The Pulse 14.38 » September 21, 2017

NO. 38 • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

MONT OVERTON ART · DAVID FRANCISCO MUSIC · FRIGHTENING ASS FILM FESTIVAL

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VOL. 14, NO. 38 • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

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SOUTH BROAD, RENEWED?

Commuters from Lookout Mountain to downtown are used to seeing Wheland Foundry rising on their left, iconic but empty. Trespassers have seen the structure floating above them, dim and airy as Monet’s Gare Saint-Lazare.

THE FRIGHTENING ASS FILM FESTIVAL

It’s almost that time of year. The older I get, the more I realize that there are only two real holidays. One is Christmas. The other, is, of course, Halloween

METALWORKING WITH MONT OVERTON

A treasure trove of delightful mixed media copper sculptures are being made right here in the Chattanooga area by local artisan Mont Overton. His fascinating pieces walk a tightrope between folk art and fine art.

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THE SHOW MUST GO ON

A recurring theme in a number of pieces I’ve written for The Pulse over the years concerns what seems to be a rising tide of performers who complain endlessly about their lack of instant money, adulation and respect.

ALSO INSIDE

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Welcome Our Autonomous Overlords The future the 1950s thought we’d have is about to happen. We’ve got our talking watches, microwave ovens and color TVs. The robots have voices and their bodies are on the way, including disturbing sexy—and sexless—robots.

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

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CONSIDER THIS

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MUSIC CALENDAR

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JUST A THEORY

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MUSIC REVIEWS

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NEW IN THEATERS

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

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ARTS CALENDAR

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JONESIN' CROSSWORD

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MIXOLOGY

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GAME ON!

David Traver Adolphus, our resident car geek, is a freelance automotive researcher who recently quit his full-time job writing about old cars to pursue his lifelong dream of writing about old AND new cars.

Steven W. Disbrow is a computer programmer by profession who specializes in e-commerce and mobile systems development. He’s also an entrepreneur, comic-book nerd, writer, improviser, actor, and television personality.

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BEGINNINGS ∙ CITY LIFE

South Broad, Renewed?

The Design Studio has big plans for the Wheland Foundry

By Jenn Webster Pulse contributor

BREWER MEDIA GROUP Publisher & President Jim Brewer II FOUNDED 2003 BY ZACHARY COOPER & MICHAEL KULL

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Gary Poole Assistant Editor Brooke Brown Music Editor Marc T. Michael Film Editor John DeVore Contributors David Traver Adolphus • Rob Brezsny Steven W. Disbrow • Matt Jones Mike McJunkin • Tony Mraz Ernie Paik • Rick Pimental-Habib Michael Thomas • Brandon Watson Jenn Webster Editorial Interns Kelley J. Bostian • Jessica Manning Cartoonists Max Cannon • Rob Rogers Jen Sorenson • Tom Tomorrow

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Account Executives Chee Chee Brown • Brittany Dreon Rick Leavell • Libby Phillips John Rodriguez • Logan Vandergriff

CONTACT

Offices 1305 Carter St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Email info@chattanoogapulse.com Website chattanoogapulse.com Facebook @chattanoogapulse 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 © 2017 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.

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OMMUTERS FROM LOOKOUT Mountain to downtown are used to seeing Wheland Foundry rising on their left, iconic but empty. Trespassers have seen the structure floating above them, dim and airy as Monet’s Gare Saint-Lazare.

With the extension of the Riverwalk, people are getting a closer look, both at the old foundry and the active industrial site next door. But that’s just the beginning of bigger changes, according to Chattanooga Design Studio’s executive director, Eric Myers.

Working with Common Ground Urban Design + Planning and Noell Consulting Group, along with numerous citizen stakeholders, Chattanooga Design Studio has developed a comprehensive vision for the South Broad district.

From the Tennessee River and the Wheland Foundry property, the action plan extends east to The Howard School’s property, and is bounded on the south by Chattanooga Creek and the north by I-24.

The plan as it stands now includes better connectivity for foot, bike and auto traffic; a variety of housing for various income levels; public spaces for play and contemplation; and economic development from light industry to recreation.

The plan was inspired by Howard School student Rico Weaver’s urban design ideas and is still in the conceptual stages. At every step of the process, community members, especially residents, have provided input. This past Thursday, an illustrative plan showing a block-by-block vision for the area was presented in an open forum at Calvary Chapel.

The order of work is not set and efforts to obtain buy-in are ongoing. Still, there’s a rough approach plan, east to west. First priority is making The Howard School more “campus-like,” perhaps placing an agri-

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“The order of work is not set and efforts to obtain buy-in are ongoing. Still, there’s a rough approach plan, east to west.” cultural studies area on the former Poss Homes site.

In the plan, Howard becomes more walkable from all sides, with connectors to Market and 25th Street. South Market itself would be made safer for foot traffic, perhaps reduced to one lane each way and incorporating a green median.

Other aspects of the vision: a variety of residential options in Southside Gardens, including standalone houses and affordable apartments; improvements to Harris Johnson Park; and artisan and residential areas around the Foundry, which would retain its “historic character” in the neighborhood. North of the Foundry, Eric would like to see a

baseball stadium. Yes, please!

“We’re an independent, nonprofit resource,” Eric says. “We can do [projects like] this better than municipalities because there’s no politicism—we have the citizens’ interests at heart—we are citizens.”

Don’t worry, commuters—try as they might, Eric and his team haven’t been able to convince the powers that be to “diet” Broad Street down to one auto lane and one bike lane each way. Though as pleasant as the district could become, slowing down to enjoy might not be a bad idea.

To stay up to date on the South Broad district plan, check in at southbroaddistrict.org.

Consider This with Dr. Rick

EdiToon

by Rob Rogers

“Don’t think about what can happen in a month. Don’t think about what can happen in a year.

Just focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to get closer to where you want to be.”

It's Time Again For The Hamilton County Fair The fair is coming to town this weekend, ya’ll, and you don’t want to miss out on a day full of fun happening this Saturday and Sunday. The Hamilton County Fair is always a local favorite as it attracts nearly 50,000 people each September.

Foodies will love the vast selection of fair goodies from smoked turkey legs to funnel cakes and everything in between.

There will be a splendid showcase of antique cars, trucks, & engines. Maybe learn something new through exhibits featuring agriculture, animals, flowers, crafts, history, education and more.

Bring your cash and be ready to shop

with over 70 booths featuring jewelry, home accents, furniture, art, and homemade goodies. With crafters from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Kentucky you are bound to find something to take home!

The kids’ area offers plenty of entertainment for the littles ones with a pet-

ting zoo, face painting, bouncy house, and much more!

While you’re there, make sure to stop by the Rock Creek stage, CocaCola stage and the Picking Porch to hear some great music or watch a performance by groups like Center Stage Dance, Edge Gymnastics, and Raw Art Dance.

And while the fair, as always, is located at Chester Frost Park, you have ride the bus into the park from either Northgate Mall or Middle Valley Recreation Center. The fair is free, but the ride over is $6 for adults & $4 for kids.

— Jessica Manning

Everything happens in the present, and the only thing we’re guaranteed is this moment. When we put unnecessary energy toward the future, we are likely worried or anxious. Unnecessary energy toward the past often brings up regret or guilt. Certainly remembering fun times from before, or anticipating exciting upcoming events is the exception to the rule.

The point is, the here and now is our reality, and making the most of that, celebrating that, is what keeps us emotionally balanced and centered. Feeling grateful for what is, accepting what is, right here and now, is all that is within our control.

Take a deep breath. Feel the present, smell it, taste it, let it wash over you and see what happens.

— Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D.

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COLUMN ∙ JUST A THEORY

The Great Space Probes Our ongoing efforts to explore the Solar System...and beyond volcanic activity we have here.

And, it found lots of evidence that Jupiter’s moon Europa has a subsurface water ocean, which might contain at least microbial life.

The Galileo mission ended similarly to the Cassini mission, with team scientists sending the probe into Jupiter itself, so that it couldn’t accidentally contaminate Europa or any of the other Jovian moons.

Steven W. Disbrow Pulse contributor

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ATE LAST WEEK, ONE OF HUMANity’s most valiant emissaries, the Cassini Probe, met its end in the crushing atmosphere of Saturn. Cassini scientists dove the bus-sized robot into Saturn’s atmosphere on Friday, ending it’s almost 20-year mission in a literal blaze of glory.

Why they did this is fairly simple; after 20 years, Cassini was basically out of maneuvering fuel. (It’s on-board nuclear plant was good to go for a while, but that was just to keep things warm and to power experiments. It couldn’t steer anymore.)

So, to prevent Cassini from possibly crashing into, and contaminating, a Saturnian moon, they dove it into Saturn itself where no known hitch-hiking Earth microbes could possibly survive.

With its demise, Cassini joins the list of great probes that we have sent out into the Solar System. So, this month, I’d like to look back at some of those probes, and what they gave us.

PIONEER 10 AND 11 Launched in 1972 and 1973, these twin probes became the first to encounter Jupiter and Saturn, respectively. Sending back a wealth of data and absolutely dazzling images, they were the first to explore the space beyond Mars and the Asteroid belt.

Both Pioneer craft have golden plaques attached to them showing what humans look like and how to find our solar system.

(This is seen by some as a “Come and eat

NEW HORIZONS us!” invitation, but, honestly, you’d have to be really hungry to come all this way for a meal.)

Communication with both probes was lost more than a decade ago and both probes will eventually leave the solar system and enter Interstellar space.

VOYAGER 1 AND 2 Launched in 1997, Voyager 1 and 2 were sent on what was called a “Grand Tour” of the Solar System. Voyager 1 visited Jupiter and Saturn, while Voyager 2 took a more leisurely path that allowed it to visit Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Among the more interesting discoveries of the Voyager probes were the volcanoes on Jupiter’s moon, Io, the “spokes” in Saturn’s rings, and the fact that Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune have ring systems themselves.

Both Voyager probes have video discs attached to them, along with the hardware and instructions necessary to build a play back device. These discs contain greetings

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from Earth in both audio and video formats. (The full content of these discs are available on the internet and are worth looking up if you are curious.)

The Voyagers are also on courses out of the Solar System. Voyager 1 actually left the Solar System a few years ago and is now the furthest man-made object in existence.

GALILEO Launched in 1989, the Galileo’s primary mission was to study Jupiter and follow up on the findings of earlier probes. Along the way, it encountered asteroids (finding the first asteroid with a moon of its own!), made observations of our moon and, using a set of criteria devised by Carl Sagan, detected life on Earth! (Making it the first example of the detection of life from space.)

Once at Jupiter, the hits kept coming. First, it deposited a probe into Jupiter’s upper atmosphere to study that strange environment. It also found that Io is insanely volcanic, with about 100 times the

Finally, we have the New Horizons probe, which flew past Pluto in July of 2015. This was the first time Pluto had ever been visited, and, to get there in a timely fashion, the probe was sent streaking past Pluto at a speed that kept it from going into orbit. But, even at this high speed (38,000 mph), it still managed to send back breathtaking images of a truly alien world unlike any we’d seen before.

And now, New Horizons is set to encounter another object unlike any other. In January 2019, the New Horizons probe will fly by an object so remote that it doesn’t even have a proper name yet: “(486958) 2014 MU69”.

So, here’s to the great probes like Cassini and the dedicated teams that keep them flying. Thank you all for expanding our knowledge of, and out into, the universe.

Steven W. Disbrow is a programmer who specializes in e-commerce and mobile systems development, an entrepreneur, comicbook nerd, writer, improviser, actor, sometime television personality and parent of two human children.

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COVER STORY

Welcoming Our Autonomous Overlords How to stop worrying and learn to love the future of self-driving cars

By David Traver Adolphus

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Pulse contributor

HE FUTURE THE 1950S THOUGHT WE’D HAVE IS about to happen. We’ve got our talking watches, microwave ovens and color TVs. The robots have voices and their bodies are on the way, including disturbing sexy—and sexless—robots.

We have trouble with the battery life of our pocket supercomputers and helicopters. The fields are dotted with wind turbines (in most of the country, but that’s another story), and rooftops with solar panels.

We have clothes that heat, cool and talk to you; private spaceflight; singlewheel electric scooters; and Marty McFly’s self-lacing sneakers. Aside from flying cars, which will never happen, all we’re still really missing is our Jetsonian

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transport pods.

A weird convergence of technologies is making it possible. To be competitive, electric cars have to be fully computerized, with features like drive-by-wire that were controversially dangerous not long ago.

Many are also in contact with the factory—Teslas in the path of Hurricane Irma received an automatic over-the-air range extension to help their owners escape. Lane departure warning, distance sensing cruise control and predictive headlights start to make up many of the practical little pieces of a self-driving car.

Decision-making is another mat-

ter. Even if it takes half a second for data to get from a car to HQ and back, that’s far too long and it won’t happen at all in a thunderstorm. AI requires enormous and complex datasets, coming in part from…cellphones, the edge of human-computer interaction.

They have not only taught engineers how computers should interact with people, they’ve also driven the mass production of exactly the sort of rugged, compact and powerful systems needed on the road. The mechanical pieces are all in place, as the actual self-driving testbed cars are proving.

COVER STORY

Missing are two human pieces, legislation and acceptance. We have a terrible track record of making laws dealing with technology, which is not going to change. So we need to adjust our attitudes.

When we first started talking seriously about real-world autonomous cars five or six years ago, they seemed like the worst thing in the world. For enthusiasts this idea was horrifying, but it was disturbing for more than car lovers.

Keeping personal responsibility runs deep though America, a common theme for left-leaning Libertarians and alt-right Conservatives. Letting a programmer’s philosophy—and worse, an AI’s decisions—make choices for you, is hard to swallow.

It’s not so much the life-or-death choices that are hard to accept, it’s all the little ones. Sure, there are people who will miss a family reunion rather than getting on a plane, but most of us

“When we first started talking seriously about real-world autonomous cars five or six years ago, they seemed like the worst thing in the world. For enthusiasts this idea was horrifying, but it was disturbing for more than car lovers. ” accept that there are situations where it’s ok to trust the expertise of, say, a Boeing 737 pilot.

Your car, however, is a little house you can take with you. And if people feel the need to defend their houses with AR-15s, how much more personal is the car? You don’t even touch one without permission. Most of us are willing to accept a knock on the door.

As a nanny state loving Liberal, I wasn’t bothered by the decision-making part. But as a car lover, autono-

mous cars were horrifying. Everyone who owns a car should be a fully qualified and engaged driver, right?

Just like every teacher needs to be a loving and qualified educator, every cop needs to be colorblind and every railroad engineer needs not to be on meth.

It’s how the world is supposed to work and more importantly, a fundamental tenet of car culture. You need to be worthy of the car. Both militant car people and militant home defend-

ers need some way to come around.

What we have to do is look at autonomous cars as a reality in the glare of daylight, when we’ll see that driving actually sucks.

We’ve spent far too many column inches here discussing bad driving, because apparently it’s a huge problem.

Driving is generally less and less fun, and it’s not just because of the drivers. At least, not directly. It’s not what we’re all doing, but where we’re doing it, on urban and suburban roads that will never be able to handle the traffic.

Atlanta has seven of the top 100 most congested bottlenecks in America, including the overall #1 (I-285 at I-85 North); and Nashville has three more in the top 50. That’s 10 percent of the worst traffic in America within about 100 miles.

And it was traffic that changed my mind, not being in it, but when Google took me around it. I don’t know that it was a “Eureka” moment, but I was explaining to my kids how Google uses data from all the other phones out there to figure out where cars are moving slow and then gives me the option of going around.

I also asked myself, “Does it give everyone the same route? I wonder if it sends people different but comparable ways to gather data?” And later on, the light went on: What if every car on the road wasn’t just capable of suggesting new routes, but actually took them?

That, not individual accident avoidance or convenience, is the true promise of cars that think for themselves.

Individually they’re dorky and kinda pointless, like a recumbent bicycle or a third thumb. In their swarming aggregate, they have the potential to selforganize, intentionally or not, displaying the same emergent behavior that makes an ant colony work.

Following the route of one autonomous car on a map won’t look too different from any other, just like watch>> Continued on pg. 10

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COVER STORY

ing any one ant wouldn’t easily reveal anything about the whole flock. Of ants.

It’s when you get them all together and communicating that thousands of individual microdecisions—“Should I change lanes? How closely should I follow? Should I take exit 31A or 31B?”—add up to something greater.

And that’s just ants. Imagine thousands of individual cars each with ten, even twenty times their brainpower.

Would it be a worthy sacrifice for you to give up the time you spend seething with frustration in stop-andgo-traffic in exchange for relinquishing control of your car? For having 99 percent fewer accidents, no speeding tickets and microscopic insurance premiums? I think it should be. If we want the future to happen, we have to be willing to accept it when it comes.

Our autonomous future will look like this: First, it will mostly be electric. A battery-powered car revolution isn’t quite here, but it’s definitely started. Entire countries—like China, England, France and India--are going beyond 10 • THE PULSE • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

incentives and have plans to allow the sale of only electric cars.

Right now, they are looking out to the year 2030 or 2040, but the reality is that widespread electric car adoption will happen without them much sooner, in the five to ten year range.

America probably won’t ever ban gas and diesel engines, but in 20 years you sure won’t see many.

The first commercial self-driving cars are about two years away, with certain applications only months out, like Singapore’s plan to have autonomous taxis next year.

In 2019, provided the legalities are worked out by then, you’ll be able to buy one from a major manufacturer at a dealership somewhere, although the capabilities will be limited to certain circumstances, and probably certain places (ie, Oregon).

The following year there will be wider availability, leading up to the 2015-2017 era, when it goes from a sideshow to mainstream.

Resistance will come from the Teamsters Union, taxi drivers, police departments, insurance companies

COVER STORY

“Accidents will still happen and it will be hard to swallow at first. Your car may decide to kill you to save the three children chasing a kitten across the road and if you would have chosen differently, then the robot was right.” and everyone else whose livelihood involves either driving a car, or other people driving a car poorly.

There is already simmering tension in the truck driving world, where companies are thrilled at the cost-saving idea (and oh yeah, electric and fuel cell semis are here, too) but for some reason, truckers are less pleased.

Accidents will still happen and it will be hard to swallow at first. Your car may decide to kill you to save the three children chasing a kitten across the road and if you would have chosen differently, then the robot was right.

What it will remove is the 99 percent of collisions that are stupid human error but every now and then, the underlying chaos of existence will still make its presence known, sometimes in awful ways.

It won’t matter. When your coworker with their Audi E4 AutoDrive is getting to work 20 minutes faster and watching TV in the car, the benefits will be impossible to ignore. For a generation, at least, you’ll still be able to take the wheel and there will be many situations where you’ll have to.

But you’ll also find the best possible

parking spot every time. Your car will come pick you up when you need it and take you home when you’ve had three drinks too many. It’ll probably yell at you for throwing up in it, but that’s what friends are for.

America started to reinvent itself, completely, about 10 years ago, coincidentally when the iPhone came out. Think about how many things you do today that would have been impossible before then: The world you knew is going away and the pace of change is ever accelerating.

Grab on and enjoy it—life moves pretty fast.

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FILM & TELEVISION

The Frightening Ass Film Festival Get your horror film fix with the return of the FAFF

Revolting Rhymes

Celebrating Art House Theater Day Art House Theater Day this Sunday celebrates the legacy of independent theaters as advocates for cinema arts.

In an age where media has become more digital than tangible, more solitary than social, art house theaters remain the physical spaces where film lovers congregate and connect with intrepid, creative filmmaking. They are the beating heart for new and exciting cinema that is shaping the future of the medium.

In recent decades, a colorful constellation of art houses has emerged across the globe. This art house movement has nurtured a flourishing ecosystem of adventurous audiences, independent productions, and an incredible diversity of original filmmaking. Art House Theater Day is a worldwide celebration in honor of this movement, a day to celebrate cinemas that stand the test of time and the tremendous film culture that art house theaters promote.

To celebrate, Chattanooga’s own Palace Picture House will showcase a pair of intriguing films: Lucky, starring the late Harry Dean Stanton, and Revolting Rhymes, based on the much-loved children’s book written by Roald Dahl.

Lucky follows the spiritual journey of a 90-year-old atheist and the quirky characters that inhabit his off-themap desert town. While Revolting Rhymes takes the classic fairy tales of Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, The Three Little Pigs, Jack & the Beanstalk and Cinderella, then mixes them together and serves them with a mischievous twist. — Michael Thomas Art House Theater Day Sunday, Noon and 7 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 www.chattpalace.com

By John DeVore Pulse Film Editor

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T’S ALMOST THAT TIME OF YEAR. THE older I get, the more I realize that there are only two real holidays. One is Christmas, with its gift wrapped, red and green, peppermint-flavored consumerism. The other, is, of course, Halloween.

For whatever reason, the other holidays pale in comparison. Maybe it’s how closely associated each is with free candy. Maybe it’s that they both require a good amount of imagination to enjoy, allowing for entertaining flights of fancy at every turn. Maybe it’s that they both do wonders for our capitalist economy.

Whatever the reason, they’re the only two that matter. We are nearing the middle of September, otherwise known as not-quite-October, but it’s as good a time as any to look forward to the Great Pumpkin and all he has to offer.

To remind us of this wonderful time, the awe-

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some folks at the Palace Picture House have released the film titles to be featured at this year’s Frightening Ass Film Festival.

The festival is in its seventh year, each one bigger and better than the last. It’s become a tradition in Chattanooga, one that film fans look forward to every year.

Events beyond just the films haven’t been announced quite yet—in the past there has been stand-up comedy, a cavalcade of local music, and even a Frightening Ass haunted house to rival the Haunted Caverns.

However, the films are always the star of the show. Here’s what this year is offering.

TRAGEDY GIRLS The folks at FAFF call this “Heathers Meets Scream for the Instagram Era,” and the film appears to be simple, silly fun for millennial horror fans. Well done horror satire is rare, but the Chattanooga Film Festival seems to find all the good

FILM & TELEVISION

“The festival is in its seventh year, each one bigger and better than the last. It’s become a tradition in Chattanooga, one that film fans look forward to every year. ones. I can’t think of a better way to start the festival.

VICTOR CROWLEY When the CFF screened the 10th anniversary of Hatchet, a classic in the slasher horror genre, earlier this year, they were in for a surprise. Director Adam Green had secretly made a sequel for the Louisiana killer. Victor Crowley, played by former Jason actor Kane Hodder, returns to the big screen to carve up a few more teenagers in the swamp.

The FAFF calls Victor Crowley “a balls to the wall, honest to God, old-school slasher film” and everyone knows you can’t have Halloween without at least one hatchet wielding manic.

78/52 This documentary explores what many in the film industry consider the most important scene in film history—the show-

er scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s Pyscho. There’s no doubt the film turned the world on its ear.

Hear why from notable experts in the field like Guillermo Del Toro, Elijiah Wood, and Danny Elfman. Horror film is more cerebral that most realize—78/52 helps explain why.

RE-ANIMATOR Just like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Nightmare Before Christmas, Re-Animator deserves a yearly screening to get in the right Halloween mindset. Let Dr. Herbert West revive your love of horror with some like-minded friends .

THE ENDLESS One of the best films to come to the Chattanooga Film Festival was Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead’s Spring. The folks at FAFF call Benson and Moorhead “some of the most brilliant, mind-bending and in-

novative young filmmakers the genre has been lucky enough to meet.” The Endless is their third outing, this time taking on a cult that might make more sense than first thought. It’s not to be missed.

✴ ✴ NEW IN THEATERS ✴ ✴

SUSPIRIA Another classic tale, Suspiria should be on everyone’s watch list for Halloween. Luckily, the FAFF gives you an opportunity to watch it with an audience.

Find a friend who’s never seen it and blow their mind.

SECRET SCREENING No CFF/FAFF event would be complete without a secret screening. It’s guaranteed to be something weird, special, and fun.

More than likely, it won’t be secret very long after the festival starts—loose lips might sink ships, but the folks at the FAFF can’t help but be chatty.

The Frightening Ass Film Festival will run on Oct. 26-27 and wristbands are available now.

This year, the festival will take place at the new and wonderful Palace Picture House. Make sure you get tickets early and don’t miss the best Halloween event in the region.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the Kingsman's journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US. These two elite secret organizations must band together to defeat a common enemy.

Director: Matthew Vaughn Stars: Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Channing Tatum

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Six young ninjas are tasked with defending their island home, called Ninjago. By night, they're gifted warriors, using their skills and awesome fleet of vehicles to fight villains and monsters. By day, they're ordinary teens struggling against their greatest enemy: high school.

Directors: Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher, Bob Logan Stars: Jackie Chan, Dave Franco, Fred Armisen

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Metalworking With Mont Overton Creating practical and fanciful mixed media artworks

Visual Interpretation Of What Divides Us “Walls”, an exhibit unlike any other, is being presented at the Jewish Cultural Center now through October 27th.

The selected artwork in the exhibit represents various thoughts about physical, mental and spiritual walls. Each work is accompanied with a statement about the artist’s personal walls.

Ann Treadwell, curator of the exhibition and program director for the Jewish Federation explains how “Walls” came to be: “A year ago, I began thinking about the concept of walls stirred by the talk of a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico, and the conversations in Israel about who is able to go to the Kotel (Western Wall in Israel).

“Non-physical walls between people seem to be reemerging and include the wall dividing White Extremists and African American communities, and Russia’s political moving us towards a Cold War.” Ann wanted to give artists the opportunity to express their interpretation of these walls for others to viewers to reflect on, and is giving us the opportunity to try and better understand the walls that others may be dealing with that are different from our own.

The exhibit includes art works by nine local artists including Judith Mogul, Miki Boni, Tom Farnum, Anna Carll, Howard Kaplan Dana Shavin and Charlotte Smith.

A unique piece “The Wall of Criminal Justice” by deMichael of the H’Art Gallery is a series of four smaller pieces. Regionally and nationally known artists include Harriet Goren , Cindy Lutz Kornet, Flora Rosefskym and fiber artists Laurie Wohl and Rachel Kanter. — Jessica Manning Walls On exhibit through October 27th Jewish Cultural Center 5461 North Terrace (423) 493-0270 www.jewishchattanooga.com

By Tony Mraz

Pulse contributor

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TREASURE TROVE OF DELIGHTFUL mixed media copper sculptures are being made right here in the Chattanooga area by local artisan Mont Overton.

These fascinating pieces walk a tightrope between folk art and fine art, ranging from playful cartoon-like images to stunning surrealist forms. If Howard Finster and Tim Burton were to collaborate on some art, they would do well to create something as interesting.

Many art festival goers may already be familiar with Mont’s sculptures, as he has been exhibiting in town for over a decade. He recently showed a collection of his work and did a demonstration of the coppersmithing process at the Chattanooga Mini Maker Faire.

Though the subject matter of his work varies, from objective to abstract forms, they are all consistently rendered with a high level of craftsmanship. Some of his most memorable works are his

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copper reproductions of musical instruments, and his series of trees and free-standing geometric designs.

Over the years, he has incorporated a variety of traditional and experimental techniques into his sculptures, while mixing in new mediums in ways that are quite innovative.

“I’ve always been drawn to combining materials and processes in what could generally be considered an unexpected way,” says Overton. Elements of metal fabrication, coppersmithing, patination, woodworking, painting, collage, decoupage and origami are some of the more prominent features found in his pieces.

In 2001, he went from drawing and painting with conventional utensils on common materials to working out those ideas by using a plasma cutter on pieces of metal.

“It seemed like a natural application for the movements one makes with a brush or a pen, only using different materials,” he says. “Somehow, that body of work lead to participating in an art show for the first time. It was the beginning of see-

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“Elements of metal fabrication, coppersmithing, patination, woodworking, painting, collage, decoupage and origami are some of the more prominent features found in his pieces.” ing a path that I was interested in pursuing.”

In 2005, under the instruction of his father, Mont began to learn a skill set in traditional coppersmithing. He eventually ended up applying this knowledge in an unconventional manner, by making sculptures. His decision to apply traditional methods to the arts was transformative.

“Something just took on a life of its own during this period of my development as an artist. From that point to present day, I’ve been very fortunate to find, and be found by avenues that propel my pursuit in the arts.”

He still does a fair amount of traditional copper work along with his sculptures. He creates and installs decorative home pieces, range hood covers, awnings, sinks, fountains, backsplashes and other accents.

This work informs his art, as he describes, “I enjoy having to follow the rules in my traditional work, that keeps me in practice and causes a bank of ideas to be used in free form sculpting sessions.”

He finds inspiration for his sculptures from a myriad of sources. Nature, architecture, history, cartoons, music, album covers, music videos, and pop culture are among his greatest creative influences, but his most important influence is the experience of being an artist.

“My most formal training in the world of art comes from making the work, having to find something to do with it, and the network one builds within that process.”

In addition to working as an artist, Mont is a major patron and supporter of the arts.

A team player, he is known for his participation in group projects and collaborative efforts. In the past year, he has been an integral part of the Wayne-O-Rama crew. His consistent volunteer work with that institution has driven his personal work, and given him a level of art knowledge that is unattainable elsewhere. He was also a primary builder of Chattanooga Film Festival’s opening night installation for the film Dave Made A Maze, which premiered at the Majestic Theater downtown.

Mont is excited about the upcoming months, saying “I think Chattanooga has a unique and progressive art culture in our region. I’m interested to see what happens moving forward.”

In October, he will be building another of his custom copper range hood designs, (a kitchen ventilation system that circulates air above the stove top), assisting in the deconstruction and storage of the contents of Wayne-O-Rama, and creating an installation at Frequency Arts.

9th Annual Celebration Of Life And Hope What has become the signature event for the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer—the highly anticipated, ninth annual “Celebration of Life & Hope”—is set for this Saturday at the Coker Tire Museum in downtown Chattanooga.

The event takes on extra significance this year, with the foundation commemorating its first decade of operation and the impending opening of its new Education Advancement Center at 232 E. 11th St. The facility is scheduled to be officially unveiled with an “open house” on Tuesday, Sep. 26. The EAC is designed to facilitate an expansion of foundation services provided to young cancer patients and their families.

The Celebration of Life & Hope—a true “gala with a cause”—annually serves to showcase the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s efforts to fight pediatric cancer both in the

Chattanooga area and, increasingly, nationwide.

This year, the cumulative numbers reflect those efforts; the foundation has provided services to more than 71,000 young cancer patients and their family members, across 28 states, involving 38 children’s hospitals.

“Our growth into an organization with burgeoning national awareness is rooted in the Chattanooga community and the friendship and support we have received throughout our first ten years,” said Austin Hatcher Foundation President Amy Jo Osborn.

“Our accomplishments are linked to having the Chattanooga community behind us, every step of the way. The Celebration of Life & Hope affords us the opportunity to thank the community for all it has done, while also urging them to remain supportive as we expand awareness of our cause.”

THU9.21

FRI9.22

SAT9.23

The Real Inspector Hound

The Glass Menagerie

Go Fest 2017

It is a foggy and foreboding day at Muldoon Manor, a charming, but isolated, English country house.

7 p.m.

The Ringgold Playhouse 155 Depot St. cityofringgold.com

The semi-autobiographical classic play by the legendary Tennessee Williams set in 1930s St. Louis.

8 p.m.

Mars Theatre 117 N. Chattanooga St. Lafayette, GA. bapshows.com

A celebration of living life without limitations promoting Chattanooga’s accessibility to everyone, regardless of ability.

10 a.m.

Chattanooga Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. chattzoo.org

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • THE PULSE • 15

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship

THURSDAY9.21 Ooltewah Farmers Market 3 p.m.

Ooltewah Nursery 5829 Main St. (423) 238-9775 ooltewahnursery.com Paths to Peace: Celebration of International Peace 3 p.m.

Center for Mindful Living 400 E. Main St. (423) 486-1279 centermindfulliving.org Signal Mountain Farmers Market 4 p.m.

Pruett’s Market 1210 Taft Hwy. (423) 902-8023 signalmountainfarmersmarket.com Suffer Little Children 6 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Faculty Dialogues: The South of Wayne White 6 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of Art 10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org Brian L. Tucker Book Signing & Reading 6 p.m.

Star Line Books 1467 Market St. (423) 777-5629 starlinebooks.com The Wiz

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7 p.m.

Chattanooga Theater Center 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com The Real Inspector Hound 7 p.m.

The Ringgold Playhouse 155 Depot St. (706) 935-3061 cityofringgold.com Blood Road Screening Fundraiser 7 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Michael Mack 7:30 p.m.

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

Beach Rats 10 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com

FRIDAY9.22 Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship 9 a.m.

Coolidge Park 150 River St. (770) 751-3882 skyhoundz.com Chattanooga Market at Erlanger 10:30 a.m.

Erlanger Hospital Medical Mall 975 E. 3rd St. chattanoogamarket.com Cambridge Square

ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT His “Laugh ‘till you puke” style has made it on to “The Bob and Tom Show,” “The John Boy and Billy Show,” and ABC’s “America’s Funniest People.”

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

Night Market 5 p.m.

Cambridge Square 9453 Bradmore Ln. (423) 531-7754 cambridgesqauretn.com The Unknown Girl 6 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Love & Logic with Dr. Charles Fay 7 p.m.

Bessie Smith Cultural Center 200 E. MLK Blvd.

(423) 266-8658 bessiesmithcc.org The Real Inspector Hound 7 p.m.

The Ringgold Playhouse 155 Depot St. (706) 935-3061 cityofringgold.com Michael Mack 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com The Glass Menagerie 8 p.m.

Mars Theatre 117 N. Chattanooga St. Lafayette, GA. (706) 483-6541 bapshows.com The Wiz 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theater Center 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

The Wiz

SATURDAY9.23 Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship 9 a.m.

Coolidge Park 150 River St. (770) 751-3882 skyhoundz.com St. Alban’s Hixson Market 9:30 a.m.

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 7514 Hixson Pike (423) 842-6303 River Market Yoga 10 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. (423) 648-2496 chattanoogarivermarket.com Flying Flowers: Monarch Tagging Day 10 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (800) 262-0695 tnaqua.org East Tennessee Music Collectors Show 10 a.m.

East Ridge Community Center 1517 Tombras Ave. (704) 996-9945 Woofstock Dog Walk 10 a.m.

Greenway Farms 5051 Gann Store Rd. (423) 624-5302 heschatt.org Go Fest 2017 10 a.m.

Chattanooga Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.

(423) 697-1322 chattzoo.org Hamilton County Fair 10 a.m.

Chester Frost Park 2318 Gold Point Cir. N. (423) 209-6030 hamiltontn.gov/fair Buddy Walk 10 a.m.

AT&T Field 201 Power Alley chattanoogadownsyndrome.org Northside Farmers Market 10 a.m.

Northside Presbyterian Church 923 Mississippi Ave. (423) 266-7497 Chattanooga River Market 10 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. (423) 648-2496 chattanoogarivermarket.com Brainerd Farmers Market 11 a.m.

Grace Episcopal Church 20 Belvoir Ave. (404) 245-3682 Farmer’s Market 11 a.m.

Nutrition World 6237 Vance Rd. (423) 892-4085 nutritionw.com Bettieville Market 11 a.m.

Bettieville on MLK 620 E. MLK Blvd.

(423) 803-4820 Beauty is Embarrassing Screening 11:30 a.m.

Hunter Museum of Art

10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org Red Wolf Feeding & Talk Noon Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center 400 Garden Rd. (423) 821-1160 reflectionriding.org Wild Yeast, Wild Plants 1 p.m.

Crabtree Farms 1000 E. 30th St. (423) 493-9155 crabtreefarms.org South Art Tour 2 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 newsouthtourco.com C Word Showing & Discussion 3 p.m.

Center for Mindful Living 400 E. Main St. Ste. 150 (423) 486-1279 centermindfulliving.org Welcome to Willits 4 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Bouldering Competition 4 p.m.

High Point & Climbing Fitness 1007 Appling St. (423) 475-6578 highpointclimbing.com Shapeshifter: Brianna Bass & Noah Kocher 4 p.m.

Julie Darling Doughnuts

121 Frazier Ave. (423) 591-3737 jddonuts.com The Unknown Girl 6 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com The Real Inspector Hound 7 p.m.

The Ringgold Playhouse 155 Depot St. (706) 935-3061 cityofringgold.com Dare to Dance 7 p.m.

Chattanooga Convention Center 1 Carter Plz. (423) 756-0001 chattanoogaconventioncenter.org Michael Mack 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com The Wiz 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theater Center 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com The Glass Menagerie 8 p.m.

Mars Theatre 117 N. Chattanooga St. Lafayette, GA. (706) 483-6541 bapshows.com Confessions of a Pentecostal Buddhist: Daniel Edward Moore CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • THE PULSE • 17

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Sonnenzimmer Artists’ Lecture 8 p.m.

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

SUNDAY9.24 Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship 9 a.m.

Coolidge Park 150 River St. (770) 751-3882 skyhoundz.com Hamilton County Fair 10 a.m.

Chester Frost Park 2318 Gold Point Cir. N. (423) 209-6030 hamiltontn.gov/fair Chattanooga Market 11 a.m.

First Tennessee Pavilion 1829 Carter St. (423) 648-2496 chattanoogamarket.com Revolting Rhymes Noon Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Cruise-In 1 p.m.

Fireside Grille 3018 Cummings Hwy. (423) 821-9898 firesidechattanooga.com Welcome to Willits 2 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Free Fiddle School

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2 p.m.

Fiddlers Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 994-7497 The Wiz 2:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Theater Center 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com The Glass Menagerie 3 p.m.

Mars Theatre 117 N. Chattanooga St. Lafayette, GA. (706) 483-6541 bapshows.com The Unknown Girl 4 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Pamilya Food Fiesta 4 p.m.

SPOT Athletic Arts Venue 3210 Brainerd Rd. (941) 600-3334 calamansicaferestaurant.com Lucky 7 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Michael Mack 7:30 p.m.

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

MONDAY9.25 Red Bank Farmers Market 3 p.m.

Red Bank United Methodist 3800 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 838-9804 Fall Open House 4 p.m.

Palette 2 Palate Paint Studio 3701 Hixson Pike (423) 903-2699 palette2palatechatt.com Paws & Feet Walk 6:30 p.m.

Nooga Paws 313 Manufacturers Rd. Ste. 111 (423) 531-6113 noogapaws.com

TUESDAY9.26 Sonnenzimmer Artists’ Lecture 5:30 p.m.

UTC Fine Arts Center 752 Vine St. (423) 425-4269 utc.edu/fine-arts-center Welcome to Willits 6 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Tuesday Night Chess Club 6 p.m.

Downtown Library 1001 Broad St. (423) 643-7700 chattilibrary.com Leigh Weiss Book Signing 6:30 p.m.

Star Line Books 1467 Market St. (423) 777-5629 starlinebooks.com The Unknown Girl 8 p.m.

Palace Picture House

818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Top Secret Tuesday 10 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com

WEDNESDAY9.27 Chattanooga Market at Erlanger East 10:30 a.m.

Erlanger East Hospital 1751 Gunbarrel Rd. (423) 648-2496 chattanoogamarket.com Main Street Market 4 p.m.

522 W. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com The Unknown Girl 6 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Comedy Open Mic 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Welcome to Willits 8 p.m.

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

Cleveland Happenings A look at what's going on in and around Bradley County "One Extraordinary Evening with Rory Feek" Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church Cleveland On Point, a positive youth development organization, will be hosting its annual fundraising dinner with famed country singer and songwriter Rory Feek as its special guest.

CowK 5K Fun Run/Walk Saturday, 7 a.m.

Tinsley Park, 4031 Keith St. NW Join us for a day of fun by coming together in support of the American Cancer Society! Enter the cow "dress up" contest by showing up in your best cow costume. This fun run is designed for all ages. We will have games, food, door prizes, face painting and other activities! All cancer survivors and their families are welcomed.

“Marjorie Prime” Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Buzz Oates Black Box Theatre Lee University Theatre will open its 2017-2018 season with the intriguing sci-fi play “Marjorie Prime” by Jordan Harrison, where an elderly woman spends her final days with a computerized version of her deceased husband.

Rory Feek Lee Faculty Gala Monday, 7:30 p.m.

Pangle Hall, 340 Church St. Lee University School of Music rescheduled faculty concert, featuring Lee's vocal and instrumental faculty.

An offering will be collected during the concert to benefit School of Music alumni in Texas whose schools and music programs were affected

by Hurricane Harvey.

Burgers and Badges Wednesday, 11 a.m.

Johnson Cultural Heritage Center

Cleveland State Community College This lunchtime cookout will honor first responders from Bradley, McMinn, Monroe, Meigs and Polk Counties. These are the individuals who put their lives on the line for us each and every day. The event is open to all first responders, their families and the community. A free lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers and barbecue will be served to everyone who attends. Donations will go to the academic programs at Cleveland State that educate and train first responders.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • THE PULSE • 19

20 • THE PULSE • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

FOOD & DRINK ∙ MIXOLOGY

The Pumpkin Spice Domination How a mix of spices came to dominate everything from food to alcohol

By Jessica Manning Pulse contributor

It’s that time of the year again, when the mornings and nights are starting to show some chill here in the Tennessee Valley, but the first true sign of fall can be seen as all the fall favorites start to roll out and, most importantly, the reign of pumpkin spice rises once again!

We can all thank Starbucks for the skyrocketing trend, as it started with the release of their pumpkin spice latte way back in 2003. Now producers of all types have jumped in on the raging pumpkin spice trend including, but not limited to, pancake mix, Hershey kisses, coffee creamers and KCups, Chapstick, Jell-O, Pop-Tarts, yogurt, oatmeal, cookies, peanut butter, bagels, frozen waffles, liqueurs, whiskey, vodka, and even beer.

As soon as the Labor Day weekend passes these products hit full swing, if not sooner. Marketers are able to successfully use their “for a limited time only” phrase to create a “must have” product that drives us to purchase their bizarre pumpkin spiced items.

Having the foreknowledge that these items are only around for a short time makes them that much more valuable to fall lovers. Even if you aren’t a fan of pumpkin spice you are likely to join in on the madness simply because everyone else is going crazy about it.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but pumpkin spice doesn’t actually contain any pumpkin! Rather, it is made up by a combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg.

Nonetheless, pumpkin spice is now a global phenomenon, available in nearly 50 countries around the world, and generates

“Pumpkin spice is now a global phenomenon, available in nearly 50 countries around the world, and generates around $500 million in sales each year.” around $500 million in sales each year. Marketers largely have social media to thank for their yearly increases, as fans love to spread the joys of pumpkin spice with their friends and followers.

The earliest reference to pumpkin spice is found in the cookbook American Cookery by Amelia Simmons where it is referred to as “pompkin” containing molasses, allspice, and ginger. The blend

wasn’t called “pumpkin spice” until a recipe for “Pumpkin spice cakes” was printed in the Washington Post in 1936.

McCormick and other companies didn’t start combining the spices used in pumpkin pie until the 1950s and then a decade later it was changed from “pumpkin pie spice” to “pumpkin spice” as we know it today.

It may very well be possible for pumpkin spice to be seen in stores

year-round if it continues to grow and create such great revenue for marketers. This has been seen before, as flavors like pineapple in the 1950s and bubblegum in the 1980s were so successful that they became available regularly.

This is good news to pumpkin spice lovers of the world! Until then, you will have to continue to consume as much of the beloved flavor before the fall season quickly turns to winter.

Pumpkin Pie Sangria (makes half a pitcher) • 1 bottle sweet moscato • 1/2 cup pumpkin pie filling • 24 oz. Goya mango juice • 1/2 cup butterscotch schnapps (or pumpkin pie or whipped cream flavored vodka) • 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice • 1 large apple sliced • 1 large sliced orange Add all of your ingredients into a large pitcher whisk/mix well and drink!

It tastes even better after it soaks in the fruit and flavors overnight.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • THE PULSE • 21

MUSIC

The Show Must Go On David Francisco refuses to let life compromise his music

Brake For Eddie Pontiac There’s nothing that will bring a smile and nod of agreement faster to a local Chattanoogan than asking them a simple question—have you ever heard of Eddie Pontiac?

Eddie began his induction into the music culture in the early 80’s, playing with a traveling band regularly at a club called Yesterday’s. From there, he quickly fell in love with Chattanooga, where he eventually met his wife.

As he describes it, “The people had treated me like I was one of theirs from the second I stepped foot here, and that’s what I’ve always liked about this city.”

He began playing regularly as a solo weekend entertainer at El Meson in the early ‘90s. His talented performances and warm personality have earned him a loyal fan base over the years.

“It’s all about having a good time” he explained, “If someone comes in and they’ve had a bad week, and I can make them smile, it automatically makes it worth it.”

After 24 years preforming solo, Eddie announced he would be retiring around the end of September. The entertainer plans to use his newly acquired free time to travel and work on finishing his home studio.

He assured me there was “much love to the Ed Heads” out there, and we all will surely miss the vibrant atmosphere Eddie has brought with him over the past three decades. — Kelley J. Bostian Eddie Pontiac Friday & Saturday, 6 p.m.

El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd.

(423) 894-8726 elmesonrestaurant.com

By Marc T. Michael Pulse Music Editor

A

RECURRING THEME IN A NUMber of pieces I’ve written for The Pulse over the years concerns what seems to be a rising tide of performers who complain endlessly about their lack of instant money, adulation and respect and the nagging fear that my derision for those complaints may be driven by “grumpy old man” syndrome.

Perhaps I am relegated to yelling, “Get off my lawn,” but every time I hear some band that’s been together for a year playing to “packed houses” of 30 or 40 people insisting that they should be making $1,500 a night while the club owner kisses their ass and

22 • THE PULSE • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

the audience shower them with gratitude for deigning to appear, all I can think is, “What the hell is wrong with you?”

If there is one true thing I know about artists, and by that I mean musicians, writers, poets, actors, painters, sculptors and the rest of the lot the new generation insists on referring to as “creatives”( I hate that term) it’s that the best of them create because they have a basic need to do so.

All the other trappings of success would be nice, but with or without them, the artist continues to create because they have to, it’s what they are built for, and not creating would be misery. An artist’s purpose is to create art, the rest of it be damned, and I can think of no better example of that this week than David

MUSIC

“An artist’s purpose is to create art, the rest of it be damned, and I can think of no better example of that this week than David Francisco.”

Francisco.

A genuine up-and-comer in the Nashville scene, David was riding his bike home from the Blackbird Academy in Nashville in April of 2016 when he was struck by a distracted driver. The resulting severe injuries to his spine were such that doctors told him he would most likely never walk again. At just 24, it appeared his career was over.

After a year of intense, painful rehabilitation David wrote a new song, walked out on stage and performed it to a packed house and standing ovation at the third annual Pensado Awards.

Artists create because that is what they do, because that is what they have to do, as much as breathing, eating and sleeping, and the drive to create motivated a young man who was never supposed to walk again to do exactly that a year later and share his creation.

Mind you, he still suffers a degree of paralysis, his recovery isn’t complete and may never be, but his urge and ability to create remains untouched.

Bike/Walk of Chattanooga is co-hosting an event at The Camp House this Saturday to tell David’s story. The event

will feature a documentary film on his experience as well as a live concert with the overall aim being to raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving.

While David has been compared to Ben Rector, John Mayer and John Legend, I personally find a striking similarity between his work and that of Damien Rice.

Whoever he may be compared to, what is certain is that David is a phenomenal talent vocally, his guitar work is extraordinary and his songwriting ability is second to none.

In an industry that is all too often rocked by tragedy, David’s strength, courage, drive and determination are nothing short of inspirational and his message is on point. Tickets are available now through The Camp House for what is destined to be a watershed event for everyone who attends.

David Francisco Benefit Saturday, 8 p.m.

The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd.

(423) 702-8081 thecamphouse.com

Get Off The Couch It’s another great week for music and art in the Scenic City.

Thursday night the Levitt AMP Chattanooga Music Series presents the next installment of their ongoing series with Julie Dexter performing live on the Bessie Smith Cultural Center lawn.

Dexter is a world renowned singer, songwriter and producer, a master of jazz, world music, soul and more. That show starts at 7 p.m.

At 8 p.m. also on Thursday night, Zach Deputy will be appearing with Milele Roots at the Revelry Room and that same night will see the debut of the Hip Hop Bus, sponsored by Hip Hop CHA, at Raw. The Hip Hop Bus is billed as Chattanooga’s first “mobile hip hop hookah lounge.”

Friday night, the Tinderbox Circus Sideshow returns to JJ’s Bohemia with Subterranean Cirqus and Pinkie, the Princess of Pain, for a night of astounding, terrifying and

mind-bending performance art and high weirdness.

On Saturday the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy presents Chickstock 2017 at Greenway Farms featuring Tym Priest, Heatherly, Astrophe, The Afternooners, The Vaudeviillians and Masseuse. The kid friendly show runs from noon until 7 p.m. Dogs are welcome.

At 1 p.m. on Saturday, Chattanooga Brewing Company is teaming up with Chatterbox Café to present a pig roast, the perfect way to welcome the fall.

Drew Robbins will appear at Slick’s Burgers that evening and the legendary Velcro Pygmies will be performing at Revelry Room at 8 p.m. Grizzly is appearing at Dumpy’s that evening up on the Ocoee as well, and Fish Out of Water will be appearing at Clyde’s on Main.

It’s a great weekend of music. Now get out of the house, will ya?

— Marc T. Michael

THU9.21

FRI9.22

SAT9.23

Julie Dexter

Subterranean Cirqus

Travis Kilgore

British singer, songwriter and producer considered by many to be one of the most influential female vocalists of our generation.

7 p.m.

Bessie Smith Cultural Center 200 E. MLK Blvd. bessiesmithcc.org

Chattanooga's most disturbing group of performaers take the stage along with Tinderbox Sideshow. Be prepared...

9 p.m.

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

One of the best bass players in the city brings his larger than life presence to the intimate setting of The Office for a rockin' night.

9 p.m.

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

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • THE PULSE • 23

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Band Of Horses

THURSDAY9.21 James Crumble Trio 6 p.m.

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

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Forever Bluegrass 6 p.m.

Whole Foods Market 301 Manufacturers Rd. wholefoodsmarket.com Julie Dexter 7 p.m.

Bessie Smith Cultural Center 200 E. MLK Blvd. bessiesmithcc.org John Carrol 7 p.m.

The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com Singer Songwriter Series 7 p.m.

Fiamma Pizza Company 405 N. Market St. fiammapizzacompany.com Tim Lewis 7 p.m.

Southside Social 1818 Chestnut St. thesouthsidesocial.com Josh Gray and Jason Erie 7 p.m.

Stone Cup Café 208 Frazier Ave. stonecupcafe.com Keepin’ It Local

24 • THE PULSE • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

8 p.m.

The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com Zach Deputy 8 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 Station St. revelryroom.com Open Mic Night with Jonathan Wimpee 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Courtney Reid 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY9.22 Jacob Johnson 6 p.m.

Cambridge Square 9453 Bradmore Ln. chattanoogamarket.com Eddie Pontiac 6 p.m.

El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. elmesonrestaurant.com Kimberly White Project 7 p.m.

Thunder Creek Harley-Davidson 7720 Lee Hwy. thundercreekharley.com Drake Freeman 7 p.m.

Slick’s Burgers 309 E. Main St. slicksburgers.com

Age of Atrocity, Malviant, Praymantha.

Chariot the Moon 8 p.m.

Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net Band Of Horses 8 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com Instant Replay 8:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Mark “Porkchop” Holder 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Humming House 9 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 Station St. revelryroom.com Gino Fanelli 9 p.m.

Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Subterranean Cirqus, Tinderbox Sideshow 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com The High Divers 10 p.m.

Clyde’s On Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com Outlaw 45

10 p.m.

Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

SATURDAY9.23 Fiddle Fest 10 a.m.

Roland Hayes Concert Hall 752 Vine St. utc.edu/fine-arts-center Selena Dunacan Jazz Brunch 11 a.m.

Adelle’s Creperie 400 E. Main St. adellescreperie.com Bluegrass Brunch Noon The Honest Pint 35 Patten Pkwy. thehonestpint.com Jacob Johnson 12:30 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. chattanoogarivermarket.com Eddie Pontiac 6 p.m.

El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. elmesonrestaurant.com Drew Robbins 6 p.m.

Slick’s Burgers 309 E. Main St. slicksburgers.com Deacon Bluz & The Holy Smoke Band 6 p.m.

Embargo62 301 Cherokee Blvd. embargo62.com

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Fish Out Of Water Tim Hughes Quartet 6:30 p.m.

Coker Tire Museum 1317 Chestnut St. cokertire.com The Black Jacket Symphony: Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here 7:30 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com Soulcrush Reunion Show 7:30 p.m.

Songbirds Guitar Museum 35 Station St. songbirdsguitars.com David Francisco Benefit Concert 8 p.m.

The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd. thecamphouse.com Instant Replay 8:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Plezure Falcon, Pinecone, Praymantha 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Velcro Pygmies 9 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 Station St. revelryroom.com Pickin’ Crows 9 p.m.

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

Voodoo Slim 9 p.m.

Coyote Jack’s Saloon 1400 Cowart St. coyotejackssaloon.com Travis Kilgore 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Fish Out Of Water 10 p.m.

Clyde’s On Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com Matthew Paul Revere's Country Western Birthday Bash 10 p.m.

Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net Outlaw 45 10 p.m.

Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

SUNDAY9.24 Micelle Nieb: The Baroque Oboe 10:30 a.m.

The Church of the Nativity 1201 Cross St. Fort Oglethorpe, GA nativity.dioet.org Ryan Oyer 11 a.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Jacob Johnson

12:30 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. chattanoogarivermarket.com Nabil Ince 1:30 p.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Reiki Infused Sound Immersion 2 p.m.

Purple Sky Healing Arts 625 E. Main St. purpleskyhealingarts.com Bluegrass Jam 4 p.m.

Fiddler’s Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 994-7497 Sound To Table with Tim Hinck 6 p.m.

St. John's Restaurant 1278 Market St. (423) 266-4400 Open Mic with Jeff Daniels 6 p.m.

Long Haul Saloon 2536 Cummings Hwy. (423) 822-9775 Maria and Josh Sable 7 p.m.

Southside Social 1818 Chestnut St. thesouthsidesocial.com Mathis & Martin 7 p.m.

The BackStage Bar 29 Station St. (423) 629-2233 Southlander 7 p.m.

The Brew & Cue

5017 Rossville Blvd.

(423) 867-9402

MONDAY9.25 Open Mic Night 6 p.m.

Puckett’s Grocery 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m.

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

The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com Tyson Leamon 8 p.m.

Sing it or Wing it 410 Market St. singitorwingitchattanooga.com Very Open Mic with Shawnessy Cargile 8 p.m.

The Well 1800 Rossville Blvd. wellonthesouthside.com Lycka Till, Essa Lynn Plank, Scumbag Dad, & Joshua Songs 9 p.m.

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

TUESDAY9.26 Danimal CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • THE PULSE • 25

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Amber Carrington 6 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Bill McCallie and In Cahoots 6:30 p.m.

Southern Belle 201 Riverfront Pkwy. chattanoogariverboat.com Courtney Holder 7 p.m.

Southside Social 1818 Chestnut St. thesouthsidesocial.com Open Mic Jam Session 7 p.m.

Crust Pizza 3211 Broad St. crustpizza.com Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Robert Randolph & The Family Band 8 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 Station St. revelryroom.com

WEDNESDAY9.27 Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m.

El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonrestaurant.com DOPEGHOST 6 p.m.

The Spot 1800 E. Main St. (423) 803-5744 Toby Hewitt 6 p.m.

Backstage Bar

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29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com The Other Guys 6 p.m.

SpringHill Suites 495 Riverfront Pkwy. springhillsuites.com Old Time Fiddle & Banjo Show 6:30 p.m.

Fiddler’s Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 994-7497 Space Jesus 7 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 Station St. revelryroom.com Amber Carrington 7 p.m.

Southside Social 1818 Chestnut St. thesouthsidesocial.com Clyde Brothers 8 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Priscilla & Little Rickee 8 p.m.

Las Margaritas 1101 Hixson Pike (423) 756-3332 Jazz In The Lounge 8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Prime Cut Trio 9 p.m.

The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse. com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

RECORD REVIEWS ∙ ERNIE PAIK

New Music From Mdou Moctar, Lacing

Mdou Moctar Sousoume Tamachek (Sahel Sounds)

F

or some, “desert blues” or Saharan blues or Tuareg rock (take your pick of what you want to call it) from west Africa might immediately bring to mind fiery electric guitar-driven rock, marked with agile runs backed with propulsive beats.

And there was plenty of that on Mdou Moctar’s exuberant 2015 album Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai (“Rain the Color Blue with a Little Red in It”), his soundtrack for the film—in which he starred—that was inspired by Prince’s Purple Rain.

However, for Moctar’s new album Sousoume Tamachek, he turns down the volume and gets

Lacing Bummer (Elder Magick) more intimate and personal. Although based in Agadez in the west African nation Niger, Moctar actually recorded the album in Portland, Ore., and it’s a true solo album, with Moctar playing and singing every part.

Ironically, although technically a randomly selected song on Sousoume Tamachek might utilize more tracks than, say, one of Moctar’s rock-trio numbers (guitar/guitar/drums), the overall vibe is intentionally small and more stripped-down sounding.

Acoustic guitar streams are enhanced with milky electric guitar flourishes, and Moctar beats out a minimal pulse on a

calabash; for the vocals, he essentially accompanies himself, often by singing a melody twice simultaneously, separated by an octave, like on “Nikali Talit.”

On “Illmouloud,” his vocals are barely louder than a whisper, with a guitar providing a one-note backbone that serves as a bass line.

The swift, ornamental guitar runs are impressive while retaining a casual feel, and this atmosphere is entirely intentional, with Moctar revisiting the informal “desert picnics” he had years ago, which involved drinking tea and singing songs with friends.

The gentle yet determined flow of Sousoume Tamachek brings to mind a campfire gathering, but while the raucous side of desert blues might need the listener to stand back from the blazing proceedings, the more sensitive side heard on Moctar’s new album coaxes the listener to lean in, to feel the warmth of the campfire.

I

t is safe to say that we are in the middle of a revival of shoegaze—shorthand for certain rock styles that came to prominence in the ‘90s typi-

cally from England, featuring swirling guitars, processed with daisy-chains of effects pedals.

Shoegaze gods My Bloody Valentine released their notembarrassing comeback album MBV in 2013, and this year saw the release of new albums from Slowdive and Ride, two bands revered in the shoegaze canon.

This writer has no problem with revivals, as long as one key question is posed: “What are you bringing to the table?”

The album at hand is Bummer from the Chattanooga quartet Lacing, comprised of guitarist/vocalist Joe Davenport (of Millipede), drummer Jerry Reed (head of Failed Recordings and formerly of Rough Rope), guitarist Robert Parker (formerly of Swoon) and bassist Joseph J. Micolo III, who has numerous solo projects as a multi-instrumentalist.

What Lacing brings to the table is an acute attention to detail, taking its sounds seriously. The track “Shoulder” alone features a plethora of guitar treatments, from piercing notes to fuzzy tones to wavering pitches that emanate a sense of uneasiness.

Another notable feature is

its meaty rhythm section, often evoking more power than your typical shoegaze band; Lacing can throw a mean punch, with its reined aggression built into its anatomy.

One trademark characteristic of Lacing is its judicious use of feedback, which is allowed to squeal with precise timing and functions like screaming grace notes. Davenport’s vocals are matter-of-factly delivered without adornments, perhaps serving as a calm, reassuring voice among the structured chaos.

There’s more variation here than what’s expected on a shoegaze album, with the opening “Wound” going into pop territory and the closing “Milk” leaning towards sludgerock. Perhaps this writer’s favorite track is “Starless,” which features a mid-song tempo drop, used to great dramatic effect and with delicious indulgence, being the sonic equivalent of a gratuitously bloody film scene with some poor bastard squirming on the ground as life oozes out of him.

Who’d expect a shoegaze album of this caliber coming from Chattanooga, rather than England?

ALL NEW. ALL FOR YOU.

ChattanoogaHasCars.com THE TENNESSEE VALLEY’S MOST POWERFUL AUTOMOTIVE SHOPPING TOOL CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • THE PULSE • 27

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY ∙ ROB BREZSNY VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Filmmakers often have test audiences evaluate their products before releasing it to the masses. If a lot of viewers express a particular critique, the filmmaker may make changes, even cutting out certain scenes or altering the ending. You might want to try a similar tack in the coming weeks, Virgo. Solicit feedback on the new projects and trends you’ve been working on— not just from anyone, of course, but rather from smart people who respect you. And be sure they’re not inclined to tell you only what you want to hear. Get yourself in the mood to treasure honesty and objectivity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The poet E. E. Cummings said, “To be nobody-but-yourself—in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else—means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” On the other hand, naturalist and writer Henry David Thoreau declared that “We are constantly invited to be who we are,” to become “something worthy and noble.” So which of these two views is correct? Is fate aligned against us, working hard to prevent us from knowing and showing our authentic self? Or is fate forever conspiring in our behalf, seducing us to master our fullest expression? I’m not sure if there’s a final, definitive answer, but I can tell you this, Libra: In the coming months, Thoreau’s view will be your predominant truth.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “When you do your best, you’re depending to a large extent on your unconscious, because you’re waiting for the thing you can’t think of.” So said Scorpio director Mike Nichols in describing his process of making films. Now I’m conveying this idea to you just in time for the beginning of a phase I call “Eruptions from Your Unconscious.” In the coming weeks, you will be ripe to receive and make good use of messages from the depths of your psyche. At any other time, these simmering bits of brilliance might remain below the threshold of your awareness, but for the foreseeable future they’ll be bursting through and making themselves available to be plucked.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Author Barbara Ehrenreich has done extensive research on the annals of partying. She says modern historians are astounded by the prodigious amount of time that medieval Europeans spent having fun together. “People feasted, drank, and danced for days on end,” she writes. Seventeenth-century Spaniards celebrated festivals five months of each year. In 16thcentury France, peasants devoted an average of one day out of every four to “carnival revelry.” In accordance with current astrological

28 • THE PULSE • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

omens, you Sagittarians are authorized to match those levels of conviviality in the coming weeks.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Kittens made French Emperor Napoleon III lose his composure.

He shook and screamed around them. Butterflies scare actress Nicole Kidman. My friend Allie is frightened by photos of Donald Trump. As for me, I have an unnatural fear of watching reality TV. What about you, Capricorn?

Are you susceptible to any odd anxieties or nervous fantasies that provoke agitation? If so, the coming weeks will be a perfect time to overcome them. Why? Because you’ll be host to an unprecedented slow-motion outbreak of courage that you can use to free yourself from long-standing worries.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “The brain is wider than the sky,” wrote Emily Dickinson. “The brain is deeper than the sea.” I hope you cultivate a vivid awareness of those truths in the coming days, Aquarius. In order to accomplish the improbable tasks you have ahead of you, you’ve got to unleash your imagination, allowing it to bloom to its full power so it can encompass vast expanses and delve down into hidden abysses.

Try this visualization exercise: Picture yourself bigger than the planet Earth, holding it tenderly in your hands.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I got an email from a fan of Piscean singer Rihanna. He complained that my horoscopes rarely mention celebrities. “People love astrological predictions about big stars,” he wrote. “So what’s your problem? Are you too ‘cultured’ to give us what we the people really want? Get off your high horse and ‘lower’ yourself to writing about our heroes. You could start with the lovely, talented, and very rich Rihanna.” I told Rihanna’s fan that my advice for mega-stars is sometimes different from what it is for average folks. For Piscean megastars like Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Ellen Page, and Bryan Cranston, for example, the coming weeks will be a time to lay low, chill out, and recharge. But non-famous Pisceans will have prime opportunities to boost their reputation, expand their reach, and wield a stronger-than-usual influence in the domains they frequent.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Psychologists say most people need a scapegoat—a personification of wickedness and ignorance onto which they can project the unacknowledged darkness in their own hearts. That’s the bad news.

Here’s the good news: The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to neutralize that reflex and at least partially divest yourself of the need for scapegoats. How? The first thing to do is identify your own darkness with

courageous clarity. Get to know it better. Converse with it. Negotiate with it. The more conscientiously you deal with that shadowy stuff within you, the less likely you’ll be to demonize other people.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): If the weather turns bad or your allies get sad or the news of the world grows even crazier, you will thrive.

I’m not exaggerating or flattering you. It’s exactly when events threaten to demoralize you that you’ll have maximum power to redouble your fortitude and effectiveness. Developments that other people regard as daunting will trigger breakthroughs for you.

Your allies’ confusion will mobilize you to manifest your unique visions of what it takes to live a good life.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “If at first you don’t succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.” declared comedian Steven Wright. My Great Uncle Ned had a different perspective. “If at first you don’t succeed,” he told me, “redefine the meaning of success.” I’m not a fan of Wright’s advice, but Ned’s counsel has served me well. I recommend you try it out, Gemini. Here’s another bit of folk wisdom that might be helpful. Psychotherapist Dick Olney said that what a good therapist does is help her clients wake up from the delusion that they are the image they have of themselves.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): What is home? The poet Elizabeth Corn pondered that question. She then told her lover that home was “the stars on the tip of your tongue, the flowers sprouting from your mouth, the roots entwined in the gaps between your fingers, the ocean echoing inside of your ribcage.” I offer this as inspiration, Cancerian, since now is a perfect time to dream up your own poetic testimonial about home.

What experiences make you love yourself best? What situations bring out your most natural exuberance? What influences feel like gifts and blessings? Those are all clues to the beloved riddle “What is home?”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You’re most likely to thrive if you weave together a variety of styles and methods. The coming weeks will be a highly miscellaneous time, and you can’t afford to get stuck in any single persona or approach.

As an example of how to proceed, I invite you to borrow from both the thoughtful wisdom of the ancient Greek poet Homer and the silly wisdom of the cartoon character Homer Simpson. First, the poet: “As we learn, we must daily unlearn something which it has cost us no small labor and anxiety to acquire.” Now here’s Homer Simpson: “Every time I learn something new, it pushes out something old.”

JONESIN' CROSSWORD ∙ MATT JONES

“Grid Expectations”—freestyle for now.

ACROSS 1 Attribute (to) 8 Hebrew letter before nun 11 Mil. VIP 14 Like most candy canes 15 The slightest amount 17 Fisher-Price toy that teaches animal noises 18 Fixes up the lawn 19 Momentarily 20 Scratches like a cat 21 Meh 22 “Good” cholesterol 25 Move, as merchandise 26 “The Waste Land” author’s initials 27 Gather wool from sheep 29 “It is ___ told by an idiot”: Macbeth 30 Quality of a spare tire holder?

32 Eight days out from the beginning of the work week, often 33 “Ultimately, we have the upper hand”

34 Bygone brand of “flavor bits” 35 Hoopster Archibald and statistician Silver, for two 36 “Honest” presidential nickname 39 Dull soreness 40 Azerbaijan, once (abbr.)

41 Old Dead Sea kingdom 42 Capacity of a liner, perhaps 46 Bikini or Brazilian, e.g.

48 Up to date with, with “of” 49 Microsoft’s counterpart to Siri and Alexa 50 Tied up, to a surgeon 51 Sanders, for one 52 A, in France 53 Hosp. features 54 Image worship DOWN 1 Give a hand 2 Dictation

experts, once 3 Ironer’s target 4 Old detergent brand with a selfdescriptive name 5 ___ dixit (assertion without proof) 6 Changing areas on some seasides 7 William Dreyer’s ice cream partner Joseph 8 Ford make until 2011, informally 9 Knievel of motorcycle stunts 10 Miniature plateau 11 Lets up 12 Ultimate goals 13 Swiss company that owns Butterfinger and Buitoni 16 Group that breaks stories 23 Dr. of old pajamas 24 Series gaps 27 Marching band section 28 “Gone With the Wind” character Butler and “Good Mythical

Morning” cohost McLaughlin, e.g.

29 Chile’s mountain range 30 Drink from India or Sri Lanka 31 Author Christopher whose writing inspired “Cabaret” 32 Free 33 French Revolution radical 34 Ricky Ricardo’s theme song 36 “Possession” actress Isabelle 37 ___ Farm (cheap wine brand) 38 Prepare for mummification 41 Glorify 43 Predetermined outcome 44 Person at the computer 45 1960s-’80s Ford models that go by initials 47 Woody Guthrie’s son 49 Half of CDII

Copyright © 2017 Jonesin’ Crosswords. For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per3minute. Must be 18+ to call. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle No. 850 CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • THE PULSE • 29

COLUMN ∙ GAME ON!

Getting The Taste Of The Race Finding thrills and nostalgia with an overlooked videogame genre

Brandon Watson Pulse columnist

I

’M GOING TO LET YOU IN ON A dark secret about my past: racing is in my blood. I came of age on the West Texas dirt tracks way off in the coyote brush amidst the stadium lighted islands that float far out in oil-field country. The roar of large block engines and the taste of exhaust, red alcohol, and dust have burned in my mouth as far back as I remember.

NASCAR was a common thing on TV, derelict racing relics of various builds and models rusted in glorified rows in the yard of my childhood home. Some kids had swing sets and sandboxes, but my brother and I had a family salvage yard.

Though I never had the nerve to strap into my birthright, my brother did and before his sixteenth birthday became the youngest dirt track legend of Tom Green County.

A celebrity status that still haunts him 19 years later. Where I come from, folks are slow to forget, especially when a gangly kid with the number 6 and 7/8 in a red and white Pontiac runs laps around the older competition for that checkered flag.

I admit that I overlook racing games in favor of more cerebral or science fiction flavors but what next-gen technology has done for these games has honestly blown me away and I’m happy to report on a few of my favorites you should try if you haven’t already.

CODEMASTERS DIRT RALLY This nifty racing sim hit the PC around

2015 but still holds up almost two years later with impressive graphics and sound. Let me tell you that the rumble of the engine, squeal of brakes, and the crunch of iced gravel really pulls you in.

I really like the cross-country time trials through some of the most gorgeous digital landscapes Codemasters put together and with your faithful spotter giving you navigation data you really feel like you’re trying to survive the courses. Now there is a recent addition called Dirt 4 which greatly fleshes out a career mode if you care about such things.

Keep this in mind however: Dirt Rally is more of a sim than an arcade game and is unforgiving and challenging so if you are prone to road rage or smashing your controllers you may want to steer clear of this title. Pun intended.

and holds the top fan ranking as most essential game for the Switch.

Honestly, I’ve never heard anything bad about the Mario Kart series and, though it’s not meant to cultivate a race career, the racing can get intense and aggressive. If there was ever a reason to buy the Switch, Mario Kart 8 is that reason.

MARIO KART 8

BURNOUT 3: TAKEDOWN

I’m not a fan of Nintendo games, never have been, some folks had Mario Bros. I had Doom, ‘nuff said.

But Mario Kart holds a special place in my heart for the simple fact is that I haven’t played this stupid game and probably never will but I enjoy it just the same as a spectator. There is enough eye candy and cutesy sound gimmicks to keep the ADD-addled satisfied while watching your friends compete together and with strangers in ridiculously frustrating ways.

This arcade racer graced the Nintendo Switch earlier this year

What is the best part of watching car races? The crashes, of course!

And Burnout makes phenomenal high-speed carnage an integral part of the game mechanics. Yes, I know it’s a bit dated but even after thirteen years of existence the allout-fun of smashing the competition for score with Franz Ferdinand blasting on the speakers keeps the adrenaline up and the points flying.

Getting wrecked never felt this good and this classic game is quite possibly the most definitive arcade racing experience. It’s the best road rage therapy that has ever

30 • THE PULSE • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

happened to humankind.

The sheer number of racing games available across all platforms is a bit overwhelming, but thankfully the category has a little of something out there for everyone.

Games in which you race the clock or the cops for unlockables and bonus cars can keep you throttled up and grinding for more. Some of these games offer true tests of reflexes and emotional patience while others are all out ludicrous fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Whether you’re a track hotshot or a person living vicariously through a game controller, seeing these games technologically evolve leaves me to wonder if a living room Grand Prix will become the next big thing.

When not vaporizing zombies or leading space marines as a mousepad Mattis, Brandon Watson is making gourmet pancakes and promoting local artists.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 • THE PULSE • 31