org or on Facebook at: www.Facebook. com/AMEnEnsemble

K.T. Vandyke & the Loars

aturday night should be a special one at The Brewery. Playing from 8:30 – 11:30 (no cover) will be K.T. Vandyke and The Loars. Born and raised in the deep black diamond hills of southwestern Virginia, K.T. Vandyke is a unique and gripping songsmith, who wields folk songs and prose that reflect his vibrant and tempestuous life. He tells the story of growing up in the coalfields of Buchanan County. It’s the story of a young vagabond musician just going off instinct. Currently stationed in Johnson City, Tennessee he has been performing in the greater Appalachian region and neighboring metropolitan areas for a consistent eight years. Vandyke graduated from East Tennessee State University in December of 2015 where he spent the last three years honing his craft as a songwriter and musician majoring in Bluegrass, Old-Time, Celtic, and Country Music. During his senior year Vandyke was featuring as the lead vocalist for the distinguished ETSU Celtic Pride Band (a student group comprised of the university’s finest Celtic music students). In 2012 Vandyke took home 1st place in the Richard Leigh Songwriters Competition with his song "Huck Finn" taking first place, and was a featured performer in the festival the following year. In 2014, he was named a Troubadour finalist in the nationally renowned songwriting competition held by Planet Bluegrass at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival held in Telluride, Colorado. Amidst his musical tenure he has performed throughout the U.S., opening for Jason Isbell at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Pokey LaFarge at the Thursday Jams Concert series in Abingdon, Virginia, Blackberry Smoke at the Buchanan County Fair, and Larry Keel and Natural Bridge at the Catawba Music Festival. That same year he was also named a top ten finalist for the Visit Music City Songwriting Competition. Friday night is nothing but more great entertainment with The Billy Crawford Band performing in week two of the Campout Live Series. Cover is $5 and it is only $10 to camp overnight in their camping area. One more thing – keep the weekend of October 8th and 9th available. The Brewery will be hosting the first annual Holston Riverfest with a great lineup of entertainment. Race Week will also feature an outstanding lineup of music, including Lance Stinson, Below 7 and Southern Rebellion.

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Holston River Brewing Company Presents An Intimate Night w/ Recording Artist

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Steele Creek Park Wildlife Weekend

Photography Contest It’s time to start getting your favorite Steele Creek Park photos ready to submit to the 2017 Photo Contest and Show.

s in past years, the event is being held in conjunction with the 20th Annual Wildlife Weekend celebration at the park. Amateur photographers, including children and teens, are encouraged to participate. Photos can be color, black and white, and/or digitally altered. They must also be between 5”x7” and 16”x20” in size and mounted on a firm backing, but not framed. To be eligible, photographs must be taken at Steele Creek Park and should be focused on the natural aspects of the park. Prizes will be awarded based on the general interest, creativity, and technical merits of the photographs. Professional photographers from the Bristol area will serve on the panel of judges. All entries will be displayed during Wildlife Weekend, scheduled for October 13 - 14 at Steele Creek Park. This is always a popular part of Wildlife Weekend. It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate the beauty and diversity of the park through photography. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity for parkgoers of all ages to have fun through the creativity of photography and the wonder of nature. Eligible photos must be submitted to the Slater Center, 325 McDowell Street, Bristol, TN. The deadline for submitting photographs is 4:00 pm on Friday, September 22, 2017. Complete rules and application forms are available at The Nature Center and at the Bristol Tennessee Parks and Recreation Department at the Slater Center. Forms are also available for downloading at www.friendsofsteelecreek.org. For more information contact Friends of Steele Creek at mail@friendsofsteelecreek.org.

“

When I see a copy of The Loafer, I think of home and all the wonderful talent our cummunity has to offer." Kim L.

theloaferonline.com | March 28, 2017

inkalicious: The Musical opens at Kingsport Theatre Guild on on the Main Stage at the Renaissance Theatre, 1200 East Center Street, August 11 and runs for two weekends. The lead character, Pinkalicious (played by 11 year old Johnson City native, Abigail Marshall) can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament. More information at www.thinkpinkalicious.com. Buy tickets now at www.kingsporttheatre.org.

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Ivan Appelrouth

@ Acoustic Coffeehouse Thursday, Aug. 10th

aving grown up exposed to southern airwaves and later spending significant time immersed in the blues rich environment of New England, Ivan Appelrouth has played guitar alongside and/or recorded with a span of many generations of the renown of the world of blues, from Earl King to Mick Fleetwood, experience leading up to the 2011 EllerSoul Records release of Blue And Instrumental, his debut recording under his own name that ironically garnered him a Blues Blast Magazine nomination for "Best New Artist." Not afraid of new artistic challenges or to pursue new musical and personal goals and passions, Ivan has since 2015, been bringing his long-time love of acoustic fingerstyle blues and ragtime guitar to the live stage promising a musical event featuring the music of the greats and lesser known of the genre and a performance of the early blues traditions of the Mississippi Delta, the Eastern Piedmont, and the cottonfields of the Deep South.

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Spotlight

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

- TUESDAY - August 8th -

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 - August 12th -

- FRIDAY - August 11th -

The Who Doos Holston River Brewing Company

KT VanDyke White Birch Juice Co.

LuLu Roman Kingsport Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre

Stemwinder Band Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Deadwood Drifters Numan’s Billiards

Cornbeef & The Pillbillies Numan’s Billiards

Old Movie Night Bears Bar

The Jae Marie Project The Pinnacle

Sundown Band Willoughby Ruritan

Tuna Goat Show Our House Restaurant

Shooter Band Holiday Inn

American Dropouts 1pm Rhythm & The Roosevelts 2pm Doctor Ocular 3pm Loose Leaves 5pm JQB 5pm The Kindest People 6pm Little Chicago Music Festival

Shades of Refinement Lakeview on South Holston

Sundown Band Elizabethton Elks Lodge

Phoebe Hunt & the Gatherers at High Voltage

Borderline Band Rush Street

Acoustifried Sonny’s Cafe

Wyldeheart Sonny’s Cafe

Jerry Garcia The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Matt Hogan Acoustic Coffeehouse

Acoustic Voodoo Acoustic Coffeehouse

Jigsaw Jane Quaker Steak & Lube

Best of Times Band Quaker Steak & Lube

Blue Reign Country Club Bar & Grill

Southern Rebellion Country Club Bar & Grill

Retroville Marker “2” Grill

U Turn Bears Bar

HB Beverly Bristol Station Brews & Taproom

TBA Marker “2” Grill

Shooter Band Stone Drive Eagles

Bristol Beat Band Bristol Country Show Palace

- WEDNESDAY - August 9th Jeff Anders & Friends Wild Wing Cafe Open Mic The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Jerry Garcia Memorial Jam Acoustic Coffeehouse Bike Night Bears Bar

- THURSDAY - August 10th James Meadows Wild Wing Cafe Purple Masquerade Prince Tribute at Full Moon Jam Bristol Jam with Joe Tighe Wellington’s Restaurant The Diamonds at Blackbird Bakery Beth Snapp Allandale Mansion Shooter Band Los Amigo’s Fats McPeck, Ivan Appelrouth Acoustic Coffeehouse JP Parsons Model City Tap House Nostalgia Duo Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill Before The Storm Quaker Steak & Lube Open Talent Night Bears Bar

- FRIDAY - August 11th Irom / Haal / Daybreaker Capone’s Asylum Suite Wild Wing Cafe JV Squad Sleepy Owl Brewery Pea Pickin’ Hearts Yee Haw Brewing Company Hundred Acres at O’Mainnin’s Pub

- SATURDAY - August 12th Live Entertainment Little Chicago Music Festival

The McLain Family Band Carter Family Fold Before The Storm Los Amigo’s

The Grand Ole Uproar Bristol Station Brews & Taproom

- SUNDAY - August 13th -

Scullsoup / Legbone / Nerve Endings The Hideaway

Ivy Road Marker ‘2’ Grille

The Kindest People / Field Notes / These Are The Angles Capone’s

Mike Snodgrass Band Wild Wing Cafe

The Blair Experience Wild Wing Cafe

Drop Dead Dangerous Sonny’s Cafe

KT VanDyke Holston River Brewing Company 5iveMore The Hyperion Grill Nightshift Band Buffalo Ruritan The Long Run - Eagles Tribute 50Fifty Sports Tavern

- TUESDAY - August 15th Broke-N-Busted at Holston River Brewing Company

for show time & more details, visit

theloaferonline.com

Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423-844-0400

Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport 423-765-0875

Bear's Bar 4460 Highway 421 Bristol TN 423-502-1975

Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr. Bristol VA 276-466-4100

Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St. Bristol VA 276-644-9464

Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276-623-0037

Holston River Brewing Company 2623 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444

CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361

Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock Drive Kingsport

TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Tina and West at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Logans Karaoke with Top shelf Entertainment at Boomershine’s Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Todd & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holston River Brewing Company Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at Quaker Steak & Lube Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ Top Shelf Entertainment at Painter Creek Marina Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************

Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One Street Gray, TN 423-282-9440

FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Los Amigos - Kingsport Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at BoBo’s - Damascus VA Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW - Elizabethton TN Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** 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 TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************

17 theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

KARAOKE

Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423-434-9872

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Spacey Surprises

That Make Marq Go "WOW! REALLY?"

Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

Occasionally I read an astronomy story or see an outer space image that makes me go, “Wow! Really?”

nd when I do, I want to share them with the world, that blue marble in space that is our Earthly abode of life. I’ve had a couple of those “Wow! Really?” moments lately, and I’ve asked The Loafer Editor to please use a couple fantastic images. His reply, as always: “Keep the copy short!” Which, I admit, is not always easy to do. But in this case, I want you to see several spacey surprises that just might make you react…well, with amazement. First up is Jupiter’s Red Spot. Holy Cow! The recent closeup by NASA’s orbiting Juno spacecraft shows a huge, rouge pallet of pure hurricane at an interplanetary scale. And it is beautiful with the surrounding tumultuous atmospheric zones giving images a surreal feel, like a Van Gogh painting. Snapped from 8,600 miles away in July 2017, Juno’s photos made a splash on social media with curious minds loving the detail. We’ve seen it many times from spacecraft before, but never this close. Jupiter’s Red Spot has been seen from Earth shortly after the first quality telescopes were trained on it in the 1640s. Every amateur astronomer wants to see the Red Spot. And in its 400 years of circling the giant Jupiter’s cloud bands once every 10 hours, it has sometimes faded in color but not from sight, only to rebound in its bright red, which is what has been going on the past few years. Just say “Great Red Spot” and lots of non-stargazers know what you mean. Even the cheapest backyard telescope will show Jupiter’s Red Spot, which at 10,000 -plus miles across is larger than Earth. The great planet is the brightest “star” in our Summer 2017 sky. Just look to the western skies and it’ll be there in its golden glory, along with white star Spica to its left, both in the constellation Virgo the Virgin.

The other “Wow! Really?” moment recently for me was reading the description of what atmospheric scientists have determined causes a rare and beautiful twilight phenomenon of “noctilucent clouds,” or NLCs in their jargon. “NLCs are, essentially, clouds of frosted meteor smoke.” Wow! Really? Well that’s what researchers say on one of my favorite spacey websites, Spaceweather.com. “They form when wisps of summertime water vapor rise toward the top of Earth's atmosphere. Water molecules stick to the microscopic debris of disintegrated meteoroids, assembling themselves into tiny crystals of ice that glow beautifully in sunlight at the edge of space.” I didn’t know that. Nor did thousands of others of stargazers who found noctilucent clouds a rare and interesting unknown about

Earth’s weather. We’ve all been following photos on a Spaceweather. com gallery of these wispy, blue-electric clouds that are simply beautiful. NLCs are maybe 50 miles above all other clouds and seasonally appear over the lands close to the Arctic Circle. I’ve never seen them, but want to. The past 20 years of digital cameras have helped people capture images of the often-eerie clouds glowing in the deep twilight, looking like neon-blue cirrus clouds. What causes noctilucent clouds has been debated for years. A team of atmospheric scientists put a satellite in orbit to investigate, and their findings have been announced with some beautiful photos from space. Frosted meteor smoke, huh? Now THAT’s why I love stargazing. And the big ‘ole, beautiful Red Spot!

ess than two weeks and counting down to “Eclipse Day” on Monday, Aug. 21. Whatever your plans, get there early. And if you’re in the path of totality and you black out for more than two minutes, forget photos, sit back and enjoy. There will be plenty of images to see from the professionals. Even seasoned veterans joke that “every total eclipse lasts 8 seconds!” The media hype and commercialization is gaining momentum—just wait ‘til next week! Tuesday, August 8 Jupiter is high in the west at dark, and Saturn is directly south in Ophiuchus between the hook of Scorpius to the right and teapot of Sagittarius to the left. In 2007 Columbia STS-118 Endeavour was launched on a “hard hat” mission to the construction destination 225 miles above—the growing ISS. Wednesday, August 9 Hot August nights have us realizing that Summer is losing its grip on daylight and night-time is gaining. And that makes stargazers happy! True daytime, from twilight to twilight, is now around 14.5 hours. That’s an hour different from those late June evening memories. Thursday, August 10 On this 2001 date in space history, STS-105 with orbiter Discovery blasted off the Florida East Coast and four astronauts delivered a cargo hold full of supplies to the ISS and continued installing life support equipment during two space walks. Friday, August 11 On this 1962 date in space history, the USSR launched Vostok 3 with cosmonaut Andrian Nikolayev. The next day Vostok 4 was launched with Pavel Popovich aboard, and the two space fliers saw each other’s

spacecrafts from a distance and communicated with each other in this space spectacular. Saturday, August 12 The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks tonight, and though the Moon is a bright gibbous phase in the after-midnight sky, the brightest meteors will still poke through. Earth continues until Aug. 23 traveling through the debris field of comet Swift-Tuttle, whose particles we see burning up in our atmosphere. Sunday, August 13 On this 1960 date in space history, NASA launched the first communications satellite, a gigantic balloon called Echo 1 that orbited Earth after being rocket off Cape Canaveral by the first Delta rocket. Radio waves were bounced off the exotic, 100-foot Mylar balloon surface and captured by dish antennas thousands of miles away. Monday, August 14 If you want a peek at the Autumn skies, get up at 4 am and see brilliant planet Venus and constellations Pegasus, Taurus and The Pleiades star cluster in the pre-dawn sky. At that early morning hour, the Summer constellations are setting in the west, the Milky Way standing beautifully upright.

19 theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of August 8-14, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Where The Blues Are

I come to you again this week with another pair of blu-rays from those master celluloid handlers at Warner Archive.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

irst up we have 1960’s “Where The Boys Are,” a defining teen picture of the era by MGM, and the film largely responsible for kicking off the whole cycle of 1960s beach films. The other is 1955’s “Pete Kelly’s Blues” a film starring, produced, and directed by Jack Webb--TV’s Joe Friday. Part of a deal Webb had made with Warner Brothers when he was setting up the original big screen version of “Dragnet” in the ‘50s. “Where The Boys Are” was set for the screen before the book it was based on had been released. Producer Joe Pasternak snatched up the rights to the book by Glendon Swarthout, which was originally titled “Unholy Spring.” Pasternak, strongly feeling “Where The Boys Are” would be the better title, persuaded Swarthout to change the book’s title. Pasternak also felt he could use the film as a starring vehicle for one of the stars of MGM’s record label, Connie Francis. Francis was reluctant to join the film, but after much personal pursuit by Pasternak, she agreed and joined a cast of up and coming contract players: George Hamilton, Paula Prentiss, Dolores Hart, and a preRiddler Frank Gorshin. “Where The Boys Are” is the story of four college students going to St. Lauderdale for Spring Break--happy to escape the bleak snow of their Midwestern college life. The film was one of the first ones of the era to imply that college students have intrest in sex. “Where The Boys Are” was a huge smash when it was released in the Winter of 1960--inspiring many college students to flood into Ft. Lauderdale for their Spring break in 1961. The film’s title song, sung by Connie Francis was a hit as well, peaking

at #4 on the Billboard charts. The m o v i e inspired other studios to make their own “teenager beach films” like Warner Brothers’ “Palm Springs Weekend” and American International capping them all with their “Beach Party” film--which became quite a successful franchise during the decade. Warner Archive brings “Where The Boys Are” to blu-ray with an absolutely masterful looking 1080p image. I’ve seen the film broadcast many times on TCM before, and this is the best I’ve ever seen it look. The colors are vibrant, the picture is sharp, with the right amount of natural grain for a film shot in CinemaScope. The mono sound is rendered as a DTS-HD MA track, which is just as vibrant as the picture. The extras are ported over from the 2003 DVD and are very

good. A commentary track by Paula Prentiss, a featurette with Prentiss and Francis, the trailer, and a newsreel from the film’s premiere in Ft. Lauderdale. In 1954 Jack Webb, star and creator of TV’s “Dragnet” brought his show to the big screen--which had previously been a radio series before making the jump to TV. The movie, which marked the first time a TV series had a big screen spin off, was distributed by Warner Brothers. In setting up the deal, Webb also inked plans to direct other features for the studio. He followed up the ‘54 film 1955’s “Pete Kelly’s Blues.” Webb stars, directs, and produces the film--through his company Mark VII Ltd. The film is set in the roaring ‘20s, centered around a band leader Pete Kelly (Webb), and his band’s involvement trying to break a contract with a ganglord. Janet Leigh costars, as does Jazz great Peggy Lee, and in a cameo role Ella Fitzgerald. The film is a little uneven at times, but it’s not a bad flick. Lee is pretty impressive in her dramatic turn, earning an OSCAR nom for Best Supporting Actress. Webb in real life was a huge Jazz fan, and this is clearly a love letter to the music as much as it is a dramatic period piece. Shot in color and CinemaScope, Warner Archive’s blu-ray of “Pete Kelly’s Blues” looks darn impressive. An early CinemaScope film and shot in the dreaded WarnerColor process, there are a few moments of flaws from the film being produced in this manner. A couple of those “mumps” from distortion in the early CinemaScope lenses, and the WarnerColor process faded quickly. The color’s are good, but some of the darker tones have a blue hue to them. Sound is a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix, created from a four track Stereo mix that was made for those original CinemaScope screenings. Another fine pair of blu-rays from Warner Archive, who simply have almost everyone else beat in the game of issuing deep catalog titles on blu-ray. Both come recommended by yours truly, both are welcome additions to have in HD. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

theloaferonline.com

Dunkirk T

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Director Christopher Nolan ("The Dark Knight Trilogy") is once again displaying his awesome directing skills with the new film "Dunkirk".

(Rated PG-13) 4 Spitfires (out of 4)

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

he film is set in World War II and is the tale of the evacuation of Allied soldiers trapped on the coast of France in the seaside city of Dunkirk after having being driven there by German soldiers. Nolan has brought two of his frequently used actors to the film, Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy, along with an ensemble cast which includes singer Harry Styles. What is really unique about this war film is that we see the story from three perspectives- the land, the sea, and the air. Even though there is an ensemble cast, we do follow one character, Tommy (Fionn Whitehead), a British army private, from the very beginning of the film to the end. The film reveals all Tommy endures in his attempt to make it back home to England. Meanwhile in the air, we follow some British Spitfire planes, one piloted by a Royal Air Force pilot named Ferrier (Hardy), who are headed to the French coast to help in the rescue effort. The sea part of the film involves the Royal Navy and their use of private boats to participate in the rescue efforts. During the sea portion of the film we meet several civilian characters who, even though they know they are headed straight for a war zone, are more than willing to step up and help in the rescue efforts. While the soldiers are waiting on the beach to be rescued, not only must they endure being shot at from Germans in Dunkirk, but aerial assaults as well. Eventually after many harrowing escapes, Tommy finally makes it to the boat he hopes will finally carry him home. Meanwhile in the air, Ferrier becomes a real hero by taking down a huge German bomber that could have killed hundreds of Allied soldiers. The story features many heroic moments and conveys how united the British and their allies were in attempts to defeat the Nazis. Of course we all know what eventually forced the United States to join the war, leading to the ultimate defeat of the Axis powers. Even though this film is crowded with actors, you still care for the characters and want them to survive to the end. The scenes of the Spitfire planes in the air are amazing, and are a reason to see the film even if you don't care for war films. This is one of those films that is so realistic you feel as if you are watching a documentary. The actors involved are all amazing and really do honor to the

story-line and to those who were in the real situation. The film also features Kenneth Branagh and James D'Arcy in the cast, and their performances shine. This is a film that doesn't need a lot of dialogue as the visual style tells us all we need to know. Nolan's technique for the film flies in the face of the conventional Hollywood formula, and that aspect is what makes the film unique, daring and spectacular. I left the theater impressed and plan on a second viewing of this film. If you need a break from the typical blockbuster films that dominate theater screens in the summer, I highly recommend "Dunkirk". This film is a Nolan masterpiece that must be seen on the big screen, and in the IMAX format if possible.

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

The Trouble and the Pet Insurance... National healthcare is a tough and complicated issue but pet insurance has an easy answer - GET IT!

rouble (information shared with permission) is a beloved 6 year old cat whom, as I write, is heading to UTCVM for a specialty kidney surgery that is likely to cost close to $10,000 or more. Without it she will die far sooner than she should and her daddy, like most of us, could never afford this kind of surgery without insurance. There are a couple of issues when shopping pet insurance. Be wary of policies that have lifetime or annual maximums. While a $10,000 lifetime maximum sounds pretty good, just look at the above real case and do the math. And for Trouble, this surgery won't be the

last of her medical expenses! Avoid policies that dictate who you can and can't go to... the vets on those lists often pay money to be there and those lists have no bearing on whether they are anywhere near your home. Policies that pay for exams and preventive care sound good but I worry about them. Unlike human insurance where the critical thing is staying insured to manage pre-existing conditions, if you change pet insurance any preexisting condition will NOT be covered. If the company goes belly up or reduces your coverage or increases your premium to something you can't afford (scary just how

similar THAT sounds to human insurance) you're just kind of stuck so shop carefully before you buy. Average monthly premiums generally range between $30 for cats and $45 for dogs... that isn't cheap but back to Trouble - the return on investment for a $400/year premium cost is looking pretty sweet right now.

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Randy Pierce: The Interview Back in 1998 I called a local radio station and volunteered to clean toilets for free if I could just put on my resume that I worked there. My offer was just crazy enough to get some attention and within a matter of days, I was given a chance to do an air check which earned me a spot as a full-time news anchor. Every morning I was blessed to be on air at that time, the guy sitting on the other side of my studio window doing his talk show was none other than Randy Pierce. If you have lived here for any length of time you have heard him on the radio whether you realized it or not. Randy has a passion for this region, for God and for making a positive impact. If you haven’t had the chance to meet him, you need to take a minute to hear his story. You’ll be glad you did.

Mountain Movers

By Brian Bishop bbishop@ theloaferonline.com

BRIAN: Randy, thanks for taking time to talk with me and let folks get to know you a little better. Take it from the beginning, what was it like growing up for you? RANDY: Born and raised in Greeneville, so east Tennessee has always been ‘home’ to me. My dad was a route salesman, my mom was a stay at home mom. I grew up with two sisters, a baby sister came along when I was a junior in high school, so several years in-between. I was a paper carrier for the Greeneville Sun when I turned 10, bagger for Giant Food Market in high school and then one class at Greeneville High School changed my life. It was called “Career Orientation” and we were allowed to job shadow at local businesses and learn their profession. My second semester was at WSMGAM 1450 in Greeneville. I remember that day as if it was yesterday, January, 1975, walking into the studio and I know this sounds weird but I remember thinking, ‘I will do this for the rest of my life”. And to this date, that has been true. I have worked at WSMG, WGRV/WIKQ in Greeneville, WJCW/WQUT and since September 2000 at WCQR. BRIAN: We have known each other for many years in the radio business and I know you could go work in any market you choose. What is so special about this region that has kept you here as your home? RANDY: There is just something about the pace of life here. Great, hardworking people, people that love God, who take pride in their work and pride in their family. I have literally been around the world but flying or driving back into these mountains…no place in the world like it. BRIAN: Obviously faith is a huge part of your life. How does your faith play into the everyday routine of your work and play? RANDY: Just as I had no doubt about ‘being in radio the rest of my life’, in 2000, there was no doubt that serving God through Christian radio was something He had planned for my life. In addition to the best place in the world to live, serving God and sharing my faith on the air, through my dealings with local businesses who support our efforts, I honestly cannot tell you how blessed I am. In my office, I have four or five bookshelves filled with memories of what God has allowed me to do. From asking to pray with a man with cancer in South Africa, praying and sharing with a grandmother in Thailand, flying an hour into the Amazon in South American and singing hymns with a Waodani warrior, now a pastor, who murdered five missionaries in the 1950’s. The Movie “End of The Spear” was based on that tribe…to sitting in my office praying with a man struggling with his marriage. Brian, I am an old, shy country boy from Greeneville, Tennessee. Tell me there is no God.

BRIAN: Family is a huge part of what makes this region special. How important is your family life and how do you fit quality time in with work and career? RANDY: Faith and Family are things you really can’t separate. Faith in God is first and foremost. Everything revolves around it. My wife Paige and I just celebrated our 33rd anniversary, our son is a police officer in Greeneville. He and his wife Courtney have one son, Aiden and very soon we will see their daughter, Lakelynn who will make her appearance in November of this year. Grandkids are another way God just smiles on your life. WCQR was in the midst of a fundraiser, long 12 hour days, heading home at 6:30pm Aiden calls and wants to play ball with “Pops”. I’m tired, starving, wanting to get home, but you know who was playing ball 40 minutes later! So blessed to have my family living in east Tennessee. BRIAN: Last but not least, you have just got to share some of what is going on with WCQR. What do folks need to know and where can they learn more? RANDY: OK…now you’ve hit another passion for me! Our mission at WCQR is to “Change the world by creating and delivering experiences that allow people to live passionately for Jesus Christ.’ I absolutely love what God is doing through WCQR. We launched a project called “Reach Out Tri Cities” this year that involves our family of listeners to invest time and effort and volunteer and serve in our community. We’ve collected pajamas for kids in need, donated blood through Marsh Regional Blood Center, we have helped women that were rescued from slavery get back on their feet, this fall we will have our Project Thanksgiving and also help kids with incarcerated parents experience Christmas, but even more than that, our parent company, Positive Alternative Radio, just launched an effort to impact “1Billion Lives In 5” through the #ENCW Project. (ENCW=Easy Never Changed the World) Local Christian Radio stations around the world, along with other non-profit Christian organizations teaming up to not only ‘share’ the gospel, but show the love of Jesus through acts of kindness. You will continue to hear more about it on 88.3fm WCQR. WCQR has been nominated again this year by the Christian Music Broadcaster Association as medium market Station of the Year. The credit really goes to and shows how our listeners reach out and help our community. This is WCQR’s sixth nomination in our 20 years and hopefully our fifth Station of the Year award. We will get those results in September. Other great ministries around the country share their impact in their communities and we are honored to share the efforts of our listeners and ministry.

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Festivals

Got an event coming up?

Events

Send it to The Loafer! info@theloaferonline.com

Concerts

Exhibits

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Hiking Safety Tips Now that the summer days are starting to give way to beginning of fall in only a short few weeks, we wanted to bring you the first segment in our “Hiking Safety” series. We want each of you to be just as passionate about hiking and the great outdoors as we are, but we also want to make sure you are safe doing it. So many people do not realize the risks involved with hiking, even if it’s just for a quick nature walk.

ere we are going to cover 10 basic items for any hiker on any trail. These 10 basics are designed to keep you safe and keep you hiking!

Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

1. Appropriate footwear. Most people don’t really think about what to wear on their feet when they go hiking. They just put on what is most convenient or even stylish and take off. This isn’t good for your feet if you want to be comfortable and not have blisters on the. For a short-day hike that doesn’t involve a heavy pack or technical terrain, trail shoes are great. For longer hikes, carrying heavier loads, or more technical terrain, hiking boots offer more support. Leave the style for when you go out to eat or see a movie, and wear comfortable and supportive shoes when hiking! 2. Map and compass/GPS. Something else that is very important, is knowing the area you are hiking in and finding ways to not get lost. A map and compass not only tell you where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident. While GPS units are very useful, always carry a map and compass as a backup. As another safety measure in this area, you should always tell someone where you are hiking so that if something goes wrong, someone knows where you are. 3. Extra water and a way to purify it. Make sure you pack plenty of water when you head out to the trails. Summer heat can catch up to you very quickly! Without enough water, your body’s muscles and organs simply can’t perform as well. Consuming too little water will not only make you thirsty, but susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness. Pack plenty and drink plenty. 4. Extra food. Pack lots of protein bars, dry fruits, nuts and berries. Any number of things could keep you out longer than expected: getting lost, enjoying time by a stream, an injury, or difficult terrain. Extra food will help keep up energy and morale. If you run out of food, you could face more danger so pack wisely. 5. Rain gear and extra clothing. Dress for more and remove layers if needed, because the weatherman is not always right. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to changing weather and activity levels. Two rules: avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin) and always carry a hat.

6. Safety items: matches, light, and a whistle. These three basic items can be vital to survival if you become lost or darkness falls before you get out of the woods. The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent hypothermia. Fires are also a great way to signal for help if you get lost. If lost, you’ll also want the whistle as it is more effective than using your voice to call for help (use 3 short bursts). Whistles are also good noise makers if ever faced by a bear and you need to make noise to scare it away. Just in case you’re out later than planned, a flashlight/ headlamp is a must-have item to see your map and where you’re walking.

7. First aid kit. Never hike without some type of first aid kit. Prepackaged first-aid kits for hikers are available at any outfitter. Double your effectiveness with knowledge: take a first-aid class with the American Red Cross or a Wilderness First Aid class. Do an internet search and find several homemade first aid kits. They are not hard or expensive to put together for hiking. 8. Knife or multi-purpose tool Don’t be left in the woods with nothing to cut with. You never know when you may need a knife. These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, fix broken eyeglasses, and perform a whole host of repairs on malfunctioning gear. 9. Sun screen and sun glasses. YES, you can get a sunburn hiking. Yes it hurts. Especially above tree line when there is a skin-scorching combination of sun and snow, you’ll need sunglasses to prevent snow blindness and sunscreen to prevent sunburn. 10. Daypack/backpack. You can get a very nice hiking bag for around $50 at most outfitters or hiking stores. Don’t take a drawstring bag or something that will hurt your back or shoulders. Invest and stay comfortable. You’ll want something you can carry comfortably and has the features designed to keep you hiking smartly. Don’t forget the rain cover; some packs come with one built-in. Keep the other Essentials in the pack and you’ll always be ready to hit the trail safely. We hope you will find these safety tips helpful and that you will enjoy hiking more by using them. Watch for the next segment of our hiking basics where we will cover NETN/SWVA animals, insects, reptiles and other critters to stay away from while hiking.

So go out and enjoy the trails and maybe we will see you out there!

The Casual Word

By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord

Until today I never noticed How much of the world Resembled itself A delicate mimicry Clouds grow upward In the same way Crystals Like those found in caves In fact I am reminded of underwater Caverns and pools Mirror images of each other If I had never known the sky Would I be able To tell the difference

Slabtown District Convention Coming Back To Town!

f you missed it before, “Slabtown District Convention” is coming back to town. Mark your calendars for some thigh-slapping, toe tapping laughter. When this cast of ladies and two gentlemen meet up, they take church meetings to another level in this oneact play complete with hymns and spirituals by the harmonic “Happy Hollow Choir”. This is a very popular comedic church play

written by Nannie H. Burroughs in the early twenties. Everyone laughs but the principals of the play are practical teaching still today. This event is performed by “AGH” Performing Arts Group and all proceeds will go to the Historically African-American West Lawn Cemetery which was vandalized earlier this year. Benefits received will be to secure fencing. (“AGH” is an acronym for the name of the play directors, Mary Alexander, Debbie Grey and Phedelma Hancock). The Play will be held at Grace Temple Church Eternal Life Center located at 208 Garden Drive on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 6PM. Tickets may be purchased at Money Services at Central Shopping Center located at 1111 North Roan Street; Johnson City, TN. General Admissions - $15; Seniors and Students w/valid ID - $12; Limited VIP seating - $25; Family of four discount - $40

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Creation

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

Answers on page 30

Gorda is a 2 year old Pit mix. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. This sweet baby has been here for a while and is such a loving dog. Please consider Gorda for your family!

Diamond is a 1 year old hound mix. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. This cutie is full of personality and ready to find her furrever family!

he Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. 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 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www. bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ bridgehome

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

PETS

OF THE WEEK

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

THINGS TO DO Blood Drive Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the area locations. Visit http:// tinyurl.com/n4aujx9 to find a location near you. In addition to scheduled blood drives, donors are welcome at Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport, 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. For more information about scheduling a blood drive at a local business, church, school or community organization, please call 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 276-679-4669 or visit www. marshblood.com.

ers Park. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. Come drum, hoop/holler, dance, or just relax and take in the scene, no experience or “talent” necessary. There are shared instruments and of course you can bring your own drums or percussion. It's all improvised, so there are no mistakes. We just smile and keep playing. Bring your own seating! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Stress Clinic Community Acupuncture Enjoy a de-stressing and pain relieving thirty minute seated acupuncture session in the Art Gallery of The Renaissance Center in Kingsport. Hosted by Acupuncture Associates, come and get your painless acupuncture •••••••••••••••••••••••••• and get your nervous system strengthened! $40 (plus get a $20 The Casual Word bonus voucher to apply toward Adult Creative Writing Class Join us for a free, fun, engaging, your next visit). Join us EVERY and different look into writing. THIRD THURSDAY 12-3pm. For incall 423-239-7044. In this class, we will not focus fomations, •••••••••••••••••••••••••• on structure, form, or rules, but on the freedom of writing. It is Off The Couch Tri-Cities Ladies the goal of this class to open the Only Social Activities Group mind to its full creative potential For bi, lesbian or straight ladies. by allowing participants to write The goal of this group is to get you what they want, how they want to off the couch and out of the house write it. Sessions will be student so you can have fun going to varilead; we will engage in topics and ous activities, meet new people subjects that are of interest to and make friends. Activities inthe students. The atmosphere is clude live music, open mic night, casual and jovial. This class is de- drum circle, storytelling, social/ signed for all those 18 and up who coffee hour, comedy, bingo, bilwish to try their hand at creative liards, sporting events, theatre writing. and karaoke. Locations for activiThursdays @ 6:00 p.m. Jones ties can take place in different arCreativity Center. Bristol Public eas throughout the tri cities. Library. Johnson City- The Willow Tree Coffeehouse, The Down Home, •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Founders Park, JC Community JC Community Drum Circle Theatre, Acoustic Coffeehouse, The Johnson City Community Yee-Haw Brewing Company, 50fifDrum Circle meets every Wednes- ty Sports Tavern day evening (April – October), Bristol- Border Bash, Quaker 7pm - 8:30pm, inside the Farmers’ Steak and Lube, Studio Brew, Market Pavilion next to Found- Bristol Station Brews & Taproom

Kingsport- , Rush Street Neighborhood Grill, Gypsy Circus Cider Company, Sleepy Owl Brewery Possible singers/groups: Wise Old River, Yarn, Amythyst Kiah, Annabelle's Curse, If Birds Could Fly, Beth Snapp, The Black Lillies, The SteelDrivers, Megan Jean and the Klay Family Band, Bill and the Belles, Sang Sarah, Indighost, The Steel Wheels, The Dustbowl Revival, The Get Right Band, The Ragbirds, Underhill Rose, Dangermuffin, Folk Soul Revival, The Jake Quillen Band, The Whiskey Gentry, and The Way Down Wanderers. To join visit: http://tinyurl.com/ y8utzb4r. Any problems with signing up on Meetup send an email to offthecouchladiessocialgroup@gmail.com. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Master Gardener Classes The Northeast Tennessee Master Gardener classes will be starting on 5 September thru 31 October and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am until noon at the Ron Ramsey Regional Agricultural Center 140 Spurgeon Lane Blountville Tennessee. The cost of the class is $175 which includes a massive textbook, 40 hours of classes, name badge and graduation dinner. Partial schol-

arships are available. Registration please visit www.johnsoncitytn. deadline is 15 August 2017. Please org/boards. Applications will be contact Chris Ramsey for more in- accepted through Sept. 22. formation at 423-574-1919 For additional information regarding the Health and Education •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Facilities Board, please contact Gray Library Adult Book Group Sheri Keenan at (423)434-6009 Sweetness at the Bottom of the •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Pie by Alan Bradley will be discussed at this month's Adult Book Sew Crazy Meeting Group at Gray Library. The group After a short summer break, Sew meets at 2 p.m., the fourth Thurs- Crazy resumes its regular meeting day of each month. New mem- schedule on Saturday, August 19, bers are always welcome! For from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. at Bethlehem more information call the library Lutheran Church, 201 E. Watauga at 423-477-1550. Ave., Johnson City. The group will be making wheel chair bags, dog •••••••••••••••••••••••••• coats, activity mats and more for Volunteer Needed its November fund raiser. There The Johnson City Board of Com- is no cost to attend this meeting; missioners will consider one ap- sewing materials and notions are pointment to the Health and Edu- provided. For more information, cation Facilities Board. This board please contact Donna Horowitz at meets on an as-needed basis and 423-434-0424 or info@sew-crazy. aids medical and educational fa- org . cilities in obtaining tax-free loans •••••••••••••••••••••••••• as allowed by a combination federal and state statutes. Each term Shopping Online If you're interested in learning to is three years. Applicants should be interested shop online, come to the Gray Liin community affairs and must brary for a free class at 4:30 p.m., be city residents. Applications Tuesday, Aug. 8. Participants will are available at the Municipal learn tips to make their shopping and Safety Building, 601 E. Main easier and safer. Bring your own St., and can be faxed or mailed laptop or ask to borrow one of the by calling 423-434-6009. To library's for the class. Call the licomplete an application online, brary at 423-477-1550 to register.

Cryptogram: Think of these things - whence you came, where you are going, and to whom you must account. DropQuote: "Yet America is a poem in our eyes; its ample geography dazzles the imagination, and it will not wait long for meters."

Meet The Beatles

Y Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

es, I also listen to all those generational channels devoted to hits from various decades, from the 1950s through the 2000s. Most people are amazed that I frequently listen to contemporary music, alternating between Ed Sheeran and Claude Debussy (twin brothers from different time zones). Needless to say, I was tuned in on May 18 to hear the very first song--”All You Need Is Love”--played on the new Beatles channel. I have noticed that several of the Sirius pop channels are now featuring occasional Beatles tunes in their playlists, but I was taken aback when I heard the not-so-well-known Beatles’ song “Hey, Bulldog” on the Today’s Hits channel (Hits 1). In fact, this song is featured in heavy rotation on that channel and has developed quite a fanbase. Yes, if you listen long enough (which won’t be that long) you will hear the song sandwiched in between the likes of Frank Montana, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Julia Michaels, Panic At The Disco, and Hailee Steinfeld. According to a Jim Harrington piece for a recent edition of The Mercury News, “it was ‘Hey Bulldog’ mania, as--intentionally or not--fans were reportedly getting an old-fashioned one-song marathon on Hits 1 channel.” Why did this happen? No one seems to know. Maybe the station was hacked (by the Russians, perhaps?), maybe it was a not-so-clever (but attention-grabbing) promo for the new Beatles channel, or quite possibly a new outbreak of Beatlemania. In any event, it is always interesting to mixand-match the Beatles with Liam Payne and friends. Because of this phenomenon, we have seen the appearance of several new online featurettes, such as Sirius’ “Hey Bulldog: 9 things you didn’t know about this overlooked Beatles song.” For examples, did you know that the original title of this 1969 song, which was included on the “Yellow Submarine” soundtrack, was originally titled “Hey, Bullfrog”? Or that this song was on the flip side of the “Lady Madonna” single and that when the video of this hit song was made, we see the Fab Four recording “Hey Bulldog” while “Lady Madonna” is playing? At this point we are directed to recording engineer Geoff Emerick’s fascinating book HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE: MY LIFE RECORDING THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES (2006) for a first-hand account of why the song was the last time the Beatles seemed to be having fun in the recording studio before their much-publicized breakup in 1970. The take-away from all this hoopla is that we should not really be amazed, but very thankful, that the Beatles song has been playing on a station that would not usually think of playing anything as old as “Hey, Bulldog.” In fact, we should take this as a cue to broaden our musical horizons. I would like to hear a station featuring a playlist of songs from all genres--from J.S. Bach and Frank Sinatra to Shawn Mendes and George Jones. Of course, we can do this like I do in my car everyday--we can create our own custom stations by fiddling around (no pun intended) with our preset buttons. However, I bet most people only listen to two

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017

The Chainsmokers

If you ever ride in my car, you will immediately notice 31 that my favorite Sirius channels are quite eclectic. I frequently channel surf from Jazz, Classical, and Soul and Today’s Hits and Classic Vinyl (although I dislike vinyl) with lots of stops in between, including Classic Country and all that soft pop stuff found on The Bridge. or three stations from the large selection offered by Sirius. Just think of all the interesting things they are missing by narrowing their listening choices. If you want to learn how to listen to and evaluate music in this age of endless playlists, I encourage you to read Ben Ratliff’s suggestive EVERY SONG EVER: TWENTY WAYS TO LISTEN IN AN AGE OF MUSICAL PLENTY, a book I reviewed here once upon a time. While we are on the subject of books and the Beatles, let me close by recommending a new anthology, edited by Andrew Blauner, IN THEIR LIVES: GREAT WRITERS ON GREAT BEATLES SONGS. This just might be the best collection of reflections on the enduring presence of the Beatles in our lives. Each of the book’s twenty-eight writers chooses a Beatles song and shares with us how the song still has meaning in their lives. Many of the authors are much too young to remember the Beatles in the context of the 1960s and one of them, Pico Iyer, admits that “I am (almost defiantly) immune to their charms [and] I never mourned their breakup, and I never revisit their tunes.” He does, however, single out “Yesterday” as the one Beatles song that has become a touchstone in his life. “Hey Bulldog” is not among the songs selected by these writers, perhaps for good reason. It is, in my estimation, not one of the band’s best efforts, although Emerick believes it contains one of Paul’s most inspired bass lines. The inexplicable insertion of “Hey Bulldog” in the Hits 1 playlist does remind us of the important place the Beatles hold in the history of popular culture. As Bill Flanagan says in the closing paragraph of his essay on the Beatles song “Two Of Us,” “There is a period in your life for running around, having fun with your gang, and then there’s a time for finding your partner and having kids and building a family. The Beatles left us, but they didn’t leave us alone. They left us with a map to follow. They showed us the way to go out into the world and get lost and they showed us the way to get back home.” And the “home” to which he refers is not the 1960s but our own place in time. While we listen for other anomalies on Sirius, I will bid you a fond farewell until next week.

theloaferonline.com | August 8, 2017