http://flagpole.com/images/jpgs/2009/11/11/FP091111

COLORBEARER OF ATHENS MUDDING THE GAPS IN THE SHEETROCK

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1987

Downtown

What Are the Constraints and Possibilities? p. 9

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · VOL. 23 · NO. 45 · FREE

The Antlers Debut Album Tackles Grief, Growth and Hope p. 19

Art on the Deck? p. 6 · Peter & Max p. 11 · Party Party Partners p. 15· Timi Conley p. 23 · Jookabox p. 26

Annual Eat. Drink. Listen Closely.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

CYRIL NEVILLE BAND

(of THE NEVILLE BROTHERS) with PAPA MALI Tickets $15 adv. • $18 at the door

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12

APRIL VERCH BAND

with special guests STRING THEORY Tickets $12 adv. • $15 at the door

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Thursday, Nov. 26th f r id F EE d

Evening with

STEWART & WINFIELD

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ain s y a ou g vi Da B f t l e alo y f i s b

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706 549. 020

tax & gratuity not included

Tickets $8 adv. • $10 at the door

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

TIM MILLER BAND

$5 at the door • Late Show from 10-1am after the game

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

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Omelets made to order by Chef with a variety of toppings Bourbon French Toast with Orange Zest, Chocolate, Maple Syrup and Whipped Cream Biscuits & Gravy & Homemade Muffins & Cinnamon Rolls

Nuçi’s Space Camp Amped After School Grand Finale Concert

with SINTAX, WHEN THE SKY WAS OPENED and DEATH OF THE PEANUT KING

FREE! • All Ages Early Show at 7pm

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Intimate acoustic evening with

MICHELLE SHOCKED

Ca

Tickets $17 adv. • $20 at the door

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

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Autumn Baby Greens with Apple Cider Vinaigrette with Tomatoes, Carrots, Onions, Croutons & Bleu Cheese Tuna Salad with Walnuts & Grapes Chicken Salad with Granny Smith Apples Freshly Baked Baguettes

Chef Steve’s Smoked Breast of Turkey with Homemade Gravy & Cranberry Jelly Roasted Pork Tenderloin Wrapped with Maple Infused Bacon with Apple Chutney Whipped Honey Butter and Freshly Baked Yeast Rolls

CY CURNIN (Lead singer of THE FIXX)

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with special guest NICK HARPER Tickets $12 adv. • $15 at the door

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19

STEEP CANYONS RANGERS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20

THE SENSATIONAL SOUNDS OF MOTOWN Tickets $10 adv • $12 at the door

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 DAVE RAWLINGS MACHINE GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

COMING SOON ON SALE NOW:

1/20 - LEO KOTTKE 1/21 - TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE 1/22 - MOUNTAIN HEART, TOWN MOUNTAIN 2/4 - TAB BENOIT 2/6 - OWL CITY with LIGHTS & DEAS VAIL 2/17 - BRANDI CARLILE

All doors at 6pm and all shows 18 + up. Bring in this ad for 2 for 1 admission!

(To Tuesday Series Only)

Terrapin Tuesday

BLUEGRASS SERIES

$3 All the time • Every Tuesday 7-10pm

2 TERRAPINS

$

(India Brown Ale, Rye Pale Ale, Golden Ale & Sunray Wheat) LOCATED ON THE GROUNDS OF

NOV. 10 - EXCEPTION TO THE RULE NOV. 17 - BLUE BILLY GRIT DEC. 1 - MAYHEM STRING BAND 295 E. DOUGHERTY ST., ATHENS, GA

706.254.6909

WWW.MELTINGPOINTATHENS.COM

FOR TICKETS & SHOWTIMES OR CALL THE BOX OFFICE 706.254.6909

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ NOVEMBER 11, 2009

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Southern Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, Pumpkin Pie Banana & Chocolate Pudding with Vanilla Wafers Chef’s Selection of Cakes & Petit Fours Locally Grown Whole Fruit Display

Tickets $20 adv. • $25 at the door

12/6 - THE ATHENS BAND CD RELEASE 12/26 - RANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND

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Southern Style Chicken Pot Pie Honey Glazed Ham with Dijon Mustard Sauce Oven Roasted Tilapia with Red Pepper Cream Sauce Southern Cornbread Dressing Green Bean Casserole Local Grown Seasonal Squash & Green Beans Medley Buttered Sweet Corn & Peas Wild Rice Pilaf with Peppers & Dry Cranberries Candied Yams with Pecans & Marshmallows

Tickets $15 adv. • $18 at the door • $15 at door w/ student ID

11/21 - CORDUROY ROAD with THE BACK ROW BAPTISTS 11/27 - THE RATTLERS, ALBATROSS 11/28 - DAVE RAWLINGS MACHINE 12/2 - THE LEGENDARY JC’s 12/3 - BILLY JOE SHAVER 12/4 - PACKWAY HANDLE BAND 12/5 - RALPH STANLEY & THE CLINCH MOUNTAIN BOYS

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Vegetarian Eggplant Lasagna with Tomato Sauce & Basil Pesto Penne Pasta Alfredo with Mushrooms, Spinach & Tomato

with special guest ADAM KLEIN

The Machine will include David and Gillian along with Ketch Secor, Willie Watson and Morgan Jahnig of Old Crow Medicine Show

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Celebrate New Years Big Easy Style!

MARDI GRAS NEW YEARS C E L E B R A T IO N featuring

Bonerama and Lil Bryan and the Zydeco Travelers • Balloon Drop • Special Cajun Menu Nov. 6th-30th - Special Show Only Tickets $30 Dec. 1st - Show Only Tickets $35 The Big Easy Package: Includes an Overnight Stay at the Foundry Park Inn & Spa, Prix Fixe Dinner in the Melting Point, Concert & all the New Year’s Festivities $278

For reservations or to purchase tickets visit www.meltingpointathens.com or 706.254.6909 Want something different for New Year’s Eve? We will offer fine dining in the Hoyt House Restaurant.

Call 706.425.0444 for reservations

pub notes To Market, To Market The days dwindle down to a precious few, and so do the farmers, and finally the Athens Farmers Market 2.0 will come to a close this Saturday, Nov. 14. This second year of the market has been a good run, beginning in May. Two or three Saturdays were marred by rain—a mixed blessing, since we all, most especially the farmers, need it. The farmers market was definitely a build-it-and-they-will-come leap of faith back in the spring of 2008, when Craig Page of P.L.A.C.E. (Promoting Local Agriculture and Cultural Experience) announced that his group was planning to start up the project. A lot of people were skeptical, including this interpreter of the local scene. It hadn’t worked very well downtown, in that central location, so how could it work way out at Bishop Park?

THIS WEEK’S ISSUE: New & Features City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Athens News and Views

The new Dope picks up with more hyperventilating on Paul Broun and parking meters.

Athens Impressions, Part 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Downtown’s Balancing Act Demands Attention

The burned-out Georgia Theatre is a reminder of what was and what will be.

Art & Events The Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 No More Stars Upon Thars

Peter & Max: A Fables Novel reworks classic fairy tales to be deeper, grittier and bloodier than even the Brothers Grimm imagined.

COVER DESIGN by Kelly Ruberto featuring a painting by Madeline Darnell on display at OCAF

Movie Pick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Open the Box

The Box is a razor-sharp, straight-faced send-up of 1970s supernatural flicks.

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Music Party Party Partners Present: “ESCAPES” . . . 15 A Triple CD Release Show!

Local DIY record label hosts its own “coming out” party with a big show and a slew of new music.

The Antlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Finding the Hope in Hospice

Break-through band from Brooklyn sings about the growth that comes from grief.

The first-ever time they launched it, the people came in droves, only to find few farmers. But word got around in the country, and the next week the farmers showed up and began making some money. As readers of this paper can’t help but know, there’s a lot of interest here in locally grown food, and there are a lot of local food growers. There are weekly pickups of farm-grown food, visits to farms and local restaurants serving vegetables and meat fresh from the farm. The Athens Farmers Market has proven to be a vital focal point in bringing the buyers and sellers together and creating an interdependence that all have come to rely on for better table fare and increased income.

People like Craig and Jerry Nesmith have given every Saturday and more to making the market work, and this year’s manager, Donn Cooper, has proven adept at drafting his friends for early morning work in the cause. The farmers needed this mechanism but probably wouldn’t have been able to put it together themselves, since it’s hard to attend organizational meetings and dig sweet potatoes at the same time.

One of the salient points about Athens is that there is a large concentration of well educated, well-to-do citizens along with a lot of younger people open to new ideas and ways of doing things. These are the creative and cool cohort that make Athens such an interesting place to be. They’re not all able to grow a carrot, but they can flat appreciate somebody who does. That’s what makes the farmers market work so well.

A limitation on the outstanding success of the farmers market is that the vegetables and other items cost more than the factory-farm fare in the supermarkets. They cost more, that is, in out-of-pocket expense, though the supermarket stuff from the giant farms is subsidized in various ways by our own tax dollars and probably costs a lot more than the locally grown, if the whole bill were added up.

Even so, this means that the farmers market’s customers are primarily upscale, with few drawn from the large population of poverty-level people living in Athens. Now that the farmers market is a proven success and assuming it’s even stronger next year, maybe the producers of this agricultural bounty and the organizers of its market can figure out a way to cut in the wider, poorer community. Maybe there’s some way that at the end of the day the produce can go toward bringing the benefits of healthier, more nourishing locally grown foods to a wider group. I don’t know whether something like that would work, but that doesn’t mean anything, because I didn’t even think the farmers market would work. I bet there’s somebody who is already figuring it out.

Pete McCommons editor@flagpole.com

LETTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CITY DOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CITY PAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 CAPITOL IMPACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 COMMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ATHENS RISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 ATHENS IMPRESSIONS, PT. 3. . . . . . . . . . 9 GRUB NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 THE READER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 MOVIE DOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 MOVIE PICK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

THREATS & PROMISES. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 PARTY PARTY PARTNERS . . . . . . . . . . . 15 RECORD REVIEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 BROKEN ROAD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 THE ANTLERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 THE CALENDAR!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 BULLETIN BOARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ART AROUND TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 COMICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 REALITY CHECK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 EVERYDAY PEOPLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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This week at Flagpole.COM

26

 The old Cobbloviator tells you about his furlough  Blog updates for Athens Rising, Grub Notes and    

Film Notebook Online-only feature: Music fans can be football fans, too Twit-R-Done!: Flagpole Music keeps tweeting!

Online feature: Are iPods contributing to hearing loss?

And Ort in Winston-Salem!

CONTACT US:

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Pete McCommons ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner MANAGING EDITOR Christina Cotter ADVERTISING SALES Anita Aubrey, Melinda Edwards, Jessica Pritchard MUSIC EDITOR Michelle Gilzenrat CITY EDITOR Dave Marr CLASSIFIEDS, DISTRIBUTION & OFFICE MANAGER Paul Karjian AD DESIGNERS Ian Rickert, Kelly Ruberto CARTOONISTS James Allen, Cameron Bogue, Evan Eitapence, Jacob Hunt, Missy Kulik, Jeremy Long, David Mack, Clint McElroy ADOPT ME Special Agent Cindy Jerrell CONTRIBUTORS Bryan Aiken, Michael Andrews, Christopher Benton, Hillary Brown, Adam Clair, Elaine Ely, Jennifer Gibson, Jeff Gore, John Huie, Gordon Lamb, Bao Le-Huu, John G. Nettles, Sam Prestridge, Julia Reidy, Jeff Tobias, Drew Wheeler, Kevan Williams CIRCULATION Charles Greenleaf, Harper Bridgers, Jimmy Courson, Swen Froemke, Anthony Gentilles WEB DESIGNER Ian Rickert ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Maggie Summers EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Erin Cork MUSIC INTERN Charlie Stafford ADVERTISING INTERNS Melanie Foster, Teresa Tamburello

VOLUME 23 ISSUE NUMBER 45

STREET ADDRESS: 112 S. Foundry St., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: (706) 549-9523 ADVERTISING: (706) 549-0301 FAX: (706) 548-8981 ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com COMICS: comics@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editor@flagpole.com LETTERS: letters@flagpole.com MUSIC: music@flagpole.com NEWS: news@flagpole.com WEB SITE: web@flagpole.com

Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 17,000 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $55 a year, $35 for six months. © 2009 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

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NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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letters Try Cash Dear Keya: If you really want to be horrified at the way bars “scam” you out of money, [Credit Cards at Bars, Letters, 10/28], consider how much a bottle of liquor costs at a liquor store; work out the price per ounce; keep in mind that you’re rarely getting more than two ounces of liquor in a drink, and then compare that to how much you paid for your drink. It’s a little-known secret that bars and restaurants are in the business of… shhhh… making money. Credit card minimums exist for a number of reasons, only one of which is the usage fee. For example, busy bars establish those rules to reduce the number of patrons who use a credit card to pay three, four and five times throughout the evening rather than opening a tab, which slows the service process when the bar is three deep, causing you to have to wait longer for drinks. And rest assured, bar patrons are entirely more concerned with their wait time than a credit card minimum. If you are a casual drinker who only wants to have a drink or two, bring cash. Everyone wins.

The Bartenders Athens

Another Garden Thanks for publishing Andre Gallant’s fine story, “The Handmade Garden” [10/28]. It’s amazing how gardening brings people together and substitutes beauty for blight.

Your readers might be interested in finding out about another neighborhood creation, the Mae Willie Morton Community Garden in west Athens. There’s a fine article and a two-minute news broadcast about this project on www. wnegtv.com. The story is told by UGA graduate students in health and medical journalism, as part of an ongoing series called “Harvesting Health.”

Thanks for passing along the information.

Patricia Thomas Athens

Toss ’Em Why is the issue of recycling only coming up now [“Trash Talk Ramps up at City Hall,” City Pages, 10/21] when it should have been addressed long ago? I’m glad that it is finally getting done, though. There have been many occasions when I have been cruising the bar scene in downtown Athens and noticed the huge garbage cans full of recyclables and thought, why not just get a recycling bin?

Fortunately, somebody did something about this issue, and now there will be easy-tooperate recycling bins for the inebriated bar patrons to liberate themselves from their empties. When I’m in a bar, the only things I throw away are bottles and cans, both of which are recyclables; the only thing that may not be recyclable are plastic cups, but it seems in your article that this issue is also being addressed. Bar owners are starting a push to acquire the correct cups that are recyclable in Athens that will make a great difference for the county. If all the bars downtown can get involved in this recycling program and keep contaminants out of the recycling, then it will save thousands of pounds of waste from going to the landfill. Thank you for your article. I am looking forward to seeing and using the bins in the bars.

Mitchell Bell Email

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CONTACT US AT P.O. BOX 1027, ATHENS, GA 30603, LETTERS@FLAGPOLE.COM OR VIA THE “TALK BACK TO US” LINK AT FLAGPOLE.COM to patronize. Located in one of the most beautiful retail spaces in Five Points, the owner closes the business and takes a job as a pubRe: “Athens Impressions Pt.1” by Elaine lisher’s representative. Among other factors, Ely [10/28]. After reading the article by Ms. she cites below-wholesale prices at Wal-Mart Ely in the last week’s Flagpole I was spurred and Sam’s Club as one of the most frustrating to write to the letters section. The fact that factors. Note that it was not located in diffidowntown Athens has been scaled back insofar cult-to-park-in downtown Athens, but rather as social spaces does not necessarily mean it in a small, easily-accessed neighborhood is lacking in these areas, it merely means what populated by residents with plenty of leisure is affordable to the general population that income. Its closing also pre-dated the advent frequent downtown Athens is a deciding facof Internet bookselling. tor. The places that Ms. Ely had mentioned as 1984–2009: Over the 25-year year period an appropriate choice for students and artistic that Jackson Street Books has been in existypes to visit are quite honestly out-of-step tence, a total of 58 bookstores (new, used, budget-wise from the rest of the community, chain, independent) located within a 25-mile and by community I mean the entire Athens radius of downtown Athens close. (As they community. Yes, it is a shame that more peoweren’t able to effectively compete, perhaps ple don’t “hang out” at Ciné or dine at Five we can assume that these were the “decent” and Ten, etc. When considering the choices ones.) available, however, budget is a huge factor. A 2005: The University of Georgia turns over major dilemma that downtown Athens faces the operations of its own bookstore to a comis having a creative force to offer alternatives petitor, Follett. to the bar scene mentality. It is a shame that 2008: Barnett’s News Stand, in business more of the Athens community do not express for 65 years, closes. Midge Gray, the owner, their voices to oppose the “dumbing down” closes the business and continues to rent out of the cultural hub that Athens potentially the space. Lack of local support is the primary has to offer. Are the cause, despite havpeople of Athens not ing a wide variety protesting against of goods for sale, BUMPERSTICKER OF THE WEEK: the opening of more including snacks, bars? Athens pretends drinks, tobacco If You Can Read This, My to be a resort town and lottery tickets.

Rottweiler Thinks You’re Too Close but without a beach.

Community reaction The demographic of is dismay, mixed with Thanks, Ben. Send your sticker catering to the young disbelief. sightings to letters@flagpole.com. student crowd has Mid-2000s: Music Athens locked in a sales nationwide battle of sorts, the begin to plummet, cultural environment of downtown Athens due to a combination of an entire decade of should be sustainable from the time a stulow-quality popular music product, coupled dent enters college to the time they graduate with digital file-sharing by music fans. and perhaps end up living here, and all the 2008–present: The Borders book chain population demographics between. Slowly and begins reconfiguring their stores to include methodically—as the older generation busimore face-outs, less depth of inventory and nesses close their doors—the soul of Athens largely discontinues carrying CDs and DVDs. is being replaced by businesses that have no 2008: According to U.S. News & World relationship to one another, unless of course Report educational rankings, Georgia scores at you want to bar hop. Why is there not a gro#35 out of the entire 50 states (www.syncocery store downtown offering fresh locally pate.us). grown produce, a newsagents, pharmacy, cul2009: Amazon begins marketing its e-book tural museum? Yes, an anomaly if ever there device Kindle not only on its Internet pages, was. It is unfathomable that creative minds but on national TV ads. have not stepped forward and truly invested 2009: Google continues with plans to make in downtown Athens the way that a commudownloadable books available at no charge. nity would expect them to.

2009: The number of liquor licenses issued J.P.E to downtown Athens bar/restaurants hovers at Athens around a steady 70.

2009: Number of bookstores located in Downtown Athens hovers at around a steady two (one general-interest, one comics).

Now: “Wal-mart and Amazon (and newSince I’ve haunted these here parts for comer Target) are currently locked in an all most of my 50 years, and since we seem to be out price war over online book sales that has using local bookshops (primarily) as a socioculminated into the American Booksellers economic/cultural indicator, let me posit a Association asking the Department of Justice few historic snapshots that may (or may not) to launch an antitrust investigation. It all illuminate where we stand. started when Wal-mart, determined to aggres1960s–1980s: Athens is home to somesively drive traffic and sales this holiday where between five to seven bookshops (not season, announced it would allow customers including textbook stores), four newsstands to preorder 10 of the most highly anticipated (both downtown and in Normaltown) and books for $10 each. Within hours, Amazon approximately six record record & tape outlets. matched this low price for all 10 titles. Not to 1984–1993: Jackson Street Books opens be outdone, Wal-mart lowered its price to $9; and enjoys the company of three additional Amazon quickly followed suit. By the next day, downtown used and/or new bookshops, in Wal-mart lowered its selling price to $8.99. addition to a comics shop and one remaining A few days later, Target jumped into the ring newsstand. by matching Wal-mart’s price. Determined to 1996: The Old Black Dog Bookshop closes, maintain its lowest price guarantee, Wal-mart having been for its duration the most selecagain dropped its price by $.01.” tively stocked, highest-quality “community” Of course, we each must draw our own bookshop of its size I’ve ever had the pleasure conclusions as to what, if anything, this all

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ NOVEMBER 11, 2009

Diversity Downtown

Want Books?

means: I simply present a few relevant facts.

At the very least, it gives us something interesting (and amusing) to ponder in between shots ’n’ tweets, and inspires a few of us to address our efforts toward a common denominator positioned somewhere superior to the lowest.

Tony Arnold, Jackson Street Books Athens

Disgusting Let me get this straight, Athens. We support the guy who dresses up like Hitler on Halloween. (I saw eight out of 10 people hi-five this guy, so don’t deny it.) If we consider ourselves to be some artistic example, above the rest of the unwashed masses, then how does something like this slide? The Wild Rumpus is fine, but it’s OK to reserve the right to refuse some jerk who thinks it’s funny to dress up like Hitler or Stalin, even if this person is an unfortunate product of our educational system. My thanks to those who either ignored this person or denied them the attention they so desperately seek.

Name Withheld Athens

A No for a No Letter to Congressman Broun: I was disappointed to learn (though not a bit surprised) that you voted against the health care package presented to the House recently. I would like to ask why you are blocking and denying the very reasonable request of your constituents for the government to provide an alternative low-cost option for those who cannot afford or do not qualify for expensive corporate private insurance?

I am a senior student at the University of Georgia (a public institution which Georgians seem to be pretty proud of in spite of the state running it) and am very thankful to the Pell Grant and Hope Scholarship contributions which allow me to pursue a quality education. I come from a family below the poverty line, so naturally I have received little monetary support from my family. I work on campus making $8.46/hr so that I can barely pay for my extremely modest living expenses.

Unfortunately, my family cannot afford health insurance, as my step-father does limited contract work in construction, and his skills are rarely needed in this economy.

For me this means that although I am working to put myself through school as a first-generation college student, I have not seen a doctor in almost five years. I have not had the privilege, as it apparently is in this very class-divided nation, to visit a dentist in the same amount of time. I ask you to consider how you might feel about the current health care bill, which would at least give very hard-working people like me a chance at health care—one we do not have in the current system—if you were in a position similar to mine? (If that is something you even have the capacity to imagine…)

Your vote for my health was a hearty “no,” and I am committed to making sure that my vote and the votes of as many people as I can influence in the next election are a resounding “no!!!” to you, your utter lack of compassion for those less fortunate than you and your outdated notions of how health care should work in this country.

Bethanna L. Jarrett Athens

city dope

TM

Athens News and Views

Charles-Ryan Barber

The More Things Change…: A debt of gratirates—that doesn’t mean they won’t change tude is owed Representative Paul Broun, Jr. in the future.” On-street parking downtown for supplying the new Dope’s maiden column needs to be kept turning over for business with one of his signature performances at the patrons, she explained, and “one way to teabaggers’ perfectly mainstream “Kill the Bill” achieve that is through [increasing] rates.” anti-healthcare reform rally in Washington Lookofsky guesses the ADDA will “review” the on Nov. 5. Falling in line behind the coolmeter rates around next spring. [DM] headed leadership of the straightfaced GOP’s new standard-bearer, revolution advocate Input-Shminput: We’d have to dispute Michelle Bachmann, “our” voice in Congress Kinman’s contention that “there’s been a trotted out his beloved “steamroller of socialtremendous amount of public input” on the ism” warhorse and exhorted the throng of suddenly controversial parking deck. She must white Americans to “go tell your Congress have meant there’s been plenty of opportumember that you’re not going to eat this rotnity for public input—it’s been reviewed at ten, stinking fish that 18 public meetings is Pelosi health care.” since 2007, she said.

Broun and other But the deck’s critallegedly serious ics were nowhere to Republican leadbe found until plans ers, including House were headed for the Minority Whip Eric final stretch—and as Cantor and House anyone who watches Minority Leader John government knows, Boehner, appeared that’s no way to influbefore a crowd that ence the process. displayed carefully Whether you like the hand-crafted placards deck or not, it’s been featuring such impish in the works for years. slogans as “KEN-YA Flagpole has covered TRUST OBAMA” the issue in countless and “YES, WE CAN articles over the past DESTROY AMERICA,” few years, as has the and a really nice, other local paper— expensive-looking as early as 2003, an banner adorned with Athens Banner-Herald a photo of a massive article described a pile of corpses and “nine-level deck [that] bearing the legend, would be one of downThe Oscar Meyer Wienermobile brought joy and “National Socialist town Athens’ three bewilderment to Athens residents with three area Health Care: Dachau, largest buildings, appearances last week, including this one at a Red towering above the Germany—1945.”

Cross blood drive in front of the Alpha Tau Omega Get it? The president buildings beside it” fraternity house on Milledge. Wonder if they had of the United States and even ran a drawany trouble parking it downtown? and the Democratic ing that showed how Congress are Nazis it would dwarf nearby whose plans for health care reform will lead buildings. The critics make good points—but to an American Holocaust (that, or the actual it’s too little, too late, this time. [John Huie] Holocaust was just an objectionable government-run program). Broun and the rest of his Nuçi’s Space Taxed: Barely a week after sleazy coven capped the proceedings by sacfounder Linda Phillips was awarded the key rificing four majestic young colts to their god, to the city by Mayor Heidi Davison, Nuçi’s then bathing in human blood. [Dave Marr] Space was stripped of its property tax-exempt status by a three-member Georgia Court of Deck Done, Parking Meters Persist: By now Appeals panel. The popular nonprofit, which you’ve heard that the Athens-Clarke County supports low-cost mental health and other mayor and commission voted to approve services for impoverished members of Athens’ plans for the new downtown parking strucmuch-touted music scene, will appeal the ture. The certainty with which that result decision to the Georgia Supreme Court, but for was anticipated is in contrast with the ongonow it appears to be on the hook for a hefty ing intrigue that surrounds the question of bill. This raises familiar questions about whether the deck will be paid for, in part, by the way Athens values its artistic community an increase in downtown metered parking when the chips are down. The county Board fees to as much as $2.50 per hour. The idea, of Assessors, which brought the suit against floated by ACC Manager Alan Reddish at the Nuçi’s, says it’s only doing its duty by pursucommission’s Oct. 13 work session, was met ing much-needed revenue where it sees “profwith alarm by many who worried that increasits” being made from the rental of rehearsal ing meter rates by 1,000 percent over a spaces, as well as “hosting birthday parties three-year period might have an adverse effect and wedding receptions,” as the court’s ruling on downtown businesses. cited. The Dope is no expert on the vagaries At the Tuesday, Nov. 3 voting session, of the tax code, but do the assessors think Commissioner Alice Kinman at least tempoPhillips and her staff are stashing away that rarily brushed aside those concerns, saying $10 per hour they got from the local highthe on-street parking rates were not being school hardcore band for hookers and blow? raised “with this vote tonight, by any stretch These folks are in “business” for one reason: of the imagination.” But Athens Downtown to prevent musicians who can’t afford mental Development Authority Executive Director health care from killing themselves. Prioritize, Kathryn Lookofsky carefully parsed the issue people. [DM] in a chat with the Dope on Friday, saying, “there are no formal plans to raise [meter] Dave Marr and John Huie

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NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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city pages Citizens’ Objections to Downtown Deck Too Little, Too Late

parking illegally or parking at UGA, “but want to park with us because our rates are much cheaper.”

ACC commissioners were unsympathetic to complaints that citizens hadn’t had enough input into plans for the deck, and unanimously approved a contract for its development and final designs. Commissioner Alice Kinman said the project has been reviewed at 17 meetings (including eight that were televised) since 2007. But some commissioners agreed that downtown also needs a “master plan” to guide future development—one that might specify public areas like “the plaa big waste zas, the wide sidewalks, the public art,” and could include meetings for public input, Kinman told Flagpole. Commissioner Kelly Girtz said future discussions should also consider a downtown “circulator” bus. The new deck is scheduled to open in 2011.

Citizens raised questions—and got a few answers—at last week’s Athens-Clarke County Commission meeting, as the mayor and commission moved forward with plans to build a 520-space parking deck that will surround the Georgia Theatre. Street parking rates won’t go up as a result of the deck, commissioners said, “It seems like and the rooftop garden— designed more to retain of money.” rainwater than to be a public park—will be open to the public during daylight hours (accessible by elevator). And while “there are a lot of negative things to be said about building another parking deck downtown,” said Commissioner Ed Robinson, “the funds are legally committed to build a John Huie parking deck.”

Four skeptical citizens addressed commissioners about the deck at the meeting (others had contacted them by email). Ryan Lewis said the “enormous amount of money” being spent on the deck could go instead toward better bus service. “We should be talking about getting less cars downtown,” he said.

“We need to be working toward a 24-hour ACC commissioners like public art… some bus system… It’s really hard to find the bus of it, anyway. “I think the bulldogs [statues] schedule; the bus schedules are terrible—it’s are fine,” commissioner Alice Kinman told difficult for people to use the bus.” Nor does Flagpole. “They attract attention. But I’d downtown need more retail space (which the like for our public art to move beyond that.” deck will include), he said, since some existing Where to display a donated bust of Athens storefronts have long been unoccupied. John aviation pioneer Ben Epps (it will be part of Fernandez told commissioners he’s often biked streetscape improvements around City Hall)— and plans for art displays in the new parking to his downtown job over the past 10 years, “but when I do drive to work, I’ve never had a deck—have raised questions about choosing and accepting public art. hard time finding a parking spot downtown…

“We’re going to have a lot of space [in the There’s really no use for it, and it seems like a parking deck] which could be used to exhibit big waste of money.”

Athens art,” said commissioner Ed Robinson Two county-funded studies have agreed at last week’s voting meeting. “I am very tired that downtown has no shortage of parking, of all these big public edifices that go up in but rather a surplus. According to one of the very generic form, and don’t say anything studies, “there may not be a true parking about Athens.” But the deck could be a kind shortage, but rather a preference [for] conof “mini-Bilbao Guggenheim” museum for venient, up-close parking.” The 2007 study Athens, he said. Plans recommended considercall for laser-cut metal ing a smaller deck (plans “I am very tired of all panels to cover some have been downsized openings, to keep the slightly), raising meter these big public edifices parking deck from lookrates (which was recently that go up in very generic ing like… well, a parking done), and adding signs deck. Metal sculptures to direct first-time form and don’t say will be attached to those visitors to parking decks panels, SPLOST project (few are evident). To manager Ken Crellen told encourage people to park anything about Athens.”

Flagpole. Vertical fabric in decks (thus conservbanners will also adorn the structure on one ing on-street spaces), deck rates should be side. Crellen hopes local artists can design the lower than meter rates, the study said. But sculptures and banners. “That was always the to cover the new deck’s costs, its hourly rates intent,” he said. will run $2.50 per hour, and proposals to raise Commissioner Kinman thinks the county on-street parking rates to that level have lost needs a citizens advisory board on public art. traction of late.

“I don’t think the manager or the commisThe long-planned deck is favored by downsion need to be in the position of jurying this town retailers and the Athens Downtown stuff,” she said. For projects like downtown Development Authority (which represents streetscape improvements, Kinman suggests them, and which also administers downtown asking local artists to submit proposals—that street parking and the College Avenue deck, process worked well for Athens’ unique bus keeping 15 percent of those proceeds). ADDA shelters, she said, partly because “we were director Kathryn Lookofsky told Flagpole there paying them a decent amount of money for is now a waiting list of over 600 people who their artwork.” want to rent deck spaces. Those people may currently be parking in one of the other two John Huie decks, she said, or “taking their chances” by

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comment

Health Care Has Legs

In the Republican Tool Box

If you’re sick and tired of all the shouting and bickering about health care reform, I’ve got some bad news for you. The issue will continue dominating the news for the next several weeks as Congress tries to decide which version of a health care reform bill it will finally adopt.

Even if something does pass and is signed

by President Barack Obama before the end of the year, rest assured that health care reform will be mentioned quite often in Georgia’s election campaigns next year.

There was a major development in the issue last Saturday with the narrow passage of a health care bill by the U.S. House. All seven of Georgia’s Republican House members voted against it, and it’s safe to say that each GOP lawmaker absolutely hates this bill.

The House member who hates the measure the most could well be Rep. Nathan Deal of Gainesville. For Deal, that could be a good thing. Health care reform gives him a red-meat issue he can throw out to the Republican base in next year’s primary election for governor. Deal is campaigning hard for the GOP nomination, but he still lags behind Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine in the early polls.

Oxendine has maintained that polling lead largely because of his success in appealing to the party’s Christian conservative voters.

These are Republicans who oppose abortion, don’t like the trend of immigrants moving into Georgia, don’t believe Barack Obama is a native-born U.S. citizen, and support the idea that states can ignore federal legislation if they so choose. Health care reform gives Deal a platform to make the case that he’s just as conservative as Oxendine on nearly all of those issues. During the House debate over the health care bill, for example, Deal raged that undocumented immigrants will get health care benefits under the Democrats’ proposed plan.

“Make no mistake about it—illegal aliens will receive government-funded health care under this bill because all they are required to show is a Social Security number and a name,” Deal said. “If you think identity theft is a problem now, just wait until this bill passes!”

Deal doesn’t need the health care issue to make his pitch to the “birthers,” who believe Obama was really born in Kenya. He disclosed last week that he and several other House members will send a letter to the president asking him to release his birth certificate. It’s difficult to say how much ground Deal can make up in the governor’s race by hammering the health care reform issue, but you can bet he’s going to try.

Health care reform will also be front and center in the re-election campaigns of two Democratic congressmen: Rep. John Barrow of Savannah and Rep. Jim Marshall of Macon. Barrow and Marshall were among the 39 Democrats who voted against the health care bill in the House. They obviously think the vote will keep them in good standing among the conservative voters in their districts. Their votes against the health care bill could also cause major headaches for Barrow and Marshall, however. Even in their conservative-leaning districts, there are thousands of Democratic voters who think health care reform is a good idea. The more the two congressmen argue against healthcare reform, the more likely it is that a large portion of their Democratic supporters will become angry and discouraged.

Discouraged voters tend to stay home on election day—which can be big trouble for an incumbent who needs his partisan base to get out and vote.

Even if something passes and becomes law this year, you haven’t heard the last on the health care reform issue. Get ready to hear a lot more about it in 2010.

Tom Crawford

Between Democratic overstatement and Republican obstructionism, it’s refreshing to find a moment of honesty in the miasmic slog through the jackass bogs and toward healthcare reform. On Aug. 12, in an speech at the Macon Chamber of Commerce, Senator Saxby Chambliss made such a statement.

“First of all,” said Chambliss, “I am not a health care expert. I tend to rely on our health suppliers [sic] for a lot of the information that we’ve used in developing our ideas and our thoughts.”

I’m annoyed by his use of “we.” As Mark Twain said, the only people who should refer to themselves as “we” are kings, editors and persons with tape worm.

The Senator then said that though he hadn’t read the House health care bill, “at the appropriate time, we’ll make sure that not only I read it, but we’ll have staff that make sure that we know what’s in whatever bill it is that we vote on.”

created a public option, Chambliss used figures provided by United HealthCare, though he did not acknowledge the source.

Certainly, Southerners have seen this kind of polarizing finger-pointing before.

Chambliss portrays himself as defending the status quo against People Who Don’t Deserve Our Consideration: illegals, the poor, the stupid and the irresponsible—people who have made choices that place them beyond our concern. This echoes President Reagan’s take on homelessness: “Some people like being homeless.” Therefore, the logic goes, nothing need be done. Chambliss’ spin really goes beyond merely being a shill for the insurance industry. His actions and attitudes throughout his career in the Senate have been shaped by generations of Republican politicians who embraced Richard Nixon’s successful 1972 strategy to exploit racial tensions to win the then-Democratic South.

Lee Atwater, attack dog for President George H.W. Bush, summarized the Southern strategy in a 1981 interview with political scientist Alexander P. Lamis:

Good to know, I guess, that he has people around him who tell him what he’s doing. The spasm of honesty done with, Chambliss identified four categories of the uninsured. There are six million undocumented illegal aliens, he said. There are 14 million people who are eligible for “some form of government health insurance who haven’t applied for it” because “it’s not that easy to make that application.”

There are 15 million people who earn from $50,000 to $75,000 a year who could have insurance provided by their employers, but choose no coverage because “they made a decision that they don’t want to have that deduction every week.” The final group is the 12 to 15 million Americans who “don’t fall into any of these other categories. They are simply out there. They don’t have the ability to buy insurance.” (Video excerpts of the senator’s remarks are available at www.blogfordemocracy.org.)

The illegal, the stupid or lazy, and the senselessly greedy, then, constitute 70 percent of the people who don’t have health insurance, according to Chambliss, who is “not a health care expert,” and who gets his information from “our health suppliers.”

These “suppliers” of Chambliss’ information have been generous with their more tangible assets, as well. During the 2008 election cycle, according to OpenSecrets.org, Chambliss received $95,000 from political action committees sponsored by or individuals associated with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and AFLAC. Furthermore, according to BlogforDemocracy. org, in discussing the number of employees who would lose insurance if reform legislation

Lamis: [T]he fact is, isn’t it, that Reagan does get to the Wallace voter and to the racist side of the Wallace voter by doing away with legal services, by cutting down on food stamps…?

Atwater: You start out in 1954 by saying, “Nigger, nigger, nigger.” By 1968 you can’t say “nigger”—that hurts you. Backfires. So, you say stuff like “forced busing,” “states’ rights” and all that stuff. You’re getting so abstract now [that] you’re talking about cutting taxes, and all these things you’re talking about are totally economic things and a byproduct of them is [that] blacks get hurt worse than whites.

And subconsciously, maybe that is part of it. I’m not saying that. But I’m saying that if it is getting that abstract, and that coded, that we are doing away with the racial problem one way or the other.

Then-Republican Party Chairman Ken Melman acknowledged the strategy and apologized for it in a Jan. 14, 2005, speech to the NAACP. “Some Republicans gave up on winning the African-American vote,” he said, “looking the other way or trying to benefit politically from racial polarization. I am here today as the Republican chairman to tell you we were wrong.”

Melman’s attempt at reconciliation was a stand-up thing to do. But the Southern strategy has become ingrained; it has devolved into a blunt instrument in the hands of anyone willing to become the special interests’ tool.

In every issue—from the war on terrorism to our children’s education to the water we drink and the air we breathe—the debate is framed in politicized codes designed to separate concerns and to align in factions. Our political leaders too often serve as sockets for the special-interest wrenches that block reform for corporate profits and narrow ideological agendas.

I think Chambliss is such a tool.

Sam Prestridge

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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be watched closely to see whether it makes a good model. Do the prefab playground and shelter do a good job of speaking to the neighborhood’s character and history? Folks in the Boulevard area who are currently organizing to propose a new neighborhood park of their own could draw a lot from this one.

Ben’s Bikes has moved in underneath one of the buildings that fronts West Broad Street.

New bike shops popping up are a sign of Athens’ blossoming cycling community, something for which it is starting to be known.

A recent proposal to build a couple of condo towers on the other side of Broad got the Dearing Street residents out in force.

They were rightly concerned about how such a large development might affect the historic homes on their street, one of Athens’ most beautiful. On the opposite side of the Dearing Street area, as in most parts of town, there has been plenty of infill, much of it used for student housing, although most of it is older and seems to blend well enough with the neighborhood. It may be the mature trees, which mask the townhomes there, or the smaller scale of the buildings, but it works well enough.

Rachel Bailey

If you want to go on one walk to understand Athens (or how little you understand about it), take a walk down Pope Street. In 12 blocks, give or take, this corridor cuts across multiple eras and communities, speaking volumes about the city. It’s also interesting to see just how much has changed in the area only recently. We’ll start from the northern headwaters, up on the hill behind Emanuel Episcopal, and move south.

Here, where legendary parties of the founding years of the music scene once raged, Pope is a quaint little winding street worth exploring. At the foot of the bend is one of the many Cobb houses in the area, formerly owned by its neighbor, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and recently renovated. Across Prince Avenue, the Daily Groceries Co-op building and the fire hall are other great examples of successful recent historic preservation efforts.

The corner of Prince and Pope, besides being of nominal Anglican irony, is one of the places where bike lanes, crosswalks and traffic management just can’t seem to work themselves out. Crossing signs placed in the middle of the street were mowed down by careless drivers for years before the city stopped replacing them and instead put blinking signs on the shoulders.

Ultimately, it doesn’t bode well for the folks who would like to cross the street that the city has all but surrendered this territory to careless drivers; cars still rarely stop, and Prince Avenue is still dangerous for cyclists.

A lot of car trips might be eliminated if that stretch of Prince became the walkable and bikeable corridor that it wants to be.

Behind the fire hall, another Cobb house has made a long trip back to its original home. The house started out where St. Joseph’s Catholic School is now, travelled to Stone Mountain and back, and landed here. Across Meigs Street, the old Salvation Army building is being renovated to become the offices of a record company. A block further south, 13 Roses Tattoo Parlour occupies the space that used to be Tight Pockets, a DIY music venue from the early 2000’s that took the name of the building’s previous tenant, a pool hall. Decades before that, the area was known as Calloway’s Corner, and was a neighborhood commercial district.

Now it has quite a few contemporary infill houses, which both complement and contrast with the great preservation efforts nearby.

Pope Street also cuts through the Reese Street Historic District (the city’s most recent), which covers a historically black neighborhood. The Knox Institute and other schools were located at the intersection of Reese and Pope, although only Hill First Baptist Church remains of what was once a cultural hub.

The Reese and Pope Park, one of Athens’ few urban neighborhood parks, was recently renovated and rededicated. It occupies the former site of one of the Knox Institute buildings and still functions as a local meeting place. With new urban parks being proposed for future SPLOST projects, this park should

At Baxter and Pope, a five-story apartment building is one of only a few major urbanscaled projects that have occurred outside of downtown. Baxter has some similar infill on its west end, but an urban future seems far away for this end as long as football parking is so lucrative. That’s a shame, because the relationship between Baxter and the dormitories could create a second Broad Street.

This point is the end of our journey, opposite two huge residence halls of the university, legacies of the urban renewal that wiped out the original neighborhood fabric. It’s hard to imagine that the area likely once looked more like Reese Street before the high-rises were built.

I’ve always been impressed by just how emotionally invested people in this town can be about the changes that are going on around them. Whether the issue is parks or bike lanes or historic homes, people will get fired up and turn out in droves. Athens is the kind of town where students live next to public housing which is next to half-million-dollar mansions, and life is more interesting for it.

Things here hang in a tense and delicate balance. The big question is, how do we do a better job of directing the creative energy citizens have for all these disparate issues into a more cohesive force in the community?

Kevan Williams

Athens Impressions Pt. 3 In

Downtown’s Balancing Act Demands Attention

2004, contractor Drew Dekle renovated the Quality Foods Machinery Building at 255 West Washington Street. “That went in several stages,” he says.

“It morphed into what it is now.” Dekle’s unconventional tenants—Farm 255, Clocked and 42 Degrees among them—represent a renaissance at work in the northwest corner of downtown and a departure from or retexturing of the classic downtown landscape. Does Dekle seek imaginative tenants, or do they approach him, hoping to join a burgeoning block?

“It’s a combination,” he says. Still, downtown rent is notoriously—even prohibitively—expensive, and “an out-of-town landlord would be more inclined to take just any old business,” as may be the case with corporate landlords in Atlanta or in situations where “the kid inherits the property, and the kid lives away,” as Dekle says. “It’s hard to run this business,” he says. “Almost everybody owes money on their building.”

Even landlords who own their buildings must cover “taxes and insurance, maintenance, everything that goes along with it.” Dekle blames “crushing tax bills,” in part on “overvalued properties,” based on “cream of the crop” sales.

“You almost have to sell out,” Dekle says. “It’s not like you can really pick and choose the greatest tenant in the world and build the town like you want it.”

Would Dekle rent space to a bar?

“It would depend on how desperate I was for money; that wouldn’t be my first choice,” he says. “It would be a hesitation; it wouldn’t be an ’absolutely, definitely no, I’m going sit here until something really creative comes along.’” (And something creative might not be able to afford the rent, like Dekle’s longtime tenant, Paul Thomas’ X-Ray Café, the loss of which was a giant hit to downtown creativity.)

Dekle says that “the financial reality” would demand that he consider a bar’s offer, though he “would probably charge them a little more” and “make them operate to every letter of the lease… Would I take just any old student bar? Well, those kinds of places really make the money,” he says.

Clark points to the benefits of geographic diversity. ”For the whole downtown grid,“ she says, ”it’s important to raise the awareness about each establishment in each area of town, because just like in any other town center or any other tourist center, the establishments that do well are not necessarily the best ones; they’re in high-traffic areas… Downtown is Athens’ biggest attractor.“ Evans confirms that ”the visitors come to downtown,“ and Kathryn Lookofsky, Executive Director of the Athens Downtown Development Authority, says that ”business and leisure tourists just keep bringing more and more money into our community.“ But can downtown survive and flourish solely as a leisure destination for vacation visitors or even for a transient student population? ”It probably could,“ Clark says, ”but I don’t think that it should, because it needs to serve all of our needs.“

Lookofsky says, ”I think it is so vitally important that we develop a clear vision for downtown.“ We need to know what the people of this great community want out of and from their central business district.”

What does Drew Dekle want for his young daughter, a fifth-generation Athenian? “I want her to be part of the community,” he says. “We definitely shop local and behave in that local sort of community economy.”

“Buy Local is vital to our future,” says Lookofsky: “On average, when you shop locally, $68 out of every $100 spent stays in the local economy by way of salaries, business services, taxes, supplies, community donations, etc. When you spend that same $100 at a non-local business, only $43 stays.”

Teri Evans agrees that trends in downtown retail “may change with the Buy Local movement.” And Keith McNeely, ACC Director of Human and Economic Development, says, “There is a lot of potential for the Buy Local campaign to create jobs in the next two to five years.”

At the intersection of its broadening production of coffee, agriculture, art, music, locally owned businesses and its Downtown must reconcile traditional and visionary, essenincreasingly fulfilling neighborhoods—self-sustaining areas tial and eccentric, ordinary and extraordinary, appealing to var- that feel more intimate and urban than sprawl and suburbia— ious groups even while various groups appeal to it. Clark says, Athens may embody a new geography based on “here.” The ”As an urban center, we certainly have some work to do… no narrative of downtown is a story of rebalancing. destination, no town center should only be one-dimensional.“ Clark points out that downtown is expanding, both to the So, who are the directors of this treacherous balancwest and to the north, especially with the addition of Indigo, ing act? And are they holding nets? The Athens Downtown a key attraction and a bridge between downtown and instituDevelopment Authority, the University of Georgia Small tions like the Lyndon House. To stay relevant, downtown must strengthen connections to the burgeoning pockets surrounding it. This nexus of peripheral neighborhoods offers fringe operations access to a larger audience. And if, as many hope, each neighborhood becomes an independent urban microcosm, downtown must figure out what it should offer that smaller areas cannot. Compounding the challenge is the stark reality that many neighborhoods near downtown are impoverished and unable to contribute to or benefit from downtown’s attractions.

Lookofsky hopes that “the new parking deck will provide some great retail opportunities.” Clark says, “However unfortunate the Are other property owners who are “sellGeorgia Theatre fire was, it’s an opportunity ing out” to “just any old student bar” driven to make some changes with that facility that purely by money, or has a more deliberate will benefit downtown.” line been drawn downtown, creating territoThe art community is changing, says ries for locals and for students?

Chris Wyrick of Mercury Art Works: “It’s “It almost seems like it’s Lumpkin,” morphing, it’s shifting, it’s coalescing.”

Dekle says, and he believes that his “little He envisions Athens as an arts center with corner” of downtown is more eclectic. “But increased connectivity among groups like I see students at Trappeze and Flicker,” he the Railroad Arts District, all the people says, “and I see locals, certainly at 283 and working in Chase Park with the Leathers occasionally at Espresso Royale. I would say Building, and the D.O.C. building, which it’s a fuzzy line.” UGA demographer Douglas houses the design firm of Carl Martin and Bachtel says that “where you walk is based The burned-out Georgia Theatre, nestled into the changing west-downtown scene, is a reminder of what was and Carol John; the ambitious 1000 Faces on history: if you’ve never been over there, what will be.

Coffee project and other inventive groups. you ain’t going over there.”

Mercury’s latest incarnation at Hotel Indigo Teri Evans of UGA’s Small Business Development Center sugBusiness Development Center, the Athens Convention and puts Athens art back center stage for the larger community and gests that the back corner of downtown caters to a different Visitors Bureau, and the Athens-Clarke County Department for Athens visitors. target market: Boulevard, Normaltown. of Human and Economic Development, not to mention the Several restaurants, like Farm 255, are showing how this Amy Clark of the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau ACC Historic Preservation Commission, are just some of many connected dynamic works in food culture, with downtown says, “If North Campus is on one side of Broad Street, and a groups whose divergent and convergent workings protect offering an entry point to a larger Athens agricultural economy, bar or a restaurant or a shop that you always go to is on the Athens’ myriad interests. This Cirque de Athens can be dizzying and the Athens Farmers’ Market may expand to downtown on other side of Broad Street, sometimes it’s just a question of an in its complexities.

Tuesday nights, beginning in May. easy decision.” She doubts that students feel uncomfortable or ”This is, bar none, the most difficult, stressful and comAs Athens raises expectations for restaurants, hotels, bars, unwanted in certain areas but credits an “on-the-radar issue.” plicated part of my job,“ says Lookofsky. ”We have over 900 galleries and music venues, and as attention focuses on local Clark acknowledges that “people make distinctions about businesses in our downtown district, over 1000 residents and and sustainable products and enterprises, our smaller size is an which types of establishments serve which types of people, but countless visitors.“ advantage. Here, developers, preservationists, planners, busishe emphasizes the importance of market diversity. Downtown Clark says that we ”as a community, want to safeguard nesses, producers and consumers can engage easily with one ”has to be accessible to every age group,“ she says, and ”we downtown but also to continue to develop it as a true urban another. And here they can reach an entire community, the now have dining in downtown Athens that appeals to all ages center.“ most reassuring net beneath us all. and not only necessarily the student group that seems to drive But how? What do we do to keep downtown flourishing?

Two generations ago downtown Athens was the retail crossthe community.“ How do we help downtown grow? And how do we want to roads of northeast Georgia; today our town is a creative hub.

Dekle, too, is grateful for developers who transcend what he shape our surroundings? What do we need to do about rent in The energy is here; how that energy is channeled will detercalls the the bulldog-themed restaurants. ”I think people from downtown Athens? How do we cultivate the right balance of mine the future of downtown and of Athens. out of town perceive this town as strictly a university town,“ tenants? he says.

Clark says, ”I don’t know who makes those decisions.“ Elaine Ely

Walking the Tightrope

Pete McCommons

One-Ring Circus?

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

9

grub notes Worth the Wait Perseverance: It was almost like something didn’t want me to get to Wilson’s (351 N. Hull St.). First, I thought the interior renovations (not dramatic, but it feels a little lighter and more open now) were finished when they weren’t, meaning a trek all the way across downtown was met with two men hammering down the threshold. Then, a planned trip was nearly thwarted by a last-minute commitment at my day job. But I finally managed to make it back, after literal years of absence. The last time I’d been in was during the Southern Foodways thing way back in 2006, which is a gap of more years than I’ll allow to happen again.

Where Dexter Weaver hustles his customers from one area of his eponymous restaurant (Weaver D’s) to the next, brooking no hesitation, his counterparts on the other side of downtown are a lot more easygoing, gently explaining what all’s on the menu on a given day. I don’t like having to choose between the two, …the okra was either. Sometimes I want Weaver’s squash casserole. Other times I need a perfect in taste bit of the chow-chow at Wilson’s. and texture…

The other day—cranky, tired, frustrated with every errand I’d tried to run and exceedingly hungry—I ended up with a plate of fried chicken (one piece of dark, one piece of white, less fatty than I’d had previously and suffering a bit for it, but still with a really nice crust on the exterior), cabbage (green and white, in need of some salt but nicely cooked), a wonderful stew of okra and tomatoes (in which the okra was perfect in taste and texture, not gooey but tender and with maybe a bit of pickling spice in the mix), a hearty serving of macaroni and cheese that didn’t skimp on the most important ingredient (cheese, duh) and a fluffy, tasty biscuit on the side, plus a big glass of sweet tea. Every concern I had, every molecule of stress in my body was vanquished as I tucked in. No, not everything was perfect.

I would have tweaked the chicken (and it was probably better at the beginning of lunchtime than at the end) and the cabbage. The tea was too sweet and kind of heavy on the tannin at the same time. The tray was sticky. But for all that, there is something about Wilson’s that feels more like home-cooking and less like a restaurant than almost anywhere else in town.

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The Counter Example: Last time I went through Jefferson, I’d already eaten, but this time I made sure to leave home hungry and hit up The Jefferson House Restaurant (682 Athens St., in Jefferson). The atmosphere was great, and the waitresses were both sassy and nice, all decked out in Halloween-themed t-shirts on this particular day and running a contest to see which of them could sell the most dessert.

The menu was huge, and the food arrived quickly, but I have to say I expected greater things. The dish of macaroni and cheese was especially disappointing. This is Georgia, right?

Not New Hampshire. So, when I saw “macaroni and cheese” on the menu of a Southern cooking restaurant, I don’t expect macaroni in cheese sauce. “Macaroni and cheese” means baked macaroni and cheese, right? Green beans and pickled beets made up for that somewhat, although it’s not impossible both originated in a can, and the steak and gravy was well-seasoned, soft and comforting. The fried chicken wasn’t anything to write home about, though, and while the gravy was pretty good on both the steak and the mashed potatoes, the potatoes themselves were overly smooth and not particularly potato-y.

A slice of lemon pie that was probably three-quarters meringue was ice-cold and, while not earth-shaking, pleasant enough.

Would I go again? I’m curious about breakfast, which seems to offer a wealth of options, and there aren’t a ton of places to eat in the area, so I might, but I wouldn’t recommend making a special trip. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day and takes credit cards.

What Up?: A Hungarian restaurant, Langosh, has applied for a permit in the space underneath The Clubhouse on College. The Gardenside Café at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is now open (check the Grub Notes blog on Flagpole.com for more info). Totonno’s Famous Meatballs, from Stefano Volpi and Cristina Spadea, at the corner of Hawthorne and Oglethorpe avenues, will open sometime this month with take-out and dine-in and many varieties of meatballs.

Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com

the reader No More Stars Upon Thars Jackie Brighton woke up in a Dumpster this morning, and her day has only gotten weirder.

Her familiar B-cups have somehow become double Ds, her sex drive is insatiable, and apparently she had her first one-night stand ever… with a fallen angel. All she remembers is gorgeous Noah’s oddly hypnotic blue eyes… and then a dark stranger whose bite transformed her into an immortal siren with a sexy Itch.

With help from Noah, Jackie begins to adapt to her new lifestyle—until she accidentally sends Noah into the deadly clutches of the vampire queen and lands herself in a fierce battle for an ancient halo with the queen’s wickedly hot righthand man. Who just happens to be the vampire who originally bit her. How’s a girl supposed to save the world when the enemy’s so hard to resist?

This is the publisher’s blurb for an upcoming novel called Gentlemen Prefer Succubi

by Jill Myles. This is not some genre fantasy novel for the nerdy kids on the bus but a mainstream romance, ostensibly written for adults, sexy angel, vampire queen, ancient halo and all.

Maybe it’s the economy, maybe it’s the national malaise, or maybe it’s just too much time on our hands, but mainstream America has plunged headlong into the kind of escapist entertainments that used to be the ghetto of guys in clamdiggers and girls in Snoopy sweatshirts. Boy wizards, teen superheroes, lost islands and (ugh) sparkly vampires are now our must-see viewing. There is no appreciable difference between the hours spent in World of Warcraft and the hours spent obsessing over stats for our make-believe football teams or pretending to be mafiosi on the Faceyspace.

No longer do the cool kids rule the school. The star-bellied Sneetches don’t own the beaches anymore. We are now Geek Nation.

Therefore I can tell you about a novel, based on a comic book, about an epic struggle between a fairy tale and a tongue-twister without a smidge of embarrassment. Which is great because Bill Willingham’s Peter & Max: A Fables Novel (Vertigo, 2009) is a whole lot of fun.

Even if you’ve never read the comic (which I haven’t, but I really want to now), Willingham brings the reader up to speed handily in the first chapter. The conceit here is that all our fairy tales, nursery rhymes and folk yarns are distillations of events that actually happened to people and creatures from other worlds who have taken refuge among us. In a pocket of Manhattan lives an enclave of immortal heroes, Snow White living side-by-side with Little Boy Blue and Jack the Giant-Killer, while on a secluded farm upstate live the Three Little Pigs and all the other talking animals of yore. All of them have adjusted well to life in the 21st century, under a universal truce enforced by a reformed Big Bad Wolf. These are not Disney toons, however—their stories are deeper, grittier and often bloodier than even the Brothers Grimm imagined.

Case in point is Peter Piper. All we know of Peter is that one time back in the day he picked a peck of pickled peppers, but what we didn’t know was that he did so while his family was on the run from a savage army overrunning, raping and pillaging the Hesse, the world from which our German fables come. We didn’t know Peter was the finest player in a family of traveling musicians, gifted with the family heirloom, a flute with magical properties.

And we didn’t know that jealousy and the ravages of war had driven his older brother Max insane and sent him on a quest to find an even more powerful instrument, one which over time gave him the power to bend reality to his will, as the rats and the parents of Hamelin Town learned to their sorrow as Max the Pied Piper stole their children to repay the dark forces that gave him his magic.

Willingham cuts back and forth between the past, where Peter and his childhood sweetheart Bo Peep become lost and separated and forced into lives of crime, while mad Max stalks them to claim Peter’s flute as his own birthright, and the present day in our world, where Peter and a scarred and crippled Bo prepare for a final showdown against an enemy grown so powerful that no one among the Fables, not even the Big Bad Wolf or the puissant witch Frau Totenkinder (the statute of limitations having run out on the whole Hansel and Gretel business), can possibly stop him. The result is an exciting and surprisingly emotional adventure that takes the most threadbare of concepts and runs gloriously with it.

Fans of Neil Gaiman, Angela Carter and, especially, Gregory Maguire know the kind of magic I’m talking about here, and Bill Willingham slings his spell with just that kind of wildcat skill. Granted, there are no sexy vampires in it, but if you need one of those, just look up—they’re freakin’ everywhere.

In Other News of the Not-So-Geeky Variety: Acclaimed poet Dorianne Laux, National Book Award finalist and winner of the Pushcart Prize, headlines an evening of readings at Ciné on Friday, Nov. 13, with Heather Cousins opening. The program begins at 7 p.m. and looks to be an outstanding evening of great poetry.

John G. Nettles

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

11

movie dope Some releases may not be showing locally this week.

2012 (PG-13) Roland Emmerich jumps some 12,000 years ahead of his last feature, 10,000 B.C., for his latest disaster pic. Emmerich is one destruction-loving German, and the end of the world scenario offered by the Mayan calendar opens up all kinds of worldwide chaos to direct. John Cusack stars as the regular dude trying to save the world from the apocalypse.

With Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt, Danny Glover and Woody Harrelson.

AMELIA (PG) I have found myself surprisingly moved and excited by the trailers for The Namesake director Mira Nair’s biopic of legendary aviatrix Amelia Earhart, who disappeared in 1937 while attempting a record-breaking flight around the world. As Earhart, Hilary Swank is nearly guaranteed her third Oscar nomination; can she extend her winning streak? With Richard Gere as Earhart’s husband, publisher George Putnam, and Ewan McGregor as her lover, Gene Vidal.

ASTRO BOY (PG) Osamu Tezuka’s groundbreaking manga series becomes a beautifully animated, not terribly memorable feature film. Astro Boy (v.

Freddie Highmore, Finding Neverland) was built by his “father,” Dr. Tenma (v. Nicolas Cage), after Tenma lost his son. Unable to replace Tenma’s human child as he was built to, Astro runs off in search of acceptance. Director David Bowers (Flushed Away) crafts an incredible looking non-Pixar, nonDreamWorks CG feature, but Astro Boy lacks the other Pixar/DreamWorks intangibles that leave a lasting impression.

BLACK DYNAMITE (R) Another homage to blaxploitation, Black Dynamite stars co-writer Michael Jai White (Spawn) as the titular hero who must avenge his brother’s murder and right neighborhood wrongs all the way to the White House (James McManus plays

Richard Nixon himself). I kind of hope this movie actually makes it to Athens.

Winner of the Seattle International Film Festival’s Golden Space Needle Award for Best Film. With Arsenio Hall and “In Living Color”’s Tommy Davidson.

THE BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY (R) Writer-director Troy Duffy mines his only successful film, a box office bust turned cult fave, for its inevitable sequel. The Brothers MacManus, Connor (former “Young Indiana Jones” Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus), leave their idyllic life on the family farm in Ireland and return to Boston to take revenge on the mob that killed their favorite priest. With Julie Benz (“Angel” and “Dexter”), Clifton Collins Jr., Billy Connolly, Judd Nelson and Peter Fonda.

THE BOX (PG-13) See Movie Pick.

BRIGHT STAR (PG) Now considered the last—and arguably—greatest Romantic poet, John Keats experienced little triumph, critical or financial, while alive. Due to his weakened pecuniary state, Keats was unable to marry the love of his life, Fanny Brawne. Their doomed, three-year love affair comes to torridly chaste life in Academy Award-winner Jane Campion’s newest film, her best since 1993’s The Piano, and the most tragically romantic film I have seen in ages.

CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY (R) A bit drier than firebrand filmmaker Michael Moore’s usual polemics, Capitalism: A Love Story is scary and depressing. Moore compellingly connects the dots between our elected representatives and the greedy bastards on Wall Street without forgetting us the little people who keep losing our houses. Love him or hate him, Moore is a hell of a documentarian, whose brilliant sense of humor and irony save him from his own self-serving sermonizing. After the refreshingly bipartisan

Sicko, Capitalism reverts to the Bushbashing for which Fahrenheit 9/11 was demonized.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (PG) Oscarwinning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis’ third foray into motion-capture animation is his most successful. ‘Oliday Spirit is piled in waist-high drifts, and the animation is absolutely gorgeous, if still perched on the edge of the “uncanny valley.” Carrey voices multiple roles as Ebenezer Scrooge, young Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. His old

Wanna see my nerd collection?

Scrooge is the most successful. Gary Oldman makes an oddly appropriate Bob Cratchit and Marley. The problem with this newest version of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic is its familiarity, which has grown a tad musty.

Scenes drag on too long when you know exactly what is going to happen.

Plus, Disney’s definitive version of Carol belongs to Mickey and the fowl Scrooge.

COCO BEFORE CHANEL (PG-13) Before Coco Chanel was Coco Chanel, she was Gabrielle Chanel. Amelie star Audrey Tautou is drawing raves and Oscar buzz for this biopic of the famous French designer, who started out in

M OVIE L ISTI NG S

Theater schedules often change after our deadline. Please call ahead.

ACC LIBRARY (706-613-3650) Gigante (NR) 7:00 (Th. 11/12)

BEECHWOOD (706-546-1011)

Due to production deadlines, Beechwood movie times are only accurate through Nov. 12. Visit www.flagpole.com for updated times.

Amelia (PG) 4:05, 7:05, 9:45 Astro Boy (PG) 4:35 The Box (PG-13) 4:10, 7:05, 9:45 A Christmas Carol 3D (PG) 5:10, 7:30, 9:55 Couples Retreat (PG-13) 7:05, 9:45 (no show W. 11/11) The Fourth Kind (PG-13) 5:15, 7:35, 9:55 Law Abiding Citizen (R) 4:10, 7:15, 9:45 The Men Who Stare at Goats (R) 5:20, 7:40, 10:00 Paranormal Activity (R) 5:15, 7:25, 9:35 This Is It (PG) 4:15, 7:00, 9:40 Where the Wild Things Are (PG) 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

CARMIKE 12 (706-354-0016)

Due to production deadlines, Carmike 12 movie times are only accurate through Nov. 12. Visit www.flagpole.com for updated times.

2012 (PG-13) midnight (Th. 11/12) The Box (PG-13) 1:30, 4:20, 7:00, 9:35 A Christmas Carol 3D (PG) 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50 Couples Retreat (PG-13) 1:20, 4:35, 7:05, 9:35 The Fourth Kind (PG-13) 1:45, 4:35, 7:10, 9:40 Law Abiding Citizen (R) 1:20, 4:35, 7:20, 10:00 The Men Who Stare at Goats (R) 1:15, 3:25, 5:35, 7:45, 9:55

12

Paranormal Activity (PG-13) 1:10, 3:20, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50 Saw VI (R) 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45, 10:00 This Is It (PG) 12:45, 1:45, 3:20, 4:20, 5:55, 7:00, 8:30, 9:40 Where the Wild Things Are (PG) 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:30

CINÉ (706-353-3343)

Bright Star (PG) 4:45 (add’l time Th. 11/12: 7:15) Capitalism: A Love Story (R) 9:40 (new times F. 11/13: 4:30) Coco Before Chanel (PG-13) 5:15, 7:30, 9:45 (new times F. 11/13: 7:30, 9:45) (add’l time Su. 11/15: 2:30) (no 9:45 show Su. 11/15) Cold Souls (PG-13) 7:15, 9:30 (add’l time Su. 11/15: 2:15) (no 9:30 show Su. 11/15) (starts F. 11/13) The Room (R) midnight (F. 11/13) Silent Country (NR) 7:00 (W. 11/11)

GEORGIA SQUARE 5 (706-548-3426)

Due to production deadlines, Georgia Square Five movie times are only accurate through Nov. 12. Visit www.flagpole. com for updated times.

All About Steve (PG-13) 5:20, 7:40, 10:05 The Hangover (R) 5:25, 7:55, 10:15 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (PG) 7:45 Inglourious Basterds (R) 4:30, 8:00 Shorts (PG) 5:15, 7:35, 9:55

TATE CENTER THEATER (706-542-6396)

District 9 (R) 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45 (F. 11/13 and Su. 11/15) Independence Day (PG-13) 8:00 (Th. 11/12)

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ NOVEMBER 11, 2009

an orphanage. Coco Before Chanel is writer-director Anne Fontaine’s second buzzy release of the year. (The Girl from Monaco garnered some nice pub back in July.) With Benoit Poelvoorde (Man Bites Dog), Alessandro Nivola (Junebug), Marie Gillain, and Emmanuelle Devos (A Christmas Tale).

COLD SOULS (PG-13) How Charlie Kaufman-esque! Paul Giamatti plays an actor named Paul Giamatti, who pays to have his soul disembodied.

Unfortunately, Paul is a victim of soul trafficking and must travel to Russia to

retrieve it from a soap opera actress.

Writer-director Sophie Barthes’s feature debut was nominated for Sundance’s Grand Jury Prize. With Emily Watson, David Strathairn and Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under”).

COUPLES RETREAT (PG-13) Writers Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau and Dana Fox also star in this lazily glued-together sitcom collage of misunderstandings about sex, massages, et cetera and platitudes about the hard work it takes to maintain the two-way street of a relationship.

THE DAMNED UNITED (R) The Damned United documents British coaching legend Brian Clough’s (the very, very underrated Michael Sheen) 44-day tenure as the leader of Leeds United. Timothy Spall (Harry Potter’s Peter Pettigrew) costars as Clough’s coaching companion, Peter Taylor.

Two-time Oscar-nominee Peter Morgan (The Last King of Scotland, The Queen) contributed the screenplay for the film, directed by Emmy-winner Tom Hooper (“Elizabeth I”). With Colm Meaney, Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent, This Is England’s Stephen Graham and Elizabeth Carling.

DARE (R) Three high school seniors—aspiring actress and good girl Alexa Walker (Emmy Rossum, The Phantom of the Opera), her best friend Ben Berger (Ashley Springer, Teeth) and bad boy Johnny Drake (Zach Gilford of “Friday Night Lights”)—become embroiled in an intimate, complicated relationship.

The trailer looks kind of CW-y. With Ana Gasteyer, Rooney Mara, Sandra Bernhard and Alan Cumming. Directed

by Adam Salky. Nominated for the coveted Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

DISTRICT 9 (R) South-African writer-director Neill Blomkamp’s aliens-among-us romp blasts into the upper echelons of modern sciencefiction allegory. For the past 20 years, insectile aliens, derisively nicknamed “Prawns,” have resided in slums constructed just outside of Johannesburg.

This new underclass of illegal aliens anger the populace. They don’t look like us; the government must waste valuable resources caring for them.

Riots break out. Aliens die. People die.

AN EDUCATION (PG-13) Teenaged Jenny (Carey Mulligan) comes of age in the 1960s suburban London upon the arrival of David (Peter Sarsgaard), a playboy nearly twice her age. Mulligan is winning raves and positioning herself on the shortlist of potential Oscar dark horses. Director Lone Scherfig also helmed Italian for Beginners and bestselling novelist Nick Hornby (High Fidelity and About a Boy) adapted the memoir by Lynn Barber. Winner of the Dramatic World Cinema Audience Award, Cinematography Award, as well as a Grand Jury Prize nomination from the Sundance Film Festival.

FANTASTIC MR. FOX (PG) A clever Fox (v. George Clooney) attempts to outsmart the angry, neighboring farmers. The trailer for quixotic auteur Wes Anderson’s stop-motion animated adaptation of Roald Dahl’s not quite as classic as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (or James and the Giant Peach, for that matter). It will be interesting to see if family audiences warm to the second hip children’s film of fall. Featuring the voices of Meryl Streep and Anderson regulars, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray and Owen Wilson.

THE FOURTH KIND (PG-13) The Fourth Kind, a Blair Witch-y alien abduction thriller, suffers comparisons to recent horror phenomenon, Paranormal Activity. In fact, The Fourth Kind deserves a look. The chutzpah of filmmaker Olatunde Osunsanmi in his second film pays off. The writerdirector successfully combines fake interviews of purportedly real abductees with Hollywood-level recreations starring Milla Jovovich, Will Patton and Elias Koteas for a chilling genre flick that will have gullible filmgoers frightened for months. Nonetheless, the movie is about alien abduction, and all the cinematic trickery in the world probably will not hook folks who have never been particularly interested in bogus encounters of the fourth kind.

GENTLEMEN BRONCOS (PG13) Science-fiction author Ronald Chevalier (the excellent, Emmynominated Jemaine Clement from Flight of the Conchords, the band and the TV program) battles plagiarism charges leveled by a teenage writer, Benjamin Purvis (The Forbidden Kingdom’s Michael Angarano), homeschooled by his eccentric mother (Jennifer Coolidge). Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess tries to recover from his poorly received sophomore effort, Nacho Libre. Cowritten

by Hess’ wife, Jerusha. With Sam Rockwell and producer Mike White.

GIGANTE (NR) Jara (Horacio Camandule), a security guard at a grocery store, falls for the late shift janitor, Julia (Leonor Svarcas), while watching the store’s surveillance cameras.

Writer-director Adrian Biniez’s debut feature won the Berlin International Film Festival’s Alfred Bauer Award, Best Debut Film prize, and Silver Berlin Bear; the Chicago International Film Festival’s Gold Hugo; and the San Sebastian Internaional Film Festival’s Horizons Award.

THE HANGOVER (R) When three buddies—married schoolteacher Phil

(Bradley Cooper), emasculated dentist Stu (Ed Helms), and strange Alan (Zack Galifianakis)—take their pal, Doug (Justin Bartha), to Las Vegas for his bachelor party, all hell breaks loose.

The fifth feature from Todd Phillips, The Hangover is a perfect comedic convergence that’s funnier than it deserves to be.

THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL (R) The House of the Devil sounds like my kind of movie. College coed Samantha (Jocelin Donahue) takes a lucrative babysitting job at a Victorian mansion in the middle of nowhere. Lo and behold, it coincides with a full lunar eclipse needed to complete a satanic ritual. Writer-director Ti West also helmed a seemingly DOA sequel to Eli Roth’s Cabin Fever and is in pre-production on a flick titled The Haunting in Georgia. With cameos from genre vets Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov and Dee Wallace.

ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS (PG) Don’t expect any surprises in the third installment of the mammoth animated franchise that isn’t Shrek or produced by Pixar. Ice Age: DotD is just for the kiddies.

INDEPENDENCE DAY (PG-13) This Roland Emmerich-Dean Devlin spectacle seemed the height of cool the summer of its release, but this close encounter of the worst kind has not aged well. Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum still bring the funny, but Bill Pullman’s president is logy when he should be rousing. At least the effects remain top-notch. Though the rampant destruction of famed landmarks never fails to electrify, ID4 is no longer an alien pic about which to phone home.

LAW ABIDING CITIZEN (R) Despite a couple of spurts of over-the-top violence, Law Abiding Citizen should please those moviegoers looking for the latest generic thriller that puts a couple of big name stars (Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler) through the predictable paces. Butler works too hard as Clyde Shelton, a mild-mannered guy who goes all Death Wish meets Jigsaw after the justice system fails to adequately punish the guys who killed his wife and daughter. Clyde’s elaborate revenge scheme, which crosses from movie farfetched to patently unbelievable by the big reveal, targets the entire municipal government of Philadelphia.

THE LEGEND OF RITA (NR) 2000.

Director Volker Schlöndorff’s Blue Angel-winner follows Ria (Bibiana Beglau) as she transitions from West German terrorist to East German proletariat. Part of Wendekino: Cinema of Political Transformation: The Fall of the Berlin Wall & the Revolutions of 1989 in German and Eastern European Film, a film festival presented by Ciné and the Department of Germanic & Slavic Studies to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Films will be introduced by Germanic & Slavic and Theater & Film Studies faculty.

THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS (R) See Movie Pick.

THE MESSENGER (R) Films about the Iraq War still have not proved popular with audiences, but I’m Not There screenwriter Oren Moverman is testing the waters with his directorial debut. A soldier (the buzzy Ben Foster) struggles with his conscience after falling for the widow of a fallen officer.

Woody Harrelson has been getting some positive pub. Winner of the Silver Berlin Bear and the Peace Film Award from the Berlin International Film Festival and two Best Film prizes from the Deauville Film Festival.

NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU (R) Shia LeBeouf, Natalie Portman, The Hangover’s breakout star Bradley Cooper, Blake Lively, Orlando Bloom, Robin Wright Penn, Hayden Christensen, Drea de Matteo, Christina Ricci, John Hurt, Ethan Hawke,

James Caan, Justin Bartha, Chris Cooper, Andy Garcia, Julie Christie, Eli Wallach, Cloris Leachman, Irrfan Khan and many, many more star in an anthology of love stories set in New York City directed by the likes of Fatih Akin (The Edge of Heaven), Shekhar Kapur, Mira Nair, Brett Ratner and star Portman.

ONG BAK 2 (R) Tien (Tony Jaa) must use his fighting skills to get revenge on the man who killed his parents.

Director and star Jaa reportedly took a two month sabbatical before returning to finish shooting the movie with the help of writer Panna Rittikrai.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (R) Micah and Katie (Micah Sloat and Katie Featherston) think their new house is haunted. Micah buys a fancy new camera to record the unusual things that go bump in the night. After a tedious 10 minutes or so, the movie reels you in like a marathon of “Ghost Hunters.”

With the help of a psychic, Micah and Katie discover the entity is not a ghost but a demon, and it is not the house that is being haunted. It is Katie.

Paranormal Activity updates Robert Wise’s psychological The Haunting with a modern technological savvy, and the film’s simplicity—two people, a camera and a haunted house—is never its flaw. l PIRATE RADIO (R) The ‘60s-era comedy stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) and Rhys Ifans as rogue DJs illegally spinning rock and roll platters from a ship in the middle of the North Sea. Originally titled The Boat That Rocked, Four Weddings and a Funeral Oscar-nominee Richard Curtis’ follow-up to his directorial debut, Love Actually, does not seem like the sort of film his high-class romcom fanbase has been awaiting. I adore Curtis yet find myself no more than moderately excited by the trailer.

PRECIOUS (R) Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire tells the story of an overweight illiterate teen mother (Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe), who is pregnant with her second child when she gets a chance to turn her life around at an alternative school. I never thought I would write that Mo’Nique is generating serious Oscar buzz with her portrayal of Precious’ abusive mother.

Can the Sundance favorite score with the larger moviegoing audience?

Public plugs from mega-producers and tastemakers Oprah and Tyler Perry should help. Written and directed by Lee Daniels. With Mariah Carey.

RACHEL CORRIE (NR) Rachel Corrie: An American Conscience documents the life and death of International Solidarity Movement member Rachel Corrie and other international peace keepers trying to protect Palestinians.

Corrie was killed by an Israel Defense Forces bulldozer in 2003. Amanda Adams will perform a segment of the play, My Name Is Rachel Corrie. Half of the proceeds will go to Palestinian aid, and you can purchase Zatoun Olive Oil, made by Palestinian farmers, at the screening.

THE ROOM (R) 2003. An awful picture beloved by two of my favorite ensembles, “The State” and “Arrested Development.” Wiseau’s film is supposedly THE new cult phenomenon.

SAW VI (R) Jigsaw AKA John Kramer (Tobin Bell) continues teaching moral lessons from beyond the grave thanks to Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor). The ethically corrective premise of Jigsaw’s games is undermined by the innocence of many of Saw VI’s victims. A gory, didactic, preachy polemic against the insurance biz, Saw VI is intensely dull.

A SERIOUS MAN (R) The Oscarwinning Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan, return with a black comedy set in the late 1960s. Midwestern prof Larry

Gopnik’s (Michael Stuhlbarg) life starts to fall apart after his brother (Richard Kind) takes up semi-permanent residence in his home. His wife, Judith (Sari Lennick), is preparing to leave him; his son is stealing his money for pot; and his daughter is stealing to finance a nose job. The trailer is a work of art. I’m really excited about this one.

ST. TRINIAN’S (PG-13) A smash hit in its native Britain, St. Trinian’s stars Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace’s Strawberry Fields) as the ringleader of a gang of private school girls who plan a heist to save their rundown institution. The cast includes Rupert Everett and Colin Firth so it’s got that going for it.

THIS IS IT (PG) This Is It is a wonderful memorial to this strange man who thrilled millions. While the film will appeal most to MJ’s superfans, only the most virulent haters will not find some moment that proves his right to reign as the eternal King of Pop. TRUCKER (R) A carefree trucker, Diane Ford (Michelle Monaghan), looks to settle down after taking in her son (Jimmy Bennett, Star Trek). Then again, Trucker does have Nathan Fillion in it, so it can’t be all bad.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (PG) Rambunctious Max (tremendous little Max Records) angers his single mother (Catherine Keener) while she is trying to entertain a male friend (Mark Ruffalo). Running away from home, Max hops in a boat and travels to a land of wild things where he becomes king. It is quite impressive what director Spike Jonze and cowriter Dave Eggers do with Maurice Sendak’s beloved 339 words. They expand upon his wild world, populated by giant-headed monsters and a boy in a wolfsuit named Max, with the same imaginative recklessness as Sendak.

Drew Wheeler

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NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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The Constellations / The Dirty Guv’nahs

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movie pick Open the Box THE BOX (PG-13) Donnie Darko writer-director Kelly dials up the imagery. The Sartre nod Richard Kelly bombed big-time with his secdrops like a sledgehammer, and a bit of bibliond feature, Southland Tales, a strange genre cal sexism peeks out from under Kelly’s skirts mashup that even the most diehard Darkos when he shows a second wife hurriedly presshave a hard time justifying. Thankfully, The ing the button while her hubby sits, doing Box is a razor-sharp, straight-faced send-up nothing. Eve, the apple, and original sin of 1970s supernatural flicks that sticks its much, Kelly? landing despite a logy last act. Argh, Richard Still, the filmmaker is a visualist who Kelly, can’t you just make a complete picture spares no period detail. The wallpaper blinds, for once? as do the shirt and Based on a short tie combos. Every story by fantasy/ time the television sci-fi/horror legend is on, a popular ‘70s Richard Matheson, sitcom blares. The The Box is a device digital camera he and offered by Arlington director of photogSteward (Frank raphy Sam B. Poster Langella) to unsuschoose covers the pecting couples. They mystery in the fuzzy are then faced with gauze of aged, nona moral dilemma. remastered celluloid.

James Marsden and Cameron Diaz Press the button and If only the film someone they do not were not so slowly know will die; in exchange, they will receive paced and buzzkillingly boring when the ten$1 million. sion should be ratcheted up for the finale.

The Lewises, Arthur and Norma (James For all the criticism, I really enjoyed Kelly’s Marsden and Cameron Diaz), live a seemingly third film and think it ambitious, flawed and perfect existence: he works for NASA; she sufficiently mysterious. But I do wonder if teaches Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit at a preseven Kelly knows where he means the film tigious private school. Soon money troubles to be creepy and where he means it to be lead them to contemplate Mr. Steward’s offer. comical.

You quickly get a sense that their decision cannot turn out well.

Drew Wheeler

movie pick A Glance Will Suffice THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS (R) George Clooney and his Oscar-nominated producing partner Grant Heslov, directing his second feature, aim for a modern absurdist war satire like Dr. Strangelove, M*A*S*H or Catch-22.

Their target, the Iraq War, deserves a shot or two, but the star, director and writer Peter Straughan miss, not by a lot, but by enough to let their wounded quarry escape.

Nebbishy newspaper reporter Bob Wilton (an ill-cast Ewan McGregor) leaves the safety of Ann Arbor, MI for dangerous embedding in Iraq after his wife leaves him for his one-armed editor. (Gags like that sum up the humor of The Men Who Stare at Goats almost perfectly.) In Iraq, Bob serendipitously meets Lyn Cassady (Clooney), a polite George Clooney loony claiming to have been part of the U.S. Army’s New Earth Battalion.

I wish the entire film had followed the funny formation, training and deployment of what Lyn calls the Jedi warriors. Founder Bill Django (Jeff Bridges), a Vietnam vet turned peace-loving hippie soldier, sells Brigadier General Dean Hopgood (Stephen Lang) on the idea of a force of psi-soldiers capable of telepathy, invisibility and running through

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ NOVEMBER 11, 2009

walls. Django believes the world’s remaining superpower has to be the first to develop soldiers with superpowers.

The introduction of disaffected, failed sci-fi author Larry Hooper (Kevin Spacey) throws the unit off-kilter, ultimately leading to the dissolution of the battalion and the film into smug, unfocused pacifism. McGregor helps the film little, finding nothing else but whine in Bob’s poorly scripted audience proxy, and many of his jokes fall flat from the sheer force of their delivery.

Despite the script and Heslov’s goonish direction, Clooney, Bridges and Spacey perform like the professional old hams they are. None should be adding their work in the film to their award reels, but without them, the film might be an utter failure.

Anyone entertained by the Boston-scored trailer for The Men Who Stare at Goats will leave with a smile but have little reason to stare when a single viewing will satisfy. These Men definitely will never achieve the timeless ranks of General “Buck” Turgidson or Captains Yossarian, “Hawkeye” Pierce or “Trapper” McIntyre.

Drew Wheeler

Party Party Partners Present:

Music News And Gossip Lots of stuff this week, people. Let’s just get started below…

Reaching Reacher: Orange Twin Records will release a new 12” vinyl record by Geoff Reacher sometime in the coming months. I agree that sounds cryptic. In fact, they better hurry up if the projected release time of “this fall” is going to be met. In other news, it looks like Reacher will make it down to Athens in December, and I’ll get you more info as soon as I know myself. Until then, keep refreshing www.orangetwin.com/reacher.html until it’s updated.

Insert Bad Hipster Pun Here: The New Earth Music Hall continues to bring creative bookings to Athens, and the latest is Raquy and the Cavemen along with opening act Sulukule Bellydance Ensemble. From Brooklyn, NY, Raquy and the Cavemen play traditional Middle Eastern and Egyptian music interpreted through electronic instrumenta-

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Raquy and the Cavemen tion and modern drumming. Bandleader Raquy Danziger has traveled extensively through the regions from which her music comes and plays the (Arabic hand drum) Dumbek and the violin-like Iranian Kamanche. The event takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Danziger will host an all-levels drumming workshop at 6:30 p.m., and the Sulukule Bellydance Ensemble will perform at 8 p.m. with Raquy and the Cavemen going on around 8:30 p.m. For more information, please see www.newearthmusic hall.com.

Congratulations: A big, hearty congratulations goes out to Linda Phillips, founder of Nuçi’s Space, who received the Key to the City from Mayor Heidi Davison on Saturday, Oct. 24. The key was presented to Phillips at the space during its ninth anniversary celebration. Phillips was resolute about turning the tragedy of Nuçi Phillips’ 1996 suicide into something that would truly help troubled musicians.

There’s now no question as to her success in this effort. So, thank you, Mrs. Phillips, for giving our town a resource that has helped so many and confirmed Athens as a place where musicians are actually supported and encouraged by peers and thoughtful professionals.

For more info, please see www.nuci.org.

Put on Your Sunday Shoes: Nate Mitchell (Cars Can Be Blue) is hosting another Sunday dance party with the always stellar DJ Kurt Wood and DJ Mahogany. The event takes place on Sunday, Nov. 15 at Ben’s Bikes (670 W. Broad St.), which is located beneath Southern Video.

Um, be sure to go in the correct door as going in the wrong one may find you surprised and blushing. Ray Burg’s Eye Gate Lightshow and Sabrina Cuadra (Whistling School for Boys) will provide visual stimulation. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the plan is to serve Southern home-cooking not terribly long after that.

The event is officially free, but be a pal and throw some bucks in the donation bucket.

Mitchell would also like to stress that since this event is also his birthday party, he’d like to see everyone dressed “as sharply as possible.” So, consider that and act accordingly.

Wrap ‘Em Up, Drop ‘Em Off: Got big dreams?

Want to share those dreams with the secondlargest music conglomerate in the world?

Well, listen up. Sony Music Nashville, in conjunction with UGA’s Music Business Program, is hosting the Southern Talent Expo on Thursday, Nov. 19. Artists interested in participating can drop off their demo at the Music Business office at 202 Caldwell Hall on UGA’s north campus.

The reps from Sony will be there collecting them and talking with submitters.

Their plan is to listen to all demos submitted and then choose five to 10 of the acts and host a showcase.

The winner of the showcase will then get to perform a few songs in front of real, live Sony executives.

Surely, there must be a few of you out there who feel like a little hoop-jumping.

This demo submission is open to all genres. Questions can be directed to Sony’s Duane Hobson via duane. hobson@sonymusic.com.

Rest In Peace: The news from Brooklyn, NY came early on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 8. While attending a benefit party in Williamsburg, drummer Gerhardt “Jerry” Fuchs suffered a fall in an elevator shaft which left him unresponsive to emergency medical personnel. He was rushed to the hospital and passed away shortly thereafter.

He was 34 years old. The devastation of this tragic accident has affected the Athens music scene to an incredibly deep degree. Jerry’s connection to this town stretches back to the very early ‘90s with The Martians, a band he helped found. His propulsive, measured and assured drumming technique was the stuff of legend, and his services were much in demand over the past two decades. The short list of bands he kept time for include Space Cookie, LCD Soundsystem, New York’s The Juan McLean, Vineland, Turing Machine and Athens’ own Maserati. A University of Georgia graduate, Jerry was also an illustrator and worked, for a time, as a clerk on Wall Street. The number of friends he left is countless, but all will attest to his persistent smile, joking mannerisms, friendliness, dedication and loyalty. He is sadly missed and we are so fortunate to have known him. Please check Flagpole.com for more information as it becomes available.

Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

” S PE

A C ES

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A Triple CD Release Show!

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eon-ized fluorescent green and yellow loafs of paper, bootstrapped together, duct-taped, with hand-written approximations of cursive and D’Nealian read: “<<www.partypartypartners.com>>.” And beneath it, more: “Athens, GA.” Written smaller: “Record label. Booking. Peace.”

Let me rephrase this. In the entrance of the Secret Squirrel—the underground venue and the last vestige of Athens’ storied houseshow scene, AKA, the HQ of the Party Party Partners brand—the sign for the PPP record label is some POS jerry-rigged pieces of computer paper, ripped tape, and someone who post-art crudely graffitied the name “Nick G” in red pen, on the side of it all. Cool.

This is all to say, the sign is probably a metaphor for the Party Party Partners ethos— DIY, fun, makeshift and populist—but the banner doesn’t likely point to the PPP’s elaborate projects, its work ethic or its for-thepeople-and-for-the-sake-of-art agenda. This is naturally achieved with a not-too-cool-forschool inclusiveness and with a tongue firmly implanted in cheek. Read: not self-serious, and so is the brand’s mastermind, Mercer West, of the jangly, sloppy and typically unorthodoxinstrument-equipped bands Mouser, Bubbly Mommy Gun and Quiet Hooves. He could be called Athens’ patron saint of “free” arts, or at least moderately priced art, as he conspicuously (as in “I have to do this but don’t want to do this”) carries around his infamous tin can, asking concert goers for a donation for the touring bands.

Since summer 2007, PPP has basically been a branding exercise for West’s prolific booking, perhaps climaxing with last spring’s 100-plus band SXSW showcase, an umbrella for West and his buds’ musical projects. Now the outfit includes a ragtag group of various local creative-type collaborators with an interest in taking the label to the next level.

To celebrate, the PPP dudes are throwing a fancy party. You could call it a “coming out party”: it’s part CD release, part drunkfest, part WTF-o-thon. There’s also supposed to be some sort of food there, and to give you a sense of just how great a PPP party can be, for Halloween, they gave out full-sized turkey legs as hors d’oeuvres. To hype the event the group is presenting a trippy window display installation at Wuxtry Records with “televisions, collages and throbbing light shafts.”

Check it out.

Included with the price of admission is a CD-R of PPP music. The show itself is a pretty value-loaded affair overall, with a “psychedelic light show happening courtesy of Ray Burg’s EYEGATE, a group of folks making old-fashioned trippy hocus pocus” and “video installations courtesy of VIDEO PROGRAM, a VHS video installation and performance crew consisting of Julian Bozeman (of Quiet Hooves) and John Crowe.”

Mouser, Quiet Hooves and Bubbly Mommy Gun are all celebrating the release of a new album’s worth of fresh material. Non-PPP and precociously rad Reptar will close the evening.

Anything but CDs As music becomes almost solely a free commodity, it appears the only way to monetize the experience is through making the whole affair something special. To wit, at concerts these days bands sell more cassettes and vinyl than CDs, which most people barely even have the means to play anymore. PPP gets this and are prepping a bevy of releases with an emphasis on hyper-limited-release, handmade and one-of-a-kind music packaging. Most of these releases will be available the night of the show. Quiet Hooves, the left-of-center octet and brainchild of Julian Bozeman, is set to sell a split EP with four songs produced by The Dream Scene’s Javier Morales, and four songs previewing The Dream Scene’s triplealbum magnum opus, to be released later this year. Mouser, which features a sizable orchestral live-setup, will be coming out with its first album, Storm Dumps. Happy-guy trio Bubbly Mommy Gum are also prepping its first full-length, Ain’t Got No Favorite Color. Also, there will be a sampler of some baroque pop interpretations of Christmas jammy jams from The Dream Scene. Quiet Hooves will also have a reissue of No Mare o’ Mine available in cassette form. There should be some limited edition handmade posters and a psychedelic VHS tape, too. Word on the street is there will be a PPP-branded Snuggie. Most of these tracks are available on download cards for the technophiles and in cassette form for the technophobe. Whew, that was a lot.

“All prices are negotiable,” says West. “We just want to get the music out there.”

PPP will also present the re-launch of their website, www.partypartypartners.com and a revamped www.heyguys.biz, which is where all the shows at the Secret Squirrel and other West-booked events are posted.

Basically, this is exciting stuff, as it seems PPP is planning this extensive gesamtkunstwerk production, or at least something akin to the type of all-out carnivalia that those Wham City guys have reportedly been producing up in Baltimore. Thanks, dudes.

Christopher Benton

WHO: Mouser, Quiet Hooves, Bubbly Mommy Gun, Reptar WHERE: 40 Watt Club WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 p.m.

HOW MUCH: $6 (21+), $8 (18+)

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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Quiet Hooves Photo by Mike White · deadlydesigns.com

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Langhorne Slim is a minimalist existing on an expansionist’s plane. His simple folk songs coast on a majestic undertow, like the common act of waking up to the most uncommonly beautiful sunrise you’ve ever seen. He’s a man of extremes, and on Be Set Free he astonishingly mixes the humble and the grand into a completely believable, legitimate and strikingly lovely sound that could crush your average soft boy guitarist without so much as a right hook.

But don’t take all the vast nature allusions to mean he’s some sort of folksy earth brother. With soulful, country songwriting chops and the voice of a less-wearied Cat Stevens, Slim occupies a hard-to-find spot on the map that most musicians only dream of finding; one where the devil and the downtrodden meet at the crossroads. The deal is forged on the dark entreaty “For a Little While,” a barrage of heartache that leaves you gasping for air and reminds you why people are so addicted to the pain. It’s selfindulgent, but most art is. Be Set Free is a masterpiece. At times toe-tapping, at times slow as honey, it’s as close to perfect as I’ve heard all year.

Jennifer Gibson Langhorne Slim will perform at The Earl in Atlanta on Saturday, Nov. 14.

The opening guitar lines of the album, on “I Think I Need It Too,” are sweeping and inspiring. McCulloch’s vocals are smooth but get slightly gritty in the chorus. Sergeant’s guitar heads into full-on rock mode on “Do You Know Who I Am,” but the short-couplet verse structure is a little boring. But McCulloch reveals he’s still a Bunnyman when he vocalizes his “down-d-down-d-down” at the end of each verse. It’s the first solidly recognizable Bunnymen moment on the album.

The title track is legitimately gorgeous, though, and features a cameo by the otherwise boring Chris Martin (Coldplay). The album hits its apex on “Everlasting Neverendless”; there are moments of true urgency, and the rising chord progression during the bridge and chorus were enough to make me start the whole album over again in order to see if I’d missed any similar moments of greatness… and there were a few.

Is The Fountain an enjoyable album? Yes, in many instances. Is it Ocean Rain? No, and it’s unreasonable to expect it to be. That’s the main flaw with McCulloch’s statement. He inadvertently set The Fountain up for a comparison that is not only unfair to the album but, also, to himself and Sergeant by encouraging people to view this work in light of something done 25 years ago. That’s a hell of a way to get judged.

Gordon Lamb

THE XX XX Young Turks/XL

ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN The Fountain Warner Brothers It’s a bold statement when singer Ian McCulloch proclaims The Fountain is his band’s best work since its landmark 1984 album Ocean Rain. Hell, even the 1987 self-titled album (with the abominable “Lips Like Sugar”) had moments of total Bunnymen genius (e.g., “Bedbugs and Ballyhoo”). From that point, fans get 20-plus years of spotty-at-best albums, breakups, reunions, an entire album without McCulloch (Reverberation), and one that practically has none of guitarist Will Sergeant (What Are You Going to Do with Your Life). Because of all this, McCulloch may well mean it when he says this is the band’s best work in 25 years. And he wouldn’t be entirely wrong, either.

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There is a sheer audacity to this auspicious young London band’s distilled sound. When everything is boiled down to its essence like it is on this debut album, there is no cover.

But its astoundingly sophisticated minimalist pop—a miraculous amalgam of indie electronic, post-punk and R&B—manages to coax an infinity of expression from startlingly austere arrangements. Their razor-sharp sense of economy and precision strikes a compelling tension, while their masterful working of negative space punctuates and activates the immaculately simple sonic elements. Any coldness implied by this architecture is obviated by a strikingly warm and up-close perspective, framed primarily by the stirring vocal exchange between Romy Madley’s whispery soulfulness and Oliver Sim’s gentle, laconic twang.

Impressive moments like the sparse, winding indie rock of “Crystalised” and the window-gazing glitch of “Basic Space” abound. But the heartbreakingly tender future-soul of both “Islands” and “Heart Skipped a Beat” is transcendental.

Lurking somewhere between pre-house Everything But the Girl and a subatomic Peter Bjorn & John, XX is a supremely moody and utterly absorbing work that understands that what’s put in and what’s left out should

be decided with the same amount of rigor and creativity. Despite its studied quietude, this debut’s got the goods to make a very loud splash.

Bao Le-Huu The XX is playing at 529 in Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

MASS SOLO REVOLT Bend in Time Independent Release As Mass Solo Revolt continues to ply its distortion-laden, Pavementindebted guitar rock on Bend in Time, the band seems to be growing restless.

“I’m so tired of love,” singer Martin Brummeler bellows lazily on the chugging “Let’s Pretend.”

“I’m not good at standing still,” he laments on “Boot Strapper,” and on “Swallow” he concedes, “I can’t explain the holes I dig myself into.”

Amid a nostalgic fuzziness that recalls an edgier time in indie-rock’s storied history, a time when music was guided by voices and built to spill, Brummeler’s anachronistic angst seems self-aware. It no longer fits in; it knows it; and it doesn’t care.

It seems strange to call a band atavistic for clinging to post-punk staples (though not too strange for a band so paradoxically named), and Mass Solo Revolt’s sound is by no means dated.

This is not simply a noise-rock retread.

Bend in Time offers catchiness and sonic bravado at all turns, not to mention instrumental flourishes (strings, synths and so on), and most importantly, Brummeler sounds pretty damn earnest in his dissatisfaction.

Angular when not completely chaotic, Bend in Time never lets up, not content to simply follow in the footsteps of its post-punk predecessors.

Rather, this record is ambitious enough to wander from the trail.

Adam Clair

THE DUTCHESS & THE DUKE Sunset/Sunrise Hardly Art Packing a big Stones jones, the stripped-down, hot-blooded rock and roll spirit on the Seattle duo’s debut album made some bona fide noise last year. Backing off something that rousing—as the group has done on this Arcadian follow-up—runs the very real risk of anticlimax. But damn

if these guys ain’t for real. Besides evolving past obvious influences, the triumph of Sunset/Sunrise is the care and deliberation of its execution.

Stylistically, the record is awash in mountain folk, country and gospel.

Though still an impressive model of economy, its sound is grander, more spacious here, remarkably achieving nobility through simplicity. In fact, the record resonates with a richness that comes less from the instruments as it does from sheer soul.

Prime moments include the swooning sways of “Scorpio,” the gospel sweetness of “Living This Life Makes It Hard” and the rustic ‘60s pop of “I Don’t Feel Anything.” But none envelop as completely as the skyward “Hands,” an organ-haunted waltz that rolls out like a majestic mist.

With a deft touch of gravity and drama, The Dutchess & the Duke has emerged with a surprising degree of expressional heft. Sunset/Sunrise is an accomplished work of maturity and radiance that suddenly places the band among the bright young talents who are reinvigorating and redefining folk music.

Bao Le-Huu

OS MUTANTES Haih… or Amortecedor ANTIIn the late 1960s, Brazil’s Os Mutantes married the era’s psych-pop zeitgeist to the sophistication and culture of Brazil’s Tropicália art movement.

The result was a dreamy, defiant folkfunk sound that was both preeminent and precognitive, a butterfly of subtlety sending tsunamis of influence into the future of progressive music.

But that was then. After a 35-year studio hiatus, Haih… or Amortecedor sees the long-prophesied return of founding Mutant (and only remaining original member) Sergio Dias to the house he helped build: one of the world’s most lauded living songwriters resurfaces with an ANTI- release into a musical climate that may finally accept his eccentric vision. Unfortunately though, the album is fractured at best.

To be fair, a large amount of the material is characteristically brilliant.

Dias puts a satisfying emphasis on traditional Brazilian music, especially considering his collaboration with fellow ‘60s Tropicalismo Tom Zé. But the songs are routinely undermined by odd stylistic decisions: an unfortunate amount of Haih flails about in a sassy show tune, like a Tim Burton production of Chicago as scored by 1999 Carlos Santana.

Still, while Haih may lack focus, it’s not without purpose. If nothing else, the album is a reminder, two generations later, that there is a parallel, soon-to-be-distant world of strange, beautiful, analog art-rock. Despite this album’s weaknesses, the career of Os Mutantes is as vital and evident in contemporary music as it was at its preceding peak.

Bryan Aiken

Back in the Saddle

Good, Clean Country from

Broken Road have a plan and a program for guys that have that kind of a problem. So, five years after I’d retired from the road… this band came together. We made a deal that it was going to be family. Now, we just load the kids up on the Prevost bus and take off. Much easier on both the body and mind, now, because it’s just a totally different environment than before.”

Michael Andrews

WHO: Broken Road, Ben Ratliff Band WHERE: Morton Theatre WHEN: Friday, Nov. 13, 8 p.m.

HOW MUCH: $17 (adults), $12 (students), FREE! (children under 12)

a TM

Nashville duo Burns & Poe and a special appearance by vocalist Mark Wills—will coincide with a silent auction to be held in the soda fountain area of the historic downtown venue. Proceeds from the auction of music memorabilia donated by such artists as R.E.M., the Drive-By Truckers, Taylor Swift, Brooks & Dunn and others will go to benefit support programs spearheaded by Nuçi’s Space. Says Smith, the cause supported by the local music venue and resource center is one that resonates on a personal level with him. “(While in Nashville) I was a player at first,” remembers Smith. “All the time we’ve been on the road, we’ve not always been the nice guys. There was a time when I’d drink a half-gallon of Jim Beam a day and live that kind of lifestyle. I think that’s one reason I like Nuçi’s Space so much, because they

zz

chart-topper Wade Hayes. Though Broken Road is his highest profile gig to date, singer Cadiere, a native of Houma, LA, already sings with a crisp, easy-but-assured voice tailored for modern country radio.

The members of Broken Road are currently at work on their first full-length recording for Atlanta indie 6-Tone Records alongside producer Bruce Bennett, who recently produced the live “Love Shack” duet between Sugarland and The B-52s. For now, their single “Thinkin’ Outside the Box,” penned by ace Nashville songwriting team Anna Lisa Graham and Tim Nichols, is currently in rotation on a host of FM outlets throughout the Southeast.

“After I found out we’d gotten the song

by Anna Lisa and Tim, I had to put a band together. I grabbed up a bunch of green guys and, to make a long story short, when it came time to record they got scared and bailed,” laughs Smith. “So, I ended up pulling in Curtis Jones, who is Dwight Yoakam’s guitar player and Tommy Dodd, Travis Tritt’s steel player. We had a couple of rehearsals before we brought in Tim Cadiere. Later, came Waylin, Chad and Andrew. We just put the thing together and it clicked. We got it on the radio in Nashville, and eight weeks later we were in the top 100. I think you can really feel the roots of the people in this band. It’s just good, clean country.”

The upcoming package show at the Morton Theatre—featuring Broken Road, Ben Ratliff,

Pi

If

nothing else, playing in various bands for nearly 20 years has taught Broken Road drummer Brad Smith that sometimes you just have to grin— or grimace—and bear it. As Flagpole touches base with him, Smith, a founding member of the semi-local six-man country group, says he’s glad to have just wrapped a whirlwind string of radio and TV appearances in various Alabama locales, all while with a 100-plusdegree fever.

Smith and his bandmates know that getting the word out—station by station, venue by venue—can only help, not hurt. And their persistence might just be paying off. Broken Road—which also features vocalist Tim Cadiere, guitarist Chad Gantt, fiddle player Waylin Wright, bassist Andrew Benfield and steel guitarist Austin Tripp—is building a strong reputation for itself among local country and Christian crossover audiences thanks, in part, to good word-of-mouth advertising.

Though Broken Road is a relatively new addition to the Athens music scene, Smith and his bandmates are no greenhorns when it comes to country music. Before relocating to Athens, Smith lived in Nashville for 15 years where he drummed for Montgomery Gentry and played in various combos along Nashville’s Broadway district. Fiddler Wright previously rosined up his bow for singer Jo Dee Messina, while Gantt backed Miranda Lambert, and Benfield manned the bass for Oklahoman

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The Antlers Finding the Hope in Hospice

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nce in a great while, a true concept album gets made. It doesn’t preach or pander; its narrative serves not as a crutch, but as a framework through which its creators explore actual, fallible emotion and musically ambitious composition. Sometimes, even, the expression of its theme isn’t so abstract as to be unrecognizable to the uninitiated (we’re looking at you, In The Aeroplane over the Sea).

So it is with Hospice, the breakthrough album from Brooklyn, NY’s taxidermically named The Antlers, a trio that this year suddenly turned a lot of horn-free heads. The band—frontman Peter Silberman, multiinstrumentalist Darby Cicci and percussionist Michael Lerner—self-released Hospice this March in their impatience to have it heard and, subsequently, sold out of it. “We ended up kind of in the deep end, the good side of that, with people wanting to buy it,” Cicci says. “We didn’t really have distribution, so we didn’t have a way of getting it to the record stores in L.A. or Toronto or anything like that.” Unwilling to wait months for a label to put out the album, it was Frenchkiss Records (founded by Les Savy Fav’s Syd Butler) that ultimately secured the rights to Hospice’s August re-issue, promising speed instead of complex, lengthy production cycles.

Bolstered by this new exposure, The Antlers have finally gotten the opportunity to let Hospice speak—or rather, wail—for itself. The album comprises nine movements, all with one-word names, chronicling the death of a loved one and the emotional fallout thereafter. Silberman’s voice breaks from full-feeling tenor into strangled, wrenching falsetto as he sings of pain, verbal abuse, hallucinations, grief and the surreality of it all. The band creates a sonic spectacle composed alternately of simple folk, shimmering ambient tones and fleeting anthems, notes dazzling, wobbling and fading out like the smoke after fireworks.

So, yes, it’s an album about someone dying. But what’s surprising—what has probably appealed to The Antlers’ rising number of fans—is that it discusses more than that.

“The entire record is not about preserving a moment that’s tragic or sad or depressing,” Cicci says. “It’s just the starting point. I think what the record is more about is what your personal response is. It’s everything that follows.”

The song “Bear,” perhaps Hospice’s best example of this duality, transitions suddenly from a quiet lament into an ecstatic, quickly

strummed acoustic dance about youth or the lack thereof; it oozes hope. “It’s more about the process of all that and overcoming it, having something very serious that happened and how it changes you and how it makes you a better person,” Cicci says. “You know, what’s next. How you can go on without a person here that was here before.” He adds that the theme wasn’t premeditated; like real life events, it just developed like that.

What of the club circuit, then, the numerous shows The Antlers have played and are continuing to play? With an emotional narrative that reveals itself basically chronologically on their album, and with quiet moments that are almost more powerful than the loud, how can a live audience experience and appreciate these subtleties? “A lot of things get lost, especially in a live show,” Cicci says.

“People don’t really hear lyrics that easily, so that’s why if a live show’s so dependent on lyrics, it can end up just seeming quiet and slow and boring.” As with the process of writing and recording Hospice, Cicci says, making these songs good to hear live has been more of an organic process of adapting to a different medium than a forced change. “We just let it take a life of its own; we experimented a lot, and it ended up this big wash of sound with lots of layers,” he says. “I think it works really well with a live show. We’re trying to convey the same sort of emotions, but without the subtleties, necessarily.”

The same tenet applies to the band’s songwriting moving forward, too, Cicci explains.

Like someone coping with hardship, The Antlers have decided to deal with things as they come. Though he expresses a wish never to make an album with totally disconnected themes, forcing another concept album is the furthest thing from the trio’s collective mind. “This record, it all sort of came out as we recorded it, and it wasn’t all planned,” he says. “We won’t limit ourselves. We’ll just find our way as we go and let ourselves get crazy if we want.”

255 w. washington st. athens, georgia • 30601 telephone 706.549.4660 www.farm255.com

Flag pole

.com

Julia Reidy

WHO: Minus the Bear, The Antlers, Twin Tigers WHERE: 40 Watt Club WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 12 HOW MUCH: $12 (adv.)

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

19

the calendar!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK

Deadline for getting listed in the calendar is every FRIDAY at 5 p.m. for the issue that comes out the following Wednesday. Email calendar@flagpole.com.

Tuesday 10 EVENTS: Rachel Corrie: An American Conscience (Ciné Barcafé) A documentary exploring the life and death of Rachel Corrie, an international peacekeeper who worked with the International Solidarity Movement in the Gaza Strip. Following the screening, Amanda Adams performs a scene from the play My Name Is Rachel Corrie, and Palestinian olive oil will be for sale. 7:30, $5. 706-353-7377 THEATRE: Eurydice (Cellar Theatre) The University Theatre presents Sarah Ruhl’s compelling play which invokes the Orpheus myth in its exploration of grief, death and memory. Nov. 11–13, 8 p.m. Nov. 15, 2:30 p.m. $15, $12 (students and seniors) 706-542-2838, www. drama.uga.edu KIDSTUFF: Children’s Storytime (ACC Library) For children ages 18 months to 5 years. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: Saving Sailing (ACC Library) Ahoy, sailors! Come talk about sailing and discuss Saving Sailing, a new book by Nicholas Hayes. Screening of the film Sailing to Ocracoke from New Bern, NC to the Outer Banks follows.

6:30 p.m. FREE! www.savingsailing. com LECTURES & LIT.: VOX Reading Series (Ciné Barcafé) The UGA Creative Writing Program presents works by poet John Woods. 8 p.m.

FREE! www.athenscine.com MEETINGS: French Group (1000faces Coffee, 588 Barber Street) All-level French conversation group. Informal, welcoming and très bon! Every Tuesday.

7–8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-534-8860, www.1000facescoffee.com GAMES: Locos Trivia (Locos Grill & Pub) All three Athens locations of Locos Grill and Pub (Westside, Eastside and Harris St.) feature trivia night every Tuesday. 8:30 p.m.

FREE! www.locosgrill.com

Wednesday 11 EVENTS: Canine Cocktail Hour (Hotel Indigo, Phi Bar & Bistro Courtyard) Drink and food specials for you and your (well-behaved, non-aggressive, vaccinated) dog!

Every Wednesday. 5–7 p.m. www. athensdowntownhotel.com EVENTS: Coco After Dark (Ciné Barcafé) Rub elbows with Athens’ fashion-savvy at this screening of Coco Before Chanel. Come early for the pre-screening cocktail party with live music from Sonny Got Blue and stay late to browse a Chanel Trunk Show, courtesy of Agora.

Snacks by The National. 6:30 p.m. $10. athenscine.com

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EVENTS: Fall Carnival (Georgia Square Mall) The carnival is here! Monday–Friday, 6–11 p.m.

Saturday–Sunday, noon–11 p.m. $20 (unlimited rides until closing).

EVENTS: Interactive Drumming Workshop (New Earth Music Hall) All-levels drumming workshop with Raquy. Stay after class for performances by Raquy and the Cavemen, Jahara Phoenix, Beliluna and Sulukule, a bellydance ensemble. 6:30 p.m. $20 (workshop and show). www.newearthmusichall.com EVENTS: Miss Sorority Row (The Classic Center) Sorority girls face off in this philanthropic pageant benefitting the American Red Cross.

7 p.m. $8. 706-357-4444, www. classiccenter.com ART: Opening Reception (The Globe) For an exhibit featuring the work of Ainhoa Bilbao Canup. Light appetizers and wine specials. 7 p.m.

FREE! 706-353-4721 ART: Opening Reception (Circle Gallery, UGA College of Environmental Design) Artist Cecile L. K. Martin will be in attendence for a gallery talk during the reception for his exhibition “Forming Content,” a collection of graphic media works.

4–6 p.m. FREE! 706-542-8292 PERFORMANCE: RE:flexion: 2009 Senior Exit Concert (UGA Dance Building) Unique choreographed dance performances sure to appeal to wide audiences. Nov. 11–13, 8 p.m. $12 (adults) $8 (students/ seniors). 706-542-8579 THEATRE: Eurydice (Cellar Theatre) A University Theatre production. See Nov. 11 Theatre. Nov. 11–13, 8 p.m.

Nov. 15, 2:30 p.m. $15, $12 (students and seniors) 706-542-2838, www.drama.uga.edu KIDSTUFF: Children’s Storytime (ACC Library) For children ages 18 months to 5 years. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: Dance Dance Revolution Tournament (Oconee County Library) Dancing and video game madness in the library! For ages 11–18. 6–8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-769-3950 LECTURES & LIT.: “Dealing with Holiday Stress” (Athens Technical College) Dr. Cindy Darden shares some techniques on dealing with financial and emotional stress related to the upcoming holiday season.

Presented by Mental Health America of Northeast Georgia. 6 p.m. FREE! www.fightthestigma.com MEETINGS: American Sign Language Study Group (Cups Coffee Café) All skill levels welcome.

Come once or come weekly. 7–8 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ aslstudygroup MEETINGS: Sitting Meditation Group (Mind Body Institute) Silent meditation every Wednesday. Noon.

FREE! 706-475-7329

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ NOVEMBER 11, 2009

GAMES: 8-Ball Tournament (Shooters Cocktails & Dancing) Double elimination with cash prizes.

Every Wednesday. 7:30 p.m. $10 (entry fee). 706-546-0003 GAMES: Dart League (Alibi) Every Wednesday! 8 p.m. FREE! 706-5491010 GAMES: Darts (Broad Street Bar and Grill) Blind draw darts tournament.

Every Wednesday. 7 p.m. 706-5485187 GAMES: Movie Trivia Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Where movie trivia meets performance art. Hosted by “It Boy” Jeff Tobias and sponsored by Vision Video. Prizes! Sign up at 8 p.m. Trivia starts at 8:30 p.m.

FREE! www.myspace.com/flickerbar GAMES: Sports Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Every Wednesday. 8:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-850-1916 GAMES: Trivia (Willy’s Mexicana Grill) Every Wednesday. 8–10 p.m.

FREE! 706-548-1920 GAMES: Trivia (Blind Pig Tavern) Think you know it all? 9:30 p.m.

706-548-3442 GAMES: Trivia Wars (283 Bar) Chris Creech hosts general knowledge trivia with different themes each week. Check the Facebook group “Trivia Wars!” for weekly updates and online question of the week.

8:30 p.m. (sign up) 9 p.m. (game starts). FREE! 706-208-1283

Thursday 12 EVENTS: Bunco Tournament (Taylor-Grady House) First-timers and Bunco champs are invited to play this simple dice game to raise funds for the Women Build Program of Athens Habitat for Humanity.

Ticket includes food and a drink ticket. 6–9 p.m. $25. 706-208-1001, www.athenshabitat.com/womenbuild EVENTS: “Designing with Native Plants” (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Explore design options inspired by the natural occurrences of native species. 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. $45. 706-542-6156 EVENTS: Flourish: A Girlfriend Tea and Flower Arranging Event (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Girlfriend, don’t let someone outdo you this season! Learn insider tips about holiday entertaining from Parties to Die For event designers Kathy Rainer and Tricky Wolfes. $45, 9:30–11:30 a.m. 706542-1244, www.uga.edu/botgarden* EVENTS: Fuad Elhage (Casa Mia) Tango dancing! Bring a partner or make a new friend. 8 p.m. FREE! 706-227-4444 EVENTS: Percentage Day for St. Mary’s (Café on Prince) Piedmont College Cafe on Prince will donate a percentage of your lunch purchase to St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary today! 706-389-2090 EVENTS: Wine Tasting (Hotel Indigo, Phi Bar and Bistro) Featuring

Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano will perform at the UGA Performing Arts Center Sunday, Nov. 15. select Spanish wines from Prestige Wines and music by Trey Wright.

6–8 p.m. $12. 706-546-0430 ART: Closing Reception (Lamar Dodd School of Art, 270 River Road) For “Tarred and Feathered,” an exhibit featuring raw, uncomfortable narratives on race and Goya-inspired reflections in copper by printmakers Janie Askew and David Carlton. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.janieaskew.com, davidcarlton.com, www.art.uga.edu PERFORMANCE: “Connections” (UGA Hodgson Hall) John Lynch conducts the UGA Wind Ensemble in this performance which pays tribute to the great band music of yesterday through the fusion of winds, voices, strings and dance. 8 p.m. FREE! 706-542-4400 PERFORMANCE: RE:flexion: 2009 Senior Exit Concert (UGA Dance Building) Unique choreographed dance performances sure to appeal to wide audiences. Nov. 11–13, 8 p.m. $12 (adults) $8 (students/ seniors). 706-542-8579 THEATRE: Eurydice (Cellar Theatre) A University Theatre production. See Nov. 11 Theatre. Nov. 11–13, 8 p.m.

Nov. 15, 2:30 p.m. $15, $12 (students and seniors) 706-542-2838, www.drama.uga.edu KIDSTUFF: Digital Bookmobile (ACC Library) The 74-foot, hightech tractor-trailor rolls through town to wow young readers with downloadable titles and interactive demonstrations. Noon–6 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: We the People “Picturing America” Book Shelf Discussion Group (ACC Library, Storyroom) Led by Lorraine Holahan. For first through fifth graders. 3:30–4:30 p.m. FREE! 706613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: 21st Annual Louise McBee Lecture (UGA Chapel) President and CEO of the Indianapolis-based Lumina Foundation for Education speaks on the importance of improving preparation for college and increasing higher education productivity. 11 a.m. FREE! www.uga.edu/news MEETINGS: Coffee Cupping (1000faces Coffee, 585 Barber Street) Taste and learn about coffees from around the world with Benjamin Myers, Presidente of 1000faces.

10–11 a.m. FREE! 706-534-8860, www.1000facescoffee.com MEETINGS: Spanish Group (1000faces Coffee, 588 Barber Street) All-level Spanish conversa-

tion group. Informal, welcoming and fun! Every Thursday.

7–8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-534-8860, www.1000facescoffee.com

Friday 13 EVENTS: A Chaplain’s Story and Rhodesia Unafraid (UGA Russell Library) A screening of two short films produced during director Stan Hannan’s time as Chaplain in the the Rhodesian Army offer a unique glimpse into the Rhodesian Bush War conflict which resulted in the creation of Zimbabwe. Noon–1 p.m.

FREE! 706-542-5788 EVENTS: Digital Insight Chili Cookoff (The Arch Bar) All the chili you can eat, and a live performance

by Efren! 11:30 a.m. $10. 706548-0300 EVENTS: A Night for Unity : Art Reception and Benefit Concert (Healing Arts Centre) The Healing Arts Centre and STUDIO SKY present an art reception and benefit concert by artist Lara to raise money for the Oconee Land Trust.

5–8 p.m. ($8 suggested donation). www.healingartscentre.net, www. thestudiosky.com ART: Opening Reception (Georgia Piedmont Arts Center) For “Harvest of Art,” an exhibit featuring a wide variety of works by local talent.

6:30–9 p.m. FREE! www.georgiapiedmontartscenter.com ART: Opening Reception (Lamar Dodd School of Art, Gallery 101) “Continuance” features kinetic video and sound sculpture by Gary Bardizbanian, a projected and sculptural piece by Katie Graham, flash animation by Elizabeth Baek and other technologically inspired works

by Rejon Noah and Seth Nichols Stephens. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.art. uga.edu ART: Opening Reception (Lamar Dodd School of Art, Room S365) For “(study for) Mother-Me-Do,” an exhibit by Jonathan Bouknight which references mythology, history, pop culture and science to express attitudes about gender, sexuality and identity. 6 p.m. FREE! www.jonathanbouknight.com ART: Opening Reception (Lamar Dodd School of Art) For “The Others Who Haunt Me and Whom I Haunt,” an exhibition of art and explorations of the unseen, the seen and the seeing by Marie Porterfield. 7–9 p.m.

FREE! marieporterfield.com

PERFORMANCE: Connor Taylor Presents… (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Taylor, formerly of Athens, has put together a comedy show featuring Sam Brown from The Whitest Kids U’Know and Sean O’Connor.

11 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/ flickerbar PERFORMANCE: RE:flexion: 2009 Senior Exit Concert (UGA Dance Building) Unique choreographed dance performances sure to appeal to wide audiences. Nov. 11–13, 8 p.m. $12 (adults) $8 (students/ seniors). 706-542-8579 THEATRE: Eurydice (Cellar Theatre) A University Theatre production. See Nov. 11 Theatre. Nov. 11–13, 8 p.m.

Nov. 15, 2:30 p.m. $15, $12 (students and seniors) 706-542-2838, www.drama.uga.edu THEATRE: Theatre Playbills: The Golden Era (Memorial Park, Quinn Hall) Local residents and artists perform pieces from Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific and My Fair Lady, etc. More than 18 noted musical selections from 12 of the world’s most beloved and recognizable playbills will surely have you singing along in this Athens Creative Theatre production. Nov. 13–15, 7:30 p.m. $15 (adults), $12 (seniors, students and children). 706-613-3628, www. athenscreativetheatre.com LECTURES & LIT.: Dorianne Laux (Ciné Barcafé) The Georgia Review and the Georgia Poetry Circuit host a reading by the acclaimed poet and former sanitorium cook, maid, donut-holer and gas station manager Dorianne Laux. Local poet Heather Cousins will open with a reading of her own. 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com, www.doriannelaux.com/ events.html MEETINGS: Mindfulness Practice Group (Mind Body Institute) Meets the second Friday of every month.

5:30 p.m. FREE! 706-475-7329

Saturday 14 EVENTS: 19th Annual SOAR 5K (Hilsman Middle School) Race is open to runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair participants. Benefits the Clarke County School District’s Special Olympics Program. 8:30 a.m. $15 (pre-registration), $20 (race day registration). 706-3699536, www.active.com EVENTS: Adoption Day (Pet Supplies Plus) Local animal rescue organizations bring their pups out

for a chance at finding a forever home. Love connections made every Saturday! 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 706-3530650 EVENTS: Athens Farmers’ Market (Bishop Park) Don’t miss the final day of the local market! Buy fresh, locally grown organic produce, locally crafted goods and freshly baked breads. Every Saturday. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. athensfarmersmarket.net EVENTS: Dinner & a Movie (Retro Cinema & Books, Washington) Enjoy an Italian 4-course meal and the Oscar-winning film Wall Street.

Call for reservations. 6:30 p.m. $25.

772-215-2757, dana@retrocinema. net EVENTS: Madison County Artist Market (Downtown Danielsville, Courthouse) With folk art, pottery, jewelry, metal works, baskets, paintings, fiber crafts, sculptures and more from over 30 local artists. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. lebowen@alltel.net EVENTS: A Small Green Footprint Open House (A Small Green Footprint, 264 Georgia Avenue) Bring your environmentally conscious brood out for live storytelling, door prizes and a wonderful selection of natural toys and organic products. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. FREE! www.asmallgreenfootprint.com EVENTS: Technology Petting Zoo (Madison County Library) Meet an iPod, an MP3 player, a thumb drive and more in a friendly environment!

3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! 706-7955597 THEATRE: Theatre Playbills: The Golden Era (Memorial Park) An Athens Creative Theatre production.

See Nov. 13 Theatre. Nov. 13–15, 7:30 p.m. $15 (adults), $12 (seniors, students and children). 706-6133628, www.athenscreativetheatre. com KIDSTUFF: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (Oconee County Library) Enjoy your holiday “dinner” of popcorn and jellybeans and watch this holiday classic. For all ages.

10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-769-3950 KIDSTUFF: “Giddy-Up Go!” (ACC Library) Storytelling concert with master storyteller of the American frontier Calvin Sims. 10 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: Tween Acting (Madison County Library) In this two-part program, tweens learn to focus their dramatic energy into acting exercises and costume-making. Nov. 14 and 21, 2 p.m. FREE! 706-795-5597 LECTURES & LIT.: Governor Mike Huckabee (Borders Books & Music) The 2008 Republican presidential candidate signs copies of his new memoir, A Simple Christmas.

11 a.m. FREE! 706-583-8647

Sunday 15 EVENTS: Athens Heritage Walk (Various Locations) Milton Leathers leads a tour through the lovely Cobbham Historic District. Space is limited; call to reserve spot. 2 p.m. $15. 706-353-1801, www. achfonline.org EVENTS: Cask Ale Festival (Aromas) Come enjoy beer from America’s best craft breweries, food, and music by Efren. 1 p.m. $30.

706-208-0059 EVENTS: A Small Green Footprint Open House (A Small Green Footprint) Bring your environmentally conscious brood out for live storytelling, door prizes and a wonderful selection of natural toys and organic products. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. FREE! www.asmallgreenfootprint.com EVENTS: Sunday Drag Brunch (The National) Come out and support the Boybutante AIDS

Foundation; enjoy drag performances and a brunch buffet! 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $10. 706-549-3450 PERFORMANCE: Athens Symphony (The Classic Center) The Athens Symphony opens its 32nd year of free community performances with an all-orchestral performance including pieces by Tchaikovsky, Gounod and Schubert.

4 p.m. FREE! 706-357-4444 PERFORMANCE: Choral Ensemble Fall Concert (Ebenezer Baptist Church West) UGA’s African American Choral Ensemble performs! 4 p.m. FREE! PERFORMANCE: Mariachi Los Camperos De Nati Cano (UGA Hodgson Hall) This 11-member mariachi band incorporates vihuela, harp and violins into their performance. 3 p.m. $19–$24. www.uga. edu/pac THEATRE: Eurydice (Cellar Theatre) A University Theatre production. See Nov. 11 Theatre. Nov. 11–13, 8 p.m.

Nov. 15, 2:30 p.m. $15, $12 (students and seniors) 706-542-2838, www.drama.uga.edu THEATRE: The Woman I Am Today (Morton Theatre) Five divas discover their inner divas in this emotional rollercoaster of a drama set in Atlanta. Proceeds benefit the Athens Alumni National PanHellenic Council’s scholarship fund.

5 p.m. $25 (adv.) $30 (door). 706613-3771 THEATRE: Theatre Playbills: The Golden Era (Memorial Park) An Athens Creative Theatre production.

See Nov. 13 Theatre. Nov. 13–15, 7:30 p.m. $15 (adults), $12 (seniors, students and children). 706-6133628, www.athenscreativetheatre. com LECTURES & LIT.: “How an Author Uses Family History” (ACC Library) Local authors Judy and Takis Iakovou discuss the extensive genealogical research they conducted for their historical mystery about Ellis Island, Bitter Tide. 3 p.m.

FREE! 706-613-3650 GAMES: Full-Contact Trivia (Allen’s Bar & Grill) Sports-themed rules with diverse categories. 9 p.m.

FREE! www.allensbarandgrill.com GAMES: Team Trivia (Wild Wing Café) Every Sunday. 9 p.m. FREE! www.wildwingcafe.com

Monday 16 EVENTS: Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North (Madison-Morgan Cultural Center) A film screening, discussion and reception with filmmaker Katrina Browne. 7 p.m. $5. www.madisonmorgancultural.org EVENTS: Assassin’s Creed II Release Party (Play N Trade) Play games and enter a raffle for the new video game and other titles!

10 p.m.–midnight. FREE! 706-5467501.

EVENTS: Observatory Open House (UGA Observatory) The UGA Observatory hosts its monthly open house viewing at the UGA Physics Building. 7:30 p.m. FREE! 706542-2870 PERFORMANCE: ARCO Chamber Orchestra (UGA Hodgson Hall) Tonight’s performance, conducted

by Levon Ambarsumian, includes Schubert’s String Quartet in D minor, Bronner’s “In Search of the Holy Grail” and Podgaits’ Concerto for Two Violins. 8 p.m. FREE! 706542-4400 PERFORMANCE: The Athens Academy Guest Artist Concert Series (Athens Academy, Bertelsmann Foundation Building) Performances by Monica Hargrave, harp; Stephanie Tingler, voice;

Angela Jones-Reus, flute; and Milton Masciadri, double bass. 7:30 p.m. $10 (adults), $2 (students).

706-433-2410 THEATRE: ALPS Traveling Troupe (ACC Library) Athens Little Playhouse, a local children’s acting troupe, perform theatrical plays based on folk and fairy tales. 7 p.m.

FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: Infant Storytime (ACC Library) Nurture language skills.

10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: Infant Storytime (Madison County Library) Rhymes and songs with your little one! 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-795-5597 KIDSTUFF: National Button Day (Madison County Library) Create your own unique button! FREE! 706795-5597 LECTURES & LIT.: Infinite Fall (1000faces Coffee, 585 Barber Street) Join Athens’ endurancebibliophiles in reading David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest this fall. Every Monday with author, educator and jester Spenser Simrill.

6–7 p.m. FREE! 706-534-8860, www.1000facescoffee.com LECTURES & LIT.: “Loan to Own” (ACC Library) Protect yourself; learn about smart lending and borrowing, leasing, interest rates, scams and more. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-6133650 LECTURES & LIT.: “The Price of Authenticity” (UGA Tate Center) In recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 28, transgender activist Dr. Stephanie Dykes speaks about living authentic lives in the face of adversity, recalling those whose lives were lost to prejudice and hatred. 7 p.m. FREE! www.uga. edu/news MEETINGS: Zen Meditation and Book Discussion (Email for Location) The Key by Cheri Huber.

Meets every Monday. 7:15 p.m.

FREE! meditateathens@gmail.com GAMES: Ping Pong (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Get your paddle ready for a riveting round of table tennis. 8:30 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ flickerbar GAMES: Pool Tournament (Alibi) Free food as you shoot pool during Monday Night Football. 8 p.m.

FREE! 706-549-1010 GAMES: Punt Pass Poker (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Watch Monday Night Football and play cards (Texas Hold ‘em and more) for prizes. 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-354-6655 GAMES: Rock and Roll Trivia (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Get a team together and show off your extensive music knowledge every Monday! 8 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub GAMES: Team Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Get a team together and test your knowledge. Every Monday!

8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-850-1916 GAMES: Texas Hold ‘Em (Fat Daddy’s) Every Monday. 6 & 9 p.m.

706-353-0241.

GAMES: Trivia (Fat Daddy’s) Every Monday with Stan. 9 p.m. 706-3530241.

GAMES: Trivia (Transmetropolitan) General knowledge trivia. Every Monday. 8–10 p.m. FREE! 706613-8773

Tuesday 17 EVENTS: Fuad Elhage (Casa Mia) Tango dancing! Bring a partner or make a new friend. 8 p.m. FREE! 706-227-4444 KIDSTUFF: Children’s Storytime (ACC Library) For children ages 18 months to 5 years. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650

SAT. NOV. 21

FRI. NOV. 27

THU. DEC. 3

SAT. DEC. 5

WED. NOV. 11

FRI. DEC. 11

THU. NOV. 12

THU. DEC. 17

FRI. DEC. 18

FRI. NOV. 13

THU. DEC. 31

SAT. NOV. 14 WED. NOV. 18

FRI. NOV. 20

Classic Hits at The Classic Center!

“Spooky”

“Imaginary Lover”

“So Into You”

Atlanta Rhythm Section Friday, November 20 at 8 p.m.

Attend the Budweiser Select Music Series at T he Classic Center T heatre for your chance to win a Fender guitar signed by featured series artists!

Get entered to win for every ticket you buy!

Call, click or stop by the Box Office 706.357.4444 • www.ClassicCenter.com 300 N. Thomas St. • Downtown Athens The Budweiser Select Music Series at The Classic Center is brought to you by:

k continued on next page

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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THE CALENDAR! KIDSTUFF: Read to Rover (ACC Library) Beginning readers in grades 1–4 read aloud to an aid dog. Trainer always present. 3:30–4:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: Twilight Prom (Oconee County Library) Celebrate the release of New Moon, the second film installment of Stephenie Meyer’s vampire series. For ages 11–18.

6–8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-769-3950 LECTURES & LIT.: Franchise Business Ownership -- The Facts! (Chicopee Complex) Leslie Kuban of FranNet dispells common misconceptions about franchise business ownership and offers tips toward becoming a successful franchise owner. 10 a.m.–noon. $29.

706-542-7436 LECTURES & LIT.: King/Mandela Lecture (UGA Tate Center, Room 481) Dr. Chérif Keita presents this annual lecture and screen his awardwinning film Oberlin-Inanda: The Life and Times of John L. Dube. 4 p.m. FREE! www.uga.edu/news MEETINGS: Athens Rock and Gem Club (Friendship Christian Church) Dr. Walter Sikora presents on “Solution Mining in the Desert for Lithium and Borax; Who Would Have Guessed?” All interested parties are welcome to attend. 7:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-549-8082 MEETINGS: Coffee Cupping (1000faces Coffee, 585 Barber Street) Taste and learn about coffees from around the world with coffee scholar Erin McCarthy.

10–11 a.m. FREE! 706-534-8860, www.1000facescoffee.com MEETINGS: French Group (1000faces Coffee, 588 Barber Street) All-level French conversa-

Tuesday, Nov. 17 continued from p. 21

tion group. Informal, welcoming and tres bon! Every Tuesday.

7–8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-534-8860, www.1000facescoffee.com MEETINGS: Pub Theology (Trappeze Pub) Open conversations revolving around theology. Currently reading Jacques Ellul’s Anarchy and Christianity. 8 p.m. FREE! 706-5491915, cmccreight@fccathens.org GAMES: Board Game Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Choose from the classic assortment provided or bring your own! 6 p.m. FREE! www. myspace.com/flickerbar GAMES: Locos Trivia (Locos Grill & Pub) All three Athens locations of Locos Grill and Pub (Westside, Eastside and Harris St.) feature trivia night every Tuesday. 8:30 p.m.

FREE! www.locosgrill.com

Wednesday 18 EVENTS: Canine Cocktail Hour (Hotel Indigo, Phi Bar & Bistro Courtyard) Drink and food specials for you and your (well-behaved, non-aggressive, vaccinated) dog!

Every Wednesday. 5–7 p.m. www. athensdowntownhotel.com PERFORMANCE: Falstaff (UGA Hodgson Hall) The Athena Opera University of Georgia Opera Ensemble presents a comedy about Shakespeare’s bawdiest, fattest, drunkest knight. 8 p.m. $15 (adults), $5 (students), FREE! (children). www.uga.edu/pac THEATRE: Clarence Darrow’s Search for Justice (UGA Chapel) The University of Georgia School of Law presents actor Gary Anderson’s critically acclaimed theatrical por-

trayal of “Scopes Monkey Trial” lawyer Clarence Darrow. 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. FREE! See www.law.uga. edu/clarence-darrow-performance for more info.

KIDSTUFF: Children’s Storytime (ACC Library) For children ages 18 months to 5 years. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: Tikes, Trikes and Strollers Turkey Ride (Call for location) Bring the wee ones out for fun Thanksgiving-themed games and events. 10–11:30 a.m. $2. 706613-3615 KIDSTUFF: Wildcard Wednesday for Teens (ACC Library) Up next: Learn how to make traditional Native-American beaded bracelets.

For ages 11 to 18. 4:00 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: Talking about Books (ACC Library, Small Conference Room) This month, members will read and discuss David Wrobleski’s The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. Newcomers welcome. 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706613-3650 MEETINGS: American Sign Language Study Group (Cups Coffee Café) All skill levels welcome.

Come once or come weekly. 7–8 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ aslstudygroup MEETINGS: Sitting Meditation Group (Mind Body Institute) Silent meditation every Wednesday. Noon.

FREE! 706-475-7329 GAMES: 8-Ball Tournament (Shooters Cocktails & Dancing) Double elimination with cash prizes.

Every Wednesday. 7:30 p.m. $10 (entry fee). 706-546-0003 GAMES: Dart League (Alibi) Every Wednesday! 8 p.m. FREE! 706-5491010

GAMES: Darts (Broad Street Bar and Grill) Blind draw darts tournament.

Every Wednesday. 7 p.m. 706-5485187 GAMES: Movie Trivia Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Where movie trivia meets performance art. Hosted by “It Boy” Jeff Tobias and sponsored by Vision Video. Prizes! Sign up at 8 p.m. Trivia starts at 8:30 p.m.

FREE! www.myspace.com/flickerbar GAMES: Sports Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Every Wednesday. 8:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-850-1916 GAMES: Trivia (Willy’s Mexicana Grill) Every Wednesday. 8–10 p.m.

FREE! 706-548-1920 GAMES: Trivia (Blind Pig Tavern) 9:30 p.m. 706-548-3442 GAMES: Trivia Wars (283 Bar) Chris Creech hosts general knowledge trivia with different themes each week. Check the Facebook group “Trivia Wars!” for weekly updates and online question of the week.

8:30 p.m. (sign up) 9 p.m. (game starts). FREE! 706-208-1283 * Advance Tickets Available

Down the Line KIDSTUFF: Geocaching Adventures 11/21 (Call for location) Learn the basics of geocaching and use your skills to find a hidden cache. Under 16 accompanied by an adult. Space is limited; call to register. 10–11:00 a.m. $5, 706613-3615 EVENTS: Annual Christmas Tour of Homes 12/5 (Monroe) Tour an eclectic mix of homes throughout Monroe. Proceeds benefit the Monroe Art Guild. 12–6 p.m. $10 (advance), $15 (day of). 770-2078937, www.monroeartguild.org*

EVENTS: Observatory Open House 12/11 (UGA Observatory) The UGA Observatory hosts its monthly open house viewing. 7:30 p.m. FREE! 706-542-2870 * Advance Tickets Available

Live Music Tuesday 10 40 Watt Club 8 p.m. $18 (adv). www.40watt.com ISAAC RUSSELL Utah youngster plays emotional folk ballads beyond his years.

PETE YORN Known recently for his work with Scarlett Johansson, Yorn goes solo again with intricately woven melodious pop-rock and a deep, downtrodden-sounding voice.

Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 KARAOKE Every Tuesday.

Buffalo’s Southwest Café 6–10 p.m. $5 (includes lessons). 706354-6655 DINE & DANCE NIGHT Beginners’ and advanced dance lessons every Tuesday from 6–7 p.m. followed by open dance until 10 p.m. Tonight features Tango.

Caledonia Lounge 9:30 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www. caledonialounge.com PAPER KNIVES Well-crafted melodic indie rock from Atlanta natives.

PEACHS Local grungy light-on-thevocals metal that plays like a soundtrack to a badass action scene.

SCARAB Fast-paced and unrelenting prog metal from Atlanta.

Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com CARL LINDBERG Jazz bassist Carl Lindberg (Kenosha Kid, etc.) performs standards, originals and some tunes from divergent styles.

Fat Daddy’s 9 p.m. FREE! 706-353-0241 KARAOKE Belt ‘em out with Lynn.

The Melting Point 7 p.m. $3. www.meltingpointathens. com EXCEPTION TO THE RULE A young, progressive bluegrass band from Northeast Georgia with members ranging in age from 16-23. Fueled by a hard-driving banjo, sultry violin and mandolin, they infuse elements of classical, jazz, blues and rock.

No Where Bar 10 p.m. $1. 706-546-4742 THE PLAGUE One of the original Athens punk bands formed in the ‘80s, The Plague was revitalized in 2005 and continues to tear it up with dark, angular rock.

THE XG-1 Up-and-coming local rock trio featuring big blues-based riffs.

Tasty World Uptown 10 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown 2AM CLUB A fusion of rock, hip-hop and R&B. GOODNIGHT ANTHEM Philly poprockers with light, upbeat tunes.

THE WALES Brand-new local band.

Wild Wing Café 10 p.m. FREE! www.wildwingcafe.com KARAOKE Every Tuesday night at the downtown chain’s upstairs space.

TRANSMETROPOLITAN

145 E. clayton street • downtown athens • 706-613-8773 1550 oglethorpe avenue • westside • 706-549-5112

Come enjoy our rooftop patio at our Oglethorpe Avenue location!

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Friday, November 13

Timi Conley Little Kings Shuffle Club After years of bringing his over-the-top energy to Athens stages via Fuzzy Sprouts, Aqualove, Kite to the Moon and other zany pop bands, frontman Timi Conley is making his solo debut with Nerd Sexy. The album itself is sort of a happy accident, a collection of playful experimentations that Conley initially had no intention of releasing.

“I’ve always done things for myself, but there was a part that hadn’t become public,” he says. “I finally emotionally bridged the gap between those two sides of my creative life. It was kind of a revelation…” After months of writing, sampling and retooling, it dawned on Conley that he did, in fact, have an album of complete recordings. But that wildly divergent collection of material might never have seen the light of day without persistent encouragement from local music aficionado Daniel Peiken, who had been insisting Conley release solo material for some time. “He pushed me toward the realization that I had a Timi recording to give him,” says Conley. Since Nerd Sexy is entirely digital, the album didn’t fit the criterion to be released on Peiken’s label Analogue Records, so Peiken simply created a new label, Row Your Boat Records, to help distribute this album and, presumably, more diverse releases in the future.

While Conley is excited about the release, he finds the prospect of performing without the safety net of his bandmates terrifying. “If I’m not making a note, there is no show,” he says of the pressure. But that nervous energy is always funneled into a dynamic and entertaining set.

Nerd Sexy will be on repeat at Little Kings starting around 8 p.m., followed by a (gulp) solo Timi show. Then he’s off to New Earth Music Hall to join the jaw-droppingly awesome Pink Floyd tribute band Pigs on the Wing. Fans should follow suit. [Michelle Gilzenrat]

Wednesday 11 40 Watt Club 9 p.m. $10 (adv). www.40watt.com* EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS This band combines a sort of ‘50s counter-culture sound with modern freak-folk.

FAMILY OF THE YEAR Folk/ Americana group from California that dazzles with original tunes and interpretations of classic folk songs.

LOCAL NATIVES Self-described as “indie jungle rock,” the moniker fits as they blend avant-garde rock pieces with tribal drum beats.

Caledonia Lounge 9 p.m. $10 (21+), $12 (18+). www. caledonialounge.com BO BEDINGFIELD Singer and primary songwriter for local band The Wydelles, Bedingfield’s smooth, warm vocals are steeped in all the soul of country music.

PATTERSON HOOD Part two in Hood’s three-part residency! The theme tonight is “Bullets or Brains (Weirdo Country Sounds).” He’ll team up with John Neff and Brad Morgan to explore the music from his solo album Killers and Stars.

Casa Mia 7 p.m. FREE! 706-227-4444 LUDWIG PORRAS Latin and Flamenco guitar.

Fat Daddy’s 10 p.m.–1 a.m. FREE! 706-353-0241 OPEN MIC Every Wednesday featuring Avery Dylan.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/flickerbar GRAPE SODA Local band featuring the brothers Lewis (Mat and Ryan),

formerly of The Buddy System, on vocals, organ and drums, playing reverb-heavy garage psych-rock.

Gnat’s Landing 6 p.m. FREE! 706-850-5858 LEAVING COUNTRIES Warm, inviting folk rock from here in Athens featuring tender violin, aching harmonica and melodic acoustic guitars. Special guests Bros. Marler will also be on hand this evening.

Harry Bissett’s Bayou Grill 8 p.m. FREE! www.harrybissetts.net RACHEL O’NEAL Local singer/ songwriter formerly of Truth in Advertising and Moonlight Sol. O’Neal will perform a range of indie, classic rock and folk covers.

Locos Grill & Pub 6:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-7700 (Westside location) MATT CHASTAIN Local musician inspired by ‘90s alternative and classic rock.

The Melting Point 8:30 p.m. $15 (adv), $18 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com* CYRIL NEVILLE BAND Cyril, of classic soul group The Neville Brothers, may well be the last great voice in New Orleans music.

PAPA MALI Fronted by the effervescent Malcolm Welbourne, Papa Mali blends bluesy jams with fiery funk.

New Earth Music Hall 8 p.m. $10 (adv), $12 (door). www. newearthmusichall.com RAQUY & THE CAVEMAN Progressive Middle Eastern music with the energy of a hard rock band. Accompanied by a live dance performance by Sulukule Dance Ensemble and Jahara Phoenix.

The Office Lounge 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-0840 KARAOKE Every Wednesday (and sometimes Friday!) with Stan.

Roadhouse 10:30 p.m. FREE! 706-613-2324 BROS. MARLER AND BOO RAY An evening of guitar playing, singing and song swapping of the highest caliber. Daniel and Drew Marler, who play a unique brand of gypsy-meetsAmericana will be joined tonight by soulful singer-songwriter Boo Ray. Tasty World Uptown 11 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/ tastyworld THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS New local rock band featuring members of Futurebirds.

FOUNDER & THE INVISIBLES Local singer-songwriter and UGA student Drew Dixon’s band accompanies his John Mayer-like vocals with blues and soul-inspired arrangements.

THE WHIMSICAL MIMBSICALS No info available.

Terrapin Beer Co. 5:30 p.m. www.terrapinbeer.com TOMORROW PEOPLE No info available.

Thursday 12 40 Watt Club 9 p.m. $12 (adv). www.40watt.com THE ANTLERS Beginning as the solo project of Peter Silberman right after he moved to Brooklyn, The Antlers have become an indie-rock sensation. Their latest album, Hospice, has received wide critical acclaim.

See story on p. 19.

MINUS THE BEAR One part pleasantly accessible indie rock and one

part sonically experimental math rock.

TWIN TIGERS Loud and lush at the same time, this local rock band combines jarring guitar riffs with sweeping melodies and heavy percussion. Debut full-length coming in January.

Alibi Thursdays, FREE! 706-549-1010 OPEN MIC/JAM Hosted by Tracy Carroll and Matt Joiner of The Rattlers. Open to all musicians.

Caledonia Lounge 9:30 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www. caledonialounge.com THE INTERNS Local band that shares several members with Futurebirds.

Instead of Americana, this configuration plays dreamy, guitar-driven indie rock with just a hint of altcountry.

O’BROTHER The spirit of Jeff Buckley echoes in this Atlanta band’s grand, slightly dark melodies.

OCEAN IS THEORY Atlantans who combine post-rock melodies with hardcore-lite vocals.

THE WORKING TITLE Ranging from buzzing industrial rock to pianoladen Americana ballads, variety is the name of the game with this band.

El Paisano 8 p.m. 706-353-0346 KARAOKE Every Thursday with margarita specials.

Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com FUTURE APE TAPES Innovative local psychedelic hip-hop with layers, loops and samples from another planet.

HAWNAY TROOF Electronic project of Vice Cooler (XBXRX) that alternates between rapped lyrics and pop dancability. Fans of Mickey Avalon’s style are especially likely to dig this.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/flickerbar LITTLE FRANCIS Steven Grubbs plays songs backed by Jesse Thompson, Jordan Noel and Brian Connell, sounding like rowdy, anthemic folk music mixed with early’50s rock and roll.

SHAPIRO Melodic, memorable pop with an indie slant and a highenergy show. New lineup features local guitarist Chris Howe.

SPRING TIGERS Taking cues from bands like XTC and Blur, local band Spring Tigers offers up angular pop rock. Their self-titled debut EP is out now!

TENDERHOOKS This Knoxville, TN band just wrapped up a tour supporting ZZ Top.

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Gnat’s Landing 6 p.m. FREE! 706-850-5858 TONGUE + GROOVE The acoustic quartet of Henry Williams, Don Henderson, Jason Peckham and Amy Moon plays lively covers and originals.

Go Bar 9 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar MISFORTUNE 500 Hook-heavy, mid-tempo local rock with a strong melodic backing and an enthusiastic stage show.

MONAHAN Ryan Monahan backed

by Josh McMichael on bass and Lemuel Hayes on drums. Ryan has a gorgeous, expressive voice that soars and sighs with equal grace.

11:30 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ gobar “DR. FRED’S KARAOKE” Hosted by fanatic John “Dr. Fred” Bowers, every Thursday. k continued on next page

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

23

THE CALENDAR! Hotel Indigo 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensdowntownhotel.com TREY WRIGHT Acclaimed local jazz guitarist.

Little Kings Shuffle Club 5:30 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub DAVE HOWARD Mellow folk music.

8 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub KATE MORRISSEY Best known throughout this corridor for her dark velvet voice that stands on its own, Morrissey’s songwriting is literate and sincere, and her conversational live shows come punctuated with an offbeat sense of humor.

SEA OF DOGS Emily Armond (exTitans of Filth/Dark Meat) has turned her solo project into a full band, joined by Kate Mitchell, Kelsey Brooks, Page Campbell, Maryn Vance and Meghan Morris. The talented ladies perform disarmingly honest, eclectic folk songs.

The Melting Point 8 p.m. $12 (adv), $15 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com APRIL VERCH BAND Verch takes the audience on a veritable fiddling world tour— Brazilian, Celtic, Appalachian and Canadian folk styles abound.

STRING THEORY Traditional, oldtime Appalachian music.

New Earth Music Hall 10 p.m. $10 (adv), $15 (door). www. newearthmusichall.com BALLER’S BALL DARK PARTY Songs inspired by classic electro, techno & hip-hop producers Roadhouse 10 p.m. $1. 706-613-2324 ASHUTTO MIRRA This alternative rock quartet features members of alterna-soul group The Revival.

Terrapin Beer Co. 5:30 p.m. www.terrapinbeer.com MIGHTY MCFLY Covering hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s plus some originals.

Wild Wing Café 9 p.m. 706-227-9464 DANIEL LEE Frontman for the eponymous Daniel Lee Band performs his Southern rock solo.

Friday 13 40 Watt Club 9 p.m. $10 (adv). www.40watt.com A. ARMADA Athens’ A. Armada plays energetic, epic, instumental indie rock. The band’s Anam Cara EP takes things in a cinematic post-rock direction, with touches of Godspeed and such.

MELT-BANANA Female-fronted metal from Japan that’s surprisingly melodic and loads of fun. See Calendar Pick on this page.

Alibi 6 p.m. 706-549-1010 GRAINS OF SAND This cover band performs classic Motown, soul and R&B hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

NEUROPEPTONES UGA’s own rhythm and blues band!

THE ROOTS No, it’s not that The Roots, but Questlove and the gang are busy on late-night TV, so come see these local rockers instead!

Allen’s Bar & Grill 9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-353-6244 NORMALTOWN FLYERS This Athens roots-rock institution plays a

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Thursday, Nov. 12 continued from p. 23

set of good-time rock and roll with a Southern leaning.

The Arch Bar Digital Insight Chili Cookoff! Noon.

706-548-0300 EFREN Local indie swamp-folk band plays selections from their new album Thunder and Moan, to be released Dec. 4.

Broad Street Bar and Grill 10 p.m. FREE! 706-548-5187 BUNNY CARLOS Longtime Athenians Doug Pynn (guitar, vocals), Bill Bokas (drums, vocals) and Mike Flynn (bass), formerly of Barking Charlie, play “rock and roll the way it was meant to be played.”

Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $6 (21+), $8 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com THE BLACK HOLLIES This Jersey City band presents its own take on ‘60s psychedelia, infusing it with moody synth.

BRYAN SCARY Power-pop with a glam element that would do Ziggy Stardust proud.

HALLELUJAH THE HILLS Melodic indie pop with intricate arrangements and lush instrumentation.

Club Chrome 9 p.m. FREE! (ladies), $5 (guys). 706543-9009 LANEY STRICKLAND AND THE BLOODTHIRSTY COWBOYS Classic Southern rock with bluesy riffs, wailing organ and soulful vocals.

Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com AMERICAN CHEESEBURGER Athens four-piece that boasts former members of No!, Divorce and Carrie Nations, delivering rapid-fire, loud

and aggressive old-school thrash rock. Jeff Rapier (formerly of The Dumps) recently joined as the new singer.

DARK CASTLE Florida two-piece band that boasts a “slow and heavy” sound.

SAVAGIST Brand-new Athens band featuring fine folks from local bands 300 Cobras, Hot Breath and The Dumps.

Fat Daddy’s 10 p.m. FREE! 706-353-0241 KARAOKE Hosted by Lynn!

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/flickerbar NATE NELSON Local singersongwriter whose songs offer both mainstream accessibility and more indie-oriented idiosyncrasy.

THAYER SARRANO Local singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist with lovely, airy vocals singing dark, gentle melodies over guitar while backed by lap steel, bass and drums.

King is the latest new album.

Gnat’s Landing 6 p.m. FREE! 706-850-5858 TJ MIMBS This local acoustic singersongwriter plays melodramatic pop in the vein of Dave Matthews.

Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar NIGHT NURSES The band formerly known as The Flowers of Evil splits the difference between Joy Division and Johnny Cash with twang-infused guitar atmospherics, throbbing, hypnotic basslines and ominous baritone vocals.

SUMMER HYMNS Local indie rockers swing between a power-pop sound and lighter Flaming Lips-style fun.

THE VISITATIONS Electronic folk featuring a rotating cast of local musicians and a heavy touring schedule.

Healing Arts Centre “A Night for Unity.” 6 p.m. $8 (suggested donation). www.healingartscentre.net LARA With Georgia roots and a California spirit, Lara sings folky, organic piano ballads in the vein of Sarah McLachlan. Proceeds for this art reception and concert will go (in part) to the Oconee River Land Trust.

Little Kings Shuffle Club 8 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub TIMI CONLEY The current Kite to the Moon frontman and ex-Fuzzy Sprout will play new tunes off his new solo record Nerd Sexy. Album release show! For more info, see Calendar Pick on p. 23.

The Melting Point 9 p.m. $8 (adv), $10 (door). www.meltingpointathens.com* STEWART & WINFIELD BAND Savannah natives play a style of Americana that’s “too country for rock and roll and too rock and roll for country.”

Morton Theatre 8 p.m. $12 (students), $17 (adults), FREE! (kids under 12). www.mortontheatre.com BEN RATLIFF BAND Classic country covers and originals..

BROKEN ROAD Gainesville band that plays a menagerie of bluegrass, Christian and country. See story on p. 17.

New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. $15. www.newearthmusichall. com PIGS ON THE WING A Pink Floyd tribute featuring David Murphy of STS9, Mike Albanese, Matt Weiss, Count Kellam, plus members of Velveteen Pink and other special guests! The supergroup will cover all of Animals as well as tracks off Meddle, Wish You Were Here and The Wall.

Friday, November 13

Melt-Banana, A. Armada 40 Watt Club That Melt-Banana is venturing into what is now its 16th year of insane Japanoiseinfluenced, high BPMoriented rock speaks Melt-Banana boldly to challenges as of yet unmatched in realms of science and beyond. If yelping vocalist Yasuko Onuki, surgical-masked guitarist Ichirou Agata, and deadpan bassist Rika Hamamoto (along with whatever drummer they’re punishing at the time) can grind out their notoriously speedy/zippy/spazzy sound-nukes in perpetuity, why can’t NASA invent a turtleneck sweater that can withstand the blazing intensity of the Earth’s atmosphere? If Melt-Banana were charged with advancing our research in disciplines of heat and velocity, we’d be hang-gliding to the moon by now. For real.

Last we checked in with Melt-Banana, the group had released 2007’s Bambi’s Dilemma. Where Melt-Banana could have been easily typecast—it is, after all, the only Japanese grind-pop band that tours the U.S. consistently—it came with what was probably one of the most solid and fun records of its career, a collection of hooky jams that renewed its existence as a vital and un-co-opted part of underground music. Further punctuating the band’s unwillingness to be pigeon-holed, the group emerged with a brand-new record with a brand-new approach. Whereas sirens and snarling dogs often serve as sampled segue fodder for Melt-Banana’s records, on Melt-Banana Lite Live Ver 0.0 the samples and sequencers come to the fore, and the guitars are eschewed entirely. Of course, Onuki’s high-pitched demands and the inevitable blast-beats remain the band’s jaw-dropping calling cards. It’s the kind of screwy left-turn that has earned the band the right to take this far into its career, although it should be mentioned that the sounds Agata typically produced are so off-the-wall processed that his guitar tones often pass for anything but. While the rad, underrated bands of the ‘90s had to break up and get old and broke in order to justify returning for their retro accolades, Melt-Banana never went away and is still amazing. [Jeff Tobias]

Raw 10 p.m. 335 E. Clayton Street DJ RX Brian Gonzalez delivers his own original mixes of current pop and dance with accents ranging from old-school to country to electronic.

The Rialto Room 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. $25. www.therialtoroom.com SHAWN MULLINS Atlanta native Shawn Mullins’ eloquent, characterdriven narratives often paint vivid pictures of his hometown and life in the South. He is best known for his ‘98 hit “Lullabye.” Playing two sets tonight!

Rye Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/ryebarathens BLUES AFFLICTION Local band that plays electric blues “in the style of Buddy Guy, with a little Texas feel.”

Tasty World Uptown 10 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown BLACKBELT PATRIOTS Athens rock trio that plays original music and covers ranging from the Rolling Stones to Band of Horses.

MOON TAXI Progressive, psychedelic rock from Nashville with a good dose of improvisational folk, jazz and jam. The band recently released its highly anticpated live album, Live Ride.

Terrapin Beer Co. 5:30 p.m. www.terrapinbeer.com GOLDEN Atlanta band that combines the lyrical sincerity of David Gray, the musical sophistication of Steely Dan and the dynamic energy of Maroon 5.

Two Story Coffeehouse 8 p.m. FREE! 706-850-5422 THE LESS Atlanta pop band in the vein of John Mayer.

White Tiger Gourmet Food & Chocolates 6:30 p.m. FREE! 706-353-6847 FABULOUS BIRD Local troubadour Peter Alvanos plays bright, ‘60s inspired pop. Today he will preview songs off his upcoming 28-track record which is currently being produced. He’ll be accompanied by Thayer Sarrano on piano.

Wild Wing Café 9 p.m. FREE! 706-227-9464 STEREOTYPE Atlanta-based cover band that channels classic genre tunes with its own alt-rock twist.

WUGA 91.7 FM 4 p.m. FREE! www.uga.edu/wuga “IT’S FRIDAY!” Efren and The Desarios will perform on the local radio station’s weekly program.

University Cable Channel 15 will also broadcast the show.

Saturday 14 40 Watt Club PartyPartyPartners Triple CD Release Show! 9 p.m. $6. www.40watt.com BUBBLY MOMMY GUN Raucous psychedelic explorations led by members of Sleeping Friends, The Lickity-Splits and Ice Cream Socialists.

MOUSER Colby Carter (vocals, guitar) and his expanding gang of backing musicians play efficient and exuberant garage-pop songs that suggest a willingness to experiment, working through noise jams to find the aggressive pop hiding behind. See story on p. 15.

QUIET HOOVES Increasingly poporiented experimental psych-folk from here in town featuring toy

instruments and creative arrangements.

REPTAR This up-and-coming local quartet sounds like the result of Animal Collective and Talking Heads teaming up to travel back in time and fight Napoleon. Dance shoes recommended.

Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 ALIBI IDOL FINALS Come cheer on your favorite karaoke stars!

Athens Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net CARL LINDBERG AND EVAN GOWAN Jazz bassist Carl Lindberg performs standards, originals and some surprising tunes from divergent styles. Playing at 10 a.m.

SOLSTICE SISTERS AND FRIENDS Energetic renditions of old-timey country ballads, traditional folk and ‘40s-stylized swing. Playing first at 8 a.m.

Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com MAMA’S LOVE Funky jam band from right here in Athens. The band’s slogan says it all: “bringin’ it back to the roots while goin’ beyond the bounds.”

STEREO REFORM Funky psych-pop from Charleston.

Club Chrome 9 p.m. $5. 706-543-9009 SLAMMIN’ BETTY Southern rock, Athens-style.

Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com HEAVY PETTY Former members of Masters of the Hemisphere and The Possibilities rock through the back catalog of Tom Petty.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. $8. www.myspace.com/flickerbar DEXTER ROMWEBER DUO Dexter Romweber is the former frontman for the psycho-surf-rockabilly-garagepunk combo Flat Duo Jets. His music was a huge influence on Jack White of The White Stripes, and it only takes a quick listen to his rowdy rock and roll to see why.

RAT BABIES Athens duo Rat Babies plays hit-you-in-the-gut dirt metal, care of Mux on bass, Chodd on drums and an assortment of other collaborators.

THE SHRINKS Drawing from divergent, unpredictable influences, the local indie band has a psychedelic tinge in its haunting, intricate rock.

Go Bar 10 p.m. $3. www.myspace.com/gobar CASPER AND THE COOKIES Increasingly experimental but always rooted in pop sensibilities, this local act presents a danceable mix of quirky fun driven by keyboard and guitar.

JOOKABOX This Indianapolis band’s latest record, Dead Zone Boys, is part zombie musical and part love story, and its major themes are white flight and urban blight. Jookabox offers an intriguing, percussive, whirling psych-rock mix that’s avante-garde and accessible at same time. See Calendar Pick on p. 26.

URBN TRBN Putting the desi in desire, DJ Shil Patel selects subcontinental dance from golden-age Bollywood blowouts.

12:30 a.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ gobar “LATE NITE DISCO” The house deejay and occasional special guests spin a cool mix of disco, new k continued on next page

Béla Fleck & The Flecktones The Holiday Tour Featuring Victor Lemonte Wooten, Future Man and Jeff Cofn With special guest collaborators The Alash Ensemble

Wednesday, December 2 at 8 p.m.

Call, click or stop by the Box Office 706.357.4444 www.ClassicCenter.com 300 N. Thomas St. Downtown Athens

T ar

The Budweiser Select Music Series at The Classic Center is brought to you by:

BluePlate Specials

11am-6pm Mon-Fri

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

25

game time is here.

GET

TO THE

!

G N WI

SATURDAY GAMEDAY

Auburn at

UGA

THE LINEUP

thursday

daniel lee friday night rocks

with stereotype saturdays

college gameday nfl sunday

FALCONS at Panthers plus trivia later

THE CALENDAR! wave and modern dance tunes for a sweaty and energetic closing-time crowd. Dance party begins after the live music every Saturday.

Little Kings Shuffle Club 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub HIGH STRUNG STRING BAND This local act offers three-part harmonies and ramblin’, upbeat bluegrass on acoustic guitar, banjo and mandolin.

JUMPIN’ JESUS CHRISTERS Lively Appalachian-style string band composed of local musicians.

NATALIE AND MATT Local Americana duo featuring the vocals and guitar picking of Natalie Garcia plus Matt Dyson on banjo and dobro.

The Melting Point 10 p.m. $5. www.meltingpointathens. com TIM MILLER BAND Eclectic Southern music with inspirations as diverse as ‘80s rock, prog rock and Johnny Cash.

New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. $5. www.newearthmusichall. com NOISE ORGANIZATION This Alabama jam band’s sound is driven by electronica, samples and MIDI technology.

ZOOGMA This Oxford, MS group lays down electro-driven funk and rock jams that feature smooth improvization and sampling.

Sideways 10 p.m. FREE! 706-319-1919 DJRX Brian Gonzalez delivers his own original mixes of current pop and dance with accents ranging from old-school to country to electronic.

Tasty World Uptown 10 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown THE CONSTELLATIONS Freshly signed to Virgin Records, this Atlanta band plays a psychedelic blend of soul rock with hip-hop flourishes. The latest record, Southern Gothic, was produced

by Grammy-winner Ben H. Allen (Gnarls Barkley).

THE DIRTY GUV’NAHS Knoxville natives play roots-rock with a wailing Hammond organ and vocals that sound like they belong to a ‘60s soul singer.

Terrapin Beer Co. 5:30 p.m. www.terrapinbeer.com THE NICE MACHINE Local spastic surf-punk trio.

RACHEL O’NEAL Local singer/ songwriter formerly of Truth in Advertising and Moonlight Sol. In addition to emotional acoustic originals, O’Neal will perform a range of indie, classic rock and folk covers.

VFW 8 p.m. $6. 706-546-5978 DAVID PRINCE This Athens staple and one-time member of The Jesters plays your favorite soul, rock and R&B oldies.

Sunday 15 312 E. Washington Street 706-227-WING (9464) w w w. w i l d w i n g c a f e . c o m

26

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ NOVEMBER 11, 2009

Ben’s Bikes 9 p.m. FREE! (donations suggested).

670 W. Broad Street DJ KURT WOOD Spinning danceable selections from their expansive vinyl collection featuring garage, psychedelic 45s, soul, funk, R&B and surf.

See Threats and Promises on p. 15.

DJ MAHOGANY Freaky funk, sultry soul, righteous R&B, and

Saturday, Nov. 14 continued from p. 25

a whole lotta unexpected faves as DJ Mahogany dips into his bag of goodies from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

Buffalo’s Southwest Café 6:30 p.m. 706-354-6655 GOSPEL NIGHT Every Sunday at Buffalo’s in their big back room. This week features Theresa Hayes.

The Melting Point 7 p.m. FREE! www.meltingpointathens. com CAMP AMPED GRAND FINALE Nuçi’s Space’s Camp Amped comes to a close with performances by Sintax, When the Sky Was Opened and Death of the Peanut King. This is an all ages show!

Square One Fish Co. 1-4 p.m. FREE! www.squareonefishco. com SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH Rotating local jazz artists play Sunday afternoons on the patio.

Monday 16 Ciné Barcafé 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com OPEN JAZZ JAM Calling all jazz musicians. Now you can join local jazz group Sonny Got Blue every Monday for an open mic jam.

The Melting Point 8:30 p.m. $17 (adv), $20 (door). www. themeltingpointathens.com* MICHELLE SHOCKED Authentic, swaggerin’ bar blues pulled off with style from this L.A. musician.

New Earth Music Hall 8 p.m. FREE! www.newearthmusichall. com OPEN DJ NIGHT The dance party where you are in control! Bring your

laptop or turntables and take a turn spinning.

RPM 9:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit Jon Guthrie Fund. 706-543-0428 BURNS LIKE FIRE Local band featuring members of Karbomb, Wristbandits, and Celerity. A quartet of musical disarray!

CONSULT THE BONES New punk outfit featuring John Edwards of local act Community Chaos.

GUFF This non-stop local punk quartet’s style hearkens back to the Lookout Records sound from more than a decade ago, with a sense of fun amid the noise.

SO IT GOES Socially conscious punk rock band that infuses elements of Spanish rock, folk and ska.

Tasty World Uptown 10 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown BLUESWATER BRIDGE Local rock outfit inspired by classic Southern rock and blues.

THE BURNING ANGELS New local act that plays Americana soul!

Featuring Natalie Garcia on vocals and guitar, Mark Cunningham on vocals, guitar and dobro (Helen Dodge, Liberty Challenged, Pedro Weed), Josh Westbrook on percussion (Evanston Street) and appearances

by Adam Poulin on fiddle (Bros.

Marler) and Matt Dyson on dobro & banjo (Natalie & Matt).

EDDY SHIN TRIO Local power trio expands Eddy Shin’s acoustic ideas into big, bluesy rock numbers informed equally by pop and jazz.

Tuesday 17 Buffalo’s Southwest Café 6–10 p.m. $5 (includes lessons). 706354-6655 DINE & DANCE NIGHT Beginners and advanced dance lessons every

Tuesday from 6–7 p.m. followed by open dance until 10 p.m. Tonight’s featured style of dance is hip-hop.

Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com DAN NETTLES Celebrated local jazz musician known for his work fronting Kenosha Kid. Fat Daddy’s 10 p.m. FREE! 706-353-0241 KARAOKE Huge karaoke dance party hosted by Lynn every Tuesday.

Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar CHRISSAKES Local hardcore band with haunting, brooding guitar riffs, throbbing bass lines and explosive, screaming vocals.

COP DOPE New local band featuring members of Dark Meat and Backtalk playing “power-violent ‘80s hardcore.”

PYGMY SHREWS Growling bass, ominious drums and angular guitars from an unpredictable punk trio.

The Melting Point 7 p.m. $3. www.meltingpointathens. com BLUE BILLY GRIT Live bluegrass!

Performing originals and some great covers including The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin, and even Alanis Morissette. Celebrating their CD release tonight.

No Where Bar 10 p.m. $1. 706-546-4742 CHARLIE GARRETT BAND Local guys Charlie Garrett (vocals, guitar), Jay Rodgers (bass), Andrew Hammer (drums) and Matt “Pistol” Stoessel (pedal steel) play countrytinged Southern rock.

Tasty World Uptown 10 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown THE CAMPAIGN No info available.

CELERITY Punk-inspired hard rock.

Saturday, November 14

Jookabox Go Bar Man gets lonely out there on the road, and moose are no different.

What was once known as Grampall Jookabox was initially the Indianapolis lone gunman David “Moose” Adamson, but now all familial associations are null and void since Jookabox has expanded and become a family itself. You may have caught Jookabox as a solo act in the past, either when he bum-rushed the first Athens Face/Off or as a ghostly falsetto in the distance as your heavily carpooled car pulled up to last year’s Next to Last Festival. Adamson was responsible for all sounds created, doing the looping thing with the pedals and the drums and the guitars and the singing and such, but always doing it better than the average, and with hooks to spare.

Now, with the release of Dead Boys Zone on the Asthmatic Kitty label, Adamson has enlisted the help of Patrick “Sweets” Okerson, Benny “Bood” Sanders and Lisa “Tabbouleh” Berlin. “It seemed like a logical next step,” says Adamson. “It was hard to imagine doing the new songs with just one or two people. We were having a lot of issues with P.A.s; our whole sound depended on the P.A. when we were looping or using prerecorded beats for a lot of the songs. So, if the P.A. sucked, the set blew.”

But a blown-out P.A. is sort of aesthetically in line with Jookabox’s dirty-sandymuddy, universe-rendering, eyes-closed/arms-spread sound. With feet planted firmly on the ground via lumbering drums concerned strictly with headnod, Adamson’s voice is the weapon of choice, weaving countless levels of haunt-harmonies and rough-hewn leads.

Dead Boys Zone seems concerned with the strange crossover between urban drawl and zombie-crawl. Sez the Jookabox: “To me the zombie thing has been blown out a little; the basic thread running through the album is the push and pull of light and shade, but there’s definitely some zombie shit in there.” [Jeff Tobias]

HEY BASTARD Indiana quartet Hey, Bastard! offers screaming vocals and harmonies over punk-metal riffs.

KISSYFACE FASHION FAUX PAS Metal grindcore meets electronics.

NOMAD With his synth and souldrenched productions, this MC has been described as “Jheri Curl Boogie” and “Wiley stuck in an elevator with Cameo.”

Wild Wing Café 10 p.m. FREE! www.wildwingcafe.com KARAOKE Every Tuesday night at the downtown wing chain’s upstairs space.

The Office Lounge 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-0840 KARAOKE Every Wednesday (and sometimes Friday!) with Stan.

Wednesday 18 40 Watt Club 9 p.m. $12 (adv.) www.40watt.com* CEDRIC BURNSIDE AND LIGHTNIN’ MALCOLM Touting themselves as a “two-man wrecking crew,” this duo plays classic juke joint blues.

THE DIRTY STREETS Blues and soul infused with gritty Southern rock.

LUCERO Hailing from Memphis, Lucero’s hometown influence really shows in its Southern-charged rock and roll.

Caledonia Lounge 9 p.m. $10 (21+), $12 (18+). www. caledonialounge.com PATTERSON HOOD Part three in Hood’s residency at Caledonia Lounge! The title of tonight’s show is “Onward out the Window (New and Used Songs–Stripped Down to Piano and Guitar)” and will feature Hood and Jay Gonzalez premiering songs off The Truckers’ two new albums.

THE QUICK HOOKS David Barbe’s band features driving rock songs with full-throttle electric guitars that venture from indie psychedelia to twangy blues.

Fat Daddy’s 10 p.m.–1 a.m. FREE! 706-353-0241 OPEN MIC Every Wednesday featuring Avery Dylan.

Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar DAFFODIL Local trio plays fuzzedout, early-’90s sounding heavy rock and roll.

JUNGOL Experimental electronic rock from Atlanta that ranges from ethereal to aggressive with operatic pop vocals.

ONLY LIVING BOY Fiery blues-based rock and roll with a smooth, rolling feel.

STOKESWOOD A mellow, modern alt-rock band from Atlanta that experiments a bit with atmospheric sounds.

Harry Bissett’s Bayou Grill 8 p.m. FREE! www.harrybissetts.net TONGUE & GROOVE The acoustic quartet of Henry Williams, Don Henderson, Jason Peckham and Amy Moon plays lively covers and originals.

The Melting Point 8:30 p.m. $12 (adv), $15 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com CY CURNIN Curnin, lead singer of The Fixx, takes his evocative lyrics and distinctive vocals solo.

NICK HARPER Son of UK singersongwriter Roy Harper, Nick grew up surrounded by such rock idols as Keith Moon, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and David Gilmour. Their talent and energy influence Nick’s own performances, and he doesn’t disappoint.

New Earth Music Hall LFO Yeah!!! 9 p.m. $6 (adv), $8 (door). www.newearthmusichall.com* JOKER Local, modern, hard-rock band, plain and simple.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

LUCERO

RAMBLIN’ ROADSHOW AND MEMPHIS REVUE

CEDRIC BURNSIDE & LIGHTNIN’ MALCOLM THE DIRTY STREETS

* Advance Tickets Available

Down the Line 11/19 Dan Nettles (Hotel Indigo) 11/19 Jazzchronic (No Where Bar) 11/20 Hope For Agoldensummer (Caledonia Lounge) 11/20 Tribal Zine (Rye Bar) 11/20 Atlanta Rhythm Section (The Classic Center) 11/21 DJRX (Sideways) 11/21 David Prince and Ed Saye (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) 11/21 The HEAP (Farm 255) 11/21 Kyle Hollingsworth (New Earth Music Hall) 11/21 The Corduroy Road (The Melting Point) 11/22 Gospel Night (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) 11/23 Open DJ Night (New Earth Music Hall) 11/24 Carl Lindberg (Farm 255) 11/27 Birds+Wire / Kaitlin Jones and the County Fair (New Earth Music Hall) 11/29 Village Exchange (Tasty World Uptown) 11/30 The Oak Ridge Boys (The Classic Center) 12/2 Bela Fleck & The Flecktones (The Classic Center) 12/3 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert (MadisonMorgan Cultural Center)* 12/3 Toubab Krewe (New Earth Music Hall) 12/4 Efren (Flicker Theatre & Bar) 12/5 Glitch Mob (New Earth Music Hall) 12/5 Strawberry Flats (No Where Bar) 12/8 Nathan Sheppard and John Keane (No Where Bar) 12/17 Rusko (New Earth Music Hall) * Advance Tickets Available

In the ATL 11/11 Monsters of Folk (The Tabernacle)* 11/11 The Get Up Kids (The Masquerade)* 11/12 Queensryche (The Masquerade)* 11/12 Shonen Knife (The EARL)* 11/13 Charlie Louvin/ Anna Kramer / Dexter Romweber (The EARL) 11/13 Less Than Jake (The Masquerade)* 11/14 Joshua Radin (Center Stage)* 11/15 The Cult (The Tabernacle) 11/18 Lyle Lovett (The Tabernacle)* 11/18 White Denim (The EARL)* 11/20 Camera Obscura (Variety Playhouse) 11/21 J. Tillman (of Fleet Foxes) (The EARL)* 11/21 Mustard Plug / The Toasters (The Masquerade) 11/22 Imogen Heap (Variety Playhouse)* 11/24 Switchfoot (The Loft at Center Stage)* 11/28 Metric (Center Stage)* 11/29 Miley Cyrus (Philips Arena)* 12/7 Cursive (Lenny’s Bar)* 12/16 The Dutchess and the Duke (The EARL)* 12/29 Lady Gaga (Fox Theatre)*

doors open at 9pm • twelve dollars adv.** 285 W. Washington St. Athens, GA • Call 706-549-7871 for Show Updates

CHEAP DRINK SPECIALS EVERY NIGHT BEFORE 11PM • 18 + UP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

EDWARD SHARPE

& THE MAGNETIC ZEROES

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LOCAL NATIVES FAMILY OF THE YEAR doors open at 9pm • ten dollars adv.** CHUNKLET PRESENTS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12

MINUS THE BEAR THE ANTLERS • TWIN TIGERS doors open at 9pm • twelve dollars adv.*

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13

MELT BANANA

doors open at 9pm • fifteen dollars adv.* GEORGIA THEATRE PRESENTS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20

WASHED OUT TORO Y MOI SOBECTRIC

doors open at 9pm • ten dollars adv.**

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28

HOLMAN AUTRY BAND

ROLLIN HOME

doors open at 9pm • six dollars adv.**

A. ARMADA doors open at 9pm • ten dollars adv.**

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

PartyPartyPartners.com present E-S-C-A-P-E

QUIET HOOVES BUBBLY MOMMY GUN MOUSER w/ special guest REPTAR doors open at 9pm • six dollars

WUGA C the lassic

91.7

* 12/4

BRANTLEY GILBERT ON SALE NOW AT SCHOOL KIDS RECORDS

All Shows 18 and up • + $2 for Under 21 * Advance Tix Available at Schoolkids Records ** Advance Tix Sold at http://www.40watt.com

EXCLUSIVE HOME OF THE

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NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

27

bulletin board DO SOMETHING; GET INVOLVED! Deadline for getting listed in Bulletin Board and Art Around Town is every THURSDAY at 12 p.m.

Email calendar@flagpole.com. Listings are printed based on available space, more listings are online.

ART Call for Artists (Downtown Athens) The 2009 Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa Holiday Market is now accepting applications for artists and crafters for their upcoming market. Musicians, performance artists and DJs also welcome. www. athensindiecraftstravaganzaa.com

AUDITIONS Vagina Monologues (Family Protection Center) Your vagina has something to say about violence against women, or maybe it just has a really killer standup act. Call Project Safe for audition guidelines and information. Nov. 15, 2–5 p.m.

Nov. 16, 6–8 p.m.

CLASSES Adult Beginning Modern Dance (Floorspace) With instructor Laura Glenn. Thursdays, 6:15–7:45. www.floorspaceathens.com Art Classes (Lyndon House Arts Center) Now registering for instruction in drawing, painting, jewelry, clay and printmaking. For adults, teens and children. Go online for full list of programs. 706-613-3623, www.accleisureservices.com Beginner Trapeze Workshops (Canopy Studio) Learn the basics of trapeze technique, work with a partner and swiiiiiiing! Nov. 21 & Dec. 5, 3–4:30 p.m. $25. info@canopystudio.com Bellydance Basics (Athens YMCA) Wednesday mornings. 10:45 a.m. www.athensymca.org Booty Camp (Sangha Yoga Studio) A low-impact core fitness course

28

led by Mary Imes. Through Nov. 25, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 5:30–6:45 a.m. $75/session. 706613-1143 Ceramic Decal Workshop (Good Dirt) Embellish a handmade mug with decals! Nov. 15, 2 p.m. (beginners), 4 p.m. (advanced). $40. www.gooddirt.net Chen Style Taijiquan (Floorspace) Effortless power.

Authentic Chinese martial lineage.

Register for ongoing instruction.

Sundays and Mondays, 706-6143342, telihu@gmail.com Classical Pilates (StudiO) Private instruction and group classes offered daily! Schedule online.

678-596-2956, www.studioin athens.com Clay Classes (Good Dirt) Weekly “Try Clay” class every Friday from 7–9 p.m. and “Family Try Clay” every Sunday from 2–4 p.m. ($20/ person). 706-355-3161, www.good dirt.net Cooking for a Lifetime (Athens Community Council on Aging) Learn how to reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases through a healthy diet. All are welcome, but low-income men and women who may not have access to health screenings are particularly encouraged to attend. Nov. 11, 2–3:30 p.m. $10 (covers cost of food). 706549-4850.

Dance Center Winter Classes (East Athens Educational Dance Center) Registering for adult and children’s classes including Beginning Jazz, Ballet, Tap, HipHop, Praise Dancing and more. $18–$25. www.accleisureservices. com/dance.shtml Dance Foundations (Floorspace) Instructor Laura Hoffman works on the basics with kids ages 6–14.

Thursdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. (ages

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ NOVEMBER 11, 2009

6–8), 4:45–4:30 p.m. (ages 9–14). www.floorspaceathens.com Etching for Beginners and Intermediates (Lyndon House Arts Center) An introduction to intaglio/etching processes using printmaking methods to inscribe images onto metal plates. Learn xerox transfer, soft ground and aquatint techniques! Call for more info. 706613-3623, www.accleisureservices. com GEN Homeschool Program (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Garden Earth Naturalist program for homeschoolers. Topics include pollination, air and water purification, pest control, soil production and recycling. Nov. 23–Dec. 11, 9–11 a.m. (ages 6–8), 1–3 p.m. (ages 9–11). $22–$36. 706-542-6156 Gentle Yoga for Seniors (Council on Aging) Regain flexibility, stamina and muscle tone with gentle stretches and breathing techniques.

Tuesdays, 8–9:15 a.m. Wednesdays, 3–4:15 p.m. Fridays, 10–11 a.m.

FREE! 706-548-3910 Happy Hips & Strong Shoulders Yoga Workshop (Five Points Yoga) Encourage flexibility and strength in your ball-and-socket joints! Call to register. Nov. 15, 1:30–3:30 P.M. $20. 706-355-3114, www.athens fivepointsyoga.com Hatha Yoga (Sangha Yoga Studio) Candlelight traditional Hatha Yoga.

Beginners welcome. 706-613-1143, www.healingartscentre.net Holiday Clay Classes (Good Dirt) Be productive and creative this season with wheel-thrown pottery, slab-building, clay beads or mug making! Complete schedule online.

706-355-3161, www.gooddirt.net Holiday Healthy Eating (Athens Community Council on Aging) Don’t let holiday pounds

Jamie Calkin’s watercolors of Athens scenes are on display at Redeye Coffee through November. happen to you this year. Learn healthy alternatives to traditional holiday eating and easy exercises to prevent weight gain. Nov. 12, 1:30–3 p.m. FREE! 706-549-4850 Hoop Class (Canopy Studio) This guided hoop dance class helps develop fitness, balance, strength and flow. All skill levels welcome, but completion of basic hooping workshop encouraged. Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $15. www.canopy studio.com Integrated Arts Workshop for Kids (Floorspace) Instructors Heather McIntosh and Laura Glenn teach students how to create sound and movement compositions by exploring color, texture, dynamics and spatial awareness in performance.

For ages 8–12. Now registering!

Tuesdays, 4:45–6 p.m. $40/4 weeks. info@auxfestival.com Intermediate Modern Dance for Adults (Floorspace) With instructor Laura Glenn. Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. www.floorspace athens.com Intro to Computers (Madison County Library) Alisa Claytor, computer specialist, offers an Introduction to Computers series.

Three weekly meetings, and you may attend one per week or all three. Preregistration required. 706-795-5597.

Tuesdays, 2–3 p.m. or 7–8 p.m.

Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Jewelry and Metalsmithing (Lyndon House Arts Center) Learn how to create unique pieces of jewelry while learning about various metalsmithing techniques, including piercing, soldering, stone setting, appliqué and inlay. Call for more information! 706-613-3623, www. accleisureservices.com Life Drawing Sessions (Fringe Collective Artistic Studios, 159 Jackson St.) Bring any supplies/ equipment that you may require.

Ages 18 and up. Call to reserve a space. Thursdays, 6–8:15 p.m. $7/ session, $20/month. 706-540-2727 Line Dancing for Seniors (Council on Aging, Harris Room) Keep your health in line and have fun at the same time! Tuesdays, 4–5 p.m. $5/class. 706-549-4850 Mama-Baby Yoga (Five Points Yoga) For babies 1–8 months old and their grown-ups. Fussy babies and tired mamas welcome. Every Monday. 11 a.m. $10. 706-3553114, www.athensfivepointsyoga. com Mama-Baby Yoga (Mind Body Institute) For mamas and their babies. Six weeks old to crawlers.

Every Wednesday. 10:30 a.m. $60/6 classes. 706-475-7329, mbiprograms@armc.org Mama-Baby Yoga Bonding (Full Bloom Center) Fussy babies and tired mamas welcome! For babies 1 to 10 months old. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. $14/class, $60/6-weeks.

706-353-3373 Managing Grief through the Holidays (Athens Community Council on Aging) Losing a loved one is painful, and the holiday season can often intensify that pain.

Don’t endure it alone. Nov. 19, 2–3:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-4850, www.accaging.org Mind Your Muscles (Athens Community Council on Aging) Bring your muscles into focus with a combination of tai chi, yoga and Pilates! Fridays, 3–4 p.m. $5/class.

706-4850 Ninja Scout Adventure Kid’s Kung Fu (Floorspace) With Carl Lindberg. Go online for more information. Wednesdays, 4–5 p.m. www.floorspaceathens.com Open Art Studio (Art School, Watkinsville) Led by Tracy Jefferies.

Participants work at their own pace, and instruction is provided as requested. Reduced fee if you bring your own supplies. Open to all experience levels. Mondays, 12:30–2:30 p.m. $190 for 8 classes (includes supplies). artschoolstreet@gmail. com, www.artschoolwatkinsville.com Pilates Classes (Balance Pilates and Wellness Studio) Schedule and details online. Private lessons also available. 706-546-1061, www. balancepilatesathens.com Prenatal Yoga (Five Points Yoga) Get ready for birth and beyond with Jenni Derryberry Mann, RYT-200.

Every Sunday. 10:30 a.m. $10. 706355-3114, www.athensfivepoints yoga.com Prenatal Yoga (Full Bloom Center) Get ready for birth and beyond. Every Thursday. 5:30 p.m. $14/class or $60/6 classes. 706353-3373, www.fullbloomparent. com Scottish Country Dancing (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) Introductory classes. No partner necessary! Thursdays, 7–9 p.m. $25/12 weeks, $3/class. 706255-1010, info@thistleandkudzu.net Spanish Mommy or Daddy and Me Classes (Email for Location) Learn Spanish with your preschooler through songs, stories and games! New session starting soon. $75/6-week session. sehlers@uga.edu

“Sustainability: Bring It Home!” (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Weekend workshop for people interested in learning about home energy alternatives, home orchards and forest gardens, natural building, raising animals at home and creative erosion control.

Nov. 13–15. $155. www.uga.edu/ botgarden Tae Kwon Do & Jodo Classes (Live Oak Martial Arts, Chase Street Warehouses) For kids and adults, beginner through advanced.

Mondays–Thursdays, 3:30-8:30 p.m. 706-548-0077, www.liveoak martialarts.com Tai Chi for Seniors (Council on Aging) Increase strength and balance at your own pace! Every Tuesday. 2–3 p.m. $15/semester.

706-549-4850 Teen Painting Class (Lyndon House) Students will focus on painting and its materials and methods, as well as its history. Supplies provided. Call for more information!

Jan. 12–Feb. 16. 706-613-3623, www.accleisureservices.com The Artist Within (Lyndon House Arts Center) Students learn to give visual expression to their emotions through drawing and painting activities in a supportive and relaxing environment. Jan. 13–Feb. 17, Wednesdays, 10–11 a.m. 706-6133623, www.accleisureservices.com Yoga and Tai Chi (Mind Body Institute) New classes beginning now! Join through the week of Nov. 9. Visit online for complete listing.

706-475-7329, www.armc.org/mbi Yoga and Tai Chi Classes (Athens Wellness Cooperative) For beginners through experienced. See full calendar online. $14/drop-in, $60/6 classes, $108/12 classes. www.wellnesscooperative.com Yoga Classes (Om Town Yoga, 190 Park Avenue) Iyengar certified Yoga instruction for balance, strength, flexibility and stamina.

Mondays, 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m. FREE! (for Nov. 16–19 only) $10/drop-in (regular fee). www.athensomtownyoga.com Yoga Crawlers (Full Bloom Center) For active babies 8–18 months. Every Wednesday. 10:30 a.m. $14. 706-353-3373, www. fullbloomparent.com Yoga Teacher Training (Vastu School of Yoga, Railroad Art District) Learn to teach yoga in this 10-week workshop beginning in December!

Register by Nov. 15th for tuition discount. 561-723-6172, vastuyoga@ hotmail.com

Zen Seeing, Zen Drawing (Lyndon House) Drawing, painting and printmaking with lessons inspired by artist and author Frederick Franck. $90 (non-ACC resident), $78 (ACC resident). 706-613-3623, www.accleisureservices.com

HELP OUT! American Red Cross (Red Cross Center, 3525 Atlanta Hwy.) Seeking donors for all blood types. 706-5460681, www.redcrossblood.org AthFest Volunteer Opportunity (Email for Location) The AthFest Education Committee seeks year-round volunteers to assist them in their mission to connect local music to local schools. education@athfest.com Become a Mentor (Boys and Girls Clubs of Athens) Volunteer one hour per week to make a difference in the life of a child. Training provided. 706-546-4910, mentor@ athensbgca.com, www.fflife.net Bike Recycling Program (Chase Street Warehouses) Join BikeAthens volunteers as they clean and repair donated bicycles for local service agencies. Bike repair skills a plus, but not necessary. Sunday, 2–4:30 p.m. Monday & Wednesday, 6–8:30 p.m. www.bikeathens.com

KIDSTUFF Athens Language Schoolhouse (Athens Language Schoolhouse) Italian immersion for infants through Pre-K. Call to schedule free trial classes! www.athenslanguageschoolhouse.com Creative Movement (Floorspace) Ongoing class for ages 3–5. Call to register! Tuesdays, 10 a.m. and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. (ages 3-4),

Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. (age 5). 706247-4513, lisayaconelli@yahoo.com Family Yoga Sprouts (Full Bloom Center) Enjoy yoga as a family! Third Sunday of every month.

1:30–2:30 p.m. Call for fees. 706353-3373, www.yogasprouts.com Gymnastics (Bishop Park) Now registering for winter/spring gymnastics! Non-ACC residents begin registering Dec. 10. Dec. 7–9, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (ACC residents).

706-613-3589, www.accleisureservices.com/gymnastics.shtml Kids Trapeze Open Studio (Canopy Studio) Bring a parent to assist you as you learn the art of trapeze. Sundays, noon–1 p.m. info@ canopystudio.com Mommy/Daddy and Me Trapeze (Canopy Studio) Parents will guide their children in a range of exercises. Sundays, 10–11 a.m. (ages 2–3) 11 a.m.–noon (ages 1–2) $10/class. 706-549-8501, info@canopystudio.com One-to-One Reading Program (East Athens Community Center) Read with the librarian and other volunteers. Get them all to yourself! For ages 6 and up. Monday–Thursday, 3:30–5:30 p.m., FREE! 706-613-3657

SUPPORT Emotional Abuse Support Group (Call for location) Demeaning behavior and hateful words can be just as harmful as punches and kicks. Call Project Safe hotline at 706-543-3331 for location. Wednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m.

Emotions Anonymous (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) Informal and supportive 12step program open. Sundays, 4–5 p.m. 706-202-7463, www.emotions anonymous.org

ART AROUND TOWN ACC Library (Heritage Gallery) Paintings by UGA alumna Christina Bray. Through November. (Top of the Stairs Gallery) Bart Lynch’s paintings speak of the process of construction. Through November.

Athens Academy (Myers Gallery) Paintings by Erin McIntosh and Jennifer Hartley. (Bertelsmann Gallery) Work by Didi Dunphy, Lou Kregel and Carol John.

Through Dec. 14.

Aurum Studio Sculpture by Noah Saunders and paintings by Lamar Wood. Through November.

Brick House Studio The fall 2009 exhibition features works by Tex Crawford, D.M. Kirwin and Brian Reade. Ongoing sculpture installation by Doug Makemson. Through Nov. 22 (by appointment only).

Reception Nov. 22.

Circle Gallery, UGA College of Environmental Design “Forming Content,” a collection of graphic media works by Cecile L. K. Martin. Through Dec. 11. Reception Nov. 11.

Georgia Piedmont Arts Center “Harvest of Art” features works by a wide variety of local talent.

Through Dec. 19.

The Globe Work by Ainhoa Bilbao Canup. Through November. Reception Nov. 11.

The Grit Paintings by Mary Moses. Through Nov. 15.

Hair Therapy Studio Work by Pain & Wonder’s Graham Bradford. Through Nov. 14.

Healing Arts Centre “Balancing Polarity: A Sacred Union,” featuring “original art for the free at heart” by Lara. Through Dec. 12. Reception Nov. 13.

Just Pho…and More Work by William C. Pierson. Through Dec. 15.

Krimson Kafe Mosaic artwork by J. Elizabeth Wright. Through December.

Lamar Dodd School of Art (Room S365) Visual artist Jonathan Bouknight’s exhibit “(study for) Mother-Me-Do” references mythology, history, pop culture and science to express our culture’s attitudes toward gender, sexuality and identity. Reception Nov. 13. (Gallery 101) “Continuance” features kinetic video and sound sculpture by Gary Bardizbanian, a projected and sculptural piece by Katie Graham, flash

Mental Health Support Group (St. Mary’s Hospital) Meets in the lobby conference room.

Thursdays, 6:30–8 p.m. 706-7835706, www.athensmentalhealth.org

ON THE STREET ACC Leisure Services Winter Programs (Various Locations) Registration for adult and youth art and dance classes, and many other programs. See complete program online. www.accleisureservices.com Band Together: Help Rebuild the Georgia Theatre (Georgia Theatre) The Georgia Theatre and the GA Trust for Historic Preservation have banded together to help fund the rebuilding of the Theatre. To make a donation or learn more, visit their website. www.georgiatrust.org/ preservation/georgiatheatre.php Downtown Parade of Lights (Downtown Athens) Now accepting entries for Athens’ annual parade.

This year’s theme is “A Gift from the Heart.” Register by Nov. 13. 706613-3589, markmccoy@co.clarke. ga.us, www.accleisureservices.com Opening Act Contest (The Classic Center) Want to open for the Atlanta Rhythm Section? To be considered, submit a recorded performance of your band along with an entry form. www.classiccenter.com Seeking Social Drinkers (Call for location) Social drinkers between the ages of 21 and 35 may earn up to $60 to participate in a study about alcohol and reaction time. 706-5426519, hwemudua@uga.edu Speech and Hearing Screenings (UGA Aderhold) UGA’s Speech and Hearing Clinic is offering free screenings for adults and children. Call to schedule your appointment. Nov. 13, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

FREE! 706-542-4598 f

animation by Elizabeth Baek and other technologically inspired works by Rejon Noah and Seth Nichols Stephens. Reception Nov. 13. “Making Masters” features selected MFA works from the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Through Dec. 1. “The Others Who Haunt Me and Whom I Haunt,” an exhibition of art and explorations of the unseen, the seen and the seeing by Marie Porterfield. Through Nov. 24. Reception Nov. 13. (270 River Road) “Tarred and Feathered,” an exhibit featuring raw, uncomfortable narratives on race and Goya-inspired reflections in copper by printmakers Janie Askew and David Carlton. Through Nov. 12. Reception Nov. 12.

Lyndon House Arts Center “Through Our Eyes: Portraits and Self-Portraits by the Students of Clarke County” highlights the work of local young artists in clay, pencil, paint and fabric. Through Jan. 20.

Mercury Art Works “Terre Verte,” the debut exhibition for Mercury Art Works at Hotel Indigo, features photographs by Rinne Allen and work by various local artists, including Art Rosenbaum, Chris Bilheimer, Mary Engel, Scott Belville and Michael Stipe. Through Feb. 15.

Monroe Art Guild “Wood and Stone” by Dan Thoman. Through December.

Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation Madeline Darnell’s paintings of Pittsburgh, PA capture the hopeful flourishes of flower gardens in an otherwise vast expanse of concrete. Through Nov. 21.

The Point of Art Gallery (Union Point) Work by Henry Barnes. Through Nov. 21. Reception Nov. 19.

Red Eye Coffee Vibrant watercolors of various Athens locales by Jamie Calkin. Through November.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia “Southern Tableau,” featuring paintings of lush landscapes by Joe M. Ruiz.

UGA Visual Arts Building (Jackson Street) “Staff Infection,” an exhibit featuring the collected works of the Georgia Museum of Art’s staff. Through Nov. 20.

Walk the Line Tattoo Co. “After dinner…

BRAINS!!!,” an exhibit featuring zombie glamour shots and more by Keith Rein, Joe Havasy, Radar, John Collins and other local artists. Through November 15.

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29

comics

Blob World

30

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ NOVEMBER 11, 2009

by Evan E.

reality check Matters Of The Heart And Loins I’m 31 and have been married for five years.

My husband and I have been together for a total of nine years. When we got married, we both had good jobs and were really living the newlywed lifestyle (vacations, renting a nice bungalow together, talking about the future, looking at houses and planning for children, etc., etc…). And then one day, my husband was caught up in a really bad situation where he almost went to jail and he ended up losing his job. This happened right around our second wedding anniversary.

Ever since that happened, our plans went down the drain—no children, no beautiful home and no talks of the future. I have been working really hard to support us both and to pay for his legal fees. I work close to 60 hours a week, and my husband won’t look for a new job. Although his troubled past has depressed him, whatever he has done has been removed from his records, and he is able to look for jobs. He won’t do it. He stays at home all day and sleeps and plays video games.

Whenever I am out of the house, he text messages me to bring him something to eat or drink. He won’t leave the house to go and do simple things for himself. The only time he happens to go out is if his buddies call him to come out for a drink or two. Every time we talk about this problem, he acts sorry and then he tells me he won’t look for a job because he is depressed and ashamed of his past and doesn’t want to have to explain that kind of stuff to his potential employer.

I honestly don’t know what to do. If I bring up a job that I saw that he should look into, he just ignores me. When I complain that I am tired and overworked and frustrated that I am the one who is supporting the two of us, he acts sorry and then gets depressed again. What am I supposed to do? I love him but I am so very sick of the way he is acting and his self pity makes me almost hate him sometimes. I just don’t know what to do anymore because I’m starting to get depressed about my own situation of being a relatively young woman with a depressed, out-of-work husband who refuses to get a job. Please help if you can!

Anonymous You have been dealing with this for three years? Are you kidding? Look, Anonymous, you are the only one who can put a stop to this.

There is a line between being a supportive and understanding spouse and being a sucker, and you ran past it at least two and a half years ago by my count.

If your husband is too depressed and ashamed to go look for a damned job, then I find it remarkable that he manages to summon the energy to go out and drink with his friends. It is entirely possible that he is depressed, and you should encourage—no, demand—that he get some help, but he has also got to get a job. You need to talk to him immediately, and demand that he do both.

Give him a time limit. I’m thinking 24 hours to get an appointment at a sliding-scale therapist, and a maybe a week to at least prove to you that he has filled out some applications and/or dropped off some résumés. Whatever

he did to cause these legal troubles, I doubt very seriously that it comes near to the shame he should feel for allowing you to work 60 hours a week while he sits at home and plays video games.

That said, you are going to have to take some responsibility for this as well. No more picking him up food and drink on your way home, and no more bullshit pushover behavior.

Put your foot down right now, and if things haven’t changed drastically by year’s end, then get out. You have plenty of time left to have dreams and plans and kids with a guy who isn’t a bloody deadbeat. Good luck.

My ex and I dated for a little over a year.

We were “best friends” for about a year leading up to that and were very, very close. We broke up about three months ago because he started growing increasingly distant and the sex just stopped altogether. When I brought this up, he said, through teary eyes, that he had no romantic feelings for me and he knew it all along. It crushed me.

This was coming from the same guy who asked me to move across the country with him less than a month earlier…

He was/is adamant about us remaining friends. And tells me constantly how much he cares about me and needs me in his life. I am dating somebody new, and my ex may or may not be, but I refuse to discuss it with him. The thought alone will make me vomit. I was sick recently, and he called every day to check on me; my car broke down, and he rushed to my aid. He’s still the person I rely on for help and advice. I still feel an INCREDIBLE attraction between us and always have, so I don’t know why I’m so “off” and what’s really going on. I have suggested that we cool off for a year or so and then reunite at another time to continue our friendship because it’s just too weird between us right now. And he REFUSES. He won’t let go, and I can’t either.

I just don’t know what to do anymore. The guy I’m dating now is fantastic, but I still fantasize that any day my ex will beg for me back and realize he made an awful mistake, but I fear that is just a dream and a very unhealthy thought. Should I just forget about him altogether? Try to remain friends? I’m miserable with the way things are now.

Confused, Naïve, Hopeless Staying friends is a terrible idea, CNH. This relationship is like cigarettes—addictive and toxic. What he did to you was totally unfair, and obviously you were all wrong all along.

Never mind the attraction you supposedly still feel. I know it’s hard, but you have got to get this guy out of your life forever. In fact, this guy is so bad for you that I would recommend taking up smoking over retaining his so-called friendship. His refusal to end your friendship is beside the point. Stop taking his calls, stop asking for his advice, and don’t ever ask for his help again. The only way to do this thing is cold turkey. Lucky for you, Thanksgiving is right around the corner.

Jyl Inov Got a question for Jyl? Submit your anonymous inquiry via the Reality Check button at www.flagpole.com.

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

31

classifieds

Buy It, Sell It, Rent It, Use It! Place an ad anytime at flagpole.com  Indicates images available at flagpole.com

Real Estate Apartments for Rent $475–525/mo. 1BR/1BA, 2 Blocks to town & campus. Lg. BR, CHVAC, great view of city, ceiling fans, some screen porches. Owner pays water & garbage. Avail. for January 1st move–in. Go to boulevard​p roperty​ management.com, (706) 548-9797. $450/mo. Alexi Apartments.

1 lg. BR/1BA w/ lg. lv. rm & walk–in closet. Laundry facilities, picnic tables, grill.

1 block off Milledge w/ bus stop. (706) 207-9902, (706) 835-8401.

1BR apt. for $475/mo. 2BR apt. starting at $700/mo. 3BR apt starting at $1000/mo.

All close to campus! Howard Properties (706) 546-0300.

1, 2 & 3BR apts. Two bedrooms starting at $506.67 a month! 1BRs, $493/mo. 3BRs, $710/mo. Huge apts at a great location. Security deposit starts at $150! On busline, pet friendly & recycling on site! Call us today (706) 5496254. Restrictions apply.

1BR/1BA. All electric, water, furnished, nice! On busline.

Single pref. Avail. now! (706) 543-4271.

2BR/1.5BA condo at Eaglewood, off Lumpkin.

Pool, on lake, completely remodeled. $675/mo. Call (706) 353-7826 anytime.

2 B R / 1 B A . A R M C a re a .

CHAC, newly renovated, off-street parking. Excellent, quiet n’hood. Total electric. $550/mo. (706) 543-4556.

2 bedrooms, 1 bath.

Fireplace, dishwasher.

Cedar Shoals Rd. Eastside.

Rent $525/mo., $525/dep.

Call (706) 769-8781.

flagpole classifieds Reach Over 30,000 Readers Every Week!

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PLACE AN AD • At flagpole.com, pay with credit card or PayPal account • Call our Classifieds Dept. (706) 549-0301 • Email us at class@flagpole.com

• Deadline to place ads is 11:00 a.m. every Monday for the following Wednesday issue • All ads must be prepaid • Set up an account to review your placement history or replace old ads at flagpole.com

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ NOVEMBER 11, 2009

2BR/1BA, Deville 136 G r a d y Av e . $695/mo.

Great place to live, upstairs, HWflrs, pool, courtyard. Call for showing (706) 548-9797, w w w. b o u l e v a rd ​p ro p e r t y​ management.com.

2BR basement apt. 180 Moss Side Dr. Great rm. w/ FP. Private entrance. $520/ mo + utils. Washer & DW provided. Call (706) 2542526 or (706) 227-9312.

2BR/1BA Five Points Duplex on Mell St., total electric, DW, W/D hookups. $625/mo. (706) 546-6900, Va l e r i o Properties.com.

2 rm. apt. w/ full kit. & BA. W/D. incl. $400/mo. + $400/ sec dep. Avail. 11/1. Won’t last! (706) 254-2936.

3BR/2.5BA Eastside townhome. Spacious & convenient, on bus route.

Pets allowed. Incl. W/D. Only $700/mo. Call Aaron (706) 207-2957.

3BR/2BR avail. immediately for rent/sale. $695/mo + $695/sec. dep. or $59K. Rivers Edge Condominiums.

DW, micro, fridge, stove.

New CHAC, carpet, HWflrs. On bus route. (706) 614-4827.



B o rd e r s ! Print version of the Classifieds. Pictures!

Check them out on the Flagpole website. New Categories! And still the lowest rates in town!Place your ad today at www.flagpole.com.

College Station 2BR/2BA. All appls + W/D, FP, xtra closet space, water/garbage incl. $ 5 7 5 / m o . Owner/ Agent (706) 340-2450.

Be s t p ro pe r t y i n t o w n !

Woodlands of Athens.

3BR/3BA full of amenities.

Gated community, great specials. Reduced to only $1050/mo. Call Pete (706) 372-3319.

Best deal in town! El Dorado 2BR/1BA & studio apts. in Normaltown. Free water, gas, basic cable & wireless Internet. W/D in 2BR units. Dog runs. $420–$675/mo. Joiner & Associates (706) 549-7371.

FTX Apartments.

Campus & busline within half a block. Near Milledge Ave. 2BR units.

Pre–lease for Fall 2010.

These units are always 100% leased so act now for low rental rates. Call Stacy at (706) 425-4048 or (706) 296-1863.

Overlook Village at China & Little St. 2BR/1BA. $480/mo. + sec. dep. Pls. call Dave (706) 207-2908.

Westside condos.

2BR/2BA,$600/mo.Hospital Area, garage apt., totally updated, 2BR/1BA, $525/ mo. & $550/mo. Eastside quadraplex 2BR/2BA, $525/mo. 2BR/1BA, $490/mo.

Eastside duplex 2BR/1BA, FP, $490/mo.3 B R / 2 B A , FP, $650/mo., corner lot. Call McWaters Realty, (706) 549-3222, (706) 353-2700 or cell (706) 540-1529.

Commercial Property $100-$150 Studio spaces.

Great location, cool spaces.

1 block from town. (706) 5489797, boulevard​property​ management.com.

DON’T BE LEFT THE FRED BUILDING HOMELESS! Office Space Downtown Lofts Available Available For Lease Hurry, Only a Few Left! 220 COLLEGE

AVENUE Call

(706) 613-2742

www.fredshp.com

195 Park Ave. $750/ mo.3 lg. offices, common area w/ kitchen. Currently used as wellness center.

Great location, great n’hood. Contact or call today (706) 548-9797, b o u l e v a r d ​p r o p e r t y ​management.com.

Athens Executive Suites. Offices avail. in historic Dwntn bldg. w/ on–site parking. All utils., Internet, & janitorial incl.

Single or multiple offices avail. Call Stacy (706) 4254048 or (706) 296-1863.



Amazing Office S p a c e s for lease above Dwntn Five Guys restaurant. Sign a 1 Year Lease and Receive the 1st Month Free or 12% off!! Call Reign at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty (706) 372-4166, or (706) 543-4000.

Charming historic cottage. 2 rooms, 2 FPs, bathroom, parking, security, ceiling fans. Retail, office, studio, therapist, massage.

Excellent condition. 290 N. Milledge Ave. $650/mo. Heat incl. Flexible terms. (706) 340-3717.

Eastside offices for lease. 1060 Gaines School Rd. 170 sq. ft., $375/ mo., 500 sq. ft., $625/mo., 1200 sq. ft., $1200/mo.

(706) 546-1615 or www. athenstownproperties.com.

Paint Artist Studio for rent. 300 sq. ft., $150/mo.

400 sq. ft., $200/mo. 160 Tracy St. Historic Boulevard Area, Artist/Crafts Community.

(706) 546-1615 or www. athenstownproperties.com.

Retail Suites for lease at Homewood Village.

1K–12,500 sq. ft. avail. For more info call Bryan Austin at (706) 353-1039 or visit www. sumnerproperties.net.

Houses for Rent $600/mo. 2BR/1BA home located at 640 Tallassee Rd. Working FP to warm the winter nights, big front porch, CHAC, W/D conn. Pet OK. Call Bill at Thornton Realty (706) 353-7700. $750/mo. Blocks to Campus.

4BR/2BA. Tall ceilings, central air, DW, W/D conn., sunroom, pets allowed. 231 Elizabeth St. Owner/Agent.

Call Mike (706) 207-7400. $875/mo. Big House. Blocks from campus. 3 very lg.

BR/1.5BA. 12’ Ceilings, HWflrs., W/D Conn., CHAC. 127 Elizabeth St. Owner/ Agent. Call Mike (706) 207-7400. $950/mo. First mo. free.

4BR/1.5BA, Eastside, lg. kitchen, W/D, workshop, fenced yard, safe n’hood.

117 Crossbow Circle. Owner/ Agent. Call Mike (706) 207-7400.

1BR/1BA. $495-525/mo. overlooking Dwntn & campus.

All electric, lg. BRs, some w/ screened porches, laundry on site. Freshly renovated & priced right. Avail. 1/01/09.

Call (706) 548-9797 or boulevard​p roperty​ management.com.

1, 2, 3, & 4BR homes for lease starting at just $600/ mo. Flexible lease terms & well maintained properties.

Looking for a home? Call us today. Dekle Realty Inc. (706) 548-0580.

1080 Oglethorpe Ave. City busline. 2BR/1BA + bonus rm., laundry rm., patio. Neat condition, great location.

Lawn maintenance possible.

Perfect for 2 grad students/ professionals. Short lease avail. $750–$850/mo. (706) 338-7990, (706) 353-0708.

1695 W. Hancock. 3BR/2BA. CHAC. W/D, DW, fenced, pets OK, bands OK. HWflrs.

Close to Dwntn. Sec. Sys. $750/mo. Avail. Jan. 1st.

Call/text (706) 714-4486.

Email hathawayproperties@ gmail.com.



149 Eaglewood Way. 5 Pts. 4BR/2.5BA end–unit condo on busline.

HVAC, DW, W/D, decks, pool. Awesome location, great deal! $800/mo + dep.

Avail. now. Jimmy (706) 338-7257.

235 Plaza. 3BR/1BA. Avail.

1/1/10. CHAC, W/D, DW, HWflrs., fenced yd. Close to Dwntn. $650/mo. Call/ text (706) 714-4486, email hathawayproperties@gmail. com.

Country living in Athens!

3BR/1BA at East Meadow, near UGA. HWflrs, patio, central heat, window AC, DW, W/D, fenced backyd., yd. care incl. $750/mo. (706) 354-4663.

2BR duplexes starting at $450/mo. 159 Gran Ellen, 3BR/3BA $1300/mo. 1BR/1BA $600/mo. 167 Tibbets, Normaltown house $650/mo.

Pls. call (706) 549-6070.

Commercial/Residential. Lg. house on North Ave. $1300/ mo. Approved for shelter, group home, or possibly even restaurant or office. Call David (706) 247-1398.

3BR/2BA renovated home.

Priced like a 2BR! 1 street mi. from Dwntn. in Chicopee/ Dudley area. $695/mo.

Pest control, yard maint. incl. Photos & info www.

1596eastbroad.blogspot.com, (706) 255-0659.

Eastside Winterville 3BR/2 full BA & 2 half BA. Extra nice 3400 sq. ft. 2–car garage, LR/DR, office, bonus rm. FP, CHAC, W/D, back patio, gas grill, lg. fenced backyd. w/ dog pen. $1250/mo. + dep.

(706) 247-1398.

3BR/2BA house Eastside.

Quiet n’hood. $900/mo. All appls. 213 Springtree St. Avail. now! (706) 713-0626.

First month free! 2–3BRs in quiet setting, off the beaten path. Sec. sys. incl.

W/D, DW, priv. deck. Mention this ad & pay no pet fee! ( 7 0 6 ) 5 4 8 - 2 5 2 2 , w w w. dovetailmanagement.com.

3BR/2BA house w/ FP & fenced yd. In a nice subdivision in West Athens. $900/mo. Call (706) 549-7371.

Joiner & Associates Realtors.

3BR/1BA. $750/mo. Nice house in Winterville on 1 acre. 5 min. from Athens.

Great, safe n’hood. Garden OK. Pets OK. Avail. now! Call Jason (706) 338-4669.

3BR/2BA renovated Victorian. Price reduced. 1/2 mi. to UGA. Lg. r ms., high ceilings, HWflrs, front porch, back deck, nice yd. lots of parking.

W/D, DW, CHAC. Pets OK. $1000/mo. (706) 369-2908.

3BR/1BA home close to Dwntn. HWflrs., lv. r m., eat–in kitchen, laundry rm., screened–in porch, covered parking. Dekle Realty (706) 548-0580.

3BR/2.5BA houses w/ HWflrs, granite tops & all appls!

Avail. now for $1200/mo! 1/2 mi. to Dwntn. 105 Trail Creek Dr.! (706) 713-0626.

3BR/1.5BA near UGA. Avail. now. Fenced yd, DW, CHAC, W/D, basement, tile flrs. $600/mo. (706) 254-2936.

3BR/2.5BA. 1 mi. to UGA. $1200/mo. 1 yr. old house.

Open floor plan, microwave, DW, W/D conn. Avail. now.

(706) 410-6122.

440 Pine Needle Rd. Normaltown/ARMC n’hood.

3BR/1BA. Newly remodeled kitchen w/ DW. CHAC, lg. fenced backyd. Screened porch/ Carport. HWflrs. & carpet. $950/mo. Call (706) 202-5521.

5 Pts. area. 3BR/2BA house.

CHAC, DW, laundry rm. w/ W/D, back deck, carport.

Call (706) 255-0066.



Avail. Dec. 1st.

3BR/2BA. Off Milledge.

CHAC, W/D, HWflrs. $800/ mo. + dep. Pets OK. Call Mark (706) 202-5110.



Cute 2BR/1BA. All electric, CHAC, W/D, nice yd. $550/mo. + dep.

Call Mark (706) 202-5110.

Northside 2BR/1BA, lg. lot, $600/mo. Hospital area 2BR/1BA, carport, fenced–in yard, $750/mo. Eastside 3BR/2BA. Lg. yd., on dead–end street. $950/mo.

4BR/2BA w/ lg. yd. $1200/mo.

2 or 3BR/1BA w/ screened front porch, $700/mo. Cedar Creek 4BR/2BA $950/mo.

Oconee County 3BR/2BA. Lv. rm. w/ FP, din. rm., double garage, $1000/mo. Call McWaters Realty, (706) 549-3222, (706) 353-2700, (706) 540-1529.

Navy School/ARMC area.

Lg. 1BR/1BA. All appls. incl.

W/D, HWflrs., nice side yd.

Perfect for grad students/ professionals. $550/mo. Avail.

12/1. Call (706) 540-0472.

Newly renovated 4BR/3BA for rent in ARMC area. W/D, DW, CHAC, screen porch, game rm, off–street parking. $1200/mo. Call Vicki at (706) 540-7113 to set up a tour.



Own your own rental property!139 & 1 4 3 S t r i c k l a n d Av e .

4BR/3BA on each side of duplex. Each side for rent at $1200/mo. Entire duplex for sale $359,800. Call Reign at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty (706) 372-4166, or (706) 543-4000.

Houses for Sale



2 3 5 B a i l e y. $ 5 0 K .

Great Investment Property! Call Reign at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty (706) 372-4166, or (706) 543-4000.

Cutest house in Comer.

3BR/2.5BA. 1800 ft. 2.2/3 acre. Fully applianced.

HWflrs., carpet. Beautifully landscaped yd. 6 ft. privacy fence. Alarm system. 100% financing. $135K. (706) 202-6119.

Land for Sale



0 Va l l e y w o o d .

Awesome Homewood Hills Lot For Sale $44,900.

Call Reign at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty (706) 372-4166, or (706) 543-4000.

Place a Classified Ad at www.flagpole.com!

S. Milledge Jamestown condo. $675/mo. Lg. 2BR/2.5BA. Bath, W/D, DW, woodburning FP, CHAC, pool. (706) 549-3096, (706) 202-7437. Avail. immediately.

For Sale Antiques Lg. Victorian house full of French/English/American antique furniture, oriental rugs, stain glass windows, huge collection of local art, oil paintings, water colors, art quilts, fine estate jewelry.

Antiques & Jewels. 290 N. Milledge Ave. Always open Tu e – S a t , 1 2 p m – 5 p m & chance/appt. (706) 340-3717, www.antiques-jewels.com.

Roommates

Appliances

2BR/1BA in 3BR/2BA house.

Both BRs downstairs. Blvd area, near campus. Cats OK. $375/BR per mo.

Females only. Avail. late Dec. thru July. Call (770) 656-8779.

24 cubic ft. Hotpoint refrigerator for sale. White, side–by–side doors. Only 4 yrs. old! $375 OBO. Call (706) 338-1661.

Female grad student or mature woman needed for 2BR condo. Quiet area.

Private BA. W/D. Internet access. $350/mo. + 1/2 utils.

(706) 201-9398.

Pillowtop Queen Mattress set. Never used. Still in factory plastic. $260. Full size mattress set. Never used. Still in factory plastic. $160. (706) 769-1959.

Delivery avail.

Roommate needed 12/1.

Lg. rm., CHVAC, private entrance. W/D use, share kit/ bath w/ 1 person, utils 5–way split. Walk to town. (706) 424-0901.

Share residence w/ another professional. $900/mo shared rent which incl. everything! Negotiable portion of rent. 20 min. 78–83 Hwy. from Athens/campus.

Great deal for single graduate student, writer, or teacher. Furnished. Private BR, BA, backyd, sidewalks, streetlamps, nearby cheap gym & space for guest.

Extras! Emailjudiethcarol@ rocketmail.com or (678) 938-1219.

Sub-lease

Pre–leasing for Jan. 3BR/2BA house. $1K/mo or furnished $1150/mo. Eastside, Barnett near College Station/ Milledge. 3 mi. from campus.

W/D & fridge, covered porch, garage. (770) 310-5033.

1BR sublet w/ full BA in 4BR apt. at Waterford Place. 3 female roommates. All UGA students. Avail. for Spring Semester 2010. $385/mo. incl. utils. Walk to N. Campus & Dwntn. Contact: hthom77@ uga.edu.

Westside off Whitehead.

3BR/2BA. 2 car garage, garden tub w/ separate shower in master BR. 6 month-yr lease. $900/mo.

Starting 12/1. Formal dining rm., eat–in kitchen. (757) 576-1706, (757) 537-9468.

1 B R i n 4 BR/ 2 B A a v a i l . anytime through July 2010. $300/mo. 5 min. walk to campus/Dwntn. M or F. W/D, DW, safe area. Kelly (706) 410-0387, email kvwphoto@ gmail.com.

White Columns Hall.

1BR/1BA, 1 block from Dwntn. Water, gas incl., laundry onsite. $465/mo. Call Joiner Management (706) 353-6868.

Sublet in 5 Pts area. 1BA/1BA. Walking distance from UGA, W/D, move-in ready Dec. 20.

For spring semester, sign new lease. $575/mo. + utils.

(954) 243-6217.

Furniture

Ta b l e s , c h a i r s , s o f a s , antiques, clothes, records & players, retro goods, & more!

Cool, affordable furniture every day. Go to Agora!

Your favorite ever ything store! 260 W. Clayton St., (706) 316-0130.

Miscellaneous Borders! Print version of the Classifieds. Pictures!

Check them out on the Flagpole website. New Categories! And still the lowest rates in town!Place your ad today at www. flagpole.com.

Weekend A’Fair at Charmar.

Athens premier antiques, home interiors, art, collectibles & baked goods. Market on the Eastside. Please join us this week for our “New antiques shipment & fall sale” 11/11 thru 11/15 Wed–Sat. 10am–5pm, Sun. 1pm–5pm.

Stop by & see us & over 30 different vendor booths.

Free cake samples of sweet memories. Baked goods. We are now taking Thanksgiving cake orders. 790 Gaines School Rd. at the old Charmar location. (706) 850-5945.

Clothing Boutique. Designer Clothes, Jewelry, Handbags.

All must go. Make offer. (706) 340-3717.

Come to Betty for vintage quilted Chanel bags, just in for Fall! On the corner of Pulaski & Clayton, next to Agora. Open 1pm–4pm daily.

(706) 424-0566.

TV and Video Get Dish. Free Installation. $19.99/mo. HBO & Showtime Free. Over 50 HD channels Free. Lowest prices. No equipment to buy. Call now for full details (877) 238-8413 (AAN CAN).

Music Equipment Ampeg Bass cabinet. 4 10” & 1 15” speakers. Beat all to hell & sounds great!

Considering partial trade for smaller cabinet. $500. Call (706) 296-4034.

Instruction

Looking for a fun, classy alternative to the typical wedding band? If you are looking for “YMCA” then Squat is not your band.

If you want Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, & salsa, then visitwww.squatme.com/ weddings. (706) 548-0457.

Wedding Bands. Quality, professional bands.

Weddings, parties. Rock, Jazz, etc. Call Classic City Entertainment. ( 7 0 6 ) 5 4 9 - 1 5 6 7 . w w w. classiccityentertainment.com.

Featuring The Magictones Athens’ premiere wedding & p a r t y b a n d . w w w. themagictones.com.

Studios Vega Recording Studio. $12/ hr. Come & track your music, then take it to your friends who use ProTools. Call (706) 207-7581 for more info.

Services Health

Athens School of Music.

Instruction in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, Voice, Brass, Woodwinds, Strings, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, & more.

From beginner to expert.

Instrument repairs avail.

(706) 543-5800.

P re g n a n t ? C o n s i d e r i n g adoption? Talk w/ caring agency specializing in matching birthmothers w/ families nationwide. Living expenses paid. Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. (866) 413-6293 (AAN CAN).

Love Guitar Hero? Quit playing the game & learn the real thing. Teachers w/ decades of experience.

1 – o n – 1 a ff o rd a b l e , f u n lessons. All styles & skill levels welcome. Music Exchange (706) 549-6199.

Save $500 on Viagra! 44 pills for $99. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Call now! (888) 2729406 (AAN CAN).

Music Services Fret Shop. Professional guitar repairs & modifications, setups, electronics, precision fretwork. Previous clients incl.

R.E.M., Widespread Panic, Cracker, Bob Mould, John Berry, Abbey Road Live!, Squat. (706) 549-1567.

Home and Garden Advertise your seasonal business!

F i re w o o d , c h r i s t m a s trees, holiday decorating, etc.! Reach over 30,000 readers every week! Call (706) 549-0301. ➤ continued on next page

Guitar Repair, setups, electronics & fretwork by 20 yr. pro. Thousands of previous clients. Proceeds help benefit Nuçi’s Space. Contact Jeff (404) 643-9772 or www.

AthensGuitar.com for details.

Studying Abroad for Spring &/or Summer. 1BR Studio Dwntn Loft Across from Campus. Very Secure & Private. Walk to Class.

Call Dave for info. (732) 674-8475.

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

33

Backyard Solutions.

Make your neighbors jealous! Waterfalls, ponds, fences, decks, gazebos, porches, & more! Call Robin for free estimate! (706) 340-4492.

James Wood’s Minor Home Repair. Raised Bed Gardens, Built Drywall patched, Wallpaper removed, Windows caulked, Interior painting, pressure Washing, Deck cleaned, stained, Rotten wood. (706) 206-5813.

Misc. Services Holiday photos make great gifts! Creative & affordable portraits. Families, Graduates, Bands. Wedding & event services also available. www. christopherhelmphotography. com. (706) 254-9587.

Sports Martial Arts. Ladies Kickboxing, Kenpo Karate, Kali, Silat, Muay Thai, Tue. & Thu., 6pm–8pm. 4th Degree Black Belt. Call Steve (706) 410-0951, or email steve@ karatefire.com

Borders! Print version of the Classifieds. Pictures!

Check them out on the Flagpole website. New Categories! And still the lowest rates in town! www.flagpole.com.

Horse boarding & training available in Winterville/East Athens. Premium facility provides excellent care.

Covered & outdoor arenas, s t a d i u m c o u r s e , c ro s s country jumps, trails. Positive, confidence building trainer has over 20 yrs experience in eventing, dressage, & hunter/jumpers. Contact Beth at (847) 612-0489, www. hawkescreekfarm.com.

Legal Services Have you won a judgement? Did you collect it? At Peachtree Judgment Recover y we specialize in locating debtors & their assets to collect civil judgments. Turn that worthless piece of paper into cash! Call (706) 621-3261 or visit us on the web at www.EnforceMy Judgment.com/peachtree/..

Jobs Full-time Custom Surveillance is looking for an installer.

Knowledge of surveillance equip., networking, & professional customer service a +. Email res. to sales@ customsurveillanceinc.com or call (706) 316-0210.

Hardcore Sales Reps Needed. Hourly + commission. PT & FT positions avail. I need the best & forget the rest! Call Chris (770) 560-5653.

Local catering company seeks experienced cooks. Must have at least 5 years experience.

Please email resume to experiencedkitchenhelp @gmail.com.

M a r k e t i n g Communication Specialist. Join an est.

Athens company calling CEO’s & CFO’s of major corporations generating sales leads for technology companies. $9/hr.

BOS Staffing www.bostemps. com, (706) 353-3030.

Opportunities

Part-time

Earn $40! UGA researchers looking for F age 18 & older who purge at least twice/ mo. to participate in a 1–visit research study. Contact bnstudy@uga.edu.

Dental assistant needed part-time for busy Athens practice. Mon–Fri, from 8 a m – 1 p m . $ 1 5 /h r. w i l l be paid during training p e r i o d , $ 2 0 / h r. o n c e trained. Must be computer literate & available to work for minimum of 3 consecutive years due to cost of training. Bachelors degree and minimum 3.5 GPA preferred. Pls. reply w/ your educational & work history. Apply online at DentalAthens@gmail.com.

Earn $75-$200/hr. Media M a k e u p A r t i s t Tr a i n i n g make–up artist for ads, TV, film, fashion. 1 wk. class.

Stable job in weak economy.

D e t a i l s a t h t t p : / / w w w.

MediaMakeupArtists.com, (310) 364-0665 (AAN CAN).

Earn extra income assembling CD cases from home. No experience necessary. Call our live operators now. (800) 4057619 ext. 2450. http://www. e a s y w o r k - g re a t p a y. c o m (AAN CAN).

High School diploma! Fast, affordable & accredited. Free brochure. Call now! (800) 532-6546 ext. 97. Go to http:// www.continentalacademy. com (AAN CAN).

Movie Extras Needed. Earn $150 to $300/day. All looks, types & ages. Feature films, TV, commercials, & print. No exp. necessary. (800) 3408404 ext. 2001 (AAN CAN).

Women! Earn $18K–$30K for 6 egg donations w/ the largest, most experienced agency in the US. Call (800) 444-7119 or apply online at www.theworldeggbank.com (AAN CAN).

Mystery shoppers earn up to $100/day. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail & dining establishments. No exp. req’d. (800) 743-8535.

PT AM server needed.

Email greenhotelathens@ gmail.com.

PT Nurse Practitioner wanted immediately. 12–24 hrs/ wk in local community free healthcare clinic. Salary competitive. Contact Deb Williams at (706) 613-6976 for more info.

Vehicles



Autos

1991 Mazda Navajo.

4–wheel drive, 6 cyl., 5 spd., good tires, great engine. $1K. (706) 296-4034.

Chevy Astro Passanger Van 1996. Good condition, runs well. Seats 2–8. Removable seats. $3200. Call Tony (478) 397-4696.



B o r d e r s !

Pictures! New Categories! Check them out. And still the lowest rates in town! www.flagpole.com.

Van for Band. 1997 Astro Cargo, 80,845 mi., safety cage, cruise, tilt wheel, cold air, automatic, new paint, uses gas or propane. $3200.

John (706) 614-0306.

Motorcycles For Sale. 2007 250 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle. Black w/ red flames. Like new, only 14 mi. $2700 OBO. Call (706) 788-3160.

Yamaha 650 V-Star Classic. 2001 cruiser. 8K miles, black, excellent condition. New windshield, luggage rack, & tires.

Ridden daily. $2950 firm.

(706) 254-6529.

Notices Messages Gain national exposure. Reach over 5 million young, active, educated readers for $995 by advertising in 110 weekly newspapers like this one. Call (202) 289-8484 (AAN CAN).

’ Follow Us On Twitter @PowerAthens Now Streaming Online at...

Powerathens.com 34

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ NOVEMBER 11, 2009

everyday people RANI ABID & SUZANNE SAEED, SISTERS-IN-LAW The year 2000 was a special one for both Suzanne Saeed and her sister-in-law, Rani Abid. In that year, Suzanne met her husband Stanley in April and was married in July. Stanley’s sister, Rani, arrived in Athens from Pakistan a month later. After nine years, these two women, one from Buffalo, NY, the other from Karachi, Pakistan, are virtually inseparable.

You may recognize Rani as the face behind the counter at the Taj Mahal Indian/Pakistani grocery store on Baxter Street.

It’s hardly a stretch to say that the business—which opened in 2006—is Rani’s life: together with her husband (and only her husband), she works from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., every day of the week. The store was originally her idea; an amazing accomplishment considering that when she first arrived, she hardly spoke any English. She has two kids, ages nine and six, who attend Cleveland Road Elementary.

FP: I assume the women have more children over there?

RA: Yeah, they have more children. If I was there I would have more children to be honest with you.

SS: …Remember we were talking about that? You have more things here. She has a nice house, she has two cars, but she has way more stress and worries here.

FP: Do you think it’s just the American way of life?

RA: Yeah, because over here you’re moving by clock. Every day get up, go to work, wait for your kids to come, make them do homework…

SS: …eat dinner, go to bed. Tomorrow, at the same time, we’re going to be doing exactly the same thing.

Charles-Ryan Barber

FP: Would you say there are stronger family bonds in Pakistan than here?

RA: Yes… over here, when your son is 18 years old, he can leave you very easily. In Pakistan, even if they’re 40 years old, they have to stay with [the mother].

FP: Until you get married, right?

SS: No. After you get married, the wife moves in with you.

FP: So, you’re with your mother your whole life? [Both nod.]

Wow… what if the mother has four sons, who all get married…

RA: You know, my husband’s family, they are eight sisters and brothers.

SS: And they were living there.

RA: Everyone in the same house.

FP: At some point I would think that would be impossible…

SS [to Rani]: How many times have I said that?

RA: Sometimes, honestly, it’s hard to stay together because it’s too much… fussing and this and that. But sometime it’s really good because if you’re sick, if you really need help financially, or moral support, someone is there for you.

SS: The issues that we have here—of like, picking up the kids, and who’s gonna do this— is never an issue there.

FP: So, that said, what would you two do without each other?

Both, in unison: I don’t know.

SS: And you know what? I don’t have a sister, but if I had a blood sister, this is my sister. I can count on her, and that’s not easily said.

RA: She’s always there for me… if I need her, I call her at once and she never say no. She never say no. If she don’t have time, she makes it.

Her brother Stanley and sister-in-law Suzanne manage two gas stations in the area, one on Highway 29, the other on Highway 106 near Norwood. Suzanne also has a six-year-old child, and often takes on two more kids when Rani and her husband are swamped at work.

I spoke with the two women behind the counter of Taj Mahal early one weekday morning with little activity in the store, save for the constant hum of a printer spitting out lotto tickets. The interview was originally scheduled to be solely with Rani, but Suzanne happened to be at the store when I arrived and had no reservations at inserting herself into the conversation—an understandable sisterly instinct.

Flagpole: So, Rani, was it difficult getting into America?

Rani Abid: Not really, because my brother, when he sponsored me, it wasn’t really hard. Right, bhaby?

Suzanne Saeed: But they have a sister who’s still there, and it’s been 12 years and she can’t get here.

RA: Because after [9/11] happened, you know.

SS: But when she gets her visa to come here, she’ll be here within three weeks. She’ll sell everything and buy a ticket and come.

FP: Could you tell me what normal life is like in Pakistan?

RA: …Ladies, they stay home. Cooking and cleaning and, you know, waiting for husband to come back from the work and fight. [Laughs.] Ladies usually do the social life…chatting and you know: “What you doing? What you cooking? Did you buy this? I don’t have this!”

FP: Rani: What’s it like working 12 hours a day, seven days a week? Are you OK with that?

RA: I have to do it. I’m not OK, but [laughs]… I have to do it.

FP: What do your kids do if you’re here all the time?

RA: After the school they usually come over here and spend time with me… I bring them over here so I can spend more time with them. Because I go [home] like 10 or 11 o’clock, and they go to sleep at 8 o’clock.

FP: So, do they sleep here?

RA: Yeah, I have a room over there. [Points to the back of the store.] …Even weekends I bring them over.

SS: And we [Suzanne and her husband] try to pick them up and bring them.

FP: Suzanne: what changed in your life when you got married, besides the typical marriage stuff?

SS: I learned how to cook Pakistani food. And now people that are Pakistani don’t know the difference.

FP: Where do you both think you’ll be in 10, 20 years? Still working where you are?

SS: Oh, my Lord, have mercy.

RA: I know for a long time, we can’t work like this.

SS: Nobody can.

RA: As long as we can do it, we do it, and when we give up, we give up, you know what I mean?

FLAGPOLE .COM

yes, yes, forever

Jeff Gore

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

35

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