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COLORBEARER OF ATHENS ADVANCING ITS RED AGENDA

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1987

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · VOL. 25 · NO. 5 · FREE

Widespread Anniversary

Loving WSP for 25 Years p. 17

Brian Posehn A Special Brand of Nerdy Stand-up Comes to Town p. 11

The Gambler Kenny Rogers Is Playing Nothing but Hits p. 19

RJD2 p. 18 · ‘80s Valentine’s Prom p. 25 · Sweetheart Duets p. 26 · Dahlia Lithwick Interview p. 34

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pub notes Fun Abounds Money for Music I hope you’re aware of all the extra music pouring out of the 40 Watt Club during the “Athens Business Rocks” benefit for Nuçi’s Space. Around 30 bands were entered by various Athens businesses. It is common knowledge that local businesses support the music scene by hiring musicians in various capacities—waitstaff and kitchen work, of course, but also computer systems designers, editors, printers, sales reps, bartenders, lawyers and many musicians own their own businesses.

As staff at the various shops, stores and offices threw themselves into the competition, they counted themselves lucky if they had among them some of the local outstanding musicians.

Many, like Flagpole, also discovered to their delight that the gal in the corner who spends her days in front of a computer just happens also to be an accomplished musician.

There were three rounds of competition last week, with three bands advancing to the finals, to be held Saturday evening, Feb. 19 back at the 40 Watt.

Our Flagpole crew is composed of Dave Marr’s crooning, Larry Tenner’s bass, Charles Greenleaf and Christina Cotter both on drums, Jesse Mangum and Michelle Gilzenrat (A star is born!) on guitar, Nico Cashin on keyboard and Sydney Slotkin on vocals and glockenspiel. That’s one production director, three editors, an office manager, a music intern and two distribution stalwarts, not necessarily in that order. Whatever we have lost in productivity through our preoccupation with the band has been more than made up by enthusiasm. They co-opted their name from the sobriquet laid on me by a letter writer and call themselves “The McCommunists.”

Two other bands also advanced to the finals, but I can’t think of their names. Well, OK, 80# Cougar, fielded by Bel-Jean (named for a paper stock) and The One-Hitters, sponsored by Volo Trading, Inc. Both those bands are loaded with talent and will be hard to beat. A key element in all three bands’ success this far has been the contributions given to Nuçi’s Space in our names. This is a fundraiser, after all, so the judges are as much impressed by the bucks as by the beats.

OK, all impartiality aside, if you want to help The McCommunists win this music competition, please go online and make a contribution in our name to Nuçi’s Space. It will help local musicians get health care—mental and physical—as well as practice space and a place to hang out, not to mention Nuçi’s’ outreach and educational programs. Or, just bring money by the office, or stop us on the street. We accept cash.

Even if you should (gasp!) prefer to support one of the other groups, please go online to www.athensbusinessrocks. com/vote-for-bands/ and do some serious clicking. Nuçi’s wins however you vote, and Flagpole wins if you vote for us. Help!

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

The ACC Mayor and Commission voted to get the design process for the Classic Center expansion rolling.

Parents in Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 CCSD Promotes and Facilitates Family Involvement

Clarke County schools work to enhance parents’ roles in their children’s academic lives.

Arts & Events Brian Posehn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Comedy for Every Kind of Nerd Heavy metal, comic books and big laughs.

Movie Pick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 London Calling

Mike Leigh’s Another Year delivers his usual flavor of social realism.

COVER DESIGN by Kelly Ruberto featuring Dave Schools’ head on cupid’s body (Widespread Panic story on p. 17)

9

Music RJD2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Introducing the Insane Warrior

Beatmaster RJ Krohn takes on a new identity.

Kenny Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Nothing but Hits

“Country to me is a very white form of rhythm and blues.”

LETTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CITY DOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CITY PAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 CAPITOL IMPACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ATHENS RISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 PARENTS IN SCHOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 GRUB NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 BRIAN POSEHN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 MOVIE DOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 MOVIE PICK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 THEATRE NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 THREATS & PROMISES. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

RECORD REVIEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 WIDESPREAD PANIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 RJD2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 KENNY ROGERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 THE CALENDAR!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 BULLETIN BOARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ART AROUND TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 COMICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 REALITY CHECK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 DAHLIA LITHWICK, PT. 1. . . . . . . . . . . . 34 EVERYDAY PEOPLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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This week at Flagpole.COM

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 Cobbloviate pontificates on Egypt  Stay current on Athens news/opinions with Beyond the Trestle @ Flagpole

 Post local events with our Calendar submission form  Not sure if your mate is a keeper? Get a Reality Check

Super Group Meanwhile, you don’t have to wait another week to hear Dave Marr’s mellifluous baritone. Backed by a group of friends who also just happen to be among Athens’ finest, Dave is opening for the hot, young Americana group, Futurebirds, in the historic Seney-Stovall Chapel this Saturday evening, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. The Futurebirds have been touring with the Drive-By Truckers, so that should be enough road cred, even if you haven’t heard them yet. (Tickets at futurebirdsmusic.com.)

Along with the inimitable Dave Marr, you get Thayer Sarrano and Todd Kelly on keys, Richard Mikulka on guitar, Don Chambers (!) on guitar and banjo, Matt Stoessel on pedal steel, Alan Flurry on drums and Chuck Bradburn on bass. An all-star lineup—and you can hear them sitting down, well before midnight. They’ll probably sell out in that small space.

Wordslinger To conclude this promotion of rock stars, please be advised that the woman Bust Magazine calls “the rock star of modern poetry,” Eileen Myles, will read from her work at 7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 21 at ATHICA, and she will also speak at a coffeehour Q&A session at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22 in room 261 Park Hall on campus. Both appearances are free. Myles is a really big deal. Look her up at www.eileenmyles.com, but watch out! Poetry may never be the same.

Pete McCommons editor@flagpole.com

from Jyl Inov

 Loads of Live Music Reviews  Write a Letter to the Editor  Contact Us! Submit your original, non-published writing or story ideas to editor@flagpole.com

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, Jacob Hunt, Missy Kulik, Jeremy Long, David Mack, Matthew Ziemer ADOPT ME Special Agent Cindy Jerrell CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brown, Jason Bugg, Tom Crawford, Carrie Dagenhard, David Fitzgerald, André Gallant, John Granofksy, Emma Hetherington, John Huie, Gordon Lamb, Bao Le-Huu, Ballard Lesemann, Sarah Page Maxwell, Rick Rose, Jeff Tobias, Drew Wheeler, Kevan Williams CIRCULATION Charles Greenleaf, Nash Hogan, Jesse Mangum, Matt Shirley WEB DESIGNER Kelly Ruberto ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jessica Smith ADVERTISING INTERNS Caroline Harris, Sarah Zagorski MUSIC INTERN Sydney Slotkin

VOLUME 25 ISSUE NUMBER 5

Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 17,000 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $55 a year, $35 for six months. © 2011 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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letters WRONG JOURNALISM “Paul Broun, Jr.’s Krazy Korner” is wrong journalism. Do you actually think that this column is helpful? I kept hoping your newspaper would stop writing this piece, yet it is there week after week, again and again. Now, I ask you to please stop.

This weekly column is an example of dehumanization. Endless de-humanization is what Rush Limbaugh and FOX TV do towards the Liberals and the Democrats; this is what Nazi Germany did to the Jews and what many Israelis do today towards the Palestinians.

What is your goal in de-humanizing Paul Broun, Jr.?

Your content in the column jumps to conclusions in the same way that Mr. Limbaugh does: half information and half editorial conclusions presented as fact. You may want to check with Mr. Broun, for example, and see if he really thinks that women are not to be not allowed to vote (as your recent column inferred).

Please look for solutions to our problems and not gimmicks. I am tired of this disparaging column and its graphics. Your audience is intelligent enough to listen to well-developed arguments re: the failings of Mr. Broun.

Sky Campbell Athens

STILL UNDERMINING EDUCATION I think it’s time for us all to face the backstory about both the school voucher and the “fair” tax questions honestly.

When segregation came to an end, little segregation academies sprang up all over Georgia. Embarrassed, they soon re-invented themselves as Christian schools. (Check their foundation dates.) These private schools cost a lot to run, but, especially in rural areas, tuition cannot rise. Nearly all middle- and upper-class white people (a genre that includes me, by the way) sent and still send their children to these schools.

Now, the voucher system would let them throw some of the money to the struggling

CONTACT US AT P.O. BOX 1027, ATHENS, GA 30603, LETTERS@FLAGPOLE.COM OR VIA THE “TALK BACK TO US” LINK AT FLAGPOLE.COM private schools safe in the knowledge that the Thank you kind souls who found my keys and “rougher element” still could not afford them. hid them—may you continue to make our These same white folks also pay property town a great place to live! taxes to support the public schools on top of Gary Grossman tuition to a private school, a fact that they Athens resent. The “fair” tax offers them welcome property tax relief, especially if, during the bubble ‘90s, they moved way out of town and spent their retirement savings on a big ole Those of us who’ve had alcoholic relatives, McMansion in a suburbia that now needs to lost dear friends to drunk driving, broken up raise revenue for roads and services already rapes downtown and witnessed countless, in place where they came from. The public wholesome young people destroy their lives schools are increasingly left with rising populations of less qualified students and shrinking through drinking here can not be amused by the ads you allow revenues. chiming, “Work less, Politicians can drink more!”—ads dress up vouchers and BUMPERSTICKER OF THE WEEK: that make light the “fair” tax in dubiNKJD in a new BMW of ruined livers, ous new outfits, but (No kids just dogs, Bavarian Motor Works) STDs and DTs, etc. it is still the same Furthermore, while old dog that has Thanks, Melinda. Send your sticker sightings to Flagpole espouses haunted nearly every letters@flagpole.com. many worthy causes move in Georgia since and proclaims itself the Civil War. “progressive,” how Not that Georgia can it square this with encouraging abuse of was any great shakes in the education departthe world’s most dangerous drug: implicated in ment before integration. What was it we used the vast majority of committed crimes (includto say about always ranking near the bottom: ing rape) along with unwanted pregnancies, Thank God for Mississippi? Even so, we are STD transmissions, etc.? (This, according to a fast returning in Georgia to the first half of recent World Health Organization report.) the 19th Century, before there were public And, as Flagpole often cites Jesus (thankschools, where children were educated at fully pointing out that he is no warmonger!) home, at private academies or, for the majorI’ll kindly remind Flagpole that Jesus also says ity—white and black—not at all. That simply that for those who aid in the corruption of the won’t work in the modern world.

Patrick Mizelle young “… it would be better for them to have Athens a millstone placed around their necks and be thrown into the sea, than to face God at their judgment!” Alcohol abuse, and the chaos it wreaks on society, is no laughing matter.

Neither is Jesus’ warning. But I’ll bet that Is Athens a great town or what? Frazzled the warmongering, corporate “conservatives” from getting ready for my trip to New Zealand (who surely supply most of Athens’ booze!) are next Tuesday, I went downtown to have lunch tickled pink that Flagpole helps thousands of with an artist friend. The parking meter was immature souls, who might otherwise come to messed up, so I wrote a note telling the meter oppose their insidious plans for America and maid that it was broken. When I returned, I the world, to become impotent, ineffective, found this note tucked into the rubber gasket apathetic wastrels, with poisoned, clouded, of the driver side window: “Hey your keys were undiscerning minds, instead. on the hood. We moved them to the front left Gordon Lee Stelter tire. Be safe!” Sure enough, there they were!

Athens

EAST TO THE ARCH Dec. 27 marked my 15-year anniversary here in good ole Athens, GA. Over the years I have been everything from dishwasher to business owner, and every day my love for this city grows. I was reading the Dec. 22 issue of your fine publication when I came across something that made me bust out laughing, and it got me thinking about some of the little eccentricities that make this town as an educational hub unique.

My first week in town I made the mistake of eating Chinese food downtown where Five Guys is currently located. It wasn’t so good, and someone suggested Peking to me. Where is it? Over on the Eastside. Thanks. A day or two later, I was driving east down Broad Street (which runs east-west) looking for this “Eastside.” I passed East Athens Baptist Church and figured I was on the right track.

After a while I got to the post office, on what is now Olympic Drive and realized that Athens had run out. So, where was this “Eastside?”

Simple—it was northwest of southeast Athens and southeast of south Athens. To get there you go southeast down Oconee Street and then go southwest on Barnett Shoals until it dead ends. What!?

What caught my attention last week is another matter entirely. The reason I went to get Chinese that day on College was that someone I met had asked me to meet them for lunch at the arches. I assumed this was some kind of slang for McDonald’s and ended up on Prince Avenue. Someone inside told me that the arches were downtown at the end of College Avenue. When I got there I found only the one. I was never able to locate the illusive second arch—just the one Arch held up by three columns. Then I noticed that it was everywhere. UGA’s email, billboards, radio and bombarding me in everyday conversation. What really got me laughing was the article that called The Arch the arches was about education. Good one! Keep em comin’ Pete. [The library doors at Fowler Drive school repeat the Arch motif, hence “arches.” Ed.] Leon Ward Athens

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city dope Athens News and Views Moving Right Along: Now that the AthensClarke County Mayor and Commission have voted to hire an architectural firm and agreed upon a design process that will involve the community in plans for the expansion of the Classic Center, it’s time to get that process rolling—and the county’s not spinning its wheels. Less than three days after the vote, ACC issued a media release announcing a series of public input meetings on the expansion, the first scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 12, barely a week hence.

scheduled for their Apr. 5 regular session.

That’s assuming, of course, that this process yields a design concept the M&C are happy with, barring which, they say, they’ll send the architect back to the drawing board.

It’s sincerely to be hoped that some of those same convention- and hospitality-sector people who showed up at the voting meeting will come and share their knowledge, expertise and priorities with the people who have advocated for walkable scale and the preservation of the Hancock-Foundry connection—and vice

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393 N . F inley St. of f Pr ince Ave. • 7 0 6 - 3 5 3 - 0 0 2 9 C a t e r ing Availab le • w w w.b igcity b readcafe.com Flagpole’s mighty McCommunists advanced to the finals of the “Athens Business Rocks!” battle-of-the-workplace-cover-bands competition and will vie for the championship Saturday, Feb. 19 at the 40 Watt. This plug’s not entirely shameless: the winning band is the one that raises the most money for Nuçi’s Space. You can make a donation—and vote for The McCommunists!—at www.nuci.org.

If that strikes you as a quick turnaround, you’re not alone. But Kelly Girtz, who’s done as much work on this project with citizens and staff as anybody on the commission, hopes the rapid timeline will help “carry the momentum forward” in terms of public involvement.

“The dialog around this has been pretty rich, and in some cases specific,” he says, and he believes citizens are well prepared to engage with designers at this stage of the process.

The Dope will buy that, even if it seems like the Paul Cramer-orchestrated “hurry-hurry” performance by more than 20 Classic Center and hospitality industry workers at last week’s commission meeting (see City Pages, p. 6) may have had some effect on the decision not to give folks who want to participate another week or two to get their ducks in a row.

In any case, this is what we get, according to the media release: the 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Feb. 12 meeting (the public input sessions will all be held in the Classic Center) to lay out the detailed parameters of the project and its attendant issues, with breakout sessions to gather ideas and input; a follow-up session from 6–9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22 to review “outcomes” from the first session and collect more ideas and responses; and a 6–9 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 10 session at which “the process, findings and outcomes” of the previous sessions will be presented and feedback solicited. The final options arrived at by this process—at least one that includes the closing of Hancock Avenue and at least one that does not—will be presented to the mayor and commission for review at a special called work session Tuesday, Mar. 29 in the Planning Auditorium at 120 Dougherty St., with a final vote on the M&C’s preferred option now

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versa—in the true spirit of cooperation.

Girtz says he hopes this process turns out to be something that can serve as a model for future civic projects of similar scope; that sounds good to us.

Remember This Divisive Issue?: It seems like six months ago that we all were up in arms about where a SPLOST 2005-funded community tennis center would be located. When the M&C finally alighted on Southeast Clarke Park as the designated site last August, it was seen by many as a compromise that, while satisfying opponents of locating the center in Bishop Park, would also result in a less-thanideal facility for serious tennis playing. Of particular concern was the fact that the new courts would be located between existing soccer fields and busy Lexington Road, creating problems with noise and light.

Those problems would be greatly alleviated under a revised plan which would require the purchase of 10.5 acres of land, mostly adjacent to the southeast corner of the park, from Cornerstone Church of God, taking the facility away from the road and the soccer fields. The estimated cost of the plan is about $800,000 more than the $2.3 SPLOST project budget, including $240,000 for land acquisition and a $150,000 kick-in from Cornerstone for a shared driveway, for which the county will contribute $430,000 out of SPLOST 2005 interest revenue. The additional costs would be offset by avoiding the necessity to remove and relocate two existing Little League fields and a planned multipurpose building, part of the original plan. More on this as it develops.

Dave Marr news@flagpole.com

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city pages A few speakers raised concerns about the plan. “We’ve heard a lot from the Classic Center. We have not heard from the citizens,” warned Judy Johnston. “Lots of parking, lots of blank walls” won’t make the neighborhood attractive to small businesses, said Emmanuel Obie. Commissioner Ed Robinson criticized “a Supported by a large turnout of (mostly) rushed process” and voted against designating young professionals who work in downtown the architect, but the other nine commissionhotels, bars, and the Classic Center, ACC comers supported a motion by Kelly Girtz that will missioners approved the selection of an archirequire the architects “to evaluate the visual tect to design the Classic Center’s expanded impact of the building mass from key points exhibit hall at their Feb. 1 regular meeting. of observation from the downtown area, and They also funded a study for a proposed “river the impact of the exterior design on the envidistrict” expansion of downtown. Concerns ronment of the adjoining streets.” Multiple that the Classic Center expansion will require public-input meetings with citizens will also closing Hancock Avenue were addressed by be held. requiring the architect—Smallwood, Reynolds, Commissioner Harry Sims was dubious Stewart, Stewart & Associates—to provide about the idea of extending the downtown a “conceptual plan” that doesn’t close the street grid toward the river, noting that existstreet, as well as one that does. ing apartments block an extension of Strong Many at last week’s meeting made the case or Hancock, and that crossing the CSX railroad that downtown jobs depend on the Classic tracks could be difficult to negotiate. More Center. “We always know when conventions are likely, he said, is a second, less-connected in town, because we get this burst of people grid on the other side of the tracks—and just on a Tuesday,” otherwise using a little imaginaa slow day for bars, said tion could save jumping “We always know when Tray Alley, a former bar through so many hoops, worker now employed by he added. conventions are in town, the Classic Center.

Also approved: a Others spoke of the because we get this burst cancer-care center to be opportunities offered by built on Jefferson Road, of people on a Tuesday.” on a wooded site that Athens’ hospitality industry, including a Classic commissioners earlier Center “workforce development” program for rejected for a supermarket. Many of the trees young people and adults who lack job skills. presently along the back of the large lot will “In the hospitality industry, you can start off be saved, to provide a buffer zone negotiated as a housekeeper and end up in management,” by the developer with nearby homeowners, said Angi Harben, the Classic Center’s director county planner Gavin Hassemer told Flagpole. of marketing. Athens Area Hotel Association But “all those trees you see along Jefferson President Mike Waldrip told commissioners Road probably will be gone,” he said. Other that “there are a lot of hotels in trouble” in recent developments—the CVS Pharmacy on Athens (another speaker cited occupancy rates Hawthorne and the Social Security office on below 50 percent). Classic Center Director Paul Prince—have also conspicuously removed Cramer had asked Waldrip to put the word out large trees along the street, despite ACC’s to hospitality workers that “the commission tree ordinance. Saving more large trees, needs to hear from the hospitality commuHassemer said, would require “a change to nity,” Cramer told Flagpole. our ordinance and a change, I believe, to our

Architect Hired for Classic Center Project, Rezoning Finalized

[comprehensive] plan”—which is based on “New Urbanist” principles that include fronting buildings close to the street to encourage walkability. “The building’s up front, or the trees are up front. It’s hard to do both,” he said.

A long-planned loop trail around Lake Chapman at Sandy Creek park could be completed within 18 months. Additional boardwalks and a pedestrian bridge will connect the two existing four-mile trails, closing the loop across Sandy Creek and the adjacent wetlands at the lake’s inlet. The county will seek volunteers to help with trail improvements, but the project will still cost $420,000 (including $160,000 from an anonymous donor).

And while property owners affected by the mass rezoning of more than 1,300 lots lying between Commerce and Danielsville

roads—also approved by the commission at last week’s meeting—have been notified by mail of the change, few have objected or attended public meetings. The change was made necessary by the commission’s earlier decision to ditch plans for sewer lines to serve that area; in order to accommodate septic tanks, lots must be larger than those served by sewer pipes. Many of the rezoned lots already have homes on them, making their rezoning merely a technical matter; but other, unbuilt lots were “upzoned” last week from duplex or apartments to single-family. That could affect the value of those lots. Commissioners Harry Sims, George Maxwell and Doug Lowry opposed the rezoning. “Once we vote on this, we’ll probably then have the outcry,” Sims said.

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cities like Columbus, Valdosta and Augusta as people who want beer or wine on Sunday drive across the state line to purchase it. The new law would put a stop to that.

There will also be some tax benefit to the state. It has been estimated that Sunday sales of spirits alone would generate between $3.4 and $4.8 million in new tax revenue for Georgia.

A change in the governor’s office helped push the legislation along. Unlike his predecessor, the new governor has already said that if the General Assembly passes a Sunday sales bill, he will not veto it.

It’s also a matter of local government control. SB 10 merely authorizes cities and counties that already allow the sale of beer, wine or liquor to hold referendums in which citizens would decide whether they want to allow those sales on Sundays as well.

In the end, this is a simple matter of fairness.

I don’t attend Baptist Church services on Sunday, but I have many friends and colleagues who do. I respect their right to practice their faith, and I would vigorously oppose any suggestion that there should be a law preventing them from going to church on Sundays. That same consideration should be extended to those who choose other activities. If I should be in a grocery store on a Sunday afternoon and want to purchase a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer, it’s silly to have a law that says I can’t do it or that prevents my local government from allowing me to vote on the question.

In a radio interview last week, Gov. Nathan Deal explained why he wouldn’t veto a bill that would allow referendums on Sunday package sales: “Well, I don’t drink. I simply believe in democracy.”

I think that sums it up very well.

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Visitors to Room 450 of the state Capitol could see history being made last week.

That was the room where a Senate committee chaired by Sen. Butch Miller (R-Gainesville) held a hearing on legislation to pave the way for grocery and convenience stores to sell beer and wine on Sundays.

This has long been an issue of Georgia politics, where the Christian conservatives have been firmly in command. While they have had to give ground on most other alcohol-related issues, the church people have always been able to stop legislation that would legalize Sunday package sales.

That may not be the case much longer.

As they considered the fate of SB 10, Miller’s committee heard testimony from the folks who always show up to support Sunday sales. What was interesting was the fact that not a single person spoke in opposition to the bill—no one from the Christian Coalition or the Georgia Baptist Convention or any similar group.

SB 10 won easy approval from the Senate committee—the only no vote came from Sen. Jim Butterworth (R-Cornelia). Jerry Luquire of the Georgia Christian Coalition later conceded that the bill will be passed by the full Senate and soon after by the House of Representatives.

Luquire said in a Friday email: “The Georgia Christian Coalition today said it was ending its three-year legislative battle to prevent retail beer, wine and whiskey sales on Sunday…

The Senate will vote next week and the GCC expects fewer than 12 Senators to support their position.”

Just like that, an interest group that had traditionally been very influential in Georgia politics found that it no longer had very much power.

Almost every other state has long since legalized Sunday package sales (we are one of three remaining holdouts). Georgia for years has been bleeding retail business in border

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athens rising What’s Up in New Development Marshaling Forces: “…The success of the Research Triangle, of Silicon Valley, of Boston and Austin—does not happen by accident,” UGA President Michael Adams told the local Rotary Club in January. “There were conscious decisions in those areas decades ago to capitalize on the nexus of intellectual prowess amassed on the campuses in those areas. Are we ready to do the same in Athens and Georgia? I hope so.”

Adams talked a lot about economic development during his speech. What he didn’t get into, though, were the practicalities of how to achieve that sort of vision here. It’s going to take a lot of cooperation across a lot of different lines if such a future is ever to come to pass. No county, university or other community is an island.

So, where are the opportunities for partnership in economic development? Starting with ACC and UGA, we must first recognize how intertwined these two independent entities are.

That level of intertwining is going to be preserved, even as the state budget axe continues to swing in the direction of higher education. If the university is going to continue its growth and develop its reputation as a top-tier research institute, it will have to explore new models for what a campus is.

strategies, such as those for housing and transportation, be pulled together in a similar fashion?

Making Regional Local: T-SPLOST, a 12-county list of regional projects, will be up for an all-or-nothing referendum in 2012, and will require some PhD-level political calculus if it is to pass. Rural and suburban road projects must be balanced with voter-rich Athens’ desires for urban necessities like transit and bicycle infrastructure in a way that offends neither demographic. The 10-year program will raise approximately $1.2 billion, with 50–70 percent going to roads specifically, according to the Northeast Georgia Regional Transportation Roundtable, tasked with selecting the projects.

Rather than writing off the roads request, perhaps Athens should look at how its major arterial streets, many of which are also the spokes leading to surrounding counties, could be made to function better for both local and commuter traffic (of all transportation modes). A “Complete Streets”-style approach for major corridors like Prince, North, West Broad, Oconee and Hawthorne could come to resemble Epps Bridge Parkway. Treelined medians, bike lanes, bus bays and on-street parking,

Potential Nexuses: The Project Blue Heron river district proposal being pushed forward by the ACC Economic Development Foundation is a logical point to begin a meaningful partnership. The university and the city both have a lot of land and resources invested in that river corridor, and so cooperating in a way that fosters integration and creates a hybrid sort of district only makes sense. That mental wrought-iron fence between town and gown must be blurred for an urban research environment to emerge here that resembles those others that Adams cited.

In addition to the river, the university and the city should be looking at how to capitalize on the burgeoning bio-medical community in the western part of town.

The new med school will be the centerpiece, along with two major hospitals.

The question is whether Athens and the Our rivers have always been the limiting resource in regional growth and industry. How can conuniversity can come up with a cohesive temporary economic development efforts better reflect that fact? strategy to tie everything that’s happening there together into a meaningful economic engine. Scattershot development is not the way, but employed as part of a unified strategy, would accomplish a unified medical district surrounding those major resources local urban goals while clearing up key chokepoints into and could gain a national or international reputation and possibly out of the community. secondarily attract some of those vaccine factories that some Hawthorne is an especially critical piece of infrastructure— of the smoke-stack chasing economic development crowd have linking our two major hospitals and future medical school— been longing for. and an interesting case study. Beyond solving its problems in terms of traffic movement, we should also be looking at Zooming Out: A proposed economic development partnership how roads are the armature upon which future economic between Oconee County and ACC unraveled a year or so back, development will rest. In the case of urban edge districts but perhaps we ought to be considering how our partnerships like Hawthorne, new local streets around regional economic relate to that goal of regional, university-affiliated economic magnets will allow for a more effective concentration of jobs, development. Oconee’s proximity still makes it a logical partbuoying the economy of the entire region. ner, but perhaps we should consider other neighbors: Jackson County seems like a good candidate to start with for a conGetting Started: Dialing back in on the local, if we were to temporary regional economic development strategy. look at one transit project for the region, it would be the Besides US-441 and US-129 linking Athens to Jackson potential for streetcar or light rail service along the rail line County and I-85, there are also a couple of rail lines to round from downtown and the proposed river district through the out the traditional infrastructure. The other interesting relauniversity campus. Such a project could truly bind together the tionship between the two counties is ecological. The Middle major regional engines into a particularly attractive research and North Oconee rivers flow through both, intertwining them district for companies that might move into the Athens area. more than any road ever could. Water is the limiting factor While UGA can’t weigh in particularly heavily on the T-SPLOST to any community’s growth, and so a strategy for cooperaprocess, developing a transit strategy with Athens that reintion that recognizes that hydrologic kinship may make a lot forces its research ambitions makes a lot of sense. of sense. Tensions are already high concerning the subject, Whether it’s town-gown or regional relations, grounding with a lawsuit over the city of Jefferson’s share of Bear Creek those efforts in real common interests rather than convenience Reservoir’s water ruffling regional feathers. or proximity makes a lot of sense. Further, when regional Working together to manage such a sensitive resource, not economic development is grounded in what we all rely on in only on the supply side, but on the demand side as well (with common, whether ecological or manmade infrastructure, we industrial users being such heavy consumers of municipal may find solutions that aren’t based on that zero-sum game water) could help to avoid future conflicts like that lawsuit. model which has so far clouded conversations between Athens Already, Jackson County and Athens-Clarke County’s comand its neighbors. prehensive plans align fairly well, with mutually supporting agricultural belt areas. How can other growth goals and Kevan Williams athensrising@flagpole.com

KEVAN WILLIAMS

White Tiger Gourmet

Parents in Schools CCSD Promotes and Facilitates Family Involvement

T

O

Emma Hetherington

Through parent involvement initiatives, he Media Center at Alps Road ne of President Barack Obama’s pribi-weekly English lessons for Spanish-speaking CCSD has found similar positive effects in the Elementary School boasts high mary educational initiatives focuses parents, and Family and Children Together lives of students in the Athens community. By ceilings, large scenic windows and on creating more programs like the (FACT) nights, where parents can learn reading January of the 2009–2010 school year, CCSD neatly placed books stacked up to Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) in New York and math methods taught to their children waist height. At the front of the room, parents had held approximately 144 disciplinary hearCity. With its origins in a truancy prevention and how to reinforce their education at home. ings to suspend students for periods of 10 sit in undersize chairs made for children no project founded in 1970, HCZ has grown into In addition to school programming and school days or more. By January of this school older than 10. Dr. Philip Lanoue, the superinan organization that takes on neighborhoods parent education, family engagement specialyear, the number of hearings for such suspentendent of the Clarke County School District one block at a time, connecting families to ists in CCSD offer computers for parents to sions had decreased to 78. According to Dr. (CCSD), Clarke County Board of Education services that will increase positive outcomes access at any time in relation to their child’s Lanoue, “Kids are getting choices.” Teacher President Charles Worthy and parents repfor children in the community. “The founder education and to help connect parents with training changes attitudes, and recently CCSD resenting their children’s schools at this of HCZ sought to change the ‘thug culture’ of community resources. has focused on not only children’s behavior, monthly meeting of the Parent Advisory Board Harlem into an education culture,” explains “For example,” says Londono, “a parent give familiar greetings, then quietly anticipate but also the behavior of teachers and parents Johnson of Whatever It Takes Athens, “and the may say… ‘my child needs glasses, but she in response to issues that may confront chilthe first order of business. Worthy gives a key is to involve parents, community partners doesn’t have insurance. She’s not completing dren during the school day. report on the Board of Education and Lanoue and the school district.” assignments, and her head hurts. What do I gives the superintendent’s report. do?’” Family engagement specialists like Parents ask questions and respond Londono point parents not only to medto district initiatives. Finally, special ical resources, but also to community guest Tim Johnson, executive director programs that provide food, clothing of Whatever It Takes Athens, presents and other basic services that parents his organization’s plans to work with may not otherwise know how to access. the CCSD. The meeting starts on time the beginning of the and ends on schedule, with a total of 2009–2010 school year, 25 parents and school administrators in ACC elementary schools attendance. changed from a “parent choice” policy The Parent Advisory Board meetto “neighborhood schools,” meaning ing epitomizes what may be seen as a that children now attend schools in stereotype of “parent involvement” in “zones” near their homes instead of schools. Many think of parent involveenrolling in schools that may be on the ment as attending PTA or PTO meetother side of town. The change in policy ings, bringing cookies to a bake sale or may have increased parent involvement attending football games. But in today’s in schools. “Parents involve other parworld, many parents are single, work ents,” notes Adam Kurtz, principal of several jobs and spend time with their Chase Street Elementary School. “There children in other ways. The CCSD leaderis a comfort level in seeing what people ship recognizes the diversity of parentaround you are doing. Initiatives grow hood and the challenges faced by many more organically.” parents in the county. In response, the Kurtz recognizes other benefits of district has implemented a variety of neighborhood schools, such as the abilprograms and strategies to increase ity of faculty to visit homes easily and parent involvement not only in Clarke Daisy Mathis (left) teaches English to a group of parents in the Family Resource room at J.J. Harris Elementary Charter School. the ability of parents to attend school County schools, but also in the lives of events with fewer problems finding all children attending them. transportation. “Informal, regular interactions CCSD has also seen an increase in the acaWhatever It Takes Athens (WIT) plans “In some homes, the parenting element help make the school more of a community demic achievement of students throughout to implement a similar program in Athens. may be missing, so I also think [parental hub and increase parent involvement.” the district. The State of Georgia recognized The WIT organization includes six teams: an involvement] means community involvement,” Parent involvement in Athens-Clark County the Clarke County School District as the Early Childhood Education team; a Safety explains school board member Ovita Thornton. extends far beyond attendance at traditional 2009–2010 winner of the Title I Distinguished and Juvenile Justice team; a K-12 team; a Thornton believes that parent involvement after-school events and test score results.

District Award for closing the achievement Post-Secondary Career team; a Health and goes beyond attendance at PTO meetings and Parent education initiatives, collaboration gap between economically disadvantaged Wellness team; and a Family, Neighborhood permeates other aspects of children’s lives. with community programs and other outreach and non-economically disadvantaged stuand Community Engagement team. WIT will “We need to take every opportunity to reach dents. All elementary and middle schools in work not only with the school district but also by schools and the Athens community at large parents and create new opportunities,” she increase the ability of parents to play strong the district made Adequate Yearly Progress with parents, community groups and volunsays, “because the world has changed.” roles in the academic lives of their children.

(AYP), the state’s measure of student achieveteers to help increase positive outcomes for And that changed world presents chal“Parents need incentives to come to meetment required by No Child Left Behind. Some students by connecting children and families lenges for parents. Many are single and workings,” says Londono. “Many cannot afford individual schools have also seen better with resources tailored to their specific needs. ing more than one job. Attending daytime gas to get to meetings or may need childcare test scores, as well as better behavior from Johnson emphasizes that WIT’s parent orgameetings, or evening meetings overlapping services for their children in order to increase students. nization, Family Connection/ Communities night shifts at work, proves difficult for many With so much achieved in such a short [their] involvement in school and community in Schools, has already undertaken several parents when childcare cannot be found. programs that benefit their children.” period of time, one must ask the question: initiatives in Athens, such as teen pregnancy Transportation costs and the difficulty of getEven though more could be done to prevention and early childhood education ting time off from work can present barriers to What exactly is the district doing to increase parent involvement? increase parent involvement in education, projects, which have proven successful and parents playing active roles in their children’s “Four or five years ago, everything was Thornton, of the school board, believes that served as model programs statewide. WIT is education. different,” explains Clara Londono, the famthe district is headed on the right path. “We one of 21 organizations and institutions in So, what does “involvement” mean for the ily engagement specialist at J.J. Harris need to look at the tools that we do have and the nation to have been awarded a federal modern parent in Athens?

Elementary School. “Now every school has a measure them to see whether or not they are planning grant under the Department of According to Thornton, “People are too family engagement specialist.” effective. However, I feel really good about Education’s Promise Neighborhoods initiative; hung up on the old model of parent involveFamily engagement specialists work excluwhere we are right now. We have created avefurther funding for implementation of qualifyment, PTO meetings and bake sales. It’s much sively with parents who require access to nues to involve parents in a positive way and ing programs will be awarded later this year. bigger than that.” community services related to their children’s will continue to do so as we learn what works WIT will add invaluable benefits to the tudies show that when parents are educations. “The district sees family engageand what doesn’t.” family engagement programs already in place involved with their children’s educament as an important piece of a child’s educain the school district. At J.J. Harris, where 69 tion, children have higher grades and tion,” Londono says, with three main goals: Emma Hetherington percent of the student population identifies as test scores, better school attendance, lower to get parents participating in school events, Latino, Londono has already implemented sevrates of suspension, decreased use of drugs to give parents tools to promote education at For more information on how to get involved in Athens eral programs to increase parent involvement. and alcohol and fewer instances of violent home and to link community services to the community schools, contact your neighborhood school Every month, the school offers a coffee event behavior. people who need them the most. or Whatever It Takes Athens at www.witathens.org. for parents with Principal Xernona Thomas,

At

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FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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grub notes Turning Vietnamese No Maba About It: When Maba Grill (167 E. Broad St.) opened this fall, in the space across from the Arch occupied by a revolving door of businesses, it seemed like just another boring hibachi restaurant. Its rice dishes were well-executed, with meats quickly grilled and sliced over the top, but they weren’t interesting enough for me to want to go back. The only bright spot on its menu was its selection of banh mi, inexpensive Vietnamese sub sandwiches that include jalapenos, cilantro, pickled julienned vegetables and sometimes pâté.

Well, either I have influence far beyond what seems reasonable or a lot of people felt the same way. Within a very short period of time, Maba reinvented itself as a “Vietnamese bistro,” revamping the entire menu to emphasize a fresh, simple cuisine that should only grow in popularity as more people experience it. …thin-sliced Maba doesn’t have nearly as many variations on it as Just Pho… and green papaya…

More on Baxter Street (or as big a menu in general), but it offers eye of round, shrimp, chicken and a version that includes beef, shrimp and halved beef meatballs. Served with a smaller bowl of bean sprouts, limes, jalapenos and herbs with which to doctor the flavor to suit you, it is nourishing and relaxing like a better version of spa cuisine. Unexpected combinations of ingredients come together beautifully, as in a salad of thinsliced green papaya that mimics noodles, slivers of sesame beef jerky, Thai basil and a tamarind vinaigrette. Things only improve as you near the bottom of the bowl, where everything has been marinating in the dressing.

Maba also has bun, or noodle bowls made with vermicelli and served at room temperature. Topped with, for example, nicely cooked strips of teriyaki beef, lettuce, cucumber, pickled vegetables, chopped peanuts and bean sprouts, it comes with a container of fish sauce that I urge you to pour over the bowl with abandon. Vegetarian dishes are broken out in a separate section of the menu and do include a version of pho made with vegetable broth. You can get imported or domestic beer, some on tap and a few more canned or bottled, plus sweet soy bean milk in a can, Vietnamese coffee made with sweetened condensed milk or a pot of jasmine tea. It’s open for lunch and dinner every day but Sunday and takes credit cards.

No Clouds: About the only thing wrong with Silver Lining Cupcake Co. (1075 Baxter St.) is that its name implies there should be. Believe me, most cupcake places or places that pride themselves on their cupcakes have problems. The typical joints’ cupcakes look pretty, sure, or have cute names or flavor combinations, but the execution frequently means a glob of oily, bland buttercream plopped on top of a hunk of cake either too moist or too dry and often tasting of Crisco rather than butter. Silver Lining, on the other hand, might charge $2.50 a cupcake, but damn if they aren’t perfectly executed.

I consider myself totally jaded when it comes to cake, which is far too often a poor excuse for a dessert, especially as compared to something like ice cream, which disappoints far less often, but this place has renewed my faith. The vanilla tastes like real vanilla beans. The icing-to-cake ratio is just right. The flavors aren’t too crazy but neither are they too boring.

The “birthday cake” cupcake, for example, is far better than it need be: a flawless piece of yellow cake that tastes undeniably homemade, the outside just slightly redolent of burned sugar. There’s one called “pink champagne” that is both very pink and tastes, subtly, of champagne, the kind of cupcake one can easily imagine hiding an engagement ring.

The store, too, is cute as a button, spotlessly clean, with a few tables and chairs for on-premises consumption and a small array of beverages should you need something to wet your (nonalcoholic) whistle. The folks behind the counter are scrupulous in their attention to customers and detail. Even the packaging has been well-designed. The store is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Cupcakes can be ordered at www. silverliningcupcakeco.com, and the offerings change daily.

What Up?: After 13 years in business, Lori Paluck has sold 283 Bar. After Feb. 12 and some remodeling, the space will reopen as a bar under new ownership and a new name.

Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com

Robin Van Swank

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Comedy for Every Kind of Nerd “If

I ever met Rush,” says comedian/ actor/writer Brian Posehn, “I don’t know if I’d even be able to talk to them.”

Such is the fan’s curse: to pore over an artist or group’s canon, obsess over the minutiae of their catalog of work, only to find that their presence brings a sort of snap laryngitis.

If you’ve ever had this experience, Posehn feels for you. “I know Weird Al now, but I can barely talk to him because I’m such a Weird Al fan,” he laughs. “The last time I ran into him I was too high to talk to him and I just dorked out.”

Posehn has been on both sides of the celebrity-fan equation. In the 2005 documentary The Comedians of Comedy, Posehn chuckles awkwardly when spotted by a cadre of teenagers who’ve recognized him from his reoccurring role on the sitcom “Just Shoot Me.” But since then, Posehn has come into his own as a headlining comedian, working in different facets of Hollywood along the way.

Along with a group of comedian friends including longtime Athens favorite Patton Oswalt, Posehn moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 1994 with plans for getting into writing. “I never intended on being an actor,” he says. He’d done stand-up while living in the Bay Area, but had found that the scene was drying up. “A lot of clubs were closing down. We lost the Improv in San Francisco in ‘93 or ‘94, and that was one of our favorite clubs. Then the club around the corner from my house, the Holy City Zoo, closed, and all of us were going, ‘Oh, wow, we’d better figure something else out to make a living.’”

Upon moving to Los Angeles, Posehn found himself once again working in a different vein: rather than writing, he’d joined the stand-up touring circuit. But after touring for a few years, Posehn burnt out on comedy and began doing more acting work, most notably with David Cross and Bob Odenkirk on “Mr. Show.”

“I’d sort of… not given it up, but I just wasn’t performing much or writing new material. But then I got sort of fired up about it again.”

Spurred on by friends who coalesced around the Comedy Death Ray club, Posehn returned to the stage. “It wasn’t that it had changed; I’d just started having fun again,” he says. “It was all about me, it was about not having fun for a while and then quitting and then missing it and seeing my friends doing

it and getting up. It wasn’t that stand-up had changed; my attitude towards it changed.

Once I was able to do stuff like Comedians of Comedy, it just made it more fun again. The thing that I didn’t like was the grind of going to these cities and doing four or five nights at a comedy club and, back then, nobody knowing who you were. It just wasn’t that fun for me, but now it is again.”

Soon after his return to the stand-up circuit, Posehn noticed that Cross and Oswalt had both signed with indie label Sub Pop. A longtime fan of heavy metal, he followed their lead with his own twist and soon signed to Relapse Records, prestigious metal label and home to a who’s-who of heavy, including Baroness, Exhumed and Red Fang. Relapse subsequently released Posehn’s Nerd Rage album in 2006 and last year’s aptly titled Fart and Wiener Jokes. In addition to 50 minutes of live stand-up, the latter also features two songs “sung” by the warble-voiced Posehn and music by a cast of metal ringers, including Anthrax’s Scott Ian and Metalocalypse mastermind Brendan Small.

Between his zeal for metal purity (check out the video for the screamo-lambasting “Metal by Numbers”) and comic books (which he also writes for, releasing the graphic novella “Last Christmas” with Image Comics), Posehn is admittedly a textbook nerd. He does, however, have his limits. His upcoming film, Lloyd the Conquerer, is about what he terms “the dorkiest hobby you can have, in my opinion: live action role playing,” or LARPing. “That makes D&D players look like pusshounds. It just makes you look incredibly cool in comparison.” When asked if he’d ever encountered LARPers in their natural element (Comic-Con, etc.), he says, “I’ve met every kind of nerd at this point, yeah. I’ve talked to furries, even. They’re like the lowest or highest level of nerd, I’m not sure.”

Jeff Tobias

WHO: Brian Posehn, Joe Pettis, Chris Patton WHERE: New Earth Music Hall WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 12, 8 p.m.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM

11

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

127 HOURS (R) Another excellent film from Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire), 127 Hours tells the remarkable survival story of Aron Ralston, an avid outdoorsman who whittled off his arm to escape dying in a canyon near Moab, UT. 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.

ANOTHER YEAR (PG-13) See Movie Pick.

BARNEY’S VERSION (R) TV producer Barney Panofsky (the typically infallible Paul Giamatti) reflects on his three marriages, battles with the bottle, and the mysterious disappearance of his best friend, Boogie (Scott Speedman, always remembered for “Felicity”) in this adaptation of Mordecai Richler’s last novel.

THE BEACHES OF AGNES (NR) 2008. The latest film from Agnes Varda, the director of Gleaners and I and Cleo from 5 to 7, reminisces about her life through photographs, film clips, interviews, reenactments and her own contemporary commentary. Part of the French Film Festival.

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.

BIUTIFUL (R) Critical darling Alejandro González Iñárritu (Amores Perros, 21 Grams, Babel) returns with what sounds like a Spanish-language version of Clint Eastwood’s Hereafter (not a compliment). In Barcelona, Uxbal (Javier Bardem, who won Best Actor at Cannes) struggles to be a good husband and father, while using his ability to speak to the deceased to eke out a living.

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).

BLUE VALENTINE (R) The perfect past and broken present of working class couple Dean and Cindy (Golden Globe nominees Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams) is examined in a crosscut fury by writer-director Derek Cianfrance. Early buzz has been strong, though Blue Valentine is supposedly far from a light-hearted romp at the movies.

CASINO JACK (R) This docudrama recounts the rise and fall of superlobbyist Jack Abramoff (Kevin Spacey, who is sure to garner Oscar buzz) and his business partner, Michael Scanlon (Barry Pepper), who wheeled and dealed with Washington’s most powerful players.

CEDAR RAPIDS (R) A small town lifer, Tim Lippe (Ed Helms), is sent to the annual insurance conference in the big city of Cedar Rapids, IA, where he learns the ropes from some convention veterans, led by John C. Reilly.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER (PG) 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 (he won the Oscar for Taxi to the Dark Side but also helmed Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, and Casino Jack and the United States of Money) charts the rise and fall of former New York Governor and present CNN anchor Eliot Spitzer.

Featuring interviews with the scandalrocked former politico, Client 9’s poster claims to tell “the real story.”

THE COMPANY MEN (R) TV megaproducer John Wells (“ER,” “The West Wing”) makes his feature film debut with this timely drama. Three men— Bobby Walker, Gene McClary and Phil Woodward (Oscar winners Ben

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

ACC LIBRARY (706-613-3650)

Stand Firm (NR) 7:00 (Th. 2/10)

CINÉ (706-353-3343)

Another Year (PG-13) 5:15, 7:45 (W. 2/9 & Th. 2/10) 4:30, 7:00 (starts F. 2/11) Blue Valentine (R) 5:00, 7:30, 9:45 (no 9:45 Su. 2/13), 2:30 (Sa. 2/12 & Su. 2/13) The Fighter (R) 9:30 (starts F. 2/11) (no 9:30 show Su. 2/13), 2:00 (Sa. 2/12 & Su. 2/13) Kids Flix Short Films: Best of NY Int’l Children’s Film Festival (NR) 2:15 (Sa. 2/12 & Su. 2/13) Miami Connection (NR) 8:00 (Tu. 2/15)

UGA TATE CENTER THEATER (706-542-6396)

The Beaches of Agnes (NR) 8:00 (M. 2/14) His Girl Friday (NR) 8:00 (Th. 2/10) Morning Glory (PG-13) 3:00, 6:00, 9:00 (F. 2/11-Su. 2/13)

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.

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

Affleck, Chris Cooper and Tommy Lee Jones)—deal with losing their jobs in the present recession and the effects on their wives, lives and communities.

COUNTRY STRONG (PG-13) A TV movie with a capital TV, Country Strong boasts some likable individual parts that fail to add up. Country superstar Kelly Canter (Gwyneth Paltrow, doing all her own singin’ and accentin’, y’all) is released from rehab and goes back on the road.

THE DILEMMA (PG-13) The Dilemma, the first comedy from director Ron Howard since 1999’s Edtv, has aspirations to be more than a silly slapstick farce. When the guy in imbroglio is played by Vince Vaughn, who is nearly always better than his chosen material, and the filmmaker is an acclaimed Oscar winner, you hope for a bit more than poorly edited, sophomoric gags.

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.

THE EAGLE (PG-13) After August’s Centurion, Rome is all the rage, kind of. Cullman, Alabama native Channing Tatum might not bring to mind Julius Caesar but he could pull off Roman soldier Marcus Aquila, who seeks to redeem the Ninth Legion 20 years after its leader, his dad, disappeared into the Scottish mist.

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.

FASTER (R) The Rock shelves the family-friendly brand he’s been marketing the past few years for a motorized, violent, revenge thriller that seems custom-built for Vin Diesel.

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. With Amy Adams and Melissa Leo. FROM PRADA TO NADA (PG-13) In this Latinized version of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, two spoiled little rich girls (10,000 BC’s Camilla Belle and grown-up Spy Kid Alexa Vega) move to East L.A. to live with their estranged aunt after the sudden death of their supposedly wealthy father.

GNOMEO AND JULIET (G) This new Disney dish feels more like an appetizer for whatever blockbuster Pixar cooks up for 2011’s main course. In this cutesy adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Gnomeo (v. James McAvoy) and Juliet (v. Emily Blunt) are star-crossed lovers from rival gardens.

THE GREEN HORNET (PG-13) More unconventional on paper than Ang Lee’s Hulk, The Green Hornet is an interesting entry in the overpopulated, same-y superhero genre.

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.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1 (PG13) I cannot find fault with this flawless penultimate installment of the stalwart franchise.

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) This black comedy recounts the true story of con man Steven Russell (Jim Carrey). A former policeman, Steven turns to a life of crime to pay for his new high-flying lifestyle as a gay man.

When he’s finally caught, Steven is sent to prison where he meets doeeyed Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor).

The two fall in love, leading Steven to another fraud-filled crime spree and several (too many) escape attempts.

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.

JUST GO WITH IT (PG-13) This plot sounds like a winner. A dude named Danny (Adam Sandler) talks his pal Katherine (Jennifer Aniston), a pretty mother of two, into acting like his soon-to-be divorced wife so he can woo his dream girl (Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker).

JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER (G) No 3D concert movie has been able to generate the sort of buzz or box office seen by the Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus behemoth that started the movement, but they keep making them.

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.

LITTLE FOCKERS (PG-13) 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.

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.

THE MECHANIC (R) Jason Statham gets his Bronson on in this remake.

Elite hit man Arthur Bishop (Statham) takes an apprentice, Steve McKenna (Ben Foster), under his wing.

Complications arise after learning McKenna has connections to an earlier target. I really like the idea of the upand-coming Foster as an assassin-intraining, and I’ve watched enough crap

with Statham to brave another. Director Simon West knows action from his time with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Con Air, but is it the right kind? With Donald Sutherland.

MEGAMIND (PG) Megamind wittily tweaks the superhero genre with enough ingenuity and crafty celebrity voice-work to save a parent’s weekend trip to the movies. Dreamworks’ Megamind could not stand up to the real costumed heroes like Pixar’s The Incredibles, but the satire would make a capable animated sidekick.

MIAMI CONNECTION (NR) 1987.

Bad Movie Night is back to celebrate the worst cinema has to offer! And it’s free! Ninjas on bikes terrorize a Florida (?) town populated by what Ciné’s website sounds like a human version of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: “orphaned, pizza-loving Tae Know Do enthusiasts.”

MORNING GLORY (PG-13) Nothing special, Morning Glory reaps the oldfashioned benefits of casting movie stars like zestful beauty McAdams or gruff audience fave Ford and letting them do their charismatic thing.

THE NEXT THREE DAYS (PG-13) I cannot think of a more implausible thriller that I found compelling, against my better judgment. A schoolteacher husband and father, John Brennan (Russell Crowe), plots a prison break for his wife, Lara (Elizabeth Banks), an innocent imprisoned for murder. After consulting a criminal expert in prison breaks (Liam Neeson), John must ironically break the law his imprisoned wife did not if he is to free her.

NIXON IN CHINA (NR) This 1987 opera details the visit of U.S. President Richard Nixon to China in 1972, where he meets China’s Chairman Mao Zedong and other Chinese officials. A performance by the Metropolitan Opera will be streamed live in high-definition at Beechwood Cinemas.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED (R) Could No Strings Attached be this year’s Valentine’s Day? It does star Ashton Kutcher, is helmed by a washed-up “comedy” director (Ivan Reitman), and is really, really poorly written. A meager handful of genuine laughs are crowded out by cheap/misguided gags. Kudos also for wasting Kevin Kline, which is hard to do. No Strings Attached starts the year off with a star-studded romcom bomb, and it’s not Kate Hudson’s fault, for once.

ONE LUCKY ELEPHANT (NR) When circus producer David Balding realized his adopted “daughter” Flora, the orphaned African elephant that was the star of his show, was ready to retire from the spotlight, he began a nine-year odyssey to find her the right retirement home. The film is part of the Animal Voices Film Festival.

THE RITE (PG-13) Based on journalist Matt Baglio’s book, California priest Gary Thomas (Colin O’Donoghue) is sent to Rome by his bishop to be trained as an exorcist. While at the Vatican’s exorcism school, he encounters demonic forces, and his views on the spiritual battle between good and evil change.

THE ROOMMATE (PG-13) Sure The Roommate is a Single White Female rip-off, but moving the psychotic action to freshman year of college was a brilliant move. Too bad that’s where any brilliance the movie could have achieved ends thanks to the poor

scripting prowess of first-time writer Sonny Mallhi.

SANCTUM (R) What slowly starts out as the worst film of 2011 eventually settles down to be a decent, trapped in a cave genre effort. A group of cave divers led by Frank (Richard Roxburgh) are trapped far below the surface after a storm closes off their only known means of egress. Thankfully, Frank’s one badass caving vet, who will stop at nothing to get his son (Rhys Wakefield) to safety.

SEASON OF THE WITCH (PG-13) As silly as the newest Nic Cage action flick is, I am shocked it did not end with the Donovan hit of the same name.

THE SOCIAL NETWORK (PG-13) By the end of this multi-focused deposition of founder Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), a new asshole of an ‘00’s anti-hero has been born to rival the ‘80’s Gordon Gekko and the ‘90’s Hannibal Lecter. And Zuckerberg is real. Acclaimed director Fincher may have crafted his most complete film yet. The Social Network is the best film of the year.

STAND FIRM (NR) 1996. The title pretty much sums up this documentary: Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault. What more do you need to know before making a decision to see it? Interviews with 10 historians and more than 20 survivors relate a tale of courage and triumph as this small religious group refused to take part in Hitler’s Third Reich. All a Witness had to do to be released from prison was sign a statement renouncing their faith.

THE TEMPEST (PG-13) Julie Taymor, more acclaimed for Broadway’s The Lion King than any of her film work (Across the Universe) adapts more Shakespeare (she previously filmed a version of Titus). Prospero is now a female alchemist named Prospera (Helen Mirren). Banished to an island for witchcraft, she raises her daughter, Miranda (Felicity Jones), and struggles for power with Caliban (Djimon Hounsou). It should be another dominating visual effort from the always interesting mind of Taymor.

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.

TRON: LEGACY (PG) 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.

UNSTOPPABLE (PG-13) Loosely based on the true story, Unstoppable stars Denzel Washington and Chris Pine as the only two men who can stop a runaway train terrorizing the Pennsylvania countryside.

THE WAY BACK (PG-13) Another POW escape flick à la The Great Escape and Rescue Dawn, The Way Back chronicles the efforts of several soldiers, led by the young (Jim Sturgess, 21), to break out of a gulag in Sovietoccupied Poland.

YOGI BEAR (PG) Yogi Bear will satisfy the low expectations of children while providing the parents an hour and a half to disengage.Bear is not smarter than your average family film, but I’ve seen several dumber.

Drew Wheeler

movie pick LONDON CALLING ANOTHER YEAR (PG-13) What a pair! Mike 30-something son, Joe (Oliver Maltman), who Leigh and Ciné know how to warm up a chilly just can’t seem to meet the right girl. winter weekend even better than the Super As the seasons turn, the stalwart duo Bowl. Another February, another of 2010’s work in their allotment, cook delicious great films finally brought to Athens by Ciné. meals and take care of everyone else; no Another Year is another sincere drama from Hollywood melodrama is required to move Leigh, the master of social realism. To wax their lives along. This lovely couple is made briefly effusive, Leigh is arguably Britain’s even more so by another perfect performance greatest living filmby Broadbent and an maker, and he vies for equal turn by Sheen. a spot near the top of Manville garnered the that nation’s all-time awards buzz, and though list. His dramas—Secrets she sparkles through & Lies being the most a haze of cigarette familiar—concern real smoke, white wine and people: Britain’s underdisappointment, the class of undereducated film suffers when the and underemployed. denouement shifts the He employs a reliable focus to a sad, dishevtroupe of terrific British eled Mary. actors, represented in Lesley Manville and Jim Broadbent Knowing Leigh’s colAnother Year by Jim laborative style of filmBroadbent, Ruth Sheen, Lesley Manville, Peter making, it is funny to see him receive a fifth Wight, Phil Davis, Imelda Staunton and more.

Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Another year in the life of blissfully marSure, he wrote what is seen on screen, but ried Tom and Gerri (Broadbent and Sheen) only after months of one-on-one preparation means another year caring for their less happy and improvisational workshopping with his friends and family. Poor Mary (Manville, who fine stable of actors. I guess nominating the has a virtuoso drunk scene) is afraid of getentire cast for Best Writing would be rather ting older alone so she makes a desperate pass odd, and the beautiful, talky Another Year at any available male, besides Tom and Gerri’s deserved some kind of industry recognition. out-of-shape university buddy, Ken (Wight), See it for yourself, and you’ll understand why. who is smoking and drinking himself to an early grave. The terrific couple have a terrific, Drew Wheeler

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13

theatre notes Poverty, Romance and Dancing There are a few productions for your enjoyment coming up this month and there will be more in the next few weeks. Many companies are still in rehearsal and will open their shows later this month and in March.

SHARKwiNG Comedy presents a Valentinethemed show on Feb. 10 at Flicker Theatre & Bar. Athens Creative Theatre presents Live Art: Sweethearts of the Stage, Feb. 11–12, 18–20, at Quinn Hall, Memorial Park. See www.athenscreativetheatre.com for more info.

Athens Academy Middle School presents Once Upon a Mattress, Feb. 10–12. This nowfamous play was originally written as a oneact for Camp Taminent in Pennsylvania, and starred a young actress named Carol Burnett.

It was later expanded into a full-length musical, which opened on Broadway and launched Ms. Burnett’s career. North Oconee High School presents Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, Feb. 18–20.

UGA presents Ruined, by Lynn Nottage, Feb. 15–20, in the Cellar Theatre. See www. drama.uga.edu for more info. Rose of Athens continues No Shame Theatre at Hendershot’s Coffee Bar every Tuesday night. Town and Gown Players present Dancing at Lughnasa,

by Brian Friel, Feb. 11–13, 17–20. Celtic musicians will play after the Sunday, Feb. 13 performance. T&G will also hold auditions for Little Shop of Horrors, Feb. 14 & 15. See www.townandgownplayers.org for more info.

itself. The costumes and set pieces have been carefully researched and reflect the design and look of the time period: 1936. As Rhodes says, “Friel [the playwright] layers this play with religion, politics, history, gender issues, family, poverty, romance and dancing. How can anyone resist a play like this?”

Rhodes also coordinates the activities of 45 people directly involved in the production and directs the eight cast members who appear onstage: Thomas Guillebeau, Virginia Simmons, Kris Schultz, Hannah Broom, Gillianne Gentzel, Marisa Castengera, Benjamin Ray and Hue Henry. Of these eight actors,

In previous columns I’ve described the richness of theatre opportunities in the Athens area, mainly from the perspective of those who wish to attend theatre. But there are riches to be found for those who wish to participate in theatre as well: backstage, onstage, directing, designing, front of house and administrative management, classes and many more areas.

One can participate in any area of theatre and at a level suited to one’s experience and interests. I’ll illustrate what I mean using Town and Gown’s production of Dancing at Lughnasa as an example. (Disclaimer: I’ve been involved with T&G for more than 20 years in every aspect except costuming, although I’ve worn many of them.

This is not a pitch for the show, just an illustration, I promise. There are other theatre companies in the area that offer similar opportunities and I’ll cover those in future columns.)

Town and Gown Players is the oldT&G’s production of Dancing at Lughnasa runs through Feb. 20. est continually operating all-volunteer community theatre in Georgia. All-volunteer one has extensive professional theatre experimeans nobody gets paid, of course, so people ence but is a newcomer to T&G; five have participate for many reasons and they bring a performed or worked at T&G, and three are wide variety of experience, skills, backgrounds newcomers. Two of the cast are under 21 years and energies to the tasks. Director Leara old, and one is “pushing 60.” One is an Athens Rhodes said she wanted to direct this play attorney, two are UGA students, one is an because of her Irish heritage and her interest oncology nurse. As you can see, local theatre in historical research, as well as the script attracts a fairly diverse crowd.

Rhodes is a UGA journalism professor, a writer with two books out, a playwright and a T&G veteran. Of the other 36 people who work on the production, the stage manager is a T&G veteran, and one of her assistants is the 15-year-old daughter of the assistant director—a woman who has 20 years of experience in theatre and works her day-job at a nonprofit rehab center. The costumer, who has also created costumes for Rose of Athens and other theatres in the area, is a professional biologist by day; the set designer, musical director and master carpenter all work in IT; the scenic artist is an actual artist, designer and actress; and the choreographers are actually dance teachers—one at UGA and the other at the Montessori School.

In addition to these folks, the box office and front of house (ushers and house manager) volunteers are trained and coordinated by members of the T&G Board of Directors (also volunteers).

The list goes on, and the opportunities are abundant. Other theatre companies in the area also invite volunteers to participate in their productions, and many companies offer classes in various aspects of theatre.

Again, I’ll cover more of these opportunities in future columns.

So, by all means, go see live theatre, but also know that opportunities abound for you to be a part of the creation of these performances, whether it is onstage, backstage or handing out programs and helping to make the audience members feel welcome. Check it out.

Rick Rose theatre@flagpole.com

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14

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

R.S.V.P. Jessica Bankston jbankston@accaging.org (706) 549.4850

threats & promises

SAT. FEB. 12

Early: Comedian

Brian Posehn

Music News And Gossip So, you’ve picked up the paper, leafed through it and landed on this page. If that’s not a sign from the universe that you’re meant to be here then I don’t know what. So, return the benevolence and get up to date below…

Pallin’ Around: The Athens Human Rights Festival has launched a fundraising campaign via Indie GoGo for this year’s event.

According to the organizers, operating expenses typically run around $10,000; this fundraising effort is only seeking $2,000. The Athens Human Rights Festival is approaching its 33rd year, and it’s hard to imagine late spring in Athens without it. Volunteer opportunities are available for this year’s festival, too, which will happen in early May downtown on College Square. For more info, please see www.athenshumanrightsfest.org.

Cash Cow: Ridiculously successful acoustic security blanket Corey Smith recently shot a video for his best-known song, “TwentyOne” at 8E’s bar. The song will appear on his upcoming album, The Broken Record, due for release June 21 on Average Joes

Now Is the Time When We Dance: The Sprockets Music Video Competition returns this year after a two-year hiatus. The event, featuring local music videos, has been a fan favorite since its debut in 2004. Although there has been some speculation over the past couple of years about the future of Sprockets, it will continue its association with AthFest. Once again the video show will take place at the 40 Watt Club and the winners will be announced at the Flagpole Athens Music Awards a week later. Full disclosure: I have been asked to participate as a judge in this year’s competition, and I’ve agreed to do so. An official call for entries will happen in the near future, but go ahead and pencil in Apr. 1 as the early deadline and Apr. 15 as the late deadline and start getting your stuff together. For more information, please see filmathens.net.

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Corey Smith Entertainment (Colt Ford, Nappy Roots, Brantley Gilbert). For the unfamiliar, “TwentyOne” is basically Smith telling the story of how he successfully used a fake ID at age 17 to begin drinking at the Clayton Street bars just off College Square and drank and drank and drank and went to school smelling “like a brewery” and the whole time wished he was 21. The twist is that our narrator is now older (26! Ancient!) and has to go to work and, wait for it, he wishes he was 21. Of course, Smith is actually in his 30s now, but that’s neither here nor there. The important question is this: how much longer will he be able to milk this song? So far, it’s been at least eight years. But, you know, whatever. Smith grossed $1.7 million in 2007, $4 million in 2008 and presumably more each year since then, so what do I know, right? For more information, please point your sun visor to www.coreysmith.com.

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Listen Up: Tickets are on sale now for the pre-release listening party for R.E.M.’s Collapse Into Now. The event takes place on Monday, Mar. 7 at the 40 Watt Club. The album will be released the following day. The event is open to all ages and costs $10 in advance. As with the past several R.E.M. release parties, this event is promoted

by Athensmusic.net and is a benefit for Community Connection of Northeast Georgia and Family Connection/ Communities In School. Proceeds this year will also benefit the newly established Whatever It Takes. Also planned for the evening are a live auction of autographed memorabilia and a raffle. The members of R.E.M. are not scheduled nor expected to perform or appear at this event, so please don’t anticipate anything of the sort.

Tickets are available over at www.athensmusic.net.

WED. FEB. 16

COMING SOON

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Advance Tix available at: 42 Degrees - 706-353-4202 Schoolkids Records - 706-353-1666 and online at

www.newearthmusichall.com Check out our new blog!

Another Man’s Treasure: Athens troubadour Mercer West has established a nice, clean place to dump his recorded music. He’s been regularly posting both demos and complete songs on www.manstrash.tumblr. com. Although West has used the name Man’s Trash as a band name in live settings, this blog contains a number of collaborations released under a whole host of names. All of the tunes, however, pretty much fall into the realm of fuzzy pop destruction, weirdo noise jams, dumpstered psychedelia and similarly distorted visions. Start listening today.

Get Well Soon: Our thoughts and well-wishes go out to David Murphy, keyboardist and bassist for STS9 who is recovering from extensive surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from the inside of his nose. Although STS9 has been based out of Santa Cruz, CA for a number of years since leaving the Athens/Atlanta area, the band still has enough roots here to make this relevant to Flagpole readers. Here’s to a full, speedy recovery.

Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM

15

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Amanda Palmer doesn’t give a fuck what you think. This is a woman who fabricated a set of Siamese twins that she “rescued” from a traveling circus in order to record a concept album about them with Frances Bean Cobain, Weird Al and many more (Evelyn Evelyn).

This is a woman who publicly sang her request that her label drop her. In short, this is a woman who does what she wants, and with that MO bared proudly (along with a good bit else on the sexiest album cover you’ll see all year) she has offered up Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under, a self-released, onlineonly solo record comprised of songs written and performed in Australia.

Opening with a slightly tweaked, live rendition of “Makin’ Whoopee” on solo ukulele, Palmer shows off a softer, if still sarcastic side to the pitch-black humor central to her flagship project, The Dresden Dolls. Next is a gorgeous, piano-based torch song entitled “Australia,” in which Palmer gloomily contemplates escaping depression in the land down under. In another giggle-inducing live moment, she again turns to her magical ukulele to perform her suggested replacement for the New Zealand national anthem (which also makes cutesy reference to her menstrual cycles and the film The Piano). The epic, penultimate track “Formidable Marinade” features the booming baritone of Australian opera singer Mikelangelo, which, contrasted with Palmer’s cabaret piano, brings to mind the demented carnival atmosphere of Tom Waits’ The Black Rider.

Ultimately, there is little here not to like, and Palmer’s talent, both musically and theatrically, is undeniable.

David Fitzgerald

10th of Always is all sleek, silvery lines and twinkling stars. Giving the voyage some bite and vibe are fuzzed edges and analog groans.

Besides the impeccable proportions and irresistible furnishing, its cosmic effortlessness comes primarily from the band’s tall, polished sense of melody. As pop songs go, seldom do you come across a collection so fluid, consistent and dazzling. Highlights include the sky-riding jaunt of “Still a Star,” the celestial lullaby of “Femme Sonique,” the ringing triumph of “I Am Radio,” and the soothing mass of the title track. Vibrating with filmic drama and cooing charms, these astral confections seduce with a supine glide and a million-light-year gaze.

Bao Le-Huu

SURF CITY Kudos Fire With the current swell of highquality noise and shoegaze-inspired bands going right now, like Young Prisms and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, life is good for right-minded music fans. And your next pet band should be New Zealand’s Surf City, whose noise-pop is an irresistible congress of classic, late-’80s, British indie melodies and astringent sonic washes.

Surf City’s core is its sharp pop sensibility, and its application of textural grit is done in a measure that doesn’t blunt its bright, worthy melodies. More swirling warm bath than sandstorm blast, the band jacks up its jangle just enough to give it some bite and octane, but never at the cost of taste or balance.

Highlights include the rippling, majestic cascades of “Yakuza Park,” the sweet spaciousness of “Retro” and the hypnotically circular, Bunnymen-esque “Icy Lakes.” But the album’s twin peaks are the diving stateliness of “Crazy Rulers of the World” and the slack Teenage Fanclub mien of “Teachers.”

Still, these gems are set in a bed of gold that generously illustrates that their consistency is as astonishing as their precision.

Bao Le-Huu

CANDI & THE STRANGERS 10th of Always Independent Release Written right after hot-shit producer Erik Wofford (The Black Angels, Maserati, Voxtrot, The Octopus Project, Explosions in the Sky) joined the band, this focused sophomore album by the potential breakout Austin dream-pop group is romantically adrift in the zerogravity space-age fantasia of the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Coaxing similar vintage futurism to early Air and Ladytron,

16

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

PONDEROSA Moonlight Revival New West Moonlight Revival, the first fulllength LP from the Athens/Atlanta band Ponderosa, is a solid helping of raunchy Southern rock sprinkled with

elements of country twang. Although sometimes drifting a bit too far into Kings of Leon territory (“Hold on You,” “Devil on My Shoulder”), Kalen Nash’s gritty drawl perfectly compliments the band’s blues-rock swagger. The production is top-notch; Joe Chiccarelli (who produced the White Stripes’ Icky Thump) clearly had a vision for the band’s sound.

And, unfortunately, the sound Chiccarelli seems to favor can be summed up in a word: safe. Every song fits nicely into a radio-friendly bluesrock box, and genre-standard song structure and embellishments, while true to form, oftentimes seem contrived. Yet Ponderosa has a raw energy that pokes its head up above ground just enough times on the record that— when it’s smothered beneath over-production and heavy compression—the listener feels cheated.

“Revolution,” a straightahead Southern boogie rock number, is probably the closest Ponderosa gets to breaking out of studio-induced sterility. “I ain’t even try,” Nash growls, and guitarist Kris Sampson wails with abandon as if to emphasize that when the guys in Ponderosa just cut it loose it’s enough to make you want to get up and dance. Make no mistake: there are enough truly authentic moments to make Moonlight Revival worth your time, even if only to propagate what certainly will be the album’s singular outstanding impression among listeners: “Man, I bet these guys are really good live.”

John Granofsky

BLUE SKY FOUNDRY Harbinger Independent Release On this, Blue Sky Foundry’s seventh album in 17 years, the band plies its stock in trade of musical sensibilities that begin circa 1985 and stop somewhere in the mid-1990s.

As usual, the band succeeds is in its gently breezy jangle-rock numbers (“What,” “Fireside,” “Christmas, Present,” “Best Laid Plans”) and fails awfully with its totally blah oldie alternative rock jams (“So, This Is It,” “Likewise,” “Dahonesdoe”). A smattering of stylistic oddities like sub-Indigo Girls pop (“Times New Roman”) and funky bar rock (“Unbecoming”) pepper this record, too.

I’m not really in the business of besmirching anyone’s hobby, but most people don’t submit their hobbies for review, either. The sad fact is that there’s no reason anyone should care about this record beyond the band itself, maybe the members’ families and perhaps a few friends. Harbinger, literally, sounds like a lost broadcast of the old WNNX FM (99X) show “Locals Only.” No one under the age of, say, 35 will (or should) even know what the hell that means, but it’s a decent descriptor for bland-ish, uninspired tunes that lack any aspect of rock and roll’s necessary urgency.

Gordon Lamb

Widespread Panic Comes Full Circle Celebrating the Band’s 25th Anniversary

A

few months ago, life bounced at the usual pace for Dave Schools. He wasn’t in a particularly celebratory mood. Then it finally dawned on him: Widespread Panic’s silver anniversary had quietly snuck up on him and his bandmates.

“When you’re in a band, you’re continually evolving, making records, getting gigs and considering yourself lucky to be doing it,” says Schools. “And then, inevitably, somebody else reminds you that it’s a watershed moment. It really did sneak up.”

Widespread Panic performs at the Classic Center on Thursday, Feb. 10 and Friday, Feb. 11. The venue is situated on the original spot where the original four members first performed as Widespread Panic 25 years ago. An additional Valentine’s Day show is set at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta as well.

“These anniversaries give you a chance to look back and take stock of how things happened,” Schools says. “When someone reminds me of some statistic like one—that says that in 1990 we did over 250 shows—I think, ‘God, that sounds like a lot of hard work and a lot of miles.’ On one hand, that’s the case, but on the other hand, it’s really nice work if you can get it.

And we were getting it. We must have been doing right to be able to play that many shows in a year—and then survive it.”

Schools arrived in Athens in 1983 from Richmond, VA to attend UGA. It didn’t take long for him to find like-minded musicians with whom to jam, perform and party. Guitarists John “JB” Bell and Michael Houser were already working on tunes together when they enlisted Schools in ’84. As a quartet, they began playing at keg parties and small clubs with various drummers before coming up with a band name that stuck.

“Back then, there weren’t many clubs downtown,” says Schools.

“But the drinking laws were very different. There used to be huge band parties on campus with beer trucks on hand. On Saturday nights, bars would announce last call at 11:45 p.m., so everyone would scatter to find house parties to go to.”

After playing a series of casual gigs and jam sessions, the band started tightening up and developing a guitar-based, Southern-rock style. Drummer Todd Nance agreed to keep time for the band with their show at the Mad Hatter Ballroom in early 1986. It was a wise move.

“We used to have a Rolodex of drummers,” says Schools.

“Sometimes, some of them couldn’t make it, or some of then needed to get paid. The Rolodex ran dry right before that big gig which was a slot opening for John Keane’s [Panic’s longtime studio guru] old psychedelic band, Strawberry Flats.

Another band called The Other Soon was also on the bill—and that was Paul Thomas’ band [Thomas is still known in the scene as a visual artist, musician and former owner of celebrated Washington Street hangout and shop the X-Ray Café]. We refer to that as our first show because it was Todd’s first show with us.”

The Mad Hatter Ballroom was a large space in the Lyons Textile building, adjacent to an oyster house called Sparky’s Seafood Café. It served as a music venue and rented-out party room for sororities and fraternities in the early 1980s before closing in 1987. Old-school Athens indie bands such as Pylon, R.E.M. and Love Tractor performed many of their first local concerts at the Mad Hatter.

“Todd really fit in,” says Schools of that first gig with Nance. “He and Mike had already played together around Chattanooga. We played mostly covers—some a bit more esoteric than other bands were doing—plus a few of our own

songs. I remember the performance was one of our better ones… I remember walking off of the stage and not being pissed. It was a benefit show, so there wasn’t any money involved. I think we ended the set with the one song that we knew how to end. It was good.”

In the early ’90s, many of the buildings in the old warehouse district off of Thomas Street were torn down to make room for the construction of the Classic Center.

“I didn’t really see too many shows at the Mad Hatter,” Schools admits. “I liked to go to the old 40 Watt Club on Broad Street. I lived in the dorms down by the stadium, so it was really easy to walk up to the 40 Watt. It was the natural place to go. Then the Uptown Lounge opened, and I wound up getting a job as the door guy there.”

Around the time that Schools started checking IDs at the Uptown Lounge entrance, Bell approached proprietor Kyle Pilgrim about setting up weekly Monday-night gigs at the venue. Pilgrim agreed, and Panic kicked off a legendary oneand-a-half-year stint as the house band, which helped build a strong and loyal local following.

In 1987, the band welcomed percussionist Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz to the lineup. The next year, they released their first album, Space Wrangler, on the small Atlanta label Landslide Records. A self-titled Capricorn Records debut in 1991 kicked off an 11-year relationship with the Georgia-based label that ended only when the contract ran out. Panic’s latest studio album, Free Somehow, came out on the band’s own label imprint, Widespread Records.

“We’ve always called the shots, and I won’t say that it wasn’t for lack of wishing that we might have landed that enviable pipe dream of a record contract,” says Schools. “But even in the days when labels were snapping up so-called jam bands like Blues Traveler and Phish, they were always trying to tell us, ‘Can you take that middle part out that doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the song?’ And we would respond, ‘But we kind of like that middle part where it is.’ It was more like, if we want to be viable, we need to figure out our own model. We’re doing this so we can stop having people who don’t even know about the band make suggestions. I mean, once we established ourselves as an independent thinking group, then we had people who understood the band collaborate with us. We didn’t have to fight Capricorn too much over the music.”

Keys man and songwriter John “JoJo” Hermann (formerly of Mississippi band Beanland) officially joined Panic in 1992.

The additional keyboard and organ sounds allowed the band to elaborate on their Southern-fried mix of rock, soul and blues

styles. Panic’s riff-based rock grooves resembled elements of Allman Brothers, Skynyrd and Little Feat more than the more psychedelic noodlings of California hippie rockers like the Grateful Dead or Jefferson Airplane. Compared to the jangly, more artsy college rock in town, they stood out like fuzzy weirdos.

During the 1990s, a notion developed that certain Athens bands belonged in certain corners of the music scene. Some acts were more Georgia Theatre while others were more 40 Watt. Hipsters versus hippies. Indie rock verses jam rock.

Schools chuckles at that theory. “Athens has always been really experimental,” he says. “I chalk it up to a combination of things. One, Athens is, indeed, Mayberry on acid. Two, there’s a big college there, so there are a lots of people who may not necessarily be struggling to stay in their house. And three, it’s just such a tight-knit musical community that there are always experiments happening. In most towns, bands will try to stomp each other out of existence so that they can get the lion’s share of attention. In Athens, it was always different to me. I started noticing that in other college towns.

Heavy road work and adventurous musical collaborations (onstage and in the studios) strengthened Panic’s confidence in their early years. The group gained a reputation as a solid live band with sophisticated instrumentation and great chemistry.

Their success was a gradual, steady and determined process.

“The important thing to get across is that a lot of the models we set we did out of necessity,” says Schools. “It wasn’t like we had this great plan of independent anarchy. People just weren’t that interested in what we had, and they didn’t see any commercial potential—for one reason or another. But we believed in it and we were having fun doing it.

At the time, viable meant being able to keep up rent payments on the band house, making sure the electricity stayed turned on so we could rehearse, and putting gas into Mike Houser’s gas-guzzling car so we could make it to the gig in Macon.”

After residing in Athens for over 25 years, Schools recently relocated to Northern California. He looks forward to coming back to the Classic City and spending more than just a quick day in his old hometown—not only to perform onstage, but to reconnect with old friends and catch up.

“These two gigs bear some looking at the past,” says Schools. “Usually, that’s not something we concern ourselves with, but in this case it’s probably proper, if not expected.

“Music is supposed to give you a little kick of emotion, whatever it is,” he adds. “I’m starting to feel it now. Then there’s the wonderful fact that the Classic Center is on the footprint of the Mad Hatter. We’ll literally be within yards of where we originally played. I’m getting excited for these gigs.

I really miss Athens a lot, so it’ll be a chance to see people, hang and think about how I spent more than half of my life there. I expect to see some familiar faces… with maybe a few wrinkles added.”

T. Ballard Lesemann

WHO: Widespread Panic WHERE: The Classic Center WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 10 & Friday, Feb. 11 HOW MUCH: SOLD OUT!

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM

17

RJD2: Introducing the Insane Warrior T here’s a certain autonomy to being unknown. Without label support or a street team, the impetus falls on the artist to get things moving, but all the moves are your own. When Columbus, OH-based rap crew MHz—featuring beats by RJ Krohn, more popularly known as RJD2—dropped its demo off with influential DJs Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia, things started moving faster. Garcia released the crew’s first single in 1998 on his small-ish indie label, Fondle ‘Em, and Krohn began attracting more attention.

His epochal debut, Deadringer, was released on what was then the 800-pound gorilla of indie hip-hop, Definitive Jux, in 2002, grabbing more nods of critical appreciation. Over the course of two more albums, Krohn moved from Def Jux to UK-based XL Recordings, but he eventually found himself in the seat of autonomy again. Having established himself as a for-real mainstay of modern hip-hop, he founded his own label, RJ’s Electrical Connections.

“It’s work, but it’s manageable; it’s not too bad,” says Krohn. “Basically, doing something the second or third or fourth time is never as hard as doing it the first time. Usually the first time, the learning curve is working against you. The first time that I had to generate a one-sheet or figure out IRC codes or any of that kind of technical type of stuff…” he trails off, laughing. “But it’s going good.”

The 13-year gap between his humble beginnings in Ohio and his stature as a label-running force of nature highlights similarities and differences. Back in the late ‘90s, Krohn had complete control over everything he released. But now, he has the flex to get it heard. That’s why early 2011 will receive two near-simultaneous releases from Krohn: a fourth RJD2 album, The Colossus, and an album being unleashed under the name The Insane Warrior.

to separate it, because it wasn’t meant to be a continuation of that particular catalog: the RJD2 catalog.”

But in more than a few ways, The Insane Warrior album, We Are the Doorways, is somewhat of a throwback. The album is mostly inspired by the horror soundtracks of Krohn’s youth, and based on the samples found online, bears a slight resemblance to his classic single, “The Horror.” “At the time that I made that record, I had gone through this thing where I had gotten sort of obsessive about that particular sort of genre,” Krohn says. “Logan’s Run and Blade Runner are definitely some of my favorites. Almost all of John Carpenter’s stuff— Escape from New York and Assault on Precinct 13 and The Fog and The Thing—all those are really great. As far as scores go, a lot of the Jerry Goldsmith stuff is also pretty inspirational to me.”

So far, RJ’s Electrical Connections is connecting you exclusively to RJD2-and-related output, not other artists, but Krohn says that’s not outside of the realm of possibility. In the meantime, completists can also go straight to the source to get their hands on RJD2: 2002–2010, a boxed set collecting his entire career, from free-reigning neophyte to now-established free agent.

“The reason that I didn’t put this record out under the moniker RJD2 is that there’s all these things I hold myself to when I’m making those records—I feel like, in a lot of ways, I’m contributing to and filling out a catalog,” says Krohn. “The Insane Warrior album is something I did as an escape from that. In a lot of ways, it was the antithesis of that approach.

Song-structure-wise, I kinda threw out the rulebook that I usually try to follow. The songs came out to a minute and a half; a lot of the songs don’t have linear arrangements—they don’t come back to a particular theme or motif. And all of these things were fun. Honestly, I didn’t even know I was recording a record; I was just making songs in this manner which was really in a lot of ways the antithesis of the ways I go about doing RJD2 albums.

“That said, there’s a lot of aesthetic things, the nuts and bolts of how I put music together that, for better or worse, I can’t escape. So, that, I think, is gonna come through on the record, but that’s why I wanted to do it under a different name

Jeff Tobias

WHO: RJD2 WHERE: New Earth Music Hall WHEN: Friday, Feb. 11, 9 p.m.

HOW MUCH: $18

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Kenny Rogers Nothing but Hits

T

here’s a certain self-assuredness and almost deadpan quality to the answer that comes when a nervous writer asks Kenny Rogers what his current live show is like. The answer sounds full of hubris, but the facts are there. The man isn’t lying or bragging—it’s just true.

“What I do live is an hour-and-20-minute show, and everything that I do is a hit,” says Rogers.

But even a 80-minute set can’t cover all the hits from Rogers’ distinguished and influential half-century-plus career. The fact is, that from the vinyl-obsessed fanatic to the casual radio listener, just about everyone knows a Kenny Rogers song.

“I think that music is the greatest reminder in the world,” says Rogers. “So when people tell me the songs that I sing are part of their lives, I’m very flattered. I’m flattered to be a part of anyone’s musical conscience.”

But Rogers isn’t just some sort of silverhaired specter hanging out in music fans’ memories. He is a genuine crossover superstar who cast aside the traditional Hank Williams and Jimmie Rodgers-inspired country music template and, despite having the beard to do the job, avoided the outlaw country movement of the late ‘70s. Instead, he drew from the pop world and beyond to create a version of country music that was his own.

“Once I had ‘The Gambler’ and ‘Lucille’ and ‘Coward of the County,’ I didn’t have to do [traditional country] anymore. My first love will always be country music, but at the same time, to bring some other people who wanted to be in the country field into that world was something interesting to do,” says Rogers.

The resulting output—a string of hits in the early ‘80s that included tracks written

by Lionel Richie (“Lady”) and The Bee Gees (“Islands in the Stream”)—was anything but traditional. The songs moved and swayed; it was less twangy and more soulful and always trademarked by Rogers’ rough and raspy vocals.

“I think that I’m just a country singer with a lot of other influences,” he says. Inspired by

artists like Ray Charles, Rogers introduced grit into the genre that hadn’t been heard before, particularly in his unique vocal delivery which sounds less like the traditional high, lonesome yodel of country and more like the guttural moans of rhythm and blues. Rogers doesn’t see the two genres as too disparate.

“There is something about soul music that I think has a lot in common with country music. Country to me is a very white form of rhythm and blues,” he says.

But Rogers’ music isn’t as neatly segregated. It tiptoes along the line, often creating a musical grey area where the click-clack of the guitars meets with a swell of strings or keyboards. The result is something that has helped make Rogers the eighth-best-selling male artist of all-time (according to the RIAA) and the number-one lover man in country music. If country is R&B for white people, then Kenny is its Barry White.

“I think that if a song can touch me then I can make it touch someone else,” says Rogers.

“My job is to find that emotion in a song and bring it out, to really feel it. I think when you do that and it’s genuine, then people are going to believe in the song,” says Rogers.

And the fans keep on believing. Rogers is the only artist to have charted a single in each of the last six decades, and he isn’t showing any signs of slowing. For him, there’s always another project or another song just around the corner. But for all the praise and admiration this nervous writer can muster, none so eloquently sums up the career of a singer, actor and icon as Rogers himself: “Music is what I am,” he says, “and everything else is what I do.”

Jason Bugg

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Pre-Release Listening Party for

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Hosted by ATO Records & athensmusic.net

Saturday, February 12 • 7-10pm Flicker Theatre & Bar

263 West Washington Street • Athens, GA 30601

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Preview of entire “GO -GO B OOTS” al bum

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Opportunity to purchase “GO-GO BOOTS” CD & VINYL formats, as well as The Drive-By Truckers documentary “The Secret to a Happy Ending” 3 days prior to the U.S. release

For more information, contact Troy Aubrey at troyaubrey@athensmusic.net or 706-354-1230.

Monday

$1.50 tallboys $3.00 jager & patron cafe

20

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

Tuesday

happy hour all night long

Wednesday

$2.50 terrapin drafts $3.00 zwack shots

Thursday

$1.00 off all twenty craft beers on draft

the calendar!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK

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

Tuesday 8 EVENTS: 283 Bar Silent Auction (283 Bar) Some of the items in the bar are up for auction before 283 closes its doors on Saturday, Feb. 12. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Athens Humane Society in memory of CHOPS. All are invited to come, look and bid at any time this week. 706-208-1283 EVENTS: Circle of Sawdust (Canopy Studio) Tales of high adverture and low comedy by Rob Mermin, former Director of Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Clown College. Features personal anecdotes and rare film clips that bring alive the myths, mayhem and magic of circus. 7:30 p.m. $5 (suggested donation). www.canopystudio.

EVENTS: Screening: Peaceable Kingdom (UGA Miller Learning Center, Room 171) Film about the idealized image of farming and the reality of modern industrialized factory farms. 7:30 p.m. FREE! 706224-3796, www.uga.edu/sos/filmfest EVENTS: Sustainability Film Series: The Garden (UGA Rooker Hall) Story of a 14-acre community garden in South Central Los Angeles that was started as a form of healing after the 1992 L.A. riots. 7 p.m.

FREE! 706-542-7068, jeizenst@ uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Faculty Chamber Ensembles (UGA Ramsey Concert Hall) Recital sponsored by the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. 8 p.m.

706-542-3737, www.music.uga.edu GAMES: Beer Pong (Alibi) The classic tournament-style game. 9 p.m.

FREE! 706-549-1010 GAMES: Locos Trivia (Locos Grill & Pub) All three Athens locations of Locos Grill and Pub (Westside, Eastside and Harris St.) feature trivia night every Tuesday. 8:30 p.m.

FREE! www.locosgrill.com

Wednesday 9 EVENTS: 283 Bar Silent Auction (283 Bar) See Feb. 8 Events. 706208-1283 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: Comedy Beer Tasting (The Pub at Gameday) Enjoy laughs and drafts. 9 p.m. $5 706-353-2831 EVENTS: Girls’ Rock Camp Benefit (Flight Tapas and Bar) A prix-fixe meal, silent auction and live music to raise funds for camp scholarships. Performances from Jessica Marston of Flesh and Blood, former camper Audrey Ewing and others.

See Calendar Pick on p. 23.

EVENTS: GSPHE Vigil and Rally (UGA Arch) Join concerned students and community members in support of better funding for K–12 and higher education in Georgia. 4:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.georgiastudents.org ART: Opening Reception (Flicker Theatre & Bar) For artwork by Hannah Jones. 8–10 p.m. FREE! 706-546-0039 PERFORMANCE: Masters Recital (Edge Recital Hall) Mitchell Yaksh, flute, performs selections from Quantz, Reinecke, Debussy and Frank Martin. 6 p.m. www.music. uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Recital (UGA Ramsey Concert Hall) Ryana Dunnagan, cello, will perform selections from Bach, Brahms, Britten, Lutoslawski and Dutilleux. 6 p.m.

706-542-3737, www.music.uga.edu THEATRE: I Have A Dream (Morton Theatre) Dramatization chronicling the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. $7.50–10.

800-275-5005, www.theatreiv.org KIDSTUFF: Children’s Storytime (ACC Library) For children ages 18 months to 5 years. Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: Wildcard Wednesday for Teens (ACC Library) Up next: Heart Felt Mascots! No sewing experience required. Ages 11–18.

Space is limited. 4 p.m. FREE! 706613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: Darwin Day Lecture (UGA Geography-Geology Building, Room 200A) Jere H. Lipps, University of California, Berkeley, discusses “Charles Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle.” 5 p.m. 706542-1693, mfarmer@uga.edu LECTURES & LIT.: “Desegregation of Public Medical Education” (UGA Miller Learning Center, Room 250) Joseph Hobbs, chairman of family medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, will share his experiences as a native Georgian and early minority graduate of the medical school at MCG. 3 p.m. FREE! 706-369-5646 LECTURES & LIT.: Genetics Seminar (UGA Life Sciences Building, Room B118) Rich Shefferson presents “The Evolution of Symbiotic Interactions: Macroand Micro- Evolutionary Inferences Using Case Studies in the Orchid Mycorrhiza.” 4 p.m. FREE! whites@ uga.edu LECTURES & LIT.: Willson Center Science for Humanists Lecture (UGA Miller Learning Center, Room 248) Robert S. Phillips, Professor of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, presents “Tryptophan: The Chemical Behind your Turkey-Induced Nap and Human History.” 4 p.m. 706-5423966, jdingus@uga.edu MEETINGS: American Sign Language Study Group (Two Story Coffeehouse) All skill levels

welcome. Come once or come weekly. 7 p.m. FREE! www.myspace. com/aslstudygroup MEETINGS: Daughters for Change Interest Meeting (UGA Tate Center, Room 482) Come to learn about the creation of Daughters for Change and meet the founders.

7:30–8:30 p.m. FREE! 404-7516838 GAMES: Dart League and Pool Tournament (Alibi) Meet up with other sharp-shooters. FREE! 706549-1010 GAMES: Sports Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Every Wednesday. Win house cash and prizes! 8:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-850-1916 GAMES: Texas Hold ‘Em (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Poker night every Wednesday. 18 and up. Sign in at 6:30 p.m. Begins at 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.interstatepokerclub.com 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 Wars… One Last Time (283 Bar) Chris Creech hosts Trivia for the last time before the bar closes, covering all topics except sports. Prizes for first and second place. 9 p.m. FREE! 706-208-1283

Thursday 10 EVENTS: 283 Bar Silent Auction (283 Bar) See Feb. 8 Events. 706208-1283 EVENTS: iFilms: Stand Firm (ACC Library) A documentary telling the little-known story of a group of Jehovah’s Witnesses who opposed the cruelty of the Nazi regime. 7 p.m.

FREE! 706-613-3650 PERFORMANCE: ARCO Chamber Orchestra (UGA Hodgson Hall) Under the direction of Levon Ambartsumian, the orcestra will perform selections by Bach and Vivaldi, featuring faculty and graduate student soloists. 8 p.m. $7 (students), $15. 706-542-3737, www.music. uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Recital (Edge Recital Hall) Hannah Ivey and Erinn Waldo, voice. 5 p.m. 706-542-3737, www.music.uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Sharkwing Comedy Show (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Valentine’s Day special featuring live sketches, short film, live music and stand-up from the local comedy troupe. 8:30 p.m. $5. www. sharkwingtheatre.com 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 KIDSTUFF: Percy Jackson Program for Teens (Oconee County Library) Percy Jackson trivia,

Chicago-born songtress Francine Reed will perform at the Melting Point on Saturday, Feb. 12.

Greek mythology and Greek food.

Perseus “Percy” Jackson is the hero in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series. 6–8 p.m.

FREE! 706-769-3950 KIDSTUFF: Read to Rover (ACC Library) Beginning readers in grades 1–4 read aloud to an aid dog. Trainer always present. 3:30–4:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: Read to Rover (Oconee County Library) Readers in grades 1–4 are invited to bring their favorite book and read aloud to a certified therapy dog. First come, first served.

3:30–4:30 p.m. FREE! 706-6133650 LECTURES & LIT.: “Cognitive Aging Among African Americans” (Georgia Center) Keith Whitfield will discuss his research, which includes a longitudinal study of cognition among African Americans. 10:45 a.m. FREE! 706542-8014, dhorton@uga.edu LECTURES & LIT.: Darwin Week Seminar (UGA Ecology Building) Joel W. Martin, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, presents “Global Marine Biodiversity and the Census of Marine Life: What’s Left to Discover?” 4 p.m.

FREE! www.ecology.uga.edu LECTURES & LIT.: Ecology of Infectious Disease Lecture (UGA Coverdell Building) “Ecology, Disease, and the Food Safety of Fruits and Vegetables,” presented by Robert Tauxe of the CDC National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. 3–5 p.m. FREE! 706-542-5922, alea@uga.edu LECTURES & LIT.: “The Place of Race, Ethnicity and Colorism in Contemporary Family Research” (UGA Dawson Hall) Linda Burton of Duke University will discuss her research which integrates ethnographic and demographic approaches to examine the roles poverty and intergenerational family dynamics play in the lives of urban and rural families. 2 p.m.

FREE! 706-542-8014, dhorton@ uga.edu GAMES: Beer Pong (Alibi) The classic tournament style game. 9 p.m.

FREE! 706-549-1010

Friday 11 EVENTS: 283 Bar Silent Auction (283 Bar) See Feb. 8 Events. 706208-1283 EVENTS: Southeast Youth Food Activist Summit (UGA Tate Center) Discussion on sustainable food with workshops, panels, speakers and local field trips. Sponsored by the Real Food Challenge. 9 a.m.–7 p.m. 386-405-9579, http:// realfoodchalleneg.org/summits2011 EVENTS: Zumba Dinner Night (Whole: Mind. Body. Art., 160 Tracy St.) Dinner, then door prizes, then dancing, oh my! Space is limited; call to register. 7–10 p.m. $20 (adv.) $25 (drop-in). 706-410-0283, www. wholemindbodyart.com ART: Opening Reception (Trace Gallery) New works by Atlanta ceramic sculptor Christina West. West addresses the idea of the human object as a toy by creating nearly life-size porcelain dolls. 6–8 p.m.

FREE! www.tracegalleryathens.com PERFORMANCE: Fly by Night (Canopy Studio) An aerial performance by the studio’s advanced students. Feb. 11 & 12, 8 p.m. Feb. 13, 5 p.m. $5 (kids), $10. www. canopystudio.com PERFORMANCE: Dancefx/Contact February Dance (UGA Memorial Hall) Social and ballroom dancing and performances from local dance companies. A Jack ‘n’ Jill dance competition will be open to all attendees. 8–10 p.m. $3 (students), $5. www.dancefx.org PERFORMANCE: James Gregory (The Elbert Theatre) The Atlantabased comedian performs stand-up in the spirit of Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall. 7 p.m. $27 (adults), $24 (seniors). 706-283-1049 THEATRE: Dancing at Lughnasa (Athens Community Theatre) This haunting play tells the story of five unmarried sisters living in Ireland during the festival of Lughnasa, a celebration for the pagan god of harvest. Feb. 11–13 & 17–20, 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). $12–15. 706-208-8696, www. townandgownplayers.org

THEATRE: Live Art: Sweethearts of the Stage (Memorial Park) A collection of classic theatre playbills including The Wedding Singer, Rent, Phantom of the Opera and Spamalot.

Feb. 11, 12, 18 & 19, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 20, 3 p.m. $12 (children), $15 (adults). 706-613-3628, www.athensclarkecounty.com/leisure LECTURES & LIT.: Darwin Day Lecture (UGA Miller Learning Center, Room 480) Speaker Joel W. Martin discusses “The Prism and the Rainbow: U.S. Christian Denominations and Their Acceptance of Evolution.” 12 p.m.

706-542-1693, mfarmer@uga.edu LECTURES & LIT.: IWS Friday Speaker Series (UGA Miller Learning Center) “Building a Bouquet of Collective Knowledge: Environmental Justic with the Newtown Florist Club.” 12:20 p.m.

FREE! 706-542-2846, tlhat@uga. edu LECTURES & LIT.: Romance Languages Colloquium (UGA Gilbert Hall, Room 115) Amelia Hutchinson presents “The Fernao Lopes Translation Project: Opening a New Window into Medieval Iberia and Beyond.” 3:30 p.m. FREE! dbultman@uga.edu LECTURES & LIT.: Sociology Colloquium (UGA Miller Learning Center, Room 250) David Maume presents “Minorities in Management: Effects on Wage Inequality, Working Conditions, and Subordinate Career Prospects.” 2:30–4:30 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8072, jeremyr@uga.edu MEETINGS: Mindfulness Practice Group (Mind Body Institute) Meets the second Friday of each month.

5:30 p.m. FREE! 706-475-7329, mbiprograms@armc.org

Saturday 12 EVENTS: 283 Bar Silent Auction (283 Bar) See Feb. 8 Events. 706208-1283 EVENTS: 3rd Annual Big Hearts Pageant for Special People (Oconee County Civic Center) A showcase of talents, guest perfor-

k continued on next page

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM

21

THE CALENDAR!

Wake Up with your Valentine at Hotel Indigo-Athens and enjoy a luxurious and romantic night’s stay in Athens’ ecoboutique hotel, a bottle of wine and handmade chocolate from local restaurant and chocolatier, White Tiger Gourmet.

Offer available for the evenings of February 12th ($189), 13th ($139) & 14th ($139).

Call 706.546.0430 today to make your reservation!

A full service law firm with a depth of experience in Criminal Defense.

Timmons, Warnes & Anderson handles all Criminal Charges including

DUI and Under-Age Possession of Alcohol. If you are facing criminal charges anywhere in Northeast Georgia, you need to speak with an attorney regarding your legal rights immediately!

Timmons, Warnes & Anderson, LLP:

We Can Help!

Call today for a free consultation at (706) 548-8668 or visit

www.classiccitylaw.com

Do You Want to Stop Drinking Alcohol?

Call 706-542-8350 for more information.

22

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

mances, star judges and a silent auction. Big Hearts raises community awareness of people with developmental disabilities. 7 p.m. $8–12. tickets@extraspecialpeople. com, extraspecialpeople.com EVENTS: Nixon in China (Beechwood Stadium Cinemas) The Metropolitan Opera’s production of President Nixon’s 1972 encounter with Communist China. 1 p.m. $22. www.georgiatheatrecompany.com EVENTS: Athens Area Democrats Breakfast (Brett’s Casual American Restaurant) Today’s breakfast features speaker Charles Bullock, UGA Professor and political scientist. Call for reservations. 9 a.m. 706–543– 1480, anitabarney@charter.net EVENTS: Brew Tour for Boybutante (Terrapin Beer Co.) Tour the brewery and enjoy live entertainment by drag performers.

A portion of every entry will go to the Boybutante AIDS Foundation.

5:30–7:30 p.m. $12 Glass. www. boybutante.org EVENTS: Drive-By Truckers Listening Party (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Pre-release listening party for GO-GO BOOTS, the new album from Drive-By Truckers. There will be merch door prizes, screenings of “GO-GO BOOTS” episodes and free poster with purchase of the new CD/vinyl. 7–10 p.m. FREE! 706354-1230 EVENTS: “Shake the Glitter” Fashion Show (The Rialto Room) Flirt Fashions debutes their new spring mechandise. The evening includes a fashion show, live music, complimentary appetizers and raffle.

8–11 p.m. $10. indigoathens.com EVENTS: Swap-o-Rama-Rama (Treehouse Kid and Craft) Clothing swap and series of DIY workshops exploring creative reuse through recycling used clothing. Bring a bag of clothes to donate, then get ready to transform your finds. 12–5 p.m.

FREE! (w/ clothes), $5. 706-8508226, www.swaporamarama.org EVENTS: Zombie Prom (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Dress up in your zombie best for a party that will bring you back from the dead! Featuring Gnarx of the Living Dead, Shitty Candy, DJ Krampus and a prom-themed photo booth. 10 p.m. $2. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub PERFORMANCE: Fly by Night (Canopy Studio) Feb. 11 & 12, 8 p.m. Feb. 13, 5 p.m. $5 (kids), $10. www.canopystudio.com PERFORMANCE: Chris Patton (New Earth Music Hall) Local stand-up comedian and host for the evening. “Lowdown Comedy and Blue Mood Productions Presents.”

8 p.m. $17 (adv.), $20 (door). www. newearthmusichall.com PERFORMANCE: Brian Posehn (New Earth Music Hall) Comedian who has guest stared on programs such as “Mr. Show,” “Seinfeld,” “NewsRadio,” “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Friends.” See story on p. 11. “Lowdown Comedy and Blue Mood Productions Presents.”

8 p.m. $17 (adv.), $20 (door). www. newearthmusichall.com PERFORMANCE: Rahasya (Sangha Yoga Studio) Local Kirtan group sings call-and-response spiritual chants to encourage meditation.

CD release party! 7:30–10:30 p.m. $7-10 donation suggested. www. rahasya.com PERFORMANCE: Valentine’s Jazz at the Chapel (UGA Chapel) Classic City Jazz performs a variety of jazz, wing, bop, ballads, Latin, funk, fusion and more. Part of the 50th Anniversary of Desegregation.

Saturday, Feb. 12 continued from p. 21

8 p.m. 706-583-0507, mandaya@ uga.edu THEATRE: If It Ain’t Got That Swing (Morton Theatre) An enlightening play that confronts age-old stereotypes faced by African Americans with a twist of inspiration and laughter. 7 p.m. $10 (students), $15. 706-542-8074, www.mortontheatre.com THEATRE: Dancing at Lughnasa (Athens Community Theatre) See Feb. 11 Theatre. Feb. 11–13 & 17–20, 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 2 p.m.

(Sun.). $12–15. 706-208-8696, www.townandgownplayers.org THEATRE: Live Art: Sweethearts of the Stage (Memorial Park) A collection of classic theatre playbills including The Wedding Singer, Rent, Phantom of the Opera and Spamalot.

Feb. 11, 12, 18 & 19, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 20, 3 p.m. $12 (children), $15 (adults). 706-613-3628, www.athensclarkecounty.com/leisure KIDSTUFF: Not Your Grandpa’s Hop (Rocksprings Neighborhood Center) Hip-hop Valentine dance for ages 13–16. 7 p.m. $3. 706613-3603 KIDSTUFF: Second Saturday Storytime (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Join the SCNC staff for stories about the woods and their resident creatures. 2:30 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3615, www.accleisureservices.com

Sunday 13 EVENTS: Senior Sweetheart Prom (Lay Park) Whether you missed your high school prom or you just want to relive the magic, come out for dancing, music, refreshments and good company this Valentine’s Day. 4 p.m. $1. 706-613-3596 ART: Special Valentine’s Happy Hour Creations (Whole: Mind.

Body. Art.) Canvas, paint, step-bystep instructions and tasty treats will be provided. Please BYOB. 7–10 p.m. $35. www.wholemindbodyart. com PERFORMANCE: Fly by Night (Canopy Studio) Feb. 11 & 12, 8 p.m. Feb. 13, 5 p.m. $5 (kids), $10. www.canopystudio.com THEATRE: Dancing at Lughnasa (Athens Community Theatre) See Feb. 11 Theatre. Feb. 11–13 & 17–20, 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 2 p.m.

(Sun.). $12–15. 706-208-8696, www.townandgownplayers.org KIDSTUFF: Kids’ Valentine’s Day Dance Party (Hendershot’s Coffee Bar) Bring kiddos ages 0 & up to dance to the beats of DJ Klon. 3–5 p.m. FREE! 706-353-3050 KIDSTUFF: Read to Rover (Oconee County Library) 3:30–4:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-613-3650 GAMES: Trivia (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Weekly Trivia! 7 p.m. FREE! 706-354-6655

Monday 14 EVENTS: Screening: The Beaches of Agnes (UGA Tate Center) An autobiographical film by Agnes Varda.

Introduced by French film specialist Richard Neupert. Part of the French Film Festival. 8 p.m. $2. neupert@ uga.edu KIDSTUFF: Bear Hollow Birthday Party (Memorial Park) Bear Hollow Zoo’s resident bears, DJ, Athena and Yonah, celebrate their birthdays.

Games, activities and cake will take place in the plaza in front of the exhibit hall. 3:30–6 p.m. FREE! 706613-3616, www.accleisureservices. com/leisure

KIDSTUFF: Bedtime Stories (ACC Library) Snuggle in your jammies and listen to bedtime stories. Every Monday. 7 p.m. FREE! 706-6133650 KIDSTUFF: Candy Heart Bingo (Oconee County Library) Children ages 4 & up are invited for games and prizes. 4 p.m. FRE! 706-7693950 KIDSTUFF: Valentine’s Program for Teens (Oconee County Library) Ages 11–17 are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day and Library Lovers Month by making bookmarks and eating heart-themed snacks. 6–8 p.m. FREE! 706-769-3950 LECTURES & LIT.: Goodbye Blue Monday Poetry Open Mic (Dog Ear Books) Every 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. For musicians’ open mic, drop by on the 1st or 3rd Mondays. 8 p.m. FREE! 706818-0976 LECTURES & LIT.: “The Human Race: A Biologist’s Perspective” (UGA Miller Learning Center, Room 250) UGA faculty from biological sciences and speech communication participate in a discussion of the role that race does, and does not, play in medical care in the U.S. 4 p.m. FREE! 706542-1693 GAMES: Team Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Every Monday night. Bring your friends! 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706850-1916 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. Every Monday.

8 p.m. FREE! hirewirelounge@ gmail.com

Tuesday 15 EVENTS: One Lucky Elephant (UGA Miller Learning Center) The story of a 9-year odyssey to find a good home for a retired circus elephant explores our complex relationships with animals and the impact of captivity on elephants. Part of the Animal Voices Film Festival.

7:30 p.m. FREE! www.uga.edu/sos/ filmfest EVENTS: Bad Movie Night: Miami Collection (Ciné BarCafé) Bikers, ninjas, pizza parties, cocaine and a new wave band all come togther to create this nearly unwatchable movie. 8 p.m. FREE! facebook.com/ badmovienight PERFORMANCE: International Students Recital (Edge Recital Hall) Sponsored by Hugh Hodgson School of Music. 5 p.m. 706-5423737, www.music.uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Rubber and Glue Comedy Tour (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Performances by Katie Hughes, Michael Robinette and Chris Weathers. 8:30 p.m. $5. www. myspace.com/flickerbar PERFORMANCE: University Philharmonia Concert (UGA School of Music) Presented by the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. 8 p.m. 706-542-3737, www.music. uga.edu THEATRE: Ruined (UGA Fine Arts Building) This Pulitzer Prize, Obie and Critic’s Choice winning play by Lynn Nottage is set in a brothel in war-torn Congo. Feb. 15–19, 8 p.m.

Feb. 20, 2:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. $7 (students), $10. 706-542-4400, www. drama.uga.edu/events/boxoffice KIDSTUFF: Children’s Storytime (ACC Library) For all children ages 18 months to 5 years, with their caregiver. Tuesdays & Wednesday mornings, 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

FREE! 706-613-3650

Wednesday, February 9

Be Our Valentine: Girls’ Rock Camp Athens Benefit Flight Tapas and Bar If you are one of the many who cringe at the thought of another Hallmark holiday, the benefit for Girls’ Rock Camp Athens is the perfect alternative. Skip the crowds and pressure while celebrating a good cause! Jess Marston A prix-fixe meal, silent auction and music entertainment will all be provided. The Athens camp is looking to raise funds for half and full scholarships for young women who wish to attend sessions next summer.

The original Portland, OR Girls’ Rock Camp inspired the Athens non-profit that is headed into its third year of programming. According to the mission statement on the camp’s website, volunteers aim to “build youth empowerment through music education and creation.” We have Executive Director Calley Payne to thank for establishing this program that is successfully building skill-sets and self-esteem of girls all around town.

Dinner, which will be served from 6 to 10 p.m., includes three tapas of your choice with a glass of wine, for $25 a person. The silent auction beginning at 7 p.m. promises a variety of locally donated artwork, spanning from art guitars to handmade music-themed quilts. Expect homegrown performances as well. Among artists on the bill are Jessica Marston, current member of the band Flesh and Blood, and Audrey Ewing, a previous Girls’ Rock camper.

“We are very appreciative towards Flight for letting us use their space and amenities,” says Kyshona Armstrong, a coordinator of the benefit. Call (706) 549-0200 to make a reservation. [Sarah Page Maxwell]

KIDSTUFF: Kids’ Beginning Art (Whole: Mind. Body. Art.) Children are exposed to basic techiniques and encouraged to explore their own creative ideas. Materials provided.

Tuesdays, 5–6 p.m. $10 (adv.) $12 (drop-in). 706-410-0283 KIDSTUFF: Recycled Arts (Whole: Mind. Body. Art.) Kids are invited to explore thier creativity through art projects where found objects are transformed into art pieces.

Tuesdays, 3:45–4:45 p.m. $10 (adv.) $12 (drop-in).

LECTURES & LIT.: Communication Studies Colloquium (UGA Miller Learning Center) Bethany Keeley-Jonker discusses “Jesus, The Founder of Modern Business: Christianity and American Capitalism in the 1920s.”

LECTURES & LIT.: Ecology Seminar (UGA Ecology Building) Caz Taylor of Tulane University presents “Impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Spill on Population Dynamics of Blue Crabs.” 4 p.m.

FREE! www.ecology.uga.edu LECTURES & LIT.: ICE Lecture (UGA Miller Learning Center, Room 171) Ideas for Creative Exploration presents “From the Space Race to the Telematic Embrace and Beyond: A Research Trajectory.” Speaker Edward Shanken is Professor of Media Art History at the University of Amsterdam. 4 p.m. FREE! 706-5427270, markcall@uga.edu MEETINGS: Athens Rock and Gem Club (Friendship Christian Church) Members and visitors are asked to bring in their treasures and stories about how they were acquired.

Unidentified rocks or materials can be brought for identification. 7:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-8082 GAMES: Beer Pong (Alibi) The classic tournament style game. 9 p.m.

FREE! 706-549-1010 GAMES: Locos Trivia (Locos Grill & Pub) All three Athens locations of Locos Grill and Pub (Westside, Eastside and Harris St.) feature trivia night every Tuesday. 8:30 p.m.

FREE! www.locosgrill.com

Wednesday 16 EVENTS: 12th Annual BioResearch Product Faire (Georgia Center) Tabletop trade show showcasing the latest life science laboratory equipment, products and services. Researchers of all levels welcome. 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

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: GSPHE Vigil and Rally (UGA Arch) Join concerned students and community members in support of better funding for K–12 and higher education in Georgia. 4:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.georgiastudents.org EVENTS: Peabody Program and Discussion (Ciné BarCafé) The Search for Quality Education: Busing is a 1972 look at busing for school integration in the South. The film will be followed by a discussion.

5 p.m. 706-542-8484, kmsmith@ uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Spread the Love (40 Watt Club) Dancefx Athens presents “Spread the Love,” a hip-hop show featuring Sweet Dreams and The Modern Pin-Ups, a performance ensemble spun off from the strip aerobics class at DanceFX in Little Five Points. Also featuring performances by some of Athens’ and Atlanta’s hottest hip-hop dancers. 7 p.m. $5. www.40watt.com THEATRE: I Have A Dream (Morton Theatre) See Feb. 9 listing. 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. $7.50–10. 800-2755005, www.theatreiv.org THEATRE: Ruined (UGA Fine Arts Building) This Pulitzer Prize, Obie and Critic’s Choice winning play by Lynn Nottage is set in a brothel in war-torn Congo. Feb. 15–19, 8 p.m.

Feb. 20, 2:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. $7 (students), $10. 706-542-4400, www. drama.uga.edu/events/boxoffice

OUTDOORS: Native Tree & Birds of the Garden: Ramble (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Informal walk through the Garden to identify trees and birds native to the Southereastern U.S. 10 a.m.

FREE! 706-542-6156, www.uga.edu/ botgarden KIDSTUFF: Children’s Storytime (ACC Library) For children ages 18 months to 5 years. Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: Cyber Kids (Broadacres Community Center) Learn about Internet safety, educational websites, danger signs online and troubleshooting computer problems. 4 p.m. $2. www.athensclarkecounty.com/ leisure KIDSTUFF: Wildcard Wednesday for Teens (ACC Library) Up next: Game Day! It’s a free-for-all so bring whatever it is you want to play! For ages 11–18. 4 p.m. FREE! 706613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: APERO Africana Brown Bag Lecture (UGA Tate Center, Room 481) Ronald E. Butchart presents “Teaching, Learning and Emancipation: Constructing a New History.” 12:15 p.m. FREE! fsgiles@ uga.edu LECTURES & LIT.: Gene Brody Prevention Science Research Colloquium (UGA Tate Center) “Framing, Development, Prevention and Policy in Youth Violence,” presented by Kenneth Dodge. 2:30–4 p.m. FREE! 706-542-6100, sgary@ uga.edu LECTURES & LIT.: Genetics Seminar (UGA Life Sciences Building) Marty Cohn of University of Florida speaks on “Sexual Differentiation of Vertebrate Appendages.” 4 p.m. FREE! whites@ uga.edu LECTURES & LIT.: Talking about Books (ACC Library, Small Conference Room) This month’s title is Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji. Newcomers welcome. 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650

LECTURES & LIT.: Willson Center Lecture (UGA Miller Learning Center, Room 148) “The Art and Science of William Bartram,” presented by Dorinda Dallmeyer, Director of the Environmental Ethics Certificate Program. 4 p.m. FREE! 706-542-3966, jdingus@uga.edu MEETINGS: American Sign Language Study Group (Two Story Coffeehouse) All skill levels welcome. Come once or come weekly. 7 p.m. FREE! www.myspace. com/aslstudygroup MEETINGS: Daughters for Change Interest Meeting (UGA Tate Center, Room 482) Come to learn about the creation of the Daughters for Change and meet the founders.

7:30–8:30 p.m. FREE! 404-7516838 MEETINGS: Foster Care and Adoption (Clarke County DFCS) Information session providing basic facts about the foster care and adoption process. Third Wednesday of each month. 6 p.m. FREE! 706227-7040 MEETINGS: GSPHE Meeting (UGA Miller Learning Center, Room 247) Georgia Students for Public Higher Eduction is a coalition of students who believe that affordable, quality education is a right. 8 p.m. FREE! georgiastudents.org MEETINGS: Whatever It Takes Community Conversation (Clarke Middle School) Meeting for parents, children and concerned residents in the Alps Road attendance zone. Transportation and child care available. 6–8 p.m. 706-255-7996, terris.thomas@witathens.org GAMES: Sports Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Every Wednesday. Win house cash and prizes! 8:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-850-1916 GAMES: Texas Hold ‘Em (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Poker night every Wednesday. 18 and up. Sign in at 6:30 p.m. Dealing begins at 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.interstatepokerclub. com 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

Athens AUTO AUCTION 770-725-7676

BOGART THAT CAR!

SALE EVERY TUESDAY!

at 6:30pm

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! 5050 Atlanta Hwy • Bogart, GA

www.athensautoauctionga.com

* Advance Tickets Available

Live Music Tuesday 8 Farm 255 10 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com ANTLERED ANTLORD Featuring local producer and songwriter Jesse Stinnard.

WADE BOGGS New band featuring Ian McCord (Hot New Mexicans, Carrie Nations).

Highwire 8–11 p.m. FREE! 706-543-8997 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. Every Tuesday!

Little Kings Shuffle Club “Project Safe Benefit.” 7–10 p.m. www. myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub PROJECT SAFE BENEFIT Local talents Kyshona Armstrong, Payton Bradford and Mitchel Thunderbolt will play a benefit for Project Safe to help prevent domestic abuse.

11 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub k continued on next page

how about an all-natural APHRODISIAC that provides STAMINA and STRENGTH?

X-Action

for Women and Men (available in capsules and liquid)

Remedy Herb Shop • 706.613.0120 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM

23

THE CALENDAR! presents

Grammy Award Winning Pianist

GEORGE WINSTON Sunday, March 6 at Show: 7:30pm • Doors: 5:00pm Advance tickets $30

Available at www.meltingpointathens.com or call the box office

706-254-6909

A benefit for

Educates!

Sponsored by AthFest, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to music and arts education. Proceeds from events such as AthFest and the Athens, GA Half-Marathon support year-round educational efforts in local schools

Providing programs to educate & inspire children through music & art

DJS RANDY AND LOZO Spinning punk rock!

The Loft Dance Lounge “Back to BASSics Rave Night.” 10–2 a.m. FREE! 21+ DECEPTICRON Spinning high energy house music. Glow sticks recommended.

FERAL YOUTH Local DJ Chris Howe will mow you down with his high-energy pop mashups and raveinfluenced beats.

The Melting Point “Terrapin Bluegrass Series.” 7 p.m. $4. www.meltingpointathens.com 3 BUCKS SHY This ensemble plays “bluegrass PLUS.” That is, bluegrass “plus any music we dadburn feel like playing.”

Rye Bar 10 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ ryebarathens GHETTO MEZRAB Local experimental jazz jams with an extra dose of funk.

THE SPARTA PHILHARMONIC This multi-instrumental, experimental punk duo creates original and unpredictable arrangements that range from dense and haunting with strings to rowdy guitar rock.

WUOG 90.5FM 8 p.m. FREE! www.wuog.org LIVE IN THE LOBBY Eureka California will perform on the college radio station’s twice weekly program. Listen over the air or drop by the station to watch!

Wednesday 9 Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 KARAOKE With the Singing Cowboy!

Tonight is the 2011 Alibi Idol Contest.

Caledonia Lounge 7:30 p.m. $6 (21+), $8 (18+). www. caledonialounge.com COME WHAT MAY Local intense rock band employing a propulsive guitar and drum attack and tight vocals that recall the alt-rock of the early 2000s.

THE FIRING LINE Punk rock.

KILLS AND THRILLS Screaming, propulsive punk trio.

THE MURDER AND THE HARLOT Thrash metal meets progressive hard rock for an intensely heavy sound that isn’t afraid of being melodic.

OH, MANHATTAN Local six-piece melodic hardcore band.

TIMES LIKE THESE Pop-punk from Atlanta.

Farm 255 “Primals Night!” 8-10 p.m. FREE! www. farm255.com DIAL INDICATORS Background sounds for dinner and cocktails.

This quiet jazz duo features Jeremy Roberts on guitar and George Davidson on tenor sax playing odd covers and improvising on familiar themes.

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.

Hendershot’s Coffee Bar 8 p.m. FREE! 706-353-3050 BETWEEN NAYBORS Local duo Greg Benson and Melanie Morgan play folky acoustic tunes.

24

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

Tuesday, Feb. 8 continued from p. 23

Little Kings Shuffle Club 10 p.m. $7. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub FLESH AND BLOOD New project featuring former members of Romanenko playing danceable, inyour-face rock and roll.

WILL WEBER Lead singer of tropical yet cozy local psych-pop outfit Sunpots.

The Office Lounge 9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-0840 KARAOKE Every Wednesday and Friday with Lynn, the Queen of Karaoke!

Rye Bar 10 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ ryebarathens MAX EVE Lawrenceville act whose songs consist of ambient, cinematic tones.

Terrapin Beer Co. 5:30–7:30 p.m. $10 glass. www.terrapinbeer.com OUTSIDE THE BOX Poppy rock and roll band with lots of smooth Rhodes organ.

Thursday 10 Amici Italian Café “Widespread Panic After Party.” 10 p.m. FREE! 706-353-0000 NEW SNEAKERS Come celebrate with other Panic fans and this rockin’ local band.

Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS Local band plays summery Americana with a breezy, reverb-drenched aesthetic.

Celebrating the national release of their 7-song debut EP “Orders From…”

KILL KILL BUFFALO New, grungy hard rock duo featuring Kara Kildare’s powerful pipes and Tyler John on drums. Based in Athens.

LULLWATER Gritty yet melodic local rock band celebrating the release of its new album, Silhouette (Spectra Records) produced by David Barbe.

The Classic Center 7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT! www.classiccenter.com WIDESPREAD PANIC Seminal Athens jam band celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com ANDROCLES AND THE LION Minimalist indie rock that makes use of ambient sounds and guitar feedback without straying from traditional song structure.

GRINNIN’ BEAR Expect fast-paced country and bluegrass tunes from this local band.

SAM SNIPER Local guys Chris Bennett and Andrew Klein play Southern jungle rock.

40 Watt Club “40 Watt Widespread Panic After Party.” 10 p.m. $8. www.40watt.com BLOODKIN Countrified bar-room rock.

Gnat’s Landing 6:30 p.m. FREE! 706-850-5858 NEXT BEST FRIEND Hook-heavy acoustic rock and pop covers and originals.

Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Hosted by fanatic John “Dr. Fred” Bowers.

Saturday, February 12

‘80s Valentine’s Prom 40 Watt Club This year, the 40 Watt will hold up a boombox in Athens’ front yard and blast a Peter Gabriel-penned love letter to the citizens of our fair town.

Yes, the ‘80s Valentine’s Prom promises to be a night of big hair and bigger dreams, and organizer Dan Geller (The Gold Party, Twin Powers)—in between oiling his leather The Gold Party pants and moussing his golden locks—found time to give Flagpole the lowdown on this evening of sequined romance.

“You’re in for a treat,” Geller begins. “Both bands are playing all ‘80s covers. Benji [Barton, of The Gold Party] can do just about any ‘80s song you need him to. We just got ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’ finished. We may never play that one again, but we wanted to do the prom thing right.”

When asked about lineup-mates Consensual Sex, Geller winkingly replies, “What do you wanna know about Consensual Sex?” before continuing, “Nate Nelson sings, and Zack [Hosey] from the 40 Watt plays guitar, which is awesome, because he’s one of the best guitarists in town, and he never starts bands. They do the ‘80s rock songs, whereas we do the ‘80s dance songs.”

With regard to the prom aesthetic, Geller explains, “The 40 Watt is helping us promote this, and I’m sure they’re gonna go crazy with decorations. If there’s enough people there, we might crown a King and Queen. You certainly don’t have to dress formal, but it’s encouraged, and dressing cheesy ‘80s is totally encouraged. Think Pretty in Pink.

There are DJs playin’ afterwards, and that stuff’s not gonna be strictly ‘80s. It’s just gonna be a huge dance party at the end.”

So, come out and rock nostalgic for the kinder, simpler days of John Hughes-style romance and trickle-down financial excess. Sure, most of the current UGA student body wasn’t born before this oh-so-boss decade gave way to its dour successor: the ‘90s, but no matter. That’s the power of the ‘80s. [David Fitzgerald]

Hendershot’s Coffee Bar 8 p.m. FREE! 706-353-3050 JAKE MOWRER QUARTET Classic and contemporary jazz originals and rarely heard “standards.”

Hilltop Grille 7 p.m. FREE! 706-353-7667 MILLIGAN Acoustic duo reworks both classic rock and more recent hits from CSNY to Johnny Cash.

Hotel Indigo “Live After 5 on the Madison Patio.”

6–8 p.m. FREE! www.indigoathens. com CARL LINDBERG Jazz bassist Carl Lindberg (Grogus, Squat, Kenosha Kid, etc.) performs standards, originals and some surprising tunes from divergent styles.

Little Kings Shuffle Club 10 p.m. $3. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub SMOKESTACK AND THE FOOTHILL FURY Furious country guitar and ska tempos.

SO CALLED FRIENDS Featuring members of (soon to be reunited) local Americana act Corduroy Road.

The Max Canada “Happy Hour.” 7–10 p.m. FREE! 706254-3392 EVAN BARBER & THE DEAD GAMBLERS Slow and serious Americana/rock from Albany, GA. SCOTT LOW Local indie-folkster whose band Efren calls to mind bands like Iron and Wine and Bonnie Prince Billy.

NUTRIA This rootsy local powerpop band features former members of The Eskimos and The Possibilities.

10 p.m. $2. 706-254-3392 BUBBLY MOMMY GUN Local experimental pop band that plays idiosyncratic, psychedelic tunes.

GREEN GERRY Particularly dreamlike and subtly electronic local artist.

NIGHT MOVES GOLD Adrian Finch brings his atmospheric, head-trip rock to a mellower place, taking a soulful cue from Hall & Oates and The Doobie Brothers.

The Melting Point “Widespread Panic After Party.” 10 p.m. $8. www.meltingpointathens. com MOONTAXI After the Panic show, walk down the street to the Melting Point to hear this progressive, psychedelic rock band from Nashville. The music should start around midnight.

New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. $8. www.newearthmusichall. com CHARLIE P Dubstep artist from Atlanta.

STAGGA Dub and grime from the UK that sounds like an optimistic version of the robot takeover.

MARK YURM Breakbeat dancehall DJ from Atlanta.

Rye Bar “WSP After Party!!!” 10 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ryebarathens ASHUTTO MIRRA Alternative rock quartet with a dark and stealy sound.

CONNECTED HOUSES Funky blues four-piece from Athens.

CONNER PLEDGER This local songwriter sounds a bit like John Mayer.

Terrapin Beer Co. 5–7 p.m. $10 Glass. www.terrapinbeer. com MIKE ARMSTRONG Vocalist, acoustic guitarist and harmonica player from local easy-listening cover band, Blossom Creek Breeze.

WUOG 90.5FM “Live in the Lobby.” 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org LIVE IN THE LOBBY Reptar will perform on the station’s weekly program. Listen over the air, online or drop by to watch!

Friday 11 Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 HEART AND SOUL VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY With lively rock cover band Southern Soul.

Amici Italian Café “Widespread Panic After Party!” 10 p.m. FREE! 706-353-000 IMMUZIKATION Celebrated local DJ Alfredo Lapuz, Jr. mashes up highenergy electro and rock.

The Bad Manor 9 p.m. FREE! (21+), $5 (18+). www. thebadmanor.com UNDER THE PORCH Rock and roll/ funk quintet from Atlanta.

Buffalo’s Southwest Café 7:30 p.m. $10 (adv.), $12 (door).

706–354–6655 CHRIS SHUPE AND THE TCB BAND Elvis’ Valetine’s Day Show!

Monthly sensation returns to entertain you with all your Elvis favorites.

Backed by a live band, you won’t see a better impersonator than this!

Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18-20). www. caledonialounge.com HAYRIDE This Athens trio has maintained a steady output of melodic, prog- and metal-influenced rock.

GLEN IRIS This group shares a garage-rock aesthetic with fellow Atlantans The Black Lips.

SPIRIT HAIR Psychedelic rock layered with multiple guitars and eccentric keyboards.

The Classic Center 7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT! www.classiccenter.com WIDESPREAD PANIC Seminal Athens jam band celebrates its 25th anniversary. See story on p. 17.

Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com LADY LAZARUS Minimalist, repetitive piano and synth set off by light vocals.

THAYER SARRANO Local singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist with lovely, airy vocals singing dark, gentle melodies over guitar while backed by Zack Hosey and some friends.

STEVEN TRIMMER Acoustic psychfolk that’s technically proficient and melodically spontaneous.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8:30 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/ flickerbar EL HOLLIN This local band plays simple, lo-fi tunes with guitar and what sounds like a melodica.

Featuring members of Werewolves.

SAM GRINDSTAFF Lead singer of local indie-pop band Titans of Filth.

40 Watt Club 8 p.m. $15 (adv.) www.40watt.com DANIEL LEE BAND Four Georiga boys churning out country and Southern rock.

RANDY HOUSER Real down and dirty country rock from Mississippi with blues, R&B and gospel influences as well. This criticially acclaimed musician is making his Athens debut tonight.

Georgia Bar 11 p.m. FREE! 706-546-9884 ASHUTTO MIRRA Alternative rock quartet with a dark and stealy sound.

Gnat’s Landing 6 p.m. FREE! 706-850-5858 DAVID PRINCE This Athens staple and one-time member of The Jesters plays your favorite soul, rock and R&B oldies.

Go Bar “WUOG’s Valentine’s Masquerade Ball.”

9 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar IMMUZIKATION Celebrated local DJ Alfredo Lapuz, Jr. mashes up highenergy electro and rock.

MISFORTUNE 500 Moody and melodic local band with soaring anthemic moments influenced by post-punk and ‘80s new wave.

QURIOUS This Atlanta group creates spacey soundscapes featuring dreamy female vocals, samples, synthesizers and freaky masks.

TWIN POWERS Spinning a mix of “yacht rock” (soft rock and AM Gold from the ‘70s) and ‘80s new wave for a smooth Valentine’s celebration.

Hendershot’s Coffee Bar 8 p.m. FREE! 706-353-3050 BIG C AND THE RINGERS Local bluesman and UGA grad Clarence Cameron takes inspiration from artists like B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. Highwire 8–11 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8510 RAND LINES TRIO Pianist Rand Lines performs original compositions with the help of drummer Ben Williams and bassist Mike Beshara.

Every Friday!

Hilltop Grille 7 p.m. FREE! 706-353-7667 NAPOLEON SOLO The multitasking one-man rock band handles it all.

Little Kings Shuffle Club 10 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub BOMBSBOMBSBOMBS Local, quirky pop rock.

GHOSTLIGHTS Local grunge—lofi, slowed down and with a hint of hope. k continued on next page

Eat. Drink. Listen Closely.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Terrapin Bluegrass Series featuring

3 BUCKS SHY

$4 admission • $2 Terrapin Specials All Night!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Georgia Theatre & Nomad Artists present WSP After Party with

MOON TAXI

Streaming Live Audio from WSP at the Classic Center

Tickets $8 adv. • $2 Terrapin Pints! $1.50 Highlife and PBR

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11

ABBEY ROAD LIVE!

Streaming Live Audio from WSP at the Classic Center Tickets $10 adv. • $12 at the door

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Valentine’s Evening with

FRANCINE REED

Join us for a romance-filled, “one night only” performance with jazz legend, Francine Reed.

Planned with hopeless romantics in mind, a tantalizing, four-course meal has been prepared with love by our award-winning culinary team led by Executive Chef, Martin Smetana. Packages available by calling 706.549.7020

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Valentine’s Eve featuring

THE ATHENS A-TRAIN BAND

Tickets $10 adv. • $12 at the door

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Athens Folk Music & Dance Society presents

THE SWEETHEARTS DUETS HOOT FREE! All Ages

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Terrapin Bluegrass Series featuring

THE TWO MAN GENTLEMAN BAND

$5 admission • $2 Terrapin Pints All Night!

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16

JIM WHITE

Tickets $10 adv. • $15 at the door

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17

HIGH STRUNG STRING BAND

SMOKEY’S FARMLAND BAND Tickets $5 adv. • $7 at the door

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Totally 80’s Party with

THE HIGHBALLS Tickets $10 adv. • $13 at the door SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19

MATT JOINER

JAMIE DIDIURCIO

Tickets $5 adv. • $8 at the door

COMING SOON 2/22 - CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS HOME GROWN REVIVAL 2/23 - Georgia Theatre Session Beer Dinner 2/24 - SATISFACTION - Rolling Stones Show 2/25 - RANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND 3/4 - AFCS Mardi Gras Athens Benefit LEFTY HATHAWAY 3/5 - DIRK HOWELL BAND 3/6 - GEORGE WINSTON 3/8 - NORTH GEORGIA BLUEGRASS BAND 3/10 - COLIN HAY Solo Show LOCATED ON THE GROUNDS OF

3/11 - GRAINS OF SAND 3/19 - STRAWBERRY FLATS 3/24 - KEVINE DEVINE, RIVER CITY EXTENSION, HARDY MORRIS 3/25 - SONS OF SAILORS 3/28 - BAND OF OZ 3/29 - Avett Bros After Party with CORDUROY ROAD 4/8 - J. MASCIS, KURT VILE AND THE VIOLATORS 4/12 - THE BRIDGE 4/22 - KINCHAFOONEE COWBOYS 4/27 - WATSON TWINS

295 E. DOUGHERTY ST., ATHENS, GA

706.254.6909

WWW.MELTINGPOINTATHENS.COM

FOR TICKETS & SHOWTIMES OR CALL THE BOX OFFICE 706.254.6909

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM

25

Friday Feb. 11 @

Saturday @ Feb. 12

CREATION • REVISION

DJRX MUSIC

We’re Open Sunday and Mond ay Nights Again!

Now featuring

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7pm

BAR Open until 1am Every Thursday Live Music with

MILLIGAN Friday, February 11 Live Music with

NAPOLEON SOLO Every Saturday Jazz Night featuring

THE CHRIS ENGHAUSER TRIO

and a rotation of top Jazz musicians 2310 W. Broad St. • 706-353-7667 www.hilltopgrille.com

WWW. FLAGPOLE. COM VALENTINE’S DINNER Make Reservations Now!

SUNDAY BRUNCH 11am-4pm

Fresh Seafood, South Florida Style ON SITE PARKING! Free Wi-Fi Event Planning Private Room Reservations Accepted

50¢ Oysters

All Day & All Night!

Prices exclude tax & gratuity.

May not be combined with any other offers or promotions.

HAPPY HOUR DAILY

706-353-TUNA 414 N. Thomas St. www.squareonefishco.com

26

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

THE CALENDAR! SUSPECT RAPTOR Lo-fi reggaepunk from Atlanta.

The Melting Point 9 p.m. $10 (adv.), $12 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com ABBEY ROAD LIVE! The local cover band delivers a start-to-finish performance of The Beatles’ Abbey Road and tosses in other highenergy, later-era Beatles rockers.

New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. $18. www.newearthmusichall. com RJD2 Philly DJ cutting and pasting jazz and hip-hop while a large projector consumes the live show. See story on p. 18.

Rye Bar “WSP After Party!!!” 10 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ryebarathens THE HYPSYS Prog-rock jam band from Tuscaloosa.

PINNA Groovy, indie folk from Columbia, SC. Sideways 10 p.m. FREE! 706-319-1919 DJRX DJ-remixer Brian Gonzalez delivers original mixes of mainly current pop with forays into rock, old school, country and electronica.

Terrapin Beer Co. 5–7 p.m. $10 Glass. www.terrapinbeer. com ILLICITIZEN Originally the solo project of singer-songwriter Eric Cavanaugh, Illicitizen has fleshed out it sound with a programmed rhythm section and Maria Zaccaro on bass. Performing music inspired by post-punk and rock.

283 Bar 10 p.m. FREE! 706-208-1283 FERAL YOUTH Local DJ Chris Howe will mow you down with his highenergy pop mashups and rave-influenced beats on the second-to-last night before 283 Bar closes.

Saturday 12 Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 KARAOKE With the Singing Cowboy!

The Bad Manor 9 p.m. FREE! (21+), $5 (18-21). www. thebadmanor.com DJRX DJ-remixer Brian Gonzalez delivers original mixes of mainly current pop with forays into rock, old school, country and electronica.

Boar’s Head Lounge 9 p.m. FREE! 706-369-3040 MAMA’S LOVE Young, funky jam band from right here in Athens. The band’s slogan says it all: “Bringin’ it back to the roots while goin’ beyond the bounds.”

Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $6 (21+), $8 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com CINEMECHANICA This intensely voluminous local quartet is the aggro math-rock indie outfit that doesn’t know it’s a metal band. Or perhaps vice versa.

GIFT HORSE Swirling reverb and dark psychedelic textures pervade this local band’s alternative rock edge that’s equal parts shoegaze and Sonic Youth.

TWIN TIGERS Loud and lush at the same time, this local rock band combines jarring guitar riffs with sweeping melodies and heavy percussion. Check out the critically acclaimed new record, Gray Waves.

Friday, Feb. 11 continued from p. 25

The Classic Center 8 p.m. $40–$65. www.classiccenter. com KENNY ROGERS The smooth country legend plays in his home state.

See story on p. 19.

Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com EDDIE AND THE PUBLIC SPEAKERS Local blues-funk trio, playing the Futurebirds after-party tonight!

FUTUREBIRDS DJ SET Celebrating the recently remastered Futurebirds EP . The band is also independently releasing a digital collection of new material called Via Flamina. Tonight, the band plays a special DJ set after its CD release party at Seney-Stovall Chapel.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 10 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ flickerbar BROTHERS Classical-leaning side project from Soapbar’s Ryan Moore.

HANS DARKBOLT Local band performing fiercely melodic pop tunes with eerie harmonies.

MR. GUPPYFIN AND HIS ELASTIC WAISTBAND Three-piece outfit that includes Hans Darkbolt lead singer Peter Dovey.

40 Watt Club “Valentine’s ‘80s Prom.” 10 p.m. FREE! (w/student ID), $3 (21+), $5 (18+). www.40watt.com CONSENSUAL SEX 80s covers featuring members of Nate Nelson, Gift Horse, Velveteen Pink and Zack Hosey (AKA DJ Z-Dog). See Calendar Pick on p. 25.

DANCE PARTY After the bands, Immuzikation, Twin Powers and Z-Dog will keep the party going with more dance hits—perhaps even venturing into decades other than the ‘80s.

THE GOLD PARTY This local glam band plays a special Valentine’s Day 80s cover set tonight. See Calendar Pick on p. 25.

Go Bar 9 p.m.–Midnight. www.myspace.com/ gobar DR. FRED’S VALENTINE’S KARAOKE Love-inspired karaoke hosted by karaoke fanatic John “Dr. Fred” Bowers.

Midnight. www.myspace.com/gobar DJ MAHOGANY Freaky funk, sultry soul, righteous R&B and a whole lotta unexpected faves. Late night dance party!

Hendershot’s Coffee Bar 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $5. 706353-3050 HUMAN RIGHTS FESTIVAL BENEFIT With performances by Michael Guthrie of the Michael Guthrie Band and Five Eight frontman Mike Mantione.

Hilltop Grille 7 p.m. FREE! 706-353-7667 JAZZ NIGHT Every Saturday!

Featuring The Chris Enghauser Trio and a rotation of top jazz musicians.

The Melting Point 8:30 p.m $30, $155 (dinner and show package for two). www.meltingpointathens.com FRANCINE REED Perhaps best known as Lyle Lovett’s duet and

back-up vocalist, this Chicago-born songstress is a jazz legend in her own right, and tonight she’ll be taking on standards from Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald to Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn.

New Earth Music Hall 11 p.m. $10. www.newearthmusichall. com COSMIC CHARLIE Grateful Dead covers like you’ve never heard before. Performing after the comedy set from Brian Posehn.

RPM “Punk Rock Valentine’s Day.” 10 p.m.

706-543-0428 BURNS LIKE FIRE Local punk band featuring members of Karbomb, Wristbandits and Celerity. A quartet of musical disarray!

THE F’N HEARTBREAKS All-girl band backed by familiar faces from Atlanta’s garage scene and a saxophone.

KARBOMB Local quartet plays highspeed, erratic and angry punk not dissimilar to early-’90s Orange County stuff.

PRETTY PLEASE Female vocals over glam power-pop from Miami.

Rye Bar 10 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ ryebarathens CHRIS CUNDARI Jam, electronica and reggae performed live with a looping technique similar to Keller Williams.

WAHNDER LUST Funky L.A. supergroup with big hooks and a propulsive rock sound. Featuring Kim Manning (whose lengthy resume includes providing backing vocals for Red Hot Chili Peppers, P-Funk and more).

Monday, February 14

Sweetheart Duets Hoot The Melting Point For some, Valentine’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the warm fuzziness of love; for others it’s another trivial holiday fueled by gross consumerism, and to others still it’s simply the day before heart-shaped boxes of chocolate hit grocery store discount bins. This year, instead of forking out a fortune for an overpriced meal or sitting home alone in your Snuggie, there is another option to consider. The Melting Point is hosting its fourth annual Sweetheart Duets Hoot.

The event will showcase several talented local musician couples and promises to be a night full Jace Bartet and Erin Lovett of hilarious and heartwarming performances.

Event organizer Susan Staley (Solstice Sisters, String Theory) will enjoy this year’s show from the perspective of not only a host but as a performer and a newlywed as well.

According to Staley, she and husband Jim Beall will perform “lighthearted songs about living in the country” that the couple also performed at their wedding. Although Beall is not a professional musician, Staley notes that the two have been making music together since they met. “When Jim and I were first dating, we often would humor ourselves by bursting into songs together to fit the moment,” Staley says. “That’s when I discovered he could really sing.”

Kay Stanton and Jason NeSmith (both of Casper and the Cookies) have been playing and writing music together for nearly 16 years and have some surprises planned for their Hoot performance. “We’re going to pull out a couple of covers from bands/musicians we really like that in some way or another deal with the subject of love,” Stanton says. “I suppose our choices will fit our mildly warped sensibilities.”

Check out the Calendar listing on p. 26 for the complete lineup of sweethearts on the bill. The event is free, and even if you’re not a fan of V-Day, it’s a great excuse to venture out on a Monday night. [Carrie Dagenhard]

Seney-Stovall Chapel 8 p.m. $15. Tickets available at Schoolkids and www.futurebirdsmusic.com FUTUREBIRDS Celebrating the recently remastered Futurebirds EP (out in April on Holy Owned Subsidiary and digitally via Autumn Tone). The band is also independently releasing a digital collection of new material called Via Flamina.

CD release party tonight!

DAVE MARR The former Star Room Boys singer with a deep and resonant country twang leads an all-star band.

283 Bar 10 p.m. FREE! 706-208-1283 DJ CUT-A-RUG Outrageous DJ with a high-energy dance set. Tonight is the last night to dance at 283!

IMMUZIKATION Celebrated local DJ Alfredo Lapuz, Jr. mashes up highenergy electro and rock.

Sunday 13 Borders Books & Music 4 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8647 MARK WENTHE A member of Dusty Lightswitch, Wenthe will be playing originals on guitar influenced by rock, jazz and classical music.

Farm 255 10 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com FERAL YOUTH Local DJ Chris Howe will mow you down with his high-energy pop mashups and raveinfluenced beats.

MR. FALCON High-energy, indie garage rock influenced equally by The Kinks and Pixies.

The Melting Point 7 p.m. $10 (adv.) $12 (door) www. meltingpointathens.com ATHENS A-TRAIN BAND Female vocals backed by a five-piece jazz band tackling swing, Latin, boogie and traditional standards.

Monday 14 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8:30 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/ flickerbar KINKY WAIKIKI Playing modern arrangements of traditional Hawaiian music, with a little Western swing thrown into the mix. Tonight, playing songs for Valentines’ Day. Go Bar “Yacht Rock Valentine’s Swingers Party.” 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/ gobar TWIN POWERS Spinning a mix of “yacht rock” (soft rock and AM Gold from the ‘70s) and ‘80s new wave for a smooth Valentine’s celebration.

Hendershot’s Coffee Bar 8 p.m. FREE!, $3 to play. 706-3533050.

OPEN MIC Mondays! Hosted by local soulful singer Kyshona Armstrong.

Little Kings Shuffle Club Valentine’s Day Hangover! 5 p.m–2 a.m. $6. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshufflclub 8-TRACK GORILLA Fun, karaokestyle covers covered in primal fur. It’s the Gorilla’s birthday tonight! Give him a birthday banana.

SCOTT BAXENDALE Guitar dynamicism from the owner of Baxendale Guitars. Classic bluesy riffs and a lot of soul.

BO BEDINGFIELD Singer and primary songwriter for local band The Wydelles, Bedingfield’s smooth, vocals are steeped in all the soul of country music without the twang.

JUSTIN EVANS Local musician with a deep voice who sings about hard drinkin’, women and country roads.

KAITLIN JONES AND THE COUNTY FAIR Americana-tinged country originals.

CLAY LEVERETT One of this town’s finest country frontmen, Leverett has led both The Chasers and Lona.

DJ MAHOGANY Freaky funk, sultry soul, righteous R&B and a whole lotta unexpected faves.

PHOLKSINGER JOSH A blend of traditional folk music with old-time, country and blues influences.

THE STARTER KITS This local band sounds a bit like a Southern Elvis Costello with a slight punk snarl.

TIMBER Frontman Daniel Aaron serves up his brand of hangover country rock.

The Melting Point 8–10 p.m. FREE! www.meltingpointathens.com THE SWEETHEARTS DUETS HOOT Featuring the following couples: Erin Lovett & Jace Bartet (both: Four Eyes); Susan Staley & Jim Beall (S: Solstice Sisters & String Theory); Kay Stanton & Jason NeSmith (both: Casper & the Cookies); Janette Hill & Bob Fecho (both: Without Pearls & Profs @ College of Ed); Jessica Kirby & Todd White (both: 90 Acre Farm); Natalie & Brian Smith (N: Grogus, B: Georgia Guitar Quartet); Noel & David Blackmon (both: Curley Maple); Mary Sigalas & Matt Yelton (MS: Baby Blue Swingset); Barbara Panter & Whit Connah (both: Atlanta Cajun band, Hair of the Dog).

See Calendar Pick on p. 26.

Tuesday 15 Caledonia Lounge 9:30 p.m. $6 (21+), $8 (18+). www. caledonialounge.com BIGFOOT Howling indie rock as intriguing as it is difficult to pin down.

GRANT PARKER AND THE VAMPIRE GUMSHOES Clever piano pop with Michael Bublé-esque vocals and jaunty percussion.

JUICE Simutaneously calm and clubby beats, like a relaxed and interesting trip through outer space.

Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar BACKSEAT DREAMER Dream pop influenced by shoegaze and modern electronica and dance music.

RAINBO VIDEO Chicago artist that loops guitar and minimal synth that create a zen-like soundtrack.

WOWSER BOWSER Blissed-out, bittersweet synth-pop from Atlanta.

Hendershot’s Coffee Bar 8 p.m. $3. 706-353-3050 NO SHAME! Open mic hosted by Rose of Athens Theatre.

Highwire 8–11 p.m. FREE! 706-543-8997 KENOSHA KID Jazz that borrows freely from multiple sources.

The Melting Point 7 p.m. $5. www.meltingpointathens. com THE TWO MAN GENTLEMAN BAND Influences include hot jazz, R&B and Western swing.

WUOG 90.5FM “Live in the Lobby.” 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org LIVE IN THE LOBBY Carl Lindberg will perform on the college radio station’s twice weekly program. * Advance Tickets Available

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 DANCE FX PRESENTS

“SPREAD THE LOVE”

featuring SWEET DREAMS AND MODERN PIN-UPS HIP HOP DANCE SHOW doors open at 7pm

285 W. Washington St. Athens, GA • Call 706-549-7871 for Show Updates

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

COMEDY NIGHT!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 MunDanish Comedy Presents

COLLIN MOULTON

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 WIDESPREAD AFTER PARTY

TJ YOUNG TREY HOLER

BLOODKIN

doors open at 8pm*

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18

doors open at 10pm*

B-52’s AFTER PARTY

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11

BLACK DOMINOES

COUNTRY ARTISTS

IMMUZIKATION doors open at 10pm NUÇI’S SPACE BENEFIT

RANDY HOUSER DANIEL LEE BAND doors open at 8pm*

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12

VALENTINE ’ 80s PROM

THE GOLD PARTY CONSENSUAL SEX and DJ DANCE PARTY with IMMUZIKATION • DJ Z DOG TWIN POWERS doors open at 10pm

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19

FINALS

FLAGPOLE MAGAZINE THE McCOMMUNISTS BEL-JEAN COPY & PRINT CENTER 80# COUGAR VOLO TRADING - THE ONE-HITTERS doors open at 8pm * 2/26 * 3/2 3/4 * 4/25

GET UP KIDS / MINIATURE TIGERS / BRIAN BONZ JOSH RITTER & THE ROYAL CITY BAND / JOE PUG / ADAM KLEIN MODERN SKIRTS IRON & WINE / THE LOW ANTHEM

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

Cool products.

Great service.

Ask us about our educational discounts, Trade-in program, Peach Plus benefits, financing options and friendly in-house repair.

ipads • macs • ipods • software • service 1850 Epps Bridge Pkwy • 706-208-9990 • Athens • Augusta • Macon • Marietta • Peachtree City • peachmac.com

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM

27

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

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

ART

AUDITIONS

Call for Artists (Floorspace) FloorSpace is seeking artists for month-long exhibitions. 706-3721833, www.floorspaceathens.com Call for Entries (Georgia Piedmont Arts Center) Georgia Piedmont Arts Center invites artists of all skill levels to participate in the gallery exhibition “Envy Green,” on Mar. 19 & 20. $15. 404-202-3044, www.georgiapiedmontartscenter.com Call for Entries (Georgia Piedmont Arts Center) Inviting artists to participate in the gallery exhibition “Radically Red,” on Feb. 19 & 20. $15. 404-202-3044, www.georgiapiedmontartscenter.com 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) Seeking artists for monthly exhibitions in 2011. 706353-0000, athens@amici-cafe.com Seeking Submissions (Highwire) Highwire Lounge is seeking submissions for monthly exhibitions: large paintings or prints preferred.

478-986-8681, trappezebooking@ gmail.com StoryTubes Contest (Various Locations) Join kids from across the country by making a short video about your favorite book. Winners receive $250 worth of books for themselves and an additional $250 worth of books for the library.

Submissions are accepted Jan. 19 through Feb. 28. Go online to enter and check out last year’s winners. www.storytubes.info/drupal

Little Shop of Horrors (Town and Gown Players) A floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Feb. 14 & 15, 7 p.m. 706548-3854, www.townandgown players.org

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. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:45 p.m. $12 per class, $60 for 6 classes. floorspacestudio@gmail. com, www.floorspaceathens.com Art Classes (Lyndon House) Sign up for winter and spring art classes!

For adults, teens and children.

Go online for full list of programs.

Now registering! 706-613-3623, www.accleisureservices.com Artistic Photography for Beginners (Whole: Mind. Body.

Art.) Explore the basics of photography with an artistic focus. Must have camera with manual adjustments.

7-week class. Register online.

Tuesdays beginning Feb. 15, 7–8:30 p.m. $90 (adv.). wholemindbodyart. com Athens Vertical Pole Dance Academy (Canopy Studio) Ongoing pole dance classes for beginners and intermediate students. info@AVPDA.com Capoeira (Floorspace) Learn this form of Afro-Brazilian martial art!

Tuesdays, 8:15-9:15 p.m. $12, $60 (6 classes). jewaters@gmail.com, www.floorspaceathens.com

ACC ANIMAL CONTROL

399 Beaverdam Rd. • 706-613-3887 Open every day except Wednesday 10am-4pm

127-2/2

This scraggly young girl was living as a stray until an elderly gentleman tried to help her out with food. He is no longer able to do so and she finds herself friendless again, however it’s clear she enjoys the warmth, No, she’s not steady mad–she was meals, shyly reaching and most out for some of all the attention. attention she is receiving at Animal Control.

She is a very sweet 31620 and affectionate girl, with a funny serious face and big ears. She’s good at making muffins, and giving gentle head butts.

28

ATHENS AREA HUMANE SOCIETY Animals Received 12, Animals Placed 4 ACC ANIMAL CONTROL 40 Dogs Received, 40 Dogs Placed!

6 Cats Received, 5 Cats Placed

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

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: Mouse and Keyboard Skills (ACC Library, Educational Technology Center) Introduction to using a computer mouse and keyboard for adults. Call to register. Feb. 10, 7–8:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-613-3650 ext. 354 Creative Exploration Classes (Wildeye Creative Exploration Studio) Tap into your creative process! Classes for kids and adults. 706-410-0250, www.wildeyecreative.com Digital Media Acrylic Grounds Demo (The Loft Art Supplies) Demonstration of how to turn any surface into one that can accept images from your computer using acrylic mediums. Registration required. Feb. 17, 6–7 p.m. FREE! 706-548-5334 English as a Second Language (Pinewoods Hispanic Community Library) Classes every week! Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30–8 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3708 ESL Class (Athens Urban Ministries) Free sessions. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1:30–3 p.m. FREE! 706-353-6647 Express Yoga (Five Points Yoga) Create peace in the middle of your day by doing yoga during your lunch break! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 12:15–1 p.m. $5. www.athensfivepointsyoga.com Flower Arranging (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Taught by a National Garden Club Master Flower Show Judge. Focus will be on dining table arrangements. Call

Photos won’t do justice to this handsome, fluffy kitty. Playful six-month old.

Likes other cats.

Confident and well31599 adjusted.

This giant orange kitty is a HUGE lap cat. He would rather be sitting in your lap soaking up love than doing just about anything.

31596 Ok, except maybe eating. Awesome mellow lovebug.

One of four teensy, fuzzy, kitten siblings.

Three grey with white and one 31616 tuxedo. Cute! more cats online at

cats.athenspets.net

Rosemary Kate Jesionowski’s installation is on display at ATHICA through Mar. 6. to register. Feb. 23, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $45. 706-542-6156, www.uga.edu/ botgarden Fly Tying (Sandy Creek Park, Conference Room) A weekend course offering the basics of tying fly fishing lures. Call to register!

Feb. 12 & 13, 12–4 p.m. $30. 706613-3631, www.athensclarkecounty. com/leisure Forest Yoga (Five Points Yoga) Deepen your breath, work your core, strengthen your body and connect with your spirit. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. $10/class. 706-355-3114 GED Classes (Athens Urban Ministries, 717 Oconee St.) Get your GED for free, free, free! Mondays & Thursdays, 9:30–11:30 a.m. FREE! 706-353-6647.

Genealogy 102: Census Records Online (Oconee County Library) Research family history online using Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest Online.

Must have previous genealogy experience and basic computer skills.

Call to register. Feb. 22, 4–5:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-769-3950 Health and Wellness Classes (Athens Community Council on Aging) Athens Community Council on Aging hosts senior-friendly Zumba, Line Dancing, Yoga, Tai Chi and more!

Go online for a complete schedule.

706-549-4850, www.accaging.org Intro to Word (Oconee County Library) Learn the basics of word processing. Registration required.

Feb. 11, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. FREE! 706-769-3950 Introduction to Computers (Oconee County Library) Learn the basic components of your computer or master Microsoft Windows XP. Registration required. Go online for list of upcoming classes. Feb. 17 & 18, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 706-7693950 www.clarke.public.lib.ga.us/ oconee.html Introduction to the Internet (Oconee County Library) Class that covers Internet service providers, web browsers, useful sites and Internet safety. Call to register. Feb. 17, 7–8:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-769-3950 Introduction to the Internet (ACC Library) Class covers Internet service providers, web browsers, useful sites and Internet safety. Space is limited; call to register. Feb. 17, 7–8:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-613-3650 Introduction to Word (ACC Library, Education Technology Center) Learn the basics of word processing. Registration required.

Feb. 24, 7 p.m. FREE! 706-6133650, ext. 354

Iyengar Yoga (StudiO) Certified Iyengar teacher leads a class focusing on strength, flexibility, stamina and balance. Tuesdays, 6:45–8:15 p.m. $10/class, $56/series. www.athensomtownyoga.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 Bonding (Full Bloom Center) Fussy babies and tired mamas welcome! 10 a.m. class for babies 8–18 months old and 11 a.m. class for babies 1–8 months old. Fridays, 10 a.m. $14, $60 (6 weeks). 706-353-3373 Mandalas and Movement (Samaritan Counseling Center) Combining gentle yoga and meditative drawing in 4-week sessions.

Registration required. Wednesdays, Feb. 9–Mar. 2, 6–8 p.m.$90. 706369-7911, www.samaritannega.org Musikgarten Early Childhood Classes (UGA School of Music) Music classes for toddlers ages 2–4. Check website for details. Through Mar. 7. $70.

706-542-2894, ugacms@uga.edu, www.uga.edu/ugacms/earlychild hood.html Natural History of Georgia Plants (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) This course will introduce students to the diverse natural vegetation of Georgia. Call to register.

Feb. 12, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $100.

706-542-6156, www.uga.edu/ botgarden Naturescaping with Natural Fibers (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Join in on the versatile fiber technique called needle felting!

Pre-registration required. Mar. 8, 6–8 p.m. $27. 706-542-6156, www.uga.edu/botgarden New Horizons Music Classes (UGA School of Music) Beginning band, intermediate band, beginning orchestra and piano classes for adults age 50+. No prior music experience needed! Call 706-542-2894 to register. www.uga.edu/ugacms Nia (Sangha Yoga Studio) Gain muscle definition and strength in this dance class with Valerie Beard.

Mondays, 7:15–8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 9–10 a.m. Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m. www.healingartscentre.net Organic Gardening (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Learn the basics of organic soil building,

how to propagate herbs and make newspaper pots. Pre-registration required. Mar. 6, 2–4 p.m. $20. 706542-6156, www.uga.edu/botgarden Partner Yoga (Sangha Yoga Studio) Come stretch, breathe and connect with a partner, friend or family member. Feb. 12, 2–3:30 p.m. $25 (adv.), $30. 706-613-1143, www.healingartscentre.net Prenatal Yoga (Full Bloom Center) Get ready for birth and beyond. Thursdays, 5:45 p.m., Fridays, 12:15 p.m. $14, $60 (6 classes).

706-353-3373, www.fullbloom parent.com Rise & Shine Yoga (Five Points Yoga) Get your shine on with early morning flow yoga. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:45–6:45 a.m. $10 (Drop-In). 706-355-3114 Survival Spanish (ACC Library) Instruction in basic Spanish vocabulary and conversation. Ages 18 & up. Pre-registration required.

Through Mar. 27, Sundays, 3 p.m. (beginner) & 4 p.m. (intermediate).

FREE! 706-613-3650, refdesk@ athenslibrary.org Tango Lessons (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Every Tuesday with Clint and Shelly. 4–6 p.m. (Private Lessons), 6–7 p.m. (Intermediate Class) 7–8 p.m. (Beginner Class), $10 (group class).706-613-8178, cvunderwood@charter.net Tribal Basics Bellydance (Floorspace) Bellydance for every belly! Learn graceful moves in a fun and supportive environment with a focus on Egyptian style and rhythms.

Wednesdays, 7–8 p.m. www.floor spaceathens.com Turkish Tribal Bellydance (Floorspace) A 6-week session for experienced dancers. Thursdays, $12 (drop-in), $60 (6 classes). 706372-1833, christyfricks@gmail.com UGA Tango Club (UGA Tate Center, Room 311) 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 Valentine’s Day Couples Trapeze Workshop (Canopy Studio) Learn partner work on trapeze on the floor as well as in the air.

Register by email. Feb.13, 12-1:30 p.m. & 2-3:30 p.m. $40 (couple). info@canopystudio.com Vinyasa Flow Yoga (Floorspace) Daytime flow classes. Tuesdays, 8:45 a.m. Thursdays, 12:15 p.m. $6–$12 (suggested donation). thebodyeclectic@rocketmail.com, www.floorspaceathens.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.

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) 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 & The 7 Sacred Centers (Five Points Yoga) Learn how the 7 main chakras affect the body. Feb. 26, 2–4 p.m. $30. 706-254-0200 Yoga Crawlers (Full Bloom Center) For active babies 8–18 months. Every Wednesday. 10:30 a.m. $14. 706-353-3373, www.fullbloomparent.com Yoga: 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) 706-207-5881 Yoshukai Karate (AKF Itto Martial Arts) Learn Yoshukai Karate, a traditional hard Okinawan style. FREE! www.athensy.com Youth and Parents Drum Circle (Floorspace) Percussion class! Bring a drum if you have one!

Every second Friday of the month.

4–4:45 p.m. $5–$10 (suggested donation). christyfricks@gmail.com, www.floorspaceathens.com Zumba (Athens Community Council on Aging) Get fit to Latin rhythms! No experience necessary.

Mondays, 6–7 p.m. & Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $6. 706-206-6057, http://53247.zumba.com Zumba at the Garden (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves comprise this dynamic fitness program. Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m. $10/class, $80/session. www.uga. edu/botgarden ZumbAtomic for Toddlers (Whole: Mind. Body. Art.) Fun fusion of Zumba moves for the little ones!

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. $6 (for first child), $3 (for each additional sibling). 706-410-0134, www.whole mindbodyart.com

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 in any condition. Sundays, 2–4:30 p.m. 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 Georgia Museum of Art Volunteers (Georgia Museum of Art) Volunteers needed to help staff the newly renovated GMOA shop. Assist in creating store displays, ringing up sales and basic customer service. 706-542-0450, millera@uga.edu, www.uga.edu/ gamuseum 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! Daily, 5:30–6:30 p.m. 706-354-0423 Project Safe Volunteers (Various Locations) Take part in the movement to end domestic violence by becoming a mentor, donating a meal or volunteering at the thrift store. 706-542-0922, www.projectsafe.org Thrift Sale Fundraiser (OCAF) Seeking surplus furniture, toys, clothing, books, tools, electronics, antiques, etc. All donations are tax deductible and proceeds will benefit local art education. Accepting donations through Mar. 12. 706769-4565, info@ocaf.com

KIDSTUFF 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 Little League Tryouts (Holland Youth Sports Complex) For ages 4–14. Register online to play spring baseball and softball. Feb. 19, 20 & 21. FREE! www.athenslittleleague. org Mommy and Me Spanish (Email for Location) Learn Spanish with your preschooler through songs, stories and games! New session starting soon. sehlers@uga.edu 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

Cozy Yum Yum Authentic Thai Cuisine

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER FOR 2 $29.95

them all to yourself! For ages 6 and up. Daily, 3:30–5:30 p.m., FREE! 706-613-3593 Red Cross Babysitting Course (Memorial Park) A Red Cross certified instructor will guide participants through the basic leadership, safety and supervisory skills needed to babysit. Ages 1115. Register by Feb. 9. Feb. 12, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $45. 706-613-3580 Yoga Sprouts (Memorial Park) Fun, playful yoga for kids ages 2 and up. Now registering! Call for information on sessions, fees and scholarships. Tuesdays. 706-353-3373 ZumbAtomic for Kids (Whole: Mind. Body. Art.) Fast-foward fusion of Zumba moves designed to let kids max out on fun and fitness at the same time! Mondays, 5:15–6:15 p.m. $6 (for first child), $3 (for each additional sibling). www.wholemind bodyart.com

SUPPORT Alcoholics Anonymous (Various Locations) If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. 706-5430436, www.athensaa.com Alzheimer’s Caregiver Luncheon Program (Bentley Center) The Athens Area Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the third Tuesday of every month. Noon-1 p.m. FREE! 706-549-4850, eanthony@accaging.org Emotional Abuse Support Group (Call for location) Demeaning behavior 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 desire to become well emotionally.

Sundays, 4–5 p.m. 706-202-7463, www.emotionsanonymous.org Grief Support Group (Council on Aging) Meeting every third Thursday each month. 2-3:30 p.m.

FREE! 706-549-4850 Mental Health Support Group (St. Mary’s Hospital) Meets in the lobby conference room.

Thursdays, 6:30–8 p.m. 706-7835706, www.athensmentalhealth.org Overeaters Anonymous (Various Locations) 12-step meetings for compulsive eaters.

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.

FREE! 404-771-8971, www.oa.org Parkinson’s Support Group (Council on Aging) Meet up every fourth Monday for an open support group for those living with Parkinson’s Disease. 2:30-4 p.m.

FREE! 706-549-4850 PTSD Support Group Local support group now forming for family members of soldiers and veterans

ART AROUND TOWN ACC Library (2025 Baxter St.) Paintings by Lisa Weaver. Through February. • Visual storytelling artwork by teens and adults. Through February.

Amici Italian Café (233 E. Clayton St.) New works

by Charley Seagraves. Through February.

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.

Athens Academy (1281 Spartan Dr.) Group show featuring work by the School Street Studio Potters, Scott Belville, Cindy Farley, O.C. Carlisle, Alice Pruitt, Leslie Moody and Larry McDougald. Through Feb. 11.

ATHICA (160 Tracy St. Unit 4) “Taking Part” is an exhibit of participatory art projects featuring six artists with varied approaches. While all of the artists, Michael Lease, Lori Hepner, Heather Freeman, Rosemary Kate Jesionowski, Hope Hilton and Brian Hitselberger, incorporate public input in their artmaking process, the final outcome relies on the artist’s involvment. Through Mar. 6.

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.

Big City Bread Cafe (393 N. Finley St.) Acrylic and enamel works by Charley Seagraves. Through February.

Community (119 Jackson St.) New works by Lea Purvis.

Dog Ear Books (162 W. Clayton St.) Photo montages by Kenneth Aguar and paintings by Jeff Owens and Rachel Cabaniss. Through Mar. 15.

Espresso Royale Caffe (271 E. Broad St.) Bright acrylics by Chilean artist Carmen Erazo. Through February.

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.

Five Star Day Café (229 E. Broad St.) Mixedmedia photography by Jami Gilstrap and shadowbox collages by Alexei Gural. Through February.

Flicker Theatre & Bar (263 W. Washington St.) Paintings by Hannah Jones. Through February.

Flight Tapas and Bar (225 N. Lumpkin St.) New works by Mandy Elias. Through February.

Good Dirt (510 B Thomas St.) The gallery features hand-built and wheel-thrown pieces by various ceramic artists and potters including Rob Sutherland, Caryn Van Wagtendonk, Crisha Yantis and Mike Klapthor.

Hampton Fine Art Gallery (115 E. Broad St., Greensboro) Electic collection of work from master

with post-traumatic stress disorder.

770-725-4527 Sapph.Fire 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. 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

pastel artist Cameron Hampton. Through February.

Jittery Joe’s Coffee (1230 S. Millledge Ave.) Mixed-media photography by Jami Gilstrap. Through February. • Handpainted silks by René Shoemaker.

Jittery Joe’s Eastside (1860 Barnett Shoals Rd.) Ink and watercolor paintings of local scenes by Jamie Calkin. Through February.

Just Pho…and More (1063 Baxter St.) New work by artist Antonio Caruso. Through February.

Lamar Dodd School of Art (Gallery 101) “A Year on the Hill” features photography by Jim Fiscus and Chris Bilheimer. Through Feb. 11. • (Gallery 307) Recent work by David Humphry. Through Feb. 24.

Mama’s Boy (197 Oak St.) Abstract paintings and drawings by Hannah Jones. Through February.

Mercury Art Works at Hotel Indigo (500 College Ave.) “Colliding Scopes” features art work

by Nash Hogan, Paige Mostowy, Dena Zilber, Charlie Key and Margaret Schreiber. Through Mar. 1.

Monroe Art Guild (205 S. Broad St., Monroe) Winter art show featuring work by contestant winners from all over Georgia. Through February.

OCAF (34 School St., Watkinsville) Exhibition of black and white photography by Dr. Roy Ward. Through Feb. 9.

Republic Salon (312 E. Broad St.) An exhibit featuring your favorite animals in embroidery and print mixed-media works by Lea Purvis. Through February.

Speakeasy (269 E. Broad St.) New paintings by Sarah Nguyen. Through February.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia (2450 Millege Ave.) “Art Naturale” features natural-themed paintings, photographs, pottery, textiles and jewelry by 26 artists from the Madison Artists Guild. Through Feb. 27.

The Grit (199 Prince Ave.) New work by Sarah T., friend of Bigfoot. Drawings, collage, photographs and fabric art. Through Feb. 13.

This-Way-Out (T-W-O) (680 W. Broad St.) AHA! (AthensHasArt!) features paintings and drawings by Robert Sparrow Jones. Open 6-8 p.m. on the 10th20th of each month, or by appointment. Through Mar. 20. Reception Feb. 18.

Town 220 (220 W. Washington St., Madison) “Large Format Wall Paintings” presents the works of painter Richard Olsen and works in clay by Rick Berman.

Through April.

Trace Gallery (160 Tracy St.) New works by Atlanta ceramic sculptor Christina West. West addresses the idea of the human object as a toy by creating nearly life-size porcelain and fabric dolls.

Reception Feb. 11. Through Mar. 4.

Transmetropolitan (145 E. Clayton St.) “The Pursuit of Happiness.” New paintings by Joe Havasy.

Through February.

White Tiger Gourmet Food & Chocolates (217 Hiawasee Ave.) Mixed-media work by two young artists, Kirin Fernandes and Havivah Saltz.

ON THE STREET 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 FREE! Tax Preparation Assistance (Various Locations) Now scheduling appointments for low- to middle-income families at the Epps Bridge Parkway Kroger

Now Pre-Leasing Homes for Fall!

and Oconee County Library. 706543-9511 Mardi Gras 10K (Terrapin Beer Co.) After completing the 10K, enjoy some brews. Proceeds benefit Bigger Vision Community Shelter and the Stable Foundation. Mar. 5, 10 a.m. www.mardigras10kathens.org Summer Job Fair (Lay Park) Don’t get left high and dry this summer!

Find a job poolside at a community center, in a canoe at a youth camp or select from hundreds of positions available through ACC Leisure Services. Bring a photo ID. Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-noon. 706-613-3800, www. athensclarkecounty.com f

Hair Cuts

You’ll Fall In Love With!

ALL BIOLAGE PRODUCTS

2 for $25

(Includes Soup and Appetizers)

179 N. Jackson St. • Downtown • 706.208.1747 OPEN 24 HOURS! It’s So Good!

Burgers • Subs • Hot Dogs • Grilled Sandwiches

489 E. Clayton St. • 706-543-8898

Property Management

706-548-0580

www.deklerealty.com

156-A College Ave. • Athens, GA • (706) 546-7288

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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comics

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

reality check Matters Of The Heart And Loins I am a high school junior. My best friend is gay. He has been for as long as I can remember, and it never bothered me. In fact, I am pretty sure that most of the kids we’ve grown up with have known, too, and mostly nobody cares because he is fun and nice and smart, etc. OK, so now he is talking about coming out to his parents. And I am trying to support him, but I am super worried. They are very, very Christian, and as much as I think they probably already know he’s gay (never had a girlfriend, not into sports, way into clothes, and every other stereotype you can think of), I think they are in serious denial, and I am afraid of what they will do. So far, they have pretty much just looked the other way.

He gets his hair cut by women, he wears what he wants, and only occasionally does his mother ask when he’s going to get a girlfriend.

He stays out late on weekends; we go to the city when we want to; they let him use the car. At the same time, he gets good grades and comes home on time and is basically a good kid. But I keep telling him that if he comes out now they are going to lock him up! I don’t want them to go to the pastor about this. I am scared of what would happen. Or what if they kick him out of the house? I want him to wait until he leaves for college. He is hell-bent on doing it now. Can you help me talk him out of coming out?

Why Now? It’s not for me to decide, and it isn’t for you to decide, either. If your friend feels that the time is right, and you’ve already tried to convince him otherwise, and he’s still dead set on coming out, then support him in any way you can.

He knows his parents better than anyone, and if he is willing to take the risk, then let him. If things do go badly, then you have to be there to help him. Make sure he has a place to go and a trusted adult he can turn to.

My wife cheated on me. It happened over a year ago, and she said it was only once, and I believe her. At the time, I was spending too much time at work, and she was bored and lonely, and she was telling me that she needed stuff, and I wasn’t really hearing her. So it happened.

And then she felt terribly guilty and confessed. I forgave her, because I knew I was at least partially responsible.

So now here we are, a year down the road, and things are better. Work has evened out, she is in a better place emotionally, and we are spending more time together. In fact, I think we may be better off than we have ever been.

But… The problem is that I have forgiven her, but I can’t forget. I want the whole thing to

be over, and I know that it is, but in a way I can’t help but think about it sometimes. I know there is no going back, but part of me wants to just go out and sleep with somebody else so that I feel even. I know I could get away with it. I even know somebody I could sleep with, because a friend of mine told me back then that she would do it with me if it would make me feel better. I know that’s not right. I know it might make things worse, but I still think it might make me feel better. The friend that I am talking about is a really good friend, and we see her a lot. She has never brought it up again after the one time she said it to me, but I have been thinking about taking her up on the offer lately.

Am I crazy?

Well, yes and no. It seems crazy to think that you would go mucking everything up now that your marriage is back on track. All’s well that ends well, right? Except that it hasn’t ended. You still have some resentment that you can’t seem to let go of. You seem to feel like your wife got away with something, even though she obviously didn’t. Think hard about what you think might make you feel better. Evening the score isn’t the answer. You should talk to a professional who will help you sort out your feelings. You two may need couples counseling.

Do not—I repeat, DO NOT—ask your friend if the offer is still open. This will only complicate things.

Confidential to ASAP: Don’t freak out before you find out if you’re even right. Wait until you have an answer, and then see where it goes from there. You should tell him as soon as you know, but let him digest the information before you ask him what he wants to do. Tell him what you would prefer, of course, but don’t make it an ultimatum. Be willing to work things out either way.

Confidential to SFJB: Twenty-one isn’t exactly jailbait, but ask yourself this: why don’t you ever date women your own age? Or even women of your own generation? It’s kind of hilarious to me that you are insecure about whether or not she thinks you’re a gross old man. The best part of this? In addition to the many things on your checklist that a “more mature” woman (as you so euphemistically put it) can’t give you that this young lady can, you can add: “a taste of your own medicine.”

And that is something I think you richly deserve. Good luck with all that. And be careful with the Viagra. A man your age and all, you know. Things can happen.

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

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM

31

classifieds

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

Real Estate Apartments for Rent 1BR/1BA apar tment. Great in–town, Boulevard n’hood.

Walk ever ywhere. Water & garbage paid. $490-$525/mo.

Check out www.boulevard propertymanagement.com or call (706) 548-9797.

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.

1BR $485, 2BR $549, 3BR $699/ mo.! Huge apt.s avail. now! Preleasing for summer & fall! Also, get your 1st mo. of rent free! Pet friendly, on busline, 3 mi. from campus & Dwntn. (706) 5496254. Restrictions apply.

Avail. now & pre-leasing for Fall!

Total electric. Eastside. Must see. 5BR/3BA. Trash & lawn paid for. Modern/huge rooms.

Approx. 2800 sq. ft. $995/mo.

(706) 621-0077.

1BR/1BA Normaltown in-house apt. CHAC, W/D, DW, wireless, ceiling fans, HWflrs., near busline, water/sewer/trash incl.

N/S grad. student/professional pref’d. Dog possible. Avail. 2/1. $550/mo. (706) 227-9116.

2BR/2BA at The Lodge. Kitchen, LR, screened-in porch. $850/ mo. + utils. Internet incl. Avail. now! Call Alice (404) 376-0987.

4 or 5BR/4BA, lg. rooms, W/D. Cedar Shoals Dr. $950/mo. plus deposit. (706) 296-1506 or (706) 742-8555.

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

Best deal in town! El Dorado Apartments in Normaltown area. $675/mo. 2BR/1BA, pets allowed w/ deposit. Multiple units avail.

Joiner & Associates, (706) 5497371, www.gojoiner.com.

Dwntn., 1BR/1BA flat, $465/ mo. Units avail. for immediate move-in & pre-leasing for Aug. 2011. Water, gas, trash pick-up incl. On-site laundry. Joiner Management, (706) 3536868.

flagpole classifieds Reach Over 30,000 Readers Every Week!

Business Services Real Estate Music For Sale

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BASIC RATES* Individual Real Estate Business (RTS) Run-‘Til-Sold** Online Only***

Downtown loft apartment.

144 E Clayton St. 2BR/1 lg. BA, exposed brick wall in LR, avail. immediately. Won’t last! Call Staci, (706) 296-1863 or (706) 425-4048.

Downtown. University Tower, across from N. campus, corner of Lumpkin & Broad. Lg. 1BR/1BA. Avail. June 1, 2011. $750/mo. Call (706) 255-3743.

Free rent 1st month! No pet fee! 2BR/2BA apt.s close to Dwntn. & 3BR/2BA duplexes in wooded n’hood avail. W/D, DW in all units. Easy access to loop. (706) 548-2522. www. dovetailmanagement.com.



Loft, 640 sq. ft. at Chase Park artist complex. Built out new in 2009, granite, ceiling fans, washer, storage room.

Nice! Nathan, cell: (478) 2906283, work: (478) 274-8141.

Westside condos, 2BR/2BA, $550/mo. Eastside quadraplex, 2BR/2BA, $500/mo. & 2BR/1BA, $475/mo. Eastside duplex, 2BR/1BA & FP, $475/ mo. Call McWaters Realty, (706) 353-2700 or cell (706) 540-1529.

Commercial Property 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) 425-4048 or (706) 296-1863.

Retail, bar, or restaurant for lease at Homewood Shopping Center. 3000 sq. ft. Call Bryan Austin at (706) 353-1039.

Downtown space/business w/ 2 parking spots. 250 W Broad St #108, zoned C-D, across from UGA. Terms neg. for business. Asking $239K. Call Jim Paine, (706) 3727300.

Eastside offices. 1060 Gaines School Rd. Rent 1200 sq. ft. $1200/mo., 450 sq. ft.$600/mo., 150 sq. ft. $300/mo. (706) 546-1615 or athenstownproperties.com.

Unique 40’ x 80’ space at Chase Park artist complex.

Open space ready for talented entrepreneur. Zoned E-O. Live/work optional. (478) 290-6283. $129,000. Pictures on Facebook “Bracewell Lofts.”

Wa re h o u s e / o ff i c e / s t u d i o .

Fenced yd., A/C, great light, roll-up door, view of river, perfect for service industry.

Rent 25% to 100% of 3500 sq. ft. bldg. $200-1250/mo.

Cole, (706) 202-2733.

Condos for Rent Reduced rent! $600/ m o . 1 B R / 1 B A , L R , s t u d y, modern kitchen, pool, gym, gated, ground floor corner unit. Stadium Village close to UGA. Ideal for single/couple. Rob, (706) 338-4984, wimberlyme@ bellsouth.net.

Condos For Sale Downtown. University To w e r o n B r o a d a c r o s s from N. Campus. Large 1BR/1BA, $84,500. Agents welcome 3%. Call (706) 255-3743.

$10 per week $14 per week $16 per week $40 per 12 weeks $5 per week

HEART OF NORMALTOWN 2 Bedroom Apartments

$ VALUE PACKAGE 675/mo

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

Avail. now. 2BR/1BA duplex on Westside. 171 Nicole Cir. W/D conn. FP, CHAC, fenced yd. $425/mo. + $425 deposit. (706) 498-4733.

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.

Houses for Rent $650/mo. 3BR/1BA. 115/121 E. Carver Dr. Fenced–in yd. Tile & HWflrs. CHAC, W/D hookups, DW. Pets welcome. Avail. now!

(706) 614-8335. $775/mo. Blocks from UGA & Dwntn. Athens. 3BR/1BA, totally remodeled, tall ceilings, HWflrs., tile, W/D, front porch. 500 Willow St. Avail. mid-Feb. Owner/Agent, call Robin (770) 265-6509.

1BR cottage. 1/4 mi. from campus. 100 yrs. old. HWflrs.

Big kitchen. All appls incl. Front/ back porch. No pets, N/S. $600/ mo. Avail. now. (770) 995-6788.

1BR/1BA, 1277 W Hancock. $500/mo. HWflrs., pets welcome, call Paul at (706) 7149607.

180 Indale. Available 1 March. $600/mo. 2BR/1BA, W/D, DW, HVAC, pets welcome. Lease negotiable. Call Paul, (706) 7149607.

2BR/1BA, 2795 Danielsville Rd. 5 mi. north of Dwntn. Fenced yd., good closet space, W/D avail. $535/mo. + 1 mo. security dep. Avail. now. (706) 424-1571.

PLACE AN AD

• 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

1BR/1BA duplex on Oconee St. near Dwntn. & UGA. HWflrs., lg. porch & back yd., shared laundry center, really nice, $498 plus deposit. Call Drew, (706) 202-2712.

2BR/1BA house w/ lg. LR & small fenced-in back yd. 688 Pulaski St. 1/2 mile from Dwntn. $700/mo. + $400 deposit. Call (404) 824-8009 or (757) 7775047.

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

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

Duplexes For Rent

Free Internet • Free Cable Free Water • Free Hot Water

Eldorado Apartments gojoiner.com

1494 Prince Ave. • 706-549-7371

2BR/2BA house. Eastside near Walmart. Quiet street, fenced yd., wood flrs. downstairs, W/D. $750/mo. + dep. (706) 5435497.

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.

2BR/1BA, 340 Ruth St. Cool old house w/ HWflrs., all appliances, pet-friendly, $800/ mo., avail. 8/1. (706) 713-0626, www.newagepropertiesathens. com.

3BR/2BA house close to c a m p u s . Quiet street off College Cir., lg. yd. w/ deck, garage. HWflrs., appls, W/D, CHAC. 1 mi. from campus. Avail.

Aug 1. $865/mo. Call (706) 2473708.

3BR/1BA in Winterville. HWflrs., front yd., small screened-in porch, wooded lot. Quiet n’hood.

Avail. now. Pets OK. $675/mo.

Tenant pays utils. (706) 4105239.

3BR/2BA house in great n’hood.

Close to medical school campus/Normaltown. HW & tile flrs. Fresh paint inside/outside.

Huge landscaped/fenced yd.

All new appliances. House is a must-see. Call Helen Martin, (706) 540-2010.

3BR/1.5BA house w/ central HVAC, HWflrs., carport, lg. fenced back yd. on quiet culde-sac off Oglethorpe Ave. Pets OK w/ deposit, W/D incl., landlord mows lawn. Avail.

March 1. $900/mo. Contact Jared at (706) 338-9019 or athfest08@gmail.com.

4BR/4BA. New, Dwntn. 1 mi. from Arch. Stainless, HWflrs., tile, covered porches. Choose from multiple homes. W/D incl.

Avail. Fall. $1900/mo. Aaron (706) 207-2957.

49 Gail Dr. 3-4BR/1.5BA. HWflrs!

CHAC. Fenced yd. Pets OK. No pet fees! Other homes avail. $850/mo. (706) 254-2569.

5 Pts. house, 143 Greenwood.

Avail. June 1. 3BR/2.5BA, totally remodeled, HWflrs., all electric.

Parking in rear. $1775/mo. Call Paul, (706) 714-9607.

5 Pts. Leasing for fall. 1, 2, 3 & 4 BR houses & apts. See at bondrealestate.org. Owner/ broker Herbert Bond Realty & Investment. (706) 224-8002.

Artist studio/garden cottage.

Ver y private, quiet, lovely setting. Dwntn. Watkinsville, walk 1 block to Jittery Joe’s.

Great restaurants, music on the lawn, lg. open main rm. w/ great windows. 2BR/1BA, screen porch, 1200 sq. ft. Professional/ grad student. N/S, no candles, pets neg. $740/mo. incl. water for 1 & all appl. Avail. March 1!

Pls. call (706) 769-0205 evening, (706) 207-5175. Leave msg.

Avail. March 1st: 2BR/1BA, 1285 Boulevard. CHAC, back yd., great house in Blvd. area. $900/ mo. (706) 372-2834.

Amazing renovated 5BR/3BA. 1/2 mi. from campus. 2 LRs, 2 kitchens, big BRs, huge deck, plenty of parking. DW, W/D, CHAC. Pets OK. Avail. 8/1. $1900/mo. (706) 369-2908.

Eastside 4BR/2BA home. $700/ mo. incl. trash & lawn care. All appls incl. Fenced-in back yd., pets OK. Call (706) 201-2121.

For rent/sale. Wakefield ranch, 3BR/2BA, garage, appliances, fenced yd., deck, blinds, fans, FP. Rent, $900/mo. plus deposit.

Sell, $115,900. Call (706) 2559570.

Great little house near Dwntn.

3BR/1BA. LR, DR, study. HWflrs.

Quiet n’hood. Eastside near Weaver D’s. $650/mo. Call Dan, (678) 643-5851.

Great house. 2BR/1BA. $695/mo. 75% off 1st mo. rent!

Great location & rent. HWflrs., big sun deck, W/D, micro, fridge/freezer. (404) 368-8043, p@mba.ms. http://www.rentals. com/Georgia/Athens/r1125042/ Homewood Hills brick ranch.

3BR/2BA, LR, DR, den, gas FP, fenced back yd. All appliances incl. W/D. $950/mo. Call Teri, (706) 717-0479.

New 4BR/4BA houses! Great Dwntn. location! Lg. BRs, tile, HWflrs., $1900/mo., avail. 8/1. www.newagepropertiesathens. com, (706) 713-0626.

Normaltown. 3BR/2BA, CHAC, moder n kitchen, HWflrs., spacious front porch, plenty of off-street parking, avail. 3/1. (706) 543-6368.

Now leasing 3 & 4 BR brick homes w/ private baths for Fall 2011. Pet friendly student community close to Dwntn. www.deklerealty.com, (706) 5480580.

Rent/sale. $550/mo., $99,999.

Adorable 2BR cottage. Recently renovated. New kitchen. LR, DR, front porch, dog pen. New heat pump. Great location, busline, UGA, Dwntn. (706) 543-5604.

Parking & Storage UGA parking spaces.

Across the street from campus, law & library. $30/ mo. 6 month minimum.

Contact Susan, (706) 3544261.

Pre-Leasing 1BR/1BA Hillside Apt. $475/mo. $550/mo. w/ W/D. Water incl.

Blocks from campus. Joiner Management: (706) 353-6868, or text “hillside” to 41513. www. joinermanagement.com.

Arbor Creek: 1 & 2 BRs, $550 to $655/mo. W/D, DW, pool. www.joinermanagement.com, text “arbor” to 41513, Joiner Management, (706) 353-6868.

Awesome Victorian 4BR/2.5BA house. 1/2 mi. from campus.

Huge rooms, HWflrs., 2 LRs., patio, high ceilings, DW, W/D, CHAC. Pets OK. Avail. 8/1. $1850/mo. (706) 369-2908.

Adorable 3BR/2BA, close to campus. New master BA w/ double sink. HWflrs., fenced back yd. W/D, DW, CHAC. Avail.

8/1. $1250/mo. (706) 369-2908.

Best rentals in Athens!

1–5BR houses, apts., condos. In the heart of UGA/Dwntn./5 Pts. Avail. Aug. Going fast, call today! (706) 369-2908 for more info.

Dearing Garden, 1, 2, 3BR flats. $550 to 900/mo. W/D, DW. Block from campus off Baxter St. Joiner Management, (706) 8507727, text “dearing” to 41513. www.joinermanagement.com.

Great 4BR/4BA house. 1/2 mi. from campus. Front porch, back deck, nice yd., DW, W/D, CHAC. Pets OK. Avail. 8/1. Special! $1500/mo. (706) 369-2908.

For Sale

Athens School of Music. Instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, banjo, mandolin, fiddle & more. From beginner to expert. Instrument r e p a i r s a v a i l . V i s i t w w w.

AthensSchoolofMusic.com, (706) 543-5800.

R e a d y t o re v a m p y o u r resume? Renew your career? Certified coach now meeting clients Dwntn. at WorkSpace Athens. 1-on-1 coaching, assistance w/ resumes/cover letters/grad. s c h o o l a p p l i c a t i o n s . Vi s i t www.higheredcareercoach. com or call Sean, (706) 3630539.

Music Services F r e t S h o p . P ro f e s s i o n a l guitar repairs & modifications, setups, electronics, precision f re t w o r k . P re v i o u s c l i e n t s incl. R.E.M., Widespread Panic, Cracker, Bob Mould, J o h n B e r r y, A b b e y R o a d Live!, Squat. (706) 549-1567.

Antiques & jewels Christmas sale! Antique furniture, estate jewelr y, 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. Milledge Ave. Athens.

Antiques-jewels.com.

Wedding bands. Quality, professional bands.

Weddings, par ties. 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’ p re m i e re w e d d i n g & p a r t y band. www.themagictones. com.

Antiques

Studios

For sale: Apple laptop.

MacBook. 10 yrs. old. $100. Call Edward, (706) 207-8627 or email theoudis@gmail.com.

Shoal Creek: 1 & 2 BRs, $575 to $675. W/D, DW, ice-maker, pool. www.joinermanagement.com, text “shoalcreek” to 41513, or call Joiner Management, (706) 850-7727.

All new pillow-top mattress set, $139. Sofa & love-seat, $399.

5-piece bedroom set, $399.

(706) 612-8004.

SmallHouseCreative.

Seriously high-end analog gear! Seriously affordable!

Mix, master & track in P r o To o l s H D 2 A c c e l based recording studio on Athens’ Eastside. Feel the l o v e ! w w w. r o o m f i f t y t h r e e . com.

Stonecrest, 2 & 3 BRs, $800 to $1050/mo. W/D, DW, microwave, pool. www.joinermanagement. com, text “stonecrest” to 41513, or call Joiner Management, (706) 850-7727.

Roommates 2BR duplex. Beautiful & fully furnished. 4 mi. from GA Square Mall in Bogart area. Retiree wants ro ommate t o share expenses. $340/mo. covers everything. (706) 612-0925.

Huge room for rent w/ private entry. $420/mo. Pay weekly or monthly. W/D, utilities incl.

Bigger than master BR. (678) 698-4260.

2BR/2BA flats & town homes.

Patriot Park, $625 w/ W/D, DW, quiet, small 7 unit building.

Joiner Management, (706) 3536868 or text “patriot” to 41513. www.joinermanagement.com.

Share home. 2 rooms, private BA. Must love dogs. Near Athens, 3-16. $300/mo. Grad. student, settled person. (770) 312-2386.

Available now. Barnett Ridge, 2BR/2BA flats. Eastside. $625/mo. Lots of room for the price. W/D, DW incl. www. joinermanagement.com, text “bar nett” to 41513, Joiner Management, (706) 353-6868.

1BR for rent in 3BR house. Lg. front porch, plenty of parking, 10 min. walk from campus. S. Campus deck parking pass incl. $425/mo. (very neg.). (404) 290-0009.

Misc. Services

Computers

Lg. house. 2BR/1BA, Pulaski St. $400/mo. + 1/2 utils. Mostly furnished. 1/2 mi. from Dwntn.

CHAC, W/D, DW, HWflrs., 1 acre lot. 12 ft. ceilings, porches, deck. (706) 369-8697.

5 Pts. 2BR/1BA. Great location.

Great for grad student. Walk to campus. W/D, CHAC, nice patio.

Pets OK. $650-$700/mo. Avail.

8/1. Call (706) 369-2908.

1BR/1BA apt. for sublease in Reserve Athens. Lease ends late July. No roommate, but possible. W/D, kitchen w/ DW. Nice back porch w/ view of woods. No move-in fee. Pool, gated community.

Plenty of parking. Call (706) 424-0644. More info at reserveatathens.com.

Instruction

R o y a l O a k s To w n h o m e s .

2BR/2BA, $685/mo., W/D incl., pool & volleyball. Joiner Management: (706) 353-6868, www.joinermanagement.com, or text “royal” to 41513.

1BR/1BA, LynnRock Apts. $490/ mo. w/ DW, water incl. Blocks from campus off Baxter St. Joiner Management, (706) 353-6868, or text “lynnrock” to 41513. www. joinermanagement.com.

2BR/2.5BA townhome, Cedar B l u ff , E a s t s i d e . $ 6 7 0 / m o . w/ W/D, DW, lg. rooms. www. joinermanagement.com, text “cedar” to 41513, Joiner Management, (706) 353-6868.

Sub-lease

Rooms for Rent Better than Ebay! Sell your goods locally w/out shipping fees! Place your ads in Flagpole Classifieds.

Awesome run–til–sold rate! 12 wks. for only the price of 4! Go to www. flagpole.com or call (706) 549-0301.

Room avail in 2BR apt. Big room, cheap utils., free water/ trash. Rent is $348/mo.

Walking distance to Dwntn. (in Blvd. area). Avail. immediately.

Lease ends 7/31. Email i l ove p ri n ce @g mai l . co m for more info.

Furniture

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) 3160130.

Pillowtop queen mattress set.

Never used. Still in factory plastic. $260. (706) 769-1959.

Delivery avail.

Miscellaneous Looking for a vocalist, d r u m m e r, s a x o p h o n e player? Looking for a band?

Find your music mate w/ Flagpole Classifieds!

Call (706) 549-0301.

Pets www.DowntownAthensVet.com.

February special! February is dental month! $50 rebate off a dental ultra-sonic cleaning & polish w/ purchase of a bag of Purina Dental Health pet food.

Call or visit today! 298 Prince Ave. (706) 425-5099.

TV and Video Free HD for life! Only on DISH Network. Lowest price in America! $24.99/mo. for over 120 channels! Plus $550 bonus!

Call today, (888) 904-3558 (AAN CAN).

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 ver y easy on the budget! Phone or text (706) 851-9087.

Email Nick@goodworld. biz. Call Nico at Flagpole for a reference, (706) 5490301.

Health Viagra 100 mg & Cialis 20 mg!

40 plus pills & 4 free for only $99! #1 male enhancement, discreet shipping. Only $2.70/ pill. Buy the blue pill now!

(888) 236-8014 (AAN CAN).

Pregnant? Considering a d o p t i o n ? Ta l k w / c a r i n g 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).

Music

The Weekend Wellness Workshop is a 12 wk. course starting Feb. 13.

Lose weight, find balance in your life, & learn to cook h e a l t h y f o o d . h t t p : / / w w w. weekendwellnessgroup.com/.

Equipment

Massage

Borders! Print version of the Classifieds. Pictures!

Check them out on the Flagpole website. Lowest rates in town! Place your ad today at www.flagpole. com.

Therapeutic massage. 20 yrs. experience. Voted best in Athens. Deep tissue, 21 hot stone massage, geriatric. Lics. #401605-00.

Call Elizabeth at (706) 3382001 for appt.

Pawn Need cash, get it here.

Top dollar for scrap gold, firearms, & other items. GA Dawg Pawn, (706) 353-0799.

4390B Atlanta Hwy, across from Sam’s Club.

Jobs Full-time Elements Salon, located in 5 Pts., is seeking licensed hairstylist to join our team!

Commissioned or booth rental positions avail.!

Please apply in person at 1699 S. Lumpkin St. Flora Hydroponics is now hiring! Position incl. sales, shipping & receiving, stocking & inventory c o n t ro l . E x p e r i e n c e re q ’ d .

Knowledge of industry pref’d. Send resumes to info@florahydroponics.com.

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.

Movie extras to stand in backgrounds for major film production. Earn up to $ 2 0 0 / d a y. E x p e r i e n c e n o t required. All looks needed.

Call (877) 568-7052.

Opportunities Been to jail? Jail Media pays $35 for an interview. content@jailmedia.com.

Do you have great communication skills? Are you money motivated? Are you dependable? Are you willing to do what it takes to make $1000/wk.? If you answered yes to all, give Chris a call!

(770) 560-5653.

E a r n $ 7 5 - $ 2 0 0 / h r. M e d i a makeup artist training.

Ads, TV, film, fashion. 1 wk. class. Stable job in weak e c o n o m y. D e t a i l s a t w w w. awardmakeupschool.com, (310) 364-0665 (AAN CAN).

Help wanted. Extra income!

Assembling CD cases from home! No experience necessary! Call our live operators now! (800) 4057 6 1 9 , e x t . 2 4 5 0 . w w w. easywork-greatpay.com (AAN CAN).

Phone actresses from home.

Best payouts, busy system, bilingual/Spanish a plus.

Must have landline, good voice & wknd. avail. (800) 403-7772, lipservice.net (AAN CAN) Paid in advance! Make $1000/wk. mailing brochures from home! Guaranteed income! Free supplies!

No experience req’d.

S t a r t i m m e d i a t e l y ! w w w. homemailerprogram.net (AAN CAN).

Reynolds Plantation is currently seeking candidates f o r t h e f o l l o w i n g : s e r v e r, $5 + tips; bartender, $7.40 + t i p s ; f o o d - r u n n e r, $ 6 + tips; banquet server, $5 + tips; steward, $8.10/hr.; line cook I, $9.75+/hr.; wellness s p e c i a l i s t , $ 1 1 . 7 0 / h r. ; landscape worker, $9/hr. For more information or to apply, visit www.reynoldsplantation. com.

Part-time Mystery shoppers earn up to $100/day. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail & dining establishments. No exp. req’d.

(800) 743-8535.

Stuck in a lease you're trying to end?

Sublease your house or apartment w/ Flagpole Classifieds! Visit www. flagpole.com or call (706) 549-0301

Vehicles Autos 1992 Mark III edition Chevy Van. 119,500 miles. Extended roof. New transmission, brakes, radiator, water pump, front tires & recent tune-up. $2600. (706) 589-5568.

2009 Toyota Prius, excellent c o n d i t i o n , n e w t i re s , 3 1 K , navigation, JBL Sound $19,800. Contact (706) 7834665 or snpathens@gmail. com.

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Honda Civic Si Sports, 2 dr, 35,000 mi., 6 spd.

MT. 200 horse power, 21/29 mpg. New Contis. Wellmaintained. Loaded. $16,500 OBO. Serious. (678) 9847474.

Notices Messages Sell your bike, boat, motorcycle or car w/ Flagpole Classifieds.

Now offering o n l i n e pics! Go to www.flagpole. com or call (706) 5490301 today!

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 · FLAGPOLE.COM

33

Dahlia Lithwick The Flagpole Interview, Pt. 1

At

a time when the most powerful person in American politics may be a Supreme Court justice—Anthony Kennedy, a Reagan appointee who has functioned as the Court’s “swing” vote since the retirement of Sandra Day O’Connor five years ago—it’s probably a good idea to pay attention to the Court’s activities. That makes Dahlia Lithwick, the Supreme Court correspondent for Slate magazine, an important voice in American journalism. Her highly informed yet accessible reporting and commentary make the intricacies and arcana of the legal system understandable and help place the Court’s decisions in their proper context within our lives and politics.

Lithwick recently taught a course as a visiting professor at the University of Georgia School of Law, and she agreed to sit down for a talk with Flagpole on Feb. 2, the day before her final class.

and the advent of women writing about the courts—those things have really changed very quickly. But we’re on a collision course, I think, of course, between the media and the Court, because the more access we seek and the more openness we seek, the more it makes their fundamental sense of that need for mystery complicate it.

FP: Sure. And that even goes to the very composition of the Court… We know that the Court’s not broadcast, but the confirmation hearings are, and we see these potential justices attempted to be turned inside-out by the Senate. How has that changed the way that the Court operates? This may be too

Flagpole: How did you end up here? What led to this?

Dahlia Lithwick: I was invited to do that lecture last year, the Edith House Lecture. I came and I gave it and it was love at first sight. I just loved the school, loved the students, every single person I met, faculty and students. I just really had an amazing experience. A little bit after that Rebecca White [dean of the UGA law school] called and said, “Hey, listen, we have this visiting faculty gig… come teach!” I thought, “I’ve never taught, but let’s try!”

FP: The kind of journalism you do, the way that you cover the court—that has changed. There hasn’t always been a blogosphere. There hasn’t always been this easily accessible commentary on the Court and what it does. So I would imagine that’s a big part of what you’re talking about.

DL: It is… The courts are so unique in that they’re both dedicated to the notion of transparency—they put their transcripts out there… it’s really important, you know, it’s the First Amendment; we have a right to see what’s going on in courts—and yet, at the same time, they’re totally opaque. And not just opaque in that you can’t get into the Supreme Court, it’s hard to get credentials there, but there’s no cameras there, there’s no audio there. So it’s a paradox and it’s very different from covering Congress, where it’s all just out there. So, we’ve talked a lot in the class—and I think it’s what makes it sort of Shakespearean and interesting—is that you’re supposed to be covering an institution that purports to wants to be covered, but that mystifies itself to the point that you almost can’t cover it. And you’re quite right, I think, that the blogosphere

34

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

FP: And, yet… even when a nominee like [Chief Justice John] Roberts was presented as a moderate, it was like, “There’s no way this guy’s a moderate!” And it appears that was true, based on the first few years of his tenure.

DL: I think that’s right. I think… that’s not a systemic Court issue as much as… I think that the Republican Party has been way more focused on the Court… I think they have done such a fine job of creating a deep, deep bench of people who feel very, very strongly about the role of the courts and, you know, “We’re gonna make constitutional decisions.” And they’ve also done an incredibly good job of messaging that…

FP: All in the name of “non-activism.”

DL: Right. So the American public… you know, you have one side that has both a product to sell and the sales pitch, and you have, I think, the Left in this country that is in a state of complete disarray on the subject of the courts. To the extent that Obama cares about putting up judges that answer Bush judges on the Left, I’ve seen no evidence of that—I think he’s done what Clinton did, which is put up some moderates. And, you know, Obama doesn’t talk about the courts; you know, this is a constitutional law professor… And I think it’s just not on the radar. And you’re seeing that play out not just in terms of Republican nominees that are really steadfast believers in a certain vision, and are able to sort of message that… So, Roberts—we talked about this yesterday in class—we just showed the video of him… testifying that judges are umpires. It’s just such a brilliant formulation, even if it’s perfectly aspirational— and even fatuous—but it’s amazing, and there’s been no answer on the Left. In fact, then I showed the video of Sotomayor disavowing the standard—you know, Obama had set this standard of “Well, they may be umpires, but we go for empathy”—remember that? And she’s like, “I don’t want anything to do with that!” We called it “Sotomayor Throws Obama Under the Bus” yesterday.

There’s no message.

FP: So, you’ve never done this before?

DL: No, I mean, I’ve talked to groups of students, but I’ve never had a syllabus and a curriculum… and there’s this paper at the end of it, so that’s all new for me!

FP: Before I ask you what you’re teaching in your course, I should ask you to talk about your job just a little bit.

DL: I’m the Supreme Court correspondent for Slate magazine. I think this is my 12th year doing that… I started covering the Court in ‘99 and I’ve been doing it since then. And I had a column in Newsweek for a couple years. So the course is about the interplay between the media and the courts and the American public. And how we’re covering the courts: what we’re doing right, what we’re doing wrong, why we do it they way we do, has it changed? [We’re] asking questions about whether the court’s relationship with the American public has changed as a result. So it’s very “meta”… So much of the way we learn at law school hasn’t changed in, literally, over a hundred years… Even though it sounds like a strange and obscure topic, I think it’s nice for law students to have an opportunity to read stuff that isn’t cases, treatises and statutes, and to think in a slightly more “meta” way about courts and the law is maybe a nice break.

open and televised; it used to happen in three hours, on the books. It wasn’t this spectacle, but the spectacle has actually caused, I think, these justices to be, weirdly, even more unknowable than they were back in the day. It’s become almost completely devoid of substance.

FP: And yet, she was excoriated by the Right as this Left-wing extremist.

DL: Well, but that also goes to that they’ve just done a really, very, very good job of setting the entire contours of the battle… recent of an example, but take a Justice Souter, who was nominated by a Republican president, and it was assumed that he would be a reliable conservative vote on the Court, and turned out to be quite the opposite. Can that happen now?

DL: I think it can happen for some of the same reasons it happened with Souter, which is that the confirmation process has so been drained of substance that the kinds of people we tend to even put up are those very opaque people who we know nothing about… One of the paradoxes of the confirmation process is that by making it so open and so transparently political, we’ve created a world in which the only nominees that can come up are ciphers; are a total mystery! So, I actually think we’ve compounded the problem: we’ve made the Souter problem bigger. And then, over and above that, the justices have adhered to this rule that says, “I’m not gonna talk about anything—I’m not gonna talk about anything general because it’s too general; I can’t talk about anything specific because it’s too specific. I can’t talk about cases from the past because they’re in the past; I can’t talk about cases in the future because they’re in the future…”—and created a series of barriers to saying anything. And so, I think the oddity of this process is, it wasn’t until very recently that they were

FP: Right: shifting the middle…

DL: Yeah, and I think, credit where credit is due. That’s a really profound change. That’s the change that is going to seriously imperil Obama’s health initiative, you know…

FP: As you said, the whole federal bench… Earlier this week, another federal judge ruled the whole thing unconstitutional, basically.

DL: Mm-hmm… More than anything, I think, that’s a testament to the kind of people that Reagan and Bush have been putting on the bench, and how clear the vision is, and how strong the passion is. These aren’t constitutional questions; this is a question of, you know, “Do you have the stomach to turn back the clock to pre-Lochner era jurisprudence.” And they do! And I really feel like progressives were asleep at the switch when that happened. And I see no evidence that Democrats in this country prepared themselves for what it would mean to have one-third of the federal bench be Bush appointees.

Dave Marr Look for Part 2 of this interview in next week’s Flagpole.

everyday people Elleni Samaltanos, Pre-School Teacher Perhaps it’s best to use a Greek word to describe Elleni Samaltanos’ odyssey: peripatetic. From Lilburn to Los Angeles, from L.A. to Athens, from Athens to Tarpon Springs, FL, Samaltanos journeyed far before finally choosing Athens as her preferred nest. A proud mother of two, Samaltanos channels her wandering, independent and artistic spirit, as well as her Montessori teacher training, into her preschool classroom at Little Angels Daycare, a workplace she warmly considers her second home.

Flagpole: Moving from Lilburn to Los Angeles as a teenager was a pretty big transition. What was that like?

Elleni Samaltanos: It was so huge. The Rodney King riots were about to happen and the city was about to blow up. I went from a small-town Georgia high school to [a school] as big as a junior college. I wasn’t ready for it. When Rodney King broke out, my school went crazy. I remember being in class and all of a sudden it goes up in riot… word starts passing… the kids were freaking out and pulling guns. Crazy… I remember calling my mom and saying, “I’m never going back.” So, I didn’t. I got my GED in my 20s.

FP: You’ve been at Little Angels Daycare only six months.

How are you fitting into the new job?

André Gallant

ES: Great. This is what I’ve been looking for for a long time. I’ve always been a preschool teacher. I’ve known since I was a teenager. I’ve been looking for the right school for me. I’ve only been in Montessori. [Her first class at Waseca, a local Montessori school, graduates high school this year].

But I didn’t want to just go to Montessori anymore; I wanted something more. When I met Tonia [Patonia Lumpkin, owner of Little Angels], I finally felt like I was home. Does that make sense?

FP: Do you use a lot of your own teaching methods?

ES: Completely. Montessori is very open-ended, teaching children to be self-reliant. Tonia allows me to go to that and she trusts me.

FP: You have two kids. What do you bring from raising children into this job?

ES: When I wasn’t a mother, my compassion for the children was different. Being a mother, I can communicate with the parents on a different level. I know what they want to hear.

I know how to approach them. Before, I was scared to talk to parents. It’s important to be able to talk to your parents because… it’s their babies; everyday they are with us, and they need someone to communicate with. Also, my six-year-old daughter gives me a million ideas a day for my classroom… and they work. The songs I use, she helps me write.

FP: How do you talk to parents when their kids are having problems in class?

ES: I find the best way to do that is start by talking about what they are doing right, then say, “My concern is this…” I

always tell them great things; they need to hear that. But also tell them we are working on this or that.

FP: What advice do you have for parents looking at daycares?

ES: Always shop around. Because you are going to know by sight… if it isn’t clean… if the teachers are “acting.” Is the place organized? Is the place running right? Just like a car.

Make a list of the expectations you have and take it around with you. Do research. Invest in your children like you invest in your car.

FP: Your children are in Clarke County public schools. What do you think about Clarke County as a school system?

ES: I looked into it and Clarke is, like, number one. Barrow rocks. Clarke Middle rocks. My kids are happy at both those schools.

FP: What do you think spurs this myth about lackluster Clarke County schools?

ES: I don’t know if I want to answer that question… I think economic status does, honestly. I think Athens is either poor or rich and the middle ground isn’t that big. Clarke Middle has awesome teachers… I don’t know why people are running out to private schools and Oconee County. Private school is great for kids this age [pre-school] and maybe even six-, seven- and eight-year-olds, but that’s it. If you don’t pull them out [into diverse settings], they are not going to be socially to par; that’s the best way to put it. I’ve learned this lesson personally: we don’t need to be putting our kids into private schools; we need to be invested into the public school system. And that’s why Barrow and Clarke [Middle] are so good.

The PTAs are so great. If you don’t pull your community together…

FP: Tell me about Samaltanos.

ES: It’s Greek. My grandparents came through Ellis Island, both sets. My grandfather, Anthony, opened the first White House in Atlanta. I’m first American Greek.

My grandmother died just recently.

[Greek grandmothers] are called Ya Yas, and my son called her “the real Ya Ya” because she wore black and her hair was white and she pulled it back… she didn’t speak English. I was raised very Greek. In Lilburn, with all the blonde hair, we were these dark hair, eyes and skin people cooking lamb in the front yard. Very strange… but everybody came to our party.

FP: Are you passing Greek culture on to your children?

ES: Yeah, they’re keeping the Samaltanos name, and I had them baptized; I’m teaching them culture. But as far as hanging out with family… no. There’s only so much of that you can take—a week here, a week there. We go to Epiphany [a Greek festival held every year seven days after Christmas] every year in Tarpon Springs. My son never missed one until last year. The priest blesses the bayou there and throws a cross in and all the boys 16 to 18 dive in and whoever finds it is blessed for the year.

FP: When did you know wanted to work with kids?

ES: I love being a pre-school teacher. I thought about going into nursing. [I recognized it when] I was seven years old and my cousin was born and I got to rock him to sleep every night.

I loved him like he was my own. He just had his first baby.

When you have it, you just have it. I believe that about childcare. You either got it or you don’t. And the kids will tell you if you got it.

André Gallant Got a suggestion for an everyday person you’d like to be profiled? Email André at everydaypeople@flagpole.com.

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Check us out on the web at

blueskyathens.com Located Above

Taco Stand Downtown

MonDay niGht iS

SeRViCe inDUStRy niGht tUeSDay iS

halF oFF Wine DollaR oFF DRaFtS

Spacious Heated Patio!

200+ Bottled Beers Expanded Wine List Huge Screen TVs • Pool Tables

eVeRy Day FRoM 3:30 till 9:30 DollaR oFF eVeRythinG

WeDneSDay iS

LIVE MUSIC: SATURDAY, FEB. 12

Best View of North Campus

Please Drink Responsibly.

COME ENJOY

delivered from Speakeasy and Taco Stand!

Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar

Smoking Welcome on Our Patios

haPPy hoUR

Valentine’s Day

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

Do yoU like to DRink?

Do yoU like to laUGh?

WeDneSDay, FeB. 9 yoU Can Do Both!

CoMeDy BeeR taStinG

FiVe CoMiCS, FiVe BeeRS to taSte, FiVe BUCkS

neW DRaFt SeleCtion!

CoMe Play the Wii! neW BoaRD GaMeS! • FRee Wi-Fi Clayton St • next to Shokitini

706-353-2831