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this week’s issue
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Leasing@GoJoiner.com Currently on view at the Dodd Galleries through Apr. 1, “Social Dissonance” is a collection of works exploring life in the current moment by first year MFA students at the Lamar Dodd School of Art.
This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Biden Bucks Rain Down on Athens
The Foilies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
NEWS: Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ADVICE: Hey Bonita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Hooking Up in a Pandemic
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were administered the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at mass vaccination events at Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals high schools. The mood at the event among those getting vaccinated was positive, and the event was run with great efficiency, as the Department of Public Health and medical students from the Augusta University/ By Blake Aued and Jessica Luton news@flagpole.com UGA Medical Partnership worked together The light at the end of the tunnel is shin- to administer vaccinations in an assemHundreds of millions of dollars will flow ing a little brighter this week as an increase bly-line fashion. $2,000 to $3,600 applies to 2.3 million from Washington, D.C. into Athens from of vaccinations in Clarke County, alongside Aimee Morgan, an early intervenGeorgia children. And a 60-year-old couple the recently passed American Rescue Plan. a stable rate of new cases and a decrease tion program teacher at Timothy Road earning $75,000 a year will save $1,406 on The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief packin hospitalizations, provides some hope of Elementary, was able to get vaccinated their health insurance premiums. age includes $65 billion for cities and $65 within 15 minutes. She said she was excited The plan includes separate pots of money progress in combating this pandemic. billion for counties. As a consolidated Further, Gov. Brian Kemp announced to get the vaccine, and the event also profor mortgages, rent and utility assistance; government, ACC is eligible for both, and last week that adults 55 and older and vided an opportunity for her to see coworkfor businesses like bars, restaurants and its share is an estimated $60,034,155, adults with specific health conditions— ers that she hadn’t seen all year. music venues; and for transit and other according to the National Association Andrew Broadmann, a medical of Counties. student administering vaccines at Much of that funding comes with the event, said the students understrings attached, according to Mayor went training in advance of the event Kelly Girtz. “It’s not unrestricted through CDC and DPH mobile clinic money,” he said. “You can’t spend it modules. “This is the second vaccinaon anything at any time.” The funding tion event in Athens I’ve worked,” he can be used for things like hazard said. “It’s cool to support the commupay for essential workers; assistance nity and see the comradery here. It to households, small businesses and does give me hope that we’re moving nonprofits; aid to affected industries in the right direction, and to see such like tourism and hospitality; and broad support for the vaccine.” water, sewer and broadband internet In Clarke County last week, 6,723 projects. doses were administered, for a total of Local governments will receive half 42,284 vaccinations so far. Compared their share of funds within 60 days of to the previous week, doses adminisPresident Joe Biden signing the bill on tered were up about 2,000. With addiMar. 11, and the other half within 12 tional eligibility added to Georgia’s months. Governments will have until vaccination requirements, so long as the end of 2024 to spend the money. supply continues to increase, public Girtz said he plans to spend part of health experts are hopeful that vacciACC’s funding on immediate relief for nation rates will continue to rise. residents and businesses, and some In looking at local case numbers, on “foundational changes that will be the news continues to be positive. The Benjamin Nail, a Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School teacher, receives his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at a Clarke seven-day running average of new felt decades from now.” For example, County School District mass vaccination event Mar. 10. he said, he wants to buy a motel or cases was back down to 14.6 as of Mar. apartment building and convert it into 11. There were 113 new confirmed such as diabetes, obesity and congenital housing for the homeless as ACC pursues a cases added to the total last week, for a areas. Girtz said ACC will set up a dashheart disease—will be added to the list of “housing first” policy, because landlords are total of 12,233 confirmed cases. An addiboard to help individuals and businesses those who can be vaccinated. Kemp also often reluctant to rent to the homeless. tional 2,132 cases have been reported via navigate the process of accessing those announced that all adults would be eligible Some of the funding can be used to back- funds. rapid antigen tests. The cumulative number to get the vaccine in Georgia starting at the fill holes in the county budget. The Athens of cases in Clarke County stood at 14,365. The transit funding should be enough to Downtown Development Authority recently keep Athens buses fare-free “for quite some beginning of April. Wastewater data from Erin Lipp’s lab Last week, more than 1,400 Clarke reported that parking revenue is down at the Center for the Ecology of Infectious time,” Girtz said. And if voters extend a 1% County School District teachers and staff $800,000 in fiscal 2021. ACC has also lost Diseases at UGA shows that the viral load sales tax for transportation in 2022, comrevenue from court fees and a tax on hotel missioners have agreed to devote a portion and motel rooms as tourism dropped off of it to covering farebox revenue. “It could and conventions virtually ceased during the be that the last quarter has been dropped pandemic. into an Athens Transit farebox,” Girtz said. The $60 million figure doesn’t include The Clarke County School District should personal benefits like $1,400 checks to be able to expect about the same amount most individuals (which started hitting of funding as ACC—$60 million—Girtz bank accounts last weekend), $300 weekly said, but school officials said last week that unemployment supplements, the expanded they didn’t know yet how much is allocated child tax credit and earned income tax to CCSD. Previous funding from the 2020 credit, or additional subsidies for peoCARES Act allowed CCSD to avoid laying ple buying health insurance through the off employees and paid for expenses related Affordable Care Act. Those benefits will to meals, distance learning, facilities and pump tens of millions of dollars into the equipment, supplemental learning and local economy. at-risk students. The American Rescue Nor does it include the estimated $5 Plan contains $122 billion for K-12 public billion that will go to the state government, schools—almost 10 times as much as the some of which will trickle down to Athens. CARES Act. Gov. Brian Kemp has slammed the plan, It’s unclear how much money will flow saying Georgia isn’t getting its fair share. to UGA, but the American Rescue Plan set State Republicans have also floated the idea aside $40 billion for higher education to offof using the windfall to cut taxes, but that’s set state-level cuts ($318 million in Georgia prohibited by the legislation. last year). According to the Democratic Party of Of course, none of this would have Georgia, the plan includes $5.1 billion happened had Georgia voters not put two for the state government, $3.6 billion for Democrats in the U.S. Senate in January, Georgia’s local governments and $4.3 bilgiving the party a one-vote majority that lion for Georgia schools. More than 9 milallowed the Senate to pass the bill through lion Georgians will receive $1,400 checks. the reconciliation process and avoid a The expansion of the child tax credit from Republican filibuster.
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Moneybags Biden Makes It Rain PLUS, COVID KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND MORE LOCAL NEWS
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“Thanks to Georgians, the nation can finally see the light at the end of this dark tunnel,” Sen. Raphael Warnock said. [Blake Aued]
Vaccinations Expand as Athens Teachers Get First Shots
Commissioners Talk Police and Mental Health Athens-Clarke County commissioners want more options to respond to mental-health crises, since in the last few years ACC police have shot and killed several people who seemed to be suffering from mental-health issues. They’re considering emulating a Eugene, OR program called CAHOOTS that teams a social worker with a medic, neither one armed. A study by the ACC Police Department found that more than a third of local jail inmates suffered from mental health or substance abuse problems. Among the clients of Advantage Behavioral Health Systems—a nonprofit that offers mental health and substance abuse services— more than 90% of those in the jail had been arrested multiple times. The average was almost 13. And they stayed in jail an average of 22 days, compared to eight for inmates who were not Advantage clients. “When they go to jail, not only do they go to jail more frequently, they’re finding it harder to navigate the system to get bond to get out of jail when they do go there,” Police Chief Cleveland Spruill told commissioners at a Mar. 9 work session. The department already has two teams of Jerry B. NeSmith Behavioral Health Co-Responders, named for the late commissioner who was a strong advocate for mental health. A third will be hired this spring, Spruill said, and he’s requesting four more in the county’s fiscal 2022 budget. The co-responders—a police officer and a mental health professional—have had a mixed track record. They did not respond to several shootings in the past few years that seemed to involve mental health issues. But that’s because they’re not available 24/7,
and often it’s not apparent from listening to the dispatcher that a call has anything to do with mental health, Spruill said. Last week, a co-responder unit did help to communicate with an armed man who had shot himself and to convince him to let himself be treated by emergency medical personnel. Several commissioners said they want some alternative to armed police responding to calls involving mental health. In some cases, the presence of an armed officer could even exacerbate the situation, Commissioner Melissa Link said. Commissioner Carol Myers suggested that, while there’s probably some overlap between the calls CAHOOTS and the ACC co-responders answer, not all of them are the same. Spruill disagreed, saying that not sending an armed officer could endanger people. And he emphasized that CAHOOTS teams collaborate with police and won’t answer some calls without an officer present. “When you call 911, when you call the police, you’re calling because you want the police,” he said. But he added that he’s open to some sort of separate hotline to call when police aren’t wanted on the scene. Commissioner Tim Denson called CAHOOTS “more subtle and nimble” than co-responders but said he wanted both. “How do we have the best policy response in the world, honestly?” he said. Also at the work session, commissioners and staff discussed potential pay raises for police, a bike lane on Barber Street, turning a parking lot next door to the Costa Building near City Hall into a park and potential locations for “eco-stations,” where downtown businesses can store rollcarts, rather than leaving trash bags on the sidewalk. [BA]
CCSD Makes Progress on Accreditation The Clarke County School District has made progress on two of three areas under review by accreditation agency Cognia. In response to a complaint filed by former superintendent Demond Means alleging interference by school board members, Cognia (then known as AdvancED) started an investigation in January 2020. That investigation cited three areas where CCSD needs improvement: (1) establishing and adhering to policies, (2) following a code of ethics and functioning within defined roles and responsibilities, and (3) implementing effective processes and procedures in support of teaching and learning. On the first two points, Cognia upgraded CCSD from “initiating” to “improving” and from “insufficient” to “initiating,” respectively. The third remains rated “initiating.” The district remains on probation with its accreditation under review. “Our number-one priority is to have the Clarke County School District restored to full Accredited Status,” board President LaKeisha Gantt said in a news release. “Although these findings show we are moving in the right direction, we recognize there remains important work to be done by our Board.” The full Cognia update is available at clarke.k12.ga.us/domain/2326. In other CCSD news, next month the board will return to holding meetings in-person. The board had planned to meet in person at its Mar. 11 meeting, but decided to meet virtually, based on legal advice, because the board had not announced the change at its Mar. 4 work session. The public cannot attend the Apr. 15 regular board meeting in person. [BA] f
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Tragedy at the Triangle Factory 1911 FIRE SPARKED THE WOMEN’S AND WORKERS’ MOVEMENTS By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com It is fitting that Women’s History Month The owners of the Triangle factory is observed in March. The commemoration were acquitted of manslaughter charges, traces its roots back to the celebration of and three years after the fire, a civil suit the first International Women’s Day in on behalf of the dead and injured workers Europe on Mar. 8, 1911. brought paltry payments of $75 each to Just days after that observance, a tragic nearly two dozen families who had lost event in New York City would leave an loved ones in the 1911 fire. indelible mark on the history of women and The labor movement found more marthe American labor movement. On Mar. tyrs in Alabama on Apr. 8, 1911, when 128 25, 1911 a fire at the prison inmates forced Triangle Shirtwaist to work as miners in The executives, with a Factory—a sweatshop the state’s notorious in New York—claimed “convict leasing” syscouple of steps, could the lives of 146 worktem were killed in an have opened the doors, but ers, almost all of them explosion. Memories immigrant women. they thought they were better of the Triangle tragTo this day, 110 years edy were fresh in the later, the event known than the working people. minds of millions of as the Triangle Fire Americans when the still is remembered as a dark day in the mining accident happened, but since the history of this nation and a reminder of the forced laborers were African Americans struggle and sacrifice of the women and serving jail time, there was little sympathy men who fought for better wages and work- for their plight in Alabama or across the ing conditions in America. rest of white America. Owners of the Triangle factory locked Industrial accidents continued to bloody the doors of the sweatshop to keep workers American workplaces after the tragedies in in and labor organizers out—a decision that led to tragedy when, according to Doris Weatherford’s American Women’s History, the fire began when one of the factory’s few male employees accidentally dropped a burning match near oil cans, which ignited fabric in the locked sewing room. Dozens of people were burned alive, or died leaping from factory windows or plummeting down elevator shafts when fire depart- Sixty-two people jumped or fell to their deaths trying to escape the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. ment ladders proved too short to reach the workers on the building’s upper floors. New York and Alabama. According to hisOne of the workers who did survive torian Howard Zinn, in 1914 some 35,000 was Rose Freedman, who remembered the American workers died on the job, and living nightmare of the infamous fire until another 700,000 were injured. The labor the day she died at the age of 107 in 2001, movement exposed and fought against such nine decades after the tragedy was forever grim statistics, but the carnage continued seared into her memory throughout the 20th and into America’s hisCentury, and it conThat’s the biggest tory. “The executives, tinues today in unsafe mistake—that a with a couple of steps, workplaces in the United could have opened the and around the person doesn’t count much States doors,” Freedman told world. In 1991—80 producers of a PBS docu- when he hasn’t got money. years after the Triangle mentary on the fire that fire—25 workers at a aired in 2000, “but they thought they were North Carolina poultry processing plant better than the working people.” died in a fire in their locked workplace. The Just under 18 when the fire broke out in plant’s owner was jailed for involuntary her workplace, Freedman dedicated the rest manslaughter. More recently, 1,100 workers of her long life to the causes of women’s were killed in 2013 in an accident at a facrights, workplace safety and equality for tory in Bangladesh that made clothing for women. She was a working-class heroine corporate giants like Walmart and The Gap. who, for all her long life, was proud that More than a century after the Triangle she refused to be bribed by bosses who Fire, the sad words of Freedman still echo tried to pay her to lie that company execudown the corridors of history: “That’s the tives had not locked the women inside the biggest mistake—that a person doesn’t sweatshop. count much when he hasn’t got money.” f
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has remained stable and low since Feb. 14. At UGA, for the week of Mar. 1-7, there were 43 positive cases. Participation in surveillance testing at UGA decreased slightly again this week to 1,791 surveillance tests given for the week. At the end of last week, 53 people in Region E, which includes Athens, were hospitalized for COVID-19 out of a total of 473 patients. At just 10% of all patients, that’s the lowest figure in months. The number of ICU beds in use for Region E dropped to 58, or 82% of capacity. Deaths, a lagging indicator, have slowed, but the virus killed five Clarke County residents last week. That brings Clarke County’s death count to 121, with an additional seven deaths likely attributable to COVID19 listed by the Georgia Department of Public Health. However, public health officials have warned that we’re in a race to get everyone vaccinated before variants spread. Thus, continued public health measures are still recommended. The passing of the Biden administration’s COVID-19 package last week provides further hope that more resources will continue to come. In addition to the DHP website myvaccinegeorgia.com, public health expert Amber Schmidtke recommended a new website last week. Vaccinefinder.org shows where doses are available. Piedmont Athens Regional and pharmacies like CVS, Kroger, Walgreens, Ingles, Publix, Walmart, Hawthorne Drugs, Hodgson Pharmacy and Horton’s Drug Store are also offering appointments. [Jessica Luton]
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feature
The Doxxer Prize: Forensic Examiner Colin Fagan
The Foilies 2021 RECOGNIZING THE YEAR’S WORST IN GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY Compiled by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and MuckRock News
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The Most Secretive Dog’s Bollocks: Conan the Belgian Malinois Back in 2019, what should’ve been a fluff story (or scruff story) about Conan, the Delta Force K9 that was injured while assisting in the raid that took out an Islamic State leader, became yet another instance of the Trump administration tripping over itself with the facts. Was Conan a very good boy or a very good girl? Various White House and federal officials contradicted themselves, and the mystery remained.
The Government Retribution Award: City of Portland
CA I
he day after the 2021 inauguration, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut took to Twitter to declare, “Biden is making transparency cool again.” This was a head-scratcher for many journalists and transparency advocates. Freedom of information—the concept that government documents belong to and must be accessible to the people—has never not been cool. Using federal and local public records laws, a single individual can uncover everything from war crimes to health code violations at the local taqueria. How awesome is that? If you need more proof, there was an Australian comic book series called “Southern Squadron: Freedom of Information Act”; the classic anime Evangelion has a Freedom of Information Act cameo; and the Leeds-based post-punk band Mush received 7.4 stars from Pitchfork for its latest album. “Lines Redacted.” OK, now that we’ve put that down in writing, we realize that the line between “cool” and “nerdy” might be a little blurry. But you know what definitely is not cool? Denying the public’s right to know. In fact, it suuucks. Since 2015, The Foilies have served as an annual opportunity to name and shame the uncoolest government agencies and officials who have stood in the way of public access. We collect the most outrageous and ridiculous stories from around the country from journalists, activists, academics and everyday folk who have filed public records and experienced retaliation, over-redactions, exorbitant fees and other transparency malpractice. We publish this rogues’ gallery as a faux awards program during Sunshine Week (Mar. 14–20), the annual celebration of open government organized by the News Leaders Association. This year, the Electronic Frontier Foundation is publishing The Foilies in partnership with MuckRock News, a nonprofit dedicated to building a community of cool kids that file Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and local public records requests. For previous year’s dubious winners (many of whom are repeat offenders) check out our archive at eff.org/issues/foilies. And without further ado…
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With COVID-19 affecting all levels of government operations, many transparency advocates and journalists were willing to accept some delays in responses to public records requests. However, some government officials were quick to use the pandemic as an excuse to ignore transparency laws altogether. Taking the prize this year is Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago, who invoked the Old Testament in an effort to lobby the Illinois attorney general to suspend FOIA deadlines altogether. “I want to ask the average Chicagoan: Would you like them to do their job. or would you like them to be pulled off to do FOIA requests?” Lightfoot said in April 2020, according to the Chicago Tribune, implying that epidemiologists and physicians are also the same people processing public records (they’re not). She continued: “I think for those people who are scared to death about this virus, who are worried every single day that it’s going to come to their doorstep, and I’m mindful of the fact that we’re in the Pesach season, the angel of death that we all talk about in the Passover story, that angel of death is right here in our midst every single day.” We’d just note that transparency is crucial to ensuring that the government’s response to COVID is both effective and equitable. And if ancient Egyptians had the power to FOIA the Pharaoh for communications with Moses and Aaron, perhaps they probably would have avoided all 10 plagues—blood, frogs and all.
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The Pharaoh Prize for Deadline Extensions: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot
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In July 2020, surveillance researcher and Princeton Ph.D. student Shreyas Gandlur sued the Chicago Police Department to get copies of an electronic guide on police technology regularly received via email by law enforcement officers around the country. The author of the guide, Colin Fagan, a retired cop from Oregon, did not agree that the public has a right to know how cops are being trained, and he decided to make it personal. In a final message to his subscribers announcing he was discontinuing the “Law Enforcement Technology Investigations Resource Guide,” Fagan ranted about Gandlur for “attacking the best efforts of Federal, state, and local law enforcement to use effective legal processes to save innocent victims of horrible crimes and hold their perpetrators accountable.” Fagan included a photo of Gandlur and his email addresses, and urged his readers to recruit crime victims to contact him “and let him know how he could better apply his talents”—one of the most blatant cases of retaliation we’ve seen in the history of the Foilies. Fagan has since rebounded, turning his email newsletter into a “law enforcement restricted site.”
Transparency advocate and journalist Freddy Martinez wouldn’t let the sleeping dog lie; he filed a FOIA request with the U.S. Special Operations Command, aka SOCOM. But rather than release the records, officials claimed they could “neither confirm nor deny the existence or nonexistence of records,” the much dreaded “Glomar response” usually reserved for sensitive national security secrets (the USNS Hughes Glomar Explorer was a secret CIA ship that the agency didn’t want to acknowledge existed). Never one to roll over, Martinez filed a lawsuit against SOCOM and the Defense Department in June 2020. Just in time for Sunshine Week, Martinez got his records—a single page of a veterinary examination, almost completely redacted except for the dog’s name and the single letter “M” for gender. Conan’s breed and color were even blacked out, despite the fact that photos of the dog had already been tweeted by Trump.
The Redaction Most Likely to Make Your Bubbe Weep: Federal Aviation Administration When General Atomics proposed flying a new class of drone over the San Diego region to demonstrate its domestic surveillance capabilities, Voice of San Diego reporter Jesse Marx obviously wanted to learn how it possibly could have been approved. So he filed a FOIA request with the Federal Aviation Administration, and ultimately a lawsuit to liberate documentation. Among the records he received was an email containing a “little vent” from an FAA worker that began with “Oy vey” and then virtually everything else, including the employee’s four bullet-pointed “genuinely constructive thoughts,” were redacted.
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People seeking public records all too often have to sue the government to get a response to their records requests. But in an unusual turnaround, when attorney and activist Alan Kessler requested records from the City of Portland, OR, related to text messages on government phones, the government retaliated by suing him and demanding that he turn over copies of his own phone messages. Among other things, the city specifically demanded that Kessler hand over all Signal, WhatsApp, email and text messages having to do with Portland police violence, the Portland police in general, and the Portland protests. Runner up: Reporter CJ Ciaramella requested records from the Washington State Department of Corrections about Michael Forest Reinoehl, who was killed by a joint U.S. Marshals task force. The Washington DOC apparently planned to produce the records—but before it could, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department sued Ciaramella and the agency to stop the records from being disclosed.
The Most Expensive Cover-Up Award: Small Business Administration In the early weeks of the pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration awarded millions of dollars to small businesses through new COVID-related relief programs—but didn’t make the names of recipients public. When major news organizations, including ProPublica, the Washington Post and the New York Times, filed public records requests to learn exactly where that money had gone, the SBA dragged its feet, and then—after the news organizations sued—tried to withhold the information under FOIA exemptions 4 and 6, for confidential and private information. A court rejected both claims, and also forced the government to cough up more than $120,000 in fees to the news organizations’ lawyers.
The It’s So Secret, Even The Bullet Points Are Classified Award: Minnesota Fusion Center Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are always overzealous in claims that disclosing information will harm national security. But officials with the Minnesota Fusion Center took this paranoia to new heights when they claimed a state law protecting “security information” required them to redact everything—including bullet points—in documents they provided to journalist Ken Klippenstein. And we quite literally mean the bullets themselves. k continued on p. 10
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CURB YOUR APPETITE Here are restaurants that are open and waiting for your order!
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take-out delivery through bulldawg delivery and uber eats
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706-543-6592 • 11 A.M.– 8 P.M. EVERY DAY WHOLE CAKES AND BULK ITEMS WITH 48 HOURS NOTICE
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706.354.7901 Corner of Chase and Boulevard
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hendershot’s
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INDOOR AND PATIO SEATING 4PM–9PM M–TH • 4PM–10PM FRI • 2PM–10PM SAT 11AM–3PM SUNDAY BRUNCH 3PM–9PM SUNDAY
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F L A G P O L E . C O M | M A R C H 1 7, 2 0 2 1
Mar 19 & 20: CLOUDS Mar 26 & 27: Grassland String Band Apr 9 & 10: Don Chambers Apr 16 & 17: Haunted Shed
See website to reserve your seat!
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Look for the winners of
Flagpole’s Athens Favorites Awards in the March 24th issue!!!
M A R C H 1 7, 2 0 2 1 | F L A G P O L E . C O M
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GLOBAL GEORGIA
UPCOMING PUBLIC EVENTS The 2021 Global Georgia Initiative public events series begins in February and continues throughout the Spring semester. All events are virtual and open to the public, but require advance registration. More events will be added to the series as they are confirmed.
Full schedule and details at willson.uga.edu
March 18 n 4pm
WRITING SOCIALLY ENGAGED FICTION
continued from p. 6
Fusion centers are part of a controversial program coordinated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to facilitate the flow of intelligence among agencies. Each fusion center is maintained by a state or regional agency; in this case, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Klippenstein tweeted that the agency wouldn’t provide document titles or any other information, all the while adding the dreaded black redaction bars to bulleted lists throughout the records. But if officials redacted the bullet points in earnest, we wonder: What is the security risk if the public learns whether Minnesota homeland security officials use the default bullet points or some more exotic style or font? Will the terrorists win if we know they used Wingdings?
The Juking the FOIA Stats Award: Centers for Disease Control
>>> BETTY JEAN CRAIGE LECTURE <<< with author
MEGHA MAJUMDAR
March 25 n 4:30pm
TRANSLATION AS A LITERARY TROPE COMPASS Lecture by Poet and Publisher
Jee Leong Koh
April 7 n 7pm E PLURIBUS UNUM REFLECTIONS ON IMMIGRATION IN AMERICA IN MUSIC AND VISUAL ART CONVERSATION WITH
LIZA STEPANOVA, BADIE KHALEGHIAN, REINALDO MOYA & KEVORK MOURAD
April 20 n 7pm CONVERSATION WITH MUSICIAN
VAL JEANTY & AUTHOR
RENEE GLADMAN
Residential • Office • Construction • Move In • Move Out
A clean house is like a 4-leaf clover: hard to find & lucky to have!
Adilene Valencia 706-424-9810
aecleanathens@gmail.com
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The Foilies 2021
“The Wire,” the classic HBO police drama, laid bare how police departments across the country manipulate data to present trends about crime being down. As ex-detective Roland Pryzbylewski put it: “Juking the stats… Making robberies into larcenies. Making rapes disappear. You juke the stats, and majors become colonels.” The Centers for Disease Control seems to love to juke its FOIA stats. As the nonprofit advocacy organization American Oversight alleged in a lawsuit last year, the CDC has been systematically rejecting FOIA requests by claiming they are overly broad or burdensome, despite years of court decisions requiring agencies to work in good faith with requesters to try to help them find records or narrow their request. The CDC then categorizes those supposedly overbroad requests as “withdrawn” by the requester and closes the file without having to provide any records. So those FOIAs disappear, much like the violent crime reports in “The Wire.” The CDC’s annual FOIA reports show that the agency’s two-step juke move is a favorite. According to American Oversight, between 2016 and 2019, CDC closed between 21–31% of all FOIA requests it received as “withdrawn.” CDC’s closure rate during that period was roughly three times that of its parent agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, which on average only closed 6–10% of its FOIAs as withdrawn. After American Oversight sued, the CDC began releasing documents.
The Secret COVID Statistics Award: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Seeking a better understanding of the toll of COVID19 in the early days of the pandemic, journalists in North Carolina requested copies of death certificates from local county health departments. Within days, officials from the state Department of Health and Human Services reached out to county offices with guidance not to provide the requested records—without citing any legal justification whatsoever. DHHS did not respond to reporters’ questions about why it issued that guidance or how it was justified. Some local agencies followed the guidance and withheld records, some responded speedily, and some turned them over begrudgingly—emphasis on the grudge. “I will be making everyone in Iredell County aware through various means available; that you are wanting all these death records with their loved ones’ private information!” one county official wrote to The News & Observer reporters in an email. “As an elected official, it is relevant the public be aware of how you are trying to bully the county into just giving you info from private citizens because you think you deserve it.”
The Eric Cartman Respect My Authoritah Award: Haskell Indian Nations University When Jared Nally, editor-in-chief of the Indian Leader, the student newspaper at Haskell Indian Nations
F L A G P O L E . C O M | M A R C H 1 7, 2 0 2 1
University in Lawrence, KS, started putting questions to his school’s administration and sending records requests to the local police department, he got a lot more than he expected: A directive from his school’s president demanding he cease his requests in the name of the student paper and henceforth treat officials with proper respect, lest he face disciplinary action. “Your behavior has discredited you and this university,” Haskell Indian Nations University President Ronald Graham wrote.”You have compromised your credibility within the community and, more importantly, you have brought yourself, The Indian Leader, Haskell, and me unwarranted attention.” Graham’s aggressive tactics against the college junior quickly rallied support for the student journalist, with the Native American Journalists Association, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, and Student Press Law Center all calling for the formal directive to be rescinded. The school ultimately did back down, but the efforts left Nally shocked. “As a student journalist, I’d only been doing it for a year,” he told Poynter in an interview. “When somebody in authority says things like that about you, it really does take a hit… I’d say I’m recovering from the gaslighting effects and feeling like what I’m doing really is every bit a part of journalism.”
The Handcuffs and Prior Restraints Award: Chicago Police Department and City of Chicago In February 2019, a swarm of Chicago police officers raided the wrong apartment with their guns drawn. They handcuffed the resident, Anjanette Young, who was completely undressed, and they refused to let her put on clothes as she pleaded with them dozens of times that they had the wrong house. Young sued the city in federal court and filed a request for body camera footage of the officers who invaded her home. The local CBS affiliate also requested the body camera footage. The Chicago Police Department denied both requests, despite a binding ruling just months earlier that CPD was required to turn over body camera footage to people like Young who were involved in the recorded events. Young ultimately got the footage as part of her lawsuit, and her attorney provided them to the media. The city’s lawyers then took the extraordinary step of asking the court to order CBS 2 not to air the video, a demand to censor speech before it occurs called a “prior restraint.” The judge denied the city’s request. The city also sought sanctions against Young’s attorney, but the city withdrew its motion, and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the request “ill-advised” in a letter to the court. The judge decided not to sanction Young’s attorney.
The Save the Children (in a Hidden Folder) Award: Louisville Metropolitan Police Department The Louisville Metropolitan Police Department’s Explorer Scouts program was supposed to give teenagers a chance to learn more about careers in law enforcement. For two LMPD officers, though, it became an opportunity for sexual abuse. When reporters asked for more information on the perpetrators, the city chose to respond with further absurdity—by destroying its records. The case against the city and the Boy Scouts of America is scheduled to begin in April. The Courier-Journal in Louisville first asked LMPD in mid-2019 for all records regarding the two officers’ sexual abuse of minors. Louisville claimed it didn’t have any; they had been turned over to the FBI. Then the Courier-Journal appealed, and the city eventually determined that, what do you know, they’d found a “hidden folder” still containing the responsive records—738,000 of them, actually. Not for long, though. Less than a month later, they’d all been deleted, despite the ongoing request, a casualty of the city’s automated backup and deletion system, according to Louisville. At the end of 2020, the Courier-Journal was still fighting the city’s failure to comply with the Kentucky Open Records Act. “I have practiced open records law since the
law was enacted 45 years ago, and I have never seen anything so brazen,” Courier-Journal attorney Jon Fleischaker told the paper. “I think it an outrage.”
The Cat Face Filter Award: Federal Bureau of Prisons
The Thin Crust, Wood-Fired Redactions Award: U.S. State Department Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted plenty of controversial meals during his three-year tenure. There was the indoor holiday party last December and those
CAITLYN CRITES
Kids these days—overlaying cat faces on their videos and showing the BOP how it should redact media sought by FOIA requesters. That was the message from an incredulous federal appeals court in March 2020 after the BOP claimed it lacked the ability to blur out or otherwise redact faces (such as those of prisoners and guards) from surveillance videos sought through FOIA by an inmate who was stabbed with a screwdriver in a prison dining hall. The court wrote: “The same teenagers who regale each other with screenshots are commonly known to revise those missives by such techniques as inserting cat faces over the visages of humans.” The judge made clear that although “we do not necessarily advocate that specific technique,” the BOP’s learned helplessness to redact video footage is completely .
The court ultimately bought the argument that you can’t take what the then-president tweets too seriously, but Trump declassified other materials related to the FBI’s investigation… on his last day in office.
The Power of the Tweet Award: Pres. Donald J. Trump
flagpole.com
Secrecy nerds know that classification authority—the power to essentially mark some documents as secrets exempt from disclosure— resides with and is largely at the discretion of the president, who can then designate that authority as needed to agency personnel. So one expected upside of a loose-lipped president with an undisciplined social media habit was the ability to use the Tweeter-in-Chief’s posts to target otherwise inaccessible FOIA requests. Case in point: Trump’s Oct. 6, 2020 tweet: “I have fully authorized the total Declassification of any & all documents pertaining to the single greatest political CRIME in American History, the Russia Hoax. Likewise, the Hillary Clinton Email Scandal. No redactions!” Hard to argue there’s ambiguity there. But when BuzzFeed News’ Jason Leopold flagged that order in his ongoing lawsuit for the materials, that’s exactly what the Department of Justice did. Based on their investigations, DOJ lawyers told the court, the posts “were not self-executing declassification orders and do not require the declassification of any particular documents.”
bizarre, lavish “Madison Dinners” that cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars, including more than $10,000 for embossed pens alone. And while we know the full menu of Pompeo’s high-class North Korea summit in 2018 in Manhattan—filet mignon with corn purée was the centerpiece—the public may never find out two searing culinary questions about Mikey: What are his pizza toppings of choice, and what’s his go-to sandwich? On the pizza angle, the State Department let slip that Pompeo likes it thin and wood-fired, in emails released to NBC correspondent Josh Lederman. But the list of top-
pings was far too saucy for public consumption, apparently, and was redacted on privacy grounds. Same for Pompeo’s sandwich-of-choice, which the State Department redacted from emails released to American Oversight. But we still know “plenty of dry snacks and diet coke” were on offer.
The Self-Serving Secrecy Award: Niagara County, New York Money talks. The New York legislature knew this when it passed the Ethics in Government Act in 1987, which required, among other public transparency measures, elected officials in 50,000-person-plus municipalities to complete financial disclosure forms each year. The public should be allowed to see who our leaders may be particularly keen to hear. All but one of New York’s 62 counties generally accepted that the disclosure forms, created for public use in the first place, were meant to be disclosed, according to the New York Coalition for Open Government. Back in 1996, though, while everyone was presumably distracted watching the Yankees or Independence Day, Niagara County found a quick trick to keep from sharing its officials’ finances: They made it illegal. By local ordinance, the records were made secret, and the county proceeded to reject any requests for access by claiming that releasing the information would be a violation of the law. This local law prohibiting access was itself, of course, a violation of the law, but Niagara County managed to keep it on the books for more than two decades, and it may have gotten away with it had it not been for the work of the NY Coalition for Open Government. In February 2020, the NYCOG, represented by the University at Buffalo School of Law Civil Rights & Transparency Clinic, sued Niagara County, alleging its ordinance was unlawful (because it was). This past fall, a court agreed. Five months later, in January 2021, the county began releasing records that should have been available for the last 30-plus years. f The Foilies were compiled by Electronic Frontier Foundation Director of Investigations Dave Maass, Staff Attorney Aaron Mackey and Frank Stanton Fellow Naomi Gilens; and MuckRock News CoFounder Michael Morisy and Senior Reporter and Projects Editor Beryl Lipton, with further writing and editing by Shawn Musgrave. Illustrations are by EFF Designer Caitlyn Crites. Creative Commons Attribution—EFF/Muckrock News.
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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
Classes
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 ARTISTS (Creature Comforts Brewing Co.) Local artists and curators can submit proposals for the CCVC Gallery throughout 2021. getartistic@ccbeerco.com, www.getcurious.com/get-artistic/ call-for-artists EARTH DAY 2021 ART CHALLENGE (Online) Artists are invited to create a work that celebrates and inspires good neighbors to establish a more unified, equitable, prosperous and compassionate community. All media is accepted. Awards are offered in the categories Appreciation, Awareness and Action. Deadline Apr. 15 at midnight. Online exhibition runs Apr. 22–30. www.sustainability. uga.edu.community-engagement/ art-challenge SPRINGTACULAR (Athens, GA) Participate in a large outdoor market celebrating everything handmade. Deadline to apply as a vendor is Apr. 15. Market held May 1, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and May 2, 12–5 p.m. $150/10’x10’ booth. www.theindie south.com
ART CLASSES (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) “Creative Drawing with Watercolor” is for ages 18 & up. Thursdays, Mar. 25–Apr. 8 or Thursdays, Apr. 15–29, 6–8 p.m. $75–100. www.ocaf.com DEDICATED MINDFULNESS PRACTITIONERS (Online) Weekly Zoom meditations are offered every Saturday at 8 a.m. Email for details. jaseyjones@gmail.com DIVINATION BY THROWING BONES WORKSHOP (Margo Metaphysical) Learn the ancient form of divination of bone casting in this two-hour workshop. Comes with a mini bone kit. Apr. 25, 1 p.m. $25. www.atalantamoonfire.com GROW YOUR BUSINESS WORKSHOP (Online or West Broad Community Garden) Athens Land Trust hosts a course designed to help budding entrepreneurs develop their businesses. The program features speakers, lectures, in-class work and individual coaching. Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., Mar. 24–Apr. 28 (Online) or Saturdays at 2:30 p.m., Mar. 27–May 1 (In Person). FREE! ellie@athenslandtrust.org, www. athenslandtrust.org 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
art around town ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART (ATHICA) (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1200) Artist-in-ATHICA Sara Hess presents “Courtside,” an installation that explores the tennis court visually and conceptually through printmaking, painting and sculpture. Open studio hours for public drop-in visits are Mar. 19, 26 and Apr. 2 from 12–5 p.m. Open Third Thursday, Mar. 18 from 6–9 p.m. Virtual Artist Talk held Apr. 6 at 7 p.m. On view through Apr. 7. ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) Jacob Wenzka’s solo show “Ecumenopolis” features paintings and drawings inspired by the idea of a “world city” where giant cities have fused together to cover an entire planet. Through April. CIRCLE GALLERY AT THE UGA COLLEGE OF ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN (285 S. Jackson St.) Atlanta artist Rachel Evans Grant presents “Natural Engagement: Where Earth Meets Sky.” Through Apr. 15. CREATURE COMFORTS BREWING CO. (271 W. Hancock Ave.) “Tender Wild” includes 12 new paintings on wood panel by Marisa Leilani Mustard. Through Mar. 28. 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.) “Emma Amos: Color Odyssey” is a retrospective exhibition that includes over 60 works ranging from painting, printmaking and textile-based mixed-media works. Through Apr. 25. • “Extra Ordinary: Magic, Mystery and Imagination in American Realism.” Through June 13. • “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. GLASSCUBE 2 INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Funded by an Arts in Community award from the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission, Jaime Bull’s “Diorama” reimagines natural history museum displays through large-scale assemblages of 1980s wicker furniture graffitied in psychedelic colors. Closing event Apr. 15 at 6 p.m.
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SPANISH CLASSES (Athens, GA) Learn from experts with years of professional experience. Contact for details. 706-372-4349, marina bilbao75@gmail.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 1 YEAR FRANNIVERSARY (Franny’s Farmacy) Celebrate the shop’s anniversary with free CBD samples, a weirdness parade, a food truck and a raffle. Yoga will be offered on Friday, and live music at Franny’s and Flicker Theatre and Bar (afterhours) will be held on Saturday. Proceeds benefit Nuçi’s Space. Mar. 19–21. 706-224-9505 ABNORMAL BAZAAR (Indie South) Shop for vintage and one-of-a-kind items. Hendershot’s Coffee and local pastry maker Suncat Sweets will be set up. Every third Saturday. Mar. 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. ACC LADIES HOMESTEAD GATHERING ANNUAL PLANT SALE (3065 Smokey Rd.) Medicinals, herbs and vegetable starts. Order online Mar. 20–24. Pick-up and in-person sale Mar. 27. Find the event on Facebook ART EVENTS (Georgia Museum of Art) “Artful Conversation: Emma
Amos” on Mar. 17 at 1 p.m. “Panel Discussion: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Magic Realism” on Mar. 18 at 1 p.m. “Yoga in the Galleries” Mar. 18 at 6 p.m. “Morning Mindfulness via Zoom,” Mar. 19 at 9:30 a.m. “Toddler Tuesday To-Go: Look and Compare” on Mar. 23. “Teen Studio via Zoom: Color Odyssey” on Mar. 25 at 5:30 p.m. “Art + Wellness Studio” on Mar. 28 at 2 p.m. www. georgiamuseum.org ATHENS FARMERS MARKET (Bishop Park) The 2021 season will run Saturdays through Dec. 18, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.com/vendors ATHENS SHOWGIRL CABARET (Sound Track Bar) The troupe performs at an in-person show. Mar. 26 at 7 p.m. showgirlcabaret@ gmail.com, www.athensshowgirl cabaret.com BREWERY 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. Outlaw Country Night Mar. 19 from 5–11 p.m. Live music by Susto Mar. 20 at 5:30 p.m. www. sobrewco.com DEANA CARTER (Classic Center) The country music singer-songwriter performs a live acoustic set. Mar. 27, 8 p.m. www.classiccenter. com DINNER AND A SHOW (Hendershot’s Coffee) Live music and dinner with The Plate Sale every Friday and Saturday. The lineup includes CLOUDS on Mar. 19–20 and Grassland String Band on Mar. 26–27. Visit website to reserve your seat. www.hendershots athens.com
LAMAR DODD SCHOOL OF ART (270 River Rd.) John Douglas Powers, the inaugural recipient of the Margie E. West Prize, presents a site-specific kinetic sculpture and video installation called “The Rivers Oceanus.” • “Social Dissonance” is a group showing of first-year students in the MFA program that examines life in the current movement. • The Athens Black Lives Matter Initiatives’ group show “Resistance and Resilience” features a variety of student work. • The annual scientific illustration show highlights work by UGA and Augusta University students. All shows run through Apr. 1. LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) “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. • In the Lounge Gallery, Victoria Dugger’s solo exhibition “Mind the Body” explores the dynamic relationship between ourselves, our bodies and the world around us. Virtual artist talk Mar. 18 at 6 p.m. Through Apr. 3. • On view in the lobby case, Luka Carter’s “Flywheel” combines small sketches, studies and found objects into a realized mood board. Virtual Artist Talk Mar. 18 at 6 p.m. Through Apr. 10. • Collections from our Community presents “Julie Rutledge’s Grandparents’ Avon Bottles.” Through Apr. 10. • “Athens Together” is an exhibition of documentary photography of protests and rallies featuring the work of Penny Noah with Nathaniel Burkins, Lucy Calhoun and Sean Dunn. Through Apr. 10. • The 46th annual Juried Exhibition features 161 works by 116 local artists selected by juror Hallie Ringle of the Birmingham Museum of Art. On view through June 26. MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St., Madison) “The 125th Anniversary Exhibition: Celebrating the Home of the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center” explores the Romanesque Revival building that was built as a graded schoolhouse in 1895 and became a cultural center in 1976. MASON-SCHARFENSTEIN MUSEUM OF ART (567 Georgia Street, Demorest) “Marie T. Cochran: Notes on an Affrilachian daughter in the era of COVID-19.” Through Mar. 25. OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) A Pottery Pop-up Sale features a rotating selection of handmade ceramics by regional artists. New potters go on view every two weeks. Margaret Patterson, D. Morgan, Cindy Angliss, Sheryl Holstein, Kathy King and M. Henderson are on view through Mar. 13. • The annual Youth Art Month Exhibit features pieces by students attending public and private schools in Oconee County. Through Mar. 26.
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DREAMFEST 2021 (Online) U-LEAD Athens, an organization that supports the educational equality of immigrant families, presents an event with artwork, speakers, performers and information. Watch via YouTube Live and Facebook Live. Apr. 10, 12 p.m. www.uleadathens. org/dreamfest GLOBAL GEORGIA INITIATIVE EVENTS (Online) “Writing Socially Engaged Fiction” with Megha Majumdar, Mar. 18 at 4 p.m. “Translation as a Literary Trope” with Jee Leong Koh, Mar. 25 at 4:30 p.m. “Conversation with Musician Val Jeanty and Author Renee Gladman” on Apr. 20 at 7 p.m. willson.uga.edu HAMILTON: HOW THE MUSICAL REMIXES AMERICAN HISTORY (Online) University of Maryland historian Richard Bell explores the musical phenomenon and its historical accuracy. Mar. 22, 4 p.m. www.historycomesalive.org/event/ hamilton-musical HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY (Elbert Theatre, Elberton) Encore Productions presents a show about the legendary songwriter, complete with a full live band. Mar. 19–21. $9–16. 706-283-1049 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 LIVE JAZZ (Porterhouse Grill) Enjoy dinner and some smooth jazz. Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. www.porter houseathens.com LIVE MUSIC AT ATHENTIC (Athentic Brewing) Katalysst performs Mar. 19, 6–8 p.m. Julia Ryan performs Mar. 27, 6–9 p.m. www.athentic brewing.com/events MARCH FOR MEALS 5K (Athens, GA) Athens Community Council on Aging presents a virtual 5K from Mar. 21–27. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels. accaging.org MISERY (Online) Athens Creative Theatre presents a virtual production of Misery by William Goldman
based on the novel by Stephen King. Mar. 25–26, 7 p.m. $6. www. accgovga.myrec.com PANCAKES FOR PAWS (American Pest Control) Meet adoptables from the Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter. Activities include a pancake breakfast fundraiser, puppuccinos, silent auction and kids activities. Mar. 20, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www. operation50-50.com/get-involved PIEDMONT GARDENERS SPRING TOUR (Multiple Locations) Amble through four local, do-it-yourself gardens of different styles. Visit website for tickets and locations. Rain or shine. Apr. 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.piedmontgardeners.org RAP ON TRIAL: CRIMINALIZING BLACK CULTURE (Online) Panelists include Deborah Gonzalez, Andrea L. Dennis, Montu Miller, Mariah Parker and Samantha C. Hamilton. Visit website to register. Mar. 17, 7 p.m. www. getinvolved.acslaw.org/component/ events/event/802 RIPPLE EFFECT FILM PROJECT (Sandy Creek Park) Vote by for your favorite short films about water. Register to attend the drive-in Ripple Effect Blue Carpet Premiere. Registration ends Mar. 18. Event held Mar. 20 at 7:45 p.m. www. accgov.com/4767/Ripple-EffectFilm-Project 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. Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. southernstarstudioathens@ gmail.com SPRING ACTIVITIES (Athens, GA) A variety of activities in the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events are planned for adults and children. Now enrolling. www.accgov.com/ leisure SPRING ARTIST MARKET (Finley Light Factory) Shop for art, clothing, jewelry, tarot and prints. Watch a performance by Convict Julie.
STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave.) The new Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum at the Center for Art and Nature holds the collections of Deen Day Sanders, a charter board member of the garden. The eight galleries blend conservation, botanicals, art, beauty and curiosity. STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Celebrating Creative Genius: The Art, Life and Legacy of Eatonton, Georgia native David Driskell” features original artworks and prints, plus photographs and artifacts from the artist’s early life. Student artwork inspired by the exhibition is also on view. Through Apr. 22. SURGERY CENTER OF ATHENS (2142 W. Broad St.) Paintings by Dortha Jacobson. Through Apr. 16. TIF SIGFRIDS (83 E. North Ave., Comer) The gallery presents “Nora Riggs: Fortress of Solitaire.” Through Apr. 17. TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) See Dan Paint presents “TwentyOne Moby Dicks Spontaneously Monsterified on Pieces of the Wreck of the Pequod.” Open on Third Thursday, Mar. 18, 6–9 p.m. On view through March by appointment. UGA SCHOOL OF LAW (225 Herty Dr.) Williams Elliot Stiles Jr., an accomplished artist, Atlanta attorney and UGA School of Law alumnus, recently unveiled a new commission, “1961,” to commemorate the 60th anniversary of desegregation at UGA. UGA MAIN LIBRARY (320 S. Jackson St.) “Georgia Trailblazers: Honoring the 60th Anniversary of Desegregation at UGA” chronicles the historic events of 1961 when Hamilton Holmes and Charlene Hunter became the first African American students admitted to the university. UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Pylon: Tourists in Rock ’n Roll” celebrates the local band through photos, outfits, memorabilia and more. Through May 31. • “Making Space: Fighting for Inclusion, Building Community at UGA” chronicles the journey of students advocating for racial and social justice on campus. Through July 2. • “The Hargrett Hours: Exploring Medieval Manuscripts” presents original items from the collections, dating back centuries, as well as findings from students’ indepth studies. Through Aug. 26. 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.
advice
hey, bonita…
They Call Me the Wanderer ADVICE FOR ATHENS’ LOOSE AND UNVACCINATED By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com Hey Bonita! I know I’m not the only one, but my life changed a lot when COVID hit. I’m in sales, and my job used to have me traveling a lot around North Georgia to keep up client relationships and make new ones, personally delivering orders sometimes, stuff like that. Well, I’m not doing my job like that anymore, and now we handle pretty much everything online with our clients and orders, and it was a big change, but I am honestly enjoying it. The type of sales I do requires me to be really sociable and indulgent to a business’s needs, and that used to include doing a little bit of wining and dining of clients if we saw fit.
Hey there, Salesman, DANG, boo! Wanna switch careers with me? I wish my line of work came with guaranteed opportunities for cruising! I love your sex-positive attitude, and I assume that you are open and honest with your partners when it comes to your approach to casual sex. I feel like I should congratulate you on being happy and enjoying your job and knowing what you want! The dating apps are all poppin’ like the club right now, and DM-sliding is rampant among the lusty masses. You’re right that there’s a risk involved with meeting anyone in person right now,
Artist-in-ATHICA Sara Hess presents “Courtside,” an immersive gallery experience at the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art through Apr. 7. Drop in during open studio hours held Fridays from 12–5 p.m. Check out @finleylightfactory on Instagram for updates about artists. Mar. 27, 5–9 p.m. $3. SPRINGTIME SIGIL SEEDS (Indie South) This outdoor workshop explores the relationship between natural cycles and goals. Create a ritual around your intentions with a seed you plant. Mar. 29. $20. www. theindiesouth.com ST. JOE’S JOG 5K & FUN RUN (Virtual) All participants receive a T-shirt and medal. Register online. Mar. 19–27. $30. www.active.com, www.sjsathens.org UGARDEN PLANT SALE (2510 S. Milledge Ave.) Shop outdoors for medicinal, edible, native and dye plants from UGArden Herbs, Cherokee Moon Mixology, Gently Herbal Skincare, Mama Bath and Body, MEplusTEA, Roseman’s Remedies and Heartsong Herbs. May 1, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. www. ugardenherbs.com UGA THEATRE (Online) American Fiesta tells the story of a same-sex couple unable to get married in the place they call home. Mar. 15–17, 8 p.m. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, four young lovers take to the forest and become entangled in a marvelous mix-up of desire and enchantment. Mar. 25–27, 8 p.m. The Girlhood of Shakespeare’s Heroines explores the lived experiences of two of Shakespeare’s famous female characters. Apr. 19–21, 8 p.m. www.ugatheatre.com UUFA VIRTUAL EVENTS (Online) “Art of UUFA” is a virtual art exhibit, hosted by Mark Hodges, that includes photography, painting, pottery and weaving. Mar. 21, 9:30 a.m. www.uuathensga.org/ stay-connected WEST BROAD FARMERS MARKET (300 S. Rocksprings St.) The market is open for shopping each week from Sunday at 5 p.m. to Thursday at 1 p.m., with a drive-through (or walk/bike-through) pick-up on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. wbfm.locallygrown.net
Kidstuff ART CLASSES (Lyndon House Arts Center) “Youth Virtual Class: Bookmaking with Toni Carlucci” for ages 7–11 is held Thursdays, Mar. 18–Apr. 22. $36–54. 706613-3623 BOGART LIBRARY EVENTS (Online) Virtual Storytimes are offered weekdays at 10:30 a.m. Virtual Booktalks featuring young adult books (Mar. 19) and adult books (Mar. 26) held at 2 p.m. “Irish Folktales and Food” is held Mar. 17 at 3 p.m. “KnitLits Virtual Knitting Group” meets Mar. 18 & 25 at 6 p.m. “Grab & Go Craft Kit for Teens: Candy Sushi Kits” includes pick up Mar. 18–19 and a video tutorial Mar. 19 at 7 p.m. “Virtual Dungeons and Dragons Club” Mar. 25, 6 p.m. www.athens library.org EASTER DRIVE-THRU EGGSTRAV AGANZA (The Village at Franklin Grove, Bogart) Hop in your car, bring a basket and drive through the parking lot to receive eggs and goodies. The event includes craft kits from Treehouse Kid & Craft, an appearance by the Easter Bunny and friends, photos and more. Mar. 20, 2–5 p.m. $10/car. www.athens. macaronikid.com GIRLS ON THE RUN (Bishop Park, Memorial Park or Virtual) This nonprofit promotes social, emotional and physical health of young girls. A 10-week program runs March– April, twice a week for 60–75 minutes. www.girlsontherunnorthga.org TUTORING (Online) The Athens Regional Library System is now offering free, live online tutoring via tutor.com for students K-12, plus college students and adult learners. Daily, 2–9 p.m. athenslibrary.org VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMPS (Treehouse Kid and Craft) Camp themes include woodland fairy and gnomes, textile and fiber arts, circus, pen pals, mini museum, rebel girls, flower gardens and more.
Register online. $200/camp. www. treehousekidandcraft.com
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 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.athensrecovery dharma.org ZOOM INN (Online) Nuçi’s Space holds weekly meetings on Thursdays for people to drop by and say hi virtually. Email lesly@nuci.org
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 SUMMER STAFF (Athens, GA) The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department is now hiring for approximately 120 summer positions including camp counselors, lifeguards and pool clerks. www.accgov.com/jobs VIC CHESTNUT SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD (Athens, GA) The Classic City Rotary is now accepting nominations for local musicians in the categories of “career” and “play for fun.” Deadline Mar. 22. Awards event May 6 at Creature Comforts. www. vicchesnuttaward.com f
Nothing outrageous, but I do miss taking folks out to breweries and stuff like that. I guess I didn’t realize how outgoing I was until it stopped being a requirement of my job. I still have good sales numbers, and I love my job a lot, but lately I’ve been dreaming of the return to in-person work. (And yes, I will be getting vaccinated as soon as I can figure out how.) Here’s the real issue: I really miss traveling and face-to-face work because I could get laid really easily. I am an honorable salesman, though. I have never flirted with a client to make a sale, but instead I would “pull” a sexy local girl with the intention of just having a fun night wherever I was. I use Tinder some, but what I enjoy most is meeting someone new and seeing where it goes, live and in person. I pretty much deleted all of my dating apps when the pandemic first hit because I didn’t think it was worth the risk, and here we are a year later, and it still doesn’t seem like a good idea to “go fishing” on the floor of a crowded downtown bar. Plus, I like meeting people out of town because it’s less complicated after. I just hope that soon enough people are vaccinated (myself included) that we can go back to our normal ways of living. What do I do in the meantime? I’ll just say it: I need to get laid! I wanna go out and meet someone, have our fun and that’s that, but I’m not dumb enough to think I can do that in these current times. Thanks, Sex-Positive Salesman
but it’s a risk you have to be willing to take if you’re really trying to have sex during a pandemic. The only way to guarantee non-exposure would be to only sleep with women who have been in strict isolation after a negative COVID-19 test. I suspect they would be hard to come by, but you should ask questions and at least make sure that your potential dates aren’t anti-maskers or types who put others at risk for their own pleasure. I think you already have the best idea in mind, and that is to get vaccinated as soon as you can. As of Mar. 15, the state of Georgia is only vaccinating health-care workers, other first responders, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, adults over 55 and those with certain medical conditions, K-12 educators and staff, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers, and parents of children with complex medical conditions. Those groups may or may not include traveling salespersons or randy advice columnists, so hold tight for your turn, and go ahead and start flirting with a few babes over an app. You can find women who prefer your same no-strings arrangement by being clear about that in your dating profiles. Good luck! f Need advice? Email advice@flagpole.com or use our anonymous online form at flagpole.com/ get-advice.
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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
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FULL-TIME Big City Bread Cafe/ Little City Diner seeking experienced line cook to work in a fast-paced kitchen. Weekend availability a must. Apply in person at either location between 2–3 p.m. or email resume to big citycafe@yahoo.com. No phone calls, please.
Do you have projects such as painting, remodeling, yard work, etc., but not enough time or are unable to do them? Then call Marty! 706-410-7374 Need newspapers for your garden? They’re free at the Flagpole office! Call 706549-0301. Please leave the current issues on stands.
Junk South Junk Removal Hiring PT/FT starting at $11/ hr. Hardworking, dependable and professional. Growth opportunities. Call 706-540-5975 or email info@junksouth.com
Plumber Pro Service & Drain. Upfront Pricing. Free Estimates. $30 Flagpole Discount. Call 706-7697761. Same Day Service Available. www.plumberpro service.com.
flagpole classifieds Reach Over 30,000 Readers Every Week! Business Services Real Estate Music For Sale BASIC
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Now hiring experienced transcriptionists or those at 85 WPM or higher for at-home work. No experience? Work in-office to learn the necessary skills, then work where you choose. Openings for both career and part-time track. We are proud to be a safe space employer. E-mail ath recruiting@copytalk.com for full job posting.
PART-TIME Experienced kitchen help needed. Bring resume or fill out an application at George’s Lowcountry Table. No phone calls please. 420 Macon Hwy. Athens, GA 30606 Find employees by advertising jobs in Flagpole! Hotel Indigo Athens is looking for experienced cooks, bartenders and servers for all shifts (PT). For more information please email resumes to fandb@ indigoathens.com. Mike Wheeler Landscape. Landscaping/gardening positions available. Good pay w/ experience. Parttime. Flexible hours. Call Mike Wheeler: 706-2020585, mwwheeler1963@ gmail.com
MESSAGES COVID testing in Athens by appointment only at the Oneta Street location. Mon–Wed. 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. For appointments, call 706-340-0996 or go to www. publichealthathens.com Flagpole subscriptions delivered to the mailbox! Convenient for you or the perfect present. $50 for six months or $90 for one year. 706-549-0301. Mobile Food Pantry @ General Time Athens! Athens Terrapin Beer Co. alongside Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and various local sponsors will host a drive-thru food pantry on the 3rd Monday of each month thru 2021. All ACC residents that meet income requirements may attend. First come, first served. This event will take place outside rain or shine. 100 Newton Bridge Rd. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. www.terrapinbeer. com
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Foltest (55073)
You can’t help but smile back when you see a smile this big! Let Foltest into your life and you’ll always have a peppy pal to soak up the sun with.
F L A G P O L E . C O M | M A R C H 1 7, 2 0 2 1
Honey (55065)
Shy, but ready for a loving home, Honey is making progress to finding a new home where she can explore, play and receive all the love in the world!
Tiki (55081)
Tiki’s ready to “pawty” her way home with you! Schedule a visit and let this beautiful girl show you how much of a good time she is, you won’t regret it!
These pets and many others are available for adoption at:
Athens-Clarke County Animal Services 125 Buddy Christian Way · 706-613-3540 Call for appointment
flagpole
Edited by Margie E. Burke
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threats & promises
A Comedy of Errors with Lo Talker PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
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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 the numbers 1 to 9. Week of 3/15/21 - 3/21/21
WELL, HI, LO: There’s been lots of buzz-buzz-buzz about the debut album from Lo Talker, and now we’ve arrived at the week of its release. Officially, the album—A Comedy Of Errors—will be released Friday, Mar. 19, courtesy of notable and award-winning Canadian label Arts & Crafts. Andrew Shepard (Roadkill Ghost Choir), founded this debut album, and it is just a joy to hear. Its indie-isms are polished within an inch of platinum, and its melodies feel pulled from some secret box of tunes. The band is filled out with Shepard’s brother Zach on bass, Rhett Fuller on guitar, Jeremiah Johnson on drums and Alec Stanley on guitar and keyboard. Key standout tracks are the Tommy Keane-ish “Automatic Love” and the smoothly driving “No Champagne.” Wake up early on Friday and greet the sun with this one. Head to lotalker.bandcamp.com to make your plans and, if so inclined, smash that “like” button over at facebook.com/ lotalker.
to existentialism —and has a new four-song EP out now. All four songs were recorded in his apartment and, as he reports, straight into his phone. It’s named February 2021 (or stylized as Feb ’21), and the powers that be want you to focus on the lead single, “Putz.” Admittedly, that’s a catchy beat-box-based tune and totally fine in its own right, but my tastes run more toward the gentle introspectiveness of “Prospects Grim.” Word on the street is that this is just a taste of things to come, and a full-length album is planned ALEXA RIVERA
SUDOKU
Difficulty: Easy
LAST CHANCE: This is the last week that nomi-
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ACROSS 1 Up to the task 5 Come from ___ 9 Flat floater 14 Stir up 15 Symbol of peace 16 One way to read 17 Lingerie tops 19 Tossed over the shoulder 20 Tavern perch 21 Icicle former 23 Black 24 Scale deduction 26 Endocrine, e.g. 28 Crispy cookie 31 One-time link 34 Kiss member since 1973 35 Braille bit 36 Pekoe packet 38 Colony members 39 Candle topper 41 Snoop (around) 42 Sonora snooze 44 ROFL alternative 45 Party snack 46 Pay-___-view 47 Step up the pace 50 Shady problemsolver 52 Perched on
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Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate
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Petty quarrel Fizzled fireworks Divine for water Linda Lavin role Astonishment Wood-turning tool Eye layer Rebel Wilson film, "___ It Romantic" Gas additive Bothersome one Adjusts, as a clock
DOWN 1 Pendulum paths 2 Wake maker 3 VIP car 4 1920's-30's lawman 5 Big fuss 6 Foolishness 7 Declare firmly 8 Call it quits 9 Some four-year degs. 10 Bold poker bet 11 Traffic circle 12 Sticky buildup 13 High-strung
18 Foundry waste 22 Blood clotting aid 25 Visibly embarrassed 27 Jungle dweller 28 Wish granter 29 Between different religions 30 Old 32 Spoonful, say 33 Quite a while 34 Shocked reaction 37 Naval Academy locale 40 Slow-flowing syrup 43 Invoice add-on 48 Billy of "Almost Famous" fame 49 Took a bus 51 In need of scratching 53 Shopaholic's delight 54 Surveyor's map 56 Plunge headfirst 58 Like Solomon 59 Transmitted 60 Small lizards 62 Sushi selection 64 Slugger's need
nations are open for the 2021 Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of The Year Award. The nomination process is super easy: Anyone can nominate anyone, within reason, and artists may even nominate themselves. I explained most of this last week, but here’s a quick Lo Talker recap: There are two categories this year: those for whom music is a career and those who play for fun. There’s no hard-and-fast standard for either, for later this year. Check this out at terminallyphil.band though, so the choice is yours. The winner of each category camp.com, and check in with the man himself at facebook. gets $1,000, and all finalists will receive $250. The winner com/terminallyphilmusic. of the Play For Fun category also receives recording time WAKE UP: Because it came out right smack dab in the middle courtesy of Amplify at Nuçi’s Space, and the Career winner of our long winter’s nap, the EP titled Kind of Warm For a receives a promotional package from Team Clermont. New Lonesome Home by Sleepy Co. slipped through the cracks. this year, with the first ones occurring this past January, Well, it’s been given another leg up, thanks to being assoare the organization’s workshops and seminars, which ciated with/re-released by/something to do with Athens seem to have been fairly successful, even given our current label Echobass Records. I’m gonna tell you right now: social restrictions. Also, per the organization’s website, This three-song record cooks on high. The crunchy and “Individual, one-on-one instructional sessions are still available from all instructors,” even though the initial work- Krautrock-ish opening track “One Season Between” kicks things off loudly and a little defiantly, but things quickly shops are over. You can find out more about those, nomislip into fishbowl glassiness on the quieter but equally spun nate some songwriters and more over at vicchesnuttaward. “Naudical” before the crumbling and collapsing stomper com. The award was created and is administered by the “Timeout Boy” finishes the whole thing off. Now that I’m Rotary Club of the Classic City of Athens, and I encourage thinking about it, was Sleepy Co. possibly named after the you to look them up at classiccityrotary.org. Olivia Tremor Control song “A Sleepy Company”? I dunno, PHONE, HOME: Chances are good you’ve never seen your favorbut it wouldn’t surprise me. Featured on this are John ite local band or business skewered via memes with such Fernandes on clarinet and Emileigh Ireland on vocals on care and skill as done by Phillip Brantley (Palace Doctor, “One Season Between.” Ireland is also credited in the notes Modern Skirts, Blue Blood, et al). When he’s not busy for contributing the “overarching album concept,” which with that jibber jabber, he’s making new music under the is a nice thing to mention. Listen for yourself at either aux project name Terminally Phil—which is itself a nice nod vids.bandcamp.com or echobassrecords.bandcamp.com. f
record review of Montreal: I Feel Safe With You, Trash (Sybaritic Peer) Self-released as a double album, I Feel Safe With You, Trash is exactly the type of unhinged psychedelic pop you would expect to hear from Kevin Barnes after a year of quarantine. Several previous albums have been very forthcoming about musical influences; over the past decade, we’ve heard the R&B-soaked False Priest, ‘70s folk-rock tribute Lousy with Sylvianbriar, EDM-tinged Innocence Reaches and ’80s extended dance-mix-inspired White Is Relic/Irrealis Mood. Written, performed and recorded entirely by Barnes, the musically dense I Feel Safe With You, Trash dips its toes into several different genres, yet remains cohesive through its signature frenetic pop approach. The funky track “Fingerless GlOves” unexpectedly devolves into a metal meltdown, while “Karlheinz ChOp Up Children” pays homage to the German electronic composer Karlheinz Stockhausen through odd percussive loops. Lyrically, the tracks continue delving into a progressively more autobiographical trend—with last year’s album UR FUN largely inspired by partner Christina Schneider of Locate S,1—but their surreal, stream-of-consciousness nature often comes across as more opaque than relatable. Still, there are glimpses behind the curtain, such as the identity contemplations “This is ExpOsed” and “Queer as Love.” [Jessica Smith]
Puzzle answers are available at www.flagpole.com/puzzles
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Athens, GA
1 Year Franniversary! March 19th-21st 2361 W Broad St. Suite 10 Athens, GA 30606
(706) 224-9505 @FrannysFarmacyAthens /FrannysFarmacyAthens
COVID Safe • Free CBD Samples & Treats • Yoga Class • Flicker Smoke Out • Weirdness Parade • Live Music • Food Truck • 3 Day Raffle for a $50 value retail prize!
All proceeds will benefit Non-Profit Nuçi’s Space FP-half-page-ad1-CMYK-FINAL.pdf 1 2/26/2021 11:04:34 AM
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