The Loafer December 26th by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

on the cover

New Year's

Volume 32 • Issue #4 Publisher Luci Tate

Cover Design Bill May Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis

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

20 Stargazer Was the Star of Bethlehem Real: Part 2 21 Skies This Week 22 Batteries Not Included Monterey Pop 23 Pop Life Star Wars: The Last Jedi 24 Appalachian Wanderers Biscayne National Park 28 Puzzle Page 31 Kelly’s Place The Written Word: A Small Selection Of This Year's Best Books

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your week’s line-up

Resolutions

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle

4 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 18 26 26 27 29 30

Resolutions: Do's and Don'ts Hats for Hope Midnight On Main Let's Go Bowling Breaking Up Christmas Concert Country Cool Comedy Tour New Year's Eve Parties Folk Soul Revival @ HRBC From Nature to Abstraction Even More New Year's Eve Parties Spotlight Looking for a Wild Southern Night? Paramount Partners Hilarious New Year Quotes Pets Of The Week Things To Do

New Year's Day ... now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual." ~ Mark Twain ~

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

Resolutions

It's New Year once more, the day that we all make a host of bad conscience inducing promises also known as common New Year resolutions like "I will not eat 6 donuts a day", "I will do exercise once or twice next year", "I will spend at least 4 hours a day away from my TV".

ll of these things are well and good, but how long do you think worse", or just "give up on everything". you will keep them? The only one who really has an investment in your resolutions for the Many of the top New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions are made by people new year is you, and it is in your best interest not to be lying to yourself who will keep them for exactly long as they are convenient, and when you tell you that you are going to be a better you for your next year. the minute the resolutions become a challenge to keep they are dropped (I bet you've never seen the word "you" in a sentence so many times!!) like a very hot pot being grabbed with bare hands. This New Year, make resolutions that you are going to keep. "I will break Why is it that we have no more moral stamina than a noodle when my other New Years resolutions within the first week" is at least one that it comes to keeping our resolutions? All of the New Year trivia sites is accurate, as is "I will diet for two weeks and go back to eating pretty (including WikiPedia) will tell you that only 8 to 12 out of every 100 people much anything I want after that". keep their New Year resolution for an entire year, and the sad or funny At least make resolutions that you can stay true to, as that way you thing is that the number may well be less than that. won't need to comfort yourself by turning to the food that you are trying Granted, there is no way to really count how many people keep their to stop eating! top New Years resolutions, but Face the New Year ahead of you the concept remains the same: with a new perspective; one of New Years resolutions are made Resolutions are made and forgotten like balloon actually living up to your New Years just for us to look good in front animals, and they are a dime a dozen. But why? resolutions. of our friends at New Years, and You won't be doing this for anyone Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a are quickly forgotten when they else, but you will be doing this to bank where they have no account." become inconvenient. prove to yourself that you actually Are New Year resolutions like ~ Oscar Wilde ~ have the guts to say you will do friends that we can drop when they something and see it through. become too inconvenient to do? If you can make it through even 2 Why do you even make resolutions if you aren't going to keep them? months of keeping up with your resolution, you will feel much better It doesn't matter whether your resolutions are funny New Years about yourself. If you can make it through a whole year, you are a far resolutions or serious ones, but it does matter that your word and resolve better man than I and my hat comes off to you. is so useless that you can't keep a promise to yourself. May this New Year be full of joy, may your resolutions last as long as You will find that no one other than yourself will follow up on your your cravings for unhealthy food, and may you feel the magic of the New resolutions, but as the immortal Shakespeare once said, "Please pass Year in your heart. the bacon, I prithee." Oops, wrong quote. "To thine own self be true." Let this New Year fill you with hope instead of cookies, with joy instead Be true to yourself this year, and only make resolutions that you are of ice cream, and with wonder instead of potato chips. going to keep. May the next year find your waistline slimmer, your wallet fatter, your No one cares if you resolve to "diet more", "die less", "eat better", "smell cholesterol lower, and your tolerance level higher.

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This New Year, I WIll NO Longer: • Run while juggling knives • Skateboard down a hill when my board has no wheels • Play baseball with a hand grenade and a loaded rocket launcher • Pillow fight with a bag of spare change • Beat the school's biggest bully in the fist with my face • Talk with my mouth full of nails • Drink paint thinner while smoking a cigarette • Play with matches at a gas station • Try to perform stunts with my car on the local bridges • Throw my friends into the trunk of my car • Play "Chicken" with local freight trains • Set my hair on fire with hairspray and matches • Cause global warming singlehandedly • Shower while making toast on the edge of my bathtub • Wear a bacon costume and tease the dancing bear • Eat chocolates (I totally swear!!) • Spend as much time worrying about life, but rather worry about the reasons why I feel compelled to stop worrying • Consider apple martinis part of my "daily fruit intake" • Consider second and third breakfasts real meals

OK, well maybe try some that you WILL do: • Trim my nose and ear hairs • Attend Comic-Con dressed like a Klingon • Sit in my room all day in my nightshirt rather than doing so in the living room • Prepare for the future by worrying about it rather than waste time worrying about the past • Use a lot more deodorant and wash my clothes much less often • Come up with new excuses for not doing work rather than boring my boss with the same old ones that I have been using for years • Save water by not bathing • Figure out exactly why I need to spend so much time checking my Gmail, Yahoo mail, Pop mail, AOL mail, Facebook mail, Facebook updates, Twitter account, and YouTube page • Spend more time with underprivileged children: my own • Spend under an hour every day online, though this could be harder than I thought because I don't know how to tell time • Find that damn manual and actually read it, just as soon as I press this button… • Try to come up with a password more creative than "Password" • Be a bit more imaginative • Stop thinking that "Hey Babe, what's shaking?" is still an effective pickup line • Stop thinking that pickup lines work • Press the stewardess' button on an airplane just to be able to get her digits • Bench press 160, and if I can do that, be content with my accomplishment • Consider taking up a new hobby such as procrastination. Or maybe later

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

Instead of what you are going to do, why not make a resolution of what you will no longer do? Maybe this will help.

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

Hats for Hope Throughout the fall semester, several students spent their free time between classes knitting colorful caps for adults, children and babies being cared for at local health care facilities.

he effort was led by Morgan Holland, a freshman attending East Tennessee State University at Kingsport Allandale. Holland was inspired to start “Hats for Hope” after her late grandmother, affectionately known as “Granny,” passed away in early September. During Granny’s cancer treatments, Holland said she always appreciated the kindness people showed by providing patients with food and homemade items. “Granny said she wanted to make things like that when she got better, but the cancer came back and when she passed away I felt like it was something I should do and she would have enjoyed,” she added. Holland has been using a loom to knit hats since she was in third grade and had made them for her granny to wear after she lost her hair. She mentioned her idea to make and donate hats to fellow student Jessica Shupe, president of the Kingsport Students Service Organization, and soon about a dozen students joined Holland to knit 50 adult caps. Each one took about three hours to complete. “Hats for Hope has been so meaningful to everyone involved. We have put countless hours and effort into making them,” Shupe said. “Seeing something you made with your own hands

go to someone who will truly cherish and need it is rewarding.” The first 50 hats were donated to the Wellmont Cancer Institute Allandale Outpatient Center where Holland’s grandmother received treatment. Then, the students made 40 smaller caps, which they recently donated to Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Holland taught classmates how to make the hats, who then began teaching their friends. The project became a stressreliever for students. “Hats for Hope has been a great way to de-stress between classes and homework,” said Chloe Anderson, a sophomore who participates in Hats for Hope. “We have enjoyed making the hats so much that I think it has become a new hobby for a few of us.” The ETSU at Kingsport students plan to continue “Hats for Hope” during the spring semester and Holland says they would like to get more students involved. “It’s been wonderful to see how much people care,” she added. “Nothing can replace not having my granny with me, but I continue to make sure a quote she always said is sewn into each hat – ‘Life is far too short to keep your bloomers in a wad.’” For more information about “Hats for Hope,” contact Debbie Marsh at marshd@etsu.edu or 423-392-8004.

Midnight On Main To Ring In 2018

The Town of Greeneville announces plans for the fourth annual Midnight On Main celebration to ring in the new year on Sunday, Dec. 31.

wo blocks of Main Street will be filled with music, dancing, food and other festivities for all ages beginning at 7 p.m. DJ Joe Prokop of Big Show Entertainment will lead the lively street party, which is free to the public.A highlight will be the ball drop by Greeneville Light & Power System during the countdown to a spectacular midnight fireworks show above Main Street, according to organizer Amy Rose, the town’s Public Relations Manager. “Once again, we’ll have three main venues for live music – General Morgan Inn, Catalyst Coffee Company, and the Capitol Theatre,” Rose said. “Last year, we added Karaoke at the Catalyst and a Kids Zone on the street, and both were so popular that we’re bringing them back this year.”

GENERAL MORGAN INN

The General Morgan Inn, an event sponsor, is offering admission to both its lobby and terrace for $35 for ages 21 and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. for paid admission. Ivy Road will perform in the lobby from 7 p.m. until midnight. DJ Robbie Britton will lead a party on the terrace beginning at 9 p.m. The $35 admission includes hors d’oeuvres Reservations are required that night for Brumley’s restaurant at the hotel. For more information about festivities at the General Morgan Inn, please call 423-787-1000 or visit www.generalmorganinn.com.

CAPITOL THEATRE

The Capitol Theatre will kick things off with Jonathan Nicholson performing free live acoustic music in the lobby at 8 p.m. The band Lightnin’ Charlie will perform from 9 to 10 p.m., and Whiskey Sticks will perform from 11 p.m. to midnight. Admission to the Capitol is $5. Food and drink will be available in VIP seating in the balcony for both shows for $25. For more information on the Capitol’s shows, please call the box office at 423-638-1300 or visit www.capitolgreeneville.org.

CATALYST COFFEE COMPANY

The Catalyst Coffee Company also will feature live music and will offer warm food, drinks and desserts throughout the evening. Family friendly karaoke will be provided by “The Karaoke Man” KJ and DJ Services.

STREET PARTY

On Main Street, partygoers can enjoy the interactive dance party, a giant screen with video feed from various locations, a photo booth, and fun activities in the Kids Zone, all of which have free admission. The Kids Zone will include inflatables, cornhole, a selfie booth, glow bracelets and necklaces, and other fun goodies. In addition to the General Morgan Inn, sponsors for Midnight On Main are: Waste Industries, TEVET, Computer Pros, Freedom Wireless, SumiRiko, Greeneville Vapor, John Deere Power Products, Tommie’s Plumbing, Sleep Solutions, Gosnell’s Stereo & Music, Popcorn Video, and Creamy Cup. The public is reminded that alcoholic beverages will not be allowed on the street during this event. Anyone who would like to sponsor Midnight On Main can contact Rose by calling Greeneville Town Hall at 423-639-7105 or e-mailing her at arose@greenevilletn.gov. For more information on Midnight on Main, please visit www.facebook.com/TownofGreeneville.

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

In Southwest Virginia

By Paul Kavanaugh

OK – Actual bowling is a future issue, but – we get great National Championship Bowl Games on New Year’s Day – Where They Belong

he more things change, the more they stay the same. Last year at this time, Nebraska and Tennessee were getting ready to play each other in a well-deserved bowl game right here in Tennessee. Flash forward to this year and neither team is in a bowl game at all, and both now have brand new coaches. The stay the same part – well, Alabama and Clemson are both in the title picture again this year, the two repeats from 2016. The kicker is that they have to play each other in the first round. Lots of folks think the winner of the Sugar Bowl will win it all. But hold on there – Oklahoma looks like they can outscore anybody, and if Georgia can beat them, they can beat anybody. What a delectable pair of offerings on New Year’s Day. And adding to tradition, the Georgia-Oklahoma game is in the Rose Bowl, the granddaddy of them all as Keith Jackson used to say. These are very tight ball games; here’s the breakdown:

ROSE BOWL

At press time, Georgia was actually a 2-point favorite in the Rose Bowl, set to kickoff at 5:00 local time, or thereabouts. Oklahoma is led by Heisman Trophy Frontrunner Baker Mayfield, who has completed 262 of 369 passes for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns with just five interceptions; the Sooners lead the country in total offense with 583.3 yards per game; they are seventh in passing (367.4) and 45th in rushing (215.9). The SEC champion Bulldogs, on the other hand, rank 12th nationally in rushing defense (112.6 yards per game), but more importantly -- and perhaps more pertinent -- are second in pass defense, allowing just 158.3 yards per contest.

This has all the makings of one of those “who knows” games, typically the most entertaining. The old adage is, a good defense will beat a good offense, and vice-versa. But if a team like Oklahoma gets an early jump and gets going, brother watch out!

Sugar Bowl

Can you believe it - #1-ranked Clemson drew No. 4 Alabama in New Orleans -marking the third time in three years that the Tigers and Crimson Tide will meet in the postseason. In case you don’t remember, Alabama defeated the Tigers 45-40 in the National Championship Game in 2015; then Clemson returned the favor last year, knocking off Alabama 35-31 in the title game to win its first national championship since 1981. One of the most thrilling games in recent memory, by the way. Well, they’re at it again. Not much to say here really – on paper, on film, on commentary, these are the best two teams in the country and this should be a real shootout – high-scoring or not. You never know how these types of games will evolve; sometimes it is a defensive tussle with a few really bright offensive moments. But often they are who can outscore the other – which is plenty great to watch, by the way. Luckily for me, we are home this weekend, so I get to sit in my recliner, sip a libation or two, and enjoy what promises to be one of the better sets of college playoff bowl games in recent memory – and it’s just the semi-finals. Is this a great county or what!

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

Let’s Go Bowling

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

Breaking Up Christmas Concert at Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Breaking Up Christmas is an old Blue Ridge Mountains tradition where people celebrated the 12 days of Christmas with house parties filled with old-time string band music and Appalachian cheer. January 6 marks the end of those 12 days, and what better way to say goodbye to the festive season and welcome the new year than with a night of energetic and entertaining music live at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum! The show will also be broadcast live on Radio Bristol.

n Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. the museum will host the Breaking Up Christmas Concert featuring The New Smokey Valley Boys, The Cabin Creek Boys, and Mountain Park Old Time Band. The concert program is inspired by the current special exhibit The Luthier's Craft: Instrument Making Traditions of the Blue Ridge, on display at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum now through March 4, 2018. Several band members are luthiers featured in this exhibit, including Kevin Fore from The New Smokey Valley Boys, Chris Testerman from The Cabin Creek Boys, and Johnny Gentry from the Mountain Park Old Time Band. The New Smokey Valley Boys have come together to honor one of old-time music's greatest string bands: Benton Flippen and the Smokey Valley Boys. The original group, based out of Surry County, North Carolina, was led by Flippen and Paul Sutphin from the 1970s until Flippen's death in 2011. Though various members came and went, the group was known for its hard-driving, square dance style and received numerous awards over the decades. The New Smokey Valley Boys are dedicated to reviving a particular sound that once dominated the old-time scene.

The Cabin Creek Boys play old-time hillbilly music from the mountains of Southwest Virginia and Northwest North Carolina, performing at area fiddlers conventions, festivals, square dances, and other community events. This group of accomplished and skilled musicians entertains audiences with their style of traditional music that includes hoedown instrumentals, bluegrass songs, two-step numbers, and waltzes. Mountain Park Old Time Band was formed a decade ago by friends who loved getting together to play old-time music. Named Instrumental Group of the Year at the Blue Ridge Uprising in 2013, Mountain Park is known for their dance music whether it be square dance, flat foot, clogging, two step, or waltz. The band has performed at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, the Carter Fold, and the Blue Ridge Music Center, to name a few, and has opened for the likes of Blue Highway, Steep Canyon Rangers, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Tickets for the Breaking Up Christmas Concert are $15 plus Bristol, Virginia admission tax. Tickets may be purchased online at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

Country Cool Comedy Tour

Nationally known comedians Leanne Morgan, Trish Suhr and Karen Mills are coming to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on January 6th with the Country Cool Comedy Tour.

ountry Cool is a straight-shootin’, noholds-barred comedy show that laughs at what we’re all dealin’ with…the “this can’t really be happening” moments in life that make us feel like we’re losing our minds, one traffic jam at a time. Leanne Morgan,Trish Suhr and Karen Mills, all headlining comedians, have southern roots but are well-traveled, diverse, razor sharp and savvy. Their nononsense approach “tells it like it is” but, of course, with charm and style. It’s not redneck; it’s not white trash — these girls are country cool! It’s comedy for the masses, because, let’s face it, everybody’s got a little country in ‘em. These three women have been friends for more than a decade and have stood in it, walked through it and come out the other side laughing. Whether it’s overcoming cancer, the loss of a beloved pet or talking each other down from the hormonal ledge, they continue to find the humor in everything life dishes out. Chosen by ABC’s The View as one of “the most hilarious housewives,” East Tennessee native, Leanne Morgan exudes southern charm. She is a naturally funny storyteller who gives an honest look at suburban life and the challenges of keeping her husband happy while juggling kids, dogs and cheerleading camp — while, at the same time, racing to get her hair highlighted, have a colonoscopy and join Weight Watchers for the seventh time! Leanne will take you on a hilarious walk through motherhood and beyond as she finds comedy amidst the chaos.

Emmy® Award winner Trish Suhr, a native of Kentucky now living in Los Angeles, puts a modern spin on keeping it real. The star of Style Network’s long running Clean House, she uses her southern sensibilities to navigate the big city and knows what it takes to stay in the game…spin classes, clean eating and Spanx! According to Trish, when the Spanx come off, it’s like opening a can of biscuits. Karen Mills has a straight-forward approach to the realities of life. Her smart, funny and keen observations will keep you laughing at yourself as you relate to her experiences. Even ovarian cancer couldn’t stop Karen from turning pain into punchlines. Now cancer free, Karen brings a fast paced comedy style that both men and women love. Laugh until you cry with Country Cool Comedy Tour on Saturday, January 6th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for Orchestra and Mezzanine level seating and $15 for balcony seats. Tickets may be purchased online at NPACgreeneville.com, in person at the NPAC box office, or by calling 423-638-1679. NPAC offers online seat selection with no processing or delivery fees. There is an additional $1.50 ticketing fee per ticket regardless of purchase method. The box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The 1150 seat performing arts center is located adjacent to the campus of Greeneville High School. For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www. npacgreeneville.com.

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

New Year's Eve Parties!

Top Picks!

RUSTY STEEL & QUARTER BOUNCE

Woodstone Deli 3500 Fort Henry Drive Kingsport Come bring in the new year with Woodstone Deli, Rusty Steel and Quarter bounce and Audiobiotic... we will have finger foods and hors d'oeuvres from 7 to 9 free champagne toast at midnight and free breakfast after the bands finish... we are also offering hotel packages if anyone is interested in a local hotel with free transportation to and from the event tickets are available and on sale now at Woodstone deli hope to see everyone there for the best "END OF THE YEAR BASH" in the tri-cities!!

BILLY CRAWFORD BAND

Holiday Inn Exit 7 3005 Linden Drive Bristol VA We are ready to ring in 2018 by welcoming two of the regions favorite performers to join the BCB for an unforgettable night of Blues! Samantha Gray and Jake Quillen will be on hand to join Jay Corder, Robert Mcclain, Keith Chinault, K.D. Forsha and Billy Crawford for one night only! You don't want to miss this one folks!

WYLDHEART

Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 West State Street Bristol Come ring in 2018 with a Paaarrttyyy .

RAILWAY EXPRESS

CJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Bar 516 Morelock St Kingsport Ring in 2018 with the party train Railway Express! Tickets are reserved seating and are on sale now at CJs for $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Get yours now!!

RHYTHM & THE ROOSEVELTS

The Acoustic Coffeehouse Johnson City 415 West Walnut Street Come out to The Acoustic Coffeehouse on New Year's Eve to groove with Johnson City's Indie-Soul group, Rhythm & The Roosevelts. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

Festivals

Got an event coming up?

Events

Send it to The Loafer! info@theloaferonline.com

Concerts

Exhibits

Highlights Big Music Weekend at Holston River Brewing Company

49 Winchester, Hip Gypsy and Trey Hensley w Driving Miss Crazy are all set to perform on a Great New Year’s Eve Weekend

Folk Soul Revival 49 Winchester

hat a music lineup! Folk Soul Revival is one of the southeast’s most beloved and sought-after acts. Performing original, country-roots-rock, FSR consistently plays soldout shows from Washington, D.C. and beyond. The band's radio-ready lyrics, driving melodies, and the distinct, velvety vocals of front man Daniel Davis have garnered the band much success with high profile gigs opening for the likes of Travis Tritt, Jason Isbell, Eric Church, Justin Townes Earle, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and more. FSR’s unique brand of country-tinged Americana has earned the band a loyal fan base lovingly referred to as “The Congregation.” They are joined on the main stage New Year’s Eve by 49 Winchester, the heavy grassroots folk rock band. This ought to be one great show. VIP tickets are nearly sold out, but plenty of regular admission tickets are still available. As good as that sounds, the Friday and Saturday night performers are also top notch. Hip Gypsy plays some incredible Rock & Roll and, not coincidentally, got their start at Holston River Brewing. We’re glad to have them back for sure! They take the main stage on Friday night at 8:30. Grammy nominated Trey Hensley is returning home for a rockin’ reunion with Driving Miss Crazy on Saturday night. Special guest is Jason Lloyd. Acoustic Guitar called Trey "the hottest young guitar player in Nashville". After you attend this event we’re guessing you will too! All in all, this should be the premiere music venue in the Tri Cities this holiday. The Brewery has wonderful craft beers, inviting cocktails and really great food – all perfect complements to the wonderful entertainment they have planned. They continue to book great music events, and that makes us music lovers most appreciative!

13 theloaferonline.com | March 28, 2017

Folk Soul Revival

By Paul Kavanaugh

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

First 2018 Artist to Exhibit at Arts Depot

From Nature to Abstraction

Abingdon artist, Patricia Ringley McCarthy will present, “From Nature to Abstraction” at the Arts Depot in Abingdon, VA. Pat’s show opens on Wednesday, January 3rd and runs through Saturday, February 17, 2018. The Arts Depot will host a Meet-the Artist reception on Thursday, January 4, from 6-8pm. Admission to the Arts Depot is always free and everyone is welcome. Refreshments and a glass of wine (to those over 21) will be served.

at’s show is a display of oils, acrylics and mixed media pieces painted on canvas, board and paper. Her theme, “From Nature to Abstraction” comes from her very special way of working from nature to create objective and non-objective abstract paintings. Pat explains, “About twenty years ago I painted this picture of an older artist surrounded by her abstract paintings. I saw it as a narrative illustrating the tendency for mature artists to work more abstractly. At the time I had no interest in adopting that style. I was busy creating more lifelike representational pieces. However, today I find myself, like the lady in my painting, surrounded by abstract work.” Pat continues, “Abstract painting can be compared to writing fiction. It allows the artist great latitude in expression. The most abstract pieces are referred to as nonobjective. In fact they do not have to be about anything in particular. At the other end of the spectrum we find objective abstractions of more recognizable subjects. Just as I like to read both fiction and nonfiction, I enjoy painting both types of abstractions. I think it is good practice to work in a variety of styles…. As a native painter of the Appalachian area, I marvel at the beauty that surrounds us. Many of my paintings relate to and celebrate the natural world. Thus the theme for this show “From Nature to Abstraction.” Pat says “Living in a beautiful town like Abingdon inspires me to interpret local landmarks with a new perspective. My goal in all my paintings is to provide the viewer something to respond to and perhaps think about and reflect upon.”

Pat’ art education includes being mentored and taught by master painters, Scott Burdick and Susan Lyon. She also studied with Craig Nelson, Joseph Larusso, Guido Frick, and Marcus Blahove. She attended Fredericksburg Art School in Fredericksburg, TX. Pat was born and grew up in Bristol, VA. Her work experience includes teaching college and high school English and business. She retired in 2007 as Professor of Business Education at Appalachian State University. She has maintained studios at Zazzy’Z Coffee House in Abingdon and at the Sculptor and Painter Studio in Winston-Salem, NC. She has taught beginning oil painting and has participated in numerous national and local art shows including the Virginia Highlands Festival’s Juried Fine Arts Exhibit where she won an Award of Merit. Pat is currently an Artist in Residence at William King Museum of Art in Abingdon. When she is not painting, she is traveling to visit three grown children and six grandchildren. Her husband of fifty two years, Henry is host of a radio show, Poets and Writers broadcast from Emory and Henry College. She says, “We have a great life pursuing our many interests.” Also opening on January 3rd and to be honored at the January 4th reception are four area artists presenting exhibits in the Members Gallery of the Arts Depot. Nick Freeman was “born and bred in Bristol, TN.” He is a graduate of Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville with a degree in Journalism and Fine Art. After working in pottery in college Nick worked as a reporter for several local newspapers, and a brief stint at the St. Pete Times in Florida. He has worked for a stain glass artist, managed an art gallery and a sign shop. He was finally able to focus all of these experiences into creating his own artwork and now participates in about ten art

www.abingdonartsdepot.org

15 theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

shows a year and sells his work in over 20 different galleries and boutiques in Virginia and Tennessee. Nick works with charcoal and some limited color, dry pastels. He draws exclusively from photographs and says, “My subject matter includes just about any moment in time that can be captured on film. I have worked from many old black and white photos of historical landmarks, or new pictures that I have taken. I also enjoy doing special orders for people from their old family photos or even pictures of the family dog.” Nick has displayed in the Dogwood Festival in Knoxville, The Highlands Festival in Abingdon and Rhythm and Roots in Bristol. His work is on display at the Birthplace of County Music Museum, A Work of Art Gallery and The Mercantile in Bristol, and Abingdon’s Holston Mountain Artisans Craft Shop. His show at the Arts Depot will be “a casual stroll through our little area of the globe featuring some of the iconic features that make Abingdon and Bristol so special.” Bonnie Kelley: Bonnie’s first show was the Juried Fine Art show during the Virginia Highlands Festival in August, 2017. She has won several first, second and third place ribbons for her acrylic work and for her photography at the Russell County Fair in September, 2017. She says “I’ve been drawing horses all my life… Mom has a BA in Art Education, so she drew with me and encouraged me from an early age… I’ve always had a special love for horses, and so wanting to draw and photograph them came naturally to me. In high school, I painted stall signs with images of each individual horse for my 4-H club to hang during horse shows.” Now, Bonnie is commissioned to paint pet portraits. She enjoys “capturing memories through photography, whether it be something beautiful I’ve seen in nature or working with a client and their family (both two- and four-legged).” Bonnie grew up in Nokesville, VA (Prince William County). In 2006, she moved to Lebanon, VA, where she currently lives with her fiancé, rescue dog, and three horses. Quite appropriately, Bonnie currently works part-time at Abingdon Pet Grooming on Preston Street in Abingdon. Linda Puckett was born in Mountain City, Tn. At the age of 4 her parents moved the family to Bristol, TN. She lived in Chesapeake, VA for 30 yrs., moving back to Bristol, Va. 35 years ago where she is enjoying life with her husband of 33yrs. Linda says of her painting ability, “It was a gift God gave me.…I have never been able to draw anything in my life, until I asked God to help me find something that I could do to make me happy. He gave it to me in May, 2017.” She says “happiness and bright colors” fuel her passion for painting and art. She enjoys painting abstract pieces primarily in acrylics. Josiah Stam: Originally from Iowa, Josiah Meadowview VA for nine years. He currently is studying Graphic Design at Liberty University. Regarding his show at the Depot he says,” This selection of work focuses on the uniqueness and creativity of the individual. It celebrates the young, and young at heart who love to explore and take risks." The Arts Depot is located at 314 Depot Square, Abingdon, VA.

Even More New Year's Eve Parties!

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

The Buddz

Bristol VFW 18 and up!!! $10 per person $15 a couple tickets can be purchased in advance. All tickets $10 @ the door. Champagne and a buffet breakfast will be provided. We have a full bar and the kitchen will be open!

Syren Band

Quaker Steak and Lube Bristol VA Masquerade Party. Showtime 9pm-1am. No cover charge.

New Year's Eve Renaissance Revels & 2nd Annual Masquerade Ball

Holiday Inn Johnson City Saturday, December 30 ~ Dinner/Theater & Karaoke Sunday, December 31 ~ Brunch Sunday, December 31 ~ New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball

Jigsaw Jane

Kingsport Moose Lodge Come and bring in the new year with a bang with Jigsaw Jane!!! It's going to be a hell of a show! $10 per person or $15 per Couple

Silver Bullet

Wagon Wheel Kingsport 9pm to 1am So, come on out and do some Karaoke singing-dancing-and shoot some pool! There will also be a fantastic breakfast to bring in the NEW YEAR! There will be a $10.00 cover charge per person. Tickets are now on sale. You can reserve a booth for (four) people. Must be 21 years or older with a valid ID!

Jae Marie Project

Wild Wing Café Johnson City New Year's Eve like never before! Come out and celebrate the New Year with The Region's Hottest Party Band!

Demon Waffle / The Kindest People

Capone’s Johnson City Come celebrate New Year’s Eve with Demon Waffle and The Kindest People There will be party favors and a Champagne Toast at Midnight Also DJ Breese will be spinning the hits down stairs in The Vault at Capone's this is an 18&UP event $10 for OVER 21

Jerry Pierce & The Nightlife Band

Holiday Inn Johnson City Honor Flight Northeast Tennessee will be doing a benefit dinner, dance with great music featuring jerry pierce and the nightlife band. All for a great cause. taking our veterans to see their memorials before time runs out. We take our veterans at no cost for they already paid the ultimate sacrifice. now it is our time to pay back in honoring them for their great service and to say thank you. To all our WWll veterans, Korean veterans and Vietnam veterans, you are all our great heroes. Please share and come and make our final fundraiser in 2017 a big success. help bring in 2018 for another successful year.

O'Mainnin's Pub 12 Annual New Year’s Eve. Free Champagne toast at Midnight, Free Party Favors, Plan Z Rocking us into the new year, no reservations, $10 at the door, the party starts when you get there. Party safe and have a DD. Good tunes, Good people, Good friends!

Straight Shootrz Band

Greeneville Moose Lodge The cost is $15 for members & $20 for guests. This includes party favors & breakfast. Payment must be paid when reservation is made to ensure your seat remains available.

The Color 7

Pit & Donna’s Hideaway Bar Greeneville Ring in the New Year at the Hideaway with The Color 7! $5 cover at the door 21 and Over Only (ID Required)

Jinxed / Capgun Alliance

Hyperion Grill Greeneville Our annual New Year’s Eve party is always something you don't want to miss! 2 bands! Jinxed and Capgun Alliance will be rocking the 2018 in! NO COVER, GIVEAWAYS, CHAMPAGNE TOAST! DJ inside for all your non rock needs! Please dress up! Chains, Whips and Handcuffs! Let’s get freaky!

Rusty Clark

Model City Taphouse Kingsport New Year's Eve in Downtown Kingsport is sure to be a great way to ring in 2018! Along with all the festivities happening downtown, Model City Tap House will be enjoying the always amazing sounds of one of the best local voices in the Tri-Cities.

Armed N Dangerous

Rio’s Grill & Sports Bar Greeneville $5 Cover. Get tickets in advance at Rio’s

Annabelle'sCurse/VirginiaGround/Fritz&Co.

Wolf Hills Brewing Abgindon VA General Admission - Pre-sale: $15/Day of Show: $20 - Entrance to the show and commemorative pint glass. VIP - Pre-sale only: $50 Entrance to the show, commemorative pint glass, VIP upstairs with separate beer taps and a separate bathroom, a meal tickets good for any menu item at Tony's Hawaiian Tacos plus chips w/ queso and other snacks in VIP area, merch package includes signed show flyer designed by Carly of Annabelle's Curse, CD from each band and more.

Ro-Sham-Bo

JJ’s Restaurant Abingdon VA 3rd Annual NYE Blow Out. Dinner & Drink Specials, Champagne toast at midnight. NO COVER

----- Check out the Spotlight Page for other bands playing New Year’s Eve -----

Bridal Guide Coming January 9th Call 423-283-4324

To reserve your space today!

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

Plan Z

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

Spotlight - TUESDAY - December 26th -

- FRIDAY - December 29th -

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 - December 30th -

- SUNDAY - December 31st -

Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Pocket Change Woodstone Deli

Borderline Rush Street

Jerry Peirce & Nightlife Band Holiday Inn

Stemwinder Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Borderline Rush Street

Ben Blankenship / Gillian The Band Acoustic Coffeehouse

Straight Shootrz Band Greeneville Moose Lodge

Haven CJ’s Sports Bar

Trey Hensley w Driving Miss Crazy Holston River Brewing Company

The Color 7 Pit & Donna’s Hideaway Bar

Mary Sullivan Acoustic Coffeehouse

Southern Rebellion / Wyldeheart Country Club Bar & Grill

Lightnin’ Charlie & The Upsetters Capitol Theatre

Hip Gypsy Holston River Brewing Company

Johnny Hammer Acoustic Bears Bar

Jinxed / Capgun Alliance The Hyperion Grill

- WEDNESDAY - December 27th -

Shake It Like A Caveman Wild Wing Cafe Jason Lloyd O’Mainnin’s Pub - THURSDAY - December 28th -

Alex Baughman / Magus Vaughn KT Van Dyke The Hideaway JP Parsons O’Mainnin’s Pub Rylee Peters and The Diamonds Blackbird Bakery Rusty Steel Woodstone Deli Acoustic Jam Session Acoustic Coffeehouse - FRIDAY - December 29th-

Jackdaw’s 7 w/ Sammy Guns and Cornbread and The Pillbillies Capone’s Below 7 O’Mainnin’s Pub Red Hot and Blue Revue Down Home Honey Badgers Bone Fire Smokehouse Taylor Kropp Sleepy Owl Brewery Southern Rebellion Wild Wing Cafe

- SATURDAY - December 30th -

- SUNDAY - December 31st -

Thundercock / Rev Low / Dullside The Hideaway

U Turn The Pit Stop

Steve Rutledge & the Groove Evolution Wild Wing Cafe

Shooter Band Jericho Temple

SabreWulf / HAAL / Swallow The Sky Sleepy Owl Brewery

Sundown Band Willoughby Ruritan

Stone Creek 4 Silver Spur

Billy Crawford Band Holiday Inn

Victor Travis Phillips Kingsport Moose Lodge #972

Plan Z O’Mainnin’s Pub

The Grand Ole Uproar Bone Fire Smokehouse

The Buddz Bristol VFW Post 6975

If Birds Could Fly Damascus Brewery

Syren Band Quaker Steak & Lube

Ryan Ward Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Jigsaw Jane Kingsport Moose Lodge #972

Dave Eggar Band The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Silver Bullet Wagon Wheel

Mathew Hickey Band Woodstone Deli Leeann Mazzei Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Rusty Clark Model City Tap House Armed - N - Dangerous Rio’s Grill & Sports Bar Annabelle’s Curse / Virginia Ground Fritz & Co Wolf Hills Brewing Ro-Sham-Bo JJ’s Sports Bar Rusty Steel & Quarterbounce Woodstone Deli Railway Express CJ’s Sports Bar Rhythm & The Roosevelts Acoustic Coffeehouse Folk Soul Revival Holston River Brewing Company Wyldeheart Country Club Bar & Grill Junkyard Dogz Bears Bar

The Jae Marie Project Wild Wing Cafe Demon Waffle / The Kindest People Capone’s

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/ Crossroads & Josh Blevins at Dawg House Tavern Family Night Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ Marques at The Cave Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at Quaker Steak & Lube

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

FRIDAY

Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at BoBo’s - Damascus VA Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN

Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA

Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN ***********************

Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

THURSDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport

SATURDAY

Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge

Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar

Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub

Karaoke at Numan’s

Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s

Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill

Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

FRIDAY

Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar

19 theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

KARAOKE

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

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

Was the Star of Bethlehem Real?

Conclusion of the story begun in last week’s The Loafer, available in archives at theloaferonline.com.

(Part 2 of 2)

What was the most famous object in the sky, the Star of Bethlehem? Was it something everybody saw or just a few people? Regardless, the Star of Bethlehem represents the hope, peace and celebration of the Christmas season.

W Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

Photo by MarQ

ith a little celestial detective work, one can conclude that the Star of Bethlehem was very real. But it was a sight that may have been taken for granted as a common event in the night skies. Just like today when people casually look up to see some bright stars, but have little idea of their names or constellations where they dwell. And like today, the ancient world had men interested in stargazing and understanding the unchanging pattern of stars and the Milky Way, the Sun and Moon, and the five stars that wandered around a narrow band of the sky constellations. Astronomy was born out of the human craving to understand the day and night sky. Gods were worshiped as responsible for the moving stars called planets, and their position among the 12 houses of the Zodiac were deemed to influence the affairs of man, and astrology was born. Looking up tonight we see the same stars that the ancient people saw 2,000 years ago as the constellations haven’t changed, just the position of the planets, Moon and Sun. Among those stars is the wonderous Star of Bethlehem. By using the Bible book of Matthew, we have established that Jesus had to be born before King Herod died and after the Roman tax edict that Joseph and Mary were back in Bethlehem to pay. Thus, the date of Jesus birth is between 5 BC and 1 AD, most likely the Spring of 2 BC. We can look at those ancient skies of Jesus’ birth by using a planetarium program available on a free download for any computer, tablet or Smartphone. Before we do, let’s look at what the Star of Bethlehem could not have been. METEOR – These flashes of cosmic dust and sand burning up our atmosphere are too fleeting to be the Star. They just don’t last but a few seconds. COMET – A visit by a bright comet is unforgettable and can last for weeks. This would be the best guess for the Star, but no comets are recorded during the time of Jesus’ birth. And a comet certainly would have been seen by everyone, including King Herod. SUPER NOVA – A star exploding brightly in the night sky happens once or twice a

century—some are bright enough to be visible in the daylight! These “new stars” have been recorded since ancient history, yet there is no super nova that occurred in the skies around the time of Jesus’ birth. ECLIPSE OF SUN OR MOON – A celestial event that would be recorded in history during Jesus’ time, and none were seen. So that’s not the Star of Bethlehem. A MIRACLE OF THE NIGHT – Maybe it was something only the Wise Men saw, an angel disguised as a star which lead them to Bethlehem. Celestial detective work tells us the key to the mystery of whether the Star of Bethlehem was real are the Wise Men. The Wise Men (or Magi) were priest of the Zoroaster belief system in ancient Persia going back 1,000 years before the birth of Jesus. They studied the motion of the planets among the narrow band of the Zodiac and believed in the Hebrew prediction of a Messiah. These Zoroastrian Magi took the mysterious science of astronomy and translated the events in the sky to human destiny—today’s astrology. Often, those predictions from the stars decided the fate of lives, even kingdoms. And in our case, the birth of the prophesized Hebrew King from scriptures we call the Old Testament. We use the Greek word for “wandering star” to describe planets, but the ancient stargazers had no idea of the exact nature of these worlds circling our special star, Sun. To explain the unexplainable, civilizations devised systems involving deities, and the planets were deemed gods in most cultures. It was in the moving planets among the fixed stars where gods would talk to Earth, and the Magi of Persia became some of the most dedicated ancient stargazers. They would have been watching very closely as several celestial “conjunctions,” or close encounters, of planets and the Moon occurred in constellations that would have been interpreted closely. Beginning in 4 BC, the evening sky began a passion play of the two brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, moving slowly around Leo the Lion, occasionally being met by Mars and Mercury. Any planetarium program can be set back to that time

in the night sky and what you’ll see is amazing. There are twelve constellations recognized as the domain of the Sun, Moon and moving planets, all animals, except Libra the Scales, thus the Zodiac or celestial zoo. Ancient civilizations divided the stars into “houses” of significance for humans. Taurus the Bull might be a time to be stubborn or strong; Pisces the Fish could be interpreted as a good time to travel like a stream. And the same was true with the five wandering stars: Mercury was a messenger; Venus a queen; Mars a warrior; Jupiter a king; and Saturn a farmer. As one carefully watches on a planetarium program the planet positions for the few years before 0 BC, the movements of Venus and Jupiter had to be noticed by everyone looking up on those super dark and clear nights of 2,000 years ago. Something amazing happened in June 2 BC. The two brightest planets approached each other, and merged as one brilliant star for a few days in the evening twilight! A beautiful sight for all to see, the common person wouldn’t read all the astrology into the stars they saw—only the Wise Men could understand the stars. The spectacular conjunction of Venus and Jupiter happened on June 17, 2 BC in the feet of Leo the Lion, the constellation that had power for rulers. And nearby was the bright star Regulus, the regal star watching the merging of Jupiter, the King of the God, and Venus, the Queen. The conjunction of the two brightest planets— only the Sun and Moon outshine them! --is not as rare as you might think. The two planets got close to each other in the morning sky of October 2017. And in the July 2016 sunset skies Venus and Jupiter merged as one star for a night. Was this conjunction of Venus and Jupiter the Star of Bethlehem? It could be. And if you chose to believe it was a miraculous event without explanation, that’s okay too. The importance of the Star of Bethlehem is its message of peace and love among our brothers and sisters of Earth. There is nothing like respect and human compassion to brighten anyone’s life like a beaming star.

nybody getting a Christmas telescope has the Moon to get acquainted with all this week. Waxing from First Quarter to Full phase, there is no better object to hone your stargazing skills. Most telescopes are sold with three lenses in the ranges of a 25 mm, 10 mm and 6 mm. The higher the number the lower the power, so put that 25 mm in the telescope and experience 80-100x power. The 12-10mm lenses will give about 200x power, and that 6-4mm lens is almost worthless because it is too much power at close to 400x and the image is blurred and hard to hold steady. Use that low power to learn your telescope. Tuesday, December 26 First Quarter Moon today. The oval to the upper right is Mare Crisium, Sea of Crisis, where several Soviet Union landers and rovers have been placed. Along the terminator of day and night near the center is the dark Mare Tranquility where Apollo 11 landed. Following along the terminator night-by-night is a wonderful experience in a telescope as new crater and mountain ranges are revealed. Even by the hour the line of sunrise on the Moon can show a new mountain peak or crater rim. Wednesday, December 27 Another tip on that new telescope: It is important to understand all the motions the telescope can go through, so you are familiar with them in the night. A red flashlight, made with cellophane if need be, is essential to see the telescope focusing assembly and read star charts and a Moon map. Thursday, December 28 Tonight, the Moon is in the head of Cetus the Whale, though the big constellation isn’t part of the Zodiac. Cetus is a classical sea monster of mythology, lurking along the south horizon. but today it is thought of as a whale.

Friday, December 29 The Moon is in Taurus the Bull, for two days, and a beautiful sight in binoculars or a telescope—not just tonight but all week. With a Moon map you can learn some names and features of this beautiful, alien world. Saturday, December 30 Tonight, from the gibbous Moon is beside the 6-7 pm the gibbous Moon covers up the bright red star Aldebaran, and event called an occultation that will be seen in just the Northeast part of the United States. Aldebaran is the eye of Taurus the Bull and even if the Moon doesn’t occult the star from where you live, it demonstrates the beauty of celestial motion. Sunday, December 31 The gibbous Moon will provide some extra light for the New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world. Orion will be standing over the crowd and brightest star Sirius will be a beacon in the south skies. Monday, January 1 The first morning of 2018 has red Mars and golden Jupiter rising at 4 am and well placed in the eastern twilight. The planetary tandem is in the constellation Libra the Scales, with Mars ahead of Jupiter.

21 theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Dec. 26, 2017 - Jan. 1, 2018 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

MONTEREY

POP Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

In the summer of 1967, on a weekend in June, The Monterey International Pop Festival was held in Monterey, California. Television network ABC put up $200,000 in advance to festival producer Lou Adler and documentarian D.A. Pennebaker to capture the festival to be aired later that year for ABC’s new “Movie of the Week” line of programming.

he completed film “Monterey Pop” never aired on ABC, as when the head of the network saw the footage he exclaimed “Not on my network!” and kicked Adler and Pennebaker out of his office. Fifty years later “Monterey Pop” is without question one the all time great concert films, Pennebaker and his crew captured amazing performances that have become legend. Jimmy Hendrix burning his guitar, Pete Townshend smashing him, and my favorite shot in all of the film, a stunned Mama Cass exclaiming “WOW” after watching a career making performance by Janis Joplin. For anyone who loves music, or if like me has a particular obsession with the music of the 1960s, this film is essential. Simon and Garfunkel, Otis Redding, The Byrds, The Mamas and The Papas, The Who, Ravi Shankar, and Hugh Masekela are just a few of the names you can find the film. The new blu-ray release from The Criterion Collection comes with a second disc of two hours of outtakes with extended performances from bands in the film, and performances from bands that were cut out of the final film. The two-disc blu-ray set from Criterion is not the first time they have released the film, once on DVD and even a prior blu-ray set. This new edition, however, features an amazing 4K restoration of the film supervised by director Pennebaker that played in limited release this past summer. I’ve seen “Monterey Pop” several times over my life, the first time was on Criterion’s original DVD release from 2002. Though the performances and film itself was electrifying, the visuals I saw then, compared to the new 4K restoration, are dull and dingy. This new restoration really brings out the color pallet of the film in a way that I haven’t seen in any other version. The restoration was created from the original 16mm A/B camera reversal. The grain pallet, the color, the whole look of the film is perfect and fitting. It’s the best I’ve ever seen “Monterey Pop” look. Sonically, there’s a lot of pick from here. Luckily, the audio for the film was recored in then state of the art 8-track multi-track tape. The film was released to theaters in 1968 with a stereo soundtrack, which is preserved here sourced from the original 35mm magnetic master. A new stereo remix and 5.1 DTS-HD master audio tracks, made from the original analogue 8-track tapes are included as well. I sampled all three last night and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. They all sound wonderful, the 5.1 mix really opens up the soundscape, but never sounds artificial or hollow (looking at you early 2000s 5.1 mix from The Monkees DVD set). Bonus features in this set are plentiful. In addition to that second disc

of outtakes, you get Richard Leacock’s short film “Chiefs” that played in theaters with the film. Vintage Audio interviews with Fest producer John Phillips and publicist Derek Taylor, plus Cass Elliot and David Crosby. New and archival interns with Adler and Pennebaker, commentary from the 2002 release with the pair, trailers and radio spots, plus a booklet with essays and information on the restoration. This new edition of “Monterey Pop” is without question the finest home video release to date. The film and music may be half a century old, but none of it’s magic or energy has been lost. It’s a legendary film with legendary performers, and it completely deserves that title. If you’re a fan of music this is an undeniable must own. A phenomenal set from start to end, which I’m going to go and watch again right now. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

When "Star Wars" first burst onto cinema screens back in 1977, the story took movie fans to a galaxy, far, far away, and most of us have enjoyed the ride leading to the new release "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

(Rated PG-13) 3 Light Sabers (out of 4)

he new film is a follow up to the 2015 release "Star Wars:The Force Awakens", and continues the battle between the First Order and the rebels of the Resistance. The film follows up with Rey's (Daisy Ridley) attempt to have the MIA Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) rejoin the alliance and help his sister General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) defeat the First Order and Leia's wayward son Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Other stories carrying over from "Awakens" are those of pilot Poe (Oscar Isaac) and exstorm trooper Finn (John Boyega). While Poe is fighting the First Order with Leia, Finn has decided to leave the Resistance, but is caught in his escape attempt by mechanic Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran). Finn's attempted escape leads him to team with Rose to take out a tracking device the New Order is using to find and pursue the Resistance while they are in hyperspace. Meanwhile back on the planet where Luke has taken up residence, Rey eventually convinces the Jedi to train her in the ways of The Force so she can use her special talents effectively.While Rey is undergoing intense training, Kylo is in hot pursuit of Leia's ships, but thanks to some unexpected help from Vice Admiral Holdo (Laura Dern), Leia and company are able to escape to an old Rebel Alliance base on the planet Crait, until Kylo and his forces are able to find them and a massive battle commences. Speaking of battles, the film features plenty, both with ships and between individuals. The conflict between Kylo and Rey is also front and center, and the two eventually have

an emotional show down in front of Supreme Leader Snoke of the New Order. All the new characters from the 2015 film have plenty of moments to shine, along with the classic characters, especially Luke Skywalker. The movie does a really wonderful job in revealing why Skywalker has been missing for so many years, and the character even has a moment with Yoda. As we all know this is Fisher's last appearance as Leia due to her untimely passing, and Fisher has plenty of marvelous onscreen moments that fans of the series will certainly cherish. So does the new film live up to all the usual hype related to a "Star Wars" film? Well yes and no. The highlights were, as usual, the special effects, and the conflict between the various characters. On the downside I felt as if I were watching "Star Wars" A New Hope", "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" all in one film, as this effort appeared to adapt various aspects of all those films into the story line, thus not really offering anything new. While that is not completely detrimental to the film, I just felt a bit more originality was needed. However, if you like familiarity in your "Star Wars" films, then "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" is for you. The film was fittingly dedicated to the late Fisher, and one could only imagine what further adventures her Leia could have experienced. It's now the job of the new "Star Wars" generation to carry on, but thankfully they still get to have further adventures with Chewbacca, BB-8, C-3PO and R2-D2

theloaferonline.com | Decem ber 5 2017

Biscayne National Park Winter has arrived in Tennessee! That means it’s time to stock up on sleds, bread, and milk, because the snowpocalypse could arrive at any time!

Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

ll jokes aside, you’re probably already missing those hot summer afternoons as you scrape the frost off your windshield. Of course, there are those rare souls who love winter and all the fun it brings with it, such as skiing at Beech Mountain, snowshoeing through the Roan Highlands, or enjoying hot cocoa by the fireplace. The majority of us, however, can only dream of palm trees and the warm Florida sunshine. Disney, Universal, and Daytona Beach may all be calling your name, but consider spending some time exploring the natural wonders of the Sunshine State. A plethora of state and national parks are scattered from the Georgia line all the way to Key West, offering a respite from the crowds of Orlando. You can snorkel with Manatees, hike the Florida National Scenic Trail, or bird along isolated beaches. Biscayne National Park might just be the crown jewel of Florida’s natural areas. Located to the east of Everglades National Park, this tropical haven gives its far more famous sibling a run for its money. At first glance, visitors might wonder just where this national park even is. It may come as a shock, but over ninety-five percent of Biscayne National Park is covered in water. While the canyons and mountains of western parks are nowhere to be found, this park is more akin to our own Great Smoky Mountains, as the true treasures are found not in the landscapes, but in the plants and animals that make it home. First-time visitors should make their way to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Located just a short drive from Homestead, you’ll pass the Homestead-Miami NASCAR Speedway on your way down Canal Street. This is a day-use area and closes at sunset each evening, so plan your travel times accordingly. The visitor center features a museum that provides an in-depth look at the amazing ecosystems found throughout the park’s four main habitats. A twenty-minute video explains the park’s unique environments, from the mangrove forests which surround the shorelines, to the coral reefs found just off the coast of the keys. Yes, you read that correctly. Biscayne National Park protects the northernmost of the Florida Keys, those tiny spits of land which stretch all the way to Key West and beyond to Biscayne National Park in the Gulf of Mexico. Boca Chita, Elliott, and Adams Keys lie about eight miles off the mainland, separated by the waters of Biscayne Bay. While the estuarine waters of the bay are home to amazing creatures such as dolphins and manatees, visitors will need to go a couple miles east

of the keys to see the true stars of the park. Here lie some of the northernmost coral reef systems in North America, home to sponges, anemones, and angelfish. These areas are only accessible by boat, so chat with a ranger at the visitor center or check out the park’s website at www.nps.gov/bisc to plan your trip. Biscayne National Park Institute offers guided tours which depart from the visitor center daily. Tours start as low as $39 per person and can range from a peaceful day of sailing on the bay to historical trips to the Boca Chita Key Lighthouse. Snorkeling trips allow an intimate look not only at the beautiful coral and fish species, but also the many shipwrecks which are scattered among the reef system. Some of these date back several hundred years! Those who feel more comfortable on dry land can still enjoy this park. As mentioned before, Boca Chita Key is home to a historical lighthouse which offers breathtaking views in all directions. This makes a great place to bird and scan the bay for marine life. Visitors will find a campground as well as a half-mile hiking trail which makes a semicircle around the southern half of the key. Just to the south lies Elliott Key, by far the largest land area within the park. Here one will find a spacious campground with showers and fresh water, a picnic area, restrooms, and a dock for fishing. Spite Highway, a sixmile hiking trail stretches the length of the key and provides an indepth look at the unique forest ecosystems of south Florida. Another recreation area is available at the much smaller Adams Key, where a picnic pavilion and hiking trail are the main attractions. If you’re short on time, the grounds surrounding Dante Fascell Visitor Center offer several hours of exploration without leaving the mainland. Besides the museum and theater already mentioned, an art gallery displays the handiwork of local artists influenced by the park’s beauty. A picnic area and park store can be found here as well. The Jetty Trail begins just outside and leads to a boardwalk over the bay (the last half was closed on our visit due to damage from Hurricane Irma, but check the park’s website to see its current status). Keep a sharp lookout for wildlife in this area, as we were lucky enough to see a manatee just a few feet off the shoreline! Kayak rentals are available for those who wish to explore the mangrove shorelines up close. Of course, you could just sit along the shoreline and enjoy the dolphins, sunshine, and views of Miami’s skyline beyond.

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

Looking for a WILD Southern Night?

By Paul Kavanaugh

lthough The Country Club on West State Street in Bristol will be closed on Friday, they more than make up for it on Saturday, Dec. 30th. In conjunction with Top Shelf Entertainment and Promotions, they are bringing in two of the more popular bands in the area for a rockin’ good time. Southern Rebellion - they were finalists in the next2rock competition – brings their country and rock sound to the stage at 9:00 for their high energy show. They have played here before and always attract a big following, so the best idea is to get there early. Then at 11:00 Wyldeheart will launch their show, playing some of the best rock & roll has to offer. Wyldeheart brings a unique edge to Rock, Country, 80's, Dance and Oldies music, covering most kinds of music

Southern Rebellion and bringing a very unique experience home to the audience! Lead singer Marques Puckett fronts an amazing group of musicians that together create a quite endearing sound. The energy level is high, the desire to get up and dance overwhelming, and the whole evening will fly by in a flash. But wait – want more Wyldeheart? They also headline the New Year’s Eve Party on Sunday night. Yep, a repeater is in store for you music fans. If you’re looking for the right party on New Year’s Eve, you aren’t going to do any better than The Country Club. See you out there!

Discounts available with ticket stub day of performance

Find it Saturday Night at The Country Club Bar & Grill

Paramount Partners

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

• Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Half off first pint or flight • Broad Street on State 20% off your check of $6 or more • Stateline Bar & Grille 2 for 1 Appetizers • Studio Brew 1/2 Half off first pint Free Appetizer or dessert w/Entrée Purchase • Machiavelli’s Free order of breadsticks with any entrée • Whiskey Rebellion Half off your appetizer • J Frank Free dessert and immediate parking Discounts valid for any and all performances at The Paramount.

'm a little bit older, a little bit wiser, a little bit rounder, but still none the wiser. ~ Robert Paul ~

rom New Year's on the outlook brightens; good humor lost in a mood of failure returns. I resolve to stop complaining. ~ Leonard Bernstein ~

aking resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle. ~ Eric Zorn ~

ow there are more overweight people in America than averageweight people. So overweight people are now averageâ&#x20AC;Ś which means, you have met your New Year's resolution. ~ Jay Leno ~

ew Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions. ~ Mark Twain ~

esterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever. ~ Mark Twain ~

New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions! ~ Joey Adams ~

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27 theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

A Few Hilarious New Year Quotes

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Answers on page 30

Tornado and Poochie 2 female Pomeranians. They are spayed and up to date on all vaccines. Poochie is 5 and Tornado is 1 1/2 years old. These bundles of fun are deeply bonded and must be adopted together! Very sweet furrbabies!!

Kobe a 5 month old Shar Pei. He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. This is the sweetest boy who is great with kids and other dogs. He is great on a leash and loves to give kisses and high fives! Such a good boy! Please consider Kobe for your family!

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

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

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PETS

OF THE WEEK

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017

THINGS TO DO

learn about 18th century New ented photographer and butterfly and to Pre-register: Warriors’ Path Year and 12th Night traditions gardener. Her talk is entitled "A State Park, PO Box 5026.Kingand superstitions. The event is Home For Butterflies," and will be sport, TN 37663, (423) 239-6786 or free, however a reservation is a great chance to learn to make email: Marty.Silver@tn.gov. required. Please log on to the your home environment a better •••••••••••••••••••••••••• following website, and follow the habitat for native butterflies. links to make your reservation or Don't miss this unique oppor- Paw Patrol At Freedom Hall simply call the park at 423-543- tunity to learn from the expert January 3, 2018 at 6:00 PM cation near you. In addition to 5808. tnstateparks.com/parks/ on Tennessee butterflies! It's a Tickets: goo.gl/cSbwnr. Children free event, but preregistration is less than 1 year old admitted free. scheduled blood drives, donors events/sycamore-shoals/ required. For More Information are welcome at Marsh Regional’s •••••••••••••••••••••••••• collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport, 2428 Pintes and Proses Knob Creek Road, Johnson City It's that time again! December and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. 30th from 6pm - 10pm. Pints and For more information about Prose event, hosted by Langley scheduling a blood drive at a lo- Shazor! Pre-WW2 typewriters on cal business, church, school or hand. Empty your mind while you community organization, please fill your glass! Elderbrew.24 6th call 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 Street, Bristol, Tennessee. or 276-679-4669 or visit marsh•••••••••••••••••••••••••• blood.com. Winter Garden Seminar •••••••••••••••••••••••••• It's less than a month until our The Casual Word annual Winter Garden Seminar Adult Creative Writing Class here at Warriors' Path State Park. Join us for a free, fun, engag- Our 29th annual Seminar will ing, and different look into writ- be on Saturday, January 6, and ing. In this class, we will not focus we have an extra-special guest on structure, form, or rules, but speaker this year. Rita Venable is on the freedom of writing. It is the author of Butterflies of Tenthe goal of this class to open the nessee, the first comprehensive mind to its full creative potential guide to our state's rich and diby allowing participants to write verse butterfly fauna. Rita is an what they want, how they want to enthusiastic, knowledgeable and write it. Sessions will be student engaging speaker, as well as a tallead; we will engage in topics and subjects that are of interest to Cryptogram: All pain is a punishment, and every punishment is inflicted for love as much as for justice. the students. The atmosphere is DropQuote: "Any religion is forever in danger of petrifaction into mere ritual and habit, though ritual and casual and jovial. This class is de- habit be essential to religion." signed for all those 18 and up who wish to try their hand at creative writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. Jones Creativity Center. Bristol Public Library.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Looking for Community Volunteers Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities (BBBSGTC) is looking for community volunteers to make a difference in a child’s life. Spending approximately 4 hours a month with an at-risk youth can help them improve in school, their behavior and their self-esteem. “Our kids have a need, and we are looking for caring adults to step up and volunteer,” said Kathy Lowdermilk, Regional Director of BBBSGTC. “If you have a few hours a month and the desire to make a difference, we want to talk with you about our program.” Our local Big Brothers Big Sisters office, which serves the Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City area, is part of one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organizations in the United States. It’s a system that has been proven to work and transforms the lives of children who might not otherwise ever get the support they need to grow and successfully meet life’s challenges. Child-volunteer matches are made based on in-depth and comprehensive interviewing with parents, children and potential volunteers. Stringent safeguards are in place to assure that all parties are safe. Volunteer and parent engagement and training also •••••••••••••••••••••••••• play a big role.Anyone wanting to find out more about Big Brothers “First Footing” At the Historic Big Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities John & Landon Carter Mansion should contact the office by call- 9:00 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1. ing 423-247-3240, or visiting Ten- Join historic interpreter Chad nesseeBig.org. Bogart for a New Year’s Day visit to the oldest frame house in •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Tennessee. Built circa 1775, the Blood Drive historic Carter Mansion boasts Marsh Regional Blood Center architectural details which are will conduct public blood drives quite elaborate when compared at the area locations. Visit http:// to most homes on the frontier. tinyurl.com/n4aujx9 to find a lo- Enjoy the beauty of this site and

The Written Word:

A Small Selection Of This Year's Best Books The inspiration for this week’s year-end column is one of this year’s best books--Martin Puchner’s THE WRITTEN WORLD: THE POWER OF STORIES TO SHAPE PEOPLE, HISTORY, CIVILIZATION.

Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

s the title indicates, this book is a celebration of writing and storytelling, and is closely related to three other similarly-themed books published this year: IN THEIR LIVES: GREAT WRITERS ON GREAT BEATLES SONGS, edited by Andrew Blauner; LIGHT THE DARK: WRITERS ON CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION, AND THE ARTISTIC PROCESS, edited by Joe Fassler; and a book I reviewed a couple of months ago--David Sedaris’ THEFT BY FINDING: DIARIES, 1977-2002, the first of what promises to be a series of this popular author’s encounters with life over the years. This has been the best year for books I have seen in quite some time, and there is simply not enough space in this column for a full, or even extremely partial list of this bounty. As in years past, I am limiting myself to nonfiction titles, not because I don’t like fiction, but because I spend most of my time with nonfiction. Of course, we might be entering an age when facts don’t seem to matter, as recounted in two particularly provocative books published this year. First up is Dilbert creator Scott Adams’ essential, yet contentious WIN BIGLY: PERSUASION IN A WORLD WHERE FACTS DON’T MATTER, which is a primer on the new world of fake news we find ourselves in and the accompanying new rules of persuasion that got us here; actually these rules aren’t all that new because Plato’s “Gorgias” provided a similar primer for Athens over 2,500 years ago. Next is Kurt Andersen’s much-talked-about five-hundred-year survey of how fake news originated: FANTASYLAND: HOW AMERICA WENT HAYWIRE: A 500-YEAR HISTORY. I reviewed this book when it first appeared and I urge you to read it as a very clever and relevant new way to frame American history. As you know, this column is focused on pop culture, and several books this year fed (pun intended) my interest. Although I gave up on “The Walking Dead” at the end of Season Five, I am devouring (pun intended) Paul Vigna’s GUTS: THE ANATOMY OF THE WALKING DEAD, which is a thought-provoking cultural history not only of the series but also of the zombie genre in general. This is a perfect companion to last year’s MAD MEN: A CULTURAL HISTORY, by M. Keith Booker and Bob Batchelor; if you’ve read this column for any length of time you will know that this is my all-time favorite TV series, next to “Columbo” of course. Books about movies and music are generally at the top of my list, and I highly recommend Glenn Frankel’s HIGH NOON: THE HOLLYWOOD BLACKLIST AND THE MAKING OF AN AMERICAN CLASSIC (a companion to his earlier analysis of another 1950s classic--John Ford’s “The Searchers”). After being intrigued by Woody Allen’s recent movie, “Irrational Man,” I am very anxious to read Eric Lax’s blow-by-blow account of how this movie was made--START TO FINISH: WOODY ALLEN AND THE ART OF MOVIEMAKING, which is by all accounts one of the best explorations of moviemaking that we have yet seen. It will have to try hard, however, to convince me that it is better than another stellar movie book published this year: Ann Hornaday’s TALKING PICTURES: HOW TO WATCH MOVIES. Two outstanding music books were published this year. As a followup to his previous account of music made in 1971, NEVER A DULL MOMENT, David Hepworth has produced a probing account of the rise and fall of the “rock star” phenomenon, called UNCOMMON PEOPLE, which contains fascinating profiles of rock stars from Little Richard to Kurt Cobain. There are many very good general histories of American popular music, but perhaps none better or more provocative than Ann Powers’ GOOD BOOTY: LOVE AND SEX, BLACK & WHITE, BODY AND SOUL IN AMERICAN MUSIC. Start here if you want to understand the deep, and often taboo currents that shape our music, both past and present. Although I have limited scientific skills, I am an avid reader of books about science, cultural biology, and machine intelligence. This year saw some very interesting titles, including Max Tegmark’s LIFE 3.0: BEING HUMAN IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE; Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson’s MACHINE, PLATFORM, CROWD: HARNESSING OUR DIGITAL FUTURE; A CRACK IN CREATION: GENE EDITING AND THE UNTHINKABLE POWER TO CONTROL EVOLUTION, by CRISPR

pioneer Jennifer A Doudna (with Samuel H. Sternberg), and a very head-spinning meld of science and humanities, WHAT ALGORITHMS WANT: IMAGINATION IN THE AGE OF COMPUTING, by Ed Finn. As a history teacher, I am impelled to mention two very interesting and mythshattering books about history: Yuval Noah Harari’s HOMO DEUS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOMORROW, a follow-up to his well-received volume SAPIENS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF HUMANKIND, and perhaps the most ambitious title for any book about history, Adam Rutherford’s A BRIEF HISTORY OF EVERYONE WHO EVER LIVED: THE HUMAN STORY RETOLD THROUGH OUR GENES. My candidate for Book Of The Year is about a subject that occupies much of my time--creativity, particularly as this skill is used to redefine the nature of learning. Anthony Brandt and David Engleman’s THE RUNAWAY SPECIES: HOW HUMAN CREATIVITY REMAKES THE WORLD should be required reading for anyone who teaches (and aren’t all of us teachers?) or cares about the importance of learning in the modern world. This book is a sumptuously-illustrated tour de force that puts creativity at the center of any discussion about the role of human beings in the world. This should be read in conjunction with A.O. Wilson’s new book, THE ORIGINS OF CREATIVITY, which is an argument for the preservation of the humanities as a centerpiece in the world of science. And, last but certainly not least, is the final chapter of Walter Isaacson’s masterful biography of LEONARDO DA VINCI, where he outlines the many reasons why Leonardo is still relevant five-hundred years after his death. At the top of this list is “Be curious, relentlessly curious.” As I tell my students, if they cultivate curiosity and creativity, they are prepared for the “real world.” And, as I have said many times, these two virtues are not measured by the standardized tests that fortunately weren’t around when Leonardo was dreaming of flying machines and enigmatic subjects for his paintings. This list could of course go on and on, but, alas, I have exceeded my word limit. Here’s wishing you a coming year filled with books and creativity. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | December 26, 2017