Page 2, The Loafer • December 2, 2014
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December 2, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 3
Volume 28 Issue #52
Publisher - Bill Williams • Editor/Graphic Arts Director - Don Sprinkle • Office Manager - Luci Tate Cover Design - Bill May Advertising - Dave Carter, Terry Patterson Contributing Staff - Jim Kelly, Andy Ross, Ken Silvers, Mark Marquette, Jessica Gilliam Published by Tree Street Media, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com • info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (advertising) All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof.The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any loss of expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement,including claims or suits for defamation,libel,right of privacy,plagiarism,and copyright infringement.
Page 4, The Loafer • December 2, 2014
Rocky Mount Museum’s
“A Candlelight Christmas” Rocky Mount Historical Association Museum will present “A CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS” on the Friday and Saturday evenings of Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13. Tours begin every 15 minutes from 4:30 until 8:00. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children (ages 5-17). Members of RMHA receive discounted admission, group discounts available. Reservations can be made through Rocky Mount Museum (423) 538-7396, Mon-Fri 9-5. In this day of a highly commercialized Christmas, a visit to Rocky Mount Historical Association Museum can readily provide a glimpse back to an earlier time when Christmas was recognized simply as the birth of Christ, rather than the shopping frenzy it is today. The “Candlelight Christmas” Living History Tour takes through the historic home of Rocky Mount, transformed to Christmas Eve of 1791, meeting historic interpreters portraying the Cobb family of Rocky Mount, Gov. Blount and his family, and friends and neighbors. The historic two-story log cabin and the other outbuildings are decorated simply with attractive traditional decorations, made from locally available greenery such as
pine and holly, and colorful fruits such as apples. Hand dipped candles, which adorn each room and illuminate the walkways, complete the cozy look and feel of a frontier home in the eighteenth century. Traditional music, dancing, heart-warming stories, are all part of this Christmas celebration perfectly demonstrating that though the traditions may have changed , the “Spirit of Christmas” and the warmth of fellowship with friends and family, transcends the centuries. After the tour, which takes about 90 minutes, visitors are welcomed back to the 21st century with a modern reception. For more information or to make a reservation call (423) 538-7396 or 888538-1791. Rocky Mount Museum is a “living history” museum, which uses firstperson interpretation to portray people living in 1791. Rocky Mount is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. Living History tours and the facility are available by reservation at any time, including Sundays and Mondays for school and other groups, with advance reservations. For more information, call (423) 538-7396 or visit our website at www.rockymountmuseum.com.
~~~~ www.rockymountmuseum.com ~~~~
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Visits With Santa and Railroad Car Tours
The Santa Train Car will be parked in Jonesborough for two days with Santa Claus greeting guests on board the car on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 to 11 a.m. and Saturday, Dec. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m., prior to the Annual Jonesborough Christmas Parade that begins at 6 p.m. Santa will greet guests from the Santa Car Platform providing the perfect photo opportunity, along with a chance for everyone to come aboard the 100 year old railroad passenger car. Santa will talk with the children and have a tour of this famous car, along with refreshments. “Many children have never been on a railroad car and this is the
perfect opportunity,” Mike Tilley with the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum said. Many railroad enthusiasts in the area are likely familiar with the Santa Train Car known as the Clinchfield 100. The Santa Train car was used for many years on the Clinchfield Railroad Santa Train where Santa threw candy off the back of the car as the train traveled from Elkhorn City, Ky. to Kingsport, Tenn. “Santa wants to see his friends again from this beautiful railroad car,” Tilley said. “The car has not been open to the public in the Jonesborough area for nearly 30 years. Santa will ride the car from the North Pole to Jonesborough
to greet everyone, giving his reindeers a vacation.” In its approximately 100 year history, Car100’s passengers have included railroad officials, business leaders and even Santa Claus. Car 100 began its run in 1914, when the all-steel coach car was built by the Pullman Co. for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL). Originally, the car was known as the ACL 985. Around 20 years after its construction, what would come to be
known as Car 100 was rebuilt by the ACL’s main passenger shop in Rocky Mountain, N.C. It was a full-operating dining car by the ACL, which dubbed the car the “Orlando.” Until 1951, the Orlando operated as a full diner car on the ACL’s main line between Washington, D.C. and Miami. In 1951, Clinchfield 100 was purchased by the Clinchfield Railroad in Erwin, Tenn. It was rebuilt and became the Clinchfield Official Santa Train Car and the office car for the President of the Clinchfield Railroad. In 2013, the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum purchased the car and restored it for special events. “This will be a unique opportunity for both young and old to visit Historic Jonesborough, see Santa and step aboard this historic railroad car,” Tilley said. “This will be a memorable event for the whole family for years to come.” There is no charge for this event which is located at 210 Spring St. in Jonesborough and parking is free along Franklin Street. Visits with Santa and the historic train car are sponsored by the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum. For information call 423-753-1010.
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Page 6, The Loafer • December 2, 2014
Kryss Dula & Friends and The Jones Boys Band
Playing Free Second Harvest Food Bank Show This Thursday, two highly enjoyable local bands will team up to help alleviate hunger in our region. Kryss Dula & Friends will join The Jones Boys Band to play a free show at The Acoustic Coffeehouse (415 W. Walnut St.) in Johnson City. This event benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee. So, how does a free show benefit a food bank? In lieu of a cover charge, both bands encourage anyone who attends to bring canned or other non-perishable food to donate at the barrel near the front door. Thus, the goal is to have fun while helping feed hungry people in our local area. Kryss Dula & Friends will open at 8pm. As always, the Friends are tentative and comprise whoever comes to jam along, and this time may well include local artists Steven Reese (drums), Stephen Marshall (bass), Adam Bogle (banjitar), Taylor Moorefield (fiddle), and Daelin Dula (guitar). The assembly includes many others… and over 50 local musicians have played with the group at one time or another (counting many one-timers). They frequently play charity events and their policy is never to take money to play music. Another of their policies is to never formally practice, so you never quite know what you’ll get. But one thing you are assured of getting is an exciting, amusing,
and melodious show. The headlining act will be The Jones Boys Band, who will begin at 10pm. The JBB is one of the most engaging groups in the area. Consummate musicians, they play a wide range of cover songs, including country and rock favorites. They never fail to move people to sing and dance along. The band takes their name from lead guitarist Jacob Jones and stand-up bassist John Jones, two musical brothers with a long-standing reputation as exceptional performers. Chad Blackburn provides the percussive underpinning and Tim Babb is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, and both are also
extraordinary entertainers. You just won’t find a better or more enjoyable band around. Dula said he ‘stole’ the idea for a food drive-related show from local troubadours, this mountain, who will actually be playing their own food drive show on Saturday, Dec. 6th. Their event celebrates the release of their second full-length album, Still Waters, having been pressed on vinyl. Their release party will be at the Hideaway (235 E. Main St., Johnson City) and a food donation will garner attendees a $5 discount on the album. And, of course, donations will be distributed via Second Harvest to local folks in need. Second Harvest is the only standalone food bank in our local eight county region and they’ve fed hungry East Tennesseans for over 25 years. As a non-profit organization, they’ve garnered a coveted four-star rating from Charity Navigator. However, their good work is only possible through the generous donations of time from countless volunteers, and with financial and food donations from countless caring citizens. And, that’s where you come in…go to one or both of these shows and bring some food to donate!
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Johnson City
Christmas Parade & ETSU’s Winter Celebration
The first Saturday in December is the official date for Johnson City’s Christmas Parade and East Tennessee State University’s Winter Celebration. This special event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, with the parade winding through downtown Johnson City to the ETSU campus, bringing friends and family home and the community together to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. In years past, the Christmas Parade has featured over 80 entries, including festive floats, bands, decorated vehicles, dance troupes, and equestrian and community groups. The 2014 Grand Marshals are Johnson City Mayor Ralph Van Brocklin, Vice Mayor Clayton Stout and Commissioners Jeff Banyas, Jenny Brock and David Tomita. The most anticipated guests
are at the end of the parade, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, riding in the Firehouse Restaurant’s vintage 1925 fire truck. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. (note: this is an earlier time than
originally published), along the same route as last year. Staging begins at 1pm on E. State of Franklin and will include turns onto Colonial Way, to East Main, Buffalo and West Walnut streets before ending at the ETSU Foundation Carillon and Alumni Plaza at 1276 Gilbreath Drive. ETSU will host free music, pictures with Santa, cookies, hot chocolate and holiday stories. Local organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate and compete for the Christmas Parade Star Award given to the Top 3 best parade entries. Participant information and application forms are online at http:// downtownjc.org, deadline to enter is December 3. Paper applications are available at the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, Johnson City Public Library, Hands On Museum and at Nelson’s Fine Art Gallery. For more information on the Christmas Parade, email Deanna Hays of Friends of Olde Downtowne at blueplumdirector@ gmail.com. For information on the ETSU Winter Celebration, email info@etsu.edu. To stay up-to-date on events, festivals, parades and announcements, “Like” the Friends of Olde Downtowne on Facebook at facebook.com/friendsofoldedowntowne.
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Arts Depot Holiday Events
Exhibit / Open House / Art Classes / Concert / Extended Open Hours Announced The Twenty-Fifth Annual Depot Artists Association Members’ Exhibit is currently on display in all three galleries of the Arts Depot in Abingdon, VA. The exhibit will continue through December 27. More than fifty artists will be exhibiting over 100 pieces of their work created in clay, watercolor, oil, acrylic, collage, mixed media, photography, textiles, stained glass, and much more. The Holiday Members show is a great opportunity to support local artists and to purchase one-of-a-kind, hand crafted holiday gifts and gift certificates for the art lovers on your list. While at the show visitors may vote for their favorite piece of artwork. The Arts Depot People’s Choice Award will be presented to the winning artist. The community is invited to the Depot’s Holiday Open House on “First Thursday” December 4th; from 6-8 pm. David Collins will play the piano and entertain guests while they visit the three galleries and seven Resident Artist’s studios. Complimentary holiday treats will be served and a glass of wine to those over 21. On Saturday, December 6th at 1:00 pm everyone is invited to stop by the Depot
for a cup of hot cider and ring in the holidays with a special concert presented by the Virginia Highlands Community College Madrigal Singers. The Madrigals are a holiday tradition. Mary Munsey, the current music instructor at VHCC, is now in her fourth year masterfully directing the choir. She says she is “proud to carry on the tradition.” The group consists of VHCC students, faculty and staff, area professionals, high school students and retirees from all walks of life. This season they are accompanied by Chris Yoder on Keyboard and Schery Collins on flute. Also on Saturday, December 6th Resident Clay Artist, Sara Reese will offer a Terra Cotta Angel making class at 1:00 pm. Parents can plan to enjoy the Madrigal Singers concert while their youth, age 7 and up create their own clay angel to take home for the holidays. The cost is $15.00. Pre-registration for the class is required by calling Sara Reese 276-628-9091 On Saturday, December 13th at 11:00 am everyone is welcome to attend Margaret Gregg’s lively travel talk slide show and discussion program she calls, “Bohemia at
last!” Margaret allowed a dream to come true this October as she visited Prague in Central Bohemia. Museums, churches, bridges, cafes and more preceded a bicycle trip along the Danube that ended in Vienna where “art” is alive and well. Enjoy her images and reflections about this experience. Everyone is welcome to share their own Bohemia dreams and stories. The Arts Depot has permanently extended its open hours just in time for holiday shopping. The Depot is now open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, yearround. The Depot’s galleries and Resident
Artists’ studios are also open on the first Thursday” of every month through 8 pm in conjunction Abingdon’s “First Thursday” gallery hops. On gallery hop evenings Depot Square is a convenient place to park and “hop” on the free trolley to visit all of the participating art venues. On First Thursday, December 4th Santa will be riding along throughout the evening. Visit www.facebook.com/abingdonfirstthursday for a list of participating venues. As always. the Arts Depot staff and Resident Artists are happy to open the gallery for visitors outside of the posted hours, just call at 276-628-9091.
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EXPERIENCE A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION WITH SYMPHONY OF THE MOUNTAINS
Don’t miss the Mountain Empire’s most cherished holiday tradition! As the weather turns colder and shopping becomes a battlefield, it can be hard to remember the beauty of the season. Cornelia Laemmli Orth and Symphony of the Mountains invite you to refill your Christmas cheer as we present our beloved holiday concert, “A Down Home Christmas” on Saturday, December 6th at the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center in Kingsport, TN and Sunday, December 7th at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. Both concerts begin at 3pm. This annual family favorite is overflowing with festive carols, a sing-a-long and sacred holiday selections. Rejoice in cherished holiday tunes like “Fantasia on Greensleeves,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “Ukrainian Bell Carol,” “Silent Night,” Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town,” “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” and “Waltz of the Flowers” from the Nutcracker Suite. And be good for goodness sake because Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick will be dropping by for a special visit. Performances this year include Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy - a re-
gionally attended, auditioned youth choir; Mountain Mission School Choir – an award winning children’s choir from Grundy, VA; Voices of the Mountains; and the Handbell Choir of First Presbyterian Church of Bristol. Following the concert, Santa will join us for a special cookie and punch reception in the lobby so all the children, young and old, will get a chance to whisper their Christmas wishes in Santa’s ear. “It’s an afternoon of family fun with beautiful holiday music, Santa Claus and a cookie and punch reception.” says Symphony of the Mountains Conductor Cornelia Laemmli Orth. “Coming to the Symphony is a holiday tradition.” Tickets are $30 with children and students admitted free. Group discounts for 10+ are available by calling the Symphony Box Office. To order your tickets, call Symphony of the Mountains Box Office at (423) 392-8423 or visit us on the web at www.SymphonyOfTheMountains.org.
PERFORMANCE & EVENT DATES A Down Home Christmas in Kingsport Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 3:00pm Santa Reception following Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center 400 S. Wilcox Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660
A Down Home Christmas in Abingdon Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 3:00pm Santa Reception following Southwest VA Higher Education Center 1 Partnership Circle, Abingdon, VA 24201
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Johnson City’s Model Mill placed on Endangered List
Johnson City’s Model Mill has been chosen as one of the Tennessee Preservation Trust’s 2014 Ten in Tennessee Endangered sites. The Trust compiles an annual list comprised of structures and properties across the state considered to be endangered and in need of protection. The mill was selected because of its historic significance and the existing threat of demolition. To make the list, a site must be nominated by members of the community where it is located and meet the guidelines for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The Model Mill was nominated on behalf of the South Side Neighborhood Organization (SNO) by Dr. Hal Hunter. “The Model Mill was built in 1909 by George L. Carter using many of the best construction techniques and materials available at the time. The grain elevators were built using a new
construction technique and are of national significance on their own. Mr. Carter was the primary developer of the south side of Johnson City and the mill is one of the few iconic structures left from that development period,” stated Hunter. “SNO hopes the mill can saved and repurposed in the same manner as the Clinchfield Railroad station, (now Tupelo Honey) and the soon to be repurposed Tweetsie station. This would create a beautiful addition/connection between the historic districts of Johnson City and accentuate Founders Park.” Hunter concluded. The Preservation Trust is the third organization recommending the Model Mill be saved. Earlier this year, the Tennessee Historical Commission and the National Trust for Historic Preservation advocated against the proposed demolition plans of the mill. www.facebook.com/ModelMill
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Big Bend National Park Photo Show
See Desert Beauty and Towns
Big Bend Road Tours will present a photo/video program on Big Bend National Park and region at the following locations: December 2, Dunk & Deli, 924 E. Main, Abingdon, 7 PM December 3, Shoney’s, 2066 Lee Hwy, Bristol VA, 7 PM December 4, Shoney’s, 2227 Fort Henry Drive, Kingsport, 7 PM December 8, Shoney’s, 120 Malin Dr., Wytheville, 7 PM December 9, Macado’s, 142 E. Main, Marion, 7 PM The program will take a tour
of the towns of Alpine, Ft. Davis (site of McDonald Observatory), Marfa, Terlingua, and Marathon, Texas. The national park will be highlighted. Big Bend is a “bucket list” for many people. Come on the tour and see the wonders of the Chihuahuan Desert while enjoying a drink courtesy of Big Bend Road Tours. It will be like seeing “Another Country.” Contact: Roger Golden at 276492-0503 or email: bigbendroadtours@gmail.com
Washington County Libraries Host Holiday Open Houses Jonesborough Library Dec. 3, 12:30-2:00 p.m. Gray Library • Dec. 4, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
The Friends of the Library and library staff of the Washington County Libraries invite you to their Holiday Open Houses to kick off the season at the libraries. Jonesborough Library is holding their Open House, on December 3 from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the library, 200 Sabin Drive. Gray Library will have their event on December 4 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at 5026 Bobby Hicks Highway in Gray. The Jonesborough event features a light lunch with mini-sandwiches furnished by the Friends of the Library and potluck dishes provided by Friends members and library staff. We invite you to meet with other library supporters to see the value of our library services to the community and the
impact the library has had on the lives of our citizens. If you want to come early, the Friends of the Library will be decorating the library beginning at 9:00 a.m. and we can always use extra hands. For the Trim the Tree/Deck the Halls event the Friends with have breakfast nibbles to share. The Open House in Gray will be a drop-in event with light snacks and warm drinks served through the afternoon. It will be a chance for the community to see some of the renovations made in the library’s interior during the last few months highlighted by the Christmas decorations. For more information call the Jonesborough Library, (423) 7531800, or Gray Library, (423) 4771550.
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Page 12, The Loafer • December 2, 2014
Milligan presents annual
Christmas concert on two evenings Audiences will have two opportunities to experience the glorious sounds of the season at the annual Milligan College community Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Milligan’s music area will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the seasonally decorated Mary B. Martin Auditorium in Seeger Chapel. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. “The annual Christmas concert is a wonderful time for Milligan music students and faculty to give a gift to the community of wonderful music in a beautifully decorated setting,” said Dr. Kellie Brown, chair of Milligan’s music area. The processional for the concerts was written specifically for the occasion by Jesse Ayers, a composer who was named recently er composers in the country. “This is a very prestigious mu“Honored Artist” for the American Prize along with only five oth- sical honor for Mr. Ayers,” said
Brown. “We are honored to have his original composition open a very special evening.”
The identical performances will feature choirs, orchestra, brass choir and the organ in the beau-
tifully decorated Seeger Chapel. The evenings also will include a carol sing-along and will conclude with a moving candle-lighting and singing of “Silent Night.” “This concert is a great way to celebrate the beginning of the advent season,” said Brown. “We hope that our guests will appreciate having two options to attend during the busy holiday season.” Last year’s concerts drew record attendance and donations totaling more than $6,500 to benefit Milligan’s music area and Niswonger Children’s Hospital in Johnson City. The concerts are free; however, a suggested donation of $5 will be taken to benefit the Milligan music area. For more information on Milligan arts events, visit www.milligan.edu/arts.
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Downtown Kingsport Christmas Tree Lighting & Celebration On Saturday, December 6th 2014, the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration will take place in Downtown Kingsport at Church Circle. We are expecting a large crowd in downtown again this year for the celebration. Come out and spend the day shopping or taking the Downtown Loft tour and follow it up with this family tradition. We have some great entertainment and events lined up, so bring your hats and mittens and settle in near Church Circle for the evening. Activities begin with the Downtown Holiday Loft Tour from 2pm-5pm. Tickets are available at DKA or on-line at www.downtownkingsport.org. Festivities will continue with complementary carriage rides from 5p-7pm and street corner carolers on Broad Street along with the 10th Annual
Gingerbread House Decorating Contest Open House and Reception at Regions Bank. Enjoy viewing all the entries along with live music and refreshments. Across the street Santa will arrive to visit with children inside TriSummitt Bank from 5 pm until 8 pm and many other complementary treats will be available near Church Circle. The Kingsport Times-News will be taking “Happy Snaps” photos. Tri-Summit Bank, First Broad Street United Methodist Church and Oak Hill Funeral Home will also be offering free hot beverages and treats outdoors and new this year will be local food trucks and other vendors offering specialty items for sale. The stage festivities will begin on stage at 6:00pm with our emcee, Jim Bailey, from ABC TV19
WKPT-TV. Entertainment will include local choruses caroling on street corners and the First Broad Street United Methodist Church Handbell Choir. Sullivan South High School Marching Band will be the featured band this year and are scheduled to march to Church Circle around 6:15pm. In addition, performances are planned by Dobyns Bennett High School A cappella group “Armonia”, The “Voices of the Mountains” and Lamplight Theater. After the tree lighting the family can enjoy the LampLight Theater performance of “The Indescribable Gift – The Story of St. Nicholas”. This is a musical presented in Victorian fashion based on the real person of St. Nicholas and the events surrounding his life and love for those in need. This event will be held at LampLight The-
atre in Downtown Kingsport, 140 Broad Street and the cost to attend is $10 for adults, $5 for students and children under 6 are FREE. For more information, please contact the Downtown Kingsport Association at (423) 246-6550 or visit www.downtownkingsport. org.
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Time to Shop for That Stargazer on Your List While Santa Claus is trying to decide if you stargazers are naughty or nice, it’s time to write down your gift wishes. And there are plenty of starry items and gadgets to satisfy any stargazer on your gift list. First, a word about telescopes. Basically, you get what you pay for. Any scientific tool priced cheaply, whether a telescope, microscope, metal detector, etc., might be a good introductory item for a youngster, but pales in comparison to a quality instrument. In other words, those $100 bargain telescopes will show craters on the Moon and Saturn’s rings, but they suffer in durability and workmanship of the gears, lenses and optics that make them a mere scientific toy. Quality instruments from Meade, Orion, TeleVue and other optical companies can be bought for a price point of $300 and up. And with weeks until Christmas, there should be plenty of time for shipping. Always true about telescopes is the bigger the better. But there is a limit in size that can be carried in a vehicle and set up by one or two people. Most telescopes have a DVD explaining how to use it, and there are always forums on all types of telescopes on the Internet at websites like CloudyNights. com. And don’t be afraid to buy a quality telescope on Internet sites like E-bay or Amazon as you can check the instrument out by doing a product search. There are some good bargains to be had! The 21st Century marketing feature of all quality telescopes is a “go-to” computer that will automatically move the telescope to any chosen object in the sky after a simple setup procedure. Those telescopes start in the $300-500 price point. Rather than tell you the differ-
ence in telescopes, it is easier for you to see for yourself by surfing the Internet for the website catalogs. Just put “retail telescopes” in a search engine and surf around. A quality telescope and its accessories are a lifetime investment—many amateur astronomers still have their first serious telescopes...I do! You might consider a quality pair of binoculars, particular if your stargazer doesn’t have a pair. Of course, they can be used at ball
Buy the latest issue for under the Christmas tree after subscribing and it will surely be read before the day is done. Looking up the websites of these two magazines will harvest more gift ideas, like globes of the planets, T-shirts and stargazing gear. Another idea for that hard-tobuy-for amateur astronomer on your Christmas list is a piece of the Moon, or name a star after them. Just google “buying the Moon” and you’ll find several places that will sell you property with a deed and fancy papers to show off. There are even “space realtors” selling acreage on Mars, Venus and Mercury—though the property claim is probably worth the paper it’s printed on. Still, owning a piece of the Moon is a novelty item that shows off one’s enthusiasm for their hobby. I own a few acres in the lunar Sea of Vapors! Just five years ago I wrote about stuffing a stocking with a “sophisticated devices that rely on GPS to identify a star or planet when pointed to the sky.” Those handheld star identifiers were a little pricey in the $200 price range, but in less than a decade they are obsolete because any Smart Phone can download a free application for the same sky maps. Or just buy a traditional planisphere wheel with the constellations for any date in the year for around $10. Maybe there’s a stargazer on your gift list that prefers “armgames, the lake or nature watch- chair astronomy” as opposed to ing. In fact, birdwatchers are the braving the winter cold. Well, of course, there are many largest consumer group of binoculars, and many turn them skyward books, star charts and software to at night. Observing with binocu- buy. A cruise through the local book lars is one of the joys of stargazing whether a beginner or pro as there stores may find the unexpected are many objects best seen at the astronomy treasure. One year I found packaged in a tin oversized low power. A subscription to either of postcard replicas of an 1832 set of the two popular magazines, Sky constellation artwork for just $10. and Telescope or Astronomy, is Other ideas that will make as stara great gift for about $45 a year gazer smile include a digitized set with cheaper discounts available. of the 1980s PBS Cosmos series of
the 1980s, or a DVD set of the HBO From Earth to the Moon would also make any stargazer smile. And such astro video sets are a bargain on Amazon for either new or gently used copies. I’ve bought several beautiful coffee table books of space imagery for two or three dollars plus $5 shipping There are some recent books on the Mars rovers and orbiters that are proving the planet was once drenched in oceans, lakes and rivers. Space history and NASA’s 50th anniversary are also popular books for the holiday season. There are so many free planetarium programs out there for your Smart Phone and computer (like Stellarium.org) that any purchased software is for serious amateur astronomers most likely into astrophotography and guiding their telescopes. Some amateur astronomers with a decent telescope are ready for a digital astro camera, which begin at the $100 price point and are actually simple to use. Astro cameras come with software and complete instructions, and there are always forums on the Internet to help the new “deep sky” photographer. As for my gift list to Santa, I’ve always told gift-givers that anything with a star or moon on it will make me happy. And I have a house full of blankets, tables loaded with coasters and candle holders, and shelves covered with knick-knacks that all have an astronomy motif. Some of the great gifts I’ve received are one-of-a-kind, like a star-shaped, cut glass sun-catcher, a meteorite display and homesewn celestial pillows. Another cherished gift is a small, metal Moon globe autographed by Apollo 16 moonwalker Charlie Duke! Starry-eyed friends and family on your holiday gift list are easy to buy for—and the sky is the limit!
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Celestial events in the skies for the week of Dec. 2 - Dec. 8, 2014, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. This is a week when 37 people were blasted off the Earth into orbit about 225 miles high aboard six Space Shuttle flights. Now merely memories since the 2011 retirement of the Shuttle fleet, each of the 135 flights were amazing in their own right. One standout mission is the repair of the nearsighted Hubble Space Telescope 21 years ago this week, correcting a manufacturing flaw and paving the way for the incredible success of one of mankind’s greatest scientific tools. Looking skyward, it’s Full Moon week, so enjoy the silvery light on the late Autumn landscape.
Tues. Dec. 2
Four American Space Shuttle crews totaling 24 astronauts will be thinking about today as their blast off date with outer space. In 1988, Atlantis was launched with five astronauts on a classified US Defense Department mission deploying a spy satellite; in 1990, Columbia and seven astronauts were launched on an astronomy mission with Astro 1, an array of four telescopes in the payload bay; in 1992, Discovery was launched with five astronauts on another top secret mission for the Defense Department; in 1993 STS-61 had Endeavour on the important 10day repair mission of the myopic Hubble Space Telescope with seven astronauts taking part in the successful mission. Only the Orbiter Challenger didn’t fly on this date. In 1974, Pioneer 11 flew by Jupiter, sending following its twin Pioneer 10, which flew by almost exactly a year earlier on Dec. 4, 1973.
Wed. Dec. 3
Becoming the first unmanned spacecraft to fly by the largest planet Jupiter, Pioneer 10 not only dazzled the public with amazing close-up images of its complex cloud system and famous Red Spot, but scientists were elated with the bonanza of scientific data, revealing a complex magnetic field among other discoveries.
Thurs. Dec. 4
In 1998, Space Shuttle Endeavour was blasted with six astronauts into space carrying the American module Unity in its cargo bay. The primary docking adapter Unity was connected with the orbiting Russian Zarya command module to form the core of the International Space Station.
ISS. Raffaello was stowed in the Shuttle and brought back with used equipment, experiments and garbage.
Sat. Dec. 6
Full Moon, which Native Americans called the Cold Moon and Colonial settlers called the Yule Moon. The Full Moon is in Cancer, between bright star Procyon Fri. Dec. 5 to the right and planet Jupiter to In 2001, Endeavour was rock- the left. Though moonlight seems eted into orbit three years after bright, the Moon reflects only 17 connecting the first modules of the per cent of the sunlight that strikes International Space Station. This it—which is about like a lump of time seven astronauts on the Shut- coal. tle had in its cargo bay the Italian Sun. Dec. 7 module Raffaello being ferried up Mars is between Capricornus with supplies to the half-complete and Aquarius and sets in the west
about 8 pm. An hour later at 9 pm, Jupiter and the Moon rise together in the east in the constellation Leo the Lion.
Mon. Dec. 8
Tonight is the earliest sunset at 4:35 pm—making it dark at around 5:30 pm! This might be the first night you can see Venus above the western twilight as it begins an eight-month visit to the evening sky.
Page 18, The Loafer • December 2, 2014
JCCT guarantees a “White Christmas”
Opening Friday, Dec. 5, at Johnson City Community Theatre, Irving Berlin’s cherished story “White Christmas” comes to life in this acclaimed stage adaptation. Directed by ETSU Division of Theatre and Dance graduate Brandon Stanbrough, “White Christmas” follows World War II veter-
ites such as “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” and the namesake “White Christmas,” this show provides a warm escape from Johnson City’s bitter winter. With the help of music director Scott Elliott and choreographer Nora Beth Moran, Stanbrough and the cast of “White Christmas” are prepping extensively to entertain Johnson City theatre supporters. Stanbrough commented, “The beauty of “White Christmas” is that it’s an elegant, simplistic story. It harkens us back to a time when there was less emphasis on the gift and more on the giver. It is a story that has traversed across several ans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis generations and is often part of so and their courtship of a singing many families’ traditions… I want sister duo en route to a Vermont to make sure this production lives lodge. Adapted by David Ives up to those memories.” Followand Paul Blake, “White Christ- ing with Stanbrough’s tribute to mas” earned two Tony nomina- tradition, special thanks should be tions and six Drama Desk Award paid to the cast members and their nominations during its revival in families who have captured the 2009. With beloved holiday favor- spirit of “White Christmas” not
only in their support, but also in their participation. For some of the cast involved this has truly been a family affair. Wrapping up their 102nd Season, JCCT is thrilled to house some old faces as well as some new in this assorted cast starring Will Oliver as Bob Wallace, Michael Brister as Phil Davis, Jen Fields as Betty Haynes and Cassie Brooks as Judy Haynes. Supporting cast roles include Dennis Brooks (Gen. Henry Waverly), Nora Beth Moran (Martha Watson), Olivia Greene (Susan Waverly), Stephen Howard (Ralph Sheldrake), Lindsey Marshall (Rita), Kaitlynn Newcomb (Rhoda), Britny Fox (Ezekiel Foster/ Snoring Man), Nate Birkitt (Mike), Kayla Peterson (Tessie/Mrs. Snoring Man/Ensemble), Carolee Mabe (Cigarette Girl), Jonathan Marin (Train Conductor/Ensemble), Allie Baker (Ensemble), Jon Brister (Ensemble), Christy Brister (Ensemble) and Carolee Mabe (En-
semble). In true community spirit this show could not have happened without the help of volunteers. The JCCT family would like to give a huge shout out and thank you to the cast, crew, their families and friends for their support, especially Stacey Bracey, Jason Headon, Frank Mengel, Amber Kline, Tommy Ricker, Ben Marshall and Elizabeth Sloane for all their hard work and dedication with “White Christmas.” Performances are Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 13, 20 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission and may be purchased by visiting www.jcct. info or calling 423-926-2542. Special discount prices are offered for seniors (55+), students, military, or groups (15+). Tickets are selling fast so reserve yours soon and come get in the holiday spirit with JCCT’s spectacular gift, “White Christmas.”
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Top 10 Bristol Gifts You Will Want to Keep for Yourself From The Museum Store at Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Bristol is known as the place where the “Big Bang” of country music went down, so it makes sense that The Museum Store at Birthplace of Country Music Museum would offer authentic gifts that celebrate the cities’ deep music roots. From handcrafted items made by local artisans to musicthemed jewelry, The Museum Store offers a unique shopping experience this holiday season. The only problem, you’ll want to keep everything for yourself!
1. Music City Suds
The country music themed body products and candle line with names like Clove Miner’s Daughter, A Bar Named Sue, and I Walk the Lime are handmade from natural ingredients. Bars of soap are packaged in reclaimed sheet music.
2. Recycled Vinyl Jewelry, Coasters and Note Pads by Vinylux Looking for a gift you can’t find
anywhere else? The Museum Store features cuff bracelets to coasters made from old country music LPs. Yes, it’s true, vinyl’s making a comeback; however, this time it doesn’t require a turntable.
3. Birthplace of Country Music Gift Baskets
Looking to give a gift that will impress? The Museum Store offers gift baskets full of unique Bristol merchandise and items from regional artisans. From cool Bristol t-shirts to themed mugs, colorful scarfs, and jewelry made from guitar strings, gift baskets from The Museum Store come ready-made or can be customized.
4. Cowboy Boot Breath Mints by Amusemints
Looking for great stocking stuffers? Amusemints are packaged in colorful, cowboy boot tins. Perfect for a unique gift that serves
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Footstompin’ Friday with Folk Soul Revival Friday, December 5th, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert by Folk Soul Revival as part of our Footstompin’ Friday concert series. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $1 for children 6 to11, under age 6 free. Folk Soul Revival is a harmony drenched, boot stomping, rowdy and rootsy acoustic group from
right here in the Appalachian Mountains. Their diversity, creativity, and passion are evident to anyone who’s ever seen them perform. With their distinct vocal approaches, back-porch instrumentation, haunting four-part harmonies, and sheer talent, the boys have garnered much success and have attracted a large following. With strong songwriting, spot
on vocals, earthy instrumentation, and an unreserved honesty, a Folk Soul Revival concert is consistently eventful. Folk Soul has shared the stage with Jesse McReynolds, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Goose Creek Symphony, and many others. The Blue Plum Festival, Floydfest, and Rhythm and and Roots are some of the festi-
vals they have played. Recently named the 2011 Band of the Year by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Folk Soul has been featured on the Music City Roots radio program from Nashville as well as Sirius/XM’s Outlaw Country radio. Virginia Living named them among the Top Three bands in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Their first album, Good Enough, released independently in April of 2009. Words Off a Tongue, their second release, followed in August of 2010. No Depression Magazine placed it in the Top 15 releases of 2010. Folk Soul recently released a third CD – Prompting the Dapperness. fan-funded, it reached number 12 on the iTunes country charts and number 99 on the overall charts on the day of release. It has already charted on Billboard Magazine’s Heatseekers Charts at number 10 (the south Atlantic division). Folk Soul’s members are Daniel Davis – guitar and vocals, Brandon Sturgill – upright bass, Justin Venable – guitjo, harmonica, kazoo, and vocals, Emory Carty – guitar, and Dan Witt on drums. Randy Jackson will be coming along to do some special fiddling music for the Fold. For more informationon the group, go to their web site: www.folksoulrevival.com. You can also check out myspace, facebook and you tube. While at first glance Folk Soul Revival may not seem like the typical band you would expect to see at the Carter Fold, they exemplify where the music of our region began and how it will always be the basis of other music that followed – bluegrass, country, and rock.
Expect to see the family-oriented show the Fold is known for – no alcohol permitted. Folk Soul fans or “The Congregation,” as they are affectionately known, often attend shows that are standing room only. With seating for over 800, they won’t have that problem at the Fold. Both Fold regulars and the Folk Soul faithful love to dance…and FSR’s uplifting energy and superb song selection will keep everyone dancing the night away! We have the largest dance floor in the Tri-Cities and will easily accommodate fans who love to dance to the music of Folk Soul. Bring along your friends and celebrate all that makes our mountain region so unique, heartwarming, and unforgettable. Don’t miss Folk Soul Revival at one of our region’s most historic venues. Their first show in September of 2012 packed the house, and their subsequent performances at the Fold have been the same. FSR performed at the past two Carter Memorial Festivals and rocked festival goers. The Carter Fold and Folk Soul Revival – it just doesn’t get any better than that! Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go to www.carterfamilyfold. org. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054. The Fold is on Facebook – page Carter Fold – and Twitter – Twitter @carterfoldinfo. To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276-594-0676.
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Top Ten .... Continued from page 19
a useful purpose with style.
5. Moon Bound Girl
The Museum Store features Bristol-born artist and muralist Leigh Ann Agee’s Moon Bound Girl series. Agee’s original paintings, posters, and note cards bring new meaning to the phrase, “the higher the hair, the closer to heaven.” Also, her children’s book is the perfect gift for tween girls who have big dreams, as it captures an inspiring story of girl power.
6. Hardwood Toys and Games
Looking for a special gift for a child? Artisan Larry Ball’s hardwood games, toy trains, cars, and farm animals are classic and durable. The best part is that the toys are made in Abingdon, Virginia. These fun toys can be beautifully displayed under the tree without wrapping paper.
7. Artisan Quilts
The Museum Store features quilts from regional artisans, including those from Meadowview, Virginia’s Audra Rasnake. Rasnake is an award-winning artisan whom hand stitches each quilt with an amazing 16 to 18 stitches per inch, exceeding what is considered “museum quality.”
8. Bristol Post Cards
Over the years post cards have become a
chic collectible from destinations all over the world. Photographer Briana Morris is a Bristol native whose line of Bristol themed post cards are totally frame worthy. The Museum Store also offers additional postcards that capture Bristol authentic downtown and unique elements of The Museum.
9. Birthplace of Country Music Gift Cards
Too many options? Get a gift card to The Museum Store. Put any dollar amount on the card, as it can be used on anything in The Museum Store, including tickets and Birthplace of Country Music Museum memberships.
10. Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Weekend Passes Now is the best time to buy Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Weekend Passes. Thru December 31, wristbands are on sale for only $50 (plus Bristol, VA admission tax) per ticket. Also, wristbands will be packaged in a limited edition holiday gift box, no gift wrapping required! The Museum Store at the Birthplace of Country Music is open Tuesday – Sunday in downtown Bristol. For more information about the Birthplace of Country Music visit www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org.
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The Hunger Games:
MOCKINGJAY Part 1
The latest film in “The Hunger Games” series is back on the big screen, and this one is titled “Mockingjay- Part 1”. Obviously with that title, there is a part 2 on the way, and the film is based on the book “Mockingjay”, the final in the trilogy. The film picks up where the previous one left off, and is a continuation of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), a two time winner of The Hunger Games (a competition where others must die for you to survive). After having survived two Hunger Games, Katniss is in District 13, where she finds herself under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore), and in the presence of her trusted friends. President Colin is encouraging Katniss to be the symbol of mass rebellion against the Capitol and its ruthless leader President Snow (Donald Sutherland). Katniss agrees to become the symbol of the rebellion, know as the “Mockingjay”, if they agree to rescue Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), and some of the other Hunger Game victors who are in the hands of President Snow. When the parties agree, Katniss
encourages the various Districts to continue their rebellion against the Capitol. The actions of Katniss and the rebels lead to a major confrontation that nearly destroys them all. Helping Katniss in her efforts is her best friend from her home district, Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth), along with Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), a former victor in the games, and Effie Trinket (Elizabeth
Banks), the publicity representative and chaperone for Katness, who is in exile from the Capitol. Katniss and the rebels eventually succeed in their efforts, but at a high cost, as our hero has a shocking reunion with Peeta. The film effectively combines action with emotion, and this effort is the best in the series so far. Lawrence has certainly grown as Katniss over the years, and surly will miss the
role when the series ends. The film is very serious, and has little time for lightness, save for some great lines from Effie. When the film ended, I was very upset, as I wanted the story to continue, but alas, I, along with other fans of the series must wait, as part 2 will not hit theaters until November 2015. Until then, we have “The Hunger Games: MockingjayPart 1” to enjoy. (Rated PG-13) A-
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William King Museum of Arts
Celebrates a Year of Big Changes with a Free Community Open House
William King Museum of Art invites the community to celebrate its banner 21st year with a free holiday open house Saturday December 6 from 12-4 p.m. As part of the town-wide holiday celebration that Saturday, the Museum will offer hot cider and cookies, a special Christmas-themed tour of the Museum’s Civil War exhibit, and a DIY Ugly Sweater station. The Museum is hosting the holiday open house as a thank you to the community for its support over the past year, in which the Museum saw attendance rise 26% and began major improvements to its facility and grounds. At 2 p.m., Director of Educational Programming Callie Hietala will lead a special Christmas-themed tour of the Museum’s current exhibit “An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia.” Learn about how Virginians celebrated Christmas during the Civil War, both on the battlefield and at home. From 12- 4 p.m., guests can drop in any time and participate in the DIY Ugly Sweater station. Ugly holiday sweater parties have become a fun tradition for some, and the Museum will provide supplies to turn any sweatshirt or other article of clothing into a hilariously hideous holiday sweater. Guests must bring their own article of clothing, and the Museum will
provide the craft supplies and a tutorial on how to “uglify” it. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Now in its 21st year, the Museum is celebrating some major milestones in 2014. After a multiyear exploration, the Museum committed to staying in its historic building on Academy Drive and announced a lead gift from Marvin and Marcia Gilliam to improve its facility and grounds. Guests at the Holiday Open House can view the recent improvements to the Museum’s main entrance, learn about the Museum’s new 3-year strategic plan, and get a sneak pre-
view of the 2015 exhibits. The Museum is holding the Holiday Open House to celebrate some major accomplishments: • Implemented the first year of a 3-year strategic plan, and received a lead gift from Marcia and Marvin Gilliam to improve the building and grounds. • Eliminated entrance fees, making admission to the Museum’s exhibits and galleries 100% free, leading to a 26% increase in attendance. • Saw record numbers for the popular Mistletoe Market, with over 6,000 visitors, the highest attendance in its 16-year history. • Expanded the Museum’s hours to seven days a week, with added weekend hours (Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.). • Expanded its education outreach programs to more than 50 schools in three states, including 12 school districts in Southwest Virginia, as well as schools in Tennessee and Kentucky. • Partnered with the Town of Abingdon to improve the Museum’s main entrance, making the Museum more attractive and accessible to guests. The Holiday Open house is part of a town-wide celebration, which includes the Holiday Market at the
Abingdon Farmer’s Market, an Ugly Sweater Competition from Abingdon Main Street, and the annual Kiwanis Christmas parade at 6 p.m. A full list of holiday events is available at http://visitabing-
donvirginia.com/ No RSVP is needed for the Holiday Open House. For more information or directions to the Museum, call (276) 628-5005 or visit www.williamkingmuseum.org.
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A Public Geeking Out over Batman I love Batman. I have been a Batman fan for so long, that I have no memory of a time in which I wasn’t a fan of The Dark Knight. My childhood bedroom was covered in Batman. A poster of Michael Keaton as Batman was on the wall, below that was my giant plush Batman, which sat in a custom made Batman chair that my Godparents had made for me. All of this rested next to my bed, which was covered in Batman bedsheets, and a Batman bed spread, near my Batman Converse sneakers, not too far from my stash of Batman toys. The first movie I was obsessed with was Tim Burton’s original “Batman” movie. I wore out a VHS tape of it. It’s been said that the version of Batman that to you IS Batman is the one that you grew up with. To me, there are three versions of Batman that make up my idea of what Batman is. The first are the two Tim Burton movies. The second is the practically flawless “Batman: The Animated Series” from the ‘90s. Third, is the version of Batman that I was first exposed to, the version of Batman that won my little kid heart, the 1960s Adam West “Batman” TV series. After years of being looked at as the somewhat “black sheep” of the Batman family, things have dramatically changed in the past two years. This all began with a news announcement that sent a shock wave of excitement through the heart of every person who has loved the Adam West series. The announcement was that merchandising rights has been struck for what is now being called “Batman ‘66” between Fox and DC Comics. Here is where the joy, and confusion begins. “Batman ‘66” has spent decades mired in legal complications and red tape so thick, it was assumed that it would never be figured out. People trying to get to the bottom of the matter were met with misdirection and denial from almost every party involved. Allow me to try to, as simply as possible, guide you through this crazy web that’s worthy of a “Batman ‘66” plot line. The classic “Batman” TV series was produced by William Dozier’s Greenway Productions, through 20th Century Fox. DC Comics owns Batman, the world, the characters, everything. The series was made through an agree-
ment with DC Comics, the network ABC, 20th Century Fox, and Greenway Productions. The show hits the airways in January of 1966, and becomes a monster of a phenomenon. Popular beyond anyones expectations, in the first year alone, merchandising of the series brought in an estimated $75 million—and that’s NOT adjusted for inflation. The popularity of the series in turn sends sales of the Batman comic book, which had been lagging, soaring. Everyone is happy, and one could argue that it was the birth of comic fan culture that dominates so much of our media today. Despite only airing for three seasons—the series burned bright and fast—it quickly became a syndication staple. I was born in 1985, my mother was around for the first wave of BatMania, and I was around for the second that came with the blockbuster success of the first Tim Burton film. That’s when the question began to be asked “Why isn’t the Adam West series on home video?” You could get the 1966 movie, the summer big screen spin-off from the series, but not the show itself. It was on TV, so you could see it, but in terms of legally being able to own it, you were out of luck. Come the DVD era, and the question began again “When we will get the Adam West Batman on DVD?” In the decades since the series premiered on ABC, things had changed. DC Comics had been bought by Warner Brothers, who now owned the franchise rights to Batman, and is where all the big screen versions of the character had been birthed from since. That’s when things begin to get complicated. DC/ WB owns the characters and media rights. Fox owns the series. The 1989 “Batman” film was designed to get Batman back to his roots, to remind us that he was “The Dark Knight” and not the knight of “Pow! Zap! Wham!” The ping pong match began. Fox wanted to release the series, but told people “Warner Brothers won’t let us.” When asked, Warner Brothers would say “We’re not holding it up, It’s DC Comics.” When asked, DC Comics would say “It’s not us, it’s Warner Brothers.” What? You’re all under the same parent company, right? That’s when the rumors began to fly that DC and WB didn’t want the Adam West
series out to “take away” from their dark and serious version of the characters on the big screen. Then came the news that part of the show was still owned by Greenway Productions, and the children of producer William Dozier, who passed in the late ‘80s. Legal experts came to the conclusion that the “Batman ‘66” pie was so deeply cut up, that it would never be resolved. This is why the news that Fox and DC had come to an agreement for merchandising rights was a shock wave. The feeling was “Fox and DC made a deal for something with Adam West Batman!? Are DVDs coming!?” No, was the answer from both parties. Then things began to get really interesting. Last year at the annual San Diego Comic Con, Warner Brothers handed out vinyl tote bags covered in pictures from the Adam West series, with a new logo that was the series logo, with the words “Classic TV Series” underneath it. That fall, DC announced a new comic book series “Batman ‘66.” A comic book of new stories, told in the style of the Adam West series. In keeping with the odd and strange journey that “Batman ‘66” has taken to come to home video, the announcement that people had been waiting decades to hear came from the most unlikely of places. A tweet from Conan O’Brien. In January of this year, O’Brien casually posted a picture to his twitter feed, of himself in the classic George Barris designed 60s Batmobile. Since leaving NBC, Conan O’Brien has set up shop on the lot of Warner Brothers, and the caption on the tweeted picture was simply: “Very excited @ WBHomeEnt is releasing the Batman ‘66 Complete TV Series in 2014! The seat smells like Adam West.” To put it mildly, the internet went crazy. Warner Brothers was bombed with calls, e-mails and tweets. Everyone
wanting to know “Is this true?” By the end of the day, Warner Brothers confirmed that yes, it was true. A good friend and I for years would talk of our deep love of the Adam West series, and our lament that it wasn’t out on home video. We would take time to acknowledged that in the face of real world problems, our deep concern over this happening was pointless. In the face of war, death, disease, starvation, poverty it means absolutely nothing. But man, we wanted it so badly, we couldn’t stand it. The day the news was confirmed, I sent a screenshot of O’Brien’s tweet to his phone with the caption “It’s happening.” The response was a simple “!!!!” Last month it came to be, November 11th saw the release of “Batman: The Complete TV Series” in more than one form. A deluxe blu-ray box set of all 120 episodes in sparkling HD, packaged with an episode guide, an Adam West scrapbook, reproduction vintage trading cards, and best of all—a Hot Wheels Batmobile! Not to mention a standard DVD release, and the series in HD on iTunes. The amount of joy, geekery, and ridiculous 9 year old enthusiasm I have over this is insane, to the point that I even question the intensity of my geeking out. But I love this show. I love this show on a level that is really crazy deep. Friends of my generation, who love the dark Tim Burton films and the noir-esq animated series love it too. So much of the show’s style and terminology has been burned on my brain for most of my life. From the bright pop-art look of the show, to the comic book “Pow! Zap! Biff!” captions that accompanied every fight scene. From the manic laugh of Cesar Romero’s version of The Joker, to Burgess Meredith’s Penguin laugh, and Julie Newmar’s version of Catwoman.
From the labeling of everything with “bat-” in front of it, the bust of William Shakespeare that activates the secret door to the Bat-Poles, the bright red glowing Bat-phone and it’s distinctive ring. And, of course, that wonderfully bombastic and alliterative narrator— producer William Dozier himself— reminding you to tune in “Same BatTime! Same Bat-Channel!” I love it all. Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention an iconic theme song that has been a part of international pop culture since it was first sent across the airwaves. Recently in a shop I frequent, I spotted something in their toy section that I zoomed over to. A bobble head of the Adam West Batman, sitting in the 60’s Batmobile. I picked it up, and when I noticed that the bobble head actually LOOKS like Adam West, I got a little excited. When I say “I got a little excited” I mean “I was geeking out in a way so hard that my brain had to remind me that I was in public.” I left that day with the bobble head. With Christmas being only a few weeks away, family asked me what I would like. I told them I would like to get the Batman blu-ray box set. A response came from my mother, who is now getting quite adapt at her iPhone, and it simply read “We watched this together many times. Many, many, many, many, many times.” It’s true, and should I get the box set for Christmas, odds are very good that I may revert to my seven year old self for a few hours. Back to being the kid who thrilled to every second that “Batman” was on my TV screen, in my Batman shoes, and my Batman shirt. The only difference is that now I may not own as many Batman clothes as I once did, but now I can have “Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Channel” anytime I want do. See you next Bat-week.
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All I Want for Christmas is my.... Selfie Stick! I’m sure you didn’t exhaust your Christmas shopping list last week during what formerly was known as “Black Friday.” Of course, this designation is outdated now that Thanksgiving Day has that honor. Next year we should be prepared for Halloween as the day on which we begin our Christmas shopping extravaganza—and how appropriate “Black Saturday” will be on that day. So, if you’re still looking to buy something for that hard-to-please person or persons on your list, here are some ideas to help usher in your own version of peace on earth. After perusing some interesting and not-so-ordinary gift catalogs, I landed on something that should appear under the trees of everyone on your shopping list. With prices starting at around seven bucks and ranging to thirty dollars or so (on Amazon.com), the “Selfie Stick” is just the thing. And what exactly is this thing, you ask? Well, it’s exactly what it says it is—a long stick, modeled after those neat extendable windshield ice scrapers, that allows you to mount your smartphone on one end while you manipulate a Bluetooth picture-taking button on the other end. Pretty nifty, huh? That way selfies can be taken a a greater distance than ever before. Now that we are all members of the Selfie Generation, what gift can be more appropriate (or more dorky)? I’ve already ordered one for my daughter—and let’s see if she reads this column and finds out! Here’s how one product description labeled this wondrous little gadget: “UFCIT Extendable Selfie Handheld Stick Monopod with Adjustble Phone Holder and Bluetooth Wireless Remote Shutter for iPhone, Samsung, and other systems.” Order it right now and be amazed at the Selfies you will take once it arrives. Heck, don’t waste your money on giving this this away—keep it as a Christmas
present to yourself. And, of course, use it to take a Selfie of your happy and narcissistic face after you’ve opened the package. I am writing Santa a letter right now and demanding he bring me a USB Pet Rock for Christmas. And if the Jolly Old Elf doesn’t come through, I’m going to order my own for a mere eight bucks from ThinkGeek (see reference below). For those of you who have no idea what a pet rock is—and for those of you who had hoped to forget all about this silly fad— the Pet Rock was the brainchild of California advertising executive Gary Dahl. According to his story, he was having drinks (perhaps a few too many) one evening in 1975 with some of his colleagues who commenced whining about how much trouble their pets were. Then and there Dahl had a brilliant idea to market a pet that required no attention whatsoever. And so the Pet Rock (retailing at $3.95) was born, thereby transforming Dahl’s frivolous idea into a a marketing bonanza during that seemingly-longago Watergate vs. Disco decade; although the fad lasted only about six months, that was long enough for Dahl to become a millionaire. The original Pet Rock was just that—a rock and nothing else— but its new incarnation adds a superfluous yet desirable USB cable. When the cable is plugged in, the rock, as you might have guessed, does nothing. What could be better? I strongly advise that you blow your entire Christmas gift-giving budget on large quantities of this item. Get them now before the price goes up next year to commemorate the Pet Rock’s fortieth anniversary. Calendars are always popular gift items and stocking stuffers, and I recommend you buy your calendars from one source— Despair, Inc. The company’s new Demotivators Calendar for 2015 has just been introduced. If you
are familiar with Despair products, you already know what to expect, but if you have never heard of this company, all you need to do is visit their website. What started out as a group of clever people who wanted to parody those cute little, yet annoying motivational wall posters you’ve no doubt seen littering the walls of doctor’s offices, corporate headquarters, and educational institutions, has now blossomed into a one-stop-shop for the majority of us who need to be demotivated.
You’ve no doubt seen those posters with worlds like LEADERSHIP, RISK, and DREAMS in big bold letters at the top, with inspiring, yet vacuous, tag lines at the bottom; in between are barfy landscapes and pictures of suspicious types in business suits. I am grateful that Demotivators has stepped in to give us some much-needed subversive alternatives to those silly posters. For instance, each month the Demotivators 2015 calendar greets us with posters proclaiming “Hypocrisy” (“Because what might be right for you should not be right for some”), “Procrastination” (“Hard work often pays off after time, but laziness always pays off now”), “Friendship” (“A friend is just a strang-
er you haven’t alienated yet”), “Hope” (“May not be warranted at this point”), and “Creativity” (“Helps artists die young, miserable, and penniless so their art can have meaning to the old, satisfied, and obscenely rich”). What better way to spend just shy of twenty lousy bucks? The gift that keeps on giving, month after month. If these three gifts don’t jingle your bells, may I suggest you take a close look at the ThinkGeek catalog? Here you will find a seemingly endless parade of perfect gifts that will gladden the hearts of everyone on Christmas morning. Just take a look at some of the treasures you will find in this winter wonderland of the strange and bizarre—
zombie tree ornaments, a replica of the Star Trek Phaser Remote, Sons of Anarchy action figures, Breaking Bad Twelve-Ounce Meth Drum, A Kid’s Guide To Awesome Duct Tape Projects (providing hours of creativity and potential mayhem), a coffee mug you can build with Legos, Doctor Who pajama set, Star Wars R2D2 Carry-On Luggage (what better way to spend eighty bucks?), USB Rocket Launcher, a Leonardo Da Vinci wooden inventions kit, a zombie cereal bowl, a black t-shirt with a big bold “NO” printed on it, and a tantalizing little item called a “Pac-Man Multi-Color Ghost Lamp.” So there you have it—a place for all the gifts you probably can’t find in the Mall or in a big box store. This Christmas, I hope you will challenge yourself to think outside the gift box and search for some truly meaningful gifts. I certainly hope to wake up on Christmas morning by the light of my new Pac-Man Ghost Lamp. See you next week with more holiday cheer.
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