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ETSU BUCS
Volume 30 • Issue #42
happenings
Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle
4 ETSU Bucs! 6 Auditions For ‘Mary Poppins’ 7 ‘Men In Song’
Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Patti Barr Sam Jones Shawn Hale Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Joshua Hicks 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 (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (advertising)
8 Pinnacle Trail Challenge Registration Open 9 Old Timey Fall Festival 10 Big Stone Celtic
columns & reviews 18 Stargazer - Neptune A Planetary Mystery Proxima B Centauri 19 Skies This Week 20 Batteries Not Included - Prof. Plum In The Shower... 20 The Casual Word - Galoshes 21 Pop Life - Sully 22 The Trivial Traveler - A Voyage To Kirk’s Rock 24 Mountain Movers - The Michelle Bolling Interview 27 Appalachian Wanderers - A Fair Tradition 31 Kelly’s Place - A World Without Headphone Jacks
11 “Streamliners In Action” 12 Kannapolis: A Moving Portrait 14 Fastball @ Northeast State’s 50th Anniversary 15 Exit 23 @ Acoustic Coffeehouse 23 Storyteller Don White 28 Things To Do 29 Pets Of The Week 30 Classifieds
Captain Ivory
Fall....Down In Damascus Festival The Damascus Brewery Saturday, September 24th
music & fun 16
Spotlight - Great Music 26 Puzzle Page
All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any loss of expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.
Founder: Bill Williams
theloaferonline.com | September 20, 2016 | 3
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ETSU Kickoff Times
he Buccaneers, who are playing a full Southern Conference schedule this season, will host six home games – including the conference opener that was on Sept. 17 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Bucs’ remaining five home games will be played at Kermit Tipton Stadium. There will be two noon kickoffs, Oct. 1 against Chattanooga and Oct. 15 versus Furman. ETSU’s lone night game at Kermit Tipton Stadium will be a 7:30 p.m. start against West Virginia Wesleyan on Thursday, Oct. 20, while the Bucs’ Homecoming game versus Cumberland is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start on Nov. 12. ETSU wraps up its regular season schedule with a 3:30 p.m. kickoff against Samford on Nov. 19. “Our athletic administration has worked hard to structure the times for our 2016 home games,” said head coach Carl Torbush, whose Buccaneers open the season on Sept. 3 at Kennesaw State. “Our fan base is very passionate about football. We tried to schedule our game times to the best of our ability so it would allow our fans to not only enjoy ETSU football, but other college football games around the country.” To order season tickets or individual game tickets, please call (423) 439-3878 or click here. For more information on Buccaneer football, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the football page
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! (423) 439-3878 or (423) 439-4828 BUY TICKETS ONLINE For ticket information or to make a purchase, please call the ETSU Athletics Ticket Office at (423) 439-3878 or (423) 439-4828. All tickets sold in advance may be picked up at the ticket office during regular hours, 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday, or at Will Call beginning one hour prior to each game. You can also email your ticket questions and requests to TICKETS@ ETSU.EDU.
FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS & PARKING
Before their new on-campus stadium is completed, the Buccaneers will call Johnson City’s Kermit Tipton Stadium home. The 6,600-seat facility boasts an LED video board, one section of premium chair back seats at midfield, bench-backed seats, and general admission bleachers. There is ample parking surrounding the facility which makes for prime tailgating locations, and all situated only two miles from ETSU’s campus. The return of football brings a fresh approach to season tickets. Scholarship fund contributions are now automatically included in the cost of a seat relative to particular sections. So there is one price and one payment each year. Prices for each section can be found on the adjoining color-coded map. In addition, the season tickets you purchase, plus other donations directly to the Excellence Fund help you earn priority points which provide an opportunity for better seat selection when ETSU opens its on-campus stadium. Fans who purchase season tickets are also eligible to purchase a season parking permit for $25.00. Priority Point rank will determine parking selection. The number of passes you are eligible for is determined by how many season tickets you have purchased. Refer to the parking order form and parking map (linked below) for more information. Go here: http://bit.ly/2cgBI3M for season ticket order form.
ETSUBucs.com
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ETSU Tailgating Guidelines ast Tennessee State University welcomes alumni, students, fans and friends to participate in tailgating activities. Individuals, groups, and organizations hosting or participating in tailgating are responsible for their own conduct and that of their guests, are expected to respect the rights of others, and should refrain from behavior that infringes upon other’s enjoyment of the Buccaneer game day experience. Students are expected to adhere to the ETSU Student Code of Conduct. • Tailgating is permitted on game days in areas designated by the Dept. of Athletics and at other ETSU events as designated by the Office of the President or designee. Unless otherwise designated, set up may begin four and a half hours before and must be cleared after the game/event.
• Be aware when driving through lots. Bikes, motorcycles, skateboard, and scooters are not to be in use in tailgating lots. • Glass bottles are prohibited. All beverages must be in plastic/non-breakable cups. Large containers or common drink dispensers or any device/activity to increase the consumption of beverages are prohibited. • Portable radio/stereo units
allowed. Volume and language should be appropriate for all ages. Platforms, stages or enclosed tents are not permitted and no staking or tent pegs in paved areas. •No open flames, fires built on the ground, or open fire pit devices. Charcoal and propane grills are permissible. Hot coals should be extinguished with water. Propane tanks capped at 20 pounds. Fire safety equipment should be available if grill is in use. Properly ventilated gas generators (max. 1500 watts) allowed. • No food/drink sales, solicitation or advertising without ETSU permit. No food/drink may be brought into stadium. • Disposal of all trash required. Items remaining may be discarded and vehicles towed at owner’s expense. • No stadium/game re-entry after kickoff. ETSU student ID required for access to student parking. Guests should be in possession of a photo ID at all times. • In adherence with TBR/University policy, ETSU is Tobacco-Free with all tobacco usage permitted only inside private vehicles and no alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted. Kermit Tipton Stadium Rules ETSU reserves the right to eject any patron for unlawful or unruly behavior. Items such as
outside food and drink, alcohol and tobacco products, weapons of any kind, or signs containing foul/abusive language are not permitted. Per NCAA rules, no noise makers of any kind are permitted. Backpacks prohibited other bags subject to search and seizure. No pets or animals of any kind are allowed, with the exception of documented service animals.
As women approach menopause, hormonal fluctuations not only cause hot flashes and night sweats, but also brain fog, sleeplessness, irritability and mood swings. It’s a challenging time of “transition” not only for them, but their families as well. With menopause, female hormonal production slowly converts from the ovaries to the adrenals. Unfortunately, many women’s lifestyle habits of unmanaged stress, poor diet and lack of sleep tend to weaken their adrenals when they need them most. A natural approach of nourishing the adrenals helps to balance hormone production, therefore easing symptoms. For those women looking for a natural alternative, Transitions is formulated with a blend of traditional herbs used for centuries for regulating female hormones. Unlike pharmaceutical hormone replacement thought to be linked to a greater risk of breast cancer and heart disease, Transitions has been proven safe and effective. As always, we guarantee your satisfaction.
Locally Owned for 35 Years
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Encore holds auditions for
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‘Mary Poppins’
ncore Theatrical Company announces auditions for “Mary Poppins,” the final show of the 10th anniversary season. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m. The auditions will be held at the Inman Humanities Complex located on the campus of Walters State Community College. The production team will be casting approximately 25-30 people for the production, including one boy and one girl (approximately ages 10-12). Those wishing to audition should prepare 32 bars of a musical theatre selection in the style of the show. Please bring a copy of the sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. There will also be a dance portion of the audition. Please dress accordingly, or bring comfortable clothes and shoes to change into. There may also be some readings from the script. The production will begin rehearsals mid-October with performances scheduled for December 2-18. For more information regarding the production or auditions, please visit www.etcplays.org.
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COLORING FOR ADULTS AT THE JOHNSON CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
he Johnson City Public Library is hosting an adult coloring program each Thursday at 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Buffalo Mountain Room on the 2nd floor throughout the fall. The library provides pre-printed designs
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in simple to complex styles along with colored pencils, markers, and other materials. Participants are welcome to bring their own art supplies as well. Many people are discovering the stress-relieving benefits of engaging in this easy, fun activity. Join library staff to explore your creative side! Registration is recommended, but not required. To learn more about these and other upcoming events, visit the library’s events calendar at www.jcpl.net/events, like the library’s Facebook page, follow the library on Twitter @JCPublicLibrary, or follow the library on Instagram at johnsoncitypubliclibrary. For more information or to register call 423-434-4454.
ETSU, Milligan to present third annual
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‘Men in Song’
he music departments of East Tennessee State University and Milligan College are collaborating for a third year to present “Men in Song,” a festival and concert celebrating male singers from throughout the region. This two-day festival starts Saturday, Sept. 24, at 9:30 a.m. and culminates with a free public concert on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. Both the festival and concert take place at Seeger Memorial Chapel on the campus of Milligan College. In addition to the festival choirs of almost 200 singers, five community ensembles will be featured in the final concert. They include ETSU’s BucsWorth Men’s Choir, Milligan’s Heard Mentality, the Appalachian Express Barbershop Chorus, the Appalachian Men’s Ensemble and MECCA Men (Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy). Male singers of all ages are invited to join the festival choir that will rehearse Sept. 24-25. A boys’ festival choir, conducted by Jane Morison and open to all students in fourth grade and up who have unchanged voices, will run concurrently with the adult choir. The two festival choirs will perform together in the finale of the Sunday concert. “The past two years have been an incredible experience for over 300 singers, and we are looking forward to building on this tradition,” said Dr. Alan Stevens, associate director of choral activities in the ETSU Department of Music, who founded the festival in 2014. “Singers have ranged from age 8 to 82. We want men in the region to be aware of the outstanding singing opportunities available in the Tri-Cities no matter their age.” The adult festival choir will be led by Stevens and Dr. Noah DeLong, associate professor of choral music at Milligan College. “We are excited that the ‘Men in Song’ festival is returning to the Milligan College campus,” DeLong said. “It is a great op-
portunity to celebrate the fine singing that happens all across our region and to encourage men of all ages to participate.” Participation in the festival is free for all students through college, courtesy of a donation from Jim and Sandra Powell. Adult registration is $15 and includes all music and lunch on Saturday. No advance preparation is required; all music will be learned at the festival rehearsals. For a complete schedule and registration, visit www.etsu. edu/meninsong. Advance registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, contact Stevens at stevensae2@etsu. edu or 423-439-4725. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346
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Pinnacle Trail Challenge and Hunger Hike
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Art Classes/Workshop Program Arts Depot, Abingdon
www.abingdonartsdepot.org
registration open
egistration for the annual The Pinnacle Trail Challenge and Hunger Hike is now open. The event will be held at the Tourist Information Center (106 Unicoi Village Place) on Saturday, October 1. • Pinnacle Trail Challenge, 8:30 a.m. race start: The Pinnacle Trail Challenge is a race up Buffalo Mountain culminating in a finish at the Pinnacle Fire Tower. Located at an elevation of 3,500 feet above sea level, the tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of East Tennessee. The race distance is 5 miles with a 6% grade for a majority of the trail. Participants can pre-register up until Sept. 28, 2016 ($25). Day of race registration will be available ($35). Male and Female winner prizes include: 1st overall - $100, 2nd - $75, and 3rd - $50. *All registration fees for this event will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, a member of Feeding America. • Hunger Hike, 9:00 a.m. start time: The Hunger Hike is a free event for the whole family. Come out and hike the Pinnacle Trail to help those less fortunate. There is no fee to participate in the hike, but we ask that you bring canned goods to donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, a member of Feeding America. Go to www.runtricities.net to register online. Thanks to our sponsors: Unicoi Business Alliance, Town of Unicoi, Mountain Commerce Bank, U.S Forest Service, Clinchfield Federal Credit Union, Roadrunner, Los Jalapenos, Unicoi Wine and Spirits, Johnson City Elks, Reflections Weightloss, Dr. Jeff Hinton and the Loafer. Call Jeff Linville (423) 220-9821 for more information.
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atercolor Workshop • Instructor: Ellen Elmes Friday through Sunday, September 23, 24 & 25: 10-am to 5 pm Cost $235.00 (Association Members) $260 (non-members) Registration Deadline September 3rd. This workshop will focus on the demonstration and practice of two basic watercolor techniques: wet-on-wet washed for background, under-painted beginnings, combined with the use of glazing for defining detailed foreground imagery. The primary subject will be an assortment of leafy branches, fall seed pods on tree limbs, and vines meandering on stems or branches.
Old Timey Fall Festival
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he Old Timey Fall Festival on Burnsville’s beautiful Town Square, is just that, a good old fashioned local Festival. The YHA (Yancey History Association), the parent organization for the Rush Wray Museum of Yancey History, invites everyone near and far to come out and enjoy the celebration of our heritage. The theme of the festival is always “Old Timey”. This annual event is used to invite heritage-crafters to come out and demonstrate the old timey methods of producing their crafts so that the younger generations can see how their ancestors made these wonderful items. In the past there have been basketmakers, yarn spinners, corn grinders, beekeepers, candle makers, quilters, rug makers and many others demonstrating how they produce their heritage-craft. The day will kickoff with the ever-popular Antique Tractors, Cars and Trucks parade. Everyone loves to see these beautiful specimens of days gone by. You’ll have all the time you need to view each one as they’re parked around the North side of the Square for the day. You can even cast your vote for the Tractor and Car or Truck of your choice to win this year’s coveted plaques. And to make your votes worth casting, there’ll be prizes to be had from random drawings at the end of the day. Check out the special tractor race too. Instead of a race of speed this one is for the SLOWEST tractor! You have to see it to believe it! The entertainment for the day will be top-notch local talent: singers, musicians, cloggers, children’s games, the wooly worm contest and pie-eating contests for adults and kids alike. Please see the entertainment schedules placed around the grounds for the entertainers and times performing. Of course, as with any good festival, there will be some great food. Soup beans and cornbread, hot dogs, hamburgers and barbercue with all the fixin’s, cold
September 24th, 2016
drinks, the ever popular hand squeezed lemonade, and booths with kettle corn, home-baked goodies, all here for your eating enjoyment. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 24, 2016, 10am-4pm, on Burnsville’s Town Square. Grab your lawn chairs and blankets, load up your kids and neighbors, and come on down for a really fun family day and stay around for Music in the Mountains at the Town Center ($). We’ll be looking for you! Whilst your in Town come visit the Yancey History Association at 3 Academy Street in Burnsville just off the main square to see our exhibitions or to see our c.1840 McElroy House and Gardens. www.yanceyhistoryassociation.org or find us on Facebook. We are open Wednesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and Saturdays 10am until 2pm. Visit us at www.yanceyhistoryassociation.org or on Facebook to find the latest news and events.
Exhibitions Now On:
Our Musical Heritage and Then I’ll Come Back to You
(All about the 1916 silent movie set in this area). Exhibition Admission Free. Donations Always Welcome.
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Big Stone Celtic
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ow did Big Stone Celtic get its name? Well, the seven Celtic nations--Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Brittany and Galicia--are renowned for their stone circles and individual standing stones, so a Celtic Festival in Big Stone Gap could only be called one thing. Since its inception nine years ago, Big Stone Celtic has emerged as one of just a handful of pan-Celtic festivals in America, and in this region. Combining music, food, costume and stories to celebrate the strong connections between Appalachia and its European roots, the format is modeled on long established (as in 650 years) village festivals in Scotland, Ireland and Brittany. Although all the venues are located within easy walking distance of each other in downtown Big Stone Gap, the event truly represents a global village. This year features the return of international singing star Barbara Dickson, recipient of the Olivier Award for her work on the West End (London’s equivalent of Broadway) as well as a medal from Queen Elizabeth. If you’ve heard the recording ‘Evita,’ you’ve heard Dickson singing; ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ was her breakout hit. Sigean are once again our house band. Recognized by enthusiasts as THE best exponents of Irish and Scottish music in the area, they have been firm favorites at Big Stone Celtic from the
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Friday September 23rd and Saturday September 24th
beginning, and to recognize their 30 years in existence they will appear with Barbara on the Friday evening headliners’ concert Also returning are the Appalachian Highlanders Pipes and Drum band under the direction of Randy Stanley. A crowd favorite, they will lead the parade of participants --which will also include the horses and sheepdogs featured at Bullitt Park. Also at the park will be a Highland Games demonstration. Ron Short and Jack Beck will lead a ‘coal culture’ presentation at (where else) the Coal Museum, showcasing the work and song connections between Celtic and Appalachian mining. Regular features include afternoon tea with music at the Fox House Museum, music at Miners Park, the Presbyterian Church and the Southwest Virginia Museum. The Celtic Kitchen offering tastes of the seven nations, music at the farmers’ market, workshops and presentations at Tales of the Lonesome Pine Bookstore. For children, the library is hosting several music and craft events, and there will be a range of activities at Bullitt Park. Saturday’s activities will start at 9 am with a 26 mile bike race honoring the late Bill Collie. This reflects the inclusion of bike races in many European Celtic festivals and is a legacy of the early village festival model of earlier horse races. Once again this year there will be a free evening concert on Friday at the Goodloe Center of Mountain Empire Community College starting at 7 pm, courtesy of ProArt, and featuring Barbara Dickson and Sigean, introduced and supported by Jack Beck (host of Celtic Clanjamphry on WETS fm and WEHC fm). From its inception Big Stone Celtic has been generously supported by local individuals and businesses as well as Wise County and Big Stone Gap Town Council. As a result most venues are free, and those that are not are supporting next year’s festival. We appreciate the ways in which the town and its citizens have embraced this heritage celebration, and look forward to seeing everyone on the day. www.bigstoneceltic.com
“Streamliners in Action”
Carter Railroad Museum theme on September 24
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n Saturday, Sept. 24, East Tennessee State University’s George L. Carter Railroad Museum’s monthly Heritage Day will feature “Streamliners in Action.” After the Great Depression, the railroad industry found increased patronage and publicity and turned to industrial stylists like Raymond Loewy, Henry Dreyfuss and Otto Kuhler for modern redesigns of both conventional equipment and new diesel-powered locomotives. “The reality of what the streamlined effort meant to this industry cannot be underestimated,” notes Geoff Stunkard, the coordinator of the Heritage Days program at the museum. From World’s Fairs to world records, these trains breathed new life into America’s railroading business. While not every styling was perfect, the ones that have stood the test of time are truly iconic parts of our industrial heritage. We are looking forward to displaying both the trains and associated artifacts.” The George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and members of the Mountain Empire Model Railroaders (MEMRR) club are developing the program the club’s large 24x44 1:87 HO scale layout, one of four model lines that are housed in the museum. The Carter Railroad Museum is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. The museum can be identified by a flashing railroad crossing signal at the back entrance to the Campus Center Building. Visitors should enter ETSU’s campus from State of Franklin Road onto Jack Vest Drive and continue east to 176 Ross Drive, adjacent to the flashing RR crossing sign. To learn more about the museum, visit http://johnsonsdepot.com/glcarter/ cartermuseum. Visit www.memrr.org to learn more about MEMRR, which helps demonstrate and maintain the model layouts, museum exhibits and other projects. For more information about Heritage Day, contact Dr. Fred Alsop, museum director, at 423-439-6838 or alsopf@etsu.edu. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346. theloaferonline.com | September 20, 2016 | 11
Moving Portraits
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Live original music, archival footage, new film combine in multimedia ‘musical meditation’ on Depression-era life
n the late 1930s and early ’40s, portrait photographer and filmmaker H. Lee Waters traveled through the Carolinas, Virginia and Tennessee, filming ordinary people smiling, dancing, talking, walking, leaving work and generally enjoying life. He would then show his films in local movie theaters so the townsfolk could see themselves and their friends on the big screen. Between 1936 and 1942, Waters made 118 films and inadvertently created the most comprehensive archive of Depression-era American life that exists. “Sometimes the shots are so short you don’t even see the character blink, but there still is some kind of motion and life in them that you don’t get in ‘still’ photography,” says musician and singer/songwriter Jenny Scheinman. “There’s a lot of affection and interaction which is very moving and is strikingly different than the look of any American town now. They look into the lens very guilelessly and movingly. “There is an innocence and truthfulness here that we have lost to social media, obsessive self-documentation, selfies and YouTube.” More than 70 years later, Scheinman was asked by Duke Performances at Duke University, where Waters’ archives is housed, to create a live music-plus-film show using this footage – these “moving portraits.” Scheinman wrote and collected more than three hours of music, including original fiddle tunes, narrative songs and labor songs, then enlisted feature filmmaker Finn Taylor to create a
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new movie from H. Lee Waters’ footage using her music as a blueprint. Together they have created a portrait of American life from various perspectives such as childhood, school, labor, poverty, war, race relations, dancing, athletics and romance. Kannapolis: A Moving Portrait will be presented at ETSU’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Scheinman will perform her score live – as the characters dance across the screen behind her - with her acoustic trio, which features Scheinman on violin and vocals, Robbie Fulks on banjo, guitar and vocals and Robbie Gjersoe on resonator guitar and vocals. Scheinman has released eight albums of original music, two with words, and six instrumental, featuring some of the world’s most influential jazz artists. She has been called “the best fiddler in New York City” and has been in Bill Frisell’s bands for most of her adult life, as well as having worked closely with musicians including Rodney Crowell, Jason Moran, Bruce Cockburn, Brian Blade and David Byrne. Her most recent album, The Littlest Prisoner, features some of the music from Kannapolis: A Moving Portrait. Robbie Fulks has 12 records and has appeared on NPR’s Fresh Air, A Prairie Home Companion, Austin City Limits and 30 Rock. Robbie Gjersoe is co-creator of Screen Door Music and has composed music for many films and TV shows including The Mentalist.
Portraits . . . continued on next page
Portraits . . . continued from page 12 Scheinman says she tried not to make the music for A Moving Portrait overly sentimental, but to instead let the audience decide how to feel about the images and characters they are watching. “Ms. Scheinman’s compositions,” says All Music Guide, “carry within them the mystery, history, heartbreak, and humor of the American experience as lived through one at the margins of culture, race, ideology, style, and spirituality.” The show presents footage from many different towns in and around the Piedmont region, but uses as its namesake one particular town, Kannapolis, which was once home to the world’s largest textile mill, which serves as a central image in a show preoccupied with the “weaving together of people and time.” The town’s nickname, The City Of Looms, inspired one of Scheinman’s songs: Going down to the City of Looms/Going to bring my thread and needle/Going to lay my burden down, down on Southern ground/You got those and I got these/I can share my cooties with who I please. “What I love about Jenny’s music is it feels timeless …” Taylor says. “I was hearing one of the songs and I was thinking this sounds so new and fresh – but it
also could have been written in 1900. It was just so inspiring to cut the film to that music.” The result is “a beautifully coordinated melding of music and film,” says Joan Reinthaler of the Washington Post. The intertwining of media and arts areas in Kannapolis: A Moving Portrait attracted the attention of ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts Director Anita DeAngelis. “I always enjoy when we can book artists that are really crossing disciplines and this particular performance definitely fits that,” DeAngelis says. “This is an important piece of work, a collaboration between musicians, filmmakers and director, and a collaboration between history and the present.” “Music and film is an absolutely magical combination when it clicks,” Scheinman told The Chronicle newspaper of Duke University. “It’s so much more powerful than either of them separately.” For more information on Scheinman, visit jennyscheinman.com. For tickets or information about ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, call 423-439-TKTS (8587) or visit www.etsu.edu/martin.
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Fastball to play free concert for Northeast State’s 50th anniversary
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ortheast State continues its year-long 50th anniversary celebration Sept. 29 with a free concert by the Grammy-nominated band Fastball. Festivities will start on the Blountville campus at 11 a.m. and include family amusement activities and food trucks. At 2 p.m., former Northeast State presidents and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey will gather at the amphitheater to commemorate the College’s anniversary. At 6 p.m., The Breakfast Club®, a popular 80’s tribute band from Atlanta, will perform followed by Fastball at 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.northeaststate.edu/50 and click on the homecoming tab. Those in attendance will be offered free souvenirs and promotional items imprinted with Northeast State’s anniversary logo. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs and/or blankets to sit on during the concert. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed. With nearly 20 years of musical explorations and milestones under its belt, Fastball remains one of the most consistent and continuously celebrated rock bands on the road these days. After rising to prominence in 1996 with the debut disc Make Your Mama Proud, the Austin, Texas-based trio exploded into a household name with 1998’s breakthrough project All the Pain Money Can Buy. Thanks in part to hits such as “The Way,” “Out Of My Head,” and “Fire Escape,” the record skyrocketed to platinum-plus sales in a mere six months, sending the band on a whirlwind tour of the world. Along the way, Fastball scored a pair of coveted Grammy nominations, an MTV Music Award nomination, and regular rotation on the late night talk show circuit. That momentum continued into the next decade, starting with 2000’s The Harsh Light of Day, which the infectious single “You’re An Ocean,” and included a cavalcade of guest stars like the late, great legend Billy Preston, Stray Cats singer, Brian Setzer, and former Wallflowers guitarist, Michael Ward. Painting the Corners: The Best of Fastball was released in 2002. With 2004’s Keep Your Wig On, which was produced by Spoon collaborator Mike McCarthy and Fountains of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger, Fastball hit its stride. The album boasted influences ranging from British Invasion to the power pop to roots rock. By 2009, the trio turned in Little White Lies entirely on its own terms, which didn’t just earn the veterans the best reviews of their career, but also multiple appearances at Austin’s SXSW conference and festival. “I think we’ve grown into a really good rock n’ roll band that’s way better than we’ve ever been,” said Miles Zuniga, co-vocalist/guitarist/co-songwriter. “We have an audience that’s stuck with us the whole time and playing shows never feels like work because it’s a ton of fun. We know people want to hear the hits and we definitely have those in there, but we try to play something off every record, have some improvisational moments without turning into a jam band, and half the time, I start calling out the set list as we go. It all depends on the night and the barometric pressure of the audience.” Opening the show will be The Breakfast Club®, which touts itself as the longest running, most recognized ‘80s tribute band in the United States. Formed in 1993, the band’s mission is to create the buoyant spirit of music and live performances of the MTV generation bands of the 1980’s. The group’s song list contains more than 100 tunes by artists such as The Cars, Duran Duran, The J. Geils Band, Huey Lewis and the News, Van Halen, and Wang Chung. The homecoming and concert are also part of the Northeast State Foundation’s annual Because of You Campaign (BOYC) week, which runs Sept. 26 through Oct. 3. The week is designed to allow the College’s clubs and organizations to raise funds for scholarships, programs and projects. The week culminates with a check ceremony and celebration on Oct. 3.
EXIT 23
at acoustic coffeehouse
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he band that has been rocking the Appalachian Mountains brings their unique sound to the Tri-cities area. Exit 23 started with acoustic driven, country-tinged songs but added a heavy rhythm section and electric slide guitar to contrast the banjo and mandolin. The new sound created a roots-rock influence in the ever present mountain heritage feel of their music. Their unique sound has given them the opportunity to open for big names in the music business, including Ricky Skaggs, Aubrie Sellers, Ray Scott, Frank Foster, and even the local favorite Folk Soul Revival. The band will be making three upcoming stops in the Tri-cities region. They will be performing at The Acoustic Coffeehouse (Johnson City) on September 23th at 10:00pm, the Sleepy Owl Brewery on October 8th at 8:00pm, and at the YeeHaw Brewery (Johnson City) on November 19th at 8:00pm. For a full list of their upcoming dates, please visit their website www.exit23band. com. More information can also be found on their social media sites, including their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/exit23pikeville. If you would like to schedule an interview with the band or review a show, please contact Sarah Johnson at info@exit23band.com.
wayne henderson & friends
Saturday, September 24th, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, VA theloaferonline.com | September 20, 2016 | 15
S O LG T P
T I
- TUESDAY - Sept. 20th -
NATHAN FINK at The Acoustic Coffeehouse DOWNTOWN COUNTRY at Jiggy Ray’s 6:30pm - WEDNESDAY - Sept. 21st -
MAL COOPER / POCKET VINYL at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
SINGER SONGWRITER NIGHT w/ SCOTT TUCKER at Our House Restaurant BEN STALETS at Sleepy Owl Brewery 8pm LAURA THURSTON (Folk)
at O’Mainnin’s Pub 10pm
MISS ELLIE & FRIENDS at The Harvest Table 6:30pm
- THURSDAY - Sept. 22nd -
TOKYO ROSENTHAL at Bone Fire Smokehouse JOY BLAIR at Capone’s THE CREW OF THE HALF MOON SANG SARAH THE COMET CONDUCTORS
H
- FRIDAY - Sept. 23rd -
BARRETTE & THE GREEN FINGERS w/ JP PARSONS
YARN, BIG DADDLY LOVE & GHOST EAGLE at The Willow Tree
WHYSKEY OUTLAWS BAND
at Studio Brew 8pm
Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm
ADAM MCMILLAN (A little bit of everything)
at Jiggy Ray’s 8pm
SIGEAN w/ BARBARA DICKSON at Mountain Empire Community College
SOUTHERN REBELLION
(Country, Classic Rock, Southern Rock) w/ HUNDRED
SHOOTER
ACRES at Capone’s
(Country, Classic Rock, Oldies) at Bluff City Heritage Days 3pm
QUARTER BOUNCE at Quaker Steak & Lube CRYSTAL BRIGHT & THE SILVER HAND at Bone Fire Smokehouse
at The Hideaway 10pm
at Rainbow Asian Cuisine
NIGHTSHIFT
JAM w/ RICK SIMMERLY at Wellington’s Restaurant 8pm
SHADES OF GREY at Quaker Steak & Lube HB BEVERLY at Black Thorn Country Club 6pm WYLDEHEART at Full Moon Jam - Downtown Bristol
LAURA THURSTON (Folk) COLIN HOTZ at The Acoustic Coffeehouse - FRIDAY - Sept. 23rd -
at Country Club Bar & Grill
(Country, Southern Rock, Oldies) at The Lion’s Club 7pm
CAPTAIN IVORY at Sleepy Owl Brewery 9pm THE CARMONAS / EXIT 23 at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
- SATURDAY - Sept. 24th -
JOSH MORGAN at Jiggy Ray’s 4pm
EC FRAZIER
at Holston River Brewing Company 8pm
at Hungry I Apex
MICHELLE LEIGH BEFORE THE STORM
bit of everything) at Jonesborough Visitor’s Center
CHRIS LONG
ADAM MCMILLAN (A little bit of everything) KIDS OUR AGE (50’s - 90’s, rock n roll, country, a REDLEG HUSKY
at Capone’s
at Music on the Square - Jonesborough 7pm
16 | September 20, 2016 | theloaferonline.com
at The Hyperion 8pm
JONES, SQUIBB & SUPPI at The Mecca Lounge 10pm
CAPTAIN IVORY 4pm THE APPLE BUTTER BLUES BAND THE JACKDAW’s 7 at Damascus Brewery 7pm
ARC IRIS’
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm
RAS ALAN & THE LIONS at Studio Brew 8pm
SUNDOWN BAND (Country) at Washington County Moose Lodge SIGEAN (Irish, Celtic) at Big Stone Celtic
THE KIND THEIVES at Brew Rebellion
LIVE MUSIC
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
WAYNE HENDERSON & FRIENDS at Carter Fold
THE CROOKED ROAD REJECTS at Bristol Brewery 8pm
HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH at The Hideaway 10pm
ALI RANDOLPH & THE OUTTA LUCK BAND at Country Club Bar & Grill JASON KEISER at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
- SUNDAY - Sept. 25th -
BLIND LIVER
at Yee Haw Brewing Company
OPEN MIC
CRAZY LIKE LEXI
CLAUDE BOURBON
BENT TO BREAK
at Castlewood Eagles
at Founders Park - Johnson City 6pm
at The Hideaway 10pm
at Kingsport Moose Lodge 7pm
WISE OLD RIVER
at Yee Haw Brewing Company 8pm
SHADY APPALACHIA at Bristol Brewery 8pm ROUGH HOUSING CAVE DEPRESSION SPIRIT IRON KNIFE SWEET SOUND OF CHAOS
at Gypsy Circus Cider Company 6pm
(Americana, Roots Rock, Heartland Rock) at JC Brewing Company 7pm
STAGECOACH
GUY MARSHALL
- SATURDAY - Sept. 24th -
BEFORE THE STORM at Biggie’s 9pm THE FARMHOUSE GHOST
RUSTY STEEL (Metal, Southern, Hard Rock) w/ QUARTER BOUNCE
ADAM MCMILLAN (A little bit of everything)
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.
NIGHTSHIFT
(Country, Southern Rock, Oldies) at JC Moose Lodge 8pm
SHOOTER
(Country, Classic Rock, Oldies) at Hansonville Bluegrass Barn 7:30pm
THE BILLY CRAWFORD BAND at Quaker Steak & Lube
THE BROTHER BOYS at The Down Home 8pm
at Studio Brew 5pm
at Bone Fire Smokehouse at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
- MONDAY - Sept.26th -
OPEN MIC at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
theloaferonline.com
Spotlight Directory Biggies Clam Bar 417 W Stone Dr Kingsport 423/765-9633 Bluegrass Country Barn Hansonville VA Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 276/623-0037 Bristol Brewery 41 Piedmont Ave Bristol VA 276/ 608-1220 Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 620 State St Bristol 423/573-2262 Capone’s 227 E Main St Johnson City 423/928-2295 Carter Family Fold 3449 A. P. Carter Hwy Hiltons VA 276/594-0676 Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423/844-0400 The Damascus Brewery 32173 Government Rd. Damascus VA 276/469-1069 Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423/929-9822 The Harvest Table Restaurant 13180 Meadowview Sq Meadowview Va 276/944-5140 The Hideaway 235 E. Main St Johnson City 423/ 926-3896
Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100 Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN Hungry I at the Apex 604 W. Market St. Johnson City The Hyperion 1759 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy Greenville 423/ 638-4143 Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton Johnson City Brewing Company 300 E. Main St. Johnson City 423/ 930-4186 Johnson City Moose Lodge 1801 W. Lakeview Dr. Johnson City 423/926-6400 Kingsport Moose Lodge 301 E. Main St. Kingsport The Lions Club 116 Industrial Park Rd. Chilhowie VA 276/646-3916 Machiavelli’s 8 5th St. Bristol 423/ 573-9955 O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423/844-0049 The Mecca Lounge 117 Spring St Johnson City
KARAOKE TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Boomershine’s Pizza Karaoke w/ Marques at Painter Creek Marina Karaoke at 50Fifty Sports Tavern Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke At Holiday Inn - Johnson City TN Karaoke at Jiggy’s Rays Pizzaria Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Mellow Mushroom - Johnson City ***********************
423/928-9360 Our House Restaurant 4903 N. Roan St. Johnson City 423/ 282-1555 Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St Bristol VA 276/644-9647 Rainbow Asian Cuisine 2412 N. Roan St. Johnson City 423/ 232-6688 Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423/390-8476 State Line Bar & Grill 644 State Street Bristol 423/652-0792 Studio Brew 221 Moore Street Bristol VA 423 / 360-3258 Washington County Moose 15605 Porterfield Hwy Abgindon VA 276/628-2756 Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423/979-6400 The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Yee Haw Brewing Company 126 Buffalo St. Johnson City
FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke At Elizabethton VFW - Elizabethton TN Karaoke w/ DJ Marques At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SUNDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Biggie’s Clam Bar ***********************
theloaferonline.com | September 20, 2016 | 17
H
NEPTUNE A PLANETARY MYSTERY
appy 170th birthday to the Solar System’s last planet Neptune, a giant world that could possibly give itself diamonds for the anniversary, and wash down cake with its own, home-made slushy drink. A possible interior of diamond chunks and a half-frozen nitrogen atmosphere are just two of the many mysterious riddles that astronomers are trying to solve about the 8th planet. Neptune rises in the east in the constellation Aquarius at dark, so it is visible for the maximum amount of time in the night sky. But you’re not going to see Neptune with your own eyes. You need a backyard telescope and a good star chart to locate it. In fact, Neptune wasn’t discovered until 1846, though several astronomers had recorded it in charts or photographs as a run-of-the-mill star. The planet Neptune is an intriguing world that is a super cold minus -360 degrees F. at the top of its atmosphere, yet much warmer as pressure of thousands of miles of atmosphere heats up the hydrogen to thousands of degrees hot, which provides the energy source to one of the most dynamic atmospheres in the Solar System. The hydrogen we breathe on Earth is so cold on Neptune’s cloud tops that it acts like a slushy drink being whirled in a blender. But inside, a molten core of iron and silicon compounds might reach 12,000 degrees F. Such enormous heat and the pressure from the thousands of miles of atmosphere could separate Neptune’s methane into its component elements, hydrogen and carbon. That carbon could be compressed so intensely that it might create gigantic, boulder-sized diamonds at Neptune’s center! Since the mid-1980s it has been known that Neptune had a series of ring arcs, discovered when they passed in front of stars, dimming the starlight. But their true nature wasn’t known until Voyager 2’s images showed five distinct rings to be like twisted rope, with thick and thin areas. How this happens is another big mystery of Neptune, and we only have images by the Hubble Space Telescope to try and figure it out. It was only after disturbances in 7th planet Uranus’ orbit were found in the early 1800s that it was suspected another planet was beyond. Two mathematicians independently were working on the problem, Urban LeVerrier in Paris and John Adams in London, and using those calculations, Johann Galle found a distinctive disk, not a pinpoint of light, in the constellation Aquarius on Sept. 23, 1846 using a telescope at the Berlin Observatory. Since that discovery, Neptune has completed just one orbit (in 2011) in its 165-year journey around the Sun at a distance of nearly 3 billion miles. Neptune is five times bigger than Earth at 30,775 mile in diameter, slightly larger than close cousin Uranus. In fact, from 1979-1999 Neptune was outside the orbit of eccentric Pluto—which was demoted from planet status in 2001. That will happen again in 2227 AD, maybe invoking a renewal of which is really the last planet. One reason Pluto was given the status of “dwarf planet” is the half-dozen or so objects larger than it that were discovered even further away in a region 4-6 billion miles from the Sun. And if it was orbiting the Sun instead of Neptune, giant and frozen moon Triton would be classified as a dwarf planet, as it was most likely captured by Neptune a billion years ago. Asteroid Ceres is also a dwarf planet. Neptune has a ferocious weather system that whips winds around at up to 1,500 mph as its cloud tops rotate around once every 16 hours. As seen by Voyager 2 and watched for 20 years by the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope, there are white and dark ovals and streaks that appear and disappear in the clouds tinted blue by methane gas absorbing red light from the Sun. Most of what we know about Neptune we learned in 1989 when Voyager 2 flew by the giant world at 30,000 mph. All of the close-up photos were made then, and the planet was under the scrutiny of Voyager 2’s cameras and scientific instruments from July to October 1989. The highlights of Voyager 2’s discoveries include: the global atmosphere of cobalt blue with
18 | September 20, 2016 | theloaferonline.com
white streaks of clouds and a giant, oval dark spot; confirmation of ropy rings and arcs; the discovery of ice geysers on the coldest moon in the Solar System, Triton; and the discovery of 13 more irregular-shaped moons in orbit—five discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope, one just 12 miles long. Neptune might be like many of the more than 1,000 exoplanets that have been found around nearby stars, as the biggest exoplanets are detected by their gravity tug on the parent star. So understanding how our gas giant planets work could be a key to the process that creates other Solar Systems in our Galaxy. Astronomers speculate that moon Triton, the seventh largest in the Solar System at 1,680 miles, is somehow related to Pluto. It was obviously captured at some time billions of years ago as it is the only body orbiting a planet in the opposite direction—it goes from east to west. It is doomed to be pulled into Neptune in 100 million years or so, some it being ripped apart into new, spectacular rings. Voyager 2’s close ups of Triton reveal an amazing place covered in pinkish ice and rock, where ice geysers erupt five miles into the sky with particles falling on the coldest recorded surface in the Solar System—an astonishing minus -391 degrees F. Neptune is a giant puzzle to astronomers, yet many planets orbiting distant stars might be like it. That calls for the necessity for future space probes to visit. Hopefully the funding will be found and another interplanetary probe will be sent to solve the riddles of Neptune.
Celestial events in the skies for the week of Sept. 20-26, 2016, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.
T
he Autumnal Equinox is this week, but you’ve already been experiencing almost equal day and night. And if you’ve spent any time outdoors, you see the browning leaves, hear the insects chiming and notice the flowering weeds of golden rod, milkweed and many others. Summer is officially over as this week ushers in the Autumn. The first day of Fall is Thursday, wh en the Sun crosses the equator into the Southern Hemisphere (where it’s finally Spring!). That means equal amounts of daylight and night time, though the balance begins tipping toward 12-plus hours of darkness—which is just fine to stargazers who endured the long daylight hours of Summer. Tues. Sept. 20 On this 1970 date in space history, Russia’s Luna 16 lands on the Moon at the flat, dark area called Sea of Fertility. Its automated drill deposited 101 grams of lunar soil in a return vehicle, which blasted off the Moon and returned with the alien dirt on Sept. 23, 1970. Luna 16’s was the third Moon sample returned to Earth after America’s manned Apollo 11 and Apollo 12. Wed. Sept. 21 This is the hardest time to see the familiar Big Dipper as it dredges along the northeast horizon seemingly plowing up the landscape. That’s why in England, this familiar 7-star asterism is called “The Plough.” Thurs. Sept. 22 Autumnal Equinox is today at 10:21 am when the Sun stands directly over the equator. The Sun is in Libra the Scales. Sunrise is at 6:48 am and sunset is at 6:58 pm. That’s obviously not equal day and night. Due to the Earth’s 24.5 degree tilt, the exact 12-hour day/night is actually a few days later, this year being on Tuesday the 27th. Fri. Sept. 23 The Moon is Last Quarter today. The eighth planet, Neptune, was discovered on this date in 1846, first seen for what it was by J.G. Galle of Berlin Observatory and a student assistant H.L. d’Arrest. The
planet was found by the gravitational effect on Uranus, the perturbations worked out independently by mathematicians Urban LeVerrier in Paris and John Adams in London. Sat. Sept. 24 Happy birthday 86th birthday to moonwalker John Young, a true American astronaut hero. He blasted off Earth in two Gemini, two Apollo and two Space Shuttle missions, including walking on the Moon with Apollo 16 in 1972 and the very
dangerous maiden flight of Shuttle Columbia in 1980. Read about his amazing, 42-year space career in the 2012 autobiography “Forever Young.” Sun. Sept. 25 On this 1997 date in space history Shuttle Atlantis was launched on the STS-86 mission of SpaceHab in the cargo bay and the 7th docking with the Russian Mir Space Station. Two American astronauts were exchanged to stay with two cosmonauts, and the six others in Atlantis made it a then record 10 humans in space. Mon. Sept. 26 While Mars and Saturn make a triangle with Scorpius’ brightest star Antares, Venus is rising higher day by day in the west after sunset. And today Jupiter is in “conjunction,” too close to the Sun to be seen until it appears in the morning sky next month.
theloaferonline.com | September 20, 2016 | 19
Prof. Plum in the Shower with the Body Wash
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have an almost weekly game night with a group of friends. We’ll play three or four different games during the night, or sometimes we’ll just marathon one of our favorites for a few hours. I was hosting the group the other night, and the afternoon of the game night, I got a facebook message from my friend telling me he and his wife might not make it to that night’s games. “We have a friend staying with us from out of town, I’d hate to leave him alone tonight.” I suggested bringing him along, asking “Does he like games?” The response was “yes, but he might be a bother.” “Nonsense!” I insisted, “Bring him along!” Later that night, they arrived and introduced me to their friend, Melvin, who had a small gym bag with him. “He takes that with him everywhere” my one friend told me quietly, as Melvin was being introduced to the rest of the group. That night, we were going to play three games. Scotland Yard, Clue, and One Night Ultimate Werewolf. All games that have some bit of detection as their central mechanic. There were six of us in total that night. After some light refreshments, we all sat down to play a game of Clue. I played as my usual role, Col. Mustard—and Melvin played as Prof. Plum. The game was spirited, and I felt I was close to knowing who killed Mr. Boddy right when, on his turn, Melvin stood and said “I think I’m ready to make an accusation. Where’s your bathroom?” “Down the hall, and to the left” I said, Melvin excused himself and left with his gym bag. “I don’t mean to pry or seem insensitive, but does he have a condition?” I asked. “Yes and no” my friend’s wife said. “It’s more of a quirk than a condition.” As she was telling me that, I heard the sound of running water. I assumed he was washing his hands, but the sound water running kept going and going and going. After a total of fifteen minutes, Melvin returned, but in a bathrobe, with a towel around his neck. Casually, Melvin sat down and said “Mrs. White in the Hall with the Knife is my accusation”—he was right, and won the game. We moved onto One Night Ultimate Werewolf, a game in which you’re trying to separate the villages from the werewolves—and nobody knows who anybody is. Again, when the time game to figured out who to vote to kill (The goal is to kill the werewolves), Melvin got up and went to the shower—again. One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a rapid fire game that takes all of ten minutes to play, you play several rounds of it during the night. After five rounds, and each one coming with a shower—I suggested we move on to Scotland Yard. Scotland Yard is a sort of a mix of the two, where you’re trying to catch Mr. X on the map of London, and one player playing as Mr. X tries to allude the detectives. I was playing as Mr. X, and I had everyone on the run, trying to track me down. The detectives have a limited number of transporta-
the casual word
By Langley Shazor
Follow Langley on FB & Youtube at TheCasualword
20 | September 20, 2016 | theloaferonline.com
tion tickets, in which to try to catch Mr. X before they run out. Just when I thought I had victory in my sights, Melvin went to take a shower. “Why does he do this? Does he do this all the time?” I asked, confused and a bit annoyed. “Most places he does, yes. He says thinking in the shower is where he does his best work” is what my friend told me. As the shower went on, and on, and on, and on—for what seemed to be almost as long as we had been playing, Melvin yelled out “He’s at station 48!” Sure enough, everyone ganged up, caught me, and the game was over. As the night ended, Melvin thanked me for having him over, and I thanked him for increasing the humidity in my home. I now saw why my friends were skirmish over bringing Melvin over. I was glad I invited him, and even more glad he contributed to the GoFundMe I started to that month’s water bill. See you next week.
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Galoshes Storm’s rolling in Dark clouds Blot out the sun A single sliver Shines upon my face As I look up That warmth projected by a smile
As the rain settles Drowning my sorrows I think of that tiny sliver of joy One day you will come for me You will take my hand We will twirl Happily amidst the droplets
SULLY 4 planes (out of 4) Rated PG-13
W
hen you combine the talents of Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood, something great is bound to happen. Such is the case of the new film “Sully”, directed by Eastwood and starring Hanks. The biographical drama features Hanks in the role of pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River in 2009, which was dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson”. The aforementioned flight took place on January 15, 2009, and was an extremely cold day in New York City. Just moments after the flight left LaGuardia Airport on the way to Charlotte, NC, a flock of Canadian geese hit the plane, resulting in both engines being disabled. Sully, along with co-pilot Jeff Skiles (Aaron Eckhart) quickly realize with no engine power they are too far from the nearest airport to make a safe landing, so Sully chooses to land in the frigid waters of the Hudson River. The miracle is two-fold as Sully is able to safely land the plane in the river, and all 155 passengers and crew members survive, despite the crash and the frigid water temperatures they are exposed to. After they witness the landing, the passengers are rescued by the New York Port Authority. Due to almost instant media attention, Sully is soon dubbed a national hero, and is in demand for television interviews. All is not great however, as hours after the crash the National Transportation Safety Board reveals their tests regarding the crash reveal that only one engine was completely disabled, and not not both as Sully and Skiles claim. Sully soon realizes the NTSB is angling to blame the crash on pilot error due to the test results, which would end his career. So not only is Sully and his family dealing with almost constant media and public admiration, they is the threat is career as a pilot could be ending. Eventually, the NTSB holds a public hearing in an attempt to prove the accident was pilot error. As the hearing beings on a sour note for Sully, matters soon turn to his favor when the pilot points out several key factors related to the accident during the hearing. For those of us who remember the true event, we know the results of the hearing, and those who don’t will discover the results by seeing the movie as I attempt to stay as spoiler free as possible. The film is expertly directed by Eastwood, and I felt totally engrossed in the action during the exciting and disarming crash sequence. The film makes effective use of flashback sequences without confusing viewers. Hanks is his usual excellent self, and his supporting cast, including Eckhart and Laura Linney as his wife Lorraine, are all superb. However, I must add I was often distracted by Eckhart’s bushy mustache, which could have been given a co-star credit. I really enjoyed how the film ends with a salute to how those in public service in New York can quickly come together in times of disaster. As the closing credits are rolling, viewers get to see the real Sully and the actual passengers who were on the flight, and is the part where it really sinks in that “Sully” was indeed based on actual events. For a thrilling, powerful, and inspiring true story, catch “Sully” at your local theater and you will see America is, and has always been, great.
theloaferonline.com | September 20, 2016 | 21
A Voyage to Kirk’s Rock
A
s a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Star Trek’s debut on NBC, I thought it might be fitting for this week’s column to honor the franchise with a Trek-related topic. Unfortunately, the Klingon home world is off limits due to both its impractical distance and the fact that it is fictional. With a little imagination though, you can indeed visit many of the distant worlds that appear in the various Star Trek projects without a warp-capable starship. Sure, you could try to sneak into the Hollywood studio lots where most of the series and movies were filmed – and if that’s your approach, good luck with that. Or, with a 45 minute drive from Tinseltown you can visit the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park and reenact your favorite scenes in an equally authentic locale. Despite being in Los Angeles County, Vasquez Rocks is an oasis of natural beauty that encompasses exactly none of the characteristics we outsiders have come to associate with Los Angeles scenery. Formed by uplift and erosion some 25 million years ago and exposed by the rumblings and grumblings of the San Andreas fault (hey, it’s still California), these sedimentary rocks have been made a National Historic Landmark due to their historic importance to multiple Native American groups. But it’s the site’s importance to the entertainment industry that’s relevant here. Hollywood has leaned pretty heavily on Vasquez Rocks since it was first used to portray Tibet in the 1930’s. Star Trek directors, in particular, just love this place. Four of the films (V, VI, Generations, and the 2009 reboot) have included scenes filmed there, as has every Trek series except Deep Space Nine and The Animated Series. Probably the most recognized moment in all of Trekdom for
22 | September 20, 2016 | theloaferonline.com
Vasquez Rocks is in ‘The Arena’, a first season episode of The Original Series in which Captain James T. Kirk fights at length with an alien known as a Gorn. It’s a classic scene – awful costume, prolonged struggle, shirt ripping to expose William Shatner’s (once legendary) pects – all the ingredients for successful 1960s television. It’s because of this scene that the major formation of Vasquez Rocks has come to be known as ‘Kirk’s Rock.’ Oh, but it’s not just Star Trek that has made use of the striking backdrop of Vasquez Rocks. Take note of the rock formations in the photo here and you’ll begin to see them everywhere. Movies such as Blazing Saddles, Dracula, Little Miss Sunshine, and
the Pauly Shore tour de force, In the Army Now have all been filmed there, as have television series, Bonanza, CSI, Monk, Airwolf, Gunsmoke, and The Big Bang Theory (via greenscreen, ironically). You can even see Vasquez Rocks in music videos by Michael Jackson and Eddie-freaking-Money. And this is just a small sample – so small in fact, I could write another column just listing other ways in which the entertainment industry has made use of the place. Add to that the interesting geologic and human history and the fact that it’s a breath of fresh air in a sea of LA-area traffic, smog, and other man-made shenanigans and you’ve got lots of reasons to visit – assuming you don’t mind contending with geeks, Gorns, and the possible earthquake.
Jonesborough Welcomes
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ost people wouldn’t think of a folk musician as being a capable stand-up comedian. But then again, most people aren’t Don White. First and foremost a musician and storyteller, White is a long-time folkie who was exposed to some of the country’s top comedians as an emcee for comedy shows. He’ll soon bring his unique blend of music, comedy, and storytelling to the stage during a weeklong artistic residency at the International Storytelling Center. Despite folk musicians’ reputations as earnest and even sentimental, White has always had a healthy sense of humor. But it wasn’t until he watched those comedians that he understood the art behind the jokes, learning techniques like setup and timing. The music part came naturally; White’s played since he was just eight years old and has pursued music professionally for more than 25 years. He’s shared the stage with Taj Mahal and Arlo Guthrie. Guthrie was particularly instrumental in White’s musical education. More of a storyteller than his fellow folkies, Guthrie’s albums included so many stories that White assumed that was just how it was done. In Jonesborough, White will offer a mix of funny personal stories and original folk music. Many of his stories revolve around family, but he has a few tales from some of his first years on the road as a traveling musician. His live storytelling shows will run daily from September 27 – October 1, Tuesday through Saturday, on ISC’s campus in downtown Jonesborough. All performances begin at 2:00 p.m. sharp in Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall. Tickets are just $12 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and children under 18. Ticketholders for all performances can present their ticket stubs for a 10 percent discount on same-day dining at JJ’s Eatery and Ice Cream or Main Street Café, two popular eateries in Jonesborough. The International Storytelling Center’s Storytelling Live! series is renowned for bringing live storytelling to Tennessee’s oldest town for six months of every year. Performances often sell out, so advance purchase for matinee tickets is strongly recommended. Walk-in seating is also available on a first-come, firstserved basis. White will be followed by another storyteller each week through the month of October. Information about all performers, as well as a detailed schedule for 2016, is available at www. storytellingcenter.net. The website also features information about the upcoming National Storytelling Festival, which will be October 7 – 9. Ticket options include one-day passes, weekend passes, and special reservations for nighttime ghost stories, Midnight Cabaret, and
Storyteller Don White
other exclusive events. The premier sponsor of Storytelling Live! is the Mountain States’ Heart & Soul program. Additional funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the East Tennessee Foundation, Eastman Credit Union, the Mooneyhan Family Foundation, the Niswonger Foundation, and Massengill-DeFriece Foundation, Inc. The International Storytelling Center is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information about Storytelling Live! or to make a group reservation, call (800) 952-8392 ext. 222 or (423) 913-1276.
theloaferonline.com | September 20, 2016 | 23
The Michelle Bolling Interview
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ou need to meet Michelle! This lady is what our region is all about because of the heart she has for others and for giving back. She volunteers throughout the region and her “day job” is with Dominion senior Living, so she helps our senior citizens as her daily mission. Great lady, great story! Take the time to give it a read. BRIAN: Hey Michelle, we have known each other for a little while after we met through involvement in the Tri Cities Military Affairs Council. It really says a lot to me about anyone who takes time to get involved with our veterans without any obligation to do so. It says good things about your upbringing. Tell folks who don’t know you about where you grew up and what that was like. MICHELLE: I was born and raised in a very small town, Olney, Illinois also known as The Home of the White Squirrels. When I was a sophomore in high school, my family transferred to Murfreesboro, TN. I have traveled around some and ended up moving to Sullivan County, TN in 1992. I remember being in Girl Scouts and one of my favorite things to do was adopting a senior ‘Grandma or Grandpa’ at the nursing home because we got to make them gifts and do special programs for them to make them smile. My mom has always been involved in some way or another by giving her time, money, homemade blankets, fundraising, etc. to help others in need so I would say being involved just comes natural for me. BRIAN: Now, the Tri Cities is near and dear to my heart, I grew up in Kingsport,
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and I know you really love the region. What is it about the people here that sets them apart in your eyes from other regions of the country? MICHELLE: There are a lot of things I love about our community but I feel our volunteers in our community really set us apart. They see a need and come together anyway they can to fulfill it, which is what encouraged me to become a volunteer. I have been so welcomed and supported with each organization that I have helped or currently help. BRIAN: Faith is a huge part of life for many of us in the region. How has faith shaped your life and how does it impact what you do every day? MICHELLE: Faith impacts my life every day by keeping me grounded and honest. I really feel each of us have to develop our own personal relationship with their faith and God. I myself feel it has molded me to the person I am today and that I should always have the desire to do the right thing, no matter how hard it is. It helps to keep me focused and to remember to walk like he did, as a giver and not a taker. BRIAN: I know you are proud of your kids and family is a huge part of your life. Tell folks about your family. MICHELLE: My husband, Jerry and I have been together for 17 years, married 12 of those and we have a son, Ryker who is a 12 year old 7th grader and a very active
Bolling . . . continued on next page
Bolling . . . continued from page 24 young man. My daughter, Brianna, from my previous marriage, is almost 23 years old and living life to the fullest as most young adults do. I have two furbabies, a 14 year old Jack Russell, Buddy and a 6 year old Miniature Schnauzer, Bella. My mom and stepdad still live in Murfreesboro and my dad passed away to liver cancer back in 2009. My husband’s family is local so we really enjoy getting together for cookouts, kids birthdays and holidays too. My family is my motivation to be the best I can be every day! BRIAN: And finally your work with Dominion is such a blessing to individual residents and to their families. I can’t let the interview end without giving you a chance to talk about what you do and let people know how they can find out more. MICHELE: This part I love to talk about, we are brand new here in this area and our Johnson City location just celebrated its one year anniversary a few weeks ago. We provide assisted living, memory care services, respite care and adult day stay. Dominion Senior Living’s corporate office is based out of Knoxville with a few communities currently open and more scheduled to open soon, one of them being Bristol, TN. I have been the Executive Director here since last January and have recently been promoted to Senior Executive Director over Dominion Senior Living of Bristol, TN, which is currently under construction and should open in the next few months. I love being a part of Dominion Senior Living who embraces all aspects of not only giving the residents a great place to live but giving employees a great place to work. Our motto is ‘Honoring God Through Services to Seniors’ and to everyone who paths we cross. We are focused on each resident’s physical, mental and spiritual need through our person centered care services. We offer an all-inclusive rate which allows us to take care of our resident’s individual needs without all the extra costs. Our staff is well trained and very compassionate about what they do every day. A few of our special activity programs is our ‘Art From The Heart’ painting classes and our giving back to the community projects which are full of purpose and love. We specialize in memory care with our Tapestry Program which allows are residents to focus on what they can do, rather than what they cannot do by weaving their life history, skills, interests, and routine into a personalized program. We truly love what we do and feel very honored and blessed because we get to be a part of adding love, quality of life, praying, music and lots of laughter & smiles to our residents lives. I could go on and on so if anyone would like more information they can go to our website, www.DominionSeniorLiving. com or call me at 423-588-8590. Our Johnson City location is at 2412 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City and our Bristol location is at 425 Shelby Lane, Bristol, TN.
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Answers on page 28
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A Fair Tradition
Photo and article by
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or many of us, the approach of autumn signals the beginning of our region’s most passionate pastime: football. September and October are times to tailgate, drink beer, and cover everything in orange. For those of us who enjoy the orange hues of sugar maples and sassafras more than those that adorn every UT fan’s jacket, it signals the time for us to dust off our hiking boots and go enjoy the rainbow of colors that will soon sweep through the forest. Horror fans applaud the release of favorite shows such as American Horror Story as well as Halloween’s inevitable advance. Pumpkin spice fanatics can take comfort in the fact that the fragrant seasoning is available to be pumped into almost any snack or beverage, from lattes and beer to Oreos and beyond! When the school buses start rolling through our neighborhood, we know another tradition is soon to be on its way: the fair is coming to town! Here in the South we do love our fairs. Not only does almost each and every county sponsor their own carnival, but regional and state fairs abound as well. Due in large part to the area’s rural nature, these events served as a community gathering place for decades, with many fairs approaching or passing their onehundred-year anniversary mark. There is something magnetic about the fair, drawing many of us back to these events each and every year. Whether it’s the smell of funnel cakes rekindling nostalgic memories of our childhood to creating new ones with our families today, the fair brings us back to a simpler time where we can forget about the stresses of work, school, and college classes. Many of you have probably visited your local or regional fair in the past week or so, as the second week in September is the traditional fair week. We have always attended the Tennessee Valley Fair located in Knoxville. While one of the largest and best fairs in the region, we decided to try one of our smaller, local fairs this year, and so Labor Day week found us at the Sevier County Fair in nearby Sevierville. Located just a couple of miles from downtown along the banks of the Little Pigeon River, the fair was abuzz with hundreds of visitors the moment we arrived. We parked for free in the gravel lot and made our way quickly and efficiently through the front gate. Just like every other fair in the country, the grounds are split pretty evenly between the carnival area and exhibition section. We always love to visit the presentation area to marvel in the handiwork of the area’s most talented artists and visit with the animals which represent the top quality for each of their breeds. There are so many categories for the various artwork, crafts, and gardening contests that it can take several hours to be able to see everything on display. From the traditional watermelons and prize pumpkins to delicious cakes and even towering Lego creations, everyone has something they can love. It’s a great place to meet local farmers and secure a location to buy your fresh vegetables or honey next summer. The nearby animal exhibits proud handlers to showcase the best of their goats, calves, and show birds, while serving as an educational area for the younger ones in tow. Another aspect of the fair which attracts its own fans is the food. Traditional favorites such as caramel apples and cotton candy can be purchased at almost every stand. Strange new creations show up almost every year, the majority of them being deep-fried calorie extravaganzas. If you can eat, it is likely to be fried and served at the fair at some point. Deep-fried Oreos, Twinkies, Reese’s, Snick-
Experiencing the sights and sounds of the carnival midwayis a tradition for many fairgoers.
ers, and even Kool-Aid (how does that even work?) are now staples of every midway, with more bizarre creations sure to follow. We prefer to stick to our funnel cakes for now. Of course, the biggest draw and most exciting part of the fair continues to be the carnival midway. Our favorite rides are all here: the Scrambler, Tilt-A-Whirl, and Gravitron, just like they were on our first trip as a kid. Newer, faster, and taller rides have begun to dominate many a fair’s skyline, however, as they push to retain the younger crowds which are increasingly setting their eyes on area theme parks and their haunted festivals this time of year. New rides such as drop towers and even rollercoasters are now staples at many a fair. What is the future of our country fairs, however? We couldn’t help but notice, that while the midway was bustling with throngs of people waiting in line and playing the games, the rest of the fair was somewhat quiet. While a few families had ventured into the exhibition halls, the majority of those who entered were of an older demographic. It would seem that younger generations are only coming for the more exciting parts of the fair, such as the rides and the demolition derbies. While the fairs themselves don’t seem to be at much of a risk, the agricultural and exhibition sides of them seem to be having trouble bringing new generations in to participate. With several high-profile accidents on carnival rides this year, guests may decide to forego the annual fair visit altogether and instead head to Six Flags or Dollywood this year. For next season, how about we all try to take a more active role in our local fair and see if we can keep this tradition alive and well for the next century! Volunteers are always needed at the fairs, as most of them are non-profits organizations. Contact them and see what you can do to help. Pick a farm animal to exhibit next year, or try to grow that grand prize squash. Look up the requirements for the photography contests and showcase the best of your work. Get the kids interested and have them enter one of the craft contests. The possibilities are almost endless, and you’re certain to have fun no matter how you choose to participate. theloaferonline.com | September 20, 2016 | 27
things to do
use one of the shared instruments, and bring a portable chair if you can. Held rain or shine April through October. Do Something BIG Bringing Hope Through Join the Facebook group for Mentoring: Big Brothers Big Sisters more information and event Have you ever wondered potential volunteers. Stringent notifications: www.facebook. how you can do something safeguards are in place to as- com/groups/drumming.in.tri. BIG to make a difference in the sure that all parties are safe. cities.tn/ life of a child in need? Some- Volunteer and parent engagetimes just having someone to ment and training also play a Johnson City Improv talk with can turn a path of big role. Games Meetup hopelessness into one of surAnyone wanting to find out Varying Times and Locations vival. That’s one of the compel- more about Big Brothers Big Have fun and laugh your way ling premises behind the work Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities to better relationships, more of Big Brothers Big Sisters of should contact the office by self-confidence, and an easier Greater Tri-Cities. Spending 2 calling 423-247-3240, or visit- life. It’s kind of like a playdate to 4 hours a month with an at- ing TennesseeBig.org.3, 2016. for adults, with very practirisk youth can help them im- Free. Info: www.folkheritage. cal applications. Newcomprove in school, their behavior org or (828)258-6101 x345. ers are always welcome. This and their self-esteem. group plays improvisational Our local Big Brothers Big Johnson City Commu- games in a safe environment Sisters office is part of one of nity Drum Circle to: lighten up, become better the oldest and largest youth Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:30pm listeners, move our bodies (a mentoring organizations in the Farmer’s Market Pavilion @ little, at least), be present in the United States. It’s a system that Founders Park moment, build collaboration has been proven to work and A free, fun, and family-friend- skills, be spontaneous, enhance transforms the lives of children ly rhythmic experience for ev- creativity, meet new people, who might not otherwise ever erybody (not just musicians). and more. No experience necget the support they need to Come and drum, dance, hoop, essary… these are all beginnergrow and successfully meet blow bubbles, make a joyful level games designed to allow life’s challenges. noise, or just hang out and soak maximum participation. Get Child-volunteer matches in the grooves. No experience more information and sign are made based on in-depth or talent necessary. All ages up for events on Meetup.com: and comprehensive interview- and skill levels are welcome. www.meetup.com/Johnsoning with parents, children and Bring a rhythm instrument or City-Improv-Games-Meetup/ Cryptogram: In God’s world, for those who are in earnest, there is no failure. No work truly done, no word earnestly spoken, no sacrifice freely made, was ever made in vain. Drop Quote: “From behind the Iron Curtain, there are signs that tyranny is in trouble and reminders that its structure is as brittle as its surface is hard.”
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Wildlife Weekend Celebration
Mark your calendar for the 19th annual Bristol Tennessee Parks & Recreation Wildlife Weekend celebration at Steele Creek Park on October 7-8, 2016. Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park will again be sponsoring an amateur photography contest and show. Come get your Passport to Nature at the Park Lodge Friday, October 7th beginning at 6:30pm. The evening program includes a photography lecture featuring Marq Marquette along with a reception and photography contest awards ceremony. Also featured will be information on the exciting expansion of the Nature Center. Saturday events begin at 8:30am and include bird banding, a children’s nature walk, lots of kids’ activities, fossils, mushroom and wildflower walk, geology hike and much more. For more information, please visit www.friendsofsteelecreek.org. or call the Nature Center at 423.989.5616.
Home Craft Days Festival Seeking Vendors
Mountain Empire Community College’s is seeking vendors to participate in the college’s 45th annual Home Craft Days Festival, October 14-16. Vendors may include craft, antique, or demonstrators with emphasis on Appalachian crafts, artistry, and music. Acceptable products include Quilts, Needlework, Woodcraft, Basketry, Straw Brooms, Corn Husk craft items, Woodburning, Leather Work, Lye Soap, Grapevine Wreaths, Chair Caning, Storytelling, Art-Traditional, Candlewicking, Pottery, Candlemaking, Wagon Rides, Country Carving, Crochet, Bees and Honey, Wooden Toys, Stained Glass, Portraits, Dulcimers, Porcelain Painting, Berry Buckets, Fiddles, Caramel Apples, Apple Cider, Rag Dolls, Banjo, Tatting, Weaving, Net Darning, Homemade Ice Cream, Goat Cheese, Apple Butter, Funnel Cakes, and Molasses. Applications are open online at www. homecraftdays.org/for-vendors.
A registration fee of $100 for craft booths will be due at the time of registration. For more information, please call MECC’s Workforce Development at (276) 5237489 or (276)523-2400 Ext. 372.
Start Smart Lacrosse registration open
Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will offer Start Smart Lacrosse, an introductory lacrosse sports program, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 6. The program, instructed by Parks and Recreation staff, will teach children ages 7-9 the basic skills of lacrosse with developmentally appropriate equipment and stations. Parents or guardians are required to be involved one-on-one with their child during the one-hour instruction. Space is limited to 15 participants, and registration is now open online at www.johnsoncitytn.org/parksrec. Program fee is $25 for City residents and $30 for non-City residents. Each child will receive a Start Smart T-shirt. Please call 4345749 for more information. Applications being accepted for Civil Service Commission The Johnson City Board of Commissioners will consider three appointments to the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service Commission addresses Police and Fire employees’ civil service grievances and meets quarterly. Each term is two years. Applications may be picked up at the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St., or may be mailed or faxed by calling (423)434-6009. To complete an application online, visit www.johnsoncitytn.org/ boards. Deadline for submitting an application is Monday, Oct. 31. Applications are kept on file for current year only. For more information regarding Civil Service Commission functions, please contact Richard Lockner at (423)4346018.
pets of the week
Rufus is a playful little kitty! He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines!
Sweetie is a year old and is spayed and up with date on all vaccines! She was born at the shelter and just had her one year birthday! She is ready for her forever home! The Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time. Donations can be sent to The Bridge Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles. Phone: 423.239.5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www.bridgehomerescue@gmail. com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bridgehome theloaferonline.com | September 20, 2016 | 29
PLACING A CLASSIFED LINE AD:
Go to: www.theloaferonline.com, create an account, and enter your classified. Call 423282-1907 or email: classifieds@theloaferonline.com if you have any questions.
Game of Baloney, The Game of Things, Salem: A Card Game of Tri Cities Ladies Only Board Deception and Exploding KitGame Group - 423-609-575 tens. This is a Meetup group for 70 Real Estate ladies either bi, lesbian or straight who are serious about KINGSPORT LOT for sale by playing board/card games. We owner. 423-247-7959 want ladies who will actually $ 8,500.00 attend game nights. The goal of the group is for ladies to 107 Services meet, get to know each other, NOTHING MAKES A PROPform friendships while play- ERTY LOOK BETTER THAN A ing different types of games: NICE SLATE-BLACK PARKING Cards Against Humanity, Mas- LOT OR DRIVEWAY!! querade, Nanuk, Coup, Cash • Asphalt Sealing N Guns, Dixit, One Night Ulti- • Crack Repai mate Vampire, Smart Ass, The • Line Striping! Book your
63 Community
appointment today for a free quote! 423-383-3553
terior finish painter, we do everything from walls to trim to ceilings to cabinets!! Pictures Pet Grooming Professional Pet groomer for and references available. Free most dog breeds and cats. estimates. Licensed and inOver 20 years experience. I sured. 423-361-0325 can have most pets groomed Affordable Professional Wedand ready to go home in 2 ding & Event Photography hours. This eliminates stress Phone: 423-956-0820 on your pet. Groom inN&N Photography offers Afcludes trim,bath,blow dry,ear cleaning,anal gland expres- fordable Professional Wedding sion and nail trim. Located at and Event Photography in 410 Hazelwood St Bristol TN. Johnson City, Tn and surroundVisit our Family Pet Grooming ing areas. We photograph Facebook page. Prices start at Events, Engagements, Wed25.00 Give is a try, you Will be dings, Prom, Senior, Glamour glad you did. Call or text for an Portraits, Sports, Graduation, appointment 276-591-0877 Family, Sweetheart, Individual Interior Painting (Senior Spe- Portrait Shoots (male or female), & more. See our website cials ! ) 315-725-0562 www.nandnphotoshoot. Interior Painting - A new paint at: com and our Facebook page at: job inside will make your https://www.facebook.com/ home feel like a million bucks ! Beautiful soothing, appealing nandnphotoshoot/ for more COLORS ! Bedrooms, Living information and pricing. Rooms, ALL Rooms, Whole Model Call** House ! High Quality Paint- Phone: 423-956-0820 ing Service. SENIOR SPECIAL **Model Call: I am looking for ! Call / text David TODAY @ 2 models, one male 18+ and 315-725-0562 one female 18+. No modeling For The Best Hair Services In The Tri-Cities Area 423-534-9825. We are a full service salon owned and operated by hair stylist Sandi Smith, that offers professional cuts, styles, colors, perms, waxing, manicures, and pedicures all at affordable prices. The best prices in the Tri-Cities area. Mens haircuts are $10. Womens are $12. Sandi has over 32 years experience in the business and she wants to help you get your style on! We are located at 943 Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, Tennessee, near Auto Zone. Appointments available and Walk-ins welcome. Interior Painting Don’t purchase new kitchen cabinets!!! Have them painted by CEP Painter. CEP Painter is an in-
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experience needed. One for a male edgy masculine portrait shoot, the female for a glamour portrait shoot. Your shoot will take place on a weekday at a local outdoor public park/ venue in the tri-city area, TN. For modeling you will receive a complimentary photo shoot, professional makeover, 2 finished images on a dvd and the experience to be a model
for a day! If you are interested please email us. Thank you! Yarntiques Yarntiques offers a large variety of hand knitting/crochet yarns from cotton to cashmere. Instruction is offered during business hours: Tuesday - Friday 1:00 - 6:00 and Saturday 10:00 - 5:30, Call for details. Come join the community table, anytime during business hours, for conversation, fellowship and knitting/crochet assistance. Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount on your purchase. Phone: 423-232-2933
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1999 Mazda Miata for sale Price: $ 1,600.00 Needs some work. Black on black. 131,000 miles. $1,600.00. Call 423-833-2095
145 Mind, Body & Spirit
Stop Smoking Naturally with Hypnosis Tired of being chained to the deadly habit of smoking? Are you motivated to stop smoking without using chemicals or chewing gum or wearing patches? I can help motivate you to stop this expensive, negative, unhealthy habit. Call us today at A New Path Hypnosis, 423-341-8898 or visit www.anewpathhypnosis.com to get started living a healthier life today. Free information session for all new clients.
A WORLD WITHOUT HEADPHONE JACKS
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nowing that your mobile phone contract is ready for renewal is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you are excited that you can now begin the exciting process of choosing a new phone (never mind that your old, and now-out-of-contract one is working perfectly and is still very useful); but on the other hand, you now face the frustration of deciding which phone is best and whether or not your dream phone (i.e. the one you will declare is the best thing on the planet for at least a couple of weeks) is available. And who really wants to suffer the endless waiting we are subjected to every time we visit our local phone outlet? Yes, my phone (remember when we used to refer to that thing as a “cell phone”?) contract is now up for grabs. And, guess what? I had decided that although I am surrounded by Apple products (I am writing this on a MacBook, and using an iPad Pro for my notes), I needed to replace my still working and pretty amazing Galaxy Note 4 for with new and improved Galaxy Note 7. I am very fortunate that this amazing phone was consistently out of stock every time I went in search of it, because if I had snagged one of the first ones, I might be staring at a slab of melted glass and plastic right about now. With the future of my dream phone in a very uncertain state, I have now resolved myself to wait for my second choice—the gleaming new iPhone 7S. Or should I wait for the much-touted iPhone 10, which will arrive in stores a year from now? Too many decisions and so little time. After reading an informative and thought-provoking Business Insider article by Matt Weinberger, I now know that I have been focusing on the wrong product. What I really should be salivating over are the new Apple AirPods, which were introduced alongside the iPhone 7 series. According to Weinberger, “the star of last week’s Apple event was clearly the iPhone 7 [but] Apple also gave us a tantalizing glimpse of a possible future for computing in the form of the AirPods—a $159 pair of wireless earbuds that provide onetouch access to the Siri digital voice assistant and everything she can do.” Yes, these pricey little AirPods may prove to be more revolutionary and evolutionary than the new iPhone. We should have intuited that when the new iPhone was unveiled sans headphone jack. This omission, of course, has been the focal point of a heated argument over how we can possibly live our lives without having a hole in which to insert our wired headphones. Weinberger points out that the lack of a headphone jack is a portent of what other manufacturers will undoubtedly do in the months ahead. Looks like the headphone jack is going the way of the 8-track tape. A few years ago, we could have said the same thing about vinyl records, but we know what happened to that prediction. But I don’t think we’ll be seeing a revival of 8-track tapes any time soon. Of course, I have been wrong many times before. The reason why these Siri-assisted AirPods are so intriguing is that, according to Weinberger, “it’s the right place at the right time for Apple, as the technology industry increasingly turns to artificial intelligence and voice controls to build better, more humane ways of interacting with computers that more closely
mimic the way that real humans communicate information.” Note the phrase “real humans.” If we can believe visionaries like Ray Kurzweil, our whole definition of “real” may soon be changing as we approach the Age of Singularity, when machines and humans become indistinguishable from one another. And one of the most important steps in this evolution is the continuing development of what Weinberger calls “audible computing,” a hands-free experience with our computing devices. Of course, we are already there, with the Bluetooth voice commands that inhabit our car dashboards and the ever-multiplying Internet Of Things gadgets that recognize our voices. The poster child of this trend is the Amazon Echo, home of Alexa, our magical Genie who grants our wishes with each of our vocal commands—if your mind immediately calls up a video of Barbara Eden emerging from her bottle, you and I are probably the same age or you are a younger person addicted to nostalgia TV. Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true. Weinberger believes the reason Apple has not produced its version of Echo is because the Cupertinobased company’s “ambition was to build a set of headphones. . . .that are so comfortable and lightweight, you’ll ideally never want to take them off. And since they’re cordless, you wouldn’t really need to.” And the difference is that, unlike other earbud devices, these new AirPods, with build-in Siri assistance, point the way to a world where mobile audible computing will become the norm rather than the exception. We may soon be getting used to a world of ubiquitous computing with nary a keyboard or screen in sight. What Weinberger is really talking about is “the black swan,” a concept popularized by statistician and stock broker Nassim Taleb that refers to the reasons why we can never accurately predict the future. Just as soon as we are confident that all swans are white (an assumption held until the 19th century), along comes a black swan to confound our certainty. This concept is given its classic explanation in a story told by the iconic philosopher Bertrand Russell (and retold in Pedro Domingos’ engaging new book, THE MASTER ALGORITHM: HOW THE QUEST FOR THE ULTIMATE LEARNING MACHINE WILL REMAKE OUR WORLD). Here’s the story: “On his first morning at the farm [a] turkey was fed at 9:00 a.m., but being a good inductivist, he didn’t jump to conclusions. He first collected many observations on many different days under many different circumstances. Having been fed consistently at 9:00 a.m. for many consecutive days, he finally concluded that yes, he would always be fed at 9:00 a.m. Then came the morning of Christmas eve, and his throat was cut.” This rather unpleasant little story shows the futility of predicting a future based on what we confidently proclaim to be true in the present. Just when we assume that phones will always have headphone jacks and that we will always be entering data on a keyboard, a fateful Christmas eve morning arrives and disrupts our tidy little assumptions. As we all get more accustomed to a future without headphone jacks, wish me well as I continue my search for the perfect, unmelted phone. See you next week. Unless I am replaced by Alexa or Siri. theloaferonline.com | September 20, 2016 | 31
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