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JACKSON HOLE’S ALTERNATIVE VOICE | PLANETJH.COM | JUNE 1-7, 2016

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By David Riedel

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

2 | JUNE 1, 2016

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JACKSON HOLE'S ALTERNATIVE VOICE

VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 21 | JUNE 1-7, 2016

10 COVER STORY MAKE IT POP! SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW A critic’s take on flicks you’ll remember and some you just won’t wait to forget.

Cover illustration by Derek Carlisle.

5

18 GET OUT

OPINION

6 THE BUZZ

19 WELL, THAT...

14 CREATIVE PEAKS

24 IMBIBE

16 MUSIC BOX

30 SATIRE

THE PLANET TEAM

ART DIRECTOR

COPY EDITOR

Cait Lee / art@planetjh.com

Jake Nichols

PUBLISHER

SALES DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Jen Tillotson / jen@planetjh.com

Matt Berman, Mike Bressler, Rob Brezsny, Patrick Chadwick, Meg Daly, Carol Mann, Andrew Munz, Jake Nichols, Scott Renshaw, David Riedel, Ted

Copperfield Publishing, John Saltas EDITOR

Robyn Vincent / editor@planetjh.com

SALES EXTRAORDINAIRE

Caroline Zieleniewski / caroline@planetjh.com

Scheffler, Chuck Shepherd, Tom Tomorrow, Aaron Wallis, Jim Woodmencey

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June 1, 2016

By Meteorologist Jim Woodmencey

J

une can be a wet month, averaging 1.63 inches of precipitation for the month.

Snowstorms that we might still see in May become a rarer occurrence by early June. However, you cannot count them totally out until about mid-June. Afternoon thunderstorms will provide most of the precipitation we see in the latter half of June. Average precipitation for the month of June is 1.63 inches. The wettest June ever was in 1967 with 4.82 inches in town.

SPONSORED BY GRAND TETON FLOOR & WINDOW COVERINGS

Average high temperatures this week are mid-30’s and we will be near or warmer than that this week. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Jackson during this first week of June was 19-degrees. That happened back on June 5th, 1966. Coldest we have seen in more recent times would be a low of 21-degrees on June 7th, 1995. Don’t sweat seeing temperatures that cold here this week, not a chance going that cold.

You will be able to sweat in the afternoons this week, as high temperatures reach well up into the 70’s. Nowhere near record highs, but certainly the warmest temperatures of the year, so far. We would have to make it all the way to 89-degrees to match the record hottest for this week. That happened on two days, the 4th & 5th of June, in 1988. That was the beginning of what would end up being a very long and very hot summer season.

NORMAL HIGH NORMAL LOW RECORD HIGH IN 1988 RECORD LOW IN 1966

68 35 89 19

THIS MONTH AVERAGE PRECIPITATION: 1.63 inches RECORD PRECIPITATION: 4.8 inches (1967) AVERAGE SNOWFALL: 0.1 inches RECORD SNOWFALL: 5 inches (1973)

Carpet - Tile - Hardwood - Laminate Blinds - Shades - Drapery Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm Open Tuesdays until 8pm 1705 High School Rd Suite 120 Jackson, WY 307-200-4195 www.tetonfloors.com | www.tetonblinds.com

JUNE 1, 2016 | 3

Jim has been forecasting the weather here for more than 20 years. You can find more Jackson Hole Weather information at www.mountainweather.com

WHAT’S COOL WHAT’S HOT

THIS WEEK

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

JH ALMANAC

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

4 | JUNE 1, 2016

FROM OUR READERS Save a Bison, Euthanize a Local

“Does someone around here not like tourists?”

“What do you mean?”

“Does someone at this restaurant not like tourists? While we were having dinner just now, someone put a bumper sticker on our car that says ‘Save a bison calf, euthanize a tourist.’”

Seriously, Jackson? Is that what we’re doing now—vandalizing the vehicles of the people who come to this town because it’s beautiful and they think it would be a great place to visit for a week. That’s so awesome!

What a great way to spend some free time on a Saturday evening, slapping bumper stickers on random cars to make fellow earthlings feel bad about being somewhere other than their hometown.

It’s not like anyone in Jackson came from anywhere else to live here. It’s not like anyone in Jackson travels every off-season to some developing country and expects their hosts to speak English, provide excellent customer service and astonishingly great deals along with a smile. It’s not like all the money in this town comes from tourism since there’s no resource extraction, manufacturing, or tech industry here. There are literally thousands of small towns in the Rockies that don’t have a tourist-based economy, and Jackson cynics can leave their river/ski hill/restaurant jobs and go mine for coal if they’d prefer not to live near the national parks and major ski resort.

On the flip side, it was well intentioned but really foolish to put a “cold” bison calf in the back of a car and take it away from its herd. It’s also ludicrous to take selfies with wild animals from arm’s reach away, or try and ride moose, or do any number of ill-advised things people do when they come here. But are we going to purposefully make visitors feel like they’re not welcome, like they’re boneheads, like they are, how shall I put it, lesser than we “true” Jacksonites because they haven’t been here more than three weeks/seasons/years/generations?

I’ll admit, the bumper sticker itself is pretty funny... on your own car, you vandal trash. The irony of the situation is that the violated vehicle belongs to people who were born here and are raising a family here.

What’s even more ironic is that the sticker was probably placed there by some transplant from the South/Midwest/Vermont/ California.

- Frankie McCarthy, Jackson

Sliding Questions

The Federal Income Tax filing deadline has passed. It was a bit confusing this year because the date was shifted three days by a federal holiday in Washington, DC. As confusing as that sounds, it was simple compared to the nuances of the taxes we face daily. Do you know how many taxes and fees you pay each day? With just a little bit of research you can find about a dozen or so that you may be subject to at any one time.

Starting today, however, I will focus on the local Sales Excise Taxes, what we commonly refer to as sales tax. What makes this discussion so important and unique today is that in a few short months, in August and November, YOU will have the opportunity to vote regarding some aspects of the local sales taxes.

For some background information, the Federal government cannot impose a general sales or use tax, but it can impose some excise taxes. If you buy motor fuel, you know of one. Only the states impose sales tax, but five do not. I will bet you know of one or two nearby states that have no sales tax. The 45 states that do have a tax run from 2.9 to 7.5 percent basic rate, with some states adding special area or application taxes - like a resort area tax - that run the highest state’s composite rate to 13.5 percent. As citizens with some money to spend, we are never far removed from the tax man. I recall what some past wit had to say about death and taxes.

Now that we have a bit of information on the size and reach of some state sales taxes, the legitimate question is what are these funds used for, and what are the reasons stated for imposing the taxation? Some uses are just for general operations—think of it as an allowance given to the jurisdictions, just like you got from Mom and Dad when you were young. That worked fine with you and your parents as long as the use was reasonable and the amount was not too excessive.

However, things change as time goes by, as we are about to discuss.

Some uses for tax revenue can be for sudden unanticipated expenses; if you have a flat tire on your bike you turn to the bank of Dad for the funds. Some tax uses may be punitive or to control social activity, like sin taxes on tobacco or alcohol. While we are discussing some esoteric ideas, the term “need” often comes up when justifying a tax for some use. Please remember that “need” is a subjective quantity, it goes with the term “want,” while “use” is clearly objective. Later we will discuss the emotional need for which we want to collect a tax for a targeted use.

Your first opportunity to chime in on a requested tax will be the proposed August vote on the SPET (Specific Purpose Excise Tax). In March 2016, the town council and county commission unanimously approved a resolution to place a proposition on the primary ballot in August, to fund the

stabilization of the landslide above West Broadway, formerly the Budge Drive Slide.

That SPET resolution placed a $6 million amount in the request. The town has said that $6M is the only additional funds needed to mitigate the town side of the slide, and that other funds have been obtained, or are expected from other sources, to satisfy the estimated $10 million total west side mitigation costs. The east half of the slide will be the responsibility of Walgreens and its associates. To put this expense into perspective, in late 2015 the town had identified 17 potential SPET requests for funding totaling nearly $150 million.

What sets the Budge Drive Specific Purpose request apart from others? I would like “Specific” in SPET to be replaced with SPECIAL. Budge Drive is certainly special, the slide area represents a Sword of Damocles hanging above our heads. It is moving very slowly and though an eyesore, it appears to not be an immediate danger to the area. However, responsible geological sources have assured us it could become a climax slide into and through West Broadway. I need not spell out the problems that would cause. Information on the history of the landslide, its natural and probable manmade triggers, is elegantly presented by geologist Peter Ward on the web at jacksonwy.swagit.com/play/04182014-632 As Ward explained, for the past 60 years or more, several individuals and agencies have done things at the site of the Budge Slide to probably exacerbate the situation. If you poke at something long enough, eventually it will bite you. We have been bitten and we need to resolve this problem now, while it is still relatively benign, and continue to seek reimbursement from those historical pokers. The Budge Drive Slide is a Very Special Purpose to be dealt with now.

The probability of a climax slide may be low but the potential damage from it is severe. That makes the threat quite real and serious. Under these conditions it is easy to see the real “need” for mitigation of the slide, because we “want” to be free of the threat and can “use” the money for the mitigation. The idea here is to fix it now, while still seeking reimbursement from others for the cost.

In the future, I hope to discuss a few possible Specific Purpose requests, none of which are so Special and perhaps do not rise to the level that the SPET was originally designed to satisfy. After that I will discuss the general spend-and-tax spiral we find ourselves in, what causes it, under what authority and how to deal with it.

This will not be a quick fix. Stay tuned.

- Bob Culver, Jackson

Send your thoughts to editor@planetjh.com.

GUEST OPINION The Muddy Depths of Democracy An inside look at the Cowboy State’s democratic process during the Wyoming Dem Convention.

BY AARON WALLIS

T

he last time I voted it was for Bob Dole. I grew up in an Evangelical Christian family. Unlike Bill Clinton, I had never gotten a blowjob and frankly didn’t know any better. The Occupy movement and a few more years passed. Then Bernie happened and volunteering was a gateway drug that got me into the hard stuff—the Wyoming State Democratic Convention. Similar to a drug bender, attending the state convention cost me about $750 and I have little to show for it. Except perhaps for the first time in my life, I had a clear understanding of how democracy works… or does not work.

Teton County’s Hank Phibbs was pulled into a closed-door meeting to discuss the Kusaba Petition Friday morning when the platform committee was short members. The Kusaba Petition could be the title of an unpublished Robert Ludlum novel, but it is also a compelling letter by delegate Richard Kusaba alleging that the state party violated its own bylaws in allocating delegates and subsequently shorting Bernie Sanders. To avoid a fight on the convention floor, both campaigns agreed to the state party’s plan forwarding the Kusaba petition to the DNC for review.

The platform committee, which I found myself on to fill Phibbs’ seat, was slated to meet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We had 16 sections to cover with riveting titles such as “Health Care.”

The meeting proceeded with countless motions, objections and arguing over the most ridiculous minutia of wording in careful observance of Robert’s Rules of Order. We spent

Please support keeping abortion safe and legal.

In a major victory for the Sanders camp, Jackson’s own Jessica Chambers was deservedly elected national committeewoman. I was so impressed by Gierau’s gesture in the platform committee that I voted for him in spite of his being a superdelgate and Clinton supporter. But it wasn’t enough to save Gierau’s gig, as Sanders supporters rallied around Jon Gardzelewski for national committeeman.

In theory, the caucus for national delegates should have been a relatively painless process. In reality, numerous ballot mistakes for district level national delegates bogged the process to a contested four-hour marathon, during which the Sanders camp held an impromptu open mic sesh led by Samantha Rise.

Every year something has gone wrong with ballots, the excuse has generally been an overworked state party comprised of only three employees. So I certainly didn’t blame the resulting complicated and legal system of account transfers state party leaders chose when they snagged some money from the Hillary Victory Fund to hire an additional employee.

The meeting approached its conclusion when Captain Ed’s group proposed switching from a caucus to a primary system. I don’t have room here to explain the difference. Once again, Matthew rose and implored the body: “The people of Wyoming elected you to represent them. You don’t just get to go home because you are tired.” The meeting then devolved into chaos when most of the body chose to go home because they were exactly that: tired.

I briefly attended the Nellie Tayloe Ross Gala with the “party elites.” At this point I was completely exhausted, hoarse and constipated from the cuisine at the Little America.

I found better refuge with a small contingent of Sanders supporters in the restaurant. The two groups were in sharp contrast. The Sanders contingent felt our state party had no interest in hearing what they had to say or including them in the process.

Do I think it’s important to be involved with the Wyoming Democratic Party? Absolutely. It’s the only chance we have to expand Medicaid and send Liz Cheney back to Virginia. But I came into this process as an anarchist with zero expectation of effecting change in the party structure.

And now I understand how utterly disheartening it is when idealism comes crashing into party procedure. PJH Send comments to editor@planetjh.com.

RABBIT ROW REPAIR WE SERVICE THEM ALL …

Choice Take away a woman’s right to choose and she’s left to take matters into her own hands.

Paid for by the KCR Coalition for Pro-Choice Kristyne Crane Rupert | www.naral.org.

4 2 8 0 W. L E E P E R • W I L S O N • 3 0 7 - 7 3 3 - 4 3 3 1

JUNE 1, 2016 | 5

IT’S PRO-CHOICE OR NO-CHOICE.

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

PR

about 45 minutes debating whether, if by endorsing universal health care as a basic human right, we would be suggesting a replacement of the Affordable Care Act. By 2 p.m. we had skipped our lunchtime recess and I was crabby. Matthew, a young man from Laramie County, approached me with a plank endorsing worker-owned cooperatives. Now, I’m a socialist, but pragmatically I did not want to slow the meeting down from our current snail’s pace. All planks are supposed to be drawn from county level party platforms. Laramie County delegates didn’t know if the plank was actually in their county platform.

Since Matthew did not have standing on the platform committee he was not allowed to speak. In an extremely magnanimous gesture, Teton County’s Mike Gierau addressed the committee’s chair in support of Matthew’s right to be heard. As a member with standing, I then proposed the plank for inclusion and the motion carried. Like America’s involvement in the Middle East, the meeting dragged on, interminably, until well after midnight.

Saturday morning began with breakfast and speeches by candidates for our national delegate. In what was either a simple clerical error or a conspiracy reaching to the highest levels of the state party, my name was not on the list. I was allowed to speak next to last—to a half empty room. It seemed like a good time to denounce Hillary Clinton’s support for our “wars of aggression against oppressed peoples.” Afterward, I was thanked by some old 1960s radicals, including a guy named Bob. Bob was in the front row at a protest in ‘68 when the police attacked the crowd and beat the protesters. The support meant so much more to me than actually having a chance of going to Philadelphia.

The main convention wore on after breakfast like the U.S. intervention in Southeast Asia. A large contingent of Sanders supporters led by Captain Ed sought to include more planks in the state platform, essentially duplicating the work of the platform committee. Out went Thomas Jefferson, replaced by Alexander Hamilton, but the document still lacked the flair of either. Mercifully, I ended up sitting next to Representative Andy Schwartz who has a wicked sense of humor.

A senior member of the Sanders delegation who shall remain nameless called the state party platform “political fluff.” The main body lost patience and voted to suspend Robert’s Rules and approve the party platform in its entirety.

This led to several angry and justified outbursts.

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

6 | JUNE 1, 2016

THE BUZZ Mayor Sara Flitner

Pulse on Politics A first glance at the candidates vying to lead, represent the valley.

BY JAKE NICHOLS

T

he field of candidates for local office is set with the passing of last Friday’s deadline. Every local race— county commission, town council and mayor—will be a contested one with more eager bodies than seats. This week, The Planet takes a quick first look at government closest to the people here in the valley.

Mayor Four hopefuls have made their intentions known to become Jackson’s next mayor and the first ever to serve a four-year term. The town council agreed to extend the term of mayor from two to four years in November 2014. Councilman Jim Stanford, who originally voted against the change, promised at the time that the next mayoral election “ought to be really interesting.” He’s right.

The race to lead Jackson from 2017 to 2021 includes the incumbent, a former vice-mayor, a former challenger, and a political newcomer. Sara Flitner won the mayoral election in November 2014 over Mark Nowlin by a razor-thin margin, 1,455 to 1,415. Nowlin called for a recount but Flitner prevailed.

Stephen McDonald, who garnered 101 total votes in a last place primary runoff in August 2014, will once again challenge Flitner.

Longtime council member Mark Obringer has been oh, so close in attempts to return to the political realm after serving four consecutive terms on the town council from 1996 to 2012. He also served as vice mayor to Mark Barron during one of those terms. Obringer was edged out of a five-peat in the 2012 primary by eventual winner Hailey Morton Levinson and Jim Stanford. He also missed the cut for the general ballot for county commission by a single vote in August 2014.

Pete Muldoon has been rattling his saber for a year. He launched the blogspot “Outside the Hole” in May 2015 with the inaugural story headline: “Do You Have A Right To Live In Jackson Hole?” Muldoon went on to write a regular opinion column for The Planet. He’s also been visible on the political scene as a Bernie Sanders campaigner and regularly attends town meetings where he has spoken on numerous issues.

Jessica Sell Chambers

Pete Muldoon

Sara Flitner, 49, has lived in the valley for 25 years. She is married to Bill Wotkyns. The couple has two teenage sons, Pete and Silas. Flitner is the owner and founder of Flitner Strategies, a collaborative problem-solving/communication strategy firm.

“I have two decades of experience leading parties through complex conflicts. I have experience working on critical issues like housing, conservation, and community character—paired with patience, humor and an eye on results,” Flitner said. “I will listen, be pragmatic, and continue to get results. I meant what I said about collaborating. I am results-driven, but committed to hearing all of the information. Being fair and transparent is critical.”

Tagline: “She gets it done—in a nice way.”

Pete Muldoon, 43, has lived in Jackson Hole for the past 16 years. He is single. Muldoon co-owns a small music production company. He is also a member of the local band Major Zephyr and works part-time for SkyWest Airlines.

“For years, Jackson’s elected officials have bowed to the desires of the elite and their lobbyists, and the result has been out-of-control growth, which has led to a housing emergency, traffic nightmares, and a reduction in the quality of life for our working and middle classes,” Muldoon said. “It’s time for us to go in a new direction before it’s too late. We desperately need leaders who are not afraid to stand up to those who put profits ahead of people, and find real solutions to our very real problems.”

Tagline: “We’re a town, not a business.”

Stephen A. McDonald

in art, culture and new ideas. With an inclusive approach to the public process we can focus on a vision of Jackson that is based on a unifying action plan.”

Tagline: “Mark O for mayor!”

Town Council

The race for town council features two openings with both incumbents wanting to keep their seats. Their rivals are fresh faces to elected office but have been involved in politics.

Hailey Morton Levinson obliterated the field in 2012 as top vote getter in the primary and general elections. Jim Stanford placed a comfortable second ahead of Phil Cameron and Jim Genzer.

Judd Grossman, a self-described activist since the ‘80s, has been increasingly involved and vocal in the local political arena. He is joined by Jessica Sell Chambers who has rocketed to notoriety in the local Democratic Party. Anne Schuler rounds out the field. The small business owner is new to politics but brings a financial background and a history of volunteerism.

Stephen A. McDonald, 48, has lived in the valley for 25 years. He’s married with four children. McDonald is a ski boot fitter. He is a small business owner with 25-plus years experience in that arena.

“I want to protect Jackson from big business threatening to overdevelop and strip mine our precious jewel for shortterm profit,” McDonald said.

Tagline: “Housing.”

Hailey Morton Levinson, 30, is a local product. She is married to Nate Levinson. The couple welcomed their first child, Ari, in November 2015. Morton Levinson has served on the council for three and a half years. She is currently the assistant innkeeper at Inn on the Creek, her family’s business.

“I am invested in Jackson’s past and dedicated to Jackson’s future,” Morton Levinson said. “Jackson is the heart of this valley. With great environmental wonders at our fingertips, Jackson has attracted a wide variety of highly educated and motivated individuals, all with a common love of this beautiful place. I know Jackson is where I want to raise my family, where I want to make a difference in the community, and where the special combination of environment, economic viability, and community focus will continue to attract great people.’

Tagline: “A balanced approach.”

Mark Obringer, 63, has lived in East Jackson for 28 years.

He is married to Mary Obringer. The two have a son Max, 29. Obringer started Precision Builders when he moved to Jackson. He served on the town council for 16 years. Before that he spent a term on the planning commission that helped form the 1994 Comp Plan. He launched the nonprofit Imagine Jackson in 2004.

“My goal is to focus on Jackson as a community not a commodity. Remember, Jackson is about people; we came for the place but stayed for the people,” Obringer said. “[We need to] learn from our predecessors. We are a community rooted

Jim Stanford, 45, has been a county resident since 1992.

He lives in East Jackson with his fiancée, Abbie, and their dog, Camille. Stanford is a freelance writer, photographer and editor. He has spent the past 16 summers as a boatman for Barker-Ewing.

“Four years ago, I pledged to be a strong, independent voice on the council, and I have done just that,” Stanford said. “[I will continue to] protect what we love about Jackson Hole, while planning for a quality future.”

Stanford cited his involvement in getting new sidewalks built, starting the airport shuttle, creating a dog park, and

Anne Schuler

Commissioner Natalia Duncan Macker

Sandy Shuptrine

Mark Obringer

Councilwoman Hailey Morton Levinson

Councilman Jim Stanford

work toward providing more housing. He is calling on residents to join him in supporting the August tax vote for stabilizing the landslide above West Broadway, as well as the November vote for using a penny of general sales tax for community priorities such as housing and transportation.

Tagline: [“Let’s go Mets!”] The candidate does not use campaign signs or slogans.

our community and economy. We need to smartly address growth in order to retain and replenish our workforce. I support ideas that allow individuals and businesses to prosper.

I have respect for the people who have made Jackson great and I want to make sure we retain the character of this great community as it grows.”

Tagline: “For Schuler, for sure!”

Judd Grossman, 54, has lived in the valley for 36 years.

He is married to Mary Grossman with two children—Esther, 19, and Isaac, 15. Grossman is the co-founder and former co-owner of Planet Jackson Hole Weekly. He was also a town planner in the 1990s and works today as a local musician.

“The general excise tax increase is a boondoggle. Local government wants a blank check to double down on failed policies,” Grossman said. “Taxpayer subsidized housing for the private sector is corporate welfare. I propose that we implement a Workforce Housing Overlay to provide meaningful zoning incentives for employment based deed restricted housing in the walkable urban core of Jackson.”

Tagline: “Let’s get Jackson back on track.”

Board of County Commissioners Hopeful commissioners total six for two open seats.

Current BCC chair Barbara Allen-R will not seek another term. Natalia Duncan Macker-D will. The field—split evenly between three Democrats and three Republicans—also includes a former commissioner, a former town planner, and three newcomers to politics.

Anne Schuler, 50, has spent the past 13 years in the valley. She is single with one dog. Schuler owns and manages Brilliantly Done, a cleaning service in Jackson that employs 18 people. She has a background in finance and accounting where she worked for Citibank and JP Morgan Chase from 1987 until 2002. She has been a Soroptimist member since 2003, serving as board president for two terms. She is also the board treasurer of the Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center and previously served on the Old Wilson School Community Center board.

“I bring a new set of skills to the town council; a fresh and positive voice in leadership,” Schuler said. “I will employ my financial background and business experience in decision making. [I want to] focus on continuing to strengthen

Sandy Shuptrine-D, 71, has lived in Teton County for 45 years. She is married to Dick Shuptrine and together the couple has an organic produce business. They have two children—Shannon and Carl—who both teach at local schools.

Shuptrine is the supervisor for the Teton Conservation District. She served on the BCC from 1991 to 2003. She chaired the Teton County Solid Waste Advisory Committee and is co-founder of Jackson Community Recycling.

“It is a time in my life when I am able to put my experience and energy to work for Teton County again. As a practiced listener, problem-solver and decision-maker, I hope to assist in bringing constructive progress to the community. I am offering that choice to voters,” Shuptrine said. “Our natural resources are fundamental to our economy, quality of life and

Greg Epstein

Nikki Gill

Lisa daCosta-R, 51, has lived in Jackson Hole for 23 years.

She is single with no kids. daCosta currently serves as the local business advisor for the Wyoming Entrepreneur Small Business Development Center. She also has experience managing large budgets. She served on the town planning commission from 2005 to 2010. She made a failed run at county assessor in 2010.

“We need to refocus on the Comprehensive plan’s primary values of natural resource and wildlife conservation, and preservation of community character,” daCosta said. “We need to get back to basics—all of our county departments must provide timely and effective services to the public.”

Tagline: “She wins, we win.”

Greg Epstein-D, 45, was born and raised in Jackson Hole.

He is a department head at Teton Gravity Research, managing a staff of 10. Epstein is also the current president of Friends of Pathways.

“The two most significant issues currently facing the town and county include affordable workforce housing and optimizing Jackson Hole’s transportation system,” Epstein said.

“These two matters must be integrated into Teton County’s current comprehensive plan mission. [These] issues will require long-term vision and careful deliberation to keep the fabric of our community intact.”

Tagline: “Balancing Jackson Hole’s character and community.”

Nikki Gill-R, 28, is a local product. She is married to Rob Ottaway. Gill is director of marketing and sales for her family’s Jackson Hole Hereford Ranch. She is also the commercial real estate manager for her family’s holdings. Gill is the granddaughter of Ralph, former commissioner and mayor.

“Just like the four generations of my family who lived in Jackson before me, I care deeply about our community,” Gill said. “I plan to fight to maintain the community character that makes Jackson so special. The working families, middle class and local businesses that make-up our community core are the ones most affected by our housing crisis. If we lose these groups, we lose the heart and soul of Jackson Hole.”

Tagline: “A voice for the valley.”

Trey Davis III-R, 45, moved to the valley in the late 1990s.

He is married to town attorney Audrey Cohen-Davis. The couple has two kids—son Jordan and daughter Hudson. Together they own Sweetwater Restaurant.

Davis could not respond in time for press deadline. PJH

Trey Davis III

JUNE 1, 2016 | 7

Lisa daCosta

experience, and I intend to look out for them.”

Tagline: [None provided].

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

Jessica Sell Chambers, 34, has lived in Jackson for six years. She is married to Reed Chambers. The couple is guardian of brother, Luke, 16, and parents of McCrae, 22 months.

Sell Chambers is a stay-at-home mom. She is a Model United Nations consultant and a National Committeewomanelect to the Democratic Party where she recently attended the state convention as a 2016 delegate.

“People that work here need to be able to live and vote here, and we’re teetering on either enabling that or further disabling that,” Sell Chambers said. “The choices we make now will determine whether this is a diverse community that we live in and love or just another soulless point on the map.”

Tagline: “Community candidate, community first.”

Natalia Duncan Macker-D, 32, has been a resident of Hoback Nation since 2011. She is married to Thomas Macker, Art Association gallery director, with a two-year-old son.

Macker is a producer and performer for stage and screen currently serving as artistic director of Off Square Theatre Company. She also has experience as a paralegal and fundraising consultant. Macker made a run at State Legislature in 2014 for the House District 22 seat. She was appointed twice to the Parks and Recreation board. Macker was also appointed by the Governor in 2015 to serve a 4-year term on the Land Quality Advisory board for the DEQ. “I’m running for reelection to the board of county commissioners because I want my son and all of our children to grow in an open community full of opportunity with access to the wonders of the natural world,” Macker said. “We are teetering out of balance and need action now so our children can live, work, and play in the Teton County we all know and love.”

Tagline: “A working mom for working families…”

Judd Grossman

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

8 | JUNE 1, 2016

People With Issues

NEWS OF THE

WEIRD

Ms. Pixee Fox reported in May that she was recovering nicely from cosmetic rib-removal surgery, performed by one of the few doctors in the world who offers it (Dr. Barry Eppley of Carmel, Ind.).

Though she has had more than a dozen “beautifying” procedures, she had trouble finding a surgeon who would agree to take out six “free-floating” ribs (ones not attached to the sternum). Born in Sweden, she gave up a career as a trained electrician to come to the United States and pursue her goal of looking “like a cartoon character”—which she has surely achieved with her now16-inch waist.

EMAIL ONLY: A COVER LETTER, RESUME AND WRITING SAMPLES TO EDITOR@PLANETJH.COM

This correction appeared in The New York Times print edition of May 10: “Because of an editing error, an article on Monday (May 9) about a theological battle being fought by Muslim imams and scholars in the West against the Islamic State misstated the Snapchat handle used by Suhaib Webb, one of the Muslim leaders speaking out. It is imamsuhaibwebb, not Pimpin4Paradise786.”

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Triple Crown winner American Pharoah earned an estimated $8.6 million racing but, now retired, could earn as much as $35 million just by having sex. Stallions reportedly can breed into their 20s, and the horse, now barely age 4, will have 175 conquests by the end of this summer, according to a May report by CNBC. One industry worker said Pharoah has put on weight, spends his spare time peaceably eating grass, and “looks more like a relaxed horse.” A spokesman for the Kentucky farm now housing Pharoah said he “has proven to be very professional in the breeding shed.”

The Keystone Fellowship Church in North Wales, Pa., has a tradition of congregants reserving pew seats by leaving Bibles in place, but worshipper Robert Braxton, 27, was having none of that on April 24 and took a saved seat anyway. Witnesses told Philadelphia’s WCAU-TV that when one church member gently tapped Braxton on the shoulder to inform him of the tradition, Braxton snapped at him and became disruptive. Congregant Mark Storms, 46, flashed a gun and confronted Braxton, who punched Storms, adding, “That’s not a real gun” and “What are you going to do, shoot me?” Storms, contending that he felt threatened, fired two shots, killing Braxton, and was charged with voluntary manslaughter.

W PO AN RT TE ER D

Complained one frustrated lecturer, “We can’t remove sexual offenses from the criminal law syllabus—obviously.”

n Amateurs: Government agencies trying, legally or not, to hide details from public inquiries under freedom-of-information demands usually resort to indelibly blackening out what they do not want revealed. The Public Health Agency of Canada, however, recently tried a unique method, according to an Associated Press correspondent. The AP had requested files on the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and, revealed reporter Raphael Satter, the documents finally arrived from the PHA with parts carefully “redacted”—using “Scotch tape and paper.” Satter reported that he got everything the AP had asked for by merely peeling the tape back. (A Dallas Morning News reporter, commenting on Satter’s experience, wrote, “Canadians are so nice.”)

Leading Economic Indicators

RE

By CHUCK SHEPHERD

The Moscow Times reported in May that bailiffs in Russia’s Perm region, employing originality as yet unseen in America in attempting to collect an overdue debt, arrested the debtor’s cat. The bailiffs listed the feline’s value at the equivalent of $23, and the man came up with that sum the next day and took the cat home. The Federal Bailiffs Service explained that all the other “property” in the apartment was in other people’s names. n In Oregon, Shannon Egeland, 41, already convicted in 2014 of running a mortgage-fraud operation during the 2004-2008 real-estate boom, pleaded guilty in May 2016 to the subsequent crime of deliberately having himself shot to gain his judge’s sympathy (and to collect on disability insurance he had purchased the week before).

Egeland, scheduled to start a 10-year sentence for the 2014 conviction, told the judge he had been assaulted by gunfire when he stopped in traffic to help a pregnant woman, but in reality he had ordered his teenage son to shoot him in the legs with a 20-gauge shotgun.

New World Order

German soldiers participating in a four-week NATO exercise in Norway earlier this year apparently had to abort their efforts days earlier than other countries—because Germany’s defense minister, Ursula von der Leyen, had imposed strict rules on overtime pay. Soldiers are to work no more than 41 hours a week, she said, according to revelations by London’s Daily Telegraph. n Britain’s venerable Oxford University issued a formal suggestion to law lecturers recently that they give “trigger warnings” (and allow classroom absences) if the class subject matter might be unpleasant to some students.

King Cove, Alaska, population 923, lies between two massive volcanic mountains on one of the Aleutian Islands, unconnected to other civilization and 625 miles from any medical facility (in Anchorage), “accessible” only by a weather-challenging “puddle-jumper” airplane to Cold Bay for a connecting flight. About two-thirds of the residents have flying anxieties so severe that King Cove has a makeshift vending machine dispensing Valium. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has campaigned to build a road to Cold Bay to eliminate the nerve-wracking flights, but it would disturb a federally protected wilderness, and the U.S. Interior Department has so far declined. (Unconsidered: Channel the late Sam Kinison, who implored starving Ethiopians to just “mo-o-o-ove!” since food doesn’t grow in the desert.)

Armed and Dangerous in the F State

Michael Blevins, 37, reported to Florida Hospital in Orange City (near Daytona Beach) in May after finally realizing, three days after the fact, that he had shot himself while cleaning his handgun. He said he was on pain medication and besides, was wearing a black shirt that obscured blood stains. He said he had felt a sharp pain but that, mainly, it had aggravated his back injury, causing him to fall and hit his head against a coffee table, and thus was not aware of the origin of the loud noise the .22-caliber handgun made. Deputies investigated briefly, but closed the case.

Update

Annual Chinese “Tombsweeping” celebrations have made News of the Weird several times, most recently in 2008 when the government reinstated it as an official holiday. (Traditionally, people brought jewelry and other valuables to ancestors’ gravesites for burial with the body, thus theoretically “enriching” the relative’s afterlife.) In recent years, during economic turbulence, some brought only paper images of valuables (or just left signed checks—”generous” checks!). Now, a retail market has developed of ultra-cheap knock-off upscale items, such as fake Gucci shoes, computers, big-screen TV sets, and even one full-size “air-conditioner” (because, perhaps, it may be “hot” where the deceased is headed?). A Hong Kong representative for Gucci has issued warnings against trademark abuse, even though the flimsy fakes are hardly convincing.

Thanks this week to the News of the Weird Board of Editorial Advisors.

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

JUNE 1, 2016 | 9

summer movie preview

By David Riedel @ThaRid

A critic’s take on flicks you’ll remember and some you just won’t wait to forget.

I

n the summer of 1983, I was 8 years old, and there was one movie that mattered to my friends and me: Return of the Jedi. We cared so much about Jedi that we didn’t mind it when Jason Smalls saw it May 25— opening night—then came to school the next day and told us in art class that Yoda died.

Jason told us the Ewoks were dumb. It didn’t matter. No, we had to see, hear, ingest Return of the Jedi, no matter how many spoilers came our way. Everyone else was seeing it, and we needed to, too. Little League games would suck if your teammates were in the dugout saying they had a bad feeling about the other team and you had no idea what they meant.

We didn’t know or care about any other movie that year. We were too innocent to be excited about Flashdance and too young to understand The Outsiders. We didn’t think about Trading Places because kids our age didn’t watch Eddie Murphy on Saturday Night Live and Dan Aykroyd was some old dude our parents liked.

So when my dad took my brother and me to the absolutely enormous (and long since closed) Holiday Theatre in Fort Wayne, Ind., to see Return of the Jedi on a Saturday in June, it was, up to that point, one of the greatest days of my life. The auditorium was sold-out. Some of the kids had seen Jedi a couple times before. Some, like me, were first-timers. I know Return of the Jedi isn’t the first movie I saw in a theater, but it’s the first I remember.

What I didn’t remember at the time was Star Wars or The Empire Strikes Back. It made no sense to me that, as Jedi opens, Han Solo was frozen in carbonite or that Leia and Lando were disguised, but that didn’t keep the experience from being totally thrilling. Even when the film crapped out during Luke and Darth Vader’s lightsaber duel, the crowd didn’t freak or go bananas—I just talked to my older brother about how cool the speeder chase was—even if the five minutes it took for the projectionist to splice the reel back together seemed interminable. The experience was singular and there are few other cinema experiences I remember so vividly.

For kids these days—yes, kids these days—life is much, much different. It’s not better or worse, but it’s different. So far in 2016, there have been at least six blockbusters—Captain America: Civil War, The Jungle Book, that crap-train Batman v. Superman: Dawn of My Butt, Kung Fu Panda 3, Deadpool (though hopefully most 8-year-olds haven’t seen it) and Zootopia. I can’t imagine knowing I had to see six blockbusters at the age of 8. My head would have exploded. At 41, the thought of seeing that many summer special-effects fests makes me want to down a dozen Percocet, pound a tallboy and sleep until the autumn prestige films see release.

And six movies is just the beginning. There are more gigantic studio flicks being unleashed upon us before the end of August. This weekend alone, there are two—count ’em, TWO—giant sequels hitting the screens: X-Men: Apocalypse and Alice Through the Looking Glass.

So how will anyone keep this baloney straight? Well, by reading my snark- and hate-filled list of upcoming picture shows, that’s how! Here’s what’s coming to a giant multiplex of corporate greed near you. As always, release dates are subject to change.

Now in Theaters

JUNE 3

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

This movie screened for critics ages ago because it’s already showing in Europe, but it’s not like we Americans read their press. But here’s a spoiler: It’s a terrible movie. Sorry. The worst thing studio executives did was give the X-Men franchise back to Bryan Singer, who is a hack if there ever was one. Singer hasn’t made a watchable movie since X-Men 2, and between now and then he helmed X-Men: Days of Future Past, Jack the Giant Slayer, Valkyrie and Superman Returns. All too long, all crummy, especially Jack, which is one of the muddiest looking major releases in a long time.

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

X-Men: Apocalypse

20th CENTURY FOX

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

10 | JUNE 1, 2016

Make it

Alice Through the Looking Glass

Is it just me or does Johnny Depp look like Elijah Wood in this series? That’s not a complaint, but why not just hire Wood?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

The first film wasn’t execrable, just close. But did anyone demand a sequel? In stranger news, Laura Linney is in this movie.

LAURA LINNEY! What the hell kind of world are we living in? This must be how my grandparents felt when they saw Alec Guinness was in Star Wars. There are worse prophecies than the mothman’s, I guess. Anyway, you can’t not make a sequel to a movie that grossed nearly a half-billion dollars worldwide during its original release. I mean, just think of the merchandising potential!

LES FILMS DU POISSON

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT

JUNE 24

Now You See Me 2

The Lonely Island has a place in my heart for “Lazy Sunday.”

There’s also the song from SNL with the Andy Samberg character super high on coke, and Hot Rod is underrated. That aside, I don’t know that mining movies such as Katy Perry: Part of Me can provide comedy, unless the awkward Russell Brand moments are inspiration.

JUNE 10

I know. I’m the only person who wants to see this documentary.

Ladies and gentleman, step right up and watch $12.50 disappear from your pocket! Oy. You may remember Now You See Me as the movie everyone saw but nobody liked, but studio executives remember it as a cash cow. Hence Now Your See Me 2 (originally called Now You See Me, Now You Don’t, a much better, but still not great, title). Isla Fisher has taken a powder, Lizzy Caplan fills her shoes and Daniel Radcliffe doesn’t play Harry Potter. Let’s hope the magic movies evaporate into thin air after this one ends its run.

20th CENTURY FOX

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words

Independence Day: Resurgence

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Warcraft My God. No.

JUNE 17 Finding Dory

I’m a big believer in not sequelizing Pixar movies. For each Toy Story 2 or Toy Story 3, there’s a Cars 2 or Monsters University. Still, Finding Nemo is delightful, and Ellen DeGeneres’ Dory is arguably the best part of that film, so why not give her a story of her own? But can we get Idris Elba into a live-action role in 2016 that isn’t a Star Trek movie? Is Bastille Day ever going to make it stateside?

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

The Conjuring 2

Not-super-scary ending aside, The Conjuring was creepy as shit, and a little horror goes a long way in a summer full of superheroes and sequels. Of course, this movie is a sequel, but it’s a horror sequel, and those are never bad or never-ending.

Central Intelligence

Blake Lively. Surfing. A shark. Uninspiring special effects in the trailer. I’m not convinced, especially after its release date was pushed back, presumably to avoid getting crushed by Independence Day: Resurgence. But Lively proved with The Age of Adaline she can carry a movie, so maybe the shark won’t have such easy pickins, eh?

6 Continued

JUNE 1, 2016 | 11

The Rock and Kevin Hart star in this wacky madcap caper in which The Rock is a former nerd turned muscled CIA agent, and Hart is a nerdy accountant. If it sounds like Hart’s role is similar to the roles he played in Ride Along, Ride Along 2 and Get Hard, that’s because it sounds like Hart’s role is similar to the roles he played in Ride Along, Ride Along 2 and Get Hard. But the trailer looks notterrible and I have faith in most things Dwayne Johnson. Until I saw the marketing, which features the immortal line, “Saving the world takes a little Hart and a big Johnson.” Har har.

The Shallows

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe were drunks, and Max Perkins (Colin Firth) was their editor at Scribner. Wanna guess how many gin-soaked nights these guys spent together? Hemingway called Perkins “his trusted friend” and outlived him by 14 years, so who knows exactly how this movie ends? Plus, Hemingway is played by Dominic West, best known to American audiences as McNulty on “The Wire,” so you can bet Hemingway won’t be boring on screen. Be warned: For every good movie about writers (Naked Lunch, Barton Fink), there are two bad ones (Agatha, The Words, Secret Window, Finding Forrester).

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

Genius

JUNE 29

COLUMBIA PICTURES

SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT

Is it cheating to write, “My God. No,” on two capsules? The only reason we like Independence Day is because we’re starting to fondly remember the 1990s. But I can assure your initial thoughts were correct: Independence Day was, and still is, a piece of shit. I guess after Stonewall, Roland Emmerich figured anything was an improvement.

summer movie preview

Yep, Stellan Skarsgård is still more compelling than his son, even if this Russian Mafia vs. British Secret Service tale sounds more contrived than Hardcore Henry but without the firstperson camera gimmick. John Le Carré, who wrote the novel on which the screenplay is based, is part of the old spy novel vanguard, so perhaps I shouldn’t be so persnickety.

JULY 8

Any pet fans will probably be suckers for this one. But be warned: The Despicable Me gang is behind this one, so if absolute zaniness and throw-a-milliongags-at-the-wall-and-see-whatsticks filmmaking isn’t for you— and those people exist—you may want to skip it.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

The Legend of Tarzan

20th CENTURY FOX

Yep, they’re still trying to make Alexander Skarsgård a star.

BLEECKER STREET

Don’t judge a book by its cover, goes the saying, but do judge a movie by its poster. The Monkees in Head? Yes! The cast of Captain Fantastic looking a lot like the cast of Little Miss Sunshine? No!

JULY 13

BROAD GREEN PICTURES

The Infiltrator

Bryan Cranston gets a second starring vehicle but he forgot to remove the Dalton Trumbo make-up. Must have been a budget thing. The story of a U.S. Customs wonk getting the inside dope on Pablo Escobar’s money laundering operation, one hopes it will be better than all the other Pablo Escobar-type movies, such as Blow, Paradise Lost and that movie-within-a-movie in “Entourage,” when Vinny Chase and crew were still mildly entertaining on HBO.

The Purge: Election Year Yep, they’re still milking it.

Captain Fantastic

The Secret Life of Pets UNIVERSAL PICTURES

In gaming, a BFG is a Big Fucking Gun. As someone who has played games with such guns, imagine my dismay when I discovered that not only was this BFG about a big friendly giant, but a big friendly giant conceived by Roald Dahl, who I always thought dispatched children in nasty ways and wrote inferior James Bond films (You Only Live Twice). Furthermore, said big friendly giant is not Andre the Giant. But I have a 1-year-old, so I’ll probably see this eventually. I hope it’s better than eating snozzcumber. The BFG is a Steven Spielberg movie, so it will probably also be quietly cruel in addition to being sweet and charming, just like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the book) and The Witches (both the movie and the book, but the book has a truly knotty ending).

Our Kind of Traitor

JULY 15

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

And I need a movie in which Anna Kendrick is not trying to prove she always plays the straitlaced, uptight square. First Happy Christmas, then Digging with Fire, and now this. At least it’s not a Joe Swanberg movie. It is about two party guys who need wedding dates and find women who are nuttier than they are. Maybe it’ll be fun, but, to paraphrase Gene Siskel, what would be more interesting? This movie or a documentary of the stars and director eating lunch?

LIONSGATE

The BFG

LIONSGATE

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

JULY 1

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

12 | JUNE 1, 2016

Make it

Café Society

Let’s place bets on 1. How many white people are in Woody Allen’s new movie, 2. How out-of-touch it is with current social norms and 3. How much it resembles older, better Woody Allen.

I don’t quibble with remaking Ghostbusters with an all-female cast. All four of the leads are varying degrees of funny—Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon often screamingly so. But I do quibble with remaking a movie that’s perfect. No one has ever made a better origin story, or sci-fi comedy, or Bill Murray vehicle. So what’s the point? I guess they hate us. They like to torture us.

JULY 22

If only this were a movie based on the song “Lights Out” by Peter Wolf. Instead, it’s a horror movie. And depending on how you feel about Peter Wolf, this alternate movie I just made up could have been a horror show, too.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie

STX ENTERTAINMENT

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

COLUMBIA PICTURES

Lights Out

Ghostbusters

Bad Moms

I’d take the studio to task for the lazy title of Bad Moms, but the trailer features Kathryn Hahn (yay!), Kristen Bell (double yay!!) and Mila Kunis (eh) going absolutely fuggin’ nuts, so I’ll pony up the cash. Hahn is one of the great underused comedic talents.

Aug. 5

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Star Trek Beyond

Suicide Squad

Expectations are so high after the trailer cut to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the movie must be a disappointment.

And I’m not buying Jared Leto’s Joker. Plus, writer and director David Ayer is either great (Fury), or terrible (S.W.A.T.). Still, we’re all going to see it. Right?

20th CENTURY FOX

THE WEINSTEIN CO.

Jason Bourne

Ice Age: Collision Course

You know his name, and it ain’t Jeremy Renner, so look up the number. And he knows your name. It’s Benjamin. As in it’s all about the AMIRITE?

The Founder

It’s about McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc. Wanna get to the heart of the obesity epidemic? Maybe start here. Or don’t.

Director John Lee Hancock has a history or making exciting subjects boring (The Alamo) or inspiring stories trite (The Blind Side). PJH

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

My patience is beyond tested with this series. First J.J. Abrams takes the trouble to blow up the Star Trek universe and start over with Star Trek (2008). Then he goddamn remakes Wrath of Khan with Star Trek Into Darkness. Who are these bums? Can we throw them out? And have you seen the trailer? It looks as if director Justin Lin has turned this into a Fast & Furious movie. Of course, I’ll still see it. But I reserve the right to gripe about it openly and often.

JULY 29

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

As opposed to “The Theme Park Ride,” “The Water Slide,” and “The Cocktail.”

I suppose it’s necessary, as Jennifer Saunders has rebooted the television show roughly 1 million times, and it’s best to let the punters know they’re not getting recycled shtick. My aforementioned brother is very excited about this movie—I hope, for his sake, that it’s wonderful.

It was funny for a hot second 14 years ago, guys.

JUNE 1, 2016 | 13

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

14 | JUNE 1, 2016

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Painting in the Now Mike Piggott hits his midcareer stride.

BY MEG DALY @MegDaly1

I

n a moment of inspiration, Mike Piggott stuck a knife in his painting.

No, we’re not talking vandalism, or self-sabotage. Last week Piggott was working on a new landscape and decided to paint a section of fallow soil in the shape of a knife blade. Subtle yet intentional, the blade may go unnoticed by some viewers. It adds layered meaning to springtime’s promise of renewal, perhaps asking, “What has to be cut away for new growth to emerge?”

“There are hidden things going on in a lot of my work,” the painted explained.

The past year has been a productive one for Piggott. He has made dozens of new paintings in each of his five loose themes: interiors, landscape, still life, trees and a theme he calls “funky.” With a show of prints coming up in July at the Center for the Arts, and a show of paintings later in the year at Tayloe Piggott Gallery, Piggott is hitting his mid-career stride.

“You can tell there’s a new energy behind his work,” Alex Keenan said. Keenan is the director of rrt at Tayloe Piggott Gallery, which represents Piggot’s paintings. “It’s really hard to find good painters,” she continued. “Mike is a tried and true painter.”

Piggott was born and raised in Virginia, where he earned his BA in painting and printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University. After college he spent two years in Los Angeles before moving to Jackson. He has been here ever since.

In his 20s and 30s, outdoor pursuits could pull him away from painting. But at 52, he says his number one priority is to be in the studio, or out in the field, making paintings.

Living here, Piggot says, “There is a dialogue with myself in nature.”

Piggott met with this columnist at Persephone Bakery, where a few of his still life paintings grace the walls. For the café, his subjects were simple—a cup of coffee, a stick of butter on a plate. Similar to the work of Wayne Thiebaud, Piggott’s objects are rendered in rich colors where the interplay of shadow and light, color and contrast, vibrate on the canvas.

“I’m very visceral,” he said. “I respond to what I see now. I don’t usually make plans for what I’m going to paint.”

One of Piggott’s influences is the early 20th century Italian painter and printmaker Giorgio Morandi, known primarily for his still lifes.

“His paintings are deceptively simple,” Piggott noted. “Until you start studying them.

Then all of a sudden you see that there is a

MIKE PIGGOTT

SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH

Works from painter Mike Piggott: ‘Up the Hoback’ (left), ‘Double Orchid’ (right), and ‘Spring Shoes.’ conversation going on between the colors, tones and shapes.”

Morandi spent years painting the same objects in his studio, playing with tone and atmosphere. Though Piggott’s still life subject matter often changes—from watermelon slices to an orchid plant to a pair of sneakers— like Morandi, he is obsessed with painting everyday objects.

“Painting is about seeing,” Piggott said.

“It’s about the way we see things and think about those things.”

According to Jackson painter and Teton Artlab director Travis Walker, Piggott has achieved a Morandi-like deceptive simplicity in his work.

“The first time I saw Mike’s work in person I was blown away,” Walker said. “It was an image of a skier with an avalanche probe in the midst of looking for a freshly buried victim; created with only a few colors and minimal information. Just enough to convey the drama of the moment. I have always been struck by the beautiful economy of Mike’s work.”

The influence of English artist David Hockney is strongly apparent in Piggott’s landscape and forest paintings. Both artists fill the entire space with color and dynamism.

The viewer’s eye roams around the painting as trees and fields transmute into simply colors and shapes, which in turn, rub against other shapes and colors, perhaps competing, perhaps singing together.

“I love Hockney’s inquiry into things,” Piggott said. “He is into perspective and seeing.”

Not only has Hockney influenced Piggott stylistically; Hockney’s life represents freedom to Piggott.

“Hockney had to admit to the world that he is gay,” Piggott said. “That honesty is a treasure. Now he can do anything he wants!”

Piggott says he still wrestles with his comfortable middleclass background. His father is a doctor. His mother took pride in decorating their home with antiques. But the Ozzie and Harriett approach to life is not what Piggott seeks.

“How I grew up is not what I want in my life now, even though I loved it,” Piggott said. “I’m still wrestling with that in a way—all the stuff I grew up with. But someone like Hockney, now it’s like he is free.”

According to Keenan, Piggott’s work possesses exactly the lightheartedness he admires.

“He is a brilliant painter without having to try too hard,” Keenan said. “His paintings are not overworked. He captures the essence of something without it seeming heavy.”

Piggott feels that his work is often a dialogue with the influential painters he admires.

He does not attempt to add flashy new ideas to the conversation because he is not driven by ideas. Instead, Piggott’s work is always about how he responds to what he sees.

“It doesn’t get any newer than that,” Piggott said. “If you have too much of an idea about what you’re seeing, you are suppressing all this beauty that is right there, right now.” PJH

Mike Piggott will exhibit prints as part of a two-person show with Wendell Field at the Center for the Arts Theatre Gallery, July 20 through August 22. For more on Piggott’s paintings, contact Tayloe Piggott Gallery, 7330555. View images of Piggott’s work at mikepiggottstudio.com.

THIS WEEK: June 1-7, 2016

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

n Cribbage Club 6:00pm, Valley of the Tetons Library Driggs, Free, 208-3545522 n JH Shootout 6:00pm, Town Square, Free, 307-733-3316 n Wednesday Community Dinner 6:00pm, Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole, Free, 307-7340388 n The Ballad of Cat Ballou 6:30pm, JH Playhouse, $35.00 $65.00, 307-733-6994 n JH Rodeo 8:00pm, Fairgrounds, $15.00 $35.00, 307-733-7927 n KHOL Presents: Vinyl Night 8:00pm, The Rose, Free, 307733-1500 n Songwriter’s Alley Open Mic 8:00pm, Silver Dollar Showroom, Free, 307-732-3939 n 4th Annual WYOmericana Caravan Tour featuring Screen Door Porch, Sneaky Pete & the Secret Weapons and The Littlest Birds 10:00pm, Town Square Tavern, $10.00, 307-733-3886

THURSDAY, JUNE 2

n Business Over Breakfast 7:30am, e.leaven Food Company, $16.00 - $25.00, 307-2012309 n Fitness & Dance Classes All Day! 8:30am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n Tech Tutor 10:00am, Teton County Library, Free, 307-733-2164 ext. 218 n Historic Miller Ranch Tour 10:00am, National Elk Refuge, Free, 307-733-9212 n Toddler Time 10:05am, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307733-2164 n Walking Tour of Jackson 10:30am, Center of Town Square, Free, 307-733-2141 n Teton Toastmasters 12:00pm, Teton County Commissioners Chambers, Free, n Growing Through Grief 1:00pm, St. John’s Medical Center, Free, 307-739-7482 n Covered Wagon Cookout 4:15pm, Bar T 5, $37.00 $45.00, 307-733-5386 n START Bus Kick-Off Event 5:00pm, START Bus Barn, Free, 307-732-8651

n Summit on the Snake GUIDE NIGHT 5:00pm, Old Wilson Schoolhouse, $10.00, 307-734-6773 n REFIT® 5:15pm, First Baptist Church, Free, 307-690-6539 n Bar J Chuckwagon Supper 5:30pm, Bar J, $25.00 - $35.00, 307-733-3370 n Covered Wagon Cookout 5:30pm, Bar T 5, $37.00 $45.00, 307-733-5386 n Whiskey Experience 6:00pm, VOM FASS Jackson Hole, Free, 307-734-1535 n JH Shootout 6:00pm, Town Square, Free, 307-733-3316 n Outdoor Bootcamp 6:00pm, Mike Yokel Park, $18.00, 404-610-2932 n The Ballad of Cat Ballou 6:30pm, JH Playhouse, $35.00 $65.00, 307-733-6994 n JH Community Band Rehearsal 7:00pm, Center for the Arts Performing Arts Wing, Free, 307-200-9463 n Spanish for Fun, Work & Travel 7:00pm, CWC-Jackson, $105.00, 307-733-7425 n Major Zephyr 7:30pm, Silver Dollar Showroom, Free, 307-732-3939 n Salsa Night 9:00pm, The Rose, Free, 307733-1500 n BOGDOG 10:00pm, Town Square Tavern, Free, 307-733-3886

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FRIDAY, JUNE 3

n Fitness & Dance Classes All Day! 8:30am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n Portrait Drawing Club 9:00am, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $10.00, 307-7336379 n Strollercize 9:00am, Teton Recreation Center, $10.00, 307-739-9025 n Historic Miller Ranch Tour 10:00am, National Elk Refuge, Free, 307-733-9212 n Fitzy’s Pivot MTB Demo 1:00pm, Rush Hour Trailhead, Free, 208-787-2453 n Electronics/Tech 3:30pm, Valley of the Tetons Library, Free, 208-354-5522 n Free Wine Tasting 4:00pm, The Liquor Store & Wine Loft, Free, 307-733-4466

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JUNE 1, 2016 | 15

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 18

Compiled by Caroline Zieleniewski

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

n Fitness & Dance Classes All Day! 8:30am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n Nature Hike with The Hole Hiking Experience 8:30am, Teton Recreation Center, 307-739-9025 n Strollercize 9:00am, Teton Recreation Center, $10.00, 307-739-9025 n Story TIme 10:00am, Valley of the Tetons Library Victor, Free, 208-7872201 n Tech Tutor 10:00am, Teton County Library, Free, 307-733-2164 ext. 218 n Historic Miller Ranch Tour 10:00am, National Elk Refuge, Free, 307-733-9212 n Walking Tour of Jackson 10:30am, Center of Town Square, Free, 307-733-2141 n Fables Feathers & Fur 10:30am, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Free, 307-733-5771 n Open Build 1:00pm, Valley of the Tetons Library, Free, 208-354-5522 n Chess Club 3:30pm, Valley of the Tetons Library - Driggs, Free, 208-3545522 n Covered Wagon Cookout 4:15pm, Bar T 5, $37.00 $45.00, 307-733-5386 n Jackson JR’s Community Golf Clinic 4:30pm, Snake River Sporting Club, $15.00, 307-200-3092 n Bar J Chuckwagon Supper 5:30pm, Bar J, $25.00 - $35.00, 307-733-3370 n Covered Wagon Cookout 5:30pm, Bar T 5, $37.00 $45.00, 307-733-5386 n Neuromovement: Get Your Groove Back 5:30pm, Medicine Wheel Wellness, $18.00 - $60.00, 307699-7480 n Teton Trail Runners Season Kick-Off 5:30pm, Teton County Library, Free, 307-733-2164 n Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group 6:00pm, St. John’s Medical Center Eagle Classroom, Free, 307-690-5419 n Barbara Trentham Life Drawing 6:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $10.00, 307-7336379

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

16 | JUNE 1, 2016

MUSIC BOX

Rhythm of the River Rats Annual Guides ‘n’ Gapers Party features fluid tunes from John Wayne’s World and Canyon Kids.

BY PATRICK CHADWICK @PatrickChadwick

F

or the past four years, the Guides ‘n’ Gapers Party at The Bird has served as a pied piper of sorts for river rats. The summer kickoff shindig attracts the whitewater guiding community for a day and night of revelry that raises money for the Snake River Fund. Just like the encouraged guide and gaper costumes, the bands playing this year’s event will look familiar, and for good reason: Both John Wayne’s World and Canyon Kids have origins on the Snake.

Canyon Kids (left), play for the river, the guides and the gapers Saturday during a fundraiser at The Bird. In town Saturday eve, DJ Oh!Nassi throws down at Town Square Tavern. “[Guides ‘n’ Gapers] basically started because we had a new band and needed a gig,” said John Wayne Harris, Jr., the event organizer, bandleader of John Wayne’s World and drummer in Canyon Kids. “Then I thought, well let’s make it a party, and if we’re making it a party, let’s make it go toward a nonprofit that benefits all of us who make a living on the river.”

Harris and John Wayne’s World/Canyon Kids bassist Adam Woolley spend their summer days guiding gapers—err, tourists—through the whitewater for Mad River Boat Trips.

The rafting-guide rhythm section began playing in different projects with singer-guitarists Bo Elledge and Dusty Nichols of Canyon Kids while they were snapping rafting shots for Snake River Photo during their first summers in Jackson.

“Dusty and I got to hang in this beautiful spot with hammocks and guitars as surfers, kayakers and whitewater people were passing through,” Elledge said. “Meanwhile, John Wayne and Woolley would come through on trips with tourists, and they’d be like, ‘hey, we’re playing at the Tavern tonight,’ and the entire boat would show up.”

While the Canyon Kids lineup can grow to as many as

six members, it will be in acoustic mode on The Bird’s deck as Guides ‘n’ Gapers attendees enjoy beer from sponsors, BBQ, lawn games and a raffle. The band’s backing vocalist and intermittent bassist Sheena Dhamsania, who is also the vocalist for John Wayne’s World, will join Elledge and Nichols on their dynamic, harmony-centric songs.

After sundown, the party will move inside as John Wayne’s World plugs in with its dance-friendly blend of jazz and funk.

Dhamsania’s singing has brought a soulful, melodic element to the band’s spectrum of sounds, while guitarist Michael Evans and keyboardist Mark Longfield have proven more than capable of coloring within the tight grooves set in motion by Harris.

As its Facebook event suggests, the fifth annual Guides ‘n’ Gapers Party will likely ignite many short-term relationships for the “90-day wonders” working on the river this summer.

Fortunately for everyone else, the celebration will have a lasting impact by helping to protect the Snake River watershed.

Guides ’n’ Gapers Party featuring John Wayne’s World and Canyon Kids, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday at The Bird. $5 at the door. Free shuttle to and from. 732-2473.

WEDNESDAY

WYOmericana Caravan featuring Screen Door Porch, Sneaky Pete and The Secret Weapons, and The Little Birds (Town Square Tavern); Songwriter’s Alley Open Mic (Silver Dollar); Vinyl Night (The Rose)

THURSDAY

BOGDOG (Town Square Tavern); Major Zephyr (Silver Dollar); Salsa Night (The Rose)

FRIDAY

The WyKnotts (Town Square Tavern); Bootleg Flyer (Silver Dollar) The WYOmericana Caravan plays on home turf Wednesday at the Tavern. Three bands round out this year’s tour—Screen Door Porch (pictured), Sneaky Pete and The Secret Weapons and The Littlest Birds.

Oh!Nassi Spins at The Tav If the foot traffic surrounding the antler arches is any indication, there will be a built-in crowd when local DJ and producer Oh!Nassi spins at the Town Square Tavern this Saturday night. Known as Teton Thai bartender Ford Hebard by day, Oh!Nassi recently released his “Moist Summer” mix of electronic music on SoundCloud, marking the fifth installment of his Teton Club Music mix tape series.

“I thought the name [Teton Club Music] would be a funny juxtaposition since we don’t have any kind of club scene here,” Hebard explained. “It’s a way to share music that I’m currently interested in, and put it on the map that there’s people [in Jackson Hole] who are interested in a different type of music.”

While his ideal set involves DJing at camping parties with Jackson Hole’s small but tight-knit EDM community, Hebard notes that he has experienced fruitful bar sets when out-oftowners have stumbled upon his psychedelic hip-hop tracks.

“I’ve had people from L.A. come up to me during a set and

be like, ‘Oh wow, normally we only hear this kind of music in L.A. clubs; it’s funny that you’re from Wyoming.’”

Oh!Nassi, 10 p.m. Saturday at the Town Square Tavern.

Free. 733-3886.

WYOmericana Returns to Jackson As noted in the May 11 Music Box, this year’s five-state WYOmericana Caravan tour has been infused with funk courtesy of Jackson’s Sneaky Pete and The Secret Weapons.

Mix in local WYOmericana mainstay Screen Door Porch and the banjo-based folk songs of Laramie’s The Littlest Birds, and you’ve got an eccentric bill of original Wyoming bands that is sure to please this Wednesday night at the Tavern.

Fourth Annual WYOmericana Caravan with Screen Door Porch, Sneaky Pete and The Secret Weapons, and The Littlest Birds, 9 p.m., Wednesday at the Town Square Tavern. $10. 7333886. PJH A lover of sad songs in our happy valley, Patrick Chadwick is a singer-songwriter, guitarist and a content writer for local businesses.

SATURDAY

Guides ‘n’ Gapers Party featuring John Wayne’s World and Canyon Kinds; DJ Oh!Nassi (Town Square Tavern); Quenby & the West of Wayland Band (Virginian); Bootleg Flyer (Silver Dollar)

SUNDAY

Stagecoach Band (Stagecoach)

MONDAY

The Jackson Hole Hootenanny (Dornan’s)

TUESDAY

Bluegrass Tuesday featuring One Ton Pig (Silver Dollar)

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

JUNE 1, 2016 | 17

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

18 | JUNE 1, 2016

GET OUT

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

n Grand Teton Half Marathon 6:30am, Stilson Lot, $125.00 n 3-Car Garage Sale 8:00am, Senior Center of Jackson Hole, Free, 307-733-7300 n Fitness & Dance Classes All Day! 8:30am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n National Trails Day 9:00am, Putt Putt Trailhead, Free, 307-733-4534 n Historic Miller Ranch Tour 10:00am, National Elk Refuge, Free, 307-7339212 n Rock the Row, Benefiting Stroke & Cardiac Patients 11:00am, Teton Village Commons n Heart Six Annual Neighborhood Cookout!

1:00pm, Heart Six Ranch Moran, WY, $7.00, 307-543-2477 n 3rd Annual Teton Valley Fly Fishing Fest in Driggs 1:00pm, TRR Outfitters, Free, 208-354-1200 n Pint Night 4:00pm, Wildlife Brewing & Pizza, 208-7872623 n Covered Wagon Cookout 4:15pm, Bar T 5, $37.00 - $45.00, 307-733-5386 n Bar J Chuckwagon Supper 5:30pm, Bar J, $25.00 - $35.00, 307-733-3370 n Covered Wagon Cookout 5:30pm, Bar T 5, $37.00 - $45.00, 307-733-5386 n Whiskey Experience 6:00pm, VOM FASS Jackson Hole, Free, 307734-1535 n JH Shootout 6:00pm, Town Square, Free, 307-733-3316

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 20

MATT BERMAN

n Free Friday Tasting 4:00pm, Jackson Whole Grocer, Free, 307-7330450 n Bar J Chuckwagon Supper 5:30pm, Bar J, $25.00 - $35.00, 307-733-3370 n Community School Graduation 5:30pm, Center for the Arts, Free, 307-733-5427 n Friday Night Meditation 6:00pm, Zendler Chiropractic, Free, 307-6998300 n Whiskey Experience 6:00pm, VOM FASS Jackson Hole, Free, 307734-1535 n JH Shootout 6:00pm, Town Square, Free, 307-733-3316 n The Ballad of Cat Ballou 6:30pm, JH Playhouse, $35.00 - $65.00, 307733-6994 n Meet & Make Art 6:30pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $5.00, n Pam Drews Phillips Plays Jazz 7:00pm, The Granary at Spring Creek Ranch, Free, 307-733-8833 n Bootleg Flyer 7:30pm, Silver Dollar Bar, Free, 307-732-3939 n Quenby & the West of Wayland Band 9:30pm, Virginian Saloon n Free Public Stargazing 9:30pm, Rendezvous Park, Free, 307-413-4779 n Wynotts 10:00pm, Town Square Tavern, Free, 307-7333886

A Happy Hellroarin’ Time Trading the valley’s rainclouds for some Ystone backpacking.

BY MATT BERMAN

I

n Wyoming’s extended mud season, finding viable outdoor activities can be a challenge. The snow is sometimes too mushy for good skiing. Bike trails are intermittently muddy if not snow-covered. Unsuitable for fishing or soaking in hot springs, the rivers are high and brown But Wyoming is greening up after another long winter, and all I want to do is get out.

Now that the roads through Yellowstone are open, I like to make an annual pilgrimage to the northern end of our northern neighbor.

I know—that’s too far away. Yes, coming from Jackson, the area between Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower, which is only a few miles from the Montana border, might seem like a far away planet. But you’re trying to get out, after all, and this adventure is worth the journey.

Why go all the way to Yellowstone’s northern border, you ask? Aren’t there a plethora of trails I’m sending you right past? Well, yes, but the bulk of Yellowstone (especially the

Just the thing to sate early season desires for exploration—a Yellowstone multi-day adventure. side facing Jackson Hole) is high, more than a thousand feet above Jackson in most places, so many loops of backcountry trails are blocked by thick snow pack, high rivers and bear management areas, which are off-limits to humans until July. This is why you’ll have to drive all the way to Hellroaring Creek.

(Has there ever been a better name?)

In this northern extreme of Yellowstone, everything is very different than you’re used to. At less than six thousand feet elevation, you’ll see fields of tiny prickly pear cactus (look out for thorns) and the same little juniper trees you may have noticed during spring trips to Southern Utah. It’s like stumbling upon a strange desert surrounded by the Rocky Mountains.

The centerpiece of the Hellroaring Creek Trail is the string of wild bridges that allow hikers to pass high over impassible rivers.

While “pure wilderness” has its appeal, the suspension bridges over the Yellowstone River and Hellroaring Creek, and the subsequent log bridges you’ll come across on this trail, are glorious feats of engineering, no matter how common and old-school.

Suspended high above the river, that first bridge raises the hairs on the back of my neck, but I’m particularly sensitive to heights.

After those bridges, second most prominent on the Hellroaring Creek trail are the two maintained backcountry cabins. The Hellroaring Station Cabin (built in July, 1925) is a few miles over the border, in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and the Hellroaring Creek Cabin, owned by the

National Park Service. Since they are both owned by their respective government agencies, you can’t stay at either one, but you can go there, plop a seat and enjoy the view from out front. Sitting on the porch of these cabins transports you to another time and place, long before the Industrial Revolution.

The Hellroaring Creek loop also serves as a tour of Wyoming’s wildflowers. Bright yellow glacier lilies dot the sides of the trail, as well as pink shooting stars, yellow bells and purple sugarbowl clematis.

Antler aficionados will be pleasantly surprised to see sheds everywhere, in various states of wear and tear. Scattered throughout the lodgepole forests and sagebrush meadows racks from this year’s sheds and chewed up antiques abound. You can’t remove the antlers from Yellowstone, but that’s part of the magic—reveling in an intact ecosystem that still looks almost as it did hundreds of years ago. (With the notable exception of those steel suspension bridges and log cabins I like so much.)

So get out and enjoy a quiet loop of Yellowstone’s trails, a preview of the summer season. Leave the park and explore a tiny piece of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

Camp out there, so you don’t need to deal with Yellowstone’s Byzantine permits system. Walk over massive chasms on impressive suspension bridges. Stop to appreciate the wildflowers. And when you’re done, enjoy a cold one in Gardiner. PJH

Strangely Familiar Learning how to see your own surroundings as a foreign land.

BY ANDREW MUNZ @AndrewMunz

An unsuspecting plate of avocado tomato toast at Picnic inspires the author to blaze a new path, exploring unique experiences in his hometown. times than I can count, so this search for Jackson’s hidden treasures will revitalize my own appreciation, and perhaps yours, for my stomping grounds, as well as offer up a snapshot of Jackson’s overall character.

Think Humans of New York meets National Treasure, minus the conspiracies and Nicholas Cage.

I know I’m guilty of repeatedly poking fun at the culture here in Jackson, as evidenced in my production, I Can Ski Forever. In collaborating with my creative partner, Josh Griffith, it was easy to peel off the first layer of Jackson—the stereotypes—and parade them around in good humor. But with the valley’s housing emergency, increasingly divisive political sphere, and the myriad of other issues we face, there’s a part of me that worries about losing what makes this place so fascinating and alluring to the outside world. What happens when the creative, outdoor-loving middle class disappears only to be replaced by corporate West Bank bigwigs with a thirst for more, more, more?

Having finished off my breakfast at Picnic, shaking hands with former mayor Mark Barron, and chatting the ears off of old acquaintances, I became curious to see where this new perspective takes me, as well as this column.

While it’s still taking my sea lungs some time to adjust to the altitude, I can say with certainty that I’m thrilled about being back, and I’m so excited to uncover some of the real characters and genuine soul that comprise Jackson Hole. PJH

For all MEETING AGENDAS AND MINUTES WEEKLY CALENDAR JOB OPENINGS SOLICITATIONS FOR BIDS PUBLIC NOTICES AND OTHER VALUABLE INFORMATION

Visit our website

TetonWyo.org The public meeting agendas and minutes for the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission can also be found in the Public Notices section of the JH News and Guide.

JUNE 1, 2016 | 19

has been (understandably) easier than I predicted. It helps to have such a welcoming, supportive community at my back, and that’s something I may never find anywhere else, no matter how far I search.

Last week’s column was a conclusion to that seven-month period of my life, a reflection of what I’m thankful for attaining, and how I plan to move forward. Since being back home, I’ve returned to working at the Valley Bookstore (June marks my tenth anniversary of non-consecutive bookstore employment) and have been eating so many damn vegetables that my body’s vitamin deficiency after the Icelandic diet is at an all-time low.

Huzzah! I’m awake, alert, and ready to accept whatever comes my way.

Therefore, this week’s column is meant to be an introduction to a new era of Well, That Happened.

The Icelandic dispatches were always so fun to write about and share with my readers, that I wanted to keep that spirit alive and continue my life in Jackson with the same optimistic, adventurous outlook. I want to treat my hometown like it’s as unique, odd, and fascinating as Neskaupstaður, Iceland.

Starting next week, I’ll be writing about my new adventures in Jackson Hole. My plan is to report on Jackson’s distinguishing past as well as its pulsating, energetic present. I’ll hang out with interesting community members that make up the splendid menagerie that is Jackson Hole’s population with the intention of learning as much from them as I can.

I’ve grown up in this town and have traveled down just about every street more

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

I

t’s not often that I’m able to experience something new in my hometown, so I was thrilled to have spent this morning writing at Picnic, my first visit to the café since it opened last fall. I ordered some avocado tomato toast with eggs (hurray for healthy food!) and sipped away at my coffee as I watched my Jackson constituents maneuver in and out of the restaurant. I’d sat in the same seat when the location was Hard Drive Café and La Boheme after that, but I was observing my surroundings with new eyes.

Although the familiarity couldn’t be shaken, I could still appreciate the fresh aspects.

The last seven months of my life were a whirlwind of bizarre adventures, heightened emotions, and an overall sense of appreciation for the word “yes.” Spending a winter in Iceland was certainly something I had dreamed about accomplishing, and now that it’s behind me and I’ve returned to my hometown, my appetite for adventure has not yet waned.

So far, being back home is such a blast, and the transition from a polarizing rural life in Iceland back to a vibrant life in Jackson

ANDREW MUNZ

WELL, THAT HAPPENED

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

20 | JUNE 1, 2016

n The Ballad of Cat Ballou 6:30pm, JH Playhouse, $35.00 - $65.00, 307733-6994 n Bootleg Flyer 7:30pm, Silver Dollar Bar, Free, 307-732-3939 n JH Rodeo 8:00pm, Fairgrounds, $15.00 - $35.00, 307-7337927 n Quenby & the West of Wayland Band 9:30pm, Virginian Saloon n DJ Oh Nassi!

10:00pm, Town Square Tavern, Free, 307-7333886

SUNDAY, JUNE 5

n First Sundays 9:00am, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Free, 307-743-5424 n 17th Annual Run and Ride for the Cure 9:30am, Wilson Elementary School, $20.00 $25.00, 307-739-7517 n Grand Teton Expedition 10:00am, AAC Climbers Ranch, $175.00 n Historic Miller Ranch Tour 10:00am, National Elk Refuge, Free, 307-7339212 n Climb the King Kick-Off Celebration 11:00am, Phil Baux Park, Free, 307-733-5056 n Timber Ridge Academy Curriculum NIght 4:00pm, Timber Ridge Academy, Free, 307-2009564 n Bar J Chuckwagon Supper 5:30pm, Bar J, $25.00 - $35.00, 307-733-3370 n Stagecoach Band 6:00pm, Stagecoach, Free, 307-733-4407 n Wine Tasting on a Budget 6:00pm, Dornan’s, $10.00, 307-733-2415 n Hospitality Night - Happy Hour 9:00pm, Pink Garter Theatre, Free, n I Choose to Dance 10:00pm, Transformative Fitness, $20.00 $120.00

MONDAY, JUNE 6

n Fitness & Dance Classes All Day! 8:30am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n Historic Miller Ranch Tour 10:00am, National Elk Refuge, Free, 307-7339212 n RaptorFest 1:00pm, Teton Raptor Center, $5.00 n Maker Monday’s 3:00pm, Valley of the Tetons Library Victor, Free, 208-787-2201 n Covered Wagon Cookout 4:15pm, Bar T 5, $37.00 - $45.00, 307-733-5386 n Exceptional and Effective Board Practices 5:00pm, Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, $20.00, 307-739-1026 n Bar J Chuckwagon Supper 5:30pm, Bar J, $25.00 - $35.00, 307-733-3370 n Covered Wagon Cookout 5:30pm, Bar T 5, $37.00 - $45.00, 307-733-5386 n JH Shootout 6:00pm, Town Square, Free, 307-733-3316 n Hootenanny 6:00pm, Dornan’s, Free, 307-733-2415 n Monday Night Movies 6:00pm, Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Free, 307-733-9417

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 21

CINEMA See Anthony Run Weiner brilliantly captures both a specific and general political pathology.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW @scottrenshaw

A

t one point during the endlessly fascinating documentary Weiner, co-director Josh Kriegman asks his subject, Anthony Weiner, “Why have you let me film this?” It’s a question that might have had an obvious answer at the outset of the project, as Weiner—the former New York congressman who resigned in 2011 following a highly publicized sexting scandal—tried to revive his political career by running for mayor of New York City in 2013. Kriegman had been a congressional staffer for Weiner, so he had the man’s trust. This movie, you can easily imagine Weiner thinking, would chronicle the restoration of a legacy, a disgraced but principled man fighting his way back into public life.

That storybook redemption arc, however, wasn’t remotely in the cards. New and freshly embarrassing photos of Weiner emerged, along with details that he had interacted with several women through a sex website, using the instantly iconic pseudonym “Carlos Danger.” Over the course of three months, Weiner captures the spectacular implosion of a campaign that at one point had been leading in the polls, and wound up with yet another round of Weiner as national punch-line.

Like many of the best political documentaries, Weiner exposes in uncomfortable detail the sausage-making unpleasantness of American politics. In particular, this is a portrait of the art of spin, as Weiner and his wife, Huma Abedin—longtime friend and political adviser of Hillary Clinton—attempt to salvage Weiner’s campaign from the wreckage of the latest allegations. Kriegman and co-director Elyse Steinberg capture Weiner’s strategy of trying “to sell this as something that people already know;” as one staffer prepares to leave a grim meeting, Abedin instructs

Former congressman Anthony Weiner in the riveting political documentary Weiner. her on how to face reporters with a smile, because it’s “an optics thing.” By the time we see Weiner rehearsing an apology speech in front of empty chairs, it’s hard to avoid the realization that a political operation judges its successes by how practiced and “on message” it can present itself to the world.

But there’s also a fundamental level on which Weiner attempts to answer the blunt question MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell poses to Weiner during an interview: “What is wrong with you?” Weiner himself suggests that the way politicians are wired is connected to his indiscretions—a world of superficial interactions built on trying to get people to like and respect you, and see you as someone deserving of power. Yet Weiner also showcases its subject’s uniquely pugnacious personality—including a confrontation with a heckler at a bakery that went viral—as both a fundamental element of his populist appeal, and the thing that repeatedly brings him down.

It’s almost jaw-dropping to watch Weiner fight back against Abedin’s reluctance to be visible during the last doomed days of his campaign, yet it’s clear that he knows no other way to be than alpha dog.

While Weiner’s salacious subject matter makes for understandable voyeuristic appeal, and the behind-the-scenes material is plenty juicy, it would still be easy for a documentary of this kind to fall into a familiar rhythm. Kriegman and Steinberg, however, do a phenomenal job of crafting Weiner into

a vital and entertaining film. During a montage showing Weiner marching in a series of parades for cheering throngs, they cut briefly but hilariously to fellow candidate (and eventual winner) Bill de Blasio solemnly plodding along to little crowd enthusiasm. Their editing skills are sharp during a sequence in which Weiner and Abedin make fund-raising calls, and the campaign’s launch is perfectly scored to the pulsing beat of Ace Frehley’s “New York Groove.”

If you’re remotely hesitant to watch a documentary about a politician because you’re worried it might be “boring,” banish such thoughts from your mind.

As the closing credits roll, we see snippets of TV appearances by Weiner in 2015, doing pundit spots on news shows and even poking fun at himself as a panelist on Real Time with Bill Maher (where his sexts were previously turned into a comedic staged reading). It’s clear he’s not going away quietly, and equally obvious that he’s all but incapable of going away quietly. If Weiner shows us anything, it’s that the answers to “Why have you let me film this?” and “What is wrong with you?” might very well be the same. PJH

WEINER BBBB Documentary Not Rated

TRY THESE The War Room (1993) Documentary Rated PG

Wag the Dog (1997) Dustin Hoffman Robert DeNiro Rated R

Street Fight (2005) Documentary Not Rated

Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story (2008) Documentary Not Rated

n The Ballad of Cat Ballou 6:30pm, JH Playhouse, $35.00 - $65.00, 307733-6994

TUESDAY, JUNE 7

JUNE 1, 2016 | 21

FOR COMPLETE EVENT DETAILS VISIT PJHCALENDAR.COM

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

n Kettlebells 8:00am, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307739-9025 n Creating Healthy, Supportive Work Environments 8:30am, Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, $20.00, 307-739-1026 n Fitness & Dance Classes All Day! 8:30am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n REFIT® 8:30am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $20.00, 307-733-6398 n Map Invasives Jackson Hole 9:00am, Emily’s Pond Trailhead, Free, 307-7399025 n Historic Miller Ranch Tour 10:00am, National Elk Refuge, Free, 307-7339212 n Toddler Time 10:05am, Teton County Library, Free, 733-2164 ext. 118 n Toddler Time 10:05am, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307-733-2164 n Walking Tour of Jackson 10:30am, Center of Town Square, Free, 307733-2141 n Lunch for Literacy 12:00pm, The Virginian Lodge, $15.00, 307733-9242 n Spin 12:10pm, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307733-5056 n Cultivating Relationships 1:00pm, Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, $10.00 - $20.00, 307-739-1026 n Writer 3:30pm, Valley of the Tetons Library, Free, 208-354-5522 n Covered Wagon Cookout 4:15pm, Bar T 5, $37.00 - $45.00, 307-733-5386 n REFIT® 5:15pm, First Baptist Church, Free, 307-6906539 n Bar J Chuckwagon Supper 5:30pm, Bar J, $25.00 - $35.00, 307-733-3370 n Covered Wagon Cookout 5:30pm, Bar T 5, $37.00 - $45.00, 307-733-5386 n Language Exchange 6:00pm, Valley of the Tetons Library Driggs, Free, 208-354-5522 n JH Shootout 6:00pm, Town Square, Free, 307-733-3316 n Outdoor Bootcamp 6:00pm, Mike Yokel Park, $18.00, 404-610-2932 n Town Pump Bouldering Series 6:00pm, Teton Boulder Park n The Ballad of Cat Ballou 6:30pm, JH Playhouse, $35.00 - $65.00, 307733-6994 n Bluegrass Tuesdays featuring One Ton Pig 7:30pm, Silver Dollar Showroom, Free, 307732-3939

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

22 | JUNE 1, 2016

Who’s up for a road trip? There’s plenty to do down south in Salt Lake City next weekend.

Whether your interests lie in music, theater and the arts—or something a bit more downto-earth—here’s what’s going on in the Beehive State. (Visit cityweekly.net/events for complete listings.) So hit the road! But be sure and bring a snack—because, now and then, everybody craves something salty.

WEEKEND OF JUN. 3

n 2016 Wasatch Back Student Art Show Fri - Sun Kimball Art Center, 1401 Kearns Boulevard, Park City, Free, 435-649-8882 n Abstract Expressions Fri - Sat Evolutionary Healthcare, 461 E. 200 South, Salt Lake City, Free n Acid Betty Fri Metro Bar, 615 West 100 South, Salt Lake City, 9:00pm, $15.00 - $40.00 n Ballet West Academy Student Performances Fri, Sat, Sat Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City, 7:00pm, $25.00 n Big River Fri - Sat Hale Center Theatre, 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, 7:30pm, $32.00, 801-984-9000 n Brewskis Fri Brewskis, 244 Historic 25th Street, Ogden, 10:00pm n Brian Snapp: House of My Brother/House of My Sister Fri Art Barn/Finch Lane Gallery, 1340 E. 100 South, Salt Lake City, Free n Britny Fox Fri Liquid Joe’s, 1249 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City, 7:00pm, $17.00 - $22.00 n Chris D’Elia Fri, Fri, Sat, Sat Wiseguys Downtown, 505 South 600 East, Salt Lake City, 7:30pm, $30.00 n Claire Taylor: The Inhabitants of the Salt Lake City Cemetary Fri - Sat Marmalade Branch, 280 W. 500 North, Salt Lake City, Free n Collect School Supplies for Stuff the Bus! Fri - Sun Columbus Community Center, 2531 South 400 East, South Salt Lake, Free, 801-746-2566 n con tem POE rar y Fri, Sat, Sun Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City, 8:00pm n Cracker Fri O.P. Rockwell, 268 Main St, Park City, 9:00pm n THE CURE: 2016 TOUR with special guest The Twilight Sad Fri Maverik Center, 3200 S. Decker Lake Dr., West Valley City, 7:30pm, $25.00 - $55.00 n Curtis Salgado Fri The State Room, 638 S State Street, Salt Lake City, 9:00pm, n Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID (musical)

Fri - Sat SCERA, 745 South State Street, Orem, 8:00pm, $10.00 - $16.00, 801-225-2787 n Downy Doxey-Marshall: /klōTH/ Fri Alice Gallery, 617 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, 8:00am, Free, 801-245-7272 n Dubwise w/ Hatcha, illoom, Motto, PRFT Fri The Urban Lounge, 241 S 500 E, Salt Lake City, 9:00pm, $5.00 n The Federal Empire & The Artisan Thieves Fri O.P. Rockwell, 268 Main Street, Park City, 9:00pm n Film Screening: Viva Las Vegas!

Fri Orem City Library, 58 N State St, Orem, 6:30pm, Free, n Friday Night Flicks: Jurassic Park Fri Liberty Park, 600 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, 9:00pm, Free n The Full Monty Fri, Sat, Sat The Grand Theatre, 1575 S State St, Salt Lake City, 7:30pm, $18.00 - $26.00 n Gravehill Fri Club X, 445 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City, 8:00pm, $5.00 - $10.00 n Improv Broadway Fri Brigham Larson Pianos, 1497 S State St., Orem, 8:00pm, $5.00 - $10.00 n Ivanhoe Knight Fever Fri, Sat, Sat The Off Broadway Theatre, 272 S. Main, Salt Lake City, 7:30pm, $16.00 n Jane Eyre Fri, Sat, Sat Hale Center Theater Orem, 225 W. 400 North, Orem, 7:30pm n Joan Zone Fri - Sun Art at the Main, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, 6:30pm, Free, 801-363-4088 n Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Fri, Sat, Sun Empress Theatre, 9104 W. 2700 South, Magna, 7:30pm, $10.00 n K-Rose Fri Club Karamba, 1051 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, 9:00pm, $20.00 - $30.0, n Laughing Stock Improv Fri - Sat The Off Broadway Theatre, 272 S. Main St., Salt Lake City, 10:00pm, $8.00 - $16.00 n Lavelle Dupree Fri Downstairs, 625 Main Street, Park City, 8:00pm, $5.00 n Lewis J. Crawford: Constructs Fri Art Barn/Finch Lane Gallery, 1340 E. 100 South, Salt Lake City, Free n Local Music Set Fri - Sat A Bar Named Sue on State, 3928 E Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, 10:00pm n Lucy Peterson Watkins: Textures of the Wasatch Fri - Sun Red Butte Garden, 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, 9:00am, $7.00 - $12.00 n Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Fri Great Saltair, 12408 West Saltair Drive, Salt Lake City, 8:00pm, $46.00 - $51.00 n Macklemore & Ryan Lewis at The Great Saltair Fri The Great Saltair, 12408 West Saltair Drive, Magna, 8:00pm, $46.00 n Maryann Webster: Narrative Works Fri Art Barn/Finch Lane Gallery, 1340 E. 100 South, Salt Lake City, Free, n Michael Swearngin Fri - Sat Modern West Fine Art, 177 E. 200 South, Salt Lake City, Free, n Murder on the Frontrunner Express Fri Desert Star Playhouse, 4861 S. State, Murray, 7:00pm, $12.95 - $22.95 n Nathan Payne & The Wild Bores Fri Funk ‘n Dive Bar, 2550 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, 8:00pm n Nic Courdy: Metaphornography Fri - Sat Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, 20 S West

FAMOUS

PRIDE WEEKEND SAT

4

GINGER & THE BEAST 3PM

JUNE S E C I LY S P RO J E C T C A N YO N S 9 P M

SUN

5

JUNE

THE VISION 10PM INAUGURAL STREET PARTY! HOSTED BY PRINCESS KENNEDY

STREET STAGE FEATURING

DJ NICK JAMES | DJ ARTEMIS STARTS MAIN FLOOR STAGE FEATURING @ 10AM DJ LATU

JUNE 1, 2016 | 23

n Kevin Garrett, Joshy Soul, Vinyl Tapestries Sat Kilby Court, 741 Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, 7:00pm, $10.00 n Metalfest Sat The Barbary Coast Saloon, 4242 S State Street, Salt Lake City, 12:00pm, $10.00 - $15.00 n MISS DJ LUX Sat Downstairs, 625 Main Street, Park City, 8:00pm, $10.00 n Mix Event: Win a Wedding Sat University Place, 575 E University Pkwy, Orem, 12:00pm, Free n Off the Wall Comedy Improv Sat Draper Historic Theatre, 12366 S. 900 East, Draper, 10:30pm, $5.00 n Reno Divorce & Hi Fi Murder & Draize Method & Version 2 Sat Lighthouse Lounge, 130 E 2500 S, Ogden, 7:00pm n RIITUAL + PANTyRAiD Sat Club X, 445 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, 9:00pm, $20.00 n Royal Bliss Sat The Royal, 4760 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, 3:00pm, $15.00 - $20.00 n Run for Refugees Sat Liberty Park, 600 E 900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, Salt Lake City, 9:00pm, $25.00, 202-441-2888 n Saturday Lunch Sat Alta Lodge, 10230 E. Little Cottonwood Canyon Road, Alta, 11:00am, Free n SB Dance: SNaked Sat Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City, 8:00pm, $18.00 n Scenic Route Pop-Up Restaurant Sat Snuck Farms, 504 West 1100 North, Pleasant Grove, 7:00pm, $0.00 - $115.00, n Squaw Peak Trail Run Sat Peaks Ice Arena, 100 N Seven Peaks Blvd, Provo, 5:00am, $160.00 n Summer Bash feat. DJ Marcus Wing and TylerTheSmiler Sat Infinity Event Center, 26 E 600 S, Salt Lake City, 9:00pm, $10.00 - $15.00 n Timmy the Teeth Sat Velour Live Music Gallery, 135 North University Ave, Provo, 8:00pm, $10.00 n Utah Lake Festival Sat Utah Lake State Park, 4400 West Center Street, Provo, 10:00am, Free, 801-854-2904 n The Way Down Wanderers Sat Mendon Mountain Music Festival, Mendon, 7:00pm n 9th West Farmers Market Sun Jordan Park, 1060 S. 900 West, Salt Lake City, 10:00am, Free n Gibson Brothers Sun Fort Buenaventura, 2450 A Avenue, Ogden, 7:00p n Historic Wheeler Farm, Farmers Market Sun Wheeler Farm, 6351 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, 9:00am, Free n Jaripeo Baile with Cuisillos and Graciela Beltran Sun Utah State Fairpark, 155 North 1000 West, Salt Lake City, 1:00pm, $35.00 n Karaoke with DJ Benji Sun A Bar Named Sue (State), 8136 State Street, Midvale, 10:00pm n King Lil G Sun Centennial Park, 5405 3100 S, West Valley City, 12:00pm, Free n Park Silly Sunday Market Sun Historic Main Street, 600 Main Street, Park City, 10:00am, Free, 435-714-4036

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

Temple, Salt Lake City, n The Night Spin Collective Fri Area 51, 451 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City, 9:00pm, $5.00 - $7.00 n Peace Corps at Utah Pride Festival Fri - Sun Washington Square Salt Lake City & County Building, 450 South 200 East, Salt Lake City, 9:00am, Free, 801-529-7885 n Rewind Live Broadcast: Ken Garff Fiat SLC- Erin’s Night Ticket Stop Fri Ken Garff Fiat of SLC, 500 S 198 E, Salt Lake City n Rock of Ages Fri - Sat The Ziegfeld Theater, 3934 South Washington Blvd., Ogden, 7:30pm, $17.00 - $19.00 n Russ Nagel Fri - Sat Wiseguys Ogden, 269 25th Street, Ogden, 8:00pm, $10.00, n Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand Fri Sandy Amphitheater, 9400 S. 1300 East, Sandy, 8:00pm, $10.00 - $16.00 n Sarah May: Identity Retablos Fri Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts, 631 W. North Temple, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, Free n Sebastian Bach Fri The Depot, 400 W South Temple, Salt Lake City, 8:00pm, $23.00 - $29.00 n Skypark Aviation Festival and Expo Fri, Sat Skypark Airport, 1887 South 1800 West, Woods Cross, 1:00pm, Free n Spring Show for Art at the Main Fri - Sat Sugar Space Arts Warehouse, 132 S. 800 West, Salt Lake City, 6:30pm, Free, 801-363-4088 n Transcendence: Abstraction & Symbolism in the American West Fri Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art, 650 North 1100 East, Logan, 1:00pm, Free n U92 & The Utah Pride Festival 2016 Fri, Sat Washington Square Salt Lake City & County Building, 450 South 200 East, Salt Lake City, 7:00pm, $0.00 - $10.00 n Vista Kicks Fri Kilby Court, 741 Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, 7:00pm, $8.00 n The Wild Reeds Fri Fort Buenaventura, 2450 A Avenue, Ogden, 7:00pm n Candlebox Sat The Royal, 4760 S 900 E, Salt Lake City, 10:00pm, $15.00 - $20.00 n Climbing Wall Sat - Sun Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, 1258 Center Drive, Park City, 1:00pm, $5.00, 435-649-1767 n Dealin’ In Dirt w/ Jeddie Duffey Sat The Acoustic Space, 124 South 400 West, Salt Lake City, 8:00pm, 801-657-2325 n Gibson Brothers Sat Ogden Music Festival, Ogden, 7:00pm, n Grilling Gala Sat Orson Gygi, 3500 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, 10:00am, Free, 801-268.3316 n Hogslop String Band Sat - Sun OFOAM Festival, Ogden, 7:00pm, n Hoods Sat The Loading Dock, 445 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, 7:00pm, $5.00 n Humming House Sat Fort Buenaventura, 2450 A Avenue, Ogden, 7:00pm n Invitation to the Dance Sat Kingsbury Hall, 1395 Presidents Cir, Salt Lake City, 6:30pm, $11.00 n Kevin Garrett, BANCHO, Vinyl Tapestries Sat Kilby Court, 741 Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, 7:00pm, $10.00

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

24 | JUNE 1, 2016

BEER, WINE & SPIRITS

Portuguese Dynamo Spain’s neighbor to the west is an affordable wine mecca.

BY TED SCHEFFLER @critic1

A

s was the case with wine from Spain over the last couple of decades, table wines from Portugal—especially red ones—are beginning to attract the attention they deserve. Some have become darlings of wine experts and restaurateurs, undoubtedly in part because they tend to be very economical. Since the 1990s, wines from Portugal have dramatically improved, and are some of the best values in European wines. You can enjoy great Portuguese table wines for well under $20, and some priced at half that. Indeed, the most expensive non-Port red wine from Portugal available in the Rockies that I’m aware of sells for $39.99, and it’s sensational. But, more about that later.

Portuguese red wines are almost always blends of many different varietals—most of which are found only in Portugal. So, unless you’ve really boned up on your Portuguese wine grapes—and there are more than 230 of them—you might not even recognize some of the most familiar, like Periquita, Baga, Bastardo, Jaén, Alfrocheiro Preto and such. To add to the confusion—although the French seem to have adapted quite well to a similar system—Portuguese wines aren’t identified by grape varieties, but rather by the regions from which those grapes come.

In terms of consistency and availability here in the United States, I would point you toward the red table wines from the Douro region of Portugal for great flavor and excellent value. The Douro, a geographic region situated in the northeast of Portugal, is most famous for its Port. Forebodingly steep hillsides, hotter-than-hell summers, rocky crevices and other environmental challenges make you wonder why anyone ever decided to try to make wine in the Douro, but they did. The result, however, is very hearty old vines—in some cases, ones that had to burrow as much as 60-65 feet deep through broken granite in order to find water.

A recent winemaker dinner at Finca restaurant in SLC, featuring the wines of Quinta do Romeu and winemaker João Menéres, provided the opportunity for me to sip some excellent reds from the Douro.

IMBIBE The first was Quinta do Romeu Rosado 2015 ($11.44), a rosé that is made from organic, hand-picked grapes including Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo in Spain), Touriga Nacional and Tinto Cão. It’s a light, refreshing, dry rosado that paired beautifully with chef Elloy Berumen’s delicious three-way heirloom carrots (roasted, pickled and confit).

A charcuterie plate was paired with Quinta do Romeu Moinho do Gato 2012 ($10.49), which is fermented in stainless steel, with no oak, filtering or fining. Moinho do Gato is a vibrant, spicy wine with good acidity that is versatile enough to pair with a wide range of foods, especially meats and cheeses.

Quinta do Romeu Reserva ($20.40) is the Romeu estate’s top red wine—one with floral aromas, firm structure, soft and silky mouthfeel—that hung right in there with stellar, French-racked wild venison. At slightly more than 20 bucks, I defy you to find a better European red wine

bang-for-the-buck.

Remember I mentioned the most expensive Portuguese red table wine that I found available here? Well, it’s called 2012 Quinta do Crasto “Old Vines” Reserva Douro and it sells for just under $40.

It was given a 94-point rating in Wine Spectator and 93 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, and I can taste why. It’s powerful yet refined, and has great depth while still being elegant. Made with a field blend of between 20 and 30 different varietals, this Douro is brimming with ripe plum and floral aromas and sweet blueberry flavors. The tannins are quite light, and there’s a strong backbone of acidity. It’s remarkable, even at such a young age.

Get some. PJH

Featuring dining destinations from buffets and rooms with a view to mom and pop joints, chic cuisine and some of our dining critic’s faves!

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ••••••••• Open daily at 8am serving breakfast, lunch & dinner.

BYOB

145 N. Glenwood • (307) 734-0882 WWW.TETONLOTUSCAFE.COM

1/16TH COLOR AD • FREE PRINT LISTING (50-75 WORDS) • FREE ONLINE LISTING ON PLANETJH.COM

ASIAN & CHINESE

• 6 MONTH MINIMUM COMMITMENT

TETON THAI

• $25 A WEEK CASH OR $40 A WEEK TRADE ON HALF OFF JH

Serving the world’s most exciting cuisine.

Teton Thai offers a splendid array of flavors: sweet, hot, sour, salt and bitter. All balanced and blended perfectly, satisfying the most discriminating palate. Open daily. 7432 Granite Loop Road in Teton Village, (307) 7330022 and in Driggs, (208) 787-8424, tetonthai. com.

THAI ME UP

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER 7:30-9PM

SCOOP UP THESE SAVINGS

CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE TODAY TO LEARN MORE

SALES@PLANETJH.COM OR 307.732.0299

Home of Melvin Brewing Co. Freshly remodeled offering modern Thai cuisine in a relaxed setting. New tap system with 20 craft beers. New $8 wine list and extensive bottled beer menu. Open daily for dinner at 5pm.

Downtown at 75 East Pearl Street. View our tap list at thaijh.com/brews. 307-733-0005.

CONTINENTAL ALPENHOF

307.733.3242 | TETON VILLAGE

®

Large Specialty Pizza ADD: Wings (8 pc)

for an extra $5.99/each

(307) 733-0330 520 S. Hwy. 89 • Jackson, WY

THE BLUE LION A Jackson Hole favorite for 38 years. Join us in the charming atmosphere of a historic home. Ask a local about our rack of lamb.

Serving fresh fish, elk, poultry, steaks, and vegetarian entrées. Live acoustic guitar music most nights. Early Bird Special: 20% off entire bill between 5:30-6:0pm, Open nightly at 5:30 p.m. Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome. 160 N. Millward, (307) 733-3912, bluelionrestaurant.com.

CAFE GENEVIEVE Serving inspired home cooked classics in a historic log cabin. Enjoy brunch daily at 8 a.m., dinner nightly at 5 p.m., and happy hour daily 3-5:30 p.m. featuring $5 glasses of wine, $5 specialty drinks, $3 bottled beer. 135 E. Broadway, (307) 732-1910, genevievejh.com.

ELEANOR’S

JUNE 1, 2016 | 25

Enjoy all the perks of fine dining, minus the dress code at Eleanor’s, serving rich, saucy dishes in a warm and friendly setting.

Eleanor’s is a primo brunch spot on Sunday afternoons. Its bar alone is an attraction, thanks to reasonably priced drinks and a loyal crowd. Come get a belly-full of our two-time gold medal wings. Open at 11 a.m. daily. 832 W. Broadway, (307) 733-7901.

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

Medium Pizza (1 topping) Stuffed Cheesy Bread

$ 13 99

Serving authentic Swiss cuisine, the Alpenhof features European style breakfast entrées and alpine lunch fare. Dine in the Bistro for a casual meal or join us in the Alpenrose dining room for a relaxed dinner experience. Breakfast 7:30am-10am. Coffee & pastry 10am-11:30am.

Lunch 11:30am-3pm. Aprés 3pm-5:30pm.

Dinner 6pm-9pm. For reservations at the Bistro or Alpenrose, call 307-733-3242.

THE LOCALS

FAVORITE PIZZA 2012, 2013 & 2014 •••••••••

$7

$4 Well Drink Specials

LUNCH

SPECIAL Slice, salad & soda

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••

TV Sports Packages and 7 Screens

Under the Pink Garter Theatre (307) 734-PINK • www.pinkygs.com

FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT PIZZAS, PASTAS & MORE HOUSEMADE BREAD & DESSERTS FRESH, LOCALLY SOURCED OFFERINGS TAKE OUT AVAILABLE Dining room and bar open nightly at 5:00pm (307) 733-2460 • 2560 Moose Wilson Road • Wilson, WY

A Jackson Hole favorite since 1965

Napolitana-style Pizza, panini, pasta, salad, beer wine. Order online at PizzeriaCaldera.com EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

20%OFF ENTIRE BILL 160 N. Millward

11am - 9:30pm daily 20 W. Broadway 307.201.1472

26 | JUNE 1, 2016

Owned and operated by Chefs with a passion for good food, Trio is located right off the Town square in downtown Jackson. Featuring a variety of cuisines in a relaxed atmosphere, Trio is famous for its wood-oven pizzas, specialty cocktails and waffle fries with bleu cheese fondue. Dinner nightly at 5:30 p.m. Reservations.

(307) 734-8038 or bistrotrio.com.

LOCAL

ITALIAN

Local, a modern American steakhouse and bar, is located on Jackson’s historic town square.

Our menu features both classic and specialty cuts of locally-ranched meats and wild game alongside fresh seafood, shellfish, house-ground burgers, and seasonally-inspired food. We offer an extensive wine list and an abundance of locally-sourced products. Offering a casual and vibrant bar atmosphere with 12 beers on tap as well as a relaxed dining room, Local is the perfect spot to grab a burger for lunch or to have drinks and dinner with friends. Lunch Mon-Sat 11:30am.

Dinner Nightly 5:30pm. 55 North Cache, (307) 201-1717, localjh.com.

Serving organic, freshly-made world cuisine while catering to all eating styles. Endless organic and natural meat, vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree choices. Offering super smoothies, fresh extracted juices, espresso and tea. Full bar and house-infused botanical spirits. Open daily 8am for breakfast lunch and dinner. 145 N. Glenwood St., (307) 734-0882, tetonlotuscafe.com.

MANGY MOOSE Mangy Moose Restaurant, with locally sourced, seasonally fresh food at reasonable prices, is a always a fun place to go with family or friends for a unique dining experience. The personable staff will make you feel right at home and the funky western decor will keep you entertained throughout your entire visit. Teton Village, (307) 733-4913, mangymoose.com.

SNAKE RIVER BREWERY & RESTAURANT America’s most award-winning microbrewery is serving lunch and dinner. Take in the atmosphere while enjoying wood-fired pizzas, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. $9 lunch menu. Happy hour 4 to 6 p.m., including tasty hot wings. The freshest beer in the valley, right from the source! Free WiFi. Open 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 265 S. Millward. (307) 739-2337, snakeriverbrewing.com.

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

Make your reservation online at bluelionrestaurant.com

TRIO

The deli that’ll rock your belly. Jackson’s newest sub shop serves steamed subs, reubens, gyros, delicious all beef hot dogs, soups and salads. We offer Chicago style hot dogs done just the way they do in the windy city. Open daily11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located just a short block north of the Town Square at 180 N. Center Street, (307) 733-3448.

LOTUS CAFE

Good between 5:30-6pm • Open nightly at 5:30pm

733-3912

FULL STEAM SUBS

SWEETWATER

On Racks Now! Go to devourutah.com for pick up locations

Satisfying locals for lunch and dinner for over 36 years with deliciously affordable comfort food.

Extensive local and regional beer list. Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. features blackened trout salad, elk melt, wild west chili and vegetarian specialties. Dinner 5:30 to 9 p.m. including potato-crusted trout, 16 ounce ribeye, vegan and wild game. Reservations welcome. (307) 7333553. sweetwaterjackson.com.

CALICO A Jackson Hole favorite since 1965, the Calico continues to be one of the most popular restaurants in the Valley. The Calico offers the right combination of really good food, (much of which is grown in our own gardens in the summer), friendly staff; a reasonably priced menu and a large selection of wine. Our bar scene is eclectic with a welcoming vibe. Open nightly at 5 p.m. 2560 Moose Wilson Rd., (307) 733-2460.

MEXICAN EL ABUELITO Serving authentic Mexican cuisine and appetizers in a unique Mexican atmosphere. Home of the original Jumbo Margarita. Featuring a full bar with a large selection of authentic Mexican beers. Lunch served weekdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nightly dinner specials. Open seven days, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 385 W. Broadway, (307) 733-1207.

PIZZA DOMINO’S PIZZA Hot and delicious delivered to your door. Handtossed, deep dish, crunchy thin, Brooklyn style and artisan pizzas; bread bowl pastas, and oven baked sandwiches; chicken wings, cheesy breads and desserts. Delivery. 520 S. Hwy. 89 in Kmart Plaza, (307) 733-0330.

PINKY G’S The locals favorite! Voted Best Pizza in Jackson Hole 2012, 2013 and 2014. Seek out this hidden gem under the Pink Garter Theatre for NY pizza by the slice, salads, stromboli’s, calzones and many appetizers to choose from. Try the $7 ‘Triple S’ lunch special.Happy hours 10 p.m. - 12 a.m. Sun.- Thu. Text PINK to 71441 for discounts.

Delivery and take-out. Open daily 11a.m. to 2 a.m. 50 W. Broadway, (307) 734-PINK.

PIZZERIA CALDERA Jackson Hole’s only dedicated stone-hearth oven pizzeria, serving Napolitana-style pies using the freshest ingredients in traditional and creative combinations. Five local micro-brews on tap, a great selection of red and white wines by the glass and bottle, and one of the best views of the Town Square from our upstairs deck. Daily lunch special includes slice, salad or soup, any two for $8. Happy hour: half off drinks by the glass from 4 - 6 daily. Dine in or carry out. Or order online at PizzeriaCaldera.com, or download our app for iOS or Android. Open from 11am - 9:30pm daily at 20 West Broadway. 307-201-1472.

S hop local, Save big!

OPEN

Grudges Be Gone How relinquishing hurt and hostility helps to heal the heart and the mind.

3.

Truths that help to let go 1.

A

Buddhist wisdom teaching explains that when you get hurt, say, by an arrow, you feel pain; the arrow hitting your arm hurts.

However, the teaching goes on to say there is a second arrow, which is your reaction to the arrow that hurt. The getting angry, the planning revenge, the retelling the story, the meaning you give it, that is considered different from pain. That part is self-created suffering. That part is the story you make of it, which becomes the stuff of grudges.

Collecting grudges is toxic. It is like carrying the perpetrator(s) around with you all the time, and is a sure way to slow down and limit what’s possible in your life. Where do the grudges go? They are all stored in the physical body. What does that energy do? Science has shown that it interferes with all levels of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Ouch.

A better option We may not have control over experiencing pain in our lives, but we do have control over adding self-created suffering to the pain. The next time someone cuts you off in traffic or doesn’t return your call or is rude to you, or worse, you do not have to create a “second arrow reaction.” It is optional to pile on suffering by creating grudges and grievances. We all have control over the suffering part.

Here are three reactions to any unpleasant experience, which typically lead to building burdensome grievances.

1. Taking the offense too personally. If you still feel angry and are still ruminating about it long after the event, you have taken it too personally.

2. Blaming the offender for how you feel. This attitude gives away your power. You then make your well-being dependent on someone else, over whom you have no control, in order for you to feel OK.

2.

3.

People’s actions are not personal; they are a reflection/ projection of what they are tackling or experiencing at that moment. If someone is having a bad day and they are grouchy or rude to you, it’s about them, not you. If you already know the person or can tell someone is discontent and will take it out on you, then duck.

Everyone is doing the best they can, given who they are and what they are dealing with. You are the one who has control over your actions and reactions, no matter what’s going on.

People are who they are. It is so important to let go of wanting, hoping, expecting someone to be different from how he or she is; that’s a set up for your victim complaint/hurt/grudge.

Benefits of letting go Letting go is a choice. It is an inside job, which upgrades health, mental clarity and gives you more energy. Here are three of the benefits.

1. Letting go is about making yourself the hero or heroine of your story rather than the victim.

2. Letting go is upgrading your health by no longer inviting the negative energy and the perpetrator with you everywhere you go.

3. Letting go increases your compassion for others and for yourself, which opens the heart.

Path to the heart The heart is the connection to soul, intuition, higher guidance and expanded consciousness. Letting go of the reaction stories in life is a powerful heart opener. An open heart is the prerequisite for spiritual evolution. PJH

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Carol Mann is a longtime Jackson resident, radio personality, former Grand Targhee Resort owner, author, and clairvoyant. Got a Cosmic Question? Email carol@yourcosmiccafe.com

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| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

Reactions to avoid

Nourishing a grievance story by telling and retelling it over and over to yourself and to others. Like picking a scab, this keeps the hurt alive.

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

28 | JUNE 1, 2016

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that each row, column, diagonal and 3x3 square contain all of the numbers 1 to 9.

No math is involved. The grid has numbers, but nothing has to add up to anything else. Solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. Solving time is typically 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your skill and experience.

L.A.TIMES “HYBRID CROSSINGS” By Paul Coulter

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2016

ACROSS

10 Personal ad abbr.

40 Dry and crack 80 Film rating org.

12 Muse of comedy 18 1986 Gene Hackman film 20 Paths for three-pointers 21 “The Truth About Cats & Dogs” genre 22 Without 3-Down, artful deception 24 Gone 25 Usher’s creator 26 Actress Hatcher 27 Left end?

28 “The X-Files” extras 29 Shallow crossing point 31 Dress 33 Cocktail hour array 34 Prefix meaning “bee” 37 Without 32-Down, stinging insects 41 Bit of public relations deception 42 Discussion group 44 Ran quickly 45 Others, on the Orinoco 46 Revealing, as some gowns 49 Name again 52 Without 30-Down, separate matter altogether 57 Maker of ProX skin products 58 Where balls are often caught 59 Catch but good 60 Engine part 61 “The Waste Land” monogram 63 The King 65 “Errare humanum __” 66 Poll no.

69 Ratted 70 Trickery 72 Field of study 73 Without 76-Down, arrive where one must decide between options 80 Original model

17 Band aid 19 Rested, in a way 22 Sunscreen letters 23 Spanish wine region 28 “Scram!”

30 Critter orchestrally imitated in Grofé’s “Grand Canyon Suite” 32 __ alert 33 Pfeiffer of TV’s “Cybill” 34 Patriots’ Day month 35 Bench site 36 Orch. component 38 Move, to a Realtor 39 Hebrew leader?

40 LPGA star Cristie 41 Happy hour seat 42 Zahn of TV news 43 “That shut her up like __”: Tennessee Williams 45 Footnote abbr.

46 Bowl game star, briefly 47 Like some service 48 Reagan prog.

50 Actress Bening 51 Fund-raising gps.

53 Chemical suffix 54 Three-time Masters winner DOWN 55 Half a sawbuck 10 Stubby-legged Capp critter 56 Former NBA center 20 Beau Dampier 30 Driving hazard 61 Schlepped 40 Theater 62 Place for a coin 50 “The Birds” actress 64 Tre + tre 60 Strong-__ 66 Preface 70 Telepathy, e.g.

67 Break off 80 Popular chocolate treat 68 Small amounts 90 Defend from attack 69 Little laugh 10 Spanning: Abbr.

71 Setting for Dickens 11 Biblical beast 72 __ Army: links 12 One-ups group 13 Takes to the cleaners ... or 73 Tree with pods cleans 74 GUM rival 14 “Right on!”

75 Hal of the 1985 15 Readout using polarized light, World Champion Kansas briefly City Royals 16 Chit

81 It counts 82 Gave a darn 83 Lazy 88 Repeated phrase in Ecclesiastes 89 Latin wings 90 Without 90-Down, be evasive 94 U.K. award 95 Vulnerable bone for a catcher 96 Uncommon 97 Poet Silverstein 101 Valhalla VIP 102 Cholesterol initials 103 “Momo” author Michael 106 Winner’s medalla 107 Unlike golf, as a rule 110 Without 100-Down, classic children’s novel 114 Absolute ruler 115 Native Rwandan 116 Religious dissensions 117 Little hooters 118 Blood type, briefly 119 Giant great 120 Poem originally performed with music

76 Aid in a stirring experience 77 Czech hockey player Nedved 78 Lukas of “Witness” 79 Disbelieving accusation 84 Words said while stretching, maybe 85 Non-Rx med 86 Formal will 87 Always, in verse 90 Golfer’s garb 91 White wine aperitif 92 Summer cooler 93 Halter?

95 Photograph 98 Stroked into the cup 99 Uneven, as a leaf’s edge 100 Shipboard account 101 Drink too much 104 Odd couple?

105 Letter with curves 107 Altar avowal 108 Green 109 Internet access letters 110 Comic Margaret 111 Follower of Attila 112 Omega, to a physicist 113 Many a Wikipedia article

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30 | JUNE 1, 2016

REDNECK PERSPECTIVE SATIRE

Yoga Assana From downward dog to upward fog, it’s game on.

BY CLYDE THORNHILL

S

usie stopped by my trailer last week. She brought over several bottles of expired Thrive, a cold pressed juice form Healthy Being Juicery. Thrive is a combination of spinach, cucumber, parsley, celery, garlic, kale, ginger, lemon, and cayenne—no sugar, no fizz, no alcohol. I could hardly wait.

“Employees get first dibs on expired juices!” she exclaimed.

Susie’s always up for some fun so instead of dumping the offensive liquid down the sink, an action that could dampen the romantic mood, I walked to the window and exclaimed, “Is that an endangered red-footed wallow-beaked sparrow?”

While Susie ran to look out the window, I poured a shot of bourbon in the juice, a forlorn attempt to make it palatable. It seemed a shame to waste good whiskey but Susie generally wears black lace underneath and sometimes you have to make tradeoffs.

“I don’t see it,” she said.

“I guess it was just a raven,” I said.

“I’ve had a wonderful week!” Susie exclaimed. She began a monolog exploring the highlights of the last few days.

Using a seduction technique I learned from a couple’s counselor I once had a fling with, I wore an interested expression, stared passed her left ear, smiled, nodded from time to time, and thought about beer and pizza. “…And to top it all off I had a full three-day pass for the USA Yoga National Asana Championships! It was wonderful.”

She finally finished 15 minutes later when I was on my third imaginary six-pack and had only one piece of make-believe large bacon-sausage with extra cheese pizza left.

“Yoga Championships?” I questioned. “Isn’t yoga supposed to be focused on acceptance, harmony, oneness, enlightenment and non-judgment? A spiritual practice to heal yourself physically and spiritually from the inside out, and to not encourage the ego through rivalry?”

“It is,” Susie insisted. “It’s non-competitive competition, non-judgmental and supportive. The winners aren’t really the winners, they just happen to beat everyone.”

If yoga can have competitions then it was time for Hog Island to sponsor some competitive games. After a full 10 minutes of negotiating over the phone, and a few bribes of beer, I am proud to announce that Hog Island won the bid to hold the USA National Gas Passing Championship.

Representing more than 34 states and more than 130 trailer parks, regional competitors will arrive in Hog Island this weekend to compete for the National Championship.

Local competitors are excited to see how they stack up against some of the finest flatulencers in the region, including the feared Meger the Hated Deflater from Wamsutter Junction. Local husband and wife team Billy and Betty

Boomer from Hoback are psyched for the competition.

“Were serious,” claimed Ms. Boomer, who, along with her husband, intends to feast not only on beans, but deviled eggs and broccoli in the hours before the competition.

Tragically, last year’s champion from Maine, Bob the Bangor Blaster, will not be attending as he was burned by an explosion during the regional competition when someone lit a cigarette in the non-smoking competitor’s area.

PJH

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19) The voices in our heads are our constant companions.

They fill our inner sanctuary with streams of manic commentary. Often we’re not fully cognizant of the bedlam, since the outer world dominates our focus. But as soon as we close our eyes and turn our attention inward, we’re immersed in the jabbering babble. That’s the bad news, Aries. Now here’s the good news. In the coming weeks you will have far more power than usual to ignore, dodge, or even tamp down the jabbering babble. As a result, you may get a chance to spend unprecedented amounts of quality time with the still, small voice at your core—the wise guide that is often drowned out by all the noise.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) We are inclined to believe that the best way to see the whole picture or the complete story is from above. The eagle that soars overhead can survey a vast terrain in one long gaze. The mountaintop perspective affords a sweeping look at a vast landscape. But sometimes this perspective isn’t perfectly useful. What we most need to see may be right next to us, or nearby, and it’s only visible if our vision is narrowly focused. Here’s how poet Charles Bernstein expresses it: “What’s missing from the bird’s eye view is plain to see on the ground.” Use this clue in the coming weeks.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) I foresee fertile chaos in your immediate future, Gemini. I predict lucky accidents and smoldering lucidity and disciplined spontaneity. Do you catch the spirit of what I’m suggesting? Your experiences will not be describable by tidy theories. Your intentions will not fit into neat categories.

You will be a vivid embodiment of sweet paradoxes and crazy wisdom and confusing clarity. Simple souls may try to tone you down, but I hope you will evade their pressure as you explore the elegant contradictions you encounter.

Love your life exactly as it is! Methodical improvisations will be your specialty. Giving gifts that are both selfish and unselfish will be one of your best tricks. “Healing extremes” will be your code phrase of power.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) According to many sources on the Internet, “werifesteria” is an obscure word from Old English. But my research suggests it was in fact dreamed up within the last few years by a playful hoaxster. Regardless of its origins, I think it’s an apt prescription to fix what’s bugging you. Here’s the definition: “to wander longingly through the forest in search of mystery and adventure.” If you are not currently seeking out at least a metaphorical version of that state, I think you should be. Now is an excellent time to reap the catalytic benefits of being willingly lost in a wild, idyllic, relaxing setting.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Author Rebecca Solnit offers some tough advice that I think you could use. “Pain serves a purpose,” she says.

“Without it you are in danger. What you cannot feel you cannot take care of.” With that in mind, Scorpio, I urge you to take full advantage of the suffering you’re experiencing.

Treat it as a gift that will motivate you to transform the situation that’s causing you to hurt. Honor it as a blessing you can use to rise above the mediocre or abusive circumstances you have been tolerating.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Aphorist James Guida contemplates the good results that can come from not imposing expectations on the raw reality that’s on its way. “Not to count chickens before they’re hatched,” he muses, “or eggs before they’re laid, chickens who might possibly lay eggs, birds who from afar might be confused with chickens.” I recommend this strategy for you in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. Experiment with the pleasure of being wide open to surprises. Cultivate a mood of welcoming one-of-a-kind people, things and events. Be so empty you have ample room to accommodate an influx of new dispensations. As James Guida concludes: “Not to count or think of chickens.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) “No gift is ever exactly right for me,” mourns Capricorn poet James Richardson. Don’t you dare be like him in the coming days. Do whatever you must to ensure that you receive at least one gift that’s exactly right for you.

Two gifts would be better; three sublime. Here’s another thought from Richardson: “Success repeats itself until it is a failure.” Don’t you dare illustrate that theory. Either instigate changes in the way you’ve been achieving success, or else initiate an entirely new way. Here’s one more tip from Richardson: “Those who demand consideration for their sacrifices were making investments, not sacrifices.”

Don’t you dare be guilty of that sin. Make sacrifices, not investments. If you do, your sacrifices will ultimately turn out to be good investments.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Life will invite you to explore the archetype of the Ethical Interloper in the coming days. The archetype of the Helpful Transgressor may tempt you, as well, and even the Congenial Meddler or the Compassionate Trickster might look appealing. I urge you to consider experimenting with all of these. It will probably be both fun and productive to break taboos in friendly ways. You could reconnoiter forbidden areas without freaking anyone out or causing a troublesome ruckus. If you’re sufficiently polite and kind in expressing your subversive intentions, you might leave a trail of good deeds in your wake.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Your theme comes from the title of a poem by Fortesa Latifi: “I Am Still Learning How to Do the Easy Things.”

During the next phase of your astrological cycle, I invite you to specialize in this study. You may imagine that you are already a master of the simple, obvious arts of life, but here’s the news: Few of us are. And the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to refine your practice. Here’s a good place to start: Eat when you’re hungry, sleep when you’re tired, and give love when you’re lonely.

Go to RealAstrology.com for Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes and daily text-message horoscopes. Audio horoscopes also available by phone at 877-873-4888 or 900-950-7700.

JUNE 1, 2016 | 31

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Between now and July 25, there’s a chance you will reach the peak of a seemingly unclimbable mountain. You could win a privilege that neither you nor anyone else ever dreamed was within your reach. It’s possible you’ll achieve a milestone you’ve been secretly preparing for since childhood. Think I’m exaggerating, Virgo? I’m not.

You could break a record for the biggest or best or fastest, or you might finally sneak past an obstacle that has cast a shadow over your self-image for years. And even if none

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) “My mother gave birth to me once, yeah, yeah, yeah,” writes author Sara Levine. “But I’ve redone myself a million times.” I’m sure she is not demeaning her mom’s hard work, but rather celebrating her own. When’s the last time you gave birth to a fresh version of yourself? From where I stand, it looks like the next 12 to 15 months will be one of those fertile phases of reinvention. And right now is an excellent time to get a lightning-flash glimpse of what the new you might look like.

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) I’m debating about which of your astrological houses will be your featured hotspot in the coming days. I’m guessing it will come down to two options: your House of Valid Greed and your House of Obligatory Sharing. The House of Valid Greed has a good chance to predominate, with its lush feasts and its expansive moods. But the House of Obligatory Sharing has an austere beauty that makes it a strong possibility, as well. Now here’s the trick ending, Leo: I’d like to see if you can emphasize both houses equally; I hope you’ll try to inhabit them both at the same time.

Together they will grant you a power that neither could bestow alone.

of these exact events comes to pass, the odds are excellent that you will accomplish another unlikely or monumental feat. Congratulations in advance!

| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |

32 | JUNE 1, 2016

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