Home

“Backstabbers” By: Ryan Gray

By admin | Published: February 10, 2011

by Kayla Epperson

Ryan Gray, writer of "Backstabbers" Photo: Carissa Dezort

Ryan Gray, Art/Theatre double major and senior here at Virginia Intermont College, is the proud writer and director of this season’s upcoming comedy/drama, “Backstabbers.”  The play is set on Prom Night, where juicy rumors are spread by various popular high school students, such as the cheerleader, athlete, and drama kids, to name a few.  “Backstabbers” makes fun of the various stereotypical cliques within the everyday high school.  “The play is a fun, quirky comedy that I hope the audience can relate to,” states Gray.  Along with its humorous side, “Backstabbers” serves as a drama, giving a sense of reality to the effects that gossip can have on students who are criticized, shunned, or picked on, daily.  In waiting to be taken to Prom, the gossip of the popular crowd leads to a very unusual and surprising evening, where “people come clean, and many secrets come out,” says Gray.  The comedic aspect of “Backstabbers” is sure to make audiences laugh, while the dramatic aspect teaches a valuable lesson about respecting and loving one’s peers just as they are.

Gray is very excited for his production to come to life on VI’s stage.  Along with acting, writing, and studying art, he has prior directing experience from working at his high school.  Directing his own play at VI, however, is an entirely new experience.  “Directing has opened my eyes to being on the other side of the stage.  It’s refreshing to look at the Art of Theatre in a different way,” states Gray.  He has many inspirations such as Judy Garland, Claude Monet, and Andy Warhol, and 60’s artists such as The Beatles and Janis Joplin, whose work has influenced his outlook on the arts and on life.  Gray’s advice for future actors, writers, and directors is to have courage and to never give up “because rejection is part of the job.”  He also says people must know their talents and use them.  Moreover, if people know their areas of expertise, they should continue with and grow stronger in that field.  As a lover of the Arts, Gray believes “life is a joyride, and we must stop to notice the beauty of everything.”  Drawing from the inspiration of the world around him, Gray is set to inspire others with his work, and “Backstabbers” is sure to do just that.

Contributors and cast members for “Backstabbers” are:  Ryan Gray, writer and director; Bonny Gable, producer; Will Hankins, set and lighting instructor; Ricky Sneed, light and sound instructor; photographer Serene Cullen; and actors Jonathan Allen, Sarah Jones, Mary Hannah Garber, Austin Robbins, Lindsay Soja, Adam Kuykendall, Shaina Smith, Justin Lyttle, Avery Hall, Nathan Kraatz, Audrey Kuykendall and Chris Jones.  The play will be held at the Trayer Theatre on February 10th through the 12th, at 7:30pm.  Come out and have a good laugh, learn a lesson and be inspired!

Posted in Art, Bristol, Bristol News, VIC Art & Literature, VIC Campus News | Leave a comment

Bella’s Pizzeria, Keep your Wallets and Bellies Full!

By Martin Goodnough | Published: February 10, 2011

Bella’s pizzas are made with fresh ingredients, including the dough. Photo: Katy Haupt

So it’s 10:00 Thursday night and you are hit by the dreaded “late- night munchies disease.” You have only ten dollars in your wallet and you have already scarfed down your last bowl of Raman and your stomach is growling something fierce. No need to fear my fellow college student, there’s a cure for your illness. Bella’s Pizzeria, located on lee Highway (approximately 3 minutes from VI) has great quality food and service with reasonable prices. When I say reasonable, I mean college student reasonable. Ten dollars will take you a long way at Bellas, which is what they take pride in. Yes, you can go to Little Caesar’s and pick up a pizza for five bucks, but you are not getting the great taste that Bellas cooks into every slice of pizza.

Everything at Bellas is handmade, from their dough all the way to the sauce; every process is done by hand. They hand roll the dough and throw it in the air to give it its shape. They make thin crust pizza which gives the pie’s crust a great golden crispiness. Bellas toppings are fresh which adds to the genuine taste of their pizzas. If you like cheese, Bellas is also your place to be! They use slices of mozzarella instead of sprinkling shredded cheese, this covers the pizza better and makes the cheese topping thicker. Overall you are getting more bang for your buck! Bellas most famous dish is their pizza muffins. Pizza muffins are exactly what you think they are; pizza on a muffin. They take the pizza dough and spread it in a muffin pan while topping it with sauce, mozzarella cheese, and whatever topping you desire. Bellas takes pride in every dish they make and have received great praise by the Bristol community. Their salads and subs are of great acclaim and draw crowds from all around the Virginia area.

Bellas opened its doors in 1974 and was later bought by Derek Spencer in 2008. Spencer remodeled the restaurant to fit today’s standard and has established a very relaxed and welcoming eating area. Bellas since then has become a mainstay in the Bristol area and has been lending a helping hand to the city that has helped it become successful. Bellas serves pizza and drinks to local high school football games and takes part in the March of Dimes. Recently, Bellas has contributed to the VI Crier’s advertisement, allowing us hungry students to cut coupons for specials at their restaurant.

Bellas sets up a great atmosphere to eat and they welcome all types of sports fans as well. Spencer hopes to make Bellas relationship with VI stronger and is always happy to see hungry student’s enter his restaurant. When asked what makes Bellas the best pizza place in town, Spencer says, “We have high quality food with good prices.” So when you get struck with the hunger bug and it seems like your wallet is much thinner than usual, allow Bellas to remedy your illness and your bank account.

Posted in Bristol, Bristol News | Leave a comment

The Rocket Man’s Journey

By Martin Goodnough | Published: February 10, 2011

Thilee Anderson shoots for a 3-pointer. Photo: Katy Haupt

I recently caught up with VI’s Tihlee Anderson the starting Guard for our Men’s Basketball team. At 5’10 Tihlee “The Rocket Man” Anderson plays like a giant, stomping his way down the court wreaking havoc for the opposing team’s defense. Tihlee is one of the Cobra’s consistent scorers but more importantly, he rips through defenses with his ability to set his teammates up for a malicious dunk or an open three. I sat down with Mr. Anderson to see if I could crack into the mind of this speedy spaceman.

Q.  So how do you feel the team has done so far this season compared to last season?

A.  We were very young last season and we’re still pretty young but we’ve taken big steps to get better.

Q.  How is the team playing together?

A.  I think we’re playing really good team ball. There really isn’t anyone who’s playing as an          individual. We’re playing great as a team.

Q.  What are your goals as a team and as an individual player on the team?

A.  We would love to win the rest of our regular season games and win the Conference tournament. We really want to win our conference! For myself as a player, I just want to keep my teammates involved in games and help them play better.

Q.  Here’s a fun question, what would you rather end a game with: the most steals, points, or assists?

A.  Assists most definitely. I could care less if I score a point. I don’t really worry about scoring; I’m more concerned about keeping my teammates involved.

Q.  One more fun question, in the final seconds of a game and you need to score for the win, who do you pass the ball to for that final shot?

A.  [Laughs] That’s a good one. To be honest I’d pass it to anybody that’s open. Maybe I’d pass it to someone who had a hot hand that night but if you are near the basket, you’ll get the ball.

Q.  What team this season do you look forward to playing most?

A. Anybody on the schedule. I like playing tough teams mostly because they make you play harder.

Q.  Final question: What inspires you to play basketball?

A.  Well you got to have love for the game that’s for sure. My family had been very supportive of my passion for basketball since I was real young. Basketball is also something I can use to get away from the outside world. Once I’m between those lines I’m on my own planet.

Tihlee has definitely been playing on his own planet, helping the team to a .400 record this season. The team has a good supporting cast with junior Guard, Jimmie Ross playing a vicious offensive and defensive game, Scotty Hendricks adding more speed to the court, and senior “Q” Knight throwing some power into the team’s play scheme. Senior Wade Bryant adds versatility in the scoring category and last but not least freshman Daniel Ross creates a fiery temperament which gives the team a swagger that no team can compete with. The Cobra’s bench is also as deep as they come and when put on the court, they play just as well as the team’s starters. All in all, VI’s Men’s basketball team is going to win more games and do it with style. Tihlee and the Cobras are starting their countdown to success in ten… nine… eight….

Posted in VI Sports, VIC Campus News | Leave a comment

Letter from an Editor

By Margo Thomas | Published: February 10, 2011

Although February has just begun, 2011 is already proving to be a year of worldwide turbulence.

An early wake up call to Americans came on January 8, when a man opened fire during a meet-and-greet with Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords. Although the assailant targeted Giffords, he killed 6, wounded over a dozen, and managed to put Giffords on a slow road to recovery from a shot to the head.

This incident sparked action from congressmen and women from both sides of the spectrum to call on other politicians and the American public to cease the political crossfire between one another and consider the consequences of posting a political “hit list” or publicly denouncing members of another party.

In spite of this, America is proving to be a tea party compared to the political upheaval happening in North Africa and the Middle East.

The citizens of Tunisia, a small North African country settled between Algeria and the Mediterranean Sea, forced the nation’s president to flee the country in mid-January following a wave of protests demanding that the authoritarian’s regime end.

Tunisia began a ripple effect that is rapidly spreading across the region. Egypt is on day 11 of protests seeking the resignation of the president. These protests turned into warring mobs when the government began to assault the peaceful protestors that were demanding a new democracy.

Tunisia’s example also initiated government protests in Algeria, Jordan, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

So what does this mean to us as students at VI?

First of all, it is important that we, as the up and coming generation of college graduates, are aware of the implications of dissidence in our country and in the world around us.

Secondly, we need to realize that the polarity of the left and right wing parties in America is leading to greater tension across the nation. Keep in mind that this rubber band very well might pop is we continue to stretch the divide.

On the topic of global issues, we need to be aware of how other countries affect us. Should we support the move towards democracy in the Middle East? How will our diplomats respond to the fast changes being made in multiple countries to prevent more protests? What are the chances the US military will send troops to Egypt?

These are all viable questions in relation to the current political dissidence in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Do you have an opinion on these subjects?

Why not?

Posted in Letters from the Editor, VIC Campus News | Leave a comment

Metropolis of Romance

By admin | Published: February 10, 2011

by Avery Volpus

Do you hear that? The sound of bells. Love is in the air in Bristol! As Valentine’s Day approaches, it seems evident that there is no better venue than Appalachia in which to celebrate your sweetheart—after all, Virginia is for lovers, as they say (sometimes filling in other, more appropriate states’ names in the blank, but to each his own). Courtesy of the Crier, I have compiled a directory of romantic activities ready for you in our charming town that will make you and your significant other swoon.

1. A stroll down State Street is the perfect outing to announce your passion to all of the 52nd-largest town in Virginia.

2. An intimate date night can be had at any of State’s venues which are open after dark—that includes Java J’s, two bars, and nothing else that we know of (warning: your window of time for this date will be increasingly limited on Sundays and may be completely unrelated to what any business’s window sign claims their hours are. Plan ahead).

3. Get eclectic—buy your presents at one of Bristol’s numerous pawn shops! For picky girlfriends and boyfriends, one can find federally-illegal knives, tobacco that has been produced nowhere else since 1967, hunting rifles featuring Andrew Jackson’s cameo portrait, neon ukeleles, and a variety of Bristol Motor Speedway collector’s teacups.

4. Feeling extra committed? The tattoo studio right off State (possibly half in Virginia and half in Tennessee) is almost always open to pen your baby’s name in permanent ink. Conveniently nearby are a plethora of abandoned developments, in which a slightly more exciting/illegal time can likely be purchased with ease at any corner.

5. Take a morning drive down Moore Street; watch the sun rise over the mountain vista. Take in  the melody of neighbors screaming and hurling things at each others’ cars at the intersections.

6. If your love is not familiar with the area, show off your local prowess by introducing him or her to local celebrities. Visit the Knick-Knack Man and his many figurines (and possible bootleg DVD business) on Moore St.; gas up the truck and parade to New Beginnings for a visit with the Tri-Cities’ award-winning drag queens; or if you’re on campus, swoop up Bubbles, who has probably seen more Valentine’s Days than we can count, and has managed to survive another snow (albeit looking worse for the wear and in need of serious bathing).

7. Though Valentine’s Day falls on a dreary Monday this year, college night at persistently overcrowded and charmingly raunchy Chrome is only three days away! Show your honey some moves at the apex of our notorious nightclub scene, where the entire population of Bristol can—and does, once a week—fit into a single building.

Enjoy the season of love this year—after all, it’s only one day long. Why not celebrate it in Bristol, the metropolis of romance?

Posted in Bristol | Leave a comment