The Loafer 69

WIN BIG

ALL ARCADE & MIDWAY GAMES 1/2 OFF!

Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative DIrector Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor Peggy Gale DIstribution Elizabeth Armstrong Sales Jessica Carlisle Entertainment Coordinator Andreax Jarre

your week’s line-up

Volume 03 Issue 69

Contributing Staff

04 Spotlight 06 Big Things Are Happening at East Tennessee Distillery 07 Tri-Cities Nightlife 08 Puzzle Page 09 Pets of the Week 10

Inagural Broadway Season Kickst off at ETSU Martin Center

11 Things To Do 12

Tri-Cities Faces and Places

14 Bike Events 18 Local Trains Focus of ETSU

Andy Ross

Heritage Days

Kathie Scalf

22 WQUT Concert Schedule

Ken Silvers Wendy Hayden Ann Hartley

The Loafer Po Box 39

15 Beanz Biker Corner

Telford, Tn 37690

NOTE

FROM THE

PUBLISHER Hello Friends!

January is almost over friends! I hope you have enjoyed the month and haven’t been too cold. I must admit I have not wanted to be outside at all. I just want to be inside my warm house snuggled under a blanket. When you do feel like getting out in the cold plan a trip to Tiebreakers.

We are thrilled to have them on our cover again to feature the specials they have on Wednesday nights. It really is a great place for a family night or date night!

If you would like to advertise anything for Valentine’s Day or any other event, please let us know.

Have a great week!

423-930-7319

February

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!

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columns & reviews

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Social Sentiments: Know Your Terms!

19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

Picking Juniper 21 Pop Life: The Pale Blue Eye 23 Batteries Not Included: Coffee and Zillow

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

3

theloafer.net | January 31, 2023

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To Apply Now Text ACTTODAY to 51893 | careers.acttoday.com

Spotlight

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Bristol TN/Va Bristol, TN/VA WEDNESDAY Feb 1st Chris Long 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ Peter Dee 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House THURSDAY Feb 2nd Blues Night with Jamie & The Catfish 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

SATURDAY Feb 4th Leftover Souls 5:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Derek Downtown followed by JP Parsons 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Cash Crop 7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Alli Epperson 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube

Orchid Thief | Cardboard Box Colony | Fairview 10:00pm at Capone’s

Shady Sadie

Kingsport Kingsport, TN

SATURDAY Feb 4th

FRIDAY Feb 3rd JC Tokes 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Tequila Mockingbird

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Johnson City City, TN Johnson TUESDAY Jan 31st Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza WEDNESDAY Feb 1st HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Feb 2nd Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza EMO Night with Johnny Red 9:00pm at Capones FRIDAY Feb 3rd FRIDAY Feb 3rd Live X: The NeXt Big Thing John King Band 8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub Session with Illiterate Light 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House The Tim Shelton Syndicate 8:00pm at the Down Home Corey Snowden 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube Holly Ann & Dirt Road Rising 10:00pm at Capones Kayla McKinney 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar SATURDAY Feb 4th Railway Express 11:00pm Railway Express 8:00pm at Johnson City Moose Lodge at Bristol Casino Bar Black Hollow Road 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar RJ Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

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 |January 31, 2023

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Big Things Are Happening at East Tennessee Distillery Written by Andreax SynJyn Jarre

We have started to develop Celebrity brands of Moonshines/ Vodka for touring bands and artist. We have just signed a contract with Comedian Donnie Baker.to manufacture his Howl’in Wolf Moonshine.which we anticipate will be out sometime in the first quarter of 2023, and Big things are happening at East we’re planning a huge rollout party and concert with him and Tennessee Distillery, in Piney some special guests for Saturday, Flats Tn. Neil “Tiny” Roberson and crew have had an incredible May 20th 2023.

2023, and its only February.

A Lot of people don’t realize that we have a full graphics and “Last year we dipped our toe sign shop on site, run by master into the Concert business, with Graphic Artist Wilbur Hunter. the Labor Day show featuring So we’re capable of designing Kentucky Headhunters and and printing banners, t-shirts, Confederate Railroad, this year we have so much more planned stickers, signs, and marketing materials with a very quick turn for the Distillery”

around and at a competitive rate due to low overhead. So when we’re not printing labels for our Moonshine and Vodka clients, were busy taking on printing projects from local businesses and the general public.

Also, thanks to our onsite partner, John Greer Builders, we have started to shape and mold our 21-acre property for some larger events, including car shows, block parties, carnivals, and of course. concerts. We can comfortably host up to 1500 people, and park close to 800 cars on any given day. We have discussed adding a 6000 sf Pavilion with enough space to accommodate large weddings and parties.

The great thing about East Tennessee Distillery being in Piney Flats, is that were a convenient travel distance from most of the major cities in the area. Our retail store is open every day from12 to 5pm, and hosts daily tours and tastings where you can sample any of our 15 flavors of Moonshine or Vodka “We’re excited to see what 2023 brings us, looks like it’s going to be a great year”.

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 THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub - Johnson City, TN 8pm Sing Your Heart Out Karaoke 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 Karaoke Karaoke Karaoke Karaoke

with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - Johnson City, TN 9pm with Absolute Entertainment at The Sports Mill - Kingsport, TN 8pm w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm 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 with Absolute Entertainment at Union Street Taproom - Erwin, TN 8pm Jan 28, Feb 18 & Mar 4 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 WEDNESDAY Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm

THURSDAY Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN- 7pm

BINGO

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 THURSDAY Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm

DJ NIGHT THURSDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm FRIDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm SATURDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm SUNDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm

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

theloafer.net | January 31, 2023

TRI-CITIES

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theloafer.net |January 31, 2023

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SODOKU

CROSSWORD

DROP QUOTE

C RYPTO G RA M

HU UHY CDE XCY BJACX XU FYEXBUV DHUXCYB NYBEUH'E OYZJYT OV FYSDHFJHA YSNJBJIDZ YWJFYHIY. —Ann Landers

ACROSS 1. Bueno's opposite 5. Roman letters 9. Cupcake cover 14. Corporate VIP 15. Elmer's, for one 16. At no time 17. Booth Tarkington book 19. White wine of Italy 20. Ballet's Black Swan 21. Overstuff 23. Sass 25. Slanted letters 30. Stress response choice 33. Atlas abbr.

35. Name in Flemish painting 36. Newsman Matt 37. Compensates 39. Hearts and diamonds 42. Arizona city 43. Skip ___ (flutter, as the

heart) 45. Final or midterm 47. NY-to-Atlanta dir.

48. Incompetence 52. Biting gnat 53. Indy 500 sponsor 54. She killed Bill 57. Common small town sign abbr.

61. They're hardly spineless 65. Small blood vessel 67. Object of a coulrophobic's fear 68. Wax monogram 69. Board game with a lead pipe 70. Put on sale, perhaps 71. Major rds.

72. Stately trees

Answers to last week’s puzzles can be found on page 09.

Down

1. "You've Made ____ Very Happy" 2. Chopped down 3. Big name in denim 4. Peacock "eyes," e.g.

5. Mil. rank 6. Naval Academy freshman 7. Which, in Vichy 8. Painter of "The Bathers" 9. Hook up 10. Head honcho 11. First name of "Tokyo Rose" 12. Loc. of Reno 13. Test for M.A. seekers 18. Snow, in French 22. Fed. bureau 24. Ed. opener 26. Neeson of "The Phantom Menace" 27. Words of lukewarm commitment 28. Game of kings and queens 29. Sipper 30. Young chickens 31. Horned Frogs' sch.

32. Some Steinbeck characters 33. Reproduce, in a way 34. Something just not done 38. Satisfy fully 40. Appreciative abbr., online 41. ____-serif (type style) 44. Elvis nickname 46. About 39 inches 49. Him, to Henri 50. Break in a title 51. Wire repair 55. Sleuth Nancy 56. "Our Gang" approval 58. Hood's gal 59. Kind of lord 60. Golf props 61. "Suzie Q" band, briefly 62. Draft pick 63. Barracks bed 64. Bygone carrier 66. Chicago transports

Feb 11, 2023 10am

O li

at The Prospect Center, Kingsprt, TN

ve r This handsome green eyed boy is Oliver !!! He is a 6 1/2 yr old orange tabby that was surrendered due to his Mom going into a care facility.

Oliver is a little shy at first, has lived his whole life indoors, is good

with other cats, loves high places and toy balls with the bells inside !!! He has been neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

There are 5 Night Owls hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Te

Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

"It is only the great men who are truly obscene. If they had not dared to be obscene, they could never have dared to be great."

"It sometimes seems that intense desire creates not only its own opportunities, but its own talents."

d

Sudoku

Ted is a 1 1/2 yr old medium sized Cana Corsa mix with incredibly high anxiety. He needs an active family and a lot of exercise throughout the day and someone that can be calm and patient to help him through his

anxiety. Ted is dog selective, good with children over 12 yrs old, knows sit, paw and down commands, takes treats easily, housetrained, neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

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 31, 2023

PETS

OF THE WEEK

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theloafer.net |January 31, 2023

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Inaugural Broadway Season Kicks Off at the ETSU Martin Center The ETSU Martin Center for the Arts kicks off its inaugural Broadway season on January 25-26 with “Annie,” presented by Bravissima: Women Sponsoring the Arts.

Directed by Jenn Thompson, “Annie” features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award®winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the “hard knocks” life throws your way. Limited tickets are still available for both performances.

Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (“Hamilton”) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne and direction by Trevor Nunn (“Les Misérables”). Tickets for “CATS” are still available.

“Riverdance – 25th Anniversary Show,” presented by News 5 WCYB, takes the ETSU Foundation Grand Hall stage for one night only, March 21. A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite celebrated the world over for its Grammy® award‐winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Composer Bill Whelan Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including has re-recorded his mesmerizing Best Musical, “CATS,” presented soundtrack, while producer Moya

by Truist, is set for March 6-7. The Doherty and director John McColgan show features the original score by have completely reimagined Andrew Lloyd Webber, original scenic the ground‐breaking show with and costume design by John Napier innovative and spectacular lighting, (“Les Misérables”), all-new lighting projection, stage, and costume design by Natasha Katz (“Aladdin”), designs. Due to the great response all-new sound design by Mick for Season Tickets, “Riverdance –

25th Anniversary Show” is sold out.

On its 25th anniversary tour, “Chicago”, presented by Bank of Tennessee, consists of epic dance numbers, fame, fortune, a scandalous murder, and all that jazz and will stop at the Martin Center on April 25-26.

The show has been honored with six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards®, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing

ovations. Tickets for “Chicago” are still available.

For more information on ETSU Martin Center’s 2023 Spring Broadway Season, visit ETSUMartinCenter.org. For more about the Martin Center or to purchase tickets, visit ETSUMartinCenter.org or call the Martin Center box office at 423-439-2787

BRISTOL WEDNESDAY FEB 1ST Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club THURSDAY FEB 2ND IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Stateline Bar and Grille “Love Grows Here” Canvas Class 6:00pm at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramic Studio Improv Stand-Ins 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club FRIDAY FEB 3RD Ahmed Bharoocha 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club SATURDAY FEB 4TH Farm Expo 23 10:00am at Bristol Motor Speedway Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library Ahmed Bharoocha 8:00pm 10:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

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 FEB 2ND Friends & Wine Canvas Class 6:00pm at Into the Fire

FRIDAY FEB 3RD

Blue Ridge Artisan Days 10:00am at Kingsport Johnson City Love & Hiking Farmers Market Date For Couples (SelfSATURDAY FEB 11TH Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park L.O.V.E. Women's Support Group presents Super-Self Two Cats + A Herd of Buffalo Saturday 10:00am at The – Downtown Art Exhibition 5:00pm at Dos Gatos Coffee Bar Prospect Center Valentine Door Hanger 6:00pm at Into the Fire Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night 6:00pm at CardFox SATURDAY FEB 3RD Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (SelfGuided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park Storytime & Paint: Lovely Things 10:00am at Into The Fire SUNDAY FEB 4TH

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS Jonesborough Storytelling Guild “Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The International Storytelling Center WEDNESDAY FEB 1ST IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at The Black Olive SATURDAY FEB 4TH Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) ABINGDON, VA 7:00am at Willow Springs Park WEDNESDAY FEB 1ST Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon KINGSPORT Community Center THURSDAY FEB 2ND SUNDAY FEB 5TH First Thursday Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Shop and Hop 5:00pm Community Center at Downtown Kingsport SATURDAY FEB 4TH Nature: Wolf Howling 10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

BLUFF CITY, TN

TUESDAY JAN 31ST Art Program 11:30am at Thomas Memorial Library

To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

theloafer.net | January 31, 2023

THINGS TO DO

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theloafer.net |January 31, 2023 12

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theloafer.net |January 31, 2023

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1. The Saxons called February “Sol-monath” which means “cake month,” because they would offer cakes to the gods during February.

2. Of all the words you can misspell, February is one of the most misspelled words in the English language. Even the White House has misprinted the word “February” before in a press release!

3. February is the only month where it’s possible to go the entire time without having a full moon.

4. The odds of being born on February 29th are about 1 in 1,461. Those born on a leap day can be called a “leaper” or “leapling.”

5. February, March, and November always start on the same day of the week unless it is a leap year.

6. It was in February 1964 when The Beatles made their first American television appearance on the “Ed Sullivan Show.” Over 73 million Americans watched!

7. There are many U.S. states that entered the Union during the month of February. These include Massachusetts, Oregon, Arizona, and Mississippi, which were readmitted.

8. Sadly, on February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle “Columbia” broke apart in flight, which killed all seven crew members. The accident was believed to be a result of damage that occurred during lift-off. The tragedy occurred only 16 minutes before the shuttle was scheduled to land.

9. On February 2, 1848, U.S. and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended their war. The U.S. paid Mexico $15 million in exchange for California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Texas.

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Well January 2023 is behind us now.

Here comes February 2023. Each month in the modern Gregorian calendar consists of at least 28 days.

That number would be a nicely rounded 30 were it not for February.

While every month besides the second in the calendar contains at least 30 days, February falls short with 28 (and 29 on a leap year).

So why is the most widely used calendar in the world so inconsistent in the lengths of its months? And why is February stuck with the fewest number of days? Blame it on Roman superstition.

February is a terrible month. By the time it arrives, we’re sick of the cold, sick of our winter clothes, and in many cases, just plain old sick.

Fortunately, it’s a short month— just 28 days. But why? Turns out, it’s not because everyone in the history of the human race has hated February. The month’s quirky timing dates back to the 10-month Roman calendar, which began in March and ended in December.

That’s right. For a while, January and February didn’t even exist. To the Romans, who made their lot by planting and harvesting, winter was a nameless, dateless slog. For part of the year, there was literally no system for keeping track of the days. By the time the second king of

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley 423-297-5675

Rome took the throne around 750 BC, the Romans decided to add two more months to their year in order to sync their calendar more accurately with the 12 lunar cycles. These two months January and February—had 28 days each, until the king decided to add an extra day to January to make the year 355 days long. Even numbers were considered unlucky at the time, and a 354-day year was unacceptable. The calendar still had its flaws. Following the lunar cycle worked well for a few years, but soon the seasons became out of sync with their typical months.

To fix it, the Romans added a leap month called Mercedonius. Rome’s high priests would decide when the month would arrive, and no one else in the city could keep track of what day it was. When Julius Caesar took power, he reconfigured the entire thing again and aligned the length of the year with the sun, so that each year would add up to 365 days. For some reason, he left February at 28 days. And you know what? I totally agree with that arbitrary decision. February should always be as short as possible; no one likes it that much anyway. February comes from the Latin word februa, which means “to cleanse.” The month was named after the Roman Februalia, which was a month-long festival of purification and atonement that took place this time of year. February 29th is a special day for some people. That’s because it’s their birthday! If you were born on February 29th, then you celebrate your birthday every four years. The reason for this is because February 29th is not a regular day. It’s a leap day, which means that it’s added to the calendar every four years. If you're stuck with a February 29 birthday, I am sorry. The day only exists in a leap year, which has 366 days instead of 365, meaning your "real" birthday only occurs once every four years. Your Sweet Sixteen is more accurately a Fabulous Four. And if you're turning 21? Well, you're actually still just five. At least if you're dreading the big 4-0, though, you can take solace in knowing that you're a mere 10-year-old, in a sense. While strange and annoying for those afflicted. But every year you still get older. Dates to remember: February 2 is Groundhog

theloafer.net | January 31, 2023

Beanz Biker Corner

Day—the day we find out whether winter will last six more weeks or call it quits early. February 12 is Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday. The 16th president of the United States. February 14 is Valentine’s Day. February 15 is Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday. February 15 is National Flag of Canada Day! February 20 is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday also known as Washington’s Birthday that is celebrated on the third Monday in February. (George Washington’s actual birthday is February 22!) February 21 is Mardi Gras, (aka “Fat Tuesday” or Shrove Tuesday), which is the final feasting day before the Christian tradition of Lent begins on the following day, Ash Wednesday. February 22 is Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent. February 27 is Clean Monday.

Also called Pure Monday, this day marks the beginning of Great Lent for followers of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church. This day is similar to Ash Wednesday of the Western Church. Zodiac Signs for February: Aquarius (January 20–February 19)

and Pisces (February 20–March 20) Even though so many roses are sold during February due to Valentine’s Day, the Violet and the Primrose are the symbolic flowers. The violet signifies watchfulness, loyalty, and faithfulness. Give a violet to someone to let them know that you’ll always be there for them. The primrose lets someone know that you can’t live without them. Like the violet, February’s birthstone is a purple color. It’s the beautiful amethyst. This gem is a form of quartz; it can range from a pale lilac color to a deep, rich purple. The name is based on a Greek myth that speaks of a nymph named Amethyst who was inadvertently turned into white stone; in remorse, the Greek god Bacchus poured wine over her to turn her a beautiful purple. The amethyst was thought to prevent intoxication and keep its wearer thinking sharply. It was worn by English royalty in the Middle Ages.

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theloafer.net |January 31, 2023 16

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a positive experience on each Will that post you're about to send violate the social media platform and that more good terms of service? Are you sure? than harm comes from the time Content can be censored spent using each platform. based on potential harm to Before you post, take a moment other users of the platform.

You may truly believe that to read through the terms of your post is harmless, but service for each social media another user may be offended platform. Reforms are in the by it or make actions based works to keep up with the on your post that could current state of the world, negatively impact their life. Each platform has the and you may be inadvertently responsibility to remove any violating the terms, which posts that can cause harm. could result in a temporary, That responsibility is covered or, based on the severity, in the terms of service that a permanent ban from the you agree to when creating an account. platform that you are using to spread your message. We live in On the flipside, you can create a positive influence a world where terms of service and inspiration through your are brushed over, but being content that will brighten thorough could save you from a an otherwise dark day. The ban or embarrassment on your terms of service are in place to ensure that each user has favorite platforms.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

theloafer.net | January 31, 2023

Know Your Terms!

theloafer.net |January 31, 2023

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Local Trains Focus of ETSU’s Heritage Day

Local lines will be the focus of this month’s Heritage Day, happening Saturday, Jan. 28, at East Tennessee State University’s George L. Carter Railroad Museum.

city’s industrial heyday. Beyond the rail connection, Lil’ Chicago references the occasional visits by notorious gangster Al Capone during Prohibition, museum officials said.

The Carter Railroad Museum is open every Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

“The Lil’ Chicago name once was and includes model railroad layouts, slang for Johnson City due to the a special children’s activity room rail traffic that once came through and ongoing programs. There is no town,” said Geoff Stunkard, the admissions fee, but donations coordinator of the Heritage Day program. “Both the Southern Railway are welcome.

Identify the museum by a flashing and the Clinchfield had mainlines, railroad-crossing signal at the back small yards and industries they entrance to the Campus Center serviced here, while the original Building. Visitors should enter ETSU’s Tweetsie, the ET & WNC shortline, campus from State of Franklin Road was headquartered here as well.” onto Jack Vest Drive and continue During much of the 20th century, east toward 176 Ross Drive, adjacent the area now occupied by State of to the flashing railroad crossing sign.

Franklin Road was the site of the The event runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

city’s largest yard trackage. Stillexistent remnants of this operation are visible near Legion Street where the Tweetsie Trail now starts and close to Broadway Avenue, which once hosted a steel mill during the

For more information about Heritage Day, contact Dr. Fred Alsop at (423) 439-6838 or alsopf@etsu.edu.

For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.

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Having been friendly acquaintances with Chef de Cuisine and business partner Romeo Tivoli for a few years, I’ve known a new restaurant in the old Café Pacific location was in the works for quite some time. I’ve eagerly anticipated the addition of a fresh, independent, fine dining concept in the Tri-Cities, as this area is oversaturated with fast-casual chains and fast food drive-thru ventures. I finally got my opportunity to sit through 3 courses with my closest friends on a recent visit home and left with a heart as full as my stomach. Like the atmosphere of the building itself, the menu is new but familiar, feeling approachable enough not to intimidate, but elevated enough to feel like an occasion to indulge with loved ones.

My first impression upon entry was the airy brightness the owners have managed to capture within the old farmhouse’s four walls. This time of year can lend a drab, gray darkness to any setting, but stepping out of the cold and into Juniper’s front sunroom was as welcome as the first 70 degree day in spring. Crisp, white shiplapped walls are adorned with brightly patterned quilts and framed photos from yesteryear, and as you wind your way through the building and up the stairs, pops of jade green jump from the mouldings beneath mid-century sconces and hanging fixtures. And the steep angles of the natural beadboard ceiling offer complimentary contrast to the white-topped tables below. My favorite aesthetic component of the space was the bar area, which greets you within feet from the host stand and offering brief glimpses into the bustling kitchen. The white marbled bartop is intimate, seating no more than 10 at a time, but feels un-cramped and effortless due to the bright natural light beaming in through a front-facing bay window, which is framed by open shelving full of glistening glassware and assorted wines and spirits.

As I’m notoriously always the first to arrive, I enjoyed a cocktail at the bar while I waited on my party to join. I was excited to see Ivy manning the shakers, as she’s an experienced bartender who has prepared a number of lovely libations for me over the years. Since I was there at 4:45pm, it was the time of day that I needed an energy boost but not too late to keep me up all night, so I requested an espresso martini with no substitutions or questions regarding preparation. I judge an establishment on how they make an espresso martini; some who have no idea what they’re doing will make such a thick, creamy monstrosity it may as well be a Mudslide. However, Ivy passed and excelled this test, creating a beautiful cocktail with a half-inch of well shaken foam topping a perfect mix of coffee, vodka and I dare say something almost coconut. I didn’t ask her secrets, but will not stop her from making me more down the road.

everyone to order different items so we could enjoy as much of the menu as possible. On the table landed slow roasted duck breast served with seasonal vegetables and a tableside umami broth, pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon from locally owned Cured Meats, served with hericot vert (or fancy green beans) and grits, a few bowls of French onion soup and house-made focaccia bread with honey butter, and crispy brussels sprouts. All the meats were accurately cooked to preference and Juniper’s concerted effort to incorporate as many locally sourced ingredients was evident and appreciated, perfectly complimenting their thoughtful but uncomplicated pairings.

The wine list earned major points with me; quite frankly it’s one of the best in the area. Grapes from around the world are well-represented on just a handful of pages, offering the best selections from each region without When everyone arrived we were seated becoming lengthy and intimidating. in a corner table downstairs, another How refreshing it is to open a menu in familiar face in the Johnson City East Tennessee and not have the wind hospitality scene greeting our table as sucked out of my sails by a mediocre our server. Josh Maples, or just Maples “lesser of ten evils” selection of massas I’ve always known him, has provided produced California juice in various me with many a fun dining experience shades of white to red. You honestly over our combined years in the area cannot go wrong with any selection on and this evening was no exception. He this list, but some standouts to note passed out the menus and informed would be the Terre Rouge Grenache us of the specials that evening, leaving Blanc for anything salad and appetizer, us long enough to make our appetizer and the Kermit Lynch Rhone Valley Red decisions. One of my favorite items Blend will compliment any of the meat from the entire Juniper menu might offerings. I highly recommend starting in fact be the wood roasted oysters. your evening with a toast of bubbles, Smoky and savory, the bread crumbs and their sparkling Rebula from and espellette butter offer a golden Slovenia is the perfect crisp and festive light spice that make this spin on glass. The prices are also insanely oysters Rockefeller totally unique. The reasonable, which is always one of the blistered shishitos are served with a most pleasant aspects for me when side of ranch, which lends a southern dining back home versus Nashville. wink-and-nudge to a traditionally Finally, you absolutely do not want to Japanese dish. And the chicken pot skip dessert here. One of the owners is pie croquettes are peak comfort food a pastry chef and it shines through in in a lady-like package; one bite into their after-dinner indulgences. It was these neatly placed deep fried balls and a lengthy decision, but I finally landed your mouth is filled with an explosion on a warm, gooey peanut butter and of creamy home-cookin’. Again, a chocolate chip cookie, topped with welcomed juxtaposition of presentation a fat scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. and delivery.

They’ve incorporated a pinch of sea For dinner course I encouraged

salt that elevates this simple plate to

by Kathie Scalf positively sinful. I paired my dessert with a glass of Riesling, and this is the only place I can take issue with the Juniper menus- I wish there was a selection of dessert wines and ports offered to pair with these incredible sweet finishes. The Riesling did the trick, but a sauternes or 20 year port would have been perfection, and seems only a natural addition to the already well-rounded wine list. Regardless, dessert course was my favorite and ended the meal on a high note.

Juniper was worth my wait. The owners have captured an essence of forward thinking while honoring their roots which is desperately needed in the area. The delightfully unexpected but thoughtfully intentioned culinary and aesthetic choices will leave you feeling full but refreshed. I’m excited to see this menu evolve when the seasons turn and how the owners pivot this success into future local endeavors.

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | January 31, 2023

P icking Juniper

theloafer.net |January 31, 2023 20

21

The Pale Blue Eye If you enjoy mystery thrillers with a gothic tone then you may want to check out "The Pale Blue Eye" now playing on Netflix and in select theaters.

The film stars Christian Bale as Augustus Landor, a retired and alcoholic detective, who is asked by the military to investigate the mysterious hanging of Cadet Leroy Fry at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York in 1830. We discover Landor is a widower and lives alone after his daughter Mathilde (Hadley Robinson) left home several years back. When Landor arrives at West Point, it is revealed to him Fry's heart was removed from his body.

After this shocking revelation, Landor finds a fragment of a note in the deceased hand and marks on his neck, leading to the conclusion he did not commit suicide but was murdered. As his investigation begins Landor is able to get assistance from Cadet Edgar Allen Poe (Harry Melling), who has expressed interest in the case. The two come to the conclusion based on the note fragment that someone was summoning Fry to a secret meeting. Also adding to the case is the recent discovery of a

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

slaughtered sheep and cow found with their hearts missing, leading the duo to deduce black magic rituals must be part of the crime.

Not long after the dead animals are discovered, another cadet has gone missing and is later discovered hanged with his heart missing. Then a third cadet is discovered missing, who is closely connected to the other deceased cadets, and is presumed to be the next victim. As their investigation continues, Landor and Poe begin to suspect the family of Dr. Daniel Marquis (Toby Jones), after dining with the family one night and begin to feel something of "off" with the family which includes the doctor's wife Julia (Gillian Anderson), and children Lea (Lucy Boynton) and Cadet Artemus (Harry Lawtey). Landor and Poe place special suspension on Lea, who suffers seizures , and Artemus. While at the Marquis home, Landor discovers an old officer's uniform, and feels the uniform directly connects to the murders. When confronted by Landor, the doctor admits he had resorted to black magic in order to cure Lea of her seizures, which initially worked. Meanwhile, Poe has become enthralled with Lea, and tells her he will do whatever she wants. His words lead to trouble, and soon Poe has been drugged and is being used in a ritual to continue to supposedly help Lea. The ritual is taking place in the basement of a building Landor has discovered earlier, and he later races to the building to find Lea, Artemus and Julia involved in the ritual and preparing to murder Poe. The ritual is thwarted, and matters do not end well for the Marquis family, as the case is solved. Or is it? I will stop here to say there is a surprising twist in the story that I didn't see coming, and if

you haven't read the 2003 novel on which the film is adapted from, you may be shocked as well. There is also a revelation involving Landor's daughter that surprises. The twists in the film were great and only added to the mystery of the storyline, and the heart wrenching ending also surprised. All the actors involved, led by Bale, are wonderful, and director Scott Cooper ("Hostiles") keeps us on our toes with the

mysterious happenings around a snowy West Point. With great performances and an intriguing plot, "The Pale Blue Eye" is a film you don't want to miss if you are a fan of gothic thrillers, especially one that features Edgar Allen Poe. Now playing on Netflix and in various theaters. (Rated R)

theloafer.net | January 31, 2023

w

theloafer.net |January 31, 2023

22

CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

GREENVILLE

PARAMOUNT Feb 2 Ace Frehley Feb 3 Neko Case Feb 4 Cash UnchainedTribute to Johnny Cash Feb 23 Sierra Hull and Justin Moses Mar 11 Free Fallin’-The Tom Petty Tribute Apr 1 49 Winchester Apr 15 Best of the Eagles-Tribute Apr 29 Ashley McBryde May 11 Steep Canyon Rangers May 19 A Brothers RevivalTribute to The Allman Brothers May 21 Mac Powell Jun 17 Nightrain-Tribute to Guns n Roses Jul 22 Head Games-Tribute to Foreigner Jul 29 Journeyman: Tribute to Eric Clapton Aug 12 Yellow Brick RoadTribute to Elton John Sep 16 EW&F-Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire Oct 14 Lady SupremeTribute to Diana Ross

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Jan 21 The Isaacs Jan 27 The Doo Wop Project Feb 3 Heather Land Feb 11 I Am He Said -a Neil Diamond Tribute Feb 17 Roots & Boots Acoustic tour with Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye and Sammy Kershaw Mar 4 Resurrection- A Journey Tribute Mar 11 Jefferson Starship Mar 31 Gentri (The Gentlemen Trio) Apr 4 One Night of Queen-performed

by Gary Mullen And the Works Apr 14 Mark Lowry Apr 22 Masters of Soul May 5 Wild World of Animals Free Community Concert Series May 13 Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives May 20 Get The Led OutLed Zeppelin Tribute

BRISTOL TN/VA

CAMEO THEATER Feb 11 Lorrie Morgan Feb 24 William Lee Martin Mar 4 The Fab Four-The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Mar 10 BoDeans Mar 17 John Michael Montgomery Mar 18 Bad Marriage Mar 26 Eric Gales Apr 8 Billy Prine and Prime Time Band Apr 19 Trampled By Turtles Apr 22 The Band of Heathens May 10 An Evening with Roger McGuinn Jun 17 Vixen

JOHNSON CITY TN

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL Apr 4 The Price is Right Live Apr 14 Nate Bargatze Jun 2 Mr. Speed- Kiss Tribute MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Feb 4 The Black Jacket Symphony: Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours Feb 28 Chanticleer Apr 30 Amy Grant

GREENVILLE TN

KNOXVILLE TN

Knoxville

TENNESSEE THEATRE Jan 26 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Feb 3 Kevin James Feb 25 Chris Rock Mar 3 Home Free Mar 16 Buddy Guy Mar 18 Cheap Trick Apr 26 Ben Folds and a Piano Apr 27 Wilco Apr 28 Amy Grant May 13 Alice Cooper THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA Feb 17 Journey and Toto Feb 18 Cody Johnson featuring Randy Houser Feb 24 Blake Shelton Mar 30 Kane Brown Apr 1 Eagles Apr 21 Lizzo Jul 15 Thomas Rhett Oct 16 Shania Twain KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM Scotty McCreery Feb 2 Feb 4 Fortune Feimster Feb 17 Heather McMahan

Feb 21 Mar 3 Mar 14 Mar 22 Apr 7 Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 29

Tedeschi Trucks Band Zach Williams Third Eye Blind Champions of Magic Rodney Carrington Million Dollar Machine Casting Crowns Theresa Caputo

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM Feb 16 Whiskey Myers Apr 15 & 16 Leanne Morgan BIJOU THEATRE Jan 21 Drivin & Cryin Jan 27 Scott Miller and David Childers Feb 11 Erick Baker Feb 17 Steep Canyon Rangers Mar 9 BoDeans Mar 11 Marc Brossard with Seth Walker Mar 17 The Mavericks Mar 23-25 Drew & Ellie Holcomb Apr 7 David Sedaris

NASHVILLE TN

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM Jan 27 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Jan 29 Andrew Dice Clay Jan 30 Mammoth WVH and Alter Bridge Feb 5 Night Ranger Feb 6 Paramore (Opry House) Feb 9 & 10 Blackberry Smoke Feb 14 Death Cab for Cutie Feb 20 Bush Feb 23-25 Tedeschi Trucks Band Feb 26 Billy Strings Mar 4 Dawes Mar 11 & 12 Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros Mar 18 Buddy Guy Mar 31 & Apr 1 GOOSE Apr 6 The Mountain Goats Apr 7 & 13 Morgan Wade Apr 8 Leann Rimes Apr 14 & 15 Lady A Apr 19 Leann Morgan (Opry House) Apr 21 David Spade Apr 27-29 Nickel Creek May 8-10 John Mellencamp May 19 Crowded House May 24 Rick Springfield Jul 6 Sam Bush Jul 13 Rhonda Vincent

ASCEND AMPHITHEATER May 6 Whiskey Myers May 11 Koe Wetzel Jun 23 Walker Hayes BRIDGESTONE ARENA Feb 9 Andrea Bocelli Feb 17 Adam Sandler Feb 19 TobyMac with Crowder Feb 24-25 Billy Strings Mar 1 Carrie Underwood Mar 31 Kane Brown Apr 7 Chris Tomlin Apr 16 New Edition May 4 Janet Jackson with Ludacris NISSAN STADIUM Apr 15 Luke Combs May 5-7 Taylor Swift May 19 Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks Jun 11 CMA Fest Jul 22 Ed Sheeran Jul 28-29George Strait, Chris Stapleton & Little Big Town BROOKLYN BOWL Mar 7 Theory of a Dead Man Mar 9 moe.

Mar 23 They Might Be Giants Mar 31 Larkin Poe Apr 6 The Winery Dogs Apr 14 Queensryche

ASHEVILLE NC

Asheville

THE ORANGE PEEL Feb 3 Squirrel Nut Zippers Feb 18 Elle King Feb 25 Paul Thorn Mar 4 Donna The Buffalo Mar 6 The Beths Mar 10 They Might Be Giants Mar 23 moe.

Apr 4 The Winery Dogs Apr 20 Judah & The Lion May 12 & 13 Drive By Truckers May 21 Trae Crowder Jun 22 Margaret Cho

WINSTON-SALEM, NC

Winston Salem North Caroiina LJVM COLISEUM Mar 3-4 Billy Strings Mar 18 Koe Wetzel

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

23

There’s a habit I’ve developed during much of the shut-in times that has become a part of my regular morning routine. As I sit there with my first cup of coffee I’ll have my tablet in my lap and I’ll open the Zillow app. If you’ve never used Zillow it’s an app and website that has various real estate listings and you can search by zip code, town, and things like that.

I’ll set the search parameters for our region and while I let the coffee wake me up I’ll glance over houses for sale. I don’t know exactly why I like looking at houses for sale that I largely can’t afford. I’m not in the market, but I do like seeing people’s design choices. Some of them make sense to me, then some of them leave me with a lot of questions, such as the one time I saw a bathroom with the HVAC unit right next to the toilet.

A strange commonality and I don’t know if it qualifies as a trend or not, that I’ve noticed is some of the larger homes that

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

cost absurd amounts of money all have really small kitchens.

To the point that I find myself questioning who designed them. Whoever it was, has never cooked for a group of people in their life. If I was in the market for a McMansion to use as a status symbol—and that’s what they are, let’s get that very clear—I sure as heck would be upset if my thousands upon thousands of dollars home had a small, galley kitchen.

I’m not saying a galley kitchen isn’t functional or doesn’t have its place, there is a townhouse I saw once with a well-laid-out one that made sense, but anything over $500,000 with a galley kitchen is ridiculous. There are so many awful design trend sins that HGTV will have to answer for one day. The worst is draining all older homes of any character.

You can see some of that too on Zillow.

A house that from the outside

has the promise of lovely midcentury modern architecture— something I’m a fan of. Yet on the inside, the color period title of all the bathrooms has been transformed into something so generic it just looks like a wonderful case of “why bother?”

I guess some people want to live in generic places, or they just have bad taste or both. These are the homes that cause me to head scratch the most. Not to mention the absurd about of shiplap you see nowadays.

Another common thing you see is that you’ll look at a house that is perfectly lovely and fine, then you get one room that just makes you wonder “what?” I don’t know if it’s a room that is supposed to be a rec room or a “man cave”—a term I hate—but the typical suburban home that looks like a very cozy place to live then suddenly upstairs you see a room that appears to be a low-rent take on Elvis’s Jungle

room at Graceland.

I know that realtors tell their clients to change certain things about homes to make them sell, I wonder how much Zillow has to do with this? Yet, I also wonder why they’d said “Your house is perfect except for the jungle room that may be where you do freaky things, but you know what? Let’s RUN WITH IT!” The morning sit with a coffee and Zillow is always an interesting look at what is going on with our region’s real estate market, design choices both good and bad, and sometimes things that just give you a lot to think about while you’re trying to start your day. I’m still haunted by the Jungle Room, and I hope you’ll go looking for it too on Zillow. I don’t want to suffer alone. See you next week.

theloafer.net | January 31, 2023

Coffee and Zillow

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