Lagniappe Weekly

2 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 LAGNIAPPE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WEEKLY December 18, 2014 – December 24, 2014 | www.lagniappemobile.com

Ashley Trice BAY BRIEFS Co-publisher/Editor The Mobile Housing Board is moving [email protected] forward with a $750 million public-private Rob Holbert redevelopment partnership. Co-publisher/Managing Editor 6 [email protected] Steve Hall COMMENTARY Marketing/Sales Director Ashley takes on Ralphie and sleeve [email protected] touching. Gabriel Tynes Assistant Managing Editor 12 [email protected] Dale Liesch BUSINESS Reporter Southern Light will consolidate [email protected] operations in the RSA Trustmark Jason Johnson building. Reporter 16 [email protected] Alyson Stokes CUISINE Web & Social Media Manager/Reporter [email protected] Looking for a good

Kevin Lee CONTENTS meal on the geaux? Associate Editor/Arts Editor After solving the case of [email protected] the missing jacket, Andy Andy MacDonald Cuisine Editor caught up with a fast [email protected] food truck for some slow Stephen Centanni cooked meats. Music Editor [email protected] J. Mark Bryant Sports Writer [email protected] 18 Daniel Anderson Chief Photographer COVER [email protected] The more the merrier: Laura Rasmussen Lagniappe discusses the Art Director Christmas spirit with area www.laurarasmussen.com Santas, many of whom Brooke Wilder Advertising Sales Executive spend the entire year [email protected] keeping the magic alive. Beth Williams Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] Misty Groh Advertising Sales Executive 24 [email protected] Melissa Schwarz ARTS Editorial Assistant A pair of costumes in MMoA’s Mardi [email protected] Gras show prove the power of col- Contributors: Asia Frey • Brian Holbert 26 laboration. Susan Larsson • Ron Sivak Jeff Poor • Ken Robinson MUSIC Port City native On the Cover: Three Santas by Dan Anderson Rebecca Roubion is returning home to

LAGNIAPPE (USPS 20) is published weekly, perform tracks from her 52 issues a year, Volume 12, Issue 44, every Thursday by Something, Extra Publishing, Inc. new Christmas album Entered at the Mobile Post Office, 250 St. Joseph St, Mobile, AL, 36601. at the annual Charlie Periodicals postage paid at Mobile Post Office, Brown Jazz Christmas 250 St Joseph St., Mobile, AL 36601 and other locations. concert this weekend. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Editorial, advertising and production offices are located at 1102A Dauphin St. 30 Mobile, AL 36604. Mailing address is P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Phone: 251.450.4466 Fax 251.450.4498. Email: ashley- [email protected] or FILM [email protected] Jesse Eisenberg and his alter ego try to LAGNIAPPE is printed at Signature Offset, 2610 Lakeview Road, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. win over the girl of his dreams in “The All letters sent to Lagniappe are considered to be intended for publication. 36 Double.” Member: Association of Alternative Newsweek- lies and Alternative Weeklies Network All rights reserved. Something Extra Publishing, MEDIA Inc. Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied or in any way reproduced without the expressed As early as this coming summer permission of the publishers. Individuals may take one copy of the paper free college radio may be back on the of charge from area businesses, racks or boxes. After that, papers are $3 per airwaves. issue. Removal of more than one copy 37 from these points constitutes theft. Violators are subject to prosecution. SPORTS Help support Lagniappe Weekly by becoming a “Friend with Benefits.” It’s “Mission: Montgomery” as USA’s Scan this code for more info: football squad makes its first ever 40 bowl appearance Saturday. STYLE Cakeballs as ammunition? Hair sniffing in the OGD? Boozie has the 46 latest scoop.

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 3 GOING POSTAL Deliver us, oh Lord, from this Valley of Evil-doers and lead us beside the still waters of Conecuh Let us pray … YEA, though I walk through the Valley of The Evil-doers and their Den of Iniquity in Monkey Ridge and maketh us to lie down in the green pastures of our Sweet Home Alabama. Town, I will fear no evil. For my 45-caliber rod and 30-caliber staff, they comfort me. I will follow And save us, oh Lord, from the fiery furnaces of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control in the footsteps of thy Humble Servant, Noah, who after the Flood did plant a vineyard, and maketh Board, because we refuse to bow down, and worship the high priests who deliver unto us the Evil wine, and was drunken, and took a nap. Drink from lands afar, for it is not of our land, and we know not who maketh it. AND, YOU DID SEND YOUR ONLY BEGOTTEN SON TO TURN THE WATER INTO THY HUMBLE SERVANT, WINE. Jim Eddins, Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. For YOU have anointed unto us a Perdido Vineyards Great Leader in the Land of Alabama to lead us to the Land of Milk and Honey, but lo, who pray are these men who bear great bunches of grapes to us from lands afar that we cannot e-Verify? And, Tired of unwanted advertising we are flooded with their wicked brew, which is ungodly and unlike that which we can do better I have been wanting to do something about the Press-Register’s weekly trashing event for years. from our fields of fruit and grain? All the storm water drains here go to nearby Dog River, and they have a problem with trash in Dog Does the sacred stone that you have sent to us from Mount Etowah have graven upon it, “THOU River? You think? I see dogs around here shredding them. I see houses that have been obviously SHALT NOT MAKETH OR DRINKETH THINE OWN WINE AND HUMBLE BREW?” Give empty for years with have half a dozen in the yard. I always love your witty op-eds and your paper unto us the strength to bear our burdens and share the fruits and wines of our labor with Other is the best. Who the hell wants a paper with news that is at least 48 hours old? Thirsty Souls that travel life’s road, that we shall be friends and free to share thy blessings upon us. Thomas L. McCary, Mobile P OLIce DISPATch Father of dead 8-year-old charged with her murder BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

Hiawatha Robinson Jr., the father of slain 8-year-old Hiawayi White was reported missing by members of her family Dec. 3. Man charged with murder of Fairhope woman Robinson, was arrested Tuesday and charged with sodomy and Two days after law enforcement officers located the body Officers then discovered White’s body in an abandoned car near murder in connection to his daughter’s death, according to Mo- of 31-year-old Melea Ponder White near Langford Road in Fish River Dec. 11. bile County District Attorney Ashley Rich. Fairhope, the Fairhope Police Department made an arrest in con- Hiawayi Robinson was reported missing nearly 13 weeks ago nection with the death of the woman. Man dies in head-on collision with Sheriff’s deputy and was found murdered Sept. 18 by law enforcement in a rural On Saturday, Dec. 13, investigators with the FPD obtained A head-on collision Dec. 11 sent a Mobile County Sheriff’s area near Rebel Road in Prichard. a warrant for the arrest of Kenneth Morgan Styron, 37, of deputy to the hospital and claimed the life of a second man near Several rumors began circulating about the case when police Fairhope, charging him with White’s murder. Styron was booked Rangeline Road. The Mobile Police Department has been inves- issued search warrants for Robinson and his girlfriend Taisheira into the Fairhope Municipal Jail, but has since been transferred tigating the accident and confirmed a silver Mustang operated by “Tasha” Parker, but until Tuesday no arrests had been made in to the Baldwin County Correction Center in Bay Minette where Dean Franklin Lisenba, 55, crossed from a southbound lane into the case. he’s held on a $500,000 bond. the northbound — striking a Sheriff’s office vehicle at 5:40 a.m. Most of the case’s details were not disclosed by authorities An examination revealed White had died of a single gunshot Lisenba was pronounced dead on the scene and the deputy prior to deadline, and Rich was holding a press conference later wound. was transported to University of South Alabama Medical Center Tuesday after the paper went to press. According to the police, the facts of the investigation show where he was treated and released. Mobile police said the results Bernard Parrish, who was recently hired as Prichard’s chief Styron killed White at his home near Kenneth King Lane in of the crash were not due to a pursuit by the Sheriff’s Office, and of police, was also to make a statement at the press conference. Fairhope, within approximately one mile of the location where the injured deputy’s name has not yet been released. The case involved law enforcement personnel from the her body was recovered. It’s also unknown at this time whether alcohol or drugs Prichard Police Department, FBI and Mobile County District White and Styron had previously been in a relationship, and played a factor in the crash. Attorney’s office.

he Mobile Housing Board, the city and opportunity to move back after the work is three private firms aim to team up for a completed, Brooks said. Vaughn said in other $750 million redevelopment project that places around the country, these mixed-income will span three public housing communi- communities reserve about a third of the housing Tties, after the MHB voted last week to select the units for low-income residents. The existing private partners and move the project forward to low-income communities targeted by the rede- a master planning phase. velopment, currently consist of 1,300 units. The board selected Hollyhand Development, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Columbia Residential and Pennrose Properties Development will make a determination on the Global Development Group to redevelop the 330 redevelopment plan’s approval, HUD spokes- acres where R.V. Taylor Plaza, Thomas James woman Gloria Shanahan confirmed in an email, Place and the Frank W. Boykin tower currently but because the planning process has just begun, sit. HUD oversight is not necessary at this point. The redevelopment will be a mixed-use, “The Mobile Housing Board will be required mixed-income community consisting of 3,000 to to provide a detailed development plan and fi- 4,000 housing units and commercial retail facili- nancing strategy before work is to commence on ties, program manager James Brooks, president the three communities,” Shanahan wrote. “This of the Boulevard Group, said. Brooks said it includes a relocation plan for the residents.” would take three to six months to develop a mas- Vaughan said the plan would be presented to ter plan for the property and developers would HUD for approval once the plan is “fully devel- be responsible for securing most of the financing oped, goes through a comment stage by various needed for the project, which is expected to be stakeholders and comes to a more final form.” constructed in phases over several years. “Some type of HUD approval will be neces- The project would be the largest public hous- sary,” Vaughan said. ing redevelopment ever in the city and is con- Shanahan wrote that mixed-use, mixed- sidered significant on a national scale, Brooks income projects are typically good models “for told board members. The developers will model leveraging federal funds that are limited for Mobile’s project after similar public housing properties with extensive capital needs … This communities in New Orleans, Tuscaloosa and can supplement HUD funding and makes a bet- New Brunswick, N.J. ter set of options for housing authorities in their Even though the Housing Board agreed to development plans.” move on the plan, there was some dissention. Low occupancy rates have affected MHB’s Board member Norman Hill said it was unre- funding from HUD. As of September, MHB had alistic to think Mobile would be able to afford an occupancy rate of 67 percent. The rate, which a development like the one he and other board Shanahan previously described as “historically members visited in New Orleans, where a major low,” stems in part from the vacant community redevelopment was partially funded by relief at Josephine Allen Homes north of downtown. money after Hurricane Katrina. But Chairman MHB moved residents out of Josephine Allen Clarence Ball said calling the project unrealistic before gaining HUD approval for a renovation would not help it move forward. project there, but the authority is currently seek- Hill said he was also confused about why ing to have those homes demolished. there needed to be three development firms for Vaughan said an April story announcing one project. Brooks told board members similar $439,000 in redevelopment costs, referenced things are done all over the country. what it would take to renovate all 13 MHB MHB Executive Director Dwayne Vaughn communities. He added that the public housing said it was too early to determine how much portion of the project would total between $198 of the funding the board would be responsible million to $251 million and the rest would be for. The board will have to pay relocation costs the mixed-use, mixed income portion, which to residents of the communities affected by the includes the “market and workforce housing project. He said those residents would be noti- components, commercial retail, infrastructure, fied within 90 days of the move. Those notifica- mixed-use space, recreational space, site prepa- tions haven’t gone out yet, he said. There are ration, etc.” currently 960 family households in the three Mobile Development Enterprises, a non- communities, Vaughn said. profit organization associated with MHB, will “The number of residents at the communities be involved in the project. Vaughn said it is who will be affected by the redevelopment will anticipated MDE will provide “some logistical change over the coming months as new residents and strategic support for resident interaction and come to the community and other residents leave community engagement.” the community for home ownership, rental in Vaughn added that the role of MDE has not other apartments,” he said. been fully defined. Mobile’s Director of Community Planning MHB has some of the oldest housing stock and Development Nigel Roberts said the city in the nation. Brought into service in January would be responsible for some portion of the 1943, Thomas James Place is one of four MHB project. The development would need planning housing developments that have been in use for approval and some infrastructure enhancements, more than 70 years. Homes in Thomas James Roberts said. He added that the project would were originally constructed to provide tempo- help run down areas and reduce outdated hous- rary housing for military personnel stationed at ing stock. Brookley Field during World War II. “We support the need for the change,” he Boykin Tower was opened in September said. “This will help with the elimination of 1983 to serve senior citizens exclusively, and slum areas and blight.” R.V. Taylor opened in November 1967 as a The residents forced to move will have an multi-family affordable housing development.

6 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 BAY BRIEFS BB MAWSS board approves rate hike, pay raise BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

he Mobile Area Water and Sewer over capital transfers last year. The remainder System board passed a budget Monday will be used to pay off debt, Assistant Director that included a 5 percent rate hike for Les Brown said. He added that capital improve- customers and a 2.5 percent raise for ments would equal about $25 million a year for Temployees. the next 10 years. The rate hike will go into effect Jan. 1 and is Expenditures in the operations budget the latest increase related to a five-year plan the increased by $700,000. The bulk of the increase board passed in 2012. MAWSS operates on a came in the form of contractual services, which calendar year and not a normal fiscal year. amounted to $438,000, Hyland said. Supplies MAWSS Director Charles Hyland said the and materials are expected to decrease by hike would help the system fund capital im- $16,536, he said, due to falling gas prices. provements needed for its aging infrastructure. “We have benefited from lower fuel prices,” The rate hike will also pay down debt service he said. “We hope it holds out. It’s projected to on the Williams Wastewater Treatment Plant, hold out for at least the first half of the year, but Comptroller Sally Berry reported. that can change.” Berry said the rate hike doesn’t really equate There is money in the budget for a rede- to a 5 percent increase because the $2 MAWSS sign of the MAWSS website, Hyland said, to charges for an make it more administra- user-friendly. tive fee on There’s also each bill will $100,000 for not increase. street repairs The hike and $50,000 for represents meter replace- an increase ment. from $16.05 Hyland said to $16.75 per MAWSS staff month for would make water for the an effort to de- average resi- crease the op- dential user erations budget Photo/Dan Anderson and an increase by 5 percent from $34.90 Water and sewer customers will notice a 5 throughout the to $36.55 per year. month for percent increase in rates next year. “I think sewer for the average user. Base water rates it’s a good budget,” he said. “It’s a budget that have increased more than a dollar per month helps us move in a direction that we talked for an average user of about 5,000 gallons since about in 2012.” 2013. Sewer rates have increased more than $3 In other business, the board voted to buy a since that time. degritter pump to replace an older pump at the Next year, rates are expected to increase Wright-Smith Wastewater Treatment Plant for again to $17.50 for an average residential user $45,800. Weir Specialties had the only eligible of water and to $38.30 for an average user of bid for the pump. sewer. It will mark the end of consecutive rate The board also approved an annual contract increases the board approved in 2011. for access roads for construction and sewer The raises meanwhile, are cost-of-living easement maintenance with James H. Adams based and not merit based, Hyland said and and Son at $1,068,000. The board approved an amount to $596,000 in the system’s operations annual contract with Smith Industrial Services budget. Labor costs in the budget increased in the amount of $847,710 for cleaning and $277,925. video inspection of sanitary sewer segments. Board member Barbara Drummond ques- The board also approved a $469,630 annual tioned MAWSS only giving a cost-of-living contract with Slaughter Construction for man- raise and not a merit raise. She said a cost-of- hole rehabilitation. living raise penalizes employees who go above Before it’s regular meeting Monday, the and beyond the call of duty. She asked Hyland board opened bids for two new projects. The if a merit raise would be added to the budget at first was for an emergency raw water backup a later date. Hyland said he hadn’t considered treatment system at the Stickney plant. Two adding one back in. bids came in for the project and the low- He said in order to keep the cost of op- est came from G.A. West and Company for erations down to maximize the rate increase, $301,607. The estimated cost of the project was MAWSS couldn’t afford both merit and cost-of- $240,000. No vote was taken. living raises. Bids were also opened for an annual contract The rate increase adds to a total revenue of for hauling and disposal of treatment plant $100,510,000. Revenue for MAWSS increased sludge. Three bids came in for the work and the $4.7 million over 2014. Water charges will lowest belonged to Denali Water Solutions at make up $35.7 million of revenue. Sewer $805,920. The bid came in lower than the origi- charges will make up the bulk of the revenue, or nal estimate of $1 million. No vote was taken. about $56.8 million. This was the last scheduled meeting in The board will spend $57.1 million on December. There will be two meetings in Janu- operations and transfer $18.3 million for capital ary. One on Monday, Jan. 12 and the next on improvements, an increase of about $4 million Monday, Jan. 26.

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 7 BAY BRIEFS BB Bayou’s missed payment leaves employees without insurance

BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

he wife of one Bayou la Batre employee pending approval from the City Council — recently took her son to see an urgent something Overstreet said they could take up as care doctor, but when she got her bill, early as Dec. 18. she was shocked to learn her family Still, some employees have been asking Tdidn’t have the health insurance she thought whether the money removed from their three they did. checks would be reimbursed for the six-week Though the outage was only temporary, this period when services were lost. employee’s family wasn’t alone after Bayou Ken Smith, an attorney with the Alabama la Batre officials failed to make the city’s League of Municipalities, said it may not be monthly insurance payment to Blue Cross and that simple. According to Smith, there isn’t any Blue Shield of Alabama — resulting in a near specific law that would require such a refund, six-week lapse in coverage for all current and and said these issues typically vary on a case- retired employees. by-case basis. The woman, who wished to remain anony- “There’s not any law on this that I’m aware mous to protect her husband, said she had no of,” Smith said. “The employees, the city and idea coverage had been canceled because the the insurance providers are going to have to payroll deductions for health insurance contin- work that out between themselves.” ued throughout the three-check period coverage Overstreet didn’t say the city had any plans had been suspended. to reimburse the deductions that were removed, “They’re wanting to charge me $500 for the and said there had been no lapse in coverage visit to urgent care, whenever I was told that we to be reimbursed since the issues had been had insurance,” she said. “I called Blue Cross resolved with BCBS. Blue Shield, and all they could tell me is that it “Again, the services are still paid for — we had been canceled as of Nov. 1, 2014, but we were just late paying them,” she said. “If (their paid for this insurance the whole month of No- doctor wasn’t paid), it just goes back to the vember and the first two weeks of December.” insurance company, and they’ll reimburse them. Records provided by other city employees Coverage was reinstated, so that means com- show that from Nov. 1 to at least Dec. 10, plete coverage back to the day they canceled it. coverage was not being provided, and pay stubs If there’s a problem, they can call their doctor acquired by Lagniappe show the city had indeed and ask them to resubmit everything to the deducted payments for health insurance during insurance company.” the same time. When city officials spoke with Lagniappe According to city officials, the funds were Dec. 10, the issue was said to have been re- still removed because they too were unaware solved, but, according to multiple employees, the coverage had been canceled by BCBS until BCBS was still refusing to reimburse doctors employees contacting them with concerns last for some employees’ medical bills as of Dec. week. 15. “We did have a situation, but it has been In conversations between city employ- corrected,” said Wanda Overstreet, assistant to ees and BCBS, it was revealed the failure to Mayor Brett Dungan. “It was an oversight in reimburse those costs was the result of late our administrative office here, but just an error. payment for month of December, which hadn’t I know it did impact a lot of people, but it has been received from Bayou la Batre as of Dec. been corrected and everything is back on track.” 15 — though the date would still fall within the Overstreet said the issue arose from an 30-day grace period. invoice that was thought to have been paid but Questions about the December payment were wasn’t, which she said could be the result mak- sent via email to Dungan and city attorney Bill ing manual payments. The city is planning to Wasden, but were still unanswered at deadline. move to an electronic billing system for BCBS,

8 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 BAY BRIEFS BB Council denies request to close neighborhood access BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

resolution to allow residents of a of an Airmont resident, spoke in opposition to Mobile subdivision to close off one of the move. Vivian Chateau told the Council the two entrances to their community failed move would damage her quality of life. Tuesday to gain five votes of support in WIlliam Lyon, an attorney representing the Athe Mobile City Council. Airmont Property Owners Association, said Last month Eaton Barnard, president of closing the entrance would decrease traffic and the Airmont Property Owners Association, shouldn’t negatively impact “Dr. Hunte, or spoke to the council about the neighborhood’s anyone.” concern over an increase in traffic and crime in He added that emergency vehicles, garbage the community near the intersection of Azalea and city trucks could enter and exit the com- and Cottage Hill roads. Their solution was to munity through a larger entrance at Cottage Hill ask the city to vacate property at the intersec- Road. tion of Montclaire Way and Airmont Drive to Councilman Fred Richardson said during close off one of two entrances to the neighbor- the pre-conference meeting that he had issues hood to stop drivers from cutting through the with denying citizen access to public streets. community to avoid a traffic signal at the busy He proposed making Airmont Drive a one-way intersection. street, which didn’t seem to have support of In the council pre-conference meeting Tues- other councilors. day, Barnard told councilors that the resolution At the meeting, he proposed tabling the had the support of all 26 households and 50 resolution and having Council President Gina homeowners within the Airmont subdivision, Gregory assign it to a committee for further even though it inconvenienced them. He added discussion. That proposal failed, but Gregory that the residents had also agreed to pay for the said the Airmont residents could bring the issue cost associated with closing the street. back and she’d have “no problem” assigning it “We don’t want this,” he said. “It’s a matter to committee. of inconvenience, but it’s also a matter of safety In other business, the council approved for us.” spending a maximum of $514,570 to Booth For example, he said since the request last Research Group for promotional testing for month, his 84-year-old neighbor’s house was the Mobile Police and Mobile Fire-Rescue broken into and items were stolen from the departments. The assessments are designed to house. help make promotions within those departments “We’re asking you to make our city safer,” more diverse, Executive Director of Public Barnard said. “We’re asking you to grant this Safety Richard Landolt told councilors. and let us pay for this.” The council also approved a $146,000 At the regular council meeting held this performance contract with the Mobile Sports week at the History Museum of Mobile, Authority. About $60,000 of that will go to pay residents of adjacent communities and abutting for overtime of police and fire medics at events properties complained about traffic concerns of next year, including the Azalea Trail Run, First their own. Light Marathon, Biggest Loser Run/Walk and Dr. Janice Morton-Hunte, who lives on the Tour de Bay bicycle race. Of the remaining Airmont Drive in the Montcliff community, said $86,000, about $73,000 will make up about a closing the entrance would negatively impact $40,000 deficit in the authority’s budget and access to her property. She said emergency ve- pay for a third position, while $13,000 will go hicles would also be encumbered by the move. toward marketing, Executive Director Danny “To have no other way out of the neighbor- Corte said. hood will present even more traffic and conges- The next council meeting will take place in tion,” she said. “It will decrease our property the Government Plaza auditorium at 10:30 a.m. values and increase our insurance.” Tuesday, Dec. 30. Two other residents, including the daughter

School board approves Barton plan, sale of properties

BY ALYSON STOKES/REPORTER | [email protected] The Mobile County School Board Dec. 15 School buildings with developer Pace Burt, Jr. approved an agreement for a restoration project for $800,000 and two contracts for separate at Barton Academy downtown through a capital re-roofing projects at B.C. Rain High School for campaign undertaken by the Barton Academy $114,800 and at the MCPSS central office for Foundation. $949,900. According to the agreement, the board has During public participation, the board heard allocated $3.5 million as part of its construction from two concerned citizens, one of whom program from the 2012 Capital Outlay Warrants expressed the immediate need for increased for structural and exterior restoration of Barton safety and technology enhancements at Grant Academy. Elementary School and another who said she Eventually, the project will support the estab- fears a new housing project could affect the lishment of the Barton Academy for Advanced future of Williamson High School. World Studies, a specialty school that will house A special-called board meeting is scheduled approximately 400 students in grades 6-12 Dec. 29 to discuss the replacement of retired and focus on social diversity and international principals at three MCPSS schools: Grant awareness. Elementary School, Williamson High School The board also approved a sales contract for and North Mobile County K-8, Superintendent the Old Shell Road School and former Russell Martha Peek said.

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 9 BAY BRIEFS BB Communications district plans to half annual merit raises BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

n recent months, Mobile County employees have been talking million in total income after factoring in other accounts. Multiple attempts to reach Mobile County Personnel Director about pay raises, but over the same time period employees As for its costs, the district’s largest planned expenditure is Donald Dees for this report were unsuccessful, which has been of another governing body in the county have seen a steady the $5.4 million set aside for capital improvements to the metro the case in previous stories related to MCCD salaries. stream of salary increases. radio systems, which is part of a larger $40 million project that Several merit increases have been approved by the MCCD’s IThe board of the Mobile County Communications District, broke ground last month. The second largest expense comes from board over the past several months including five in October and commonly referred to as the 911 Board, had a lengthy discussion personnel costs, including approximately $2 million in salaries two in both November and December. Director Gary Tanner and about merit raises during its regular meeting Dec. 11. Histori- for 31 full-time and two part-time employees. Deputy Director Charlie McNichol have also received salary cally, the district has offered its employees a 5 percent annual Oliver said the board doesn’t have any intention of taking increases this year. salary increase. away the merit system all together, but said if the level of the County Engineer Joe Ruffer, who serves as chairman of the However, one board member proposed trimming those yearly raises weren’t tapered, it could cause tension amongst other 911 Board, said the MCCD has tried to mirror the merit system merit increases down to 2.5 percent to address growing discrep- employees managed by Mobile County Personnel Board’s guide- used by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). ancies between the salary of the 911 board’s employees and lines. “If you go back and look, historically ALDOT hasn’t missed municipal employees who work alongside them. “Even with a 2.5 percent merit raise, it’s still going to cause their 5 percent merit increase, while other parts of the state Ultimately, the board agreed unanimously to implement the us some challenges, because I don’t see the County Commission haven’t given raises,” Ruffer said. “That disparity exists other change beginning in 2015, but elected to keep 5 percent merit stepping up to the plate and being consistent with merit raises,” places, but here we admittedly have a different situation because raises as an option for “special or exemplary performance.” The he said. “But, I hope I’m wrong.” our employees are working shoulder-to-shoulder with all of the decision was also accompanied by some pointed discussion about Oliver also used the floor to compare MCCD’s practices with other employees. I can see those starting salaries are maybe start- where those discrepancies might exist. the other organizations represented at the meeting, agencies such ing to get out of kilter, and it could create some sort of friction if “I see this as a disparity,” MCCD board member Trey Oliver as Mobile County EMS, the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, the we’re not careful.” said. “I don’t mean to rain on the 911 employees’ parade, but I Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and others. However, salaries weren’t only disparity discussed. Oliver think if we continue in this direction we’re going enhance that According to those at the meeting, Mobile County personnel also addressed the health insurance costs paid by county and city disparity, and I can see that causing us some challenges down the haven’t seen a merit increase in six years — though those em- employees, which MCCD employees do not have. road, if it hasn’t already.” ployees did recently receive an across-the-board pay raise of 2.5 Mobile County personnel currently pay $86 monthly for Oliver is a member of the board’s personnel committee, but as percent. During the same time period, city of Mobile employees single coverage and $218 for family coverage. For the city of the warden of the Mobile Metro Jail, he also frequently repre- say they have only received one merit increase. Mobile, single coverage premiums can cost employees anywhere sents the Mobile County Merit System Employees Association. Yet, the director of IT for the MCCD told Oliver he had seen from $54 to $104 a month, depending on their hire date and Oliver suggested cutting the rate of the district’s merit increases three merit raises in six years, and had only received fewer than annual salary. Under the same stipulations, family coverage can in half would be “fiscally responsible” and would prevent prob- six because he had reached the top of his salary schedule. Ac- cost a city employee anywhere from $140 to $267 monthly. lems going forward. cording to Oliver, IT personnel have one of the biggest disparities According to Tanner, MCCD employees are fully covered by The MCCD is tasked by the state with maintaining the emer- of county employees compared to those of the MCCD. Oliver the district, and as reported by Lagniappe earlier this year, a small gency communications network used by first responders and law said the IT specialists at the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office number of retired employees were also offered full coverage enforcement agencies around the county and is funded through “make a fraction of what our guys make.” insurance until recently. fees taken from landline and mobile phone users. Those monies The MCCD uses pay ranges for its employees, and each em- “I’m going to come work out here when I retire from the are collected by Alabama’s state 911 Board, and then distributed ployee’s position on that range depends on their length of service county,” Oliver said jokingly to his fellow board members. monthly to each district based on its population. and job performance history. Though they try to match their “I know this is a touchy subject because we’re talking about According to a FY 2015 budget, the MCCD is expecting compensation with that outlined by the Personnel Board, MCCD people’s pay, but we need to be financially responsible. To me, around $11.5 million in income from its allocations and $16.9 is not bound by those salary ranges. this (merit increase reduction) seems equitable.”

City receives $1.6 million Bloomberg ‘innovation team’ award

BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

tanding in an empty lot on Texas Street Monday, Mayor “The focus is on urban vitality,” she said. “We’ll be choos- Sandy Stimpson announced that Mobile will receive $1.6 ing certain neighborhoods to figure out what needs to be done to million to help revitalize neighborhoods and promote bring them back.” economic development. Irby said the city has some neighborhoods in mind for the SThe grant money from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ “Innova- program, but would discuss them further with the consultants. tion Teams” program will be used to hire three new full-time She said the money will be paid out over three years. employees and three new part-time employees, who will be part As part of the application process, the city had to describe of an “i-team” solely responsible for accomplishing mayoral some of its biggest challenges, Irby told the group of reporters. priorities, starting with the eradication of blight. She said Bloomberg Philanthropies was interested in that Mobile “When we cast the vision to make Mobile the safest, most had so many challenges, but was ready to face them. business- and family-friendly city in America by 2020, we knew “Mobile needs neighborhoods that attract and embrace resi- that we would need help to achieve our goal,” Stimpson said at a dents, where citizens can live, work and play,” Stimpson said. press conference. “This award by Bloomberg Philanthropies will “The support of Bloomberg Philanthropies adds tremendous provide critical resources to help us move forward on our jour- momentum to our effort to achieve One Mobile.” ney, but it’s about much more than just money. It’s a validation In addition to Mobile, grants were announced for the U.S. of our efforts to transform Mobile.” cities of Albuquerque, N.M., Boston, Mass., Centennial, Colo., Stimpson told reporters the i-team approach has worked Jersey City, N.J., Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Peoria, Ill., Roch- in other cities, like New Orleans, where they used it to bring ester, N.Y., Seattle, Wash. and Syracuse, N.Y. Grants were also Photo/Dale Liesch down the murder rate. New Orleans was one of five cities to awarded to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv-Yafo in Israel. Irby said the receive money from Bloomberg Philanthropies in a first round of Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson announces the administration was told 90 cities applied for grant funding. Cities awards. Mobile was one of 12 American cities and 14 interna- that applied for the grant had mayors with at least two years left tionally to receive an award this year. city’s reciept of a $1.6 million grant Dec. 15. in office, according to a statement from Bloomberg. Stimpson made the announcement in a foreclosed lot the city by the city. Cities were awarded between $1.5 million and $3 million. was about to take over, with the plan to allow a private developer The grant money is not hard money that will be used to The grant awards were based on the size of the cities and size to build on the land. The press conference was across the street acquire land, Executive Director of Planning and Development of the i-teams that were needed, Irby said. Mobile was one of from a group of three homes in a development called Oakleigh Dianne Irby said, but it would help put a team in place to focus four cities in the group with a population of less than 200,000, Cottages, where a similar single-family redevelopment had on the program. The city and its i-team will meet with Bloom- according to the statement. already taken place. Stimpson said the city funded those homes berg consultants this spring to discuss the program, Planner Kina initially, but they are currently on the market and aren’t owned Andrews said.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the streets; Not much was moving, not even Prancing Elites; And tunnel congestion was unusually light; And still a huge bridge with bike paths is nowhere in sight;

Mobilians were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of Airbus jobs danced in their heads; And while sporting the only nightgown I own, I had just settled in to watch “Game of Thrones,”

When down at the courthouse you could hear such excitement, Perhaps there was more about Kim Hastie’s indictment. Away to the Twitter, searching hashtags, Had she indeed pled, would this end our fast tags?

The moon shimmied off the waves on Dog River, Giving the lustre of midday to the piles of litter, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But Mayor Stimpson himself with his councilors near,

The mayor walked and pointed so lively and quick, I guessed that his first year had not made him sick. More rapid than Tide players the councilors came, And he whistled, and shouted and called them by name:

“Now, John! Now Gina! Now C.J. and Fred! On, Manzie! On Joel! Bess, you heard what I said!” From the electronic moonpie to the Theodore line! This city needs fixing, there’s no time to whine!”

Like Richardson on a useless junket they flew, The mayor pointed out obstacles and things they should do; The holidays have inspired more than a little silliness this To the leaky roof of Government Plaza they ascended year. Merry Christmas! With thoughts of challenges both real and pretended —

And then, in a twinkling, someone lamented GulfQuest “Now it won’t open ‘till late spring at best!” Sandy sighed at the mention, and was turning around, When Commissioner Hudson arrived with a bound. The Gadfly She was dressed all in fur, very stylish and neat, And pointing at swamps where the Interstates meet; A bundle of plans she had flung in a sack, And she said soccer fields would bring this town back.

Her eyes — how they twinkled! The plan, so fecund! It wouldn’t cost nothin’, all RESTORE Act funds! Sandy’s mouth drew up like he smelled something bad, And he mentioned “successes” such projects have had;

“The cruise terminal alone,” he said through his teeth, “Is disaster enough, we need some relief.” He had a red face and his hands on his belly And shook when he laughed at something so silly.

He continued to giggle, his right jolly old self, And even Richardson laughed, not sure why himself; A wink of his eye and twist of his head Let the council all know the Civic Center is dead;

He spoke lots of words about what needed work, About paving Ann Street, stopping littering jerks, And how cleaning up is so incredibly hard, With the Press-Register trashing everyone’s yard;

And laying a finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, his dapper driver arose; He sprang to the elevator, prayed it wouldn’t get stuck, Waved to the council and bid them good luck.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he passed the town’s biggest steeple Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen — “Happy Christmas and New Years! See you at the Village Dwayne Vaughn tries to find innovative ways to People!” fund the Housing Board’s $750 million plan. Apologies to Clement Clarke Moore and anyone who likes poetry.

12 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 HIDDEN AGENDA COMMENTARY C Ralphie, sleeve touching and more Christmas pet peeves BY ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR | [email protected] rowing up there was no other time of year that I loved snow. Or maybe the little trees. Or the room it requires to set the We took her groceries to the check out stand more than Christmas. I lived in a small town so every mini Christmas city up. The food was totaled up and bagged year the city would attach giant angels, snowflakes, holly We stood there lost in our embarrassment and such to the light poles around town. Once you saw 3. That Santa puts chocolate and/or marshmallow-filled candy As the conversation lagged Gthose go up, you knew Santa would be coming down the chimney shaped like himself in the stockings of children. It’s just seems with your Barbie Dreamhouse soon. kind of creepy that he wants kids to eat him. (The food was totaled up and bagged? I know something else We would go get a tree from the Piggly Wiggly or Delchamps that is lagging.) and decorate it while listening to Christmas carols from this green 4. Modern Christmas songs are just awful. Dear pop stars, if a box thingy that you plugged in the wall. The sound was terrible carol was written in the last century, do not record it. And please We went to have ourselves a drink or two — like if your Speak and Spell decided to make a Christmas for the sake of the sweet little baby Jesus in the manger, do not But couldn’t find an open bar album. But I can still hear the robotic sound of “Silent Night” to try to write a new one. The kids and I were listening to one of the We bought a six-pack at the liquor store this day as I am decorating my tree each year. Christmas radio stations recently and we were having fun singing And we drank it in her car My husband and I have started a few traditions of our own “Jingle Bells” and Silent Night” when the worst “modern” Christ- with our kids, so trust me when I say I am not Grinchy Potter mas song time of all time came on and totally ruined the mood. (I want to drink heavily now too in my car — like you and the McSroogerson, III. But I must confess there are some Christmas The song I speak of is “Same Old Lang Syne” by Dan Fogle- frozen food girl’s entire six pack from the liquor store or possibly “traditions” that I just don’t dig. berg. In case you have forgotten just how terrible it is, let me something stronger than a sixer) Here is the short list. Don’t tell anyone though. refresh your memory by sharing the lyrics with you. Here is another quality stanza: 1. I don’t get the fascination with “A Christmas Story.” Met my old lover in the grocery store I think it’s an OK movie. But I don’t get the obsession many The snow was falling Christmas Eve She said she’s married her an architect have with it — certainly there is no need for any TV network to I stood behind her in the frozen foods Who kept her warm and safe and dry play if for 24 hours straight. One viewing per year is enough. And I touched her on the sleeve She would have liked to say she loved the man I find Ralphie kind of annoying, his father a bit pervy, and the But she didn’t like to lie whole scene when the kid’s tongue gets stuck to the freezing (I stood behind her in the FROZEN FOODS and touched her flagpole absolutely painful to watch. on the sleeve? Are you f-ing kidding me? Why not the bakery or (I get warm and safe maybe … but dry? Was she living on the And something about the tone of the adult Ralphie’s voice as the deli?) streets or did he just give her a nice umbrella? I don’t like to lie he narrates the film really just gets under my skin as well, as does either, this is just terrible. Thanks for peeing on Christmas with the “eat like the piggies” scene. I know. I know, this is going to She didn’t recognize the face at first this song.) make people want to shoot my eye out with a Red Ryder BB gun But then her eyes flew open wide and I understand that. I even tried to pretend to love this movie She went to hug me and she spilled her purse So there you have it — a few of my Christmas confessions. for years. I thought if I faked it long enough maybe I would love And we laughed until we cried If you hear this song on the radio, do yourself a favor and shoot it as much as everyone else. But I just don’t. There I said it. You your eardrums out with Ralphie’s Red Ryder. I’ll be in my dry can wash my mouth out with Lifebuoy if you must. (You laughed until you cried because it was just soooo funny home listening to my robotic Christmas music, unbagging my she spilled her purse or because it rhymed with “wide?” I think totaled up frozen food, and trying not to touch anyone’s sleeves. 2. Those elaborate miniature Christmas villages people con- we all know the answer to that.) But I am not making any promises. struct in their homes. I just don’t get those. I think it’s the fake

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 13 BELTWAY BEAT COMMENTARY C The disheartening process of keeping the government open BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

WASHINGTON – If you wanted the ultimate posed the overall bill,” Shelby said in a statement textbook example of what people perceive to be late Saturday. “The omnibus fails to properly ad- wrong with the federal government, the passage dress President Obama’s action to grant amnesty of the CR/omnibus by House and Senate last to millions of illegal immigrants through execu- week was just that. tive fiat. I remain firmly opposed to providing The legislation was a $1.1 trillion spending amnesty to those who have broken our laws and I bill to fund most of the government through stand ready to fight against the President’s execu- September 2015. The Department of Homeland tive overreach when Republicans control both the Security, however, will only receive funding House and the Senate next Congress.” through February to allow for a renewed fight Approximately 20 minutes earlier, Shelby’s against President Barack Obama’s executive press secretary sent out this statement from Ala- actions on immigration once the new Republican bama’s senior senator: majority is seated in the Senate. “This bill funds defense-related programs that The spending package’s approval in the House play a vital role in providing our nation’s military was not an easy task for Speaker John Boehner with the resources that they need to strengthen our (R-Ohio). Despite being in the majority, many national security,” Shelby said. “I am pleased that Republican lawmakers opposed the measure this bill includes funding to enhance Alabama’s because it did not immediately defund President national defense capabilities and continue our Obama’s executive actions. The loss of dozens of state’s commitment to serving our armed forces.” Republican votes due to immigration objections Staffers in offices that had their phone lines resulted in the GOP needing Democratic votes to flooded over the legislation, particularly on the get the bill across the finish line. House side, probably are saying it must be nice Even with the help of the Obama White House to be able to tout bringing home the bacon and and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Mary- lodge an ideological opposition simultaneously. land) it took some arm-twisting to move to get the The fact remains that it took a 1,700-page bill votes to pass the measure at the last minute. House larded up with goodies to win over borderline Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California) and Republicans and Democrats, which is a very Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) staged unseemly process — at least at face value. an effort to block the bill’s passage. This sort of process, however, has been a part Some of the vote corralling appears to of Washington for generations. A 24-hour news have caused a split within Alabama’s congres- cycle fueled by both liberal and conservative out- sional delegation, with both Sens. Jeff Ses- lets have made that process much more obvious sions and Richard Shelby as well as Reps. to the hyper-engaged observer, hence the melting Mike Rogers and Mo Brooks voting against the down of the telephone lines by what is likely a legislation, but Reps. Bradley Byrne, Martha very vocal minority. Roby, Spencer Bachus, Terry Sewell and Robert It doesn’t appear to be promising if you’re Aderholdt supporting it. thinking will change in the near-term, even with With last Thursday’s House vote being a much a Republican majority on Capitol Hill. closer (219-206) than the Senate vote Satur- Meanwhile, Sessions continues to carry the day (56-40), it took some apparent sweeteners to banner for a righteous cause. Alabamians should win over the likes of Byrne and his colleagues. be proud of that effort. The soon-to-be four-term Among those items in that grab of goodies junior senator has stuck to his guns on immigra- included an extra $80 million for the construction, which is likely to even cost him the chair- tion of three new Littoral Combat Ships, an extra man’s gavel on the very important Senate Budget $200 million for the Joint High Speed Vessel Committee. (both of which were used to justify Byrne’s sup- Sessions’ remarks immediately following Sat- port) and funding for new Lakota Helicopters to urday’s passage were different from his in-state be headquartered at Fort Rucker (part of which colleagues. was used to justify Roby’s vote). “The Senate has made no attempt to defend it- Roby and Byrne have certainly taken some self, the Constitution and the citizens we are sup- heat from some of their constituents for the affir- posed to represent,” he said. “Once again, Senate mative vote, which in the eyes of the detractors, Democrats rallied around their leader to serve didn’t do enough to attack President Obama’s as the Administration’s imperial guard. They perceived overreach on executive amnesty. But acted one more time to protect the White House will it keep Byrne, Roby or Aderholdt from being at the expense of their own constituents. Why reelected? No. can’t Americans get representation in their own If you recall, then-Rep. Jo Bonner’s 2008 vote Senate?” for the TARP bailout was an unpopular one and Earlier Saturday, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) put some of the voices that protested Bonner at the forth a point of order on the constitutionality of time are the same ones crying foul over Byrne’s the spending bill since it in part funds President vote. Obama’s immigration policy established by his Bonner would cruise to reelection in 2008, own executive order. 2010 and 2012. It’s safe to assume that in 2016, That effort failed miserably, even though the results will be similar for most of the Republi- Sessions and Shelby supported it. But it seemed can members of Congress in red states that bucked to signify that both Alabama’s senators viewed the conservative line on this spending bill. votes by five of their colleagues in the House of There was a curious side story to this vote Representatives (four of which are Republican) within the Alabama delegation. Despite voting made an unconstitutional vote. against the measure, Sen. Richard Shelby touted The next two years will be better gauge both his opposition to legislation and those added for judging the conservative bona fides of the sweeteners to win over the majority of Alabama’s congressional Republicans, but if you’re among GOP House members. those of us hoping for more fortitude in the fight “While I support funding the government, as against the growth of government, this was a well as several conservative priorities and provi- discouraging start. sions important to Alabama in the omnibus, I op-

14 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 TAO OF JEN COMMENTARY C If police want to protect, first they need to serve BY KEN ROBINSON/CONTRIBUTOR

vital part of any successful relationship ensure the schools and law enforcement agencies is trust. Whether it’s a marriage, a friend- that serve such communities see themselves and ship, team sports, or on the job, trust is operate as institutions of positive change. one of those attributes needed if varying Regarding the police, it starts with having Atypes of relationships are to be healthy and void leadership that recognizes the importance of put- of dysfunction. At the heart of the protests that ting in place policies fostering a transparent and have taken place of late and reached an apex over trusting relationship with the public, and makes it the weekend is the issue of trust. a priority to ensure officers are trained and taught With a rally cry of “Black Lives Matter,” indi- how to deal respectfully with the community it viduals of varying ages, races and socioeconomic serves. That leadership recognizes there is an status gathered and protested in cities across imperative to creating an organizational culture the country highlighting incidents that have that fosters the mindset that not only do “black contributed to a deep level of mistrust and lack of lives matter,” but “all lives matter,” regardless of faith in how policing is carried out in communi- the circumstances life may find someone in at the ties across the nation and how justice is often not moment. blind when it comes to how it’s dispensed among That’s why I have to applaud Mobile Police African Americans. Chief James Barber’s efforts in putting in place But, the rejoinder may come that poor, inner- programs to reach at-risk youth, rehabilitate city communities often necessitate heavy-handed prisoners and build community relationships. It’s police tactics, and with the high occurrence of the type of proactive policing and relationship crime in these building amongst areas, often the commu- such people ... it starts with having leader- nity needed to are getting the ship that recognizes the impor- engender trust. treatment they He seems to deserve. tance of putting in place policies understand the Yet I police mandate to would submit, fostering a transparent and trusting rela- not only protect, law enforce- tionship with the public, and makes it a but also to serve. ment in any Conversely, I community priority to ensure officers are trained and was so saddened has a mandate taught how to deal respectfully and disappointed to not only by the NYPD protect with the community it serves. police union chief citizens, after the Eric but serve them as well. It’s a task that requires Garner decision. The day the grand jury verdict not only the proper application of strength and came out, the mayor gave an eloquent and heart- force, but humility too. Poor communities are not felt response about the decision and its wider prisons, or battle zones, but places inhabited by implications, it was viewed by many as right on people — Americans — who are no less deserv- target and spoke to the situation in a very appro- ing of being treated respectfully. priate manner. Unfortunately, the NYPD police As a former police officer with the Mobile union didn’t see it that way. They accused the Police Department, I was trained and had the op- mayor of throwing them under the bus and also portunity to work under and with some outstand- described the officer that put the deadly choke- ing officers. One of the first things I learned was hold on Eric Garner as a “model” police officer. regardless of who I interacted with — a drug To me they missed a critical moment in which addict, prostitute, homeless person, etc. — you they could have taken action towards building a always afforded that person a measure of respect bridge of understanding between themselves and and looked at their humanity, not their state. the people in the community they serve. Also, Oftentimes, the simple act of addressing they totally missed the point of what the mayor someone, regardless of economic station or sta- was saying. No one was throwing the police tus, as sir or ma’am could go a long way toward under the bus. Everyone knows that law enforce- easing the tension of a situation or communicat- ment is a necessary part of society, rich and poor ing that you are actually there to deal with them alike, we all need the police. But people should fairly. They maybe didn’t want me to be there, respect the police: not fear them. People should but they could more easily accept my presence be able to trust the police. If they can’t, some- and allow me to do my job because they could thing is wrong. see and sense that I was offering them respect We want all our communities to be safe. and treating them as a human being, not as a However, this cannot be done without a healthy pariah. relationship between the police and the people In inner-city communities there are generally they’ve sworn to serve and protect. When the three main institutions that serve as vital trans- partnership is healthy, members of the public feel formational agents: schools, churches, and the as though they have an ally in transforming their police. The public in general has little sway over community for the better. When the relationship the outreach efforts and community actions that is unhealthy or dysfunctional, the ones who are churches engage in, but we can affect the policies sworn to protect become the very one’s those of our schools and the police. If we want troubled in the public feel they must also fear. The latter communities changed for the better, we need to should not exist in a democratic society.

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 15 THE REAL DEAL BUSINESS BB Southern Light moving into RSA Trustmark building BY RON SIVAK/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

Southern Light LLC, a locally owned, of The McAleer Tunstall Co., LLC. The buyers people to use bitcoin to purchase our products regional provider of broadband solutions, has were a collection of Mobile investors repre- and services allows us to be at the front edge of signed a lease to occupy seven floors in the sented by Richard Inge and Steven McMahon that trend,” Microsoft corporate Vice President RSA Trustmark Building. The move into the of Inge and Associates. Eric Lockard said. 47,000-square-foot space will consolidate opera- Plans are in place to build a new Zaxby’s “This as a very positive development for the tions for the company into downtown Mobile. restaurant on a 1.10-acre plot of property in west bitcoin market. Microsoft is a very influential Construction will be completed in the 4th quarter Mobile. The land is located at 6575 Airport company, and its acceptance will spur wider of 2015. Blvd., fronting a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Mar- adoption of bitcoin across the greater tech Southern Light, named by Inc. Magazine as ket. Ralph Neal of Watson Reality represented sector,” Michael Ray, owner of local bitcoin one of the fastest growing private companies the buyer, who paid $814,750 for the transaction. merchant payment processor DixieBit said. in the U.S. for the past eight consecutive years, Jay O’Brien of J.L. O’Brien & Associates “Furthermore, I can only expect that Micro- has already moved portions of their business worked for the seller. soft will contribute to the build-out of bitcoin’s into the RSA Tower until their permanent space infrastructure. The presence of such a large and is finished. Allan Cameron of NAI-Mobile Supercuts franchise celebrates 15th influential player in this space will spur further represented Southern Light in the lease negotia- anniversary development of this infrastructure by other tions. John Peebles with NAI-Mobile handled One of Mobile’s oldest locally owned Su- companies in the tech sector of the economy. the transaction. percuts franchises, located in the Cottage Crest Obviously I’m very excited about the announce- Reli Title Company has joined the co- Shopping Center at 6345 Cottage Hill Road, ment.” working space at Gallery 450 located downtown recently celebrated its 15 year anniversary. alongside LA Fotographee, Crush Imaging According to a press release, franchisees Baldwin Bone & Joint hosting “Many Studios and Port City Realty according to Julie Gerd Ewert and Lisa Taylor have been hiring More Miles” campaign Martin, president/broker of Port City Realty. and training local staff and stylists since opening For the 12th consecutive year, Baldwin Bone The 3,400-square-foot, open-air office space was in 1999. Ongoing training allows Supercuts styl- & Joint, P.C. will again host the “Many More created for local start-up businesses and creative ists to stay current on the most recent hairstyle Miles” campaign community project. They are freelancers. It is also reflective of a nationwide trends so they can help customers with choices. partnering with the Mobile and Baldwin county trend towards shared metropolitan urban work- Services include haircuts, as well as styling, hair YMCA branches, Port City Pacers, the Univer- space environments. coloring and facial waxing options. sity of South Alabama Student Recreation Center John Delchamps, associate broker with To date, there are over 2,400 Supercuts stores and McCoy Outdoor Company. The effort is the Merrill P. Thomas Co. Inc., represented dotted across the country. The company was done in collaboration with the homeless outreach an investor purchasing a 12,000-square-foot founded in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1975, Wings of Life program and Discovery Family bank-owned office and warehouse space at 1909 by Geoffrey M. Rappaport and Frank E. Emmett. Ministries’ Through the Dove Foundation, head- Brookdale Drive W. for $175,000. Robert Currently headquartered in Minneapolis, quartered in Mobile. Cook of Vallas Realty worked for the seller. Minnesota, it is a subsidiary of Regis, which also Response to the campaign has grown since Naman’s Catering currently leases the property. owns Regis Salons, Mia & Maxx, MasterCuts, its inception from 200 pairs of shoes donated in The 103,273-square-foot Tillman’s Square Cost Cutters, SmartStyle, and First Choice Hair- 2003 to roughly 1,400 pairs given in 2014. With shopping center located at 5441 U.S. Highway cutters in the United States and Canada. the kickoff beginning early January of every 90 W. in Tillman’s Corner sold for $3.3 million year, donations for 2015 are now being accepted, dollars to a Louisiana-based investor. David Bitcoin endorsed by Microsoft with final shoe drop-offs received at the 2015 Dexter of NAI-Mobile handled the transaction. Flying in the face of an Alabama Securities Azalea Trail Run March 28. NAI-Mobile will also be retained as the leasing Commission announcement back in November Mobile and Baldwin County elementary agent for the new owner. flagging bitcoin on its list of top investor risks students will also once again have the opportu- The 12-story Commerce Building located at for 2015 due to its potential for illegal security nity to collect shoes and earn money for their 118 N. Royal St. in downtown Mobile recently collusion and market volatility, global conglom- schools’ physical education programs. Baldwin sold for $1.1 million. The 94,500-square-foot erate Microsoft announced plans to add bitcoin Bone & Joint will award cash prizes to individ- office building will be primarily occupied by the as a payment option for a variety of digital con- ual programs for the top three schools donating corporate offices of Cooper/T.Smith Stevedor- tent purchases across its online platforms. the most shoes. ing. The Mobile-based company is one of the In essence, U.S.-based customers can use Gently used athletic shoes can be dropped at oldest and largest maritime related firms in the bitcoin to add money to their online accounts to the following locations: Baldwin Bone and Joint country with operations on all three U.S. coasts buy goods from Microsoft’s Windows, Windows -1505 Daphne Ave., Daphne; YMCA facilities in and foreign operations in Central and South phone and Xbox platforms. Mobile and Daphne; Dr. Glenn Glass, Daphne; America. “The use of bitcoin, while not yet main- McCoy Outdoor Company - 3498 Springhill The sellers were a group of New York and stream, is growing beyond early enthusiasts. Ave., Mobile and The University of South Ala- Mobile investors represented by Mike McAleer We expect this growth to continue and allowing bama Student Recreation Center.

dark night in a city that knows not how to stave off hun- anyone. ger, but one man is still trying to find the answers to the We cut the Margeaux ($10) question of “What shall we eat?” Geaux Boy, sandwich into four equal parts and enjoyed vigilante. this fried oyster po-boy dressed AIt was April 21, 2014. The first day of opening for the much as it should be. I did love the anticipated sandwich truck was a celebratory event. We had fol- crispy batter and must warn that lowed closely the snares and drama that is encountered behind if you eat this alone it is pretty the scenes when trying to open a behemoth kitchen on wheels. darned big. Maybe split one Trust me, you don’t just slap a grill on a trailer and get to work. with a friend. There is a lot that goes on. But local Jacob Merrit persevered, and Remember those pork slid- Mobile’s food truck scene became a bit richer. I was called in to ers I mentioned earlier? Usually investigate. those are on the late night menu, I was familiar with the late night servings at the corner of but today they mysteriously Washington and Conti streets. People were coming in droves appeared at lunch. Of course out of the Garage for a taste of debris fries and pork sliders. It we had to investigate that, too. was a day or two later that I found the green and white truck at It’s just what you’d think. A Cathedral Square on a Thursday morning, and just for the purpose hamburger slider may be a little of building a case I decided it was best to try at least three of our lacking, but a pork slider is more crusader’s sandwiches. The Ramdy is one of his most popular with roast beef, gravy, lettuce, pickle, tomato and mayo. The Alida is ham, roast beef, Photos/Dan Anderson cheddar, and au jus. Although these two were formidable po-boys, on this day the Panini-pressed Soto won my heart with its pulled pork, ham, Swiss, pickle, and mustard as a version of a pressed Hot and delicious po-boys are on Geaux Boy’s Cuban. mobile menu, including low carb options. In my opinion what was coming off the truck was impressive, but we always give places a little breathing room before we There aren’t always desserts on these food trucks. Today there review. Some start strong and fizzle. Others don’t have their legs was. Bacon Pralines ($3) were thick and clumpy compared to under them for a few months. Knowing it was not the latter, and smooth, flatter pralines but were quite delicious. Three bucks got hoping it would not prove to be the former, I would check in on me a handful. Geaux Boy from time to time. Then I got the call. “Mrs. Carol” was very appreciative of our diligent work and It was case #548: the case of the missing jacket. the timely manner in which her jacket was returned. You never A cool December morning, a woman who we will call “Mrs. know what the weather in Mobile is going to be. I think she was Carol” in order to protect the innocent was standing on the porch more impressed with Geaux Boy. We tried to help her decorate of her two story Oakleigh house. Someone had stolen her prized her tree, but it proved to be beyond our expertise. Bubble pretend- possession, a jacket that was so warm it could melt a cheese sand- ed to help by holding a strand of lights. “Mrs. Carol” pretended to wich from across the room. With a trembling voice on her end of appreciate the effort. the call I boldly assured her my team of investigators Mr. Bubble, We solved the case of the case of the missing jacket, but it was Kelley Babyface McKee, and I were on it. Geaux Boy who answered, “What shall we eat?” It didn’t take long before the suspect was caught red-handed With bread coming from Lindehiemer’s no more than 12 hours wearing the jacket and a black purse with a bottle of stolen Rose’ out of the oven, slow smoked meats, and fresh ingredients it’s no and a ticket for a midnight train to Memphis. We had only one wonder our sandwich hero is getting the call for lots of cater- stop when returning the jacket. You guessed it-Geaux Boy. likely to fill you up. I could eat several of these, but I’d regret it. ing events, food truck festivals, and an already packed regular My famished crew was eager to find a dining destination, and Don’t let the tremendous flavor trick you into eating too many. schedule which includes: Monday at McCoy’s Outdoor, Tuesday we thought it a nice gesture to bring a little to “Mrs. Carol” in Everyone has to have a low carb option, right? Geaux Boy is at Bebo’s in Springhill, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in down- order to ease her suffering and celebrate her victory. no different. The C-Love ($8) is basically a deconstructed sand- town, usually near Cathedral Square. With a sack full of food we dined family style at the kitchen wich with no bread. I’ll try to recreate it for you, but I ate it so fast Check them out on Facebook. Lunch usually starts about 11 bar, sharing everything. Duck and andouille gumbo ($8) was an I didn’t get a good look. It is Korean barbecue chicken, I know a.m. Get there early. He occasionally sells out! excellent beginning. The meat was plentiful and best when you that. I remember carrots, sprouts, and tons of cilantro on top. This got a spoonful of each. slightly sweet, vinegary tasting pile of goodness is my favorite. I Geaux Boy Food Truck Chicken and sausage jambalaya ($6) was another great will bring out-of-towners to this truck for this dish, but as good as Mobile, AL appetizer. For six bucks this could be a cheap lightning lunch for it is it in no way overshadows the po-boys. 251-404-3879

18 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 W ORD OF MOUTH CUISINE CC Treats for the sweet and savory lovers BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

“Do we get candy for Christmas?” asked 4-year-old Graham. 1 teaspoon of vanilla those who prefer the “everything but the kitchen sink” style. I’ve Well, I hope it’s not a hard-candy Christmas, but yes, son, there watched it grow over the few decades I have graced this Earth. 1 cup of chopped pecans will be candy at Christmastime. He knows we get Valentines can- Seems it started with pretzels. I remember the year Crispix cereal dy, Easter basket candy, Labor Day candy, Halloween candy, but Boil sugar and water in a saucepan to a softball stage, about made an appearance. Peanuts, Goldfish crackers, melba toast, he was unsure of how this stocking thing worked. Truth is Santa two minutes. In a mixing bowl pour this mixture over the marsh- fragile Beddar Cheddars, and many others made the rounds mostly usually puts some small toys and a generous amount of fruit and mallow crème and beat well with a wooden spoon. Add the vanilla as fad additions, but a few stuck here and there. This year the addi- nuts in our stockings. We actually get very little candy. But that’s and mix well. Incorporate the chopped pecans with a spatula and tion is pita chips. We shall see if it sticks. not to say we don’t have homemade candy coming out of our ears. drop soup spoonfuls onto wax paper for cooling. I love getting treats from my students this time of year. It is For best results use two spoons, one for scooping, the other for Cheese Straws interesting to see the differences between Texas trash, pralines, pushing. You can get fancy with your presentation if you want to. My favorite cheese straws come from Miss Betty Hightower. bourbon balls and cookies. I was at a party the other night and saw Some like to place a pecan half on the top of the divinity ball, She uses a star disk on her cookie press and her recipe is the magic cookie bars with M&Ms! Abomination or genius creation? others (like me) chop the nuts and put them inside. Another option example of the classic Southern cheese straw. You can find a gazil- You tell me. I also enjoy seeing what emphasis kids (and adults) is to crush peppermint and sprinkle on the cooling product. lion recipes online, and many will get you close. Part of the magic place on their favorite treats. One man’s trash is another man’s is in the maker. The tricks are to use butter instead of margarine, treasure. My poor mother will slave over a stove and oven this always grate your own cheese (they add stuff to the fancy shred- time of year to create some amazing sweets that I may not give a Chocolate-covered Ritz sandwiches This is by far the most bang for the buck, and so easy the kids ded supermarket cheese so it doesn’t stick), and don’t be scared of second glance. Others would be heartbroken if she didn’t make can help. Long gone are the days of double boilers, stovetop the cayenne pepper. them. messes, and stubborn mixing bowls with hardened Hershey prod- Here are some ideas for your last-minute Christmas party, or ucts. Some genius created a microwavable tray of white chocolate Use this as a template. just to put on your buffet or sideboard for weary travelers and that allows easy dipping and almost no cleanup. The peanut butter 1 ½ cups of butter neighborhood guests to snack on as visitation increases over the Ritz sandwiches are best in the white, but many of you may enjoy 2 cups shredded cheese, I use sharp cheddar next few days. the milk chocolate versions. 1 teaspoon of salt These microwavable trays are great for everything that requires Cayenne pepper to taste, about 1 teaspoon Easy Divinity a chocolate bath. Pretzels, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, haystacks, I’ll ½ teaspoon garlic powder This recipe is an easy alternative to the painstaking process of eat it all. But if you have me in mind just remember: white choco- 4 cups all purpose flour making “real” divinity. You don’t have to wait for the humidity late, peanut butter, Ritz crackers. to drop, either. It’s as easy as it gets, and many will not know the Basically you beat all of this in a stand mixer, adding the flour difference. If you have a conscience for this sort of thing and feel after everything else is blended. If you have a cookie press, make like you’re cheating then be my guest and try your hand at the real Trash talk Yes, I always say I love my Texas Trash (Chex mix) one-to- long ribbons on parchment paper with the star disc. Cut the rib- deal. This one is good enough for me. one-to-one corn, rice and wheat with butter, seasoned salt and bons into 3-4 inch long pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 13 Worcestershire sauce. Try adding Tobasco to that buttery mix! Any minutes. Cool on a wire rack. 2 cups sugar amount will do, but be careful. It’s a lot of work wasted if you So go on out and make someone happy, be it at a party or enter- ½ cup water overdo it. The result is a Buffalo style flavor. I can get behind that. taining in your own home. Without snacks it will be impossible to 7 ounce jar of marshmallow crème Every year it seems something is added to Chex mix for have yourself a merry little Christmas.

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 19 WInTzeLL’S oySTeR HouSe ($-$$) D’ MICHAeL’S ($) MeLLoW MuSHRooM ($) SAGe ReSTAuRAnT ($$) 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 Philly cheese steaks, gyros & more. Pies & awesome beer selection. Inside the Mobile Marriott. 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 7101-A Theodore Dawes Rd. 2032 Airport Blvd. • 471-4700 3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400 1208 Shelton Beach Rd., 653-2979 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 SAToRI CoFFeeHouSe ($) Saraland • 442-3335 DeLISH DeSSeRTS ($) MICHeLI’S CAFe ($) Coffee, smoothies, lunch & beers. zeA’S ($$) Great desserts & hot lunch 6358 Cottage Hill Rd. • 725-6917 5460 Old Shell Rd. • 344-4575 Gourmet rotisserie with prime rib 23 Upham St. • 473-6115 MoMMA GoLDBeRG’S DeLI ($) SeRDA’S CoFFeeHouSe ($) $ UnDER $10/pERSon & seafood. DeW DRop Inn ($) Sandwiches & Momma’s Love. Coffee, lunches, live music & gelato. $$ 10-25/pERSon 4671 Airport Blvd. • 344-7414 Classic burgers, hotdogs & setting. 3696 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500 3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000 $$$ ovER 25/pERSon 1808 Old Shell Rd. • 473-7872. 5602 Old Shell Rd. • 287-6556 SMokey DeMBo SMoke HouSe ($) DoWnToWneRS ($) MonTeGo’S ($-$$) 3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 473-1401 Completely Great sandwiches, soups & salads. Fresh Caribbean-style food & craft SpoT oF TeA ($) 107 Dauphin St. • 433 8868 beer. 6601 Airport Blvd. • 634-3445 Mobile’s favorite spot for breakfast & lunch. Business Casual ComfortaBle e WInG HouSe ($) MoSTLy MuFFInS ($) 306 Dauphin St. • 433-9009. BoneFISH GRILL ($$) AL’S HoTDoGS ($) Muffins, coffee & wraps. SouTHeRn DeCADenCe DeSSeRTS ($) 195 S University Suite H Soups, Salads, Desserts & Sandwiches. Eclectic dining & space. Classic hotdogs, gyros & milkshakes 662-1830. 105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855 2212 Dauphin Island 1956 B University Blvd. • 300-8304 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196 4701 Airport Blvd. • 342-3243 Pkwy • 479-2021 MuDBuGS AT THe Loop ($) STevIe’S kITCHen ($) BAuDeAn’S ($$) ASHLAnD MIDToWn puB ($-$$) FIReHouSe SuBS ($) Cajun Kitchen & seafood market. Fried, grilled, steamed & always Pizzas, pastas, & calzones. Sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, Hot subs, cold salads & catering. 2005 Government St. • 478-9897 soups, salads & desserts fresh. 3300 River Rd. 973-9070 245-A Old Shell Rd. 479-3278 MuG SHoTS ($$) ATLAnTA BReAD CoMpAny ($-$$) 6300 Grelot Rd. 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite 150. BouDReAuX’S CAJun GRILL ($-$$) 631-3730 Bar & Grill. Sandwiches, salads & more. 3680 TAMARA’S BAR & GRILL ($) Quality Cajun & New Orleans FISHeRMAn’S LeGACy ($) 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514 Wings, po-boys, burgers. Cuisine. 29249 US Highway 98 Dauphin St. • 380-0444 Deli, market and catering. neWk’S eXpReSS CAFe ($) 210 Eastern Shore Center, Hwy. 98 Daphne. 621-1991 BenJAMIn’S ($) Oven-baked sandwiches & more. eD’S SeAFooD SHeD ($$) Burgers,wings and seafood. 4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2266 • 929-0002 2107 Airport Blvd. • 450-9377 FIve GuyS BuRGeRS & FRIeS ($) 252 Azalea Rd. • 341-3533 Tp CRoCkMIeRS ($) Fried seafood served in hefty 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2393 oLD 27 GRILL ($) American Restaurant & Bar portions. 3382 Hwy. 98 • 625-1947 BRIqueTTeS STeAkHouSe ($-$$) Grilled steaks, chicken and 4663 Airport Blvd. • 300-8425 Burgers, dogs & 27 beers & wines. 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 FeLIX’S FISH CAMp ($$) FooSACkLy’S ($) 19992 Hwy. 181 Old County Rd. THe BLInD MuLe ($) Upscale dining with a view. seafood. 720A Schillinger Rd. S. Suite 2. • 607-7200 Famous chicken fingers. Fairhope • 281-2663 Daily specials made from scratch. 1420 Hwy. 98 • 626-6710 CAFe 219 ($) 310 S. University Blvd. • 343-0047 oRLeAnS po-BoyS ($-$$) 57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853. HALF SHeLL oySTeR HouSe ($) Salads, sandwiches & potato salad. 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. THe HouSe ($-$$) 3654 Airport Blvd. • 338-9350 219 Conti St. • 438-5234 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 960 Schillinger Rd S. • 633-3900 Seafood, sandwiches, salads & soups LeGACy BAR & GRILL ($$$) CAFe MALBIS ($) 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761. oRLeAnS CAFe ($-$$) 4513 Old shell Rd. • 408-9622 American, Seafood,Stekhouse. Contemporary fare & eclectic 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000 Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. THe HunGRy oWL ($) 9 Du Rhu Dr. S. • 341-3370 spirits. 28396 Hwy. 181, Daphne • ISTAnBuL GRILL ($) 3721 Airport Blvd. • 380-1503 Burgers, flatbread pizza & seafood. LuCy B. GooDe ($$) 661-6620 Authentic Turkish Resturant. pAnInI peTe’S ($) 7899 Cottage Hill Rd. • 633-4479 Gulf Coast cuisine, reinvented. CAJun SeAFooD ($) Original sandwich and bake shop. THRee GeoRGeS CAnDy SHop ($) 3702 Airport Blvd. • 461-6901 Light lunch with Southern flair. 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores Seafood market & deli fresh JAMAICAn vIBe ($) 42 1/2 Section St., Fairhope • 929-0122 967-5858 seafood. 408 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mind-blowing island food. 19 S. Conception St. • 405-0031 226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725 LuLu’S ($$) 478-9897 TRopICAL SMooTHIe ($) 3700 Government Blvd. Ste A pDq ($) Great smoothies, wraps & sandwiches. Live music & great seafood. CAMILLe’S SIDeWALk CAFé ($) 602-1973 Chicken fingers, salad & sandwiches. 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores Gourmet wraps, pizzas, & more. Du Rhu Dr. • 378-5648 JACk’S CATFISH CAMp ($$) 1165 University Blvd. • 202-0959 570 Schillinger Road • 634-3454 967-5858 5817 Old Shell Rd. Steak & Seafood queen G’S CAFé ($) WILD WInG STATIon ($) oRIGInAL oySTeR HouSe ($-$$) 343-0200 4815 Halls Mill Rd. • 661-4434 Down home cooking for lunch. A great place for kids and CAMeLLIA CAFé ($-$$$) 1500 Government St. • 287-1526 Contemporary southern fare. JIMMy JoHn’S ($) 2518 Old Shell Rd. • 471-3361 yAk THe kATHMAnDu kITCHen seafood. 3733 Hwy. 98 • 626-2188 Sandwiches, catering & delivery ReGInA’S kITCHen ($-$$) ($-$$)Authentic foods from oySTeR RoCkeFeLLeR ($$-$$$) 312 61 Section St., Fairhope too. Sandwiches, subs and soups. 928-4321 6920 Airport Blvd. • 414-5444 Himalayan region. Schillingers Rd. • 607-9527 Joe CAIn CAFé ($) 2056 Government St. • 476-2777 RICe ASIAn GRILL & SuSHI BAR ($) CAMMIe’S oLD DuTCH ($) 3210 Dauphin St. • 287-0115 Mobile’s classic ice cream spot. Pizzas, sandwiches, cocktails. RIveR SHACk ($-$$) 3964 Government Blvd. • 378-8083 2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 Seafood, burgers & steaks. THe HARBoR RooM ($-$$) kITCHen on GeoRGe ($-$$) 6120 Marina Dr., Dog River • 443-7318. Unique seafood. CARpe DIeM ($) ‘Cue Deli foods, pastries & specialty Contemporary American food. RoLy poLy ($) BACkyARD CAFe & BBq ($) 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 351A George & Savannah St. Wraps & salads. TACky JACkS ($-$$) drinks. 4072 Old Shell Rd. Home cookin’ like momma made. 304-0448 436-8890 809 Hillcrest Rd. • 607-6378 Gulf Shores favorite on the Causeway. 2804 Springhill Ave. • 473-4739 CHAT-A-WAy CAFe ($) LAp’S GRoCeRy & GRILL ($-$$) 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480 BAR-B-quInG WITH My Honey ($$) 1175 Battleship Pkwy. • 621-8988 Quiches & sandwiches in Spring Casual Seafood & southern RoMA CAFe ($-$$) BBQ, burgers, wings & seafood Tp CRoCkMIeRS ($-$$) Hill. 4366 Old Shell Rd. 343-9889 classics. 1595 Battleship Parkway, Pasta, salad and sandwiches. American Restaurant & Bar CHICken SALAD CHICk ($) Spanish Fort • 626-0045 7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217 19170 Hwy 43 Mt. Vernon. • 839-9927 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 Sandwich, Chicken Salad, Salad & MAGHee’S GRILL on THe HILL RoSIe’S GRILL ($-$$) BRICk pIT ($) THe BLueGILL ($-$$) Soup. 2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit R • ($-$$) Great lunch & dinner. Sandwiches, southwest fare, 7 days. A favorite barbecue spot. A historic seafood dive with live 660-0501 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700 1203 Hwy 98 Ste. 3D, Daphne 5456 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0001 music. 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625-1998 CRAvIn CAJun ($) MAMA’S ($) 626-2440 DReAMLAnD BBq ($) THe ITALIAn FISHeRMAn ($$) Po-boys, salads & seafood. Slap your mama good home cooking. RoyAL knIGHT ($) Ribs, sandwiches & great sides. Seafood Italian style. 1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy 220 Dauphin St. • 432-6262 Steak night on fridays. 3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9898. 2503 Old Shell Rd. • 478-2881 287-1168 MARS HILL CAFe ($) 3004 Gov’t Blvd • 287-1270 Moe’S oRIGInAL BAR B que ($) TIn Top ReSTAuRAnT & oySTeR BAR ($$) CReAM & SuGAR ($) Great sandwiches, coffee & more. RoyAL STReeT CAFe ($) Breakfast, lunch in Oakleigh. Ice Bar-b-que & music. Bayfront Park Best seafood, premium aged 5025 Cottage Hill Rd. • 643-1611 Homemade lunch & breakfast. steaks, extensive wine list. 6232 Bon cream too. Dr., Daphne • 625-RIBS 351 George St. #B • 405-0003 MARy’S SouTHeRn CookInG ($) 104 N. Royal St. • 434-0011 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427 Secour Hwy County Rd. 10.• 949-5086 3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232

20 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 RoyAL STReeT TAveRn BuTCH CASSIDy’S ($) DAupHIn ST. TAqueRIA ($) Exotic Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Live music,martinis & a light dinner Famous burgers, sandwiches & Enchiladas, tacos, & authentic Korean & Vietnamese cuisine. menu. 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 wings. 60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690. fare. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-2453 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 SouTHeRn nApA CALLAGHAn’S IRISH SoCIAL CLuB eL CHARRo ($) MeMpHIS q AT BeAu RIvAGe ($) Bistro plates, craft beers and pantry. ($) Burgers & beer. Finest Mexican in WeMo. Memphis-style Q. 2304 Main Street. • 375-2800 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374 7751 Airport Blvd. • 607-0882 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 HeRoeS SpoRTS BAR & GRILLe ($) FueGo ($-$$) CoAST ReSTAuRAnT AT BeAu SAuCy q BARBque ($) Outstanding Mexican cuisine. RIvAGe ($) Award-winning BarBQue. Sandwiches & cold beer. 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 Sports bar-style joint. 1111 Government Blvd. • 433-7427 falafel? try 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376. LoS ARCoS ($) 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 WHISTLe STop ($) Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464 LB’S STeAkHouSe AT GRAnD MCSHARRy’S IRISH puB ($) Quaint Mexican restaurant. Home cookin’ & BBQ. some Hummus 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484 CASIno ($$-$$$) 110 S. Florida St. • 478-7427 7 SpICe ($-$$) Brillant Reubens & Fish-N-Chips LA CoCInA ($) Fine dining with juicy steak Healthy, delicious Mediterranean food. 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope Authentic Mexican cuisine. & fine wine. 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177 990-5100 4633 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 Drop DeaD ABBA’S MeDITeRRAneAn THe LAnDInG ($) SAnTA Fe GRILL ($) Cuu LonG SupeR pHo AT GRAnD CAFe ($-$$) From seafood to steaks. Locally-owned, fresh cuisine. CASIno ($$) Gourmet Beef, lamb & seafood. 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 973-2696 3160 Bel Air Mall • 450-2440 Asian noodle soups, bubble teas ALABAMA CRuISeS ($$) 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464 LuCky’S IRISH puB ($) & more. Fine dining & sailing from Irish pub fare & more. 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 Of JeRuSALeM CAFe ($-$$) eMeRIL’S GuLF CoAST FISH HouSe Orange Beach • 973-1244 Mobile’s oldest Middle Eastern cuisine. 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000 BAy GouRMeT ($$) THe STADIuM ($) no GamBlinG AT ISLAnD vIeW CASIno ($$-$$$) 5773 Airport Blvd. • 304-1155 Kick it up a notch. A premier caterer & cooking classes. kAn zAMAn CAFe ($) Catch the games with great food. Casino fare 1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051 19270 Hwy. 98 Fairhope atmore 3300 W. Beach Blvd. • 877-774-8439 326 Azalea Rd. • 229-4206 990-0408 C&G GRILLe AT ISLAnD vIeW CAFé 615 ($$-$$$) MeDITeRRAneAn SAnDWICH FIRe AT WInD CReek CASIno & CASIno ($) American fare with local ingredients. WeMoS ($) CoMpAny ($) Great & quick. HoTeL ($$-$$$) Large breakfast, lunch or dinner 615 Dauphin St. • 432-8434. Wings, tenders, hotdogs & sandwiches. World-class prime steaks, seafood 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 menu. 3300 W. Beach Blvd. CAFé RoyAL ($$-$$$) 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-5877 & wine. 877-774-8439 Prime steak & seafood in elegant setting. 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725-0126 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 WAHoo’S pooLSIDe BAR AnD 101 N. Royal St. • 405-5251 MInT HookAH BISTRo ($) GRILL AT WInD CReek CASIno & GRILL AT pALACe CASIno ReSoRT noJA ($$-$$$) Great Mediterranean food. mama mia! HoTeL ($) ($-$$) Inventive & very fresh cuisine. 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191 BenTz’S pIzzA puB ($) Contemporary & old-fashioned Fresh seafood & more. 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 zoRBA THe GReek ($-$$) Homemade pizza and Italian dishes. favorites. 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 oSMAn’S ReSTAuRAnT ($$) Shawarmah & baba ghanouj. 28567 County Rd. 13 • 625-6992 MIGnon’S AT pALACe CASIno Supreme European cuisine. 1222 Hillcrest Rd, Ste. D • 633-2202 BuCk’S pIzzA ($$) Biloxi ReSoRT ($$-$$$) 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006. Delivery. Extraordinary wine, steaks & vIBe AT HARD RoCk HoTeL seafood. RoyAL SCAM ($$) 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444 Gumbo, Angus beef & bar. AnD CASIno ($-$$) 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 far eastern fare GAMBIno BRoTHeRS ($) Fine surf, turf, atmosphere & cigars. THe Den AT TReASuRe BAy 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226) BAnGkok THAI ($-$$) Homemade pastas & sandwiches. RuTH’S CHRIS STeAk HouSe ($$$) Delicious, traditional Thai cuisine. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-625 CASIno ($-$$) 873 Hillcrest Ave. • 344-8115 RuTH’S CHRIS STeAk HouSe AT Intimate & casual with daily Exceptional service & taste. 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995 GAMBIno’S ITALIAn GRILL ($) HARD RoCk HoTeL & CASIno ($$$) 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516 BAnzAI JApAneSe ReSTAuRAnT specials. ($$) Traditional sushi & lunch. Italian, Steaks, Seafood, Exceptional servie & taste. 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 TAMARA’S DoWnToWn ($$) 777 Beach Blvd • 877-877-6256 Casual fine dining. 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990-0995 Cq AT TReASuRe BAy CASIno ($$-$$$) GuIDo’S ($$) HARD RoCk CAFé AT HARD RoCk Elegant atmosphere & tantalizing 104 N. Section St., Fairhope GoLDen BoWL ($) Hibachi Grill & Asian Cuisine Fresh cuisine nightly on menu. HoTeL AnD CASIno ($) entrees. 929-2219 American fare & rockin’ memorabilia. 309 Bell Air Blvd • 470-8033 1709 Main St., Daphne • 626-6082 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 unIon ($$$) 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 BLu AT TReASuRe BAy CASIno ($) Premium steaks & burgers. LIquID ($$) LA RoSSA ($$) Amazing sushi & assortment of SATISFACTIon AT HARD RoCk Lounge with cocktails & tapas 659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300 Catering and Market. HoTeL AnD CASIno ($) rolls. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109 1716 Main St. Ste. C, Daphne menu. THe BuLL ($-$$) MIkATo JApAneSe STeAk HouSe Southern favorites & fresh- 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 N. Mexico/Santa Fe & Gulf Coast cuisine. 625-0345 smoked meats. ($$) Upscale sushi & specialties. pICkLeFISH ($$) MARGARITAvILLe 609 Dauphin St. • 378-5091 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 ReSTAuRAnT ($$$) THe TReLLIS RooM ($$$) Pizza, sandwiches & salads. TIen AT Ip CASIno Burgers, salads, specialties & RoCk n RoLL SuSHI ($$) ReSoRT SpA ($-$$) Italian dishes & local flair. 3299 Bel Air Mall. • 287-0445 5955 Old Shell Rd.• 344-9899 more. Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493 WASABI SuSHI ($$) pApA’S pLACe ($$) Pan-Asian cuisine made in front 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 Japanese cusine A Taste of Italy . BYOB. of you. FeeDInG FRenzy BuFFeT ($-$$) 3654 Airport Blvd. S. C • 725-6078 28691 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 (MARGARITAvILLe CASIno) a little Vino yen ReSTAuRAnT ($) 626-1999 HIGHLIGHTS SpoRTS LounGe AT Ip Featuring Gulf Coast Cuisine DoMke MARkeT Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. RAvenITe ($) CASIno ReSoRT SpA ($) 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 Brews & game on 65 screens. Wine, Craft Beer, Gourmet foods, 763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814 Pizza, Pasta, Salad & more MARInA AT LAnDSHARk 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 & more. 2410 Dawes Rd. Ste. D. Jubilee Shopping Center, Daphne 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525 LAnDInG($-$$) HIGH TIDe CAFé AT Ip CASIno (MARGARITAvILLe CASIno) 375-0599 625-4695 vIA eMILIA ($$) ReSoRT SpA ($) FATHoMS LounGe Homemade pastas & pizzas made 4 portable food stations. Casual & relaxing, extensive menu. 160 5th St. • 855-667-6777 A tapas reaturant, cocktails & live daily. 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 music 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 is tHe Game on? BR pRIMe AT BeAu RIvAGe ($$-$$$) ReD oR WHITe BuFFALo WILD WInGS ($) Best wings & sporting events. olé mi amiGo! Fine dining establishment. 323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 990-0003 CABo CoASTAL CAnTInA ($) 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 1104 Dauphin St.. • 478-9494 225 Dauphin St. • 441-7685 JIA AT BeAu RIvAGe ($-$$)

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 21 CC THIRSTY WORK CUISINE Is the airline ‘liquid ban’ an alcohol ban in disguise? BY SUSAN LARSSON/CONTRIBUTING WRITER | [email protected]

ou know the airlines’ rule about not the flying public, need to demand the Trans- taking liquids on board planes? The portation Security Administration and the flight one that limits you to a few 3-ounce attendants come clean and reconsider their bottles carried in one zip-top plastic policies. Passengers should be willing to do ybag? The one that stops you from taking full- anything necessary to make flying safe, but we size sunscreen or bug spray or a nice bottle of should not stand for being misled. California olive oil or wine onto a plane in your Let’s review some history. In 2006 the carry-on bag, so you can be sure it won’t break? British Security Service (MI-5), with FBI help, Well, what if I told you this rule was unnec- arrested a group of British-based terrorists who essary and, in fact, could have been eliminated allegedly were devising a liquid bomb, possibly years ago? Would it surprise you to learn using plastic soft-drink bottles. Shortly after airlines may have an ulterior motive in stopping the bust, media reported MI-5 felt it had been you from bringing larger-sized liquids onto pushed into disrupting the operation prema- their planes? turely, because the would-be terrorists had not I usually don’t do much hardcore reporting yet made a bomb. They were basically still in in this column, but I have first-hand informa- the thinking stage and MI-5 wanted to wait tion from a former Federal Aviation Adminis- until some actual work had been done, to have tration (FAA) senior official that the “liquids better evidence against the group. Ever since ban,” as I’m calling it, would already have been 2006, however, airline passengers have been abolished, were it not for objections by the As- prohibited from bringing liquids larger than sociation of Professional Flight Attendants. 3-ounce bottles through security checkpoints. Why do flight attendants like the ban? I The head of Ryanair once spoke out against this could understand if it were for safety reasons. restriction, but he was virtually the only airline Goodness knows I wouldn’t want to go to work official to do so. every day inside a machine meant for flying During subsequent years, I’ve seen various transportation, which terrorists could turn into a clues suggesting the liquids ban concerned flying bomb. I sympathize all day long with the mostly alcohol. What struck me first was when need for safety. no one ever checked the contents of those What I learned from my ex-FAA source 3-ounce bottles. A few 3-ounce bottles of was that flight attendants like the liquids ban “shampoo” actually filled with gasoline could because it gives them control over passengers’ cause quite a bit of terror, I’d think, so I won- behavior. Before the ban, some passengers ap- dered if there was actually a terrorist threat. parently brought their own alcoholic beverages Other clues included airlines discontinuing on board and consumed excessively, turning their routine announcement stating passengers them into obnoxious morons. Flight attendants, were “prohibited from consuming alcohol as you can imagine, don’t like dealing with ob- not served by flight attendants.” TSA officers noxious morons. I can understand their position confiscated alcohol miniatures from passengers on the point, too. who were carrying them in their zip-top plastic What I don’t understand is why the majority bags. Gate agents have asked passengers car- of passengers need to be misled and inconve- rying soft-drinks bought at airport vendors to nienced, just to control the bad behavior of a pour samples of their drinks through filter-paper small minority. And I’m more troubled by the before boarding. (I don’t know of many liquids word “misled” in that sentence than by “incon- that are both potable and explosive — do you?) venienced.” I don’t mind being inconvenienced And notices printed on the sealed shopping if it’s for the sake of air-travel safety. I do mind bags used for duty-free purchases warn you being inconvenienced if it’s because airlines not to open them until you get home, lest your lack the nerve to take action to stop illicit drink- purchases be confiscated. The statement by my ing on their planes. ex-FAA source was, of course, the kicker. Laws stipulate that anyone opening a private One alternative to the current situation space for public use has the right to control would be for security agents simply to use what takes place inside that space and — be- “swipe pads” on all full-sized liquids, to ensure lieve it or not — an airplane is a private space they bear no explosive residue. If you pack opened by airlines for public use. Airlines full-sized liquids in your checked luggage, by have, therefore, the right to control what goes the way, airport security usually opens your on inside their planes. They could prevent pas- bags and “swipes” your bottles; I’ve seen it sengers from bringing cocktails onto planes or done. Additional measures could be to fine pas- from opening bottles after takeoff. They could sengers who become obnoxiously drunk — or confiscate open containers of alcohol. They ban them from flying on the offended airline for could take any number of actions other than fib- a set time period. I’m no lawyer, but I believe bing to the majority of passengers who behave such steps would be within airlines’ rights. decently, and they could allow us to bring our I’ve never personally seen an obnoxiously full-size liquids onto planes again. drunk passenger, interestingly, in my million What my ex-FAA contact told me when I miles of flying — and people who tell me quizzed him about the liquids ban, which had they’ve seen them say they’ve been Business long struck me as an alcohol ban in disguise, Class passengers who were being served free was this: “The TSA is acting as a shill for the booze by flight attendants. My clues suggest the Flight Attendants’ Union.” If he’s correct — well-behaved majority are being punished for the and he was in a position to know — then we, sins of the minority, and it’s time to reconsider.

ast year, Time magazine named the 11 best “selfless Santas” Additionally, the organization provides a children’s disaster re- Now sporting a genuine, authentic white beard of his own, in the United States, but at least one doesn’t live near the lief support program in conjunction with the American Red Cross. Santa Mike works for Jim Owen Studios and spends the majority North Pole. In fact, he resides much closer to home — in While the group may organize a “convoy of toys” for children of his time visiting area elementary schools, where he recalled an Daphne, to be exact. victimized by disasters, they more importantly offer emotional experience with one student during a photo shoot. LAfter his wife passed away from pancreatic cancer in 1999, support. “In the process of picking her up, I felt something pop in my Ernest, now better known as Santa Ernest, set out on a mission to Santa Ernest told the story of one child who was trapped with shoulder,” he said. About four months later, Santa Mike could provide love, hope and joy to those he believed needed it most. his mom in their attic during Hurricane Katrina. After the trau- hardly move his arm. The end result was several torn ligaments, Having spent a considerable amount of time with his wife matic experience, the child stopped speaking, he said. which resulted in surgery and the placement of three screws in in hospice care, Santa Ernest wanted to recognize the support it After the hurricane, Santa Ernest said he was giving away his shoulder. However, Santa Mike said the incident never once provided for him and his family. While most families may donate basketballs when the child dropped the basketball he was given deterred him from his traditional duties. books, magazine subscriptions and photos among other items, and ran full speed toward him, speaking for the first time in eight “I’d do it again in a heartbeat, I really would,” he said. Santa Ernest wanted to do something a little out of the ordinary. months saying, “‘Santa Claus! I thought you were dead!’” Santa Dave, who has performed the role regularly for 11 years, “I’m going to grow a beard and become a hospice Santa “That was the beginning of his life,” Santa Ernest said. “That started when he worked at a Sears store during college. They Claus,” he said. was the moment … if that isn’t the spirit of Christmas, I don’t needed a Santa, he said. Now, Santa Dave fulfills many roles, in- When the idea suddenly came to him in 2003, Santa Ernest know what is.” cluding at private parties and even at city of Mobile events like the made two phone calls, one to Mercy Medical in Daphne, ask- The photo of Santa Ernest hugging the child is now known as former Christmas parade and the annual Christmas tree lighting. ing the facility if he could don the world-renowned red suit and the “Hurricane Hug,” he said, and it has even appeared on USA “I tell people, it’s more of a blessing for me,” he said. become a Santa Claus hospice volunteer — if such a thing even Today’s website. For Santa Dave, serving special needs children is the highlight existed, he wondered. “There is no toy that has ever been or ever will be that is a sub- of his job. Just recently, he visited Mobile’s The Learning Tree, This Christmas will mark the 12-year anniversary of that con- stitute for someone putting their arms around you and loving you a nonprofit organization specifically designed for special needs versation and the subsequent founding of the largest Santa service in a desperate situation,” he said. “I think a loving hug can actu- children. During his visit, some children were too excited to even charity in the world: Santa America. ally heal someone. I really believe it has that force. It certainly has sit down, Santa Dave said. “It’s unbelievable,” Santa Ernest said. the power of calming and wonder to it … knowing Santa Claus is “It humbles you because you see what it really means, and With over 200 Santas across the country, Santa America in your corner, it gives you hope.” when you see the kids look at you and smile, and come running focuses on one special mission, to “provide an unhurried visit to But Santa Clauses with Santa America do not just focus on into your arms, you can’t escape that,” he said. “We represent an families facing physical or emotional crisis from a loving, com- hospice or disaster needs alone. They also visit regular hospitals, ideal and because of that, it’s not me, it’s not you, it’s something mitted, trained and backgrounded Santa.” military personnel and children with special needs like autism. larger than all of us. It’s hope for these kids.” According to Santa Ernest, all Santas are highly trained and Just recently, the group held an event with Goodwill Easter Santa Milton, who is currently in his 10th year of being Santa, subject to extensive, “highest standard” background checks similar Seals of the Gulf Coast in Spanish Fort, where they provided an was actually recruited when Mark Allen, president of the Instant to those required of a doctor, nurse or social worker. Each Santa ultra-low sensory environment for over 800 severely handicapped Photo Corporation of America (IPCA), approached him about a also receives special training in death, bereavement, post-traumat- children. job. ic stress and autism. Many of the children in attendance were able to get their first- “He said, ‘Don’t be disturbed, but have you ever thought about “These are Santas who are serious, people who believe in what ever photo with Santa Claus because they typically cannot handle being Santa Claus?’” he recalled. Santa is … they combine around this mission of going around and the atmosphere in places — like shopping malls — where photos Santa Milton said those who knew him personally were actu- visiting children where typically a Santa would not go,” he said. are usually taken, Santa Ernest said. ally surprised when he first accepted the job as Santa Claus, admit- Santa Ernest said special training is also required in federal and Furthermore, he said many families were able to capture their ting that he wasn’t really that much of a “people person.” Now, state patient privacy regulations, and Santa America is fully com- first-ever Christmas photo. when he puts on the big red suit, his more personable side comes pliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act “We have nothing against toys, but at the end of the day, if you out. (HIPAA), ensuring confidentiality and respect for the patient and give a child a toy, the visit becomes about the toy,” he said. “If “You got to fit the character,” he said. family’s privacy. you bring love, hope and joy to a child and family, the focus of joy Santa Milton even recalled a recent incident when he took his Currently, the international organization consists of 75 percent stays with the child.” mother to the doctor’s office and a little boy kept looking at him, real-bearded Santas, ranging in age from their early 40s to late Aside from Santa Ernest, there are two other Eastern Shore- trying to figure him out, in the waiting room. 80s, who live in 42 states and six foreign countries including Ger- area Santa America members, Santa Walt, who volunteers with “He came over there and he says, ‘I want a truck for Christ- many, Australia and Brazil, among others. Further, Santa Ernest Springhill Home Health and Hospice, and Santa John, who volun- mas,’” Santa Milton said. “Finally, I put him on my lap and started said those involved with Santa America come from many walks of teers at Mercy Medical hospice. talking to him.” life, with volunteers’ occupations ranging from professional types Outside of Santa America, Lagniappe tracked down four other Santa Milton recalled a similar incident when a woman recog- to truck drivers, and he even named one volunteer who recently Mobile-area Santa Clauses who, while not a part of the organiza- nized him at a local shopping center. retired from the U.S. Army Special Forces that currently handles tion, promote the same message of love. “She stopped her car and said, ‘You must be Santa Claus!’” he Santa duty at Fort Morgan. Santa Mike donned his first fake beard in 1973 during college, said. “They’re everywhere. But we all seem to have one thing in while working as a 5th grade student-teacher. When asked why In addition to both working for IPCA, Santa Dave and Santa common and that is how important love can be … especially for he initially wanted to portray Santa Claus, he simply responded, Milton have also worked at malls, where they said parents typi- children who are dealing with emotional and physical crisis,” he “Well, who wouldn’t?” cally bring children who are nursery-school age, special needs or said. “There’s something about having Santa as your personal He later went on to play the role of Kris Kringle in Mobile’s too sick to go to school that day. friend, that isn’t just a visit. This isn’t just going to the mall to get Entertainer Dinner Theatre performance of “Here’s Love,” the “I remember one time, they picked up a boy out of a wheel- your picture taken.” musical version of “Miracle on 34th Street,” he said. chair and gave him to me. I was almost in tears when they left

24 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 Photo/Santa America

A photo captures the moment Santa ernest broke through to a boy traumatized after Hurricane katrina.

because you change when you put this the last time he saw Santa, he was black. (suit) on,” Santa Dave said. “I tell people, it “I wasn’t anticipating that,” she said. “(I makes me a better man than I was because told him) ‘Don’t you know I’m all the colors of this.” of all the people of the world,’ and he stood For one female Santa (yes, female Santa), there stunned. (I said) ‘You go home and you who will be called Santa Jane on the condi- tell all your friends that love is all the colors. tion of anonymity, the idea of being Santa He said, ‘Yes, sir,’ and he left. I could have Claus came in 2006 after an incident when a messed that one up. Maybe there is a magic hired Santa failed to show up for a party and in Christmas because it helps me answer the another incident when a Santa showed up kids with what they need, so there is magic.” reeking of cigarette smoke. Santa Jane said times like those keep her “That can’t be Santa,” she said. “Enough dressing up as Santa from year to year, at- adults are unreliable in these children’s tending an average of 25 parties each season lives. Enough adults come up with excuses. in addition to visiting nursing homes, hospi- There’s got to be something … and if it’s not tals and the Ronald McDonald House. the magic of Christmas, I don’t know what it “What more can you need than that?” she should be.” said. “You can’t need anything more than Even though she has a fake white beard, that.” Santa Jane makes sure she uses the right So, each year, there’s not just one Santa, amount of glue called “spirit gum,” allowing on one day of the year, eating cookies and children to pull, tug and question its authen- milk before magically delivering a bag full ticity all they want. of gifts under Christmas trees across the In fact, she spoke of one recent visit with world. There’s hundreds of thousands of a 10-year-old boy who was beginning to Santas making a difference in the community doubt Santa Claus. After their encounter, every day. Santa Jane said the little boy believed in “Santa is there 365 days of the year … as Santa again. long as you believe, [we] will be here,” Santa She also recalled a time when a boy said Ernest said. “Because of your belief, the

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 25 ARTIFICE • ART Group effort puts MMoA Mardi Gras over the top BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

f two heads are better than one, then four sets of hands are design. It was very organic. It was a synergistic kind of thing and doubly so. When the pressure is on and a museum is awaiting there was no way those pieces would have happened if any of the your results, then they’re heaven-sent. four of us had worked on it individually.” “We did six months’ worth of work in about six weeks. A pre-Lenten experience proved an epiphany. IWe were working right up until the day we installed it,” Rachel “I was just watching the cleanup crew and this huge mass of Wright said. “It is exquisitely crafted but it is a lot of late nights people and all these guys wearing these crazy, spacey orange vests and long, long weekend hours.” with knee-high boots and the big street cleaners and I don’t know The frenetic foursome unveiled their labor’s fruit — a pair how many gallons and gallons of water just purging the streets,” of hers and his royal costumes of unique design that transcend Wright said. “I was fascinated with all that water and all that junk, artistic statement. They show the greater sum of creative collabo- the beads and the throws and the stuffed animals. So we started ration’s parts. talking about water and catharsis and cleansing.” Wright is an artist and art instructor at the University of South Vaughn conjured the delta and water’s integral role to land- Alabama. Her website lists her cities of exhibition as New York scape and culture. Wright said “it all spilled out of that.” (including the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum (Smith- The result was “Delta King of Detritus.” His collars are made sonian Institution), Chicago, New Orleans, Mobile, Pensacola, from bristles plucked from the mechanized street sweepers, fas- Birmingham, Charleston and Panama City, Fla. tened in a harness by another collaborator, Matthew Patterson. Wright’s work is primarily sculptural and employs a variety Photo/Dan Anderson His majesty’s adornments include crawfish bags and old Mardi of media such as glass, clay, iron, wood and wax. But it’s her Gras beads. They even implemented historic documents. astounding fabric work that no doubt prompted a call from Mobile The “Delta King of Detritus” costume at MMoA. “The two maps – the one on the queen’s train and the one on multimedia artist Lillian McKinney earlier in 2014. the king’s vest – they’re old maps of Mobile that we got from the “Lillian contacted me saying she and John Ross Thomas had was amazing!” History Museum of Mobile,” Wright said. “We went into their been asked to do something for the Mardi Gras exhibit at the [Mo- They decided to centralize operations at Wright’s home studio/ archives, dug through all of their maps and photographed them. A bile] Museum of Art, then John Ross moved away and she wanted domestic cat habitat. company printed them onto fabric.” assistance,” Wright said. The duo widened the lasso. “We took over the studio, the dining room, the kitchen, the The queen’s bodice is made of white to-go cups. Spent paper They contacted Jillian Crochet. Her massive knit heart at living room, the garage,” Wright said, “I think we had four sewing bags make faux-leather limbs on her clothes. Her identity is 2014’s Temporal City Festival was exactly that to the show, over- machines going at once.” arboreal. powering and vital. “And of course, one of my cats, Peanut, made it a point to lay “(Queen) Virginiana, the Latin name of the live oaks indig- “Jillian put in probably more work than anybody on this proj- on every single piece of fabric,” Wright laughed. enous to this area, Quercus virginiana,” Wright said. “We liked the ect. She’s a trooper, man. She is hardcore,” Wright said. First came brainstorming. Then a pow-wow with drawn de- idea of the virgin tied into the white and the gold.” Adrian Vaughn was also invited to take part. The University of signs from each and a mixture of ideas. Good art has risk, some in more literal sense. Perhaps the most South Alabama student, who is studying theater, hair and make-up “We were standing in this fabric store when Adrian told me perilous collaboration came late. brought a lot of figurative hats to the table. this idea about the delta, this amazing map of the delta, the differ- “The tree branches, my husband cut them down the night “While we were working on the project she was in rehearsals ent colors of the water and how that could be the train,” Wright before,” Wright said. “He got up on the roof and then dragged for ‘Addams Family,’” Wright said. “She played Morticia and recalled. “That became completely different from our original those in.”

Painting with Fire emergent details. Where: Mobile Arts Council, 318 Dauphin St. Sierke’s pieces, fired in his own Twin Beech Anagama kiln, forge When: Through December those local components into transcendent beauty. Even the clay is local, often dug by Sierke’s own hand and then mutated “as a week’s worth of f all the elements, water takes precedence for Gulf Coast residents. wood ash melts and transforms onto the crystallized ceramic surface.” Yet for a group of artists on display in downtown Mobile, there’s For almost 20 years, Sierke has pulled artists into his anagama com- more at play than mere atoms of oxygen and hydrogen. munity. He described the show as demonstrating “the connectivity and “There are few things in our modern-day world that connect diversity of expression that manifests in the firing’s powerful environ- Oa community with its geology, ecology, and human industry like a long ment.” anagama firing. Over almost a week of round-the-clock stoking, the earth The exhibit is joined by the show “Emergence” which features within the kiln, the trees fed into it and the crew that tends it are trans- work in a variety of mediums by the Professional Practices class in the formed by the volcanic heat,” ceramic artist Zach Sierke said in a Mobile University of South Alabama’s Visual Art Department. Also on hand is Arts Council (MAC) press release. “ChARTing Young Visions,” consisting of photographs by students of Sierke is joined by fellow ceramic artisans Bertice McPherson, Lindalee Devin Ford-Conklan in MAC’s ChARTing New Directions program. Smith and Tony Wright for the show “Painting with Fire,” on display at Gallery hours are 9 a.m until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. En- the MAC’s Skinny Gallery through the end of the month. Joining their trance is free. pieces is the photography of Leigh Bancroft, capturing the process and its For more info, call 251-432-9796 or go to mobilearts.org. New Mardi Gras book by Mobile author Jazz society features L. Craig Roberts is perhaps most famous to a lot of Mobilians as an architect with a surfeit great holiday vibes of posh estates in his portfolio. What others don’t realize is his variety of interests apart from blueprints and schematics. Now one of his pursuits will take him on a local tour promoting his new book “Mardi Gras in MOJO Jambalaya- Holiday Vibes Mobile.” Research was extensive but Roberts lays bare as much of the story of Mobile’s lengthi- Where: Gulf City Lodge, 601 est tourist attraction as he can without transgressing secret identities and oaths of mystery. State St. Beginning at the Mobile Carnival Museum (355 Government St.) Jan. 17, Roberts will make the rounds throughout this year’s early pre-Lenten season. Keep your eyes peeled for subsequent When: Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m. book signings at the Mobile Ballet Jan. 21, Ben May Main Library Jan. 22, Mobile Museum Throughout the 20th century, jazz has become of Art Jan. 25, Bellingrath Gardens and Home Feb. 4, and both Carpe Diem Coffee and Tea in as linked with the December holiday season as Spring Hill then Fairhope’s Page and Pallette bookstore Feb. 7. Tchaikovsky. That’s thanks in no small part to artists like Vince Guaraldi whose Charlie Brown-inspired music became the official Christmas soundtrack for Baby Boomers and Generation Xers alike. Exploreum hosts talk on Holy City The Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed (MOJO) is more than happy to stir other associations. The “Voices of Jerusalem: Scribes and Sacred Texts” vibraphone’s tone is perfect for the occasion, able to conjure the austere beauty of snowfall, the grace of Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government St. ice-skating or the ringing of bells just by a flash of When: Dec. 18, 6 p.m. the mallets. Vibraphonist Sean Worrell floored attendees with The Gulf Coast Exploreum has played host to the documentary “Jerusalem” since late sum- his kinetic salute to Lionel Hampton in August 2013 mer and as the film’s stay winds down to its 2015 departure, opportunities for scholarly pursuit and returns this month with compatriots Phil Proc- remain. The hands-on science center at the foot of Government Street will present a look at tor, Danny Infante and Pete Wehner. If it is even a religious literary texts in the midst of the holiday season. fraction as entertaining as the aforementioned show, The next presentation is courtesy of Bill Warren, Ph.D., Director of the Center for New Testa- expect thunderous approval. ment Textual Studies, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Warren will take a look at the Entrance is $12, $10 for students and military, codification of religious faith and its tie with historical documents. $8 for MOJO members. The fee includes a light The 42-minute film, showing in the IMAX Theatre, is a National Geographic work exploring jambalaya dinner. the town at the heart of three of the globe’s most influential religions. It does so on a human level, A cash bar is available. seeing Jerusalem through the eyes of three women of different faiths. For more info, call 251-459-2298, email mobile- Cost of the lecture is $10. Refreshments and appetizers will be available. [email protected] or go to mojojazz.org. For more info, call 251-208-6855 or go to exploreum.com.

Band: Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas material, and we were like, ‘Hey, if we’re going to record some Date: Saturday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. Christmas songs, might as well make a record.’ So, we did that Venue: Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim St., back in July. We got in the studio and made a Christmas album. www.mobilesaenger.com It was a lot of fun. It was especially cool for me, particularly, because I’ve written some Christmas songs throughout the years Tickets: $19.50-$29.50 through and never had the opportunity or reason to record them one by Ticketmaster and the Saenger box office one. It was nice to record some Christmas songs and not throw them away. he John Milham Jazz Trio has made the Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas a yuletide tradition in the Azalea City. SC: You have four originals on the album. What’s the story Drummer John Milham is joined by keyboardist Chris behind those? Spies and bassist Chris Severin for their interpretation of RR: It’s eight songs total. Four are originals and four are cov- TVince Guaraldi’s score to the classic television special “A Charlie ers. One song, ‘Yahweh,’ I wrote in high school or college, so I’ve Brown Christmas.” been waiting to record that with a huge gospel choir behind me. Each year, Milham also recruits other musical acts to perform Then, ‘Stay the Holiday’ was one that I co-wrote with Jake Ether- at the event. This year’s performance includes Molly Thomas idge. It wasn’t even supposed to be a Christmas song, but a friend Milham, Andy McDonald, Ryan Balthrop and Eric Erdman. Mo- said it reminded them of Christmas. We tweaked some words here bile native Rebecca Roubion will also be returning to perform at and there and put it on the record. That was kind of a cool, happy Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas. mistake. Then, ‘Christmas Lights’ was a song that I wrote while I When she comes home, she will bring tracks from her new was rehearsing just days before I got in the studio for the album. Christmas album “Christmas Lights.” Roubion took a break I was doing all these Christmas songs, and that one just happened from her Southeastern tour in support of the new album to give one day. The last one, ‘A Lot to Give,’ I wrote last year. They’re Lagniappe readers some insight into how she made “Christmas all kinda of unique in how they came about, and I’m really excited Lights” shine. to share them with people.

SC: How have things been going for you in Nashville? You’ve SC: You do have some classics on there, and you add your been touring, haven’t you? own take. It definitely sounds like Rebecca Roubion. What was it RR: I’ve been on the road touring in the Southeast and in like taking on those classic songs while keeping their pure nature Texas and Louisiana. It’s been going really well. I’ve had a strong while adding your own touch? response, and I’ve been able to really spread the Christmas record. RR: It was a challenge, because I have a deep, profound I’m really excited. respect for a lot of those old, more hymn-like Christmas songs. A Photo/Facebook/Rebecca Rubion lot of the covers of these songs that I hear, especially modern day SC: What are your favorite things about the holidays? covers, there is so much going on. It detracts from the beauty of Rebecca Roubion recently recorded a Christmas RR: That’s rough. I’m really fortunate to have a wonderful the words. I wanted to make them my own and reintroduce them family. There’s nothing like spending the holidays with your fam- in a fresh way. With ‘Joy to the World,’ I changed the melody a album featuring classic and original tracks. ily in your hometown. I’ll be able to come back for the Saenger little bit and put it down. My goal was to preserve, and I like the that space that the cello is usually in? How can I add percussion show and be with them. I think it’s just being with family. We way you put it, the pure nature of these songs without getting in elements that are found on the record?’ Playing solo, I’ve been have some family traditions, especially now that the kids are the way. I think we did a good job. My producer and I looked up able to slowly for them just with my piano and my vocal to fill all older. My mom saved some ornaments that were our favorite who wrote these songs and when and why. We were just trying to those spaces. It’s definitely a different experience. At the Saenger, growing up, and we hang them on the tree. I do love Christmas dig into the meaning behind them all. It was really, really cool to I’ll have a jazz trio playing with me that includes John Milham music too, and listening the Christmas radio. do that. and his buddies. I’m excited for them to come in and interpret the songs. It always adds a cool dynamic to have different instruments SC: I would think that putting together a Christmas album may SC: You always have this surreal vibe to your music, and it as a part of your live performance. be a hard thing, in a way. What made you want to take on doing a translates really well on this album. What’s it like playing these Christmas album? songs live? SC: Are you working on anything new after the Saenger show? RR: Yeah, it was definitely a challenge, because you want to RR: On most of the dates so far, especially the ones far away, RR: Yeah, in the new year, we’re going to get into the studio in capture that nostalgia and get out of the way of the Christmas I’ve been performing solo. It’s always interesting after you just the spring and summer and start working on a full-length album. songs that you’ve covered and that have been covered so many made a record with some great session players and the magic that At least, that’s the goal, as of now. I’m not fine-tuned on what that times and heard so many times. You want to stay true to the happens in the studio and the melodies that are formed and written looks like yet, but I have a whole, fresh new batch of songs that beauty of the songs. The label that I’m with for TV and film rights to complement what I’m doing. Not having that dimension there I’m excited about getting down in the studio. and things (Dualtone), they actually requested some Christmas is an exciting challenge in a way. I’m like, ‘OK, how do I fill

ome locals are still looking for will also be able to enjoy morning acous- the perfect Christmas present tic concerts on Saturday and Sunday for that music lover on their list. morning at The Beach Club. All these One of the best music-centric wonderful gifts can be purchased through Sgifts that a person could give is the gift the Hangout Fest website. of live music, and it does not get much better than Hangout Fest. Get the led out However, after buying a red sack full The Black Jacket Symphony has of Christmas gifts for others, your bal- made the Jewel on Joachim one of its ance sheet may be a little low. With that regular stops, and the unique concert ex- in mind, Hangout Fest has established perience will return to the Saenger The- payment plans for both general admis- atre on Friday, Jan. 9. The ensemble has sion and VIP tickets. For general admis- established a reputation for performing sion, an initial payment of $62.25 must accurate portrayals of legendary albums be made by Wednesday, Dec. 31. After from artists ranging from Pink Floyd to the world welcomes 2015, three more Prince. They are also known for using additional payments of $62.25 must be their second set to provide a number of made. For VIP tickets, an initial payment “greatest hits” from the evening’s fea- of $333 must be made by the end of tured artist. For each album, The Black 2014 with two more payments of $333 Jacket Symphony handpicks musicians required to attend Hangout Fest 2015. Once again, Hangout Fest is offering specifically for the album covered. Their travel packages that provide a condo, formula allows the audience to experi- tickets, shuttle passes and a souvenir ence classic albums “performed as soni- poster. There are two tiers of travel cally perfect as it was recorded.” packages. The “Luxury Travel Package” For their January performance, The scores four festival-goers a four-night Black Jacket Symphony will take on stay at a three-bedroom condo at Tur- Led Zeppelin’s iconic album “Houses of quoise Place and access to an exclusive the Holy.” Originally released in 1973, after-party at The Gulf. The “Beach Club the album features chart-toppers such as Photo/Facebook/Black Jacket Symphony Travel Package” includes a three-night “The Song Remains the Same,” “Danc- ing Days” and “The Ocean.” Tickets are stay with the choice of a one, two or No tux, no problem. The Black Jacket Symphony returns to Mobile’s Saenger Theater Jan. 9 three bedroom condo for two or four on sale now at the Saenger Box Office people. Plus, the travel package-holders and through Ticketmaster. for a complete performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Houses of the Holy.”

32 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 Shirley brothers echo through Callaghan’s BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: The Cardinal Sons Date: Sunday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. Venue: Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, 916 Charleston St., www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com Tickets: $7 at the door he Cardinal Sons, a NoLa-based trio comprised of brothers John, Joe and Dave Shirley spent their younger years performing together at various family func- tions. Eventually, Joe and Dave spent time playing in a local funk outfit called e.company. All the while, John was crafting his own songs with hopes that Joe Tand Dave would join him in a combined effort. The Cardinal Sons was born in 2012 and introduced themselves with their aptly-titled debut EP, “Make an EP.” Together, the Shirley brothers crafted a brand of folk-infused rock that was heavy on indie vibes. Their sonic concoction earned them the grand prize at the 12th annual Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, which got them studio time with mu- sician/producer/songwriter Charlie Sexton, who has worked with Bob and Jakob Dylan, as well as Dave Matthews. “The Echo Choir” EP is the result of their work with Sexton. The new album definitely represents the next step in musical evolution for The Cardinal Sons. Songs such as “Day of Summer” are laden with a vocal and instrumental depth that contrasts their debut. However, the band maintains a trademark hybrid of alternative rock and folk, which belongs to them alone. Photo/Facebook/Cardinal Sons | The Cardinal Sons

Long live the ‘80s An indie rock Christmas

Band: The Molly Ringwalds Band: The Volks, Jaguarundi, Honeygun Date: Saturday, Dec. 20, doors at 9:30 p.m. Date: Friday, Dec. 19, 10 p.m. Venue: Soul Kitchen, 219 Dauphin St., www.soulkitchenmo- Venue: The Blind Mule Restaurant & Bar, 57 N. Claiborne St., bile.com www.theblindmule.net Tickets: $10 in advance/$15 day-of at Soul Kitchen, 1-866- Tickets: $5 at the door 463-7630 he Blind Mule will host an indie rock Christmas Gulf Coast-style with three regional acts efore Santa rolls through the Azalea City, Soul Kitchen will give the locals a big pres- bringing their own version of Christmas cheer. Representing Pensacola, Honeygun will be ent in the form of The Molly Ringwalds. This group is considered “the quintessential bringing a sleigh-load of rock ‘n’ roll. The group will be showcasing sounds off of their ‘80s tribute band.” Donning the iconic personas of the era, The Mollies provide their debut EP “Kinetic.” Honeygun has established a melodic brand of modern rock that is audiences with a multimedia experience that rival most big budget arena shows. The Tquite powerful. Bband will be fresh from a tour that took them to Germany for the 56th annual German-American The crowd will get a double-show of Mobile rock beginning with Jaguarundi. This four-piece’s Volkfest. rock sound is riddled with punk overtones. It is best witnessed on their debut effort “… Goes on the “We were thrilled to take our show on the road these past couple of months. We’ve been play- Offensive.” The album’s opening track, “One Ticket,” eases the listener into the world of Jaguarundi ing the best of the ‘80s for some 14 years now and we absolutely live for spawning new legions of before a wave of intense vocals and instrumentation. Other songs, such as “Kick in the Teeth,” are fans across the country, no matter where we are,” said Sir Devon Nooner, lead vocalist. “One-hit impressive punk anthems in the tradition of Against Me. wonders or not, it’s our job to make sure that these timeless songs go on living forever. I’m happy Mobile’s The Volks will also be performing at this pre-Christmas celebration. As the opener for to say that, thanks in part to us, the music that defined an era is alive and well around the world.” the Benjamin Booker show on Halloween, this group thrilled the audience and gathered a number of new fans. Their brand of garage rock brings mingles classic sounds with modern underground rock.

Photo/themollyfingwalds.com|The Molly Ringwalds Photo/Facebook/The Volks| the Volks

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 33 AREA MUSIC LISTINGS DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24 Flora Bama— LeaAnne Creswell Duo, 2p// Hard Rock (Live)— A Blue Christmas ft. Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 4p THUR. DEC 18 Jack Robertson Show, 5:30p/// Jezebel’s Chill’n, Brandon Bennett’s Elvis Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 7p 6p//// Neil Dover Band, 10p//// Smokin’ Elvis’, Christmas Show, 8p BLUEGILL— Cary Lane, 6p TUE. DEC 23 10p Lulu’s— Sugarcane Jane, 4p Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 7p Blues Tavern— Midnight Ramblers, 8:30p Garage— Viridian Sons, 9p McSharry’s— DJ Demps, 10p Brickyard— Josh Ewing & Ross Newell BLUEGILL— Eric Erdman, 6p Hard Rock (Live)— A Blue Christmas ft. Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Lee Yankie, 7p Butch Cassidy’s— Brett LaGrave Celtic Irish Pub— Sam Donald Brandon Bennett’s Elvis Christmas Show, 8p Tropics— Jon Cowart, 7p Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Scott Cockeyed Charlie’s— Matt Neese +1 Legacy— Eric Jones, 6p// The Modern El Saenger— Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas, 8p Felix’s— Jon Miller Morlock, Gene Murrell & David White Dorados, 9p Soul Kitchen— The Molly Ringwalds, 9:30p Felix’s— Grits N Pieces Flora Bama— Perdido Brothers, 5p Lulu’s— Kyle & Karl, 4p Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Legacy— Amy True Trio Christmas Jazz Flora Bama— Bo Roberts, Mark Sherrill, McSharry’s— DJ Demps, 10p Windmill Market— This Side of 49, 11a Chris Newbury & Friends, 5p// Jay Williams Lulu’s— Joey Arata, 4p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Ben Jernigan Duo, Veets— Tim Kinsey & Holli Mosley, 8p Duo, 9p 6:30p Legacy— Ryan Balthrop SUN. DEC 21 Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Winston Ramble, Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 7p Lulu’s— Adam Holt, 4p 8p WED. DEC 24 McSharry’s— Kyle & Karl, 7:30p BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard Jr, 11a// The Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 7p Montegos— Bryant Gilley, 6p Redfield, 6p Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Yellowhammer Traders— Johnny B’s band, Yes BLUEGILL— Ross + 1, 6p Productions, 8p Blues Tavern— Grant & Bayne, 5p Blues Tavern— Art & Friends, 8p Tropics— Fortunate Few Revue, 7p Brickyard— Eric Erdman & Josh Ewing Traders— The Lizards, 7p Veets— 80s Night// Sucker Punch, 9p Brickyard— Ben Leininger, Greg Deluca Saenger— Trace Adkins, 8p Butch Cassidy’s— Trivia, 6p Bucky’s Birdcage (Grand Hotel) — Windmill Market— David Ellis, 11a// Sarah Callaghan’s— The Cardinal Sons Veets— Troy Brannon Live with Veet, 8p Percy, 6p Adam Holt Piano Show, 8p Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Callaghan’s— Deluxe Trio Flora Bama— J. Hawkins Duo, 12p// Perdido Felix’s— Brandon & John FRI. DEC 19 SAT. DEC 20 Brothers, 4p/// Brian Hill, 8p Flora Bama— Smokin’ Elvis’ Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 7p Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 7p Lulu’s— Greg Brown, 1p// Greg Brown, 5p Bill’s by the Beach— Mel of the Foxy Lucky’s Irish Pub— Bryant Gilley, 8p BLUEGILL— Blind Dog Mike, 6p McSharry’s— Trad Irish Session, 6:30p Veets— Veet’s Christmas Eve Acoustic Jam, Iguanas, 6p Blues Tavern— Christmas Party// Velvet Old 27 Grill— Sound Carpenters, 11:30a AREA MUSIC LISTINGS | 5p BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard Jr., 11a Monkey, 9p Stir— Bryant Gilley, 9p Blues Tavern— Johnny No, 9p Brickyard— Lee Yankie and The Hellz Yeah Veets— Mike Arata’s Christmas Jam, 6p Brickyard— Dale Drinkard Trio Callaghan’s— Phil and Walon THUR. DEC 25 Callaghan’s— Winston Ramble Celtic Irish Pub— Jamie Hyatt Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 7p Celtic Irish Pub— Holiday Blues ft. Melly MON. DEC 22 Brickyard— Ross Newell & Josh Ewing Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Scott Brickyard— Matt & Sherry Neese Mell Morlock, Tony Edwards & David White Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Scott Cockeyed Charlie’s— Mother MoJo Felix’s— Sarah Percy Morlock, Gene Murrell & David White Felix’s— Raising Krama Flora Bama— Cathy Pace, 4p// Elaine Petty, Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Scott Flora Bama— Jack Robertson Show, 5:30p// McSharry’s— Fobes 4 Some, 7:30p Morlock, Tony Edwards & David White 8p Traders— The Lizards, 7p Hart Break Hill, 9:30p/// Big Muddy, 10p Lucky’s Irish Pub— Marcus, 8p Felix’s— Blind Dog Mike Fusion Sushi Bar— Bryant Gilley, 7p Veets— Veet’s Chistmas Party, 5p SEND yOUR MUSIC LISTINGS TO [email protected]

34 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 AREA CLUB LISTINGS [DOWNTOWN] 9 N Jackson St. 285-4596 Ravenite Pizzeria [Fairhope] 251-967-LULU Trader’s Serda’s Coffee Company 102 N. Section St. | 929-2525 Pink Pony Pub [Gulf Shores] 4015 Battleship Pkwy Alchemy Tavern www.serdas.com Rosie’s Grill and Record Bar www.pinkponypub.net 626-5630 alchemy.joltpro.com 3 S. Royal St. | 415-3000 [Daphne] 137 East Gulf Pl. | 978-6371 The River Shack 7 S. Joachin St. | 441-7741 Skyview Lounge www.rosiesgrill.com Pirate’s Cove [Elberta] 6120 Marina Dr. S. The Blind Mule Atop the Lafayette Plaza 1203 U.S. 98|626-2440 www.piratescoveriffraff.com (under Dog River bridge) 57 N. Claiborne St. | 694-6853 301 Gov’t St.| 694-0100 Windmill Market [Fairhope] 6600 County Rd. 95| 987-1224 443-7318 Boo Radley’s Soul Kitchen www.windmillmarket.org Tacky Jacks www.booradleysmobile.com Tin Top www.soulkitchenmobile.com 85 N. Bancroft St. | 517-5444 www.tackyjacks.com 276 Dauphin St. | 432-1996 6232 Bon Secour Hwy. County 219 Dauphin St. |433-5958 [Orange Beach] The Bar Rd. 10 | 251-949-5086 Spot of Tea’s Jaggers [WESTMOBILE] 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, |981-4144 352 St. Francis St. | 648-1596 Touch Down Tavern 310 Dauphin St. | 375-6772 All Sports Bar & Grill [Gulf Shores] The Brickyard 5460 Inn Rd | 662-7543 Studio 5’4 3408 Pleasant Valley Rd. 249 E. 24th Ave.| 948-8881 266 Dauphin St. | 473-4739 VFW Post 7320 [Saraland] 216 Dauphin St. | 725-0406 345-9338 [Gulf Shores] Buck’s Pizza 244 Old Telegraph Rd. |679-1188 T.P. Crockmiers Billiards Club 1577 Alabama 180|968-8341 www.buckspizza.com Whiskey Blues [Theodore] 250 Dauphin St. | 476-1890 4130 Gov’t Blvd.|447-2132 The Handlebar [Pensacola] 350 Dauphin St. | 431-9444 5791 Swedetown Rd.|633-1769 Veet’s Midnight Rodeo www.handlebarpensacola.com Cabo Cantina Zebra Lounge www.veetsbarandgrill.com 7790 Tanner Rd., Ste. B|639-2222 319 N. Tarragona St.| 434-9060 225 Dauphin St. | 441-7685 2343 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 66 S. Royal St.| 694-3090 Cockeyed Charlies The Wharf [Orange Beach] Callaghan’s Irish Social Club 6920 Airport Blvd.|725-1112 4985 Wharf Pkwy.| 224-1000 473-2997 www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com [MIDTOWN] Crooked Martini 916 Charleston St. | 433-9374 Ashland Midtown Pub www.thecrookedmartini.com [AROUND AND ABOUT] [CASINOS] AREA CLUB LISTINGS | MUSIC Dalhia’s Electric Piano Hall www.ashlandmidtownpub.com 7639 Cottage Hill Rd. #C |633-5555 Bill and Charlie’s [Theodore] Beau Rivage [Biloxi] 258 Dauphin St. | 378-5025 2453 Old Shell Rd.| 479-3278 Flashback Club 11470-B Bellingrath Rd.|973-0388 www.beaurivage.com Dauphin St. Blues Company Blues Tavern 10071 Airport Blvd.| 634-2239 Blue Gill Restaurant 878 Beach Blvd.|228-386-7111 & Draft Picks www.bluestavern.com Jag’s Sports Bar & Grill www.bluegillrestaurant.com or 888-595-2534 564 Dauphin St. | 725-6429 2818 Gov’t Blvd. |479-7621 5602 Old Shell Rd.| 725-1102 3775 Battleship Pkwy. |625-1998 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Firehouse Wine Bar Shop Butch Cassidy’s Cafe Lucky Irish Pub & Grill Bottoms Up [Biloxi] 216 St. Francis St. | 421-2022 www.butchcassidys.com 3692 Airport Blvd.| 414-3000 2605 Halls Mill Rd. | 287-7781 www.hardrockbiloxi.com Gabriel’s Downtown 60 N. Florida St. |450-0690 Mellow Mushroom Briar Patch 777 Beach Blvd. 55 S. Joachim St. | 432-4900 Kimberly’s Midtown Bar www.mellowmushroom.com 9371 Dauphin Island Pkwy. |228-374-ROCK (7625) The Garage 2660 Old Shell Rd. |478-1477 5660 Old Shell Rd. | 380-1500 973-1120 Harrah’s Hotel & Casino 9 S. Washington Ave. | 433-2223 Mellow Mushroom Moe’s Southwest Grill Burnout’s Bar & Grill [Saraland] [New Orleans] Grand Central www.mellowmushroom.com www.moes.com 7151 Hwy 158 W | 679-9255 www.harrahsneworleans.com grandcentralmobile.com 2032 Airport Blvd. |471-4700 280 McGregor Ave. S.| 342- 5233 Celtic Irish Pub [Pascagoula] 256 Dauphin St. | 432-6999 228 Poydras St.|504-533-6000 Royal Knight Restaurant Royal Knight 4901 Chicot St. | 228-938-6800 Hayley’s Downtown Grand Casino [Biloxi] 3004 Gov’t Blvd. |287-1220 3004 Gov’t Blvd.| 476-6044 Ed’s Seafood Shed 278 Dauphin St. | 433-4970 www.grandcasinobiloxi.com Silver Horse Pub Patches www.edsshed.com Joe Cain Café 280 Beach Blvd. 151 S. Florida St. |478-7030 5100 Girby Rd.| 661-8028 3382 Battleship Pkwy. | 625-1947 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 228-436-2946 Whistle Stop Bar & Grill Satori Coffee House Felix’s Fish Camp Liquid IP Casino Resort & Spa 110 S. Florida St.|478-7427 www.satori-coffee.com www.felixsfishcamp.com 661 Dauphin St. | 432-0109 [Biloxi] 5460 Old Shell Rd. | 344-4575 1530 Battleship Pkwy. |626-6710 Loda Bier Garten www.ipbiloxi.com [EASTERN SHORE] Runway Billards Midnight Rodeo 251 Dauphin St. | 287-6871 850 Bayview Ave. Bay House Pub [Daphne] 8000 Airport Blvd. | 634-8006 7790 Tanner Rd. |639-2222 Mobile Civic Center 800-436-3000 28850 Bayline Dr. | 626-0158 The Hungry Owl Mississippi Coast Coliseum www.mobilecivicctr.com Wind Creek Casino Club 44 [Daphne] 7899 Cottage Hill | 633-4479 [Biloxi] 401 Civic Center Dr. | 208-7261 www.windcreekcasino.com 28850 US 98, #100 | 445-8069 Stir Mobile www.mscoastcoliseum.com O’Daly’s Irish Pub 303 Poarch Rd., Atmore Gumbo Shack 5821 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D | 342-9995 2350 Beach Blvd. |228-594-3700 564 Dauphin St.|725-6429 866-946-3360 www.guysgumbo.com VFW Post 49 The End Zone Sports Bar OK Bicycle Shop 212 Fairhope Ave. | 928-4100 2528 Govt Blvd. | 471-9438 [Mt. Vernon] 19170 Hwy 43. 661 Dauphin St. |432-2453 McSharry’s [Fairhope] 829-9227The Oar House [NEW ORLEANS] Pat’s Downtown Grill www.mcsharrys.com [THE BEACH] [Dauphin Island] House of Blues 271 Dauphin St. | 438-9585 101N Brancroft St. |990-5100 Flora-Bama 1504 Bienville Blvd.| 861-4800 www.houseofblues.com Riverview Plaza (Fathoms Moe’s Original BBQ [Daphne] www.florabama.com Original Oyster House 225 Decatur St . Lounge) www.moesoriginalbbq.com 17401 Perdido Key Dr., www.theoysterhouse.com |504-310-4999 64 S. Water St.| 438-4000 6423 Bayfront Pk Dr.|625-7427 850-492-0611 3733 Battleship Pkwy. |626-2188 Howlin’ Wolf Royal Scam Old 27 Grill [Fairhope] The Hangout Pelican Pub & Restaurant www.thehowlinwolf.com/new- www.royalscammobile.com 19992 Hwy 181 | 281-2663 www.thehangoutal.com [Dauphin Island] orleans 72 S. Royal St.|432-SCAM (7226) Papa’s Pizza [Daphne] 101 Gulf Ct. | 948-3030 1102 DeSoto Ave.| 861-7180 907 S. Peters St. Royal Street Tavern www.papaspizza.com Live Bait Pelican Reef Restaurant 504-522-WOLF (9653) 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 28850 US Hwy 98| 626-7662 www.livebaitrestaurant.com 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Louisiana Superdome Saenger Theatre 24281 Perdido Beach Blvd. Plow [Fairhope] | 973-2670 www.superdome.com www.mobilesaenger.com 974-1612 96 Plantation Pointe| 410-7569 Tacky Jacks [Spanish Fort] 1500 Poydras St. |504-587-366 6 S. Joachim St. |208-5600 Lulu’s at Homeport Marina Courtyard 311 www.tackyjacks.com Tipitina’s Saddle Up Saloon www.lulubuffett.com 311 Fairhope Ave. | 928-2032 1175 Battleship Pkwy. |621-8988 501 Napoleon Ave. www.saddleupmobile.com 200 E. 25th Ave. 504-895-TIPS (8477) LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 35 THE REEL WORLD • FILM ‘The Double’ proves there is room for two nerds in Hollywood BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC | [email protected]

assume Jesse Eisenberg accepted his role in “The Double” because he thought it was going to be a film about him and Michael Cera, in which they could finally settle their score and only one would Iemerge victorious, his ringer T-shirt torn and bloody, mopping up the blood of the other with a tattered hoodie. Because I feel like they’re kind of the same, and I imagine they’re always in competition for film roles that call for a reedy, soft-spoken, unassuming AREA nerd that you really pull for. I imagine when they meet THEATERS girls in bars, Eisenberg often has to say, “No, actually, I wasn’t in ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,’” while Cera might take credit for “The Squid and the Whale,” MOBILE depending on his mood. Turns out, “The Double” is a stylized and surreal COUNTy adaptation of a Dostoyevsky novella, in which a pitiful Photo/imdb.com | “The Double” clerk toils unnoticed in a monochrome office, unnoticed by the girl of his dreams, played by Mia Wasikowska. Jesse Eisenberg and his alter ego try to win the girl of his dreams in “The Double.” CARMIKE Suddenly, a man who looks and dresses exactly like him CINEMAS appears as an employee in his office, only the double to “Brazil” or “Naked Lunch,” all of the Orwellian There’s just one problem with a deliberately paced, Wynnsong 16 is charismatic, suave and popular and, of course, also surroundings in which the film takes place are a sort artsy, mysterious film with little dialogue — you can 785 Schillinger Road S. played by Eisenberg. of retro-futuristic world, bleakly Soviet looking, with appreciate it a great deal but still find yourself check- 251-639-7373 Incidentally, Michael Cera already made a comedy antique machinery that has never actually existed. ing your watch. Fortunately, it clocked in around an The visual sensibility of the film worked wonderfully hour and a half, so you can stick it out and enjoy the art in 2009 with a similar plot but an entirely different CRESCENT tone, in which he’s a reedy nerd who imagines a tough with the strange but predictable psychological/sci-fi direction without too much effort. When characters are double, also played by Michael Cera, to help him score fable. Arcane office tasks are carried out in a whimsi- deliberately drawn to be unreal and cartoonish, there THEATER chicks and generally win at life. It was called “Youth in cally desolate, khaki-colored world presided over by isn’t much room left for emotion, and that’s not the kind 208 Dauphin St. Revolt.” Just sayin’. someone unseen called “The Colonel.” People pass their of film “The Double” is. Style trumps substance, but it 251-438-2005 While the story is interesting and plays out in a time by playing video games or watching a fabulously does so effectively, and I’m sure Jesse Eisenberg would paranoid, diabolical fashion, it is the look and execution weird science fiction show on tiny televisions, and these agree that he carries off his weird role with a seriousness HOLLyWOOD of the film that make it worth recommending. Similar props and artifacts are particularly affecting. that I don’t think Michael Cera could have summoned. STADIUM 18 1250 Satchel paige Drive NEW IN THEATERS NOW pLAyING 251-473-9655 ExODUS: GODS AND KINGS All listed multiplex theaters. BALDWIN THE PyRAMID COUNTy Carmike Wynnsong 14 RAvE MOTION TOP FIvE pICTURE Regal Mobile Stadium 18, JUBILEE Carmike Wynnsong 16 SqUARE 12 6898 U.S. Highway 90 HORRIblE bOSSES 2 Daphne All listed multiplex theaters. 251-626-6266 PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR CARMIKE All listed multiplex theaters. CINEMAS 23151 Wharf Lane THE HUNGER GAMES: Orange Beach MOCKINGjAy- PART 1 251-981-4444 All listed multiplex theaters. Photos/ imdb.com THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE COBB ARMIES DUMb AND DUMbER TO THEATRES The final installment of Tolkien’s be- NIGHT AT THE MuSEuM: SECRET OF All listed multiplex theaters pINNACLE 14 loved masterpiece arrives as Men, THE TOMB 3780 Gulf Shores pkwy Dwarves and Elves must either unite Get ready for the wildest and most bIG HERO 6 Gulf Shores or fall to the dual threats of Sauron’s adventure-filled Night as the Museum All listed multiplex theaters. 251-968-7444 orcs and Smaug the Dragon. My second ever as Larry (Ben Stiller) spans the favorite collaboration between Martin globe, uniting favorite and new charac- INTERSTEllER EASTERN Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch. ters while embarking on a quest to save All listed multiplex theaters. SHORE All listed multiplex theaters. the magic before it’s lost forever. Admit- GONE GIRl pREMIERE tedly, this is more or less the same plot CINEMA 14 ANNIE Regal Mobile Stadium 18, as the other films, but there are usually 30500 State Highway 181 I would be more excited about this up- Carmike Wynnsong 16, some pretty fun art or history conceits Carmike Wharf 15 Spanish Fort date if Cameron Diaz wasn’t playing to be found, and this is one of the few 251-626-0352 Miss Hannigan, but I’m willing to give it Robin Williams films left to be seen. All Information accurate at press time; a try. All listed multiplex theaters. listed multiplex theaters. please call theaters for showtimes.

36 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 MEDIA FRENZY • MEDIA College radio going terrestrial BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

ossibly by as early as summer of 2015, college radio could return to the Mobile airwaves. The University of South Alabama has acquired a license for a low-power FM station that will allow what has pbeen an Internet-only station to go terrestrial, according to USA Department of Communications Chairman Jim Aucoin. The station will have a maximum power of 28 watts and run on the frequency of 97.1 FM, and bear the call letters WGJR-LP. However, it will go by the name The Prowl. “We are in the process of designing a little shed that will house all our equipment. It will be attached to a light pole and we will put an antenna on top of one of the light poles at Stanky Field,” Aucoin said. “Once we have the building in place we will have a consultant come down and design the station, install the switcher and get us on the air. We’re looking at sometime this summer, but I’m not certain of that.” He said the station would serve roughly a five-mile area around the university. If things go well and there is audience de- sire, Aucoin said plans are to hopefully add a couple of repeaters Photo courtesy of Alan Sealls WKRG.com around town that will help with larger coverage. Aucoin said the station will be a mixture of music, talk shows Photo courtesy of Modupe Idowu (@Modupe_WPMI) | Twitter Local Emmy winners and sports broadcasts. It will become part of the Jaguar sports A local television reporter and meteorologist were winners network and broadcast some sports, although at this time Aucoin recently when the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of instrumental in landing the low-power frequency that will put The was not sure which. Television Arts & Sciences announced its Emmys recently. Prowl on the air. He said the The Prowl will feature students as on-air talent, Modupe Idowu, a reporter for Local15 News, won an Emmy “Some students were watching the FCC site and it came up which is something that greatly enhances educational opportuni- for environmental reporting — a piece entitled “Crude Oil Pipe- that there would be some low-power licenses made available. We ties. He also said the current web-based station has been prepar- line Near Mobile’s Water Supply: Who Knew?” The story dealt hired a consultant to make sure we were in line when it came up,” ing students for this for the past five years. with a proposed oil pipeline running through the Big Creek Lake Aucoin said. “The will have an adviser making sure they adhere to FCC watershed. College radio hasn’t been on the airwaves in Mobile since standards, but the voices people hear will be students,” he said. From WKRG-TV, Chief Meteorologist Alan Sealls picked up WTOH-FM went off the air at Spring Hill. Aucoin said there’s “The students came to me five years ago and said they wanted two Emmy Awards. One award was in the Weather category for a still not official funding for The Prowl — something he hopes to start a station, and I said go ahead, but it had to be web-based segment explaining haloes, arcs and a parahelic circle. The other the Board of Trustees will take up next year. Right now they are because we had no money.” Emmy was for Sealls’ overall performance as a meteorologist and using some funding from JAG-TV and he said they plan to sell Attempts to find a frequency were frustrated by the expense came in the On-Camera Talent category. sponsorships as well. of high-power stations, but Aucoin said the students were also Sealls has now won five career Emmys.

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 37 MAGIC CHRISTMAS IN LIGHTS

WHEN: until Jan. 3 WHERE: Bellengrath Gardens and Home

Visit Bellingrath Gardens and Home during its 19th season of Magic Christmas in Lights. Magic Christmas in Lights runs until Jan. 3 and is closed on Christmas and New Years Day. The gardens are open during Magic Christmas in Lights from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., and the holiday lights are on from 5-9 p.m. on each of these days. Home tours run every half hour until 8 p.m. throughout the season. Bellingrath Gardens and Home is located at 12401 Bellingrath Road, Theodore, Alabama. Call 251- 973-2217 for more information.

Photo/ Courtesy of Bellingrath

December 18 they host guest bartenders. The guest and Needy St. Vincet DePaul. Brewing Trace Adkins’ Christmas Show bartenders will pour up beer and the Company is located at 914 Nichols Ave, Join country music star Trace Adkins as tips they receive will go to the charity of Fairhope. For more information call 251- he reminisces about the good ol’ days their choice. Fairhope City Councilmen 279-7517. during a family-friendly, reverent Christmas Jack Burrell and Rich Mueller will guest production at the Saenger Theater. For bartend from 5-7 p.m. Their tips will benefit Mobile Pops Concert ticket information call 251-208-7906 or visit the Fairhope Educational Enrichment The Mobile Pops band’s annual Christmas www.mobilesaenger.com. Foundation. Fairhope Brewing Company is Concert, “Sounds of the Season,” begins located at 914 Nichols Ave., Fairhope. For at 7 p.m. at the Saraland Performing Arts Peter Pan, Jr. more information call 251-279-7517. Center at Saraland High School. Mobile Sunny Side Children’s Theater presents Pops concerts are always free to the Peter Pan, Jr. Dec. 18-21 at St. Luke’s Thursdays at the Museum public. For more information call 251-679- Upper School Theater, 1400 S. University Every Thursday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. 6036 or visit mobilepopsband.com. Blvd. with shows at 7 p.m. Friday and the Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Drive, offers free admission to all visitors. Christmas Evening of Smooth Jazz For more information call 251-510-1808. Join MMOA each week to experience Join the Azalea City Smooth Jazz the museum in new and exciting ways Production for an evening of smooth Flu Vaccines throughout the year. This week will have jazz at the Holiday Inn, Skyview Lounge The Mobile County Health Department live music by Eric Erdman. No reservations downtown. The featured band is The Band is offering the 2014-2015 seasonal flu are necessary. Deception. Tickets are $20 with proceeds vaccine to those age 6 months and older benefitting the Salvation Army Women without an appointment Monday through December 19 and Children Shelter. The doors open at 7 Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Health Guest Bartender p.m. with the band starting at 8 p.m. Don’t Department’s Immunization Clinic, 251 N. Join Fairhope Brewing Company as forget to bring a toy for the children. For Bayou St. The shots also are available by they host guest bartenders. The guest more information call 251-648-6171. appointment at MCHD’s outlying Family bartenders will be pour up beer and the Health centers. Appointments can be made tips they receive will go to their charity of Magic Christmas in Lights by calling 251-690-8889. The shots are $15 choice. Father Steve Williams and Father Visit Bellingrath Gardens and Home during each, payable in the exact amount by cash Victor Ingalls from 5-7 p.m. We’re bringing its 19th season of Magic Christmas in or credit card, or by using Medicaid or this event home with a crowd favorite... the Lights. Magic Christmas in Lights runs Medicare Part B, or private insurance that bartending priests. While Father Steve is until Jan. 3 and is closed on Christmas covers the cost. an old pro form last year, this will be Father and New Years Day. The gardens are open Victor’s first run at the taproom. We hope during Magic Christmas in Lights from 8 Guest Bartender you pack the house out one more time a.m. until 9 p.m., and the holiday lights are Join Fairhope Brewing Company as for these guys. Their tips benfit The Poor on from 5-9 p.m. on each of these days.

38 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 FROzEN TEA PARTY

WHERE: Fairhope Civic Center WHEN: December 21

Celebrate this season with Project Mouvement In Art’s holiday performance “A Frozen Tea Party” at 2 p.m. at the Fairhope Civic Center, 161 N. Section St., Fairhope. Be enchanted in a winter wonderland with live performances from the movie “Frozen.” Sing and dance along to inspiring songs, including “Let It Go” while enjoying delectable treats and tea. Proceeds from a Frozen Tea Party will benefit PMIA and The Exceptional Foundation of Daphne, Alabama, a nonprofit organization that strives to meet the social and recreational needs of the developmentally and/or physically challenged adults of Baldwin County. For more information call 251-610-8902 or visit www.pmiart.com Photo/www.pmiart.com

Home tours run every half hour until 8 Greenleaf Writer’s Group be works by more than 60 area artists on p.m. throughout the season. Bellingrath The Greenleaf Writer’s Group is currently display. For more information call 251- Gardens and Home is located at 12401 welcoming new members. We meet 694-0278. Bellingrath Road, Theodore, Alabama. Call every third Saturday of the month at the 251-973-2217 for more information. Semmes library from 10 a.m. until noon. December 22 If you are an aspiring writer, come join us. Ark of India December 20 For more information call 251-490-5199. “Ark of India: An Alabama Artist Explores Bells in the Bayou Southern Asia” is an exhibit about Four-mile and two-mile races organized Christmas Nights of Light personal discovery and exploration. It by the South Mobile County Tourism Hundreds of thousands of LED lights, is an account of late 19th and early Authority, begin at St. Margaret’s Catholic driven by more than 1,000 computer 20th century India as seen by Alabama Church, 13790 S. Wintzell Ave., Bayou channels, synchronized to both traditional artist Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his La Batre. Run for a record, or run for fun. and new rocking Christmas music playing paintings, drawings, sculptures and most Online registration is through Eventbrite through your car radio. Pack your vehicle importantly, photographs and writings. or at the event from 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. full of friends and family to enjoy the show The exhibition is organized by the History Entry fees for adults are $20 in advance as you begin a new Christmas tradition. Museum of Mobile at 111 S. Royal St. and or $25 the day of the race. Children 12 The fun doesn’t stop after you drive thru is on view until Sept. 1, 2015. and under $12 in advance or $15 day of the mile and a half Christmas show — race. T-shirts for all, awards for many. Call afterward you can visit Santa’s Village. December 23 South Mobile County Tourism Authority for Christmas Nights of Lights invites you BINGO more details: 251-861-8747. to celebrate Christmas with us at Hank Join The Haberdasher at 451 Dauphin Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd. St. every Tuesday beginning at 9:30 p.m. Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas The show is nightly at dusk until 10 p.m. for Bingo, with prizes every round and This 6th annual show will include a Admission is $6 per person. drink specials. Free to play. For more performance by the John Milham Trio with information call 251-287-1976. Chris Spies (pianist) and Chris Severin December 21 (bassist) will perform Vince Guaraldi’s Frozen Tea Party December 24 soundtrack “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Celebrate this season with Project Bend & Brew The second set will feature many of Mouvement In Art’s holiday performance Join Fairhope Brewing every Wednesday Mobile’s finest songwriters performing “A Frozen Tea Party” at 2 p.m. at the night starting at 6 p.m. for Hoppy Yoga. their favorite Christmas tunes. Guest Fairhope Civic Center, 161 N. Section The taproom is transformed into a yoga artists include Molly Thomas Milham, St., Fairhope. Be enchanted in a winter studio with Soul Shine Yoga leading the Andy MacDonald, Ryan Balthrop, Eric wonderland with live performances from session. It’s only $5 to participate in the Erdman, Rebecca Roubion and more. the movie “Frozen.” Sing and dance class and then you can stick around for The show starts at 7 p.m. at the Saenger along to inspiring songs, including “Let It beer specials as well as light snacks Theatre in downtown, 6 S. Joachim St. Go” while enjoying delectable treats and provided by Pretty Mean Sweets. Fairhope Call 251-208-5600 for more information. tea. Proceeds from a Frozen Tea Party Brewing is located at 914 Nichols Ave., will benefit PMIA and The Exceptional Fairhope. Walk to Justice: unity in the Community Foundation of Daphne, Alabama, a The Mobile County branch of the NAACP, nonprofit organization that strives to Tour Space 301 Save OurSelves (SOS) Movement for meet the social and recreational needs Tours of the Main Gallery and Fabrication Justice & Democracy, People United to of the developmentally and/or physically Hall are every Wednesday and Saturday, Advance the Dream Inc. and community challenged adults of Baldwin County. For 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Centre for leaders are organizing a nonviolent more information call 251-610-8902 or the Living Arts/Space 301, 301 Conti protest of recent decisions in the deaths visit www.pmiart.com St. Tours included with the price of of unarmed men of color at the hands admission. Call 251-208-5671 or visit of police. A rally will begin at 10 a.m. Open Studio www.centreforthelivingarts.com for more at Lyons Park and will culminate with a Come enjoy complimentary mimosas information. march to Government Plaza at 2 p.m. For as artists work at the Cathedral Square more information call 251-725-0779. Gallery, 612 Dauphin St. There will also

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 39 UPON FURTHER REVIEW • SPORTS

Jaguar Nation prepares to descend on Montgomery for historic bowl BY J. MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER | [email protected] | Twitter @goulaguy

nly a few days remain until the University of South Ala- bama football team takes part in the school’s first-ever bowl game. Jaguar fans are buying their tickets, booking their hotel rooms and reserving shuttle rides up Interstate 65 for Othe inaugural Camellia Bowl. It was only six years ago that USA started its program. Now in just it second season as a full-fledged NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision member, they will make history by appearing in a postseason game quicker than any previous FBS team. “It was a dream for all of our kids three years ago,” USA head coach Joey Jones told the media in Montgomery last week. “We started making our goals, and here we are. “I’m tickled to death about our players, to be able to achieve that goal.” USA capped the year by finishing fourth in the Sun Belt Confer- ence with a 5-3 mark. The Jags were 6-6 overall, with five of the losses coming to bowl-bound teams. The other setback was to Georgia Southern, which won the league title but is not eligible for bowls during its transition to full FBS status. The Bowling Green Falcons stand 7-6, having fallen to Northern Illinois in the Mid-American Conference championship game. The Falcons had won their division with a 5-3 record. This is their third straight bowl appearance, and 12th overall. Photo/Brian Fremund Camellia Bowl events get under way Friday. A USA pep rally will be near the Renaissance Hotel at 5:30 p.m., while the Mont- University of South Alabama head coach Joey Jones speaks during a press conference for the Camel- gomery Christmas Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., a fireworks show will precede the Jag Nation “Mission: Montgom- lia Bowl in Montgomery, where the Jags will face the Bowling Green Falcons Saturday. ery” party at The Hanger in the Alley entertainment district at 166 recognition. They were wide receiver Shavarez Smith, offensive Graham Creek Nature Preserve in Foley. The grand opening will be Commerce St. lineman Ucambre Williams, safety Terrell Brigham, linebacker Friday at 3 p.m. At noon Saturday, the Cramton Bowl’s parking lot opens. At Maleki Harris, defensive lineman Jerome McClain and defensive The facility includes an eight-target adult range from 15 to 20 nearby Paterson Field, the free Winn-Dixie Fan Fest is at 3 p.m. The end Theo Rich. years, an eight-target youth range from 5 to 20 yards plus a four- Jaguar tailgate tent follows at 4 p.m. This catered event is $25 for Cornerback Montell Garner, defensive lineman Jess Kelley plus target range of 10 to 40 yards. This includes a 12-foot shooting plat- adults, $15 for fans 6 to 12, and free for those 5 and under. Reserva- offensive linemen Chris May and Melvin Meggs were on the honor- form for bowhunters to practice shooting from an elevated position. tions for the tailgate tent may be made on the www.usajaguars.com. able mention list. Tight end Braedon Bowman was named to the The entrance of the preserve is located at 23450 Wolf Bay Drive. Kickoff is Saturday night at 8:15. The game will be broadcast on conference’s All-Newcomer Team. The range will be open year-round during daylight hours for recre- ESPN. Reserved seat tickets on the East Side stands are $25, and USA quarterback Brandon Bridge has accepted an invitation to ational shooting, competitive tournaments and outdoor education can be purchased by phone at 251-461-1USA (1872) or in person at play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. The all-star game for draft- programs. The park also offers hiking, biking and walking trails, a the Mitchell Center ticket office. eligible seniors will be Saturday, Jan. 17, at 3 p.m., in Carson, Calif. canoe/kayak trail, a disc golf course and playground areas. For those fans just wishing to attend the game, the USA Alumni In 10 games this season, the Canadian native has completed 140-of- Use of the archery park is free for those less than 16 years of Association is sponsoring shuttles from Mobile and Baldwin coun- 270 passes for 1,648 yards and 14 touchdowns, while rushing for age and greater than 65. Alabama residents ages 16 to 64 must have ties. The shuttles will leave at noon and return after the game. The 259 yards and three touchdowns. a hunting license, Wildlife Management Area license or Wildlife Mobile County location is the UCOM parking lot on campus at the Calling the plays for USA in the Camellia Bowl will be a famil- Heritage license. For non-residents, an annual Wildlife Management corner of Old Shell Road and University Boulevard, while Baldwin iar face. Bryant Vincent is rejoining the coaching staff as offensive license or non-resident hunting license is required. County fans will leave from the Eastern Shore Center in Spanish coordinator and quarterback coach. He held the same positions at For more information, call 251-952-4011 or email lgahagan@ Fort behind Dillard’s. The cost of the trip is $30, and seats can be The University of Alabama-Birmingham, but the school recently cityoffoley.org. reserved at the USA website. announced it is dropping the football program. Prior to coaching the Bowling Green had two players make the All-MAC first-team Jaguars, Vincent had been the head coach at Spanish Fort, leading Basketball honors squad: wide receiver Roger Lewis and punt returner Ryan Burbrink. the Toros to the 2010 state title. The University of Mobile’s Daouda Soumaoro was named the On the second-team roster were offensive lineman Alex Huettel, Southern States Athletic Conference player of the week earlier this defensive back Nick Johnson and outside linebacker Gabe Martin. Archery complex coming to Foley month. The 6-foot-9 junior from Bamako, Mali, led the Rams with On the third-team were punter Tyler Tate and defensive lineman The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Re- 19 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Johnson University. Bryan Thomas. sources is opening its 10th community archery park, this one at the This was his third straight double-double effort. He is averaging South Alabama had six players receive second-team All-SBC 14.4 points and 10.6 rebounds this year for the Rams.

40 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 41 CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Black caller 4. Cause of trembling 8. Groundless 12. Ram’s ma’am 13. Tie up 14. Junk in the box? 15. Provided 17. Color for the tickled 18. Kind of ad 19. Isn’t serious 20. “Cast Away” setting 23. Rope fiber 25. Labors 27. Knave 28. Chem class 31. Ready for shipping 33. Academic’s achieve- ment 35. Any boat 36. Celebrity, briefly 38. Alphabetizes, e.g. 39. Fragrant wood 41. Grant 5. Takes in 29. Liberal pursuits 42. Loser to Lewis 6. Sour 30. Top 45. Domestic 7. Danger signal 32. “___ not!” 47. Foreign dignitary 8. Drive forward 34. Romance, e.g. 48. Medal contender 9. Keynoter’s spot 37. Copper finish 52. Adolescent develop- 10. It’s picked from 39. Hearts ment pockets 40. Military standings 53. Cartoonist’s supplies 11. Lodge fellows 42. Eye drop? 54. Pro 16. Live in the past? 43. Pantomimed disco 55. ___ to riches 19. Wears out title 56. Function 20. Yen 44. Do a number 57. Hardly extroverted 21. Miffed 46. Halloween purchase 22. Make-up artist? 48. In shape DOWN 24. Emulated Jack 49. Possibilities 1. Pricing word Horner 50. Mi, fah, ___, lah 2. What borrowers do 26. Evening hour 51. Really test 3. Gymnastics ideal 28. Angler’s attachment 4. Hopper Answers on Page 44

42 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 THE LOADED QUESTION

All I want for Christmas is…. Asked @ Pollman’s Bakery

“A spa vacation or some “Tranquilly and peace.” “A lump sum of money (no personal time.” strings attached) to start my -Suzie own fitness business.” -Santrice -Phenicia

LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 43 PORT CITY PREMONITIONS • STYLE Leo’s lingerie makes grandma’s day BY DR. ZODIAC/ASTROLOGY GUY

Sagittarius (11/21 - 12/22) — You’ll be but will no longer be employed. persuaded to join the aquatic resistance after it’s Gemini (5/21 - 6/21) — After two weeks revealed the U.S. Navy is using its new boat lasers you’ll start to settle into your new job. You won’t to attack porpoises and the like. Fed up with man’s be paid as much, but your stress level is a lot rampant disregard for God’s creatures, you’ll join lower. You won’t be able to work up the nerve to the Jihad Dolphins — an organization that is quite tell your significant other about the demotion, but “legally distinct” from the (7-6) Miami Dolphins. you will have never been happier. More weeks After a few days of aquatic training, you’ll ride on will pass with your lover in ignorant bliss, as your Uncle Sam clad in laser-proof wetsuits to end the joy turns to pale agony. You’ll eventually have to reign of tyranny on the high seas. tell your loved one that you’ve been selling your plasma to keep up with the fancy lifestyle the Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19) — After attempting family has been living. You’ll come clean about to go to the doctor, you’ll find out your govern- the job. ment employer failed to pay your health insurance, resulting in a $500 bill for a couple of ban- Cancer (6/21 - 7/22) — You’ll be sad about dages. When you bring up the issues next week, the failure of the hot dog cart, but not for long. your boss will refuse to answer any questions. The success of a certain British actor will inspire When your coverage is ultimately reinstated, your you to go into acting. The first thing you’ll do to employer will have you take the medical bill on start your new career is change your name. You’ll chin, but don’t worry, as a municipal leader he’s legally become Bigelow Cucumberpatch. With a bound by state law to report the error within the cool, ridiculous name you will start auditioning next ten days. for all the flicks that will shoot in the future in Mobile. You’ll just miss out on a new Kevin Cost- Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18) — Your combined ner vehicle. You’ll have better luck next time. interests in extreme dieting and national security reached a peak last week, after the Senate Intel- Leo (7/23 - 8/23) — An upcoming game of ligence Committee’s report on the CIA’s use of Dirty Santa will take a turn for the worse when torture to interrogate terror suspects introduced your grandmother ends up with a pair of crotch- you to the concept of rectal feeding. You thought less underwear. The gag gift meant for your office the “soylent” craze was a little overhyped at first, party will somehow make it to your family party but when you begin to ingest the odorless liquid and end up in the hands of your most modest with the aid of an enema kit, you really unlock relative. Initially, she’ll be stunned, but after a few its true potential. Not only will you feel healthier eggnogs in and an impromptu version of “Santa CROSSWORD pUZZLE ANSWERS than ever, you’ll feel freer than ever. You make a Baby,” she’ll be dying to get in those drawers. donation to the Heritage Foundation. Yes, you’ll be scarred for life.

Pisces (2/19 - 3/20) — You thought it was the Virgo (8/24 - 9/22) — A week from Thursday, new pair of shoes you bought or maybe your sleek you’ll be rushed by ambulance to a nearby hos- new haircut, but when people from all walks of pital after consuming fish nuggets and a giant pret- life suddenly beg you to make sweet love to them, zel. Though the unique food combination seemed you realize it’s just because D’Angelo released appealing at the time, you’ll be bedbound for his first new album in 14 years. Take advantage days and soon become a local celebrity, as several of that silky voice and beats to fill your desires television news stations will relentlessly speculate in the bedroom. But don’t let the passion rob you connections between Ebola and the tainted fish of common sense: D’Angelo is in a close second nuggets. Just be thankful you declined the cheesy place for music that makes babies. Who’s in first? dipping sauce. Kid Rock. Libra (9/23 - 10/22) — Even though SantaCon Aries (3/21 - 4/19) — You slow clap at the has come and gone, you’re not ready to let the news of the New Orleans Saints making it to the holiday spirit die just yet. In an effort to keep the NFL postseason. But don’t go planning that “Who Christmas cheer alive, you’ll spend your eve- FROM pAGE 42 Dat?” themed Super Bowl party just yet — re- nings moonlighting as a Santa Claus near popular member, we’re talking about taking a lead in the downtown bars. All is well until an elf offers you NFC South here. The South Alabama Jaguars a “Reindeer Poop” shot. Without any recollec- have probably faced tougher opponents in their tion of further events, you’ll wake up in Metro F march to the Camellia Bowl. Still, every victory Jail, charged animal cruelty and child endanger- U is a validation of that fleur-de-lis tramp stamp you ment. On the bright side, your Santa mugshot will procured during Spring Break 1998. make a great Christmas card next year. T U Taurus (4/20 - 5/20) — Desperate for a job, Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21) — You’ll still be re- R you’ll become the newest employee of a carpet covering a few days after what can only considered cleaning service called “Cult Cleaning.” At first, the office Christmas party of a lifetime. Though E you’ll find the chants while cleaning festive, but you’ll take a day to sleep it off, images of your soon things will take a darker turn. Sure, you’ll boss streaking and endless shots Goldschläger tend think the worship of a retired baseball great is to stick with you. After finally showing back up S strange, but you’ll become really suspicious when at work, you’ll realize you, and everyone else, no H you’re offered “homemade” rice pudding. In a longer have job. The bank accounts will have been scene you’re pretty sure you saw on “Seinfeld,” drained to pay the bosses bail. Apparently after the O you’ll begin to suspect the cleaning service is party breaks off, he decides to show off his mistle- C actually, well, a cult. You’ll decline the pudding, toe to most of Dauphin Street. K

44 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 45 MOBILE MAGNIFIED • STYLE Hair sniffing start to the holidays BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

ell gang, we have almost made it through the holi-daze. Next they headed to New Orleans on one of the swank buses Heavy on the daze. Light on the holi. Not even sure from Gulf Coast Tours. A game of dirty Santa got really dirty as what that means. Anyway, just wanted to wish you all of the available booze got stolen almost immediately. One staff- a very Boozie Christmas. I am sure that won’t be a er’s Firefly vodka was literally stolen or maybe “borrowed” by one Wproblem for you. trio who should not have been shooting it. Trust me on this one. Whatever you do – don’t touch Santa’s “lumps of coal,” no After various stops at The Roosevelt Hotel. Batch, the Carousel matter how nicely he asks. Trust me on this one. Bar, “that place that serves hand grenades,” Harrah’s and other various watering holes, everyone thankfully made it back on the KOR Christmas Revel bus and safely home. On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Knights of Revelry celebrated their There was some vomiting but also some winning at the casino. 141st Christmas revel with a party at Fort Whiting. The men folk Thankfully no one made out in the bathroom on the bus but there looked oh-so-dapper in black tie. Like a bunch of James Bonds were threats by some couples saying they wanted to join the “Five and Brad Pitts running around. I think we all forget just how goofy Foot High Club.” EWWWWWWW! tails really look because that is what we are used to seeing. Anyway, the men dazzled but so did the women. One lovely Hair sniffing at Callaghans lady really took her outfit to the next level by adding poinsettias Apparently personal hygiene became an issue recently at to it, according to my spies. Another spy said they even had a Callaghan’s when a group of people began sniffing one another’s Chrissy machine. And of course, the band Jukebox Superhero was We hear “Clark” and “Cousin Eddie” made an hair. They had been watching the Deluxe Trio perform, so they a huge hit, with “Wonder Woman” and “Catwoman” adding their may still have been mesmerized by the fancy playing, but for “dancing” talents to the stage, as Superman, Batman, Robin and appearance at a local party last weekend. some unknown reason several men and women began sniffing one the Joker sang party favorites. another’s hair, trying to determine if the smell was up to snuff, so Meanwhile, a man in a mask and tights ran around the room This party is apparently so fun they have a T-shirt printed up to speak. banging inflated cow bladders on the floor and no one even batted with their “proudest moments.” Of course, this makes Boozie At least one of those involved said he’d be switching shampoos an eye. I love Mobile and can’t wait for the Gras. proud, Clark! as his locks were judged harshly. “No more of this Prell sh*t,” he said. Cousin Eddie shows up at SMS party Lag Christmas extravaganza Hopefully this won’t become a tradition at Deluxe Trio shows, So we hear an annual “Cocktail Swap” held every year by a The Lagniappe Christmas extravaganza took place on Sunday but you never know. group of St. Mary’s School parents was quite the time this year, as it Dec. 14. The staff started out with a delicious brunch at Kitchen every year. Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie made an appearance on George, where the mimosas and Bloody Marys flowed. There Well kids, that’s all I have this issue. Just remember, whether and the fun lasted until the wee hours of the morning. Our spy said was an argument over which dish was best – the shrimp and grits, rain or shine, dramatic or scandalous, or some plain ol’ Prell there may have even been cake balls used as “ammunition.” bananas foster French toast or Hamburger with bacon jam. Boozie lovin’, I will be there. Ciao! votes for the shrimp and grits.

46 | LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 18, 2014 - December 24, 2014 | 47