Page 2 | The Loafer | October 13, 2015
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October 13, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 3
Volume 29 • Issue #45
RUN! ZOMBIES!!
Publisher Luci Tate
Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Office Manager Luci Tate Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Terry Patterson Lori Howell Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Joshua Hicks Brian Bishop Nathan Cox Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (advertising) All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify 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
happenings 4
ETSU Zombie Survival 5K
5
44th Annual Home Craft Days Festival
6
The Billies play Northeast State
7
Art Amid the ‘Mess’
8
Storyteller Tim Lowry
9
Carter Railroad Museum hosts train excursion
10
JRT presents The Wizard Of Oz
11
JCSO’s 46th Season kicks off Oct. 17
13
Camp Placid Fall Festival
19
Stories from the Pumpkin Patch
22
Rhythms Of The Mountain Empire
14
Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times
24
Crossword & Sudoku
14
Batteries Not Included - Orange Slime
16
Stargazer - Outer Space Deceitful Death Trap
17
Skies This Week
18
Screen Scenes - “The Visit”
music & fun
columns & reviews
20 The Trivial Traveler - Backed Into a Corner 21
Mountain Movers - The Jeff Fleming Interview
25
Lock, Stock & Barrel - Plinking Handgun Fun: Rough Rider .22
26
Kelly’s Place - Halloween Horrors 2015, Pt 2
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East Tennessee State University has been infected! Zombies are taking over campus and we’re running for survival. Come out and race to be the last human standing!
ETSU Zombie Survival 5k, Saturday, Oct. 17th at 9:30 a.m.
How it works: Register for Team Humans and come run the race of survival. Each human will be given two flags to wear during the run. Zombies will be hidden throughout the course and will try and steal your flags! Make it to the end with at least one flag and you’re a SURVIVOR! Feel free to dress up in your best Zombie Hunting Outfit, OR as Rick from the Walking Dead, or dress as a fake Zombie tricking them into thinking you’re one of them. The options are limitless! But wait! You can register to be part of Team Zombie! There are limited spots available. So register soon and show up in your best Zombiewardrobe! Remember though that Zombies do not run the entire 5K. Be prepared to scare and chase down every human along the course. Registration for runners is $25, or $35 on the day of the race. Those wishing to pose as zombies for the event can do so for $15. Also! We are hosting PT Day of Service Food Drive! PLEASE bring in items and you will RECEIVE AN EXTRA IMMUNITY FLAG for every item. All food items will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. For more information visit https://secondharvestetn.org/get-involved/ We will be hosting a donation based RUN CLINIC at 10:30 at Tri-Hall Field post-run where you will have points on the FITT principle, running form, proper shoes, and conditioning exercises by doctoral physical therapy students. There will be a prize for Best Costume! Maybe if you’re lucky you won’t end up with brains all over you... The starting point of this race, and where registration tables will be, is at “Tri-Hall Field” behind Centennial and Governors and in front of Davis. Also this course is going to be half on ETSU’s woods trail and half on campus. So just choose appropriate shoes and take this into consideration if you have children that require a stroller. For Zombie costumesplease keep everything PG-13. All proceeds go to the non-profit Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge, a fundraising effort coordinated and carried out by physical therapist and physical therapist assistant students across the country to support the Foundation for Physical Therapy.
To register for the race or for more information, visit http://bit.do/zs5kr.
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October 13, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 5
Mountain Empire Community College to Host 44th Annual Home Craft Days Festival
Mountain Empire Community College will once again welcome thousands of visitors to the campus this fall for the 44th Annual Home Craft Days Festival held Oct. 16-18. Celebrating the rich music, culture, and artistry of Southwest Virginia, the Home Craft Days Festival features demonstrations of weaving, pottery making, grist milling, wood crafting, basket weaving, broom making, quilting, tatting and much more. “This festival is one of the most anticipated events in our region,” said Festival Organizer and MECC Dean of Workforce Development Sue Ella Boatright-Wells. “We have artists, musicians and food vendors that people have come to love and anticipate, some of whom have been at every festival since the beginning. It’s just a wonderful event that is a homecoming for many, near and far.” The festival will kick off Friday, Oct. 16 with a free concert featuring Dale Jett and Hello Stranger, Bryan Bowers, Cajun Country Revival, and Foghorn Stringband. The concert will begin at 6 p.m. in Phillips-Taylor Hall, Goodloe Center. The 2015 festival will feature
several free music workshops to be held Saturday, October 17. A vocal workshop will be offered by Cindy Harr and an autoharp workshop will be hosted by Bryan Bowers. Participants must register for the workshops by Tuesday, October 13 by calling 276.523.2400 ext. 464. Craft and food vendors will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s music schedule includes featured performers: Todd Meade, Debbie Adams, Beth Bailey/Osborne Family Band; Jack Wright; Patti and Glenn Roberts; Sycamore Holler; Bill McCall & Southern Country; Randy and Debra Jean Sheets; Haywood County Ramblers and Center Stage Cloggers; Fred O’Quinn and the Bluegrass Travelers; Dale Jett & Hello Stranger; Scott County Boys & Center Stage Cloggers; White Top Mountain Band and Center Stage Cloggers; Empty Bottle String; Town Branch Bluegrass Band; Scott County JAM program; Wise JAM Program (Southwest Virginia Museum); Mountain Music School String Band; Angelyn DeBord; Richard Phillips, Roger Bullock, and Tommy Clements; Poor Valley Girls; Kelsey Rae Co-
Building • Country Inn • Comfort Inn For more information on the event, including a detailed schedule of vendors and musicians, visit the Home Craft Days website at www. homecraftdays.org.
peland; Anndrena Belcher & the Wild Boys; Jimmy and Ada McCown; Bill and the Belles; and the New Harvest Brothers. Sunday’s music schedule includes: Rich Kirby and Nate Polly; Sam Gleaves; George Reynolds; Pam Randolph & Doug Dorschug; Lee Sexton; Wolfe Brothers and Center Stage Cloggers; Smith Family Singers/ Papa Joe Smiddy/ Reedy Creek; T.V. Barnett and his Roan Mountain Moonshiners & Center Stage Cloggers; Poplar Hill Reunion; Nancy and Bill Smith; Hi-Test Grass; Buttermilk Girls; Brandon Maggard; Corbin
Hayslett; The Childress Girls; and New Circle Bluegrass. Admission is FREE to all the festival events. MECC is located on US Route 23 just south of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Parking and shuttles for the festival will be offered at five locations in Big Stone Gap. Shuttle rides are $1 per person at boarding. Locations include: • Union High School (formerly Powell Valley High School) - Front Parking Lot • Curbside, Wood Ave, in Front of Food City • Curbside, Municipal Parking Lot behind Post Office/Federal
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The Billies play Northeast State Oct. 20
Northeast State Community College welcomes funky groove duo The Billies on Oct. 20 at 7:00 p.m. They will be performing in the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts, at the Blountville campus next to the Tri-Cities Regional Airport. The Billies are lead vocalist Chrisie Santoni, who also plays guitar and keyboards, and Craig Smith on percussion and vocals. Based in Lancaster, Penn., The Billies have coined a unique style they call Low Country Groove. Their sound is a musical gumbo with hints of folk, Americana, country, pop, rock and a little dash of chill. Since 2006, the duo has played hundreds upon hundreds of shows in coffeehouses, wineries, farmers markets, restaurants, and college campuses. Santoni is an award-winning songwriter, having taken 1st Place in The Unisong Songwriting Con-
test and 1st Runner-Up Adult Contemporary in The John Lennon Songwriting Contest, both for her song Mona Lisa. From unique originals to never-heard-it-thatway-before covers, The Billies are a fresh and exciting musical duo you don’t want to miss. The concert is free and open to
the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For information, visit The Billies or contact 279.7669 or e-mail jpkelly@NortheastState.edu. For a complete roster of the five remaining concerts in the “Hot Nights, Cool Music” series go to www. northeaststate.edu.
The Painterly Printmakers Art Show will be on exhibit at Kingsport’s City Hall Gallery
The Painterly Printmakers Show is a wonderful exhibition of art by four local artists, and longtime members of Kingsport Art Guild: Kathy Hawk, April Jordan and Jane Moein. The Painterly Printmakers Art Show will be featured at the Kingsport City Hall Gallery in September and October 2015. City Hall Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. City Hall Gallery is located at 225 W. Center Street, Kingsport TN. The Painterly Printmakers Art Show features monotypes from three artists and their various approaches to this fascinating art form that began in the 1600s and continues to today. They all began monotypes about ten years ago and continue to evolve. Monotype is a cross between painting and printmaking in which the artist paints or brayers ink onto a plastic plate known as PETG, places paper over it and runs the two through the printing press to create a “one-of-a kind” image. A former calligrapher, Hawk
takes her monotypes a step further by usually collaging them together, adding colored pencil or pastels thus frequently creating mixed media works. She is a former art educator, current board member and past president of the Kingsport Art Guild. Frequently exhibiting in area shows, she has work in private collections throughout the USA. Jordan trained as an accountant, but has always been an artist having been inspired by her father who was an amateur artist. As a former Art Guild board member she continues to study monotypes. Jordan creates monotypes on the plate often using her original stencils, plant life, or strictly with the brayer. The uniqueness, variety of techniques and the element of surprise make monotype printing her preferred art form. Moein has lived in several states and is a former educator teaching science and art. The creative surprise in every monotype has made it a favorite media where she often expresses her love of nature. She uses plant life, collage and her
unique methods into her prints. All three artists are prize winners in area shows. Public Art Kingsport invites all visual artists to submit proposals for exhibiting work in public art gallery spaces in the City of Kingsport. Office of Cultural Arts, a department of the City of Kingsport since 2012, connects, coordinates and engages the public with a creative community. Programs & partnerships include: Public Art Kingsport, Art in the Heart Gallery, the Kingsport Carousel and more. They provide a broad range of support to the area’s arts organizations and individual artists. They work in tandem with the “Friends of the Cultural Arts” organization Engage Kingsport, a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, in order to facilitate their objectives. For more information call the Office of Cultural Arts at (423) 3928414 or go online: www.EngageKingsport.com
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Art Amid the ‘Mess’
South Arts film focuses on post-Apartheid creative activity Andy Markowitz of MusicFilmWeb asks, “Apartheid is dead and South Africa is democratic. But how truly free is it?” Petter Ringbom’s documentary film Shield and Spear seeks to answer that question. Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU presents Shield and Spear with filmmaker Petter Ringbom as part of South Arts’ Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers on Monday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. in ETSU’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium. Following a screening of the film, Ringbom will engage the audience in a discussion about the film and his work as a filmmaker. A reception with the filmmaker will follow. Film and reception are free and open to the public. Shield and Spear documents the sometimes-fractious arts community in post-Apartheid South Africa, an arts community grounded in politics and the issues of activism, race and history. “It’s clear how incredibly complicated it is to turn a nation that has endured centuries of oppression into a flourishing democracy,” Ringbom says. “It’s a long, messy, fascinating, frustrating, and at times inspiring process. I’m exploring a slice of that in Shield and Spear.” The film documents a renaissance, of sorts, under the surface of South Africa’s “messy” political situation. “Introducing outsiders to a creative scene seemingly far more vibrant than most of us realized,” The Hollywood Reporter reports, “Petter Ringbom’s Shield and Spear finds post-Apartheid South Africa brimming with art, music and activism, despite widespread disappointment with those leading its government.” The film follows several artists struggling to be heard in the stilldivided democracy. Starting with the conflict over a controversial work of art created about one of the leading politicians, Shield and Spear seeks to give voice to a lively art scene being pursued by a divisive government. “So many students today don’t remember that whole [Apartheid] period,” says Anita DeAngelis, di-
rector of film series sponsor Mary B. Martin School of the Arts. “It’s important to remind them how recently things in our world have changed. It’s important for us to sponsor events like this.” A Film Independent Fast Track Fellow for 2013, Ringbom was inspired to create this film after looking at archives in South Africa. These archives, he says, reminded him of being a boy in Sweden at the anti-apartheid rallies. “The boycotts, the pins, the posters, and sitting on my dad’s shoulders at rallies …” Ringbom recalls. “There seemed to be such a clear distinction between good and evil, right and wrong, black and white.” Interviewed in Shield and Spear are some of contemporary South Africa’s most innovative artists, designers and musicians, including Brett Murray, photographer Zanele Muholi, musicians BlK JKS, Gazelle, The Brother Moves On, Yolanda Fyrus, Fokofpolisiekar and design collective the Smarteez, with appearances by Ferial Haffajee, DJ Invizable, Motèl Mari and more. Nonfics calls Shield and Spear one of the “10 Best Musical Documentaries of 2014,” with the New York Post noting that “hipsters flock to Lincoln Center for Shield and Spear.” “A rebuilding process needs to take place,” says Siyabonga Mthembu, the charismatic front man of The Brother Moves On, a performance art ensemble and band based in Johannesburg. “And this country wants to act, to rest of the world, like we’re done rebuilding when we got holes in our ceilings.” The elements of activism and even danger, reviewers note, make the film and the undercurrent of efforts documented particularly illuminating. “The film is a won-
derfully alive portrait of various artists, musicians and activists in South Africa, who are working to keep the country free,” Unseen Films writes. “The art, photography, music, and fashion represented in the film is incredible – more so when we’re shown the passion, motive and risk behind it,” says Nadya Domingo of the Toronto Film Scene. Ringbom is a documentary and narrative filmmaker based in New York. His films have been screened at several international film festivals such as the Moscow International Film Festival and the Stockholm International Film Festival. His recent documentary on American musician John Forte, The Russian Winter, was screened at Tribeca Film Festival in 2012. Ringbom has taught at Parsons School of Design and New York University, as well as serving on the board of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. For more information about the film, visit http://www.shieldspear.com. The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers is a program of South Arts. Southern Circuit screenings are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. South Arts, founded in 1975, is a nonprofit regional arts organization building on the South’s unique heritage and enhancing the public value of the arts. Their work responds to the arts environment and cultural trends with a regional perspective, through an annual portfolio of activities designed to address the role of the arts in impacting the issues important to our region, and linking the South with the nation and the world through the arts. For more information on South Arts, visit www.southarts.org. For information about the film, film series or the ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, call 423439-TKTS (8587) or visit www. etsu.edu/martin. Please “Like” ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts on Facebook and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @ArtsAtETSU.
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Jonesborough Welcome
Storyteller Tim Lowry
Fall Family Fun Day, Set for October 18th
Autumn is always a wonderful season and few places compare to the majestic beauty of Northeast Tennessee this time of the year. Doe River Gorge, in particular, is a kaleidoscope of spectacular colors right now - just in time for Fall Family Fun Day. On Oct. 18 families will take over Doe River Gorge from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for a day of fun, bonding and memory making while participating in a variety of activities. Free activities include disc golf, corn hole, pingpong volleyball, tether ball, octaball and arena rides. Other activities available include the technical tree climb ($5, ages 8 and up), UNIMOG 4x4 rides ($5, 250 pound maximum) and inflatables ($5, ages 3-12). Train rides also will be available for $5, beginning at 10:15 a.m. and continuing at 45-minute intervals after that until the final ride at 4:15 p.m. Meal tickets, which may be purchased at the check-in tent upon arrival, also are available. Lunch ($8) will be served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Depot with seating available in the dining tent. Choices are hamburgers, barbeque sandwich or chicken sandwich with all the fixings, a cookie and a drink. Brick oven pizza also will be available for $3 a slice. Snacks (cotton candy, popcorn, caramel apples, s’mores) may also be purchased, along with hot cocoa, apple cider, canned drinks and coffee. Pets, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are prohibited as Doe River Gorge is a smoke-free facility. To register, please call Doe River Gorge at 423-725-4010 or emailkim@doerivergorge.com
South Carolina native Tim Lowry, a prominent new voice in storytelling, will be the next teller in residence in the International Storytelling Center’s wildly popular Storytelling Live! series. Lowry will offer daily concerts in downtown Jonesborough, October 20 – 24 (Tuesday through Saturday), in ISC’s Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall. All matinees begin at 2:00 p.m., and all ticket holders will save 10 percent on sameday dining at The Dining Room, Jonesborough General Store and Eatery, or Main Street Café. Though Lowry has been performing in Jonesborough for a relatively short time—just a few years compared to, say, the decades of shows put in by some of the veteran tellers—his subtle sense of humor and considerable Southern charm quickly secured his reputation as a fan favorite. An informal historian of South Carolina low country, including the “Sweet Tea Trail,” Lowry is careful to avoid what he refers to as old dry dusty stuff. “The devil’s in the details, and the devil is much more interesting than anybody else,” he says. “History is made by real people in real situations, so a lot of times when some historic subject intrigues me, I’ll realize right away there’s more to the story. I look for what makes a person tick.” His particular area of expertise is the American South, and he’s spent years studying the region’s folk tales, culture, and history. He’s also completed a fair amount of fieldwork growing up the son of a Baptist preacher. In addition to his daily matinees, on Thursday, October 22, Lowry will host a one-night-only evening show, “Southern Fried Tent Revival,” a collection of personal stories about Sunday school, Southern funeral etiquette, and other curiosities. Tickets are only $15, and advance purchase for it, as well as the matinees, is highly recommended. All ticket holders will save 10 percent on same-day dining at The Dining Room, Jonesborough General Store and Eatery, or Main Street Café. For his part, Lowry’s as much
a fan of Jonesborough as Jonesborough is of him. “I love the intimate setting,” he says. “It’s thrilling to work in front of a big energetic audience, but it’s a lot of fun to be in that intimate theater.” Tickets for all performances are just $12 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and children under 18. Walk-in seating is often available, but advance reservations are recommended since tickets are first come, first served. Lowry is one of the final performers in the International Storytelling Center’s Storytelling Live! series, which will bring a new performer to Jonesborough each week through the end of October (as well as several special event concerts through the remainder of 2015). Information about this season’s performers, as well as a detailed schedule, is available at www.storytellingcenter.net. Storytelling Live! is supported by program sponsors CrestPoint Health and Eastman Credit Union, and media sponsors News 5-WCYB, FOX Tri-Cities, Tri-Cities CW, Johnson City Press, Kingsport Times-News, Herald & Tribune, Cumulus Media and Foster Signs. Additional funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Niswonger Foundation, and the Arts Fund of East Tennessee Foundation. 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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ETSU’s Carter Railroad Museum to host fall train excursion
East Tennessee State University’s George L. Carter Railroad Museum and the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society will host a train excursion on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway on Sunday, Oct. 25. Ticket requests must be made by Oct. 19. A fee of $85 for adults and $65 for children includes the roundtrip bus ride from Johnson City to Stearns, Ky.; train fare on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway; and admission to the McCreary County Museum. The Kentucky and Tennessee Railway ride will encompass a 16-mile round-trip into the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, past scenic vistas and mountain streams, and 600 feet into a gorge. The train will stop at Blue Heron Coal Mining Camp, a National Park Service outdoor interpretive site. Time is also allotted for a visit to the McCreary County Museum in Stearns. The town of Stearns was created by Justus S. Stearns, who bought 30,000 acres of virgin timberland in southern Kentucky in 1902. The town was the hub of a logging and mining empire where the first electric sawmill in the United States was used and 2,200 people were hired to work in 18 coal and lumber camps. The Kentucky & Tennessee
Railway operated 12 steam locomotives over 25 miles into the Big South Fork River valley. By the 1950s, the Stearns Company closed several coal mines and the railway discontinued passenger service. Stearns sold its mining rights in 1976, and by 1987, mining ceased along the railway. The company’s land holding transferred to the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, as well as to private ownership. On the day of the excursion, passengers should arrive at ETSU’s parking lot 22a on Go Bucs Trail at 7 a.m. for check-in and loading. The bus will leave promptly at 7:30 a.m. No refunds will be made for late arrivals who miss the bus. Lunch options include the Coal Bucket concession stand at Blue Heron and a restaurant and snack bars in Stearns. Riders may also take a small carry-on cooler, if it will fit under the seat. Ticket order forms and liability waivers can be picked up at the
Carter Railroad Museum on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or printed off by visiting the Mountain Empire Model Railroaders (MEMRR) club website at www.memrr.org, choosing “NRHS News,” then “Ticket Order Form.” Checks or money orders should be made payable to George L. Carter Chapter, NRHS, and mailed, along with the ticket request and liability waiver forms, to George L. Carter Chapter, NRHS, 519 Headtown Road, Jonesborough, TN 37659.
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Murder Mystery Caravan presents
“The Masquerade Murder”
A seven year old murder resurfaces when two college roommates meet up back in New Orleans on Halloween. In true New Orleans style, a masquerade party turns deadly just as the identity of the first murderer is revealed. Is it possible for a corpse to come back to life after seven years to confront her killer? A night of intrigue,
jealousy, revenge and murder abounds in this hauntingly eerie Halloween mystery. Don your masks and costumes as you will be part of the masquerade party. SmokeHouse, BBQ 1941 Milligan Hwy., Elizabethton, TN. On Sat., Oct. 17th Seating is at 6PM. For reservations call (423) 547-7427.
Join the MPCC Tweetsie Trail Group Ride each Thursday
Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., is conducting a Tweetsie Trail Group Ride weekly on Thursdays. Participants will meet in the lobby of Memorial Park Community 6:30 p.m. to enjoy a social and scenic excursion
on the Tweetsie Trail. All skills, ages and non-motorized bikes are welcome. For more information, please call The Bike Shop at (423)9262453 or MPCC at (423)434-5749.
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Jonesborough Repertory Theatre presents
The Wizard of Oz
Written by Abby Hathorn. Jonesborough Repertory Theatre to premiere new show, The Wizard of Oz, October 16. Jonesborough Repertory Theatre is taking its 2015-2016 season to the Land of Oz with its performance of The Wizard of Oz.Follow the yellow brick road to the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre to see Dorothy, Lion, Tinman, Scarecrow and the Wizard of Oz, October 16 through November 8. Based on the popular stories by L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz begins in a small farm town in Kansas where Dorothy Gale is taken away by a tornado to the mystical Land of Oz. Lost and bewildered, the only way Dorothy can get home is to find the Wizard. So Dorothy and her little dog, Toto, embark on a journey where they meet unique friends and encounter unexpected foes. From an evil witch and flying monkeys to Winkies and Jitterbugs, each character is pushed to their limits as they seek the Wizard for a heart, brains, courage and a way home. Directed by Janette Gaines, The
Wizard of Oz features singing, dancing, humor, adventure and self-discovery. “Dorothy feels like she does not belong, so she imagines some place she can go to find herself. When she runs away from home and the weather turns bad, she finds the Land of Oz. Over the
Photos by Heather Allen. rainbow, Dorothy realizes that home in Kansas is exactly where she belongs, and she will do whatever it takes to return,” explains director Janette Gaines. “The production team and cast have been working on the show all summer, and we are excited to finally bring The Wizard of Oz to the stage for everyone to see,” Gaines said. The principal cast includes Ryan Gray, Shawn Hale, Hollie Matthews, Tuesday Reynolds, Lucas Schmidt, Derek Smithpeters, and Kari Tuthill. The Wizard of Oz runs October 16 through November 8. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Shows will also take place on Thursdays after the opening weekend at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 general admission, $14 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, please call the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at (423)753-1010 or go online to www.jonesboroughtheatre. com. Season passes are also available. The Wizard of Oz is written by L. Frank Baum with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. The Wizard of Oz is produced by special arrangement with the Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc. 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022. This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee.
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Guest Pianist Robert Holm to Usher in JCSO’s 46th Season
The Johnson City Symphony Orchestra begins its 46th season on Oct. 17 with a Scandinavian flare – at least that’s the assessment of guest pianist Robert Holm, who is of Swedish descent. As this season’s opener, Holm, who heads the University of South Alabama’s piano division, will play “Piano Concerto in A minor” – a popular work by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. According to Holm, Grieg is probably the most notable classical composer associated with Norway. “Just as (Aaron) Copland is widely known as America’s great classical composer; Grieg is the Norwegian counterpart,” said Holm in a recent phone interview. “There’s something about his music that sounds Norwegian, and it’s very beautiful. As a piano teacher, I like to teach Grieg because his music makes a lot of sense. It’s very logical music.”  The JCSO, directed by Maestro Robert Seebacher, will also perform two other widely recognized Nordic works that evening: “Aladdin Suite” by Carl Nielsen (of Denmark) and “Karelia Overture” by Jean Sibelius (of Finland). Edvard Grieg wrote “Piano Concerto in A minor” in 1868 at age 24. The work, written in three movements, is a classical standard – widely recognized for its drum roll and piano flourish at the beginning of the first movement. “You can’t listen to the first four measures without knowing what this piece is,” claims Holm. “That’s part of what makes it famous. Not only does it have beautiful themes throughout but immediately from the beginning you know what you’re hearing. It’s like with popular music when you might clap after the first couple of bars – you know this is a piece you’re going to enjoy throughout.” In popular culture, parts of Grieg’s concerto have been used in movie soundtracks, and Holm can recall how he, along with 87 other pianists, played the work’s opening in 1988 as part of the Super Bowl XXII’s halftime show. “We were the set-up for Chubby Checker and the Rockettes who were the main performers that night,” he noted. Although Holm has played Grieg’s concerto twice before, he is now in the process of re-memorizing the work for the Johnson City performance. “There are always the trouble spots,” he said. “I’m now working on portions of it daily.” A native of Lemon Grove, California, Holm says he grew up in a musical home where he can’t recall ever being taught to read words
or music; it was just something, he “could always do.” At the age of five, he began formal lessons and sometimes performed solos at his church, where his parents were involved musically: His mother was choir director, and his father the pianist. While in high school, he accompanied his school choir and also played for the San Diego Youth Ballet. After starting college, Holm began earning extra cash by playing background music and jazz in local restaurants. The experiences made him realize early on that he might be able to earn a livelihood playing piano. He went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in piano at Pt. Loma Nazarene University and a doctor of musical arts at the University of Illinois School of Music. He has taught at the University of South Alabama since 1997. Although he loves teaching, Holm says his greatest pleasure in life is “the ability to play music all the time. It’s a wonderful job when you consider you get to play great music for a living.” He has had an impressive career, having performed with numerous orchestras through the years and as soloist and collaborative artist at Steinway Hall in London, at Carnegie (Weill) Hall and in solo programs across the country. In addition to his work at the University of South Alabama, he has been principal pianist for the Mobile Symphony Orchestra since 1999 and is also pianist at Dauphin Way Baptist Church (Mobile). Tickets are on sale now for the Oct. 17 JCSO concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium of Seeger Chapel at Milligan College. Prior to the concert, an opening night reception will be held from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. in the lobby of the Gregory Center located on the Milligan College campus. Tickets for the reception are $25. Other guest performers featured this season will include Tessa Lark (Nov. 14), virtuoso violinist and 2012 winner of the Naumburg International Violin Award; Béla Fleck (Jan. 9), world renowned banjo player and composer; and Sonora Slocum (March 5), principal flautist for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Concerts are partially funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission. Johnson City Press is media sponsor for the 2015-2016 subscription series. Visit www.jcsymphony.com or call the symphony office at 423-926-8742 for more information.
October 13, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 11
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Orange Slime I always feel weird calling myself a millennial, but according to all the math I am one. I have identified with that more as my generation moves into our 30s. I suppose one reason I never quite felt that I identified with that title that is that I’ve always felt a bit odd and in my own world--this a good thing. One way that I do identify with my generation is a big one. One of the most
common bonds we have--seemingly--is our fondness of the programming of kids channel Nickelodeon in the 1990s. I’ve written about this before, and long before it was in vogue to talk about the joys of Ren & Stimpy or Rocko’s Modern Life. I’ve talked of how many of the kids shows of that era was particularly creative and unique in ways not seen on
television today. The most shining example of what made Nick shows from that time stand out is The Adventures of Pete and Pete. Pete and Pete began as a series of in-between show 60 second short films, then became a series that ran for three seasons. A sort of surreal inversion of The Wonder Years through a 1990s alt rock filter. It was brilliant. Why am I talking about these shows? I mentioned how as my generation is reaching into our 30s, we’re becoming more and more targeted by advertisers and people who like to make bank. Those in charge of wishing to attract more advertising dollars at Nickelodeon have taken notice of our yearnings for the days of the Nick of yore. Recently, Nick launched The Splat, a night-time 90s Nickeloden take over of their Teen Nick channel. Keep in mind that for a few years, Teen Nick has had a 90s Nick night time theme that began around midnight, but The Splat is far different. The Splat is a full form nightly dose of nostalgia molded in the Nickelodeon that people my age grew up on.
From Ten at night to Six the morning, The Splat is not just a rotating list of the old shows, it’s a rotating blast of the old feel of Nickelodeon. The old promos are back, the embedded in your brain doo-wop Nickelodeon jingle is back, they even got the guy who used to voice the old Nickelodeon on air spots back. The first show aired when The Splat launched was You Can’t Do That On Television, a show I hadn’t seen in forever, a sort of kid’s SNL meets Monty Python meets Laugh In. This being October I am most hopeful the week of Halloween will be filled with episodes of Are You Afraid Of The Dark? the beloved horror anthology show that Nick ran. The Splat seems committed to making that happen, they’ve an-
nounced they are bringing back the old Nick or Treat phone in contest game for that week as well. This is more than just nostalgia, this is a serious concentration on getting the attention of my generation. Nostalgia does play a part, it’s nice to look back at these shows, some of which made a permanent mark on our formative brains. As the internet has led to more connectivity and a more fractured cultural landscape, the identity that my generation has with growing up on the 90s shows of Nickelodeon is one of the ways we can instantly connect with one another. It’s nostalgia, it’s comfort food, it’s fun. Not a bad way to spend a late evening in front of a TV. See you next week.
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Camp Placid Fall Festival coming October 17
Offering old-fashioned family fun, the Annual Camp Placid Fall Festival will be held from 10 AM to 5 PM on Sat., Oct. 17, 2015, at the picturesque Camp Placid in Blountville, TN. This festival is a benefit for the Camp Placid ministry and will feature an array of arts and crafts full of creative passion, fun children’s activities, family-friendly music, scrumptious snacks, hay rides, silent auction, fishing tournament, cornhole tournament, and a plethora of other fun activities for the whole family to enjoy! Visitors will experience the beautiful and serene landscape that Camp Placid has to offer. Admission and parking are free. For additional information, please visit www.campplacid.org or call 423.323.8844. For other upcoming events, please visit historicsullivan.com.
October 13, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 13
Computer Classes
@ the Jonesborough Library The Jonesborough Library will offer a series of computer classes in October: Friday, October 16, 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. 10 Best Features to Try First in Windows 10 Friday, October 30, 10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. How to Use Edge in Windows 10 Our classes will be taught by Dr. Jim Pohle. Dr. Jim has taught computer classes at three colleges, as well as teaching personal classes and various business venues. These classes are free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, please call the Jonesborough library at 753-1800.
Page 14 | The Loafer | October 13, 2015
- TUESDAY - Oct. 13th JASON LLOYD & FRIENDS at Biggies Clam Bar POP EVIL / DEVOUR THE DAYBRIDGE TO GRACE at Capone’s KEVIN CRAFTON MIKE WHEELER at Acoustic Coffeehouse
- FRIDAY - Oct. 16th CAROLINA REIGN at Country Club Bar & Grill
- SATURDAY - Oct. 17th MICK KYTE
at Jiggy Ray’s Pizzaria 7pm
SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND at Buffalo Ruritan 7pm
SHOOTER
at Holiday Inn (Exit 7)
FARMHOUSE GHOST at Sleepy Owl Brewery 8pm
ROGER ALLEN WADE RAELYN NELSON BAND
at Holston River Brewing Co. 8pm
- WEDNESDAY - Oct. 14th OPEN MIC
BEAR MEDICINE & WLLIAM WILD
at WoodStone Deli
THE ROYAL HOUNDS
at The Willow Tree Coffee House & Music Room
1 LAST CHANCE
at Carter Family Fold
HILLBILLY GYPSIES
at BCMA Museum 5pm
(Punk, Punk Rock, Alternative Rock) at Acoustic Coffeehousee
- THURSDAY - Oct. 15th JAZZ
at Wellington’s - Carnegie Hotel
ANDREA ZONN at The Down Home
TELLICO
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm
RYAN WARD
at O’Mainnin’s Pub & Grill 10pm
GREY SCALE HIGHER GROUND DON ALDER at Acoustic Coffeehouse
BIG DADDY LOVE
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm
BLAKE RIBOT
at The Down Home
DYSFUNCTION TRIUMPH UNDER FIRE at The Casbah
GUY MARSHALL
at O’Mainnin’s Pub & Grill
THIS MOUNTAIN
at Founders After 5 - Founders Park JC 5pm
HUNDRED ACRES
at Sleepy Owl Brewery 8pm
SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND at The Outdoorsman
MATEWAN
DYSFUNCTION
at The Mecca Lounge
CATFISH FRYE BAND at Woodstone Deli
CAROLINA REIGN
at Country Club Bar & Grill
THE SHIFTERS
at O’Mainnin’s Pub & Grill 9pm
THE BREAKFAST CLUB at Capone’s
LIVE MUSIC
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
JEFF SWAFFORD TONY VINES (Folk) DAN HOLT at Acoustic Coffeehouse
- SUNDAY - Oct. 18th ANDY FERRELL at Bone Fire Smokehouse
OPEN MIC
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
at The Hideaway 8pm
REAGAN BOGGS
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
CARRIE MORRISON THE DUPONT BROTHERS at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
JESSEE LEWIS PROJECT at Jiggy Ray’s Pizzaria 7pm
LIVE MUSIC
- MONDAY - Oct. 19th OPEN MIC
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
at Bristol Brewery 7pm
at Hardee’s (Boones Creek)
MY NEW FAVORITES
BLUEGRASS JAM
KARAOKE TUESDAY
KaraokeAt Numan’s - JCTN ***********************
WEDNESDAY
Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke At Bristol VFW - BTN Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - JCTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Busted Still Brewery ***********************
THURSDAY
Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Electric Cowboy - JCTN Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Macadoo’s 8pm Karaoke At Holiday Inn - JCTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Everette’s Bar & Grille - JCTN ***********************
FRIDAY
KaraokeAt Bristol VFW - BTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertaiment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - JCTN Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - JCTN Karaoke At Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marques At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - BVA Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN ***********************
SATURDAY
Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - JCTN Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN ***********************
SUNDAY
Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Mellow Mushroom - JC TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Everette’s Bar & Grille - JCTN
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October 13, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 15
Spotlight Directory Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423/434.9872 Biggies Clam Bar 417 W Stone Dr Kingsport 423/765-9633 Black Wolf Harley Davidson 18100 Hubbard Lane Bristol VA 276/ 628-5822 Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 276/623-0037 Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 620 State St Bristol 423/573-2262 Capone’s 227 E Main St Johnson City 423/928-2295 Carter Family Fold 3449 A. P. Carter Hwy Hiltons Va 276/594-0676 Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423/844-0400 Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423/929-9822 The Hideaway 235 E. Main St Johnson City 423/ 926-3896 Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va
276/466-4100 Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton 423/ 518-1500 Maw & Paw’s Restaurant 18928 US Highway 58 Castlewood VA 276/762-7533 O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423/844-0049 The Outdoorsman 4535 Highway 11W Kingsport Paramount Center for the Arts 516 State St. Bristol TN 423/ 274-8920 Poor Richards 825 W. Walnut St. Johnson City 423/ 928-8611 Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423/979-6400 Willoughby Ruritan 5145 Marvin Rd Bulls Gap Va The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Woodstone Deli 3500 Fort Henry Dr Kingsport 423/245-5424
THE BREAKFAST CLUB Capones Saturday October 17 10:30 p.m. The area’s most popular recurring live music event, The Breakfast Club, returns to Capone’s in Johnson City on Saturday, October 17. Fresh off headlining an ETSU Homecoming concert, the band returns with even more momentum and local fans than ever before. Admission to the show is $10, and music begins at 10:30 p.m. For more than 15 years, The Breakfast Club has entertained live music fans in the Tri-Cities region. Several line-up changes, social changes, and changes in popular music haven’t slowed down the entertainment juggernaut. Since their first show in the region, The Breakfast Club has become as much a part of local music tradition as most longstanding musical events. For more information, visit www.thebreakfastclub.com or www.caponesjohnsoncity. com. The event is produced by Ansley Roberts Promotions.
Page 16 | The Loafer | October 13, 2015
Outer Space Deceitful Death Trap Astronauts make it look so easy. And those space suits look so macho sexy. Nothing seems to be more cool (hip, rad, outrageous) than walking in space. And, man, that extravehicular activity, called EVA, looks like fun. And given the recent Hollywood blockbuster movies “Gravity,” “Interstellar” and “The Martian,” it seems the public is ready for a stroll in outer space. But spacewalking is hard. Really hard. Outside the spaceship windows is terror beyond belief. The near vacuum of space will not only suck the fluids out of you, but the radiation from the Sun is a nuclear hazard. And the sunlight at our earthly distance heats up instantly to 250 F. degrees hot to a frigid -250F. below zero in the shade. Yet man must venture outside the protective environs of a spacecraft. And the space suit that protects them is as sophisticated as any spacecraft ever built. In fact, it acts as its own spacecraft with environmental controls, protection from the space vacuum and micrometeorites, communications equipment, maybe a propulsion system—even a drink and snack. Nearly every month a pair of astronauts are dispatched to the outside of the International Space Station to make some routine maintenance or unseen repairs. And each seven hour EVA is a well-rehearsed mission, gone over inside the ISS on virtual reality machines after the procedure is practiced in the world’s largest water tanks at the Houston, Texas astronaut training center. During 50 years of manned spaceflight, the space suit that protects humans from all those deadly elements has evolved from the
pressure suit worn in experimental aircraft—the first being adapted from an ocean diving suit. Today, it is the hardhat astronauts on the ISS who are pioneering new designs in space suits that are a compromise of safety and mobility. Spacewalkers on the ISS wear a one-size-fits all spacesuit (large and small) that has straps inside to adjust the arms and legs. First you put on undergarments that keep the body temperature constant with 300 feet of thin tubing through which water is pumped from the Primary Life-Support Subsystem (PLSS) backpack. The underwear is also covered with biomedical sensors, and of course you are wearing a catheter and adult diapers. After all, a space suit is your home away from home for that 7 hour EVA. NASA‘s space suit, called EMU for Extravehicular Mobility Unit, is a top and bottom attached at the waist by a ring clamp. The Russian Orlan spacesuit is a “onesy” that is entered into from the back by swinging open the life support
backpack. The suits are multilayered and start with a urethane-coated nylon inner layer that is air-tight. This is covered by a protective layer of Dacron, a micrometeoroid-proof layer of neoprene-coated nylon and five layers of aluminized Mylar for radiation protection. The outer, white covering we see is fabric woven from Teflon, Kevlar and Nomex threads. Cost is around $15 million each. There is a drink bag with 32 ounces of fluids that you drink out of a straw on one side of your helmet. On the other side of the helmet is a dispenser for a long nutrition bar that you bite off for a snack. The early 1980s saw a $1 million Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) utilized on the Space Shuttle. Used to capture several satellites for repair, the MMU was later abandoned as not worth the risk. When you’re in a space suit, you are actually floating inside it. Your sox aren’t resting on the bottom of a space shoe, your legs and arms aren’t actually snug, and your
hands don’t fit like a glove. You are gently suspended inside the life-saving, pressurized cocoon, gently jostling back and forth inside as you walk in space. Because of the air pressure inside, there is resistant to muscle movement of arms, legs and fingers, like bending a balloon. One part of the space suit that has been constantly redeveloped since the first tethered Gemini spacewalks of the 1960s are the space gloves. Each finger is a mini balloon that makes it hard to move. So hard in fact that the finger tips bled on many of the last Apollo moonwalkers after a 7 hour excursion pounding rocks and working with tools. The fingertips became raw as they rubbed the inside of the thick gloves, trying to grip an object in the one-sixth gravity of the Moon. Gloves on EVA suits were a problem well into the Space Shuttle years. The first man to do an untethered space walk with the MMU was Bruce McCandless, and he really made an impression on his daughter. She became a space engineer and redesigned the glove system to make it easier to move fingers inside the pressure suit. And add heat to warm the extremities. One problem found on the ISS is small tears in the gloves, suspected to be the result of micrometeorites impacting hand rails and leaving sharp micro-craters. There have been 190 spacewalks without any injuries while building the International Space Station. One close call was when the spacesuit malfunctioned and the helmet filled with water, the astronaut reaching the airlock before possibly drowning. Another astronaut floated away, accidently untethered, and was grabbed on the foot by his partner. Since the Apollo days, a red strip around the arms and legs denoted the commander, or the case of the ISS, the team leader of the spacewalk. The spacesuits are equipped for one astronaut to plug his PLSS into another disabled spacesuit and share the oxygen while getting to safety. Some of the most notable American space walks include—excluding the twelve moonwalkers: The first one, Gemini IV with Ed White on June 3, 1965. He took an historic 22-minute stroll outside the spacecraft with a hand thruster, creating some iconic images for the
Space Age. A shoe-in to be a moonwalker, White died in the Apollo1 fire during dress rehearsals. Dick Gordon on Gemini 11 rode an Agena rocket like a cowboy, straddling the booster that the spaceship had docked with earlier. Gordon found the workload exhaustive, fogging his helmet visor and curtailing the EVA. On Gemini 12, Buzz Aldrin did three EVAs that he and other astronauts practiced for the first time in giant water tanks to simulate weightlessness. The training worked and results in space were perfect. Apollo 9, the first test flight of the Lunar Module lander and the moon suit. In Earth orbit, Rusty Schweickart stood on the exit porch of the moonship, while David Scott took pictures standing outside the door of the Apollo mother ship. Apollo 15-17 had the only “deep space walks” to retrieve film canisters from the Scientific Instrument Module (SIM). While their two crewmates walked on the Moon, the three pilots left in the Command Module were circling the Moon busily taking photos and other measurements with cameras and instruments in the SIM (Al Worden, Tom Mattingly and Ron Evans). They all got their moment in the spotlight when doing a tethered spacewalk along the sides of the Apollo ship on the way back from the Moon, a deep space EVA that was 200,000 miles from home. America’s first space station, Skylab, was saved in the 1970s during a series of spacewalks that repaired damage caused with a solar panel ripped off during launch. Five repair and upgrade missions of the Hubble Space Telescope since 1996 involved some of the hardest and most demanding spacewalks in NASA’s history. And they were all a great success thanks to intense practicing in the water tank simulations. No one has lost their life directly in outer space, those space fatalities of our Space Age coming during launch or reentry of spaceships (Challenger, Columbia and Soyuz 1 & 11). Undoubtedly the most dangerous adventure is stepping outside the safety of a spacecraft and becoming a human satellite in the void of outer space, or on another planet. And so far the precautions have paid off in a safety record that is literally out-of-this-world.
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October 13, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 17
Celestial events in the skies for the week of Oct. 13th - Oct. 19th, 2015 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. The sun catchers are filling the rooms with beautiful prisms of color, the Sun dipping lower each day and robbing our world of daylight. The Summer Triangle of Deneb, Vega and Altair are still prominent as they drive westward, taking with it the Milky Way, spanning from north to south. The “W” of Cassiopeia is now rising in the north, and in the south the teapot shape stars of Sagittarius are tipping goodbye. It’s a wonderful time of year to see the transition of the seasons in the night sky! Meanwhile, the morning sky is alive with pre-dawn planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Mercury all stringing upward from the horizon.
became the third nation to orbit a human by launching Shenzhou 5 with Yang Liwei aboard, the Communist nation’s first “taikonaut,” and now a national hero. Since then, China has successfully flown five manned missions, including two to their first, small space station. Space watchers expect a new manned mission soon as China has announced ambitious plans to build space stations and go to the Moon in the next 20 years.
Saturn is ahead of the claws of Scorpius as the sky becomes dark by 7:30 pm. Look quickly, as the ringed world will set in a couple hours. On this 1968 date in space history, Apollo 7 broadcast the first live, television from orbit.
Sat. Oct. 17
Tues. Oct. 13
Wed. Oct. 14
Fri. Oct. 16
The thin, three-day Moon is in Scorpius and a beautiful sight above the horizon with Saturn to its lower right. You might have seen the delicate crescent Thursday in the twilight, to the far right of Saturn. In the predawn sky, Jupiter and Mars are extremely close, separated by half a Moon diameter. Venus blazes above the pair, and just above the horizon is Mercury—all this happening in Leo the Lion
New Moon is today, the Moon being invisible below the Sun in the daytime sky. The Epsilon Geminid Meteor Shower is in progress all week peaking tonight after midnight. A minor shower, you might see three to five an hour. All this month you might also see meteors of the Orionid Meteor Shower, which peaks the morning of next Tuesday the 22nd. Orionids are bright and swift and sometimes leave a smoky trail that lasts just an instant. Thurs. Oct. 15 On this 2003 date in space history, China
Sun. Oct. 18
Two NASA Space Shuttles were launched on this date, four years apart. In 1989 Atlantis was blasted into space on mission STS-34 with the interplanetary spacecraft Galileo, deployed for a successful mission to Jupiter. And in 1993 STS-58 mission flew Columbia and six astronauts on a 12-day mission studying the effects of weightlessness on humans.
Mon. Oct. 19
The Moon is First Quarter tomorrow, so it is beautiful in the evening sky all this week and next.
Page 18 | The Loafer | October 13, 2015
IN THEATRES NOW Box Office Top 10
In Theaters Now
The Martian (2015)
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.
“The Visit” Producer/director M.Night Shyamalan certainly has a controversial history concerning his films. Shyamalan’s films tend to be wonderful or rotten, with little in-between. His most popular film would have to be “The Sixth Sense”, with one of his least popular being “The Village”. Shyamalan’s latest attempt at a hit movie is the current release “The Visit”, and the film is considered a horror/comedy in the found footage style. I am no sure about the “comedy” part, as there were times during the film I was uncertain if I was to be laughing or cringing. My confusion aside, the film is the story of two kids named Rebecca (Olivia DeJonge) and Tyler (Ed Oxenbould), who are sent by their mother, Paula (Kathryn Hahn), to visit the grandparents they have never met while she goes on a cruise. After arriving at the town where their grandparents reside, Rebecca and Tyler and picked up and taken way out into the country by Granddad and Grandma (Peter McRobbie and Deanna Dunagan respectively) to the farm where they will stay for a week. While everything gets off to a rather pleasant start, Rebecca and Tyler begin to notice strange behavior from their grandparents. After their realize their grandchildren are confused by their behavior, they meet with Rebecca and Tyler to discuss how their old age has effected their sometimes strange habits, especially after 9:30 at night. While the kids are sorting out their grandparents actions, Rebecca has been filming a
Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015)
the Gladers now face a new set of challenges on the open roads of a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles.
Black Mass (2015)
The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf.
Everest (2015)
A climbing expedition on Mt. Dracula and his friends try to bring out the monster in his half Everest is devastated by a severe human, half vampire grandson in snow storm. order to keep Mavis from leaving The Visit (2015) the hotel. A single mother finds that things in her family’s life go very wrong Sicario (2015) An idealistic FBI agent is enlist- after her two young children visit ed by an elected government task their grandparents. force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area War Room (2015) A seemingly perfect family between the U.S. and Mexico. looks to fix their problems with the help of Miss Clara, an older, wiser The Intern (2015) 70-year-old widower Ben Whit- woman. taker has discovered that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The Perfect Guy (2015) After breaking up with her boySeizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior friend, a professional woman gets intern at an online fashion site, involved with a man who seems almost too good to be true. founded and run by Jules Ostin.
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)
After having escaped the Maze,
documentary about their visit. The film making often results in erratic behavior from Grandma Jamison, of whose reactions can only be defined as bizarre. As the week progresses, the grandparents be-
havior turns even more disconcerting, leaving the kids concerned and nervous. Eventually the kids become so horrified, they contact their Mom via Skype to come and collect them right away, and at this
point Paula discovers a shocking secret that will remain secret in this review, lest to spoil the surprise. The film kept me entertained, and I found myself actually enjoying a Shyamalan film, which he directed and co-produced. The actors all do a wonderful job, with the kid actors coming off as very believable. McRobbie and Dunagan are extremely creepy in their respective roles and have good onscreen
Source: IMDb.com (10/10/2015)
chemistry with the actors portraying their grand kids. Overall, “The Visit” is a good film to enjoy during the Halloween season, and proves Shyamalan can still direct and produce a decent movie that can send chills up your spine. (Rated PG-13) B
Rated: PG-13
B
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Folktales and Campfire
Warm the Chilly Autumn Air
Saturday, October 17th from 4 to 8pm is the twenty-first annual Stories from the Pumpkin Patch at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site! Between 4 and 6pm there will be crafts for young children. Throughout the evening: roast hotdogs over an open fire, enjoy family friendly stories, and test your bravery in a spooky cave. The historic house will feature a theatrical interpretation of the Tale of Stingy Jack. Stop by the cabin to enjoy gingersnaps and hot cider and learn about the life and times of the Haynes family. This year enjoy stories from Libby Tipton, Cathy Rose Metcalf, and Joy Salberg. Dubbed the “Mountain Terp Teller,” Libby Tipton utilizes a combination of sign, gesture, and voice to tell stories
about her culture, her subculture and her roots in a deaf Appalachian family. Cathy Rose Metcalf uses stories to teach about the world and increase literacy skills. Joy Salberg, also known as the “Braided Teller,” loves to tell stories of hope and love--and of belief in the future---fairytales, folktales, and personal tales from her varied and full life. Each of the tellers will have several stories, including one story each to be told in the haunted cave. Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12. Members are always free. Please join us at 2620 S Roan Street in Johnson City, TN for this delightful fall event. For more information please call (423) 926-3631 or check out the event page on Facebook
Happy Tails Animal Rescue of Washington County, VA is excited to announce an upcoming fundraiser, the 3rd Annual Run Fur Their Lives 5K/10K and Strut Your Mutt Walk, on Saturday October 17th, 2015 at 10am on the Virginia Creeper Trailhead in Abingdon, VA (300 Green Spring Road). Happy Tails is often the last line of defense between life and death for many dogs and cats that have been abused, neglected, or are simply no longer wanted, and to-date we have saved over 10,000 animals in Washington County. The race will be timed by We Run Events, walk is untimed. T-shirts for all registered by October 1. Registration is available online through We Run
Events or at http://www.htar. org/events.html. Registration fees are $20 for all participants registered by October 10 ($25 registration fee after October 10). Packet Pick Up and Late Registration is 8:00 to 9:30 the morning of the event. Door prizes will be given post race and awards for male/ female top overall, male/female masters (40+), and top 3 male/female in each age group. Friendly dogs are welcome, must be properly vaccinated, leashed, and properly controlled at all times. Awards for top dog in each event will be given as well. Questions may be sent to happytailsofwashcova@yahoo.com or call Amanda at 423-967-4892.
3rd Annual Run Fur Their Lives 5K/10K and Strut Your Mutt Walk
October 13, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 19
Page 20 | The Loafer | October 13, 2015
Backed Into a Corner
The idea behind this column I write every week has always been to introduce a destination, that while not widely known, still makes for a unique and interesting excursion that lends itself to fun little facts and insights. As such, while many might consider my travels to be trivial in the sense that they are of little value, I propose that these topics lend themselves to interesting trivia - trivia that you can add to your arsenal of conversation starters (or finishers if the listener grows bored quickly). See? It works both ways. I’m clever like that. Today’s topic, the Four Corners Monument, located in several states, is a perfect intersection of both types of trivial. It’s trivial, in the sense that there is nothing inherently remarkable about the place. In fact, its setting is really quite dreary and uninteresting. Were it not for a bit of quirky surveying that creates a few imaginary lines bisecting the deserts of the Southwest, it wouldn’t even
exist at all. So why have I been there twice? The first trip was born of the fact that I’ve always been a major geography nerd, and I’m a sucker for imaginary lines. The second time though? I guess I was impressed by the area’s amazingly bleak landscape, crushing poverty, and way it is pretty much inaccessible from any direction. I’m not kidding. The closest place that could ever be called a city is Gallup, New Mexico, (pop. 22,000) and even that is 125 miles away. Still, it’s kind of cool to say you’re standing in four (4) states at once. The marker itself is okay. It’s a disc in the ground, so you can pose over it however you like. A lot of the monument’s visitors-who seem to be mostly retirees in their Winnebagos--seemed to be opting for the one hand/foot in each state option. I’m too cool for that though, so my jean-shorts and I just stood there like it was no big deal. There aren’t really any service amenities on the premesis.
The only food available was ‘Indian Fry Bread’, available from one of the vendors among the group of Native Americans selling locally made crafts. There is a small shack with a rack of travel brochures and what could generously be considered an adequate restroom. You can expect a nominal entrance fee at the gate, which is interestingly located in the New Mexico quadrant. The money goes to the Navajo, who seem to have autonomy over the whole area, as the should. That helps to subsidize the site’s upkeep and presumably accounts for the majority of the income generated through tourism. Plus, what are you going to do? They know you’ve been in the car for 2+ hours just to see this one thing, so they’ve kinda got you. Still, if you’re visiting the region, I think you should go to Four Corners. Help out the economy, enjoy some Fry Bread, and strike a pose. Once
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October 13, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 21
The Jeff Fleming Interview Most people have heard of Mr. T, Mr. Baseball or even 80’s rock sensation Mr. Mr. But if you live around here there is another Mr. you really need to be familiar with. That person is the guy who can affectionately be called Mr. Kingsport, City Manager Jeff Fleming. Kingsport has always been a part of Jeff’s life and his life has become part of the model city through a legacy of innovation and service. BRIAN: Jeff, we are a few years apart in age but we grew up in the same neighborhood and not far apart. How did growing up in Kingsport shape you as a person and why did the city itself become your professional passion? JEFF: I always remember Kingsport as a place where “community” mattered. I didn’t know what to call it at the time. There was a certain pride in building a model city. Almost everyone was a newcomer because the city was so young. It was a true melting pot of highly educated, well-traveled professionals mixed with locals who were only one generation from growing up on the farm. I remember going to the Civic Auditorium to see Kodak slideshows that rivaled National Geographic’s photo essays of faraway places like Africa, Australia, Europe and the national parks in the Western U.S. I was encouraged to dream. I became interested in geography and ultimately received a master’s degree. City Planning is a specialized subfield of geography. When I was 12 years old, I began drawing cities (I still have some of the sketches in a notebook). I also worked with the many neighborhood kids to build a “Matchbox City” by carving into the clay hillside in one of the neighbor’s yards. I never expected to be able to work
in my own hometown. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity. BRIAN: Now our old neighborhood is significant to this conversation because Pinebrook is what many people know as the “old road to the dump.” That issue being taken to the city by adults in our neighborhood was my first exposure to how city government works. What was the first thing you remember that really started your interest in the process? JEFF: I didn’t move to Pinebrook until I was a sophomore in high school, so most of my previous answers applied to Cherry Street. However, I distinctly remember that my bedroom on Pinebrook was on the street side. The large trash trucks began their commercial runs after midnight and the noise was terrible. I remember my mom and dad being upset about the potential negative impact to property values. The neighbors circulated a petition and held small meetings in homes to discuss strategy. Ultimately a new road was built and the traffic was redirected off Pinebrook. As a result of the newfound activism, one neighbor ran for Board of Education and ultimately became president. Another was elected Alderman. I ended up pursuing a career in public administration. BRIAN: Over the years we have crossed paths a lot as I was reporting on various issues. I always enjoyed interviewing you for news stories and hearing your opinions and ideas. In fact, you are known among the news reporters in our region as being very open and generous with your time. How important has communication been over the years in moving the city of Kingsport in the right direction?
JEFF: My dad owned a gas station. He received Exxon’s “Commitment to Excellence” award multiple times. I was raised in that environment. When a car drove across ‘the bell’, I had less than a minute to greet the customer, make eye contact, exchange pleasantries, clean the windshield, check the air pressure, collect the money and get them on their way. If there wasn’t a customer on the front, then I was to check the bathrooms and clean them if needed. I was taught that everyone is your customer and they should be treat-
ed with respect. I also believe in they will return the courtesy. In the Golden Rule. Treat others how my 30 years, that’s held true. The you wish to be treated. The me- least I can do is respond to a text dia has an opportunity to help tell Movers ..... your story. I’ve always believed that if you treat them with respect, continued on page 23
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“Rhythms Of The Mountain Empire” A Ten Part Original Series About Local Music, Supported by Tri-City Communities & Adoring Fans
“Rhythms” has created an “Event” Nov. 19th that will draw attention to the Series and hold auditions for the 3 remaining spots in the show… Kingsport has two fantastic venues that continue to draw amazing local talent. Biggie’s & Woodstone Deli regularly showcase musicians and bands that each week delight the fans...Both have been chosen to host “Audition Night” a special evening that will serve as a “launching pad” for the upcoming series, as we pre-promote the opportunity to make “local music history”...! * We will be speaking with additional venues about this “Event” concept that supports the wealth of talent in our area...! SERIES, A STEPPING STONE TO A MUSICIANS DREAM OF “WHAT CAN BE”..! “Three Golden Tickets” will be offered to participate in the upcoming 10 part original T.V. series about local music. The first “Audition Nite” will be held at Woodstone Deli Thursday, November 19, 2015, beginning at 7:00. Each band selected will be given 15 minutes on screen in what we call a “segment”; to tell their story and play their music. The storyline will be woven by Donnie Drummond formerly a rock drummer with Bazooka Boys and Samantha Starling rock DJ with WUYI; upscale rock with a twist...featuring several hours of local bands looking to “Break Out”..! HEAVY PROMOTION OF EACH BAND PARTICIPATING IN THE SERIES... Each Band chosen will be heavily promoted by the Parent Company: My Morning Coffee TV that owns the rights to Rhythms. This “Promotional Marketing Firm” will develop a campaign for each of the musicians and showcase their talents across the Tri and beyond. They will be included in a special “Smartphone APP” that will carry the original music they will perform in the show and background info on the group, photo album, calendar of events, link to their F.B. account or website, plus the ability to sell a single or an album from the APP. 10 PART ORIGINAL T.V. SERIES SHOWCASING LOCAL MUSIC READY TO “GIVE BACK” TO THE COMMUNITIES
THAT SUPPORT THE BANDS..! Local musicians have always stepped up to help those less fortunate than themselves. From St Jude’s, To Wounded Warrior Project et al ... when asked to play “They Play”..! This time there is a “new” wrinkle as the “Unique T-Shirt”, designed by the “Very Best” Mr. Gary Bortz, will be put on display by local businesses. In addition, a CD of original music will be offered to fans across the area and online to support two very worthy causes: Homeless Vets & Children With Cancer...Local Businesses will purchase tshirts for resale with all proceeds going to the Vets & Children... Crooked Stick recording studio has graciously agreed to provide each of the musicians recording original music with a “Master” of the recording, a token of our appreciation for their efforts in the series and the CD. So, let’s get this show on the road and allow “Rhythms of the Mountain Empire” to “Give Back” and help those less fortunate in the Tri..!
rhythmsofthemountainempire.com facebook.com/rhythmsofthemountainempire williamcamelot@mymorningcoffee.tv
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Movers ..... continued from page 21 after business hours or meet a reporter for a weekend story if necessary. BRIAN: Ok, here’s a personal question for you. Growing up here means that you have been around church and religion your whole life. There are a lot of public figures who shy away from even discussing their faith. I have enjoyed the fact that you don’t. Is it important to you for people to know what you believe? And have there been times where it was important to separate your personal beliefs from city business? JEFF: My faith is an integral part of who I am. I had a conversion experience in high school and I’ve just never been the same since. I can point back to that day with clarity and know that everything changed for me. It doesn’t mean that my life is perfect by any stretch – I stumble every day. But I find it immensely comforting to know that I don’t have to do this by myself. I try my best to live a life so that I don’t have to say anything. Of course, I have to follow all of the rules when it comes to city business – and I do. I love people. That’s why I do what I do. Loving people requires that you love all people, not just the ones you pick and choose. BRIAN: I refuse to end this interview without giving you and open invitation to tell people how to find your blog and all the other information on Kingsport that is out there. Go. JEFF: Thank you! It’s located at www.KingsportBlogger.com One of the most frequently asked questions after becoming city manager was, “Are you going to continue doing your blog?”. Yes, I have continued. Since 2005, there have been 849,000 pageviews. That may sound low, but a pageview can contain hundreds of hits. Therefore, ‘hits’ are not a reliable way to measure web traffic. The blog is periodically emailed and always simulcasts on Facebook (4,830 ‘friends’), Twitter (2,243 followers) & LinkedIn (500+ connections). PS – I slowed/ stopped accepting friends on Facebook since 5,000 is the limit. After that threshold, you must become a business page. Nevertheless, the posts are public so friends’ friends can also see/share the posts.
It’s informal, it’s organic, and hopefully it has served as a defacto marketing program for Kingsport. There was no dedicated staff, nor budget, no job description, no rules. Every free service possible was leveraged. Blogger is free. Facebook is free. Twitter is free. Linkedin is free. Buffer costs a little, but not much. Why a blog? In the days leading up to the last Summit (1999), there was a general malaise in the community. Citizens were cranky and critical. I figured there had to be at least one positive thing we could say about Kingsport every day via email (remember, email was just becoming mainstream at the time). That was the goal. As you can see, it evolved into much more than one per day, so a blog was the best solution to keep from becoming spam and burning everyone out (including me). Remember, blogs were just becoming mainstream in 1997. Thankfully, Mary Ellen Miller (Marketing Mel) taught me how to use a blog. Betty Payne offered assistance from Charter, where she was employed at the time. I also figured all of the work wouldn’t be lost since Google was coming on the scene in 1998 and all of the good news posts would be archived and searchable. With Google, the good news wasn’t limited to locals, it was available to anyone searching for Kingsport. I had never taken time to explain. I figured it was time. I’m excited to have a true professional Marketing/PR staff on board soon to take it to the next level. On the eve of the upcoming Summit, I’m looking forward to the next chapter.
YEAR 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
POSTS 337 (YTD) 773 838 825 778 514 387 192 138 226 705 5,713
“One Man, Two Guvnors” at JCCT
Want a great evening full of laughs? The Johnson City Community Theatre has it. A hilarious comedy called ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS features a live band, and a plot that will keep you laughing out loud. Opening Friday night October 9th at 7.30pm, and performing Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 24th. Matinees at 2pm on Sunday Oct 18th and Saturday the 24th. Get your tickets by going to their website, www.jcct.infoor by calling the box office at 423.926.2542. Tickets are $15 with discounts for Seniors, Students, and Military. This show is sponsored in part by Henry and Flora Joy, Time & Pay and by a Grant from the TN Arts Commission and KingsportArts. Johnson City Community Theatre, the longest running theatre in Tennessee is located at 600 E. Maple Street, near the start of the Tweetsie Trail. Plenty of free parking and handicap access is available.
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Plinking Handgun Fun: Rough Rider .22 There are few things that compare to the joy of going to the range or backyard and just plinking away at a paper target, or some empty cans. With the higher cost of most handgun rounds it’s hard to beat a .22. But there are so many options, target pistols, standard pistols, and my personal favorite cowboy revolvers. I say there is a time and place for everything, if you’re competing or training for a competition you’re going to want a target pis-
tol, if you want to plink I’d suggest a standard or a revolver. The problem with most standard .22’s is that they are so finicky when it comes to ammunition, I remember my Ruger Mark III only liked CCI Mini Mag, which as you can imagine got really expensive really quickly. I’ve heard from friends that Walther .22’s are the same way. The beauty of the Heritage Arms Rough Rider is that it doesn’t matter what ammunition you put in it, it’s going to shoot. This is because as I’m sure
you know, in a semi-automatic pistol the energy produced from the chemical reaction in the cartridge both projects the bullet and actuates the action. Most budget .22 ammunition lacks the power to properly cycle the action. With a revolver all the energy is used to expel the bullet. Some shooters find single-action revolvers clumsy and cumbersome because they are used to just popping in a mag and going to town, whereas single-actions take a bit
more finesse. To load a singleaction the shooter must half-cock the hammer, then open the gate which allows the shooter to load one round at a time, the same steps must be taken to remove spent brass. The hammer must also be manually cocked for each shot. As a shooter I find these steps to be therapeutic and help me to focus. The greatest asset of the single-action is the accuracy, this platform is notorious for its accuracy, giving its guns the common nickname ‘tack driver”. As for the Rough Rider itself, this is a fantastic gun, proudly made in the USA and boasting an uncon-
ditional lifetime warranty. These guns are designed to be enjoyed for many years and then passed down and enjoyed for many more. It isn’t going to break the bank either the retail on the 4” is only $200.00. The Rough Rider also comes in a variety of barrel lengths and grip options including pearl, laminate, and bird’s head. The Rough Rider is a great way to enjoy a day of plinking and shoot like they did 140 years ago. As always I hope you enjoyed this article, and if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me, I look forward to your feedback.
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Halloween Horrors 2015, Part Two:
Abbott and Costello Meet “Kelly’s Place” As I write this I am watching “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,” the delightful 1948 comedy, directed by Charles Lamont, who helmed 253 movies in his long and distinguished career; many of his films, however, were less than distinguished, including the Ma and Pa Kettle series, several episodes of the Zorro TV series, many Abbott and Costello films, as well as the final installment of the infamous Francis the Talking Mule movie franchise that came to a merciful end with the lame yet highly diversionary “Francis In The Haunted House” (1956). “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” is one fourth of a must-have new DVD collection, “Abbott and Costello Meet The Monsters,” which is the first time all four of these horror movie spoofs have appeared in one set. No respectable Halloween gathering is complete without a showing of one or more of these movies. In addition to the aforementioned Frankenstein offering, this set includes “Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man” (1951), “Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (1953) and “Abbott and Costello Meet The Mummy” (1955). In each of these films the very popular comedy team play a pair of misfit baggage handlers, detectives, policemen, and/or tourists who find themselves in the wrong places at the wrong times while being pursued by classic Universal Studio monsters. Some aficionados have wondered why “Abbott and Costello Meet The Killer, Boris Karloff” (1949) is not included in this set, but it is a send-up of classic mysteries, not horror movies (despite the ap-
pearance of horror icon Karloff). Even their earlier haunted house thriller, “Hold That Ghost” (1941) is not in the same league as the movies in this new collection. In their day, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were America’s most popular, and most highly-paid paid, comedy team, responsible for thirty-six films, beginning in 1940 and ending in 1956, the span of their partnership as a comedy duo. Bud was the straight man to Lou’s comic foil, and their famous baseball routine, “Who’s On First?” (lifted from their vaudeville act) is considered by many as America’s signature comedy routine. Shouldn’t we have a national comedy routine? Much more interesting than the usual state bird, flower, and song. By the late forties, Universal’s signature comedy cycle that began in the early thirties with “Dracula” and “Frankenstein,” was considered antiquated in the aftermath
of World War II, an era when movies were dealing with the effects of nuclear weapons and standoffs with the Communists rather than with more mundane creatures wandering around in antique, cobweb-filled sets. There was no place for old-fashioned monsters in this strange and terrifying new world. Audiences were demanding more up-to-date monsters like Godzilla or aliens like Klaatu from “The Day The Earth Stood Still” rather than wolfmen, mummies, invisible men, or Frankenstein-style creatures (although “The Thing From Another World,” Howard Hawk’s 1951 alien potboiler, featured an extraterrestrial, played by James Arness, that was modeled on the Frankenstein monster created by Boris Karloff and later recycled by John Carpenter as Michael Myers). In many ways, these Abbott and Costello spoofs that turned menacing monsters into stand-up
comedians served as vehicles for resurrecting, however briefly, the careers of old style monster actors like Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney, Boris Karloff, and Glenn Strange. In this respect, these comedies are rather bittersweet and strangely sad, even when viewed today. But, nostalgia aside, they were a fitting way to say farewell to a prewar world that no longer existed by the late forties and early fifties. And they deserve to be viewed today by a new audience. So, kudos to Universal for putting together this four-film package, complete with audio commentaries (for two of the films) and an excellent behind-the-scenes documentary, “Abbott and Costello Meet The Monsters,” written, narrated, and produced by David Skal, the horror movie historian that I have the pleasure of knowing. Horror movie spoofs (sometimes posing as tributes) have become a staple of horror movie history and exist to balance screams with laughter. The most prominent examples in our own time are the “Scary Movie” and “Scream” series--two excellent, yet often uneven attempts to pay humorous homages to horror movie history. Even the overdone “I Saw What You Did Last Summer” trilogy is played more for laughs than shivers. And who can deny that Wes Craven’s “Nightmare On Elm Street” franchise envisioned Freddy Krueger as the ultimate standup comedian of modern horror?
Of course, we should include Mel Brooks’ two classic spoofs/tributes, “Young Frankenstein” (1974) and “Dracula, Dead And Loving It” (1995) on our list. My favorite example of this horror-movie-asspoof genre is William Castle’s “House On Haunted Hill” (1958), starring Vincent Price as a diabolical and very hammy haunted house master of ceremonies, delivering his own special brand of humor to a group of rather unpleasant and uncomfortable houseguests (one being Robert Mitchum’s actual sister). We can easily find ourselves expecting Abbott and Costello to show up at any moment every time we watch this strangely mesmerizing movie from gimmick-master Castle; during premiere showings of this movie in selected theatres, patrons were treated to plastic skeletons sliding over their heads (via fishing line) at key moments during the action. Needless to say, more people laughed than screamed every time one of these plastic skeletons came sailing by their heads. Don’t try this at home. I urge you to enjoy some encounters between Abbott and Costello and monsters this week. Since I have already see these movies, I am looking forward to immersing myself in “Sharknado 3,” perhaps the quintessential modern horror/disaster movie spoof series (“Sharknado 4” anyone?) See you next week with Part Three of my Halloween series.
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