Page 2, The Loafer • October 21, 2014
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October 21, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 3
Volume 28 Issue #46
Publisher - Bill Williams • Editor/Graphic Arts Director - Don Sprinkle • Office Manager - Luci Tate Cover Design - Bill May Advertising - Dave Carter, Terry Patterson Contributing Staff - Jim Kelly, Andy Ross, Ken Silvers, Mark Marquette, Jessica Gilliam Published by Tree Street Media, 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.
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Holston River Brewing Hosts
First Annual Oktoberfest Holston River Brewing Company has made quite a name for itself in the short time since its inception, whether for the crowd-pleasing beers that it produces daily, or the consistently solid music lineup that graces its stage regularly. If you come for one, you’re generally gonna stay for the other, and once you’re hooked - well, you’ll keep coming back for more. Being a beer-producing entity as it is, it comes as no surprise that an Oktoberfest celebration would be in the works, and this year, the Brewery and a few local music standouts have banded together to make that idea a reality. On October 25th, Holston River Brewing Company will welcome JV Squad and Sigean to take the stage, laying out a full evening of fine music and good entertainment, and hoping to make the night one to remember. There will be great beers
Oct. 25th, 2014
on tap, good food on the grill, games to play, events to behold, and plenty of surprises throughout the night. The night’s entertainment will kick off at 7 pm with the traditional Irish sounds of regional legends Sigean, who have been known to play a jig or two to get the masses moving, and will be followed by the powerful “Mountain Soul” of JV Squad. An eclectic mix of music that holds together in one simple truth - it is honest, good, and fun - the best of all possible labels. The JV Squad is an eclectic Mountain Soul band featuring the powerful vocals of Jared and Vanessa Bentley, the incomparable Rob Russell on guitar, the talented fingers of Jerry Henninger on keys, and the rock-solid rhythm section of Lance McCloud (bass) and Mike Sams (drums). The Squad got its feet wet utiliz-
ing a different lineup throughout East Tennessee for a year or so, struggling to find and develop an identity and sound that the band felt represented who and what they are as a group. “We all knew what sort of feel we wanted, or were looking for, but never seemed to make it happen for one reason or another - it was elusive and waning, but patiently waiting to be realized,” said Jared Bentley, the group’s singer and rhythm guitar player. “And then the pieces fell together.” With the addition of Henninger on keys and Russell on guitar, the JV Squad was able to develop the sound that they were striving for - an honest, roots-based, soulful sound that is equal parts Rock, Americana, R&B, and Soul.
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Oktoberfest .. continued from previous page Says Bentley, “People had referred to us before as “Mountain Soul”, and we carried that moniker with pride - but now we feel like we have earned it.” You’ll get a lot of things at a JV Squad show, from a few country standards to a lot of New Orleans soul, from a heartfelt ballad to a brand new barn-burner, from Stevie to Tweedy, and all points in between - and t’hey’ll make sure it all comes hard, from the first note to the last. Sigean was formed in 1997 by four friends who shared a common interest in Irish Traditional Music – Clay Henry, Tom Swadley, James Skeen, and Eric Olive. Together they practiced and performed Sigean’s first gig at Roan Mountain State Park and began to bring the traditional music of Ireland to growing audiences. The region has always been a hotbed of traditional American music, with audiences who know and love the sound of string bands, Bluegrass, traditional dance music, and balladry. The fact that audiences here are perfectly-primed to enjoy Oldtime dance music’s Irish cousins, the jig and reel, comes as no surprise. The lineup has changed since 1997, with former Sigean members moving on to play with other regionally-important and interna-
tionally-known acts, but the signature sound, repertoire, and spirit remains the same. Sigean plays acoustic Irish music, in a traditional way, like you’d hear in a kitchen amongst good friends, and they do it as well or better than anyone you’re likely to see in this region. The current line-up looks like this: Tom Swadley - Guitar, Frank Wing - Fiddle, Tenor Banjo and
Vocals, John Rushing - Upright Bass and Vocals, Marcianne O’Day - Fiddle and Vocals, Reagan DeBusk - Flute and Whistles, Buz Lee - Bodhran, Tim Harkleroad - Whistles, Vocals and Bodhran So - whatever you think your plans are for October 25th, you might think of changing them and adding the Holston River Brewing Company’s First Annual Oktober-
fest Celebration to your schedule, because the music is primed, the people are happy, and the beer is second-to-none. The HRBC is located at 2623 Volunteer Parkway, just two tenths of a mile past the Bristol Motor Speedway. If you haven’t been there, feel free to check out their website at www. hrbrewing.com, or find them on Facebook.
Have an event coming up? Email a press release and photos to:
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Sheila Kay Adams Closes the Storytelling Live! Season Lauded musician and storyteller Sheila Kay Adams will be the final performer in the International Storytelling Center’s 2014 Tellerin-Residence (TIR) season. TIR, which runs May through October each year, is one of ISC’s most beloved programs. Hugely popular with locals and tourists alike, the series brings a different storyteller to Jonesborough each week for a solid week of performances. In a series of matinees, October 28 – November 1, Tuesday through Saturday, Adams will share a broad selection of songs and personal stories. All performances are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall. Tickets for all shows are just
greatest natural resources. “I am not promoting the region so much as remembering who we are,” she says. “That’s what I’m desperately trying to do. Generations are gone and it won’t be long before mine is all that’s left.” While most of her witty stories highlight characters from her huge brood, Adams also delights in telling stories about eccentric people who became veritable legends in the tiny mountain community where she grew up in North Carolina. One of her favorites is the man whose fillings picked up radio signals. At first, the poor guy assumed he was hearing voices. (Some people even thought he was possessed.) But once it became clear that the culprit was dental work, he became really popular with the locals. “People would just prop his mouth open,” Adams says. “They would all gather around his mouth on Saturday night to listen.” In addition to her afternoon performances, for one night only, Thursday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m., Adams will host “Banjos, Ballads, and Bad Men,” an exclusive evening concert. Tickets for the Adams’ evening concert are only $15, and all ticket holders will save 10 percent on same-day dining at The Olde Courthouse Diner, The Dining Room, Jonesborough General Store and Eatery, or Main Street Café. Advance purchase is strongly recommended. Storytelling Live! is supported by Presenting Sponsor CrestPoint Health, program sponsors Eastman Chemical Company and Eastman Credit Union, and media sponsors News 5-WCYB, FOX TriCities, Tri-Cities CW, Johnson City Press, Kingsport Times-News, Herald & Tribune and Cumulus Media. 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 Photo by: Jon Zachary or (423) 913-1276.
$12 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and children under 18. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Adams is also known as an expert banjo player and a balladeer. Ballads, traditional story-songs that are performed a cappella, are something of an endangered species in the music world. The haunting music, which wasn’t frequently recorded until recently, was passed down through the generations of the Adams family. Her huge extended family has also had a strong influence on her stories. (The storyteller first heard many of her favorite pieces from the mouths of her mom and dad.) A daughter of Appalachia, Adams’ work celebrates the region’s
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Sweet Music
Ensemble mixes harmony, cultures, issues, sign language for ‘powerful, beautiful’ celebration In 1973, four women from the Black Repertory Theater Company in Washington, D.C., including voice teacher and group founder Bernice Johnson Reagon, formed an all-female a cappella vocal ensemble they named for their first song, Sweet Honey in the Rock, from Psalm 81. Since then, the group has toured
on the broad traditions of African American music, they’re constantly evolving, developing new music that speaks to today’s issues. It’s a powerful mix.” Sweet Honey in the Rock will bring its unique mixture of a cappella four-part harmony, African American cultural roots and American Sign Language (ASL)
plex journey of celebration and struggle rooted in the history of the African American legacy,” says Allmusic.com. Their performances have been called “transforming,” “magnificent,” “awe-inspiring” and “breathtaking” by reviewers, transporting audiences on adventures in blues, African, jazz, gospel and R&B music and a very inter-
the world; garnered awards and a Grammy nomination; cut two dozen albums; sung at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center; and been the subject of a PBS “American Masters” documentary. “They have a long history of making powerful, beautiful music,” filmmaker Stanley Nelson, producer/director of the documentary “Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice,” has said. “Sweet Honey in the Rock is a group of very potent, talented, outspoken women who give their all at every concert. While they call
interpretation to East Tennessee State University on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the D.P. Culp Center’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium. “I have wanted to book Sweet Honey for a long time,” says Anita DeAngelis, director of the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU. “They combine a cappella music from many genres, including African American, spirituals and gospel, with social justice issues and sign language. It is exciting to bring an organization of their caliber to our community. They put on a rich and riveting show.” Sweet Honey weaves a “com-
personal type of “community” singing. Longtime ensemble member Ysaye Barnwell, who retired from the group in 2013, describes Sweet Honey’s concerts “like we’re sitting on a front porch. It’s a musical conversation.” Indeed, “The sound is that of sisters sitting around the fireplace singing songs of social commentary, a female choir in rehearsal, a congregation of Wednesday evening prayer services singers, or a village that has come together
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Sweet Music .. continued from page 7 to sing through happiness, trials or death,” says “American Masters.” “Even as the melodies, harmonies and rhythms soar, one is immediately struck by the message of the songs, for the message is what Sweet Honey is all about. . . . Sweet Honey has become the surrogate conscience of the United States in that her songs will not let us rest while there is still work to be done.” The “women join their powerful voices, along with hand percussion instruments, to create a blend of lyrics, movement and narrative that relate history, point a finger at injustice, and sing the praises of love,” the documentary says. Creating this concoction of music and story, in the ensemble’s 40th year, are Carol Maillard and Louise Robinson – both founding members who have returned to the fold – along with Aisha Kahlil and Nitanju Bolade Casel. Shirley Childress has provided Sweet Honey’s ASL interpretation for the hearing-impaired since 1981. Sweet Honey’s songs tell of
maternal love, femmes fatale, third-world debt, disarmament, freedom, determination and faith in God. Musical textures – melody, accompaniment, lead singers – change with each song. “Everyone comes away from a Sweet Honey concert with something different,” says Susan Lacy, creator and executive producer of “American Masters.” “Some people are swayed by the beauty of the music, others get charged by the way the songs make them feel like conquering the world.” For more about Sweet Honey in the Rock, visit http://sweethoney. com. Tickets for the ETSU performance are $5 for students of all ages, $20 for seniors 60 and over, and $25 for general admission. For tickets or more information, call the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at 423-439-TKTS (8587) or visit www.etsu.edu/martin. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.
Zombie Survival 5K to take place Oct. 26 at ETSU
The East Tennessee State University Department of Physical Therapy will host a Zombie Survival 5K run on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. 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. Spots are limited for the number of zombies. Each runner will be given two flags to wear during the race. Zombies will be hidden through-
out the course and will try to steal runners’ flags. Those making it to the finish line with one or both flags is considered a survivor. The race will begin at the Tri Hall Field behind Centennial and Governors halls and in front of Davis Hall. Approximately half of the course is located on the trail in the ETSU woods. In addition to the race, prizes will be awarded for the best costumes and the best selfie with a
zombie. All proceeds go to the non-profit Miami-Marquette Challenge, an annual grassroots 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 www.bit. do/etsu-dpt-zr5k.
Teen Halloween Parties
Jonesborough Library • Monday, October 27, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Gray Library •Tuesday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Want to howl during the week of Halloween? Put on your spookiest or funniest costume and join us at the Jonesborough Library on Monday, October 27, at 6:30 p.m. or on Tuesday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. for a Teen Halloween Party.
Activities at each library include a costume contest and games. Fun Halloween-themed refreshments will be served. This program is free and open to teens (and tweens) ages 12 to 17. Space is limited and registra-
tion is required. To register, please call the Jonesborough Library at 753-1800, or the Gray Library at 477-1550. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Washington County – Jonesborough/Gray Libraries
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The Breakfast Club says farewell
to drummer Hutchins on Friday, Oct 24 at Capones in JC. The Breakfast Club will be playing a special farewell show at Capone’s in Johnson City, TN on Friday, October 24. This special event will feature the very last show for long-time drummer Matt Hutchins. Fans are urged to come early to avoid the long lines, and to guarantee entry before Capone’s fills to capacity. Admission to the show is only $10, and the show starts around 10:30 p.m. Matt Hutchins is widely known as one of the most entertaining and enduring drummers currently touring the east coast. Always willing to indulge fans’ desires for conversation, Hutchins can regularly be seen mingling with the crowd after each show. Although the youngest member of The Breakfast Club, it could be said that Hutchins has always had an “old soul.” When fans share their stories of hanging out with band, they are most likely referring to a memorable interaction with Matt
Hutchins. Hutchins began playing drums at age 10 when he decided to take lessons at Atlanta Pro Percussion in Smyrna, GA. He had came to dream of being a drummer while watching VH1 videos as a child. To Hutchins, there was no cooler member of a rock band than the drummer. He played drums the his middle school jazz band, and contunued through high school. He then joined various cover and original bands, including a Nirvana cover band. Hutchins opened a music store in Smyrna which he co-owned, and became a very popular drum instructor for kids who dreamed of playing drums like he did as a child. Upon learning that he had won the job as the new drummer of The Breakfast Club, Hutchins sold his music store. Hutchins has been a mainstay in The Breakfast Club since March, 2008.
Heartwood is kicking off the fall season with a full complement of events to fill your October calendar.
Sun. Oct. 26 - Heartwood Sunday Supper Series – 6pm-8pm. Family-style dinner featuring Lyttle Farms of Copper Ridge from Castlewood Virginia, and Abingdon Winery of Abingdon Virginia. Cost is $22.00 ++ per person. Reservations required, limited seating. Call 276.492.4200 for reservations. Proprietors Jim Lyttle, and Janet and Bob Carlson will be on hand to discuss their operations. Heartwood is your gateway to the rich culture of Southwest Virginia – with juried crafts, heritage music and local food and wine. Be inspired by the handmade treasures found throughout Heartwood’s galleries juried by ‘Round the Mountain and take the opportunity to buy that perfect gift. Kick up your feet to the soulful music from The Crooked Road. If that wasn’t enough, enjoy an innovative meal from Food and Beverage General Manager Jassen Campbell while basking in the spectacular views from the Heartwood Restaurant. The restaurant features regional ingredients, local wineries and breweries. The Coffee and Wine Bar at Heartwood offers fresh pastries and breakfast treats daily beginning at 9 a.m. (10a.m. on Sunday). Lunch with daily specials will be served MondaySaturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m in the Heartwood Restaurant. A southern BBQ is offered Thursday evenings, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the Sunday Brunch will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday. For more information: visit https://www.heartwoodvirginia.org or call Heartwood at 276-492-2400.
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The Tyler Williams Band
plays Northeast State Oct. 28
Four accomplished artists brought together under the lead singer’s banner to make some of the best contemporary music in the region take the stage at Northeast State Community College later this month. The Tyler Williams Band plays a free onenight only show at Northeast State on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at the College’s Regional Center for the Performing Arts Theater on the main campus in Blountville. Singer, songwriter Tyler Williams, born in central Ohio, is a young man with big dreams that started when he was just two years old. At age four, he began playing piano attracting the attention of everyone around him. Although Williams was born with Cerebral Palsy and became blind at infancy, he remained determined in his pursuit of becoming an entertainer. Over the years, Williams refined his skills playing with some of his heroes such as the legendary Tony Rice, Lonesome River Band, and Balsam Range. His hard work has produced a powerful voice and original style. He assembled a group of regional all-stars ready to move forward into the entertainment world. Williams’s band is composed of Ashley Davis, Aaron Smith, and Megan McKamey – all gifted individual performers in their own right. Davis learned piano from her mother
and picked up guitar on her own when she was 12 years old. She played with The Parsons and Sweet Potato Pie throughout her college years. In 2007, Davis recorded her first solo album, Fiddlin’ with Les, which is titled in honor of her musical mentor. Smith first picked up a guitar at the age of 12 and soon learned how to play efficiently off recordings from artists such as Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Blue Highway, Alison Krauss & Union Station. While still a teenager, he traveled full time with semi-professional band Still Waters. He ultimately attended East Tennessee State University to study in the prestigious Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music program. Davis quickly gained recognition with his guitar work and tenor singing and has also become fluent on mandolin and banjo, as well as working on bass. McKamey started playing banjo at the age of 9 when her Papa Conner told her she could have his old banjo if she learned how to play it. Now at age 21, she has already had many successes in her musical career including playing with one of her most influential banjo heroes, J.D. Crowe, in the filming of Tim Farmer’s Homemade Jam. Sponsored by Northeast State’s Cultural Activities Committee, the who is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
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Goodwill Industries of Tenneva Hosts Free Job Fair - Oct. 23 Whether individuals are looking for a fresh start or a better job, they’re sure to have luck at the free Goodwill Industries job fair! The Memorial Park Community Center, located at 510 Bert Street in Johnson City, will be the place to be for job seekers to get a boost in their job search. From 9 a.m. to noon, employers such as Goodwill, ACT and East Cost Inventory, along with local colleges, will have tables set up and looking for talented individuals to fill their open positions. There will be a wide range of employers present, from retail to construction to the food industry. Potential employees are encouraged to bring copies of an updated, complete resume and to dress business casual. Individuals should be prepared to fill out applications, ask questions and discuss opportunities. “A job fair is great for the community and the economy,” stated Robert Miller, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries Tenneva. “This is a way for us to share our mission of finding employment for individuals with barriers to employment with other businesses and help provide those businesses with talented individuals.” Goodwill Industries of Tenneva is proud to be able to bring hard-working, employable people together with wonderful employers in a positive job fair setting. Goodwill strives to help individuals with a barrier to employment get the job training they need to be a contributing community workforce member. About Goodwill Industries of Tenneva Goodwill Industries of Tenneva operates thirteen retail locations throughout a 17-county service area, spanning from East Tennessee into Southwest Virginia. The mission of Goodwill Industries of Tenneva is to provide vocational services and employment opportunities for people with barriers to employment. In 2013,
Goodwill Industries of Tenneva 1,000 individuals. For more inforprovided service through employ- mation, call 423.245.0600 or visit ment training, job readiness and www.goodwilltnva.org. vocational assessments to over
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Milligan presents ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ Milligan College presents the dramatic portrayal of “The Diary of Anne Frank” on Oct. 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 26 at 2:30 p.m. in the McGlothlin-Street Theatre located in the Gregory Center for Liberal Arts. “The Diary of Anne Frank” is a passionate retelling of the events surrounding the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam during WWII and the compelling story chronicled by Anne Frank. It is directed by Pro-
fessor of Theatre Richard Major and designed by Pamela Adolphi. The role of Anne Frank will be played by Darcie DeLong, a senior at Milligan from Indianapolis double-majoring in English and theatre. “When I finished the book for the first time in sixth grade, I remember thinking, ‘Is this actually a real story?’” said DeLong, who has acted in previous Milligan theatre productions. “I could not believe this happened to real people. I was heartbroken.” The power of the story, however, comes from Frank’s steadfast belief in the goodness of people. “She extended grace to humanity, forgiving it for what it had done to her,” said DeLong. “That kind of strength and positivity is
incredibly inspiring. Anne Frank did not abandon her belief in the face of adversity.” In her portrayal, DeLong plans to embody the “vitality” of the real Anne Frank, who she describes as “enthusiastic” and “winsome.” “I auditioned because of my long time love for Anne,” said DeLong. “I felt as though we were not done with each other yet. There was still more for me to learn from her.” All seats are $7.50. To purchase, visit the Milligan College Bookstore, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (and until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays), or call 423.461.8733. For more information on Milligan arts events, visit www.milligan.edu/arts.
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Los Lobos to Perform at Appalachian on October 23 Appalachian State University’s 2014-15 Performing Arts Series presents another unrivaled season of incredible performances that continues with legendary band Los Lobos. The band, celebrating its 40th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of its Grammywinning release “La Pistola y El Corazón”, will be performing this album in its entirety followed by a set of fan favorites performed acoustically on Thursday, October 23 at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. The Pick 5 discount is available for this show and offers a break on the ticket price when tickets are purchased in multiples of five. For tickets and
more information about this performance, call the Schaefer Center Box Office at 800-841-ARTS(2787), or 828-262-4046, or visit online at pas.appstate.edu. Los Lobos, Spanish for “The Wolves,” is a multiple Grammy Award-winning band formed in East L.A. in 1973. Made famous by their 1987 cover of Ritchie Valens’ classic “La Bamba,” Los Lobos now celebrates 40 years of making uniquely iconic tunes comprised of Tex-Mex, blues, folk, country, R&B and classic rock themes. If the band has learned one thing in four decades together, it’s that playing by the rules is not for them. Through a rollercoaster career made up of total rejection and instant success, Los Lobos continues to prove why going rogue was the
best thing the legendary quintet ever did. Los Lobos is a band that continually reboots itself and expands its scope with each passing year, while never losing sight of where they came from. Through sheer camaraderie and respect for one another’s musicality, they’ve continued to explore who Los Lobos is and what they have to offer, without succumbing to the burnout that plagues so many other bands that stick it out for any considerable length of time. Their influence is vast, yet they remain humble, centered and dedicated to their craft. Each new recording they make moves Los Lobos into another new dimension while simul- As All About Jazz raved, “The ge- tive power of music, no matter the taneously sounding like no one nius of Los Lobos resides in their style they choose to play.” else in the world but Los Lobos. innate ability to find the redemp-
It’s fall y’all! The dance is scheduled for Friday, October 24 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center and back by popular demand ..... KIDS OUR AGE! Dancers are from all over East TN & Southwest VA, so we must be doing something right.We always have fun and even if you are just a people watcher this is the musical place to be-dancing begins at 7:00, with line dance lessons offered at 6:30. Cost $6.00/additional information 423-952-0772.
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Amazing Interplanetary Missions Highlights Some amazing discoveries by several robotic interplanetary missions have been happening in our Solar System that are rewriting how we think about the Moon, Mars and comets. • A European Space Agency spacecraft has been flying around a small comet with a big name for the past two months. And Nov 12th that spacecraft called Rosetta will release another small, 60-pound probe, “ Philae” that will land on the comet and hopefully survive to reveal some secrets. • A new spacecraft orbiting Mars is the first interplanetary mission by India’s space agency, and so far it is a big success. Validating their space agency infrastructure has made this nation a new player in space exploration. • NASA also has a new spacecraft orbiting Mars called MAVEN, short for Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, which has a mission to find out what happened to the once earth-like Martian atmosphere. MAVEN adds to the two rovers (Opportunity and Curiosity) and two orbiters (Odyssey and Global Surveyor) that America’s space agency has investigating the fourth planet from the Sun, about half the size of Earth. • And another veteran NASA spacecraft, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has made a shocking discovery—it has found geologically recent volcanoes and their lava pools. These stunning images of small, cone volcanoes and their lava flows are only 100 million years old, where lunar scientists generally agreed that the last volcanoes on the Moon erupted at least one billion years ago. All these missions represent that cutting edge science that changes our perception of the Solar System and Earth’s place in it.
To think about volcanic eruptions on the Moon when the dinosaurs roamed North America is a completely jaw-dropping concept to lunar experts. But that’s what was going on as confirmed by LRO’s super-detailed images. The NASA lunar orbiter showed dozens of areas around the dark Maria that average less than a third of a mile wide with cinder cones and lava spillage. Lunar scientists had agreed that the last lava flowed on the Moon at least 1,000 million years ago. In the approximate 4.3 billon year history of the Moon, astronomers thought volcanoes and meteor impacts shaped the familiar surface we see in the first two billon years. Now, with lava flowing just 50-100 million years ago, those lunar scientist are rethinking their theories and rewriting lectures on the volcanic history of our Moon. The ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft has been chasing down Comet 67P/ Churyumov–Gerasimenko since it was launched in 2004. The 10year mission has been a success as Rosetta encountered two asteroids before it began flying in formation with “Comet C-G” on Aug. 6th. For two months it has circled around this unique comet a few times, taking incredible photos. Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko is two irregular-shaped bodies each about a mile long and connected by a “neck.” From some angles it looks like a bathtub rubber duck! Comets are thought to be mostly ice with bits of rock, cosmic material that is leftovers from the creation of the Solar System. They are characterized as “cosmic snowdrifts” and at usually 10-20 miles in size, they have very little gravity holding them together. Understanding comets will help unlock secrets about the formation of the
planets and maybe give hints to the seeding of life on Earth. As comets get close to the Sun, their ice melts into a gaseous tail, and a second tail of debris also forms away from the Sun. The hard nucleus of a comet is enveloped in a “coma” of sublimating ice changing to gas that can be hundreds of miles wide. The gas and debris tails of a comet can stretch for millions of miles, though all the material would fit in a suitcase. Rosetta will see a comet heat up first hand as Comet C-G gets clos-
er to the Sun, looping around it in August 2015. Hopefully along for the ride will be the clothes washersized lander called Philae. Because of the low gravity, this mini spacecraft will have to actually tether itself to the surface of the comet. Will Philae survive the turbulence? And what kind of images will it reveal about the dynamics of an active comet? Check out the ESA Rosetta website and go along for the wild, year-long ride. India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan, is a tremendous achievement for
their first interplanetary endeavor. Between the 50 or so Mars missions of the USA and Russia, there have been about as many failures as successes. So India’s satellite, also called MOM for Mars orbiting mission, is something to be proud about. It has already taken some beautiful images from its high altitude orbit that reaches 35,000 miles above the surface, than down to just 5,000 miles. But most importantly, India has tested their interplanetary equipment and techniques for a measly $73 Stargazer .. continued on next page
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Stargazer .. continued from previous page
Celestial events in the skies for the week of Oct. 21 - Oct. 27, 2014, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.
million, compared to NASA MAVEN mission costing nearly $500 million. The NASA MAVEN has already returned some interesting data about the Martian atmosphere. First, the weak gravity makes the very thin atmosphere extend to hundreds of miles above the surface. And billions of years ago, Mars had a more substantial atmosphere to support the large bodies of water that are known to have existed, thanks to the discoveries of the active NASA rovers on the surface. There’s another big happen-
This Thursday from 6 pm to sunset at around 6:30 pm the Moon will take a “bite” out of the Sun in a partial solar eclipse that will be best seen in the Western US and Western Canada. Though brief, our Appalachian horizon will provide a dramatic image—and a great photo opportunity. The sunlight low to the horizon should be okay to look at with the naked eye, but use caution in looking at the Sun through a camera, but never use a telescope on the Sun as permanent eye damage may result. This week is the last of the year to see the Milky Way in the early eveing near Mars. Last weekend the ning under moonless skies. The Red Planet was buzzed by Comet arm of our Galaxy is quickly headSiding Spring just 80,000 miles ing west like a jump rope swingfrom the surface—only one-third ing below the horizon. the distance of our Moon from Tues. Oct. 21 Earth. All the Martian robots were Sunset is around 6:40 pm, and in watching. What they saw was a the deep twilight looking directly once-in-a-lifetime event with two south, Mars is still putting on a alien atmospheres intermingling. show as a bright, red star now in The effect is predicted to create the midst of Sagittarius the Archer. Martian auroras and maybe a me- October nights are historically teor storm. some of the best for perfect atmoWhat will happen when a spheric conditions that make starcomet brushes Mars? Read next light steady with less twinkling. week’s Stargazer and we’ll find The twinkling of stars is caused by out together. the moving atmosphere literally 80 per cent, will occur at Prince of Wales Island in the Canadian Arcbending starlight back and forth. tic. Wed. Oct. 22 On this 1992 date in space his- Fri. Oct. 24 The Great Square of four stars tory, Space Shuttle Columbia was launched with six astronauts on an that make up the body of the Flyintense 10-day mission with a doz- ing Horse Pegasus are high above new and exciting way. Milligan en experiments packed in its cargo the northeast. And as the night students will dress in costume and bay. After deploying an Italian wears on Pisces, Aries and Taurus decorate their cars to house a vari- science satellite, work began on a rise above the horizon. variety of experiments with names Sat. Oct. 25 ety of treats for participants. On this 1975 date in space histo“Trunk or Treat” is sponsored like Phase Partitioning in Liquids, ry, the Soviet Union landed Venera Materials Exposure in Low-Earth by LINC (Linking Individuals to the Needs of the Community). Orbit, and Modular Star Sensor, 10 on Venus. The crushing atmoThe LINC volunteer center is a Yaw Earth Sensor and Low Alti- sphere and 900 F. degree surface heat disabled the lander after 50 student-run organization that tude Conical Earth Sensor. minutes of transmitting data and Thurs. Oct. 23 connects Milligan students to volNew Moon is today, and in the images. unteer needs in the surrounding afternoon over parts of Western Sun. Oct. 26 community. The crescent Moon will begin For more information, contact America and Canada is a partial it’s waxing in the early evening, solar eclipse as the Moon passes LINC at 423.461.8711. To learn more about Milligan, visit www. in front of the Sun. The greatest closing in on Mars during the coverage of the Sun by the Moon, next two days. Spend some time milligan.edu.
Milligan to host annual ‘Trunk or Treat’ Milligan College will host its annual “Trunk or Treat” event on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. This year’s “Trunk or Treat” will be held in the parking lot of Milligan’s Faculty Office Building, located behind the McMahan Student Center. Parking for the event is available behind the Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts. A safe and fun environment for children, “Trunk or Treat” will give area youth an opportunity to enjoy this age old custom in a
outside and enjoy some starlight while taking in the neighborhood view of Autumn stripping our trees bare.
Mon. Oct. 27
Sometime in the late evening before midnight you might look south and notice one bright star in an area of the sky that void of any more bright ones. That’s Fomalhaut, an Arabic derivative for “mouth of the fish.” It is also called “The Lonely One” as it is not just the brightest star in the constellation Piscis Austrinus, the Southern Fish, but the brightest thing in the surrounding constellations of Capricornus, Grus, Microscopium and Sculptor. This amazing star actually has a ring of an evolving planetary system that has been photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope.
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The VHCC Arts Array series proudly presents:
The Paramount Chamber Players Tenth Anniversary:
An American Celebration Sunday, October 26, 2014 at 3:00pm - The Spencer-Miller Memorial Concert Series, Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, Abingdon, VA Repertoire: • Second Sight by Ann Holler, Kenton Coe and Evelyn Pursley-Kopitzke with poetry by Dr. Sam Miller • Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin • American Musical Theater Medley TPCP will celebrate its first ten years with the commission of Second Sight, a new work based on the poetry of the late Dr. Sam Miller of Abingdon, VA set to music by three area
composers: Ann Holler of Bristol, Evelyn Pursley-Kopitzke of Blountville and Kenton Coe of Johnson City. In the second half of our American celebration, we will present some of the most popular American music written and especially arranged for the ensemble: The Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin and an American Musical Theater Medley sung by Mark Owen Davis. It will be a grand and joyful musical celebration. Appearing in this performance will be all eleven past and present Players plus guest artist Rachel Barker, soprano from Bristol.
Haunted Tours planned at Natural History Museum Mad scientists! Blood! Bugs! Ghosts! With all of those, plus fog and a fossil site full of bones, visitors won’t know what to expect while being led by a sinister tour guide through the first Haunted Tours offered by the East Tennessee State University and General Shale Natural History Museum and Visitor Center at the Gray Fossil Site. The Haunted Tours will include everything loved by haunted house enthusiasts, such as ghosts, jump-scares and dark mazes, but with a “mad scientist and paleontology” theme. There will be lots of surprises and well-timed scares along the way as visitors wind their way through the twisted hallways and thick, ominous atmosphere. The tours will provide an interactive experience that is suggested for older children and adults only. Each tour will take approximately 45 minutes and will go through the museum building and outdoors on the fossil site. Haunted Tours will be offered from 7-11
p.m. on Oct. 24, 25 and 31. Admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for ETSU students with ID. The ETSU and General Shale Natural History Museum and Gray Fossil Site continually showcases the 5-million-year-old Gray Fossil Site and its unique ecosystem. Visitors are invited to observe live excavations, which will continue through October. There are also special events held at the Museum, such as the monthly “Lunchtime Lecture Series,” “Fossil and Artifact ID Nights” every other month, and numerous ongoing youth programs. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and is located 1.8 miles off Exit 13 on Interstate 26. For more information, call (866) 202-6223 or visit the museum atwww.etsu.edu/naturalhistorymuseum. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.
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October 21, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 19
Arts Array presents
“Young & Beautiful”
The Arts Array Film Series presented by Virginia Highlands Community College is in its 44th year. All films are presented at the Abingdon Cinemall on Mondays and Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and again at 7:30 pm. Young & Beautiful (October 27 and 28) Isabelle is on summer holiday with her family when she decides to lose her virginity to a German boy named Felix. But the experience leaves her cold. By autumn she is exploring her sexuality further as she begins working as a prostitute under the name Lea, having regular meetings with the much older George, and building a list of other clients. During one encounter with George, he dies.
The police eventually track down Isabelle and reveal her secret life. The Arts Array Film Series is part of the comprehensive cultural outreach program of Virginia Highlands Community College. The series is co-sponsored by the Abingdon Cinemall, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Emory& Henry College, and King University. Admission to the films is free for the faculties and students at the supporting institutions. Members of the general community may attend for $7.75. For a brochure on the series or more information, please contact Tommy Bryant at 276-739-2451 or email him at tbryant@vhcc.edu.
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Sweet Harmonious Alligator
It’s fall again in the Tri-Cities and kids all around are in full tow going door to door selling everything from wrapping paper to gobs and gobs of cookie dough. I can’t help but smile as I remember strapping a box of candy bars to my bicycle and hitting the road. At the end of my annual route
was a restaurant called Harmony Grocery. I would anxiously wait for someone to open the door so I could close my eyes and take in the alluring smell of fresh Cajun food. As I open my eyes there I am, fully grown walking thru the door way to one of the Tri-Cities’ new-
est restaurants The Fried Alligator. Nostalgia isn’t the only thing Scott Compton, owner and operator, offers you when you walk into his restaurant. His personality reins thru not just in the décor but in the food as well. The low lighting makes it a perfect place for a first date or for a 50th anniversary dinner. The music is a mix of blues and popular hits from the late 60’s that takes your straight to Bourbon Street. Before I even had a chance to take in the full menu, Scott, grinning from ear to ear, presented a full plate of fried alligator bites with a Remoulade sauce. While typically this sauce, a popular condiment outside of the US, has a plain, light peach color, what I had on the side of my plate was a tiny ramekin full to the brim of colors beyond belief, and a taste to match. It was clear from my first taste that Scott’s pallet was far more sophisticated than I had anticipated. My first bite was so juicy that I had to look at my fork to make sure it wasn’t melting off. The hand breaded and seasoned to perfection alligator is not only the name sake of this establishment but it’s a hidden treasure. I had to make myself stop eating every bite so I could focus on ordering my entrée. The best part about the menu
is the mixture of classic Cajun cuisine and fine dining options, making it impossible to order just one entree. I ordered two plates my first plate was Blackened Chicken with Jambalaya and Crawfish Etouffee. The mere aroma of the blackened seasoning as the plate was sat in front of me made my mouth water; I could not wait to cut into this chicken. This dish was so tender and juicy I could cut it with the side of my fork and somehow it still retained a crispy, delicious crust. The breast had a naturally sweet savory flavor mixed with the spice that hit’s the back of your throat as you swallow. It was a perfect mixture of flavors. What stood out in the Etouffee and the Jambalaya was how though both dishes compiled a multitude of ingredients, each ingredient could be tasted. Commonly and especially in a “normal” batch of Jambalaya you get the same flavor in every bite. What Scott has accomplished is head shakingly good! Every bite was different because he preserved the flavor of each herb, vegetable, and protein in both of these dishes and yet still managed to keep a consistence flavor. Its obvious to me that each of these dishes have been perfected over the years and it shows. Now spice may not be for everyone and usually a cold glass of milk would help but Scott
offers you another option: a sweet and salty hush puppy plate for the table. It’s a crucial side item that cleanses and calms the pallet for the next bite. My second plate consisted of Sea Scallops with Stuffed Potato and humble Coleslaw. The Sea Scallops are a must in any fine dining experience in my opinion and I couldn’t resist trying them in the atmosphere that The Fried Alligator provides. What I received was scallops two ways, blackened and fried. Perfectly prepared both ways, this was the highlight of the night. His homemade blackened seasoning and breading combine with the delicate texture of the sea scallops was simply Creole Cosmopolitan. The side dishes only added to the experience. Scott’s take on a twice baked potato was stuffed with fresh herbs and spices that brought out even more flavor when paired with the Sea Scallops. Now coleslaw is not a dish I would normally order at a restaurant but I wanted to taste a cold item on the menu. I wasn’t expecting it all to be so cohesive but what Scott brings is a sweet and clean flavor in both the coleslaw and the hush puppies that keeps the heat from the natural spices down so you’re able to taste each element of every dish. If that hasn’t painted a beautiful picture, let me add the cherry on top. Before I could ask for the check, a basket of Beignets appeared before me. An off the menu surprise for my taste buds prepared half with the classic powered sugar and half with cinnamon sugar. These warm and fluffy, deliciously crispy fritters are a common breakfast item in New Orleans , and at The Fried Alligator it was a perfect ending to a perfect meal. If you are looking to put a little spice in your life with a special someone or a close friend, I’d recommend this little gem. The Fried Alligator is located at 5400 Fort Henry Drive between Boones Creek and Kingsport.
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October 21, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 21
Carter Family Fold presents Big Country Bluegrass Saturday, October 25th, 2014, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert by Big Country Bluegrass. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free. Big Country Bluegrass was formed by husband and wife Tommy and Teresa Sells in the late 1980s and took its’ name from Tommy’s coon-hunting buddy Jimmy Martin’s instrumental Big Country. The group delivers their own hard driving and heartfelt style of bluegrass music, and it makes them crowd favorites wherever they perform. Whether it’s at a festival in Missouri, on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, or at a small, intimate concert in their hometown of Independence, Virginia, the band brings back memories reminiscent of the early days of bluegrass music. All the band’s members live in and around the Virginia/Caro-
lina Blue Ridge, and their music reflects much of the deep musical heritage found in this region which is at the heart of the Crooked Road Music Trail. Tommy Sells plays mandolin and handles most of the emcee work. Teresa Sells plays rhythm guitar and sings lead and high harmony vocals. Eddie Gill handles most of the distinctive lead vocals and also plays the guitar. Lynnwood Lunsford, a former member of both the Lost and Found and Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys, plays banjo and sings harmony for the group. Tony King plays upright bass for the group. Big Country Bluegrass plays music that has become known to many as Galax or Mt. Airy style bluegrass. It is straight ahead, hard edged bluegrass with no frills. The rhythm and timing are solid, the instrumental work is clean and tasteful, and the vocals are from the heart.
The band has released over a dozen albums and CDs over the years. Their latest release, The Boys in Hats and Ties, has garnered the prestigious # 1 spot in both the Bluegrass Unlimited magazine and the Bluegrass Music Profiles’ radio air-play charts. Tom T. and Dixie Hall wrote the title track. For more information on the band, go to http://www. bigcountrybluegrass.com/. If you love to dance or if you prefer just listening, Big Country Bluegrass won’t disappoint. In fact, the band has become a favorite of Fold audiences. For some of the best traditional bluegrass music the region has to offer, don’t miss them at the Carter Family Fold! Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go
to http://www.carterfamilyfold. org. Shows from the Carter Family Fold can be accessed on the internet at http://www.carterfoldshow.com. Carter Music Center is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http://thecrookedroad.org. Partial funding for programs at the center is provided by the Vir-
ginia Commission for the Arts the National Endowment for the Arts. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054.
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“Dracula Untold”
The character of Dracula first burst onto cinema screens in the 1922 release “Nosferatu”, and has been featured in countless films over the years. The character has appeared in such diverse films as “Dracula vs Frankenstein”, “Dracula’s Daughter”, the animated feature “Batman vs Dracula”, and countless solo films. The famous blood sucker has returned to the big screen in “Dracula Untold”, an effort by Universal Studios to reboot one of their famous movie monsters. The film is a Dracula origin story, of which I don’t ever recall seeing on the big screen. We first meet Dracula when he is the famous historical character Vlad the Impaler (Luke Evans), living in a huge castle in Transylvania with his wife Mirena (Sarah Gadon) and son Ingeras (Art Parkinson). Vlad is the prince of the land, and despite past conflicts with Turkey, all has been peaceful in Transylvania, until one faithful Easter morning.
As Vlad and his subjects are celebrating with a feast on Easter, a Turkish party arrives unexpectedly requiring a tribute be made to the Sultan of Turkey (Dominic Cooper). Vlad offers a tribute of silver coins, but the Turkish envoy demands that 1,000 boys from the country be given over to the Turkish army to fight. Of course, Vlad is completely opposed to this action as he had to endure fighting for the Turks as a child, and no longer wants the boys of his country to suffer such a horrible fate. Vlad’s ultimate refusal to turn his son and other boys of the kingdom over to the Sultan, leads to a small fight with the envoy, but the prince knows an attack by the Sultan is forthcoming. Vlad is so desperate to protect his undermanned country, he devises a plan to visit the cave of a vampire he stumbled across while on patrol, to see his help. Upon entering the cave, Vlad is confronted by the Master Vampire (Charles Dance), who advised
Vlad if he turns into a vampire, he must go three days without drinking human blood in order to regain his human form. If Vlad fails, he will forever be a vampire. Of course, we know how that turns out. After he becomes a vampire, Vlad confronts the armies of the Sultan with his new powers. The attack by the Sultan results in many changes for Vlad, his family and his kingdom, most notably his adoption of the name Dracula.
While the movie ends on a semitragic note, what else could be expected from a movie featuring the famous vampire? I really enjoyed the mix of history and fiction in the telling of Dracula’s origin, and this makes the film unique among stories featuring the famous monster. The actors are all great, and Evans makes a superb Dracula, with his stern and exotic screen presence. Director Gary Shore delivers the right mix of action and thrills to please both horror and movie fans alike. The ending sets us up for a sequel, and the final line spoken “let the games begin” certainly doesn’t refer to the Olympic Games. “Dracula Untold” is an excellent addition to the Dracula movie cannon, and Universal has done a great job rebooting the character with this fascinating origin story.(Rated PG-13) B+
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October 21, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 23
Celebrate ‘Beary Scary Halloween’ at Grandfather Mountain
Frights and fun await kids at the Beary Scary Halloween festival Oct. 25 at Grandfather Mountain. The celebration offers a full day of nature programs about creepy, crawly critters, Halloween-themed crafts, animal enrichments and trick-or-treating — all included with park admission. Kids in costume enter the park for half price! “Beary Scary Halloween is a great chance to meet the Grandfather Mountain animals and learn about some of the creatures that you might consider creepy or scary,” said Christie Tipton, curator of the Grandfather Mountain Animal Habitats. “The staff joins in on the fun by dressing up in costume, and the Mountain is decorated just for the occasion!” The day kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with a craft booth in the Nature Museum where kids can make spider houses or bats. Between 11 a.m. and noon, guests can trick-ortreat with the Grandfather Mountain animals and their keepers in the Animal Habitats. At 11:30 a.m., join a fun interactive program called “Going Batty
for Bats” in the Nature Museum Sunroom to learn about these flying creatures and why they are so important in nature. At the “Fatten Up for Fall” program at 12:30 p.m., figure out what it takes for bears to survive the winter by becoming a bear yourself! Meet at the Mildred the Bear statue in the Nature Museum. At 1 p.m., help the keepers decorate Halloween pumpkins and other treats to give to the animals during Animal Enrichments, or make an “enrichment” for yourself. These Animal Enrichments help break up the animals’ routines and encourage them to stay active and intellectually stimulated. A Kids’ Costume Contest begins inside the Nature Museum Auditorium at 1:30 p.m. with prizes awarded for the winning costumes! Staff naturalists hold an additional program at 1 p.m. on “Creepy, Crawly Critters” to learn about creatures of the night, creatures that bite and other “spooky” animals. At 2 p.m., walk along with the
Trick-or-treating in the animal habitats is one highlight of the Beary Scary Halloween festival on Oct. 25 at Grandfather Mountain. Photo by Monty Combs | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.
habitat keepers as they deliver the Halloween treats prepared earlier in the day. The enrichment session begins at the deer habitat before visiting the otters, cougars and bears. The day concludes by putting you face-to-face with a few spooky prowlersin an Animal Encounter at 2:45 p.m. in the Nature Museum Auditorium. All programs are included with park admission. For more information, visit grandfather.com/ events/beary-scary-halloween/ or call (828) 733-2013. The not-for-profit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and Grandfather Mountain’s black bear prepares to consume a pumpkin during the value the wonders of Grandfather Beary Scary Halloween festival. The event is set for Oct. 25. Photo by Monty Mountain. For more information, Combs | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. call (800) 468-7325 or visit www. grandfather.com to plan a trip.
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The Great iPhone Case Search
Looking for a new iPhone case should not fill me with an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Yet as I begin the process to look for a new iPhone case, I find myself doing more research than I would if I was buying a car. It’s the same crossroads that do me in each time, style vs function. I don’t want my nice iPhone to be inside a candy colored plastic brick, nor do I want something that looks like it can survive reentry. I want something with some style, a kick, a little personal touch. Sometimes the biggest issue with style over substance is that most of the stylish cases simply snap on and cover the iPhone, offering very little protection. I’m a little odd in the sense that I both quite like technology, yet I’m something of an old fashioned type. This is why when I discovered that iPhone cases made of actual wood were a thing I became excited. There’s actually more than one company making wooden iPhone cases. All of the language on the
company’s webpages all say the same things “cover your iPhone in a truly unique case, no case is the same, thanks to each having an individual wood grain pattern.” There’s the wood case that covers the entire phone in wood, then there’s another that is a rubber base with a wood panel on the back, and yet another made out of recycled skateboards. Buying a wooden iPhone case is something that does seem a bit hipster, one company actually offers a free airplane ticket to Portland with purchase. However, the unique look aside, the simple fact is many of these cases do not offer much drop protection. I’m not clumsy, per se, but the few times I have sent my phone flying across the room, the case I’ve had on has really saved the day with it’s raised bezel. In actuality, the case I’m currently using I’ve gone through two of. I once dropped my phone in the grocery store, and the case cracked opened. Much to my shock, the iPhone was perfectly fine. I never had a case on my phone before I had my iPhone, I’ve been using an iPhone 4 for quite some time and on purchase the salesperson looked at me and said “It’s
glass, get a case.” I bought a simple snap on case that is two pieces, and a nice pattern on the back that looked sharp and not like a candy brick. New to the world of phone cases, I just assumed that little raised lip around the front of the phone was there simply as a part of how the case worked to adhere to the phone. Only after the third “That’s it, I know I’ve cracked the screen” drop did I realize that the lip was actually saving the screen from smashing. I think I may just stick with what I know, as much as the style centric person in me would love a wooden iPhone case, I just know that I’d drop it that one time and smash my new upgrade all to bits. Practicality will win out here, and I will get the least offensive candy colored brick I can find, then perhaps customize it with stickers or get a talented friend to draw a Hitchcock profile on the back for me. I’m sure with time some cases with style will be out, and then I may upgrade to something that looks more like the case my phone deserves, instead of the case my phone needs. Yep. Let’s end with that “Batman” reference. See you next week.
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Halloween Horrors 2014, Part Three: Hidden Horrors Before I enter into this week’s dark business, I must share my elation at having watched “Sharknado 2 (Shark Happens)” last week. Last year I devoted a column to “Sharknado (Enough Said)” and commented on the guilty pleasures of pointless but highly entertaining horror films like these two wonderful shark movies—and please add the recent “Big Ass Spider” to this list as well. These movies pay homage to the countless giant creature movies that flourished during the Cold War era and are a glory to behold. And, what’s more, “Sharknado 2” opens with a very affectionate tribute to one of the all-time favorite “Twilight Zone” episodes (“Nightmare At 20,000 Feet,” starring a pre-Captain Kirk William Shatner). So, now that I’ve shared all that with you, let’s take a look at a slightly related topic—the pleasures of little-known horror movies, dubbed “Hidden Horror” by Aaron Christensen in his delightful anthology of essays, Hidden Horror: A Celebration Of 101 Underrated And Overlooked Fright Flicks (2013). This volume is a companion to his 2007 anthology, Horror 101: The A-List Of Horror Films And Monster Movies, Vol. 1 (Vol. 2 has yet to appear). No respectable horror film bookshelf should be without these two indispensable volumes. Hidden Horror is composed of essays written by horror fans rather than by academic film historians, and its purpose, according to Christensen, is to “showcase an assortment of fright flicks my international band of gooble gobble geeks feel have been denied their rightful place at the terror table.” Admitting that no list is ever complete or comprehensive, Christensen says his book is “meant to be the beginning of the journey rather than the end; to provoke thought, challenge expectations,
and reward courage.” Sounds like a very noble quest to me, so let’s get started. I am paring down Hidden Horror’s rather extensive listing of 101 films to a shorter list of 10 films I recommend for your viewing (dis) pleasure this Halloween season. First up is one of my very favorite horror films, Herk Harvey’s bizarre 1962 masterpiece “Carnival of Souls”, which in my estimation is the best horror film ever made
flicks, you won’t want to miss one of the creepiest (and certainly one of the foggiest) examples, “The City Of The Dead” (aka “Horror Hotel” in it’s Americanized version), a 1960 “burned-witch-getsrevenge” epic starring the everpresent Christopher Lee. Pure campy delight from start to finish. No list like this can be complete without yet another Roger Corman production, “Humanoids From The Deep” (1980), affection-
budget to produce the “Sharknado” of his day. “The Horror of Party Beach” is by any standards a terrible movie, but that’s what makes it a must-see. No Halloween party is complete without it. Fill your living room with sand and groove to the sounds of the Del-Aires, the film’s obligatory teenage surf rock band; don’t worry, only a very small percentage of Tenney’s budget was expended on their questionable talents, al-
in Kansas (and quite possibly the only horror film ever made in Kansas, unless you count “The Wizard Of Oz”, which of course was not actually made in Kansas). If you have the opportunity, watch it in the lovingly restored Criterion edition, available on disk and on the HuluPlus playlist; and don’t miss the Film Crew’s (made up of former Mystery Science Theatre cast members) sendup, which is available on DVD. Next, we have “The Changeling” (1980), starring George C. Scott and his wife Trish Van Devere in a truly frightening haunted house/possession tale not to be confused with a film by the same title starring Angelina Jolie. After seeing this, you’ll never again be tempted to roll a ball down a flight of stairs. If you are a fan of witchcraft
ately referred to as “Hemorrhoids From The Deep” by its legion of fans. This movie is in some ways a cheap ripoff of “Jaws,” but played for laughs (although it is not really a comedy). Bad acting, bad special effects, obnoxious teenage victims, and really cheesy Humanoids make for a rousing movie experience. “The Legend Of Hell House” (1973), starring Roddy McDowell in a similar role as the one he played in “Fright Night”, is a very predictable haunted house yarn, but what it lacks in imagination it makes up in musty ambience. Spoiler alert—the ending is unexpectedly silly. 1964 marked the apex (or the nadir) of the so-called Teenage Party Beach movie cycle. Not to be upstaged, director Dale Tenney worked within his lavish $120,000
though in so many ways they are the best part of the production. If you don’t see any other movie on this list, please see “The Seventh Victim,” Val Lewton’s 1943 shocker that inspired larger and more important movies like “Psycho” and “Rosemary’s Baby.” Set in New York City and featuring a pretty flimsy plot about devil worshippers, this movie will leave an indelible impression and convince you that an entire movie can be composed largely of shadows and light with no zombies, werewolves, or vampires in sight. Eight years after he made us all afraid to take showers, Anthony Perkins starred in “Pretty Poison” (1968), a very unsettling story about an unstable young man and the equally unstable object of his affection (Tuesday Weld in arguably her best role). A psychological
thriller that in so many ways foreshadows Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers.” The Beatles (and the many horrors of party beach) came to America in 1964 and so did Jack Hill’s creepy, campy, and cannibalistic “Spider Baby,” a movie that has garnered a pretty respectable and well-deserved cult following. Starring Lon Chaney, Jr., Carol Ohmart (of “House On Haunted Hill” fame), and a very young Sid Haig, this movie still creeps me out after repeated viewings. You should plan on finding some way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this impossible-to-describe movie. Last but not least is “The Spiral Staircase,” a frightening whodunnit from the Film Noir era of American moviemaking. Starring Dorothy McGuire as a traumatized mute girl and featuring a quintessential dark house and an edge-of-your-seat plot, this movie is ideal for Halloween eve viewing. Why it has never been remade is a real mystery. Let’s hope Tim Burton gets around to it before Michael Bay does. Before I go, let me suggest two movies that are not listed in the Hidden Horror book, but should be screened as a double-feature: “Burnt Offerings” (1976), featuring Karen Black and Bette Davis in her last screen appearance; and “The Legacy” (1978), starring Katherine Ross, Sam Elliott (ten years before his career-defining role in “Road House”), and The Who’s Roger Daltrey in a diversionary and reasonably inexplicable English haunted house spectacle. Well, I’ve run out of space. So I hope you will add a few, or all, of these films to your viewing list. See you next week with the last installment of this year’s “Halloween Horrors.” If you have suggestions for a topic, please let me know.
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October 21, 2014 • The Loafer, Page 27
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