The Pulse - Vol. 6, Issue 43

PEDAL POWER • WAITING FOR GODOT • WILD THINGS

Both Sides Now:

Conversations with Annexation Friends and Foes

by Beverly A. Carroll

FREE • News, Views, Arts & Entertainment • October 22, 2009 • Vol. 6 - Issue 43 • www.chattanoogapulse.com • pulse news 95.3 WPLZ

CONTENTS T H E P U L S E • C H AT TA N O O G A , T E N N E S S E E • O C T O B E R 2 2 , 2 0 0 9 • V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 4 3

cover story

page 11

NEWS & VIEWS 6 BEYOND THE HEADLINES 9 SHRINK RAP 14 LIFE IN THE NOOG

22 ON THE BEAT 30 ASK A MEXICAN

ARTS & FEATURES 16 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT By Stephanie Smith Classical Theatre of Harlem is out to change the world. They use theatre as a means to project America in its truest form—a nation with a diversity of ideas, races, cultures, and communities.

21 FILM FEATURE

By Phillip Johnston If you want to bear witness to a few moments of perfect cinema, watch the first couple minutes of Spike Jonze’s Where the Wild Things Are. Here we’re introduced to the indefatigable young Max as he builds a snow fort in his neighbor’s yard.

23 TABLE SERVICE By Colleen Wade Many years ago, in the state of Jalisco in Mexico, the land was dotted with farms growing the blue agave plant—the plant crucial for making tequila. There were inns scattered among the farms, inns that had stables, restaurants, bars, and were a place where the workers from the farms would come together.

24 MUSICAL FEATURE

By Hellcat I remember hearing a buzz about a new band that was apparently melting faces off the kind people of Chattanooga around this time last year. I hadn’t seen them yet, but I was looking to book a good local band to help open up the first day of the 4/20 Festival, so I hit them up immediately.

Cover design by Kelly Lockhart

CONVERSATIONS WITH ANNEXATION FRIENDS & FOES

By Beverly A. Carroll Since Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield upped the ante in the annexation talks earlier this month by putting metro government on the table, the topic has dominated the public conversation with everyone from local pundits to elected officials in Hamilton Couny and its little cities weighing in on the issue.

4 EDITOON 4 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 5 PULSE BEATS 5 CITY COUNCILSCOPE 6 THE LIST 7 POLICE BLOTTER 17 A&E CALENDAR

19 20 25 26 28 28 29

SPIRITS WITHIN NEW IN THEATERS MUSIC CALENDAR NEW MUSIC REVIEWS FREE WILL ASTROLOGY JONESIN’ CROSSWORD HALLOWEEN EVENTS

The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted and property of Brewer Media Group.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publishers. The Pulse utilizes freelance writers and the views expressed within this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers or editors. The Pulse takes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other materials.

The

Editoon

by Rick Baldwin

Publisher Zachary Cooper zcooper@chattanoogapulse.com Contributing Editor Janis Hashe jhashe@chattanoogapulse.com News Editor Gary Poole gpoole@chattanoogapulse.com Calendar Editor Kathryn Dunn calendar@chattanoogapulse.com Advertising Sales Rick Leavell rleavell@chattanoogapulse.com Leif Sawyer leif@brewermediagroup.com Contributing Writers Gustavo Arellano Rob Brezsny Beverly A. Carroll Chuck Crowder Hellcat Joshua Hurley Victoria Hurst Phillip Johnston Matt Jones Josh Lang Ernie Paik Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D. Alex Teach Colleen Wade Joe Wilferth

Letters to the Editor of the garbage and landfill industry.

The results of our region and state ‘environmental/sustainable’ apathy: “Tennessee Emits More CO2 than 83 Developing Countries Combined”, according to a report from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

Frank DePinto

Editorial Intern Tara Morris Art Director Kelly Lockhart Art Department Sharon Chambers Kathryn Dunn Damien Power Staff Photographer Damien Power Editorial Cartoonist Rick Baldwin Contact Info: Phone (423) 648-7857 Fax (423) 648-7860 E-mail info@chattanoogapulse.com Advertising advertising@chattanoogapulse.com The Pulse is published weekly and is distributed throughout the city of Chattanooga and surrounding communities. The Pulse is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. No person without written permission from the publishers may take more than one copy per weekly issue. The Pulse may be distributed only by authorized distributors.

The Pulse is published by

1305 Carter Street Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402 phone (423) 648-7857 fax (423) 648-7860 Letters to the editor must include name, address and daytime phone number for verification. The Pulse reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. Please keep letters within 500 words in length.

The Pulse covers a broad range of topics concentrating on culture, the arts, entertainment and local news.

Member

Recycling and Sustainability The State of Tennessee has no waste management goals or mandates for sustainability [“Summing Up Sustainability”]. Greg Haynes and Karen Hundt of the Hamilton County Regional Planning have refused to address this subject other than to encourage and embrace the status quo of “increased landfills” scenarios. Although Chattanooga has experienced a bit of “recycling renaissance” with its bi-weekly program, it is very much below subsistence, compared to other states and cities. State, regional, local politicians and TVA are in the pocket

Czar Littlefield “You can’t have a boundary and areas where you only have served by volunteer fire departments and the Sheriff’s department,” he (Littlefield) explained [“Ready For Metro Government?”]. You can’t?

You mean we’ve not had anything for all this time? We can’t have neighborhoods, or towns, or cities, or states? My goodness! What have we been thinking? We’ve been deceived! I thought Ron had run for mayor, and not for czar. Silly me.

Richard Payne Why Metro Government?

What factual basis does anyone have that favors a consolidated government or annexation? I believe this is just a strategic move by Littlefield and his cronies to distract and confuse from their annexation efforts that are meeting organized opposition. No one at the City has presented any logical argument supporting annexation nor

have they presented any financial data that supports it. The sole driving force behind this appears to be increased federal “welfare” for the City at a significant cost to both the existing City residents and those that would become residents via annexation/ consolidation. It’s shameful that the Mayor and city Council won’t just be honest with us all and tell us why annexation/consolidation is so important to them.

Billy Stewart Can’t Afford Annexation We are elderly, on a small fixed income, and due to economic conditions our income is even smaller.

We have cut back and cut back on most everything we can. We will get no increase in social security, will get an increase in medicare and supplement insurance cost and being annexed into a city, that is going to raise our living expenses and give no benefits or less than we have now. Annexation is the last thing we need. Annexation should be by referendum, not just pushed onto people who do not want it. This action by the city would put us in a dire situation. Would Mayor Littlefield and the city council do this to their mother and father? The scope of this action is not the American way.

Keith Dixon

Send all letters to the editor and questions to info@chattanoogapulse.com We reserve the right to edit letters for content and space. Please include your full name, city and contact information.

4

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

Pulse Beats

Quote Of The Week: “Now we are ready and excited to start the hiring and training of our local production team members.”

A rundown of the newsy, the notable, and the notorious...

— Hans-Herbert Jagla, executive vice president of human resources, Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, in anticipation of hiring 1,200 new employees.

Pedal Power Remains in Need of Some Good Men’s Bicycles The Pedal Power program is rolling and in need of more bicycles.

Conceived by the Chattanooga Community Kitchen and funded by the City of Chattanooga’s Art of Change program, Pedal Power distributes bicycles to homeless people in need of transportation to jobs, interviews, school and other appointments.

Since the program started in July, bicycles have been given to 25 clients of the Community Kitchen. Each refurbished bike comes equipped with a light, a bell, a lock and a new helmet. Clients then participate in a bicycle safety education class, which is taught by Outdoor Chattanooga staff.

“The program is going so well that we need more bikes,” says Chattanooga Bicycle Coordinator Philip Pugliese. “Many of the bicycles that we have now are designed for women or kids and they are not suitable for the mostly male clientele that we serve.”

Pugliese is asking for donations of men’s bicycles to give Pedal Power better mileage.

Pedal Power is funded by a $2,500 grant from the Art of Change program. The money is used to buy replacement parts and to fund the repair costs needed to make the donated bicycles street safe. “The more quality donated bicycles that we receive, the longer we can keep the program going,” adds Pugliese.

To keep costs low and distribute as many bicycles as possible, donated bicycles should be in need of minimal repairs. Bikes with flat tires, worn cables and/or brake pads are inexpensive to fix. Bicycles with rust and other body damage, or that have extensive drive train damage cannot be affordably repaired.

Donations of men’s bicycles will be accepted at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St., in Coolidge Park, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To learn more, call (423) 643-6888 or e-mail ppugliese@outdoorchattanooga.com

Here is one of the interesting agenda items set to be discussed at the October 27 meeting of the Chattanooga City Council.

6. Ordinances – First Reading: a) An ordinance adopting a Plan of Services and extending the corporate limits of the City of Chattanooga, Tennessee, to annex certain territory contiguous to the present corporate limits of the City of Chattanooga known as area 3C, which includes certain properties adjacent to Ruby Falls and the U.S. Park Service Land Resource Division, on the side of Lookout Mountain, within the Urban Growth Boundary of the City of Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee, as shown by the attached map.

May We Suggest “Marie Curie”?

In keeping with the exotic baby animal population explosion in our fair city, the Chattanooga Zoo has announced a baby-naming contest for its little mop-top addition, a female cotton top tamarin monkey.

These natives of the South American rain forest are endangered, and only 6,000 are known to still exist in the wild, making a domestic breeding program vital.

The Zoo participates in a Species Survival Plan (SSP) for the cotton top tamarins, and would like to raise even more of the tiny primates, who weight only .5 to 1.9 pounds.

The cotton top tamarin is described as “looking like a mad scientist” because of the shock of white fur on top of its head. The baby, of course, looks like an extremely small and cute mad scientist.

Those wishing to participate in the naming contest should go to the Zoo’s gift shop to submit their entries. The winner will receive a one-of-akind basket of Zoo gift goodies. Submission deadline is November 4.

Ten Times 4 The 4 Bridges Arts Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary in April, and if you’re a local artist, now’s the time to submit to show in an event that receives national attention. The Association for Visual Arts (AVA) has announced that Artist Merit awards totaling $10,000 will be available this year. Application is fee is $40, and you can submit your work at www.zapplication.org. Deadline is November 15. To find out more, visit www.4BridgesArtsFestival.org

The above ordinance is just the first of four such on first reading (also included are annexation ordinances for areas 6A, 6B and 6C), part of what is known as “Phase Two” of Chattanooga’s planned annexations. However, at question is whether or not the council will take up these new parcels or defer them—as Mayor Littlefield had requested—as an enticement to get the county commission to come to the metro government negotiating table.

It’s akin to a legislative game of “chicken”. If the county isn’t willing to discuss consolidation of services (which they have said they are) and a unified metro government (which they have said they are not), the council may go ahead and continue annexing everything available to them under the Urban Growth Plan.

The curveball in the equation is that this current council is far removed from the “rubber stamp” councils of the past, who acted in near lock step with whomever was mayor back then. This group has shown far more independence and a willingness to ignore or even actively oppose suggestions from the mayor and his staff. So what will happen with the Phase Two annexation? Good question…

The Chattanooga City Council meets each Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the City Council Building at 1000 Lindsay St. For more information on the agendas, visit www.Chattanooga.gov/City_ Council/110_Agenda.asp

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

5

Beyond The Headlines

Against “Environmentalism”

By Joe Wilferth

Ten Most Popular Fruits In America 1. Apples 2. Bananas 3. Pineapple 4. Papaya 5. Strawberries 6. Blueberries 7. Raspberries 8. Plums 9. Peaches 10. Pears Due to advances in agriculture and greatly improved transportation from South and Central America, we are able to have fresh fruits nearly year round. In fact, the current generation likely is unaware there used to be “seasons” when only certain fruits and vegetables were available in the grocery store. So, with a near-everyday availability, it’s interesting to see just what we are eating.

The biggest change in this list over the past two decades has been the emergence of the papaya into the top five. Once only found in tropical countries, the papaya has become increasingly popular with Americans, in large part fueled by the increasing Hispanic population of the United States.

Plus, it tastes great and can be used quite creatively in cooking.

And for those that love to nitpick, yes, we are aware that strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are not technically fruits (they’re berries, of course), but we had to put something in the list to get people arguing.

Source: National Grocers Association

I’m against environmentalism.

There. I said it.

More specifically, I’m against “environmentalism” and “the environment”—or what those terms have come to represent. I do advocate clean and healthy soil, clean air, and clean water, but “environmentalism” and “the environment” have been, much like other ambiguous terms, co-opted by the marketplace in such a way that the public is now quite familiar with the idea of “green washing”. Some believe they simply put their money where their guilt is and that is enough. They buy BPAfree plastic bottles for their water (frequently monogrammed) or they buy Green Works detergents from the makers of Clorox, and feel they are doing their part.

I’ve done the same thing. But I’ve come to realize that there is more to environmentalism than BPA-free plastic bottles or hybrid cars.

The rhetoric of environmentalism tends to tag those who advocate and work for a healthy home ground and a healthy planet as radicals, as “tree huggers”, as Thoreauvian airheads who would choose a walk in the woods over civic engagement. Since when did it become radical to desire healthy soil beneath our feet, out of which one may grow or find healthy vegetables and fruits? Since when did it become radical to desire clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, or clean streams to fish?

It seems to me that advocating for our natural environment is to be somewhat conservative. After all, conservation has been a linchpin in environmental movements since John Muir’s struggles to protect America’s wilderness areas. Indeed, conservation of the land and its “resources” was around long before Muir. It was practiced by the indigenous peoples of North America and by others one would find it hard to call radicals.

I’m against environmentalism, too, because of the very nature of the term. It’s too broad. It fails to account for the more nuanced discussions that address sustainability, at home and in the workplace. It fails to account for the more nuanced and interesting discussions that address food production and the

health of or the condition of our food today. The environment and bioregions of the desert Southwest are very different from the lush and damp bioregions of Appalachia or the Smoky Mountains. In its general usage, then, “environmentalism” and “environmentalist” become terms used by the ignorant to propagate messages of misunderstanding and greed.

Likewise, I am against environmentalism because it is touted as a “movement”. Social movements tend to come and go, rise and fall, and they tend to attain fad-like status. “Environmentalism” is done no great service if it is viewed as a fad, as something that will pass when interest wanes. Wendell Berry, in fact, feared and wrote about this possibility more than 35 years ago in A Continuous Harmony. His essay “Think Little” articulates this fear of environmentalism as a social movement quite clearly.

Finally, and perhaps because this rhetoric surrounding environmentalism is the subtlest and the most dangerous, I am against environmental language that frequently sets up or maintains a false binary between human beings and the natural world. Even the most well intentioned environmental activists use this language. It is indicative of flawed thinking, of the notion that

human beings are somehow outside of nature. Someone saying, “Well, I’m off. I’m going into nature,” is nearly unintelligible. This person may be going for a hike along a trail, but he is certainly already present in nature.

Not surprisingly, that natural environment may be difficult to spot. The soil may be covered over by several inches or several feet of concrete. The plants and trees, while natural (in the sense that they are organic), are strategically placed by landscape architects so that they almost seem to be simulations of nature instead of nature itself. And the only wildlife in evidence may be insects or birds far overhead.

What is needed is an environmentalism that is characterized by and that speaks for a partnership, what Wendell Berry calls a “practical harmony.” What is needed is language that doesn’t divide us from one another. After all, the health of our natural world, which itself directly impacts the health of the individual, should hardly be the stuff of political dividing lines. And what is needed is language that doesn’t divide us from the ground beneath our feet, from the air we breathe, or from the water that quenches our thirst. Let’s change the way we talk about this world of ours, our home ground. Until then, I’ll remain against environmentalism.

Got a Comment? Wanna be heard? Share your thoughts at chattanoogapulse.com 6

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

A weekly roundup of the newsworthy, notable and often head-scratching stories gleaned from police reports from the Chattanooga Police Department, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department and the Dalton Police Department.

• With the holiday season fast approaching, Chattanooga Police have decided to step up their crime prevention tactics with a simple test of honesty. Last week, undercover officers posing as shoppers would leave a purse sitting on the trunk of a car and walk into a retail store. Eight people were arrested after officers spotted them helping themselves to the unattended purse. On a positive note, officials noted that around 35 people took the purse and went into the store to hand it over to an employee in an effort to return it to the owner. As always, police urge all shoppers to be extra aware of their belongings when trying to get a head start on holiday buying.

• What do you do if you find yourself unable to pay your cab fare? In the case of one local cab driver, he took matters into his own hands when a passenger informed him that she did not have the $22 fare—he refused to turn over her groceries until she could get the money.

The passenger instead called the police, accusing the driver of theft. Officers

questioned the driver, who explained that he would be more than willing to return the groceries once he was paid.

The woman said she would get her husband to pay the bill when he got off work, and officers declined to file charges against the driver.

• There are many ways that drug dealers transport their illegal products.

Sending them through a parcel service, however, is not a very effective method, as all the major parcel companies have detection systems alerting them to suspicious packages. When they do locate such a package, they inform authorities. Such was the case last week when undercover officers delivered a package to an Old Pineville Road resident and then arrested a man once he took possession of the parcel, which contained 15 pounds of marijuana. During the subsequent search, they uncovered two large marijuana-growing operations in the house and a nearby residence, resulting in more than a quarter million dollars worth of narcotics taken off the streets.

• One of the responsibilities of owning a dog is to take it for a walk on a regular basis. However, while the

Chattanooga Street Scenes

dog doesn’t generally need any clothing, it is a good idea for the owner to be properly attired when taking the pooch for a walk. A man on Atlanta Drive called police after he claimed his neighbor had decided to take his dog for a walk au natural. When authorities arrived at the residence and questioned the man, he answered the door wearing only a pair of shorts. He did, though, deny that he had been outside in the nude. Since officers could not corroborate the neighbor’s claim, they merely advised the man to wear a bit more before leaving his house in the future.

Photography by Kelly Lockhart

The ongoing renewal of Main Street.

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

7

8

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

Shrink Rap

It’s a SAD Time of Year

By Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D www.DrRPH.com

B

eing a New Englander originally, I love the changing seasons and I love all kinds of weather. Nothing too dramatic or harmful, of course—I’ve lived through enough Florida hurricanes to have seen firsthand the destruction Mother Nature is capable of.

During Katrina I remember feeling grateful to have only lost some books and a printer, watching these items float across the bay, then wash ashore in someone else’s back yard a few miles away. And I’ve survived several sizeable earthquakes during my 20-plus California years, including the Northridge quake that involved “liquefaction.” This is when the sand in the soil turns to liquid and your house literally sinks. Entire neighborhoods suffered liquefaction during that rock ’n roll.

But under usual, non-damaging conditions, I enjoy this time of year best, when the leaves begin to turn, there’s a fireplace-worthy crispness in the air, and it’s time to break out the winter sweaters. And unlike Betty the wonderpup, I even enjoy rainstorms, because when the sun finally breaks through, it’s that much more appreciated.

It’s common, however, for many of us to get the blues during the dark days of winter. And for some, the feelings of depression that come during those cold and dreary months can seem overwhelming. For these folks, the depression they experience is very real, and left untreated, can become quite severe. If this sounds like you, don’t

be too quick to brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. You may have “seasonal affective disorder”.

First defined in 1984, seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a cyclic, seasonal condition. This means that it occurs at the same time every year. Usually, seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer.

Although more rare, some people have the opposite pattern and become depressed with the onset of spring or summer. In either case, problems start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses, sapping your energy and making you feel, at the very least, moody and unmotivated.

There are a few theories about what causes SAD. Among these include melatonin, a hormone that our brains naturally produce during the hours of darkness. It is involved with regulation of sleep, body temperature and more.

As with any hormone, the amount produced is important.

People with SAD produce too much melatonin. This disrupts their internal body clock leading to depressive symptoms, which I’ll outline in a minute. If you have had episodes of depression that clearly have an onset in fall or winter followed by remission of symptoms in the spring or summer, I encourage you to discuss SAD with your therapist or physician.

Therapy for SAD can include nutritional and herbal supplements (especially vitamins), psychotherapy, temporarily prescribed medications for depression, and the use of full spectrum light therapy (also called phototherapy).

The efficacy of light treatment remains somewhat controversial because it is more effective in some patients than

in others. In my experience it has almost always been very helpful when I’ve suggested the use of light therapy for my patients, provided it is used regularly and correctly. (You can learn more about the use of light therapy, and the variety of products available, through a simple online search.)

Whatever form(s) of treatment you utilize, addressing the problem can help you keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

Typical fall- and winter-onset seasonal affective disorder symptoms include: • Depression • Hopelessness • Anxiety • Loss of energy • Social withdrawal • Oversleeping • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed • Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates • Weight gain • Difficulty concentrating and processing information Beautiful fall foliage aside, we’re right at the start of the SAD season, so be sure to keep in touch with how you feel, recognizing any seasonal symptoms you may be suffering. Identifying these feelings is the first step toward dealing with them. It’s important to take care of your physical health by staying warm and dry, and just as important to be mindful of your mental health by staying aware of your cold-weather moods.

Until next time: “May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.” — Apache blessing.

“Don’t be too quick to brush off that yearly feeling as a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. You may have seasonal affective disorder.”

Dr. Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist, minister, and educator, in private practice in Chattanooga, and is the author of “Empowering the Tribe” and “The Power of a Partner.”

at Ga. Southern, Sat. Oct. 17 @ 6pm

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

9

10

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

Cover Story

Both Sides Now:

Conversations with Annexation Friends and Foes

By Beverly A. Carroll

“We have to do something. To say no to everything is unacceptable. If annexation is going to be unacceptable, then consolidation is viable.”

S ince Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield upped the ante in the annexation talks earlier this month by putting metro government on the table, the topic has dominated the public conversation with everyone from local pundits to elected officials in Hamilton Couny and its little cities weighing in on the issue.

And while everyone seems to have an opinion about a combined ChattanoogaHamilton County government, one question remains: Do most people know what it all really means?

“There are other options,” to annexation, says Jo Peckinpaugh, whose

Gold Point neighborhood is up for annexation into Chattanooga. “I don’t like annexation but nobody really knows what metro government is, how it would impact us. I do know that solving one problem by creating another is never a good solution.”

The city began in August the steps to annex parcels designated in a statemandated growth plan created a decade ago. At that time, following the regulations laid out in Public Act Chapter 1101, Chattanooga, Hamilton County and incorporated municipalities inside the county came to an agreement about growth boundaries. The plan, which was rigorously contested then, if not more so, than the annexation process underway now, provided a plan of services for potential annexations.

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

11

Cover Story Annexation has long been a way for municipalities to grow. Never popular, the process underwent stringent revisions in the 1970s after lawmakers were pressured by county lawmakers and leaders and suburban property owners. After an indepth study of annexations across the state, the legislature approved changes that called for a plan of service covering police and fire protection, water and electrical services, sewage and waste disposal systems, road construction and repair, and recreational facilities. Lawmakers also mandated public hearings before a municipality could adopt its plan of service, and they shifted the burden of proof to the city, requiring the city prove it was reasonable to annex a property.

Critics of Littlefield’s annexation efforts say that the city’s plans of service are too vague, don’t carry specific dollar amounts and have no guarantee of when services will start.

“I’m scared of what will happen on day one if our subdivision is annexed,” Peckinpaugh says. “Will the sheriff’s deputy that patrols here be gone? And how can city police provide protection? They already say they are shorthanded.”

Littlefield says the city is prepared to service the areas that it has annexed or will soon annex.

(A second vote on the question of annexing Gold Point subdivision was set for Tuesday during the regular council meeting.)

But faced with “the county’s aggressive resistance to annexation,” Littlefield decided the time was right to offer up metro government as an alternative.

“There are very few alternatives if we are going to grow,” Littlefield says. “We are a growing community. We have to do something.

To say no to everything is unacceptable. If annexation is going to be unacceptable, then consolidation is viable.”

The pros and cons of annexation and a metro government overlap in some areas and are distinct and separate in others.

“I don’t like annexation but nobody really knows what metro government is, how it would impact us.”

One of the biggest differences in the two forms of governance is the taxing structure. Residents of annexed properties begin to pay the taxes of their new “governors,” while metro charters can be designed to create taxing districts that reflect the level of services delivered in the particular district.

“Nashville consolidated its city and county government in 1963 and many people think it was worked very well,” says Bill Terry, a planning consultant and senior research associate for TACIR, Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, a bipartisan

12

public policy research organization. They have an urban service district, which is the old Nashville city, and a general services district, the rest of the county.

There are fewer services in the general services district and the tax rate is lower.”

There are still six satellite cities in Davidson County, Terry explains. Metro Nashville’s charter allows them to continue to exist as long as they do not provide any new services, and they cannot extend their boundaries.

Some of the stiff opposition to a Chattanooga/Hamilton County government could come from the incorporated areas within the county such as East Ridge, Signal Mountain, Collegedale, and the other “little cities.”

Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey said in an e-mail that he’d said all he had to say about metro government in a press conference he held, following Littlefield’s offer made during a Tuesday council meeting.

“I have publicly stated my opposition to annexation and metro government several times in the last few months,” Mayor Ramsey writes.

“Last week I held a press conference dealing with these specific issues and once again voiced my opposition to both matters while at the same time calling for the city and the county to work together to join services where it makes sense and benefits Hamilton County taxpayers.”

Ramsey and elected officials in small cities have voiced their interest in merging some services, such as public works. But Littlefield says small baby steps like that would not support the kind of growth that metro or annexation can bring.

A surprising number of city and county residents are unfamiliar with metro government, despite the fact that residents have voted it down three times, the last time in 1984, by about 60 percent.

East Brainerd resident and property owner Bill Miller, who described annexation as “robbery of my property and I can’t defend myself,” says he knows little about unified government. But the engineering consultant says he likes the referendum part.

“I could live with [metro] because it’s by referendum,” says Miller, whose property is in areas proposed for annexation.

An informal survey of Chattanooga-area

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

professionals who attend a speech group downtown showed that several members, who live within municipal limits, were also unacquainted with metro government. One thing they did know was that they pay county property taxes, “a double whammy,” one member called it, and they believe they receive little, if anything, in return for their dollars.

While Littlefield may be hoping that residents will lean toward metro to avoid annexation, residents in the affected properties don’t intend to give up that easily, according to Kyle Holden, president of Hamilton County residents against Annexation.

“We question the validity and timing of this annexation,” Mr. Holden says. “(Littlefield) talks about room for growth. The Tennessee Supreme Court said city might annex for purposes such as health and safety of the residents. They can come up with other reasons, health, safety. We think it’s just annexation for revenue.”

Mr. Holden’s group successfully sued the city for its plans to provide services for the proposed annexed areas, which include neighborhoods and commercial zones in East Brainerd, Highway 58, North Hixson, and the Tiftonia area. They were disappointed at the lack of specific costs, Holden says, but the group believes that the city will not make enough money on taxes to pay for proposed services and improvements such as sewers, and fire and police protection.

Chattanooga police officers have said they are stretched thin and that the city is planning to annex an area in East Brainerd that has one of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department’s highest demands for service.

Littlefield says that the city is prepared to provide services for annexed areas.

“If you ask the officer on the street, he is

Cover Story

always going to say he is overworked,” Littlefield says. “But if you ask the (chiefs), the ones that know, they tell you they are prepared.”

Littlefield has three more years left in his second, and last, term as mayor. He’d like to see those last three years used to educate voters about a unified government and have a charter group come up with an acceptable plan that voters will pass.

He thinks more people will be open to the idea. And a 2006 study by the Community Research Council found that 60 percent of the respondents favor of some form of metro government, suggests the same thing.

“The individual will have opportunity to vote and it would be a lengthy process,” he says. “If we give it enough time and work through all the details and the public can get more comfy with the idea we are a growing community. If it works in other communities, why not here?”

In addition to Nashville, unified government operates in Lynchburg and Moore County, and Hartsville and Trousdale County. Memphis and Shelby County are in the early stages of discussing consolidation, according to the Tennessee News Digest. Referendums failed in that west Tennessee community in 1962 and 1971.

Called annexation or metro government, many Hamilton County residents don’t want it. Their objections include anger at having city taxes foisted upon them when many of them deliberately chose to live outside the city’s reach for that very reason. It’s taxation without representation, they say.

But city residents say they resent paying county taxes so that county residents can have some

Former County Executive Dalton Roberts, who held office in the 1980s, agrees to a certain extent.

Growth is inevitable and sewers are necessary for growth, he says. And generally, county governments don’t have the resources or authority to provide such utilities or create plans that define and guide growth.

“It’s not a question of weighing advantages and disadvantages; it simply becomes a necessity for growth,” Roberts writes in an e-mail. “The advantage/disadvantage angle is simple: advantage: growth, disadvantage higher taxes. Even the small cities do it. All cities must provide urban services to communities.”

Roberts favors unified government over annexation. He recalled an annexation under former Mayor Robert Kirk Walker where residents waited 13 years for city services. Under a metro government, those residents need not pay for services they did not receive, he says.

Annexation foes say nothing is inevitable.

“They say you can’t fight city hall,” Holden said. “We did and won,” referring to the court order to turn over the service plans.

“We have until October 28 to file a lawsuit and we plan to do it.”

“A 2006 study by the Community Research Council found that 60 percent of the respondents favor of some form of metro government.” services at a much lower rate.

If annexation or metro happens, it’s going to happen for the right reason, Terry says. Thinking only of taxes is shortsighted, he said.

“If people are thinking they are preserving a rural lifestyle by staying out of the city, I suggest they look around them,” Terry says. “As the county itself grows, the rural areas are decreasing.

The rural setting is pretty much gone. And there are definite benefits to annexation or metro. In my opinion, metro government is the way to go.”

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

13

Life In The Noog

But I Don’t Wanna Be A Pirate

By Chuck Crowder

N

ext Saturday is Halloween—reportedly the second most popular holiday in America behind Christmas.

But for me, the candy doesn’t taste as sweet for this is the “holiday” that I personally dread the most.

Why? Because unlike most kids and even adults, I HATE dressing up for Halloween. It’s not that I am “too good” or “too cool” to transform myself into some wacky character that people will either get right away, or figure out over the course of the evening. It’s simply the trouble of it all.

Personally, I don’t even know what I’m having for lunch today much less what I will wear tomorrow—or for Halloween. I’m not much of a planner in that sense.

These days I like to live my life without many wrenches flying at the well-oiled machine that is my daily existence. Holidays always seem to screw that up however.

If it’s not gifts I have to think about giving or a tree to decorate, it’s coming up with some sort of costume that will be innovative enough to impress those who take the opportunity seriously. And that takes extra time and energy in addition to my normal routine I find harder and harder to muster up with each passing year.

Every year I inadvertently get

14

invited to a costume party and this year’s no different. And by the looks of the invitation list, this one will not only be the party of the season, but will likely produce some of the most innovative costumes you can imagine.

I mean, these are the kind of people who will go all out to ensure they have a contest winner. I’m sure some have been thinking about how to execute their alter-ego for months. So while I’m happy to be invited, I dread coming up with a costume.

It’s common knowledge that if you don’t dress up at all, you are a complete dud. People won’t talk to you with the same rapport that evening because while you chose to show off your new sport coat, they are covered in Cheerios and fake blood dressed as a “cereal killer.”

But then again, if you halfass your costume, you are just as lame, or lamer. “Oh, Chuck found his plastic hair and funny glasses from last year and while he’s not really supposed to BE anything in particular, he looks sort of like a jackass for his lack of trying.” You don’t wanna be that guy. But likely I will be again this year.

I really don’t care much about making an impact with a costume, because after the initial ten minutes or so of comments like “DUDE, that’s hilarious” you start losing bits and pieces of your garb with each tap of the keg. Pretty soon you’re down to only the clothes from the ensemble you plan to keep and half a face of make-up.

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

Girls always seem to have fun dressing up on All Hallows’ Eve. Something in the DNA of this holiday encourages young ladies to get in touch with their sexier side.

And believe me, they can take any costume idea and make it slutty.

For example, a witch costume generally consists of a pointy hat, black cloak and crooked nose. The “slutty witch” on the other hand, ditches the nose, flashes black lingerie under the cape and adds fishnet stockings with 3” heels.

Then there’s the slutty nurse (“nurse good body”), slutty cowgirl (“cowpoke”), slutty construction worker (“stud finder”), slutty flight attendant (“cockpit”) or slutty waitress (“meat and three”). In fact, any conceivable costume idea known to man can be taken up a sexy notch with a woman’s touch.

And for those of us guys trying hard to pull off looking like a Chili Pup, Justin Timberlake Saturday Night Live character or alien robot—it’s a refreshing diversion.

So while I may or may not spend hours trying to make myself presentable for the party, I’ll be sure not to miss a minute of enjoying a few libations with friends, and seeing what the ladies have come up with this year.

It’s bound to be scary.

Chuck Crowder is a local writer and general man about town. His opinions are just that. Everything expressed is loosely based on fact, and crap he hears people talking about. Take what you just read with a grain of salt, but pepper it in your thoughts. And be sure to check out his wildly popular website www.thenoog.com

“I really don’t care much about making an impact with a costume, because after the initial ten minutes or so of comments like ‘DUDE, that’s hilarious’ you start losing bits and pieces of your garb with each tap of the keg.”

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

15

Arts & Entertainment

Change Can’t Wait

By Stephanie Smith

C

lassical Theatre of Harlem is out to change the world. They use theatre as a means to project America in its truest form—a nation with a diversity of ideas, races, cultures, and communities. In 2007-2008, CTH toured a production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot set in post-Katrina New Orleans. This powerful production is being brought to Chattanooga as part of the 30th anniversary of the Patten Series.

The Pulse’s Stephanie Smith spoke with Christopher McElroen, co-founder and Executive Director of CTH, to find out more about the company and their version of the Beckett classic.

at the Chattanooga Festival of Writers. She spoke very passionately, not only about writing but about her strong connection to Harlem.

CM: Yes, Katori was a student at the Harlem School of the Arts. Her writing grew out of that. She has a very strong point of view.

SS: How do actors become company members?

CM: Anybody we choose has to be passionate and committed. What we are trying to create is something as important and as immediate as possible for as diverse an audience as possible. We try to be creative.

SS: How do you choose material?

CM: We look for anything we think our audience and artists would respond to.

We look at what’s happening in the world.

When we chose Waiting for Godot, New Orleans was very much in public eye. We just took the basic idea of people waiting and chose the most emblematic play about waiting to reach a diverse contemporary audience.

SS: What was the response when you toured Godot in New Orleans?

CM: Nearly 10,000 people showed up to see the play over the course of project. The community really took on a sense of ownership of the play. To have a play draw 10,000 people to a street corner— that doesn’t happen every day. We were really pleased by the response.

SS: Is there a continuing relationship with the city of New Orleans? Is that why you’re touring the show?

CM: Well, our stage manager was born and raised in New Orleans and several others have connections there. We wanted to continue to shed light on the struggle that still exists within the city and continue the dialogue that surrounds it. We are

“To have a play draw 10,000 people to a street corner—that doesn’t happen every day.”

Stephanie Smith: Tell me a little more about the creation of CTH. I read that the company grew out of the success of a Shakespeare workshop that [you and Alfred Preisser] taught at the Harlem School of the Arts in the fall of 1998?

Christopher McElroen: I never had a grand design to go to Harlem to design a theatre company.

It came out of the classes I was teaching. There was a real hunger and desire for the work in the community.

SS: I know CTH is beloved by the critics, but what has been the community response?

CM: It’s always been positive. Most of the artists are residents of Harlem. The response has been strong or I don’t think we would have lasted 10 or 11 years.

SS: I had the opportunity to meet one of your company members, Katori Hall, a few years ago

16

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

attempting to dialogue through theatre.

SS: So, how do you go about contemporizing these classical pieces—Shakespeare, Chekhov, Beckett?

CM: We don’t hold the text as sacred as other people might. And certainly we’ve found an audience for it, probably because we don’t treat them [the plays] as museum pieces.

SS: For people who might not know the play or who may have heard “It’s a play about nothing!”, how do you generate interest in your production?

CM: We’ve taken a pedestrian and optimistic approach. We’ve stripped away all the existential baggage and made it about two guys waiting for another guy. We’ve tried to fill the moments with hope and humor. [The result is] an educating and surprisingly funny evening of theatre. If they come, they will not be bored.

The Dorothy Patten Fine Arts Series presents Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Waiting for Godot $22 adults / $15 students 7:30 pm Tuesday, October 27, 2009 UTC Fine Arts Center Corner of Vine and Palmetto Streets (423) 425-4269. www.utc.edu

A&E Calendar Friday

Thursday

Earth Days Part of the AEC Independent Film Series.

A stirring look back at the beginnings of the modern green movement.

Bijou Theater, 215 Broad Street, (423) 265-5320. www.carmike.com

Send your calendar events to us at calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

Works by Susan Dryfoos-Solo Show from New York 11 a.m. Gallery 1401, 1401 Williams St. (423) 266-0015.

“Children and the Holocaust: Two Illustrated Lectures” 3 p.m. UTC University Center Auditorium, 615 McCallie Ave. (423) 425-4393.

“Cielo Sand” 5:30 p.m. Bill Shores Gallery, 2 Northshore, (423) 756-6746.

“Sounds of Identity” 6 p.m. Hunter Museum, 10 Bluff View. (423) 266-0944. smART.show 6 p.m. Smart Furniture Studio, 315 Main St., Suite 107.

(423) 634-0024.

“Sweet Diversity” 6 p.m. Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts, 1301 Dallas Rd. (423) 209-5929.

Faculty Recital at Lee University Ron Brendel sings Schumann, Brahms, Liszt and Britten.

Free 7:30 p.m.

Squires Recital Hall, Lee University, 1120 N. Ocoee Street, Cleveland. (423) 614-8240. www.leeuniversity.edu

Saturday

Renaissance Oktoberfest Festivities all over downtown, including Bluff View Arts District, Walnut Street Bridge, Coolidge and Renaissance Parks.

Free.

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. www.chattanoogarenaissance.com

Monday Southern Lit Book Club discusses Jim the Boy 6 p.m. Rock Point Books, 401 Broad St. (423) 756-2855. www.rockpointbooks.com “Speak Easy” Spoken word and poetry 8 p.m. Mudpie Restaurant, 12 Frazier Ave. (423) 267-9040. www.mudpierestaurant.com Art by Khambel Green Mosaic Gallery, 412 Market St. (423) 320-6758.

“Morocco: An Exhibition of Paintings by Jack Denton” The Gallery, 3918 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 870-2443. www.redbankgallery.com “Close to Home” Photography

by Mark Wood Covenant College, 14049 Scenic Hwy. Lookout Mtn, GA. (706) 419-1430.

KZ106 Classic Rock Art Show 10 a.m. Hamilton Place Mall, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd.

(423) 894-7177.

“Angels” by Mary Ferris Kelly Opening Reception 5 p.m. Exum Gallery, St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 305 7th St. (423) 266-8195.

“The Dhamma Brother, East Meets the West in the Deep South” 7 p.m. Unity of Chattanooga, 604 Black St. C.S. Lewis Society Book Discussion of Mere Christianity 7 p.m. Rock Point Books, 401 Broad St. (423) 756-2855.

Hops & Opera 7:30 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Main Stage Lobby, 400 River St. (423) 267-8534. www.theatrecentre.com

Gary Conrad 7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m. The Comedy Catch & Giggles Grille, 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233. www.thecomedycatch.com Rhyme’n’Chatt 8 p.m. Loose Cannon Gallery, 1400 Rossvile Ave. www.rhymenchatt.org The Mystery of Flight 138 8:30 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839. www.funnydinner.com Works by Cat Collier, Valerie Fleming, Lisa Norris and Ellen Franklin Gannon Art Gallery, 3250 Brainerd Rd. (423) 622-8256.

“Collaboration: Two Decades of African American Art” African American Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-8658. www.caamhistory.org

Sunday KZ106 Classic Rock Art Show 10 a.m. Hamilton Place Mall, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd.

(423) 894-7177.

Rocktoberfest 11 a.m. Rock City, 1400 Patten St. (706) 820-2531.

Mosaic Market 11 a.m. 412 Market St. (corner of 4th/Market) (423) 624-3915.

The Mystery at the Nightmare High School Reunion 6 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839.

Gary Conrad 7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m. The Comedy Catch & Giggles Grille, 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233.

Lisa Williams “Voices from the Other Side” 8 p.m. Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. (423) 757-5156. www.chattanoogaonstage.com

The Mystery of the Red NeckItalian Wedding 8:30 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839. www.funnydinner.com “Persona + Anima” Create Here, 55 East Main St. Ste. 105. (423) 648-2195. www.createhere.org “Reflections” Shuptrine Fine Art and Framing, 2646 Broad St. (423) 266-4453.

“Magnificent Fifty” North River Civic Center, 1009 Executive Dr. (423) 870-8924.

“Fresh: Emerging Artists” Association for Visual Arts, 30 Frazier Ave. (423) 265-4282.

“Black Diamond Days: Life in the Negro Leagues” Chattanooga African American Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd.

(423) 266-8658.

Tuesday

Wednesday

The Big 9 Chattanooga Walking Tour 6 p.m. Corner of Lindsey St. & MLK Blvd. (423) 265-3247.

Chattanooga’s Got Talent 7:30 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839. www.funnydinner.com “Small Works” Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 Terrace Ave. (423) 493-0270. www.jcfgc.com Bronzes by Roses Taylor Gallery II/Studio II, 27 W. Main St. (423) 266-2222.

“Movement” Shuptrine Fine Art and Framing, 2646 Broad St. (423) 266-4453. www.goldleafdesigns.com “Persona + Anima” Create Here, 55 East Main St. Ste. 105. (423) 648-2195. www.createhere.org

Works by Cat Collier, Valerie Fleming, Lisa Norris and Ellen Franklin Gannon Art Gallery, 3250 Brainerd Rd. (423) 622-8256.

“Collaboration: Two Decades of African American Art” African American Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-8658. www.caamhistory.org “Fresh: Emerging Artists” Association for Visual Arts, 30 Frazier Ave. (423) 265-4282. www.avarts.org “A World of Glass” Houston Museum of Arts, 201 High St. (423) 267-7176. www.thehoustonmuseum.com “New York Cool” 10 a.m. Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View.

(423) 266-0944. www.huntermuseum.org

CSO Chamber Series: “Mostly Mozart” Wolfgang Amadeus celebrated. $30 (series) 3 p.m.

Silver Ballroom, Sheraton Read House, 827 Broad Street, (423) 267-8583. www.chattanoogasymphony.org

Rocktoberfest 11 a.m. Rock City, 1400 Patten St., (706) 820-2531.

KZ106 Classic Rock Art Show Noon. Hamilton Place Mall, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd.

(423) 894-7177.

The 7th Victim 2:30 p.m. Chattanooga-Hamilton Bicentennial Library, 1001 Broad St. (423) 757-5310.

“New York Cool” 10 a.m. Hunter Museum, 10 Bluff View. (423) 266-0944.

Landscapes by Megan Lightell River Gallery, 400 E. Second St. (423) 265-5033. www.river-gallery.com “Tesserae” works by Leslie Dulin In-Town Gallery, 26A Frazier Ave. (423)267-9214. www.intowngallery.com

Editor’s Pick: Featured Event Of The Week

Hops & Opera Back for a second year after the rousing success of the first, but now in a bigger space, with more hops and more opera—also this year co-presented with the Chattanooga Theatre Centre and the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. Local singers, local beer and we can’t vouch for the provenance of the hot dogs. $10 (free for Chattanooga State students with student ID) Friday, October 23, 7:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Main Stage Lobby 400 River Street, (423) 267-8534. www.theatrecentre.com

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

17

18

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

Spirits Within

The Devil’s In the Wine Details

By Joshua Hurley

B

y now, our readers should be getting very familiar with wines from California.

Our previous six “Great Buys” have been wines produced in The Golden State. If you are just now joining us, “Great Buys” is where Riley’s Wine and Spirits on Hixson Pike in Hixson picks a favorite wine or spirit and share them with our Pulse readers. This week takes us to Chile, and the world-famous winery Concha y Toro.

Chilean vineyards were first planted in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries. For 300 years, the only grape grown in Chile was “Pais”, a varietal similar to California’s early varietal grape, “Mission”, grown in the 1800s. Mission and Pais grapes produce only mediocre wine and are still grown in Argentina, Mexico and scant parts of Southern California, but are only used for blending. In 1851, Silvestri Ochagavia, a Spaniard, brought in expert French wine makers and planted cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, merlot, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc and semillon.

Several years later, he followed this with chardonnay, gewürztraminer and riesling. The next 50 years saw the establishment of several wineries, including Concha Y Toro in 1883.

Concha y Toro is Chile’s premier wine maker and known to wine lovers around the world. To many, the label is synonymous with outstanding wines for cheaper prices. Perhaps even more so with Concha’s label Casillero del Diablo, which translates into “Cellar of the Devil”. Legend has it that 100 years ago Don Melchor, one of Concha’s more eccentric winemakers, put aside for himself exclusive batches of his very best wine. To keep strangers and friends alike away, he spread rumors that the devil actually lived in his cavern-like cellar. The Casillero del Diablo line of wines is a dedication to Melchor’s outstanding winemaking skills and legendary eccentricities.

The first varietal is a 2007 gewürztraminer.

Casillero Gewürztraminer displays aromas of flowers, spice and fruit that tastes of crisp, tropical citrus with a dry aftertaste. This wine pairs well with spicy dishes including Indian, Thai and Chinese. It also goes great with that Thanksgiving turkey.

Casillero’s 2008 Malbec is a full-bodied red wine, harvested by hand, which means the grapes were selected for high quality. After picking, it was fermented in stainless steel to preserve malbec’s bright, fruity character. The finished product offers aromas of dark fruit and spice that taste of plum and spicy cocoa.

The after taste or finish is toasted oak, due to its oak aging, and dark fruit, owing to the stainless steel.

Malbec pairs well with grilled meats and cheeses.

Casillero 2008 Pinot Grigio is an exceptional white wine. The grapes are crushed, then placed in stainless

“The Casillero del Diablo line of wines is a dedication to Melchor’s outstanding winemaking skills and legendary eccentricities.” steel for fermentation, ensuring the wine will retain all of pinot grigio’s fruity characteristics including melon, peach and citrus fruit.

Casillero Sauvignon Blanc 2007 is another easydrinking white wine with flavors of citrus and gooseberries. Fermented and aged in steel to retain all of the grapes’ acidic power, this wine is paired with shellfish, salad or roasted chicken.

Casillero 2007 Carmenere is a red wine blended with 85 percent carmenere—Chile’s own red varietal—10 percent cabernet sauvignon and 5 percent syrah. This red wine offers flavors of chocolate, plums and coffee due to its oak aging and a toasty aftertaste owing to its oaky side of fermentation. Carmenere pairs well with red meat and cheese.

Casillero Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 adds 10 percent carmenere to ensure its Chilean ancestry. This softerstyle cabernet offers a palate rich with plums, black cherries and currant. You can pair this cabernet with steak, roast, stew and even wild game.

Solution To Last Week’s Puzzle

Never Worry About Losing A Copy Of The Pulse Keep Up Online at www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

19

New in Theaters Astro Boy Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist in the image of the son he has lost. Unable to fulfill the grieving man’s expectations, our hero embarks on a journey in search of acceptance, experiencing betrayal and a netherworld of robot gladiators, before he returns to save Metro City and reconcile with the father who had rejected him. OK, so it’s not Shakespeare. Nor is it Pixar-level in story and plotting.

What Astro Boy is about is oldfashioned entertainment. Taken from the popular manga comics

by Osamu Tezuka in the 1950s, and later as an animated television series, the Pinocchio-like plot works well for both youngsters who like shiny flashy animation and us older folks who enjoy reliving the nostalgia of our youth. And while the plot is about as subtle as an animated explosion, the voice cast steps up and propels Astro Boy beyond the merely entertaining into something a bit more than expected. One thing that might end up polarizing more politically aware viewers is the all-too-unsubtle political subtext involving Blue Cores

and Red Cores, power sources made with positive “blue” energy and negative, unstable “red” energy. We’ll just have to wait to see if the O’Reillys of the media world take notice.

Starring: Kristen Bell, Nicolas Cage, Samuel L. Jackson, Charlize Theron, Donald Sutherland Director: David Bowers Rating: PG

Also in Theaters Amelia (New) Hilary Swank stars in the story of pioneering aviatrix Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.

Saw VI (New) In this latest installment of the horror saga, Detective Hoffman emerges as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw’s legacy of terror.

Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant (New) A teenage boy finds his destiny when he stumbles upon a vampire and his traveling freak show.

Where the Wild Things Are A rambunctious boy named Max escapes to an island where he meets mysterious and strange creatures who crown him their king.

Law Abiding Citizen Gerard Butler stars as a criminal mastermind out for revenge, sending an entire city into chaos from the confines of his prison cell.

20

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

The Stepfather A young man grows suspicious of his mother’s new boyfriend—is he really the man of her dreams or could he be hiding a dark side?

Paranormal Activity A couple moves into a typical suburban house, but they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that could be demonic.

Couples Retreat Four couples embark on a tropical island vacation, only to discover that participation in the resort’s couples therapy is mandatory.

Zombieland A ragtag group joins forces to survive against worldwide zombie mayhem, and must determine what’s worse: the zombies or each other.

Capitalism: A Love Story Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore takes aim at the corporate and political shenanigans behind the global economic

crisis.

The Invention of Lying In an alternate reality where lying doesn’t exist, Ricky Gervais is a downon-his-luck loser who suddenly develops the ability to lie.

Whip It Ellen Page stars as a teenage beauty-pageant reject who finally finds herself after joining a fierce female roller derby team.

Toy Story & Toy Story 2 Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang from Pixar’s toy chest return for their original adventures— this time in 3-D! Fame At the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a talented group of singers, dancers, actors and artists strive for the spotlight.

Pandorum Two men wake up on a spacecraft with no memory of who they are or where they’re going, and must uncover the ship’s deadly secrets.

Film Feature

Wild at Heart

by Phillip Johnston

I

f you want to bear witness to a few moments of perfect cinema, watch the first couple minutes of Spike Jonze’s Where the Wild Things Are. Here we’re introduced to the indefatigable young Max as he builds a snow fort in his neighbor’s yard. He’s packed the snow tight into an igloo and slides in and out of the opening he has made without a care in the world. The icy tones of the image, the crackling of the snow, Max’s breathless panting, the smile on his face; this is childhood, and a moment perfectly suited as an opener to the long-awaited adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s book.

Max runs across the street and peeks in his house to get his teenage sister’s attention. Spurned, he goes back to his fort, but when his sister’s friends arrive, Max initiates a surprise snowball fight from behind the fence.

The fight, born from an innocent hunger for fun, escalates suddenly and ends with an older boy crushing Max’s snow fort with an impassioned, vindictive leap. The defeated Max emerges from the snow fort with tears rolling down his face as his sister hops in the car with her friends and drives away without even a wave or caring gesture. In turn, Max runs into the house and tears her room apart; crushing even the paper heart he once made her for Valentine’s Day. Here we are introduced to the other side of Max. Like any small child, he is easily hurt. He cauterizes this hurt through destruction and anger, and after an evening altercation with his mother (the beautiful and reliable Catherine Keener), bolts from inside the house onto the street, where he loses his way and gets lost in the woods. Soon enough, he has escaped to the imaginary land of the wild things.

The wild things are beautiful puppet/CG creations elegantly envisioned by the Jim Henson Company and voiced by James Gandolfini, Paul

Dano, Catherine O’Hara, and Chris Cooper. Lumbering through their native land—a wondrous place in walking distance from an ocean, a desert, and a verdant forest—they sound like humans, have the momentary reasoning power of adults, and use the logic of the smallest children. Their world looks much different than reality, but the motions of the heart and the consequences of actions remain the same, and for Max, this is the most profound surprise.

The film hinges on Max and Spike Jonze and his team have snagged the perfect child for the role: Max Records. How a small child could keep a character like this so stunningly consistent throughout a two-hour film that takes place is so many settings and sustains so many imaginative flourishes is amazing.

Still, because it tries so hard to faithfully envision childhood imagination, Where the Wild Things Are is often visually and aurally confusing. The wild things act like children and while Jonze’s camera inhabits their land, it does, too. We’re taken from one immaculately designed set piece to another, faced with the immaturity and confusion of one wild thing after another and soon enough we’re disoriented. Is this the point?

Perhaps, but cinematically less is more for a land like this.

And though it may be far from obvious, this is not a children’s film. It is dark, it is often harrowing (in a PG kind of way), and it is free from the sentimentality and romanticism that plagues lesser films about children.

Allow me some introspection, if you will.

Exiting Where the Wild Things Are, I felt as if I had missed something, for I found myself thinking, “If only someone would please calm that kid down!” I soon realized why.

I am not Max. I wasn’t the energetic kid who built forts out of chairs and blankets, who ran around in an animal costume and wished he could run without stopping for ever and ever. I

was the kid from that children’s classic The Red Balloon, quietly content to myself, glad to follow the metaphorical red balloon around the streets for hours on end.

I don’t think my caustic reaction to Max is entirely unfounded, but to eschew him would be to close my eyes to what a profoundly wounded character he is. Though there are moments when Jonze urges us to empathize with Max’s misbehavior to an unhealthy extent, his vision of Sendak’s story culminates in a subtle redemptive flourish that is huge in its power and profound in its implications.

All the imagination in the world may help a boy function in private, but it is the love and care of people in the real world that shape a young man.

This is the heart of Where the Wild Things Are and a lesson that will hopefully take root in the hearts of people who welcome this classic story into their lives now and in the years to come.

Where the Wild Things Are Directed by Spike Jones Starring Max Records and the voices of James Gandolfini, Paul Dano, Catherine O’Hara, Chris Cooper Rated PG Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

21

On The Beat

The Sting: Accountability or Entrapment?

By Alex Teach

I

used to consider my sense of surprise akin to the phantom pains and sensations of an amputee; something that is clearly no longer there, but I am convinced I can still feel from time to time when the weather begins to change or when I am reminded of a prior trauma. Or in this case, when someone says something galactically stupid.

Like the phantom limb itself, I realize it might be all in my head—so I’ll let you decide.

Local police officers set up a sting operation in which they had a woman appear to accidentally leave a purse on the trunk of their car, and arrested people who walked up to the car, took the purse, and took it to their own vehicles to keep for themselves (otherwise known as “stealing”, something that’s been widely recognized as being illegal for at least two to three years now). In the few hours this was conducted, eight people were arrested for theft, and 35 more were not for their attempts to turn the purse in to lost-and-found or to the owner herself. Apparently people have been stealing stuff from parking lots in such numbers and for so long, folks have been calling the police about it…a few hundred times a month.

Who knew? Rather than take a few hundred more reports documenting crimes, the cops decided to take a few hours to discourage this and prevent many tens of hours taking more of these reports.

This event was presumably advertised so that not only would the eight arrested be deterred from future actions, but others would get the word that the police would be watching even when their individual integrity was not, and all was good. As a taxpayer, I was impressed with the proactive use of my dollars, but not being an ass-hat purse thief I wasn’t all that impacted, so I moved on without much thought and read the next article. (It was about the City of Chattanooga hosting a ceremony to celebrate the inclusion of dogs being allowed at Ross’s Landing Park; ultimately this

22

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

has nothing to do with the story, but I wanted to pass it on as “shit I couldn’t possibly make up.”)

One day later in the same publication I see an opinion piece stating that the whole operation was a set-up and “stunk to high heaven”.

That the theft of a purse theft wasn’t a “real crime”, and that these kinds of sting operations would lead to a totalitarianistic government in which you would disappear for not “having your papers”. OK. “What?”

I was surprised, but also suddenly left with ominous questions. Is it only “stealing” someone’s cash, identification, credit cards, checks, cell phone, digital cameras, and family photos if it’s from your mother or sister and not a police officer? Are there rules to “theft” that are not being followed by police and are only known to thieves themselves? Is it true that if enough people get caught committing blatant crimes…it will lead to the End of Democracy As We Know It? I mean, holy crap! Not being a window-licking idiot, I had never thought of these things before!

I was on the verge of moral panic until I remembered one bit about the original release: That nearly four times as many people DIDN’T steal that purse. That 35 people knew what this genius did not, and tried to return the purse. That many more knew it was wrong to take it than those caught, not even considering the uncounted others that just passed it up as Not Their Problem. That maybe… just maybe, this respondent “just didn’t get it”.

You get one thing though, brother: You get included on the Nimrod List.

(It’s like the “Bucket List”, except for dumbasses.) You’re there with the guy who got a speeding ticket on West Shepherd Road and claimed it was only for revenue generation, when in fact it was because of the kid that was killed by a speeding motorist (like him) two days before. The guy who solicited sex from an undercover cop between a church and a duplex and called it a “victimless crime”, when in fact it was because a single mom was complaining that her children couldn’t play in their front yard because disease-infested prostitutes and the johns they attracted kept littering the area with used hypodermic needles

“Is it true that if enough people get caught committing blatant crimes… it will lead to the End of Democracy As We Know It?” and used condoms and the other novel sundries that accompany the Oldest Profession. And with the guy you’ll apparently love the most who found himself locked inside a car that was left running in someone’s driveway on a cold morning as if to warm up before going to school or work that turned out to be a bait car for auto thieves, because in response he too, called it “entrapment”.

It’s not “entrapment” just because you got caught, you nitwit; it’s just plain “getting caught”. Or better yet, it’s just plain “accountability”, but I hardly blame you or anyone else for not recognizing that word these days because it’s so rarely used, much less implemented.

In the mean time, how about writing a note to keep your hands off purses that don’t belong to you since it’s such a tough concept for you to remember?

Then write down “theft” is a crime, no matter the victim. Or if that’s too much, just write “I’m Stupid” on a piece of paper and hold it up for us to see. And if you forget to hold up the sign after a while?

Relax: We’ll probably figure it out without it.

When officer Alexander D. Teach is not patrolling our fair city on the heels of the criminal element, he is an occasional student at UTC, an up and coming carpenter, auto mechanic, prominent boating enthusiast, and spends his spare time volunteering for the Boehm Birth Defects Center.

Table Service

Grandma’s Food and a Welcome Inn

By Colleen Wade

E

l meson, according to Raul Ruiz, Jr., one of the managers of the popular local restaurant of that name, was an inn. Many years ago, in the state of Jalisco in Mexico, the land was dotted with farms growing the blue agave plant—the plant crucial for making tequila. There were inns scattered among the farms, inns that had stables, restaurants, bars, and were a place where the workers from the farms would come together, a place where they could be comfortable together. That comfort—that togetherness— was exactly what Raul Ruiz was aiming for when he opened El Meson Restaurante Mexicano 16 years ago.

the call: “I think we found it.”

He packed up his wife and five sons and moved from California to Chattanooga and El Meson was born. Today, half the recipes are still Pedro’s, and the other half belong to the Ruiz family.

Says Ruiz, “[These recipes] originate in Jalisco state and honestly, truthfully, some of these recipes are straight from my Grandma. The mole, the tortillas—that’s straight out of my Grandma’s book.” Not only are the recipes authentic, the entire atmosphere radiates Mexico. Ruiz says, “I’ve been in other Mexican restaurants. Some of them, you feel like you’re going into a bar—it looks like it’s a bar restaurant.

Others, you go in and you’re like, ’Oh, this is really fancy’. With us it’s not the fanciness; with us you get the authentic experience.”

Not only do you find authentic family recipes at El Meson Restaurate Mexicano, you find a family business. Ruiz opened the restaurant when his sons were children, and has since added a daughter. Four of Ruiz’s sons, Raul, Jr., Edgar, Tony, and Alberto manage El Meson. “My dad put us through college,” says Raul, Jr. “All of us, we all graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Go Vols.” Ruiz told his sons he would put them through school, pay for their college, and then—it was their choice. If they chose to work in the field they graduated in, that was fine, but if they chose to come back to the family business, he expected them to be one hundred percent committed. Of his five sons, only one, Oscar, a law student, has chosen to pursue something outside the restaurant business. Ruiz’s daughter, Julia, at 11, has yet to face that decision. Once his sons made

“Each Sunday, one of the sons spends time with diners at the buffet garnering information on what dishes are the favorites and should be added to the menu.”

Ruiz had worked in the restaurant business for 25 years, managing restaurants for a company that owned Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants and Sizzler Steakhouses. Ruiz had a chance after all those years to buy a franchise of one of the restaurants he had managed, but at the last minute the deal fell through. By this time, Ruiz had gotten excited about becoming a restaurant owner. Enter Pedro, Ruiz’s former business partner. At this time, Ruiz and his family were living in California.

Pedro was in Atlanta. Pedro had recipes; Ruiz had restaurant experience. It was decided that once they found the perfect place, they would open a restaurant. After a trip to Chattanooga, Ruiz got

their decisions to come back to El Meson, Ruiz sent each of them to train with their uncle in Nevada.

They worked in restaurants, stores, apartment complexes. “You learn so much,” says Raul, Jr. “You learn teamwork. You learn how to hire. You learn how to train people.”

The training and education never ends for the Ruiz sons. Each year, they are sent to Mexico for food shows. It’s there they pick up new recipes to try at the Sunday brunch buffet at El Meson. Each Sunday, one of the sons spends time with diners at the buffet garnering information on what dishes are the favorites and should be added to the menu.

Perhaps it is this commitment to pleasing the palate of Chattanoogans that has allowed the Ruizes to begin planning to open a second restaurant. In early November, a second El Meson Restaurante Mexicano will open in Hixson. The new restaurant will be located in the Northgate Mall area and will seat approximately 250 people. It too, will hearken back to the comfortable atmosphere and family cooking that have made the original such a favorite.

El Meson is located at 2204 Hamilton Place Boulevard near the northeast entrance to Hamilton Place Mall.

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

23

Music Feature

Hustlin’ Halloween

By Hellcat

I

remember hearing a buzz about a new band that was apparently melting faces off the kind people of Chattanooga around this time last year. I hadn’t seen them yet, but I was looking to book a good local band to help open up the first day of the 4/20 Festival, so I hit them up immediately.

I made it a point to attend the River City Hustlers’ next show at Midtown, to see exactly what I would be getting.

When I did, the only disappointment of the evening was that I didn’t have a better time slot or a longer set time for them. If I had to sum it up in one word, that word would be “powerful”.

The energy of the band is immense.

I am not sure if it’s from the rocking beats or if it’s from the hot blonde fireball that bounces all over the stage with such fervor you can’t help but stare.

While eye candy is a definite bonus, this band isn’t a No Doubt situation, where a more fitting name would have been the Gwen Stefani Band.

They radiate a collective familial vibe, and everyone gets their own spotlight. When I asked if there was any strangeness among the men folk in having a front woman instead of a front man, the band mates answered quickly and in unison that there was no such weirdness in the band; they were perfectly comfortable with it.

When I asked Bethany what it was like being a chick lead singer, she said, “My guys are awesome. But it is a little different because people assume that it’s going to be sweet or soft and not as hard rocking as it is because I’m a girl.

I could barely get an audition to play for bands because they were looking for a guy. It has encouraged me to step it up a bit. But on stage I feel more like me than anywhere else in my life. It feels like home to me. It’s also kind of like having an out-of-body experience, where you are just in another world.”

Well, whatever world that is, stay in it, because it sounds amazing from here.

The closeness and equality of the band members might lend a hand to the tightness of their music. They simply mesh well. Their sound makes you feel like you might be doing something bad by listening, followed by the immediate thrill that you might get caught. It’s dirty. Dirty in the best

24

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

way. It’s rock and roll, for sure, with elements of backwoods bayou blues, basement punk, and a twist of classic badass.

It has the refreshing effect of making you think that the South might not rise again, but it will sure as hell drink you under the table. It’s almost like you become a fan by default, because there really isn’t any other option when faced with this melting pot of awesome. The many different levels of influence and full spectrum of genres that each member brings to the table make an original, yet familiarsounding music.

When I asked them what their two biggest influences were, it was no mystery where the diverse sound originated. Bethany “B” Stump, the sexpot singer, stated, “Guns N’ Roses and The Rolling Stones”. Cavin Helton, the bassist, chose Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. Chris “Jersey” Wiegand, on guitar, selected The Misfits and Teen Idols. Roland “Rolls” McCoy, the drummer, listed Kiss and The El Caminos, while Matt “Rowdy” Clark, picked Tony Iomi and The Melvins, as his favorites. This would explain the array of tastes being represented in their sound.

I was curious about their name, and asked “B” how they came up with it. The band basically started out making a list of around 20 names that everyone didn’t absolutely hate, and then from that list narrowed it down to five that everyone in the band could officially handle. They chose River City Hustlers because, for one, they identify with where they are from, and also because knowing the fair-weather nature of our Scenic City scene, they realized that you definitely have to

“It has the refreshing effect of making you think that the South might not rise again, but it will sure as hell drink you under the table.” “hustle” a bit to get people to come out and see shows with any sort of regularity or zeal. The band has gone through a line-up change, adding Chris Wiegand to their group, and everyone seems to think he is a great fit for them. They have obviously been doing something right because they’ve been added to many of the larger festivals and events in town, as well as bringing a reliable following to the local clubs.

If you haven’t seen them yet, then I suggest you come down next weekend and see them at Parkway Billiards with Planet and The Icons. We all know that the Parkway bash is a pretty big party, as Parkway only becomes a venue once a year, on account of the Great Pumpkin. So hustle down.

River City Hustlers with Planet and The Icons $7 9 p.m.

Monday, October 30 Parkway Billiards, 35 Patten Parkway.

(423) 265-7665. www.parkwaybilliards.com

Music Calendar Friday

Thursday

Charles Allison, Noah Collins, Matt Bohannon, Keith Crisp Local lads gather at historic Lindsay Street Hall. $5 8 p.m.

Lindsay Street Hall, 901 Lindsay St. (423) 755-9111. www.lindsaystreethall.com

Send your calendar events to us at calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

The Cumberland Band 5:30 p.m. First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. Kyle Tallman and Travis Singleton 7 p.m. Coffee Crafters, 426 Vine St. (423) 756-9995.

Off/11, Tammy Rochelle, Shawnessy Cargile 8:30 p.m. Mudpie Restaurant, 12 Frazier Ave. (423) 267-9043.

Evening with Mountain Heart 8 p.m. Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644.

Channing Wilson 9 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar, 5751 Brainerd Rd. (423) 499-9878. www.budssportsbar.com Or The Whale, Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade, David Dondero 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400.

Computer and Friends Dance Party For the sixth month in a row— keep Chattanooga dancing! $5 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd.

(423) 266-1400. www.myspace.com/jjsbohemia

Saturday

No Big Deal, Elijah James, John Latham A full day of music, starting at Renaissance Park and spanning downtown.

Free 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friends of the Festival Stage, 150 River St. www.chattanoogarenaissance.com

Monday Old Tyme Players 7 p.m. Market Street Tavern, 850 Market St. (423) 634-0260. www.marketstreettavern.com DJ at the Palms 8 p.m. The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202.

(423) 499-5055.

Rise Up Howlin, Werewolf, Taco Cat, Blacklist Royalists 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400. www.myspace.com/jjsbohemia Fireside Lounge 4021 Hixson Pike, (423) 870-7078.

Lucky’s 2536 Cummings Highway, (423) 825-5145.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike, (423) 266-1996. www.tremonttavern.com

Night After Dark, Thaddeus, The Seas Aflame, Eris, Between Two Seas 7 p.m. The Warehouse, 5716 Ringgold Rd., East Ridge.

Priscilla and Little Ricky 7:30 p.m. The Foundry, 1201 Broad St. (423) 424- 3775.

New Orleans Jazz Trio 7:30 p.m. The Original Blue Orleans Restaurant, 3208 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 629-6538.

Failing The Fairest 7:30 p.m. Club Fathom, 412 Market St. (423) 757-0019.

Silent Fury and BackSeat Bingo 8 p.m. Ziggy’s Hideaway, 607 Cherokee Blvd. (423) 634-1074.

Sistren and The Bluegrass Pharaohs 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theatre, 1322 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347. www.barkinglegs.org

Tim F’n Lewis 8 p.m. Top of The Dock, 5600 Lake Resort Terr. (423) 876-3356.

Eddies of The Wind 9 p.m. Riverhouse Pub, 224 Frazier Ave. (423) 752-0066.

Kyle Mackillop and The WayBack Whens 9 p.m. Market Street Tavern, 850 Market St. (423) 634-0260.

Jeremy Leslie Band 9 p.m. The Tin Can, 618 Georgia Ave. (423) 648-4360. www.thetincanchattanooga.com DubConscious 10 p.m. Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644.

Skin Deep 10 p.m. T-Bones, 1419 Chesnut St. (4230 752-1977.

Downstream 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar, 5751 Brainerd Rd. (423) 499-9878.

Sunday The Lost Son: Terrell Carter, Ahmad Jamal McGhee, Lil Gary Jenkins, Big Gary Grant 7 p.m. Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St. (423) 642-TIXS. www.chattanoogaonstage.com Reanbow Station, Fare Thee Well, Burning Bridges, Questions for Science 7 p.m. The Warehouse, 5716 Ringgold Rd., East Ridge.

Awakener, Devil Trigger, Robert Paulson Band, The Unsatisfied 7:30 p.m. Club Fathom, 412 Market St. (423) 757-0019.

DubConscious, Cannonbus, Surreal 8 p.m. Ziggy’s Hideaway, 607 Cherokee Blvd. (423) 634-1074. www.myspace.com/ziggyshideaway Priscilla and Little Ricky 8 p.m. The Foundry, 1201 Broad St. (423) 424- 3775.

Mad Agnes 8 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse, 105 McBrien Rd. (423) 892-4960.

Celtic Woman: Isle Of Hope 8 p.m. Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. Dana Rogers 8 p.m. The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202.

(423) 499-5055.

Blue Grass Pharaohs 9 p.m. Market Street Tavern, 850 Market St. (423) 634-0260.

The Still Guns 10 p.m. Riverhouse Pub, 224 Frazier Ave. (423) 752-0066.

Lynam 10 p.m. Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644.

The MockingBirds, The Fixins 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400.

Tuesday

Wednesday

I am Terrified 7 p.m. The Warehouse, 5716 Ringgold Rd., East Ridge.

In The Mood: 1940’s Big Band 7:30 p.m. Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St. (423) 642-TIXS. www.chattanoogaonstage.com Punk Rock Night 8 p.m. Ziggy’s Hideaway, 607 Cherokee Blvd. (423) 634-1074.

Billy Hopkins & Friends 8 p.m. Market Street Tavern, 850 Market St. (423) 634-0260.

Open Mic with Hellcat 9 p.m. Raw, 409 Market St. (423) 756-1919.

Channing Wilson 9 p.m. Spectators, 7804 E. Brainerd Rd. (423) 648- 6679.

Do ya Hear WE?, U.R. 2, Candyland 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400.

Ben Friberg Jazz Trio 6:30 p.m. Market Street Tavern, 850 Market St. (423) 634-0260. www.marketstreettavern.com Johnston-Brown 8 p.m. The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd. #202.

(423) 499-5055.

Uncle Billy and Friends 8 p.m. The Tin Can, 618 Georgia Ave. (423) 648-4360. www.thetincanchattanooga.com Roger Alan Wade 9 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar, 5751 Brainerd Rd. (423) 499-9878.

Erick Baker, Kennon Ownsby 9:30 p.m. Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644.

ShellShhag, Harlem, Hidden Spots, Big Kitty, Matt Kurtz 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400. www.myspace.com/jjsbohemia

OTT, Etheric Double, Digital Butter With 20 years in the studio, the brilliant sound of Ott will prove itself. $13 9 p.m.

Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644. www.rhythm-brews.com

Prost 11:30 a.m. RockCity, 1400 Patten Rd. (706) 820-2531. www.seerockcity.com Wurstbrats Oompah Band Noon. First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. www.chattanoogamarket.com Mountain Music Folk School Noon. Enchanted Maize, 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd. (706) 820-2531.

Rick Mayo 5 p.m. Champy’s, 526 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 752-9198.

Irish Music 6 p.m. Tremont Tavern, 1203 Hixson Pike. (423) 266-1966. www.tremonttavern.com The Contortionists, Every Word a Phrophecy, Awaken the Dawn 7 p.m. The Warehouse, 5716 Ringgold Rd., East Ridge.

Editor’s Pick: Featured Event Of The Week

DubConscious This inspiring reggae group out of Athens has opened for the likes of Michael Franti, Ziggy Marley, Burning Spear and Galactic. The energy they harness in their live performance shows the powerful nature of what is DubConscious.

Friday, October 23 $13 10 p.m.

Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644. www.rhythm-brews.com

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

25

New Music Reviews

26

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

By Ernie Paik

Six Finger Satellite

Gino Robair

Half Control

I, Norton

(Load)

(Rastascan)

One can only imagine where the sci-fi postpunk band Six Finger Satellite would be now if it had only started a half-decade after it did, but instead, the group’s last album, The Law of Ruins, came out in 1998, well before terms like “electroclash” and “dance-punk” were being bandied about. After being disbanded for most of this decade, singer and keyboard player J. Ryan reformed the group last year with drummer Rick Pelletier and began working on new material. However, the release at hand, Half Control, is actually comprised of songs recorded back in 2001, revisited, and remixed for mass consumption.

Six Finger Satellite is at its best when it resembles the aural equivalent of some Road Warrior-esque jerry-rigged motorized juggernaut, held together with bicycle chains and barbed wire.

It’s got the visceral stabs of punk and rogue dystopian synths, with a nagging feeling of instability where things might explode at any second with bits of Chrome-plated shrapnel.

The band’s insane 1995 masterpiece Severe Exposure was so memorable because every element had its place in the group’s sound: the warped Moog synths, the ear-shattering Travis Bean guitar licks that bordered on white noise, J. Ryan’s unhinged vocals, and jagged, high-tension drums.

Half Control is not a retread of Severe Exposure, and that would be fine, theoretically, if each element that was benched was replaced with something equally interesting.

However, most of the first half isn’t as deranged and hysterical as prime 6FS, especially in the vocal department, and when a synth emerges on tracks like “Artificial Light,” it isn’t as strange and unnerving as one might want.

The almost-thrash-metal opener “Thrown Out” provides a good jolt, and the second half of the release gets by on pure energy. However, 6FS did more than that in the past to set itself apart from the crowd, and now that people are finally catching up to what the group made in the ’90s, it will have to try harder.

The San Francisco composer, percussionist, electronic musician, and improviser Gino Robair takes on the curious, true story of Emperor Norton for his latest release, a spectacular 70-minute opera (of sorts) that manages to sustain a healthy level of unpredictability for the entire duration.

In 1859, the oddball Norton declared himself the Emperor of the United States and made decrees like abolishing Congress. People were tickled by his character and played along with it to a degree, but of course, Norton was bonkers. I, Norton serves as a worthy tribute by also being bonkers, with an impressive lineup of dozens of musicians all playing along with the game.

The opera captures the last breaths of Norton, who before ascending to heaven, watches his life flash before his eyes. Much of the libretto uses passages from Norton’s proclamations and also letters to his love interest, Miss Minnie Wakeman, and vocals sometimes appear as electronically sliced and diced snippets. Tom Duff reads the part of Norton with a spoken-word approach, but Aurora Josephson, who plays Wakeman, uses more adventurous methods, with an unusual vocabulary reminiscent of the Dada sound poetry of Kurt Schwitters.

The album’s centerpiece and most spacious track is the 28-minute “Mobs, Parties, Factions (Part I),” which is a live recording of the sfSound Ensemble, with full-on strings, winds, and brass; samples were recorded in real-time and instantly recycled for use in the proceedings, using speakers scattered throughout the orchestra.

A lot of territory is covered with a variety of instrumentation, with electronics and gongs providing the dominant sounds, and there are various nods to musical iconoclasts, such as John Cage (with prepared pianos) and Charles Ives, and possibly even Harry Partch, with the use of microtonal chords. In the liner notes, Robair welcomes musicians to stage their own improvised productions of I, Norton, but his own offering—a sprawling, gloriously peculiar and stimulating work—sets the bar pretty high.

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

27

Free Will Astrology SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Behind every face, there are a thousand faces,” says film director Bryan Singer, who worked on two of the “X-Men” movies. He deals with professional actors, who specialize in revealing the myriad faces beneath the surface. But I think his assessment applies to lots of people, especially you Scorpios—although it must be said that you do have mad skills at hiding all the action going on beneath your surface. This Halloween, I urge you to make a break with tradition and show five or six of the real you’s lurking below your poker face. Costume suggestion: be inspired by Joseph Campbell’s “hero with a thousand faces.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown has a unique way of stimulating his imagination: He dons his gravity boots and meditates on complex storylines while he’s inverted. It’s also a good way to overcome writer’s block. “You think differently upsidedown,” he says. Do you have an equivalent method for providing gentle shock therapy to your perspective, Sagittarius? This is a good time to use it. If you don’t already have a creative aid like that, hunt around for one. In the days ahead, it will come in handy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): When Sheelah Ryan won $55 million in the Florida lottery, she used the money to create an organization dedicated to helping the disadvantaged. “I guess I’ve disappointed a lot of people,” she told a reporter. “I could be traveling all over the world, or have a beautiful mansion on the ocean, or have a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce. But that’s not my style.” She’s your role model for the coming weeks, Capricorn. When good fortune comes to you—and I’m almost positive it will—I recommend that you look for ways to share it.

The ironic fact of the matter is that if you’re generous as you tap in to your gift, there’ll be more of the gift.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When I did a performance in Santa Fe a few years ago, a woman in the audience came up to me after the show and made a sardonic proposal: Would I like to join her twelve-step program for writers who are overly fond of vivid adjectives and adverbs?

With all the uppity mock politeness I could summon, I told her that I was preposterously happy with my scintillating addiction to brazen language, and didn’t regard it as a raggedy problem that needed invasive correcting. Now I’m advising you to be like me and follow your heart when it tells you to be bigger, bolder, and brasher than ever before. Right now, shiny intensity is your sacred duty! Halloween costume suggestion: the sun.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I hope you won’t merely wander around the frontier. I hope you’ll undertake a meticulous yet expansive exploration of that virgin territory. Here are some tips on how to proceed: 1. Formulate specific questions about what you’re looking for. 2. Develop a hypothesis for the experiments you want to carry out. 3.

Ignore what doesn’t interest you and pounce only on what stirs your fascination. Halloween costume suggestion: an alien anthropologist visiting Earth from another planet; a time-traveler from the future who’s doing a documentary on this historical moment; a religious pilgrim who’s keeping a detailed journal.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may be as flooded with briny emotion as a Pisces on a meandering binge. You might be as embedded in a labyrinth of your own creation as the Geminis who verge on being too clever for their own good.

You may be as cagey a listener as a Scorpio who’s searching for a hidden vulnerability in an ally. In other words, Aries, you’re not exactly yourself.

But it’s one of those rare times when that’s a good thing. Halloween costume suggestion: the opposite of what you think you are.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In my ideal version of Halloween, we wouldn’t scare ourselves with images of ghoulish skeletons, eyeballs floating in cauldrons, and hissing, three-headed snakes.

Rather, we’d confront more realistic fears, like the possibility that the effects we have on the world are different from our intentions . . . or that we

28

By Rob Brezsny

JONESIN’

By Matt Jones

“Mixed Reviews”

–from your anagramming film critic.

have not yet reached our potential . . . or that people we like might completely misread and misunderstand us. Then Halloween would serve a more spiritually useful purpose. It would bring us face-to-face with actual dangers to our psychic integrity, whereupon we could summon our brilliant courage and exorcize the hell out of them.

Costume suggestion: exorcist. (Begin by exorcising yourself.)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): During this phase of your cycle, you’ll generate good fortune if you brainstorm and meditate about your relationship with work. I urge you to empty your mind of everything you think you know about the subject.

Adopt a fresh and innocent perspective. Here are some questions to prime your investigations. 1.

What’s the quality of the experience you want to have as you earn a living? 2. What gifts do you want to give to life as you toil at challenging tasks that are interesting to you? 3. What capacities do you want to develop in yourself while doing your work? (P.S. For your Halloween costume, why not pretend you’re doing your dream job?)

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai (1924-2000) witnessed the full range of experiences that life on this planet has to offer, from war to love and everything in between.

During an interview he gave in Jerusalem in 1994, he said, “I can stand on my balcony and tell my children, ‘Over there I was shelled for the first time, and over there, to the right, just beneath those trees, I was kissed for the first time.’” I suspect his words will soon be meaningful for you, Cancerian. It’s likely you’ll have a breakthrough or epiphany near a place where you once suffered disappointment. Halloween costume suggestion: the phoenix.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Gary Smalley says that the sexual nature of men is like a microwave oven, while women resemble a crockpot, the device that cooks food at low heat for a long time. Right about now, I’d advise you Leo men to be like crockpots not only in the bedroom but everywhere else, too. To spot the subtle opportunities that will be available, you’ll have to be gradual, deliberate, and thorough. Leisurely foreplay should be your all-purpose metaphor.

As for you Leo women: I’m betting there are ways that you have fallen under the sway of the microwave meme. If I’m right, it’s time to fully re-embrace the spirit of the crockpot. Halloween costume clues: the tortoise, not the hare; a 400page novel, not Twitter; the Pyramid of Khufu, not a sandcastle.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “The more beautiful the bird, the poorer the singer,” wrote L. M. Boyd. “Peacocks scream, macaws screech. Birds of Paradise croak.” Among the most interesting singers, on the other hand, are birds that are far less spectacular in appearance: the Black-capped Chickadee, the Willow Thrush, and the Whitethroated Sparrow. Keep that in mind as you navigate your way through the coming week’s dilemmas. My personal inclination is to favor inspiring singing over comely appearance, but you may have a different bias. The important thing is to recognize the nature of the options before you.

Halloween costume suggestion: Incorporate the themes of plain beauty, secret genius, disguised power, and open secrets.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): At a family planning conference in Beijing, a researcher from Ghana presented testimony about tribal issues that he had in part gleaned through interviews with dead ancestors. He said that spirit mediums had acted as his “translators.” When he was met with skepticism from colleagues, he was defensive. “If I only heard from the living,” he explained, “I wouldn’t get a very good balance.” His perspective would be smart for you to adopt right now, Libra.

To make the wisest decisions and take the most righteous action, draw inspiration from what has passed away as much as from what’s alive and in your face. Halloween costume suggestion: a spirit medium.

Homework: What is your greatest fear? Make fun of it this Halloween. Tell me about it at my Facebook page at www.tinyurl.com/nkay2n or on my website at www.FreeWillAstrology.com

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

Across 1 Administrative executives, to lower-level workers 6 Series of actions: abbr.

10 Toothy degree?

13 “Ready ___, here I come!”

14 It’s already been on 16 “...depressed, or is ___ mess?” (lyrics to They Might Be Giants’ “Particle Man”) 17 Review #1: “I, a male?

A good jest.”

20 Part of IPA 21 Art colony of New Mexico 22 Asimov-inspired Will Smith movie 23 Review #2: “Filmy ennui, sir.”

26 Sudoku-like puzzle 28 Instant oatmeal direction 29 More frigid 30 Rowing teams 32 Coming-out honoree, for short 35 Court figure: abbr.

36 Review #3: “O, burn!”

37 Juice 38 Word before milk or flour 39 Brute 40 Drink at a ski lodge 41 G or F, on sheet music 42 Chevy Chase title role 43 Review #4: “Dat the

‘S.N.L.’ fool?”

48 Name of the “divided by” sign with a line and two dots 49 On ___ with (equal to) 50 1996 Olympics honoree 53 Review #5: “Re-perks, eyes mist” 56 Winter hrs. in Nome 57 “Say ___ the Dress” (TLC reality series) 58 Famous Roman fountain 59 Some satellite radios, once 60 “Push th’ Little Daisies” band 61 Hawkins of school dances Down 1 Dream-inducing drug in “Brave New World” 2 Mountains through Russia 3 Legal compensation 4 Turf ___ (football player’s malady) 5 Waldorf’s heckling parter, on “The Muppet Show” 6 Number on a liquor bottle 7 Actress Witherspoon 8 Hosp. areas 9 Bisected 10 Abu ___ 11 Cornerback Sanders 12 Adds some seasoning

15 Chuck who can “kill two stones with one bird” 18 Improvement of sorts 19 Soup du ___ 24 You can’t type “you” without it 25 “___ a Letter to My Love” (Bernice Rubens novel) 26 Sedonas and Rios, e.g.

27 ___-1 (“Ghostbusters” vehicle) 30 Concoct 31 Moscow’s Olympics team: abbr.

32 Stuck together, perhaps 33 Org. against workplace discrimination 34 Ho-hum 36 Hearty bowlful 37 Enemies 39 Unkempt 40 Breath mint brand since 1951 41 451, to Nero 42 Criticism 43 1970s-’80s NCAA college football recordholding quarterback Neil 44 Deep, dark pit 45 Swallow homes 46 Poker Flat chronicler 47 Printer brand 51 First name in denim 52 Adjective used by Rastas 54 Dir. opp. WNW 55 Major time period

©2009 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle #0437.

Clowns At Their Creepiest “...and then we’ll make ’em all walk into a room with a mentally unstable clown wearing a diaper while asking to be spanked,” might have been a conversation held between the directors and haunt technicians in this most recent year of Clown Town’s history. While this could be the brainstorming required to make a haunted house successful, it almost makes one wonder what else is going to be in store.

Remaining in character is a must when visiting the best of the best, and displayed perfectly was our first visitor: A large curmudgeon collecting tickets and setting the mood. This bozo took his role very seriously as he mocked, “Ohhhh, I just wanna go in but I ain’t got a ticket,” I appreciate taking it to the extreme, though, as I would hope he wouldn’t let just anyone through. After the ticket debacle was settled, the epic tone that had once struck me as the best was underway.

I was frightened twice right off the bat, which is two more times than any other haunted house I’ve been to this year. The first room we stopped in I remembered vividly from three years ago. As instructed, I squeezed my partner’s steady hand while the hell-bent clown conducted a séance. Without spoiling the thrills—just remember to keep your eyes open to see what is summoned with your own eyes.

Shortly after the spirits were cleared, we walked into the fireplace down into the basement of Clown Town. More horrific images would be had in these lightless gloomy halls. That eerie feeling of clowns watching, peering around corners, and haunting my mind, was enough to keep my scary bone pleased.

Check out Clown Town—if you have a spine. They aren’t going to kiss your ass, so be prepared to take heat if you act like a fool in their house.

— Josh Lang Haunted Houses Lodge of Fear $10 (coupon on website) October 16,17, 24, 24, 30, 31.

8 p.m. – Midnight The Ridgedale Lodge, Dodds Ave. Chattanooga, Tennessee www.lodgeoffear.synthasite.com Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern $22 at the door ($20 online) Thursdays to Saturdays (excluding 1 & 8) including 18, 25, 28 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

1720 South Scenic Highway Chattanooga, Tennessee www.hauntedcavern.com

7 p.m. – late 271 Chattanooga Valley Road Flintstone, Georgia www.thevoodoobayou.com Haunted Hilltop $15 Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.

8235 Highway 58, Harrison, Tennessee www.thehauntedhilltop.com Haunted Barn $15 (coupon on website) Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. – Midnight 5107 McDonald Road Mcdonald, Tennessee thehauntedbarnchattanooga.com

House of Horrors $9 Fridays and Saturdays, additionally 18, 25, and 29.

7 p.m. – Midnight (10 p.m. on Sundays) 140 Edwards Street, Cleveland, Tennessee www.wewillscareyou.com

Haunted CarnEvil : Revenge of the Vampires $20 (includes mini golf and other treats) Fridays and Saturdays, plus the 25, 28, and 29.

7 p.m. – late 5918 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga sirgoonys.com/HCsite/index11.htm

Forest of Fear – Voodoo Bayou $15 Fridays and Saturdays

The Chopping Maul $10 per head ($2 Discounts on Wednesday)

October 1 - November 1 Wednesdays to Saturdays 7 p.m. – Midnight Bradley Square Mall Cleveland, Tennessee www.terrortainment.com Haunted House on Broad Street $20 Every Thursday to Sunday 7 p.m. – Midnight 2201 Broad Street Chattanooga, Tennessee hauntedhouseonbroadstreet.com Clown Town $15 Thursdays to Sundays, plus the 26, 27, and 28.

8 p.m. – late Eastgate Town Center Chattanooga, Tennessee www.darksidewrestling.net Enchanted Maize $9 Adults, $7 Kids Thursdays to Sundays Thur: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Fri: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sun: Noon – 6:30 p.m.

271 Chattanooga Valley Road, Flintstone, Georgia www.enchantedmaze.com Halloween Events Hamilton Place Mall Free Mall Trick or Treating 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd Chattanooga, Tennessee October 31 at 6 p.m. www.hamiltonplace.com Bradley Square Mall Free Mall Trick or Treating 200 Paul Huff Parkway NW Cleveland, Tennessee October 31 at 6 p.m. www.shopbradleysquare.com Northgate Mall Free Mall Trick or Treating 271 Northgate Mall Chattanooga, Tennessee October 31 at 6 p.m. www.visitnorthgatemall.com Spooky Days at Creative Discovery Museum Stories, Cider, and Pumpkin Carving 321 Chesnut Street Chattanooga, Tennessee Every Saturday in October at 3 p.m.

Price: $9.95 www.cdmfun.org Halloween Parties BoneYard Boogie Loose Cannon/Contrapasso 1400 Rossville Ave. October 30 at 8 p.m.

Over 15 live acts

Costume contests 18 and up $20 in advance, $25 at door 80’s Prom Clue Mystery Party Creative Discovery Museum October 24 at 7 p.m. $50 Monster Bash October 16 and October 17 Free to CDM members, $5 for member guests Buffet $6.95 adults, $4.95 kids RSVP by October 9 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. www.cdmfun.org (423) 756-2738 Midnight Mayhem on the River Southern Belle riverboat October 30 at 10:30 p.m.

Proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House $10 plus tax and gratuity Zombies Loose Cannon 1400 Rossville Ave October 16 at 8 p.m.

Local DJ’s 8th Annual Fantasy Maze Tennessee Riverpark 4301 Amnicola Highway October 23 & 24 at 6 p.m. $3 per child, adults free Trunk Or Treat Jones Memorial Church 4131 Ringgold Road Chattanooga, Tennessee October 28 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church 5001 Hixson Pike Hixson, Tennessee October 30 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Valley Baptist 90 Nick A Jack Lane Flintstone, Georgia October 25 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

St. Luke United Methodist 3210 Social Circle Chattanooga, Tennessee October 25 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

St. Mark United Methodist 701 Mississippi Avenue Chattanooga, Tennessee October 31 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Ooltewah United Methodist Church 6131 Relocation Way Ooltewah, Tennesse October 25 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

To add your Halloween event, email the information to info@chattanoogapulse by no later than Monday morning.

95.3 Pulse News www.chattanoogapulse.com 10.22.09 The Pulse

29

Ask A Mexican

Dropouts and Mariachis

By Gustavo Arellano Dear Mexican, As a teacher, we’ve been exhorted to expand our efforts in closing the achievement gap between majority and minority students (read: Anglos and Mexicans). I teach all of my students in the best ways that I can determine for each individual student, within the constraints of a classroom of twenty or more. In my eighteen years, I have observed, on many occasions, Mexican girls choosing to fail their freshman year, in spite of obvious intelligence and interest in the subject.

Several times, I have overheard Mexican boys seeming to tell the girls not to do well. I do not speak Spanish, but I am a very good observer. Upon further investigation into some of these instances, my observations were proven correct.

You are obviously an erudite philosopher and student of Mexican society. Tell me why this happens, and what I can do to close the gap.

— Teacher Dear Gabacho, Are you sure it wasn’t the other way around? While Listening to Latinas: Barriers to High School Graduation, co-released this summer by the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund and the National Women’s Law Center, found that the high school dropout rate for Latinas is 41 percent, it’s a staggering 50 percent for boys (neither set, by the way, is the largest set of ethnic kiddies that drop out of high school, although it’s damn

30

close).

But you asked about the chicas, and the study has recommendations: empanada-in-the-sky requests for more government spending, but also more concrete, doable steps like connecting girls with role models, eliminating discrimination in schools and involving parents in every step of the educational process. And while the dos groups do point the finger of failure toward the usual cultural cucuys such as immigration, uneducated parents, and poverty, they also cite the more crucial factor of gender expectations from gabachos—in other palabras, teachers like yourselves, mere observers instead of interveners, deserve blame, también.

But at least you want to help.

The Mexican’s advice: get them to a nunnery, away from the corruptive leers of teenage boys, and emphasize the Reconquista isn’t possible with a bola of uneducated pendejas.

Dear Mexican, As a transplant from New York, I’ve spent the past three years in Houston. I’ve lived most of my life around different cultures, especially Mexicans. We get along great! I happen to be a mix of Puerto Rican and Colombian. There is one thing I’ve never really understood about Mexicans, though. As recently as Labor Day weekend, my wife (a Mexican) and I were experiencing San Antonio.

While having dinner in a Market Square restaurant, a mariachi band was playing at random tables. They began playing for a table of young

The Pulse 10.22.09 www.chattanoogapulse.com 95.3 Pulse News

Mexican men and women. Now, here is where the confusion kicks in: I don’t understand why these young men felt the need to scream and cackle while the mariachi band played. I happen to love the music but find it so annoying when YOU PEOPLE ruin the song with your cries. Why do they do this? This continued for about 10 minutes in the middle of dinner, which was definitely ruined by their shenanigans.

— Vallenato Vato Dear Boricua Paisa, Considering mariachi is OUR MUSIC, we can do whatever chingado we want while a group plays, and part of the music genre’s rich tradition is the ronca, the piercing yelps most gabachos know as “Ay yai yai” from the refrain of the standard, “Cielito Lindo.”

Women can join in ronqueando, but it’s mostly a macho thing, partly because a ronca is literally a mating call, but also because the emotive power of mariachi is supposed to turn men crazy, into drunken shouters, into sobbing messes—it’s “Freebird” writ large, but replacing the onanistic guitar solo with trumpets. If you want a genteel evening, ask for a trio—another fine Mexican musical style, but one where the audience is supposed to be as well-behaved as the Centre Court crowd at Wimbledon.

Ask the Mexican at themexican@ askamexican.net, myspace.com/ocwab, find him on Facebook, Twitter, or write via snail mail at: Gustavo Arellano, P.O. Box 1433, Anaheim, CA 92815-1433.

“The emotive power of mariachi is supposed to turn men crazy, into drunken shouters, into sobbing messes—it’s ‘Freebird’ writ large, but replacing the onanistic guitar solo with trumpets.”