The Pulse 16.50 » December 12, 2019

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 50 | DECEMBER 12, 2019

BREWER MEDIA GROUP Publisher James Brewer, Sr.

Contents

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 50 • DECEMBER 12, 2019

General Manager Kira Headlee THE PULSE Managing Editor Gary Poole gary@chattanoogapulse.com

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CHASING SPIRITS OF THE SEASON I was crouching in a dank and dusty crawlspace underneath a funeral home at midnight. I was engulfed in a darkness only cave crickets are comfortable with. I pressed my back against the cinderblock foundation and felt the weight of the giant creepy mansion overhead.

Assistant Editor Jessie Gantt-Temple Music Editor Marc T. Michael Film Editor John DeVore Art Director Kelly Lockhart

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Director Of Sales Mike Baskin mike@brewermediagroup.com Office 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Email info@chattanoogapulse.com Website chattanoogapulse.com Facebook @chattanoogapulse

Some arts get you name recognition. Think about Kate Winslet gracing the screen on Titanic. But where would they be without their costumes? You can’t imagine the character Rose without those sumptuous period dresses.

Yet, the art of costuming is rarely acknowledged.

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Contents Copyright © 2019 by Brewer Media.

All rights reserved.

EVERYDAY DREAMS MORE THAN AN EVERYDAY ALBUM Years ago one of my favorite Celtic bands counted among their ranks a young woman from Sweden. She was a stunning vocalist, and to hear her renditions of old Irish tunes, you’d swear she’d been plucked straight from the field of Connemara.

Founded 2003

by Zachary Cooper & Michael Kull 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.

LIFE IS A STAGE, SO WHAT DO YOU WEAR?

3 CITY LIFE

12 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

21 FILM & TELEVISION

5 SHADES OF GREEN

17 JONESIN' CROSSWORD

22 SUSHI & BISCUITS

9 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

18 MUSIC CALENDAR

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20 MUSIC REVIEWS

CITY LIFE · BETWEEN THE BRIDGES

A Chef Caters To Children Terence Locke, Sr. launches children’s cookbook

By Jessie Gantt-Temple Pulse Assistant Editor

“I

FIND ITS ALWAYS BEST TO SHOCK the world,” says a chef with many irons in the fire, so to speak. Terence Locke Sr. did not know that he was going to be an author when he started his catering company Chef Express four years ago.

After working this past year on his children’s cookbook, “Daddy What You Cooking?”, Terence is ecstatic to host the launch this Sunday.

“The book will hopefully get kids to open up and bond with their families, specifically their father,” Terence said.

He goes on to explain the characters of the dynamic family in the book. The sister Nikki is named after his real sister who of course loves her brothers even if she acts like she doesn’t.

The older brother Anthony is Terence’s homage to his actual older brother who passed away a few years ago to cystic fibrosis.

Nicole, mother and gym owner, is not named after anyone specific but she likes to eat healthy and promote physical activity. Terence, the father, is just like the man of the same name who wrote the book as he loves to bond with his kids while teaching culinary skills and encouraging literacy.

“Baby Preston is actually me because I am the baby amongst my three siblings, but I am also represented as the dad, Terence. I did this to show that the learner can be the educator and vice versa.” Father to five-yearold Terence Jr., Terence says his son was his inspiration to write the book.

As this is the first in an illustrated series, Terence would love to see “Daddy

What You Cooking?” come to life on the screen through Netflix or Amazon.

His book is available on Amazon but you can snag a signed copy at this Sunday’s celebration from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Chattanooga Event Space.

The family friendly event will have free food catered by Sheila's Creations with music, a coloring book station, and merchandise.

Terence is the third and youngest caterer in his family who followed in the footsteps of his aunt Sheila Ward and his uncle Leon Rice. His mentors were not only great chefs but great business owners who were able to teach him about food and finances. Sheila owns O’Sheila’s Creations, a caterer who fed companies like BMW. Leon is the culinary arts teacher at Brainerd High, with over fifteen years’ experience.

Terence began his edible entrepreneurship at a young age by selling pre-made, homemade plates of food out of the house and delivering to local companies. He then got his big lunch break when one of the employees from the company he delivered to asked Terence to cater his wedding.

What began as a plate-by-plate op-

eration turned into the now successful Chef Express that can feed three hundred.

Still hungry to feed minds along with bellies, Terence started Pots & Tots, a summer program for children 8 to 12 years old who are interested in home economics with an emphasis on cooking.

Hoping to partner with a vegan chef this year, Terence will host kids for a six-week, 2-hour, once a week class that includes a small graduation ceremony. “We invite the community along with the parents and have guest speakers that discuss entrepreneurship, family and food,” Terence said.

His mission with all of it is to “go beyond just catering food. Promoting the advancement of young entrepreneurs and serving the less fortunate through acts of kindness, we strive to cater to the needs of our community.”

If you can’t make this Sunday’s event, order your copy from daddywhatyoucooking.com and follow them on Facebook.

If you want to enjoy Terence’s recipes by tasting as well as reading, then contact him through chefexpress.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • THE PULSE • 3

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COLUMN · SHADES OF GREEN

Pushing Through Trouble To Joy Wishing you peace on Earth and green tidings to all

“T Sandra Kurtz

Pulse columnist

“

This holiday season brings remembrance of the birth of a baby who changed the world while advocating to love one another.

Women, who have birthed a baby know a lot about this.”

Sandra Kurtz is an environmental community activist, chair of the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Alliance, and is presently working through the Urban Century Institute. You can visit her website to learn more at enviroedu.net

HE EARTH HAS A PULSE, AND so do we.” Those were the words of author Terry Tempest Williams during the annual Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, California.

She described research findings at Castleton Tower in Utah. Scientists placed seismometers at the top and the bottom of the red rock. They discovered that the tower sways in tune with the deep vibrations within the Earth. Its pulse beats with the same timing as your heartbeat. Wow! That feels like a spiritual connection.

For thirty years, the Bioneers organization has been exploring cutting edge ideas for environmental living, respect and healing using their slogan “Revolution from the Heart of Nature.” Global environmental heroes were present including Bill McKibben, David Orr, Kenny Ausubel, Paul Hawken, and Nina Simons, to name a few.

From the South came Heather McTeer Toney, former EPA Region 4 Administrator now leading Mom’s Clean Air Force, and Kali Akuno, co-founder and director of Cooperation Jackson (MS). Speakers all gave voice to our anger and despair over the environmental setbacks that have come from this federal administration with Trump as the hood ornament.

Impacts of climate change hovered over the conferees noting melting ice in the Arctic that alters the winter rituals and ways of life were demonstrated in a Neoshamanic dance performed by OLOX. We saw satellite photos of Amazon fires and rising ocean acidity impacts, noted the loss of soil health, reflected on the rising number of climate refugees, and were saddened over the latest news that more than three billion birds have disappeared over forty-eight years primarily due to human practices.

In short, the temperature is rising and at a faster rate. Can we adjust and if so how?

There was also anguish over a dimin-

ished democracy and ways in which capitalism is not working for us. Kenny Ausubel said, “Corporations are making feudalism great again.” Jobs are declining due to mechanization while our communities are polluted from fossil fuel industries leading to health issues. As one wag asked, “Climate is NOT a political issue?

Tell that to the atmosphere.”

Coal burning is not an asset if it means death to the planet. Frankly the climate will be fine as it adjusts to human activities, but those activities are circling back to bite us. Ultimately, we are on Earth’s time and climate change is giving us feedback.

Despite all the recognition of earthly peril and climate weirding, the conference was upbeat and filled with positive solutions and success stories. There was talk of love and compassion. Food and wares were all local from small businesses. Art served to fuel conversation. There was encouragement to see no stranger and to never be a bystander. Kinship and relationships were flagship thoughts reminding us that each of us is someone’s ancestor. We must show up lest future inhabitants ask “What did you do when you knew?”

Can we reverse global warming with carbon in the atmosphere now at 445 parts per million? No, not just by reducing energy, but maybe through re-carbonizing our land, reducing food waste, putting labor ahead of capital, divesting, creating walkable cities, protecting forests and wetlands, improving rice cultivation, addressing population through education of women, and eating a plant rich diet.

Real wealth is based on restoring natural systems. We can move toward that economy recognizing we live in a

closed system. For example, the study of biomimicry teaches us ways nature continues to exist in complex interrelated and self-organizing systems. Listening to indigenous peoples can also teach us much because of their long cultural history connected to nature.

This holiday season brings remembrance of the birth of a baby who changed the world while advocating to love one another. Women, who have birthed a baby know a lot about this.

They can identify with the pain, effort, breathing and the push that comes before the child and celebration arrive.

According to Valarie Kaur, a civil rights attorney, many of us are now serving as midwives to help bring sustainable ways of living to fruition. The push has already begun to rise in communities across the land. The aspirational Green New Deal is being discussed at the federal level.

Of course babies always bring hope, but hope alone is not enough for change as David Orr says, “Hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up.” Through revolutionary love, we can work together in sync with the Earth’s pulse toward a transition to bring joy on a planet that benefits all now and in the future. Season’s greetings.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • THE PULSE • 5

COVER STORY

Chasing Spirits Of The Season Ghost hunting with the city’s premier paranormal research team

By Brandon Watson Pulse contributor

“

Nothing was normal here and according to the curator of this macabre mansion: my location put me dead center of a paranormal vortex. ”

I

WAS CROUCHING IN A DANK AND DUSTY CRAWLSPACE underneath a funeral home at midnight. I was engulfed in a darkness only cave crickets are comfortable with.

I pressed my back against the cinderblock foundation and felt the weight of the giant creepy mansion overhead.

I stilled my breaths and tuned my ear for something, anything, that would or could stir in the dark. To my right further down the crawlspace I heard a grunt and a shuffle.

“Something just grabbed my arm!”

Todd Clay said.

As his words trailed off, the electromagnetic field (EMF) detector started clicking in my hand and the floor above us thumped and creaked. It dawned on me that the whole building could drop, sealing us in like a tomb. I watched the EMF settle back down to normal levels, and the temperature started rising again. Nothing was normal here and

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according to the curator of this macabre mansion: my location put me dead center of a paranormal vortex.

This was my first paranormal investigation in the belly of Lynchburg’s Haunted Home, a hotspot for ghost hunters to collect data or evidence of the paranormal. I had the honor to go out with Chattanooga’s Paranormal Research Ghost Investigations (PRGI) for a half-night stay in an old funeral home where Jack Daniel's whiskey is born.

The Lynchburg Haunted Home is eleven-thousand square feet of genuine spookiness ripped straight from Stephen King’s mind. It has been used numerous times as the town’s haunted attraction with kooky Halloween deco-

rations and props still on display. This is complete with a horror maze complemented by the old embalming room and wooden cadaver lift.

Jason Henley is the tech guru for the team. He ran me through the various motion sensors, EMF detectors and motion capture devices. The Structured Light Sensor camera (SLS) is a gadget that utilizes the Kinect Xbox camera.

The SLS scans and tracks the environment for articulatable joints and shapes indicative to the humanoid shape. In the paranormal research community, it’s a valued tool to pick up anomalies outside of the visible spectrum of the human eye. SLS cameras can work in complete darkness, which is great if you want to know if you’re not alone in a pitch-black room.

Before our delve into the house, Jason fires up the equipment and tests batteries. The SLS immediately displays a short wire frame standing next to the group’s founder Mark Holland. Everyone goes still, Jason and I look at the figure on the screen. Tiny blinking lights start dancing on activated EMF readers as the wire figure extends a hand toward Mark and posts itself on a short stool.

Mark talks to the figure but the figure doesn’t move. This lasts for five minutes until the wire figure pops off the screen just as quickly as it had appeared.

Seventeen years ago, Mark Holland and A.J. Antuna started PRGI with the hopes of answering some questions about the paranormal and forces beyond this mortal coil.

“I started PRGI based on the experiences I had as a kid. I always wondered what they were. They didn’t scare me but instead left me wanting to know

what and why,” Mark said.

Today PRGI investigates private residences, public attractions, and abandoned facilities all over the South. They do this without charge to the owners and without the desire to sell products or spirit displacement services.

In other words: PRGI are regular folks who are respectful and courteous with a genuine curiosity to discover the answers to that age-old question: is there life after death?

There were five of us; Mark, Jason, A.J., Todd and I huddled in the downstairs dining area which served as our command post and the only room with lights on. After we setup motion cameras and digital voice recorders, we killed the lights and paired up. I teamed up with Todd, the veteran police officer.

As we set off, he stopped short at the threshold of the dining room and the foyer, just on the edge of darkness. He looked over his shoulder at me with a wild gleam in his eye, before applying a large pinch of tobacco to his cheek.

“I love this stuff,” he said with the eerie calm of a Hollywood gunslinger.

What waited for us on the other side of the foyer in the rest of the house would be another world. As we eased our way through dark corridors, the entire building took on a life of its own.

We’d stop and listen, watch the EMF detectors then move on. We explored the hearse garage, the embalming studio, the aforementioned crawl space, the upstairs bedrooms which hosted an entity previous investigators named The Creeper.

Todd and I gained the layout of the structure without much activity at first, until we went outside. Nestled a few feet at a rear exit of the haunted maze was a pristine pet cemetery. Each animal buried there had its own polished marble headstone with impressive bronze plaques. Upon inspection I noticed the largest headstone belonged to a familiar family pet that also had a matching oil painting in the foyer right

“

I leapt ten feet forward, spun around, and dropped into a fighting stance facing the threat. But nothing pursued me from beyond that corridor. ”

before stepping into the house proper.

Duke the Mastiff, Beware of Dog, I recalled.

Then the night sky was ripped apart in a cacophony of squawks and shrieks above our heads. The backyard where we stood was host to what sounded like millions of evil birds dwelling within the overgrown magnolias, bamboo, and kudzu. The longer we stood the louder the creatures became until we couldn’t hear each other standing shoulder to shoulder.

We walked around towards the front of the house and once we got a few feet away from the cemetery, the birds went eerily silent at once. Then I felt a tug on my right sleeve. I froze. I looked around as Todd was on my left and a few feet ahead of me.

The real party started when we doubled back into the main haunted house area. Todd took point as I meandered through the darkness with his flashlight

as a guide. We were going towards the open space of the maze that enjoyed blacklights and dayglow painted Satanic imagery on the walls.

Haunted houses have a hidden hallway for traversal between areas of a haunted house. It’s a nifty trick to induce maximum jump scares by allowing actors to appear or disappear from one location to another. Lynchburg’s has a narrow one with a low ceiling that runs down the center of the entire maze. It’s completely hidden in the dark, perfect for ambushes. The type of place a thing would be coiled up and ready to spring on unsuspecting prey.

The guttural growl came low on my left side just at my knee. My body responded before my brain could process. I leapt ten feet forward, spun around, and dropped into a fighting stance facing the threat. But nothing pursued me from beyond that corridor.

Todd moved up to my side. “What hap-

pened?” he said.

I was on the balls of my feet, scanning through the dust particles, EMF at the ready like a useless movie prop.

“Growl...over there,” I said.

Mark entered the room and asked if any of us just growled.

You can go to PRGI’s Facebook page and give the growl a listen since it was captured on his recording device.

Another experience happened when Mark and I sat in the master bedroom connected to the large bathroom that was used for dressing the dead for funeral service. I carried the FLIR camera, which gave me a daytime view of the entire room. I propped it on my knees for stability and waited as Mark talked to the air.

Then it happened. Something appeared on the viewscreen moving towards Mark from the bathroom door to his side. It emitted its own infrared light and appeared to “swim” against an invisible current. If you’ve spent days around small creeks, then the best description is that it looked like a glowing minnow going upstream.

Mark continued to speak as I panned back to the bathroom door. The glowing thing quickly raced across the viewscreen back into the bathroom. A motion sensor in the bathroom barked to life emitting a shrill scream, so I gave chase, FLIR at the ready. I scanned the bathroom, nothing. Then a motion sensor down the hallway to my left comes to life; it was running whatever it was.

After some searching it was clear it wouldn’t reappear. All at once it felt as if the entire house settled for the night.

I left the investigation with more questions than I’d arrived with. I can’t confirm or deny that ghosts are real but one thing for sure is the world is full of wonders and mysteries that are begging to be explored. Thankfully there are men and women like PRGI who attempt to sneak a peak beyond the veil and maybe prove just how not alone we truly are in the dark.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • THE PULSE • 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Life Is A Stage, So What Do You Wear?

The Power Of Determination The Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga closes its 2019 season with the Broadway hit “Billy Elliot: The Musical”.

Based on the popular motion picture of the same name, audiences will be treated to a gem of musical theatre where we’ll see the power of determination and persistence triumph.

Billy, the son of a mining family struggles in lessons only to discover dance.

While his father, brother and the rest of the miner’s union strike against mining companies, Billy seeks to find acceptance in his new passion.

Drawing inspiration from a trio of unlikely women (his dead mother, his senile grandmother and an acerbic ballet instructor), Billy’s journey mirrors the same determination of the union and through him, we are able to appreciate potential and embrace compromise in order to find a path to success.

The musical premieres Friday at Barking Legs Theater at 7:30 p.m. and runs through for two weekends, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee this Sunday.

Costumes are as important as the lines rehearsed

S

OME ARTS GET YOU NAME RECOGNITION. THINK about Kate Winslet gracing the screen on Titanic. But where would they be without their costumes? You can’t imagine the character Rose without those sumptuous period dresses. Costumes are always on display, yet the art of costuming is rarely acknowledged.

By Jenn Webster Pulse contributor

Garry Lee Posey, theater artist, knows about costumes from every angle, having both collaborated with costumers in his long career as a director and also having been a costumer himself. The Pulse asked Posey about costume artists and their craft.

The Pulse: Most readers will have seen your name associated with theater work…can you tell me specifically about your costuming work?

Garry Lee Posey: When I went to undergrad, I had one goal/dream— to direct. It didn’t take very long for me to realize that there was a whole

lot of learning that had to been done before being entrusted with that responsibility. As an avid workaholic, I needed to find something in the craft that I could immerse myself in while working towards my primary goal.

One of my professors, James “Parkie” Parker, was a rather intimidating older man with a squeaky voice. After my first semester, I gathered enough courage to ask him if I could volunteer in the costume shop.

My first lesson was sewing lines he had drawn on a piece of paper, then how to thread a bobbin, then thread the machine, then sewing some pieces of fabric together. Within an afternoon, he had me comfortable on a

sewing machine.

[After working in New York and Washington, DC] I returned to Chattanooga in 2000 to head up the Theatre Center’s Youth Theatre Program. For my tenure at the CTC, I designed costumes and sets for both the circle theatre series and the youth theatre shows.

When I started the ETC [Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga], it was necessary to put that hat back on and ever since I continue to wear it proudly.

About five years ago, I started making costumes for drag queens and have clients all over Chattanooga and as far as Maryland and South Carolina.

The Pulse: Costuming is an art form people rarely think about. What goes into being a good costumer?

Posey: There’s an interesting myth in the theater community where all that is really needed are actors and an audience. And while that is true at its most basic definition, we know that an audience (by their nature) will take cues from the actor’s behavior, environment, body language and the gen-

THU12.12

FRI12.13

SAT12.14

The Amen Corner

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Mary Poppins

The powerful story of Sister Margaret Alexander immerses the audince in the struggles ofe living in 1957 Harlem.

7 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. theatrecentre.com

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C.S. Lewis' children's classic transports us all to the wonderful land of Narnia.

7:30 p.m.

Back Alley @ Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. bapshows.com

Everyone's favorite nanny comes to life in the timeless tale of the adventures of the Banks children.

8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. theatrecentre.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): How did humans figure out that a luxurious fabric could be made from the cocoons of insect larvae?

Ancient Chinese sage Confucius told the following story. One day in 2460 B.C., 14-year-old Chinese princess Xi Ling Shi was sitting under a mulberry tree sipping tea. A silk worm’s cocoon fell off a branch and landed in her drink.

She was curious, not bothered.

She unrolled the delicate structure and got the idea of using the threads to weave a fabric. The rest is history. I foresee a silk-worm’scocoon-falling-in-your-cup-of-tea type of event in your future, Sagittarius. Be alert for it.

eral interaction with the world around them.

Even back to the cavemen warriors wearing the pelt of the animal that they slew while their community enjoyed the bounty and sat around a fire, that ritual storytelling used costume to help convey the story.

A good costumer needs to be subtle and able to communicate through texture, color, silhouette, and movement.

They should also be able to identify and present different periods of fashion in such a way as to not distract from someone’s experience, but also be able to use modern anachronisms to help tell a story.

Finally, there is a psychological understanding of how certain things affect people…the psychology of color, for instance, or even shapes.

The Pulse: How do you take into account the actor…their size and shape, but also how they look, move, etc.?

Posey: The actor is the canvas for the costume designer. Each canvas is primed differently, each canvas reacts differently to different media, etc.

That’s the first thought; the second thought has to do with their comfort level. In order for an actor to do their

job onstage, there has to be a level of comfort.

Costuming typically has an effect on someone because 90 percent of the time they are wearing things that they would never wear in their day to day lives. From there, you have to consider what the director is going for, what the actor is going for and what you are going for in wanting to communicate to the audience.

Is this character guarded or free, tightly wound or loose, angry or loving, sad or confused, etc....then use those ideas to communicate the use of color or line, or silhouette and texture.

The Pulse: What costumers working in Chattanooga now are you most excited about? Are there recent or upcoming shows where you are/were especially interested in the costuming?

Posey: I think Scott Dunlap at the CTC is one of the most creative costumers I have ever seen; his creative talent plus his technical skill is gem in the Chattanooga area.

Brenda Schwab, however, is the most prolific and as a director I love working with her. She really hones in on the character and plus has a genius mind and creative eye.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “It is the soul’s duty to be loyal to its own desires,” wrote Capricorn author Rebecca West. “It must abandon itself to its master passion.”

That’s a high standard to live up to! But then you Capricorns have substantial potential to do just that: become the champions of devoting practical commitment to righteous causes. With that in mind, I’ll ask you: How are you doing in your work to embody the ideal that Rebecca West articulated? Is your soul loyal to its deepest desires? Has it abandoned itself to its master passion? Take inventory—and make any corrections, if necessary.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I would never try to talk you into downplaying or denying your suffering. I would never try to convince you that the pain you have experienced is mild or tolerable or eminently manageable.

Who among us has the wisdom to judge the severity or intractability of anyone else’s afflictions? Not I. But in the coming months, I will ask you to consider the possibility that you have the power—perhaps more than you realize—to diminish your primal aches and angst. I will encourage you to dream of healing yourself in ways that you have previously imagined to be impossible.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “You owe it to us all to get on with what you’re good at,” wrote Piscean poet W. H. Auden. In other words, you have a responsibility to develop your potential and figure out how to offer your best gifts. It’s not just a selfish act for you to fulfill your promise; it’s a generous act of service to your fellow humans.

So how are you doing with that assignment, Pisces? According to my analysis, you should be right in the middle of raising your efforts to a higher octave; you should be discovering the key to activating the next phase of your success— which also happens to be the next phase of your ability to bestow blessings on others.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “Nobody knows really what they’re

doing,” says Aries comedian Conan O’Brien. “And there are two ways to go with that information,” he continues. “One is to be afraid, and the other is to be liberated, and I choose to be liberated by it.” I hope you’ll be inspired by O’Brien’s example in the coming weeks, Aries. I suspect that if you shed your worries about the uncertainty you feel, you’ll trigger an influx of genius. Declaring your relaxed independence from the temptation to be a know-it-all will bless you with expansive new perspectives and freedom to move.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Creativity expert Roger von Oech tells us, “Everyone has a ‘risk muscle.’

You keep it in shape by trying new things. If you don’t, it atrophies.

Make a point of using it at least once a day.” Here’s what I’ll add to his advice. If your risk muscle is flabby right now, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to whip it into better shape. Start with small, modest risks, and gradually work your way up to bigger and braver ones. And what should you do if your risk muscle is already well-toned? Dream and scheme about embarking on a major, long-term venture that is the robust embodiment of a smart gamble.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Many people engage in laughably feeble attempts to appear witty by being cynical—as if by exuding sardonic irony and sneering pessimism they could prove their mettle as brilliant observers of modern culture. An example is this lame wisecrack from humorist David Sedaris: “If you’re looking for sympathy you’ll find it between s--- and syphilis in the dictionary.”

I bring this to your attention in the hope of coaxing you to avoid indulging in gratuitous pessimism during the coming weeks. For the sake of your good health, it’s important for you to be as openminded and generous-spirited as possible. And besides that, pessimism will be unwarranted.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “You can shop online and find whatever you’re looking for,” writes pundit Paul Krugman, “but bookstores are where you find what you weren’t looking for.” That’s a good principle to apply in every area of your life. It’s always smart to know exactly what you need and want, but sometimes—like now—it’s important that you put yourself in position to encounter what you need and want but don’t realize that you need and want.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Bachianas Brasileiras is a nine-part piece of music that blends Brazilian folk music with the compositional style of Johann Sebastian Bach.

The poet Anne Sexton relied on it, letting it re-play ceaselessly during her long writing sessions.

My painter friend Robin sometimes follows a similar method with Leonard Cohen’s album Ten New Songs, allowing it to cycle for hours as she works on her latest masterpiece. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to select a new theme song or collection of theme songs to inspire your intense efforts in behalf of your labors of love in the coming weeks. It’s a favorable time to explore the generative power of joyous, lyrical obsession.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “I’ve spent my life butting my head against other people’s lack of imagination,” mourned Virgo musician Nick Cave, who’s renowned for his original approach to his craft. I’m bringing this to your attention because I suspect you will be endowed with an extra fertile imagination in the coming weeks.

And I would hate for you to waste time and energy trying to make full use of it in the presence of influences that would resist and discourage you. Therefore, I’ll cheer you on as you seek out people and situations that enhance your freedom to express your imagination in its expansive glory.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A scholar counted up how often the Bible delivers the command “Fear not!” and “Don’t be afraid!” and similar advice. The number was 145. I don’t think that approach to regulating behavior works very well.

To be constantly thinking about what you’re not supposed to do and say and think about tends to strengthen and reinforce what you’re not supposed to do and say and think about. I prefer author Elizabeth Gilbert’s strategy. She writes, “I don’t try to kill off my fear.

I make all that space for it. Heaps of space. I allow my fear to live and breathe and stretch out its legs comfortably. It seems to me the less I fight my fear, the less it fights back.” That’s the method I recommend for you, Libra—especially in the coming weeks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Isaac Newton (1642–1726) was one of history’s most influential scientists and a key contributor to physics, astronomy, mathematics, and optics. His mastery of the nuances of human relationships was less developed, however. He had one close friendship with a Swiss mathematician, though he broke it off abruptly after four years. And his biographers agree that he never had sex with another person. What I find most curious, however, is the fact that he refused to even meet the brilliant French philosopher Voltaire, who reached out to him and asked to get together. I trust you won’t do anything like that in the coming weeks, Scorpio. In fact, I urge you to be extra receptive to making new acquaintances, accepting invitations, and expanding your circle of influence.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • THE PULSE • 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR THURSDAY12.12 River Runners 6 p.m.

Basecamp Bar and Restaurant 346 Frazier Ave. (423) 803-5251 basecampcha.com Fine Art Student Show Gallery Opening 6 p.m.

John C. Williams Gallery 4881 Taylor Cir. (800) 768-8437 southern.edu Making Your Presents Pop: Holiday Tags 6 p.m.

The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Renegade Makers Market 6 p.m.

Stone Cup Café 208 Frazier Ave. (423) 521-3977 stonecupcafe.com Open Mic Poetry & More 6:30 p.m.

Stone Cup Café 208 Frazier Ave. (423) 521-3977 stonecupcafe.com Mary Poppins 7 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com The Amen Corner 7 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Moody Malavi 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Billy Elliot: The Musical 7:30 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org Alcoholics Not Anonymous Comedy Open Mic 8 p.m.

10 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Barley Taproom 235 E. MLK Blvd.

(423) 682-8200 chattanoogabarley.com

FRIDAY12.13 Couple’s Massage 101 6:30 p.m.

The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe 7:30 p.m.

Back Alley @ The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA (706) 996-8350 bapshows.com The Nutcracker 7:30 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5580 tivolichattanooga.com James Gregory 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Billy Elliot: The Musical 7:30 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org Improv “Movie” Night 8 p.m.

Improv Chattanooga 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775

improvchattanooga.com Mary Poppins 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com The Amen Corner 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Ruby Falls Lantern Tours 8:30 p.m.

Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. (423) 821-2544 rubyfalls.com Good, Old-Fashioned Improv Show 10 p.m.

Improv Chattanooga 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com Drag At The Palace: Courtney Sinclair Dupree 11 p.m.

The Palace Theater 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com

SATURDAY12.14 PJs & The Polar Express 9:30 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater 201 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4629 tnaqua.org/imax Chattanooga Holiday Market

ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT The Chattanooga Ballet returns to the Tivoli Theatre to present their 32nd annual production of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker”. This year features the return of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and conductor Kayoko Dan, extensive new choreography from

new Chattanooga Ballet Artistic Director, Brian McSween, and guest artists from the New York Dance Project and Sarasota Ballet.

The Nutcracker Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com

10 a.m.

Chattanooga Convention Center 1150 Carter St. chattanoogamarket.com Heirloom Ornament Making 10 a.m.

The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Figure Painting Marathon 10 a.m.

Townsend Atelier 301 E. 11th St. (423) 266-2712 townsendatelier.com Introduction to Weaving: Woven Gnome Ornament 10 a.m.

The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org The Nutcracker 2, 7:30 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5580 tivolichattanooga.com Mary Poppins 2:30, 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Art Show: Tony and Rik 7 p.m.

WanderLinger Art Gallery 1208 King St. (423) 269-7979 wanderlinger.com James Gregory 7, 9:15 p.m.

The Comedy Catch

1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe 7:30 p.m.

Back Alley @ The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA (706) 996-8350 bapshows.com Billy Elliot: The Musical 7:30 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org Your Stories 8 p.m.

Improv Chattanooga 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com The Amen Corner 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Once Throat Tonight: A Holiday Special 8 p.m.

The Palace Theater 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Whose Line Chattanooga 10 p.m.

Improv Chattanooga 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com

SUNDAY12.15 PJs & The Polar Express 9:30 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater 201 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4629 tnaqua.org/imax Christmas At The Movies: It’s A Wonderful Life 10:30 a.m.

Abba’s House 5208 Hixson Pike (423) 877-6462 abbashouse.com Chattanooga Holiday Market 11 a.m.

Chattanooga Convention Center 1150 Carter St. chattanoogamarket.com Brews & Browse: Holiday PopUp Art Show 11 a.m.

Chattanooga Brewing Co. 1804 Chestnut St. chattabrew.com Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker 12:55 p.m.

Regal Hamilton Place 8 2000 Hamilton Place Blvd.

(844) 462-7342 fathomevents.com Artful Yoga: Origin Moment with Madison Myers 1:30 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org The Nutcracker 2 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5580 tivolichattanooga.com Mary Poppins 2:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com The Amen Corner 2:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe 2:30 p.m.

Back Alley @ The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA (706) 996-8350 bapshows.com Billy Elliot: The Musical 2:30 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org Moody Malavi 7:30 p.m.

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

Extended Cavern Experience 8 p.m.

Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. (423) 821-2544 rubyfalls.com

MONDAY12.16 Soap Making 101 5:30 p.m.

The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Winter Belly Dance Session 6 p.m.

Movement Arts Collective 3813 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 401-8115 movementartscollective.com Joggers & Lagers 6 p.m.

Chattanooga Brewing Co. 1804 Chestnut St. (423) 702-9958 chattabrew.com “Santa Claus vs. The Devil” 7 p.m.

Heritage House Arts & Civic Center 1428 Jenkins Rd. (423) 855-9474 chattanooga.gov The Tale of The Princess Kaguya 7 p.m.

AMC Chattanooga 18 5080 South Terrace (423) 855-9652 fathomevents.com

TUESDAY12.17 Chattanooga Self Improvement Meetup 8 a.m.

The Edney Innovation Center 1100 Market St. (423) 643-6770 theedney.com Sew What 4 p.m.

Chattanooga Public Library 1001 Broad St. (423) 643-7700 chattlibrary.org Holiday Cookie Decorating 6 p.m.

The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave.

(423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Paths to Pints 6:30 p.m.

The Tap House 3800 St. Elmo Ave. taphousechatt.com They Shall Not Grow Old 7 p.m.

AMC Chattanooga 18 5080 South Terrace (423) 855-9652 fathomevents.com

WEDNESDAY12.18 Main Street Farmers Market 4 p.m.

522 W. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com They Shall Not Grow Old 4, 7 p.m.

AMC Chattanooga 18 5080 South Terrace (423) 855-9652 fathomevents.com Mixed Media Ornaments 6 p.m.

The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Improv Open House 7 p.m.

Improv Chattanooga 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com The Tale of The Princess Kaguya 7 p.m.

AMC Chattanooga 18 5080 South Terrace (423) 855-9652 fathomevents.com Open Mic Comedy 7:30 p.m.

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

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • THE PULSE • 11

Holiday

Shopping Guide

Celebrate the joy of breakfast with a glowing smile and a halo of seventies hair with the Bob Ross Toaster. The two-slice toaster has reheat, defrost, and quick stop functions, and adjustable thermostat with an automatic manual switch-off, and best of all, it oasts Bob’s iconic face onto every slice. $39.95 · shopzodys.com

Now may be one of the best times to get one of the best TV’s available without breaking the bank. Play games and watch movies on this 65-inch Sony 4K TV. Its full-array local dimming delivers stunning brightness and a more colorful picture with high contrast, and the effective cable management system keeps wires hidden from sight. $1099.99 · bestbuy.com You’ll always have a delicious and refreshing drink close at hand with the Pace Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker from Primula. This easy-to-use brewer features a fine mesh filter and heat-proof construction to help you make the best iced coffee so you’re always ready for guests. $11.19 · target.com

Winston Churchill once said, “Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip.” On the other hand, you could throw tact to the wind and go straight for this collection of Literary Insults Chart. Tim and Aurelia Sanders’ snark-filled chart compiles unforgettable insults in an interconnected map. $25 · uncommongoods.com

12 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Raise up your business casual game with this Slim Chambray Blazer that will bridge the gap from casual to formal with style. The versatility of denim, only dressier, this lightweight cotton chambray blazer has a luxe, variegated texture. Style it with chinos and sneakers, or dress it up with a buttondown shirt and brogues for a night out. $177.99 · bananarepublic.com

Calling all animal lovers: Building a zoo is easier than you think with these Mini Creature 3D Kits. These critters are actually petite puzzles that can help improve kids’ concentration and precision as they grow confidence in their own creativity. $10 · uncommongoods.com Safeguard your smile with this Waterpik Ultra water flosser. Its six tip styles let you efficiently clean dental work or locations that are hard to reach through traditional brushing methods, and the 10 different pressure settings enhance customization and comfort. $49.99 · fleetfarm.com

Combining sweet honey from the Hudson Valley with a spicy mix of chili peppers, Bees Knees Spicy Honey is great on anything from a hot slice of pizza to a warm buttered biscuit to a cold bowl of ice cream. It also makes a deliciously hot addition to any cheese plate. $14 · surlatable.com

If you are looking for a funny gift idea to surprise your best friend, office coworker, bff, husband, wife, sister, aunt or brother, then the For Fox Sake 15 oz glass is the way to go. $17.95 · amazon.com

THE PULSE • HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • 13

Comfortable, soft, and warm, these traditional relaxed-fitting Cotton Flannel Long Sleeve Pajamas feature a buttondown top with notched collar and single chest pocket, satin piping detail, and cuffed sleeves; Pant with elastic waistband and single back pocket, perfect to carry your cell phone. $22.98 · walmart.com

Now the hunted becomes the hunter!

Feed your own primeval beast with Tacosaurus Rex and turn your little monsters into content and docile critters. This prehistoric titan carries two tacos and makes every meal a thrilling adventure! Plus, how can you say no to tacos? $9.99 · zulily.com The Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug keeps your hot drink at the exact temperature you prefer between 120 degrees and 145 degrees Fahrenheit for whenever you're on the go. $40 · baylick.com Bring to life the rocket launch that took humans to the moon with the meter-high (approximately 1: 110 scale) model rocket of the NASA Apollo Saturn V. includes 3 removable rocket stages below the launch escape system, command and service module. $96 · amazon.com

If you’re a runner who needs extra flexibility and cushioning, then you need these Under Armour Micro G Pursuit Twist running shoes. This style features a breathable knit mesh fabric upper with a padded collar and tongue for support. Our editor has a pair and swears by them. $56 · shoesensation.com

14 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

In a fast-paced world, your senses need to be sharp.

LQDCELL Optic Sheer puts you directly in sight with layers of dynamic colors wrapped around a chunky, retro-inspired silhouette. With LQDCELL stable cushioning technology inside a spectrum of shapes and materials, the streets will never miss you. $110 · puma.com

THE PULSE • HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • 15

THE MUSIC SCENE

Everyday Dreams More Than An Everyday Album Plan Ahead For After Christmas The holiday season is rife with musical opportunities, a callback perhaps to ancient ancestors staving off the cold and dark with light and celebration.

One particularly sunny example is happening in a couple of weeks on Friday, Dec. 27th at JJ’s Bohemia as Reggae masters Milele Roots are joined by The Other Brothers for their Rock and Reggae Dance Party.

Friends, family, framily, and friends they haven’t met yet are all invited out for an evening of “Roots Radical Sounds, Grateful Soul, FolkN-Weid-grass, lace with Flowers, Rainbows, Joy, Peace and Love.”

Mark your calendars now for a perfect after-Christmas music party and beat the winter blues while enjoying joyous noises with Milele and The OB’s. The show starts at 10 p.m. — MTM

Jesper Lindell debuts a musical melting pot

By Marc T. Michael

“

Pulse Music Editor

To hear him sing, you’d be hard pressed to guess that the gifted musician from a small town near Stockholm grew up anywhere too far from New Orleans or Chicago.”

Y

EARS AGO ONE OF MY FAVORITE CELTIC BANDS counted among their ranks a young woman from Sweden.

She was a stunning vocalist, and to hear her renditions of old Irish tunes, you’d swear she’d been plucked straight from the field of Connemara.

As a nod to her heritage, the band included an arrangement of a traditional Swedish song about werewolves.

The tune was called “Varulven”, and between the band’s exotic arrangement and the singer’s gorgeous voice in her native tongue, it was (and is) entrancing.

There’s a funny point to be made about accents. When she sang Irish, she sounded Irish; when she sang Swedish, she sounded Swedish. When she spoke to you personally, one on one, that Swedish accent became so pronounced that it was sometimes necessary to ask her to slow down a bit because my big, dumb, American ears couldn’t always follow.

I don’t know if Jesper Lindell has a

Swedish accent when he speaks, though it’s reasonable to assume so. I’ve never spoken with the man. I have, however, heard him sing. And to hear him sing, you’d be hard pressed to guess that the gifted musician from a small town near Stockholm grew up anywhere too far from New Orleans or Chicago.

I’m not exaggerating. The bluesy tracks of his debut album, Everyday Dreams, sound so perfectly natural, one must assume he is from the land of ham hocks and collard greens instead of surströmming and meatballs.

For all that, this isn’t strictly a blues album. The twelve tracks cover some territory and while the blues tunes are certainly bluesy, the folk tunes are…

THU12.12

FRI12.13

SAT12.14

Trigger Hippy

Toys for Tots Drive

Ugly Sweater Party

Delta rhythm and blues, swamp boogie, Americana, soul and rock all come together in this up-and-coming band.

7 p.m.

Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks

Rocking out for the kids with a killer lineup of some of the city's best hard rock & metal bands.

8 p.m.

Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. facebook.com/ ziggyschattanooga

Grab your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and have a night of holiday fun with Chattanooga's own No Big Deal.

8:30 p.m.

The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com

16 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

JONESIN' CROSSWORD

well, folksy. In fact, Lindell’s musical loves include old pop, R&B, and classic rock and he brings all of these influences to bear on the album.

Given the diversity of influences and their varying prominence in one song to the next, there could be a risk of a disjointed or incoherent album, but Lindell sidesteps that pitfall easily.

Instead of a Whitman’s Sampler of “look what I can do”, the album is tied together by the singular vision of its creator, a man who brings together the best of all the things he likes into an album that is itself an endearing love letter to music.

Far more than “merely listenable”, Everyday Dreams is an album that can be left on repeat all afternoon without ever invoking any listener fatigue. As a debut album, it is a delightful success. It remains to be seen whether follow up albums gravitate more to one direction or another, but I rather hope not.

The real magic of the collection is Lindell’s skill in combining various elements into a whole package that

ultimately qualifies as modern folk. I think his vocals on a couple of tunes are strongly reminiscent of Marcus Mumford, which tends to reinforce that notion.

Sweden is a global powerhouse in pop music production and this is plainly at work in the overarching pop sensibility of the album. It is folk music, and it does have strong blues elements on a selection of tunes. It is several other things as well, but all of it is unified by Lindell’s sense of taste and a level and style of production far beyond the reach of a typical debut album.

It is no wonder that he has made a significant impact in his home country. The time is fast approaching when he will make a similar impact internationally and Everyday Dreams is the perfect vehicle for reaching the global audience.

The album is available now in multiple formats from Alive Naturalsound Records, a company that has firmly established itself as the go-to for up and coming phenoms.

“Color Changers”—hue new?

ACROSS 1 “The Italian Job” actor ___ Def 4 “Birdman” actress Watts 9 Callow 14 Money used just before the euro was introduced 15 Daily Planet reporter Jimmy 16 Bassoon relatives 17 Decorations that may change colors 19 Couldn’t avoid it 20 “What We Do in the Shadows” nourishment 21 Parisian waters 23 Place a wager 24 Affirmative responses 25 Tourist draw with seasonally changing colors 28 “Cosi fan ___” (Mozart opera) 30 Purpose 31 Like early-in-the-year forecasts, maybe 32 Words after “easy” 35 Channel where you

could clearly watch “Doctor Who”?

37 Mammals that completely change color depending on the time of year 40 New York county near Pennsylvania 41 At a bargain 42 Insurance co. rep.

43 Pai ___ poker (casino game) 45 Marketer of Nutrilite vitamins 48 Lizards notable for changing colors 52 Bed frame piece 54 Prefix with pod or cycle 55 Bowed, to a violist 56 Designer cologne since 1994 57 Other song on a 45 59 Color-changing jewelry popular in the ‘70s 61 Peanut butter cup inventor H.B. 62 “Take it back!”

63 Note after fa

26 Prepare, as a mummy 64 “The defense ___” 27 Barrett once 65 Quizzes 66 ___ scale of one to ten of Pink Floyd 29 Hauler’s charge 33 Non-slip DOWN bathroom surface 1 Toast eponym 34 Hydroxide, e.g.

2 Cougar’s cousin 36 Cold beer, in 3 It starts with a few dated slang digits filled in already 37 Do touristy stuff 4 Domino’s ad 38 Document certifiers character, once 39 “Witness” actor Lukas 5 “Solve for x” subj.

40 Tic-___-toe 6 “Straight Outta 44 Suffix with Compton” costar pay or Cray ___ Jackson Jr. 46 King in “The 7 Something forged Tempest” 8 Winterizes, in a way 47 Capital of Myanmar 9 Classic Japanese until 2006 (formerly drama known as Rangoon) 10 Addis ___, Ethiopia 49 In the ___ of 11 Flash drive or (amongst) mouse, e.g.

50 “___, all ye faithful ...”

12 Assistants for 51 “High” times? pet projects?

53 Company behind 13 That, in Lima the Cybertruck 18 Reward poster 56 Bulky old PC screens subject, perhaps 57 “It’s cold!”

22 Super Bowl played 58 Suffix after employ at Dolphin Stadium 25 Professionals’ charges 60 Part of e.g.?

Copyright © 2019 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. 966 CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • THE PULSE • 17

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR THURSDAY12.12 Danimal & Friends 6 p.m.

WanderLinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com David Anthony & Paul Stone 6 p.m.

The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Jason Lyles 7 p.m.

Farm To Fork 120 Robert E Lee Dr. Ringgold, GA farmtoforkga.com Trigger Hippy 7 p.m.

Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks Nicholas Edward Williams 7 p.m.

The Bicycle Bar 45 E. Main St. (423) 475-6569 Toby Hewitt 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Choral Arts presents GLORIA 7:30 p.m.

Second Presbyterian Church 700 Pine St. choralartsofchattanooga.org Courtney Holder 7:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Southwind 7:30 p.m.

The FEED Co. Table and Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Open Mic Night with Jonathan Wimpee 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Rebirth Brass Band 9 p.m.

Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks Jackie and the Racket, Over Easy, Telligrass

18 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Rebirth Brass Band 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY12.13 Holiday Sing-A-Long & Community Giveback 11:30 a.m.

Waterhouse Pavilion 850 Market St. waterhousepavilion.com Mark Andrew & Mike McDade 6 p.m.

Edley’s Bar-B-Que 205 Manufacturers Rd. edleysbbq.com Webb Berringer 6:30 p.m.

Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Drew Robbins 6:30 p.m.

Slick’s Burgers 309 E. Main St. slicksburgers.com Jason Lyles 7 p.m.

Pax Breu Ruim 516 E. Main St (423) 648-4677 Gino Fanelli & the Jalopy Brothers 7 p.m.

Oddstory Brewing Company 336 E. MLK Blvd. oddstorybrewing.co Songwriters Stage Finale 7 p.m.

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

Ryan & Lauren Balthrop, ET, Randy Steele 7 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Ho Ho Ho Down 7:30 p.m.

The Signal 1810 Chestnut St. thesignaltn.com Dogleg & Carver 7:30 p.m.

The Spot of Chattanooga 1800 E. Main St. facebook.com/1800EMain Flattop Boxers 7:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Dave Barnes: A Very Merry Christmas 8 p.m.

Walker Theatre 399 McCallie Ave. tivolichattanooga.com Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster + Spencer Thomas 8 p.m.

The Woodshop 5500 St. Elmo Ave. thewoodshop.space Toys for Tots Drive with FaithHead, Subkonscious, Sleazy Sleazy, Silver Tongued Devilz, Midnight Promise, Moonhollow 8 p.m.

Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. facebook.com/ ziggyschattanooga Lucy Isabel

8:30 p.m.

Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Call Me Spinster with Grassland String Band 8:30 p.m.

WanderLinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com Lew Card 9 p.m.

The Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Luke Simmons & the Lovestruck + Cam Morgan 9 p.m.

The Bicycle Bar 45 E. Main St. (423) 475-6569 Courtney Daly & The Daly Grind 9 p.m.

HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com Magnificent Lions, Downtown Abby & the Echoes, Glass Caps, Resend 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Ran Adams Blues Band 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Ward Davis with Josh Morningstar 9 p.m.

Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks Throttle 21 10 p.m.

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

SATURDAY12.14 Danimal 10:30 a.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Christmas In Harmony 3 p.m.

Girls Preparatory School

205 Island Ave. gps.edu School of Music Christmas Concert 4 p.m.

Collegedale Church of Seventhday Adventists 4829 College Dr. E. collegedalechurch.com Jason Lyles 6:30 p.m.

Slick’s Burgers 309 E. Main St. slicksburgers.com Maria Sable 6:30 p.m.

Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com The ExLaws Holiday Special II 7 p.m.

Mayo’s Bar and Grill 3820 Brainerd Rd. mayosbarandgrill.com ET 7 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com John Carroll 7:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Taverns, Witch Hunter, Time & Eternity, YCMB, Cult of She 8 p.m.

Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. facebook.com/ ziggyschattanooga Ugly Sweater Party with No Big Deal 8:30 p.m.

The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com We Are Us 8:30 p.m.

WanderLinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com Laine Hardy 8:30 p.m.

The Signal 1810 Chestnut St. thesignaltn.com Peachy, Lewis And Clark 8:30 p.m.

The Bicycle Bar 45 E. Main St. (423) 475-6569

Laine Hardy Arlo Gilliam 8:30 p.m.

Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Caramore, Hunger Anthem 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com David Ingle & Friends 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Neon Moon:The Ultimate 90’s Country Tribute 9 p.m.

Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks Throttle 21 10 p.m.

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

SUNDAY12.15 Marmalade 11 a.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Carl Pemberton 11 a.m.

Westin Chattanooga 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com My Name Is Preston Noon Southside Social 1818 Chestnut St.

thesouthsidesocial.com Bonne Finken 1:30 p.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Few Miles South 7 p.m.

WanderLinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com Robert Earl Keen’s Countdown to Christmas 8 p.m.

Walker Theatre 399 McCallie Ave. tivolichattanooga.com

MONDAY12.16 Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Blues Night Open Jam 7 p.m.

Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks Basilica, Nuclear Desolation, Wither Without You, Tempus 9 p.m.

Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. facebook.com/ ziggyschattanooga

TUESDAY12.17 Tyler Martelli & Maria Jordania 5 p.m.

WanderLinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com The Chien-Kim-Watkins Trio 6:30 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Ave. huntermuseum.org Doyle Dykes Christmas 7 p.m.

Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks Danimal 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Amber Fults 7:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Ran Adams Blues Band 8 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com

WEDNESDAY12.18 Jesse James Jungkurth 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Dexter Bell & Friends 7 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Jimmy Dormire 7:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Zech Dallas 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 • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • THE PULSE • 19

ERNIE PAIKS’S RECORD REVIEWS

FITTED First Fits (ORG)

galen tipton fake meat (Orange Milk)

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group Wire.

Lewis is still kicking ass in Wire after 43 years (their new album Mind Hive arrives next month) and also deserves attention for his lesser-known and more experimental work, including Dome (with Wire member Bruce Gilbert), which had its intriguing first four albums reissued this year by Editions Mego. Also in FITTED is guitarist Matthew Simms, who has been a member of Wire for the last decade, and drummer Bob Lee (of The Freeks and Fearless Leader).

Although FITTED was originally just intended to be a oneoff project for Wire’s Drill Festival in Los Angeles in 2017, the quartet kept the spirit going to record its debut album, First Fits, over the last two years in Watt’s home base of San Pedro, California, Kent (England), and Lew-

fter decades, bassist Mike Watt—best known as a member of the legendary '80s punk group Minutemen—seems to be busier than ever in 2019.

In this year, he toured Europe over the summer as the bassist for Flipper, had a fall tour with his Missingmen band, and he played on new albums from Unknown Instructors (featuring Watt’s Minutemen and fIREHOSE bandmate George Hurley on drums and Dinosaur Jr.’s J. Mascis on guitar), Jumpstarted Plowhards, Wish Granters, mssv (plus another album from mssv guitarist Mike Baggetta), and FITTED. The group FITTED is particularly notable since it includes one important musical inspiration for the Minutemen: Graham Lewis, a key member of the British post-punk-and-beyond

20 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

is’s city of residence, Uppsala, Sweden.

What’s striking is the energy and enthusiasm that’s immediately evident from the album’s first tune, the 8-minute “Plug in the Jug” which, somewhat surprisingly, seems to channel the locomotive atmospherics of the '70s German band NEU!, with a relentless, driving beat, Watt’s minimal octave-separated bass line and thick, hovering guitar notes.

“Training Pit Bulls for the Navy” maintains the bristling vigor with Simms’s abrasive guitar tones and an agitated rhythm section, and the greyscale, noirish “The Legend of Lydmar Lucia” features Lewis reciting seemingly nonsense lyrics like “In the belly of the veil, a Hoover lap dance, accordingly swelling, trousers enhanced”; it makes more sense knowing that Lewis is actually providing an account of what he witnessed at a Stockholm art event in the '90s.

Lewis and Watt trade off vocal duties on the album, with Watt providing his folksy Wattspeak “spielin’” lyrics, like on “The Chunk That Got Chewed”, which dispel pretentiousness and offer a playful attitude.

Among the album’s best tracks is the glowingly exuberant “Magically Blessed”, driven by Lee’s animated drumming with

percolating synth flourishes, sizzling guitar lines and a potent rock ending.

With long and fruitful careers, Lewis and Watt refuse to rest on their laurels, and First Fits is evidence of that, expressing a true joy of creation with expansive, genuinely stirring rock numbers.

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his writer is not going to lie; he was genuinely surprised to see the debut album from 100 gecs—a highly entertaining and insane, warped barrage of pop/ hip-hop shards that most people would likely find to be unlistenable and intensely obnoxious— on several year-end “best of 2019” lists, including the one from Rolling Stone magazine, sticking out like a token minority in a corporation’s promotional photo.

This critic doesn’t want to deny 100 gecs the attention— quite the contrary. He would be absolutely tickled to see lots of year-end lists packed full of batsh*t-crazy, weirdo freakazoid music from the no-audience underground, a self-supporting brethren liberated from commercial viability.

Which brings us to Columbus, Ohio artist galen tipton’s latest album fake meat, which has a similar audacity of being so militantly and hilariously capricious, and in a bizarro, alternate uni-

verse, it could’ve been some surprise hit.

Here, thousands of sound fragments and mini-explosions are each screaming for attention, while tracks change directions seemingly every second.

The sheer amount of information to process here is almost oppressive; in violent contrast with that is a bright, colorful and youthful aesthetic, with a touch of wide-eyed innocence.

Imagine binge-eating Lisa Frank posters and projectile vomiting rainbows while being stabbed in the earholes with sharpened candy canes.

Several tracks on fake meat are collaborations with likeminded artists, including Seth Graham, Koeosaeme, and others, with constructive interplay, like “Touch” (with Holly Waxwing and Giant Claw) which functions like a manic, musical relay race, with a melodic “baton” being quickly passed from instrument to instrument (or sampler).

“Pillow Fight” has a paradoxically intense lightness, with crystalline sounds, flutes, and bells delivered with a machinegun ecstasy. The odd whimsy of “Puddles” mixes clarinets with field recordings of children, evoking joy with a complicated, unconventional approach, as much of fake meat does.

FILM & TELEVISION

Knives Out Is A Shoo-In A modern murder mystery for one and all

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WO OF MY FAVORITE FILMS THIS YEAR HAVE BEEN about the failings of generation wealth and the illusion of power. Ready or Not may have had one of the best endings of any film in its genre, delivered in such a satisfying and final way, a way left no room for doubt about the finality of fates of the characters.

By John DeVore Pulse Film Editor

Knives Out is similar in a lot of ways, just without the edge or the Satanisim.

This isn’t a criticism—Knives Out is as traditional a mystery as it can be, right down to the idiosyncratic private detective and foreboding Victorian style house.

Which is surprising, considering it’s a film by Rian Johnson who is most well-known for subverting the expectations in The Last Jedi, causing millions of nerds to cry out on film Twitter, only

to be suddenly silenced by Baby Yoda.

Knives Out is as Agatha Christie as can be, note for note, twist for twist. As a result, the film is fun and entertaining, if maybe a little long in the middle.

As with most mystery stories, when the curtain is drawn back and the culprit revealed, everything that came before is worth the trouble. It’s a competent movie worth seeing in theater.

Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is a mystery writer of massive success, with assets in the millions of dollars and publishing empire worth much, much more. He is the patriarch

of a large family of the privileged variety—the type that argue that raise alt-right teenagers and think Donald Trump is a jerk, but one that the country needed.

They’ll even happily involve their staff in their inane political discussions, asking their father’s Latina nurse whether or not she agrees with the current immigration policies, despite routinely forgetting exactly which Latin country from which her family originates.

You can tell they are a family who relies heavily in the idea of noblesse oblige to excuse their worst impulses.

Some of those impulses involve adultery, embezzlement, and general aimless—the traits that plague the upper classes. But do the faults extend to murder?

When Thrombey is found dead in his room, of an apparent suicide, someone hires Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to find out. Blanc is a famous detective

recently featured in The New Yorker for solving some case or another, but more importantly he’s got a goofy, genteel southern accent that is a stand in for a Poirot mustache, meaning he must always know more than he lets on. Poirot, I mean, Blanc gives himself forty-eight hours to solve the case and enlists the young nurse Marta (Ana De Armas) as his Watson.

The cast is excellent, of course. Starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Chris Evans and Toni Collette, just to name a few and there’s no way the film could be underperformed. The writing is strong as well, carefully plotted and telegraphed for mystery fans. I enjoyed it, mostly, although the film felt a little too long.

Luckily for Johnson, his final act is superb and funny, bringing home the loose ends with aplomb.

More than the plotting, however, I enjoyed the subtext of the story, particularly how it dealt with the underpinnings of white privilege and racism and its general middle finger to both (although, Johnson himself is as white and privileged as they come, but at least he seems aware of it).

As far as the filmmaking is concerned, as I mentioned, it was competent—nothing stood out as particularly stylish, which might be the style in and of itself. The entire film was a throwback to a certain genre of storytelling and it seems that Johnson was careful not to stray too far away from those conventions.

Still, Knives Out is likely a crowd pleaser. There’s nothing outlandish or objectionable. It’s as safe a film as you can find, particularly for the holiday season. Sometimes it’s nice to find a film I could easily see with my mother over the course of the holidays. It might give us something to talk about besides who recently divorced or died who I might have known (but probably didn’t) from church. Knives Out is worth a night out to be sure.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 12, 2019 • THE PULSE • 21

FOOD & DRINK · SUSHI & BISCUITS

Say It Ain’t Tso, General The fascinating (and tasty) history of a Chinese food icon

G Mike McJunkin Pulse columnist

“

This comforting concoction of crispy chunks of chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, chili-laced sauce appears on restaurant menus across the United States, where it’s become virtually synonymous with ChineseAmerican food. ”

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

UILTY PLEASURES. WE ALL have them. Who among us hasn’t snuck away for a secret parking lot rendezvous with a box of gas station chicken livers or huddled around a dimly-lit computer screen to bingewatch 90 Day Fiancé?

It’s tempting to pretend that my own guilty pleasure is a quiet meal of braised oyster cheeks with lightly teased bison disks and free-range lime fritters. But when I’m unsupervised and left to my own devices, I will draw the curtains, slip into something comfortable, and embrace the dish that dares to speak its name in polite company, a meal that incites both vocal revulsion and quiet loyalty, the much maligned and universally misunderstood cornerstone of Chinese-American cuisine—General Tso’s chicken.

General Tso’s chicken is (for better or worse) the most famous Hunanese dish in the world. This comforting concoction of crispy chunks of chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, chili-laced sauce appears on restaurant menus across the United States, where it’s become virtually synonymous with Chinese-American food.

Unfortunately, General Tso’s chicken has also become synonymous with lowquality, Americanized versions of Chinese food that far too many people in the U.S. consider “Chinese food”, while almost no one in China has even heard of General Tso’s chicken, let alone eaten it.

General Tso’s chicken is named for Tso Tsung-t’ang, a nineteenth-century Hunanese general who died in 1885 after a ruthless career in the Qing dynasty.

While indirectly and sometimes directly responsible for the death of millions, we can clear him of any responsibility for the existence of his namesake chicken dish since he died long before the dish was invented by Chef Peng Chang-kuei in the 1950s.

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As a young man, Chef Peng trained under the personal chef of a Hunanese government official.

There he learned to pair the haute cuisine of other Chinese regions to the spicy, tart, and salty flavors of Hunan.

He soon rose to prominence cooking for highranking Nationalist government officials, but when Mao came to power in 1949, Peng (along with an entire generation of classically trained chefs) fled to Taiwan, fearing for their lives and their ability to practice what became known as “reactionary cooking.”

He soon opened a restaurant in Taiwan serving Hunan court cuisine to the public for the first time, and at some point during the 50s, Chef Peng created a dish using the typical flavors of Hunan and named it in honor of the famous Hunanese General—Tso Tsung-t’ang.

Then in the early 70s, a few of those classically trained refugee chefs from Taiwan teamed up with some American restauranteurs to open a string of Chinese haute cuisine restaurants in America. These restaurants were so wildly successful that it initiated a turf war that drove a couple of entrepreneurs to go to Taiwan for inspiration and to recruit new chefs.

They ended up at Chef Peng’s restaurants and fell in love with the food.

In fact, they loved it so much that they essentially copied Chef Peng’s menu, making slight changes to a few dishes, such as adding sugar to Peng’s poultry homage to General Tso. It wasn’t long until word of these copycats spread to Taiwan and Chef Peng decided to open his own New York restaurant to combat what he considered to be usurpers to his Hunanese culinary

throne. But by the time his restaurant opened, the Americanized versions of his food had become so popular that many diners thought Peng was the copycat. His restaurant was still very successful, but in spite of his success and in spite of Peng being generally credited as the inventor of the dish, the Americanized, sticky-sweet version of General Tso’s chicken won American hearts and quickly spread to every Chinese takeout menu from New York to California.

What happened to Chef Peng’s version? Chef Peng Chang-kuei closed his New York restaurant many years ago and moved back to Taiwan where he and his son continued the tradition at the Taiwan locations of Peng’s Garden Hunan Restaurant and helped with the documentary “The Search for General Tso” which documents his life and the development of the dish. Chef Peng Chang-kuei died in 2016.

Chef Peng didn’t leave the public any written recipe for his General Tso’s chicken, but head over to the “Food & Drink” section of chattanoogapulse. com for the recipe as described by his top apprentice Chef Chen Cheng-chuan, who trained with the dish’s inventor since 1969. This recipe will guide you towards true General Tso’s chicken heaven with all the pleasure and none of the guilt.

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