2016 Issue 40 Creative Loafing by Creative Loafing Charlotte

CLCLT.COM | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 VOL. 30, NO. 40

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*Saturday 11 am Performance perfect for families with young children.

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THIS SATURDAY

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CL’s Holiday Gift Guide includes It’s the Fuzz (see picture of items below).

LIZ KRUCKEMEYER

COVER STORY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: 26 ways to shop local this holiday season.

BY ANITA OVERCASH AND RYAN PITKIN THIS WEEK’S COVER WAS DESIGNED BY DANA VINDIGNI.

NEWS&VIEWS WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS: Nearby wildfires have calmed, but local scientists continue groundbreaking air quality research.

BY RYAN PITKIN 11 TQ IN THE WORK PLACE 12 CLASS IS IN SESSION 12 THE BLOTTER 13 NEWS OF THE WEIRD

FOOD WINNER WINNER TURKEY DINNER: Just add

cranberries.

BY ARI LEVAUX 15 THREE COURSE SPIEL

ARTS&ENT HOLLYWOOD’S WINTER WONDERLAND: Will holiday films soar or sink. BY MATT BRUNSON 19 FILM REVIEWS

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‘TIS THE SEASON FOR CAL MARO: Tyler Brown starts fresh with new music project.

BY ANITA OVERCASH 30 CD REVIEWS 32 SOUNDBOARD

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NEWS

NEWSMAKER

WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS Nearby wildfires have calmed, but local scientists continue groundbreaking air quality research BY RYAN PITKIN

OST CHARLOTTEANS WOULD have been content to

go through November with just scant knowledge, if any, of the multiple wildfires burning in the western part of our state. Around the second week of the month, however, it became impossible to ignore. Shifting winds brought a wall of low-lying smoke from the wildfires into Charlotte, creating a fog-like blanket over the city. For the most part, the smoke has cleared, but a few fires continue to burn and a shift in the winds could put us back under the cloud. So the question remains: beyond eschewing our views of Uptown and smelling like a camp site, would that put us in harm’s way? Calvin Cupini, an environmental scientist with Clean Air Carolina (CAC), has been working all year to answer that question. Earlier this year, CAC launched the Airkeepers Citizen Science Program, which engages students, teachers and the general public in monitoring fine-particle pollution, also known as particulate matter, on a hyper-local level. While the smoke was still hanging around in Charlotte last week, we spoke with Cupini in hopes he’d put that in layman’s terms for us. We also discussed why his work is important whether there are fires nearby or not. Creative Loafing: How is the Airkeepers Citizen Science Program being carried out? Calvin Cupini: It’s funded by the Z. Smiths Reynolds Grant, which is $50,000 over two years. We are working with schools and community organizations on localized air quality. So it’s not just the broader stuff that you’ll get out of the Air Quality Index (AQI). We’re going to be in the neighborhoods at a street level using citizen science. What do you mean by citizen science? Citizen science is the more popular term, but the one I like is contributory science. It is the general public collecting data on behalf of scientists so that you can reach a different scale that an individual scientist wouldn’t be able to alone. Like Google Maps. It’s monitoring your phone and knows where you are and learns where there’s traffic and 10 | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

all that. You couldn’t get enough guys up in helicopters talking on the local radio news for that to work. So we’re doing that at the air quality level and it’s really fast-moving and we’re one of the only players doing it. Using what technology? It’s called the AirBeam. It’s completely open-sourced and it’s Bluetooth-enabled and has an Android app, which makes it pretty simple for regular folks to use. It also uses the GPS in the device and gives me geo-coded air quality data, specifically on particulate matter — anything that’s not a gas in the air; solids and liquids — which is what the wildfires bring. What are the health implications of having too much particulate matterin the air? Respiratory illnesses, especially linked to asthma and bronchitis, but there’s research too about its effects on the bloodstream and possibly in the brain, because this stuff is small enough to go through a lot of the passageways that things that are only the size of a cell should fit into. Particulate matter is about that same size. So it can go pretty far. So far, it’s respiratory that’s the most obvious. And there are links to birth defects as well, so pregnant women and young children are especially affected. We don’t have an actual filter in the body to get that gunk out, and it’s so small that it would take a lot of the things that are a part of us at the same time. There would have been no reason for our bodies to evolve a system for it, because it wasn’t at these kinds of concentrations. There isn’t a safe level for it. There are safe levels for a lot of other things, where you’ll recover from it. This is buildup, and it can act as plaque and it can act as a thousand different things. The scariest part is it’s a particle, but we don’t know what it is. We talk about lead, we know exactly what that is and what it will do when it meets other things. The last 10 years is all the research that we really have on a macro level. So in terms of something that’s a public health concern, it’s probably one of the newest.

RYAN PITKIN

Calvin Cupini holds an AirBeam, used to measure particulate matter throughout the greater Charlotte area. How is this new program breaking ground in that research?

What are the biggest causes of particulate matter pollution?

The current way of doing it, it’s at Garinger High School, it’s a big shed. We’re talking a huge investment from the government, and it does amazing things, but they choose one big, nice piece of equipment in a spot they consider average for the area and that serves as our AQI, it comes out of that machine. But what’s happening at Garinger isn’t happening in the northwest corridor where our grant work is. It’s not the same as what’s in Matthews or Pineville and all the like. It’s not that [AirBeams] can compete in quality, but in data quantity and with spatial attribution and things we can find out a bit more of a street-level understanding of what’s going on.

Particulate matter is the most localized of all the kinds of pollution. Lead and sulfur are up there too, but particulate matter can actually form in the atmosphere out of other things. Gunk would be the non-scientific term for it. It’s just anything that goes out in the atmosphere. Highways and things [are causes] for sure, power generation is pretty heavy, especially if it’s combustion. Without putting too blunt of a finger on it, if you have to burn it to make fuel, there will be particulates and a large, large number of them. It’s a huge range of a lot of human activity that brings them to unnatural levels.

VIEWS

TQ IN THE WORKPLACE

A graph measuring particulate matter by micrograms per cubic meter shows the extent that a shift in winds caused a spike in Charlotte last week. Are the multiple coal plants in the greater Charlotte area a large cause? It could be the largest contributor. As of now we just have a philosophical way of pointing a finger. This program will give us a more quantitative way of pointing out sources for the long-term future. What were your thoughts when you first became aware of the fires burning in western North Carolina? I was in Asheville for personal reasons, and I was in the middle of it. It was awful. Knowing that that was going on, I took some of my research equipment with me. I was at an AirBnB, and I just set it up on the deck, and the numbers were extremely high. The World Health Organization would say don’t go above 50 micrograms per cubic meter, and 200 was where I was seeing my instruments. Looking through some of the data, there were areas with 600. That’s just short term, but those are Chinese levels. That’s the kind of stuff we see in the horror shots where you don’t even see the skyline anymore. And Asheville was that way, you couldn’t see the mountains outside of the city. What did it mean for you once it rolled into Charlotte soon thereafter? That shows that particulate matter is in one case local, in that those are wildfire damages and you’re near the wildfire. And in another sense, it’s going to move, so prevailing winds brought that over the southeast as it went by and it caused just as much of a problem for us. So let’s say you had some really great idea to ban particulate matter in North Carolina, we’re still going to get it from Virginia. It needs to be a huge concerted effort. How our grant work played into this and made it really cool is that we’re one of the only organizations in the country with an array of sensors for air quality. Generally, you do the Garinger model; you stick to one really big, good one and say, “That’s what we know.” [Our AirBeams] are dotted all over and I’m able to see it working. Right now in the region of our grant work it’s less than at Garinger, and it’s different too in Matthews. I’ve got one in SouthPark, one here [at the CAC office near Uptown], UNC Charlotte’s

got one. And so for the first time in smoke science and particulate distribution, we’re able to see it on a geo-spatial scale, rather than, “It was high or low.” And that matters to know where it’s going to go next, which could lead to forecasting. That’s probably the biggest question you would get is, “Alright, I know it has been bad, but what about tomorrow? I was going hiking this weekend,” and that’s what we’re just on the verge of. We reached 112 micrograms per cubic meter on November 16. Where do we want to be on a regular day? Less than 10. Charlotte in general is alright with this kind of thing. We have moments that aren’t so great, but in general, less than 10 is where people will not notice it. Anybody who’s ever gone up to Crowder’s Mountain knows the effects. You know if you can get the shot of the city or not, and that’s when we’re still less than 10. So if views are of any value to people, so should be the health effects. How worried should we be about those health effects? Overall it’s not a giant, immediate threat. There shouldn’t be Zika concern toward this thing where everyone panics, but with this amount of exposure … if it was only Friday the 11th, when we had the first real whoosh of it, it wouldn’t have really been an issue. It would’ve not been great, especially for the asthmatic, but because it’s continuous, it’s the 18th, and every day since the 11th it’s been on my monitors. The dips that happened are still going to levels where we would be chirping about them as being too high on a regular day.

In our August 4th issue, we introduced CL contributor Lara Americo’s new Trans and Queer in the Workplace photo series. Check online for our interview with Americo about why she began photographing trans and queer Charlotteans in their work environment, as well as a slideshow of all the photos shared thus far. It was recently announced that the series will be shown in full as part of the Chrysalis exhibit planned to run at C3 Lab in South End between January 6 - 20, 2016. This week’s photo features Jamie Marsicano, server at Tupelo Honey. Jamie uses they/them/theirs pronouns.

“I feel like if we can’t express ourselves freely then we can’t bring our full selves to the work. I’ve worked in spaces where I have to tone down my gender expression and I found myself more distracted and less open. Today was the first day I wore a dress to this job and it’s opened up a whole new world. I feel like now people actually know who it is that they’re working with.” - Jamie Marsicano

What should we do in a situation when the levels go high like they have recently? The simple antidotes are that you’re going to want to limit the outside running and stuff like that when it’s really high. Choose the Y and go indoors when you can, or do some planks instead, something like that. Stay out of it, because it builds up [in your body] and it won’t come out. To check particulate matter levels in Charlotte, visit aircasting.org, or to volunteer to help CAC by hosting an AirBeam site, visit cleanaircarolina.org. CLCLT.COM | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | 11

VIEWS

CLASS IS IN SESSION

RESOLVED Facing a Trump presidency but when given the chance to choose a “HUSH. BE QUIET. Get off social diverse cabinet he appoints folks who look media. Process.” like him in both race and gender. Trump’s This is what I told myself after sitting cabinet choices include Jeff Sessions; through the most unprofessional, nasty and meaning that a man whose nomination for incendiary presidential campaign I have a federal judge position was rejected due to witnessed. It was time to face the ugly truth his historically racist comments and actions of who would be our next president, a task all is now frontrunner to be our next attorney too surreal and all too daunting. general, the nation’s top law enforcement I had a friend — a former co-worker position. and fellow writer — check in with me I am resolved in the irony that this this week. She confided that she had felt man will follow our current president, who similar feelings to me after the election. has faced eight years of racially charged She is a white woman who, although she barbs while all the time keeping it classy had contemplated the possibility of Trump and rising above the muck to handle the winning, felt somehow immobilized in the daily sobering business that his office harsh reality of what that means once it demanded. Now President Obama — like happened. We both agreed that we would so many other brothers have had to do need time to process and nurture our mental in their employment tenure — must face and spiritual health. the task of training his less-credentialed It is too exhausting, post-election, and less-qualified replacement; an to try to analyze who voted, who act made all the more bitter by didn’t and why. I will leave the fact that it is someone that to the political pundits who has publicly maligned who get paid to hash it all his name and character out nightly on our various and even questioned his media outlets. I have my citizenship, something own theories, but the ugly sickeningly reminiscent of reality is we are now here. a “Where are your papers, I will need to continue boy” slavery vernacular. processing, but if I had to I am resolved that reduce my present mindset CHARLES this election has opened a to one word or feeling I can festering wound of racism EASLEY only think of one: resolve. and hate in this country and I am resolved. some folks are feeling emboldened I am resolved in knowing that and validated in those feelings; so despite glaring character flaws that would be emboldened that minorities have already most accurately labeled as racist, sexist, and been targeted in incidents across the country. misogynistic — not to mention admittedly I am also resolved that some of these fools being a sexual predator — many folks still will have to be checked if they step to the said, “This will do,” and elected Trump as our wrong person in their Trump-induced hubris. next president. I am resolved that there are some folks I am resolved in dealing with the beginning to see that they have been conned schizophrenic expectation that his and will eventually fall victim to the ultimate supporters want to now normalize his okie doke when they see how Trump is not behavior and expect folks who have been at representing everyone and how ill-prepared the receiving end of his hateful rhetoric to he is for office. You would think facing the get in formation and come together in some enormity of what being the commander in bizarre world of solidarity. That’s easy for chief entails would usher in a laser focus you to say, if he’s not gunning for you. rather than to see Trump wasting time on I am resolved in knowing that folks Twitter wars with the casts of Broadway are so scared, broken and disenfranchised musicals and Saturday Night Live. that many would vote against their own However, I am most resolved in knowing self-interest in the remote hope that a that for as many folks that are behind Trump billionaire businessman with no prior there are just as many who do not support political experience or history of helping his divisive ideology. I know this will be the disenfranchised would all of a sudden be hard for a lot of folks, but for those that are their savior and champion. accustomed to being marginalized this will I am resolved in the hypocrisy of a be business as usual. So I am resolved that president elect that calls for solidarity and I will do what I have always done and press wants folks to set aside their differences forward and do me. because he wants to represent all of America, BACKTALK@CLCLT.COM 12 | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

NEWS

BLOTTER

BY RYAN PITKIN

MY TWO NUTS A thief in north Charlotte last week put in more effort than was necessary for such a small amount of loot. Employees at a food catering company said that an unknown suspect cut through a fence on the business’s property only to steal two lug nuts from two of the company’s trucks; one from each truck. MATERNAL INSTINCT A woman in north Charlotte last week became very suspicious of her son’s girlfriend after her boy came home with an injury. According to the woman who reported the non-crime, her 17-year-old son told her he had fallen and hit his head, and the girlfriend had confirmed this story. The mother, however, wasn’t buying it. She called police and told them it’s her belief that the girlfriend had somehow caused her son to hit his head, because no boy she raised could possibly fall over.

NEED A HANDLE A woman was apprehended at Target in southwest Charlotte last week while trying to leave the store with $400 worth of toothbrush heads. I wasn’t even aware toothbrush heads were a thing, but I guess it could work if you just tape it to your finger and use that. NEW PAINT JOB A 39-year-old man’s car was vandalized in northeast Charlotte last week by someone who tried to fix the damage they had done; possibly one of those Sour Patch Kids from the commercials. According to the report, someone damaged his 2008 Cadillac STS while it was parked outside his residence by puncturing all four tires, removing the Cadillac emblem and pouring an unknown substance on the vehicle that caused the paint to chip. However, the vandal tried to fix that last problem before leaving the scene, as they poured an entire bucket of black paint all over the top of the car. Now you have a black Cadillac — it just needs some new tires. RIDING WITH STRANGERS A 53-yearold woman didn’t have to pay an Uber fee for her ride out of Uptown last week, but it still cost her. The woman filed a police report stating that she accepted a ride from a complete stranger as she left College Street one night, but once she returned home she realized that she had left her entire pocketbook in the stranger’s car. Not only did she not know the name of the driver, she couldn’t remember what type of car they drove, either. HEAVY DOG While dognapping is a pretty

common occurrence to see while sifting through CMPD reports, the fake dogs usually keep themselves out of the news. That’s until a resident in southeast Charlotte woke last week to find that someone had made off

with his not-so-furry friend. A 60-year-old man filed a report stating that someone came to his house while he was sleeping and made off with a $300 concrete statue of a weimaraner dog. The man said the statue was awfully heavy, but that the thief also stole a child’s wagon from the garage, which was probably used to cart off the overweight pooch.

NOT WELCOME HERE Police were called

to a Subway location in northwest Charlotte last week after multiple people entered the store at around 8 p.m. who the employees thought were “dressed suspiciously.” The report does not explain what that means exactly, but if anyone in the group was dressed like Jared Fogle then the call was justified.

RIDING DIRTY A litterbug was caught

red-handed by a good Samaritan last week, and was found to be also perpetuating the stereotype of the lazy pothead. Police got a call from an eyewitness in west Charlotte who saw the suspect toss a large amount of trash out the window as they drove down the road near the I-485/I-85 interchange. Police actually responded and found the offender, as rare as that is in a littering call, and found the suspect to also be in possession of four grams of marijuana. We’re all for legalization around here, but handle your damn trash, would ya?

TRIGGERED In more news about police

having to waste their time, officers were called to southwest Charlotte last week after a 49-year-old woman couldn’t take being yelled at without the presence of law enforcement. The so-called victim in the case told police that a known suspect “yelled at her about parking spaces being changed” when she arrived at work one morning. The report was filed as a miscellaneous/noncriminal incident and it’s unclear how it was resolved, and we don’t care. But if we had to read abut it, you do too.

SWAPPING SPIT A 34-year-old man in

South End called police last week after he said he was assaulted by a female suspect. The man told officers on the scene that he was arguing with a woman when “she assaulted him by throwing the chewing gum in her mouth at his left eye, striking him.” In an unrelated incident, a police officer was assaulted at Carolinas Medical Center near Uptown last week in an experience that was surely not pleasant, but not as bad as the report made it sound. According to the report, a suspect assaulted the officer by “emitting a bodily fluid into the right eye of the officer.” They really need to find a better way to say spit.

NEWS

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

BETTY MALO for Betty Badd Couture Nashville-based visual artist Betty Malo brings a Cuban flair and rock-and-roll style to the celebrity-beloved men's and women's accessories line, Betty Badd Couture. She is also the wife of Grammy Award winning singer Raul Malo; of The Mavericks, and our Founders cousin.

BY CHUCK SHEPHERD

DEMOCRACY IN ACTION While “democracy” in most of America means electing representatives to run government, on Nov. 8 in San Francisco it also expected voters to decide 43 often vague, densely worded “issues” that, according to critics, could better be handled by the professionals who are, after all, elected by those very same voters. Except for hot-button issues like tax increases or hardened legislative gridlock, solutions on these “propositions” (e.g., how certain contractors’ fees should be structured, which obscure official has primary responsibility for which obscure job, or the notorious proposition asking whether actors in the tax-paying porno industry must use condoms) would be, in other states, left to elected officials, lessening voter need for a deep dive into civics. INEXPLICABLE (1) The police chief of Bath Township, Ohio, acknowledged the overnight break-in on Oct. 10 or 11 at the University Hospitals Ghent Family Practice, but said nothing was missing. It appeared that an intruder (or intruders) had performed some medical procedure in a clinical office — probably on an ear — because instruments were left in bowls, a surgical glove and medication wrappings tossed into a trash can and a gown left on a table. (2) A 35-year-old man was detained by police in Vancouver, British Columbia, in October after a home break-in in which the intruder took off his clothes, grabbed some eggs and began preparing a meal. The homeowner, elsewhere in the house, noticed the commotion and the intruder fled while still naked. YOU’RE CUT OFF Ashley Basich, 49, was

arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in October and charged with DUI after police found her, late at night, using an industrial forklift to pick up and move a van that she explained was blocking her driveway. Problems: She works for the state forestry department and had commandeered a state-owned vehicle, she had a cooler of beer in the forklift and was operating it while wearing flip-flops (an OSHA violation) and the van “blocking” her driveway was her own.

BAD APPLES Though most Chicago Police Department officers get no more than five civilian complaints in their entire careers, according to one defense attorney, CPD internal records released in October reveal that some had more than 100, and, of 13,000 complaints over 47 years in which police wrongdoing was conceded, only 68 cases resulted in the officer actually being fired. The worst police offender, Jerome Finnigan, with 157 complaints over two decades, is now in federal prison, however. WELL, OF COURSE Motorist Luke Campbell, 28, was arrested near Minneapolis in September and charged with firing his gun at several passing cars, wounding one man (a bus passenger), while explaining to a bystander that shooting at other vehicles “relieves stress.”

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READERS’ CHOICE A fire that broke out this year in a hospital operating room was caused by the patient’s passing gas during a laser procedure. The patient at Tokyo Medical University Hospital, in her 30s, suffered burns across her legs in the April incident, which was finally reported in the Japanese press in October when the hospital completed its investigation.

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FOOD

FEATURE

WINNER WINNER TURKEY DINNER Just add cranberries BY ARI LEVAUX

WO HUNDRED YEARS

ago this fall, on Cape Cod, the revolutionary war veteran Henry Hall harvested the world’s first cultivated crop of cranberries. In the preceding years Hall had noticed that the wild cranberries in his Dennis, Massachusetts bog grew larger where sand had blown on them. He began transplanting cranberry seedlings into prepped beds and covering them with sand, and the North American cranberry industry was born. At the time, the tart fruit had been wildharvested by Native Americans for more than 12,000 years, and the Pilgrims had been making cranberry sauce for centuries before Hall’s first crop. For almost as long, we have thought cranberries prevented and even treated urinary tract infections, but they don’t, according to a growing body of research, the most recent and vigorous of which was published recently by the Journal of the American Medical Association. The good news is now that the connection between the two has been debunked, we can finally enjoy cranberry products without always discussing UTIs. Cranberries can rightfully claim to have graced the original Thanksgiving table, which can’t be said for pumpkin pie, turkey, or seven-layer salad. Regardless of when turkey entered the Thanksgiving picture, the pairing of roast bird and cranberries was destiny. Turkey and cranberries make gastronomic poetry together, complementing one another like wine and cheese, as one is rich and the other piercing. I’m going to give you two ideas for taking advantage of this harmony. One is a Chinese-style cranberry sauce with orange, ginger and garlic. In terms of difficulty, this recipe ranks somewhere between boiling water and toasting bread. But my other cranberry cooking tip is even easier: toss some cranberries in with the bird as it cooks. The sauce recipe was born of my attempts to make a turkey and cranberry version of Chinese-style orange chicken. I’m happy to report that substituting turkey for chicken, and adding cranberries to Chinese orange sauce, is a winning combination. The cranberry industry has fought 14 | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

ARI LEVAUX

Bird cooked with scattered cranberries attempts by USDA to label added sugars on foods. It argues that its product needs sweetening in order to taste good. I disagree. Cranberries can easily be prepared in ways that take advantage of their sour acidity, like in my lazy man’s cranberry. The easiest way to deal with cranberries on Thanksgiving is do whatever it is that you were going to do, and add some fresh cranberries to it. Baking a bird in foil, oldschool style? Add cranberries. Braising turkey in white wine with artichokes? Toss in a few handfuls. Firing up that turkey fryer? I’ve never tried it myself, but I can’t imagine that a few deep-fried cranberries, or perhaps a cranberry fritter, wouldn’t work out. Everything deep-fried works out. I did the white wine braise the other day, using frozen turkey quarters, which I thawed overnight, browned on all sides under the broiler, then packed in a baking pot with a tight-fitting lid. I added carrots, celery, half an onion, two bay leaves, salt, garlic powder, and two cups of sauvignon blanc.

After an hour at 350 degrees, I added the artichokes and a few handfuls of cranberries, which remained intact after another hour of cooking. They were juicy, tart, potent flavor bombs that infused the turkey with their intense redness as we devoured this holiday rehearsal dish. As for the sauce, begin by washing the cranberries, picking out any bad ones or green foliage, and add them to a thickbottomed pot. Cut a juicy orange into quarters, and squeeze the juice into the pot. Add two of the squeezed orange quarters to the pot as well, and use the other two for zest, adding it all to the pot. Last time I made this I squeezed in a lime too, since I had one. Add a cup of water, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the cranberries are done softly popping through their skins. Stir in a teaspoon each of minced ginger and garlic, a quarter cup of packed brown sugar, a third of a cup of rice vinegar, and three tablespoons soy sauce. Cook five more minutes and turn off.

At the risk of belaboring the point, I suggest serving the sauce with turkey. Cranberry and turkey go together so well it’s a crime that many of us only indulge once a year. But if you’re crafty, you can enjoy it a lot more often. Step one is to take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving turkey deals, as grocery stores dump their frozen turkeys and parts. If you’ve got the space, you won’t find a cheaper and tastier form of animal protein with which to fill that freezer. As for the cranberries, they are easier to find than ever. World demand is currently at about nine million barrels, while supply is going to be about 13 million barrels this year. A 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries will set you back about two bucks. The fact that citrus is just starting to come into season makes the sauce recipe even more timely. It would pay to make enough to store some in jars, and build up a supply with which to enjoy your turkey stash. Henry Hall would be proud.

FOOD

THREE COURSE SPIEL

SPICING THINGS UP Asha Gomez’s cookbook blends her Indian-American roots BY ANITA OVERCASH

IN 2008, WHEN the economy crashed, so did Asha Gomez’s luxury spa business. Gomez, an Indian-American mother, wasn’t sure what to do next. But when former clients began calling her in the hopes of attaining a hot meal, she started considering the food industry. “I used to cook a meal at the end of every treatment for all my guests and I was kind of the undiscovered Indian restaurant where you had to get a facial or massage to eat my food,” says Gomez, who hails from the Kerala region of southern India, though she’s resided in Atlanta for more than a decade. Her debut cookbook, My Two Souths: Blending the Flavors of India Into A Southern Kitchen — co-authored with Martha Hall Foose — captures the essence of growing up in these two contrasting Souths. “I discovered there was a tremendous energy between these two places and the book was just a natural progression of my love of the cuisine of these two places,” says Gomez. Prior to compiling her recipes and sharing her story with Foose, a seasoned writer, Gomez opened the now-defunct Cardamom Hill, a fine dining restaurant, and later the thriving Spice to Table, a lunch eatery where she’s known for her Kerala fried chicken, and The Third Spice, a dinner/cooking class space, all based in Atlanta. “I never thought this would end up becoming a career for me and I’m actually blissful that it is now and I love it,” says Gomez. “It doesn’t feel like work.” Creative Loafing: For folks unfamiliar with cooking Indian food or even using spices, what are your hopes for them if they use this cookbook? Asha Gomez: I think when you decide to tell someone to make Indian food, it can be very intimidating. There are a few recipes in the cookbook that are very much from my mother’s kitchen but for the most part the recipes are from my kitchen and I’ve called the U.S. home for 30 years. I wake up in the morning and I’m not thinking of curry chicken. I want a buttermilk biscuit with sausage gravy. So, my sensibility is very American. I’m taking these classic Southern dishes and introducing spice to them. I think the familiarity of the dishes makes it less intimidating for people to get comfortable

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Asha Gomez with spices. I hope this book allows people to to understand spices on a close and personal level with dishes they are familiar with. I’ve read that you don’t like when people call your food “fusion.” Can you tell me why? And, how would you describe your cooking? I really don’t like the word fusion. It’s like the other F-word for me. It feels a little unnatural to me. It’s like chemistry and two things colliding and an explosion happening. For me, my food and what I put on a place, is the subtotal of my life experiences. I call it an evolution of me as a person, a home cook, as a chef, as a mother and a caretaker. It’s really just an evolution of who I am as a person and these beautiful places that I’ve been able to call home. In what ways did the South by South Dinner Club you started doing post-spa sort of pave the way to having your own restaurant? I had no intention of being in the food industry. That was not what I had planned for my career trajectory. I think because the demand was so high I was going to do one or two supper clubs and then call it a day and move on. I ended up doing this supper club every single weekend for an entire year to the point where I would have to rent places that could accommodate 200 guests, that’s how big my supper clubs grew. So the natural progression was a brick and mortar restaurant.

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THURSDAY

SOUTHPARK TURKEY TROT What: You gotta run before you walk. Ok, that’s not the expression, but this Thanksgiving, before heading Uptown to watch the parade crawl by or going home to stuff your face, you can get proactive with an 8K, 5K, Fun Mile Run or Tot Trot. If you’re reading this paper on Wednesday, there’s still time to register for the 28th annual Turkey Trot at Dick’s Sporting Goods at SouthPark. When: 8:30 a.m. Where: SouthPark Mall parking lot, intersection of Barclay Downs Drive and Carnegie Blvd. More: $38-43. charlotteturkeytrot. com. — RYAN PITKIN

16 | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

THINGS TO DO

TOP TEN THURSDAY

Nobunny FRIDAY

FRIDAY

NOVANT HEALTH THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

NOBUNNY

What: This year will be the 69th running (nice) of the Turkey Day parade through Uptown Charlotte’s streets. This year’s lineup will include 18 marching bands from across the region. High school bands are judged by qualified adjudicators and trophies are awarded to all participants, along with $10,000 in cash and prizes allocated to the top bands. When: 9:30 a.m. Where: N. Tryon Street, Uptown. More: Free. novanthealththanksgivingparade. com — PITKIN

What: It doesn’t matter if its Easter or Thanksgiving weekend, Justin Champlin can always be found wearing a bunny mask. It’s simple and gritty even, but it does the trick for his animal alter-ego forged music project Nobunny. The Oakland-based garage pop/ punk rocker also claims to have a jackalope father. But it’s the animalistic nature that prevails during his sets and he usually wears little clothing. With Paint Fumes, The Cowboys and DJ Elon. When: 8 p.m. Where: The Station, 2131 Central Ave. More: $11.34. — ANITA OVERCASH

FRIDAY

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER What: This Tony Awardwinning musical proves just how complicated murder can be. For aspiring heir Monty Navarro, it doesn’t help that he has to juggle all of his deadly plans with a scheming mistress and a snobby fiancée — both of who come with unpleasant motives and revelations. Despite the scheming, there’s plenty of time to laugh. When: Nov. 25-26, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Through Nov. 30. Where: Knight Theater, 430 South Tryon St. More: 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org. — OVERCASH

TRIBUTE TO LEVON HELM What: For the fifth year, the members of Charlotte folk-rock outfit The New Familiars will come together with a bunch of their friends to pay tribute to The Band’s Levon Helm. Though the Familiars themselves called it quits at the end of last year, this show is about the influence of Helm. This year’s guests include Megan McCormick, Donna the Buffalo’s Dave McCracken and Big Daddy Love’s Scott Moss. When: 9 p.m. Where: Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. More: $12-$15. 704-358-9200. visulite.com. — JEFF HAHNE

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder FRIDAY

NEWS ARTS FOOD MUSIC ODDS

Crushed Out TUESDAY

SATURDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

DAVID CHILDERS

BREWS & VIEWS

DAVID CROSBY

CRUSHED OUT

What: One of Charlotte’s finest musical purveyors, David Childers should already be a household name. His honest brand of folk fuses in hints of rock, gospel and blues. Whether it’s solo or with a band, Childers’ lyrics are always in the spotlight conveying emotion with plenty of spirit and soul. His honest music and sincere approach are the keys to his longevity. If you’ve never seen him perform live, do yourself a favor.

What: Take a break from turkey leftovers and movies on the couch at home and head over to Petra’s. They’ll have free pizza (get there early to make sure you snag a slice) and they’ll be screening two holiday flicks, including Scrooged at 7:30 p.m. and Elf at 9:30 p.m. Make it all cheerier by starting a drinking game with fellow patrons and giving the bar some extra love.

What: Hall of Fame singer/ songwriter David Crosby made his mark with Crosby, Stills & Nash as well as The Byrds. His recently released fifth solo album, Lighthouse, is an intimate, stripped-down set of songs. Expect this show to have plenty of covers from Crosby’s past as well as songs from his solo career. Bandleader Michael League from Snarky Puppy is part of the band here, as well.

What: This Brooklyn-based husband (Frank Hoier) and wife (Moselle Spiller) duo delivers surf-style honky tonk with attitude. This year the band released a new album, Alien Ocean, which is rich with synths and ambient vibes that veer towards the rockabilly front at times. Playing at Snug Harbor with Sext Message, Broke Jokes and Cracked Motherfucker.

When: 8 p.m. Where: Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. More: $8-$10. 704-376-3737. eveningmuse.com.

When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. More: Free. 704-332-6608. petraspianobar.com.

When: 7:30 p.m. Where: McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. More: $49.50-$84.50. 704-3721000. blumenthalarts.org.

When: 10 p.m. Where: Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. More: $5. 704-561-1781. snugrock. com.

— HAHNE

— OVERCASH

— HAHNE

— OVERCASH

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: WHAT’S GOING ON What: A moderated panel of community leaders representing diversity, inclusion, law enforcement, psychology, art, government and religion will discuss social consequences and race in America. Marvin Gaye’s 45-year-old question still needs an answer, and the panel will be presenting solutions in hopes of creating a candid dialogue that will move us closer to equality and understanding. When: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Where: Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. More: Free. — PITKIN

CLCLT.COM | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | 17

ARTS

FILM

HOLLYWOOD’S WINTER WONDERLAND Will holiday films soar or sink? BY MATT BRUNSON

HE SUMMER MOVIE season underwhelmed and the fall movie season underperformed, so fingers crossed that the year-end holiday movie season will save the day. Certainly, it’s off to a good start both commercially (the blockbuster Doctor Strange) and critically (the award-worthy Arrival). Here, then, is a checklist of the remaining films coming down the pike during the waning weeks of 2016, including the limited releases that will go wide in January. NOVEMBER 23: In the World War II tale Allied, an intelligence officer (Brad Pitt) and a resistance fighter (Marion Cotillard) fall in love, only to have their union tested by potentially damaging secrets ... The whiskeyswigging Willie (Billy Bob Thornton), his diminutive friend Marcus (Tony Cox) and the pudgy, now adult Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly) all return in the more-naughty-thannice sequel Bad Santa 2 ... Narrated and co-produced by Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Daisy Ridley, the documentary The Eagle Huntress follows 13-year-old Aisholopan as she strives to become a mighty hunter in her Mongolian community ... The drama Loving centers on the real-life couple of Richard and Mildred Loving (Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga), who fought against Virginia’s racist law prohibiting their interracial marriage by taking their case all the way to the Supreme Court ... Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda contributes the tunes to Moana, a Disney animated effort about a Polynesian princess (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) who tries to save her people with the help of a demigod (Dwayne Johnson) ... A chauffeur (Alden Ehrenreich) and an aspiring actress (Lily Collins) contemplate having an affair behind the back of their employer, eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes (Warren Beatty), in Rules Don’t Apply. DECEMBER 9: Jessica Chastain stars as the title character in Miss Sloane, a drama about a Washington, D.C. lobbyist 18 | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

LIONSGATE

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in La La Land.

who faces an unexpected challenge from a special interests organization ... An unhappy woman (Amy Adams) married to a womanizing lout (Armie Hammer) receives a disturbing manuscript from her ex-husband (Jake Gyllenhaal) in the psychological thriller Nocturnal Animals ... Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston and Ghostbusters’ breakout star Kate McKinnon star in Office Christmas Party, a comedy about a struggling company hosting an epic party for its clients. DECEMBER 16: In Collateral Beauty, an emotionally devastated man (Will Smith) writes letters to Love, Death and Time and is surprised when all three (Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren and Jacob Latimore, respectively) reply personally ... After the death of his brother, a janitor (Casey Affleck) returns to his Massachusetts hometown to take care of his nephew (Lucas Hedges) and work out issues with his ex-wife (Michelle Williams) in Manchester by the Sea ... Director Gareth Edwards (2010’s soso Godzilla reboot) has been entrusted with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, centering on the efforts of a group of rebel fighters (Felicity Jones, Diego Luna and others) to steal the schematic plans for the Empire’s formidable Death Star ... The Space Between Us centers of the life of the first person born on Mars, a young boy (Asa Butterfield) who grows up on the Red Planet and only comes to Earth for the first time once he’s in his late teens. DECEMBER 21: Yet another movie based on a video game, Assassin’s Creed stars Michael Fassbender as a man whose connection to a 15th century secret society allows him to transform into a skilled assassin ... Dev Patel, Rooney Mara and Nicole Kidman head the cast of Lion, based on the true-life tale of a lost Indian boy who’s adopted by an Australian family and later in

Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa 2. life decides to search for his real parents ... Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon and Scarlett Johansson are among those lending their vocals to Sing, an animated feature about a koala trying to save a beloved theater in dire need of repair. DECEMBER 23: In Passengers, two space travellers (Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt) learn to cope when they emerge from their deep sleeps 90 years ahead of schedule ... An overprotective father (Bryan Cranston) visits his daughter (Zoey Deutch) at Stanford and immediately forms a dislike for her oddball boyfriend (James Franco) in the comedy Why Him? DECEMBER 25: Directed by Denzel Washington and adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play by the author himself, Fences stars Washington as a garbage collector seeking to take care of his family while also reflecting on his brief career as a baseball player ... A prospector (Matthew McConaughey) braves the jungles of Indonesia in the hopes of striking it rich in Gold, an adventure yarn co-starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Edgar Ramirez ... A jazz musician (Ryan Gosling) and an actress (Emma Stone) pursue their dreams in the City of Angels in the musical La La Land.

BROAD GREEN

LIMITED: A lonely boy (Lewis MacDougall) acquires companionship in the form of a gargantuan creature (voiced by Liam Neeson) in A Monster Calls (January 6) ... A pair of 17th century Jesuit priests (Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) embark on a dangerous journey when they travel to Japan to locate their mentor (Liam Neeson) in Martin Scorsese’s Silence (January 6) ... For the first time since helming the Best Picture Oscar winner Argo, Ben Affleck returns to the director’s chair for Live by Night, an adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s novel about a notorious gangster (Affleck) operating during the Depression. (January 13) ... Patriots Day is a based-on-fact look at the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, focusing on the participation of a police sergeant (Mark Wahlberg), a nurse (Michelle Monaghan) and others present on that fateful day. (January 13) ... In the summer of 1979, a single mom (Annette Bening) turns to two of her neighbors (Elle Fanning and Greta Gerwig) to help her raise her teenage son (Lucas Jade Zumann) in the comedy-drama 20th Century Women (No Local Date).

ARTS

REVIEWS

CREATURE COMFORTS Post-Potter picture is both fresh and familiar BY MATT BRUNSON

T’S

TEMPTING

warily eye this entity known as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (*** out of four) and see nothing more than a blatant cash-grab, an impersonal product designed to separate fans of all things Harry Potter from their hard-earned cash (or, in the case of teens, easily acquired allowance). And initially, this film from David Yates (who directed the final four Potter pictures) and J.K. Rowling (in her screenwriting debut, marking the first time she’s adapted one of her own works) does seem to be coasting on its related mythology, feeling like warmed-over Hogwarts. Eventually, though, the saga of British wizard Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his trip to America hits its stride, and the end result proves to be a welcome addition to the fantasy field. Rather than just functioning as elongated exposition for the umpteen sequels to follow, this one is self-contained enough to satisfy on its own terms, following Newt as he bumbles his way through the Big Apple with a suitcase full of mysterious critters. Along the way, he raises the curiosity of a well-meaning witch (Katherine Waterston), grabs the attention of a high-ranking wizard (Colin Farrell), and inadvertently involves an innocent bystander (Dan Fogler) in his shenanigans. Redmayne is affable and endearingly awkward as Newt; so, too, is Fogler, and the inclusion of a No-Maj (the American term for the UK’s Muggle) in a central role is largely what sets this apart from the more hermetically sealed Potter tales. There are references to that other Rowling enterprise (Dumbledore is name-dropped), but with a fresh cast of characters, a significant change in locale, and various plotlines all working toward the same destination, this picture thankfully turns out to be its own beast.

A SPARKLING GEM that joins The Fault in Our Stars and An Education as one of the brightest coming-of-age films of recent vintage, The Edge of Seventeen (***1/2 out of four) finds True Grit’s Hailee Steinfeld delivering a powerhouse performance as Nadine, a high school outcast whose

STX

Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson in The Edge of Seventeen. only friend is the lovely Krista (Haley Lu Richardson). Nadine also has a brother, Darian (Blake Jenner), who’s described by everyone as perfect, leading to Nadine feeling even more insecure about herself (as one teen notes, they’re like the movie Twins, with Darian as Schwarzenegger and Nadine as DeVito). When Krista and Darian unexpectedly begin dating, Nadine feels betrayed and spirals further out of control, with her frazzled mom (Kyra Sedgwick) and her sarcastic teacher (Woody Harrelson) only able to do so much to calm her down. The Edge of Seventeen marks Kelly Fremon Craig’s debut as director and her sophomore session as screenwriter — based on the evidence here, she’s clearly a welcome newcomer to the cinema scene, creating characters who feel painfully real and coaxing impressive turns from all the youngsters (Hayden Szeto is especially noteworthy as the nerdy Erwin). Of course, when it comes to veterans, it’s always good to have Harrelson in your corner — as in The Hunger Games franchise, he’s again a mischievous delight, taking advantage of the scattered scenes that Craig has gifted to him. He provides the humor, the teens provide the heart, and Craig provides one of the season’s must-see movies.

Eddie Redmayne in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

WARNER BROS.

CLCLT.COM | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | 19

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 26 ways to shop local this holiday season BY ANITA OVERCASH AND RYAN PITKIN

AS THE HOLIDAYS approach, there’s always a sense of dread for some folks. Gift-giving means shopping and shopping means getting out in the stores with frantic consumers who would as soon as bite your head off than give up whatever sought out item they’ve come in search of. But shopping doesn’t have to be that difficult. Forget about Black Friday, because Small CHEF ALYSSA’S SPREADS

Chef Alyssa has released two new spreads — the Smoked Chili and Rosemary Mustard and the Champagne-Tomato Jam — just in time for the holidays. Each of them are made from all-natural ingredients and are preservative free. They’re also vegan, gluten and dairy free. $8 a spread. Order online at chefalyssaskitchen.com/products or pickup at one of six locations: Pour Olive, 1528 East Blvd.; Queen City Pantry (Atherton Market), 2104 South Blvd.; Rhino Market and Deli, 1500 W. Morehead St.; Savory Spice Shop, 2000 South Blvd.; Pasta &

Business Saturday is on Nov. 26 and will offer a chance to venture into local shops for something different. We’ve gone around town in search of the coolest stuff Charlotte shops and business owners have to offer and we came up with this list of items that will make for good gifts for loved ones or acquaintances. Hell, if noone else, just send us stuff.

Provisions (two locations), 528 Providence Road and 4700 Park Road.

MY BUDDY’S NUTS

This company, run by husband and wife Phil Anderson and Bonnie Jones of Charlotte, launched in July of 2015. Since then they’ve increased their product line and distribution. The Maple Mustard Pecans were addicting from the get-go, which is why we voted them for “Best Reason to Go Nuts” in this year’s Best Of Charlotte issue. But now there are even more tasty new flavors — like Christmas Cookie Pecans, Pecan Brittle, Pumpkin Spice Pecans

Different flavors of My Buddy’s Nuts

Ass Clown’s Dark Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Stout

and more — to choose from. They’ve also started producing peanut products, which currently include Salt & Vinegar Peanuts and Pepper Lime Peanuts. $4-$30. Some selections available online at mybuddysnuts. com or pickup at a variety of locations: Paper Skyscraper, 330 East Blvd.; Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St.; Common Market, 2007 Commonwealth Ave.; 1st Ward Beverage, 820 E. 7th St.; (Also at Whole Foods, Total Wine, Waxhaw Provisions, Produce on Providence, Healthy Home Market, Davidson Sweet Shoppe).

FROM WAR TO PEACE JEWELRY AND CRYSTALS AT THE BAG LADY

There are so many gift ideas at The 20 | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

Bag Lady, but a line of jewelry called From War to Peace caught our eye. The California-based company uses recycled copper from disarmed nuclear weapon systems to create what they’re dubbing as “Peace Bronze.” There are silverand gold-dipped pieces coated with recycled metals. Twenty percent of the company’s profits go to social justice organizations. The Bag Lady also has an extensive counter with rocks, gems and crystals. Prices vary. The Bag Lady, 1710 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 200. 704338-9778. the-bag-lady.biz/index.html.

MUGS AND LEAF BOWLS AT LARK & KEY GALLERY & BOUTIQUE

Owners Sandy Snead and Duy Huynh have put a lot of love into this shop — once in NoDa and now in South End — over the years. You’ll find plenty of artwork (especially from Huynh who paints dreamy, whimsical

other flavors to choose from and it’s all made from natural and organic ingredients. $15 per tin. ivajeansfudge.com.

BUCKSKIN & MANE

This Charlotte-based company was founded by three military veterans and specializes in grooming and care products with naturally derived, organic raw ingredients — Cameo Beard Oil ($18.64), Sunflower Seed Hydrating Shave Cream ($18.64), 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash with Fresh Hemp and Omega-3 ($16.78), Stimulating Coffee Bar Soap ($9.33) and more. Plus, the company donates $1 from every product sold to Charlotte Bridge Home, a local Charlotte veteran organization. Order online at buckskinmane.com or pickup at the following locations: Atherton Market, 2120 South Blvd.; Coco And The Director (Marriott City Center), 100 W Trade St.

Glass space vase from 32 Flavors

scenes) and pottery in this shop. Quick gift ideas include handcrafted mugs (prices vary) by a variety of local and regional potters and/ or small leaf bowls ($20) by local potter Paula Smith. Lark & Key Gallery & Boutique, 128 East Park Ave. 704-334-4616. larkandkey.com.

ART AND VASES FROM 32 FLAVORS

There’s a lot to choose from at 32 Flavors. Local artist Bethany Hadden creates funky mixed-media works in My Invisible Ink Studio and some of her works (mostly ranging from $40-$60) are available for purchase at the shop. Above a jewelry wall, you’ll find Hadden’s animal art (“Shark Cat” is our favorite), some of which incorporates repurposed materials (door knobs, key holes, etc.). Also look for glass space vases ($32 each), swirling with colors and created from Corning Pyrex made by Jason Probstein of Probstein Studios out of Asheville. 32 Flavors, 224 East Blvd. 704-3325332. 32flavorsboutique.com.

COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER OF THE CAROLINAS’ PUPPIES FOR PATIENTS

Ever want to do something kind during the holiday season? Between now and the new year, anyone who donates blood will also get to brighten a child’s day. After giving a blood donation, donors will be able to sign a tag on a stuffed toy puppy, which will be delivered to hospitals and care facilities for children during the holiday season. That’s two gifts — between the blood donation and the stuffed puppy — and you don’t have to spend a dime. To sign up, call 704-972-4700 or visit cbcc. us. Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (Charlotte Center), 4447 South Blvd.

CANDLES FROM LIGHT YOUR WHICK

This Charlotte-based company produces soy candles in mason jars. Creator Leigh Whicker uses essential oils and soy ingredients and she’s got quite the line. Of the year-round candle selections, “Spa Daze” is a relaxing scent with lavender and eucalyptus. Seasonal fare includes “Pumpkin Soufflé,” “Hot Tottie,” and “Under the Mistletoe.” Prices are $16 for 8 oz. (40 hours of burn time) and $26 for 16 oz. (80 hours of burn time). Order online at light-your-whickcandles.myshopify.com or pickup at: Hot Stuff Holiday Pop Up Market on Nov. 27, 12:30 p.m.5 p.m., at Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.; Weihnachtsmarket on Dec. 2-3, 9-10, & 1617 at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road; Pop-Up Art Shop on Dec. 15, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Comet Grill, 224 Park Road. Also sold at Atherton Market, Infinito MedSpa, Fresh Boutique, Avalilly’s, Day Break Massage & Wellness and Sona Salon.

Editor’s pick: one of assemblage artist Michele Hoffman’s 3D hodgepodge pieces ($75 and up) created from bottle caps and small toys. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. 704-376-2787. charlotteartleague.org.

DARK CHOCOLATE DIPPER PEPPERMINT STOUT FROM ASS CLOWN BREWING COMPANY

There’s no better way to spread your holiday cheer than by actually saying ‘Cheers!’ For this chocolate stout, brewers at Ass Clown added candy canes to the fermenter. ‘Nuff said. Bottles ($14.99 each) will be available at Ass Clown starting on Dec. 10. Ass Clown Brewing Company, 10620 Bailey Road, Suite E, Cornelius. 980-5050 3 9 9 . assclownbrewing.com.

ORIGINAL ART FROM CHARLOTTE ART LEAGUE

IVA JEAN’S FUDGE

Debra Hanks, the owner of Iva Jean’s Fudge, started her sweets business in 2015 out of Waxhaw. Seasonal selections like Peppermint Bark, Sugar Cookie and Mint Chocolate Chip are your best bets, but there are plenty of

Michele Hoffman’s art at Charlotte Art League

Peppermint fudge from Iva Jean’s Fudge

Giving the gift of art has never been so easy. In the heart of South End, Charlotte Art League features countless booths with works from local area artists of all sorts. Big or small, there’s something for everyone. CLCLT.COM | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | 21

“Cuddly Plush Space Jerk” at Handmade Stuffs

Fanny packs at Pura Vida Worldly Art

IT’S THE FUZZ

Liz Kruckemeyer creates whimsical, oddball needle felted creations that she refers to as being “the creepy side of cute.” When you see them, you’ll know what she means — bugeyed kitty cats and squirrels will stare you down as you look around her table. Oh, and the tiny beer mug ornaments ($15) are just darling. It’s the Fuzz can be found at 32 Flavors, 224 East Blvd. or at shows (coming up: Hot Stuff Holiday Pop Up Market on Nov. 27, 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. at Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. and Finders Keepers Market on Dec. 11 at NoDa Brewing Company, 2921 N Tryon St. Contact for custom work at itsthefuzz.com.

ON Q PRODUCTIONS’ SOULFUL NOEL

If you’ve never been to one of OnQ’s seasonal Soulful Noel shows, this is the year to change all that. It’s full of classic songs that get a soulful spin. One-night-only performance ($18-$30) is December 9 at McGlohon Theater. While you’re there

pickup copies of an album with all the songs performed during the set. Even if you can’t make it, download the album for $8.91 on iTunes. McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts. org.

JEWELRY FROM MCCOLL CENTER FOR ART + INNOVATION

McColl’s annual juried contemporary jewelry show, ADORN features rare art from regional, national and international artists. The special one-day-only event features more than 20 artists who will have jewelry. It’s all curated and juried by Alumna Artist-in-Residence Eliana Arenas and McColl Center’s Manager of Residencies + Exhibitions Claudia Griffin. Free admission. Dec. 2, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. McColl Center for Art + Innovation, 721 N Tryon St. 704-332-5535. mccollcenter.org.

PLUSHES FROM HANDMADE STUFFS

Jennifer Bennett’s cuddle-worthy characters are made with the objective that you

“embrace your nerdiness.” Most of them are approximately 16 inches tall, constructed with fleece and cotton, and have jointed arms and heads that turn. Currently available: “Cuddly Plush Helpful Elf ” ($40) and “Cuddly Plush Space Jerk” ($65). Order or send custom inquiries via etsy.com/shop/ HandmadeStuffs.

CAROLINATIX GIFT CARD

Jewelry from McColl Center for Art + Innovation’s Adorn show

Giving the gift of concerts/ performing arts is one of the best ways to surprise someone and force them out to a show — or two or three or more, depending on 22 | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

how much you decide to spend — and it’s also a rewarding way to give back to local groups that put on local and regional shows year after year. You choose the amount and folks can pick the show(s) they want to apply it to. https://tix. carolinatix.org/Online/ giftCertificateDetails.asp.

DOCKLANDS DESIGNS

Local musician turned printmaker and t-shirt designer (and still musician) Evan Plante first got on the radar of Charlotte art fans with his print of Charlotte sliced into all its

different neighborhoods. His recent Eastland t-shirt has made for one of his more popular designs, as well, and a new series of posters paying homage to the Polish Poster School of the 1950s-’80s features some gems, too. Featured at local spots like Green with Envy in Plaza Midwood or Ruby’s Gifts in NoDa or on his Etsy site. etsy.com/shop/Docklands.

TOYS FROM THE RED DOOR

As the motto for the new and improved WeVibe Sync ($249) goes, it’s cheaper than couples counseling. The WeVibe is a small vibrator meant to be used with a partner during sex, and after hearing constructive criticism from customers about past models, the new Sync is made to adjust to all body types. The Satisfyer Pro 2 ($99) offers pleasure for her at a cheaper price point. It’s a touch-free suction cup toy that latches and suckles the clitoris and can be programmed 11 different ways. It’s also submersible, so get deep. 9605 N. Tryon St., 5301 E. Independence Blvd., 3609 South Blvd. thereddoorstore.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD GIFT PACKAGE FROM GREEN WITH ENVY

Charlotte can often seem like a city divided. Not in the political sense, although that could be argued, but in the sense of representing one’s neighborhood. The folks at Green With Envy on Central Avenue are catering to that neighborhood pride with a gift package that includes an Ella B. Candle ($25.95), a hand towel ($10.95) and a wine glass ($14.95), all custom-printed with the name of the ‘hood you call home. 1111 Central Ave. 704-3448704. envycharlotte.com.

BLEACHED THRASHER GEAR FROM BLACK SHEEP

While gear paying tribute to the longrunning skateboard magazine Thrasher has been popular for as long as the magazine’s been around so, and even more so today, Andrew Kolometz of Charlotte’s Black Sheep Skate Shop, which recently relocated to Plaza Midwood, has put his own spin on things by pouring bleach on Thrasher hoodies ($69) and t-shirts ($39). When vandalism becomes style. 830 Lamar Ave. 704-333-1423. blacksheepnc.com.

RECORD PLAYERS AT LUNCHBOX RECORDS

While music has become easier over the years to fit in your pocket or store in some unseen cloud, 2016 has seen a sharp turn back to the

Audio-Technica LP60 at Lunchbox Records days of vinyl. If you’re looking to get back into the record game, the folks at Lunchbox Records recommend the Audio-Technica LP60, which they say is great quality at a modest price point. 825 Central Ave. 704-3310788. lunchboxrecords.com

FANNY PACKS AT PURA VIDA

When Teresa Hernandez, owner of Pura Vida Worldly Art in NoDa, first started getting questions about fanny packs, she thought she was getting Punk’d. “When young people came in asking for fanny packs, I thought they were joking. I waited for them to laugh, but they didn’t laugh.” Now her fanny packs, handmade in Guatemala and Bolivia, are selling like hotcakes, and she uses one herself for hiking and working out. 3202 N. Davidson St. 704-335-8587. puravidaart.com

A NEW LOOK FOR THE LIVING ROOM FROM TUFT

Are your parents still holidng on to that grungy chair they nursed you on 30 years ago? Looking for a gift for your roommate that you’ll also benefit from? Bring your overused and tattered furniture to Danielle McKim at TUFT for reupholstering. Or bring the giftee to discuss a brand new custom piece. Also, McKim showcases local arts and crafts. She’s right now showcasing work from woodworker and printmaker Victoria Angelini and artist Lo’Vonia Parks, among others. 1222 Central Ave. 980-236-7630. tuftstore.com

The Satisfyer Pro 2 at The Red Door a new shipment of work this week from the Asheville-based jewelry designer, and not a minute too soon, as inquiring minds have been asking, they say. Rabbit Hole: 1801 Commonwealth Ave. 704-33-9197. Marie Bee: etsy.com/shop/MarieBeeCrafts

MIDWOOD MEMENTOS

Two of Central Avenue’s most prolific dive bars have released photo-based projects that make for the perfect gift for the Plaza Midwood stool pigeon in your life. Tricia Coyne’s new book, Last Call, is a photo essay featuring 155 photos from inside Tommy’s Pub (R.I.P.) before it fell victim to the onslaught of development in the neighborhood. Also, “The Men of The Thirsty Beaver 2017” calendar features 13 photos of the owners, bartenders and regulars who are still fighting the good fight just down the street from the old Tommy’s site. You can drop by Thirsty Beaver Saloon for a copy of the calendar. Last Call: triciacoyne.com/product/ last-call.

SOUTH END SAVORY SPICE SHOP

Amy and Scott MacCabe are celebrating the fifth anniversary of their Atherton Mill Market shop, and it just so happens that the anniversary lands right on Small Business Saturday. What better reason to support a couple who have spiced up South End for a half-decade? savoryspiceshop.com/northcarolina/charlotte-south-end.html.

MARIE BEE CRAFTS

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MUSIC

FEATURE

HARRISON LUBIN

Tyler Brown aka Cal Maro

TIS’ THE SEASON FOR CAL MARO Tyler Brown starts fresh for latest music project BY ANITA OVERCASH

O R M CHARLOTTEAN

E R TYLER

Brown is using Cal Maro as the moniker for his latest music project. The “Maro” references a derivative of his last name and the “Cal” part was inspired by a character in Steinbeck’s East of Eden. Brown hoped to draw insight from Cal, a character who embraces his humanity in a wild and free way, and to approach his music 28 | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

with that persona. “I really wanted to do something with this project that had a pseudonym to give me a little more ambiguity and room for creativity,” says Brown, who now resides in New York where his record label Yung Wolf Productions is based. In April, Brown released his first album as Cal Maro, taking on a new sound to go along with his new name. Prior to that, he had released two albums under his own name:

2010’s Comeback City and 2012’s The Hollows. Of the latter, you can feel experimental layers of sounds creeping into his acoustics, which shifted into a beat-driven, keyboardladen affair for his Cal Maro debut. “Pretty much everything I’ve done with music up until Cal Maro was guitar oriented because that was my instrument. On the entire Cal Maro album I think there are a total of three guitar tracks, which is nuts. Everything else is keyboards and digital

production,” says Brown. “It was definitely not an area I was familiar with beforehand. “The Hollows was all raw real instrumentation. It had a ton of production, layering and lots of different stuff going on, whereas I looked at this one and said, ‘If I want to go digital, I still want it to feel real and have some nakedness to it.” The album’s vibe is ambient with electronic disarray that at times drifts into R&B territory, weighing a lounge-like feel

CAL MARO W/ MARGOLNICK, 5251977 $5-$7. Nov. 26, 10 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. 704-561-1781. snugrock.com

Cal Maro live

BRIDGETTE AIKENS

“And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” – John Steinbeck, East of Eden. with indie experimentation. The album’s first single, “Water,” helped Brown to determine the album’s creative direction. “I can honestly say with the exception of obviously being a part of a couple of different bands where I didn’t have full creative license and responsibilities, that I think this is the first time that as a creator, beginning to end, it feels like the right thing. This is the most conviction I’ve had with a project,” says Brown. The other bands that Brown refers to, all in the earlier days of his musical journey, were Within Reach, Richard Parker, Odds Are and Replicas. Hardcore at first, his genre preference shifted in college. It was the likes of Ryan Adams, Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver that pushed Brown into more acoustic territory. A lack of time on the part of other musicians that he knew in college pushed him along a solo route. As for the album’s R&B approach, Brown says it’s been a long time coming: “Since I was a kid I also really loved soul and R&B stuff.” He includes Marvin Gaye and Bill Withers on his list of influences and recalls listening to Aaliyah CDs and to Destiny’s Child’s The Writing’s On The Wall with his sister. Other influences include D’Angelo and Frank Ocean. At the upcoming Cal Maro show in Charlotte at Snug Harbor on Nov. 26, Brown

will be joined on stage with other musicians: Joshua Thomas on drums, Christian Spence on guitar (both of whom he played with in Replicas) and Ethan Ricks (Shadowgraphs, Of Sinking Ships) on bass. That’s a toss up from the album’s DIY approach. Brown did all the musical work, aside from a line that his girlfriend sang on. It was later mixed and produced by Ben Hostetler and mastered by Dan Millice at Engine Room Audio in New York. Brown notes that most of the tracks on the album are about relationships, be it those that are personal or observational. There’s also a stronger confidence to the album’s material. The vulnerability and hopefulness of The Hollows is gone, replaced by more acceptance and/or resignation to a particular situation or relationship. You feel that on songs like “Down,” also released as a music video, and “The Gate,” a song about recognizing that love is selfless. “Fall,” another song on the album, takes a similar approach lyrically. The music builds a repetitive tension with static distortion. “It’s about the season of fall and not wanting to have to spend it alone. Fall leads into such a lonely and dying season that is winter,” says Brown. “It’s realizing you’re lesser without love, but there’s a sweet release.” AOVERCASH@CLCLT.COM

CLCLT.COM | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | 29

MUSIC

REVIEW

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and swaying woodwinds. The track “August 9th 11:02 am” — the day and time the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki — is a short burst of noise echoing the screech of the bomb and the explosion sounding like a hard rainfall of death. It gets under your skin. Other pieces, some are very brief but just as evocative, create varied backdrops for the different scenes. The sequential compositions portray the sad poise of ordinary people who lost loved ones

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gravitas to the film, but also stands as a lovely piece of music on its own. This is essentially an

the score is bookended with somber strings as well as dissonant noise that I’m sure not only adds

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human voice is sparsely used. This film score is another chapter in Sakamoto’s eclectic, decades-long and vast musical output. — SAMIR SHUKLA

CLCLT.COM | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | 31

MUSIC

SOUNDBOARD

FRI 11/25

LEVON HELM TRIBUTE Featuring The New Familiars & Friends SAT 11/26

DANGERMUFFIN THU 12/1

SUN 12/4 FRI 12/9

NOV. 24 POP/ROCK *Shiprocked (Snug Harbor)

NOV. 25 CLASSICAL/JAZZ/SMOOTH *Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (Belk Theater)

WED 12/28

NEW YEARS EVE

1213 STUDIO

DJ/ELECTRONIC

Against The Current:In Our Bones World Tour-OTW/Alcatel Idol 4/Cricket (The Underground) Edwin Mccain (Don Gibson Theatre, Shelby) The Lenny Federal Band (Comet Grill) *Levon Helm Tribute featuring The New Familiars & Friends (Visulite Theatre) Mitch Hayes (Puckett’s Farm Equipment) Other People - Annual Grateful Dead Tribute Thanksgiving Bash w/ Tom Constanten (Neighborhood Theatre) *Player Made (Snug Harbor) Smelly Felly, Vel Indica, Azriel, Spookstina (Milestone) The Young Ages w/ Stan Barkley & Friends (Double Door Inn)

Jahlistic w/ Ez Music (late show) (The Evening Muse)

POP/ROCK

32 | NOV. 24 - NOV. 30, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

NOV. 28 POP/ROCK

BLUES/ROOTS/INTERNATIONAL

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Omari & The Hellraisers (Comet Grill)

HIP-HOP/SOUL/R&B

NOV. 26

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POP/ROCK

Ellis Paul (Evening Muse) Ezra Root (Tin Roof) The Lenny Federal Band (Comet Grill) Wes Cook (late show) (Tin Roof)

POP/ROCK

Presents

NOV. 27

COUNTRY/FOLK

*Seven Lions (The Fillmore)

Jim the hair guy

(Double Door Inn) Leisure McCorkle (Comet Grill) Pluto for Planet (Tin Roof)

20 Ride: A Tribute To Zac Brown Band (The Underground) 99.7 The Fox Presents On The Border - A Tribute To Eagles (The Fillmore) *Cal Maro w/ Margolnick, 5251977 (Snug Harbor) Carriage, Nemesis, KRVSADE, Morganton (Milestone) Dangermuffin (Visulite Theatre) *David Childers w/ Jim Garrett (early show) (The Evening Muse) The Flatland Tourists w/ Henry River Honey

Knocturnal (Snug Harbor)

Dream Theater Presents “The Astonishing” Live (Ovens Auditorium) Find Your Muse Open Mic featuring Thomas Waddill (The Evening Muse) The Monday Night Allstars (Double Door Inn) Open Mic with Jeff & Al (Puckett’s Farm Equipment) Wicked Powers (Comet Grill)

NOV. 29 CLASSICAL/JAZZ/SMOOTH Bill Hanna Jazz Jam (Double Door Inn)

COUNTRY/FOLK Red Rockin’ Chair (Comet Grill)

POP/ROCK Bill Hanna Jazz Jam (Double Door Inn) *Crushed Out w/ Sext Message, Broke Jokes, Cracked Motherfucker (Snug Harbor) *An Evening with David Crosby & Friends (McGlohon Theater) Jordan Middleton (Tin Roof) Open Mic with Jeff & Al (Puckett’s Farm Equipment) Red Rockin’ Chair (Comet Grill)

NOV. 30 POP/ROCK *El Malpais w/ Modern Primitives, Pig Mountain (Snug Harbor) Modern Heritage Weekly Mix Tape (Snug Harbor) *Niykee Heaton: Centerfold Tour (The Underground) Open Mic Night (Comet Grill)

COMING SOON  The Black Lillies (Dec. 1, Visulite Theatre) Josh Ritter (Dec. 2, McGlohon Theater)

VIEW FROM THE COUCH For reviews on the latest in home entertainment, visit

CLCLT.COM/CHARLOTTE/VIEW-FROM-THE-COUCH/

I Love The 90s w/ Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa, Color Me Badd, Coolio, Tone Loc, Rob Base (Dec. 4, Spectrum Center) The Hot Sardines: Holiday Stomp (Dec. 5, McGlohon Theater) Jazz Room Holiday Edition: A Preservation Hall All-Stars Christmas (Dec. 6, Booth Playhouse) Mark O’Connor: An Appalachian Christmas (Dec. 7, McGlohon Theater) Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Dec. 8, Spectrum Center) Southern Culture on the Skids (Dec. 9, Visulite Theatre) Jack Ingram (Dec. 9, Neighborhood Theatre) Charlotte Symphony Pops: Magic of Christmas (Dec. 9-11, Belk Theater) Gina’s Gospel Christmas Concert (Dec. 10, Duke Energy Theater) Tosco Music Holiday Party (Dec. 10, McGlohon Theater) An Evening with George Winston (Dec. 11, McGlohon Theater) The 62nd Annual Singing Christmas Tree & The Singing Christmas Tree For Kids (Dec. 10-11, Knight Theater) Chatham County Line (Dec. 16, Neighborhood Theatre Serfs (Dec. 12, Snug Harbor) California Guitar Trio (Nov. 18, Neighborhood Theatre) Tony Lanez, A Boogie, Kranium, Kurt Rockmore (Dec. 20, The Underground) Holy Ghost Tent Revival (Dec. 22, Visulite Theatre) Boy Named Banjo (Dec. 23, Visulite Theatre) Benji Hughes (Dec. 24, Snug Harbor) The Avett Brothers (Dec. 31, Bojangles’

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THANKSGIVING AND THE few weeks Chima — It’s named after a traditional that precede it, represent the beginning of Brazilian drink that represents hospitality “the holiday season.” Minus a few grinches and friendship. Um, in the spirit of here and there, everyone is generally in Friendsgiving, how perfect is that? Combine a good mood and that makes for some amazing service with all-you-can-eat great memories in the Queen City. Last meat and sumptuous sides and you have week on Wine Night at The Corner Pub, a Thanksgiving meal made in Heaven. Pro my girlfriends and I ended up having a cry tips: As with any all-you-can-eat scenario, session. What started out as a conversation prepare to reach deep in your pockets. Don’t about our partners and The 5 Love Languages eat all day and get your money’s worth. turned into a conversation about why we loved one another and what each friendship The Workman’s Friend — This Irish meant to us. It was therapy with a tinge of pub and restaurant has quickly gained wine and that’s what the spirit of thanks popularity in Plaza Midwood. can do to you. Whether you’re searching for Friendsgiving. Heard of it? good food or great drinks Thanksgiving celebrated with — or hot Irishmen — your friends, usually held you’ll find it all at The before the holiday or in Workman’s Friend. An place of time spent with intimate atmosphere family. It’s the perfect time highlighted by a of year for you to gather spacious outdoor beer all of your closest friends garden makes for a great for a potluck, dinner or space for you and your drinks. After all, even if you friends to enjoy. Pro tips: leave with all the leftovers AERIN SPRUILL They don’t have a lot of in the world, family time can space for large groups, so call get a bit overwhelming. Enjoy ahead. The house ground brisket Thanksgiving without the pressures sliders with the tiniest quail egg and of conversations about grandkids, “Not Your Mama’s” pork and beans are my professional growth or getting your shit favorites. together by coordinating Friendsgiving in the Q.C. Below are a few suggestions on how The Roasting Company — My to celebrate locally: boyfriend is obsessed with this place. The Potluck — It’s cheap, it’s fun, it’s first time we went, I assumed it was another personal. Everyone can bring a dish, or soul food restaurant. I was wrong. This alcoholic beverage, to a designated home, restaurant features Costa Rican rotisserie gather around the dinner table with chicken. The menu does, however, have quite a few games and watch the fun unfold. a few sides that are Southern staples, so I If you’re really feeling adventurous, your Friendsgiving potluck can be the designated wasn’t entirely wrong. Nevertheless, once I pregame for the night. Pro tips: The host actually gave it a try, I wasn’t disappointed. should prepare the main dish and have Pro tips: The parking lot gets packed pretty everyone else bring sides and drinks. It quick so Uber or find a spot along the street. makes for a stress-free night. You can make reservations, so do it. Full bar, need I say more? Consider belting out a few King’s Kitchen — It’s Southernkaraoke tunes at Jeff’s Bucket Shop next inspired cuisine aka soul food. Isn’t that door after dinner. what everyone is searching for during Thanksgiving? This beautiful Uptown It’s never too late for celebrating friends. restaurant where the rustic meets the If you’ve already secured Friendsgiving industrial, is perfect for getting all of your in the Q.C. use this list to organize for friends in one space. Pro tips: Try the Christmas because it’ll be here before you meatloaf it was to die for. Call and ask about know it. Dirty Santa anyone? BACKTALK@CLCLT.COM reserving the private space at the front.

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CROSSWORD

VOWELS ON VACATION ACROSS

1 Throat ailment 6 Rial earner 12 Final Four inits. 16 “It was only OK” 19 English dramatist George 20 Singer/fiddler Krauss 21 MP3 player attachment 23 Took a big step to relieve debt [IEOAUY] 25 Worker “standing by” 26 Enjoy 27 Surpasses 29 Wanton man 30 Carry on, as business 34 Mind-altering chemical substances [YOAIEU] 38 Rip off 39 Musical gourd 42 Composer of many marches 43 Withdrawn 44 Hebrew “A” 47 Transformed 49 Tirade 51 Cooking contest since 1949 [IUYAEO] 53 Study of bonds between atoms [OEUAYI] 59 Poker-pot promise 60 Of an average 62 Episodic drama 63 Basic human intelligence 66 U. URL ending 69 Hunter constellation 71 Fencing move 72 Spanish for “that” 73 President before Rutherford Birchard Hayes [UYEIOA] 77 “Imagine!” 78 Disney movie 80 Daughter of Desi Arnaz 81 Posed (for) 82 Suffix with Oktober 83 Zedong’s theories 85 “G’day” sayer 88 Shower with flowers, e.g. 90 “Sicko” and “Super Size Me,” e.g. [OUEAYI] 92 “Dear Abby” is one [YIAEOU] 98 Mazar of “Entourage” 99 From sunup to sundown 101 Follower of “had a farm” 102 Morris, e.g.

105 Gone up 108 Naval clerk 110 Flutter 111 In great demand [IYOUAE] 114 Trapped by a blizzard 117 Sheltered, nautically 118 Plaza Hotel girl 121 Leslie Caron musical 122 Seder time 126 Thwarters of Boris Badenov [OYAUIE] 131 Neighbor of a Sudanese 132 “SOS!” 133 “So do I” 134 The, to Rene 135 Suffix with disk 136 Palace of Paris 137 For -- (dirt-cheap)

DOWN

1 UV-blocking stat 2 -- Aviv 3 Johnnie Walker blend 4 Pixie-like 5 Livens (up) 6 TV chef Martin 7 Caribou kin 8 Joan of art 9 NBA broadcaster 10 Steno’s aid 11 Ear bone 12 Kansas river 13 Upper limit 14 Consist of 15 Wet mo. 16 Part of GMC 17 Adequate 18 Joan of Arc’s crime 22 Like steel 24 Joist or lintel 28 Windows boxes? 30 Web, to flies 31 Bun 32 Low- -- diet 33 Major hike 35 Perm part 36 Bygone emperors 37 “Peanuts” boy Linus -40 Radio-switch letters 41 Sidewalk eatery 45 Fraternity letters 46 “Silicon Valley” airer 48 Arab chiefs 50 No -- traffic 52 Wishes away

54 Been abed 55 Obstructs 56 Burn slightly 57 Zoo pens 58 Wintry mix 61 Ding-a-lings 63 Online health info site 64 Stern with a violin 65 May greeting card opener 67 Fast Net svc. 68 Normal 70 Gun org. 73 People itemizing 74 Bathtub gunk 75 -- beat (hesitate) 76 Abbr. on a food label 79 Tough spot 82 Central points 84 The head honcho 86 Capri, e.g. 87 Inside: Prefix 89 Verse tribute 91 Sole, for one 93 Obstructs 94 Blue color 95 Preface 96 Skirt style 97 Both-hands-up time 100 Rhapsodic 102 Small church 103 Blazing 104 Hurdle for a grad student 106 E’erlasting 107 Titans’ org. 109 Longtime Steelers coach Chuck 112 In case that 113 Musical Mel 115 Wife of Fred Flintstone 116 Actor Cary 119 Vodka brand 120 Outer limits 123 Mined metal 124 Animal doc 125 Devour 127 2000 Peace Nobelist Kim -- Jung 128 “Toodles” 129 “-- -Tiki” 130 Ship record

SOLUTION FOUND ON P. 38.

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etc., combined with dirty talk about digesty I’M A VERY sex-positive girl and I finally convinced my boyfriend to open things like chewing, swallowing, gastric up about his fetishes. I could tell he juices, etc. If everything goes well, you try was ashamed and torn about sharing to bring his fantasies to life using props, them with me, but I’ve been with my costumes, and stage blood. fair share of guys and surfed the net for years, and I was convinced nothing Any advice for a first-time sex-toy would shock me. Well, it turns out he’s buyer? I’m looking into vibrators, but into soft vore. I’m not gonna lie, I was a bit put off, but of course I didn’t tell him. I don’t want to spend a bunch of money I started looking for information about on something that doesn’t do it for me. his fetish, and it’s not as uncommon Very Into Buying Electronics as I thought. I stumbled upon many websites for like-minded people, and “VIBE should go to a sex shop in person my understanding of it is that vores so she can physically pick up and turn on the really long for intimacy and protection. Is my interpretation correct? Also, after models she’s considering buying,” said Erika learning about it, I realized it’s Moen. “She should pay attention to the less extreme than some kind of action that feels good or of the stuff we usually gets her off,” said Moen. “Does engage in, like heavy your clit like super-direct BDSM, so I want him to focus? The smaller the head feel fulfilled. Is there any way I can help him of the vibrator, the more “act out” his fetish? laser-like the precision. He would like to be Do you like lots of overall, the eatee. engulfing stimulation that F u l l y covers a lot of ground? The Understanding Lover’s DAN SAVAGE larger the head, the more Longings surface area it’ll cover and the Vore, for readers who aren’t vibrations will be more generally familiar with the term, refers to distributed across the entire vulva, from a spectrum of kinks that involve being outer labia to clit.” eaten alive or eating another creature alive. For best results, Moen recommends Vore is divided between “soft” and “hard,” buying two toys, VIBE, if you can swing the kind of like BDSM. Soft vore doesn’t require expense. “Get a generic bullet vibe first,” said simulated bloodshed (it mostly involves fantasies of being swallowed whole), whereas Moen. “They’re about $15 to $20 — it’s a hard vore involves the (imaginary!) ripping model that has a control box you hold in one of flesh and the (simulated!) shedding of hand and a cord that connects to a simple blood. Large creatures capable of swallowing vibrating egg shape that you hold in your and/or devouring humans are important masturbating hand. Try it out at home, and to this kink, as you’ll discover if you do an then based on how you did or did not enjoy image search for “vore” on Google. Since most vore fantasies involve creatures that it, purchase a more expensive, high-quality qualify as fantastical beasts, i.e., large and model ($60 to $120) based on the kind of nonexistent beasts (megakinkfauna?), vore vibrational stimulation you learned you want fetishists are forced to construct elaborate (or don’t want) from that first cheaply made fantasy narratives, build their own creatures, model. Personally, I recommend the Minna or seek employment at the Jim Henson Limon and Vibratex’s Mystic Wand for Company (where they can sneak in after hours and repurpose vore-scale Muppets) in smaller-sized, decently powered vibrators. order to get off. And then the big guns that’ll blast you to the Before you can determine which way moon and back are the Doxy and Vibratex’s to go — assuming your boyfriend wants Magic Wand (formerly known as the Hitachi to “act out” his fantasies in the first place Magic Wand). Best of luck to you!” — you’ll have to get more details. If your boyfriend wants to get physical, start with mouthy things like biting, licking, sucking, Email Dan Savage at mail@savagelove.net.

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FOR ALL SIGNS: The Sun is now in the crosshairs between Saturn and Pluto. This means that there may be cause for grief at the global level soon. Someone or something that we hold in high regard may be crushed by powers of ill intent. Certainly after this country’s Presidential Election there will be winners, losers, and grief, regardless of who is chosen. But this aspect is global, so it is possible a travesty of some type will be in the making that is noteworthy world-over. People may be glued to the TV over a concern at least as great as football for Thanksgiving.

ARIES: Those who are the powers-that-be in your life may be unreadable, which could give you a nervous twitch and anxiety about what is going to happen in the future. Hopefully, this is just a fair warning that mobilizes you to search for plan B, just in case. There are winners and losers in this situation and it is not yet possible to discern which you will be. Meanwhile, hang tight. TAURUS: Intensity in relationships is the theme of the week. If you are not conscious, you could be pulled into schemes of manipulation or compulsive behaviors. Existing relationships could re-experience the pain of old wounds. You have a choice of whether to work it through or act it out in the same ways as the first time. If things feel “icky”, someone is manipulating.

GEMINI: This is not your smoothest week. Details may nag your mind and your time like pecking ducks. You and significant others are not having the best of communications right now. You may be in the mood to nit-pick others. Probably you will feel generally better if you work alone. CANCER: You may feel out of sorts this

week. Your feelings are in conflict with your ideal self and your values. You want to put your best foot forward, but circumstances do not feel quite right. If the conflict is deep, it is usually best to wait and not yield to whatever pressure is around you. You will come to a right conclusion.

LEO: Decisions in front of you have long term consequences, so you do not want to make mistakes. You are likely dealing with serious issues that involve your sense of ethics. There are antagonists all around who want to pull you off center to meet their particular needs. You must hold onto your finely tuned sense of what is “right” and fair for everyone.

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VIRGO: You may need to concentrate in

order to avoid critics, whether they be internal or external. Instead of blame, use the discipline to tackle a project that requires concentration. Avoid contracts and business negotiations right now because misunderstandings may develop.

LIBRA: Your open hearted generosity may

lead you to bite off more than you can chew this week. There may be more people at the table than you have plates to serve. Do not worry about what people will think. They are aware you’ve almost exceeded your limit of tasks to handle. It will all work out but try to remain calm until things are easier to deal with.

SCORPIO: If you have been channeling

your energy into a project that has positive value for many you may be receiving recognition and applause now. If, instead, you are working on something that is purely to make your ego shinier, you will find others are fighting you every step of the way. Think about your motives and try to reanalyze your goals and what you can to to benefit yourself as well as others.

SAGITTARIUS: You may very well be

involved in an ambitious project. You must take care with those who could be thought of as authorities. If you press as hard as you want to, you likely will encounter resistance from these folks. If your plan is good for a number of people, and not at the expense of others, you could make a coup. Be as prepared as possible throughout the ordeal.

CAPRICORN: You have the opportunity during this period to expand your social territory. You may also be experiencing gifts and benefits offered to you from others. This generosity in turn, is absorbed into your psyche and you want to share with those in your life who have been important.

AQUARIUS: Beware the liar. The

probability is high you will encounter one this week, someone who believes his own story, thus making it unclear to you if he is telling the truth. Check out the sources and ask other people who may know something about the situation. Don’t accept anything of importance at face value.

PISCES: Events of this week trigger your

sense of compassion and draw you into the need to assist in the healing of another. As you live into this experience, you will discover that having compassion also heals you. Your spirit is lifted. Don’t ignore the call, as your ability to help others may end up benefiting you greatly at some point in the future.

Are you interested in a personal horoscope? Vivian Carol may be reached at 704-366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments. Website: horoscopesbyvivian.com.

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