NOVEMBER 22, 2018
CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE
THE KEY TO THE HEART OF DIXIE 155 YEARS AFTER THE DECISIVE BATTLES FOR CHATTANOOGA TOWNSEND ATELIER ▪ MUSICAL TELEMONSTER ▪ SOUTHEASTERN CLIMBERS
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 15, ISSUE 47 • NOVEMBER 22, 2018
BREWER MEDIA GROUP Publisher James Brewer, Sr. FOUNDED 2003 BY ZACHARY COOPER & MICHAEL KULL
EDITORIAL Managing Editor Gary Poole gary@chattanoogapulse.com Assistant Editor Brooke Brown City Editor Alex Curry Music Editor Marc T. Michael Film Editor John DeVore Contributors David Traver Adolphus • Adam Beckett Rob Brezsny • Matt Jones Mike McJunkin • Tony Mraz Ernie Paik • Rick Pimental-Habib Michael Thomas • Jason Tinney Editorial Interns Allan Duggar • Ethan Palmer Cartoonists Jen Sorenson • Tom Tomorrow
ADVERTISING Director of Sales Mike Baskin mike@brewermediagroup.com Account Executives Rick Leavell • Cindee McBride Libby Phillips • Ivan Roshell Danielle Swindell
CONTACT Offices 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Fax 423.266.2335 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 © 2018 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.
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The Key To The Heart Of Dixie Concealed beneath a canopy of darkness forged by a lunar eclipse on the evening of November 24, 1863, Confederate soldiers retreated through fallen oaks and chestnuts down the mountainside.
REACHING HIGHER
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MANY MUSICAL INFLUENCES
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Chattanooga is a national climbing destination. We all know this by now. In a hundred-mile radius lie some of the greatest sandstone cliffs and bouldering fields on the entire east coast.
If forced to make a nighttime emergency landing and, while looking for a suitable landing area, you don’t like what you see, then what should you do? Turn off your lights.
CREATING AN ATELIER
An incredible worldwide resource for artists is located in downtown Chattanooga, on the ground floor of the Arts Building at the corner of King St. and 11th St.
ALL-AMERICAN WESTERN
As I watched The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, I couldn’t help but think of this passage from my favorite piece of American literature, “The Way to Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday.
5 CONSIDER THIS
20 MUSIC REVIEWS
24 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
7 AIR BAG
21 ART OF LITERATURE
25 JONESIN' CROSSWORD
12 ARTS CALENDAR
23 NEW IN THEATERS
25 THE COMIX
18 MUSIC CALENDAR
24 THE LIST
26 SUSHI & BISCUITS CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • THE PULSE • 3
CITY LIFE · BETWEEN THE BRIDGES
Reaching For Higher Ground Climbing high with the Southeastern Climbers Coalition
By Allan Duggar Pulse Contributor
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Climbers come here a lot...all season they’re people traveling here. Usually that turns into people buying property here, working, going to school.”
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HATTANOOGA IS A NATIONAL CLIMBING DESTINAtion. We all know this by now. In a hundred-mile radius lie some of the greatest sandstone cliffs and bouldering fields on the entire east coast. What few of us have noticed is the tireless effort that created our current climbing mecca. It’s in large part thanks to the members of the Southeastern Climbers’ Coalition, and after a chat with them, I learned their history and what lies ahead. It started over three decades ago when Chattanooga climbing was in its infancy. In an article for Climbing Magazine, writer Elaine Elliott described the passion of the professed “father of Chattanooga traditional climbing,” Rob Robinson. With a multitude of first accents and ‘push it to the limit’ attitude, Robinson’s title was well earned. But after two decades of climbing, Robinson and his peers transitioned from recreation to conservation. What eventually formed
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was our current S.C.C. They started with Sunset Rock on Lookout, but their reach quickly and thankfully spread throughout the south. Apart from the S.C.C., there are smaller coalitions elsewhere in the south. While they all operate in their own distinctive regions, the S.C.C. is protects our wild lands throughout Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. The first property the S.C.C. purchased was a boulder field near Atlanta called Boat Rock. “…and since then we’ve bought nine more and we help manage over thirty in the south. It’s lot of climbing,” said Cody Roney, the executive director at the S.C.C. Purchasing a property isn’t always the
goal for the benevolent coalition. Their latest projects, Denny Cove and Hell’s Kitchen boulder field, were transferred to the state park service. But not after some hellacious hard work. “Once the state owns something a lot of red tape goes up so it’s harder to get things done,” said Cody. That means the S.C.C. grinds out the trails before handing land over. Dozens of volunteers labored every weekend this summer to create access to these new climbing areas, and their hard work shows. When speaking of the potential for new areas to climb, Cody expressed the possibility of our region: “You can drive anywhere and see these huge cliff faces.” Robinson’s generation of climbers would often trespass on private property to access what’s mostly open to us today. Conservation work has legitimized the sport, and people have noticed. The coalition is working with local town officials, like those in Jasper who see out-of-town cars heading to Denny Cove and Foster’s Falls every weekend. Cody relayed the economic effect climbing has on our region: “Climbers come here a lot...all season they’re people traveling here. Usually that turns into people buying property here, working, going to school…” Climbing for this region has room to grow, but it will only be possible with the work of the S.C.C. Their trail building season is in hibernation, but climbing is in full swing. More volunteer opportunities will kick up next spring. If you want to lend a hand you can donate or become a member at seclimbers.com.
Gig City Promotes Local Goods Downtown Farmers Market comes to Miller Park
Cons ider This w ith Dr. Rick
“My mission is to find peace with exactly who and what I am. To take pride in my thoughts, my talents, my flaws and to stop this incessant worrying that I can’t be loved as I am.” — Anais Nin Once again, there is a brand new reason to be excited about the recently renovated Miller Park. Since its grand opening in midSeptember this year, the redesigned Miller Park has led to numerous events and festivities that have livened up the downtown atmosphere Chattanooga. Things like Noontunes, which take place every Wednesday and feature live music, and Food Truck Fridays have made the corner of MLK Boulevard and Market Street the place to be for the city’s locals. There is a new addition to the
calendar and it might be the most exciting out of the bunch. Every Thursday, Miller Park will be hosting an Urban Farmers Market in the heart of the city. This will create a common meeting place for Chattanoogans to gather and support local farmers and businesses. The main focus of this new and exciting market will be to help blend our city and sustainability. The recent boom of people flooding to the downtown area for housing has been met with a severe lack of healthy shopping options
and the community has shown a sincere interest in keeping profits circulating within the sphere of Chattanooga. While there are plenty of restaurants that provide local ingredients, places to purchase those products can sometimes be sparse. That’s why this new, weekly market is going to do wonders for the city. Fresh produce and supporting regional business owners is coming to downtown in a big way. For more information on the Urban Farmers Market visit millerparkmarket.com — Ethan Palmer
To be unapologetically and compassionately who you are, warts and all, a work in progress, is nothing short of an act of courage, and a journey well worth the hard work. A friend of mine recently sent me this: “I had to hide my true self behind a thick façade of lies. Harassed from all sides, I learned to survive as a loner. My story was the same as everyone else’s. Boy meets bottle, boy finds courage and escapism in bottle, boy trashes life, boy finds recovery, boy passes on the message. Nowadays I have folks who “get my crazy,” and I no longer feel quite so odd, so alone.” Consider this from wit Oscar Wilde: “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” — Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D.
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COLUMN · AIR BAG
Annual Fall Buying Guide: Trucks Our car guru takes a look at our favorite four-wheeled vehicles
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David Traver Adolphus Pulse columnist
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Of course, having no criteria other than what we like, we’re free to ignore any of our own standards. And do. What do you want out of your free alt-weekly? Consistency?”
David Traver Adolphus is a freelance automotive researcher who quit his full time job writing about old cars to pursue his lifelong dream of writing about old AND new cars. Follow him on Twitter as @proscriptus.
UR PREVIOUS 2018 BUYer’s Guides—Electrics and Hybrids; Small Vehicles; and Family Size—were complicated, because there are a lot of cars and SUVs. But the working vehicle scene kind of boils down to, “Don’t buy a Ram no matter what.” Which in part is why the Truck category is a little broader than just “things with a bed;” rather, it’s “things that work.” Our only criteria is that it must be capable of carrying a substantial amount of heavy, messy cargo; and tow at least 3,000 pounds, the equivalent of a 14foot flatbed trailer and one-ton load. Of course, having no criteria other than what we like, we’re free to ignore any of our own standards. And do. What do you want out of your free alt-weekly? Consistency? We’re at least consistent in our following recommendations of assorted Ford Motor Company products, for some reason. New Pick: 2018 Nissan Titan, $28,500 If you know this column, you know we’re not fans of Nissans, but occasionally we can’t ignore the value-for-money proposition. Because they’re second fiddle to the Toyota Tundra, you get more features for less money, and they’re decent trucks, too. $10,000 under MSRP for a 2018 right now is common. A 390hp 5.6-liter V-8 returning a real-world 13-15 mpg is the standard engine—no gas sipping here! There’s a 5.0-liter Cummins Diesel which hypothetically doesn’t cost any more, but in reality, they start at $40,000.
Heavy-Duty Pick: 1999-2000 Ford F250 & F350 Diesel, $14,000$19,000 These things are figuratively the bomb. The factory turbocharged and intercooled Power Stroke 7.3-liter Diesel is legendary for both power and reliability and the late ‘99- and 2000-model-year engines got forged connecting rods that Ford cheapened out on afterwards. Our prices are for a 2WD truck under 100,000 miles but if the truck hasn’t been abused or tuned, don’t be afraid of twice that, or at least a little more. Cargo Pick: Ford Transit Connect Cargo, $20,000 It’s a box! On wheels! Ok, it can only tow 2,000 pounds, but you can put 1,600 pounds in it and pretty much hose out the rest. Buy the Commercial model and you can get three different engines, including a 1.5-liter Diesel and a CNG/ propane 2.5; two different wheelbases, two different rear door styles, and all the electronics you can name.
If you’re buying used, avoid the troublesome pre-2012 models, not that any of the Turkish-built Transit Connects are paragons of reliability. We like them anyway. Kinda Sporty Pick: 2006-2009 Ford Ranger FX4, $12,000-$16,000 What is this, the Ford Show? Apparently it is, Dave. The FX4 was the offroad package for Ford’s late, lamented compact pickup. T The stout 4.0-liter V-6 was the only engine offered, which is great, but what we’re really interested in is the strong limited slip 31-spline 8.8-inch rear end, upgraded to a Torsen differential in the 2006-’07 Level II, which became standard in the final two years. Techy! It’s a good powertrain. They were all very well equipped and delightfully pugnacious with their tall stance and butch off-road tires. We prefer manual transmissions but if towing is important to you, the automatic was rated for 5,600 pounds—more than a ton more than the five-speed.
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COVER STORY
The Key To The Heart Of Dixie 155 years after the decisive Battles for Chattanooga
By Jason Tinney Pulse contributor
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Envisioned by both Union and Confederate veterans, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park became the nation’s first and largest designated historic battleground site.”
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ONCEALED BENEATH A CANOPY OF DARKNESS forged by a lunar eclipse on the evening of November 24, 1863, Confederate soldiers retreated through fallen oaks and chestnuts down the mountainside. Earlier that day, General Joseph Hooker’s more than 10,000 Union troops executed a charge better described as sideways than up, zigzagging northwest along Lookout Mountain’s slopes to challenge a beleaguered outfit of 1,200 Confederate troops holding the fog-capped bluffs. Private Henry M. Woodson of the 34th Mississippi would remark, “In all my war experience I never passed through such a bombardment. It
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seemed that every battery in the Federal army was pouring bomb-shells and solid shot into the side of that mountain. The shells burst, knocking off thousands of pieces of rock and scattering them hither and thither. The whole face of the mountain was lurid with bursting shells and seemed to belch smoke from every crevice, while the mountain itself seemed to howl and shriek as if a million demons had been aroused in its caverns.” Coined “The Battle Above the
Clouds” by General Montgomery Meigs observing from the Union’s secured position below at Orchard Knob, The Battle of Lookout Mountain was the second of the three-day campaign collectively known as The Battles for Chattanooga. Between the 23rd and the 25th, 121,000 blue and gray clad soldiers commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant and General Braxton Bragg, respectively, engaged in furious and, at times, confused combat at Orchard Knob and the heights on Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. On November 26th, the nation’s first official Thanksgiving holiday,
Confederate forces retreated to Georgia as Grant took control of Chattanooga, firmly entrenching Union bootprints at the doorway to the industrial heart of Dixie and strategically changing the course of the war. By spring of 1864, Chattanooga would be Major General William Tecumseh Sherman’s first step on his march toward the sea. A belief that spans the ages, eclipses of the sun and moon have been considered tell-tale signals of impending disaster, or change. Perhaps this was not lost on one Confederate soldier who, in the aftermath of Chattanooga darkly mused, “This...is the death knell of the Confederacy.” Envisioned by both Union and Confederate veterans, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park became the nation’s first and largest designated historic battleground site. Encompassing more than 9,000 acres between east Tennessee and north Georgia, Congress approved the bill to establish the park in 1890. “What I tell people is that Gettysburg or Antietam or Shiloh or Chickamauga, whatever the battlefield may be, it’s not a place of beauty; it’s not a place you come to kind of gawk at deer,” says Christopher Young, Interpretation and Resource Education Coordinator at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. “But it is a place we need to be reminded that we’re not always as good as we think we are. It’s a place of divisiveness. It’s a place of apocalyptic scenery here.”
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It is a place we need to be reminded that we’re not always as good as we think we are. It’s a place of divisiveness. It’s a place of apocalyptic scenery here.” There’s a struggle beyond the bloodshed that’s imprinted on the land. “I think it’s also a reminder that 25 years before the Civil War it was the Cherokee Nation and the U.S. Government and the state of Georgia forcibly took it away from people who had lived there for generations. And then 25 years beyond that we’re fighting over ‘all men are created equal’,” Young says. The last state to join the Confedera-
cy in June 1861, Tennessee delivered more soldiers, behind Virginia, to the southern cause. However, Tennessee was also a divided state with the eastern half steeped in pro-Union leanings and provided the Federal army with 42,000 troops, more than all other southern states combined. Lincoln called Tennessee the “keystone of the Southern arch” and believed its Union loyalty made it politically winnable. With the exception of Virginia, Tennes-
see would be witness to more engagements than any other state with battles or skirmishes occurring in all 95 counties. Because of Chattanooga’s railroads and winding river, the city was a pivotal gateway. “Militarily speaking, Chattanooga is the crossroads. Armies aren’t going to function without food, supplies, reinforcements, logistics. Pretty much every rail line that goes through the South comes here. The choke point is here,” says Chris Barr, Historic Weapons Supervisor at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. “Pretend my left arm is the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. My shoulder is Richmond, the seat of the war. My fingers represent the Confederate heartland producing rail and steel in Atlanta, producing weapons and ammunition in Macon, Augusta, producing uniforms in Columbus, growing a ton of food in middle and south Georgia. What connects my fingers to my shoulder—tendons, blood vessels. Chattanooga is the crook of my elbow. Now what happens if I take my two right fingers and place them over the veins in my elbow? My left fingers go numb. Well, President Lincoln says if we capture Chattanooga, the rebellion will dwindle and die.” Tennessee was the first state readmitted to the Union due in part to its loyalist spirit. By December 1865 at the war’s end, 5,000 African Americans called Chattanooga home. “Once the Union army captures Chattanooga this becomes a beacon for people looking for a new life,” Barr
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COVER STORY
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If the Northern will to try to maintain the United States as a single whole had collapsed, it is possible that the United States as it had been for four score and seven years might have come to an end.” says. “There’s twice as many African Americans living in Chattanooga in 1865 as there were people total in 1860. That fundamentally changes the trajectory of the history of this city. This city does not exist the way it does without the Civil War. That’s economically, that’s politically, that’s socially.” The landscape remains relatively unchanged since 1863. The mountains, a compass that charts the course of our nation, orient us to a point when a breath of reconciliation began. Drive along Crest Road where cannons and plaques denoting regiments and generals who fought and maneuvered across Missionary Ridge on November 25 rest on manicured lawns of private residences. A clear gaze to Lookout in the west, Chattanooga below. It’s possible to imagine a time when, despite the city’s small population of 2,500, it shook with artillery and shouldered weight of a deeply fractured nation on its crests. “It should be that reminder, that mirror that we look into as a country and say, before we tout ourselves we need to remember who we are, who we were, and take that and educate ourselves so we can move forward,” says Young, an Alabama native whose great, great, great grandfather fought at Chattanooga. “If we don’t communicate and remember the sacrifice and deaths—it’s a slippery slope. Where does it move from speeches and hateful rhetoric, 10 • THE PULSE • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
which happened prior to the Civil War, before coming to blows? This isn’t us trying to defend against some other nation that has attacked us. I think we need to always keep that in the forefront. We’re not too good to turn on ourselves.” Given impacts on Chattanooga and the country at-large, it’s easy to overlook the global picture. “If the Northern will to try to maintain the United States as a single whole had collapsed, it is possible that the United States as it had been for four score and seven years might have come to an end,” says James Ogden, Historian for Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District. “The thing that most people don’t factor into any thoughts about this is what the then world leaders of England, France and to a lesser degree, Spain, were thinking. It benefited England most if the United States fell apart. England was still sore about having lost their North American colonies.” The world was watching as this upstart country flailed. “We were the shining light on the hilltop—that maybe people could indeed govern themselves,” Ogden says. And that test hinged on one civil battle after another. “You can build a case that regardless of whether the North and South might have torn themselves
apart directly, if the European powers had entered into the war, the United States and this experiment—we really were the only republican government—this experiment in government of the people by the people for the people might have indeed perished.” Ogden adds, “The sense of reconciliation and reunification that was pervading much of the United States in that post Civil War era is a major driving force in creating the National Military Park to show the world and the nation that the country once divided is now reunited.” The dark echo of war drums that fell over Chattanooga in 1863 have burned away like fog fading in the late autumn sun. In the grand configuration of history, 155 years is a blink of time but from that time eyes open to a new light that informs us today. “My job is to help manage, preserve, protect, interpret a place that is going to facilitate or ferment the growth of better citizens. I don’t necessarily have to connect you to 1863 because we don’t live in 1863. And the fact that
we don’t live in 1863 is because of what happened here,” says Barr. “Where a lot of historic sites kind of fall short is, ‘I got to get this kid to care about history.’ My son is obsessed with roller coasters. The only way I’m going to get him to care about this place is if I put a roller coaster out here. But again, I don’t have to get him to become a history buff. I’ve just got to get him to care about the world in which he lives—and the world in which we live was shaped, in large part, because of this place.” For a complete listing of events and programs commemorating the 155th Anniversary of The Battles for Chattanooga visit www.nps.gov/chch and come relive our local history. Jason Tinney is the author of “Ripple Meets the Deep” and two collections of poetry and prose. As an actor, Jason recently starred in “Free To Go”, which premiered at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre this year.. CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • THE PULSE • 11
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Creating An Atelier Making art approachable and affordable
The Birds And The Bees(wax) Encaustic painting, noun: a ridiculously cool way to paint with pigment injected beeswax that are heated and cooled to varying effects. It also has a lovely smell, but I don’t think it’s edible. This Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. the River Gallery is hosting Judy Klich, an encaustic painter of natural landscapes, and the beauty of her art work is something to hunger for. Her paintings have a collage of colors that are subdued yet vibrant. The natural world is often confined in geometrical shapes, and even when it’s not, her works looks like scenes from a dream. A view of a lake through hazy green trees, sporadic images of birds or flowers: they’re all organic in both subject matter and medium. In her bio, Judy Klich states: “A reoccurring theme of ‘calm versus chaos’ is prominent in my work. Natural and organic textures combined with geometric elements in abstract landscapes tell emotional stories of places I have been or seen.” To get a glimpse of these unique pieces go to judyklichart.com. This event is free admission at the River Gallery, which is located at 400 East Second Street. For more information about this and upcoming art events go to river-gallery. com.— Allan Duggar
By Tony Mraz Pulse contributor
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The Atelier is a labor of love, made by people who have dedicated their lives to creating an environment for artists to cultivate their talents.”
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N INCREDIBLE WORLDWIDE RESOURCE FOR artists is located in downtown Chattanooga, on the ground floor of the Arts Building at the corner of King St. and 11th St. In just over a decade, the Townsend Atelier has built a reputation for being a consistent source of the highest quality art materials and instruction. The Atelier is a labor of love, made by people who have dedicated their lives to creating an environment for artists to cultivate their talents. The workshops offered by this prestigious institution bring instructors and students from around the world to participate in the traditional master/apprentice approach to art. The Atelier is devoted to providing a high level of instruction to any who wish to advance their technical ability, regardless of
skill level. All of their classes are taught by professional artists, in a variety of fields including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. They also host critiques, artist talks, art exhibits, and weekly drawing studios. The Atelier was founded in 2007 by Stan and Peggy Townsend, and spent its first two years at the Business Development Center. In 2009, they began hosting classes on Main St in
what is now the Feed Co. The classes have been growing slowly and steadily, and 2019 is set to be their biggest year thus far, with over 20 exciting workshops with internationally recognized artists already scheduled. The process of seeking out artists to teach classes at the Atelier is mutually selective. One of the primary reasons that people travel from other countries to attend their workshops is because the artists who are teaching are at the top of their field, and well recognized. “Chattanooga is always surprising to our visitors, in a good way,” Peggy tells us. “They get here and fall in love with the city, and some of them end up moving here.” In addition to being famous, these visiting instructors are extremely good at what they do, and able to give personal attention to each student because class sizes are limited to 12 students—it is the visual arts equivalent of getting music lessons from rock stars. When they are in town to teach classes, most of the visiting artists do demonstrations for the general public, providing opportunities for art education to those who didn’t register for the class. Last week, for example, Ecuadorian oil painting master Carlos San Millan did a free demo where he talked and painted for over two hours. In addition to being informative,
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Chattanooga is always surprising to our visitors, in a good way. They get here and fall in love with the city, and some of them end up moving here.” these events are great entertainment for art lovers and collectors. In the spirit of fun, they occasionally host “Artist Throwdowns,” where two painters compete in front of a live audience, sometimes sharing a bit of friendly heckling with each other. The popularity of their events and consistent availability of their workshops has made the Atelier into a home for the local art community. Every Thursday night they host a figure drawing studio with a live model— there isn’t an instructor, but it is a great place to find informal critiques from friends. The community also offers a way to network with artists, and to learn from those with more experience—from giving advice on how to get into galleries to simply talking about their life’s work. The facility is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, with any level of skill—high school and college students, professionals, retirees, and children. Many adults and children attend private classes at the studio, and
there is a week-long Art Camp for kids every summer. They are also partnering with the Tennessee River Gorge to do a fundraiser for their non-profit in May, and are in the process of selecting a group of artists to work with them on that project. “Our missions go well together,” Peggy notes, “we are happy to help protect and preserve the natural landscapes that artists interpret.” The Atelier has been around long enough to see careers shaped, and artists who were amateurs exhibiting professionally and taking master classes. It has been selected by the National Portrait Society to be a site for their fall academy, an honor that is not lightly bestowed upon a learning institution. “We had this vision years ago, and kept talking about doing it—about having a need for art instruction, and we had a specific way we wanted to do it,” Peggy says. “We do it because we love it—for us it’s all about making it happen, and not anything else.”
THU11.22
FRI11.23
SAT11.24
Ice on the Landing
Hip Hop Nutcracker
Work off that post-feast calorie apocalypse with some fun exercise and get into the holiday spirit all at the same time. 6 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. choochoo.com
An urban dance retelling of the timeless fairy tale, featuring rap legend Kurtis Blow, as you've never see it before. 7:30 p.m. Memorial Auditorium 399 McCallie Ave. tivolichattanooga.com
Chattanooga Hungry Turkey Half Marathon & 5k Forgo the leftovers and come down to the river for a running tradition. 8:45 a.m. Coolidge Park 1 River St. tennesseeruns.com
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR Amber Anne Palo
THURSDAY11.22 Ice on the Landing 6 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. (423) 266-5000 choochoo.com Alcoholics Not Anonymous Comedy Open Mic 8 p.m. Barley Taproom 235 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 682-8200 chattanoogabarley.com Country Line Dancing Class 8 p.m. Westbound Bar 24 Station St. (423) 498-3069 westboundbar.com
FRIDAY11.23 Turkey Quickey Contra Dance 10 a.m. Brainard United Methodist Church 4315 Brainard Rd. contranooga.weebly.com Carol Hicks and Amber Anne Palo 1 p.m. River Gallery 400 East 2nd St. (423) 265-5033 river-gallery.com Holiday Cheer @ the Pier 4 p.m.
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Ross’s Landing 151 Riverfront Parkway chattanoogahospitalityassociation.com Out On 8th 5 p.m. West Village 802 Pine St. (423) 424-1831 westvillagechattanoga.com Purple Sky x POMKT: Sound + Shopping 5:30 p.m. 625 E. Main St. (917) 539-0282 Ice on the Landing 6 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. (423) 266-5000 choochoo.com Hip Hop Nutcracker
7:30 p.m. Memorial Auditorium 399 McCallie Ave. (423) 757-5580 tivolichattanooga.com James Gregory 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Ruby Falls Lantern Tours 8:30 p.m. Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. (423) 821-2544 rubyfalls.com
SATURDAY11.24 Chattanooga Hungry Turkey
ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT For over three decades, the unforgettable James Gregory has brought audiences a hilarious Southern-style comedy experience. James Gregory 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com
Half Marathon & 5k 8:45 a.m. Coolidge Park 1 River St. (224) 757-5425 tennesseeruns.com Small Business Saturday 10 a.m. Chattanooga’s North Shore Frazier Ave. northshorechattanooga.com Red Wolf Feeding and Talk Noon Reflection Riding Arboretum 400 Garden Rd. (423) 821-1160 reflectionriding.org Encaustic Artist Judy Klich 1 p.m. River Gallery 400 E. 2nd St. (423) 265-5033 river-gallery.com Doctor Who Day & Paratus Space Simulator 2 p.m. Infinity Flux 3643 Hixson Pike. (423) 591-5689 infinityflux.net Autumn in West Village 6 p.m. West Village 802 Pine St. westvillagechattanooga.com Ice on the Landing 6 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. (423) 266-5000 choochoo.com
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR Doctor Who Day
James Gregory 7, 9:15 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Chattanooga Ladies Rock Fundraiser 8 p.m. Barley Taphouse 235 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 682-8200 chattanoogabarley.com Whose Line Chattanooga 10 p.m. First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com
SUNDAY11.25 Free Fiddle School 2 p.m. Fiddlers Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd. (423) 994-7497 Ice on the Landing 6 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. (423) 266-5000 choochoo.com
MONDAY11.26 Autumn Belly Dance Session 5:45 p.m. Movement Arts Collective
3813 Dayton Blvd. (423) 401-8115 movementartscollective.com Ice on the Landing 6 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. (423) 266-5000 choochoo.com Beginner Tarot 6 p.m. Chattanooga Workspace 302 W 6th St. (423) 822-5750 chattanoogaworkspace.com Joggers & Lagers 6 p.m. Chattanooga Brewing Co. 1804 Chestnut St. chattabrew.com
TUESDAY11.27 Wake Up & Run 6 a.m. Fleet Feet Sports 307 Manufacturers Rd. (423) 771-7996 fleetfeetchattanooga.com Chattanooga Self Improvement 8 a.m. The Edney Innovation Center 1100 Market St. (423) 643-6770 theedney.com CHAgives Pop-up Party 10 a.m. Miller Park 928 Market St.
chagives.org Tuesday Night Chess Club 6 p.m. Downtown Library 1001 Broad St. (423) 643-7700 chattilibrary.com Ice on the Landing 6 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. (423) 266-5000 choochoo.com Creating a Holiday Mantle 6 p.m. Chattanooga Workspace 302 W. 6th St. (423) 822-5750 chattanoogaworkspace.com United We Dance 6 p.m. The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. (423) 266-1384 thebeth.org Paths to Pints along the Riverwalk 6:30 p.m. The Tap House 3800 St. Elmo Ave. taphousechatt.com Christmas Tree Lighting 6:30 p.m. Southern Adventist University 4881 Taylor Cir. (800) 768-8437 southern.edu Elixir Meetup 7 p.m. The Edney Innovation Center 1100 Market St.
(423) 643-6770 theedney.com
WEDNESDAY11.28 Middle Eastern Dance 10:30 a.m. Jewish Cultural Center 5461 North Terrace (423) 493-0270 jewishchattanooga.com Main Street Market 4 p.m. 522 W. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com Chattanooga Marketing Clinic: Coworking 6 p.m. The Edney Innovation Center 1100 Market St. (423) 643-6770 theedney.com Ice on the Landing 6 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. (423) 266-5000 choochoo.com Naughty Knights Chess Meetup 7:30 p.m. The Bitter Alibi 825 Houston St. (423) 362-5070 thebitteralibi.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • THE PULSE • 15
THE MUSIC SCENE
Many Musical Influences Telemonster delivers with new Introspector
“Tryptophantisc” Holiday Show Thanksgiving is upon us and you know what that means, right? Most people view Thanksgiving as a family holiday, a time to be around the people that you love. This is a valid point of view, but for the rest of us out there, Thanksgiving is a day off of work to let loose. That’s why JJ’s Bohemia would like to invite you to its annual Thanksgiving Jam with Killakeyz, where people who love rock and jamming out can enjoy the season in their own way. JJ’s is known for their holiday jam sessions and this year is no exception. Regarded as a “safe space” for people who enjoy good music and good times, JJ’s has been providing a haven for the nightlife in Chattanooga since 2006. Since then the nightlife scene in this city has boomed and a large part of that is due to the consistent line up of the venue. So instead of sitting down and passing out from the tryptophan in your dark meat, head on down to JJ’s and get ready to party. The Thanksgiving Jam will take place this Thursday, naturally. For more information on the show call (423) 266-1400 or visit jjsbohemia.com. Gobble gobble everybody, and be sure to save room for the dessert. — Ethan Palmer
A
N ASPIRING BUSH PILOT ONCE TOLD THIS WRITER a sinister joke she heard among her colleagues: if forced to make a nighttime emergency landing and, while looking for a suitable landing area, you don’t like what you see, then what should you do? Turn off your lights. By Ernie Paik Pulse Contributor
Similarly, on a personal level, one might prefer to bury his head in the sand and stay in the dark regarding his own internal darkness. That’s not the case with the Chattanooga group Telemonster and its new, second album Introspecter, a meticulously and immaculately recorded effort with an uncommon and adept eclecticism among pop hooks and rock throbs; its title combines “introspect” and “specter” to suggest a glimpse at darkness and ghosts within.
16 • THE PULSE • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
“It seemed the overarching theme [of Introspecter] was an attempt to wrestle with personal brokenness,” said Ben VanderHart via email, a multi-instrumentalist and Telemonster’s primary songwriter and vocalist. “I think we all have some unseemly characters living in us, and we usually do a good job of stifling them or hiding them from people in ‘respectable’ society. “The whole album is autobiographical,” said VanderHart. “Over the last several years, I felt compelled to write about vivid personal experiences that I could describe with palpable detail.”
“Things that aren’t often fodder for pop songs, but are still relatable to most people,” said VanderHart. “A fear of drowning (“Opheliac”), hiding aspects of your character to make people love you (“Facade 1”), coping with guilt and regret during a time of loss (“Birmingham”), seeking fulfillment and validation through things that are superficial or temporary (“In the Stones”).” “But every day, it feels like they’re fighting to get out. And I wanted to know if other people felt that way too,” said VanderHart. Joining VanderHart in Telemonster’s core quartet are his cousin Josh Barrett on drums, bassist JohnMichael Forman (who met VanderHart as his college roommate) and pianist Dave Hess who, like the other three, graduated from Covenant College. Although the origins of Intro-
specter date back to 2010, when VanderHart began writing the song “For Someone Not So Old,” the momentum for completing the album ramped up in 2016, when VanderHart began building a home studio. “Every couple weeks, one of the band members would come over, and we’d work on new ideas or lay down various parts of the album, one instrument at a time,” he said. “The fact that we collectively had eight kids over the last four years probably had the greatest impact on how the album developed.” “When Josh and I were in college, he once criticized my songwriting as having a limited range, saying it all sounded too much like a small handful of alt-rock bands I’d been listening to at the time,” said VanderHart. “That proved to be one of the most formative pieces of criticism I’ve ever gotten.” “As I pondered that feedback over the years, I realized that most of the artists I aspired to be like were borrowing ideas from music that was pretty far removed from their own,” said VanderHart. “So we often look to classical, jazz, film scores or even Broadway music for inspira-
“
When we draw on these influences, we know the result can never sound like the sources that inspire us.” tion,” said VanderHart, who cited diverse sources including contemporary composer Steve Reich, jazz legends Miles Davis and Charlie Christian, Broadway composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim, classical composers Tchaikovsky and Debussy, doowop music and even old Disney soundtracks. “When we draw on these influences, we know the result can never sound like the sources that inspire us, because, in the end, we are still rock musicians—our brains will always default to a snare on the two and the four,” said VanderHart. “But when we attempt to recreate vastly different genres within that context, that’s when we really start to sound the most like ourselves.” An event earlier this month at Daily Ration celebrated not only the release of Introspecter but also the launch of Yellow Racket, a new record label run by VanderHart intended to be
more of a cultural institution than just a business. “I started Yellow Racket in hopes of assembling a cadre of artists who have similar aesthetic and personal values,” said VanderHart. “In this context, a record label is not simply a company that promotes music, but a community of artists who can rely on each other for perspective, resources and support.” Ultimately, by taking a deep look within, one can make a stronger connection to the outside world, be it through a record label or through the music itself. “Even though these songs [on Introspecter] are autobiographical,” he said. “I hope they resonate with people and create opportunities for a few of us to become more vulnerable with each other. To be open about our flaws and to find some healing and reconciliation as a result.”
THU11.22 Open Mic Night Stuck with relatives? Getting a bit stir crazy? Come downtown and sing your lungs out. You'll feel much better. 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com
FRI11.23 Kofi Mowuko From West Africa to Chattanooga, Kofi has brought his world music to many happy Chattanooga fans. 9 p.m. Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com
SAT11.24 Strung Like a Horse Not just one of the best named bands in the city, but also one of the best up-and coming bands in the nation. 9 p.m. Songbirds South 35 Station St. events.songbirds.rocks
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • THE PULSE • 17
LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR
Courtney Holder
THURSDAY11.22 Cat Man Smothers 2 p.m. Virgola Wine Bar 608 Georgia Ave. chattanoogawinebar.com James Crumble Trio 6 p.m. St. John’s Meeting Place 1278 Market St. stjohnsrestaurant.com Toby Hewitt 6 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Hatcher Phillips Band 7 p.m. Southern Belle 201 Riverfront Pkwy. chattanoogariverboat.com Open Mic Night 7 p.m. Moccasin Bend Brewing Co. 3210 Broad St. bendbrewingbeer.com Jesse James & Tim Neal 7:30 p.m. Mexi-Wing VII 5773 Brainerd Rd. (423) 296-1073 Bluegrass Thursdays 7:30 p.m. The Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Keepin’ It Local 8 p.m. The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com
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Open Mic Night 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Thanksgiving Jam 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com
FRIDAY11.23 The Briars 6:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Courtney Holder 6:30 p.m. Westin Dorato Bar
801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Tim Lewis 7 p.m. El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonchattanooga.com Hip Hop Nutcracker 7:30 p.m. Memorial Auditorium 399 McCallie Ave. tivolichattanooga.com The Afernooners 8 p.m. Barley Taphouse 235 E. MLK Blvd. chattanoogabarley.com Heatherly 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com
LIVE MUSIC SPOTLIGHT It's a post-apocalyptic, Mad Max themed costume party showcasing the Genki's new sound— more akin to Gwar meets Faith No More and Jesus Lizard...plus their usual surf punk madness. Genki Genki Panic 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com
Bowie vs. Floyd 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Kofi Mowuko 9 p.m. Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Tone Harm 9 p.m. The Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Departure 9 p.m. Songbirds South 35 Station St. events.songbirds.rocks Aunt Betty 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com
SATURDAY11.24 Bluegrass Brunch Noon The Honest Pint 35 Patten Pkwy. thehonestpint.com Amber Fults 6:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com John Carroll 6:30 p.m. Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St.
Nalani & Sarina
Han Wenzel and the 86ers westinchattanooga.com Roger Wilson 7 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org Forever Bluegrass 7 p.m. Westbound Bar 24 Station St. westboundbar.com Tim Lewis 7 p.m. El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonchattanooga.com Chattanooga Ladies Rock Fundraiser 8 p.m. Barley Taphouse 235 E. MLK Blvd. chattanoogabarley.com Han Wenzel and the 86ers 9 p.m. HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com Strung Like a Horse with Monday Night Social 9 p.m. Songbirds South 35 Station St. events.songbirds.rocks Genki Genki Panic, Pinecone, Pains Chapel 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Mark Andrews 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St.
citycafemenu.com Aunt Betty 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com
SUNDAY11.25 The Bird and the Bear 11 a.m. Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Carl Pemberton 11 a.m. Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Von Wamps 1:30 p.m. Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Bluegrass Jam 4 p.m. Fiddlers Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd. (423) 994-7497 Open Mic with Jeff Daniels 6 p.m. Long Haul Saloon 2536 Cummings Hwy. (423) 822-9775 Mathis & Martin 7 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com The Molly Maguires 8 p.m. The Honest Pint
35 Patten Pkwy. thehonestpint.com
MONDAY11.26 Open Air with Jessica Nunn 6 p.m. The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com Matt Downer 6:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Very Open Mic with Shawnessey Cargile 8 p.m. The Well 1800 Rossville Blvd. #8 wellonthesouthside.com
TUESDAY11.27 Danimal 6 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Ryan Oyer 6:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Bill McCallie and In Cahoots 6:30 p.m.
Southern Belle 201 Riverfront Pkwy. chattanoogariverboat.com Open Mic Jam Session 7 p.m. Crust Pizza 3211 Broad St. crustpizza.com Live Jam Session with Freddy Mc & Friends 7:30 p.m. The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com Space Jam Music Open Mic 8 p.m. Barley Taphouse 235 E. MLK Blvd. chattanoogabarley.com Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m. Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com
WEDNESDAY11.28 No Big Deal 6 p.m. SpringHill Suites 495 Riverfront Pkwy. springhillsuites.com Amber Fults 6:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Nalani & Sarina 7 p.m. Songbirds North 35 Station St. events.songbirds.rocks
Jesse James Jungkurth 7 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Jazz in the Lounge 7 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Randall Adams 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 Minnesota with Charles the First 9 p.m. Songbirds South 35 Station St. events.songbirds.rocks Sound Systems Culture After Party 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com 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
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • THE PULSE • 19
ADAM BECKETT’S RECORD REVIEWS
New Music From No Thank You John, Spacesuit
No Thank You John Dark (bandcamp.com)
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usic has always been a big part of my life. I have a never-ending love for it, in all its forms. There is no limit to my love affair with it, I do not get hung up on genres, I focus more on the musical aspect of the content than anything else. One reason I love living in Chattanooga is the diverse music scene, and for the musical magic that lives here which the local music makers are able to consistently tap into; there must be something in the water. Currently I am loving the Lo-Fi electric pop album Dark, by No Thank You John. Lo-Fi
(Low Fidelity) music constitutes recorded music in which the sound quality is lower than the usual contemporary standards (High Fidelity), and where imperfections of the recording and production are audible; It is often referred to as DIY music. Where the sound quality is less than studio quality, it does not diminish the potency of the music, nor does it mean that it has a bad sound. It simply means that a musician used the tools that they had to unleash the music that was inside of them. In my humble opinion, Dark is exactly what music is all about; an extension of the artist’s spirit and heart. From the very first time that I pressed play, I felt instantly connected to the music. Slick, catchy, sounds and beats pour from its core. It has an overall ambient rhythm throughout, and is laced with some heady, heartfelt lyrics that are easily relatable to presumably most people. The music has a pulse, a heartbeat, it is alive. It holds rugged, raw beauty that can
only stem from life experience; from a place where some of the best music in existence is born. The album should be listened to from start to finish, but the standout tracks are “Dance on the Ceiling”, “Close”, and “Turn it Off”. The future of the local music scene is bright, and it is because of musicians like No Thank You John (NTYJ). Support your local musicians and artists Chattanooga.
Spacesuit Debut (bandcamp.com)
W
hile Chattanooga certainly does not have a booming electronic music
culture, it is scattered here through the peaks and valleys of the surrounding mountain ranges. Proof of its existence pours from Chattanooga artist Spacesuit’s September released electronic/chill/dreampop album titled Debut, and it is fantastic. While breaking the molds of traditional electronic dance music, Debut goes far beyond the realm of Tennessee, and unleashes a widespread sound that is globally relevant. The intelligence that flows from the music that composes the album is extraordinarily impressive. The creative stance of each individual track continues to progress as the album rides on. Beautiful, gripping, effortless music is what pours from it. I know that people often misconstrue the idea of electronic music, and brains automatically think dubstep or trance when imagining what an electronic music album might sound like. Where it can be the case, it is not always. Electronic music wears many
different masks, and in my opinion is the extension of the producer’s heartbeat, regardless of the EDM style that they are creating. This particular electronic music album cannot be boxed in by any kind of genre labeling, it does its own thing, and rocks steady. Many different sounds were utilized in the creation of this album, and small pieces from the many EDM sub-genres ring out at different times throughout; never in a mimicking kind of way. This whole album is excellent in its entirety. There is not a dull moment from start to finish and is one of those rare albums that easily falls into the daily listen category. Standout tracks “Bird”, “Northern Lights”, “Spacesuit”, and “To Live” all pave the way for this stellar album. Debut is the kind of album that can open minds to further explore electronic music. Support this talented local artist Chattanooga. Break the chains of misconception and give this electronic treasure a listen.
Follow The Pulse on Facebook (we’re quite likeable) www.facebook.com/chattanoogapulse 20 • THE PULSE • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
THE ART OF LITERATURE
Children's Author Daniella Bozzone
A
Brooke Brown
Pulse Assistant Editor
“
If there is one thing children’s author Daniella Bozzone is trying to instill in the future adults of the world, it’s just that: be grateful, be positive, and don’t let the little things hold you back.”
S AN ADULT, LONG HARD days, strenuous workloads and busy lifestyles can bog us down, weaken our good attitudes and thankfulness for another day. Sometimes it’s hard to be positive, to feel grateful for x, y and z, but if there is one thing children’s author Daniella Bozzone is trying to instill in the future adults of the world, it’s just that: be grateful, be positive, and don’t let the little things hold you back. Through her children’s books, Daniella introduces readers to Lucy Cate, a wise little owl adorned with thick-rimmed blue glasses and a red hooded cape that could signify the super power of gratitude she develops throughout just a few pages. Titled “Lucy Cate and Her Gratitude Attitude”, the book focuses on helping children ages four to eight take time throughout their days to stop and be thankful for something. It’s as simple as being thankful for their parents, grandparents, friends or pets, their pants, shoes, bed or time at school. “I write things that I wish I had had as a child,” says Daniella. “Gratitude practice is life changing even as an adult, and the earlier you learn that the better.” Children often get swept up in what others have, what they wear, what they got for Christmas, and so on. Instilling the thoughtfulness of being grateful for what you have, what you see, and what you can be is a priceless asset for children to develop early on in life. Envy doesn’t help you grow, but having a gratitude attitude from the get-go will be outstandingly helpful for them as they become adults. “Children see an adventure through Lucy Cate’s eyes that turns her attitude around,” says Daniella. “And learn to they start their day with three thank you’s.” The final page of “Lucy Cate and Her Gratitude Attitude” features a blank
space for children to interact with the story and write their own thank you’s, a good start to an incredible daily practice. Both of Daniella’s books are hand illustrated in pencils, watercolor and inks by Daniella herself, a wearer of many hats. Inspired by “Calvin and Hobbes” throughout her childhood and her mother’s vintage “Peanuts” books from the ‘40s, cartooning has always been a passion of hers. “I’ve always been artsy fartsy,” she says. “And I knew I always wanted to do this.” Daniella’s second children’s book “Beauty Salad” focuses on being bullied, a hot topic for school children that never seems to cease. This second illustrative book reintroduces Lucy Cate with a new friend, a little cat named May Pearl. When we first meet May Pearl, she’s been picked on by the mean girls at school, and Lucy Cate, with her evergrateful attitude teaches May Pearl that instead of focusing on the bullies, she should focus on herself. Lucy Cate tells her, “So, May Pearl, I want to say / That if you seek and strive away / At something that you make or learn / Mean words will have no lasting burn.” Teaching children not to ignore bul-
lies per se, but to put their attention towards learning something new, working on a new skill, something fun, the bully’s words will mean less and less as children, like May Pearl, develop their own strengths to overcome the bully in their own way. Bettering the lives of children throughout the Chattanooga area, Daniella has done readings through Literacy Nights at the Creative Discovery Museum, private preschools on Signal Mountain, and the Signal Mountain Library. “Reading at schools are the most fun for me,” she says. “Kids are so thankful for the funniest things.” Her books are available through local shops like Starline Books, The Learning Express, and Mountaintop Toys as well as on Amazon. Visit her website at daniellabozzoneauthor.com for free coloring pages to download and print for kids, and keep an eye out for a blog there in the near future. And teachers, she is also happy to do readings at in the Chattanooga area. Shining a bright light on positivity in so many ways for the future of our children, Daniella is making a difference one Lucy Cate story at a time.
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • THE PULSE • 21
FILM & TELEVISION
In Praise Of The All-American Western The Coen Brothers find the heart of the West
You'll Believe A Man Can Fly Forty years ago, superhero movies were not the dominant box office force they are today. In fact, they were just about the complete opposite. In the 1970’s, superheroes were relegated to the brightly colored (and poorly animated) television backwaters of Saturday morning cartoons and comics racks at Woolworths. Well before Batman, Black Panther, or Deadpool ruled the theaters, no one thought audiences would go see a movie about an overgrown Boy Scout with bright red boots and big red cape who was as wholesome and pure as cookies, milk and Santa Claus. They were wrong, of course, though it took the acting genius of Christopher Reeve and Gene Hackman to bring the story of Krypton’s favorite son to success on the big screen. This Sunday, head on over to Hamilton Place 8 and relive Truth, Justice, and the American Way with a special screening of Superman: The Movie in all its glory. But wait, there’s more...the event also includes the 1941 Max Fleischer Superman animated short “The Mechanical Monsters”, lovingly restored for the theater. We all have a little Clark Kent in us, and we all hope to have a little Superman inside us as well. And this is the movie that brought those dreams to reality. Up, up, and away! — Michael Thomas
By John DeVore Pulse Film Editor
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Directors like Sergio Leone and Sam Peckinpah brought this sky, and the lonely lands that lie beneath, to audiences around the world.”
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A
S I WATCHED THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS, I couldn’t help but think of this passage from my favorite piece of American literature, “The Way to Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday. “Loneliness is an aspect of the land. All things in the plain are isolate; there is no confusion of objects in the eye, but one hill or one tree or one man. To look upon that landscape in the early morning, with the sun at your back, is to lose the sense of proportion.” He’s referring to what would seem like a tall hill for most Tennesseans, jutting up from the plains in Oklahoma. Here in the valley, we don’t see as much of the sky and sometimes lack the wonder that it
garners for those that live in the west. But in those classic American tales, the westerns that dominated so much of our entertainment, directors like Sergio Leone and Sam Peckinpah brought this sky, and the lonely lands that lie beneath, to audiences around the world. The influence of these directors are on display in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, but the western vignettes found within the film are overwhelmingly Coen Brother’s.
It’s almost a greatest hits of all the themes found in their films, distilled into six wildly different and original stories. The stories are simple enough: a friendly and melodious gunslinger meets his match, a bank robber finds his noose, a showman finds a new act, a gold digger finds a vein, a lonely woman finds her beau, a group of travelers encounter a shared fate. It’s in the telling of these stories where the beauty is found. This has always been the case with the Coen Brothers. They are some of the best filmmakers of a generation—an Americana Scorcese, a folksy Hitchcock, a down home Woody Allen. But their vision of America isn’t limited. They’ve captured the culture of the country from coast to coast, from time period to time period, understanding that it’s the human element that connects all stories. The details, though…those are where the Coen’s shine. They understand their subjects, the world in which they live, and the choices that they make. Characters are key in great filmmaking. Every character in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs has a past—they are a collection of experiences that make up their personalities. This is true of even the more sur-
“
That Netflix managed to nab such a great film, streaming to homes instead of released wide in theaters, is nothing short of miraculous.”
real characters, of which there are a few. But then, films aren’t simply short stories or novels acted out in front of a camera. They are, of course, a visual medium. The Coen’s make distinct choices in their filming, be it long shots of the great emptiness of the American West or the intimacy of a coach filled with very different people. In the last story, pay close attention to the lighting and the tone as the sun slowly sets, and the coachman continues driving on towards his destination. Some of these choices are obvious—there are many nods to the great westerns of the past. How many films have seen a hanging from horseback? How many a lonely saloon in the middle of a desert? But the Coen’s take these ideas and play with them, architects that they are, building worlds and challenging preconceptions. And where would the Coen’s be
without their familiar players? The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is packed with some of the best talent Hollywood has to offer: Liam Neeson, James Franco, Zoe Kazan, Brenden Gleeson, Stephen Root, Tim Blake Nelson, Tyne Daly, just to name a few. In one segment, Tom Waits even shows up. The cast is simply exceptional. That Netflix managed to nab such a great film, streaming to homes instead of released wide in theaters, is nothing short of miraculous. It bodes well for the streaming service that it can pull this kind of talent. I can’t help but wonder, though, if this is the best way for the content to be distributed? It looked great on my television, to be sure, but I felt almost cheated at not seeing a film like this one on the big screen. It’s nice for convenience sake, but art should demand the best venue available. Either way, though, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is not to be missed.
✴ NEW IN THEATERS ✴
Ralph Breaks the Internet Six years after the events of "Wreck-It Ralph", Ralph and Vanellope, now friends, discover a wi-fi router in their arcade, leading them into a new adventure. Directors: Phil Johnston & Rich Moore Stars: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman
Creed II Under the tutelage of Rocky Balboa, light heavyweight contender Adonis Creed faces off against Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago. Director: Steven Caple Jr. Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • THE PULSE • 23
The List
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
ROB BREZSNY
Thanksgiving Side Dishes Thanksgiving is here, and for many it kind of snuck up on us. That said, it’s our annual to give thanks to stretch pants and loosening of the belts as we chow down on all of our holiday feast favorites. So, which are the most popular dishes? We asked around our friends, neighbors and co-workers to come up with the definitive non-scientific list of the top ten. 1. Stuffing 2. Gravy 3. Mashed Potatoes 4. Green Bean Casserole 5. Rolls 6. Mac and Cheese 7. Sweet Potato Casserole 8. Sweet Corn 9. Cornbread 10. Cranberry Sauce And if you can chow down on all ten, congratulations! Now it’s time to either hit the couch for an extended holiday nap or the gym to...well, we’ll just stick with the couch. It’s easier that way. Oh, and Brussels Sprouts will never make the list, Ever.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “You have two ways to live your life,” writes spiritual teacher Joseph Vitale, “from memory or inspiration.” In other words, you can take your cues about how to live your life from what happened in the past, or else you can make your decisions based on what you’re excited to do and become in the future. According to my analysis, the next ten months will be an excellent time for you to fully embrace the latter approach. And it all starts now. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ve always got more help available than you imagine, and that’s especially true these days. Both people you know and people you don’t know may come to your assistance and offer extra support -- especially if you meet two conditions: 1. you sincerely believe you deserve their assistance and support; 2. you clearly ask for their assistance and support. Now here’s more good news about the help that’s available. Whether or not you believe in spiritual beings, they, too, are primed to offer blessings and resources. If you don’t believe in their existence, I invite you to pretend you do and see what happens. If you do believe in them, formulate clear requests for what you’d like them to offer you. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In one of his poems, Arthur Rimbaud extolled the exquisite evenings when the mist soaked his face as he strolled, and he sipped that heavenly dew till he was drunk. Was he speaking literally or metaphorically? Probably both, if I know Rimbaud. Anyway, Aquarius, I’d love for you to engage in similar exploits. What are some natural adventures that might intoxicate you? What simple pleasures may alter your consciousness, nudging you free of its habits? Meditate with sweet abandon on how to free yourself through the power of play and the imagination.
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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): It’s illegal to hunt animals in Kenya. But members of the Dorobo tribe circumvent the law to provide food for their families. As three or more Dorobo men wander out on the savanna, they wait for hungry lions to kill a wildebeest or other creature. Then they stride toward the feasting beasts in a calm show of force until the predators run away in confusion. The brave scavengers swoop in and swiftly remove a portion of the wildebeest, then coolly walk away, leaving plenty for the lions when they return to their meal. I bring this scene to your attention, Pisces, because I suspect that in the coming weeks you will have similar levels of courage and poise as you go after what you want. ARIES (March 21-April 19): In his autobiography On the Move, neurologist Oliver Sacks praised his friend Jerry’s curiosity and knowledge. “Jerry has one of the most spacious, thoughtful minds I have ever encountered, with a vast base of knowledge of every sort,” wrote Sacks, “but it is a base under continual questioning and scrutiny.” So willing was Jerry to question and re-evaluate his own assumptions that Sacks said he had “seen his friend suddenly stop in midsentence and say, ‘I no longer believe what I was about to say.’” That’s the gold standard to which I hope you will aspire in the coming weeks, Aries. As bright and articulate as you’ll be, you will have an even higher calling to expand your mind through continual questioning. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In recent years, a few pioneers have gotten microchips implanted under their skin. These technological marvels enable them to open doors and turn on lights with merely a wave of their hands, or receive up-to-the-minute readings on what’s transpiring inside their bodies. Now an additional frontier has arisen: people using do-ityourself kits to experiment on their own DNA. For example, some have tweaked their genes so their bodies create more muscle than is natural. I would love for you to change yourself around in the coming weeks, Taurus, but not in these particular ways. I’d rather see you do subtle psychological and spiritual work. The astrological omens suggest it’s a favorable time for focused self-transformation. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Are you smart enough to take advantage of the fact that your best relationships
Homework: How could you change yourself in order to get more of the love you want? Go to FreeWillAstrology. com; click on “Email Rob.” would benefit from bursts of innovative energy in the coming weeks? Are you brave enough to banish the ghost that still haunts your romantic life? Do you have the moxie to explore frontiers with collaborators who play fair and know how to have fun? Will you summon the curiosity and initiative to learn new strategies about how to enhance your approach to intimacy? I’ll answer those questions in your behalf: yes, yes, yes, and yes. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Would you agree with me that there are both boring, tiresome problems and fun, interesting problems? If so, read on. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you’re at a fork in your path where you could either get further involved with a boring, tiresome problem or else a fun, interesting one. (I think you’ll have to engage with one or the other.) Of course, I’m rooting for you to proactively wrangle with the fun, interesting one. Here’s timely inspiration from Cancerian author John W. Gardner: “We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.” LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The Jharia Coalfield in eastern India is a 110-squaremile reserve of underground coal. In some places, it’s on fire, and has been burning for over a hundred years. This isn’t a good thing. It’s wasteful and causes pollution. But now I’ll ask you to put aside that scenario, and imagine a more benevolent kind of steadily burning fire: a splendor in your soul that never stops radiating warmth and light; that draws from an inexhaustible source of fuel; that is a constant source of strength and courage and power. I’m happy to tell you that the coming months will be a favorable time to establish and nurture this eternal flame. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Marilyn Monroe, Georgia O’Keeffe, and President Franklin Roosevelt were direct descendants of the pilgrims who sailed from England to the New World on the famous Mayflower ship
in 1620. I, on the other hand, am a direct descendant of a nineteenthcentury Slovakian coal miner who toiled in the underground darkness. What about you, Virgo? Now would be a rich and provocative time to reconnect with your roots; to remember where your people originated; to explore the heritage that served as the matrix from which you sprouted. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): According to researchers who study animal behavior at two Italian universities, chickens can do arithmetic. The birds don’t even need to be trained; the skill seems to be innate. (Read details here: tinyurl.com/ChickensDoMath.) I’m wondering whether chickens born under the sign of Libra might even be able to do algebra in the coming weeks. According to my assessment of the astrological omens, the mental acuity of many Libran creatures will be at a peak. How will you use your enhanced intelligence? SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In March 2005, far more people than usual won big money in a regional Powerball lottery in the U.S. The average for each draw is four winners, but on this special occasion, 110 players were awarded at least $100,000 and as much as $500,000. The reason for the anomaly seemed to have been an oracle that appeared in a number of widely distributed fortune cookies. It provided five of the six winning numbers. Inspired by this crazy stroke of good fortune, and in accordance with the favorable financial omens now coming to bear on you, I hereby offer you six numbers to use as your lucky charms. Will they help you win a game of chance? I can’t be sure. At the very least, they will titillate and massage the part of your psyche that is magnetic to wealth. Here they are: 37. 16. 58. 62. 82. 91. 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
THE COMIX
“Cast of Characters”—all with the help of one person. ACROSS 1 Celebrity news site 4 “___ the season” 7 Site for some trivia events 10 “So frustrating ...” 13 Sugarloaf Mountain locale 14 Coach Parseghian 15 Make up stuff 16 Mauna ___ (Hawaiian volcano) 17 Character cocreated by 63-Across 19 Abbr. on toothpaste boxes 20 ___-Wan Kenobi 21 Sasha’s older sister 22 Character cocreated by 63-Across 25 “Here, I’ll get that” 27 Auguries 28 “Canterbury Tales” site 30 Great Lake name 31 Borrow (forever) 32 Starts to drop off 34 Dir. of this clue 35 “Incorrect”
39 Group of characters cocreated by 63-Across 40 With “The,” character co-created by 63-Across 42 Character cocreated by 63-Across 43 Mexican blanketlike shawl 45 Round fig. 46 Recording 47 Quit being serious 48 Open a little 50 Important 51 Colorado resort town 54 Create cartoons 56 Character cocreated by 63-Across 58 Hands out hands 61 He did Solo work 62 Bird bill 63 Late comics maven whose career spanned eight decades 65 “Foucault’s Pendulum” author Umberto 66 Sport ___ (4x4)
67 Cassis-and-white wine cocktail 68 December 31, e.g. 69 Court partition 70 It gets steamrollered 71 Magic 8-Ball response 72 Liquor flavored with juniper DOWN 1 Quick haircut 2 Actress Sorvino 3 Ben Stiller character with signature looks 4 Dish served in cornhusks 5 Glass on the radio 6 Sub, e.g. 7 Lean on the horn 8 Assistant 9 Digital data display 10 Mitt 11 ABC host Roberts 12 Train tracks 18 Zero, in rugby 23 Patriotic memorabilia 24 Former Cowboy Smith
26 Emulated Cicero 28 “Need You Tonight” group 29 1890s gold rush city 31 Two-letter pair 33 Moved sinuously 36 Get going 37 “I don’t want that” 38 “The Book of Mormon” cocreator Parker 41 Ballet great Vaslav 44 Pesto ingredient 49 Detection methods 51 Beyond pale 52 First word of a “Star Trek” opener 53 Wine variety 54 “Late Night with Seth Meyers” writer/ performer Ruffin 55 Pin in the back 57 EGOT winner Moreno 59 Jeans maker Strauss 60 Noticed 64 Knot up
Copyright © 2018 Jonesin’ Crosswords. For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents perminute. Must be 18+ to call. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle No. 911 CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • THE PULSE • 25
FOOD & DRINK · SUSHI & BISCUITS
Cubism And Cooking Make your own bouillon cubes and jumpstart your home cooking
L Mike McJunkin Pulse columnist
“
Do bouillon cubes represent the best we have to offer in this age where cooking knowledge and skill are progressing at a rate previously unseen in human history?”
Mike McJunkin is a native Chattanoogan who has traveled abroad extensively, trained chefs, and owned and operated restaurants. Join him on Facebook at facebook.com/SushiAndBiscuits
ET’S START THIS HOLIDAY SEAson by cleansing ourselves of a dark secret. Pushed deep into the shadowy corners of our family’s cooking traditions is a truth so scandalous, a truth so painfully hard to face, that we hide it from kith and kin. We surreptitiously conceal emptied jars and wrinkled wrappers beneath the kitchen trash, attempting to camouflage our shame, while unaware that we share this scandal with bonnet-clad grandmas, Brady-esque moms, and the majority of cooks across Europe, Asia and Africa. The dark truth is that most of us use the concentrated and compressed magic kitchen dust known as a bouillon cube. Bouillon cubes are often vilified in the current American food scene. They are seen as a shortcut for cooks who are far too eager to replace the grand, noble process of simmering animal parts and vegetables for hours upon hours with the convenient mediocrity of unwrapping a cube of instant flavor thanks to the miracle of modern food science. But this idea that breaking out a bouillon cube represents some shameful Faustian bargain struck between the cook and the devil isn’t completely fair, and the idea that they are a modern invention is simply wrong. Do bouillon cubes represent the best we have to offer in this age where cooking knowledge and skill are progressing at a rate previously unseen in human history? Absolutely not. They are mostly salt, held together with a bunch of starch that has just enough dried vegetable powder, dried spice and meat-flavored crystals to give it a rumor of flavor. But just like karaoke and yoga pants, there’s a time and place for everything—including the much disparaged bouillon cube. Professional chefs have been using them for centuries. André Soltner, dean of the International Culinary Center in
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New York and one of America’s first celebrity chefs adds them to stocks or soups if he feels like “the taste needs a little nudge” and legendary chef Marco Pierre White spent years pimping the virtues of Knorr cubes, just to name a few. Even Escoffier made his own bouillon cubes! The precursors to today’s dried bouillon cubes were the “pocket soups” and “veal glews” of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These recipes were time consuming and complicated, requiring the cook to stew, strain, and simmer strong veal stock for hours, “till by ye steam ye jelly grow of a glewish substance.” This “glew” was then dried on cloth until it became a leathery paste that could be carried in a small tin. Various attempts at developing this idea further were attempted throughout the 18th and 19th centuries until Swiss entrepreneur and self-professed clairvoyant, Julius Maggi produced the first commercial bouillon cubes in 1908, with his distinctive Bouillon Kub to be quickly copied by Knorr in 1912. (Maggi’s Bouillon Kubs were so iconic they even appear in Picasso’s “Paysage aux affiches”). If you want the convenience of a bouillon cube without the thiazide chaser, I recommend you take a day off and make your own. Get all the flavor with none of the guilt.
Start by making a big batch of your favorite homemade stock. A rule of thumb is that one gallon of stock will reduce to about one cup of liquid bouillon. Allow the finished stock to cool overnight, skim off any fat that has risen and congealed. Place the pot of stock on the stove and set the temperature so that it comes to a fast, but not rolling, boil until about half reduced. Once half-reduced, lower to a simmer until the stock reduces again by half and thickens into a lush sauce. It should coat the back of a spoon, and cling to it, looking glossy and rich. It should be about the consistency of hot maple syrup. Be careful as the stock reduces past about 1/3 reduced—it can quickly overreduce and even burn if you don’t keep an eye on it as it finishes. Cool the sauce by using plastic wrap to line a pan large enough for the reduced stock to fill to the height you want your cubes to be (Want 2” cubes? You need a 2” deep layer of stock). Pour the cooled sauce into the pan and place in the refrigerator overnight. The sauce will set like jello. Flip the gelatinized stock onto a large, flat surface, peel off plastic wrap and cut into squares. Put the squares into ziplock baggies or jars. Your bouillon will keep in the refrigerator for up to two months or in the freezer for up to one year.
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