The Loafer 111

Let it Snow!

Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative Director Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor Peggy Gale Distribution Herbie Durbin Jon Bill Forrester Entertainment Coordinator Andreax Jarre Public Relations Correspondent Lee Lee Williams

your week’s line-up

Volume 03 Issue 111

Contributing Staff

03

Hot Tech Tips to Prepare for Cold Weather

04 Spotlight 05

A Cardboard History of Country Music Exhibit Opens Jan 16

06 How to Support Early Readers at Home 07 Tri-Cities Nightlife 08 Puzzle Page 09 Pets of the Week 10 The Breakfast Club at Capones Jan 20th 11 Things To Do 12 Tri-Cities Faces and Places 14

Practical DIY Projects to Complete Over a Winter

14

Biker Events

16 Free Income Tax Preperation Services

Ken Silvers

18

Andy Ross

Wendy Hayden

Attached at the Heart Parenting Program Registration Now Open

20 Make These 10 Healthy Resolutions in the New Year

Ann Hartley

The Loafer

22 WQUT Concert Schedule

Po Box 39 Telford, Tn 37690 423-930-7319 www.theloafer.net theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams

LBD FAMILY MEDIA Let’s Get Social!

NOTE

FROM THE

PUBLISHER

06 Beezwax

Kathie Scalf

15 Beanz Biker Corner

columns & reviews

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

2

Cold Weather Holidays 17

Social Sentiments: Don't Dissipate Downtime

19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

The M Word 21 Pop Life Leave the World Behind 23 Batteries Not Included: Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio

Hello Friends!

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Are you enjoying the pretty white flakes of snow or are you freezing and unhappy about the cold? These single digit temperatures can get to anyone for sure. I love looking at the pretty snow but I really don’t like the cold so I will just watch it from inside my warm home. Speaking of warm homes, I find myself thinking about the homeless and how cold they must be this time of year. I noticed they have opened some type of shelter in Kingsport and that is wonderful. Everyone has their own opinion about homelessness but at the end of the day I believe every human deserves food and a warm place to sleep.

I hope whatever you are doing this week that you are warm and safe!

Have a great week!

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

3

As winter vibes roll in and freezing temperatures take over many parts of the country, it’s important to ensure your tech stays resilient and frost-free.

Follow these tips from T-Mobile to keep your tech working so you can stay connected all winter long.

• Keep it Charged. Charging your phone, smartwatch and other devices in temperatures below 32 degrees can affect the battery by reducing its efficiency, causing slower charging rates and potentially leading to a shorter overall battery lifespan. Before plugging in, ensure your device reaches room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This simple step preserves battery life during the chilly winter months.

Activating your phone’s battery-saving mode can also help you get the most out of your device in frosty conditions. For iPhone and many Android users, find this option in your Control Center or Device Controls.

Samsung users can access it under Device Care in phone settings.

• Bundle Up Devices. Winter is the season for cozying up, and your device’s battery loves warmth too! When heading outside, tuck your device inside your jacket or pants pocket. For quick calls, opt for using ear buds or headphones with Bluetooth, allowing you to keep your phone nicely nestled. This

will also help keep it dry while you’re shoveling the walkway or building a snowman.

• Winterize Your Gear. Pick up some winter accessories like a thermal pouch or case

itinerary, including estimated departure and arrival times, with someone you trust, and enable location sharing to help stay safe in unpredictable conditions. It’s also a good idea to winterize your vehicle’s emergency go bag with some

investments to reduce service interruptions. This means there are more fixed back-up generators at more towers, cell sites and other critical network locations across the country.

In 2023, T-Mobile also added 50% more heavyduty disaster response satellite vehicles to its ready-to-respond fleet. All of this — along with portable generators, refueling trucks, command centers, community support trucks and more — allow T-Mobile’s emergency response teams to rapidly restore critical connectivity if a local power grid is hit during a storm.

And while T-Mobile’s widespread fleet of generators helps keep hundreds of thousands of people connected when it’s most needed, having your own generator at home can bring power and comfort when you need it.

For more information on how T-Mobile prepares for and responds to disasters, seasonal essentials. AAA to help protect your device.

While thermal cases excel at suggests cold weather tools visit T-Mobile’s Emergency temperature protection, they and gear including a collapsible Response Hub. snow shovel, tire chains and may not be waterproof. If While the winter months are you’re expecting snow or ice, hand warmers. often accompanied by ice, consider doubling up with • Reducing Winter Service snow, storms and extreme waterproof protection to keep Interruptions. For over two temperatures, preparation your phone dry. years now, T-Mobile has can help ensure you stay cozy added more back-up power • Stay Safe on the Road. and connected. at more sites through a 30% When navigating icy roads, increase in network hardening (StatePoint) it’s important to share your

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

Hot Tech Tips to Prepare for Cold Weather

Spotlight

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4

Johnson City

Kingsport

TUESDAY Jan 16th

FRIDAY Jan 19th

Old Time Jam 5:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Company

Donnie and the Dry Heavers 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Johnson City, TN

Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza WEDNESDAY Jan 17th

Bristol, TN/VA Bristol TN/Va THURSDAY Jan 18th From the Edge 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Chris Long 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House FRIDAY Jan 19th

Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza College Country Night with Ari Silver 9:00pm at Capone’s THURSDAY Jan 18th Jason Mychaels 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

Rusty Steel 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Marques Puckett & 8 Second Ride 9:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar SATURDAY Jan 20th Monthly Bluegrass Jam 2:00pm at Birthplace of Country Music Museum Zach Royal 5:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Eric Cox 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Dusty Leigh Huston 8:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Cash Crop 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Justin Mychals 8:00pm at Model City Tap House Full Sirkle 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar SATURDAY Jan 20th Kasey Williams Band 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company Songwriters Night 7:00pm at Model City Tap House

The Barefoot Movement 7:30pm at the Down Home

Full Sirkle & Ali Randolph Band 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

FRIDAY Jan 19th

Elizabethton Elizabethton, TN

Jeff Lane 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza Beth Snapp 8:00pm at The Down Home American Dropouts | Seppuku | Failure 2 Conform 10:00pm at Capone’s SATURDAY Jan 20th The Breakfast Club 10:00pm at Capone’s SUNDAY Jan 21st

MONDAY Jan 22nd

Kingsport, TN

Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Wednesday Jan 17th Dan Herrell and Special Guests 7:00pm at Jiggy Rays FRIDAY Jan 19th Chris Long 6:00pm at Jiggy Rays Abingdon Abingdon, VA SATURDAY Jan 20th Frank Perry & Old Dogs 7:00pm at Appalachian Events and Gaming Center

Submit Your Live Shows to: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319 to be Featured in the Loafer Spotlight

5

A new special exhibit, “A Cardboard History of Blue Ridge Music” opens at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Historic Downtown Bristol, Jan. 16. The exhibit highlights the history of old-time, bluegrass, and country music through vintage concert posters and ephemera that gives visitors a window into the careers and impact of numerous wellknown musicians such as Roy Acuff, Kitty Wells, Flatt & Scruggs, The Monroe Brothers, and many more. The exhibit will be on display through July 21.

“This special exhibit is from the vast collection of Tom Murphy, a collector out of Raleigh, North Carolina,” said museum Head Curator Dr. Rene Rodgers.

“Anyone interested in early country and bluegrass music and vintage letterpress typography will especially appreciate this exhibit.”

The display features rare, original concert announcements, vintage show cards, and related objects dating back to as early as 1939.

By design, the posters were printed on inexpensive paper or cardboard to be discarded after promotion of entertainment events staged by traveling performers.

than 50 years, he has continued to seek out these kinds of ephemera, including broadsides and even billboard-sized advertisements.

Tours of the special exhibit “A Cardboard History of Blue Ridge Music” are included in the price of regular museum admission to

minimal fee of $3 per person for up to experiences, film and sound, and four people. interactive, technology-infused displays – along with a variety For more information visit of educational programs, music BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org. performances, and community About Birthplace of Country events – the exciting story of Music Museum this music and its far-reaching The Birthplace of Country Music influence comes alive. Rotating exhibitions from guest curators and other institutions, including the Smithsonian, are featured throughout the year in the Special Exhibits Gallery. The museum is also home to a digital archive.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and most major holidays; call ahead for clarification at 423573-1927. Admission is $13.65 for adults, $11.55 for seniors, students, military, children ages 6-17, and groups of 20 or more.

Children 5 and under are free.

Admission prices include Virginia admission tax.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a participating member of Museums for All, supporting those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits for a minimal fee of $3 per person for up to “It’s really amazing that so many Museum, an affiliate of the the Birthplace of Country Music four people. Museums for All is a of them survived,” adds Rodgers. Museum, or you may visit the Smithsonian Institution, explores the signature access program of the history of the 1927 Bristol Sessions special exhibit only at a reduced The connection between many Institute of Museum and Library cost. Reduced museum admission and their lasting impact on our music of these artists to early radio and Services (IMLS), administered heritage. From the Bristol Sessions pricing for seniors, students, barn-dance shows, including and beyond, our region continues to by the Association of Children’s WCYB’s original Farm and Fun active military, and groups of 20 Museums (ACM), to encourage influence music around the world.

Time - which now broadcasts on people or more are available. people of all backgrounds to visit WBCM’s Radio Bristol from the the Additionally, the museum is a The 24,000 square foot museum is museums regularly and build museum - is also explored. participating member of Museums located at 101 Country Music Way lifelong museum-going habits. for All, supporting those receiving (corner of Moore & Cumberland Murphy began collecting movie food assistance (SNAP) benefits Streets) in Historic Downtown Bristol, For more information visit posters as a teenager growing BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.

Virginia. Through multiple theater who may tour the museum for a up in Montgomery, Ala. For more

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

“A Cardboard History of Blue Ridge Music” Exhibit Opens Jan. 16

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

6

How to Support Early Readers at Home (StatePoint) Recent data indicate that over 60% of fourth graders in the United States are reading below grade level, with performance particularly low due to the lingering effects of the pandemic. The good news?

Learning experts say that the trend is reversible. One key factor is to make sure that young children have a strong foundation in early language skills when they begin kindergarten. Here are a few tools and ideas for supporting the literacy journey at home and on-the-go: Make Reading Playful Interactive learning tools can go beyond drills and practice and make learning fun while building confidence and independence. The LeapStart Learning Success Bundle system, for example, features touchand-talk pages that work on key skills like phonics, vocabulary, counting and problem solving. The attached smart stylus is designed for young kids’ hands and a carrying handle makes on-the-go reading adventures

possible. The system comes with an interactive storybook based on the popular animated series, Go! Go! Cory Carson, and an activity book that introduces early skills like letters, numbers and more. Sold separately is an expansive library of compatible books covering preschool through first grade subjects.

“Tapping to hear words sounded out helps children gain independent reading skills and an understanding of how print works,” says Dr. Clement Chau, vice president of learning at LeapFrog. “Getting kids excited about reading through play helps set the stage for reading success before kids even learn how to spell words.”

When teaching children to read, one technique that teachers like to use is to slide a finger below each word in a sentence as it is read aloud. This helps young children connect spoken words with words on a page.

Slide-to-Read ABC Flash Cards are double-sided cards that fit into a screen-free tablet with special sensors so

kids can explore letters, words and colorful pictures with the touch of a finger. Kids can even slide their fingers below the printed sentences to hear each word read aloud, just like how a teacher might do it in a classroom.

A strong foundation for reading starts with knowing the letters and letter sounds. One toy that introduces these essential skills is Mr. Pencil’s Scribble, Write & Read. Using the included stylus, kids can trace dotted lines to write numbers, lowercase letters and uppercase letters. In addition to finding letters to build words, kids can slide Mr. Pencil across the screen to sound out new words, or free-draw anything they can imagine to inspire their creativity.

“By practicing stroke order and hearing letter sounds aloud, children will begin to map letters to the sounds they represent,” says Chau.

Story Time One other simple way to build reading fundamentals is by making your child a card-carrying member of the library. Most public library systems have dedicated children’s librarians who run programming and events designed to entertain and educate kids of all ages, while developing a lifelong love of reading. In addition to programs such as seasonal reading challenges and story time, some branches also provide free homework help and host events for kids covering everything from STEM topics to music and art. Be sure to check out books with every visit!

Dr. Chau also recommends checking in with your child’s teacher periodically to assess their progress in school and to learn how you can support your child at home.

“A lot of what it takes to prepare your child for future reading success can be supplemented outside the classroom, particularly with recommendations from the teacher,” says Chau.

NIGHTLIFE

WEDNESDAY Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Pub Out Back (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7pm Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge and Bar - Johnson City, TN 9pm Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm Loudmouth Karaoke at Michael Waltrip Brewing Company - Bristol, VA on Wednesday, April 5th at 7pm THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub - Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Wild Wings Cafe - Johnson City, TN 9pm Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN FRIDAY Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - Johnson City, TN 9pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Sports Mill - Kingsport, TN 8pm Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm SATURDAY Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke with DJ Clyde and Prestige Entertainment at Macado’s -Kingsport, TN 9pm Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

TRIVIA

TUESDAY Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café Johnson City TN DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom Erwin, TN 5pm Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm Trivia at Aubrey’s Johnson City 7pm WEDNESDAY Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm Trivia at Aubrey’s Bristol 7pm THURSDAY Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN- 7pm Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 7pm

BINGO

TUESDAY Singo at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 6:30pm

DJ NIGHT THURSDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm

WEDNESDAY Bingo at Tipton Street Pub Johnson City, TN 9pm Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina Boones Creek, TN 8pm Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN 6pm

FRIDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

THURSDAY Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm Singo at Aubrey’s Bristol 7:00 PM

SUNDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

To have your events added to this list email: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call: 423-930-7319

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

TRI-CITIES

7

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

8

SODOKU

CROSSWORD

DROP QUOTE

C RYPTO G RAM

IAS LYAP IAS'FC KCHHOYK AUE PXCY DUU HXC YDRCT OY IASF WUDQL WAAL XDZC R. E. DMHCF HXCR. — Arnold Palmer

Down

1. Tuscany city 2. 70mm film format 3. Accept blame 4. San ___, Calif. (border community) that's part of San Diego) 5. Seamen 6. Put in a seat 7. Gamble 8. "___ Did It" (2007 memoir) 9. Examination subject 10. Spiced hot drink 11. Hartford's st.

12. Light, in Lombardy 13. Good and mad 19. Weenie 24. Chang's twin 25. Preside over, as a committee 26. Popular Apple communication software ACROSS 37.

Romanian dance 27. Picture, for short 1. Compassion 39. Shout target 5. Laudable quality 28. Clef locale 41. Bay of Pigs locale 10. 251, in Ancient Rome 29. Paper Mate competitor 42. Rat-___ (drum sounds) 14. "____ serious as a 30. Horseman 44. Have ___ in one's throat heart attack" 31. Minsk money 15. "___ Less Ordinary" 46. Reindeer's kin 32. Furniture woods (1997 film) 47. Of the best quality 16. Day division 49. Chess knights, to some 35. "It is ___ told by an idiot..."

17. H. H. Munro's pseudonym 51. Devon river 38. Email symbols, for short 18. Opposition 52. Chunk of fairway 40. Pitcher's dream game 20. Gave a pink slip 53. Female spider's creation 43. Bunch of papers 21. "That's disgusting!"

57. Plant sci.

22. Like pigtails 45. www.whitehouse.___ 58. Military force 23. Rocker Reznor 48. Juice up 61. Sleeping Beauty baddie 25. Unexciting grade 50. Traveled aimlessly 63. 1,003, in Ancient Rome 26. Must-have gadget launched 52. Charity recipient 64.

Catty remark? in 2007 65.

"We're off ____ the wizard... " 53. Award for a sitcom 28. Common misspelling of a 66.

Wild West lawman fruity ice 54. Greek Earth goddess 67. Swerves a ship 33. "Evita" narrator 55. Soft light 68. Input, as data 34. Unwelcome, with "non" 56. Puts in stitches 36. Tickle one's curiosity 69. Forensic concerns 57. Numero uno 59. "Look!" to Luis Answers to last week’s 60. Puppy barks puzzles can be found 62. Cafe ___ leche on page 09.

This month we are highlighting special needs animals at our Rescue.

There are 5 Sking Snowmen hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?

M EO W Meet Meow! Meow is a charming 3 yr old grey tabby gentleman who loves to say hello to visitors. With his captivating eyes, Meow is undeniably handsome. But it’s his sweet and gentle nature that truly steals the hearts of everyone he meets.

Meow is FIV positive, meaning that he should be the only cat or live only with other cats with no fights.

He has been neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

Meow is patiently waiting for his new family to come for him!

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

G

Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

"There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why? I dream of things that never were, and ask why not."

"It is much easier to suppress a first desire than to satisfy those that follow."

y

Sudoku

p s y

Gypsy is a gorgeous Great Dane and is a special needs girl because she’s partially blind and deaf. None of that affects her happy go lucky personality. Gypsy loves to play and snuggle, super sweet and friendly, 104 lbs, gets along with other dogs

with supervision, needs some training on manners, spayed, current on vaccinations and microchipped. Must have experience with special needs dogs. Serious inquirers only. Bday 3/12/22

If you are interested in adopting : The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter 423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75 Blountville, TN Facebook: bridgehome

bridgehome.org

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

PETS

OF THE WEEK

9

The Breakfast Club at Capone’s- Sat, Jan 20

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

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The Breakfast Club will return to Capone’s in Johnson City on Saturday, January 20 at 9:00 p.m. In 2023, the band changed to an earlier showtime to better fit the lifestyles of their audience.

The move has been a huge success, and will continue going forward. Admission to the show is $12, and The Breakfast Club will be on stage from 9:00 p.m until 12:00 midnight. The event is produced

by Ansley Roberts Promotions.

Following the death of founding member, Jerry Finley, The Breakfast Club soldiered through the next two years by using temporary keyboard players. But after an extensive search, the band finally found the perfect additions to fill the void. Having a female vocalist has now opened up a new frontier for the band, as they have added many new songs by female icons of the 1980s. The band believes this lineup is quickly becoming one of the most successful in the band’s thirty year history.

The Breakfast Club has entertained live music fans in the Tri-Cities region for

over 20 years. The band has headlined downtown festivals in Johnson City, Racks by The Tracks in Kingsport, the Covered Bridge Festival in Elizabethton, Independence Day in Erwin, and many more. The Breakfast Club has fans from a multitude of genres. Many local musicians routinely attend The Breakfast Club concerts in appreciation of the band’s live musical execution.

Several line-up changes, social changes, and evolutions in popular music haven’t slowed down the ‘80s music juggernaut.

Hundreds of fans routinely flock to The Breakfast Club shows to sing and dance to their favorite nostalgic tunes.

Since their first show in the region, The Breakfast Club has become woven into the fabric of local music tradition. The members of The Breakfast Club have shared the stage with numerous music legends, including but not limited to, Whitesnake, The Romantics, Poison, Drivin’n’Cryin’, Hootie and The Blowfish, White Lion, The Smithereens, Edwin McCain, and many others.

WOOD FIRED PIZZA. BURGERS. DRINKS. & FUN. TUES. Jan. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

BRIM & MARCI LEAL

WED. Jan. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st

HB BEVERLY

THUR. Jan. 4th 11th, 18th & 25th

JUSTIN MYCHALS

HAPPY HOUR Visit Our Website for Daily Specials and Events

3119 BRISTOL HWY, JOHNSON CITY, TN (423) 262-0444

PIG OUT MENU Available for a Limited Time

HONEY SMOKIN’ PORK TACOS ULTIMATE FRIED PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH PIG OUT SANDWICH PIG OUT NACHOS PIG OUT SALAD

JOHNSON CITY SATURDAYS ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm.

Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149 WEDNESDAY JAN 17TH January Open Poetry Hoot 7:00pm at The Down Home THURSDAY JAN 18TH IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Golden Corral Buffet Tri-Cities Turtles Run Club 12:45pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. FRIDAY JAN 19TH Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park SATURDAY JAN 20TH Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park Second Annual First Responder Ball 6:00pm at Spurrier Field Improv Open Mic 8:00pm at Wallace Theatre

BRISTOL WEDNESDAY JAN 17TH Open Mic 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club THURSDAY JAN 18TH “Snowy Bunny” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics

FRIDAY JAN 19TH “Snowy Mountains” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics Peter Antoniou: Comedy Mentalist 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club SATURDAY JAN 20TH Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library Cody Hughes And The Locals 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club SUNDAY JAN 21ST Parenting Prime Time – Make Parenting Sweet 8:00am at Parenting Sweet

THURSDAY JAN 18TH

KINGSPORT

FRIDAY DEC JAN 19TH Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library

THURSDAY JAN 18TH First Ever Puzzle Night!

7:00pm at Inspire Wine Bar SATURDAY JAN 20TH Paddle in the New Year Pickleball Tournament 8:30pm at TNT Sportsplex Nature: Wolf Howling 10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

JONESBOROUGH

MLK Student Art Show Exhibit 6:00pm at McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School Dolly Day 5:30pm at The Kitchen at Grace Meadows Farm SATURDAY JAN 20TH Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site Contra Dance 7:00pm at Jonesborough Visitor Center

ABINGDON, VA WEDNESDAY JAN 17TH Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

SUNDAY JAN 21ST Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

UNICOI WEDNESDAY JAN 17TH IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Maple Grove Restaurant

FLAG POND

TUESDAYS THURSDAY JAN 18TH Jonesborough Storytelling Guild Sunset Hike to Whitehouse Cliffs “Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm 4:30pm at Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park at The Intl. Storytelling Center To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

THINGS TO DO

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Useless Facts sponsored by biker wear Useless Facts about Winter: 1. You can hear thundersnow if the conditions are right.

2. Snowflakes fall at a rate of 1 to 6 feet per second.

3. The snowiest city on Earth is in Japan.

4. Wet snow is best for snowman-building.

5. According to the Guinness World Records, on January 28, 1887, a snowflake 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick fell in Fort Keogh, Montana, making it the largest snowflake ever observed.

6. The average snowflake falls at about 3 mph.

7. While the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, seasonal lag means that the coldest period usually follows the solstice by a few weeks.

8. The most snow ever recorded in 24 hours in the United States was at Silver Lake, Colorado, in 1921 at 76 inches.

Coming in second is Georgetown, Colorado, in December 4, 1913, at 63 inches.

Useless Facts

sponsored by biker wear

15

Hello readers, well we have long as there is no snow and ice come through Halloween, on the roadways. This is a time of Thanksgiving and fall is over and year to go to holiday parties with winter is here with Christmas just friends and family. We tend to think of winter as a time of rest, around the corner, and a New hibernation, and quiet. But a look at Year approaches. the calendar reveals many holidays The winter solstice marks the around the world that prove this first day of winter, ushering in impression entirely wrong. The months of cold weather and cold months are clearly a popular winter holidays. The winter time for parties and celebrations. solstice will be Thursday, Dec. While some are filled with solemn 21, 2023, marking the first day of tradition, others focus on fun and winter. The winter solstice marks frolic. All pose opportunities for the shortest day and longest interesting and real-life lessons night of the year, according to the in geography, culture, history, National Weather Service. But and religion. Here is a list of a few don't worry, as the days go by, popular traditions celebrated the amount of sunlight increases during winter holidays around while the darkness decreases. the world.

With the colder weather, snow, Hanukkah: For eight days each ice and harsh wintery winds November or December, Jews light riding a motorcycle is not always a special candle holder called a a good option but there are still menorah. They do it to remember outdoor activities that are fun. an ancient miracle in which one Like: ice skating, kick back in day’s worth of oil burned for an outdoor hot tub, stargazing, eight days in the temple. During take a wintry hike, have an epic Hanukkah, many Jews also eat snowball fight, build a snowman, special potato pancakes called go sledding, hit the slopes, go latkes, sing songs, and spin a top snowshoeing. But there are still called a dreidel to win chocolate going to be those of us that will coins, nuts, or raisins. continue to ride motorcycles as Three Kings Day: At the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas comes a day called Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. This holiday is celebrated as the day the three wise men first saw baby Jesus and brought him gifts.

On this day in Spain, many children get their Christmas presents. In Puerto Rico, before children go to sleep on January 5, they leave a box with hay under their beds so the kings will leave good presents.

In France, a delicious King cake baked. Bakers will hide a coin, Beanz Biker Corner isjewel, or little toy inside.

By Anne Hartley 423-297-5675

St. Nicholas Day: A popular December holiday in many European countries, St. Nicholas Day, celebrates St. Nicholas of Myra, the man whose life inspired

116 Buffalo Street Johnson City, TN • www.bikerweartn.com • (423) 631-0542

the tradition of Santa Claus and Father Christmas. He gave all of his money to the needy and was known for his compassion for children and all those in need. The holiday honors the man on the anniversary of his death, December 6, 343 A.D. Many celebrate with parades, feasts, gift giving, and festivals.

Christmas: People celebrate this Christian holiday by going to church, giving gifts, and sharing the day with their families. In some parts of Europe, “star singers” go caroling—singing special Christmas songs—as they walk behind a huge star on a pole. The Christmas festivities in Ireland tend to be more religious in nature rather than being about gifts. Christmas celebrations last from Christmas Eve until January 6 (Epiphany). On December 26, known as St. Stephen’s Day, an Irish tradition that is known as the Wren Boys Procession takes place. Children go from door to door singing, holding a stick that is topped by a holly bush and a wren. They ask for money for the “starving wren,” which goes into their pockets. In ancient times, a real wren was killed and fastened to the stick, but today fake wrens are used. The Christmas Eve festivities in the Ukraine are known as Sviata Vechera, which means “Holy Supper.” The celebration begins when the first evening star is sighted in the night sky.

In farming communities, the household head brings in a sheaf of wheat, which symbolizes the wheat crops of Ukraine. It is called “didukh,” which translates to “grandfather spirit.” In homes within the city, a few stalks of wheat may be used to decorate the table.

New Year: In Ecuador, families dress a straw man in old clothes on December 31. The straw man represents the old year. The family members make a will for the straw man that lists all of their faults. At midnight, they burn the straw man, in hopes that their faults will disappear with him.

Mardi Gras: The time of Lent is a solemn one of reflection for Christians, so the Tuesday before Lent begins is a time of merry-making for many people around the world. In New Orleans, people wear costumes and attend huge parades for the festival of Mardi Gras. Brazil’s Carnival also features parades, costumes, and music. This day is also known as Shrove Tuesday.

In England, some towns have pancake contests in which women run a race while flipping a pancake at least three times.

Mardi Gras usually occurs in February or March, 47 days prior to Easter.

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

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theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

16

Free Income Tax Preparation Services

by Tusculum University Students and Community Volunteers Free Income Tax Preparation Services by Tusculum University Students and Community Volunteers Available At Three Sites Community members who need free assistance completing their income tax returns can once again rely on Tusculum University for friendly and professional service.

Led by the university’s College of Business, Tusculum will begin offering tax return preparation services Feb. 5 and continue through April 11. Students and community volunteers, under the direction of Dr. Harold Branstrator, associate professor of management, will be available:

year Tusculum has participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Tusculum typically completes 700-800 returns each year.

“We thoroughly enjoy helping community members navigate the complexities of the tax return process and attain as favorable an outcome as possible,” said Dr. Branstrator, a former Internal Revenue Service revenue agent and current IRS enrolled agent. “Our preparers receive extensive training and are up to date on the latest provisions of the tax laws and look forward to supporting community members with their returns.”

Those who qualify for free tax return preparation services include:

· Mondays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2343 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City

· People who generally earn $70,000 or less a year

· Thursdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Meen Center Rooms 001 and 005 on Tusculum’s campus in Greeneville

·

Anyone older than 65

·

People with disabilities

·

Limited-English-speaking taxpayers

· Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Washington County Library, 200 E. Sabine Drive, Jonesborough This will be the eighth consecutive

Community members receive income tax return preparation services at the Meen Center on campus in 2023.

Appointments are scheduled in 45-minute increments, but more time is available for clients who need the additional time. Tusculum can

Tusculum students prepare a return at Westminster Presbyterian Church in 2023.

accommodate as many as 12 clients for each time slot at Westminster and the Meen Center and six clients for each time period at the library. Walkins are welcome, but they might need to wait awhile for an opening.

Branstrator for his exceptional leadership with this project and are proud of our students and community volunteers for their tremendous one-on-one work with community members.”

Clients should bring their W-2 and 1099 forms, dividend and interest statements, tax documents related to their small business or rental property and any other items required for a complete filing.

To schedule an appointment for tax return preparation services, please visit https://site.tusculum. edu/vita-registration-form/ or call Dr. Branstrator at 423-636-7414.

Clients can also call 423-431-9505 or 423-612-6964, effective Friday, Jan. 12, and student members of the VITA team will be pleased to schedule a time. Students are available at these cell phone numbers from 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

New this year is the opportunity for clients to come to one of the three locations and complete their return on their own at no charge on a laptop provided by Tusculum.

In addition to benefiting the community, the VITA program provides excellent active and experiential learning for students.

Participating in this program has proven valuable as a résumé-builder for students, with those earning business degrees landing jobs at impressive firms.

“The VITA program is one of our best initiatives to demonstrate our commitment to civic engagement and preparation of students to be career-ready professionals,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, the university’s president. “We commend Dr.

Tusculum has 21 students and five community volunteers lined up for the VITA program this year.

The university would welcome additional community volunteers.

Anyone who is interested can call Dr. Branstrator at 423-636-7414 or email hbranstrator@tusculum.edu. Those who will prepare tax returns must attend training sessions Saturday, Jan. 20; Saturday, Jan. 27; and Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Additional information about the program is available at web.tusculum.edu/vita/.

17

business from the perspective of a customer. Are you presenting your business in a way that Moments of downtime pave the entices sales? Considering how you can help your customers be way to reflect on your business and consider change. Downtime their best positions you above your competition. People need promotes a clear mind ready people who can solve their to see your business through a problems. Step into the role of a different perspective. Creating customer and find out how you a strategy for change will open your eyes to how your business would feel in their shoes. Would you buy from your business? can grow.

Reflecting on your social media A walk around your store presents opportunities to strengthen presence will bring out issues your first impression. A well kept you may not have realized. A building and entrance invite SWOT or a PEST analysis will deep dive into your business to customers to come in to see what you have to offer. Find out bring awareness to aspects of what needs attention and work your business you likely have not considered, including social to correct all structural, design, and eye catching flaws before and technical issues. customers can spot them to How would you feel if you show your commitment to stepped into your store for the first time? Take a step back and professional interactions.

"Gotta use this lonely time to change the picture in my frame of mind." - O - Town

dedicate yourself to seeing your

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

A commitment to customer

satisfaction can breathe new life into your business. Change the picture in your brand’s frame of mind. Embrace your downtime to help your business thrive. Not using small pieces of downtime now may create long instances of downtime in the future through loss of sales.

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

Don't Dissipate Downtime

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

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Attached at the Heart Parenting Program Registration Now Open Register now for free weekly sessions based on 70 years of evidenced-informed research for optimal child development The Parenting Sweet at Appalachian Promise Alliance announces registration for the Attached at the Heart Parenting Program (AHPP) starting February 2024. Register now at tinyurl.com/ primeyourparenting for online Thursdays at 7:30 pm or online and in-person Fridays at 10:30 am.

Join the FREE ONLINE SESSIONS anytime... no weekly commitment is required.

Provided free of charge with grant support, this is an incredible opportunity to take advantage of valuable parenting information and support: “The online session I had with you was one the best courses I had had so far. Thank you for being a unique teacher who passed on knowing excellently and skillfully.

Thank you for your wisdom and guidance.” ~Participant “Thank you again, for yet another wonderful session. It is incredibly helpful to hear from other parents (no matter the age of the child/ren) and to have the opportunity to express our frustrations, as

well as our joys and victories, of parenting.

In a world of Instagram highlight reels and Pinterest parenting, AHPP is a lovely way of reminding me that I do not have to be a perfect mom to be a good mom. I only wish that I would have had this parenting community sooner!” ~Participant Two weekly options are provided for attending the sessions, currently held on Zoom for 1.5 hours with breaks on Thursdays and Fridays, and in-person on Fridays. Follow weekly session topics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ AppalachianPromiseAlliance/events Attached at the Heart parenting sessions help improve pregnancy and birth outcomes and parent knowledge about child development; increase parent confidence and positive parenting skills, increase levels of empathy toward children, ensure healthy secure attachment, increase family connection, protect against trauma, and help make parenting sweeter. They are also a great way to connect with other parents and find support, encouragement, and friends.

To complement the sessions, Parenting Prime Time meetups are open for parent questions and mutual support every

Sunday at 3:30 pm both online (RSVP for online) and in-person (RSVP for inperson) at the Parenting Sweet at 100 Ash Street, Bristol, TN (leftmost outside door).

About Appalachian Promise Alliance

Appalachian Promise Alliance (formerly Bristol’s Promise) is a regional nonprofit organization that unites communities in the Appalachian region to meet the basic Attached at the Heart Parenting Program needs of each child, youth, and family. and many other parenting programs Through The Five Promises - caring are made possible by a grant from adults, safe places, a healthy start, an the Ballad Health Community Health effective education, and opportunities Initiative, Nurturings, and Appalachian to serve - Appalachian Promise Alliance Promise Alliance. For more information, seeks to foster positive environments visit www.ParentingSweet.org or email through best practices and collaboration parentingsweet@ for the sustainability of the communities appalachianpromise.org. we serve.

If you know me personally, you know there’s hardly a word in the English language – and some others – that is off limits. I’ve got a mouth like a sailor which my mother hates, but I consider necessary to be able to accurately convey my emotions.

F bombs, C words, and even the universally hated ‘moist’ are welcome within my vocabulary. However, there is one word I’ve grown to despise with the fire of a thousand suns, and the older I get the more loathsome I find it. This word and its entire concept is annoying, childish and dangerously misleading.

hatred of the word ‘motivation.’ The health industry has misued this term to a degree that it is detrimental, as a way to keep you – the consumer - like a drug addict, chasing this intangible feeling and keeping them in business.

“This product will motivate you, this app motivates people to lose 20 + pounds in 4 weeks, learn how to become more motivated in 2024!”

There is no product or outside resource that will help you be a productive human, because the root of success and positive outcome is actually self-discipline.

cleaning up a smelly mess from my carpet, so it’s also a non-negotiable.

If we all relied on ‘motivation’ to engage our productivity, we would live in squalor. At my core, I am the laziest human on earth; if it were up to me, I would eternally stay in my bed like Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka.

But the reality is, it’s non-negotiable for me and most other people to routinely clean our homes and conduct business to maintain our lifestyles.

Why is it then, that we don’t prioritize Nothing curdles my milk quicker than our most valuable asset – our health – the same as these other nonThe word is: Motivation. hearing a grown adult say “I’ve just negotiables? We wait for ‘motivation’ got NO motivation today,” as they At the end of last week’s column, I to come along to make changes, lie on their couch scrolling on their touched on ‘motivation’ and how and then drop them as soon as the phone. Or when they blame “lack it’s great to get you started, but it’s ‘motivation’ leaves. The answer is to of motivation” for why they stopped a fleeting emotion that can’t be simply make the switch in your mind sustained. That’s because motivation going to the gym. I much prefer and make a healthy diet and daily someone to take accountability for isn’t real; it’s a word assigned to exercise just another non-negotiable their inactions and simply say, “my the feeling you get as the result of a like brushing your teeth. You have to productivity is not a priority today.” chemical reaction inside your brain assign the same importance of getting When you shift blame outwardly to that came from some other intake/ an intangible concept like motivation your heartrate up at least 30 minutes output action within your body. To a day as you do to changing your kids instead of owning up to your own make a long story short, it’s just diaper in the middle of the night; you bad behavior, it’s the same as a child dopamine. That’s right, the burst of might not feel like it, you might be breaking something and blaming energy you had that caused you to having the best sleep of your life, but their imaginary friend. unexpectedly clean out your closet is it must be done. the same devil that will drive a drug As adults, we do stuff every single addict to literally kill themselves day that we don’t want to do and it’s Stop making childish excuses and just do what needs to be done. It’s that with a substance. Dopamine is the not because we’re ‘motivated.’ Why feel-good chemical that triggers do you get up and go to the same job simple. Check your screentime on social media, then explain out loud the “reward” part of your brain; it’s every morning? Is it because you’re natural release is inconsistent, which motivated? No. It’s because you have why you can’t track your meals on an app. If you’ve got 4 + hours a day is why it’s not sustainable. That’s to provide for your family. If to scroll on Instagram and TikTok, also why it can do as much damage you fail to do so, there is an there’s no reason why you can’t get as it can do good for a person; when immediate consequence for your in the habit of logging your food in dopamine is released, it feels great so action, so it’s non-negotiable; you MyFitnessPal. Its just that habitually naturally we want more of it. This can don’t even consider the option of watching other people’s lives is more lead some people to habitually chase lying in bed or quitting without a of a priority than taking action in your that feeling from another external, backup as being viable. own. If you’ve got hours every night superficial source (a drug, I recently switched my dog’s food to binge a show on Netflix, you’ve gambling, sex, etc.) and that is the and like clockwork for the last got 30 minutes to break a sweat, root of addiction.

3 nights he has woken me up at you just have to stop waiting for the But back to the reason behind my 2:30 in the morning to go to the motivation to hit you, get out of bed bathroom. I most certainly am not motivated to get out of my warm bed and get it over with.

I am not perfect, and I don’t expect and stand outside in the 20 degree anyone else to be. There are bad temperatures wearing a bathrobe, but the alternative is to spend 2 hours days for me too; there are nights I

by Kathie Scalf

sleep in my makeup and mornings I skip my cardio. Rest is as important to health as activity and no one is going to have a 100% track record of successes. Curating the self-discipline to make these healthy life choices part of your norm is what will drive you to get back on track quickly when you falter. If I fall asleep in my makeup I am so uncomfortable the next morning I can’t wait to scrub my face; likewise, when I over-indulge at a business dinner in the evening, I’m chomping at the bits to wake up and hit the treadmill the next day to alleviate the uncomfortable feeling.

You have to re-route the dopamine release that comes from artificial choices (scrolling, binging, sugar, snoozing) and source it organically from wholesome food choices and physical activity. And most of all, you have to make it a non-negotiable.

So in 2024, let’s all scrub the M word from our vocabulary and replace it with accountability, priorities, and discipline!

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

T he M Word

19

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

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Make These 10 Health Resolutions in the New Year (StatePoint) The New Year is the perfect time to hit the reset button on your health and wellness. Not sure where to start? Doctors say you can make the biggest impact with small, incremental tweaks to your routine.

appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy 3. A number of respiratory viruses and help your doctor spot certain circulating this winter can be conditions before they become serious and even life-threatening. more serious.

Get up to date on your vaccines 5. High blood pressure, often to protect yourself and your referred to as hypertension, can family. These include the increase your risk of heart attack annual flu shot and the updated or stroke, and it affects millions of “It is quite common after the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 Americans. Visit ManageYourBP. holidays to think about all you’ve months and older. Vaccines are org to understand what your blood eaten or your reduced physical also available to protect older pressure numbers mean and activity and get discouraged,” adults from severe RSV. New what you can do to get your blood says Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., tools to protect infants during pressure under control.

MPH, president of the American RSV season include maternal Medical Association (AMA). “But vaccination and monoclonal 6. One in 3 American adults has the good news is you don’t have antibody immunization. If you prediabetes, a condition that to make major health changes in one fell swoop. You can make small, positive health choices right now that can have longlasting effects.” meats and poultry.

Want to get started today? Here are the 10 resolutions the AMA recommends top your list this year: 1. Get moving. Exercise is essential for your physical and mental health. The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes a week of moderateintensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity. Just can’t get to the gym? No problem: start off by going for a family walk, taking the stairs at work or parking a little farther away from the mall entrance when you’re making those post-holiday gift returns.

have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.

2. Tweak your diet to include more water and less sugarsweetened beverages. Replace processed foods -- especially those with added sodium and sugar -- with nutritious, whole foods. Stock your fridge and pantry with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy products, and lean

4. Get screened. Estimates based on statistical models show that since April 2020, millions of screenings for breast, colorectal and prostate cancer may have been missed due to pandemicrelated care disruptions.

Check in with your physician. If you’re due for preventive care, tests or screenings, make an

women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

8. Your health care provider can offer resources and guidance for quitting tobacco and nicotine. Declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

9. Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescription drugs – especially opioids. Always store and dispose of medications safely to prevent misuse. Whenever prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Not taking the full course can lead to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health problem, and will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.

10. Good mental health is part of good overall health. Manage your stress, get sufficient sleep, exercise and seek help from a mental health professional when you need it.

can lead to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged. However, healthy eating and exercise can help delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn your risk by taking a simple 2-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org.

This resource also features helpful lifestyle tips that can help you reverse prediabetes.

7. If consuming alcohol, drink only in moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines that as up to one drink per day for

If you don’t have health insurance, the AMA encourages you to sign up for coverage because those with coverage live healthier and longer. Healthcare. gov has new, affordable insurance options. The enrollment deadline for 2024 coverage is Jan. 15, 2024.

Find more health resources at ama-assn.org.

For a healthy 2024 and beyond, invest in your wellness with these doctor-recommended New Year’s resolutions.

21

I admitted in this column I have never been a huge fan of Julia Roberts. However, as the years have passed I have had a change of heart and can now appreciate her talent. Roberts is starring, along with Mahershala Ali and Ethhan Hawke in the new film "Leave the World Behind", based on the 2020 novel by Rumaan Alam. Roberts stars as Amanda Sanford, who, at the beginning of the film, reveals she has a hatred and mistrust for humans. Amanda has unexpectedly planned a trip for her husband Clay (Hawke) and their two kids Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie) to a rented house on Long Island. You know from the beginning of the film, something ominous is going to occur due to the tone of the soundtrack music.

After the family arrives on Long Island, they settle into the beautiful house, with a pool and lots of windows for a perfect view of the woods surrounding the home. This is the type of home you would see on one of those real estate reality shows of which I love to watch. So the scene is set for the family to have a perfect holiday. However, one upsetting factor for the family is the lack of cell phone service when they get to the house, and like most of humanity, this is a disaster in the making. Rose is even more upset at the lack of cell and internet service as she has been watching the entire "Friends"

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

television series and was ready for the very last episode when the cell and internet service collapsed. Their tech issues aside, the family heads to the beach the next day, and while there an oil tanker runs ashore causing panic and evacuation. Once they return to the rented house, they have no way to connect to the outside world via television or internet to see what caused the ship to run ashore. Late the same evening while the family is asleep, someone knocks on the door, causing Amanda to panic. When Clay opens the door, he is greeted by the supposed owner of the home, G.H. Scott (Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha'la).

G.H. says the two returned to their home due to a blackout in the city.

Amanda doesn't trust the duo, but Clay allows them to stay overnight in the basement of the house. The following morning Clay decides to drive to town in an attempt to get information on what is going on, and G.H. is going over to the neighboring house. When he arrives at the neighbors home, G.H. discovers the grounds of the home wrecked, and when he walks over to the hill to the beach makes a shocking discovery. While on the beach, he sees a passenger plane crash before him. Meanwhile, while attempting to get into town, Clay encounters a panicked lady beside the road who only speaks Spanish, of which he does not speak. In a split second decision, he abandons the lady, and then encounters a drone dropping leaflets, causing him to head back to the house. While Clay was away, Rose has seen deer come on to the property in large numbers, but when she tells Archie, he expresses no concern. Later, Archie and Rose walk down to a nearby shed, and while there, a sudden shrill noise causes all the parties to cover their ears in pain. Clay and Amanda soon make the decision to head back to the city, but while on the way encounter a blocked highway full of abandoned vehicles, resulting in their return to the house. After they return to the house matters soon

turn from bad to worse, as the shrill noise returns, this time so powerful it cracks windows in the house. The next morning as the family awakens, Archie is sick and his top teeth begin to fall out. Panicked, G.H. attempts to get help for Archie from one of his neighbors, Danny (Kevin Bacon), a doomsday preparist, but he is uncooperative, unti pleas from Clay make him agreeable.

From this point forward in the film, the families discover what is causing their world to be turned upside down (no spoiler here), and eventually find a safe haven.

Producer and director Sam Esmail

("Mr. Robot") has created a tense and edge-of-your-seat thriller, leaving me pondering "what if", which is clearly the point of the novel and film. The actors involved are all in top form, with Roberts and Hawke making a great onscreen couple. In addition, seeing Kevin Bacon in a brief but unforgettable cameo was great. If you are looking for a psychological thriller, "Leave the World Behind" is your ticket. Now streaming on Netflix and in limited theatrical release.

(Rated R)

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

Leave the World Behind

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

22

P

CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

BRISTOL TN/VA

PARAMOUNT Jan 26 Paul Reiser Feb 3 Brad Upton Feb 15 Mike Goodwin Feb 20 Farm & Fun Time featuring St. Paul & The Broken Bones Mar 2 Asleep at the Wheel Mar 3 Twitty & Lynn Mar 9 Tartan Terrors Apr 10 John Oats Apr 25 Glenn Miller Orchestra

Feb 3 Feb 17 Feb 23 Mar 16 Apr 20 Jun 15

Song of the Mountains with The Malpass Brothers and The Kody Norris Show Big Gun AC/DC Tribute William Golden and the Goldens Carson Peters and Iron Mountain Aaron Tippin Mark Lowry & Friends with Endless Highway and The Sound

KNOXVILLE TN

Knoxville

BIJOU THEATRE Jan 28 Judy Collins Feb 2 Scott Miller Feb 9 Big Something MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Jan 18 Black Jacket Symphony performs Feb 10 Dailey & Vincent Feb 16 & 17 Erick Baker Journey’s Escape Album Mar 6 Geoff Tate and Feb 2 Three Dog Night Adrian Vandenberg Feb 15 Larry Fleet with Dalton Dover Mar 10 Steven Curtis Chapman Apr 1 ZZ Top Apr 13 The Chain-Fleetwood Mac TENNESSEE THEATRE Tribute Band Jan 27 Ron White Apr 25 Rain: A tribute to the Beatles Feb 7 Dwight Yoakam Feb 24 Diana Krall Mar 1 Godsmack GREENVILLE Mar 2 Steve Trevino Mar 16 Marc Broussard NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Mar 26 Scott Bradlee’s Jan 19 Rhonda Vincent Postmodern Jukebox Jan 22 Drumline Live Apr 20 Ashley McBryde Jan 27 The Guess Who Apr 25 Nickel Creek Feb 2 Dugger Band May 1 Bonnie Raitt Feb 4 The Canine Stars Jun 8 Brad Williams Feb 10 Chris Janson THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA Feb 19 Drew & Ellie Holcomb Jan 13 Aerosmith and The Black Crowes Mar 1 The Steeldrivers Feb 8 Disturbed with Falling in Reverse Mar 9 Jeff Allen and Plush Mar 6 Sawyer Brown Feb 18 Winter Jam ’24 with Crowder, Mar 22 Stayin Alive: One night of the LeCrae, Cain and many others Bee Gees Feb 23 Riley Green Apr 5 Evil Woman-The American ELO Mar 15 Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top with Apr 13 Firehouse Black Stone Cherry May 4 Anthem Lights Mar 16 Dan + Shay May 10 John Anderson Acoustic Mar 28 Avenged Sevenfold with Poppy & May 14 Brothers of the Heart Sullivan King Apr 4 Sam Hunt MARION VA Apr 6 Bert Kreischer Apr 16 Tyler Childers with 49 Winchester THE LINCOLN THEATRE Apr 26 Tim McGraw and Carly Pearce Jan 27 Molly Hatchet with Peacemaker

JOHNSON CITY TN

JOHNSON CITY

GREENEVILLE TN

MARION, VA

May 9

Zach Bryan

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM: Feb 15 Matt Rife Mar 1 The Fab Four performs The Beatles Rubber Soul Mar 5 Joe Bonamassa Mar 21-24 Big Ears Festival with Herbie Hancock, John Paul Jones + more KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM: Feb 4 Theo Von Mar 22 Gabriel Iglesias Mar 27 Reo Speedwagon and Rick Springfield May 11 Kevin Gates July 25 Jordan Davis

NASHVILLE TN

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM Jan 20 American Aquarium Jan 24 Mr. Big with The Smithereens Jan 28 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Jan 29 Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton Feb 1 The Milk Carton Kids Feb 3 Three Dog Night Feb 9 Grace Potter Feb 14 & 15 Band Of Horses Feb 16 & 17 Clint Black Feb 21 & 22 Oliver Anthony Feb 24 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Feb 25 Billy Strings Feb 27 Godsmack Feb 28 Jon Batiste Mar 8 & 9 Greensky Bluegrass with Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Mar 12 Tesla Mar 14 K.C. & The Sunshine Band Mar 16 Extreme Apr 2 Dustin Lynch Apr 4 The Wood Brothers Apr 5 & 6 Black Pumas Apr 9 Casting Crowns Apr 26 Leftover Salmon & the Infamous Stringdusters May 4 Tracy Lawrence May 10 & 11 Amy Grant Jun 6-9 Matt Rife June 21 & 22 Blackberry Smoke BRIDGESTONE ARENA Jan 23 Tool with Elder Feb 2 Cody Johnson

Feb 14 Feb 9 Feb 17

Anita Baker Pantera with Lamb of God Disturbed with Falling in Reverse and Plush Feb 23 Billy Strings Feb 24 Billy Strings Mar 1 Sam Hunt Mar 21 Dan + Shay Mar 29 Chris Tomblin Mar 31 Fall Out Boy & Jimmy Eat World Apr 14 Jeff Dunham Apr 18 & 19 Tyler Childers Apr 25 Tim McGraw Apr 29 The Postal Service with Death Cab For Cutie and Pulp May 11 Bad Bunny May 24 & 25 Noah Kahan Jun 3 Niall Horan Jun 14 Luis Miguel Jun 23 Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett & Morgan Wade BROOKLYN BOWL May 16 Mammoth WVH BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER Feb 10 Yacht Rock Revue Mar 2 John Michael Montgomery Mar 24 Steve HackettGenesis Revisited May 4 Beth Hart NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Oct 10 Three Days Grace and Chevelle Oct 26 -28 Hardy with Lainey Wilson ASCEND AMPHITHEATRE Apr 27 Cody Jinks May 31 & Jun 1 Lainey Wilson Jun 22 Jul 12 Aug 13

Cypress Hill Styx, Foreigner and John Waite Creed with Tonic and Finger Eleven

NISSAN STADIUM Jul 20 Def Leppard and Journey

ASHEVILLE NC

ASHEVILLE, NC

EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA Feb 16-18 Billy Strings THE ORANGE PEEL Jan 20 The Milk Carton Kids

CALL WQUT @ 477-1015 FOR MORE CONCERT INFORMATION OR VISIT WWW.WQUT.COM

The story of “Pinocchio” has been adapted many times since its origins in an Italian children’s novel published in 1883. There have been many versions of the story made for the screen, both big and small, with the most famous of these being the 1940 animated film from Disney. A new animated adaptation of the story came out recently from celebrated director Guillermo Del Toro, a passion project the director had been working on for over a decade.

“Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio,” (that’s the full title) was produced in conjunction with Netflix and received a limited theatrical run before premiering on the popular streaming platform, this is one reason why the film was able to be nominated for and win, last year’s Oscar for Best Animated Feature. The film follows the beats of the “Pinocchio” story we’ve all been so familiar with but it adds a wonderful new layer of depth by having the story take place in fascist Italy.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

What truly impresses me about this version of “Pinocchio” is the stop motion animation, it is one of the most visually stunning movies I’ve ever seen, let alone animated.

I often found myself dazzled at how what I was seeing was pulled off. With an all-star voice cast that includes Ewan McGregor, Cate Blanchett, and Christoph Waltz, the visuals combined with the updates in the storytelling make for a moving, powerful film that truly creates a unique, cinematic experience.

track played back in regular 5.1, and I suspect would be even more impressive in full Atmos should your system support it.

As usual, Criterion has supplied an extensive amount of special features. Three programs look at the making of the movie, plus several videos of conversations with the filmmakers, in particular a wonderful one featuring GDT with critic Farran Smith Nehme.

There’s a look at MOMA’s exhibit on the making of the film, and a few panel discussions, one led by author Neil Gaiman, and another by director James Cameron.

Last year, with a large number of movies and TV shows disappearing from the streaming It’s an impressive and thorough platforms they were made for, we were reminded once again of the value of physical media.

It’s rare for movies and shows from streaming services to get a physical media release, so it’s very nice indeed that The Criterion Collection was able to work again with Netflix to bring “Pinocchio” to disc in both regular blu-ray and 4K UHD blu-ray editions, the latter of which I was very kindly sent to check out. (Someone do “Glass Onion” next, please.)

“Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio” was shot digitally and this director-approved edition from Criterion brings the film sourced from a 4K digital master, approved by both GDT and his codirector Mark Gustafson. On the 4K disc, the image is presented in Dolby Vision and it’s stunning.

The colors, the depth, and the detail, all make for a fantastic visual presentation.

The audio is a Dolby Atmos track, I don’t have the equipment to play Atmos tracks in my home theater, but all Atmos tracks on disc are designed to “fold down” with regular surround sound equipment. It’s a fine-sounding

amount of material, one could easily spend hours just exploring the bonus features. All-in-all, it makes for a fantastic home video presentation of one of the bestanimated features to come along in many years. There’s a standard that Criterion releases are held to, especially when it comes to the release of contemporary films, this is another fantastic release from the celebrated label, and one that should have a place in your film library.

Highly recommended.

See you next week.

theloafer.net | January 16, 2024

Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio

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