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JANUARY 13, 2021 · VOL. 35 · NO. 2 · FREE

Noraa James’ Celestial Bodies A Rundown of this Winter’s Art Exhibitions p. 13

TRUMP LOSES (AGAIN & AGAIN)

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this week’s issue

contents

BLAKE AUED

Carol Myers, the new commissioner for District 8, was sworn in Jan. 6 by newly elected Probate Court Judge Susan Schaffer. Three new school board members—Mumbi Anderson, Kirenna Gallagher and Nicole Hull—also took office last week.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Guest Pub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Justice Reforms, Oconee Secession, Free Bus and COVID Vaccines

Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Junk Food News

Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Children in your community deserve kindness and love.

Become a foster parent today.

1-877-210-KIDS fostergeorgia.com

Record Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

The Georgia Legislature

Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

ARTS & CULTURE: Art Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

What’s Up (On The Walls)

Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hey, Bonita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles

U.S. Rep. Jody Hice

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Pete McCommons PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Anita Aubrey, Jessica Pritchard Mangum CITY EDITOR Blake Aued ARTS & MUSIC EDITOR Jessica Smith OFFICE MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Zaria Gholston CLASSIFIEDS Zaria Gholston AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson CARTOONISTS Lee Gatlin, Missy Kulik, Jeremy Long, David Mack PHOTOGRAPHER Whitley Carpenter CONTRIBUTORS Bonita Applebum, Jay Bookman, Chris Dowd, Terrelle Jerricks, Gordon Lamb, Jessica Luton, Dan Perkins CIRCULATION Charles Greenleaf, Mike Merva EDITORIAL INTERN Tyler Wilkins COVER ART “Planet Nursery” by Noraa James at the Lyndon House Arts Center (see Art Notes on p. 13) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-549-9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-549-0301 · FAX: 706-548-8981 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

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VOLUME 35 ISSUE NUMBER 2

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comments section “Is it possible to recall or impeach a congressman? Jodymander Hice has always been an unsuitable representative, but his actions in our nation’s capitol on Wednesday, and his equation of an act of domestic terrorism to the birth of our nation are beyond the pale. He should resign, or we the people should take whatever legal action we can to remove him.

— Ron Braxley From “Georgia and Athens Officials React to U.S. Capitol Riot” at flagpole.com

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A Whiplash Week for Georgia and the Nation PLUS, COVID KEEPS SPIKING, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM IS COMING AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued, Chris Dowd and Jessica Luton news@flagpole.com

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actually occurred. “The principles that define our great nation were reaffirmed earlier this morning in Washington, D.C.” Morehead said in a Twitter statement Jan. 7. “The enduring strength of our democracy depends upon the authority of our Constitution and respect for the rule of law. As an institution of higher learning, it is our duty to educate our students on the importance of preserving these fundamental tenets of a democratic society.

Together, at the University of Georgia, we will continue our work to help build a more perfect union.”

Hice’s stunt prompted AthensClarke County Commissioner Mariah Parker to call for the Greensboro Republican’s removal, saying she is considering challenging him in 2022.

“For months, Hice has led the efforts to invalidate the presidential votes of my constituents and people across Georgia. He has hypocritically asserted that his own election to Congress was legitimate, while the elections of our Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were not, even though these votes were all cast on the same machines and counted through the same election infrastructure,” Parker said in a news release.

“Despite the fact that claims of voter fraud have been roundly rejected by the courts, Hice continues to fan the flames of fascism that, on Wednesday, engulfed the Capitol in smoke.”

Commissioner Melissa Link also called for Hice and Trump’s removal at the commission’s Jan. 6 meeting. “Thank God we elected two Democratic senators that will condemn the insurrection and sedition that seems to have overtaken the Republican Party,” Link said. “I believe that those who supported it should be removed from office, even our own congressman, Jody Hice… I hope this body can somehow make a statement, reach out and express our utter disgust at the coup attempt that happened today in Washington, D.C.” Meanwhile, new commissioner Carol Myers was sworn in by newly elected Probate Judge Susan Shaffer, along with returnees Parker, Allison Wright, Jesse Houle and Mike Hamby. “It was a pretty frightening day up in D.C., and to have a peaceful day here, I was really grateful for that,” Houle said. [Blake Aued]

As of Jan. 10, Athens hospitals have exceeded their intensive-care bed space, with 86 ICU patients listed by the Georgia Department of Public Health, even though the Athens region, Region E, has a normal ICU capacity of 70 beds. Beyond the ICU, bed space at the hospitals was in high demand, with 568 of the 614 inpatient beds, or 92.5%, occupied. Additionally, 42% of all hospitalizations were COVID-19

CHARLES BETHEA VIA TWITTER

It was a historic day for Georgia on Jan. 5, when voters narrowly unseated Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, replacing them with Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

The two Democrats had help from Athens voters, who, unusually for a runoff, turned out in nearly the numbers they did for the November general election and gave Warnock and Ossoff 70% of their votes.

Both made several campaign stops in the Classic City, emphasizing that installing a Democratic Senate majority would help President-elect Joe Biden improve health care and address the coronavirus crisis.

Following Biden’s win two months ago, last Tuesday solidified Georgia’s status as a blue state. This is the first time Georgia has had a Democratic U.S. senator since Zell Miller retired in 2004 (if Miller could even be considered a Democrat at that point—he tilted right in his later days and endorsed President George W. Bush’s re-election). It was also the first time Georgians elected any Democrat to statewide office since 2006. Ossoff is Georgia’s first Jewish senator and, at 33, the youngest in the nation since Biden was first elected in 1972.

Warnock, the pastor at Martin Luther King Jr.’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, is the first Democratic Black senator from the Deep South.

But any celebration was short-lived. The following day, as Congress went through the formality of counting the Electoral College votes, a pro-Trump mob egged on by the president himself stormed the U.S. Capitol, looting offices and forcing elected officials and their staffs to evacuate or hide.

The insurrection didn’t stop Athens’ congressional representatives, Jody Hice and the newly elected Andrew Clyde, from objecting to the results in swing states like Georgia where Trump has falsely insisted the election was stolen from him. Hice cited the “unprecedented amount of fraud and irregularities”—conspiracy theories debunked over and over by journalists and Republican election officials alike. As rioters raged through the Capitol, Hice (or someone in his office) even posted a comparison to the American Revolution on Instagram, which was later deleted. His press secretary explained to the AJC that the post was meant to reference the Electoral College objection process.

For months, Georgia officials like Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger have faced threats for refusing to overturn the election results.

Trump himself even personally asked Raffensperger to “find 11,780 votes” in a recorded and leaked phone call. “Today is an incredibly sobering reminder of how fragile our democracy truly is,” Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said after the attack. “It is also a reminder of how dangerous it is when people in power act as if they are more important than democracy.”

Not every leader, though, could muster that level of outrage. UGA President Jere Morehead released a statement that failed to condemn or even mention what

Athens Hospitals Are Getting Overwhelmed As the UGA spring semester starts, Athens has significant community COVID19 spread, and the city’s two hospitals are overwhelmed more than ever in this pandemic.

FLAGPOLE.COM | JANUARY 13, 2021

related. To date, that was the highest percentage of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Athens hospitals.

According to DPH data from the Georgia Geospatial Information Office’s COVID-19 Data Hub, Clarke County to date has had 9,256 confirmed cases, another 1,685 antigen positive cases, 339 hospitalizations, 67 deaths and a seven-day rolling average of new cases of 48.6. Outside Clarke County, the surrounding counties also continue to show community-wide spread.

Another bad sign: According to the UGA Center for Ecology of Infectious Diseases’ wastewater study data, the levels of virus found in local wastewater is higher than it’s ever been in Athens-Clarke County, just exceeding levels that occurred in September, when UGA students returned to Athens for the fall semester. Now, the Board of Regents continues to encourage more face-to-face classes and has no plans to postpone face-to-face classes in an effort

to help make sure local hospitals aren’t even more overwhelmed. At other universities, like the University of North Carolina, administrators decided to postpone classes and help curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Clarke County School District did decide to stick with virtual instruction until the local numbers come down. According to a letter from Superintendent Xernona Thomas, “Athens-Clarke County and the surrounding region are experiencing record levels of COVID cases. Our local medical facilities face a strain in their ability to treat COVID patients and other health situations that normally arise. The district initially planned to return to in-person learning for Pre-K thru 8th-grade students on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. However, the district will postpone the return to in-person classroom instruction for all students, Pre-K-12.” She did not give a date for reopening schools.

Outside Clarke County, some parents in Oconee County are upset with the county’s decision to hold in-person classes with an optional-mask policy. According to a group formed by parents in Oconee County to advocate for a mandatory-mask policy in school, a letter from local doctors encouraging mask use and a mandatory-mask policy did little to sway the Board of Education.

While vaccines are here, the rollout statewide has had significant hurdles—lack of funding and staff to vaccinate the population, some resistance from health care workers in volunteering to get the vaccine, and the lack of a technology infrastructure statewide to schedule those who want to get the vaccine. Getting the vaccine out to those who want it has fallen to local health departments and health districts, which are underfunded and overstressed in dealing with the pandemic in the first place. In Athens, the Northeast Health District has set up a registration process online for anyone who wants the vaccine and is eligible, which now includes all people age 65 and older. In addition, you can call to pre-register, but there are reports of significant hold times by phone. In his weekly video message available at youtube.com/accgov, Mayor Kelly Girtz encouraged anyone wanting the most up-to-date information on getting the vaccine to visit the ACC website page on coronavirus at accgov.com/vaccine.

While categories of people who can get the vaccine under Georgia guidelines are widening to include seniors as well as front-line health care workers, other first responders and long-term-care residents— provided there is adequate supply—the lack of a uniform statewide appointment system is leading to website crashes and long wait times on the phone at county health departments. Administered by both local health departments and private providers like Piedmont Athens Regional, the vaccine program is lacking, so far. Compared to other health districts, the Northeast Health District has at least found a way to pre-register people who want to get vaccinated—by going to publichealthathens. com. On Jan. 8, Gov. Kemp announced that DPH would launch an information hub to

help people navigate their way to getting an appointment.

With Biden taking office and the potential for a more efficient and better-funded national effort to better distribute the vaccine, it may take a few more weeks, but many health experts are hopeful that states will get help and top-down direction in getting the vaccine to more people in the near future. In the meantime, follow public-health guidelines and be mindful of your actions. [Jessica Luton]

New DA Announces Reforms Western Circuit District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez—who was elected on a platform of criminal justice reform—is wasting no time, sharing news of dozens of changes she instituted on her first day in office.

A legal memo she released Jan. 1 described more than 40 new policies that took effect immediately, addressing issues like systemic bias, racial inequity, the precarious status of undocumented immigrants and the school-to-prison pipeline.

Among those new policies: Gonzalez said the DA’s office will no longer seek the death penalty; will not press charges for simple possession of marijuana, instead urging police to issue citations; will drop charges of simple possession of other drugs or refer them for pre-trial diversion; won’t press charges for possession of drug-related objects; and will end the common prosecutorial practice of piling on multiple charges to encourage defendants to take a plea bargain.

The pretrial diversion program—which allows first-time offenders to perform community service and have their records expunged—will be expanded. Prosecutors will no longer seek cash bail for nonviolent defendants or those charged with making threats, and defendants charged with violent crimes will also be considered for a recommendation of “own recognizance” or OR bonds on a case-by-case basis.

Gonzalez said she is shifting resources to determining whether cases should be brought to trial at all, and will conduct a review of all open cases within the next 60–90 days. Her office will also review sentences that have already been imposed.

When plea bargaining or recommending sentences going forward, prosecutors will take into account both the victim’s need for justice and the defendant’s rehabilitation needs (such as mental health issues), and will consider alternatives to incarceration like house arrest. Sentencing recommendations will include a statement of cost to taxpayers for incarceration or probation.

Gonzalez is also seeking to limit probation, which she said does little to make the community safer. In addition, she opposes revoking probation for technical violations like missed curfews.

For juveniles, Gonzalez said the DA’s office “will be guided by the fundamental principle that kids in the juvenile system are minors who are still cognitively developing and should not be transferred to adult court” unless required by law. The presumption will be that students should not be prosecuted for school conduct except assault with a deadly weapon or felony sexual assault.

“These are the first of many reforms that we know will improve both equity and safety in our community,” Gonzalez said in a news release. “When you’re repairing

or by others who fear rising crime rates more than two decades of neglect and injustice, it can’t all be fixed at the stroke of and favor a punitive approach to criminal justice. Smith, a former state representamidnight. However, we have an aggressive tive, is a Republican, and discontent with plan in place to follow through on every Gonzalez’s recent victory could have facpromise I have made to this community tored into his request. [Chris Dowd] to transform the Western Judicial Circuit.

That means not only addressing the known issues, but shining a light on every aspect of the criminal justice system in this circuit to Athens buses will remain fare-free at address challenges that a lack of transparleast through the end of June, Athensency may have hidden from public view.”

Clarke County commissioners unanimously On the transparency front, Gonzalez decided Jan. 6. said the DA’s office will publish statistics Athens Transit has not charged during monthly that will detail felony arrests, most of the pandemic, partially to protect cases brought to trial, the outcome of those drivers by allowing passengers to board cases, the average bond, incarceration rate through the rear and length of stay in and partially prison for each type These are the first of many door, because people who of offense, and data reforms that we know will are still riding tranbroken down by age, sit tend to be low-inrace and gender. improve both equity and safety come and rely on Gonzalez also in our community. the service to get to announced that work. UGA ridership Rebecca Fogal, a has dwindled to nearly nothing because 15-year veteran prosecutor, will serve most classes have been online or have had as chief assistant DA. Gonzalez’s trana virtual option, and many employees consition team is being led by David Lyle, tinue to work from home or are driving to senior counsel for communications at the campus.

American Constitution Society, a proFunding includes $150,000 from the fedgressive civil liberties group; and Travis eral CARES Act passed in March, $316,000 Williams, a public defender featured in the from county reserves and $400,000 worth HBO documentary Gideon’s Army. [BA] of service cuts. Buses will continue to run hourly and stop at 7 p.m. More help could be coming from the most recent coronavirus relief bill Congress passed last month, although most of the $14 billion it The mayor of Watkinsville, Bob Smith, included for transit appears to be destined wrote an open letter to state legislators last for big cities, which have been hit hardest. week asking for a new judicial circuit to be Several commissioners—most notably Tim created solely for Oconee County.

Denson—have been pushing for fare-free Oconee County is currently in the transit for years, so there is a possibility Western Circuit, which it shares with that the mayor and commission could opt Athens-Clarke County. The new circuit to keep the policy when they approve a would be called the “Oconee North Circuit” 2022 budget that takes effect July 1. if approved by the Georgia legislature. It A split commission also rejected a prowould be one of the smallest circuits in posed apartment complex off Lexington Georgia by land area; most judicial circuits Road near Ben Epps Airport. The develin Georgia span multiple counties. Similarly oper had agreed to set aside 12 of the 112 sized circuits, such as the one serving units as “affordable,” with rents ranging Clayton County, typically have a much from $650 for a one-bedroom to $775 larger population. for a three-bedroom, which enticed some Smith’s stated reasoning for this change commissioners, but critics noted that is to reduce the expense of a new county administration building being constructed at the intersection of Macon Highway and Georgia Highway 15. The current courthouse may be sufficient for Oconee County’s needs if the new circuit is created, since it would have a smaller caseload. This would mean “substantial savings” and a “win for the taxpayers of Oconee County,” Smith wrote.

Smith did not quantify the savings he believes taxpayers would receive by constructing a smaller administration building.

He also did not account for the additional expense of new salaries, such as for judges and a new district attorney’s office, and for other expenses that would arise during such a change.

With the 2021 legislative session starting this week, Smith must have felt some urgency to make this request before the full budget impact was known.

Not mentioned in Smith’s letter is the new district attorney of the Western Judicial Circuit, Deborah Gonzalez, who issued the aforementioned memo detailing 40 policy changes that became effective on Jan. 1, her first day as district attorney. Her memo was not well-received by members of the Athens-Clarke County Republican party

Athens Transit Will Stay Fare-Free

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Watkinsville Mayor Wants to Secede From Judicial Circuit

the commitment is unenforceable under current county laws. They also cited noise from planes passing overhead as an issue, as well as safety concerns if a plane should crash in the airport’s flight path, where development is generally restricted. Both the county Planning Commission and the Airport Authority recommended denial.

Denson and commissioners Mariah Parker, Melissa Link, Jesse Houle and Patrick Davenport voted in favor of the development; Allison Wright, Russell Edwards, Carol Myers, Ovita Thornton and Mike Hamby voted against it; and Mayor Kelly Girtz broke the tie.

In other business, the commission approved a contract with student-housing developer Landmark Properties to convey county-owned land to the Athens Downtown Development Authority to build a new parking deck for a new Classic Center arena approved by voters as part of SPLOST 2020. In addition to parking, the deck will also provide a revenue stream to help fund its construction. Long-term leases for a hotel and senior-living facility are also planned for county-owned property to the east of the Classic Center to provide additional funding. The deck will be built by Landmark Properties, which will also use the parking during the day for Landmark’s corporate headquarters at its development The Mark across East Broad Street. Edwards dissented from the 9-1 vote.

In addition, commissioners selected Edwards to serve as mayor pro tem for a second year. The mayor pro tem consults with the mayor on meeting agendas, leads budget hearings and fills in when the mayor is unavailable.

It was also Myers’ first meeting after being sworn in to represent District 8 on the Eastside. She won a three-way race in June to replace former commissioner Andy Herod, who opted not to run again after 13 years on the commission. Houle started his first four-year term as well, although he has been on the commission since November, when he won a special election triggered by the death of his incumbent opponent in the June election, Jerry NeSmith, to serve out the last few weeks of NeSmith’s term.

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JANUARY 13, 2021 | FLAGPOLE.COM

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constitutional duty, Trump released a video in which he told those people that he loved them, that they were “special people,” that he understood why they had done what they did.

Character is fate, and, given Trump’s character, it was always fated to end this way.

ket of lies in order to keep themselves in power. They tried; they failed.

People whom you know and I know were willing to believe the unbelievable to keep Trump in office–people whom you love, probably, people with whom you have history and blood ties. We now know who and what those people are, because we have seen it, and once seen it is impossible to unsee.

Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue were two of those people. They signed on fully and willingly to this madness. They fed the false claims of voter fraud, they attacked those few fellow Republicans who dared to stand up for truth, and they were ready and willing to use their position to help Trump ignore the verdict of the people and

But character is fate for others as well.

Character has proved to be fate for the many within the Republican Party who have played along with Trump, particularly after Nov. 3—those who were willing to pretend to the gross untruth that voter fraud had stolen the election from him.

There is absolutely no evidence to that effect. None. Yet too many believed, because believing in that fraud was the first and necessary step needed to justify what they really wanted: the overturning of the election and the reinstallation of the clear loser as president.

They were willing to desecrate the Constitution in order to “save” it; they were willing to suffocate democracy under a blan-

reinstall himself in the White House. They even offered up the votes of their fellow Georgians as sacrifice to Trump’s cause, arguing that those votes—our votes— should not be counted because they came out against the way the plotters wanted.

Never forget what they did.

The same is true of those congressmen who also placed the votes of their fellow Georgians on the altar as tribute to their would-be king: Marjorie Taylor Greene, Andrew Clyde, Rick Allen, Jody Hice, Barry Loudermilk, Buddy Carter. To that list we should add the name of David Shafer, chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, who also inflamed the easily misled with this garbage.

Character is Fate IT WAS ALWAYS GOING TO END THIS WAY

By Jay Bookman news@flagpole.com

TYLER MERBLER / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

“I can tell you I have the support of the police, the support of the military, the support of the Bikers for Trump,” Donald Trump bragged back in March 2019. “I have the tough people, but they don’t play it tough—until they go to a certain point, and then it would be very bad, very bad.”

So it was always going to end this way.

From the moment that Trump came down that escalator in 2015, it was always going to end like this. From his first campaign through his last, Trump has cagily refused to say that he would peacefully honor the outcome of the election, and he has repeatedly treated violence as his Trump card that he would play if necessary.

“Stand down, and stand by,” as he told his Proud Boys.

So on Wednesday, he played that card. He summoned his thugs, his “tough people,” to Washington on Jan. 6, the day that his defeat was due to be certified through the process ordained in the Constitution. He promised them that it would be “wild.” Then, once assembled on the National Mall, he sicced those thugs on Congress, sending them to take over the U.S. Capitol and stop the ceremonial counting of electoral votes that would remove him from office.

Make no mistake: This was planned.

This was plotted. At the Pentagon, Trump had already removed those civilian leaders with at least a vestige of a backbone and replaced them with lackeys who had none at all, in preparation for this day. Trump’s ill intent was so transparent that 10 former Defense secretaries of both parties, led by former Vice President Dick Cheney, had issued a public statement making it very clear that any use of the military

by Trump would be an act of treason by anyone who participated.

It was striking that they felt such a statement was necessary; it is chilling to now know that it was.

And Wednesday evening, after his thugs had terrorized Congress and temporarily succeeded in stopping its performance of its

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Those people have fancy titles and in most cases taxpayer-funded jobs, but they are no better than the rabble who invaded our Capitol Wednesday. They and the rabble shared a common mission, which was to overturn an honest election. Those who invaded the Capitol and those who sat inside it may have used different means, but those means were equally illegitimate, because there is no legitimate method to destroy American democracy.

This didn’t end last Wednesday; it isn’t over yet, not by a long shot. The forces unleashed by Trump, by those listed above and by many others too numerous to list, are not going to recede peacefully into the shadows. Responding to this coup attempt will require a major, long-term law-enforcement effort, and no one, not Trump himself, should escape accountability.

Let’s also talk a little about the damage this has done to the Georgia Republican Party, damage so extensive that today we can only glimpse pieces of it. Rapid demographic changes have already left them vulnerable, and in the 2022 primaries, we will almost certainly see Republican challenges to Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. The line of attack against them will be that they refused to enlist in the madness intended to overturn an honest election, that they refused to join in the assault on our democracy.

Think about that: They refused to conspire in the overturning of an honest election, and thus must be replaced by people who would not have refused.

That’s going to be the case prosecuted against them, and I don’t know that they’ll survive it politically. The same may prove true of Drew Ferguson and Austin Scott, our two Republican congressmen who refused to join the conspiracy.

That’s a party-defining stance, and the party of Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jody Hice, Doug Collins, Lin Wood and David Shafer is simply not going to win any more statewide races in today’s Georgia. If that’s who Georgia Republicans insist they want to be, if that’s the line that the party base demands be toed, then two years from now we’ll see Gov. Stacey Abrams inaugurated at the Gold Dome and a raft of Democratic legislators along with her.

Character is fate. f This column is reprinted with permission from georgiarecorder.com.

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of the coronavirus until about May, when most Americans were coping with lockdown measures keeping them captive and anesthetized with Netflix, TikTok videos and Instagram feeds of celebrities living in spacious normality that isn’t really the norm to most Americans.

“While celebrities spread messages that ‘we’re all getting through this together’ and that these are ‘uncertain times,’ their only uncertainties lie in whether their local Whole Foods will be restocked with vegan toilet paper. In the meantime, Americans reckon with how quarantine has impacted

injury and long-term health issues suffered by the American military personnel who were attacked. Instead, Americans were wrapped in a prolonged mourning ritual of a sports hero with a history complicated by sexual assault—a past muted by Bryant’s celebrity.

The “Junk Food News” chapter authors remarked upon the hyper-focus on the death toll numbers on a daily basis during a moment in which the Trump administration was actively refusing to provide national guidance and coordination. In their view, this lack of leadership by the Trump administration led to the proliferation of fake cures and scams being peddled by modern-day snake oil salesmen and hucksters.

The other issue, the authors pointed out, is that despite all the reporting on death tolls, the reporting of corporate-owned media still managed to overlook the toll the coronavirus and federal inaction is having on the most vulnerable in the United States— the indigenous communities.

their careers, home lives and finances. The corporate media is actively and consistently choosing to focus on the famed icons who are still able to share their lived perfection even during times of hardship.”

The authors do note the few stories that highlighted the real struggles of everyday Americans, such stories were too few and far between and offered little exploration.

The authors of this chapter take note of how coverage of the death of NBA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant sucked the air out of the media market in the months following his helicopter crash in January 2020. One major news story on Bryant’s death offered distraction from the gratuitous drone strike that killed 10 people, including the intended target, Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. In the days following the strike, Iran retaliated by attacking two American bases in Iraq. Donald Trump and his administration, as this chapter’s authors noted, never offered a rational explanation for the strike. But coverage of the aftermath of Iranian retaliation was relatively muted.

Though there were no American deaths following the Iran’s missile strike, there was little follow-up on the fallout of that strike, which included widespread cases of brain

“Poverty, limited access to health care, densely populated households, and comorbid conditions all place this community at greater risk than the vast majority of the U.S. populace. Experts say that entire tribes could be wiped out due to the pandemic, as households in close proximity to one another create an opportune environment for the virus to spread quickly.”

Underlying the authors’ parallel analysis and critiques of the corporate media’s reporting on the pandemic is the belief that the market-based model of news production is toxic to a democracy and toxic to a healthy body politic. Indeed, the conclusion that remains after reading the rest of State of the Free Press is that the market-based model of news production and consumption renders a body-politic incapable of fighting off the infectious diseases called “fake news” and “truth decay.”

Fortunately, the writers of State of the Free Press don’t just lay out the problem without possible solutions. State of the Free Press editors Andy Lee Roth and Mickey Huff set the tone in the sixth chapter, “Media Democracy in Action,” by quoting Timothy Snyder from On Tyranny: “It is your ability to discern facts that makes you

Junk Food News STORIES THE CORPORATE MEDIA FED YOU INSTEAD OF THE GOOD STUFF

By Terelle Jerricks

T

SEVEN STORIES PRESS

he release of Project Censored’s yearbook State of the Free Press is predicated upon the belief that quality news is a needed public good regardless of whether there’s a hunger for it in the marketplace dominated by the mainstream, corporate-owned press. The journalists, analysts, media professors and student interns who put together the current edition of State of the Free Press continue to do the work that they do in hopes that mainstream media outlets will cut back on “junk food news” and cease abusing the news, instead devoting that space to stories in which information translates into a citizenry that is more aware, better informed and increasingly empowered.

State of the Free Press founder Carl Jensen coined the term “Junk Food News” in 1983 to describe the corporate media practice of profiteering from headline-grabbing, sensationalist news stories at the expense of traditional investigative journalism.

Izzy Snow and Susan Rahman open the “Junk Food News” chapter of State of the Free Press with Kitty O’Meara’s poem “In the Time of Pandemic.” It envisions the COVID-19 lockdown response as a reset button to the worst impulses of capitalism, consumerism and nihilism. Snow and Rahman compare it to the aftermath of 9/11, when political leaders told constituents that the most effective way to defeat terrorism and expand freedom was to go shopping— and buy American. Not in recent memory has this planet experienced a pandemic, let alone a moment like this one, where our television screens were filled with reports of empty store shelves of toilet paper, water and canned goods, and fights broke out over essential goods in crowded store aisles.

“This buy-back-your-freedom model has arisen again, now out of the desperation of the coronavirus pandemic, in which the lower and middle classes, those most affected by the tragedies of the crisis, are the most pressured to reopen and re-conform to the economic systems that oppress them. While buying American was once promoted as the way to defeat the terrorists, now, in the time of COVID-19, toilet paper seems to be the new favored commodity in wiping out the bad guys. Witness as the corporate media dare to ask the truly hard-hitting questions: If we hoard the Charmin, does that make us good or bad Americans?”

With the snark of a Mean Girls cast of protagonists, the “Junk Food News” chapter authors explore the question “Who is considered important and worthy of coverage during this pandemic?” Snow, Rahman and crew documented the weeks and months following the first reports and identification

an individual, and our collective trust in common knowledge that makes us a society. The individual who investigates is also the citizen who builds.”

In this chapter, Roth and Huff preface the ways State of the Free Press contributors demonstrate how to build the capacity of a people to discern facts and build a more civil society. In the pages that follow, space is made for reporting on the emergence of new platforms and protections for whistleblowers who risk their reputations and livelihoods to call out abuses of power and educational settings in which young people can question the politics of media representations and develop their identities as conscientious community members and global citizens.

After they’ve published it for nearly 45 years, it’s a wonder that the editors of State of the Free Press have not become cynical about their work. It’s not as if the problems have grown more visible and easier to address or as if this world’s power elite has become less greedy and less corrupt. Random Lengths News asked the editing duo why it is that after 45 years State of the Free Press has not lost hope and has continued this work.

The answers they provided are two-fold when boiled down to their essence: The first reason is the fact that there’s still quality work being produced even now, despite the rise of modern-day authoritarianism and the increase in censorship because of it.

“Cynicism, while deserved, needs to be put in context and even put aside if we are to work toward making a more democratic, transparent and diverse free press,” Huff explained. “While State of the Free Press calls out propaganda and censorship in the corporate press, we also highlight the important work of intrepid independent journalists in our Top 25 list each year.

“What we hope people take away from our efforts is to be critical observers of all media while expanding news media diets, that a free press does matter, and it already exists. However, we need to grow and support more of it in the public interest while promoting critical media literacy education.

It’s in this education of the next generations that gives me the most hope.”

It should be noted that Project Censored, along with the Action Coalition for Media Education, founded the Global Critical Media Literacy Project to teach digital-media literacy and critical-thinking skills.

The second reason is that unless civilization as we know it comes to an end, the battle for the future is Project Censored’s raison d’être. Roth said he remains inspired by the courageous work of the independent journalists who break these important but underreported stories, and by the project’s student researchers, who flex their critical media literacy muscles to help ensure that those stories reach a wider public audience.

“Both groups give us good reasons to be hopeful rather than cynical,” Roth said. f Terelle Jerricks has been managing editor of Random Lengths News in Los Angeles since 2004.

JANUARY 13, 2021 | FLAGPOLE.COM

7

news

feature

Some Assembly Required STATE LAWMAKERS WILL LOOK AT ELECTIONS, THE LOTTERY AND MORE THIS YEAR

By Blake Aued and Tyler Wilkins news@flagpole.com

E

WHITLEY CARPENTER

lection reform will be front and center in a keynote address at the University of Gov. Brian Kemp and Lt. Gov. Geoff in this year’s Georgia General Assembly Georgia’s Biennial Institute, an every-othDuncan also condemned the rightsession, according to House Speaker David er-December training session for new state wing violence in Washington, D.C. after Ralston (R-Blue Ridge).

Raffensperger—who has received threats— legislators.

At a news conference last week, Ralston “We have three goals: Be affordable, be and his staff evacuated the Capitol building outlined his agenda for the 40-day sesefficient and graduate more students,” he in Atlanta in response to armed protesters sion, which started Monday, Jan. 11. He said. Enrollment is up 7%, and the number outside. “Today is an incredibly sobering announced the formation of a special comof degrees bestowed is up 29% in the past reminder of how delicate our democracy mittee to look at election integrity, after decade. A record 71,000 students graduated truly is,” Duncan said. “It is also a reminder widespread (and unfounded) allegations of from the state’s 26 public colleges and uniof how dangerous it is when people in fraud in President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. versities last year, Wrigley said. He touted power act as if they are more important Many Republicans have called for tamping decisions not to raise tuition in three of the than that democracy.” down on absentee voting, in particular. An past five years and free and low-cost textRalston also said he expects to expand unprecedented number of mail-in ballots books that saved students $27 million. the state’s mental health system this year, during the COVID-19 pandemic overKeeping costs down “is the best way, calling it “a real priority of mine.” Mental whelmingly favored Biden. ultimately, to help people earn a degree,” health issues “touch almost every family in Ralston said he would be reluctant to Wrigley said, noting that college graduates Georgia,” but treatment options are “disapchange a state law requiring a runoff if no pointingly limited,” especially in rural areas, earn twice as much over a lifetime as highcandidate receives over 50% of the vote— school graduates, and unlike those without he said. “In rural Georgia, you have to get something that came back to bite former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, who led in the general election but then lost to now-Sen. Jon Ossoff in the Jan. 5 runoff.

“Somebody would have to make a real strong case to convince me,” Ralston said.

Georgia’s other Republican senator, Kelly Loeffler, was forced into a runoff that she lost to Democrat Raphael Warnock

by Georgia’s “jungle primary” rule for special elections, which put 21 candidates on the November ballot. “I don’t know who could be in favor of a jungle primary anymore,” Ralston said.

Ralston also threw cold water on calls to end no-excuse voting by mail. “I think the level of security for an absentee ballot should be just the same as in-person voting,” he said. “We might look at some tightening up, but I want elections to be open.”

House Speaker David Ralston (left) and Gov. Brian Kemp during a UGA event at the Classic Center in December.

He also backed away from his call for the General Assembly to a college education, they are almost fully appoint the secretary of state—an elected arrested and put in jail to get mental health recovered from the pandemic recession. position—after Brad Raffensperger did not treatment,” he said. “That shouldn’t be the “We stress getting a degree because there is attend or send a staffer to a House commitcase.” tee hearing on the debunked accusations of Legislation to help small businesses hurt a direct link between education, economic development and quality of life,” he said. election fraud. “We’re going to have to talk by the pandemic is also on the table, he After going online in March and offering about it,” Ralston said. “I’m not wedded to said, such as extending a law limiting liabilstudents and teachers the option of Zoom that idea only.” ity for COVID-19. classes last fall, UGA and other institutions Ralston’s remarks came against the backIt may not happen until a special seswill be mostly shifting back to in-person drop of Donald Trump supporters—egged sion in the fall, but legislators will also be classes this semester, despite the COVIDon by the president—storming the U.S. redrawing district lines for the state House Capitol on Jan. 6 as Congress certified the and Senate and the U.S. House of Represen- 19 pandemic still raging. Although many teachers and students might not agree, “We Electoral College vote. tatives. Ralston rejected Democrats’ calls believe in-person instruction is best for the “There’s going to have to be a lot of disfor an independent redistricting commisvast majority of students, and our plan is cussion among the members and leadership sion, noting that Democrats unilaterally to provide a safe return to the classroom,” of our Republican Party on a path forward, drew the maps when they were in power.

Wrigley said. [BA] both in D.C. and here in Georgia.”

“Let’s be very frank here,” he said. “RedisRalston said the GOP has to get back to tricting is a political process, and there’s addressing “issues that make peoples’ lives nothing wrong with that.” [Blake Aued] better,” pointing to the passage of transportation funding reform and criminal justice Meanwhile, Gov. Brian Kemp spent most reform measures, an income tax cut and of his Biennial keynote speech on Dec. 7 parental leave in recent sessions. “We have The University System of Georgia is trying defending himself against Republican critto turn our attention from those seeking to to put degrees in more students’ hands for ics—some of them in the legislature—who divide us and focus our attention on work less money, Chancellor Steve Wrigley said wanted him to do something to overturn that brings us together,” he said.

Kemp Fends Off Critics

College on the Cheap

8

FLAGPOLE.COM | JANUARY 13, 2021

President-elect Joe Biden’s narrow victory in Georgia.

In addition to commenting on the election process, Kemp applauded the work he and the Georgia General Assembly accomplished in the past year, albeit with a shortened session.

“By all measures, we were gearing up for another productive session under the Gold Dome until the COVID-19 pandemic reached our state’s borders,” Kemp said.

“None of us could have anticipated that we would face a once-in-a-century global pandemic that literally uprooted our economy, sent our kids home from school for virtual learning for the balance of the year, and turned so many norms that we were used to on their heads in literally just a matter of a few short weeks.”

Kemp praised the state’s response to the pandemic, saying it plans to spend a total of $250 million to “shore up the needs in our hospitals” before the end of 2021. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the nation and throughout the state, Kemp said the legislature will continue to focus on public health in the next session. He urged the audience to continue to wear masks, social distance, wash their hands and follow the guidelines outlined in state executive orders. Additionally, he said people should receive a flu shot to prevent a “twindemic” from further testing the limits of state hospitals.

Kemp also pointed to foster care reform, pay raises for teachers and legislation passed to clamp down on human trafficking and “gang violence” as achievements for the past year.

[TW]

HOPE for More Gambling Revenue?

It’s hard to believe in 2020, when sports betting has become ubiquitous and casinos are a perennial issue at the state Capitol, but there was a time when the Georgia Lottery was controversial.

When then-Gov. Zell Miller began pushing for it in 1992, pastors preached against “devil’s play” on Sundays, according to Cynthia Wright, who was Miller’s general counsel and is now a Fulton County Superior Court Judge. And state Rep. Alan Powell (R-Hartswell) said at a Biennial session, “Everybody loves to bet on sports, and if you don’t believe me, go to Sunday school on a Sunday morning, and everybody will tell you who they bet on Saturday night,”.

Of course, the lottery was eventually approved, once Miller promised all-powerful House Speaker Tom Murphy that it wouldn’t supplant existing education funds.

Ever since, the scratch from scratch-offs has funded pre-K education and college scholarships for Georgia students.

But it doesn’t go as far as it once did.

Most HOPE recipients no longer get a full ride, now paying for books and other expenses out-of-pocket. So lawmakers have been searching for a way to fill in the gap.

Lottery profits plowed back into education have grown by leaps and bounds— from $374 million in 1994 to $1.24 billion in fiscal year 2020, a record year despite the

pandemic and economic downturn, lottery president and CEO Gretchen Corbin told legislators. But critics say the lottery corporation is not turning over a big enough share of its revenue to the state. Currently the profit margin is about 25–27%, and the lottery’s enabling legislation says it should be more like 35%, according to Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens), who pointed out that lottery officials know exactly how much money they’ll make when they print the tickets. That’s an additional $150 million a year for pre-K and HOPE. Powell and influential Democrat Calvin Smyre of Columbus said they support all three gambling options on the table: constitutional amendments, requiring two-thirds of both chambers and voter approval, to legalize sports betting and horse racing, and an amendment that would authorize local communities to decide whether to allow casinos.

However, Cowsert raised questions about how much revenue sports betting or horse racing would bring in. The state would be taxing a small fraction of bookies’ proceeds, amounting to just $30 million–$50 million a year, he said. “When we do it, we are competing with ourselves as a state. We are competing with the lottery,” he said. On the other hand, casino gambling is potentially more lucrative than the lottery, he added.

Cowsert also said the state should educate gamblers on the dangers of gambling and put safeguards in place, like requiring bettors to pay bookies up front. “You’ve all seen people who don’t look like they probably have enough money to be playing the lottery standing in line to buy lottery tickets,” he said, in a nod to one of the criticisms of the lottery—that it’s essentially a tax on the poor to benefit the middle class.

“We need to do something to make sure they don’t hurt themselves. Gambling can be a lot of fun but can also be addictive; it can be disruptive; it can be financially devastating.”

Additional gambling revenue could help college students stay out of debt, Smyre said. If gambling is expanded, though, the money might not necessarily go toward education. “If the people vote for casino gambling, that money should go to the No. 1 hole in the budget, and that’s health care,” Powell said. [BA]

has participated in two redistricting cycles since joining her office in 2000. “That is the purpose—to balance out those districts in population size.”

Wright prefaced her presentation by explaining the difference between redistricting and reapportionment, which she said many people use interchangeably.

“Reapportionment” refers to the number of representatives each state receives in the U.S. House, while “redistricting” refers to the redrawing of district maps. As states across the nation prepare to redraw their maps, they consider both legal requirements and recommended practices.

The new maps must comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, meaning the mapmakers cannot use race as a criterion for district boundaries, and each vote must count equally within a district. The mapmakers also consider the principles of compactness and contiguity, trying to avoid districts with odd shapes or “islands” split off from the rest of the district.

In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the preclearance requirement of the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder.

Prior to the court’s decision, states with a history of discriminatory voting laws– including Georgia–had to seek approval from the U.S. Department of Justice or from the U.S. District Court in D.C. before any redistricting changes. Although these select states are no longer required to obtain approval for changes, they still need to abide by the rest of the Voting Rights Act, Wright said.

The mapmakers also try to respect political boundaries by keeping individual precincts within the same district, avoiding alteration of the district that an incumbent holds to prevent shortening their term and seeking to keep “communities of interest” together.

While the courts have determined that legislators cannot give themselves an unfair advantage to pick up seats through racial gerrymandering, there are no limitations on partisan gerrymandering. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in 2019’s Rucho v. Common Cause that partisan gerrymandering “claims present political questions beyond the reach of the federal courts.” Any further effort to outlaw partisan gerrymandering would have to move through the state court system.

Barring that, the Republican majority, which has been shrinking in recent years, will be able to consolidate power.

Republicans currently occupy 103 of 180 state House seats, 35 of 56 state Senate seats and eight of 14 congressional seats despite Georgia voters trending toward Democrats. They can bolster those numbers by shifting voters around. Athens is a good example: Republicans split * the county into two Senate districts in 2006 to keep a Democrat out of office, then turned a blue House district into a red one in 2011 to benefit a state representative who switched parties.

Wright’s office will begin analyzing the data and creating new maps using a software called “Maptitude” beginning in spring or summer 2021, she said. Public hearings on the redistricting process will occur afterwards, and the General Assembly will likely hold its special session to adopt the new district maps for U.S. House, state Senate, state House and Public Service Commission in fall 2021. [TW] f

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As the U.S. Census Bureau prepares to deliver its population findings, it’s unlikely that Georgia will pick up an additional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives during the reapportionment process, said Gina Wright, executive director of the Georgia General Assembly’s Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office.

Wright explained the decennial task of redrawing congressional and legislative districts to legislators at the Biennial. After Wright’s office analyzes the census data and determines how to split up the districts for federal and statewide offices, the legislature will hold a special session to adopt the districts for the next 10 years.

“As [the Census Bureau] takes a new count and they see how many people are in different areas and jurisdictions, you’re going to have to make changes to your district boundaries, so that each of the districts on any given map will have the same number of people as close as practical in each of the districts,” said Wright, who

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arts & culture

art notes

Winter Wonderland A RUNDOWN OF THIS SEASON’S ART EXHIBITIONS

By Jessica Smith arts@flagpole.com Local art galleries were in no way immune to the pandemic’s shutdown of brick-andmortar spaces, leaving a slew of exhibitions modified into digital formats, postponed or canceled altogether in its wake. Thankfully, galleries have weathered the storm thus far to reopen with precautions in place. Though we are still missing most displays at restaurants and coffee shops—once highly visible and fairly accessible spots that do play an important role for aspiring artists, especially in a small town— our professional galleries are opening their doors to showcase challenging and beautiful work.

Here’s what’s coming this season.

New York-based artists Jeanne Silverthorne and Bonnie Rychlak, who are shown together for the first time in their decadeslong careers. Sharing an affection for rubber and wax, both artists recreate everyday architectural details into non-functional sculpture.

Three additional shows are slated for Jan. 29–Feb. 26. Envisioned as the one-person research performance and living labora-

Often incorporating African fabrics and semi-autobiographical content, her work is known to challenge the norms of Western art tradition and examine the intersections of race, class, gender and privilege.

Running Feb. 27–June 13, “Extra Ordinary: Magic, Mystery and Imagination in American Realism” will explore how some mid-century artists, embracing classical artistic techniques despite the rise of abstraction, played with elements of fantasy, hyperrealism or strangeness to create a new sense of wonder. Using the Museum of Modern Art’s 1943 show “American Realists and Magic Realists”— which brought the term “magic realism” into the art history lexicon—as a launching pad, “Extra Ordinary” will include a suite of paintings originally included in MoMA’s show.

ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: Hot off the heels of the

recent collaborative installation “Hindsight 20|20: A Community Catharsis,” ATHICA will host its “2021 Members’ Showcase” from Jan. 23–Feb. 28. As an independent, non-profit gallery, paid memberships are essential to its ability to provide innovative contemporary art to the public.

An opportunity to share work in the annual exhibition is offered as a perk to new and renewing members, and always offers a nice cross-section of new work to viewers. Individual memberships start at $25 and include eligibility to rent the gallery and host events, in addition to participation in the annual show. There’s still time to sign up before the Jan. 16 deadline, so hop on over to athica.org/call-for-entries.

experience in response to the pandemic.

Inspired by love, representations of the Black body and afrofuturism, James says in his artist statement that “These figures are portrayed as ancestors of extraterrestrial origin and cosmic proportion through their relation to other celestial bodies, that they are both an authority and embodiment of. In all of my art, I’m driven to create portrayals of Black people with a divine sense of esteem, mythos and golden touch to increase the positive representations of melanin and to celebrate deeply pigmented individuals who have historically been targets of contemptuous perception.”

The Lounge Gallery, a space dedicated to quarterly shows by emerging artists, will present “Mind the Body,” a collection of paintings by MFA candidate Victoria Dugger, from Jan. 22–Apr. 3. Drawing inspiration from art history and contemporary culture, her work investigates the tension between human-built and virtual environments and the complicated relationship between the physical body and its internal ego.

Two small exhibitions will run simultaneously in the lobby from Feb. 2–Apr. 10. MFA candidate Luka Carter will experiment with a variety of materials in “Flywheel,” while Collections from our Community will present a selection from Julie Rutledge’s grandparents’ 2000 or so Avon bottles in a variety of fun shapes like a banana, snail, hammer and owl.

“Athens Together,” scheduled for Feb. 13–Apr. 10, will take a look back at the past year’s protests and rallies through the documentary photography of Penny Noah, Nathaniel Burkins, Lucy Calhoun and Sean Dunn. And finally, the 46th annual Juried Exhibition will fill the remaining galleries beginning Mar. 11.

Check out accgov.com/lyndon house for more details.

TINY ATH GALLERY: With attendance

CINÉ: Under the helm of curator

Carl Martin for many years and Mary Hallam Pearse most “Emma Amos: Color Odyssey” at the Georgia Museum of Art opens Jan. 30. recently for a brief stint, Ciné’s gallery wall will now hand its reins to ATHICA to continue the decadetory of Lisa Novak, a doctoral student in art The new exhibitions will join several long tradition of presenting bi-monthly education at UGA, “the Unstitute of…” will others, all of which opened last season and exhibitions. The new partnership began in assume the role of a different department will remain on view until next fall, that 2019 when the two organizations co-hosted each week to explore various topics related highlight historical works from around the Monster Drawing Rally, a creative fund- to self-organized art education, the limitathe world: “Power and Piety in 17th-Cenraiser during which dozens of local artists tions of critical theory, and discourse about tury Spanish Art,” “Modernism Foretold: participated in live hour-long art-making youth and labor. Recalling cabinets of curiThe Nadler Collection of Late Antique Art rounds. Artists can submit proposals to osities or rooms of wonder, “Taking Care” from Egypt” and “Contemporary Japanese share work at either location by visiting the is a collaborative exhibition by Jane Ritchie Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection.” same web address above. and Isys Hennigar that considers the fraSaturday, Jan. 17, is also the final day to gility of living things and relationships view “Carl Hotly: Romantic Modernist” and DODD GALLERIES: In early March, participants between humans and animals. Finally, in “Sarah Cameron Sunde: 36.5 / A Durational of the UGA Cortona study abroad program “Meet Me at the Double Crown,” Dodd MFA Performance with the Sea.” Visit georgia had to evacuate and return to the U.S. candidate Ronika McClain presents a series museum.org for more.

The Dodd Galleries at UGA’s Lamar Dodd of confessional videos conveying ideas on LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER: Appearing on School of Art reopen this month with two womanhood, identity and mapping queer the cover of Flagpole this week, “Planet shows running Jan. 13–23 that chronicommunities. Check out art.uga.edu.

Nursery” is a digitally painted diptych by cle this experience. “La Mostra: Cortona GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART: Located nearby on Noraa James, an artist, designer and pho2020” shares how students continued to tographer who recently moved to Athens collaborate with faculty long distance, while campus, the Georgia Museum has two from Norfolk, VA. The portrait joins “Love “What’s Here/Cos’è qui” presents works made new interesting exhibitions lined up for this season. “Emma Amos: Color Odyssey,” in Primary,” a triptych of embracing figby UGA Cortona Visiting Artist/Facilities scheduled for Jan. 30–Apr. 25, presents a ures, as the first installation of the Lyndon Manager Bryan Farnham in Italy after the career-spanning survey with approximately House’s new series, “Window Works,” students left.

60 works by the Atlanta-born painter, which intends to utilize the building’s large On view Jan. 15–Feb. 26, “Down & printmaker and weaver who died last year. windows to present a safe outdoor art Dirty” features sculptures and videos by

caps essentially already in place, the town’s smallest art space had one of the quickest reopening strategies to follow the pandemic’s citywide shutdowns. Currently, the Cleveland Avenue spot limits entry to four guests at a time and utilizes its back lawn for catching up with others. Tiny ATH will kick off 2021 with “Touch in the Time of Covid,” an exhibition of photographs by Lucy Calhoun. Her tender portrait series investigates how Athenians cope with social distancing, experience the sense of touch and stay connected to others.

Gallery owner Camille Hayes has already plotted out the full calendar year of monthly solo exhibitions that will include photography, painting, metalwork, illustration and mosaics. In sequential order, the lineup includes Melody Croft, Dan Smith, Krysia Ara, Manda McKay, Penny Noah, Cameron Berglund, Alexis Spina, Davy Gibbs, James Greer, Sarah Flinn, Amanda Jane Crouse and Amanda Jane Burke.

Exhibition schedules generally include opening receptions on second Fridays and virtual artist talks on third Thursdays, with viewing appointments offered until the end of each month. Read event details at tiny athgallery.com. f

JANUARY 13, 2021 | FLAGPOLE.COM

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bulletin board Deadline for getting listed in Bulletin Board is every THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the print issue that comes out the following Wednesday. Online listings are updated daily. Email calendar@flagpole.com.

Art ARTIST-IN-ATHICA RESIDENCIES (Athens Institute for Contemporary Art: ATHICA) Residencies provide administrative support, exhibition and performance facilities, and a small stipend. Artists may work in any or multiple disciplines and traditions, including but not limited to visual, curatorial, musical, performing, written, experimental, cinematic, digital and theatrical arts.

Residents can work independently or collaborate with others. Visit website for quarterly deadlines. www.athica. org/call-for-entries ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a new platform to connect creatives with patrons. Visual artists, musicians, actors, writers and other creatives are encouraged to create a free listing. Users can search for artists offering commissions for holiday gifts. athenscreatives@gmail.com, athenscreatives.directory CALL FOR ENTRIES (Athens Institute for Contemporary Art: ATHICA) The 2021 “Members’ Showcase” is open to all new and renewing ATHICA members. A perk of membership is exhibiting work in the annual showcase. Fill out the online form. Deadline Jan. 16.

Exhibition runs Jan. 23–Feb. 28. www.athica.org CALL FOR GUEST ARTIST/ CURATORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The Lyndon House Arts Foundation is seeking guest artist/ curator projects from individuals who identify as BIPOC and reside within Athens or a surrounding county to develop an art exhibition to be on display in the galleries for 6–8 weeks. Selected applicants receive a $1000 stipend and additional funds to assist in other costs.

Proposal reviews begin Feb. 15. lhartsfoundation@gmail.com CALL FOR INTERNS (Athens Institute for Contemporary Art: ATHICA) ATHICA is seeking interns

interested in development, social media, music, poetry, photography and gallery operation. Minimum five hours a week. College credit is available in coordination with department of study. Rolling deadline. athica. org/updates/internships CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Lyndon House Arts Center) “The 46th Juried Exhibition” will be juried by Hallie Ringle of the Birmingham Museum of Art. Works in all media may be submitted online through Jan. 22.

Exhibition opens Mar. 11 and closes June 26. $30/three entries. accgov. com/9661/46th-Juried-Exhibition OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber and woodworking. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $65/ month. nicholas.daglis@accgov.com

Classes DEDICATED MINDFULNESS PRACTITIONERS (Online) Weekly Zoom meditations are offered every Saturday at 8 a.m. Email for details. jaseyjones@gmail.com MINDFULNESS PRACTICE EVENINGS (Online) Discuss and practice how to change your relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. Email for the Zoom link.

Second Friday of the month, 6–7 p.m. FREE! mfhealy@bellsouth.net SPANISH CLASSES (Athens, GA) For adults, couples and children.

Learn from experts with years of professional experience. Contact for details. 706-372-4349, marinabilbao 75@gmail.com, marina-spain-2020. squarespace.com VIC CHESNUTT SONGWRITER SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP SERIES (Online) Workshop participants focus on developing individual songwriting compositions in a small group setting. Rock journalist Sylvie Simmons will moderate a discussion with instructors Jim White, Caroline Aiken and Marc Anthony Thompson.

art around town GALLERY AT HOTEL INDIGO (500 College Ave.) “Athens Facades” presents Mike Landers’ photographs of buildings downtown and in Five Points at dark between 2000–2002.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “Carl Holty: Romantic Modernist” includes paintings and drawings that reflect the artist’s pursuit of modern art theory. Through Jan. 17. • Sarah Cameron Sunde’s “36.5 / A Durational Performance with the Sea” combines performance, video and public art to address climate change. Through Jan. 17. • “Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection” represents three generations of artists dating from the 1940s. Through Sept. 26. • “Modernism Foretold: The Nadler Collection of Late Antique Art from Egypt.” Through Sept. 26. • “Power and Piety in 17th-Century Spanish Art.” Through Nov. 28.

LAMAR DODD SCHOOL OF ART (270 River Rd.) “What’s Here/Cos’ è qui” is a collection of works made by Bryan Parnham, UGA Cortona’s Visiting Artist/Facilities Manager. Jan. 13–23. • “La Mostra: Cortona” highlights the works of students who had to evaluate their studies in Cortona at the onset of the pandemic. Jan. 13–23. • “Down & Dirty” features sculptures and videos by New York-based artists Jeanne Silverthorne and Bonnie Rychlak.

Jan. 15–Feb. 26.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) Andrew Zawacki’s “Waterfall Plot” pairs 20 black-and-white photographs with short poems from his

14

Sessions are conducted via Zoom.

Workshop Jan. 14, 21, 28 ($185).

One-on-one is $75/session. www. vicchesnuttaward.com/workshops VIRTUAL ART CLASSES (Lyndon House Arts Center) “Drawing from Observation with Toni Calucci” runs Tuesdays, Jan. 12–Feb. 16, 3:30–5 p.m. $63–95. 706-613-3623 YAMUNA AND MORE (Elevate Athens, Online) Nia Holistic Fitness and Yamuna Body Rolling are held on an ongoing basis. $20/class.

Specialty classes range from selfcare to Yamuna foot fitness and more.www.elevateathens.com YOGA CLASSES (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) “Outdoor Yoga with Meg Brownstone,” every Sunday at 10 a.m. $5–10 suggested donation.

“Trauma Conscious Yoga with Crystal,” every Thursday at 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation. “Yoga for Well-being with Nicole Bechill,” every Saturday on Zoom at 10:30 a.m. Pre-registration required. rubbersoulcollective@gmail.com, www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com ZOOM YOGA (Online) Rev. Elizabeth Alder offers “Off the Floor Yoga” (chair and standing) on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. and “Easy on the Mat” yoga classes on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Ongoing classes are $5/class or $18/month. 706-612-8077, ommmever@yahoo.com

Events 4TH ANNUAL HOPE GALA (Online) The Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation hosts a 50/50 raffle.

Proceeds will be split between the winner and foundation. Silent auction opens Jan. 15. The raffle runs now through Jan. 23. A “Mask”querade Ball will be held Aug. 14 at the Rialto Room. $10/ raffle ticket. www.ashtonhopekegan foundation.networkforgood.com 5TH ANNUAL MLK DAY CARAVAN PARADE AND MUSIC FEST (Downtown Athens) The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement

“Poppy Juice” by Jeanne Silverthorne is included in the exhibition “Down & Dirty” at the Dodd Galleries at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. See Art Notes on p. 13 for details. and United Group of Artists Music Association host a caravan parade and music fest. Parade begins outside of the Morton Theatre and is followed by a honoree ceremony.

Jan. 18, 3 p.m. 678-740-3884 ACC LIBRARY EVENTS (AthensClarke County Library) All classes and events are held virtually.

“Book Us! One-on-One Computer Tutorials” are offered Thursdays at 9 a.m. “Getting Started with Genealogy 2.0” is held Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. “Computer Class: Google Drive and Google Docs” is held Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. “Talking About Books Virtual Discussion Group” will discuss The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon on Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m.

“Last Monday Book Club Virtual Discussion” will talk about Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. “Computer Class: Google Photos” is held Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. www.athenslibrary.org/services/ virtual-events ARLS FACEBOOK LIVE CONCERT SERIES (Online) The Athens Regional Library System presents ¿Banana? and Jarbins on Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. Visit any ARLS library’s Facebook page to watch ART EVENTS (Georgia Museum of Art) “Livestream of Sarah Cameron Sunde’s “36.5 / A Durational Performance with the Sea (Kenya),” Jan. 13 at 9 a.m.–Jan. 14 at 9 a.m. “Toddler Tuesday: Clay Play,” Jan. 19. “Curator Talk: Perri Lee

latest poetry volume. Through Jan. 16. • “Boundless” features works by Don Chambers, Derek Faust, Alex McClay, Katherine McCullough and Paula Reynaldi. Through Jan. 16. • “The Art of Jeremy Ayers” celebrates the artist, lyricist, activist and beloved member of the community, who passed away in 2016. Through Jan. 16. • Organized by Christina Foard, “Imagination Squared: Pathways to Resiliency” consists of over 1000 five-inch works created by students and community members. Sharing a theme of resiliency, the small works build a collective story of recovery and strength. Through Jan. 16. • “Window Works” is a new outdoor project that utilizes the windows at the building’s entrance. The first installation presents a triptych and diptych by Noraa James that were inspired by love, the Black body, primary colors and afrofuturism. Through March.

MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St.) “Children at Play: 1895–1957” is a collection of vintage toys representing the years of the Madison Graded School. The exhibition centers on toys that were in the toy room at the historic Stokes McHenry house in Madison, GA. Through Jan. UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Election 1980: The Elephant in the Room” explores the historic change election.

Through Feb. 26. • “Pylon: Tourists in Rock ’n Roll” celebrates the local band through photos, outfits, memorabilia and more. Through May 31.

WILLSON CENTER FOR THE HUMANITIES AND ARTS (Online) As part of UGA’s Spotlight on the Arts, the Willson Center presents “Shelter Projects,” a virtual exhibition of over 30 projects created by graduate students or community practitioners who reflect pandemic experiences through the arts. willson.uga.edu.

FLAGPOLE.COM | JANUARY 13, 2021

Roberts,” Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. “Artful Conversation: John Biggers,” Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. “Teen Studio via Zoom: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics,” Jan. 21 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. “Yoga in the Galleries (via Zoom),” Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. “Third Thursday,” Jan. 21 from 6–9 p.m. “Morning Mindfulness (via Zoom),” Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m. “Graduate Student Symposium: ‘Modernism Foretold,’” Jan. 30 from 1–5 p.m. www.georgia museum.org ATHENS FARMERS MARKET (Bishop Park) The 2021 season will run Mar. 6–Dec. 18, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

AFM is currently accepting vendor applications until Jan. 31. www. athensfarmersmarket.com/vendors DINNER AND A SHOW (Hendershot’s Coffee) Live music and dinner with The Plate Sale every Friday and Saturday. Begins Jan. 15. www.hendershotsathens.com JANUARY EVENTS (Southern Brewing Company) Monday Night Trivia at 6 p.m. Live music by Funky Bluester every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Sunday Trivia with Solo Entertainment Sundays at 5 p.m.

Comedy night Jan. 14. Music Jan. 15 and 16 at 6 p.m. www.sobrewco. com LGBTQIA+ VIRTUAL ALPHABET FAMILY GATHERING (Online) This is a safe space for anyone on the LGBTQIA+/TGQNB spectrum.

Fourth Sunday of every month, 6–8 p.m. uuathensga.org/justice/welcoming-congregation LOCAL HONEY (Athens Institute for Contemporary Art) Celebrate the release of the new zine “Local Honey.” Online Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.

Free registration required. www. athica.org LIVE JAZZ (Porterhouse Grill) Enjoy dinner and some smooth jazz.

Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. www.porter houseathens.com MLK AWARDS BANQUET (Online) The Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc. will host its 42nd annual awards banquet and an Ecumenical Service. The awards banquet will honor Celest Ngeve, Rashe Malcolm and Shawanda Johnson. Scholarships will also be awarded to high school seniors. Jan. 16, 5 p.m. The Ecumenical Service will be held Jan. Jan. 17, 4 p.m. www.humanrelationscouncil.org MLK DAY CELEBRATION MARKET (300 S. Rocksprings St.) The West Broad Farmers Market hosts music, performances and a handful of local vendors. Jan. 16, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. linktr.ee.wbfm

PILOT CLUB 5K CHASE (Athens, GA) Participate in a virtual 12th annual Pilot Club 5K Chase. Run, walk or jog using your own 5K (3.1 miles) course anytime between Feb. 1–6. Proceeds benefit the Pilot Club of Oconee County’s many projects to raise awareness and provide support for brain health and brain related diseases and illnesses. Register online. $20. www.active.com, www. oconeepilotclub.com SMALL WORKS INSPIRED BY POETRY (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Artwork responds to five poems written by Clela Reed, Carl Britton, Dana Smith, Pat Adams and Rebecca Baggett. Opening reception Jan. 22, 6–8 p.m. The exhibition runs Jan. 22–Feb. 26. www.ocaf.com SOUTHERN STAR STUDIO OPEN GALLERY (Southern Star Studio) SSS is a working collective ceramics studio established by Maria Dondero in 2016. The gallery contains members’ work. No more than two people or a single group inside at a time.

Jan. 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. southern starstudioathens@gmail.com TOUCH IN THE TIME OF COVID (tiny ATH gallery) Lucy Calhoun presents a series of photographic portraits that reveal how Athenians have coped with social distancing and reexamined their relationship to touch. Opening reception Jan. 22.

Available to view by appointment through January. www.tinyathgallery. com UUFA VIRTUAL FORUMS (Online) The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens hosts “Meet the New DA,” an online forum with Deborah Gonzalez on Jan. 17 at 9:30 a.m. Hear from recently-elected Sheriff John Q. Williams on Jan. 31 at 9:30 a.m. Visit website for link. uuathensga.org/stay-connected WINTER MARKET (Hendershot’s Coffee) The Culinary Kitchen of Athens hosts a weekly market with vendors. Saturdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. www.facebook.com/theckofathens. com WONDERLAND RANGERS (Online) The band performs its new album, Trouble & Treasure, during a live stream from Hendershot’s Coffee.

Jan. 21, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/ hendershots.coffee.videos

Help Out COAT AND BLANKET DRIVE (Bogart Library) The library is collecting new and gently used blankets

and coats of all sizes to donate to local charities including ACTS. Bring donations in a tied plastic trash bag and leave in the bins in the library’s foyer. Through Feb. 1. 706310-3515, www.athenslibrary.org DIAPER DRIVE (Bogart Library) The library is collecting diapers to donate to the Athens Area Diaper Bank. Open packs are accepted.

Leave donations in the bins in the foyer. 706-310-3515, www.athens areadiaperbank.com MLK DAY OF SERVICE (Athens, GA) Hundreds of volunteers will work on community enhancement and beautification projects like invasive species removal, litter clean-ups, painting and more. Projects will be hosted by over 20 different organizations including Athens Land Trust, Books for Keeps, Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery, Nuçi’s Space, Project Safe and more. In light of COVID-19, a “choose your own adventure” option will let volunteers work independently. Event held Jan. 18. athensgamlkday@gmail.com, www.accgov.com/mlkday

Kidstuff ACC LIBRARY EVENTS (AthensClarke County Library) Virtual storytimes are offered via Facebook weekdays at 10:30 a.m. “Martin’s Dream Day” for ages 6–11 is held Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. “GCBA Petting Zoo,” a program highlighting nominees of the Georgia Children’s Picture Book Award and Georgia Children’s Book Award, is held Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. “Teen Take and Make Craft: CD Scratch Art” is offered Jan. 25. facebook.com/athenschildrens ART CLASSES (Online) Treehouse Kid and Craft hosts a variety of art classes for children through Zoom.

Visit the website for a calendar of class series. www.treehousekidand craft.com BOGART LIBRARY EVENTS (Bogart Library) Virtual Storytimes are offered weekdays at 10:30 a.m.

Virtual Booktalks are held every Friday on Facebook at 2 p.m.“Grab & Go Kit for Teens: Among Us Felties” offers supplies for curbside pickup Jan. 14–15 and a tutorial video posted Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. Ms. Donna will share Tales from the Far North during a “Kids Virtual Program” on Facebook on Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. www.athenslibrary.org CALL FOR ENTRIES: K-12 GREEN LIFE ART CONTEST (ACC Recycling Division) K–12 students in Athens-Clarke County are invited to participate in the annual Green Life Awards Art, Photography and Poetry Contest. The theme is based on a fresh start to a new year.

Submissions can be paintings, drawings, sculpture, short videos (30 seconds to one minute), photography or poems about how you will live a green life in 2021. Entries are due to the ACC Recycling Division

by Mar. 1 at 5 p.m. Winners will be recognized at a virtual awards ceremony on Apr. 15. www.accgov. com/greenlife DUNGEONS & DRAGONS PANEL DISCUSSION (Online) Join a virtual panel discussion to learn how experienced players got started. For grades 6–12. Email to be added to the Discord server. Jan. 23, 4 p.m. adial@athenslibrary.org FAMILY MOVIE SERIES (The Classic Center Theatre) Films include The Greatest Showman on Jan. 29 and Big on Feb. 26. www. classiccenter.com THANK-YOU NOTE WRITING WORKSHOP (Online) Maggie Huner will teach ages 8–17 about the value of writing thank-you notes.

Proceeds benefit Family Promise, a nonprofit that provides immediate shelter and guidance to families with children who are experiencing homelessness. RSVP for Zoom link.

Jan. 24, 3 p.m. $10, $15/two. director@ihnathens.org VIRTUAL ART CLASSES (Lyndon House Arts Center) “Drawing Dragons with Toni Carlucci” for ages 7–10 runs Thursdays, Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 4:30–5:30 p.m. $61–79. 706613-3623

Support Groups AL-ANON 12 STEP (Multiple Locations) Recovery for people affected by someone else’s drinking.

Visit the website for a calendar of electronic meetings held throughout the week. www.ga-al-anon.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) If you think you have a problem with alcohol, call the AA hotline or visit the website for a schedule of meetings in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee Counties. 706-389-4164, www. athensaa.org RECOVERY DHARMA (Recovery Dharma) This peer-led support group offers a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from any addiction.

Visit the website for info about Zoom meetings. Thursdays, 7–8 p.m.

FREE! www.athensrecoverydharma. org SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) (Email for Location) Athens Downtown SAA offers a message of hope to anyone who suffers from a compulsive sexual behavior. www.athensdowntownsaa.com

Word on the Street ACRONYM (Athens, GA) ACRONYM is a new website compiling COVID19 aid for Athens-based live music venues and artists. Check the website for updated listings on funding and financial opportunities, mental health guides, organizational support, community resources and more. Visit acroynym.rocks ICE SKATING (440 Foundry Pavilion) The Classic Center offers outdoor ice skating. Skate sessions are 75 minutes. Masks required. $15/ session, $120 season pass. Through January. classiccenter.com/athens onice MOBILE FOOD PANTRY (General Times Parking Lot) ACC residents that meet income requirements can pick up free food. Jan. 18, 10 a.m. www.foodbanknega.org NOMINATE A KEEPIN- IT CLEAN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (Athens, GA) Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful is accepting nominations to recognize a community member as an environmental steward of litter prevention and abatement or community beautification. The award recipient will be recognized at the annual GreenFest Award Ceremony.

Deadline Mar. 1. stacee.farrell@ accgov.com NOMINATE A STORMWATER STEWARD (Athens, GA) Nominate an organization, business, individual or community group that has gone above and beyond to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff through a specific project, practice or event.

The award is presented by the Athens-Clarke County Stormwater Management Program. Nominations due Mar. 1. stormwater@accgov.com STORMWATER CALENDARS (Department of Transportation and Public Works) Pick up a free 2021 calendar or have one mailed directly to your home. www.accgov.com/ stormwatercalendar f

music

threats & promises

Clay Babies’ Justice Jar PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com PLEASE FORWARD TO CURRENT RESIDENT: Lockdowns and quar-

antines aside, the room here is getting very crowded. One of these days I’m gonna have to really tighten this ship back up and talk only about bands that are strictly Athensbased. There’s been a raft of this two-city, out-of-town, used-to-be-all-local stuff. That said, let’s welcome the new EP by Folklore. It’s been nearly exactly a decade since the band—which is sometimes more of a cast of thousands, really—last recorded anything. The new record is named The Curse and runs a comfortable seven tracks. There are some really nice tunes on this. Notably, the infectious and buoyant title track, which slides seamlessly into the similarly structured “To Be Born Now.” For the uninitiated, Folklore—in the loosest, most convenient terms— plays acoustic-based indie pop/rock with a keen sense of melody and nice lyrical surprises. After listening to this whole thing, I kinda don’t care where they live. It’s just nice.

Check it out at folklore. bandcamp.com.

IN A METAL MOOD: Life wasn’t always so easy in town for metal dudes. Just you try attempting to rock out Clay Babies while the whole town is either soaked in mystical psych-pop or living in a twee-house. Not even an Olympic torch could light the way. It was under these conditions that Land Speeder released its album Buddha Motor Works back in May 1996. Though long talked about, the memory of the band has faded somewhat over the years. Now, label Local Records has rereleased the album properly as a limited edition, 300-copy LP. This release was remastered by Jesse Mangum at The Glow Recording Studio and is available on charming yellow vinyl. Preorders began a few weeks ago, and it’s available for all as we speak. Also, while always leading the metal charge during their time, Land Speeder wasn’t doomy, evil or any of those other things. They just rocked and had fun without being total goofs. All in all, good stuff. Head to local-records.square.site where you can preview the entire thing and place your order, too.

NEW YEAR, NEW BEAT: It’s been a few months since AyoPaco

(aka Paco Marquez) released his EP Planet Pac, but the sun is nowhere near setting on him. Working through the slow

months of late fall, he prepped and has now released his newest single, “Ready Set Go (Skillet).” It was produced, mixed and recorded by Marquez and is, in no uncertain terms, a total club banger that’s just ripe for a longer remix.

As it stands, the official track runs just under two minutes.

Importantly, to me at least, Marquez uses tools like robotic voice effects in the way they were meant to be used—that is, as an enhancement to the underlying composition, not as a coverall gimmick to obscure lame songwriting. I’ve probably said enough good things about this now, so go listen for yourself at sound cloud.com/pacomarquez.

HUDDLE UP: Another hard-

working couple, the folky Americana duo Clay Babies, steadily released tunes all through 2020, each with an increasing level of social consciousness. Their final single for the year, released during Flagpole’s annual double issue in December, was “Brave Enough To Dream.” The song is part of the pair’s ongoing project named The Justice Jar. This project is an album in the works, so to speak, and as each song is recorded and released, it is added to the collection.

The proceeds are directed toward different causes, which you can read about on their website. Check out the tunes via claybabies.bandcamp.com, and read up over at claybabies.com.

THE PITCH: Since it’s the start of a new year it’s not a bad idea

to go over everything again. We here at Flagpole love (read: L-O-V-E!) hearing about your projects, shows, records, etc.

In a best-case scenario, we’d cover everything all the time, even if we didn’t enjoy your particular hunk of art. That said, as a weekly paper, we’re often constrained by space and a week-ahead-of-time deadline for features, reviews, consideration for coverage in this column, etc. So, it’s always best to drop us some info as early as possible about what you’ve got going on. A few weeks is generally ample, but please don’t hesitate to get in touch, even if it’s much later. As always, there are no guarantees, but early action increases the chances exponentially that word will get out, and we’ll look like geniuses for being so on the ball. Thank you! f

record review Andrew Steck: Inner Loop / Outer Loop (Independent) Filling over 145 pages of ledger lines, composer Andrew Steck’s Inner Loop / Outer Loop leaves no detail overlooked while taking a rock album approach to constructing orchestral arrangements. A combination of Sibelius, NotePerformer and Studio One software, this is a one-human score—written, recorded and mastered by Steck. With influences that range among the traditions of classical, electronic, experimental and global music, it helps to follow along with the liner notes for thoughts behind each song. Some tracks are forthcoming with their inspiration, such as “Cucumber Water,” a string-heavy arrangement intended to be a sonic refresher, and “Tango Arcana,” a tribute to Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. Highlights include “100 Nowheres,” which feels like a surfy mid-century spy film soundtrack, and “The Big Stage,” an atonal melody written in reaction to the madness of the world in the past year. Officially released in late November, the album is expected to become available on vinyl in February and will be followed by an EP of orchestral cover songs.

[Jessica Smith]

JANUARY 13, 2021 | FLAGPOLE.COM

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cla cl assifi fie eds Buy It, Sell It, Rent It, Use It! Place an ad anytime, email class@flagpole.com

 Indicates images available at classifieds.flagpole.com

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Shared house in Watkinsville. Master w/ private bath. Bedroom w/ shared bath. On-site laundry. 15 min to UGA, 5 min to UNG. January lease. 706-201-5199.

MUSIC EQUIPMENT Nuçi’s Space needs your old instruments & music gear, especially drum equipment! All donations are tax-deductible. 706227-1515 or come by Nuçi’s Space, 396 Oconee St. Flagpole subscriptions delivered straight to the mailbox! Convenient for you or the perfect present for a buddy who moved out of town. $50 for six months or $90 for one year. Call 706-549-0301.

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FLAGPOLE.COM | JANUARY 13, 2021

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flagpole

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

8 6 9

3

5

3 1 8 1 4 7 1 2 5 6 1 9 4 9 8 3 7 8 9 2

SALON, INC.

2440 West Broad St., Suite 2 706-548-2188 www.alaferasalon.com

Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain theofnumbers 9.

Week 1/11/211- to 1/17/21

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

by Margie E. Burke 9

10

14

15

16

17

18

19 22

20

21

24

Solution to Sudoku: 26 25

8 6 33 9 39 2 43 4 47 7 3 57 1 62 5

7 1 34 2 9 3 5 4 58 6 8

3 4 35 5 1 6 8 51 9 2 7

228 5 3 4 7 948 1 8 6

6 9 140 5 44 8 2 7 3 4

4 929 5 1 736 3 2 8 8 6 7 4 41 3 8 6 7 45 1 2 9 5 6 449 1 3 252 5 8 6 559 7 4 9 60 963 1 3 2

11

12

13

31

32

55

56

23 27 30 37

38 42 46 50

53

54 61

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate ACROSS 1 Delhi wrap 53 Took advice 13 Stable parent?

5 Chocolate bean 57 Poker stake 21 Cotillion V.I.P. 10 Original sinner 59 Kind of surgery 25 Kitchen gadget 14 Dressed 61 Swedish cur27 Pony's gait 15 Put on ____ rency 29 Pay-for-yourself (pretend) 62 Cut of meat date 16 Kelly of morning 63 Kidney-related 31 Many a Bieber TV 65 Stuff to the gills fan 17 Amble 66 Well-behaved 32 Uses an abacus 18 Raquel of filmdom 67 Pugilist Pacquiao 33 Washer cycle 19 At any time 68 Hosiery hue 34 Moreover 20 Coming up 69 Writer Quindlen 35 Lawyer's last 22 Bit of cunning 70 Investment words 23 Run out of gas 71 Indian tree 37 Civil War side 24 Croquet striker 40 Fictitious, with 26 Certain deliveries DOWN "up" 28 Footnote word 1 "Get lost!"

42 Dust or pollen, 30 Indian condiment 2 Kapolei greeting e.g.

33 Back talk 3 Tangle 45 Shout of praise 36 Nissan 4 Desire for per48 To-do list crossover fection 50 Comics cry 38 Hospital unit 5 Crow's call 52 Societal stand39 Take a dive 6 From the beginards 41 Ready for the ning 54 Gabbana's partjunkyard 7 Bullet ner 43 Belief measurement 55 Accustom: Var. 44 William Tell, e.g.

8 Adapts 56 Piece of 46 Microscope part 9 Catchall category information 47 Wanderer 10 "Chain of Fools" 57 Sea lettuce 49 Inexpensive singer 58 "High" time lodging 11 Separable 60 Tall and lean 51 Writers' reps 12 Impersonator 64 Caustic stuff

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hey, bonita…

My Partner’s Mom Is Too Clingy ADVICE FOR ATHENS’ LOOSE AND LOVELORN

By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com Hi Bonita, My partner was raised by a single mom. He has issues (understandably) with dads and his dad in particular. He’s also very protective of his mom, which I also understand.

His mom has pretty fancy taste, which I totally respect, but I’ve also gotten the vibe that I’m not of the right pedigree for her son, despite being a professional myself. Also, she demands a lot of his time, and he feels pressured and melts down a lot in regard to this or lashes out at me. (I’ll want to spend the weekend together, and he’ll break down because he doesn’t have enough alone time after hanging with his mom every day after work.) He has a hard time managing his time around our relationship and his relationship with his mom. My partner is awesome, but he’s very affected by all this, and I get the brunt of it. There are also times he’s said stuff to me that seems straight out of his mom’s mouth.

Hey there, Crowded, First off, don’t believe your friends who say that all single parents are clingy, nosy curmudgeons who can’t let go of their kids.

The nature of their relationship is clearly problematic, and a single-parent household is not the prerequisite here. Also, statements that equate someone’s progeny with their sexual partners (like “the only man I need is my son”) are a sign of much deeper issues than loving your kid too much, and— honestly? It’s GROSS. Stop saying that, parents!

You already seem to know that your boyfriend needs to lay down some hard boundaries with his mom—the lashing out and breakdowns are not a sign of happiness. But it’s clear he feels beholden to his mom, and you can’t force him to change the nature of that relationship. I’d say that it’s not even your place to demand

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FLAGPOLE.COM | JANUARY 13, 2021

I want to have a good relationship with his mom, so I have no desire to accuse her of anything or him of not knowing how to break away. At the end of the day, I’ve been through enough family drama of my own, and I know that everyone, my partner included, has limitations. There’s a lot of talk of his mom being “old” and alone (therefore needing extra love and attention), which bothers me, as she is several years younger than my parents and has had several partners of her own that she’s sent packing because, as she states, “The only man I need is my son.” I don’t have it in me to challenge this stuff or even think it’s my place. I fear that my partner will put his mom first and never really commit or be fully present in our relationship. Friends raised by single parents have told me that this is just the way it is, and he’s not going to get out of it ever, so best for him to find someone who gets it. Should I say goodbye? It would break both of our hearts, but I can’t see having a third person in the relationship or an ongoing doubt about the quality of person I am. Please help, Bonita, I don’t want perfection, just less intensity.

Three’s a Crowd

that out of him, but you can be confident and uncompromising in boundaries that you establish for yourself. Your partner should not be discussing the dirty details of your relationship with your mom, he should not be allowing her to badmouth you, and he should be directing his stress and anger properly instead of lashing out at you, which is the detail here that I dislike the most. I wouldn’t blame you for saying goodbye to a man who likes to take out his anger and frustration on you, but he needs to understand that this behavior isn’t appropriate or tolerable by any means. Stay if you like, but I’d bet you a dollar that he’s been dumped over his mom before. He is walking around here thinking that spending time with his mom to the point of a meltdown is acceptable and that lashing out at his girlfriend about it is OK, too. He needs to grow up, with or without you. f Need advice? Email advice@flagpole.com or use our anonymous online form at flagpole.com/ get-advice.

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