The Loafer July 5th

2 | July 5, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

HIghland games

Volume 30 • Issue #31 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)

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Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

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FL3TH3R Exhibit Accepting Entries

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‘Fortuitous Hanppenstance’ Exhibit

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Celtic Music Program

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Jack’s City Grill

10 Matt Barr: Spotlight Artist 11 JC Community Concert Band

Takes The Stage 13 Founders After 5 Concert

columns & reviews

14 The Casual Word - Orion 18 Stargazer - Mars Looms Big On Summer Night 19 Skies This Week 20 Batteries Not Included - Victor Victoria In Dogville 21 Pop Life - Indepenence Day: Resurgence 22 The Trivial Traveler - Show Me Some Love 24 Appalachian Wanderers - Memphis to Bristol Pt 2:

Knoxville To Crossville 25 Lock, Stock & Barrel - Assult Weapons Ban of 2016 Pt. 1 25 Kelly’s Place - Hey, Hey, We’re The Hamilteens

14 Lakeside Concert w/ Kids Our Age 15 John Till @ Acoustic Coffeehouse 23 Serafina Sequel Set For Release 28 Things To Do 29 Pets Of The Week 30 Classifieds

7-MILE MUSHROOM Friday, July 8th at Jiggy Ray’s 7pm

All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof.

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

music & fun 16

Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times

26 Puzzle Page

infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams

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Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

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return July 7-10

laring bagpipes, astounding athletes and tons of tartans converge in Western North Carolina July 7-10 for the 61st annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

As the Games continue in their sixth decade, they hearken back to the rich cultural traditions of Scoth ig H ountain M land in a setting not so different from the mountains and glens 3,600 miles away. r e th ndfa t the Gra ear July 7-10. n a The event begins Thursday afternoon, July 7, with border collie sheepherding demonstrations, Celtic o ti ld a e d fi n y ip Fou cles the eir 61st entertainment, the running of “The Bear” and the opening ceremonies. wardsh ipers cir s return for th te p S f o in e ta r Moun A parad es. The Game e th “The Bear” pits roughly 700 runners against the steep switchbacks of Grandfather Mountain in a five-mile run fa d n m land Ga rtesy of the Gra that climbs 1,568 feet from the town of Linville to the mountain summit. It’s followed Saturday by another test of u o c Photo 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 competitions; sheepherding demonstrations by Scottish border collies; and concerts, featuring a wide variety 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+, also offering spectators opportunities to witness the “kilted mile,” clan caber toss and clan tug-of-war.

On Friday night, the Celtic Rock Concert at MacRae Meadows highlights high-energy band and GMHG favorite Seven Nations, followed by traditional and contemporary Celtic music at the Celtic Jam on Saturday night.

Musical guests in 2016 include Elias Alexander, Chambless and Muse, Hannah Seng, William Jackson, Brian McNeill, Syr, John Taylor, Nick Watson, Piper Jones Band, Raven and Red, Steven McDonald, Brothers McLeod, Marybeth McQueen, Jack Devereux and The Freestylers of Piping. Many of the groups also perform during the daylight hours in the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games’ Celtic Groves.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can learn about their own Scottish history and genealogy at clan tents or browse the open-air market for Gaelic and tartan gift items and a variety of concessions, including traditional Scottish meat pies.

One of the Games’ newer additions, the Scottish Cultural Village, will also return. There, experts will discuss or demonstrate numerous aspects of Scottish culture, including blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, athletics, piping fa5 Grand r and drumming, dancing and more. The experts will present every 30 minutes throughout the weekend in Grove the 201 e t th a s fa s d 3. caber to Sickler | Gran e th in mpetes Photo by Skip o c Youngsters enjoy participating in highland wrestling clinics and competitions, foot races and tug-of-war battles. re u s .

Eric Fra hland Games Whether you’re new to the Games or a return visitor, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games offer a hearty n ig Athlete o H ti a in unta Found ther Mo Stewardship the “céad míle fáilte” — a hundred thousand welcomes! t a s w o in Mead Mounta rn July IF YOU ATTEND MacRae mes retu on ain fill a g a G l e il h w T ati .

Adult admission to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is $15 Thursday, $20 Friday, $30 Saturday and d d s n e n o u m y o d Ga hip F and be Highlan tain Stewards $15 Sunday. Tickets cover all activities in the meadows, which on Friday and Saturday last from early morning to cotland in S ta f n o u n s o nd rM r Mou The sou al Grandfathe midnight. Tickets are $5 each day for children ages 5-12, and children younger than 5 enter free. ndfathe ra G e u n th 61st an rtesy of Tickets for Thursday night’s opening ceremonies are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Tickets for oto cou 7-10. Ph the Celtic Jam 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 at the entrance must be paid with cash or credit card.

Four-day passes are also available online at www.gmhg.org. Adult passes are $75 (including shuttle), and children’s passes are $20 (also including shuttle).

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. Buses do not run in the evenings.

MORE INFORMATION 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.

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2016 FL3TCH3R Exhibit

ost artists do not like to be pigeonholed by genre, but many do strive – periodically or consistently – to make social and political statements through their work. The FL3TCH3R Exhibit at East Tennessee State University provides an opportunity for socially relevant expression, as well as a chance to support an annual scholarship for an ETSU Art & Design student.

This year’s FL3TCH3R Exhibit will be on display at ETSU’s Reece Museum Oct. 10-Dec. 19. Submissions will be accepted from visual artists through Aug. 22.

“Some shows do not want to categorize as exclusively exhibiting social and political work,” says Wayne Dyer, an ETSU graphic design professor and co-founder of the annual exhibit. “I understand that. But we have gotten lots of correspondence from artists who are tremendously excited about this show – just because we are giving artists a chance to make statements. We are interested in what artists have to say.”

“Socially and politically engaged art has been integral in creative expression since the beginning of visual arts,” says Barbara Dyer, co-founder and co-director.

The FL3TCH3R multinational juried exhibit focuses on work with strong social and/or political content and “should reflect current issues that affect contemporary culture and investigate societal and political concerns,” the exhibit website says. In its fourth year, the exhibit was established in memory of the Dyers’ son, Fletcher, an ETSU bachelor of fine arts senior in graphic design who passed away in 2009 at age 22 in a motorcycle accident.

“Fletcher was the kind of person who liked to push you and push boundaries …” Wayne Dyer says. “He was pushing people’s buttons all the time.”

Continuing the dialogue through the FL3TCH3R Exhibit perpetuates Fletcher’s own legacy of questioning and probing. “The opportunity to provide a venue for that expression is a very significant thing that I am proud we are able to provide,” Barb Dyer says. “Fletcher inspires me to say that … because of the conversations I had with him about how people in general don’t stay

at ETSU accepting entries The exhibit offers four main cash awards plus several other awards of honorable mention, including an Appalachian Artist Award, renamed in 2015 as

fl3tch3r

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on top of what’s happening in the world.”

The response to this opportunity has been gratifying, the Dyers say. Last year’s exhibit included 65 works from 57 artists, representing 31 American states and five other countries. Over the years since the exhibit was established, works included in the show have increased from 50 in 2013 to 65 in 2015; submissions have been as high as 347; and the exhibit has expanded to Reece Museum.

“If we look at the different subjects that have been broached by artists exhibiting in the FL3TCH3R exhibit, I wouldn’t say that every issue has been covered … but it’s pretty amazing the myriad ideas we have seen in submissions,” Wayne Dyer says.

A non-refundable fee of $40 is required for submission of up to three entries. Artists may submit additional entries in excess of three for an additional $10 per artwork/title.

The submission prospectus can be found at http://www.

FL3TCH3Rexhibit.com/downloads/prospectus.pdf.

The exhibit’s proceeds, after expenses, will fund the annual Fletcher H. Dyer Memorial Scholarship for an ETSU Art & Design student.

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fl3tch3r

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the Sammie L. Nicely Appalachian Artist Award, in memory of Nicely, who was artist-in-residence at Reece Museum in 2014 and 2015 and died in May 2015.

“It is always good to receive some recognition ...” 2015 FL3TCH3R Exhibit artist James Pace of Tyler, Texas, tells the Dyers in an email, “but it pales [compared] to the significance of what you have accomplished by continuing the venue through which artists can fulfill their social responsibility.”

Making the selections for the fall 2016 exhibition will be Dr. Eric Avery, printmaker and recently retired physician, who for decades has practiced medicine and art in tandem. His complexly layered work connects issues of printmaking and art history with social concerns of public health, human rights abuse and responses to HIV/AIDS, death, sexuality and the body.

Before his retirement, Avery was clinical associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and a member of the Institute for Medical Humanities at The University of Texas Medical Branch, specializing in issues related to HIV/AIDS. In addition to being the subject of numerous gallery exhibitions, Avery’s work is found in many permanent collections, including the British Museum, London; Philadelphia Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and Whitney Museum of American Art, New York.

The FL3TCH3R Exhibit reception and an artist talk by Avery will take place Thursday, Oct. 27, at Reece Museum.

For more information about Fletcher Dyer, visit http://fletcherdyer.com/about.html. For more information about the exhibit and submissions, visit http://www.FL3TCH3Rexhibit.com.

‘Fortuitous Happenstance’ exhibit

features new work by Johnson City artist Ann Ropp

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ortuitous Happenstance,” an exhibit of new work by Johnson City artist Ann Ropp, is on display at Tipton Gallery through July 15.

The mixed media watercolor paintings on paper are abstract combinations of whimsical and fantastical forms created from the witty imagination of the artist.

Ropp compares her creation of the series to “going on a trip with no plans.” Her feelings while working on the project were

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like starting “up the engine, enjoy(ing) the ride and, if I’m lucky,” reaching the “final destination” of the finished work.

Tipton Gallery, located at 126 Spring St., will be open Fridays, July 1, 8 and 15, from 4-6 p.m. and other times by appointment.

For more information, contact Ropp by email at annroo@ hotmail.com, or call 423-4349342 to schedule a visit.

festival

St. Peter the Apostle Anglican Church Hosts

Celtic Music Program

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ively Irish reels, lilting ballads and traditional music will be performed by the duo of Martha Avaleen Egan (flute, pennywhistle and Irish flute) and B. Chris Neal (piano/ organ) at St. Peter the Apostle Anglican Church on Sunday, July 17 at 3 p.m. Please join us in the cool sanctuary of St. Peter’s Church, 3321 Thornton Dr. near the Ft. Henry Dr. Wal-Mart.

The Celtic music program will include students from Martha Egan’s Private Lesson Music Studio.

A special feature of the program will be the first performance of a new composition for flute ensemble by respected composer Evelyn Pursley-Kopitzke. A student ensemble of C Concert flutes, Alto flute and Irish Pennywhistle (Tin whistle) will present Celtic Homage: Let’s Dance.

Celtic Homage: Let’s Dance for Pennywhistle and Flute Ensemble was commissioned by Martha Egan for her more advanced flue ensemble and to showcase the pennywhistle in concert with other instruments playing music in the Celtic style. Ensemble performers, along with Egan, are Rebecca Firth, Kayla Herron, Taylor Herron and Laken Mooney. More Celtic songs will be performed by students Erin Byrd, Makayla Coleman, Laney Height, Camryn Herron, Allison Phillips, Abigail Utterback and Megan Wyrick.

The duo of Egan and Neal enjoy performing a variety of music including performances at East Tennessee Celtic Society events. On this concert at St. Peter’s Church, they will perform Sacred Irish music, traditional Irish songs and other music in the “Irish Style” such as composer Henry Mancini’s The Thorn Birds and Irelandaise by jazz composer Claude Boling.

Martha Egan has participated in area vocal and instrumental groups for many years. She is an experienced flute, piccolo, pennywhistle and Irish flute teacher and frequent performer of Celtic, Sacred, classical and folk music as a soloist for church services, festivals, weddings and recitals at area churches such as the Third Sunday@3 Recital series at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Martha studied flute with Eugene Orner (the first multiple woodwind graduate of Eastman School of Music) and with Professor John Meachem at University of Tennessee. She is vice-president of the Kingsport Music Club and teaches history/humanities courses at Northeast State Community College. Her private lesson studio is located in Colonial Heights and Kingsport.

B. Chris Neal is the organist and Minister of Music at Mountain View United Methodist Church in Kingsport. In addition to those duties, he teaches music to 60 children at the Mountain View UMC Day School. Chris also serves as the organist/choir master of the Saturday Mass Choir at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Johnson City. Chris is a member and president of the Bluff City Music Club. He enjoys accompanying middle and high school concert choirs and playing for vocal competitions and various concerts.

Composer Evelyn Pursley-Kopitzke is a Tanzania-born American living in Tennessee. She is a neo-classical composer and lyricist whose extensive opus includes chamber, choral, art songs and orchestral works. Her music has been heard from coast to coast and in Europe. She holds a graduate degree in composition and studied with Drs. Margarita Merriman, Barney Childs and Kenneth Jacobs. A co-founder of the Greater Tri-Cities Composer Consortium, she has received top honors in the Carton Savage international I Wage Peace project. Selected recent works include Adagio, Beyond the Silence, Soprano and Orchestra, Expectations, Percussion Solo on 11 instruments, The Constellations, a Symphony, a 2014 commission by The Paramount Chamber Players and a song cycle for Soprano, Dr. Sun-Joo Oh. St. Peter the Apostle Anglican Church is a mission church of the Eastern Diocese in the Anglican Province of America. St. Peter’s welcomes the opportunity to be involved with Funfest 2016. A reception will follow the concert. For information, call Earl Dunn 423-390-1480. Teresa Murray Smith, 423-676-2609, or Martha Egan, 423-677-8909.

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JACK’S CITY GRILL

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ack’s Big Top Burgers Jack’s has a great combination of menu, service & atmosphere that will keep you coming back for more tasty food in a friendly and casual stetting. Jack’s City Grill opened its doors in January 2009.

Their eclectic menu features fajitas, steaks, giant burgers (try the Bison Burger, you’ll love it), wraps, quesadillas, ribs and fish.

The Jack burger is a giant 10oz 100% pure USDA burger is season and cooked to perfection. Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo and pickles on a giant homemade bun. You even have a choice to upgrade to a Pretzel or Gluten free bun. If that’s not enough, choose to add toppings such as America, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Provolone, Pepper Jack, Cheddar, or Bleu cheeses, Applewood Bacon, a fried egg, sautéed mushrooms or onions.

Don’t miss out on trying their mouth watering Buffalo Wings served 10-20 in an order. These fresh buffalo wings are deep fried and tossed in Buffalo sauce served with a side of Ranch or Bleu Cheese Dressing.

Choose for BBQ, Jerk Style, Teriyaki, or naked (not breaded). You won’t be disappointed.

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Kingsport Carousel 1st Birthday & Fun Fest Block Party

he Kingsport Carousel has had a great 1st year and we couldn’t do it without YOU! Let’s celebrate on Sunday July 10, 2016 with a wonderful day of activities and fun for all ages!

From 1 – 7 PM Official Fun Fest Block Party — our Carousel will be open to the public and several food trucks will be on site. The public is encouraged to bring their own picnic or sample goodies from the visiting food trucks. We will have face painting, carousel temporary tattoos, balloons, games, music, art activities for the kids and more and of course – Carousel Rides! Wear a Carousel T-shirt or Fun Fest T-shirt and get a free ride!

The folks at Kingsport Idol will be hosting a karaoke session from 2-5 pm. There will be performances from some of the current season finalists and from former contestants. The public will have an opportunity to sing as well. From 5-7 pm the Kingsport Theatre Guild will be performing numbers from their upcoming shows High School Musical, Into the Woods and Oklahoma.

The Kingsport Carousel is now running on its summer schedule. Regular business hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 7 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 7 pm. All rides are $1.00. Private rentals and children’s birthday party packages are available.

The Kingsport Carousel has an active volunteer roster and welcomes others to join in on the fun. Local residents (from High school kids all the way to Senior Citizens!) that have a passion to be in a happy place and share a joyful experience will love it.

For more information go online to www.EngageKingsport.com or visit the Kingsport Carousel at 308 Clinchfield Street in Kingsport, or call the Carousel directly at (423) 343-9834 The Kingsport Carousel Project has been a joint effort of more than 300 volunteers and 700 sponsors along with the City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, Engage Kingsport Inc. and a wide variety of community partners. The dream became a reality and on July 10, 2015 the completed Kingsport Carousel opened to the public.

Sunday, July 10

Kingsport Farmer’s Market & Kingsport Carousel and Park 308 Clinchfield Street

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Art in the Heart Gallery

Spotlight Artist for July: Matt Barr

Reception during 1st Thursday Sip N’ Stroll on July 7, 2016 from 5-8 pm in downtown Kingsport.

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att Barr is the Art in the Heart Gallery spotlight artist for July.

His show will be called Lethal Garde.

There will be an opening reception from 5-8 pm during the 1st Thursday Sip N’ Stroll event in Downtown Kingsport on Thursday July 7th 2016.

Wine and refreshments will be served at the Gallery, while many Downtown shops and restaurants participate and stay open until 8 pm. Downtown Kingsport is a place of creative discovery!

Matt Barr’s Artist statement: “Lethal Garden is a series that I began in 2015 to visually explore some of mother nature’s most notorious lethal plants. Many of them grow all around us. In our backyards and gardens, on our playgrounds and farms. Most of them are aesthetically pleasing and are prized by landscapers for their extraordinary visual appeal. Oddly, others are grown for consumption as food or medicine.

A small minority of them (some of the more sinister varieties), have historically been used in homicides, suicides, and executions...I have tremendous amount of fascination, curiosity, and respect for these plants. Working with them is a delicate dance with mortality which makes the process of taking these pictures all the more profound.”

Art in the Heart Gallery in the heart of downtown Kingsport offers a variety of art classes and workshops for both children and adults. The gallery exhibits and sells artwork from approximately 50 regional and local artists in a variety of media from painting and photography, to pottery, jewelry and others. They have special exhibitions and receptions monthly. Check website for current listings. www.EngageKingsport.com

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Johnson City Community Concert Band takes the stage

tep back in time to the age of the big bands when the Johnson City Community Concert Band takes the stage for a free concert at Northeast State Community College on Saturday, July 9. The performance will be held in the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts Theater located on the Blountville campus next to Tri-Cities Regional Airport.

The band’s performance is part of the College’s “Hot Nights, Cool Music” summer concert series. Admission is free and open to the public. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.The performance celebrates Northeast State’s 50th Anniversary.

Founded in 1983 by faculty members from East Tennessee State University, the Johnson City Community Band is made up of more than 50 members and associate members who have diverse backgrounds in music.

The Johnson City Community Concert Band is an all-volunteer, non-profit, concert band whose members are from all over the region. Band members range from professional band directors to music professionals of all ages that want to continue the joy of playing music and performing. The band also features several associate members who taken up playing challenging music.

For more information about this or other events in the Hot Nights, Cool Music series, visit www.NortheastState.edu or contact 423.279.7669 or jpkelly@NortheastState.edu.

Crumley House to Host Polynesian Fund-Raiser

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he Crumley House in Limestone is hosting its Annual Polynesian Beach Party on Saturday, August 6, at 6 p.m. The party will feature Polynesian fire and hula dancers as well as music by DJ Robbie Britton.

This year’s Event Sponsor is Dermatology Associates and the Entertainment Sponsors are Mountain States Health Alliance and NN, Inc. With contributions from many of the region’s corporations and members of the community, silent and live auctions will be conducted. Doors will open at 5:30 to allow for early viewing of the items.

A Polynesian-style dinner will be served beginning at 6:30. The menu will include tropical foods in addition to local favorites and desserts. Dancing will end the evening’s festivities.

All proceeds will benefit brain injury survivors served by the Crumley House, the region’s only Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center. To purchase tickets, make a donation, or become a sponsor, contact Michelle Ferguson at (423) 257-3644.

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Theatre Bristol Announces Auditions

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for “The Adventures of Madeline” July 10 - 12

Roles available for men, women and children in this childhood favorite of all ages

n an old house in Paris that was covered with vines; Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines” And on the Theatre Bristol ARTspace stage, according to the sign; adults, girls, and boys audition for The Adventures of Madeline.

Theatre Bristol announces July audition dates and details for the August/September production of The Adventures of Madeline at the ARTspace theatre. Veteran and novice actors are invited to audition July 10th at 2:30 pm, and July 11th and 12th at 6:30 pm at Theatre Bristol, 512 State Street, Bristol, TN. Roles for men, women, and children are available, as well as opportunities with the production crew.

For the first time, Theatre Bristol will bring The Adventures of Madeline to the ARTspace stage, featuring all the familiar characters, including Madeline, 11 little girls, Ms. Clavel, Pepito, Genevieve, and many more, including even author Mr. Bemelmans as the narrator.

With the blessing of Ludwig Bemelmans’ estate, playwright James Still has adapted the classic stories of the little girl Madeline and woven them into a stage adventure that incorporates the memorable rhyme and endearing charm we expect.

Directing the show will be actor/director/scriptwriter, Theatre Bristol veteran Dottie Havlik, most recently director of Charlotte’s Web, and actor in The Music Man, Les Misérables, Scrooge!

The Musical, Steel Magnolias, and many more productions.

The audition will consist of cold readings and accents will not be expected. For audition dates and times and additional important details, including the rehearsal schedule, please visit www. theatrebristol.org/audition.

Anyone interested in being a part of the production crew may contact Theatre Bristol at info@ theatrebristol.org.

The Adventures of Madeline will run from August 26 to September 11 for nine shows over three

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weekends. Tickets will be available online at the Theatre Bristol website.

Founded in 1965, Theatre Bristol is the oldest continually running children’s theatre in northeast Tennessee and now celebrating its 50th season. Its Main Stage season consists of up to five productions. Some of its performances take place in the ARTspace, a multi-purpose, black box theatre which seats up to 120. Theatre Bristol is entirely volunteer run and we invite you to get involved.

For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.

4th annual Kids Triathlon

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coming to MPCC Aug. 20

ave the date for Memorial Park Community Center’s fourth annual Kids Triathlon. Youth ages 6-12 are invited to compete on Saturday, Aug. 20. Registration will open June 6 online and in person at Memorial Park Community Center.

For more information, please call (423)434-6237.

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Founders After 5 Concert Series

Continues with megan jean & The KFb

ounders After 5 Concert Series moves into July with a great lineup of bands from all over the Southeast. Each week the crowd at the concert series grows and July should be no exception.

Continuing every Friday night through September, with the exception of First Fridays, Founders After 5 will be held in the Founders Park Amphitheater in downtown Johnson City, TN and features a wonderful cross section of music genres. The free music series begins at 6 pm and usually runs until 8 pm.

The first group to hit the stage this month on Friday, July 8 is Megan Jean & the KFB. Megan Jean and the KFB is the husband and wife musical duo, Megan Jean and Byrne Klay, from Charleston, South Carolina.

The band is known for its eclectic sound and unique instrumentation.

Courtyard Marriot and Fairfield Inn will be the sponsors for the evening.

On July 15, The Get It Right Band out of Asheville, NC will be playing an eclectic mix of genres that will make you move. Combining catchy, clever songwriting with musical expertise and fearless improvisation, the live show promises to make you shake everything you’ve got. From funk to rock n’ roll to reggae, this is a dance party. Talent Night Sponsor is Doubletree Hotel.

Dangermuffin, sponsored by Mullican Flooring, will perform on July 22. This Americana Roots Rock trio hails from Folly Beach, South Carolina. Their most recent album, “Songs for the Universe”, was released in 2014. Recorded at Charleston, S.C.’s Truphonic Studios, the album contains the influence of Appalachia but still maintains the salty vibes of the Carolina coast.

July 29, Sally & George, a musical duo at the crossroads of Americana,

Country, and Rock will captivate the park. Drawing from their love for the classic duet styles of Johnny Cash and June Carter, as well as contemporary artists, The White Stripes and Shovels & Rope, Sally and George breathe life and love into the ever widening world of Americana. The pair bring new material with stripped down instrumentation, emphasizing song craft and hypnotic vocals, to stages across the country.

Each evening, the featured bands will play two sets, music begins at 6 pm with a 15 minute break. You are invited to bring a blanket or chair, pick up a to go order from your favorite downtown restaurant or make plans to dine downtown after the music ends. Beer, soft drinks and water will be available for sale at the event. No outside alcohol is allowed in the City park.

Founders After 5 is sponsored by YeeHaw Brewing Company, Eastman Credit Union, Johnson City Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Johnson City Development Authority. The Founders Park Amphitheater is located in Downtown on Commerce Street. Parking is available at the Pavilion at Founders, in the public lot between Main and Market by Boone Street and in the Downtown Center Parking Garage. For more information about Founders After 5, visit downtownjc.com

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Lakeside Concert Series kicks off July 7 with

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Kids Our Age

ead to Winged Deer Park’s Goulding Amphitheatre Thursday (July 7), when Kids Our Age will kick off this year’s Lakeside Concert Series with an enthusiastic and contagious performance. This three-member band features some of our area’s most talented musicians who have performed for thousands over their long careers. Showtime is 7 p.m.

The free Lakeside Concert Series takes place at Winged Deer Park’s Goulding Amphitheatre off Carroll Creek Road. Sponsors include Bristol Broadcasting, DOTHERT Recording Studio, Johnson City Parks and Recreation, and the News and Neighbor. For more information, call (423)283-5815, email jcparksinfo@ johnsoncitytn.org or visit www.facebook.com/jcparkstn.

the casual word

By Langley Shazor

Follow Langley on FB & Youtube at TheCasualword

L This year’s concert schedule is as follows: • Thursday, July 7, 7-9 p.m. – Kids Our Age • Thursday, July 14, 7-9 p.m. – Bakersfield Band • Thursday, July 21, 7-9 p.m. – Southern Countrymen Band • Thursday, July 28, 7-9 p.m. – Benny Wilson Band • 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 • Sunday, Sept. 11, 6-8 p.m. – Johnson City Symphony

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Orion

ooking at the hourglass It tells the story of what was Leaving us a glimpse Of things past Forgone the events of old A testament to beginnings Reflecting light, These grains drift slowly Particulates of greatness Signs and wonders Invoke the imagination Navigating our thoughts through the black sea Scrolls of times Expand and contract As we read their tales Biography of lives All life granted for a moment One day the sand runs out But things take time As we peer into the hourglass

Lilli Jean Tuesday, July 5th @ Acoustic Coffeehouse

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illi Jean is a wild and green southern songstress with a Rock N Roll religiosity.

Her style breaches all the great American genres with a psychedelicate sensibility. Sometimes Country, sometimes heavy, sometimes bluesy, and often soft and sweet; Her music is undeniably authentic and original.

Lilli will be playing at the Acoustic Coffeehouse at the start of her Skylines Tour, in support of her newest full length album Asheville Skyline. The show will take place July 5th at 10PM. This event is free and all ages. For more information, and free downloads visit www.lillijeanmusic.com.

john till

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Sunday, July 10 Acoustic Coffeehouse

ohn Till is a solo acoustic act based out of Bloomington, IL. With slide guitar, banjo and acoustic guitar come arrangements steeped heavily in the fingerpicking styles of the Delta Blues. Bouncing baselines and dancing melodies driven along with two part foot percussion provide a dynamic listening experience, greeting listeners with his unique brand of porch pop. When he is not traveling for music he resides on a small farm spending time in fields and barns further informing his craft. www. johntillmusic.com

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S O LG T P

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- FRIDAY - July7 th -

- TUESDAY - July 5th -

- SATURDAY - July 8th -

CEDAR VALLEY

SETH THOMAS

KATLYN BAKER

GUIDO AU’SOME & THE OPEN MIC PLAYERS

KT VAN DYKE

BAKERSFIELD

at Full Moon Jam Bristol at O’Mainnin’s Pub

JOHNSON CITY JAMS

at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe 7pm at Bristol Brewery

ACOUSTIFRIED (Rock n Roll) at Marker “2” Grill

JAMEZ HALLIDAY / LILLIE JEAN

CATFISH FRYE BAND (Rockin’ Boogie Blues) w/ HUNDRED ACRES

DOWNTOWN COUNTRY

LETTERS TO ABIGAIL

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room at Acoustic Coffeehouse at Jiggy Ray’s 6:30pm

- WEDNESDAY - July 6th OPEN MIC

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

RYAN SOBB MATTHEW FROM THE COLONIES at Acoustic Coffeehouse

- THURSDAY - July 7th BENNY WILSON BAND at Marker “2” Grill

RETROVILLE

at Twilight Alive - Kingsport

at Yee-Haw Brewing Company 8pm

BREAKING THE MOON AMY STEINBERG

at Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch at Quaker Steak & Lube 7pm

KIDS OUR AGE

(50’s - 90’s, rock n roll, country, a bit of everything) at Winged Deer Park 7pm

LANGHORNE SLIM & THE LAW TIME SAWYER

at Abingdon Market Pavillion 7pm LAURA THURSTON (Folk) at O’Mainnin’s Pub

KARL SHIFLETT & THE BIG COUNTRY SHOW at Bluegrass on Broad - Kingsport

LIVE MUSIC

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

SALINE FIDDLERS PHILHARMONIC THE APOLLO AFFAIR w/ CANDACE GRIFFIN MUSIC at Acoustic Coffeehouse

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at Down Home

UNDER THE TABLE

(Rock, Classic Rock) at Painter Creek Marina 7pm

THE JOHNSON CITY COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND

at Bristol Brewery 8pm

at O’Mainnin’s Pub

RUSTY STEEL QUARTER BOUNCE

THOMAS CASSELL PROJECT SHOOTER

Country, Classic Rock, Oldies) at Bristol Showplace 7pm

at Rush Street 8pm

THE FUGITIVES

at Country Club Bar & Grill

EATH BY TRAIN w/ INDIGHOST

THE FUGITIVES

SHOOTER (Country, Classic Rock, Oldies)

MOLLY JEAN UNSPOKEN TRADITION

MILE TWELVE BLUEGRASS

THE CHARLES WALKER BAND

at Kickin’ Back @ King Alley

IVY ROAD

at Cumberland Square Park

(Alt. Country, Outlaw Country, Texas Honky Tonk) at David Thompson’s Produce

BENNY WILSON BAND THE REMEDY BAND

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

TIM HICKS

at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe

at Laurel Marina

at Northeast State Performing Arts Center SUNDOWN BAND (Country) Willoughby Ruritan JAMES MEADOWS (Country) at Quaker Steak & Lube 8pm

JP PARSONS & THE AMERICAN BANDWAGON

at Full Moon Jam - Bristol Downtown Center

If you or your band are playing in the upcoming week and would like to be in The Spotlight, call in advance to (423) 283-4324 or go online to: theloaferonline.com. Due to last minute cancellations or changes, please call the location to confirm.

at Capone’s

at State Line Bar & Grill 7pm

NOAH WALL at Down Home

SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND (Country) at Ford Town Willoughby

7-MILE MUSHROOM at Jiggy Ray’s 7pm

RUN AWAY HOME

at Country Club Bar & Grill at O’Mainnin’s Pub

BONNIE BLUE

at Yee Haw Brewing Company 8pm

SPENCER BRANCH at Carter Fold 7pm

LIVE MUSIC

Bone Fire Smokehouse

VICTORIA CANAL w/ HARLEY GREEN NICO DELUCA-VERLEY CAT THUMBS w/ DAFFODILIAD at Acoustic Coffeehouse

- SUNDAY - July 9th -

at Bone Fire Smokehouse 9pm

HAZEL HUNTER GRIGG

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

- SATURDAY - July 8th CATFISH FRYE BAND

(Rockin’ Boogie Blues) at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe 7pm

WOLF CREEK

at Marker “2” Grille 7pm

THE SAVANTS OF SOUL at Capone’s

IVY ROAD

at Marker “2” Grille

BRANDON ROHR

at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe 4pm

LIVE MUSIC

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

JOHN TILL / BOY NAMED BANJO at Acoustic Coffeehouse

- MONDAY - July 10th -

OLIVIA RUDEEN w/ MADELEINE at Acoustic Coffeehouse

Spotlight Directory Biggies Clam Bar 417 W Stone Dr Kingsport 423/765-9633 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’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 Cumberland Square Park 200 Lee St. Bristol VA 276/ 645-7300 Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423/929-9822 Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100 Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton Kickin’ Back at King’s Alley 156 E. Jackson St. Gate City VA 276/386-3831 Laurel Marina 191 Shady Ford Rd. Bristol 423/ 878-3721

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 Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Marker “2” Grille 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 ***********************

Marker “2’ Grill at Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock, Kingsport 423/323-4665 Northeast State Community College 2425 Highway 75 Blountville TN 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 Rush Street 1229 E Stone Dr Kingsport 423/247-3184 Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423/390-8476 Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One St. Gray TN 423/283-4014 State Line Bar & Grill 644 State Street Bristol 423/652-0792 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 **********************

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MARS LOOMS BIG ON SUMMER NIGHT

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he alien world that has been on the minds of man for centuries looms in our summer night evenings—Mars!

Yes, the Red Planet has been making quite a show this “opposition of 2016,” and you can easily see it from your own backyard.

As the twilight sets in after 9 pm, go out and look toward the south (the setting Sun to your right), and watch the stars pop out. The brightest and reddish looking will be Mars. Its brightness has already peaked as Earth was across from it and closest on May 26th at 46.8 million. Though it will start to fade as it wanders out of the constellation Cancer and into Scorpius to the left, Mars will be with us into the Autumn.

When the planets are closest to each other, astronomers call that an “opposition,” and with Mars that happens every 720 days as our orbits bring us into each other’s neighborhood. Closer means bigger, and the tiny disk of Mars seen during oppositions from 35-60 million miles away reveals surface features than can be seen with a small telescope in any backyard.

That’s exactly what I’ve been doing with my modest 8” inch mirror telescope from my backyard in Boones Creek, Tennessee. And I’ve been having a little fun making my own sketches of Mars as its dark markings change each night. It’s something I’ve done over the past three decades of watching this fascinating world.

Mars joins our Moon and the Sun as the only objects in the sky whose surface we can see with a backyard telescope. So it is exciting to make your own impressions of what you see. My sketching might not be too scientific, but I can see some amazing detail of what’s going on the Martian surface, now 54 million miles away. And my sketches can rival those of the pioneering astronomers of the 1800s!

Like the white polar caps. And the greenish-gray dark markings. All against a salmon pink globe that pops out from the blackness of space around it.

Even in a large telescope, Mars is still a small globe in an eyepiece filled with the blackness of space. In my modest telescopes it is like looking at a red cranberry in the palm of my hand. And forget about that stupid Internet babble about Mars being as large as the Moon—never, ever is THAT going to happen!

You can watch the seasons of Mars change as one polar cap shrinks and the other enlarges, and clouds may be visible as illusive frost on mountains can be seen before it melts in hours.

The dark areas used to be thought of as watery seas, hence some carry a ‘mare” name.

But after decades of observation, astronomers realized these permanent markings were probably land masses amid the ruddy deserts. That red to pink color is attributed to the oxidization of the soil at some point in its ancient history.

Like a fly fisherman who practices his cast, looking through a telescope takes practice to master the subtle nuances to perfection. Looking through an eyepiece takes time to get comfortable. And there is a lot of Earth atmosphere that muddies the view of a celestial object as features dance in and out of focus.

And therein lies the fascination with the alien world of Mars as just 100 years ago plenty of astronomers were seeing straight lines they called “canals” crisscrossing the globe. And born was a new genre of entertainment—science fiction and the dreams of alien life.

But just over 50 years ago the hopes of Martians trying to save their planet were dashed by an interplanetary spacecraft that sent back 22 photos showing a barren, cratered world. Even worse, scientific instruments revealed a super-thin atmosphere with a colder-than-Antarctica surface. Mars wasn’t a place to raise your kids.

That space probe flying by the Red Planet on July 14, 1965, was NASA’s finest to date, Mariner IV. It simply in an instant changed a century of scientific imagination.

The impact on society from that handful of fuzzy images was huge. Photos were seen and talked about in newspapers, magazines and radio with some television. Amateur astronomers impatiently waited weeks for the actual images to hit their favorite science

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magazines.

Dead were the Martians of H.G. Wells, Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein and dozens of other science fiction writers’ creations. Gone were the dreams of astronomers about a dying civilization trying to stay alive with water irrigation from the poles until interplanetary help arrived.

That interplanetary invasion for Earth began in earnest with Mariner IV, and has included more than 25 successful missions from America, Russia, Europe and Japan.

In July 2016 there are three orbiters and two surface rovers are exploring Mars nearly 24/7, data added to that sent back from three other rovers, three landers, eight other orbiters and a half dozen flybys.

Today a fanciful, canal-laced Mars has been replaced by a different kind of dynamic world. We know Mars was once a water world with oceans that dried up a few billion years ago while massive volcanoes bulged one side of the planet. The whole big picture still has lots of gaps.

Maps of Mars are as detailed as those of Earth and Moon. Which makes the crude, backyard sketches of the Red Planet even more interesting, particularly when looking back in history.

For example, astronomers have seen since the 1700s a series of “W-shaped” white dots in the middle of a vast reddish desert. Suspected to be clouds over mountains, one was even called Olympus Mons. Twentieth Century spacecraft revealed the largest volcanoes in the Solar System, whose Tharsis Bulge of lava has made the planet lopsided.

Clouds on Mars can be seen frequently on the morning limb, but unpredicted are the dust storms that can go from regional to global in a matter of weeks. Winds whip up the thin atmosphere and the fine-grained sand and dust can sustain itself in the sky for months. Several American and Russian orbiting spacecraft had to wait out storms before taking valuable data.

We can see those dust storms brewing as familiar dark features are hidden or haze appears over the east or west horizons.

Watching Mars over a few hours will reveal its rotation, which is 40 minutes longer than Earth’s. Every hour Mars moves 15 degrees in rotation (12.5 degrees for Earth), so in an evening you can see features over about a fourth of the globe.

Almost all the astronomers of the early era of telescopes tried their hand at drawing what they saw on Mars. Every two years or so the Earth-Mars opposition would spur some interest in pointing the latest telescopes at the fourth planet from the Sun, half the size of Earth, yet large in our minds.

Two astronomers are well above the crowd of Mars observers: Italy’s Giovanni Schiaparelli who first drew the lines and called them “channels;” and American multi-millionaire Percival Lowell, who built an observatory and promoted the dying civilization of Martians in three wildly popular books.

Schiaparelli’s famous map of Mars from the 1877 close opposition was the seed that Lowell launched into a full-fledged observation program from his newly built 24-inch refractor at Flagstaff, Arizona.

It was Lowell’s books “Mars” (1895), “Mars and its Canals” (1906), and “Mars as an Abode of Life” (1908) that were bestsellers, creating a stir that led to the fiction of H.G. Well’s “War of the Worlds” (1898), Ray Bradbury’s “Martian Chronicles” (1946) and Robert Heinlein’s “Stranger in a Strange Land” (1961).

Looking at Mars in a backyard telescope is thrilling when thinking of the inspiration and history that other men and women have experienced the past few hundred years.

From the Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee to the dark triangle of Syrtis Major on Mars, the experience of seeing a planetary surface is always a thrill. If you can’t get behind an eyepiece of a telescope, google some amateur Mars images on the Internet and you’ll find plenty to browse.

It’s an alien experience no one should pass up.

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Celestial events in the skies for the week of July 5 - 11, 2016, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. he Summer Moondance begins this week with our celestial neighbor turning heads as it makes a monthly appearance in our evenings. The Moon will be on the right side of Jupiter in Leo the Lion on Friday, and the left side of the planet on Saturday night. The star Spica in Virgo will be below the Moon on Monday as it heads toward Mars and Saturn next week. Mars is in Cancer, and Saturn is between the constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius in the heart of the Milky Way. No matter what kind of telescope you might have, get it out and enjoy the Moon and three planets this Summer.

Tues. July 5 New Moon was yesterday, so the thin crescent will be seen starting tomorrow in the west. The Milky Way is lurking on the eastern horizon at sunset, and slowly rises though-out the night, a beautiful object in binoculars.

Wed. July 6 On this 1687 date in astronomy history, the great Isaac Newton published his breakthrough book of physic, “Principia.” The basic laws of nature—from the level of atoms to clusters of galaxies— were revealed and supported by the mathematics calculus Newton also invented. Most of us know an easy Newton Law: every action has an opposite and equal reaction.

Thurs. July 7 On this 1998 date in space history, the first satellite was successfully launched from a submerged American submarine—a capability not often thought about in the advances of the space age. Russia also can launch a small satellite from its submarines patrolling the oceans of the world.

Fri. July 8 On this 2011 date in space history, the last Space Shuttle was launched on a supply mission to the International Space Station. Orbiter Atlantis was the 135th flight of the program begun in 1981 with Columbia. Columbia was destroyed upon reentry in 2001 and Challenger blew up during launch in 1986. Orbiters Atlantis, Endeavour and Discovery have been mothballed to museums.

Sat. July 9 On this 1979 date in space history, NASA’s Voyager 2 flew by the largest planet Jupiter, on its way years later to Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Still alive and sending data, Voyager 2 is in interstellar space, 12 billion miles from the Sun. Sun. 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.

Mon. 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 supposed 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.

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Victor Victoria in Dogville

am so excited this week that I get to talk to you about something I’ve been wanting to discuss in these pages for quite a long time. I’ve got a look at more goodies from Warner Archive this week, including their new blu-ray of 1982’s comedy “Victor/Victoria.” First off, I want to talk about the thing that is simply one of the most bizarre items to have ever come out of a major motion picture studio. So strange, you may not even believe me when I tell you about it.

What is this strange thing I want to tell you about? Some odd little horror movie or low-budget sci-fi flick someone conned Columbia pictures into making? Nope. I’m talking about something that was actually quite popular for a year or two. Between 1929 and 1931 MGM made a series of nine short films known as The Dogville Comedies. Directed by Zion Myers and Jules White—who would both go on to work for years with The Three Stooges—The Dogville Comedies are short parody films of popular movies of the day. Only they’re all recreated with dogs in people clothing, walking on their hind legs, with their barks dubbed over by humans.

I first became aware of these films years ago when TCM would show them to fill gaps in airtime between movies as part of their “One Reel Wonders” series. When you drop in the middle of a Dogville short and have no idea what’s going on, you’ll immediately begin to wonder if you’ve accidentally ingested some type of drug. The films are funny, strange, weird, bizarre, and sometimes off-putting by the sheer nature of trained dogs in people clothing. Warner Archive released all the shorts a few years ago, and if you, like me, have a fondness for the most bizarre of Hollywood offerings these are right up your alley. If the idea of watching a dog in a raincoat play a ukulele and sing “Singing In The Rain” doesn’t

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perk your ears up, then you can pass on these.

Moving on a few decades to the 1980’s, Warner Archive’s march of blu-ray goodness continues with one of the best films of that era making its debut in the format, Blake Edward’s “Victor/Victoria.”

The late Blake Edward’s filmography is an interesting one. Edward’s had his fair share of clunkers, but when he hit the mark, he hit it dead center and made several films any director would be proud of just have one of.In a short list there’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Days of Wine and Roses”, and The Pink Panther series.

Without question, “Victor/Victoria”—which stars Edwards’ wife Julie Andrews, along with James Garner, Robert Preston, Alex Karras, and Lesley Ann Warren—is one of his finest films. Set in Paris in the mid 1930s, the crux of the film is Julie Andrews finding success on the cabaret stage as a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman. That’s all I need to tell you about this one, it’s such a simply wonderful movie, and one I recommend most highly if you’ve never seen it.

I caught “Victor/Victoria” a few months ago when TCM aired it, though the film looked fine that night, it didn’t look nearly as good as this new blu-ray does. “Victor/Victoria” definitely has the look of a film from the early ‘80s, but this blu-ray brings out a depth and richness to the film. The film also features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound mix—a lossless version of the mix that was created for the DVD release in 2002. Also ported over from that DVD release is a great commentary track from Edwards and Andrews (Edwards passed in 2010). If you’ve never bought the film in any form, this is an absolute essential for your shelf.

That’s all for this week, I hope you’ll take a gander at one of these, or perhaps both if you’re really in the mood to test the limits of your friends with The Dogville Shorts. See you next week

independence day resurgence

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(2 UFOs out of 4)

n 1996 the film “Independence Day” burst on to theater screens and became a mega hit that summer. Not only did movie fans in the U.S. celebrate the 4th of July in the traditional manner, they also flocked to theaters to see the sci-fi adventure starring Will Smith. I remember how impressed I was with the special effects during my first viewing, and saw the film at least a couple of other times at the theater. Just recently, thanks to a friend, I now have a copy of the film on the Blu-ray format. Flash forward to 2016 and a sequel “Independence Day: Resurgence” has hit your local theater. Personally I never thought a sequel to the original was necessary, but after all, Hollywood deals with show “business”, so if something needs to be milked, it will be. The trailer for the film left me less-than-enthralled, but I felt it was my duty to attend a screening and report back. The film is set 20 years after the original, in 2016, yet somehow we magically have a base on the moon!

You would think the film would be set 40 years in the future, making the moon base a bit more believable, but the filmmakers needed to bring back several of the actors from the original film to make us excited for the sequel, so Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman and Brent Spiner are along for the ride. Oh, and to capture the youth market, Liam Hemsworth is on hand as a sexy pilot in the ESD (Earth Space

Defense in case you had no clue). As the film begins, the ESD with some outside help discovers the aliens that were captured from the original attack have been sending a signal out to space via one of their ships in hopes of rescue. Talk about E.T. phoning home! Well guess what? The earth bound aliens have been heard and “help” is on the way. This time the ship that arrives is so large it nearly covers half of the Earth. After the ship arrives, we soon have all the citizens of Earth in a panic, but thanks to new cool ships and technology stolen from the aliens, we are better prepared. As with the original, there is a countdown to the attack, and soon most major cities of the world and the White House are again laid waste. Whew, and just after we rebuilt. Thus the battle begins between Earth and the nasty invaders, and eventually a clever way to defeat the aliens, thanks to the help of a stray alien race (don’t ask) is implemented. While this film does offer some great special effects, and overacting by almost all involved, it rarely reaching the level of the original, merely coming off as a black sheep relative. No wonder Will Smith passed on the sequel. The filmmakers conveniently killed off Smith’s character

and let his characters son (Jessie Usher) take over as a hero pilot, along with the aforementioned Hemsworth. If you must see this film out of curiosity, go ahead, but for a better taste of cinema cheese, I recommend the classic “Earth VS. The Flying Saucers”.

For those who remember Will Smith’s line from the original film: “What’s that smell”, that would be the stench of “Independence Day: Resurgence”.

(Rated PG-13) 2 UFO’s out of 4

theloaferonline.com | July 5, 2016 | 21

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Show Me some Love

ince the Victorian Age, Niagara Falls has been a beacon for tourists. From all over the world they come to marvel at the awesomeness of nature. Then, finding that they’ve seen the area’s main attraction within twenty minutes of arriving and still have the rest of their vacation to fill, they gamble. Add a few hours and subtract a few dollars and it’s likely a visitor might find himself in the market for some ideas on how to kill a little time. To those pitiful souls, i would recommend a trip to Love Canal.

Love Canal is/was a modest neighborhood within the city of Niagara Falls, NY that has now functionally ceased to exist, making for an unusually desolate landscape that has to be seen to be appreciated. An area that was once teeming with life, home

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to nearly 1000 families and a couple of elementary schools, was found to be uninhabitable following an ill-advised toxic waste disposal scheme and an even iller-advised deal by the city of Niagara Falls to acquire the land ‘as is’.

In the late 1970’s, a media firestorm descended on Love Canal and the excrement hit the rotating cooling unit, so to speak. Apparently, those oily puddles and birth defects were indications of an environmental catastrophe, so the EPA moved in and evacuated the families living on top of the old dump site and offered to relocate anyone in adjacent areas.

Virtually the whole neighborhood was razed.

While the most heavily contaminated spots are still offlimits (not that it takes tactical mastermind to hop the chain link fence), the surrounding blocks are the image of a postapocalyptic hellscape from dystopian fiction. Crumbling streets cut through waist-high weeds. Fire hydrants stand resolute to protect houses that are now lost to memory. There are broken sidewalks, driveways to nowhere, and what are likely the most pointless stop signs you’ll ever see.

Only long-term exposure to the contamination is dangerous, so the area is fine if you’d like to drive through or hop out and go for a walk. Love Canal is nothing if not peaceful. And when you’re done, you can go have another look at that pretty waterfall. Aaaah, now that’s better.

Serafina sequel coming July 12 from Disney Hyperion

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Serafina and the Twisted Staff

is follow-up to bestselling debut novel

he highly anticipated sequel to the bestselling mystery-thriller Serafina and the Black Cloak is set for nationwide release on July 12.

Serafina and the Twisted Staff, from author Robert Beatty and publisher Disney Hyperion, continues the adventures of an unusual 12-year-old girl who lives hidden away in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate in North Carolina during the 1890s. The second in a series of three books written for both adults and children (ages 8 and up), Twisted Staff mixes history, mystery and fantasy, all against the backdrop of the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the opulence of the Gilded Age. Early praise from Kirkus Reviews says Twisted Staff is “Even better than its predecessor, a sequel that delivers nonstop thrills from beginning to end.” (Starred Review) In Twisted Staff, Serafina is starting to come out of the shadows. She finds herself caught between two worlds – the formality of Vanderbilt aristocracy and the wild ways of the forest. She and her friend Braeden Vanderbilt must solve a new set of mysteries as they face their darkest enemy yet.

“Serafina’s world is expanding and changing,” said Beatty. “She’s coming to terms with her past and facing serious challenges. She and Braeden have to be braver and smarter than ever.”

Since its release last year, Serafina and the Black Cloak was on the New York Times Best Sellers List for 20 weeks. It has also appeared on the best seller lists of Publisher’s Weekly, USA TODAY, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and independent bookstores. It was selected by the Southern Independent Booksellers Association as representing the “best in Southern literature,” and has won many honors on Goodreads.com. Recently, it was named a finalist for the prestigious 2016 Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize. A fast favorite for teachers and students, the book is being taught in hundreds of classrooms across the nation and has appeared on summer reading and Battle of the Books lists.

Serafina and the Twisted Staff is available for pre-order now at bookstores nationwide or on Amazon at http://amzn.to/1LXCpuT. The Summer Book Tour kicks off July 9 with stops in cities

throughout the Southeast, including Asheville, Charlotte, Hickory, Greensboro and Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Greenville, Spartanburg and Columbia, S.C.; Knoxville and Johnson City, Tenn.; and the metro Atlanta area. Visit robert-beatty.com for more information on Serafina and the Twisted Staff and the Summer Book Tour.

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Memphis to Bristol Highway Part 2: Knoxville to Crossville

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few weeks ago we introduced readers to the Memphis to Bristol Highway, a roadway which spans over 500 miles across our great state and connects the greatest music cities in the country. That last adventure ended in the heart of Knoxville, the population center of East Tennessee and an area known perhaps more for football then music. Nevertheless, there are some great stops in the city, such as the majestic Tennessee Theater, home to many broadway plays and musicals, as well as the Bijou Theater, which hosts the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Don’t forget to take the Cradle of Country Music Walking Tour that traverses the thriving downtown district. This new self-guided tour gives homage to many of the greatest legends who helped define the genre, such as our very own Dolly Parton! A stop at the Knoxville Visitor Center on Gay Street is a must and can get you pointed in the right direction.

To continue on the trip to the banks of the Mississippi from our last stopping point, you’ll want to make a right-hand turn onto U.S. 70 from Henley Street (U.S. 441) in downtown Knoxville. The next couple of miles along Cumberland Avenue pass through the beautiful brick campus of the University of Tennessee, by far the largest institution in the state. Established in 1794, the university makes a great side trip, not only to visit the informative McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, but also to see Neyland Stadium, home to the Vols and the fifth-largest stadium in the nation. Just past the campus grounds you’ll pass Sunspot, one of the most popular restaurants in the area and a great place to grab a bite. It features a mix of southwestern, Caribbean, and Latin American dishes that are amazing.

Continuing along U.S. 70, now Kingston Pike, you will pass through the sprawling suburbs of West Knoxville. There isn’t much to see here except for endless strip malls and chain restaurants. If you like shopping, however, West Town Mall and the massive Turkey Creek shopping complex are both along the route and provide hours of entertainment. The Town of Farragut just to the west of Knoxville also exemplifies modern suburban culture, but it is home to one gem that often goes unnoticed. Located in the town hall, the Farragut Folklife Museum displays not only Civil War artifacts left over from the Battle of Campbell Station, but also explores the history of the town and the life of Admiral Farragut, for who the town is named.

As you exit the town limits and enter Loudon County, continue straight on U.S. 70 as it passes through the rolling hills and valleys. This portion of the road is very rural and somewhat nondescript. Soon the small city of Kingston will be behind you, and you’ll pass over the Watts Bar Lake impoundment of the Clinch River, just north of its confluence with the Tennessee River. The Kingston Fossil Plants juts skyward just to the right past the Interstate 40 bridge. It was here in 2008 that one of the state’s greatest environmental disasters occurred as a levy break caused more then five million cubic feet of ash to spill into the Clinch and nearby Emory rivers.

When you reach the town of Rockwood, turn left to continue on U.S. 70. Here the skyline is dominated by the eastern escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau, a tableland that stretches from West Virginia to Alabama and is home to some of the state’s most rugged territory outside of the Unaka Mountains. Turn right again as you pass the historic downtown area as U.S. 70 begins its climb to the top. For the entirety of the trip between Knoxville and Crossville, Tennessee Route 1 is concurrent with U.S. 70, so it is easier to follow the road signs for latter, as the official TDOT Memphis to Bristol Highway road signs are few and far between.

Many of the state’s most beautiful and popular state parks lie here on the Cumberland Plateau, such as Fall Creek Falls and Frozen Head. While not as well known, Ozone Falls State Natural Area is one of the highlights of this road portion and is well worth a stop and an hour or two of your time. Pay attention as you reach the community of Ozone, as the parking area is rather small and easily missed. Parking is available on both sides of the road, just be careful of oncoming traffic when backing into a space. Sturdy shoes area a must if you intend to hike to the base of the falls, as the trail is usually muddy and always rocky. The main trail lies to the left of the road and begins at an information board with a overview of the park. A trail straight ahead leads several hundred feet to a rocky table at the crest of the falls. There are no fences around the cliff edge, so please exercise extreme caution.

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The lower falls trail parallels the road for two hundred feet before plunging over the embankment. It should be taken very slowly, as water continuously drips from the overhanging rocks and causes everything to be covered in mud and moss. The falls are definitely worth the exertion, as the waters freefall 110 feet into a splash pool that then flows underground. It is truly a magnificent sight, and the sounds of the falls add a sense of tranquility as they echo and reverberate from the surrounding amphitheater’s bare rock walls.

It may be hard to pull away from such a beautiful area, but the road to Crossville calls. While of a different nature, the plateau countryside is beautiful in its own right, with ponds and farm fields dotting the landscape. Before you know it, you will be in downtown Crossville. Featuring no less than ten courses, this city of 10,000 people bills itself as the “Golf Capital of Tennessee.”

Known not only for golf, the city also is home to an array of interesting sandstone architecture, the famed Cumberland County Playhouse, and Cumberland Mountain State Park, all of which we will cover in our next segment on the Memphis to Bristol Highway!

The 110-foot plunge waterfall and its immediate gorge along Fall Creek.

Assault Weapons Ban of 2016 Pt. 1

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ast year in the Black Rifle Debate article we looked in depth at Bill Clinton’s Assault Weapons Ban of 1994, and at the ban that was proposed last year. Today I want to discuss why assault weapon bans are ineffective and if passed what we can expect from this year’s ban.

No this article is not politically polarized and in no way is designed to attack President Obama’s character. I prefer to look at things through a lens of common sense and facts, I’ll leave the politics to Fox News and CNN. Now first and foremost what is an Assault Weapons Ban? Well many of my readers are likely too young to remember the AWB of 94, I was 5 months away from my 18th birthday when it ended in 2004. Basically an Assault Weapons Ban is a Federal ban on the manufacture and sale of certain types of firearms and high capacity magazines. After the ban is passed all sales of weapons, magazines, or ammunition listed in the ban is illegal. However, weapons, magazines, and ammunition legally owned before the enactment of the ban can remain in the custody of the original owner.

So it is important to know as the saying goes “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions”. Are these politicians working so hard to legislate firearms evil? Are they working with ISIS to disarm us so we can be invaded? I dare say no to both, I think there is two distinct factors playing out in their actions. The first is that they genuinely care about the people of the nation and we can’t go six months in this country without a mass shooting, they want these shootings to end and they honestly believe that if citizens lack the ability to purchase semi-automatic AR-15s that these shootings will stop. The second reason is that all of the government officials fighting for this ban are elected, meaning they need voters to continue and advance their political careers.

So they promote legislation in the attempt to garner support at the polls. If you just gasped at the audacity of that claim, it’s

nothing new, politicians have been doing this since democracy was first established.

So why are Assault Weapons Bans ineffective? Because they in no way offer a solution to the core problem, mass shootings. Not to toot my own horn but I’m a 29 year old Firearms Instructor and writer from Boone, North Carolina and I outlined a plan to eradicate mass shootings in the Gun Control Legislation article from Oct 20 of last year. Remember what I said earlier, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. These people, both politicians and citizens honestly believe an assault weapons ban will keep shootings like Orlando from happening. But in my opinion they’re so focused on today that they aren’t looking nearly far enough into the future or past. In 1995 7 months after the passing of the first Assault Weapons Ban 168 people (over 4 times the casualties of the Orlando shooting) were killed in the Oklahoma City Bombing which was perpetrated with fertilizer and diesel fuel. I believe it is wrong to judge a group of people by the actions of a few, and so too it is wrong to judge the moral character of society by the same. However, we must accept that there will always be those who would kill, be it for a cause, or attention, or mental illness, or loneliness. Sadly I believe the number of these people in increasing exponentially even as I write this, and it is rooted in the lack of being taught the value of human life.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Assault_Weapons_Ban https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Tech_shooting https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_bombing

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Diane Edgecomb Brings Her Take on Traditional Tales to Storytelling Live!

s the next storyteller in the International Storytelling Center’s acclaimed teller-in-residence series, popular performer Diane Edgecomb will share a week’s worth of all-new material in downtown Jonesborough.

Her performances, which will explore a different theme each day, all center on traditional stories and folk tales, including Irish lore, a modernized King Arthur legend, and nature stories from Japan, Czechoslovakia, Australia, Cornwall, and Native American culture.

She’ll also reach back to her storytelling roots by sharing some of the first tales she told when she began her professional storytelling career in the early 1990s. “I think of it as cave exploration,” she says. “I want the audience to come spelunking with me. We’re exploring the story by going into its world.”

Edgecomb’s concerts will run Tuesday through Saturday, July 12 – 16. All performances will begin at 2:00 p.m. sharp in the International Storytelling Center’s Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall in downtown Jonesborough.

Tickets are just $12 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and children under 18. Walk-in seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, but advance purchase is strongly recommended.

Edgecomb comes to storytelling from a background in acting. “I worked in theater in Boston and across the Northeast,” she says. “I fell in love with it. I was just smitten.

“It was a huge difference from theater in that you’re called upon to bring your entire self to the telling of the story,” she continues. “It’s not a script; it’s an encounter.”

Like storyteller Jay O’Callahan, who is one of her mentors, Edgecomb has a

special way of bringing her stories to life. “I’m known for characterizations and transformations,” she says. “I really believe in the kind of telling where the storyteller is lost in the story, or living in the story, and the audience enters in that way.

My style is similar to Jay O’Callahan’s in that the characters really live. The world of the story is very much alive.”

In Jonesborough, she’s looking forward to sharing the stories that have most recently captured her heart. “I hope people will be delighted with the variety, the power, the sweetness and the humor in these traditional stories,” she says. “They really have a way of taking your breath away.”

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, Edgecomb will be followed by another 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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things to do

50th Season of Shindig on the Green

A joyously spontaneous celebration of traditional and old- time string bands, bluegrass, ballad singers, big circle mountain dancers and cloggers on summer Saturday evenings in downtown Asheville, NC. Stage show and informal jam sessions. Pack Square Park on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage.

Bring your instruments, lawn chairs or blankets, family and friends. July 2, 9, 16, 23; August 13, 20, 27, and September 3, 2016. Free. Info: www.folkheritage. org or (828)258-6101 x345.

Rooted in Appalachia Roadshow

MECC to Offer Free Quick Start to College Class

Enrollment is now open for Mountain Empire Community College’s free Quick Start to College class. The class is designed for individuals who have considered enrolling in college, but are unsure about what is required. The class will be held on Thursday evenings beginning July 14 to August 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Topics such as success skills and career options are covered.

Students are also able to refresh their computer, math, and English skills with one-on-one assistance. To qualify, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). For more information on the Quick Start program, or to enroll, contact Beth Boggs, MECC Career and Transfer Counselor, at 276.523.7438 or by email at bboggs@ mecc.edu. Visit the program website at www.mecc.edu/quickstart.

In northeast Tennessee & southwest Virginia folks are interested in their neighbors, their towns and the farmers growing their food. You could say, folks are ‘rooted’ in local traditions.

This summer, you can get rooted too!

Just visit your local farmers market and MPCC to offer Tai Chi for Arhave fun at the free, Rooted in Appala- thritis and QiGong classes chia roadshows! There will be games, Senior Services at Memorial Park cooking demos, prizes and more. Visit Community Center, 510 Bert St., will www.rootedinappalachia.com for more offer two fitness classes for ages 50 and info. older July 6 through Aug. 29. Each class is $64 for 16 sessions or $5 a class ($32 Volunteers needed for or $2.50 a class for Silver Sneakers® eligible participants.) Pre-registration kids triathlon Memorial Park Community Center, and payment are required in person at 510 Bert St., is in need of volunteers for MPCC by July 6. All 16 sessions are recthe fourth annual Dive, Ride & Stride ommended for optimum results.

Kids Triathlon on Saturday, Aug. 20. • Tai Chi for Arthritis: 11 a.m.-noon, Assistance will be needed for water sta- Mondays and Wednesdays. This is a tions, safety patrol, award distribution, low-impact class modified for seniors and transition areas. Most volunteers and is recommended by the Arthritis will be asked to report to Legion Street Foundation and CDC for arthritis relief and fall prevention.

Pool by 7:30 a.m. on race day.

For more information or to sign up, • QiGong: noon-1 p.m., Mondays and please contact Kelly Finney at (423)434- Wednesdays. QiGong is an ancient Chinese system of self-healing exercises 5758 or kfinney@johnsoncitytn.org. using proper body alignment with MPCC to offer Beach Mania slow, controlled movement.

For more information, please call fitness classes (423)434-6237.

Senior Services at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will Mountain Messages Quilt offer Beach Mania fitness classes at 8:30 a.m. on Fridays, July 1-22. These Exhibition at the McKinney classes are open to adults and will in- Center Tennessee Quilts of Jonesborough clude workouts (on land, not water) and Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin with beach balls. Cost is $2 per class.

For more information, call (423)434- Program for the Arts is pleased to announce that this year’s Mountain Mes6237.

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sages Quilt Exhibition will be held at the McKinney Center, June 24 through July 23. The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Architecture of the Mountains.” Awards will be given for the best hand quilting, machine quilting and group quilt.

“We are very excited to have the Mountain Message Quilt Exhibition here this year. I’ve worked with Tennessee Quilts on this exhibit in the past and I am always amazed at the creativity and quality of the quilts,” Director of the McKinney Center Theresa Hammons said. “Our local quilters are incredible.”

There are twenty quilts in the competition this year including Linda CrouchMcCreadie, Cathy Stines, Darlene Neil, Linda B. Gallagher, Midge Merrill, Flora Joy, Freda Goodwin, Pamela Foltz, Opal Cheney, Margaret Rice, Phillis Ann Lenske, Sharon Crowe, Jean Zastrow, Karol Lynn Johnson, Deb Anderson, Melinda Tweed, Virginia Kennedy, Linda Lyle and Janice Harrington.

Quilt Enthusiasts looking for additional exhibits in Jonesborough include the Hoffman Quilt & Doll Challenge at the Jonesborough Visitors Center July 4 through 29 featuring 40 quilts and 15 dolls from around the world. The Exhibit will be open to the public free of charge at the Visitors Center is open

seven days a week.

For more information on the Mountain Messages Quilt Exhibition at the McKinney Center, email theresah@jonesborougtn.org or call 423-753-0562.

MECC Offers Basic First Aid & CPR

Mountain Empire Community College’s Workforce Development Center will offer Basic First Aid & CPR training on Saturday, July 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Phillips Taylor Room 231. The fee for this course is $70. 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.

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 handson 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.

DROP QUOTE: “Home ought to be our clearinghouse, the place from which we go forth lessoned and disciplined, and ready for life.”

CRYPTOGRAM: Accomplishing the impossible means only that the boss will add it to your regular duties.

pets of the week

Smokey is a 1 year old male domestic short hair. He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. He is a cuddly lap cat.

Sandi is a 9 month old domestic short hair. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. This friendly cat loves to play!

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 5, 2016 | 29

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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.

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Affordable Haircuts at A Style 4 U We are a full service salon owned and operated by by Sandi Smith, with hair stylist Renee Gibson on board, that offers professional cuts, styles, colors, and perms at affordable prices. The best prices in the Tri-Cities area. Men’s haircuts are $10. Women’s are $12. We have over 32 year’s experience in the business and we want to help you get your style on!

We are located at 943 Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, Tennessee, near Auto Zone. Call us at 423534-9825. Walk ins welcome!

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NOTHING MAKES A PROPERTY LOOK BETTER THAN A NICE SLATE-BLACK PARKING LOT OR DRIVEWAY!! Asphalt

Sealing • Crack Repai • Line Striping! Book your appointment today for a free quote!

423-383-3553

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Mowing starting at $25!

Contact Majestic Lawn Care Small yards start at $25. We also offer general landscap-

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ing such as mulching, small tree/bush removal, sprucing up flowerbeds, general yard cleanup. For a free estimate contact us at 423-268-7319 or majesticlawnserivces@yahoo. com Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/majesticmowing.

144 Announcements **Model Call** **Model Call: I am looking for 2 models, one male 18+ and one female 18+. No modeling experience needed. One for a male edgy masculine portrait shoot, the female for a glamour portrait shoot. Your shoot will take place on a weekday at a local outdoor public park/ 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 for a day! ! Call us today to reserve your space! (423) 956- 0820

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Travel, photography blog Learn about interesting places 155 Musical Services near and far while getting tips Lessons in piano, voice, theto improve your photography at:www.thetravelingbabe.com. ory and organ. Convenient

129 Legal SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied bene- Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon 148 Health & Fitness fits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay & Associates at 1-800-864-9032 LOSE WEIGHT! NOW ASK to start your application today! ME HOW! 3-Day Trial Pack, Only $20.00! With Free Ship145 Mind, Body & Spirit ping. Plus Your Own Personal Weight Loss Coach. Lets Get 149 Natural Alternatives Stop Smoking Naturally Started On A New You Today! with Hypnosis. Tired of being Call or Text Lisa 315-761-2324 chained to the deadly habit of or Email TrialPack20@Yahoo. smoking? Are you motivated com to stop smoking without using chemicals or chewing gum or wearing patches? I can help motivate you to stop this expensive, negative, unhealthy habit. Call us today at A New Path Hypnosis, 423-341-8898 138 Transportation or visit www.anewpathhypnosis.com to get started living 141 Motorcycle/Scooters a healthier life today. Free in- 2004 Honda XR50 formation session for all new Phone: 423-383-3553 $600.00 • Great running bike clients.

North Johnson City location at Wesley United Methodist Church, 225 Princeton Road.

Graduate of The Yale School of Music and The Juilliard School. Reasonable rates paid by the month. Email craigcampbell203@gmail. com or call 646-765-2905.

Many local student and parent references.

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HEY, HEY, WE’RE THE HAMILTEENS

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here’s something refreshingly retro about the emergence of the so-called “Hamilteens,” those teenage fans (mostly 14-year-old girls) of the smash Broadway play “Hamilton” who remind me of the throngs of screaming youngsters (to use Ed Sullivan’s description) who obsessed over the Beatles “back in the day.” And, given the nearly complete collapse of the political system as we know it during this contentious election year, there might be some hope found in the fact that these Hamilteens are “singing about debt plans, Federalist papers and lines like: ‘You’re gonna need congressional approval and you don’t have the votes’” (from a column by Erika Milvy in the June 28, 2016 issue of The Guardian). Makes me wonder if three-hundred odd years from now that generation’s equivalent of Hamilteens will be singing about Trump and Clinton and whoever or whatever emerges from this tragi-comedy and reality TV episode.

The crucial thing to understand, according to Milvey, is that “Hamilton surely marks the first time that multitudes of fans have been consumed by a Broadway musical they have not attended.” Of course, the same can be said of the screaming Beatlemania generation. Most of these fanatical fans had never been to a live Beatles concert, and, like the Hamilton fans, lived out their fantasies by listening to their albums, singles, and reading fan magazines. I must confess I was a member of this group, although I took great delight (then and now) in being a much bigger fan of the Rolling Stones.

Milvy, writing in her Guardian piece about this phenomenon, uses her 14-year-old daughter Phoebe as an example. Admittedly, although most fans like Phoebe enjoy the youthful and gorgeous cast and their hip-hop-infused music more than the historical facts, the “imaginations of these kids have been captured by the realness, the emotion and the flaws of our country’s founding fathers. ‘If you’re thinking about the American Revolution, you just think of people fighting and then writing the Declaration of Independence,’ Phoebe says. ‘I thought all the founding fathers were really best friends. You wouldn’t think that they had love triangles and feelings.’” And, perhaps as important as Phoebe’s growing sense of historical complexity, is the play’s portrayal of women and African-Americans as vibrant and meaningful human beings who have influenced our history in ways not often covered by conventional (and boring) history textbooks.

In fact, historians who aren’t afraid to step outside their usual teaching-tothe-test cages, are finding this teenage fascination with the 18th and early 19th centuries a breath of fresh air in an all-too-stale profession. Indiana librarian Addie Matteson, for example, observes that “’as a teaching tool it’s darn near perfect.’ She says the kids are excited because its gripping story is told in the language they can relate to. ‘It’s so densely packed with meaning and information, it requires a near obsession to understand it all. It’s a challenge to listen to, and I think kids are absolutely thirsty for things that are fun and make them think at the same time.’” And this is exactly what our school systems should be doing—fusing creativity with critical thinking.

Not only is “Hamilton” causing young people to become interested in American History, but it’s social media ramifications are, like so many other things, also worth considering. For instance, fans can interact with the cast on social media outlets like Twitter, and this gives the play an immediacy and an intimacy that it otherwise would not have. And the play has spilled out into the streets with events like Hamiltunes, a karaoke event that has become a fixture in local bars and other locations, giving fans a chance to express themselves as cast characters and to see what happens when the 18th century meets the 21st. Who would have thought the 18th century would have ever become synonymous with karaoke? Needless to say, magazines devoted to Alexander Hamilton have been showing up a lot lately in supermarket checkout lines and other places.

Another very important impact that “Hamilton” is having is in causing us to reexamine the role the founding fathers have in our history and to reassess their relevance for understanding how we have arrived at the place we are today. No one should confuse the portrayal of the 18th century as presented in the Broadway play with 18th century reality, of course, but at the same time no one should present us with a distorted view of the 18th century as a template for how we should behave today. All too often the founding fathers have been used (and misused) by politicians who want us to believe in fairy tales rather than in historical truth, and we should develop the critical thinking skills to recognize these snake oil salesmen when we encounter them.

If you are interested in evaluating the historical context behind the hit Broadway play and the emergence of the Hamilteens, I suggest you read two books (selected from an overwhelming stack of very good books on the subject) that not only put the 18th century into perspective but also enable us to evaluate the various ways the founding fathers have been used and misused over the years. First up is a very broad overview of the various “myths” associated with the founding fathers: THE JEFFERSON RULE: HOW THE FOUNDING FATHERS BECAME INFALLABLE AND OUR POLITICS INFLEXIBLE, by David Sehat (2015). Read this before you vote, and carefully consider Sehat’s concluding words: “Politicians create the Founders in their own image. They make them into symbols of the kind of social and political life that various politicians desire. Though these positions are submerged beneath the veneer of traditional fidelity, the reverence does not change the fundamental fact: most citations of the Founders have nothing to do with the eighteenth century and everything to do with the present and the future.”

Another must-read book is John Sedwick’s provocative WAR OF TWO: ALEXANDER HAMILTON, AARON BURR, AND THE DUAL THAT STUNNED THE NATION (2015), an account of how the famous dual that resulted in Hamilton’s death brought into focus two very different visions of America that still have repercussions today.

It is now time to bring this week’s column to an end as I cue up the “Hamilton” soundtrack album from my AppleMusic playlist. Unfortunately, merely listening to this captivating album will not qualify me as an official “Hamilteen” generation member. Too much water under the bridge for that.

See you next week.

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