The Loafer February 20th by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

on the cover

Volume 32 • Issue #12 Publisher Luci Tate

Cover Design Bill May Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis Carolyn Kestner Marques Puckett Office Coordinator Amanda Lane Social Media Manager Jon Lester

Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com adcopy@theloaferonline.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/ or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams Let’s Get Social!

16 Stargazer Rocket Men are Igniting Space Fever Part 2 17 Skies This Week 18 Batteries Not Included Night of the Living Dead 19 Pop Life Peter Rabbit 20 Mister Picturesque 23 The Casual Word Play on Words 24 Puzzle Page 27 Kelly’s Place I Keep Forgettin'

columns & reviews

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

Appalachian Wanderers are out "wandering"

your week’s line-up

Outdoor Expo

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle

4 5 6 7 8 9 11 11 12 13 14 21 22 22 25 26

Outdoors National Expo I Am Home MerleFest on the Road Shenanigans 2018 Hits the Stage Chris Knight @ Willow Tree Rhythm n Blooms Lineup Additions Shake yo MoneyMaker @ HRBC Flavia Krishna & Gershone in concert Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver @ NPAC Kingsport Book Fair Spotlight 205k Tree Giveaway Lifeguard Course Offered Paramount Partners Pets Of The Week Things To Do

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

SAVE THE DATE

LARGEST OUTDOOR EXPO

V MARCH 9-11

isit Kingsport's 2nd Annual 3B Outdoors National Expo, the largest outdoors expo in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, will return to MeadowView Marriott Convention Center March 9-11. Last year's inaugural event, held in January, proved to be a tremendous success, drawing thousands to the Expo despite less than perfect weather conditions brought on by snow. Moving the event to March will ensure larger crowds and even more vendors at the event. "Obviously, by moving the 3B Outdoors National Expo to March we're anticipating much better weather," said Jud Teague, Executive Director of Visit Kingsport. "People were really excited about last year's event and came out even though it snowed so we feel sure that by moving it into March attendance should only grow this year." "We're really looking forward to this year's Expo, which will have even more vendors in the show room," said Bradley Hoover, 3B Outdoors National Expo Director. "We have Dixie Custom Rods, Heybo Outdoors and MGC Tackle coming back again this year and Tactacam, Bigbassassin, The Relish Barn and many more coming for the first time. As we get closer to the Expo we'll be revealing more of the vendors coming from outside this region - even some that will be coming from Canada."

For vendor information, check out www.3Boutdoorexpo.com. Doors will be open for the 2nd Annual 3B Outdoors National Expo Friday, March 9 from 1-8 p.m., Saturday, March 10 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, March 11 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A three-day pass is available for $25 while a daily adult pass is $10. A Senior/Military ticket is $5, as is the children's ticket (kids under 12). Children under the age of five will be admitted free. ABOUT 3B OUTDOORS - 3B Outdoors is a real and unscripted television show featuring deer and turkey hunting and bass fishing hosted by Freddie Neeley and Nathan Light. Episodes vary from local, out-of-the-way locations, to exciting well-known road trip destinations across the United States. Turkey and Whitetail Deer hunts ranging from Wyoming to Texas and back home to Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, teamed with bass fishing trips all across the Southeast, captivate viewers of all ages, genders and skill levels. 3B Outdoors' top shelf pro staffers are professional outdoorsmen, yet maintain a sense of humor with approachable lifestyles.

I Am

HOME

The stories of the people who helped shape the Jonesborough of today.

ago, lives in the oldest residential building in Tennessee. Also an actor in the production, she related a time when she had hidden a family heirloom in the kitchen pantry, only to have it go missing. “One day, years from now, someone is going to find a $3,000 rock somewhere! Just like in the play, we are telling about finding hidden treasures found in the walls and floorboards of our old homes. There is a lot of hidden history here- in our houses, and in our stories we haven’t told yet.” “I Am Home is a play that captures the human spirit. It looks at the times when we are at our darkest moment, and when we rise to our finest hour. Those aren’t just Jonesborough stories. They’re universal stories. We can all connect with them at a human level.” says playwright Jules Corriere. I Am Home presented by Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts with Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, Appalachian Lighting and Production, Jonesborough’s Schubert Club and Blackburn, Childers and Steagall, performs at Jonesborough’s McKinney Center February 23-25 and March 2-4. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for seniors and students. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at 423-753-1010 or online at Jonesborough.com/tickets.

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

“ I

couldn’t believe how close that story was to my own!” Actor Phil McPeak exclaimed, after he had been cast in the role of Rounder. It tells the story of a sixteen-year-old who, in 1944, decides to leave Jonesborough by train, go out west, and get rich, only to reach the other side of the country friendless and homesick, and in a hurry to get home. “I did the exact same thing! Saved up money, bought a suitcase and hat to make my fortune, and then learned in a hurry how the world worked” he laughed. “Of course, I didn’t do it in Jonesborough, because I’m not from here, but that story, it’s mine, too.” The stories in the play I Am Home, opening at Jonesborough’s McKinney Center on February 23, tells the stories of the people who helped shape the Jonesborough of today. These stories revolve around everyday folks, ordinary people who did extraordinary things. However, one phenomenon keeps occurring during the rehearsal process—actors or community members who happen to be at a rehearsal, recognize something of their own story in the scenes presented on stage. Marcy Hawley laughed out loud during a musical number, about a house renovation that yielded hidden treasures throughout the home. Hawley, was not born in Jonesborough, but made it her home more than twenty years

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

on the

MerleFest Road

Makes a Stop at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum

The Way Down Wanderers

erleFest, the popular music festival founded by the legendary Doc Watson and presented by Window World, offers music lovers a sneak peek of this spring's festival when MerleFest on the Road tours throughout the Southeast. The tour will make a stop at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum on Friday, February 23, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Performers on the lineup include two acts that have appeared at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion: The Way Down Wanderers and The Barefoot Movement. Singer-songwriter and guitar champion Andy May will also perform. The Bristol stop will be part of the Birthplace of Country Music's 1927 Society Concert Series. "The MerleFest on the Road performers provide a sampling of the music that is a mainstay at MerleFest," said Steve Johnson, MerleFest artist relations manager. Tickets to the 1927 Society Concert: MerleFest on the Road are on sale now; a pre-sale was offered to 1927 Society members. The intimate concert experience will be held in the Performance Theater at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum with heavy hors d'oeuvres and adult beverages included in the ticket price of $85 (taxes and fees included). The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Way Down Wanderers, equal parts fastpaced and soulful, are a 5-piece modern folk Americana act that draws listeners in with their energy and originality. Youthful and

professionally trained, the band captivates audiences with soaring instrumentals, foot stomping sing-alongs, and a lively stage show. The Barefoot Movement's sound is made up of memorble melodies, lush harmonies, and exciting instrumentation with one foot firmly planted in the world of roots music while the other wanders from pop to rock to R & B. Though difficult to define, CMT Edge heralded the band as "one of the most promising bands on the bluegrass scene." Veteran singer-songwriter and champion guitarist Andy May infuses his songwriting and shows with his trademark creativity, humor, and consummate musicianship. Described as a "troubador of life," May's music embraces styles from blues to bluegrass, classic country to contemporary folk, rock-a-billy to roots. MerleFest will take place April 26-29 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilksboro, North Carolina where MerleFest on the Road artists will be joined by Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson, Rodney Crowell, Rhiannon Giddens, Elephant Revival, and more. For more information about MerleFest and MerleFest on the Road visit www.MerleFest. org. To purchase tickets to the 1927 Society Concert: MerleFest on the Road at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and to learn more about becoming a 1927 Society member visit www.BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.

2018 T

Hits the Stage! A NEW Musical Revue

he cast of Shenanigans 2018 is gearing up for their new musical revue at LampLight Theatre in Downtown Kingsport, Tennessee. The show runs weekends through March 4th. Sing and laugh your winter blues away with some whimsical comedy and Broadway showstoppers. With a wonderfully talented cast, this show promises to bring a smile to everyone who attends. This production packs something for all ages. Shenanigans 2018 will feature a walk down memory lane with some great songs from Broadway legend, Irving Berlin. Songs like “Steppin’ Out with my Baby” and “I’ve Got Rhythm” are sure to make you tap your feet. This year, there will be a tribute to another legend…Michael Jackson. Michael’s influence in music, theatre, and dance will be showcased in several numbers throughout the production. From “Beat It” to “Man in the Mirror” these performers will bring their best to the stage. Other highlights in the show include three songs from the current hit movie, “The Showman” with Hugh Jackman. The Shenanigans 2018 comedy crew will make you giggle with their lighthearted adventures and musical numbers, including parodies of Michael Jackson’s hit songs. As always, the inspirational message of hope and faith will be woven in this musical revue tapestry. A witty cast of singers, dancers and comedians will provide you with a show that you’ll be talking about for years to come! So, grab a friend and a sense of humor and join the fun at LampLight Theatre with Shenanigans 2018. This is a show for the entire family! The production will run February 23-25, and March 2-4 with evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. Saturday matinees will be held at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m. Doors will open one hour prior to performances. The cost of admission for all performances is a suggested donation of $10.00 for Adults, $5.00 for students, and FREE for children age 5 and under. Treat your date, family, or church group to Dinner before the performance! A delicious catered meal will be offered between shows on March 3rd at 5:30 p.m. in the Banquet Hall in The Emporium to accommodate either the matinee or evening performance. The menu for the dinner can be found at www.LampLightTheatre.com. Reservations are required for the Dinner. For show reservations or more information, please call the LampLight box office at (423) 343-1766, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit online at www. LampLightTheatre.com

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

CHRIS KNIGHT Saturday, February 24 @

THE WILLOW TREE 216 E Main St., Johnson City

hris Knight doesn’t like to say much. Won’t chat about his worldview or engage in conversations on his creative approach. For 17 years, several acclaimed albums and a hard-nosed career that’s been hailed as “where Cormac McCarthy meets Copperhead Road”, Knight has always let his music do most of the talking. And on record – as well everywhere across America, from roadhouse taverns to major-city concert halls – his songs have had plenty to say. But with his most recent album, Little Victories (September 2012), Chris Knight has taken the discussion to a whole new level. His first album of new material since 2008, Little Victories is a record of blunt honesty, elegiac truths and the raw rural poetry of an artist who’s come into his own and intends to stay. And for a performer who’s been compared over the years to Cash, Prine, Earle and Nebraska-era Springsteen, Knight now stands alone as a singer/songwriter that has carved his own idiosyncratic sound and sensibility out of the dirt road American dream. Little Victories not only sounds like a Chris Knight album, but the best Chris Knight album yet. Little Victories also marked a reunion with producer Ray Kennedy, who’d engineered and mastered Knight’s seminal Enough Rope and two Trailer Tapes albums and is well known for his work with Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, John Mellencamp and Lucinda Williams. The album’s 11 songs purely rank among Knight’s finest. And if the title track not only finds Knight at his most cheerily optimistic (for Chris, at least), it also features vocals from his lifelong musical hero John Prine. “When I was 16, I got a John Prine songbook and learned about 40 of his songs,” Knight explains. “Used to play them for the kids in study hall at school every day. About 20 years later, I finally got to meet him when I opened a few shows for him. He asked me to come out and sing “Paradise” as part of his encore, and I got to play the blonde Martin guitar that was on the cover of his first album. I sent him “Little Victories” and he liked the song enough to be on it.” Chris treasures the moment when the two first listened to the playback of their distinctive twangs rasping joyfully together on the chorus. “‘Prine turned to me and said, ‘We sound pretty good together. Just like Phil and Don Everly.’” So after 17 years, 8 albums and a still uncompromised reputation as one of the best singer/songwriters in America, what has Chris Knight learned from it all? “I’ve learned that I’m pretty lucky to do what I do and make a living at it,” he says. “I’m really proud of this record, and it’ll be fun to play these songs live. For people who like my music and maybe even for someone hearing me for the first time, I think they’ll find songs on here that mean something to them and they can hang on to. I don’t want to talk about it too much, but I think people are gonna be surprised.” And for Chris Knight, that’s victory enough

Announces Lineup Additions

hythm N’ Blooms Music Festival has rounded out its April 6-8, 2018 lineup. Americana roots/rock headliners Deer Tick, will join previously announced headliners Dr. Dog and Paul Thorn’s Mission Temple Fireworks Revival ft. The McCrary Sisters. Additional artists including Hayes Carll, DK The Drummer (ofMutemath), Penny & Sparrow, Caroline Spence, Possessed By Paul James, Andy Wood, Max Gomez, Sucre, Dori Freeman, Okey Dokey, The Broadcast, LUTHI, Ancient Cities, and more have been added to the ninth annual urban festival. Rhythm N’ Blooms features a mixture of indoor and outdoor venues in the Historic Old City of Knoxville, TN. Seven stages will be filled with national and regional Americana, Country, Alternative, Roots, and Blues acts. A confirmed listing of the full lineup is below. Tickets are on sale now through rhythmnbloomsfest.com. Rhythm N’ Blooms prides itself on celebrating Tennessee’s rich musical heritage and discovering bands that are on the verge of mainstream success. This year’s lineup showcases almost two dozen regional and hometown favorites from the Volunteer state, such as LUTHI, a funky 9-piece from Nashville known for their energetic live shows of modern dance music; Andy Wood, an in-demand sideman for artists ranging from Rascall Flatts to Scott Stapp and a solo guitarist and mandolinist who has been recognized as one of the most influential instrumentalists of his generation; Glass Magnet, the indie pop side project made up of three quarters of international Americana darlings The Black Lillies; plus many more.

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

Tier Three General Admission three-day weekend passes are currently available for $70 online. Tiers One and Two are now sold out for three-day General Admission. A very limited number of VIP tickets remain available at Tier Two for $190. VIP ticket packages include early entry and welcome reception, access to artist reception, access to premier viewing areas (main stage), private bathroom facilities (main stage), VIP Parking, Rhythm N’ Blooms T-Shirt, and a commemorative Rhythm N’ Blooms poster by Status Serigraph. Children ages six and under will be admitted free of charge. All children seven and over will require a festival pass. Children above the age of two will require a VIP pass to enter the VIP section. Single day passes will go on sale on March 1st. To purchase weekend passes, or get more information about the full Rhythm N’ Blooms festival experience, visit: rhythmnbloomsfest.com. Rhythm N’ Blooms is largely a community effort, and there are many ways to be involved. If you are interested in helping make this year’s festival a success, please visit rhythmnbloomsfest.com/volunteer/ to discover volunteer opportunities.

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

Playing February 23rd @

Headlines Holston River Brewing

By Paul Kavanaugh

uite the name for a band, isn’t it? When you dive just a little deeper you discover that this is a collection of some of the best-known musicians in the area. It starts with Duane “Catfish” Frye, a local favorite for many years. Add in his buddy Victor Lawson, always a crowd pleaser, then keep going with Jamey Gillenwater and Andy Pilsner and you have the makings of strong, powerful band. These guys can play anything, and with Shake yo Money Maker they focus on Blues, Rock, Funk and, of course, Dance. As a matter of fact, I defy you to sit there for more than 10 minutes before you jump up and head for that dance floor in the middle of The Brewery. Friday is going to be one rockin good time. Saturday is another good one too! Coal Creek takes the main stage at 8:30 and promises to wow the crowd with their blend of roots music and Americana. Coal Creek is made up of 5 long-time friends from West TN. They've played together for over 10 years, crafting country rock and folk rock sounds, as well as popular covers. I think its another one of those times to get up and dance! Throw in a few cold ones from The Brewery’s great selections, add a burger and presto! you have all the makings of a wonderful evening. See you out there my friends!

Flavia Krishna & Gershone In Concert

Festivals

Got an event coming up?

Events

Send it to The Loafer! info@theloaferonline.com

Concerts

Exhibits

his musical duo based out of Athens/Atlanta is true to their mission of spreading Light through Sacred Sound. Through the chanting of sacred mantras and songs in Sanskrit, English, Portuguese, Hebrew, and Spanish, they facilitate sound healing experiences for expanding self- expression and connecting to the Divine. Help us welcome them as their Tour takes them through the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee. The concert will be held Saturday, March 3 at 7pm. Advanced tickets are $20 and can be purchased at: tinyurl.com/ yb92ctcc or by contacting Samadhi Healing Arts Center. Tickets the day of the event are $25.

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

DOYLE LAWSON Bringing Bluegrass & Quicksilver to NPAC

oyle Lawson & Quicksilver, one of the country’s best-known bluegrass bands, takes the stage at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 24th at 7:30 p.m. Performing at 7:15 p.m. for pre-show enjoyment is Walters State Community College’s own bluegrass ensemble, High Lonesome Senate. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have multiple Grammy®, Dove, ICM, IBMA and SPBGMA Award nominations to their credit and have produced nearly 40 albums. In addition, Lawson is the reigning SPBGMA Mandolin Player of the Year, seven-time recipient of the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year and was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in September 2012. The New York Times called Lawson 'mandolin virtuoso' with 'perfectly silken harmony.' In 1979, Doyle laid the foundation for what has become the Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver sound. The makeup of the band has changed many times in the last 39 years, but by integrating each member’s special talents into the group, the Quicksilver sound has not been sacrificed. Take your seat by 7:15 p.m. to hear High Lonesome Senate, Walters State Community College’s own bluegrass ensemble. This year’s lineup includes Santana Bell of Newport on fiddle, Ryan Henard of Rogersville on mandolin, Riley Denton of Jefferson City on banjo and dobro, Alex Greene of Sneedville on bass, and their instructor Chip McLain on guitar. The vocal trio

of Bell, Henard and McLain offers a real treat with this year’s band, and a capella numbers adding Denton’s bass vocal to the quartet are delightful. This youthful, high-energy bluegrass group is quickly becoming a regional favorite. Enjoy a night of bluegrass on Saturday, February 24th at 7:30 p.m. Only $20 balcony seats remain for this performance. Tickets may be purchased online at NPACgreeneville. com, in person at the NPAC box office, or by calling 423-638-1679. Thank

you to our 2017-2018 season sponsor, Walters State Community College. 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

‘almost new’ tales of happily-ever-after. Again, this year there will be over 1000 new & used comic books for sale. Based on customer requests, a category for Sports and Transportation will contain books on professional athletes, sports, fitness, automobiles, trains, airplanes, etc. Birders and other nature lovers will find gems in the Nature and Outdoors category. Small, gift, and blank books are separated from the other donations to make them easier to locate. As always, cookbooks, gardening, and various DIY categories will be abundant and priced to sell. Kingsport Book Fair is an excellent example of recycling and sustainability. All items collected and sold are locally preowned books. The donations are stored in reused boxes: milk boxes or egg boxes from local church kitchens. Most are reused from year to year, some on the 5th or 6th Book Fair! Except for the minimal monthly fees charged to store the books and move to the Civic Auditorium, the usage fee for the Civic Auditorium, and the targeted advertising, all labor is donated by book loving, caring volunteers. Profits from the Book Fair are split 50/50 by Friends of the Kingsport Public Library and First Book – Greater Kingsport. Each organization uses these funds to support local literacy programs. Additional volunteers are welcomed to help un-box books (Thursday, March 1st, any time after 9am), throughout the weekend for the actual sale, and re-boxing (Sunday, March 4th, 4:35pm). This is a fabulous opportunity for youth needing volunteer service hours for high school graduation or college applications. Contact: KingsportBookFair@gmail.com or 423967-7135 (voice or text). Like us on Facebook:facebook.com/ KingsportBookFair.

13 theloaferonline.com | January 23, 2017

Book FAIR

2018 Kingsport

riends of Kingsport Public Library and First Book – Greater Kingsport announce the 2018 Kingsport Book Fair, March 1-4, Kingsport Civic Auditorium, 1550 Fort Henry Drive. Regular Book Fair hours are Friday, March 2, and Saturday, March 3, 9am – 7pm plus Sunday, March 4, 12:45 - 5pm. No admission fee is charged throughout the entire weekend. Shoppers are encouraged to make multiple trips to the Book Fair! A special Preview $ale event will be held Thursday, March 1st, 5-9pm. Admission for the Preview $ale is $10. Continuing from previous Book Fairs, purchasers of at least $25 can use cash or major credit cards. Sales under $25 are cash only. Most donated items are priced from 25 cents to 5 dollars, based on age, condition, and popularity. The 1/2 price sale begins at 4pm on Saturday and the $10 Bag $ale begins at 12:45pm on Sunday. As with previous Book Fairs, the 2018 inventory has exceptional quality and quantity: fiction, non-fiction, history, biography, children’s, religion, music, cookbooks, DIY, gardening, textbooks, vinyl, and art/coffee table books. The Regional Interest category includes books by TimesNews’ Vince Staten to the FoxFire series to hiking the AT or Great Smoky Mountains to fiction by Jefferson Bass and Adriana Trigiani to cookbooks from local churches and other civic groups. Nicholas Sparks has joined the Regional Interest category. Each year the donations have a 'personality'. Classic and contemporary books on WWII will be in the History/Biography category. Readers of Romance will be especially happy with the depth of the paperback fiction donations, both classic and

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

Spotlight - TUESDAY - February 20 -

- FRIDAY - February 23 -

The Barbari Yawps Bloom Cafe and Listening Room

Demon Waffle Wild Wing Cafe

Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Gipsy Danger Capone’s

Stemwinder Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Sang Sarah / Haal / Daybreaker The Hideaway

- WEDNESDAY - February 21 -

Hope Griffin O’Mainnin’s Pub Open Mic The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room HB Beverly Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill - THURSDAY - February 22 -

Ryan Ward O’Mainnin’s Pub Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert Down Home Songwriters Night The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Jam w/ Peterson Perkins Wellington’s Restaurant The Diamonds Blackbird Bakery Samsara, Devil In The Details, Bound By The Crown Capone’s

Kelly J Bristol VFW Post 6975 Time Sawyer and Scott Moss The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Smokehouse Crickets Quaker Steak & Lube Shiloh Hill Bone Fire Smokehouse Kids Our Age Jonesborough Visitors Center

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 - February 24 -

Seasons of Me, American Dropours, FM Silence Capone’s Dave Landeo Wild Wing Cafe

Haven Kingsport Moose Lodge #972 Indighost / Sabrewulf Sleepy Owl Brewery

Loose Leaves Quaker Steak & Lube

Shake Yo MoneyMaker Holston River Brewing Company

Leon Kiser Memorial Tribute with Leon Sparks Northeast State Center for the Performing Arts - SUNDAY - Februray 25 -

Nightshift Band Thompson’s Produce

Mike Snodgrass Band Wild Wing Cafe

Stepping Out Thompson’s Produce Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Niswonger Performing Arts Center

Haven Country Club Bar & Grill

Cabin Creek Boys Carter Family Fold

Corey Jeter Yee Haw Brewing Company

Handsome & The Humbles Yee Haw Brewing Company

Matt Foster Damascus Brewery

Rusty Steel Woodstone Deli

Kevin Buttry, Kick N Country Woodstone Deli Ivy Road CJ’s Sports Bar

Smokehouse Crickets Model City Tap House

Chris Knight The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Rusty Steel & Quarterbounce Rush Street

Cameron Tate & The Medicinal Vibes Sleepy Owl Brewery

The Tides Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Justin Mychals Woodstone Deli

Shooter Band CJ’s Sports Bar

Lauren Cole Band Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Indie Lagone w/ Gipsy Danger and The Pythia Capone’s

Amanda Ann Platt & The Honeycutters Down Home

Junkyard Dogz Bears Bar

CrossRoads Buffalo Ruritan

Shooter Band CJ’s Sports Bar

CrossRoads Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre

Boarderline Rush Street

Coal Creek Holston River Brewing Company

Asylum Suite Country Club Bar & Grill

Jigsaw Jane Holiday Inn

Blue Reign Bristol VFW Post 6975

Dallas Danger The Market

- SATURDAY - February 24 -

for show time & more details, visit

theloaferonline.com

TUESDAY

Karaoke w/ Crossroads & Josh Blevins at Dawg House Tavern Family Night Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Marx The Spot Karaoke at Numan’s

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN

THURSDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainmentat Macado’s - Kingsport Karaokeat CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke at Numan’s ] Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainmentat New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria

FRIDAY

KKaraoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm 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 At Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke at Numan’s

SATURDAY

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

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

Kara ke

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

Elon Musk

Rocket Men SPACE FEVER Are Igniting Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

Part 2

Private Rocket Launches Keeping Space Coast Buzzing

he Space Coast is still abuzz about the spectacular inaugural launch of the huge SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, its 27 engines powering a third stage and its payload of an American automobile in an orbit beyond Mars. An all-electric, red Tesla Roadster owned by the company owner Elon Musk is cruising at 8,000 mpåh well beyond the Moon, it space-suited mannequin named “Starman” has the top down and headed for the asteroid belt. Tesla Motor Co. founder Musk, a self-made billionaire from Pretoria, South Africa, has quite a history in high tech business at just age 47. Musk did a victory lap at a local restaurant “Fish Lips” at Port Canaveral, toasting his local employees just six miles from the famed pad 39A that once launched the Saturn V moon rocket and more than 50 Space Shuttles. And now the largest operational rocket has assumed third place behind Saturn and Shuttle as the most powerful machines to leave Earth. Local space buffs around Kennedy Space Center found the Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 6th launch of the first Falcon Heavy just as exhilarating to watch as the Space Shuttle, which was mothballed after the final July 2011 launch of Atlantis. That’s when the Obama Administration cancelled the manned Constellation program, turning the business of rocket launches over to the private sector.

Launch pads and facilities have been repurposed for lease to rocket businesses, charging clients to place their satellites in orbit. Those paying payloads include satellites for communications, science and defense for countries around the world. SpaceX has grabbed the spotlight with its successful 2017 when it launched more than a dozen Falcon 9 rockets with missions, including two resupply missions of their unmanned Dragon reusable spacecraft to the International Space Station. Musk now turns to building what he calls the BFR (Big F****** Rocket) that is needed for his vision to send a 40-person spaceship of pioneers to settle Mars. That has a time-line of mid-2020s, and the challenges are becoming real. SpaceX is right now the big player in the new Private Space Race between many specialized companies building rockets, satellites, the support equipment and computer software—all the millions of pieces and parts they need. Their nine-engine Falcon 9 rocket was successfully launched 16 times in 2017, and there are 36 paid customer launches scheduled for 2018—the payloads ranging from television satellites for Bulgaria to the reusable Dragon supply ship for the International Space Station. A new breed of aerospace engineers in their 20s and 30s are infusing a new energy into the American dream as high-tech innovations find their way into outer space applications. And that means jobs coming back to Florida’s Space Coast (as well as across the country), which became a shell of itself after more than 15,000 contract workers left when the Space Shuttle era ended in 2011. One private space company soon to be a giant is Blue Origin, owned by the world richest man, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, worth $90 billion. His rocket production plant is within eyeshot of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where the rockets named New Shepard and New Glenn honor two of America’s original astronauts. Blue Origin also has reusable rockets and is building a four-man spacecraft. They plan to start launching customer satellites for profit in 2019 but are also working hard on their manned program. There is a Musk-Bezos space feud in progress for bragging rights of who will put the first astronauts in orbit by a private company. Also, in the running for that historic milestone is Boeing’s Apollo-like Starliner spacecraft and Sierra Nevada Corp. with their “Dream Chaser” minishuttle. And Sir Richard Branson and his suborbital Virgin Galactic for 6 passengers is nearing a reality at $250,000 for five minutes of weightlessness. Meanwhile, it is symbolic of American industry to have a pioneering automobile in cruise control at 8,000 mph, an interplanetary statement about humans pushing the boundaries. Public relations departments of the aerospace industry need to take note of a sales gimmick that has put the world on notice: America’s new rocket scientists are poised and ready to boldly go where no man has gone before. And leading the way is a cherry-red roadster.

he Moon is First Quarter on Friday, so moonlight fills the evening skies for the next two weeks. Weather might keep you inside, but you can still peek out the windows and let your imagine run wild about the six landing sites that immobilized 500,000 people to conquer the Moon before the end of the 1960s.

Tuesday, February 20 On this 1962 date in space history, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth in space, his three orbits in the Mercury spaceship making him a national hero. The former US Senator from Ohio also spent nine days aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998 at age 77, still the oldest human to travel in space. He died in 2016 at age 95. Wednesday, February 21 Punching through the moonlight are the bright stars of Orion, Taurus and Gemini, as well as the two dogs, Canis Major and Minor. And as Pegasus and Andromeda set in the west, Leo the Lion is rising in the east—a sure shine of Spring. Thursday, February 22 On this 1978 date in space history, the first Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) was launched, Navstar. Today there are no less than 33 GPS satellites keep precise track of our every footsteps! In 1996, Space Shuttle Columbia was launched for the 19th time on the STS-75 mission with seven astronauts spending two weeks on a science mission.

Friday, February 23 Did you know? February was the last month of the year in early Roman times when around 680 BC Emperor Numa Pompilius added January and February to the previous 10-month calendar to create the winter season. Saturday, February 24 On this 2011 date in space history, Shuttle Discovery was launched on its 39th and last mission, STS-133. The Orbiter visited the International Space Station, leaving the Leonardo module for extra room. Discovery is now at the Smithsonian Institute Museum in Washington, DC. Sunday, February 25 The Winter Circle of eight bright stars begin overhead with red Aldebaran in the V-shaped pattern of Taurus the Bull and continue with Capella in Auriga, Castor and Pollux in Gemini, Procyon in Canis Major, Sirius in Canis Major, Rigel and Betelgeuse in Orion. Monday, February 26 Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, is directly south at 9 pm. It is also called the “Dog Star,” as it is in the Big Dog, Canis Major and is in the daytime sky during July. Ancient Egyptians thought daytime Sirius added to the heat of Summer, thus the “Dog Days of Summer.”

17 theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Feb. 20-26, 2018 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

NIGHTLiving Dead of the

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

he late George A. Romero’s 1968 movie “Night of The Living Dead” is, undeniably, one of the most influential horror films ever made. Not many films can claim to have invented a genre, The Zombie Film, which laid the groundwork for a VERY popular cable TV series based on a certain comic book that features the lumbering undead. In fact, “Night of The Living Dead” has such a wide reaching influence, and the film has been ripped off from so much, that it almost can play like a parade of horror film cliches. That’s not to say that the film’s power has been diminished in the 50 years since its debut. In addition to being a groundbreaking horror film, “Night Of The Living Dead” is a landmark production of independent cinema that teaches a masterclass on what you can achieve with a limited budget. The film’s story is simple, some unknown thing is making the recently deceased come back to life and crave human flesh. A group of strangers find themselves trapped in a remote farmhouse doing their best to survive. Due to a mixup during the prep work for the film’s final opening titles, the copyright notice for “Night of The Living Dead” was inadvertently left off, sending the film right into the public domain as soon as it was released. As a result, the film has been able to be released on home video and shown on television by anyone that could get their hands on a copy of it. Most of the home video releases of the film look dreadful, including a blu-ray of the film released by a budget label in October of last year. When The Criterion Collection announced last November they were going to release the film, to say that “fans rejoiced” is an understatement. Though director Romero sadly passed away in July of 2017, Criterion announced that he was involved with the release, and he, and many of the original production team, supervised the new 4K digital restoration of the film that serves as the basis for Criterion’s two-disc blu-ray release, which utilized the original 35mm camera negatived, and a 35mm fine grain for a very brief sequence that was too

damaged to transfer on the original negative. The results are stunning. I’ve only seen “Night of The Living Dead” on TV before, but my memory of watching it was that it was faded, washed out, soft, and grainy. The image quality on Criterion’s blu-ray is clear, sharp, and defined. The same can be said of the mono soundtrack restoration, also supervised by Romero and team. What The Criterion Collection has given fans is, unquestionably, the definitive home video release of the film. Restored audio and picture would be enough to make it that definitive release, but it’s the extras included that really put this over the top and make this a must own for fans of the film. There’s a lot included and I’m going to touch on most of the extras. First off we have two commentary tracks from 1994 with Romero, cast and crew. These tracks were recorded for the 25th Anniversary Laserdisc edition of the film—the first time an authorized home video release of the film from the original 35mm elements had been done. An early work print of the film is included as well, under the working title “Night of Anubis.” This is the first time the work print has ever been released. Also included are: A new program that interviews filmmakers Frank Darabount, Guillermo del Toro, and Robert Rodriguez. Never before seen 16mm dailies of the film—where you can see the title the movie was shot under “Flesh Eaters.” A look at the industrial and commercial film production company where Romero and crew got their start. A feature on the films score, and another on the look of the film is included as well. Promotional Materials, new and archival interviews round out the features. It’s an impressive set, and one that will thrill anyone long dreaming to see this film get the treatment it so long deserved on home video. The Criterion Collection has really knocked it out of the park with their release of “Night of The Living Dead.” A must own for fans thanks to truly stunning picture quality. You won’t regret getting this one to add to your collection. See you next week.

T Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

Rated PG 3 Carrots (out of 4)

he character of Peter Rabbit first burst into the world of pop entertainment back in 1902(!) as the star of the novel "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter. Flash-forward to 2018 and we find the rascal rabbit featured in his first big screen, 3D live-action/CGI animated "Peter Rabbit." The film, like the similar "Paddington" series is set in England, and features British actors in the lead roles, and as the voices of all the featured animals. Peter, voiced by James Corden ("The Late Late Show with James Corden"), lives happily in the English countryside with his sisters and cousin, and follows his days of stealing vegetables from the garden of Mr. McGregor (Sam Neill). While Mr. McGregor is constantly attempting to vanquish his animal invaders, they are being protected by his neighbor Bea (Rose Byrne), who has a love for the fluffy critters. During one of the battles with his furry trespassers, McGregor has a heart attack and passes. While this is a tragic occurrence, Peter and all his animal friends soon realize they can invade McGregor's garden and house without any consequences. While Peter and friends are having an all out party in the abandoned house, McGregor's nephew Thomas (Domhnall Gleeson of "Star Wars" fame), discovers he has inherited the estate from his uncle. Thomas being a city boy and London resident, wants no part of the estate, and heads out to the countryside to prepare the house for sale. When he enters the home, Thomas discovers the place in shambles, and encounters the animal invaders and runs them off. The appearance of Thomas begins a feud with Peter, who must use Bea as a shield during encounters between the two. Bea thinks her new friend Thomas likes Peter, but the two are secretly battling for supremacy. The constant fights between Peter and Thomas leads to a major accident to Bea's house, which results in Thomas returning to London.

Peter feels responsible for the accident and convinces Thomas to return to the country to make up with Bea. Thanks to help from Peter and his furry and feathered friends, Thomas is able to reclaim the house he almost lost to a snobbish couple. Eventually all the characters end up in London, and as the saying goes, live happily ever after. The adventure/comedy features plenty of slapstick comedy to keep the kids entertained and the adults in the audience awake. As I did with the "Paddington" films, I really enjoyed the mixture of CGI animals and live actors, and all involved do a wonderful job. The aforementioned Gleeson, so steely and villainous in his role as General Hux in the new "Star Wars" movies, proves to be a great comedic actor, and is never upstaged by his CGI counterpart. Byrne is also effective in her role, and has previously proven her comedic chops in the "Neighbors" films. In addition, Corden is a perfect match for the voice of Peter, and gives the character a warm, yet rascally tone. Personally, I love movies set in England, and this one is no exception. While "Peter Rabbit" is not quite on par with the "Paddington" films, the movie still provides a fun time at the cinema for kids and adults.

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

Peter Rabbit

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

PICTURESQUE

Taking Ahold

Mister

By Jon Lester jlester@ theloaferonline.com

Picture this: it's the bride and groom's big day, and You should never leave you're amongst the wedding your hands emptyparty, awaiting the countdown handed...especially if you're to when a photo will be taken; in a setting of celebratory anxiety surges throughout efforts. Whether it be at a your veins because you know bar, a wedding, or that in just a mere moment, something of the sort; you are about to destroy always have an item in this captured moment. hand. This is the optimal However, all hope is not lost; moment to have yourself a I can provide you with a howdrink, or get ready for a to guide to ensure every selfie! moment captured is picture EYES MAY BE THE perfectâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;please don't be a WINDOW TO THE SOUL, wedding crasher.

Almost Never Pose I know, I know. This goes against all ethics of preparing for a photo, but hear me out. You have literal seconds before that photo is taken, and you don't want to be contemplating a pose that most likely will come to an awkward end. Instead, consistently create movement and motion. A great go to is to rub your hands together as if you were washing them; doing so will eleminate a possible awkward disposition while creating a look that displays confidence and control.

BUT SUNLIGHT IS KEY TO A WINDOW; IF YOU WANT THAT GOOD SELFIE. - the window

Check Your Selfie

Admit it. You take selfies. And you take selfies a lot. But are you taking them at the right time? Time is of the essence, my friend; make sure you use nature's necessities to your advantage. Natural light is always the best lighting; so either you face the window, or wander beyond the window and go outside. Are you golden? Well, check the time. The best hours to take a selfie is at sunrise or sunset.

THE GOLDEN HOUR GRMC Carter County

1st Annual "RIVER RUN" 'Open House'

Saturday, March 3rd, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ 217 Lover's Lane, Elizabethton, Tennessee Contact: Dahmer 423-388-9013 TEXT PLEASE! No Weapons ... No BYOB ... No Attitudes ... No Children or pets! No Gate Fee. MUST BE 18+ 'We reserve the right to refuse admittance for any reason'

250K Tree Giveaway

he Town of Jonesborough will be participating in a state-wide campaign to plant 250,000 trees in one day as part of the 250K Tree Day Event taking place across Tennessee, the largest community-tree-planting event in Tennessee history, and the largest tree-planting event in the United States. Jonesborough will be a distribution location for trees. The event will take place on Saturday, February 24th from 10am- noon at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center through the Keep Jonesborough Beautiful Advisory Council. Participants will be given a bundle of tree seedlings to take home and plant comprised of Wild Plum, White Pine, Redbud, Red Oak and Tulip Poplar. In addition to the tree giveaway, information regarding the importance of trees to the environment and proper tree planting location will be available. For more information, please call Jonesborough Town Hall at 423.753.1030.

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

Discounts available with ticket stub day of performance

eing a lifeguard isn’t all sunshine, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Lifeguards must be trained to respond to potential drowning events, injuries, and many other situations that require immediate action. Whether it is in a pool, on a beach, or at the lake, a lifeguard needs a special set of skills. The City of Bristol Tennessee is offering a course in Lifeguard Certification for those wishing to apply for the 2018 Summer Season at Haynesfield Pool. There will be two sessions to choose from. The first session will begin on February 28, 2018 ending March 10, 2018. The second session will begin on April 11, 2018 ending April 21, 2018. All participants must be at least 16 years old. Once the program is completed participants will receive an American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification. The cost is $135.00. Completion of this course does not guarantee that participant will be hired. All participants are subject to the full hiring process by Bristol Tennessee Parks and Recreation before being hired as a lifeguard at Haynesfield Pool. To register online go to bristoltn.recdesk.com, click the “Programs” tab. For more information or if you have a questions please contact Taylor Harmon at 423-764-4048 or email tharmon@bristoltn.org.

Paramount Partners

Lifeguard Course

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

• 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 • The Angry Italian Half Off Toasted Ravioli Discounts valid for any and all performances at The Paramount.

Dawn Before moonbeams Take a bow Exiting stage left Allowing Sun rays to make Their grand entrance This intermission Hosted by twilightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sibling Never receives enough acknowledgement Its role in this saga Underappreciated But of the utmost importance

The Casual Word

By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord casualword.com

I myself A patron of this theatre Never stayed still To witness The magic of this transition Performance of pure perfection Rehearsed to unparalleled accuracy Left me speechless and spellbound In that moment It dawned on me Neither act would exist Without out gracious host I wanted to give a standing ovation Yet I dare not wake you I simply awed As I watched silver stars And golden globes

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

Play on Words

theloaferonline.com | January 30, 2018

Answers on page 26

3 sweet dogs

were abandoned to the shelter. We have Hershey who is 15 and Honey who is 14 and Athena who is 11 years old. These are the sweetest dogs and unfortunately after being great pets they were given up because their parents had to move. We are looking for some extraordinary pet parents to give these cuties dignity and love in their twilight years. This is Athena. Need to be adopted together deeply bonded!

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

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

25 theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

PETS

OF THE WEEK

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018

THINGS TO DO 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 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 Big Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities should contact the office by calling 423-247-3240, or visiting TennesseeBig.org. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Blood Drive Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the area locations. Visit tinyurl. com/n4aujx9 to find a location near you. In addition to scheduled blood drives, donors are welcome at Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive,

Suite 300, Kingsport, 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. For more information about scheduling a blood drive at a local business, church, school or community organization, please call 423-408-7500, 423652-0014 or 276-679-4669 or visit marshblood.com. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Casual Word Adult Creative Writing Class Join us for a free, fun, engaging, and different look into writing. In this class, we will not focus on structure, form, or rules, but on the freedom of writing. It is the goal of this class to open the mind to its full creative potential by allowing participants to write what they want, how they want to write it. Sessions will be student lead; we will engage in topics and subjects that are of interest to the students. The atmosphere is casual and jovial. This class is designed 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. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Tax Preparation With the financial support of Eastman Credit Union (ECU), a group of East Tennessee State University (ETSU) business student volunteers, under the guidance of accountancy faculty members Dr. Anthony Masino and Dr. Michelle Freeman, will offer free tax preparation assistance again this year through the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. As an approved VITA location, the ETSU group will assist taxpayers who had $55,000 or less in income during tax year 2017. Hours have been extended for the

2017 filing season. Volunteers will be available to offer tax preparation services on the following Saturdays – Feb. 24, March 10 and 24, and April 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sam Wilson Hall, room 318, on ETSU’s main campus. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Masino at 423-439-4432 or Masino@ etsu.edu or Freeman at 423-4394432 or freemanms@etsu.edu. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Author Talk @ Gray Library Looking for a new local author to read? Come and meet Jonesborough resident Robert T. Jones at Gray Library on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. His new novel, Gargaphia: Where History Means Murder, is a fast-paced suspense thriller, says Jones. Jones describes himself as an author, ancient military historian, wildlife philanthropist, green business creator, and hobby farmer. He stays very active with several nonprofit groups, traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and writing in different genres for a diverse readership. Everyone is welcome to come

listen and ask questions of the Youth Services programs, please author. Call the library at 423- call 423-434-4458. To learn more 477-1550 for more information. about this and other upcoming events, like the library’s Facebook •••••••••••••••••••••••••• page, or follow the library on Twitter or Instagram. Auditions for Liberty AUDITIONS! for the Cast of Lib•••••••••••••••••••••••••• erty! The Official Outdoor Drama for the State of Tennessee. Annual Spaghetti Dinner Sunday February 25th 2:00 p.m. Join the Jonesborough Kiwanis Saturday March 3rd 5:00 p.m. Club for their 50th Annual SpaContact Sycamore Shoals State ghetti Dinner to support the loPark for more information call cal community. This fundraiser 423-543-5808. Also come by is designed to give back to the to Sign up to be a member of kids and schools in our area. Evthe Production Crew (Lighting, ery penny made goes right back Sound, Props, Technical Assis- to the community. The Kiwanis tant, etc.) or contact the Park. Club serves the children of WashSycamore Shoals State Historic ington County and is a supporter Park. 1651 W. Elk Avenue. Eliza- of Jonesborough events and acbethton, TN 37643. 423-543-5808 tivities. They have been serving children and families in the local •••••••••••••••••••••••••• community for over 90 years. Astronomy Program @ JCPL The dinner will be held on FebFamilies are invited to the li- ruary 24th from 4:00-7:30 p.m. at brary’s front lawn on Friday, Feb- the Jonesborough Middle School. ruary 23 at 6 p.m. to observe the The dinner is all you can eat which night sky. Dr. Rico Ignace, an as- includes spaghetti, salad, bread, trophysicist from East Tennessee dessert and a drink. For adults, it is State University, will give a short $10.00 and for children under 10, it presentation and be on hand to is $5.00. Carry out is also available. answer any questions. No reg- For more information contact istration is required for this free Jack Vanzandt at 423-948-0237 or program. For more information email him at Jackvz@icloud.com about this free program or other

Cryptogram: Smartness runs in my family. When I went to school I was so smart my teacher was in my class for five years. DropQuote: "Part of the happiness of life consists not in fighting battles, but in avoiding them. A masterly retreat is in itself a victory."

T Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

his week’s title refers to Michael McDonald’s 1982 song with the same name. We are not going to talk a lot about music, however, but we are going to do some reflection about memory and our often-frustrating ability to forget nearly everything we read, hear, or see. Here we can cue in the lyrics, attributed to Edgar Allan Poe, from Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight’s versions of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine:” “People say believe half of what you see . . . .and none of what you hear.” Most of what you see and hear from this point on is based on a January 26 Atlantic article by Jule Beck, titled “Why We Forget Most Of The Books We Read.” Here I am reminded of a book I vaguely remember, Pierre Bayard’s very clever, and very accurate, HOW TO TALK ABOUT BOOKS YOU HAVEN’T READ (2007). I’m sure most of us have done this very thing--namely, gone on and one about a book, TV show, or movie we only know about through heresay or what appears on Amazon.com, Wikipedia, or IMDb. Give me about two minutes with either of these sources, and I am prepared to give a reasonably informed lecture, complete with slides, about most anything. This phenomenon is alltoo-common and perhaps inevitable in this world of instantaneous information (most of which we forget, as we will see below). As a history teacher/learner, I am all too aware of just how fallible, and in most cases innaccurate, our memories are. I came away from reading Beck’s article with a sense of relief that I am not the only person in the world who can read a book, watch a movie, attend a lecture, etc. and then turn around a forget most of what I have seen or heard. Maybe that’s why I seldom lecture or give conventional tests in my classes. But I digress. Beck uses Pamela Paul, whose new book MY LIFE WITH BOB recounts the benefits of keeping a reading journal, as a good example of why we forget so much. “Pamela Paul’s memories of reading are less about words and more about the experience.” As Paul herself admits, “I remember the edition; I remember the cover; I usually remember where I bought it, or who gave it to me. What I don’t remember--and it’s terrible--is everything else.” I have a long standing habit of writing the purchase or acquisition date of each book I own inside the front cover and indicating the date and time when I finished reading it on the last page. But this habit doesn’t help me recall the book’s contents. In fact, I recently pulled a book off my shelf and reminded myself that I needed to read it one day, only to discover that I had written my completion date and time on the last page. It was only then that I remembered the experience of reading the book but not its exact contents. I am sure it was a pleasant experience. And this is maybe why

IKEEP Forgettin' we read--to fill our lives with pleasant experiences that ironically have so little impact on our lives. Fortunately I can usually recall enough of the book’s basic ideas to make me feel at home among my way-too-numerous books. It’s like being in a room full of friends whose names I can’t recall, however. Alas, the phenomenon Beck describes is, in her words, “. . .like filling up a bathtub, soaking in it, and then watching the water run down the drain. It might leave a film in the tub, but the rest is gone.” Lest this sound like a very pessimistic conclusion, we should remember that it’s better to recall the film than to have never taken the bath. This “forgetting curve” explains why you can’t recall anything on a test the day after taking it, the plot of a movie, or the results of binge watching a favorite TV show. As Beck reminds us (if you can remember, of course), referring to the work done by memory researcher Jared Horvath, that “In the internet age, recall memory--the ability to spontaneously call information up in your mind--has become less necessary. It’s still good for bar trivia, or remembering your to-do list, but largely . . . . what’s called recognition memory is more important.” This means that if you know where to look to find information, you don’t need to waste all those brain cells storing it. Knowing this, our brains expend less energy and precious storage space on retaining information. “With its streaming services and Wikipedia articles, the internet has lowered the stakes on remembering the culture we consume even further. But it’s hardly as if we remembered it all before,” says Beck. Maybe we should take a lesson from Pamela Paul’s habit of writing down her impressions of each book she reads. That way our reading diaries, which she affectionately calls “Bob,” will serve as reminders of what was important about what we read--or watched. Our “Bob” journals should include movies and TV shows as well as books. The important take-away from all this is that we should reexamine our ideas about education, especially when it comes to the all-too-familiar “memorizeand-take-test” scenarios. Wouldn’t it be better to ask our students to keep “Bob” journals? That’s what I do, although I don’t name the journals. And I have my students write down reflections of what they have learned before they leave class. The process of doing this is, for me at least, more important than giving a test that will be forgotten in less than 24 hours. Learning, after all, is a process rather than a procedure. Before I bid you a fond farewell, ask yourself how much you remember about what you’ve just read. But please don’t tell me! See you next week, if I can remember to write next week’s column!

theloaferonline.com | February 20, 2018