The Pulse 13.13 » March 31, 2016

MARCH 31, 2016

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

MOVING BACK TO THE CITY

MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE PACKING THEIR BAGS AND LEAVING THE 'BURBS

Whitni McDonald looks at the growing allure of urban living

MUSIC

ARTS

SCREEN

MOTORING

COMMUNITY

BATTLIN' HEROES

MYTHICAL IMPROV

VERSUS

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Contents

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Gary Poole Editorial Assistant Brooke Dorn

March 31, 2016 Volume 13, Issue 13

Music Editor Marc T. Michael Film Editor John DeVore Contributors Rob Brezsny • Matt Jones Louis Lee • Whitni McDonald Mike McJunkin • Ernie Paik Rick Pimental-Habib • Stephanie Smith Editorial Interns Rebekah Jones • Ja'Lisa Little

Features

Cartoonists Max Cannon • Rob Rogers Jen Sorenson • Tom Tomorrow

4 BEGINNINGS: A local roller girl crosses boundaries in new reality show.

Cover Photo Raev Denis, LuckyImages

5 THE LIST: Celebrating April holidays.

FOUNDED 2003 BY ZACHARY COOPER & MICHAEL KULL

6

ADVERTISING

Director of Sales Mike Baskin Account Executives Chee Chee Brown • Robyn Graves Linda Hisey • Rick Leavell Stacey Tyler • Logan Vandergriff

CONTACT

Offices 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Website chattanoogapulse.com Email info@chattanoogapulse.com BREWER MEDIA GROUP Publisher & President Jim Brewer II THE FINE PRINT: The Pulse is published weekly by Brewer Media and is distributed throughout the city of Chattanooga and surrounding communities. The Pulse covers a broad range of topics concentrating on music, the arts, entertainment, culture and local news. The Pulse is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. No person without written permission from the publisher may take more than one copy per weekly issue.

The Pulse may be distributed only by authorized distributors.

Contents Copyright © 2016 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.

Moving Back To The City

Old industry, faded signs high on brick walls, the odor of a chicken plant, neighborhoods cobbled together amid workshops and a sprawling train depot. Chattanooga’s Southside community is the city’s poster child for its growing sense of urban identity.

14

Building a Community of Actors

Angelia Stinnett hated politics. Public speaking was never her strong suit. About three years ago she decided to overcome her fear and take an acting class. She fell in love with the craft and never looked back. “The transition into film for me was serendipitous,” says Stinnett.

20

Mythical Motors Gets Historical

I, your friend and humble narrator, have the most prized possession of my early adolescence, the venerable and lost-tohistory boom box. A few years ago when nostalgia first started rearing its ugly, wonderful head in earnest, I went a-lookin’ and eventually found the precise make and model of my first honest-to-goodness portable stereo on eBay.

10 SCREEN: Batman v Superman is chaotic and overstuffed, but not that bad.

13 DAY TRIPPIN': Spring is blooming at Cloudland Canyon State Park.

16 ARTS CALENDAR 19 BUSINESS: Stay a while in one of Vision Hospitality Group’s sweet hotels.

22 MUSIC CALENDAR 24 REVIEWS: Keda showcases his mastery of the geomungo, while Living Hour engages in sonic hypnotism.

27 DIVERSIONS 28 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY 29 JONESIN’ CROSSWORD 30 SUSHI & BISCUITS: Chef Mike gets adventurous with a denizen of the deeps.

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NEWS • VIEWS • RANTS • RAVES

BEGINNINGS

UPDATES » CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM FACEBOOK/CHATTANOOGAPULSE EMAIL LOVE LETTERS, ADVICE & TRASH TALK TO INFO@CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

From Roller Derby to Military Champion A local roller girl crosses boundaries in new reality show The Fox television network is the home of reality competitons such as American Idol, So You Think You Dance and MasterChef. But instead of singing, dancing or cooking, the newest reality show, American Grit, is about contestants increasing their heart JA'LISA rate through rigorous obstacle courses and military-like fitness training to win cash.

Hosted by WWE superstar John Cena and premiering on Thursday, April 14th, contestants that will be put to the test include a

former Olympic trainer, a Boston cop, weight-lifters, and a Chattanooga Roller Girl.

Yup, you read right. A local roller girl will be a contestant on the show, so get out the pompoms as she competes with the best. Tabatha Chandler, born and raised LITTLE in Chattanooga, tells us how it started. From the roller girls to military trainee, she gives us her full story.

It started last year. Tabatha and her grandma would occasionally watch the Chattanooga Roller

NEWS

Girls. She always thought they were cool, she stated and when an opportunity opened up, she tried out and was thus known as Goldie Knocks #5. Joining the Roller Girls was time for herself after her children graduated high school. She was ready to show Chattanooga and later on, the nation, what she’s made of.

In Tabatha’s words, “If I had not been part of the roller girls, I would have never been part of American Grit.” A fellow roller derby companion shot her the information, but after going through a divorce and losing her sister to Sickle Cell she simply tucked the information away. A short time after her sister’s funeral, the reality show “popped up”. At that moment, she thought, “I might as well try out.”

Being spearheaded by a former Navy Seal, Marine, and Army Ranger was not foreign to Tabatha. In high school she was a member of ROTC and she had plans to go to the military. Although she missed the opportunity, she knew she had what it took to be part of the military. The military inspired competition was her chance to prove something. If her personal problems did not break her, nothing could.

From the questionnaire to the plane ride to LA, the experience was wild. Until the

last moment, Tabatha assumed she would be in LA, but things took a sharp turn once she found out Washington State was printed on her itinerary.

Located in a cold, wet and rainy secluded forest for almost two months, the weather and food was the biggest culture shock. However, after chowing down on quinoa and running through mud puddles, she enjoyed every second of it. “I enjoyed being outside my comfort zone,” she said, “Things I thought I would hate, I enjoyed.”

She always asked, why did they choose me? But it’s clear that her life experience and heart gave her the mental push and drive to compete with others. Most importantly, she wants to show Chattanooga women we can get dirt under our nails, slide into the mud, and be strong and healthy. Sometimes, it’s just okay to get dirty.

“It’s clear that her life experience and heart gave her the mental push and drive to compete with others.”

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The List

EdiToon

More Interesting April Holidays

by Rob Rogers

We all know that Friday is April Fool’s Day. Even though you might not know it’s been cancelled this year.

But what other holidays might you be able to celebrate this month?

Here are a few we found that sound like a good excuse for a party or just dressing weird for the day.

East Chattanooga Academy Gets It Right The East Chattanooga Academy of Art and Social Justice is devoted to revitalizing and rebuilding East Chattanooga’s community through art.

They are a small knit school set on promoting local artists and aspiring students to bring a higher level of creativity and wholesomeness to the community.

They are a tuition free school with a two-year graduation plan and only ten instructors. When they say it is all about art and creativity, they mean it. The ideas

of a financially burden-free education and creativity without boundaries have become a reality through this academy.

One example of this is the exhibit they are having on April 1st at 5 p.m. called Just Fooling Around. This exhibit is a college student art show showcasing art which has been curated and created by local college students. The art can range from anything such as mixed media, painting, sculpting, projection art, and media design. Each artist created

IN THIS ISSUE

Whitni McDonald Our cover story this week on the goings on the appeal of urban living is by Whitni McDonald. Whitni teaches writing at Southern Adventist University. She recently returned to the Chattanooga area after studying and teaching in Southern California and

a piece and self-submitted in order to share a part of themselves with the community.

ECAASJ believes each artist has a distinct, important voice which needs to be heard, and wants to give them that voice through the beauty of artistic expression. To get an inside look at the different expressions of the vital voices around you, go to The East Chattanooga Academy of Art and Social Justice this Friday and see what it’s all about.

For more information about the academy or the exhibit, visit ecaasj.com.

— Rebekah Jones

Mike McJunkin most recently, New York City.

Whitni is deeply appreciative of Chattanooga’s burgeoning cultural scene, and has enjoyed connecting with startup initiatives such as Society of Work, Causeway, and Lamp Post Group. She is a regular blogger and can often be found working in her favorite downtown coffeeshops and parks, reflecting on life in her community. You can follow her on Twitter @ whitni_ ann and at whitni.tumblr.com

Longtime Pulse food columnist and professional chef Mike McJunkin is a native Chattanoogan who has gained considerable experience with food through his obsessive habit of eating several times each and every day.

Along the way he has trained chefs, owned and operated

restaurants, and singlehandedly increased Chattanooga’s meat consumption statistics for three consecutive years.

He currently lives abroad, exploring native cuisines throughout Southeast Asia.

He can tell you what balut tastes like, what it’s like to eat pork blood boat noodles on the streets of Thailand and how to cure bacon in a loft apartment. He is also quite active on Facebook at facebook.com/SushiAndBiscuits

• April 2 - Tweed Day • April 6 - Sorry Charlie Day • April 7 - No Housework Day • April 10 - National Siblings Day • April 11 - Barbershop Quartet Day • April 14 - International Moment of Laughter Day • April 15 - National That Sucks Day (for obvious reasons) • April 17 - Blah Blah Blah Day • April 22 - Earth Day (okay, this one you really should celebrate) • April 22 - National Jelly Bean Day • April 23 - Talk Like Shakespeare Day • April 26 - Hug an Australian Day • April 27 - Babe Ruth Day • April 30 - National Honesty Day Oh, and about April Fool's Day being cancelled...no, we really mean it.

Trust us.

Really.

Source: holidayscalendar.com/month/ april/

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COVER STORY

Moving Back To The City Lots of people are packing their bags and leaving the ‘burbs Pulse contributor Whitni McDonald looks at the growing allure of urban living

O

ld industry, faded signs high on brick walls, the odor of a chicken plant, neighborhoods cobbled together amid workshops and a sprawling train depot. Chattanooga’s Southside community is the city’s poster child for its growing sense of urban identity. The energy and attractive hustle of a vibrant central thoroughfare, Main Street, has given rise to steady growth and transformation over the past decade, as conversations with a cross-section of long-time and more recent residents demonstrate.

(l to r) Ashley and Joe Dorman (top), Susanna and Joseph Venable

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Urban Chattanoogans express a range of both unified and contrasting views about their city, but one common trait among the range of Southside residents I spoke with, is that they are all quick to chat about where they call home.

Not only that, it felt like every person I met had at least five other important neighbors to mention or introduce me to in order to vivify my picture of the Southside with a whole spectrum of colorful characters.

Although not immune to the frustrating social complexities experienced by most gentrifying cities, the story of recent life in Chattanooga’s Southside is one of vibrancy, growth, and a sense of cautious optimism. Many have carved out homes in this corner of Chattanooga precisely because of the lack of a tidy niche culture. For burgeoning entrepreneurs, new starts feel possible here, as they may not in older neighborhoods more steeped in the traditional southern old growth model.

For example, I started out by talking with an old college friend: local com-

munity builder and advocate, Stratton Tingle. He moved to his current apartment seven years ago, after noticing a “for rent” sign on the door. He needed more space for his band to practice without annoying his neighbors, so he moved over from the North Shore to what used to be an old hotel on Market Street. Since that time, he has certainly noticed a spike in rent prices, a running theme among every resident I spoke with, many of which expressed relief at having locked in a lower rental rate or purchasing early enough in the area’s development arc to make their lives here comfortably affordable, while still maintaining the flexibility to pump creativity back into their communities.

Favorite community haunts and conveniences like the Carniceria, Mean Mug, and Flying Squirrel are easily walkable, which makes driving an unnecessary hassle, unless the weather is particularly dismal. On driving days, parking is still possible to find along Main, albeit tougher to snag, which is another appeal of the area in contrast

Taylor Belcher and Stratton Tingle ride downtown.

to the paid parking pretty much everywhere else downtown. Although nearby residents, Genesis Greykid and Jasmine Clark often stroll to local food and coffee options, they agree that finding parking for their visitors can be a hassle, but can also relate to his rationale about not prioritizing drivers: “With an increase in foot and bike traffic—I LOVE the Chattanooga bikes—the neighborhood feels more connected and vibrant, so if less parking options pushes that, I think it’s alright.

Plus, foot traffic encourages business growth.”

Many young professionals here find ways to weave into the local economy and even government, with the guidance and encouragement of more experienced business owners. Where a larger city might present more hurdles to participation, Tingle admires Chattanooga’s hospitality toward young residents committed to flavoring the neighborhood’s unique vibe. Main Street has seen a sprouting of fresh businesses, owned by a mix of older and younger entrepreneurs with vision, tenacity, and

a binding sense of Southside pride.

For instance, The Flying Squirrel now anchors a busy pocket of weekend activity. But when Dan Rose and Max Popple started the Crash Pad climberfriendly hostel five years back, Rose says their plot, sandwiched between Niedlov’s Bakery and what were mostly abandon back-rail yards, had a much more deserted vibe. Rose is encouraged by new establishments continuing to take off nearby, because it allows both locals and tourists to bar-hop, lending to regular weekends the kind of energy once reserved for special events like Mainx24.

Residents often fondly reference the Mainx24 event, initiated by Southside community anchors like Ken and Ellen Hayes, as a unifying hub of neighborhood identity, mentioning the parade and international food offerings as examples of an ideal day spent in the neighborhood. Businesses along Main Street collectively benefit from a rush of exposure to potential customers, some living right on their doorstep.

Friends since college, the Venables

and Doremans feel lucky to now share a common backyard at their townhome on Mitchell Street, just off of Main.

They can easily stroll over to Niedlov’s or Local Juice for morning treats any weekend, but the proximity is especially handy for access to the festivities during Mainx24. Susanna Venable looks forward to it each year.

“All the shops are giving out free snacks an drinks, so people are wandering in that never usually shop in this area—we feel lucky to be within walking distance of all of it.”

Regular days provide great entertainment in true southern style as both couples enjoy simply “porch settin’,” where they can wave to passing neighbors, and engage in discussions about neighborhood history and issues with others who have lived on the street for years.

The Venables know there are many residents fed up with the smell of the chicken plant, but although they admit it’s unpleasant, they’ve gained a broader understanding of the complex blend of industry and residential life after listening to one neighbor who depends on

“

Many young professionals here find ways to weave into the local economy and even government, with the guidance and encouragement of more experienced business owners.”

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Ang Marlin in front of her new home at Passenger Flats

working the night shift there. Conversations between neighbors of varying backgrounds and perspectives keep Southside living vibrant and politically enlightening.

Ang Marlin, who recently settled into the newly renovated Passenger Flats behind the Choo Choo, sees the Southside as a holdout for creative residents in the face of fast development. When I toured the building a few months after she moved in, Ang, a nurse with a personal passion for art explained, “I’ve always loved the open spirit of the Southside area, and I just want that to keep thriving. I believe in keeping Chattanooga weird.”

Marlin’s sentiments about the Southside as a creative haven echo Tingle’s praise for a now discontinued MakeWork grant he received back in 2009, without which he would have relocated to focus on music. He is hopeful that the community continues to foster support for working artists, making it viable to live and create while contributing work to support business growth.

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Kronenberg have both witnessed and influenced many phases of Southside development, the quality of which Hefferlin is passionate about maintaining. HK Architects have a tradition of valuing historic buildings, and boast an impressive record of promoting form-based codes for design and structural integrity in the era of fast development.

At her sister Melissa Hefferlin's art studio off of Williams, which she shares with fellow artist Daud Akhriev, we engaged in a lunch conversation about what continues to work on the Southside. As a property owner, Hefferlin is pleased with the popularity of the neighborhood, the vitality of business, and promise of continued growth. Akhriev and Hefferlin, who have worked in the area during part of most years since 2003, agree that most of the changes have been encouraging, especially improved sidewalks and planted trees. Upon each return from Spain, their other home, they noticed more young people starting businesses in town.

With their recent launch of Pathfinder, a video marketing agency with offices off of Main, Leif and Lucky

“Urban Chattanoogans express a range of both unified and contrasting views about their city, but one common trait among the range of Southside residents I spoke with, is that they are all quick to chat about where they call home.”

Ramsey find themselves in inspiring company, not to mention conveniently located.

“We really are blessed with perks in this neighborhood,” Ramsey says.

“With improved sidewalks, it’s an easy stroll from our loft on Cowart to our offices here on Main. We have fresh coffee just across the street at Velo, where our building’s owners actually live also, in a really lovely space.”

Creative renovation has been another hallmark of Southside living over the last several years, as businesses like Set in Stone (concrete fixtures/ design), Velo Coffee, and the Crash Pad/Flying Squirrel took anchor here.

Nathan Smith, Andrew Gage, and Dan Rose, respectively, have each invested in residential build-outs connected to their business. Living close to work has its perks and annoyances, but Rose notes that it’s offered him a close-range vantage from which to mingle in the neighborhood.

“I mostly like living so close to all of this,” he comments, indicating the broad swath of lawn between the Crash Pad and the Flying Squirrel, “as long as I’m able to be off when I need to be.”

It seemed true across the board, that the Southside attracts those who are willing or even eager to sacrifice suburban convenience in favor of committing to develop a healthy urban neighborhood. Jefferson Park resident and community advocate,

Mike Fulbright, raised the question simmering beneath the surface of gentrification changes, “I tend to hear various interpretations for what folks mean when they talk about the Southside, often dissected from the historical zoning. I’ve been learning from friends in my neighborhood and who teach in our local schools that what feels opportunistic or trendy, may not always be benefiting all neighbors equally.” Greykid and Clark shared experiences with racial profiling near their apartment block, and express a mix of delight and frustration with the Southside.

“It’s growing, but without checks in place for building management and safety, we will still not be taken seriously when we have valid security complaints,” Clark stated. “With more development will come greater competition, so hopefully building management standards will rise, instead of just the rent.”

Southside neighbors agree that their community faces continued challenges common to a developing urban mixed residential/business zone. Main Street may still be a comparatively quiet street most evenings: low traffic, many establishments closed around sunset, but having listened to a range of voices it’s easy to imagine the ongoing hum of hard questions, exciting project proposals, collaboration, shared stories, coffee, burgers, bread, beer. The noise of city dwellers figuring it out.

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SCREEN SCENE

The Not So Dynamic Duo

Batman v Superman is chaotic and overstuffed, but not all that bad

The Land Of The Rising Soprano Puccini's Madama Butterfly floats on to the big screen For a decade now, the Metropolitan Opera has been sharing their magnificent opera productions around the country with live, hi-def broadcasts of their performances.

This Saturday (and again on Wednesday), one of the most famous—and popular—operas of all time will be featured: Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

The title character of Madama Butterfly—a young Japanese geisha who clings to the belief that her arrangement with a visiting American naval officer is a loving and permanent marriage—is one of the defin-

✴✴✴✴

ing roles in opera.

Anthony Minghella’s breathtaking production has thrilled audiences ever since its premiere in 2006. One of the world’s foremost Butterflys, soprano Kristine Opolais takes on the title role and Roberto Alagna sings Pinkerton, the naval officer who breaks Butterfly’s heart.

Madama Butterfly Saturday, 12:55 p.m.

Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Carmike East Ridge 18 5080 South Terrace (423) 855-9652

NEW IN THEATERS

Everybody Wants Some!!

A group of college baseball players navigate their way through the freedoms and responsibilities of unsupervised adulthood in the latest critically-praised film from Richard Linklater.

Director: Richard Linklater Stars: Zoey Deutch, Blake Jenner, Tyler Hoechlin, Ryan Guzman

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God's Not Dead 2 When a high school teacher is asked a question in class about Jesus, her reasoned response lands her in deep trouble and could expel God from the public square once and for all.

Director: Harold Cronk Stars: Jesse Metcalfe, David A.R. White, Ray Wise, Robin Givens

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T

HERE WILL LIKELY NEVER BE A FULLY SATISFYING portrayal of Batman. The character has been around for 77 years and written in a multitude of ways, changing subtly through each incarnation. There are consistent elements to the story—the murder of his parents, the wealth of his alter ego, the name of his manservant. But like a popular song covered by a variety of artists, your favorite Batman tends to be the version you heard first.

Screen JOHN DEVORE

“

The film is dark and serious, simultaneously well done and chaotically organized, occasionally confusing, and at its heart overstuffed with exposition for other films.”

For many, it was the slapstick style of Adam West. For others, it was the team player Batman of the Silver Age of comics. The best of the Batman films were largely inspired by Frank Miller’s seminal graphic novel “The Dark Knight Returns”. For me, Batman will always sound like Kevin Conroy, who voiced the Caped Crusader in Batman: The Animated Series, a cartoon that grew out of the Tim Burton era. There is likely not another comic book character that inspires such division among fans.

Ben Affleck dons the cowl in the latest comic blockbuster Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, another film that borrows heavily from Frank Miller, and manages the character well, despite baffling character choices by the writers.

The film is dark and serious, simultaneously well done and chaotically organized, occasionally confusing, and at its heart overstuffed with exposition for other films. There is far too much going on for a coherent narrative but the film still manages to captivate the audience for nearly two and a half hours. A blockbuster that can do that can’t be all bad, no matter what critics parroting the consensus Rotten Tomatoes score might say.

The biggest problems of the film occur in the second and third acts. The first third of the film is stunning. Director Zack Snyder crafts the conflicts in the film in subtle, effective ways. Set

18 months after the events of Man of Steel, many are questioning the acts of the godlike alien that destroyed a significant portion of Metropolis in an attempt to save humanity. Those in power discuss the wisdom of allowing an unknown vigilante with enormous personal power to act unilaterally and the potential complications that may arise in a world knitted together through the uneasy alliances of sovereign nations.

Both Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor are correct in their skepticism about the inherent goodness of a being that answers to no one. The potential for insightful commentary on power, justice, and responsibility is set by the characterization of Wayne as the defender of humanity and the apparent hypocrisy of Clark Kent’s quest to expose the brutality of “the Bat of Gotham”. All of these things should lead, very naturally, to a conflict between these champions of order.

But then the filmmakers make bizarre decisions that betray the very ideas they introduced at the outset.

The World’s Greatest Detective falls victim to the World’s Stupidest Plan, the Man of Steel bends like a cheap paper clip, and Lex Luthor is suddenly less quirky and more mentally challenged. Zack Synder forgets that he has a story to finish and chooses to focus on setting up the next several films with out of place dream sequences and forced cameos.

Additionally, the film tries to merge at least three separate comic book story lines into one, expecting that the audi-

ence will respond emotionally to conclusions that are entirely unearned. It’s important to note that none of this is the fault of the actors in the film. Ben Affleck is on par with Christian Bale in his portrayal of Batman and Henry Cavil is acceptable as Superman, given what the script allows him to do.

In fact, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is very nearly saved by the appearance of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman (helped immensely by her drum heavy theme by Hans Zimmer.)

The action scenes are entertaining and the film beautifully shot. Were the story not so convoluted, it might have been something to behold.

Films like this one invite comparisons to the highly successful Marvel Studios Avengers series, for understandable reasons. Obviously, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is not in the same league as 2012’s The Avengers. Arguably, though, it suffers the same problems as The Avengers: Age of Ultron. Both films were overstuffed with characters and subplots and convenient flashes of future franchises.

Both films suffered narratively due to franchise concerns.

Comic books films have passed the point of no return, it seems. From here on out, every film will essentially be a trailer for the next one. Salvation may lie, for a time, in small screen shows like Daredevil and Jessica Jones.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is nowhere near as bad as it’s been made out to be, but that doesn’t make it very good.

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COLUMN DAY TRIPPIN'

Visiting North Georgia’s Hidden Gem Spend a day or a weekend at Cloudland Canyon State Park

LOUIS LEE

“

Cloudland Canyon can be a pleasure to explore on your own with self-guided tours, but there are also lots of opportunities for group activities as well.”

Louis Lee has been involved in journalism dating back to his days on the high school newspaper staff. After a stint in the U.S. Navy, he worked for a weekly newspaper in Baton Rouge, then returned to college for formal training in television news. He is now an award-winning documentary filmmaker.

It’s amazing that you can live somewhere for many years, yet never know there’s a hidden treasure right down the road. Cloudland Canyon is that type of place. The park is part of the Georgia State Park system and is located less than an hour south of Chattanooga in Rising Fawn. While it takes no time at all to get there, you’ll want to spend all the time you’ve got exploring this unique natural resource.

The park is 4,388 acres and occupies the west crest of Lookout Mountain.

Established in 1938 the park has been a favorite place to camp and hike for generations of adventure-seekers. No matter your skill level or physical condition, there are trails suitable for hiking, biking or horseback riding throughout the park. In fact, there are 22 individual trails totaling 23.3 miles of terrain that goes from tame to challenging.

For beginners, I’d recommend the Overlook Trail. This is about a mile, round trip, and is mostly level ground.

The path follows the edge of the mountain and brings you around to the scenic overlook where you get one of the best views of the canyon below. There are benches along the way in case you’d like to rest and enjoy the view. This trail, like all, is marked with colored “blazes” on trees along the route. A map, available for free at the gate, will tell you all about what colors to look for.

If you’re a little more adventurous you might want to try the Waterfalls Trail.

This one is just under two miles long, round trip, and has a 350-foot drop in altitude from beginning until you get to the waterfalls. There are two to reward your labors; Cherokee Falls at 60 feet tall and Cedar Falls at 90 feet. If you pick the right time of year you will see plenty of water gushing over the falls.

Enjoy your time at the bottom and rest to regain your strength. The climb back

up is also 350 feet. And those 600 stairs you descended now seem like they’ve multiplied.

The longest and most taxing trail is probably Sitton’s Gulch Trail. It is named for an early settler of Lookout Valley, Jacob Sitton. The trail follows along cascading creeks lined with boulders. The 6 mile round trip is strenuous starting out at 1,750 feet in elevation, going down to just over a thousand feet, back up to 1,200 feet and back down again to 900 feet. It ends in the parking lot near Sitton’s Cave and Case Cave.

The caves are only accessible by permit or if you take the tour led by the Georgia Girl Guides.

All this sightseeing will certainly make you tired, and you’ll want to bed down for the night. There are plenty of opportunities for overnight accommodations in Cloudland Canyon. There are 72 campsites, 16 cabins and even 10 Yurts—fancy, well-appointed permanent tents that sleep up to six. There are also several primitive campsites if you want to hike in carrying all your gear for that real primal experience.

Cottages run $125 to $210 a night, Tent and RV campsites run between $27 to $33 a night and Yurts are available for $100 a night. There’s even a group shelter that seats 175 that would be perfect

for retreats or other get-togethers that can be reserved for as little as $75. The group lodge can sleep up to 40 and rents for only $225 a night.

Cloudland Canyon can be a pleasure to explore on your own with self-guided tours, but there are also lots of opportunities for group activities as well. Here in the Spring you can go on a Wildflower Hike, for example. Take a walk through Sitton’s Gulch to observe the abundance of blooming wildflowers in the limestone rich soil. Using a checklist and identification books, we will identify and record many of the species in bloom. The hike is one mile on a flat trail by the river.

How about getting the kids to participate in some Arts & Crafts? You and your whole family can join the park naturalist to learn about the park’s plants and animals and make something special to take home. There are different activities each week.

Have you ever played Disc Golf?

There’s a great Frisbee Golf Course in the park. It’s really fun to fling your disc along the fairway then try to throw it into a basket. Just like regular golf, you’re trying to go through the course in the least number of flings.

For more information, go to GeorgiaStateParks.org or call (706) 657-4050.

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ARTS SCENE

Building A Community Of Local Actors

A Theatrical Artistic Hard-Hitter Dealing With The Morning After at Covenant College This Saturday, Covenant College will be exploring the topics of joy, pain, brokenness, desire, and love within the topic of sexuality. It is not a panel or lecture either, it is being discussed and portrayed through art.

Emma Shope is a student at Covenant College and she is passionate about cultivating the important conversation regarding sexuality and the tumult one experiences through mistakes and missteps in the realm of sex. The discussion, which is being presented through acting, dialogue, and song, is called The Morning After and it is not holding back.

Shope says the reason this conversation needs to be had through the medium of art is because of its “capability to present even the most unthinkable scenarios in a tangible, meaningful manner.” On college campuses, there is no debate; it is

difficult to talk about sex, especially when it comes to conflicting situations. Everyone would rather just keep quiet. But Shope is refusing to do so.

She stated, “I just want them to think. To walk away talking, whether it is about the performance itself, about theater as a means of discussion, or about sexual brokenness… I want them to come with a mind and a heart to learn, to explore.”

The Morning After is a compelling and honest story woven together with dialogue, scene, and song.

Come to Sanderson’s Auditorium on Covenant’s campus to join the discussion and get an honest look into the complicated, usually secretive experiences of sexuality.

Tickets are free, but for questions, call (706) 419-1051 or email boxoffice@covenant.edu — Rebekah Jones

THU3.31

FRI4.1

SAT4.2

FANTASTIC FILM

DREAM TIMES

KAMA WHAT?

Chattanooga Film Festival Opening Night Party

Fairytale Nights

PoeticKamaSutra

Kick off the big time festival.

5:30 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of Art 10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org

Head on up to the mountaintop to see where dreams truly come to life.

6 p.m.

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd. (706) 820-2531 seerockcity.com

It's the Experience,. Part II. What is it? Find out for yourself...and enjoy!

10:30 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org

14 • THE PULSE • MARCH 31, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Actors Academy aims to provide fundamentals to local acting talents

A

NGELIA STINNETT HATED POLITICS. PUBLIC SPEAKing was never her strong suit. About three years ago she decided to overcome her fear and take an acting class. She fell in love with the craft and never looked back.

Arts STEPHANIE SMITH

“

You’re scared.

You try anyway.

Be brave. Fail wonderfully.

Learn more about yourself.

To master the art of improv, you have to change the way you think.”

“The transition into film for me was serendipitous,” says Stinnett. “I started taking acting classes to overcome stage fright in order to advance in my political interests, but found the film industry a much nicer and rewarding playground.

Politics brings out the absolute worst in people. Acting, producing, and teaching has made me a happier person all around.”

It was on one of her many weekly sojourns to Atlanta that Stinnett decided she wanted to be learning her craft here in Chattanooga. Aside from the colleges and universities, she felt that the choices of classes taught by local teachers were limited in offering what she needed to become a working on-camera actress.

“My inspiration is to build a community of actors to make films here. To do that I needed to bring more experienced teachers here to teach what I needed to know to be in the industry. The common misconception is that someone sees you and likes you and casts you. You might be comfortable or have a natural talent but you have to take classes.”

When she took an improvisation class with Keith Brooks, she knew she had found the perfect teacher to usher in the first classes at Actors Academy.

“As an actor/director, improv is a way not only to enhance skills as an actor but also to break down concepts. You learn cool lessons about acceptance and doubt;

Keith Brooks

it’s not just games, it is an art unto itself. I teach fundamental building blocks that make you a sharp-witted person.” He laughs. “There’s a reason that improv and improve are so closely related. It’s cheesy but it’s true.”

Brooks says the biggest lesson to learn from improv is failure and he understands that this is a concept that’s difficult for some people to overcome.

“You’re scared. You try anyway. Be brave. Fail wonderfully. Learn more about yourself. To master the art of improv, you have to change the way you think. To say ‘I’m changing the way I think’ is an amazing ability to have.

I’ve learned to say ‘I’m gonna accept life as it comes’ and most people don’t live their lives that way. It’s fun to help them get there.”

Brooks will teach a six-week improvisation class beginning April 4th.

Stinnett will offer youth acting classes simultaneously and plans to follow Brooks with an on-camera technique class. There will also be a summer acting academy. But Stinnett has even more projects on the horizon.

Her production company, Hellcat Productions, ran an audition for a shoot that they’re doing at the studio in early May. They wrapped on a film this week. And they’re currently developing an original script for theater straight from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes novels.

“It feels good to have a craft, especially one that takes you on so many adventures; adventures with people, places, stories, and our own imaginations. The production side of my

company gives me the ability to write characters for specific people that offers a great way for new actors to step into acting comfortably. Producing and directing also gives me the ability to write more equally yoked roles for women.”

Stinnett continues. “Eighty percent of roles are for men and eighty percent of actors are women. The roles for women are typically supporting and often demeaning for women, in Hollywood. When women have leads, it’s too often a “bride story”, all about finding a husband. I have no patience for that, so I am writing female characters who are not the victim, can hold their own, and are multidimensional. Not that I’m against feminism, but writing this way has much to do with my wanting to work perpetually, not waiting for someone else to decide, and to work with other actresses.”

Stinnett’s passion for Actors Academy is obvious. “I’m not excited because I want to sell [people] a class, but excited because I want to work with them,” she enthuses. “My classes are more than affordable and I’ll barely break even as a business owner, and that’s okay. It’s about getting to work with other actors. It’s about working together to develop an original story or an original spin to a classic character, and in the process, becoming confident in ourselves.”

For more information about Actors Academy and to register for classes, contact Angelia Stinnett at astinnett12@yahoo.com or call (731) 8038919.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • MARCH 31, 2016 • THE PULSE • 15

ARTS CALENDAR

Fairytale Nights

THURSDAY3.31 Chattanooga Film Festival 9 a.m.

Downtown Chattanooga (423) 381-0502 chattanoogafilmfest.com Ooltewah Farmers Market 3 p.m.

Ooltewah Nursery 5829 Main St. (423) 238-9775 ooltewahnursery.com Chattanooga Film Festival Opening Night Party 5:30 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org Hyderhangout Stashbuster Club 6 p.m.

Hyderhangout Quilt Fabric & More 219 1st St. NE. (423) 339-5745 hyderhangout.com World Series of Comedy Qualifier 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com “The Storm” 7:30 p.m.

The Ringgold Depot 155 Depot St. (706) 935-3061 cityofringgold.com

16 • THE PULSE • MARCH 31, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

FRIDAY4.1 Chattanooga Film Festival 9 a.m.

Downtown Chattanooga (423) 381-0502 chattanoogafilmfest.com Just Fooling Around!

5 p.m.

East Chattanooga Academy of Art and Social Justice 2437 Glass St. ecaasj.com Open Studio Nights 5:30 p.m.

Chattanooga WorkSpace 302 W. 6th St. (423) 822-5750 chattanoogaworkspace.com Fairytale Nights: Where Dreams Come to Life!

6 p.m.

Rock City Gardens

PULSE PICK: LACHLAN PATTERSON

Lachlan built his recent fan base by impressing the judges with his accessible, sarcastic observational comedy on Last Comic Standing.

Lachlan Patterson The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

1400 Patten Rd. (706) 820-2531 seerockcity.com Lachlan Patterson 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com “The Storm” 7:30 p.m.

The Ringgold Depot 155 Depot St. (706) 935-3061 cityofringgold.com Really Rad Rust Opening Reception 8 p.m.

In-Town Gallery 26A Frazier Ave. (423) 267-9214 intowngallery.com

SATURDAY4.2 St. Alban’s Hixson Market 8:30 a.m.

St. Alban’s Church 7514 Hixson Pike stalbansepiscopal.net Chattanooga Film Festival 9 a.m.

Downtown Chattanooga (423) 381-0502 chattanoogafilmfest.com Civil War Trust Park Day 9 a.m.

73rd Pennsylvania Reservation 2730 Glass St. (423) 402-0565 glasshousecollective.org Quilt Show Demo Day 10 a.m.

Museum Center at 5ive Points 200 Inman St. E. (423) 339-5745 museumcenter.org How to Hear Yourself: A Weekend Immersion in Proprioceptive Writing 10 a.m.

The Proprioceptive Writing Center 1401 Williams St. Suite 210 423) 822-5750 thechattery.org Wild Chattanooga Series: Wildflowers of the Woods 10 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0695 tnaqua.org Chattanooga River Market 10 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium

ARTS CALENDAR

Spring Cruise-In 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0695 tnaqua.org Spring Cruise-In 10 a.m.

Coker Tire Company 1317 Chestnut St. (423) 648-8528 chattanoogacruise-in.com A Sample of Decorative Painting 10 a.m.

Artcrafters 1356 Market St. (423) 775-1401 Artcraftersdayton.com Korean Festival Day Noon Creative Discovery Museum 321 Chestnut St. (423) 756-2738 cdmfun.org The Metropolitan Opera: Madama Butterfly 12:55 p.m.

East Ridge 18 5080 S. Terrace (423) 855-9652 carmike.com Wild Flower Hike 1 p.m.

Sequatchie Valley Institute 1233 Cartwright Loop (423) 949-5922 svionline.org Beyond the Bursts: Exploring the Work of Adolph Gottlieb 1:30 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org Blow Your Own Glass: Inspired By The Work Of Beth

Lipman 1:30 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org “The Storm” 2, 7:30 p.m.

The Ringgold Depot 155 Depot St. (706) 935-3061 cityofringgold.com Stitches in Time 2:30 p.m.

Museum Center at 5ive Points 200 Inman St. (423) 339-5745 museumcenter.org Fairytale Nights: Where Dreams Come to Life!

6 p.m.

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd. (706) 820-2531 seerockcity.com Lachlan Patterson 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com PoeticKamaSutra 10:30 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org

SUNDAY4.3 Chattanooga Film Festival 9 a.m.

Downtown Chattanooga (423) 381-0502 chattanoogafilmfest.com Spring Wildflower Walk 2 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (800) 262-0695 tnaqua.org CSO: Haydn & Mozart 3 p.m.

Historic Read House 827 Broad St. (423) 266-4121 chattanoogasymphony.org Chickamauga Lock Cruise 4 p.m.

Southern Belle Riverboat 201 Riverfront Pkwy.

(423) 266-4488 chattanoogariverboat.com Fairytale Nights: Where Dreams Come to Life!

6 p.m.

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd. (706) 820-2531 seerockcity.com Lachlan Patterson 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

MONDAY4.4 Fairytale Nights: Where Dreams Come to Life!

6 p.m.

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd. (706) 820-2531

seerockcity.com One Step at a Time 6 p.m.

Shepherd Community Center 2124 Shepherd Rd. (423) 999-7958 Chattanooga Brewing Co AmuseUm: The Party for Grown-Ups that Benefits Kids 7 p.m.

Creative Discovery Museum 321 Chestnut St. (423) 756-2738 cdmfun.org

TUESDAY4.5 Tuesday Café Noon Jewish Cultural Center 5461 N. Terrace (423) 493-0270 jewishchattanooga.com 2016 UTC Department of Senior BFA Thesis Exhibitions Artists’ Talks 4:30 p.m.

Cadek Hall 725 Oak St. (423) 425-4600 cressgallery.org 2016 UTC Department of Senior BFA Thesis Exhibitions Opening Reception 5:30 p.m.

Cadek Hall 725 Oak St. (423) 425-4600 cressgallery.org Fairytale Nights: Where Dreams Come to Life!

6 p.m.

Rock City Gardens CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • MARCH 31, 2016 • THE PULSE • 17

ARTS CALENDAR 1400 Patten Rd. (706) 820-2531 seerockcity.com Empower Chattanooga: Home Energy Workshop 6 p.m.

Chattanooga Public Library 925 W. 39th St. (423) 825-7237 chattlibrary.org Take Five 2016: Multi-Ethnic American Literature 6 p.m.

UTC University Center 615 McCallie Ave. (423) 425-4455 utc.edu Introduction to Calligraphy 6 p.m.

Chattanooga WorkSpace 302 W. 6th St. (423) 822-5750 thechattery.org Rapid Learning Intro to Kayaking and Skills Practice 7 p.m.

Southern Adventist University 4870 University Dr. (423) 643-6888 outdoorchattanooga.com

WEDNESDAY4.6 Chattanooga Chase 2016 8 a.m.

Riverview Park 1000 Barton Ave. chattanoogachase2016.com Middle East Dance 10:30 a.m.

Jewish Cultural Center 5461 N. Terrace (423) 493-0270

18 • THE PULSE • MARCH 31, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Introduction to Calligraphy jewishchattanooga.com Main Street Farmers Market 4 p.m.

325 E. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com An Evening with the Artist: Portrait Painting Demo with Chris Saper 5:30 p.m.

Townsend Atelier 301 E. 11th St. (423) 266-2712 townsendatelier.com Fairytale Nights: Where Dreams Come to Life!

6 p.m.

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd. (706) 820-2531 seerockcity.com Covenant College Senior Integration Projects Art Exhibit 7 p.m.

Covenant College 14049 Scenic Hwy. (706) 820-1560 covenant.edu The Metropolitan Opera: Madama Butterfly (Encore) 7 p.m.

East Ridge 18 5080 S. Terrace (423) 855-9652 carmike.com World Series of Comedy 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse. com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

Vision Hospitality Group Makes Chattanooga a Great Place to Stay Stay a while in one of Vision Hospitality Group’s sweet hotels My first impression when I walked into Doubletree downtown was that Chattanooga has some seriously swanky hotels that I didn’t know about. Stepping into the bright, naturally lit lobby of Doubletree, guests are greeted with high ceilings and the smell of fresh roasted coffee beans BROOKE thanks to The Daily Grind, the Starbucks-serving coffee shop. It’s got an eclectic feel, and gives the comforting feeling that you are in for a nice stay without the tired, more traditional look of some other hotels around town.

The modern amenities extend from the lobby up to the rooms as every room in all four downtown Vision Hospitality Group’s hotels has a mini fridge and a microwave. Vision Hospitality Group owns not only Doubletree, but also Hampton Inn and Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, and Holiday Inn Express and Suites, providing optimum lodging and event services in the hub of downtown.

I drive by these hotels every day on my way to work, but as I live in Chattanooga, I haven’t

really found necessity in needing a hotel room downtown. Until now. Doubletree would be the perfect place for a staycation right here in our very own city. Within walking distance to the vast majority of C h at t a n o o ga’s restaurants, bars, and attracDORN tions, Vision Hospitality Group’s hotels are in prime location for a tourist’s, or resident’s, dream weekend as well as the prime location for corporate and social events.

“We offer a wide range of event services,” says Beth Brennan, cluster director of sales and marketing for Vision Hospitality Group.

“We aren’t just for corporate functions.” They may serve more than just corporate meetings, seminars, training classes, and conferences, but they offer incredible space to do just that.

With meeting rooms at Hampton Inn and Suites and Holiday Inn Express and Suites holding 32 people, Hilton Garden Inn holding

Business

Vision Hospitality Group DoubleTree Hotel 407 Chestnut Street Hampton Inn & Suites 400 Chestnut Street

Hilton Garden Inn 311 Chestnut Street Holiday Inn Express 440 MLK Boulevard

“ Vision Hospitality Group provides optimum lodging and event services in the hub of downtown Chattanooga.”

48, and Doubletree accommodating the most impressive number of 300, including 10 meeting rooms, any one of these hotels would provide the optimum space for any event. With a capacity of 300, Doubletree is the perfect space to host your next non-corporate event such as a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, engagement party, prom, class or family reunion.

Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and Hilton Garden Inn cater more to the corporate functions, leaving the larger groups to Doubletree.

“We offer hospitality suites for events like family reunions. It’s a place to gather, relax, and socialize,” says Beth. In such social events, the hotel provides tables, chairs,

and standard linens to the client as well as any table and chair set up and breakdown.

One perk of having such large groups meeting is the special rate offered for groups of 10 or more staying in the hotel. Perks also extend to rewards members as well as they can earn points by hosting events at the Vision Hospitality Group hotels.

The Hilton Brand overall has been revamped at the Hampton Inn and Suites here on Chestnut St. including an indoor/outdoor pool with a beautiful waterfall just begging you to take a dip no matter if it’s winter, spring, or summer. Hilton Garden Inn’s outdoor patio space is perfect for day or evening events nearly year-round as well.

Each hotel offers com-

plimentary wireless throughout the hotel, allowing you to post picture after picture and update your status from anywhere in the building.

Post a picture of your delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner from Doubletree’s ELEVEN Restaurant and H2O Bar or Hilton Garden Inn’s Garden Grille and The Pavilion Lounge. All four are sure to be a treat, but as previously mentioned, these hotels sit in the center of downtown’s most delicious eateries and bars, providing more choices than you could possibly imagine.

Instead of taking a weekend trip here or there, why not explore your own city and get that vacation feel by staying in one of Vision Hospitality Group’s eclectic hotels in the heart of downtown.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • MARCH 31, 2016 • THE PULSE • 19

MUSIC SCENE

Mythical Motors Gets Historical

Looking back with Selections from the Psychic’s Museum 2006-2016

C

Pop Travels Through The City Jenny & Tyler acoustically capture Chattanooga “We’re married. We make music.

We like it. Maybe you will too,” is a short description of indie pop duo Jenny & Tyler. From Delaware, and currently residing in Nashville, Jenny & Tyler have embraced Tennessee and will soon take on Chattanooga at the ReCreate Café Arts on Saturday, April 2nd.

Songwriting has always been a passion throughout their marriage. Even during their time in Delaware (which Jenny mentions is filled with more chicken than people) they continued to express their love for music.

“We even drove out to play a show for one person in their living room.

That’s how we learned to perform and to connect with people,” Tyler said, “When you’re regularly playing for three or four people, you can’t hide. You have to learn to engage.”

From one man shows to venues throughout the nation, Jenny & Tyler perform songs from their albums, “This Isn’t a Dream”, “Open Your Doors” and “Faint Not”. Although they independently released music for seven years, once they joined Residence Music in Nashville it was a huge step forward.

Residence wanted to make music without boundaries, and “that’s what we’re all about too,” Tyler said. Ever heard of She & Him? Jenny & Tyler fall along those creative lines.

— Ja’Lisa Little Jenny & Tyler Saturday, 7 p.m.

ReCreate Café Arts 800 McCallie Ave. (423) 756-1023 csarmy.org

THU3.31

FRI4.1

SAT4.2

FUNNY GUYS

CAPTAIN ROCKS

CAROLINA TUNES

Junior Stopka, Sean Rouse, Andy Andrisst

Captain Midnight Band

Jeremy Sakovich

A trio of April Fools together for a night of holiday comedy at JJ's.

9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

What is “Waterbed Rock & Roll”? A jazz rock punk funk glam jam, of course.

10 p.m.

Clyde’s on Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com

A fixture in the Carolina music scene for some time, Skaovich makes his way to the Scenic City.

9 p.m.

World of Beer 412 Market St. wobusa.com

20 • THE PULSE • MARCH 31, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

HARLES FOSTER KANE HAD HIS SLED, ROSEBUD. I, your friend and humble narrator, have the most prized possession of my early adolescence, the venerable and lost-to-history boom box. A few years ago when nostalgia first started rearing its ugly, wonderful head in earnest, I went a-lookin’ and eventually found the precise make and model of my first honest-to-goodness portable stereo on eBay. I only had to place one bid (apparently there isn’t yet a huge market for thirty-year-old tape players) and after a little TLC and some new drive belts, the lovely little machine was restored to its full 1983 glory.

Music MARC T. MICHAEL

“

The compilation is an immaculate collection of music that lovingly recreates a time when punk music hadn’t been fully tamed and pop actually had a soul.”

There are two reasons I elected to start off this week’s column with that particular bit of exposition. First, the acquisition of the original machine back in 1983 marked the first time I was ever fully free to explore music on my own. Second, the re-acquisition of that machine all these years later has given me the perfect vehicle for enjoying the latest release by Mythical Motors, Selections from the Psychic’s Museum 2006-2016.

Selections from the Psychic’s Museum 2006-2016 is a collection of some of the best Mythical Motors tunes spanning the last decade and Fall Break Records (of Athens, GA) is releasing the compilation on—wait for it!—audio cassette.

For you younger folks, a cassette was my generation’s version of the MP3, falling in line between the 8-track tape and the compact disc. It’s hard to appreciate now how revolutionary (and vitally important) the cassette was in its day but the main take away for our purposes right now is that it gave a generation of young bands a cheap and easy means of distributing their own music.

The marriage of the vintage medium to this retrospective on the work of

The Princess Of Pain Challenges World Record Pinkie Pell attempts one of the strangest —and creepiest—feats of strength

Mythical Motors is a perfect match because even though 2006 was well in to the digital age (and past the era of cassettes) the music of Mythical Motors has always had a vintage sound. I’ve used a lot of words describing the band’s music in other columns, (“too pretty for punk, too punk for pop,” is still one of my favorite turns of phrase) but it all comes down to two words: New Wave.

Defined as “a style of rock music popular in the 1970s and 1980s, deriving from punk but generally more pop in sound and less aggressive in performance,” New Wave is a perfect description of Mythical Motors and the anachronistic audio cassette is the perfect medium for their deliciously retro sound.

Available May 17th, the album features an impressive 22 songs that encapsulate ten years of Mythical Motors evolution. The songs are

short and punchy, the lyrics are intelligent, the guitar work is a flawless mix of clean and dirty and the vintage feel of the band is spoton for those of us who are ourselves vintage enough to remember when New Wave was new.

From “36th Street” to “So Sets the Summer,” the compilation is an immaculate collection of music that lovingly recreates a time when punk music hadn’t been fully tamed and pop actually had a soul.

True enough, you’re going to need a cassette player to hear this music, and while cassettes will never make the comeback that vinyl has, to hear this band and this album it is absolutely worth it to start digging through the attic or cruising the vintage electronics of eBay to hear it the way we first heard it so long ago.

The 2016 Chattanooga Film Festival kicks off this Saturday and in addition to showcasing some of Chattanooga’s finest up and coming filmmakers, this year will also feature Chattanooga’s own Pinkie, The Princess of Pain attempting to break her own Guinness World Record for “heaviest weight lifted with both eye sockets (female.)

The fuchsia femme broke the previous world record of 33 pounds last June when she successfully hoisted 40 pounds from her orbital cavities. For this year’s record attempt, which will take place in front of the Majestic 12 Saturday evening at 10 p.m., Pinkie plans to lift 50 pounds in the same manner.

In other news, Chattanooga Girls Rock held their first volunteer drive at Sluggo’s this past week, with a greater number of attendees than expected. There are still plenty of volunteer positions available, however, including business and food sponsors, instrument loans, instructors, administrative positions, roadies and more.

It’s a great cause that can have a tremendous positive impact on the lives of girls and young women here in Chattanooga. For more information about how YOU can contribute, direct your inquiries to chattanoogagirlsrock@gmail.com and don’t forget CGR benefit art show at Mayfield’s AKNF Record Shop in Coolidge Park on April 16th. — Marc T. Michael

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • MARCH 31, 2016 • THE PULSE • 21

MUSIC CALENDAR THURSDAY3.31 James Crumble Trio 6 p.m.

St. John’s Meeting Place 1278 Market St. stjohnsrestaurant.com Rick Rushing Blues Jazz N’ Friends 6 p.m.

Bluewater Grille 224 Broad St. bluewaterchattanooga.com Live Bluegrass 6:30 p.m.

Whole Foods Market 301 Manufacturers Rd. wholefoodsmarket.com Bluegrass and Country Jam 7 p.m.

Grace Nazarene Church 6310 Dayton Blvd. chattanoogagrace.com Jesse James and Tim Neal 7:30 p.m.

Mexi Wings VII 5773 Brainerd Rd. mexi-wingchattanooga.com Bluegrass Thursdays 7:30 p.m.

Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Keepin’ It Local 8 p.m.

The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com Open Mic with Hap Henninger 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com

22 • THE PULSE • MARCH 31, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Ben Rector Junior Stopka, Sean Rouse, Andy Andrisst 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

FRIDAY4.1 Eddie Pontiac 6 p.m.

El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. elmesonrestaurant.com Binji Varsossa 6 p.m.

Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Lounge 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461 Tim Lewis 7 p.m.

El Meson

PULSE PICK: UNKNOWN HINSON While singing his politically incorrect songs, Unknown Hinson plays guitar in a style incendiary enough to have Satan himself reaching for the antiperspirant.

Unknown Hinson Friday, 9 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co

248 Northgate Park elmesonchattanooga.com Ben Rector 7 p.m.

Track29 1400 Market St. track29.co UTC Spring Piano Festival 7:30 p.m.

UTC Fine Arts Center 752 Vine St. utc.edu/fine-arts-center Bryan Sutton Band w/ Hamilton Country Ramblers 8 p.m.

The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd. thecamphouse.com The Floor is YOURS 8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theatre 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Rick Rushing &

Blues Strangers 8:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Dr. Vibe 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Trevor Finlay 9 p.m.

Puckett’s Grocery 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Unknown Hinson 9 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co Jason Johnson 9 p.m.

World of Beer 412 Market St. wobusa.com CFF Pajama Jam 9 p.m.

Alleia 25 E. Main St. alleiarestaurant.com Bobo Campbell 9:30 p.m.

The Brew & Cue 5017 Rossville Blvd.

(423) 867-9402 Sullivan Band 10 p.m.

Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com Captain Midnight Band 10 p.m.

Clyde’s on Main 122 W. Main St.

MUSIC CALENDAR

Malcolm Holcombe clydesonmain.com Rough Work 11 p.m.

Raw Dance Club 409 Market St. rawbarandgrillchatt.com

SATURDAY4.2 Eddie Pontiac 6 p.m.

El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. elmesonrestaurant.com Binji Varsossa 6 p.m.

Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Lounge 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461 Tim Lewis 7 p.m.

El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonchattanooga.com Jenny & Tyler 7 p.m.

ReCreate Café Arts 800 McCallie Ave. csarmy.org Nam Yeung 7:30 p.m.

UTC Fine Arts Center 752 Vine St. utc.edu/fine-arts-center Solar Moonshine 8 p.m.

Charles and Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org Rick Rushing & Blues Strangers

8:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com The Velcro Pygmies 9 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co Jeremy Sakovich 9 p.m.

World of Beer 412 Market St. wobusa.com Kara-Ory-Oke 10 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Sullivan Band 10 p.m.

Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com Jeff the Brotherhood, Mad Libre, Canopy 10 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Rough Work 11 p.m.

Raw Dance Club 409 Market St. rawbarandgrillchatt.com

SUNDAY4.3 Yeung-Shao 3 p.m.

UTC Fine Arts Center 752 Vine St. utc.edu/fine-arts-center

Open Mic with Jeff Daniels 6 p.m.

Long Haul Saloon 2536 Cummings Hwy. (423) 822-9775 Malcolm Holcombe w/ B.J. Hightower 8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theatre 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org

MONDAY4.4 Open Air with Jessica Nunn 6 p.m.

Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Very Open Mic 8 p.m.

The Well 1800 Rossville Blvd. #8 wellonthesouthside.com

TUESDAY4.5 Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Uptown Big Band 8 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co

WEDNESDAY4.6 Courtney Daly Band 7 p.m.

End Zone 3658 Ringgold Rd. (423) 661-8020 Jimmy Harris 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Open Jam 8 p.m.

Raw Dance Club 409 Market St. rawbarandgrillchatt.com Wednesday Night Jazz 8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org TAUK w/ Soul Mechanic 8 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co Blues Jam 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Kansas Bible Company 10 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • MARCH 31, 2016 • THE PULSE • 23

RECORD REVIEWS ERNIE PAIK

Mastering The Korean Zither, Busting Genres With Living Hour Keda masters the geomungo, Living Hour engages in sonic hypnotism

Keda Hwal (Parenthèses)

K

orean-born musician E’Joung-Ju, whose home base is now France, specializes in the geomungo, a 6-string traditional Korean zither that has a history that goes back to the 4th century. On the new album Hwal (Korean for “bow”) by E’JoungJu’s duo Keda, the geomungo finds a new life in modern times with the synthetic contributions of French composer Mathias Delplanque, originally from the West African nation of Burkina Faso.

Since the album has various ap-

Living Hour Living Hour (Lefse)

proaches for melding or smashing together the two musicians’ disparate sound-making methods, it doesn’t have a clear objective, unless that objective is to tinker with levels of balance or experiment with how sounds react.

The opening “Dali” offers a tense mood with a shadow of suspense, with E’Joung-Ju’s notes accompanied by an assortment of artificial sounds, anchored by a pulse. It’s followed by “Encore” with a metronomic shaker beat, drones and lurking spectres,

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leaving the specific timbres of the geomungo’s plucked strings to be in the forefront.

There’s a semblance of a groove on “Eobu Nolae” with a soft, looped bass line, with melodic wandering dipped in reverb, with a hint of dub; that hint is more pronounced in “Swordfish,” the album’s densest song, with occasional delay effects and a mixed bag of clangs and clattering percussion.

The first version of “La Lune de Corée” on the album offers hovering, wispy electronics, but it is dominated by a drum machine sound, which is too distracting for this writer. However, the second version, which closes the album as its high point, is the superior version, where the light static and intentional electronic glitches are in the background, allowing the faint details of the geomungo to finally be heard, including the vibrato and string scraping noises.

Offhand, it may seem like meandering, but melodies emerge as a hum rises in volume; at last, a good balance between acoustic

and electronic sounds is struck, and with the right amount of tension to keep things interesting.

T

he Winnipeg, Canada quintet Living Hour (formerly known as The Hours) is adept at capturing a particular vibe, and on its debut, self-titled album, it hardly matters that it rarely strays from it. It’s a sort of woozy atmosphere with a relaxed tempo, using shimmering electric guitar notes and chords, with the amps fine-tuned just right to elevate satisfying timbres.

The 8-song Living Hour offers standard four-chord rock/ pop structures within its songs, primarily starting from song seeds from guitarist Gilad Carroll, creating experiences that have the feel and grandeur of epics but condensed into five-tosix minute packages. The band has cited influences including The Velvet Underground, Mazzy Star and Beach House, but only moods, rather than specific methods or styles, are borrowed

from those acts.

Living Hour was originally released on a limited edition cassette last year on Tree Machine Records, and now the label Lefse has provided a wider release for it. The album sustains its blissed-out perpetual cascades for the duration, beginning with “Summer Smog” which reinforces the sonic hypnotism with a sung mantra of the phrase “what happens here.”

However, the album also has some elbow room for auxiliary sonic ideas. For example, “Miss Emerald Green” transforms near its end, leaning towards guitareffect maelstrom territory, and “There Is No Substance Between” offers a temporary diversion in the form of a jittery rockabilly-esque guitar melody that serves as an unexpected prelude, atop reverent organ chords played by lead singer Sam Sarty.

Sarty delivers her pretty, drifting vocals on the closing track “Feel Shy” with a reverie of wordless singing that feels substantial rather than flimsy or airy.

It’s always a temptation for music writers to use certain terms as shorthand, and up until this point, this writer resisted mentioning genres like “shoegaze,” “slowcore,” “psychedelic rock” and “post-rock” to describe the group. Fans of those genres may enjoy Living Hour, but it’s a band that doesn’t cleanly fit into any sole category.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • MARCH 31, 2016 • THE PULSE • 25

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Diversions

Consider This with Dr. Rick

by Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D. “A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.” — Christopher Germer We all have moments of letting ourselves down, feeling disappointed with our words or deeds. Perhaps not keeping a promise to a friend brings on the guilt. Maybe it’s when you fail a test, fail to stay sober, fail in your duties to your kids, parents, sig other.

We all stumble. And it makes the bounce-back all the more difficult if we’re hard on ourselves, non-forgiving, non-compassionate. Really, the best we can do is take responsibility, then learn, and then become more conscious, more self-aware, for the future.

We. All. Stumble. Falling down isn’t the issue. What’s important is taking a breath, and reaching into that deep place where you possess strength, courage and the determination to get back up. Self-compassion—not self-berating—is how we find that place. And once there, you begin to change your life.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • MARCH 31, 2016 • THE PULSE • 27

COLUMN FREE WILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): According to my astrological analysis, you would benefit profoundly from taking a ride in a jet fighter plane 70,000 feet above the earth. In fact, I think you really need to weightROB BREZSNY experience lessness as you soar faster than the speed of sound. Luckily, there’s an organization, MiGFlug (migflug.com), that can provide you with this healing thrill. (I just hope you can afford the $18,000 price tag.) APRIL FOOL! I do in fact think you should treat yourself to unprecedented thrills and transcendent adventures. But I bet you can accomplish that without being quite so extravagant.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “People only get really interesting when they start to rattle the bars of their cages,” says philosopher Alain de Botton. If that’s true, Taurus, you must be on the verge of becoming very interesting. Metaphorically speaking, you’re not just rattling the bars of your cage. You’re also smacking your tin cup against the bars and trying to saw through them with your plastic knife.

APRIL FOOL! I lied. You’re not literally in a prison cell. And I got a bit carried away with the metaphor. But there is a grain of truth to what I said. You are getting close to breaking free of at least some of your mind-forged manacles. And it’s making you more attractive and intriguing.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If I had to decide what natural phenomenon you most closely resemble right now, I’d consider comparing you to a warm, restless breeze or a busily playful dolphin. But my first choice would be the mushrooms known as Schizophyllum commune. They’re highly adaptable: able to go dormant when the weather’s dry and spring to life when rain comes. They really get around, too, making their homes on every continent except Antarctica. But the main reason I’d link you with them is that they come in over 28,000 different sexes. Their versatility is unprecedented.

APRIL FOOL! I exaggerated a bit. It’s true that these days you’re polymorphous and multifaceted and well-rounded. But you’re probably not capable of

expressing 28,000 varieties of anything.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Whatever it is you’re seeking won’t come in the form you’re expecting,” warns Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami. If that’s true, why bother? Why expend all your precious yearning if the net result won’t even satisfy your yearning?! That’s why I advise you to ABANDON YOUR BELOVED PLANS! Save your energy for trivial wishes. That way you won’t be disappointed when they are fulfilled in unanticipated ways. APRIL FOOL! I was messing with you. It’s true that what you want won’t arrive in the form you’re expecting.

But I bet the result will be even better than what you expected.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You’re due to make a pilgrimage, aren’t you? It might be time to shave your head, sell your possessions, and head out on a long trek to a holy place where you can get back in touch with what the hell you’re doing here on this planet. APRIL FOOL! I was kidding about the head-shaving and possessions-dumping. On the other hand, there might be value in embarking on a less melodramatic pilgrimage. I think you’re ready to seek radical bliss of a higher order—and get back in touch with what the hell you’re doing here on this planet.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Are you ready to fight the monster? Do you have the courage and strength and stamina and guile to overcome the ugly beast that’s blocking the path to the treasure?

If not, turn around and head back to your comfort zone until you’re better prepared. APRIL FOOL! I lied. There is a monster, but it’s not the literal embodiment of a beastly adversary. Rather, it’s inside you. It’s an unripe part of yourself that needs to be taught and tamed and cared for. Until you develop a better relationship with it, it will just keep testing you. (P.S. Now would be a good time to develop a better relationship with it.)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your advice for the near future comes from poet Stephen Dunn. “If the Devil sits down,” he says, “offer companionship, tell her you’ve always admired her magnificent, false moves.” I think that’s an excellent plan, Libra!

Maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to make the acquaintance of many different devils with a wide variety of magnificent, false moves. APRIL FOOL! I

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Homework: What conditions would you need to feel like you were living in paradise? Testify: Truthrooster@ gmail.com lied. In fact, I think you should avoid contact with all devils, no matter how enticing they might be.

Now is a key time to surround yourself with positive influences.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 1841, a British medical journal prescribed the following remedy for the common cold: “Nail a hat on the wall near the foot of your bed, then retire to that bed, and drink spirits until you see two hats.” My expert astrological analysis reveals that this treatment is likely to cure not just the sniffles, but also any other discomforts you’re suffering from, whether physical or emotional or spiritual. So I hope you own a hat, hammer, and nails. APRIL FOOL! I lied. The method I suggested probably won’t help alleviate what ails you. But here’s a strategy that might: Get rid of anything that’s superfluous, rotten, outdated, or burdensome.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): To begin your oracle, I’ll borrow the words of author Ray Bradbury: “May you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days, and out of that love, remake a world.” I have reason to believe that this optimistic projection has a good chance of coming true for you. Imagine it, Sagittarius: daily swoons of delight and rapture from now until the year 2071. APRIL FOOL! I lied, sort of. It would be foolish to predict that you’ll be giddy with amorous feelings nonstop for the next 54 years and 10 months. On the other hand, I don’t think it’s unrealistic for you to expect a lot of that sweet stuff over the course of the next three weeks.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “I am tired of being brave,” groaned Anne Sexton in one of her poems.

“I’m sick of following my dreams,” moaned comedian Mitch Hedberg, adding, “I’m just going to ask my dreams where they’re going and hook up with them later.” In my opinion, Capricorn, you have every right to unleash grumbles similar to Hedberg’s and Sexton’s. APRIL FOOL! The advice I just gave you is only half-correct. It’s true that you need and deserve a respite from your earnest struggles. Now is indeed a good time to take a break so you can recharge your spiritual batteries. But don’t you dare feel sorry for yourself.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 1991, hikers in the Italian Alps discovered the well-preserved corpse of a Bronze Age hunter. Buried in the frigid terrain, the man who came to be known as Otzi the Iceman had been there for 5,000 years. Soon the museum that claimed his body began receiving inquiries from women who wanted to be impregnated with Otzi’s sperm. I think this is an apt metaphor for you, Aquarius. Consider the possibility that you might benefit from being fertilized by an influence from long ago. APRIL FOOL! I was just messing with you.

It’s true you can generate good mojo by engaging with inspirational influences from the past. But I’d never urge you to be guided by a vulgar metaphor related to Otzi’s sperm.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Caligula was an eccentric Roman emperor who had a physical resemblance to a goat. He was sensitive about it. That’s why he made it illegal for anyone to refer to goats in his company. I mention this, Pisces, because I’d like to propose a list of words you should forbid to be used in your presence during the coming weeks: “money,” “cash,” “finances,” “loot,” “savings,” or “investments.” Why? Because I’m afraid it would be distracting, even confusing or embarrassing, for you to think about these sore subjects right now. APRIL FOOL! I lied. The truth is, now is a perfect time for you to be focused on getting richer quicker.

Rob Brezsny is an aspiring master of curiosity, perpetrator of sacred uproar, and founder of the Beauty and Truth Lab. He brings a literate, myth-savvy perspective to his work. It’s all in the stars.

Jonesin’ Crossword

MATT JONES

“I Fold”—find your way around the puzzle.

ACROSS 1 Progressive spokesperson 4 Stanley of “Julie & Julia” 9 Grows light 14 “Hamilton” creator/star ___-Manuel Miranda 15 Take ___ for the worse 16 Novel on an iPad, e.g.

17 Actress Poehler 18 Sleepover of sorts 20 Louis or Lewis, e.g.

22 Former Boston Symphony director Seiji 23 Actor Penn of the “Harold & Kumar” films 24 Gear sprocket 26 Deprive of strength 28 Newsroom honchos 32 “Talk ___” (Pedro Almodovar film) 33 Fashion designer and daughter of a noted painter 37 ___Pen (injector for allergic reactions) 38 1978 Peace Nobelist Anwar

39 Ted ___ and the Pharmacists 42 Study involving charged particles and fluids 47 “Check,” in poker 49 Stick at a table 50 Like much of the analysis on “Marketplace” 54 Nestle’s ___-Caps 55 Letters on Windy City trains 56 Hawaiian actor Jason who’s set to play Aquaman 58 “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” author Ken 62 Radiohead title followed by the lyric “Arrest this man” 65 ___-de-France 66 ___ a high note (finish well) 67 Eugene of travel guide fame 68 100% 69 Stopwatch button 70 Banjo ridges 71 Item hidden in the four theme entries DOWN 1 “Love handles”

material 2 One might pick you up at an airport 3 Multicolored agate 4 Where many brews are on draft 5 “Respect for Acting” writer Hagen 6 Stephen King novel about a dog 7 Hot trend 8 “Cold Mountain” hero W. P. ___ 9 Leaves 10 Atty.’s organization 11 Office fixture?

12 Make marginal markings 13 Walter’s wife on “Breaking Bad” 19 Leave astonished 21 Delta follower, in the NATO alphabet 25 Blades cut by blades 27 Parade columnist Marilyn ___ Savant 28 Dr. Zaius, e.g.

29 It’s no deep slumber 30 Props for driving instructors 31 “V.1.A.G.R.a 4 FR33!”, perhaps

34 Film noir actress Lupino 35 “Li’l Abner” creator Al 36 Companion of Aramis and Porthos 40 Coin portraying Louis XIV 41 Suffix for sugars, in chemistry 43 Deighton who wrote the “Hook, Line and Sinker” trilogy 44 Cartoon hero with antennae 45 Place to get lost, per Neil Simon 46 Gin-flavoring fruit 47 One of a makingout couple 48 Number at the pump 51 Unruly hairdo 52 “See ya!”

53 Peach, burgundy, or chocolate, e.g.

57 Assistant 59 Thailand, once 60 Tuneful Fitzgerald 61 Website for restaurant reviews 63 Bartender to Homer 64 Infirmary bed

Copyright © 2016 Jonesin’ Crosswords. For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+ to call. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle No. 0773 CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • MARCH 31, 2016 • THE PULSE • 29

COLUMN SUSHI & BISCUITS

Savoring The Other Other White Meat Chef Mike gets adventurous with a tasty denizen of the deeps

MIKE MCJUNKIN

“

When cooked properly, octopus has a delicate flavor that’s slightly sweet, with a taste that’s somewhere between scallop and lobster.”

Longtime food writer and professional chef Mike McJunkin is a native Chattanoogan currently living abroad who has trained chefs, owned and operated restaurants. Join him on Facebook at facebook. com/SushiAndBiscuits

Spring has officially arrived and Chattanoogans are beginning to emerge from the honey-glazed ham and sweet potato induced food comas that blanketed us through the cold, gray Tennessee winter.

I am certainly not going to suggest that there can ever be “too much pork” or that your palate could become weary of bottomless mashed potato and gravy bowls, but after completing the Kobayashi-esque eating marathon that is Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter it’s safe to say that our bodies could use a break from the oleaginous cloud that hangs over carb and cured meat season.

What could be better than lean, healthy and delicious octopus to kick-start the fresh flavors of Spring? That’s right, I said octopus.

Even though octopus has been a staple of Mediterranean and Asian diets for millennia, Americans still think octopus belongs wrapped around the Nautilus or plotting to steal mermaid’s voices rather than on our dinner plates.

If you’ve ever bitten into rubbery, chewy or fibrous octopus, I understand why you may be put off by these tentacled cephalopods. But when cooked properly, octopus has a delicate flavor that’s slightly sweet, with a taste that’s somewhere between scallop and lobster.

The problem lies in octopus’ reputation of being a challenge to make tender as well as the scores of cultural culinary myths that surround its preparation.

Some say salting is essential to tenderness; others say dip it briefly in boiling water; still others say to rub it with grated daikon or add a wine cork to the cooking liquid. None of these consistently work by themselves.

Since octopus have no skeleton to support their muscles, the muscles within their arms support each other, meaning they are full of connective tissues. These connective tissues have to be heated to

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around 130° before they begin to dissolve, (don’t cook it too long or it will dry out and becomes rubbery anyway).

So forget corks and beating the poor dead thing with Asian radishes, it turns out that buying frozen (freezing and thawing kickstarts the tenderizing process) then cooking low and slow produces a tender finished product, similar to any connective tissue laden protein.

I prefer a very quick blanch followed by slow roasting. An octopus is about 80% moisture, so when it’s roasted slowly in a dry pan, it releases more than half its weight in juices, which are slightly briny, but savory and packed with umami. Save those juices and boil them down to concentrate them. You’ll not only get tender octopus, but a flavorful, gelatinous sauce as well. Or, for something even brighter, try my Roasted Octopus with Fennel and Citrus below.

Roasted Octopus with Fennel and Citrus • 1 5-6 lb octopus • 3 oranges • 2 cups Sherry • 2 Serrano chilies, split • 1 fennel bulb with fronds • 1 grapefruit • 4 tbsp roughly chopped black olives • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 275° Cook octopus in a large pot of boiling salted water for 30 seconds. Transfer to an ice bath to cool, then drain. Tip: Dip the octopus in the boiling water three times before submerging it completely and the tentacles will curl up and make a nice finished presentation.

Combine the octopus, Sherry and chilies with the zest and juice from two oranges in a Dutch oven or other heavy, oven-safe pot. Cover tightly and bake about two hours or until a sharp knife goes into

the thickest part with little resistance, kind of like a baked potato. Let cool.

While the octopus is cooking, prepare the salad. Slice the fennel bulb very thinly and place in a bowl of cold water to prevent discoloration. Peel the grapefruit and remaining orange then cut (or “supreme”) individual slices of orange, using a knife to separate each slice from the white skin that connects one to the next. Repeat with the grapefruit.

Squeeze the juice from the remaining citrus carcasses into a bowl. Add 5 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and whisk together to finish the dressing. Salt and pepper to taste.

Once the octopus has cooled, drain and cut into manageable pieces. Prepare the salad by placing the drained, sliced fennel onto a plate, then arrange the citrus segments, black olives and sliced octopus around nicely (because you know this is going straight to Instagram). Drizzle the dressing on top, followed by a light drizzle of good quality olive oil and a healthy sprinkling of black pepper.

Top with a few fennel frond sprigs for that final food-porn touch and serve.

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