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DECEMBER 22, 2010 · VOL. 24 · NO. 51 · FREE

More on the River District p. 7 · Holiday Guide p. 10 · Top Local Releases p. 20 · Elvis p. 24

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pub notes Will It Fly? I’m about like most other Flagpole readers when it comes to the proposed development of the downtown River District now being called Project Blue Heron. Most of what I know I have learned through reading what Kevan Williams has written about it in Flagpole’s Athens Rising column. Kevan has been in on it from the start, and the project is an example of somebody taking Kevan’s visionary ideas and trying to make them work on a financial, economic, bricks-and-mortar basis. If you’ve read Kevan, too, you know that Project Blue Heron is the idea of using public money to bring in private businesses employing the kind of creative workforce that would be attracted to a lively downtown area sitting on a river and traversed by walking and biking trails. Kevan points out this week, too, that this concept is far from being new and untried. Similar approaches have paid off handsomely in Greenville and Chattanooga and Atlanta. Our river district, moreover, abuts the University of Georgia, which could prove to be another Let’s hope they strong factor in attracting brainy can ask not why, businesses. Did I say “brainy?” Right up but why not? the hill our Multimodal Center is just a’waiting for that sleek new Brain Train to come sliding in from Atlanta, filled with creatives ready to hop onto their 10-speeds for a quick run up the Greenway before coming back by for a latté in a riverside café and heading on in to the office for the day’s creative endeavors. We’re going to have to come up with some creative financing, too, if this thing is eventually going to become reality, and we’re going to need some creative leadership. Early indications are that some of our traditional leaders see Blue Heron as being for the birds, but that kind of thinking won’t fly. As much as they all surely must admire Bobby Kennedy, let’s hope they can ask not why, but why not? This thing is going to need the most careful scrutiny, but it does, indeed, deserve scrutiny. We have been talking for 20 years or more about why can’t Athens attract businesses that employ the kind of people who want the kind of stuff we’ve got here: a university, a music scene, sidewalk cafés, good schools, beautiful architecture, et cetera? Well, here’s somebody with an idea of just how to go about that, how to attract businesses by providing the setting and giving them the land to build on. There’s another side, too. Since this is to be a publicprivate partnership, it must pay attention to what and who are already in this river district, including the river and the people who presently live along it. Since we don’t have a Letters section this week, I’ll let one of those residents speak right here through this letter he just sent in. Pete McCommons editor@flagpole.com Dear Flagpole: I always look forward to getting my copy of Flagpole every Tuesday evening and read it from cover to cover. Today, I noticed my neighborhood right there on the front cover. With my daughter sitting on my knee, I pointed out where our house is and—wait—my house wasn’t on it. On the spot where my house now sits (I think) was a vacant lot. Did something happen while I was on the road that I missed? I know I’ve been gone a lot this year, but… Obviously my house still sits here, as I’m sitting here right this minute writing this (or am I in some alternate universe thinking I’m in my kitchen?) Then I read inside about this master plan for our neighborhood. So, I go online (because you can certainly trust everything you read there, right?) and see my neighborhood referred to as “vacant lots.” (There’s even a catchy code name like Operation Red Herring or something. Cool.) Actually, some of the plans sound pretty good. I love Athens and would love to see some smart development and the right kind of growth, especially down here by the river. I just wanted to remind everyone that in the meantime, we do still live here and actually love it. My daughter and I can walk downtown and get ice cream, and I’m close to my beloved record stores and bars. It’s not perfect, but it’s home, and that’s pretty darned good. Yours Truly, Patterson Hood Pottery Town

THIS WEEK’S ISSUE: News & Features City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Athens News and Views

The east end of downtown continues to bustle, and the Nuçi’s Space case is finally over… again.

Fowler Drive Elementary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 New Building, Fresh Ideas

Every aspect of the newly renovated ACC school’s design is geared to learning.

Arts & Events Art Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Psycho-Collision

The Visionary Growth Gallery offers a cutting-edge group exhibition entitled “Psychocollagraphica.”

Film Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

COVER DESIGN by Kelly Ruberto featuring wrapping paper by Keith P. Rein (www.paperthindesign.com)

News of Athens’ Cinema Scene

My Dog Tulip, a film based on J.R. Ackerly’s memoir, is currently showing at Ciné.

Music While You Were Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 2011: The Year in Review

Gordon gives us his Threats and Promises for the new year in advance.

One Writer’s Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 The Top Five Albums of 2010

Jeff Tobias lists the five national releases that meant the most to him this year.

CITY DOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CITY PAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CAPITOL IMPACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 ATHENS RISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 FOWLER DRIVE ELEMENTARY. . . . . . . . . 8 ATHENIAN IN CHILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE. . . . . . . . . . 10 GRUB NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 ART NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 MOVIE DOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 MOVIE PICK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 FILM NOTEBOOK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

THREATS & PROMISES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 GORDON’S PREDICTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . 18 UPSTART ROUNDUP ROUNDUP. . . . . . . 19 TOP LOCAL ALBUMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 TOP NATIONAL ALBUMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 THE CALENDAR!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 BULLETIN BOARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ART AROUND TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 COMICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 REALITY CHECK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 TOWNIECONOMY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

This week at Flagpole.COM

 Our own Cobbloviate makes The New York Times  Ort takes a virtual trip and finds some cool places in Alabama

 World View analyzes the accusations against Assange  Our music writers weigh in with their top-10 lists!  Jeff Tobias’ Q&A with Zs  Mike White shares his favorite live shows and photos from 2010

 Need some advice to guide you into the new year? Submit your query to Reality Check

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 Nico Cashin AD DESIGNER Kelly Ruberto CARTOONISTS James Allen, Cameron Bogue, Missy Kulik, CRL, Jeremy Long, David Mack, Michael Stephens, Sarah Trigueros ADOPT ME Special Agent Cindy Jerrell CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brown, Jason Bugg, Carrie Dagenhard, David Fitzgerald, André Gallant, Brian Hitselberger, John Huie, Gordon Lamb, David Mack, Carlo Nasisse, Jenny Peck, Lauren Pruitt, Sarah Savage, John Seay, Jessica Smith, Jordan Stepp, Maggie Summers, Jeff Tobias, Gabe Vodicka, Drew Wheeler, Kevan Williams, Marshall Yarbrough CIRCULATION Charles Greenleaf, Nash Hogan, Jesse Mangum, Matt Shirley WEB DESIGNER Kelly Ruberto ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jenny Peck ADVERTISING INTERNS Jessica Hipp, Emily Fearnley MUSIC INTERNS Sydney Slotkin, Marshall Yarbrough NEWS INTERN Lauren Pruitt

VOLUME 24 ISSUE NUMBER 51

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DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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Bring Your Questions and Comments: The Déjà Vu: So, the Georgia Supreme Court Classic Center announced last week that it will decided last Thursday to deny the ACC governhost a “public meeting open house” Thursday, ment’s motion to reconsider the court’s earlier Jan. 6 to display and discuss plans for the ruling in favor of Nuçi’s Space in a painfully Center’s expansion. This “opportunity for protracted property tax case. That means questions and comments” is the public input Nuçi’s gets to keep its nonprofit tax exempsession—referred to by county staff at the ACC tion, even though it makes some of the money Mayor and Commission’s last work session—at it uses to help musicians with mental health which, apparently, everything about the projcare by renting out space for bands to practice ect plans except the abandonment and closure and sometimes—gasp!—for parties. And that, of Hancock Avenue they would necessitate will finally, is final. be up for discussion. Although a final design from proposals A New Heirloom: Boulevard and Normaltown being solicited for the expansion with speresidents will be delighted to know that the cific instructions to include the Hancock old Amoco station at the corner of Boulevard closure is currently scheduled to be selected and Chase—in recent years, home to an auto and approved by the mayor and commisshop with a hugely impressive collection of sion in April, along with the abandonment vehicles crowding every corner of its lot—will of Hancock, there appears to be significant soon be transformed into a farm-to-table support on the commission for slowing the café and fresh market. Co-owner Jessica process down and exploring other options. Rothacker says she’ll begin renovations on Ed Robinson has been firmly against the current plan from the get-go; Jared Bailey, whose term begins in January, expressed serious concern about the closing during his campaign; George Maxwell was less than enthused about it at the work session; and Alice Kinman said recently she’d be willing to consider holding off on final approval, if necessary, “for the sake of better planning.” “We’re going to have some other This site at the corner of Boulevard and Chase is about to look a lot different. options, at least in my mind,” Commissioner Mike Hamby told the Dope last week, and if the space in January with hopes to open the commission isn’t presented with any plans The Heirloom Café & Fresh Market in April. that don’t include the closure, he says, “I’ll Rothacker has a great pedigree in local foodihave a hard time coming up with a ‘yes’ vote ness: she was recently the pastry chef at Ike & to fund the thing.” But the fact remains that Jane and a sous chef at Farm 255 before that, the only designs currently being accepted plus she’s a P.L.A.C.E. board member. More for consideration by the Classic Center and walkable urban amenities = more good. county staff are ones that include the closing, and the deadline for submissions was A Shout Out: Every now and then, it’s nice this Tuesday, Dec. 21. So, either all of this to be reminded of what a well-functioning bellyaching about east-west connectivity and government Athens has, as the Dope was last access to the river has about as much hope for week. A request by a small group of homeowneffectiveness as banging one’s head against ers in Dopeville to discuss possible traffic a three-story wall spanning the eastern calming measures on our street with county edge of downtown, or a lot of architects just staff was answered with a meeting at a neighwasted a lot of time and effort due to a willful bor’s house, at 5:30 on a weeknight, with ACC lack of communication. Traffic Engineer Steve Decker and his adminA group of concerned citizens has conistrative secretary, Solretta Thomas. Their structed a website (actually, Krysia Haag did helpfulness, intelligence, professionalism and it, but she has a lot of comrades) to serve as a enthusiasm to do something to help people clearinghouse for information and communica- in this community were terrific and inspiring, tion about the project, and it includes a peti- especially considering they were visiting with tion. Go to www.classiccenterplan.org to get us on what most people would consider “their with the program. own time.” Next time you hear someone carping about Speaking of Websites: And speaking, while ineffective or inattentive ACC workers, think we’re at it, of development on downtown’s of Steve and Solretta and remember that we eastern edge, the Project Blue Heron folks live in a city that’s appealing and exciting from the Athens Economic Development enough to attract professional staff who are Foundation have a new site full of informaabsolutely at the tops of their fields. Let’s tion about their proposal for an “economic keep it that way. development zone” between downtown and the river. You can read about their plans in And to All a Good Night: Happy holidays, this issue’s Athens Rising and Pub Notes, but everybody. Travel safely and have fun. check out www.athensrivercorridor.com to get it straight from the horse’s mouth. Dave Marr news@flagpole.com

city pages too. But that’s not all that this town is about. “We’re a car-centric society,” she said, and “there’s also nothing wrong with people wanting to live in the suburbs and have a different lifestyle. That’s the kind of thing I was hearing in the community.” But Denson doesn’t feel any need to “re-vision Athens,” she said, Mayor-elect Nancy Denson won’t change and has been puzzled that people she’s known things dramatically when she takes office for many years “all of a sudden are thinking Jan. 4, but “I’ll be tweaking here and there,” we don’t have anything in common, or we she told Flagpole. For one thing, she wants don’t care about the same things.” She has to freeze property tax assessments for people always “been able to build bridges and work over 65 (as the school board has already done with people,” she said, “and that’s what I for its portion of county taxes). “There is no intend to do. I don’t care whether somebody cost” to the county in doing that, she said, supports somebody else or not.” although it would reduce future revenues; Nor does she necessarily anticipate replacafter eight years, the school tax freeze is ing any of ACC’s charter officers—the county exempting about $1 million in taxes annually. manager, attorney and auditor—which would “My plans are to keep Clarke be within her power. “Right County solvent, and hopefully now, my feelings are very posiDenson doesn’t do some things to encourage tive toward all those charter business to come back.” But officers,” she says, but she will feel any need to how to do that is “the $64,000 evaluate their working relation“re-vision Athens.” ships in six months. She would question,” she added. “I’m feeling my way along” and “not be opposed” to revisiting talking to businesspeople, she said, hoping ACC’s controversial “definition-of-family” ordito “smooth out some edges and make [ordinance (which bars more than two unrelated nances] more business-friendly.” She would people from sharing a house in “single-family” also like to see downtown become “a little zones), “but it’s just not high on my list.” In bit cleaner.” This mayor and commission have some situations, however, the ordinance may “done a good job in many ways,” she said; yet discriminate against gay or unmarried couples, some citizens don’t feel “fully represented.” she said. “They feel like there’s a mindset, and A tax increase would be “the absolute least if they don’t fit that mindset, they’re disdesirable thing to do” to balance next year’s counted,” she said. “That unless you live in county budget, but with assessments down Cobbham and that inner core, you’re really not 5 percent on average, it may be the tightest considered… Some people just didn’t bother budget yet. County employees haven’t had a calling the commissioners any more,” she said. cost-of-living raise in two years; they probably “And I think a lot of that is perception… But, won’t get one next year either, Denson said. for instance, when you’re talking about walkability and sidewalks—I want those things, John Huie

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capitol impact Perdue Pulls Off a Slick Trick As his days in office dwindle, Gov. Sonny Perdue has pulled off one of the most audacious raids on the state treasury I’ve ever seen. He sealed the deal last week when the State Properties Commission voted to approve the purchase of 10,015 acres in Houston County that is known as the Oaky Woods wildlife management area. This piece of property is considered one of the most treasured natural areas in the state and would top just about anyone’s list of properties worth conserving for future generations. Back in 2004, Weyerhauser was planning to sell its Oaky Woods holdings and offered 19,000 acres to the state at a reasonable price. Officials of the Department of Natural Resources wanted to buy the property, and the Nature Conservancy offered to hold the land until the state could come up with the money. Perdue waved off the DNR, saying the state couldn’t afford the land. A group of Houston County developers bought the property instead for $1,600 an acre, with plans to put a large residential development on the site. During the 2006 governor’s race, the media found out that Perdue had acquired a 101-acre tract adjacent to the Oaky Woods property—a piece of land that had since doubled in value. Perdue caught a lot of flak over his real estate activities, but the negative publicity did not prevent him from easily winning reelection. The plans to build a residential development at Oaky Woods were set aside after the real estate and housing industries crashed in 2008. In 2010, Perdue and the Legislature slipped $25 million in bond funds into the DNR budget for the purpose of “water and sewer construction and land conservation grants and loans.” Late in the year, DNR officials worked up a proposal to use the bond money, as well as funds from other abandoned projects, to buy about half of the Oaky Woods property.

This time, the state would be paying more than $2,800 an acre for land it could have acquired for $1,600 an acre back in 2004. The Department of Natural Resources is not acquiring the entire Oaky Woods tract—the developers are keeping the most desirable parts for themselves and selling DNR the less valuable property along the Ocmulgee River. “They’re buying floodplain and bottom land,” said Columbus attorney Jim Butler, a former member of the natural resources board. In 2004, Perdue killed the Oaky Woods deal because he claimed the state could not afford it. In 2010, DNR went ahead with the acquisition even though the state is in far worse financial condition now. Georgia is so hard up for money it is furloughing teachers, but somehow the state had $28 million to buy part of Oaky Woods. In the middle of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, the owners of a piece of speculative real estate are being paid twice what they paid for the property six years ago— courtesy of Georgia’s taxpayers. There was never any real possibility the state Board of Natural Resources, whose members owe their appointments to Perdue, was going to vote down the Oaky Woods deal. But even this audience found it a little hard to swallow, with six board members voting against it. The board finally approved the transaction, and the State Properties Commission did likewise. In the end, environmentalists have the consolation of knowing that at least part of the Oaky Woods site is now under state protection. Perdue’s interests in that 101acre tract will be protected, and the Houston County developers will have been able to sell their property to the state at nearly twice the price they paid for it originally. Somewhere, Gene Talmadge is surely looking on and smiling. Tom Crawford tcrawford@gareport.com

athens rising

of Georgia. The reality is that everyone wins if we band together on initiatives like these. Not only are there direct benefits from the success of something like the River District economic development zone, but we also build new positive working relationships that mend some of the institutionalized fault lines that run so deeply in Athens. The university does have a big land bank along the river already, along with a well-established fundraising network that extends not only across the state but to alumni across the Anyone who has hiked or paddled along rivers and creeks development department focused on its downtown, and a varination. We shouldn’t view UGA as an open wallet, though, but around here has likely seen a blue heron standing silently in ety of public-private partnerships. instead as an equal partner, because this sort of thing has the distance, gracefully gliding off just as soon as you get Chattanooga’s model for the last 25 years has been to use just as much to offer them. The Athens downtown experience close enough for a good look at it. Athens’ desire for a “River the nonprofit River City Company as the leader of its efforts. contributes quite a bit not only to attracting quality students District” east of downtown has long seemed equally elusive. That organization was originally capitalized with $12 million and faculty, but also to the gameday ritual that has helped Let’s hope Project Blue Heron, the recent Athens Economic from foundations and private institutions. Suppose a set of cast the Athletic Association’s budget as the black to the acaDevelopment Foundation proposal for a mixed-use economic local banks and institutions did something similar here? Are demic sphere’s red. development zone along the North Oconee riverfront, doesn’t there 10 local lenders willing to bet four million bucks apiece Beyond simply maintaining a lively downtown experience, slip away in similar form. in low-interest loans on Athens’ economy getting better with there is also the potential of new research jobs benefiting both To stretch the metaphor a little further, we’ve got quite a a project like this? Athens and UGA. David Lee, UGA’s VP for Research, noted at few birds in the hand at the moment: notably, a series of real Beltline, Inc. in Atlanta is one of the latest iterations the EDF’s Dec. 13 board meeting that “the university would estate options on private land in the area. Some folks may say of public-private development strategies, funded by a Tax also benefit if we had a robust research [park].” that now isn’t the best time for proactively investing in our Allocation District anticipated to generate $1.3–1.7 billion in The university has already explored and even invested in local economic engine, hoping for the birds in the bush that revenue to fund bonds. TADs capture the property tax revenue the notion of a riverfront research district before, with a one-day recovered economy might afford us. How high does increases that result from public infrastructure investments. the Hardin Tract and other properties having been considour poverty rate have to get before it becomes prudent for Those increases are used to pay down bonds used to make ered as potential sites for a riverfront research park, and the local officials, elected or appointed, to gain a sense of urgency the initial infrastructure investment. At the end of the TAD’s Complex Carbohydrates Research Center on the banks of the about the serious sorts of investments in this community North Oconee seems to be a tangible endorsement of that are necessary to create jobs? the concept that an attractive and unique location is a Last week we talked about the mechanism of land worthwhile component of a research and lab building. leases in the downtown area as an economic incentive to UGA needs research entities to locate here if it is to fulfill draw in new businesses. The proposal calls for $41 milits dreams of becoming a top-tier research institute; the lion for land acquisition, infrastructure investments River District mechanism could be a way to do that, too. and loan funds to provide the economic incentives we’re Following up on his comments from the EDF meeting, talking about to companies interested in locating in Lee wrote in an email, “UGA’s research enterprise does Athens. It may feel like just another scattershot idea, but not yet have the overall strength or national impact that the reality is that what this money can do is tie together I would like to see it have for an emerging regional and a series of other investments the community has made state flagship university. One of the missing elements is over the last 25 years. It’s also a relatively small sum in a research park (writ broad) that would fully unleash the the world of major infrastructure investments. commercialization and economic development potential To put this into context a bit, consider that the whole that is inherent in our research activities.” Lee also noted SPLOST package approved this November was $195 milthat he would like to see an alternative to the classic lion. A look at the four most recent SPLOSTs shows that research park model, focusing on mixed uses, includwe’ve invested around $170 million in projects that ing what he dubbed “graduation spaces” for companies are downtown- and Greenway-related, but that were ultiemerging from the UGA business incubator, “blended with mately isolated solutions. Remember, we’ve had no up-to- UGA’s Complex Carbohydrates Research Center on Riverbend Road is one example of recreational and entertainment options and ideally living how UGA-affiliated research facilities could contribute to building a riverfront. date Downtown Master Plan for decades. space options.” Those are things that Athens is already One of the biggest outlays over that period has been very well equipped to provide, and yet another opportuthe Classic Center, which received around $43 million for life—in the case of the Beltline, after 25 years—that property nity for a more reciprocal approach to future development. upgrades, additions and expansions to its initial facility over tax revenue increase begins going to local governments and There’s a lot we need to figure out in order to move forward that period. Even the Center’s original proposal for SPLOST school districts, ultimately increasing what they take in more on this. Frank conversations need to be had about things like 2011 was far north of Project Blue Heron’s $41 million mark, than if the investment had never happened. funding options, types of jobs and industries desired, and the weighing in at $53 million before being trimmed down after According to the Georgia Municipal Association, more structure for implementing and managing the process. We need being left out of the SPLOST citizens committee’s recomthan 30 communities across the state are already using TADs. to explore all of those before we even get to the fun parts, like mendations and slid back onto the list at the last minute at Atlanta has 10 up and running now, contributing to areas like greenways and street cafés. Those conversations need to hapa scaled down size of $23 million. That $170 million series of the Beltline and Atlantic Station. These sorts of civic financial pen in the community, and they need to happen among those investments is already an important one that has benefited commitments by the city have also allowed the Beltline to three key stakeholder parties: Town, Gown and Business. the community greatly, but the ability of Project Blue Heron leverage money from a variety of other sources—state, fedIf and when we manage to create a common ground for to increase the value and return on that investment by kniteral and private. It’s no crazy new scheme, but yet another these three factions to work together, we might even be able ting all the parts together into a job-creating whole is instance of Athens lagging behind. to move on to the other seemingly far-off issues like water, the compelling. While this proposal was initiated by the business comairport and transportation. Regardless, we must first give this How have other nearby cities created cohesive business munity, and while the discussion has so far focused on the River District proposal a thorough once-over as a community, districts? There are a variety of models out there. Places concerted contributions of business and government, they are and decide what our goals really are. like Greenville, SC have succeeded with a diversified effort, only two of the three key constituencies that can build our reinforced by a strong city planning agency, an economic economic future. The other one, of course, is the University Kevan Williams athensrising@flagpole.com

Special Report, Pt. 2

KEVAN WILLIAMS

DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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he floor itself is a work of art. A map “Water goes off the roof, collects in [the of Georgia stretches from one end of cistern], goes through the building, goes into the hallway to the other, and one can a filtration room, goes through a three-level stand on a tugboat in the Savannah Harbor, filtration process,” Stubbs explains. “But wander through downtown Athens and look here’s the best part: We have to stop and ask across from Five Guys to the arches that are the question: ‘How can that teach?’ We want the library doors, or move to the commotion them to question that; we want them to see of Atlanta. that.” Fowler Drive Elementary School’s remodelEach aspect of the architecture of Fowler ing began in 2008, and as the school prepares Drive Elementary was carefully planned, from to re-open for students in January, the final the “banana” shape of the hallway, a design touches are being made to the design. David element intended to keep kids moving, to Stubbs, the director of facilities planning and the glass windows of the computer labs that construction for the Athens-Clarke County Stubbs hopes will be dirty with nose and School District, has worked on 15 school reno- handprints from students curious about the vations and sees each as an opportunity to activities inside. redefine the way schools are built. To Fowler Drive Principal Dr. Dale Rogers, “In the education construction world,” he engaging the students leads to more than a says, “the question is often asked, ‘Why are we fun learning experience. “The primary purpose building the classrooms like we did 200 years of all of it is to make the school intriguing ago? What does the 21st-century classroom and engaging and part of the instructional look like?’ And I’m not so sure that’s the right program,” Rogers says of the school’s design. question. I think the question is, ‘What does “And part of that desire is because our chilthat facility look like; why are we building dren come from poverty, and if we’re going to the facility the same way?’ The classroom is basically four walls, instructional materials; the teacher’s the key.” He continues: “We started having conversations about ‘What can the facility do to teach? What can the facility do to be active in the education process?’ We previously said that schools need to be safe and inviting. Now we’re adding ‘engaging’ to that. So, we’ve taken, as a massive change, this floor pattern that you see: you’re standing on a walk through Georgia.” The floor pattern doesn’t stop with David Stubbs explains the ceiling design of a classroom at Fowler Drive Georgia. The school is Elementary School. Tiles were left off of the ceiling to engage students and enbuilt with three wings, courage them to ask questions. each with an individual floor design. The Atlantic Ocean begins near Savannah, where turn them on to education, it has to be done students can see the evolution of a sea turtle during elementary school… If we can get from an egg to a full-grown adult, as well as them truly engaged and excited about learndolphins and coral reefs. Students will also be ing and exploring, and build their academic able to walk through the solar system—renprowess as well as just their resilience; if dered to scale—as well as a hall illustrating we can do that and they can survive middle multiple time zones and various animals. school and high school, then they have a Other intriguing features in the school chance at a choice. So when they get out of include animal tracks in the concrete outside, high school they have a choice of whether it’s eventually leading to signs about each anicollege, tech school or the world of work, but mal; a cafeteria focused on products grown they have that choice and the opportunity to in Georgia; and a garden outside with circular move out of poverty.” concrete mini-theaters that, by their arrangeRogers tentatively plans to have an openment, can aid teachers in explaining sine, house for the community on Jan. 28 to allow cosine and tangent. Athenians to see what the school has to “We have ceilings in some of the classoffer and to take pride in the new building. rooms that are fully exposed,” says Stubbs. Students and teachers will begin the new year “They can see the duct-work and the pipes in their renovated school. and we painted it colors to just start engaging “I’m looking forward to it. I’m moving over a little bit more… Every time we made a move there Monday; I want to be on-hand,” Rogers architecturally, we asked the question: ‘Can it says. “I think it’s exciting, I think it should teach?’ And I’m not deciding how it’s going to be the future of where schools go, because I be taught, but I’m giving them that tool.” think, in the past, too often we’ve been mired Even the school’s plans to go green are in tradition and tended to build schools for being used to teach students. Large cisterns adults rather than for the kids. We need to for rainwater collection, which are normally build the schools for the kids.” placed underground, were left above ground for students to see, question and learn from. Lauren Pruitt

An Athenian in Chile The Pleasures and Pitfalls of Teaching English Abroad

I spin through the revolving door at Banco de Chile in the upscale neighborhood of Los Condes in Santiago, I’m immediately aware that I don’t belong here. In the elevator, surrounded by Very Important People dressed in fancy suits and dresses and shoes, I realize I’m the epitome of what happens when you don’t major in business or finance or accounting. But I do have one skill that makes me Important, or rather, employable, in Chile. I can speak—and teach—English. I mainly teach businesspeople, rarely in groups larger than five. The classes are usually held at their places of work, always according to their schedules. This means the hour-anda-half classes are either early morning, during lunch or late evening. The earliest class can start at 8 a.m.; the latest class at 8 p.m. A day may consist of one class in the morning, two in the afternoon and one at night. Traveling to each business adds hours to the day. They’re located all across Santiago, sometimes 10 minutes away, sometimes 30 minutes, sometimes an hour, depending on where you start. My life has become a series of hours of traveling, hours of teaching and hours of waiting for the next class. Fortunately, Santiago is one of the best places to teach English in Latin America. It’s safe, the pay is enough to live on, and the demand is high. Much of this demand is the result of Chile’s growing economy and SENCE, a government program that provides tax breaks to businesses that offer English classes to workers. Karen Tait, the academic director at Grant’s English Institute, says that more than 70 percent of Grant’s clients are on SENCE—essentially, anyone who works for a big company. The program pays for half of the English training, while the company pays the other half—a pretty good deal for international companies like Banco de Chile, which was recently bought by Citibank. “Now, all the policy comes through in English; they need to teleconference in English, that sort of thing,” Tait says. “And there are high-level businesspeople who go to conferences all over the world in English.”

ost of these businesspeople are middle-aged, though some are younger. Some have an advanced level of English, while some are beginners. Almost all of them are required to take these classes for their jobs. It’s not hard to pinpoint those who dislike taking the classes, but most don’t seem to mind. And, of course, there are many who are very enthusiastic and motivated to learn English. This kind of student tends to be someone who takes the classes more for personal reasons than solely for their job. Classes of advanced students are mostly conversational, revolving around a particular topic with the occasional grammar lesson thrown in. Most of the advanced students just want to work on their fluency and be corrected when they make mistakes. Classes of intermediate students focus on specific grammar points (like the past simple and past continuous tenses) and particular skills (like answering the phone and sending emails). Characteristic of all the classes is that no Spanish is spoken, even in the most basic classes.

“I know from when I learned Spanish that if somebody translates something for me it goes in one ear and out the other,” Tait explains. “I do not remember it. But if I have to fight for that piece of information, if the teacher has to mime it and I have to check and see if I actually got it right, then I tend to retain that piece of information.” And thus, with classes of elementary students, I become an excellent mime and a very, very, very slow talker. Most start with some basic knowledge of English derived from the usual cultural influences: Hollywood, televi-

but work and family commitments in Chile make that difficult. “I think it’s important not only to learn a language, [but] probably it is more important, [as] the next step, to learn a culture,” he says. “And in my opinion, it is impossible to learn a culture if you don’t live in another country.” Interestingly, his opinion is what motivates many people to teach English in a foreign country. The job provides the opportunity to learn a language and perhaps more importantly, as Corona points out, the opportunity to live in another country and truly learn the

sion, music, McDonald’s and the like. But there’s nothing more maddening than teaching a class of indifferent 40-something businessmen who start with absolutely no familiarity of English whatsoever. What’s worse is when they don’t want to learn; though, sometimes I can’t really blame them. The idea of my father making time in his workday for a Spanish lesson is absurd, and his reaction to being forced to do so would probably be along the same lines as these Chileans’. On particularly difficult days, I feel like an amateur; a 120-hour TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification program does not an expert make. Some days are better than others, but the bad days are tough, and it takes almost all of me not to jam a pencil through my eye. Perhaps patience is a virtue learned best under pressure.

culture. There are few other jobs that provide such immersion in an unfamiliar culture. They’re an eccentric bunch, these English teachers. They’ve lived and worked all over the world. Each of them has a story to tell. Some are older, genuine expats, veterans of the game; some are young, bright-eyed firsttimers. It’s easy to see how the latter becomes the former. Tait says she sees both come through Grant’s, and her job is to weed out the “travelers who teach” from the “people who want to teach, who are enthusiastic about it.” Teaching English abroad is an easy-tomaintain lifestyle because the opportunities are so plentiful and far-reaching. There’s also very little commitment involved; rarely would a school require more than a year-long agreement, if any at all. And as the days, weeks and months go on, it only gets easier to live this exciting life and harder to go back to a more ordinary one at home. Of particular relevance these days is that if your options are unemployment back home or getting paid to teach English in Turkey, Peru or Japan, it’s not hard to see the appeal of teaching.

enzo Corona, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Santiago, is one of those ideal students extremely committed to learning English. So much so, in fact, that he makes time for a two-hour English class every day of the working week. “I want to be fluent in English in no more than two years,” he says. “I want to improve my English level because English is important for everything, especially to be connected with the world.” He eventually plans on moving to an English-speaking country for at least three months. He’d like to stay an entire year,

uch was the case for Evan Mallon of Chicago, who moved to Kyoto, Japan to teach English in August, 2006. After graduating from Northern Illinois University with degrees in anthropology and Japanese studies, he quickly realized his lack of viable

job options in the United States. Soon, he started researching lucrative offers to teach English in Japan, and shortly thereafter, with no teaching experience, no certification and no training, Mallon was hired by Nova, the largest private English-teaching company in Japan at the time. After a 13-hour flight, three days adjusting to the 14-hour time difference and three days of training, he was in a classroom. Mallon likens Nova (now defunct because of illegal business practices) to “fast-food English,” as there was a school in every train station in Kyoto and over 1,000 schools nationwide. The students were mostly housewives during the day, businessmen at night and kids on the weekends. Unlike the system in Chile, where teachers are paid by the hour, he was on salary and had paid vacation and sick days. He worked eight-hour shifts with eight classes a day, held back-to-back in the same classroom in the same train station. He earned $30,000 in one year and saved $10,000 of that. Three years passed as Mallon fell in love with the city, the country and the people of Japan. By August 2009, he realized that staying any longer would mean he would never leave, and so he went home to Chicago, intending to stay. Unfortunately, home greeted him with disappointment. He felt utterly disconnected to a place and a people he once loved. And the poor economy squashed any hope for a decent job. So, six months later, he left again, this time for South America. But Mallon is quick to acknowledge the drawbacks of living such an unfettered life. At some point, he says, it’s hard to decide what’s important and what’s not. He’s almost 30. Should he do what he wants and travel? Or should he go home to be around his family and get a wife, a family and a bunch of stuff? “I feel more at ease now when I’m not at home,” he says. “When you’re around people who are 40 years old and they’re still thinking about where they’re going next… to some people that could sound irresponsible, but to me it sounds inspiring.” When the obligatory question of The Future arises, Mallon insists that teaching isn’t his passion or his permanent plan. “Teaching is the medium I use to do what I want to do,” he says. “I don’t necessarily like my job, but I don’t hate it. It is the vehicle that allows me to do amazing stuff.” His is a familiar sentiment among the English-teachers, for even if this job is a lifelong passion or a permanent plan, it is, above all, a life for travelers. Perhaps therein lies the true beauty of teaching English abroad. There is something remarkable about this kind of freedom: the ability to just take off whenever and go wherever. If nothing else, it’s certainly an attractive option to have. “I’ll stay here until I don’t want to be here anymore,” Mallon deadpans, “and then go somewhere else.” Maggie Summers

DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

Holiday Guide

Flagpole’s Businesses Extend Season’s Greetings and Welcome The Gallery Shop at Lyndon House Arts Center

293 Hoyt St., 706-613-3623 Browse a vast array of seasonal and gift-oriented arts and crafts created by local artists, including original wreaths, tabletop decorations and ornaments sure to become heirlooms. In addition, “Deck the Walls,” expanding into the lower atrium gallery, is a showcase of paintings featuring gardens and flowers. Hats, scarves and “texting mittens” are available for purchase to keep you warm while strolling through our winter garden. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 12–5 p.m. through Jan. 5, 2011.

Psychotherapy help people be healthy and well. Folks who come to the Mind Body Institute feel and sleep better; have reduced symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression; have less pain and better control of chronic conditions. Visit www.armc. org/mbi or call 706-475-7330. Happy Holidays!

facials, waxing & massage. Our day spa & gift boutique are open 7 days a week! www.urbansanctuaryspa.com

Hotels

Republic Salon

Foundry Park Inn & Spa

around and pampered service all within a luxurious New York loft environment. A most unforgettable gift of a most indulgent experience. Check us out. We occupy the entire third floor above Magnolia’s (entrance on Jackson Street). Visit us at www.republicsalon.com.

spending the night in our hotel or dining at the Hoyt House Restaurant, a Foundry Park Inn & Spa gift card is the perfect gift and good at any outlet. Don’t forget to join us for our Totally ‘80s New Year’s Eve with The Highballs!

312 E. Broad St. (3rd floor), 706-208-5222 The perfect present. A gift certificate to the hottest, most luxurious and unique salon in town. Award-winning Republic Salon provides top-quality hair styling, the only color bar

295 E. Dougherty St., 706-549-7020 Looking for the perfect gift? Whether you want to treat someone to our award-winning Spa, a night on the town listening to the best live music in Athens at the Melting Point, Carlo Nasisse

Art—Retail and Galleries

Good Dirt Clay Studio and Gallery

510 N. Thomas St., 706-355-3161 Good Dirt is a spacious, well-equipped facility for people of all ages and abilities to explore clay and other media. Our schedule of winter classes (starting early January) in pottery, sculpture and glass is at www.gooddirt.net. Gift certificates for classes and workshops available. The Gallery @ Good Dirt will feature local potters through Dec. 23. Our annual studio open house was held Dec. 10–12, with wheel workshops and demonstrations.

Bars and Clubs Blue Sky

128 College Ave., 706-543-1433 Happy Holidays from Blue Sky and our sister bars, Walker’s, Allgood Lounge, Boar’s Head and the Pub at Gameday. Blue Sky is located directly across from UGA’s historic North Campus and provides a world-class selection of fine beverages. Give your friends and family the best gift of all… bring them in for a drink! We invite you to ring in the New Year with us!

The Office Lounge

2455 Jefferson Rd., 706-546-0840 Merry Christmas from The Office Lounge, Your Friendly Neighborhood Bar! Come ring in the New Year with us and rock out to Slammin’ Betty! We’ll have party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. We are open on New Year’s Day, so come by to watch football.

Health and Beauty DRee & Co

497 Prince Ave., 706-548-0770 This Holiday Season you can still find us on Prince Avenue to pick up all things beautiful and relaxing. Choose from wonderful Aveda products for stocking stuffers or gift cards in any dollar amount to use towards a relaxing spa treatment or for a new look in 2011, where you can find us at our NEW Location, 760 N. Chase St. We will be open Christmas Eve until 2 p.m.; call ahead for easier pick up. Online booking available at www. dreeandco.com. Become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for info & same day specials.

Mind Body Institute

1199 Prince Ave., 706-475-7330 Give the gift of health with a gift certificate from Athens Regional Mind Body Institute! Our evidence-based services including Yoga, Tai Chi, Mindfulness, Acupuncture, Therapeutic Massage, Health Consultations, Nutritional Counseling and

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

Rocket Salon

163 N. Jackson St., 706-353-0500 ‘Tis the season to celebrate with family and friends. Pamper and indulge yourself with a cut and color to spiff up before your parties begin. Rocket offers a variety of hair services in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Our fanatical fan-base consists of hipsters, rockers, professionals, students and ladies who lunch. Everyone is welcome. Come celebrate our 5-year anniversary this December and for a complimentary consultation. Gift certificates available this holiday season.

Urban Sanctuary Spa

810 N. Chase St., 706-613-3947 Our Gift Certificates, your best bet… Why?… They never expire! They spend like cash. They can be applied towards products or services. We have something for EVERYBODY. Delightful gifts & spa products for men, women, dogs & babies. Printed on recycled paper & wrapped with eucalyptus & raffia. Quite elegant… Very flexible… Manicures, pedicures, organic

Hotel Indigo

www.indigoathens.com, 706-546-0430 Spend the holidays with Hotel Indigo-Athens! Book your room with Hotel Indigo-Athens and stay between now and 12/30 and you will receive a $25 gift certificate of your choice. See our website for details. Come ring in the New Year at Hotel Indigo-Athens for only $199 on New Year’s Eve, includes onenight stay, two tickets to the “Sensational Sounds of Motown,” Champagne Toast at midnight and breakfast from The Madison Bar and Bistro. Call 706-546-0430 to book today!

Recreation BikeAthens

P.O. Box 344, 706-372-9529 Happy holidays from BikeAthens! We encourage you to relax a little by walking, biking or riding the bus to work or to your local shopping destination. Please support our programs by giving the gift of a year-long membership or a can of Jittery

Joe’s “Alternative Fuel” coffee! BikeAthens advocates for safe and accessible transportation options in Athens. Email admin@ bikeathens.com for more info or connect with us via Facebook, Twitter (@BikeAthens) or the web at www.bikeathens.com.

Ciné

234 W. Hancock Ave., 706-353-3343 CINÉ—downtown’s only arthouse cinema screens the latest independent and international films, documentaries, festival discoveries and classic movies. More than a movie theater, Ciné is a modern arts center, featuring an exhibit gallery by local visual artists and the versatile CinéLab space—great for events, parties and live performances. Ciné offers a variety of cocktails and treats, gift certificates and annual memberships, plus a Dinner + Movie combo package with neighboring restaurant, The National. More info and showtimes at www. athenscine.com.

Ten Pins Tavern

Hilltop Grille

2310 W. Broad St., 706-353-7667 The HILLTOP GRILLE invites you to spend New Year’s Eve with us and listen to the music of THE DWIGHT WILSON BAND. We will be open ‘til 1 a.m. with drink and dinner specials. Call 706-353-7667 for reservations. Starting next year, in response to our customers requests, we will offer music during the dinner hour Thursday–Saturday and stay open till 1 a.m. HAPPY NEW YEAR from the HILLTOP!!

Ike & Jane

1307 Prince Ave., 706-850-1580 Donuts and breakfast, biscuits and barbecue… OH, MY! We make all of our donuts in-house every day! It’s all delicious, so come and give us a try. It’s the holiday season, and we’re filled Carlo Nasisse

2451 Jefferson Rd., 706-546-8090 Here at Ten Pins Tavern we take a unique look at having a good time. We think you should be able to come in, relax, bring friends or family, and have a great meal or a snack. Maybe even a cold brew or two. Entertain yourselves with pinball machines, video games and, of course, bowling. All while in the family-friendly confines of the best little bowling lounge in the South! Private party space available. www. tenpinstavern.com

cuisine. Located on Prince Avenue since 1991, The Grit offers delectable, down-home favorites, international specialties, and fabulous homemade desserts. We’ve got something for everyone—even carnivores love us! Still shopping? Our Grit Cookbook is a perennial stocking-stuffing favorite, along with gift certificates, t-shirts, Jittery Joe’s Grit Blend coffee and Grit Granola. Now serving breakfast!

259 W. Washington St., 706-548-9175 Save some money, BYOB! Bring your family and friends in for the best burger in town… and NOW the best breakfast! Breakfast served every day 8–11 a.m. (gotta try the Corned Beef Hash!), also, yummy milkshakes with out-of-this-world flavors and, of course, tater totz with house-made cheese sauce. Don’t forget, we’re open late nite Friday and Saturday ‘til 4 a.m! Newly designed t-shirts in aqua blue and gift certificates always available.

Retail

Blockader Homebrew Supply

George’s Lowcountry Table

199 Prince Ave., 706-543-6592 Out and about this holiday season? Gonna shop ‘til you drop? Drop by The Grit, the toast of Athenian vegetarian

523 Prince Ave., 706-548-1732 Daily Groceries is a community owned and operated cooperative that specializes in local and organic produce, food and personal-care products. A community fixture for 18 years, we are located on the edges of the Cobbham and Boulevard neighborhoods, less than a half mile from downtown. Open daily until 10 p.m. & open to the public. Visit us at 523 Prince Ave. or www.dailygroceries.org.

125 E. Clayton St., 706-546-8826 Celebrating its 35th Anniversary, Aurum has a fabulous selection of platinum, gold and silver jewelry, diamonds, pearls, stunning color and cool beads. Original designs, custom work and repairs are available from six in-house goldsmiths. The Aurum gallery of American crafts features pottery, glass, wood and paintings by talented regional artists—even Christmas ornaments! Let Aurum’s friendly staff help you find all the gifts you need. Layaway, all charge cards and free gift-wrapping.

255 W. Washington St., 706-549-4660 Come celebrate seasonally with sustainably sourced food from our own local farms, live music and our signature wintertime cocktails. Our Loyal Farmer membership is a perfect gift for Farm-lovers. Prix fixe & à la carte menus for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, supper served 5:30–10.30 p.m. And don’t miss Athens’ best New Year’s Eve celebration, this year’s party hosted by Quiet Hooves! For reservations, email reservations@farm255.com. Twitter, Facebook, or www.farm255.com.

The Grit

Daily Groceries Co-op

Aurum Studios

Farm 255

1080 Baxter St., 706-850-5858 Gnat’s Landing, located at 1080 Baxter St., “GNAThens,” GA. Born in St. Simons, our unique Coastal Cuisine menu is a fit for anyone’s taste buds and our Beach Casual Food & Attitude is just what you need during this silly season. Reserve our back room for a private party or have us cater your event. Don’t forget, gift cards make a lovely gift! Stop by for details. We will be closed 12/25. Follow us on Facebook/Twitter. www. gnatslanding.net

Grocery Store

220 College Ave., Ste. 400, 706-353-1421 Downtown Athens encourages you to SHOP LOCAL. Join us under the twinkling lights for unique shopping, delicious dining and holiday nights out on the town! Downtown Athens’ locally owned businesses welcome casual shoppers and provide a break from dreaded mall mayhem. Can’t decide? A Downtown Athens Gift Certificate always fits— accepted at over 60 of your favorite downtown businesses, they’re sure to please! Visit DowntownAthensGa.com for business listings and to purchase gift certificates, mugs, coffee and more!

Clocked!

Gnat’s Landing

145 E. Clayton St., 706-613-8773 1550 Oglethorpe Ave., 706-549-5112 Visit both of our locations throughout the holidays for daily lasagna specials, pizzas, pastas, panini and salads. Try our Chicken Parmesan over linguini with pomodoro. Transmetropolitan gift certificates make the perfect gift! Call us to reserve our upstairs room for your Holiday Party. Happy Holidays!

Athens Downtown Development Authority

Restaurants

2095 S. Milledge Ave., 706-548-3359 George’s Lowcountry Table is Athens’ newest dining destination with a touch of Cajun and Creole as well as flavors from all over the South. We are serving the best dishes possible to our guests. Come by and try the shrimp and grits or perhaps a casual cocktail. The private dining room can hold up to 40 people for that special occasion. Now accepting reservations for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Brunch. Gift certificates available. www.georgeslowcountrytable.net

Transmetropolitan

with good cheer so come see us for some hot cocoa and lunch to warm you up. We’ll make your holiday goodies, so you’re ready to go and pretend they’re your own ;). Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

855 W. Broad St., 706-548-5035 Blockader Homebrew Supply has been serving Athens and the surrounding area for over 6 years now, guiding and supplying brewers, winemakers and everyone else with a passion for all things fermented. Though we specialize in beer brewing, we have the knowledge, equipment, ingredients and general supplies to aid anyone in their quest for a better beverage, whatever it may be. Stop in today or visit our website www.blockaderhomebrewsupply.com.

Cillies Clothing

The National

232 W. Hancock Ave., 706-549-3450 Visit The National this holiday season for festive food and drinks. We are a great venue for an office party, a business lunch, romantic evening or special family gathering, including Christmas Eve. The chef’s blog on our website, www.thenationalrestaurant.com, will keep you updated with special events and new menu items.

175 E. Clayton St., 706-369-7418 Come on in to CILLIES clothing for that PERFECT gift, from a hilarious tacky Christmas sweater for that holiday party or get that gorgeous vintage Chanel or Louis Vuitton bag you’ve been wanting! CILLIES has layaway and gift certificates for everyone on your list! C-ash $$$ from selling your clothes. I-mpulse purchasing (one for Mom, one for me). L-ayaway and Gift Certificates. L-uxury at affordable prices. I-nsanely HOT holiday dresses. E-nvironmental LOVE. S-anta shops here!!

Off the Hook Fish House

Five Points Bottle Shop

1120 Baxter St., 706-850-8245 Thank you for helping us kick-off our grand opening. We want to wish our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Come visit us again soon and check out new wintertime additions to our menu including NaNa’s potato soup. An Off the Hook gift certificate makes a great gift. Visit our website at www.offthehookfh.webs.com.

1655 S. Lumpkin St., 706-543-6989 3685 Atlanta Hwy., 706-316-2337 This holiday season Five Points Bottle is stocking the shelves so you can stuff your stocking! Beer and liquor gift sets make wonderful presents and are available in all shapes and sizes. Come browse our huge inventory of seasonal brews k continued on next page

DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

HOLIDAY GUIDE

continued from p. 11

just waiting for that beer-lover on your list. We’ll help you select the ideal wine to give your favorite connoisseur. Did we mention everyone’s favorite stocking stuffer? Five Points Bottle Gift Certificates! Remember, No Fake IDs, No Crybabies!

Flora Hydroponics

195 Paradise Blvd., 706-353-2223 Looking for a great gift for an avid gardener? We got it! Come visit Athens’ leading indoor gardening supplier. We have helped growers worldwide since 2006. As the temperature cools down, we offer all of the items you need to bring your garden indoors. Whether it’s lights, fertilizers or gardening accessories you are looking for, Flora has the items you need! We offer unique gift items such as Grobals, Earth Boxes and Hobby Greenhouses! Happy Holidays!

1225 S. Milledge Ave., 706-548-7225 Half-Moon Outfitters offers great customer service for getting you ready for your next adventure. Half-Moon features quality gear for adventure and travel by Patagonia, The North Face, Arc’Teryx, Mountain Hardwear, Petzl and more. Open daily for your shopping convenience. Gift certificates available.

Savannah’s

2455 Jefferson Rd., 706-546-4864 Have you been naughty or nice this year? Savannah’s would like to make sure that you have a naughty but nice Christmas. We have lots of gift ideas, such as thigh-high boots, women’s lingerie including plus sizes, male thongs, warming oils, novelties, bondage accessories, stocking stuffers and games. We’ll be open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Happy holidays!

Skate Shop of Athens

50 Gaines School Rd., 706-543-6368 Skater-owned and operated, we ride what we sell! Fully stocked with professional skateboards from Element, Plan B, Flip, Creature, Baker and more, safety equipment, acces-

Carlo Nasisse

Half-Moon Outfitters

almost every use. Be sure to check our web site at peachmac. com for our “Holiday Bundle” discounts on iPads and Macs—as well as other special offers this holiday season. Everyone loves shopping at Peachmac!

Video Link

2026 S. Milledge Ave., 706-543-2288 VIDEO LINK is the LAST of the non-chain, locally owned independent video stores. ALL titles are for sale or rental. VIDEO LINK carries ALL the new releases and TV shows, but specializes in hard to find classics, foreign and cult movies. We heavily discount. VIDEO LINK is located 1 mile southeast of 5 Points in the Shoppes of South of Athens (across from George’s Lowcountry Table). We will be closed Christmas but open New Year’s Day.

Services AAA Airport Express

www.aaaairportexpress.com, 800-354-7874 AAA Airport Express departs Athens and Atlanta 12 times daily. Our fare is $45 each way per person. There is a $5 off coupon in Flagpole and other publications in Athens. Please visit our website at www.aaaairportexpress.com or call us at 800-354-7874 or 404-767-2000 for more information and to make reservations. We can make your holiday travels merrier this year!

American Classic Tattoo and Body Piercing

1035 Baxter St., 706-543-7628 We offer the gift that always fits. American Classic Tattoos and Body Piercing offering fine custom and classic tattoos to suit your needs. We offer gift certificates and a fine selection of body jewelry. Open Mondays–Saturdays, noon ‘til 10 p.m. www.americanclassictattoo.net

Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother

458 E. Clayton St., 706-543-4454 ‘Twas the day before Xmas/ the shoppers were manic/ Junkman’s is open, no need to panic/ We have earrings and lanterns/ jigsaws and t-shirts/ key chains and vases, handbags and short skirts/ comics and stickers, incense and bangles/ cool shoes and jackets, stuffed toys and candles/ Everything you would need for your special elf/ We make it so easy, there’s time to shop for yourself.

Masada Leather and Outdoor

238 E. Clayton St., 706-546-5014 In February 1975, a small leather shop was founded in downtown Athens with the idea of creating quality, handcrafted leather work at a reasonable price. Now, over three decades later, MASADA has built a reputation as the state’s leader in fine leather accessories, comfort and hiking footwear, and outdoor apparel. We sincerely hope that you’ll visit our unique shop while you’re here and enjoy the rustic charm and Old-World atmosphere of an Athens landmark.

PeachMac

1850 Epps Bridge Pkwy., 706-208-9990 PeachMac is your source for all things Apple this holiday season. We have a huge selection of iPads, iPods, Macs & MacBooks as well as tons of accessories and software for

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

Project Safe, Inc.

sories, footwear and clothing from Vans, Altamont, Etnies, Independent, Spitfire and Emerica. Conveniently located just one mile from the Skate Park of Athens. Open 7 days a week. All major credit cards accepted.

Tobin Russell Photography

www.tobinrussell.com Specializing in classic, yet insightful, commercial photography, Tobin worked with Athens-based Play Visual Productions to create perhaps the most Athens-centric holiday gift this season. The Athens Uncovered 2011 Wall Calendar challenges, in a very pleasing way, the idea only men should bartend. Shot and designed in Athens, the heavy-duty calendar features 15 confident, sassy and highly attractive women in classic pinup style, each one with advice for the guys. Purchase at www. AthensHottestBartender.com.

www.project-safe.org, 706-549-0922 The holidays are all about giving, and at a time when every penny counts, it’s important to remember that even small donations make a big difference. At Project Safe’s emergency shelter, items like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, trash bags and women’s pajamas are always needed. Donations can be brought to the Project Safe Thrift Store, located at the corner of Hawthorne and Prince Avenue in the Bell’s Shopping center, Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

UGA Independent and Distance Learning

www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/idl Wishing you Happy Holidays! Try Univeristy of Georgia Online. We have Credit Classes. Drop/Add is easy. Check it out today!

WUGA

www.wuga.org, 706-542-9842 WISHING YOU THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS AND A GREAT YEAR IN 2011. WUGA, the Classic 91.7 & 97.9 FM. Your oasis for ideas and the arts. To make a donation visit www.wuga.org.

grub notes

art notes

2010 Wrap-up

Psycho-Collision

Every year has a theme, and while I could say this one belonged to the commenters on the Grub Notes blog, who waxed profane on the subject of salad and called me a hack on a regular basis, I’d rather dub 2010 the year of dessert. Yoguri opened in the dead of early winter, when it seemed that Athens’ first Korean frozen yogurt place found its audience, as downtown dieters discovered a cup of yogurt could make for a sweet, low-cal lunch. Its rival, the chain Yoforia, followed some months later, setting up shop in the former Jittery Joe’s in Five Points (which moved into the ex-Hodgson’s building) and offering a serve-yourself formula. In between, SunO Dessert, a branch of the delightful Atlantabased Taiwanese shaved-ice business, opened downtown on Broad. And toward the end of the year, cupcakes appeared to be ramping up production in Athens, with Silver Lining Cupcake Co. on Baxter, Cake Bites delivering cupcakes wherever, and Black Forest Bakery getting into the game as well. Trend or coincidence? 2011 will tell. Highlights of the year include the following establishments: Totonno’s Famous Meatballs: While the atmosphere at this meatery (Hawthorne Ave.) is minimal, its focus on one thing is admirable, and the meatballs are reliably delicious, especially the lamb ones, which are worth the extra pennies. As much as I adore vegetables, there are some cold, rainy evenings on which Totonno’s seems like the best idea ever. The Granary: This bakery in Watkinsville focuses on healthy breads and sweets, but you wouldn’t know it to taste its offerings. Housemade apricot newtons with whole-grain flour are particularly delicious, and the store also retails baking supplies in nice, small packages. White Tiger Gourmet and Chocolates: I know it’s not new, but Boulevard’s favorite little BBQ place has really blossomed, with dinner hours five nights a week. Yes, you have to remember to get cash out before going and the bathroom is an ordeal to get to, but the perfect burgers make it worth it. Peking (Eastside): This one, too, has been around for years, but only in 2010 did I discover the orange menu (of more authentic dishes), which contains such delights as zhi ran lamb (rolled in cumin), xiang tzuan tofu (with preserved greens), pork with yellow chives and meltingly soft yu shing eggplant. Normal Bar: Most bars in Athens aren’t for grown-ups, but this one is. In a strip storefronts on Prince Avenue, it doesn’t project a hipper-than-thou attitude, it has plenty of parking and a lovely patio out back, and it even mixes good nonalcoholic cocktails. Pupuseria El Coquito: Located on Danielsville Road next to the Marathon gas station, this cheery, tiny, bustling Salvadoran restaurant serves wonderful pupusas and an unctuous version of carne desebrada. Gymnopédie: The full review for Athens’ spiffy new vegetarian restaurant won’t run until after the new year, but this wee spot (three tables) in the Leathers Building on Pulaski Street is nothing if not vision-driven. What Else Opened?: A ton! This year, it didn’t feel like the openings were balanced by the closings, which hadn’t been the case in a while. If you want something New Orleansy or Lowcountry, you can choose among NONA, George’s Lowcountry Table and Reds Southern Tavern, all of which opened (or

were covered) this year. Some of what opened was, as usual, chains or franchises, such as Sweet Peppers Deli, but it seemed mostly to be a year of locally based small businesses. Piccolo’s Italian Steakhouse and Chops and Hops, both in Watkinsville, offered hefty amounts of protein, and Off the Hook Fish House, on Baxter, which will also be covered soon, did the same in a more casual format, focusing on fried catfish. For BBQ, we got Dawg Gone Good BBQ, next to The National on Hancock, and Cotton Club, at Jackson and Broad, the latter a smartly marketed and designed concept, if a bit short on quality smoked meat. Sorrell’s Pit BBQ also set up shop in a trailer on Broad, near downtown, in a move I hoped would encourage others to do the same. If the city isn’t going to expand the number of streetvendor permits, private businesses will have to step in and rent out their parking lots, as with the Fresco Pops stand on Baxter that’s shuttered for the winter. Graze Burgers and Salads took the place of the now departed Burger and Cheesesteak Factory in the Bottleworks, crafting an intelligent, familyfriendly menu. Flight Tapas and Wine Bar, on Lumpkin, has a smart wine program and a palate for good pairings. Tapas might not be a hot concept anymore, but the idea is still attractive, and the escargot are excellent. Highwire Lounge became incorporated into Trappeze and now serves food. Lamar Thomas left East West Bistro to start Chef Lamar’s Iron Grill, where he is now no longer, and The National added brunch, a welcome addition for the post-church crowd. Falafel King took the revolving-door space on Baxter across from Little Caesar’s, and, while the execution needs work, is at least attempting to bring Athens something that is not hibachi! Along those lines, East Hibachi Grill opened in the former Ryan’s on Barnett Shoals, Inoko Sushi Express opened on College Station Road, and Toshiro Japanese Express opened in the Homewood Shopping Center. Maba Grill, in the former Which Wich on Broad, started out the same but revamped in the past few weeks to add an array of Vietnamese dishes. Yay! Kingpins Bowl & Brew closed but was replaced by Ten Pins Tavern. Also open this year: Em’s Kitchen on Hawthorne, Hendershot’s Coffee Bar pouring coffee on Tallassee and a second Two Story Coffeehouse on the Eastside, 9d’s Bar and Jack’s Bar, both downtown, The Capital Room in the Georgian downtown, Taqueria Camino Real in the Gateway Shopping Center, El Patron and Mexicali Grille on Broad, Whiplash Café in 909 Broad, and, in the world of retail, The Beer Growler on Baxter and Trader Joe’s on Epps Bridge Parkway. We Said Goodbye To: Tasty World, Saladworks, Rita’s/Pearly’s Sweets, Gumby’s, Golden Dragon (Epps Bridge), Old City Diner, Plantation Buffet (Eastside), Which Wich, Red Eye Coffee, Gateway Café, The Georgian Southeastern Chophouse, Yo Spicy Mexican Restaurant, Cactus Café, Sons of Italy and Harry Bissett’s, some of which came and went in the same year, and the last of which was the main one to provoke moaning. What will 2011 bring? No more hibachi, please! I wish for street food, Greek food, more good sandwiches and a French restaurant. Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com

Currently on view at the bucolic Visionary Growth Gallery in Danielsville is a group exhibition entitled “Psychocollagraphica.” The emphasis of the show is the use (and misuse) of photography in contemporary art, and among the four artists represented, quite a lot of ground is covered. I trekked out there for the opening, on what seemed like the coldest, most bitter day of the year thus far, to see what was up. Psycho: The show is somewhat dominated by longtime Athens resident J. Phillip White, whose detailed and intricate collages line the walls in small groupings, occasionally interrupted in sequence by the works of the other artists. In many of White’s collages, a protagonist is set against a disparate backdrop but

these things are completely obsessive. (Check out the cover of the Flagpole Guide to Athens for an example.) Markedly different from the other artists on exhibition are the large-format photographs of John Santerineross, whose black and white nightmarish prints recall Joel-Peter Witkin and Viennese Actionism (and just in time for Christmas!). Here, rather than construct his images using collage, Santerineross creates elaborate sets and environments for his models to interact within. In the end, the works create the impression of a manipulated image, but are actually captured in a single exposure. Although much has been said about the brutality of Santerineross’ work, I actually found the photographs to be somewhat tender in an unexpected way: the same models appear throughout his pieces, and however treacherous or dangerous their immediate surroundings appear, it always seems as if it’s the model, and not the photographer, who is in control of the image. Rounding out the show is Jillian Guarco’s work, whose mysterious “Mask” series I found completely compelling. Guarco’s photos, each of which was mounted on wood through the humble means of packing and scotch tape, showcase a figure behind a variety of masks, in a range of scenarios. See the main Calendar image in this issue. On view until the end of January, for more information, visit www.visgrow.com.

Collision: Hotel Indigo is currently hosting a refreshing exhibition of four young artists in its dedicated gallery space on the ground floor. The show, titled “Colliding Scopes,” features the work of Charlie Key, Nash Hogan, Dena Zilbur and Margaret Schreiber. The work, which spans collage, assemblage, painting and printmaking, appears initially disparate upon first viewing, but slowly reveals its common thread of landscape throughout. In the case of Margaret Schreiber, her stream of consciousness collaged drawings eke out the sensation of place more so than any actual specifics. A viewer moves through Schreiber’s intimate drawings, lovingly nestled in one of Indigo’s recessed walls (one of my favorite feaJ. Phillip White’s collages are on display at Visionary Growth tures of the architecture), with the ease Gallery through January. and pleasant lethargy of a long road trip. Arresting the mood are Charlie Key’s excised of any identifying features: no heads large-scale assemblage paintings, which hurand, frequently, no limbs. In one particularly riedly and urgently combine found elements memorable image, a cloud of white smoke against imagined (and metallic! Yes!) backemerges from the open blazer of an anonydrops. Key’s flashfire process and devil-maymous male. White’s craft is consistently impec- care presentation and are off-set by the calm cable; the wide variety of sources from which and controlled brushstrokes of Nash Hogan, he draws is somehow muted by his attention whose familiar and fractured cityscape paintto the cut line and his careful placement and ings look sharp as always against the stark arrangement of elements. Deceptively simple, white backdrop of the gallery space. (The last White’s small works stick in the mind long time I saw them, they were set off against the after they leave the gaze. distressed backdrop of The Grit’s walls.) A natural pairing with White is Alexei But my favorite in the show was the mysGural, another artist whose X-Acto skills are terious and compelling prints of Dena Zilbur, in peak form. Gural’s incredibly elaborate whose quirky line and wonderful sense of narshadowboxes employ collage techniques to rative hit you, again and again, in this large create low-relief wall sculpture; his images are sampling of lithography, etching and drawcut from photos, backed with foam core and ing. Combining carefully chosen subtle hues mat board, and exist standing at attention in against a range of gorgeous greys, Zilbur’s shallow spaces made to appear infinitely deep prints are like your favorite songs made visible through scale shifts and perspective. Although and physical, existing in ink and paper. I think somehow surreal, the overt nostalgia and I’m in love. sentiment of the work undermine the intense focus and craft that goes into each. I mean it, Brian Hitselberger arts@flagpole.com

DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

movie dope Some releases may not be showing locally this week. 127 HOURS (R) Academy Award winner Danny Boyle’s newest film is based on the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston (the increasingly interesting James Franco), who resorts to doing anything to survive after he is trapped under a boulder. For five days, he lies trapped before summoning the courage and will to scale a 65-foot wall and hike eight miles to be rescued. Think Cast Away except James Franco a lot more desperate than Tom Hanks. With Lizzy Caplan, Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn and Treat Williams. AFTERSHOCK (NR) This Chinese domestic smash (it is China’s highest grossing locally made film) chronicles the 1976 earthquake in Tangshan that claimed 240,000 lives. Aftershock is the first major commercial IMAX film shot outside of the United States. Foreign Language Film. ALL GOOD THINGS (R) Capturing the Friedmans director Andrew Jarecki turns to fiction features with this murder mystery based on New York’s most notorious unsolved cases. A detective (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) investigates a missing persons case involving the heir to a real estate dynasty (Ryan Gosling) and a young woman from the wrong side of the tracks (Kirsten Dunst). Another late 2010, Ryan Gosling film vying for Oscar love. ALPHA AND OMEGA (PG) Two young wolves at opposite ends of their pack’s social order find themselves in a foreign land. They must rely on each other in order to find their way home. BEST OF THE NY INT’L CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL (NR) Each year this festival presents a kaleidoscopic collection of the best new animation, live action and experimental film for children from around the world. Visit their website (www.gkids.tv/tour) or Ciné’s (www.athenscine.com) for more information. BLACK SWAN (R) Great does not begin to describe Black Swan nor does it do this complex film justice. Let’s call Black Swan what it is: stunning, original, another imperfect masterpiece from filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler). Aging ballerina Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) finally lands a lead as the Swan Queen in Swan Lake. But as the pressure mounts, Nina begins to suspect that the pretty new dancer, Lily (Mila Kunis), is out to Single White Female her. Or are her suspicions those of a raving lunatic raised

by a madwoman, Nina’s mother Erica (Barbara Hershey), on the verge of utter self-destruction? Aronofsky shoots this psychosexual thriller like a Polanskian horror film. BURLESQUE (PG-13) What Showgirls was to All About Eve, Burlesque is to Showgirls. Not nearly as awfully entertaining as Paul Verhoeven’s glitzy Vegas crassterpiece, Burlesque stars Cher as the proprietor of a struggling Sunset Strip burlesque club and Christian Aguilera as the dancing diva with a voice strong enough to save it. CASINO JACK (R) This docudrama recounts the rise and fall of superlobbyist Jack Abramoff (Kevin Spacey) and his business partner, Michael Scanlon (Barry Pepper), who wheeled and dealed with Washington’s most powerful players. The uh-oh comes when a mob-connected associate (Jon Lovitz) brings everything crashing down in scandal. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER (PG) 20th Century Fox’s first entry since snatching up the rights to the popular C.S. Lewis franchise after Walt Disney dropped it, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, hereby known as Narnia 3, continues the series’ downward spiral since the first entry, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. CLIENT 9: THE RISE AND FALL OF ELIOT SPITZER (R) Academy Award winning documentarian Alex Gibney charts the rise and fall of former New York Governor and present CNN anchor Eliot Spitzer. Featuring interviews with the scandal-rocked former politico, Client 9’s poster claims to tell “the real story.” THE COMPANY MEN (R) Three men deal with losing their jobs in the present recession and the effects on their wives, lives and communities. Talk about a cast. Besides the three stars, Kevin Costner, Craig T. Nelson, Maria Bello and Rosemarie Dewitt are also Company Men. DUE DATE (R) After the big-time breakthrough of The Hangover, director Todd Phillips (Road Trip) returns with this comedy about a soon-to-be father, Peter Highman (Robert Downey, Jr.), who must hitch a ride with aspiring actor, Ethan Tremblay (Zack Galifinakias), if he wants to make it to his child’s birth on time. Something

M OVIE L ISTI N GS Schedules often change after our deadline. Please call ahead.

ACC LIBRARY (706-613-3650)

Note by Note (NR) 7:00 (Th. 12/30)

CINÉ (706-353-3343)

Fair Game (PG-13) 7:30, 9:45 (no 9:45 show Su. 12/26) Kids Flix Short Films: Best of NY Int’l Children’s Film Festival (NR) 2:15 (starts Su. 12/26) (new time M. 12/27: 4:00) Monsters (R) 9:30 (add’l time Su. 12/26: 3:00) (no 9:30 show Su. 12/26) My Dog Tulip (NR) 5:30 (W. 12/22 & Th. 12/23) (new time Sa. 12/26: 5:45) Tamara Drewe (R) 5:00, 7:15

Accurate movie times for the Carmike 12 (706-354-0016), Beechwood Stadium 11 (706-546-1011) and Georgia Square 5 (706-548-3426) cinemas are not available by press time. Visit www.flagpole.com for updated times.

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

feels off in the trailer for this seemingly funny comedy. EASY A (PG-13) This second movie from director Will Gluck and first-time feature writer Bert V. Royal accomplishes a rare feat for teen-aimed funny flicks. It starts with a fun concept that it treats respectfully and with genuine humor in a tightly written script good enough to attract a talented cast that includes Emma Stone, Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson, Thomas Haden Church, Lisa Kudrow and Malcolm McDowell. FAIR GAME (PG-13) Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity) directs this drama based on the government’s outing of CIA Operative Valerie Plame. Naomi Watts stars as Plame, whose identity was leaked while investigating WMDs in Iraq after her husband, Joseph Wilson (Sean Penn), wrote a 2003 New York Times op-ed piece critical of the Bush administration. With Ty Burrell (so funny on “Modern Family”), Bruce McGill, Sam Shepard and Brooke Smith. THE FIGHTER (R) Mark Wahlberg stars as boxer “Irish” Micky Ward, whose brother, Dick Eklund (Christian Bale), helped him train before going pro in the 1980s. Seeking to rehab his image after that awful I Heart Huckabees footage went viral a few years back. David O. Russell took over this project that Darren Aronofsky was prepping prior to The Wrestler. I wonder how welcoming the set was, with the combination of notorious hotheads Russell and Bale. With Amy Adams and Melissa Leo. GULLIVER’S TRAVELS (PG) Travel writer Lemuel Gulliver (Jack Black) is shipwrecked on the island of Lilliput, in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle, where he towers over the natives. Though they first imprison him, he soon becomes a favorite, helping scheme to defeat the Lilliputian rivals, the Blefuscudians. One of my favorite books by one of my favorite satirists gets the new treatment, but I am not excited, though the cowriting credit for Nicholas Stoller (Get Him to the Greek) intrigues. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1 (PG-13) As much as I still cherish this series of books, I just have never been as invested in the film versions. That lack of true, heartfelt engagement has never shown as brightly as it does now, as the end we all know by heart approaches. I cannot find fault with this flawless penultimate installment of the stalwart franchise. Director David Yates continues to bring Rowling’s magical world to rousing, tangible life. HEREAFTER (PG-13) Clint must be feeling mortal. The sturdy old director’s newest film, a supernatural melodrama (it’s not quite his thing), asks and unsuccessfully tries to answer the eternal query: What happens after we die? Being an Eastwood film, I’m not surprised Hereafter is slow and a bit sappily sentimental. HOW DO YOU KNOW (PG-13) An aging (27?!) athlete Lisa Jorgenson (Reese Witherspoon) starts feeling her age and winds up getting involved in a love triangle with her baseball player boyfriend (Owen Wilson) and a crisisridden corporate guy (Paul Rudd). I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (R) Scam artist and former police officer Steven Russell (Jim Carrey) plots the

big con to escape his second stint in prison and win the heart and freedom of Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). Bad Santa scripters Glenn Ficarra and John Requa make their directorial debut with this adaptation of a true story; their comedic presence alone piques my curiosity. Carrey against type just increases my interest. With Leslie Mann and Rodrigo Santoro (Raul Castro in both parts of Steven Soderbergh’s epic Che). THE ILLUSIONIST (PG) Triplets of Belleville filmmaker Sylvain Chomet returns with this wondrous looking traditionally animated feature. Based on a concept by the late, adored Jacques Tati, The Illusionist is a stage magician struggling against the ebbing tide of vaudeville. Enter a young girl named Alice who changes his life forever. The Illusionist is the best chance traditional animation has to beat its computer generated competition for all the yearend prizes. THE KING’S SPEECH (R) To combat a nervous stammer, King George VI (Colin Firth), AKA Bertie, works with an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush). Director Tom Hooper helmed HBO’s excellent “John Adams” and Elizabeth I. This historical picture is shaping up to be Firth’s best Oscar shot yet; the trailer predicts a winner. With Helena Bonham Carter as George’s daughter Queen Elizabeth II, Guy Pearce as Edward VIII, Michael Gambon as King George V and Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill. LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA’HOOLE (PG) 300 director Zack Snyder was made for animation, and Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole proves it. Unfortunately, the film, based on the first three books in Kathryn Lasky’s bestselling children’s series, feels rushed and poorly explained. LITTLE FOCKERS (PG-13) I can’t quite decide how I feel about this third entry in the Meet the… movie franchise. The Fockers, Greg and Pam (Ben Stiller and Teri Polo), now have a couple of kids, taking a little of grandpa Jack Byrnes’ (Robert De Niro) heat off of Greg. But with the twins’ birthday party on the horizon, old suspicions— and old pals like Teri’s ex Kevin (Owen Wilson)—are returning to haunt male nurse Gaylord Focker. Director Paul Weitz (About a Boy) takes over for Jay Roach, the director of the first two mega-hit comedies. LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS (R) The raunchy romdramedy Love and Other Drugs delivers on its titillating promise to show loads of Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway naked and banging. Other stuff happens, but one’s desire to watch writer-director Edward Zwick’s first romance since 1986’s About Last Night… really boils down to how much you want to see these two stars in the buff. MADE IN DAGENHAM (R) Sounds like another satisfying Britcom. In 1968, the female workers at the Ford Dagenham car plant went on strike to protest sexual discrimination. The swell cast includes Sally Hawkins, who probably will not get her first Oscar nomination for this (she should have gotten one for Happy-Go-Lucky) and Bob Hoskins. MONSTERS (R) Monsters is easily the most impressive cinematic achievement of the year. Set in an alternate

reality where alien life forms have invaded and mutated the animal population of a quarantined Mexico, reporter Andrew (Scoot McNairy) is tasked with escorting his boss’ daughter, Samantha (Whitney Able), back to the United States. When their passports are stolen, Andrew and Whitney must risk traveling over land during the migration period of los monstruos. Sci-fi fans expecting an explosive monster-aminute thriller will be disappointed initially, but the climactic payoff is worth the deliberate trek to get there. MY DOG TULIP (NR) This lovely looking animated movie for adults tells the story of a man and his affection for the German shepherd he rescues. Christopher Plummer lends his gravelly, dynamic voice to Tulip’s owner, British author J.R. Ackerley, who published an account of his 16-year relationship with Queenie (renamed Tulip for the book). The hand drawn animation from Paul and Sandra Fierlinger looks beautifully old-fashioned. NOTE BY NOTE (NR) 2007. Ever wondered how they make a Steinway Grand piano? Personally, I have not, though I bet the process is an interesting one. Note by Note: The Making of Steinway L1037, from director Ben Niles, follows the piano from the forest floor to the concert hall, and asks for the expert opinions of Steinway enthusiasts such as Harry Connick, Jr., Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Kenny Barron, Bill Charlap, Hélène Grimaud, Hank Jones, Lang Lang and Marcus Roberts. Part of the ACC Library’s iFilms. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 (R) Katie’s back. Does it matter what this sequel to Oren Peli’s tiny budgeted fall blockbuster is about, so long as the movie is as chilly as the teaser? RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE (NR) Bless my horror heart, this flick sounds awesome. Santa Claus is unearthed at an archaeological dig in Lapland’s Korvatunturi Mountains. But judging by the disappearing children, this jolly old Nicholas is no saint, leading a man, his son and a posse of hunters to go on a Santa hunt. RED (PG-13) Retired black ops agent Frank Moses (Willis) is classified RED—Retired, Extremely Dangerous. To survive, he goes on the road, picking up his former teammates, all of whom have also been declared RED due to a mysterious early-’80s operation in Guatemala. A good old, lighthearted romp of PG-13 violence and explosions. RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE (R) Calling Paul W.S. Anderson’s directorial return to this zombie videogameturned-movie franchise Resident Evil 4 would be an insult to arguably the best game in the mother series. With such a rich source of story, one would think this entire series could be better, but Anderson has manufactured his own paler RE universe by cherrypicking various concepts and characters. RE:A may be the worst yet. SOMEWHERE (R) Bad boy actor Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff, who has some real life experience to draw from), rocking the Hollywood lifestyle pretty hard at the Chateau Marmont, is visited by his daughter (Elle Fanning, Dakota’s little sister). Oscar winner Sofia Coppola’s new film won the Golden Lion, the top prize at the Venice Film Festival. Expect a typical Sofia Coppola cinematic experience whether or not

you like it. With Michelle Monaghan (Eagle Eye) and Laura Ramsey (The Ruins). TAMARA DREWE (R) A young newspaper writer (blockbuster princess Gemma Arterton, Quantum of Solace, Clash of the Titans, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time), who used to be what one would call an ugly duckling, returns to her hometown as her childhood home goes up for sale. Two-time Oscar nominee Stephen Frears (The Grifters and The Queen) directs Moira Buffini’s adaptation of Posy Simmond’s graphic novel retelling of Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd. With Dominic Cooper (Mamma Mia!). TANGLED (PG) Disney’s 50th animated feature entertains like some of the best the House of Mouse has ever offered. Can you imagine how magical this fairy tale could have been had it been traditionally animated and simply titled Rapunzel? THE TOURIST (PG-13) Seeing this Angelina Jolie-Johnny Depp team-up may be cheaper than a trip to Venice, but anyone wishing to float the canals of that old Italian city would be advised to wait for discount fares. A math teacher from Wisconsin, Frank Tupelo (Depp), gets involved in international espionage after being chatted up by a beautiful Brit, Elise Ward (Jolie). Soon, Frank is running across rooftops from Russian hitmen and butting heads with a determined detective from Scotland Yard (Paul Bettany). How’s a Wisconsin schoolteacher to survive? THE TOWN (R) Ben Affleck’s second directorial effort is a very good film. This tough cops-and-robbers flick conjures comparisons to Heat, a good, if overrated Michael Mann film that The Town soundly trumps. TRON: LEGACY (PG) Disney’s big budget, 3D sequel to the cult classic picks up right as game designer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) again disappears into the Grid, this time leaving his young son, Sam, behind. When an all growed up Sam (Garrett Hedlund, the upcoming Country Strong) receives a communication from his estranged dad, the younger Flynn happens upon the Grid and becomes just the revolutionary capable of dethroning the despotic Clu (Bridges, 20 years younger thanks to CGI). The trippy, all-blacklit visuals dreamed up by director Joseph Kosinski dance to the kinetic beat and rhythmic thump of Daft Punk’s excellent score. The insanely entertaining Tron: Legacy is the best amusement park ride/laser light show you’ll see at the movies this year. Get your light cycle to the theater before I derez you. TRUE GRIT (PG-13) To help distance their new film from the John Wayne classic, Joel and Ethan Coen are calling it a new adaptation of the novel by Charles Portis rather than a remake. A young girl (Hailee Steinfeld) hires gruff U.S. Marshal Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help find the man who killed her father. I am quite thrilled to see Bridges’ take on Wayne’s iconic role as directed by the Coens. With Matt Damon as La Boeuf and Josh Brolin as Tom Chaney. YOGI BEAR (PG) What can you say about another CGI-live action update of a classic cartoon? Yogi Bear will satisfy the low expectations of children while providing the parents an hour and a half to disengage. Yogi (v. Dan Ackroyd) and Boo-Boo (v. Justin Timberlake) still stalk Jellystone Park much to the chagrin of Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanaugh). When their park is threatened by evil Mayor Brown (v. the funny Andrew Daly) and his weasely Chief of Staff (Nate Corddry), the trio must put aside their differences and work together. Yogi Bear is not smarter than your average family film, but I’ve seen several dumber. Drew Wheeler

movie pick The Real Rocky THE FIGHTER (R) In my seven years reviewing movies for this magazine, I have never agonized so much over what to make my pick. Black Swan is the critical darling, and I truly hope you all see it just to struggle with it over this merry holiday season. Tron: Legacy kicks 3D, blockbuster, Disney ass. But it was David O. Russell’s quite traditional inspirational sports drama that hit the rawest nerve,

Mark Wahlberg ultimately convincing me to highlight this well-trod triumph of the Rockyian underdog as the greatest single weekend I’ve had at the movies in years. Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) had been living in the shadow of his crackhead older brother, Dick “The Pride of Lowell” Ecklund (Christian Bale), ever since Dickie knocked down the great Sugar Ray Leonard in 1978.

After years of poundings in minor bouts arranged by his mother, Alice (Melissa Leo), the nearly used-up, 34-year-old boxer from Lowell, MA overcame the odds and his misguided, loyal family to get a shot at the highest goal the sweet science has to offer. This film’s every aspect—direction, writing, acting—is nearly faultless. It not only has heart but humor. Smiles abound every time Russell arranges Ward’s seven, count ‘em, seven sisters in a single shot. Even Dickie’s crack addiction generates some laughs (he keeps leaping into the trash to escape their mother’s approbation). Jack McGee deserves special mention for going toe to toe with the film’s four powerful leads (including the unmentioned Amy Adams) and stealing all of his scenes despite the lack of recognition he’ll continue to receive for his efforts. What in the hands of a lesser filmmaker could have melted into a treacly, heartfelt mess retains its rigidity and sweetness thanks to Russell, a tight script and four award-winning lead performances. This true-life descendant of the Italian Stallion generates genuine chills during its triumphant conclusion, a move usually calculatedly manipulated by similar films. The Fighter might be the year’s most genuine crowd-pleaser, a man’s movie with a woman’s touch. Drew Wheeler

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film notebook News of Athens’ Cinema Scene First, the Bad News: In case you didn’t catch the news a couple of weeks ago, the Robert Osborne Classic Film Festival won’t be happening this coming year. The festival enjoyed its most successful iteration last March, drawing bigger crowds of college students, in particular, than ever before—a development that seemed to bode well for the future. But the University of Georgia withdrew its funding this year, which was a significant chunk of the cash the festival had to work with, as well as its institutional support, which was a less tangible but hugely significant piece of its involvement. The loss of the university’s backing was too hard a blow to be overcome by increased private donations, especially at a time when few people have any extra money to throw around. Since we (I’m a member of the ROCFF Advisory Board) didn’t want to put on a dramatically downsized event—nor, more importantly, did Robert—after having established such high and specific expectations over the festival’s first six years, it was decided that it couldn’t happen in 2011. It’s not hard to understand the university’s decision not to fund a film festival while staff and faculty are being laid off due to state budget cuts, and Festival Director Pam Kohn has noted that UGA’s apron strings were always meant to be untied from the festival eventually. Still, there’s an argument to be made that a high-profile civic event that showcased works that are both serious 20thcentury art and easily accessible touchstones

of popular culture presented an opportunity for the university to benefit from increasing its brand-stamp, rather than removing it. It’s a shame that determination wasn’t the one made, but this is Georgia, after all, not France. I’m just really, really glad we got to see archival prints of Laura and Hud and King Kong and The Godfather on that huge screen, with the great Robert Osborne as our personal guide to those and so many other marvelous films. Will the ROCFF be back? Dunno. Robert absolutely loved doing it, and loved having it in Athens. It’s entirely possible he’d be game to revive it next year if the funding could be put back together, but two years between festivals is a long time. Robert’s busy, UGA is more likely to have its budget further reduced than restored, and nobody knows when the economy will again be conducive to asking individuals and businesses—again, in Georgia—to donate money to a film festival. Now, the Good: In the meantime, there are a few people—including me—who are trying to put together a festival that would build on the wonderful example of the ROCFF while hoping to cast a wider net over the Athens community. This wouldn’t be a replacement for Robert’s festival—that’s not necessary or possible—but it would attempt to showcase great prints of great films from all eras. At the same time, there are other things a film festival can do in a town like this: spread out to multiple venues, screen current independent films in

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Final Notes: Yes, it’s the holidays, and everything’s stopped happening, but there’s an iFilm at the ACC Library Dec. 30: Note by Note, a doc about the life of a Steinway concert grand piano, showing at 7 p.m. Dec. 30… And did I remind you last year to watch Ernst Lubitsch’s The Shop Around the Corner over the holidays? Well, watch it again! (Hint: It’s on TCM at eight Christmas morning.) Dave Marr film@flagpole.com

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Which Brings Us To: Our beloved Ciné, of course. Which, as of the day this column appears, is featuring four—count ‘em!— films that I’m excited to see. Gareth Edwards’ low-budget, character driven sci-fi piece Monsters sounds great based on the assessments of most of the folks I’ve read, including Flagpole’s Drew Wheeler, and Fair Game, based on the story of Valerie Plame’s outing as a CIA agent by the Bush administration, just seems like it might provide some catharsis for my

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outraged liberal ass. Stephen Frears’ British comedy Tamara Drewe, based on a graphic novel based on the novel Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy, stars the sexy and fun Gemma Arterton and sounds like sexy fun. And My Dog Tulip is just going to make me and Mrs. Film Notebook cry. There’s more great stuff to come, including Claire Denis’ eagerly awaited White Material, so hop aboard www. athenscine.com and do some research.

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competition, facilitate the involvement of local artists and businesses, and partner with the nonprofit community, to name a few. This is in the early planning stages and the details as such aren’t yet worth enumerating. The only reason I bring it up now is because it’s important for cities to provide opportunities to see all kinds of films in the best manner possible, and I want you to keep that in mind for ours. I’ll keep you posted.

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threats & promises Music News And Gossip So, really, what’s left to say? Here’s to a great Christmas, y’all. Be safe and enjoy yourselves. Oh, yeah, and please read this stuff below… Two Princes: If you’re sitting around this week trying to ho-hum the time away until you’re off on vacation, then why not spend 10 minutes watching the new video/audio collaborations between photographer Mike White (Deadly Designs) and Sloan Simpson (Southern Shelter)? The pair has, thus far, collaborated on three live videos under the name Deadly Shelter Video, and White shoots the footage while Simpson supplies the audio. Featured bands are Cinemechanica, Romper Stompers and St. Louis, MO band So Many Dynamos. Both White and Simpson have,

Drive-By Truckers each in his own way, somewhat obsessively documented the Athens music scene for the past several years, and you can dig through all their stuff via www.deadlydesigns.com and www.southernshelter.com. You can watch the videos over at www.youtube.com/user/ liveathensmusic. So Easy to Say That You’ll Forget Your Past: This week’s blast from the recent past comes courtesy of the recently gone Romanenko. The group has made its album, Squid, available as a free download. You can grab it as a torrent or .RAR file, so it should be convenient for everyone. The 12-track album was released in 2009, and I think it did a fine job of really capturing the bandmembers’ capabilities as songwriters. While not exactly as “punk” as some folks tried to classify them, Romanenko was nonetheless punk-influenced but much more nuanced in delivery. What is left is a great little indie-rock record from a band that was pretty under-appreciated. Go get it at www.romanenkomusic.com. Whole Lotta Truckin’ Going On: Drive-By Truckers have made available all sorts of different pre-order options for the bands’ upcoming album, Go-Go Boots. Everything from a simple CD and digital download ($15.99) to a super-deluxe package with LP, CD, three art prints and a DVD ($74.99). Go-Go Boots

will be in stores Feb. 15. In other news, the new documentary on the Truckers, The Secret to a Happy Ending, is enjoying nearly a full year of critical acclaim, with screenings still being scheduled all over the country and overseas. Locally, the film will play at Ciné, Jan. 15–18, with a special Q&A session with producer David Barbe on Jan. 17. The film was directed by Barr Weissman. Additionally, tickets for the band’s three-night stand at the 40 Watt (Jan. 13–15) are on sale now over at www.40watt.com. For more info on all this, please see www.drivebytruckers.com. Breathe: ATHICA is seeking a new music director for its live performance presentations. Longtime Athens musician Leslie Grove has handled the job for the past year but is leaving the post. While it’s almost needless to point out, but should still probably be mentioned, the shows at ATHICA are an eclectic bunch that exist outside the realm of almost anything you’d find at your local rock club. An expansive taste and knowledge of experimental, jazz, classical, minimal, avant-garde, etc. is advised (or, at least, a healthy curiosity about such) as this would clearly keep things in line with ATHICA’s mission statement, which you can read at www.athica.org/ ourmission.php. Grove says, “The new music director would have pretty free rein to interpret this directive.” So, take that to heart as well. The position is non-paid. If you’re interested in taking the reins or exploring the option, please drop a line to music@athica. org. General Mills: R.E.M. fan club members around the world have received their coveted Christmas package, and this year the included recording is the band’s version of the Spector/Barry/Greenwich-penned song from 1963 “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” the most famous version of which is by Darlene Love. Michael Stipe does not appear on the recording, but Mike Mills, Peter Buck and longtime R.E.M. collaborator Scott McCaughey are present. Mills handles vocals and former R.E.M. drummer (and #1 R.E.M. fan) Bill Berry reprises his role behind the kit. Berry also appeared on last year’s R.E.M. Christmas single. In other news, R.E.M. gave fans another teaser last week with regard to its upcoming album, Collapse Into Now. The band provided a preview of the album with the track “Discoverer” being posted on the band’s website. Collapse Into Now is scheduled for release next spring. For more info, please see www.remhq.com. Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

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DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

While You Were Out

2011: The Year in Review Stian Roenning

ince the Internet has succeeded in shredding your attention span in ways MTV only dreamed, what’s the sense in waiting all year to find out what happened? Exactly. So I’ve gone ahead and recapped the highlights of the 2011 Athens music scene. Hope this helps.

AUGUST Absolutely nothing happened this month except that every bandmember (and his, well, not really “girlfriend” but, you know, just a friend) in Athens tried to sneak into that one pool on the Eastside that everyone thought was a secret. “Don’t worry,” everyone said to everyone else, “that dude from the party totally has a cousin who lives there.”

JANUARY Label owner Mike Turner (HHBTM Records) formed a band with the fresh-from-Seattle Keenan Dowers (Single Piece Slate record manufacturing). After a handful of shows, the pair experimented Modern Skirts-style by recording in Jay Gulley’s (Modern Skirts) bedroom. Shortly thereafter, the project suffered a crisis of confidence and Turner broke up the band via Facebook. Jay Gulley, meanwhile, repainted his bedroom and rearranged the furniture to try to recapture the “vibe” of those Modern Skirts sessions. “Some places are just sacred, you know? Real special stuff happened right here near that bed. Over near that lamp, too,” he said.

SEPTEMBER The Whigs and Dead Confederate headed out on the road together on their “2007 Remembrance Tour” vowing to only play their hits. Dead Confederate manager Dawson Morris described the tour as “a strategic pairing of classic Athens bands. This tour will really give fans a chance to re-live the days of easy home financing.”

OCTOBER

FEBRUARY

Halloween tribute bands this year included Tunabunny playing the hits of U2 (as TunaBono), of Montreal covering actual Montreal rockers April Wine (as April Drinking Wine with Epimetheus on the Bank of the Tikamaganda River as She Dreams of Visiting Sudbury, Home of the World’s Largest Nickel), Maserati playing the songs of The Dead Milkmen (as Bitchin’ Camaro) and The Gold Party playing New Wave hits of the ‘80s (as The Gold Party).

The year-in/year-out tour machine of Elf Power pulled a fast one. Just as the long-running band was about to pull out of town for yet another overseas winter tour of former Iron Curtain nations, band leader Andrew Rieger realized that he could just as easily announce a tour, hide out at the Orange Twin compound for eight weeks and then reappear as if he’d just returned from the road. “Really,” said Rieger, “no one in Athens is ever gonna care that we spent another three nights in fuckin’ Bucharest or that we played the Nutella stage at Øyafestivalen. If they ask I’ll just tell them no one remembered to bring a camera. Oh, yeah, that’s off the record, by the way.”

MARCH Seeking better digs and in-house employee perks, Flagpole moved its offices into the perennially cursed Georgia Traditions (755 E. Broad Street). The rooftop pools and 24-hour concierge were an immediate hit with the music staff, while the city writers spent the majority of their time trying to figure out how to best repurpose the lower floors into a combination dog park, library, reform school, community salon, fresh market and bistro. Athens Rising columnist Dan Lorentz praised the overall walkability of the building but writer Kevan Williams finally put his foot down and refused to work in what he described as “that brick-and-tan monster.” Publisher Pete McCommons wrote a lengthy editorial enthusiastically proclaiming the move to be as “sweet as peach pie—similar to the kind you used to be able to get at Blanche’s Open House over on Hancock back in the days when Athens had only one streetlight and, even then, that was more than enough,” and that generated 104 comments from Oconee County residents on the paper’s website.

APRIL Party Party Partners released its own line of house show donation buckets. Sadly, most late-night townies were confounded by the proper use of these things but thought they were a pretty cool place to stash that secret sixer of Pabst Blue Ribbon.

MAY Having semi-formally adopted a slogan of SSDY (Same Shit, Different Year), the Athens Human Rights Festival decided to forgo any speakers this year and simply held a 48-hour jam session featuring members of Cosmic Charlie and Pam

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

Valentine & West Blanchard & the Sunny-Side Up Band. Timi Conley (Kite to the Moon) attempted to have a Wild Rumpus parade during the event, but activist/organizer Ed Tant went on a tear about how the first Wild Rumpus was held in Bolivia during the revolution of 1952, and it was the height of cultural appropriation to hold it without a Bolivian at the helm. Conley misunderstood Tant, though, and went ahead with his plans after convincing Olivian John Fernandes, who can trace his roots all the way back to the Tremor Control, to walk ahead of everybody.

JUNE Newly elected county commissioner Jared Bailey declared that all AthFest (of which Bailey is the founder) activities would now take place exclusively in District 5. Local businesses re-purposed as live-music venues include Wendy’s, Big City Bread Cafe and Chase Street Package. Shows at Dunkin Donuts/ Baskin-Robbins suffered greatly when no one could figure out when they were open. Bailey defended the drastic move by saying, “Actually, ‘jobs, bitches!’ was on the short list of possible campaign slogans, and I’m just glad we could see that through. You just don’t mess with number five, yo.”

JULY In honor of Our Nation’s Birthday, local promotion squad Team Clermont hosted a month-long amnesty program for all college radio music directors who failed to chart records the organization was pushing. The Team’s Nelson Wells said, “Look, we know who you are and, mostly, we know where you live. It’s cool. It’s just time to make things right. Get in touch.” University of Georgia station WUOG 90.5 FM was able to plead innocence, honestly, as no one working at the station was old enough to have ever encountered a piece of analogue mail before.

NOVEMBER Promoter Tommy Valentine attempted to assemble the largest group of Athens musicians ever to ride atop a gigantic float for the annual Athens Christmas Parade (AKA “Parade Of Lights”). The ambitious gesture failed, though, when Valentine was unable to convince the majority of participants that when he said it started at 7 p.m. that was actually when it started. Other roadblocks included various non-musicians showing up saying they were on the guest list for the float with at least 40 saying they won passes on the radio. The month ended on a high note for Valentine, though, as he was able to secure a promotional tie-in for his latest musical project with Athens celebrity Darius Weems and launch an ad campaign called “Darius Really Goes for Valentine & West.”

DECEMBER The year wrapped up quietly as local club owners, after dealing with roving gangs of drunks all year, decided to close for the night and just host small New Year’s Eve parties at home for their close friends. Although initially disappointed, most Athens singles breathed a big sigh of relief knowing that at least this way they wouldn’t get stuck somewhere listening to a “DJ” play Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” various hits by Journey and the latest record by Beyoncé. Local rock music fan Sam Williams said, “Seriously, do you have any idea how hard it is to compete with some dude streaming these emotional soft balls from an iPod? I’d rather be sitting on Reptar’s porch listening to someone blather about Animal Collective.” In a similar sentiment, a local woman (who spoke on the condition of anonymity) said, “Last New Year’s Eve I got stuck hanging out with this dude who yelled ‘That’s my jam!’ at every damn song. None of those songs were even his jam. He already told me what his jam was, and I had to sit around for four hours waiting for it while he lied the whole time about what his jam was and bro-fived people he didn’t even know. It’s gonna be much better this way.” Gordon Lamb

Bird Names: One of the perks of having a reputation as a great music town is that great music comes to you. Enter: David Lineal and Phelan La Velle, the core songwriting duo behind Chicago-born band Bird Names. After releasing five albums of experimental psych-pop, Bird Names was a beloved and integral part of Chicago’s DIY scene, so Athens should feel very lucky that we’re now able to count the band as one of our own. After just a few short months here, Bird Names has already found a nice little niche, sharing much aesthetically with

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Manray: Hands down, this is my favorite new Athens band. Manray Manray is a non-stop barrage of tempo changes, technical proficiency and intensity. Even if you go just for the pornographic promotional posters, go see this band play. The combination of the brothers Olivera—all screaming vocals, sweat drenched tattoos and mean riffs—paired with the virtuosity and finesse of guitarist Gene Woolfolk makes for a mathy metal juggernaut. The band upped the ante even further during its recent tour, adding high-speed guitarist Bryan Aiken (Lazer/Wulf, ‘Powers) into the mix. It might not be quite the guitar orgy of ‘Powers, but it’s getting close. The band’s debut EP just came out this month, and I’m looking forward to sinking my teeth into it over the holidays.

straight-up, no-apologies classic rock and roll with extra soulful, husky vocals. Fans of ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin and other bluesy heavy rock bands should plan to spend their New Year’s Eve with these guys over at the Caledonia Lounge.

I launched the monthly Upstart Roundup column a couple of years ago as a means of highlighting brand-new acts in town—whether they are young musicians starting their first band or vets pursuing new collaborations. I think of it as a small nudge of support to help get a project rolling—a very quick introduction between a newbie band and the Athens music scene. Of course, the reality is that starting a band is the easy part, and despite even the most sincere initial enthusiasm, a lot of these Upstarts fizzle and fade by the time the next column hits the streets. And that’s alright, too, because it’s all part of the creative process—failing, learning, growing… and repeat. But every once in a while, the right pieces fall into place and something sticks. Here’s a look at some of the most promising local bands to debut this year:

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The Best New Bands of 2010

y of G r e

upstart roundup roundup

Up Until Now: Drawing on an eclectic and vast array of influences—including world beat, hip-hop, funk, metal and more—Jay Murphy and Chris Byron have quickly pushed to the forefront of Athens’ burgeoning electronic scene. The duo’s live

Free Mountain

Mike White · deadlydesigns.com

show is particularly compelling as they switch up instruments, playing drums, bass, keys and more live behind their fortress of electronic equipment. You can download their debut record, Gresham’s Disco (1320 Records) for free at www.upuntilnow. com. Free Mountain: I love a good supergroup, so it’s promising to see Free Mountain is still moving right along since its debut at AthFest this year. Featuring guitarist Kevin Sweeney (Hayride), vocalist Jared Hasmuk (Dictatortots), bassist Bryan Howard (The HEAP) and drummer Mark Brill (Hayride), this group plays

bands like Bubbly Mommy Gun, Quiet Hooves and other purveyors of quirky fringe pop. Hans Darkbolt: I was first drawn to Peter Dovey’s acrobatic vocals and the band’s bouncy, intricate melodies, but I officially became a fan when I learned of the band’s mythology. The group’s theatrical tunes run parallel to a comic book Dovey is creating, telling the story of a globetrotting super villain. I just hope both works—the band’s forthcoming album and the comic book—come to fruition in the new year so we can really appreciate the full scope of the band’s creativity. Nutritional Peace: Chances are you’ve never seen a sax played like this before. In Jeff Tobias’ hands, the instrument changes shape— sampled, looped and distorted into hazy ambiance. And so it goes with his guitar and keys as well; swelling washes of tone and drone set the mood as Amy Whisenhunt delicately plucks a melody on her autoharp, and drummer Mat Lewis propels the songs forward. The arrangements are at once sparse and lushly layered, creating a hypnotizing swirl of sound. What began as a home recording project has grown into a live band with unlimited potential as guest players and visual projections have the ability to transform every set. I am particularly eager to see how the band reincorporates video into its presentation in the coming year—whether that’s live or online. Whisenhunt has created some lovely animated collages to accompany the music in the past, and those kind of swirling abstractions complement these tunes perfectly.

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DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

flagpole’s Favorite Local Albums of 2010

In No Particular Order...

had a hell of a year in local music, Athens! Familiar stand bys went in unfamiliar directions, upstarts exploded onto the scene with impressive debuts, and under-the-radar favorites found national exposure. I’m always impressed by the sheer number of records our little town is able to produce (you can find a comprehensive list of 2010 local releases on www.flagpole.com), but I was particularly taken by the quality and diversity of talent that landed on the music desk this year. The 30 records that follow are the ones that resonated with our music writers the most.

erupting in mayhem as on the gorgeous title track, “Sugar.” It also features added sonic diversity ranging from the unusually clean and low-fi-intro of “Run from the Gun” to the hookyheavy, riff-led “Giving It All Away,” signifying the link between music industry malpractices and painful blows to the soul’s creativity. At least that’s what the video of creepy kids disemboweling bandmembers of musical paraphernalia would suggest. The skinny: it’s the shit. [Sarah Savage]

The Humms

Still Waiting

Betsy Franck and the Bareknuckle Band

Lemonland

Part psychopathic howling, part surf-rock and all awesome, The Humms’ Lemonland was a standout record in a sea of great Athens releases this year. Yes, the guys managed to cover everyone from vampires to Jesus to Uncle Sam without missing a single backbeat. If you want something danceable, something a bit strange, or just something to rock out to for the upcoming year, you should take Lemonland for a spin. The name is kind of sour but the music is oh, so sweet. [Jordan Stepp]

Quiet Hooves Saddle Up

Futurebirds Hampton’s Lullaby

Javier Morales’ multifaceted, meticulous arrangements sculpt a record that is an odd twin to the band’s multifaceted live show. Julian Bozeman’s songs continue to flourish amid maximalism. The community between crowd and band at a Quiet Hooves concert is here transposed for the solitary listener at home; between the left and right channels is a rich and varied world. And when Bozeman sings, “We are the human beings/ We’ve got everything we need,” he’s speaking right to us. [Marshall Yarbrough]

Imagine Crazy Horse fronted by Jim James of My Morning Jacket. Toss in a little Uncle Tupelo and a heart-breaking pedal steel guitar, and you’ve got part of what makes Futurebirds’ debut full-length album one of the best of the year. Futurebirds’ songs are mature, fully-realized gems that breathe and knock about with a heart all their own. The lyrics, performances and production on “Sam Jones” demonstrate how this still young group has matured from its early days as a helluva bar band into a group capable of sustaining a (hopefully long) musical career. [John Seay]

The Dream Scene

Venice Is Sinking

The Dream Scene has done something supremely uncool in making a Christmas record, all the more so since the result is completely without irony. The band manages to avoid kitsch without having to sneer at it. Randy Newman could rail at the Lord amid arrangements so beautiful they were life-affirming, despite the singer’s cynicism; similarly, Javier Morales’ treatment of traditional songs of joy and cheer has a wonder all its own. This record could well have been a joke, but instead it is a mature, artistic statement. You might even listen with your parents. Although this album was originally released in 2009, it was re-released this year with two bonus tracks (lucky for us since we missed highlighting it last year). [MY]

By releasing Sand & Lines, Venice Is Sinking accidentally etched its songs upon the headstone of the old Georgia Theatre. Recorded live at that establishment in late May of 2008 and then released shortly after it burned, Sand & Lines pairs songs by Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings alongside the group’s own, giving all of them the same, intimate treatment, and all in the same, iconic room. But don’t let the album’s back story overshadow the album. The live performance experiment is a success: Sand & Lines plays like realizing your girlfriend is more beautiful without make-up than with. [JS]

The Dream Scene Christmas

Sand & Lines

Anyone else feel like bawling when listening to this Goddess of Soul? Betsy Franck’s style, at times expressing dirty Southern grit, at others, her inner diva, is only enhanced by the Bareknuckle Band as on the latest album, Still Waiting. In it, the richness of the Betsy and BKB experience emerges fully. The bluesy “Lowdown” reveals empathetic songwriting about two diverse women struggling with depression and features special guests on piano and horns. The funk-filled “Too Much Trouble” is assured and diva-esque, perhaps the empowering sort of listen the aforementioned sad ladies need. There’s more. And it’s stunning, too. [SS]

The District Attorneys Orders From…

“As your attorney…” it’s imperative you listen to Orders From… This Athens-originated, Atlanta-displaced band’s first 7-track EP conjures images of the Beach Boys swapping surfboards for pickup trucks. It’s a fusion of sounds brought to the surface with Beach Boys-style vocals layered with Southern rock-rooted pedal steel and guitar riffs. The songs about the Carolinas pay tribute to the Southeast, while the final track “Jerry Ten,” to Poison. Something for everyone. [SS]

Deaf Judges High Honorable

After taking Athens by storm and establishing themselves as the undisputed kings of this Classic City rap thing, the Judges were faced with a dilemma. How could they top their over-thetop full-length, All Rise? The album was as intense as classic hip-hop gets, a high-energy, dirty South take on the toughas-nails vibe of M.O.P. and the grab-a-mic-and-go pile-on of A Tribe Called Quest’s Scenario. Smartly, instead of trying to ratchet up the frenetic kinetics, they dropped things to a cool simmer on The High Honorable. Boasting better choruses and aloof verses, these seven jams found the Judges with nothing left to prove. That said, the group checked out of existence, but Athens heads can rest assured that this disassembled Voltron has much to offer individually. [Jeff Tobias]

Tunabunny

Twin Tigers

Tunabunny is either a dance band that’s too weird to dance to or a punk band for weird dancers. The drumming is as insistent as it is off-kilter—the singing both anthemic and standoffish. It’s a record for being angry, for having a good time, and for having a good time being angry. [MY]

The artful combination of shoegazy, echo-filled layers and creative vocal effects produces stunning sounds on Twin Tigers’ first full-length. The effects are at times reminiscent of The Killers (see “Everyday”), balanced by a synthesis of styles as in the title track “Gray Waves,” which features a hard guitar line, offset by beautiful keys, and erupting into an ambient freefor-all. The opening tracks “Passive Idol” and “Red Fox Run” are soaked in reverb, engendering a floating sensation but one that is interrupted with more rockin’ tracks along the way. Powerful stuff even if it wasn’t a debut. [SS]

Tunabunny

Gray Waves

Reptar

Houseboat Babies A tease, that’s what this 7-inch release is. I should be writing about how incredible the band’s Ben Allen-produced EP sounds, but for now all we have is this little preview of big things to come—”Houseboat Babies” and “Cannabis Canyon”— released on Allen’s own label Make Records Not Bombs and featuring Reptar’s trademark angular electropop. It’s easy to develop tunnel vision in a small scene like ours, and sometimes the relevance of a local band is exaggerated, but the day after Reptar played CMJ in NYC I was getting inquisitive emails from major label A&R reps and reading fevered reviews in national publications heralding “the next big thing.” If you own this disc keep it safe—it might just be a collector’s item one day as the band quickly sold out of its limited 300 pressings. [Michelle Gilzenrat]

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

The Whigs In the Dark

Dead Confederate Sugar

Exuding intensity is a pastime perfected by Dead Confederate. More refined than Wrecking Ball, its sophomore album, Sugar, reveals further mastery of powerful build-ups

Don’t expect In the Dark to see the light of day once it touches your musical device of choice where it will likely remain in permanent rotation. “Kill Me Carolyne” will make you want to be Carolyne because who doesn’t want a badass song with their name in it, especially if it’s not derogatory to Carolyne (dudes, that’s who, but other than them)? The third album for The Whigs, In the Dark may skew more toward “the accessible” than previous work, but there is no denying that it’s solidly entertaining and great music, period. [SS]

of Montreal False Priest

It’s not that I condone baby-eating unicorns per se, but what bigger tourist trap could there ever be? of Montreal’s lyrical ingenuity presents its misshapen head in a predictably unpredictable fashion on False Priest. “Like a Tourist” includes a reference to the aforementioned mythical quadruped as well as the equally mythical female erection. Feelings of alienation also run strong in “Famine Affair,” the video of which presents a colorful representation of the self-deprecation conveyed by the lyrics. Together these comprise compelling pieces of yet another great oM album. [SS]

Nana Grizol Ruth

Sophomore album Ruth is full of lovingly crafted pop songs determined to pull your heartstrings and revive a sense of hopefulness. Bearing strong ties to the Elephant 6, many of the tracks hold true to the collective’s classic sound of folksy eccentricities, simple guitar lines and bursts of lush horn arrangements. Nana Grizol’s ability to tenderly tell relatable stories through cleverly arranged lyrics is unforgettable. [Jessica Smith]

Ham1

Let’s Go On and On and On with Ham1 Ham1’s unique blend of idiosyncratic psych-pop combines elements of easygoing Western swing, spacey psychedelic rock and energized garage rock. Full of glimmering tones and summery riffs, there’s a warm, well-worn vintage feel encompassing their sound. As the off-beat band’s fourth LP, Let’s Go On… contains even more twists and quirks than previous releases. [JS]

consoling nonetheless. Their raw aesthetic guided by strong DIY principles evokes memories of visiting hidden swimming holes, summer house shows and falling asleep to the sound of trains. With immediate, hook-ridden melodies and heartfelt, well-intentioned lyrics, Hot New Mexicans create accessible pop punk full of candidness and sincerity. [JS]

Harvey Milk

A Small Turn of Human Kindness The Neil Hamburgers of sludge metal returned in 2010 with their strangest, most uncompromising offering to date: A Small Turn of Human Kindness was bleak, bruising and beautiful. From the cover art (courtesy local photog Mike White) to the song titles to the 38 moldering minutes of music within, everything about the record affirmed Harvey Milk as one of the most brilliantly inscrutable groups around. That these guys aren’t universally colossal would be a travesty if they actually gave a shit. [GV]

The Gold Party The Gold Party EP

Coming in under the gun (it was only finally given a proper release last week), this five-song teaser from Athens’ premiere new wave revivalists is a stunningly produced, tantalizingly brief look at the future for this talented quartet of scene vets. Anyone who has seen The Gold Party live will recognize their unabashedly ‘80s aesthetic on crowd-pleasers “Luxury & Light” and “Discolite,” but it’s the inclusion of Feral Youth’s house/ rave remix of “On Your Side” and the spacy, instrumental closer “Smoothie” that suggest this oft-pigeonholed outfit will still have some surprises in store when their full-length debut drops in 2011. [David Fitzgerald]

awaits within the torrential interplay of their guitar/drums/ bass Bermuda Triangle. Ginger Baker isn’t easy, but it is unique, and in an age when true originality is becoming increasingly rare, that’s something to get excited about. [DF]

Bambara Dog Ear Days

Influenced by post-punk, shoegaze and psychedelic rock, this three-piece creates the ultimate textural blend of emotionally charged vocals, ethereal ambience and thundering percussion. Full of looping noise and unrelenting fervor, their melodies can be transcendent and downright hypnotizing. Released on Bandcamp for a “name your price” rate, there’s no reasonable excuse not to give this album a shot. [JS]

Gift Horse Mountain of Youth

Regardless of any expectations that preceded the album’s release, Gift Horse’s Mountain of Youth is a well-mixed pleasant surprise. The record is chock full of intoxicating get-lost-in layers and embodies what we miss about the early ‘90s. As their first full-length release, Mountain of Youth has upped the ante for what we can expect from this band in years to come. [Carrie Dagenhard]

Werewolves

Someday We’ll Live in the Forest Werewolves frontman Wyatt Strother is one of the strongest young songwriting voices working in Athens today. His lush, familial folk arrangements embody the very spirit of creative collaboration that makes our beloved town so special, and his rotating gang of woodwind, horn and string players invites warm comparisons to the poppy psych-folk of the earliest Elephant 6 records. While this album doesn’t quite capture the pure, exuberant joy of the group’s live shows, Someday We’ll Live in the Forest is a solid first outing and an exciting portent of things to come. [DF]

Nuclear Spring Nuclear Spring

Maserati

Pyramid of the Sun In 2010, even as the members of Maserati reeled from the premature passing of drummer and friend Jerry Fuchs, they turned out one of their finest and most concise statements to date. Pyramid of the Sun was unmistakable in its radiant, expansive instrumentation, but it was also the sound of a band turning a new and exciting corner. Fuchs’ final recorded work put the lid on Maserati’s first act with a thundering, declarative shudder. [Gabe Vodicka]

Modern Skirts Gramahawk

Retaining the melodic sensibilities of their formative pianopop years, Modern Skirts have finally overcome their apprehension towards experimentation and embraced a more open, evolved sound. Structured off of a skeleton of bedroom recordings, Gramahawk reflects an exploration of less conventional territory and a transition from docile rock into darker, polyrhythmic tunes. [JS]

Hot New Mexicans Hot New Mexicans

Like the buzz of a good beer, this self-titled release is a bit fuzzy and occasionally incoherent, but gratifying and

In a dead heat with The Humms’ Lemonland for my favorite local release of the year, Nuclear Spring’s greasy, snarky full-length debut is equal parts ‘60s psychedelia and swampdrowned blues. Infusing gutter stomp riffs with clever, antiestablishment lyrics, cuts like “The Sheep Say Baaa,” “Girl” and “Close Eyes, Go Sleep” are the kind of sharp, inescapably catchy tunes that get bands noticed and remembered. I’ve been saying for a while now that these guys are destined for bigger things, but they helped make 2010 a great year for Athens garage rock. [DF]

Sea of Dogs You’re Not Too Old

This lovingly crafted bedroom tape is the exact kind of homespun gem upon which Athens’s musical reputation was made. Recorded in a friend’s living room, these archly observed, feisty folk tales about the human race’s small, everyday victories and failures are stitched into sing-a-long melodies and three-part choir-girl harmonies, softening what are often brutally honest lyrics. You’re Not Too Old is a pitcher of sun-tea with a shot of bourbon dropped in, and while bassist Elizabeth Hargrett has moved on to sunny France, Athens can but hope that acid-tongued frontwoman Emily Armond will continue speaking her truth for many years to come. [DF]

Pocketful of Claptonite

Ginger Baker Did Everything Eric Clapton Did, but Backwards and in High Heels There is nothing else in Athens that even remotely resembles the musical constructions (destructions?) of Killick and his merry band of improvisational pranksters, Pocketful of Claptonite. If pressed, one might classify them as jazz-metal, but in actuality they defy classification, and almost have to be seen live for their album to make any kind of sense. But for those who do seek them out, a treasure trove of new ideas

Elf Power Elf Power

In opting to self-title their 10th release, Athens mainstays Elf Power seemed to be acknowledging both the end of one chapter in their band’s already prolific history, and heralding the next. Dedicated to the late Vic Chesnutt, a longtime collaborator, Elf Power is a mature, intelligently arranged psychpop record that cradles frontman Andrew Rieger’s understated vocals in the dreamy strings of “Like a Cannonball” and the hazy electronics of “Little Black Holes” with equal ease. These guys are in it for the long haul, and if this album is any indication, their 11th will find them continuing to cover new ground. [DF]

Efren

Always Been a Bleeder While Efren’s 2009 debut Thunder and Moan was aching and dark, Always Been a Bleeder takes a break from brooding to offer rustic optimism. Scott Leon-O’Day’s husky voice is sultry and intimate, drawing comparisons to artists like Bon Iver and Iron and Wine. Although Leon-O’Day is not originally from Athens, he’s soaked up the South like a sponge and this record is absolutely caked with North Georgia clay. [Michelle Gilzenrat]

Drive-By Truckers The Big To-Do

When the uninitiated ask what the big deal is about The Big To-Do, the answer is simple: few bands are cranking out material this well-crafted on their first album, never mind their 10th release. But somehow the Truckers manage it. The album features rave-ups and ballads, big emotions and little details, and never feels overwrought or calculated. The question shouldn’t be how long can a band keep churning out such quality material, but will there be another local act that will match their impressive output? [Jason Bugg]

DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

One Writer’s Opinion The Top Five Albums of 2010 I nquiring marketing majors want to know: Where do you hear about your favorite music? Pray, does the Internet have anything to do with it? Either way, from sea to shining sea, any culture rag worth its weight in ads will be publishing their top albums of the year, in this, the supposed post-Internet, splintered-consensus aesthetic diaspora. But those who are paying attention might detect a sameness to many of these year-end lists. One might hypothesize that although we’re exposed to music in different ways, when the writers at large aggregate their tastes into one list, the most-exposed media rises to the top. Inevitably, you get your token electronic album, your token Americana album, your token Kanye album. Flagpole has elected to do something different this year: instead of cobbling together a list of the agreed-upon golden calves, each writer will be publishing their individual lists, collected at Flagpole’s website—wide dispersion in hopes of greater diversity of opinion. This is my list. Where did I find this music? In order of appearance: seeing bands on tour, following my longtime favorites, my weirdly well-informed parents, notable detritus on blogs, and receiving word from friends up North. By no means for everyone, this is what stuck to my ribs this year.

GORILLAZ Plastic Beach Parlophone/Virgin

Plastic Beach is pretty much non-stop cotton candy pancakes, as far as aural information goes; the album is ineffably bolstered by its pop gemstones, which number more than half the record. These earworms are without mercy, complimenting Jamie Hewlett’s animation with outsize drum machines and bubble-font synths. Beyond the central appeal of the band’s

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

“on” or “off,” “1” or “0.” The only variables in these somewhat harsh tones are pitch, duration and volume. When you turn on your copy of 1-Bit Symphony, you’re not listening to an MP3—you’re listening to a real-time, programmed performance of data being run off the microchip. The humanity contained on these microchip movements will shock you. Even more raw and simple than the nerdy-retro world of chiptune music, the unrelenting sounds found here form textures that pass the threshold of grating to somehow discover lush territory. The tones arpeggiate and spindle forth in carefully arranged strands of pixelated DNA, often piling onto one another, jostling for room in their limited frequency range. To take these bastardized and hated sounds, so often associated with a slap of the snooze button or an alarm on a digital watch that you can’t manage to turn off, and to make them move in such glorious concert isn’t just ingenious, it’s charitable.

Zs New Slaves The Social Registry

It didn’t seem like it was going to happen. Not in the punk camp, where crusty-dreadlocked old-schoolers form “new” bands that sound mysteriously like their 20-year-old selves. Certainly not in the world of heavy metal, with its high-gain, low-impact, double-kick pitter-patter. No, it turned out that a trio of music school dweebs who perform while reading sheet music would do the impossible (or at least unlikely) and prove that truly intimidating, intense music with as-of-yet unheard aggressiveness is not a closed frontier in 2010. Coming up through the “new music” world of New York City, at first Zs merely played challenging music with a studied bent; as of late, they have veered into a diabolical realm of sound much akin to roadwork. The opening half of New Slaves has a dead-eyed, Swans-like repetition to it, only to briefly return to their earlier, mathier style on the white-knuckle, 20-minute title track. From there on, it’s all nervous saxophones, found sound and ambient discomfort. This is cathartic, difficult listening that is guaranteed to drown out what your life usually sounds like. Check out my Q&A with Zs at www.flagpole.com.

HEIGHT WITH FRIENDS Bed of Seeds Friends Records

Height is one of those less-than-likely characters. A tall, broad-shouldered longhair, he’s the hip-hop head in residency with Dan Deacon’s Baltimore-based Wham City crew. He tends towards the Neil Young school of rhyme scheme. But like Neil Young, Height takes simple words and imbues them with conviction, emotion and honesty. Which isn’t to say he’s obvious; most of the songs on Bed of Seeds are borne of dreams; they admit as much in their first verses. They often take place in mysterious, wooded settings: lagoons, forests, “where no one can see.” In the magical realism world of the subconscious, Height can allow himself greater depth. His deliberate lyrical style focuses his intent while simultaneously blowing the message up to billboard scale. The music strikes a strange balance on Bed of Seeds. There’s plenty of boom-bap and classic ‘92 style beats: “Cold Crush” sounds like a long-lost Pete Rock production, “Where No One Can See” has an early 2000s Def Jux vintage, and the title track crushes like the best Rick Rubin amp-blowers. But elsewhere, a fake-folksy vibe prevails that jacks rhythms more typically heard on classic rock radio—stuff like Tom Petty, John Mellancamp, Bruce Springsteen. The acoustic sounds are too clean to sound like neo-Beck pastiche, and that works in Height With Friends’ favor. These songs are personal and openhearted, and the production cops that classic-rock vibe for that very reason. It’s a good, very unlikely fit. The “Friends” bring the old-school one-two responses to Height’s lyrics, and their upbeat presence keep the songs peppered with new voices—upping the fun quotient. It’s the “With Friends” aspect that makes Height even more human: he’s part of a community, a group, not disappearing into his own fears and hopes. With his friends in tow, Height’s world is at once very personalized—forest dreamworlds somehow birthed in Baltimore, MD—but his feelings and thoughts are made universal.

buoyant funk-pop, Plastic Beach is aided by Albarn’s wild rolodex abandon. Roping in both Lou Reed and Snoop Dogg, the myriad cameos add up to cartoonish overkill (which is part of the fun, of course). Mark E. Smith’s indifferent-bordering-oncruel vocal turn on “Glitter Freeze” is at once scene-stealing

5. and barely present, but that’s all part of the Fall frontman’s “charm.” But the real secret weapon here is Bobby Womack, whose soulful desperate-man contributions to “Stylo” and deeper cut “Cloud of Unknowing” are as dazzling as any computer animation could hope to be.

TRISTAN PERICH 1-Bit Symphony Cantoloupe Music

When was the last time you paid $25 for something in a jewel case? (Double-discs don’t count.) This past summer, I did it; I paid $25 for a jewel case. It didn’t even have a CD in it. It was a copy of Tristan Perich’s 1-Bit Symphony. Affixed to the case itself were six tiny bits of electronic hardware. From left to right: a battery, an on/off switch, a microchip, a button, a volume knob and a headphone jack. The music is on the microchip. You plug in your headphones, turn 1-Bit Symphony on, and away it goes. The entirety of the symphony’s five movements are composed of 1-bit sounds, more commonly heard in clock radios, microwaves or door buzzers. There is no nuance to these sounds: they are all attack, no decay; they are either

THE ROOTS Dilla Joints Independent Release

On Feb. 7 of this year, Questlove, The Roots’ drummer and bandleader, posted a download link to Dilla Joints on his Twitter. That would have been J Dilla’s 26th birthday. Dilla was the great reconsidered lost one of 2010, a vet who never got his due until the release of his opus, Donuts, in 2006, three days before he died of an obscure blood disease. In the years since, his voluminous work, going back 15 years—collaborations with A Tribe Called Quest, remixes for Janet Jackson, beats for Busta Rhymes—has been thoroughly reconsidered and reexamined. Dilla Joints is 14 tracks of Dilla’s beats being faithfully re-enacted by The Roots, those faithful re-enactors of drum machines and programmed beats. Dilla Joints is a loosey-goosey take on the rule-breaking Dilla, creatively thrived in practicing. Questlove carefully fucks up his beats and triplets just as carefully as Dilla intentionally programmed them, and his band dutifully brings all the Fender Rhodes, sirens, fuzzed-out bass and chicken-grease guitar that Dilla regularly employed. Questlove is heard throughout addressing his bandmates on how to play their riffs, creating an atmosphere of informal “what the fuck” fun. Yes, it’s for fun, but it’s also a thorough tribute. After a decade-plus career of rushing from one corner of the hip-hop spectrum to the next in earnest search of a huge audience, it’s super refreshing to see The Roots stretching out with something as relaxed as Dilla Joints. Jeff Tobias

the calendar! WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK

HOLIDAY DeadlinE: The deadline for getting listed in the Calendar will be WEDNESDAY, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m. for the double issue of Dec. 29 & Jan. 5. Email calendar@flagpole.com.

Tuesday 21 EVENTS: Southern My Way (Borders Books & Music) Gena Knox shares her modern take on the region’s culinary specialties. 3 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8647 KIDSTUFF: Jim Bette (Borders Books & Music) One for the kids! The local entrepreneur and children’s book author teaches children six years and older about how birds build nests, brood eggs and raise young chicks. 1 p.m. FREE! 706583-8647 KIDSTUFF: Holiday Hullabaloo (Parkview Community Center) Join in Parkview’s holiday celebration with cocoa, seasonal crafts, games and a sing-a-long led by the Parkview Songbirds. For children 12 and under. 5–6:30 p.m. $3. 706613-3601 KIDSTUFF: White Buffalo Christmas for Children (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Buffalo’s has been on Santa’s nice list this year, so expect him in attendance at this holiday party! Call or stop by for more information! 6 p.m. FREE! 706248-2022 KIDSTUFF: Youth Christmas Party (Lay Park) Activities include a visit from Santa, games, refreshments and goody bags. For ages 12 and under. 6–8 p.m. FREE! 706-6133596 MEETINGS: Sitting Meditation Group (Mind Body Institute) Silent meditation. 12:30 p.m. FREE! 706475-7329

GAMES: Free Poker (La Fiesta on Hawthorne) Play Texas Hold ‘Em for prizes! 7–11 p.m. FREE! www. anytwocards.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 GAMES: Trivia (Alibi) Find out what Visual Audio Trivia is! 8 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010

Wednesday 22 EVENTS: Canine Cocktail Hour (Hotel Indigo, Madison Bar & Bistro Courtyard) Drink and food specials for you and your (well-behaved, non-aggressive, vaccinated) dog! This week: salty dogs and greyhounds. Every Wednesday. 5–7 p.m. www.indigoathens.com EVENTS: Pre-Xmas Swap (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Bring your stuff to trade! 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-5460039 KIDSTUFF: Homeschoolers Chapter Book Review (Madison County Library) Elementary schoolage homeschoolers gather at the library to read a book together and talk about it. Every Thursday. 2 p.m. FREE! 706-795-5597 GAMES: Dart League and Game Night (Alibi) Meet up with other sharp-shooters. FREE! 706-5491010 GAMES: Poker (Allen’s Bar & Grill) Play Texas Hold ‘Em and win prizes!

7–11 p.m. FREE! www.anytwocards. com GAMES: Poker Night (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Texas Hold ‘Em every Wednesday. 18 and up. Sign in at 6:30 p.m. Dealing begins at 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.interstatepokerclub. com GAMES: Sports Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Every Wednesday. Win house cash and prizes! 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-850-1916 GAMES: Trivia (Copper Creek Brewing Company) Test your trivia chops for prizes! Every Wednesday. 9 p.m. FREE! 706-546-1102 GAMES: Trivia (Harry’s Pig Shop) Nerd wars at Classic City Trivia’s “most challenging trivia night in Athens.” Every Wednesday. 7:30 p.m. FREE! 706-612-9219 GAMES: Trivia (Willy’s Mexicana Grill) Test your trivia knowledge for prizes every Wednesday! 8 p.m. FREE! 706-548-1920

Thursday 23

Jillian Guarco’s photography is on display at the Visionary Growth Gallery through Jan 31.

EVENTS: Dickens Dinner (The Georgia Club, Statham) Enjoy the music of the Dickens Carolers over a dinner buffet of lobster bisque, yorkshire pudding, rib eye, glazed turkey and more. A special kid-friendly buffet and holiday crafts make this an event for the entire family. 5:30–8:30 p.m. $25 (adults) $6 (children under 12). 770-7258100 * EVENTS: Nintendo Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Play all the classics

including Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong and Legend of Zelda. 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-546-0039 EVENTS: Yappy Hour for (WellBehaved) Dogs (283 Bar) Happy hour is all the more happy when your dog is by your side. Come out for drink specials for humans and endless bowls of water and treats for the furries. 5–8 p.m. 706-208-1283 KIDSTUFF: Homeschoolers Chapter Book Review (Madison County Library) Elementary schoolage homeschoolers gather at the library to read a book together and talk about it. Every Thursday. 2 p.m. FREE! 706-795-5597 LECTURES & LIT.: AfricanAmerican Authors Book Club (East Athens Community Center) This month’s title is For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake Shange. Newcomers welcome. 5 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 GAMES: Beer Pong (Alibi) The classic tournament-style game. 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 GAMES: Dart Tourney (Alibi) Inhouse weekly dart tournment. 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010

Sunday 26

Randall Bramblett celebrates the release of his live DVD at The Melting Point on Sunday, Dec. 26.

EVENTS: Preparing Dinner for the Residents (Athens Area Homeless Shelter) Volunteer to make a meal for the women and children living at the Shelter. Call to reserve a night! See Calendar Pick p. 27. 5:30–6:30 p.m. 706-354-0423 GAMES: Full Contact Trivia (Amici Italian Café) Come test your knowledge! 9 p.m. FREE! 706-353-0000 GAMES: Trivia (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Weekly Trivia! Students get 10 percent off with I.D. 7 p.m. FREE!

Monday 27 EVENTS: Preparing Dinner for the Residents (Athens Area Homeless Shelter) Volunteer to make a meal for the women and children living at Athens Area Homeless Shelter. Call to reserve a night! See Calendar Pick p. 27. 5:30–6:30 p.m. 706354-0423 GAMES: 20 Questions with Chris Creech (Transmetropolitan, Downtown) General trivia that includes such topics as science, movies, music and sex! Prizes include $25 and $10 Transmet gift certificates. 9 p.m. FREE! 706-372-3949 GAMES: Beer Pong (Alibi) The classic tournament style game. 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 GAMES: Ping Pong (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Get your paddle ready for a riveting round of table tennis. 4–8 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ flickerbar GAMES: Poker Night (Jack’s Bar) There’s a new game in town. 7:30 p.m. FREE! 912-604-8560 GAMES: Team Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Every Monday night. 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-850-1916 GAMES: Trivia (Blind Pig Tavern) Think you know it all? 8 p.m. 706548-3442 GAMES: Trivia (Highwire) Compete with friends for a $100 bar tab at Highwire Lounge. Come early to register your team. 8 p.m. FREE! hirewirelounge@gmail.com

Tuesday 28 EVENTS: Preparing Dinner for the Residents (Athens Area Homeless Shelter) Volunteer to make a meal for the women and children living

at Athens Area Homeless Shelter. Call to reserve a night! See Calendar Pick p. 27. 5:30–6:30 p.m. 706354-0423 KIDSTUFF: Pajama Storytime (Madison County Library) Snuggle in your jammies with your favorite stuffed animal and listen to bedtime stories. Light snack provided. All ages. 7 p.m. FREE! 706-795-5597 MEETINGS: Sitting Meditation Group (Mind Body Institute) Silent meditation. 12:30 p.m. FREE! 706475-7329 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 GAMES: Poker Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Last Tuesday of every month. 8:30 p.m. www.myspace. com/flickerbar GAMES: Trivia (Alibi) Find out what Visual Audio Trivia is! 8 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010

Wednesday 29 EVENTS: Canine Cocktail Hour (Hotel Indigo, Madison Bar & Bistro Courtyard) Drink and food specials for you and your (well-behaved, non-aggressive, vaccinated) dog! This week: salty dogs and greyhounds. Every Wednesday. 5–7 p.m. www.indigoathens.com EVENTS: Post-Xmas Swap (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Bring your unwanted gifts to trade! 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706546-0039 LECTURES & LIT.: Oconee Dems Book Group (Five Points Deli & More, Epps Bridge) Communitywide book group hosted by the

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DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

THE CALENDAR! Eat. Drink. Listen Closely. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26 Nomad Artists presents

RANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND Tickets $13 adv. • $18 at the door

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28 Terrapin Bluegrass Series featuring

BORDERHOP TRIO $3 admission • $2 Terrapin Pints All Night!

Oconee County Democrats. This month’s title is Juan Cole’s Engaging the Muslim World. Newcomers from any county and of any political affiliation are welcome. Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of every month. 6 p.m. FREE! patricia.priest@yahoo.com, www. oconeedemocrats.org GAMES: Dart League and Game Night (Alibi) Meet other sharpshooters. FREE! 706-549-1010 GAMES: Poker Night (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Texas Hold ‘Em every Wednesday. 18 and up. Sign in at 6:30 p.m. Dealing begins at 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.interstatepokerclub. com GAMES: Sports Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Every Wednesday. Win house cash and prizes! 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-850-1916 GAMES: Trivia (Copper Creek Brewing Company) Test your trivia chops for prizes! Every Wednesday. 9 p.m. FREE! 706-546-1102 GAMES: Trivia (Harry’s Pig Shop) Nerd wars at Classic City Trivia’s “most challenging trivia night in Athens.” Every Wednesday. 7:30 p.m. FREE! 706-612-9219 GAMES: Trivia (Willy’s Mexicana Grill) Test your trivia knowledge for prizes every Wednesday! 8 p.m. FREE! 706-548-1920 * Advance Tickets Available

$24.50 General Admission • Hotel and Dinner packages available by calling 706.549.7020

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

SWINGIN’ MEDALLIONS Tickets $18 adv. • $22 at the door

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 Terrapin Bluegrass Series featuring

UGLY COUSIN

$4 admission • Terrapin Draft Specials All Night!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 Nomad Artists presents

OLIVER WOOD

and MICHAEL BELLAR AS-IS ENSEMBLE Tickets $6adv. • $8 at the door

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14 Nomad Artists presents

THE GHOST OF A SABER TOOTH TIGER (SEAN LENNON AND CHARLOTTE KEMP MUHL) Tickets $13 adv. • $18 at the door

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 Terrapin Bluegrass Series featuring

DAVID MAYFIELD PARADE $4 admission • Terrapin Draft Specials All Night!

COMING SOON 1/21 - MOTHER’S FINEST 1/22 - BLACK OAK ARKANSAS featuring JIM DANDY 1/25 - SEVEN HANDLE CIRCUS 1/26 - EFREN, MATRIMONY 1/27 - TERRY ADAMS (from NRBQ) ROCK AND ROLL QUARTET 1/28 - KINCHAFOONEE COWBOYS 1/29 - DAVE BARNES 2/7 - THE CIVIL WARS 2/11 - ABBEY ROAD LIVE! 2/22 - CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS LOCATED ON 3/5 - DIRK HOWELL BAND THE GROUNDS OF 3/10 - COLIN HAY Solo Show

295 E. DOUGHERTY ST., ATHENS, GA

706.254.6909

WWW.MELTINGPOINTATHENS.COM

FOR TICKETS & SHOWTIMES OR CALL THE BOX OFFICE 706.254.6909

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

Down the Line PERFORMANCE: Swan Lake 1/12 (UGA Fine Arts Building) Members of the State Ballet Theatre of Russia perform to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. 8:00 p.m. $42–$52. www. uga.edu/pac PERFORMANCE: Athens’ Last Comic Standing 1/13 (New Earth Music Hall) The crowning of Athens Last Comic Standing hosted by comedian Dave Stone (Beards of Comedy). 9 p.m. FREE! www.newearthmusichall.com MEETINGS: Mindfulness Practice Group 1/14 (Mind Body Institute) Beginners and experienced mindfulness practitioners welcome. Meets the second Friday of each month. 5:30 p.m. FREE! 706-475-7329 KIDSTUFF: Nature Trading Post 1/15 (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Program intended to encourage personal nature exploration and raise awareness about ecological connections among young collectors. Participants earn points for their collected items (shells, rocks, animal bones, etc.). The points can be banked or used to trade for another object from the Nature Center’s Trading Post. Kids, bring an adult to participate! 11 a.m.–noon. FREE! 706-613-3615 OUTDOORS: Naturalist Walk 1/15 (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Join SCNC staff for a walk around the property. 10–11 a.m. FREE! 706613-3615 LECTURES & LIT.: Talking about Books 1/19 (ACC Library, Small Conference Room) This month’s title is Olive Kitteredge by Elizabeth Strout. Newcomers welcome. 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: I Love Lucy Panel Discussion 1/28 (UGA Miller Learning Center, Room 148) Moderated by Dr. Richard Neupert. 4 p.m. FREE! www.cha.uga.edu EVENTS: 3rd Annual Chilly Dawg 5K 1/29 (Sandy Creek Park) Run or walk your way to the finish on paved paths throughout the park. Proceeds benefit the College of Family and Consumer Sciences

Wednesday, Dec. 29 continued from p. 23

Alumni Association and the ARCH Foundation of UGA. 9 a.m. $20. 706-542-3386, www.active.com * Advance Tickets Available

Live Music Tuesday 21 Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 KARAOKE With the Singing Cowboy! Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar 8-TRACK GORILLA Fun, karaokestyle covers covered in primal fur. Tonight the ape apes Bowie, peforming the album Low. TWIN POWERS’ ENGLISH DISCO DJ Dan Geller (Gold Party, The Agenda) and friends spin late-night glam, punk and Britpop. Hendershot’s Coffee Bar 8 p.m. FREE! 1560 Oglethorpe Ave. NO SHAME! Open mic hosted by Rose of Athens Theatre. Highwire Lounge 8–11 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8510 KENOSHA KID Centered around the instru-improv jazz compositions of guitarist Dan Nettles, Kenosha Kid’s music borrows freely from multiple sources and hammers it all into a seamless product glistening with inspiration. New Earth Music Hall 8 p.m. FREE! (21 & up) $2 (under 21). www.newearthmusichall.com POETIC SOUL Mon2 and Buddah host an open-mic for poets, singers and other soulful types. Every Tuesday.

Rye Bar 10 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ ryebarathens GHETTO MEZRAB Local experimental jazz jams with an extra dose of funk. WUOG 90.5FM 5-10 p.m. FREE! www.wuorg.org “WUOG CHRISTMAS BREAK LOBBYFEST” Stegosaurus, Big Hug Little Kiss, and Skoene Oke will perform on the college radion station’s mini-series of break radio performances. Listen over the air or drop by the station to watch!

Wednesday 22 Farm 255 “Primals Night.” 9 p.m. FREE! www. farm255.com JAKE MOWRER QUARTET Classic and contemporary jazz originals and rarely heard “standards.” Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar DJ MAHOGANY Freaky funk, sultry soul, righteous R&B and a whole lotta unexpected faves. The Manhattan Café “Jazz Giggles with Jack Jiggles.” 9 p.m. FREE! 706-369-9767 JACK JIGGLES The former member of DJ duo Cut-A-Rug spins classic jazz. Expect to hear the greats, from Louis Armstrong to Yusef Lateef, Albert Ayler to Charlie Parker. With special drinks from bartender Todd Kelly. The Office Lounge 9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-0840 KARAOKE Every Wednesday with Lynn, the Queen of Karaoke! Rye Bar 10 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ ryebarathens CREATION CO. Brand-new jam band from here in Athens.

Terrapin Beer Co. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.terrapinbeer.com ANGWISH Hook-oriented power pop that bears a passing resemblance to R.E.M. and other college radio fare.

Thursday 23 Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 OLD SKOOL DJ Dance party! Buffalo’s Southwest Café 7:30 p.m. $8 (adv.), $10 (door). $60 for table of 10. 706-354-6655 CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING Topnotch tribute artist Chris Shupe and the TCB Band present “A Celebration of Holiday Hits.” See Calendar Pick on this page. Diverse Universe 6 & 8 p.m. $5. 706-540-7803 SMOOTH JAZZ AFTER WORK PARTY New location, same great sounds. Featuring house band Muzik, with Ron Brown (bass), Darius Carter (keys, drums), Antonio Bennett (sax) and JR (drums) plus special guests. Hosted by DJ Segar from the Segar Jazz Affair on WXAG. Every Thursday. Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Hosted by karaoke fanatic John “Dr. Fred” Bowers. Little Kings Shuffle Club 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub KREUTZMAS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELI Local rockers Daffodil and Ye Olde Sub Shoppe wish you a Merry Kreutzmas and a Happy Birthday to Eli. The Office Lounge 5 p.m. 706-546-0840 JOANNE PARKS TIDWELL This singer-songwriter from Jackson, MS

Thursday, December 23

Christmas with The King Buffalo’s Southwest Cafe Christmas tradition dictates the ritualistic wonder of a large man in a rather garish suit, bringing cheer to those around him. For most revelers in the yuletide festivities, that man is Santa Claus, but wise men all over the Classic City know of a different harbinger of holidays: Elvis Presley. Or rather, Chris Shupe, Athens’ go-to Elvis tribute act. At first, the notion of Elvis and Christmas may not exactly jibe, but according to Shupe, the two go together like peanut butter and bananas. “Elvis is like Christmas—he’s showy and gaudy. His persona is right there with that,” says Shupe. With the symmetry of the spectacle and garishness of the holidays and the last years of Elvis Presley’s life in mind, Shupe has teamed with Buffalo’s to present “Christmas with the King,” which is part holiday show and part one-man tribute act to the fallen King of Rock and Roll. “I’m putting on the whole Vegas routine, but I’ll still be mixing in some of the popular Christmas songs,” says Shupe. Audiences should expect an evening of The Memphis Flash’s greatest hits and tracks from 1957’s Elvis’ Christmas Album, which is still the topselling Christmas album of all time. Shupe is performing this show without a full band, but prerecorded music won’t take away from Shupe’s renditions of Elvis’ hits. After a few “thankyouverymuch”es and a swivel of the hips, the need for a band melts away, and what’s left is a faithful tribute to an iconic singer and an evening of rocking Christmas songs. These are timeless songs done as The King would have done them (if Elvis were still alive and felt like playing Buffalo’s just before Christmas), without any updates, which might be a good thing. “I always say that if Elvis had stayed around long enough he would have figured out a way to make his suit light up,” laughs Shupe. [Jason Bugg]

covers all the classics plus some new popular music in her own style. Terrapin Beer Co. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.terrapinbeer.com ALEXA WOODWARD Banjo-driven folk songs full of subtle textures and well-matched harmonies transcended by Woodward’s delicate and melancholy vocals comparable to Neko Case and Joanna Newsom.

Friday 24 Go Bar 8 p.m.–midnight. www.myspace.com/ gobar DR. FRED’S CHRISTMAS EVE KARAOKE Holiday Hits with the karaoke fanatic.

Sunday 26 The Melting Point 8 p.m. $13 (adv.), $18 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com RANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND Longtime Athenian Randall Bramblett presents a simplified slab of Southern music. Either blowing the sax or delivering his gruff ‘n’ grumbly vocals, Bramblett can toss out direct, Southern R&B kickers. Celebrating the release of his new DVD, Randall Bramblett: Live at the Rialto Room. The DVD will be available for purchase at the show.

Monday 27 Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 KARAOKE With the Singing Cowboy! Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar TWIN POWERS DJ Dan Geller (Gold Party, The Agenda) and friends spin late-night glam rock, new wave, Top 40, punk and Britpop. Ten Pins Tavern 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-540-1831 OPEN MIC Tom Eisenbraun hosts a weekly open mic featuring drink specials and half-priced fried okra for all performers.

Tuesday 28 Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 KARAOKE With the Singing Cowboy! 40 Watt Club “Craig Lieske’s Annual Birthday Passion Play.” 9 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www.40watt.com DON CHAMBERS + GOAT Don Chambers’ whiskey-soaked Southern Gothic rock. FREE MOUNTAIN New, local rock supergroup featuring guitarist Kevin Sweeney (Hayride), vocalist Jared Hasmuk (Dictatortots), bassist Bryan Howard (The HEAP) and drummer Mark Brill (Hayride). Playing straight-up, loud rock and roll! GARBAGE ISLAND The challenging, interesting Athens improvisational group soldiers on despite lineup shifts. Loud, metallic and edgy, the band dips into krautrock and progressive thought, earning it the “experimental” tag. RICER Hard-rocking band from Atlanta that offers “a dual-edged sword with beautiful melodic passages backing up against a skullpounding harsh reality.” Highwire Lounge 8–11 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8510 KENOSHA KID Centered around the instru-improv jazz compositions of

guitarist Dan Nettles, Kenosha Kid’s music borrows freely from multiple sources and hammers it all into a seamless product glistening with inspiration. The Max Canada 9 p.m. FREE! 706-254-3392 JOE FLETCHER AND THE WRONG REASONS Roots rock tumblin’ down the tracks from Providence, RI. MULETIDE PERKINS Slide guitar, heavily reverb-laden vocals, and lyrics with a down-home Southern sound despite featurig such topics as The Beastie Boys and Run DMC. SCOTT LOW AND FRIENDS Local indie-folkster whose band Efren calls to mind bands like Iron and Wine and Bonnie Prince Billy. Tonight with special guests. The Melting Point “Terrapin Bluegrass Series.” 7 p.m. $3. www.meltingpointathens.com BORDERHOP TRIO This bluegrass trio sums up its sound in two words: “high” and “lonesome.” New Earth Music Hall 8 p.m. FREE! (21 & up) $2 (under 21). www.newearthmusichall.com POETIC SOUL Mon2 and Buddah host an open-mic for poets, singers and other soulful types. Every Tuesday.

Going To Be This Year Are You

GNATTY or GNICE?

Book Your Holiday Party in our Private Room or we can bring the party to you!

Gnat’s Gift Cards

Available for List! Everyone on Your

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE!

Enjoy Lunch, Dinner or Drinks on our Heated Deck! Mon 4pm-until • Tue-Sun 11:30am-Until • Plenty of Parking 1080 Baxter St. • 706-850-5858 • www.gnatslanding.net Call us for your catering needs!

Great Selection in Platinum and White Gold... 125 E. CLAYTON ST. • DOWNTOWN • 706-546-8826

Wednesday 29 The Manhattan Café “Jazz Giggles with Jack Jiggles.” 9 p.m. FREE! 706-369-9767 JACK JIGGLES The former member of DJ duo Cut-A-Rug spins classic jazz. Expect to hear the greats, from Louis Armstrong to Yusef Lateef, Albert Ayler to Charlie Parker. With special drinks from bartender Todd Kelly. The Office Lounge 9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-0840 KARAOKE Every Wednesday with Lynn, the Queen of Karaoke! Terrapin Beer Co. 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE! www.terrapinbeer.com CATT LEACH Singer/songwriter from Athens by way of Brunswick, GA. * Advance Tickets Available

Down the Line 12/30 DJs Baby Pandas and Strawberry Julius (Little Kings Shuffle Club) 12/30 Old Skool DJ (Alibi) 12/30 Dr. Fred’s Karaoke / Harp Unstrung (Go Bar) 12/30 Androcles and the Lion / Odd Trio (Caledonia Lounge) 12/30 Smooth Jazz After Work Party (Diverse Universe) 12/30 Dubconscious 2.0 / Glitch Mob (New Earth Music Hall) 12/30 Jazz Chronic (Rye Bar) 12/30 Stereolover (Terrapin Beer Co.) 12/30 Dead Confederate (The Max Canada) 12/31 New Year’s Eve Throwdown (283 Bar) 12/31 Dirty Mind / Twin Powers (Go Bar) 12/31 DJ Mahogany (Little Kings Shuffle Club) 12/31 of Montreal / Yip Deceiver (40 Watt Club) 12/31 The Stumblin’ Toads (Amici Italian Café) 12/31 Free Mountain / Incendiaries / Pride Parade (Caledonia Lounge) 12/31 Quiet Hooves / Venice Is Sinking (Farm 255) k continued on p. 27

DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

R U O Y P O SH

AOTFFH!

THANKS YOU FOR SUPPORTING

SHOP YOUR ATH OFF!,

FLAGPOLE’S MOVEMENT TO ENCOURAGE SPENDING AT LOCAL, INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES AND WITH LOCAL ARTISTS WHO ARE THE BACKBONE OF OUR COMMUNITY!

WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE

ECONOMIC HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY WHILE PROTECTING THE INDIE BUSINESSES THAT MAKE OUR CITY UNIQUE. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS: REBECCA SWANSON AMANDA HIGGINBOTHAM TOMMY MULKEY KATHLEEN MANSFIELD

IIKA McCONNELL DENISE DOMIZI JUNE COMPTON KATHRYN BAIRD REBECCA CHENEY BOBBI JO IMBROGNO ANNE BURNETT JERELYN WALLACE BETH CAMPBELL

KELLY McGLAUN-FIELDS NATALIE COX DARLA SVICH AMY ANDREWS

HUNDREDS

OF ATHENIANS MADE THE PLEDGE TO TRY TO SPEND $100 AT ATHENS’ INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

PLEASE COME BY THE FLAGPOLE OFFICE TO CLAIM YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATES OR CALL 706-549-0301.

So whether you are shopping, eating, drinking or seeking entertainment,

THINK LOCAL FIRST!

WE ARE A PROUD MEMBER OF:

Thanks to the participating local Flagpole advertisers:

Allgood Lounge American Classic Tattoo Athens Vertical Pole Dance Academy Aurum Studios Bel-Jean Copy/Print Center Big City Bread Café Blockader Homebrew Supply Canopy Studio Casa Mia Cillies Cine BarCafe City Salon and Spa Classic Center Clocked Cofer’s Home and Garden

Daily Groceries DePalma’s Italian Cafe Dog Ear Books DowntownAthensGA.com DRee and Co. Dynamite Clothing Farm 255 Five Points Bottle Shop Five Star Day Cafe Floorspace Flora Hydroponics Frontier George’s Lowcountry Table Gnat’s Landing Bar and Grill Good Dirt

The Grit Helix Hendershot’s Coffee Bar Hilltop Grille Ike and Jane Inoko Sushi Express Jack’s Bar Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother Lock Nest Hair Studio Loft Art Supply Marti’s at Midday Masada Leather and Outdoor Max Canada Midnight Iguana Tattoo Musician’s Warehouse

The National Native America Gallery New Earth Music Hall Office Lounge Pain & Wonder Tattoo Studio P.S. Too Perry’s Convenience and Liquor Republic Salon Rocket Salon RPM R.Wood Studio Ceramics Shenanigans Salon Skate Shop of Athens Southern Waterbeds and Futons Square One Fish Co.

Ten Pins Tavern Terrapin Beer Co. Toshiro Japanese Express Treehouse Kid and Craft 2 Faced Skincare and Waxing Studio 283 Bar Urban Sanctuary Spa Vision Video Walker’s Coffee & Pub White Tiger Gourmet Whole

On behalf of Flagpole, we wish you peace and happiness this holiday season, and give our sincerest thanks for your pledge.

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

THE CALENDAR! 12/31 Dubconscious 2.0 / Glitch Mob (New Earth Music Hall) 12/31 The Hypsys (Rye Bar) 12/31 The Welfare Liners (Terrapin Beer Co.) 12/31 The Highballs (The Melting Point) 1/1 8-Track Gorilla / Gemini Cricket / The Humms / Immuzikation / Dexter Romweber / Twin Powers (Go Bar) 1/1 Max Eve / Skelly (Rye Bar) 1/2 “WUOG Christmas Break Lobbyfest” (WUOG 90.5FM) 1/3 Karaoke (Alibi) 1/3 Goodbye Blue Monday Open Mic (Dog Ear Books) 1/3 The Itchy Hearts / Tumbleweed Stampede (The Max Canada) 1/4 Ghetto Mezrab (Rye Bar) 1/4 “WUOG Christmas Break Lobbyfest” (WUOG 90.5FM) 1/5 Singer Songwriter Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) 1/5 Creation Co. (Rye Bar) 1/5 Mike’s Pawn Shop (Terrapin Beer Co.) 1/6 Hobohemians / Lily of the Suburbs (Flicker Theatre & Bar) 1/6 Wonky Kong (Rye Bar) 1/6 Nick Driver (Terrapin Beer Co.) 1/6 Bluegrass Pickin’ Night (The Office Lounge) 1/7 Scott Baxendale / Clay Leverett (Flicker Theatre & Bar) 1/7 Androcles and the Lion / Baby Baby / Bigfoot / Bizkaia / Captain #1 / The Caste / Elite Tha Showstoppa / Hello Hugo / The Nice Machine / Space Ghost / Sunspots / Xavii (New Earth Music Hall) 1/7 Laissez Funk (Rye Bar) 1/7 Jeffrey Hardy (Terrapin Beer Co.) 1/7 “WUOG Christmas Break Lobbyfest” (WUOG 90.5FM) 1/8 Ryan Monahan / Kate Morissey (Flicker Theatre & Bar) 1/8 E. R. E. (Rye Bar) 1/8 The Shack Band (Terrapin Beer Co.)

continued from p. 25

1/8 Swingin Medallions (The Melting Point) 1/8 “WUOG Christmas Break Lobbyfest” (WUOG 90.5FM) 1/9 “WUOG Christmas Break Lobbyfest” (WUOG 90.5FM) 1/10 JJ Wells (Rye Bar) 1/11 Sumilan (Rye Bar) 1/11 Ugly Cousin (The Melting Point) 1/12 The K-Macks (Rye Bar) 1/12 Cribbs and Crane (Terrapin Beer Co.) 1/13 The 2nd Sons / Drive-By Truckers (40 Watt Club) 1/13 Asbestos (Terrapin Beer Co.) 1/13 Oliver Wood (The Melting Point) 1/14 Bonobo (New Earth Music Hall) 1/14 Henry Barbe / Don Chambers + GOAT / Drive-By Truckers (40 Watt Club) 1/14 Trevor Finlay / Brian Ashley Jones / Ken Will Morton (Flicker Theatre & Bar) 1/14 Moriah Domby & Brittany Moses (Terrapin Beer Co.) 1/14 The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger (The Melting Point) 1/15 The Camp Amped Band / David Barbe & The Quick Hooks / Drive-By Truckers (40 Watt Club) 1/15 Drive-By Truckers (Nuçi’s Space) 1/15 Gimme Hendrix (Terrapin Beer Co.) 1/15 Grains of Sand (The Melting Point) 1/18 David Mayfield Parade (The Melting Point) 1/19 Jason & The Punknecks (Terrapin Beer Co.) 1/20 Papadosio / Up Until Now (New Earth Music Hall) 1/21 Bambara / Dead Confederate / Ruby Kendrick / Kuroma (40 Watt Club) 1/21 Melo-X / Samiyam / Two Fresh (New Earth Music Hall) 1/21 Mother’s Finest (The Melting Point) 1/22 Black Oak Arkansas (The Melting Point)

1/25 Seven Handle Circus (The Melting Point) 1/26 Efren / Matrimony (The Melting Point) 1/27 Terry Adams (The Melting Point) 1/28 Best Coast / No Joy / Wavves (40 Watt Club) 1/28 Kinchafoonee Cowboys (The Melting Point) 1/29 Dave Barnes (The Melting Point) 2/3 Blockhead / Emancipator (New Earth Music Hall) 2/5 Ben Butler & the Mousepad / Deerhoof / Nervous Cop (40 Watt Club) 2/7 David Bazan & Band / Jimmy Eat World (40 Watt Club) 2/7 The Civil Wars (The Melting Point) 2/11 RJD2 (New Earth Music Hall) 2/11 Abbey Road LIVE! (The Melting Point) 2/12 Kenny Rogers (The Classic Center) 2/22 Carolina Chocolate Drops (The Melting Point) 2/26 Brian Bonz / The Get-Up Kids / Miniature Tigers (40 Watt Club) 3/5 Dirk Howell Band (The Melting Point) 3/10 Colin Hay (The Melting Point) 3/22 Godspeed You! Black Emperor (40 Watt Club) * Advance Tickets Available

In the ATL 12/23 Justin Bieber (Philips Arena) 12/28 Pierce Pettis (Eddie’s Attic) 1/13 The Walkmen (Variety Playhouse) 1/21 Girl Talk (The Tabernacle) 1/21 No Age (Drunken Unicorn) 1/28 Yo La Tengo (Variety Playhouse) 2/4 Dr. Dog (The Masquerade) 2/4 Guster (The Tabernacle) 2/5 Robert Plant (Fox Theatre) 4/18 Lady Gaga (Gwinnett Center & Arena) * Advance Tickets Available

Sunday–Tuesday, December 26–28

Preparing Dinner for the Residents Athens Area Homeless Shelter “There’s something so great about a having a home-cooked meal when you get home from work,” says McKenzy Bailey, the volunteer coordinator for Athens Area Homeless Shelter at 620 Barber St., but for the 18 residents of the shelter, this nightly ritual cannot happen without some help. In order to provide nutritious and freshly prepared meals to its residents, the shelter relies on the generous donations of groups and community members who volunteer to purchase ingredients and prepare dinner. Recruiting volunteers for every night of the year is no easy task, and there are still a few dates in December for which no one has offered to help with dinner preparation. These unclaimed evenings offer you (reader) and your friends, co-workers or family members a chance to volunteer some time and perishables and get involved with this organization and its residents. The Athens Area Homeless Shelter is not a traditional homeless shelter, but instead, it is a transitional living facility that provides women with children a stable living environment for up to two years. While living there, these women are able to gain and maintain employment and work towards independence and financial stability. According to Bailey, the ultimate goal of the shelter and its programs is to teach these women the life-skills they need to ensure that they are never homeless again. Dinner volunteers are invited to prepare the meals alongside the residents in the shelter’s industrial kitchen, and when it’s time to eat, volunteers are encouraged to make a plate, take a seat and get to know the six mothers and 12 children currently living at the shelter. The Athens Area Homeless Shelter asks that dinner be served from 5:30–6:30 p.m. each night. To find out more about preparing dinner on Dec. 26, 27 or 28 (or any other day), call McKenzy Bailey at (706) 354-0423. The shelter regularly posts dinner and other volunteer opportunities on the HandsOn Northeast Georgia website: www.handsonnortheastgeorgia.org. [Jenny Peck]

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Homewood Shopping Center • 706-546-4864 M-Th 10a-11p • F-Sat 10a-12a • Sun 1-10p

DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

bulletin board DO SOMETHING; GET INVOLVED! HOLIDAY DeadlinE: The deadline for getting listed in Bulletin Board and Art Around Town will be WEDNESDAY, Dec. 22 at noon for the double issue of Dec. 29 & Jan. 5. Email calendar@flagpole.com.

ART Call for Entries (ATHICA) Currently seeking work that investigates, reveals or deconstructs the nature of systems. See a full description and instructions online. No calls please. Deadline: Feb. 11. Show runs Apr. 9–May 29. www. athica.org/callforentries.php Call for Submissions (Amici Italian Café) Amici’s is seeking 2-D works of art for month-long display. 706-353-0000, ryan.myers@amicicafe.com Call for Submissions (White Tiger Gourmet Food & Chocolates) White Tiger Gourmet is seeking artists for monthly exhibitions in 2011. Please email inquiries to jaseyjones@gmail.com.

CLASSES Adult Wing Chun Kung Fu (Floorspace) Wing Chun is a Chinese system of Kung Fu that specializes in developing dynamic, explosive and street-oriented practical self-defense. Mondays & Tuesdays, 5:45–6:45 p.m. $12 per class, $60 for 6 classes. jare616@gmail.com Adventure Club: Yoga Teacher Training (Rubber Soul) A four-month workshop in yoga and life. Develop your own voice and methodology. Jan. 22–May 2. 706-461-0262, calclements@yahoo.com, www.rubbersoulyoga.com/adventure.html Art Classes (Lyndon House Arts Center) Sign up for winter and spring art classes! For adults, teens and children. Go online for full list of programs. Now registering! 706613-3623, www.accleisureservices. com

Athens Vertical Pole Dance Academy (Canopy Studio, 160 Tracy St.) Now registering for classes. 706-347-3708 Bike Safety Class (East Athens Community Center) Keep safe on two wheels! Learn basic safety skills and bicycle maintenance tips before you cruise. For kids ages 7–18 years. Participants will recieve a bike helmet. Dec. 31, 2 p.m. 706-6133593, www.accleisureservices.com Clay Classes (Good Dirt) Weekly “Try Clay” classes ($20/person) introduce participants to the potter’s wheel every Friday from 7–9 p.m. “Family Try Clay” classes show children and adults hand-building methods every Sunday from 2–4 p.m. 706-355-3161, www.gooddirt.net Computer Class (Madison County Library) Create cards, calendars, flyers and more with Microsoft Publisher. Space is limited; call to register. Dec. 28, 2–3 p.m. & 7–8 p.m. Dec. 29, 11 a.m.–noon. FREE! 706-795-5597 Continuing Education Classes at Athens Tech (Athens Technical College) Register for a class to improve your home, enhance your computer skills, expand your job opportunities and more. Go online to learn about the opportunities open to all. Call or email to register. 706-369-5763, awhite@athenstech.edu, www.athenstech.edu Continuing Education Classes at UGA (Various Locations) Register for a class to expand your job opportunities, enhance your garden, learn a new language, etc. Go online to learn more. www.georgiacenter.uga.edu Dance Classes (East Athens Educational Dance Center) Now registering for winter and spring classes for adults, teens and children.

Athens Area Humane Society

ADOPTION CENTER

Inside Pet Supplies Plus at Alps Shopping Center • 706.353.2287 Adriana is a princess and expects respectful treatment. If you can mentally picture that tiara on her head at all times, then you and she will get along fabulously.

LI’L ESKI

CHOO CHOO

ADRIAN KOWALSKI

Closed December 24th-26th and New Year’s Day.

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

Registration ends Jan. 13. 706-6133624, www.accleisureservices.com/ dance Egyptian Bellydance (Floorspace, 160 Tracy St.) Bellydance for any belly! All levels welcome to this fun and exotic class. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.floorspace. com English as a Second Language (Pinewoods Hispanic Community Library) Classes every week! Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30–8 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3708 Figure Drawing Sessions (Fringe Collective Artistic Studios) Weekly drop-in sessions for artists wishing to draw the human figure. Must be over age 18. Sundays, 2–4 p.m. $8. 706-540-2727, fringecollective@live.com Figure Photography Sessions (Fringe Collective Artistic Studios) Photographers over 18 years of age are invited to this weekly open studio. Optional instruction is offered for beginners. By appointment only. Sundays, 4–6 p.m. $20. 706-540-2727, fringecollective@live.com FREE! Tai Chi in the Park on Talmadge Drive (Mind Body Institute, Athens Regional Medical Center) Offering Tai Chi instruction. In case of rain, meet inside MBI. Call for more information. Jan 8, 9:30–10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-4757329, mbiprograms@armc.org Gymnastics (Bishop Park) Don’t miss registration for the winter gymnastics program. Find classes for all ages, from “Diaper Gym” to “Adult Tumbling!” 706-613-3589, www. accleisureservices.com/gymnastics. shtml Health and Wellness Classes (Athens Community Council on Aging) Athens Community Council on Aging

All three of these very nice cats came from a cat colony. It’s taken them some time to adjust to living with people (so noisy!) but they’ve done so bravely and are ready for new homes where things aren’t too loud. Li’l Eski and Choo Choo would love to stay together or at least live with other cats. They are quiet sweet girls, not quite a year old. Kowalski is a gentle soul with a soft purr. more cats can be seen online at

athenshumanesociety.org

Will Hart’s paintings are on display at Flicker Theatre & Bar through December. hosts senior-friendly Zumba, Line Dancing, Yoga, Tai Chi and more! Go online for a complete schedule. 706-549-4850, www.accaging.org 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 Intermediate Bellydance (Floorspace, 160 Tracy St.) Improve your graceful moves in a fun and supportive environment with a focus on tribal style and rhythms. Thursdays, 7:45 p.m. www.floorspaceathens.com Kids’ Kung Fu (Floorspace) The Junior program teaches a solid base of effective martial arts skills from Jun Fan Gung Fu and Wing Chun Kung Fu. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:45–4:45 p.m. jare616@gmail. com, www.floorspaceathens.com Laugh-a-Yoga (Mind Body Institute) Laugh your stress away. Fourth Friday, 5:30–6:30 p.m. FREE! 706-475-7329, mbiprograms@ armc.org Maintain, Prevent and Transform (Athens Yoga Therapeutics) On-going Hatha style Yoga class with instructor Kerry Fulford. 706-207-5881, kerry@ athensyogatherapeutics.com, www. athensyogatherapeutics.com Mama-Baby Yoga for Crawlers (Mind Body Institute) For crawlings babes until they begin walking (about 8 months to 18 months age) and their mamas. Every Wednesday. 12:30–1:45 p.m. $60 (6 classes). 706-475-7329, www.armc. org/mbi Martial Arts (Live Oak Martial Arts, 400 C. Commerce Blvd.) Tae Kwon Do, self-defense and grappling and weapons classes for kids and adults, beginner through advanced. With instructor and three-time AAU National Champion Jason Hughes. 706-548-0077, www. liveoakmartialarts.com Musikgarten Early Childhood Classes (UGA School of Music) Music classes for toddlers ages 2–4. Check website for details. Jan. 24–Mar. 7. $70. 706-542-2894, ugacms@uga.edu, www.uga.edu/ugacms/earlychildhood.html New Horizon Music Classes (UGA School of Music) Beginning band, intermediate band, beginning orchestra and piano classes for adults age 50+. No prior music experience needed! FREE! Call 706542-2894 to register.

Pilates Mat Class (StudiO, 675 Pulaski St.) All levels welcome. Mats provided. Wednesdays, 6:45–7:40 p.m. $15. studioinathens.com Prenatal Yoga (Mind Body Institute) Every Tuesday. 6:30–8 p.m. $60 (6 classes). 706-4757329, www.armc.org/mbi Senior Leadership Academy (Athens Community Council on Aging) This Athens Community Council on Aging initiative provides older adults with an opportunity to build relationships with fellow participants and explore the current issues in our community. Course topics include business, human services, government, health care and more. The program will run for eight consecutive Thursdays, Feb. 3–Mar. 24. Registration ends Jan. 28. $80. 706-549-4850 ext. 2030. www.accaging.com Spanish Literacy (Pinewoods Hispanic Community Library) Improving Spanish literacy for adults. Tuesdays, 6–7 p.m. Thursdays, 1–2 p.m. & 6–7 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3708 Striptease 101 (The Hardcore Gym) Sexy dancing techniques for women. A prerequisite for Striptease 102. 18 & up. See schedule online. www.bobbisburlesque.webs.com Tribal Basics Bellydance (Floorspace, 160 Tracy St.) Bellydance for every belly! Learn graceful moves in a fun and supportive environment with a focus on Egyptian style and rhythms. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.floorspaceathens.com UGA Tango Club (UGA Tate Center, Room 311) Meet up every week to wax the floor with your new moves. Evening classes for beginners and advanced students. Thursdays, Beginning 6:10 p.m., Intermediate/ Advanced 7:10 p.m.$30 (per semester), $20 (UGA Community). athenstangoclub@gmail.com Weekend Wellness (764 Barber Street) This 12-week course is designed to help you discover whole foods, whole health and whole happiness. Call to register, discounts for those who register before Jan. 1. Every Sunday, Jan. 9–Apr. 10. 706-313-5036, www.weekendwellnessgroup.com Weekly Meditation (Athens Insights, 179 Woodward St. #7) Providing a calm and open environment in which people can relax and experience new cultural and religious ideas. Wednesdays, 8 p.m.–9 p.m. FREE! athensinsights@ gmail.com

Women Writing Their Lives (160 Tracy Street) A 12-week course designed to motivate and inspire women to tell their unique stories. Appropriate for beginners and those who would like the support of a group. Every Thursday, January–March, 7–8:15 p.m. $50/ month. thektp@gmail.com, holdingwomanspace.com Women’s Self Defense Classes (American Black Belt Academy) One rape or sexual assault occurs every two minutes in the U.S. Learn what you can do to protect yourself. Go online or call to register. 706-549-1671, www.americanblackbelt.org Yoga (Rubber Soul Yoga Revolution Studio) Offering yoga, meditation and gentle yoga classes every day of the week. For full schedule, go online. Daily, $5 (donation). www. rubbersoulyoga.com Yoga (Active Climbing) First time is free, and all levels are welcome. Tuesdays, 5:30–6:45 p.m. $8/class. 706-354-0038, www.activeclimbing.com Yoga and Art for Kids and Teens (Whole: Mind. Body. Art., 160 Tracy St.) Choose from Yoga Sprouts, Recycled Arts, Intro to Drawing and Creative Alterations. 706-410-0283, wholemindbodyart. com Yoga Classes (Mind Body Institute) Experienced and highly educated instructors offer a wide variety of basic and specialty classes throughout the day. 706-475-7329, www.armc.org/mbi Yoga: Maintain, Prevent, Transform (Leathers Building) Hatha-style yoga in a small, comfortable setting with instructor Kerry Fulford. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:45–7:45 p.m. $60 (6 classes) 706207-5881 Zumba at the Garden (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Latin rhythms comprise this dynamic fitness program. Wednesdays, 5:30– 6:30 p.m. $10/class, $80/session. www.uga.edu/botgarden

HELP OUT! 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. mentor@athensbgca.com, BikeAthens Bike Recycling (Chase Street Warehouses) Join BikeAthens volunteers as they clean and repair donated bicylces for local

service agencies. BikeAthens is also seeking donations of used kids and adult bikes. Sundays (2–4:30 p.m.), Mondays & Wednesdays (6–8:30 p.m.) FREE! www.bikeathens.com Blood Drive (Red Cross Donor Center) Give the gift of life! Call to make an appointment today. 706546-0681, 1-800-RED-CROSS, www.redcrossblood.org Bring One for the Chipper (Various Locations) Bring your Christmas tree to this 20th annual TREE-cycling event! Participants receive a free tree seedling. Call to find the location nearest you! Jan. 8, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3501 Clothing Drive (Dancefx) Donate your gently used clothing to Dancefx. There will be a sale on Jan. 15 with all proceeds benefiting dance projects in Athens. 706-3553078, www.dancefx.org

KIDSTUFF Art Activities (Pinewoods Hispanic Community Library) Every Thursday. 5–6 p.m. FREE! 706613-3708 Athens Jr. Roller Derby (Skate-A-Round USA) Whip it! Girls ages 7-17 are invited to experience the confidence-building and physical benefits of the sport in this no-contact league. Sundays, 2–4 p.m. $3 (for speed skate rental). See athensjuniorrollerderby.formup.com for more info.

“Georgia Spiders” Youth Climbing Team (Active Climbing) This climbing team gives your child a chance to try to be a “Spider Man.” The first week is free. Every Tuesday & Thursday, 5–6:30 p.m. 706-354-0038, adrian@activeclimbing.com Homework Helpers (East Athens Community Center) UGA students tutor your children and help them get assignments finished. Open to any child or teen who needs help with homework. Daily, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3657, www. clarke.public.lib.ga.us One-to-One Learning (Lay Park) Pratice reading, writing and math with the librarian and UGA student volunteers. For ages 6 and up. Daily, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! 706613-3667 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. Daily, 3:30–5:30 p.m., FREE! 706-613-3593 Wild Intelligence Nature Programs (Orange Twin Conservation Community) Naturebased learning and character development while your child enjoys storytelling, games and curiosity-based adventure on the land. After-school and day-long programs available. Mondays, 3:30–6 p.m. & Tuesdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m. tommy@wildintelligence.org

ART AROUND TOWN ACC Library (Heritage Gallery, 2025 Baxter St.) Graphic design exhibition of books and research posters accompanying Moon Jung Jang’s research on the transformation of a minor arc or minor arc sector in visual communication. Through December. • Paintings by Kate Windley. Through December. Amici Italian Café (233 E. Clayton St.) Paintings of downtown Athens by Jamie Calkin. Through December. Antiques and Jewels (290 N. MIlledge Ave.) New work by Jim StipeMaas, Mary Porter, Lana Mitchell, Greg Benson, Taylor Dubeau and Judy Dudley O’Donnell and other Georgia artists. Through January. Aurum Studio (125 E. Clayton St.) Group show featuring paintings by Gwen Nagel, Scott Pope and Karen Kanemasu and sculptures by Noah Saunders. Through February. Dog Ear Books (162 W. Clayton St.) Paintings by Rhys May and Jacob Wenzka and photography by Anne Yarbrough. Through December. Espresso Royale Caffe (297 E. Broad St.) New oils on paper works from Stuart McCall Libby. Through December. Farmington Depot Gallery (1011 Salem Rd., Farmington) Owned and staffed by 16 artists, the gallery exhibits paintings, sculpture, folk art, ceramics, fine furniture and more. Permanent collection artists include Phillip Goulding, Leigh Ellis, Peter Loose, Susan Nees and more. Flicker Theatre & Bar (263 W. Washington St.) New works from Will Hart. Through December. Georgia Center (Hill Atrium) Photojournalist Wingate Downs chronicles a legendary year in UGA football in this pictorial exhibit which will hang through Jan. 7. Good Dirt (510 B Thomas St.) Holiday pottery show featuring work from Rob Sutherland, Al Pellenbergm, Allya Macdonald, Jim Peckham, Blake Anthony and many more. Through December. Hampton Fine Art Gallery (115 E Broad St., Greensboro) Holiday-themed exhibition titled “The Ghosts of Christmas Past.” Through Jan. 10. Hotel Indigo (500 College Ave.) Group show featuring Nash Hogan, Dena Zilber, Charlie Key and Margaret Schreiber. Just Pho…and More (1063 Baxter St.) New work by artist Nina Barnes. Through January. • New work by artist Susan Gill. Through December. Lyndon House Arts Center Brush paintings from Chinese artist I-Hsiung Ju, whose unique style seamlessly blends modern and traditional aesthetics. Other brush paintings and caligraphy from Virginia

Youth Basketball Registration (Various Locations) Sign-ups for recreational basketball league. Registration begins on Nov. 20 at Bishop Park, East Athens Community Center and Lay Park. 706-613-3589, www.accleisureservices.com/basketball Youth Soccer (Southeast Clarke Park) Now registering for co-ed recreational league for children 4–11 years old. 706-613-3871, www.accleisureservices.com/soccer

SUPPORT Alcoholics Anonymous (Athens, GA) If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. 706-543-0436, www.athensaa.com Athens Mothers’ Center (St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church) Meet with other supportive moms and dads. Tuesdays & Fridays, 9:30–11:30 a.m. 706-552-8554, www.athensga.mothercenter.org Emotional Abuse Support Group (Call for location) Demeaning behavior and hateful words can be just as harmful as punches and kicks. Childcare is provided. Call the Project Safe hotline: 706-543-3331. Wednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m. Emotions Anonymous (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) Informal and supportive 12step program open to anyone with a

Lloyd-Davies and Egbert Ennulat. Through Jan. 19. • “Floating Fetching Fowling,” paintings, drawings, mixed media and 3D art by Ouida Williams, Nancy Lloyd and Caroline Montague. Through Jan. 19. • “Hands That Can Do: African-American Quilters of Northeast Georgia,” is an exhibition of quilts which celebrates the tradition of quilting in the AfricanAmerican community. Through Jan. 19. Madison County Library (1315 Highway 98 West, Danielsville) Display of Karen weavings, including hand-woven bags. The Karen are a group of refugees from Burma. Through December. Mama’s Boy (197 Oak St.) New watercolors by Brooke Easler. Through December. Monroe Art Guild (Main Gallery, Monroe) Exhibit featuring regional quilts. Through Dec. 28. • (Member’s Gallery, Monroe) New works by Mary Alice Wood. Through Dec. 28. Oconee County Library (1080 Experiment Station Rd., Watkinsville) Beaded jewerly from Alice Rossiter. Through December. • Photography from Robert Rushton. Through December. The Point of Art Gallery (604 Sibley Ave., Union Point) “Clay in a Can” is a travelling group show featuring ceramic work in a gallon paint can. Through Dec. 30. • “Tapestry: Life Stories in Paintings” features the work of Laura Connely. Through Dec. 24. Speakeasy (269 E. Broad St.) New paintings by Sarah Nguyen. Through February. Ten Pins Tavern (2451 Jefferson Rd.) Screen prints, etchings, monoprints and drawings from young artist Gregory Stone. Through December. The Grit (199 Prince Ave.) Works by Garland Sutton. Through Jan. 2. Town 220 (Madison) “Aislin’s Bouquet from the Garden of the Fall,” an exhibit of various works inspired by gardens. Featuring more than a dozen local artists, including Greg Benson, Andy Cherewick, Dana Downs, Robert Lowery, Melin Foscue Miller, Masakatsu Nakagawa, Marshall Reddoch and Lamar Wood. Through January. Trace Gallery (160 Tracy St., 2A) “Studio Potters” exhibition and sale featuring a selection of work from some of the area’s best-known potters. Through Jan. 7. Transmetropolitan (145 E. Clayton St.) New paintings by Sophie Howell. Through December. Visionary Growth Gallery (2400 Booger Hill Rd., Danielsville) “Psycollagraphica” features photography and collage by artists J. Phillip White, John Santerineross, Alexei Gural and Jillian Guarco. Through Jan. 31. White Tiger Gourmet Food & Chocolates (217 Hiawasee Ave.) New work from Gainsville artist Scott Begnaugh. Through December.

desire to become well emotionally. Sundays, 4–5 p.m. 706-202-7463, www.emotionsanonymous.org Expressive Writing for People with Chronic Illnesses (Whole: Mind. Body. Art.) A supportive and creative enviroment for those dealing with chronic illness. Using writing as a therapeutic tool, this class aims to help people process and express their feelings about life circumstances. Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. Gender Mix (UGA Memorial Hall, Room 414) A male and female discussion and support group established to promote unity within interpersonal relationships. Last Monday of every month. 6 p.m. FREE! 706542-8468, cymoon@uga.edu Overeaters Anonymous (Various Locations) 12-step meetings for compulsive eaters. All ages and sizes welcome. Mondays, 5:30 p.m. at Nuçi’s Space. Thursdays, 7 p.m. at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. at Princeton United Methodist Church. FREE! 404-771-8971, www.oa.org PTSD Support Group Local support group now forming for family members of soldiers and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. 770-725-4527 Sapph.Fire The newly formed social, support and volunteer organization for lesbian and bisexual women of color. Ages 21 & up. Join Sapph. fire on Downelink. Email sapph. fire@yahoo.com to learn about the next meeting. Survive and Revive (Call for location) Domestic violence support group. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and group at 6:30 p.m. Children are welcome for supper and childcare is provided during group. Second and fourth Tuesday of the month in Clarke County. First and third Monday of the month in Madison County. 6–8 p.m. Project Safe: 706543-3331

ON THE STREET 2nd Annual Pilot Club Chase 5K (Oconee Veterans Memorial, Watkinsville) Join the Oconee County Pilot Club for this 5K, and all proceeds will be donated to projects that relate to serving the needs of those with brain disorders and disabilities. Race starts at 3 p.m. on Jan. 16. $18-$20. www.active.com, www.classicraceservices.com 3rd Annual Chilly Dawg 5K (Sandy Creek Park) Get a healthy start to 2010 when you register for this 5K run/walk. Proceeds benefit the College of Family and Consumer Sciences Alumni Association and the ARCH Foundation of UGA. Race starts at 9 a.m. on Jan. 29. $19 (before Jan. 21). $25 (after Jan. 22). 706-542-3386, www.active.com 5th Annual 5K New Year’s at Noon (Sandy Creek Park) Race in memory and honor of Will Chamberlin. Hot soup, chili and refreshments after the race. Now registering! Jan. 1, noon. $25. www. runningintheusa.com 8th Annual Twilight Stroll by the Granite Bowl 5K (The Elbert Theatre) Hot soup and cornbread will be served after the race. Register by Jan. 3. Race begins at 8 p.m. on Jan. 7. $20. www.active. com, www.classicraceservices.com Frankenstein Lives! Rose of Athens Theatre chronicles the life of young gothic novelist Mary Shelley in this performance which explores some uncanny similarities between the artist and her literary creation. The show is available for booking through March. 706-340-9181, www.roseofathens.org f

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DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

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still around. But when we started dating, he was seeing other people, too, and I told him he should continue to do that. So, I have gotten to the point where every time we see each other (which is usually a couple of times a month), I am starting to spend the whole time holding my breath for when “the question” is going to come out. John wants us to be exclusive now, and I keep telling him that I don’t want that, and then he pouts just long enough for me to start to get bored and want to go home, at which point he pretends like nothing has happened and gets on with the night. (Now that I just read that back, it sounds even more irritating.) So, I guess what I want to know is, should I just start lying to him? Or tell him to quit asking? I really like him, but I know if it gets too serious now it will never work. Am I being unreasonable? N.M. It’s not that you’re being unreasonable, NM. It’s just that “John” agreed to something

that he can no longer abide by. Lying to him is not the answer, and he obviously is not going to quit asking. If he weren’t being manipulative, then I would suggest some kind of State of the Union discussion, but since his behavior on dates is probably indicative of trouble down the line, I would say that ending it now is your best bet. I have been in a relationship for a couple of years. I am in my late 20s, and my boyfriend is a great guy. We get along really well. We never fight. We have lived together for two years now. He rarely does any house work. He never pays the bills or makes a meal. He is somewhat emotionally distant. Lately, he has been out of work, so he is not contributing anything, and he never leaves the house. Now I want out of this relationship and I don’t know how to do it. I suppose I should have left him before so it didn’t look like I was just doing it because of the money. The only time I am able to be alone is A) in the bathroom and B) if I close myself into our spare room and watch a movie. I also go out once a week with my girlfriends, and every time I do that I dread going home afterward. I am getting depressed and I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to hurt him, but I can’t take this anymore. I feel like I can’t do anything now because he is out of work and it’s Christmas. There are other guys I like and who I think like me. I would like to have a chance at a better life, but I feel guilty and trapped and I don’t know what to do. Unhappy Holidays Whoa. So this “great guy” doesn’t help you with housework, doesn’t cook and doesn’t leave the house? Well, he sounds like everything a girl would want in an emotionally distant guy! Honey, you have got to get it together. Does your boyfriend have anywhere else to go? Can he stay with family or a friend? If he does, you should have a talk with him immediately and ask him to move out. Tell him you are depressed and you have been for a long time. Tell him you are frustrated at his lack of participation. (Seriously, if he isn’t going to work, then he should at least be cleaning and cooking; there is no excuse for this.) Is he even trying to get work? If he doesn’t have anywhere to go, then give him a deadline. Tell him you’re done with the relationship and he has a month to find somewhere else to go. You are not doing him any favors by staying with him because you feel guilty, and if you’re both just quietly depressed and tiptoeing around each other, eventually everything is going to fall apart anyway. You need to work on making yourself happy, and being comfortable in your own house is a start. Today is the first day of whatever you’re going to do next. Make it happen. Jyl Inov Got a question for Jyl? Submit your anonymous inquiry via the Reality Check button at www.flagpole.com.

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Matters Of The Heart And Loins I have been dating this guy (“John”) whom I met through an Internet dating site. When we met, we were both very clear that neither of us was interested in an exclusive relationship. I had just gotten out of a marriage, and he a relationship of five years. I am wise enough in my older age to know now that I don’t need to be jumping into anything serious for at least a year. So after waiting six months for the divorce to finalize and to get happy with myself again, I got on the Internet and started a profile. In addition to John, I have been dating a few other guys. Nothing serious, and barely anything sexual. I like John very much, and there is another guy (“Ben”) that I also feel pretty strongly about, but I know that I am not ready for a real relationship yet. While Ben is fine with this, John is starting to get weird about it. It’s getting frustrating, because every time we go out together, we start out having a great time, and the conversation flows freely. We have a lot in common and never run out of things to talk about. The only problem is, now he asks me regularly if I have been on any other dates, and I always tell him the truth, and the answer is usually yes. I told him that I would never lie to him about this, but I also told him that he shouldn’t ask if he doesn’t want to know. There is no reason to start off a relationship with lies (that was a problem in my marriage), but now I am starting to rethink my policy. He gets very sulky if I tell him I’ve been out with anyone else, especially Ben. I didn’t tell him that Ben is as high on my list as he is, but he has figured it out by the fact that Ben is

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Buy It, Sell It, Rent It, Use It! Place an ad anytime at flagpole.com  Indicates images available at flagpole.com 1BR/1BA. All electric. Nice apartment. Water provided. On busline. Single pref’d. Available now! (706) 5434271.

Real Estate Apartments for Rent

1BR apartment for $475/ mo. 2BR apartment starting at $700/mo. 3BR apartment starting at $1000/mo. All close to campus! Howard Properties (706) 546-0300.

$460/mo. 1 extra lg. BR, walk–in closet, lg. LR, 650 sq. ft. 18–unit complex off Milledge. On–site laundry facilities. (706) 764-6854 or (706) 207-9902. 1st month free! 2BR/2BA apar tment. Walking distance to Dwntn./ c a m p u s . W / D , D W, o n busline. Easy access to loop. (706) 548-2522. www. dovetailmanagement.com 1BR $499/mo., 2BR $549/ mo., 3BR $699/mo.! Huge apartments located 3 mi. from campus & Dwntn. Pre-leasers will receive 1st mo. free if moving after Jan.! Restrictions apply. On busline and pet friendly. Call us! (706) 549-6254.

1BR/1BA apartment. Great in–town, Boulevard n’hood. Walk everywhere. Water & garbage paid. $490-$525/mo. Check o u t w w w. b o u l e v a rd propertymanagement.com or call (706) 548-9797.

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3BR/2BA gated community. HWflrs, tile, granite, etc. 1st mo. free! Avail. immediately. Amenities galore! $1050/ mo. Geoff (706) 206-3560. Owner lic. Ga. RE agent, lic. #302489.

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4BR/2.5BA townhouse off Cedar Shoals. On bus route. Pets welcome. Avail. Jan. 1. Only $1000/mo. Aaron (706) 207-2957.

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640 sq. ft. loft apartment at Chase Park art complex. Built out new in 2009, incl.: granite counters, ceiling fans, 240 sq. ft. loft w/ closet & outside storage room. Nice quality build out! Call Nathan, cell: (478) 290-6283, work: (478) 274-8141. Basement apartment. 1BR/1BA, kitchen, LR, private entrance. All utils., cable TV & wifi incl. Avail. Jan 1. N/S pref’d. $550/mo. (706) 340-9547. Best deal in town! El Dorado Apartments in Normaltown area. $675/mo. 2BD/1BA, pets allowed w/ deposit. Multiple units avail. Joiner & Associates (706) 549-7371, www.gojoiner.com. Dwntn., 3 blocks from N. Campus. 2BR in historic bldg. Out of noise & bar scene. Avail. Jan. Call George at (706) 340-0987. Downtown loft apar tment. 144 E Clayton St. 2BR/1 lg. BA, exposed brick wall in LR, avail. immediately. Won't last! Call Staci, (706) 2961863 or (706) 425-4048. Efficiency apartment. 1BR w/ private entrance. On Hill St., utils. incl., 1 mi. to UGA, pets OK, $500/mo. Call (706) 255-0726.

* Ad enhancement prices are viewable at flagpole.com ** Run-‘Til-Sold rates are for MERCHANDISE ONLY *** Available for individual rate categories only

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

Dwntn., 1BR/1BA flat, $465/mo. Water, gas, trash pick-up incl. O n - s i t e l a u n d r y, J a n . 1 move in. Joiner Management, (706) 353-6868. Downtown Urban Loft. 2BR/2BA luxury condo, 1500 sq. ft., walking distance to center of Dwntn. & UGA stadium. Master BA walk-in closet & walk-in shower. Call (757) 8976766. Dwntn. apartment, walk to UGA, bus routes. 1BR, electric only util. Water i n c l . F re e p a r k i n g . N o dep. w/ signed lease. Lease from 1/1/11 to 7/31/11. $465/mo. Call (706) 202-0097. Mature student for apartment suite. 1BR/1BA, study, kitchenette, private entrance/deck, personal parking space. Furnished. Includes everything! Utils., DISH, Tivo, WiFi. Quiet, safe, near UGA. (706) 296-6956. Unbelievable deal! $900/mo.! 3BR/2.5BA townhouse on Milledge. Pool, sand volleyball, basketball. W/D, all appls incl. On busline. Don’t w a i t , w o n ’t l a s t ! ( 6 7 8 ) 462-0824. Westside Heights Apartments Holiday Special: 1st mo.’s rent free! Prices starting at $429. 1, 2 & 3 BR. Special rates w/ water i n c l . Ta x I D a c c e p t e d , total electric, W/D connections. Call today! (706) 5490180. Now open Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. www. westsideheights.com.

CONDOS

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

All Include Washer/Dryer & Fireplace Pool on-site!

706-613-9001 www.athens-ga-rental.com

200 to 500 sq. ft. offices/ studios avail. Boulevard n’hood. $250 to $550/ mo. Features natural light, HVAC, handicap accessible restrooms, wireless internet, 24/7 access. Call (706) 3380548. Athens executive suites. Offices available 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.

Houses for Rent $600/mo . 2BR/2BA or 3BR/1BA. 115/121 E. C a r v e r D r. F e n c e d – i n yd. Tile & HWflrs. CHAC, W/D hookups, DW. Pets welcome. Avail. now! (706) 614-8335. $775/mo. Blocks from UGA & Dwntn. Athens. 3BD/1BA, t o t a l l y re m o d e l e d , t a l l ceilings, HWflrs., tile, W/D, front porch. 500 Willow St. Avail. 1/1/11. Owner/Agent, call Robin (770) 265-6509.

Retail, bar, or re s t a u r a n t for lease at Homewood Shopping Center. 3000 sq. ft. Call Bryan Austin at (706) 3531039.

$850/mo. Great Eastside location. 4BR/1.5BA, lg. kitchen, private deck, W/D, workshop, very good condition, fenced-in yd., 1 car garage, safe & quiet n’hood. 117 Crossbow Cir, Winterville. Avail. 2/1/11. Owner/Agent, call Robin (770) 265-6509.

Condos for Rent 2BR/2.5BA condo for rent beginning 1/1/11. Appleby Mews Condo complex. Walking distance to UGA campus. Call (912) 2460682 after noon.

Duplexes For Rent

APARTMENTS

706-613-9001

East Athens. Great 2BR/1BA duplex. On city busline. Fresh paint, W/D, DW, range, fridge, trash & yd. service incl. Pets OK. Avail. now! $550/mo. Call Mike (877) 740-1514 toll free.

$690/mo. 3BR for the price of 2! Renovated bungalow 1.2 miles from A rc h . C a l l ( 7 0 6 ) 2 5 5 0659. Photos, map & info at www.1596eastbroad. blogspot.com.

GRADUATE/HOLIDAY SPECIAL Hamilton & Associates

Eastside location, located off Cherokee Rd. Convenient to schools & shopping. 2BR/1BA. All appliances, incl. W/D. Avail. Jan. 1. $525/mo. Carol Moon, (706) 5400472 or (706) 354-8106.

Eastside offices. 1060 Gaines School Rd. Rent 1200 sq. ft. $1200/mo., 750 sq. ft. $900/mo., 450 sq. ft. $600/mo., 170 sq. ft. $375/mo. (706) 546-1615 or athenstownproperties.com.

WESTSIDE HEIGHTS

Call Today for Move-In Specials

Hamilton & Associates

Commercial Property

2BR/1BA duplex on Westside. 171 Nicole Circle. W/D conn. FP, CHAC, fenced yd. $425/mo. & dep. each. (706) 498-4733.

JAMESTOWN 2BR / 2.5BA Townhomes $650

• 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

Westside condos, 2BR/2BA, $600/mo. Eastside quadraplex, 2BR/2BA, $500/mo. & 2BR/1BA, $475/ mo. Eastside duplex, 2 B R / 1 B A & F P, $ 4 7 5 / mo. Eastside basement apartment, 2BR/1BA, W/D, nice yd., $500/mo. C a l l M c Wa t e r s R e a l t y, (706) 353-2700 or cell (706) 540-1529.

1st MONTH RENT FREE! Rent starting at $429

706-549-0180

www.westsideheights.com

1BR/1BA, 1277 W Hancock. $550/mo. HWflrs., pets welcome, call Paul at (706) 714-9607. 1BR/1BA at corner of W. Cloverhurst & Milledge, right near 5 Pts. Plenty of space. Great location. Safe n’hood. Pets welcome. Water incl. $475/mo. (706) 247-0427. 175 Glenhaven Ave. 3BR/1.5BA, $690/mo. Close to Milledge Ave. & UGA. Oak floors, W/D, DW, CHAC, deck, fenced yd. hathawayproperties@ gmail.com, (706) 7144486.

1BR cottage. 1 / 4 m i . from campus. 100 yrs. old. HWflrs. Big kitchen. All appls incl. Front/back porch. No pets, no smokers. $700/mo. Avail. now. (770) 995-6788. 1 lg. BR for rent in newly renovated 5 Pts. home. Close to campus, safe neighborhood, good roomies! $400/mo. + 1/3 utils. Call (678) 492-8036. 2BR secluded countr y cabin 9 mi. from Dwntn. on 1.5 acres. Large screened front porch. 40s tongue & groove walls. Winterville. $650/mo. (706) 540-8461. 2BR/2BA perfect Dwntn. location. New. 1 mi. from Arch. Stainless, HWflrs., tile, covered porches. Off-street parking. W/D incl. Avail. fall 2011. $1050/mo. Aaron (706) 207-2957.

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3BR/1BA in Winterville. HWflrs. Front yd., small screened-in porch, wooded lot. Quiet n’hood. Avail. Jan. 1. Pets OK. $750/mo. Tenant pays utils. (706) 410-5239. 3BR/3BA, best Dwntn. location. New. 1 mi. from Arch. Stainless, HWflrs., tile, covered porches. Off-street parking. W/D incl. Avail. fall 2011. $1500/mo. Aaron (706) 207-2957. 4BR/4.5BA cottage at The Station avail. Jan.! HWflrs., private baths, huge walk-in closets, all appliances incl. Floorplan is a must see! (706) 543-1910. 49 Gail Dr. 3-4BR/1.5BA. HWflrs! CHAC. Fenced yd. Pets OK. No pet fees! Other homes avail. $850/mo. (706) 254-2569. 4BR/4BA awesome Dwntn. location. New. 1 mi. from Arch. Stainless, HWflrs., tile, covered porches. Off-street parking. W/D incl. Avail. fall 2011. $1950/mo. Aaron (706) 207-2957. Best rentals in Athens! 1–5BR houses, apts., condos. In the heart of UGA/ Dwntn./5 Pts. Avail. Aug. Going fast, call today! (706) 3692908 for more info. Eastside: 3BR/2BA, lg. yd., on dead–end street, $1000/mo. 4BR/2BA, lg. yd., $1200/mo. Five Pts.: 3BR/1BA, single carport, $750/mo. Call McWaters Realty, (706) 353-2700, (706) 540-1529. Great 2BR/1BA house. Lg. yd., front & back porches, CHAC. West-side. HWflrs., lg. updated kitchen. W/D. 150oldclevelandroad. w o rd p re s s . c o m . Av a i l . now! $625/mo. (770) 8337307.

Go to www.flagpole. com to place your Classified today! Private cottage 10-15 min. to campus, 2BR/1BA, CHAC, W/D, big screen porch, large organic garden space w/ conditioned soil, good well. $650/mo. (706) 540-4022, lwnow1@windstream.net.

Music Services

Rooms for Rent

$475/mo. 1BR/1BA. Very small house near Dwntn. in the Addieville n’hood. Avail. now for long-term sublease. Can be renewed in April. Pet friendly. Call (336) 4601297. Spring Lake Apartments. Great 2BR/2BA avail. now through July. $699/mo. Free W/D w/ move in. Dec. rent already paid! Call Josh (706) 892-6086.

For Sale Antiques Antiques & jewels Christmas sale! Antique furniture, estate jewelry, fine oil paintings, Persian rugs, silver, china, stain glass & more. Open 11-6 daily except Sun. & Mon. by chance or appointment. (706) 340-3717. 290 N. M i l l e d g e Av e . A t h e n s . Antiques-jewels.com.

Cash now! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call JG Wentworth. (866) 447-0925. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau (AAN CAN).

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. Visit www. AthensSchoolofMusic.com, (706) 543-5800.

$160K, 3BR/2BA, close to GA Square Mall, 3-16 & lo op . All a ppl ian ce s incl. W/D, DW, HWflrs, 2 car garage, Andersen windows, built-in alar m & auto watering system. Quiet neighborhood. Clarke Co. Contact Bowen Craig (706) 5430692.

Sub-lease

Boulevard Animal Hospital, 298 Prince Ave. Across from Bottleworks. December special: 25% off exams w/ donation of canned food for homeless. Come b y f o r a v i s i t ! w w w. downtownathensvet. com. (706) 425-5099.

Instruction

Houses for Sale

Seeking reasonably neat, N/S, responsible, mature housemate. 1BR in beautiful 3BR/3.5BA house, awesome location, quiet n’hood blocks from Dwntn. & campus. Pulaski St./ Prince Ave. $475/mo. rent, 1/3 utils. Pets negotiable. Call Heather (717) 6664712.

Financial

Music

Pre-leasing houses for UGA students. 7BR, 6BR, 5BR, 4BR, 3BR, 2BR, 1BR. Close to UGA & Dwntn. Lowest rent. hathaway proper tiesathens.com. (706) 714-4486.

Avail. Jan. 1. Huge room in laid-back historic Cobbham house. High ceilings, H W f l r s . , p o rc h , H VA C , W/D. Share kitchen & BA w/ 2 others. Utils. split 5 ways. Walk to town. No pets, 6 mo. lease, deposit. F graduate or professional preferred. (706) 424-0901.

Pets

Furniture

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All new pillow-top mattress set, $139. Sofa & love-seat, $399. 5-piece cherry finish bedroom set, $399. (706) 612-8004. Better than Ebay! Sell your goods locally w/out shipping fees! Place your ads in Flagpole C l a s s i f i e d s . Awesome run–til– sold rate! 12 wks. for only the price of 4! Go to www.flagpole.com or call (706) 549-0301. Go to Agora! Cool & affordable! Your favorite everything store, specializing in retro goods, antiques, furniture, clothes, records & players plus more! 260 W. Clayton St., (706) 316-0130. Pillowtop queen mattress set. Never used. Still in factory plastic. $260. (706) 769-1959. Delivery avail. Salon equipment, reception desks, customized glass shelving & furniture for sale. 497 Prince Ave.

Miscellaneous Awesome gourmet coffee - the perfect holiday gift! Farm Direct Certified Organic 100% Kona. Compare M o o n s t r u c k ’s o r g a n i c pound - $25 - to Whole Foods’ conventional p o u n d $ 5 0 . moonstruckorganics. com, (808) 328-0707 (AAN CAN).

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) 5491567. Looking for a pianist, s a x o p h o n e p l a y e r, violinist? Looking for a band? Find your music mate w/ Flagpole Classifieds! Call (706) 549-0301. 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 & party band. www.themagictones. com.

Studios RoomFiftyThree. Mix room & ProTools HD2 Accelbased recording studio on the Eastside of Athens. Seriously high–end analog gear! Seriously affordable! Feel the love! Visit www. roomfiftythree.com.

Services Cleaning My name is Nick. I am local to Athens. I specialize in cleaning w/ "Earth Friendly" products. My cleaning is pet & child friendly. I am thorough & efficient, therefore very easy on the budget! Phone or text (706) 206-0381. Email Nick@goodworld.biz.

Health Penis enlargement. FDA medical vacuum pumps. Gain 1-3 inches permanently. Testosterone, Viagra, Cialis. Free pills! (619) 294-7777 code ALT, www.drjoelkaplan. com. Discounts available (AAN CAN). Pregnant? Considering adoption? Talk w/ caring agency specializing in matching birthmothers w/ families nationwide. Living expenses paid. Call 24/7 Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions (866) 413-6293 (AAN CAN). The Weekend Wellness Workshop is a 12 wk. course starting Jan. 9 to help you discover whole foods, whole health & whole happiness. Details at www. weekendwellnessgroup. com!

Misc. Services Ready to move forward in your career? Resume assistance, 1-on-1 coaching. Athens Career Coach. Free consultation, affordable rates. Contact Sean at (706) 363-0539 o r v i s i t h t t p : / / w w w. higheredcareercoach. com/flagpole. Stuck in a lease you're trying to end? Sublease your house or apartment w/ Flagpole C l a s s i f i e d s ! Vi s i t flagpole.com or call (706) 549-0301.

Jobs Full-time FT & PT front desk help. Comfort Suites. 255 North Ave., Athens. Customer service experience pref’d. Apply by calling Mr. Singh at (706) 995-4000. House/server staff: Greyfield Inn, Cumberland Island. Come join our house staff & live/work on a beautiful Georgia island! Some dining & wine service experience helpful. In-residence position. $25,500/annum. Send letter of interest & application request to seashore@greyfieldinn.com.

Help wanted. Extra income! Assembling CD c a s e s f ro m h o m e ! N o experience necessar y! Call our live operators now! (800) 405-7619, ext. 2 4 5 0 , w w w. e a s y w o r k greatpay.com (AAN CAN). Earn $75-$200/hr. Media makeup ar tist training. Ads, TV, film, fashion. 1 wk. class. Stable job in weak economy. Details at www.awardmakeupschool. com, (310) 364-0665 (AAN CAN). Movie extras to stand in backgrounds for major film production. Earn up to $200/day. Experience not required. All looks needed. Call (877) 568-7052. Paid in advance! Make $1000/wk. mailing b ro c h u re s f ro m h o m e ! Guaranteed income! Free supplies! No experience required. Start immediately! www. homemailerprogram.net (AAN CAN).

Part-time Mystery shoppers earn up to $100/day. Undercover shoppers needed to j u d g e re t a i l & d i n i n g establishments. No exp. req’d. (800) 743-8535.

Vehicles Autos 2006 Saturn Vue. Black w / g r a y i n t e r i o r. G re a t gas mileage, cold A/C, factory roof racks, power windows, locks & mirrors. 81K hwy miles. $8950 OBO. (706) 206-1836.

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Honda Civic Si Sports, 2 dr, 35,000 mi., 6 spd. MT. 200 horse power, 21/29 mpg. New Contis. Well-maintained. Loaded. $16,500 OBO. Serious. (678) 984-7474.

Notices Lost and Found Lost! Small adult female B & W long-hair cat on Mitchell Bridge Rd. Call (706) 2960361.

Messages Leaving town? Don't know how to get your weekly Flagpole fix? Subscribe & get Flagpole delivered to your mailbox! $35 for 6 mo.s, $55 for 1 yr.! Call (706) 549-9523.

Opportunities High school diploma! Graduate in just 4 wks.! Free brochure. Call now! (800) 532-6546, ext. 97, www.continentalacademy. com (AAN CAN).

DECEMBER 22, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

townieconomy Come Enjoy your

Holiday Season with us!

EARLY LUNCH SWEEK Buy any PECIAL tw entrees fo o lunch r only

Valid Mon -W 11:30am ed -3pm

Indulge with $ 20 Bottles of Sparkling Wine & pick up a great Stocking Stuffer, 20% Off Gift Cards! Sunday Brunch 11:30am-3pm Sun-Thurs 11:30am-10pm • Fri & Sat 11:30am-11pm

Happy Holidays!

Downtown at the corner of Hull & Clayton Streets

706.227.4444

Check out our website for events & specials

www.casamiatapas.com

i \

WORLD’S ST \ k BE ING K C O ST STUFFERS k i

AIR FRESHENERS • PEZ • KEYCHAINS INCENSE • PLAYING CARDS HELLO KITTY • GOURMET CANDY MAGNETS • JELLY BELLY • WALLETS JEWELRY • SHOWER CAPS • UMBRELLAS COIN PURSES • JOURNALS • STICKERS FOLDABLE TOTES • PATCHES FUNNY OFFICE SUPPLIES • AND MORE

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JUNKMAN’S DAUGHTER’S BROTHER 458 E. CLAYTON ST. 706-543-4454 Mon-Sat 11-7 • Sun 12-6

Steak & Seafood 1120 Baxter St. • Across from the Library 706.850.8245 • www.offthehookfh.webs.com New

All our fish & seafood is, and Website! always has been, ALL NATURAL, CHEMICAL-FREE and caught & harvested DOMESTICALLY! Bring in this ad for

20% Off an entrée One per table. Not good with other offers.

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 22, 2010

Tips on Holiday Tipping As many in our service industry are acutely aware, tips for service nosedived in 2009. Nationwide, some jobs witnessed an up to a 50 percent gratuity loss; for bartenders and wait staff—two of this city’s most beloved and maligned occupations—up to a 10 percent drop. And there’s worse news: PayScale, Inc., the online database tracking national and global compensation trends that provided these figures, says that 2010 fared only marginally better: American wallets remained folded this year, and nobody seems to be reaching for their pockets with any quickness. With low job growth and high unemployment, this is predictable behavior on the part of service customers. But if you skimp on the tip, for whatever reason, you aren’t doing the economy any favors. Think of it this way: After a strenuous day of holiday shopping, the family would rather nosh on a delivery pizza than wait for a prepared sit-down dinner. A delivery driver brings $25 worth of oven-baked pizza and leaves without a tip. To the customer, it may not seem like the driver earned any spare change, especially not when home budgets are tight; for drivers, tips account for 36 percent of their income, so every dollar counts. And for every dollar lost from the driver’s income, that’s a dollar he or she can’t spend on hand-knit hats from the craft fair, 7-inch records from Wuxtry or cold beer at a local bar. And here, from this brief cash transaction, the entire local economy begins to collapse. Overly dramatic, for sure, but the point is to not take out your financial hardships on the little guy, and that goes double during the holidays. In fact, the holidays are a time when we should extend our definition of tipping, says Nelson Barber, associate professor of hospitality management at the University of New Hampshire. Holiday tipping becomes “a gesture of thanks to individuals who provide services on a regular basis to you and your family,” Barber wrote in a press release this month. It’s not the expected social courtesy, but a gift for those who “enhance your life considerably.” Who might those people be in your life? Hard to say, but let’s look at a few possibilities and see if frigid December temps and yuletide cheer might translate into padded billfolds.

Over at the Tiny Tots Learning Center, caregivers earn a bonus from the business itself, says Pam Booth of the Clover Street daycare. That perk comes in addition to wrapped gifts from the children’s parents—about 40 percent of their customers, Booth estimates.

Childcare: While they’re not necessarily representative of the greater childcare community, two nannies commented to me on their experiences caring for multiple families at a time in some of Athens’ in-town historic neighborhoods. (They both asked for their names to be left out as to protect their employers.) One nanny told me she’d received a week’s salary as a tip, not to mention some adorably wrapped gifts from part-time clients. We outsiders have to understand the tight-knit amity that prompts such large gifts; one nanny wrote to me saying her job “is unlike other jobs because of the fine line between friend, family and employee. I honestly feel that I’m all three.”

Not everyone deserves a tip, not everyone will accept a tip, and those of us scraping by month-to-month shouldn’t be obliged to dole out additional amounts over the holidays. But there is something we can all do. Find one of the abovementioned professionals in your life, or another person from that long list of essential people, grab them by the shoulders, stare them good and straight in the eye and say: Thanks for all that you do. That’s enough gratuity for most folks.

Transportation: Unless you’re one of the weekend grease warriors who change their own oil, spark plugs and brake pads on a regular basis, a mechanic might grace your monthly balance sheet a few times a year. In my mind, someone who keeps you on the road consistently, from the morning commute to holiday in-law visits (helping you earn a salary and unnecessary punishment, respectively), deserves a December bonus. Well, mechanics aren’t measured on the Payscale, Inc. index, and tips and bonuses aren’t a “regular thing” in the automotive world, says James Poulnott of Diversified Auto, an eastside Volvo specialty shop. The average customer’s ticket usually runs quite large, so expecting a gratuity is something he likes to avoid. Customers, occasionally, will want to reward an “extranice technician” who knocked out a service, which is fine, says Poulnott, but it’s not something they want to encourage. Appearance: So, we’re off the hook for thanking the torquewrench marvels who get us to work everyday, but what about the barbers and stylists who keep us looking employable? Well, I’m going personal on this one. As a writer, carpenter and produce delivery driver, tips and bonuses don’t account for any slice of my income, but I’m married to a stylist, and Payscale, Inc., as well as our Quickbooks, says tips make up 25 percent of a beauty professional’s income, so they’re a huge part of our household earnings. Come November, my wife says, she’ll begin to see an uptick in gratuities—maybe 5 percent. But many long-term clients will tip closer to 100 percent of the total visit, which, according to hospitality expert Nelson Barber, is on par with what she should expect. Still, in the beauty industry, says my stylist spouse, ever so modest, loyal clients are hard won and hard to keep. She says professionals should think about rewarding their customers for continued devotion.

André Gallant

GRITSTONE JACKET Half-Moon Outfitters 1225 South Milledge Ave Athens, GA 30605 (706) 548-7225 Mon - Sat 10am - 7 pm, Sun 12 - 6 pm We Accept Bulldog Bucks! www.halfmoonoutfitters.com

DECEMBER 22, 2010 路 FLAGPOLE.COM

100+ Whiskies

200+ Craft Beers

Delivery from

Purveyors of Craft Beers and Fine Spirits

Taco Stand & Speakeasy

Come to Blue Sky to Celebrate the New Year!

Happy Hour Best View of North Campus Amazing Shiny Ceilings & Spacious Heated Patio! 9pm Unique5-Glassware Now on the web at blueskyathens.com Open at 5pm Located Above Taco Stand Downtown

256 E. CLAYTON ST.

SEX & BOOZE

FOLLOW THE SAME RULE:

WHEN IT’S GOOD IT’S GREAT WHEN IT’S BAD IT’S STILL PRETTY GOOD

20 SELECT DRAFT BEERS Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar

150+ Bottled Beers Expanded Wine List Huge Screen TVs • Pool Tables Smoking Welcome on Our Patios Please Drink Responsibly.

’ r s e k l a Coffee & Pub

Book Your Private Holiday Parties in our newly renovated downstairs room!

(706) 549-0166 Open Mon-Sat Noon-2am www.allgoodlounge.com

A CHRISTMAS THOUGHT

Merry Christmas Don’t Forget... New Year’s Eve

Blowout featuring

Alcohol 260 EAST WASHINGTON STREET DOWNTOWN • 706-369-3040 TOP OF JACKSON ST. 12 STEPS FROM THE CORNER

FRiDay, DeCeMBeR 31

Call Today! 706-207-6593

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Warm Up with a Winter Drink!

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Brand New HDTVs!

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Mon-Fri 4-9

Coffee, Tea and Spirited Drinks 128 College Ave. 706-543-1433