JACKSON HOLE’S ALTERNATIVE VOICE | PLANETJH.COM | MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017
Mary, Full of Grace How Mary Erickson wants to unite the valley in the name of social justice.
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2 | MARCH 29, 2017
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JACKSON HOLE'S ALTERNATIVE VOICE
VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 12 | MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017
14 COVER STORY MARY, FULL OF GRACE How Mary Erickson wants to unite the valley in the name of social justice.
Cover photo by Robyn Vincent
6 THE NEW WEST
18 CREATIVE PEAKS
10 DEMOCRACY IN CRISIS
20 MUSIC BOX 22 CINEMA
11 THE BUZZ
28 COSMIC CAFE
THE PLANET TEAM PUBLISHER
Copperfield Publishing, John Saltas EDITOR
Robyn Vincent / editor@planetjh.com
ART DIRECTOR
STAFF REPORTERS
Cait Lee / art@planetjh.com
Meg Daly, Shannon Sollitt
SALES DIRECTOR
COPY EDITOR
Jen Tillotson / jen@planetjh.com SALES EXTRAORDINAIRE
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Carol Mann, Ted Scheffler, Chuck Shepherd, Tom Tomorrow, Lisa Van Sciver, Todd Wilkinson, Jim Woodmencey, Baynard Woods
Jessica Sell Chambers CONTRIBUTORS
Rob Brezsny, Aaron Davis, Maryann Johanson,
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March 29-April 4, 2017 By Meteorologist Jim Woodmencey As we cross the finish-line this week for the month of March, one would hope that we are now looking at winter in the rearview mirror. Despite relatively warm temps these last couple of weeks, cold and snowy weather is still a possibility as we cruise past the first of April, and that’s no fooling. Like on April 1st, 1967 when it snowed 8 inches in town, in a single day. Don’t be fooled completely and put away the snow shovels or snow tires just yet.
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Temperatures have been running above normal the last couple of weeks, especially the overnight low temperatures. You can count on that when it stays cloudy overnight. And we can count on one hand how many clear nights we have had this month. When it did clear off we made it down close to 20-degrees. This week, that is very near the average overnight low temperature. The record low this week is 12-degrees below zero, from March 30th, 1985.
Average high temperatures this week are in the mid-40’s. What we should expect this coming week is highs going up and down, above or below that average. There will be little chance of breaking the record high temperature this week of 70-degrees, set back on March 31st, 2004. That is also the all-time high temperature for the month of March in Jackson, as well as, the earliest in the year that we have ever hit 70-degrees.
NORMAL HIGH NORMAL LOW RECORD HIGH IN 2004 RECORD LOW IN 1985
46 21 70 -12
THIS MONTH AVERAGE PRECIPITATION: 1.23 inches RECORD PRECIPITATION: 4.2 inches (1995) AVERAGE SNOWFALL: 11 inches RECORD SNOWFALL: 26.5 inches (1985)
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MARCH 29, 2017 | 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 | MARCH 29, 2017
FROM OUR READERS
The Real Analysis If I were the developer for the Bar J Chuckwagon property, planning on building 69 residential units to sell for over $100million, on a property that is zoned for 7 residences on 3 acre lots, when would I want to have an Environmental Analysis (EA)done? Should it be done in September when the Bar J has had several hundred people present seven nights a week, for four months, arriving in the early evening in cars and buses? Or should it be done in early October through early November when the Bar J has been closed and several herds of 40 – 50 elk are seen coming out of the Bar J and moving westward? The EA, which was deemed “sufficient” by the Teton County Planning Department, claims that ungulates do not migrate east-west through the Bar J between 390 and Willowbrook, the subdivision bordering the
Readers had some choice words in response to Crystal Creek’s proposal for a new hotel on Town Square.
Bar J on the south and west borders – “the west side of the highway is segmented by existing developments that are less permeable to movement by large ungulates in either a North-South or East-West orientation.” This conflicts with the January 22, 2016, letter from Wyoming Game and Fish which states “moose cross the road frequently between the Bar J property and properties to the east of the highway.” And “Elk also move through this area during the spring and fall”. The EA also conflicts with observations of neighbors. The majority of Willowbrook lots are covered with natural vegetation on which elk graze on their way between the Bar J and the ranch land to the west. Almost all Willowbrook lots have extensive willows,
SNOW PACK REPORT
the primary diet of moose who are present there yearround and in the Bar J during the 8 months that it is closed. It is beyond understanding that an EA would be timed to miss the abundant wildlife that frequently pass through the 21 acre Bar J property. 69 residential units would obviously disturb migration and survival of moose, elk, deer, etc. – Dick Jaquith
Nonsensical Development
This most recent intended move makes just no logical sense at all. 99 hotel rooms will simply make the rich even richer, and will continue to aggravate
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TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Over the past few weeks, temperatures have reached 20 degrees above freezing. The warm temperatures have melted the snow during the day and many nights below freezing temperatures refroze the snow, creating a supportable crust. Each time the snow’s surface went through this process, the rounded snow grains grew in size and formed clusters known as corn snow. The repeated melt-freeze cycle has flattened slopes and at the right moments has been perfect for skiing and riding. As the bonds between the snow grains melt, the snowpack’s strength decreases. The water’s surface tension acts like glue between snow grains, until the snow is saturated. Then with an increase in water the snow will be more like a margarita than
a snow cone, causing the heavy, wet mass to slide off the slope. Wet slides are tricky to predict, because very stable snow can become very unstable snow in a short amount of time. It is obvious when the snowpack is strongest, because there is a supportable crust. Once the crust breaks down caution must be taken, as the snow’s surface may quickly become dangerous slush. Timing is everything right now. The moment the bonds between the snow grains begin to melt is when the slopes become smooth and velvety. Depending on the temperatures and cloud cover this moment could last minutes or hours. If the corn hour has passed skiers and riders will leave a deep trench to refreeze. So respect the spring etiquette and plan for the perfect turn. – Lisa Van Sciver
the ongoing Jackson problem of where can your local employees live? Having lived in Wyoming for 34 years, having spent four to six trips a year in Jackson, I can say it has just become so obvious that Jackson is imploding from within. You need city and county workers, many which provide coverage 24 hours a day. But where do these workers live? Jackson needs to do what Aspen, Colorado, did 20 years ago; my brother was a city policeman there. The city realized they were about to lose their city employees and they wisely expended in building housing, which they rented or sold to employees under strict guidelines. It saved them, and Jackson should consider likewise. – Jim Murray
town is losing good people as citizens because of it. – Connie Jones
“It has just become so obvious that Jackson is imploding from within. ”
On The Buzz: “Housing not Hotels,” March 22 When residents are “angry” and want our voices heard, and we decide to go to a town council/commissioner’s meeting to speak, we are met with eye rolls and sighs from a panel of people who will, at the end of the day, always be controlled by the wealthy elite and what they want... always. It’s a travesty, and this
I lived in Jackson for 30+ years. You priced me out. I could not afford to live there anymore. I moved 3 years ago. It’s even worse now. Jackson has become a greedy place. It’s lost its quaint appeal. The traffic sucks. Greed has ruined this beautiful place. People keep moving. Who’s going to cater to the rich and the tourists? – Denise Lassiter McBurnett Seherr-Thoss
While I support the fact that we need lots of employee housing, we also need to update our dismal stock of rental housing in this town as well. These two things should go hand in hand. I’m not sure how you can justify not supporting Crystal Creek Capitals, hotel project on Center Street of the Town Square. Mary Cobb Erickson’s opposition to this project is based off the notion that this site should somehow be all “workforce “ housing, a hotel is totally appropriate at this location. This project sits on prime commercial real estate and is one of the most underutilized pieces of commercial real estate in the town core.
The notion that somehow the owners of this property should build nothing but workforce housing and not a mixed-use hotel project is pure fantasy. I say kudos to the development team for offering to provide more housing than is required, an additional 1,604 sq.ft.! That’s a huge investment in this community and this mixed-use building. The architectural design is fantastic and suits the site well. The Council should move swiftly to approve this project. We need an explosion of workforce housing in this community that’s for sure. Lets send a strong message to our electeds that delaying any projects that actually build workforce housing is a net gain of zero! – Greg Miles We need at least ten more hotels just to make sure that some out-of-town corporation can make yuuge great deals and profits, that is very good for the community since CEOs will make tremendous bonuses and can buy amazing private island or all the land in Jackson Hole. – Szaboocs Nagy
Submit your comments to editor@planetjh.com with “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. All letters are subject to editing for length, content and clarity.
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Alternative Animal Facts What happens when ‘wildlife photography’ masquerades as something it’s not? BY TODD WILKINSON
W
ith each passing day, it seems, we learn more about the insidious impact of “fake news”—how politicians, companies, governments and operatives with hidden agendas exploit the gullibility of the public to believe almost anything. Does a fake news parallel exist in wildlife photography? A few months ago, two paragons of the British tabloid press, The Sun and Daily Mail, published “stories” featuring photographs purported to be of a wild Montana grizzly bear tangling with a pack of wild snarling wolves over a deer carcass. The dramatic images came replete with breathlessly-worded captions referencing snarling teeth and blood smears in the snow. Blaring above the Sun’s story was this click-bait headline: “Brawl of the Wild: Dramatic moment 600lb bear takes on pack of wolves over a deer carcass is captured by British tourist in the Rocky Mountains.” A corresponding subhead read, “Pictures show the wolves attempt to fight back but one by one they are swatted away by the grizzly’s giant paws.” The photos were the work of Tom Littlejohns, described as a 75-year-old logistics consultant and nature photographer from Guildford in Surrey, England, southwest of London. “In these particular images, I saw
Photos taken by a British man named Tom Littlejohns may not depict reality, but the consequences of staging them and passing them off as such are very real.
the change from relatively docile and almost large cuddly wolves become unbelievably ferocious both with each other and prepared to take on a fully grown Grizzly,” Littlejohn allegedly told one reporter. T he predat or- on-pr e d at or encounter, said to have taken place in Montana’s Crazy Mountains east of Bozeman (in the middle of winter no less and where there are no grizzlies) aroused immediate attention among locals in our region.
“Animals of Montana has been under close scrutiny for years following dozens of alleged allegations, including an incident in which an animal keeper was killed by a bear.”
Alternative wildlife realities Steve Primm, whose day job is serving as founding partner of People and Carnivores, a Bozeman-based nonprofit devoted to resolving conflicts between humans and predators, called the alleged real-life scenes horsepucky. Quickly, he was joined in his assessment by a respected bear manager with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department and by the senior wolf biologist in Yellowstone. As Littlejohns’s photos circulated virally on Facebook, they came under more intense scrutiny from American wildlife photographers and conservationists who noted they were actually staged using captive animals allegedly rented out by Animals of Montana, a game farm located outside of Bozeman. Personal confession: over the years
I have penned books and magazine stories that have been illustrated with wildlife images taken by photographers at game farms though I had no involvement in the photo selection. I also have close wildlife-artist friends who routinely frequent game farms to study animals for paintings and sculptures. Animals of Montana, which as a “wildlife menagerie” is permitted by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, has been under close scrutiny for years following dozens of alleged violations, including an incident in which an animal keeper was killed by a bear. Here is link to a department press release in 2016: fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/ enforcement/nr_0268.html Animals of Montana has often refuted the allegations. Littlejohns, when pressed to explain how he got such remarkable shots,
Stopping at nothing for the shot?
it’s coming in reference to,” he said. “Keep in mind our business has been brought into disputes over and over again by people who shout very loudly with no information and others who make us out to be the bad guy.” Animals of Montana does re-create animal interactions to simulate natural history events that actually happen in the wild, he said. Indeed, it’s true that one can observe real wild grizzlies and wild wolves tussling over carcasses in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley. Price doesn’t see game farms, at least the wellrun ones, suffering from ethical issues. And he reputes charges that captive animals are merely being exploited for profit. “We live this [responsible treatment of animals] every single day and we are committed to the welfare of our animals. I hear garbage all the time of how we abuse this or that and it’s just not the case,” Price said. “No one is out there abusing these animals. We try to build personal relationships with all our animals so they live in a happy state. If we were beating our animals or treating them badly, you wouldn’t find happy and content animals easy to work with.” PJH
“As a photographer who spends a ton of time in Yellowstone, I often see the side effect of captive animal shoots. People see pictures online and expect that they are going to be able to stand 30 feet from a wild animal to photograph it.”
Todd Wilkinson, a longtime environmental journalist, has been writing his award-winning New West column for nearly 30 years. It appears weekly in Planet Jackson Hole. He is author of the recent award-winning book, Grizzlies of Pilgrim Creek, An Intimate Portrait of 399, the Most Famous Grizzly of Greater Yellowstone only available at mangelsen.com/grizzly.
MARCH 29, 2017 | 7
Josh Able from Bobs Creek Photography said “my first reaction was sadness because, just by seeing Littlejohns’s pictures, I knew it was yet another photographer passing off captive animals as wild. Upon really looking at the pictures I was more than a little horrified that anybody would create such an animal-versus-animal conflict
with risk of injury for the animals,” he said, mentioning something else. “As a photographer who spends a ton of time in Yellowstone, I often see the side effect of captive animal shoots very often. People see pictures online and expect that they are going to be able to stand 30 feet from a wild animal to photograph it,” he said. “In my view, wildlife photography is capturing a true representation of nature. Nothing staged, nothing ‘set up.’ Wildlife photography needs to be honest.” Photographer S e b a s t i a n Kennerk necht expressed similar indignation. “Whether that story was fabricated by the photographer or the author, to me it exemplifies how this situation would be perceived as being ethically wrong, and needing to be covered up, while still publishing pictures that were oh-so-hard to get, when in reality it was all staged, but also putting animals into real danger,” he said. Photographer Tom Carlisle, along with Groo, Kennerknecht and Able, point to a conundrum created by Littlejohns, the media and game farm. If the “wild” scenes are fake, then Littlejohns and the newspapers should acknowledge it, they say. If in fact a grizzly and wolves were forced to fight, as it appears in the staged photos, it could evidence a violation of animal welfare laws that, for instance, forbid dog and cockfighting. Andrea Jones, chief spokesperson with the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks regional office in Bozeman, said the department is aware of the issues and currently looking into them. Demetri Price, the lead trainer at Animals of Montana, told me he had neither seen Littlejohns’s photo spreads nor how the shoot was portrayed in print. He suggested that both the internet and social media are places where distortion of the truth is rife. “A lot of this kind of stuff I can’t confirm or deny because I don’t know what
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
boasted on social media that he did indeed employ the services of Animals of Montana; still, huge numbers of readers who saw his bear and wolf photos were likely duped. I reached out to The Sun and Daily Mail in January, requesting an interview with their reporters and asking the newspapers to put me in touch with Littlejohns, but received no reply. Does it matter that the media and photographer were less than transparent? Melissa Groo, a world-renowned, award-winning nature photographer who writes a popular column on ethics for Outdoor Photographer magazine, is among of handful of shooters, including Jackson Hole photographer Tom Mangelsen, who said, yes, absolutely, it does. The use of captive game farm animals has long been a divisive subject within the world of professional wildlife photography and it’s one of the reasons why the International League of Conservation Photographers, comprised of some of the best lenspeople on earth, was formed. Groo says captive animals are used as working models (grizzlies, wolves, African lions and Siberian tigers, among others, rented out for $500 per one-hour session at Animals of Montana), and forced to pose on command for food rewards. That coupled with keeping the animals confined most of their lives to smallish pens compared to huge natural home ranges in the wild, raises a number of ethical questions. While defenders claim commercial game farms serve a valuable purpose such as allowing wildlife artists to gather reference material for paintings and sculptures, Groo and others point to deception: Some photographers have exploited game farms to take short cuts in building portfolios and many media outlets they sell pictures to routinely fail to disclose that the shots were manufactured. It’s unknown how much Littlejohns made from selling his bear/ wolf photos.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
8 | MARCH 29, 2017
MAY
2 SPECIFIC PURPOSE EXCISE TAX
2017
SPECIAL ELECTION PROCLAMATION | POLLS OPEN 7 AM-7 PM
TO THE VOTERS OF TETON COUNTY, WYOMING:
IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 22-21-104 OF THE STATE OF WYOMING ELECTIONS LAWS, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED THAT A SPECIAL ELECTION WILL BE HELD THROUGH THE 18 ELECTION DISTRICTS AND PRECINCTS OF SAID TETON COUNTY ON TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017.
PROPOSITIONS TO BE VOTED UPON:
Shall Teton County be authorized to re-allocate funds from the 2014 SPET as follows: South Highway 89 Pathway and South Park Boat Ramp Underpass $1,500,000.00 in re-allocation of previously collected SPET funds, currently on hand, representing the unspent funds from the South Park Loop Road Pathway, to be utilized for the purpose of funding the planning, design, engineering, and construction of a South Highway 89 pathway and South Park Boat Ramp underpass. This project is sponsored by Teton County. FOR the Proposition AGAINST the Proposition Shall Teton County, State of Wyoming, be authorized to adopt and cause to be imposed a one percent (1%) specific purpose excise tax (the “Tax”) within Teton County for the purpose of raising and collecting the amounts set forth below, the proceeds from which, and the interest earned thereon to be used and applied for specific projects, and to the extent necessary and allowed by law, the pledge to or payment of debt service and/or lease payments thereon: P R O P O S I TI O N # 1 : Replacement of Current START Buses and Purchase of Additional START Buses $6,500,000.00 for the purpose of funding the acquisition of replacement START buses for current service levels and for the purchase of additional START buses for future service expansion. This project is sponsored by Town of Jackson. FOR the Proposition AGAINST the Proposition
PROPOSITION #3: Central Wyoming College (CWC) – Jackson Center $3,820,000.00 for the purpose of funding acquisition of land, easements, planning, design, engineering, and construction of a new Central Wyoming College (CWC) – Jackson Center that shall hold classrooms, medical/science labs, offices, and a commercial kitchen. This project is sponsored by Central Wyoming College. FOR the Proposition AGAINST the Proposition
P R O P O S I TI O N # 2 : Town of Jackson/Teton County Housing at Parks and Recreation Maintenance Facility $2,900,000.00 for the purpose of funding planning, design, engineering, and construction of approximately 21 rental housing units. Priority shall be given to employees of Teton County and the Town of Jackson. The rental units shall be located on Town of Jackson owned property at Public Works. This project is sponsored by Town of Jackson. FOR the Proposition AGAINST the Proposition
PROPOSITION #4: Town of Jackson Pedestrian Improvements $1,500,000.00 for the purpose of funding planning, design, engineering, and construction of pedestrian improvements including sidewalks, crosswalks, and ADA facilities within the Town of Jackson. This project is sponsored by the Town of Jackson. FOR the Proposition AGAINST the Proposition
QUESTIONS? CALL THE TETON COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT 733-4430
MAY
2 SPECIFIC PURPOSE EXCISE TAX
2017
SPECIAL ELECTION PROCLAMATION | POLLS OPEN 7 AM-7 PM
PROPOSITION #5: Teton County/Town of Jackson Recreation Center Capital Repair, Replacement, and Renovation $2,400,000.00 for the funding of equipment purchases and construction of necessary aquatic and facility repairs, renovation, and replacement to existing infrastructure in the Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center. This project is sponsored by Teton County. FOR the Proposition AGAINST the Proposition PROPOSITION #6: Town of Jackson/Teton County Housing at START Bus Facility $8,300,000.00 for the purpose of funding planning, design, engineering, and construction of approximately 24 rental housing units. Priority shall be given to employees of Teton County and the Town of Jackson. The rental units shall be located on Town of Jackson owned property at the START Bus Facility. This project is sponsored by Town of Jackson. FOR the Proposition AGAINST the Proposition P R O P O S I T I O N # 7: Redmond/Hall Affordable Housing/Rentals Project $4,050,000.00 for the purpose of funding planning, design, engineering, and construction of affordable housing/rental units preferably at Redmond and Hall Streets in the Town of Jackson, but may be used for other affordable housing/rental projects. This project is sponsored by Town of Jackson. FOR the Proposition AGAINST the Proposition
PROPOSITION #8: Fleet Maintenance Facility and START Bus Storage $15,330,000.00 for the purpose of funding planning, design, engineering, and construction of a Fleet Maintenance Facility and START Bus Storage. The Fleet Maintenance Facility services and maintains critical response and general use vehicles of the town and county including, but not limited to, law enforcement, buses, snow plows, street maintenance, and water/sewer maintenance. This project is sponsored by Town of Jackson. FOR the Proposition AGAINST the Proposition PROPOSITION #9: Fire Station #1 (Jackson) and Fire Station #3 (Hoback) Improvements $6,800,000.00 for the purpose of funding the renovation, construction and seismic upgrades to Fire Station #1 (Jackson) and to fund the acquisition of land, easements, and the planning/engineering of a new Fire Station #3 (Hoback). This project is sponsored by Teton County. FOR the Proposition AGAINST the Proposition PROPOSITION #10: St. John’s Living Center $17,000,000.00 for the purpose of funding planning, design, engineering, and construction of a long-term nursing home, hospice, rehabilitation center, and memory care center. This project is sponsored by the Teton County Hospital District d/b/a St. John’s Medical Center. FOR the Proposition AGAINST the Proposition
APRIL 18, 2017 – LAST DAY TO REGISTER WITH THE COUNTY CLERK BEFORE ELECTION DAY. VOTER REGISTRATION IS ALSO PERMITTED AT THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY. MAY 2, 2017 –ELECTION DAY
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
MARCH 23, 2017 – ABSENTEE VOTING BEGINS
A list of Vote Center Locations on Election Day can be found at tetonwyo.org/cc ATTEST: SHERRY L. DAIGLE, TETON COUNTY CLERK
MARCH 29, 2017 | 9
QUESTIONS? CALL THE TETON COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT 733-4430
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
10 | MARCH 29, 2017
Republican Russian Roulette Political players are positioning themselves for Trump’s potential fall from grace. BY BAYNARD WOODS @demoincrisis
I
had to renew my press credentials after the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence’s hearing on Russian interference with the U.S. election. I took the elevator down to the private subway that runs beneath the Capitol and as the train approached and the glass doors opened, I imagined a shirtless Alex Jones screaming that this subway is evidence of the Deep State. Whatever role Russia, the actual country, played in Trump’s election, “Russia” is now the battlefield in which our conspiracy theories play out.
Revising recent history As I was whisked beneath the halls of government, shortly after FBI Director James B. Comey confirmed that the bureau was investigating connections between the Trump campaign and Russian officials, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer demonstrated that even if the regime did not have ties to Putin, it had thoroughly absorbed his techniques. “General Flynn was a volunteer of the campaign,” he said. And Paul Manafort “played a very limited role for a very limited amount of time.” Flynn played a prominent role in the campaign and served as national security advisor until he resigned because of a failure to disclose meetings with a Russian ambassador. Manafort was the campaign chairman until Trump fired him when his connections to pro-Russian Ukrainian interests became a burden on the campaign. These facts are indisputable and yet Spicer disregarded
them. In the days since then, the AP revealed that Manafort signed a $10 million-per-year deal with a Russian oligarch to help improve the image of the Putin regime in America. Long before Putin, Stalin made a habit of revising history. Trotsky was erased from the revolution entirely. How far can they go with Manafort?
Palace intrigue and Putin’s polonium “Donald Trump will resign ‘soon’, says top Democrat Dianne Feinstein,” an Independent headline reads. She actually said, of allegations that Trump has violated various laws: “We have a lot of people looking into this, technical people. I think he’s going to get himself out.” Who knows what she actually means by “get himself out,” but plenty of people seem to be possessed of this idea that Trump is going to go down soon. This seems extremely unlikely. Trump escalates. He does not de-escalate. Others think that Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet will use the 25th Amendment to boot Trump from office. No way. The Deplorables would all see it as a coup and would fight. The left would see a fatal weakness in Pence and the party and the Republicans would lose virtually every race they run. Now if Pence could maintain the support of the Deplorables and unite the country behind him and crack down on dissent? If Pence were Putin, polonium would be his best bet. We are not that far gone yet.
The impeachment punchline “Get ready for impeachment,” California Rep. Maxine Waters tweeted last week. The House Republicans will never impeach Trump. They are too deeply tied to him now. Their party will be forever destroyed. They will escalate. California Rep. Devin Nunes—who chairs the House committee investigating Russia—worked on the Trump transition team. After the hearing, he told Mother Jones’ David Corn that he had never heard of longtime Trump aide and Republican rat-fucker Roger Stone or super-shady upstart adviser Carter
A prescient mural by a Lithuanian street artist from May 2016.
Page, both of whom are under investigation for their ties to Russia. Then, two days later, Nunes held a press conference. “I have seen intelligence reports that clearly show that the president-elect and his team were, I guess, at least monitored,” Nunes said. “It looks to me like it was all legally collected, but it was essentially a lot of information on the president-elect and his transition team and what they were doing.” Nunes was seemingly the only person the information was shared with— although he shared news of its existence with the press and the White House before sharing it with the committee he heads. When asked about his impartiality, Nunes said: “I’m not worried about that. I’m the chairman of the intelligence committee. It concerned me enough to have to notify the president because it was him and his transition team that were involved in this and he needs to be able to see those reports.” “All of us are in the dark, and that makes what the chairman did today all the more extraordinary,” ranking Democrat Adam Schiff said, questioning the committee’s ability to continue the investigation and calling for an independent investigator. The darkness favors Trump’s conspiracies. The far right interpreted Nunes’s claim as proof that Obama had “tapped” Trump Tower.
Fake news and the chaos machine The authoritarian chaos machine uses each scandal to its advantage. Immediately after the election, when a slew of stories examined the role that “fake news” played in the campaign, it looked bad for Trump. Then, during his first press conference as president-elect,
Trump screamed “You are fake news!” at CNN’s Jim Acosta. Trump and his allies are almost the only ones using the phrase now—and they use it solely in reference to legitimate news outlets. This is what scares me the most about “Russia.” When it looked like Trump was going to lose the election, he declared it was rigged. That was the best thing he could possibly have said if he were, hypothetically, in the process of stealing the election. Stalin regularly accused his enemies of the very things he was doing. In Trump’s case, it would have forced his opponent’s supporters to blindly vouch for the election system, so that any subsequent charges of it actually being rigged could be called sour grapes. In the intelligence committee hearing, Comey said that Russia will be back in 2020, and that looks like pretty good ammo for Trump. If he loses the election, he could say it was compromised by the Russians and cancel its results—the most Putinesque move possible. Back to the subway. The doors opened, and I reemerged from underground, weighted down with Dostoyevskian dread. PJH
Baynard Woods is editor at large for Baltimore City Paper. His work has appeared in The Guardian, The New York Times and The Washington Post. He is the author of the book Coffin Point: The Strange Cases of Ed McTeer, Witchdoctor Sheriff. He earned a Ph.D. in philosophy, focusing on ethics and tyranny, and became a reporter in an attempt to live like Socrates. Send tips to democracyincrisiscolumn@gmail.com.
THE BUZZ Wanted: Renter Relief Tenants in the valley may soon rest easier after town council agreed to move forward in conversations about tenant protections. BY SHANNON SOLLITT @ShannonSollitt
C
‘This is perfectly fine... no problems here.’
a resolution to Contested Case Rules. Staff was asked to prepare a resolution for the council’s consideration at the next town workshop. Revised Contested Case Rules, Erickson explained, would give tenants a “detailed and streamlined” process for reporting issues like Stuhr’s, according to staff report language. Erickson said that in such an unstable market that is also in such high demand, the stakes of confronting a landlord are high. “For the most vulnerable people, they’re not going to file a case. They’re not going to rock the boat because they don’t want to lose their apartment. They don’t want to put themselves at risk.” Indeed, Stuhr worries about his future in his current home. Things have been resolved and tensions between he and his landlord have subsided. But Stuhr said he fears his landlord will retaliate when the time comes to resign the lease. Density and demand make the valley’s lack of tenant protections even more consequential for people like Stuhr. Erickson noted that in the case of Blair Apartments, even after rent hikes drove many tenants away in 2015, there was a surplus of people in need of housing who were ready to re-occupy the units. “People aren’t pricing themselves out of the market,” she said. So losing a tenant is really only a threat to the tenant. To the landlord, it’s a temporary inconvenience, but they are almost guaranteed to fill the vacancy. One of the questions for staff and the stakeholder group to consider is whether to deal with rental inspections on a case-by-case basis, or develop standards and requirements
to do inspections periodically and proactively. “It’s a lot less expensive to do it based on complaints,” Erickson said. “But doing it proactively is a bigger deal. If we’re going to have an impact, that’s how we have to do it.” There is a concern that requiring inspections will deter landlords and property owners from renting their property. “If we’re going to start inspecting rentals, that’s a huge undertaking,” said town administrator Bob McLaurin. “If we establish minimum standards and start enforcing them, we’re going to lose rental units.” But that’s a risk mayor Mayor Pete Muldoon says he is willing to take. “I don’t like the idea of complaint-based enforcement,” he said. Muldoon, a renter himself, agrees that people often fail to report deficiencies in their housing for fear of losing their place. Their only option currently, he said, is to address issues through civil court. “One of the big pieces we’re trying to fix here is imbalance,” Muldoon said. He wants to avoid “asking someone to do something they’re not equipped to do, like file a lawsuit.” Stuhr didn’t have to take his concerns that far. For the time being, he is on good terms with his landlord and hopes to maintain a healthy relationship. “I love where I live,” he said. But a stable roof over his head should not be too much to ask. “Honestly, we just feel like we deserve a habitable, healthy place to live.” PJH SEND COMMENTS TO EDITOR@PLANETJH.COM
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stakeholder group will include representatives from Teton County Public Health. Secure housing, or lack thereof, is one of Teton County’s top 10 public health crises identified by the county’s Community Needs Health Assessment. Teton County Public Health director Jodi Pond said that “severe housing” is of particular concern. Severe housing, Pond explained, is a housing unit that lacks complete kitchen facilities or sufficient plumbing, is severely over-crowded, or severely cost burdened. Twenty percent of homes in Teton County are considered “severe.” Compared to the state’s 12 percent, Pond said, that number is alarming. “That’s where we originally got interested in this discussion,” Pond said. Teton County Public Health’s contribution to the stakeholder discussions will focus on ways to improve health standards in housing units, and also explore the ways that housing insecurity for renters contributes to overall community health. “From a health standpoint, [housing] is a ripple effect,” Pond said. “Whether that be mental well-being or physical well-being, being housing insecure is definitely related to your health.” Households that spend more than 50 percent of their income on rent and utilities, for example, are less likely to have money for other necessities like food and healthcare. Housing insecurity, food insecurity, access to medical care and mental health are all closely entwined, Pond said, and need to be considered in conversations about tenant protections. Councilors also agreed to consider
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arsten Stuhr’s roof leaked all winter, and he put his safety on the line trying to fix it. “I almost fell off [the roof] a couple of times,” he said. The house he lives in is not his own. He is among the many Jackson residents renting the roof over his head. But keeping that roof from collapsing was a huge responsibility this year—one he doesn’t believe should fall on him. “I don’t know how many hours I spent shoveling the roof, doing a lot of stuff I really shouldn’t have to do as a tenant,” Stuhr said. Despite multiple pleas to his landlord, who lives out of town most of the year, Stuhr and his roommate lived under their leaky roof for most of the winter. The problem started last year, when water began leaking from underneath the carpet. Requests for repairs were most often met with silence or animosity from their landlord. “It was a super big thing to get things done, and things got super heated via email,” Stuhr said. Situations like Stuhr’s are not uncommon in the valley. In Fact, Stuhr considers them standard. “Unfortunately in Wyoming, we don’t really have the rights as tenants,” he said. But that could soon change. The town council is considering a compilation of 10 tenant protection recommendations put together by Shelter JH, the organization advocates Jorge Moreno and Mary Erickson founded after Moreno learned of a near 40 percent rent increase at his Blair Place Apartment. At a town hall workshop last Monday, town councilors unanimously agreed to pursue a stakeholder group to review health and safety standards and help guide the conversation. Because housing is a public health concern, the
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THE BUZZ 2 Redmond Hall Gets Real JACKSON COMMUNITY HOUSING TRUST
As rental project construction nears, some of Jackson’s workforce hold out for distant dreams of home ownership. BY SHANNON SOLLITT @ShannonSollitt
S
hovels will move snow, or more likely break ground, April 10 at the corner of Redmond and Hall, marking the beginning construction phase of a 28-unit affordable rental housing project. That the Jackson Community Housing Trust’s Redmond Hall project offers rental units rather than home ownership was a selling point to elected officials throughout the project’s campaign. Creating rental units is listed as a community priority in the Housing Action Plan, said Housing Trust operations manager Carrie Kruse. Renting is an arguably more viable option for a workforce whose demographics are constantly evolving, and allows the Housing Trust more long-term control of the units because tenants have to re-qualify to renew their leases. Rental units also generate revenue, which allows opportunities for future projects. “With every affordable ownership product, we’re starting at square one,” Kruse said. “[Rentals] concede future housing opportunities in a way that ownership housing does not.” But for applicants like Warren Samuels, rental units are not enough. Samuels moved to Jackson with his wife Nikki three years ago, and immediately submitted a Housing Trust application. “We recognized that housing was a real issue right away,” he said. But Samuels, who is the director of admissions at Journeys School, wanted something stable. He wanted to plant roots. “We’re teachers, and we’re just entering our 30s. We’re not looking to rent.” A lack of affordable options drove Samuels and his wife to buy a home in Victor last fall, though they are still hopeful to make a home in Jackson, which is why their names remain on the Housing Trust’s applicant list. Samuels says that the Redmond Hall project is a great idea, but his particular situation also illuminates a huge point of tension in conversations about housing. “People move to Jackson because they love the open space,” he said, “but you can’t really have that from a living perspective in Jackson.” Moving to Victor is a sacrifice he and many others make to live the life they pictured without breaking the bank. “It’s the classic trade-off,” he said. “Do you want to own something you really want and live in Victor, or own something you don’t really want to own and live in Jackson?” In stark contrast to the valley’s unforgiving winter,
An artist rendering of the Redmon Hall rentals. Construction on the long awaited project begins April 10.
Redmond Hall construction is anticipated to begin on a warm spring day. Samuels said this winter was a reminder of just how vital housing in any capacity is in Jackson. During several winter storms that shut down Teton Pass, Samuels was among members of the Jackson workforce who drove through Snake River canyon to get to work. This journey tacked on an additional hour of travel time (sometimes more), making Samuels commute at least two hours each way. Indeed, each storm reminded the community of its dependence on a commuter workforce. But Redmond Hall’s 28 units will make only a small dent in the valley’s housing crisis. The units will house 55 community members out of the approximately 303 applications on file, representing 596 community members (applications include households of more than one person).
The long Hall Town and county electeds unanimously voted this month to approve $4.05 million to fund construction of Redmond Hall, which has been in the works since 2014. Redmond Hall, to be rented below market rate, will offer 19 one-bedroom units and nine two-bedroom units. This is the first public/private partnership of its kind, explained Mayor Pete Muldoon, so it is difficult to compare dollar amounts with affordable housing projects of the past. It also made reaching a decision to approve funding difficult. Of the $4.05 million the town and county are providing, $1.95 million belongs to the Teton County Housing Authority from the sale of Cheney Lane last fall. But those funds depended on the town’s approval of $2.01 million, and until last month neither town nor county officials were unanimously ready to move forward. What changed, said the Trust’s executive director Anne Cresswell, was a revision in the plan that affects when the money from town and county will be contributed. Instead of being held in escrow until the project is complete, the public money will be placed
in a deposit control account to be used during the construction process. Muldoon said he is happy with “the willingness of everyone involved to keep working to make the best deal possible.” “The public asked for a lot,” he said, “and the Trust stepped up and delivered it.” Construction of the project is expected to take around 18 months, so units should be ready for tenants in June or July of 2018. This warm winter actually bodes well for the timeline, Cresswell said. There was so much snow that the ground didn’t freeze. “We usually have to wait until the ground thaws,” she noted. Speaking of rental housing projects, Redmond Hall is not the only one on the horizon—restaurateur Joe Rice is waiting to hear the fate of a proposed Land Development Regulation (LDR) text amendment so he can build up to 90 units on 550 W. Broadway. But the proposed amendment has stirred contention. It would exempt Rice’s privately funded project, Sagebrush Apartments, and all future apartment complexes of more than 10 units, from affordable housing standards. This would allow landlords to rent all units at market price. Currently developers are required to designate at least 25 percent of units as “affordable” (to be rented below market value). Mayor Pete Muldoon and Councilmen Jim Stanford and Bob Lenz expressed their reservations at a March 20 town council meeting while Councilor Hailey Morton-Levinson supported the amendment. Councilor Don Frank was not in attendance. Sagebrush Apartments would include a combination of single- and double-bedroom apartments, as well as studios. Muldoon says he is not convinced that Sagebrush Apartments, and all subsequent apartment projects, would be “inherently affordable,” as Rice and his team argue it is due to the apartment complex’s density. The town council will resume discussion on the text amendment at its April 3 meeting. PJH
Location, Location, Location
NEWS
By CHUCK SHEPHERD
OF THE
conducted months-long grand jury proceedings, fought several court appeals, had one 23-count indictment almost immediately crushed by judges, and enticed state and federal investigators to (fruitlessly) take on the Staten Island case. In March, the city’s Office of Court Administration finally shrugged and closed the case.
WEIRD
A highlight of the recent upmarket surge in Brooklyn, N.Y., as a residential and retail favorite, was the asking price for an ordinary parking space in the garage at 845 Union Street in the Park Slope neighborhood: $300,000 (also carrying a $240-a-month condominium fee and $50 monthly taxes). That’s similar to the price of actual one-bedroom apartments in less ritzy Brooklyn neighborhoods like Gravesend (a few miles away).
Compelling Explanations
Saginaw, Mich., defense lawyer Ed Czuprynski had beaten a felony DUI arrest in December, but was sentenced to probation on a lesser charge in the incident, and among his restrictions was a prohibition on drinking alcohol— which Czuprynski acknowledged in March that he has since violated at least twice. However, at that hearing (which could have meant jail time for the violations), Czuprynski used the opportunity to beg the judge to remove the restriction altogether, arguing that he can’t be “effective” as a lawyer unless he is able to have a drink now and then. (At press time, the judge was still undecided.)
Fine Points of the Law
Residents in southern Humboldt County, Calif., will vote in May on a proposed property tax increase to fund a community hospital in Garberville to serve a web of small towns in the scenic, sparsely populated region, and thanks to a county judge’s March ruling, the issue will be explained more colorfully. Opponent Scotty McClure was initially rebuffed by the registrar when he tried to distribute, as taxpayer-funded “special elections material,” contempt for “Measure W” by including the phrase “(insert fart smell here)” in the description. The registrar decried the damage to election “integrity” by such “vulgarity,” but Judge Timothy Cissna said state law gives him jurisdiction only over “false” or “misleading” electioneering language.
Can’t Possibly Be True
n An office in the New York City government, suspicious of a $5,000 payment to two men in the 2008 City Council election of Staten Island’s Debi Rose, opened an investigation, which at $300 an hour for the “special prosecutor,” has now cost the city $520,000, with his final bill still to come. Despite scant “evidence” and multiple opportunities to back off, the prosecutor relentlessly
Miscellaneous Economic Indicators
“Bentley” the cat went missing in Marina Del Rey, Calif., on Feb. 26 and as of press time had not been located— despite a posted reward of $20,000. (A “wanted” photo is online, if you’re interested.) n British snack food manufacturer Walkers advertised in February for a part-time professional chip taster, at the equivalent of $10.55 an hour. n An Australian state administrative tribunal awarded a $90,000 settlement after a cold-calling telemarketer sold a farm couple 2,000 ink cartridges (for their one printer) by repeated pitches.
Perspective
American chef Dan Barber staged a temporary “pop-up” restaurant in London in March at which he and other renowned chefs prepared the fanciest meals they could imagine using only food scraps donated from local eateries. A primary purpose was to chastise First World eaters (especially Americans) for wasting food, not only in the kitchen and on the plate, but to satisfy our craving for meat (for example, requiring diversion of 80 percent of the world’s corn and soy just to feed edible animals). Among Barber’s March “WastED” dishes were a chargrilled meatless beetburger and pork braised in leftover fruit solids.
OLLOW US
Undignified Deaths
Smoking Kills: A 78-year-old man in Easton, Pa., died in February from injuries caused when he lit his cigarette but accidentally set afire his hooded sweatshirt. n Pornography Kills: A Mexico City man fell to his death recently in the city’s San Antonio neighborhood when he climbed up to turn off a highway video sign on the Periferico Sur highway that was showing a pornographic clip apparently placed by a hacker.
Least Competent Criminals
ON FACEBOOK FOR THE LATEST PLANET HAPPENINGS!
Oops! An officer in Harrington, Delaware, approaching an illegally parked driver at Liberty Plaza Shopping Center in March, had suspicions aroused when she gave him a name other than “Keyonna Waters” (which was the name on the employee name tag she was wearing). Properly ID’ed, she was arrested for driving with a suspended license.
The Passing Parade
In his third try of the year in January, Li Longlong of China surpassed his own Guinness Book record by climbing 36 stairs while headstanding (beating his previous 34). (Among the Guinness regulations: no touching walls and no pausing more than five seconds per step.) Thanks this week to Kevin Corwin, Alyssa Grosso, the News of the Weird Senior Advisors and Board of Editorial Advisors.
@
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n Scientists at Columbia University and the New York Genome Center announced that they have digitally stored (and retrieved) a movie, an entire computer operating system and a $50 gift card on a single drop of DNA. In theory, wrote the researchers in the journal Science, they might store, on one gram of DNA, 215 “petabytes” (i.e., 215 million gigabytes—enough to run, say, 10 million HD movies) and could reduce all the data housed in the Library of Congress to a small cube of crystals.
A chain reaction of fireworks in Tultepec, Mexico, in December had made the San Pablito pyro marketplace a scorched ruin, with more than three dozen dead and scores injured, leaving the town to grieve and, in March, to solemnly honor the victims—with even more fireworks. Tultepec is the center of Mexico’s fireworks industry, with 30,000 people dependent on explosives for a living. Wrote The Guardian, “Gunpowder” is in “their blood.”
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News of the Weird has written several times (as technology progressed) about Matt McMullen’s “RealDoll” franchise—the San Marcos, Calif., engineer’s richly detailed flexible silicone mannequins that currently sell for $5,500 and up (more with premium custom features). Even before the recent success of the very humanish, artificially intelligent (AI) android “hosts” on TV’s Westworld, McMullen revealed that his first AI doll, “Harmony,” will soon be available with a choice of 12 “personalities,” including “intellectualism” and “wit,” to mimic an emotional bond to add to the sexual. A recent University of London conference previewed a near future when fake women routinely provide uncomplicated relationships for lonely (or disturbed) men. (Recently, in Barcelona, Spain, a brothel opened offering four “realdolls” “disinfected after each customer”—though still recommending condoms.)
Ironies
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Mary, Full of Grace How Mary Erickson wants to unite the valley in the name of social justice.
MEGAN PETERSON
BY SHANNON SOLLITT ShannonSollitt
M
ary Erickson recalls spring 2011 as a turning point. It marked the time she understood what her role in the community would be. For about a week, a group of anti-choice protesters from Kansas lined the streets of Jackson. Their signs depicted graphic images of aborted fetuses. In response, the town filed a restraining order against the protesters to keep them away from the tourist hub of Town Square. Then two protesters violated the order, and a Jackson resident drove his car through a sign in retaliation. The following summer, the group came back, this time with a permit. They would protest on the Town Square during the Boy Scouts’ annual Elk Fest, where hundreds of children and tourists would gather. Exposing Elk Fest attendees to the protesters’ signs was a publicity nightmare for the town. Locals didn’t want to scare kids. Officials didn’t want to scare tourists.
“I could feel the energy getting higher and higher, and more and more negative,” Erickson said. “Everything from throwing urine balloons off roofs to literally bearing arms.” Such was Jackson’s initial response. But what surprised Erickson was how many people in the community spoke up against the anti-choice outsiders. Even conservative Christian churches in town had asked the group not to return in 2012. Erickson realized that it was not a debate of antichoice versus pro-choice. Jackson was not rallying behind an issue, but rather against a group of people. As a priest at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Erickson saw her opportunity to step up as a faith leader. She understood that the anti-choice protesters had a right to share their message. But so, too, did the community have a right to respond. Violent retaliation was not going to accomplish anything, she realized. And while people might not
agree on the issue, they could perhaps agree, “as a community there is a certain standard that we want to hold for how we treat each other and how we have public dialogue.” Thus Jackson Hole United was born, bearing the slogan “Civility, Compassion, Love.” It was a message that resonated with the community, Erickson said. “It just sort of took off. I think people embraced the spirit of those words. They empowered us in a way that was not confrontational and violent, and it totally disarmed [the protesters].” By the end of the week that second summer, rather than bearing weapons and threats, Jackson community members were bringing the protesters bottles of water. Elk Fest day arrived, and the protesters had left their big graphic signs behind. “We had moved past civility and to compassion,” Erickson said. Six years later, Erickson sees polarization in the current political climate. Now she’s ushering
JH UNITED
Mary Erickson launched Jackson Hole United as a response to anti-choice protesters who made Jackson Hole their target.
Advocacy in her blood
Caring for the least of us
Erickson’s advocacy work in Jackson primarily focuses on immigrant populations. Right away, she identified immigrants as among the most vulnerable people in the community. “They’re not treated well, not given the respect and opportunities that we enjoy,” she said. “And yet, they’re a huge, critical part of our economy. We’re completely dependent on them.” Erickson initially immersed herself in the
In Jackson, housing is a social justice issue
Issues of immigration are also tied up in Jackson’s housing crisis. Housing, Erickson believes, is a justice issue. “People in poverty don’t have secure housing. They’re the people least able to live here.” It’s also a public health issue. Teton County Public Health identified a lack of secure housing as one of the most critical community needs in 2015. That was the same year rent at Blair Place Apartments increased by almost 40 percent, and construction of the Marriott hotel displaced an entire neighborhood of people who lived in trailer homes on the property. Jorge Moreno was living in
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Erickson was not raised religious, but faith and advocacy run in her family. When asked what sparked her interest in activism, she laughed. “I grew up in Berkeley, it’s kind of in my genes.” She describes her religious upbringing as “C&E”—Christmas and Easter. But she comes “from a long line of ministers,” and learned about activism from her mother, who dedicated her life to activism and education in Berkeley’s African American community. For Erickson, faith and advocacy are inseparable. “The Gospel is a social justice gospel,” she said. “That’s why it speaks to me. I don’t believe it’s about personal salvation. It’s about universal and communal salvation. We’re in this together.” Erickson went to seminary at Harvard Divinity
School, among the most progressive seminaries in the country. And while she knew advocacy was her calling, she was not always certain how to live the life she imagined for herself. Before moving to Jackson, Erickson worked in public relations for a software company in rural South Dakota, where she lived with her husband Bruce. “It wasn’t what I was meant to do,” she said. Still, her time in South Dakota offered important perspective. “I think everyone from the city should live in a rural part of the country, and vice-versa.” She and Bruce moved to Jackson because it offered compromise to their conflicting lifestyles: Erickson needed to live somewhere a little more urban, but her husband wanted a small town. She found more than just a semi-urban lifestyle. She found a community in the Episcopal Church, where she was ordained, and channeled her faith into priesthood. Erickson entered priesthood in part, she said, to reclaim the Gospel from a dominantly conservative following. “Sometimes I feel like we’re reading a different Bible,” she said. She pointed out that Jesus did not preach about homosexuality or abortion. “That’s not what Jesus’s message was.” In fact, Jesus was pretty radical, she said. And his message “was about caring for our neighbor and loving one another—caring for the least of us.”
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“Civility, Compassion, Love” back to the forefront of community conversation. She always knew her work with JH United wasn’t over, but she did not quite know how it could serve the community again. Then Donald Trump was elected president, and the environment around her shifted. One of JH United’s first orders of business was a follow-up meeting to the Jackson Hole Women’s March on a recent Tuesday in February. The meeting encapsulated Erickson’s engagement and advocacy style, people discussed why they were there and engaged in group exercises to spark new ideas about activism. “Right now for me, the public dialogue in this country has gotten so ugly and divisive,” Erickson said. People across the political and ideological spectrum are afraid, and people in fear often lash out. But Erickson wants Jacksonites to remember the message they all once agreed on. “Six years ago, the community made a commitment to behave a certain way,” she said. “Let’s hold true to that.”
immigrant community as director of the Community Resource Center, now One22. After two years, she recently realized she needed a platform for more in-depth advocacy, and in fact one such platform already existed: JH United. Today, that is where she is focusing her energy. One of her primary objectives with JH United, she said, is to provide advocacy to Jackson’s immigrant community. That was Jesus’s message—he encouraged his followers to welcome outsiders as neighbors and family, she said. But Erickson has noticed reluctance from people in Jackson and across the country to welcome outsiders on U.S. soil. Especially in light of President Trump’s recent immigration and travel ban and executive order. “People are terrified,” Erickson said. Rather than criminalizing immigrants by focusing on legal status, Erickson wants concerned citizens to see the humanity in their immigrant neighbors. “These are good people who you like and interact with,” she said. Since the election, Erickson has seen an increase in immigrant families seeking out legal advice to determine what will happen to their children if they are deported. “No one should have to make that decision,” she said. “That’s where the compassion part comes in.” And then, of course, there are the facts. Erickson hears the phrase “get in line” from a lot of people who want to address immigrant legality. But for most of Jackson’s immigrant population, “there is no line,” she said. Most people Erickson knows who live here illegally do so on an expired visa. They came here five, 10, even 20 years ago with a legal visa, but “the opportunity for that visa disappeared. They established themselves here, had children, started families, and now have no choice but to stay and live in the shadows.” “Overstaying your visa is a misdemeanor,” Erickson continued. “But people don’t see it that way because it’s been so politicized.” Erickson shies away from using language like “illegal immigrant” or “alien.” People break the law all the time, she said—people constantly break the speed limit, and doing so is actually a higher offense than overstaying a visa. But no one labels traffic violators “illegal.” Such dehumanizing language is reserved for immigrants. In fact, overstaying a nonimmigrant visa is not even a criminal offense, it’s a civil one. Calling someone “illegal,” then, is not only dehumanizing, it’s inaccurate.
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Blair Place Apartments at the time, and Erickson was the first person he turned to for help. “She always had an answer, and not only an answer but a way to do things that were working,” Moreno said. He and Erickson decided to take communitywide action. Moreno wanted to talk to his neighbors at Blair Place Apartments and be an advocate for them. Erickson said, “go ahead and do it.” “She’s the one that made it happen … that encouraged me to do things,” Moreno said. Moreno and Erickson took the momentum they gained talking to tenants at Blair Place and formed their own advocacy organization. Shelter JH was born to provide a third-party advocacy group that focuses specifically on housing. “We really wanted to push the envelope a little bit and take more risks,” Erickson said. “There was some advocacy going on, but it was all very cautious.” Shelter JH’s inaugural historic event was a housing rally that drew more than 100 people to a town council meeting where commercial development in the downtown core was on the agenda. “Some people thought it was threatening,” Erickson said, “but from my perspective, to have over 100 people engaged in local politics was amazing. That, to me, is the ideal of democracy.” Now, Shelter JH is a 501c4 nonprofit, which “enables us to keep that level of lobbying and be a little more political than with a 501c3,” Erickson said. Most of their work simply involves going door-
to-door and talking to community members about their housing needs, and then communicating those needs to town and county electeds. “It’s really about the people,” Erickson said. Erickson admitted that she doesn’t even consider herself a housing advocate, “but it’s the area I’ve been most active in because in this community, that’s a justice issue.” Immigration and housing issues often intersect in discussions about an “essential” workforce. Conversations in the valley tend to focus on how the housing crisis impacts “essential workers,” Erickson said. But there’s a tension in that definition. “By that same token,” she said, “our economy is driven by service workers. That’s a demographic that nobody was talking about. There’s a lot of conversation about housing essential workers, but there’s another community of people that really was not even on the table.” Much of Erickson’s time at the Community Resource Center involved showing up at meetings to make sure that conversations about housing included immigrants. As with the issue of abortion, Erickson believes that discussions about immigration have to focus on finding a common ground. She recalls conversations with another founding member of JH United who happens to be a Trump supporter. “You’d probably be surprised,” she wrote her friend, “to know that I agree with about 90 percent of what you’re saying.” Those similarities, Erickson says, are what people need to dwell on. “When
ROBYN VINCENT
The Shelter JH housing rally in summer 2016 drew more than 100 citizens to a town council meeting. Before the meeting, advocates like Mary Erickson delivered encouraging messages to people gathered outside town chambers.
we’re able to strip away Republican and Democrat, liberal and conservative, there’s a lot we can agree on,” she said. Communication is a two-way street. Erickson recognizes that if she expects people to listen to her message, she has to be willing to do the same. “I have to understand and be able to test my own faith and my own beliefs,” she said. Once, in seminary, a black man from a “very conservative” Southern Baptist church approached her. “You liberals talk a lot about tolerance,” he said, “but you’re tolerant towards everyone but conservatives.” Perhaps if people can forgo tolerance and strive for compassion, Erickson says, hard conversations will gain traction.
Starting at home
Erickson has two children, Adele, 16, and Oscar, 12. As a mother, she says part of her mission with JH United is a personal one. It’s about the message she is communicating with her kids. “We’re letting our kids down,” she said. “We need to show them a different model of behavior, a standard for how to treat each other.” In addition to engaging with the community, Erickson has tried to instill “Civility, Compassion, Love” as the core values her kids use to interact with each other, which not surprisingly, has proven challenging. Still, Erickson recognizes the example she must set for her kids in how they engage with the world around them.
How to unite the valley
The bulk of Erickson’s work now is in moving forward with JH United. First, she has to figure out exactly what role the organization will play.
Its mission, she said, is to provide a hyper-local focus on advocacy while maintaining the original values of civility, compassion and love. Part of that is providing a space for people to disagree, and to have those hard conversations, she said. “There needs to be room for more of those kinds of dialogues.” Indeed, much of Erickson’s original success six years ago came not from vilifying people with whom she did not agree, but from meeting them where they were. She also hopes to solidify a group under JH United that focuses exclusively on issues of immigration. “I don’t feel like there’s a strong voice there right now, and there needs to be,” she said. Erickson hopes to serve not as a replacement, but rather as a supplement for already-existing activist groups. There are a lot of organizations focused on the national scene right now, she said, “which is fabulous. I’m called to be very locally focused. What’s important to our community, and what do we need to be doing as a community to be more whole and healthy?” Erickson hopes that in addition to direct advocacy work, JH United can also serve as an educational tool for those who want to be more involved. She wants to offer workshops on “Civility 101,” and answer questions as common but complicated as how to have meaningful and respectful conversations around a Thanksgiving dinner table. JH United has filed for 501c3 status and is awaiting approval. And the response has been overwhelming. People want to know how to help. When the idea hit her to reignite JH United, she sent hand-written letters to more than 300 people, and received more than 100 responses. “That’s unheard of,” Erickson said. Clearly, she says, “there’s a huge desire out there. I feel like I’ve sort of tapped into something. If we can take that energy, I think we can make amazing things happen.” Jackson is a small town, but it is a visible one. “We can do things here that can be a model for the
rest of the country,” Erickson said. “We can set the standard.” Advocacy is Erickson’s calling, she says, and it will upset people. “But part of the point is that you’re supposed to make people a little uncomfortable with the status quo. That’s the whole idea.” But it is possible to upset the status quo in a way that is engaging and respectful. Moreno, for his part, is eager to praise Erickson’s advocacy work. “[Erickson] has been that one that has always looked out for community members … That’s how Mary makes me feel—that we are there for a purpose, to help people and advocate for people.” Towards the end of that fateful week in 2012, Erickson recalled a Brigham Young University student from Rexburg, Idaho, who approached her. As she spoke, it became clear to Erickson that she was in town to protest abortion. But she revealed to Erickson that she was beginning to understand that nobody is “pro-abortion.” Anti-choice activists need to be concerned with life not just in the womb, she told Erickson. Erickson was shocked. “You sound like a pro-choicer,” she joked. Her mission made sense to her then. She had to show people how to have those hard conversations, and advocate for those who needed it. “When people say, ‘Don’t do advocacy’ … that’s my job,” Erickson said. “That’s my job and my calling.” And for Erickson, it all comes back to the Bible. “If I’m not willing to stand up and have a voice around what Christianity means to me, I’ve just given up on it. The true message of Jesus is lost, and it’s a really powerful message. We need it in this world.” JH United has given Erickson a vehicle to propagate that message. “You haven’t been able to shut me up since.” Pjh
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
MARCH 29, 2017 | 17
ROBYN VINCENT
Adele and Oscar are budding activists. When Erickson arrived at the meeting point for the Jackson Hole Women’s March on January 21, she expected a small crowd of people. She remembers rounding the corner with a handful of JH Activate shirts to hand out, and walking into a sea of pink. “I called my daughter and said, ‘You need to get up right now.’” The teen was reluctant until Erickson explained how many people were waiting to march. “I’ll be right there,” Adele replied. Erickson’s son Oscar, meanwhile, recently created a presentation for his middle school class about the country’s wage gap. He illuminated the wage disparity as it existed 20 years ago, and compared it to what it is now ($.20 to the dollar higher, for white women). We’ve come a long way, Oscar said, but look how long it’s taken us, and look how far we have to go. Erickson thinks that is an apt lesson to take away from all social justice-related conversations. “My general feeling is that in history, the arc bends towards justice,” she said, borrowing language from Martin Luther King, Jr. After the election, she worried that she might be wrong. What she realized, however, is that “history is a long, long, long, long time.” Progress in any arena, she said, is not reason to stop fighting for justice and equity. She sees that complacency often in conversations about race and racism. Racism is harder to recognize these days, she says. “We’re not all wearing white coats.” But she recalls another conversation with the same conservative Baptist in seminary: “I’d rather be in the South where I know what I’m dealing with, than be in the North where everyone says all the right things but [racism] is still there.”
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
18 | MARCH 29, 2017
CREATIVE PEAKS
Molding the Future Students dream up art to impact the behavior of millions of visitors. BY MEG DALY @MegDaly1
H
ow do you design art that illustrates the importance of recycling in a universal language? In a place like Grand Teton National Park, where there is opportunity to impart teachable moments on visitors from around the world, Jackson Hole High School students are tackling this challenge. Digital Fabrication Lab or “FabLab,” is a JHHS elective program that teaches students how to envision, design, and make innovative projects. Led by FabLab director Sammie Smith, four levels of classes are offered each year. The second level class teams up with Jackson Hole Public Art to create projects with community impact.
Fabulous collaborations JH Public Art’s artist/instructor/ambassador Bland Hoke, Jr. connected the FabLab students with a project spearheaded by Subaru. The car manufacturer is a “zero landfill” company, meaning it sends none of its waste to landfills. For the national parks’ centennial year, Subaru reps wanted to bring that zero landfill concept to the parks and see what could emerge. GTNP staffers responded by inviting the FabLab students to design some concepts. “They asked the students to think up wild ideas,” Hoke said. “From indoor recycling bins, or educational exhibits. They
Models of the STREAM project. Conceived by JHHS students, the eco-centered art installation will live in Grand Teton National Park.
welcomed everything from the fun and innovative to the practical and scalable.” The students incorporated field trips to the recycling center and the park to understand the entire waste stream cycle. “[They] developed a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of our county having a national park nearby and the impact of visitors on our local systems,” Smith said. As the year progressed, students presented their concept designs to park staff and received feedback. They refined their concepts more, and finally, on March 8 they presented their latest concepts to a panel of Subaru and park officials. For students, the iterative process of design review and working in both small groups and as a larger group has been an important part of the education process, Hoke said. “It’s exciting to see them embracing the design process where you have to be able to work past initial knee jerk ideas and then work as a team,” he said. The panel of judges selected two of the students’ projects, and now all the second year students will work on those two projects in order to get them ready for installation this year. The projects include a large art installation that shows the amount of plastic bottle waste in a single day in the park. The other project is a recycling bin that helps people sort out what to throw where when discarding recyclable objects. Both projects will appear at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center this summer.
Stream of awareness One of the student projects selected, “STREAM,” features a hanging stream of colored plastic bottles and oversized fish made of wire and coated with scales created from recycled cans. STREAM was one
of the more conceptual projects, Hoke said. “It’s a visualization project. The bottles represent one day’s worth of plastic bottle recycling in the park—over 7,500 bottles.” The students hope to install STREAM in an outdoor courtyard, and situate it so it leads visitors to the water bottle filling station. Encouraging an alternative to producing water bottle waste is a key element in the visualization. “From afar, someone might not know what it is at first,” Smith said. “When they get up close, the impact increases.” The other winning project is more practical. A recycling bin in the shape of a mountain range will aid visitors in self-sorting their recyclables by using clear imagery of what goes where. Hoke is helping the students utilize a zero-waste strategy for manufacturing, so that when they cut the metal mountain shapes they will get two usable shapes with one cut. Hoke says the bin project offers an idea to the park about how to communicate with a diversity of visitors. Because the bin will use imagery rather than words to indicate what recyclable goes where, more people can easily participate. The benefits of this partnership between the park and the FabLab are myriad. Visitors glean a better understanding of their impact on the natural environment and ideas for how to minimize that impact. The park gains ideas for alternative messaging. And the young designers learn how their ideas can have a practical and wide-ranging impact. “They see themselves as designers and they see how this might shape their futures,” Smith said. PJH
THIS WEEK: June 10-16, 2017
Compiled by Caroline LaRosa
First Sunday Sunday, 11am, National Museum of Wildlife Art National Museum of Wildlife Art celebrates the community by providing free admission to Jackson Hole locals on the First Sunday of each month.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29
FRIDAY, MARCH 31
n Dance & Fitness Classes 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-7336398 n Open Studio: Portrait Model 9:00am, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $10.00, 307733-6379 n Printmaking/Painting/ Embossing/Drawing Workshop 9:00am, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $495.00, 307733-6379 n The Hottest Tips And Tricks On Social Media For Your Business! 9:00am, CWC-Jackson, $40.00, 307-733-7425 n Feathered Fridays 12:00pm, Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, Free, 307-201-5433 n Sick Trick Comp & DJ On the Deck 3:00pm, The Trap Bar & Grill, Free, 307-353-2300 n Screen Door Porch 3:30pm, Mangy Moose, Free, 307-733-4913 n Friday Tastings 4:00pm, The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole, Free, 307-7334466
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MARCH 29, 2017 | 19
SEE CALENDAR PAGE 21
n Dance & Fitness Classes 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-7336398 n Printmaking/Painting/ Embossing/Drawing Workshop 9:00am, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $495.00, 307733-6379 n Toddler Time 10:05am, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307-733-2164 n Wyoming Alzheimer’s Task Force Town Hall 3:00pm, Teton County Library, Free, 307-777-6103 n After School Monthly Workshops 3:30pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $180.00 $216.00, 307-733-6379 n Stackhouse 3:30pm, Mangy Moose, Free, 307-733-4913 n Après Ski and Art 5:00pm, Diehl Gallery, Free, 307-733-0905 n REFIT® 5:15pm, First Baptist Church, Free, 307-690-6539 n Spring Break Party and Chamber Mixer 5:30pm, Legacy Lodge, Free, 307-734-0500 n Advanced Papermaking 6:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $132.00 $158.00, 307-733-6379
n Whiskey Mornin’ 7:30pm, Silver Dollar Showroom, Free, 307-732-3939 n Salsa Night 9:00pm, The Rose, Free, 307733-1500
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
n Dance & Fitness Classes 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-7336398 n Printmaking/Painting/ Embossing/Drawing Workshop 9:00am, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $495.00, 307733-6379 n Digital Photography 9:00am, CWC-Jackson, 307733-7425 n Fables, Feathers & Fur 10:30am, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Free, 307-7335771 n Get Your Taxes Done For Free 3:00pm, Teton County Library, Free, 307-733-2164 n PTO 3:30pm, Mangy Moose, Free, 307-733-4913 n Listen Local Live at Lotus Happy Hours 4:00pm, Lotus Organic Restaurant, Free n Open Studio: Figure Model 6:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $10.00, 307733-6379 n KHOL Presents: Vinyl Night 8:00pm, The Rose, Free, 307733-1500 n Down to Earth Fundraiser 9:00pm, The Stagecoach Bar, $5.00, 719-293-0039
THURSDAY, MARCH 30
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
20 | MARCH 29, 2017
MUSIC BOX Summer Daze Hurry up, mud season—Jackson’s first round of big shows are booked. BY AARON DAVIS @ScreenDoorPorch
W
ith the onset of spring comes summer concert announcements, and it’s shaping up to be a fantastic string of outdoor and indoor opportunities. And this is only the beginning. The Pink Garter Theatre has two earth shaking announcements for indie-rock and electronic-pop lovers, a genre that hasn’t been showcased with regularity in the region when considering its popularity across the country. Neither Animal Collective (June 27, $32 to $35) nor STRFKR (June 30, $18 to $21) have previously played Teton County, yet both are getting high profile slots at festivals from coast to coast. “We’re really trying to mix the types of bands that we’re bringing to the Pink Garter, and it’s a treat to be able to get artists of this level,” said talent buyer Ethan Oxman. “It’s on the early side of summer and we really want to make a statement with these two acts that are both big on the national scene.” Animal Collective is comprised of experimental veterans who happen to be best friends: Avey Tare (David Portner), Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Deakin (Josh Dibb), and Geologist (Brian Weitz). Tags like freak folk, noise rock, ambient drone, melodic psychedelia, and tribal electronic pop may be enough to coax the unfamiliar into their weird world of complex and Beach Boys-esque compositions. Even the band members want to warn you about your expectations. “Don’t be surprised if you come to see us and it’s not what you thought it would be, and try not to get too upset,” the band’s Facebook page reads. “AC
Animal Collective
continues to make music after 15 years, 10 studio records and three live records that combines a love of sonic free form electronic horror gospel hip-hop soul pop madness and brings it all together into something that is (hopefully) at times totally pleasing and at others completely scary and confusing, but most importantly is refreshing in this crazy, crazy world.” Portland, Oregon, based STRFKR is the band’s adopted moniker since starting out as Starfucker, inspired by a Rolling Stones song of the same name, which coincidentally also had its title changed to “Star Star.” The band stands by the notion that dance music should also be good pop songs with lyrical depth. The show falls on the Friday of Fourth of July weekend, which makes for a star fire combination.
Targhee Bluegrass turns 30 Grand Targhee Resort recently rolled out the red carpet announcement for both of its summer festivals—13th annual Targhee Fest (July 14 to 16) and 30th annual Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival (Aug.
11 to 13). Targhee Fest is a solid balance of local favorites that we’re fortunate to see fairly often (Galactic, Lucas Nelson, The Motet, The New Mastersounds, Leftover Salmon) as well as some highly anticipated newbies (Booker T’s Stax Soul Revue, The Marcus King Band, North Mississippi Allstars & Anders Osborne presents: N.M.O). The same can be said for Bluegrass Fest. Festival favorites Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, The Infamous Stringdusters, Railroad Earth, Travelin’ McCourys, and Del McCoury Band represent the genre’s finest. Newcomers that have been making waves at other festivals include Sierra Hull, Molly Tuttle Band, Willie Watson (of Old Crow Medicine Show), Peter Rowan with Jack Casady, and Mandolin Orange, among others. Full lineups and ticket info at GrandTarghee.com.
Yo-Yo Ma & the GTMF all stars Grand Teton Music Festival (July 3 to August 20) will again offer predominantly classical concert
WEDNESDAY The Bo & Joe Sexy Show (Town Square Tavern) THURSDAY Major Zephyr (Silver Dollar) FRIDAY Quenby & West of Wayland Band (Silver Dollar) SATURDAY Canyon Kids (Under the Tram), Nate Robinson (Trap Bar)
STRFKR
opportunities Wednesdays through Saturdays, with weekends dedicated to orchestra performances. World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma is the centerpiece for the festival’s fundraising gala, which is a three-tiered event. The Gala Fundraising Concert is August 1 at Walk Festival Hall ($250) and will feature Ma performing Dvorak’s Cello Concerto with the Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra. Ma will also join festival musicians for performances of wellknown chamber works. VIP tickets for a meet-andgreet are also available for the evening ($500). Or you could opt for The Grand Experience with Yo-Yo Ma at “one of Jackson Hole’s most elegant homes” on July 31, though you’ll need to come up with $7,500 to attend. Other notable shows include folksy cellist Ben Sollee at Pink Garter Theatre (July 12), 2017 Van Cliburn Competition Gold Medalist (July 26), and Inside the Music (every Tuesday, free). Full schedule and a lesson on concert etiquette at GTMF.org.
Scholarships for Targhee Music Camp Thanks to donations to the Targhee Music
Foundation nonprofit, Targhee Music Camp is offering scholarships across four categories for its August camp: Local (for participants who live within 100 miles of Targhee), Young (18 and younger), Women, and Open. Applications are due May 15 and winners will be contacted by June 1. Camp instructors include world-class musicians such as Darrell Scott (songwriting), Sierra Hull (mandolin), Danny Barnes (banjo), and Darol Anger (fiddle), among many others. “The scholarships are open to everyone that is ‘advanced beginner’ or beyond and has an interest in attending camp and using the education to advance their interest and ability to play,” said camp director Thomas Sneed. “It is not based on a performance submission.” For more info, check TargheeMusicCamp. com. PJH
SUNDAY Songwriter’s Alley Open Mic ft. Canyon Kids & Chanman (Silver Dollar), DJ Golden B (Casper Restaurant) MONDAY JH Hootenanny (Dornans) TUESDAY One Ton Pig (Silver Dollar), BOGDOG (Town Square Tavern)
Aaron Davis is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, member of Screen Door Porch and Boondocks, audio engineer at Three Hearted Studio, founder/host of Songwriter’s Alley, and co-founder of The WYOmericana Caravan.
n Quenby & The West of Wayland Band 7:30pm, Silver Dollar Showroom, Free, 307-732-3939 n Friday Night DJ Featuring: Fiesta Bob 10:00pm, Pink Garter Theatre, Free, 307-733-1500 n WYOBASS 10:00pm, Town Square Tavern, Free, 307-733-3886
SATURDAY, APRIL 1
n Dance & Fitness Classes 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398
n REFIT® 9:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $20.00, 307-733-6398 n WYOGA/JHOGA Annual Convention: A Day of Educational and Networking Workshops 9:00am, Snow King Resort, $25.00, 307-265-2376 n 4 Essential Elements for the Landscape 2:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $130.00 $156.00, 307-733-6379 n Music Under the Tram Canyon Kids 3:00pm, Teton Village, Free, 307-733-2292
n Nate Robinson 4:00pm, The Trap Bar & Grill, Free, 307-353-2300 n Après Ski and Art 5:00pm, Diehl Gallery, Free, 307-733-0905 n WYOGA/JHOGA Annual Big Game Awards Banquet 5:00pm, Snow King Resort, $75.00, 307-265-2376 n Quenby & The West of Wayland Band 7:30pm, Silver Dollar Showroom, Free, 307-732-3939 n Live Music 10:00pm, The Rose, Free, 307733-1500
SUNDAY, APRIL 2
n Casper Deck Party presented by Bud Light with DJ VerT-OnE 11:00am, JHMR Casper Restaurant, Free, 307-733-2292 n First Sundays 11:00am, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Free, 307-733-5771 n Wine Tasting on a Budget 3:00pm, Dornans, $10.00, 307-733-2415 n Major Zephyr 3:30pm, Mangy Moose, Free, 307-733-4913 n Stagecoach Band 6:00pm, Stagecoach, Free, 307-733-4407
n Songwriter’s Alley 7:00pm, Silver Dollar Showroom, Free, 307-732-3939 n Hospitality Night - Happy Hour 9:00pm, The Rose, Free, 307733-1500
MONDAY, APRIL 3
n Dance & Fitness Classes 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n Digital Photography 9:00am, CWC-Jackson, 307733-7425
MARCH 29, 2017 | 21
n FREE Friday Tasting at Jackson Whole Grocer 4:00pm, Jackson Whole Grocer & Cafe, Free, 307-733-0450 n Après Ski and Art 5:00pm, Diehl Gallery, Free, 307-733-0905 n Pam Drews Phillips Plays Jazz 7:00pm, The Granary at Spring Creek Ranch, Free, 307-7338833 n Free Public Stargazing 7:30pm, Center for the Arts, Free, 844-996-7827
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
SEE CALENDAR PAGE 23
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
22 | MARCH 29, 2017
CINEMA Football is over. Let the BRUNCH begin! Sat & Sun 10am-3pm •••••••••••
HAPPY HOUR
1/2 Off Drinks Daily 5-7pm
••••••••••• Monday-Saturday 11am, Sunday 10:30am 832 W. Broadway (inside Plaza Liquors)•733-7901
OLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR THE LATEST PLANET HAPPENINGS! @
Brexitstential Blues T2 revisits Trainspotting 20 years later in a more complicated world. BY MARYANN JOHANSON @maryannjohanson
“C
hoose life,” Mark Renton suggested back in Danny Boyle’s original 1996 Trainspotting, in which he was a heroin addict in Edinburgh. Mark’s advice was ironic, of course: He was courting death. But he was also rebelling against a life of conformity and consumerism. Transpotting hardly romanticized drug addiction—the film’s depictions of the ravages of smack are mostly disgusting (sometimes hilariously so) and often horrifying—but there was a certain defiance, a certain choosing of living on one’s own terms, in Mark’s refusal to sleepwalk into doing the expected. That came to the fore in the film’s ending, when he walked away from his friends with the gym bag full of money they’d all just scammed their way into. Nasty, perhaps. Uncool to his friends, definitely. But what a choice. Turns out, being a heroin addictslash-thief was going to be the high point of Mark’s life. You thought the 1990s were awful? Welcome to the 2010s. Whatever sparse, cold satisfaction might have been wrung from Trainspotting’s punk insolence is gone from T2, to be replaced with an exhausted, bitter cynicism, one that barely has any tolerance for melancholy and even less room for sympathy. It’s today in T2, and Mark (Ewan McGregor), fleeing a failed marriage,
Ewen Bremner, Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle in T2: Trainspotting.
returns from an extended sojourn in Amsterdam to discover that Simon (Jonny Lee Miller)—aka Sick Boy—is landlord of a rundown pub; Begbie (Robert Carlyle) is in prison; and Spud (Ewen Bremner) is still a junkie. None of them are very happy to see Mark, and indeed Mark’s motive in turning up seems to be more akin to a pendulum swinging inevitably back to its starting point than a genuine desire to see his old friends. What happens from there includes more felonies, a bit of drug use (though not much; Mark is mostly addicted to exercise these days) and some traditional male-bonding (or re-bonding, in this case). It’s inevitably less shocking than Trainspotting was, partly because its characters are older, a tad wiser and too worn out by living on the edge to do that anymore. But also we’re no longer surprised by Boyle’s genius; Trainspotting was only his second feature, and we know what to expect from him now. Of course, Boyle is a master, and T2 is visually stirring and exciting; one particularly heart-wrenching image lets a shadow on a wall emphasize the hole the death of Mark’s mother has left on his little family and on his childhood home. But the most intriguing aspects of T2 are thematic, in the passage of time not only for these characters but for the world. The film was shot last summer, after the Brexit vote and after Donald Trump had secured the Republican
presidental nomination, and it can’t help but score zingers on the same forces of cultural retreat and retrenchment that have driven these connected realities. (T2 may be British, but it will resonate with Americans, too.) Mark arrives back in Edinburgh to find a very different city from 1996, all Starbucks and pretty young Eastern European things handing out brochures in tiny tartan skirts. He’s amused by this and later he gets involved in a scam with Simon to get some EU development money for a rather shady improvement to his pub. There’s a Euro cheeriness to T2, and a definite smack at those who cling to ancient, local identities, like the members of a social club who cannot let go of a military victory that happened in 1690, and whom Mark and Simon are able to rip off because they are so predictable in their singlemindedness. Mark’s got a new “choose life” speech here, and it’s all about the brutality of social media and the crushing horribleness of the economy. But there’s nothing nostalgic, no yearning for the past. There may be a lot of rage against the reality of Brexit and Trump, but there’s no suggestion of going backwards— only forward and through. PJH T2: TRAINSPOTTING BBB Ewan McGregor Jonny Lee Miller Robert Carlyle Rated R
TRY THESE Trainspotting (1996) Ewan McGregor Robert Carlyle Rated R
A Life Less Ordinary (1997) Ewan McGregor Cameron Diaz Rated R
28 Days Later… (2002) Cillian Murphy Naomie Harris Rated R
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) Dev Patel Freida Pinto Rated R
n Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) 9:00am, CWC-Jackson, $1,995.00, 307733-7425 n Silent Space 12:15pm, St. John’s Church, Free, 307-7332603 n B.O.G.D.O.G - Band On Glen Down on Glen 3:30pm, Mangy Moose, Free, 307-7334913 n After School Kidzart Club: Grade K-2 3:30pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $165.00 - $198.00, 307-733-6379 n Studio Sampler 3:45pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $264.00 - $316.00, 307-733-6379 n Information Session for online MBA Program at University of Wyoming 5:00pm, Center for the Arts UW Room 118, Free, 307-734-0224 n Hootenanny 6:00pm, Dornan’s, Free, 307-733-2415
TUESDAY, APRIL 4
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n Dance & Fitness Classes 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 $16.00, 307-733-6398 n REFIT® 8:30am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 $20.00, 307-733-6398 n Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) 9:00am, CWC-Jackson, $1,995.00, 307733-7425 n Toddler Time 10:05am, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307-733-2164 n The Maw Band 3:30pm, Mangy Moose, Free, 307-7334913 n Listen Local Live at Lotus Happy Hours 4:00pm, Lotus Organic Restaurant, Free, n REFIT® 5:15pm, First Baptist Church, Free, 307690-6539 n The Flannel Attractions 7:30pm, Silver Dollar Showroom, Free, 307-732-3939 n World’s Finest 9:00pm, Town Square Tavern, $5.00, 307733-3886 n B.O.G.D.O.G.. 9:30pm, Town Square Tavern, Free, 307733-3886
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DOMINO’S PIZZA $25 VOUCHER FOR $12.50
SINGLE CLASS PASS FOR $10
TETON COUNTY SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING UP TO 100 LBS OF SECURE DOCUMENT SHREDDING FOR $12.50
ONE MONTH TRIAL MEMBERSHIP FOR $49.50
$10 VOUCHER FOR $5
PIZZERIA CALDERA $20 VOUCHER $10
JH COMPUNET
1 HOUR OF COMPUTER REPAIR/ CLEAN UP FOR $47.50
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
TRAINING TO BE BALANCED
FULL STEAM SUBS
MARCH 29, 2017 | 23
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BEER, WINE & SPIRITS
Vietnam by the Glass Sipping on egg coffee, cobra wine, salted limeade and sea horse whiskey. BY TED SCHEFFLER @critic1
W
hen I was in grad school in New York City, one of my colleagues who hailed from Vietnam introduced me to an exotic world (to me, anyway) of flavors and aromas. That included beverages I’d never encountered—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Some were enjoyed at innocent mom-and-pop cafes, others in unmarked and sketchy after-hours haunts where gambling, imbibing and other activities occurred. I was working on a Ph.D. in anthropology, so I chalked my forays up to “research.”
I’m not a coffee drinker. I like to say it’s one of the few vices—the other being smoking—that I never acquired. However, if I were to drink coffee, it’s Vietnamese coffee I’d drink. Specifically, what’s known as Hanoi egg coffee, or cà phê trúng. According to coffee historians, egg coffee was created by Nguyen Giang—a bartender at the posh Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel in the late 1940s, when Vietnam was still under French colonial rule. It’s said that egg coffee was a creation born of necessity, at a time when condensed milk was hard to come by. Egg yolk is whisked together with sugar, milk and Robusta coffee, and the cup of coffee is placed into a bowl of hot water to help retain its heat (although egg coffee can also be served cold). Frothy egg, milk, sweet sugar and bitter coffee flavors make for somewhat of a meal of a drink, but a delicious one. Fellow foodie Amanda Rock raves about salted lime limeade with plum. It begins with salted, pickled limes called chanh muôi, wherein Key limes—lemons are sometimes also used—and rock salt are packed into glass canisters and
IMBIBE left in the sun to pickle. To make the limeade drink, pickled lime is muddled in a glass, then sugar, carbonated water or soda and (sometimes) preserved plum is added. At the other end of the alcohol spectrum from alcohol-free egg coffee and limeade drinks is Vietnam’s infamous rice wine, which weighs in at around 30 percent alcohol; keep in mind that most non-sparkling wine here runs around 11 to 15 percent. It’s a potent, fiery and traditionally macho beverage that tends to be consumed in drinking sessions with barbecued or grilled meats and seafood and/ or spicy squid jerky. Not exotic enough for you? If you tend to eschew the plum wine offered in many Asian restaurants, and are in the market for something a little more
robust and hearty, how about cobra wine? Throughout China, Vietnam and Southeast Asia, venomous snakes are steeped in grain alcohol or rice wine, and the result is said to contain medicinal qualities. Good news though: The snake venom is denatured by the ethanol in the wine, so you won’t die, though you might wish you had. Beer is the favored alcoholic drink in Vietnam, but Vietnamese brews are hard to find here. Most of the popular beers like 333, Saigon Lager, Castel and Saigon Export tend to be a bit thin and watery. That’s probably a good thing, given that there is no minimum drinking age in Vietnam. Use that beer to wash down a shot of sea horse whiskey. It’s 37 percent ABV and yes, is infused with farm-raised sea horse, and is reputed to have aphrodisiacal effects. Hey who wouldn’t be frisky after drinking sea horse? PJH
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.
Local is a modern American steakhouse and bar located on Jackson’s historic town square. Serving locally raised beef and, regional game, fresh seafood and seasonally inspired food, Local offers the perfect setting for lunch, drinks or dinner.
Reservations at (307) 733-4913 3295 Village Drive • Teton Village, WY
Lunch 11:30am Monday-Saturday Dinner 5:30pm Nightly
www.mangymoose.com
HAPPY HOUR Daily 4-6:00pm
307.201.1717 | LOCALJH.COM ON THE TOWN SQUARE
CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE TODAY TO LEARN MORE
SALES@PLANETJH.COM OR CALL 307.732.0299
ASIAN & CHINESE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
20%OFF ENTIRE BILL
Good between 5:30-6pm • Open nightly at 5:30pm Please mention ad for discount.
733-3912 160 N. Millward
Make your reservation online at bluelionrestaurant.com
®
TETON THAI
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) 733-0022 and in Driggs, (208) 787-8424, tetonthai.com.
THAI ME UP
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
Large Specialty Pizza ADD: Wings (8 pc)
$ 13 99
Medium Pizza (1 topping) Stuffed Cheesy Bread
for an extra $5.99/each
(307) 733-0330 520 S. Hwy. 89 • Jackson, WY
THE BLUE LION
ELY U Q I N U PEAN EURO
F O H ‘ E TH
R DINNEAGE I H LUNCTETON VILL I T S IN FA BREAKE ALPENHOF AT TH
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.
AT THE
CAFE GENEVIEVE
Serving inspired home cooked classics in a historic log cabin. Enjoy brunch daily at 8 a.m., Dinner Tues-Sat 5 p.m. and Happy Hour TuesSat 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
Enjoy all the perks of fine dining, minus the dress code at Eleanor’s, serving rich, saucy dishes in a warm and friendly setting. 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 |
307.733.3242
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, walkins welcome. 160 N. Millward, (307) 733-3912, bluelionrestaurant.com.
FULL STEAM SUBS
MARCH 29, 2017 | 25
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.
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LOCAL
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 locallysourced 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.
LOTUS CAFE
Two- fer Tuesday is back !
THE LOCALS
FAVORITE PIZZA
Two-for-one 12” pies all day. Dine-in or Carry-out.
2012-2016
(LIMIT 6 PIES PER CARRYOUT ORDER, PLEASE.)
•••••••••
$7
$5 Shot & Tall Boy
LUNCH
SPECIAL Slice, salad & soda
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••
11am - 9:30pm daily 20 W. Broadway 307.201.1472
PizzeriaCaldera.com
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
LOCAL & DOMESTIC STEAKS SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK @ 5:30 TILL 10 JHCOWBOYSTEAKHOUSE.COM 307-733-4790
Serving organic, freshly-made world cuisine while catering to all eating styles. Endless organic and natural meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free 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. 140 N. Cache, (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.
MOE’S BBQ
Opened in Jackson Hole by Tom Fay and David Fogg, Moe’s Original Bar B Que features a Southern Soul Food Revival. Moe’s Original Bar B Que offers award-winning Alabama-style pulled pork, ribs, wings, turkey and chicken smoked over hardwood served with two unique sauces in addition to Catfish and a Shrimp MoeBoy sandwich. Additionally, a daily rotation of traditional Southern sides and tasty desserts are served fresh daily from recipes passed down for generations. With a kitchen that stays open late, the restaurant features a menu that fits any budget. While the setting is family-friendly, there is a full premium bar offering a lively bar scene complete with HDTVs for sports fans, music, shuffle board and other games upstairs. Large party takeout orders and full service catering with delivery for any size group for parties, business lunches, reunions, weddings and other special events is also be available.
MILLION DOLLAR COWBOY STEAKHOUSE
Jackson’s first Speakeasy Steakhouse. The Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse is a hidden gem located below the world famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Our menu offers guests the best in American steakhouse cuisine. Top quality chops and steaks sourced from local farms, imported Japanese Wagyu beef, and house-cured meats and sausages. Accentuated with a variety of thoughtful side dishes, innovative appetizers, creative vegetarian items, and decadent desserts, a meal at this landmark location is sure to be a memorable one. Reservations are highly recommended.
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.
TRIO
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.
ITALIAN 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 2012-2016. Seek out this hidden gem under the Pink Garter Theatre for NY pizza by the slice, salads, strombolis, 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.
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.
is hiring!
SaleS aSSociateS
Newsprint • Glossy • Web • Interactive Digital Media Join a workforce that really makes a difference in our community. Local media sales experience preferred, not required. Will train qualified candidates.
Contact Jen Tillotson and John Saltas: jen@planetjh.com & john@cityweekly.net
L.A.TIMES “XXXXXX” By Xxxx
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 2017
Down 1 Unstable 2 Snake state 3 New England touchdown site 4 River of Germany
5 “The Bathers” artist 6 Short lunch order? 7 Midday refresher 8 Writes ths clue, say 9 Rock sci. 10 __ doll 11 One overstepping bounds 12 Seriously overstepped bounds 13 Brother of Jack and Bobby 14 What may be stiff when trouble arises? 15 Farm girl 16 Quality control job at a maraschino factory? 17 Plaza Hotel imp 18 With skill 20 Sagan series 24 Touched 28 Bandleader Lawrence 31 Sport-__ 32 Modular homes 34 Holder of disks 35 More steady 37 Famille member 38 British philosopher A.J. 39 Sides sharing views 41 Mining passage 42 Feature of Charlie Brown’s head? 45 Migratory bird banding equipment 46 Homecoming query 47 “Encore!” 49 Lyricist Gershwin 50 Eggy quaff 51 Composer
Charles 53 Hill hundred 55 Classic TV nerd 56 Chou En-__ 57 Denudes 59 Fruit-ripening gas 64 Prim and proper 67 Revolve on an axis 69 Lab dispenser 70 Prefix with meter 73 Intestinal divisions 75 Spanish pronoun 76 Suitable 77 “Rocky IV” boxer Ivan __ 82 Watched at the beach, maybe 83 Hems in 84 Transparent 85 Deck wood 87 Osculates 91 German finale 93 Wall St. hedger 94 Arrow poison 96 You won’t find subs on them 97 Get out 99 Hole-in-one, for one
MARCH 29, 2017 | 27
72 89-Across’ Illinois headquarters 74 Primary part 78 Germ’s future? 79 66, e.g.: Abbr. 80 Carrier known for tight security 81 “I’ll give you five bucks for your Egyptian water lily”? 86 Spanish 101 word 88 Gorilla, for example 89 Farm equipment giant 90 Actress __ Sue Martin 92 Do fair work 95 Mule’s father 96 Cabinet dept. 98 Positively charged vehicle? 103 Also 104 “Probably ... ” 105 River past Logroño 106 Sun or moon 109 Obliterate 111 Outfit again 114 Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto 116 “If I Were __ Man” 117 Miscreant handling letters? 121 Fracas 122 Chow 123 Overhear 124 Ranked tournament players 125 “Let’s Get It On” singer 126 Many 99-cent purchases 127 Stretch
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Across 1 Worker on the floor 6 Second-rarest blood type, briefly 10 Really big 14 Worked at home 19 “Lordy me!” 21 “Hamilton” accolade 22 “Ici on __ français” 23 Website search response with an attitude? 25 Spirits strength 26 Seven Wonders lighthouse 27 They often have runners 28 Mite 29 “Round __ virgin ... ” 30 “My turn” 33 “Guys and Dolls” composer 36 Archipelago part: Abbr. 37 Competition at the geometry fair? 40 Marshal at Waterloo 41 Pre-A.D. 43 “So long” 44 Vexing 46 Ballerina Shearer 48 Like some out-of-favor suffixes 52 Lats relatives 54 “A penny saved is hardly worth the effort”? 58 You, at one time 60 “In a __” 61 Burkini wearer, perhaps 62 Saltimbocca herb 63 Acquiesce 65 Moo __ pork 66 “’Scuse Me While __ This Guy: and Other Misheard Lyrics”: Gavin Edwards book 68 Fella 71 Booster’s cry
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HALF OFF BLAST OFF! JOIN LOCAL MERCHANTS IN PLANET JACKSON HOLE’S ADVERTISING TRADE PROGRAM,
HALFOFFJH.COM
Hitting the Reset Button “Live life as if everything is rigged in your favor.” – Rumi
B
For all MEETING AGENDAS AND MINUTES WEEKLY CALENDAR JOB OPENINGS SOLICITATIONS FOR BIDS PUBLIC NOTICES AND OTHER VALUABLE INFORMATION
Visit our website
irthdays are the only holiday all your own. Even if you are a twin, each person has their unique soul, and twins are not born at exactly the same time. From a metaphysical perspective birthdays have special significance. Your first breaths initiate your independent life and many aspects of the blueprint for this journey. The soul will fully link with the body during the first three days. The soul/body link-up infuses you with patterns from the records of the soul, which are relevant to this life. These include soulful gifts, talents and skills you intend to further develop, plus challenges you intend to resolve this time around. In addition, the date, time, longitude and latitude of your birth form an energetic map of the stellar geometries and light codes making up your astrological chart— another piece of software which can be interpreted in support of your soulful potentials and possibilities in this life.
You are in charge Keep in mind you are always in charge of every large and small choice in your life. You and your free will choices make any of your soul’s potentials into actual reality. This includes making lemonade when life hands you lemons. The intersection of what you are given and what you choose to do with it makes all the difference. Always strive to be the hero/heroine of your own life story.
The yearly reminder Every year as your birthday approaches, you experience a largely unconscious reminder of what you are intending to develop in yourself and what you are intending to grow beyond. So there is an automatic internal reckoning, a sort of accounting, of how you are doing in relation to your own intended higher purpose. With all that is going on under the surface of the birthday party, presents, cake and ice cream, birthdays are often both fun and challenging times. Researchers have noted that both kids and adults often get physically ill, and/or are extra sensitive emotionally or even feel inexplicably down around the time of their birthday. These symptoms are reflections of myriad factors, including current life circumstances, family dynamics and how you are doing thus far on your journey. Note: If you are willing to consider that everything in your life is trying to get you on your best path and live your best life, then you have a new way to let yourself feel whatever’s going on; remember to look for and capitalize on the silver linings in things that are less than happy.
Higher purpose (and cake) The higher purpose of marking this birthday anniversary is to recalibrate to the higher soulful possibilities for your life. There is a cosmic opening uniquely available to you on that special day every year. You can hit the reset button to be your full magnificence, and to upgrade any aspect of your life you choose. If you would like counseling to accomplish this, therapy, having a soul reading, and your astrological chart explained are all paths to insight and course corrections. Combining all three can super charge your evolution. Positive intentions, supported by real time actions, set forth on your birthday can provide the momentum to make every year the best one yet. From now on, along with yummy birthday cake, you can celebrate consciously aligning to and living your higher purpose. PJH
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.
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
WELLNESS COMMUNITY
These businesses provide health or wellness services for the Jackson Hole community and its visitors.
DEEP TISSUE • SPORTS MASSAGE • THAI MASSAGE MYOFASCIAL RELEASE CUPPING
TRAINING TO BE BALANCED TRIAL MEMBERSHIPS $99
Oliver Tripp, NCTM MASSAGE THERAPIST NATIONALLY CERTIFIED
253-381-2838
180 N Center St, Unit 8 abhyasamassage.com
Professional and Individualized Treatments • Sports/Ortho Rehab • Neck and Back Rehab • Rehabilitative Pilates • Incontinence Training • Pelvic Pain Rehab • Lymphedema Treatments Norene Christensen PT, DSc, OCS, CLT Rebekah Donley PT, DPT, CPI Mark Schultheis PT, CSCS Kim Armington PTA, CPI No physician referral required. (307) 733-5577•1090 S Hwy 89
www.fourpinespt.com
Enjoy
TM
®
Transcendental Meditation Center of Jackson Hole Introduction - Instruction Refreshers - Advanced Programs
307-690-4511
www.tm.org/transcendentalmeditation-jackson
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
MARCH 29, 2017 | 29
TO ADVERTISE IN THE WELLNESS DIRECTORY, CONTACT JEN AT PLANET JACKSON HOLE AT 307-732-0299 OR SALES@PLANETJH.COM.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
30 | MARCH 29, 2017
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
BY ROB BREZSNY
ARIES (March 21-April 19) The dragon that stole your treasure will return it. Tulips and snapdragons will blossom in a field you thought was a wasteland. Gargoyles from the abyss will crawl into view, but then meekly lick your hand and reveal secrets you can really use. The dour troll that guards the bridge to the Next Big Thing will let you pass even though you don’t have the password. APRIL FOOL! Everything I just described is only metaphorically true, not literally. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) According to legend, Buddha had to face daunting tests to achieve enlightenment. A diabolical adversary tempted him with sensual excesses and assailed him with vortexes of blistering mud, flaming ice, and howling rocks. Happily, Buddha glided into a state of wise calm and triumphed over the mayhem. He converted his nemesis’s vortexes into bouquets of flowers and celestial ointments. What does this have to do with you? In accordance with current astrological omens, I hope you will emulate Buddha as you deal with your own initiatory tests. APRIL FOOL! I wasn’t completely honest. It’s true you’ll face initiatory tests that could prod you to a higher level of wisdom. But they’ll most likely come from allies and inner prompts rather than a diabolical adversary. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Since I expect you’ll soon be tempted to indulge in too much debauched fun and riotous release, I’ll offer you a good hangover remedy. Throw these ingredients into a blender, then drink up: a thousand-year-old quail egg from China, seaweed from Antarctica, milk from an Iraqi donkey, lemon juice imported from Kazakhstan, and a dab of Argentinian toothpaste on which the moon has shone for an hour. APRIL FOOL! I deceived you. You won’t have to get crazy drunk or stoned to enjoy extreme pleasure and cathartic abandon. It will come to you quite naturally—especially if you expand your mind through travel, big ideas, or healthy experiments. CANCER (June 21-July 22) Hire a promoter to create gold plaques listing your accomplishments and hang them up in public places. Or pay someone to make a thousand bobble-head dolls in your likeness, each wearing a royal crown, and give them away to everyone you know. Or enlist a pilot to fly a small plane over a sporting event while trailing a banner that reads, “[Your name] is a gorgeous genius worthy of worshipful reverence.” APRIL FOOL! What I just advised was a distorted interpretation of the cosmic omens. Here’s the truth: The best way to celebrate your surging power is not by reveling in frivolous displays of pride, but rather by making a bold move that will render a fantastic dream ten percent more possible for you to accomplish.
WRITERS WANTED · UNTOLD STORIES · · ALTERNATIVE VOICES · · EDGY PERSPECTIVES · BE AN IMPORTANT VOICE IN THE COMMUNITY WHILE SHARPENING YOUR STORYTELLING SKILLS. EMAIL CLIPS TO EDITOR@PLANETJH.COM
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Endangered species: black rhino, Bornean orangutan, hawksbill turtle, South China tiger, Sumatran elephant, and the Leo messiah complex. You may not be able to do much to preserve the first five on that list, but PLEASE get to work on saving the last. It’s time for a massive eruption of your megalomania. APRIL FOOL! I was exaggerating for effect. There’s no need to go overboard in reclaiming your messiah complex. But please do take strong action to stoke your self-respect, self-esteem, and confidence.
tions. I suggest you boost that output by at least ten percent. Try to engage your best companion in four minutes and 24 seconds of intimate talk per day. APRIL FOOL! I lied. A ten-percent increase isn’t nearly enough. Given the current astrological indicators, you must seek out longer and deeper exchanges with the people you love. Can you manage 20 minutes per day? SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) In a way, it’s too bad you’re about to lose your mind. The chaos that ensues will be a big chore to clean up. But in another sense, losing your mind may be a lucky development. The process of reassembling it will be entertaining and informative. And as a result, your problems will become more fascinating than usual, and your sins will be especially original. APRIL FOOL! I lied, sort of. You won’t really lose your mind. But this much is true: Your problems will be more fascinating than usual, and your sins will be especially original. That’s a good thing! It may even help you recover a rogue part of your mind that you lost a while back. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You say that some of the healthiest foods don’t taste good? And that some of your pleasurable diversions seem to bother people you care about? You say it’s too much hassle to arrange for a certain adventure that you know would be exciting and meaningful? Here’s what I have to say about all that: Stop whining. APRIL FOOL! I lied. The truth is, there will soon be far fewer reasons for you to whine. The discrepancies between what you have to do and what you want to do will at least partially dissolve. So will the gaps between what’s good for you and what feels good, and between what pleases others and what pleases you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You should begin work on a book with one of the following titles, and you should finish writing it no later than April 28: “The Totally Intense Four Weeks of My Life When I Came All the Way Home” … “The Wildly Productive Four Weeks of My Life when I Discovered the Ultimate Secrets of Domestic Bliss” … “The Crazily Meaningful Four Weeks When I Permanently Anchored Myself in the Nourishing Depths.” APRIL FOOL! I lied. There’s no need to actually write a book like that. But I do hope you seek out and generate experiences that would enable you to write books with those titles. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
If you were a passenger on a plane full of your favorite celebrities, and the pilot had to make an emergency landing on a remote snowbound mountain, and you had to eat one of the celebrities in order to stay alive until rescuers found you, which celebrity would you want to eat first? APRIL FOOL! That was a really stupid and pointless question. I can’t believe I asked it. I hope you didn’t waste a nanosecond thinking about what your reply might be. Here’s the truth, Aquarius: You’re in a phase of your astrological cycle when the single most important thing you can do is ask and answer really good questions. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
You now have an elevated chance of finding a crumpled one-dollar bill on a sidewalk. There’s also an increased likelihood you’ll get a coupon for a five-percent discount from a carpet shampoo company, or win enough money in the lottery to buy a new sweatshirt. To enhance these possibilities, all you have to do is sit on your ass and wish really hard that good economic luck will come your way. APRIL FOOL! What I just said was kind of true, but also useless. Here’s more interesting news: The odds are better than average that you’ll score tips on how to improve your finances. You may also be invited to collaborate on a potentially lucrative project, or receive an offer of practical help for a bread-and-butter dilemma. To encourage these outcomes, all you LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Research shows that a typical working couple devotes an have to do is develop a long-term plan for improved average of four minutes per day in meaningful conversa- money management. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Race through your yoga routine so you have more time to surf the Internet. Inhale doughnuts and vodka in the car as you race to the health food store. Get into a screaming fight with a loved one about how you desperately need more peace and tenderness. APRIL FOOL! A little bit of self-contradiction would be cute, but not THAT much. And yet I do worry that you are close to expressing THAT much. The problem may be that you haven’t been giving your inner rebel any high-quality mischief to attend to. As a result, it’s bogged down in trivial insurrections. So please give your inner rebel more important work to do.
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.
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