Activism In The Age of Anger

art entertainment food drink music nightlife Thursday, August 24, 2017

DGO

FREE!

Instead of shouting past one another, two local activists discuss how to disrupt the system through human connection

ACTIVISM

IN THE AGE OF

ANGER Plus: Tips and information on how to contact your representatives, and how to best mix social media and activism

dgomag.com

Also: Peggy Cloy, the heart of Willowtail, and Ska’s head brewer says sours are here to stay

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2 | Thursday, August 24, 2017 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

DGO Magazine

STAFF

What’s inside Volume 2 Number 44

August 24, 2017

Chief Executive Officer

10 Sours are here to stay

Douglas Bennett

Ska put a new spin on the favorite brews with its Tart Mexican Logger. DGO talked to head brewer, Kurt Randall, about what the heck is up with all these sour beers and how the trend is here to stay.

V.P. of Advertising David Habrat V.P. of Marketing Kricket Lewis Founding Editors Amy Maestas David Holub Editor/ creative director David Holub 375-4551 Staff writer Patty Templeton ptempleton@bcimedia.com Contributors Katie Cahill Cassidy Cummings Christopher Gallagher Alexi Grojean Meggie J

5

Bryant Liggett

Heartbreak Combatant, a new column debuts Cassidy Cummings had her heart broken. Instead of wallowing in sadness, she has devised a set of activities around Durango to get herself back on track. This week, she introduces the project.

Jon E. Lynch Cooper Stapleton Cyle Talley Robert Alan Wendeborn Advertising 247-3504 Reader Services 375-4570

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DGO is a free weekly publication distributed by Ballantine Communications Inc., and is available for one copy per person. Taking more than five copies of an edition from a distribution location is illegal and is punishable by law according to Colorado Revised Statute 18-9-314.

Get Outta Town Ra Paulette is a sculptor who carves intricate designs into New Mexico sandstone caves. A self-taught artist, he works only with a shovel, pick axes, and scrapers and yet turns caves into cathedrals. You can visit one.

Tell us what you think!

Got something on your mind? Have a joke or a story idea or just something that the world needs to know?

Send everything to editor@dgomag.com

From the Editor

4

Love it or Hate it

6

Get Outta Town

6

Sound

Downtown Lowdown

6

Album Reviews 7

16 I have to talk about it

dholub@bcimedia.com

4

I feel inclined to give everyone a moment away from the insanity blasting after Charlottesville. I want to imitate our heaven-sent friend Mary Jane and figure out a way to just make things relax – a literary smoke break of sorts.

But I can’t.

8

Beer

10 Street Style 16 Weed

Seeing Through the Smoke 16

Review

16

17 Pages 18 Savage Love 19 Happening 20 DGO Deals

17 The Dude, reviewed What would it be like to shoot the breeze with Jeff Bridges, or better yet, his most famous character, The Dude? Well, there’s a book for that.

22 Horoscope/ puzzles 23 First Person

/dgomag

/dgomag @dgo_mag

ON THE COVER We need to start listening to one another when it comes to politics. And this guy is not helping.

David Holub/DGO

DGO Magazine is published by Ballantine Communications Inc., P.O. Drawer A, Durango, CO 81302

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@dg

dg

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[ love it or hate it ]

News

David Holub |DGO editor

Love it

Willowtail will host “Art in the Afternoon”

“There’s a hole in the world like a great black pit and the vermin of the world inhabit it,” wrote composer Stephen Sondheim in the musical “Sweeney Todd.”

At the top of the hole sits the “privileged few.” How would we know about the best-laid plans of mice, men, and these mega-rich aholes if not for the news?

What: A fundraiser and open house supporting Willowtail’s artist-in-residency program, featuring artists working on site, sale and display of the work of former Willowtail residents, food/drink, live music, silent auctions, and fly fishing demonstrations

We live in an era that is increasingly controlled by corporations and billionaires. In 2016, nine people owned the same amount as the 3.6 billion who make up the poorest of humanity.

When: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27

I love the news, especially the written variety. I wouldn’t know as much about wage gaps, how inflation works, how often police plant evidence even with body cameras, how banks destroyed America’s economy in 2008, or that the hard times that much of America is going through is because of a capitalist democracy pushing toward a socially apathetic oligarchy if it were not for the warriors of this brave new world, journalists.

Peggy Cloy, the heart that drives Willowtail

P

eggy rolled into Mancos 25 years ago from Seattle, having experienced the spoils of a successful career as an artist, with hundreds of pieces housed across the country in private, corporate, and public collections. She purchased 60 acres of pristine land with varied ecosystems a few miles northeast of town. This was her new home, a place that had beckoned her and told her to stay. Her friends thought she was crazy.

About eight years later, she convinced her friend, Lee Cloy, a tai chi teacher with a vast background in property management to join her. They were married and began to build what now is Willowtail Springs, a bed and breakfast, but also – and most important to them Cloy – an artist residency program.

Working with the Durango Arts Center, along with funding through their nonprofit organization, Willowtail hosts more than 12 artist residents a year, providing them space, time, and encouragement to further themselves as artists.

While Lee brings the linear logic, management expertise, and pragmatism, anyone who knows Willowtail knows that Peggy brings the intangible heart, the unexplainable magic of an indelible creative, nurturing spirit.

I wanted to know where this spirit came from. I asked Peggy when she knew she wanted to be an artist. The question spawned a story that showed the dynamic support, encouragement, and empowerment she received from her parents from an early age, the kind of upbringing that doesn’t seem normal for a person born in the early 1940s. Here is her story: It was partly – and this sounds a little airy-fairy – I wanted to ask the questions I wanted to ask and I wanted to speak directly. I wanted to name the elephant in the room, artistically. I wanted to call out the dark side, whatever you call it, which is, to me, depth and part of the double language. And I knew this really early on. I didn’t name it as conscious and unconscious at that age, but part of what I sensed was that there’s two things going on and I had both of them. It wasn’t like I did one and then I did the other, which is what a lot of artists talk about. It’s like you do them both at once. You speak, you think, you verbalize in two separate languages. I was not told that I was weird, ever. As I got older, I always mentored a lot, even when I was very young. I never knew why people would ask me things and tell me all this stuff about them and want to talk. It’s part of what has carried through into (Willowtail).

I had enormous support from my family. My mother thought I should start kindergarten early because, she said, “I got tired of your questions. I don’t know where your

A benefit for Willowtail

Where: Willowtail Springs, 10451 Road 39, Mancos Information: willowtail.org/events or (970) 533-7592 Want to know more about Peggy Cloy?

Read about the events that shaped her career as an artist in this Friday’s Arts and Entertainment section of The Durango Herald. questions come from. Your mind kind of scares me, honey.”

Whereas my father thought it was really wonderful. He was a musician, he was a physician, he was an old druid.

My mother (was) a great gardener; my dad had small planes. That was his only real luxury … We went and took off and landed every Thursday, which was his day off. He taught me how to fly because I have a strong inner ear so I could do loop-to-loops and not throw up. My mother and my sister couldn’t. So he said, “You gotta know how to fly.

What if I have a heart attack?”

(My dad) was the one who said, “It’s alright if your dreams come true.”

When he died [in 2011] there were lines around three blocks for his memorial. He was so encouraging. He said, “You are so good at what you do with your art. Just do it.

That’s what you do best; that’s what you sell the best.” I can remember him saying things like, “You don’t ever have to explain yourself to somebody … you pound the streets and you support your children and you work harder than any woman I’ve ever seen.” He said “Do not ever apologize for what you are or what you do.”

My mother was 95 when she died. And (my parents) were very much in love. I can remember going and seeing (the D.H. Lawrence book) “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” in their bedroom.

One of the reasons I felt so secure – and this is so interesting to me – is that I never felt guilty for my erotic part, the juicy, female part. I knew as a child that you did not open the door to their bedroom if it was closed. I don’t know how I knew, I just knew. And it came with a real, huge feeling of security. And my friends would talk to my mother and my father about stuff they couldn’t talk to their own parents about. That also was an interesting thing: My mother talked about sex in marriage … (that) it’s not just to make babies. So I got that kind of stuff from her.

David Holub is a former Willowtail resident and currently an active board member.

The world is full of a lot of B & S. Without the news, without journalists sloshing through the sewer for us, kicking crap outta the gutters so everything drains right, we’d all get shit-covered quicker than a president can turn orange.

—— Patty Templeton

Hate it I am anxious. There is a dark cloud of doom that follows me everywhere. I have sties forming in my eye that armchair doctors say are caused by stress. I racked my brain: I am not stressed and I have nothing to be anxious about. Oh wait: The news.

As of a week ago, I was what you’d call a compulsive news reader, spending the first hour upon waking reading the New York Times and Washington Post, and then the same drill for an hour or so before going to sleep.

The vast majority of my reading was political news, specifically, the national disgrace that is Donald Trump.

I’d made pledges to cut back before but could never kick my habit. And then the anxiety and eye infections. I had no choice. News was affecting my health. I promptly cut my reading in half.

I love the news, but, good god, I really hate it right now.

—— David Holub

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[single life]

Heartbreak Combatant | Cassidy Cummings

Maybe these adventures will mend my broken heart?

Declaration of war Heartbreak has inflicted grave damage on me since my relationship with my boyfriend came to a recent end. I was laid to waste by that full-torso sickness that’s so specific to heartbreak, which wrenches your chest and gut into a nexus of pain. Then came the dull ache from the grief of missing him, and the acute pangs from the unexpected reminders of him. A familiar temptation beckoned me to hide out and shovel popcorn at my face-hole until I was bloated enough to float myself down the Animas. I initially gave in. But I’ve taken the self-destructive approach before, and it’s both miserable and ineffective.

I wanted to do it differently this time, so I started to compile a list of activities that might combat heartbreak in a healthier way, and which I could reference again for future bouts of emotional torture. I will execute “missions” that have been strategically plotted within the scope of this larger heart-mending operation, and chronicle the adventures here in DGO. Many activities signify a refocused effort to appreciate my first love, dreamy Durango; some of them are personal challenges with an emphasis on riding solo; and a few are the standard, post break-up shenanigans you would expect from a sad girl skirting the precipice of a downward spiral.

Leaked intel When I relocated from Austin, Texas, to Durango a few years ago, I proclaimed that I had moved, “for love ... of the mountains.” It was the truth, and I remain enchanted by these mountains that slice into the horizon, and ensconce themselves in beds of pink clouds and a curtain of indigo sky. I could pen a passion-soaked ode, but essentially, mountains are mega-babes. I proceeded to spend my first year in Durango entirely alone, a social hermit too enrapt with my new surroundings to address my isolation. Eventually, I opened myself up to the idea of finding some human love and affection here; I don’t mean to commit blasphemy against our beautiful backdrop, but mountains simply don’t know how to play tonsil hockey.

One Saturday evening when the well-adjusted people of Durango were mingling downtown, I ventured out of my den like a shifty creature of the night to scavenge for food. While waiting to pay for my take-out at the bar of El Moro, I heard low-pitched murmuring from a handsome man seated at the stool closest to me. I leaned in and asked if he had said something (assuming he probably needed me to move), but apparently he hadn’t spoken to me at all.

His response was something like, “I actually didn’t say

Alexi Grojean/Special to DGO

anything to you before … but I’d like to now.” It exemplified the artistry of delivering smooth, panty-droppin’ syntax in a package of sweet earnestness. That’s how I came to meet my eventual ex-boyfriend, Tom (name has been changed).

Rules Of engagement So here’s how I see this project working: »»You won’t be exposed to any bashing of my ex. He is a GREAT guy, to the extent that his gentlemanly conduct has inadvertently made this break-up extra hard ... that bastard. »»A rebound relationship is off the table. This seems like a critical time to sit with and examine myself, as well as the life I’m leading. There’s displaced energy that I had previously been investing in my former boyfriend, which I’ve resolved to channel toward my own self-care and interests. (Note: I’m a proponent of prioritizing self-care and having fulfilling adventures in general, but especially in the emotional aftermath of a break-up). I’m open to developing harmless crushes that culminate in futile flirting or platonic friendships, but I won’t be caught canoodling in any darkened bar corners. »»When necessary, names will be changed or concealed to protect identities.

»»On a bi-monthly basis, I’ll be issuing comprehensive mission reports for two separate adventures that I’ve undertaken. Each report will provide a breakdown of the objectives, and a summary of events (and inevitable awkward moments). Plus, there will be a debriefing section that covers what I’ve gained or any advancement in particular skills, and how effective the activity was in terms of rendering first aid for a broken heart.

I recognize that my own heartbreak is nothing special or unique, nor is it near the severity of what others may experience after longer-term partnerships with greater investment. But, it hurts like hell nonetheless. So in the interest of soldiering through some pain now and mitigating pain in the future, I’m engaging in this intensive operation to expedite my recuperation. I hope some other wounded hearts find a comrade in me, and I’m armed with relevant content for the whole-hearted readers, too – I’ll be dropping some crazy bombshells, invading your favorite local spots, and attacking a solid list of Durango activities you might be interested in trying. Stay alert for the first mission, coming soon!

Cassidy Cummings is a mountain lover living in Durango.

She likes her books the way she likes her cookies – thick.

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[travel]

[sound] GET OUTTA TOWN Quirky & cool spots in the Four Corners and beyond

The trippy caves of Ra Paulette Ra Paulette is a sculptor who carves intricate designs into New Mexico sandstone caves. Paulette is a self-taught artist who works only with a shovel, pick axes, and scrapers and yet turns caves into cathedrals with intoxicatingly ornate designs meant to put the viewer in a prayerful, meditative state.

Paulette’s designs dot northern New Mexico. Occasionally, he has been commissioned, but he prefers to create thoughtful, gorilla works of art on unauthorized land for travelers to stumble on.

Unfortunately, most of Paulette’s caves are on private property where owners do prosecute trespassers.

The only cave you can visit legally is “Windows of the Earth,” Paulette’s first commission. Origin, a resort in Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, takes tour reservations for its cave sanctuary, has accommodations, sound healing sessions, and meditation instruction. Details are found at http://originnewmexico.com.

For more information on Ra Paulette, check out the documentary “Cavedigger.”

Associated Press file

»» Artist Ra Paulette, creator of a sandstone shrine near Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, sits inside his creation in 1996.

Downtown Lowdown | Bryant Liggett

Denver’s Dragondeer to headline Brewfest with their own take on blues

E

ric Halborg’s harmonica chops were honed in a radio-less pickup truck. The frontman for Denver psychedelic blues band Dragondeer used the time suck that is driving around a city and its suburbs to woodshed and learn the harmonica. It’s heard in Dragondeer, the Denver-based rock band performing this weekend at the San Juan Brewfest, the beer tasting in Buckley Park that benefits United Way of Durango.

“Our practice space at the time was not in the best part of Denver. The car stereo got stolen and I never replaced it, I just put harmonicas in there. So every time I was in my car commuting or doing whatever, I would drive with one hand and blow harp with the other. I did that for three years, never played Jeremy Witteveen/Courtesy of jeremywitteveen.com with another song, never played with anoth» » Dragondeer will perform at the San Juan Brewfest Saturday, Aug. 26. er person, but did it every day,” said Halborg. it’s a big part of our sound, and I run it “Now GO! through some delay and reverb pedals and do my best to San Juan Brewfest get a Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson kind of tone.”

Dragondeer’s story starts five years ago. Halborg had When: 1-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26 been playing in the band Swayback and met musician Where: Buckley Park, 12th St. and Main Ave., Durango Cole Rudy through the Denver scene. Casual conversaCost: $30 (general admission); $45 (upgraded GA); $70 tion revealed a mutual love of the blues, and Rudy heard (VIP); $15 (designated driver) Halborg’s harmonica playing which, at that time, didn’t extend past sessions in the pickup truck. An idea for a Music: Dragondeer, Farmington Hill band was born.

To note: 21-and-over; no dogs allowed “We wanted to have our own take on blues; he wanted Information: sanjuanbrewfest.com; 375-5068. to play mandolin and lap steel, I was playing classical guitar through a tube amp, blowing harp and playing scenes everywhere since, perhaps without that two-word tambourine with my foot at the time, since it was the two tag. It’s how one would describe The Jefferson Airplane, of us at the time,” Halborg said. The band then added Quicksilver Messenger Service, or Otis Taylor; The 13th Carl Sorenson on drums and Casey Sidwell on bass.

Floor Elevators have tripped out a time or two, and Drag“Those guys have jazz degrees and we realized we wanted improvisation to be part of the equation. Since, we’ve ondeer gets there via haunting covers from the public dobeen forging our path and figuring out how to create this main or their own explorations of the American gothic. sound,” he said.

“I think the psychedelic part is that we’re running The quartet’s latest recorded effort will come in the mandolins and wa-wa pedals through delays and using form of digital releases and 7-inch vinyl. Earlier this year, distortion. And the improvisational thing,” said Halborg. the band headed out to Topanga Canyon in Southern Cal“When we think of it, we’re stretching it and using our far-out take on blues. Someone said ‘indie rock for jam ifornia, where they recorded 12 new songs with producer band kids, jam band for indie rock kids.’ However they Howard.

Howard has a long history of working with Mark label it is cool with me.” producer Daniel Lanois, and his resume is loaded with Playing with Dragondeer at the brewfest is local rock work from The Tragically Hip and Iggy Pop to Bob Dylan. band Farmington Hill. “Topanga Canyon Sessions Vol. 1” “Topanga Canyon Sessions Volume 1” is the first of will be available on vinyl at the show. numerous forthcoming releases, an EP that is raw and dark while equally soulful and up-beat. Members file the sound under “psychedelic blues,” a genre that has kicked Bryant Liggett is a freelance writer and KDUR station manager. around since the summer of love and existed in music liggett_b@fortlewis.edu.

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[sound] What’s new The Fresh & Onlys, “Wolf Lie Down” Available: Friday, Aug. 25, via Sinderlyn Records on compact disc and standard black vinyl. Pre-order directly from the band and/or label for one of the 300 sharp, limited-edition Clear Vinyl versions. As is customary, vinyl purchases come with a digital download of the album for whatever device you see fit when not spinning the record at home.

Fall is here. Not just because the kiddos are heading back to school, and not just because the last couple weeks have been welcomely crisp first thing in the morning, but because of the noticeable up-tick in record releases. I recently had a conversation with a local musician regarding which season is better for record releases, spring or autumn. There is perhaps a more noticeable push to release records in the spring, in advance

New at

Aug. 25 War on Drugs,“Deeper Understanding” After years of making huge waves in the underground, War on Drugs has been signed to Atlantic Records, and are ready to make even wider and more powerful waves. The quiet psych group has established their sound over a couple records now, and this new one held no real surprises for me. The guitars meander from post-rock-inspired major key melodies to subdued surf guitar plucking with aplomb, with the emotional weight of the notes bearing constantly. My favorite part of any War On Drugs record are the weird soundscapes floating in the background that hit most listeners subconsciously.

There is some really interesting synthesizer work on this record, calling to mind some of the middle-era Peter Gabriel albums. Where the last couple War on Drugs records seemed intimate at times, this one has a bit of grandiosity to it. I’ve only listened through once, and I already know that with repeated listens, this one will easily reach their peak of “Slave Ambient,” and maybe even surpass it.

Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real,“Self Titled” Most people reading this are probably familiar with Lukas Nelson and company from their tenure as the backing band for Neil Young on his last couple albums

of summer tours, but the sentimental side of me believes autumn to be more fruitful for new record releases. Or, perhaps, it is simply the staggering list of releases THIS fall that is swaying my answer. This Friday alone, fans are treated to new albums from Gogol Bordello, The Legendary Shack Shakers, Iron & Wine, Liars, OC’s (formerly Thee Oh Sees) in addition to The War On Drugs and Queens of the Stone Age, as Cooper pointed out.

The last two weeks saw Grizzly Bear, Downtown Boys, UNKLE, Guided by Voices, Oneohtrix Point Never, Rainer Maria, David Rawlings and Guantanamo Baywatch all with new releases. Again, staggering. So get out and support your local independent record store. Don’t be one of the curmudgeonly, lazy, and poorly informed many that offhandedly quip that there is no good new music being made today. Such a statement is made by those simply not paying attention.

from San Francisco’s The Fresh & Onlys. The album opens with a statement wall of sound squall from lead guitarist Wymond Miles and the melodic baritone croon of guitarist/vocalist Tim Cohen. There is a sense of urgency and propulsion that moves the record through roughly 40 minutes and eight tracks. Tracks took initial form at Kelley Stoltz Electric Duck studios, while most of the recordings were laid down at Miles’ home studio.

While Cohen and Miles handled most duties on the record, they did enlist former drummer James Kim as well as touring drummer James Barone for some cuts and mixing duties. Still present is the jangle, pop, and distortion that established fans might have come to expect and that new fans will find undeniable.

Wolf Lie Down is the first proper album in three years

—— Jon E. Lynch

and live show, including when he played in nearby Telluride. When they aren’t touring with the man himself, they release music on their own. The new album seems a bit informed by their time with Young, capturing some soulful jams that toe the line between country and whatever genre you want to call The Eagles. The Lady Gaga guest spot on a few tracks threw me off when I read about it, because listening to the album, I didn’t notice it at all.

Recommended for fans of Woods, Real Estate, Alex Bleeker and The Freaks, Magic Trick, White Fence, Yo La Tengo, or Avi Buffalo

“Uptown Funk,” was called in to produce the entire new Queens record, and his influence is definitely felt on the first couple singles. “Way You Used To Do” feels like a pop track masquerading as a rock song. The second single, “Evil Has Landed,” is better, opening with a weirdly Beatles-esque vocal harmony leading

into a pretty ripping riff. Then, about four minutes later, the track adds some really heavy distortion that felt at home on “Songs for the Deaf.” After spending some time with the record as a whole, I’m feeling a lot better about it. It is a bit clean for my liking, but it still rocks.

—— Cooper Stapleton

Gogol Bordello,“Seekers and Finders” It’s already been a few years since the gypsy punkers’ last album, and I think the world needs another Gogol Bordello album. You kinda know what you’re getting with Gogol most of the time, and this album will not surprise with any large jumps in styles. If you want a fun punk album with a whole lot of world influence and a big focus on letting go and not giving a [eff], with interesting string work and a frontman whom you are never sure if he’s a good singer or not, then you will like “Seekers and Finders.”

It will be a good one to celebrate the last dying breaths of summer with.

Queens of the Stone Age, “Villains” In my opinion, Queens of the Stone Age are the greatest modern rock band in the world. I have seen them live, and the ever-present swagger of their albums translates to some of the most rocking concerts I have ever been to. Naturally, I have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of their new album “Villains,” and when the first single dropped I was ... not happy. Turns out Mark Ronson, who brought us the ever-aggravating

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[beer]

SKA BREWING’S KURT RANDALL:

IT AIN’T A TREND. SOURS ARE HERE TO STAY A few years back, sour and tart beers hit the mainstream and everyone said, “Well, isn’t that special,” took a sip and swallowed. Only it didn’t stop there. What started as a summer trend on an old-world brewing style has turned into a full-force beer category in America.

It ain’t a secret that one of Ska Brewing’s Randall most beloved beers is the seasonal release of the Mexican Logger. Well, Ska put a new spin on the favorite suds by adding lime, lemon, and sea salt to create the Tart Mexican Logger via their smallbatch, experimental arm, Mod Brewery.

DGO talked to Ska’s head brewer, Kurt Randall, about what the heck is up with all these sour beers and how the trend is here to stay.

Is there a big push on sour beers at Ska?

work in the summer?

We’ve got a few sours coming and going. Mostly stuff coming off the Mod. The two big ones we have out are the Pink Vapor Stew and the Tart Mexi, but we’ve got some barrels that are in the process of souring some wild yeast, as well.

Nah, they’re year-round now. I think a lot of breweries are going to focus on more drinkable sours in the summer, but there’s plenty of breweries that dedicate themselves to just sour beers. I think you’ll see more breweries coming out with more sours, no matter the time of year.

Are we past calling sours a trend? Are they here to stay?

Is there an ingredient you’d love to see in a sour soon?

I believe so. There are enough breweries out there that have dedicated to doing just sour beers that it’s not something that’s going to just go away. It’s now another category that is growing significantly and highly represented at GABF (the Great American Beer Festival).

I’d like to use more seasonal fruit in general, it’s just been hard with the Food Safety Modernization Act to focus on new ingredients. We are making sure the company we are buying fruit from is in accordance with the (FSMA).

Do sour and tart beers only

Who’s giving you the most sour inspiration at the moment?

$2 PINT nights

$2 SELECT BEERS every tuesday!

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(970) 259-5303 D R . K AYSE L A K E Just about anything that Troy Casey is putting out at Casey Brewing and Blending in Glenwood Springs. I’ve had a raspberry there that was really good and a cherry one that was really tasty. He’s doing a bunch of strong fruit beers, heavy on the fruit and lots of souring, sitting in fermenters or barrels for a long time.

How can you pinpoint when a sour goes wrong and why?

I’m not positive. I haven’t actually tasted a lot of sours gone wrong. I would imagine, if they’re doing traditional methods, different bacteria can get in there that you don’t want. It can give you off-flavors. And kettle sours, depending on what you’re using for a flavoring method, can give you some off-flavors.

We try and stick with a pure lactobacillus strain from a yeast supplier. I know some people are using yogurts.

We haven’t used yogurts and I haven’t had any practice with it, so I’m not sure how it works and what it is that could go wrong with it.

What’s the most intimidating thing about a brewery getting into sour beers?

I think a lot of it is that we are all trained that it is very easy for bacteria to run rampant in a brewery once it gets a foothold. We are all very cautious of purposefully bringing bacteria

into our brewery. A lot of the times, it’s already coming in on our grain, but actually bringing it in and physically using it in your brew process is a little bit intimidating when you’re trying to make clean beers and get some sours out there.

I think that’s what’s appealing about kettle sours. You’re using bacteria on the hot side, and when you boil it, you’re essentially killing all the bacteria off except for what you harvest to use in subsequent batches.

That’s the advantage of kettle sours.

You’re not worried about infecting your filler, your fermenters, your hoses, clamps, gaskets, gauges, and valves. Anywhere there is a little nook, bacteria can get in, but you’re leaving it all in the brewhouse and heating it to destroy it all.

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Any other Ska shout-outs?

Joe (Hull)’s the one killing it for us with Mod. All of our brewers are doing a helluva job. We’re all trying to keep up with everything and get as much beer out the door as we can. People are packaging and working long days, making sure stuff’s making it into can and on trucks. It’s a bit of a challenge, but a good one.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

—— Patty Templeton DGO Staff Writer

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[style]

Patty Templeton/DGO

»» Jessica Snowberger’s booties.

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Everywhere you look, there’s a neck buttoned-up halter with a chest cutout. Totally 1980s and très cool, DGO approves. We passed by Silk Sparrow, 801 Main Ave., and saw Jessica Snowberger behind the counter. She wore a striking, sunshiny floral blouse.

Snowberger has style for miles and talked to us about her approach to fashion.

“My style is versatile. It’s mostly florals and patterns.

I don’t go too over-the-top but I don’t like plain stuff. I’m usually in heels. I’m naturally tall already so it’s weird I would like heels, but I like the look of heels: Stilettos, chunky, booties, I just love the variety of heels. I look to stilettos to get fancy-fancy when I’m going to dinner or a job interview. Chunky heels are better for fall and are more versatile and comfortable.

I go to University of Wyoming and I’m here for the summer. I want to be a fashion designer. I want my own company. That’s the goal ... I find fashion and how you can express yourself with clothing super interesting. I want to be able to help people express themselves. I feel like we look at people and make judgments by the story their clothes tell. I want to help people project their best story.

I don’t have a specific brand name I love, except Kate Spade. I like the aesthetic of that, but I don’t like how expensive name brands get. You’re paying for the name, not the object. I would love to make fashion that is more affordable for normal people.”

—— Patty Templeton

10 | Thursday, August 24, 2017 • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

[activism]

COLORADO ELECTED OFFICIALS:

WHO TO CONTACT Contacting your elected officials, if you’ve never done it, can seem like quite the process. DGO’s sorted through all the muck. Here’s who they are and how to contact them:

Durango elected officials CITY MANAGER The city manager oversees all departments, offices, and agencies of city government. They manage and develop Durango’s budget and accomplish other duties as assigned by City Council.

Ron LeBlanc, city manager Contact: citymanager@ durangogov.org, 375-5005 CITY COUNCIL City Council is made up of five members who are in charge of policy and legislative decisions for Durango.

City Council meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, which are open to the public. Most meetings are held at City Hall, 949 East Second Ave., but check the website for other locations.

Dick White, mayor Contact: DickWhite@DurangoGov.org; 382-0049

councilor

Phone: 202-224-5941

Email: Chris.Bettin@DurangoGov.org

Website: www.gardner. senate.gov

Phone: 903-7951

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ sencorygardner

More info on City Council: http://www.durangogov.org/index.aspx?nid=169 More info on board openings: http://www. durangogov.org/index.aspx?nid=148 More info on Durango elections: http://www. durangogov.org/election

Colorado elected officials GOVERNOR The duty of a governor varies state by state. Main roles include being the state’s official administrator, legislature negotiator, and being an official representative of the state’s citizens throughout the nation.

John Hickenlooper, Democratic governor Phone: 303-866-2471 Website: www.colorado. gov/governor Twitter: https://twitter.com/ hickforco U.S. SENATORS

The House of Representatives, at 435 members, is larger than the Senate. States with larger populations have more representatives than states with smaller populations. The House writes bills and votes on them to create laws.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ repmikecoffman

Scott R. Tipton, Republican, District 3 (Durango’s district)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ repperlmutter

Phone: 202-225-4761 Website: https://tipton. house.gov/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ RepTipton Diana DeGette, Democrat, District 1 Phone: 202-225-4431 Website: https://degette. house.gov/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ RepDianaDeGette

Colorado’s state Legislature is made up of a Senate and House of Representatives, mirroring the national structures. The following representatives are elected officials that cover Durango’s territory for the Colorado Legislature.

Ken Buck, Republican, District 4

Phone: 303-866-4884

Phone: 202-224-5852

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ RepKenBuck

Chris Bettin, city

Colorado State Senate, House of Representatives

Don Coram, Republican senator

Contact: Melissa.Youssef@ DurangoGov.org; 759-6477

Cory Gardner, Republican

Website: https://perlmutter. house.gov/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ RepJaredPolis

Phone: 202-225-2161

Website: https://buck. house.gov/

Contact: DeanBrookie@ DurangoGov.org; 749-3189

Phone: 202-225-2645

Website: https://polis.house. gov/

Jared Polis, Democrat, District 2

Michael Bennet, Democrat

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ SenBennetCO

Ed Perlmutter, Democrat, District 7

The state Senate and state House make sure that Colorado’s laws reflect the wants of Colorado’s population, even if the U.S. Senate and U.S. House are nationally moving in a different direction.

Melissa Youssef, city councilor

Website: www.bennet. senate.gov

Phone: 202-225-7882 Website: https://coffman. house.gov/

Contact: SweetieMarbury@ DurangoGov.org; 259-0218

Dean Brookie, city councilor

Mike Coffman, Republican, District 6

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

There are 100 total senators, two for each of the 50 states. Senators are a part of the legislative branch which writes and votes on new laws.

Sweetie Marbury, mayor pro tem

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ repdlamborn

Phone: 202-225-4676

Doug Lambourn, Republican, District 5

Website: www.doncoram. com Twitter: N/A Barbara McLachlan, Democratic representative Phone: 303-866-2914

Phone: 202-225-4422

Website: www.barbaramclachlan.com

Website: https://lamborn. house.gov/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ barbaraforco?lang=en

Tips when contacting your representatives Rules from experience from Dr. Anthony Nocella, assistant professor of sociology and criminology at Fort Lewis College, and local community activist Karen Pontius:

Don’t be intimidated Politicians only have the power that you give them. Your reps are human beings who want to keep their jobs, and to do that, they need to please you. So take the time to tell them where they are going wrong.

Call rather than email Representatives receive thousands of emails and those emails are sorted out by staffers and can be delayed. Phone calls, on the other hand, take up your representative’s time because a staffer has to physically answer the phone, interrupting their daily tasks for your rep.

Request an appointment Talking to your state reps is not as intimidating as it may sound and they’ll often give you 15 or 30 minutes to talk. Even if you can only get a timely appointment with a staffer, you should still take it. “You may not meet the actual senators or congressmen, but by talking to staffers, you find out the ins that you can keep pushing with your representative,” Pontius said. “You can call and make an appointment, it’s that easy.”

Be professional Whether dealing with a politician or fellow activists, nearly everyone responds positively to responsible conduct. “People want to be around someone who can finish projects, hold a deadline, build things rather than destroy things, and has humor,” said Nocella. “If your people know that you can create change – even on a local level – in an organized, respectful way, they’re more willing to work with and for you in the future.”

* Get involved in Colorado Cities and Towns Week, Sept. 11 to 17. Details: http://www.durangogov.org/CitiesandTowns.

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EFFEC T I VE ACTIV I S M I POLIT ICAL Pa tty Te m pl et on

DGO STAFF WRITER

P

olitical discourse in Amer ica is harsh, divided, and has turned reling. Contention has tur ned to killing, as demons trated in Ch through a gathering of co unter-protesters. Anger is in the ethe Community conversatio n is more important than ever, but obj When did we become a country that couldn’t sit around a table and talk? awful human being,” is a H common secret scrutiny we have after talking to Rage isn’t sustainable an s d remaining silent isn’t an option. How do you go everyone’s ears are close d? What forms of activism are most likely to unclo Turns out, one of the mo st of effective ways to ra lly against our decaying Here are forms of activism so that connect people rathe r than pit them against

Seeing each other as other than monsters

Nocella

As recently as Richard Dawkins’ 1976 book, “The Selfish Gene,” it was believed that people were fundamentally out for themselves. The stance in evolutionary biology was that humans are all fairly monstrous, in the sense that you’d trounce anyone in the path to get ahead. Self-interest keeps you from death.

Now, social scientists are exploring the idea that there is such thing as “survival of the kindest,” meaning, humanity may indeed possess a selfless gene. These scientists think that humans are defined by a sense of fairness, sticking to group norms, and willingness to share for the good of the group.

Currently in America, it doesn’t feel like we are looking out for the good of the group, but we could. If systematic issues of oppression were introduced earlier into education, Americans could be held accountable for that knowledge and build on it. It’s also important, as Dr. Anthony Nocella, assistant professor of sociology and criminology at Fort Lewis College, said, “To meet people where

12 | Thursday, August 24, 2017 • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

E PRO T E S T AND IN AN E R A OF L ANG ER

d reasonable debate into continuous quarCharlottesville, Virginia, where a car drove er and tension rides on political tides. jective discussion is near gone.

How did we get to the po int where, “You someone about politics?

It can’t continue. about political and socia l activism when og ears and change mind s? ociety is individual huma n connection. t one another.

they are.” For those past schooling age, subjects such as feminism, racism, and disability discrimination can be introduced through activists holding community conferences and free educational forums. Take for example the work of the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico (TGRC). Co-directors Adrien Lawyer and Zane Stephens are on a constant tour of community forums. They bring free, welcoming talks like “Transgender 101,” about the lives and issues transgender folks face to the public via libraries, churches, and anyone else who will host them.

Disruption as a key element of protest The key to an effective protest is disruption. Here, disruption doesn’t necessarily mean chaos, rather an interruption in someone’s day. It’s a stopping point that causes even brief contemplation. That interruption doesn’t necessarily mean protesters shutting down a highway. It could mean a conversation. It could mean wearing a shirt that makes people ask you questions. It could mean

inviting someone to a public forum or out for pizza.

“How do we get mainstream people that are not really aware of political issues, as well as people on the opposite political side of us, to talk to us?” Nocella said. “The best answer is through hosting educational forums like workshops, teach-ins, lectures, debates, town hall meetings, conferences, movie showings, book talks, and events of that nature. Then you have an opportunity to face-toface with individuals where more honest, longer conversation can occur.”

Daryl Davis is an example of someone who disrupts belief systems to enact social change. An author, actor, and musician, Davis, who is black, has a hobby: He befriends members of the KKK. Davis asks, “How can you hate me if you don’t know me?” He believes that the key to growth is to, “Establish dialogue.

When two enemies are talking, they’re not fighting.” Through conversation, Davis has personally converted about 200 klansman into anti-racists, as seen in Continued on Page 15

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[ activism ]

Tips on using social media as an activist

How to best utilize the online world, from Dr. Anthony Nocella, assistant professor of sociology and criminology at Fort Lewis College, and local community activist Karen Pontius: Don’t be naive about your impact Sure, sign that online petition, but, as Pontius said, “the easier it is to do the probably less effective it is.”

Utilize the megaphone Social media can be a great tool to reach and communicate with a large group of people in a short amount of time, which only amplifies the gains.

Avoid preaching to the choir Reach outside of of circles of people who already agree with you.

“If you are trying to create positive social change, reach out to people in your region no matter who they are,” Nocella said. “Shoot them a message that says, ‘Hey, nice to connect with you.’”

Look for commonality “Maybe they ride mountain bikes and you ride mountain bikes and you have a connecting point, or you both hike,” Nocella said. “Find a connection that has nothing to do with politics and social change.”

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[ activism ] the documentary “Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race, & America.”

Other de-escalation protest forms Sometimes, respectful disruption may do more harm than good. Certain times call for quiet or even silent activism.

Protest shouldn’t only happen after a horrific or tumultuous event.

Activism is an everyday affair Pontius and starts with engaging in local civic events like town halls and board meetings. These gatherings are an important step in learning how government gets done and having your opinion represented in the decision flow of your town.

“Attend all the local city meetings that you can,” said Karen Pontius, retired aviation professional and community activist. A way to disrupt these meetings is to ask questions at the appropriate, scheduled time. “If you ask a question, don’t accept a non-answer,” said Pontius. “If someone is not answering you at a town hall, say, ‘That’s not what I asked. I really want you to answer my question.’ Be firm but polite.

Being assertive isn’t being provocative. It’s trying to clarify.”

Pontius mentioned several other quiet techniques of disrupting someone’s day to bring about polite social and political conversation. “When I worked in a cubicle, all along the outside wall was stuff I thought people should know. I used those walls to post issues I cared about. People would come by even when I wasn’t there to read my cubicle.” The BDS movement is another effective protest form in today’s capitalist society. It stands for boycott, diveset, and sanctions. You can boycott products made by companies you don’t approve of. Divesting your money means moving

Escalation tactics Activism and protest can’t always been quiet daily conversation. Grand gestures have their place. In a 1964 speech, counterculture icon and civil rights activist Mario Savio said, “There is a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can’t take part. You can’t even passively take part! And you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you’ve got to make it stop!

And you’ve got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it — that unless you’re free, the machine will be prevented from working at all!”

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“If we are in a really heated conflict ... then moments of community gathering that aren’t about education but are about respect are effective,” Nocella said.

Charlottesville is an example of a situation that has and can move into de-escalation tactics. “That looks like vigils, moments of silence, symbols, wrapping ribbons around trees, putting a red ribbon on your shirt,” said Nocella. These sort of actions can bring poignancy to a moment and bond a community.

it from an irresponsible, corrupt bank to a credit union. Sanctions are tricky for an individual, rather than a government to inact. “I use (sanctions) as an educational element by letting people know about a company’s behavior and saying, ‘Hey, you shouldn’t buy from there because they aren’t in line with your beliefs,’” said Pontius. She also used her business cards as an activism tactic. The card listed the organizations she volunteered for on the back. “I don’t know how many people noticed that, but it was another way to start conversations.”

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The basic escalation tactics used in activism are protesting, sit-ins, teachins, walk-outs, and rallies. “The whole point of an escalation tactic is to force something from the margins to the center,” said Nocella. “It’s to intensify a particular issue so that it is focused on by the mass media, social media, and so that politicians must speak on it.”

In closing Be inclusive. Be wide-reaching.

Know when to listen. Try to reach out to people outside of your friend and professional groups.

“Always be willing to be challenged and learn from other people, no matter how many degrees you have or how old you are,” said Nocella. “You don’t have to portray yourself as perfect. Crying, being lonely, being sad, being frustrated: embrace those emotions. Understand that you’ll make mistakes. Strive to be humble and know that you don’t always have to be strong.”

People want connection, people can change, and, as Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

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[review]

[ weed ]

Ripple

Seeing Through the Smoke Christopher Gallagher

What is it?

Propping up hate and lying about medicine

I

have had a very difficult time over the past couple of days deciding how to approach this week’s column. On one hand, I feel inclined to give everyone a moment away from the insanity blasting out of Charlottesville and Washington D.C. (and everywhere with an internet connection).

That side of my mind wants to imitate our heaven-sent friend Mary Jane and figure out a way to just make things relax for the time it takes to read this – a literary smoke break of sorts.

I am not sure I can do that today because the other side of my mind sees footage of actual Nazis – emboldened by the rise of President* Trump (credit the * to Charles S. Pierce of Esquire) – marching in the streets of the United States of America in 2017. I get transported back to the day when I was 15 years old and I met the grandparents of one of my best friends. As I shook their hands, I noticed the digits that had been tattooed on their forearms in a concentration camp. That moment, more than any other in my life – my first kiss, my wedding, a million sweet times with family and friends – is one I can recall with complete sense memory. I remember the air going out of the room; I remember the heavy hum that descended over me. I blocked out everything else in recognition of the connection I was making – through the contact of our flesh – with an era of history so soaked in blood and hatred that my mind did not work for the duration of those handshakes.

It took years for me to realize that the fact that I spent my middle and high school years with the descendants of concentration camp survivors was the silver lining of the cloud that had descended over me. The fact that these people had found love with one another and had built a loving multi-generational family was the proof.

And here is where I attempt to cross over from that memory, raised by the specter of the activities in Virginia, to address, somewhat more directly, the topic at hand here in Seeing Through the Smoke: cannabis as it relates to the current administration.

I have another memory, a much hazier but no less formative memory from that same year. It was the first time I got high. My friend’s mother took a trip to Hong Kong, which we took advantage of by filling their house with high school kids for most of the time she was away.

There, I found myself on a Friday night in late September, a freshman on the sun porch with five junior girls and a joint. I was transported in another direction that evening, communing with a vibration from the complete opposite side of the universe’s energetic spectrum, one washed in love and comfort.

Today, three short decades later, I sit in a country whose leadership* has chosen, by the president*’s mealymouthed waffling to condemn it, to prop up the energy of hatred while using any number of flim-flam methods detailed here and across the cannabis media to fight the losing battle of keeping the legal stranglehold on one of

Ripple, made by Stillwater Brands, is THC in powder form (water-soluble cannabinoid powder) that is immediately dissolved into any food or beverage (though the package strongly discourages alcohol). The calorie-free powder comes in individually-packaged plastic-lined paper tubes in both a 10 mg THC dose as well as a 5 mg THC/5mg CBD dose.

Stillwater claims that the THC is absorbed “under the tongue, in the soft tissue of the digestive tract and finally, in the liver” to make its effects hit sooner than normal edibles. This reviewer noticed a slightly faster blast-off but definitely in the realm of other edibles, time-wise. (Individual metabolizing speeds will vary from person to person regardless.)

The effects Strong. Multiple users claimed stronger-than-usual effects for the 10 mg THC dose, but always very controlled and pleasant. The effects felt like a hybrid sativa/indica with no discernible head high/body high feeling either way.

Just all-around goodness. The 5 mg THC/5mg CBD version was a hit as well, with effects that were quite mellow and a great option for occasions where MJ and socializing don’t mix well.

The look Brown paper tube on the outside (similar to a single-serving tube of sugar).

Inside is a fine white powder, with the consistency of baking soda.

The smell

Alexi Grojean/Special to DGO

nature’s most giving bounties, even going so far this week as to erect a hovel of lies about CBD (heartfelt thanks to The Cannabist and the Stanley family for exposing the DEA’s deceit), the medicine that has changed thousands of families’ lives by delivering them from the likes of pain and trauma of childhood seizure disorders.

It has been said that the rise of the Third Reich in Germany in the 1930s was abetted by the silence and inaction of good people. This administration is on the wrong side of history on these and many issues. Their bullshit will not prevail, but their defeat is not going to happen by accident. It is going to take a concerted effort on the part of all of us who would see a better future built, by those of us who have learned from the lessons of the past, by those of us unafraid to stand up for what is right. That is our charge today. Let’s fight these fights together and see the day won.

Christopher Gallagher lives with his wife and their four dogs and two horses. Life is pretty darn good. Contact him at chrstphrgallagher@gmail.com.

None.

The taste There was an ever-subtle chemical flavor. But that could have been the water or in our heads. Ultimately flavorless, making it a great addition to anything.

The final verdict Excellent product and a lot of fun. The versatility alone makes it something to always keep on hand, whether an addition to cooked food or any beverages.

It’s also easily portable and discreet, especially with all the powders people pour into their drinks these days. Out of the package, it’s as unassuming as any sweetener or supplement. Highly recommended for anyone who considers themselves an “edible person” but also for anyone who likes experimenting with different delivery forms.

—— DGO staff

16 | Thursday, August 24, 2017 • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

[pages]

Now you can chat with The Dude?

Bridges stars as The Dude. He’s a White Russian-sipping, J-toking, cardigan-rocking, pacifist bowler known to all as His Dudeness, or Duder, or you know, El Duderino – if you’re not into the whole brevity thing.

weekly bestsellers Aug. 13-19 »»1. Milk and Honey, by Rupi Kaur (Paperback) »»2. Lilac Girls, by Martha Hall Kelly (Paperback) »»3. San Juan Sunrise, by Edward J. Lehner (Paperback) »»4. All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr (Paperback)

White Rabbit book review:

»»5. The Woman in Cabin 10, by Ruth Ware (Paperback)

“The Dude and the Zen Master,” by Jeff Bridges and Bernie Glassman

»»6. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, by Jen Sincero (Paperback)

»»7. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life, by Mark Manson (Hardcover)

»»8. News of the World, by Paulette Jiles (Paperback) »»9. Being a Beast: Adventures Across the Species Divide, by Charles Foster (Paperback) »»10. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, by Neil Degrasse Tyson (Hardcover)

What would it be like to shoot the breeze with Jeff Bridges, or better yet, his most famous character, The Dude?

First, if you haven’t seen it, go watch the Coen Brothers’ film “The Big Lebowski,” wherein

Then pick up a copy of “The Dude and the Zen Master.” It’s

by Jeff Bridges and his longtime friend and Zen teacher, Bernie Glassman.

As you read, you’ll morph into a fly on the wall, casually eavesdropping on a great conversation. Here’s the gist: The Dude is a bottomless well of zen-like wisdom structured into by chapters with “Dudeist” titles that could be koans, like “The Dude is Not In” and “Yeah, Well, Ya Know, That’s Just Like, uh, Your Opinion, Man.” The duo’s dialogue meanders as they wax philosophical on life, lessons learned, and not taking the whole being human thing so

very seriously. Simple questions like, “What would the Dude do?” turn surprisingly deep and Buddhism meets Dudeism in this light take on working toward our better selves.

— Keena Kimmel Owner of White Rabbit Books and Curiosities

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[love and sex]

Savage Love | Dan Savage

It’s simple: Good people don’t eff Nazis I’m a woman in my early 30s having sex with a guy in his early 20s. The sex is more than casual, and we really care about each other. My concern is this guy has some alt-right sympathies that reveal themselves in our political discussions. He’s a Trump guy, but hesitates to admit it because he knows I’m anti-Trump.

He shares memes created by Mike Cernovich and Milo Yiannopoulos, he gets his news from hard-right publications, and his sister and brother-in-law are Holocaust deniers. This concerns and confuses me because he’s such a sweet guy and, honestly, so goddamn good in bed.

He might be the best lay I’ve ever had. I can’t reconcile these two sides of him, but I also can’t help trying to enlighten him a little bit. One of his best features is his open-mindedness. He’s read books and watched documentaries I’ve recommended.

I feel a responsibility to this young, confused, and frankly not-too-bright person who’s surrounded by bad influences. I want to be understanding and gently guide him in a better direction, but sometimes his ignorance is aggravating. I can also sense that he’s beginning to feel a little judged, which can only make things worse. I keep thinking of your Campsite Rule, and I wonder at what point does one give up throwing logic and articles at someone who thought Hillary Clinton ran a child sex ring out of a pizza parlor? Can I continue to have sex with someone who thinks the left is conspiring to turn everyone communist?

Conflicted Lover Don’t [eff] Nazis.

If someone you just met tells you they’re a Nazi, don’t [eff] that Nazi. If you’re already [effing] someone and they reveal themselves to be a Nazi, stop fucking that Nazi. If someone tells you they’re a Nazi and you fuck that Nazi anyway and keep [effing] that Nazi because they’re good at sex (for a Nazi), your effort to “gently

guide” that Nazi away from being a Nazi doesn’t make it OK for you to [eff] that Nazi.

OK, OK: This guy might not be a Nazi at all – although it sure as [eff] sounds like his family is, and they probably have more influence over him than you do. It’s possible this young, confused, and not-too-bright boy is merely a Trump-supporting conspiracy theorist and maybe I’m still too upset about Charlottesville to be impartial. Or, hey, maybe this guy is already a Nazi and hasn’t revealed the full extent of his odious political beliefs to you, CL, because the sex is good and he’s hoping to [eff] the Nazi into you before you can [eff] the Nazi out of him.

Finally, good people don’t worry about making Nazis “feel judged.” Nazis should be judged – à la Judgment at Nuremberg, an old film with a feelgood ending that’s worth watching right about now. Another thing good people don’t do? They don’t [eff] Nazis.

A few years ago, my dad was busted by the cops for using an online forum to solicit escorts. The arrest and infidelity destroyed his marriage to my mom. My brother and I were in our mid-teens at the time and were angry enough with him that we asked him to not seek custody. He obliged, and neither of us has seen him since.

I miss my dad – or the man I thought he was. I know part of my anger comes from how badly he hurt my mom. As I mature, I’m wondering if I was unfair to my dad by cutting off all contact. I don’t think sex work is immoral. I don’t think people who see sex workers are bad. But because my dad was involved in this bust, and because I had to become aware of the double life he led, I felt uncomfortable around him. It doesn’t help that some of the girls were not much older than I was at the time. I think I’d like to get to know my dad again, but I’m not sure what kind of relationship I’m ready to have. He was a wonderful

father – and on some level, I recognize I cut him off when he showed me he was human. How do I reach out to him?

Please Help

Each of us is a writhing mass of contradictions, PH. We all have public personas and private personas, and there are always gaps between the two. And while those gaps, when exposed, can be mutually negating, that’s not always the case. It is possible for someone to be a good dad and a shitty husband.

The good dad you knew your dad to be? That wasn’t a lie. It was one of your father’s truths. That he failed as a husband and hurt your mom – with an assist from laws criminalizing sex work – is another of your father’s truths.

You don’t say why your dad was seeking sex outside the marriage, PH, and I can’t imagine that was a conversation you wanted to have with your dad in your mid-teens – and it may not be one you ever want to have. But it’s possible your parents’ marriage was more complicated than you know. (“The victim of an affair is not always the victim of the marriage,” as Esther Perel says.) But you’re not an awful daughter for refusing to see your dad during a contentious, confusing, and most likely humiliating time. (I imagine there was press).

As for how to reach out, I think email is the best way to reestablish contact after an estrangement. You can take your time crafting what you want to say, and your dad can take his time crafting a response. And you’ve already written a good opening line for your first e-mail to your dad: “I’d like to get to know my dad again, but I’m not sure what kind of relationship I’m ready to have. But I’d like to start talking – via e-mail, for now.”

Give your mother a heads up, PH, so she doesn’t feel blindsided. Good luck.

I’m a female masochist and super subby – I see nothing wrong with

that. For the last couple of months, I’ve been pursuing “death wish” fantasies. When I start feeling low, I seek out guys on hookup sites who are sadistic enough that they might potentially help me carry it out. I’ve even gone so far as to put together a “blackmail package” for them, in case they start feeling like I might tell on them. I honestly wouldn’t want anyone to get in trouble just because I’m not thinking right. My therapist knows about the masochist end of things, but I’m afraid to tell her this other part because I don’t want to be put on any crazy pills. Is there a way for me to switch my brain from thinking about this and somehow find my way back to normal BDSM or something else entirely without turning off my sexuality completely?

Rather Not Say My Name There are fantasies that are simply too dangerous to realize, RNSMN, even with a willing victim/sub and a reckless perp/Dom. And any person who pushes a woman’s “death wish” fantasy into potentially-carrying-it-out territory deserves whatever trouble comes their way. Murder is wrong, even if the person wants it. And taking advantage of someone who clearly isn’t in their right mind doesn’t magically make manslaughter not criminal – “blackmail package” or no “blackmail package.”

You must open up to your therapist about the risks you’re taking, RNSMN. Some people with extreme and/or dangerous sexual obsessions have been successfully treated with talk therapy and low-dose antidepressants – meds, not “crazy pills.” A good therapist and/ or the right low-dose medication could help you find your way back to safer and saner BDSM practices without shutting off your sexuality completely.

Dan Savage is a nationally syndicated sex advice columnist writing for The Stranger in Seattle. Contact him at mail@savagelove.net or @fakedansavage on Twitter and listen to his podcast every week at savagelovecast.com.

18 | Thursday, August 24, 2017 • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

[happening]

DGO’s picks in and around Durango Free entry at national parks

Theme Day Thursday: Steampunk, 10 a.m., $20,

Thru The Lens Photography, 643 Main Ave., 247-8626.

Durango High Noon Rotary Club meeting, 11:45

It’s the National Park Service’s birthday, and to celebrate, Aug. 25 is a free entry day, where admissions fees are waived to all national parks. It’s a perfect opportunity to visit Mesa Verde on the cheap. Mind you, the admissions waiver doesn’t include camping or amenity fees (like special tours).

Details: Free, all-day, Friday, Aug. 25, http://bit. ly/2hRj6dD

Thursday

a.m., $17, DoubleTree Hotel, 501 Camino del Rio, 259-6580.

Burger and Band Night: Blue Moon Ramblers, 5

p.m., $20, James Ranch Terraces, 33846 U.S. Highway 550.

Concerts in the Plaza: Pearl and Wood, 5:30 p.m.,

Three Springs Plaza, 175 Mercado St., 764-6000.

Lisa Blue, 5:30 p.m., Kenne-

bec Cafe, 4 County Road 124.

Terry Hartzel, 5:30 p.m.,

Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., 247-4431.

Jack Ellis, 7 p.m., Office

Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., 3757260.

BCI Media file

»» Cliff Palace is the crown jewel for tourists at Mesa Verde National Park.

Downtown honky-tonkin’ Bluegrass power trio Red Light Rodeo plays the Balcony Backstage, giving you a hella swell end to your San Juan Brewfest. You can expect influences as far flung as British whaling ballads and western swing.

Details: Free, 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, Balcony Backstage, 600 Main Ave., www.balconybarandgrill.com

Fight night at Cerda 7 Floyd Mayweather admitted to Jimmy Kimmel that he doesn’t like the trixie Dubliner Conor McGregor. Mayweather is coming out of an undefeated retirement to face off against McGregor in Las Vegas, live streamed on PPV. You can catch the fight at Cerda 7.

Details: $25, 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, Cerda 7 Cantina y Comida, 639 Main Ave., www.cerda7cantinaycomida.com

Celtic tunes in Farmington Want a free date night with yourself or some hottie? Hit up Farmington’s Summer Terrace Concert series. This week, Devil’s Dram, a Celtic fusion band, will play near the Animas River. Bring your own lawn chair or your dancing shoes.

Details: Free, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, Farmington Museum & Visitor Center, 3041 E. Main St., Farmington https://farmingtonnm.org/ events/summer-terrace-concert-series/

Ken Burns in Telluride Are you kidding us? KEN m-effing BURNS? Yeah, award-winning documentarian with PBS hits like “The Civil War,” “The National Parks,” and “Prohibition” is going to be in Telluride. There will be a screening of episode four of “Jazz,” a Q&A with Burns, and a book signing sponsored by the Telluride Historical Museum.

Details: $5 students, $20 members, $25 general, doors at 5:30, show at 6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 27, Palm Theatre, 721 W. Colorado Ave., Telluride, http://www.telluridemuseum.org

225 Girard St., 247-5792.

Jason Thies, 6-9:30 p.m., Farview Lodge, Mesa Verde National Park, Mile Marker 15.

Bayfield Farmers Market, 8:30 a.m., Bayfield Road-

The Legend of Danny Boy, 7 p.m., $19-$24, Henry

“Thirsty 13” half-marathon, 8 a.m., Ska Brewing Co.,

side Park, U.S. Highway 160, 884-9544.

Henry Stoy piano, 11 a.m.,

Jean Pierre Bakery and Wine Bar, 601 Main Ave., 247-7700.

San Juan Brewfest, 1 p.m.,

Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave., 375-7160.

Monday Prayers for our children,

$15-$70, Buckley Park, 1200 Main Ave.

all-day event, Christian Science Reading Room, 1166 East Third Ave.

Durango Rally: Million Dollar Highway Band, 1-5

Durango Rally: annual sickest bike contest, 8

p.m., Rusty Shovel Saloon, 18044 County Road 501, Bayfield.

From the Herb Garden to the Kitchen: Cooking with Herbs, 2 p.m., $30, La

Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave. Alternatives to Honey Bees and Cover Crops,

a.m.-noon, Rusty Shovel Saloon, 18044 County Road 501, Bayfield.

Happy Hour Yoga, 5:30-

7:30 p.m., Ska Brewing Co., 225 Girard St.

Tuesday Master’s Men Colorado,

Brooke Ryan Turner, 7

3 p.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave., 7495582.

6:30 a.m., DoubleTree Hotel, 501 Camino del Rio, 259-6580.

p.m., $19-$28, Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave., 3757160.

Luminate 2017, 4 p.m., Three Springs Plaza, 175 Mercado St., 764-6000.

ing Bean, 900 Main Ave., 4031200.

“Rock of Ages,” 7:30 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave., 259-2606.

Black Velvet Duo, 5 p.m.,

Friday

Kirk James, 5-8 p.m., Serious

Tube to Work Day, 7 a.m.,

Animas River Cafe, DoubleTree Hotel, 501 Camino del Rio. Texas Bar-B-Q, 650 S. Camino del Rio.

Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave., 3757300.

Terry Hartzel, 5:30 p.m.,

Kirk James Band, 5-9 p.m.,

Greg Ryder, 7 p.m., Office

Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., 247-4431.

Rubio’s Fine Mexican Dining, 116 South Main Ave., 334-0599.

Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., 3757260.

Terry Hartzel, 5:30 p.m.,

Mayweather vs. McGregor, 7 p.m., $25, Cerda 7 Canti-

Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., 247-4431.

Karaoke, 7 p.m., VFW, 1550

Main Ave. Andy Janowsky, 7 p.m., Of-

fice Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., 375-7260.

Brooke Ryan Turner, 7

p.m., $19-$28, Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave., 3757160.

Sky Pilot, 7 p.m., Moe’s Star-

light Lounge, 937 Main Ave., 259-9018.

“Rock of Ages,” 7:30 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave., 259-2606.

Saturday Durango Rally:Vallecito Lake bike-week kickoff,

na y Comida, 639 Main Ave. Brooke Ryan Turner, 7

p.m., $19-$28, Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave., 3757160.

“Rock of Ages,” 7:30 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave., 259-2606.

Sunday Durango Rally: annual sickest bike contest, 8 a.m.-

noon, Rusty Shovel Saloon, 18044 County Road 501, Bayfield.

Purgatory Mountain Bike Fest, 10 a.m., Purgatory

Resort, 1 Skier Place, www.purgatoryresort.com.

Henry Stoy piano, 11 a.m.,

Jean Pierre Bakery and Wine Bar, 601 Main Ave., 247-7700.

8 a.m.-noon, Rusty Shovel Saloon, 18044 County Road 501, Bayfield.

Durango Rally: Million Dollar Highway Band, 1-5

Durango Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-noon, First National

p.m., Rusty Shovel Saloon, 18044 County Road 501, Bayfield.

Bank of Durango, 259 W. Ninth St., www.durangofarmersmarket.com.

“Rock of Ages,” 2 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave., 259-2606.

Tuesday jam, 6 p.m., Steam-

Tango Practica, 6 p.m., Rotary Park, 1565 East Second Ave. Obamacare, Trumpcare and Health Care: Facts and Fiction, 6 p.m., Durango

Public Library, 1900 East Third Ave., 375-3380.

The Legend of Danny Boy, 7 p.m., $19-$24, Henry

Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave., 375-7160.

Tim Sullivan, 7 p.m., Office

Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., 3757260.

Wednesday Books, Brews and Brats”

library-card-discount-kickoff party, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 East Third Ave. Secret Garden Summer Concert Series: Six Dollar String Band, 5 p.m., $10,

Rochester Hotel, 726 East Second Ave., 385-1920.

Terry Rickard, 7 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., 3757260.

Submissions To submit listings for publication in DGO and www.dgomag.com, visit

www.swscene.com, click “Add Your Event,” enter the event info into the form and submit.

Listings at www.swscene.com will appear on www.dgomag. com and in our weekly print edition. Posting an event on www.swscene.com is free and takes one day to process.

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Horoscope ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You might suddenly buy something beautiful for your home or a family member this week. You also might spontaneously entertain at home.

Invite the gang over – but first, stock the fridge.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) This week, it might surprise you to notice how beautiful your daily surroundings are. It’s like seeing the world through new eyes. You also might be pleased to discover just how much love there is in your daily world.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might suddenly buy something beautiful for yourself or a loved one this week. Some of you will get an unexpected raise or a financial advantage. Yes!

Bizarro

CANCER (June 21 to July 22)

Spontaneous social occasions will please you this week, but you will have to be light on your feet in order to cooperate. Things will happen fast and in an unexpected way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)

This is a restless week for you. You have that feeling that you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. That’s because little surprises are taking place everywhere around you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) A friend might do something that surprises you this week, or you might meet a new person who is a real character. This person may be bohemian or unorthodox.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Bosses, parents and VIPs might throw you a curve ball this week.

Keep your eyes open so you can catch it. Quite likely, it will please you.

Travel plans will be interrupted, delayed or changed. However, others suddenly will have a chance to travel, which is thrilling!

Keep your pockets open because gifts, goodies and favors from others will come your way this week. Whatever happens will be during a brief window of opportunity, so act fast.

might hear something surprising or unexpected that relates to your health or even a pet.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Exciting invitations might come your way this week. If so, the window of opportunity will be brief, so act quickly.

Take a chance, and have some fun!

BORN THIS WEEK

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)

You are diplomatic and tactful. You also are pleasant and considerate toward others. This more personal year focuses on family, loved ones and close friends. You will experience success and financial accumulation during the next three years. That’s why it is wise to settle your debts. This also is a social year that deals with the results of last year’s changes.

New high-tech equipment might arrive where you work this week, or you

© 2017 King Features Syndicate Inc.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) A friend or partner might do something that amazes you this week. Or he or she might extend a pleasant invitation to you. Just say “yes.”

[disease] Plague fleas filling the Southwest The Bubonic Plague, yes, the Black Death that killed more than 75 million people in Europe during the 14th century, STILL EXISTS. There’ve been cases of rats and prairie dogs in northern Arizona infected with the plague, especially in Navajo and Cocoino counties.

Rodents can carry the bacteria without being harmed by it, and they’re usually infected by a flea bite.

Fleas can infect humans, as can the bodily fluids of an infected animal. There’s also such thing as plague pneumonia, so if a person with the plague coughs on you, oops, you have the plague. Luckily, there are antibiotics to combat the plague, but only if you get diagnosed early.

So be on the lookout for buboes (swollen, nasty, red-looking lymph nodes) and avoid tiny, despicable rodents.

22 | Thursday, August 24, 2017 • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

[Durango’s stories, told in their own words]

First Person | Cyle Talley

‘TRUMP RELEASED AN IMMIGRATION TEST AND

I WANTED TO SEE IF I COULD PASS IT’

»» Grace Chang, on growing

up the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, parental relationships, and racism in America

Grace Chang needn’t have told me that she is an expressive person – throughout our conversation, her hands and facial expressions did much more talking than she did. We meet for coffee, and she tells me that she just had a very difficult conversation about the events in Charlottesville. That the subject is touchy for her as the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants. She tells me about her experiences growing up, and I tell that story here, in her own words.

I

bet your parents were probably constantly telling you that you did a good job, right?

I got two “good jobs” in my entire life.

One when I graduated from college, and one when I won a competition at a camp in high school. Those were the two times that I can distinctly remember them affirming me.

They sent me to a lot of weird camps as a child.

Space Camp, Computer Camp – you name it. This was a science/engineering/business camp where we had to come up with a product and pitch it to an audience and a panel of judges. We won that. What did we pitch? [pause] Oh! We pitched a tent! [pause, then laughs] Yes, we pitched a tent. Dammit. [slaps forehead] Anyway, it was a tent that was sort of prebuilt. Like you could just throw it down and it would erect itself. [pauses] Damnit! I did it again! [laughs] Anyway, I think we won because of the marketing tactics. I’m good at connecting with people on an emotional level, rather than selling or even making a product, you know? My dad always wanted us to go into the sciences. “Become an engineer! Or fix computers for a living!” And my response was, “Yeah, I’m not so sure that’s for me.” But I went. I’m a good, dutiful daughter. I want him to be proud of me. So it was weird when we won the competition and he was. All of the other people in the group got big hugs from their parents. My dad shook my hand. The difference – and I’ve noticed it since I was a small child – between how my parents interact with me versus how my friends’ parents do with them is stark. For a long time, I resented my parents for a lot of those cultural things. Especially when I was a rowdy teenager. Well, OK, admission: I wasn’t actually a rowdy teenager, but I feel like my parents sort of wanted me to be a bad kid. The worst thing I ever did was I snuck out to feed the homeless in downtown St. Louis. But this was back in 2012 when St. Louis was declared the most dangerous city in America. So I get that. Oh, and I snuck out once to see [the band]

Courtesy of Grace Chang

»» Grace Chang, with her Japanese foreign exchange students.

Owl City, which is just embarrassing.

I realize now that I was resenting my parents for things that they shouldn’t have been blamed for. It wasn’t them. It was me. I was an American teenager with Taiwanese parents. A lot of people would tell me, “You’re like a banana – yellow on the outside, white on the inside.” That was confusing for me because I didn’t see myself as any different than anyone else. I didn’t want to be different. I just wanted to live my life. It’s difficult living in a world where people feel the need to ask, “What are you?” I want to say, “I’m a human. What are you?” Sometimes people try to hide what they’re actually asking. They’ll say, “Where are you from?” I want to say, “I’m from St. Louis.” [sighs] Sophomore year of high school, our teacher made

us read “The Joy Luck Club,” by Amy Tan. I remember reading the first chapter and sobbing – weeping.

I’d never read anything that was about me. As I read more of the novel, it occurred to me that my parents had been through some shit. Not only dealing with racism, the struggles of learning English – my parents gave up everything to give us the chance to have everything. The worst thing for me was coming to the realization of what my parents were and what they had to give up to immigrate. That was a really poignant part of my life, a turning point.

Trump released an immigration test and I wanted to see if I could pass it. I’m an American citizen, after all. I should be able to pass it no problem.

Womp-womp. I don’t make enough money. I don’t have a degree in a STEM field. However, I do speak English proficiently. If I were trying to come into this country, I wouldn’t get in. I then tried to do it for my dad circa when he first came into the country.

STEM degree? Check. But not a master’s. He was proficient in English, but, lo and behold, he probably wouldn’t have been able to immigrate. Looking at it from that perspective, it’s really heartbreaking. I wouldn’t be here talking to you if my parents hadn’t been able to get into the country. We should be past this by now, shouldn’t we? It’s 2017! We should know better, but we’re regressing. We’ve come a long way, but I was watching a reporter talk about why Trump was elected. He called it a “whitelash.” He attributed it to white voters feeling underrepresented and not heard. People who think that the media focuses too much on Black Lives Matter and minorities and things that don’t represent them. I don’t want to be a jerk, but I almost want to say, “Welcome to every goddamn day of my life!”

Cyle Talley thinks that John and Paul are mostly right.

All you need is love. And empathy. And a willingness to have difficult, honest conversations. Email him at: cyle@ cyletalley.com

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