The Loafer July 10th by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Editor Graphic Arts Director Lydiah Merritt Cover Design Bill May Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis Carolyn Kestner Marques Puckett Chris Massie Office Coordinator Amanda Lane

Founder: Bill Williams Let’s Get Social!

13 Homeslice 16 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games 19 Spotlight 21 Puzzle Page 22 Karaoke 23 Things to Do

8 Mister Ghosting at Work 10 Batteries Not Included Summer Vacation 14 Pop Life

columns & reviews

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

9 Dino Park in the Dark

27 Runs, Car Shows, & Bike Nights

Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger

e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com adcopy@theloaferonline.com

6 40th season of Liberty!

25 Pet Page

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

www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com

Carnage at BMS

24 Skies this Week

Social Media Manager Jon Lester

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

Madness Unleashes the Kings of

Catwoman 15 The Casual Word Mindcontrol 18 Appalachian Wonderers Summer in East Tennessee 20 Stargazer Summer Triangle of Sensational Stars 36 Kelly's Place Tim Holt, Monte Hale, Giant Mollusks, and Me

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Publisher Luci Tate

your week’s line-up

Volume 32 • Issue #32

4 Beef 'O' Brady's Monster Truck

MONSTER

BEEF 'O' B RADY'S

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

TRUCK MADNESS

UNLEASHES T HE KINGS OF CARNAGE AT BMS

On July 14, the infield of Bristol Motor Speedway will once again become the battleground for some of the most destructive machines on the planet as eight of the best monster trucks in the world compete for glory at Beef 'O' Brady’s Monster Truck Madness. Monster trucks that will perform at The Last Great Colosseum include the original monster truck Bigfoot, fan favorite Quad Chaos, Dirt Crew, Hooked, Stone Crusher and Bristol newcomers Jester, King Krunch and Nitro Hornet. The eight trucks will compete in two disciplines: racing and freestyle, always a fan-favorite. "These kings of carnage are always a sight to behold at Bristol," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “Add on some of the other racing activities, including FMX freestyle, drifting, Megasaurus and a monster truck bus ridealong and you have one entertaining event for the whole family.” Fans should arrive early when the gates open at 5 p.m. for the Beef ‘O’Brady’s Pit Party to grab a photo beside the massive Bigfoot and meet all eight monster truck drivers who power these 2,000-horsepower brutes, purchase $10 tickets for a ride in the Sasquatch bus and enjoy all the pre-race festivities. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Family Sports Pub will provide balloons and coupons for a free kid’s meal, redeemable the following Tuesday at locations in Johnson City, Kingsport and Elizabethton, at the entrance to the pit party. There will also be a post event pit party following the conclusion of the show. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. In addition to the monster trucks, the event will feature a drifting exhibition by East Tennessee Drift, Team FMX motocross performing their high flying acrobatic show and the fan-favorite, car-eating monster, Megasaurus. Prior to the event, Bigfoot will be on display Friday, July 13, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s located at 173 Hudson Drive, Elizabethton, Tenn. while Jester will be visiting the Kingsport location at 300 Clinchfield St. Kids can eat free during those hours at both locations, as well as at the Johnson City location at 2913 Boones Creek Rd. General admission tickets for this night of family fun are $20 ($25 day of) with advance purchase. Tickets for kids 12 and under are only $5. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 423-BRISTOL or visit www.BristolMotorSpeedway.com.

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

A properly functioning thyroid gland is crucial for the regulation of energy, digestion, libido, weight and many other metabolic functions. During midlife, an estimated 70% of women and 50% of men experience symptoms linked with some level of thyroid deficiency or “hypothyroidism”. Commonly associated with “hypothyroidism” are symptoms such as thinning hair, dry skin, irritability, fatigue, lack of libido and unexplained weight gain. Without adequate amounts of the mineral, iodine, and the amino acid, L-tyrosine, our thyroid gland is unable to sufficiently produce thyroxin, the hormone that regulates these metabolic functions. Thyroid Care, a simple supplement combining these two essential nutrients, iodine and L-tyrosine, is designed to provide targeted support and nourishment for the thyroid gland, enabling those affected to have more energy, thicker hair, improved digestion and better weight control. It can make a difference! As always, we guarantee your satisfaction.

Locally Owned for 37 Years

40th season of Liberty! to open Thursday, July 12th Thursday, July 12th opens the 40th annual production of the State of Tennessee's official outdoor drama, recreating the events of the early pioneers who settled in this region. Here, near Elizabethton, TN, the "first free and independent government was organized on this continent", leading to the Transylvania Purchase (the largest private real estate transaction in the history of the United States), the Cherokee siege of Fort Watauga, and culminates in the Battle of Kings Mountain, long recognized as the decisive turning point in winning the Revolutionary War. During this exciting retelling of our regions’ history, the Fort Watauga amphitheater comes to life with the sights and sounds of the late 18th century on the colonial frontier. Nationally significant events that helped to shape the future of our nation before, during, and after the American Revolution are presented in an engaging and entertaining fashion. Liberty! is set in front of the full-scale replica of Fort Watauga and tells the stories of these important days of American history as well as demonstrating the lives of pioneers in a frontier settlement. Moreover, it gives faces to the names we see on many of our street signs and other local area designations. For example, we meet John Sevier, who went on to become the first Governor of Tennessee. We are also introduced to John Carter, and his son Landon, both of whom are reflected in the full name of the Carter Mansion, the oldest frame house in Tennessee. It is preserved by the Park and the associated Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. The amazing strength and skills of the local pioneer women are far from neglected in the drama. Another character is Mary Patton, who learned the art of manufacturing gun powder from her father. Her assistance was crucial in the defense of the settlement during the siege. Moreover, she supplied the Overmountain Men with a minimum of 500 pounds of gunpowder for their foray into North Carolina. We also encounter Catherine “Bonnie Kate” Sherrill, a lively lass who was caught outside the fort during the siege attack, and was rescued by Sevier, whom she later married. While Tiptonville was the original name of Elizabethton, as part of the State of Franklin, it was later renamed for Landon's wife, Elizabeth MacLin Carter, who also appears in the drama.

Liberty runs Thursdays-Saturdays, July 12 - 14, 19 – 21, and 26 - 28, 2018 in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton, TN. And, all of this is provided to local residents and area visitors at a very reasonable price. General admission tickets range from Free for Children 5 and under; to $6.00 for Students 6 to 17 years; $11.00 for Seniors 55 and up; and $14.00 for Adults. Members of Friends of Sycamore Shoals may attend the drama any night for a reduced adult/senior admission price of $7.00. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.TheLibertyDrama.com or at the door. First Night tickets to the opening show on Thursday, July 12th are only $9 for adults and seniors. This year, our 1st Responders Night is celebrated on opening night. All 1st Responders and a guest will be admitted for Free on Thursday, July 12th. Veterans Night is on Thursday, July 19th, where Veterans are formally thanked for their service during the show, and also with free admission for themselves and a guest. Please consider becoming a member of Friends of Sycamore Shoals who helps to support the Liberty! as well as a host of other educational park activities that take place throughout the year. Don’t be one of the many who say “I’ve heard about it, but never gone.” And, if you’ve seen it, you’re most welcome to come again. Each year we present new script changes that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seats! Support your local history, educators and preservationists; come learn about our regions history in a fun and entertaining context. We’ll see you at the Old Fields! Additional Information: Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park 1651 W. Elk Avenue Elizabethton, TN 37643 423-543-5808

sycamoreshoalstn.org tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals facebook.com/LibertyTheSaga/ facebook.com/FriendsOfSycamoreShoalsStateHistoricArea/ facebook.com/sycamoreshoals

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Enhanced sound and stage effects during Liberty! is accomplished through the use of professional lighting and sound, a well-maintained amphitheater, as well as an all-volunteer cast of nearly 100 local actors in speaking and non-speaking roles. The cast of Liberty! invites you to join us to relive the historic events, challenges, joys and heartaches of those who first made the Watauga settlement their home.

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

GHOSTING GHOSTING WORK

Ghosting has “almost become a new vocabulary” in which “no response is a response,” says Amanda Bradford, CEO and founder of The League, a dating app.

Paranormal Personnel

a s Ghosting e s b o o r b to ! t # n u n a o l y la @ p , t p ite ' u r o pe us h y If as ht j ur w 'C ig yo m an c

The act of suddenly ceasing all communication with someone the subject is dating, but no longer wishes to date. This is done in hopes that the ghostee will just "get the hint" and leave the subject alone, as opposed to the subject simply telling them he/she is no longer interested. [URBANDICTIONARY] Whether you're twenty-ﬁve or forty-ﬁve, chances are you've been "ghosted" while getting to know whom you thought was a good candidate for Mr. or Ms. Right; but, in turn, metamorphosed into Mr. or Ms. White, only after merely a few weeks.

However, "ghosting" has levitated into the workplace, and companies, coworkers and bosses are not having it—not on tonight. You may be a Sales Rep consulting with a new—or quite possibly a once reliable client—and unexpectedly stopped responding to your ﬁfth email, your eighth "Hello"s (via text) and your tenth phone call; or even more peculiar and worse: a potential employee who you interviewed four times to end up vanishing.

Michelle Madhok, CEO and founder of sheﬁnds.com, says,"Job candidates have been ghosting lately. There was a woman we interviewed several times. She came in, did a presentation and expressed excitement in a follow-up email. I was going to make her an offer, but she vanished. She wouldn't respond to the recruiter either. I don't get it. Just say you are going somewhere else or decided to do something different!" [FORBES]

THE LOAFER | MISTER

Ghostbusting So, now what do you do with your "Paranormal Personnel"? Well, once you've been ghosted, there really isn't much you can do; however, there are a few measures you can take to prevent from being ghosted.

As an employer, ensure that your workplace emotes open communication; when a potential employee arrives for the interview, they're visually and verbally given an example of the kind of company you run and what you expect from them.

When it comes to your clients, communication will also be beneﬁcial; along with a good relationship embedded at the very beginning. When trust and open communication is placed on the foundation, the likelihood of it remaining is very high.

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Bring your flashlights and your courage ! The powers out and the dinosaurs are on the loose ! It's after hours at Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park and a volcanic eruption has the dinosaurs all riled up! Sneak through the park and discover the mystery of dinosaurs in the dark, here the sounds of the T-Rex crashing through the trees as the sirens signal a warning. See park staff trying to recapture escaped dinosaurs! See trees alive with fireflies and escape the fire erupting volcano! Every Fri-Sat night in July, weather permitting, thunderstorms and heavy rain will cancel the event on those nights. Reservation info : 10.00 per vehicle (van ,car ,truck ( no buses unless by special arrangement please! ) $10.00 reserves your spot, payable via paypal or cash at the Park. Volunteers needed if anyone would like to help out message here or email. Kid Friendly Event. For more information contact Backyard Terrors, 1065 Walnut Grove Road Bluff City. backyardterrors@gmail.com

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Summer Vacation

My wife and I were sitting around the other night playing a game of Scrabble. Scrabble, has it has been for many years, is our love language. We take it very seriously and our games can sometimes become tense. Scrabble has almost caused us to divorce thrice. This was not one of the occasions when one of our games was a blood match. This was a casual, relaxing game on a Tuesday night. As my wife placed her second triple word score down on the board, she remarked: “We should take Lemuel on vacation this year.”

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

Sheila was right, it had been a number of years since the family had been on vacation, and the last time we went on a vacation with our son Lemuel, he was still quite young. Oh, sure, there had been the occasional weekend in Gatlinburg, but no weeklong getaways like a proper vacation. We wondered about where we should go. The beach came to mind, but it would be so crowded. Lemuel is now well into his moody, teenage years, where all he wants to do is yell at me and listen to “Quadrophenia” in his room alone. My wife has always wanted us to rent an RV and go camping, she brought the idea up and I thought it sounded like a good plan. We even packed a separate tent so Lemuel could have some space of his own if he wished— though my eyes did flash of all the local newspapers being covered with the headline “Beloved Local Grimace Impersonator Forces Child to Sleep in Tent.” Then I would have to tweet “Fake News,” wind up getting elected President, therefore ruining my five-year plan. I left the rental of the RV up to Sheila, she got us one that wasn’t too big, but not too small. I’ll be the first to admit the thought of attempting to navigate a massive RV around the roads and into a campground filled me with a terror I hadn’t felt since I last watched “Return to OZ.” We all loaded up into the RV on a bright, hot morning and took off for the campground in North Carolina. Lemuel was mostly quiet during the ride. My wife and I sang along to whatever came on the radio as we drove along. It was Satellite radio so we kept it on the ‘40s channel. I think Lemuel grew tired of hearing us yell “Pennsylvania 6-5000!” again and again. We made it to the campground, got checked in, and I got all the things that needed to be hooked up on the RV hooked up. I took a shower after we got settled, as I had an odd desire to be the first one to shower on our mobile vacation spot. After a brisk shower, I joined my family outside the RV to grill up dinner. It was getting to be dusk, it was beautiful outside and the fresh air was most stimulating. What I didn’t see, or even think about, was that taking my shower washed off all the mosquito repellant spray that I had applied early. In my haste to grill meat in nature, I didn’t stop to re-apply any. As I was caught in the majesty of nature, the joy of my family, and the low key resentment coming from my son—I didn’t notice that I was becoming a party platter for mosquitos. The next morning I woke and was covered in bites, I was itching and twitching as if I was about to transform into The Wolf Man. I thought of how it must have been for them the night prior. “He’s pasty, he’s warm, he’s big—it’s Thanksgiving.” Sheila helped me apply many a bottle of lotion and soothing ointments to the bites, and the rest of the trip was mostly incident free. Lemuel even put down his Nintendo and enjoyed family time with us—something that is becoming increasingly rare these days. Overall, it wasn’t the worst vacation, nor the best. But it was an experience I doubt any of us will forget. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

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Well, everything about singing, I learned from busking. Everything I learned about songwriting, I learned from busking. - Glen Hansard

Kim Prater is the proprietor of two local businesses, both called HomeSlice. What gets confusing is that many folks around here still call each location by its original name. In Bristol, it is Lilley’s Market and in Abingdon it is Treasure Island. Lilley’s was in business on State Street for over 60 years and Treasure Island was in Abingdon for a long time too. Mr. Prater doesn’t care much what you call the place as long as you stop by and experience his 5-Star Comfort Food. HomeSlice in Abingdon has been going strong for five years now while the Bristol location just opened two months ago. Both places have the same menu. Just what is 5-Star Comfort food? I have experienced it firsthand and can tell you unequivocally that it is great home cooking. I had the Philly cheesesteak and the fish sandwich. Both were large and quite delicious. Both locations serve breakfast and their biscuits and gravy is top notch. Their desserts are all homemade, they hand pat their burgers and use cast iron skillets for the cornbread and pineapple upside down cake. The Bristol location kept the original Lilley’s signs and a lot of their decorations. John Spears, the building owner, wanted to keep the nostalgia effect going even though the inside has been remodeled with new kitchen equipment. He even put the old original outdoors sign on the wall inside after getting it rewired and operational. For a trip down memory lane while enjoying great food, you need to head over to HomeSlice. I’ll see you there!

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theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

t a C

! n a m wo

2002 was the year the show “Birds of Prey” hit television, and Catwoman was featured in several scenes in the shows intro and revealed to have married Batman, with the two having a daughter who became a For many months comic book fans heard and read about the hero named The Huntress. The actress in the intro scenes was never engagement and pending wedding of Batman and Catwoman. The revealed, but she really looked awesome. What a missed opportunity. event was scheduled for July 4th when the latest edition of the “Batman” comic was released. There were many against the union, *Halle Berry (“Catwoman 2004 movie)- The first problem with this including The Joker, so the road to the alter was rocky. Did the portrayal (among many) is the fact the character in the film is NOT Selina wedding go as planned? I will leave that up to you to find out. With Kyle, but someone named Patience Phillips. There is also no mention of all the attention given to her romance and complicated relationship Batman (!) in the film, and this Catwoman has metahuman powers. If we with Batman since her debut in 1940, and her new solo comic book had never seen or heard of Catwoman before, this may have had a bit coming up, I have decided to take a look at the portrayal of the of potential, but alas Warner Brothers chose to change history and no character of Catwoman/Selina Kyle in the live action format and one bought it. Catwoman’s costume was “interesting”, and the film had rate the performances. I will rate each performance with cat paws a weak villain and choppy script. Poor Berry did her best to no avail, and (of course!), with the 4 paws being the highest rating. WB wasted an iconic character in this major misstep. 2 paws *Julie Newmar (“Batman” television series)- Newman is the mother of live action Catwoman, and she played the character on the show from 1966-1968. She really made the character her own, and added sass, humor and danger to her portrayal. Newmar had amazing chemistry with Adam West (Batman), and will always be the first and one of the best of the Catwomen. 4 paws

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*Anne Hathaway (“The Dark Knight Rises 2012 film)- Catwoman made a triumph return to the big screen in the Christopher Nolan directed third film of his “Dark Knight” trilogy. Even though she is only referred to as Selina Kyle in the film, we all know she is Catwoman. To date, this is the most accurate theatrical version of the character many fans, including myself, love from the comic books. Kyle is a cat burglar in the film, and develops a romance with Batman/Bruce despite betraying him early in the film. Eventually Catwoman comes to the aid of Batman, and the two fight against villain Bane. Hathaway’s costume takes elements from the comic books, and Newmar’s costume, even though her “cat ears” double as eye goggles. Hathaway rocks in the role. 4 paws

*Eartha Kitt (“Batman television series)- When Newmar left the show, Kitt took over the role in 1968, and took the role in a slightly different direction. Kitt was a bit more villainous that Newmar, and often seemed a bit too mean. However, no one could purr like Kitt. Just pull up a scene with her on YouTube and you will see what I mean. 3 paws *Camren Bicondova (“Gotham” television series)- Bicondova co-stars in the Fox series as Selina Kyle/Cat in her early years. When the show *Lee Meriwether (“Batman” 1966 movie)- With Newmar unavailable began in 2014, Kyle and Bruce Wayne are both very young, and as the for the big screen version of the television series, Meriwether took show is about to have its 5th and final season, I’m certain we will see over the role. In this version Catwoman is also referred to Miss a fully developed Catwoman by the series end. Bicondova began with Kitka, and has a Russian accent better suited to a James Bond all the Catwoman traits we know, and eventually donned a leather style movie. She had the same costume as Newmar, carried around a costume and mask on occasion. She has the usual complicated comic black cat, and tried her best to hiss appropriately. Her performance book accurate relationship with Bruce, and is one of the many highlights is the weakest of the 1960’s Catwomen and thankfully she never of the show. Bicondova is a kitten with claws. 4 paws returned to the role. 2 paws >If you have seen the “Justice League” film, you may have noticed the ending features a cameo by Kyle wearing sunglasses and being hauled *Michelle Pfeiffer (“Batman Returns”)- Catwoman made a splashy off to jail after being captured by Wonder Woman. What did Kyle attempt return to the live action format in the 1992 Tim Burton directed to steal? A cat sculpture of course! I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of sequel to the 1989 “Batman” film. Her costume was skin tight and Catwoman on the big screen. Meow. shiny, and she had a lethal whip to fight with. In the film, even though Selina/Catwoman has a strong attraction to Bruce Wayne/Batman, she is almost a total villain after and accident “transforms” her into Catwoman. Pfeiffer is amazing and sexy in the role, and steals the film from her co-stars. The major problem I have with this version By Ken Silvers of Catwoman would be how she is presented as a bit psycho, which she has never been in the comics, thus causing her to lose a paw ksilvers@theloaferonline.com in my rating. Nevertheless, the role is one of Pfeiffer’s best. 3 paws

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theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

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theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games July 12-15

Scotland returns to Grandfather Mountain July 12-15 for the 63rd annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Boasting bagpipes, Scottish athletics, Highland melodies, Celtic cuisine, crafts aplenty and tons of tartans, the Games hearken back to the rich cultural traditions of Scotland in a setting not so different from the mountains and glens some 3,600 miles away. The event begins Thursday afternoon, July 12, with border collie sheepherding demonstrations, Celtic entertainment, the running of “The Bear” and the opening ceremonies.“The Bear” pits approximately 700 runners against the steep switchbacks of Grandfather Mountain in a five-mile run that climbs 1,568 feet from the town of Linville to the mountain summit. It’s followed Saturday by another test of extreme endurance as the Grandfather Mountain Marathon winds from Appalachian State University in Boone to the site of the Games in Linville. But the Games truly get under way at the torchlight ceremony on Thursday evening, where representatives of more than 100 clans announce their families’ participation in the gathering. The “raising of the clans” proclaims that they have once again convened to celebrate their heritage. Guests often bring dinner or purchase concessions at the field to enjoy a picnic at the opening ceremonies. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are filled with competitions in traditional heavyweight Scottish athletic events, highland dancing competitions, bagpipe band parades, piping, drumming and harp com-

petitions, sheepherding demonstrations by Scottish border collies and concerts, featuring a colorful soundscape of Celtic music. The nation’s top Scottish athletes clash Saturday in traditional heavyweight events, such as “Turning the Caber” and “Tossing the Sheaf.” In the caber toss, athletes flip a telephone pole-sized log end over end. The sheaf toss challenges athletes to loft a 16-pound sack of hay over a bar more than 20 feet high. Other ancient tests of strength await the contestants, including highland wrestling, the hammer throw and various weight throws. Events are repeated Sunday for amateurs and athletes 40 and older, in addition to the “Kilted Mile,” clan caber toss and clan tug-of-war. For the wee ones, the Games will again host youth highland wrestling clinics and competitions, foot races and tug-of-war battles.

Music

For 2018, event organizers are tuning up the Games’ musical offerings. Friday nights’ Celtic rock show includes sets by Seven Nations, Nic Hudson, Rathkeltair, Scottish Octopus and Blue Ridge Brass, while the Saturday Celtic sessions feature Alasdair White, Ed Miller, Chambless and Muse, Seamus Kennedy and Piper Jones Band. Other performers throughout the weekend’s daytime musical offerings include Billy Jackson & Gráinne Hambly, Atlantic North, Brothers McLeod and Marybeth McQueen. For more information, call (828) 733-1333, or email gmhginfo@yahoo.com.

History in Action

Throughout the weekend, visitors can learn about their own Scottish ancestry and genealogy at clan tents or browse the open-air market for Gaelic and tartan gift items. Guests can take a taste of tradition with a variety of concessions, including Scottish meat pies. The Scottish Cultural Village will also return, hosting experts to discuss or demonstrate numerous aspects of Scottish culture, including blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, athletics, piping and drumming, dancing and more. Presentations will take place every 30 minutes throughout the weekend.

If You Attend

Adult admission to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is $15 Thursday, $20 Friday, $30 Saturday and $15 Sunday. Tickets cover all activities in the meadows, which last from early morning to midnight Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $5 each day for children ages 5-12, and children younger than 5 enter free. Tickets for Thursday night’s opening ceremonies are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Tickets for the Celtic rock concert only (no Friday Games activities) are $15 for adults or $5 for children (ages 5-12). The Saturday night concert is also $15 for adults and $5 for children (ages 5-12). This does not include admission to the Saturday Games activities. Tickets purchased on site must be paid with cash, and credit cards will only be accepted at the Games’ main entrance gate.

PHOTOS CREDITS Halvorson: Photo by Skip Sickler | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Parking is available at the Games on Thursday and Friday on a first come, first served basis, with overflow parking at shuttle lots in Linville Friday only (no shuttle buses run on Thursday). Public parking is not available at the Games on Saturday and Sunday. Shuttle service is provided for a fee between MacRae Meadows and satellite parking areas in Linville, Newland and Boone. Shuttle fees vary depending on the distance between the lots and MacRae Meadows, costing $5 for Linville and Newland and $10 for Boone.

brent: Photo by Skip Sickler pipers: Photo courtesy of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Questions?

For more information about the Games, visit www.gmhg.org, or call (828) 733-1333. For lodging and travel information, contact the High Country Host visitor center at (800) 438-7500 or highcountryhost.com.Ă&#x;

17 theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Four-day passes are also available by calling (828) 733-1333. Adult passes are $75 (including shuttle), and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passes are $30 (also including shuttle).

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

n i r e m m u S . . . , Ah . . . e e s s e n n e T t Eas For many of us, the next couple of months hold some of our dearest memories throughout the year. Churning homemade walnut ice-cream on the front porch, attending neighborhood barbecues, blasting off fireworks as the kids watch with sparklers in hand, hiking to waterfalls, and lazy mornings spent fishing on the lake. The garden is finally coming in, with fresh corn on the cob every night, baskets of green beans waiting to be snapped, and tasty blackberry cobbler for dessert. You go to sleep with the window cracked so you can hear the cicadas and katydids singing their evening melodies. Yes, summer in Tennessee is wonderful, but there is one thing that always seems to make people forget about how much fun it can be…the heat. Over the last few weeks, much of the country has experienced record heatwaves. Of course, it doesn’t help with us having that good ‘ole humidity approaching the hundred percent mark. While it may make our Smoky Mountains smoky, it does nothing but make life miserable for those of us stuck down here in the valley. Folks have a few ways they can combat the high temps. You may choose to hover in front of an air conditioner inside and watch a hundred new videos of wannabe chefs frying eggs on their sidewalk or baking cookies on their dashboards. You’ll also watch your electric bill rise faster than the thermometer. A far more fun way to beat the heat is by visiting one of the many waterparks scattered throughout our region. With it being the South, there are a LOT! Wetlands Water Park - Many of us don’t have time to drive hours away to waterparks in neighboring states. For those late afternoons after work where you’ll do just about anything to cool down, Wetlands is the perfect local escape. A splash area, waterslides, and lazy river cover just about all the waterpark basics. Volleyball courts, a full-service cafe, and plenty of chairs for sunbathing round out the amenities here. Keep an eye open for special events offered throughout the week, from swimming lessons and discount days to Fun for

All Fridays which include an outdoor movie for the whole family. Tickets are $9 for children and $12 for adults who don’t have a season pass.

Dollywood’s Splash Country - Arguably the best-known waterpark in the region, Splash Country offers enough fun to keep you busy for an entire day. Relax in the wave pool, brave the plunge of Fire Tower Falls, and ride the first water coaster in Tennessee! While the park hasn’t added anything new this year, 2017 saw the opening of Tailspin Racer, a six-lane racing slide which only adds to the park’s collection of thrill slides. Tickets are a bit steep at $49, but locals are much better off purchasing a season pass so they can enjoy the fun all summer! Wilderness at the Smokies - This sprawling resort sits just a few miles up the road from Dollywood’s Splash Country and features three mini waterparks, one of which is indoors. New for 2018 is Treehouse Springs, an interactive kids play area featuring water cannons, dumping buckets, and waterfalls. Exciting slides include The Wall, Cyclone Racers, and Wild Vortex (a drop pod slide). Day passes are not available here, so potential visitors will need to book a room at the resort to take part in the fun. Kentucky Splash Waterpark - Located in Williamsburg, this family waterpark is located only a few miles north of the state line. Here you’ll find all the regular offerings, from wave pools and lazy rivers to some not-so-standard attractions, such as Kentucky Falls Miniature Golf. Tickets are surprisingly cheap, with $10 entry for everyone over two years old. Nashville Shores - This park has perhaps the best setting, being located on Nashville’s J Percy Priest Lake just a few miles from downtown. A plethora of modern slides sporting names such as Music City Racers and Tennessee Twisters offer thrills for the adventurous. Nearby, the sandy beach entices those looking for a more relaxing experience. New for the season is Aqua Park, an inflatable obstacle course on the lake which looks like something from the tv show Wipeout. Guests can also rent cabanas, jet skis, and pontoon boats to enjoy even more time at the sprawling resort. Six Flags White Water - Atlanta is home to region’s largest waterpark, boasting 69 acres and dozens of attractions. Just a few miles from Six Flags Over Georgia, White Water is included in the Six Flags Membership and makes a worthy destination in itself. For the biggest thrill, visitors should check out Dive Bomber, a ten-story slide where the floor drops out from beneath you, as well as Wahoo Racer. The park also offers dive in movies on a

weekly basis, with fun titles such as Star Wars and Pixar films. There are several other great waterpark destinations just a few hours away which make great weekend getaways. Alabama Splash Adventure in Birmingham features amusement park rides and a combined waterpark. 2016 saw Carowinds open Carolina Harbor, a massive complex included with admission to the regular theme park. Lastly, Louisville’s Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay has become one of the best waterparks in the area, with new attractions each and every year. As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, the park has an amazing offer for out-of-state visitors. $39 gets you in the park for two days and includes free drinks the duration of your visit! Check out kentuckykingdom.com for this great discount!

Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

- TUESDAY - July 10 -

- FRIDAY - July 13 -

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 - July 14 -

Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

The Jae Marie Project Band Wild Wing Cafe

Steve Rutledge & the Groove Wild Wing Cafe

Bulls Eye Band Buffalo Ruritan

The Guido Au’some Show O’Mainnin’s Pub

The Reppertons / As A Friend / Porno Arcade / Washed Up Capone’s

Arm The Witness Capone’s

Donny and the Dry Heavers Model City Tap House

Sang Sarah / 1134 / Electric Phantom The Hideaway

Soul Swagger CJ’s Sports Bar

Shooter Band Elizabethton Moose Lodge

Mick Kyte

- WEDNESDAY - July 11 The Red Clay Strays Down Home Open Mic The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Open Bluegrass Jam Gypsy Circus Cider Company Mark & Scotty O’Mainnin’s Pub HB Beverly Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill Open Mic Woodstone Deli

- THURSDAY July 12 -

The Tillers Sleepy Owl Brewery Andrew Scotchie and The River Rats The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Borderline Quaker Steak & Lube Southern Countrymen Band Outdoorsmen Club Retroville Sonny’s Cafe Bill & The Belles Founders After 5 Hunter Grigg Gypsy Circus Cider Company Under The Table Band Painter Creek Marina Wyldeheart Lakeview Marina Marker II

Jam w/ PJ Anderson Wellington’s Restaurant

Pulp Fiction Country Club Bar & Grill

Eilen Jewell Abingdon Market Pavillion

Acoustifried Woodstone Deli

The Tides Tupelo Honey Cafe

Below 7 O’Mainnin’s Pub

Nerve Endings / Late Bloomer The Hideaway

Members Only Twilight Alive Concert Series

Matt Smile O’Mainnin’s Pub

Beth Snapp Capitol Theatre

Mark Larkins Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Rusty Steel w/ Quarter Bounce Woodstone Deli

415 in Progress Woodstone Deli

Benny Wilson Band Holston River Brewing Company

Open Mic Bears Bar

Ali Randolph CJ’s Sports Bar

Victor Lawson & Boogie Chillin Band Quaker Steak & Lube Southern Countrymen Band Willoughby Ruritan Nightshift Band Show Palace Kristi Stanley & Running Blind Carter Family Fold Rusty Steel & Quarter Bounce Bristol VFW Post 6975

- SUNDAY - July 15 Beth Snapp Main Street Brews & Tunes Ivy Road Lakeview Marina Marker II

- MONDAY - July 16 Rebecca Lee Daniels Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill Singer & Songwriter Nite Bears Bar

Hikers Jamboree Rocky Fork State Park Coal Creek Painter Creek Marina Ali Randolph Lakeview Marina Marker II 3.0 Country Club Bar & Grill Retroville Laurel Marina Acoustifried Holston River Brewing Company Powderkeg Outlaws Sonny’s Cafe Shades of Grey O’Mainnin’s Pub Collateral Jamage Woodstone Deli

Want more? visit us at theloaferonline.com

Wyldeheart Quaker Steak & Lube

Mipso Down Home

Bears Bar

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Spotlight

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

SummerTriangle of

SensationalStars

Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

You don't need a thermometer hovering around 90 degrees to know it's summertime...just look up at the night sky! The three bright stars of the sky “asterism” called the Summer Triangle are beginning to dominate the night when darkness settles in around 10 pm. An asterism is a pattern of stars that are part of a constellation of several combined. Look north these nights and you’ll see the most famous asterism, the Big Dipper, hindquarters of Ursa Major. When it gets dark, before 10 pm, face north and look up toward the east. The corners of a celestial triangle will be marked out by three bright stars, each in a different constellation. Watch in the twilight as they pop out from the azure blue. The northern most star is Deneb (Da-NEB) in Cygnus the Swan. The brightest member of the triangle, Vega (Vee-GA or Vay-GA) is in Lyra the Harp. And the southern point is marked by Altair (All-TARE) in Aquila the Eagle. Each star is unique in size, distance and energy output, and the asterism, star-pattern they make straddles the Milky Way. The Summer Triangle is easily seen from just about any skies, including light polluted parking lots and neighborhoods. Like all stars, these celebrated three are unique suns that just happen to be around our stellar neighborhood of the Milky Way in a line of sight that makes And like all the several dozen brightest stars of the night skies, the starlight of Vega, Deneb and Altair have been recorded by the eyes of humans since antiquity. They have been given different names by the ancient stargazers of Mesopotamia, Asia and Egypt, filled with tributes to mythological heroes. Vega is a brilliant, bluish-white star and one of the closest to Earth, just 26 Light Years away. That means the light we see hitting our retina tonight left Vega in 1992. A Light Year is the distance light travels in a year at 186,000 miles per second, or about 6 trillion miles. Vega was the first star photographed through a telescope in 1850 at Harvard University.

s our Sun swings around inside one of the four A spiral arms of our Milky Way, we are heading toward Vega at 40,000 miles per hour. At 156 trillion miles away, and just under one million miles a day closer, the Sun will take more than 500 thousand years to reach Vega. Vega was also the North Pole star some 12,000 years ago, and as Earth's axis wobbles around every 26,000 years, it will be the pole star again in 14,018 A.D. Vega is a powerful, young star, less than one-fourth the age, but emitting 50 times the energy output of our only slightly smaller, 5 billion-year-old Sun. At 0.03 magnitude, it is the 5th brightest of all the stars in the sky, just a fraction brighter than 0.04 mag. Arcturus of the constellation Boötes, setting in the west around midnight. Astronomers are looking for a planetary system around Vega, as it has a cloud of dense matter circling it like an early version of our Solar System. They suspect at least one planet the size of our giant Neptune is orbiting Vega! The northern most star of the Summer Triangle, Deneb, is one of the most powerful stars in the sky. A magnitude fainter than Vega, Deneb has an incredible energy output that is 70,000 more powerful than our Sun. But the supergiant Deneb is very far away at 1,800 Light Years distant. It is so huge that if placed where our Sun is, Deneb would swallow up the orbit of Venus in our Solar System. Imagine Deneb being as close as our close neighbor Vega and we'd have a star easily visible in the daytime and casting a shadow at night. Deneb is an Arabic name meaning “tail,” and that is where it is in the giant star-pattern Cygnus the Swan that flies down the Milky Way. This is also the top star of another asterism for Cygnus, the “Northern Cross.” The southern star of the Summer Triangle is Altair in Aquila the Eagle, among the top 50 closest stars to our Sun, that's why it appears so bright. At just 17 Light Years away, we bathe in its starlight as it appeared in 2001. Altair is the 12th brightest star in the sky at 0.77 mag. and looks white. The constellation Aquila is a miniature version of the Northern Cross asterism of Cygnus,

looking like a small bird, or eagle, to the ancient stargazers. Indeed, the Arabic word Altair means eagle. w Altair is slightly larger than our Sun. But where our 800,000-mile-wide Sun rotates around once every 25 days, Altair spins on its axis every 6.5 hours! That makes the star have a huge bulge at its equator, it is twice as wide as it is tall! The shape of Altair will be defined in images for the first time by the powerful Webb Space Telescope when it is launched in 2020. These brilliant stars and their constellations are the subject of folklore and myths of ancient civilizations. Cygnus is said to be the god Zeus in disguise to help him seduce Leda of Sparta. Aquila was a pet bird of the Greek god Zeus. And Lyra was the musical lyre given to Orpheus by Apollo. The Summer Triangle is with us the rest of Summer until late fall, and the pattern is fun to watch wheel over head as the warm, late night hours of the Summer of 2018 bring unexpected pleasures to the inquisitive mind staring at the cosmos. When looking at starlight, remember photon packets of light act like wavelengths (its color) and a particle (reflecting off objects). So, a photon of starlight enters the eye and we see its color while as a piece of that star enters our body. Think about that while under the spell of the Summer Triangle.

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Kara ke TUESDAY

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Karaoke w/ Crossroads & Josh Blevins at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke at Zachary’s Steakhouse Family Night Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at The Cave

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Michael’s Krazy Karaoke at Marx the Spot Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City

THURSDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez at Painter Creek Karaoke at Zachary’s Steakhouse Michael’s Krazy Karaoke at Stateline Bar & Grill Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez Top Shelf Entertainment at Wild Wing Cafe JC Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria

FRIDAY

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm 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 - Johnson City TN

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 - Johnson City

SUNDAY

Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez at Sonny’s Marina- Johnson City Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Woodstone Deli - Kingsport

•••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at East Tennessee State University will offer two workshops for entrepreneurs in July at the ETSU Innovation Laboratory, 2109 W. Market St.

Small business owners will discover the latest tools for the daily management of Facebook during Secret Social Media Tools on Tuesday, July 17, from 10-11 a.m. The workshop will teach participants how to take their Facebook business page to the next level by creating a call-to-action button, selecting the right layout, setting a preferred page audience and custom away messages, as well as scheduling future updates. Valentina EscobarGonzalez, founder of Beyond Engagement – Social Media Solutions, will lead the workshop. On Wednesday, July 25, TSBDC will host Quick Intro to QuickBooks from 9-10 a.m. Participants will tour QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks Online and learn about the different accounting programs offered by Intuit QuickBooks. Speaker Carol Tartaglia with Madison Book Keeping and Tax Service will compare versions to determine which is the right fit for your small business. Workshops are $25 each. To register, or for more information, contact Mark Bays of the TSBDC at 423-439-8505 or mbays@tsbdc. org. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Teen Writing Group @ the Jonesborough Library Want to write stories but have trouble finding motivation or ideas? Come share suggestions, get prompts, participate in writing games and challenges, and work on your own writing projects! We’ll provide snacks, drinks, and lots of writing resources. Teen Writing Group is open to 6th

through 12th graders. Registration is preferred, but not required. Friday, July 26 from 5:30pm-7pm. For more information or to register please call the Jonesborough Library at 423753-1800. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• MECC to Hold Information Session for Lee County Certified Nursing Assistant Program Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will hold an upcoming information session to assist those interested in enrolling in the college’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program in Lee County. The cohort will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:15p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from September 18 through December 4 in Pennington Gap. An information session to enroll in this cohort will be held on Monday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Lee Health and Rehab Center, 208 Healthcare Drive, Pennington Gap. For more information on MECC’s Certified Nursing Assistant program or the upcoming Pennington Gap information session, call 276.523.7456. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Winged Deer Lakeside Concert Series Free concert each week 7-9 p.m. NO concert on July 5. Concession available on grounds. July 12 - Beach Nite Band July 19 - CrossRoads Band July 26 - Kids Our Age August 2 - Heavy Country August 9 - Shellem Cline (Gospel) •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Johnson City Community Drum Circle The Johnson City Community Drum Circle meets every Wednesday evenings through October 24, 7pm - 8:30pm, inside the Farmers’ Market Pavilion next to Founders Park. Everyone is welcome and any body can play. Come drum, hoop/ holler, dance, or just relax and take in the scene, no experience or “talent” necessary. There are shared instruments and of course you can

presentation with Jeremy, please -Friday, July 13, 7:30am-4:00pm, 23 contact the Bristol Public Library at Bristol Regional Medical Center, 276-645-8780. To learn more about Bristol Steele Creek Park and Nature Center, check out the Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park ••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the following locations: -Monday, July 9, 8:00am-11:30am, Johnson City Community Health Center, Johnson City -Monday, July 9, 9:00am-3:00pm, Virginia High School, Bristol -Monday, July 9, 1:00pm-5:00pm, Tulsa Dental, Johnson City -Tuesday, July 10, 7:00am12:00pm, Bristol Compressors, Bristol -Tuesday, July 10, 7:30am-3:00pm, Eastman Building 150, Kingsport -Wednesday, July 11, 8:00am4:30pm, Robinette Company, Bristol -Wednesday, July 11, 1:30pm6:30pm, Fellowship Chapel, Bristol -Wednesday, July 11, 4:00pm8:00pm, Ridgeview Baptist Church, Church Hill -Thursday, July 12, 7:00am11:00am, Holston Electric, Rogersville -Thursday, July 12, 1:00pm6:00pm, Food City, Big Stone Gap,

Cryptogram: When you have got an elephant by the hind leg, and he is trying to run away, it’s best to let him run. DropQuote: “It is excellent discipline for an author to feel that he must say all that he has to say in the fewest possible words, or his reader is sure to skip them. “

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

THINGS TO DO

bring your own drums or percussion. It’s all improvised, so there are no mistakes. We just smile and keep playing. Shine or rain, the pavilion has us covered. Bring your own seating! •••••••••••••••••••••••••• “Libraries Rock!” Summer Reading Program will continue through July 20th. Children are encouraged to register at the library or online to participate in the Summer Reading Program. Support materials for the Summer Reading Program are provided by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. For more information and to register for this free program or other Youth Services programs, please call 423-434-4458. Follow Johnson City Public Library on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on programs and services. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Rock and Roll: Geology of Southern Appalachia Join the Bristol Public Library on July 11 at 5:30 p.m. for a special presentation on the geology of Southern Appalachia presented by Jeremy Stout, manager of the Steele Creek Park Nature Center. Jeremy will delve into geology and discuss common--and not so common-rocks found in the region, as well as answer questions about curious rock formations and rocks found at Steele Creek Park. To learn more about our upcoming

THIS WEEK

SKIES theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Celestial events in the skies for the week of July 10 - July 16, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

The Milk Way draws attention this week as it rises at sunset and begins to dazzle our Summer nights this week of moonless evenings. Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars are all easy targets as the night wears on. Any telescope will show the globe of these planets, but the bigger the better. Check out websites like Space.com and SpaceWeather.com for the latest amateur photos of the planets and more. Tuesday, July 10 On this 1962 date in space history, NASA launched Telstar 1, the first satellite to broadcast live television from America to Europe. The satellite inspired a #1 hit instrumental song in December ’62 called “Telstar” by the Tornados. The song was the first #1 hit in America by a British group.

Saturday, July 14 On this date in space history, space scientists got their first close views of Mars and Mercury. In 1965, Mariner IV flew by the Red Planet, taking 21 historic photos that showed a cratered world and no sign of life. In 2008, NASA’s Messenger spacecraft flew by Mercury, showing the first planet to be predictably peppered with craters.

Wednesday, July 11 On this 1979 date in space history, America’s first space station, Skylab, reentered Earth, with parts falling in the Western Australia Outback. Made out of a Saturn V rocket cylinder, the spacious orbiting outpost was suppose to be serviced by the Space Shuttle, but delays in its development spelled doom for Skylab, which was being pulled back to Earth by gravity. You can buy pieces of Skylab from legitimate space dealers.

Sunday, July 15 On this 2004 date in space history, American launched the last Apollo Command Module with three astronauts and the Soviet Union launched two cosmonauts in the Soyuz 11 spaceship. Two days later the two superpowers symbolically eased Cold War tension with a docking and handshake of the astronauts and cosmonauts. On this 2009 date, Shuttle Endeavour and seven astronauts were launched for the 23rd time for a two-week construction mission on the International Space Station.

Thursday, July 12 New Moon is today, our celestial neighbor invisible above the Sun in the daytime sky. The first chance to glimpse the thin crescent will be Saturday after sunset. On this 2001 date in space history, Atlantis was launched on STS104 with five astronauts installing the Quest airlock for spacewalks aboard the International Space Station.

Monday, July 16 On this 1969 date in space history, Apollo 11 was launched on the first human voyage to the Moon by the three-stage, 365-foot high Saturn V, still the largest rocket ever successfully flown. One million people crowded around the roads of Cape Kennedy to watch the Thursday morning blastoff into history.

Friday, July 13 Directly south when it gets dark after 10 pm is the constellation Scorpius with the bright red star Antares. The dot-to-dot stars of Scorpius look like a giant fish hook. To the left of is Sagittarius the Archer, in the form of a teapot, and above the top is beautiful planet Saturn. On this 1995 date in space history, Discovery was launched on STS-70, which deployed a Tracking Data and Relay Station (TDRS) satellite, the seventh to complete NASA’s communication system for orbiting spacecraft.

There are so many cute puppies at the shelter. They will all be spayed or neutered and up to date on all vaccines. Please come by and meet some of the cuties!

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. TĂĽhe 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

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

Pets

OF THE WEEK

TIM HOLT, MONTE HALE, GIANT MOLLUSKS, & ME

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

There are many benefits to be derived from downsizing, although the hard work and annoyance are not among them. As Jeanna and I settled into our new condo and bid a fond (sometimes) farewell to our old house, I was pleasantly surprised to come across two photographs from my childhood at Kelly’s Motel (the namesake of this column). Until I found these in a forgotten box, I had pretty much stopped thinking about their significance. Before the advent of photography, as I often tell my classes, these childhood memories would have long disappeared. These memories, thank goodness, were reawakened when I saw the two photographs reproduced on this page. While I look pretty ridiculous dressed as a cowboy, the gentleman shown with me could be either Monte Hale or Tim Holt. Admittedly, these are no longer household names, so read on. If you do your research on IMDB, you will find that Tim Holt, who died at the young age of 54 in 1973, appeared in over seventy movies, most of them Westerns. And you will discover that he followed in the footsteps of his now-largely-forgotten father, Jack Holt, whose acting career spanned the era of silents and talkies until his death in the early 1950s. Monte Hale, who was born the same year as Holt, and lived much longer (until 2009), was also primarily a star of Westerns, but not as prolific as Holt, appearing in less than forty films. After examining my photographs and matching them against online images, I believe I was most likely Monte Hale’s “co-star” rather than Tim Holt’s “back in the day.” This picture was taken when Holt and Hale stayed at Kelly’s Motel while they were in Sparta, NC, making a series of personal appearances at our local movie theatre promoting a couple of their latest movies (most likely the thankfully-forgotten duo of “Desert Passage” and “Yukon Vengeance”). About the only thing I remember about their visit was their black Cadillac convertible touring car with a shiny non-functional six-shooter as a gear shift--a luxury provided by the movie studio no doubt. And I vaguely recall having my first taste of beer when I slyly picked up an empty can from beneath either Tim or Monte’s seat while they were playing cards with my dad. This momentous event wasn’t photographed, of course.

Challenged The World.” Holt made this picture about three years after he left Sparta, but it would have been nice to have had him back for this event. To give you some idea of the caliber of this film, here is an excerpt from the Wikipedia plot synopsis: “In the Salton Sea, an underwater earthquake causes a crevice to open, releasing prehistoric giant mollusks. A rescue training parachute jump is conducted, but the patrol boat sent to pick up the jumper finds only a floating parachute. One sailor dives in but also disappears. The other sailor screams in terror as something rises from the water . . . .In the meantime, Gail is at the lab with her young daughter, Sandy. Worried about the lab rabbits being cold in the lab's lowered temperature, Sandy surreptitiously turns up the thermostat. Twill [Tim Holt’s character] calls the lab and gets no answer. He arrives and finds that the hatched mollusk has Gail and Sandy cornered in a closet, where they ran to escape from the monster. He fights it with lab chemicals and a CO2 fire extinguisher until other Navy personnel arrive and shoot the mollusk.” In case you haven’t guessed, this magnificent film is about giant mollusks who are indestructible until confronted by a fire extinguisher. And, just think, the man I met just a couple of years earlier saved the day and emerged as the hero. Monte Hale didn’t share billing with any giant mollusks, but he did appear, after his stay at Kelly’s Motel, on TV in episodes of “Gunsmoke” and “Honey West” (the 1960s show starring one of my favorite actresses, Anne Francis), while his biggest claim to fame is a role he landed in the iconic Elizabeth Taylor-James Dean movie “Giant”; in addition to his appearance as an actor, he taught Dean some rope tricks while on the set. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I love pop culture so much. And why I am indebted to Tim and Monte for giving me my first real brush with fame. Never mind that I was totally clueless about any of their work when I met them. It is just enough today that all three of us appeared together at Kelly’s Motel once upon a time. See you next week. In the meantime, I will see if I can locate some more pictures that document my development as a pop culture enthusiast and the future author of this column.

Now that I have resurrected the picture of me and Monte (or Tim), I like to think my deep-seated and long-lasting love of popular culture originated during that long-ago summer when I encountered my first movie stars. And this interest was fueled (no pun intended) years later when Jerry Lee Lewis was a guest at our motel and graciously granted my mom’s request that he play some hymns for her on my Hammond Organ. Too bad we didn’t have smartphone cameras in those ancient days. Although I probably didn’t have my picture made with Tim Holt--at least not one I have located yet--I did get to meet him. Here I was, at a very young and impressionable age, associating with a man who had already been given co-starring roles in such iconic American films as Orson Welle’s “The Magnificent Ambersons,” John Huston’s “The Treasure of Sierra Madre,” and John Ford’s “Stagecoach,” which introduced the world to John Wayne in 1939. And, as much as these films now mean to me, I wish the Sparta Theatre had premiered Holt’s 1957 Super-B-Grade sci-fi film, “The Monster That

Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@theloaferonline.com

Send your event to: info@theloaferonline.com

BIKE NIGHTS

Wednesdays

Bear’s Bar

Wednesdays

Holston River Brewing Co.

Thursdays

Quaker Steak & Lube

Fridays

Tulips American Grub and Pub

RUNS & RIDES July 14: 3rd Annual Apple Memorial Ride. 9am. Smith Brothers HD. Pancake breakfast at 9am. Kickstands up at 10:30. $10 donation. July 14: 5th Annual Ride to Recovery. Benefits go to DASH Ministry & Tri Cities Recovery. Breakfast at 9am. KSU 10am. $20/bike. Covenant Fellowship, Bristol VA July 21: 4th Annual Brody’s Run For Spina Bifita. Beanz, 423-297-5675

CAR SHOWS Tuesdays Fridays

Holston River Brewing Company - Bristol, TN

Krystal's Johnson City

Saturdays

Carter County Car Club Downtown Elizabethton

July 28:

6th Annual Open Car Show by American Patriots Pastime; Anything with Wheels; Tri Cities Cinemas at exit 66 off I-81; 423-323-3981

m 997 maa.co 1 e Sinc tryker .s www

Lose weight • Learn practical Self-defense • Gain confidence • Kempo Karate • Brazillian jiu-jitsu • Krav Maga • Kickboxing Voted "BEST OF BRISTOL" two years in a row.

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Classes for ages 3-6 7-12 and Teen/Adults

276-644-9990

100 Linden Square Dr. Suites 1-5 Bristol, VA 24202

theloaferonline.com | July 10, 2018

BEARS BAR