The Loafer February 9th

Page 2 | The Loafer | February 9, 2016

What kind of a man brings his 7 year old son to a midnight jam session for jazz musicians on a school night? What kind of a man bribes a ticket taker at Neyland stadium to let him and his son squeeze through the gates without tickets to watch the big orange beat Notre Dame? What kind of a man scales the fence at Bristol Motor Speedway, walks straight into the pits, and plops his 11 year old son in the driver’s seat of Bobby Allison’s Chevrolet, and then asks Allison if he can take his goggles from the rear view mirror as a souvenir? Bill Williams, my father and the founder of the The Loafer, was that kind of man.

Dad passed away on Tuesday, February 2nd; he was 74 years old. He was one of a kind. He was a die hard fan of the Atlanta Braves, and Tennessee Volunteers. He always pulled for Dale Earnhardt. And then there was his love of music. He could play virtually every instrument, and he had an unbelievable voice. He was partial to beach music, western swing, and jazz. I don’t recall him ever listening to rock and roll. Most people will know my Dad as fun loving, outgoing, and personable. If he could help you out he would. And he never did anyone a favor expecting anything in return. He also enjoyed making introductions and connecting people. More on that later.

Bill’s life revolved around this weekly paper for the better part of thirty years - he ate, slept and drank The Loafer. While I can’t recall ever explicitly asking him why he liked the paper so much, I suspect it was because it was a microcosm of what he held dear -being out at night in local clubs and restaurants, socializing with his friends listening to virtually every kind of music. But he was more than a fan, he was a performer as well. Bill had an unbelievable voice, and he was always quick to jump on stage for Karaoke any time the Oak Ridge Boys’ “Elvira” was being sung -- he was the baritone, for those of you that didn’t have the pleasure of witnessing it.

I am most proud of what my Dad accomplished with The Loafer because of the circumstances that led to its creation; and the lesson in perseverance that it taught me. Back in the 1970s, Dad was in the retail music business, owning his own store in Kingsport, Bill’s Music Shop. He was also a modest live jazz promoter. He brought legends like Buddy Rich and The Billy Taylor Trio to Kingsport in the 1970s. He also worked for a series of musical instrument wholesalers into the early 1980s. He took me with him on the road whenever he could; he was smart enough to know it is harder to turn down a salesman when he has his kid with him.

At a certain point, the travel was becoming over-

whelming, and he ended up starting an advertising display business with some of his friends -- I think they called it the Travel Guide. My dad went door to door selling advertising space on electronic push button maps that were placed in hotel lobbies throughout the area. The company struggled, but the advertising business grew on him, and his rolodex of customers and contacts began to grow. “The best part is there isn’t any inventory,” he told me.

That company’s demise ended up being the starting point for what is now known as The Loafer.

Bill put the “boot” in bootstrap. He published two weekly newspapers: first the Gray Express, which was free, and then the Colonial Heights Express, which was subscriber based. He thought both of these communities deserved their own paper. To launch the Colonial Heights paper, he borrowed a friend’s office and cold called people out of the phone book and sold subscriptions. I just happened to be home from college for a couple of days and told him I would help, so he would make a few sales and I would drive out and pick up the checks and drop off the first edition of the paper. We sold 20 or 30 subscriptions as I remember it. What I wouldn’t give for an edition of that newspaper.

Neither the Gray Express or the Colonial Heights Express was long lived; but he quickly realized that if he spent his energy selling advertising instead of trying to grow paid subscribers, he had a better chance of success. Eventually, he identified an opening for an arts and entertainment focused publication centered around the nascent growth nightlife in Johnson City. He was ahead of the curve.

Dad worked out a deal with what was then The Rodeway Inn for free advertising in exchange for a room, and lived there for several months. On the surface, it might seem sad, but the reality is he had daily maid service, as well as a pool. He knew what he was doing.

Slowly but surely the paper came to life. I don’t recall the exact timing, but distinctly remember him laying out early issues of The Loafer in his apartment before moving to a basement space in a commercial building on Oakland Avenue. A critical phase of The Loafer came when he crammed the office into the back of Dennis Rich’s Allstate Insurance office on North Roan Street to keep expenses down. Dennis’s friendship and support were really critical at that period of time, and I spent many hours there when I was home from college, and later Nashville, where I started my career.

I don’t think I ever had a conversation with my Dad for those first 10 years that wasn’t consumed by talk about The Loafer. The most important conversation I ever had happened in 1989. I was living in Nashville at the time, and my phone rang early one evening. He was excited to tell me about a new person he just met that he wanted to hire. “She just moved here from Boston. She is 100% class, and has a ton of great ideas to help improve the paper.” About a year after that, he introduced me to that beautiful person, Sandra, who I have been married to for 22 years.

One of my favorite television shows is The Profit a reality show that features a fix it man who comes in to small businesses who are going through change, or need help sorting out problems. Some of the episodes feature Father Son battles. When I see these situations play out, I think a lot about our relationship. Dad and I fought about the direction of The Loafer all of the time. He never understood the internet, and like every print publication in the world, had to deal with the challenges it brings to traditional business. But the fact that The Loafer is still in circulation and thriving is a testament to this incredible man’s vision, blood, sweat and tears.

Good bye Dad, it was an honor being your son. I miss you already.

Rob Williams

www.theloaferonline.com

February 9, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 3

Happy Valentines’ Day

Volume 30 • Issue #8 Publisher Luci Tate

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Terry Patterson Lori Howell Beth Jinks-Ashbrook Don Stuck Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Joshua Hicks Brian Bishop

happenings 2

In Rememberance . . . Bill Williams

4

A Chocolate Fest then Dinner and Dancing

5

Did I Stutter? Drew Lynch at ETSU

7

Barter Theatre’s Season Opens with a Zany Comedy

8

Theatre Bristol presents “Love’s Labour’s Lost”

9

Annual Juried Art Exhibit accepting entries

Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger

10

Maple Syrup Making at Tipton-Haynes

11

Gravel Road & Logan Fritz at Heartwood

Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369

13

High Test Grass at Carter Family Fold

21

“Who Murdered Mimsy?” at the SmokeHouse BBQ

www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (advertising) All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof.

The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any loss of expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams

22 Things To Do

music & fun 14

Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times

24

Puzzle Page

columns & reviews 12

Batteries Not Included - Visual Wonders: Small Hobos and Murder

16

Stargazer - Major Space Milestones Not Forgotten

17

Skies This Week

18

Screen Scenes - “Kung Fu Panda 3”

21 Trivial Traveler - Backed Into A Corner 20

Mountain Movers - The Chris McIntosh Interview

25

Pets Of The Week

26

Kelly’s Place - Mid-Winter Odds And Ends

Page 4 | The Loafer | February 9, 2016

Forget Love…I’d Rather Fall in Chocolate Jonesborough Chocolate Fest Set for Feb. 13

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Tennessee’s Oldest Town is transforming into Tennessee’s Sweetest Town on February 13with a new event dedicated to confectionary bliss.

The inaugural Chocolate Fest event is sponsored by the Jonesborough Area Merchants & Services Association as a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with savory sweets while encouraging folks to visit downtown. The event is centered towards the theme of “Forget Love…I’d Rather Fall in Chocolate.”

Chocolate Fest will take place

on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with more than 20 businesses located throughout downtown Jonesborough offering special chocolate themed treats for guests ranging from chocolate covered strawberries and other fruit, to chocolate covered peanuts, rich chocolate clusters and other sweet delicacies. The event will also include a Mr. and Mrs. Chocolate Fest Contest and Candy Bingo at The Lollipop Shop. Golden tickets will also be placed in selected bags, as guests will have a chance at winning cash prizes or gift certificates to local businesses.

Folks will receive a chocolate map upon check-in at the

International Storytelling Center, where they can redeem their tickets at designated locations for chocolate treats. The tastings will consist of one or two tickets, pending on the size of the chocolate. Tickets are available in denominations of $5 and will only be avail-

able online at jonesboroughtn. org through Feb. 9. After Feb. 9, tickets will be available on Feb. 13 at the International Storytelling Center begining at 10 a.m.

For additional information about Chocolate Fest, call 423753-3819.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with dinner and dancing and support the Tusculum College band program Dinner, dancing and romance are on the agenda for the Valentine’s Day Dinner/ Swing Dance, set for Saturday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m., at the General Morgan Inn. The evening event includes a reception, free dance lessons

and a steak and shrimp dinner. Following dancing, a special dessert course will be served. Providing the music will be the Tusculum College Pioneer Jazz Band, along with special guests.

“When we decided to do a fundraiser for the band program, we were looking for a way to also provide entertainment to the Greeneville community,” said David Price, director of music at Tusculum College. “Spending a night dancing and eating good food with your sweetheart is what Valentine’s Day is all about.”

For anyone interested in honing skills for the dance floor, basic swing dance instruction will be offered immediately prior to the event from 6-6:45 p.m. by Dr. Bob and Christine Thorpe. The Thorpes have participated and competed in dance events across the southeastern United States for more than 20 years.

The Thorpes have been dancing together for 20 years and seize every opportunity to attend workshops, competitions and dance events from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati and all over the southeastern US. They have taken private instruction in many styles of dance including Ballroom East and West Coast Swing, Waltz, Foxtrot, Carolina Shag and Latin Rumba, Cha-Cha and Tango.

Ticket prices for the event are $50 per person and include dance tickets, free dance lessons, an opening reception, dinner and a special dessert. Please call in advance to request a vegetarian substitution. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets are available for purchase at the General Morgan Inn or by contacting Price at 423-636-7303 or emailing daprice@tusculum.edu. A hotel package special is also available by contacting the General Morgan Inn at 423-787-1000.

Special table reservations are available for larger group seating by contacting Price.

The Pioneer Band Program at Tusculum College began in 2010, with the creation of the Pioneer Pep Band. The Pep Band became a much-enjoyed feature of the 2010 Pioneer football and basketball seasons, as the band performed at the Pioneer Club tailgate parties before each home football game and during pregame and half-time festivities.

Since that time a concert band, jazz band, marching band, handbell choir and several small ensembles have been added to the program. The groups play several events on campus each year, as well as events in the community.

Tusculum College, the first college in Tennessee and the 28th oldest in the nation, is a civic arts institution committed to developing educated citizens distinguished by academic excellence, public service and qualities of Judeo-Christian character. Approximately eighteen hundred students are enrolled on the main campus in Greeneville, the campus in Knoxville, Tenn., and two additional off-site locations in Morristown and Kingsport, Tenn.

The academic programs for both traditional-aged students and working adults served through the Graduate and Professional Studies program are delivered using focused calendars.

www.theloaferonline.com

Did I Stutter?

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AGT runner-up to share story, humor in free Evening at ETSU At age 20, Indianapolis native and performing arts school graduate Drew Lynch had a promising career in television to look forward to. A Los Angeles transplant, he was scheduled for callback auditions for How I Met Your Mother and a Disney Channel hosting spot when, during a recreational softball game, a ball took a “bad hop” and the nerves in his vocal cords were damaged.

The result, in addition to a concussion, was a severe stutter that crushed his hopes for an acting career.

After a stint in the hospital and some adjustment, Lynch tried out a comedy routine, using his experiences with his stutter, on an open mic night at the Flappers Comedy Club, where he worked nights as a ticket-taker. Lynch has been laughing ever since.

“I feel a lot of responsibility,” Lynch says, “to show people that you can turn anything into a positive.”

On Feb. 16 at 7 p.m., Lynch

will bring his humor and his story to ETSU’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium as featured artist for the Fifth Annual Evening of Health Wellness and the Arts. The free public event is sponsored by the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, College of Public Health and Public Health Student Association at ETSU and the Gold Humanism Honor Society at the Quillen College of Medicine.

The actor-turned-comedian has been on Dr. Oz, a celebrity guest on the game show Idiot Test and was runner-up in the 2015 America’s Got Talent Season 10.

“His story is quite remarkable and it’s poignant,” says Anita DeAngelis, director of the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts. “He’s not asking anyone to feel sorry for him. He’s using his injury in a very positive way and in an inspirational way, as well.”

Lynch’s comedy routines center on his escapades as a stutterer in a phone and drive-

through culture, with the comedy pointed mostly at himself.

“That’s the type of comedy that I enjoy most,” DeAngelis says, “when we’re laughing at

STUTTER ...

continued on page 6

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STUTTER ..... continued from page 5 ourselves. He has us laughing with him.”

That symbiotic relationship between physical and mental wellness and benefits of the arts is the foundation of the yearly collaborative event at ETSU. “An Evening of Health, Wellness and the Arts taps into something that we all recognize – that we have so much commonality between the arts and health fields,” says Randy Wykoff, dean of the College of Public Health. “Many health care providers are artists of some capacity themselves and engage in the arts or are interested in them, and health, of course, is important to everybody.

“Anything that reduces stress is good for you. Anything that brings together community or brings social interaction is good for you. Happiness has got to be better than sadness. I have no doubt that this will be another incredibly enjoyable evening.”

Lynch’s positive approach has led him down many new roads, including a “Preferred Parking” tour with fellow Flappers club comedian Samuel J Comroe, who has Tourette’s syndrome. The duo – billed as “two comedians, two disabilities, one super-cute friendship” – has logged numerous performances on YouTube on

topics such as “Haters” and “Disabled Avengers.” Comroe and Lynch often hold Q&A sessions to answer questions and jest about their abilities and disabilities.

In summer 2015, Lynch began a nationally televised journey on America’s Got Talent, where he won even more hits on YouTube and the admiration of millions, including judge and comedian Howie Mandel. “You’re a golden gem as far as comedy and a person,” Howie Mandel said after a Lynch routine on AGT. Before hitting the golden buzzer to send Lynch straight to Radio City Music Hall finals,

Mandel added, “I know you’re here to make people laugh, but I can’t tell you how emotional you make me because comedy usually comes from a dark place … I, personally, in my life, have used laughter to try to gain some happiness. What you did is you looked for the light at the end of the darkness and that light is your comedy.”

Lynch’s comedy “faces ‘the elephant in the room’ head on,” says Barbara Holliday of Flappers Comedy.

“I never wanted anybody to feel bad or feel pity,” Lynch said in a WTHR-TV interview during his AGT run. “I don’t want people to vote me through because of my story …

But I’ve learned a lot about my own abilities to inspire people and move people in a way that has got a deeper purpose than just comedically. There’s been an outpouring of people who’ve said they’ve been moved or inspired and they’re going to change their life for the better. I didn’t know I had that ability.”

Everyone needs some comic relief in their lives, whether it’s through activities, pets or comedy shows, says Quillen College of Medicine 2016 MD candidate Kara Kilpatrick, an officer with the Gold Humanism Honor Society. “I know that Drew Lynch is known as ‘that guy who stutters,’ but stutterer or not, he’s simply funny,” Kilpatrick says, “and, like many comedians before him, has a great way of taking his life and finding the humor in it. We’d all be better off, and healthier, if we could do the same.”

Visit drewlynch.com for more information about the comedian.

For information about the Evening of Health, Wellness and the Arts or ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, visit www.etsu.edu/martin or call 423-439-TKTS (8587).

www.theloaferonline.com

BARTER THEATRE’S 2016 SEASON OPENS WITH A ZANY COMEDY

Opening the 2016 Barter Theatre season is the audience favorite political comedy, “Lying in State.” It appears at Barter Stage II beginning February 11.

For a decade, “Lying in State” has been locked away in the Barter Theatre vaults. Now, this madcap comedy returns with an all-star cast, directed

by Andrew Hampton Livingston, and provides more laughs than ever before.

A state senator has died in a ridiculous accident and becomes an overnight national hero. Local party leaders are strenuously looking for someone to fill his senate seat. His ex-wife is looking for a bugler to play for his funeral. Buttons, the stripper, and a host of other zany characters are looking for love, votes, the right casket and a big purple squirrel named Mel. Everyone is searching for something.

While “Lying in State” is a political comedy, it is enjoyed by all sides of party lines. Director Andrew Hampton Livingston said, “The best political comedies allow us to laugh at the games politicians play, regardless of party, and remind us that we have more in common than not.”

The cast of “Lying in State,” includes Mary Lucy Bivins, who will reprise her all too popular role as “Margo.”

Bivins calls “Margo,” whose husband is in funeral Parlor C, one of her favorite roles. Other actors featured in the production include: Tricia Matthews, Michael Poisson, Barrett Guyton, Hope Quinn, David Alford and Zacchaeus Kimbrell.

This fun and exciting comedy is a perfect beginning to Barter’s electrifying 2016 season, which will feature productions never before seen in the United States, oversized mu-

Margo, Buttons and Herb (Mary Lucy Bivins, Hope Quinn and Michael Poisson) enjoy a drink with the late senator. sicals that will razzle-dazzle you like no other, and even the first-ever regional production of the world famous musical, “Mamma Mia!” featuring the music of ABBA. “Lying in State” is made

possible by corporate sponsors TruPoint Bank and Farris Funeral Service. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.

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Theatre Bristol Presents Shakespeare’s

Love’s Labour’s Lost

An classic comedy of promises, courtship, hilarious mishaps, and true love.

Theatre Bristol is proud to kick off its 51st season with a William Shakespeare romantic comedy, Love’s Labour’s Lost, opening the weekend after Valentine’s Day at the ARTspace Theatre, at 506 State Street, Bristol, TN. Love’s Labour’s Lost will run February 19 and 20 at 7:30 pm, and February 20 and 21 at 2:30 pm. It is produced by the Theatre Bristol Youth Service Board (YSB) and directed by Ben Fitton.

Love’s Labour’s Lost opens with the King of Navarre (James Altman) and his three lords (Coy Owens, John Mullins, and Luke Gray), vowing to study while living a disciplined and single life for the next three years. Immediately after the pact is made, they remember that the Princess of France (Camille Gray) and her three ladies-in-waiting (Ashton Bishop, Anna Kimerer, and Emma Kennedy) are on their way to discuss business before the Princess’ father dies. The

men are enchanted by their beauty and begin to search for a way around their vow. Hilarity ensues as the men make mistake after mistake, attempting to win the hearts of the ladies of France, while still trying to appear faithful to their vow and innocent to their fellow votaries.

Woven into this already elaborate drama, an eccentric Spaniard (Daniel Freeman) and the Court Jester (Seth Gilstrap) are caught in a love triangle with a country maid (Rachel Locke), causing confusion to twist the plot even more. Rounding out the cast is a knowledgeable pastor (Dakota Otey), a witty page (Eden Phillips), and a skilled officer of the law (Addy Fitton). Love’s Labour’s Lost is clever and packed with fastpaced and comedic dialogue, as well as slapstick humor that will leave you rolling in the aisles.

Love’s Labour’s Lost has been adapted, directed, and present-

ed by its members. After the success of their last youth production, Pygmalion, the YSB decided take on the challenge of presenting Shakespeare.

With the help of their mentors Samantha Gray and Steve Baskett, the YSB has put together a truly entertaining comedy about love and its many pitfalls.

The YSB is a board of youth who work to further the mission of Theatre Bristol through their volunteer time, talents, and advocacy for the performing arts. The group commits to dedicating service hours at the Theatre by cleaning, organizing, promoting, and supporting the season productions while building their skills in the theatre arts.

Founded in 1965, Theatre Bristol is the oldest continually running children’s theatre in northeast Tennessee and is now celebrating its 51st season.

Its Main Stage season consists of up to five productions. Its

performances take place in the ARTspace, a multi-purpose, black box theatre which seats up to 120 and the Paramount Center for the Arts. Theatre Bristol is entirely volunteer run and the community is invited to get involved.

Love’s Labour’s Lost runs

February 19-21, with evening performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2:30.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

Please call 423-212-3625 for reservations or try our new online services at TheatreBristol.org.

www.theloaferonline.com

February 9, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 9

McKinney Center Now Accepting Entries for

Annual Juried Art Exhibition

Jonesborough’s McKinney Center is now accepting entries for the Fourth Annual Juried Art Exhibition that will take place April 15 – May 7, 2016.

Prizes will be awarded to the artists with the top three entries at the opening reception on Friday, March 15, 6 p.m. Best in Show will receive $1,000, Second Place will receive, $600, and Third Place will receive $400. Awards will be based on the actual art work by this year’s Juror, Mark Scala,Chief Curator at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville.

Scala currently oversees the curatorial and registration management of staff-generated and loan exhibitions from all time periods, both nationally and internationally. Scala’s most significant exhibitions

have focused on the representation of the body in contemporary art. Before coming to the Frist Center, Scala was curator at the Art Museum of Western Virginia, where he worked for ten years. He received his MA in art history in 1988 and MFA in painting in 1979, both from Virginia Commonwealth University. From 2008-2013, he held the position of senior guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University.

All forms of art will be accepted such mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, wood, ceramic, jewelry, etc. Jonesborough and East Tennessee is rich with professional artists and the exhibition is expected to attract entries from the many high-level and skilled artists across the region. Entries must

be original works and not copied from copyrighted or published art or photographs. Artists who submit entries must be at least 18 years of age. All entries must be original works completed within the last two years and not have been exhibited previously at the McKinney Center.

Digital submissions are due

by Monday, March 14, 2016, 3 p.m. Digital images will be organized by McKinney Center staff and submitted electronically to the juror.

Entry fees include a nonrefundable fee of $35 for one to three works of art. Up to three additional entries may be submitted for $10 each. The deadline to digitally submit entries is Monday, March 14, at 3 p.m. at the McKinney Center. No-

Charles Jones, Finding

Balance, Best in Show, 2015.

tification of acceptance/rejection will be emailed to artists

by March 25.

A prospectus and entry form can be downloaded from www.

jonesboroughtn.org. For more information, contact Theresa Hammons attheresah@jonesboroughtn.org or 423.753.0562.

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Maple Syrup Making

at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site - February 13th, 2016 It’s winter outside and that’s the right time to experience maple syrup at Tipton-Haynes. You can do just that by enjoying maple syrup on pancakes and gathering maple tree sap from the sugar maple trees on our property. Admission to the Site is free for the day.

At 8:30am, a pancake breakfast will be served by the Tipton-Haynes Junior Board and volunteers. While the breakfast is free to members, everyone can enjoy the meal at a cost of $5.00 per person. Children 12 and under are $ 2.00 and 3 and under are free. This is the perfect time to become a member at Tipton-Haynes. By joining and supporting our history, you will enjoy the breakfast for free and have year-long admission

to the Site and all its events.

Just as Colonel John Tipton might have done in the winter of 1784/85 or Landon Carter Haynes could have done in the winter of 1858/59, Oscar Wagner, assisted by Master maple syrup maker Hugh Thompson, Paul Fletcher, Roy McGinness and Mark Selby, will be sapping the trees in the woods along the farm’s creek. Tapping takes place in winter weather and does best when freezing nights are followed by sunny days. Oscar and his crew will tap from sixty to eighty gallons of maple tree sap and you can help.

After the sap is collected, the crew will cook the syrup in the shed and produce delicious maple syrup. You will

be able to taste a variety of syrups at the cook shed. The crew will follow a process essentially the same as was used in 1784. History informs us that at one time, maple syrup was produced commercially in Washington County.

Meanwhile, in the nearby log cabin, long-time re-enactor Cheryl Smith will be serving cakes and delicacies made from maple syrup just as enjoyed by our frontier ancestors. Don’t miss your taste of maple syrup upside-down cake!

Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site is located at 2620 South Roan in Johnson City, Tennessee. For more information about this event or the Site, call (423) 926-3631. Tipton-Haynes is operated by the Tipton-Haynes Historical Association and its local Board of Trustees. The Site is funded in part by the Tennessee Historical Commission, Department of Environment and Conservation, State of Tennessee.

www.theloaferonline.com

Gravel Road and Logan Fritz

Featured at Heartwood

The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail presents Gravel Road Bluegrass Band and Logan Fritz in concert on Thursday, February 11th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Heartwood in Abingdon, VA. This youth music concert is part of The Crooked Road Music Series at Heartwood.

Gravel Road Bluegrass Band is a youth band hailing from the musically fertile New River Valley area of Southwest Virginia. Since their formation in 2013, this talented group of young pickers has developed into a powerful vocal and instrumental group whose reputation and demand continues to grow throughout the region and beyond. Firmly rooted in tradition, with a fresh style all their own, Gravel Road is proud to help represent the face and future of bluegrass, gospel, and traditional string band music.

Logan Fritz is a 17 year-old singer-songwriter from Abingdon, VA influenced by a wide variety of genres including the rich musical heritage of our region. Logan blends eclectic influences such as the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, alternative rock, and 60’s era folk revival anthems to create a unique and personal sound in his music.

The Crooked Road Music Series takes place each Thursday at Heartwood. The series features youth music performers each 2nd Thursday and showcases venues of The Crooked Road region each 4th Thursday. These events, along with open jams on the 1st, 3rd, (and 5th) Thursday of every month showcase Southwest Virginia performers. The Crooked Road Music Series is sponsored by The Crooked Road with support from Heartwood, Virginia Commission for the Arts and

Gravel Road Bluegrass Band Photo by: Chelsa Yoder Photography

the National Endowment for the Arts.

Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway is located off I-81 at Exit 14 in Abingdon, VA, and features food, music, and craft of Southwest Virginia. Admission to the concert is free and donations will be accepted for Crooked

Road Traditional Music Education Program (TMEP).

More information can be found at The Crooked Road website, www.thecrookedroad.org, and at www.heartwoodvirginia.org. For additional information, please call (276) 492-2409 or email: info@ thecrookedroad.org.

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Visual Wonders: Small Hobos and Murder Two recent releases from Warner Archive made their way to my desk. If you’re unaware, Warner Archive is a branch of Warner Home Video that is dedicated to web only sales of the deepest of the deep

in the Warner Brothers vault.

Largely comprised of classic films, Warner Archive issues long out of print (and sometimes never ever in print) films and TV series on new masters to made on demand DVD, and they’ve even added Blu-Ray to their line up as well. It’s a film lover’s dream come true. This week, I’ll be talking about a DVD and a Blu-Ray. A funky little family picture dug up from their vaults, along with a cornerstone of Film Noir brought forth to Blu-Ray for the very first time. 1958’s “The Littlest Hobo” & 1945’s “Murder, My Sweet.”

There’s a lot of strange elements to “The Littlest Hobo.”

While watching the film it felt at times like a strange mix of Lassie, Homeward Bound, and an episode of Dragnet. It’s a

film whose lead actor is a dog, and there’s no overdubbing of dialog on top of this. It’s really impressive just how skilled this dog is. If dogs doing heartwarming things are your go to, you need this movie in your life. The dog, who isn’t named in the film but the credits say is named London, hops off a train in a California town—hence he

is the littlest hobo of them all.

During his adventures the dog: saves a lamb from a slaughterhouse, teaches a wheelchair bound girl to walk, avoids hungry bums out to get the lamb, avoids the cops—after being called by the dock man at the slaughterhouse, the cops literally go on a 36 hour manhunt for the dog— and teaches an orphan boy about love and hope.

All of this set to a jazz score that you wouldn’t expect for a film of this nature. It really is an odd duck of a family film. If you have kids who aren’t adverse to black and white, I could see it being a hit with them. If this has you curious, “The Littlest Hobo” is worth you time.

On Blu-Ray for the first time comes “Murder, My Sweet.”

One of the seminal film noir films, “Murder, My Sweet” is based off a novel by Noir stalwart Raymond Chandler.

It features Dick Powell in the lead as Chandler’s Phillip Marlowe—Chandler himself would later cite Powell has his favorite screen Marlowe. “Murder, My Sweet” marked a chance of pace for Dick Powell, one he had been lobbying for.

Powell was largely known to movie audiences for staring in musicals and light comedy films, casting him as hard boiled detective Marlowe was a complete 180—something Powell and the studio wanted to emphasize. The novel the film is based on is actually titled “Farewell, My Lovely” but RKO—who released the film— worried that it would sound too much like a title of one of Powell’s musicals. The posters and lobby cards for the film all had “Meet the NEW Dick Powell” stamped along the top of them. It worked, the movie was a critical and commercial success.

Everything that makes Film Noir what it is can be found here. Dark Shadows, stubble on faces, femme fatals, a mystery within a mystery at the center of it, hard boiled detective nar-

ration with lines like “Only reason I took the job was because my bank account was trying to crawl under a duck.” It’d be the perfect film to show anyone who has never seen a Noir before. In the film, Marlowe is hired by a thug to find his exgirlfriend who hasn’t been seen in a few years. That simple job leads Marlow into a web of lies and all kinds tasty darkness that should only be seen in black and white.

I’m sure some of you out there maybe wondering “How on earth can a 70 year old film be issued on Blu-Ray?” Well friends, kind hearts, and lovers—let me tell you how. I’ve been asked before how it’s possible that films made before the HD era—yet alone classics— can exist in Blu-Ray. Simple.

Film captures everything it photographs (and is beyond 4K naturally)—we’ve only lately had the technology to extract all that visual goodness from the film. Warner Archive’s bluray of “Murder, My Sweet” is a textbook example of why classic films can and should be released on Blu-Ray. In a brand new 2K master made from new 35mm restoration elements created directly from the original nitrate negative, the rich and black and white photography simple dazzles and shines with a depth and clarity that can put films even 60 years its junior to shame. If there is one film I would say should be added to your library—even if you doubt my claims of a film of this era looking stellar in HD—it’s “Murder, My Sweet.” Frankly, if you haven’t figured it out yet, I simply can not recommend this one enough.

Friends, theses dispatches of visual treats I sampled lately is all I have for you this week, I hope it has at least triggered enough curiosity to check one of the films out. Whichever speaks most to you, I think you will not be disappointed. See you next week.

www.theloaferonline.com

HIGH TEST GRASS at Carter Family Fold

Saturday, February 13th, 2016, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert of bluegrass music by High Test Grass. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free.

Formed in the summer of 2015, High Test Grass is a band that prides itself on delivering a high-octane bluegrass sound. The band draws heavily on material from both 1st and 2nd generation classic bluegrass bands and mixes in a measure of contemporary bluegrass material.

Eric McMurray is featured on the mandolin and fiddle. Mitch Bentley plays the upright bass. They met each other at the 2015 Galax Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention when both were asked to be members of a competing bluegrass band. Shortly after, Mitch contacted Eric to fill in for a few shows with a band he and Jeff Osborne were in together at the time for which Jeff was playing guitar. Eric knew Jeff through the local bluegrass community.

Eric, Mitch, and Jeff quickly recognized the vocal harmony stacking potential of the trio, so they began attending local jam sessions and scheduling practice sessions. When the three of them were ready to make the band official, Jeff recommended Kris Rasnake to play banjo, and Kris accepted the invitation.

Eric is well-known to Fold audiences. A versatile and accomplished musician, he can pretty much play anything he picks up. If you love bluegrass music, High Test Grass is a group you won’t want to miss. Solid and strong instrumentally, the group will also deliver with their tight and beautiful harmony.

Check them out on the web. For further information, go to https://www.facebook.com/HighTestGrass/. For an evening of great bluegrass music, join us at the Fold for their special concert.

Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music.

For further information on the center, go to http://www.carterfamilyfold.org.

Shows from the Carter Family Fold can be accessed on the internet at http:// www.carterfoldshow.com. Carter Music Center is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http://thecrookedroad.org. Partial funding for programs at the center is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054. The Fold is on Facebook – page Carter Fold – and Twitter – @carterfoldinfo. To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276-594-0676.

February 9, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 13

Page 14 | The Loafer | February 9, 2016

LOOSE LEAVES - TUESDAY - Feb. 9th SONGWRITERS NIGHT

at Holston River Brewing Company 6pm

THE MUDBUGS

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

OPEN MIC

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

DOWNTOWN COUNTRY at Jiggy Ray’s 6:30pm

- WEDNESDAY - Feb. 10th HADLEY KENNARY THE RESONANT ROGUES

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

DALE ANE BRADLEY at Down Home

OPEN MIC

at WoodStone Deli

- THURSDAY - Feb. 11th LIVE MUSIC at Bone Fire Smokehouse

REDLEG HUSKY

at Yee Haw Brewing Company

HOWLIN BROTHERS at Down Home

HUNTER GRIGG & LATRELLE

at O’Mainnin’s Pub

MOTEL RODEO at Down Home

TIME FURTHER OUT at Uncorked

LIMITED EDITION

(everything danceable from rock to country) at Kingsport YMCA 7pm BAKERSFIELD (Alt. Country, Outlaw Country, Texas Honky Tonk) at The Family Barn 6pm

SHOOTER

(Country, Classic Rock, Oldies) at Kgt Moose Lodge 8pm

PAUL LEE KUPFER, JUSTIN FORD, & FRANK BRONSON at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm

MOMMA MOLASSES LAURA THURSTON (Folk) at Acoustic Coffeehouse

- SATURDAY - Feb. 13th FREE FLOW at 50Fifty Sports Tavern

BROAD STREET STATION HIDDEN VALLEY BOYS

SOUTHERN SOUND

(Classic Country & Southern Rock) at Silver Spur

BEFORE THE STORM at Capone’s

APPALACHIAN STRINGS

at David Thompson’s Produce 7pm SUNDOWN BAND (Country) at Willoughby Ruritan

SYMPHONY RAGS

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm

HIGH TEST GRASS at Carter Fold

NIGHTSHIFT

(Country, Southern Rock, Oldies) at The Showplace 7pm

LAWSON GARRETT & THE LOVE’S at Bristol VFW 9pm

HOT CLUB OF THE MOUNTAINS at Down Home

JANGLING SPARROWS at Bone Fire Smokehouse

SHOOTER

at The Family Barn

(Country, Classic Rock, Oldies) at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 9pm

at Holston River Brewing Company

at Country Club Bar & Grill

WHISKEY STICKS

COPPER RIDGE

CHRIS LONG / RYAN WARD

A TRIBUTE TO TENNESSEE ERNIE FORD

GEOFF SMITH THE UNLIKELY HERO

RICHARD STRATER w/ JUSTIN DANIELS

JERRY PIERCE & THE NIGHTLIFE BAND

- SUNDAY - Feb. 14th JAM SESSION

at The Willow Tree Coffee House & Music Room 8pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub

at Acoustic Coffeehouse 8pm

- FRIDAY - Feb. 12th CROCODILE SMILE

at Paramount Center for the Arts at The Dispensary 8pm

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

at The Family Barn 1pm

COLIN HAY

at Paramount Center for the Arts

at 50 Fifty Sports Tavern

LIVE MUSIC

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

OPEN MIC

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

COREY HUNT

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

WHISKEY STICKS

JAMES MEADOWS

- MONDAY - Feb. 15th BOOTS ON THE GROUND

CHRIS LONG

OPEN MIC

at Holston River Brewing Company

at Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch

at Quaker Steak & Lube

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

at Jiggy Ray’s 7pm

BROKE & BUSTED

at Country Club Bar & Grill

Saturday, Feb. 13 - Country Club Bar & Grill

BLUEGRASS JAM

at Hardee’s (Boones Creek)

KARAOKE TUESDAY

Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN ***********************

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke At Bristol VFW - BTN Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - JCTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN ***********************

THURSDAY

Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Macadoo’s 8pm Karaoke At Holiday Inn - JCTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Everette’s Bar & Grille - JCTN Karaoke At Bristol VFW ***********************

FRIDAY

KaraokeAt Bristol VFW - BTN Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - JCTN Karaoke At Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marques At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - BVA Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN ***********************

SATURDAY

Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - JCTN Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN Karaoke at Bristol VFW Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Macado’s - Kingsport ***********************

SUNDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Everette’s Bar & Grille - JCTN ***********************

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Spotlight Directory

50 Fifty Sports Tavern 2102 N. Roan Street Johnson City Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423/434.9872 Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 620 State St Bristol 423/573-2262 Bristol VFW Post 6975 14 16th St. Bristol TN 423/ 764-0381 Capone’s 227 E Main St Johnson City 423/928-2295 Carter Family Fold 3449 A. P. Carter Hwy Hiltons VA 276/594-0676 Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423/844-0400 Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423/929-9822 Family Barn 15559 Lee Hwy Bristol VA Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100 Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton 423/ 518-1500 Kingsport Moose Lodge 301 E. Main St. Kingsport

Kosher Pickle 3900 Bristol Hwy Johnson City 423/ 979-7000 O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423/844-0049 Paramount Center for the Arts 516 State St. Bristol TN 423/ 274-8920 Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St Bristol VA 276/644-9647 Show Palace 14364 Lee Hwy Bristol VA 276/494-6610 Silver Spur RR 6 Gate City VA 276/ 452-2664 Uncorked 316 Broad St. #102 Kingsport Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423/979-6400 Willoughby Ruritan 5145 Marvin Rd Bulls Gap VA The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Woodstone Deli 3500 Fort Henry Dr Kingsport 423/245-5424 Yee Haw Brewing Company 126 Buffalo St. Johnson City

GEOFF SMITH

Saturday, Feb. 13th | Acoustic Coffeehouse

February 9, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 15

Page 16 | The Loafer | February 9, 2016

MAJOR SPACE MILESTONES NOT FORGOTTEN

While the last two weeks of January are filled with mourning the loss of 17 astronauts in three tragic disasters decades apart, overlooked during the month are several important milestones of outer space.

From America’s first satellite to the first primate sent into space to the first and only closeup photos of planet Uranus, the is a lot of spacey things to remember: Explorer 1 launched Jan. 31, 1958 Three months after Soviet Union orbited the first satellite, Sputnik, America joined the Space Age. All the basketballsized Russian spacecraft did was broadcast a tape machine recording of beeping signals— virtually no scientific value.

But America’s first satellite was also the first to do science in orbit. The six-foot long skinny cylinder of a satellite had several experiments aboard, including one that discovered the Van Allen belts of radiation circling the Earth.

Chimp in Space on Jan. 31 1961 Chimpanzee “Ham” made a 15-minute sub-orbital flight to test the Mercury capsule systems—the first primate humanoid in outer space. Alan Shepard repeated the same flight path on May 5, 1961. But Russian Yuri Gagarin made one orbit of the Earth on April 12, 1961.

Ham was retired and lived 17 more years at the National Zoo in Washington, DC.

Luna 9 lands safely on Moon Feb. 3, 1966. The Soviets had crash landed several moon probes, but this one bounced as planned and when stopped, spread out pedal-like panels to stabilize and begin taking data. The first photos from the surface of an alien world were important to proving that a spaceship would not sink or break through the Moon’s surface. America followed with a series of Surveyor spacecraft, the spindly, three-legged robots truly navigating a soft landing.

As crude as it was, Luna 9 was still the first earthly object to permanently land on the Moon.

Apollo 14 Moon landing 45 years ago on Feb. 5 1971. This third successful lunar landing mission re-instilled the faith in

the Apollo Moon program after Apollo 13’s close call with death. Commanding this comeback mission was America’s first space hero, Alan Shepard, who rode a suborbital Mercury mission in 1961 for only 15 minutes. Rookies Edgar Mitchell (85) and Stu Roosa (deceased) rounded out the crew. Shepard and Mitchell spent two days on the surface, performing two moonwalks lasting four and a half hours each and yielding 95 pounds of moon rocks. Their landing site, the Frau Mauro mountain range was covered deeper in fluffy lunar “regolith” than expected, making it hard to walk and pull their lunar rickshaw of tools and experiments. The next three Apollo moon landings would have a

car to help the astronauts travel miles from their lander. Apollo 14 is remembered for Shepard hitting two golf balls with an adapted 6 iron, and for the unauthorized ESP experiments performed by Mitchell.

Uranus 30 years ago on Jan. 24, 1986 NASA’s Voyager 2 flew by the seventh planet, sending back the only close-up views of Uranus. It took days for the data to be processed into photos, and a Jan. 28th news conference at Pasadena, California’s Jet Propulsion Lab was well attended by science writers— many skipping the routine Shuttle launch of Challenger.

Which, of course, ended tragically.

Voyager 2 spent only an hour streaking through the Uranus system of rings and moons, but its data and images are still the best we have three decades later.

Four times larger than Earth and wrapped in supercold methane gas, Uranus has a solid core interior the size of Earth, and possible exotic liquids of nitrogen, helium and other elements in layers throughout the globe.

The Hubble Telescope has been keeping tabs on Uranus during its 25 years of orbiting Earth, so we do have a data base of some seasonal changes as the planet takes 84 years to orbit the Sun. Mars Rover Opportunity 12 years ago Jan. 25, 2004 Guaranteed for a 90-day mission, American taxpayers have gotten their money’s worth from this golf cart-sized interplanetary rover. The landing was a cosmic hole-in-one as the bouncing bag that contained Opportunity rolled to a stop inside an 8-foot crater at a former sea bed called Meridiani Planum. The first photos showed

a layered crater wall caused by water sediments over millions of years. Since that dramatic beginning, Opportunity has covered 27 miles distance from its lander. The last two years have been spent circling the 14-mile crater Endeavour as the indestructible rover continues to work. There have been glitches, and for about 8 years it has been traveling backward as one of six wheels is locked and is best dragged from behind.

A sweet serendipity is the wind-blowing dust devils that clean the solar panels of Opportunity, allowing sunlight to do its thing. Otherwise, Martian dust would accumulate on the panels and cover them from the Sun’s energizing rays—something predicted to happen in about 90 days, hence the original life-span guarantee.

Opportunity’s exploration of the minerals and geology of Meridiani Planum confirms it was once a sea bed, capable of sustaining life. The discoveries and photos are well documented on the NASA website for Mars Excursion Rovers. Opportunity’s twin, Spirit, died in 2010 after seven years of operation. It got stuck and the angle of its solar panels prohibited recharging.

How long will Opportunity last? As long as it’s solar panels continue to recharge its batteries. But those batteries should be at their life-time limits. Until it dies, the Martian science will continue.

Check out the incredible 3-D panoramas, the close-ups of Martian soil, and the detailed maps of the pioneering journeys of rovers Opportunity and Spirit.

AND MORE…there are more than 20 active interplanetary spacecraft that are studying the Sun, Venus, Earth, Mars Jupiter, Saturn, a comet, an asteroid and the Kuiper Belt beyond Pluto.

The images are all available for you to see on the Internet. The experience will be literally out of this world.

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February 9, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 17

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Feb. 9th - Feb. 15th as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

The Moon begins its evening dance across the evening sky.

And as you watch the waxing phase from crescent to First Quarter on Monday, Feb. 15, you’ll notice one think about the sky—there’s more daylight.

Yep. Sunset is around 5:45 pm, and it’s not completely dark until after 6:30 pm. And when does Daylight Saving Time start? Sunday March 14th, five weeks from this Sunday. Don’t forget the five naked eye planets in the morning sky!

Tues. Feb. 9 The three crewmen of Apollo 14 splashed down in the Pacific Ocean and were the last moon men quarantined in precaution to any lunar germs. Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell walked on the Moon while Stu Roosa orbited.

Wed. Feb. 10 At 5:30 am the pre-dawn sky is spectacular as the summer constellations are on display with all five naked eye planets.

It’ll be 6 am before Mercury clears the horizon with brilliant Venus close. The rest of the planets and stars are Saturn above the red star Antares, the heart of Scorpius, and Saturn in the claws of the scorpion.

A bright white star is Spica in Virgo and high in the west is bright, yellow Jupiter.

Thurs. Feb. 11 On this 1997 date in space history, Shuttle Discovery was blasted off the Earth for the second service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. Seven astronauts worked together during four spacewalks to upgrade the telescope. On this

date in 2000, Shuttle Endeavour was launched on an 11-day mission making radar images of Earth with equipment in the cargo bay.

Fri. Feb. 12 The Pleiades star cluster is beautiful on a clear, moonless night. How many stars can you see with the naked eye?

Six is pretty easy to see, but some people can spot a seventh, eighth—even nine stars.

In binoculars you see The Pleiades is dozens of stars, all born out of a cosmic cloud millions of years ago.

Sat. Feb. 13 Orion directly to the south is awesome, and to its left the brilliant Jupiter is lodged in the center of the brothers Gemini.

Below are Procyon and Sirius in Canis Minor and Canis Major, Orion’s two dogs.

Sun. Feb. 14 Red Betelgeuse is 310 Light

Years away, a bloated, old star that is one of the largest “supergiants”—filling the orbit of Mars if placed in our Solar System. Bellatrix, the other shoulder star, is a blue giant 360 Light Years away.

Mon. Feb. 15 The Winter Octagon is on display with an amazing eight first magnitude stars and the planet Jupiter. Starting above Orion, the stars are red Aldebaran, yellow Capella, Castor, Pollux, Procyon, brightest star Sirius, Orion’s knee Rigel and shoulder Betelgeuse.

Page 18 | The Loafer | February 9, 2016

IN THEATRES NOW Box Office Top 10

In Theaters Now

“Kung Fu Panda 3” Everyone’s favorite panda is back on the big screen in “Kung Fu Panda 3”, the latest in the animated series that began in 2008. The computeranimated 3D film is an American-Chinese production and once again features the vocal talents of Jack Black as the lead character Po, Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu, Angelina Jolie as Master Tigress, Jackie Chan as Master Monkey, Lucy Liu as Master Viper, and David Cross as Master Crane. The plot of the latest adventures of Po and his friends involves the unexpected appearance of Kai (J.K. Simmons), a strong and vicious warrior who has come back to Earth from the Chinese Spirit Realm in order to capture the chi (life force) of Po and the other Masters. Other new happenings with Po include meeting his long lost father Li Shan (Bryan Cranston), and being named the new martial arts teacher to replace the retiring Master Shifu.

As is usual with Po, his new role as teacher has a rocky beginning, but eventually he begins to appreciate his role after he meets other pandas through his newfound Dad. While Po is in the land of the pandas, Kai breaks through to the human realm, and attacks Po’s home village. As a result, Po begins to quickly train his fellow pandas in the martial arts so they

Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) Continuing his “legendary adventures of awesomeness”, Po must face two hugely epic, but different threats: one supernatural and the other a little closer to his home.

The Revenant (2015) A frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team.

Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens (2015) Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance.

The Finest Hours (2016) The Coast Guard makes a daring rescue attempt off the coast of Cape Cod after a pair of oil tankers are destroyed during a blizzard in 1952.

Ride Along 2 (2016) As his wedding day approaches, Ben heads to Miami with his soon-to-be brotherin-law James to bring down a drug dealer who’s supplying the dealers of Atlanta with product.

The Boy (2016) An American nanny is shocked that her new English family’s boy is actually a lifesized doll. After she violates a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive.

Dirty Grandpa (2016) Right before his wedding, an uptight guy is tricked into driving his grandfather, a lecherous former Army Lieutenant-Colonel, to Florida for spring break.

The 5th Wave (2016) Four waves of increasingly deadly alien attacks have left most of Earth decimated.

Cassie is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother.

Fifty Shades of Black (2016) An inexperienced college student meets a wealthy businessman whose sexual practices put a strain on their relationship.

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016) An American Ambassador is killed during an attack at a U.S. compound in Libya as a security team struggles to make sense out of the chaos.

IMDb.com (02/06/2016)

can help fight Kai. Of course, none of the pandas have any fighting experience, so Po uses their own individual talents to prepare them for battle.

The training of the pandas is a highlight of the film, and needless to say the unusual fighting techniques used against Kai

completely confound him. So, not only does Po benefit from having the aid of his fellow pandas, he gets the chance to prove he can go against even the strongest of foes. The character of Po is just as lovable as in the first two films, and Master Tigress has a larger role in

the story after the other Master’s are captured. The films fighting sequences are awesome, and are enhanced by 3D. As is usual for this series, the lead character overcomes amazing obstacles in order to find the path to success. With

his Dad and newfound friends on hand, Po will no doubt be back for further adventures in the land of kung fu.

Rated: PG

B+

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February 9, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 19

Backed Into a Corner

As a tourist destination, the Four Corners Monument is rather unique.

Historical relevance is negligible, amenities are Spartan to say the least, and it’s so remote that you could say it is equally inaccessible from every direction. Located at the intersection of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, its only real draw is its location – literally.

To say it a bit more bluntly, the place’s only significance is that it marks an arbitrary point where two imaginary lines cross out in the middle of nowhere.

So, let’s start with a little background. Although the last of these states wouldn’t enter the union until 1912, the boundaries that defined them relative to one another were first identified just after the Civil War. At that time, surveyors using nineteenth-century equipment and techniques (archaic by today’s standards) figured their approximation of the correct spot and marked it with a small sandstone pillar.

They did a pretty good job too – ultimately ending up within 500 or so meters of their target.

Despite this discrepancy, the US Supreme Court (using logic and precedents I don’t have

space to go into) eventually ruled that the surveyor’s mark shall be the legal definition of the relevant state lines, despite what your GPS might tell you.

The monument came later,

and has been redesigned several times over the years, most recently in 2012. Today, it’s managed by the Navajo Nation, whose semi-autonomous territory occupies much of

the Four Corners region. But, my gosh, is it remote. You’re looking at over an hour’s drive to the nearest city of any consequence, and more like four hours to the closest commercial airport.

There’s not a whole lot there, and, honestly, it’s a pretty depressing place. The scenery is drab, devoid of cactus or any of those red rock formations you’d find in a John Ford movie. You can find a few souvenir stands where locals sell handmade crafts and maybe a food stand or two, but otherwise, you’re pretty much on your own. There is a trailer with functioning restrooms and a few vending machines, but no gas, no mini-markets, no mailbox, not even an information kiosk. If you’re interested in nearby accommodations, you better bring a tent and some bear spray. And I should know – I’ve been there twice.

Moreover, aside from the few tourists milling around and taking silly photos of loved

ones posed twister-style with each appendage in a different state, it’s obvious that the area doesn’t have much going for it. As such, I would advise you to spend at least a little bit of money at those souvenir stalls in addition to the $3/person admittance fee. Considering that the Four Corners region is quite possibly the most impoverished area of the country and is riddled with serious social problems, any way you can find to feed the local economy a bit is both helpful and appreciated.

That said, if you’re a geographer, a map-geek, or if you’d just like to see something off the beaten path, it’s a pretty cool destination. So, as long as you don’t mind burning through a tank of gas and the better part of a day just so you can have your photo taken in some ridiculous pose on an imaginary point, have at it.

One visit is probably enough though.

Page 20 | The Loafer | February 9, 2016

The Chris McIntosh Interview

If you haven’t heard of Chris McIntosh, you don’t watch television in this market and probably haven’t for the past 20 years. He is a true local who has a heart of gold and a personality that has endeared

him to viewers throughout the region. Better still, he is a local guy who is living his dream, right here at home.

BRIAN: Chris, folks may or may not know this, but you were raised in Johnson City.

Talk a little about what it was like growing up here and why have you chosen to stay?

CHRIS: I couldn’t have asked for a better place to grow up! I’ve seen Johnson City grow so much. When I was a kid, I remember I-26 being built through town, and then I got to cover the opening of the interstate over the mountain to Asheville during my time as Chief Photographer. I grew up on Dorothy Street right behind Mellow Mushroom, and my friends and I used to fish in the stream that flows right in front of Cheddars and Outback steakhouse, but back then, all of that was farm land. I went to Towne Acres Elementary for grade school, then Boones Creek Middle, and one year at Daniel Boone, before graduating from Tri-Cities Christian School. I earned my degree from ETSU in 1988, and started working full-time at WJHL during my Senior year of college. My wife Tammy came here from Indiana to attend Milligan College, and we got married in 1998, and we have two boys, Connor and Cooper.

My roots are here, and I made the decision a long time ago that this is where I wanted to work, live, and raise my family. The mountains of Northeast Tennessee are my home, I really couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

BRIAN: Now, you and

I share a common bug for broadcasting, so I understand the mindset. But for folks who have that natural aversion to cameras and bright lights, can you explain what got you into it and why you enjoy it so much?

CHRIS: I knew at an early age that I wanted to be involved in Broadcasting. I started out, wanting to be on radio, but I found my niche in television. At first it was behind the camera, I learned how to tell a story a story within a story by the video I shot for the Reporters I worked with. When the opportunity presented itself in 2008 to be a what we call a “one-man-band” Reporter, I jumped at the chance to get some time in front of the camera, and that took my storytelling abilities to another level.

That was a challenging time, as I had to learn a whole other skill set, as far as writing, oncamera reporting, and doing live shots…all while maintaining my Chief Photographer duties at the station. I also filled in wherever I was asked to… like the assignment desk, or as a fill-in Sports Anchor. The opportunity to become Co-Host of Daytime TriCities came along a little over a year ago. I asked for an opportunity to become Co-Host, and was given a shot to guest host with Amy Lynn on Daytime. From that one opportunity, I was asked to become the Co-Host, and it has been so great! I work with a great team…from Amy Lynn my co host… to Toby Laek and Jonathan Webb who are behind the scenes, and they make the show the best in the market as far as I’m concerned. I truly feel blessed to come to work each day!

BRIAN: Technologically speaking, things have come a long way since television first started. But a lot of that change has happened exponentially in the last 10-20 years. How have you adapted to stay up to date in your skills and approach?

CHRIS: There has been

so much change in the last 28 years. When I began, we were still typing scripts on a typewriter. In the field we used a bulky camera on one shoulder attached to a record deck on the other shoulder. With lights and batteries, you could easily be carrying close to 100 pounds when you went out on a news or sports shoot. Over the years, as the video quality has gotten better, the camera gear has become smaller and lighter. Now, we have backpacks that we can go live with out in the field. We have laptop editors that can be used to edit video, and send that video back to air within minutes of shooting it. As an example, when Sports Director Kenny Hawkins, Photojournalist Dave McAvoy, and I go to a University of Tennessee football game, we can shoot High-Definition video, edit the highlights, and send back post-game reaction, and all of that can happen in a matter of minutes. Things are definitely a lot quicker and easier than they used to be as far as gathering and reporting news and sports. When it comes to learning new technology, you just have to roll with it, because it is constantly changing.

BRIAN: Now this is a personal question but I know you don’t mind. There are a lot of situations and opportunities that come along with television work that are, shall we say, unique? How does your personal faith factor in to what paths you have chosen or avoided in your career?

CHRIS: Well let me say first of all, I am not perfect. I make mistakes just like everyone. Over the course of my adult life, I have made some doozies! With all that said, as I have grown older, I do rely on my faith more and more. I know that when it comes to my work, I prayed a lot when I was trying to decide whether to ap-

MCINTOSH ... continued on page 23

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“Who Murdered Mimsy?” at the SmokeHouse BBQ

Murder Mystery Caravan Presents “Who Murdered Mimsy?” an original play by Wendy Overman Meet Jake Flanagan, an average Joe who gets caught in the middle of anything but an average situation when he is hired by Langston Williams to deliver one simple package.

No one in the Williams’ household is exactly as they appear to be. As for the package Jake is delivering, well, it is not typical either!

This play offers all the elements of a slapstick farce and all the mystery of a classic “who done it?” From garden gnomes to brownies to mink coats, this play has something for everyone. It will keep you guessing – and of course laughing.

The audience interactive murder mystery and dinner

takes place on Saturday, February 13th and Saturday, February 20th at the SmokeHouse BBQ, 1941 Milligan Highway, Elizabethton, TN Seating

starts at 6PM. Tickets for the dinner and show are $25.00 per person.

For informations and reservations, call 423-547-7427.

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ETSU calls for entries from junior and senior high student film makers

East Tennessee State University’s Office of Sustainability and Department of Mass Communication invite local students in grades 5 through 12 to submit short videos for the upcoming Wild and Scenic Film Festival at ETSU. Videos should be from 1-5 minutes long and address the theme, “A Change of Course: Water and the Environment.” The deadline for submission is Feb. 22. Entries will be judged by members of Buc Films, an ETSU student film production group. Winners will be screened at the campus festival on March 19, as well as online on the ETSU Sustainability website.

The two categories for the films are Middle School, open to students in grades 5-8, and High School, for students in grades 9-12. Videos should be uploaded to Vimeo or YouTube and the link with a password should be sent to sheridanr@etsu.edu.

The national festival website explains, “At our festival, you’ll witness how individuals and communities across the globe are taking action and becoming part of the solution on issues ranging from energy, food systems, biodiversity, climate change and the protection and restoration of wild lands and wild waters.”

For more information, visit the Wild and Scenic Film Festival site at http://www.widlandscenicfilmfestival.org/, the ETSU Sustainability site at http://www.etsu.edu/sustainability/ or the ETSU Department of Mass Communication at http://www.etsu.edu/cas/mass_comm/.

Page 22 | The Loafer | February 9, 2016

THINGS TO DO . . . . .

ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old Time, Who Killed Mimsy murder and Country Music Studies mystery at MPCC at DownHome On Monday, February 15th faculty and staff from East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies will perform at the Down Home in Johnson City, TN. The accomplished musicians who make up the faculty and staff of this program have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally. They include 10-time IBMA mandolin player of the year and 5-time Grammy winner Adam Steffey, nationally recognized old-time musician Roy Andrade, Merlefest Banjo Champion Brandon Green, National Scottish Fiddling Champion Jane MacMorran, and 2013 SPBGMA Fiddle Player of the Year, Hunter Berry, longtime fiddler with Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Dave Yates, longtime session player and solo artist, among many others.

The concert begins at 8:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Admission at the door is $10 general admission for adults and $6 for students with school ID. The Down Home kitchen will be open and serving dinner before the concert.

For more information, please contact the Down Home at 423-929-9822.

The Down Home is located at 300 West Main Street, Johnson City, TN 37604.

Family Movie Matinee @ the Library

Citizens are invited to a whodunit at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., Friday, Feb. 12. Who Killed Mimsy will be presented by Murder Mystery Caravan. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m. You don’t want to miss this hilarious murder mystery!

Admission is $10, which includes a dessert buffet. Pre-registration and payment are required in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Register in person at the MPCC Senior Services desk. For more information, call (423)434-6237.

The Hot Club of the Mountains Live Radio Performance WETS-FM 89.5 Public Radio Listen: 89.5 on your FM Radio Dial WETS-FM Live INTERNET STREAM Date: Sat FEb. 13th Time: 11:30 AM Hot club of the Mountains will perform live acoustic historic swing music on ETSU’s WETS-FM Public Radio Station. The group will perform and discuss early swing music including 19201940’s, gypsy jazz and traditional New Orleans style music in the spirit of the great acoustic swing dance music tradition.

Arts Array presents

“ROOM”

The Arts Array Film Series presented by Virginia Highlands Community College is in its 45th year. All films are presented at the Abingdon Cinemall on Mondays and Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and again at 7:30 pm.

Room (February 15 and 16)

ROOM tells the extraordinary story of Jack, a spirited 5-year-old who is looked after by his loving and devoted mother. Like any good mother, Ma dedicates herself to keeping Jack happy and safe, nurturing him with warmth and love and doing typical things like playing games and telling stories. Their life, however, is anything but typical--they are trapped-confined to a windowless, 10-by-10-foot space that Ma has euphemistically named Room. Ma has created a whole universe for Jack within Room.

The Arts Array Film Series is part of the comprehensive cultural outreach program of Virginia Highlands Community College. The series is co-sponsored by the Abingdon Cinemall, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Emory& Henry College, and King Uni-

Kingsport Theatre Guild

Performers: “Same Time, Next Year” Bill Perkins - Acoustic Guitar Join us at the Washington County- Joe Tighe - Vocals, Clarinet, Sax February 11, 12, 13 Jonesborough Library on Saturday, Glen Diamond - Upright Bass In 1951, at a small California inn, February 13 at 3:00 p.m. for our Family George (Eric Hyche) and Doris (Angie Jason Carpenter - Drums Movie Matinee.

Our movie is a charming 2008 animated film which features a Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class.

“What if mankind had to leave Earth and somebody forgot to turn off the last robot?”

Our show time features free drinks, candy, and popcorn. Our Family Movie Matinee is a free event sponsored by the Friends of the Washington County Library.

For more information, please call the Jonesborough Library at 753-1800.

Guest Artist Mario Picollo on acoustic guitar and vocals will join the band for this performance and be featured on several songs.

Emphasizing early small band swingstyle playing, a stomping rhythm section, and a genuine love of the hot, bluesy, no-frills un-amplified melodies that once poured forth from dance halls, The Hot Club of the Mountains Jazz Band makes music that is dance-able, immediate in its influences and timeless in its appeal.

Hyche) have an affair. Instead of writing it off as a one-night stand, the pair decide to meet at the inn every year for a romantic retreat, away from their respective spouses and families. In the decades that follow, both George and Doris face their own personal struggles and hardships, and together they develop a level of love and intimacy that exceeds the ones found in their own marriages.

KGT, 300 W. Market Street, Downtown Kingsport.

versity.

Admission to the films is free for the faculties and students at the supporting institutions. Members of the general community may attend for $7.75.

For a brochure on the series or more information, please contact Tommy Bryant at 276-739-2451 or email him at tbryant@vhcc.edu

Fire and Ice Chili Cook-Off slated for MPCC Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will offer a Fire and Ice Chili Cook-Off on Friday, Feb. 19 from 6-8 pm. Families are encouraged to participate. Entry fee is $2 person.

Participants will sample the chilis and participate in a trivia contest. A prize will be awarded to the trivia winner and for best chili. Ice cream will be served.

Pre-registration is required. Registration is open through Feb. 18 at Memorial Park Community Center, Monday through Friday 7-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m..

For more information, please call (423)434-5749.

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MCINTOSH ..... continued from page 20 ply for my position as Daytime TriCities Co-Host. I know that when I was in news, I saw a few situations that made me question my faith, but I also saw even more situations that strengthened my faith. I know the Good Lord has a plan for my life, and I need to just let that plan play out, and not allow myself to get in the way.

I’m a worrier, I worry about things a lot. You can ask my wife, and she will say that is

career, I would be so content and happy! With that said, I am open to additional opportunities. I would like to be a spokesperson for a company, or a service, at some point…in addition to my Daytime TriCities job. Personally, I would like to travel more. Go fishing and play as much golf as possible. I want to spend as much time with my wife and children as I can, because they are an adventure! I can’t wait for the

one thing she wishes she could change about me, and as I have grown older, and I hope wiser…I know that my faith has played a major part in getting me to enjoy life more!

BRIAN: Final question, I absolutely cannot end this conversation without giving you the chance to tell us what is coming up next in your adventures! And how can folks get in touch if they have an idea for a segment on your show?

CHRIS: Well looking down the road. I’m extremely happy in my role as Co-Host of Daytime TriCities. If I can stay in this job for the rest of my

next football season to begin, with ETSU back in the So-Con, and U-T possibly playing for SEC Championship. I am looking forward to shooting those games! I love to hear from the folks that watch Daytime TriCities. If you see me at a store or restaurant, please feel free to talk with me, I love meeting people and hearing their stories. If you have an idea for a segment on Daytime TriCities , the easiest way to reach me is by emailing me at cmcintosh@ wjhl.com or via my Facebook page or give me a call at 423232-6156.

February 9, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 23

Registration under way for youth soccer program

Registration is now open for the Johnson City Parks and Recreation youth soccer program. Practices will begin the week of March 6; games begin the week of April 2. Ages 3-5 will be on coed teams, and ages 6-11 will be divided into boys and girls teams. Age cutoff date is Aug. 15. Ages 3-9 will play at Civitan Park, and ages 10-11 will play at Winged Deer Park. Teams will play a 10-game schedule with weekday games starting at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday games beginning at 9 a.m.

Cost is $25 for city residents and $30 for non-city residents. A late registration fee of $20 will be applied starting Feb. 22. Registration is available online at www.myjcparks.com and at the Winged Deer Park Athletic Office, 4137 Bristol Highway. In person registration hours are 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, please call 283-5822.

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Pets Of The Week

Autumn, is an 11 month old long haired female calico. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. She is a sweet and friendly girl and ready for her forever home!

Emma, is an 11 month old short haired female calico. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. She is a sweet and friendly girl and ready for her forever home!

The Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue recently moved in to their new 7,300 sq foot building @ 2061 Hwy 75 Blountville, TN,37617. The Bridge Home is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2002 dedicated to the welfare of homeless or abandoned animals. They provide care and compassion for stray and unwanted cats and dogs until they can be adopted into a forever home.

Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles.

Phone: 423.239.5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm-3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm.

Website is www.bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook. com/bridgehome?fref=ts.

February 9, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 25

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MID-WINTER ODDS AND ENDS

It’s time for another of my non-award-winning “Odds and Ends” columns This happens when I have curated several interesting news stories, neither of which merits an entire column, and/or “let’s throw several disparate things together and see what happens.” In any event, I hope you enjoy the following quick takes on some very interesting tidbits from my InstaPaper app.

As I write this, I am literally surrounded by our three house pets—two cats and one dog.

Needless to say, I was happy I found a Huffington Post article from 2014 that boldly proclaims, “Cat People Are

Smarter Than Dog People.”

This informative little piece boldly claims that “People who said they were dog lovers in [a] study tended to be more lively—meaning they were more energetic and outgoing— and also tended to follow rules closely. Cat lovers, on the other hand, were more introverted, more open-minded and more sensitive than dog lovers. Cat people also tended to be nonconformists, preferring to be expedient rather than follow the rules.” We also learn that we have a curious way of becoming like our pets, adopting their mannerisms, personality, and even their appearance.

The article didn’t say what people who own both cats and dogs are like. So, I suppose you can call me a lively, rulefollowing, open-minded sensitive introvert. Or, more ominously, I may be in danger of developing a split-personality.

Does this mean I can write two “Kelly’s Place” columns at the same time?

Being an armchair art historian and colorist, I was understandably attracted to a column by Geek Girl Diva (in fashionablygeek.com) that profiled people who are doing their hair to resemble famous art works. For example, why not create a brilliant red-yel-

low look to make you resemble Andy Warhol’s famous (and infamous) portrait of Marilyn Monroe? Or, how about making a hair statement that reminds people of Gustave Klimpt’s “Woman In Gold” (the subject of a movie by the same name)? One of the more interesting heads of hair is one dyed and styled to resemble Claude Monet’s famous water lilies. Hair styling may never be the same. Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” anyone? How about the “Mona Lisa Look”?

If outgoing dogs and introverted cats or art museums on your head aren’t your thing, you might be interested an a neat little experiment being conducted (no pun intended) by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, one of the nation’s oldest musical organizations, founded in 1881. According to a startribune.com column written by Philip Marcelo, the Symphony is flying in the face of a long-held expectation that a “night at the symphony usually means silencing cellphones and mobile devises before the music starts.” I applaud the Boston Symphony’s efforts to restore the arts to their former place of recognition while (at the same time). The idea is very simple—provide a limited number of iPads to concertgoers who will be seated in a special section (in Boston’s case, that will be under the balcony overhang). These special iPads will be pre-loaded with a special program designed to engage symphony patrons with that evening’s live performance. For example, while you listen to Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, you can read extensive program notes, follow along with the conductor’s musical score, and even read tweets that are being sent by another group of selected patrons. Gone are the days when no one would dare be caught attending to an electronic device while a concert was in progress. As Jesse Rosen, the

President of the League of American Orchestras, puts it, “It’s about enhancing the visual experience of listening to a symphony orchestra [and it’s] also about making the experience more intimate and creating a more visible contact between the performer and the audience, which is something younger audiences seem to value.” Of course, there are many tradition-bound patrons who will find this whole thing revolting, unpleasant, and an affront to good taste.

I can already see countless applications of this symphony experiment in other settings.

Why not include iPad tours of an art museum (something that is no doubt being done somewhere in the world)? Or how about an informative backseat tour of the area you happen to be in while someone else is driving the car? This app will of course be linked to GPS and would sense where the person who is using the iPad is located, thereby providing all sorts of informative (and perhaps intrusive) enhanced-reality information. The possibilities are indeed endless.

Could it be possible, for instance, that someone besides me could develop a Loafer app that would give you additional information, videos, etc. while you read each week’s edition? Turn to Page Three, for instance, and see interviews with business owners and authors of various articles (thanks to your iPad’s camera app that scans the pages as you read them, triggering this added content). With this app, “Kelly’s Place” could take on a whole new identity. Don’t look for this next week, but who knows what the future holds?

While you contemplate this, I will bring this column to a close without the aid of interactive content. And, besides, my extraverted dog is begging to be taken outside.

See you next week.

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