theloaferonline.com | February 27, 2018
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on the cover
Volume 32 • Issue #13 Publisher Luci Tate
Passion
Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May
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!
18 Stargazer Mars Rover Opportunity is NASA Incredible Machine 19 Skies This Week 20 Batteries Not Included Tom Jones 21 Pop Life And the Oscar goes to.... 24 The Nerd's Corner Welcome To the Nerd's Corner 25 Mister Maskuline 27 The Casual Word Unmailed 28 Puzzle Page `31 Kelly’s Place Is there a Write Way??
columns & reviews
Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Langley Shazor Jon Lester Lee Sowers
your week’s line-up
for Fashion
Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis Carolyn Kestner Marques Puckett
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5 Top Fashion Trends for 2018 Don Quixote @ NPAC Passion for Fashion Chic Looks from the area Don't Cut Ties With Your Ties Theatre Bristol presents Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day New Festival to Showcase Outdoor Resources In The Swingles of Things Billy Crawford Band @ HRBC Casual Chic @ Ali B's Boutique Spotlight Mystery Dinner @ Eureka Inn Contra Dance Doggie Style Paramount Partners Pets Of The Week Things To Do
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5
Top Fashion Trends for 2018
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Shades of lilac, periwinkle and lavender should all be on your color radar for 2018. These hues were all over the Spring 2018 runways and work best on clean lines and crisp shades so the mood feels slightly unusual, but not overly ‘90’s. It’s perhaps the most versatile new trend. Invest in a focal piece like a blouse or dress and add to your daily rotation.
Mad for Plaid White
Say goodbye to the gray checked blazers that took over the street style scene and Instagram feeds and say hello to the full-on plaid, the print was everywhere on the runways. From colorful coats to menswear inspired blazers to plaid accessories, there are endless ways to weave the trend into your wardrobe this year.
Accessories
White accessories have the power to instantly update very look this season. While a white shoe or boot may not seem like the most practical choice, it will work very hard in your wardrobe. There are no rules here on how it should be worn; this is a styling trick that works with everything.
The New Trench Fanny Pack is Back
The classic trench coat gets a fresh upgrade after being reworked in an endless amount of iterations on the runways. From new cuts to feathers and ruffles, there’s a fun new trench for everyone to try this season.
For Men
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Power Pastels
OUT IN
2018
Yep. You read that right. A trend that will definitely make headlines and that has already divided fashionistas into for and against. The street style crowd love to wear the waist bag with visible logo or dangling from a belt.
2018 will be the year that straight-cut and relaxed legs go mainstream. Skinnies need to fully disappear from your wardrobes. Track pants will become an essential. We’ve seen them on the luxury end, but there’s been a shift and they’re now socially acceptable on a mass scale. But, if the most dressed down you get is taking off your tie, there’s still an unexpected fabric for you. Get some cords. Rock them with a sweatshirt or knit and you’re done.
Off the Shoulder - Unless it’s a fresh take on it, like one shoulder or a peekaboo, send those off the shoulder boho looks to the back of your closet, or at the very least, pull them back up on the shoulder
Chokers - Give your chokers a break. Invest in other fashion accessories like statement earrings. Skinny Jeans for men – We all get the occasional need to pull them out from time to time. But leave it at that. Time
to time. A looser more relaxed fit will be the way to go in 2018
Bomber Jackets – While it hasn’t’ disappeared completely, it has been replied by a sharper blazer style as the fashion cover up of the season
Faux Boho Style - If it looks like it came straight out of Woodstock, then leave it for your next costume party. If you’re a diehard free spirit, upgrade with the new arts and crafts trends, handcrafted yet clean and restrained prints. Let it read sophisticated and decidedly grown up.
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The Moscow Festival Ballet
returns with
T
DON QUIXOTE
he Moscow Festival Ballet makes its annual visit to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center with the production of the timeless classic, Don Quixote, on Monday, March 5th at 7:00 p.m. Leading dancers from across Russia have forged, under the direction of Sergei Radchecnko, an exciting new company staging a new production of Don Quixote. Don Quixote is on a quest to find the idealized beloved of his age-addled dreams. He calls upon his servant, Sancha Panza, and the two sail forth into the world to seek adventures in the service of the beautiful Dulcinea. The mettlesome lovers Kitri and Basilio are also on a quest, to end up together, despite Kitri’s father and his plans for her to marry the richest man in town. Their paths meet and after a storm, a vision, shenanigans and a little emotional blackmail, ballet’s funniest happy ending is achieved. The Moscow Festival Ballet was founded in 1989 when legendary principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet Sergei Radchecnko sought to realize his vision of a company
which would bring together the highest classical elements of the great Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies in an independent new company within the framework of Russian classic ballet. Since its inception, the Moscow Festival Ballet has completed multiple tours throughout the world to enthusiastic audiences. Experience the arts with the Moscow Festival Ballet on Monday, March 5th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 for orchestra level seating, $30 for mezzanine seating and $25 for balcony seats. 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, Smoky Mountain Living. 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 npacgreeneville.com.
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Passion Chic looks from the area for Fashion Boho Chic
Aratta Magical $ 00 Creature Dress 140
Get this look at Turquoise Boutique for $370.00 See ad on page 15
Longrope Hand Tooled Purse $23000
Spring Fling Find the complete outfit at Just Dandy for Under $125
Earrings $800
See ad on page 7
Necklace $1200
$
2800
Kori Cold Shoulder Dress
Viv and Lou Shoulder Bag $3000 Viv and Lou Booties $4500
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Modern Style
See ad on page 5
Chic looks from the area
at The Dressy Owl Boutique
Passion for Fashion
Casual Floral
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for the Modern Woman Classy styles and accessories can be found at JK Kollections See ad on page 11
A boutique casual chic
Maxi Dress
Available at Ali B's Boutique Bristol and Kingsport See ad on page 7
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Alexander Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and the
Theatre Bristol Presents
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S
ome days you wish you hadn't gotten out of bed. It is that kind of day for Alexander, but not for fans of the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day which comes to life under the direction of Steve Davis on the Theatre Bristol ARTspace stage, 506 State Street, weekends March 9 through 25. "In this musical adaptation of her popular book, Judith Viorst sets Alexander's rather trying life to music and brings to the stage one of America's feistiest characters. Not only does Alexander wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert, and his best friend decides he's not his best friend anymore. And if that's not bad enough, Alexander's brothers don't have any cavities but—he does. And just when it can't get any worse, there are lima beans for supper and —yuck!—kissing on TV. "It is enough to make anyone want to go to Australia. Alexander's struggles with life's daily dramas will not only entertain but educate young audiences as they identify with Alexander and the obstacles he encounters, encouraging them to share their feelings and to realize that bad days happen—even in Australia" (Dramatic Publishing). Alexander is played by Owen Griffith, along with an ensemble cast including Abigail Combs, Zaiah Gray, Ava White, and Mason White, and parents Elizabeth Burns and Steve Baskett. Director Davis is supported by assistants Steve Baskett and Samantha Gray, stage managers Suzanne Eleas and Cindi Brooks, choreographer Camille Gray, dance captain Luke Gray, costumer Marley Hillman, lighting designer Paul Pratt, light and sound operator Albert Tester, and properties mistress Terra White. Davis, most recently music director of Theatre Bristol's production of ANNIE at the Paramount Center for the Arts, is a music and voice teacher and retired church music minister. As former Executive Director of Steve Davis Productions, he presented the Bristol Passion Play The Day He Wore My Crown, The Sound of Music, and Four Tickets to Christmas. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day opens March 9, and runs for three weekends at the Theatre Bristol ARTspace, Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 5:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:30 pm, closing on March 25. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students, and available at www. TheatreBristol.org or goo.gl/s14bYY. Theatre Bristol's is pleased to present Alexander as part of its family-friendly 53rd season of ARTspace and Paramount shows, including Lessons from Shakespeare: How to Avoid a Personal Tragedy with River's Way; Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Tartuffe; Pinocchio; Blithe Spirit; She Loves Me; and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois. For more information, visit Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.
Festivals
Got an event coming up?
Events
Send it to The Loafer! info@theloaferonline.com
Concerts
Exhibits
ake sure to mark the calendar for the region’s inaugural Meet the Mountains Festival presented by Ballad Health on August 24 and 25. Organizers aim to showcase Northeast Tennessee’s natural assets and to encourage residents and visitors to live healthy and active lifestyles. “This festival will foster collaboration among various user groups that are passionate about the outdoors,” said Kayla Carter, Outdoor Development Manager with the Northeast Tennessee Regional Economic Partnership. “The goal is to have this free festival serve as an annual coming together of the region’s outdoor community.” Johnson City will serve as the basecamp for the festival as it’s easy to access mountain towns like Erwin and Elizabethton, where other off-site outdoor events will take place. The heart of the event will be held at Founders Park, which is also a short bike ride away from Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park and East Tennessee State University. “We also want to encourage partnership by cross promoting existing or new events and competitions that take place throughout the region on this particular weekend,” Carter said. “We also welcome other businesses and organizations to apply as a vendor or support the festival by offering to host an information session.”
To showcase region's outdoor resources
Organizers are planning for the park to host several vendors and outdoor brands as well as various non-profit groups that serve specific outdoor user groups. Vendor spaces will be organized based on which user groups they target. “There will be three zones that serve to categorize all outdoor recreation activities,” Carter said. “Within these zones, festival goers will be able to experience activities like demo different brands of mountain bikes, try out paddleboards in a demo pool, test out fishing poles in Brush Creek or even sign up for an early morning yoga class.” Festival activities will also include information sessions, music, food trucks, a kid zone and outdoor movies. “I would say that it is really going to put the Tri-Cities on the map,” said Jamie Rice, Town of Erwin Communications Director. “All of the adrenaline junkies, day hikers and adventure seekers can come together to enjoy this festival.” Activities and experiences bundled together through the festival will range from beginners to those who excel in a certain sport. At basecamp, the festival will present activities for all ages and all outdoor lovers alike. “I’m really excited,” said Matt Moses with USA Raft and Mountain River Guides. “Even if one person discovers a new activity or a way to enjoy the outdoors, that’s a win.”
Organizers are encouraging any event creators to partner with the festival for cross promotion. Examples of events that the festival organizers would like to partner with are Unicoi County’s Nolichucky Triple Threat and the AllTrails Cycling Sugar Rush XC Mountain Bike Race and Sugar 6 Marathon Mountain Bike Race. “I think it is a great way to showcase to visitors what our region has to offer as far as natural resources and outdoor events,” said Tonya Stevens, Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce Director. “It will also bring greater awareness of those resources to the folks that already live here.” For more information, go online to mtmfest.com. Please call the NETREP office at 423-202-3510 or email mtmfest@northeasttn.com with questions and inquiries about the festival.
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FESTIVAL M
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‘One of the best harmony groups in the world’ to bring folklore, ‘magical beauty,’ ETSU alum back to area
SWINGLES F
ormed in Paris in 1962 by American Ward Swingle – originally as The Swingle Singers – The Swingles hold a unique position in the vocal music world. Not only have they been performing for more than 50 years, but the ensemble of seven vocalists, now based in London, has cut 50-plus recordings and won five Grammys. “They were a cappella before a cappella was cool,” says Dr. Alan Stevens, associate director of choral activities in East Tennessee State University’s Department of Music. “They really started this idea of taking music and making it something it wasn’t originally. They would take a Bach piece and sing it on jazz scat syllables and swing the rhythm and make it into a completely different-sounding piece. “They have also embraced the pop-a cappella world with beatbox and all of that style that has come out of the Pitch Perfect movies and the Sing-Off on TV. They really have been able to bridge both sides of the spectrum and sing all of it incredibly well.” On Thursday, March 1, The Swingles – including Sara Brimer-Davey, an ETSU alumna and Greeneville native – will perform their “Folklore” program of contemporary arrangements of traditional folk songs from around the world, lullabies and la-
of Things
ments, work songs and war songs, in Seeger Chapel at Milligan College. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. with East Tennessee State University’s Greyscale a cappella ensemble, which Stevens directs, opening the show. In addition to Brimer-Davey, The Swingles includes Joanna Goldsmith-Eteson, Clare Wheeler, Oliver Griffiths, Jon Smith, Kevin Fox and Edward Randell. “I’ve found that the ‘Swingle sound’ is difficult to explain in one sentence,” says Brimer-Davey, the group’s high soprano, a Greeneville High School, as well as ETSU, music alumna. “What I can say is that we value simplicity and silence as much as virtuosity and fortissimo … “We tend to steer away from what is trendy at that moment, challenging ourselves to search for and then share music that is meaningful to us. We feel this has a direct effect on our performance and stage presence and allows for more connection with the audience.” The Johnson City concert – actually sponsored by ETSU’s Mary B. Martin School of the Arts – will feature arrangements from the group’s Folklore CD and some Swingles classics. “We finished our al-
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In the
bum Folklore in early 2017, and the whole process was an incredible journey for us,” Brimer-Davey says. “We wanted to introduce ‘new’ old music to our audience and draw comparisons that show how similar cultures across the globe can be. “We’ve been very proud to showcase songs from Afghanistan, China, England, Portugal, Russia, Bulgaria and many more, all with a Swingles twist, of course.” Stevens says his student are already either lifelong fans of The Swingles sound or avid new converts. In recent years, the Londonbased ensemble has been featured on numerous film and TV soundtracks, including Sex and the City, Milk, Grey’s Anatomy, Glee and the recent film Downsizing. “It’s hard not to fall in love with them,” Stevens says. Whether followers or just curious, concert-goers will get to see Brimer-Davey, the group’s “Southern belle and diva extraordinaire,” in one of her last Swingles performances – since she is leaving the group in May – and hear a one-of-a-kind live performance with true international flavor. “I can guarantee that you will hear music that you have never heard before from places you’ve never been and it could be the start of something beautiful for you,” Brimer-Davey says. “Whether you are a diehard fan or have never listened to a cappella before in your life, you will learn something. “We strive for excellence but what we care most about is communication with our audience. Come for the English accents if nothing else!” For more about The Swingles, visit www.theswingles.co.uk. For more on Greyscale, go to www.etsu.edu/cas/music/ensembles. For more information about ETSU’s Mary B. Martin School of the Arts or to purchase tickets, visit www.etsu.edu/martin, follow @artsatetsu or call 423-439-TKTS (8587). Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors 60-plus and $5 for students of all ages.
BILLY
BAND
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CRAWFORD
B
lues guitar might be associated with Mississippi, Texas and Chicago, but a man of the mid-South has something to say about that. The city of Bristol, smack on the Tennessee/Virginia border, claims itself as the birthplace of country music. But one of its native sons is making a huge blues noise. The common denominator in all of this is Billy Crawford – raised playing bass in church, then gaining an early hard-rock pedigree on electric guitar. But for the past three decades, he has turned his six-string action toward the blues. For much of the 1990s, audiences around the world heard Crawford’s intense work with blues-rocker Deborah Coleman. He gave up the road in 2002, when his wife gave birth to their son. Turns out, son Tyler is a little guitar hotshot, too.
O
@ HRBC
By Paul Kavanaugh
But his daddy still has something to say. His Bristol-based Billy Crawford Band includes some of that region’s finest blues men. The fire is still burning blue from Crawford’s Guitar, as he rips through blues, ballads, rock, surf – even New Orleans-style. Underpinning it all is a band with plenty of energy and mastery of dynamics. This is going to be one great show, so make plans now to head out to the Brewery on Saturday. You might want to check out Friday night too. Tuatha Dea make a return visit with their eclectic style of entertainment. They have that Celtic sound down and play a variety of different genres, always making sure their audience is entertained. They are quite successful at it! See you out there for a cold one and a great time.
Casual Chic ne of the Tri Cities newest fashion spots is the brain child of mother daughter team Monica and Breanna. Their concept is simple: a one stop shop for the fashion forward diva who does not have time to shop extensively. And they pull it off beautifully! Monica has a background in fashion and merchandising, and in fact owned her first boutique in Pikeville, KY a number of years ago. Both ladies possess an unusual fashion sense; I guess we would call it great taste. They opened the Kingsport location in early December in the new Mercantile on Broad and now their second spot is open in Mercantile on State in downtown Bristol. These locations are full of hand selected fashions from the Atlanta Apparel Mart that truly give off the casual chic vibe. Judging from the clients we encountered at the Bristol location last week, many “fashion forward divas” are readily welcoming the new spring arrivals. See for yourself!
Saturday, March 3rd
At Ali B’s Boutique
By Paul Kavanaugh
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Spotlight - TUESDAY - February 27 -
- FRIDAY - March 2 -
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 - March 3 -
- SATURDAY - March 3 -
Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria
Slippery When Wet Wild Wing Cafe
The Grand Ole Uproar O’Mainnin’s Pub
Sundown Band Willoughby Ruritan
Stemwinder Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill
Tame the Beats / Young Kenneth The Hideaway
Broadcast 90: The Ultimate 90’s Rock Capone’s
Borderline CJ’s Sports Bar
Sucker Punch O’Mainnin’s Pub
James Meadows at Holiday Inn (Exit 7)
The Green Fingers Yee Haw Brewing Company
Earth by Train Capone’s
Folk Soul Revival at Carter Family Fold
Billy Crawford Band Holston River Brewing Company
JB5nDime Down Home
The Blair Experience Wild Wing Cafe
U Turn Bears Bar
If Birds Could Fly Sleepy Owl Brewery
Jigsaw Jane Elizabethton Moose Lodge
Coal Creek Country Club Bar & Grill
Momma Molasses Yee Haw Brewing Company
Red Dirt Romeo Debut Show Bristol VFW Post 6975
Wanted Stranger Buffalo Ruritan
The Grand Ole Uproar The Shack BBQ & Grill
MCMW Rush Street
Iliad w/ The Wormholes Bloom Cafe and Listening Room
The Ian Feathers Band Bloom Cafe and Listening Room
Neil Cribbs w/ Tim McNary The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
Nightshift Band Trade Community Center
- WEDNESDAY - February 28 -
Loose Leaves O’Mainnin’s Pub Open Mic The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room The Bluebirds The Harvest Table Mark Larkins Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill - THURSDAY - March 1-
The Grand Ole Uproar Bone Fire Smokehouse Sammy Guns w/ The Local Honeys The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Jam w/ Jason Keiser Wellington’s Restaurant The Tides Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band Pickin Porch 2
Folk Soul Revival
at Carter Family Fold Saturday, Mar. 3
- SUNDAY - March 4 -
Nightshift Band Lion’s Club
Heavy Country w/ David O’Roarke, Dave Martin & Danny Fields Thompson’s Produce
Ramblin Rose Buffalo Ruritan
Circus No. 9 Capitol Theatre
6 Strings Sundown CJ’s Sports Bar
Chris Long Our House Restaurant
Momma Molasses Yee Haw Brewing Company
Old Time Country Roadshow Down Home
Shake Yo MoneyMaker Woodstone Deli
Mahto and the Loose Balloons Gypsy Circus Cider Company
Tuatha Dea Holston River Brewing Company Stone Creek 4 Country Club Bar & Grill
Bill & The Belles Bone Fire Smokehouse Earleine and Alexa Rose The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
If Birds Could Fly Sleepy Owl Brewery Friday, Mar. 2
for show time & more details, visit
theloaferonline.com
TUESDAY
Karaoke w/ Crossroads & Josh Blevins at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke at Zachary’s Steakhouse - Kingsport 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
THURSDAY
Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainmentat Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Zachary’s Steakhouse - Kingsport Karaokeat CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke at Numan’s Karaoke w/ DJ Marques Top Shelf Entertainment at Wild Wing Cafe - Johnson City 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 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 Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s
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Kara ke
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MARS Rover Opportunity is NASA Incredible Machine
I
Stargazer
By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com
n an alien place called Meridiani Planum inside a rocky environment called “Perseverance Valley,” a robot rover the size of a topless golf cart is a little dusty and cranky, but still soldiering forward as it travels across the once water drenched surface of Mars at a top speed of 25 feet per hour. I’m talking about NASA’s Mars rover Opportunity, breaking barriers in space craft endurance by entering its 5,000th day working the surface of the Red Planet after landing January 25, 2004 on a 90day warranty The 14-year legacy of the Martian robot has been phenomenal and ranks up there with the long, extended missions of other NASA spacecraft like the proposed four-year mission of Cassini orbiting Saturn, which lasted 13 years. Most of NASA’s successful interplanetary spacecraft—more than two dozen—have gone beyond their promised lifetime and had extended missions, a tribute to America’s space engineers and a great value for the taxpayers funding the projects. The focus of Opportunity and its amazing durability kicks off a year of Mars where the fourth planet from the Sun will be closest to Earth on July 27th than it will be for 17 years. Called an opposition when objects are closest to each other, the distance this summer will be at 35.8 million miles. That’s close on an astronomical scale, and just under the historically close opposition of Aug. 28, 2003 when Mars was 34.65 million miles away—the closest since the Stone Age 60,000 year ago and not to be matched until 2287 AD! Mars and Earth are closest each other about every 26 months, and since the 1960s space scientists have been sending spacecraft during those opposition years, taking advantage of the shorter distance to save fuel and time. NASA will take advantage of the shortened distance in 2018 and launch a stationary lander this spring to listen the inside of Mars to further understand this world just half the size of Earth. We have two rovers on the Martian surface (Curiosity landed in 2012) and six in orbit keeping a 24/7 surveillance of the Red Planet. Three NASA orbiters are Mars Odyssey since October 2001, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) since March 2006 and MAVEN since September 2014. India has its first interplanetary spacecraft, Mangalyaan, in orbit since September 2014, and Europe Space Agency’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter took advantage of the 2016 opposition and orbited in October that year. NASA’s Odyssey has enough fuel to last until 2025, and MRO until the 2030s. Both are critical relay stations for the rovers Opportunity and Curiosity, gathering data during overhead passes and then sending it to the Earth. MAVEN is an atmospheric research spacecraft that after its primary mission ends in 2019 it will be put in a higher orbit to serve as a telecommunications satellite for the rover and future landers. Though it is having bouts of memory amnesia and its joints are sore, Opportunity has much to offer. It’s twin rover, Spirit, lasted six years until it got stuck in some fragile crust that rendered it helpless as the solar panels faces away from the Sun, draining the battery power and life out of the vehicle. Remember, Mars is a very cold world, more like Antarctica with brief temperatures above freezing for just a few hours in the Martian summer. When launched in 2003, the two Mars Excursion Rovers (official name) were expected to have their power-making solar panels become useless when the pervasive Martian dust covered them, blocking sunlight. Surprisingly, Martian winds—especially the common dust devils—have periodically swept the panels clean and kept them in working order. Both Spirit and Opportunity were made with metal pieces of the World Trade Center Towers providing shields on critical cables. Opportunity and Spirit weight 400 pounds, they are 5-feet long and 7.5 feet wide at the tips of the solar panels, only travel at less than one inch a second—that’s right, about 25 feet an hour! On a good day Opportunity might travel 200 feet. Its more than 28 miles of travel has the interplanetary record of any man-made vehicle, eclipsing Russia’s 1973 unmanned Lunokhod (27 miles) and 1972 Apollo 17 manned rover (21 miles). The Martian day, called “sols,” is 24 hours, 37 minutes, which is 47 minutes longer than the 23-hour, 56-minute Earth day. And a Martian year is almost twice as long as on Earth, lasting for 687 Earth days, as compared to 365 days on Earth. The distance between Earth and Mars varies from no closer than 40 million miles to beyond 200 million miles, so the delay in signals from the planets can vary from between
5 and 20 minutes one-way. With mission controllers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, living in “Mars Time,” the working schedules have swung through all hours as Martian daytime is when orders are sent, while data is streamed at all hours from the Mars orbiters. Opportunity has found abundant evidence for a previously more habitable Mars over the years, including evidence of that is traveling in a former ancient lake of salty water and groundwater. Currently, the rover has been at Endurance Crater for six years, impact area 14 miles wide and a quarter-mile deep. It is exploring an old water channel called Perseverance Valley that will take the rover to the crater floor by the end of 2018. Taking advantage of the close launch window between Earth and Mars this year, NASA’s next Mars lander, InSight, is scheduled to launch this spring, May 5. InSight is a lander, not a rover, and will focus on probing the deep interior of the planet, including listening for marsquakes, to help scientists understand how Mars formed and evolved. It will arrive at Mars on November 26, 2018. Meanwhile, rover Opportunity will keep on truckin’ and defying the odds of its survival, continuing to connect the mind of man with the reality of the surface of Mars.
F
ull Moon week, and it will be just about as big and bright as those super duper full moons the media likes to go crazy about. And that’s a good thing—keeping everyone looking up! This is the last week of Eastern Standard Time, we add an hour to Sunday March 11th and enjoy more evening daylight—which doesn’t make dark-seeking stargazers too happy.
Tuesday, February 27 telescope that probed the high-energy ultraviolet spectrum of 600 objects Looking north, the Big Dipper is standing on its handle and its bowl is pointing to during the 16-day mission—one of the longest in the Shuttle’s 30-year history. the North Star, Polaris, which is always visible. Opposite the Big Dipper is the “M” shape of stars making up Cassiopeia the Queen. Saturday, March 3 On this 1969 date in space history, Apollo 9 was launched aboard the mighty Wednesday, February 28 Saturn V rocket with the mission goal of testing the moon landing spaceship in On this 1966 date in space history, two Gemini rookie astronauts were killed Earth orbit. James McDivitt and Rusty Schweickart give their Lunar Excursion when their plane crashed into the very factory their spacecraft was being built. Module (LEM) nicknamed “Spider” a positive workout while David Scott was Gemini IX prime crew Charlie Bassett and Elliot See crashed their T-38 jet after in the mothership, “Gumdrop.” In just five more months, man’s greatest clipping the McDonnell Aircraft Corp. building while landing during a rainstorm adventure to the Moon would be fulfilled by a LEM called “Eagle.” Scott walked in St. Louis, Mo. They were replaced by Tom Stafford and Gene Cernan, who on the Moon on Apollo 15 in 1971.. also took Apollo 10 to within 8 miles of the Moon on the dress rehearsal for the Apollo 11 landing. Cernan was the last man on the Moon in December 2017. Sunday, March 4 On this 1994 date in space history, Columbia was launched on STS-62, the five Thursday, March 1 astronauts performing a long, 13-day mission of experiments in microgravity, Full Moon today at 7:51 pm ET. The bright star near the Moon is Regulus of Leo the engineering and technology. One of the five astronauts took a C.F. Martin Lion. On this 2002 date in space history, Space Shuttle Columbia was launched for backpacker guitar to space for the first time. the fourth of five repair missions to the Hubble Space Telescope. Five space walks over five days by four astronauts installed new equipment and solar panels. Monday, March 5 This 1979 date in space history was a special one for interplanetary travel when Friday, March 2 Voyager 1 flew by the huge planet Jupiter after a two-year journey. Voyager 2 On this 1995 date in space history, Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched with followed a month later, and they both went on to take the first close-up of the Astro 2 in its cargo bay. This purely astronomy mission had an array of three planet Saturn in August 1980.
19 theloaferonline.com | February 27, 2018
THIS WEEK
SKIES
Celestial events in the skies for the week of Feb. 27-Mar. 5, 2018 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.
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TOMJones
O Batteries Not Included
By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com
ne of the great joys of talking to you in these pages of new blu-ray editions of a classic film is that I get to see new to me films from time to time as part of it. Talking about movies has always been a part of this column since it began in 2006, I love sharing with my readers about movies that I really want them to check out. This week is no exception and hits both of those marks for me. Last night I watched for the first time Director Tony Richardson’s 1963 claimed and Oscar-winning film “Tom Jones.” The film, which was released this week in a new two-disc blu-ray edition from The Criterion Collection, is an absolute delight from start to finish. I can’t begin to express what a truly enjoyable evening I had with this movie. The film is an adaptation of the 1749 novel by Henry Fielding, written for the screen by playwright John Osborne. Albert Finney plays the title role, and he’s absolutely delightful in it. He sparkling with a charming wit and a wink each scene he’s in. The film was a career-defining role for him. Jones is a rapscallion, born of “illegitimate means” brought up in the house he was “dropped” in—a house of a true English gent with land, money, servants and all the trappings of a British yarn of “ye olden.” Through his various misadventures, Jones is led-astray from the sights of the one he loves truly, his neighbor’s well to do offspring Sophie, played by Susannah York. Jones is kicked out of his “to the manor born” life and Sophie soon after takes off to find him, both heading towards London. This movie was such a joyous surprise. I knew some of the film’s reputation as I’m a HUGE fan of Tony Richardson’s follow up to “Tom Jones,” 1965’s “The Loved One,” which I talked about last year. “The Loved One” is such a brash and daring film, even today, and especially of 1965. The success of “Tom Jones” gave Richardson the chance to make any film he wanted, and he took full advantage of that offer. Unlike a lot of “ye olden” film adaptations, Richardson gives “Tom Jones” this amazing, self-aware, swinging London vibe. I’d even go so far as to call it “Beatle-esq.”
The pre-title sequence plays out like a silent film, and characters often break the fourth wall, acknowledging the camera and the audience, playing directly to them. The movie was a massive success worldwide, earning ten Oscar nominations, and winning four: best picture, best director, best-adapted screenplay, and best score. It was one of the most acclaimed comedies of its ear, and it still holds up beautifully. If I wasn’t laughing, I frequently found myself just smiling as I watched the picture. The Criterion Collection brings “Tom Jones” to blu-ray in America with a set that includes both the 1963 theatrical cut and Tony Richardson’s 1989 director’s cut, which trims seven minutes of time from the movie. From what I could gather, the film isn’t changed too significantly between the two different versions, minor cuts seem to have been made here and there. The biggest change would be the film’s soundtrack getting a stereo re-mix for the 1989 version. Both versions of the film are presented in a beautiful looking 4K restoration supervised by the film’s director of photography, Walter Lassally. Bonus material includes an interview with Lassally on the film’s look, a talk with scholar Duncan Petrie on the film’s impact on British Cinema, a snippet from an episode of “The Dick Cavett Show” with Finney, an interview with Vanessa Redgrave on Richardson (the two were married for a time in the ‘60s), archival interviews, and a piece with the editor of the director’s cut about the difference between it and the theatrical version. As would be expected, Criterion has knocked this one out of the park. The 4K restoration has amazing colors, there was a helicopter shot of lush, green English countryside and richness of the green was quite striking. I can’t highly recommend this movie enough! It’s a pure joy and delight from its first frame to its last. This one should go on your Criterion want list immediately. What a welcomed addition to the home library. See you next week.
I
Pop Life
By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com
t's hard to believe the first Academy Awards ceremony held on May 16th, 1929, had only 270 guests and lasted a mere 15 minutes. Compare the aforementioned facts to an attendance of over 3,000 at the modern day ceremonies that seem to last 15 hours. At the 1929 ceremonies "Janet Gaynor won Best Actress for three different film roles, Emil Jannings won as Best Actor for two film roles, and the Best Picture Oscar went to "Wings." This year Oscar celebrates 90 years of award presentation, and as with every year there were controversies over what actors were passed over and what films were ignored. Speaking of being ignored, the following actors, some alive, some deceased never won an Oscar: Charles Chaplin, Peter O'Toole, Kirk Douglas, Barbara Stanwyck, Tom Cruise, Deborah Kerr, Orson Wells, Richard Burton, Cary Grant, Glenn Close, Brad Pitt, Marilyn Monroe, and Montgomery Clift. Some of the actors I listed are still alive and have every opportunity to win the golden boy, and time will tell if they can still make it to the podium to deliver a heartfelt, and hopefully short, thank you speech. Aside from the award ceremony, many fans tune in to see what everyone is wearing, and if they succeeded or have an epic fail. After viewing the fashions, fans are anxious to see how the latest host of the proceedings fairs. Over 90 years of Oscar, there have been hits and misses when it comes to the Super Bowl of show business. The show has been hosted by everyone from Bob Hope to Chris Rock. One of the greatest hosts was Billy Crystal, but the aforementioned Hope hosted the show 18 different times, which stands as the record. Among the most miserable fails for show hosts would have to be awarded
to co-hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Their 2011 appearance was miserable,dull and lifeless no matter how Hathaway attempted to overcome Franco's "deer in the headlights" demeanor. Who would have thought such an interesting actor would prove to be a bore at hosting the show? Certainly not me. This years 90th edition of the Oscars will be hosted once again by Jimmy Kimmel, who was a hit at the 89th ceremony. I am far from perfect when predicting the winners, and I am still annoyed the Academy ignored the amazing "Wonder Woman" film, but I will nevertheless predict some winners in the major categories. After all, picking who we think will win is part of the fun of the Academy Awards. Best Picture: "Dunkirk". A truly amazing film, and director Christopher Nolan was at the top of his game. My back-up winner: "The Shape of Water." Best Actress: Frances McDormand for "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri." Frances is the front runner, but I would love to see Saoirse Ronan steal if from her for "Lady Bird." Best Actor: Gary Oldman for his amazing transformation in "Darkest Hour." Best Director: I am giving this one to Christopher Nolan in case "Dunkirk" is overlooked for Best Picture. Guillermo Del Toro appears to be the front runner for "The Shape of Water", so we shall see. Get your Oscar ballots ready movie fans as the 90th Academy Awards will be presented March 4th at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
And the Oscar goes to...
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And the
OSCARGoesTo....
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T
At the Historic Eureka Inn
CONTRA DANCE
he Historic Eureka Inn has teamed up with Derek Smithpeters of DSP Creations Unlimited, to bring the first of four Mystery Dinners to Jonesborough, Tennessee. This hilarious mystery dinner will take place at the Historic Eureka Inn on March 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24. “Funeral for a Gangster” was written by Eileen Moushey and produced for Special Arrangement by Mysteries By Moushey, Inc. Guests will be transported back in time to 1928, the Inn becomes a speakeasy, “Ruby’s Place”. Vito “The Gut” Marzetti has been gunned down in a gangland slaying right after indulging in his third serving of moo goo gai pan. Audience members gather with his surviving family to mourn the reputed mobster. Participants will join in the spirit of fun by sharing their “eulogies” for the dearly departed Vito, all while wearing their best Twenties costumes. Guests become amateur detectives, will witness dastardly deeds, personally interrogate suspects, and search the Inn for clues. A 4-course Italian meal will be served before the “services” begin. Blake Yarbrough, Inn Keeper at the Eureka, has created a delightfully decadent menu! Guests can choose from a caesar or mixed greens salad, spaghetti bolognese or fettuccine alfredo with broccoli, chicken marsala or caprese stuffed portobello mushroom, all entrees will be served with sautéed green beans and garlic mashed potatoes, the dessert is a cannoli poke cake and is served to our sleuths while they figure out “whodunit”! Prizes will be awarded for Best Costume, as well as Most Confused, and Most Creative. Tickets for “Funeral for a Gangster” may be purchased for $50 plus tax at the Historic Eureka Inn, or by calling 423-913-6100. Book an overnight stay and enjoy a lovely room, delicious Southern breakfast, and a discount. All Eureka guests will receive a $10 discount on their Mystery tickets. Doors open at 6:45 pm and dinner is served at 7:00 pm. Parking is free, located down 1st Avenue and on Main Street. For more information on the Historic Eureka Inn or their Mystery Dinners, please visit www.eurekajonesborough.com .
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he Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will hold a contra dance on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street. Admission to the dance is $7, $5 for students and children. All dances are smoke, alcohol and fragrance free. No partner is necessary. Families and children are welcome! For more information, contact event organizer, David Wiley, at 423-5348879 or visit www.historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org and Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on FACEBOOK
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THE
NERD' S CORN W
The Nerd's Corner
By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com
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MASKULINE
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___________________
Mister
By Jon Lester jlester@ theloaferonline.com
GRMC Carter County
1st Annual "RIVER RUN" 'Open House'
Saturday, March 3rd, 2018 • 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'
Art Show
Opening Reception
Thoughts and Things
recent works by Patti Lawrence March 1st , 5-8pm Impressions Fine Art, 246 Broad St., Kingsport Gallery phone number-765-9100
Style
By Carolyn Kestner
Discounts available with ticket stub day of performance
F Doggie
ashion and style are not just for us humans. You can’t forget your fur-babies and doting pet parents worldwide know it. For a look at what’s trending now locally in doggie-style, we checked in with Caitlyn Aiken, owner of Glamour Fur Grooming Salon & Boarding in Bluff City. Unicorn tails and other bright colors similar to what women rock are big, and you can try them temporarily with food coloring if you’re unsure about committing to permanent the first time. For cuts, the Asian Fusion is the hottest look and Caitlyn has had requests for them from clients already. Most clients want their pet to have the same style as them. Mohawks for the artsy and edgy, lots of pink bows and sparkle nails for the pets of bling wearing mommies. It’s not just for dogs either. Cats, rabbits and even goats can express their individuality with color and jewels. Seriously. Goats. What does your pet’s look say about you? If it’s nothing good, get a fashion makeover.
Paramount Partners
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• 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.
I was going to write you a letter Telling you how much I miss you I was going say how much I need you in my life Forever And always I would have said You are the only one for me That I would be lost Without you I was going to describe How my heart flutters
The Casual Word
By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord thecasualword@ gmail.com
How my breath leaves My hands shake And my eyes gaze When I am in your presence I wanted to tell you I have never loved Another The way I love you How you make me experience emotions I didn’t know I had I would have said that this life Is now the life I have always wanted That I was going to cherish you forever I was going to write you a letter But instead I decided to forgo shipping
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Unmailed
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Answers on page 26
Max is a 2 year old male. He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. Very sweet and friendly cat!
Reba is a 6 month old Beagle mix. She will be spayed soon and will be up to date on all vaccines. Such a cute and sweet girl with gorgeous eyes! Very loving puppy!
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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
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PETS
OF THE WEEK
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THINGS TO DO 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 – 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. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• ETSU Wind Ensemble Concert The concert bands from East Tennessee State University’s Department of Music will present their first concert of the spring semester, “Showcases: Parallels Revisited,” on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the D.P. Culp University Center’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium. In a manner similar to the fall 2017 concert, both the ETSU Wind Ensemble and Concert Band will present respective concert programs that parallel each other. For example, the Concert Band will perform Jack Stamp’s “Chorale Prelude:
Be Thou My Vision,” and the Wind Ensemble will play David Gillingham’s composition, “Be Thou My Vision.” Likewise, Vaclav Nehlybel’s “Corsican Litany” will be performed by the Concert Band and Nehlybel’s “Trittico” by the Wind Ensemble. The ensembles will be conducted by Drs. Christian Zembower and Joe Moore, director and associate director, respectively, of ETSU bands. Admission is free. For more information, contact the ETSU Department of Music at 423-439-4276 or music@etsu. edu. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Crafting St. Patrick Class Those looking for a different way to observe St. Patrick’s Day can learn how to create a clover, Celtic knot or other symbol related to the holiday in a one-day class, “Crafting St. Patrick: Smithing a Celtic Knot,” on Sat, March 10. Offered by East Tennessee State University’s Office of Professional Development, this class will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Skillville, 224 W. Market St. (The main entrance is on Montgomery St. at the back of the building). Participants will learn basic metalsmithing techniques, including sawing, piercing, filing, sanding, hammer texturing and stamping, as well as how to make jump rings and create a green patina on the metal. They will create a piece of art out of copper or brass that may be used to hang in windows or on doors, or may be worn as a necklace. Enrollment is limited to 13. The $149 class fee includes metal and other art supplies, and a list will be provided to registrants of items they will be responsible for bringing, such as
protective gear and drawing materials. Participants should make plans for lunch on their own. For registration or more information, visit www.etsu.edu/professionaldevelopment and click the “Smithing a Celtic Knot” picture, or call 800-222-3878..
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 Blood Drive writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. Marsh Regional Blood Center Jones Creativity Center. Bristol will conduct public blood drives Public Library. at the area locations. Visit tinyurl. com/n4aujx9 to find a location •••••••••••••••••••••••••• near you. In addition to scheduled blood drives, donors are welcome Big Brothers Big Sisters Looking at Marsh Regional’s collection cen- for Community Volunteers ters: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Big Brothers Big Sisters of GreatKingsport, 2428 Knob Creek Road, er Tri-Cities (BBBSGTC) is lookJohnson City and 1996 W. State St., ing for community volunteers to Bristol. For more information about make a difference in a child’s life. scheduling a blood drive at a local Spending approximately 4 hours business, church, school or com- a month with an at-risk youth munity organization, please call can help them improve in school, 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 276- their behavior and their self-es679-4669 or visit marshblood.com. teem. Our local Big Brothers Big Sisters office is part of one of the •••••••••••••••••••••••••• oldest and largest youth mentorThe Casual Word ing organizations in the United Adult Creative Writing Class States. It’s a system that has been Join us for a free, fun, engag- proven to work and transforms ing, and different look into writ- the lives of children who might ing. In this class, we will not focus not otherwise ever get the supon structure, form, or rules, but port they need to grow and sucon the freedom of writing. It is cessfully meet life’s challenges. the goal of this class to open the 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. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Adult Creative Makerspace Begin March with self-expression! The Johnson City Public Library will offer a basic collage workshop on Thursday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. in the library’s second floor Buffalo Mountain Room. Collage is a type of artwork made from assembling different images and various media onto a new surface. Participants will create a collage on a small wooden box (while supplies last) to take home and display as they wish. This workshop is free and open to the public. The Johnson City Public Library offers an adult creative makerspace the first Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.jcpl.org or call the Adult Services Department at 423-434-4454.
Cryptogram: His was a great sin who first invented consciousness. Let us lose it for a few hours. DropQuote: "The best friend is likely to acquire the best wife, because a good marriage is based on the talent for friendship."
and then do my first edit when I type it onto my computer. For some reason, I much prefer writing with a black pen rather than a blue one, and in a perfect world, I’d always use ‘narrow feint’ writing paper. But I have been known to write on all sorts of weird things when I didn’t have a notepad with me. The names of the Hogwarts Houses were created on the back of an aeroplane sick bag. Yes, it was empty.” And that is certainly nice to know. I had to look up “narrow feint” and discovered on Amazon. com that it is an English legal pad sort of paper that Amazon doesn’t ship to the United States. I have a shadow box in my living room that houses two very important objects--the black Sheaffer fountain pen and ballpoint pen that were used by my Dad. Although he has been gone for forty-three years, those two pens are a constant reminder of how he still influences my writing. My earliest writing memories involve using those two pens and my Dad’s olive green Smith-Corona portable typewriter (not the electric kind) that has been lost along the way, much to my regret. Today I use an array of writing tools. My daughter got me hooked on using Moleskine notebooks when she gave me a couple of them as a present. I never go anywhere without one these days. And I also carry a white bag filled with assorted Sheaffer and Parker ballpoint pens, along with a few Pentel mechanical pencils with .9mm lead. Sounds pretty nerdy, doesn’t it? Lest you worry, rest assured I don’t own any pocket protectors and don’t hold my glasses together with pieces of white masking tape. And let’s not forget the iPad Pro and Samsung Chromebook that are stuffed inside the same bag I use for my pen collection and clipboard with Moleskine notebook attached. And did I say I really like those neat disposable Pilot Varsity fountain pens? I really like writing with fountain pens, although they can be quite messy at times. My dad’s influence at work. I agree with Murphy that in the end all that matters are the words we write with our assorted writing tools, although I have a hard time getting inspired using a plain old Bic Pen or MS Word. I must admit I do love fooling around with some of the many writing apps that are out there. I particularly like Noteshelf, Paper, and on occasion Ulysses. And I have a soft spot for Hanx Writer, an app created by Tom Hanks for those of us who miss using a manual typewriter. Yes, this app recreates the clickety-clacking of the keys and even reproduces the little bell sound that signals the end of one line and the beginning of another. And it’s neat that one of the available typewriters is a facsimile of that little green Smith-Corona I wish hadn’t been lost so many years ago. I encourage you to explore the wonderful world of writing tools this week. But don’t forget that it’s always the words that matter in the end. See you next week.
Is there a
WRITE WAY?? Q
Kelly’s Place
By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com
uite by accident I came across a little blog by Coner Murphy on medium.com with a rather intriguing title: “The Tools of Writing. And, Why No-one Cares About Them.” So, here I am reflecting on a topic that most of us never think about. Of course, one of the objectives of my weekly visits to “Kelly’s Place” is to stimulate your thinking about things we seldom think about. Like the things we use to write with. Murphy’s blog opens with a question: “It’s said the pen is mightier than the sword but do we still need pens?” Good question and one that invites us to examine the many writing tools we use and how we are blessed with an overabundance of these tools. “Writing” can now mean much more than just putting words on paper. It might mean tapping out words on a Chromebook like I’m doing right now, using a dry erase marker on a white board, writing love letters in the sand (cue up the Pat Boone song), using a pencil to compose a poem on a yellow legal pad, jotting down notes on a napkin, or enjoying the pleasures of writing with a fountain pen. Murphy’s concern, however, is not what tools we write with, but “the quality of writing.” And I like the not-so-subtle jabs he takes at the much overused MS Word, a tool I try very hard to avoid whenever possible. In case you are wondering, I am using Google Docs to compose this week’s column. When all is said and done, however, “It’s not the tool; it’s how you use it.” Murphy describes his multi-tool method of writing like this: “Even when I write these articles, I use multiple tools for writing. I plan my articles in my notebook, I type them up on Google Docs and check them with Grammarly. . . .One of the reasons I love Google Docs other than being free, is it’s minimalist and pure-design. This design allows me to focus purely on my writing with no distractions.” At one point, Murphy uses the example of Harry Potter author JK Rowling to illustrate his point. In her own words, Rowling tells us “I still like writing by hand. Normally I do the first draft using pen and paper,
theloaferonline.com | February 27, 2018
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theloaferonline.com | February 27, 2018
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