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Table of Contents
DECEMBER 3, 2015
Uber-mania
16 Insider
The winners are Jodi Lott and Gary Richardson
Augusta Tek
The Disturbance is Getting Stronger
Ruffin’ It
How Tyson Fury Might Save Heavyweight Boxing
Jenny is Wright Chore-ography
Kris Fisher
Winning Isn’t Everything, But Losing Sucks
Austin Rhodes
Killer Cops Get Headlines, but Drug Dealers Get the Prize
6 8 10 22 31 36
Fine Whine Apparently guy shoppers happily tossed nice shopping bags into the trash. I got ahold of three nice ones! Thanks, guys! Hey can you kind of just put the bags on the lip of the trash can or outside it on the floor so it won’t go in on top of food trash? I couldn’t get ahold of another three nice bags.
Continued on Page 12
EDIT
CREATIVE
Amy Christian | Arts Editor/Production Director
Joshua Bailey | Lead Designer
amy@themetrospirit.com
joshua@themetrospirit.com
Stacey Eidson | Staff Writer stacey@themetrospirit.com
Molly Swift | Staff Writer molly@themetrospirit.com
COVER DESIGN: KRUHU
SALES Gayle Bryan | Senior Account Executive gayle@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-4846
Joe White joe@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-3636
BUSINESS Joe White | Publisher/Editor joe@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-3636
Johnny Beckworth | circulation manager johnny@themetrospirit.com
Jim Christian | Account Executive jim@themetrospirit.com | 706-414-4059 Contributors Jenny Wright | Greg Baker | Austin Rhodes | Josh Ruffin | Kris Fisher | Michael Johnson
Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 | joe@themetrospirit.com
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The Winners Are Jodi Lott and Gary Richardson SO THE RESULTS ARE IN for the two runoff elections in Columbia County and, let’s just say it, hats off to political newcomer Jodi Lott in the District 122 race. She creamed former Columbia County Commissioner Mack Taylor in the runoff by winning 76 percent of the votes cast and has officially earned the District 122 seat. It was an extremely impressive night for Lott and an embarrassing one for Taylor. Just a few short months ago, Lott came out of nowhere. She is a registered nurse and co-owner of a rehabilitation practice, but few people knew her beyond those roles. When she announced her candidacy for state Rep. Ben Harbin’s former House seat this summer, people were shocked. But Lott proved them all wrong. As the months went on, Lott made a political name for herself. She worked the neighborhoods, knocked on hundreds of doors and attended political meetings and debates, even when she was not a scheduled speaker. She impressed a lot of voters in Columbia County, while poor Taylor and his campaign became a laughing stock. Not just because Taylor seemed to become consumed by the mudslinging and controversies stirred up by another District 122 opponent, local entertainment promoter Joe Mullins, but because voters didn’t trust him anymore. When this young attorney entered into the political arena last year to run for the District 3 seat on the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, he impressed a lot of folks. He was young, energetic, conservative and a proud Christian. Taylor was the perfect Columbia County candidate, but then he ruined it when he resigned from his District 3 commission seat to run for the House District 122 seat. He was no longer perfect. Instead, he became a fraud in a lot of people’s eyes. That’s a hard image to overcome. Taylor learned a very hard lesson this year. Unfortunately, that lesson will probably prove to be the end of his political future in Columbia County. Over in the District 3 runoff, candidate Gary Richardson had a very good birthday. “Well, my birthday is actually Dec. 1, so it’s either going to be a very good birthday present or a not-so-good one, “ Richardson told the Metro Spirit a few weeks ago. “It will be what it will be. But, with the six-and-a-half years of service on the planning commission and the last year-and-a-half as vice chair, when the District 3 seat became available I felt like I was ready to step up and fill that seat. To me, it’s very important to give back to the community that has given so much to us.”
The community obviously decided Richardson, owner of the Sparkle Express Car Wash, who has lived in Columbia County for more than 20 years, was the man for the job. He received 54 percent of the votes cast compared to an impressive 45.7 percent for political newcomer and retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Greg Grzybowski. Richardson, who has served more than six years on the Columbia County Planning Commission, was rumored to be Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross’ “pick” for the seat. That gossip began not long after Richardson selected Cross’ former campaign manager, Jean Garniewicz, to help him with his District 3 campaign. Richardson never confirmed that endorsement of Cross. “I don’t know that Ron has publicly endorsed me,” Richardson told the Metro Spirit. “But I think, with my six-and-a-half years of service, all of the commissioners — not just Chairman Cross — they know who I am and they know my thoughts. There are no surprises with Gary Richardson.” So, don’t expect a lot of shake-up on the Columbia County Board of Commissioners as Richardson takes his new seat. But that’s not always a bad thing. After the resignation of former commissioners Charles Allen and Mack Taylor from that seat, District 3 is probably looking for a little stability at this point. Columbia County voters have spoken.
Mayor Davis Gets His Christmas Wish EXACTLY TWO DAYS before Thanksgiving, Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis sent out a statement regarding his request for an additional $27,000 of funding for his office to finish off the year. It wasn’t a humble request by any means. But it wasn’t a demand. Instead, it can only be described as pure Hardie Davis. “Augustans want their mayor to have an ambitious agenda to do the hard work and make an impact on Augusta that is lasting and transformative,” Davis began. “They aren’t expecting it to happen overnight, but they are expecting me to make decisions to invest in Augusta’s future, in their future, in their children’s future.” Over the past year, he insisted that he has made “strategic investments” to help him carry out the vision of “OneAugusta” which was promised during his campaign. But right at the top of his statement, Davis tries to explain why his chief of staff, Lynthia Owens, has a significantly higher salary of $70,500 than her predecessor, Al Dallas, who was paid about $41,400 under former Mayor Deke Copenhaver. “Talent acquisition and management is part of our vision for OneAugusta and to attract the best we have to be willing to make the investment in Augusta and in them,” Davis wrote. “In that vein, I recruited the best and 6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
brightest public servant in our city to lead the mayor’s office. She is quite capable and is known throughout this state and in our nation’s capital for being a leader in constituent services and public service. Lynthia was most recently recognized as one of Georgia’s Top 40 Under 40 Professionals statewide.” Well, not to point out the obvious, but in the exact same edition of <<IT>>Georgia Trend<<IT>> magazine, guess who else was recognized as one of the state’s Top 40 Under 40? None other than Al Dallas, who is now the chief of staff at the GRU Cancer Center. Just sayin’. But Mayor Davis didn’t back down. “The mayor’s office is different. Augusta will be different,” he wrote. “I requested funding last year for additional staff — a communications director, a policy/ grants manager and an executive assistant as well as funding for other operational expenditures to have an honest conversation about the mayor’s office budget. After the request was denied, I proceeded with what we were given knowing that in the days ahead we’d have this conversation.” So, basically the mayor acknowledged that he knew he would run out of money before the end of the year. That’s
not budgeting. That’s buying time. It would be as if your teenage daughter told you that she was willing to live within her allowance, but then secretly charged an additional $27,000 to your credit card. Now, those additional expenses may be completely justified. She could be buying coats for the homeless or helping to build schools for the needy in foreign countries, but that doesn’t justify her using your credit card without asking. But Mayor Davis was sneaky again. He did the “Dad, it could have been a lot worse!” argument. Instead of spending $300,000 without telling anyone, the mayor went an additional $27,000 over budget. “So, you aren’t losing your house over these expenses. Just part of your retirement fund, Mom and Dad!” Here is what the mayor said: “It would not be about a request for an additional $200,000 to $300,000, instead a story about how we’ve been successful and accomplished much with less — like many Augustans do every day,” he wrote. “Instead of $200,000 the mayor’s office will need $27,000 to balance the budget for this fiscal year.” Thank you, Mayor Davis! How could we have been so wrong?!?!? Again, the mayor tries to justify the additional expenses. “The decision to pay people a reasonable salary for the 3DECEMBER2015
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work they are doing is not a decision that I take lightly, but that is not the reason we are having this conversation today,” he wrote. “This is a conversation about the future of Augusta.” Without this money, Augusta would be in a heap of trouble, Davis claims. “Education and training is an investment in continuous improvement. My staff and I have travelled to conferences this year and have implemented several programs that we’ve been proud to bring back to Augusta to benefit our residents,” he wrote. “The Mayor’s Summer Learning and Earning Experience and the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative are examples of some of the things we’ve done. Next year we’re planning to launch a BOOST Program for Augusta’s Small Businesses and have been working with a local bank to bring that to fruition. BOOST is another idea that came from attending a conference.” Just a few months ago, the mayor launched a “Power Lunch Program” where 90 volunteer reading mentors go into two local schools and these volunteers read with the same student each week. It is a wonderful program, but Davis is already claiming it has had a tremendous impact. “The principals and teachers in those schools tell me that their schools have improved, they have fewer behavior problems, increased interest in reading and increased selfconfidence because there’s someone taking an interest in their students’ success,” Davis said. This program just began during the first week of October.
It is a great program, but let’s not pretend that it has immediately transformed these classrooms. But Davis insisted that his first year was making miracles, despite what the media has reported. “Our first year has been a learning experience and that’s what happens in times of transitions,” Davis wrote. “The real news, the good news, the truth is that the Mayor’s Office is working to make Augusta better for our residents today and in the future of our city.” Davis promised not to back down. “It’s been almost 12 months that we’ve been on the job,” Davis wrote. “This is just the beginning. I know we can do even more to reach One Augusta. And I also know that we must continue to work together to get there. And we will, every day with your support and with your help to transform our community with our singular focus on One Augusta.” While many of the Augusta commissioners found the mayor’s letter to the public about the budget extremely hard to swallow, the majority of commissioners agreed to fund the mayor’s office the necessary $26,245 for the remainder of the year. Who should Augustans really be impressed with this week? The Augusta commissioners who had to stomach that explanation and keep smiling for the cameras. That was no easy task.
Molly Pond Lumber Helping Homeless Vets All Across the country, tiny houses for the homeless have become a growing trend. It appears the idea is starting to take off in Augusta for homeless veterans thanks to the generosity of the local company Molly Pond Lumber. This past week, WRDW News Channel 12 did an awesome story about Molly Pond Lumber already providing more than $200,000 worth of lumber to build 400-squarefoot homes for veterans. So far the local company has constructed about four homes that are custom built for each veteran, according to the WRDW story. And, incredibly, Molly Pond Lumber is providing these tiny homes to the veterans for absolutely free. “These vets have done their jobs, now they deserve homes,” Eric Cofer told WRDW reporter Lindsay Tuman. “It’s unfortunate that these gentlemen have to go to war do their jobs and then come back and have no place to reside, and so we’re going to do something about it.” Why has Cofer and the workers at Molly Pond Lumber decided to help these homeless veterans? They are veterans, themselves. Most of Molly Pond employees are Air Force veterans and they have the ability to build five of these small homes each week, according to WRDW. “At Molly Pond Lumber this is what we do, we’re going to help that’s for going to get that’s out from under bridges and off the streets,” Cofer told WRDW. Augusta needs more companies like Molly Pond Lumber in this community. According to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, about 17 percent of this country’s homeless population is made up of veterans. In 2010, the Department of Veteran Affairs estimated that on any given night there
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were 76,000 homeless veterans sleeping on American streets. Today, the department estimates that number is closer to 50,000. Why are there so many homeless veterans in this country? The Disabled Veterans National Foundation says that veterans are 50 percent more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to poverty, lack of support networks and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing. Even scarier is the fact that the organization estimates that about 1.5 million veterans are considered at-risk of homelessness. Something needs to be done to help these veterans get back on their feet. This summer, <<IT>>The Augusta Chronicle<<IT>> wrote a story about the $10.5 million public-housing project being built at Augusta’s Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center called Freedom’s Path to help reduce veteran homelessness. The project is scheduled to provide more than 75 one-bedroom apartments for homeless veterans by the fall of 2016. “Freedom’s Path is expected to significantly help Augusta combat a homelessness problem that has grown to 71 veterans,” <<IT>>The Augusta Chronicle<<IT>>’s Aug. 7 article stated. “Statistics released in May from Augusta’s biennial homeless count found 35 veterans living on the street and 36 more residing in emergency shelters and transitional housing, a total that has increased nearly 20 percent from the 60 included in each of the three categories in 2013.” Homeless veterans in Augusta deserve better. They need our help. Thank you Molly Pond Lumber for seeing a serious problem facing our area and not simply ignoring it, but actually doing something about it. Those tiny houses will make all the difference in the world to veterans in need of a home.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 7
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The Disturbance is Getting Stronger
present
At the Imperial Theatre
DECEMBER 12 & 13 Get Your Tickets Today at AugustaPlayers.org Or call : 706-826-4707
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SO FIRST, and more importantly — only 14 days left until “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” If you haven’t bought your ticket yet, what are you waiting for? Do you really want to be the only person you know that didn’t go see Star Wars? If you are worried about revealing your inner geek to everyone, forget about it. Everyone either already knows or doesn’t care! Over the holiday weekend, I was able to read a few of the Journey to Star Wars books. If you are not familiar, these books are set in the time period after “The Return of the Jedi” and before “The Force Awakens.” Each book provides a little bit of insight into environs of the new movie. What exactly happened right after the Battle of Endor? Did the Empire just crumble away? Where did that Star Destroyer come from? Where did Kylo Ren get that totally wicked lightsaber? Both Aftermath and Lost Stars were easy reads — I recommend them both. Many Amazon reviewers didn’t like Aftermath, but I didn’t see any problems. Lost Stars was a better story, but I suspect that Aftermath contains more relevant information to the movie. However, my favorite character is found in the short story The Perfect Weapon. I not sure how this character is going to fit in, but I can’t wait to see! The Star Wars folk are releasing other media that contain background stories. The newly released Star Wars Battlefront videogame has an option for an add-on pack for the Battle of Jakku. Also, a comic book series called Shattered Empire tells a post-Endor story, and plants a few seeds for the new movie. So you say that you really don’t want to spoil the movie with all this supplemental material. Not a problem. Other ways exist to get into the right mindset. The existing Star Wars films are peppered with nuggets of wisdom. Now is a great time to pull those nuggets out and weave the many famous one-liners into our daily lexicon. For example… “I’ve got a bad feeling about this” — This line almost qualifies as the universal catchphrase of the first two trilogies. It is also what came to my mind when I first realized that Jar-Jar was a principal character. The real-life applications are numerous, everything from going on a blind date to eating the unknown leftovers sitting in the back of the fridge. “Do or do not. There is no try.” — This famous line from Master Yoda was spoken to a skeptical Luke Skywalker during his training. A favorite around the Baker household, this phrase helps to encourage youngsters when attempting a challenging task, such as cleaning up their room. “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” — This classic Vader line underscores the respect demanded by the Sith Lord. Closer to home, this line is also a common retort to CMA Technology team members who question the wisdom and guidance of their supreme leader. “A Jedi craves not these things.” — Another nugget from Yoda, said to Luke Skywalker when Luke was having one of his more impetuous moments. My wife and I also say this when trying to convince each other that consuming a second serving of desert is not a wise course of action. And so the list goes on — “It’s a trap!,” “I feel the good in you,” “She may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts” — all these words of wisdom have a place in Augusta of the 21st century. Search your feelings… you know this to be true. Let them flow through you. Don’t be afraid — fear is the path to the dark side. And one last thing… May the Force be with you. @gregory_a_baker
GREGORY BAKER PH.D. is vice president of CMA Technology and, yes, is actually a rocket scientist who used his doctorate in aerospace engineering at Lockheed Martin. In addition to working at CMA, he also serves the community, sitting on several boards in the area.
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How Tyson Fury Might Save Heavyweight Boxing One Of the mOst momentous events in the last decade of sports history occurred this past weekend: Tyson Fury upset Wladimir Klitschko in Germany to become the first new lineal (read: he now holds every belt except the one that probably matters least) heavyweight boxing champion. That’s the good news. The bad news? No one seems to care. And I can understand why, to a point. American interest in heavyweight boxing — though on a slight upswing now thanks to power-punching destroyer Deontay Wilder holding a world title — crashed and burned some years ago after the decline and retirement of popular name fighters like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe and others. For the past 10 years, if an American held the title, it was someone dreadfully boring: Shannon Briggs, John Ruiz, etc. The most exciting thing the latter two have ever done, for example, were respectively making outlandish callout videos to the Klitschko brothers, and losing the title to former middleweight champion Roy Jones Jr. The problem was twofold: a litany of sanctioning bodies is bad enough, but when an American champion can’t hold onto the title belt for long enough — Jones Jr., Ruiz, Hasim Rahman, Michael Moorer and George Foreman in his late career renaissance all enjoyed notably short reigns — casual fans, the ones who matter in terms of making the sport a success, are going to stop paying attention. And with most of the mainstream sports media focused for the past 10 years on the fights of Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and, to a slightly lesser extent, Miguel Cotto and Nonito Donaire, heavyweight interest waned, and stayed that way. Meanwhile, quietly but consistently, the Klitschko brothers reigned supreme over the division, holding all of the belts between them for a number of years, primarily fighting in Europe, usually Germany, where they were superstars. The laundry list of dispatched challengers was generally nothing to write home about: Manuel Charr, Dereck Chisora, Odlanier Solis; but the brothers remained dominant, stoic, and almost frustratingly polite in doing so. Here’s where it gets good. Tyson Fury, a man destined to be either a heavyweight boxer or the lead singer in a thrash metal band, has been oppositeof-quietly-and-respectfully climbing the heavyweight ranks for the past few years. An Irish Traveller by origin, Fury stands at almost seven feet tall and — unlike novelty giant Nikolai Valuev — actually wields his size well. Though not a big puncher in the context of the heavyweight division, Fury makes up for that with striking agility and boxing acumen. He’s also kind of a dick. Besides hurling childish insults at most of his opponents, Fury has also gone on record as believing that “pedophiles and homosexuals” are going to bring about the apocalypse. He’s basically what would happen if you spliced Donald Trump’s DNA with a side of beef and taught it to kill. But he’s got talent, and heart to boot; there’s no denying that. He handed Dereck Chisora the first loss of his career and, prior to facing Klitschko, got up off the floor against Steve Cunningham to rally and win by KO. It was that win that showcased his ability to not only persevere, but adapt: he fought sloppily in the first two rounds, gunning for a knockout, but left himself open to Cunningham’s counter shots, which eventually got him knocked down. But he got up, calmed down, and gradually picked his opponent apart. It showed in-ring maturity, even if actual, adult-human maturity remains tantalizing out of reach for him. The fight between Fury and Klitschko was, in itself, nothing to write home about. Despite talks of demolishing his foe, Fury instead frustrated Wladimir with awkward footwork, taking away the Ukrainian’s trademark jab, and using his size advantage to muscle the champion in the clinch, eventually winning a 12-round decision. Wladimir has already stated that he intends to exercise his rematch clause, with that fight stipulated to again take place on German soil, the Klitschkos’ adopted home turf. And while Wlad is a much more likable and respectful 10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
champion than Fury will ever be, any boxing fan with legitimate hopes that the sport will catch on in the States again had better hope that Fury once again comes out on top. Fury isn’t an American, but that doesn’t matter, for several reasons: 1) American fans love a brash sportsman, but what they love even more is a brash sportsman who can deliver; see the obsession with Floyd Mayweather, even though he rarely took it upon himself to produce an exciting fight; 2) new blood is, in and of itself, invigorating; 3) perhaps most importantly, this very likely sets up a future match with current WBC champion Deontay Wilder, which, if the two men stay on their current trends, is essentially a license to print money: the loud-mouthed Irish giant vs. the Alabama-born destructor. Granted, we do have a ways to go. Fury first has to defeat Wlad a second time — no easy feat, as Lamon Brewster will profess — and even then, the calls for a rubber match would be too earnest and justifiable to ignore. Then there’s the matter of Anthony Joshua, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist in the super-heavyweight division, and British golden boy. Joshua turned pro after the games, and has been wreaking havoc so far. Though he has yet to fight anyone who can truly challenge him, the prospect of an all-British heavyweight title fight (Fury can trace his lineage to both Ireland and Britain) has promoters salivating. Likewise, Deontay Wilder has a couple of hoops to jump through: an optional title defense next month, and then a mandatory defense against the dangerous Alexander Povetkin, who recently lost to Wladimir Klitschko. But if the stars align, we could finally be looking at a new era of heavyweight boxing, one characterized not necessarily by an upswing or wind-change in technique, but by a series of marketable, attention-getting fighters. And really, at this point, that would truly be revolutionary. JOsh RUffIn is a long way from home, having moved from Augusta to Middleton, Wisconsin,
with his wife, Michelle. He is a self-described beer guru, so most of his Twitter posts are about what he’s drinking. While drinking, he enjoys writing poetry and watching MMA fights… or writing poetry about MMA fights.
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The Whine Line
I guess if you can drive a bright blue Ford Focus with Government tags you do have the right to race through a school zone on Atomic Road and then continue at 75mph+ on you way to who knows where. The rest of us driving sanely have at least the understanding of school zones. Augusta hardly needs a mayor. He was a lame duck within his first sixty days. Mr. Mayor, your department is over its budget and now you need to furlough its employees. Send then home without pay until you are back in compliance. That’s finance 101. Your career in politics is over anyway. The idiots in Columbia County are at it again. When Austin Rhodes exposed Joe Mullins for his past deeds they called it a community service. When someone exposed Mack Taylor for what he is they called it negative campaigning. How can you consider the truth to be negative campaigning? Don’t you want to know the truth about your candidates? Mack is a whiner, not a winner.
n make Tim a c e s r e iv n U s is M Nobotwewvaentnto have sex? Damn. That’s Te commitment. To all immigrants, and I do mean all immigrants. Look at me. I am tall, slim and muscular build by nature. Your wives & daughters absolutely love me, especially my slick long shining thick black hair. My skin is brown in the winter and tans to almost black in the summer sun. I did not come to America by foot, boat or plane. I am not a Mexican, I dont speak spanish at all. My blood line family has been living in Georgia since Eve cheated on Adam, and your God created a hell for you. I am a pure proud and true American, direct descendant of massacre survivors of the Native Shawne’/ Cheroke’ tribes of Savanah. So dont call anybody immigrant because you were born on my fathers’ lands. Its like cocaine calling snow white.
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com.
A plan to develop the Gordon highway Regency Mall area will fail! The conditions that caused the area to rot are still in place. It turned seedy with crime, violence, prostitution and drugs before with the decay of the surrounding area. The area is not considered a safe place to go. Clean up the other trash and maybe Augusta can reverse the loss of multiple restaurants , banks , grocery stores and general neighborhood vitality. Hey “Mr. Augusta leadership”, would you want your wife, daughter, mother or anyone you care about to shop in that area? Be careful, The Augusta Mall and Wrightsboro Rd, zone can go the same way. This is an example of why Columbia County is Kick’n Richmond County butt. It’s so nice that you give a mentally challenged criminal a space in your paper. Everyone deserves a chance, and all. But why do you have him write politics? I just saw channel 6 news discussing the condemning the church that use to be the headquarters of Southern Baptist. How ironic to talk about condemning the makeshift homeless shelter. In addition to that, the interview was held in front of a beautiful painting of a “rainbow skyline” of Augusta. Isn’t the rainbow supposed to be a symbol of hope? Well it seems like the homeless aren’t having much luck. I guess the “rainbow wasn’t enough”. BTW I love the painting! Dropping A-Bombs on terrorists ???? Another bad idea from the King of Bad Ideas ! My fellow Americans. When was the last time a Muslim stole your car, broke into your house, hooked your kids on drugs, robbed you at the mall, bullied your kids in school, raped your daughter, raped your son, stole your identity, stole your lawn-mower, shot people in your church, or called you a racial slur ? Ok...now lets go down that list again, this time for all others including Christians....I’m just saying. After the boston bombings, all terror attacks on the American people where comitted by white christian males who were watching Fox News religiously. The solution to that terrorist problem can not be simpler. All of you who say “Happy Holiday’s” to me, do not expect a response. The correct way is to say “Merry Christmas”! Christ is the reason, not just giving gifts and having a party! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!
Apparently guy shoppers happily tossed nice shopping bags into the trash. I got ahold of three nice ones! Thanks, guys! Hey can you kind of just put the bags on the lip of the trash can or outside it on the floor so it won’t go in on top of food trash? I couldn’t get ahold of another three nice bags. How on earth did Hardie Davis say he expected to fall short of budget and then apparently work to make it happen? I did not remember him doing that level of foolishness when he was a senator. I say cut off his pay for the rest of the year and close up his office til January 1. Then first order of business is pay up the rest of the pay to his two highly paid staff members, then put aside all monies for staff pay in a “do not touch” slot to last the rest of the year. Then he can use those two ladies to help plan his spending more wisely. I sure hope Mrs. Davis has been keeping the purse strings otherwise at home!
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LAURYN HILL – FREE CONCERT
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER NOVEMBER 25–DECEMBER 31
FAMOUSLY HOT NEW YEAR DECEMBER 31
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GEORGIA O’KEEFFE EXHIBITION
COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART NOW–JANUARY 10
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ICE SKATING ON MAIN STREET NOVEMBER 26–DECEMBER 31
LIGHTS AT THE ZOO NOVEMBER 20–DECEMBER 30
TOWN OF LEXINGTON SNOWBALL FESTIVAL
MAST GENERAL STORE COLUMBIA BLUES FESTIVAL SHOPPING ON MAIN STREET OCTOBER 24, 2015
DECEMBER 5–7
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Star Bright
Windsor hosts celebrity baubles at Weekend with the Stars By Amy Christian
When the first name in pop music weds a critically acclaimed movie director, the event is going to be upscale, to say the least. And upscale is exactly what friends, family and fans got when Madonna married Guy Ritchie on December 22, 2000. The ceremony, held a day after the couple christened their son Rocco, was held at Skibo Castle on the Scottish Highlands. Sting, Gwyneth Paltrow and Donatella Versace were among the invited guests. And then there was the couple themselves. Ritchie, naturally, was married in a kilt. His bride, given away by her father, wore a Gothic-style wedding dress with a matching tartan sash. A full veil covered her face, held in place by the pièce de résistance: a tiara. This, however, wasn’t just any tiara. Made in 1910 and sold by Asprey & Garrard of London, the Edwardian platinum and diamond piece, which could also be made into a necklace by removing the top swag pieces, contained 765 old-cut diamonds weighing 78 carats. Most of us could never imagine wearing a thing of such beauty. Just to see it would be a treat. Well, now you can — see it, not wear it — thanks to Windsor Fine Jewelers 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
and the Kazanjian Foundation. Weekend Among the Stars, held Friday-Saturday, December 4-5, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., will feature Madonna’s wedding tiara. It’s not the only piece worth ogling, however. The collection also includes an emerald bead pearl necklace circa 1950s that once belonged to the Maharajah of Baroda and 14K yellow gold cufflinks that belonged to Bob Hope. Other big names associated with the collection include Dean Martin, Clark Gable, Faye Dunaway, Jack Benny, Howard Hughes and Cary Grant. “The Kazanjian Foundation is bringing in some heavy hitting items,” said Windsor Jewelers’ Shane Thompson. “What happens is that movie stars pass away or donate jewelry and other items, and these are museum-worthy pieces that the public generally doesn’t get to see.” The Kazanjian Foundation doesn’t just operate a traveling jewelry show, however. This nonprofit organization, established in 1957 to support scientific, artistic, cultural and other worthy causes, with emphasis on programs for disadvantaged children and underprivileged youth, established Jewels for Charity so they could market and sell the donated jewelry, giving 100 percent of the proceeds to charitable causes. Seventy percent of the proceeds go to the donors’ favorite charities, and 30 3DECEMBER2015
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percent of the proceeds will go to charities in the towns that the show visits, including Augusta. So, yes, that means that some of the celebrity items are for sale. Not Madonna’s wedding tiara, of course, but some others that will be just as impressive. While you’re at Windsor imagining what it would be like to be rich enough to be able to afford 78 carats worth of diamonds, you can also see what today’s stars like to wear. Because while Windsor is hosting the Kazanjian Foundation’s celebrity show, they’ll also feature new pieces from their of their favorite jewelry lines: JB Star, Dabakarov and Dao Fournier. This is Dao Fournier’s first show at Windsor and it is significant because one of the twin sisters who started the line used to work at Windsor. All the elements combine to make Weekend Among the Stars a great way to kick off the holiday season. and with Windsor serving hors d’oeuvres, it will seem more like a party than a shopping trip. “It’s just a fun way to learn about the products,” Thompson said. “It’s educational, entertaining, you can see the new items we’ve got for Christmas and it’s just cool. This is something we’ve never done here before, and it’s a great way to kick off the Christmas season.” Weekend Among the StArS Windsor Fine Jewelers December 4-5 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free windsorfinejewelers.com
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Uber-mania More Augustans are catching a ride using a simple app that connects passengers to drivers within minutes By Stacey Eidson
EvEn bEforE the trendy ride-sharing company Uber was officially launched in Augusta more than eight months ago, Rob Noel was already sold on the service. In fact, he immediately wanted to be a part of the company. “I had heard about Uber from traveling to other cities and using the service while out and about,” Noel said. “The concept is pretty great. It’s so simple and quick.” By using a smartphone app, Uber connects passengers within minutes to one of the company’s private drivers, who are classified as “independent contractors,” by using the phone’s GPS system. Payment is automatic through the app and charged to the passenger’s credit card that is on file with the account, so users know exactly how much the fare will be before they even step into the car. “I was one of the first drivers to go online in the Augusta market. Probably the very first, actually,” Noel said, adding that his experience with the company and his customers has exceeded his expectations. “My customers have been very well behaved and pleasant. The age group for riders is very diverse. I would say the college crowd is probably the highest, but other demographics aren’t too far behind.” Noel says it’s very common for him to get a call from a couple enjoying a few glasses of wine with dinner downtown who simply want a safe, worry-free ride home. However, Uber is used for all different kinds of transportation needs throughout the Augusta area, Noel said. “Uber is not a designated driver service, though,” Noel said. “People have been utilizing Uber for transportation to and from work, the airport, even to pick up or drop off rental cars. It’s great for anytime anyone needs a ride.” Uber, which was founded in San Francisco back in 2009 by University of California dropout Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, has been nicknamed the “hot ride-hailing service” by Forbes Magazine for raising almost $7 billion, including debt financing, from investors over the past few years.
“If you are at a restaurant or a bar, there is no sense in going out and waiting outside for 15 minutes or more. With Uber, you know exactly where the person is and when your ride will arrive.” — Sam Jones 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The private company is reportedly valued at more than $50 billion, which ties Facebook’s record for a private, venture-backed startup company, according to inc.com. Those investments have clearly paid off. Uber currently provides transportation in more than 300 cities in 64 countries around the world. Not bad for a company that just celebrated its fifth anniversary. In fact, the New York Post reported earlier this year that there are currently more Uber cars driving throughout New York City than there are yellow taxis. A lot of local customers have simply fallen in love with the ease of Uber’s service. Sam Jones, who works for a local car dealership, said Uber has changed the way he travels. “Our general manager at the dealership was the one who turned me on to Uber,” Jones said. “I guess it was about a year ago when we were traveling in Ohio and I got to see how it worked. I was really impressed with it and I’ve used it ever since. All of the drivers I’ve ever used have been really cool. It is like having a friend come pick you up.” When Jones travels for business or pleasure these days, he doesn’t even bother to rent a car at the airport. “I went to Texas and rented a car and it just sat there,” he said. “And I was like, ‘Man, I just kind of wasted the company’s money on a rent-a-car. We could have just used Uber.’” Ever since Uber began in Augusta, Jones says he’s always telling friends about the service. “It is definitely growing in Augusta. No doubt about it,” Jones said. “Even though a lot of people still don’t know about it, every person that I’ve shown or told them about it, they get hooked on it immediately. They just like the convenience of it.” People especially feel comfortable knowing the exact price of the fare, he said. “There is no money that exchanges hands,” Jones said. “I like knowing that I’m not getting ripped off because Uber is based on the distance. It is not on a taximeter. And if you are out waiting on a taxi, you have no idea what time the taxi is going to arrive. With Uber, you can sit there and actually look at your phone and see where the driver is in comparison to where you are at. So you know if the driver is close to you.” Being able to see the moving dot on the phone’s app allows users of Uber to relax and enjoy their night out, Jones said. “It’s great because if you are at a restaurant or a bar, there is no sense in going out and waiting outside for 15 minutes or more,” Jones said. “With Uber, you know exactly where the person is and when your ride will arrive.” Matt Flynn, co-owner of Stillwater Taproom on Broad Street, says he regularly 3DECEMBER2015
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“It’s definitely growing here in Augusta. I think people are hyper-aware of the roadblocks and checkpoints these days, so it only makes sense to use it.” — Matt Flynn
sees patrons utilizing Uber for a safe ride home. “It’s definitely growing here in Augusta,” Flynn said. “I think people are hyper-aware of the roadblocks and checkpoints these days, so it only makes sense to use it.” In fact, Flynn says he is actually a huge fan of Uber and uses its service both locally and when he is traveling. “I love it,” Flynn said. “I’ve used it a number of times, from the bar to home, and I definitely use it when I’m out of town and know I’m going to be drinking. I probably use it maybe once a month in town and, like, for instance, I’ll be in Charleston this weekend and I plan on using it.” He enjoys it because the Uber drivers he’s used have been extremely friendly, courteous and willing to converse, Flynn said. “I’ve had nothing but pleasant experiences,” Flynn said. “With taxi drivers, I’ve had a few borderline bad experiences, mostly with surly drivers. But with Uber, they’re friendly and it’s definitely cheaper, for sure. And you don’t have to tip. The driver makes 80 percent of the fare, but I usually slide
them $3 to $5 extra.” Flynn remembers first hearing about Uber while watching an Atlanta Braves game at Turner Field with his wife and some friends. “Our Atlanta friends said they had Uber there,” Flynn said. “And I was like, ‘Huh?’” But, as soon as he used it, he was sold on the service. “It’s a great idea,” Flynn said. “I wish I had thought of it.” When Coco Rubio, co-owner of both The Soul Bar and Sky City in downtown Augusta, first heard about Uber a while back, he admits he questioned whether the service could really survive. “You know, I was skeptical at first about Uber, but it seems very popular now,” Rubio said. “In fact, it’s better than taxis is what I hear from a lot of folks.” Rubio said he’ll frequently see people leaving the bar to catch their ride with Uber. “I know people will be outside and then a car pulls up and they’ll say, ‘That’s my Uber!’” Rubio said, chuckling.
“If I have to buy a business license to operate to pick up people for money, I would think that they would have to go through the same requirements that we have to do.” — David Fields 3DECEMBER2015
“I like knowing that I’m not getting ripped off because Uber is based on the distance. It is not on a taximeter.” — Sam Jones
When it’s a choice between either calling a cab or using an instant app to access Uber, Veronica Mulkey believes it’s a no-brainer. “The Uber drivers offer extras like water, gum and snacks,” Mulkey said. “They ask what type of music you like. You don’t have to exchange cash, barter or tip. The financials are handled via the app on you phone. It is very easy and less expensive than a cab.” Mulkey was so impressed with Uber that she purchased a ride for her daughter and a friend on Halloween night this year. And Mulkey is quick to point out that she is not one to easily trust any kind of car service. “I am cautious and would never use a service like this alone,” she said. “Although the trail of information you leave behind with Uber would be more useful if something did happen to you than if you picked the phone up and called a cab. With Uber, you get a picture of the driver and their car sent to you before they show up.” After someone requests a car through Uber, the app alerts the customer when a car has been confirmed, and shows the driver’s name and license plate number. In addition, the app displays
the driver’s route and estimated time of arrival. Mulkey said she also feels very safe in a car with an Uber driver behind the wheel. “As far as the driving ability of the Uber drivers versus cab drivers, have you ever been in a cab in a big city?” Mulkey said, laughing. “That’s like riding a ride in an amusement park, so that’s not really an issue for me.” Overall, it simply doesn’t make sense to pay more for a taxi that typically provides a less comfortable ride, Mulkey said. “Taxis are more expensive than Ubers and it’s more fun to ride in Ubers,” she said. “The drivers are working hard so you will call them back. I think the taxi drivers will have to step up their game now since they have more competition.” But David Fields, owner of Yellow Cab of Augusta, said Uber has an unfair advantage over other local cab companies because they don’t have to meet the same county codes and regulation. “I think it is real unfair. They should be required to be regulated like the cabs,” Fields said. “I have questioned the city’s license and inspection AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“The Uber drivers offer extras like water, gum and snacks. They ask what type of music you like. You don’t have to exchange cash, barter or tip. The financials are handled via the app on you phone. It is very easy.”
— Veronica Mulkey
department and the sheriff’s department about Uber and they seem to think that they have no jurisdiction over them, which is wrong. I mean, if I have to buy a business license to operate to pick up people for money, I would think that they would have to go through the same requirements that we have to do.” But that apparently is not the case with Uber, Fields said. “Our drivers have to go through a state and federal background check and buy a business license and everything, and Uber drivers don’t have to buy anything,” Fields said. “There is some legislation that is going to go into effect next year, I think in June, that is going to require them to have a special driver’s license so the state can regulate them somewhat. But they included the cab companies in on that too, so it is going to cost us more money also. So all of our drivers are having to go through another hundred dollars worth of stuff just to be a cab driver when we were already have a license to operate in Richmond County and the other local counties.” It’s beyond frustrating because no one seems to be listening to the concerns of local cab companies, Fields said. “Companies like Uber just come in and undercut us, while we are required to charge a certain fee,” Fields said. “Our fees are set by the county commission, but Uber can charge whatever they want to charge. When business is slow, they can cut the price and charge whatever they feel like. If things are really busy, they can charge as much as they want, and nobody can say anything to them.” And Uber isn’t the only game in town. There is another similar ride-sharing company called Lyft that is trying to move into the area, Fields said. “They don’t have to have their cars lettered and they don’t have to have commercial insurance. It is just not right,” Fields said. “We pay the airport tens of thousands of dollars every year just for the right for my cabs to be at the airport and be able to pick up passengers for hire. We have to pull over to the side in the cabstand to pick people up. Well, Uber can pull up to the front door and they don’t have to pay anything.”
In order to compete with companies like Uber, Fields has decided Yellow Cab must provide more modern technology to its customers, he said. “We are to the point, since we don’t get any cooperation from the municipalities when it comes to trying to regulate them, we are just going to try to be like them,” Fields said of Uber. “I tell my drivers that we have to be better than Uber. We have apps coming out in the first of the year and all of this automation to make it better for the customer. All we care about is customer service. We want to give the customer the best ride and as quick as we can.” “Are we perfect?” Fields asked. “No. We are not perfect, but we try to provide a great service to the community and we have for many years.” But Fields will be the first one to admit that competing against a billion-dollar company is not easy. “They came in two weeks before Masters and brought in 15 to 20 people to hand out cards saying, ‘Here is a free $20 certificate to sign up with us. Sign up and the first $20 is on us,’” Fields said, shaking his head. “So, when you’re a billion dollar company, you can do things like that. We are not a billion dollar company. I can’t afford to give everybody in Augusta a $20 free ride. I don’t know how you compete against that.” Cab companies all across the country are trying to figure out how to compete against companies such as Uber, he said. “We have a big lobbying group up in Washington D.C. and when we need to get things done on a legislative level, there are two or three lobbyists that we have working on those issues,” Fields said. “I attended a recent convention and the lobbyists told us, ‘Well, let me explain Uber to you. They don’t come in with one or two or three lobbyists. They come in with 30 and they are the best in the country. Anything they want done, they spend the money to do it.’” But, in recent months, Uber has been criticized by some of its more than 160,000 drivers across the country.
“Companies like Uber just come in and undercut us, while we are required to charge a certain fee. Our fees are set by the county commission, but Uber can charge whatever they want to charge.” — David Fields 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“I was one of the first drivers to go online in the Augusta market. Probably the very first, actually.”—Rob Noel In October, a group calling itself, UBER Freedom, planned a strike in larger cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and Houston demanding higher fares for drivers. Fields believes more trouble is on the horizon for Uber. “They have found that the drivers are not independent contractors,” Fields said. “The drivers are employees and now the federal government is going to require them to provide insurance for them.” However, one of the keys to Uber’s success is they are constantly adjusting their business model, which keeps them ahead of some of the government regulations, Fields said. “I can’t keep up with them,” Fields said, adding that now the state’s attempt to regulate businesses like Uber is impacting his cab company. “They are wanting us to buy a state license instead of just the county license. So I’m asking the county, ‘Well, if I have to buy the state license, why do I need your license? If you are not making Uber buy one of these licenses, why should I?’” The county insists its ordinances require only the regulations of cab companies, he said. “They tell me, ‘Well, we have ordinances regulating cabs, but we don’t have ordinances regulating a rideshare,’” Fields said. “Well, a rideshare is a cab. They are charging people. It is public transportation.” At this point, Fields believes he is just wasting his breath trying to convince county officials. “I asked them, ‘If I take the “cab” off my name and just call it “Yellow” does that mean I’m a rideshare now and I don’t need to buy the license?’” Fields said, laughing. “You can imagine how that went over. I was told, ‘I wouldn’t try that if I were you.’” At the end of the day, Fields said he feels like he is just beating his head up against a brick wall. “I don’t mean sound negative about anybody. Honestly, I don’t. And I’m not afraid of competition,” Fields said. “But I simply want to be able to compete fairly. It needs to be a level playing field. That’s all I ask.” While the competition is fierce, for many rider in Augusta, it is all about the service and the price. For Eric Kinlaw, co-owner of The Bee’s Knees and the Hive Growler Bar on 10th Street in downtown Augusta, Uber is simply too reliable and convenient to consider calling a taxi. “I’ve used the service a few times myself and I think it is great. I’ve used it both in town and out of town,” Kinlaw said, adding that he used Uber in Atlanta, Columbia, S.C., and Asheville, N.C., as well as in Augusta. “In fact, my wife has used it a few times in Augusta. If she wants to go out with a couple friends and have a drink and not worry about things, she’ll use Uber. It makes everything really convenient.” The difference between Uber’s service and some of the local cab companies is night and day, Kinlaw said. “Uber actually shows up. They actually arrive,” Kinlaw said, laughing. “I mean, I remember back in the day trying to call a cab for someone when I was working at The Soul Bar and it was impossible. They would never come. To me, I think Uber meets a great need and it was inevitable for something like this to come to town.” As for Rob Noel, the local Uber driver who has been involved with the company since the service began in Augusta, he believes there is a “cool factor” involved with using Uber. “The drivers are usually there within five minutes,” Noel said. “That is absolutely everyone’s favorite part. For me personally, arriving to a destination 3DECEMBER2015
inconspicuously, as opposed to a bright yellow taxi, is huge.” Noel says when Uber drivers arrive, it’s almost as if a responsible friend has come to pick the passenger up. And it’s not like Uber is taking just anyone off the street and allowing them get behind the wheel, he said. “To drive for Uber, your vehicle has to meet certain requirements and you must go through a few different background checks at multiple levels: federal, state, local, sex offenders, DMV, etc.,” Noel said. “In fact, there has been a growing interest in people becoming Uber drivers. Fares are starting to become harder to come by because, as much as the user base has grown, the supply of drivers has grown at an even faster rate. The time people have to wait to be picked up is shrinking at an unbelievable rate due to the supply of drivers.” While the official word from Uber is “there’s no need to tip” the driver, Noel admits a tip is always greatly appreciated. “The only problem I have with the company is that they absolutely refuse to add a tipping option to the app,” Noel said. “Everyone wants to tip, but no one ever has cash. Some people even think they are not allowed to tip their drivers. I’d like to be the person who breaks that myth right here and now. Tipping is obviously not required but 100 percent appreciated and is a huge piece to keeping drivers on the road.” Tips help Uber drivers with fuel and maintenance costs to their vehicle. Those are expenses that Uber does not cover, Noel said. “Most weeks, because of the massive amount of time I spend driving for Uber, which is between 80 to 100 hours a week, I average around $4 or $5 dollars an hour,” Noel said. “So tips keep my gas tank filled. Don’t get me wrong, there is no requirement, but it is greatly appreciated.” However, for Noel, he says it’s all about providing a valuable service to the community that is not only fun, but safe and reliable. “One ride that is probably my most memorable was I was driving a bride-tobe along with some friends home from her bachelorette party. We were singing songs at the top of our lungs and we just had a great time,” Noel said, laughing. “Uber is absolutely growing in Augusta. Just about every day I give someone a ride that has never used Uber before and they are immediately hooked. They love it.”
“I don’t mean sound negative about anybody. Honestly, I don’t. And I’m not afraid of competition. But I simply want to be able to compete fairly. It needs to be a level playing field.” — David Fields AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Chore-ography WHAT’S YOUR least favorite household chore? I don’t think many people actually enjoy mopping, scrubbing toilets or doing laundry, but most of you probably have something you hate over others. As an aside, I do have a couple of friends who might enjoy cleaning. It may be that they appreciate the end result; a clean house is worth the time spent taking care of it. People who don’t enjoy it outsource it, hiring a cleaning person or crew, hoping the hired help gets the job done. If you can’t hire anyone, you can live in filth or get to work. No matter how much I dislike housework, my family deserves crumb-free floors and non-moldy toilet bowls. I can handle the basics. Like, the things that will start to smell if ignored always get done. If I don’t do them, my husband does. We’ve split the duties over the years. He takes out the trash. He deep cleans the bathrooms. He mows the grass. I cook, pick up after the kids, do laundry and who knows what else. It’s evenly divided-ish. Good enough for us. The one thing I hate doing more than anything in the world? Scraping plates after dinner. It’s so nasty. Along those same lines, I won’t dig soggy food out of a drain. If you like doing that, you probably bathe in mayonnaise or something else gross. When I think about it, scraping the leftover food into the sink or trash bag shouldn’t be that big of a deal. Most of the time, it slides right off the plate, and what doesn’t is easily removed with a utensil. If it’s that simple to you, you didn’t grow up with a dad like mine. We’ve always tried to gross each other out. It takes a lot, really. Consequences of plate scraping top the list. My brothers and I had to clear the table and load the dishwasher, which I don’t think is all that uncommon. As we’d scrape the food, and most often with spaghetti, Dad would tell us we could have the leftovers for breakfast in the morning. Cold. Straight out of the trash bag. With milk. He was kidding, of course. The memory of spaghetti in the not nearly opaque enough white trash bag lives in my very vivid memory, unfortunately. I will do the dishes in a pinch. I defer as often as possible. A friend of mine thinks getting the food out of his toddler’s dinner chair is as nasty as it gets. He’s kinda right. Soggy goldfish and half eaten bits of chicken don’t exactly jar the appetite. In a moment of epic horror, his sweet daughter once fed him “chair watermelon.” He ate it, because she insisted, but he was practically in tears when he told the story. I don’t think we should all live together or anything, but what if we could pool our resources? Like cleaning toilets? You get to clean all the toilets on the street this week, but you’re excused from all other chores. Your neighbor will take care of your chair watermelon, and her husband loves scraping plates. Mine doesn’t care for stringing lights on the Christmas tree, and I am not a fan of removing them. I wrap the branches too tightly, they practically have to be cut off the tree. Can we add seasonal decorating to our chore co-op? Our Chore-ography? Too much. Too clever. Horrible name or not, I’m think I’m on to something. There’s something for everyone. Let me know if you’re in. Oh, and evening chores include a complimentary glass of bubbly, poured by me. That’s a job I’ll never mind. Cheers! JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
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A Ball of a Fundraiser for the Augusta Players Holiday traditions of tHe Csra? Among the many parades and tree lightings sits “A Christmas Carol, the Musical,” performed annually by the Augusta Players. Performing two shows over the course of a single weekend, the Augusta Players lead members of the audience through the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge — a miser who endures life in Victorian England, but does not love it or live it. As a creative addition to the usual format, the Augusta Players have created a complementary evening of celebration in support of the musical. Mr. Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball takes place this Saturday, December 5, at the Augusta Museum of History. The ball promises to take us back to the Regency period when Scrooge — as a young man — worked for the jolly Mr. Fezziwig, and attended his Christmas ball. “As far as we know, this is the first and only ball of its kind in the Augusta area,” said Debi Ballas, creative and executive director of the Augusta Players. “The idea for this novel event was envisioned by one of the board members for the Augusta Players, Dr. Karla Leeper. She is the current chair of the fund development committee and was considering options for a signature fundraiser for the Players. The inspiration for this event came to her while watching last season’s production of ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical.’ In the middle of the Fezziwig scene she had an epiphany, turned to her husband and said, ‘Mr. Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball!’ She presented the idea to the board and of course, we all thought it was brilliant!” Multiple elements combine to create an entire interactive evening of live entertainment. Ballas explained that the event will be hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig and an array of characters, as well as Scrooge in his nightclothes and his date, the Ghost of Christmas Past. During the ball, old Scrooge reflects on the joyful young Ebenezer and his fiancée, Emily. “It is our goal to create a time warp back to the 19th century Regency period allowing guests to experience a full evening of entertainment immersed in the era of the Dickens classic novel,” Ballas said. “The evening will provide live music with period dancing and instruction for those needing help. We will also have refreshments to include savory and sweet treats, libations and last but not least some exciting items for a silent auction.” Taking part in the ball itself is a Scrooge-lovers dream, especially since it recreates some of the happiest moments of Scrooge’s life. “Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, along with the cast members of the Augusta Players upcoming
by Molly Swift
production of ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ will recreate the Fezziwig scene from ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical.’ It will include two musical numbers, ‘Mr. Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball’ and ‘A Place Called Home,’” Ballas said. “In keeping with the true spirit of the evening, the Fezziwigs, Scrooge, the Ghost of Christmas Past, Young Scrooge, and all the cast members will remain in character while mingling with guests for the duration of the event.” Mr. Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball takes place in the rotunda of the Augusta Museum of History, which is in itself an inimitable space. Often used for events such as weddings, the rotunda is well-suited to A Christmas Carol in terms of architecture and décor. “We chose the rotunda of the Augusta Museum of History because we felt the grand elegance of the venue would add to the ambience of our Fezziwig Ball,” said Ballas. “We were further pleased to learn as an added bonus; this Christmas season, the holiday décor of the rotunda will resemble a Dickens village. We are thrilled to premiere Mr. Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball there and believe it is a perfect fit for this unique and exciting event. It will be a fun-filled evening of holiday merriment. Period attire will be admired but not required; hence, there is no excuse not to attend.” Mr. fezziwig’s annual CHristMas Ball Augusta Museum of History Rotunda Saturday, December 5 7-10 p.m. $45 augustaplayers.org/mr-fezziwigs-annual-christmas-ball/
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2pm - 4pm Holiday Open House
Swift and Marie Helene Verglas
Morris Museum of Art An event that includes holiday crafts, stories, tours, music and more. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Sacred Heart Cultural Center Margaret Brown will be at the opening signing copies of her new book, “Augusta National & The Masters: A Florist’s Walk Down Magnolia Lane.” The art exhibition shows through December 30. Call 706-8264700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.
DANCE Fri Dec 4, 2015
7pm “The Nutcracker” Imperial Theatre A Columbia County Ballet production. $15-$29. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
Aiken County Historical Museum Proceeds benefit the Aiken Civic Ballet. Call 803-642-2015.
EDUCATION
5pm - 9pm TEDxAugusta Art Exhibit: Autonomy Opening Reception
1pm - 3pm Nutcracker Tea
Thu Dec 3, 2015
10am - noon Clipping and Clicking for Savings
theClubhou.se This exhibit, in honor of TEDxAugusta 2016 on Friday, January 29, kicks off with a reception honoring participating artists Alyssa Beck, F. Simon Grant, Jay Jacobs, Jacki Mayo, Christina Rice and others. Reception attendees will receive a discount code for TEDxAugusta 2016. Visit tedxaugusta.com.
Maxwell Branch Library Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
HEALTH
11am Digital Library: Getting Started Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Sat Dec 5, 2015
Mon Dec 7, 2015
3:30pm Intermediate Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
4:30pm Town Hall Meeting Lansing B. Lee Auditoria Center, 15th Street A meeting with Augusta University President Dr. Brooks Keel. Visit jagwire.gru.edu.
Tue Dec 8, 2015
2pm - 4pm Resume Workshop
ARTS Fri Dec 4, 2015 Noon Art at Lunch
Morris Museum of Art Artist Dale Kennington discusses her work currently on display, and will sign copies of the exhibition catalog. $10, members;
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
Toys for Tots Donations
$15,non-members. Catered lunch included. Pre-registration required. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Southern Wesleyan University The school will waive applications fees for any upcoming onsite or online program to those who bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a needy family by December 11. Call 803-426-7981.
Sun Dec 6, 2015
EXHIBITIONS
Morris Museum of Art Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
5pm - 7pm Opening Reception: Tom
Noon Currie Jewelry Trunk Show
5pm - 8pm SEEDS Exhibition Reception Westobou Gallery An exhibition of works in a variety of mediums from local and regional artists that are $300 or less. The exhibition will show until January 29 and the reception is free and open to the public. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
Sat Dec 5, 2015
It’s one of our favorite Christmas events each year because you’re not required to buy anything except supplies to benefit animals and everyone is in such a good mood. It’s Christmas for the Birds, and it’s at North Augusta’s Living History Park Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Participants are asked to bring apples, oranges and peanut butter, which they will use to make edible decorations for the birds in the park, and pet food that will be donated to local adoption centers. Cider and cookies will be served and story times for kids will be held at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
Fri Dec 4, 2015
Thu Dec 3, 2015
Thu Dec 3, 2015
10am - 2pm HIV Testing Maxwell Branch Library Free. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
10am - 11:15am Relax & Renew Yoga Whole Foods Free. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
5:30pm - 8pm Cribs for Kids Safe Kids Office This class will teach caregivers how to provide a safe sleep environment by showing what dangers to watch out for. Families who demonstrate a financial need will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and a pacifier for a fee of $10 per registered child. Call 706-721-7606 or visit grhealth.org/safekids.
6:30pm - 9pm Your Amazing Baby Georgia Regents Medical Center Pre-registration is required for this baby care class. Call 706-721-9351 or visit grhealth.org.
7pm Center for Women Tour Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Fri Dec 4, 2015
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Child Safety Seat Inspections
10am Wonderful Wreaths
Safe Kids Office Appointment required. Call 706-721-7606 or visit grhealth.org.
Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series for children and parents, participants will look at the Winter Dreams exhibit and create a wreath from found objects. Free, members; $4 per participants, non-members. Preregistration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education Class University Hospital Class continues Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sat Dec 5, 2015
8:30am - 3:30pm Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth Preparation Trinity Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.
9am - 4:30pm Short and Sweet Doctors Hospital A weekend childbirth education class that continues Sunday, December 6, from 1-5 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-6512229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Tue Dec 8, 2015
6:30pm Weight Loss Surgery Seminar Columbia County Library Visit grhealth.org/weightloss.
7:30pm Childbirth Tours Georgia Regents Medical Center Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706721-9351 or visit grhealth.org.
Wed Dec 9, 2015
Child Safety Seat Inspections Columbia County Sheriff’s Substation Appointment required. Call 706-541-3970 or visit grhealth.org.
HOBBIES Fri Dec 4, 2015
10am Genealogy 101 Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Wed Dec 9, 2015
Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters The Cotton Patch Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.
KIDS-TEENS Thu Dec 3, 2015
10am - 4pm Make and Take Special Event Columbia County Library Kids can come make an ornament for the library’s tree and their own. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org. 3DECEMBER2015
11am Stories with the Columbia County Ballet Columbia County Library Participants will meet their favorite characters from The Nutcracker, including Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
5pm Intermediate Rainbow Loom Class Learning Express Toys Participants are asked to bring their own bands and looms, if possible. Call 706-3641795 or visit learningexpress.com/store/evans/.
5:30pm Frozen Story Time Barnes & Noble Anna and Elsa will be on hand to read stories and sing songs, and milk and cookies will be served. Pre-registration required. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Fri Dec 4, 2015
10am - 4pm Make and Take Special Event Columbia County Library Kids can come make an ornament for the library’s tree and their own. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.
10am Play & Grow Activity Aiken Public Library For those ages 0-5. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
5pm NCL Anime Club North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library For those in grades 6-12. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
7pm The Polar Express Story Time Barnes & Noble A story time that features a pajama party. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Sat Dec 5, 2015
10am - noon Gingerbread House Workshop Hire Grounds Cafe A free workshop for kids of all ages and their parents. Pre-registration required. Call 706-650-5760 or email nbrowning@ goodwillworks.org.
10 am Learn to Fold 3-D Stars with Paper Strips Harlem Arts Council
A two-session class for those ages 9 and older that continues December 12 at 10 a.m. $7. Email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
11am How the Grinch Stole Christmas Story Time
Headquarters Branch Library A weekly class for those ages 0-2 in which participants will learn to chant, sing, play instruments and move to the music. Preregistration required for groups of five or more. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
4pm Makerspace
Sun Dec 6, 2015
2pm Expert Rainbow Loom Class Learning Express Toys Participants are asked to bring their own bands and looms, if possible. Call 706-3641795 or visit learningexpress.com/store/evans/.
2pm and 3:15pm Kids Christmas Concert
Columbia County Library Teens will have the opportunity to work on their own projects under staff guidance while using library equipment including CAD software, development software, a 3D scanner, a 3D printer, soldering equipment, and general electronics tools. Call 706-8681946 or visit gchrl.org.
Augusta Canal Discovery Center Tara Scheyer will entertain at these concerts, and each event will also include children’s activities in the Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill. $10, children 2-12; free, adults and children under 2. Call 706-8230440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
5:30pm YA Christmas Party
6pm Special Needs Night
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Stories and hands-on fun. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-396-1424 or email info@phinizycenter.org.
Monkey Joe’s An event held after store hours to give children with special needs a calm environment in which to play. Call 706-9225867 or visit monkeyjoes.com.
Mon Dec 7, 2015
Euchee Creek Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-5560594 or visit gchrl.org.
Tue Dec 8, 2015
10am - 11:30am Puddle Ducks: Kids & Caregivers Club
10:30am Baby Explorers Columbia County Library Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
10:15am Music & Me
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CCCS Christmas Concert Features a New Face
by Amy Christian
BRANDON BALL didn’t develop a love of singing until high school. Even then, if it weren’t for the teachers who also served as his mentors, he might not be where he is today. “I graduated from Butler High School here in Augusta and I studied there with Ladell Fortune. I didn’t really gain the love for singing, I guess, until I went to an All-State audition and made it,” he said. “I was educated on the esteem of that kind of honor, of getting into the AllState Chorus.” Ball went on to make it into the All-State Chorus three years in a row, no easy feat since it requires passing multiple auditions. He continued his music career at what was then known as Augusta State University, studying under Dr. Linda Bannister. “I began to understand and learn about the classical art form of music and different genres there are as far as music as art,” he explained. “So I learned different languages, of course, and actually grew fond of German lieder. It’s my favorite form to sing.” Though he came to music and singing relatively late, Ball was a natural and went on to work with the Augusta Opera and the GRU Opera Ensemble, now the American Musical Theatre and Opera Institute. “They had put on several shows and I was able to perform with them on a few of their productions,” he said. “It is crazy because I have known other people to study the form for a while and still not quite sing it well. And I don’t claim to be the best singer at all. It’s just a gift that I had to cultivate and I think I had great teachers to guide me in that aspect.” Ball may hold a day job in the academic admissions office at Augusta University, but he continues to use his gift and learn from those in the field of music, this time with the Columbia County Choral Society. He was invited to sing with the group during last spring’s production of Gilbert & Sullivan classics. He had a lead in one of the songs and the group liked him so much that they invited him to apply for the Jacques M. Kearns Memorial Fund. Named for the founding artistic director of the Columbia County Choral Society, the fund was created to give young people the opportunity to actively participate in singing and to advance their knowledge, value, role and appreciate of choral music. No surprise: Ball received the honor and, this season, is called the CCCS’s artist in residence. “I’m the first artist in residence to be called that by the Columbia County Choral Society and it is an honor to be named that by the society,” he said. As such, Ball attends all of the rehearsals and acts as the tenor section leader. He also performs with the group at their concerts, including the Christmas Through the Ages concert coming up this Friday, December 4, at the First Baptist Church in Evans. The program will include some traditional Christmas carols, as well as the more contemporary Requiem by John Rutter. Ball may not have any leads in this program (the only solo in Requiem is for a soprano), but he is just as excited about the impending concert as he would be if he were the sole performer. “I think that people should come to the Christmas concert to experience music done by a group of passionate individuals who are experienced musicians as well,” he said. “I think the Columbia County Choral Society gives people a chance, and I think people should come experience music done well.” To make donations to the Jacques M. Kearns Memorial Fund, visit gofundme.com/ jacquesmkearns.
4pm Story Time with Mrs. Claus Weeks Center, Rooms 6-7 Mrs. Claus will read books, give away a free book to all families who attend and share milk and cookies. For those ages 8 and under accompanied by an adult. Call 803-642-7631.
5pm Beginner Rainbow Loom Class Learning Express Toys Participants are asked to bring their own bands and looms, if possible. Call 706-3641795 or visit learningexpress.com/store/evans/.
Wed Dec 9, 2015
10am - 11:30am A Visit from Santa Claus Maxwell Branch Library Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
11am Story Time Learning Express Toys Call 706-364-1795 or visit learningexpress. com/store/evans/.
4pm Holly and the Secret Santa Aiken Public Library A live performance by Porkchop Productions. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
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Sun Dec 6, 2015
2pm Mike Frost Jazz Morris Museum of Art Part of the Music at the Morris series. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
4pm New Horizons Band Concert USCA’s Etherredge Center Free. Visit newhorizonsmusic.org.
4pm Tim Zimmerman & the King’s Brass Jabez S. Hardin PAC Part of Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s columbia County Music Series. $15.74. Call 706-826-4705 or visit soaugusta.org.
Tue Dec 8, 2015
12pm Tuesday’s Music Live Saint Paul’s Church Features a free holiday concert at noon by the University of Georgia Accidentals. Lunch afterwards is already sold out. Call 706-7223463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.
7:30pm A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Richmond County magnet schools and programs applications are now available for the 2016-2017 school year. They can be picked up at any school or from the school system’s website. Deadline for applications is December 18. Call 706-826-1000 or visit rcboe.org.
Sacred Heart Cultural Center A Guild of Sacred Heart Cultural Center event that is based on the traditional service at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge University in England. This program, under the direction of Keith Shafer, features the choir of the First Presbyterian Church, the Cecilia Ensemble, the Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School Chorale and organist Mark Dickens. $20. Call 706-826-4700.
LITERARY
SPECIAL EVENTS
Ongoing
Magnet School Applications
Sat Dec 5, 2015
10am - 3pm Book Sale Headquarters Branch Library A friends of the Augusta Library event that includes a variety of books. From 2-3 p.m., books will be $5 a bag. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
MUSIC Fri Dec 4, 2015
7:30pm Christmas Through the Ages First Baptist Church of Evans A Columbia County Choral Society event featuring the music of John Rutter. $15. Visit columbiacountychoralsociety.org.
7:30pm Dallas Brass CHRISTMAS THROUgH THE AgES First Baptist Church of Evans Friday, December 4 7:30 p.m. $12-$15 columbiacountychoralsociety.org
Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel Featuring Rosalyn Ford on piano, the Georgia Spiritual Ensemble and guests. Free; donations accepted. Visit paine.edu.
USCA’s Etherredge Center $40, general admission; $15, students at box office with ID. Call 803-641-3305 or visit usca.edu/ec.
8pm Christmas at Paine
Thu Dec 3, 2015
4pm - 6pm Christmas Tree Lighting and Old-Fashioned Festival Fort Gordon’s Barton Field An event that includes the Chris Kringle Mart, hayrides, refreshments, live music, a bonfire, a visit from Santa and a tree lighting. Visitfortgordon.com.
5pm - 8pm First Thursday Kings Way at Central Avenue This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. Victoria S. Hardy will sign copies of her latest book, “The Thing Inside Lucy Doyle,” the artist of the month is Deedee Seals, the featured organization is the Empty Stocking Fund, and Chris Hardy will perform. Call 706-733-1788.
6pm - 9pm Christmas Tree Lighting Maxwell Theatre An Augusta University event that will also include crafts for kids, trolley rides around campus, food trucks and a holiday movie 3DECEMBER2015
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shown on the lawn. Visit gru.edu.
Fri Dec 4, 2015
9am - 5pm Christmas Craft Show HO Weeks Center, Aiken An event featuring crafts from more than 100 artisans from across the Southeast. Call 803-642-7631.
5pm - 9pm First Friday Downtown Augusta A family friendly arts event that includes musicians, dancers, artists and other vendors. Visit artistsrowaugusta.com.
5pm - 9pm Live From Downtown 600 Broad Street A monthly First Friday event presented by the Augusta Regional Collaboration that features live music, art, food and more. Visit facebook.com/600Broad.
5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday Whole Foods A $5 wine tasting in which participants get five 3-ounce samples of featured wines. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
the park. Participants are asked to bring apples, oranges and peanut butter for the decorations and pet food that will be donated to local adoption centers. Cider and cookies will be served and story times will be held at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
10am - 6pm Christmas in the Park Evans Towne Center Park An event that includes live music, a vendor village, a kids area with rides, ice skating, a winter maze and more, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the tree lighting and more. Unlimited rides and attractions, $6. Call 706868-3484 or visit evanstownecenterpark.com.
11am - 3pm North Augusta Annual Christmas Tour of Homes $20, advance; $25, door. For more information, emailrobertlaube@att.net.
Noon - 6:30pm Christmas Light-Up Spectacular
5pm - 8pm Wine Tasting
Augusta Common An event that includes live entertainment, children’s activities, a parade at 2 p.m., a fireworks display, tree lighting and more. Call 706-722-8000 or visit augustaga.gov.
Wine World $5. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
2pm Christmas Parade
5:30pm - 9:30pm North Augusta Annual Christmas Tour of Homes $20, advance; $25, door. For more information, emailrobertlaube@att.net.
City of Grovetown Visit cityofgrovetown.com.
7pm - 10pm Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball
Newberry Street, Aiken An event that will also include music, crafts, refreshments, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Call 803-642-7634.
Augusta Museum of History Held in the museum’s rotunda, this event will feature performances of the Players’ production of “A Christmas Carol The Musical,” food and drink, music, dancing, a silent auction and a cast of costumed Dickens characters. $45. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.org.
6:30pm Christmas Tree Lighting
Tue Dec 8, 2015
6pm - 7:30pm 27th Annual Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony
City of Grovetown Includes live music, a visit from Santa, free hot chocolate and cookies, and more. Visit cityofgrovetown.com.
Sat Dec 5, 2015
9am - 5pm Christmas Craft Show HO Weeks Center, Aiken An event featuring crafts from more than 100 artisans from across the Southeast. Call 803-642-7631.
9:30am - 11am North Augusta Annual Christmas Tour of Homes Brunch and Fashion Show
6pm Christmas Tree Lighting Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken An event that will include decorating the tree, holiday sing-along, refreshments, doors prizes and more. Call 803-642-7634.
Ongoing
Holiday Cheesecake Fundraiser Helms College Red velvet and white chocolate peppermint cheesecakes are available for $16 for delivery after December 2. To order, call 706-6519707, email cheesecake@helms.edu or visit edgarsgrille.com.
For more information, email robertlaube@att.net.
Lights of the South
10am - 2pm Christmas for the Birds
633 Louisville Road, Grovetown Open 6-10 p.m. through December 30. Visit lightsofthesouth.com.
North Augusta’s Living History Park A free event in which participants will create edible decorations for birds in 3DECEMBER2015
TEDxAugusta isn’t until January 29, 2016, but the art exhibit in honor of its “autonomy” theme will open Friday, December 4, from 5-9 p.m. theClubhou.se. Those who attend the reception, honoring participating artists Alyssa Beck, F. Simon Grant, Jay Jacobs, Jacki Mayo (whose work is pictured here), Christina Rice and others, will receive a discount code for TEDxAugusta 2016. Visit tedxaugusta.com.
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Hopelands Gardens, Aiken Open from 6-9:30 p.m. December 13-23 and December 26-27, with a shuttle service from Citizens Park provided from 5:45-9 p.m. Free, but donations accepted. Call 803-642-7631.
SPIRITUAL Thu Dec 3, 2015
7pm Annual Christmas Crusade Greater Young Zion Baptist Church Featuring guest speaker Rev. Dr. Frank A. Davis, pastor of Bibleway Baptist Church in New Orleans. All proceeds will benefit the Paine College Upward Bound Ernestine H. Bell Scholarship. Call 706-724-1720 or visit greateryoungzion.org.
Sat Dec 5, 2015
7pm Selah Christmas Concert Millbrook Baptist Church, Aiken $20, advance; $25, door. Visit wafj.com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Dec 5, 2015
8am Jingle Jam 10K Evans Towne Center Park A fundraiser for SafeHomes of Augusta, costumes are encouraged for this race. Preregistration required. $40. Visit jinglejam10k.com.
28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
9am - 5pm Second Annual Southeast Hunter Trials
mouthguard and appropriate workout clothes. Visit soulcitysirens.com.
Tue Dec 8, 2015
Stable View Farm Call 803-648-1222 or visit stableviewfarm.com.
Tue Dec 8, 2015
Cumberland Village Library, Aiken Call 800-322-8322 or visit aikenregional. com.
9:30am Swamp Saturday Hike Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A free, guided, 2.5-mile hike. Preregistration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - 1pm Winter Hike and Craft Mistletoe State Park Participants will meet the ranger at the Nature Center for a guided hike, and then create an ornament. $1 per ornament; $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
7:30pm WWE Live James Brown Arena $17-$102. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Mon Dec 7, 2015
6:30pm Roller Derby Recruitment Night Red Wing Rollerway The Soul City Sirens are looking for skaters, referees, non-skating officials and volunteers. Skaters should bring
10am Augusta Adaptive Golf Clinic First Tee of Augusta Designed to assist those with life-changing illnesses or injuries in learning or relearning the game of golf. Clinics include instruction on the practice range and the opportunity for course play. Pre-registration required. Call 706-826-5809.
11am Alzheimer’s Support Group
3pm Diabetes Support Group HO Weeks Center, Aiken Pre-registration required. Call 803-2930023.
7pm Alzheimer’s Support Group
SUPPORT
Alzheimer’s Association Chapter Building Call 706-731-9060.
Thu Dec 3, 2015
7pm OB/GYN Cancer Support Group
10am Alzheimer’s Support Group Kroc Center Led by the Alzheimer’s Association to provide support to families and caregivers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-8605233 or visit krocaugusta.org.
Mon Dec 7, 2015
6pm CSRA Dream Catchers Walton Options for Independent Living A traumatic brain injury and disability support group. Call 803-279-9611 or visit csradreamcatchers.com.
Call 706-821-2944.
THEATER Thu Dec 3, 2015 7pm “Greetings”
Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $48, civilians; $45, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $35, activeduty E6 and below, students; $28, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
Fri Dec 4, 2015
7pm “Eli’s Bethlehem Inn”
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Kroc Center An Enopion Theatre Company production. Call 706-771-7777 or visit dinnerwitheli.com.
7pm “Greetings” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre $48, civilians; $45, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $35, active-duty E6 and below, students; $28, show only. Call 706793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
7:30pm “Fruitcakes” Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse production. $25; $20, seniors; $15, students and $10, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
8pm xTreme Theatre Games and Sloppy Seconds Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door (if available). Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sat Dec 5, 2015
6pm “Eli’s Bethlehem Inn” Kroc Center An Enopion Theatre Company production. Call 706-771-7777 or visit dinnerwitheli.com.
7pm “Greetings” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre $48, civilians; $45, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $35, active-duty E6 and below, students; $28, show only. Call 706793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
7:30pm “Fruitcakes” Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse production. $25; $20, seniors; $15, students and $10, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
Sun Dec 6, 2015 3pm “Fruitcakes”
Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse production. $25; $20, seniors; $15, students and $10, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
MARKETPLACE
Tue Dec 8, 2015
7:30pm “Jersey Boys” Bell Auditorium $43-$92. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Wed Dec 9, 2015
7:30pm “Jersey Boys” Bell Auditorium $43-$92. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com. ALL CLASSIFIED ADS ARE 3DECEMBER2015
$40 PER WEEK.
EMAIL JOE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM OR CALL
(706)373-3636
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Umphrey’s McGee will headline the Third Annual Major Rager on Thursday, April 7, 2016, at the Augusta Common, bringing with them The Revivalists, Earphunk & TAUK. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 4, at 10 a.m. and are $35, general admission; $100, VIP; and $20, after party. Visit themajorrager.com.
Thursday, December 3 Live Music
Edgar’s Grille - Smooth Jazz Thursdays Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Scarlet Begonias Mellow Mushroom (Downtown) - Ruskin Yeargan Mellow Mushroom (Evans) - Jeff Johnson Midtown Market - First Thursday w/ Chris Hardy Red Pepper (Aiken) - Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Sky City - Kenny George Band Wild Wing - Daddy Grace Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Jazz
What’s Tonight?
Andrew’s Place - Karaoke with April Powell Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Country Club - Karaoke Coyotes - Karaoke Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word w/ J. Martin Moses Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Kris Fisher Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Karaoke
Friday, December 4 Live Music
@ the Turn at Whole Foods - Live Music Carolina Ale House - Donna Jo Country Club - Gary Ray Coyotes - Joe Olds Doubletree - Live Jazz Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Celtic Pub Night w/ Gavin Winship Shannon’s - Terence Lonon and the Untouchables
30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Stillwater Taproom - Cricket Ridge Trio (Aiken) - Chris Hardy Wild Wing - Cash Money Band
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
What’s Tonight?
Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Sky City - First Friday ‘80s Night and Art Show Soul Bar - First Friday DJ Mix Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Saturday, December 5 Live Music
The Augusta Market - Saturday Morning Jazz Country Club - Holman Autry Band MAD Studios - 22nd Annual Rocking the Stocking Shannon’s - High Velocity Sky City - Elementz Hip Hop Show Stillwater Taproom - Kenny George Band Wild Wing - Lundy The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - Comedy Show/Open Mic Night Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Sunday, December 6 Live Music
Bell Auditorium - Jill Scott Wild Wing - Jason Marcum The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Monday, December 7 Live Music What’s Tonight?
Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia
Tuesday, December 8 Live Music
Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Surrey Tavern - Piano Bar Night The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia; Poker for Fun
Wednesday, December 9 Live Music
Craft & Vine - Wednesday Night Jazz The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke 3DECEMBER2015
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Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky city - DJ Knightmare Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey Three Dollar Lounge - World Poker Tournament
Upcoming Adam Harris Thompson
- Stillwater Taproom December 11 Festivus of Bands
- Sky City December 14-19 christmas with the Annie Moses Band
- Jabez S. Hardin PAC December 15 Asleep at the Wheel
- Imperial Theatre December 18 The Kodiak Brotherhood
- Stillwater Taproom December 18 Michael Baidame and Phillip Lee Jr.
- Stillwater Taproom December 19 Sibling String
- Stillwater Taproom December 31 Fantasia, Lyfe Jennings
- Bell Auditorium January 3 Delia Mae
- Imperial Theatre January 15 Tedeschi Trucks Band
- Bell Auditorium January 19 Jucifer
- Sky City January 19
Brantley Gilbert
eddie izzard
- James Brown Arena February 4
- Classic Center Theatre, Athens, December 17
The Fairfield Four and the McCrary Sisters
- Imperial Theatre February 12 R5
- Bell Auditorium February 16 The Major Rager w/ Umphrey’s McGee, the Revivalists, earphunk and Tauk
- Augusta Common April 7 David Feherty
- Bell Auditorium April 7
elsewhere nick Lowe’s Quality Holiday Revue
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta December 4
Widespread Panic
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta December 29-31 Gregg Allman
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta December 30-31 The Revivalists
- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta December 31 Jackson Browne
- Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah January 14
Brian Setzer orchestra
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta December 5 Sturgill Simpson and Billy Wayne Davis
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta December 7-8 Trombone Shorty and orleans Avenue
- Georgia Theatre, Athens December 12 A John Waters christmas
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta December 13 Kid cudi
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta December 13
Try FREE: 706-434-0108
More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
The Weeknd
- Philips Arena, Atlanta December 15 Matisyahu
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta December 15 Justin Bieber, nick Jonas, Fifth Harmony, Shawn Mendes
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- Philips Arena, Atlanta December 17 Meet sexy new friends
Awolnation
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta December 17
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706-434-0112
Winning Isn’t Everything, But Losing Sucks Since no one is writing anything about it, I figured I’d write a column about the firing of Mark Richt. I’m sorry, the “mutual parting of ways.” Riiiight. He was fired. The resulting backlash has been abundant and expected. But, to be honest, the move was expected too. C’mon. People have been calling for his head every season for nearly the past decade. As soon as Georgia stopped contending for a title (ANY title), especially when projected to, his job status has been called into question. Now, most Georgia fans are in an uproar because he was the second winningest coach in school history, next to some guy named Dooley. Valid point. But half of the people upset about the firing have most likely called for his head after an upset like the one from Florida in 2002, when they single handedly knocked the Dawgs out of the SEC title race and, ultimately, the national title race. Or there’s the time Auburn killed our natty hopes in ’04. In ’05, the Gators did it again. Vandy in ’06. Then there’s the infamous 2008 ESPN Game Day visit and the last ever black out at Sanford when Bama knocked us out of our No. 1 rank. The list gets worse from there. I’m not saying that I think Richt should go. I was happy with our regular top 10 appearances. I am confident that he will snap out of his slump. I think he’s a damn good coach. But I also understand and identify with the frustration of watching Bama, Auburn, Florida, LSU and nearly the two schools from Mississippi play for and win national titles. Yes, Mark Richt is a great man. I admire his views on life, the example he set for his players and the general nature of a human being he is. But the bottom line is this is football; SEC football at that. Teaching the students/players life lessons and developing the kids off the field is by far more important than any trophy, in my opinion. However, I’ve never in my life heard a fan say anything 3DECEMBER2015
resembling, “I can’t believe he dropped the ball in the end zone again!!! Ugh!!! But, hey, he’s really great at helping little old ladies across the street!” Fans want trophies. Can’t we have both? Unfortunately, we may never know the answer to that question. Not under Richt, anyway. Maybe the highly-touted 2016 class would bring us that long sought after national title. Or, maybe we go another 10 years without an SEC title. Whatever happens at this point, we just have to get behind the move, or follow a different team. For me, I’m a Dawg fan, just like I have been since I knew what a football was. I’ll cheer for the team no matter who’s on the sideline. But will I cheer on a Mark Richt Miami, Mizzou or Maryland (or whoever) team as they play for a national title? You bet I will.
KRiS FISHER,Kris Fisher is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com.
V26|NO49
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Leslie Haywood, Kate Gary and Ashley Timmerman at an Acoustic Evening for Team Tanner at the Country Club.
Melissa and Ed Reaves with Yvette and Chris Pryor at an Acoustic Evening for Team Tanner at the Country Club.
Haley Wilson, Emily Lewis and Brittany Sterling at an Acoustic Evening for Team Tanner at the Country Club.
Audrey Reville, Morgan Hoyt and Kayla Guilfoyle at an Acoustic Evening for Team Tanner at the Country Club.
Chris Rogers, Ashley Willis, McKenna Hydrick and Ray Fulcher at an Acoustic Evening for Team Tanner at the Country Club.
Sarah Mead, Laney Lewis and Melissa Patterson at an Acoustic Evening for Team Tanner at the Country Club.
Wil Patterson, Deirdre Skolfield and Tom Patterson at the Scarlet Begonias benefit for Jordon’s House at Southbound Smokehouse.
Thomas Brittingham Jr, Emma Ferrell, Sarah Read and Axley Newton at the Scarlet Begonias benefit for Jordon’s House at Southbound Smokehouse.
Donna Ansley, Tere Price and Rhonda Berryman at the Scarlet Begonias benefit for Jordon’s House at Southbound Smokehouse.
32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
3DECEMBER2015
RIGHT ON, RIGHT ON! By Samuel A. Donaldson and Jeff Chen / Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Big gasbag? 6 Sex-therapy subject 12 Rap 18 Cat and mouse 20 First name among celebrity chefs 21 Achieve widespread recognition 22 Warrior who follows “the way of the warrior” 23 Charged (with) 24 Part of a mob 25 Threshold of major change 27 Heroic deeds 28 Eritrea’s capital 29 Small body of medical research 31 Jack in the box, once? 33 Attempt to debug? 34 Soundly defeat, informally 38 Arthur Conan Doyle title 39 Catchphrase from “Jerry Maguire” 42 Actress Larter of “Heroes” 43 A little light 45 Homer’s neighbor on “The Simpsons” 47 ____ facto 48 Winnie-the-Pooh greeting 50 Jet black 51 Like Nahuatl speakers 54 Puffs 56 “31 Days of Oscar” channel 57 Hail or farewell 58 Crocodile tail? 61 Latin lover’s word 62 Dance class 63 They sit for six yrs. 65 Was a victim of price gouging 70 ____ Lilly and Company 71 Struggles (through) 73 Dweller along the Wasatch Range 74 “That’s lovely!” 75 Rush to beat a deadline 80 Not aweather 81 Penultimate countdown word 82 Messenger ____ 83 One of the Golden Girls of 1980s-’90s TV 85 Nonexpert 86 Cubs’ home 87 Surrounded by 90 Danced to Xavier Cugat, say 92 “Supposing that’s true …” 93 Modern spelling?
94 Madame’s “mine” 97 Sites for R.N.s and M.D.s 98 Skedaddles 100 Prince’s inits. 101 Mark that’s hard to hit 104 Red Cross work 106 Where to find some ham 107 “____ in Calico” (jazz classic) 109 It makes flakes 110 Biceps exercise 113 Steamed dish that may be prepared in an olla 115 Rapper né Andre Young 117 British pool stick 122 Fort ____ National Monument 123 They’ll make you blush 125 Reindeer relative 126 “That makes sense now” 127 Early Mexicans 128 Up 129 Businesswoman/philanthropist ____ Heinz Kerry 130 Auto identifiers 131 Launch dates DOWN 1 Sons of, in Hebrew 2 Drooping 3 Exasperated cry in the morning 4 “A Few Good Men” men 5 First option 6 Rented 7 Last stage of metamorphosis 8 Dogs 9 Rankles 10 Coke Zero, for one 11 “Every dog has his day” and others 12 Zimbabwe’s capital 13 It’s in the eye of the beholder 14 Formal occasions 15 Be unable to make further progress 16 Part of a Mario Brothers costume 17 Equity valuation stat 18 Prince Edward Isl. setting 19 Talks with one’s hands 26 Exact 30 Newfoundland or Labrador 32 Singer Tori 34 Weight-room figure 35 Board game popular throughout Africa 36 ____ Games
1
37 Puffed-grain cereal 40 Language that gave us “bungalow” and “guru” 41 Exact 44 Really enjoy oneself 46 Intimate apparel size bigger than C 49 Jesus on a diamond 52 Site of King Rudolf’s imprisonment, in fiction 53 Santa ____ 55 Sour-candy brand 57 Nile River spanner 59 Typical end of a professor’s address? 60 ____ Place (Butch and Sundance companion) 64 Six, in Seville 66 Berry of “Monster’s Ball” 67 Beneficial to 68 The best policy, supposedly 69 Exact 72 Winter-related commercial prefix 76 Hoffer or Holder 77 Green garnish 78 Two past Tue. 79 Exact 84 President Garfield’s middle name 87 Tire-pressure indicator 88 “Let’s Get It Started” rapper 89 “Rikki-Tikki-____” 91 Reebok competitor 92 “Positively Entertaining” network 93 Thingamajig 95 It might follow a showstopping performance, in modern lingo 96 Hot 99 Not black-and-white 102 Code of silence 103 Exact 105 Conehead 108 Caffè ____ 111 Sports-star-turned-model Gabrielle 112 Author Dahl 114 They go around heads around Diamond Head 116 Russian legislature 118 Big name in microloans 119 Subject of the 2002 book “The Perfect Store” 120 Turns bad 121 Exact 124 Draft org.
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101 108
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74 80
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86 92
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84 90
122
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55
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48 54 59
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100 107
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33 41
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88
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28 31
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PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS M A T T E L
A T H O M E
S T E N O S
P E E K A T
A R M E R S
B L I N K A T
Y O T E A M O
P R I N C E O F W H A L E S
C O T S A C H E W H I R L S S T A R W A N S E E D T H E R O R I K A O R N E L E C L L W H I S I N E M E R Y C A T A A R W H R I S E E H I D L O G E E W H I S M I S S E N M
T U E S D A Y
I N D I A N A
C E C I L I A
K A H N
E N S E
L C D S I P S
M I D I C L O T S E R I S A S N I E S L W H E L E O N L O R L Y D O C T A W O R S W A S K S M U I N A R S U N B G U A N G A N E L L H E S
T H E E D G E S T O D G E S E R D O S
Y E S S I R A C W O E R I N R I N S S E U A L L T E D I U T P O
O P E N S F O R
G E T O U T O F M Y W H E Y
T A M I A M I S E I R N I R A I L
R O O T L E T
E N N E A D S
S P L I C E
N E S T E D
T R A N C E
S A N G E R
V26|NO49
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS Katniss holds her own against dinosaurs and Apollo Creed’s son. Not bad. RANK
TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS
TOTAL GROSS
WEEK #
LAST WEEK
1
THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY...
$52,004,595
$198,545,129
2
1
2
THE GOOD DINOSAUR
$39,155,217
$55,455,687
1
-
3
CREED
$29,632,823
$42,117,349
1
-
4
SPECTRE
$12,887,772
$176,125,179
4
2
5
THE PEANUTS MOVIE
$9,749,592
$116,800,562
4
3
In Theaters December 3
HORROR “Krampus,” rated PG-13, starring Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman. It’s so typical: the adults who can’t get along during the holidays ruin it for the kids. Such is the case with Max, who decides he’s had enough of Christmas because of his family. Unfortunately, his sudden lack of holiday cheer summons Krampus, a sort of Santa doppelgänger who terrorizes the entire house. If you’re horrified by the thought of this movie, go watch the Hallmark Channel. On the other hand, if you think this movie sounds awesome, we should hang out. Because with Adam Scott, Toni Collette and Champ from “Anchorman,” we find it hard to believe that this one could be bad.
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
3DECEMBER2015
V26|NO49
Killer Cops Get Headlines, but Drug Dealers Get the Prize EVERY NOW AND THEN there will be a headline that seems to portend a serious assault on the clean living, innocent and well-meaning people of the CSRA. Then comes the rest of the story. Such was the case in the recent death of 40-year-old Quincy Bernard Brigham. An incredibly popular fellow, we hear. When word of his murder by gunfire in Beech Island hit the streets, there was almost universal mourning. But there was not a lot of mystery as to why he was killed, as the Jail Report told us: ”Preliminary information from the investigation revealed that the shooting has indicators that it is drug-related.... Brigham has at least two felony drug convictions in Richmond County and was given probation in both cases. He was convicted of dealing cocaine in 2006 and was sentenced to eight years of probation. In 2013, Brigham was charged with trafficking cocaine and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in return for a sentence of 12 years of probation.” If there is any doubt as to what he was up to, check out his many social media posts, including the picture attached to this column. Brigham doesn’t appear to be hiding his vocation, he appears to be showing it off. A few years back on Thanksgiving weekend, word hit that not one, but two teenagers from Aiken County had been struck down in the prime of their promise-filled life by some horrible, nasty evil that no doubt was supernatural in its malevolence. Was it Jack The Ripper, or perhaps The Boston Strangler reborn? A Sonof-Sam psychopath on rampage, or perhaps a cult of freaks reminiscent of Charles Manson and the orgy of death his followers staged on unsuspecting Los Angeles suburbanites? Nope. It was a drug deal gone bad. The two victims? Suspected drug mules with criminal records driving a pimped out Cadillac Escalade. While cruising at 2:30 in the morning near the corner of Laney Walker Blvd. and Twiggs St., authorities believe they ran afoul of either their intended customers, their own associates or their competitors. Theoretically, as cool as it would be for all of our local undocumented pharmaceutical distributors to methodically take each other out, it is far too impractical and too dangerous (too many innocent bystanders at risk) to seriously consider. Besides, the day the “last thug” was left standing, we wouldn’t know whether to execute him or throw him a parade. The American death toll from drug related crimes in the last 20 years far outnumbers those killed in any terrorist attack or even any of our recent wars. You would think such a problem would generate headlines every single day and non-stop citizen demonstrations as the body bags pile up. But not so much. Drugs dealers are not being vilified these days, but cops are sure catching Hell. We have a small but loud chorus of folks in this country who want to blame law enforcement officials for what they believe is some maniacal plot to kill unsuspecting criminals, and occasionally innocent citizens, as they perform their daily patrols.
36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
From Quincy Brigham’s social media pages, he’s shown posing with the tools of his trade and the paper that would carry his eventual epitaph. No doubt recent cases in Chicago and Charleston have shown us outrageous examples of police brutality and, yes, “murder by cop” that demand harsh and exact justice. Here’s to hoping those convicted in these cases get the federal death penalty. But wake up to the real problem, people. By my count, law officers are being outpaced by drug dealers targeting other dealers (and innocents on occasion) when it comes to out and out “murder” by clip of well over 300 to 1. So lets keep things in perspective, shall we? AUSTIN RHODES
The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
3DECEMBER2015
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