Volume 2, Issue 3 - Jan. 7, 2015

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jaN.7-20 2015 vOl. 02 issUe 03 UrBaNiteNeWs.COm

 moustache questions p.03

waxing local with r&j Circus Grooming Co.

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2014 in review p.05

 girls aloud p.07

in conversation with london supergroup the alcohollys

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p.10

victor’s secret dan savage talks men in bras

recaping the year that just happened

Q As we head into a new year what do you think will be the biggest surprise with political implications of 2015 in Windsor-Essex?

Don Merrifield Jr.

Well it’s a brand new year, a brand new mayor, some brand new councilors and a new start. With the mayor saying they are going to focus on one initiative brought forth by some of the new councilors of focusing on neighbourhoods. If done the right way, I think people and this city may be surprised at how little the cost will be and the potential return on investment. We shouldn’t, because it has worked for years in other municipalities.

The surprise may come from having to admit our focus on one industry for decades, and a left leaning labour centric economic approach that something that costs so little, and is non-political, can make such a big difference for the city. The idea that the taxpayers should all pay up to provide “good high paying jobs” for the few is an ideal we should of let go of years ago when the rest of North America did. We are paying now for the blindness (or having the wool pulled over our eyes by those that benefitted) of ignoring the economic realities of this area and North America. Using taxpayer money wisely to make what are relatively small investments in infrastructure, incentives for the people and businesses already using their skill, expertise, and capital, and providing jobs to the area, as opposed to trying to go for the home run on every swing is, and has been the way to go. The perfect example is $24,000,000 for Premier Aviation to hopefully create 200-300 jobs.

Imagine what 100 local companies wanting to expand could of done with $240,000 of incentives or investment? Imagine what 10 BIA’s or neighbourhoods could of done with $240,000 each.

»rose city politics

What’s on the Windsor-essex political calendar for 2015?

The biggest non surprise that will have major implications in this and all of Ontario is the continued fiasco of the Ontario Liberal government’s economic (lack of) policy.

With the federal election coming we can see the economic strategy already. Premier Kathleen Wynne will complain about Prime Minister Stephen Harper refusing to dish out more money, or meet again to discuss it; Justin Trudeau will come in and claim to be the saviour of Ontario with tons of free money to buy Ontario votes promising a Liberal federal provincial utopia of free money and unicorns in every yard.

Considering the Liberals have lied time and time again and we keep voting them in, I’ll be out back this winter building my unicorn shed.

Kieran McKenzie This year is set up to be very interesting in our region with several issues potentially emerging as 2015’s defining topic. Looking back at 2014, I think it’s fair to call it the year of the election. We had both a provincial and municipal election in the same calendar year and they really formed the subtext of every political discussion.

So who or what will emerge in the next calendar year as the dominant issue of 2015?

To borrow from noted U.S. Democratic political strategist James Carville: “It’s the economy, stupid.”

I think people will be most surprised by the strength of the economic recovery in our region; we’ll see steadily improving job figures and new investment.

Perhaps most surprisingly, however, I think folks will be astonished by the industry that leads the charge.

Good ole manufacturing. Back to basics ... our bread and butter.

I can hear the naysayers: “Auto is dead in North America;” “GM left;” “We just lost the Ford investment;” “We’ve been purposefully diversifying out of the sector for years … you really think we’re going back?;” “Haven’t you been paying attention?”

Yep, and I believe Windsor-Essex has a big future in manufacturing.

Like it or not we are still the auto capital of Canada, not only due to a substantial footprint at the original equipment manufacturer level but the tier 1 and tier 2 levels remain extremely robust in our region.

I think a number of factors will contribute to this (don’t call it a) comeback, some are local and admittedly static, but contribute nonetheless.

1. We’re the auto capital of Canada for a reason. We are global leaders in advanced manufacturing technology and have a cluster of companies that can deliver quality product on-time.

2. We have a highly educated and productive workforce with significant capacity to churn out more qualified people locally with well developed training programs available locally.

We should not take these truths for granted, they are what put us in the game (as an investment destination) in this highly competitive industry, and helped to sustain our regional economy through the Great Recession.

Don Merrifield Jr.

Fourteen years as a Windsor realtor, musician, father of one son Miles, politicsrun financially conservative yet socially liberal. Merrifield Jr. was a candidate in the 2010 municipal election in Ward 3 for city councillor, a cigar aficionado, motorcycle enthusiast and lover of travel.

Publisher/Editor: Natasha Marar (natasha@urbanitenews.com) Art Director: Stephen Hargreaves Contributors: Jamie Greer, Dan Savage, Jay Verspeelt, Emily Adams

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But it will be the factors less under our control regionally that I think will push the growth numbers in Windsor-Essex.

1. A lower Canadian dollar — widely acknowledged as a critical element controlling the fate of manufacturing in Canada. I don’t accept that in this global environment it’s the panacea that will save manufacturing but it definitely helps.

2. Continued infrastructure investment — the parkway is nearing completion and every day that passes we get closer to the opening of the new crossing. Also, (another bold prediction) I anticipate that we will have a new rail tunnel carrying freight (including manufacturing) across the border.

These investments and capacities improve our overall pitch to investors.

3. Renewed political focus — connected to our tanking dollar is the price of oil in freefall. Policy makers are becoming increasingly cognizant that we are overleveraged into an industry that can be decimated overnight by a couple of Saudi princes. This will prompt renewed calls for diversification out of the resource sector; manufacturing is a very likely target for some public policy love.

So there you have it, my bold prediction for 2015 in Windsor-Essex is good news.

Regional prosperity led by a reinvigorated manufacturing sector will be the defining issue of the next 365 days. Happy New Year!

Kieran McKenzie

Political activist/organizer with a passion for social justice issues. A lifelong WindsorEssex resident, Kieran McKenzie holds an honours BA in political science from the University of Windsor and has been campaigning in both elections and on issues since he could walk.

Copyright 2015 Urbanite Media Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the written permission of the publisher. The Urbanite is available free of charge. Subscriptions are available by mail at $60 per year.

The Urbanite 380 Pelissier St., Unit 204 Windsor, ON N9A 6W8 urbanitenews.com @urbanitenews | #theurbanite

»locally made moustache products

’stache for gold

When a business plan is under your nose

Local moustache wearer, Johnbill Carpenter, is making and canning his own wax for his mustachioed brethren

» Photos Jay Verspeelt

jay verspeelt When Johnbill Carpenter was looking to start a business he didn’t realize the idea was right under his nose.

Carpenter is finding that necessity is the mother of business with his newly cooked up moustache wax and other male grooming products.

“It was just a matter of going to get a haircut and needing a moustache wax because I was sick of chewing on my moustache and the price was ridiculous,” said Carpenter. “It was ranging from $15 to $18 dollars for 0.5 ounces. I figured I must be able to make it cheaper. Especially since it’s all simple waxes and oils.”

With all the ingredients on hand at home — the main being beeswax — Carpenter made a half pound in an hour on his home stove.

It took four tries but he’s got the recipe down now.

“I’m from the kind of family where if you don’t have something you make it,” said Carpenter, whose own moustache stayed solidly in place as he spoke. “I wish I started making moustache wax earlier because it gets annoying in mid-phase where it’s just growing into your lips.”

The product line, called R&J’s Circus Grooming Co., is named after Carpenter and his girlfriend Robyn Johanna who makes the wax with him but does not have

a moustache herself.

local product if it were available.

All the products will be circus themed with pun names like “Strong Man Moustache Wax,” “Lion tamer Palmade” and “Watch The Juggler Shaving Cream.”

“At first I started using regular hair wax.

Two things that are really annoying about regular hair wax: the smell and discomfort,” he said.

A half ounce of wax will be priced under $10, all the ingredients are organic and the beeswax comes from Mississauga, Ont. It will sell in various barber shops and Carpenter’s hoping to have it in Shop Eco by the end of January.

Brando complained he doesn’t want to smell like hair products, especially when they’re directly under his nose, and that the hold of regular hair gels create an unnatural feeling. Now he regularly buys his wax from a company in England called Bounders.

That’s good news for one moustachioed urban dweller. Justyn Brando has been growing his push broom for going on three years now and said he’d be happy to buy a

“If it’s a good wax I don’t use a whole lot of it. You only use a little bit … I find some mornings I wake up and I don’t need to rewax it,” said Brando.

»diy beard maintenance

Make your own beard balm emily adams Beards have come back with in fierce numbers. Nobody loves a good beard more than us, but we also love to see them properly cared for. This is a simple recipe to keep your furry face from getting dry or irritated during the winter months. These oils also make fantastic presents for your bearded buddies.

Ingredients: Carrier oils (coconut, grape seed), essential oils (clove, spearmint, orange).

Note: There are many carrier and essential oils you can use.

Step one: Carrier oils will be the bulk of this recipe as they carry the essential oils.

I used mostly coconut oil (about one tablespoon) and grapeseed oil (one teaspoon).

The coconut oil may need to be melted. Depending on the container you will use, you may need more or less carrier oils. I was using a one ounce container. Use a small funnel to pour carrier oils into container.

Note: This recipe smells sweet because of the coconut oil. It’s very good for moisturizing, but there are several other carrier oils that have a subtle smell such as hazelnut (prevents acne), hemp seed (moisturizing), sweet almond (lowers inflammation, ingrown hairs), and argan (protects against wrinkles).

Step two: Add essential oils. I used about 10 drops of orange, 5 spearmint and 5 clove. You can adjust this to smell whatever you would like it to smell like.

» Photos Emily Adams JAN.7-20 2015 the urbanite 03

»FITNESS

Ditching NYE goals for real changes Weight loss champ on the tips that got him from 45% to 15% body fat emily adams A local weight loss champion and actor wants to encourage others to drop New Year’s resolutions for proactive goals.

Pat Ryan believes most people tend to make the same resolutions annually and subsequently fail due to an inability to make significant changes to their life­style. The challenges of leading a busy life, having a low income and exercising bad eating habits can greatly affect how well somebody can reach their goals.

Through living his philosophies, Ryan has acquired many accolades. The most recent of such includes being listed on bodybuilding.com as one of their Top 14 Best Transformations of 2014. He will also appear in the season premier of Storage Wars Canada this month.

Ryan, who grew up in Manitoba, said most people pick up unhealthy eating habits during their childhood when they are given junk food to be celebrated or consoled. It’s this early start that would affect Ryan’s weight as an adult.

» Photo Gene Schilling

Ryan wasn’t always over­weight. After he graduated from high school he was awarded a scholarship to play college football. At 21, he was engaged and about to begin a new chapter of his life, but things took a turn for the worst when his fiance suddenly passed away due to a blood clot. Ryan was devastated and decided to leave his scholarship and Windsor for a job in Vancouver.

04 the urbanite JAN.7-20 2015

Through many lows, such as tearing his ACL during a wrestling match, he picked up several bad habits and his health rapidly declined. For years the combination of working too much and making a low income affected him.

Ryan opted to eat mostly fast­food and ballooned for a second time in his adult life.

By the time he was in his 40s Ryan weighed 193kg and was severely depressed. He didn’t make an effort to lose weight until a doctor informed him that his high blood pressure and cholesterol would lead to an early death.

Ryan started with a 90-­day challenge to save his life and successfully lost 24kg. From there he lost another 45kg and won the Ultimate Transformation Vacation from his franchise, Vi Canada. In the past three years he has lost 68kg and dedicates his life to helping others reach their goals through physical coaching and selling weight-loss products.

Ryan tells people, “you need to know that you can do whatever you want … you’ve got to put in effort, you’ve got to have a dream.” He said the easiest way to do this is to “focus on your daily activities … figure out what you need to do everyday.”

Ryan lives by the theory that having a network of like­minded people is key in being successful.

Instead of working hard alone, reach out to a community and share your story and goals.

“We celebrate people’s victories and we console their defeats. People need that,” he said.

Although he has lost weight and has greatly improved his life, Ryan still struggles daily with old habits and is not ashamed of them. He still smokes cigarettes and occasionally will eat fast food, but says that “it’s not about how many times you fall, it’s how many times you get up.”

For Ryan, being healthy is a trifecta of mind, body and spirit. A lot of how he lives is in a frame of mind, as well as body.

“When I was thinking positively and working towards something I made it happen, but when I was thinking negatively I sucked myself into it and things got worse,” he said.

Ryan urges others to purge negativity from their lives and focus on the people and things that will be encouraging, adding that “haters are motivators.”

In lieu of New Year’s resolutions this year, Ryan suggests goals be based on nutrition and exercise. For people who have busy life­styles, he says to plan meals and do research on which foods are easily accessible and healthy. People should keep their goals in mind, write them down and keep them in their wallet to look at it everyday.

The key is to “reflect upon what you did today to reach your goals” and if you “fail to plan, plan to fail.”

»YEAR IN REVIEW

The most read stories of 2014 A lot can happen in a year whether it be the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall or gas prices plummeting at an ever accelerating rate. Closer to home in our own little berg there have been more than a few memorable moments to look back upon.

Here’s what stories came out on top for The Urbanite’s online readers in 2014.

1.

Out of The Loop? The fate of Windsor’s alternative entertainment complex | Oct. 22, 2014

In 1980 a teenager began work as a dishwasher in The Old Fish Market Restaurant, located in a historic downtown building. From bartender to manager and owner, for over 30 years Jay Zeman was a fixture at 156 Chatham St. W. before he was barred from the premises in October.

#1

The Urbanite broke the story of The Loop Complex’s decade-long financial struggles, mounting to $1.4 million in back corporate taxes and the LLBO revoking the business partner’s liquor license.

In a move to keep the bars open, Zeman signed over the business to landlord Rob Katzman. Ongoing renovations have been made in the four bars including flooring and lighting.

2.

New Walkerville wine bar opens | Dec. 3, 2014

One Windsorite brought his passion for wine and worldly travel experience to a new restaurant and bar in Walkerville.

In less than a month, the story about Walkerville’s newest business, Wineology, moved up to the second most-read online. Co-owner Jean-Claude Boulos transformed the former 95-year-old Velvet Restaurant from a greasy spoon to a Spanish-inspired wine bar featuring a wood burning oven for rustic style pizzas and a wide variety of worldly and local wines.

3.

Windsor rub and tug under the radar | Feb. 26, 2014

A small ground level store on Pelissier Street is bringing a one-stop sex shop to the downtown core while giving the City the rub.

Merry Ferrar, aka Sabrina Styles, opened Fantasy Playhouse Massage in 2013 with a website that offered up a less than legal menu, including a make-your-own-porn package. The City of Windsor denied Ferrar licensing for a body rub parlour, but instead she operated throughout 2014.

Ann Kalinowski, manager of Windsor bylaw enforcement, said just because the open sign was on did not necessarily mean Ferrar was conducting illegal business. The space at 555 Pelissier St. closed quietly over a month ago and we are unaware of Ferrar’s current projects.

4.

Vodka bombs with Kenny vs.

Spenny | May 21, 2014 “Every show was the fucking worst,” exclaimed Kenny Hotz while sitting beside Spencer Rice backstage at the Capitol Theatre while on the Chatham leg of their national comedy tour.

The Urbanite sat down to interview the comedy duo over vodka and Red Bulls. The pseudo-reality TV stars spent an evening reminiscing about their show, which saw the comedic duo compete in outlandish competitions in order to humiliate the loser.

Their show has been off the air for several years now, but they hope to eventually make a feature length film.

#4

“We’re Jews, of course we want to [sell out],” joked Hotz. “We want the cash baby.”

5.

Student referendum brings crime and intimidation to UWindsor | Feb. 27, 2014

In the first of a series of articles, the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance office was broken into with the word “Zionist” and a star of David spray painted on a SupportOur-Troops flag. Police were called in but there was no camera footage from security cameras. The incident, deemed a hate crime, has yet to be solved.

The incident happened in relation to the UWSA Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions referendum of all Israeli goods on campus.

Although the boycott was voted in favour, the approval was deferred after a polarizing reaction and national media attention.

The move lead to the student body voting none-of-the-above in the general election, leaving their government without representation.

6.

Windsor artist challenges parking enforcement | Aug. 11, 2014 Parking costs and overly aggressive city enforcers led to a downtown merchant protesting through artistic expression.

Local artist and business owner Dan Bombardier, aka Denial, printed a series of fake parking tickets, which he draped over his car. The tickets were scanned copies of a real city ticket with changes such as “officer #666” and “Plate no.

Fuck You.” The issuing statement was also changed to read “Attempted to support a local business in the downtown core.”

#6

This incited the ire of Windsor police who showed up on bicycles to Bombardier’s studio with the threat of fraud for using the city crest on his satire. Charges were never filed and the photos of the car went viral via Buzzfeed.

It was later discovered that there are more tickets given out downtown than any other part of the city, especially 20 minutes before it becomes free for the evening.

7.

A day with modern Detroit pioneers in a squatter community | Dec. 17, 2014

A man with Detroit Hustles Harder his shirt exits the No. 53 bus in Detroit. It’s the kind of slogan easily discarded as self righteous propaganda, but over the next 24 hours it would be a slogan worth its weight in gold.

on

8.

New coffee shop drops anchor | Jan. 29, 2014

For Rachel and Kyle Bondy, owning their own business was a goal on the horizon for many years, but they finally set down their line in the right place.

Anchor Coffee House sailed into Windsor’s south end to the delight of java enthusiasts.

Starting with tips they saved from working at other cafes, the couple opened the trendy coffee shop serving up homemade food, speciality coffee and tea.

9.

Al Capone: looking back on the famous gangster’s Windsor connection | Jan. 15, 2014

The rum running roots of Alphonse Gabriel Capone run deep in Windsor, and Jan. 17 marked the 115th birthday of one of history’s most famous gangsters.

During Prohibition in the 1920s, Hiram Walker was the largest distillery in North America and Canadian Club was the most smuggled whisky entering the U.S. That meant Capone was in the city six to eight times a year.

As much as the manufacture of motor vehicles is, or was, a part of Windsor’s identity so too is Prohibition, which is the subject of poet laureate Marty Gervais’s 1980 book The Rum Runners: A Prohibition Scrapbook.

Today, Capone is buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.

10.

Blow dry salon opens in Windsor | April 27, 2014

A former paint shop on Howard Avenue is now home to Dry Parlour Inc., Windsor’s first blow dry bar.

Some people might consider a “blow out” to be when a car tire goes flat, but in this case it’s all about getting your hair done.

#7

The Urbanite embedded a reporter for 24 hours with a collective community in the north end of the motor city. Squatters have taken up residence along Goldengate street a few blocks before Seven Mile. They are armed with wood ovens converted from oil barrels and a large communal garden. The group has been there three years now, following the end of Occupy Detroit and they are fighting everyday to keep the homes despite a newly passed law revoking squatter rights.

“We’re the manicure and pedicure of hair,” said owner George Kalivas, adding that his business is a no dye, no cut salon. “We basically take care of your hair but we make you look like a million dollars when you leave here.”

The interior is reminiscent of Tiffany’s & Co. blue with posh stylists armed with brushes and hair dryers. Celebrity stylist Gregory Patterson flew from New York to train staff and style customers’ hair for the opening.

JAN.7-20 2015 the urbanite 05

»ASK A BREWER

How to tell when good beer goes bad Paul Brady, head brewer, Walkerville Brewery

How do you know when a beer has spoiled?

There are a lot of off flavours in beer that will give different specific flavours that are “off ” … Acetaldehyde, Dimethyl Sulfide, Diacetyl, oxidation and fusel oils (high alcoholic heat).

Acetaldehyde commonly tastes like green apples … if you’re drinking a cider that’s perfectly fine but if you’re drinking a lager or a koch you should not ever taste green apple or even green fruit notes. It could come through in a Belgian beer perhaps as one of the accents blending in but it’s not something you want to experience in a clean crisp beer. It’s a fermentation problem.

Dimethyl Sulfide or DMS is a byproduct of the grains. When we boil the water to boil our beer and add our hops, we’re boiling it to get the DMS out and kick off. It’s a compound that will make the beer taste like cream corn or vegetal.

Diacetyl is also a fermentation by product that is normally generated by yeast ... the yeast should clean it up in the process of conditioning. A little Diacetyl in certain styles of beer, it’s characterized by a slick mouth feel and a buttered popcorn sort of flavour.

Oxidation is less a hot side problem as it’s a cold side problem. It’s when air hits the beer. Air is one of the many enemies of beer. It will flatten it and give it a wet cardboard flavour. It’s not desirable in any style of beer. It’s the biggest fear of most brewers because it’s one of the easiest to happen to your beer. It’s easily preventable if you fight it, but once it happens there’s no way to get rid of it.

Tell me about the difference of bottling beer in clear and green bottles.

06 the urbanite JAN.7-20 2015

Certain wavelengths of light pass through certain colours of glass better than others. In the brewing industry brown has proven to be the most protective we can make without having be be a sealed package like a can. The reason you have beers that are light struck is because certain wavelengths of UV radiation get through the glass and they hit the hop molecules and creates a new molecule that’s the same molecule as skunk spray. It can happen almost instantaneously or it can take a little time.

What’s beer snot?

Terrible cleaning practices which have developed into bacteria colonies that are now creating schmutz. I’ve called it jelly in the past. You’ll get it under cooling lines. [This will cause] so many off flavours.

Can bacteria be lethal?

No. This is a fact, there is no known pathogen that can survive in beer.

There’s nothing you can catch from drinking any kind of bad beer. It’s safer to drink beer than water, it’s been boiled. The alcohol is a preservative and the hops are a natural preservative.

Are there any benefits to off flavours?

There are one or two. Sour beer: some people’s beer sours inadvertently and that’s due to poor sanitation. There are bacteria that live everywhere in the air, on my beard, in your hair. Wild yeast will get in there and do terrible things to your beer if you let them. There are some brewers that say “bring it.” The Belgians are known to do that and the Italians are getting into sour beer.

Lactobasilious is so glorious when it’s done properly and intentionally.

Bacterial agents that can sour beer, although it’s considered an off flavour, can be used to create amazing flavours.

»live music

Grrrls night out

The Alcohollys: a high octane rock band from the Forest City

London, Ont. rockers The Alcohollys bring their own brand of heavy rock and roll to Villains Beastro, Jan. 16

» Photo Trish Doan

jamie greer The girls are back in town. Or at least they will be soon. London, Ont. bad girls of punk rawk and roll, The Alcohollys, are returning to the Rose City and this time they’re taking no prisoners.

Somewhat of a local supergroup in London, The Alcohollys features members of international metal act Kittie, Nothing Left For Tomorrow and Necrosaurus Rex. The Alcohollys have thunderously carved out their own name over the past five years with their high octane rock and roll and live shows, and are currently touring in support of their 2014 EP, Girls Night.

Ahead of their Jan. 16 show in Windsor alongside locals Vaudevillianaires and Devilz By Definition, The Alcohollys recently talked to The Urbanite about what audiences can expect.

Obviously you girls get a lot of attention due to the Kittie connection, but you’ve been

around longer than people realize and Mercedes joined way after the conception, correct?

How did the band start out?

The band started in 2009 when Dana (Kimber Heart, vocals and keyboards) and now ex-member Yasmina, from Nothing Left For Tomorrow, decided they wanted to start a girl band together. Tanya (Scarlet Fever, bassist and vocals), ex-member of Kittie, joined in shortly after. When we lost our drummer, Mercedes (Ruby Puby, drummer) was the only female drummer we knew of in London and we asked if she wanted to join.

Mercedes grew up with Dana and Tanya so it just made sense to ask her. Late 2012, Bri (Maiden China), from Necrosaurus Rex, joined as our new guitarist and now recently Tanya had a baby late 2014, and we were looking for someone to sub-in, henceforth we have Kira (Puke Thywalker) filling in on bass.

With a name like The Alcohollys, and the

stage names, there are some who may look at this band as a Spinal Tap or Steel Pantheresque band. How serious is the music of The Alcohollys?

another EP in 2015.

We have a really neat party vibe in our live show, and in some of our songs, but we also have some more serious songs to bring to the table. We really don’t have anything in common with the bands mentioned above.

We are just a band that loves to have fun, play shows and make our own music.

We always have the best time in Windsor.

The crowds are always so wonderful and energetic, every time we come. No real crazy stories yet, but lets try to change for our show coming up!

You’ve developed a certain “bad girls” reputation on the tour circuit. Is The Alcohollys a case of art imitating life or life imitating art?

I think we all just like to have great time and enjoy life.

Your last release was the EP Girls Night. Any plans for a full length album in 2015?

Hopefully soon! Were hoping for at least

You’ve been to Windsor a few times before any crazy stories?

What can Windsor expect on Jan. 16 when you ladies hit Villains Beastro?

Windsor can expect some seriously energetic power pop with a twist of punk rock and a whole bunch of fun. We’ll definitely be bringing The Alcoholly special!

The Alcohollys are playing Friday, Jan. 16 at 9 p.m. at Villains Beastro with Windsor’s The Vaudevillianaires and Devilz By Definition.

JAN.7-20 2015 the urbanite 07

»album reVieWs

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of 5

TIRE SWING CO. TIME AWAY EP FAMOUS LAST RECORDS

SILENT MOVIE TYPE CRICKETS S/R

Tire Swing Co. — the solo project from Steven Oltean-Lepp of James OL & The Villains — emerged in 2014 with one of the year’s most unheralded gems in last year’s inamorata. As 2015 kicks in, OlteanLepp has unveiled another beautiful songbook, this time as a five-track EP, once again produced by collaborator and live band member Johnny West.

Despite the likes of Brand New, Thursday and a handful of others the posthardcore genre seems to be on something of a decline. Of course a band like Silent Movie Type by admission of its very name holds tradition well within its heart.

While inamorata was a little more subdued, a la Bonnie Prince Billy, Time Away kicks off with some heavy emotional grit in “Happy Valentine’s Day.” The tone and ambience is perfect in offering a soft haunting ballad with a bit of heavy feeling behind it. “I’d Name You Aubrey” is like a beautiful track, like if Stephin Merritt from Magnetic Fields wrote a song with Beach Boy Brian Wilson.

John West’s fingerprints are all over this and it couldn’t be more tastefully restrained. The title track is a great springtime anthem and Orphan Choir/Worry frontman Jim Meloche lends his signature snarl to “Closet.”

There’s a rawness to this EP — there are audibles from in-studio prior to some tracks — but there’s also a texturing laid down by Johnny West across Oltean-Lepp’s songs that make this as polished as it needs to be. There’s a real emotion to these recordings that feel just right during the winter we’re having — warm enough to stave off the chill in the bones, but a slight chill in the heart.

It’s a great companion to inamorata and a warm glance at what’s in store for Tire Swing Co. — JAMIE GREER

Their forthcoming record, Crickets, is a symphonic masterpiece of sonic wonder. It has been written in the past about this group, that they’re a throwback to a decade ago. Their contemporaries are now numerously disbanded.

The brief 23-minute, six-song EP is beautifully produced by Brett Humber of the Sound Foundry in Kingsville.

The whole record is wonderfully radio grade without sounding overly clean.

The best songs on this record are “Cap Guns” and “Shake Your Head.” “Cap Guns” a heavier and stoically aggressive song that lyrically is Catcher in the Ryeesque. “Shake Your Head” has a more pop vein, almost like Moneen.

Crickets follows their last full length, What Do We Tell The Children, in much the same fashion if not perhaps slightly more melodic.

— JAY VERSPEELT

GeOrGe HellOW (pOlaris stUdiOs)

the Windsor scene

tHe dead samaritaNs

tHe HOWliNG lOUd

w/Jamie Greer

»local music

a farewell to local legend George Hellow Dead Samaritans pull a twosome, and Ann Arbor’s The Howling Loud bring dirty garage While the live music scene always slows down a little bit following the holidays, there’s still a few great shows happening in the coming weeks worth checking out.

Windsor rock veterans The Dead Samaritans are pulling double duty this weekend with two shows in two different ends of town. On Friday, Jan. 9, they’re playing on the west side at The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.) with special guest Jeff Chamberlain. The following night they’re downtown at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.) on Saturday, Jan. 10 with Warren & The Wayward Jennys.

Ann Arbour duo The Howling Loud bring their dirty garage rock to Phog Lounge on Friday, Jan. 9. There’s a griminess to these two that make them sound closer to bands like Jesus Lizard or Melvins than the White Stripes or Black Keys. Windsor rock outfit FIX LEGEND opens the show.

Years of Ernest frontman Andrew MacLeod is playing an intimate solo show at Rino’s Kitchen & Ale House (131 Elliott St. W.) as part of their Friday Night Dinner & Music Series on Friday, Jan. 9. One of the area’s most sincere songwriters, it’s a great way to catch MacLeod and hear some of his songs in a more stripped down format.

Local post-punk pop band Drown the

The Local Stream (formerly LiveAndLocal.ca) has launched as a new local music resource, both online and in print, and on Thursday, Jan. 15, they’re throwing a free launch party at at Oasis Lounge in Place Concorde (7515 Forest Glade Dr.). Local veterans Drop Dead Famous are joined on stage by two of the fastest rising young acts in the county with sets by Red Legacy and The local music community said farewell to SieraSlave as well. one of its pioneers with the passing of proShock rock stoner metal vets The Vaudevilducer/engineer George Hellow of Polaris lianaires return to the local stage after a few Studios on Dec. 17, 2014. Hellow’s work months off with a show at Villains Beastro in the local music scene has been invaluable for the past four decades as he helped Friday, Jan. 16 at 9 p.m. Hot on the heels of their guitarist Ted Dimoglu’s appearance build Polaris into a world class recording on the Food Network’s Chopped Canada studio. Prior to that, he was the house (he’s also the chef behind Tiki Sushi), The drummer at the Elmwood (where Brentwood now stands). In his over 45 years of Vaudevillianaires are preparing their first full length debut following 2011’s Satan’s experience, he’s worked with acts such as Sammy Davis Jr., The Who, Sonny & Cher, Thundering Hooves EP. They’re joined by The Carpenters, Gord Johnson (Big Sugar), London’s The Alcohollys (featuring memChad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), not bers of Kittie) as well as Devilz By Definition. to mention hundreds of local acts. The Windsor music community, friends and family are throwing a tribute in his honour The Canada South Blues Society brings Sunday, Jan. 11 at Olde Walkerville Theatre another blues great to Windsor Friday, Jan. (1564 Wyandotte St. E.) beginning at 6:30 16, when Columbus, Ohio blues guitarist Ray Fuller & The Bluesrockers come to p.m. Musicians and friends will be pertown. Fuller has performed with some of forming and sharing their stories about this local music legend. Scheduled perfor- the greats of blues, from Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker to Buddy Guy and Stevie mances include Mandala M, Richy Nix, Rick Labonte, Rock Rock, and much much Ray Vaughan. The show is being held at Oasis Lounge in Place Concorde and advance more.

Noise headline a showcase at Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier St.) on Saturday, Jan. 10. They’ve been getting some airplay on Dan MacDonald’s Hear + Now show on AM800, with their catchy Pixies-esque pop and slowly building a solid local following.

Joining them on the bill is Rodents and Rebels and Them County Bastards.

tickets are still available.

Ever since local blues rock guitarist/songwriter Dusty D’Annunzio teamed up with MicLordz & Sauce Funky guitarist Matt Lalone, things have really taken off for the duo, now known as the Rustbelt Revelators.

Following their opening slot at the WFCU Centre for the Steve Miller Band late last year, they’re popping up all over town as they finish up their debut full length. Their music is positive, community driven and inspirational revolution anthems for a blue collar city, and their show at Phog Lounge Saturday, Jan. 17 continues that trend.

They’re bringing over a couple of acts from Detroit to play with them – Mike Leslie and F. Patrick James – and cover for the evening is $10 at the door or $5 if you bring a canned good to be donated to the Windsor Youth Centre.

Trendkill recording artists Kilitorious, featuring ex-members of Cryptopsy, Vital Remains, Blind Witness and more, bring their Kings of Chaos tour through Windsor Sunday, Jan. 18 with a stop at The Dominion House. The Toronto grindcore veterans are bringing tour mates Crimson Shadows (Toronto death metal), with local support from Devilz By Definition and The Pathway to Home. Tickets are $10, with doors at 6 p.m. for this all ages event. jaN.7-20 2015 the urbanite 09

»savage love w/Dan Savage

Programming notes

Q:

I have been wearing bras and panties with stockings for so long now, it’s become a part of me, and I was wondering if you have heard of this before.

Sent From Samsung Mobile

Anyway, SFSM, men who wear bras, panties, and stockings—I have heard of that before, yes.

Bras, panties, and stockings are things that some men enjoy. But I once got pulled aside at a party by a butch dyke who confided in me that she likes to wear lacy/ People wearing bras girly bras and panties under her and panties and stock- Carhartt pants and flannel shirts. ings—that is something She too wanted to know if I had I’ve heard of before. ever heard of someone like her before—a woman who essentially A quick programming note: cross-dressed by wearing women’s Some weeks, half the questions underwear—and I had to tell her I get are longer than the column that I hadn’t. But that butch dyke itself. I can jam 1,250 words into enjoys wearing bras, panties, and this space, provided I avoid using stockings for the exact same realonger words when shorter ones son you and many other straight are available—e.g., “gay” has guys do: the frisson of transgresone syllable, “homosexual” has sion, the thrill of having a sexy five; “asshole” has two syllables, secret, the reveal to a new partner. “former Arkansas governor Mike She didn’t seem particularly Huckabee” has twelve. Suffice it to conflicted about her non-butchsay, very long letters rarely make dyke-normative tastes—heck, it in. So while I usually apprecishe seemed rather pleased with ate letter writers who get to the herself. You should consider her a point—the more succinct the role model, SFSM, and follow her question, the better the chances it example. will make it into the column—it’s possible to be too brief.

I’m a (mostly) straight male and I’ve been datSuch is the case with your letter, ing the same woman SFSM, which is reproduced here for more than a year. It’s easily the best relationship I’ve been in. We in its entirety. I know what kind get along great and rarely fight, of phone you have, but it would and the sex has been great. But be more helpful to know if you are male or female or SOPATGS.* there were a few incidents recently when in the heat of the moment I’m guessing you’re a dude, she asked me to tell her what I otherwise you probably wouldn’t wanted to do and I froze. I didn’t feel conflicted about wearing know what she expected me to say bras, panties, and stockings. So or do. These incidents ended in an despite what I’ve learned lurking on Tumblr—never make assump- argument. She views this as a sign tions about other people’s gender that I’m not attracted to her or I don’t have a strong libido. Both are identities, we are never going to run out of porn—I’m going to run untrue. I don’t have strong preferences about sexual activities. I just with the “dude” assumption.

A:

Q:

10 the urbanite JAN.7-20 2015

enjoy it. Whether it’s going down on her, having her go down on me, doing a bit of role-play, intercourse in pretty much any position— whatever we’re doing, I’m enjoying myself. If there is something specific she wants, all she needs to do is ask. But when she asks me to take control in the bedroom or to describe my fantasies to her, I either stare blankly at her or choose something at random, achingly unsure of whether or not I made the right choice. This has always been the way my brain works. When I masturbate, I just think about having sex, not about anything specific. When I look at porn, I am far more interested in how attracted I am to the woman involved than I am in what is going on. If you could give me some ideas for how I can make myself less boring in the sack, I would love to hear it.

Mister Milquetoast Missionary

A:

You know that thing you sometimes do when your girlfriend asks in the heat of the moment what you wanna do? I don’t mean stare at her blankly—that’s the wrong thing to do—I mean choosing something at random.

Do that thing every time. Randomly pick something from your established repertoire and tell her you wanna do that thing right now. Then do it, MMM, provided she indicates that she wants to do it too. If she indicates her desire to do it verbally, then you can get right down to it, i.e., you can be a bit aggressive. If her signal is physical or nonverbal, then you should ease into that random selection much more gradually,

or butt—and remain in place during sex. A bare dick goes into a female condom clean and comes out “clean.” (Technically, that bare dick comes out covered in lube I’m a mid-40s gay man and semen—but that’s the mess people are after, not the mess in a LTR with a man people worry about. For added I love very much. The problem is that, due to ongoing GI safety, the top can wear a male problems, I’m unable to bottom. condom.) The female condom is At heart, I’m a total bottom, and removed after sex, SUB, which the handful of times when I’ve you can do alone in the bathbeen physically capable of bottom- room—that way, if there is a mess, ing (before my illness became so your loving partner/special guest severe), I’ve loved it way more than star will never know. any other sexual act. My husband is 50/50 versatile, and we have an Second option: frottage. It’s not open relationship, so he gets what bottoming—no penetration—but he wants from me and from othit’s a worthy and pleasurable subers. But sometimes it’s frustrating stitute. Your loving partner/spefor me to see him bottoming for cial guest star puts his lubed-up another guy when I’m unable to. dick between your thighs, right at When a hot guy wants to fuck me, the top, you close your legs, and I have to decline every time. I just he plows away. If you’re on your tell our fuck buds that I’m a total stomach or doing it doggy style, top, because it makes things easier. SUB, you can put your lubed-up I’m glad that my husband is having hands between your legs and great sex, but my health problems cup your partner’s cock while he leave me sexually unfulfilled. I’m thrusts back and forth. You’re not receiving treatment, but I’m still being penetrated, but your taint, not ever “clean” enough to bottom the outside of your hole, and your confidently. I’m not sure that I ever sack are all getting stimulated. will be. Any advice for me?

Frottage is also a good first step for people who want to experiSadly Unfilled Bottom ment with anal play but aren’t Two practical tips: ready for penetration. first, female condoms.

I realize you’re a dude, * Some other point along the and I realize that female condoms gender spectrum. are more expensive than male condoms, but they’re a terrific On the Lovecast, Dan chats with option for buttfuckees worried comedian Mike Birbiglia about about cleanliness. For readers sleep-eating: savagelovecast.com. who may be unfamiliar with female condoms: They’re a bit larger than regular condoms and » BY DAN SAVAGE they get tucked inside the orifice » MAIL@SAVAGELOVE.NET that’s about to be fucked—vagina » @FAKEDANSAVAGE so she can redirect and/or ask you to choose again if that particular random selection doesn’t work for her.

Q:

A:

event listings

FIND AND SUBMIT EVENTS AT ren and the Wayward Jennys URBANITENEWS.COM/EVENTS Phog Lounge | 10 p.m. | $5

Upon a Burning Body w/ Veil of Maya, Volumes, Gideon & The Last Ten Seconds of Life St. Andrew’s Hall | 5 p.m. | $16

COMING UP

MONDAY, JAN. 12

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7

Back to the Drawing Board Art- Ryan Horwood ist Think Tank Comedy Quarry | 8 p.m. & ArtSpeak Gallery 10:30 p.m. | $15

Closing Reception: Possible Futures Art Gallery of Windsor | 6:30-8 p.m.

Misty Lyn & The Big Beautiful w/ Brian Sheehan HopCat (Detroit) | 8 p.m. | $5 Frost Month Kickoff Party The Bull n’ Barrel | 10 p.m.

THURSDAY, JAN. 8 Funk Junkies w/ I’z of Zoe Phog Lounge

Stories of Old Sandwich Town Windsor Public Library | 7-9 p.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 13 Mommy Baby Bootcamp Windsor Squash & Fitness Club | 10 a.m.

Wale w/ Audio Push & Bizzy St. Andrew’s Hall (Detroit) | 7 p.m. | $25 WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14

Sun Tribe w/ Stormy Chromer, Canadian Club Maple Party Jay Fry & Everyday Junior Magic Stick Lounge (Detroit) | 8 The Bull n’ Barrel p.m. | $10 THURSDAY, JAN. 15 FRIDAY, JAN. 9 The Howling Loud w/ FIX LEGEND Phog Lounge

Brian Burke Quartet Phog Lounge | 7:30 p.m.

Killer Flamingos HopCat (Detroit) | 8 p.m. | $5

Steph Tolev Comedy Quarry | 9 p.m. | $15

FRIDAY, JAN. 16

Quarter Royce HopCat (Detroit) | 9 p.m. | $5

Radio Free Universe Phog Lounge

The Tragically Hip Caesars Windsor | 9 p.m. | DJ Zig Zag HopCat (Detroit) | 8 p.m. | $5

AMF HopCat (Detroit) | 8 p.m. | $10 Steph Tolev Comedy Quarry | 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. | $15

The Alcohollys (ex Kittie) w/ Devilz by Definition & The Vaudevillianaires Villains Beastro | 9 p.m.

Ryan Horwood Caesars Windsor | 9 p.m. | $35Rustie Magic Stick Lounge (Detroit) | 8 $75 p.m. | $15 ADV/$18 ATG SATURDAY, JAN. 17 Dwight Yoakam Caesars Windsor | 9 p.m. | $35$75

Rustbelt Revelators w/ Mike Leslie and Frank Patrick James Phog Lounge | $10 ATG or $5 w/ canned good

Corrupt Leaders w/ Lapsaria, Dry Heave & Asophgus The Windsor Beer Exchange | 9 Plant-Based Wellness, Inside and Out p.m. | $2 Shop Eco | 2-4 p.m.

The Dead Samaritans w/ War-

MONDAYS Open Mic Surgery w/ James O-L Phog Lounge | doors 9 p.m.

The Absinthe Musical Experiment Milk Coffee Bar | 10 p.m.

TUESDAYS Open Stage Night w/ Andrew Macleod and Leigh Wallace Dominion House | 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, JAN. 18

V.O.M.I.T. (Vocal Open Mic Instrumental Talent) Villains Beastro

2015 DREAMCLIMB Chrysler Canada Building | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | $25

Free One-on-One Entrepreneurial Coaching WEtech Alliance | 12-1 p.m.

Hands On Sausage Making Class Rino’s Kitchen & Ale House | 1 p.m. | $80

Open Mic w/ Jamie Reaume The Manchester Pub

JD Wilkes and The Dirt Daubers w/ Ryan Dillaha & The Miracle Men HopCat (Detroit) | 7 p.m. | $10

WEDNESDAYS

MUSIC: Pharmakon w/ Dorit Chrysler, Slither & Kuperus/Bell MOCAD (Detroit) | 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 19 It’s Getting Weird in the D #2: Justin Marc Lloyd, Boar, Mass Comm, Ashtray, Vitriol Gauge & Obiekt 172 HopCat (Detroit) | 8 p.m. | $5

jessica CARE moore w/ Steffanie Christi’an & DJ Talib Kweli HopCat (Detroit) | 8 p.m. | $25 TUESDAY, JAN. 20 The Dick Wagner Memorial ADV/$30 ATG Concert w/ Mark Farner, MarTOAST Open Mic Poetry shall Crenshaw & Scott Morgan The Devil Makes Three w/ Joe Phog Lounge The Fillmore (Detroit) | 5:30 Pug p.m. | $20-$100 Saint Andrew’s Hall | 8 p.m. | EXHIBITION OPENING: Young $17.50 People’s Biennial Lia Ices MOCAD (Detroit) | 6 p.m.

Magic Stick Lounge (Detroit) | 8 Alien Ant Farm w/ Kaleido & DJ p.m. | $10 ADV/$12 ATG SATURDAY, JAN. 10

WEEKLY

Open Mic w/ Pat Robitaille The Willistead | 8:30 p.m.

P.U.K.E. (People Using Karaoke Equipment) Villains Beastro Vice Aerial Phog Lounge | 10 p.m.

Trivia Night w/ Francois Jacques The Manchester Pub | 7 p.m.

Dave Russell Dominion House Tavern FRIDAYS Sky High Fridays Level 3 Vodka Emporium | 10 p.m.

Loveless Fridays w/ Daniel Victor The Loop | 10 p.m.

After Work Party

Rino’s Kitchen & Ale House | 7 p.m.

SUNDAYS Dusty

Dominion House Tavern

ONGOING Possible Futures: What is to be done?

Art Gallery of Windsor, The Leamington Arts Centre, Leamington; The Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex, Lasalle; Drouillard Road, Ford City; The Capitol Theatre | until Jan. 11 Winter Bites Restaurant Week Various Windsor restaurants | Jan. 12-18 EXHIBITION: It’s Like Toys In Here Detroit Artists Market | Jan. 16-Feb. 14

JAN.7-20 2015 the urbanite 11