Live 21 52 by Arizona Daily Sun

Dec. 24–30, 2015 | Vol. 21 Issue 52 | www.flaglive.com |

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Feisty MMXV ’15

Editor’s Choice tackles the quinceañera of the century with a 2015 roundup By the Flag Live Staff

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Now TAKING New YeAR’S eve ReSeRvATIoNS • 928.774.6100 Dec. 24–30 Vol. 21, Issue 52

Full Frontal

Letter from Home The Mother Load Hot Picks Editor’s Head Letters to Ducey

10 Screen 20 Rear View

Hightower Bartender Wisdom The Write Now

Local rock group Limbs Akimbo reunited this past May for one final show at the Orpheum Theater. Courtesy photo

Illustration by Kelly Lister.

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The Feisty ’15: Editor’s Choice tackles the quinceañera of the century with a 2015 roundup

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Letterfromhome

Go for the glow By Jean Rukkila

ecause this year the full moon peaks in the wee hours of Christmas morning, I found myself imagining Santa straying in his rounds. I pictured him in a fit of lunacy landing on the top of the Weatherford Hotel to look for a pine cone, and then entranced by the vision of the big moon from the balcony of the Zane Grey, he wanders the streets seeking a gin and tonic and dancing and maybe a food truck. I picture the moon strutting her stuff so fully on Christmas Eve it inspires coyotes from hither and yon to howl Christmas carols across the landscape. Go ahead, imagine it: a jingling of bells meets a pack of furry heads tilted at the sky gargling “tarumpapumpum …” I think of music because the full moon feels to me like a big song in the sky: a giant chord of shadow and silhouette and silky light sounded, or trickling meditative notes played on a night-kissed guitar. This presence of music in my head might have started when we Brownie scouts sang, “I see the moon and the moon sees me, down through the leaves of the old oak tree.” Little girl voices quavered toward the big finish, “Please let the light that shines on me, shine on the one I love.” Earnest hearts trying to make LOVE the best note, the long note, the most hopeful note. Later I’d read poetry by Carl Sandburg and think music again. He wrote, “Listen awhile, the moon is a lovely woman, a lonely woman, lost in a silver dress, lost in a circus rider’s silver dress.” Listen awhile, he said. And listen I did when our high school hiking club camped by the Colorado River below Phantom Ranch. One of our gang insisted we get out of sleeping bags to walk out onto the suspension bridge. There we watched the spring full moon paint the cliffs before making her appearance in her silver dress. With the light, we were flooded by the sounds of the river’s crooning under our feet, the music of our teasing and laughter and finally the counterpoint of our awed silence on the walk back to tents in a flashlight-free sea of light. About the time I saw Richard Shelton’s poem “5 Lies About the Moon” in The New Yorker—it begins, “She is a bald-headed

flaglive.com | Dec. 24–30, 2015

Share the gift of presence woman”—I owned a letterpress and made a calendar of full moon dates to give to my hiking, camping and river-running friends each year. The calendar helped us seek moon company to light the way out of Havasu Canyon, and climb Piestewa Peak or Thumb Butte for moon rise with city lights, or get a bucket of chicken to eat in the bed of a truck out on A-1 Mountain Road. Sometimes I’d shiver solo with my thermos of Earl Grey between sunset and moonrise. Once in a little oak grove outside the cabin at Grandview Lookout I heard multiple wet snorts as I sipped tea and spotted a small herd of elk drifting through near shadows. The moon seemed to lift her head over the pine trees to join me in a closer look at big rumps, knobby knees and antlers. Lately I’ve been seeing postcards with a super-sized full moon: a giant moon, a golden moon so large it dwarfs the silhouette of saguaro or mountain peak. I think the photographers with their Photoshop tricks have turned the moon permanently away from being a baldheaded woman back to being a shining circus rider. So be a poet or be a guide, or both. Here is next year’s full moons, my gift to you, dear readers, at this holiday time. I like to think putting this Christmas tree of dates on your refrigerator or in your glove box will nudge you to create for yourself at least five full moon walks in 2016. Go solo at least twice, will you, to listen closely to moon song. And invite trail handy friends a couple of times. And yes, at least once, be a moon guide, take someone unaccustomed to the outdoors for a dose of dusk to dark; it is a great gift to give another, that celestial music. A moon rise habit can become a lifelong present, the recurring gift of sharing powerful resonant presence. Arizona-born introvert Jean Rukkila writes from fire lookouts and her travels between Flagstaff and the mid-coast Maine farmhouse her grandfather bought in 1917. See more of her writing at www.flagstaffletterfromhome.com.

2016 Full Moon Calendar by the author.

THEMOTHERLOAD

Still under construction By Kelly Poe Wilson

ome people, when they are dieting, put pictures of beautiful models on their refrigerator doors to remind them of what the future they are working toward looks like. Other people put up pictures of not-sobeautiful people, to remind them of what they are moving away from. Others do both. And yetothers (like me) still think dieting is weird and dumb and don’t put anything up at all except for postcards, school pictures, “Rick and Janette” personal ads, coupons I will never remember to use, report cards, and all the magnets—and maybe, in the very near future, a picture of a teenager’s brain. And next to that I’d put up a picture of a human one. I’d put the brain pics up for the same reason dieters put up the model/fatty pics: to remind myself both of what we are working with, and what we are moving toward. To do otherwise would allow me to forget that teenager brains just aren’t wired the same as human ones. And that would be a very bad thing to forget, especially right now, when our house is fully in the throes of teenagedom. I’m sure it sounds like I’m joking about the “human” and the “teenager” brain thing, but I’m really not. Studies have shown that our brains don’t fully finish growing until we are in our late teens or even early 20s. There are certain neural pathways that just aren’t yet complete, among them reasoning, decision-making and understanding risk—ironically, almost every

Adding mileage to the teenage brain skill you need to successfully navigate high school. I think the irony of that escapes no one. Except me, of course, demonstrated by the amount of time I’ve spent yelling at my teenager about his grades, his thoughtlessness, or his behavior. I’m sure, evolutionarily speaking, there’s a reason for this brain lag; a reason that during the time in their life when they most need their brains to be operating at 100 percent they get, on a good day, maybe 70 percent. But then again, evolution works toward the benefit of the

species, not the individual, so maybe the argument that there is an evolutionary reason for the brain-damaged state of the average teenager is both accurate and tragic. In any case, it is certainly worrying. Still, as much as I suspect that the logic behind it is terrifying (there never would’ve been a way for ancient man to take down creatures like the wooly mammoth and sabre-toothed tiger if there hadn’t been a handy group of people hanging around who were already hard-wired to take foolish chances), I am going to go against

I’d put the brain pics up for the same reason dieters put up the model/fatty pics: to remind myself both of what we are working with, and what we are moving toward. To do otherwise would allow me to forget that teenager brains just aren’t wired the same as human ones.

such logic and believe that the reason for our brain’s discovering temperance and moderation years after they discover free will is actually a more hopeful one. Think about it. How lucky is it that during the time when people are most likely to break a bone—during their childhood—their bones are at their most flexible, because they have yet to finish growing? Maybe it’s the same with brains. Maybe the brains of a teenager are the most flexible just when they need to be, when they are in the midst of taking in all kinds of new information and feelings. And sure, sometimes they flex in ways that are boggling to an adult brain (like when they decide the easiest way to have breakfast in bed is to actually go to sleep with the toaster), but sometimes they flex in ways that the adult world would do well to emulate (like being tolerate of other peoples’ sexualities, and intolerant of the abuse of police authority.) It has been said that evolution works in mysterious ways. For proof of that, just look at the platypus. Better yet, put a picture of one up on your fridge—right next to the picture of the teenage brain. Kelly Poe Wilson has lived in Flagstaff since 1985. She lives with her wonderful husband, Jim, and her dreadful children, Clementine and Clyde. More of her work can be found at www.kellypoewilson.com.

Shop LocaL Dec. 24–30, 2015 | flaglive.com

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HOTPICKS WEEK OF December 24–30

BAH HUMBUG, NOW THAT’S TOO STRONG FRIDAY | 12.25 For a glass, a bottle, some conversation, small plate food, a board game, or to see the new space.

Bar Hours Monday – Thursday: 4 pm –12 pm Friday – Saturday: 4 pm –1 am

kitchen Hours Monday – Thursday: 4 pm –10 pm Friday – Saturday: 4 pm –11 pm

christmas eve CLOSED The Waitresses circa 1982. Courtesy photo

928-773-9463 flgterroir.com Find Us on Facebook 6

flaglive.com | Dec. 24–30, 2015

We all have ‘em. All year, their fraying ends and garish color schemes lurk in the blackest part of the chiffarobe—or closet, if you’re not back to the future from 1920—lying in wait for the perfect moment to pop out and freak out the chil’ren. We are, of course, talkin’ ‘bout those ugly Christmas sweaters. Since the ’80s, their designs have grown increasingly complex from botched hand-stitched items that look like a cross between a horrific Santa-on-Reindeer accident and B-horror movie fodder to industrial-strength sweaters embroidered with figures of holiday idolatry. Even Hank Hill met the 21st century this year with new King of the Hill paraphernalia in the form of his purled face and the line, “Turn down for HWAT.” Every year, Ugly Sweater Christmas Parties, like the one Christmas Day at the Green Room here in Flag, grow by the gross. But where did this ironic trend originate? According to the authors of Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book: The Definitive Guide to Getting Your Ugly On, the irony began in the early aughts, 2001 to be exact, in Vancouver, Canada. The Canuks, adapted to their climate, needn’t look far for their garment of choice. And with this craze, neither do we. Ugly Christmas sweaters line the racks at Target, and maybe Incahoots downtown has something that will work well for the party time occasion. Either way, pick a winner and line up at the Green Room, 15 W. Agassiz. DJ Larue will be spinning ’80s and ’90s pop classics plus some select Christmas tunage. 8 p.m. Free. 226-8669. www. flagstaffgreenroom.com.

SERENADES FOR THE STRAGGLERS‌

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s many of us are well aware, we are approaching the 35th anniversary of the release of the 1980s best Christmas song ever, “Christmas Wrapping,” by the Waitresses. OK, second best only to “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Given that we have almost absolutely nothing going big concert or event-wise in town on this day, we invite you to spend the $1.29 on iTunes to purchase “Christmas Wrapping” and embrace this incredible song-story that has moved generations. Or at least two-and-a-half generations. Something like that. “Christmas Wrapping” follows the narrator as she, at first, has a ski shop encounter—most interesting— with a gentleman stranger. The verses track the interactions with said gentleman, as the lady protagonist crossed paths with him in the spring. But they could not agree on a proper time to meet for lunch. When summer came, they were supposed to rendezvous on his boat (obviously, this is a man of means who can afford both the alpine and nautical pursuits). However, she suffered sunburn, in the third-degree no less. So, let’s get to the good stuff. See, after all of these missed connections that notably predate the world before Craigslist, the heroine of the story-song needed to get cranberries on Christmas Day, or maybe Eve. The tale gets hazy here, but you get the picture. Anyway, she bumps into the man-stranger she’s been pursuing all year. You mean you forgot cranberries, too? She questions. This leads to abundant laughter. www.itunes.com.

Flagtown may have cleared out a bit for the holiday weekend, but three musically-inclined dudes are bringing a little heat to one local stage to stave off that wintertime event freeze. Chad Breen, Johnny Escalante and Robbie Watson of the groovy indie rock trio VeloValo see your snowstorm, northern Arizona, and raise you one hot fire evening. Having graced stages from Hullabaloo to Pride in the Pines this year, the three-piece outfit has shown to what degree it can entertain audiences with their signature, slowed-down vibe reminiscent of a musical amalgam packing in 311 and ambient post-rock. As he muses about the springtime and love of friends and more, Breen lends his talents on the mic and six-string while Watson manufactures the beats and Escalante hypes up the bass line. Adding some guest musicians from time to time, too, VeloValo has a smooth, honest sound that will build a birdhouse and light it on fire in your soul this chilly winter’s night at the Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge, 100 N. San Francisco, beginning at 9 p.m. And remember, it’s always free at the V. 779-6971. Visit VeloValo on Facebook.

HotPicks Who would win such a battle? What if the Dark Side got involved? So, strap on a wizard robe or grab a lightsaber, because this is your time, nerds. Merry Sithmas! 1959 S. Woodlands Village Blvd. 774-4847. www.harkinstheatres.com.

MONDAY | 12.28‌ LET’S A-GO!‌

VeloValo. Photo by Trevar James

SAT–SUN | 12.26–12.27‌

Since it was first released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo system, Mario Kart has undergone some hefty changes. Far removed from the pixelated mess of the original, these days MK is nearly glitch-free to Pixar-like specs. But nothing—NOTHING—rivals the N64 edition. The perfect balance of improvements meets nostalgia, 64 had that s*** on lock. And, being the innovative preY2K kids we are, we made a few modifications of our own once

we hit drinking age. That is, Mario Chug. The rules are as follows: No drinking and driving. First, grab a beer (preferably an easilygulped pilsner). From here, Mario Kart devolves into all-out war beginning with character selection. Sure, the big guys like Bowser and Warrio may look appealing for brute strength that could squash Toad like, well … a toad, but unless you’re aim is to pop balloons, you want to be built for speed. Then, pick a track that is relatively challenging, but not death-defying (Warrio Stadium is the jam). When the go-light flashes blue, crack ‘er open and chug till you can chug no more. Strategy is key: finish your beer at the start and you might be left in the dust. Don’t drink enough and you might not have time to slam down the controller and chug when you fly off the Rainbow Road. There will be yelling and so much spilled beer, which is why it’s best to save this variation for the homestead. But in the meantime, practice your Mario Kart etiquette and skill Mondays at the Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge, 100 N. San Francisco. The green flag drops at 9 p.m. 779-6971.

BUM, BUM, BUM, BAH, BAH, BUM-BUM-BUM, BAH, BAH‌

Do you hear the Star Wars theme calling you? Are you tempted to order a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha using nothing but the Wookiee language? Do you like the smell of droids? Then you might consider heading back again and again to see Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. As a light week for the event front, we believe that multiple trips to the multiplex are in order to catch Star Wars fever, currently playing with a handful of daily show times at Harkins Flagstaff 11. You might yourself dress up as Boba Fett. Or his brother, Robert Fett. This film might or might not have any Fetts in it—no spoilers here! But if you have a Fett fetish (or just really like his style of boots and have a fancy Fett foot fetish), please don’t let us stop you from dressing up as one of the most recognizable bounty hunters in the galaxy. Please note that Star Wars does not have space-bail-bondsmen, only bounty hunters. The typical due process of the legal system is kind of shaky with the Empire or First Order or whatever it is now. Whatever your costume, just get in line and bask in the Star Wars goodness. Or, if you want to change things up, dress as characters from Lord of the Rings and start fights with similarly robed Jedi knights.

Check out Mario Kart Mondays at the Monte V starting this week. Courtesy photo

PET OF THE WEEK

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editorShead

Top 100 songs of 2015

By Andrew Wisniewski

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Courtney Barnett – “Pedestrian at Best” Jamie xx, Romy – “Loud Places” Brandi Carlile – “Wherever Is Your Heart Chance the Rapper, Saba – “Angels” Hop Along – “Sister Cities” Leon Bridges – “River” Tame Impala – “Eventually” Alabama Shakes – “Future People” Wolf Alice – “Giant Peach” Towkio, Chance the Rapper, Lido and Eryn Allen Kans – “Heaven Only Knows”

South of France – “Civilization” Torres – “Sprinter” Ibeyi – “River” Son Lux – “Change Is Everything” Låpsley – “Hurt Me” Alina Baraz, Galimatias – “Fantasy” Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment – “Sunday Candy” Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment – “Wanna Be Cool” Emma Louise – “Underflow” Wolf Alice – “Fluffy” Wolf Alice – “Your Loves Whore” Wolf Alice – “Moaning Lisa Smile” Mas Ysa – “Look Up” Joey Bada$$ - “Paper Trail$” Hop Along – “Horseshoe Crabs” Hop Along – “Waitress” Beirut – “Gibraltar” Foals – “Mountain at My Gates” Leon Bridges – “Brown Skin Girl” Jarryd James – “Do You Remember” Vallis Alps – “Young” Until the Ribbon Breaks – “Pressure” Sorcha Richardson – “Petrol Station” CHVRCHES – “Leave A Trace” Sa-Roc – “7 Days and Nights” Jamie xx – “Gosh” Jamie xx, Young Thug, Popcaan – “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” SOL – “People” Pure Bathing Culture – “Pray for Rain” The Decemberists – “The Wrong Year” Austin Basham – “All Is Well” Austin Basham – “Running” Kaleo – “All the Pretty Girls” Lord Huron – “The Night We Met” Open Mike Eagle, Gold Panda – “Ziggy Starfish” Car Seat Headrest – “Something Soon” Car Seat Headrest – “Times to Die” Car Seat Headrest – “Strangers” ODESZA, Little Dragon – “Light” Hayden James – “Something About You (ODESZA Remix)” Porter Robinson, Amy Millan – “Divinity (ODESZA Remix)” 8 8

flaglive.com | Dec. 24–30, 2015

The Decemberists – “A Beginning Song” Courtney Barnett – “Depreston” Mutemath – “Used To” Grimes, Janelle Monáe – “Venus Fly” Chairlift – “Ch-Ching” Father John Misty – “Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)” Rae Sremmurd – “This Could Be Us” Majical Cloudz – “Downtown” Kurt Vile – “Pretty Pimpin” Hot Chip – “Huarache Lights” My Morning Jacket – “Spring (Along the Living)” My Morning Jacket – “In Its Infancy (The Waterfall)” Surfer Blood – “I Can’t Explain” Alessia Cara – “Here” Odessa – “I Will Be There” Carly Rae Jepsen – “Run Away with Me” Kendrick Lamar – “The Blacker the Berry” Fetty Wap – “Trap Queen” Rising Appalachia – “Lean In” Julien Baker – “Go Home” Oh Wonder – “Technicolour Beat” Big Grams – “Fell In the Sun” Big Grams, Run the Jewels – “Born to Shine” Miguel, Wale – “Coffee (F***ing)” Mick Jenkins – “P’s & Q’s” Sonny Cleveland – “You’ve Got Me Running in Circles” Tame Impala – “Let It Happen” Alabama Shakes – “Shoegaze” Billy Currington – “Don’t It” Easton Crobin – “Baby Be My Love Song” Saintseneca – “Sleeper Hold” Whilk & Misky – “Clap Your Hands” Olivver the Kid – “World on Fire” Dan Deacon – “Feel the Lightning” Made in Heights – “Murakami” Trevor Hall, Nahko Bear – “Uncle Jo” Future Islands – “The Chase” LÉON – “Treasure” The Floozies – “Fantastic Love” Absofacto –“Dissolve” Bibi Bourelly – “Ego” River Whyless – “The Hunt” Fink – “Too Late” Kiiara – “Feels” The Dead Weather – “Cop and Go” The Dead Weather – “I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)” Run the Jewels – “Rubble Kings Theme (Dynamite)” James Vincent McMorrow – “How to Waste a Moment” Jermih, Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment – “Planes”

LettersToDucey

Regular students To write, furiously, and be heard

Dear Governor Ducey, The other day, I went to teach writing at the jail. I was nervous right until I got there and then, as usual before I teach, I calmed down, telling myself, “I’ve done this before.” I was escorted down hallway after hallway, through locked metal door after locked metal door. I was told not to look anyone in the eye, for it could come off as a challenge. I kept my head down. The men in the class had all applied to be there. They were housed together in a group. My teaching hours were part of a larger program that taught the inmates how to write resumes, draft cover letters, explain to potential employers their time in jail. We met in the common area—a few 8-foot tables in rows. Their cells were right behind the tables. Two per. Toilet in each. I was told I might hear flushing—the student/inmates could get up and use the restroom whenever they wanted. They all had big plastic cups. I asked them what they were drinking. Someone said, “Iced tea with a little lemon and sugar, you know. Like in a can.” Someone else said, “Coffee.”

I probably overdid it a bit, talking about form and nonfiction. I asked if any of them had heard of creative nonfiction. I made a really big deal about the oxymoronic nature of the term and about that being one reason I love it—that the creative butts heads with the nonfiction. I said, you know when you write

and it comes out a gloppy mess? When it’s all self-serving and self-indulgent and bemoaning your outcast state? I told them when that happens to me, I try to use something strict, like research, to give my writing some shape, and then, hopefully, meaning. Creativity needs a little structure, sometimes in the form of information, sometimes, like my friend Lynn, in the form of a crown of sonnets. I asked them to brainstorm two separate things, one about something personal and one about something they knew deeply about. We chose ingrown toenails for the thing about the self and 7-11 for the thing we knew something about as an example. For ingrown toenails, we freeassociated pink, pain, pus, and a story about some guy whose toenail grew all the way out of his toe. For 7-11, we came up with Big Gulp, Slurpee, Funyuns, roller machines for hot dogs, and home-wrecker.

I explained that one way to access the big concepts is to focus on the detail, the story, the pus, the Big Gulp. That’s what the double-bubble assignment is meant to teach. When you smash two unlikely things together, surprising insights emerge. Everyone wrote, which I had been warned might not happen. They wrote, furiously. Faster than my undergrads. As fast as my grad students. One by one they volunteered to read their work. We pointed out what we liked in the pieces. As I do with my grad students, I told them it’s easier to hear what you do well and repeat it than to stop doing what might not be working. Keep doing the stuff you do well. To me, the standing up to share, even in a small group, is one of the great joys of writing and I was envious of them, in a way. The support they had for each other’s work. A community, these students have built. I ran out of time. I had another lesson planned. I was ready to read them the letters my grandfather wrote to his mom when he was in jail. I had a copy of a letter I sent to you ready for them to see. I think there’s a great lesson to be learned if you want to be heard. Write a letter. Maybe someone will read it. Nicole Walker is an associate professor at Northern Arizona University, and is the author of Quench Your Thirst with Salt and a collection of poems, This Noisy Egg. She edited, with Margot Singer, Bending Genre: Essays on Creative Nonfiction, and is the recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment from the Arts. The thoughts expressed here are hers alone and not necessarily those of her employer. This letter is from March 26, 2015.

TUNE UP

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Screen

The whatever-that’s-called is strong with this one Reviewed by Sam Mossman

nless you’ve been living under a rock, on Mars, with a blanket over your head, and your fingers in your ears, you already know about The Force Awakens and the recent resurgence of the Star Wars franchise. It seems like ages that we’ve been waiting for the new film and now The Force Awakens has finally hit the big screen. Let me just start by telling you that this is the Star Wars film we have all been waiting for. It captures the look and feel of the original trilogy while still taking advantage of cuttingedge visuals and effects. The action is frenetic and engaging and the characters and storyline have enough depth to keep this film from just being one extended special effect after another. I could go on all day about the great stuff STAR WARS: this movie is doing, how The Force Awakens THE FORCE does an awesome job of passing the torch AWAKENS to a new group of heroes, what it means Directed by J.J. Abrams for the franchise, and how great it is to see Rated PG-13 Star Wars not crap all over itself right out HARKINS THEATRES of the gate. I’ll have to let some of that go for now and just say that as a long time Star Wars fan, I really loved this film. nit-picking I could do here or there, but nothing In all fairness it isn’t perfect. The new storythat detracts from the film’s overall high quality. line has a lot of potential (especially as the new trilIn all honesty, I will have to watch this film a few ogy unfolds), but it also runs a lot of parallels to the origitimes, let the details sink in, and perform some complex analnal trilogy. On one hand it is a great way to get us all back on ysis to really get a grip on how this fits in with all the other the hook for Star Wars, on the other hand, The Force Awakens Star Wars stuff that is rattling around inside my head. isn’t breaking a ton of new ground either. There is also some

A+

House Party for a new generation

It’s far too early to try and start ranking the new film in with the other episodes, or to start theorizing about what is coming for the rest of this trilogy. I need to let the thrill of seeing a sweet new Star Wars film subside before I can discuss it with a level head. Still, one thing is clear, The Force Awakens isn’t just good, it is fantastic.

Reviewed by Erin Shelley

characterization and unnecessary arguments. When it’s hilarious, ne of the most highly anticipated films in recent memory it’s, well … hilarious. It takes some setting up, but by the time the opened this last weekend. Audiences wanted to be enterparty starts, Sisters induces plenty of laughing. tained and this film succeeded. Yes, Sisters, Tina Fey and Joining Fey and Poehler are a number of sketchAmy Poehler’s new comedy, had audiences waiting in comedy experts. Maya Rudolph and Rachel Dratch lines all … Oh, wait, that was Star Wars: The Force join in the fun, with Rudolph as an old enemy of Awakens that had all the lines? That makes more Kate’s. Bobby Moynihan, Samantha Bee, Kate sense. Still, Sisters has enough going for it to also SISTERS McKinnon, Jon Glaser and Chris Parnell all make be a crowd pleaser. Directed by Jason Moore appearances and all have good moments. John Fey and Poehler play sisters in this comedy. Rated R Leguizamo and Jon Cena also get laughs as inviKate (Fey) is the irresponsible party animal; HARKINS THEATRES tees to the party. Ike Barinholtz gets a chance Maura (Poehler) is the responsible helper. When to play the romantic lead against Poehler, their parents, sweetly played by James Brolin though he does get the most laughs in one of and Dianne Wiest, decide to sell the sisters’ childthe crudest jokes about a misplaced music box. hood home, Kate and Maura decide to throw one The script does what it needs to do, often setlast wild party in the almost empty house. ting up the jokes, though some do not get the payoff The movie is one of those gross-out comedies expected. A lot of jokes do connect, especially the early about people behaving stupidly and doing insane and party ones with the aging attendees making a party look like a immature things. Sometimes these comedies are hilarious, but wake and then everyone’s bad behavior when things get wild. Fey more often they end up a mess. Sisters manages to be a little and Poehler know how to deliver the jokes. bit of both. When it’s a mess, it is a big mess, with inconsistent

B-

flaglive.com | Dec. 24–30, 2015

Sisters may not equal Star Wars: The Force Awakens in audience anticipation, but it manages to be the movie you go see when you want to laugh. Also, you do not have to wait in any lines.

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Red or White.. always the perfect color

Some ‘roided-out nesting dolls Charlie Kaufman is here to mess with you

uring this Christmas season, while heathens are watching starry wars, with the lasers pew-pewing and Chewbacas chewchewing, I’d like to talk about a humble, Jewish man with a message to spread: screenwriter Charlie Kaufman. On December 30, his newest film Anomalisa, will have a limited theatrical release. Based on a radio play by Kaufman, Anomalisa is a stop-motion animation film that follows an unhappy motivational speaker trying to connect with people. It took two years to shoot, with animators using 3-D printed miniatures to painstakingly create one frame at a time. It currently has a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is nominated for a Best Animated Feature Film Golden Globe award. Like Anomalisa, Kaufman’s screenplays tend to dwell in that scariest of neighborhoods, the mind. They’re at once touching and surreal. They’ll likely appeal to you if: A) your favorite color is post-industrial isolation; B) your favorite food is neurosis; C) your childhood toy was a plush insect nicknamed Gregor Samsa. Until you get a chance to see his latest film, you should catch up on some of Kaufman’s most celebrated works. Being John Malkovich | 1999 John Cusack plays Craig Schwartz, an unhappy puppeteer who discovers in his office a portal to actor John Malkovich’s mind. Anyone who enters the portal gets to experience life as Malkovich, offering many opportunities to try on new identities.

By Adrienne Bischoff

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Adaptation | 2002 When Kaufman suffered from writer’s block trying to adapt the book The Orchid Thief into a screenplay, he decided to write about his writer’s block instead. Nicolas Cage stars as Kaufman in this film that, much like Being John Malkovich, delights in closed-loop storytelling. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind | 2004 The Academy Awards got it right when Kaufman won Best Original Screenplay for this sci-fi love story. Jim Carrey stars as Joel Barish who decides to wipe his mind of painful memories from a relationship only to realize it’s not worth losing the good ones. It’s a heart-breakingly optimistic love story. Synecdoche, New York | 2008 The makers of Prozac missed a huge opportunity when they didn’t hand out free samples to audiences leaving the theaters from this film. Kaufman’s directorial debut, Synecdoche (a play on Schenectady, N.Y. and “synecdoche,” a rhetorical trope) is the ultimate blurring between reality and life. Philip Seymour Hoffman is Caten Cotard, a theater director who decides to create real life on stage. But like some ‘roided-out nesting doll, Cotard’s play becomes so self-referential that actors start playing actors and the stage takes up more real estate until, eventually, Cotard himself is directed to a certain fate. Kaufman’s stories may show humankind confounded by crises, but he creates so many beautiful moments of us wishing at the stars that you just know we’ll win those inner space wars.

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arts

BY LARRY HENDRICKS

The new school Educating the youngest big top performers

‌S

“We have the world at our doorome people only dream of runstep, so why not?” Sutton says. “It’s ning off to join the circus. really nice to get the kids out to see ‌She really did. the world.” The sawdust gets into your blood, Every time the circus moves, she says, and then you’re hooked. Sutton has to pack everything up, Flagstaff resident Laura Sutton and when they get to the next city, is a schoolteacher for the children of she has to unpack it all again. performers in the Ringling Bros. and “My classroom fits in a 5-foot Barnum & Bailey Circus. cube that weighs 2 tons,” Sutton “I really enjoy it,” Sutton says. says. “I have everything I need “It’s tough, not for the faint of heart, in there.” but it’s unique, and I enjoy it.” There’s computer equipment She is one of two teachers on and electronics, student lockers, a litthe “Blue Unit,” which is one of the tle library, school supplies and more. circus’ two shows that travel to cities “It’s really nice,” she says. across the country. The other show is She develops deep relationships called the “Red Unit.” with the kids and their parents. She The Blue Unit was on break lives around them, teaches them and recently for refurbishing, and Sutton practices with them. She’s a contorcame back to her home base to rest tionist by trade, but she adds she and to connect with friends in the cirdoesn’t want to work as a performer. cus she grew up with, Circus Bacchus. It’s about the kids for her. When she was with Circus Bacchus, “It’s really nice to see them she worked as the lead costume grow in their skills as well as learning designer and as a performer while in the classroom,” Sutton says. completing her studies at Northern Sawdust is used for everything. Arizona University. Sutton received It gets all over the place. You breathe two degrees from NAU—one in art it in, and it gets in you. with an emphasis in sculpture, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus teacher Laura Sutton hangs from silks at Circus Bacchus’ rehearsal space on Butler Avenue in “I guess what it means is not one in secondary education. Flagstaff. Courtesy photo being afraid of the work and doing it, Sutton was able to combine her being a part of everything,” She says. love for the circus with a love for “The circus gets into you.” “It’s been really nice seeing the countryThe circus uses an accredited curriculum. teaching and learning. A friend had mentioned Sutton added that she will eventually side by train,” she says. Her teaching certification is out of Arizona. She to her that she saw Ringling Bros. and Barnum let the circus go. But right now, she loves the She’s been through the tunnels of Tennessee, also carries an English as a Second Language & Bailey Circus was hiring for teachers. She circus life and watching the performers bring ridden across the Great Salt Lake, marveled at the endorsement, and she’s working on a Reading made inquiries, was persistent and got the job acts to the country that amazes and enterimmensity of the trees along the Great Lakes and endorsement. School is an eight-hour day from two years ago. tains others. reveled in the sight of the California coastline. noon to 8 p.m., which works better for the per“And I’ve been doing it ever since,” she “Being in the middle of that as a teacher is She gets up in the morning, prepares all former parents on a show schedule. says. “I couldn’t believe it was real at first.” fulfilling, because it helps the kids become lifethe subjects for all the grade levels the children Most of the parents are younger, primarily Sutton says she is on the road pretty much long learners,” Sutton says. “Not many people represent. The children come in shifts, and she because their jobs as performers and staff are constantly, and she works an average of 10 grow out of wanting to see the circus, and I doles out lessons in history, English, math, sciphysically demanding. months out of the year. want to inspire the kids to never grow out of ence and art. She circulates around the room, “Some of the kids are from several generaThe circus moves by train. About 300 perwanting to learn.” answers questions, gives out homework assigntions of circus families,” Sutton says. formers, their families and staff make up the The circus life aside, there’s one thing she ments and completes all the administrative She teaches every day that there is a show. Blue Unit, with apartments and a café in cars on will always appreciate in her adventures. tasks that go along with being a teacher. She also likes being a part of the build and tear the train that stretches nearly a mile. “I love the kids,” she says. “They really are “Then, I go home, sleep for about five mindown of the show. The show stays an average “It’s like a little traveling city,” Sutton says. the best part.” utes and start over,” she says, laughing. of about five days in a location before traveling Five days a week, Sutton teaches 33 students For more info on the circus and for a The children even take field trips to eduto a new location on weekends. who range from elementary to high school levels. schedule on when it comes to Arizona again, cationally relevant sites in the cities where the Her classroom is much like a one-room “One of them recently graduated and is visit www.ringling.com. circus travels. prairie school house—except this school moves. off to college,” Suttons says with pride. 12

flaglive.com | Dec. 24–30, 2015

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EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARDS

MMXV The

Feisty ’15

Editor’s Choice tackles the quinceañera of the century with a 2015 roundup By the Flag Live Staff 14 flaglive.com 14 ﬂaglive.com | Dec. 24–30, 2015

ust like our annual Money Shot, our Editor’s Choice Awards (well, awards is a strong word. Recognitions? Thoughtful observations mixed with occasional shout-outs?) is turning 10 years old this year. The idea sprung from two notions: One was to have some fun interplay with the classic best-of kind of awards we see with these end-of-the-year times, and the other was to deal with the fact that half

the town checks out and next to nothing is happening to write about on Christmas week. So, why not? Over the years, Editor’s Choice has evolved into a magical, charged space of balancing meaningful and endearing honors with cheekier ones. We want to raise some ideas on how the year that is soon to end transpired. What were the trends? What were the big moments? What were the things that we just couldn’t comprehend?

And, of course, in our mountain town, there are the beloved places and people who we can’t get enough of. So, we tried to come up with fun categorical ways to shine the spotlight on them. As with each Editor’s Choice year, the list is far from complete, and we hope that you’ll take these all with good humor and spirit and use it as a chance to reﬂect on your own time during this spin around the sun.

Enjoy!

FOOD AND DRINK: Best Reason to Blow Your Diet and Just Give That Whole Thing Up: MartAnne’s expanding to include a dinner menu. Chilaquiles all day, what? Best Eats Not at a Restaurant or at Home: Flagstaﬀ Underground Kitchen Best Neighborhood Pizzeria: Il Rosso Italiane Best Hookup of Sips and Sandwiches: Historic Brewing Co. and Proper Meats + Provisions Best New Brewery: Dark Sky Brewing Co. Best Non-Stop Noodle Shop: SoSoBa Best Local Beer: The one in your hand (yeah, we’re not going to pick) Worst Corporate Sandwich Invasion: The three Jimmy Johns all within two miles of one another (especially the one downtown) Best Seasonal Drink We’ve Heard About But Can’t Find: The Clark Griswold. (Look it up and get to it, Flagtown!) Best Hangout Revamp: The Wine Loft becomes FLG Terroir Most Creatively Named Cocktail: The Beeting at the McMillan Establishment Most Likely to Be Visited By a Kardashian: WHyld ASS Best Restaurant That Doesn’t Actually Serve Owl, Despite Its Name: The Toasted Owl Café

Dapperist of the Dapper: Dre Best Q: John Q and James Q Martin (tie) Best Guy to Get You Out of a Jam: Jesse Sensibar Best All-Around Guy: James Jay Best Norris: Still Chuck. Sorry, Tony Best Nice Guy Surrounded By Nothing But Drama: Drew Purcell Highest Priest of the Fashionistas: Tommy Elias Best Guy You’re Most Likely to See Strolling Around Downtown: Shonto Begay or Fred Wojtkielewicz (tie) One Reunion We Hope Happened: Jonathan and his dancing shoes of Money Shot fame Favorite Facebook Rabble Rouser Still Atop His Throne: David Mitchell Best Cashier That Let’s Face It, Really Can’t Be Beat: Kathleen at the Walgreens on Milton (seriously, go say hello and ﬁnd yourself leaving feeling much better about life)

One Thing We’re Still Waiting On: A jam-packed, killer season at the Amphitheater Biggest Clan to Play Flagstaff: Willis Best Nostalgic Musical Moment: Jonathan Richman Best Excuse to Hurl Beer Cans at a Band: The Shindaggers’ final show Best Night of Swooning Over Cool-Eyed and Stubbled Eastern European Man-Hunks: 2Cellos Best Show That Came to Flagstaff That You Probably Missed But Should Not Miss the Next Time: The Wild Reeds Best Simpson: Sturgill

Best Uke Show: The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Freshest Rhymes to Flow Through Town: Zion I with the Grouch and Eligh Best Purveyors of Sound: Peaks Audio Productions Best Feast for the Eyes and Ears That’s Still Awing: InnerSpace Best New Salon That Also Houses Live Local Tunes: Headspace Southside Salon Best Reminder Why It’s a Poor Choice to Be a Last-Minute Town: The Modest Mouse show at the Orpheum— which sold out in minutes Best Sell-Out: The Devil Makes Three at the Orpheum (Every. Single. Beer. Gone!)

MUSIC: Best Local Band Destined for Greatness: Tow’rs Other Local Band Also Poised to Go Places: False North

Owner Bob Verdarame and server Tiffany Spyra stand at the counter of Il Rosso Italiane with a fresh baked pizza. Photo by Taylor Mahoney

LOCAL CHARACTERS: Best Naked: Eva Rupert Best Sendoff For a Local Arts Pillar: The goodbye to Nando “The Operatic Commando” Schellen Biggest Lunatic: Joe Coco, a former Flagstaff artist who returned to share his work of painting the moon every year for 43 years Best Meister: The Gear-meister (John Stebila) Flagstaff Resident Most Likely to Still be a Superhero: Anthony Delagarza Best Overall Hugs: Jenn Vargas

Coffee Pot performs at Headspace Southside Salon. Photo by Taylor Mahoney Dec.24–30, 24–30,2015 2015 || flaglive.com ﬂaglive.com Dec.

15 15

Sweetest Return of Local Musicians Who Moved On: Dave McGraw and Mandy Fer on Valentine’s Day Best Meaty Music: Burger Records’ Burger Caravan at Firecreek and Flag Brew Best Returning International Act That Was Gone for Far Too Long: John Butler Trio Best Local Band That Got Back Together for One Show Only: Limbs Akimbo Best Reaﬃrmation Through Music That the “Simple Life” Is Good: Gregory Alan Isakov at the Orpheum

Big Tear by Sei Saito

ARTS: Best Mural: The Sound of Flight on the Orpheum by Sky Black and the Mural Mice Best Sign That the Literary Scene in Flagstaff Is Cranking: NonfictioNOW and Northern Arizona Book Festival reboot (tie) Best Chance to Feel the Burn: Fires of Change at Coconino Center for the Arts Best Meats: The Full Monty at Theatrikos Best Transvestite Comedian to Perform in Flagstaff: Eddie Izzard

Brad and Sheena Van Orden with their van, Nacho, on the backroads of eastern Thailand

Best Author Talk That Made Us Laugh and Made Us Cry: Luis Alberto Urrea at Prochnow Best Realization of a Dream: Sei Saito’s Journey at the Coconino Center for the Arts Best Actress to Take the Stage Who Also Starred in a Cult Classic Horror Movie: Judith O’Dea, who starred in the original Night of the Living Dead and Theatrikos’ production of Doubt Best Example That Basketball is More Than Just a Game: Photographer Joe Cornett’s Roundball Religion exhibit at the Museum of Northern Arizona Best Use of Found Sticks and Branches to Create Something Amazing: The Firefly Stage at Firefly Gathering Best Example of Being a Showbiz Pro: When poet Buddy Wakefield performed at Firecreek and an audience member’s chair broke under him, and instead of moving on with the show Wakefield told a true story that made it all OK. Best New Original Sci-Fi Film Idea: James Ward Byrkit’s Oxygen Best Film With a Purpose: Justin Clifton’s Canyonlands Most Ambitious Photography Pursuit: John Sherman’s quest to shoot (digitally) all 71 of the California Condors in northern Arizona and southern Utah Towr's. Courtesy photo

Firefly Stage. Photo by Sean Poitras

16 ﬂ 16 aglive.com || Dec. flaglive.com Dec. 24–30, 24–30, 2015 2015

LOCAL CULTURE AND LOCAL NEWS: Best “I’m Rooting for Flagstaff But I’m Really Not” Moment: When Outside Magazine listed Flagstaff in a competitive bracket for Best Towns 2015 Biggest Upset That Can’t Be Called an Upset Without Challengers: R Entertainment winning the Pepsi Amp bid— again Best Way to Make Architects Cry: Take them on a tour of Aspen Place at the Sawmill Best Thing That Should Become a Thing: Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument Worst Thing That Should Never Become a Thing: The plan by the Stilo Development Group to build 2,000 homes, hotel rooms and three million square feet of commercial space on 350 acres on two properties in the town of Tusayan near Grand Canyon National Park Best Kind of Bag to Ban: Plastic Best Thing to Geek Out About: The images returning from Pluto’s New Horizons Mission Best Near-Complete Lack of Transparency: The nearly completely redacted NAU police report on the campus shooting Worst Debauchery Involving Public Urination That Hopefully Has Run Its Course: Tequila Sunrise Douchebag Award: Guy charged with all those Flagstaff area school bomb threats as part of a rash of swatting, or calling in fake bomb threats to get swat teams to show up and earn points with some online gaming thing. We don’t get it, either.

Assemblage artist John Steblia hoisting his Steampunk Ray Gun in his backyard greenhouse. Photo by Taylor Mahoney

Coolest Class to be Added to the NAU Course Catalogue:

Saddest Departure of a News Anchor Who Trumped Them All:

Worst Idea of the Year: Donald Trump’s vow to ban Muslims from the U.S.

Professor Frederick Gooding’s Genius of Hip-Hop. Best Thing We’re Still Waiting On:

Jon Stewart from The Daily Show

Biggest Ruling That Took Way, Way Too Long:

Other Sad Television Host Departure: David Letterman from the Late Show with David

The Supreme Court’s approval of same-sex marriage

El Niño. What’s up, El Niño? Bring it hardcore! Best Anniversary:

Letterman

Ed Abbey’s The Monkey Wrench Gang turning 40 Best Rebound: Oak Creek Canyon, open and mostly thriving

One Other Departure Nobody Really Cared About, Like At All: Zane Malik leaves One Direction

after last year’s Slide Fire. Welcome back, OCC! Worst Lack of Respect for Endangered Wildlife:

Best Sketch Comedy Duo to Hang It Up: Key and Peele Best Bilocation … or Not:

The man who killed the lone gray wolf in Utah that was seen last year in the Grand Canyon

Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News

Most Confusing and Ongoing Sale of a Downtown Establishment That Has Finally

Biggest, Saddest Loss: Blues legend B.B. King Other Biggest, Saddest Loss:

Ended: The Green Room Best Nacho:

Leonard “Mr. Spock” Nemoy Best Example of Eating 6-Inch and Foot-Longs Not Being Funny Anymore:

The VW Van that carried former Flag locals Brad and Sheena Van Orden around the world Best Festival: Sixth annual Flagstaﬀ Hullabaloo

Former Subway spokesman Jared Fogle sentenced to 15 years in prison Worst Acquisition of a Good Thing by a Bad Thing: Rupert Murdoch’s Fox media empire’s takeover of National Geographic Second Worst Acquisition of a Good Thing by a Bad Thing: Anheuser-Busch’s takeover of Four Peaks Brewing Co. Best Reunion That Likely Created Its Own Special Fog Advisory: Grateful Dead Farewell Tour

NATIONAL CULTURE AND BEYOND: Best Solo: Han Best Fake Example of the Idiom “Turnabout is Fair Play” We Wish Was True: The move by Turing Pharmaceuticals chief Martin Shkreli’s lawyer to hike his hourly legal fees by 5,000 percent following his arrest Best Awakening of a Film Franchise: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (seriously, it crushed opening weekend sales records) Moment That Reminded Everyone Why Gun Control Needs to Be a Thing, Now: All of them

Sky Black and the Mural Mice in front of the Sound of Flight Mural. Courtesy photo

Sculpture from Fires of Change by Bryan David Griffith. Photo by Diandra Markgraf

Former Daily Show anchor Jon Stewart

Leonard Nemoy as Mr. Spock

Blues legend B.B. King

Shindaggers. Photo by Alex Gaynor Dec. Dec.24–30, 24–30,2015 2015| |flaglive.com ﬂaglive.com 1717

Brew

BY MIKE WILLIAMS

Masters of Brewtality Ringing it in with Flag Brew’s Bubbaganouj IPA

‌O

Serving temp? 45 degrees. A little warmer than ice cold.

ne of Flagstaff’s first and longest-running breweries, Flagstaff Brewing Co., has undergone some major changes lately. With brewmaster Jeff Thorsett’s move to full-time owner, the torch has been passed to relative new-comer Stuart Howe and old-guard assistant brewer Jack Flaccus. And the change has been good! Their attention to detail and flavor has put this Flagstaff institution back at the forefront of the local craft beer movement. Like every other brewer we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing, Stuart is a gentleman of humor whose pride in his suds comes through in every sip. This month we’re chatting about their flagship Bubbagnouj IPA, a refreshingly modest, drinkable and smooth take on a style currently saturated by folks hell-bent on taking it to the most extreme possible. Golden in color, it features a slight hop flavor at the start and refreshing fruity finish that just begs to have one more. Or three!

How’d you start brewing? I grew up in Salt Lake City and started homebrewing as my own way to stick it to The Man in high school. Beer is frowned upon by some social circles up there, so I just started homebrewing. I’d always had the dream of being a brewer; then started talking to Jeff Thorsett here. I guess he liked me enough to offer me a job. Ha! He’d just moved from head brewer to full owner of the business, so he’s out of the brewhouse and Jack Flaccus, the old assistant brewer, recently came back to rejoin the team. So, it’s he and I working back there now. Brew culture in Utah has always been fascinating simply due to the repressive nature of the alcohol laws in the state. Were there any styles that appealed to you when you first started that maybe you just couldn’t find? Not really. It was more just to be the rebel. I don’t want to criticize religion, but I grew up non-LDS and there was a lot of, “You’re going to Hell for drinking beer,” so my attitude was just like, well, I can drink it because I brewed it and you’re just never going to get to know (laughs). My first beer I made was awful. It was a blackberry wheat beer from a kit that we’d gotten. We tried going big on our first one … It came with an extract we tried using and it was just awful. But, you gotta start somewhere. My mom still laughs at me about it because I brewed it without telling my parents, left it in the kitchen, then took off to go play around or something. They came back from vacation right as it started really going active and came home to beer geisering all over the kitchen.

‌The breakdown Brewery: Flagstaff Brewing Co. Name of brewer: Stuart Howe Beer name: Bubbaganouj IPA Type of hops used: Cascade, Willamette, Fuggle Type of yeast used: 1056 Ale Yeast Type of malt: Pale Ale, 2 Row, Caramel 120L, Carapils ABV: 7% IBU: 35

From the brewer Mike Williams: What should we pair with this? Stuart Howe: Mmm, I would say a good, greasy burger. Like a smoky bacon and bleu cheese burger. Brewing soundtrack? We always start out the day with a little NPR, but as soon as Diane Rheme comes on, you gotta change it (laughs). I think it was classical. We tend to listen to a lot of classical back there. Tchaikovsky—definitely the 1812 Overture.

From left: brewer Stuart Howe, FBC owner and head brewer Jeff Thorsett, and brewer Jack Flaccus. Courtesy photo

Complimentary outdoor activity? It’s great for relaxing while sitting in a hammock under a tree. And you’ve got to have a great view involved. Indoor? Since this is our flagship brew here at Flag Brew, it goes perfectly with ping pong right here in the brewery. Worst place to drink it? Probably a plane plummeting to the Earth with catastrophic engine failure! 18

flaglive.com | Dec. 24–30, 2015

Best place to drink it? With good friends! Pretty much anywhere your friends are. Ideal container? A refillable Stanley or Hydro Flask growler so you can take it on your next adventure. I think they’re perfect for creek trips, just in that they can sit in the sun and the beer never gets warm. Your personal favorite thing about this beer? Easy! Its drinkability. It’s not too smack-you-in-the-face hoppy, it goes down smooth and you can have more than one without being overwhelmed with any one specific flavor.

Finally, our Masters of Brewtality bonus question: Is there beer in Hell? No, because then it wouldn’t be Hell! But they’d definitely serve old school Four Loko.

If you’re going to be tortured eternally, you might as well be blacked out for it! Masters of Brewtality is a monthly feature that brings a Flagstaff-based craft brewery and one of their top beers to the table. Each month we’ll pick a new beer, sit down with one of the brewers, and pick their brain with a set of questions—both serious and funny—so we can learn more about some of our favorite local beers and the folks who brew it all up. On tap next month: Lumberyard and Beaver Street Brewing Co.

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REARVIEW

Daddy’s philosophy Giving so everybody does better

his special day got me to thinking about America’s spirit of giving, and I don’t mean this overdone business of Christmas gifts. I mean our true spirit of giving—giving of ourselves. Yes, we are a country of rugged individualists, yet there’s also a deep, communityminded streak in each of us. We’re a people who believe in the notion that we’re all in this together, that we can make our individual lives better by contributing to the common good. The establishment media pays little attention to grassroots generosity, focusing instead on the occasional showy donation by what it calls “philanthropists”—big tycoons who give a little piece of their billions to some university or museum in exchange for getting a building named after them. But in my mind, the real philanthropists are the millions of you ordinary folks who have precious little money to give, but consistently give of themselves, and do it without demanding that their name be engraved on a granite wall. My own Daddy, rest his soul, was a fine example of this. With a half-dozen other guys in Denison, Texas, he started the Little League baseball program volunteering to build the park, sponsor and coach the teams, run the squawking PA system, etc. etc. Even

By Jim Hightower

after I graduated from Little League, Daddy stayed working at it, because his involvement was not merely for his kids … but for all. He felt the same way about being taxed to build a public library in town. I don’t recall him ever going in that building, much less checking out a book, but he wanted it to be there for the community and he was happy to play his part. Not that he was a do-good liberal, for God’s sake—indeed, he called himself a conservative. My Daddy didn’t even know he had a political philosophy, but he did, and it’s the best I’ve ever heard. He would often say to me, “Everybody does better when everybody does better.” If only our leaders in Washington and on Wall Street would begin practicing this true American philosophy. Jim Hightower is a best-selling author, radio commentator, nationally syndicated columnist and editor of The Hightower Lowdown, a populist political newsletter. He has spent the past four decades battling the Powers That Be on behalf of the Powers that ought-to-be: consumers, working families, small businesses, environmentalists and just-plain-folks. For more of his work, visit www.jimhightower.com.

As I have told you before, it’s much more than a moustache. It’s a mouth eyebrow. Celebrating the power of mister-whiskers since 1994.

#SHIRTLESS ROCCO

REARVIEW

Bartender wisdom Mastering reinvention

s the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year approaches, I’m once again reminded why winter in Flagstaff is my favorite time of the year to bartend. The snow and cold seem to bring a certain comradery to the pub. Folks are happy to come in the door and peel off a scarf, gloves, a few layers of clothes, and hunker into a cocktail. When it’s icy and 10 degrees outside, being inside a warm pub makes for a type of friendship, a we’re all in it together. The cold seems to bring out the best in humans, reminding us that we’re all part of the same tribe in some way. Whether someone drove up to the mountain from Phoenix that day or whether a person has called this mountain town home for decades, in a good pub with a storm blowing outside, we all find something in common to talk about. Of the numerous conversations I’ve enjoyed this season, one from the other night stands out. I’d finished work and was trying a new scotch before heading home. I pulled up a dram alongside my friend and colleague, Ian Anderson, with whom I share a love of Irish hurling and membership in the local chapter of the Gaelic Athletic Association’s Mountain Hounds. We talked about the upcoming hurling season and what we’d do once the snow melted from the pitch. Joining the conversation was my longtime friend, Thor Nolen, a man I’ve known for decades. He was just in town for a few days visiting family. He’s worked for years in Seattle and traveled the planet as a project manager for various IT companies. In his journeys he’s actually seen hurling games in Ireland, the country where the sport began, and so we all began talking sliotars and sticks. During the conversation, I mentioned how this winter I’m trying to keep in shape by doing some exercise videos that I dig. In fact, I had a whole system set up using a couple of programs from exercise guru Shaun T. Sticking to his programs, I’m looking to come into the season in better shape than the previous year (which is what I look to do each year). Part of my motivation is that I’m thinking this will likely be my last year as an active player for the Mountain Hounds. Essentially, by the time the season starts in the spring I’ll be 45 years old and I just seem to get slower and slower

By James Jay

no matter what I do. Cardiovascular-wise I feel great. In fact, I’ve rarely felt spent during a game for some time. And, even strength-wise, I generally have enough to get by. The main problem is I can’t get any faster. In fact, I can’t not get slower. It’s the years and the miles, and that seems to be the way it goes. I’m going to give it one more go on the Shaun T’s with a new program designed to work on agility. If I’m still slower and slower of foot, then this will be my last year, I explained. Thor, always with the keen vision and ability to cut to the chase, even in the days before he was the project manager of anything besides his own novella or comic writing plans, cut right to the chase. He asked, “So you’re going to quit because you’ve become too slow?” “Oh yes,” I replied. “At some point it’s time to hang up the cleats when they get going this slow.” I went on about how I can’t do X or Y or Z. He listened and concluded that it sounds like lack of speed isn’t the problem then. Actually, the problem is your ego. You just need to figure out another way to play the game. Then poignantly he added, “The body you had when you were 20 doesn’t exist anymore. It’s gone. If you love playing hurling, then you have to do it with the body you have now.” As always, he was spot on and with a perspective of someone you’ve known for a long time. I told Ian that the Mountain Hounds should plan on extending my contract then for another five years. I’m back in. Thor’s reminder and advice was the best I’ve had all year. Our bodies change all the time, even our minds are more malleable than we’d care to admit; it’s our spirit that becomes the most important player. This winter as the snow piles up I hope that friends, old and new, fill your spirit with rich conversations. Slainte. For more than 20 years, James Jay has worked in the bar business from dishwasher, bouncer, bartender, bar manager to pub owner. He is the author of two critically acclaimed books of poetry and his poems have been selected for the New Poets of the American West anthology.

Northern Arizona’s Daily Event Listings

VARIOUS EVENTS | THU 12.24

Beasley Gallery: NAU Art Department’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Show. Runs through Dec. 24. Located on the second floor of the Performing and Fine Arts building. Gallery hours Tue, Thu and Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1115 S. Knoles Drive, on the NAU campus. 523-4612 Criollo Latin Kitchen: New night photography exhibit, The Night, from local photographer Joe Cornett. 6-9 p.m. During First Friday ArtWalk. Free. Exhibit runs through December. 16 N. San Francisco. 774-0541 Downtown Flagstaff: Flagstaff Eats. Walking food tours in downtown Flag. Two-and-a-half hours of walking and sampling food from seven different restaurants. Tours offered every weekend Thursday through Sunday. $40 per person. Sign up on www.flagstaffeats.com. 213-9233 Flagstaff Federated Community Church: Continuing Taoist tai chi and beginner class. Every Thursday. 5:30-7:30p.m. flagstaff.az@ taoist.org. 400 W Aspen. 288-2207 Flagstaff Federated Community Church: Weekly Mindfulness Meditation every Thursday. Room 24 upstairs. 6:30 p.m. instruction, 7-8:30 p.m. sitting and walking meditation. 8:30 p.m. discussion. Come and go anytime. Free and open to all. 400 W. Aspen. 814-9851 High Country Conference Center: Plight of the Condor. New exhibit by Flag photographer John Sherman chronicling the endangered California Condors. Runs through April 30. Gallery hours are Mon–Fri 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. and 4–9 p.m., and Fri–Sat 4–11 p.m. 201 W. Butler Ave. 523-9521 Human Nature Dance Theatre and Studio: Individualized kung fu instruction in xingyi, bagua and taji. Every Thursday. 6-8 p.m. www. flagstaffkungfu.org. 4 W. Phoenix. 779-5858 Joe C Montoya Community and Senior Center: Hour-long small group guitar classes. Ages 13 and up. Two sessions every Thursday from 3-5 p.m. Flexible format, multiple styles. Registration required. $30 for five classes, and $4 materials. 245 N Thorpe. (505) 614-6706 Joe C Montoya Community and Senior Center: Guitar for absolute beginners. Short-term class teaches tuning, terminology, basic chords, melody and simple notation. Meets first three Thursdays of each month. $25 for three classes, and $4 materials. Ages 13 and up. Registration required. 245 N Thorpe. (505) 614-6706 The Museum Club: Line dance lessons. Every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6-7 p.m. $3. 3404 E. Rte. 66. 526-9434 The Museum Club: Flagstaff Swing Dance Club presents dance lessons every Thursday night from 7-8 p.m. Different dance style taught each month. 3404 E. Rte. 66. 526-9434 Red Rock State Park: Guided nature walk at 10 a.m. Guest speaker or a ranger/naturalist gives a 45-minute talk at 2 p.m. Park is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 per vehicle. 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop. Sedona. (928) 282-6907 Simply Spiritual Healing: Thursday night meditation. Every Thursday. 6-7 p.m. $20. All are invited. 105 E. Birch. 779-6322

DEC. 24–30, 2015

MUSIC EVENTS | THU 12.24

Main Stage Theater: Weekly “Bottom Line Jam” with the Bottom Line Band. 7 p.m. Free. 1 S. Main St. Cottonwood. (928) 202-3460 Monte Vista Lounge: Karaoke. Hosted by Ricky Bill. 9 p.m. Free. 100 N. San Francisco. 779-6971

VARIOUS EVENTS | FRI 12.25

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany: Taoist tai chi. Every Friday. 9-10:30 a.m. flagstaff.az@taoist.org. 423 N. Beaver. 774-2911 Flagstaff Elk’s Lodge: Weekly all-you-can-eat Fish Fry. Fish fry begins at 6 p.m. $12. All proceeds benefit Elks Children Charities. Every Friday. 2101 N. San Francisco. 774-6271

MUSIC EVENTS | FRI 12.25

The Green Room: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Featuring ’80s and ’90s pop tunes and Christmas music by DJ Larue, with B-movie Christmas classics. 8 p.m. Free. 15 N. Agassiz. 226-8669 The Spirit Room: Dog of the Moon Friday. 1 p.m. Free. 166 Main St. Jerome. (928) 634-8809

VARIOUS EVENTS | SAT 12.26

Circus Arts Studio: Flagstaff Foundry. Monthly community comedy show presented by the Bacchus Arts Collective. Featuring live music, aerial dance, stand-up comedy and more. 8 p.m. $5. Every last Saturday of the month. Submit your act at tinyurl.com/flagstafffoundry. 1311 E. Butler. 306-3200 Flagstaff Recreation Center: Zumba class. Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. $5. 2403 N. Izabel. 779-1468 Galaxy Diner: Swing Dance Club every Saturday. Lessons from 7-10 p.m. Free. 931 E. Historic Rte. 66. 774-2466 Marshall Elementary School: Continuing Taoist tai chi. Every Saturday 9-10:30 a.m. flagstaff.az@taoist.org. 850 N. Bonito. 288-2207 Mary D. Fisher Theatre: Film screening: A Royal Night Out. 7 p.m. Sat, Sun and Mon; 4 p.m. Tue and Wed. $15, $12.50 for Sedona Film Fest members. 2030 W. Hwy 89A. Sedona. (928) 282-1177 Mary D. Fisher Theatre: The Winter’s Tale. Live on the big screen from the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Co. in London. 4 p.m. Sat, Sun and Mon; 7 p.m. Tue and Wed. $12, $9 for Sedona Film Fest members. 2030 W. Hwy 89A. Sedona. (928) 282-1177 Murdoch Community Center: Zumba class. Every Saturday at 9 p.m. $5. 203 E. Brannen. 226-7566 Red Rock State Park: Saturday and Wednesday daily bird walks. 7 a.m. Park is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 per vehicle. 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop. Sedona. (928) 282-6907 Pulse continued on page 22 Dec. 24–30, 2015 | flaglive.com

Got a Money $hot?

Pulse continued from page 21

VARIOUS ‌ EVENTS | SAT 12.26

Shuvani Studio: Monthly Sound Meditation. Crystal and brass bowls with drums. Safe environment. Doors open at 6 p.m., meditation runs from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Minimum $5 donation suggested. Bring yoga mat, pillow and blanket for comfort. Next to Mama Burger, corner of Fort Valley Road and Humphreys Street. (951) 781-9369

MUSIC ‌ EVENTS | SAT 12.26

Hops on Birch: Enrique and the Gurus. Americana and folk from Flag. 9 p.m. Free. 22 E. Birch. 774-4011 Main Stage Theater: Third annual Danny Rhodes Memorial Blues Summit. 7 p.m. Free. 1 S. Main St. Cottonwood. (928) 202-3460 Monte Vista Lounge: VeloValo. Groove rock from Flag. 9:30 p.m. Free. 100 N. San Francisco. 779-6971 Oak Creek Brewing Co.: Zona. 3-6 p.m. Open mic with James Turner. 8 p.m. Free. 2050 Yavapai Drive. Sedona. (928) 204-1300 The Spirit Room: D.L. Harrison Band. 2 p.m. Free. Black Forest Society. 9 p.m. Free. 166 Main St. Jerome. (928) 634-8809

VARIOUS ‌ EVENTS | SUN 12.27

r tagram o s n I n o E V ve.com #FL AGLI i l : g o a t fl t i @ m t b o Su emoneysh h t o t l i a em 22

flaglive.com | Dec. 24–30, 2015

Canyon Dance Academy: Flag Freemotion. Ballroom dance lessons and dancing every Sunday. Learn social and ballroom dancing. 5-7 p.m. No partner needed. $8, $5 for students. 853-6284. 2812 N. Izabel. 814-0157 Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy: Flag Freemotion. Conscious movement/freestyle dance. Moving meditation to dance-able music. Minimum instruction and no experience required. Every Sunday. 10:30 a.m. www. flagstafffreemotion.com. 3401 N. Ft Valley Road. 225-1845 Mary D. Fisher Theatre: Film screening: A Royal Night Out. 7 p.m. Sun and Mon; 4 p.m. Tue and Wed. $15, $12.50 for Sedona Film Fest members. 2030 W. Hwy 89A. Sedona. (928) 282-1177 Mary D. Fisher Theatre: The Winter’s Tale. Live on the big screen from the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Co. in London. 4 p.m. Sun and Mon; 7 p.m. Tue and Wed. $12, $9 for Sedona Film Fest members. 2030 W. Hwy 89A. Sedona. (928) 282-1177 Monte Vista Lounge: Trivia with TJ and Claira. Every Sunday. 9 p.m. Free. 100 N. San Francisco. 779-6971 Tranzend Studio: Flagstaff Latin Dance Collective. Lessons: beginner and all level fundamentals, technique and musicality. 7 p.m. Open dancing in main room with salsa, bachata, merengue and cha cha; side room with zouk and kizomba until 10 p.m. Every Sunday. $10 drop-in, $8 for students. 417 W. Santa Fe. 814-2650

MUSIC ‌ EVENTS | SUN 12.27

1899 Bar and Grill: Vincent Z. Acoustic world music. Every Sunday. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 307 W. Dupont. 523-1899

DEC. 24–30, 2015 Flagstaff Brewing Co.: Brad Bays and Friends. 2-5 p.m. Free. 16 E. Rte. 66. 773-1442 The Green Room: Super Sunday Karaoke. 8 p.m. Free. Every Sunday. 15 N. Agassiz. 226-8669 The Spirit Room: Los Guys. 2 p.m. Free. 166 Main St. Jerome. (928) 634-8809

VARIOUS ‌ EVENTS | MON 12.28

Charly’s Pub & Grill: Game night. 6-10 p.m. Free. 23 N. Leroux. 774-2731 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany: Taoist tai chi. Every Monday. 10:30 a.m.noon. flagstaff.az@taoist.org. 423 N Beaver. 288-2207 Flagstaff Recreation Center: Zumba class. Every Monday. 6 p.m. $5. 2403 N. Izabel. 779-1468 The Green Room: Weekly trivia night hosted by Martina. Every Monday. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. 15 N. Agassiz. 226-8669 Human Nature Dance Theatre and Studio Tango classes. Fundamentals: 6-6:30 p.m. $5. Figures and Techniques: 6:30-7:30 p.m. $10. (Both classes for dancers having completed a beginner dance series). Practica: 7:30-9 p.m. Practica included in price of class. 4 W. Phoenix. 773-0750 Mary D. Fisher Theatre: Film screening: A Royal Night Out. 7 p.m. Mon; 4 p.m. Tue and Wed. $15, $12.50 for Sedona Film Fest members. 2030 W. Hwy 89A. Sedona. (928) 282-1177 Mary D. Fisher Theatre: The Winter’s Tale. Live on the big screen from the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Co. in London. 4 p.m. Mon; 7 p.m. Tue and Wed. $12, $9 for Sedona Film Fest members. 2030 W. Hwy 89A. Sedona. (928) 282-1177 Monte Vista Lounge: Mario Kart Monday. Play your favorite oldschool video games on the big screen. 9 p.m. Free. 100 N. San Francisco. 779-6971

MUSIC ‌ EVENTS | MON 12.28

Campus Coffee Bean: Open Mic night. Every Monday. 6-8 p.m. ccbopenmic@gmail.com. 1800 S. Milton Road. 556-0660 The Green Room: Karaoke. 8 p.m. Free. Every Monday. 15 N. Agassiz. 226-8669 Hops on Birch: Open mic night. Every Monday. 8:30 p.m. signup. 9 p.m. start. 22 E. Birch. 774-4011 Main Stage Theater: Karaoke Service Industry Night. 8 p.m. Free. 1 S. Main St. Cottonwood. (928) 202-3460 Mia’s Lounge: Record Club. Weekly vinyl appreciation night with host Cory Sheward. 9 p.m. Free. 26 S. San Francisco. 774-3315 The Museum Club: Open mic night. Every Monday. 8 p.m. Free. 3404 E. Rte. 66. 526-9434 Pulse continued on page 24

REARVIEW

BOOTFITTING · RENTALS S · RETAIL · REPAIRS

The Write Now Full Moon over Melancholy Half-Sleep

‌A

t the beginning of the month we launched the 22nd call for entries for our monthly Flag Live writing contest, The Write Now, and with the holidays came the good words. As always, the contest was blind-judged by Flagstaff author Mary Sojourner, who also gave us this prompt for writers to follow: “They have escaped the so-called holidays—all of them—into the desert. There is a full moon the first night.” This month’s selection, titled “Full Moon over Melancholy Half-Sleep,” comes

in from first-time winner Tobby Moran. Of the winning entry Sojourner writes: “This writer understands the vastly under-rated principle that less is more. It was tough to choose this time, but the austere elegance of this writing made my choice.” For newcomers to The Write Now, we’ll have our next prompt next week (the first issue of every month). Submissions should be received no later 5 p.m. on Jan. 22 for our next round. Keep the good words coming. And good luck!

They have escaped the so-called holidays—all of them—into the desert. There is a full moon the first night. Visceral ghosts and ethereal humans walk side by side,

g Of ferin d le unriva e! ser vic

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foot-print by drag-print in the sand. Waves crash on the shore of a mirage, winking moonlight. The moon lights the way across the so-called desert, singing her light, showing everything they do and don’t want to see: cracks in their own personal histories that reveal failures and shortcomings, like that time Petra disappointed her daughter, coming home drunk on Christmas. Should she not have come home at all? And that time Tommy disappointed his mom by marrying a white girl. They pass ill-lighted golden trails of things they did right. Julia gave her baby up for adoption, and he had a wonderful life, full of love. Ray married the girl of dreams he didn’t know he had, didn’t know he deserved, but she knew. Then bliss turned to denial when she died. Ray blames himself. It is now more than a week past January. All the tears have been cried and hung without care like tinsel on their sad, sad faces. The stars have gone to bed. Dawn lights the way.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

– Submitted by Tobby Moran Our Round 22 The Write Now Winner

Dec. 24–30, 2015 | flaglive.com

Pulse continued from page 22

VARIOUS ‌ EVENTS | TUE 12.29

Looking back at 2015 A mass shooting, a Pluto flyby and Kayla Mueller are Flagstaff’s top stories of the year.

For the complete list, see Sunday’s Arizona Daily Sun. 24 flaglive.com | Dec. 24–30, 2015

Hops on Birch: Trivia night with Eric Hays. Every Tuesday. 8:30 p.m. sign-up. 9 p.m. start. 22 E. Birch. 774-4011 Jim’s Total Body Fitness: Line dancing. All levels. 6:30-7:30 p.m. First class free. Every Tuesday. 2150 N. 4th St. 606-1435 Mary D. Fisher Theatre: Film screening: A Royal Night Out. 4 p.m. Tue and Wed. $15, $12.50 for Sedona Film Fest members. 2030 W. Hwy 89A. Sedona. (928) 282-1177 Mary D. Fisher Theatre: The Winter’s Tale. Live on the big screen from the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Co. in London. 7 p.m. Tue and Wed. $12, $9 for Sedona Film Fest members. 2030 W. Hwy 89A. Sedona. (928) 282-1177 The Museum Club: Line dance lessons. Every Tuesday. 6-7 p.m. $3. 3404 E. Rte. 66. 526-9434 Ponderosa High School: Beginner Taoist tai chi. Every Tuesday 5:307 p.m. Followed by continuing Taoist tai chi. Every Tuesday. 7-8:30 p.m. flagstaff.az@taoist. org. 2384 N. Steves. 288-2207 Taala Hooghan Infoshop: Dharma Punx meditation group every Tuesday. 8:15 p.m. 1700 N. 2nd St. www. taalahooghan.org Shuvani Studio: Unplug and Recharge Meditation. Unplug from distractions and recharge through movement and meditation with qi-gong. Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. 7-8 p.m. $5-$10 suggested donation. Next to Mama Burger, corner of Fort Valley Road and Humphreys Street. (951) 781-9369 State Bar: Comedy workshop with High Bar Stand-Up. Bring your jokes and routines and practice, share, get feedback and laugh. 6-8 p.m. Free. All are welcome to participate. High Bar Stand-Up Comedy Night is hosted by Barley Rhymes’ Davey Latour. Flagstaff’s finest and funniest take the stage for an evening of stand-up comedy. Every first and third (and occasional fifth) Tuesday. 10 E. Rte. 66. 226-1282

MUSIC ‌ EVENTS | TUE 12.29

The Green Room: Honky Tonk Tuesdays. Featuring DJ MJ. Every Tuesday. 8 p.m. Free. 15 N. Agassiz. 226-8669 Main Stage Theater: Open mic with D.L. Harrison. 8-11 p.m. Free. 1 S. Main St. Cottonwood. (928) 202-3460 Mia’s Lounge: Jazz Jam. Weekly house band jam session hosted by Ron James, Brad Bays and Chris Finet 9 p.m. Free. Every Tuesday. 26 S. San Francisco. 774-3315 Monte Vista Lounge: Karaoke with Ricky Bill. 9 p.m. Free. 100 N. San Francisco. 779-6971 The Museum Club: Karaoke. Every Tuesday. 8 p.m. Free. 3404 E. Rte. 66. 526-9434 Oak Creek Brewing Co.: Drumz and Dance Party. Free. 6:30 p.m. 2050 Yavapai Drive. Sedona. (928) 204-1300

DEC. 24–30, 2015

VARIOUS ‌ EVENTS | WED 12.30

Firecreek Coffee Co: Poetry slam. Every Wednesday. Signup at 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. start. $2. 22 E. Rte. 66. 774-2266 Flagstaff CSA and Market: Weekly Wednesday Meditation. Guided meditation and open discussion. Anyone is welcome to join. Every Wednesday. 9-10 a.m. 116 Cottage Ave. 213-6948 Flagstaff Recreation Center: Zumba class. Every Wednesday. 7 p.m. $5. 2403 N. Izabel. 779-1468 Lumberyard Brewing Co.: Extreme Wednesdays. Showing extreme sports videos. Free. 10 p.m. 5 S. San Francisco. 779-2739 Main Stage Theater: In-House Dart and Pool Leagues. 6 p.m. Free. 1 S. Main St. Cottonwood. (928) 202-3460 Majerle’s Sports Grill: Trivia night. Every Wednesday. 7 p.m. 102 W. Rte. 66. 774-6463 Mary D. Fisher Theatre: Film screening: A Royal Night Out. 4 p.m. $15, $12.50 for Sedona Film Fest members. 2030 W. Hwy 89A. Sedona. (928) 282-1177 Mary D. Fisher Theatre: The Winter’s Tale. Live on the big screen from the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Co. in London. 7 p.m. $12, $9 for Sedona Film Fest members. 2030 W. Hwy 89A. Sedona. (928) 282-1177 Murdoch Community Center: Zumba class. Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. $5. 203 E. Brannen. 226-7566 The Peaks: Beginning ballroom dance lessons. 7-8:15 p.m. Every Wednesday. Free. No partner needed. Different dance starts each month and builds through the month. Next to the Museum of Northern Arizona. Held in the activity room. Dance calendar at www.flagstaffdance.com. 3150 N. Winding Brook Road. 853-6284 Red Rock State Park: Saturday and Wednesday daily bird walks. 7 a.m. Park is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 per vehicle. 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop. Sedona. (928) 282-6907 Uptown Pubhouse: Team trivia with Carly Strauss. 7:30 p.m. Free. 114 N. Leroux. 773-0551

MUSIC ‌ EVENTS | WED 12.30

The Green Room: Soulective. DJs spinning funk, dance, hip-hop and EDM. Every Wednesday. 8 p.m. Free 15 N. Agassiz. 226-8669 Main Stage Theater: Bingo night. Hosted by Penny Smith. 7 p.m. Free. 1 S. Main St. Cottonwood. (928) 202-3460 Mia’s Lounge: Open mic night. Weekly talent showcase with host Jeff Nickell. 9 p.m. Free. Every Wednesday. 26 S. San Francisco. 774-3315 Monte Vista Lounge: Kingz of the Jungle Presents: Kip Killagain, Kelly Smash and Das Koolboy. 9:30 p.m. Free. 100 N. San Francisco. 779-6971 The Spirit Room: Moondog hosts open mic. 8 p.m. Free. 166 Main St. Jerome. (928) 634-8809

To have an event included in the Pulse calendar e-mail calendar@flaglive.com or mail info to Flagstaff Live, Attn: Pulse Calendar Submissions, 1751 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. The deadline is every Friday by 5 p.m. for the following week’s issue. All events are subject to change, subject to editing, and may have to be cut entirely due to limited space in Flag Live. For more info, call 779-1877.

COmICS

with the beauty and wonder of the holiday season? I can’t wait to gather around the tree and celebrate yet again. And then we’ll be ringing in the New Year. It’s all too much!

Proudly presented by the staf at

May sweet, sweet Carol never learn of my roadie days on the Santana’s Magic Holiday Sleigh Tour ’72. I helped Carlos score some of the choicest psychotropic substances. And, during one of our many vision quests, I came to realize that I was the chosen King of the Enchanted Transcendental Elf People of Yore—descended from Santa’s Elves but a faction Oh Joy! It’s inally that revolted during the elf-and-reindeer the week of Christmas. slave trade. How can you not be in love

Larry &Carol

Dec. 24–30, 2015 | flaglive.com

Look for our

Al Alll New Glossy Magazine

December 13th A Available vailable Starting

Classifieds ADOPTION ADOPTION:Adoring Financially Secure Family,Outdoor Adventures, Travel, Music awaits 1st baby, Expenses Paid 877-508-0482

LOST AND FOUND Lost Lhasa Opso dog in Continental area on 12/14. 20 lb. 10 yr. old. White and tan fur. Collar with “Richie” nametag. Lucky Dog Rescue ID chip. Needs eye medication. Reward available. (928) 526-0862. LOST: Wednesday, 12/16 at about 11AM, 2 Labradors - Leyla a yellow lab, about 6 yrs old and Bella, 4 months old, chocolate, wearing a purple collar. Lost on Slayton Ranch Road. Call 928-853-9531

APPLIANCE REPAIR Appliance Repair in your home. Best in Flagstaff w/23 yrs Exp & Insured. Call Russ @928-863-1416

AUTO SERVICE

ROC #235891 Huff Construction LLC All home improvement, repairs, remodeling & additions. ROC #230591 928-242-4994

HOUSE CLEANING Squeaky Clean House Cleaning Services. Professional, reliable, detail-oriented cleaning. Call Katie and Pamela at 928-310-4613

LANDSCAPING Kikos Landscaping Pine Needles, Yard Clean-up & Snow Removal Francisco Valdez @ 928-221-9877 or 814-4787 leave message Not a licensed contractor

LAWN CARE The Garden of Bob does yard cleanup. Leaf and Pine needle removal, pruning, and light handy man services. Call Robert with the Garden of Bob at (928) 600-2850.

style. Size 6-8. Appraised $10,500. Sedona 928-821-3336. $2,500

PETS Lhasa Apso pups. Adorable, AKC, potty pad trained, shots. $475. 928-243-2378 Australian Shepherd Puppies Ready for Christmas! Males & Females. Tails are docked! $300 each. Call (928) 713-9869.

SPORTING GOODS Call 928-525-4566 or come see us at 7975 N US Highway 89. We have great deals on tactical & camping equipment & much more. Mention this ad for 10% off any purchase! Prices for every budget.

HOMES FOR SALE 3bdrm/1bath Ranch Style House in Doney Park on 1 acre. Windows, doors, paint and floors less than 7 years old. Mature trees, shade house, rear of lot open w/ lrg shed. 7885 E. Gemini Drive $240,000. 928-310-6898

MASSAGE

COMML & INDUST PROPERTIES

CONCRETE

Natural Touch Massage: LCMT Sports, Swedish, Relaxation, Deep Tissue. Call Sue 928-606-5374

Charter School Building 2301 N. 4th St., 8,000 sq.ft. Selling for Appraisal price of $750K. 928-526-0300

Accel Construction Group offers The Best Concrete Work for the Best Price. Free Estimates. ROC# 219882. 928-5271257

MISCELLANEOUS

HOMES UNFURNISHED

Downwinders Cancer Cases www. cancerbenefits.com Flagstaff Office 928-774-1200

3 bdrm/2bath, 2.5 acres, Horse Property. 1st and Last month’s rent plus deposit. 928-205-3752

FIX A DENT! Save 25%. Call (928) 606-6944.

EQUIPMENT Annual Equipment Service Special Service most makes of Farm, Construction, & Lawn Equipment Pick up/Delivery Available 774-1969 www. flagequip.com

FIREWOOD A&H Firewood, Oak Only. Split or non-split. Full cords $260 Truck load 1-1/2 cord. 928-310-9876 Aspen & Juniper Firewood For Sale. Ready to burn. Call for info: 779-0581

HANDY PERSON All Home Repair & Remodeling. (928)310-9800. Carpentry, decks, drywall, stone & tilework, painting, roofing, flooring, landscaping & maintenance. Not a licensed contractor. AZ NATIVE HANDYMAN Major/Minor home repairs, decks, roofing, drywall, fencing, welding, storage sheds & auto repairs. Quality Assured. Free local estimates. 928-814-0497 Not a licensed contractor A&V Handyman Snow Removal, Bobcat, Plumbing, Framing, Painting, Electric, Roofing, Tile, Concrete Driveways, Maintenance, Decks. Adrian 928-607-0370 Not a licensed contractor Construction/Garage Clean-Ups, Hauling, Miscellaneous Jobs, Free Estimates Michael @ 928.699.1906

HAULING Flag Hauling, Yard Clean Up, Haul Off Misc Debris, Metal, Wood, Batteries, etc. Fast, Reliable & Reasonable Rates, Lic/ Ins 928-606-9000

HOME IMPROVEMENT Mr. Man The Handyman Licensed Contractor/HandyMan w/ 30 yrs experience 928.300.7275 bradluky@gmail.com

MOVING

APARTMENTS UNFURNISHED

Professional Moving Service call Quick Move Local/long distance or labor only. 928-779-1774

Kachina Village, 2bd/2ba, spacious vaulted ceiling, wood floors, all appliances & W/D hook-up, fenced yard, 1 dog ok, 2.5 parking spaces. $975/mo + sec. dep. 928-600-3921

SEWING SEWING BY CATHY One Day Service - Dressmaking, Alterations & Repairs. 779-2385

TREE SERVICE Tree Removal Free Estimates. References. Chris 928-255-3548 Not a Licensed Contractor

HELP WANTED RNs Needed Correctional nursing is different with every patient, every day. Regardless of your area of interest, correctional nursing provides a rewarding career in a specialized field that encompasses ambulatory care, health education, urgent care and infirmary care. Corizon Health, a provider of health services for the Arizona Department of Corrections, has excellent opportunities at Winslow Correctional Complex in Winslow, AZ. Sign On Bonus may be available! Ask for details. Corizon Health offers competitive rates, excellent benefits and the opportunity to try something new in this growing specialty field. New graduates welcome! Please contact: Elsie Stowell 928-289-9551 x5575 Elsie.stowell@Corizonhealth.com OR Apply for positions & view additional opportunities at: www.careerbuilder.com EOE/AAP/DTR

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Maintenance Technician. Exp. prfrd. Hilton Garden Inn Apply@350 W. Forest Meadows.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES MINK COAT. Like new taupe. Modern

MANUFACTURED HOMES 2 bdrm/1ba in Munds Park, furnished, new flooring & int. paint, fenced yard, lrg shed, pellet stove, covered deck, plenty of parking, $900/mo, $900 dep. Pets xtra dep. NS. Call 602-803-0129

MOBILE HOME Kachina Village, 3bd/2bath double wide mobile, large fence yard, pets ok, $1400 month/$1400 dep. Water/sewer paid. Owner Agent. 928-699-5114

Engine, $6800 Steve 928-525-4183 or Dorothy 928-526-0300 or cell 928-2662884 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 125k hgwy, 6cyl, loaded, lthr, new: tires & brakes. $8900 obo. 928.380.7671

COLLECTOR & ANTIQUE AUTOS 1968 Chevelle Sedan, 454 motor, 4-speed, serious inquiries only, $28,000, obo. Call 928-774-1012.

BARGAIN CORNER Wood coal stove $199. Sled, hard wood top, steel runners, Like New $35. Aluminum snow shovel $20. Plastic snow shovel $5. Stove spark arester $35. 928774-7114 Flagstaff Star Wars Episodes I - VI, unedited, original format DVD’s, 1999, 2002, 2004, and 2005 w/ 4 bonus discs, unopened in sealed boxes, $300. Call 928-526-1516. Leave Message 15’ Coleman Ram X canoe, oars included, $225, obo. Call 928-266-0251 Haier Wine Cooler, holds 12 bottles, New $150. Will sell for $60, works! Can be locked. 928-556-9668 Snowshoes: Red Feather brand, 27” $20. Wooden Stepladder 60”, 4 steps, $10. 928-774-0479 Floral Love Seat matching Twin Quilted Spreads $150. Premier Luxury Wood Scrabble game with Rotating board $25. 928-310-4127 White Kenmore Refrigerator. Excellent condition. Side-by-side. Water dispenser. Ice maker. Dimensions: H 69 1/2 D 29 3/4 W 35 1/4. Call (480) 326-2623. Hoover “Platinum” series hand-held vac. HEPA filter. Extra long cord. Like new. Great for stairs & cars. $20. Call (928) 773-1890, land line. Werner 32’ Extension Ladder with Stabilizer, Type 1 Heavy Duty, Blue Tip, straight and true, never dropped, retails $418 selling $200. Call 928-774-1221

STORE AND OFFICE RENTALS Various Sizes of Store and Office Space on 4th St & 7th Ave, Some with Utilities Included. 928-526-0300. Jewelry Store, 2300 N. 4th St 2600 sq. ft, $1,700/month Water & Garbage Provided. Call 928-526-0300

DOMESTIC AUTOS Buy my Hooptie! 1988 Lincoln Towncar, 120K miles, runs good, new water pump, new belts/hoses, tires, $1200 Contact 928-863-5030

SUVS 1992 Mazda Navajo. V6, 4x4, 5speed, Runs good, Needs tires. $850 OBO 928-255-3189

4 WHEEL DRIVE 1995 Ford F150 4WD Manual Transmission. 110k miles. Dual exhaust, racing wheels. $7,200 OBO Call Ed 928-380-1666 1986 Jeep Wrangler Soft Top High performance transmission 350 Big Block

FLAGSTAFF LIVE GENERAL INFO Phone: (928) 774-4545 Fax: (928) 773-1934 | Address: 1751 S. Thompson St. , Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Hours of Business: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | On the Web: www.flaglive.com Distribution: Hard copies of Flagstaff Live are available free of charge every Thursday morning at more than 200 Flagstaff, Sedona and northern Arizona locations. Please take only one copy per reader. Feel free to call or e-mail us with any distribution questions or if you want to become a distribution point for Flag Live. Copyright: The contents of Flagstaff Live and its Web site are copyright ©2015 by Flagstaff Publishing Co. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without permission. Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed within the pages of Flagstaff Live or its Web site are not nec-

essarily those of Flagstaff Publishing Co. Any reader feedback can be mailed or e-mailed to the editors. Freelancers: Flagstaff Live accepts freelance submissions for its pages and Web site. Any story pitches or unsolicited work can be e-mailed or mailed to the editors at the above addresses. Advertising: For the current Flag Live advertising rate card, see www.flaglive.com, or contact Kim Duncan at (928) 556-2287 or kduncan@flaglive.com Fair Housing: In accordance with the federal Fair Housing Act, we do not accept for publication any real estate listing that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status, on national origin. If you believe a published listing states such a preference notify this publication at fairhousing@lee.net.

Dec. 24–30, 2015 | flaglive.com

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