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December 18-25, 2013 The list is in: 2013's top 10 tax delinquents in Ingham County

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Gretchen Whitmer's Senate floor speech on rape insurance, in all of its passion and courage

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Local newsman showcases local talent with new variety show 2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 18, 2013

G if...L...Alnnc  r cpis  n t Cr stm s Se ... BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE Join with us for a service of light in SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 the midst of darkness. 5:30 P.M. No matter the loss you are grieving, On the Longest Night of the Year... bring a photo or other memento and join with others for a time of remem- brance and re ection. A time for private prayer and meditation will follow the service. Prayer partners will be The Episcopal Church available. Hot drinks, snacks, and of St. Michael the Archangel conversation afterward.

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Directed by Tony Caselli Williamston Theatre Featuring: Arthur Beer, Mary Bremer, 122 S Putnam St.,Williamston Carolyn Conover, Dave Daoust, 517-655-7469 Andrew Faber and Gloria Vivalda www.williamstontheatre.org 4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 18, 2013

As a legislator, a lawyer, a woman and VOL. 13 Whitmer rips a mother of two girls, ISSUE 18 I think the fact that

rape insurance is even (517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com ‘rape insurance’ being discussed by ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-6705 this body is repulsive, PAGE CLASSIFIED AD INQUIRIES: (517) 999-5066 Tells lawmakers she was raped. let alone the way it or email [email protected] Senate, unmoved, votes to mandate has been orchestrated 5 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz abortion rider provision. and shoved through [email protected] • (517) 999-5061 Whitmer the Legislature. And EDITORIAL DIRECTOR • Mickey Hirten (Senate Minority Leader Gretchen to those of you who are aghast that I would Five questions to consider as a new developer is brought on [email protected] • (517) 999-5067 Whitmer, D-East Lansing, attacked new use a term like rape insurance to describe the for the Red Cedar Golf Course redevelopment MANAGING/NEWS EDITOR • Andy Balaskovitz abortion legislation in a floor speech proposal here in front of us, you should be [email protected] • (517) 999-5064 ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Allan I. Ross excerpted here. Both houses approved the more offended that it’s an absolutely accurate PAGE [email protected] • (517) 999-5068 measure.) description of what this proposal requires. PRODUCTION MANAGER • Rachel Harper “Apparently the holiday season of This tells women that were raped and 12 [email protected] • (517) 999-5066 goodwill toward men reads more like ill became pregnant that they should have CALENDAR EDITOR • Jonathan Griffith will toward women as the Republican thought ahead and bought special insur- [email protected] • (517) 999-5069 male majority continues to ignorantly ance for it. By moving forward on this MSU prof helps students find their inner songsmiths STAFF WRITER • Lawrence Cosentino [email protected] • (517) 999-5063 and unnecessarily weigh in on important initiative, Senate Republicans want to MARKETING/PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR/ women’s health issues that they know noth- SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT • Rich Tupica ing about. See Whitmer, Page 6 PAGE [email protected] • (517) 999-6710 ADVERTISING MANAGER • Denis Prisk 18 [email protected] • (517) 999-6704 ADVERTISING • Shelly Olson [email protected] • (517) 999-6705 Feedback Steve Ledyard Upscale Lansing bistro a success by land and by sea ‘Repulsed’ Harrison “thinks deeply about things,” and he [email protected] • (517) 999-6707 Upon first reading recent article on Jim compares Harrison to “Walden, Thoreau, and Contributors: Justin Bilicki, Daniel E. Bollman, Capital Harrison in City Pulse (12/11/13), I was Transcendentalism.” Come on now. Harrison COVER News Service, Bill Castanier, Mary C. Cusack, Tom repulsed. Mention is made of enjoyment had certainly does not think deeply in at least two Helma, Laura Johnson, Terry Link, Andy McGlashen, by Harrison and his friend Guy de la Valdene important aspect of his life, and Thoreau and ART Kyle Melinn, Shawn Parker, Stefanie Pohl, Dennis Emerson were beyond Harrison and friends’ Preston, Dylan Sowle, Paul Wozniak by eating “head cheese,” and such exposure is Delivery drivers: Richard Bridenbaker, Dave Fisher, nearly enough to make me vomit. Thoughts of joy in their sort of animal exploitation. Ron Lupu, Brent Robison, Robert Wiche killing a squealing pig, cutting off its head, and Harrison is said to have written 13 vol- WISHES DON’T GROW IN BOXES by RACHEL HARPER Interns: Jordan Bradley, Alexandra Harakas, Carlee boiling the head for twenty-four hours would umes of poetry. I’m remembering now Henderson, Danielle Kwiatkowski, Zach Zweifler Coleridge’s poem “KublaKahn,” end of which Editor & Publisher seem to be highly objectionable to anyone, not Berl just to me. is often thought to refer to the creative artist, CITY PULSE ON THE AIR Schwartz People eat all kinds of disguting things, if maybe specifically to a poet.. The lines go: Joe Grimm, MSU professor of journalism 7 p.m. Wednesdays one thinks deeply about the issue. They feast “... he on honey-dew hath fed,/And drunk on dogs, cats, grasshoppers, lobsters, sheep the milk of Paradise.” The poem doesn’t State Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge eyes, fowls, horses, calves, lambs, horses, read: “... he on dove and quail hath fed;/ And John Kratus, MSU professor of music

goose liver, and bulls’ balls. Human beings feasted long on head cheese.” THIS WEEK State Sen. Gretchen Whitmer's speech on abortion legislation haven't yet evolved completely beyond a diet which might be called Cro-Magnam. — Marion Owen-Fekete Robert DeMott goes so far as to say Lansing PUBLIC NOTICES Public Notice

EXTENSION: Request for Qualifications: Real Estate Professional Services. Ingham County Land Bank is seeking qualified professionals to list and sell residential properties. The RFQ Packet is currently available at the Ingham County Land Bank, 422 Adams, Lansing, Michigan 48906, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday or at www.inghamlandbank.org. The due date for responses has been extended to January 8, 2014 and are due at the Land Bank offices by 1:00 pm. Responses will be opened January 8, 2014 at 1:00 pm. The Ingham County Land Bank is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses are encouraged to apply. Notice of Public Sale

In accordance with Michigan State Law Storage Facility Act No. 443 and to satisfy an operator’s lien, the contents of the following units will be sold at public auction on www.StorageBattles.com to the highest bidder ending on December 27, 2013 at 12:30pm for units located at 4200 Hunsaker Dr. East Lansing, MI 48823

Unit# Tenant Name______1208, 1041, 809, 303 George Rowan 104 Yuchen Huang 902 Yixiao Ren 1141 Yuxuan Duan

The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes and appliances. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase. Compass Self Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sale is subject to adjournment. City Pulse • December 18, 2013 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION shape. Ferguson project. (The website, ferguson. Ferguson didn’t rule out buying at danielfederspiel.com, features Ferguson’s Now what? least one of Jerome’s properties, the for- company, though the page banner pro- mer Sawyer Pontiac dealership on the motes the law firm, Scott Norton Law. Five questions to consider as a new same side of the street as the golf course. Ferguson was unaware the site existed C developer is brought on for the Red “When this development is up, that last week.) OF THE WEEK Cedar Golf Course redevelopment property’s going to be worth a lot of mon- Either way, the design has changed ey,” Ferguson said of the other dealership, at least slightly in the way buildings and Local officials announced last week Story Oldsmobile at 3165 E. Michigan parking is situated, which means the new they had gone to the bullpen to bring in Ave. across the street. team has committed to some work on the a new player to help redevelop a 61-acre Trezise said Kass was tapped for his layout. former golf course on Lansing’s east side, ability to bring investors and tenants Ferguson stresses that the renderings replacing one of the original developers from outside of the region — as well as are just preliminary. “We think the people for reasons not immediately apparent. experience, which is something Jerome in the community will add a lot of value Lansing’s Joel Ferguson and didn’t bring to the table. that will tweak what our thoughts are,” Columbus, Ohio’s Frank Kass announced “They seem to really grasp doing he said. “There’s a real activist commu- their partnership at a press conference expensive, urban redevelopment proj- nity over there. They want the best for the hosted at the Lansing Economic Area ects,” Trezise said, referring to Continental city and community and we do too. We’re Partnership’s REO Town offices Thursday. Real Estate Companies’ efforts to develop really open to how the people feel.” LEAP President and CEO Bob Trezise, portions of the two-mile stretch between Mayor Virg Bernero and Ingham County Drain Commissioner Pat Lindemann — a key player on the infrastructure side Property: Horticultural Laboratory Building — joined Ferguson and Kass in elation (Eustace-Cole Hall), 468 E. Circle Drive, East over the transformative potential of the Lansing $125 million project. Given its scale and Owner: Michigan State University location, they say the project could be the most important in the Midwest. But as the Red Cedar Renaissance proj- A short walk along MSU’s West Circle ect builds momentum (again), a series of Drive rewards admirers of traditional archi- unknowns remains. They include, but are tecture. There, a string of buildings referred to not limited to, the jettisoning of original as Laboratory Row is capped at its north end developer Chris Jerome — whose family by the home of the Honors College. Listed on owns vacant car dealerships adjacent to both the National and State Historical registers, and across the street from the golf course this picturesque building was likely designed by — and how much the developers will pay The latest “working model” of the design of the Red Cedar Renaissance project. architect William D. Appleyard, though popu- the city for the land. Some key questions: Devloper Joel Ferguson says it’s subject to change based on public input. lar belief attributes the effort to horticulturalist . Who is Frank Kass and what hap- downtown Columbus and Ohio State What will developers pay the city The building’s solid Queen Anne massing pened to the Jeromes? University. for the land? rises from a stone foundation and brick exte- No one’s saying much about the break- Kass, Continental’s CEO, compared Also hard to say. Trezise said all 61 rior, punctuated by an elaborately detailed, up of Jerome and Ferguson, the origi- it to and MSU, with acres were last appraised at about $10 Richardsonian Romanesque arch at the main nal team chosen for the project instead Red Cedar in the middle. million — roughly $5.5 million for the entrance. Although the wood shakes on the of four others that submitted plans as “This is going to be the beginning of 12.5 acres along Michigan Avenue that upper level present a weatherworn patina, they part of a Request for Proposals last year. filling in that gap,” Kass said. “This is not Lansing voters approved selling in 2011 originally exhibited an attractive, decorative pat- Original designs included an amphithe- my first rodeo.” and “less than that” for the rest, which tern. Jack arch-topped windows are arranged ater and a hotel along with commercial voters approved to sell in 2012. in well-balanced asymmetries, despite the later and residential spaces. How much input from charrettes But the appraisal is also just a “guide” addition of a pair of windows — careful observ- Jerome, who spoke by phone from will be included in final design? for the final purchase price, Trezise said. ers should be able to spot the new work. out of state after last week’s press con- In the coming months, LEAP will “We might be able to negotiate that Viewing the front elevation, the double- ference, declined to comment for this help facilitate public planning sessions price with the developers. We might pitched gambrel roof and its attached tower story. Ferguson offered a terse, “This is to solicit ideas from residents about how get a little less, we might get more,” he call to mind a barn and silo — a perfect image our team” without elaborating. Trezise the development should look. How walk- said. Recovering property values, nearby for the horticulture building of the former said the city has “the right guy” in Kass able is it? How much green space will developments and floodplain constraints Michigan Agricultural College. Now developed with great potential for finding inves- remain? How will traffic flow? These are are a few of the factors that could change to a great university, it is perhaps a measure of tors. Bernero said it’s his understanding a few questions that residents will weigh the selling price. maturity that, despite two schemes to demolish that Ferguson and Jerome “chose to go in in on during the charrettes, a process “The property is not going to be just this building and its neighbors, they still remain. another direction.” that allows stakeholders of all sorts to given away, I can assure you of that,” Relationships aside, the Jerome fam- offer ideas and suggestions to shape the Trezise said. — Daniel E. Bollman, AIA ily still owns prime real estate around the project. Ferguson, however, said the “real golf course in former car dealerships on But how much of that will actually bonanza” for the city comes after the the north and south sides of Michigan make it into the final design? Hard to say. sale price in the form of new income and Avenue. They could choose to develop it A rendering posted on a website property taxes. “Eye Candy of the Week” is our weekly look at some of themselves or sell it to another interested related to Ferguson Development is con- the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates with Eyesore of the party, potentially with increased values sidered a “working model” and differs Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingci- typulse.com or call Andy Balaskovitz at 999-5064. after Ferguson’s and Kass’ plan takes from renderings when it was a Jerome/ See Red Cedar, Page 6 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 18, 2013

and a “critical mass” of density lead to strug- environmental results. Life’s initiative who are disgusted to find out Red Cedar gling projects, he said, particularly in green- Lindemann’s project is in conjunction you are subverting the democratic process to fields. with the development, since he can’t design make this law. To claim something is a citi- from page 5 a filtration system before Ferguson’s and zen’s initiative or that you are only acting on When will polluted water discharg- Kass’ design is finished. A series of public the will of the people, you have to be able to es into the Red Cedar River be hearings and permit approvals also need to back that up. But you can’t even come close. What is the market for mixed use, addressed? take place. Not only are you trying to enact a law particularly retail? The development and the redesigned “All of this data we’re collecting now is brought to us by only 4 percent of our pop- The goal of the “high-end village” project floodplain are like two trains on separate going to be a foundation,” Lindemann said. ulation, but polling suggests only one-third is a mix of student and young-professional tracks but nonetheless depend on the other of Michigan’s entire population supports housing, a hotel, a restaurant and com- to keep moving. — Andy Balaskovitz your plan. By the way, I’ve seen the polling, mercial retail. The southern half away from Ingham County Drain Commissioner Pat and that abysmal support is true in every Michigan Avenue is intended to be a recre- Lindemann has for years raised the flag for one of your districts. In what world does ational green space. Trezise is encouraged improving the Montgomery Drain district, that constitute a will of the people? … by trends on the residential side, but what which discharges storm water into the Red Your action is in complete disregard of about retail — particularly at a site that will Cedar River at the south end of the property. the variety of circumstances women face — directly compete with Lansing Township’s Ferguson says this work enhances the Whitmer circumstances you either don’t understand ? commercial development. or frankly don’t care about. This applies to “Because of the unique location of the “The stronger we make the environment from page 4 a planned pregnancy that has gone awry, property itself, I think it can attract certain and the open space,” Ferguson said, the wherein a woman needs a medically neces- kinds of retail and restaurants that are not stronger the overall development will be. essentially require Michigan women to sary D & C procedure. It also applies to the currently around — but, again, that’s just Lindemann has crews onsite taking soil plan ahead and financially invest in health deplorable acts of rape and incest that result our goal,” Trezise said. borings to “determine the stability of soils” care coverage for potentially having their in an unwanted pregnancy. These women will Indeed, Red Cedar is uniquely positioned in the watershed and inventorying infra- bodies violated and assaulted. Even worse, have no recourse unless they anticipated the — it’s not your average development site. It structure. Essentially, Lindemann is design- it would force parents to have similar and unimaginable — unless they planned to have thrives on high traffic and a close proxim- ing a system that will “clean and polish” unthinkably terrible discussions about these unspeakable things happen to them. … ity to large employers, said Shawn O’Brien, water runoff before it reaches the river. planning the same for their daughters. I have a lot more prepared remarks senior vice president at CB Richard Ellis’ “The outcome of that is going to be huge,” I have said it before and I will say here but I think it’s important for me to commercial real-estate office. Lacking those Lindemann said, referring to the scale of the it again: This is by far one of the most just mention a couple things. … Because misogynistic proposals I have ever seen in there are people in this chamber who have PUBLIC NOTICES the Michigan Legislature. And I am not the lived through things you can’t even imag- NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS only one who knows that ine. I have a colleague who I was trying EAST LANSING PLANNING COMMISSION Right to Life of Michigan has pushed to encourage to tell his story, but he’s still Notice is hereby given of the following public hearings to be held by the East Lansing Planning this twice before, and two times before, two grieving. But it was a planned pregnancy Commission on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B District Court, Courtroom 2, different Republican governors stood up that went awry and required a D & C. 101 Linden Street, East Lansing: and vetoed it with conviction. … And I started to think about that and I 1. A public hearing will be held to consider Ordinance 1319, a City-initiated Ordinance to Unfortunately in their thirst for politi- thought: I can’t push one of my colleagues to amend Section 50-36, and 50-37, of Chapter 50 – Zoning – of the Code of the City of East Lansing. cal power at all costs, Right to Life refused share a tough story if I’m not brave enough to abandon their extremist agenda in the to share one of my own. And so I’m about • To require that the elevations/façade treatment plan submitted and approved as part of a Site Plan and/or Special Use Permit application not be changed without face of political and public opposition to to tell you something that I have not shared additional review and approval. this terrible idea. Instead, they started this with many people in my life. But over 20 •To implement a tiered process for review and approval of changes to an approved petition drive to circumvent the governor years ago I was a victim of rape. And thank plan based on the significance of the proposed modification. •To places the burden of conformance with the approved elevation/façade treatment entirely. More shamefully, their plan is to God it didn’t result in a pregnancy. Because plan on the owner of the property and makes nonconformance a violation under circumvent the people of Michigan. … I can’t imagine going through what I went Section 50-33 of Chapter 50. The reality is, over the past couple of through and then having to consider what 2. A public hearing will be held to consider an application from Trowbridge Village, LLC for Site weeks I’ve heard from nearly as many to do about an unwanted pregnancy from Plan and Special Use Permit approval for the properties at 920-940, 950-956, 962-968, Republicans as I have democrats, including an attacker. And as a mother with two girls, 990, 1000, and 1020 Trowbridge Road. The multi-part application includes the following many Republicans that even signed Right to the thought that they would go through requests: something like I did keeps me up at night. • Remodeling of the Trowbridge Plaza main building and approval of a SDM/SDD I thought this was all behind me. You know license for carry-out beer, wine, and spirits for the grocery store in the building. how tough I can be. The thought and the (subject to special use permit approval) •Conversion of the existing Tavern license for Hobie's Restaurant to a Class C liquor memory of that still haunts me. license. (subject to special use permit approval) If this were law then and I had become •Construction of a four-story, mixed-use building adjacent to Trowbridge Road. pregnant, I would not be able to have cov- (subject to site plan and special use permit approval) •Construction of a five-story, mixed-use building on the site of the former Oodles of erage because of this. How extreme does Noodles. (subject to site plan and special use permit approval) this measure need to be? I’m not the only woman in our state that has faced that hor- In total, the project involves the remodeling of 46,224 square feet of existing retail space, construction of 15,705 square feet of retail/restaurant/office space, 149 apartments in four- and five-story buildings rible circumstance. I am not enjoying talking (8 studios, 38 one-bedroom units, 95 two-bedroom units, and 8 four-bedroom units), and associated about it. It’s something I have hidden for a parking. The property is zoned B-2, Retail Sales Business District. long time. But I think you need to see the face of the women that you are impacting by Call (517) 319-6930, the Department of Planning, Building and Development, East Lansing City 37 Hall, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, for additional information. All interested persons will be given this vote today. I think you need to think of an opportunity to be heard. These matters will be on the agenda for the next Planning Commission the girls that we are raising and what kind of meeting after the public hearing is held, at which time the Commission may vote on them. The Planning Commission's recommendations are then placed on the agenda of the next City Council a state we want to be where you would put meeting. The City Council will make the final decision on these applications. your approval on something this extreme. I ask that you at least let the people of The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as interpreters for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to the state have a vote on this. Don’t ram it individuals with disabilities upon request received by the City seven (7) calendar days prior to the through using some loophole that is going meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring aids or services should write or call the Planning to impact 100 percent of the women in this Department, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. Phone: (517) 319-6930. TDD Number: 1-800- 649-3777. state when only 4 percent of the people signed on to a petition. Marie E. Wicks Let the people decide. Let the people of City Clerk Michigan decide.” City Pulse • December 18, 2013 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7

reflects taxes owed from 2011. The top 10 owe a total of $636,755.12, which The list is in represents 14 percent of the debt owed to the county for 2011 and prior prop- This year’s top 10 tax delinquents erty taxes. The full list is inserted in this issue. “Unfortunately,” says Ingham County The number of parcels in this year’s Treasurer Eric Schertzing, the number full list increased slightly — by 1.3 of foreclosures isn’t improving in greater percent — from 2012, from 1,417 to Lansing. “The level of foreclosure activ- 1,436, according to the Treasurer’s ity looks to stay quite elevated for at least Office. the third year running.” Property owners have until March 31 Schertzing’s office prepared this to pay taxes owed from 2011. year’s list of the top 10 property tax delinquents in Ingham County, which — City Pulse staff TOP TEN TAX DELINQUENTS OF 2013 NAME PAYOFF PARCEL NO./PROPERTY 1 101 S. Washington Development LLC $215,295.72 33-01-01-16-401-002, 101 S. Washington Sq., Lansing 2 DJF Landholding LLC $69,111.67 33-01-05-09-401-012, 134 E. Edgewood Blvd., Lansing 3 B & J Moving and Storage Inc. $62,889.00 33-01-01-04-176-051, 3110 Turner St., Lansing 4 CB Labath LLC $53,742.17 33-25-05-02-200-036, 3490 Belle Chase Way, Lansing 5 GSD Petroleum LLC $50,418.25 4 parcels in Lansing 6 Fady Inc. $41,770.81 8 parcels in Lansing 7 Okemos 2221 LLC $40,447.04 33-06-06-04-202-012, 2221 University Park, Okemos 8 Farrell Stefan V & Tamara L $37,078.39 15 parcels in Lansing 9 Allen David E Realty Inc. $33,570.44 4 parcels in Lansing 10 Eaton Federal Savings Bank $32,431.63 44 parcels in Williamston Source: Ingham County Treasurer’s Office Illustration by Jonathan Griffith

9

THIS WEEK: Red Cedar Renaissance project Hosted by Newsmakers Berl Schwartz

BOB TREZISE JOEL FERGUSON PRESIDENT AND CEO OF DEVELOPER AND CHAIRMAN OF LANSING ECONOMIC AREA PARTNERSHIP MSU BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Watch past episodes at vimeo.com/channels/citypulse 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 18, 2013

ARTS & CULTURE ART BOOKS FILM MUSIC THEATER starring Ozzy Osbourne and family that only lasted one episode. But Pinsonnault Variety revival insists “The Evan Michael Show” has something those shows lacked. “They had the talent, but there was no Local newsman showcases local audience,” Pinsonnault said. “There is a talent with new variety show rich bed of talent in the Lansing area (but) there’s never been the right showcase for By ALLAN I. ROSS that talent. It’s a celebration of — and a Variety shows were once as ubiquitous party for — the performing arts, and I think as reality television … and were eminently local audiences are ready for it.” more culturally enriching, thank you very The show will occasionally be cohosted much. Forget real housewives and Jersey by Lansing-based sax man Phil Denny, goombas — where else could you see fla- with the musical director being local con- menco dancing followed by vaudevillian ductor John Dale Smith. And even though slapstick wrapped up with a performance by the first official episode has yet to air, the the biggest rock band on the planet, all be- show already has a recurring guest: Local fore bedtime? theater vet Ken Beachler. “The Evan Michael Ed Sullivan “Reality TV killed a lot of things, includ- Photo by Studio M Portraits Show” perfected the for- ing the outlet for good writers to write,” Premieres 8 a.m. Jan. 1 mat. Carol Bur- Evan Pinsonnault Beachler said. “This show is beautifully My18 WHTV (left) gets jazzy with Regular season begins late nett put her spin planned, and the writing is outstanding. It’s January, 10 p.m. Saturdays on it. So did Jackie musician Brad Fowler a return to form for performing arts, and it’s For information on at a recent test taping performing or appearing Gleason, Dinah going to be a wonderful way to introduce or in the studio audience, Shore, hell, even of “The Evan Michael reintroduce Lansing to that talent.” go to facebook.com/ Show,” a new variety theevanmichaelshow Johnny Cash. And Beachler has performed on stage with now, as America show that debuts Jan. Pinsonnault several times, including last revels in a second Golden Age of the boobi- 1 on My18. year’s “Follies” at Riverwalk Theatre. The tus tubitus, that old Ghost of Prime Time two have developed a crackling rapport, Past is making a resurgence, at least locally. no time falling in with the local community hatched. They took their time, building a both on stage and off. At the New Year’s Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to “The theater scene and making himself a one- bank of ideas and coming up with concepts. Eve taping, Beachler will trade barbs with Evan Michael Show.” man brand as an emcee, stand-up comedian “This is the guy who could change the face Pinsonnault and sing a few songs. Old “For years I’ve wanted to start my own and fill-in singer for hire. But none of these, of television locally and nationally,” Kelsaw school stuff. show, but my schedule makes that pretty he felt, was the true outlet for his creativity. said. “It’s a return to a beloved format that “I’ve heard people say already that a va- tough,” said Evan Pinsonnault, morning “Originally I was thinking I wanted to needs a charismatic figure to make it work. riety show is not of this time, but it fits his news anchor at WLNS-TV. “I’d had some be a game show host, but after I met Tay- Evan has that appeal.” personality perfectly,” Beachler said. “I think ideas, but I was taking the time to make lor, he convinced me that a variety show But really, a variety show? Isn’t that a he could swing it.” sure I could do it right.” would be a better fit,” Pinsonnault said. “I little innocuous for a culture steeped in sar- Kelsaw said the show will feature many “The Evan Michael Show” (more on that think he was on to something.” casm and PG-13 humor? MSU student producers, directors, techni- name later) has already taped three sample That would be Taylor Kelsaw, a trans- “It’s a conscious decision to play it safe,” cians and camera operators, anchoring the episodes; one as a charity event at Michigan plant from Burbank, Calif., who landed in Pinsonnault said. “A lot of people trust in show into the university. State University’s University Club, the other Lansing three years ago when his partner me, and I don’t want to jeopardize (that by “It’s one thing for a student going to look as a pair of back- accepted a position doing) anything offensive. Sarcasm can be for a job after graduation with a degree in to-back test runs in at MSU. Kelsaw, 53, misinterpreted. I want to stay positive — I telecommunications,” Kelsaw said. “It’s an- the Wharton Cen- “This is the guy who could change started in TV produc- just want to throw that elbow into the side.” other thing to say, I also worked for two ter’s Pasant Theatre, tion 16 years ago with Still, a variety show could hardly be years on a weekly TV show that was broad- which will be its per- the face of television locally and “Jeopardy,” where he considered an elevator to the top. Postmil- cast throughout mid-Michigan.” manent home start- was the director of lennial incarnations of the format were Or throughout the state — and even ing next month. But nationally. Evan has that appeal.” promotional market- met with resounding “mehs,” including on New Year’s Eve, ing. That led to work the 2009 debacle, “Osbournes Reloaded,” See Variety, Page 9 the official one-hour - Taylor Kelsaw, “The Evan Michael on other shows, in- pilot — which will Show” producer and creator cluding “Wheel of be the first to actu- Fortune,” “The Price ally reach local sets is Right,” “Access Hol- — tapes at the University Club at 9 p.m. It lywood” and “Oprah.” In 2003, he became Join City Pulse’s airs the next morning at 8 a.m. vice president of a product placement com- Arts & Culture “We’re not leaving a whole lot of room for pany, working on the “Matrix” sequels, “24” editor Allan I. mistakes — that’s going to be a pretty quick and last year’s Clint Eastwood film, “Trouble Ross (right) on turnaround,” said Pinsonnault, 30, who with the Curve.” WLNS-TV6 every came to Lansing four years ago to join the “Ever since I worked with my mentor Thursday after local CBS affiliate. In addition to his desk Merv Griffin, I’ve had an idea for a variety 6 a.m. with Evan work, he launched “Pick a Place for Pinson- show but I didn’t think I could recreate that,” Pinsonnault nault,” a regular segment that focused on Kelsaw said. “Fortuitously I met Evan and I for a preview local events, and he reinvigorated the sta- thought, here’s the guy who could host it.” of weekend tion’s human interest entertainment piece, The two met at one of the Pinsonnault’s happenings. “Tell Me Something Good.” He also wasted charity gigs last year and the idea was City Pulse • December 18, 2013 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9

I’m just sticking with my middle name. Plus Variety the “M-I” in Michael fits perfectly into the Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny Dec 19-24 Michigan (silhouette) in the show’s logo.” from page 8 All shows will be taped before a live stu- ARIES (March 21-April 19): "Life is best organized as LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The Italian painter dio audience on Tuesdays at the Pasant. a series of daring ventures from a secure base," wrote Tintoretto (1518-1594) was a Libra. He worked with such possibly the country — if Pinsonnault’s Guests will feature mostly Lansing talent, psychologist John Bowlby. Some of you Aries enjoy the vigor and passion that he was nicknamed Il Furioso -- plans pan out. including singer-songwriters, actors, musi- "daring venture" part of that formula, but neglect the The Furious. One of his crowning achievements was his "secure base" aspect. That's why your daring ventures “Lansing is the center of the state, which cians, comedians and puppeteers. Visiting painting Paradise, which is 74 feet long and 30 feet tall may on occasion go awry. If you are that type of Ram, -- about the size of a tennis court. It adorns a huge wall I think it’s fair to say is in the center of the artists and performers will also be welcome. the first half of 2014 will be an excellent time to correct in the Doge's Palace, a landmark in Venice. I propose Midwest,” Pinsonnault says. “If this show Pinsonnault lists dream guests as Michigan your bad habit. Life will be offering you considerable that Tintoretto serve as one of your inspirational role takes off the way I think it will, there’s no natives Jeff Daniels, Tim Allen and Aretha help and inspiration in building a strong foundation. And models in 2014. The coming months will be an excellent reason to think it couldn’t go national.” Franklin. But he’s quick to point out that to- if you already appreciate how important it is for your time for you to work hard at crafting your own personal Just don’t expect it to become “The Evan day’s nobody is tomorrow’s Madonna. pursuit of excitement to be rooted in well-crafted stabil- version of paradise on earth. You may not be so wildly Pinsonnault Show.” “Everyone got started somewhere,” Pin- ity, the coming months will be golden. robust to deserve the title "Il Furioso." But then again, “I’ve heard every way possible to butcher sonnault says. “I’d love to be able to give TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Here's a tale of three you might. my last name,” Pinnsonault laments. “But someone their first break. That’s what hav- renowned Taurus brainiacs: Immanuel Kant, John Stuart SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Between 2002 and Mill, and Bertrand Russell. They all had IQs over 175 and my dad asked me not to change my name, so ing a variety show is about.” 2009, Buddhist monk Endo Mitsunaga spent a thousand all made major contributions to philosophy. Yet all three days meditating as he did a ceremonial walk around were physically inept. Kant had trouble keeping a sharp Mount Hiei in Japan. In 2006, English writer Dave point on his writing instrument, the quill, because he Cornthwaite took 90 days to skateboard across the NEW YEAR, NEW CAREER was clumsy using a knife. Mill was so undexterous he entire length of Australia, a distance of 3,618 miles. The found it a chore to tie a knot. Russell's physical prowess first man's intentions were spiritual, the second man's was so limited he was incapable of brewing a pot of adventurous. The coming months will be prime time for tea. Chances are that you are neither as brilliant nor as you to contemplate both kinds of journeys, Scorpio. The uncoordinated as these three men. And yet, like them, astrological omens suggest that you will generate extra there is a disconnect between your mind and body -- some glitch in the way the two of them communicate good fortune for yourself by seeking out unfamiliar with each other. The coming year will be an excellent experiences on the open road. To get yourself in the time to heal the disconnect and fix the glitch. mood, ruminate on the theme of pilgrimage. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A horticultural company SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Many farms in in the UK is selling TomTato plants to home gardeners. California's Tulare County grow produce for super- Each bush grows both cherry tomatoes and white market chains. Here's the problem: Those big stores potatoes. The magic was accomplished through hand- only want fruits and vegetable that look perfect. So crafted hybridization, not genetic engineering. I foresee if there are brown spots on the apples or if the zuc- a comparable marvel in your long-term future, Gemini. chinis grow crooked or if the carrots get too big, they I'm not sure about the exact form it will take. Maybe are rejected. As a result, 30 percent of the crops go you will create a product or situation that allows you unharvested. That's sad because a lot of poor people to satisfy two different needs simultaneously. It's pos- who live in Tulare don't have enough to eat. Fortunately, sible you will find a way to express two of your talents some enterprising food activists have begun to work in a single mode. Or perhaps you will be able to unite out arrangements with farmers to collect the wasted two sides of you that have previously been unbonded. produce and distribute it to the hungry folks. I gather Congratulations in advance! there's a comparable situation in your life, Sagittarius: CANCER (June 21-July 22): "To destroy is always the unplucked resources and ignored treasures. In 2014, I first step in any creation," said the poet E. E. Cummings. hope you take dramatic action to harvest and use them. Do you buy that idea, Cancerian? I hope so, because CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Derrick Brown has the cosmos has scheduled you to instigate some major a poem entitled "Pussycat Interstellar Naked Hotrod creative action in 2014. In order to fulfill that potential, Mofo Ladybug Lustblaster!" I hope that at least once in you will have to metaphorically smash, burn, and dis- 2014 you will get up the nerve to call someone you love solve any old structures that have been standing in the

Community Features by that name. Even if you can't quite bring yourself to way of the future. You will have to eliminate as many utter those actual words, it will be healing for you to get of the "yes, buts" and "I can'ts" and "not nows" as you to the point where you feel wild enough to say them. possibly can. Here's what I'm driving at, Capricorn: In the coming LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): When did you first fall from months, you will be wise to shed any inhibitions that grace? Do you remember? It has happened to most of have interfered with you getting all of the free-flowing us. We spend time being privileged or cared about or intimacy you'd love to have. respected, and then, suddenly, we no longer are. We AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): "Artists who are con- lose our innocence. Love disappears. Our status as a tent merely to hone their gifts eventually come to little," favorite comes to an end. That's the bad news, Leo. The says the Belgian writer Simon Leys. "The ones who truly good news is that I think the months ahead may be time leave their mark have the strength and the courage to for you to climb back up to one of those high states of explore and exploit their shortcomings." I'd like to bor- grace that you fell from once upon a time. The omens row that wisdom and provide it for you to use in 2014, suggest that even now you're making yourself ready to Aquarius. Even if you're not an artist, you will be able to rise back up -- and sooner than you think, there will be an invitation to do so. achieve an interesting kind of success if you're willing to make use of the raw materials and untapped potential VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Leonardo da Vinci cre- of your so-called flaws and weaknesses. Whatever is ated the painting St. Jerome in the Wilderness around 1480. It now hangs in the Pinacoteca Vaticana, a muse- unripe in you will be the key to your creativity. um in Vatican City. For several centuries, though, the PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 2014, you will have Happy Holidays! treasured work of art was missing. Legend tells us that the mojo to escape a frustration that has drained you From the residents and staff at in the early 19th century, Napoleon's uncle found the and pained you for a long time. I mean you can end Independence Village of East Lansing lower half of the painting in a junk shop in Rome. Years its hold on you for good. The coming months will also later he stumbled upon the top half in another back provide you with the chance to activate and cultivate a labor of love that will last as long as you live. While this INDEPENDENCE VILLAGE OF EAST LANSING alley, where it was being used as a wedge in a shoe- maker's bench. I foresee the possibility of a comparable project may not bloom overnight, it will reveal its staying 2530 Marfitt Road sequence unfolding for you in 2014, Virgo. You just may power in dramatic fashion. And you will be able to draw East Lansing, MI 48823 manage to restore a lost beauty to its proper place of on the staunch faith you'll need to devote yourself to it honor, one step at a time. until its full blessings ripen. tel 517-337-0066 Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE eastlansingseniorliving.com HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.

DISCOVER IVELAD.HappyHolidays.5.042x 2.8125.FC.2013.12.5.indd 1 12/12/13 10:16 AM the difference 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 18, 2013

one of the nation’s are my three wishes this • Regionalization would leading entrepreneurial holiday season: be pursued aggressively environments. The wish • I wish for quality access to but diplomatically — is that MSU, Spartan art, culture, and education sans name-calling and 1-2-3 Innovations and MSU for everyone in the state of insults and instead with President Simon, as well Michigan. These are areas decorum, compassion as LEAP’s New Economy I feel are significant in and commitment to the "If you were given Division, continue the creating kind, wise, creative, greater good. hopeful and emerging passionate people and • (If) “aging gracefully” partnership between the yet are so often devoid of actually felt even remotely two in working to increase funding, left by the wayside, close to graceful. commercialization of ideas or ignored when it comes and products from MSU to developing diverse and into viable, job producing dynamic communities and innovative, high tech lives. three wishes businesses that produce • I wish for marriage to be granted instantly ..." exportable products and equality in Michigan. I've create good jobs for our had too many friends region and then throughout and loved ones move City Pulse asks local figures what's on the nation and world. out of state or whose top of their wish lists this season • Of course, I wish for more relationships are ignored by MARK SCHAUER wishes: That our region’s our state government in a Former Congressman, likely Democratic parents and schools situation that is a very, very gubernatorial candidate nurture and generate a basic case of civil rights. and watching (books, total regional population Plus, I'm getting married • Good schools for every music and movies) finds that one day exceeds 50 next year and it would be Michigan student — More the perfect “next one.” percent or 60 percent as sweet to have same-sex than one in 10 Michigan Coincidentally, CADL staff college graduates. That we marriage legalized by then school districts are can help make that wish focus as much education — I have high hopes! facing deficits, which come true. on the value of liberal • I wish for continued means larger class sizes • My third one is for arts as we do STEM. That success for my theater and less individual Deborah Diesen Nancy Robertson the country. I wish that downtown Lansing would company, Peppermint attention for our kids. Grand Ledge-based State librarian, Library Congress finds ways to have two new hotels. That Creek. As we are celebrating As the son of a teacher, children’s author of Michigan compromise and agrees to our region’s population our 11th season as a my dad taught me that put the best interests of would grow by 100,000 in nonprofit in Lansing, my good schools mean good For every child on the • I wish for all of Michigan's the country first. 20 years. That a casino is wish is to have longevity, jobs. My first wish would planet: libraries to have the built in downtown Lansing, financial and artistic be for Michigan to live • Health, safety, and ability and continued stopping the giant sucking success, and for the people up to its constitutional stability. effort to look outward to sound of people and of Lansing to continue promise of a quality • Lots and lots of love. their community’s needs, money leaving our region to embrace us and our education for every child. • A really good book! particularly to help the for casinos far away or mission. • Unemployment below If the genie grants those underserved and those online while prompting the national average — three, everybody else’s in need of services that the expansion of our Michigan has the third wishes are bound to come empower them to succeed conference center and hotel worst unemployment true, too. in whatever endeavor they business everywhere. That rate in the country, and undertake. Bob Trezise downtown East Lansing we’re ranked 47th for • I wish every school President & CEO, Lansing becomes downtown MSU, business and careers. building in Michigan Economic Area Partnership the state’s talent portal We put the world on would have a library and for corporations wishing wheels and built the a librarian to ensure • That our Greater to introduce themselves Gino Federici middle class — I know educational success for all Lansing region continues to their future talent Singer we can do better. My of our students. to celebrate its unique and workforce — MSU second wish would be to • Finally, I wish for and individual character students. That our region • Healthy and energetic get our unemployment everyone a book, the ability — that’s what makes us becomes the Accelerator throughout the rest of rate below the national Rhoda Wolff to read it, and a passion for strong — yet continues Region of North America. my life. average by investing in Manager, Schuler reading more. to unify under one Pure That newspapers remain • Be a multi-platinum our highly skilled workers Books & Music, Lansing belief that we are Eastwood Towne Center a thriving and critical recording artist. and small businesses to one region competing on component to the Lansing • Set up the first Goya compete for good jobs. This feels like a Miss a global stage for jobs region, unlike so many Center in Lansing. • Secure Retirements America contest: and talent. To me, beyond other regions. for Michigan Seniors • More people would the obvious hoping that — The new pension read — when they don’t, private business continues tax on hard-earned the whole community to invest and create jobs in retirement income is loses out. the Greater Lansing region, costing Michigan seniors • Adopt a dog or cat. Maureen Hirten is that all municipalities, thousands each year. For • Wish the Tigers would businesses, public Director, Capital Area seniors living on a fixed win the World Series. District Libraries institutions and private income, that means less My own wishes which citizens prioritize money KELLY ROSSMAN- to spend on things like someone asked me about: The first one is easy: and resources to creating gas, prescription drugs, an international place — a Chad Badgero MCkinney • That everyone’s wishes • I wish for a successful CEO, Truscott-Rossman and family Christmas come true. millage outcome for CADL place that truly retains and Founder & artistic director, gifts. For my final wish, • A massive pendulum in 2014. attracts talent and families Peppermint Creek Theatre Co. • Statesmanship would I would help ensure swing on the political • The second one is (thus business and jobs). replace partisanship at all Michigan seniors have landscape. pretty “libraryish”: I Yes, I believe it is in that OK, first of all, I love this levels of government (as secure retirements by • A society where everyone wish that everyone who order. story, and it's also really in, why can't they all just eliminating the tax on is warm and fed. enjoys reading, listening • Greater Lansing becomes hard. With that said, here get along?). pensions. City Pulse • December 18, 2013 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11

wife, Taylor. to stimulate the local Ison hadn’t melted. (Comet smaller heart. I don’t mean speaking — it is sooo 2008. • That Congress economy! Ison, recently touted as metaphorically; I mean (government as a whole, • More time and money the comet of the century, the actual organ, which is really) would get to doing to travel. I do a fair fizzled out from buzzing the enlarged and will probably the people's work. Taking amount of traveling Sun too closely last week.) lead to his sudden passing care of America’s people within Pure Michigan, There’s a lot of speculation one day. Barring a cure for and making sure that and have seen much of that it went out with Nelson that condition, my wish is taxpayers are a top priority. the United States but, as Mandela. Comets often take that he stay the same crazy Tim Barron Hopefully this would instill a former anthropologist, important people out or clown he is now for as long Host of “Tim Barron trust and faith back into I am itching to have more bring them in, but when they as he’s with us. SCOTT HARRIS Mornings,” 92.9 FM-WLMI elected officials to govern. time and resources to bring them in, you don’t find • My third wish — let’s aim big Owner, Everybody Maybe our approval rating travel abroad. out for several years. here — would be for people Reads Bookstore • Though is sounds cliché to would go up. across Lansing, across say END WORLD HUNGER … • Well of course to hit the Michigan, and across the • World peace, for sure. It is cliché for good reason — Lotto … No brainer. Won’t U.S. to stop talking about • End to diseases that it’s at the top of many a wish make life happier so to the economic downturn cause suffering. I know list, including mine. say. I’m pretty blessed as something that just we still have to cull the Since so many of our modern already. But it makes it a “happened” to us, randomly, population, so some people global issues — including whole lot easier … like a spell of bad weather. have to die, but they terrorism, hate groups • For all of you to have a I’d like to see us awaken shouldn’t have to suffer. masked as religions and Merry Christmas and safe ETIENNE CHARLES ADDIANN HINDS to the fact that banks, • Fair and equitable redneckery — stem from the Happy New Year! (Can I get Actress corporations, and politicians distribution of resources. hopelessness of hunger AND Trumpeter and professor did this to us, intentionally, four? I was good this year.) of jazz at MSU ignorance. • At the top of my list to increase profit, cheapen • I would have to place • Direct flight from is eliminating racism. labor, minimize human K-THRU-COLLEGE-LEVEL Lansing to Trinidad. And that probably would values, and disenfranchise SECULAR-BASED EDUCATION • A heavier coat. be second and third. It those most likely to dissent. FOR ALL HUMANS in second. • For my students to relax saddens me very much. I’d like us to realize that we These first two would give a and not stress out during I have no wishes for myself. are not powerless, and that swell jump start to a better finals week! I live the kind of life I want. powerlessness is instead world — indeed with all these I have my house. My career an illusion created to keep newly well-fed and educated keeps on going on, and us from acting and voting RUELAINE STOKES folks everywhere, we "BOOGIE" BOB BALDORI that’s fun. I have no wishes in accordance with our own Poet might find America getting Musician, film producer about that at all. values and self-interest. and attorney itself “discovered” like the • I want to grab the hand Europeans “discovered” the • World peace. of the Muse of Creative Native Americans — and boy • Family happiness. Endeavor and never let go. could that get interesting! • A bass player and a • I want humans to • The final wish is selfishly player who don’t “civilize capitalism” by for me — EXACTLY 100 play too loud. RANDY GELISPIE constructing a safety net MILLION DOLLARS (US). A Drummer and professor of jazz at MSU and regulations that limit million isn’t what it used greed and economically to be — trust me on this — • First, I wish I could bring driven cruelty. and a billion is too much back all my loved ones that DOAK BLOSS JEN SYGIT • I want us to build (emperors clothes time have passed on and all the Actor Singer/songwriter and societies in which children and all that!). A hundred great musicians. Bring ‘em host of Eclecticana on WLNZ (and adults) can thrive. million, however — I could back. • My first wish would be that My three wishes: Thanks for making these actually blow. So it will • I wish I had billions of I could marry the man I’ve • End all wars take effect immediately. I keep me grounded to have dollars so I could give most shared the last 20 years of • Feed the hungry feel so much happier a realistic yet very nice Joe Quick of it away to the poor folks my life with — in Michigan. • Ten million dollars (my pile of dough with which I Actor who need it. No more lawsuits over my selfish wish, but I could can live well, take care of • I wish I could hear employer’s ability to cover also use it to do good! So my family and continue • Marriage/family equality children’s laughter all over him on my insurance policy, it's a win win.) to quietly and sometimes for all in Michigan. I’d like the world. That’s the only no more separate not so quietly help people I to see the same rights as thing that doesn’t have any tax returns, no more naturally encounter through heterosexual couples and negativeness. anxiety about property the course of my life ... as I families have with respect rights should one of us die. choose to. to marriage, benefits, There wouldn’t be a lot of dual-parent adoption, fanfare, I’m not sure we’d RICHARD SHERMAN etc., apply to myself and even have a ceremony; Principal flutist of the so many of my loving, we’d just be rock-solid Lansing Symphony committed friends and legally recognized as two family members in same- valued members of the JOEL MABUS • Unlimited free seasonal sex partnerships. community who have chosen Singer/songwriter lattes from Starbucks. • Student loan forgiveness/ to belong to one other. • Weekly dinners for a affordable college LYNN CRANDALL • My second is for my cat, • That smart-phone year with my favorite education. I’d definitely Astrologer Gus, who came to live with addicts would take their Classical composers (ie Tony baltimore wish for more affordable us in 2010 after spending eyes off the screen once in Bach, Debussy and Mozart) Director of external affairs, post-secondary education, • To travel a lot and be in four winters trying to a while, at least in public. with the expressed intention U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers especially for those that a warmer place. This is insinuate his way into a At least while driving. of commissioning new have significant financial really awful. friend’s house. This sounds • That the Tea Party tossers works from them. • To see loved ones who barriers. I’d love to see • To finally finish the a little odd, but my wish would just give it a rest. • To be a Jedi knight with have gone on before … miss my own debt forgiven/ book I’ve been working would be that Gus, who • That young artsy the light saber color of them dearly. Would like decreased to allow for on forever. is more affectionate than urbanites (especially on my choice. them to see the man I have further schooling. And, • From the point of view of any cocker spaniel I’ve ever public radio) would quit the become. And my beautiful READ MORE AT of course, more cash an astrologer, I wish Comet met, would have a slightly “vocal fry” mannerism of LANSINGCITYPULSE.COM 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 18, 2013

“I’d never week, students must perform a partially written a song completed song, a completed song or a re- They write the songs before this class,” vised song; they are graded on the best six said Christie completed or revised songs of the semester. MSU prof helps students find Fowler, who Additionally, all students are required to completed the perform in public twice during the semes- their inner songsmiths course this se- ter, whether it’s in a dorm lounge or at an mester. “It’s been open mic night. By JORDAN BRADLEY a trip.” Fowler, Kratus said that most students brought The usual thinking behind signing up 21, a fourth year something to the class to share that even for a university humanities class is “en- music education their friends didn’t know about them. That richment,” not “career establishment.” major, said she kind of environment opens up possibilities But after MSU music education Professor chose the class for risks, which can lead to better work. John Kratus’ first course in songwriting in Jordan Bradley/City Pulse because it sound- “It was nice to have a group of people 2000, two of his 18 students dropped out Matt Eble (left) and Evan Mikalonis perform at the Dec. 7 student ed interesting critique you in a positive way,” Eble said. of school shortly afterward … to pursue showcase as part of their final project. and fit into her “Whenever I (brought) a song in, I just careers in music. schedule. But (wanted) them to tear it up and tell me “I had either created a great weeder class she said the class how to improve.” or I had found something important,” Kra- ity and teaching. Then, in his late 30s, he pushed her “out of the box.” Matt Eble, 19, Earlier this month, the class showcased tus said. “And it snowballed from there.” returned to composing, writing six hours of a mechanical engineering sophomore, said its best work in a concert in Studio 60 of Kratus has been playing guitar, per- music in two months and realized the vital- he fell into the class through a scheduling the MSU Audi- forming and writing music since he was 13. ity of music in life. mix-up. Despite his non-music major, Eble torium. A few of Go to When he became a faculty member at MSU “Songs are pretty important things,” has been playing guitar for seven years. He the performanc- lansingcitypulse.com in his mid-20s, songwriting was put aside, he said. “They’re a way for people to share looked at the class as a way to “try some- es were collabo- he said, for research into children’s creativ- themselves.” thing different” with his musical style. rations between to hear some of the In 2000, he launched the class that Kratus said the class consists of 20 stu- students within songs completed would become Creative Process, which dents from different backgrounds, ranging the class. Evan in the Creative was specifically created to reach out to from freshmen to seniors, with interests in- Mikalonis, 22, Process class. non-music major students (the only musi- cluding Brazilian music, rap and heavy met- a College of the cal requirement is that students have ba- al. Lessons include “songs that tell a story,” Arts and Humanities senior, played an sic piano or guitar skills). The class offers “songs that describe a feeling” and “develop- original song with Eble. Though they THE FRIEN DS O F a space for music majors and non-music ing a personal style.” didn’t know each other before the class, majors alike to grow in their songwrit- “One of the things I found was that even the two are thinking of creating a full- Turner Dodge House ing, learn techniques and receive feedback though they were from very different back- length album together. PRESENT from their peers. grounds, (the students) came to know each The songs performed throughout the 2ND ANNUAL O LD TOWN other so well through their songs,” Kratus evening included themes of joy, disap- said. “They almost feel like a family.” pointment, friendship and love. Kratus said On the first day, all the students are re- he was proud of his students’ hard work quired to sing in front of the class, either a throughout the semester. For many of them, song they’ve written or a cover. Then, each this was their first time on a stage. Festival “This is the star moment,” he said. A number of the students planned to continue to pursue songwriting. Jordyn Da- vis, 18, an environmental engineering fresh- of Trees man, planned to put out a single to “see how the world responds to it.” She was grateful for the class, saying that it forced her to stop overthinking and just write. Fowler thought of incorporating ele- ments of the class in her own future class- room with her music students. Malik Clifton, 18, a criminal justice LANSING - OFF SOUTH CEDAR AT 1-96 freshman, recommended the course to any- VISIT CELEBRATIONCINEMA.COM OR CALL 393-SHOW one who could get in. “Dr. Kratus was an awesome teacher,” he said. “You even discover things about your- self that you might not have ever known.” No word yet how many majors were switched for next semester. Saturday December 14th thru Sunday December 29th ADMISSION AT THE DOOR

$5.00 per person $10.00 per family of 4 US 127 & Lake Lansing Rd Call 483-4220 for admission times www.lansingmi.gov/tdodge www.NCGmovies.com (517) 316-9100 Student Discount with ID ID required for “R” rated films City Pulse • December 18, 2013 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13

be followed by “The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School” in June. Diesen’s sphere Diesen went from an unknown to a rela- tive superstar in the children’s book publish- Grand Ledge author recommends ing industry since 2008, with more than 1.8 million “Pout-Pout” books in print. This kids books this holiday season summer her celebrity status was ratcheted up another notch when Kohl’s selected two By BILL CASTANIER of her books for their in-store summer pro- Long Live Books make great presents. motion, pairing them with three plush crit- “The key to a really fun book for very ter fish and a Pout-Pout tote bag. young readers is it must be enjoyed by the Despite her success, Diesen said her per- the Indie! child and also the adult,” said Grand Ledge sonal life hasn’t changed much, which in- children's book author Deborah Diesen. Her cludes her job as a bookkeeper at the Allen advice: When selecting a book as a pres- Neighborhood Center. Schuler BookS ent, parents and grandparents should keep Following her success, Diesen began ex- themselves in mind and buy something they Courtesy image perimenting with somewhat longer formats, is celebrating 30 know they'll have to read repeatedly. Local author Deborah Diesen's has sold 1.8 million copies including writing a manuscript for a quirky of her children's book series featuring Pout-Pout Fish. years in business! Additionally, she said, it’s a good idea to young adult book that involves a single mom ask librarians and booksellers for their rec- Pout Fish” was published. and a young boy on a road trip with a taxi- ommendations. This is an area within Die- Diesen, 46, had been writing what she dermied armadillo. Every purchase you make sen’s sphere of expertise; she has worked as a calls “elementary poetry” since grade school, “You can make a book, but it’s just a thing at your local bookstore both a librarian and as a bookseller. but when her kids were born she said it was until kids enjoy it,” she said. helps ensure that it will be Not many authors can say their grouchy “like a crash course in children’s literature.” there for you in the future. kid was a springboard to getting their first Following the first “Pout-Pout” book, book published. But a kid with an exagger- Diesen wrote another children’s book, Stop by today for new and ated pout turned into what has become a “The Bare-Footed, Bad-Tempered Baby franchise for Diesen. Brigade,” in 2010, followed closely by a Used books, music, films, “My son was having a bit of a grouchy second “Pout-Pout” book, “The Pout-Pout eBooks, or to eat in the day and making a pouty face,” Diesen said. Fish in the Big-Big Dark.” Another book, gourmet Chapbook Cafe! She made a face back and said, “We look “Picture Day Perfection,” about a boy hav- Commerical & Residental like a pout-pout fish.” ing some fun on class photo day, was pub- She scribbled those words down and be- lished earlier this year. Fully Insured Free shipping from gan working on a children’s picture book. The “Pout-Pout” series will have two more SchulerBooks.com, Diesen said she had the first draft within a additions in 2014: “Smile, Pout-Pout Fish” is week. Five years later, in 2008, “The Pout- a board book that will be out in January to through January 31st! We thank you for Santa loves Curious Book Shop 307 E. Grand River * E. Lansing supporting your our books 332-0112 * We validate parking local, independent Free Sunday Parking Mon - Sat 10 - 8*, Sun 12 - 5 bookstore! as much www.curiousbooks.com Call Joan at: as they will. For more information, visit www.schulerbooks.com Gift Certificates (517) 485-2530 Archives Book Shop available in 519 W. Grand River * E. Lansing 332-8444 * Free parking any amount Mon - Fri 10 - 7, Sat 11 - 6, Sun 12 - 5 [email protected] at 20% off face value. SUDOKU SOLUTION CROSSWORD SOLUTION From Pg. 16 From Pg. 16 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 18, 2013

THURSDAY, DEC. 19 >> TEASE-O-RAMA If you haven’t been naughty enough this year, there’s one more chance to be. Spiral Video and Dance Bar will tease the audience with burlesque dancers and drag queens. You can keep the night’s memories forever by posing in the sexy Santa photo booth — or keep it blurry at the bar with $2 well or $3 call drinks. 1247 Center St., Lansing. Doors at 9 p.m., show at 11 p.m. $5 for 21 and up/$10 if you’re 18-20. Sorry, youngsters. FRIDAY, DEC. 20 >> Holiday All-Nighter If you think this year. The shelter will be closed Dec. 22-25. ON THE time of the year is And if you are looking to add a new member to you’re hard on you, think family, now is the perfect time. Adoption fees have about the pets that been reduced to $25, which includes spaying/neutering, get abandoned vaccinations and a microchip. Of course, you’ll need to because their provide your own leash, collar, chew toys and catinip. But EventsTOWN must be entered through the calendar at owners can’t make the Ingham County Animal Shleter is making it easier for www.lansingcitypulse.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Thursdays ends meet. Don’t you. for the following week’s issue. Charges may apply for worry, no Sarah And if playing with animals isn’t fun enough, there will be paid events to appear in print. If you need assistance, please call Jonathan at (517) 999-5069. McLachlan music events all night long to keep the adoption party going. You playing here, but will have a chance to win door even if you can’t afford to take in a new pet, there are prizes, pose with Chippy, Calling all Singers! Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass ways to make life a little easier for the sad cases locked up the shelter’s mascot and needed for Ingham Festival Chorale 2014. Director: Brandon Williams, MSU Doctoral Candidate. at the local shelter. compete in the All-Nighter Selections: Gospel Mass-R. Ray; Festival The Ingham County Animal Shelter is holding a “Holiday Pajama Contest, which starts Sanctus-J. Leavitt; Sanctus No. IV-J.S. Bach; two All-Nighter.” Volunteers are camping out at the shelter, at 11 p.m. FREE. Ingham more songs. Music fee. No auditions. Practice 3-5 P.M. Sundays starting January 5 at Mason First helping animals find new homes. The goals are twofold: County Animal Shelter, 600 United Methodist Church 'On the Square'. Concert heighten awareness of pets who need permanent homes Citrus St., Mason. Find the March 30, location TBA. Questions? 487-5528 and keep company for the ones who are in the shelter. event on Facebook for more Wednesday, December 18 Hey, everyone likes a friend, especially this time of the details. Classes and Seminars Meditation. For beginners and experienced. 7-9 FRIDAY, DEC. 20 >> THE COFFEEHOUSE AT ALL SAINTS p.m. FREE. Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, 3015 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. (517) 351-5866. All Saints Episcopal Church is giving you and your family a chance to celebrate the holidays early. Gather around as Pastor Family Storytime. Ages up to 6. Stories, rhymes Kit reads “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Other performances will include readings of Christmas favorites as well as piano and activities. 10:30 a.m. FREE. CADL South Lansing and guitar performances, which might invite you to sing along. If you take pride in your apple pie, bring it to share. The fun Library, 3500 S. Cedar St. Lansing. (517) 272-9840. Drawing Class. All skill levels, with Penny Collins. begins around 7:30 p.m. in the Undercroft, 800 Abbot Road, East Lansing. FREE. Pre-registration required. 6-8:30 p.m. $60 for four weeks. Gallery 1212 Old Town, 1212 Turner St. Lansing. FRIDAY, DEC. 20-SATURDAY, DEC. 21 >> SISTRUM’S WINTER CONCERT & MATINEE (517) 999-1212. gallery1212.com. On Friday, Lansing women’s chorus, Sistrum, will perform its second annual winter concert, “Bright and Gay Cabaret,” at A War on Christmas? War on Christmas or another conspiracy theory? 6-7 p.m. FREE. Pilgrim 8 p.m. The group will split off into small ensemble performances and then rejoin for powerful musical numbers. Warm up Congregational United Church of Christ, 125 S. your vocal cords because you’ll also be in the spotlight during an audience sing-along. Meet other Lansing locals over festive Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) 484-7434. refreshments as you share a table and listen to a variety of holiday songs from around the globe. (You can purchase a table Overeaters Anonymous. 7 p.m. FREE. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 210 W. in advance.) On Saturday, Sistrum will present its first-ever matinee performance at 2 p.m. Both performances will be at Saginaw Highway, Grand Ledge. (517) 256-6954. Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. Advanced tickets are available at sistrum.org for $12 or at the door for $15-25. Events DTDL Book Club. Discuss M.L. Stedman’s “The Light Between Oceans.” 6-7:30 p.m. FREE. Delta Township SATURDAY, DEC. 21 >> Michael McDonald District Library, 5130 Davenport Drive, Lansing. (517) In the movie “The 40 Year-Old Virgin,” the soulful voice of Michael McDonald 321-4014 ext. 4. dtdl.org. helped Paul Rudd sell a TV set, which kept him from burning the place to the Practice Your English. 7-8 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) ground. Now McDonald will bring the house down himself with his show, “This 351-2420. Christmas,” at the Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall. He will sing holiday Allen Street Farmers Market. Locally grown, tunes and some of his greatest hits. If you listen to the whole set maybe he’ll baked and prepared foods, live music. 3-6:30 p.m. FREE. Allen Street Farmers Market, 1619 E. Kalamazoo throw in a DVD; Paul Rudd would. “This Christmas.” Wharton Center, 750 E. St. Lansing. (517) 999-3911. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. $35-$65. (800) WHARTON, whartoncenter.com. Music SUNDAY, DEC. 22 >> “Holiday Pops” by Lansing Symphony Orchestra Ukulele Workshop. Anna Zang hosts the monthly Ukulele workshop. 6 p.m. FREE. Marshall Music, 3240 The Arts Chorale of Greater Lansing and vocalist Mara Bonde will join the symphony to perform popular holiday songs. E. Saginaw St., Lansing. (517) 337-9700. Fifteen talented students from the Lansing area will have the chance to play side-by-side with these skilled performers for Marshall Students’ Recital. Students perform three musical numbers. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 at Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. $20- See Out on the Town, Page 16 $47 (Students can get 50 percent off rush tickets one hour prior to the performance.) (517) 487-5011, lansingsymphony.org. City Pulse • December 18, 2013 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15

Big D at The Loft

Sunday, Dec. 22 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. turn it $18, $15 adv., all ages, 7 p.m. Big D and the Kids Table, a veteran six-piece band led by David McWane, brings its classic brand of -style -punk to Mac’s Bar; openers are the Pietasters, Lawnchair Crisis, Take a Hint and The Snails. Big D has toured for 18 years playing punk clubs and huge festivals. McWane said the members consider Down themselves “modern American gypsies.” Over the years the band has gigged with , and RX Bandits. Since it formed in 1995, the A survey of Lansing's band has released 10 full-length albums, five split singles and six EPs. This year musical Landscape Sun. DEC marked the release of its latest disc, the “Stroll” LP, released on Strictly . By Rich Tupica 22nd

Twyla's Gospel & Blues Christmas Lights and Caves Holiday Show Wayland at Uli's Christmas Party Peter Nelson at The Avenue

sat. DEC SAT. DEC SAT. DEC THU. DEC 21st 21ST 21ST 26th

The Avenue Café, 2120 E. Michigan Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Uli’s Haus of Rock, 4519 S. Martin The Avenue Café, 2120 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. $20, $15, $10 Lansing. $10, $8 adv., all ages, Luther King Blvd., $10, 18+, Ave., Lansing, $5, students, 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

“A Gospel and Blues Christmas Musicale” at Lansing-based indie band Lights and Caves Wayland, named after the band’s Back in July, the Peter Nelson Jazz Quartet re- The Avenue Café, hosted by local blues vocal- formed one year ago and has already played Michigan hometown, returns to Uli’s leased its “Watercolors” LP. The 11-song record ist Twyla Birdsong, features Christmas carol alongside MGMT at the 2013 Common Ground Haus of Rock for the annual Christmas is stocked with romantic string melodies and classics, traditional and contemporary gospel and recorded its upcoming debut disc, “In Satori.” party. Wayland is promoting its new fast-paced swing and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. songs and Christmas blues tunes. Aside from The release features seven songs, including the single, “Reno,” a hard-rocking tune re- Nelson describes it as “music that’s danceable Birdsong, performers include Sharrie Williams single “Carry Me Home.” The website abso- leased in July that’s getting airplay across and grooves” with “melancholic muted brass (gospel/blues), Eddie “Blue” Lester, Charles Allen lutepunk.net called the record “one of the best the country. The single is a follow up to statements.” Shortly after the record release, (former contestant on “American Idol”), Cindy releases this year and the one that should turn “Welcome to My Head,” a four-song EP. Nelson relocated to New York to further pursue McElroy (folk), James Suddeth (the “Minster of their influences into peers.” This weekend the Fans of the Black Crowes, Bob Seger music. Nelson returns to The Avenue Café for Music”) and Brian Lange (sax/vocals). The pro- band, which includes Elliot Street Lunatic’s Jason or Buck Cherry might dig this band. his “Night After Christmas” performance. He gram also features the MSU Children’s Choir. Marr, headlines a holiday-themed rock show at Opening the show is Blackened Earth, will perform his newly penned originals and Birdsong will also sing a duet with her mother, Mac’s Bar. The band also features Dillon Gorden a Jackson-based hard-rock outfit that’s some holiday classics with special guests: Marta Alice Birdsong Fleming. Some of the proceeds (vocals/guitar), Evan Rudman (drums/vocals) and been gigging for over 15 years. Also Bagratuni (cellist/vocalist), and vocalists Zack will sponsor the family of a deployed service Stefan Wiseman (bass/vocals). The all-ages gig also performing is Purgatory Grove, a local Myers and Devin Smith. Vahag Bagratuni, a New member. The family will also receive a Christmas includes performances from Squirrel Shaped Fish, death metal band with riffs reminiscent York-based actor who has a bit role in “The Wolf tree, donated by Peacock Road Tree Farm. MS80, Levi & Shannon and Narco Debut. of New Wave. of Wall Street,” will perform spoken word.

v Contact rich tupica at [email protected] >>> to be listed in live & local e-mail [email protected]

LIVE & LOCAL Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat u r day The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave. Filthy Still, 9 p.m. MI CATS Benefit, 7 p.m. Twyla Birdsong Christmas 7 p.m. Colonial Bar, 3425 S. MLK Blvd. DJ, 9 p.m. Soulstice, 9 p.m. Soulstice, 9 p.m. Connxtions Comedy Club, 2900 E. N. East St. Kenny Smith, 8 p.m. Kenny Smith, 8 p.m. Kenny Smith, 8 p.m. Crunchy’s, 254 W. Grand River Ave. Nick Plural, 9 p.m. Karaoke, 9 p.m. Karaoke, 9 p.m. Karaoke, 9 p.m. The Exchange, 314 E. Michigan Ave. Vosberg Acoustic Jams, 9 p.m. Skoryoke Open Mic, 9 p.m. Blue Haired Bettys, 9 p.m. Big Willy & the Toe Tappers, 9 p.m. Grand Café/Sir Pizza, 201 E. Grand River Ave. Kathy Ford Band, 7:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ Joanie Daniels, 7 p.m. Home Spun Band, 9 p.m. Harem, 414 E. Michigan Ave. DJ Thor, 9 p.m. DJ Skitz, 9 p.m. DJ ELEMNT, 9 p.m. The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave. ReinBeer Games, 6 p.m. Old School Christmas Party, 9 p.m. Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave. Snap Johnson, 9 p.m. Courage My Love, 6 p.m. Lights and Caves, 7 p.m. Reno’s West, 5001 W. Saginaw Hwy. The Dirty Helens, 8 p.m. Tin Can DeWitt, 13175 Schavey Rd. DJ Floyd's Trivia, 8 p.m. Off the Ledge, 8 p.m. Tin Can West, 644 Migaldi Ln. Water Pong w/ DJ Daver, 11 p.m. Well Enough Alone, 9 p.m. Unicorn Tavern, 327 E. Grand River Ave. Frog & The Beeftones, 8:30 p.m. Lady Luck, 8:30 p.m. Lady Luck, 8:30 p.m. Waterfront Bar & Grill, 325 City Market Drive Hittin Home, 6 p.m. Steve Cowles, 6 p.m. Joe Wright, 6 p.m. Dan McLaughlin, 6 p.m. Whiskey Barrel Saloon, 410 S. Clippert St. DJ, 9 p.m. DJ, 9 p.m. DJ, 9 p.m. Steve Armstrong, 9 p.m. play in a band? book shows? To get listed just email us at [email protected] or call (517) 999-6710 What to do: Submit information by the Friday before publication (City Pulse comes out every Wednesday.) Be sure to tell us LivE & Local lists upcominG gigs! the name of the performer and the day, date and time of the performance. Only submit information for the following week's paper. 16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 18, 2013

393-3347. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Suburban Ice, 2810 Hannah Blvd. East Cowgirl Missy and Hall & Morgan. Noon-1 p.m. FREE. Out on the town Meditation. For beginners and experienced on Lansing. (517) 574-4380. Grand Cafe/Sir Pizza, 201 E. Grand River, Lansing. (517) Thursdays. 7-8:30 p.m. FREE. Quan Am Temple, 1840 N. SoupGrant Dinner. Discuss community projects 483-1710. lcc.edu/radio. from page 14 College Ave. Mason. (517) 853-1675. quanamtemple.org. with SoupGrant Lansing. 6:30 p.m. $5. Grace Lutheran Children/Youth Choir Auditions. Call CMS Family Education Day with PNC. Crunch time for Church, 528 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lansing. to schedule an appointment. 4-6 p.m. FREE. MSU at the annual holiday recital. 7 p.m. FREE. Marshall carrots with PNC Bank. 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. FREE. Lansing soupgrantlansing.wordpress.com. Community Music School, 4930 S. Hagadorn Road, East Music, 3240 E. Saginaw St., Lansing. (517) 337-9700. City Market, 325 City Market Drive, Lansing. (517) 483-7460. Holiday Tease-O-Rama. Burlesque and drag show with Lansing. (517) 355-7661. cms.msu.edu. marshallmusic.com. Tarot Study Group. With Dawne Botke, 7 p.m. FREE. holiday twist. 11 p.m. $5/21 and up, $10/18 and up. Spiral Bright & Gay Cabaret. Classic holiday, Kwanzaa and Thursday, December 19 Triple Goddess New Age Bookstore, 1824 E. Michigan Dance Bar, 1247 Center St. Lansing. (517) 898-3625. Hannukah songs. 8 p.m. $12 in advance/$90 tables of Ave. Lansing. (517) 883-3619. triplegoddessbookstore.net. 8/$15-$25 at the door. Central United Methodist Church, Classes and Seminars Music 215 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing. sistrum.org. Take Off Pounds Sensibly. The group meets on Events Rally In The Alley: Open Mic. 6:30 p.m. FREE. Thursdays (except holidays). 5:15 p.m. $5 monthly. New Spanish Conversation Group. English and Spanish American Legion Post 48, 731 North Clinton St., Grand Saturday, December 21 Hope Church, 1340 Haslett Road, Haslett. (517) 339- spoken. 7-8 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Ledge. (517) 627-1232. Classes and Seminars 9000. newhopehaslett.com. Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. Live Music at P Squared. Live music every Thursday. Tai Chi in the Park. Taught by Bob Teachout. 9 a.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Weigh in, 6 p.m. Meeting, Euchre. Come play Euchre and meet new people. 8 p.m. FREE. P Squared Wine Bar, 107 S. Washington FREE. Hunter Park Community GardenHouse, 1400 6:30 p.m. FREE to visit. St. David’s Episcopal Church, No partner needed. 6-9 p.m. $1.50. Delta Township Square, Lansing. (517) 507-5074. block of E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. 1519 Elmwood Road, Lansing. (517) 882-9080. Enrichment Center, 4538 Elizabeth Road, Lansing. Drum Circle. Hand drum session led by Ian Levine. Domestic Violence Support Group. Noon-1:30 Family Storytime. Ages up to 6. Stories, rhymes and (517) 484-5600. 6:30 p.m. FREE. Marshall Music, 3240 E. Saginaw St., p.m. FREE. Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, 1710 E. activities. 10:30 a.m. FREE. CADL Downtown Lansing Karaoke. Atomic D. 9 p.m. LeRoy’s Classic Bar & Grill, Lansing. (517) 337-9700. marshallmusic.com. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 372-9163. Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 367-6363. 1526 S. Cedar St. Lansing. (517) 482-0184. Kathy Ford Band. Live music. 7:30 p.m. FREE. Grand Holiday Yoga Classes for Kids. Brought to you Computer Training. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. FREE. Faith United Ladies Silver Blades Figure Skating Club. Lessons, Cafe/Sir Pizza, 201 E. Grand River, Lansing. (517) 484- by the KIDS YOGA PROJECT. 2-4 p.m. $25. American Methodist Church, 4301 S. Waverly Road, Lansing. (517) exercise and practice for adult women. All skill levels. 4825. sirpizza-mi.com. Martial Arts & Fitness Academy, 402 E. Saginaw St. Lansing. (517) 930-9076. preranayoga.com. Friday, December 20 Sistrum. Classic holiday music. Festive refreshments. 2 Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones Classes and Seminars p.m. $12/$90 tables of 8/$15-$25 at the door. Central United Oil Painting. For all levels with Patricia Singer. Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. sistrum.org. "Time Shift"--set it Preregistration required. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $60 for four and forget it. weeks. Gallery 1212 Old Town, 1212 Turner St. Lansing. Events (517) 999-1212. gallery1212.com. Art Reception. Celebrate this month’s featured Matt Jones Live Cello Candlelight Yoga. Beginners welcome. 7 exhibit. 1-3 p.m. FREE. Delta Township District Library, p.m.-8:15 p.m. $15. Scene Metrospace, 110 Charles St. 5130 Davenport Drive, Lansing. (517) 321-4014. dtdl.org. Across East Lansing. (517) 333-2580. kintla.net. Celebrate Winter Solstice. Hot cider samples, 1 "Armageddon" author Alcoholics Anonymous. A closed women’s meeting. games, storytelling and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE. Leon 7:30 p.m. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 6500 Amwood , 325 City Market Drive, Lansing. 5 Mos Def collaborator Drive, Lansing. (517) 882-9733. (517) 483-7460. lansingcitymarket.com. Kweli Book Signing “The Divine Apprentice.” With local 10 Drains, as of energy Events author Allen J. Johnston. 1-6 p.m. FREE. Barnes and 14 Jazz great Thelonious Lansing Bike Party. Bike ride with TGIF stop. 5:30 Noble, 5132 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing. (517) 327-0437. 15 Crack up p.m. FREE. Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, 547 E. 16 "___ se habla Circle Drive, MSU Campus, East Lansing. Music espaÒol" Holiday All-Nighter. $25 adoptions, games Home Spun Band. Live music. 8 p.m. FREE. Grand 17 Guy who avoids fight- and prizes. 4 p.m.-4 a.m. Ingham County Animal Ledge Country Club, 5811 E. St. Joseph Highway, Grand ing (one hour behind)? Control & Shelter, 600 Curtis St., Mason. (517) Ledge. (517) 484-4825. 19 Litter critter 676-8370. ac.ingham.org. Michael McDonald. Winner of five Grammys. 8 p.m. 20 Bite-size Tickets start from $35. Wharton Center, MSU Campus, 21 Handy children's Music East Lansing. (517) 432-2000. whartoncenter.com. game Velocity Shift Live. Classic and modern rock. 9 p.m.-1 East Lansing Gospel Choir. Second annual 23 Advance a.m. FREE. Buddies Grill, 2040 Aurelius Road, Holt. (517) Christmas concert. 7 p.m. FREE. East Lansing High 26 Deep sleep School, 509 Burcham Drive, East Lansing. (517) 755- 27 Consumer protection 699-3670. 7332. elps.us. org. tion Aquila 8 Late singer Hayes 37 "The Voice" judge/ Grand River Radio Diner/WLNZ 98.7. Featuring Iron 30 On the Caribbean, 62 Retail chain that of- 9 Japanese box lunch coach Green poetically fers meatballs 10 Snidely stated, 38 Intense devotion Sunday, December 22 32 Nobel Peace Center 63 Airline hanging on perhaps 39 Person who'll argue City Pulse Classifieds Classes and Seminars city the edge (three hours 11 Pastel shade of blue about Windows vs. Linux Interested in placing a classified ad in City Pulse? Lansing Area Codependents Anonymous. Third 35 Scenic fly-fishing ac- ahead)? 12 Jello Biafra's genre 44 Baba au ___ (517) 999-5066 or [email protected] floor meeting room. 2-3 p.m. CADL Downtown Lansing tivity (one hour behind)? 66 Takes for a ride 13 Web presence 45 Derive by reasoning Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 367-6300. 40 Cookie in pie crusts 67 Suitcase attachment 18 Ice cream concoction 50 Promotional gimmick EARN CASH Donate Plasma. Talecris Plasma Resources. Call:517-272-9044 See Out on the Town, Page 17 41 Drone, for instance 68 Kernel 22 Singer/songwriter 51 Former Washington 42 Frozen drink com- 69 Slip or square fol- Tori senator ___ Gorton pany with a polar bear lower 24 Beijing Olympic gold 53 Viper features SUDOKU BEGINNER mascot 70 "Gee, that's swell!" medalist sprinter ___ 54 The ___ from French TO PLAY 43 The key elixir (one 71 Places for peels Powell Lick (Larry Bird) 25 "Elysium" director 55 "Konvicted" hip-hop hour behind)? Fill in the grid so that every row, col- 46 Short footrace Blomkamp artist umn, and outlined 3-by-3 box contains 47 PayPal co-founder Down 27 College VIP 56 Joking Jay ___ Musk 1 Strike callers 28 Disinterested 57 Shakira's "___ Noche the numbers 1 through 9 exactly once. 48 Electronics co. 2 Go outside the service 29 "The ___ Vista Social Voy Contigo" No guessing is required. The solution is whose slogan was once area Club" 59 Golf lesson subject unique. "So Real" 3 ___ Empire 31 Hayao Miyazaki genre 60 Maggie's sister 49 Baseball stat 4 Technique 33 Allowed 61 CPR experts To avoid erasing, pencil in your pos- 52 "Carmina Burana" 5 Mai ___ (bar order) 34 How hair may some- 64 Skin design, briefly sible answers in the scratchpad space composer 6 "Breaking Bad" times stand 65 Star's propulsion, beneath the short line in each vacant 54 2,640 feet network 36 "Hold it right there, maybe? square. 58 Bird in the constella- 7 Coal unit buster!" Answers on page 13 ©201 Jonesin’ Crosswords • For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Ans wers Page 13 City Pulse • December 18, 2013 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17

Medical Center, 1500 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids. (517) activities. 10:30 a.m. FREE. CADL Downtown Lansing THE INSTITUTION/FLEXCITY 543-0786. Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave. Lansing. (517) 367-6363. Intro to Computers. Learn from professionals. Meditation. For beginners and experienced on Allan I. Ross/City Pulse 2:30-4 p.m. FREE. Capital Area Michigan Works, 2110 S. Thursdays. 7-8:30 p.m. FREE. Quan Am Temple, 1840 N. Paul Nagel, Cedar St., Lansing. College Ave. Mason. (517) 853-1675. co-owner of The Hopeful Hearts Grief Group. A grief group held Take Off Pounds Sensibly. The group meets on Institution, a to help cope after losing a loved one. 10-11 a.m. FREE. Thursdays. 5:15 p.m. $5 monthly. New Hope Church, 1,000-square-foot Marquette Activity Room, 5968 Park Lake Road. (517) 1340 Haslett Road, Haslett. (517) 339-9000. Tarot fitness studio that 381 4866. Study Group. With Dawne Botke, 7 p.m. FREE. Triple opened last week Speakeasies Toastmasters. Become a better Goddess New Age Bookstore, 2019 E. Michigan Ave. in downtown Lansing. speaker. 12:05-1 p.m. FREE. Ingham County Human Lansing. (517) 883-3619. triplegoddessbookstore.net. Services Building. 5303 S. Cedar St. Lansing. Events Events Spanish Conversation Group. English and Spanish Christmas Eve Service. Old-fashioned service spoken. 7-8 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 By ALLAN I. ROSS membership rates run $55 per partner also intend to open a with carols. 6 p.m. FREE. Christ Community Church of Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. A new fitness studio month, with personal training second location Grand Rapids Greater Lansing, 227 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 482- Euchre. Come play Euchre and meet new people. opened last week in classes costing $35 per half next month. 0600. christcommunitylansing.org. No partner needed. 6-9 p.m. $1.50. Delta Township downtown Lansing, just in hour and $55 per hour. “We’ve got over 300 clients Enrichment Center, 4538 Elizabeth Road, Lansing. (517) time to help folks looking to There is also a free Saturday now, and we offer a variety Wednesday, December 25 484-5600. fight their urge to load up fitness program at the studio of fitness classes to fit many Classes and Seminars Karaoke. Atomic D. 9 p.m. LeRoy’s Classic Bar & Grill, on carbs and hibernate. The on for kids ages 6- 12 from different types of lifestyles and Christmas Satsanga & Meditation Gathering. 1526 S. Cedar St. Lansing. (517) 482-0184. Institution, a group exercise 11 a.m.-noon. Additionally, fitness goals,” Quinn said. Blessing, meditation and silent prayer. 10:15 a.m. Ladies Silver Blades Figure Skating Club. Lessons, Nagel said he’s reached out Classes range in price from and training studio, held FREE. Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre, 7187 exercise and practice for adult women. All skill levels. its grand opening at 216 S. to the $15 for a single drop-in class Drumheller Road, Bath. (517) 641-6201. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Suburban Ice, 2810 Hannah Blvd. East Washington Square. Co-owner and will provide physical to $125 for unlimited monthly Lansing. (517) 574-4380. Paul Nagel, a certified personal education three days a week access, with the first class Overeaters Anonymous. 7 p.m. FREE. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 210 W. Saginaw trainer who retired from the at 18 elementary schools. free. The studio developed Music army in 2009 after 20 years “It’s hard to grasp our kids a signature workout called Highway, Grand Ledge. (517) 256-6954. Rally In The Alley: Open Mic. 6:30 p.m. FREE. of service, aren’t going to outlive us FLEX56, an hour-long class Meditation. For beginners and experienced. 7-9 p.m. opened the because of their sedentary with strength, endurance and FREE. Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, 3015 S. Washington American Legion Post 48, 731 North Clinton St. Grand New 1,000-square- lifestyles,” Nagel said. “Fighting flexibility conditioning. Ave., Lansing. (517) 351-5866. Ledge. (517) 627-1232. intown foot business childhood obesity is very Live Music at P Squared. Live music every Thursday, with his partner, important to us.” The Institution Thursday, December 26 8 p.m. FREE. P Squared Wine Bar, 107 S. Washington Jennifer Battle. The gym was formerly a 216 S. Washington, Suite.C, Classes and Seminars Square, Lansing. (517) 507-5074. Featuring the Peter “I’ve trained thousands location for FLEXcity, which Lansing Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Weigh-in, 6 p.m. Meeting, The Night After Christmas. of solider in physical fitness moved two blocks up the Hours vary by class schedules 6:30 p.m. FREE to visit. St. David’s Episcopal Church, Nelson Collective. 7-9 p.m. $5. The Avenue Cafe, 2021 street to 119 N. Washington (517) 512-1554 — it’s what I’m best at,” Nagel 1519 Elmwood Road, Lansing. (517) 882-9080. E. Michigan Ave. Lansing. 517-853-0550. facebook.com/ said. “Fitness is our passion. We Square, above the Downtown institutionfitness.com avenuecafe2021. Family Storytime. Ages up to 6. Stories, rhymes and want to help change lives.” YMCA Fitness Center. Services include personal FLEXcity opened in January FLEXcity training, nutritional guidance 2012 and was able to more 119 N. Washington Square, and group training in several than double in size to 2,200 Ste. 300A, Lansing well-known exercise systems, square feet when it moved Hours vary by class schedules including Zumba, Insanity, in August. Co-owner Jenny (517) 580-4848 Buying a tablet Body and R.I.P.P.E.D. Group Quinn said she and her flexcityfitness.com Out on the town Center of Greater Lansing, 1710 E. Michigan Ave., or eReader? Lansing. (517) 372-9163. from page 16 Job Seekers Support Group. Find the right job or career. 10 am.-Noon, FREE. Women’s Center of Greater Juggling. Learn how to juggle. 2-4 p.m. FREE. Lansing, 1710 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 372-9163. Get the books free! Orchard Street Pumphouse, 368 Orchard St. East Lansing. (517) 485-9190. Events • Available 24/7 Spiritual Talk, Pure Meditation & Silent Prayer. Social Bridge. Come play Bridge and meet new 7 p.m. FREE. Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre, people. No partner needed. 1-4 p.m. $1.50. Delta • Never overdue 7187 Drumheller Road, Bath. (517) 641-6201. Township Enrichment Center, 4538 Elizabeth Road, Holiday Yoga Classes for kids. 2-4 p.m. $25. Lansing. (517) 484-5600. • More than 12,000 titles available American Martial Arts & Fitness Academy, 402 E. Mac’s Monday Comedy Night. Hosted by Mark Saginaw St., Lansing. (517) 930-9076. preranayoga.com. Roebuck and Dan Currie. 9:30 p.m. FREE. Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 484-6795. Events Club Shakespeare. Rehearsing “Scenes of Visit cadl.org/downloads Lansing Area Sunday Swing Dance. Cash bar. 6-10 Shakespeare.” 6-8:45 p.m. Donations. CADL Downtown p.m. $8. Fraternal Order of Eagles, 4700 N. Grand River Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 348- for details. Ave., Lansing. (517) 490-7838. 5728. cadl.org. Holiday Yoga Classes for Kids. 9-11 a.m. $25. Music American Martial Arts & Fitness Academy, 402 E. Lessons, Carols and Compline. Voces Jubilantes from Saginaw St. Lansing. (517) 930-9076. Ohio performs. 8 p.m. FREE. Church of the Resurrection, 1531 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 482-4749. Music Open-Mic Blues Mondays. Sign up to play solo, duo, Monday, December 23 with your band. Spoken-word acts welcome. 6:30-10:30 Classes and Seminars p.m. FREE. Midtown Beer Co., 402 Washington Square, Zumba Gold. All skill levels. 11 a.m.-Noon, $8 drop-in Lansing. (517) 977-1349. rate, $35 five-visit punch card, $65 10-visit punch card. Kick it Out! Dance Studio, 1880 Haslett Road, East Tuesday, December 24 Lansing. (517) 582-6784. Classes and Seminars Adult Rape Survivor Support Group. Pre- Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Anyone wanting to lose registration preferred. 6-7:30 p.m. FREE. Women’s weight is welcome. 7 p.m. FREE to visit. Eaton Rapids 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 18, 2013 HE ATE SHE ATE Upscale Lansing bistro a success by land and by sea Reality bites A view to a kale By MARK NIXON By GABRIELLE JOHNSON Woody Allen famously said he hated reality, “but it’s still the best place to get a When I went to Capital Prime recently, I was impressed with the makeover the good steak.” restaurant has undergone since converting into a steakhouse from its previous in- Alas, finding a good steak, reality-wise, can mean a long carnation, Bar 30. The walls are a deep, smoky blue and modern and disappointing journey. So many restaurants attempt to chandeliers and artwork hang from the walls. There is a definite seal the deal one of three ways: With sheer bulk, by adding Capital Prime Steaks & Seafood feeling of swank. some unpronounceable glop to mask inferior meat or by con- 2324 Showtime Drive, Lansing We started with the calamari, which was plentiful but mushy. cocting a menu that oozes over-promise. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; Another girlfriend passed her steak frites around the table, which To paraphrase another famous guy — Elvis — let’s have a little 11:30 a.m.-midnight Thursday-Saturday; came with house-made ketchup and garlic aioli, which is one of my less conversation and a little more action. 2 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday favorite things in life — and this one was a good one. The tarragon So welcome to Capital Prime Steakhouse, where reality bites (517) 377-7463, capitalprimelansing.com butter that came with the bread was to die for. — in the best sense of the term. FB, OM, P, RES, TO, WiFi, $$$-$$$$ For dinner I had the 6-ounce filet, which was cooked properly While steak doesn’t top my list of favorite restaurant foods, on and had a nice sear, but was unfortunately doused in zip sauce, our first visit I ordered a rare 6-ounce filet mignon. Honestly, it’s a combination of rendered butter and beef bordelaise. The sauce one of the best steaks I’ve had in years, as good or better than those I’ve tasted in Las was entirely too salty and masked the taste of the steak. I’d have liked garlic aioli Vegas, a place known for great steaks. on the side instead. There are seven different cuts of beefsteak on Capital Prime’s dinner menu, and if My dinner salad was fresh, but the red onions were overpowering. I liked the light, the filet mignon is any indication, all should be worth trying. tangy citrus vinaigrette. I opted for a double serving of vegetables instead of mashed What I like best about Capital Prime is that, despite its name, there are some won- potatoes, but was disappointed with the measly serving of broccoli. How much does derful dishes that have nothing to do with beef. The Capital Shrimp appetizer arrives broccoli cost? Throw a few more pieces on the plate. in an outsized martini glass. The shrimp is slightly crisped, then tossed with a spiced I was completely disappointed with the service we had received that night and remoulade. Six of us tried it and all pronounced it various degrees of outstanding. would have liked the opportunity to have a dialogue with the manager. We felt Another appetizer, Scallops Dynamite, was not as successful. The scallops were rushed, which is especially unfortunate when you’re paying a pretty penny for tender and not overdone, but they were covered in what was described as a spicy your meal. crab crust and basil drizzle. Those add-ons shroud the scallops’ natural, sweet The boyfriend and I returned to try out Capital Prime’s lunch service. We tried the flavor. High marks to presentation, however: The scallops were served in their Capital Shrimp, which has crispy battered shrimp tossed in remoulade. They were own half-shells. It was eye candy. I’m surprised our server wasn’t humming a sea hot, fresh and I would order these again in an instant; then again, I would eat a rein- shanty when the dish docked at our table. deer if it was battered and doused in remoulade. On to the salmon. I’m married to someone who thinks canned salmon is good. I was excited to see a kale salad on the menu. I ordered that in a combo with She is married to someone who has only enjoyed salmon twice — both times in half of a hot prime rib sandwich. While the flavor of kale can be overpowering (“It Alaska. I never order salmon in these parts, but I tasted a bite of Cedar Planked tastes like the ground” is a common complaint from the boyfriend I’m trying to Salmon (billed as fresh caught Nova Scotia salmon) ordered by one of our dining healthify) and the texture chewy, kale substantially mellows out if you massage it companions. I considered it excellent — so make it three times in my life that I’ve with your fingertips. This kale was topped with the citrus vinaigrette that I liked enjoyed salmon. so much on my first visit, and had blue cheese, crumbled bacon, dried cherries, On separate visits, we tried seafood chowder (not your typical New England clam candied pecans and apple slices. chowder but a broth-based version) served See He Ate, Page 19 My sandwich, however, was not as See She Ate, Page 19

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and various seafood dishes. The compli- range. Dinner for two with drinks and with St. Germain, a liqueur distilled using He Ate ments were plentiful, the complaints an appetizer will run about $100, com- elderflowers. It is one of the most evoca- minimal. For instance, my Michigan parable to some of the very high-end tive tastes to reach my lips in a long time. from page 18 lake perch was supposed to come with restaurants in Greater Lansing. I won’t elucidate precisely what the taste pommes frites but didn’t. To be fair, I I believe the quality of the ingredi- of St. Germain evokes. Let’s just say saint- piping hot. Not the best I’ve tasted — that didn’t bother to ask the server since I was ents and the care in preparation make liness doesn’t come to mind. distinction goes to a little cafe in Labrador already getting full. the prices reasonable. But, let your wal- I’m putting St. Germain on my Christ- — but still several notches above what’s If there are downsides to Capital let be your guide. mas list, but if I’m naughty and Santa isn’t found in local restaurants. Prime, they are location and price. The For those who imbibe, let me recom- nice, I’m going back to Capital Prime for a High marks also go to the calamari; restaurant is parked in the “backyard” of mend a First Kiss. This cocktail is made second First Kiss. tender and delicate, far removed from Eastwood Towne Center near an unfin- the rubber band texture so prevalent in ished parking ramp. You have to look for restaurant calamari. the restaurant, set some distance from I found the best seafood to be the Eastwood’s bustling hub. As one din- plump and tender Coconut Curry ner companion put it, the place has “no Mussels. Harvested off Prince Edward sense of place.” Island, they rank up right up there with And if you’re on a restrictive budget, the great mussels I’ve eaten in Belgium be advised that dinner entrées aren’t and Nova Scotia. cheap. My filet mignon was $23.50. On two visits, six of us ate chicken, beef Most appetizers are in the $10-$13

when the “macaroni” turned out to be She Ate penne. Nevertheless, the lobster was plenti- ful in the dish and the cheese sauce wasn’t from page 18 too weighty for a (relatively) light lunch. Our gluttony got the better of us and we good. The meat and vegetables were both ordered the carrot cake for dessert. It was quite dry, and the vegetables were cooked nothing to blow your diet over. The cake well past the point of mushy. The boyfriend was too full of currants to properly come liked his lobster macaroni and cheese well together, and the few bites that we took es- enough, but wished that he would have sentially fell apart before they reached our paid attention to the description on the mouths. I wished I had another dinner roll menu more carefully and was surprised to provide my happy ending.

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