VOLUME 04 ISSUE 04 APRIL 2016
BEAM ME UP, SCOTTY
FRESH POT MUSTHAVES
I WEAR YOUR GRANDAD’S CLOTHES
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
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THE SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT AND REWARD WAS SORT OF NECESSARY DURING A TIME WHERE I MAY HAVE FELT LESS THAN PERFECT RECIPE FOR A HEALTHY MIND, P29
LETTER
FROM THE EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS LET’S HEAR IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
99 LIVES AND GLITCH AIN’T ONE NINTENDO’S MYSTERIOUS PROJECT NX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
A FRESH START Your brain probably heard and recognized rhyme for the first time in the spring. “April showers bring May flowers.” As for my green thumb, it’s actually a variant of one of my favorite colors – black. But, this time of the year brings summer cravings for sunshine and fun. What’s there to do among all the rain we’ll bear during the onslaught of spring? Not to fear. SET is always here. It’s no secret I’m a homebody. I’d be happier than a dead pig in the sunshine (but the indoor equivalent) to sit inside and read a good book all day. Hiking, running and basking in nature are three things that aren’t on my to-do list, and I’ve learned to love and appreciate my candor for the activities. Every now and then I’ll get cabin fever and want to travel to see something new. As a Florencian, I live in the crux amid premium day trip destinations whether it’s Birmingham, Nashville, Memphis or Atlanta, with all the small towns in between. There are adventures to be had literally everywhere you turn east, west, north or south. That “out-of-you-comfort zone” feeling only heightens the lure for the best places to see, the best food to eat and the best fun to have before you die. That being said, I’m challenging you to check out a new place, whether that be in your hometown or in a town three hours away. There’s adventure to be had, folks. Hopefully this month’s SET can be the best starting point. Speaking of being out-of-yourcomfort zone, SET writers Ashley
ART AND ABOUT WHERE TO GOGH FOR THOSE WITH LITTLE MONET. . . . . . . . . . . . 7
CRAZY TAGTICS LASER TAG OFFERS GOOD TIME REGARDLESS OF AGE. . . . . . . . . 8-9
SO MANY HERBS, SO LITTLE THYME THE EASY WAY TO GROW YOUR OWN SPICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
BOXCAR VOICES ON STAGE FREEVERSE GROUP ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
PUTTING THE HOME IN HOMEBREW Graves and Lexi Peck are pinpointing the best day trip locations in our area. They’ll show you where to go mudding, visit a dead president’s house and view quirky southern memorabilia. While you’re in said area, check out the flea market finds contributor Caleb Billings said are the best junk pits around. But if you’re more of a “stay inside” kind of person like me, read what writer Spencer Brooks has to say about Nintendo’s newest console – the NX. Or, plant your green thumb in the soil to try your hand at herb growing like contributor Sarah Emerson did. Perhaps your challenge will entail getting involved in a new club, group or activity. If you’re interested in writing or photography, SET is a welcoming environment to be challenged creatively. Email me at editor@getsetmag.com to get involved!
COFFEE SHOP QUALITY BREWS IN YOUR OWN KITCHEN. . . . . . . . 14
DAY TRIPPIN’ DAY TRIPS WORTH ABANDONING THE COUCH FOR . . . . . . . . . 16-19
FLEA MARKET FINDS PLACES TO PUT MORE JUNK IN YOUR TRUNK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
CALENDAR WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23
SPOTLIGHT SET READERS IN ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-27
RECIPE FOR A HEALTHY MIND BAKING TO BEAT THE BLUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
FREESTYLE BY ANNA GRACE USERY, EDITOR
SET is a publication by and for local young people dedicated to lifestyle, finance, technology and community. It is published by Listerhill Credit Union as
part of its ongoing mission to promote the credit union philosophy of cooperation and financial literacy. It is a platform for 15-20 somethings in the community and it is free.
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4 CONTRIBUTORS
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SET CONTRIBUTORS SPENCER BROOKS Athens, AL
Murfreesboro, TN
KALI DANIEL
WESLEY HOPKINS
SARAH EMERSON
LEXI PECK
ASHLEY GRAVES
CALEB BILLINGS
ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN
Columbia, TN
Athens, AL
Florence, AL
Sheffield, AL
Hamilton, AL
Florence, AL
JASMINE FLEMING Sulligent, AL
DANIEL PEREZ
Mons, Belgium
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The N64 was the last major console to use cartridges.
The final N64 cartridge ever made was TONY HAWK PRO SKATER
TECH 5
Nintendo owns rights to two porn films about Mario.
99 LIVES AND GLITCH AIN’T ONE NINTENDO’S MYSTERIOUS PROJECT NX
the Xbox and Playstation consoles. According to Geno through Dual Pixels, an online organization involved in video game, entertainment and technology news, Project NX will have five prominent features:
1. An HDMI dongle that attaches
flush to the back of the device. The HDMI dongle, a small device that plugs into the HDMI port of a television set will provide Wi-Fi streaming from the home network and will use an evolved version of the Wii U’s streaming tech to display in Hi-Definition on the television screen.
2. Haptic feedback motors in
the controller analog sticks. Haptic feedback motors convey information to the gamer through the sense of touch. The controls will react and simulate physical situations such as hitting a wall or driving around a curve.
3. Bluetooth syncing with
WILL A’MARIO BE A’MAKIN’ A COMEBACK? Nintendo could be debuting its newest new console, Project NX, this summer during the annual video game expo, E3. No official information has been released, but a leak from a popular informant has sparked curiosity with boasts and claims about the specifications of the console. Geno, the informant leaking information about Project NX, has proved reliable in the past with correct information regarding the Microsoft’s Illumiroom, Pokemon X and Y content and the Playstation’s capability of running modern-day graphics. While Geno’s track record for correct information stands well, the information provided is not confirmed by Nintendo. It is slightly unbelievable, however, innovative for the company, if true. The Wii U is the current console host of iconic video game franchises
including Legend of Zelda, Mario Bros, Animal Crossing, etc., exclusive to the console. Unfortunately, the nostalgic games were not enough, trailing behind Xbox by more than 10 percent, Playstation by 35 percent and even its sister console the 3DS by more than 65 percent in global sales according to VGChartz, an industry research firm. Although the Wii and Wii U brought an original experience to gaming, the consoles could not compare with their Sony and Microsoft brethren. The lack of third party support, having games such as Call of Duty, Borderlands and Grand Theft Auto, ultimately damaged the popularity of the Nintendo consoles. Project NX is not only expected to redeem Nintendo from it’s faults with the Wii U, but become equal to
everything. Project NX will be able to bluetooth sync with smartphones, headphones, tablets and anything capable. The console can answer phone calls and display text messages onto the screen, preventing interruptions from your own personal smart device.
4. Faster computer speed.
The NX is expected to have similar “horsepower” to the Xbox One.
5. Third party compatibility. The console will have the same hardware layout as the PS4 and Xbox One. Any game that can run on the PS4 or Xbox One can run on Project NX with almost no modifications required. Third party games that run Android OS, an open source operating system primarily used in mobile devices, or Unreal Engine 4, a complete suite of game
development tools made by game developers for game developers, will easily run on the NX. Geno mentioned how project NX will take multiplayer, augmented reality and the idea of Street Pass, a feature in the Nintendo 3DS system that allows users to exchange data from games and applications, to a “whole new level.” Pokemon GO, an upcoming augmented-reality game for mobile phones, was the example Geno used to describe what Nintendo would be doing. The operating system being used is named NintendoOS and is described by Geno as “very powerful” and “has features of a modern mobile OS. NintendoOS should perform well in terms of networking, linking up to multiple services and devices. This will create a system to keep the consumer involved constantly, according to Geno. The informant also gave descriptions of the new console stating project NX would not look like a stereotypical Nintendo console. Geno claims developers describe the product as “Samsung and the Nintendo 2DS had a baby.” Nintendo has had many rough years keeping up with its other competitors in the video game market. If Geno’s information turns out to be completely true, this console could possibly make a comeback, becoming as prominent as Xbox and Playstation has. Sadly, Nintendo’s consoles don’t have the same reliability as do Geno’s statements. The Wii U has not appealed to the majority of gamers in years. If Nintendo wants the sales, copying Sony and Microsoft’s hardware and third party system while profiting off their exclusive franchises might be the best route.
STORY BY SPENCER BROOKS
6 ART
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The first pencil was invented in England in 1565.
The average artist makes $53k a year in the U.S.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA GRACE USERY
ART AND ABOUT Bobby Bozeman said there will also be digital photo editing classes beginning in May and chair caning and basket weaving classes through the end of April. Where: Decatur, Alabama What: Carnegie Visual Arts Center When: Tuesday – Friday 10AM – 5 PM; Saturday 10AM – 2PM Cost for students: Free The center’s current exhibit contains work by Maralyn Wilson — a Birmingham, Alabama, artist — through April 30. “It’s encaustic art, which is done in wax,” said Executive Director Kim Mitchell. “It’s really interesting.” The exhibit, entitled “Landscape Illuminated,” channels Wilson’s childhood. “The beauty of the landscape and the sky is spellbinding, continuously evolving and changing,” Wilson said. “It’s not possible to capture this amazing transition so I try to capture the essence and emotion with wax.” Where: Huntsville, Alabama What: Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment When: Wednesday – Saturday, noon – 6 PM (open until 8PM on Friday’s) Cost for students: Free
“NINA SIMONE” EXHIBIT AT LOWE MILL ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
WHERE TO GOGH FOR THOSE WITH LITTLE MONET Finding an inexpensive way to be culturally diverse can be challenging. Lucky for those of us in the Tennessee Valley, there are plenty of art museums and galleries to explore on a whim. They may not be the historic Guggenheim or Modern Museum of Art, but the art in these hidden gems rival those more famously known. Check out these local art museums and plan a day trip or two.
Where: Tuscumbia, Alabama What: Tennessee Valley Museum of Art When: Monday – Friday 9AM – 5PM; Sunday 1 – 3PM Cost for students: $3 Through May, the museum offers an exhibit by Jason Guynes, chair of the art department at the University of South Alabama. Marketing and Theatre Arts Programming Director
This location, in a renovated factory, houses numerous local artists. Specialties are defined from paints and glass-blowing to teas and chocolates. Each room on the three floors has a large window where guests can look in on artists’ work. Known as the country’s largest independent center for the arts, “exhibits” are on the walls and seating areas of the building, and are typically works of the artists therein. The location hosts artist’s markets every Saturday during public hours and begins its “Concerts on the Dock” series April 22.
live music. Their gallery also includes work from “very talented local artisans.” Stop by and visit owners Mary Helen and Courtney Payne to experience the visual arts aspect of Columbia. Where: Columbia, Tennessee What: Pryor Art Gallery When: Monday – Friday 8AM – 8PM (closes at 4 p.m. on Friday’s) Cost for students: Free This art gallery at Columbia State Community College features various local artists in their exhibits. April 12 - 22, the gallery features local middle and high school students’ works, and beginning May 9, it will feature the Southern Watercolor Society. The exhibits, along with the permanent collection, seek to “present stimulating exhibits and programs that inspire, educate, enlighten, challenge and entertain Columbia State Community College students, faculty and staff, community members and residents of Middle Tennessee while creating a first-class artistic venue where appreciation for all forms of visual art is enhanced.” Where: Florence, Alabama What: Kennedy Douglass Center for the Arts When: Monday – Friday 9AM – 4PM Cost for students: Free This gallery in downtown Florence features local artists and musicians, with ever-changing exhibits. Through April 26, the gallery features Kay Coop, a Memphis artist working primarily in watercolors and acrylics. The center will host the Arts Alive Festival May 21 and 22, featuring local artists. The center will have an exhibit including these works open for four to six weeks.
Where: Columbia, Tennessee What: Wall Candy When: Monday – Saturday 10AM – 5 PM Cost for students: Free This custom framing store hosts a “First Thursday Artisans Party” the first Thursday of every month, complete with local art, wine, food and
STORY BY KALI DANIEL
8 SPORTS
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The first laser gun toy was for Star Trek in 1979.
APRIL 2016
The record for number of players is 436.
CRAZY TAGTICS LASER TAG OFFERS GOOD TIME REGARDLESS OF AGE “So…10 p.m., huh?” The guy behind the counter at Tagtical Laser Tag in Muscle Shoals couldn’t believe how late it was on a Wednesday night, let alone that five people in their 20’s were interested in playing. The laser tag location is open only Friday’s 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday’s 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday’s noon to 8 p.m., but they accept reservations TuesdayThursday. Being college students with part-time jobs, our only availability was a weird weekday. The good news is, we didn’t have to compete for the time slot. My ol’ pal and fellow SET contributor Wesley Hopkins wrote a massive Facebook post inviting 60 people to come play. While many people said they would show up, come Wednesday at 10 p.m., there were five of us (SET editor Anna Grace Usery included). We walked inside and filled out waivers saying that if we maimed ourselves on a laser gun or popped a shoulder rounding a corner too fast we wouldn’t sue the location. We could have filled them out online or gone in before the reservation, but let’s be honest, we’re procrastinators. After filling out the waivers, it was time to pay the piper — no, literally, we had to pay the guy vaping. The price was a little steeper than what I’ve paid in the past at $12.50 plus tax per person per round, and $10 plus tax per person for each consecutive round. For open rounds, there is a minimum of two people and for groups, a minimum of four people and a maximum of 16. Groups can purchase the “captain” package, which has an unlimited number of participants, comes with a private room, paper products (assuming you have food for a party) and rounds out at $200
plus tax during the week and $300 on the weekend. Each additional hour is $100 and $150, respectively. But that’s obviously not what we’re doing this late at night. After all of us paid, we were led into a room where guns and headsets were activated. We had a choice of five different mission types (one, Search and Destroy, was broken): • Domination: Requires two teams compete head-to-head to control a central point. Whoever has control of the point at the end of the round wins. • Assassins: Teams pick a VIP. The goal is to kill the other teams VIP while protecting your own. Each time the VIP is killed, the team with the assassin gets a point. • King of the Hill: Control the base central point. Whoever maintains control for the longest amount of time wins. • Siege: Each team has to cross the opposing team’s baseline while
keeping themselves alive and defending their own base. Each shot is a kill shot and those who cross the opposing baseline get a point. Whoever has the most points at the end wins. • Team Death Match: Ultimate elimination is the goal. There are no respawns in this round (which is actually incorrect. I respawned more lives than ten cats have combined.) Last man standing is the winning team. • Search and Destroy: Place a bomb and detonate in a specific site. Defend said bomb from marines, who are trying to stop said detonation. Every round has a 3-minute safety brief and a 27-minute play in the 6,000-square-foot arena, comprising the 30-minute slot. Each player wears a headband with square, clear panels with flashing lights, depicting the team’s color. All of the guns look the same, however different weapons can be equipped during the 3-minute safety brief. Everyone has the
standard M16 shot, but each person can equip a separate weapon, from a shotgun to an AK-47. Up and down arrows on the gun panel allow players to switch guns. Left and right arrows allow players to boost health for teammates. We opted to play the Team Death Match round. Each time a player is killed (which they know because their gun won’t work), they have to run back to their base and hover their gun over an LED box, which creates a respawn. Lives are unlimited, which worked out for me since I died 22 times during the 27-minute arena play. At the end of the round, you are escorted back to the briefing room where the winner is disclosed, stats are revealed and bragging rights are delegated. While I may have only gotten eight kills, I’m happy to say my accuracy was better than Mr. Hopkins’.
STORY BY KALI DANIEL
APRIL 2016
SPORTS 9
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Laser tag was invented in 1984.
Laser tag is a safer alternative to paintball.
THE ROOM OF DOOM
HONING MY INNER RAMBO More than a decade ago, my preteen friends and I took every chance we could get to play laser tag. Every birthday party was held at The Laser Station in Florence until they closed unexpectedly leaving us confused, disappointed and with limited options. What would we do now? Should we go to FunLand or to the Skate Center? Neither option was as fun as the thrilling game of laser tag. Now, like the eleventh-hourPhoenix or a better-timed second coming, laser tag has been reborn in the Shoals in the construction of Tagtical Laser Tag. Just as we are graduating from college, joining the workforce, raising children and becoming all-around adults, this unnatural oasis is a first-rate option for a fun, stimulating experience that not only relieves the stress of the day but provides a pleasant form of exercise for us oldies. Tagtical Laser Tag was built in the ruins of the ineffectual Sundance Saloon, nestled in an unpopular strip
mall on Sportsplex Drive, an access road off of Woodward Avenue in Muscle Shoals. The venue looks like there’s more to it, but the customer will only see three rooms - the main lobby, a smaller, private lobby and the arena. It was disappointing not to find food for sell. No pizza? C’mon. After filling out waivers and paying admission in the main lobby, eager patrons step through a door into the smaller lobby, where the excitement really starts to build. This is where the referee explains the rules and mechanics of each “mission” or game and the different secondary weapon options. Just as gamers may spend hours in menus, laser taggers should take time to consider their play-style and choose their secondary weapon wisely in the lobby. Secondary weapons include an automatic rifle called an AK-47, a powerful long-range, single-shot rifle with low reload speed called a sniper rifle, a high-damage singleshot shotgun with low range but a
wide spread and a minigun, which is a fast, high-capacity machine gun with low damage. Thinking about the minigun makes me want to go back right now and try that out. Now, the game begins. Both teams enter a dark room with what we first thought was vape smoke but ended up being artificial fog. Sparse neon lights and ill-chosen white T-shirts are the only visible things before human eyes start to adjust. Once our new eyes come to fruition, we can see obstacles, pillars of plywood painted black, and, in the middle, a room with two doorways, two windows, and, inside, a three-way switch to indicate control over the base in the center of the arena. Since our game was Team Death Match, we had only two objectives: to shoot members of the other team while avoiding being shot, neither of which I accomplished very well. My kill-to-death ratio was 14 to 52. I think it goes without saying that I let my team down. Good thing I only had one teammate. I just hope he knows it wasn’t for lack of trying. I mean, at one point I was on the floor, Rambo style. On the establishment’s website, the description states that there are no respawns in Team Death Match.
Fortunately, that is inaccurate. I respawned 51 times. Next time, I’ll try to pressure my friends into playing King of the Hill or Search and Destroy, in which tactical planning plays a more important role than accuracy. But, I probably won’t be good at them, either. Each round lasts 30 minutes and costs about 13 dollars, which, to me, isn’t affordable. The 30-minute rounds last just long enough to really get into the game, and then get out of breath and start thinking about water and a chair. Anyone up for bareback riding in the Ozarks next time? Just remember – if 60 people on Facebook say they’ll come, only five will actually show up, because, well, life happens. And, it’ll probably be less for the bareback riding. My friends aren’t fans of carpooling. Long story short, go play laser tag at Tagtical. You’ll edge out of your comfort zone and never regret it.
STORY BY WESLEY HOPKINS
10 HEALTH
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HEALTH 11
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Most herbs have zero calories – more reason to use them.
Gardening workshop at Florence Library April 14!
SO MANY HERBS, SO LITTLE THYME from the supermarket just isn’t the same. I crave that fresh, homegrown taste in the dishes I cook, but let’s be real. You can’t really grow a garden when you live in a small, suburban apartment complex. But, where there is a will, there is a way. And that way is herbs. Having an herb garden is a feasible hobby that anyone can take on. Whether you’re a city dweller with a small patio or a wellseasoned gardener, you can grow them. It doesn’t take much time to set up or maintain, and it’s cost effective, too. So, how do you get started?
1. DECIDE WHAT KIND OF HERBS YOU WANT TO GROW
I’VE BEEN USED FOR A BASILLION YEARS.
THE EASY WAY TO GROW YOUR OWN SPICES It’s springtime in the South and for many southerners that means one thing: it’s time to start planting the garden. Having a garden was, and still is, a popular activity for us rural southerners. For many, we have family members who plant acres upon acres of fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, some of my fondest childhood memories
involve picking corn, shelling peas and riding the tractor around my grandfather’s farm. Fast-forward to today. I, like many others, have left my rural town and moved to a (kinda) big city. Here, farm fresh vegetables are hard to come by. The farmer’s market is typically only open on the weekend and buying fruits and vegetables
When it comes to choosing which herbs to grow, the possibilities are endless. There are several types of them, and no matter where you buy your supplies, you’ll face the challenge of picking which ones you’d like in your garden. While it may seem hard to know where to begin, ask yourself which would be the greatest benefit to you. What are your favorite dishes to cook? Are there herbs you use more than others in your everyday cooking? Are you wanting to be adventurous and try something new? There are a few popular (and foolproof) choices: • Basil — Common in Italian dishes, basil is probably one of the more popular herbs to grow and cook with. It’s typically used in tomato and pesto sauces, pasta dishes and pizza. Many use basil to treat painful bug bites and stings, and it can help calm an upset stomach. • Chives — If you’ve been to a steakhouse, you probably know chives as those little green flakes on your baked potatoes. Chives can also add a nice flare to fish, soups and deviled eggs. • Oregano — Known as the pizza herb, oregano is the primary herb in pizza sauces. Oregano is popular in Mediterranean and Greek dishes and can add a nice
depth to chicken and fish. • Lavender — While it’s not common to cook with lavender, it is nice to have around. Lavender can be used in baths as a healing agent for your skin, to decorate your home and can add a flare to your teas, lemonades and drinks. • Honorable mentions — cilantro, thyme, rosemary and parsley.
2. BUY THE SEEDS AND SET UP YOUR MINIATURE GARDEN.
You can find herb seeds pretty much everywhere. If you’re wanting to start with the basics, it may be smart to buy an herb starter kit from Dollar Tree or buy seeds, soil and pots from your local Wal-Mart. If you want to get fancy with your garden, Lowe’s and Home Depot offer a larger variety of herbs to choose from (and some good advice). Follow the instructions. If you bought a kit, you just have to open it, find it a nice spot and water it. For seeds, you’ll need a pot and soil to plant them in. It also may be smart to add some fertilizer to the soil to make sure the herbs you grow have the nutrients they need.
3. MAINTAIN IT
As a busy first year law student, I have very little time to commit to anything outside of school. However, no matter how busy you are, herbs are super easy to maintain. I rotate my pot every other day to ensure the plants aren’t getting too much or too little sun and water them on those days, too.
4. REAP YOUR REWARDS
If you have green plants popping out of your pot after a few weeks, congratulations! You did it! Trim off some of the leaves, go inside, wash them and cook yourself a nice dinner to reward yourself for your not-so-hard work. (ALSO-be sure to take a pic for Insta to show off your new green thumb, too!)
STORY BY SARAH EMERSON
12 SPECIAL FEATURE
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The oldest written poem is the Epic of Gilgamesh.
APRIL 2016
Haikus only have 17 syllables.
BOXCAR VOICES ON STAGE FREEVERSE GROUP ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY “For me, I am 100 percent terrified.” This is Boxcar Voices emcee Sharree Weekley’s reaction every time she takes the stage at the end. theatre to perform her poetry. Weekley, who has had the position for eight months, said performing can be intense. “Generally, I’m not a big socialization person, but getting up there is a whole different thing,” she said. “It’s dark, and you can’t see other people, but they can see you.” Still, Weekley said she enjoys the thrill. “It’s the most freeing experience ever,” she said. “You say these things that you’ve written down and that you’ve only put on paper, and people are like, ‘Yea, I feel that.’” When Weekley discovered the group a year and a half ago, it made sense to her. “I remember thinking, ‘We need something for poetry in Florence,’” she said. “I didn’t know it existed. If I had known it existed, I would have been here sooner. I just wish people knew it was here.” Weekley began spreading the word after visiting, and she quickly convinced her friend Adrienne Roberson to come. It’s been a year since Robertson’s first visit, and she’s now a regular performer. “The people are just really supportive and very nice, and I just appreciate their input on my work, and I really like their feedback,” she said. Boxcar Voices has given Robertson the creative outlet she doesn’t have from her day jobs at 360 Grille and Oakwood Café, she said. “I wrote a lot in high school,” she said. “I was in a creative writing
class. Now that I’m not part of any type of association, I like being able to share my poetry. It makes me feel like I’m doing something with it instead of it just sitting there.” Weekley said when she first attended, co-emcee Jared McCoy’s friendliness also encouraged her to continue coming. When he and coemcee Patrick Lindsay left Boxcar Voices, Lindsay offered her the position. Weekley said the group celebrated its five year anniversary in March. Although Boxcar Voices is currently in the end. theatre, that wasn’t always the case, said the end. owner Scott Long. It originally started on the campus of the University of North Alabama but soon found a home at the end. as one of two groups that regularly perform there, with improvisational comedy group Sustainable Differences. “The mission of the end. is to support the voice of the underdog, and to that end, it was a perfect match for a theatre to support them in whatever way we can,” he said. “I know what it’s like to have a particular art form and struggle to figure out how to make it a merchandisable item. So, giving them a place to stretch and become whatever it needs to become without worrying about rent and things like that seems like the right thing to do.” Long said Boxcar Voices allows poets to express themselves. “The beauty of what Boxcar Voices is that it brings poets together to perform their work,” he said. “The performance of the piece has a life of its own outside of its written value.” Long also performs his work during Boxcar Voices. “I haven’t performed at every
ADRIENNE ROBERSON SHARES HER POETRY. Boxcar, but I’ve performed at more of them anybody else,” he said. “It’s therapy and catharsis for me.” “I believe that a spiritual experience is tricking the conscience mind into escaping what we define as mundane into something that is sacred,” he said. “When I’m on stage, I can trick my subconscious into experiencing spirit. Everything is ritual, and that’s my ritual.” Robertson said she wants others in the community to have unique experiences at Boxcar Voices. “I wish more people knew about Boxcar,” she said. “I feel like if people knew it was here, they would take the opportunity to share their
work, and they would feel more comfortable in their abilities.” Those who give Boxcar Voices a chance will also experience an atmosphere like no other, Weekley said. Boxcar Voices meets alternating Thursdays. To find the next performance date, check out their Facebook page.
STORY BY JASMINE FLEMING
APRIL 2016
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A coffee bean is grown inside a coffee berry.
APRIL 2016
The term “cup of joe” refers to American soldiers in WWII.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MULETOWN COFFEE CO.
PUTTING THE HOME IN HOMEBREW
COFFEE SHOP QUALITY BREWS IN YOUR OWN KITCHEN A few years ago my cousin came down from Chicago for a family get-together toting what looked like a chemistry set. He assured us that with it he could make an amazing cup of coffee. It smelled great. It tasted fruity, acidic and light. It was nothing like the sugary concoctions I was used to drinking. I love getting coffee at Muletown Coffee in downtown Columbia, and the coffee I make at home isn’t nearly as indulgent as getting it at a café. So what do you do on those lazy-no makeup- sweatpants- and messy bun kind of days? You obviously can’t go out, but you still want to stay your highly caffeinated self. I donned some mascara and went downtown to talk to Muletown’s manager, Austin Jones, about this predicament. So how do you make a quality cup of coffee at home? Coming from a coffeeloving family, I knew there were more ways to make coffee than a regular automatic Mr. Coffee maker. Austin explained two methods during our conversation: pour over and full immersion. It sounds complicated, but the name explains exactly how the process works; you can either pour water over the coffee, or you can fully immerse the granules in water. We’ll start with pour overs. Many of you
have probably seen the infamous Chemex in your local coffee shop. It’s the grown up version of a beaker from 9th grade biology class. There are similar tools you can use to do your own pour over at home, such as the Hairo V60 Coffee Dripper ($15 on Amazon). Either way, you’ll need to choose your vessel and come prepared with some cone shaped filters. Austin explained the cone shape has a lot to do with the flavor profile of the coffee. “When the water comes in contact with the top level of coffee, you get the bright citrusy notes,” he said. “As the water travels further you develop sweeter caramel flavors, and the lowest level gives you that smokiness.” Once you’ve gathered your supplies you’ll need to boil some water. While it’s warming go ahead and place the filter in your Chemex or V60 and measure your coffee – for a 12 oz. cup aim for 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds. When your water has reached boiling point, take it off the heat and pour just a little over the coffee until it has “bloomed.” Continue pouring the water slowly. Enjoy your homemade, fancy pour over! Full immersion gives you a completely different cup of coffee. The coffee grounds steep in hot water, similar to
MULETOWN COFFEE IS LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE tea, and this gives the coffee a different texture. For a full immersion technique you’ll need either a French Press ($15$30 on Amazon) or an AeroPress, ($30 on Amazon) if you really want to impress someone. The AeroPress requires a few more items like filters and the process is slightly different than a French press style brew, which is what we will be focusing on here. Begin by bringing your water to a boil and removing it from the heat for one minute. Again, use the time before the water begins to boil to measure your coffee grounds (which should be ground only slightly smaller than sea salt) and adding them to the bottom of your French press. Once your water has cooled for 60 seconds, reducing the temperature from boiling to roughly 175 degrees, begin pouring the water slowly over the grounds. Start with a small amount allowing the coffee to “bloom” again, give it a quick stir to thoroughly wet the grounds, and continue pouring your water. Place the press top over the water and let it steep for four minutes. Finally,
push the plunger down slowly to force all of the grounds to the bottom, pour into your favorite mug and enjoy! While talking to Austin I had an epiphany: that regular Mr. Coffee automatic dripper is both pour over and full immersion combined. I was so excited to know that the regular old method of making coffee could stand up to all the new ways to make it. I also made sure to ask about which type of coffee works best with the different techniques. The best part about coffee is that it’s completely customizable! Light, medium or dark roast works well for any of these methods. Visit your local coffee shops, like Muletown or Rivertown, to find out which you like best. So let the lazy days live on. You don’t have to be a barista to know how to make a good cup o’ Joe.
STORY BY LEXI PECK
APRIL 2016
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Kahri Member Since 2013 Abby Member Since 2013
Drew Member Since 2013
Rebecca Member Since 2013
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BBQ pizza & BBQ spaghetti were founded in Memphis.
WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD?
The riddle appeared in an 1847 edition of The Knickerbocker, a New York City monthly magazine.
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APRIL 2016
Birmingham is home to a Porsche driving school.
Most of you probably don’t know this, but Memphis is home to the first self-service grocery store, Piggly Wiggly. Thanks to the Pink Palace Museum you can walk through a replica of the store, explore fossil exhibits, planetariums, historical sites and so much more. The sites are open daily and adult tickets are no more than $20. While in Memphis, make time to visit the Metal Museum. The Metal Museum offers exhibitions of artistic metalwork, collections by famous Metalsmiths and classes for those interested. Open every day except Monday, the museum allows visitors to watch demonstrations and tour the facilities. Tickets are $6 and additional events are scheduled on their website at www.metalmuseum.org. While in Memphis be sure to check out Three Little Pigs Bar-B-Q. Their pork is smoked for 20 hours and you can choose between tangy mild or fiery hot barbeque sauces. Want to know the best part? A sandwich only costs $3.59!
LET'S GO!
DAY TRIPS WORTH ABANDONING THE COUCH FOR With the new upgrades to Regions Field now complete, baseball fans can enjoy watching America’s favorite pastime and get the feel of being at a major league baseball game without having to travel very far to Birmingham, Alabama. With an emphasis on providing the most fun and affordable family-friendly entertainment in Birmingham, Regions Field has a variety of unique attractions for everyone, including a batting cage located in right field and the Glowble Courtyard, an outdoor gathering area outside the concourse. The 360-degree concourse also allows fans to see the action on the field as they move throughout the ballpark. In addition, there is a center field entertainment area, which features the DRASH Scrapyard bar for adults and a Dreamland BBQ stand. The Barons, who serve as a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox major-league club, open the season on April 12. No trip to the baseball park would be complete without peanuts. For more than 100 years, the Peanut Depot, located in downtown Birmingham, has been using antique roasters to deliver the best tasting peanuts to customers. They offer a variety of peanuts to choose from including fresh roasted, salted and Cajun. The Peanut Depot also hosts tours. The tour allows visitors a glimpse into Alabama life at the turn of the 20th century. It is located on historic Morris Avenue.
APRIL 2016
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Polk's wife, Sarah Childress, wrote his speeches & letters.
Bham's Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world.
Downtown Columbia is continuing to grow with new shops and restaurants, but many overlook the history and anchors of the town. The James K. Polk Ancestral Home was built in the early 1800s and housed the 11th president of the United States while he practiced law before and after his presidency. Guided tours are offered daily and are $12 per adult to tour the house, gardens and museum. For some outdoorsy recreation, Columbia has begun constructing its first disc golf course in Woodland Park. Soon to be operational this spring, the course will feature 18 holes with custom painted baskets, concrete tees and tons of fun. Like their Facebook page for updates and information on a possible kickoff tournament. After taking in some of the history of the small town and playing a round of disc Nestled away quietly off the main highway in Bremen, located in Cullman golf, you’re sure County, Alabama, sits 1,456 plus acres of scenic fun. to be hungry. For five days out of the week, and 52 weeks of the year, Stony Lonesome OHV Head on over Park is abuzz with motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and four-wheel drive Evil to Marco’s Kenevillers trying their hands at trails like Baldy, Three Kings, Vendetta, and 822 South the biggest challenger of all, Who’s Your Daddy. for a pimento Operated by Cullman County Parks and Recreation, Stony Lonesome cheeseburger features a variety of terrain, offering something for every skill level. Once they’ve a month, riders have the opportunity to tackle the challenges in the dark, dubbed the as the park holds monthly night rides with operation hours extended “Lucille.” until 11 p.m. Think crusty Not much for going off road in a vehicle? The French bread, park also offers horseback riding, hiking and a delicious beef pavilion that can be rented for picnics. In addition, patty and creamy there are several lodging options available at the pimento cheese… park including tent camping, RV hookups and are you drooling yet? cabins. The cost of admission is $10.
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Back in the heart of Cullman located on the campus of St. Bernard Abbey and Preperation School, is the Ave Maria Grotto. Known throughout much of the world as “Jerusalem in Miniature”, the Grotto is a four-acre park designed to provide a natural setting for the 125 miniature reproductions of some of the most famous historic buildings and shrines of the world. The collection was created by Brother Joseph Zoettle, a monk at the abbey. He began building the structures, as a hobby, from marble, cement and wood and decorated them with a variety of everyday items. The Grotto is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7.
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Visit Our Stop by The Hill
to relax, recharge, or (of course) take care of your financial
needs. The Hill is a full service, student-run Listerhill Credit Union location in The Commons at UNA dedicated to helping students reach their full financial potential.
APRIL 2016
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American flea markets can be traced back to the 1800s.
At a UK “car boot sale” items are sold out of people’s trunks.
FLEA MARKET FINDS PLACES TO PUT MORE JUNK IN YOUR TRUNK
NASHVILLE FLEA MARKET
GALAXY FLEA MARKET
9170 2nd St, Leighton, AL Open Saturday and Sunday, 8AM to 4PM I once found an Atari 2600 with a box of games for $20 here back in the day, so if that doesn’t get you wanting to go I don’t know what will. At Galaxy you’ll find a mix of new items and antiques including comics, clothes, glassware and even cemetery flowers. It’s also open year round and even has a kitchen that serves breakfast and lunch during operating hours so you won’t go hungry while you look. This flea market is housed in what was once an old chicken coop, but don’t let that fool you. There are many treasures to be found inside.
GALAXY FLEA MARKET I can vividly remember my grandparents taking me to my first flea market when I was a kid. At the time I was on the hunt for old Ghostbusters action figures and obscure horror VHS tapes, both of which I was able to find. In between hunting for those I immersed myself in the ocean of bizarre and diverse merchandise that can only be found at a flea market. It’s a place where the old saying “one person’s junk is another person’s treasure” really does ring true. The flea market I’m referring to above is no longer with us (it has since be turned into the Arx Mortis haunted house), but there are plenty of other flea markets in Alabama and Tennessee worth traveling to.
LIMESTONE COUNTY FLEA MARKET
30030 Hwy 72 W, Madison, AL Open Saturday and Sunday, 10AM to 5PM This is one of the largest indoor flea markets in the state and has been around since the 1980s. Its sprawling sea of booths includes everything from movies and books to jewelry, home furnishings and even a barber. While this one is open year round, during the summer months there’s also a farmer’s market outside. It’s right off the highway, too, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it. Just look for the large sign with the very dapper-looking flea on it.
THE SHOALS FLEA MARKET
65 Sportsplex Drive, Muscle Shoals, AL Open Saturday (9AM to 7PM) and Sunday (10AM to 5PM) Unlike the previous two flea markets, the Shoals Flea Market is only open on the third weekend of each month, so be careful not to miss it. This one is geared toward newer and homemade items, but you’ll find some older stuff as well. Some of the more unique things to be found here include musical instruments, vinyl records, homemade bbq sauce and puppies!
If you’re willing to travel a little farther, the Nashville Flea Market is easily worth your time. Ranked among the best in the country, it features approximately 2,000 booths. Having so many allows for a highly eclectic range of both old and new goods. It’s not just local vendors, either. Many come from all over the country to sale goods here. This one is open for three days on the fourth weekend of every month (except for December when it opens on the third weekend). Each month has a different theme to it, so check out the website and see which one most interests you. You can also find the specific opening and closing times on the site as well.
GARDENDALE FLEA MALL AND ANTIQUE CENTER
2405 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale, AL Open seven days a week, 10AM to 6PM Located just outside of Birmingham, this flea market is one of the few around that is open on weekdays and not just the weekend. It fills up two floors with enough housewares that the website promises you can “furnish an entire home in one day.” They also have sports memorabilia, toys, comics, and pretty much anything else you can nerd out over.
NASHVILLE FLEA MARKET
625 Smith Ave, Nashville, TN Opening and closing times vary, but usually fall between 7AM and 6PM
STORY BY CALEB BILLINGS
22 CALENDAR
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EVENTS
APRIL 2016
PHOTO BY GREG GIANNUKOS
APRIL 1 - APRIL 29 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DAVID RAMIREZ, APRIL 7 @ THE MANE ROOM, FLORENCE, AL
APRIL 1
MOON TAXI @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN DAUGHTER @ Terminal West, Atlanta, GA DR. DOG @ Buckhead Theater, Atlanta, GA RIFF RAFF @ Cox Capitol Theater, Macon, GA AMYTIVILLE: THE AWAKENING @ Your Local Theater
APRIL 2
DR. DOG @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN MOON TAXI @ Classic Center Theater, Athens, GA
APRIL 4
BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8pm
APRIL 5
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm
APRIL 6
RIFF RAFF @ Tempt Nightclub, Murfeesborro, TN AMERICAN AUTHORS @ The End, Nashville, TN TECHN9NE @ Center Stage, Atlanta, GA
BERUIT @ Buckhead Theater, Atlanta, GA 8pm TRIVIA @ Truelove’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm
APRIL 7
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm DAVID RAMIREZ @ The Mane Room, Florence, AL
APRIL 8
BILLY CURRINGTON @ Classic Canter Theater, Atlanta, GA 8pm HARDCORE HENRY @ Your Local Theater DEMOLITION @ Your Local Theater THE BOSS @ Your Local Theater THE INVITATION @ Your Local Theater
APRIL 10
MUMFORD & SONS @ Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL 7pm
APRIL 11
MUMFORD & SONS @ Infinite Energy Arena, Atlanta, GA 7:30pm BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm
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TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8pm
APRIL 12
TORI KELLY @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN ELLE KING @ Cannery Ballroom, Nashville, TN MUMFORD & SONS @ Infinite Energy Arena, Atlanta, GA 7:30pm JUSTIN BIEBER @ Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA 7:30pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm
APRIL 13
TORI KELLY @ Iron City, Birmingham, AL 8pm
APRIL 2016
JUSTIN BEIBER @ Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA 7:30pm ELLE KING @ Playhouse Theater, Atlanta, GA 8pm TRIVIA @ Truelove’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm
APRIL 14
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm
APRIL 15
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MUMFORD & SONS @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN TORI KELLY @ Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA DURAN DURAN @ Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA 7pm THOMAS RHETT @ Wild Bill’s Duluth, Duluth, GA 8pm THE JUNGLE BOOK @ Your Local Theater THE GREEN ROOM @ Your Local Theater
CRIMINAL @ Your Local Theater
APRIL 16
RECORD STORE DAY @ Pegasus Records, Florence, AL RECORDS STORE DAY @ Variety Records, Columbia, TN SMASHING PUMPKINS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN GIN WIGMORE @ Marcy Lounge, Nashville, TN PENATONIX WITH US THE DUO @ Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL 8pm
APRIL 18
BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8pm
APRIL 19
APRIL 20
ELLE KING @ Saturn, Birmingham, AL 8pm TRIVIA @ Truelove’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm
APRIL 21
ALABAMA SHAKES @ Ascend Amphitheater, Nashville, TN STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN & THIRD DAY @ Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, AL 7pm SISTER HAZEL @ Iron City, Birmingham, AL TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm
APRIL 22
JIMMY BUFFET @ Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Birmingham, AL TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm
UNA OPERA’S INTO THE WOODS @ Norton Auditorium, Florence, AL 7:30pm SISTER HAZEL @ Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA THE MEDDLER @ Your Local Theater
THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER WARS @ Your Local Theater
APRIL 24
UNA OPERA’S INTO THE WOODS @ Norton Auditorium, Florence, AL 7:30pm BEN FOLDS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
APRIL 25
BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8pm
APRIL 26
BREAKING BENJAMIN @ Iron City, Birmingham, AL 8pm SMASHING PUMPKINS @ Cobb Energy Performing Center, Atlanta, GA TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm
APRIL 27
G-EAZY @ Sloss Furnace, Birmingham, AL 8pm
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APRIL 28
RED JUMP SUIT APPERATUS @ Rocketown, Nashville, TN TRIVIA @ Truelove’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm
APRIL 29
MODEST MOUSE @ The Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, AL 8pm ALABAMA SHAKES @ Akins Arena at the Center Classic, Athens, GA 8pm
24 SPOTLIGHT
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SAY CHEESE!
SET READERS IN ACTION
APRIL 2016
PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN AND DANIEL PEREZ
PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET SATURN, BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 12, PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN
CHRISTINA DANIEL AND NINA WILLIS
RAQUEL DUPLIN AND TYLER JORDAN
BAD COLOGNE
BRIAN ARNOLD
APRIL 2016
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SETTYS 116 E MOBILE, FLORENCE, AL, FEBRUARY 25, PHOTOS BY DANIEL PEREZ
ANNA GRACE USERY AND JACKSON TOWNSEND
ANNA GRACE USERY AND KALI DANIEL
ANNA GRACE USERY AND ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN
ANNA GRACE USERY AND WESLEY HOPKINS
ANNA GRACE USERY AND MELISSA BAIN
DELMAR
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ANNA GRACE USERY AND JACKSON TOWNSEND
APRIL 2016
TOSHA-PAIGE BREWER, ALLEN TOMLINSON, ANNA GRACE USERY AND DAVID SIMS
THE LISTERHILL FAMILY
AFTER SCHOOL AMBUSH ADDISON HIGH SCHOOL, MARCH 17, PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN
APRIL 2016
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SPOTLIGHT 27
28 FOOD
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FOOD 29
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Peppercorns are the oldest known herb.
Allspice is a berry, not a blend of spices.
RECIPE FOR A HEALTHY MIND
CHEF HANNAH COX
BAKING TO BEAT THE BLUES Whether you’re a high school student, a part-time college student, a full-time college student or a full-time employee, cooking is the perfect therapy for all woks of life. Chef Hannah Cox learned to love cooking from her parents, but the love grew to be more as she pursued it. “I found that I felt better after cooking for others,” she said. “Cooking is a way to express
creativity and learn new things about yourself. You can choose to follow recipes or completely do your own thing.” Cox is not the only one. Cory Moss, a senior at the University of North Alabama, said he began cooking in high school to boost confidence. “I started baking after a breakup that I experienced,” he said. “But after I started baking I found that I actually enjoyed baking cakes and
sharing them with my friends and family.” Licensed Professional Counselor Cody Higgs in Columbia, Tennessee, works primarily with teens and adolescents. Higgs said this hobby can become a release for those struggling with negativity. “Sometimes we just need something to keep us focused on positive things if we’ve had difficulty with our minds being clouded with negative thoughts,” he said. “Other times it may feel good to simply accomplish a goal. Additionally, as we often hear, some folks may cook ‘with love,’ meaning that they take their cooking seriously and genuinely care about the satisfaction of those eating it. They may also be cooking as a gift to someone else or for a special occasion.” Moss believes all of these possibilities to be true in his experience. “I believe that it comforted me because it gave me a sense of achievement and reward after I had finished a cake,” he said. “They were always delicious and it was by my hands that they were made, and I think that has significance. The sense of achievement and reward was sort of necessary during a time where I may have felt less than perfect.” While many who have depression, ADHD, anxiety or other mental disorders may think they need meditation, it’s important to note culinary therapy is not quite meditation, Higgs said. “Many people think of meditation or mindfulness as completely clearing your mind, but it is just the opposite,” he said. “By being fully present, your mind acknowledges every aspect of what you are doing — in this case, cooking. You notice the sound the sugar makes when being poured, the feeling of the egg shell being cracked in your hand, the smell of chocolate chips when you open the bag and just maybe a little taste of the cookie dough before putting the cookies in the oven to bake. You’re not ‘losing yourself’ in the process; you’re completely conscious and taking in every aspect
of the process through all of your senses. In doing this, you’re not focusing on what was or what may be — only what is in this moment.” Dayeon Jang, a human environmental sciences major at UNA with a concentration in culinary arts, acknowledges culinary therapy is not for everybody. “People who like to cook, it can calm them when they feel upset,” she said. “They can focus on cooking so they could forget about why they are upset and it makes them feel better. The process and smell could relax them. But people who don’t really enjoy cooking, it doesn’t matter what kinds of situations. It’s just extra stress.” Like everything in life, Higgs said cooking for therapy is only beneficial in moderation. “Activities that we enjoy, or that help us to feel ‘good,’ and are not harmful, can usually be considered therapeutic,” he said. “The key term here is ‘enjoy.’ If you are cooking as a job and it begins to cause you stress or you start to feel burned out, you may want to re-examine the circumstances and amount of time you are spending on cooking.” Higgs said while cooking is a great source of therapy, it’s important to manage stress, anxiety and mental illness. “Realize that you can’t cook all of the time in order to avoid things that may be bothering you,” he said. “If you have things that are causing you a great deal of stress, it is important to take time to focus on these issues as well. If you find this difficult, you may wish to utilize a trusted person from your support system or seek extra assistance from a professional, such as a counselor, psychologist, priest or other professional whom you feel comfortable seeking help from.” Higgs is available at 931-6263278 or by email at jcodyhiggs@ gmail.com.
STORY BY KALI DANIEL
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GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
NA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NA BATMAN!
APRIL 2016
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FREESTYLE 31