The Pulse 13.14 » April 7, 2016

APRIL 7, 2016

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

THE MASTERS OF THE MENU

CHATTANOOGA'S NEWEST CHEFS EMBRACE THE CITY AND PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF CULINARY EXCELLENCE

By Heather Vega

MUSIC

ARTS

SCREEN

TAB SPENCER

OPEN FIELDS

SEES THE LIGHT

EXCELLENT SCULPTURE HANK, SR.

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Contents

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Gary Poole Editorial Assistant Brooke Dorn

April 7, 2016 Volume 13, Issue 14

Music Editor Marc T. Michael Film Editor John DeVore Contributors Rob Brezsny • Gavin Gaither Matt Jones • Tony Mraz Ernie Paik • Rick Pimental-Habib Alex Teach • Heather Vega Editorial Interns Rebekah Jones • Ja'Lisa Little

Features

Cartoonists Max Cannon • Rob Rogers Jen Sorenson • Tom Tomorrow

4 BEGINNINGS: Student Christian group practices peaceful evangelism.

Cover Photo Andrey Bayda

5 THE LIST: The fastest growing jobs.

FOUNDED 2003 BY ZACHARY COOPER & MICHAEL KULL

ADVERTISING

6

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.

The New Masters of The Menu

When I turned nine, I received one of my most treasured and useful gifts, a cookbook for kids. Many of my childhood memories go back to that cookbook which guided me in preparing dinner for my family, along with the many hours spent watching Julia Child and Justin Wilson on PBS.

14

The Unveiling of A Longtime Dream

A monumental event for the arts in Chattanooga is happening this weekend on the Southside. The grand opening of the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park is taking place Friday and Saturday on Polk St., just a block off of Main Street.

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Tab Spencer Improves on Excellence

Man, do I love Monday nights. It’s crunch time for slack-ass Pulse writers everywhere and while our editor is asking himself for the thousandth time what could justify all the ulcers and hair-loss, we tap away in the darkened corners of wherever it is we work, trying to justify being kept on the payroll for another week.

10 SCREEN: I Saw The Light departs from the usual music biopic.

13 SHRINK RAP: Reminding you that you have to love yourself first.

16 ARTS CALENDAR 19 MIXOLOGY: Three easy, pitcher-sized drinks for any Spring occasion.

22 MUSIC CALENDAR 25 REVIEWS: Big Kitty is as odd as always, Muslimgauze brings dub to Middle Eastern angst.

27 DIVERSIONS 28 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY 29 JONESIN’ CROSSWORD 30 ON THE BEAT: Officer Alex lets his latest pet peeves fly free.

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NEWS • VIEWS • RANTS • RAVES

BEGINNINGS

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

Discovering Why People Believe Student group practices peaceful evangelism, fosters discussion There are many religious beliefs in this world. On one level are major faiths like Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam, but the categories multiply when considering the denominations within each faith. Christianity has hundreds alone. Everyone has their own GAVIN beliefs, but have you considered why you believe these things?

A year ago, I wrote an article for The Pulse entitled “How We Talk About Faith—Without Shouting” where I discussed how members

from the UTC Christian Student Center set up a booth on their campus, handing out cookies and lemonade to passing students.

During this event known as “Ask Me About My Faith Day”—or “AMA Day” —the CSC’s goal was to start a conversation about GAITHER faith. When they gave students refreshments, they talked with them, trying to form a bond while also explaining why they believed what they believed.

I observed the event and found it to be quite successful when I

RELIGION

talked with students who stopped by. Many of them were happy to see such peaceful evangelism and several changed their minds about their views on Christianity.

It was amazing to watch other students talk so positively and I knew I had to do more if this event happened again. If my friends could put themselves out there, why couldn’t I? So when AMA Day founder and CSC student director Kaleb McDowd announced training for the newly-renamed Faith Day, I signed up immediately.

That was when I began considering the reasons for my beliefs.

“We’ve done a disservice avoiding topics like politics and religion,” McDowd said when interviewed. “I want to show the students on campus and the CSC members they don’t need to be afraid to discuss faith.”

During the first training session, Kaleb asked everyone to think about what the Gospel means to us. For me, it was self-worth.

After a lot of bullying in middle school, I felt like my life was pointless and I couldn’t do anything. Jesus’s death helped me realize I, and everyone else, had to be worth something if He would go through such an agonizing experience for us.

When we told the group, however, not everyone thought the same thing. Many partici-

pants, like fellow CSC member Kaitlyn Mesecher, were astounded by the plethora of answers everyone gave.

“I was shocked our answers were so different,” Kaitlyn said when asked about this occurrence. “I figured my views of hope would be the standard answer, but I realized not everyone had the same opinion as me. Even as I shared my own answer, I found it adapted after listening to the others.”

Faith Day will be held this Tuesday, April 12th from early morning until 6 p.m., and members from the CSC will be handing out refreshments while also discussing why we believe what we believe. We hope many other students will stop by so we can learn more about you and your beliefs as well. We look forward to talking with you.

For more information about the CSC, visit utcchristianstudentcenter.com.

“I want to show the students on campus and the CSC members they don’t need to be afraid to discuss faith.”

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The List

EdiToon

Fastest Growing Occupations

by Rob Rogers

As Millennials move their way through college and into the workforce, the types of jobs and career paths have changed quite a bit.

So we touched base with our friends at the Statistic Brain Institute to find out which careers showed the most promise for future growth.

Here are the top ten fastest growing occupations, along with their median pay rate.

Shine! A Fashion Show with Benefits This Saturday, Venue on Market will host “Shine! Fashion Show”, a creative event on fashion created by Love Without Reason (LWR), an organization that truly shines.

The show will feature clothing from local boutiques such as Ruby’s Warehouse and headlining designer Victoria Wilmoth. Ruby’s Warehouse holds custom and unique clothing in Chattanooga and “Shine!” will showcase their fashion and more on the upcoming

runway for LWR in the hopes of shining a light on LWR’s work as well as boost Chattanooga’s community businesses.

LWR is a nonprofit organization that provides free surgeries to children born with head and facial deformities. LWR was established right here in Chattanooga by Santhosh and Susan Mathews.

When their son was born with numerous birth defects and underwent extensive surgeries, they thought of other children around

IN THIS ISSUE

Heather Vega Our cover story this week is by Heather Vega.

Heather is a business professional, freelance writer, and mother of two.

She is a native of NE Tennessee who lived and worked in Metro Atlanta for 22 years prior to moving to Chattanooga just over five years ago,

the globe who are not as fortunate they were. Therefore, they took it upon themselves to support children worldwide and help them overcome deformities.

This year, LWR is working with “Project Butterfly,” to help women rescued from sex trafficking build entrepreneurial skills for future careers. Human Trafficking has always been a global problem, but Chattanooga is taking the initiative to stop and prevent such acts from occurring. Join the fight against trafficking in our hometown, support children worldwide, and strut your best catwalk while you’re at it.

— Ja’Lisa Little

Dr. Rick Pimental-Habib bringing experience from the health insurance, real estate, and television entertainment industries. She prefers to write local culinary and community-related articles.

She considers herself an avid foodie, enjoys trying new recipes and loves to use spices.

Heather enjoys getting out into the community to meet new people and make connections. What she loves most is to travel and spend time with her family and friends.

“Shrink Rap” columnist Dr. Richard L. PimentalHabib, Ph.D., C.C.H., better known as “Dr. Rick”, is an author, psychotherapist, educator and minister, and holds a doctorate in clinical hypnotherapy with an emphasis in mind/body wellness. He

developed practices in Los Angeles, the Florida Keys, and now in Chattanooga, with specializations in individual and relationship counseling.

Upon settling here, Dr. Rick created Well Nest, his mind/ body/spirit wellness center offering alternative healing services—from meditation classes and yoga to wellness workshops and retreats.

Visit DrRPH.com, WellNestChattanooga.com, or follow @DrRickWellNest

1. Wind Turbine Service Technicians, $48,800 2. Occupational Therapy Assistant, $56,950 3. Physical Therapist Assistant, $54,410 4. Physical Therapist Aides, $24,650 5. Home Health Aides, $21,380 6. Commercial Divers, $45,890 7. Nurse Practitioners, $95,350 8. Physical Therapists, $82,390 9. Statisticians, $79,990 10. Ambulance Drivers, $24,080 Bottom line, healthcare professions are really the way to go if you want a decent job with security and growth opportunities.

Experts say this is in large part due to the aging Boomer population, which will need greater healthcare as they move into retirement.

Source: statisticbrain.com/fastestgrowing-occupations-2014-2024

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COVER STORY

Meeting The New Masters of The Menu

Chattanooga’s newest chefs embrace the city and push the boundaries of culinary excellence

By Heather Vega, Pulse contributor

W

hen I turned nine, I received one of my most treasured and useful gifts, a cookbook for kids. Many of my childhood memories go back to that cookbook which guided me in preparing dinner for my family, along with the many hours spent watching Julia Child and Justin Wilson on PBS.

Heather and Jeff Pennypacker

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provides a unique and individual contribution to Chattanooga’s culinary scene.

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Today, we are deluged with shows dedicated to the art of food creations which show us how to engage our inner chef. With our work schedules and extra-curricular activities, it’s hard to take the time to gather around the table at home. Fortunately for us in Chattanooga, we have many options available to enjoy amazingly prepared meals with our families and friends.

Word gets out quickly in Chattanooga when a new restaurant opens. We learn the details of the location, the style of cuisine, the price point, and the parking availability. The questions I ponder are related to who is preparing this amazing new food. A chef is the mastermind behind a menu and the puppeteer of its spices. All of the culinary knowledge and experience of the chef drives the infusion of flavors that our taste buds dance to. Their passion and love for the culinary arts brings life to new recipes.

I decided to speak with some of the new chefs in our city who have recently opened an establishment to learn of their diverse backgrounds which led them to where they are today. Each chef

Not many people can say they have taken a food tour across America, but Chefs Jeff and Heather Pennypacker have lived a foodie’s dream. In March 2015, Jeff and Heather packed up their belongings in Asheville, NC and took a 4-month RV tour across the country. As I had the great opportunity to hear about their experience, I could only imagine how delicious the fresh, hot beignets were in New Orleans or how juicy the Diablo Burger was in Flagstaff and by their recollection, the Kansas City barbecue could only be described as amazing. They made it as far as AZ before turning back and heading toward the Southeast where they chose Chattanooga as their place to call home and opened the Sweet and Savory Classroom.

Jeff, the savory half of the team, has been a chef for over 18 years. When I met with him I learned he is also an ice sculptor, a teacher, and a writer. When it comes to style, he considers himself a Chef Tournade, with experience in dif-

The Sweet and Savory Classroom 45 E Main Street, Suite 112 Chattanooga, TN 37408 (423) 661-8750 sweetandsavoryclassroom.com I recently had a great conversation with two of the main players at STIR. Jamie Walton, Ice Chef, worked in St. Augustine at A1A Ale Works and its sister restaurant Ragtime Tavern, until it was purchased by a Chattanooga company six years ago. Jamie transferred to Chattanooga to be a part of the management team at their corporate office, which also owned Bluewater Grille where Scott Eiselstein, a Chattanooga native, was executive chef.

The passion for both chefs is equal; they share a common philosophy which is to keep the integrity of all components for a masterpiece. This is practiced in every aspect of the business, starting with the atmosphere to the meal plated for the customer to the artisanal ice in their

craft cocktails, in order to create a complete package. As Executive Chef, Scott tries to take his cuisine to a different level visually as well as the flavor profile on any dish he creates. Jamie adds that cooking is like making music, “There are really no new notes in music, [but] there are new composures and different ways of laying it out. That’s what food is… symphonies and bands get together and come up with different things, just like what is currently in season.”

They take pride in the entire team as a whole; a team who hangs their egos at the door and collaborates in an environment where suggestions are open to everyone, from chefs and non-chefs alike. Scott and Jamie’s main goal is to “Give an atmosphere that our guests will come and just feel our passion and enjoy themselves.”

STIR 1444 Market Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 531-7847 stirchattanooga.com

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with your senses.” Jeff added, “My goal for the people of Chattanooga is to teach the proper use of salt on food…without it tasting like a French fry.”

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ferent types of international cuisine along with American regional cuisine, but has always loved cooking French Classical the most (which is great for a date night class). A new favorite for him is working with the fresh ingredients and dough of Chinese cuisine. As his wife complimentarily stated how he has mastered the techniques of cooking and knife skills, he added “The more we teach, the more we learn.”

Heather, the sweet half of the team, with over 900 wedding cakes alone under her belt, has most definitely mastered the art of baking and pastries, but truly enjoys working with chocolate. When attending parties, she likes to bring biscuits or a rustic tart to share the comforts of home. These parents of two are both teachers at heart who want their students leaving their class with newly acquired culinary skills and confidence with cooking in their own kitchens. Their classroom is equipped with tools and appliances that can be found in your kitchen at home. Jeff has certain words of wisdom he likes to use to tell his students to keep in control of their cooking, “Once you burn something, it gets bitter…once it gets bitter it never gets better,” and encourages his students to “Learn to cook

Eduardo Amoedo and his best friend enjoyed vacationing in Chattanooga with their families so much that they decided to move here 18 months ago to open a

(clockwise from left) Nathan Flynt, Eduardo Ameodo, Tim Mulderink, Scott Eiselstein and Jamie Walton

“

T hese parents of two are both teachers at heart who want their students leaving their class with newly acquired culinary skills and confidence with cooking in their own kitchens.”

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Make your party or event one to remember when you host it at V. Frances.

Boasting irresistible character, V. Frances is perfect for all of your parties & gatherings.

Contact us today to book your party or event and let us help make it one to remember for years to come.

V. Frances Intimate Events 1467 Market Street, Ste.104 Chattanooga, Tennessee (423) 551-8806

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“I’m not this amazing chef that has worked at these amazing restaurants; I’m a pretty humble person. I love cooking and the success of the other restaurant is my craft, it’s my skill.”

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Embargo ‘62 301 Cherokee Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37405 (423) 551-4786 embargo62bar.com Nathan Flynt and his wife were living in Boston 8-years ago when a job opportunity in Chattanooga arose for his wife, which allowed them to move closer to family. “We bought two one-way tickets and away we went.” I first met Nathan at MainX24 two years ago. (You may recognize him as the Famous Nater’s World Famous food truck guy.) I was with my step-daughter who was a very picky eater at the time (I cannot stress that enough); we walked up to his food truck and ordered a barbecue sandwich. Thinking the sandwich was too elaborate, she

sniffed and snarled before she took her first bite and followed with a loud “OMG!” I truly feel that sandwich was the turning point which opened her mind to the culinary world.

This father of two sons (hence Two Sons Kitchen) would love for future chefs to know and understand how regular training is important in keeping their culinary skills up to date, “Some graduate culinary school and think they have made it.”

Nathan’s cooking style is southern and his favorite food is anything prepared well with the proper time and attention given to the dish, especially a nice smoked pig.

2 Sons Kitchen and Market 1120 Houston Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 661-8709 2sonskitchen.com

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restaurant together. Born in Cuba to a Lebanese mother, he shared his early childhood love for cooking. He told me how his mother used to sell Cuban street food at worksites from the back of her car, just as food trucks do today. When she realized his passion for cooking, she shared recipes that were passed down to her with her son, and in turn, he now shares those recipes with us at his restaurant, Embargo ‘62. If this master of Cuban cuisine had to name his specialty, he says it would have to be his roast pork, although his favorite is his mother’s Kibbeh, a Lebanese staple made of lamb/ground beef, bulgur, and mint.

Prior to becoming a chef, Eduardo was a helicopter mechanic in the Army for 10 years. He had fun, but knew it was not his passion so he cultivated his love for cooking, ultimately running a dining facility feeding 2500 troops daily. As a senior staff member on a US Army Culinary team, he worked his way up to being on a 4-star general’s personal staff. He was sent to Le Cordon Bleu and interned while working for the general. He still serves our country as an Army Reservist.

As we sat in his newest restaurant, where he is also overseeing the construction, he shared his thoughts on being a chef, he states, “I’m not this amazing chef that has worked at these amazing restaurants; I’m a pretty humble person. I love cooking and the success of the restaurant is my craft, it’s my skill.”

When you decide to go out on the town, take some time to get to know the chefs yourself when you visit some other newly opened restaurants such as Puckett’s Chattanooga, which comes to us from Nashville (Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant was named one of the top barbecue restaurants in America in The 100 Best Barbecue Restaurants in America) located beside the Tennessee Aquarium; The Feed Co. Table and Tavern which serves a seasonal farm fresh menu located on the Southside on Main Street; and Fresh Pot Café in Hixson, which provides a traditional menu with Ecuadorian specials.

However, if you prefer not to go out and want to pick up a delicious meal to eat at home, Chef Tim Mulderink, owner of A Chef and His Wife has an excellent solution. You can order freshly prepared food online and pick up on your way home or have delivered to your door. His meals are low in sodium, cooked from raw ingredients, and local when possible.

What I have learned is every chef is asked the same question over and over, “What is your favorite food?” and the truth is a chef really doesn’t have a favorite food. There are so many options available.

So don’t worry about settling, close your eyes and open your palette to all the amazing flavors the culinary world has to offer.

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SCREEN SCENE

Shining A Different Light On An American Icon

The Ultimate Fan Experience Get an advance look at Hardcore Henry...and a comic book One of the most original films to hit the big screen in years, Hardcore Henry, is coming to theaters this weekend. But if you want to get an early look at the film, Carmike's East Ridge 18 has a very special event.

What makes Hardcore Henry unique is that it is shot entirely in first-person, through the eyes of Henry himself, taking audiences on the ride of a lifetime.

Having just been resurrected from death with no memory, Henry wakes up in an unfamiliar city of Moscow and must discover his identity and save his wife from a warlord with a

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plan to bio-engineer soldiers.

This Thursday, you can take part in Hardcore Henry: The Ultimate Fan Experience where you will see and advance screening of the movie, along with an exclusive Q&A with the director and cast. And, as a bonus, you will also receive a limited edition comic book.

Hardcore Henry: The Ultimate Fan Experience Thursday, 7 p.m.

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

NEW IN THEATERS

The Boss A titan of industry is sent to prison after she's caught for insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America's latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.

Director: Ben Falcone Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell

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Hardcore Henry A first-person action film from the eyes of Henry, who's resurrected from death with no memory. He must discover his identity and save his wife from a warlord with a plan to bio-engineer soldiers.

Director: Ilya Naishuller Stars: Sharlto Copley, Tim Roth, Haley Bennett, Danila Kozlovsky

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I Saw The Light departs from the usual music biopic, to its betterment

T

HERE IS A CERTAIN PATTERN TO MOST BIOPICS about popular musicians. From Buddy Holly to Ray Charles, from Johnny Cash to Easy E and Ice Cube, they all start with humble roots.

Screen JOHN DEVORE

“

Williams’ story doesn’t follow the usual trajectory because he was exposed to a level of exploitation long before fame caught up to him.”

We see the musicians working on their craft, overcoming challenges, performing in relative obscurity until a goodly record producer encounters them in a bar, in a club, at a fair, sees something special and lifts them to new heights. Then, the audience sees the struggles of sudden fame and fortune, the parties, the women, the drugs and alcohol, the shattered relationships, and the redemptive power of music.

There are different shades to each, varied personalities and music styles, and yet the story is almost always the same. As all roads lead to Rome, all tales of stars in the making lead to divorce. The key in films like these is to showcase the music whenever possible, drawing attention to the significance and power of the songs and the cultural zeitgeist these artists captured, relating the significance in meaningful, relatable ways. If the film can do that, it is easier to ignore the overwhelming similarities in the stories.

The latest in the musical biography film is I Saw the Light about Hank Williams. To its credit, I Saw the Light doesn’t follow the same predictable standard, at least as faithfully as other films of its type. Williams is already well on his way to stardom when the film opens and far into his family tradi-

tions. The effect of this break in type is to focus more on the character and less on the journey. While I Saw the Light maintains an even keel for the entire film, the slow pace rarely diminishes the story it tries to tell.

Hank Williams (Tom Hiddleston) as an icon is more mysterious than others in the country music industry. Much of this has to do with the relative shortness of his career as well as the careful image control of 1950s entertainment. Hail, Caesar!, a film from earlier this year set in 1950s Hollywood, showcased the importance of a clean, moral image for film stars. The Grand Ole Opry was similar in how it promoted its artists.

There is a constant undercurrent of rumor surrounding Hank Williams, rumors later confirmed by family and friends and anyone who knew him. But the

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film takes care to show that there were other underlying causes to Williams’ behavior, from a controlling mother to a talentless, insistent wife, from an exhausting, unforgiving tour schedule made worse by a chronic illness treated with increasingly large amounts of pain medication to a widely publicized problem with alcohol.

You get the impression that the stars of the Opry were treated like circus animals, with demanding schedules and unforgiving promoters who would resort to anything to ensure a performance. Williams’ story doesn’t follow the usual trajectory because he was exposed to a level of exploitation long before fame caught up to him.

The story of Hank Williams is less tragic circumstance and more a consequence of fate.

However, this lack of rise and fall in the story leads to uniform narrative. Films like Ray and Walk The Line build slowly but gather themselves to a climax before resolving themselves in satisfying ways. Most stories are told this way—it’s Storytelling 101. I Saw the Light doesn’t

follow any sort of arc.

It is a slow, character driven march towards the inevitable conclusion. The performances are excellent—Hiddleston does his own singing, despite not having much of a musical background, and Elizabeth Olsen shines onscreen as his failed June Carter. And yet, there are many who would find the film far too slow, lacking in introspection and meaning. The lack of selfreflection by the characters may be the point, however.

Williams, it seems, never saw himself as more than musician. He was selfcentered in his personal life, but gave himself to his audience in an effort to ease the pain of living through his songs.

I Saw the Light is not the best film about a popular musician.

Often, Williams’ music is relegated to the background, heard only in the wings or over the radio. But the film seems to be arguing that this is how Hank Williams saw the music himself—effortless, simple, and soothing. The film is not the standard, but its effective enough through the performances.

“While I Saw the Light maintains an even keel for the entire film, the slow pace rarely diminishes the story it tries to tell.”

The Best Sports Coverage in Chattanooga.

Period.

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COLUMN SHRINK RAP

Love Yourself To Love Others The Good Doctor reminds you it's high time to love yourself first

DR. RICK

“

Healthy selfishness has become a concept that has grown tremendously in importance, not only for those who are caring for others, but also as a widely promoted philosophy for healthy living.”

Photo by Dmitry Mayatskyy Dr. Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist, author, minister, and educator in private practice in Chattanooga. Contact him at DrRPH.com, visit his wellness center at WellNestChattanooga.com and follow his daily inspirations on Twitter: @DrRickWellNest

One of my favorite self-care images— it’s a reminder, really—is a physiology lesson taught to medical students during their early training: The first task of the heart is to pump blood to itself.

When I give talks to care providers, mental health professionals, families, couples and others, I discuss something I call “healthy selfishness.” The concept usually raises eyebrows of those who hear it for the first time, so conditioned are we to think of anything associated with the word “selfish” as negative. Yet, healthy selfishness has become a concept that has grown tremendously in importance, not only for those who are caring for others—i.e., elderly parents, children with disabilities, friends and partners with illness— but also as a widely promoted philosophy for healthy living.

Healthy selfishness is really just a term for good self-care. Sounds simple enough, but rarely are we taught the value of this: Not only is it okay, but it’s important. Much like the heart, if we are to be of any use to ourselves and others, we must first make sure we are able to be present to what’s going on within us. We must be able to listen, really hear and be fully here in the moment. Being present and available to yourself means that your mind and body are quietly focused and paying attention. In other words, you do not ignore your own well-being. Ever.

This is how self-care works. It is the manifestation of developing yourself, getting to understand what makes you tick, honoring your needs and wants— mind, body and spirit. The journey includes learning to become honest and authentic with yourself, able to be

receptive to the discovery of your own truths, even when they sting. It is what allows you, ultimately, to love freely and live fully. To make healthy choices and bring balance to your life. Ask yourself this: What do you have to do that’s more important than committing to your self-care and self-awareness, which then allows you to be a more caring and fully present person with others? (And, for care-givers, to not burn out in the process!)

If you can commit to this kind of relationship with yourself, then you can commit more fully to all your other relationships, personal and professional.

You can be a good friend, a great lover, a wonderful son, daughter or parent. A wise, compassionate boss. A motivated employee. So you see, taking care of yourself is not only good for you…it’s good for everyone in your life!

I’m asked all the time about how to find a healthy relationship. This is

how: develop a healthy, caring, honest relationship with yourself first. This is where it all begins. Remember the old saying, opposites attract? Well, maybe that’s true in the short term. But for going the distance, like attracts like. One of the most succinct ways to put this comes from drag queen RuPaul: “Honey, if you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love anyone else?”

So where to start? How can you find the balance you need to stay sane and present in the midst of a busy life? How can you nurture yourself, so you can be there for your needs, and for those you care about? How can you nurture that wonderful heart of yours, so you can love yourself, and love others…more fully than ever before? Such discovery is a most valuable, rewarding journey.

Until next time, from Lily Tomlin: “I always said I wanted to be somebody.

Now I realize I should have been more specific.”

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ARTS SCENE

The Unveiling Of A Longtime Dream The Sculpture Fields at Montague Park is a new gem on the Southside Photo by Anneka

Hey Batta Batta Swing!

Chattanooga Symphony hits a homerun this Saturday If you want to experience the symphony from a sports fans’ perspective, head down to the Tivoli Theatre this Saturday where symphony meets baseball for a night.

Taking the stage with the Chattanooga Symphony is conductor Bob Bernhardt, theatre organist Ken Double, and The Choo Choo Chorus. Together they create a show inspired by sports just in time for spring.

Experience the exhilarating talents of the symphony performing football spirit songs, Olympic themes, and hockey, tennis, and horse-racing related pieces in the first half of the performance. It’ll surely have your heart pounding with every note, the same adrenaline that ripples through your chest when the batter cracks a baseball clear out of the park. The second half of the performance will feature baseball and those high-flying hits that get your blood pumping.

CSO’s “Play Ball” concert is dedi-

cated to symphony and sports, two things that are usually not considered to blend together. However, the symphonic melodies align with athletic competition and capture the particular spirit of a sport.

Whatever sport you’re into, or if you’re just into good symphonic music, Bernhardt hopes that, “You’ll love this show as much as I will.”

The show couldn’t be more fitting as baseball season is upon us. Soon the Chattanooga Lookouts will grace the field, but CSO hopes to bring a black tie event to the playing field. Instead of black suits and ties, put on your favorite sport jersey and throw on a baseball cap for a night on the musical fields.

— Ja’Lisa Little CSO: Play Ball Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5050 chattanoogasymphony.org

THU4.7

FRI4.8

SAT4.9

LOTSA LAUGHS

HABITAT BENEFIT

SOUTHERN FUN

World Series of Comedy

Raise the Roof

Diving The Estate

7:30 p.m.

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

5:30 p.m.

The Chattanoogan 1201 South Broad St. (423) 424-3400 habichatt.org

14 • THE PULSE • APRIL 7, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com

A

MONUMENTAL EVENT FOR THE ARTS IN CHATTAnooga is happening this weekend on the Southside. The grand opening of the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park is taking place Friday and Saturday on Polk St., just a block off of Main St. A wide range of entertainment will be happening at this free event, including an iron pour, live music, artist talks, yoga, and most importantly, the viewing of massive sculptures.

Arts TONY MRAZ

“

A wide range of entertainment will be happening at this free event, including an iron pour, live music, artist talks, yoga, and most importantly, the viewing of massive sculptures.”

Curated by the legendary John Henry, 27 of these incredible works of art will be unveiled at the celebration, and 15 of the artists will be there to talk about the work. There’s not enough space in this article to adequately describe the backgrounds of all of the artists involved, so let it suffice to say that they are all highly accomplished and critically acclaimed.

Towering 65 feet over the park is Peter Lundberg’s “Anchors,” a tribute to Thomas J. Sullivan, David A. Wyatt, Carson A. Holmquist, Squire “Skip” Wells, and Randall S. Smith. It is entirely appropriate for one of the tallest sculptures in the nation to be dedicated to these five Marines who lost their lives in Chattanooga last year.

Mark di Suvero is a pioneer in the world of abstract expressionist sculpting. He was one of the first artists to use a crane as a sculpting tool. His piece “Swizzle” is a lyrical assemblage of H-beams and steel plates that looks like a giant sextant.

Linda Howard’s brushed aluminum pieces have played an integral role in the evolution of modern sculpture. Her work is an investigation of contradiction. “Star Center” uses lines to suggest a curved form in motion, and “Temple Mayan” uses them to create space.

Jesus Moroles has worked in over three hundred galleries and museums, including the Smithsonian Institution—in his

John Henry - "Bette Davis Eyes"

piece “Granite Windows”, he seeks to create a dialog with the observer, sparking a discussion of how man interacts with nature.

Neltje’s “Woman” is a rare example of the iconic philanthropist and abstract painter’s sculptural work.

Lyman Kipp’s “Dragon Fly” and “Hugo” were vital to the development of the primary structure style of sculpture.

Verina Baxter, founder of the Mid-South Sculpture Alliance, made her sculptures to enrich the lives of others. Her piece “Captain Merkel’s Ramming Dragon” looks like a whimsical machine that might burn down a castle while blowing bubbles.

Carl Billingsley has recently gained international renown, winning the Andrea Stretton Memorial Invitational Award at Sculpture by the SeaBondi in Sydney, Australia in 2013. His “ Keystone of Space” emphasizes the negative space within, making the emptiness its subject.

Roger Colombik’s addition to the collection, “Some Waves Spark Stone,” is a meditative piece that evokes an ancient zen.

Claus Moor’s “H-1540” is a fascinating work that also explores contradiction, finding balance in its asymmetry.

The intricate tops of four pillars represent the elements in Hanna Jubran’s “In Harmony— Earth, Water, Fire, Wind”.

Doug Schatz’s “River City Queen” features sharp forms growing from the ground like crystals.

Jan Meyer-Rogge’s minimalist work deals with balance—”Gezentien VI” consists of three interlocking forms that support each other’s weight with an Escher-like symmetry.

Jane Manus has been producing elegant geo-

metric forms since the 1970’s. “Think Big” is a classic example of her work, its dynamic composition enhancing the surrounding space like fine architecture.

George Schroeder’s “One” is reminiscent of a large tool, implying some mysterious function.

Jim Collins is best known for his series “The Watcher”, a silhouetted figure that can be seen sitting around town. His “Watcher with Red Shoes” sits atop a 25-foot pole, perhaps as a display of solidarity.

Gary Kulak’s iconic “Red Alert” looks like a giant red chair that suddenly came to life.

Bret Price’s sculptures are as much about the process as the finished product. “Peace Up” is an example of this, telling the story of its inception like a worn-out drill bit.

Barry Hehemann is a well-known figure in the Chicago sculpture scene and co-founder of Vector Custom Fabricating.

John Clement’s “Tangerine” features smooth, round forms interacting to suggest a fruit.

Heinz Aeschlimann’s “Composer” is writing a symphony with its graceful lines and forms.

John Henry’s contribution to the collection, “Betty Davis Eyes,” was built in the ‘80s. At the time, “Betty Davis Eyes” was one of the most popular radio hits, so John named the piece after the song. The story goes that when Betty saw a photograph of the sculpture, she asked “Do my eyes really look like that?”

Sculpture Fields at Montague Park will be open this Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visit sculpturefields.org/upcoming-events/ for a detailed schedule of events.

Heinz Aeschlimann - “Composer” CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • APRIL 7, 2016 • THE PULSE • 15

ARTS CALENDAR

Fiddler On The Roof

THURSDAY4.7 Portrait Painting Workshop with Chris Saper 9 a.m.

Townsend Atelier 301 E. 11th St. (423) 266-2712 townsendatelier.com Ooltewah Farmers Market 3 p.m.

Ooltewah Nursery 5829 Main St. ooltewahnursery.com Taste 2016 5 p.m.

Stratton Hall 3146 Broad St. (423) 667-4332 tastechatt.com Nature Nuts: March Madness 5 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0695 tnaqua.org Ambi Artists at Heritage House 6 p.m.

Heritage House 1428 Jenkins Rd. (423) 855-9474 chattanooga.gov Chattanooga Clarinet Choir 7 p.m.

Volkswagen Conference Center 7351 Volkswagen Dr. chattanoogaclarinetchoir.com World Series of Comedy 7:30 p.m.

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

16 • THE PULSE • APRIL 7, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

thecomedycatch.com Premiere Artist Competition 9 p.m.

Bella Vita 1400 Cowart St. (423) 668-6807 bellavitarestaurants.com

FRIDAY4.8 Portrait Painting Workshop with Chris Saper 9 a.m.

Townsend Atelier 301 E. 11th St. (423) 266-2712 townsendatelier.com Spring Open House & Market 10 a.m.

The Refindery 1300 McCallie Ave. (423) 697-1243 Entre Nosotras

PULSE PICK: GARDEN EXPO The Master Gardeners of Hamilton County gather together to bring you all the latest info and advice on home gardening and the outdoors.

Garden Expo Saturday, 10 a.m.

Camp Jordan 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy.

(423) 490-0078 mghc.org/garden-expo

11 a.m.

AVA Art Gallery 30 Frazier Ave. (423) 265-4282 avarts.org Swishes for Wishes 5 p.m.

MaClellan Gym 600 Douglas St. (423) 443-5152 utcchiomega.com Raise the Roof: A Benefit for Habitat for Humanity 5:30 p.m.

The Chattanoogan 1201 South Broad St. (423) 424-3400 habichatt.org Sculpture Fields Grand Opening Event 6 p.m.

Sculpture Fields at Montague Park 1800 Polk St.

(423) 266-7288 sculpturefields.org USA Dance – A Spring Salsa Spectacular 7:30 p.m.

Brainerd United Methodist 4315 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-0333 chattanoogausadance.com Fiddler on the Roof 7:30 p.m.

Chattanooga State Fine Arts 4501 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 697-3383 chattanoogastate.edu World Series of Comedy 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Horton Foote’s Southern Comedy Diving The Estate 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com

SATURDAY4.9 Sculpture Fields Grand Opening Event 8 a.m.

Sculpture Fields at Montague Park 800 Polk St. (423) 266-7288 sculpturefields.org Portrait Painting Workshop with Chris Saper 9 a.m.

Townsend Atelier

301 E. 11th St. (423) 266-2712 townsendatelier.com Money School 2016 9 a.m.

Brainerd Crossroads-BX 4011 Austin St. (423) 643-4978 brainerdrossroads.org Chattanooga River Market 10 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0695 chattanoogarivermarket.com Spring Open House & Market 10 a.m.

The Refindery 1300 McCallie Ave. (423) 697-1243 Shade Plants & Products for Shady Landscapes 10 a.m.

The Barn Nursery 1801 E. 24th St. Place (423) 698-2276 barnnursery.com 4th Annual “Master Your Garden” Garden Expo 10 a.m.

Camp Jordan 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy.

(423) 490-0078 mghc.org/garden-expo American Textiles, A Quilting Bee is Math Fun for Me! 1 p.m.

Houston Museum of Decorative Arts 201 High St. (423) 267-7176 thehoustonmuseum.org Blow Your Own Glass 1:30 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org Restorative Sound Immersion 2 p.m.

Purple Sky Healing Arts 625 E. Main St. (423) 521-0624 purpleskyhealingarts.com Vince Vawtor Signing 2 p.m.

Star Line Books 1467 Market St. (423) 777-5629 starlinebooks.com Historic MLK Blvd.

Walking Tour 2 p.m.

Miller Plaza 850 Market St. (423) 265-3700 Shine! Fashion Show 6 p.m.

Venue on Market 138 Market St. (423) 710-4495 venueonmarket.com Library After Hours Movie Night: ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ 6 p.m.

Northgate Public Library 278 Northgate Mall Dr. (423) 870-0635 chattlibrary.org Harrison Bay Star Party 7 p.m.

Harrison Bay State Park 8411 Harrison Bay Rd. (423) 344-6214 CSO: Play Ball 7:30 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre

709 Broad St. (423) 757-5050 chattanoogasymphony.org Fiddler on the Roof 7:30 p.m.

Chattanooga State Fine Arts 4501 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 697-3383 chattanoogastate.edu World Series of Comedy 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com All That Drag!

8 p.m.

Jazzanooga Arts Space 431 E. MLK Blvd. jazzanooga.org Horton Foote’s Southern Comedy Diving The Estate 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com A Night to Remember 8 p.m.

Convention Center 1150 Carter St. (423) 756-0001 anighttoremember.org

SUNDAY4.10 Portrait Painting Workshop with Chris Saper 9 a.m.

Townsend Atelier 301 E. 11th St. (423) 266-2712 townsendatelier.com

ARTS CALENDAR

Blow Your Own Glass

Fiddler on the Roof 2:30 p.m.

Chattanooga State Fine Arts 4501 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 697-3383 chattanoogastate.edu CSOYO Ensemble Dessert Concert 3 p.m.

First Christian Church 650 McCallie Avenue (423) 267-9011 chattanoogasymphony.org Girl on Girl Comedy & Revue 7:30 p.m.

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

10 p.m.

The Honest Pint 35 Patten Pkwy.

(423) 468-4192 thehonestpint.com

MONDAY4.11 Portrait Painting Workshop with Chris Saper 9 a.m.

Townsend Atelier 301 E. 11th St. (423) 266-2712 townsendatelier.com Tee Up & Wine Down for Habitat 1 p.m.

Black Creek Clubhouse 4700 Cummings Cove Dr. (423) 698-8001 gcar.net Reading and Book CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • APRIL 7, 2016 • THE PULSE • 17

ARTS CALENDAR Signing with Robert Morgan 6 p.m.

Chattanooga Public Library 925 W. 39th St. (423) 825-7237 chattlibrary.org

TUESDAY4.12 Tuesday Café Noon Jewish Cultural Center 5461 N. Terrance Rd. (423) 493-0270 jewishchattanooga.com Reading and Book Signing wtih Ron Rash 4:30 p.m.

Star Line Books 1467 Market St. (423) 777-5629 starlinebooks.com Russian Academy Figure Drawing with Daud Akhriev 6 p.m.

Townsend Atelier 301 E. 11th St. (423) 266-2712 townsendatelier.com Chattanooga Lookouts vs Jackson Generals Opening Night 6:15 p.m.

AT&T Field 201 Power Alley (423) 267-2208 milb.com Writers@Work 7 p.m.

Chattanooga State Humanities Theater 4501 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 697-3233 chattanoogastate.edu Improv Chattanooga Showcase #1

18 • THE PULSE • APRIL 7, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Main Street Farmers Market 7:30 p.m.

The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. (423) 661-3185 granfalloonchatt.com

WEDNESDAY4.13 Middle East Dance 10:30 a.m.

Jewish Cultural Center 5461 N. Terrance (423) 493-0270 jewishchattanooga.com Chattanooga Lookouts vs Jackson Generals 11:15 a.m.

AT&T Field 201 Power Alley (423) 267-2208 milb.com Main Street Farmers Market 4 p.m.

Main Street Farmers 325 E. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com Reading and Signing with Robert Morgan & Ron Rash 6:30 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.or Improv Chattanooga Showcase #7 7:30 p.m.

The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. (423) 661-3185 granfalloonchatt.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse. com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

FOOD & DRINK MIXOLOGY

How To Have A “Pitcher” Perfect Spring Three easy, pitcher-sized drinks recommended for any Spring occasion “No matter what end you’re on—serving the beverages or receiving them— the process of obtaining a mixed drink needs to be quick and painless.”

Wedding showers, garden parties, engagement parties, barbeques, weddings…what do all of these things have in common? They all happen in the spring, some more frequently than others, and they all should serve alcohol.

Depending on who you ask, they need alcohol.

No matter what end you’re on—serving the beverages or receiving them— the process of obtaining a mixed drink needs to be quick and painless. Good thing we’ve come up with a little list of tasty drinks to make by the pitcher. Not only do you get a large enough quantity to excite even the most begrudging guest, but it looks beautiful and adds a pop of color to the party.

When it comes to sangria, the options are endless. But we’ve narrowed it down to one of the best and most visually appealing. The Rosé Sangria

is a classic and perfect for spring. It is filled with bright, fresh fruit, which is good for snacking on after the delicious drink has been slurped down, and the rosy hue is a perfect accent at any party.

• 1 (750 ml) bottle crisp dry Rosé • 3 tablespoons Triple Sec or Grand Marnier • 3 tablespoons agave nectar • 1 cup raspberries, a mix of golden and red preferably • 1/2 cup cubed watermelon • 1/2 peach, thinly sliced • 5 to 6 thin slices lime • Ice, for serving Combine the Rosé, Triple Sec, and agave nectar (or honey) in a pitcher.

Add the raspberries, watermelon, peach, and lime, and gently stir to combine. Chill 3-4 hours. Serve cold, over ice.

To make a spring twist on a classic cocktail, we have the Lavender & Vodka cocktail. This enticing drink is the classic vodka cocktail all dressed up.

It’s great for the fancier party where you may be trying to really impress a guest rather than just wet their whistle.

It also brings back a few of those flowers you have been missing in the cold winter months.

The ingredients here are two-fold, but have no fear, they are both very simple. For the lavender syrup, you’ll need the following: • 1 cup granulated sugar • 1 cup water • 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender For the cocktail: • 1 ½ ounces vodka • ¾ ounce lavender syrup • ¼ ounce Page’s Parfait Amour • ¾ ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed • soda water • lavender flower for garnish For the lavender syrup: Add the

sugar, water, and lavender to a small saucepan, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup has come to a simmer. Cook for two more minutes, and then take it off the heat and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the lavender out; chill before using. Store refrigerated in an airtight container For the cocktail: Add the vodka, lavender syrup, Page’s Parfait Amour, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top off with soda water, and garnish with a sprig of lavender.

Note: To make it pitcher size, simply multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of guests and voila, you’ve got enough for the whole gang.

Last, but not least, is the Jalapeño Margarita. You didn’t think you’d get through this article without a margarita did you? Well, this one is not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned. If you tend to lean more towards Bloody Marys or Salty Dogs, then this is one for you.

• 1 jalapeño, stem and seeds removed • 1 handful of celery leaves • 4 limes, juiced • 8 ounces tequila • 4 ounces orange liqueur • Ice • Salt Pulse jalapeño, celery leaves, lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur in a blender. Pour over a pitcher filled with ice. Serve on the rocks in salt-rimmed glasses (or substitute sugar if your taste buds can’t take the heat...seriously).

— Rebekah Jones

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • APRIL 7, 2016 • THE PULSE • 19

MUSIC SCENE

Tab Spencer Improves on Excellence

Bourdon and Kirton return with amazingly good Tab Spencer EP

Patsy Cline: Revisiting A Legend Seasoned guitarist Mike Baggetta takes on a classic Patsy Cline paved the way for women with unique, powerful voices. She was best known for her role in the new frontier of country music as a singer with an emotional tone.

Another artist paving the way is guitarist Mike Baggetta. He has been described as compelling, searing, atmospheric, and melodic, to name a few.

This Thursday, he is coming to Barking Legs Theater with his band in order to perform an intriguing and complex show dedicated to retelling the melodies of the great Patsy Cline.

They will be taking songs from her extensive and impressive catalogue and reworking them through the lens of 21st Century modern music.

Baggetta is known for his bold yet mysterious choices with the guitar and his ability to improvise beautiful riffs on stage. Being able to re-

design the complexities of someone as talented as Cline is no easy feat, but Baggetta is willing to prove his expertise. He has been described someone who takes an “unsafe approach” to modern jazz and an undertaking such as this one will prove it to be true.

One critic said of Baggetta, “There are plenty of guitarists with chops but few whose fingers can write and paint pictures this musically.” To see a picture of Cline painted with effortless skill and passion, come to Barking Legs this Thursday.

— Rebekah Jones Mike Baggetta Quartet Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

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

THU4.7

FRI4.8

SAT4.9

GUITAR MASTER

THE SONGSTER

UNSTOPPABLE

Robin Trower

David Ramirez

Roger Alan Wade

One of the greatest guitarists of his era makes a return visit to the Scenic City.

8 p.m.

Track 29 1400 Market St. revelryroom.co

David brings his full band for a night of original tunes and more.

7:30 p.m.

The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd. thecamphouse.com

If you've never seen Roger before, what are you waiting for? It's worth it!

9 p.m.

Puckett’s Grocery 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com

20 • THE PULSE • APRIL 7, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

M

AN, DO I LOVE MONDAY NIGHTS. IT’S CRUNCH time for slack-ass Pulse writers everywhere (looking at you, Teach) and while our editor is asking himself for the thousandth time what could justify all the ulcers and hair-loss, we tap away in the darkened corners of wherever it is we work, trying to justify being kept on the payroll for another week.

Music MARC T. MICHAEL

“

The eponymous new EP is just five tunes, but each one is a gem and taken as a whole, it is some of the most quintessential roots rock I have ever heard.”

Most often the material I have to work with is pretty good, and that makes the job fun and interesting.

Rarely (but not as rare as I’d like) the material is…less robust and that makes for a long, miserable night. Then there are nights like tonight when the artist is someone I’ve covered before (and can therefore dispense with mundane details) and the material is exceptional.

I love nights like tonight, and tonight the subject is Tab Spencer.

It’s been two years since I first wrote about the duo of Garrett Bourdon and Jack Kirton. I was impressed then; I’m blown away now. The eponymous new EP is just five tunes, but each one is a gem and taken as a whole, it is some of the most quintessential roots rock I have ever heard.

Track one, “The Wind Does Blow,” features a prominent mandolin, gorgeous in tone and execution. At the same time, somewhere over the song’s left shoulder is an omnipresent lead guitar and the counterpoint is achingly sweet. Layers of sound give the song genuine depth without ever become murky, muddy or overcrowded and through it all, Bourdon’s voice (with

Love Dragon Releases Exclusive New Music Video Be the first to see the latest from a new musical duo

Photo: facebook.com/tabspencer

Kirton backing) is the key that holds it all together, the narrator that walks us through from one end of the song to the other. I’m telling you, and not for the last time, these guys have made something very special here.

“All In” is the second song of the disc and opens with the dulcet tones of Kirton’s pedal steel.

For just a moment it seems like it might be a lazy, summer afternoon kind of tune until the drums kick in with the steady chug of a steam locomotive sailing down the tracks (the harmonica lends itself to that particular imagery) and the beautifully flat-picked guitar completes the sense of motion. Bourdon’s vocals soar along with the song, periodically dropping down in to lustier, guttural territory. It’s a joyful little tune that still somehow manages to convey a sense of wistfulness and longing.

“What I’m Told” has got to have some Western in its DNA (Western, NOT Country Western.) Was it not for the chant-like cadence of the verse it could damn near be a cowboy tune. Haunting and full of space, it illustrates the maturity

of Bourdon and Kirton. Where all too many musicians tend to err on the side of “too much,” this song demonstrates the considerable power of restraint.

“Mary Ellen” is the song that takes every gentle, beautiful element of the other songs and adds a cello for good measure. The song is heartbreakingly gorgeous and while it isn’t particularly sad, it’s hard not to become a little misty-eyed during the extended instrumental portions. For all their prodigious writing skills (they are excellent lyricists) this song says as much, or more, without the words as with.

“Where Were You” is the final entry on the EP and the jaunty tune is a fitting capstone to the project. Where “Mary Ellen” left me lost in a forest of beautiful sounds, “Where Were You” is like a gentle nudge back to reality, as if to say, “Hey man, put your shoes back on. We’ve got a little more to say and then it’s time to move on.”

Of course all I’m describing here is the feel of the song and its placement in the playlist. As a standalone entry the tune once

again shows the ability of the band to combine disparate elements into something new and wonderful. The song sounds just as happy as all get out but the point of it is something else altogether: “You were born to these hills with the wind at your back, where there once was a smile, now a nervous laugh…”

It appears I am well over my word-limit for this feature, but that happens with music of this caliber (when not torturing my editor with extended deadlines, I confusticate him with word overages and space constraints.)

Simply put, Tab Spencer was excellent two years ago, but their latest entry surpasses that work in every way. A tip of the hat to the friends and contributors who lent their talents to this most impressive collection of songs: Joey Berkley on drums, Dennis Hubbard on bass, Spaz Macisco on synth, and the lovely Emily Scott Robinson on background vocals and cello.

The EP is called Tab Spencer and as far as I’m concerned, it’s one of the best releases of the year.

Hey kids, there’s a new band in town. They don’t have an album. They don’t have a tour.

They don’t even have stickers or designer condoms. They do, however, have a video.

They’re called Love Dragon and they are Cherokee Mike (co-writer, vocals) and $inema Ninja (writer, vocals, director). Yes, stage names, for there is mystery afoot.

Cherokee Mike and $inema Ninja have been working together in the area for sixteen years. Two years ago $inema approached Cherokee Mike and producer TJ Thunder (@tjthunder on Instagram, if you’re curious) about recording a scratch track for a song he wanted to pitch to a female vocalist.

When the track was finished, all agreed they really liked it as it was sans female vocals (Prince is known for this as well) so the decision was made to keep the song, bring on the ATL Cherry Bombs (@cherrybombdance on Instagram) as dancers and record a video.

That video, “Heartbeat Slows,” has been kept under wraps until now and in a genuine Pulse exclusive, you, dear reader, will be among the very first to see it at lovedragonmusic.com. It’s a fun project from a couple of well-known, talented locals. Check it out!

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • APRIL 7, 2016 • THE PULSE • 21

MUSIC CALENDAR THURSDAY4.7 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 Jimmy Harris 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com River City Sessions 7 p.m.

The Camp House 231 E. MLK Blvd. thecamphouse.com Bluegrass and Country Jam 7 p.m.

Grace Nazarene Church 6310 Dayton Blvd. chattanoogagrace.com Bluegrass Thursdays 7:30 p.m.

Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Mike Baggetta Quartet: The Music of Patsy Cline 7:30 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave.

22 • THE PULSE • APRIL 7, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Robin Trower barkinglegs.org Jess James & Tim Neal 7:30 p.m.

Mexi Wings VII 5773 Brainerd Rd. mexi-wingchattanooga.com Keepin’ It Local 8 p.m.

The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com Robin Trower 8 p.m.

Track 29 1400 Market St. revelryroom.co Open Mic with Hap Henninger 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Green River Ordinance 9 p.m.

Revelry Room

PULSE PICK: PAINS CHAPEL Old school, in-your-face, unrepentant heavy metal.

With influences ranging from Black Sabbath to Bullet for My Valentine, Pains Chapel presents a timeless, high-energy completely metal show.

Pains Chapel Saturday, 9 p.m.

Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net

41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co

FRIDAY4.8 Juke Joint Sessions 5:30 p.m.

Memo’s Grill 430 E. MLK Blvd. jazzanooga.org 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 Hamilton County Ramblers 7 p.m.

Jazzanooga 431 E. MLK Blvd. jazzanooga.org Jimmy Harris 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com David Ramirez with Molly Parden 7:30 p.m.

The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd. thecamphouse.com The Troy Burns Family 7:30 p.m.

The Ringgold Depot 155 Depot St. cityofringgold.com Tech N9ne with special guests Rittz, Krizz Kaliko, iMayday!, Stevie Stone, Ces Cru and Michael Da Vinci 8 p.m.

Track 29 1400 Market St. track29.co Misfit Toyz 8:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Opposite Box with Bath Salt Zombies 9 p.m.

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

9 p.m.

Puckett’s Grocery 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Rumors: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute 9 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co Alex Guthrie 9 p.m.

World of Beer 412 Market St. wobusa.com Husky Burnette & Yattie Westfield 9 p.m.

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

Bud's Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd budssportsbar.com Mic Larry 11 p.m.

Raw Dance Club 409 Market St. rawbarandgrillchatt.com

SATURDAY4.9 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 Jimmy Harris 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com CSO Pops: Play Ball 7:30 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. chattanoogaonstage.com Open Mic Night 7:30 p.m.

The Meeting House 3912 Dayton Blvd. redbankmeetinghouse.com ConFunkShun and Midnight Star 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Convention Center 1150 Carter St. anighttoremember.org Sean Watkins 8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org John Stringer 8 p.m.

Charles and Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org All That Drag!

8 p.m.

Jazzanooga 431 E. MLK Blvd.

jazzanooga.org The Wood Brothers 8 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co Misfit Toyz 8:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Roger Alan Wade 9 p.m.

Puckett’s Grocery 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com The Cothern Miracle Duo 9 p.m.

World of Beer 412 Market St. wobusa.com Crowbar, Hatestomp 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Pains Chapel, Never Surrender, Firewater Revival, Virginia Avenue 9 p.m.

Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net Dyrty Byrds 10 p.m.

Clyde’s on Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com Amber Fults 10 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Cash Only Band

MUSIC CALENDAR

The Wood Brothers 10 p.m.

Bud's Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd budssportsbar.com Mic Larry 11 p.m.

Raw Dance Club 409 Market St. rawbarandgrillchatt.com

SUNDAY4.10 Open Mic with Jeff Daniels 6 p.m.

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

Barking Legs Theatre 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org

MONDAY4.11 Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Open Air with Jessica Nunn 7:30 p.m.

Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com Buddy Guy 8 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. chattanoogaonstage.com Very Open Mic CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • APRIL 7, 2016 • THE PULSE • 23

MUSIC CALENDAR with Shawnessey Cargile 8 p.m.

The Well 1800 Rossville Blvd. #8 wellonthesouthside.com

TUESDAY4.12 Concert for a Cause with David Nail 7:15 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 23 UTC MCKENZIE ARENA TICKETS ON FRIDAY , TICKETS ONSALE SALE NOW AT AT 10 AM AT TICKETTRACKS.COM TICKETTRACKS.COM JAMESTAYLOR.COM FACEBOOK.COM/JAMESTAYLOR

24 • THE PULSE • APRIL 7, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

GREAT VALENTINE’S GIFT!

WEDNESDAY4.13 The Other Guys 6 p.m.

SpringHill Suites 495 Riverfront Pkwy.

(423) 834-9300 Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m.

El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonrestaurant.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Courtney Daly Band

David Nail 7 p.m.

End Zone 3658 Ringgold Rd. (423) 661-8020 Open Jam 8 p.m.

Raw Dance Club 409 Market St. rawbarandgrillchatt.com Ben Friberg Trio 8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Slum Village, Guilty Simpson, Phat Kat, Black Milk J Dilla Tribute 9 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co Priscilla & Little Rickee 9 p.m.

Las Margarita Riverview 1101 Hixson Pike (423) 756-3332 Convertibull 9 p.m.

The Palms 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com RIFF RAFF 9 p.m.

Track 29 1400 Market St. track29.co Wednesday Blues Jam 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse. com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

RECORD REVIEWS ERNIE PAIK

Big Kitty Delves For Gold, Muslimgauze Channels Dubstep Big Kitty is as odd as always, Muslimgauze dubs Middle Eastern angst

Big Kitty Better Than Gold (Teaberry)

T

he arrival of the new album, Better Than Gold, from Big Kitty is bittersweet. You see, it’s the first album released since Clark Williams—the man behind Big Kitty—moved to Sebastopol, California from Chattanooga, after establishing himself with his offkilter quasi-folk offerings on the short list of the city’s most imaginative and charming singers and songwriters.

While previous releases featured full-band configurations (Florence) and electronic whimsy (TR-002),

brewer media

Muslimgauze Abyssinia Selasie (Staalplaat)

Better Than Gold strips things down to a bare simplicity, with songs recorded live with no overdubs; three tracks are a cappella, while the others feature either acoustic guitar or banjo. If you’ve not experienced the joys of Big Kitty, Williams offers clever and magical songwriting with modernized folk tales, delivered with his distinctive voice that is deep, with a slight reedy quality.

Better Than Gold features an assortment of odd stories, including “The Ballad of Almond Robin,”

sung to the tune of “Fair & Tender Ladies,” concerning a talking lobster who saves a person’s life by a salad bar, and “I Didn’t Kill Elvis,” a bizarre dream with a surprise genealogy. “A Father’s Warning to His Son” is a cautionary tale about a hay-stacking accident caused by being distracted by a smartphone (“If you own an iPhone, you surely will die”), while “Two Little Girls” takes a dark turn, where the titular schoolgirls set off fireworks and allow the blame to fall on two boys who are then accused of terrorism.

“The Ballad of the Lost Levels” is a fictional account about the creation of the sequel to the video game Super Mario Bros. that was known for being punishingly difficult, and it becomes a story about adversity and inspiration, with the lines “I made this Mario as hard as life / You’re going to fail, but just don’t stop / Let Mario be your guide, and you’ll come out on top.”

One of the highlights is the upbeat, tongue-twisting “Backward Knees” about a nanny goat, complete with bleating, and the 10-minute sprawling epic a cappella track “The Ballad of the Queen of An-

cient” features time travel and an orangutan and giant mouse named Jesus who re-populate an empire with people created from grass and raisins.

Once you’re a Big Kitty fan, nothing else can scratch that itch, and Better Than Gold comes as welcome as a phone call from an old friend.

T

he case of the late British musician Bryn Jones—the solo artist behind Muslimgauze—is an unusual and astounding one. After being profoundly affected by the invasion of Lebanon by Israel in 1982, his calling was to create a form of musical protest with sympathies clearly siding with Palestinians (title examples: The Rape of Palestine, Vote Hezbollah), and some may find it odd that Jones never visited the Middle East and was not a Muslim himself.

His life was cut short at the age of 37 in 1999 due to a rare blood infection, but he left behind several lifetimes worth of material: over one hundred albums, plus unreleased material that’s still being plundered today.

As conflicts unfolded in the news, such as the deadly “Black Monday” Temple Mount riots of 1990 or the 1994 Hebron Massacre attack at a West Bank mosque, Jones would respond with his distinctive music, made from tape loops and analog equipment with heavy, infectious rhythms, synthetics, samples from Middle Eastern sources, and handstruck percussion.

Separating the political views from the music, when listening to Muslimgauze, is not always simple, although the political expressions were primarily done as dedications or through album or song titles.

However, it’s easier to do so for the recent archival release Abyssinia Selasie than most, bearing a deep Jamaican dub influence, hinted by the title.

A few tracks have been previously released on the double-CD version of Syrinjia, and certain elements including vocals and rhythms had been used on other songs. “Arab” and the title track come straight from the King Tubby playbook, with a deep bass grooves, reverberating beats and echoing notes, and “Benzedrine Wallah” has a prominent rhythmic tug and vinyl-record crackle with a clear vocal sample of a woman singing in Arabic. “Mea Culpa” is one of the album’s more interesting tracks, with the sound cutting in and out abruptly, enhanced by static blasts.

Abyssinia Selasie works just fine as a dub album or as part of the vast, complex, controversial catalog of Muslimgauze.

Chattanooga’s Greatest Hits

everywhere. every day.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • APRIL 7, 2016 • THE PULSE • 25

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Diversions

Consider This with Dr. Rick

by Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D. “And I said to my body, softly, ‘I want to be your friend.’ It took a long breath, and replied, ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this’.” — Nayyirah Waheed Nip, tuck, tan the front, pull, push, shave, tweak, trim, pluck, tan the other side, pump, sweat, shave again, trim again, push, pull, pump some more, brighten, whiten, bond, time to tan again… did I miss a spot?

Don’t eat that, don’t drink that, don’t do that…no thanks, none for me…

I’m watching my figure. Gotta lose five for the weekend. Gotta make an appointment at the sauna, with my facialist, my stylist…am I an Autumn?

I’m exhausted.

When do you feel that you look good? When wearing stripes? No! Shorts?

No! Naked with the lights on? OK, you’re joking, right?

Here’s the real question: Under what conditions do you feel good about yourself—mind, body and spirit? All you ever need to know: You gotta love yourself on the inside first.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • APRIL 7, 2016 • THE PULSE • 27

COLUMN FREE WILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): French artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954) is regarded as one of the greats, in the same league as Picasso and Kandinsky. Even in his eighties, he was still creating marvels one critic said ROB BREZSNY that seemed “to come from the springtime of the world.” As unique as his work was, he was happy to acknowledge the fact that he thrived on the influence of other artists. And yet he also treasured the primal power of his innocence. He trusted his childlike wonder.

“You study, you learn, but you guard the original naiveté,” he said. “It has to be within you, as desire for drink is within the drunkard or love is within the lover.” These are good, sweet thoughts for you to keep in mind right now, Aries.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus-born Kurt Gödel (1906-1978) was among history’s greatest logicians. His mastery of rational thought enabled him to exert a major influence on scientific thinking in the 20th century. Yet he also had an irrational fear of being poisoned, which made him avoid food unless his wife cooked it. One of the morals of his story is that reason and delusion may get all mixed up in the same location. Sound analysis and crazy superstition can get so tangled they’re hard to unravel. The coming week will be an excellent time to meditate on how this phenomenon might be at work in you. You now have an extraordinary power to figure out which is which, and then take steps to banish the crazy, superstitious, fearful stuff.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): For a time, pioneer physicist Albert Einstein served as a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ. On one occasion, a student complained to him, “The questions on this year’s exam are the same as last year’s.” Einstein agreed that they were, then added, “but this year all the answers are different.”

I’m seeing a similar situation in your life, Gemini.

For you, too, the questions on this year’s final exam are virtually identical to last year’s final exam—and yet every one of the answers has changed. Enjoy the riddle.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Your personal oracle for the coming weeks is a fable from 2600 years ago.

It was originally written by the Greek storyteller Aesop, and later translated by Joseph Jacobs. As the tale begins, a dog has discovered a hunk of raw meat lying on the ground. He’s clenching his treasure in his mouth as he scurries home to enjoy it in peace. On the way, he trots along a wooden plank that crosses a rapidly-flowing stream. Gazing down, he sees his reflection in the water below.

What? He imagines it’s another dog with another slab of meat. He tries to snatch away this bonus treat, but in doing so, drops his own meat. It falls into the stream and is whisked away. The moral of the fable: “Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “I never get lost because I don’t know where I am going,” said the Japanese poet known as Ikkyu. I stop short of endorsing this perspective for full-time, long-term use, but I think it suits you fine for right now. According to my astrological projections, you can gather the exact lessons you need simply by wandering around playfully, driven by cheerful curiosity about the sparkly sights—and not too concerned with what they mean. P.S. Don’t worry if the map you’re consulting doesn’t seem to match the territory you’re exploring.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “If literally every action a human can perform was an Olympic sport,” Reddit. com asked its users, “which events would you win medals in?” A man named Hajimotto said his champion-level skill was daydreaming. “I can zone out and fantasize for hours at a time,” he testified. “This is helpful when I am waiting in line.” You Virgos are not typically Olympic-class daydreamers, but I encourage you to increase your skills in the coming weeks. It’ll be a favorable time for your imagination to run wild and free. How exuberantly can you fantasize? Find out!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In his book Strange Medicine, Nathan Belofsky tells us about unusual healing practices of the past. In ancient Egypt, for example, the solution for a toothache was to have a dead mouse shoved down one’s throat. If someone had cataracts, the physician might dribble hot broken glass into their eyes. I think these strategies qualify as being antidotes that were worse than the

28 • THE PULSE • APRIL 7, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Homework: Comment on Bertrand Russell’s statement, “The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” Share your thoughts at FreeWillAstrology.com conditions they were supposed to treat. I caution you against getting sucked into “cures” like those in the coming days. The near future will be a favorable time for you to seek healing, but you must be very discerning as you evaluate the healing agents.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In his poem “The Snowmass Cycle,” Stephen Dunn declares that everyone “should experience the double fire, of what he wants and shouldn’t have.” I foresee a rich opportunity coming up for you to do just that, Scorpio. And yes, I do regard it as rich, even marvelous, despite the fact that it may initially evoke some intense poignance. Be glad for this crisp revelation about a strong longing whose fulfillment would be no damn good for you!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “When I look at my life I realize that the mistakes I have made, the things I really regret, were not errors of judgment but failures of feeling.” Writer Jeanette Winterson said that, and I’m passing it on to you at the exact moment you need to hear it. Right now, you are brave enough and strong enough to deal with the possibility that maybe you’re not doing all you can to cultivate maximum emotional intelligence. You are primed to take action and make big changes if you discover that you’re not feeling as much as you

can about the important things in your life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Psychotherapist Jennifer Welwood says that sadness is often at the root of anger. Feelings of loss and disappointment and heartache are the more primary emotions, and rage is a reflexive response to them. But sadness often makes us feel vulnerable, while rage gives us at least the illusion of being strong, and so most of us prefer the latter. But Welwood suggests that tuning in to the sadness almost always leads to a more expansive understanding of your predicament; and it often provides the opportunity for a more profound self-transformation. I invite you to apply these meditations to your own life, Capricorn. The time is right.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “The causes of human actions are usually immeasurably more complex and varied than our subsequent explanations of them.” Fyodor Dostoyevsky said that in his novel The Idiot, and now I’m passing it on to you just in the nick of time. In the coming weeks, it’s especially important for you to not oversimplify your assessments of what motivates people—both those you respect and those you don’t fully trust. For your own sake, you can’t afford to naively assume either the best or the worst about anyone. If you hope to further your own agendas, your nuanced empathy must be turned up all the way.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Believing love is work is certainly better than believing it’s effortless, ceaseless bliss,” says author Eric LeMay. That’s advice I hope you’ll keep close at hand in the coming weeks, Pisces. The time will be right for you to exert tremendous effort in behalf of everything you love dearly—to sweat and struggle and strain as you create higher, deeper versions of your most essential relationships. Please remember this, though: The hard labor you engage in should be fueled by your ingenuity and your creative imagination. Play and experiment and enjoy yourself as you sweat and struggle and strain!

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

“Bridging the Gap”—getting across is important, too.

ACROSS 1 Postgraduate study, perhaps 4 1,550-mile continental range 9 Little demons 13 Hip-hop’s ___ Fiasco 14 “Come Away With Me” singer Jones 15 “Protein,” in some restaurant options 16 Go through 18 Sweat source 19 Big shiny building, once you get past the fence?

21 Fractions of a mi.

22 Bus route divisions 23 “Happy Days” diner 26 “___ a small world” 28 Broadway legend Merman 32 Droid 33 Swimming or floating 37 “Game of Thrones” actress Chaplin 38 Chuck, at a fancy NYC party?

41 Yellen’s forte,

for short 42 “Rare and radiant maiden” of “The Raven” 43 First responder, briefly 44 “Big Three” meeting site of 1945 46 Mama’s boy?

47 Part of DOS: Abbr.

48 Hipbone-related 52 Anderson who directed “Rushmore” 54 Last dance theater at the end of the block?

61 “Ricochet” actor/rapper 62 Resentment of the successful, in Irish slang 63 2014’s “The ___ Movie” 64 Short-lived NBC drama named for the outermost section of the Pentagon 65 Full of malicious intent 66 Border 67 OKCupid meetups 68 B.O. purchases

DOWN 1 “___ Jr.” (Pixar’s first film, featuring the lamps now used in their logo) 2 Kitchen item: Abbr.

3 Like a neglected garden 4 Remove, in a way 5 “The Man Who Fell to Earth” director Nicolas 6 “I Love Lucy” costar Desi 7 ___-ovo vegetarian 8 “Two and a Half Men” actor 9 Stand-in 10 “Gimme some cat treats” 11 Remove, as a potato peel 12 Hip add-on?

13 “Sweep the ___” (“Karate Kid” quote) 17 Sign of owing 20 Prop for the course 23 Downton, for one 24 Poet Federico Garcia ___ 25 Bar support

27 Affliction of the eyelid 29 Plot flaws 30 Jet, to a Shark, e.g.

31 Hangs in there 34 Raggedy ___ 35 Lts.’ subordinates 36 Small floor coverings 39 How some sneak in 40 Virgil epic 45 “Blue Rondo ___ Turk” (Brubeck song) 49 Cheeky words after reading a fortune cookie fortune 50 Luxury Hyundai sedan 51 Lawful, informally 53 “Fuller House” actor Bob 54 Word game piece 55 Blasted through 56 Simon of “Hot Fuzz” 57 Aquatic bird 58 Strauss the jeans-maker 59 “Silly Rabbit” cereal 60 “Popeye” surname

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. 0774 CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • APRIL 7, 2016 • THE PULSE • 29

COLUMN ON THE BEAT

Handicapped Parking and Heroin Abuse Office Alex dishes on his dual dislikes, and the people who abuse them

ALEX TEACH

“

People that do so are an amalgam of audacity, entitlement, and inconsideration that represent an almost benign moral cancer in our society, but a cancer all the same.”

Photo by Gabriel Doyle When officer Alexander D. Teach is not patrolling our fair city on the heels of the criminal element, he spends his spare time volunteering for the Boehm Birth Defects Center.

Things that piss me off really piss me off. As you may imagine that’s an incredibly broad topic. I have a word count to abide here so for the sake of brevity, allow me to narrow that down to two specific things that piss me off.

The first is fairly straightforward and not exactly shocking: Handicap parking abuse.

Yes, yes, I’m aware of elder abuse, kidnapping, failure to signal intent to change lanes and all the other serious crimes the take place in this country every day, but people that park in a Handi Spot “for just a second” have a really special place in the maelstrom of cholesterol and caffeine that is my tiny (if not “bird-like”) heart.

People that do so are an amalgam of audacity, entitlement, and inconsideration that represent an almost benign moral cancer in our society, but a cancer all the same. My badge may as well be forged from spent fissile material because, despite my normally serene appearance in the face of lawlessness, on this topic I go full Fukushima-therapy on their asses.

Don’t feel clever because you obscured your tag with an AutoZone “tinted vanity plate cover,” and don’t think the speed with which you need a sack of carrots and a new toilet bowl brush exceeds the likelihood of someone handicapable needing the spot your physically (if not morally) corpulent ass has illegally occupied.

The other thing I hate? Heroin. (Practically the same thing as above, to me.)

Now I normally spend an embarrassing amount of time obsessing on a topic so that I can present facts, figures, and their sources to present an intelligent dialogue, but in this case I’m going to keep it simple and risk you just not believing me.

In 2010 I can’t remember hearing

30 • THE PULSE • APRIL 7, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

about heroin overdose, much less any heroin arrests. In fact, I did a cover story for this very fish wrapper called “The Price of Vice” around that time in which every drug dealer I interviewed (literally—even my customers love me) stated there was no heroin in town because the stable of dealers at that time would physically beat anyone violating that one rule.

Heroin was verboten.

In 2013, you could count overdoses and arrests using just your thumbs.

By April 2016? There has been an average of one fatal heroin overdose a week since the beginning of the new year. Not just an overdose; a death per week. Yet, like the inconvenient success of the Sanders presidential campaign, it’s hardly being discussed.

While I can’t speak to that phenomenon, I can point to another that seems to have a direct correlation on the return of what was once considered to be the polio of drugs: The death of pain management clinics through either criminal corruption or over-regulation Opiates...powerful stuff. And when they can’t get them over the counter because they either cannot afford it or the counter has been physically removed by the State, it’s not a matter of taking off your jersey and leaving the stadium; it’s a matter of doing whatever you have to

do to escape the chronic pain that usually leads to such an addiction, because opiates are like a child of divorce: The roots grow down to your very soul and are almost impossible to excise.

General Practitioners are in awfully short supply and many don’t even accept new patients anymore. For those that do, pain management patients require additional levels of supervision and skill many GP’s simply cannot afford to invest in. The remaining pain management clinics operate with the concentration you’d expect of one working at legislative gunpoint, and with this particular brand of addiction…tomorrow is a luxury patients do not consider, only the need to address the very real physical addiction now, consequences be damned.

I do not blame the State for the new slew of deaths of our very much physically addicted community members, only the law of unintended consequences…but now that we are aware of such, what’s the excuse? Just don’t talk about it and hope it fades like a fart in an elevator?

Handicap Spaces and Heroin: One caused by apathy and the other caused by denial. Let’s start the dialogue because another thing that pisses me off is ignoring a solvable problem. Break the cycle so they can break the cycle.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • APRIL 7, 2016 • THE PULSE • 31