The Pulse 15.50 » December 13, 2018

DECEMBER 13, 2018

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

CREATING A NEW ARTS VISION CHA CREATES TAKES AN AMBITIOUS LOOK AT PUBLIC ART A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS ▪ BURLY TEMPLE RAPS ▪ THE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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FROM THE EDITOR VOLUME 15, ISSUE 50 • DECEMBER 13, 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 Rob Brezsny • Kevin Hale Matt Jones • Sandra Kurtz Mike McJunkin • Ernie Paik Rick Pimental-Habib Michael Thomas • Addie Whitlow Cartoonists Jen Sorenson • Tom Tomorrow Cover Art "Spirit of Main Street" by Shaun Larose

ADVERTISING Director of Sales Mike Baskin mike@brewermediagroup.com Account Executives Rick Leavell • Cindee McBride Libby Phillips • John Rodriguez 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.

Fifteen Years Of The Pulse What a long, strange trip it's been indeed Fifteen years ago this past week, a small group of people with a dream introduced a new publication to Chattanooga. A weekly alternative newspaper that promised to keep its finger on the “pulse” of Chattanooga.

And so, The Pulse was born.

Under the leadership of co-founders of Zach Cooper and Michael Kull, and the editorial direction of Bill Colrus, The Pulse quickly found a place in the fast-changing city.

With an often irreverent attitude and style, those early trailblazers gathered together an eclectic group of contributors to take a fresh look at Chattanooga. Our people, our music, our art, and our culture.

And from the very first issue, which (correctly) forecast the rebirth of the Southside from urban blight to today’s vibrant community, The Pulse has never shied away from telling intriguing stories. Nor has it shied away from telling stories that others might not want told or were unable (for any number of reasons) to tell themselves.

For five years (and four office changes), the original gang held things together with hope and optimism, only to come to what they feared would be the end of the road.

Enter Jim Brewer II. I remember clearly having lunch with him back in 2008 when he mentioned he was thinking of purchasing The Pulse. As one of those early contributors myself, I was all in favor of the move. Not only would it keep the paper alive (which I felt was very important), it would also bring it into the Brewer Media Group family.

As a family-owned business with deep roots in the community, I was not afraid The Pulse would be castrated by some faceless corporation. And so ten years ago, we made one more move into our current home on Carter Street and entered into a new chapter.

The past decade has seen a number of new challenges. The growth of the internet, the explosion of social media, the decline of magazines and newspapers, the way people changed how they consume media—all contributed to keeping us on our toes and never being able to afford to be complacent.

Even so, what has kept The Pulse viable has been our vision: telling great stories about Chattanooga. Our people, our music, our art, our culture. And we do that every week with some of the best writers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.

Chattanooga has changed a lot in the past fifteen years, and it shows no sign of slowing that rate of change. In fact, from everything we can see, the changes are coming ever faster.

The city is all but exploding with new homes, new apartments, new restaurants, new clubs, new galleries, new business, new development—all a testament to what makes Chattanooga one of the most compelling cities in the Southeast, if not the country.

Just trying to keep up with everything that is changing is a challenge in and of itself. There are so many great stories happening in this city, and I look forward to sharing them with every week you as we move into our sixteenth year.

Gary Poole

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CITY LIFE · BETWEEN THE BRIDGES

No Confusion On The Southside State of Confusion brings international flavors to Chattanooga

By Alex Curry Pulse City Editor

“

The visual appeal of the establishment pulls curious eyes from the bustling Main Street sidewalk.

This type of setting was sorely missing from such a popular and active city.”

S

TATE OF CONFUSION. THE NAME ALONE PIQUES AN undeniable interest; it pays homage to the unique former found object findery that once occupied the same lot.

It seemed to almost happen overnight, one day a closed down old antique store, and as if springing from nowhere, a full-fledged restaurant now fills the expansive space.

State of Confusion came out swinging. A massive patio area like none other in Chattanooga sits between a small front-of-house bar and a beautifully decorated full-service restaurant.

The eatery kept the industrial influence of the existing building and plays with its charming and rustic décor.

Wooden rafters and beams play beautifully with the chosen interior design and new furniture.

The visual appeal of the establishment pulls curious eyes from the bustling Main Street sidewalk. This type of

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setting was sorely missing from such a popular and active city. Other places have small patio options, usually crammed right up against busy sidewalks with uncomfortable iron-clad and wobbly furniture. State of Confusion’s patio is the sublime answer to this lacking element of Chattanooga life.

Does the name fit the restaurant? The menu is a mish-mash of flavors from various places and cultural cuisines of the world. Peruvian and Mexican influenced ceviche’s cover a large portion of the menu’s offerings. Influences from New Orleans and Argentina show up interspersed with Southern fare and Gulf Coast ideals.

The menu, at first glance, seems all over the place, but sometimes we can

find order in the chaos. Often restaurants will fail with over-synthesized fusions. In this case, State of Confusion have done their homework and have, with immense speed, become a strong player in Chattanooga’s fun scene.

The owners spent time traveling the world and falling in love with these different cuisines. Their goal was to recreate and pay honest tribute to some of their favorite dishes rather merely imitating them. Stop by and see for yourself if you think they’ve met this lofty goal of amalgamated fare.

A concentrated drink menu compliments the kitchen’s offerings. There’s no messing around with this drink program. The bar proudly boasts a sugarcane juicer for fresh-from-scratch mojitos. The wood-fired Argentinian parrilla peeks through the kitchen window, filling any serious home cook with envy (I promise it won’t be in my kitchen when it goes missing), live flames and glowing embers happily take responsibility for the smoky fragrance wafting through the air.

The busy kitchen permeates the dining room and induces mouthwatering desire. As if that wasn’t enough, the new restaurant offers a comprehensive brunch program sure to please the Sunday Funday crowd with a mix of old-time favorites.

The restaurant also offers the ability to reserve the space for private events with full-service options. State of Confusion has left no stone unturned as it plows forward as a strong competitor for Chattanooga’s hungry diners. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner hours.

Check them out online at soconfusion.com or head in for a sprawling meal and a frosty beverage.

Creating Cheery Centerpieces Embracing DIY decorating for the holidays

Cons ider This w ith Dr. Rick

“It’s funny, when you do something from a place of truth it works out where it is the right thing for a lot of other people as well.” —Ellen DeGeneres

Christmas and holiday decorations are the highlight of my year. A dark evergreen, ball-dotted, tinseltipped, star-topped beauty in the corner of my living room brightens my day, and I went so far as to buy Alexa-controlled plugs so I can say, “Alexa, turn on the Christmas tree,” the moment I wake up.

Stockings hanging on the fireplace, delicate silver knick-knacks sprinkled across the mantle like snow, I think it’s scientifically proven that shiny, cheery holiday decor makes you happy—but don’t quote me on that.

And if you’re like me and con-

stantly Pinteresting DIY holiday decor, then find yourself at Fox and Fern Botanical Styling on Chestnut St. in the North Shore this Friday at 6 p.m. for a hands-on holiday centerpiece creation class.

Wow friends and family with a beautifully handmade, wintry floral centerpiece for your holiday table this year. Learn the fundamentals of flower arranging using basic concepts of design and put them to work with what will surely be a beautiful selection of fresh buds of a wintry look. Top off your holiday table’s entire aesthetic with your one-of-akind centerpiece.

Space is limited so don’t miss the opportunity to not only leave the class with your own centerpiece, but also the newfound knowledge on how to create them yourself.

Be that awesome host putting on a centerpiece-making party yourself to show your friends what you learned, or consider showing family members while they’re in town (because there’s only so many times you can watch A Christmas Story before we all lose it.)

All materials will be provided from flowers to the base of the centerpiece. Tickets available online at eventbrite.com. — Brooke Brown

You can come from a place of masks and fear, or you can come from a place of authenticity and strength. It isn’t always easy to be exactly who you are; indeed, that is an act of courage. And sometimes we need to be protected and vigilant for safety’s sake, physical and/or emotional.

But if we walk through life with genuineness we attract the genuineness of others. By being about integrity, we invite their integrity into our lives.

Consider this: 1. Life’s challenges are filled with lessons.

2. Your kindness here encourages kindness everywhere.

3. Allow yourself fun, laughter, mischief.

4. Negativity breeds illness; positivity breeds well-being.

5. There is always, always something to be grateful for.

— Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D.

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COLUMN · SHADES OF GREEN

Holiday Traditions From Nature Celebrating the holiday season environmentally responsibly

T Sandra Kurtz

Pulse contributor

“

Critical things to remember are that we are overtaxing the capacity of our planet’s natural resources and that all life needs food, water, and shelter in a suitable habitat—and nothing else.”

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 CHRISTMAS SEASON CELebrating the birth of Jesus has turned into a hodgepodge of celebrations around gift giving. Even though Jewish Hanukkah is an eight-day “Festival of Lights” commemorating the rededication of a Jewish temple, gift giving has become part of this celebration of hope.

Diwali (Divali) as practiced by those of Hindu faith is their five-day “Festival of Lights” in the fall where joy and renewal are marked by gift giving and sweets.

Santa Claus provides gifts too.

Purchases of all those gifts includes big candle sales too, especially now.

Perhaps, since first discovered, people have used fire in rituals to chase away the darkness. Fire was used symbolically during winter solstice (Dec. 21) to get rid of dark and assure a good harvest in the future. Sure enough the next day more daylight began to reappear. Now that’s worth celebrating by putting lit candles on a tree and dancing around it as the pagans did.

Given this amalgamation of holiday traditions and festivities, gift giving has set in. Oh, economic joy! What gift would you want? Something expensive?

Something you truly need? Something handmade by a child? A trip? A new outfit? Jewelry? A car? Furniture? For many small businesses, holiday purchases guarantee existence through the next year.

A poster board Santa Claus face hangs in my house. In his cotton-ball beard are pockets for family members to place their wish lists for Christmas. It seems that the older the grandchild, the longer the list. Americans have taught our children well to embrace materialism and capitalism.

One of my grandchildren did put world peace on her list one year, but that was an exception.

From Black Friday, Small Business Saturdays and Cyber Monday we are inundated with enticing sales that we are assured will make your loved ones the happiest.

Thinking green during the holiday season is both difficult and important. How would you approach gift giving and still meet the expectations of children expecting those marvelous toys they see on TV or social media? How can one justify buying energy intensive products knowing that greenhouse gases were emitted to make them? Should you buy an item made in China given transportation causing more greenhouse gas emissions? How much short-lived stuff made of plastic is enough? Do we really need another new piece of clothing when thrift stores exist? Of course, Scrooge or the Grinch would say forget gifts altogether, but that doesn’t seem right for a holiday of love.

There are no easy answers to these questions, but just thinking green could lead to greener decisions. Critical things to remember are that we are overtaxing the capacity of our planet’s natural resources and that all life needs food, water, and shelter in a suitable habitat—and nothing else. Okay, clothing is good in our civilization. Therefore, as you shop, prefer edibles and reused or locally made items from local businesses

using natural or recyclable materials.

Choose energy efficient items and those that reduce energy use. Purchase local experiences. Honor someone by donating to an environmental non-profit organization. These will serve you as greener shopping guidelines.

Environmentally speaking, here’s my wish list: I wish our leaders would prioritize saving our environment over development and growth. Legislators would then believe that climate change action is needed; that steep slopes, floodplains, forests and agricultural land need strong development ordinances; that solar and wind are the way of the future, not fossil fuels or nuclear, and that they would see the importance of saving the diversity of our ecosystem in order to have quality of life.

On Friday, December 21 at 5:23 p.m., we mark the passing of the Winter Solstice. On that day, can we leave ignorance behind, and awaken to wisdom and meet responsibility with hope and renewal for all? To that end, in solidarity with the nature rituals that started long before our present religious rituals, I will light a candle to chase away the darkness.

You are invited to do the same.

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COVER STORY

Creating A New Arts Vision CHA Creates takes an ambitious look at art in Chattanooga

"Volumes" by Jim Collins

By Kevin Hale

“

Pulse contributor

People were enthusiastic about public art here,” says Barbara Goldstein.

“It represents the community and empowers by honoring history and creating a tangible place.”

C

HATTANOOGA IS TUCKED BETWEEN MOUNTAINS, a ridge, a roaring river that bends through Native American heritage and Civil War history. The new millennium has been good to the Scenic City with a revitalization of downtown and a commitment to the arts.

There’s maybe no medium more important to preserving our history than public art. The city’s public art program, Public Art Chattanooga, hasn’t always been a priority but now under the direction of Katelyn Kirnie, the die has been cast for public art to thrive now and in the future.

“The last time Chattanooga had a public art plan was 2003, so it’s been a while,” says Kirnie. “It’s been long overdue.”

Kirnie, a Chattanooga native who previously worked in public art pro-

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gramming in Boston, where she was the visual arts manager for the city’s Rose Kennedy Greenway, accepted the role of executive director a few years ago.

A citizens’ committee, appointed by Mayor Andy Berke, oversees PAC but the department’s first major initiative is starting to take shape and be unveiled early next year.

CHA Creates is the most ambitious public art plan Chattanooga has ever seen.

The plan got started with a nation-

wide search for consultants. Gail M. Goldman and Associates came on board to facilitate the public art strategic planning process through the end of the year.

“People were enthusiastic about public art here,” says Goldman’s consulting partner Barbara Goldstein. “It represents the community and empowers by honoring history and creating a tangible place.”

Prior to this project, Goldman conducted twenty-six city, county, and transportation-related public art master plans that include policy and legislative analysis, development of administrative guidelines, identification of artwork locations and project goals, organizational structure, funding, public/private partnerships,

"Fortitude" by Mark Krucke

artist selection methodology, project implementation, and community engagement.

Goldstein’s resume is equally impressive and includes drafting nine public art master plans along with directing public art programs in Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Jose, California. She has also organized three Public Art 101 conferences and is the author of Public Art by the Book, recognized as a definitive primer in the field.

Public art administration is a highly specialized field, with over 450 programs nationally.

The dynamic duo of Goldman and Goldstein began CHA Creates by reaching out through focus groups to local artists, social change leaders through Causeway, and urban design professionals hosted by Chattanooga Design Studio.

“Everything we’re recommending came from the 650 people we spoke with,” says Goldman. “If it was recommended, we wanted to see if it was feasible.”

"New Again" by Joey Manson

“

We want to empower those people who live in these communities to see public art as a tool and recognize a chance to redevelop downtown, integrate public art and increase access to it.”

The plan also puts genuine emphasis on neighborhoods that may have been overlooked.

“Again, we want to empower those people who live in these communities to see public art as a tool and recognize a chance to redevelop downtown, integrate public art and increase access to it,” continues Goldman. “We want to provide opportunity and celebrate Chattanooga with the artists who already live here.”

This includes mentorships, artist-inresidence programs and working with those organizations already embedded in the community. Business lead-

ers with the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, city artists with Stove Works, and the Festival of Black Art and Ideas were some groups involved with helping develop CHA Creates.

“The leadership, foundations, business community, River City Company, and the Trust for Public Land want to see the city invest and pursue thinking about how public art helps develop the community,” says Goldstein.

The public art strategy is designed to match other public plans.

“Artists have a big role to play to help neighborhoods articulate issues that drive them and what is meaning-

ful there,” says Goldstein. “They help express a better understanding no one else can.”

Like a lot of creative work, the emphasis on process is as important as product with public art.

“The process of public art is celebrating the process of creativity,” says Goldman. “That’s the role of the strategic plan; to tell stories of Chattanooga.”

As the plan started taking shape, a map of the area was used to develop a ten-year process, which will evolve over time. CHA Creates hopes to serve as a resource to those who live and work here and looks to locals for their recommendations and priorities.

Kirnie was pleasantly surprised and overwhelming by the outpouring of support for public art when she first arrived.

“We want to create programs we’re all proud of,” says Kirnie. “This could serve as a guide for private developers. We’re already hearing from them.”

The consulting team was impressed

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COVER STORY "Atrack" by John Davis

Chattanooga’s public art program exists directly under the office of the mayor.

“We’ve found in other cities, more often than not, it is buried under some obscure department,” says Goldman.

“It was easier to recommend a profile structure where CHA Creates involves every city department as a result.”

The timing was perfect where CHA Creates could provide a cohesiveness logistically to cut through the red tape.

“One of the important things for success is awareness,” says Goldstein.

“People don’t think how did that piece of public art get there.”

Both Goldman and Goldstein are leaders in public art nationally and have years of experience. Throughout their careers, they have developed national best practices. They want to create a structure that focuses on administration and for the success of the plan to be self-perpetuating.

First, identifying public art through built environments helps engage and bring the community together. Then, you want to elevate local artists and 10 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

their process where they help decide on how to utilize the space.

“Hopefully this will then promote equity and increase access for diverse artists throughout the community,” says Goldstein. “It can also be abstract. It could be utility boxes playing music or it could be a mural or sculpture.”

Best practice also encourages multidiscipline artists to work together. For example, a poet, a visual public artist, and musicians could work together to create a multi-dimensional experience. Pop up experiences have become popular recently and can provide a continuation of partnerships between parties.

“Ultimately we want it to be fundamental and nurturing,” says Goldstein.

Finally, the framework should highlight history and place.

“You want to make and keep unique character of a particular neighborhood, while it’s changing and growing,” says Goldstein. “Older people will go and new people will move in.

It’s not about replacing the old because you need that to highlight his-

“

You want public art to be small scale because you want it to infiltrate neighborhoods. You want memories and to build anticipation for those who live here.” tory; it’s about building on it.”

A good example would be the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Mural on the AT&T Building.

Another good example is The Passage beside the Tennessee Aquarium. The Passage is a pedestrian link between downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River and marks the beginning of the Trail of Tears.

The Trail of Tears refers to the journey which forced the removal of the Cherokee tribes from Ross’s Landing in Chattanooga to Oklahoma. Some 4000 Cherokees died before reaching Oklahoma.

The Passage is a permanent outdoor exhibit, with symbolism of the seven clans of the Cherokee Nation.

There is a “weeping wall” representing the tears shed as the Cherokee were driven from their homes and removed on the Trail of Tears.

Seven, six-foot ceramic disks tell the story of the Cherokee Nation from hundreds of years of Native American habitation in the Southeast. Seven, 14-foot tall stainless steel sculptures of stickball players grace the wall facing the river, educating visitors about the game and its importance to Cherokee culture.

“Then once you walk through aquarium plaza it continues to be interactive,” says Kirnie. “You can splash your feet in the water. This is specific to Chattanooga. It appeals to people of

all ages and abilities. It tells the story of Chattanooga.”

The plan wants CHA Creates to continue that sort of wow factor going forward.

“You want public art to be small scale because you want it to infiltrate neighborhoods,” says Goldman. “You want memories and to build anticipation for those who live here. There’s already a lot of art here for a town as small as Chattanooga.”

But as it stands now, I haven’t seen anything specific about CHA Creates, only spoken with Kirnie, Goldman and Goldstein.

“We took a map of the city and labeled places,” says Goldman. “Some could be temporary, like pop-up installations for example. We’re looking at city-owned property.”

Kirnie assures me it’s a robust program that’s sustainable and intent on fostering partnerships.

“We want to make the city proactive,” says Goldstein. “The city has a vision and public art is a part of that vision.”

Kevin Hale is a journalist and internet and television marketer living in North Chattanooga. He enjoys chasing flying saucers and saving bees with his 6-year old son.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

An American Christmas The CTC brings the Civil War to musical life

“A Christmas Carol” Comes To Chatt State There are quite a few Christmas movies that I’ve seen one too many times: A Christmas Story, Elf, Die Hard. But one I can never see enough is A Christmas Carol.

Maybe it’s because there are so many film versions (I’ve always been particularly fond of The Muppets version myself) or that I’ve never seen a production of it that I didn’t enjoy, but it’s always at the top of my list of Christmas movies to watch each season.

I can add another production of the timeless classic to my list for this weekend as Chattanooga State will put on their own “A Christmas Carol: A Musical.”

Based (of course) on the Charles Dickens tale we all know of Mr. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas, this production adds a score from Alan Menken of Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.

Starting at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, doors will open at Chattanooga State’s Humanities Theater for one and all to experience this musical, directed by Jennifer Arbogast Wilson featuring a brilliantly put together cast, choreographed by Lindsay Fussell, and with Nicholas Hartline conducting a fifteen-piece orchestra.

For more information or tickets call (423) 697-3246. — Brooke Brown

By Addie Whitlow Pulse contributor

“

The show begins on Christmas Eve 1864 and tells the intersecting stories of different figures in American history.”

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I

T’S A CHILLY CHRISTMAS EVE IN WASHINGTON D.C. circa 1864. The Civil War rages on, and there’s a deep unrest in what has become a very divided nation. It seems as if there’s almost nothing that can bring the country together.

However, Christmas is traditionally a time in which people put aside their differences in the spirit of the holiday season, and it’s also a time for many stories to be woven into one; the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s production of “A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration” succeeds in doing just that.

“A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration” is a historical musical, written by Paula Vogel, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.

The show begins on Christmas Eve 1864 and tells the intersecting stories of different figures in American history: President Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln, Walt Whitman, and John Wilkes Booth, to name a few.

The Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s production is directed by Theatre Centre Executive Director Todd Olson. The cast is made up of both old and new faces at the Theatre Centre.

Chris Barr, who plays the role of Lincoln, is both a park ranger and Civil War aficionado.

The show also features an ensemble performing classic Christmas songs, led by guest musical director LaFrederick Thirkill.

“This is five really human stories, and it’s so craftily woven together.

This play was written in 2012, and to some degree, I think it’s more relevant now,” Olson explained. “I think, what Paula Vogel is getting at, is here we are, on a Christmas Eve. There’s

a feeling and an anxiety amongst the people of this country that we’re on the verge of great change. We don’t know where it’s going to go. The world is as divided as possible. There is a real relevance today, but it never tips the scale into politics.”

When many people think of a play focused on the Civil War, they may think it’s going to be solely informational, if not political. However, that’s not the case. “A Civil War Christmas” weaves both fictional and nonfictional elements together to present a story of one Christmas Eve in American history.

The show also includes many humorous moments, such as the difficulty of obtaining a Christmas tree in 1864, a newfound idea at the time.

Most importantly, though, the performance aims to show how compassion, kindness, and hope were some of the most important values during such a trying time.

The stories that make up “A Civil War Christmas” include Mrs. Lincoln and her friend, freewoman Elizabeth Keckley, trying to acquire a Christmas tree, a slave risking her life to get her daughter to freedom, President Lincoln traveling around D.C. by himself, and Walt Whitman with a dying man in an armory hospital. Olson explained there are moments when the plot lines meld into one that make the show even more intimate and interesting.

“Those moments, when plot lines

“

Olson explained that one crucial aspect of this show is the large cast; there are dozens of characters portrayed in the show. ” touch and collide, you just say, ‘I never knew that happens.’ Here’s a wandering slave child who is now in her first night of freedom, and she runs into Lincoln, by happenstance,” Olson said. “She doesn’t know who he is; she thinks maybe he’s a slave catcher, and her mother told her to run. That delay stopped Lincoln from going down this route, where there were assassins waiting. And that plot [of the assassins] was thwarted that night, and it was thwarted when those plot lines come together and crash.”

In addition to the way in which the stories intersect, Olson explained that one crucial aspect of this show is the large cast; there are dozens of characters portrayed in the show. The cast of 15 started rehearsals near the end of October, and they’ve all been extremely dedicated to every rehearsal, five nights a week.

Olson also said the show’s set is very simple yet profound, allowing actors and actresses to disappear and reappear moments later as a completely different character. The goal with the set was to find a way in which the cast

never really left, in order to make the show more intimate.

“I think we’re coming at this with a lot of affection and a lot of love. And I think that matches what Paula Vogel hardwired into this play,” said Olson.

“The two titles of the show are ‘A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration.’ In some ways, I think the second title [of the show] is almost more important. I think that’s what it is: an American musical celebration.”

“A Civil War Christmas” opens tomorrow night, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m. in the Circle Theatre and will be performed Thursday-Saturday evenings, with Sunday matinee shows, through Dec. 30. Tickets are available online or by calling or visiting the Theatre Centre box office. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited.

If you want to see a humorous yet heartwarming story about coming together on one Christmas Eve in American history, then you definitely don’t want to miss the Theatre Centre’s performance of “A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration” this holiday season.

THU12.13

FRI12.14

SAT12.15

Holiday Market in Miller Plaza

Ballet Tennessee's The Nutcracker

“An Irish Courage Christmas”

Stock up on gifts for everyone on your list with some of the city's best local merchants.

5:30 p.m.

Waterhouse Pavilion 850 Market St. rivercitycompany.com

The holiday tradition that is perfect for the entire family (as long as you aren't afraid of rats).

8 p.m.

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

Explore Christmas in an early 1990's Irish pub with this original production.

7:30 p.m.

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

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • THE PULSE • 13

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

The Art Of Gift Wrapping

THURSDAY12.13 SCWN Christmas Luncheon 11:30 a.m.

Mountain City Club 729 Chestnut St. (423) 756-5584 themountaincityclub.com Urban Farmers Market and Marketplace 3 p.m.

Miller Park 910 Market St. millerparkmarket.com Holiday Market in Miller Plaza 5:30 p.m.

Waterhouse Pavilion 850 Market St. (423) 265-3700 rivercitycompany.com Money School After Hours: Budget Wisely for Christmas 5:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise 1500 Chestnut St. (423) 756-6201 cneinc.org Homebrewing 101: Make Your Own Beer 5:30 p.m.

Brew Market & Beer Garden 1510 Riverside Dr. (423) 648-2739 brewmarketchatt.com Ice on the Landing 6 p.m.

Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. iceonthelanding.com Art + Issues: Native Resistance 6 p.m.

14 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View.

(423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org The Art of Gift Wrapping 6 p.m.

Chattanooga WorkSpace 302 W. 6th St. (423) 822-5750 chattanoogaworkspace.com David Scott 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.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 Sean Beagan & Bailey Erickson 8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY12.14 Out On 8th 5 p.m.

West Village

802 Pine St. (423) 424-1831 westvillagechattanooga.com Chattanooga Zoo Holiday Lights 5:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. (423) 697-1322 chattzoo.org Ice on the Landing 6 p.m.

Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. iceonthelanding.com Holiday Cookie Decorating Party!

6 p.m.

Chattanooga WorkSpace 302 W. 6th St. (423) 822-5750 chattanoogaworkspace.com David Scott 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

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

Chattanooga State Humanities Theatre 4501 Amnicola Hwy. chattanoogastate.edu “An Irish Courage Christmas” 7:30 p.m.

Back Alley @ The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA (706) 996-8350 bapshows.com A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration

8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Improv “Movie” Night 8 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com Ballet Tennessee Presents The Nutcracker 8 p.m.

UTC Fine Arts Center 752 Vine St. (423) 425-4269 utc.edu/fine-arts-center 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.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com

SATURDAY12.15 Wreaths Across Chattanooga Noon Chattanooga National Cemetery 1200 Bailey Ave. www.cem.va.gov Artful Yoga: Breaking Out of the Frame with Mike Weger 1:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Zoo Holiday Lights

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

UTC Fine Arts Center 752 Vine St. (423) 425-4269 utc.edu/fine-arts-center Chattanooga Dance Theatre’s 5th Annual ‘Nooga Nutcracker 2, 7 p.m.

Walker Theatre 399 McCallie Ave. (423) 757-5580 tivolichattanooga.com Western Historian Mark Warren 2 p.m.

Barnes and Noble 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd.

(423) 893-0186 barnesandnoble.com “A Charlie Brown Christmas” 2:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration 2:30, 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Chattanooga Zoo Holiday Lights 5:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. (423) 697-1322 chattzoo.org Ice on the Landing

6 p.m.

Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. iceonthelanding.com Winter in West Village 6 p.m.

West Village 802 Pine St. westvillagechattanooga.com David Scott 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

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

Chattanooga State Humanities Theatre 4501 Amnicola Hwy. chattanoogastate.edu “An Irish Courage Christmas” 7:30, 7:30 p.m.

Back Alley @ The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA (706) 996-8350 bapshows.com Your Stories 8 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com Improv vs Stand-Up 10 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com Stone Cups Silent Night 10 p.m.

Stone Cup Cafe 208 Frazier Ave. stonecupcafe.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • THE PULSE • 15

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King And I

SUNDAY12.16 Joy to the World Christmas Cantata 11 a.m.

Rivermont Presbyterian Church 3319 Hixson Pike rivermontpc.org Free Fiddle School 2 p.m.

Fiddlers Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 994-7497 “A Charlie Brown Christmas” 2:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com A Christmas Carol: The Musical 2:30 p.m.

Chattanooga State Humanities Theatre 4501 Amnicola Hwy. chattanoogastate.edu A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration 2:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com “An Irish Courage Christmas” 2:30 p.m.

Back Alley @ The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA (706) 996-8350 bapshows.com Ice on the Landing 6 p.m.

Chattanooga Choo Choo

16 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

1400 Market St. iceonthelanding.com David Scott 7:30 p.m.

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

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

MONDAY12.17 Winter 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. iceonthelanding.com Joggers & Lagers 6 p.m.

Chattanooga Brewing Co. 1804 Chestnut St. chattabrew.com Couple’s Massage 101 6:30 p.m.

Chattanooga WorkSpace 302 W. 6th St. (423) 822-5750 chattanoogaworkspace.com

TUESDAY12.18 Wake Up & Run

6 a.m.

Fleet Feet Sports 307 Manufacturers Rd. (423) 771-7996 fleetfeetchattanooga.com Science on Tap 5 p.m.

Barley Taphouse 235 E. MLK Blvd. chattanoogabarley.com Tuesday Night Chess Club 6 p.m.

Downtown Library 1001 Broad St. (423) 643-7700 chattilibrary.com Cell-a-lluia St. Elmo 6 p.m.

The Tap House 3800 St. Elmo Ave. taphousechatt.com Ice on the Landing 6 p.m.

Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. iceonthelanding.com Paths to Pints along the Riverwalk 6:30 p.m.

The Tap House 3800 St. Elmo Ave. taphousechatt.com Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King And I 7:30 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5580 tivolichattanooga.com

Jewish Cultural Center 5461 North Terrace (423) 493-0270 jewishchattanooga.com Main Street Market 4 p.m.

522 W. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com 5th Annual Christmas FUNdraiser for the Kids 5 p.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. (423) 602-5980 flyingsquirrelbar.com Ice on the Landing 6 p.m.

Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. iceonthelanding.com Naughty Knights Chess Meetup 7:30 p.m.

The Bitter Alibi 825 Houston St. (423) 362-5070 thebitteralibi.com Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King And I 7:30 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5580 tivolichattanooga.com Comedy Open Mic 7:30 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY12.19 Middle Eastern Dance 10:30 a.m.

Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “What is the point of being alive if you don’t at least try to do something remarkable?” Author John Green asked that question. I confess that I’m not entirely comfortable with it. It’s a bit pushy. I find I’m more likely to do remarkable things if I’m not trying too hard to do remarkable things. Nevertheless, I offer it as one of your key themes for 2019. I suspect you will be so naturally inclined to do remarkable things that you won’t feel pressure to do so. Here’s my only advice: up the ante on your desire to be fully yourself; dream up new ways to give your most important gifts; explore all the possibilities of how you can express your soul’s code with vigor and rigor.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In the fairy tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” the heroine rejects both the options that are too puny and too excessive. She wisely decides that just enough is exactly right. I think she’s a good role model for you. After your time of feeling somewhat deprived, it would be understandable if you were tempted to crave too much and ask for too much and grab too much. It would be understandable, yes, but mistaken. For now, just enough is exactly right.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 1140, two dynasties were at war in Weinsberg, in what’s now southern Germany. Conrad III, leader of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, laid siege to the castle at Weinsberg, headquarters of the rival Welfs dynasty. Things went badly for the Welfs, and just before Conrad launched a final attack, they surrendered. With a last-minute touch of mercy, Conrad agreed to allow the women of the castle to flee in safety along with whatever possessions they could carry.

The women had an ingenious response. They lifted their husbands onto their backs and hauled them away to freedom. Conrad tolerated the trick, saying he would stand by his promise. I foresee a metaphorically comparable opportunity arising for you, Aquarius.

It won’t be a life-or-death situation like that of the Welfs, but it will resemble it in that your original thinking can lead you and yours to greater freedom.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The National Center for Biotechnology Information reported on a 15-year-old boy who had the notion that he could make himself into a superhero. First he arranged to get bitten by many spiders in the hope of acquiring the powers of Spiderman. That didn’t work.

Next, he injected mercury into his skin, theorizing it might give him talents comparable to the Marvel Comics mutant character named Mercury. As you strategize to build your power and clout in 2019,

Pisces, I trust you won’t resort to questionable methods like those.

You won’t need to! Your intuition should steadily guide you, providing precise information on how to proceed. And it all starts now.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 1930, some British mystery writers formed a club to provide each other with artistic support and conviviality. They swore an oath to write their stories so that solving crimes happened solely through the wits of their fictional detectives, and not through “Divine Revelation, Feminine Intuition, Mumbo Jumbo, Jiggery-Pokery, or Act of God.” I understand that principle, but don’t endorse it for your use in the coming weeks. On the contrary. I hope you’ll be on the alert and receptive to Divine Revelations, Feminine Intuition, Mumbo Jumbo, Jiggery-Pokery, and Acts of God. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When you’re prescribed antibiotic pills to fight off infection, you should finish the entire round. If you stop taking the meds partway through because you’re feeling better, you might enable a stronger version of the original infector to get a foothold in your system. This lesson provides an apt metaphor for a process you’re now undergoing.

As you seek to purge a certain unhelpful presence in your life, you must follow through to the end.

Don’t get lax halfway through.

Keep on cleansing yourself and shedding the unwanted influence beyond the time you’re sure you’re free of it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Danish scientist and poet Piet Hein wrote this melancholy meditation: “Losing one glove is painful, but nothing compared to the pain of losing one, throwing away the other, and finding the first one again.” Let his words serve as a helpful warning to you, Gemini. If you lose one of your gloves, don’t immediately get rid of the second. Rather, be patient and await the eventual reappearance of the first. The same principle applies to other things that might temporarily go missing.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian author Elizabeth Gilbert is a soulful observer whose prose entertains and illuminates me. She’s well aware of her own limitations, however. For example, she writes, “Every few years, I think, ‘Maybe now I’m finally smart enough or sophisticated enough to understand Ulysses. So I pick it up and try it again. And by page 10, as always, I’m like, ‘What the hell?’” Gilbert is referring to the renowned 20th-century novel, James Joyce’s masterwork. She just can’t appreciate it. I propose that you make her your inspirational role model in the coming weeks. Now is a favorable time to acknowledge and accept that there are certain good

influences and interesting things that you will simply never be able to benefit from. And that’s OK! LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): More than three centuries ago, Dutch immigrants in New York ate a dessert known as the olykoek, or oily cake: sugar-sweetened dough deepfried in pig fat. It was the forerunner of the modern doughnut.

One problem with the otherwise delectable snack was that the center wasn’t always fully cooked. In 1847, a man named Hanson Gregory finally found a solution. Using a pepper shaker, he punched a hole in the middle of the dough, thus launching the shape that has endured until today. I bring this to your attention because I suspect you’re at a comparable turning point. If all goes according to cosmic plan, you will discover a key innovation that makes a pretty good thing even better.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I can’t believe I’m going to quote pop star Selena Gomez. But according to my analysis of the current astrological omens, her simple, homespun advice could be especially helpful to you in the coming weeks. “Never look back,” she says.

“If Cinderella had looked back and picked up the shoe, she would have never found her prince.” Just to be clear, Virgo, I’m not saying you’ll experience an adventure that has a plot akin to the Cinderella fairy tale. But I do expect you will benefit from a “loss” as long as you’re focused on what’s ahead of you rather than what’s behind you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Among the pieces of jewelry worn by superstar Elvis Presley were a Christian cross and a Star of David. “I don’t want to miss out on heaven due to a technicality,” he testified.

In that spirit, and in accordance with astrological omens, I urge you, too, to cover all your bases in the coming weeks. Honor your important influences. Be extra nice to everyone who might have something to offer you in the future.

Show your appreciation for those who have helped make you who you are. And be as open-minded and welcoming and multicultural as you can genuinely be. Your motto is “Embrace the rainbow.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Are you a gambling addict seeking power over your addiction? If you live in Michigan or Illinois, you can formally blacklist yourself from all casinos. Anytime your resolve wanes and you wander into a casino, you can be arrested and fined for trespassing. I invite you to consider a comparable approach as you work to free yourself from a bad habit or debilitating obsession. Enlist some help in enforcing your desire to refrain. Create an obstruction that will interfere with your ability to act on negative impulses.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • THE PULSE • 17

Holiday

Shopping Guide

Do you love singing in the shower? Now you can sing along with all your favorite songs with a Waterproof Bluetooth Shower Speaker that comes with a suction cup and a built-in microphone (handy for talking to your digital assistant). Sync with your phone, and you can even take calls while getting clean...if you are a true Type-A personality. $18.99 · bestorx.com New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and you’ll be the center of attention with this Badgley Mischka Gold Dust Top. Normally retails for $300 (or more!), but we found it for a price you truly will not believe. $43 · renttherunway.com

Want to be the star of your next beach party, round of golf, or fishing trip? Simply open up Isabel Clark’s Portable Minibar Set. It contains five 50 ml bottles, ready for you to fill with your favorite spirits and mixers.

They’re nestled in a handsome leather case, with a foam insert that keeps everything snugly in place. $58 · uncommongoods.com The ultimate gift for the food lover on your list. 1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die is a joyous, informative, dazzling, mouthwatering life list of the world’s best food. Celebrate haute and snack, comforting and exotic, hyper-local and the universally enjoyed: a Tuscan plate of Fritto Misto. $24.95 · workman.com

18 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

COME IN FOR A HUGE SELECTION OF COLUMBIA JACKETS, LONG UNDERWEAR THAT WORKS, AND ALL OF YOUR COLD WEATHER CLOTHING LEARN TO SKI AND SNOWBOARD ON

VIRTUAL SNOW INTRO SESSION

It’s been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But who said you only had to eat breakfast in the morning. With this retro 3-In-1 Bisque Breakfast Station, you get a toaster oven, a griddle top, and a coffee maker all in one nifty appliance. $49.99 · homedepot.com

Perfect for the beginner or intermediate skier. You test Virtual Snow, Virtual Snow tests you!

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Capture photographs on your Apple or Android smartphone using various perspectives to create unique images with the Apexal 4-in-1 Cell Phone Camera System. This bundle includes a 12x telephoto lens, a 0.63x wide-angle lens, a 198° fisheye lens, and a 15x macro lens. And it also includes a phone holder, a mini tripod, four lens covers, a universal clip with a metal ring, a telephoto lens clip, and a cleaning cloth. $19.99 · bhphotovideo.com

Develop skills, build confidence on Virtual Snow with video drills

5 1-HOUR SESSIONS $599.95

Plus bonus 1-hour session free and another bonus 1-hour session free when you return from your ski vacation!

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Plug in Presto’s PopLite Hot Air Popper and the party begins. In less than 2-1/2 minutes you’ll have up to 18 cups—two large bowlfuls—of fluffy popcorn with virtually no unpopped kernels. And because the machine uses hot air instead of oil, the resulting snack is healthier and lower in calories. $16.99 · amazon.com

dodge city ski shop 7698 E. BRAINERD ROAD

423.892.6767•DODGECITYSKI.COM

THE PULSE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • 19

Normal gloves simply don’t work on touchscreens. That’s why Agloves introduced revolutionary, 10-finger Touch Gloves that work on all devices. No more biting off your glove and freezing your fingertips this winter. You can now answer calls and text without removing your gloves. $19.99 · agloves.com

No matter your age, we’ve all secretly (or not-so-secretly) wished we had received a Hogwarts Acceptance Letter.

Now you can make your magical dreams come true with this amazing package that includes the List of Requirements, Platform 9 3/4 and Knight Bus Ticket, Runic spell chart, List of Spells, and of course the personalized envelope and letter addressed to the bedroom the recipient resides. $19.99 · fantasyletter.com

The IMAK Compression Pain Relief Mask Eye Pillow is a patented product that conforms to your face and eyes, blocking out light. Smooth ergoBeads inside create a gentle massaging effect around your eyes. Place the eye pillow over your eyes, relax and enjoy the relief. $15.99 · brownmed.com

Make this wildly different Monopoly game a favorite go-to game for game nights with the Monopoly Cheaters Edition. Lean into those iconic (yet unspoken) Monopoly moments in which rules are bent, money is borrowed, and funny business is welcomed. Fake a die roll, steal some bills from the bank, and even skip out on rent. $19.99 · monopoly.hasbro.com

20 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Anybody else read this with a certain accent?

No? Well, either way, show your friends how to get the attention of a special someone with a line that never..err RARELY fails! The “How You Doin?” tee is available in a wide variety of colors and can be shipped directly to your favorite coffee shop. $19.99 · teeshirtpalace.com

For when the weather can't make up its mind (welcome to Chattanooga, y'all), put on this retro-stylish Fleece Lined Denim Jacket from Jack & Jones. Wind, do your worst.

Light-wash soft blue denimn with a Borg collar and lining, this is the perfert combination of style and comfort. $131 · lyst.com

Print directly from your mobile phone or tablet in less than 60 seconds using Bluetooth or NFC technology.

The Polaroid Zip Instant Photoprinter gives you 2x3” full-color, smudge-proof photos with a sticky back for extra fun. ZINK zero ink printing produces photoquality, full-color output without using ink cartridges, ribbons or toner. $89.95 · bhphotovideo.com There’s nothing worse than a fresh mug of hot coffee that gets cold before you’re halfway through drinking it.

The solution is simple: get a Mr.Coffee Mug Warmer and keep your favorite mug of coffee, tea or cocoa hot when you want it. $14.99 · mrcoffee.com

Salt Fat Acid Heat is more than just a cookbook. Master these four elements, and you’ll master your own kitchen.

Written by chef Samin Nosrat, this book won the 2018 James Beard General Cookbook award and is a must for anyone who wants to dramatically improve their culnary skillset. $21.27 · barnesandnoble.com THE PULSE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • 21

THE MUSIC SCENE

Hip-Hop Happenstance Burly Temple drops an unexpected rap album

Enjoy The Winter Vibes So far this holiday season we’ve fluctuated from unseasonably warm days to a wave of brisk, frost-dusted mornings. Me, I’m looking forward to a constant chill dedicated to gloves, hats, and winter vibes, and it seems Seaux Chill and Friends are looking for much of the same.

This Thursday, Dodds Avenue’s Barking Legs will host Seaux Chill and Friends as they perform a collection of Christmas classics with their own chilly twist as well as original music.

Starting at 7 p.m., artists like Kimmie J, Garrell Woods, Given Arnold, and more will join Seaux Chill for a night filled with cool winter vibes you won’t want to miss.

Plan for an evening of cold weather and hot music Thursday as we usher in winter the best way we know how: with dope music and chill vibes. What better way to kick off what will hopefully be a “seaux” chill holiday season?

Tickets at the door will only cost you fifteen bucks and for the music lover in your life, there is no cooler, more reasonably priced experience to give them instead of a gift. And no need for wrapping paper.

— Brooke Brown

By Marc T. Michael Pulse Music Editor

“

Some musicians spend a career plugging away at one particular style, while others wear many hats.”

22 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

O

NE OF THE RARE TALENTS OF THE CREATIVE force behind Burly Temple, one I greatly admire, is the ability to shift easily between genres.

Here is a fellow whose day planner (those are still a thing?) would read something like, “Monday: Write and produce a heavy metal album; Wednesday: record blues album; Thursday: Laundry; Friday: Finishing touches on neo-classical reggae EP using only mixolydian scales.”

Some musicians spend a career plugging away at one particular style, while others wear many hats.

Burly is the sort who wears many hats, some of which are shoes.

Fully aware that Burly Temple is the sort of performer who can be

whatever he wants to be, my curiosity was piqued when he mentioned off-handedly, “I think I’m going to do a rap album next.”

He did, it’s done, and it’s…it’s actually really good.

There is a thick line between parody and pastiche, and while parody may be done with love, it is still parody. Pastiche, on the other hand, is almost always a labor of love and despite the Cookie Monster-esque title, Me Can Rap, it’s clear some love went in to making this. Moreover, it seems like BT and friends had a blast making it.

“

If there is a flaw, it isn’t in the album itself, it’s in the perception of it by younger audiences who may mistake all of this for a joke or even a mockery.”

A word of caution: If you aren’t especially familiar with the early days of hip-hop, particularly the early days of commercially successful hip-hop, this album may seem like parody, if only because humor is the underlying theme to the whole thing.

On the other hand, if you are…of a certain age…you will recognize the same sort of vibe that made the Fat Boys, Force MDs and Bobby Jimmy and the Critters household names in the mid-eighties.

Granted, there was socially conscious and politically charged music, but it would be some time before that hip-hop (arguably the true origins of the genre) would find the mainstream recognition it deserved.

For better or for worse, humor and irreverence are what helped establish the genre to a wider audience in its early days, and this album is a pretty fine representation of that.

The presence of the Roland TR-808 sound certainly lends it-

self to the “old school cred” of Burly’s entry.

Where the Fat Boys made a point of referencing their size and eating habits, Burly personalizes his album with tracks like, “Average,” a Goldilocksian examination of his…er…endowments (not too big, not too small, just right.) “Fat Ass Yeti,” with a surprisingly good flow, continues the good natured selfeffacement.

The album takes a shot at some current pop stars with “20 Songs Long,” an observation that the main qualifier for some of the more cookie-cutter “artists” out there now is that a rap album needs to be 20 songs long. Never mind the quality, you have to hit that number or else.

Again, his ability to move between genres is exceptional, but a Burly album is still a Burly album and his unmistakable thumbprint on this collection is the track, “Is a Burrito a Sandwich?” Frankly, I wouldn’t be

surprised (though I would be delighted) if he took that one track and released it as an EP. Five versions of the same tune in five different styles. Blues, country, rap, punk and…new age, he could do it and it would be worth hearing.

If there is a flaw, it isn’t in the album itself, it’s in the perception of it by younger audiences who may mistake all of this for a joke or even a mockery of a genre that increasingly more people are passionate about.

This would be a terrible mistake though.

Burly is, I think, close to my age, so I believe I can go so far as to say that he grew up hearing the same early hip-hop that I did, and in that context this album, light-hearted as it is, is a masterful tribute to the era.

Available on Spotify now, it is funny, irreverent, explicit (Tipper would have a heart attack over some of the song titles) and because Burly is nothing if not professional, it is 20 songs long.

It’s A Musical War On Christmas

It’s that most special season when yearly customs give way to annual traditions and the return of the War on Xmas is one of them. On December 25th, the best and only solution to your menstrual Krampus is a night at JJ’s Bohemia on MLK with your favorite holiday misanthropes.

Pinkie and the Sasqu…Lazarus Hellgate will don their gay apparel and present a variety of sideshow acts (no word on the progress of Hellgate’s “roasting chestnuts” bit, but one can dream.)

Some of Chatt-towns funniest people will provide standup comedy and some daring young artists will put the “Brrrr” in Burlesque. Guest stars include Bobby Anderson, Pinkie (Princess of Pain,) Juno Mars, and many more. Music will be provided by Praymantha and Pinecone.

So burn your ugly Christmas sweater (take it off first) and come on down to spend Xmas evening with the jolliest bunch of a-holes this side of the nuthouse and maybe, if you’re extra naughty, someone will put their eye out, kid. — MTM

THU12.13

FRI12.14

SAT12.15

Chloe Agnew

Butch Ross Christmas Extravaganza

Behold the Brave, The White Liars, Sweettalker

“Ireland’s Celtic Songbird” is joined by special guest Irish tenor, Dermot Kiernan.

7:30 p.m.

Red Bank Cumberland Presbyterian Church 115 Morrison Springs Rd. redbankcpchurch.org

The dulcimer master brings his holiday stylings to Tremont Tavern for a spirited evening.

9 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com

Great music, great beer.

Two great things that go great together.

8 p.m.

Barley Taphouse 235 E. MLK Blvd. chattanoogabarley.com

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • THE PULSE • 23

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

The Stolen Faces

THURSDAY12.13 James Crumble Trio 6 p.m.

St. John’s Meeting Place 1278 Market St. stjohnsrestaurant.com Gino Fanelli 6:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Toby Hewitt 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Open Mic Night 7 p.m.

Moccasin Bend Brewing Co. 3210 Broad St. bendbrewingbeer.com Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols 7 p.m.

Ridgedale Baptist Church 1831 Hickory Valley Rd. ridgedalebaptist.org Seaux Chill & Friends 7 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Christmas Concert 7:30 p.m.

Second Presbyterian Church 700 Pine St. secondpreschattanooga.org Chris Tomlin Christmas: Christmas Songs of Worship 7:30 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre

24 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com Chloe Agnew’s Christmas in Chattanooga 7:30 p.m.

Red Bank Cumberland Presbyterian Church 115 Morrison Springs Rd. redbankcpchurch.org Jesse James & Tim Neal 7:30 p.m.

Mexi-Wing VII 5773 Brainerd Rd. (423) 296-1073 Keepin’ It Local 8 p.m.

The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com Open Mic Night 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY12.14 Preston Ruffing 6:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Naomi Ingram 6:30 p.m.

Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Rye Baby, Bird in Hand 8 p.m.

Barley Taphouse 235 E. MLK Blvd. chattanoogabarley.com

Arlo Gilliam 8:30 p.m.

Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Pete Boubel 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com The Stolen Faces 9 p.m.

HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com Lewis and Clark, Zachery Scout, Husley, Better Thieves 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Butch Ross Christmas Extravaganza 9 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Aunt Betty 10 p.m.

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

SATURDAY12.15 Bluegrass Brunch Noon The Honest Pint 35 Patten Pkwy. thehonestpint.com Flattop Boxers 6:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Megan Howard 6:30 p.m.

Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Forever Bluegrass 7 p.m.

Westbound Bar 24 Station St. westboundbar.com Home for the Holidays 7:30 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com Behold the Brave, The White Liars, Sweettalker 8 p.m.

Barley Taphouse 235 E. MLK Blvd. chattanoogabarley.com Caroline Cotter 8 p.m.

Charles & Myrtle's Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org Courtney Holder 8:30 p.m.

Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Travis & Heather Kilgore 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com The Get Right Band 9 p.m.

HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St.

Travis & Heather Kilgore hificlydeschattanooga.com PLVNET, Seven Stones 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Stone Cups Silent Night 10 p.m.

Stone Cup Cafe 208 Frazier Ave. stonecupcafe.com Aunt Betty 10 p.m.

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

SUNDAY12.16 Lew Card 11 a.m.

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

Westin Chattanooga 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com James Hatem 1:30 p.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Home for the Holidays 3 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com The Other Brothers 3 p.m.

WanderLinger Brewing

Company 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com 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

MONDAY12.17 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

TUESDAY12.18 Danimal

6 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Erik Kirkendoll 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 Sage Against the Machine 7 p.m.

WanderLinger Brewing Company 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com Open Mic Jam Session 7 p.m.

Crust Pizza 3211 Broad St. crustpizza.com Live Jam Session with Freddy Mc & Friends 8 p.m.

Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com Open Mic with Xll Olympians 8 p.m.

Barley Taproom 235 E. MLK Blvd. chattanoogabarley.com Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com

WEDNESDAY12.19 The Other Guys 6 p.m.

SpringHill Suites 495 Riverfront Pkwy. springhillsuites.com Jonathan Wimpee 6:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com 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 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 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 • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • THE PULSE • 25

ERNIE PAIK'S RECORD REVIEWS

FR333 TH3 BODY (fr333.bandcamp.com)

T

he Oakland, Calif. hiphop duo FR333—comprised of rapper MADlines (Maddy Clifford) and producer/musician XOA (Alexandra Howard)—has two self-coined names for the music it makes.

The first is “Goddess Trap,” acknowledging the influence of Southern rap and its roots in strife and hustle, but instead of macho larger-than-life posturing, the feminine flip-side opts for a more seductive take, favoring a magical and mythical perception to bring listeners out of the ordinary world.

The second name— “Hydra Hip-Hop”—directly expounds on the mythical notion by evoking the nineheaded serpent from Greek mythology, symbolizing the multiple sonic approaches of FR333.

In May, FR333 unleashed the four-song EP TH3 MIND, an entrancing and promising release that slithered with assurance on tracks like “Abstrakt,” with mysterious, echoing loops weaving between MADlines’ wordplay, and “The Pacific,” enhanced with tropical beats and vibes.

While TH3 MIND delved

26 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

into the feminine psyche, the new release TH3 BODY follows it, going down that road with a more physically oriented approach, tackling threatening reactions to a woman’s appearance and grappling with selfdoubt and confidence.

TH3 BODY mirrors TH3 MIND with a similar 4-song format, and like its predecessor, TH3 BODY begins with a minute-long intro poem; here, a challenge is set up that is surely familiar to any woman attempting to describe the mental weight of harassment: “How could she explain?”

It’s followed by “Peaches” which pays tribute to the infamous track “F--- the Pain Away” by Peaches with a deep swagger, inducing head-nods, and a vocal delivery that alternates between percussive syllables and sultry soul singing.

The smooth atmosphere and interrupting beats of “Gut Feeling” tackles the complexity of trauma by bringing it to the surface and reminding women to not forget their physical instincts when confronted; guest rapper RyanNicole punches her lines through, practically spitting them out.

The EP ends with “I Gave You Life,” featuring guest vocalist Honey Gold Jasmine, balancing its aural silkiness with a serious, charged attitude, intended as both a warning message to players and as a tribute to motherhood, topping off a psychologically complex and striking release of modern feminine mythology mixed with harsh realities.

PC Worship Future Phase (Northern Spy)

T

he new album Future Phase from the Brooklyn outfit PC Worship is a strange and intense trip, but it’s one that’s actually entertaining and not oppressive or punishing to the point of being a turn-off; perhaps it’s like a thrilling amusement park ride that takes you on a joyride through a self-consciously artificial depiction of Hades.

A few key points of comparison come to mind when listening to Future Phase, such as the early primitive pummeling of Swans and various German bands from the ‘70s such as NEU! and Faust.

The nine-minute opening number “Tides II” is a compellingly twisty initiation, misleadingly going from some twangy, bluesy flourishes to a Swans-inspired death march, with some chaotic clashes, evoking the fiery, hammering live version (not the relatively sedate studio version) of Outside the Dream Syndicate by Tony Conrad and Faust.

The track is full of savory surprises, serving up its odd sequence with gliding, demented electric guitar lines, wordless vocals and tinny,

wandering string plucks.

Now, if you’re going to rip something off, rip it off well, and “Shell Shower” is a pretty decent rip-off of NEU! at its most propulsive (think “Hero” from NEU! ‘75) with a killer bass vamp and an electric guitar throwing fuel onto the flames.

It’s followed by “Former Feedback,” a two-minute slice of squealing feedback and guitar-crunch drones— most people will find this unlistenable, but those who aren’t noise-averse may actually find some nourishing and harmonious moments within.

The title track goes back to Swans-ish poundings among a vague psychedelic air and some duotone sing-speak vocals; this seems to be one of the recurring vibes on Future Phase, with the two-part track “C. Lawless / Melted Life, Long Decay” settling into a sauntering psychrock/Swans amalgam after a few minutes of meandering, phantom radio tones and flabby explosions.

Justin Frye is the primary creative force behind PC Worship, having written and recorded everything on Future Phase with a few performance contributions from Jess Paps and Mike Etten, and the album is available as a digital download or on cassette as part of a special box set edition with issue 60 of the publication Monster Children.

Most of Future Phase is at least slightly reminiscent of something else, but its twists and turns are devious and stimulating, with an assured yet not predictable delivery.

JONESIN' CROSSWORD

THE COMIX

“It’s Not Unusual”—the phrase makes it.

ACROSS 1 Little drinks 5 TV monitoring gp.

8 Waits 13 Muscle problem 14 Jazz legend Fitzgerald 15 Fail to be 16 Lubricant used at the front and rear of an automobile drivetrain 18 Cuba ___ (rum drink) 19 Artistic interpretation of one’s feelings, maybe 21 Alfonso Ribeirohosted show featuring viewer submissions, for short 22 Ward of “Gone Girl” 23 “Claws” network 24 “Matilda the Musical” songwriter Minchin 27 Lover 29 “___ Believer” (Monkees song) 31 It may be half-baked 33 Cedar alternative 36 Bisected 40 It contains numerators and denominators within

numerators and denominators 43 Skier’s spot 44 Clean up some topiary 45 ___ gin fizz 46 Lamentable 48 Family member, briefly 50 PGA VIP Ernie 51 Place to chill out 54 Lemon zest source 57 “Death ___ Funeral” (2007 or 2010 film) 59 Snarky social media response to an undeserved boast (and this puzzle’s theme) 64 Heart chambers 65 Eddie Murphy’s role in “Beverly Hills Cop” 67 Adrien of “The Pianist” 68 Adjust, as banjo strings 69 Dory helped find him 70 Heavy items dropped in cartoons 71 ___-Pekka Salonen (conductor soon to lead the San Francisco

Symphony) 72 Cable channel since 1979 DOWN 1 Rocksteady precursor 2 “Never Tear Us Apart” band 3 Global extremity 4 Ancient stone slab (anagram of TESLA) 5 State of change 6 Snippets, like those shown on 21-Across 7 Core group 8 Vinegar variety 9 Spring bloom 10 Credit counterpart 11 “The Smartest Guys in the Room” company 12 Cardiologist’s dilator 14 Heighten 17 Excruciatingly loud, in sheet music 20 Roth of “Inglourious Basterds” 24 Nervous spasms 25 “Rebel Yell” singer Billy 26 Inbox item 28 “thank u, ___” (Ariana Grande song)

30 Farm residents?

32 Venmo and Hinge, e.g.

34 Egypt’s cont.

35 Kardashian matriarch 37 Scrabble piece 38 Sheared stuff 39 They’re “on” in binary 41 They’re always in February 42 Good-natured 47 “___ Poetry Jam” 49 Double ___ (Oreo variety) 51 Q-Tip ends 52 Ancient city in Jordan 53 With an ___ distinction 55 Bring delight to 56 High-end Toyota 58 Make good (for) 60 Six Flags attraction 61 TV “Warrior Princess” played

by Lucy Lawless 62 Acapulco accolades 63 1996 veep candidate 66 Hither and ___

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. 914 CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • THE PULSE • 27

FILM & TELEVISION

Living With The Serial Killer Next Door Another coming of age serial killer story?

It's A Jim Henson Christmas For several generations, nothing says Christmas quite like watching the creations of Jim Henson. The genius behind Sesame Street and The Muppets has created a number of holiday classics.

And this Sunday, you can head over to either East Ridge 18 of Hamilton Place 8 and see two of his beloved specials on the big screen in newly remastered forms: Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas and The Bells of Fraggle Rock.

Based on a book by Russell and Lillian Hoben, Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is a beloved Christmas story, with music from Paul Williams and an all-puppet cast of woodland creatures.

It tells the story of Ma and Emmet Otter— a family that has little more than each other.

When a talent show is held in town, a fiftydollar prize gives them each hope of buying the other a real present this year.

Deftly addressing the melancholy many people feel during the holidays as they struggle to find meaning in the special time of year, The Bells of Fraggle Rock begins as Gobo Fraggle wonders why he doesn't have his normal excitement over The Festival of the Bells, the most wonderful day of the year for Fraggles.

Though his friends try to cheer him up, Gobo ventures on an expedition to the center of Fraggle Rock—a journey that teaches him the importance of individual faith.

Showtimes are at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

— Michael Thomas

By John DeVore Pulse Film Editor

“

The Clovehitch Killer, a film without a theatrical release available on Amazon, is better than it has any right to be.”

28 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

O

NE OF THE BETTER FILMS I SAW AT THE CHATtanooga Film Festival last April was Summer of 84, a coming-of-age/horror film about the serial killer next

door.

In it, a group of boys begins an investigation into their neighbor, a well-liked, friendly police officer, pillar of the community, a man far above suspicion.

It was entertaining in a mostly light, nostalgic way, and one more entry into the current obsession with the 1980s made popular by shows like Stranger Things. Summer of 84 did a lot of things well—starting with being eerily similar to the case of the Golden State Killer, whose identity (a former cop) was revealed

later in the summer.

It handled the relationships between the boys well, making it more of an adventure story than a horror film, and was more charming than complex. It never quite rose beyond a certain level of superficiality, which isn’t in and of itself a bad thing. It was enjoyable, to say the least.

Now, of the heels of Summer of 84, is another coming-of-age/serial killer film that covers a lot of the same ground but in a more sophis-

ticated way. The Clovehitch Killer, a film without a theatrical release available on Amazon, is better than it has any right to be.

The film opens in a small town in Kentucky, one not unlike many of the towns in South. It is in the grip of a typical form of evangelical Christianity—praise choruses, alternative Boy Scouts (the real Boy Scouts just aren’t Christian enough), sexual repression. To be an atheist is the worst thing in the world, just below dirty pictures and dirty words.

Tyler (Charlie Plummer) lives with his nice family of four: his father Don (Dylan McDermott), the scout leader, his mother, an upstanding Christian mom, and his younger sister. Tyler dreams of going to leadership camp, flying fighter jets, and kissing the girl who sings backup for the church praise band.

It’s a nice life, in a nice town, with nice people. Most barely remember the rash of murders ten years ago committed by the evil dubbed the Clovehitch Killer, who tied and tortured his victims and left a calling card in the form of a clovehitch knot. But when Tyler’s girlfriend discovers a creepy picture in Don’s truck, Tyler begins to investigate his father, where he uncovers a family secret he wishes

“

The Clovehitch Killer is a slow burning thriller that deserves more attention that it’s gotten.” he’d never known.

The film is strong in a variety of ways. First, Dylan McDermott is excellent in the role. It’s unlike anything he’s done before— creepy, with an implacable northern accent, just the right amount of nice with a hint of danger. He’s a character playing a character, a man who has memorized the right things to say without understanding the meaning behind any of them.

Charlie Plummer gives Tyler a powerful naivety, shocking yet understandable. The entire film has an uncompromising, David Fincher feel to it, with long shots of silence, allowing the audience to feel the same discomfort and horror the characters feel.

This is the first feature film by director Duncan Skiles, and while it seems like this film hasn’t garnered much in the way of acclaim, he could be poised to become a name to watch. He might suddenly find himself directing the next Star Wars or Marvel film because that’s what happens to up and coming

auteurs.

At any rate, Skiles clearly knows what he’s doing with this particularly genre. The Clovehitch Killer is a slow burning thriller that deserves more attention that it’s gotten.

This could be said for a lot of films now. There are so many options, so many places for films to find a home, that smaller gems like The Clovehitch Killer get lost in the noise. What promotion was done for the film is anyone’s guess—even the title is the underwhelming.

The understated materials, colors, and trailer for the film don’t necessarily scream “watch me now.” While it handles the material in a better and more sophisticated way than Summer of 84, there’s no question that Summer of 84 is more marketable. That a film needs a gimmick, or a sense of nostalgia, to gain notoriety is disappointing.

The Clovehitch Killer is a film that would feel right at home at CFF. It’s worth taking a look.

✴ NEW IN THEATERS ✴

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his reality and crosses paths with his counterparts from other dimensions to stop a threat to all realities.

Directors: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman Stars: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson

Once Upon A Deadpool Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson (AKA. Deadpool), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling cyborg, Cable in this PG-13 re-release.

Director: David Leitch Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin

Your Home For The Holidays CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • THE PULSE • 29

FOOD & DRINK · SUSHI & BISCUITS

Is It Sausage, Pudding...Or Both?

Blood sausage may sound distasteful, but it is so, so very good

I Mike McJunkin Pulse columnist

“

A British ‘pudding’ can be savory or sweet as long as what’s being cooked is boiled or steamed inside of something—a dish, a piece of fabric, or an animal intestine.”

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

HAVE A SERIOUS WEAKNESS for custard-like desserts—especially pudding. From panna cotta to crème brûlée; from rice pudding to classic Southern banana pudding, I have never been let down by the smooth, comforting embrace of pudding.

Imagine the confusion and heartwrenching sadness that swept across my psyche when I first encountered what the British curiously call black pudding. Then imagine the terror that pierced my very being as I learned that black pudding is not a confection made with the finest European dark chocolates.

In fact, this centuries-old tubular concoction is neither sweet, nor custardy, but is actually a sausage made with pig’s blood, pork fat, oats, onions, and spices created straight from a Jimmy Dean fever dream.

Pro tip: A British “pudding” can be savory or sweet as long as what’s being cooked is boiled or steamed inside of BLOOD SAUSAGE BURGER • 12 oz fresh blood sausage • 1 tbsp fennel seeds • 1 medium egg yolk • 1/2 tsp tomato paste • Salt & pepper • 1/2 medium onion, minced • 4 cloves garlic, chopped • 3 cups bourbon • 2 cups ketchup • 1/4 cup tomato paste • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar • 1/4cup Worcestershire sauce • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/3 tsp Tabasco sauce • 4 strips lean bacon, cooked • Gruyère cheese • 2 brioche hamburger buns

30 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

something—a dish, a piece of fabric, or an animal intestine.

Created as a way to ensure no part of a slaughtered animal was wasted, sausages made with animal blood are appreciated for their nutritious, earthy flavors all over the world. Ireland’s drisheen, Korea’s soondae, Spain’s morcilla, Thailand’s sai krok lueat, and Estonia’s verivorst are just a few examples of how virtually every culture that eats meat has at some point slightly civilized their most Cronenbergesque urges and encased a fellow creature’s life essence in its own viscera before cooking and devouring it.

I mean, who could resist?

My first encounter with blood sausage was the British version, which I fully expected to taste like licking a penny off a hobbit’s foot. I was shocked that this fried disk of darkness was not only surprisingly edible, but was in fact, delicious. The texture was similar, but slightly softer, than a typical American breakfast sausage and • Onion strings for topping (same ones you use for green bean casserole) Remove the blood sausage from its casing and put into a medium mixing bowl. Add the fennel seeds, egg yolk, 1/2 tsp tomato paste, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Mix well, then divide into two equal portions and shape into 1” thick burgers. Wrap the patties with cling film and place in the fridge to chill for about 15 minutes. Then remove from the fridge and let them rest at room temperate for another 15 minutes.

Quickly sear patties in hot oil for two minutes on each side, top with Gru-

had all of the meaty, spiced flavor I love with none of the stomach seceding aftertaste I was expecting.

Instead of tasting like a freshly squeezed butcher’s apron, the flavor was more like a cross between an unctuous salami and good liverwurst—fragrant, spiced, and so flavorful you’ll ignore Biblical prohibitions, cultural taboos and the sprinkler system of fear chemicals your amygdale is spraying all through your body as you eat bite after delectable bite.

Still not convinced that blood pudding is for you? Stop into one of the city’s European Markets, pick up a tube of blood sausage and try it. I’ve given you a spectacular blood sausage burger recipe below to get you started. Don’t be the kind of pallid, quotidian cyborg that needs to be convinced to try new things. We’re all shuffling off this mortal coil far too fast, so take in as much of what the world has to offer as you can. Because if you don’t eat it, I’ll just have to have double. yère, cover and set aside.

For the bourbon sauce, place the minced onion, garlic, and bourbon in a pan on medium heat and allow to simmer for 10 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Mix in the ketchup, 1/4 cup tomato paste, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Tabasco sauce and a two-finger pinch each of salt & pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until thickened. Strain if you prefer a smooth sauce.

Build the burger thusly: bottom bun > black sausage patty w/ cheese > bacon > onion strings > bourbon sauce > top bun

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 13, 2018 • THE PULSE • 31