The Loafer March 21st by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

on the cover William King Museum of art

Volume 31 • Issue #16 Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle

25th Year Anniversary

Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Patti Barr Shawn Hale Paul Kavanaugh

Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com adcopy@theloaferonline.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/ or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any loss of expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams Let’s Get Social!

10 Batteries Not Included The Boy Friend in The Afternoon 16 Stargazer Comet Hale Bopp Dazzled Skies 20 Years Ago 17 Skies This Week 18 Pop Life Kong: Skull Island 19 Mountain Movers The Jeff Williams Interview 22 Appalachian Wanderers Cove Mountain 23 The Casual Word Arise 24 Puzzle Page 27 Kelly’s Place Being Analog In A Digital World

your week’s line-up

Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Langley Shazor Matt Messer

columns & reviews

Office Coordinator Amanda Lane

4 William King Museum of Art - 25 Year Anniversary 5 National Carousel Fine Craft Show 6 The Adventures of Peter Rabbit & His Friends 7 2nd Annual Deerslayer Obstacle Course 8 BucAppella 9 Open Auditions for "A Night with the Yarn Exchange" 11 Carson Peters & Iron Mountain 13 Jeff Miller Returns 13 Singing for St. Jude 14 Spotlight 21 Bowling for a Cause 25 Pets Of The Week 26 Things To Do

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Celebrating

Years

William King Museum of Art William King Museum of Art will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its founding this spring with a series of events, including a “birthday party” at the Museum on March 29; the opening of Connoisseur: Private Collecting in Southwest Virginia & Northeast Tennessee on April 6; “Hike the Hill,” a 5K + 3K run, walk, and active-lifestyle community engagement event on April 15; and the debut of WKMA’s collection of original O. Winston Link photographs, in the Findlay House, on April 29 as part of the Town of Abingdon’s inaugural Virginia Creeperfest. Information can be found at www.williamkingmuseum.org and on WKMA’s Facebook page.

onnoisseur will be on display in United-Legard Galleries from March 29 – August 13, and is sponsored by Food City. At 7 p.m. on April 6, as part of Abingdon First Thursday, the William King Society presents a special lecture on the exhibition by guest curator, Mary G. Haviland, Ph.D. A connoisseur is one who has developed an acute perception about a particular style or genre of art, one who has acquired a discerning knowledge about the characteristics of the works he or she collects. e twelve connoisseurs whose collections are represented in this exhibition are from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. e exhibition is both eclectic and broad in scope, with the common thread that all the works reveal the passion of the collectors. rough them we can explore various cultures—Asian carvings and embroidery on silk, 18th century English silver, exquisite prints by Rembrandt, Renoir and Matisse, a French Rococo gilt table, contemporary art glass, early 20th century American social realist paintings, and more—all treasures found here in our region to celebrate William King Museum of Art’s 25th anniversary. The inaugural “Hike the Hill” is an opportunity for WKMA to engage the active-lifestyle community in Abingdon and the broader Tri Cities region. For the 5K “hill loop” competitive run, prizes will be awarded in men’s and women’s open division for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and for all 1st winners in 4 di erent age divisions. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

runners in all divisions will receive one-of-a-kind clay award medals created by WKMA resident sculpture Lynn Price. e 5K will begin at 1 p.m., and will be followed by a noncompetitive 3K, family-, stroller-, and pet- friendly run/walk at 2 p.m. Entree fee for the competitive 5K is $25 (for those who preregister online by March 31) or $35 (register at WKMA the day of the event), and $15 for the 3K. Preregistration link is on WKMA’s Facebook page. Participants will receive a HTH tee shirt, car decal, bottled water to hydrate, and healthy snacks from local business partners. They can also purchase race tickets for the chance to win prizes, including Food City 500 box sit race tickets. Local health organizations, clubs, and businesses will set up information tables to promote their healthrelated products and services. We will also have a DJ and food truck. We Run Events is working with WKMA to manage race logistics. HTH is sponsored by Johnston Memorial Hospital. As part of the Town of Abingdon’s inaugural Virginia Creeperfest, from 12-5 p.m., WKMA will debut A Day on the Abingdon Branch: e Photography of O. Winston Link, 1955 – 1957, in the Findlay House at 300 Green Spring Road (at the Abingdonend Creeper Trail head). is rare photography collection captures the last steam train on the Virginia Creeper rail line. Of the Abingdon Branch, O. Winston Link said, “at times the locomotives are almost incidental to the picture. ey add to the rural scenery: streams, little

bridges and country roads, trees, mountains, cows. ey would come by then be gone, leaving behind just a little whi of coal smoke.” Join WKMA and the Town of Abingdon as we celebrate the history of the Abingdon line and the vibrancy that the Creeper Trail brings to our area’s residents and visitors. is exhibit is made possible by a partnership between the William King Museum of Art and the Town of Abingdon. William King Museum of Art opened its doors on March 29, 1992, following a two-year renovation of the historic William King School, and years of planning by local citizens who wanted to preserve the facility by using it to promote the arts in the region. What began as an artist cooperative and arts center has become a nationally-accredited fine arts institution, the only one in far Southwest Virginia. WKMA hosts over 15 exhibitions each year in its Cultural Heritage, World Fine, Contemporary Regional, Panoramic, and Student Galleries. In addition to its in-house programming, the Museum’s award-winning VanGogh Outreach program provides arts education to every second-grader in 12 Southwest Virginia school districts. In December the Museum plans to debut a new, permanent gallery that will house the Cultural Heritage Collection, the flagship asset of the Cultural Heritage Project, launched in 1994 by WKMA Founder and Director Betsy White. For more information, visit www. williamkingmuseum.org or call 276628-5005.

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Kingsport Farmers Market 308 Clinchfield St. Kingsport

National Carousel Fine Craft Show

The National Carousel Fine Craft Show honors the handcrafted legacy of the amazing Kingsport Carousel. Fine Craft Exhibitors will show and sell works of heirloom quality in a wide variety of media including wood, photography, jewelry, glass, furniture, fiber, and clay.

Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts derived from leaves, blossoms and resins of herbs, flowers and trees. Used traditionally world-wide for thousands of years, essential oils have a revered reputation for their potent, therapeutic effects in healing, soothing and purifying our bodies, emotions and environments. Added to skin creams, lotions, shampoos and bath salts or used in humidifiers, potpourris and diffusers, these therapeutic oils gently impart their curative powers. We feature an array of essential oils from peppermint (for congestion and headaches) to lavender (for anxiety and insomnia). We’ll give you information about using our therapeuticgrade essential oils to help you relax, revitalize, relieve pain, aid breathing and improve sleep, as well as deodorize and sanitize your home and dispel insects and rodents. We also offer a variety of room diffusers. It’s a lot of fun to make your own simple, unique blends, as well. As always, we guarantee your satisfaction.

Locally Owned for 35 Years

alks and demonstrations are sprinkled throughout the 3 day festival that begins with a Preview Party inviting culinary and music artistry to share the stage. The fine art and craft exhibitors are from Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio and Indiana. The Show begins with the Friday evening Preview Party. Tickets to the Preview Party are $35 and also include admission Saturday and Sunday. While you shop enjoy Farm to Table Tastes featuring locally sourced foods prepared by The Main Street Pizza Company and River Creek Farms. Craft Brews and a cash bar will also be available. Friday night will also feature the music by Gerald Sheppard – master maker of guitars and an accomplished

musician. Gerald has been making fine guitars for serious musicians since 1993 and has two released CDs: In the Mornin’ and Never Reaching the End. Saturday and Sunday the show and sale continue and will feature many talks/demos including Glass Blowing and a round-up of the region’s favorite food trucks. Funds raised by this event will support the programs of Engage Kingsport which include public art programs, including the Kingsport Carousel, and economic development and community engagement through the arts. On Saturday and Sunday the $3 day pass is available at the door. More information and tickets to the Preview Party are available by calling 423-392-8414 or visiting www. EngageKingsport.com

Friday, March 24, 2017 6 – 9 PM Preview Party with Farm to Table Tastes and Craft Brews $35 Saturday, March 25, 2017 10 AM – 5 PM Day pass $3 available at the door Sunday, March 26, 2017 12Noon – 5 PM Day Pass $3 available at the door

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

The Adventures of Peter Rabbit and His Friends

Opens March 24 @ Theatre Bristol

Theatre Bristol presents the beloved stories of "The Adventures of Peter Rabbit and His Friends," opening Friday, March 24 and running for eight shows on the ARTspace stage, 506 State Street. Tickets are on sale now at http://conta.cc/2l9HNj8.

ive delightful tales including Peter Rabbit, The Tailor of Gloucester and Jemima PuddleDuck are interwoven with the fascinating life of their creator, Beatrix Potter, in this enchanting, enlightening entertainment for all ages," says Dramatic Publishing. "The play moves back and forth from the fantasy world she created to the intriguing story of Beatrix Potter herself, who overcame her lonely, strict childhood—in which her writings and drawings were discouraged in the male-oriented Victorian era—to become the most widely read children's author of all times." In this play written by Joseph Robinette, we meet Beatrix's governess, Annie, the narrator of the play and Annie's children who originally enjoyed these stories. Dramatic Publishing calls this show "both entertaining and educational, a must for any child—or adult—who has ever fallen under the magical spell of Peter Rabbit and his many friends." Laura O'Bryan, veteran Theatre Bristol actor

most recently portraying Marmee in "Little Women, The Broadway Musical," makes her debut as director of Peter Rabbit. She is supported by assistant director Shannon Dabney, stage manager Eden Phillips, tech director Steve Baskett, scenic artist Lee Ann Johnson, costumer Hyacynth Barbera, props manager Zaiah Gray, and light and sound operator Dakota Otey. The Peter Rabbit cast includes Annika Burley as narrator Annie Carter Moore and Faith Vance as Beatrix Potter. Story characters are brought to life by Steve Baskett as Mr. McGregor, Tailor, Trout, Kep, and the policeman; and Hunter Johnson as Mr. Jeremy Fisher, Adult Noel, Fox,Tom Thumb, and Mayor. They are joined by a cast making debuts on the Theatre Bristol stage as well as veterans, including Mason White as Peter Rabbit, Young Noel, Chutney the dog, and the Footman; Claire Chitwood as Lucinda and Farmer's Wife; Avery

Fick as a Moore child, Jack Sharp, and Barney the dog; Sydney Cunningham as Sir Alderman Ptolemy Tortoise and third mouse; Ava Marie White as Jane and Rebeccah Puddle-duck; Lyric Booher as Jemima Puddle-duck, and third reporter; Lucy Tester as a Moore child, first mouse and second reporter; Whitney Brooks as Sparrow and second mouse; Sarah Countiss as Newton and Hunca Munca, Mother Rabbit and first reporter; Ryleigh Tolbett as Simpkin the Cat, Flopsy and fourth reporter; Lucy Fay as Freda and Mopsy; and Savannah Blevins as Cotton-tail and Little Mouse. "Peter Rabbit" will open on Friday, March 24 at 7:30 pm and run for morning, matinee and evening performances for two weekends at the Theatre Bristol ARTspace, 506 State Street, Bristol, TNTickets are $12, and for children and seniors tickets are $10. Show information is also available online at www.TheatreBristol.org or by calling the message line at 423-212-3625.

he Deerslayer features an approximately 5K course across mixed terrain that will test endurance, strength, agility, balance and speed. The course includes 18-20 obstacles including last year’s most popular ones and some new challenges. The race offers Competitive and For Fun categories and is open to ages 15 and older. The DEERSLAYER JR., open to ages 7-14, is a 1-mile course across hilly terrain that will include eight to 10 obstacles. All participants will receive a T-shirt, medal, and goodie bag. Prizes will be awarded in both races. Registration is open online at www. jcdeerslayer.net or in person at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., in Johnson City. Pricing starts at $55 for Deerslayer and $35 for DEERSLAYER JR. Discounts are available for first responders. All proceeds from the event support the Johnson City Senior Center Foundation, which provides outreach and program support for adults 50 years and older through the Johnson City Senior Center. Special thanks to our sponsors: AO Smith, Blue Lizard, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Johnson City Power Board, and SunTrust. Sponsors and volunteers are needed; please call 423-747-9918, 423-791-5285, or 423-283-5827. www.jcdeerslayer.net www.facebook.com/jcdeerslayer youtube.com/user/jcparks00/parksrec Photos by: Sweet Snaps Photography

Borderline Billiards

628 State Street • Bristol, TN • 423-989-7665 Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5PM-11PM • Fri.-Sat. 5PM-1AM • Sun.-3PM-9PM Major Credit Cards accepted. Free WiFi Nightly Specials: Monday: Corn hole Leagues & Dart Leagues Tuesday: Dart Leagues & Pool Leagues • Wednesday: Pool League Thursday: Pool Tournaments & Poker League Friday and Sat: Pool $4 each. And weekdays $3 each. Sunday: Pool Tournaments Full Bar & Expanding Menu. Family Oriented - All ages are welcome. Top of the line equipment including 9' Brunswick Pool Tables Like us on Facebook

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Deerslayer Obstacle Course Race

2nd annual

The Johnson City Senior Center Foundation will host the 2nd annual Deerslayer Obstacle Course Race and DEERSLAYER JR. Race on Saturday, April 1 at Winged Deer Park, 4137 Bristol Highway.

BucAppella

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Led by ‘Pitch Perfect’ arranger/vocal producer

Deke Sharon, who produced and arranged music for the hit movie series “Pitch Perfect,” will be the guest director and clinician at the “BucAppella” festival March 24-25 at East Tennessee State University. The event will feature two concerts with a cappella works from ETSU’s Greyscale and other local college and high school ensembles

oth concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. in the D.P. Culp University Center’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium. The BucAppella Opening Night Convert on Friday, March 24, will include performances from Greyscale, Swashbucklers and Harmonium. The event also marks the release of Greyscale’s second album, “Spectrum.” The album will be available for sale in CD format, as well as downloadable from iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, CD Baby and other digital music distributors. Throughout the day on Saturday, Sharon will hold masterclasses with students from area high schools and colleges. The students will prepare works to be presented during the BucAppella Finale Concert on Saturday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of Sharon. Born in San Francisco, Sharon has been performing professionally since the age of eight, and, as a child, toured North America and shared the stage in operas with the likes of Pavarotti. Heralded as “The Father of Contemporary A Cappella,” he is responsible for the current sound of modern a cappella, having created the dense vocal-instrumental sound in college, subsequently spreading it around the world. Sharon produces “The Sing-Off” worldwide, which had the highest ratings of any new, unscripted television show in the United States since 2009, and was the third highest rated show on NBC in 2010. In addition, he served as arranger, on-site music director and vocal producer for Universal's “Pitch Perfect” and “Pitch Perfect 2” starring Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson. He has arranged over 2,000 songs and has written three books: “A Cappella Arranging” (2012), “A Cappella” (2015) and “The Heart of Vocal Harmony” (2016). He is also the vocal orchestrator for Broadway's first a cappella musical “In Transit” (2016). Sharon has shared the stage with countless music legends, including Ray Charles, James Brown, Crosby Stills and Nash, Run DMC, The Temptations, LL Cool J and the Four Tops, and performed for luminaries including President Bill Clinton. Greyscale, under the direction of Dr. Alan Stevens, is one of the premier ensembles in the ETSU Department of Music. Greyscale has become a recognized success on the ETSU campus and in the Tri-Cities community and released its first album in April 2016, the selftitled, “Greyscale.” The 7:30 p.m. concerts on Friday (March 24) and Saturday (March 25) are $10 for adults and $5 for all students. Events during the day on Saturday are open to the public. For more information about BucAppella, contact the ETSU Department of Music at 423-439-4270 or visit www.etsu.edu/bucappella.

Corner Pocket • www.cornerpocket.org

1742 Edgemont Avenue • Bristol, TN • 423-844-0369 Hours: Mon.–Sun. 2PM–11PM • Major Credit Cards accepted. Nightly Specials: Mon: 9 Ball Tournaments 7pm • Wed: 8 Ball Tournaments 6pm Thurs: Ladies night. Ladies play for free Corner Pocket is a family owned billiards hall located in beautiful Bristol, TN. Billiard table rentals available by the hour as well as all day play from 2pm – 11pm for $5 per person. They welcome all players from the hobbyist to the professional level player. Kids welcome. Corner Pocket features eight 9ft tables, four 8ft tables, and the only Snooker table in the area. Pro Shop & Billiard supplies also available featuring expert cue repairs by Joe Blackburn.

For A Night with the Yarn Exchange

BE A STORY CATCHER A Night with the Yarn Exchange is a story-based radio show, featuring tales that have been gathered from community members in Jonesborough and the Tri-Cities region. Those who love listening to people tell their stories, and would like to help capture oral histories on digital audio recorders, can become a story catcher. A short training session will be provided, as well as the necessary equipment.

onesborough’s long-running monthly radio show, A Night with the Jonesborough Yarn Exchange, which performs the fourth Monday of each month at the International Storytelling Center, will be holding open auditions for anyone interested in participating in the program. Auditions will be held Saturday, March 25 from 1-3 pm. A Night with the Yarn Exchange is a scripted, story-based radio show, filled with humorous and heartwarming sketches, all based on local stories and lore, past and present, and features a new

BE A RADIO WRITER Jules Corriere, originator of the program, works with writers on stories to submit to the program. Anyone wishing to learn about writing for the radio, and have their work performed on the program to 55,000 musical guest each month. Those interested in participating in this program, regional listeners, may participate in the writing mentorship offered at now in its sixth season, will have an opportunity the McKinney Center through the Creative Circle Writers Group. to meet director and writer Jules Corriere, music BE A MUSICIAN director and composer Brett McCluskey, stage A Night with the Yarn Exchange features a special musical guest each manager Phyllis Fabozzi, sound engineer Michael month. Those interested in performing as a musician on the program D’Avella, and Foley operator Gary Degner, along in 2018 will have an opportunity to meet with the director and music with the rest of the current cast. director. Those interested should have a link to their work or provide a There are several ways to participate in the disc for consideration. radio program.auditions or the program, contact Jules Corriere at 423-794-6320 or JulesC@ The McKinney Center, site of the auditions, is located at 103 Franklin Avenue, at the corner of East Main Street and Franklin Avenue. A Night jonesboroughtn.org. with the Yarn Exchange is part of Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program Photo by: for the Arts and is sponsored by Mountain States Health Alliance and Whitney S. Williams the Tennessee Arts Commission. For more information about auditions or the program, contact Jules Corriere at 423-794-6320 or JulesC@ jonesboroughtn.org.

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Open Auditions

BE AN ACTOR The radio show performs live each month at the International Storytelling Center. The program is always looking for actors of all ages and backgrounds to participate from month to month. Stage veterans as well as those who have never acted before are welcome. The program strives to be inclusive for anyone who has a passion for performing.

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

The Boy Friend in The Afternoon

Sometimes I can surprise people when I tell them that I still haven’t seen every movie made by my favorite filmmakers. This is partially by circumstance and partially by choice--it’s nice to know there are still new to me Billy Wilder films out there in the world. There’s now one less new to me Wilder film as I’ve seen Wilder’s 1957 comedy “Love in The Afternoon”--which makes its blu-ray debut from those knights of the vault Warner Archive.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

"Love in The Afternoon” is a romantic comedy starring Gary Cooper, Audrey Hepburn, and Maurice Chevalier. The film is the first of twelve films Wilder would write with I.A.L. Diamond--one of the finest screenwriting partnerships in history. “Love in The Afternoon” centers around a French private eye (Chevalier) who is tracking down a lothario businessman (Cooper) and keeping an eye out on his numerous affairs. At the same time, our detective tries to keep all these torrid details away from his young daughter (Hepburn). When the husband of one of the wives our amorous businessman comes by to see the evidence of the affair, the detective’s daughter overhears his plans to murder his wife's lover, and then himself. The detective’s daughter can’t simply let anyone be murdered in cold blood, so she goes off to warn the king of romance and soon finds herself getting caught up in his wizardry. Though not one of Wilder’s A tier films (but keep in mind B tier Wilder is better than most people’s A tier work) “Love in The Afternoon” has much to offer viewers, and is full of trademark Wilder dialogue. On blu-ray “Love in The Afternoon” looks sparkling. The black and white image has a fine grain pattern that fits films of its era, there’s a sharpness to the picture that really punches up everything around it. This is a fine release of a most enjoyable film, perfect for a rainy day, looking splendid to boot. Another title from Warner Archive making its blu-ray debut and its debut to me is director Ken Russell’s 1971 adaptation of the 1950s musical “The Boy Friend.” There’s a few things to unpack here that struck me after viewing the film. One, the same Ken Russell who directed “Tommy” managed to make a G rated film. Two, “The Boy Friend” was a spoof of 1920s musicals and Russell

decided to adapt it by making a movie about a theater troupe in the 1920s putting on the actual musical. So it’s a spoof of a spoof, with scenes paying homage to the old Hollywood musical by having characters in the theater “dream” how their numbers should be performed. A production of MGM partnered with EMI, MGM had actually bought the screen rights to the musical back in the 1950s while it played Broadway, with an eye to turn it into a vehicle for Debbie Reynolds. The original stage show was the American theater debut of Julie Andrews, and attempts were made in the 1960s to wrangle the rights away from MGM to make a film with Andrews. Russell instead cast someone who had never acted before, the famous Mod model Twiggy--who does a very fine job in the film. Being Ken Russell doing his best to pay homage to Busby Berkeley, Arthur Freed, and old Hollywood “The Boy Friend” has a lot of visual goodness that is simply stunning on blu-ray. The colors alone really pop right off the screen. An added treat is that Warner Archive created a very lively 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track for the film. The theatrical trailer and a vintage featurette are included as well on the blu-ray. There’s much to like about “The Boy Friend” but that multi-layered plot does get a touch muddled up at times making it slightly hard to keep a hold of--this may become clearer to my eyes on more viewings. But even though the film does get a little in its own way, there’s so much here to enjoy. Just as a visual exercise and candy colored treat to the eyes--this one is worth looking into. Again Warner Archive goes above and beyond bringing an amazing mix of titles to blu-ray. I think the rumors of physical media’s demise are greatly exaggerated. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Carson Peters & Iron Mountain @ Carter Family Fold Saturday, March 25th, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert by Fiddlin’ Carson Peters & Iron Mountain. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, children 6 to 11 $2, under age 6 free. This concert will mark Carson’s third performance at the Fold with his new group, Iron Mountain.

arson Peters started playing the fiddle at the ripe old age of three when his parents bought him a 1/8 size fiddle. By age four, he was playing in fiddle competitions and jamming at music festivals. Carson has continued to hone the fiddling and singing talent that God graciously blessed him with and has won many competitions along the way. At 12 years old, Carson is a seasoned performer playing numerous venues with his band throughout the region – Dollywood’s Bluegrass and BBQ, Asheville Bluegrass First Class, Song of the Mountains, WDVX’s World Class Bluegrass concert series, and at the Carter Family Fold. Carson has had the honor of playing on national TV as a guest on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He played with Jimmy Fortune on the floor of the Tennessee State Senate. Carson’s dream of playing on the Grand Ole Opry stage was realized in 2014 when he was invited by Ricky Skaggs to perform with him and his band Kentucky Thunder. The same year, Carson was asked to make a reappearance at the Opry – this time with

his own band. Later that year, Carson made his Ryman Auditorium debut playing again with Ricky Skaggs during the 2014 Bluegrass Nights series. Carson’s new band, Iron Mountain, help him entertain audiences performing old time, bluegrass, and gospel music. The band consists of Carson’s father, Jamie Peters, Eric Marshall and Ben Marshall of Mount Airy, North Carolina, and Austin Tate of Marion, Virginia. Carson feels truly blessed to have these fine Christian young men in his band, and especially blessed to be playing with his dad. Be prepared to be amazed by Carson Peters. His talent and stage presence rival the most seasoned of performers. Dancers won’t be disappointed because he’s as fine a fiddler as any that ever graced the stage of the Carter Fold. There will also be beautiful vocals, instrumentals, and gospel music – something for everyone. For more information on the Fiddlin’ Carson Peters Band, go to http:// www.carsonandironmt.com/ - the band’s web site. You can also see them perform on YouTube.

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

e's just released his fifth fulllength album, featuring legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy. Jeff weaves deft musicianship, cutting-edge technology, and skillful wordcraft into songs with weight and impact. Listen at www. jeffmilleronline.com

erforming that evening will be East Tennessee's own Brad Puckett, 2016 Nashville Independent Artist of the year, with special guest and Grammy nominees Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley. Also performing will be Grammy award winning songwriters, John Condrone and Marc Allen Barnette along with TriCities Favorite Band Shooter. Tickets are $10.00 and are on sale at www.bradpuckettmusic.com or at the door. Doors open at 3:30 pm. All proceeds will go to benefit the children of St Jude Children's Hospital. This is an event you do not want to miss. Special Thanks to these sponsors: Phoenix Records Nashville, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Boot Barn, Tri-Cities Lifestyle Fitness, La Quinta Inn, Bounce Bristol, Aubrey's, Zackary's Steakhouse, Great American Cookie Company, Mellow Mushroom, Just Jump, Marquee Cinema Pinnacle, Johnny Bruscos, Chuckie Cheese, Krispy Kreme, Blackbird Bakery,Texas Roadhouse, Riverfront Seafood Company. Come out and support this great cause and help us raise money for St. Jude's Saturday, March 25th at 4 pm at the Wellmont Performing Arts Center.

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Nashville-based Songwriter and "total master of the loop pedal" (Adrian Bischoff, KZSU) Jeff Miller returns to Johnson City on Tuesday, March 21st.

Singing for St. Jude

Jeff Miller Returns to Johnson City

Phoenix Records Nashville Presents 13 the "3rd Annual Singing for St. Jude" Saturday, March 25th at the Wellmont Performing Arts Center located at Northeast State at 4 PM.

Spotlight

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

- TUESDAY - Mar. 21st -

Kasey Williams, Kelly Welling, and Brent Shuttleworth

The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Jeff Miller Online / Vanessa Silberman Acoustic Coffeehouse

Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s

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

- SATURDAY - Mar. 25th -

- FRIDAY - Mar. 24th Jason Keiser / Cambium

Nightshift Band

Fireside Collective

Southern Countrymen Band

David Thompson’s Produce

Acoustic Coffeehouse

Bone Fire Smokehouse

Buffalo Ruritan

Little Frazier

Rhythm Brewers

Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Trapt / Bridge to Grace

- WEDNESDAY - Mar. 22nd James Meadows Wild Wing Café

JB5nDime

The Hideaway

The Damascus Brewery

Rhythm Brewers

Limited Edition

Holston River Brewing Co.

Country Club of Bristol

Ian Thomas: Band of Drifters w/ Jesse Lewis

Jacob Green

The Harvest Table

The Bashful Youngens Acoustic Coffeehouse

Inter Arma/ Holy Mountain Top Removers Sacred Leather The Hideaway

Seth Walker

The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

RevLow / Nerve Endings / Swallow The Sky

Benny Wilson / Rhythm Review

Sleepy Owl Brewery

Holston River Brewing Co.

Jigsaw Jane

Real Life Heavies

Country Club Bar & Grill

Sleepy Owl Brewery

Zack Parks / The Bird & The Bear

- THURSDAY - Mar. 23rd -

Shooter

Acoustic Coffeehouse

Elizabethton Moose Lodge

Nostalgia Duo

Old School Review

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Athens Steakhouse

The Diamonds

Tennessee LaRue

Blackbird Bakery

Elizabethton Elks Lodge

Mark Mahoney

The Reppertons / ThunderCock / Archaic Knowledge

Anthony Wayne

- SATURDAY - Mar. 25th -

Model City Taphouse

Capone’s

Bone Fire Smokehouse

Tennessee LaRue

Bella Raye

Holston River Brewing Co.

Rio’s Grill & Sports Bar

Big Jon / Captain Ryan

Sundown Band

Acoustic Coffeehouse

Mathew Silver

Katie Curtis & Maia Sharp

The Hideaway

Down Home

Jamie Collins

Zachary’s Steakhouse

Jam with Marion Edwards Wellington’s Restaurant

- FRIDAY - Mar. 24th The Ledgerwoods

Bristol Station Brews & Taproom

Carolina Road Down Home

Below 7

O’Mainnin’s Pub

Crocodile Smile Wild Wing Café

CJ’s Sports Bar

Carson Peters & The Iron Mountain Band Carter Family Fold

Empty Ritual / Povertybomb / Deathtrip The Hideaway

Super Bob w/ Annandale and Mega X Capone’s

Before The Storm Holiday Inn - Exit 7

- SUNDAY - Mar. 26th The Diamonds Studio Brew

Amythyst Kiah

Bone Fire Smokehouse

Bill Scorzari

Acoustic Coffeehouse

Carson Peters & The Iron Mountain Band Sunset Village Baptist Church

Corey Hunt

Bone Fire Smokehouse

Asylum Suite

Country Club Bar & Grill

My New Favorites Wild Wing Café

The Gospel Side of Elvis: The Blackwood Quartet Paramount Center of Performing Arts

The Diamonds

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

- MONDAY - Mar. 27th J Luke

Wild Wing Café

Open Mic

Acoustic Coffeehouse

Open Mic

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

for show time & more details, visit

theloaferonline.com

Corner Pocket 1742 Edgemont Avenue Bristol, TN 423-844-0369

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444

Alfredo’s Mediterranean & Italian Restaurant 812 Commonwealth Avenue Bristol, VA 276-644-3030

Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423-844-0400

Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One Street Gray, TN 423-282-9440

Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423-929-9822

Valentino’s Italian Restaurant 1501 King College Road Bristol, TN 423-968-7655 or 1101 Volunteer Parkway Bristol, TN 423-444-6394

Athens Steakhouse 105 Goodson Street Bristol, VA 276-706-6927 Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276-623-0037 Borderline Billiards 628 State Street Bristol, TN 423-989-7665 CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361

Eatz on Moore Street 17 Moore Street Bristol, VA 276-591-4755 Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr. Bristol VA 276-466-4100 Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport 423-765-0875

Wild Wing Café 71 Wilson Avenue Johnson City TN 423-461-0071 Zachary’s Steak House 724 State Street Bristol, TN 423-239-8100 and 4223 Fort Henry Drive Kingsport, TN 423-239-8100

KARAOKE

Saturday, March 25 • Holiday Inn-Bristol

Karaoke w/ Tina and West at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Open Mic Entertainment at Holston River Brewing Company Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria Karaoke at BoBo’s - Damascus VA ***********************

FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW - Elizabethton TN Karaoke w/ DJ Marques At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge 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 ***********************

15 theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423-434-9872

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Comet Hale Bopp Dazzled Skies 20 Years Ago

Y Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

es, it was two decades ago that the world was abuzz with the hype and strange events surrounding appearance of this icy body just a couple miles in size as it spewed gas and cosmic debris into space as it rounded the Sun for its first only time. Comet Hale-Bopp appearance in 1997 had a lot of fanfare as it was the first seen easily since the famous Halley’s Comet encounter in 1986. That is for dwellers of our Northern Hemisphere of Earth. There have been several spectacular comets since Hale-Bopp, but all were only visible from the Southern Hemisphere and obscured in our daylight skies. So it very likely if you’ve seen a comet with your naked eye, it was Hale-Bopp when it was closest to Earth 20 years ago. Not that we haven’t had a bunch of hopefuls out of the fickle world of comets. It seem every other year or so astronomers predict a comet seen at the outskirts of our Solar System is headed for a spectacular loop around the Sun that will mesmerize humans on Earth. Well, those predictions haven’t materialized. And it’s not the fault of astronomers. It’s the unpredictable personality of these chunks of ice and rock that are believed to be the leftovers of our creation around 5 billion years ago. Comet Hale-Bopp came on the heels of another beautiful, naked eye comet the year before, Comet Hyakutake in 1996. This cosmic interloper had a long, thin tail, in contrast to the stubby appearance of brighter Hale-Bopp. Comets are named after their discoverer, which was once a prestigious exercise in observing by a handful of amateur astronomers. But today’s modern telescope technology has many comets being discovered by automatically operated telescopes designed for that purpose, thus Pan-Stars, klj and other names of the observing system are used. Comets are one of the greatest wonders of the night sky every seen by humans. Their appearance was seen an omen of great importance to ancient civilizations all over the world. Taken from the Greek word for “hairy star,” a comet would create a lot of attention to peoples of antiquity, the astrologers predicting cataclysmic events or a change in kingly leadership.

One of our Solar System’s spectacular interlopers was on everybody’s tongues 20 years ago—Comet Hale-Bopp.

Even in the 20th Century after science proved comets to be nothing more than icy rocks pulled into the Sun by gravity, there still exists a mindset among extremists that comets have an effect on humans on Earth. Remember the Heaven’s Gate sect and the suicide of jlj, members wanting a ride on Comet Hale-Bopp? Sadly led by a delusional, false prophet, these desperate followers took their lives by poison after preparing for the journey to Hale-Bopp, decked in purple and gold sweat suits and Nike shoeslkljk. Yes, comets have a long history of affecting the mind of man. Today, in the 21st Century, we know some of the facts about comets, but they are still a large mystery. NASA and the European Space Agency have now flown spacecraft to rendezvous, orbit and even land on comets. The best mission so far has been the now defunct Rosetta, which caught up to Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko and orbited it for a year before and after its closest encounter with the Sun. The Rosetta spacecraft even released a small lander that failed to grapple the surface and instead hopped for an hour in the extremely low surface gravity before landing in a crevasse. What we learned up close is much what scientists expected: comets are like dirty snowballs with plenty of water and amino acids critical to the building blocks of life. And they come from an immense reservoir of billions upon billions of comets that circle the Solar System in a halo called the Oort Cloud. Astronomers still have a lot to learn about this unseen area maybe 15 billion miles away. The Oort Cloud is believed to be a storehouse of what is presumed to be leftover matter that didn’t coalesce into planets, dwarf planets or moons. The power of gravity is what propels everything in the Universe. And in the Sun’s system, the gentle tug from one of our four giant worlds— Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune—can influence a comet’s orbit and send it inward. This gravitational influence on the Oort Cloud might come from a passing star, or even one or more unseen worlds that some astronomers predict lurk way beyond dwarf planet Pluto, 4 billion miles away, in another region called the

Kuiper Belt. This belt is inside the Oort Cloud and contains possibly thousands of super cold, worlds ranging from 10 to 1,000 miles wide. The close-up images of Pluto astonished astronomers by showing a very active world with icy mountains floating on slushy, nitrogen seas. So the exact nature of Kuiper Belt objects remains an exciting mystery to be solved later. What we understand today is something can dislodge a 1-10 mile wide comet that is 10 billion miles away and send it on a gravity path straight for the Sun. As it gets closer and heats up, solids become liquids and liquids become gas, just like water that that can be ice, liquid and steam. The solar wind rips the material off the comet, forming two tails—one of gas and one of tiny bits of rocky debris. As the tails grow with proximity to the Sun, the comet body becomes a nucleus enveloped in a “coma” of out gassing debris. And if close enough to Earth, we see this comet coma and tail slowly move across our sky—a spectacular sight, indeed. Most comets loop around the Sun in an orbit that will never bring them back as they rejoin the Oort Cloud for millions of years, like Comets Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake. And many become kamikaze comets that are simply devoured by the Sun. But a handful, called periodic comets, are in stable orbits around the Sun and make predictable return trips through our Solar System. And none is more famous than Halley’s Comet, named after the British astronomer Sir Edmond Halley, who figured out the 76-year orbit of the cosmic interloper. This comet had been recorded for centuries in all kinds of ancient scientific and religious recordings. Once Halley figured out they were all the same object, he proved it mathematically. The great astronomers never lived to see the kjlj appearance that proved him correct, but he lives on as the most famous, Comet Halley. After seeing Comet Hale-Bopp 20 years ago, are we overdue for a good comet gracing our dark nights? Of course I say yes! Anytime is a great time to see a comet. The problem is, we never know when a new one will appear, or just how to predict its brightness. It’ll happen one day, again. But be forewarned— it’ll be spectacular!

through a telescope was made by William Draper on a silver 17 platinum photographic plate. Just 177 years later, most of us have a digital camera on our cell phones that will take a great Moon photo through any telescope.

his week of March is the first full week of Spring. The Moon has slipped into the deep of the night, greeting those leaving the night clubs late or getting up early for work. Both the evening skies, with the dazzling and familiar Winter constellations, and the morning skies of Summer constellations are enticing us to just look up a few minutes. The Spring star patterns are leaping over the eastern horizon, lead by the mighty lion, Leo. Take the time to sit down, look up and loose oneself in the contemplation of the stars…it’ll be time well spent.

Friday, March 24 The winter constellations still dominate—Orion, Canis Major, Gemini, Taurus and Auriga among them. They are setting one-byone, lead by the famous star cluster, The Pleiades in the shoulder of the bull.

Tuesday, March 21 When darkness sets in after 8 pm, in the east is Leo the Lion, his flowing mane a backward question mark dotted by the bright star Regulus. The hindquarters are a right triangle, and unseen to the naked eye in the lion’s belly are dozens of galaxies. Wednesday, March 22 On this 1997 date in astronomy, the world was abuzz as Comet Hale-Bopp was closest to Earth and an easy naked eye sight in the evening skies. Thursday, March 23 On this 1840 date in astronomy, the first photo of the Moon

Saturday, March 25 On this astronomy date in 1996, naked eye Comet Hyakutake was closest to Earth, heading back out in the edge of the Solar System after whipping around the Sun. Sunday, March 26 Venus is lost in the solar glare, but Mars is still the red star hanging around the above the western horizon. And rising in the east around 10 pm is yellow planet Jupiter and bluish star Spica, both in Virgo the Virgin. Monday, March 27 Don’t forget to look northeast and see the Big Dipper asterism of Ursa Major standing on its handle. The end stars of the bowl point to the North Star, Polaris. On the west side of Polaris and setting dipping low is the familiar “M” of Cassiopeia.

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of March 21-27, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

KONG Skull Island

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

T Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

(Rated PG-13) 4 Kongs (out of 4)

he latest adventure of Kong comes to theaters in the form of "Kong: Skull Island", and in this story our hairy hero never leaves his island. The film begins in 1944 during World War II, when two fighter pilots, one American and one Japanese, crash on an island in the South Pacific, which unknown to them, is the home of an enormous ape-like creature, which they encounter during a fight. The story then flash forwards to 1973 where we meet British Special Air Service Captain James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston) who has been hired by U.S. government agent Bill Randa (John Goodman), to lead an expedition to the mysterious and avoided island known as Skull Island. This all came about due to images from a satellite showing a large mysterious creature inhabiting the island, and Randa is determined to find and study said creature. Randa has also recruited a Vietnam helicopter squadron, known as the Sky Devils to take his group to the island. The squadron is led by Lieutenant Colonel Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson!), and he must endure the presence of pacifist photojournalist Mason Weaver (Brie Larson), who is determined to prove the mission is military with dark purposes.

Since he first appeared on the big screen back in 1933, King Kong has been a popular draw for movie fans. His various cinema adventures have been depicted in films such as "King Kong Lives" from 1986 to the more resent 2005 release "King Kong", directed by Peter Jackson. The great ape even battled his rival Godzilla in the 1962 release "King Kong vs. Godzilla", which will be remade for a new generation. The group is also joined by a biologist and a geologist for good measure. Shortly after the group crosses through the dangerous cloud bank surrounding Skull Island, they begin dropping explosives to determine if the ground is hollow. Of course, all the explosions do is attract Kong, and he is soon on the scene smashing helicopters and making the ultimate impression on the shocked group. The groups become separated, and several of them cross paths with the local natives, who worship Kong as their protector from the various nasty creatures on the island, and when I say nasty, I mean nightmarish. The group discover Hank Marlow (John C. Reilly) with the natives, who happens to be the American solider who crashed on the island 28 years ago. Hank is extremely happy to see the unexpected visitors and devises a way for them all to escape, but not before Colonel Packard plans vengeance on Kong for causing the death of many of his troops. Hank, and several of the others, attempt to convince Packard that Kong was only defending his home and should be left alone. Unfortunately, Packard is bend on taking down Kong, and devises a plan that results in a surprising encounter that leads to the awakening

of a horrific creature that lives beneath the island. In the end Kong is proved to be a hero thanks to his defending some of the humans, including Mason, against the underground dwelling dinosaur-like creatures. The film proved to be far better than I expected, and is an intelligent monster movie. Of course, let's admit we really want to see this film because one of our favorite movie monsters of all time is back on the big screen, and is gloriously presented in the film technology of 2017. Kong has never seemd more fierce, and yet you feel an almost immediate love for him, as the king of the island is out to defend his home, and may one day defend mankind against other creatures. Speaking of other creatures, you MUST stay in your seat until the final credits roll for an awesome final scene, that sets the stage for the upcoming battle between Kong and Godzilla. Even though Jackson is able to stare down Kong several times during the film, we all know who the real King is. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts ("The Kings of Summer") has fashioned a superb monster movie with "Kong: Skull Island", giving movie fans a thrilling and fun cinematic ride.

THE INTERVIEW

When you have seen as much as some people, it makes you more grateful for what you have! Jeff Williams has been a lot of places since he grew up in Jonesborough and it all led him right back here to what he has always considered home. This guy has quickly become a dear friend to me and I want you to get to know him a little better too. I give you, Jeff Williams

Mountain Movers

By Brian Bishop bbishop@ theloaferonline.com

BRIAN: Jeff thanks for taking time to talk with me so people can learn more about you. Will you please start by taking a minute to tell those who might not know you a little about where you grew up and what that was like? JEFF: I was born in Baltimore, and moved to Jonesborough when I was 10 years old. It was the late 1960’s and the appeal of raising their family in the same small southern town where my Mom grew up was enough for my parents to relocate here. It seems like a cliché, but life was absolutely a slower pace and simpler in that era. As a 12 year old, I had a paper route that I delivered on my bike, throughout most of downtown Jonesborough. Not quite Mayberry-esque, but a very safe, secure and, I think easier time in many ways to be a kid. Most of life revolved around your immediate community, whether that be school, sports, church or family. Looking back, I can’t imagine not growing up where I did. Except for the rare occasions (such as now) that I’m asked the specific question, I never consider myself anything but a native Tennessean. BRIAN: You have had a great career and could pretty much take your pick of where you want to live. Why do you love it here so much that you choose to stay? JEFF: My wife, Robin, and I lived in Jupiter, Florida for the first 12 years of our marriage. It’s a beautiful place and on cold days like today, pretty doggone appealing. Robin had a job opportunity with a Real Estate developer that was building 1,500 - 2,000 residential units a year. The market there was crazy. In her first two years she sold something like 400 condos, townhomes and single family homes. While I was job interviewing I worked for my brother-in-law that first summer, in his stone masonry business. It was the hottest summer of my life and hard work. I learned a deep appreciation for those who create, build and work with their hands for a living. My interviews led me to a sales position with a national real estate title underwriter. Commercial and Residential real estate was booming in South Florida and I was able to grow some great relationships in the industry. A couple of years in, I was offered a chance to join a national real estate information services company as the GM for their subsidiary based in West Palm Beach. It was an awesome business experience and I learned a lifetime of valuable lessons about what can be accomplished when you’re willing to work hard. We grew the company significantly and I was promoted to President towards the end of my first year there. The short version of the story is, at about the 5 year mark we ended up selling a big piece of the company to a partnership consisting of several of our customers which resulted in a couple of senior positions being eliminated, including mine. I took a few weeks off to hang out with Robin and our one year old daughter, then went to work for one of my previous customers. God always had another opportunity in waiting. As good as life in Florida was, I always had an urge to be back in East

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Jeff Williams

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

20 Tennessee. It took a few years, but Robin, who

grew up in South Florida and is a Gator, eventually, gave in and we moved back to Johnson City in the summer of 1995. Even on days like today, when the morning temps are in the teens and the driveway is icy, I am thankful she agreed to let me come home! Some of the friends we were fortunate to make while in Florida are still close and I’d never want to change that experience, but there’s something about the mountains and having four distinct seasons that make this place special. We’re a regional community now more than ever before. When I was a kid we were a pretty insulated place. If you grew up in Jonesborough it was a pretty sure thing that your friends and your life centered on that town. The same was true no matter what city or town in the region you called home. Today my neighbors are originally from India, Brazil, Canada and all over the US. We have great educational and professional opportunities. And, I can still get my wife to the beach in just over 5 hours if she needs a quick fix. Our daughter, Mattea, is here too and I’m very thankful for that. BRIAN: This is my absolute favorite question to ask people. Faith is a huge part of life in this region and I know you are a guy who takes his faith seriously. What will you share about faith and how it impacts your day to day? JEFF: I grew up being really involved in the Church and I’m grateful that my parents were committed to that being an important aspect of life when I was a kid. The Christian faith teaches that salvation cannot be earned, but rather comes through His grace. It’s unmerited, but real. In a world where we’re taught to work hard and earn our way, it’s comforting to know that God isn’t looking for or expecting perfection. He’s not asking for blemish-free living. I have a long list of flaws and imperfections and am thankful for that unwavering grace. Life, and all we experience, can be a tremendous blessing while simultaneously being next to impossible to navigate. I can’t imagine trying to do it on my own. BRIAN: Now we are down to music. I have always been a musician as far back as I can remember because music is just magical to me. Tell me, how long have you been involved with music? Also, what do you tell people who don’t know you about your current group about it as well as how to get your gig schedule and info? JEFF: It’s the same way with me. I can’t remember not being involved with music in some form or fashion. I never considered myself talented enough to make a career of it and I’m fascinated and a bit awestruck at those that do. Like a lot of folks my first introduction to performing was in church. It’s incredible how many singers and players learned their craft in that way. We’re members of Christ Fellowship Church in Kingsport and I get a chance to sing there with some really talented musicians when they let me! The “current group” you referred to is an 11 piece dance band, Spirit of Soul (SOS) that’s been playing together for the last 8 or 9 years. Having a 3 piece horn section makes the group a little unique in this age of synthesized horns. We’ve played The Greenbrier; Virginia Tech; most of the Knoxville Country Clubs; a lot of weddings and galas in the Tri-Cities and for some reason seem to be particularly popular in the NC High Country. We’re a dance band, so that plays a big part in deciding what new tune will make the cut. Our leanings are towards Motown; Earth, Wind & Fire……….a lot of 60’s and 70’s stuff, but we’ll

throw in some Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Michael Buble and Meghan Trainor. I love seeing how many millennials sing along with the old tunes we play. Some of this stuff is timeless. Fred Goodwin (keyboards) and Melanie Aldridge (trumpet/vocals) do most of our arrangements and I have to say never simplify it. This band prides themselves on playing some tough pieces and not taking the easy way out. It’s more work, but a better sounding end result. Last month we were fortunate to have John Gardner join us on drums. John’s been a session drummer and Grand Ol Opry house drummer forever and has played with everybody in Nashville. As the least talented in the group, I handle the bulk of lead vocals. I tell the band all the time, anyone can sound good with that kind of talent behind them. You know, it’s therapeutic. It may have been a hectic week. Life may be a little tough. Then you get on stage and your alter ego has this incredible opportunity to just sing and hopefully allow the audience that same chance to escape for a few hours. It’s a hobby for us, but definitely hard work. In a typical gig we’ll play 4045 songs. Wouldn’t trade it for anything! You never know when the ride will end, but I hope it’s no time soon. BRIAN: And, you and I met through our work and quickly realized we make great friends because we share a lot in common and know a lot of the same folks. Tell people what you do and how they can find out more about your work so they can get involved! JEFF: I love getting to know people and learning their story. Where have you been? Where are you today? Where do you want to go? The business world in 2017 is often a reflection of our instant gratification society in that we don’t take the time to get to know one another. Building and developing those relationships is the most rewarding thing I do professionally. We have a couple of great publications that I’m proud to represent. The Business Journal of TriCities Tennessee/Virginia is a publication that, since 1988, seeks to deliver information to help businesses, whether a one-woman startup or an international giant, grow and prosper locally or globally. We just had the opportunity to publish a centennial magazine for the City of Kingsport's 100th anniversary. It was an honor to have had the invitation from Kingsport to do it. This year will mark the 25th anniversary of a couple of events The Business Journal hosts. “Healthcare Heroes” is a celebration of the folks who by going above and beyond the call of duty every day, help to make our region a healthier and better place to live. Nominations are currently open for this year’s event. The other event, “40 Under Forty”, recognizes young businesspersons who excel both professionally and in service to his or her community. I encourage your readers to consider nominating someone they know and admire for either of these honors. They can go to bjournal. com and follow the link for either event. The other print product, The Johnson City News & Neighbor, is a weekly community newspaper that is carrier-delivered every Wednesday to 31,000 homes in the Johnson City, Jonesborough, Washington County market. We publish the good news of the community including a lot of middle school, high school and local college sports. It’s the biggest home delivery of any newspaper from Knoxville to Roanoke.

Bowl For Kids' Sake

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters on April 7 and 8 and bowl for a cause. Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities largest annual fundraiser bringing together community members to have fun bowling while supporting the youth mentoring agency.

n April 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters will be at Bass Pro in Bristol and on April 8 at WarPath Lanes in Kingsport. Build a team of four and set a fundraising goal, minimum $100 per team, (but AIM HIGH, some of our top team’s raise a lot more!) Or register yourself to bowl, $25 per person, and come out and bowl to support children in our area. Bowlers can even make their own fundraising page during registration to use to increase team support. Participants can register online at BowlforKidsToday.org or call 423-247-3240. “Bowl for Kids’ Sake is just a really fun event that makes a huge impact on our program,” says Regional Director Kathy Lowdermilk. “The money raised goes directly to support children in our youth mentoring program that serves the greater Tri-Cities.” Participants will receive a t-shirt, goody bag, food and bowling. Special thanks go to our current sponsors: Eastman Credit Union; Blackburn, Childers and Steagall, PLC; Vulcan Materials Company; Mountain States Health Alliance; Friendship Enterprises, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, Wells Fargo, Bristol Herald Courier and Kingsport Times News. If you or your business would like information on sponsoring Bowl for Kids’ Sake, contact Kathy Lowdermilk at 423247-3240. If you have questions or want to register over the phone, call Kathy Lowdermilk at 423-247-3240.

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Bowling for a Cause

Cove Mountain

Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

ast-forward to today, and most fire tires are rickety ghosts of their former selves. Satellite imagery allows for fires to be pinpointed quickly and with incredible accuracy. The majority of forested areas are protected within national forests, national parks, and state parks; with new fire prevention policies in place, the need for these historic structures has diminished significantly. Many have succumbed to the ravages of time and weather, forcing their removal due to the safety hazard they present to hikers. Others that have fallen into disrepair have been lovingly restored, such as the historic stone fire tower atop Mount Cammerer along the Appalachian Trail. Some parks such as the Smokies have repurposed the towers to combat a new kind of threat which our forests now face: air pollution. Our most recent Smokies trek introduced us to one such tower high atop Cove Mountain, which lies along the park’s northern border near Gatlinburg. Laurel Falls is a staple hike for many who come to the park. The cascades are easily reached by the paved Laurel Falls Trail which begins just a few miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center. While the falls are beautiful and the subject of many a postcard, many miss the adventures which lie past the end of the asphalt. If you plan to hike this trail anytime outside of the winter season, it is best to arrive early (and that means before 9:00 A.M.), as the parking lot fills up extremely quickly. Or just leave the car at the visitor center or in Gatlinburg and catch one of the trolleys which has a stop here as well. Good hiking boots are a must, as portions of the trail past the falls are pretty rocky. The first 1.3 miles of the trail are a gradual climb in and out along the finger ridges of Cove Mountain. Views across the valley of the Little River frame Blanket and Meigs Mountains, with the main crest of the Smokies rising beyond. This first portion of the trail is featured as a nature trail; don’t forget to pick up a guidebook at the trailhead! A few more curves and you’ll soon reach the namesake of the trail, splashing down the rocky face and into a small pool. On most days, a dozen hikers may cluster around the iconic falls, while summer days can see lines waiting to take photos. Linger here as long as you like, and then press on to the solitude which welcomes you as you reenter the forest. This upper segment passes through a rare oldgrowth oak forest. The gentle mountain slopes found here combined with the area’s close proximity to Gatlinburg make it a miracle that this forest was spared during the logging boom which erupted in

the early 20’s. The white oak trees and tulip poplars reach massive proportions here. Several fantastic specimens lie just an arm’s reach from the trail and offer great photo opportunities. Continuing on, Laurel Falls Trail turns left from a junction with Little Greenbrier Trail and begins its last steep climb to the top through a rhododendron tunnel. A junction with Cove Mountain Trail marks your arrival at the end of the trail as well as the national park’s northern boundary. Turning left, a short walk brings you to the peak of Cove Mountain, elevation 4,080 feet. It’s here that you will find the Cove Mountain Fire Tower. Originally built in 1935, the tower served its purpose for years until it fell into disuse with the advent of satellites imagery, as mentioned before. Instead of removing the iconic structure, the National Park Service transformed it into an ultramodern air quality monitoring station. With its location as the highest point along the park’s Tennessee border, the station is ideally situated to sample air that is rising up from the valleys below. Air pollution from the Tennessee Valley and the rust belt in the Midwest reached critical levels several decades ago, but advances in technology and better regulation have led much cleaner air and better views across the park. There is still a long way to go, however, as the park has several days each year where the air quality is considered hazardous. Any outdoor activity within the park is highly discouraged during those times. Visitors may climb the lower flights of the tower, but access to the observation area is prohibited due to the sensitive equipment which is housed inside. A somewhat limited view of Wears Valley is available nearby. Take a few moments to rest and enjoy the breezes which constantly seem to blow across the mountain. The journey down is much faster than that coming up, and if you have time, you might want to return via Cove Mountain Trail. Stretching eight miles and ending at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, this trail follows the park border along Cove Mountain and Mount Harrison, allowing new views of Ober Gatlinburg and communities which were spared the recent wildfires. Great views of Mount LeConte across the valley are a highlight of this trail. Remember, if you decide to return via this route, you will either have to make use of the Gatlinburg trolley system or have a second vehicle parked near the visitor center. Total distance via this route is 12.8 miles, while returning via Laurel Falls Trail tallies a total mileage of 7.6 miles.

Hikers will see the Cove Mountain fire tower, now repurposed as a weather monitoring station for the park.

Fire towers were a common sight across Appalachia for much of the 20th century, as they served a crucial role in the prevention of wildfires across the scarred landscape. Logging operations left piles of wood scraps known as slash which would often spark raging infernos. It was important to spot and stop these fires quickly before they could escape and cause damage to the old growth forests which still clung to many hillsides

Directions: From U.S. 441 in Gatlinburg, drive south until you reach the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary. Continue two miles into the park, and then turn right onto Fighting Creek Gap Road. In 3.8 miles, the Laurel Falls Parking area will be on both sides of the road.

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

The Casual Word

By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord

We no longer Live in a time Where imprisonment Is a prerequisite for greatness X King Mandela Seale Newton Garvey Discipline and determination

Is available Along with freedom Make a stand now Be a voice Where so many Are now whispers and memories Remember As we stand on the shoulders To continue Our ascent To greatness

J. Warren Welch is a husband, father of daughters, and poet, who specializes in romantic poetry, inspirational quotes, curse words, rants, and the occasional Haiku. You can find his work on Instagram @j.warren.welch.

Undefeated You’ve been abandoned and back handed. Molested, rejected, infested, And still left with A heart of gold that gets stronger when tested A thousand betrayals couldn’t make you want to do the same. You’ve tried and you’ve failed, well acquainted with shame. You refuse to be changed and welcome the inevitable pain. You’ve tasted what you thought was love, and learned it was only a game. You’ve cried in the rain until tears turned to laughter, Then walked away after like none of it mattered. You’re so used to the cold that your teeth never chatter, And you relish the challenge when your whole world is shattered You are undefeated, Not because you never lose, But because every time you do You choose to become A better version of you.

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Arise

J. WARREN WELCH

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

Answers on page 26

Goldie is a 3 year old female mix. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. Goldie is great with children and other dogs. She is exceptionally sweet!

Cookie is a 4 year old female mix. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. This sweet girl loves attention and is the perfect lap dog!

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 12pm-3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www. bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www. Facebook.com/bridgehome

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

PETS

OF THE WEEK

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

THINGS TO DO Computer Classes @ the Jonesborough Library Tuesdays @ 2:00 The Jonesborough Library will offer a series of computer classes on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. in March: March 21 – Email Basics (Jaden) March 28 – Organizing Files on your Computer (Kate) Our classes will be taught by Jonesborough Library staff. These classes are free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, please call the Jonesborough Library at 7531800. If you have a laptop or tablet, you're welcome to bring it. We are also looking for a computer savvy person who is interested in volunteering to teach computer classes! If you are interested, please contact Dorothy Linton at the Jonesborough Library, dlinton@ wclibrarytn.org, or 423-753-1800. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Hands On! Calendar of Events Tuesday, March 14th - Sunday, April 2nd - Springtime Science Ring in spring with some fun and silly springtime science experiments. You won't believe your eyes in our growing marshmallow Peeps experiment, test out an EGG-cellent floating egg experiment, and even try out some candy chromatography. The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. (***Please note this program may contain peanuts and small parts that may not suitable for children under 3 years of age.) 315 E. Main St., Johnson City. 423-434-HAND.. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Abingdon Contra Dance The Community Center of Abingdon hosts contra dances twice a month on the second and fourth Saturday. Times will alternate between afternoon

female), top masters (over 40) male and female, and top three male and female in the following age brackets: 10 and under; 1114; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 5059; 60-69; and 70 and over. The Easter egg hunt is free and open to the community and will also occur at Founders Park beginning at the amphitheatre at 10:30 a.m. Children 12 and under are invited to bring their baskets to use to collect eggs. The egg hunt will be divided into age groups. Online 5K registration, which closes April 13, can be completed at www.athlinks.com/event/ bunny-hop-5k-kids-dash-196147. A course map is also available at this link. Public parking is available in the Pavillion lot and at Munsey Church. Founders Park is located at 226 Commerce St. For more information, contact blueplumdirector@gmail.com.

love to create and nurture natural places of beauty for others to enjoy. Currently the group takes care of a North American Butterfly Association certified garden and Monarch Waystation near our trail by the Watauga River in addition to the herb gardens at the Carter Mansion. We are planning a spring orientation and gathering and would like to know if you would like to learn more about these volunteer opportunities at Sycamore Shoals! For additional information, please contact Jennifer Bauer by calling 423-5435808 or email, jennifer.bauer@ tn.gov.

much more. There is no admission to the Bazaar, but we ask that you bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Jonesborough Area Ministerial Association (JAMA) Food Bank. Questions…please contact Jeri Jones at 423-646-3756 or Tami Moore at 423-753-0044.

dances from 3-6pm and evening dances from 6-9pm to accommodate all schedules. A live caller and band will be on hand for added fun. All ages and levels are welcome. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• March dances will be held on Free Family Entertainment Saturday, March 25th from 6-9pm Fiddling Sensation, Carson with caller Terry Doyle. Admission Peters. Sunday evening, March is $7 and full-time students are 26, 6:00 to 7:00 at Sunset Village $5. Family rate is $20. Baptist Church, 214 Johnston Add to the fun with lessons and Avenue. country dance waltzing an hour Direction: from Bluff city Hwy, before each dance with Ashby turn on Tween Hills Rd. (next Dickerson. A lesson for beginner •••••••••••••••••••••••••• to Dollar General) then right on contra dancers will be held in the 2nd Annual Craft Bazaar, Bake Johnston. first 30 minutes of each event. Sale and Silent Auction Snacks will be available for •••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Jonesborough United purchase. Come as you are; wear Methodist Church Sisters of Faith Umpires, scorekeepers, soft flexible shoes for dancing. All Groups are hosting their 2nd officials needed dances are taught. This dance is annual Craft Bazaar, Bake Sale Johnson City Parks and Recreation smoke and alcohol free. and Silent Auction on Saturday is seeking softball umpires and For further information call •••••••••••••••••••••••••• April 2, 2017 from 10 am till 5pm. scorekeepers and soccer officials. The Community Center of Over 25 local artists will be there Applicants must be 16 years of Abingdon at 276-628-3911 or visit Gardening opportunities at handmade items such as jewelry, age, be knowledgeable about thecommunitycenterofabingdon. Sycamore Shoals State Park! Do you love to work outdoors dog treats, crocheted items, the sport, and be able to pass a com. and enjoy the beauty that results hair bows, kitchen accessories, background check. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• from your efforts in your gardens? candles, pottery, paper quilling, Anyone interested is asked to If you do, Sycamore Shoals State soap, wood turned items, apply in person at the Athletic BunnyHop 5K set for April 15 State of Franklin Healthcare Historic Park would like to invite repurposed crafts, American Doll Office at Winged Deer Park, 4137 Bristol Highway. Office hours Associates and LIFEWTR will host you to join the Sycamore Shoals clothes, and much more. Items in the silent auction are 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday the BunnyHop 5K on Saturday, Gardeners! April 15, at Founders Park The Sycamore Shoals Gardeners include a stay at a bed and through Friday. beginning at 8:30 a.m. The event is a group of dedicated folks who breakfast,, jewelry items, quilts, For more information, please call is powered by the Blue Plum enjoy gardening and especially new and vintage, pottery and 423-283-5822. Organization and will be followed by a Community Easter Egg Hunt, Cryptogram: It is not suffering as such that is most deeply feared but suffering that degrades. also at Founders Park, sponsored Drop Quote: "It is important to rely on your imagination for your sense of humor and your memory for your truths. by Munsey Memorial United Not the other way around." Methodist Church. The 5K event includes the run, a kids’ dash immediately following the race as well as health and wellness activities. Underground Fitness will lead warm-up activities prior to the race. The entry fee for the 5K is $20 per person in advance and $25 on the day of the race. Kids 12 and under can participate in all events at no cost, and the first 50 kids at the race will receive bunny ears. Participants who are 13 years and older and pre-register will receive a T-shirt. Awards will be given for the top overall winners (male and

Dan Shapiro, whose company specializes in 3-D laser cutting machines, tells us that “The world is analog, and digital is always a representation . . . . Analog is always the source, always the truth. Reality is analog. Digital is the best we can do with the tools of the day.” This is a pretty succinct statement that lies at the heart of a modern-day day debate between those who choose analog and those who choose digital as their soapbox. Of course, there are those, like me, who see no conflict between analog and digital and realize that human beings, at least at the time of this writing, are analog. Who knows what the future of robotics and AI / IA will bring and how that future (which is already in many ways the present) will redefine what it means to be analog and human.

I Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

f you are the least bit interested in this whole analog-digital debate, I suggest you read the book from which the aforementioned Shapiro quote is taken--David Sax’s provocative THE REVENGE OF ANALOG: REAL THINGS AND WHY THEY MATTER (Public Affairs, 2016). Sax, who readily admits that his book “is not a screed against digital technology,” and the “individuals, companies, and organizations you’re going to meet here are not driven, in any way, by rose-colored nostalgia for an idealized, predigital past.” Further, the “real world isn’t black or white. It is not even gray. Reality is multicolored, infinitely textured, and emotionally layered. It smells funky and tastes weird, and revels in human imperfection. The best ideas semerge from that complexity, which remains beyond the capability of digital technology to fully appreciate.” And, as a result, the “real world matters, now more than ever.” In a series of fascinating chapters, Sax takes us on a tour of selected items, businesses, and ideas that demonstrate how analog is persisting, and even thriving amid all the hoopla about everything inevitably being transformed into digital. His first chapter takes us inside the United Record Pressing plant in Nashville, a place that has been reopened after being dormant for several years. Today, the company, one of the few record pressing businesses still in operation, has a difficult time keeping up with the demand for vinyl records. I guess the death knell that was sounded for these products a few years ago was premature, and I continue to be amazed by the comeback of vinyl, especially among those far too young to remember the original vinyl age (which lasted through most of the 20th century). When vinyl was the only option for listening to recorded music except for the radio, I didn’t like it and wished for something better. For me compact discs were a prayer answered and I am getting used to the ubiquity of streaming. I certainly understand why some people are now attracted to vinyl, and I have long ago given up the useless debate about which is better--vinyl or digital. Who cares as long as we’re listening to and enjoying music? And the irony to me is that both formats are not really “the real thing,” but only a representation. And the real star of this show is the recording engineer, without whom there would be no recorded music or spoken word in any format. But I digress. Let’s quickly change the subject before I get on the nerves of those who can’t tolerate alternatives. A few weeks back I used Sax’s chapter on the popularity of Moleskine notebooks for my column,

and find this trend very appealing, although it does make me feel embarrassingly trendy when I am writing in these cute little paper things. As Sax points out, the biggest audience for these notebooks is made up of customers who are most devoted to all things digital. As I write this, for instance, I am referring to my handwritten Moleskine notes while typing on my Chromebook. Yes, analog and digital can coexist just fine. Of course, if you are a Moleskine aficionado, you can’t use just any pen--you have to find just the right fountain or ballpoint pen. Cheap throwaway pens just don’t work as well. Now I sound like a real writing snob, don’t I? The world of analog is not always a nice place. Other chapters in Sax’s book deal with the comeback of analog film (yes, the kind that has to be developed), board games (played endlessly by patrons in places like the Snakes & Latte coffee shop in Toronto), printed newspapers, and brickand-mortar retail stores that are being chosen by retail behemoths like Amazon--remember the furor that was caused with Apple opened its first neighborhood stores? In a related chapter, Sax writes about how Silicon Valley digital workplaces are adopting many analog amenities, like technology-free zones and playgrounds without Wi-Fi. Along these lines are those summer camps that ban digital devices and swanky vacation resorts that require their guests to leave their mobile devices at the front desk. In one of the book’s most interesting chapters, Sax takes us on a tour of the Shinola wrist watch factory in Detroit. These upscale watches (@$500.00 each), although not as overpriced as Rolex, are rapidly becoming status symbols, and the company is providing good analog jobs for skilled worked in a city that has become an unfortunate symbol for urban decay in America. And, in this chapter Sax reminds us that not all jobs should be evaluated by how tech-savvy they are. There are plenty of opportunities out there that do not require knowledge of digital technology--good old-fashioned skilled craftsmanship is still valued and is a key to economic recovery in many areas. As an educator, I paid very close attention to Sax’s chapter on schools. His focus here is how classrooms should be places that encourage creativity and not places that are obsessively focused on the latest technology. “Where the real lasting innovation in education lies,” observes Sas, “is not in hardware or software, but in new approaches to teaching that shapes how students learn.” Learning can take place with pens and paper

as easily as it can with tablets and smartboards. In the final analysis, teachers (who can also be learners, just as students can also be teachers) are the key actors in the drama of education. A personal relationship with the learning process “is what digital education technology cannot ever replicate or replace, and why a great teacher will always provide a more innovative model for the future of education than the most

sophisticated device, software, or platform.” If you visit my class, you will see lots of mobile technology in use, but you will also see learning that can still continue in the absence of these devices. Sax’s book is, as has already been pointed out, not a nostalgic call for a return to the pre-digital past, but a plea for understanding what happens when digital and analog co-exist in a world full of wonder and creativity. Read it on your tablet while taking handwitten notes in your notebook (Moleskine or otherwise). And listen to vinyl while writing if you must. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017

BEING ANALOG IN A DIGITAL WORLD

theloaferonline.com | March 21, 2017