The Loafer September 12th by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

on the cover

Volume 31 • Issue #41

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis

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

Founder: Bill Williams Let’s Get Social!

columns & reviews

Office Coordinator Amanda Lane

18 Stargazer Pale, Blue Dot: That's Us! 19 Skies This Week 20 Batteries Not Included Ode to the Halloween Section 23 Pop Life Logan Lucky 24 Appalachian Wanderers Pesky Hiking Encounters 26 The Casual Word Mockery 28 Puzzle Page 31 Kelly’s Place Welcome to Fantasyland

your week’s line-up

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Publisher Luci Tate

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 13 14 22 25 25 27 29 30

BRRR Music Lineup BRRR Map St. Jude Walk/Run to end Childhood Cancer Jeff Little & Wayne Henderson @ WRCPA Theatre Breakneck Hamlet Air Supply @ NPAC Minute After Midnight playing BRRR Eddie Skelton Band headlines Friday Night Dance Jamen Denton playing @ HRBC Riverfest Update The Cactus Blossoms heads to Bristol Spotlight Sorghum Making Festival Groundhog Day Free Showing Jonesborough Contra Dance Paramount Partners Pets Of The Week Things To Do

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

SEPTEMBER 15-17, 2017

he award-winning Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is more than a music festival. It’s an infectious, 3-day music experience, bursting with creative passion, electricity, and soul. Every third weekend in September State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol is amped to the beat of Appalachia’s past, present, and future. It digs down deep into the roots of the traditional Appalachian sound and lifts its branches to new heights. It all happens in the heart of the birthplace of country music—home to the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings.

Dwight Yoakam Friday, Sept. 15 • 9:30 p.m.

Music Lineup Judah & The Lion Jerry Douglas Presents Earls of Leicester Son Volt • Ray Wylie Hubbard • Rainbow Kitten Surprise Deer Tick • The Infamous Stringdusters Mark O'Connor ft. the O'Connor Band • The SteelDrivers Langhorne Slim • Mandolin Orange • Dave Simonett Hiss Golden Messenger • The Black Lillies • Amanda Shires Southern Culture on the Skids • Will Hoge • The Whiskey Gentry Zach Deputy • The Dustbowl Revival • Chris Knight • American Aquarium

Billy Strings • The Cactus Blossoms • Low Cut Connie • Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys • The Deslondes • Ron Gallo Front Country • Love Canon • The Way Down Wanderers • Mile Twelve • Elliot Root •SUSTO • Becky Buller Band • Folk Soul Revival Annabelle's Curse • Lillie Mae • Lonesome River Band •David Peterson & 1946 • Amythyst Kiah • Petunia & The Vipers Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show •Paul Cauthen • Lilly Winwood • Hoots & Hellmouth •Tim Easton • Colter Wall Bill & The Belles • 10 String Symphony • Adam Graybeal's Hillbilly Soul • Annie Robinette • Beth Snapp The Bones of J.R. Jones • The Broadcast C2 and the Brothers Reed • Carson Peters & Iron Mountain Charlie Parr • Charm City Junction • Chrome Pony • Paul Burch "Hello Stranger" ft. Dale Jett • David Gans Demon Waffle Ed Snodderly • Jason "Hoss" Hicks & His Southsiders The Lawsuits • Po' Ramblin' Boys • Sally & George • Tellico Tyler Childers • Vandoliers Virginia Ground • Whiskey Shivers • 49 Winchester • Alli Epperson • The Amateurs • Ben Gilmer Billy Crawford Band Boots on the Ground Bluegrass Band Breaking Tradition • Briana Atwell •The Brother Brothers • Carol Torricelli Chris Rose & Angel Chris Jamison • Circus No. 9 • Cookin' With Grass Cotton Hill • The Corklickers • Corrina Rose Logston & Jeremy Stephens The U.S. Navy Band Country Current •Dan Deel • The Dead Tongues • The Dread Scots • Empty Bottle String Band Farmer Jason Farmhouse Ghost • Folk Alt. • Fritz & Co. • The Green Fingers The Harlow Experience • Harper and the Bears Hello October •The Honey Badgers • Indighost • Jake Quillin Band • James Meadows Jonathan Vassar & The Badlands J.P. Parsons & The American Bandwagon • JV Squad • Kacey Buchanan • The Kindest People • Mama Said String Band • Marshall Ballew Michaela Anne • Minute After Midnight • My New Favorites • Old Heavy Hands • Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers • Pierceton Hobbs Pigeon Kings • Pi Jacobs • Possum Creek Playboys • Reagan Boggs Rhythm & The Roosevelts • Ron Short & The Possum Playboys Sam Gleaves • Scotty Melton • The Sheets Family Band • Sigean • These Are The Angles• Tiny Mountains •TOMMY OHS • Wise Old River The 90th Anniversary Tribute to the 1927 Bristol Sessions Radio Bristol presents Farm & Fun Time ft. Jerry Douglas's The Earls of Leicester, The Cactus Blossoms, and Bill & The Belles

For events and schedule visit: www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/festival/

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

For events and schedule visit: www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/festival/

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

St. Jude Walk/Run To End Childhood Cancer

Hit the ground walking, running to end childhood cancer with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Tri Cities TN residents will join 63 other communities for St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer

his September, thousands of individuals nationwide will join together in the battle against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases by participating in the Tri Cities St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer. Tri Cities is one of 63 cities nationwide helping bring attention to these terrible diseases during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In Bristol, the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer will take place Sept. 23, at Pinnacle. All Tri Cities’ community members are invited to participate and registration for the Tri Cities’ St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer is $10 for adults and children ages 6 and up to Walk and $20 for the 5K timed run. This 5K run will start at 8:00am and the Walk will start at 8:30am. Participants are encouraged to form teams and raise funds to help support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude. National series sponsors for the event include: Target, Thrivent Mutual Funds and America Airlines. National walk/run teams include: Chili’s Grill & Bar, Tri Delta, New York & Company, Domino’s, Cox Automotive, Westfield, D XL Group, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Brooks Brothers and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Local sponsors of the event are Food City, Eastman Credit Union, Bass Pro Shop, WCYB, Bristol Broadcasting, and The Pinnacle. For more information, to make a donation, volunteer or register, visit stjude. org/walkrun.

ward winning musicians Jeff Little and Wayne Henderson will perform at the College’s Regional Center for the Performing Arts on the Blountville campus next to Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online now at www.northeaststate.edu/tickets. Northeast State hosts the concert as part of the College’s Because of You weeklong scholarship fundraising event. The concert and other events raise money to benefit students with scholarships and other programs. Jeff Little’s approach to the piano is based on the deep musical traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With few exceptions, the piano does not play a prominent part in Appalachian or Americana music, and is rarely the lead instrument. But Little is an exception – and a remarkable one. His distinctive two-handed style, much influenced by the mountain flat-picked guitar tradition, is breathtaking in its speed, precision, and clarity. Little’s performances include The Smithsonian Institution, The National Folk Festival, American Piano Masters, Merlefest and many festivals, performing arts centers, and colleges throughout the U.S. He has also taken his traditional piano style around the world performing in countries such as France, Bahrain, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. He has released four CDs, and been featured on National Public Radio and PBS many times. Wayne Henderson is the Appalachian guitarist that Nashville pickers all talk about. A National Heritage Award recipient, Henderson is regarded as a brilliant musician and instrument maker. His reputation as a top-notch finger-picking guitarist is well-known throughout the region and country. Sometimes Wayne's playing is mistaken for flatpicking, but he actually uses a thumb-pick and fingerpicks to achieve amazing speed and fluidity, transforming fiddle and banjo pieces, and even the occasional jazz standard, into stunning guitar solos. In addition to his reputation as a guitarist, Henderson is a luthier of great renown. Blues guitarist John Cephas said that Wayne Henderson “is probably the most masterful guitar maker in this whole United States.” Wayne has dazzled audiences at Carnegie Hall, on three national tours of "Masters of the Steel-String Guitar", and in seven nations of Europe, Asia and Africa. Please join us this evening for a night of music that benefits our student community. For more information visit www. northeaststate.edu.

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

Jeff Little & Wayne Henderson play the WRCPA Theatre

Enjoyanight of terrific music when two extraordinary musicians collaborate for a concert at Northeast State Community College on Sept. 14

Shakespeare’s classic play at Tusculum College

Breakneck Hamlet

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

Tim Mooney will bring his one-hour, high energy version of Hamlet to the stage Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Tusculum College.

ooney’s “Breakneck Hamlet” will be presented at 7 p.m. in the Behan Arena Theatre on the lower level (side entrance) of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum campus. The performance is part of the 2017-18 Acts, Arts, Academia performance and lecture series, coordinated by Tusculum Arts Outreach. Mooney has “recklessly sliced” his “Breakneck Hamlet” from Shakespeare’s original, cutting a four-hour play to a single hour with a single actor. This “breakneck” performance reveals Hamlet as a thrilling chameleon, with an immense intellectual capacity and a hilarious, wicked sense of humor. Rather than the melancholy Dane of more traditional interpretations of the play, Mooney’s Hamlet is a man of action with barely a second-long pause throughout. The Chicago-based actor is a veteran of over 50 fringe festivals and 15 years of touring colleges and high schools across the US with popular one-man shows. “Breakneck Hamlet” is Mooney’s eighth (and he describes as best) one-man play, following, “Moliere than Thou,” “Lot o’ Shakespeare” (one monologue from each of Shakespeare’s plays), and “The Greatest Speech of All Time,” which included historical speeches ranging from Socrates to Martin Luther King, Jr. Mooney has adapted 17 of the plays of Molière and is the author of the acting textbook, “Acting at the Speed of Life; Conquering Theatrical Style.” Mooney’s skill at turning rhetorical complexity into theatrical power gets its greatest test with “Hamlet.” (He has, in fact, published his complete adaptation, along with a facing-page concordance including research and acting notes, as “The Breakneck Hamlet Companion,” available via Amazon.) “I was inspired to bring substance and passion to the soliloquies and great speeches (while bridging the gaps of the ongoing action with a playful, snarky commentary that I can’t quite resist),” Mooney says of “Breakneck Hamlet.” “The intent is to add by subtraction,” he continues. “By removing a dozen actors and three hours of melancholy, we surface the power that the original Elizabethan audience must have felt. It gives the modern audience access to what is generally considered the greatest play of all time. We are suddenly more aware of a delicate and dangerous political battle, between two equally powerful, and equally aware players fighting over who gets to be king.” Admission to the play is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 60 and over, and $5 for children 12 and under. Special discounts for adult or senior tickets are available for groups of 15 or more. The Acts, Arts, Academia performance and lecture series is supported by Tusculum Arts Outreach, Hearts for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the late Dr. Sam Miller in memory of Agnes Ault Miller and generous donors and volunteers. To reserve tickets or for more information, contact Arts Outreach at 423798-1620 or email jhollowell@tusculum.edu.

he trademark sound of Hitchcock’s soaring tenor voice and Russell’s simple yet majestic songs created a unique sound that would forever be known as Air Supply. Hits including "Lost in Love," "All Out of Love" and "Every Woman in the World" helped the duo achieve multi-platinum success. Air Supply’s popularity skyrocketed with the release of their album “Lost in Love,” which sold more than two million copies. The album included the chart topping songs “Every Woman in the World,” “Lost in Love,” and “All Out of Love.” The group went on to release 30 albums and more hit singles like “The One That You Love,” “Even The Nights Are Better,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Making Love Out of Nothing,” and “Just As I Am.” Most famous for their live performances, the duo is known to give audiences memorable shows. After years of performing all over the world, Air Supply has received numerous recognitions as one of the most celebrated soft rock groups in music history. In 2008, the duo was named #83 on Billboard’s Top 100 musical acts of all time. Air Supply was also inducted into The Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame in 2013 for their exceptional music and international successes over 40 years. Graham Russell and Russell

Hitchcock continue to write and record music and entertain audiences all over the globe. Air Supply performs at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) in Historic Downtown Greeneville, TN on Saturday, September 16th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $60 for orchestra level seating, $55 for mezzanine seating and $50 for balcony seats. VIP tickets are available for $159 (details available on NPACgreeneville.com). Tickets are on sale now for all performances for the entire 2017-2018 season and may be purchased online at NPACgreeneville.com, in person at the NPAC box office, or by calling 423-638-1679. NPAC offers online seat selection with no processing or delivery fees. There is an additional $1.50 ticketing fee per ticket regardless of purchase method. The box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM until 5 PM. The 1150 seat performing arts center is located adjacent to the campus of Greeneville High School. For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit NPACgreeneville.com.

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

perfoms at NPAC

Limited tickets remain for Australian duo, Air Supply, who take the NPAC stage on Saturday, September 16th at 7:30 p.m. Air Supply, featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Graham Russell and lead vocalist Russell Hitchcock, became international stars in the 1980s with their soft-rock sounds.

Minute After Midnight An up and coming band playing Rhythm and Roots

Eddie Skelton Band to headline Friday Night Dance

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

hythm and Roots is such a music extravaganza, sometimes we get too caught up in the headliners, and for good reason. But there are many bands playing this weekend that are not headliners yet, but are certainly up and comers. One such band is Minute After Midnight, an American-Pop Rock Quartet. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee the band consists of members Derrick Correll (Vocals), Eric Sheffield (Drums), Kevin Hanson (Guitar/Vox), and Matthew Burnette (Bass). Recording their highly anticipated debut "Matter of Time" with producer Cameron Mizell of Glendale, AZ, Minute After Midnight is ready to give listeners a reason to turn the music up again. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re playing on Friday. Catch them if you can for a delightful musical interlude.

itizens are invited to dance the night away from 7-10 p.m. the first and third Friday of each month when Senior Services at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., hosts Friday Night Dances. The Eddie Skelton Band will perform Friday, Sept. 15. Cost is $5 with a Silver SneakersÂŽ discount for eligible participants. Please pre-register and pay in person at the MPCC Senior Services desk. For more information, call (423)434-6237.

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

Playing at HRBC

Jamen Denton

“

Popular local musician Jamen Denton is playing the Brewery Saturday night. He has been on the scene for a while now, playing with such groups as Virginia Ground and Wise Old River.

e takes the stage at 10:00, and there is no cover at the Brewery this week. The other music at the Brewery is Friday night, and Josh Daniel is playing. Yes, the same guy who wowed the crowds at Bristol’s Border Bash earlier in the summer will take the stage at 10:00. Either night, be prepared to enjoy some great music, good food and, of course, the Brewery’s excellent craft beer selections. Visiting Rhythm and Roots? Both bands are starting late to allow you to catch them, PLUS – the Brewery is running a shuttle all weekend, so you can park there and get chauffeured into downtown Bristol.

The Loafer... THE place to look for info on events in the Tri-Cities!" Ash W.

Riverfest Updates

s the Holston Riverfest draws closer (October 6-8), there have been some exciting additions to the music lineup. Upchurch the Redneck is signed to play on Friday night, making the main stage the place to be. Also added to the Saturday lineup are Jackie Lee and Dylan Schneider. That brings Saturday’s music lineup to six acts, all of whom are mustsee. Don’t forget the car, truck and bike show Saturday beginning at 9:00 AM. There will be many custom vehicles to see as well as the flame throwing and burnout events during the day. All in all, this festival promises to be one of the main attractions in the Tri Cities area this fall. The website is www.holstonriverfest. com or you can call 423-923-9090 for more information

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

ou can also catch them on Bristol Radio’s “Farm and Fun Time” that evening live at the Paramount in Bristol, TN. The Cactus Blossoms bring a new energy and vitality to a classic sound with their blood harmonies and instantly memorable songs — they’re often compared to the Everly Brothers. Rolling Stone writes, “There's no getting around it: You’re Dreaming is pretty damn dreamy” and Garden & Gun magazine says, “the brothers’ transcendent harmonies shine throughout and the slippery, spooky guitar work gives You’re Dreaming a stamp of authenticity, despite hailing from the frozen tundra of the North Star State. Recently featured performing their song “Mississippi” live at the Bang Bang Bar on the third episode of Twin Peaks TV series on Showtime, the band premiered their own video for the song with NPR’s All Songs TV. Filmed in the icy waters of their native Minnesota, the band's haunting,

reverb-drenched harmonies and the song's subject matter -- the protagonist makes a jump into the cold, dark waters of the Mississippi -- "perfectly captures the strange unease and surreal mystery Twin Peaks is known for" (NPR). The track appears on their debut Red House album, You’re Dreaming, and is also featured on the Twin Peaks soundtrack due out September 8. The Cactus Blossoms and their band are touring here and abroad this summer, including an appearance in London’s Hyde Park (with Kings of Leon) as well as festival dates. They’ve performed at Newport Folk Fest, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Stagecoach Fest and others and were featured by Rolling Stone Country, NPR Heavy Rotation, NPR All Things Considered, Folk Alley, Noisey, Garden & Gun, CMT, A Prairie Home Companion and more. Go to http://www.thecactusblossoms. com for more info.

13 theloaferonline.com | March 28, 2017

Brother duo heads to Bristol

The Cactus Blossoms

Brother duo The Cactus Blossoms, Jack Torrey and Page Burkum, will be heading to Bristol with their band to perform at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Festival on Saturday, September 16.

Spotlight

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

- TUESDAY - September 12th -

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

- SATURDAY - September 16th -

- FRIDAY - September 15th -

The Bobs DB Little Theatre

Shooter Band Stone Drive Eagles

Air Supply Niswonger Performing Arts Center

Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Shades of Refinement Elizabethton Elks Lodge

Leather Guinevere, Karen Cajkas Army, Henry Doss Acoustic Coffeehouse

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus The Hideaway

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Weekend Downtown Bristol

Jet Black Audio Woodstone Deli

Stemwinder Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Forlorn Strangers Founders After 5

David Caldwell Our House Restaurant

Old Movie Night Bears Bar

Isabel Soehnlen Acoustic Coffeehouse

The Diamonds Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Southern Rebellion Wild Wing Cafe

Live Music Bears Bar

Guy Marshall Yee Haw Brewing Company

3.0 Country Club Bar & Grill

- WEDNESDAY -September 13th Ben Shuster Wild Wing Cafe Bike Night Bears Bar

- THURSDAY - September 14th -

Eddie Skelton Johnson City Senior Center

Michael Bolton Niswonger Performing Arts Center

A Good Rogering Capone’s

Jam w/ Frito Puente Wellington’s Restaurant

Today is the day / RevLow / I-I The Hideaway

Songwriters in the round The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Coal Creek Country Club Bar & Grill

Matt Ward /Peasant Moon / Zac Young Acoustic Coffeehouse Loose Leaves Model City Tap House Jeff Little and Wayne Henderson Northeast State Center for the Performing Arts Open Talent Night Bears Bar

- FRIDAY - September 15th -

- SATURDAY - September 16th The Buddz / Greco / The Stir Capone’s Shooter Band Elizabethton Moose Lodge

- SUNDAY - September 17th Bristol Rhythm & Roots Weekend Downtown Bristol JCSO String Quartet Benefit Recital St John’s Episcopal Church Liana Cabel Acoustic Coffeehouse R&R After Party, From The Edge Bristol Station Brews & Taproom

- TUESDAY - September 19th Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Jamen Denton Holston River Brewing Company Nightshift Band Bristol Country Show Palace

American Dropouts Capone’s

Songwriters in the round Heartwood

Josh Daniels Holston River Brewing Company

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Weekend Downtown Bristol

Tuna Goat Show Our House Restaurant

Coal Creek Painter Creek Marina

for show time & more details, visit

theloaferonline.com

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

Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport 423-765-0875

Bear's Bar 4460 Highway 421 Bristol TN 423-502-1975

Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr. Bristol VA 276-466-4100

Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St. Bristol VA 276-644-9464

Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276-623-0037

Holston River Brewing Company 2623 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN

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

CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361

Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock Drive Kingsport

KARAOKE

TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Tina and West at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Logans Karaoke w/ Marques at Painter Creek Marina Karaoke with Top shelf Entertainment at Boomershine’s Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holston River Brewing Company Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at Quaker Steak & Lube Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ Marques at Painter Creek Marina Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************

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

FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Los Amigos - Kingsport Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at BoBo’s - Damascus VA Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************

15 theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

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

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

Pale, Blue Dot: That's Us! “Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s Us.” Carl Sagan, 1990

Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

It was this week in 1990 that NASA released an historic panorama of photos from an unmanned spacecraft that changed our thinking about our place in the Universe.

t the urging of the late astronomer Carl Sagan, NASA had its Voyager 1 robot turn around and take 60 photos of our Solar System from 4 billion miles. The mosaic showed six of the then nine planets and the Sun (Mercury and Mars were too close the Sun, and then planet Pluto too faint). The “people’s astronomer” Sagan said Earth looked like “a pale, blue dot” captured in a lens flare of sunlight. Indeed, the paradox of the insignificance and enormity of Earth was recorded. Sagan called it “a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.” The philosophy of humanity was challenged by the image. There we are. So small. So alone. Yet on the surface of the third rock from the Sun, every human is important, every person has their unique life. From birth to death, we are self-centered by design, and rarely aware of our complete insignificance in a Universe that has at least twice as many hundred-billion-star galaxies than the number of all the people who have lived on the Earth. Recently I’ve had a global perspective presented to me. During the Great American Eclipse, many people from around the world bonded during the amazing solar event. As a result, I spent several days with a visiting Australian astronomy popularizer, Dave Reneke, and his astro friend Cliff Watson. They visited Florida’s Space Coast and the experience enrichened our global perspective. This 25,000-mile round ball of Earth separated the Australians and Americans in cultural habits, but together we were united over food, playing tourist and sharing family memories. And then there is Hurricane Irma. Recently moving to Florida (but keeping my contacts in the East Tennessee), I never experienced a hurricane. So along comes the largest one ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. (How that ends up is for later as The Loafer deadline precedes the invasion of Irma on my home on Merritt Island.) Merging Australian visitors, a global hurricane and the eclectic blend of people living in Florida has made me think a little about this pale, blue dot of ours. My girlfriend, Anita Friend, has educated me to the global aspect of hurricanes and Floridians’ eye to Africa. Originating 5,000 miles away off the northwest coast of Africa, all local TV weather broadcasts show the continent and potential storms developing off its north coast. The Aussie visitors were on the last leg of their four-week tour of America with the Great American Eclipse sandwiched in between. Dave Reneke is a “go-to” amateur astronomer in his home continent. His popular website, Dave Reneke’s Space and Astronomy, is daily digest of astro news. I am an

editor for Dave’s website and offer my stories and photographs of stargazing adventures in the United States. That is another global angle, all the astronomy projects that encompass many countries, particularly universities around the world. Of course, you can’t talk about being globally connected without the World Wide Web, aka, Internet. Social media has no borders, only electronic connection barriers. It was Aussie Dave who brought up the “pale, blue dot” when talking about his astronomy hero, Carl Sagan. Baby Boomers remember Sagan’s frequent visits on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” where his Brooklyn, New York accent was a moniker when he described the Universe and its “billions and billions of stars.” The 1980 PBS television series “Cosmos” made Sagan a media star, and he sadly died of leukemia in 1996. Looking at Earth from space only became part of our human psyche in December 1968 when the three-man crew of Apollo 8 made the first traverse of the 240,000 miles to the Moon, capturing the first photos of our entire globe against the blackness of outer space. But when the Earth rose over the lunar horizon, those iconic images really changed everyone’s thinking about our home planet. As seen close-up from outer space, Earth has no borders and no countries. Daytime gives no hint of civilization, but the night side beams a message to the cosmos that creatures have illuminated their lair. The imagery of Earth from space is astounding, like a blue marble. The watery oceans of various blue colors dominate two-thirds of the globe, and the land masses are marked with many color shades of green and brown. Antarctica is a white cap covering much of one end of the globe, and on the opposite end is a smaller white area. But it is the swirling white cloud system wrapping the globe that tantalizes the visual senses. Never the same from one day to the next, these patterns of global weather are like a curly hairdo, yet unwittingly control the lives of the humans below. Those pretty clouds betray their purpose as storms, tornados, and hurricanes. No one has summed up the reality of our pale, blue dot than Sagan, who’s 1994 book of that name talks of the human condition on planet Earth: “To my knowledge, there is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world,” Sagan said. “to me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly and compassionately with one another and to preserve and cherish that pale, blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.”

he first day of Autumn is next Friday, Sept. 22 at 4:02 pm, and the sky above is reflecting the seasonal change. We are entering the best two weeks to see the Milky Way—right after the Moon’s full phase when it rises about 30 minutes later each day, leaving the early evening dark and starry. These are the last few weeks to catch Jupiter and star Spica in the evening. And you have four or five weeks to catch Saturn between Sagittarius and Scorpius in the south Milky Way. Tuesday, September 12 On this date in space history 19 persons can say this is the day they rocket into space. Future Moon voyage crewmates Richard Gordon and Pete Conrad on Gemini 11 in 1966; five on Space Shuttle Discovery in 1991; seven aboard Endeavour in 1992; and five aboard Discovery in 1993. THAT will not be duplicated for a long while.

Friday, September 15 A beautiful weekend of stargazing as the Milky Way spans from north to south. The Big Dipper is scrapping the northeast horizon while the south skies feature Sagittarius and Scorpius in the direction of the center of our Galaxy.

Saturday, September 16 On this 1996 date in space history, NASA launched Space Shuttle Atlantis on a mission to the Wednesday, September 13 Russian space station MIR, dropping off John Blaha for a four month stay and bringing back Above the twilight horizon of evening, yellow Jupiter is above white Shannon Lucid after a then American record 188 day in space. Spica, saying their goodbyes after giving us quite a beautiful sky show since early Spring. When the leaves are flying in October, they will be Sunday, September 17 too close to the Sun, popping up in the morning sky before Halloween. Golden Saturn and red Antares make quite a contrast looking directly south. The heart of the Scorpion and our ringed planet in the little-known Zodiac constellation Ophiuchus set Thursday, September 14 below the horizon by midnight. On this date in 1966, Gemini XI docked with an Agena rocket, which was ignited and boosted future Apollo 12 moon men Dick Gordon and Pete Monday, September 18 Conrad to record 850-miles high. Surpassed by only the Apollo voyages On this 1990 date in space history NASA released a “family portrait” of our Solar System to the Moon, this is still the highest orbit attained by a manned vehicle. taken from Voyager 1 at four billion miles from the Sun. Taken after years of urging by the Conrad, deceased, walked on the Moon with Alan Bean, while Gordon, “people’s astronomer” Carl Sagan, the photo captured six of the then nine planets (Mercury circled 100 miles above. This flight guaranteed Gordon a pilot ride to and Mars were too close to the Sun, and Pluto was too faint.) In the mosaic of 60 images, the surface on Apollo 17, but he was bumped to Apollo 18 for geologist the Earth, in Sagan’s words, looked like a “pale, blue dot,” a humbling experience for all Harrison Schmitt. Gordon was moved to Apollo 18, but it and moon mankind. voyages of Apollo 19-21 were cancelled–and seven others’ hopes of walking on the Moon.

19 theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Sept. 12-18, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

Ode to the

Halloween Section 2017 has been a difficult year. It’s been a year filled with uncertainty. Just speaking for myself, and for the friends of mine who I’ve talked to about this, we’ve all gained weight, felt our anxiety stronger than we have in years past.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

ll summer long I felt like I was in an overwhelming marathon of taking care of a thousand things at once. Some of you I’m sure can figure out why there’s been more anxiety this year than others. If you can’t, well, that’s a conversation for another time. 2017 hasn’t been easy, it’s been well…it’s been. Now that we have passed labor day weekend, the threshold of Fall is upon us (which is the name of my super pretentious novel coming out next fall). Fall to me means one thing. October. Which also means Halloween. If you’ve followed my exploits in these here pages for any length of time, you may recall that in the Ross family Halloween is a Christmas sized holiday. We take it seriously. We take making Halloween fun VERY seriously. This goes back to my mother's memories of her childhood, and her father making Halloween fun and spooky and memorable. So with 2017 being a year of anxiety and ALL THE THINGS, I have been looking forward to Halloween and Fall more than ever. It came to pass that after a VERY busy August, I found myself out and about on Labor Day Weekend doing some shopping. I went by a

BATTERIES continued on page 27

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

17th annual

Sorghum Making Festival

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

At this unique, old time event, visitors will have the opportunity to observe sorghum cane being processed into molasses using a mule-powered mill at the 17th annual Sorghum Making Festival on Saturday, September 16th at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

he mules will be out turning the cast iron rollers squeezing out the delectable juices to be boiled down into molasse. Just to watch the mule work is worth a visit to the site! While activities will take place all day, Oscar, his crew, and the mules will be milling the cane in the earlier part of the day. Visitors can enjoy touring the historic structures of the property that will take you back to the pioneer ages of this land and into the Civil War. Spend some time in the cabin as delicious open hearth cooking can be enjoyed. The historic cave will be open for everybody of all ages to explore and find their inner spelunker. Also, come out and enjoy the Model A Macâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car show that will be held on site as the sorghum is being pressed. The car show members will be arriving around 10am. Simply come and relax in the shade and appreciate the historic atmosphere while getting away from the fast pace of the twenty first century. Admission is $5/adults and $2.50/children twelve and under. Members of the Tipton Haynes Historical Association are FREE. We encourage families to come and learn more about the heritage of our area. For additional information, please call (423) 926-3631. Tipton-Haynes is located in Johnson City, exit 24 off I-26 and follow the signs to 2620 South Roan Street. Tipton Haynes State Historic Site is a Tennessee Historical Commission State-Owned Historic Site.

LOGAN LUCKY

Imagine James Bond, Magic Mike, Kylo Ren ("Star Wars"), and the ex-wife of Tom Cruise in a movie together. The aforementioned is the grouping we have in the new film "Logan Lucky", directed by Steven Soderbergh ("Ocean's 11"). The story is a heist comedy starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Daniel Craig, Katie Holmes, and an almost unrecognizable Seth MacFarlane.

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

he story line follows Jimmy Logan (Tatum), a blue collar worker and former high school football star in his small West Virginia town, is currently working a construction job at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, until he is unexpectedly laid off. When Jimmy returns to West Virginia to see his daughter in a local beauty pageant, he begins to devise a plan to rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway with the help of his Iraq War veteran brother Clyde (Driver). Of course, the two cannot plan this alone, so Jimmy recruits a couple of bumbling helpers, the incarcerated Joe Bang (Craig), an explosive expert, and Jimmy's hairdresser sister Mellie (Rilley Keough) to help. Due to his time working construction at the Speedway, Jimmy was able to learn about the access tunnels running beneath the track, which will aid him perfectly in his plan. The only stumbling blocks include Joe Bang being in jail, and Jimmy's daughters pending beauty pageant which is being held the same time night as the planned robbery. Jimmy and Clyde pull off the perfect temporary escape for Bang and Clyde, who purposely had himself arrested so he could plan Bang's escape from inside the jail. When Bang and Clyde are able to escape, the group heads quickly to Charlotte to pull off what they hope is the perfect heist. Meanwhile, Jimmy knows he must do the job quickly so he can race back to West Virginia to see his daughters beauty pageant. As expected, the group does encounter a few stumbling blocks, one of which involves MacFarlane's over-the-top character Max Chilblain, a sports drink salesman/race sponsor. Is our group of robbers successful in their effort? The answer should come as no surprise less we have no movie. The film is full of "dry" humor, and director Soderbergh has his tongue firmly planted in cheek when it comes to the behavior of the mountain

characters. However, in no way did I feel the director was poking fun at mountain folk, as he actually conveyed the characters endearing. The performances are all wonderful, with Alabama boy Tatum pulling off the perfect Appalachian accent. Even Driver, probably best know as the latest "Star Wars" villain, does a great job with the accent. As for 007 himself, the British Craig is a riot in the role of the bleached blonde, tattooed, hilariously named Joe Bang. In fact, Craig stole scenes from his formidable co-stars. Holmes is less successful in her role as the Jimmy's ex-wife Bobbie Jo, but then again her dialogue isn't exactly thrilling. Keough, as Jimmy's sister, is the stronger of the female roles in this film, and plays the hair dresser with the multi-colored finger nails to perfection. Overall, "Logan Lucky" is one of those left-of-center films that you can enjoy in all of its eccentric glory. However, while the film didn't make me a NASCAR fan, it still left me a fan of the lead actors.

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

(Rated PG-13) 2 1/2 Bag os money (out of 4)

Pesky Hiking Encounters

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

Now that the touch of the crisp fall weather is in the air, we thought it would be a good time to bring you another article on hiking safety tips. In this article, we want to talk about a few of the animals, that you may encounter while hiking the SWVA/NETN trails. When most people head out to hike or walk in the woods, animal emergencies are probably one of the last things on your mind. But its best to be prepared and not be caught off guard in the woods.

1 T 2 A 3

Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

ne of the most asked questions that we get is, “have you run into any bears while hiking?”. Well the answer is yes! This shouldn’t come to a surprise to anyone as you are hiking in the bears home. Almost all the National Parks, State Parks and National Recreation Areas/Forest around us are home to the black bear. Bears in their natural habitat are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Its best to avoid bears any way possible. A couple good ways to help bears avoid you, is to wear a bear bell – a large bell similar to a cow bell – that will make noise and alert any bear that may be walking in the same area, and another is have conversation with your hiking group. Keep the noise level high so that any bear in the area can hear you talking. If you find yourself face to face with a bear on the trail, do not panic and run. Its also a good idea to carry a loud whistle so that you can begin to blow it loudly and wave your arms in the air and make yourself appear loud and large to keep the bear from approaching you. In the rare event that the bear does attack you, stand your ground and fight back! Don’t run, it will chase you. Don’t climb a tree as they are excellent tree climbers. Make yourself big and loud and fight back with anything you can grab like rocks, sticks, tree limbs and try to focus any hits on the face around the eyes and the snout. he second most asked question we get is, “do you see any snakes when you hike?”. Again, the answer is yes. A snake’s natural habitat is in the woods. In our area, there are 23 different types of snakes that you may encounter. Out of these 23, only 2 are poisonous and those are the Northern Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake. Of these two, the Timber Rattlesnake has the most toxic venom of the two and will give you a loud warning with its rattle if you get too close. The Timber Rattler can have a tan/yellow or a black/grey pattern and usually a V or W crossbar patterns on it back. It will have larger head and narrow neck and a distinctive rattle on the end of the tail that it shakes. The Copperhead, is more of brown and orange in color, almost the shade of dead leaves. It will also have a thick body and patterns on it. The pattern is normally comprised of wide, irregular bands that are darker than the background color of the snake. The copperhead, along with the rattler, have a heart shaped head. And if you can make out the eyes, you will see they have a slit pupil and not a round one. If you are bitten by either of these snakes, call 911 for help and don’t panic. Do not put a tourniquet or ice on the bite. If you have a pen or marker with you, circle the bite area so that medical professionals can determine any swelling. Do not try to extract the venom yourself. Keep the bite area below the heart and wait for help. If you have to hike back out, walk slowly so that you don’t cause the venom to circulate faster.

nother question that is often asked, “can you get bitten by a black widow or brown recluse while hiking?”. Well… yes! These two spiders are commonly found in every forest that is around you. The black widow, appears to be very shiny or glossy to the naked eye and hairless. It is dark black (sometimes dark brown/orange color) with a red or orange hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen. The brown recluse ranges from a light yellowish to a dark reddish or chocolate brown color. It’s a medium size spider with the leg span roughly the size of a quarter or half dollar. The most distinguishing characteristic is the violin shaped marking on the top of the body directly above the legs. Both of these spiders like to live in dark areas such as under dead trees, piles of wood or stone fences. Be careful reaching under or in trees and rocks when hiking without wearing gloves. If you are bitten by either of these spiders, apply ice or something cold and seek medical attention.

These are some of the most dangerous animals to avoid and stay away from on your nature hikes. It is best to avoid any wildlife no matter how big or small as you never know how they may react to your presence. Even a small squirrel or bird can cause injury when frightened. So we hope these tips will help to keep you safe when enjoying this beautiful fall weather we are having. Maybe we will see you out there!

he Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center (ADMC) has booked a night at the Real to Reel Theater in Johnson City for a free showing of the 1993 movie Groundhog Day co-written and directed by Harold Ramis (Animal House, Ghost Busters, Caddy Shack and many others) and starring Bill Murray. A practicing Buddhist, Ramis packaged the fundamentals of Buddhism disguised as a lighthearted comedy film. The film endures almost a quarter of a century later and there is even a successful Broadway show created this year based on the movie. The film has had numerous showings by other Buddhist centers worldwide. A character reliving the same day repeatedly until he fixes his mistakes was Ramis’ way of incorporating the cycle of reincarnation into a film for Hollywood consumption. It’s a serious topic but a hilariously funny movie and fit for all ages (PG13). The general public is invited to come out and enjoy information, fellowship, and a lot of laughs! The theater’s concession stand will be available to purchase items. Real To Reel Theater is located at 130 W. Springbrook Drive, Johnson City. Doors open at 6:30 with the movie beginning at 7 p.m. There will be a brief introduction to the Buddhist themes in the movie with an opportunity to discuss afterwards. The Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center opened in June 2011 and welcomes all to join any of our weekly meditation sessions and Buddhist studies. ADMC is located at 108 West 10th Avenue, Suite 3, Johnson City, TN. You can learn more at www.dharma4et.org.

Jonesborough Contra Dance

The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will hold a contra dance on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 7:30pm at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street. Performing for the dance will be Atlanta band, Whistlin’ Rufus with Doug Singleton calling. A class for beginners will be held at 7:00pm. Klondike Bars, the official frozen treat of the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society, will be served at the 9:00pm waltz break. This event is open to all. Admission to the dance is $7 for (yet-to-be members), $5 for HJDS members. Full time Students and children get in for $5. A Family Package has been set up that allows parents and as many children in their core family to get in for only $15 For more information, contact event organizer David Wiley at 423-534-8879 or visit www. historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org and Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on FACEBOOK.

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

Viewed With A Buddhist Lens

Groundhog Day

Free Showing

September 16, 2017 Real To Reel Theater in Johnson City

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

Mockery

In antiquity Those who write History Herstory Of days long ago Tell of the truimphs Those victories Given rise to empires Reduced to rubble Ruins Legacy to be interpreted Will we know the truth Or only what is read Translated Into What should be solidarity However far removed From truth Myths And those who weave them Elaborately Stitched Each patch Of some bygone time An aforementioned epoch To whom Will the answers be given Of those Who will listen Viewed as heresy Unbeknownst to them Heretical dogma Precepts Of future indoctrination It is written Therefore it must be true The pen Is mightier than the mind In this day Those who read Follow blindly And those who question Meet blindness Sand dunes for the meek The uninititiated Helpless Hopeless Oblivious Guilty by neglegence

The Casual Word

By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord

BATTERIES continued from page 20

• Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Half off first pint or flight • Broad Street on State 20% off your check of $6 or more • Stateline Bar & Grille 25% off your check – alcohol not included • Studio Brew 15% off food and gift shop merchandise • Shanghai Chinese Restaurant 10% off your entire check • The Southern Churn 10% off your order • Machiavelli’s Free order of breadsticks with any entrée • Whiskey Rebellion Half off your appetizer • J Frank Free dessert and immediate parking

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

Discounts available with ticket stub day of performance

Paramount Partners

theloaferonline.com

popular chain department store, the one that doesn’t have a website devoted to those interesting characters that shop there. When I walked through the entrance, I noticed their dollar section had Halloween stuff in it. My heart skipped a beat, my pulse swelled. I gasped and thought to myself “Do they have their Halloween section up?” I raced towards the back corner of the store, the one where their seasonal stuff always is. As I turned the corner, I saw it. A huge sign above the section that indicated that Halloween had arrived. I rushed over, skipping past the board game section—that’s how serious I am about this. When I got under the sign, I was surrounded by all kinds of Halloween loveliness. Costumes, candy, decorations. It felt like I had just walked into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. In that moment I was a child on Christmas morning. Rushing around to check out all the fun toys. The decorations that talked, lit up, made spooky sounds. The ghost projection light that you can put in your yard to make your house look haunted. The bust of Frankenstein that says “Friend, GOOD!” The witches, the goblins, the ghosts, the plastic skeletons and styrofoam tombstones. My heart felt full. The smile on my face stretched a mile wide and lasted for the rest of the day. I bought some Halloween socks and a few pieces of decor. I made notes about things I wanted to get so I could go home and plot the best places to put them. The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, my friends. Though 2017 has been the year the world has felt broken beyond repair. I found hope that day among the spiders and the goodie bags. Halloween may not seem like the key to fixing all our ills, but it’s a damn good place to start. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

Answers on page 30

Good Boy is a 4 year old hound mix who is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. He is well named and very sweet. He has been at the shelter for a long time. Please consider him to be a part of your family!

Chance is a one year old Terrier mix. He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. This lively little fellow loves to play!

he Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time. Donations can be sent to The Bridge

Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles. Phone: 423-239-5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www. bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ bridgehome

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

PETS

OF THE WEEK

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

THINGS TO DO Thrill The World Practice at Johnson City Public Library Thrill the World is an annual worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller for world records. Thousands of people in cities around the world will learn the Thriller dance and perform it precisely at the same time. All ages may participate in dance practice to learn Thriller at The Johnson City Public Library in the Jones Meeting Room on Wednesday, September 6 and Wednesday, September 20 at 6:00 p.m. Sign-ups will take place at the practices and are a commitment to participate in the Thrill the World event on October 28. For more information about these and other Youth Services programs, please call 423-4344458. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Blood Drive Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the area locations. Visit http:// tinyurl.com/n4aujx9 to find a location near you. In addition to scheduled blood drives, donors are welcome at Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport, 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. For more information about scheduling a blood drive at a local business, church, school or community organization, please call 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 276-679-4669 or visit www. marshblood.com.

on the freedom of writing. It is the goal of this class to open the mind to its full creative potential by allowing participants to write what they want, how they want to write it. Sessions will be student lead; we will engage in topics and subjects that are of interest to the students. The atmosphere is casual and jovial. This class is designed for all those 18 and up who wish to try their hand at creative writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. Jones Creativity Center. Bristol Public Library. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• JC Community Drum Circle The Johnson City Community Drum Circle meets every Wednesday evening (April – October), 7pm - 8:30pm, inside the Farmers’ Market Pavilion next to Founders Park. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. Come drum, hoop/holler, dance, or just relax and take in the scene, no experience or “talent” necessary. There are shared instruments and of course you can bring your own drums or percussion. It's all improvised, so there are no mistakes. We just smile and keep playing. Bring your own seating! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Stress Clinic Community Acupuncture Enjoy a de-stressing and pain relieving thirty minute seated acupuncture session in the Art Gallery of The Renaissance Center in Kingsport. Hosted by Acupuncture Associates, come and get your painless acupuncture •••••••••••••••••••••••••• and get your nervous system strengthened! $40 (plus get a $20 The Casual Word bonus voucher to apply toward Adult Creative Writing Class Join us for a free, fun, engaging, your next visit). Join us EVERY and different look into writing. THIRD THURSDAY 12-3pm. For inIn this class, we will not focus fomations, call 423-239-7044. on structure, form, or rules, but

Off The Couch Tri-Cities Ladies Only Social Activities Group For bi, lesbian or straight ladies. The goal of this group is to get you off the couch and out of the house so you can have fun going to various activities, meet new people and make friends. Activities include live music, open mic night, drum circle, storytelling, social/ coffee hour, comedy, bingo, billiards, sporting events, theatre and karaoke. Locations for activities can take place in different areas throughout the tri cities. Johnson City- The Willow Tree Coffeehouse, The Down Home, Founders Park, JC Community Theatre, Acoustic Coffeehouse, Yee-Haw Brewing Company, 50fifty Sports Tavern Bristol- Border Bash, Quaker Steak and Lube, Studio Brew, Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Kingsport- , Rush Street Neighborhood Grill, Gypsy Circus Cider Company, Sleepy Owl Brewery Possible singers/groups: Wise Old River, Yarn, Amythyst Kiah, Annabelle's Curse, If Birds Could Fly, Beth Snapp, The Black Lillies, The SteelDrivers, Megan Jean and the Klay Family Band, Bill and the Belles, Sang Sarah, Indighost, The Steel Wheels, The Dustbowl

Revival, The Get Right Band, The Ragbirds, Underhill Rose, Dangermuffin, Folk Soul Revival, The Jake Quillen Band, The Whiskey Gentry, and The Way Down Wanderers. To join visit: http://tinyurl.com/ y8utzb4r. Any problems with signing up on Meetup send an email to offthecouchladiessocialgroup@gmail.com. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Virginia Highlands Songwriters Group Virginia Highlands Songwriter's group we would like to invite folks to join. We meet once a month, play assignments for each other, give positive feedback and will be playing at Heartwood once a month on Saturdays 1-3 free for the public. We'll be having our 1st In-The-Round performance at Heartwood in Abingdon next Saturday September 16th from 1-3. The events are FREE to the public. Everyone interested in songwriting is welcome to join. We meet at VHCC in Abingdon in the MEC building room 114 next Thursday September 14th at 6:30. Interested folks may email mmunsey@ vhcc.edu for more information.

Cindy K. Sproles featured in Author Talk at Gray Library Cindy K. Sproles, local Christian fiction author and speaker, will be featured at this month's Author Talk at Gray Library. Sproles will speak at 6:30 p.m., Tues., Sept. 19. Her mission is to "Speak and Write from the Heart," according to her website, cindysproles.com. Cindy has just released "Liar's Winter," which is the second book in her series, "An Appalachian Novel." Co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries, Sproles writes devotions and articles for Christian newspapers, as well as online devotions and blogposts. She teaches writing at Christian Writers Conferences and is a certified life coach and mentor and eldercare specialist. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Cheer, karate instructors needed Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., is seeking the following instructors. Class days/ times are to be determined: Cheerleading coach for ages 6-12 Karate instructor for elementary age students. Instruction will be up to black belt level. Anyone interested is asked to call 423-4345758.

Cryptogram: Sarcasm I now see to be, in general, the language of the devil; for which reason I have long since as good as renounced it. DropQuote: "In a dancer, there is a reverence for such forgotten things as the miracle of the small beautiful bones and their delicate strength."

If you are confused and irritated by all the recent hoopla about “fake news,” “alternate facts,” and “reality-based communities” (as opposed to “unreality-based communities”), then you need to read and think deeply about Kurt Andersen’s very interesting and thought-provoking new book, FANTASYLAND: HOW AMERICA WENT HAYWIRE: A 500-YEAR HISTORY (Random House, 2017).

A Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

lthough I haven’t finished the entire book yet, I did read Andersen’s lengthy overview in the latest issue of Atlantic magazine. According to Andersen, our fake news mania has a rather lengthy American history and he sets out to show how all sorts of alternatefact-based beliefs have shaped our identity over the years. A central thesis of Andersen’s book is that “Little by little for centuries, then more and more and faster and faster during the last half-century, Americans have given ourselves over to all kinds of magical thinking, anything-goes-relativism, and belief in fanciful explanation, small and large fantasies that console or thrill or terrify us. And most of us haven’t realized how farreaching our strange new normal has become.” For a pop culture fan like myself, Anderson’s book is required reading because it examines so many fads and trends that reflect our devotion to the outlandish and the downright bizarre. Andersen believes the road to Fantasyland has been defined by “two momentous changes” that have taken place in the last half century or so--although these changes were a long time coming, and find their origins in the founding of our nation and even before (Andersen begins his book with a section entitled “The Conjuring Of America: 15171789). The first shift occurred during the much-maligned and much-misunderstood decade of the 1960s, the whipping boy of many historians, politicians, and pundits of all persuasions. Ever since that crazy decade, “Americans . . . have had a new rule set in their mental operating systems, even if they’re certain they possess the real truth. Do your own thing, find your own reality, it’s all relative.” The second turning (and noturning-back) point is represented by the exponential growth of online media and communications. Whereas older fantasies, conspiracy theories, and reality distortion took place in the world of snail mail, commercial TV, mostly confined and somewhat isolated communities, and “real” newspapers, these kinds of things are now magnified, distorted, and disseminated in ways never before possible by social media and 24/7 information and entertainment streaming. As a result, our world is more and more resembling an episode of Reality TV, where the lines between fact and fiction are rapidly disappearing. “The world looks a little more like a movie set,” says Andersen, “and seems a little more exciting and glamorous, like Hitchcock’s definition of drama--life with the dull bits cut out.” Needless to say, the parameters that define Fantasyland have been responsible for many conflicts and contentions in our history. For example, Andersen very accurately describes the Civil War as “The War Between States Of Mind,” which is as accurate a description as we are likely to find of what happened to us in the 1860s. The war that resulted in the deaths of nearly one million Americans is thus best explained as a war between two

conceptions of reality that eventually became irreconcilable. The 1920s (popularly known as the “Roaring Twenties”) provides us with a treasure-trove of alternate realities, from the ways in which the automobile changed our conceptions of travel and family to the rise of all sorts of fads and belief systems. Perhaps the most important development during that decade when it comes to alternate realities is the growth of Hollywood and the movie industry. During the 1920s, “most of the most famous Americans were not politicians or military men or writers or painters but actors--people renowned for pretending to be people they weren’t . . . .Movie stars were a new species of fantasy figure, demigods among us, beings whom the news media allowed us more than ever to imagine we practically knew.” One of my favorite sections in Andersen’s book is focused on the late Sixties and early Seventies when we were led deeper into Fantasyland by a host of books, movies, music, and pop culture personalities that wowed us (and took our money) with bestsellers about ancient astronauts, the “greening of America,” alien abductions, religion with and without church, miracle diets, opening our minds with LSD, and hundreds of ways to get in touch with your true feelings. If you saw the last episode of “Mad Men” you saw a capsule summary of just how hokey all this stuff became. I particularly enjoyed Anderson’s analysis of a book that I once-upon-a-time fell hook-line-and-sinker for. I’m talking about Charles Reich’s pop culture history textbook THE GREENING OF AMERICA, published in 1970, that gave us a very simplistic yet believable history of the United States from the late nineteenth century up through the 1970s. Reich’s contention that the two mindsets that had dominated our history from the 1880s up through the mid-1960s (“Consciousness I” and “Consciousness III,” both dedicated to the values of an industrial and corporatized society that surrendered the freedom of the individual to the all-encompassing authority of the state) was on the verge of being replaced by the dawn of a new era--”Consciousness III”--which would be ushered in by bands of young people wearing tie-dyed shirts and denim jeans (no doubt manufactured in a corporate factory) and accompanied by anti-establishment rock music. Of course, I envisioned myself as part of this band, and still wish Reich’s visions had come true a little more realistically. But, alas, this didn’t happen, and his book, along with Hal Lindsey’s related book of paranoid prophecy, THE LATE GREAT PLANET EARTH, ended up on the discount shelves of bookstores across the land. I still have my original copy of Reich’s book, however, and often take in down from the shelf when I experience rare moments of nostalgic weakness. After all, this was my alternate reality touchstone when I was a little younger than Taylor Swift. Read Andersen’s book. And be sure to start with the index for a preview of what you have in store. See you next week with some real news.

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017

Welcome To Fantasyland

theloaferonline.com | September 12, 2017