The Loafer 122

National Hamburger Day Tuesday, May 28th

Volume 03 Issue 122 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 Contributing Staff Andy Ross

your week’s line-up

04 Spotlight 06 Dormant to Dynamic: ETSU’s Spring Planting Tips 06 Beezwax 07 Tri-Cities Nightlife 08 Puzzle Page 10 45th Season of Liberty! to Open Friday, June 7nd 11 Things To Do 12 Tri-Cities Faces and Places 14

Etsu Martin Center Announces Surprise 2024 Encore Show, "The Book of Mormon"!

14

Biker Events

16 Introducing the ETSU Alumni Series 18 “Feast and Flower” Garden Tour in Johnson City

Wendy Hayden Ann Hartley

22 WQUT Concert Schedule

Ken Silvers

NOTE

FROM THE

PUBLISHER

09 Pets of the Week

20 The Most Traveled Person of America Hits Every Pinpoint on the U.S. Map with Visit to Johnson City, TN

Kathie Scalf

The Loafer

Hello Friends!

Happy National Hamburger Day! Who loves a big juicy burger??? Where are some of your favorite places to get one and what do you like on yours? I love mine well done (no pink at all) with mustard, ketchup, tomato and extra pickle!

Bacon cheese fries and ranch on the side makes it perfect!

How are you spending these first few days out of school for most? I hope you had the chance to attend opening day of Wetlands or another spot to cool off and enjoy family. ETSU Martin Center has Stomp coming up and would be a great way to spend an evening.

Whatever you are doing please stay safe and hydrated.

Have a great week!

Po Box 39 Telford, Tn 37690

Have a great week!

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!

columns & reviews

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15 Beanz Biker Corner Shady Valley 17

Social Sentiments:

What Motivates You 19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

Knowing Your Worth 21 Pop Life

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare 23 Batteries Not Included: Dogfight

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

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Presented by

June 4-5, 2024 ETSU Martin Center ETSUMartinCenter.org

Spotlight

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Bristol, TN/VA Bristol TN/Va WEDNESDAY May 29th Tom Troyer (Farewell Friend Band) featuring Vaden Landers 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House THURSDAY May 30th Bristol Lightning and Lee Dewyze 7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar FRIDAY May 31st Dan Herrell & the Troubadours 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Scotty Melton and Cameron Ragsdale 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Kasey Williams 8:00pm at The Corner

MONDAY Jun 3rd

Kingsport

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Mike Roberts (Full Band) 7:30pm at Lakeview Marina

THURSDAY May 30th

Johnson City Johnson City, TN

Blues Drivers 7:00pm at Model City Tap House

Dan Herrell & The Troubadours 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

TUESDAY May 28th

Midnight Gypsys 7:30pm at Lakeview Marina

Jason Lloyd 7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

FRIDAY May 31st

Elizabethton, TN Elizabethton

Old Time Jam 5:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Company Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza WEDNESDAY May 29th Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza THURSDAY May 30th Justin Mychaels 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

Hearts Gone South 10:00pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub

SATURDAY Jun 1st

Seth Broyles 8:00pm at The Corner Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillen 9:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

FRIDAY May 31st

Gabriel Knows Everything 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Jason Ellis 7:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s

Donnie and the Dry Heavers 7:00pm at High Voltage

JiggyPalooza 12:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s

Southbound Band 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Jun 1st

Abingdon, VA Abingdon, VA

SATURDAY Jun 1st

SUNDAY Jun 2nd

Bo Compton 7:30pm at Model City Taphouse

Josh Bowles & Tom Zeske III 2:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards

Jeff Lane 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza Goth Night with Academy Order 10:00pm at Capone’s

Some Old Friends 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Slick Cadillac 7:30pm at Lakeview Marina

SUNDAY Jun 2nd

FRIDAY May 31st

Ali Randolph Band 9:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Jun 1st Swagtones 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Kingsport, TN

Stone Fire Band 8:00pm at Wild Wing Cafe Mahto & the Loose Balloons | Artificial Ignorance | Daddy Long Legs 10:00pm at Capone’s SUNDAY Jun 2nd Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

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

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theloafer.net | May 28th, 2024

OPENING NIGHT CONCERT

Jeff Little Trio

FRIDAY JUNE 7TH 2024

Dormant to Dynamic: ETSU’s Spring Planting Tips

theloafer.net | May 28th, 2024

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There’s a reason “spring fever” made it into dictionaries generations ago. For many, the seasonal shift of warmer weather brings a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm. And for gardeners, there’s even more excitement: a time to plant those sunflowers, zinnias and more.

In that spirit, East Tennessee State University’s Travis Watson, the campus arborist and manager of Landscape and Grounds, offers some important tips for planters in the Appalachian Highlands.

Do Hold off cleaning out the dead from beds. A range of native insects and pollinators overwinter in leaves, hollow stems, debris and more. “It can be hard to resist the urge to clean out those beds on the first warm sunny day of spring, but it is best practice to wait until temperatures are steady and the possibility of frost and freeze are past,” Watson said.

Go native. Selecting flowers and shrubs that have evolved to live in our area is critical. “Plants that are native to our region have developed highly specialized relationships with our native insects and animals,” he said.

Be diverse. That means including as many plants as possible. Watson: “You want to provide interest in the garden year-round and also provide floral and other resources that support insects and wildlife.”

Grab some mulch. Apply roughly 2-3 inches of organic mulch to trees, shrubs and flower beds. “This will help to stabilize soil temperatures, retain water during dry periods and suppress weeds, while improving soil quality to support microorganisms and improve nutrient availability and uptake,” he added.

Analyze the space. Selecting the right plant for the right space is an important consideration. “Consider how large it will get,” he said, “and what form it wants to have, how much sunlight it needs or can tolerate, its water needs and associated pests and problems.”

Don’t

myrtle is becoming more popular, but many are topped regularly to keep them confined. “This practice is Plant anything invasive. Bringing such plants into the unsustainable and creates an unnatural appearance,” region can have serious effects. “Exotic plants have a greater potential for invasiveness and can displace native he said. “There are many cultivars of crape myrtle that plants and reduce resource availability for native insects remain small.” and animals,” Watson said.

Amend planting soil. Unless your soil is poor, it is usually best to dig a wide hole – about three times the Overwater. Many trees and shrubs perform best with root ball’s diameter – and backfill with native soil only. infrequent, deep watering. “This encourages roots to He added: “Adding compost and other materials to the seek resources deeper in the soil and improves drought planting hole creates an interface between the native tolerance. Supplement watering for the first year when soil and planting hole that hinders water infiltration and we have had less than one inch of rainfall,” he said. encourages disease.”

“Also, be cautious about assuming our heavy afternoon summer rains are sufficient to wet the soil. Much of this Overthink. Most native plants are resilient and well runs off and evaporates in the heat. Once a week, adapted to the area. “Provide them space, sunlight and water deep.” water and enjoy the beauty and benefits that they offer,” Plant large crape myrtles in small spaces. The crape

Watson added.

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 | May 28th, 2024

TRI-CITIES

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SODOKU

CROSSWORD

DROP QUOTE

C RYPTO G RAM ITACA JCA IZK IQHAY QG J HJG'Y EQWA ZTAG TA YTKFEV GKI YUADFEJIA - ZTAG TA DJG'I JWWKCV QI, JGV ZTAG TA DJG.

— Mark Twain

Down

1. Spanish love 2. Volcanic overflow 3. "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" author Harte 4. Courtyard with a skylight 5. White House nickname 6. Lingerie buys 7. Relaxing soak 8. Dwell permanently 9. "Men in Black" actor 10. Punch type 11. USPS item 12. ____-Man (arcade game) 13. Banned substance in baseball 18. Washed outdoors, perhaps 22. Parisian's IOC code 24. Film excerpt 26. One of the five W's 27. Perfumed pad 28. Slipped up 29. Arises (from) ACROSS 43. Spread units 30. Houston baseball team 1. "Dark Angel" actress 45.

NASA "walks" 31. Western st.

5. Shortened version, for short 32. Made public 9. Macchio of "The Karate Kid" 47. Norton and Harris 33. Grind (teeth) 14. Shopping place 48. Nicely terse 34. Coffee-and-chocolate flavor 15. Highlands hillside 52. In slapdash fashion 38. Opposite of horiz.

16. Pet info source 53. Superman's nemesis Luthor 40. Family-room appliances: Abbr.

17. Gets too warm 54. Early action figure 41. Ketch kin 19. Sit, like a wren 44. Stains on one's reputation 57. Red-headed comic Anne 20. Proportional relationship 46. Comes across as 61. Witch's transport 21. Change positions 49. "Rumble in the Jungle" champ 23. George Lucas's alma mater 65. "Les ___" (The United States, 50. Green team 25. Nods off in France) 51. Stage direction 30. Subject of 1937 tragedy 55. "Top ___ mornin' to you" 67. Sicily neighbor 33. Baseball heads, for short 56. Waters, in Oise 68. Day of the wk.

35. Actress Conn 58. Had ____ (partook of potent 69. Actor Nolte 36. Button material potables) 70. What the pyramids are 37. Parental threat 59. "Casablanca" cafe owner 71. Risqué 39. Restaurant group 60. Solicits 61. NYC subway line 42. Oates novel of 1969 72. Some toll rds.

62. Indian novelist Raja ___ Answers to last week’s 63. Blind European salamander puzzles can be found 64. Gambling spot, in brief on page 09.

66. Give it a go

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PETS

OF THE WEEK

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b u b b le s Bubbles is a 2 yr old black panther cat of pets!!! He would love to be your and sweeter than honey. He’s had a purr-fect companion. Bubbles has tough life so far and tested positive been neutered, current on all shots for FIV, but he doesn’t let that get him and microchipped. If you’re ready for down. Bubbles is good with other cats, dogs and kids and is always up a lifetime of snuggles and purrs with a for a good brushing - his favorite thing dash of manly charm, look no further along with treats and getting lots

than yours truly, Bubbles.

There are Five Hamburgers hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

TE

Sudoku

Crossword

D Ted is a 2 yr old Cane Corso/Heeler mix looking for an experienced adopter who can provide him with the mental stimulation and physical activity he craves. Ted is an extremely intelligent and high energy boy that needs long walks, runs, structured training and engaging play sessions. Given the proper outlet, this special boy is truly

a cuddle bug looking for approval from his trusted humans. Building a relationship with Ted is extremely rewarding and he deserves a loving forever home. Ted is good with most other dogs, knows a lot of commands, weighs 65 lbs, housetrained, has been neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped. Bday 8/3/21

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

Cryptogram: "It is part of the American character to consider nothing as desperate - to surmount every difficulty by resolution and contrivance."

Dropquote: "He who wishes to revenge injuries by reciprocal hatred will live in misery."

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

Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149 THURSDAY MAY 30TH Tri-Cities Turtles Run Club 12:45pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. FRIDAY MAY 31ST Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park SATURDAY JUN 1ST Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park Johnson City Farmers Market 8:00am at the Pavilion in Downtown Johnson City Improv Open Mic 8:00pm at Wallace Theatre

BRISTOL THURSDAY MAY 30TH “Cozy Camp” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics FRIDAY MAY 31ST “Cutest Dog” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics Goodbye State Street! 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY JUN 1ST Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

KINGSPORT SATURDAY JUN 1ST Farmer's Market 7:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market Nature: Wolf Howling 10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium Brunch 11:30am at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

BBQ and Line Dancing 5:30pm at Cascades at Parks Mill SUNDAY JUN 2ND Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

JONESBOROUGH TUESDAYS Jonesborough Storytelling Guild “Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The Intl. Storytelling Center SATURDAY JUNE 1ST Jonesborough Farmers Market 8:00am at Downtown Jonesborough Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site

ABINGDON, VA WEDNESDAY MAY 29TH Game Night 5:00pm at Abingdon Commons Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center FRIDAY MAY 31ST Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

ERWIN SATURDAY JUN 1ST 50th Anniversary Celebration 1:00pm at TN Visitor Center on I-26

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THINGS TO DO

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Bike Nights sponsored by biker wear

Etsu Martin Center Announces Surprise 2024 Encore Show, “The Book Of Mormon” With just one show left in the 2024 Spring Broadway Season lineup, The ETSU Martin Center for the Arts announces a surprise 2024 Broadway Encore show, the Tony Award-winning musical, “The Book of Mormon,” scheduled to take the stage on September 18-19, 2024.

“We are beyond excited to offer an Encore show at the Martin Center this season! The chance to bring “The Book of Mormon” to our stage is all thanks to the incredible support and enthusiasm from our wonderful patrons and sponsors.,” said Jennifer Clements, executive director of the Martin Center at East Tennessee State University. “This show has been eagerly anticipated by theater enthusiasts in our community, and we are thrilled to showcase it on our stage for the very first time.”

21 at 10:00 a.m. Friends of the Martin Center presale begins Thursday, May 30, at 10:00 a.m. For more information on how to become a Friend for early access to tickets, visit https://www. etsu.edu/martin-center/friends.php.

Group discounts are available for this performance. A minimum purchase of 10 tickets is required. For group ticket sales, please contact the ETSU Martin Center Box Office at (423) 439-2787 Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The ETSU Martin Center 2024 Spring Broadway Season lineup featured six touring Broadway shows including “Jagged Little Pill,” “My Fair Lady,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Shrek The Musical,” “Mean Girls” and “STOMP.” The international percussion sensation “STOMP,” sponsored by WCYB-TV 5, is set to conclude the season on June 4-5. Tickets are on sale now and still available at ETSUMartinCenter.org.

Tickets for “The Book of Mormon” go on sale to the public on Friday, May 31, at 10:00 a.m., with a special presale for For more information and updates, 2024 Spring Broadway Season Ticket visit ETSUMartincenter.org or follow on Holders which begins Tuesday, May social media @ETSUMartinCtr.

WOOD FIRED PIZZA. BURGERS. DRINKS. & FUN. BRIM & MARCI LEAL HB BEVERLY

THUR. May 9th 16th, 23rd & 30th

JUSTIN MYCHALS

HAPPY HOUR Visit Our Website for Daily Specials and Events

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

1. Copperhead Road Landmark unveiling Watauga Winery May 24th 12-3p 2. 4th Annual Bugtussle Bash May 31st – June 1st 3. Twilight Alive May 31st Kingsport, TN 7pm 4. Thunder Valley National Drags June 7th – 9th 5. Twilight Alive June 14th Kingsport, TN 7pm 6. 3rd Annual Fiddler’s Convention June 21st – 23rd Washington County VA Fairgrounds 7. Twilight Alive June 21st Kingsport, TN 7pm 8. Twilight Alive June 28th Kingsport, TN

Bike Nights: Wednesday: 19E Pit Stop Wednesday: Jonesborough VFW Thursday: Darrell Waltrip Thursday: Old Town Tavern Friday: Tulips June 22nd Biker Wear Bike Night at Wild Wings Café 7pm

Rides: 1. 4th Annual Bryan K. Loan June 1st 9am KSU 10am at Botetourt Funeral Home

TUES. May 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th

WED. May 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th

Local Events:

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

2. Puppy Poker Run May 11th

Bike Rallies: 1. True Sons Pow Wow May 31st – June 2nd 2. Boone Bike Rally May 31st – June 2nd 3. 22nd Junebug Boogie Bike Rally June 20th – 23rd Telco, TN 4. Thunder in The Smokies June 28th – 30th

Rides & Rallies

sponsored by biker wear

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Hello friends, hope all is well with you. Every time I write this article I try my very best to provide my readers with something they will enjoy reading. This time I am going to write about the little community my man Pork and I live in with our two dogs Whiskey and Ozzy.

Mountain City, Tennessee, on the northwest, and the Iron Mountains to the southeast. At 2,785 feet, it is the second-highest community in Tennessee. Shady Valley has one small general store that is a must, a U.S. Post Office. The town holds its annual Cranberry Festival the second weekend in October with food, a parade, and auctions. There are Shady Valley is an several Bed and Breakfast places unincorporated community to rent in you want to just stay in Johnson County, in the the weekend to ride the roads, go northeastern corner in the fishing, hunting, or go to the Drags state of Tennessee. It is just or Nascar Races or Rhythm and outside Cherokee National Forest. After the Pleistocene ice Roots music festival.

The roads that run in and ages, species and ecosystems around the town are popular that had shifted southward often survived in local refugee. among motorcyclists since nearby mountains provide As a result, cold-adapted ecosystems, such as cranberry nearly 500 pigtail curves to navigate. The most popular bogs, remain in Shady Valley, road for motorcyclists is US-421 far south of their usual range.

The Snake, which offers many Shady Valley once contained challenging curves. Shady Valley an estimated 10,000 acres of is well known for The Snake US boreal cranberry bogs. Shady 421. Whether you’re looking Valley is also the name of for heart-pumping curves, or the valley in which the town breathtaking scenery. This is is located, between Holston the road you want to ride over.

Mountain, "the twin city of The Snake will make you want to slow down and soak up the scenery before you twist the throttle, gliding through banked turns, roller-coaster dips and cool mountain air before roaring into the valley to rolling farms lands and roar your way up to the extraordinary Backbone Rock outcroppings, hiking trails, and beautiful photo ops and Holston Lake for photos ops and the Shady Valley Country Store Beanz Biker Corner for some good home cooking and fellowship. Continue into

By Anne Hartley Damascus, home of the Virginia 423-297-5675 Creeper Trail, and return through peaceful Mountain City, beside beautiful Watauga Lake.

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

Useless Facts: 1. Did you know the first European person to set foot in the area known as Tennessee was Hernando de Soto? His expedition landed at Tampa Bay in 1540.

2. Before the arrival of the Europeans in the state, the land was settled by the Cherokee and Chickasaw Native American tribes.

3. Due to poor living standards in Tennessee from 1915 to 1930, many people migrated to other areas of the country. In history, this time was known as the Great Migration.

4. According to some sources, Tennessee was named after the Tennessee River, which was named for the Indian word “Tanasie,” the name of a Cherokee village.

5. Did you know Nashville, the largest city in Tennessee, was founded on Christmas Eve in 1779?

Full Moons of 2024 1. Pink Moon on Tuesday, April 23 - 7:51 pm 2. Flower Moon on Thursday, May 23 - 9:55 am 3. Strawberry Moon on Friday, June 21 - 9:10 pm 4. Buck Moon on Sunday, July 21 - 6:19 am 5. Sturgeon Moon on Monday, August 19 - 2:28 pm 6. Harvest Moon on Wednesday September 18 - 10:36 pm 7. Hunters Moon on Thursday October 17 -7:27 am 8. Beaver Moon on Friday November 15 - 4:29 pm 9. Cold Moon on Sunday December 15 - 4:02 am

theloafer.net | May 28th, 2024

Beanz Biker Corner

Sponsored By Biker Wear

theloafer.net | May 28th, 2024

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Introducing the ETSU Alumni Summer Series Gear up for a season of sunshine and school spirit with East Tennessee State University’s Alumni Summer Series.

The ETSU National Alumni Association is rolling out a lineup of three low-cost, family-friendly activities designed to connect ETSU alumni and friends throughout the region.

“The Alumni Summer Series is another way to keep Buc pride going throughout the summer months with fun events both on campus and in our communities,” said Whitney Goetz, executive director of the ETSU National Alumni Association.

“Attendees to these events will also have an opportunity to pick up a limitededition summer series T-shirt.”

Guests are encouraged to pre-register for all events at etsualumni.org/ summerseries to receive updates on possible weather cancellations and changes.

lawn of ETSU’s Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA). There will be food trucks on-site with items available for purchase.

The festivities will be followed by a 7 p.m. screening of Disney and Pixar’s “Cars” on the lawn. Register to attend: etsualumni.org/summerseries Homerun Hangout: July 13 Next up to bat in the Alumni Summer Series is the Homerun Hangout on Saturday, July 13 at 5:30 p.m. Guests are invited to join the fun at the TVA Credit Union Stadium in Johnson City to watch the Johnson City Doughboys take on the Danville Otterbots. Enjoy pre-game festivities with alumni gifts and then watch Bucky throw out the first pitch.

Register to attend: etsualumni.org/summerseries Crazy 8s Tailgate: July 20

The final event of the Alumni Summer Series is a Crazy 8s pre-race tailgate on Big Screen Bash: June 10 Saturday, July 20, at Kingsport’s Fun Fest in Memorial Garden Park. Runners The first installment of the Alumni can take advantage of a special discount Summer Series is the “Big Screen Bash” outdoor movie night on Monday, June 10. code and join the ETSU Alumni team for This event begins at 6 p.m. with popcorn, 20% off the registration fee. However, you don’t have to run to participate in the lawn games, a visit from ETSU’s beloved mascot Bucky and giveaways on the fun. Those who just want to support and

cheer on the ETSU Alumni Team are invited to attend the pre-race tailgate festivities, which begin at 6 p.m. at Memorial Garden Park along the starting line. Click here to register for the event and for the discount code. To learn more about the Crazy 8s

race, visit: werunevents.com/crazy-8s/ .

For more information about the ETSU Alumni Summer Series, contact the ETSU Alumni Association at alumni@etsu.edu.

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How do you feel when you use your product or service?

Your potential customers could experience the same feelings. Would you be happy to see your users' reactions to your product or service? If you are not happy with the end result, your target audience may pass on it.

Start thinking of your product or service from the user's point of view. What should the user gain from the experience? Which part of the intended experience is missing? Thinking as a user allows you to see strengths and weaknesses before they are pointed out by the audience you are

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

trying to reach.

The same mentality should be used on social media.

Think about how your audience sees your content.

Would you be proud to share it on your personal page?

Sharing your content on your personal pages boosts visibility, so if you are uneasy sharing it on your page, engagement will be low, at best.

Motivation is the key to engagement. Motivating yourself to see things from the perspective of your audience will motivate your audience to engage with you, your product, or your service.

theloafer.net | May 28th, 2024

What Motivates You?

theloafer.net | May 28th, 2024

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“Feast and Flower” Garden Tour in Johnson City “Feast and Flower” Garden Tour in Johnson City On Saturday, June 8, from 10 – 3, the Shady Oaks Garden Club will present a tour of seven unique and beautiful gardens in Johnson City. The tour is called “Feast and Flower” because these rarely-opened gardens were chosen for their variety: Several devote significant space to edibles, including at least one urban homestead with chickens. Others have taken ordinary yards and over many years, in some cases generations, created gorgeous perennial borders, raised vegetable beds, elegant container plantings, focal point patios, stone paths, bridges, terraced gardens, koi ponds, and a dazzling array of plants and trees.

In addition to the private gardens, the Carver Peace Garden will be open. It contains over 70 raised beds which may be rented for a nominal fee, as well as a recently-installed native perennial pollinator habitat.

One of the tour gardens will also have refreshments, live music, and a plant sale. All plants in the sale were grown by members of the Shady Oaks Garden

Club. These lovely, healthy plants will be offered at attractive prices.

Tickets for the Feast and Flower Garden Tour are $10 per person. The ticket contains addresses of all of the gardens, as well as additional information about each stop on the tour. Advance sale tickets are available from Shady Oaks Garden Club members, at the Fischman Gallery at 133 North Commerce Street, or through Eventbrite at shadyoaksgardenclub.org.

On the day of the tour only, tickets will be sold at 112 Belmeade Circle, Johnson City.

The Shady Oaks Garden Club was organized in 1958 and is part of Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. Our mission is to help beautify Johnson City and increase appreciation of horticulture, landscape and floral design, gardening, and environment. The club welcomes new members.

For more information, go to shadyoaksgardenclub.org, or contact Pat Buck at (423) 474-3438.

ge!

Live on sta

Adapted for stage by David Birney Directed by Chris McVey

Saturday May 11 7:30 PM Saturday June 22 7:30 PM

Bring ! hair lawnc

Presented at

The Sessions Hotel

Lauderdale Stage and Lawn 833 State Street, Bristol, VA

TICKETS AT THE DOOR AND AT THEATREBRISTOL.ORG a Theatre Bristol

ARTScene Production

Follow ARTScene for Weekly Nights out

19

I was recently talking with a friend who is going through some relationship issues; matters of which I tend to tread lightly. As they divulged some of the details of their discord, I found myself repeatedly stating, “you know you’re WORTH more than this.” The more I reiterated this short statement, the more they kept excusing and defending the other person’s behavior, and I suddenly realized that my friend did not in fact know they were worth more than what they were getting. And worst of all, I saw in them the same behavior I myself have routinely exhibited.

One of the most underrated skillsets as a human being is being able to find - and subsequently KNOW - your worth. Whether it’s in regards to relationships, job salaries, or simply personal standards, how does one “set their going rate?”

world. I’m speaking from experience on this matter as someone who struggles a great deal with imposter syndrome every single day. I never really knew what that phrase meant; I assumed it meant you were someone who constantly tried to “fake it til you make it” and were a con or something. It’s not that at all, and in the simplest definition, ‘imposter syndrome’ means you never feel like you deserve good things when you get them, that you’re a fraud for receiving them, or you’re not worthy.

A lot of my issues stem from growing up in the way I did and how that impacted the core person I am today; for that reason I don’t think I’ll ever fully conquer those demons.

While I grew up thankfully with two amazing, loving parents who did the best they could and worked hard to ensure I never wanted for a thing, financially I had less assets The worth of an item is only than my friends. I lived in a trailer; determined by the value assigned the first 6 years of my life in a trailer to it. I’ve never really thought about park, the rest on 3 acres of land in why items cost what they cost, but the country until I moved out to my as I’m writing this article I began considering why it is that 2 purses can own apartment. My parents held down multiple blue collar jobs to have the exact same functionality, keep us going, but there were times style, size, and features, but will I definitely remember payday hitting cost $9.99 at Walmart and $3,799 at on Friday and having $20 left on Gucci; more importantly, why is one Monday that would last the rest of so much more highly coveted? That is because someone, whether it’s the the week. I feel like I’ve lived my life designer, the media, or the consumer, in survival mode, from paycheck-topaycheck, navigating catastrophes have decided that the word ‘Gucci’ as they arise and never fully feeling carries more value than ‘Walmart.’ like I’m able to get ahead. I struggle Knowing that it truly is that simple, with seeing the progress I’ve made, that you only must believe with your whether it’s in my career or health or mind that something is valuable to make it so, why don’t we do the same whatever because I don’t know how to feel comfortable with or worthy thing to ourselves? of the wins; it’s a mindset of scarcity, People will put themselves through that the promotion, the weight loss, incredible agonies because they the move was a fluke and shouldn’t don’t see the value they add to the have happened to me so I don’t need to get too comfortable enjoying it because it won’t last.

There are times I look around the room when I’m eating in nice

restaurants or walking around my neighborhood and think, “this isn’t my life. I’m that girl in the trailer and I’m going to wake up and none of this is real.” Or when I’m doing a private presentation to a group of high end clients in one of their multi-million dollar homes and they’re all listening to what I have to say, I feel like a fraud, like they’re all staring at me and they know I don’t belong there. This same inner voice is what has led me to accept less in relationships, to pursue people who were less attractive, less successful, had smaller goals and ambitions than I wanted, simply because I felt someone of a higher caliber would see right through me and not want me, so why try? It’s the same voice that silenced me into accepting first offers on salaries without negotiation, because I never believed I was smart enough or added enough value to the company to deserve more.

Navigating the last few years on my own has helped me begin to see my own worth and enforce it.

On a personal level most recently by valuing my health as my most precious asset and treating it as such.

I’m worthy of nourishing foods and clean ingredients versus boxed cheap crap full of toxins and chemicals. I’m worthy of fresh air and exercising my body and enjoying every inch of freedom and mobility it affords me. After back-to-back life altering heartbreaks, I’ve stayed single since 2018, refusing to allow another human being that much control over my life again and knowing I’m worth more than being lied to, lied about, and deserve someone who will treat me at LEAST as good as I treat myself because it’s not asking too much.

I’ve put the work into building my career, learning as much as I can and becoming as much of an asset to the workforce as possible so when I climb those rungs on the ladder I have

by Kathie Scalf

ammo for salary negotiations. I know now that my work ethic is stronger than most, that I always rise to meet a challenge and that I deserve every penny I earn because I worked hard for it.

People can subconsciously see the value you’ve assigned to yourself. It’s the way you speak, the way you carry yourself, the things you accept; all those things are how you “set your going rate.” People will treat you with the same respect you treat yourself, so you must believe you’re a very rare, high-dollar item. Think of yourself as that one-of-a-kind Gucci bag and not the Walmart purse that’s been produced for mass consumption at the lowest dollar. Make a physical list of all your wins, the things you’ve done that were no small feat and review them regularly. It truly is as simple as believing you deserve these things to make other people start to see it too.

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | May 28th, 2024

Knowing Your Worth

theloafer.net | May 28th, 2024

20

The Most Traveled Person of America Hits Every Pinpoint on the U.S. Map with Visit to Johnson City, Tennessee region of America. In conjunction with his first release, Jammin’ through the South, Daniel will be completing the U.S. map with a visit to Johnson City, Tennessee on July 2-6.

During his residency, he will dive deep into Johnson City’s rich train history with the Johnson City Railroad Experience and robust outdoor offerings, such as Buffalo Mountain Park You might call him the real-life Where’s and the historic Tweetsie Trail. Along Waldo and for good reason, having his journey, he will experience notable traveled 50 states well over 20 times. regional attractions in Bristol, Kingsport, From Bangor, Maine and Bellingham, and Boone to truly understand the Washington to Fort Myers, Florida and significance of Northeast Tennessee Chula Vista, California, and thousands of cities between, Daniel Seddiqui is set and beyond. The climax of his to visit the last pinpoint on the U.S. Map, adventure will be the 37th Annual Pepsi Independence Day Fireworks Johnson City, Tennessee. He suggests Celebration at Freedom Hall Civic “being titled the Most Traveled Person Center where community connections of America isn’t fully deserved unless the soles of my shoes pound every inch and values will be on full display. of pavement.”

Over a span of three decades, Daniel Daniel has been on many roads, every road for that matter, and he’s launching his new immersive travel book series with Schiffer Publishing, covering hyperlocal themes and brands of every

Seddiqu is about getting to the heart of what’s valuable to local communities, whether touching on rich cultural legacies, industries that influence migration, and pastimes inspired by

the natural environment. During the recession, he worked 50 Jobs in 50 States, including coal mining in West Virginia, lobstering in Maine, and logging in Oregon. He’s immersed into the country’s problem-plagued communities, wanting to address issues first-hand by running side-by-side with the most obese town preparing for a 5k road race in Mississippi or mentoring youth at an after-school program in southside Chicago.

When he felt the country in its deepest divide, Daniel threaded through all walks of life by immersing into culture, like singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Utah and shooting archery with members of the Cherokee Nation using handcrafted bows in Oklahoma and playing tug-of-war with his teeth at a Scandinavian festival in North Dakota.

Most recently, Daniel was inspired by our nation’s creative thinkers and doers, learning about the origins of America’s iconic symbols, like neon signs in Las Vegas, the Louisville slugger, graffiti in New York City, latte art in Seattle,

and sweetgrass baskets in Charleston.

All these journeys shaped Daniel’s understanding of America, a vision he calls Living the Map. What started as a hobby of a little kid sparked by a wandering mind, turned into a life of immersive experiences with strangers, developing commonality through shared moments, learning about life in the rural pockets to the inner cities.

He’s learned a lesson from every city in America and attributes not just curiosity to exploring the map but embracing rejection. After graduating from college, he endured an unprecedented number of job interview rejections, leaving him in a desperate circumstance and no choice other than being fearless to try something new. He says, “destinations are never cut and dry, never a direct line and those roads reflect our life’s curves, yields, and undulations. Much of the r oad is unrecognizable and that’s what makes life a journey. We can’t predict our fate, but we must learn to embrace the road ahead.”

21

The new film "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is based on the 2014 book "Churchill's Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII" by author Damien Lewis. Whew, we are dealing with some long titles here movie fans. The film, directed, co-written and co-produced

by Guy Ritchie ("Sherlock Holmes"), plays fast and loose with Operation Postmaster.

The aforementioned special operation was a off-the-books black-ops sabotage mission to disrupt Nazis' U-boat resupply operation on the island Fernando Po, an island off Central Africa, which was Spanish controlled. The film is set in late 1941, at the height of World War II, before the United States entered the war.

During this period the United Kingdom is having difficulties halting Nazi Germany's attempts to take over Europe, as London is suffering regular bombing attacks and the UK's supply and aid ships are being constantly sunk by German

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

submarines. Brigadier Gubbins (Cary Elwes), also known as "M", is ordered by Churchill to prepare Operation Postmaster, and keep the mission offthe-books. The team is put together and includes Gus March-Phillips (Henry Cavill), Anders Lassen (Alan Ritchson), Freddy Alvarez (Henry Golding) and Henry Hayes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin). Two recruits, Majorie Stewart (Elza Gonzalesz) and Mr. Heron (Babs Olusanmokun) are sent ahead by train, with the others departing for Fernando Po on the Danish fishing trawler "Maid of Honor." Marjorie and Mr. Heron encounter Nazis on the train, but deal with them effectively, and arrive at the island before Gus and his crew, who have their own encounter with a ship of Nazis.The mission also includes rescuing Appleyard, who has been captured by the Nazis, and his rescue is quite explosive in several ways.

Once all are on the island, the plan begins to unfold, but not without the villain of the film, the very nasty Nazi Heinrich Luhrx (Til Schweiger), causing all manner of problems. Gus and his crew carry out their mission, but not without a few twists and turns along the way.

Each of the crew have their own special talents, which they use to perfection on the secret mission. I will not say how the story ends, other than to say the crew is victorious, which should come as no surprise. As for the actors, Cavill is having a blast in the role, and despite being "out muscled" by co-star

Lassen, steals the film with his frequent laughter, presence, and witty remarks. I know Cavill, and I'm sure the rest of the cast has a blast making this film, which is described as a spy/action comedy, and this film lives up to said description. As I mentioned earlier, the filmmakers take many liberties with the subject matter, and it is definitely a Guy Ritchie film, so expect lots of blood to spill. The film also features Ian Fleming (Freddie Fox), who used Operation Postmaster as the inspiration

for his James Bond novels.

The real-life gentlemen who are the subject of this mission and film, are shown just before the closing credits, and we see what happened to the brave men and the courageous lady Stewart. Overall, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is extremely entertaining, and led by the wonderful cast, is a must-see film for fans of director Ritchie, Cavill, and war films with a twist. (Rated R)

theloafer.net | May 28th, 2024

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

theloafer.net | May 28th, 2024

22

P

CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

BRISTOL TN/VA

PARAMOUNT Jun 1 Mac McAnally (sold out) Jun 20 Steve Earle July 18 The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Aug 17 Ozark Mountain Daredevils Sep 28 Dusty Slay (two shows) Oct 4 Destination Soultown featuring the Sensational Soul Cruisers COUNTRY THUNDER MUSIC FESTIVAL Jun 28-29 Cody Johnson, Hardy, Bailey Zimmerman, Lonestar, Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Shenandoah, Travis Denning, Jake Worthington, Josh Ross, Emily Ann Roberts.

IN THE PINES Jun 1 Dwight Yoakam, Elle King, Paul Cauthen and Wyatt Flores BRISTOL RHYTHM & ROOTS REUNION Sep 13-15 Ashley McBryde, The Wallflowers, The Red Clay Strays, Sam Bush, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, The Steeldrivers, 49 Winchester and more.

JOHNSON CITY TN

JOHNSON CITY

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS May 17 Black Jacket Symphony will perform Purple Rain From Prince Aug 17 The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA FREEDOM HALL May 16 Breaking Benjamin & Daughtry Aug 16 Jamey Johnson Oct 20 Whiskey Myers

GATLINBURG TN

GSTLINBURG

THE MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL Aug 23-25 Joan Jett, Tesla, Night Ranger, Foghat, Aldo Nova, Slaughter, Quiet Riot, Lynch Mob, Great White, Dangerous Toys, Vixen and many more.

KINGSPORT TN

Kingsport

RED WHITE AND BOOM Jul 6 The Marshall Tucker Band and The Cleverlys

FUN FEST AT J. FRED JOHNSON STADIUM Jul 25 Crowder Jul 26 Tyler Hubbard, Emily Ann Roberts & Carson Peters Jul 27 Goo Goo Dolls with Phillip Phillips

GREENEVILLE TN

GREENVILLE

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER May 4 Anthem Lights May 10 John Anderson Acoustic May 14 Brothers of the Heart

MARION, VA

MARION VA

THE LINCOLN THEATRE May 4 Junior Brown with Rick Monroe and the Hitmen May 11 Presley Barker with Jim Lloyd & J.A.M. Jun 1 Sam Bush with Jeff Parker & Co. Jun 15 Mark Lowry & Friends with Endless Highway and The Sound Jun 21 Zach Rushing with Cletus T. Judd Jun 22 The Piano Men Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John Aug 24 Landslide: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Oct 19 & 20 Gene Watson Nov 8 Killer Beaz Nov 16 Rhonda Vincent & The Rage Knoxville

KNOXVILLE TN

BIJOU THEATRE May 11 Blind Boys of Alabama May 19 Patty Griffin May 31 Steep Canyon Rangers Jun 14 Kevin Smith Jun 21 Lucinda Williams Jul 13 Rob Schneider Jul 14 Tab Benoit & Anders Osborne Aug 9 Sister Hazel Aug 16 Kimberly Perry & Tanner Adell Oct 26 Henry Cho TENNESSEE THEATRE May 19 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band May 21 In This Moment, Kim Dracula, I See Stars, Mike’s Dead Jun 8 Brad Williams

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA May 9 & 10 Zach Bryan May 23 Lionel Richie with Earth Wind & Fire July 14 The Doobie Brothers with Robert Cray Aug 24 Heart and Cheap Trick Sept 12 Hootie and the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain Oct 5 Aerosmith and The Black Crowes Oct 25 Jelly Roll Oct 27 Black Keys with The Head and The Heart Nov 19 Justin Timberlake KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM: Jun 12 Josh Gates Jun 13 Matt Rife Oct 10 Air Supply Oct 26 Dusty Slay KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM: May 11 Kevin Gates July 25 Jordan Davis

NASHVILLE TN

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM May 4 Tracy Lawrence May 8 Marshall Tucker Band May 10 & 11 Amy Grant May 12 Devo May 14 Sum 41 with The Interrupters May 16 The Steeldrivers May 20 Todd Rundgren May 31-Jun 1 Jim Gaffigan Jun 6-9 Matt Rife Jun 13 The Del McCoury Band Jun 21 & 22 Blackberry Smoke Jun 30 The Alan Parsons Live Project Jul 10 Dave Barnes Jul 17 Asia Jul 20 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Jul 24 Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks with special guests The Return o Emerson, Lake & Palmer Jul 25 Ricky Scaggs & Kentucky Thunder Jul 29 Donnie Osmond Aug 9 America

Aug 16 Aug18

Ozark Mountain Daredevils Joe Bonamassa

BRIDGESTONE ARENA May 11 Bad Bunny May 14 Stevie Nicks May 24 & 25 Noah Kahan Jun 3 Niall Horan Jun 2 James Taylor Jun 14 Luis Miguel Jun 23 Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett & Morgan Wade Jul 27 Hootie and the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain Aug 6 Future & Metro Bloomin Aug 9 & 10 Chris Stapleton Aug 14 Five Finger Death Punch with Marilyn Manson and Slaughter To Prevail Aug 20 Earth Wind & Fire with Chicago Aug 27 Glass Animals Aug 28 Sammy Hagar and Loverboy BROOKLYN BOWL May 16 Mammoth WVH May 21 Dark Star Orchestra June 16 Kings X Aug 6 10CC NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Aug 9 Bush with Jerry Cantrell and Candlebox Sep 28 Megadeth with Mudvayne and All That Remains ASCEND AMPHITHEATRE May 18 Billy Currington & Kip Moore May 31 & Jun 1 Lainey Wilson Jun 2 Pixies & Modest Mouse Jun 6-8 2024 CMA Fest Jun 22 Cypress Hill Jun 29 Sarah McLachlan Jul 12 Styx, Foreigner and John Waite Jul 13 Lake Street Dive Aug 2 Boys II Men Aug 3 Thirty Seconds to Mars Aug 6 Tate McRae Aug 13 Creed with Tonic and Finger Eleven Aug 20 Wallows Aug 31 King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard d

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

23

Are you familiar with the 1991 movie “Dogfight?” The film, directed by Nancy Savoca, was off my radar until a few years ago when TCM ran it during their “TCM Film Festival at Home” programming in April of 2021, if I remember correctly. Film friends on Twitter were excited about the film’s airing, so I tuned in to catch it knowing nothing about it. The film very much surprised me, and I was astonished I hadn’t heard about a movie this good before.

Set in the early 1960s, “Dogfight” is a story of a young marine, Eddie Birdlace, played by River Phoenix, who is on a one-night layover in San Francisco before being shipped off to Vietnam. The Marines all plan a party the for night they’re there, a competition called a dogfight. The idea is that each marine puts in $50, then they all try to bring the ugliest date they can find to the party that evening, and whoever can bring the ugliest woman wins.

It’s a cruel and misogynistic idea, and one based on reality. This is a real thing that happened. The writer of the film, Bob Comfort, was a former marine who participated in a dogfight and later regretted it.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

As Eddie looks for his date, he sees Rose, played by Lili Taylor, working in her mother’s cafe. Rose is an aspiring folk singer, in love with the music of the era, pictures of her heroes tacked up above her bed.

Eddie convinces Rose to be his date to the “dance.” Rose is beaming, but during the evening she learns from one of the other “dates” the truth of what is going on. Eddie shows remorse over it, and the two then spend the evening together genuinely enjoying one another’s company. “Dogfight”is a great film.

The film is funny, sweet, sad, and moving. Director Savoca deftly mixes tones and feelings to create a truly beautiful movie.

One reason why you may have never heard of the film before is that it was neutered in its original theatrical release by Warner Brothers.

Supposedly only playing in two movie theaters before being quietly shepherded onto home video and cable TV, where it eventually found an audience. Now the film makes its debut on blu-ray thanks to The Criterion Collection, this is a wonderful edition of the film made with the full participation of Nancy Savoca.

Criterion presents “Dogfight”on bluray in a new 2K digital restoration made from a 35mm interpositive.

Sometimes scanning in HD from an interpositive is more desirable than the original camera negative, as it’s been color-timed and ready to make prints from. This process was supervised by Savoca. The image looks fantastic, the colors are well defined and it’s a vast improvement over the previous master of the film.

Audio on the disc comes in two options. First, we have the original theatrical Dolby Stereo/Dolby Surround track. This was remastered from the 35mm magnetic tracks and is presented as a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track. Accessing the surround sound can be done by activating

the Dolby Pro Logic mode on your receiver. Like some Dolby Stereo tracks from this era, the surround speakers are used sparingly mostly for the atmosphere. But the front three speakers create a fantastic, wide soundscape. The audio sounds clear and sharp.

The second audio option, which also kicks off the bonus material, is an audio commentary with director Savoca and the film’s producer, Richard Guay. This track was originally recorded for the 2003 DVD release by Warner Brothers, it’s nice to see it ported over here. New material exclusive to this release begins with a fantastic half-hour interview with Savoca and star

Taylor, conducted by director Mary Harmon. New interviews with the film’s crew are also included, in addition to a trailer and an essay by critic Christina Newland.

When it was announced Criterion was releasing “Dogfight” there was much celebrating online.

The film is a gem, a little bit of an overlooked one, it deserves to be seen by a wider audience and to have it out in a wonderful edition

by The Criterion Collection is the perfect chance to see it for the first time. This new disc is well worth your time, and I’m happy to have it a part of my home film library. See you next week.

theloafer.net | May 28th, 2024

Dogfight