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BEST BARTENDERS 2016
Volume 30 • Issue #33 Publisher Luci Tate
happenings
Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Terry Patterson Beth Jinks-Ashbrook Patti Barr Sam Jones Shawn Hale Coco Enriquez Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Joshua Hicks Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com (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
4
10 Things Your Bartender Wants You To Know
5
Jennifer Hale
6
Rainia Winegar
7
Randy Ashens
8
Eric Gray
9
Javier “Mikey” Martinez
10 Michael Bell 11 10 Things Your Patrons Wants You To Know 12 VA Highlands Festival Writer’s Day Workshops 13 Annual Rob-con Returns
columns & reviews
20 21 22 24 26 28 29 31 35
Stargazer - America Needs Another Apollo 11 Skies This Week Batteries Not Included - A Porpane Fueled Existential Crisis Pop Life - The Secret Life of Pets The Trivial Traveler - Objects At MIT May Be Closer Then They Appear Appalachian Wanderers - Unaka Mountain Wildlife Auto Loop The Casual Word - To Be Continued Lock, Stock & Barrel - Wheel-Gun Showdown Pt.! S&W Airweight Kelly’s Place - What Is That Tapping Noise?
15 Southern Countrymen Band @ Winged Deer Park 16 NE State Welcomes The Frito Puente Band 17 A New Sound From Nashville 25 ‘Rock Of Ages’ Auditions 27 Registration Open For Pinnacle 5k 29 Liberty! To Offer Dinner Theater 30 Andy Offutt Irwin To Host Storytelling 32 Things To Do 33 Pets Of The Week 34 Classifieds
music & fun 18
Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times
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
RETROVILLE
Saturday, July 23rd - 7pm at Marker “2” Grille
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10 Things Your Bartender Wants You To Know……
Ah,
the life of a bartender. It’s a job that requires endless patience, a sharp memory, and a great sense of humor, not to mention serious crowd control skills. Every shift is an unpredictable rollercoaster ride. Luckily, bartenders aren’t the fragile sort. Dealing with hardcore drinkers and rowdy after-work crowds has given most bartenders a thick skin, much like that of the oranges and lemons they serve. I always wonder what it’s like for the person on the other side of the bar. What can customers do to make their job easier? What drinks do they secretly think are a rip off? What is the final word on what constitutes a good tip? To quell my curiosity, I went to visit and meet up as many local bartenders as I could within a few days and asked them one question: what would you really like your customers to know? Here’s what they said, in their own words:
at bars who like their drinks “strong? “When you say this, it’s like you’re assuming I make weak drinks (which is insulting) and you’re assuming that I’ll stiffen this one up for my new best buddy, you. This is the best way to get a weak drink.” DO: Order a double. DO: Ask for an extra shot. The phrase “make it strong” implies you want more alcohol for free. #5. For the love of God, please tip. “If you’re buying a beer or a simple mixed drink, a dollar per drink. For a real cocktail, or if you’re ordering lots of drinks at once, go 20%. Basically, tip based on how much time and effort I put into serving you, and I’ll like you. But whatever you tip, please tip. We have bills to pay too. The gov’t taxes bartenders on sales. So, if you don’t tip me, then I pay out taxes on your sales regardless. If you get good service, tip. If you look at tipping as leaving your left over pocket change, then buy a 6 pack & stay at home.” #6. “What’s on tap?”. Ummmm, it’s literally right in front of you. #1. Yes, we see you. “It’s my job to notice you; if you can’t catch my eye, it is not because I #7. If you’re looking for a good deal, keep it simple. “A neat whiskey or beer or wine is just didn’t see you. It is because I am busy serving other people. Make eye contact and smile. the best value for your money.” Don’t clear your throat at me, or yell ‘bartender!’ or ‘excuse me!’ Don’t wave money at me. #8. If we have time, by all means, linger and chat. We actually enjoy getting to know I know you’re there and I’ll get to you as soon as I can. Don’t whistle. You whistle at dogs, about you. “As long as we’re not slammed, I love for you to stay and talk. It’s one of the not people.” best parts about being a bartender, sharing some conversation with virtual strangers. #2. Try to be prepared. “If you’ve been waiting to get to the bar, think about what you want #9. We hate having to cut you off, but we will. “If your friend is too drunk, please do the to drink before you get to the front. Please don’t get there and then turn around and yell over right thing and encourage him/her to slow down or go home. We really don’t like havto your friends to ask what they want.” ing to cut people off. And do NOT beg for more after I cut you off. That will not work.” #3. We’re not psychics when it comes to your drink order. “I am here to help you find the #10. Don’t set up camp at the bar if you don’t plan on joining in on your environment. drink you want, absolutely, but I am not a mind reader. People just say, ‘What’s good?’ or “If you’re drinking and spending money, stay as long as you like. We’ll make sure you ‘What do you suggest?’ but that’s way too vague. You have to give me some guidance on have the best time! But if you’re here to catch up on your emails (clear indication: askyour personal tastes, or else we have to do the ‘Were you thinking beer, wine, or a cocktail?’ ing for the wi-fi password before even ordering anything) or read a book for hours over dance.” ONE glass of house wine, or an ice water, please don’t. Unless there’s no one else in the #4. Don’t say “make it strong!” or “put a lot of liquor in it.” Are you one of those rare people bar, be mindful that those around you are willing to spend money.”
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Jennifer r. Hale Age: 28 Hometown: Greeneville, TN Where do you bartend? Poblano’s Mexican Bar & Grill Johnson City, TN. How long have you been bartending? 2 1/2 years What makes you a great bartender? I listen even to the smallest comment. I try to give everyone, not just service, but specific service to their needs. What do you enjoy most about your job? I get to have fun getting people to talk and making them laugh. Just making someones day better. What is the most annoying thing a customer has done? After watching me pour a straight up shot of Patron out of the bottle (that they asked for) and then saying “oh that doesn’t taste like Patron!!” What are your hobbies? Talking, of course. Reading and playing with my 1 /12 year old daughter. What is something most people don’t know about you? I have some badass beer pong skills. What is your passion? Having a crowd to entertain. What is your superpower? Multitasking Queen. I can pour a drink, wash a dish, and roast a customer all the same time. What drink do you make that you consider your specialty? I haven’t found a speciality for myself as of yet. I really enjoy a challenge though. Layered drinks, etc. What do you drink when you go out? Amaretto Sour, add cherry juice with a splash of lemon.
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Rainia winegar Age: 34 Hometown: I was born in California but have spent the majority of my life in Kingsport, TN. Where do you bartend? Biggies - Kingsport, TN. How long have you been bartending? 15 years What makes you a great bartender? Hopefully it’s the way I connect with people. I try to take the time to really get to know my customers and make every visit like a visit to a friend’s house, where they can feel comfortable and enjoy their experience. What do you enjoy most about your job? The friendships and relationships I have made from behind the bar. I met my very best friends including my husband from either working with or from serving them. I honestly enjoy taking care of people. What is the most annoying thing a customer has done? When we were having a really busy night , I had a customer throw a coaster at me and hit me in the back while I was attempting to ring in another customers order. Or whistling at me like i’m a dog to get my attention. Trust me… I see you there and I am trying my best to get to you. What are your hobbies? I have two children, both boys. One is 16 and the other is 11, so I love hanging out with them. I do love to cook for my family and friends. What is something most people don’t know about you? I am terrified of public speaking…(ironic I know) but when I am behind the bar I am comfortable and its just like having a conversation in my living room. What is your passion? People and my family. I take all my “jobs” very seriously (mother, wife, friend, bartender etc.). What is your superpower? As one of my patrons put it…I have considerable patience. I know when to say yes, when to say no, and when to say nothing at all and just to listen. What drink do you make that you consider your specialty? I have a drink that I make called a piece of Rainia’s Ass. I didn’t name it. Actually there was a shot called just a “piece of ass” and I modified it because I didn’t like it. One of the cocktail waitresses, who is a really good friend of mine, was promoting it to her tables and then I got a ticket and typed at the bottom was a “piece of Rainia’s Ass.”
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What do you drink when you go out? Depends on my mood, but I love a “Nasty” (extra dirty vodka martini) or when i’m a cheap date, I like a good beer.
randy ashens
festival
Age: 42 Hometown: Kingsport, TN. Where do you bartend? Biggie’s - Kingsport, TN. How long have you been bartending? Collectively about 9 years. I started out at Cheer’s in Kingsport. Most recently, just over 2.5 years at Biggie’s. What makes you a great bartender? I hope what I’m saying rings true for those who voted for me. I try to be a friend to those I serve, I listen to my customers needs, and I make sure the drinks I make are accurate and true to taste. With the ever growing list of new, trendy drinks, I keep it consistent. If you like the drink I make, that is the drink you will get each time you order. No over pour, under pour or sloppy mixes. I take pride in my drinks. What do you enjoy most about your job? Having conversations with people I’ve known for years, people I have recently met or getting to know new people from all over the world. You’d be surprised how far people travel and end up sitting at your bar for a drink. What is the most annoying thing a customer has done? I’ve worked in the restaurant and bar industry for a long tim, so a couple things come to mind. However, people who pound their hands on the bar, snap their fingers or whistle tops my list. These are all no-no’s in my book What are your hobbies? I love to spend time with my wife and little girl. I also enjoy helping my step-dad on the farm when time allows. What is something most people don’t know about you? I like to target shoot with my older guns when I have free time. Oh, and I cry at sad movies. What is your passion? My passions are family and friends. What is your superpower? Remaining calm in high pressure situations at work. What drink do you make that you consider your specialty? I enjoy making shooter style drinks. The fruity kind of shooters I really enjoy mixing. What do you drink when you go out? Makers Mark and ginger ale with lemon and lime is my go to drink.
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Eric Gray Age: 28 Hometown: Kingsport TN Where do you bartend? Applebees Kingsport and Biggies Kingsport. How long have you been bartending? Seven years. What makes you a great bartender? I get to know my bar guest by name and their drinks are ready before they sit down people never wait for their drinks. What do you enjoy most about your job? I get to meet many different types of people and I get to be myself..I don’t have to put up a fake front. What is the most annoying thing a customer has done? Putting their beverage napkins in their glass and I have to fish it out before I wash them. What are your hobbies? Playing golf and competitive gaming online. What is something most people don’t know about you? I am a diabetic and where a insulin pump. What is your passion? Making up a new drink and seeing a happy expression on the person’s face when they try it. What is your superpower? My wife and best friend say I hulk smash things. What drink do you make that you consider your specialty? My specialty drinks are a Bro beard for men and fruit basket for the ladies. What do you drink when you go out? Crown and coke or Jameson and ginger.
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JAVIER “MIKEY” MARTINEZ Age: 31 Hometown: Mexico Where do you bartend? El Charolais - State of Franklin Ave. How long have you been bartending? About 5 years. What makes you a great bartender? I do not consider myself a good bartender. I believe in team work. I work with a great team and that makes a big difference. What do you enjoy most about your job? Everything. My co workers, my customers. What is the most annoying thing a customer has done? Scream!!! What are your hobbies? Play Soccer and golf. And of course, drink beer. What is something most people don’t know about you? My name. The majority call me Mikey. What is your passion? Soccer. I love to play, watch and talk about soccer. What is your superpower? Sense of Humor. I can make people laugh (depending on my mood). What drink do you make that you consider your specialty? Fresh made margarita’s. What do you drink when you go out? Beer. I love beer. I love to try new beers. theloaferonline.com | July 19, 2016 | 9
MICHAEL BELL Age: 29 Hometown: Johnson City TN Where do you bartend? East Coast Wings, Johnson City How long have you been bartending? 6 years What makes you a great bartender? I genuinely enjoy interacting with my guests and creating a fun atmosphere to relax and unwind. What do you enjoy most about your job? The people. What is the most annoying thing a customer has done? Crying or Puking :-) What are your hobbies? I love spending time with friends. Tubing the river and hiking are always fun. What is something most people don’t know about you? Although most people hate Mondays; it’s my favorite day of the week. What is your passion? Making people happy. What is your superpower? Making everyday a HOLIDAY! What drink do you make that you consider your specialty? Caramel Appletini What do you drink when you go out? I’m a whiskey guy!
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10 Things
It
Your patrons Wants You To Know……
take some savvy and charisma, along with a knowledge of drinks, to be a successful bartender. This is one of those jobs in which your success depends on your personality more than anything else. You need to be a provider of drinks, a server, an organizer, a cashier, a friend, a psychiatrist and a neat freak among other things. Customer service is the key because the majority of your income come from tips. We’ve asked around, and here’s what your patrons think you should know about being a bartender. In their own words.
#1. Have a Good Attitude. “Not all of us are stumbling drunks when we go to the bar. Most of us just want to unwind. Have a good time with friends. Bartenders can sometimes make or break that experience. We chose your establishment. We chose to sit at your bar. Smile and greet us when we sit down. And thank us when we leave. We’re sorry if you’re in a bad mood, but this is part of your job to make our experience more delightful.” #2. Keep the Bar Clean. “Nothing says an unprofessional bartender [or one who simply doesn’t care] more than a dirty bar. If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.” #3. Make Suggestions. “This is the one thing that will tip us off that you care about our experience. We know your busy, and sometimes us women just can’t make up our mind (imagine that). So if you see us staring at a cocktail menu for 5 minutes, make a suggestion. 8 out of 10 times, we will take your advice because you are an expert and we will show you our gratitude.” #4. Be Fair. “It is human to give preferential treatment to one person over the other. Especially regulars. Not all of us have the time night after night, or day after day, to enjoy your bar like some do. But that doesn’t make us any less special than those who do. Treat us all the same. You should be showing the same amount of care and attention to everyone at your bar.”
#5. Be Honest. “When we walk through the door in your establishment, we are entrusting you, as the bartender, with a good experience and one of the worst things you can do is to break that trust. Under pouring or overcharging will quickly get you a very bad reputation.” #6. Don’t Fixate on Tips. “ Yes, we know you make your income on tips. And we also know that there a many jerks out there that do not. If your are obsessed about everyone giving you the best gratuity every time then it shows on your face. We see it. When someone leaves you a dollar on the bar after ordering 3 mixed drinks in 2 hours and you give a look of disgust, we notice it. We do. And our perception of you is not favorable. Take the tips your given, do your best every time and the pay will add up. We might just double our tip to cover the jerk that didn’t.” #7. Don’t touch the rim of the glass. “While we are usually concerned about what goes into a glass, We don’t want to put our mouths on something you just caressed with your hands” #8. Don’t take too many smoke breaks. “Everybody deserves a break during their shift. But leaving your bar unattended to do so is unfavorable and makes us, your patrons, wait. Please wait till someone can step in and cover for you, or, just push through it till the end of your shift.” #9. Don’t say “I don’t know how to make that” or refuse to make something. “Yes, we drinkers sometimes ask for questionable drinks, or call it by the wrong name. But for goodness sake, look it up, help us out. We are not the mixologists here. That’s your job. And we come to your bar for guidance when needed. So guide us. If you don’t have the right ingredients for our new found drink we want, recommend a similar drink that you think we might like.” #10. Please, whatever you do, do not eat behind the bar and serve us without washing your
hands first. “Remember, we are sitting at YOUR bar, we are watching your every move. As patrons, we see everything you do.”
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T
WRITERS’ DAY PRESENTS VARIETY OF WORKSHOPS
he 2016 Writers’ Day of the Virginia Highlands Festival in Abingdon, Virginia, features a variety of workshops for writers in several genres. The events take place Friday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Virginia Highlands Community College. Featured writers include
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Sharyn McCrumb, the acclaimed author of many historical novels set in the Appalachian region; poet Don Johnson, recently retired as professor and poet-in-residence from East Tennessee State University; Catherine Bush, the playwright-in-residence at Barter Theatre; and Kathy Shearer, who has compiled several oral histories of Southwest Virginia communities and organizations. McCrumb is best known for her Appalachian “Ballad” novels, which weave together the history and legends, natural wonders and contemporary issues of Appalachia. Some of her beloved novels include “She Walks These Hills,” “The Rosewood Casket” and “The Songcatcher.” Her new novel, “Prayers the Devil Answers,” published in May 2016, examines one of the most famous public executions in U.S. history. Her workshops deal with how to research Appalachian history and mythology for incorporation into fiction and developing sensitivity to word choices and the rhythms of language as you write fiction. Johnson is recently retired from East Tennessee State University where he taught English, was poet-in-residence and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He has published four books of poetry, the most recent of which is “More Than Heavy Rain.” He has published short stories, numerous critical articles on Appalachian writers, Seamus Heaney, and American fiction writer, Richard Ford. One of Johnson’s workshops helps poets develop the ability to put concreteness, specificity and organization in their poetry. The other one gives poets tips on how to recreate seminal events in their lives in poetic form. Bush, Barter Theatre’s playwright-in-residence, has had more than 10 plays produced by Barter and more than 20 youth plays produced by the Barter Players. Her original works have included “I’ll Never Be Hungry Again,” “Tradin’ Paint,” “Wooden Snowflakes” and “The Road to Appomattox.” Her new musical “Winter Wheat” about the suffragette movement is on the Barter schedule for October. Both of Bush’s workshops are introductions to playwriting, one for original work and
the other one for adapting works from other media into play form. Shearer’s oral histories have included “Memories from Dante: The Life of a Coal Town” and three others. Her most recent work is “Working for Stuarts: Life on One of the Oldest and Largest Cattle Farms East of the Mississippi,” a history of the famed Stuart Land and Cattle Company, which spread over four counties in Southwest Virginia. One of Shearer’s workshops instructs writers on the techniques for collecting oral histories, while the other one emphasizes the best practices for research in writing histories, sorting through primary and secondary sources. Preregistration for Writers’ Day workshops is available on the festival website, www.vahighlandsfestival.org. Onsite registration begins at 8 a.m. outside the Keyser-Aday Theatre at Virginia Highlands Community College, followed by an introductory reading by each of the writers at 9 a.m. The morning and afternoon workshops are held at 10 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. There are opportunities for book sales and signings throughout the day. The registration fee is $30. All students who are in high school, college or university are admitted to the day’s events free of charge, funding being provided by the Poetry Society of Virginia. Included with the registration fee is a ticket to “An Evening of Words and Music,” at 7 p.m. at Heartwood. This event is a showcase of readings by participants McCrumb, Johnson and Bush, accompanied by music from award-winning musicians Wyatt Rice, Claiborne Woodall and Jack Hinshelwood. Rice and Woodall frequently play as a guitar duo together throughout the region. Hinshelwood is the executive director of The Crooked Road, based at Heartwood, and a longtime guitar accompanist to McCrumb’s reading from her Ballad novels. For more information about these events, including detailed descriptions of Writers’ Day workshops and online registration, visit www.VaHighlandsFestival.org.
31st Annual rob-con returns
H
Heroes and villains will be coming to life this year in Bristol when the 31st annual Rob-Con returns to Viking Hall in Bristol TN. Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31. Comic book artists and writers will be the guests of the show which features some of the top talent in the South. Fans of the fantastic and legendary will find plenty ot enjoy with Star Wars, Dr. Who, the Ghostbusters and more represented at the show. Vendors and craftspeople will be on hand with comics, toys, models and other collectibles and the popular costume contest will be on Sunday at 3 p.m. Famous fantasy artists Charles Vess, Scott Hampton and Tom Lyle will be on hand to meet the fans along with top-notch comic artists such as John Hairston, Gregbo Watson, Kevin Sharpe and Alex Ogle. Many other outstanding area artists of the fantastic will be on stage in “Artists Alley” during the convention. A character familiar to most comic strip fans in the area is the rascally hillbilly Snuffy Smith. John Rose, artist on that long-running strip, will be on hand along with New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Estep. Other are writers include Gayle Trent, Misty Martin and Ronda Caudill. Comic creators Jeremy Massie, Matthew Smith, Brent Marcus Cook, Brett Harris and others will attend. Dr. Who fans will enjoy the life-size “Tardis” and “Dalek” from the Cosplay Kasterborous fan club. The East Tennessee R2 D2 Builders will have radio controlled Star Wars “droids” at the show along with the Tennessee Ghostbusters with a replica of their famous car. A huge number of vendors and craftspeople will be on hand with both old and classic comics, toys, jewelry, models and other collectibles. The popular costume contest has grown in popularity every year and is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. The convention runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $15 for one day or $25 for both days. Children under 12 are admitted free. For more information, visit the website at www.robcon.org or call 423-2740450
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MOSCOW MULE
Southern Countrymen Band returns to Lakeside Concert Series
4 oz Ginger beer 1/2 oz Vodka 1/6 oz Lime juice
Combine vodka and ginger beer in a copper mug or highball glass filled with ice. Add lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with a lime slice. A Moscow Mule, is a cocktail made with a high-quality vodka, a spicy ginger beer, and lime juice, garnished with a slice or wedge of lime. It is usually served in a copper mug. The Moscow mule is almost always served in a copper mug. The popularity of this drinking vessel is attributable to Martin, who went around the country to sell Smirnoff vodka and popularize the Moscow mule. Martin asked bartenders to pose with a specialty copper mug and a bottle of Smirnoff vodka, and photographed a Polaroid picture of them. He took two photos, leaving one with the bartender for display. The other photo would be put into a collection and used as proof to the next bar Martin visited of the popularity of the Moscow mule. The copper mug remains, to this day, a popular serving vessel for the Moscow mule, primarily due to tradition and aesthetic reasons.
O
n Thursday (July 21), the Southern Countrymen Band will return to Winged Deer Park’s Lakeside Concert Series with the best in classic country music. The Southern Countrymen Band plays regularly around the Tri-Cities and features David O’Roark on rhythm guitar and vocals. O’Roark has opened for many Nashville artists and counts Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, Buck Owens and George Jones among his influences. Lead guitarist is Ronnie Hood, who was in the popular Up Town Country Band, as was bass guitarist Ron Smith. The Southern Countrymen Band is rounded out by Charlie Powell on steel guitar and Daryl Goodman on drums. Upcoming concerts: • Thursday, July 21, 7-9 p.m. – Southern Countrymen Band • Thursday, July 28, 7-9 p.m. – Benny Wilson • Thursday, Aug. 4, 7-9 p.m. – Ivy Road • Thursday, Aug. 11, 7-9 p.m. – Lauren Cole Band • Thursday, Aug. 18, 7-9 p.m. – Gospel Night • Thursday, Aug. 25, 7-9 p.m. – Kids Our Age (rescheduled) • Sunday, Sept. 11, 6-8 p.m. – Johnson City Symphony The Lakeside Concert Series takes place at the Goulding Amphitheatre off Carroll Creek Road and is presented by Bristol Broadcasting, DOTHERT Recording Studio, Johnson City Parks and Recreation, and the News and Neighbor.
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Northeast State welcomes
the Frito Puente Band
T
he Frito Puente band brings their sizzling Latin jazz fusion to Northeast State on July 26 as part of the College’s “Hot Nights, Cool Music” summer concert series. This well-respected Tri-Cities trio takes the stage at 7:00 p.m. in the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts Theater, located on the College’s main campus in Blountville, adjacent to the Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. The performance celebrates Northeast State’s 50th Anniversary. Frito Puente is Latin Jazz with a spicy blend of standards and originals with Bill Perkins on guitar, Sam Burke on bass, and Jose Castillo on Congas & Percussion. Perkins and Burke have played together in various jazz, blues, and rock groups for over 30 years. Perkins has been playing guitar since 1971 and has appeared on stage in the United States, Germany, Malta, Brazil, and Mexico. In his extensive travels, Burke has played with symphonies, garage bands, power trios, R&B show bands, folk bands, lounge bands, and bar bands. Castillo joined the band 15 years ago. He has played trumpet, flugle horn, guitar, and percussion and spearheads the Latin sound that has defined this latest rendition of this ensemble. Frito Puente’s style spans Latin-flavored artists like Santana, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Chick Corea, jazz standards from Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonius Monk, and original compositions. Puente’s style spans Latin flavored artists like Santana and Chick Corea, jazz standards from Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonius Monk, and original compositions. For more information about this or other upcoming concerts in the Hot Nights, Cool Music series, visit www.NortheastState.edu or contact 423.279.7669 or jpkelly@NortheastState.edu.
PURPLE NERD
Recipe courtesy of Paula Dugger Rainbow Asian Cuisine
Remember those Nerd candies? Yep. Now they can come in a liquid shot.
Dragonberry Rum Grape Schnapps Sprite
If you don’t feel like making yourself one, Paula would be happy to.
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There’s a new sound in Nashville
and it’s coming from John Frazier!
S
He’s coming back to The Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, TN on July 20th with A NEW ALBUM & A PASSION FOR HELPING CHILDREN! Show 10:00 pm All Ages
teve Martin’s protégé, John Frazier, an A-Session musician’s musician, known for his brilliant mastery of the mandolin, guitar and the fiddle, and his Frazier Band, has audiences screaming for more during his 2016 tour for their new CD “SOME PEOPLE CHANGE.” Frazier hopes to make some real changes in the lives of children with disabilities as well too! John says that music in itself can be very healing and because he’s a father of two healthy children; his heart breaks for families in need of help, therefore, his tour will be about healing in many ways and he’s looking forward to donating proceeds from this tour to “The Children’s Miracle Network.” The CD was produced at the famous Destiny Studios in East Nashville with some VIP performers making an appearance on it. His single “Chillin” is already creating a “buzz” within the record industry! John and his band will be shooting a new video this month premiering on YouTube. John is by no means a stranger to success! He has toured and played with film and comedy legend Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers. During the tour, Frazier, Martin, and the Rangers co-wrote the song “Go Away, Stop, Turn Around, Come Back,” that Martin recorded on Rare Bird Alert; and also with John Cowan, Jim Lauderdale and bands, such as, Yonder Mountain String Band and Hit & Run. . He brings a powerful, eclectic history as an acoustic and bluegrass performer into his leadership of Frazier Band. Forever on the move to share his passion for music, John has performed at venues all across the U.S. and overseas from the Grande Ole Opry to The Kennedy Center, and at the Royal Festival Hall in London. He has also appeared on countless TV shows! View all of John’s accomplishments and history @ frazierbandmusic.com
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S O LG T P
T I
- FRIDAY - July 22nd -
- TUESDAY - July 19th -
GLEN HARLOW & FRIENDS
at Full Moon Jam Bristol
CHELSEA KINSER
THE FRAY
ADAM MCMILLAN (A little bit of everything)
EMI SUNSHINE
at Marker “2” Grill
at Hungry I Apex 8pm
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room OPEN MIC at Acoustic Coffeehouse
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
DOWNTOWN COUNTRY
- SATURDAY - July 23rd -
SULLIVAN STREET
at The Hideaway 10pm
JOHNSON CITY JAMS
H
NIKKI TALLEY
THE FORCE FIELD
at Sleepy Owl Brewery 9pm
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.
at Kingsport Fun Fest 6:30pm at Ma & Pa’s Restaurant 8pm
RHYTHM REVUE LIVE at The Pit Stop 8pm
COAL CREEK
at Painter Creek Marina 7pm
at O’Mainnin’s Pub
CROOKED ROAD RAMBLERS w/ LEON FROST
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
at Painter Creek Marina 7pm RUSTY STEEL (Metal, Southern, Hard Rock)
LEGION / THUNDERGIANT YOG SOTHOTH
at O’Mainnin’s Pub
at Country Club Bar & Grill
at Jiggy Ray’s 6:30pm
- WEDNESDAY - July 20th OPEN MIC
MARK WHITE & SCOTTY MELTON OPEN MIC
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
TRAPT
SUGARLIME BLUE HB BEVERLY
W/ QUARTER BOUNCE
SUPER BOB w/ SEASONS OF ME & TRANSPARENT SOUL at Capone’s
TRAVIS ATWELL at Bristol VFW 7:30pm CHRIS LONG (Americana, Roots Rock, Heartland Rock) at Brew Rebellion Bristol 8pm THE FRAZIER BAND at Acoustic Coffeehouse
- THURSDAY - July 21st SMOKEHOUSE CRICKETS
at Marker “2” Grill THE SYSTEM - Bob Seger Tribute Band at Full Moon Jam - Bristol Downtown Center
DASHBOARD SAINTS
at Yee Haw Brewing Company 8pm ADAM MCMILLAN (A little bit of everything) at Rainbow Asian Cuisine 9pm
HANDSOME AND THE THE HUMBLES at Yee Haw Brewing Company 8pm
BETH SNAPP
HONEY BADGERS
at Bone Fire Smokehouse 9pm
MATT HUTCHINSON KEVIN ABERNATHY w/ JEFF GERMAN TODD MAY w/ THE MOONCUSSERS - SATURDAY - July 23rd -
REDLEG HUSKY
WIRES & WOOD
at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe 7pm
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at O’Mainnin’s Pub
JIGGYPALOOZA - Live Music Festival BEFORE THE STORM
BILLY CRAWFORD BAND Bone Fire Smokehouse
CYNDI WASHBURN / SCAREABABE at Acoustic Coffeehouse
- SUNDAY - July 24th IVY ROAD
at Marker “2” Grille
MUSIC AT THE MANSION
HONEY ISLAND SWAMP BAND
RETROVILLE
INDIGHOST WITH SANG SARA
at Marker “2” Grille 7pm
LOVE UNIT / A GREAT DISASTER CHELSEA KINSER
- FRIDAY - July 22nd -
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe 7pm
at Winged Deer Park 7pm
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
THE DANBERRYS
JAKE GILLENWATER CATFISH FRYE BAND
RETROVILLE
CRADLE & GRAVE / ZACHARY MILES
at Country Club Bar & Grill
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
at Wellington’s Restaurant 8pm
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
BAKKWOODS
at Yee Haw Brewing Company 8pm
REMEDY
at Abingdon Market Pavillion 7pm
at Sleepy Owl Brewery 9pm
at Jiggy Ray’s 8pm
ALEX BAUGHMAN
at Blackbird Bakery 8pm
SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND (Country)
NAVAJO WITCH / BONES OF MARY
at Down Home
at Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch
JAM WITH FRITO PUENTE
at The Hideaway
at Jiggy Ray’s 4pm
CODY HULL
MAUREEN RENIHAN JAZZ TRIO
at Carter Family Fold
at Capone’s
at Laurel Marina
NIGHTSHIFT (Country, Southern Rock, Oldies)
at David Thompson’s Produce
OSCAR HARRIS at Down Home
THE NEW CONSPIRATORS at Bristol Brewery 8pm
at Kickin’ Back @ King Alley at Allandale Mansion
2x4
at The Hideaway 7pm
BRANDON ROHR
at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe 4pm
ANDY FERRELL
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
OPEN MIC
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
- MONDAY - July 25th -
OPEN MIC at Acoustic Coffeehouse
Spotlight Directory Biggies Clam Bar 417 W Stone Dr Kingsport 423/765-9633 Blackbird Bakery 56 Piedmont Ave. Bristol VA 276/ 645-5754 Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 276/623-0037 Bristol Brewery 41 Piedmont Ave Bristol VA 276/ 608-1220 Bristol VFW Post 6975 14 16th St. Bristol TN 423/ 764-0381 Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 620 State St Bristol 423/573-2262 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 The Hideaway 235 E. Main St Johnson City 423/ 926-3896 Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100 Hungry I at the Apex 604 W. Market St. Johnson City
KARAOKE TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Boomershine’s Pizza Karaoke at 50Fifty Sports Tavern Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke at Painter Creek Marina *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke at Holiday Inn - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Mellow Mushroom Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Poor Richard’s Campus ***********************
Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton Laurel Marina 191 Shady Ford Rd. Bristol 423/ 878-3721 Ma & Pa’s Restaurant 18928 US Highway 58 Castlewood VA 276/762-7533 Marker “2’ Grill at Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock, Kingsport 423/323-4665 O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423/844-0049 Painter Creek Marina 766 Painter Creek Rd Bristol TN 423/878-5775 Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St Bristol VA 276/644-9647 Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423 / 262-0444 Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423/390-8476 Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One St. Gray TN 423/283-4014 Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423/979-6400 The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Winged Deer Park 4137 Bristol Hwy Johnson City 423/ 283-5816 Yee Haw Brewing Company 126 Buffalo St. Johnson City
FRIDAY 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 - Johnson City TN Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW - Elizabethton TN Karaoke w/ DJ Marques at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Greeneville VFW *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SUNDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Everette’s Bar & Grille -JC TN **********************
theloaferonline.com | July 19, 2016 | 19
AMERICA NEEDS ANOTHER APOLLO 11
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midst a 2016 American landscape that is filled with confusion and uncertainty, it might be good for those who love this country to contemplate what a great nation can do—as this is Apollo 11 moon landing week. The 47th anniversary of the greatest adventure of mankind is celebrated around the world as July 20, 1969 is the day the USA conquered the Moon, beating adversary Communist USSR in a Cold War “Space
Race.” Eight years after the Soviets shocked the world with Russian Yuri Gagarin orbiting the Earth just once on April 12, 1961, it was the late, great American Neil Armstrong who became the first human to walk on an alien world on July 20, 1969. Watching from their Apollo 11 moonship, Eagle, was Buzz Aldrin, who followed Neil into history and at age 86 is fervently promoting a manned mission to Mars. NASA’s story of manned exploration into outer space has been chronicled in various movies, television dramas and documentaries. But the real stories lie among the 500,000 American workers from all 50 states who built the moonships and the rockets, invented the hardware and computer software, sewed the spacesuits and packed the meals to be used in outer space. In the decade of 1960s, a handful of our 200 million American were focused on one goal—safely landing a man on the Moon—while racial equality and a faraway Vietnam War occupied the daily news headlines. Apollo 11 week should be celebrated as a rare and wonderful time when Americans came together for a common goal. The Apollo 11 moon landing was an incredible demonstration of what can be done with our American brains and something intuitively in the human spirit—exploration. Two of the hero astronauts are alive and well as they live into their 80s—orbiter pilot Michael Collins and moon lander pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin. Commander and the first man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, died in 2012. As the tens of thousands of NASA employees and their support teams across the country move into their retirement years, they reveal more and more about man’s greatest adventure. Today’s popular social media outlets about space travel frequently have posts where a relative has found papers, manuals or photos of their departed love ones’ involvement in the NASA Moon Race with Russia. Probably the most startling revelation about Apollo 11 in recent decades is Commander Armstrong’s own admission that he figured their chance of a successful landing at 50/50— though he was confident they’d safely return to Earth. Launched at 9:32 DST time on July 17th aboard the mighty Saturn V moon rocket of pioneer German Werner von Braun, one million spectators watched the American astronauts began mankind’s greatest journey. To this day the Saturn V is the largest manned rocket every flown. It’s three sections were the length of a football field, anchored by a first stage of five, F-1 engines 18-feet tall and fed by a kerosene/oxygen mixture of fuel. The three-day trip to lunar orbit was best followed by radio’s half-hour updates. The three television networks, ABC, CBS and NBC, fed all they knew about the progress of Apollo 11 to the hundreds of local TV stations across America. And newspapers updated their coverage with special editions, many major cities having both morning and evening issues. Apollo 11 moonship Eagle landed on the Sea of Tranquility at 4:17 pm DST that Sunday, July 20th. Armstrong’s historic first step on the Moon was at 10:56 pm DST, with Aldrin joining him 20 minutes later. They were both back in their spacecraft at 1:11 am DST Monday with their booty of moon rocks and tourist photos. Television networks had live broadcasts of the hours leading up to the landing and historic moonwalk. The two astronauts put up a black and white television camera that broadcast crude, but incredibly live images from the Moon! News traveled around the world quickly. The late-1960s technology for media communica-
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tions were clattering teletype printers from the AP, UPI and Reuters, IBM Selectric computers, bulky land-line telephones and inky fax machines. Over decades of observing the July 20, 1969 date in history, the Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins have been gathered together with NASA brass and other Apollo astronauts for anniversaries on the 10th, 20th, 25th, 35th and a big observance on the 40th. Only 12 humans—eight still alive—could tell you firsthand what walking on the Moon felt like. Armstrong became the reclusive hero as the most unique person in the world. No other human will every lay claim to having become the first to walk on another world. After a few years behind the desk at NASA, he retreated to his Ohio farm, and taught aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati in the 1980s before retiring completely. Considered the best pilot of the astronaut corps, Armstrong took the road of humility and said that “luck” in the crew selections was responsible for putting him in the position of unequaled fame. Command pilot Michael Collins, 86, is a former director of the Smithsonian Institute, has written several books, including the acclaimed “Carrying the Fire” about his two spaceflights. Collins remains a space advocate and has been a consultant on many projects. Aldrin, 86, has been the most visible and eager to cash in on his fame as the second man who set foot on the Moon. That stigma of being the often forgotten #2 moon man sent the astronaut on a strange journey of drug abuse and alcoholism, from which he has recovered and has enjoyed an energized life for several decades. Aldrin’s mantra to justify his importance to the history of the successful Apollo 11 landing has been: “We landed together, side by side.” Indeed, Aldrin has a point. Aldrin and Armstrong weren’t beer buddies, but they were a perfect team of one fantastic pilot and a brainy engineer. Aldrin may have been forgotten by some, but his sweet revenge is him posing as the man on the Moon in the iconic photograph from all six Apollo landings. You know the photo, Aldrin poised in a shallow crater, his gold face shield reflecting back Armstrong, taking the photo, and the Eagle lander. The voyage of Apollo 11 is a fantastic tale of one nation, under God, willing to take risks for the sake of exploring the unknowns. That, in turn, has spun off into a world-wide technological revolution. You might be reading this on a space age computer laptop, tablet or smartphone. If so, thank Apollo 11 and the seed it planted for the technology explosion. Our nation might never see another Apollo 11. But we could sure use one about now. Because landing two men on the Moon with the help of another 500,000 people was a moment that made America great.
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his is what President Richard Nixon called the most historic week in human history as three humans journeyed to the Moon, two of them walking on the surface and bringing back a bounty of rocks and soil. The Moon in the late evening sky reminds us of that incredible achievement by America 47 years ago. Tues. July 19 Full Moon is today at 6:57 pm, the moment when the Earth is exactly between the Moon and Sun. The Full Moon of July to Native Americans was the Thunder Moon for the numerous Summer Storms. Wed. July 20 On this 1969 date in space history, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed their moonship called Eagle on the western shores of the ancient lava bed called Mare Tranquility. Mankind’s greatest adventure to the Moon was fulfilled that Sunday afternoon. And Sunday night, the world was mesmerized by live television of the 2-hour moonwalk. While Neil and Buzz walked the Moon, orbiting was Michael Collins. Armstrong died in 2012, and Aldrin and Collins are both 86. Thurs. July 21 On this 1976 date in space history, the first photos from the surface of Mars were being sent back to Earth from the Viking 1 lander, which touched down the day before. Mars is directly south at sunset in our Summer skies, dimming steadily as the weeks wear on. To the left of the Red Planet is golden Saturn.
Celestial events in the skies for the week of July 19-25, 2016, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.
Fri. July 22 Jupiter is now beginning a plunge below the horizon shortly after twilight as Leo leaves the night scene. We are reminded that on this date in 1994 astronomers around the world were watching the last fragments of a comet strike Jupiter, the famous Comet Shoemaker Levy 9 impacts. Sat. July 23 On this 1972 date in space history, NASA launched Landsat 1, the first satellite devoted to monitoring plant life around the world, from wheat to Pine forests. Today, a dozen satellites keep track of Earth resources on land and in the sea as well as the health of our atmosphere. Sun. July 24 On this 1969 date in space history, Apollo 11 returned from the Moon with 48 pounds of rocks and lunar soil, splashing down in the Pacific. The moon voyagers were welcomed home on the USS Hornet aircraft carrier by President Richard Nixon. A hero’s world tour followed. Mon. July 25 On this 1984 date in space history Russian Svetlana Savitskaya became the first woman to walk in space outside the Mir Space Station. An American woman followed three months later on Space Shuttle. Today, 12 women have walked in space out of the 215 people who have stepped outside into outer space.
theloaferonline.com | July 19, 2016 | 21
A Propane Fueled Existential Crisis
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s the days led up to the Fourth of July, I found myself cleaning and prepping my grill for the season. The big day of fireworks, independence, and grilled food is a natural kick off time for the outdoor kitchen. It had been a while since I had used the grill, and stupid me has never gotten around to buying a grill cover for it. On a hot afternoon, I spritz my grill down with super magic orange degreaser, then blasted the whole thing off with a pressure nozzle attached to my garden hose. After blasting the inside and the outside with the hose, I then let the grill bake dry in the sun for a few hours. Finishing off the cleaning by turning on all the burners to high, closing the lid, and letting it just roast inside for half an hour--hopefully killing off whatever I might have missed. I wasn’t having friends over on the fourth, but the seventh. The seventh of July is the perfect time to see the last of the neighborhood fireworks go off--as people on my street buy in bulk it seems. Around five, the evening of the seventh, people started arriving at my home. I had little snacky things set up in the kitchen, and a tray full of hamburger patties waiting to go on the grill. The day before, I had the propane tank refilled and it was ready to go. After making small talk with the first wave of guests, I picked up the tray of to be cooked burgers and headed out to the grill. There were a few people out in the backyard by now, chatting, and grabbing drinks from the metal tub I placed drinks and ice into earlier. I smiled at them with a “Yes, food is happening” grin as I walked to the grill. Setting the tray on the grill side shelf, I raised the lid, turned the burners to ignite, and pressed the red button. The jolly, candy like ignite button. Nothing. I turned the burners off, checked all the con-
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nections, and turned them on again. This time, I heard the familiar hiss of sweet lady propane. Once more, I pressed the red button. Yet, as before, nothing. This is when the panic and dread set in. “Oh, no. The grill is broken. This night is ruined” I thought to myself. My thoughts, didn’t slow, they only escalated into a momentary internal crisis. “What if this is the last straw with my friendships? What if no one likes game night!? What if people only use me for my food!?” As my brain began to realize this is the moment historians would look back on as my personal Waterloo, the sensible part of my brain went “Hey, you got those fireplace matches in the den.” Grill lighted, I cooked all the burgers, and those who came to feast ate all of said burgers. The game night was a blast, and I even serenaded the crowd with my famous karaoke rendition of “She’s a Lady.” After all of that, we gathered outside in my front lawn to watch the pyro freaks on the street light up the sky with all kinds of bulk fireworks. Funny to think that for a tiny moment, I nearly Jengaed my own tower thanks my brain. See you next week.
theloaferonline.com | July 19, 2016 | 23
The Secret life of pets
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(3.5 dog biscuits out of 4)
f you have ever had a pet, currently have a pet, or just love animals in general, you need to check out the new computer-animated film “The Secret Life of Pets” now playing at a theater near you. Personally I have had pets, in various varieties since I was a child. I even remember having a pet duck! My last pet, or as some would say, furry family member, lived for 16 years, and was a total joy. The love of pets in on full display in this film from Universal, and features every type of animal imaginable. The story follows a terrier named Max (Louis C.K.) who lives a happy life with his owner Katie, until the day she brings home a large dog named Duke (Eric Stonestreet) she adopted from the local animal shelter, leading to a battle to become Katie’s favorite. Thankfully, Max has the support of his various friends, which include Mel, a Pug, Chloe, an obese cat, Buddy, a Dachshund, Sweet Pea, a small parakeet, and Gidget, the Pomeranian who lives upstairs and has a crush on Max. His friends come in handy one day when Max and Duke are lost
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from their human dog walker and find themselves in the middle of a large group of cats with attitude to spare. The cats end up removing the collar Max is wearing, and the two dogs picked up by animal control, until they are released from their captors by a gang of abandoned animals, led by a white rabbit named Snowball (Kevin Hart). While Snowball may sound as if he is cute and fluffy, street life has led him to be the leader of “The Flushed Pets”, that include everything from an alligator to a pig, and he is not to be trifled with. Max and Duke join Snowball’s group briefly until they are ratted (sorry) out by a vindictive cat. Meanwhile, back at the New York City apartment complex where Max lives, Gidget has discovered her crush is missing, and gathers Max’s friends along with new friend Tiberius (Albert Brooks), a red-tailed hawk, to help find the missing dog. The film is as much an action adventure film as any live-action film, but without the worry of crashing cars or firing any weapons. The animals spout plenty of witty dialogue that will keep the adults in the audience entertained, and is basically void of humans save for the beginning and the ending. Two of the best parts of the film include Tiberius the hawk’s struggle to keep from eating his new friends, and feline character Chloe’s attempt to avoid much action, but ends up in the middle of everything. Max, the lead character, makes a wonderful hero, and proves to be an awesome companion for his human. Hey, even Duke comes around mid-film. “The Secret Life of Pets” is an animated film that will leave you feeling a love and appreciation for animals even if you currently don’t have a furry roommate, of the four-legged variety of course. ( PG)
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‘Rock of Ages’ Auditions July 26 & 28
re you ready to rock? Encore Theatrical Company is looking for rockers for their upcoming production of “Rock of Ages.” Auditions will be held July 26 & 28. Set in L.A.’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, “Rock of Ages” tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small-town girl, both in L.A. to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. “Rock of Ages” takes you back to the times of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! “Rock of Ages” is a rock love story told through the mind blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake and many more. This 5 time Tony nominated musical features 28 classic rock tunes including “Don’t Stop Believin” “We Built This City,” “Here I Go Again,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “I Wanna Know What Love Is” and many more! Auditions will take place on Tuesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Walters State Community College, located at 500 S. Davy Crockett Parkway in Morristown. The production team is looking to cast a total of 10 men and 8 women, ages 20s through 40s. All cast members must have strong vocal abilities to sing rock music, good comedic timing, and ability to move well. Those wishing to audition must prepare a rock song in the
style of the 1980s rock music from the show. (Traditional musical theatre selections should not be used for this audition.) Songs from the show can be used in auditions. Please bring a copy of the sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. You may also use CD accompaniment, but all CDs should be easily cued to the audition number. All persons auditioning should also wear or bring comfortable clothing for a dance and movement portion of the audition. The production will begin rehearsals in early August (with a modified rehearsal schedule for the month of August) and run through October 6. Performances are scheduled for October 7-16. For more information, please visit www.etcplays.org or call 423-318-8331.
theloaferonline.com | July 19, 2016 | 25
Objects at MIT May Be Closer Than They Appear
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he Massachusetts Institute of Technology (or as the cool kids call it, MIT) is a bit of an anomaly as far as postsecondary schools go in that it’s more widely known for research rather than sports. Of course, that’s not to say that the shed’s sharpest tools who study there don’t find ways to stay in shape. After all, students do have to walk to class occasionally, and at MIT, that journey may necessitate a trip down a hallway so long that it’s commonly referred to as the ‘Infinite Corridor.’ Ok, so it’s not exactly infinite, but this corridor is pretty
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darn long. So long, in fact, that no single building can hold it. At 825 feet (or 147 Smoots for my regular readers), this one hallway connects five campus buildings: 7, 3, 10, 4, and 8 (buildings at MIT are cleverly named with numbers so that every room on campus can have a unique identity). The effect is quite spectacular - and maybe even a little bit disorienting. For added effect, visit during off-peak times without all the traffic. If you squint just right, you might be able to see the future. Hardly the wide thoroughfare you might be imagining, the Infinite Corridor is really a pretty narrow passageway. Given its length-to-width ratio, the foot traffic patterns within have been analyzed on various occasions by civil engineering students as an analogy to freeway traffic. And much like on the freeway, travelers are strongly encouraged to a abide by a certain code of etiquette. While riding bicycles or skateboards through the corridor is formally prohibited, it is also strongly encouraged that travelers keep to the right, pass only on the left, limit group sizes, form lines at bottlenecks, move at the speed of traffic, and never EVER tailgate. Those engineers tell us that following these rules maximizes efficiency for everyone, and being the eggheads that they most certainly are, I’m bound to believe them. Over the years, the Infinite Corridor has been the site of more than a few student pranks, such as the installation of lane markers, traffic signals, and even Burma Shave advertisements. But the passageway’s most famous moments come about through a purely natural phenomenon. MIThenge, as the natives call it, happens twice each year when the setting sun is perfectly aligned with the corridor, creating a pretty cool optical effect in which the sun shines down the hallway’s entire length.
You can see MIThenge for yourself on January 31 and November 11 every year. The event draws pretty sizable crowds too, at least when the weather allows. Since MIT has an open campus, it’s alright to wander about freely, so long as you don’t look like you’re up to anything nefarious. If you want to blend in, consider donning your finest pocket protector. Just remember not to tailgate.
Registration Now Open
for Second Annual Pinnacle 5K
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he first Pinnacle 5K Run and Walk was such a success last year that the region’s premier lifestyle shopping destination is making it an annual event. Registration is now open for this year’s race, to be held August 6th. Proceeds will benefit the United Ways of Bristol, Elizabethton, Johnson City, Kingsport and Southwest Virginia. The run/walk will take place on the grounds of The Pinnacle starting with the kids’ half-mile run at 8 a.m. followed by The Pinnacle 5K beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Pool Party Punch
“Those who ran our race last year really enjoyed this course because it’s a fairly flat and fast course,” says Property Manager Heather Hill. “The atmosphere was tons of fun, especially with many of the area retailers and restaurants getting involved with special race-day events and specials.” Managing the race is We Run Events, whose resume includes the Crazy 8s, the Haunted Half Marathon and the Johnson City Turkey Trot. The course will start and finish at Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza and will run entirely on the property of The Pinnacle shopping center, which since last year’s race has increased in size with the opening of the Pinnacle 12 by Marquee Cinemas and the 122,600-square-foot Tower & Crescent Shops. By race day, several new stores exclusive to the area will be open, including Carter’s, OshKosh, Party City, LOFT Outlet and Francesca’s. Other favorites like Gap, Old Navy, Surf and Dirt, and American Eagle will be open as well. Those interested in entering The Pinnacle 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Fun Run can print an entry form or register online under 2016 Events at werunevents.com. Individuals who prefer not to participate but would still like to help can do so by volunteering on the day of the event. The Pinnacle is located off I-81 at Exit 74B in Bristol, Tennessee. You can stay updated on the latest information on The Pinnacle at www.ThePinnacle.com or by following us on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites.
Recipe courtesy of Universal Wine & Spirits
1 part Pinnacle Original Vodka 2 parts Lemonade Splash of Dekuyper Blue Curacao Liqueur Garnish with Lemon Wedges Mix ingredients and serve over ice.
STORMY SKYY
Recipe courtesy of Sheila Hunter - Logan’s Steakhouse
1.25 oz Razz Skyy .75 oz Razzmatazz 4oz cranberry juice Serve over ice
theloaferonline.com | July 19, 2016 | 27
Unaka Mountain Wildlife Auto Loop
Photo and article by
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herokee legend tells the story of the Great Buzzard, a being who is responsible for creating the mountains we call home. It is said that when the earth was first formed, the ground was still soft mud. The buzzard was sent to look for a dry landing spot, but as he flew on and on with no place to alight, he grew tired and his heavy wings began to droop downward until they touched the ground. With every flap upward, mountains were formed, while every push downward created the river valleys. While we might not be able to catch a glimpse of the Buzzard today, we can certainly marvel at his handiwork. Descendants of the mighty bird are ever present across these hills, and on many a clear day they can be seen circling higher and higher along the air currents. One of the best places to find them, along with countless other avian species is along the Unaka Mountain Wildlife Auto Loop, a series of roads which climb some of the highest peaks of the Unaka Mountains. At just under thirty miles long, it is certainly long enough to furnish the inquisitive with an all day adventure, while at the same time being short enough to provide families with a perfect afternoon escape to nature. This scenic drive begins in the nearby town of Unicoi, Tennessee, located directly off Interstate 26 and surrounded on all sides by Cherokee National Forest. Since the route makes a loop, it could technically be driven from either direction, but we decided to follow it clockwise from downtown. Follow TN 107 East from its intersection with Unicoi Drive directly in front of the town hall. While technically within the boundaries of the national forest, the upcoming 7.7 miles offer little in the way of scenery as the highway twists through the outlying communities of the town. It’s only after you make a right hand turn onto Red Fork Road, otherwise known as Forest Service Road 230, that the scenic portion of the route becomes apparent. As the road turns to gravel and begins switchbacking up the slopes of Unaka Mountain, the need for a high clearance vehicle also grows obvious. It is here in the interior of the forest that you may begin to look for the numerous species of birds which frequent these woods. These can be familiar friends such as chickadees and the common crow to rarer specimens like the golden-crowned kinglet. As the road climbs higher and the forest transitions to the spruce-fir forest so common at the higher elevations, the chances of seeing even more species increases. Ravens replace the crows and can be distinguished by their larger body size as well as their contrasting croaking sound. Black-footed blue warblers dart through the spruce branches along with dark-eyed juncos, while the peregrine falcons prefer to soar the skies high above. If you’re extremely lucky, you might here the too-too call of the Northern Saw-whet Owl, a threatened species which makes the evergreen forests of Unaka Mountain its nesting hideout throughout the spring months. While birding enthusiasts will no doubt be overjoyed at the magnificent opportunities atop the mountain, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy their time on the mountain. Several parking areas along the road offer access to trailheads which explore the Unaka Mountain National Wilderness Area, a completely roadless area of more then 4,000 acres which protect the western slope of the mountain almost to Unicoi. In addition, as the road begins its descent to return to the valley once more, the Appalachian Trail can be seen on the left side of the road. This offers ample possibilities for day hikes or for a longer backpacking trek. As the forest service road descends along the state line with North Carolina it passes through several fields which normally are bursting with wildflowers. Amazing and wonderful plants grow throughout the higher elevations, so don’t spend all your time looking at the birds! Mammals, insects, and amphibians too are found in abundance if you take the time to explore and search for them. Red squirrels, or “boomers” are the easiest to spot as they will let you know that you’re not welcome with their incessant chatter. Rabbits and groundhogs roam the fields, while butterflies fill the air with dashes of color as they flutter between the blossoms. The amphibians, while possibly most plentiful, will doubtless be difficult to find. Salamanders hide under moist stones and along streams to keep out of sunlight, while the grey tree frog can change colors like a chameleon to blend in naturally with its environment. Several miles below the mountain you will what appears to be an intersection. While the correct route to complete the loop is to the right, a detour to the left soon ends at perhaps the loveliest loca-
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Forest Service Road 230 climbs the slopes of Unaka Mountain, named for the white clouds and mist which often shroud the wooded hillsides.
tion along the scenic route: Beauty Spot. A bald almost identical to Andrews Bald in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Beauty Spot makes up in size what it lacks azaleas. Acres upon acres of grass and wildflowers make a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, or just to stand and take in the breathtaking views of North Carolina to the east, and the towns of Erwin and Unicoi far below to the west. Linger as long as you want, for it is not much farther from this point until the highway leads you back into civilization. When you are ready to leave, just continue to follow the forest road until it comes to an intersection with TN 395 at the state line. Turn right and follow this road 6.2 miles until it reaches TN 107 once again. If you would like to return to Unicoi, make a right hand turn and you’ll reach our starting point in four miles. A left turn will lead to the town of Erwin, or beyond to other adventures which wait only for us to take them. Directions: From Johnson City, follow Interstate 26 East to exit 32 and turn left onto TN 173 toward Unicoi Road. Turn right onto Unicoi Drive, and in less than a mile you will reach the start of the auto tour in front of the town hall. Remember, Forest Road 230 is mainly gravel and can become difficult to traverse at times, especially after periods of rain, which are quite common at higher elevations. A vehicle with sufficient ground clearance and four wheel drive is recommended but not required.
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Liberty! the Saga of Sycamore Shoals to offer Dinner Theater
pend your evening with us at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, enjoy a fantastic meal, and then kick back for Tennessee’s Official Outdoor Drama, “Liberty!” On each evening of the play, our box office will open at 5:30 pm and guests will be seated at 6:00 pm for an entertaining and delicious meal. After the meal, you will be within short walking distance of the Fort Watauga Amphitheater where Liberty! will be performed. The Liberty! Dinner Theater is available by advanced reservations only. Reservations must be made by 1:00 PM the day of the performance either online at www.TheLibertyDrama.com or by calling the park at 423-543-5808. Outdoor drama offers a very unique format in which to experience a theatrical performance. Without a doubt, live theater, performed beside the cool waters of the Watauga River, with Fort
Watauga as the backdrop to the play, is unlike any other. Theatrical lighting, professional sound, and a host of unexpected effects completely immerse the audience in the trials and challenges of life in the late 18th century. As the story unfolds, long hunters and settlers begin leaving the protection of the English Colonies, crossing the Appalachian Mountains in violation of the British Proclamation of 1763. Along the Watauga Old Fields, families soon made their homes, formed a new government, bought and traded land from the Cherokee, and ultimately, helped secure our freedom during the American Revolutionary War. The series of events that unfolded at Sycamore Shoals were critical to state and national history. These dramatic chapters in America’s westward expansion set the tone for a number of events that helped propel the British colonies towards independence and a democratic form of government. These stories are proudly shared with our guests during each performance of Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals. We hope you will plan to come early and enjoy an excellent dinner prior to the performance of Liberty! The Dinner Theater dates for our 2015 season are July 21, 22, & 23, and July 28, 29, & 30. Dinner theater ticket prices are $25.00 for adults; $23 for seniors (55 and over); $18.00 for students ages 6 to 17; and $19.00 for Friends of Sycamore Shoals Members. Each child age 5 and under is free with a paying adult. Liberty! runs Thursdays-Saturdays, July 21 - 23, and 28 - 30, in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton. Performances begin nightly at 7:30 (Box office opens at 6 pm). John Carter’s Store (concessions) opens at 6:00 pm.
the casual word
By Langley Shazor
Follow Langley on FB & Youtube at TheCasualword
To Be Continued
A great generation Fades to memory History turns to legend And then to fable Ultimately leading to mythology We must take these lessons Learn these traits Pass on characteristics A great generation Not of Greek birth Yet dieties nonetheless Nobility to rival kings and queens Our kings and queens Our leaders Flesh of our flesh Blood of our blood
A great generation Trailblazers and pioneers Gave their lives To give us life This life we owe This life inherited A life with vision A life of dreams This great generation We commit to memory We commit to history We commit ourselves Torch bearers Forgoing myth For we are now here Decendents of legends (C) Langley Shazor 6/4/16
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Fan Favorite Andy Offutt Irwin
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to Host Live Storytelling in Jonesborough
umorist and songster Andy Offutt Irwin, a popular performer based in Georgia, will be the next teller in the International Storytelling Center’s acclaimed Storytelling Live! series. The seasonal program, which runs from May to October in Jonesborough, produces live storytelling concerts each week in Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall, tucked away in the heart of the organization’s downtown campus. During his weeklong storytelling residency, Irwin will offer daily matinees, Tuesday through Saturday, July 26 – 30 at 2:00 p.m., and one exclusive evening concert on Thursday, July 28, at 7:30 p.m. That show, “Road Tales,” is a new set of stories where the very different seeming worlds of Irwin’s grandfather, who was a roadbuilder in the 1920s, and the storyteller himself collide. Though Irwin shared snippets at the National Storytelling Festival last year, this Thursday night performance will be the story’s debut. Irwin is widely known for voicing a popular character he invented, Marguerite Van Camp, an octogenarian who became a doctor late in life. He plans to tell Marguerite stories as part of his set every day for his matinee shows, and he depends on each audience to help him bring the character to life. “I’m not telling to the audience; I’m telling with them,” he says. “It’s a partnership, and I depend on their feedback. I describe things, but I leave space so people can see their own pictures. That’s one reason I never physically describe Marguerite. I let her voice do a lot of the work, but I never say what she looks like
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so people can form their own image of her.” Irwin will also tell personal stories (especially new ones about his teenage son), sing songs, and play guitar. A staple on the storytelling scene, Irwin often plays to sold out crowds in Jonesborough each year. “The storytelling theater in Jonesborough really is a special little spot,” he says. “Really, there’s nothing else like it.” Tickets for all matinee performances are just $12 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and children under 18. Walk-in seating is available on a first-come, firstserved basis, but advance purchase is strongly recommended. Ticketholders for all performances can present their ticket stubs for a 10 percent discount on same-day dining at JJ’s Eatery and Ice Cream or Main Street Café, two popular eateries in Jonesborough. The latest performer in ISC’s renowned Storytelling Live! series, Irwin will be followed by a new storyteller each week through the month of October. Information about all performers, as well as a detailed schedule for 2016, is available at www.storytellingcenter.net. The premier sponsor of Storytelling Live! is the Mountain States’ Heart & Soul program. Additional funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the East Tennessee Foundation, Eastman Credit Union, the Mooneyhan Family Foundation, the Niswonger Foundation, and Massengill-DeFriece Foundation, Inc. The International Storytelling Center is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information about Storytelling Live! or to make a group reservation, call (800) 952-8392 ext. 222 or (423) 913-1276.
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Wheel-Gun Showdown Pt. 1 S&W Airweight
or the next few weeks we will be looking at different double-action revolvers. Calibers will likely vary but for the sake of continuity we will try to focus on .38 Specials and .357 Magnums. So for my young readers you might find revolvers to be archaic, or “old school” but there is a very good reason revolvers are still being produced and used. Reliability, revolvers aren’t susceptible to most weapons stoppages such as double-feed, and stove-pipe. While compromised ammunition can still lead to misfire, troubleshooting is as easy as pulling the trigger again. Squibloads while extremely rare can still pose a major problem even in revolvers that is why it’s so important to use quality ammunition and to store that ammunition in a cool, dry place to avoid moister and humidity. When it comes to revolvers most people’s first thought is Smith & Wesson, that’s because their founders invented and later perfected the double action, and while they manufacture fine semiautos and even AR-15s they’re name will forever be synonymous with revolvers. Today we will be looking at the Smith and Wesson Small J Frame, also known as the Airweight. This gun comes in several calibers and hammer configurations. Including hammerless and hammer shrouded which are designed to prevent snagging. The Model 637 is chambered in .38 Special + P. It holds five rounds and has a 1.875 inch barrel. The light weight of this gun is phenomenal, weighing in at only 15oz unloaded, that’s half the weight of an unloaded Glock 17. These guns are also very ergonomic and feature rubberized grips with fingergrooves. And no you won’t have to “lose your receipt” when your significant other asks how much you paid for it, the MSRP on the Airweight is only $469.00
The small J Frame is not only the most trusted revolver for personal protection they are also commonly used by Law Enforcement Officers as backups. Now something you might not have considered, Police Officers have to carry a lot of stuff with them: a sidearm, handcuffs, spare mags, tazer, and a flashlight, all these things combined weigh quite a bit. If an Officer is willing to add to that weight to carry a backup weapon you had best believe they want it to go bang when they need it to. So the fact that many officers carry the 637 and its hammerless cousin the 442 tells me it is more than suitable for personal protection. One complaint I hear from my students when discussing revolvers is the lack of capacity. To which I reply “If you can’t do it with 5 rounds, you don’t need to be doing it”. That being said it is nice to have 17 +1, but good luck carrying a gun that holds that on you ankle or in your pocket. As always I hope you enjoyed this article if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me, I look forward to your feedback.
Sources: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764937_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
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things to do Do Something BIG Bringing Hope Through Mentoring: Big Brothers Big Sisters Have you ever wondered how you can do something BIG to make a difference in the life of a child in need? Sometimes just having someone to talk with can turn a path of hopelessness into one of survival. That’s one of the compelling premises behind the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities. Spending 2 to 4 hours a month with an atrisk youth can help them improve in school, their behavior and their self-esteem. Our local Big Brothers Big Sisters office is part of one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organizations in the United States. It’s a system that has been proven to work and transforms the lives of children
who might not otherwise ever get the support they need to grow and successfully meet life’s challenges. Child-volunteer matches are made based on in-depth and comprehensive interviewing with parents, children and potential volunteers. Stringent safeguards are in place to assure that all parties are safe. Volunteer and parent engagement and training also play a big role. Anyone wanting to find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities should contact the office by calling 423-247-3240, or visiting TennesseeBig.org.3, 2016. Free. Info: www.folkheritage. org or (828)258-6101 x345.
Still Life Painting Class, Taught by Donna Bird
Wednesdays 6-8pm July 13 - August 31 $25 per session This class will cover basics of still life painting in this casual once a week “drop in” class. Discover the beauty of painting still life with oil or acrylics as we work through the elements of a painting including: studies in basic drawing, direction of light, value, mixing color, design and proportion. There is a lot to learn! Donna Bird moved to East Tennessee in 2008 and has established herself firmly in the arts community. As the manager of Art in the Heart Gallery she holds a BFA in Graphic Design and has continued to pursue her love of painting through classes and workshops with local and nationally known artists Art in the Heart Gallery 246 Broad Street Kingsport, TN 423-480-9702 www.EngageKingsport.com
Adult softball registration under way
Johnson City Parks and Recreation is now accepting registrations for fall adult softball.
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Leagues include Men’s, Women’s and Coed Open-Church. All leagues will play a 10game schedule with a single elimination tournament. Entry fee per team is $300 plus $5 for every non-City resident. Coed teams will play Mondays and Wednesdays. Men’s and Women’s leagues will play Tuesdays and Thursdays. Entry fee, roster, and photo identification for each player must be submitted at the time of registration. Ages 16-18 must have parental consent. Registration deadline is Aug. 5. League play will begin Aug. 15. Registration will be accepted at the Winged Deer Park Athletics Office, 4137 Bristol Highway. Office hours are 8:30 a.m.5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For further information, please call 283-5822.
Exercise Your Mind: Journaling will begin at 11
a.m., Wednesday, July 27, at the Gray Library. Adults are invited to come and learn the benefits and methods of journaling, as well as practicing with prompts. Bring a notebook and be prepared to write! This class is part of our Adult Summer Reading Program and no registration is required. Call the library at 477-1550 for more information.
MECC Offers Concealed Weapons Class
Mountain Empire Community College will offer a Concealed Weapons Permit course Saturday, August 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost for the course is $100. Pre-registration is required. This class satisfies the requirements for a concealed weapons permit and will cover legal guidelines, safety issues, and hands-on instruction on the firing range. Early registration is recommended as this class has limited spots available. To register go to www. mecc.edu/workforce and complete the Non-Credit Registration form or contact Lori Dingus at 276.523.2400 Ext. 372 or ldingus@mecc.edu.
pets of the week
Calliope is a 8 month old female domestic short hair. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. She is the sweetest and softest cat!
Roja is a 2 year old domestic short hair. Neutered and up to date on all vaccines. This loving cat has a great personality and loves to be petted! The Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 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 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 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www.bridgehomerescue@gmail. com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bridgehome theloaferonline.com | July 19, 2016 | 33
PLACING A CLASSIFED LINE AD:
Go to: www.theloaferonline.com, create an account, and enter your classified. Call 423282-1907 or email: classifieds@theloaferonline.com if you have any questions.
107 Services
70 Real Estate
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venue in the tri-city area, TN. For modeling you will receive a complimentary photo shoot, professional makeover, 2 finished images on a dvd and the experience to be a model 63 Community for a day! If you are interested please email us. Thank you! Tri Cities Ladies Only Board Game Group - 423-609-575 **N&N Photography This is a Meetup group for Model Call** ladies either bi, lesbian or Phone: 423-956-0820 straight who are serious about Model Call: We are looking for playing board/card games. We 2 models, one male 18+ and want ladies who will actually one female 18+. No modeling attend game nights. The goal experience needed. The male of the group is for ladies to for an edgy masculine portrait meet, get to know each other, shoot, the female for a glamform friendships while playour portrait shoot. Your shoot ing different types of games: will take place on a weekday Cards Against Humanity, Masat a local outdoor public park/ querade, Nanuk, Coup, Cash venue in the Tri- city Tn area. N Guns, Dixit, One Night UltiFor modeling you will receive mate Vampire, Smart Ass, The a complimentary photo shoot, Game of Baloney, The Game of professional makeover, 2 finThings, Salem: A Card Game of ished images on a dvd disc and Deception and Exploding Kitthe experience to be a model tens. for a day! Email us today to reserve your space!
145 Mind, Body & Spirit
Stop Smoking Naturally with Hypnosis Phone: 423-341-8898 Tired of being chained to the deadly habit of smoking? Are you motivated to stop smoking without using chemicals or chewing gum or wearing patches? I can help motivate you to stop this expensive,
WHAT IS THAT TAPPING NOISE?
J
ust as I was preparing to devote this column to the current Pokemon Go phenomenon (which shows how easily large groups of people are manipulated into doing what they are told), I came across something that seemed more interesting and certainly more annoying. Although I knew nothing about this phenomenon until last week, I am rapidly becoming an expert on Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also know as “tapping.” This is right up my alley, since I am a very skeptical fan of all sorts of fads that claim they will put you in touch with your feelings, bring you wealth, rid your body of bad vibes, and create a new “you” (cue in the theme music from “The Stepford Wives”). Before you read any further, you might want to enter “Emotional Freedom Technique” into your YouTube search box. I must warn you that you can’t stop by watching just one video. This whole thing becomes very addictive and you will no doubt end up hating yourself for wasting all that time you will never get back. But, let’s look on the bright side and chalk all this up to your being better informed about this rather bizarre pop culture development. If you took that break to watch some EFT videos before you resumed reading this week’s column, then you have no doubt gotten your fill of people tapping their heads, foreheads, chins, upper lips, ears, wrists, and elbows; I must admit I never could get up the nerve to actually watch someone tapping their underarm areas (yes, there are videos devoted to this). It seems that this rather silly technique was introduced in the early 1990s by Gary Craig, a Stanford-trained engineer and insurance agent, and his guiding principles have evolved from there until its present status as a YouTube phenomenon. Here’s what a July 12 vice.com article written by Hannah Ewens has to say about this popular fad: “Mostly it’s based on the Chinese energy meridians—or Chi meridians—used in acupuncture. The basic idea is that these lines of meridian points are like rivers in the body flowing with energy. Each point corresponds to a major part of the body. Sometimes blockages can form, from strong emotions or trauma, while optimum health needs a balanced flow.” Is it just me, or does this description sound more like a laxative advertisement than something related to emotional health? In any event, when you tap these vital body parts with your fingers while repeating some sort of gibberish about getting rid of negative energy, you supposedly receive some sort of release from stress and anxiety. I must admit that I received a great deal of stress and anxiety from all those EFT videos I watched in preparation for writing this column. My stress seemed to go away, thank goodness, when I began “tapping” the keyboard of my MacBook Pro. One of my favorite videos is posted on the vice.com site and features Gabrielle Bernstein, who has been endorsed by Oprah as a “new-thought leader,” spouting a seemingly-endless stream of EFT jargon while tapping all over her face, hands, and arms. In this six minute YouTube video we learn how to “reprogram” our brains to “create new memories,” how to “check in with your body,” how to “take responsibility for your experiences,” and how to repeat over and over mindless phrases like “Even though I am completely stressed out and overwhelmed, I deeply and completely accept myself.” This hoopla takes me back to the early 1970s, when we were annoyed by a parade of self-actualization programs that invited us to “get in touch with our feelings.” If it feels good, do it. A particularly interesting yet very questionable series of YouTube videos are
hosted by Margaret Lynch, the author of “The Secret Of Intentional Wealth,” who tells us that by tapping ourselves we just might be surprised to find as much as $50,000 suddenly deposited into our bank accounts. Upon hearing that I immediately started tapping my earlobe while periodically checking my banking app. Needless to say, I am still waiting for that deposit. Another recommended video is Jessica Ortner’s “How To Tap,” which instructs you about how to locate all the nine vital body tapping points. After taking you on this fascinating tour, she reveals all the important statements you should say while tapping. It’s all about that “tape you are playing in your head.” Where have we heard that before? And how many people will resonate with a reference to audio tape? Perhaps only I would draw comparisons between all this EFT stuff and the story about Margaret, Kate, and Leah Fox, three sisters who are credited for starting the Spiritualism movement in mid-nineteenth century America. These three sisters created quite a stir in those pre-viral days by tapping and rapping during well-publicized séances. Supposedly these tapping sounds were being produced by denizens of the spirit world, but the beans were spilled in the 1880s when two of the surviving sisters revealed that their rappings and tappings were a hoax. Despite these confessions, spiritualism continued to be quite the rage throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, attracting the attentions of famous people like William James, the founder of modern psychology. Even Harry Houdini got in on the act, but disappointed his followers when he was unable to return from the dead as his ultimate escapist trick. If you are interested in this sort of thing, I suggest you read Deborah Blum’s fascinating GHOST HUNTERS: WILLIAM JAMES AND THE SEARCH FOR SCIENTIFIC PROOF OF LIFE AFTER DEATH (2007). As I tap out this last paragraph, I will leave you in the strange world of EFT. And I will continue to check my bank account. Hopefully, my $50,000 will show up soon. See you next week.
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