2 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WEEKLY December 11, 2014 – December 17, 2014 | www.lagniappemobile.com

Ashley Trice BAY BRIEFS Co-publisher/Editor The Mobile City Council primarily spent its [email protected] 2014 discretionary allocations on travel and Rob Holbert capital projects. Co-publisher/Managing Editor 6 [email protected] Steve Hall COMMENTARY Marketing/Sales Director Puppies over pizza? Exam time has [email protected] changed. Gabriel Tynes Assistant Managing Editor 12 [email protected] Dale Liesch BUSINESS Reporter Mobile’s Dependable Sheet Metal [email protected] was recently honored by the editors Jason Johnson of Ol’ Skool Rodz magazine. Reporter 16 [email protected] Alyson Stokes CUISINE Web & Social Media Manager/Reporter [email protected] Celebrate the Earth this

Kevin Lee CONTENTS season with winter root Associate Editor/Arts Editor veggies and greens. [email protected] Vegetable soup recipe Andy MacDonald Cuisine Editor included! [email protected] Stephen Centanni Music Editor [email protected] J. Mark Bryant Sports Writer [email protected] 18 Daniel Anderson Chief Photographer COVER [email protected] Despite its myriad uses Laura Rasmussen and impressive history Art Director of concert bookings, www.laurarasmussen.com the storied facilities of 26 Brooke Wilder Advertising Sales Executive the Mobile Civic Center [email protected] may not have a place in Beth Williams downtown’s future. Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] Misty Groh Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] Melissa Schwarz ARTS Editorial Assistant Playwright Danielle Juzan’s “The Great [email protected] Historical Christmas of 1977”debuts Dec. Contributors: Asia Frey • Brian Holbert 28 12 at the Mobile Theatre Guild. Susan Larsson • Ron Sivak Jeff Poor • Jennifer McDonald Casandra Butler Andrews MUSIC Alanna Quinn-Broadus On the Cover: Mobile Civic Center by Dan Anderson and her group Alanna Royale had to get

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LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 3 Police DisP atch Suspect in Midtown double homicide commits suicide as police close in

BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

Mobile Police responded to Vaughn Photography on North Two days later, Mobile community as far as crime prevention and crime reduction,” he Florida Street on Dec. 4, after an unnamed person reported to homicide detectives identified said. “We’re working on community-oriented strategies in the local authorities that two individuals were deceased inside the 19-year-old Jamarcus Mahone crime prone areas of Prichard. We want to strengthen our com- business. as a suspect in the murder. munities and get citizens to take more pride in ownership. Those According to Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich, After being interviewed, Ma- are some of the strategies and plans that overwhelming stood the case was immediately considered a double homicide, and hone was charged with shooting out to council, and we’re going to do everything in our power to owners Daniel Herbert Vaughn, 43 of Mobile, and his mother, into an occupied vehicle and for give him the resources he needs.” 67-year-old Rosa Vaughn McGahagin of Spanish Fort, were the murder of Hamilton. pronounced dead at the scene. According to police, Mahone Gambling bust nets 17 arrests on Juniper Street Within hours, investigators had identified 56-year-old Terry discharged in weapon into a car Making use of a confiden- Walton of Pensacola as the primary suspect. with four individuals inside, but tial informant, police were According to police, Walton returned to his residence in no one other than Hamilton was injured. able to shut down an illegal Pensacola after the incident. Later, as Escambia County Deputies Mahone was was later transported to the Mobile County gambling operation in a closed in on his residence attempting to make contact, Walton Metro Jail. A judge granted a $300,000 bond for Mahone on resident on the 1300 block of shot himself, causing his death. Tuesday. He has since been transferred to Baldwin County Jail. Juniper Street in Mobile. Walton and Vaughn knew each other, but their exact relation- There police arrested John ship was never confirmed by police. Prichard city council confirms police chief Webb, 50, for promoting However, media reports citing the victims’ family members Almost three weeks after Bernard Parrish was named police gambling and for the distribu- later revealed Vaughn had been seeing Walton’s estranged wife, chief for the city of Prichard by Mayor Troy Ephriam, the City tion of a controlled substance resulting in a domestic dispute turned double murder. Council was finally able to legitimize the selection. that was later revealed to be According to the Mobile Police Department, the case was During a Dec. 4 city council meeting, Parrish was confirmed Opana, a prescription opioid closed with the death of the suspect. for the position and given a $65,000 starting salary. painkiller. Funeral services for both victims were held earlier this week, Though the hold up was thought at first to be related to Webb has a criminal history dating back to 1996 that includes and a benefit fund for Daniel’s children, ages 15 and 12, has funding — as Prichard has yet to pass a budget for FY 2015 — multiple charges, some of which are related to drugs and gam- been set up through YouCaring.com. Ephriam said it was actually the result of some council members’ bling. As of Dec. 9, the fund had received $4,044. Donations can be concerns about Parrish’s qualifications. During the operation on Juniper Street, 16 others were arrest- made at http://www.youcaring.com/other/vaughn-family/273809. “The funding was already there,” Ephriam said. “It was ed and charged with simple gambling. An undisclosed amount of placed in the budget early on when the interim chief was in gambling proceeds were also seized from inside the residence. Weekend shooting takes life of Murphy High office, and the council had actually assigned a line item for the A temporary restraining order was also filed against the student salary at $70,000. There were some on the council who wanted owner of the home, which has been a decades-long issue for po- Police responded to the University of South Alabama Chil- to make sure Bernard was able to do the job we were expecting lice due to drug activity, gambling and prostitution taking place dren’s and Women’s hospital for a report of one shot on Dec. of him.” at the residence. 5. There authorities confirmed that 16-year-old Murphy High Ephriam said Parrish was qualified for the position, and said This year, Mobile Police have conducted operations and School student Raven Hamilton had died — the result of injuries the majority of the council members showed they felt the same made a total of 11 drug purchases from people in the home and sustained during a shooting near the 400 block of North Brazier when they approved his appointment last Thursday. on the property. Drive. “He is someone we really feel understands the needs of the

4 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 5 BAY BRIEFS BB Study shows improvement in coastal health four years after oil spill BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

recent study from researchers at Auburn University The importance of meiofauna in the coastal food web is the (GMRB), which is a group of 20 scientists tasked with distribut- suggests 2010’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill had an reason researchers were concerned to find the presence of large ing $500 million — funds provided by BP for research specifi- immediate impact on some of the species inhabiting the of amounts of fungus when the study began in 2010, which is cally targeting oil spill response. Gulf Coast, and though much has improved, a lack of typically indicative of death. The GMRB awards funds to investigators based on a highly testingA prior to the spill has made it hard to determine if all the An initial study conducted by Halanych and colleagues at the competitive, peer-reviewed proposal process. Though BP pro- damage has been undone. University of New Hampshire revealed the increased presence vided the funding for the GMRB, the money is now independent The four-year study on the sands of Dauphin Island observed of fungus in the meiofaunal communities and a measurable of the multinational oil and gas company. meiofauna — several species of miniscule animals so small decrease in the number of meiofauna themselves. At the time, “This work continues, and it has already made a huge differ- they actually dwell between the grains of sand in aquatic sedi- researchers were concerned the oil spill may have irreversibly ence for the Gulf Coast region,” Halanych said. “Unfortunately, ment. harmed the meiofaunal communities. in many ways, the Gulf Coast is the forgotten coast in terms of Pamela Brannock, a postdoctoral researcher in biological “The good news is, it looks like a lot of them have come national funding priorities. The West Coast, especially south- sciences worked with professor Kenneth Halanych to observe back,” Halanych said. “The samples now are better, but we ern California, and the Northeast really have major marine and the meiofauna, which the pair says plays a key role in a healthy don’t know if they’re different because they’ve continued to oceanographic efforts, and there is a lot of money that goes ecosystem. recover, or if it is due to natural variations that happen in the there. The Gulf Coast does have institutions, but typically fed- “These small organisms are the base of the food web,” Ha- Gulf.” eral funding does not flow in the same way to these areas. This lanych said. “It’s very important for juvenile fish that have just Brannock said the Gulf constantly changes from storms and research initiative is helping with that. It is helping to stimulate settled. These organisms help support the fisheries, and they’re hurricanes, and a lack of baseline data has made it difficult to scientific research, and one of the things we are hoping is we critical for the exchange of nutrients between the sediment and say whether or not the communities the researchers observed will be able to build much stronger capacity so in the future we water.” have “recovered,” but she did say currently, the situation is can address societal concerns and national research priorities.” Brannock said some species of meiofauna, like nematodes, “clearly much better than it was.” Halanych said that kind of research is critically important to don’t change for their entire existence, but others can become BP remains locked in a legal battle over civil fees from the assessing the health of the Gulf Coast ecosystem. macrofauna — such as urchins, snails and other invertebrates. oil spill, but has already paid out more than $2 billion in crimi- “One of the things we have learned is the effects from an “There’s a fair degree of complexity here that represents a nal penalties. However, the company has steady denied claims environmental catastrophe like this can take a long time to be broad range of different types of organisms,” she said. “That’s oil left from the spill has had adverse affects on aquatic life. realized. One of the main reasons we should be concerned with one of the reasons we looked at the community level, that way “There is no evidence to suggest that the residual material or interested in studying the effects is, in all likelihood, another it’s not just how one species was impacted, but how the entire is harming aquatic life,” BP said in a statement provided to spill is going to occur. The Gulf Coast region has a huge number community was impacted by the spill.” Lagniappe. “A government study found that after Aug. 3, 2010, of rigs, about 4,000, and we keep going into deeper and deeper In the context of the oil spill, Brannock said meiofauna are no water samples exceeded EPA aquatic life benchmarks for water to drill. As you move into deeper water, the engineering important because they live in the sediment, where oil and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from Macondo oil. In addi- challenges become greater and greater and greater,” Halanych dispersant ultimately would have settled. tion, more than 10,000 seafood specimens have been collected said. “The concern is another big blowout, like the Deepwater “We have to treat the oil and the dispersant both together, by the FDA, NOAA and the Gulf states since May 2010. Levels Horizon, may happen in the Gulf. The hope is we have collected because we don’t have a way to directly measure how much oil of oil residue in seafood have consistently tested 100 to 1,000 enough information about the Deepwater Horizon spill that we or dispersant hit the area, so we just have to refer to it as the times lower than the safety thresholds established by the FDA.” can apply that knowledge to the next spill and be able to control spill event,” Halanych said. Halanych is a member of the Gulf of Mexico Research Board the damage a little bit better.”

6 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 BAY BRIEFS BB Discretionary funds primarily spent on travel, capital BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected] obile city councilors spent the bulk of by his predecessor Reggie Copeland. Another their discretionary money this year on $1,854.38 went toward the James M. Seals travel, postage, capital improvement Marching Band. Daves also spent $3,444 in dis- and parks, according to 2014 records. cretionary funds on one speed hump in his district. MAs of Aug. 31, all but two councilors spent He put another $6,784 toward capital improve- all of the $25,000 allotted to them in 2014. Only ments in his district. Councilmen Levon Manzie and C.J. Small had Aldrich said discretionary funds do not roll any left over with a month left in the fiscal year, over from year to year, so councilors will place according to records. Manzie had $4,596 left and remaining funds in capital improvements toward Small had $10,046. the end of a fiscal year. Council Vice President Fred Richardson and Richardson spent $6,888 on speed humps in President Gina Gregory racked up the most in his district and said he plans to spend more on credit card charges. Richardson spent $10,003.89 additional humps in 2015. Richardson also gave on the city credit card, while Gregory spent $5,000 to the Lynnwood Neighborhood Associa- $5,854.86. tion to help fix a sign at the entryway of their com- Manzie spent the third most on the credit munity that was damaged by a tornado in 2012, he card at $5,171.37 and C.J. Small followed with said. Richardson, like four out of seven council- $3,782.53. Councilman Joel Daves had $374 in ors, also gave money to Postmark Ink to pay for credit card charges, while Councilman John Wil- mail-outs. He spent $1,051.30 on mailings. Daves liams had $60. Councilwoman Bess Rich didn’t spent $3,867, Small spent $3,940 and Manzie make any credit card charges in fiscal year 2014. spent $615.57 on mailings. The majority of credit card expenses go toward The 2015 budget increased the discretionary travel, Comptroller Pat Aldrich said, and the funds for councilors from $25,000 to $40,000 to records confirm it. For instance, both Manzie and cover the cost of postage and mailings, since the Richardson spent more than $1,500 for a National cost of mailings was previously included in the League of Cities trip to Washington, D.C., accord- City Hall overhead fund and made the responsibil- ing to records. Richardson, Small and Gregory ity of individual councilors. each spent a little more than $3,000 in London on Councilman John Williams spent his discre- a trip to Farnborough International Airshow. tionary funds on five nearly equal payouts. He Gregory and Richardson each spent $2,500 gave $4,940 to the Independent Living Center to on the 2014 Chamber leadership exchange to St. help them reinforce the second floor of their build- Louis. Richardson also made credit card pur- ing for wheelchairs, he said. chases on trips to Savannah, Ga. and Birmingham. “They raised all, but $10,000,” Williams said. Manzie has also charged the credit card for trips to “I told them, I can get you half.” Montgomery, Austin, Savannah and Los Angeles. He put $5,000 into capital improvements and Executive Director of Finance Paul Wesch said gave $5,000 to the Southern Skyline Community councilors email the administration with a request Inc. and the Skyline Garden Club for community to use discretionary money. The email must also improvements. He gave another $5,000 to help copy City Attorney Ricardo Woods and Council pay for batting cages at Mims Park. Attorney Jim Rossler, who must sign off on the Gregory gave $2,358.35 to the Japanese gar- fund’s use before any procurement is made. dens at Langan Park. She used $3,307.14 to help Rossler said, legally, the expense can be used put lights at Overlook Road and Avonlea Circle. on anything “that serves a municipal purpose.” She gave $4,000 to the Municipal Park Base- “It goes through a vetting process,” Rossler ball Association and put $6,295.42 into capital said. “It includes the mayor’s office, city legal projects. department, council attorney and finance.” Manzie gave $4,000 to the Africatown com- Rossler said if councilors want to donate munity, $1,000 to the James Seals Booster Club money to a charitable organization, for instance, for band instruments, $2,900 to the Harmon the city would draw up a performance contract. Seahawks Athletic Association and $500 to the If councilors wanted to purchase an item, Wesch Mighty Tigers Marching Band. said, depending on its cost, the city might have to “My goal was to be responsive to the needs and seek bids on it. the requests of the citizens of District 2,” he said. Only Richardson spent more than his allotted The money for the Africatown community will $25,000, as of Aug. 31, with a negative balance of help develop a self-sustaining community garden, $596.27, according to records. Aldrich said that Manzie said, as well as community cleanups and amount would be taken out of his allotment this blight eradication. fiscal year. Small gave $1,800 to the Maitre Park Ravens. In addition to meal and travel charges for the Mayor Sandy Stimpson also received $25,000 London trip, Richardson, Small and Gregory also in discretionary fund money in 2014. He gave all paid $1,857 each to Springdale Travel for airfare of his allotment to Mobile United for the various and hotel. conversations on race, Aldrich said. The forums Rich opted to transfer all of her discretionary will continue until next August, Mobile United’s funds into the capital improvements budget. The Chris Barraza said. money will go toward landscaping improvements While smaller conversations are still happening and beautification within her district, at the inter- on a weekly basis, Barraza said, Mobile United section of Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Road, is planning another big community forum for Rich said. January. The next forum will deal with the justice She said the project was picked by the District system, in the wake of the grand jury decision in 6 residents’ council and will include planting and the Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases. landscaping. Stimpson’s discretionary allotment did not “They picked it,” Rich said. “I felt like rather increase in 2015. than split it among smaller projects, it’s better to Discretionary fund records from fiscal year get [the residents’] suggestion.” 2013 were unavailable because councilors did not Councilman Joel Daves said $5,000 of his receive discretionary funds that year, Wesch and allotment last year went toward a donation to Aldrich said. America’s Junior Miss that had been promised LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 7 BAY BRIEFS BB Council asks personnel board to ‘ban the box’ BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected] he Mobile City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to “Unless you’re talking about public safety, finance or work- testing would apply only to rank-and-file promotions within the ask the Mobile County Personnel Board to remove the ing with kids, it’s an non-issue for us,” Woods said of “banning departments and would not be used to select a new fire chief. box pertaining to arrest history from employment ap- the box.” The contract with Booth would be for three years and would plications. The final decision rests with the board, but if Councilwoman Bess Rich tentatively went along with Coun- not exceed $514,570. Barber the cost could cover everyone in Tapproved, Mobile will join in a nationwide effort known as “Ban cilmen John Williams and C.J. Small in moving the resolution each department for testing, but that has not been planned. the Box.” out of committee. She said she wanted the resolution to specify Two Mobile staff attorneys arguing Supreme Court case Councilman Levon Manzie introduced the resolution and all the move for applications for jobs within the city. She argued Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s office announced Tuesday that three members of the council rules committee last week recom- that the board might be more willing to pass it if it only affected Chief Assistant City Attorney Flo Kessler and Assistant City mended it be put to a vote. one entity. Attorney Erich Bergdolt are in Washington D.C. to represent the Manzie said he decided to introduce the resolution after talk- Other councilors, like Joel Daves and Williams, argued that city in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. ing with constituents who’ve made mistakes, but paid their debt the council should leave that concern up to the board. The case, Alabama Department of Revenue v. CSX Transpor- and find the arrest record question a problem for them on the job Councilman Fred Richardson said in the future, he would also tation, concerns whether a state tax on diesel fuel is discrimina- hunt. introduce a resolution to take out the box that indicates race on tory to the railroad industry. The city collects a similar tax on “We talk a lot about rehab,” Manzie said during the commit- city applications. He called the issue a carryover from slavery. diesel fuel and because of that, CSX is claiming $134,672 in tee meeting. “We want individuals who are out of incarceration “It’s time to let it go,” Richardson said. refunds from the city. not to fall back to recidivism. This is a program that allows these Professional services contract with Booth Research Group Mobile isn’t the only city in the state with refund requests individuals to get a foot in the door.” In other business, the council decided to holdover for one from CSX. Altogether, municipalities across the state are facing Mobile County Personnel Director Donald Dees told council- week the approval of an appropriation of $514,570 to Booth Re- claims that add up to almost $23 million. As a result, they’ve ors during the committee meeting that checking the box related search Group for improved testing of candidates for promotion agreed to sign onto Mobile’s petition. to convictions doesn’t preclude anyone from getting hired and within the Mobile Police and Mobile Fire and Rescue depart- In other business “it is part of the screening process” the board does for the city ments. The council approved a takeover agreement with American anyway. Dees said the decision to place a candidate among a list The administration was asking the council for the appropria- Southern Insurance Company for the completion of sidewalks of qualified candidates is based on a candidate’s skills related to tion in order to revamp testing in those departments to help in the Bottom community. The insurance company is a bond- a particular job. encourage diversity among the ranks in both departments. Chief ing agency for Peavy Construction, which went out of business “We do not screen you out,” Dees said. “The only automatic James Barber said it would be a revamp of the testing the per- during the project, City Engineer Nick Amberger said. A quarter disqualification is for public safety.” sonnel board performs. He said written, test-based training has of the project, or $85,000 worth of work, remains to be finished, Dees said the personnel board does not do background had an adverse impact on developing diversity. The written tests, he said. checks. That’s the responsibility of the hiring entity. he said, have failed to produce a diverse list of candidates for Chief Barber also announced to councilors that he would be “If you apply and do not mark the box, we don’t check,” Dees promotion in the past. presenting three different styles of body cameras for MPD of- said. He said the Booth Research testing would involve real world ficers during the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Dec. Some councilors mentioned adding background checks for scenarios to determine if an applicant has the appropriate skills 30 at 10:30 a.m. employees working in finance or with children, if the box is for the promotion. Also, the council accepted right-of-way deeds and tempo- removed from the application. City Attorney Ricardo Woods Rich asked for the holdover and recommended the payout be rary construction easements needed for the McGregor Avenue said the administration would work with the council additional discussed further in committee. roundabout. Surface work on the project should start in March amendments. Executive Director of Public Safety Richard Landolt said the or April.

8 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 BAY BRIEFS BB St. Mary’s principal honored by national awards BY ALYSON STOKES/REPORTER | [email protected] local elementary school administrator “As far as our curriculum goes, we still meet was recently presented with two national standards and we still have our goals, but we do awards to recognize her outstanding have the flexibility to work with each student leadership as a principal, one particu- the way we need to work with each student,” she Alarly within the Catholic education system. said. “We need to meet them where they are, and St. Mary Catholic School Principal Deborah not where they think they should be.” Ollis, who started her career at St. Mary as assis- During her tenure at St. Mary, Ollis has tant principal in 2001 before becoming principal created an abundance of creative academic and in 2002, was first honored with the National extracurricular programs for students including Catholic Education Association’s (NCEA) Dis- elementary and middle school level science labs, tinguished Principal Award in June followed by a full-time resource program and a performing the National Association of Elementary School arts and robotics program, Naman said. Principals (NAESP) Distinguished Principal Ollis particularly noted the “strong addition” Award in October. of the new performing arts program, which “This is certainly a first for St. Mary, and I debuted its first ever production of “Willy Won- believe in our Archdiocesan School System, for ka” just before Thanksgiving, where students these awards that Debbie has received. We are were able to step out of the box and come out so excited for her,” said Marcelle Naman, direc- of their shells. tor of development for St. Mary Parish. “It really brought kids out that you wouldn’t According to Naman, Ollis was one of 12 have otherwise expected,” she said. principals nationwide to receive the NCEA Additionally, Ollis brought the parish’s pre- award. Additionally, Ollis was one of 61 princi- school into the actual school, ultimately adding pals, representing public, private and Catholic the K-3 preschool program to St. Mary, which schools in all 50 states, to receive the NAESP has since allowed for families to be a part of the award. Of the 61 educators honored, only three school with their children beginning at an early principals were from Catholic schools and only age, Naman said. two were from private schools. According to Naman, Ollis has also brought The fruition of Ollis’ contributions to the in extracurricular activities including St. Mary’s wellbeing of the education community earned Pride Club, the Pro-Life Club, Computer Club, her the prestigious, nationally recognized Green-Apple Club and the Alabama High awards, Naman said. School Athletic Program. “Her leadership has benefited curriculum, staff “I call Debbie the magic maker,” Naman morale, community support, student interest and said. “She comes up with an idea and makes it the learning environment,” Naman wrote of Ollis happen and it is always an idea that is innovative in a school newsletter. “She continually provides and makes programs better for our students.” creative leadership to inspire teachers to achieve Further, Ollis praised all of the St. Mary and contribute to the school environment.” staff, citing the development of new programs In October, Ollis traveled to Washington D.C. by her leadership team who embraces academic to participate in festivities honoring all NAESP diversity. award recipients. “I think I have a great team of people who “It was kind of a whirlwind of two days,” she are willing to take risks with programs and their said. “It was great.” education just to meet their needs,” she said. Additionally, honorees were presented with “My faculty has so embraced it, and they really an old-fashioned bell, traditionally given to each do try to meet the needs of each and every child National Distinguished Principal, engraved with and that’s not an easy thing to do.” his or her name, Ollis said. Ollis also placed importance on service proj- At the end of the event, organizers asked ects, having started the “Something Beautiful participants to stand and ring their bells. With for God” service program at the school where thousands of bells ringing simultaneously, Ollis students can reach out in their community and said camaraderie between educators was at an serve individuals and organizations through all-time high and the moment was very moving. fundraising and special projects, according to Furthermore, Ollis said a highlight of the trip Naman. Ollis participates in other civic orga- was spending time with the principal-at-large, nizations including Keep Mobile Beautiful and who speaks on behalf of other principals and Mobile United among many others. works in Washington D.C. with Secretary of According to Naman, Ollis’ past and present Education Arne Duncan. professional affiliations include the National During the conference, all honored principals Catholic Education Association, National As- were given a pink card and asked to write down sociation of Secondary School Principals, what they would want to say to Duncan in 30 Association for Supervision and Curriculum seconds or less, Ollis said. Development, Southern Association of Colleges Later that night at the weekend’s big ceremo- and Schools Peer Review Team, Spring Hill ny, Duncan was introduced as the guest speaker College Teacher Education Advisory Committee and discussed some of the items educators had and the Archdiocese of Mobile Catholic Schools written down on their cards. Study Committee. “Testing is not teaching, and that is great to Ollis is a graduate of Corpus Christi, McGill assess children, but there needs to be a more Toolen, Spring Hill College and the University time spent on actually instructing them and of South Alabama and holds bachelor’s degrees being with them in the classrooms as opposed in psychology and elementary education and a to always assessing them,” Ollis said, recalling master’s degree in education and administration. what she wrote on her card. In honor of her achievement, the city of Mo- While testing is important, Ollis said public bile declared June 17 Debbie Ollis Day. school teachers she spoke with at the conference “It was pretty amazing to be able to represent said they oftentimes feel pinned in by testing [St. Mary] and I think people were impressed and assessments. with what we do,” Ollis said.

LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 9 BAY BRIEFS BB Auto export facility among latest RESTORE Act proposals BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

ver the past few weeks more projects have trickled in with Alabama and regional manufacturers more competitive globally.” la Batre also submitted two projects for consideration in Novem- hopes of being funded by the RESTORE Act and other oil Despite reports it would also seek restoration funds to widen ber — the first of seven according to Mayor Brett Dungan. spill funds, but even as the total value of requests inches the federal shipping channel in the Port of Mobile, Adams said the The larger of the projects is the $44 million “Safe Harbor” ini- toward $1 billion, Alabama’s Gulf Coast Recovery Council automobile terminal proposal would be the last project submitted tiative, which would provide an enhancement to the city’s working Oisn’t any closer to weeding through the more than 130 submissions. by the Port Authority. waterfront and offer “protection for the fishing fleet and recre- Throughout the month of November, 37 new projects totaling Though the RESTORE Act isn’t currently funded, Dauphin ational vessels of Mobile County during tropical weather events.” $359 million were submitted to a portal maintained by the Ala- Island recently received good news when Gov. Bentley announced a Such a harbor has been in discussion for sometime after a bama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, includ- $3.6 million assessment of possible restoration options for the town. record-setting storm surge from Hurricane Katrina destroyed and ing large projects from the Alabama State Port Authority, Bayou la Those funds — from the National Fish and Wildlife Founda- beached several vessels in the seafood community — resulting in Batre and the Mobile County Commission. tion’s (NFWF) reserve resulting from BP’s $2.5 billion in criminal lost production and environmental damage during the extraction of Though an exact number of available funding won’t be known charges — will pay for engineering and feasibility studies to “as- the ships. until BP’s civil penalties from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are sess the current and future function of Dauphin Island and develop Emory Baya of Thompson Engineering, which has handled the settled in court, early suggestions (based on a $10 billion settle- an array of options for its restoration.” submissions for the city, told Bayou leaders last month the project ment prediction) indicate Alabama would already be close to the Though it’s only a study, Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier costs for Safe Harbor were ballpark numbers. edge of its allocated funding if every one of the presently proposed said it will provide an important foundation for protecting the “We’ve looked at a map and come up with what might be three projects were all awarded today. island from erosion, large storms and environmental disasters. possible sites, but at this point, we don’t see where any of those One of the larger projects to appear recently is the second sub- “Even though it’s focused on Dauphin Island, the implications would be available,” Baya said. mission from the Port Authority, a $65 million economic develop- are regional because of the role (we) play as a barrier island,” The city’s second submission aims to create a $15 million oys- ment project that would create an import and export facility for Collier said. “It has implications on the environment beyond the ter support dock at the Delta Point Marina in Coden, which would finished automobiles along its shipping channel in Theodore. The island, such as the oyster beds and salt marshes in the bay.” provide support to the commercial seafood industry in both cities. Port Authority is seeking $45 million from the RESTORE Act, ac- So far, Dauphin Island has submitted more projects to the cording to the proposal, and would fund the remaining $20 million DCNR’s portal than any other single municipality or organization, “Bayou La Batre’s waterfront is its lifeblood and heritage — by other means. and Collier said the new study will act as a prerequisite for those making it possible for our city’s hard-working citizens to harvest “The Southeast’s automotive manufacturing and assembly projects — giving them solid research to build on before they are the bounty of the Gulf,” Dungan said. “It is incumbent that we use industry has seen tremendous growth in the last 20 years,” Port considered by the council. the funds made available from the RESTORE Act to support our Authority Vice President of Marketing Judith Adams said. “Ala- Collier said the $58.6 million beach restoration project is the commercial fishermen.” bama is the fifth largest car and light truck producer in the U.S. most crucial for Dauphin Island, and though there are no guar- According the proposal, the city of Bayou La Batre would with annual exports totaling $7.1 billion.” anteed funds for any project, he said having the study to back up purchase the marina and upgrade it to include boat landings and According to the submittal, the creation of the automobile their requests couldn’t hurt. launches, a cold storage area and additional parking spaces. The terminal would provide a closer, cheaper export opportunity for “This is directly related to the work that we’ve been doing for DCNR and Auburn University’s Shellfish Lab are listed as partners the automobile facilities in Alabama as well as those in neighbor- quite some time,” Collier said. “Without it, it’s very likely that on the project and would both would have offices on the premises. ing states whose closest options currently are deepwater ports in nothing could happen, but unfortunately, even with the study, it’s The Mobile County Commission also submitted its first two Houston, Savannah and Jacksonville, Fla. still possible nothing could happen.” projects including a $15 million funding request for the construc- Adams said an economic impact assessment from Martin As- The study was one of four NFWF conservation projects totaling tion of an emergency operations center for the Mobile County sociates, Inc. performed in May 2012 projected the terminal would $9.6 million Gov. Bentley announced in late November. Environ- Emergency Management Agency (EMA). ultimately generate 871 jobs. mental groups like Ocean Conservancy praised the state’s decision A controversial request of $40 million for a soccer and aquatic “The project would generate annually $56 million in business to put those funds toward restoration efforts — acclaim com- complex was also submitted during the month of November, revenues, $15.5 million in local purchases, $54 million in personal ing only a month after many criticized the state’s use of Natural though the only new information it revealed was a slightly better income and consumption and $4.7 million in state and local Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) funds for a hotel complex idea of what the proposed water park feature of the complex might taxes,” Adams said. “(Another advantage) of the project is the at Gulf State Park. cost. Based on that project proposal, the Phase IV water park com- reduced cost and greater efficiency in the supply chain — making Making a first-time appearance in the portal, the city of Bayou ponent is roughly estimated at $7.1 million. Fairhope to redraw plans for soccer complex BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected] he Fairhope City Council voted unanimously Monday Councilman Richard Mueller said no matter who handles it, priority. The fields would be for the local league and players first, night to allow Mayor Tim Kant to instruct Preble-Rish there should be someone in charge to oversee subcontractors. as there are roughly 1,600 children in the city league. LLC to redesign plans for a new soccer complex project “We can do it in-house, or pay someone to do it,” Mueller In other business, the council voted to allow Kant to draw up a with a total project cost not to exceed $3.5 million. said. “if you’re going to have each one of those folks keep track lease between the city and 17 Turtles Gulf Coast Outfitters to use TThe move comes after the council, in August, rejected the only of themselves, you’re going to have a nightmare.” and perform construction improvements at the ice house building bid for the project at Manley Road and County Road 13. The Under state law, if the project is bid out in smaller increments, at Fly Creek Marina. summit bid came in at $5.4 million. At the time, Kant and the a licensed general contractor or an agent of the city must oversee The organization serves as an outreach program for at-risk council expected to have the plans redrawn and the scope of work the work, building official Eric Cortinas said. Avent said the en- youth and veterans and would like to begin renting out canoes reduced. gineering firm didn’t have a licensed contractor on staff. Bids for and kayaks at the location. They also hope to rent canoes and The original plan was for 10 fields, but Kant said the reduced work above $50,000 have to be handled by a licensed contractor, kayaks to the public. The organization would put $10,000 into the scope would most likely include a total of nine all-grass fields Avent said. building and pay a nominal rent fee for a year, Elizabeth Tons- with two championship fields. The city budgeted $2 million last Kant said it’s likely the city will bid out the dirt work and meire of Tonsmeire Consulting said. year for groundwork at the complex and another $1 million this paving first, which will be the highest priced bid. The city could Once open, the public will be able to rent the boats for two year for lighting and fencing. then bid out the grasswork and fencing. Kant said city’s electric hours, a half day, or full day, Tonsmeire said. Rentals will run $35 The city is also looking to Fairhope’s soccer league to raise department could handle the lighting and irrigation. for a two-person canoe and $25 for a kayak. money for restrooms and a concession stand, Kant said. Grant Councilwoman Diana Brewer said she didn’t feel comfort- The council also discussed putting in place restrictions for money might also be available, he said. able with the city overseeing the work and wanted to have more unsupervised minors at recreation facilities. Councilors agreed The project would tie into three spots on the existing roadway discussion on the issue before making a decision. that a blanket rule should be put in place, but a sticking point was and wouldn’t require any roadwork, Kant said. “I’m worried about scheduling and about a timeline,” she said. whether or not to include parks. Once the plans are redrawn, Preble Rish can package parts of Mueller said he didn’t object to someone “qualified” and “with “No question about it, we’ve got to have it,” Ford said. “We the work together for separate bids, Preble Rish Vice President experience” within the city acting as construction manager, but have to pass it because the insurance company told us to.” John Avent said during a pre-council meeting Monday night. At added that more discussion would be needed. Brewer asked if the rule could only apply to facilities and not the meeting, councilors also discussed hiring a construction man- Kant reassured councilors that the city could manage the parks. Kant said an age limit would be appropriate for buildings, ager for the project. Opinions were mixed on the subject, with project. or facilities, but maybe not for parks. He said the issue should be some councilors and Kant leaning in favor of allowing the city to “I have full faith we have enough talented people to do this,” discussed more. oversee the project, while others seemed to lean toward hiring an he said. Burrell asked City Clerk Lisa Hanks to craft a draft ordinance, outside general contractor. Kant said the city hopes to put grass on the fields this summer but it seems the council is interested in a rule requiring supervis- “I don’t see any sense in spending another $100,000 on it,” and that the fields are ready for play in the fall. ing in city recreation centers for children 13 and under. Councilman Mike Ford said. “It’s like the federal government Kant has previously said the fields would be large enough to The next regular meeting of the Fairhope City Council will be adding layer upon layer.” host visiting tournaments, but that regional promotion wasn’t a on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.

10 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 11 D AMN THE TORPEDOES COMMENTARY C Puppies over Pizza? Exam time has changed BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected] have to admit to having been a bit shocked early out to bake muffins would help anyone pass were particularly loose going into the ex- this week when I received a press release from literature. Certainly calling my parents to ams, but very few who used those methods the Mobile County Commission explaining how whine about my stress would only have of stress relief were around long enough to some Spring Hill College students had ordered opened the door for discussions about how endure finals more than a couple of times. Iup a bunch (or more properly a clutch) of pup- terrible my grades had been in the past, thus One great method of stress relief was pies to be delivered to campus as a way of helping creating the situation where I had to take 18 finding someone who was REALLY relieve exam-related stress. hours a semester and was therefore stressing stressed about exams and taking time out Ordering puppies? We ordered pizzas when I about having six finals. No thanks. of your own studying to do something was a SHC student. Maybe Dominos should con- College students today seem to have it terrible to him. A fun one was “pennying” sider throwing in a side order of cheesy bread and far easier in many ways than we did in the a guy into his dorm on the morning of his a Dalmatian pup with any extra large, two-topping prehistoric days of the late ‘80s, but also big exam. Pennying was accomplished pizza. Seems like a great way for one of these pizza harder in many other ways. I can only imag- by shoving pennies between the door and delivery joints to separate itself from the pack, so ine how much easier it would have been to door frame until they were pushed so hard to speak. have the Internet, iPads and electronic da- against one another that the lock couldn’t While it has been many years since I last took tabases versus books while trying to study. turn and he’s trapped. The guy with the an exam, I sort of remember enough to hopefully By the same token, it has to be so incredibly exam is screaming and tearing his hair out, crank out an entire column about it. Exam time distracting as well. The temptation to text but your own stress just melts away. Until can be very stressful for students who actually care friends, check Facebook or crank up Rick the Dean of Students calls. (Not recom- about making good grades, or for those who didn’t Springfield’s “Working Class Dog” album mended.) go to class very often and are trying to learn an en- on the iPod would be tremendous. Another old school method of blowing tire semester’s worth of botany in one night. Truly In the pre-tech world we had our own off steam was simply complaining. Instead I’d never given any thought during those times ways of “de-stressing” during exam time, of studying, griping about how unfair the about having live animals running around yapping, and puppies — sadly — weren’t part of it. class was or that the professor hadn’t even pooping and peeing, or how that might affect my There were two pledges we made live with gone over the material that would be on the ability to somehow pull a C in college algebra. But a goat for a while, but their grades didn’t in- exam was a terrific way de-stressing. Once apparently I’m in the minority. dicate stress relief or any actual intelligence. you’d convinced yourself and anyone who “These are class leaders with a future,” Mobile Back in my day (thanks for that line would listen that the whole exam was rigged County Commission President Connie Hudson grandpa) the de-stressing was less complex. against you, it was easy to accept inevitable declared in the press release. “This is an inspired The number one way to deal with exam failure. idea to relieve stress.” stress was ordering lots of terrible delivery But the most foolproof way of all to Perhaps her statement was a bit enthusiastic, but pizza. Being fat was comforting. avoid exam stress was the simplest — take what do I know? When I looked up puppies and Some students also found that drinking easy classes. Most of my exam stress exams online, up popped a story on Huffington- large amounts of alcohol or inhaling smoke disappeared after I left pre-med and took up post.com offering 10 ways to relieve exam stress. from exotic plants from far away lands to journalism, and I did it without the help of a Guess what was number one. That’s right, driving be stress relieving. I’m sure those students single puppy. around neighborhoods near campus and shooting inflatable Santa, reindeer and snowman decorations with a high-powered pellet gun. (Only good for fall semester.) The Gadfly Actually number one with a rawhide bullet was hanging out with puppies. Apparently this trend is sweeping the nation. People in high-pressure situations are now surrounding themselves with puppies. The offices of the Mobile County Com- mission may be filled with puppies as you read this. Maybe the trend will move up the food chain. Is it only a matter of time before the President of the United States comes on TV to announce the country is entering World War III while cute little fur balls roam around the Oval Office and wrestle across his desk? Would we collectively feel better about nuking North Korea and the entire Middle East if puppies tacitly approved? I think so. In the case at SHC this week the commission- ers were happy to provide puppies from the animal shelter in hopes of landing some of them perma- nent homes for the holidays and beyond. So if it helped some students make better grades and got some pups new homes, that’s a winner. I’m sure some knucklehead still failed his history exam and ended up with a pee stain on his carpet, but you can only lead a horse to water, or a puppy to students, in this case. Still, I found the list of things students in 2014 are doing to relieve “exam stress” very interesting. While there were some very logical suggestions — running, working out, listening to music — to me others fell into the category of procrastinating and whining. They included cleaning off your desk, making a calendar, talking to your parents about Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen how stressed you are, performing an act of kind- ness and making yourself a yummy muffin. Confucius say arena with no music like It’s hard for me to imagine how taking the time cruise ship terminal with no boat.

12 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 HIDDEN AGENDA COMMENTARY C The most wonderful time of the year BY ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR | [email protected]

ell it’s the most wonderful time of the year when all columnists roll out the ol’ “All I Want for Christmas” column. It rivals only the “What WI’m Thankful For ...” Thanksgiving offering in overused holiday writing structures/crutches. But alas, it allows us to complain about things while also being festive, so it’s a win-win. Hence the overuse. So without further ado, I present to you The 2014 Hidden Agenda AIWFC column. It’s a fast read, as I know we all have the last Anna-s and Elsa-s and Skylanders to go snatch out of the hands of people at Toys R Us. Muhahahahhaha! I mean Merry Christmas! Wait, where was I? Oh yeah. All I Want For Christmas is... My first request is for the writers of mall jewelry store television ads to stop making the Photo/elfontheshelf.com douchiest Christmas commercials ever con- Cut the Elf parents some slack. ceived. I really want to break the wrists of the woman who “speaks Pandora” because she can see all the charms on the woman’s bracelet Or the most important… across the room and tell her life story. And her “Kernel didn’t go anywhere last night? I guess husband is so impressed by her fluency in this he must be planning a day trip while you’re at “language.” Wow, you are able to deduce she school. Santa’s schedule is so crazy this time of went to Paris because she has an Eiffel Tower year, so that totally makes sense.” charm and she is a soccer mom because she has a Giggles achieved. Magic believed. No fuss, ball on her bracelet. Whoa! Move over Sherlock no muss. Done and Done. Holmes! There’s a new charm bracelet detective (Yeah, yeah, yeah I know. I was talking about in town! breaking the poor Pandora lady’s wrists. And to I have yet to have a single kiss “begin with be clear, it’s not the lovely bracelets I’m hating Kay” and if “he went to Jared,” we’re going to on, just the cheesy ads. But how is that any have problems, as I don’t think there is a “gal- different than hating on the Elf haters, you ask? leria of jewelry” within a 100- mile radius. And I don’t know. Doesn’t everyone hate those com- please tacky mall jewelry stores, stop making mercials? But point taken. I’ll just hit the mute diamonds that sound more like dessert than button and shut my pie hole when she figures out precious gemstones. I want to wear them not put the woman across the room plays tennis because them on ice cream. she has a racquet charm. Elementary my dear My second request is for people to get off the Pandora lady! Elementary!) backs of parents who actually enjoy doing “Elf My third request is just to get ONE photo — on the Shelf” for their kids. Sure, I get it. I feel just ONE — of my two children in front of our inadequate too (and slightly disturbed) when I Christmas tree with both of them smiling and see elaborate set ups of the Elf pooping Her- looking at the camera with their eyes open, while shey’s chocolate kisses or “fishing” in the toilet not making weird faces and/or squinting and/ bowl. But I swear the disdain the non-Elfers have or having snot running out of their noses and/or for the over-achieving Elfers is way more annoy- crying or scratching or complaining or untucking ing than the overzealous elf staging itself. (Now, their shirts or pulling their socks and/or shoes there’s a sentence I never thought I would write.) off. Because we just need ONE photo to put on The vitriol I see spewed all over Facebook our stupid Christmas card to send out season’s for these people is ridiculous. If they want to freaking greetings to all of our bleeping friends build the Taj Mahal out of mini-marshmallows, and family. so be it! That’s their time and business. No one Can’t y’all just help a mama out? is forcing you to do the same. If you don’t like GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! Look at the cam- seeing the photos of their masterpieces, then the era!!! Stop touching each other!! Put your bow “UNFOLLOW” button is your new best friend. back in!!!!! Don’t pull the ornaments off the I use it all the time for the passive aggressive “I tree!!! Kernel is watching and is going to stick wish some people would...” posters, over-selfiers, his head in the oven tonight, you little ...... over-the-top college football smack talkers and (angels)! (Editor’s Note: The last word of the extremist political article sharers. I’m sure I’m previous sentence was edited to make it more un-followed for being a kid pic over-poster. (Not appropriate for a holiday column.) Why must this to be confused with a Kid Rock pic over-poster). require a Christmas miracle? I feel for you folks And that’s OK. To each their own social media. with three or more … (angels). But Elfing really doesn’t have to involve so My final wish is to remember the only thing much rage, y’all. For real. that matters is that absolutely none of this mat- We usually just throw ours in various kitchen ters. If our Christmas card isn’t perfect and if appliances. our elf doesn’t magically poop Le Vian choco- “Uh oh. I hope Kernel didn’t eat that yogurt late diamonds from Jared (though we’re not that expired two months ago.” judging the Elves who do), we have each other “Kernel, must have needed a bath. That and there is so much love and laughter and hap- stinky elf is in the dishwasher for the third time piness and yes, absolute chaos (of the best kind) this week!” stuffed in our house and that’s truly all I have “Oh no, Kernel must have gotten cold last ever really wanted for Christmas. Or any other night. He’s balled up in the stove.” time, for that matter. Merry Christmas, y’all!

LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 13 BELTWAY BEAT COMMENTARY C Atticus Finch weeps at the UVA rape case BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

or most of us, Harper Lee’s “To Kill victed in the so-called “court of public opinion.” A Mockingbird” does not need an Hopefully, we’ll later learn some of the introduction. It’s a story that showcases facts of this story, but it’s clear for now that segregated Depression-era Alabama, some never learned from those aforementioned Fin which the story’s protagonist, small-town past mistakes in which some parties are all-too lawyer Atticus Finch, defends a black man, eager to treat the serious allegation of rape as a Tom Robinson, wrongly accused, but later crime that does not warrant due process. convicted, of rape. Alarmingly, some supposedly credible Lee’s book, a Pulitzer Prize winner in 1961, voices have doubled down on a concept that is hailed by many as a cornerstone in over- defies the 200-plus-year practice of due pro- coming racial strife in the United States, as it cess of the law in the United States. depicted how wrongly blacks were treated in In a story Saturday, Zerlina Maxwell, an the rural South. The fictional story centers on analyst for the Post, penned a piece headlined, overcoming the false rape accusation, which is “No matter what Jackie said, we should auto- not an unfamiliar storyline in American history. matically believe rape claims.” (It was later One of the more prominent examples amended to “No matter what Jackie said, we include the ordeals of the Scottsboro Boys, who should generally believe rape claims.”) were falsely accused of rape in rural northwest- “We should always believe, as a matter of ern Alabama in 1931. Other examples include default, what an accuser says,” Maxwell wrote. the 1987 false accusations of Tawana Brawley “Ultimately, the costs of wrongly disbelieving against five white men that widened the racial a survivor far outweigh the costs of calling divide at the time and more recently the 2006 someone a rapist. Even if Jackie fabricated Duke Lacrosse case, in which three white mem- her account, UVA should have taken her word bers of that upper class team faced the scrutiny for it until they could have proved otherwise. of an overzealous politically ambitious prosecu- The accused would have a rough period. He tor, but in the end were falsely accused. might be suspended from his job; friends In every one of those examples, the ac- might de-friend him on Facebook. In the case cused, despite having later proved those of Bill Cosby, we might have to stop watching, accusations to be false, had their reputations consuming his books, or buying tickets to his damaged in some way — or in the Scottsboro traveling stand-up routine. These errors can Boys, the rest of their lives. be undone by an investigation that clears the Rape is without question a terrible, awful accused, especially if it is done quickly.” thing and there’s no denying its existence. That’s an incredible statement from Max- Unfortunately, some also seem too eager to use well, and she’s not alone in her opinion. it in a way to promote an ideological agenda, Maxwell’s statement could apply to any which undermines our judicial system based crime, which is: a person may take some dam- on the common law principle of innocence age to their credibly as a human being while until proven guilty. trying to prove they are innocent, but if you’re Last month, Rolling Stone magazine cleared in the end — no harm, no foul. The key published a story about a brutal gang rape at difference from crimes other than rapes, how- a University of Virginia fraternity party of a ever, is the accuser avoids public scrutiny since woman named “Jackie.” The article, written rape victims are protected with anonymity. by Sabrina Rubin Erdely, was meant to high- That’s not to suggest that they shouldn’t light UVA’s “troubling history of indifference have the protection of anonymity. But it does to many other instances of alleged sexual create unfair situation for the accused, espe- assaults.” cially in high-profile situations that receive Almost immediately, UVA president Teresa national attention like the Rolling Stone story Sullivan suspended all fraternities on cam- on UVA. pus through the beginning of next year and This case, much like the Duke Lacrosse vowed to work with local law enforcement to case years before, is complicated by the fact the investigate the accusations while putting in accusations too conveniently fit the narrative place measures to prevent sexual assault in the of how some see and want others to perceive future. our society. That society is unjust because those There is some irony in that nearly 200 years who are recognized as being of privilege force- after founding father Thomas Jefferson created fully take advantage of those not of privilege. the University of Virginia, the institution’s Thus, these sorts of cases often receive an governing policy appears to ignore a central unwarranted share of national attention. tenet of American jurisprudence: the presump- If it backfires and the allegations are proven tion of innocence. untrue, it does nothing but set the cause back. The decision by Sullivan to figuratively More importantly, it creates a more difficult shoot now and ask questions later would wind atmosphere for actual rape victims. up, at least for now, to seemingly be an over- America’s judicial tradition should trump reaction. Reports from The Washington Post promoting an overzealous focus on political poked several holes in the story, leading Roll- correctness. Perhaps Sullivan, Maxwell and ing Stone to admit the story had problems. their ilk should pick up and read a copy of Nonetheless, the damage has been done — a “To Kill A Mockingbird” as refresher for why student organization and its members were con- that’s the case.

14 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 TAO OF JEN COMMENTARY C When it comes to wisdom, you just can’t plan it BY JENNIFER MCDONALD/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

fter reviewing the wish list my son Ceres to planet status instead, giving us a wrote for “Santa” (he’s a solid skep- total of 11 planets. My daughter Kaya fully tic but plays along out of pity for his supports this idea, and she considers herself nostalgic parents), I had to ask him a passionate advocate for the planetary re- whatA he specifically had in mind when he instatement of Pluto, citing it’s “just not fair wrote “giant plastik dinasors” on his list. Not to award something as important as being a only did I wonder what the wildly imagina- planet and then just take it back. That’s just tive boy meant by “giant,” but I also inquired not cool.” Indeed, and if it turns out there’s whether he might want to try something dif- some form of sentient life on the frozen ferent from his usual favorites, the T-rex and planet I’d imagine they’re highly offended. Velociraptor. By now there are already two additional He raised an eyebrow and looked at me dwarf planets added to the mix, Makemake like I was insane when I suggested my old and Haumea, allowing for a potential of 13 favorite from school, the gentle Brontosau- planets, had scientists not ultimately decided rus. “Mom!” he giggled. “There’s no such to change the definition of “planet” to ex- thing as a Brontosaurus! It’s an Apatosaurus! clude Pluto and the other newly discovered I’m only 7 and I know that.” Of course he’s dwarf planets. That’s too bad because I kind right; the long-necked plant-eater I learned of enjoyed the suggested mnemonic for 13 about in grammar school no longer exists as a planets: My Very Excellent Mother Constant- Brontosaurus, but the name and classic image ly Just Serves Us Nachos, Pizzas, Hamburg- is too ingrained in my memory to forget. ers, Meatballs and Eggplants. I guess we have to keep on our toes if we We’re all sad for Pluto getting snubbed al- want to keep up with an ever-changing world though it’s probably for the best, as scientists and possibly even convince our children we believe there could be thousands of objects occasionally know what we’re talking about. similar to Pluto in the outer known parts of Even some of the most basic facts are subject our solar system. We could simply make to change, right before our eyes. When I was them all planets, but it would make for some in school there were only four oceans on our pretty complicated solar system models. I planet, and one morning I woke up and there don’t wish that sort of homework assignment were five. on anyone! Not to mention the mouthful of Some of us are still getting used to the a mnemonic it would take to help some hap- fact Pluto isn’t a planet anymore. Just a few less future generation memorize the 17,000 days ago I was helping my daughter assemble planets in our solar system. a solar system model she received as a gift, Just because Pluto’s not a planet anymore and I was instantly reminded of the classic doesn’t make it any less interesting for study. nine-planet model I must have assembled a Since Pluto is so far away from the earth, hundred times as a child. It just wasn’t the little is known about its exact size or surface same without the little ball that used to be conditions. However, very soon we’ll know known as the smallest and 9th planet from a great deal more about the cold and remote the sun. former planet. Not to mention the demotion of Pluto In January 2006 NASA launched its New totally spoils the nifty mnemonic device we Horizons mission, which aims to be the first always used for remembering the names of probe to study Pluto, its moons and other all the planets: My Very Educated Mother bodies within the Kuiper Belt, where Pluto Just Served Us Nine Pizzas. Now there’s no lies. After traveling nearly a million miles per pizza. Now what? day for nine years, the spacecraft will make Pluto was first discovered in 1930 by an its closest approach to Pluto in July 2015. astronomer working from the Lowell Obser- Beginning as soon as January of next year vatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. Scientists had (just a few weeks!), the spacecraft will begin already predicted the presence of a 9th planet using long-range photography to capture im- in the solar system, which they called Planet ages of the former planet. The photography X, and after many years of studying the sky will continue as the craft makes its closest a young astronomer finally spotted the mass. approach, where it will eventually travel at The discovery of the new planet, later named a distance close enough to see buildings if it Pluto, made headlines across the world and were flying over Earth at the same distance. allegedly inspired Walt Disney to add a new An important step in the mission was character to his collection, Mickey Mouse’s completed this past Saturday when the long- now beloved canine companion Pluto. traveling spacecraft finally “woke up” as Pluto (the big rock, not the pup) officially scheduled and sent the signal that all systems lost its planet status back in 2006, after sci- were functioning normally. NASA scientists entists realized it was not only much smaller were thrilled by the good news. They’re than originally estimated, but there were extremely excited about the upcoming in- other objects of similar or even larger size formation, saying it could change just about just beyond it. Pluto was ultimately desig- everything we know about Pluto and give nated a “dwarf planet,” along with similarly us amazing new insight into the mysterious sized discoveries named Eris and Ceres. universe around us. Not everyone supported Pluto’s demo- Stay tuned fellow olds! There’s no telling tion, and many suggested promoting Eris and what will be in our grandchildren’s textbooks!

LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 15 THE REAL DEAL BUSINESS BB Dependable Sheet Metal recognized by hot rod pub BY RON SIVAK/COLUMNIST | [email protected] | Twitter: @rcvak obile’s Dependable Sheet Metal Co. the market for $495,000 and listed by Harry public and private sector. Their purpose is Inc. was recently honored by the Johnson of Gulf Coast Restaurant Brokers to improve the outcomes of capital projects editors of Ol’ Skool Rodz magazine in Daphne. The property currently is set up through research and associated activities. with an article in their “New Kool in a long term lease with the city of Fairhope According to a press release, CII’s mission MStuff” section. Their segment covered the cre- with the current owner planning retirement is to disseminate knowledge that improves the ation of a custom aluminum “square to round” soon. The eatery seats 90 and includes a 32- quality and delivery of capital projects, as well automobile shroud locally designed by the slip marina and an apartment on the second as create global competitive market advantage company and fabricated for the antique Ford floor. for its members. Model A, built from 1928 to 1931, hugely Sharon Wright and Michael Wilson with Since 1993, Backes has served on numer- popular among hot-rod enthusiasts. White-Spunner Realty recently leased two ous committees and research teams for CII. In “Only plastic or thin, ‘hatchet-job’ fan spaces at Fountain Plaza on State Highway 2012 Backes received the CII Distinguished shrouds had been available until we developed 59 in Foley. Gulf Coast Martial Arts leased Service Award. Award recipients must be a way to fashion this shroud out of 0.080 thick a 2,650-square-feet studio space and Coastal employed by a member of CII and the award aluminum (about as thick as a stop-sign). It Ballet Academy leased a 1,400-square-feet recognizes individuals who have served as a was done by computer-cutting, hand-welding dance space. Other tenants in the center are role model for other CII participants. and shaping it for maximum smooth flow, as Sears, Xtreme Nutrition and Smoothie With more than 36 years of civil engineer- well as longevity and beauty. The shroud also King. A 1,400-square-foot space is still avail- ing, engineering management and project man- comes apart for maintenance on the motor and able according to Wright. agement experience in a variety of industries, can be adapted to other classic cars as well. Hamilton Mortgage Corporation, a full Backes received his B.S. in civil engineering With all due to respect to Henry Ford, this service mortgage banking firm, has leased from Notre Dame and holds a M.S. in civil masterpiece can outclass the car,” President a 1,125-square-foot office space at4080 engineering from Michigan State University. Ronald Scott said. Government Blvd., Suite B. Tony Cooper Hargrove Engineers + Constructors began Ol’ Skool Rodz is one of the best-selling of BHHS Cooper and Co., Inc. Commercial their involvement with CII in December 2007 hot rod magazines of its kind internationally, Division handled the transaction. as a small member company and moved to a has a huge cult following and is considered Interface Financial Group (IFG) has full standard membership Dec. 1, 2014. Har- to have some of the most informative views opened a new franchise location in Mobile grove received the Professional Development of modern custom car culture lifestyle in the located at 41 W. I-65 Service Road N. The Award in 2011 and the Performance Assess- industry. They are a subsidiary of Koolhouse Bethesda, Maryland-based company offers ment User Award in 2014. Publishing based out of Jesup, Ga., who also small businesses in local areas alternative put out Car Kulture Deluxe magazine. sources for working capital and focuses on the Wilkins Miller’s Dixon earns CVA Dependable Sheet Metal was established in manufacturing, service, and construction sec- certification 1962 and has 10 employees on 2964 Mill St. tors. Their invoice discounting service enables Lyndsey Dixon, CPA, a manager with located in the Crichton Business District. small businesses to turn receivables into cash. Wilkins Miller, has successfully completed Pour Baby Wine Bar leased a the certification process with the National Commercial Real Estate Moves 2,400-square-foot retail space and Olivella Association of Certified Valuation Analysts According to John Vallas at Vallas Realty, Gourmet Olive Oils and Vinegars leased a (NACVA) to earn her designation of Certified Inc., a Montgomery based developer recently 1,200-square-foot location, expanding into Valuation Analyst (CVA). Currently Wilkins purchased 14 properties in Saraland for a west Mobile at the Southwood Place Shop- Miller has seven professionals who hold this new retail development. The properties are ping Center on 6808 Airport Blvd. The designation. located at the intersection of U.S. Highway Merrill P. Thomas Co. Inc. represented the Dixon has nine years’ experience in public 43 and Celeste Road. Formerly at the location landlord in the transaction. accounting and joined Wilkins Miller in 2012. were a restaurant, a furniture store, a sign com- She has a B.S. in business administration from pany, business offices and six houses. Backes named chairman of Con- the University of Alabama and an M.B.A. Plans are to have all remaining structures struction Industry Institute from Auburn University Montgomery. demolished. The city of Saraland also intends The Construction Industry Institute (CII) Business valuations are most commonly to vacate a portion of Old Telegraph Road for recently named Jim Backes, executive vice required in conjunction with the purchase or the renovation project. According to Vallas, president at locally-owned Hargrove Engineers sale of a business, succession planning, buy/ CVS Pharmacy will be one of the new anchor + Constructors, as the 2015 chairman of the sell agreements, charitable contributions, es- tenants moving in with two other major re- board. tate and gift taxes, and initial public offerings. tailers currently far along in discussions with CII is a nationwide consortium, based out In the litigation arena, valuations are often developers to possibly occupy the property. The University of Texas at Austin, of more necessary in situations of business disruption, The Yardarm Restaurant & Marina on than 130 leading academics, engineering dissenting shareholder actions, divorce and Fairhope Municipal Pier recently was put on contractors and supplier firms from both the partner disputes.

16 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 17 THE REVIEW | CUISINE Winter root veggies and greens: Celebrate the Earth this season BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

hile you ladies in your Han Solo attire line up at coffee shops to grab the last of this season’s pumpkin pie spiced lattes, I will be gathering up my favorite early winter veggies and late fall Wsquashes. I tend to shy away from words like “earthiness” and non-words like “irregardless,” but when you are dining on this season’s showcase of crops you might be inclined to say you can taste the earthiness, regardless of how preten- tious that may sound. Greens are still the most popular veggie this time of year, and I enjoy the big three: turnips, collards and mustards. Nowadays you’ll find kale rounds out the list, making a quartet of greenery that goes great with ham, and I do like most kale, too. But my favorite is the almighty turnip. Don’t yawn. Maybe that sounds boring (I also switched back to beer-flavored beer two years ago) but my tastes were unwavering on the issue. I’ve made a pretty mean pot of col- lards here and there, but my best pot of collards or mustards couldn’t hold a candle to my worst pot of turnips. I’ve never met one I didn’t like. The big bulky purple top roots are the most readily avail- able, but if you ever get the chance to try the White Lady turnips don’t miss out. The roots are stark white and a little larger than a golf ball. Sometimes I boil them up separately and eat them like mashed potatoes. Roasted and scorched on the outside over a fiery grill is another delicious method for preparing them. In Mississippi a lot of people like to pair turnips with pecans. Some may like pork encrusted with pecans, toasted Photo/wikipedia.com pecans or maybe just follow up your greens and pot liquor with a pecan pie for dessert. I remember being younger and With the cooler weather, the time has come for turnips, collards and mustards. someone saying their grandmother used to put one pecan in the pot of turnips. I made the girl repeat it. A whole, unshelled • Add the roasted vegetables to the pot along with the chicken pecan placed in the pot of turnips with the belief that it takes • 2 carrots, 2 parsnips, 2 sweet potatoes, one butternut squash, stock. away some of the bitterness. Maybe she was a witch. My one large turnip root • Salt and pepper the mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce the grandmother never put whole pecans in the pot. • 1 stick of butter heat to medium low and cook covered 10 minutes. With all of the grocers competing to be hipper, trendier and • 1 large onion, chopped • Add the milk. With an immersion blender puree the mixture. more “farm-to-table” we also see parsnips more often than we • 2 celery stalks, chopped For a chunkier soup remove half of the veggies with a slotted used to. I try to take advantage when I see them. As with most • 1 teaspoon of garlic, chopped spoon, puree, then return them to the pot. winter items these paler cousins of the carrot are much sweeter • 1 quart chicken stock or vegetable stock • Add the spinach and stir until it wilts. when harvested after the first frost. • 1 cup of milk Of course sweet potatoes and carrots are spectacular this • 2 cups of fresh, raw spinach Salt and pepper to your heart’s content. But be warned. This time of year, but winter also has its share of squash. My • Salt and pepper to taste is a fairly sweet soup, which isn’t normally my thing. Here’s favorite is the butternut. You’ll find some people use it as a • Hot sauce how I make it my thing. Hot sauce will make this dish sing to substitute for pumpkin as they are similar in color and flavor. the heavens. Pick your favorite. I would recommend going hot- It’s sweet. It’s nutty. It’s my favorite right now. • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. ter than a Louisiana Red Dot or Crystal. Maybe Tabasco sauce • Clean, peel and cut the root vegetables and the squash evenly or one drop of those designer sauces you got last Christmas but Roasted winter vegetable soup into large chunks. were afraid to try. Go ahead and ruin the healthy aspect of this I love soup any time of year, but right now it’s a must. This • Roast on a lightly greased roasting pan stirring every 10 heartwarming dish by serving up some stale, crusty bread. It is an extremely healthy soup that could be vegetarian by using minutes until they are tender (about 25 minutes). keeps well, but you’ll be sick of it if you try to finish this pot water or vegetable stock instead of chicken. The key is to roast In a large soup pot melt the butter and sauté the onion, celery alone. Go forth and make new friends. the vegetables rather than boil them. and garlic until the onion is translucent.

18 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 19 W ORD OF MOUTH CUISINE CC Moe’s goes west for latest barbecue franchise BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected] range Beach, Daphne, downtown Mobile, what could the Buffett. She opened the mothership LuLu’s on State Highway 59 future hold for Moe’s Original Barbecue? Next stop West at the Intracoastal Waterway, serving as many as 4,000 people Mobile, of course. The popularity of this barbecue chain drinks, grub and live music on any given hot summer day. continues to grow, and there’s no sense in leaving our ‘08 Let’s just say the gal thinks bridges are lucky. The latest news Ofriends in the dark. is she found a new bridge, only this time it’s on the Emerald Coast I’m sure most of you are familiar with the area at the corner of in Destin. University and Airport, and the fact there have been several failed “My family spent lots of time on the Florida Panhandle and it attempts for others at this location, including two former barbecue feels like an extension of home to me. Destin has always been a joints (my favorite of which was Little Dick Russell’s), but I have part of my vision for a second LuLu’s. Our new location is ideal faith in the Moe’s business plan. The smallish building will house for what we do. There’s a bridge for good luck and beautiful water a bar and will cook and serve up the same cue we all know and views,” Buffett said. love from our other Moe’s locations. There was even a smoker It sounds to me like one of America’s top vacation destinations already on site! is about to get a little tastier. For all of you hungry citizens who reside west of I-65, if you She and her team will be crossing the state line to “spread the asked St. Nick to bring barbecue for Christmas be prepared to gumbo love” as early as summer 2015. We will keep you posted be disappointed, but you aren’t far off the mark. We should have as soon as we know an opening date. Photo/LuLu’s those smoky wings sometime after the first of the year. Hopefully LuLu’s will open a Destin, Fla. location in 2015. it will be the best place to get away from the Mardi Gras Crowd. Micheli’s Café and Gourmet-to-go There’s a lot of squawk about the latest dining craze at the Fish River Grill to open third location in Gulf Shores Carriage Towne Shopping Center. Officially the address is 6358 going out of business, but the part of the note I found amusing So here is a restaurant that is growing in the other direction. Cottage Hill Road. Save it in your GPS, because Micheli’s Café was the plea to, “Please visit the other nearby Gigi’s bakeries in There are certainly fans of the Fish River Grill. Some prefer is already a hit. Dine in for soups, salads, sandwiches and sliders. Montgomery, Auburn and Dothan.” Yeah, I’ll be sure to stop by the little shack near the trailer park at 11950 County Road 32 in But the Gourmet-to-go side of the menu is even more impressive Dothan for a baker’s dozen on my way home from work. Fairhope. Others may dine off State Highway 59 with the good for those not in the mood to cook. This begs the question, are we witnessing the end of the people of Foley at 608 S. McKenzie St. No matter which you pre- Fourteen different entrees in three different sizes serving cupcake craze? Only time will tell. Maybe Flour Girls is about to fer, you’ll be happy to know you will soon have one more option. anywhere from 2 to10 people sound amazing as do the half dozen get a larger share of the market. They are wonderful. Maybe all Fish River Grill is opening its third location in Gulf Shores soups sold in pints and quarts and the dozen desserts I dare not the new doughnut places are filling the seats at the dentist’s office. on Highway next to Rouses Supermarket in the former City Grill name. I have some folks that scout for me on that side of the Apples and oranges, I know. The designer cupcake is a powerful location. Be on the lookout for a grand opening sometime in late interstate and they are strongly suggesting I pay a visit. Maybe force. I once saw a woman at 10 a.m. order three cupcakes and a January. The OMG Shrimp poboy and the half-pounder Category you should, too. Diet Coke. You could tell she wasn’t going to share. 5 burger is coming your way. Gigi’s Cupcakes closes Mobile location Bee Hive discontinues Wednesday Power Lunch LuLu’s finds a lucky bridge in Destin, plans for Even with all of this news of openings and expansions, into And now for a little more rain. Government Street United Meth- second location one’s life a little rain must fall. The sign on the door read, “Gigi’s odist Church has discontinued their long-running Wednesday Power I remember well the original location of LuLu’s. It was just Cupcakes of Mobile is now closed for business.” It went on to Lunch. We are saddened to hear this, but will let you know if Bettie over the bridge at Weeks Bay and was little more than a dive. I thank all of the customers, friends and fans, and how without such Champion and the gang decide to do another gumbo class. I’m sure spent my fair share of time there getting my feet dirty and my support they couldn’t have won the Nappie Award for Best Cup- something new will be buzzing at the Beehive soon. whistle wet. The place grew, and success is not elusive for Lucy cake three years in a row. There’s nothing funny about a bakery Recycle.

20 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 21 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

22 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 ROyAL STREET TAVERn Famous burgers, sandwiches & Enchiladas, tacos, & authentic Korean & Vietnamese cuisine. Live music,martinis & a light dinner wings. 60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690. fare. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-2453 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 menu. 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 CALLAGhAn’S IRISh SOCIAL CLUB EL ChARRO ($) MEMPhIS q AT BEAU RIVAGE ($) SOUThERn nAPA ($) Burgers & beer. Finest Mexican in WeMo. Memphis-style Q. Bistro plates, craft beers and pantry. 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374 7751 Airport Blvd. • 607-0882 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 2304 Main Street. • 375-2800 hEROES SPORTS BAR & GRILLE ($) FUEGO ($-$$) COAST RESTAURAnT AT BEAU SAUCy q BARBqUE ($) Sandwiches & cold beer. Outstanding Mexican cuisine. RIVAGE ($) 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376. 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 Award-winning BarBQue. LOS ARCOS ($) Sports bar-style joint. 1111 Government Blvd. • 433-7427 falafel? try Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 MCShARRy’S IRISh PUB ($) Quaint Mexican restaurant. WhISTLE STOP ($) 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484 LB’S STEAkhOUSE AT GRAnD Home cookin’ & BBQ. some Hummus Brillant Reubens & Fish-N-Chips LA COCInA ($) CASInO ($$-$$$) 110 S. Florida St. • 478-7427 7 SPICE ($-$$) 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope Authentic Mexican cuisine. Fine dining with juicy steak Healthy, delicious Mediterranean food. 990-5100 4633 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553 & fine wine. 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177 ThE LAnDInG ($) SAnTA FE GRILL ($) 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 Drop DeaD ABBA’S MEDITERRAnEAn From seafood to steaks. Locally-owned, fresh cuisine. CUU LOnG SUPER PhO AT GRAnD CAFE ($-$$) 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 973-2696 3160 Bel Air Mall • 450-2440 CASInO ($$) Beef, lamb & seafood. LUCky’S IRISh PUB ($) Asian noodle soups, bubble teas Gourmet Irish pub fare & more. ALABAMA CRUISES ($$) 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464 & more. Fine dining & sailing from Of JERUSALEM CAFE ($-$$) 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000 ThE STADIUM ($) no GamBlinG 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 Orange Beach • 973-1244 Mobile’s oldest Middle Eastern cuisine. EMERIL’S GULF COAST FISh hOUSE Catch the games with great food. BAy GOURMET ($$) 5773 Airport Blvd. • 304-1155 19270 Hwy. 98 Fairhope Casino fare AT ISLAnD VIEW CASInO ($$-$$$) A premier caterer & cooking classes. kAn zAMAn CAFE ($) atmore Kick it up a notch. 1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051 990-0408 FIRE AT WInD CREEk CASInO & 326 Azalea Rd. • 229-4206 WEMOS ($) 3300 W. Beach Blvd. • 877-774-8439 CAFé 615 ($$-$$$) MEDITERRAnEAn SAnDWICh hOTEL ($$-$$$) C&G GRILLE AT ISLAnD VIEW American fare with local ingredients. Wings, tenders, hotdogs & sandwiches. COMPAny ($) Great & quick. World-class prime steaks, seafood CASInO ($) 615 Dauphin St. • 432-8434. 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-5877 & wine. 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 Large breakfast, lunch or dinner CAFé ROyAL ($$-$$$) 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 menu. Prime steak & seafood in elegant setting. 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725-0126 GRILL AT WInD CREEk CASInO & 3300 W. Beach Blvd. 877-774-8439 101 N. Royal St. • 405-5251 MInT hOOkAh BISTRO ($) mama mia! hOTEL ($) nOJA ($$-$$$) Great Mediterranean food. BEnTz’S PIzzA PUB ($) Contemporary & old-fashioned WAhOO’S POOLSIDE BAR AnD Inventive & very fresh cuisine. 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191 favorites. GRILL AT PALACE CASInO RESORT Homemade pizza and Italian dishes. ($-$$) 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 zORBA ThE GREEk ($-$$) 28567 County Rd. 13 • 625-6992 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 OSMAn’S RESTAURAnT ($$) Shawarmah & baba ghanouj. BUCk’S PIzzA ($$) Fresh seafood & more. Supreme European cuisine. 1222 Hillcrest Rd, Ste. D • 633-2202 Biloxi 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 Delivery. VIBE AT hARD ROCk hOTEL MIGnOn’S AT PALACE CASInO 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006. 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444 ROyAL SCAM ($$) AnD CASInO ($-$$) RESORT ($$-$$$) GAMBInO BROThERS ($) Fine surf, turf, atmosphere & cigars. Gumbo, Angus beef & bar. far eastern fare Homemade pastas & sandwiches. Extraordinary wine, steaks & BAnGkOk ThAI ($-$$) 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-625 seafood. 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226) 873 Hillcrest Ave. • 344-8115 RUTh’S ChRIS STEAk hOUSE AT RUTh’S ChRIS STEAk hOUSE ($$$) Delicious, traditional Thai cuisine. GAMBInO’S ITALIAn GRILL ($) hARD ROCk hOTEL & CASInO ($$$) 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 Exceptional service & taste. 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995 Italian, Steaks, Seafood, ThE DEn AT TREASURE BAy BAnzAI JAPAnESE RESTAURAnT Exceptional servie & taste. CASInO ($-$$) 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516 18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990-0995 777 Beach Blvd • 877-877-6256 TAMARA’S DOWnTOWn ($$) ($$) Traditional sushi & lunch. hARD ROCk CAFé AT hARD ROCk Intimate & casual with daily 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 GUIDO’S ($$) Casual fine dining. Fresh cuisine nightly on menu. hOTEL AnD CASInO ($) specials. 104 N. Section St., Fairhope GOLDEn BOWL ($) Hibachi Grill & Asian Cuisine 1709 Main St., Daphne • 626-6082 American fare & rockin’ memorabilia. 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 929-2219 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 Cq AT TREASURE BAy CASInO ($$-$$$) UnIOn ($$$) 309 Bell Air Blvd • 470-8033 LA ROSSA ($$) LIqUID ($$) Catering and Market. SATISFACTIOn AT hARD ROCk Elegant atmosphere & tantalizing Premium steaks & burgers. hOTEL AnD CASInO ($) entrees. Amazing sushi & assortment of 1716 Main St. Ste. C, Daphne 659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300 rolls. Southern favorites & fresh- 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 ThE BULL ($-$$) 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109 625-0345 smoked meats. MIkATO JAPAnESE STEAk hOUSE PICkLEFISh ($$) BLU AT TREASURE BAy CASInO ($) N. Mexico/Santa Fe & Gulf Coast cuisine. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 Lounge with cocktails & tapas ($$) Upscale sushi & specialties. Pizza, sandwiches & salads. TIEn AT IP CASInO 609 Dauphin St. • 378-5091 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622 menu. ThE TRELLIS ROOM ($$$) ROCk n ROLL SUShI ($$) 5955 Old Shell Rd.• 344-9899 RESORT SPA ($-$$) PAPA’S PLACE ($$) Pan-Asian cuisine made in front 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 Italian dishes & local flair. 3299 Bel Air Mall. • 287-0445 MARGARITAVILLE Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493 WASABI SUShI ($$) A Taste of Italy . BYOB. of you. 28691 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 RESTAURAnT ($$$) Japanese cusine Burgers, salads, specialties & 626-1999 hIGhLIGhTS SPORTS LOUnGE AT IP 3654 Airport Blvd. S. C • 725-6078 more. a little Vino yEn RESTAURAnT ($) RAVEnITE ($) CASInO RESORT SPA ($) DOMkE MARkET Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Pizza, Pasta, Salad & more Brews & game on 65 screens. 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 FEEDInG FREnzy BUFFET ($-$$) Wine, Craft Beer, Gourmet foods, 763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525 hIGh TIDE CAFé AT IP CASInO (MARGARITAVILLE CASInO) & more. 2410 Dawes Rd. Ste. D. Jubilee Shopping Center, Daphne VIA EMILIA ($$) RESORT SPA ($) Featuring Gulf Coast Cuisine 375-0599 625-4695 Homemade pastas & pizzas made Casual & relaxing, extensive menu. daily. 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 FAThOMS LOUnGE 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 A tapas reaturant, cocktails & live MARInA AT LAnDShARk BR PRIME AT BEAU RIVAGE ($$-$$$) LAnDInG($-$$) music 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 is tHe Game on? olé mi amiGo! Fine dining establishment. RED OR WhITE BUFFALO WILD WInGS ($) CABO COASTAL CAnTInA ($) (MARGARITAVILLE CASInO) Best wings & sporting events. 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 990-0003 225 Dauphin St. • 441-7685 JIA AT BEAU RIVAGE ($-$$) 4 portable food stations. 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955 DAUPhIn ST. TAqUERIA ($) 160 5th St. • 855-667-6777 1104 Dauphin St.. • 478-9494 BUTCh CASSIDy’S ($) Exotic Japanese, Thai, Chinese,

LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 23 CC THIRSTY WORK CUISINE May your holidays be rosé and bright BY SUSAN LARSSON/CONTRIBUTING WRITER | [email protected]

ome folks say “rosé season” is long and Angelina Jolie’s French vineyards. Miraval past, but rosé wines are perfect with Rosé actually is made by Marc Perrin, part of holiday meals. Whether your center- the five-generation winemaking family cur- piece is turkey or ham, and especially if rently responsible for producing world-class Syou’ve dug out your fancy salmon recipes, rosé Chateau de Beaucastel Chateuneuf-du-Pape is the ideal middle ground between a too-light in Avignon, roughly 150 kilometers northwest white and a too-robust red. of Brangelina’s 1,000-plus acre estate with its But rosés aren’t one-size-fits-all wines, so seven microclimates and reputed $60-million I’ve found two locally purchasable ones with price tag (and yes, I’m just envious). starkly distinct flavor profiles that you can Anyway, Miraval Rosé blends three red pair with your particular menu. And if you’re grapes (Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault) with like my friend who’s brave enough to roast Rolle (a white grape possibly better known a standing-rib of beef every year, don’t look by its Italian name, Vermentino), grown in away: I’ll have a red recommendation for you accordance with organic-farming practices. It’s at the end. produced primarily in stainless-steel vats, but First up, on the sturdier side of the spec- a small percentage of the wine is fermented in trum, Charles and Charles Columbia Valley oak barrels, adding an extra smidge of tannin to Rosé 2013 is my choice for a traditional turkey the limited amount the juice can absorb during dinner. From Washington’s Columbia Valley, its brief contact with the red grapes’ skins. it’s a French-grape blend — largely Syrah (86 The wine pours a pale, bright orange — like percent) with Cinsault, Grenache, Counoise thinly sliced raw salmon — with aromas that and Mourvedre rounding out the team. All rise to the lip of the glass. Those aromas are those red grapes combine to create a wine that primarily of tart red apple, lemon and red cur- pours a bit darker, and tastes a bit more tannic, rant — a fragrance something like carnations than your average rosé. only minus the spice. Miraval’s flavors are tart, Charles and Charles Rosé is a collaboration combining soft red fruits with a drop of tanger- between Charles Bieler and Charles Smith, two ine, more apple (maybe even crabapple) and a independent winemakers who decided in 2008 distinct, if subtle, grapey-ness on the ultra-long to try to make world-class rosé in Washington finish. What you’ll probably notice most about state. Bieler had a history of making wine in this wine is its sky-high acid level, which the south of France but, according to his online contributes to its overall sensations of dryness, account, wanted to branch out to Washington, silkiness and elegance. so he contacted Smith, who had been making Miraval is so light, fresh and dry it almost unconventional (yet delicious) Washington floats out of the glass, but that’s what makes it wines for many years. According to their web- perfect with food. Unlike Charles and Charles, site, “Making kick-ass wines is our thing,” and however, Miraval works best with ham and their rosé doesn’t disappoint. salmon, not so much with turkey (and espe- This wine opens with a very light whiff of cially not with heavy stuffing or sweet yams). raspberry jam, but the portent of sweetness does It does like a good French goat cheese, though, not follow through in the taste — which is dry, and can easily stand alone during cocktail hour. sturdy and tannic. It’s medium bodied, with So, even if I don’t like all the hype surrounding flavors of wild strawberry and honeydew melon its parentage, I do like the wine — and I think ending in a short, sharp finish of citrus or maybe you will, too. (13 percent ABV; $25 available melon rind. It may sound astringent, but it’s defi- at several local wine shops.) nitely not. It’s a bit edgy, but the overall effect is Now, I promised a red wine for you stand- food-friendly and palate-cleansing. ing-rib lovers, so here it is: Left Coast Cellars Speaking of food, I’d put Charles and “Right Bank” Pinot Noir 2009. This Oregon Charles Rosé on the table with a turkey dinner, Pinot Noir from the Willamette (rhymes with rather than offering it by itself. It can stand up “dammit”) Valley has enough body and tannin to your roasted tom (turkey, not cat), savory to stand up to beef, yet is welcoming and ready stuffing and all the sides. I learned by happy to drink now. The grapes come from a single accident that it’s surprisingly good with broc- small vineyard planted largely in Pommard- coli soup. (12.8 percent ABV; $12; available at clone Pinot Noir (Pommard being one of the several local wine shops.) most outstanding regions of southern Bur- My second rosé recommendation is much gundy; I can recommend a nice hotel there, if more delicate, much less edgy and it comes you need one). with quite a pedigree. In fact, as soon as I “Right Bank” Pinot pours dark garnet and is saw it on the cover of “Wine Spectator” I a full-bodied wine with mingled herb-and-berry thought there was no way I’d ever drink this aromas followed by mineral-enhanced cherry wine. Back in June (“rosé season,” remember) and blueberry flavors and a long, lingering it was all anyone could write about and the finish. As much as 30 percent of the wine is hype really turned me off. I ultimately caved aged in new-oak barrels, so tannins will be and bought a bottle, shaped differently from noticeable but in a nicely dry way — not over- most wine bottles to radiate “specialness,” but whelmingly oaky. It’s got the acid needed to waited months to open it. When I finally did, complement a roast, but will also show off your I learned an important lesson: Occasionally, Yorkshire pudding and parsnips. (14 percent hype is justified. ABV; $30; at shops served by distributor Rush The wine I’m referring to is Miraval Cotes Wines.) de Provence Rosé 2013, produced at Brad Pitt Happy Holidays!

24 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 25 COVER STORY Civic Center’s future unclear decades after heyday BY GABRIEL TYNES/ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

efore it ever hosted schoolchildren at the first Mobile Inter- for commercial use of arena, or 10 percent of gross ticket sales, All the promoters knew what happened here. My first job was to go national Festival and before the roar of a monster truck show whichever was greater. Management charged $350 for the use of around the country to all the major promoters and labels to let them ever echoed under its dome, before any graduate ever walked the theater and $150 for the expo hall. Civic rates, usually about know Mobile was still a viable market and to a degree, it worked.” across its stage to receive a degree or before the first touch- $100 less, were available for religious, charitable or educational After the auditorium’s construction in 1964, Mobile became a Bdown was scored by an arena football team, the Mobile Municipal organizations. In 1974, rates were raised to $1,250 for commercial mandatory stop on the Gulf Coast concert circuit that also included Auditorium opened to high expectations with an inaugural event. use of the arena, $450 for the theater and $600 for the expo hall. Jacksonville, New Orleans and Houston. But Brazier said newer Before the doors opened for the first audiences in July 1964, Rates were raised again in 1980, 1988 and 1992, just before the auditoriums in Biloxi and Pensacola eventually competed with the managers of the 150,000-square-foot arena, theater and expo hall building was rebranded as the Mobile Civic Center and turned over Civic Center, while the music industry also evolved. Then when the had already booked two circuses, 31 Mardi Gras balls, several to an outside management agency. city built the Convention Center in 1993, it essentially went into graduation ceremonies, dozens of basketball games, the Junior Miss The most recent numbers, compiled by management firm SMG business against itself. Pageant and concerts from Ray Charles, Liberace, the Mobile Sym- for the city in September, indicate the Civic Center lost $848,114 in “Since you’ve had Biloxi and Pensacola, now three buildings phony and the Vienna Boys Choir, among others. But the managers, fiscal year 2014, up from a $695,951 loss in 2013. are vying for the same concerts,” Brazier explained. “Plus, the eager to display the arena’s most modern facilities, wanted a grand In a not-so-cryptic message about the facility’s future, Mayor situation now is there is not that many acts touring. My personal opening no one would forget. Cue “Holiday on Ice,” a 90-minute Sandy Stimpson said his administration met with various Mardi opinion is that acts now have so much exposure on TV, the Internet, ice skating show pairing some of the country’s best skaters with Gras societies recently and told them to change their plans for 2016 on YouTube, on awards shows, in advertising — people that would holiday-themed music pumped over the PA. and find new venues for their balls. ordinarily go to concerts, they have seen these artists so many times The show’s $3 admission charge beckoned anyone and everyone Stimpson said allowing the Civic Center’s ongoing loss is “not the interest is not there like it used to be, where you didn’t see them to escape the stifling heat of the Mobile summer and witness the something the city needs to keep doing.” unless they came to your city and you had a ticket.” spectacle of synchronized athletes gliding around on a three-inch “To me, we’ve got to stop the bleeding,” Stimpson said, adding Brazier said major acts have also recently gravitated more thick, indoor floor of ice. “ultimately, whoever develops the property will eventually demol- toward music festivals, larger stadiums or even smaller, more In the following years, the building’s entertainment profile ish (the Civic Center.)” intimate venues than the Civic Center. He said he has not spoken increased significantly. A 1970 Elvis Presley show was heavily City spokesman George Talbot said the administration has heard with Stimpson about 2016, but predicted an increase in bookings promoted regionally and the 10,000-seat arena, managed by city from interested developers, but Stimpson said “we don’t have any- over last year. employees under the direction of a board of directors, was oversold. one in the wings with a wrecking ball.” Comments on the facility’s budget report attributed its six-figure A file in Mobile’s Municipal Archives details the ensuing melee A glimpse at the list of concerts throughout its history indicates loss last year to “no concerts held October-December & February- after dozens of people who had either ordered tickets by mail or the Civic Center fell out of favor with performers around the mid- March & June” and “family shows did not occur in November, waited in a long pre-sale line were shut out of the concert. Still, the ’80s, around the same time another indictment ensnared and even- January, February, April & May.” A $58,000 loss was attributed to show was considered a resounding success, with balance sheets tually convicted the facility’s newer management of a sweeping “budgeted sporting events in May, August and September that did indicating the arena grossed $91,587.50 in box office receipts and extortion scheme. Battling cancer, Clewis resigned in 1980. He was not occur.” the show’s promoter was paid $55,948. replaced by George Juzang as general manager and David Gwin as For his part, Greenough, who was sentenced to 25 years for the Before his death in 1977, Elvis would return to the arena four assistant manager. fraud but served only five, said “he was not going to argue [his] times. After his death, a petition circulated to rename the building The Municipal Archives’ records on the auditorium — which case,” but admitted the scandal “caused everybody to shy away in his honor. date back to land purchases at the turn of the 20th century — end from [the Civic Center].” Michael Jackson performed there too, once with The Jackson 5 with a single piece of storied paper: a June 1984 grand jury sum- “There’s no question it had effect on bookings,” he said. “So it in 1971 and again with The Jacksons 10 years later, just before he mons for then-City Clerk Richard Smith, who was called to testify was ballyhooed as if there were millions and millions missing, but went solo and later became the King of Pop. In its first 20 years, about irregularities in the auditorium’s finances. By the end of that was hogwash. Once that perception is out there, it’s hard to Mobile Municipal Auditorium hosted a steady lineup of the music the investigation, then-District Attorney Chris Galanos turned the change.” industry’s top acts, including Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Led case over to federal authorities, who secured guilty pleas and key Regardless, Greenough said the building was more of success Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, testimony from Juzang and Gwin, who claimed a possible multi- when it had a full-time, dedicated staff manager. KISS, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Diamond and Prince. million fraud was directed by former mayor and finance director “In my time, we aggressively tried to book every meaningful act But despite its drawing power, the facility struggled to earn Gary Greenough. we could and every decent act in the country came through Mobile revenue. A 12-year financial forecast published before construction Recalling the case last week, Galanos called the convictions a — you name the shows that were touring and we pretty well had started indicated it wouldn’t see any profits during that period. But “seminal moment in the history of the city.” them,” he said. “The city needs to do more promoting. If you really by 1976, original manager W.C. “Buddy” Clewis was defending “It would be pure speculation on my part, but I think that that in- want to get events in your building you have to go after them. They himself from accusations of poor performance anyway. vestigation buried the auditorium and it never rose from the grave,” are not going to come just because we are here.” A year earlier, Clewis was acquitted of federal extortion charges Galanos said. But Brazier suggested either way, revenue may remain elusive. stemming from inflated service fees at the auditorium, but while the Bob Brazier, who joined the Civic Center as assistant manager af- “Very few facilities are there to make money. It’s to bring in forecast predicted it would be operating within $80,000 of a profit, ter Gwin’s plea in 1985, continues to manage the facility today as an entertainment for the quality of life in the community,” he said. there was actually a $361,234 net loss for the fiscal year, up from employee of SMG. He has similar memories of the scandal’s effect, “As far as the mayor’s decision, I haven’t been involved or spoken $300,541 the year before. Board members blamed rising utility but blames other factors for the Civic Center’s more recent struggles. to him about it. We are attempting to be more competitive with costs, unexpected repair expenses and inexperienced, out-of-town “The prosecution definitely had an effect,” he said. “Promot- the major events that are on tour. We’re talking and visiting with show promoters. ers were afraid they would get caught up in an indictment or court promoters and have some good leads and relationships.” When it opened, rental rates at the auditorium were $500 proceedings so around the country it wasn’t the best kept secret. Dale Liesch contributed to this story.

26 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 Aug. 27, 1967 — The Monkees May 24, 1978 — Aerosmith Oct. 3, 1982 — Alabama, Janie Fricke Sept. 14, 1970 — Elvis July 4, 1978 — Foreigner, Wet Willie Nov. 4, 1982 — Kenny Rogers, Larry Gatlin Jan. 3, 1971 — The Jackson 5 Aug. 4, 1978 — Kansas Nov. 26, 1982 - Neil Diamond Oct. 25, 1971 — Chicago Sept. 1, 1978 — The Beach Boys Nov. 28, 1982 — Van Halen May 22, 1972 — Alice Cooper, Blue Oyster Cult Nov. 14, 1978 — Black Sabbath, Van Halen Dec. 3, 1982 — Barry Manilow June 15, 1972 — ZZ Top Dec. 5, 1978 — Bob Dylan Feb. 20, 1983 — Prince June 27, 1972 — The Rolling Stones - Stevie Wonder Dec. 6, 1978 — The Doobie Brothers April 28, 1983 — Journey Sept. 9, 1972 — Black Sabbath, Gentle Giant Dec. 26, 1978 — Willie Nelson, Leon Russell Oct. 1, 1983 — Styx Jan. 26, 1973 — Grand Funk Railroad Jan. 30, 1979 — Boston, Sammy Hagar Feb. 20, 1984 — Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Waysted Feb. 20, 1973 — Neil Young Feb. 18, 1979 — Styx April 16, 1984 — The Beach Boys March 15, 1973 — The Allman Brothers March 2, 1979 — Elvis Costello & The Attractions Sept. 27, 1984 — Kenny Rogers, Helen Reddy April 25, 1973 — Alice Cooper March 15, 1979 — Peabo Bryson, Bar Keys, Lakeside Oct. 21, 1984 — Ratt, Billy Squier May 13, 1973 — Led Zeppelin March 16, 1979 — Sha Na Na Nov. 10, 1985 — Kenny Rogers, The Oak Ridge Boys June 13, 1973 — Manfred Mann’s Earth Band March 25, 1979 — Billy Joel Oct. 24, 1986 — The Monkees June 20, 1973 — Elvis Presley April 22, 1979 — Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters Jan. 10, 1987 — Alice Cooper, Vinnie Vincent Aug. 15, 1973 — Elton John June 21, 1979 — Blue Oyster Cult, The Sweet May 24, 1987 — The Beach Boys Sept. 20, 1973 — Jethro Tull Aug. 20, 1979 —KISS Nov. 3, 1987 — Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue Nov. 29, 1973 — Electric Light Orchestra Sept. 1, 1979 — Wet Willie Nov. 21, 1987 — Tina Turner April 12, 1974 — John Denver Nov. 28, 1979 — Kansas Sept. 27, 1989 — Bon Jovi, Poison, Skid Row April 24, 1974 — Utopia Nov. 30, 1979 — LTD Jan. 17, 1990 — Motley Crue, Warrant May 12, 1974 — The Doobie Brothers Jan. 17, 1980 — ZZ Top Nov. 8, 1990 — Poison, Warrant Aug. 31, 1974 — Jerry Lee Lewis May 25, 1980 — John Denver May 17, 1991 — Cinderella, Nelson, Lynch Mob Sept. 27, 1974 — Elton John Aug. 11, 1980 — Fleetwood Mac, Rocky Burnette July, 7, 1991 — Ray Charles April 1, 1975 — John Denver Aug. 28, 1980 —Journey Oct. 11, 1991 — Don Henley May 24, 1975 — Alice Cooper Sept. 1, 1980 — Van Halen June 14, 1992 — Metallica June 2, 1975 — Elvis Oct. 15, 1980 — Foghat June 10, 1993 — Megadeth, Stone Temple Pilots, Jackyl June 17, 1975 — Eric Clapton, Santana Nov. 9, 1980 — The Charlie Daniels Band and friends March 8, 1993 — Damn Yankees Aug. 9, 1975 — Atlanta Rhythm Section, Blue Oyster Cult Nov. 27, 1980 — ZZ Top June 8, 1993 — Ray Charles Aug. 24, 1975 — Jethro Tull Nov. 28, 1980 — Kansas Dec. 9, 1993 — Billy Ray Cyrus March 26, 1976 — Kansas Jan. 29, 1981 — Styx Oct. 5, 1994 — The Moody Blues May 9, 1976 — Bruce Springsteen Feb. 12, 1981 — Bruce Springsteen May 12, 1995 — The Eagles May 10, 1976 — Bruce Springsteen March 29, 1981 — Santana Nov. 8, 1995 — Barry Manilow May 20, 1976 — Aerosmith April 18, 1981 — Rush Aug. 27, 1996 — The Cure Aug. 29, 1976 — Elvis June 5, 1981 — Eric Clapton Feb. 14, 1997 — Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Nov. 10, 1976 — Eric Clapton July 8, 1981 — Jefferson Starship, .38 Special Oct. 26, 1997 — Bob Dylan Nov. 17, 1976 — Foghat July 18, 1981 — The Jacksons Oct. 31, 1997 — Prince, Graham Central Station Dec. 5, 1976 — KISS Aug. 16, 1981 — Rick James, Cameo Dec. 2, 1998 — Jimmy Buffett Feb. 17, 1977 — Rush, Blue Oyster Cult Oct. 24, 1981 — Electric Light Orchestra, Hall & Oates May 4, 1999 — Dave Matthews Band March 5, 1977 — Billy Joel Oct. 31, 1981 — Journey, Loverboy Oct. 27, 1999 — Elton John March 15, 1977 — Electric Light Orchestra Nov. 16, 1981 — Rod Stewart April 30, 2000 — The Allman Brothers May 23, 1977 — Lynyrd Skynyrd Dec. 13, 1981 —Black Sabbath May 21, 2002 — Poison, Winger June 2, 1977 — Elvis Presley Jan. 24, 1982 — AC/DC March 8, 2003 — Cher June 25, 1977 — The Eagles, Emerson, Lake & Palmer March 23, 1982 — Foreigner, Bryan Adams July 18, 2003 — Widespread Panic Oct. 22, 1977 — Nazareth, Ted Nugent May 1, 1982 — Willie Nelson, Delbert McClinton Dec. 10, 2005 — 3 Doors Down, Alter Bridge

Nov. 3, 1977 — The Doobie Brothers June 4, 1982 — The O’Jays, Cameo, Bar Keys Information primarily compiled from the Mobile Municipal Archives Dec. 26, 1977 — The Charlie Daniels Band, Wet Willie July 17, 1982 — Rick James, One Way, Dazz Band and the setlist.fm wiki. Most dates have not been independently verified.

LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 27 ARTIFICE | ART Juzan’s original Yule play is perfect for a Mobile success BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected] f you were going to dream up a stage play for Mobile audienc- society who wants to make it into the new town museum,” Juzan Another attention grabber for Mobile audiences will be famil- es, you couldn’t do much better than playwright Danielle Juzan. said. “The ladies from the historical society keep telling her the iar faces on stage. Not just repeat performers, but local celebri- Her new show, “The Great Historical Christmas of 1977,” hits house is 75 years old though they don’t have any papers.” ties. all the notes to ring harmonious with Azalea City denizens. The entrepreneur has a little more flair for the times, though. “We’ve got John Nodar, Levon Manzie, Bess Rich, Michelle IThe first one is self-evident, right there in the title. Maybe “Dave has a leisure suit and a wig. He is the disco-dancing Matthews of al.com, Merceria Ludgood and [MTG Secretary] owing to its wealth of history, Mobile is a place where nostalgia villain,” Juzan laughed. “Dave’s theme song is this disco number Sherrick Sandy all taking turns filling the role of either Mr. or reigns. “Old times here are not forgotten” and all. called ‘All You Got to Know is How to Dance.’” Ms. Penzwiggler from the county electrical co-op, who is there to Perfect for the quaint environs of Mobile Theatre Guild (14 N. Juzan began work on the play in early 2011 with the help of plug in the Christmas tree,” Juzan said. Lafayette St.), where the holiday musical comes to life Dec. 12 – the late Ivan Davidson. After more than a year of writing, she University of South Alabama Football Coach Joey Jones was 21. Timothy Guy serves as director. originally slated to appear but his team’s trip to the Camellia The next crucial element is the story’s setting in the fictional Bowl superseded thespian duties. hamlet of Secacah, Alabama. In the region where Mayberry, N. Crafting the show was itself a trip into the past. Both wording C. has become a local Asgard or Olympus, small-town life is It’s a full book musical, and wardrobe took a little digging. more than revered. It’s waxed over, warmly revered and wor- not a little quickie review or “I didn’t realize 1977 was so long ago. There are references shipped. I’m afraid people might not get but I put them in there to be Juzan’s inspiration was based not in a visit but a recruitment anything like that. I mean it’s not topical,” Juzan said. “There’s a reference to the recession, to the convention of all places. When her husband was a young doctor, Carter presidency, some toys and things, some pop culture stuff the couple visited a “residence fair” where civic representatives [Wagner’s] Ring Cycle. People will like people saying ‘Sit on it,’ or ‘Excuuuse me.’ Remember, attempted to woo young physicians. get in and get out. It’s Christmas Steve Martin?” “The mayor of Greensboro and his wife were actually there at The playwright was relieved and amazed how accurate the this booth and shaking people’s hands and saying what a lovely and we have stuff to do! Internet proved her memory to be. Then there was the matter of town they had to live in and didn’t we want to move there,” finding clothes. Juzan recalled. “And they were the nicest people so I have this -Danielle Juzan “We raided the Goodwill and stuff some people still had in their romanticized version of this little Alabama town due to these nice closets. I found a dress from my childhood that one of the kids is people in this booth.” wearing,” Juzan said. “Then some stuff we mail ordered and bor- Her pat answer is lovelier. “Secacah is where your heart is,” found Alan Farmer to craft the show’s 16 musical numbers. rowed some lovely pieces from Theatre 98, which was very gener- Juzan added. The cast of more than 20 began musical rehearsals in October ous and there was stuff in the costume shop we’re using.” The tale follows Secacah’s Peg Rutherford as she inherits “the then moved into the theater when South of the Salt Line’s latest In addition to historical zealotry, and the commercialization of oldest building in town” from her grandmother. Her new owner- production finished. That was early November. Christmas, the show also aims at another subject Mobilians are ship puts her squarely in a civic war. “It’s a full book musical, not a little quickie review or any- chummy with: political corruption. On one side is the town’s dedicated and determined historical thing like that. I mean it’s not [Wagner’s] Ring Cycle. People will “There’s some business about what they’re going to do with a society, with a local businessman on the other. Sound familiar, get in and get out. It’s Christmas and we have stuff to do!” Juzan four-lane highway,” Juzan said, remaining cryptic and sly. Mobilians? joked. Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors, military and students. Call “The developer is Discount Dave, who wants to tear it down Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m. Sunday 251-433-7513 for reservations or go to mobiletheatreguild.org. for his growing chain of discount stores; and the town’s historical matinees are at 2 p.m.

28| LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 29 ART GALLERY | ART Nutcracker weekend around Mobile Bay BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

t wouldn’t be Christmas season without our annual battle of the Nutcrack- er productions. Regardless of whether you’re ESho or Mobtown situated, there is a performance of Tchaikovsky’s seasonal classic near you over the second weekend of December. IMobile Ballet will present their version of The Nutcracker featuring a cast of more than 100, along with guest artists Vilia Putrius and Mindaugas Bauzys. Choreographer and Artistic Director Winthrop Corey will watch his charges onstage at the Mobile Civic Center Theater, 4 Civic Center Drive, in downtown Mobile Dec. 13 and Dec. 14. Saturday features two performances, a 2:30 p.m. matinee and a 7:30 p.m. evening show. Sunday is the 2:30 p.m. matinee only. Ticket prices range from $20 to $60, with additional discounts for chil- dren, students, senior citizens, military and groups. For more info on tickets, call 251-342-2241 or go to mobileballet.org. Meanwhile in Fairhope, the Bay Shore Ballet Theatre will present their 19th version of Tchaikovsky’s vision at the Fairhope Civic Center, 161 N. Section St. Janet Carole is their artistic director and principal ballerina, Tracy Peters stars as the Sugar Plum Fairy, pairing with Zachariah Woods as her Cavalier. Annie Laurie O’Neill stars as the Snow Queen and Sarah Temple- ton and Abigail Kiernan dance alternately as the Arabian Princess and as the Rose Queen in the Waltz of the Flowers. The two-act production features the set design of the late William Lloyd. The Saturday performance is at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday matinee is at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $10 for seniors and children 10 and under. Reserved tickets are $15. Photo/Mobile Ballet Tickets are available through Eventbrite and at Page and Palette and The Coffee Loft in Fairhope. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more No matter where you reside, there’s a Nutcracker info, contact Trin Ollinger at 251-583-3875 or go to bayshoreballet.com. production nearby this year.

Auditions for Shakespeare in Chickasaw Mobile Opera carols through LoDa Appropriately enough, William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” was apocryphally penned as entertainment for the end of Christmas season. Hence the name. Song is as inseparable from the holiday The comedy is built around a pair of twins separated as the result of a shipwreck and the romantic season as good tidings and gift giving. If triangle they spawn. Some of its themes ring as vaguely modern, like female independence in a you’ve been yearning for an old-fashioned male-dominated world, plus gender-bending facades and a touch of same-sex attraction. As such, it caroling stroll but reluctant to find partici- has lent itself well to modern retellings like “All Shook Up” and “Play On!,” versions implementing pants, you’re in luck. the music of Elvis Presley and Duke Ellington, respectively. The Mobile Opera Chorus will make the The Chickasaw Civic Theatre is staging their own version of the play directed by Bill Watts and rounds during the Dec. 12 LoDa ArtWalk are looking for interested actors. Auditions take place Dec. 15 and 16, 7 p.m. at Lola Phillips Play- in downtown and are inviting onlookers house, 801 Iroquois St. and amateurs to join in. Starting at 6 p.m. There are speaking roles for three women (ages 20-60) and 12 men (ages 20-65). The cast will that evening, keep your ears peeled for the also include three male and three female dancers who will take small speaking and non-speaking heavenly tones. roles. The forecast calls for perfect weather Those interested in auditioning for the following roles may be asked to read from the monologues with clear skies and temps in the 50s, If of these characters in the following scenes: Malvolio - Act 2, Scene 2 (“M.O.A.I., This simulation . . you’re a little timid, maybe another cup of .”), Viola - Act 2, Scene 2 (“I left no ring with her”), Olivia - Act 1, Scene 5 (“What is your parent- nog or wassail might be all the courage you age?”), Sebastian - Act 4, Scene 3 (“This is the air.”), Orsino - Act I, Scene 1 (“If music be the food need to blend in with the chorale. of love”). For more info, call 251-432-6772. Rehearsals begin in early January. Performances will run from Feb. 27 until March 8.

30 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 31 FEATURE | MUSIC Alanna Royale overcomes adversities with ‘Achilles’ BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: Alanna Royale Date: Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m. Venue: Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, 916 Charleston St., www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com Tickets: $8 at the door ith bands like the Alabama Shakes and St. Paul and the Broken Bones, the Southeast has harbored a hotbed of a retro-soul resurgence, and Alanna Royale has been quickly rising amongst its ranks. TheW group has already become a local favorite, thanks to impec- cable musicianship and the deep, soulful vocals of the band’s namesake, Alanna Quinn-Broadus. Alanna Royale will be bring- ing the sounds of their latest release “Achilles” to the Oakleigh Garden District Dec. 13. As Quinn-Broadus strolled through the French Quarter before a gig, she was kind enough to take time to give Lagniappe readers insight into the band as well as their new album. SC: What’s it like on the road for you and the guys? AQB: Well, I have to say that this is probably the absolute best group of people to go on the road with. All of us have very distinct personalities. There are some bands where everybody Photo/FacebookAlanna Royale wants to party all the time or get drunk all the time, or everybody is quiet all the time and wants to chill and read a book. We’re a Alanna Quinn-Broadus and her band Alanna Royale recorded their second album after the singer little bit of everything. It’s pretty awesome, because we have a lot recovered from a vocal breakdown. of dynamics, and we all understand and respect the dynamics. So, there’s never a dull moment, but it’s very fluid, I guess. We’re a working on a new one. Then, the next rehearsal, everyone sits on it for a minute, and good group. A lot of guys in my band are very funny, and we have AQB: I don’t know if you know this, but when we started then someone says, “Yo, what if we do this?” and the song takes a good time wherever we go. playing together, we didn’t even know each other. We were thrown another spin. Then, it levels out, and we’re like, “Cool, let’s play SC: You’re out promoting your new album “Achilles.” How into gigs together. The first show that I played with our trombone this song live.” does it feel to be able to spread these new sounds around? player Diego was the first time I ever met him. He came as we SC: Your album was named “Achilles” after you lost your AQB: It feels amazing. When you’re working on the record, were getting on stage to play. We sent him over PDFs of the charts voice right around the album’s creation and realized that it was it’s going and going, and sometimes it feels like it’s never going of the songs. He walked on stage, and I was like, “Hey, man, I’m your Achilles Heel. What’s it been like keeping your voice up to to be done. You get a bunch of work done, and you’re like, “Oh Alanna.” He was like, “Hey, I’m Diego,” and we just started play- par? What kind of measures are you taking these days to prevent it God! We still have so much left to go!” There are songs on this ing. For everyone to be like, “Why don’t you have more songs from happening again? record that are some of the first songs we ever wrote in the band. or an album?” We didn’t even know each other. We had to work AQB: Before, I didn’t have a strict vocal coach. I had someone We didn’t really have a big amount of shit to pick from. We had through getting to know each other and breaking down those that I was seeing here and there. I didn’t realize that the damage 14 songs to choose from, and we had to have 10 for the record. barriers and getting a feel for each other’s personalities before was coming. I took care of myself, but there were a lot of things This is everything we had and all the material we had. I was really we could move forward musically. You can’t write this incredible that I didn’t know about my instrument that I really should’ve happy to put the record together, because for years, people were record with a stranger. That took a lot of time too. We’re down the known before I was going out every night talking, yelling and like, “Do you have an album?” And we were like, “No, we don’t.” road two years. We’re stronger, and we’re a better live band than singing. I’ve been studying with the same voice coach, since my We’ve been on the road since the beginning of the band. Within we’ve ever been. The songs are getting better and better. It’s going injury. She has changed my voice and changed my life. Now, I’m six months of us playing our first show, we were on the road. So, to be awesome. able to talk all the time and yell and have fun and not have to feel we never had a chance to stop and take time to write and work on SC: As far as coming up with songs, how do y’all compose so secluded because she’s got my voice healthy again. I see her a record. So, finally being able to have it out and done not only with so many members? Is it spontaneous, or does everybody have whenever I’m home, and we do Skype sessions. Even coming feels like an amazing accomplishment, but it also sent us straight their own jobs? forward and saying I had a vocal problem was a huge step, it was to the moon about our second record. We’ve already started writ- AQB: It usually starts with me or Jarred, our guitar player. really hard. It’s hard to admit your weakness publicly. It sucks to ing and coming up with concepts and themes. The first one got We’ll get a certain groove or feel and bring it to the table. Every- focus an album’s theme around it. We just wanted people to see me excited for the second one. The second one is going to be even body digests it and adds their own layer to it. Even when we have where we were coming from with this record. better. an idea pretty flushed out, it’s never gonna be the same way. It SC: How will you be spending your Christmas holidays? SC: You know, that answers another question of mine. A lot of wouldn’t be an Alanna Royale song. It would be that one person. AQB: I am going to finish out the rest of this tour and come retro-soul bands right now seem to come out with an album, hit With all of us together, it’s awesome. We start a song, and it can down to Mobile, then get on a plane and go to Boston and see my the scene hard and gradually fade. So, it’s nice to see you guys take a spin and be something totally different within three hours. in-laws and my family and relax!

32 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 33 A country Christmas with Trace Adkins BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: Trace Adkins: The Christmas Show Date: Thursday, Dec. 18 Venue: Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim St., www.saengermobile.com Tickets: $53-$89.75 at the Saenger Box Office and through Ticketmaster

race Adkins emerged on the country scene with his debut album “Dreamin’ Out Loud.” With his initial release, Adkins had no problem placing on the charts with the breakout single “Every Light in the House.” The albums that followed established Adkins’ reputation as a country superstar. His successful career has Tearned him Grammys, CMT and ACM awards. In addition to his music career, the artist has also spent a fair share of time as a televi- sion and film actor. His numerous credits include “King of the Hill” and “The Lincoln Lawyer.” Now, Adkins is coming to the Azalea City to bring his brand of Christmas cheer with his latest release, “The King’s Gift.” The collection of Celtic carols promises to sub- merse the Saenger audience in “a time of mystery, valor and honor.” Adkins was not alone in creating the yuletide album. With a career spanning more than 50 years, Irish ensemble The Chieftains are featured on “The King’s Gift,” as well as vo- calists such as Alyth McCormack and Emma Stevens. It would not be Christmas without family, and Adkins chose gospel group The Issacs to appear on the album. Kevin Costner and his daughter Lily lend their vocal talents, and drummer Kenny Arnoff (John Mellen- camp, Elton John, The Smashing Pumpkins) plays the part of “The Little Drummer Boy.” Photo/traceadkins.com | Trace Adkins

Harp full of soul Guitar prodigy bends Biloxi

Band: John Nemeth Band: Joe Bonamassa Date: Friday, Dec. 12 at 9 p.m. Date: Saturday, Dec. 13 Venue: The Blues Tavern, 2818 Government St., Venue: IP Casino, Resort & Spa, 850 Bayview Blvd., Biloxi, www.bluestavern.com www.ipbiloxi.com Tickets: Free Tickets: $79-$125 through Ticketmaster oe Bonamassa is revered among guitar junkies as one of the world’s premiere blues guitarists. Pulling he Blues Tavern is bring- from muses such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bonamassa’s prowess earned ing a local favorite to cure him a contract with Epic at the young age of 22. Since the release of his debut “A New Day Yesterday,” all those holiday blues Bonamassa’s albums have all broken the Top 10 on the U.S. Blues chart, with eight them shooting plaguing the city. John Jup to No. 1. In addition, Bonamassa earned further renown with notable groups such as Bloodline and Black TNemeth has made “Mobile’s Blues Country Communion. Room” one of his regular stops, and Bonamassa is touring in support of his 2014 release “Different Shades of Blue.” The guitarist opens the The Blues Tavern’s patrons could album with a tribute to one of the greats with his rendition of Hendrix’s “Hey Baby (New Rising Sun).” The rest not be happier. Nemeth is a master of the album is comprised of impressive original tunes that Bonamassa wrote alongside notables such as James of the harp who honed his skills House, Jerry Flowers, Jonathan Cain, Jeffrey Steele and Gary Nicholson. backing blues players such as Junior Watson. Eventually, he decided to take center stage, and he has spent more than a decade blowing his soulful brand of blues. Nemeth will bring The Blues Tavern a batch of brand new tracks from his latest effort, “Memphis Grease.” He journeyed to Memphis to work with producer/musician Scott Bomar, who is known for his musical prowess in films such as “Hustle & Flow” and “Black Snake Moan.” Nemeth sets his trademark soulful vibe with the album’s funky opener “Three Times a Fool.” His slow, Motown-infused cover of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” is definitely a standout on “Memphis Grease.” While Nemeth is known for his work on the harp, his rich, old school soul vocals are undeniable. Photo/johnnemeth| John Nemeth Photo/Facebook| Joe Bonamassa

34 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 RUNDOWN | MUSIC City releases New Year’s entertainment lineup BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

he city of Mobile is preparing a country duo, the pair has been giving the for another epic “MoonPie Over city quite a few memorable performances, Mobile” on New Year’s Eve. This and their MoonPie Over Mobile set will be annual celebration promises to be no different. Tbigger and better than ever with a steady line- The focus of the evening’s festivities up of music and activities that should attract will shift back to the Riverview Plaza Hotel both locals and out-of-towners to the streets Courtyard at 8 p.m. The public will be invited of downtown Mobile. The public should get to taste the giant MoonPie, which will be pro- ready for new numerous activities and musical vided by Chattanooga Bakery. At 8:30 p.m., acts that will help usher in 2015. Mobile’s premiere marching brass ensemble From 6 p.m. to midnight, the Resolution the Excelsior Band will lead a huge second Wall will be open for all in attendance to post line from the Riverview to the Main Stage. their yearly goals. At 7 p.m., a plethora of At 9 p.m., Evelyn “Champagne” King will children’s activities will be featured in Bien- bring the masses closer to 2015 on the Main ville Square, and Sons of Funk will be helping Stage. The soulful R&B diva got her start to get the party started on the Riverview Plaza in the glory days of disco and is best known Hotel Courtyard Stage. Hailing from Rich- for hits such as “Shame” and “I Don’t Know mond, Virginia, Sons of Funk reunited in early If It’s Right.” In addition, King will bring a 2014. Since then, they have been spreading 30-year repertoire of grooves to the streets of their smooth R&B across the nation. While downtown. the Sons of Funk jam, there will be a MoonPie The evening’s events will reach an apex Moonshine tasting at the Riverview Plaza at 11 p.m. with a performance from disco Hotel Courtyard as well. legends The Village People. Donning the A couple of blocks over on the Bienville costumes of blue-collar workers, The Village Square Stage, local country will reign su- People exploded into the ‘70s disco scene preme as Cary Laine and Holli Mosley take with hits such as “Macho Man,” “In the the stage at 7:30 p.m. Laine gained national Navy” and “Y.M.C.A.” Their fun, dance- fame with her run as a contestant on NBC’s able style of music has allowed this group to “The Voice.” However, she still keeps her transcend the generations and bring disco into home close to her heart with regular perfor- the modern age for both young and old. The mances in the area. Mosley has stayed busy MoonPie will descend from the RSA Trust- Photo/Facebook/Official Village People in Alabama’s music capital Muscle Shoals, mark tower a minute before midnight and at where she has been working at the legendary the magic hour, the skyline will explode with The Village People will headline the entertainment lineup for the annual “MoonPie Over FAME recording studio. In recent months, as an abundance of fireworks and a laser show. Mobile” New Years’ Eve celebration in downtown Mobile.

LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 35 AREA MUSIC LISTINGS DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17

& Hellz Yeah, 10p//// Jack Robertson IP Casino— Joe Bonamassa, 8p MON. DEC 15 THUR. DEC 11 Show, 5:30p//// James Dupree, 10p Lulu’s— CoConut Radio, 4p Brickyard— Matt & Sherry Neese Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 7p Fusion Sushi Bar— Bryant Gilley, Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)—Harrison Felix’s— Bryant Gilley BLUEGILL— Jon Cowart, 6p 7p McInnis, 6:30p Flora Bama— Cathy Pace, 4p Blues Tavern— 61-49, 8:30p Garage— The Red Field, 9p Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Neil Lucky’s Irish Pub— Marcus, 8p Brickyard— Ross Newell & Josh Legacy— Johnny and the Loveseats, Dover, 7p Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 4p Ewing 9p Picklefish— Bordello Rhythm, 8:30p Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Lulu’s— Kyle & Karl, 4p Traders— Grits N Pieces TUE. DEC 16 Scott Morlock, Gene Murrell & David Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Emily Tropics— David Jernigan and Davis Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 7p White Stuckey, 6:30p Brewer, 7p BLUEGILL— Tim Kinsey, 6p Felix’s— Jerri Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Dusty Saenger— An Appalachiam Brickyard— Justin Wall Flora Bama— Bo Roberts, Mark Sanderson, 8p Christmas, 8p Butch Cassidy’s— Andy Sherrill, Chris Newbury & Friends, 5p Old 27 Grill— Sugarcane Jane, 6:30p Soul Kitchen— Sam Hunt, 8p MacDonald Legacy— Tim Kinsey Traders— Bust w/ Rebecca & Britt Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Cockeyed Charlie’s— Matt Neese Lulu’s— Adam Holt, 4p Tropics— Rhythm Intervention, 7p Windmill Market— Harrison +1 Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p McInnis, 11a Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Yellowhammer Productions, 8p Windmill Market— Michael Tilley, Lulu’s— Jimmy Lumpkin, 4p Pour Nelson’s— Bryant Gilley, 9p 11a// Mitch Johnson, 6p SUN. DEC 14 Veets— Ryan Balthrop & Josh Ewing, AREA MUSIC LISTINGS | Traders— The Lizards, 7p Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 3p// 8p Veets— Mark Willis & Melissa SAT. DEC 13 7p Summersel, 8p Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 3p// BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard Jr., WED. DEC 17 7p 11a// Ryan Balthrop, 6p Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 7p FRI. DEC 12 BLUEGILL— Tim Kinsey & Holli Blues Tavern— St. Mary’s Toy Run// BLUEGILL— Ross +1, 6p Beau Rivage— Santa & Friends, 7p Mosley, 6p Capt. Jerry, 5p Blues Tavern— 61-49, 8p Bill’s by the Beach— Lisa Zanghi, Blues Tavern— Fabulous Rockits, Brickyard— Josh Ewing & Eric Brickyard— Ben Leininger, Greg 6p 9p Erdman DeLuca BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard, 11a// Brickyard— Red Field Butch Cassidy’s— Trivia, 6p Bucky’s Birdcage (Grand Delta Reign, 6p Callaghan’s— Alanna Royale Callaghan’s— Andrew Duhon Trio Hotel) — Adam Holt Piano Show, 8p Blues Tavern— Art, 4:30p// John Celtic Irish Pub— Toy Drive Felix’s— Jimmy Lumpkin Callaghan’s— Deluxe Trio Nemeth, 9p Compleat Angler (The Flora Bama— J. Hawkins & James Celtic Irish Pub— Mike Brickyard— Brandon White, Greg Wharf)— Scott Morlock, Tony Daniel, 12p// Perdido Brothers, 4p/// Cockeyed Charlie’s— Ryan DeLuca, Ben Leininger w/special guests Edwards & David White Logan Spicer, 8p Balthrop Callaghan’s— Roxy Roca Felix’s— Blind Dog Mike Lulu’s— Greg Brown, 1p// Greg Felix’s— Sugarcane Jane Celtic Irish Pub— Jamie Hyatt Flora Bama— LeaAnne Creswell Brown, 5p Flora Bama— Smokin’ Elvis’, 5p Cockeyed Charlie’s— 3HG Trio, 1p// Hung Jury, 5:30p/// Hart Old 27 Grill— Lisa Zanghi, 11:30a Garage— Mother Mojo duo, 8p Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Break Hill, 9:30p//// Foxy Iguanas, 10p Picklefish— Bordello Rhythm, Legacy— Lee Yankie Scott Morlock, Tony Edwards & David Fusion Sushi Bar— Bryant Gilley, 11:30a Lucky’s Irish Pub— Bryant Gilley, White 7p Stir— Bryant Gilley, 9p 8p Felix’s— Grits N Pieces Industry Bar— Bordello Rhythm, Veets— Soul Shine, 8p Lulu’s— JERI, 4p Flora Bama— LeaAnne Creswell, 8:30p Veets— Grits N’ Pieces, 8p 2p// Johnny Barbato, 6p/// Lee Yankie

SEND YOUR MUSIC LISTINGS TO [email protected]

36 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 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 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 37 THE REEL WORLD/MOVIE REVIEW | FILM A filthy Christmas, in the best way BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC | [email protected]

hen you get tired of such holiday classics as in an Imogen Poots mara- “Miracle on 34th Street,” “It’s a Wonderful thon suddenly. Life” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Amid grimy scenes of you can pop in the instant holiday classic, sex, drugs and boatloads W“Filth.” Like all the best family movies, it’s based on a of vomit, a stylized thread novel by Irvine Welsh, who is widely regarded as the of hallucinations begins Scottish Santa. to haunt Bruce and us, Well, maybe that’s not exactly accurate. “Filth” is and we realize he’s not in fact a trippy, depraved, vile account of a mentally ill simply a disgusting jerk, AREA Scottish policeman and his descent into alcoholism, drug but a truly ill and terribly abuse, and madness. It does take place around Christmas damaged disgusting jerk. THEATERS though. Depending on how high male nudity ranks in Stylistically and themati- your family holiday traditions, this is borderline inap- cally, this concept elevates propriate for viewing in that context. “Filth” about men behav- MOBILE It’s pretty gross and hard to watch, except that James ing badly. McAvoy’s performance as Bruce is so amazing and riv- As an emotional COUNTY eting that you have to. “Tour de force” is usually a code touchstone in a sea of word for “overacting” but he really earns the description depravity, a young widow, CARMIkE in this one. played by Joanne Froggatt The story concerns Bruce’s quest to earn a promotion (“Downton Abbey”) is CINEMAS Wynnsong 16 on the police force, and an unsolved homicide brings a lone, angelic pres- Photo/imdb.com | “Filth” all the candidates into direct competition. The tone ence in his life. We also 785 Schillinger Road S. begins as rather a dark comedy, as Bruce sets his various realize that Bruce may James McAvoy delivers a spotless performance in “Filth.” 251-639-7373 competitors up for failure. This is glib and amusing, but or may not have a wife when true problems bubble up beneath McAvoy’s cruel and child somewhere, but with any from that seminal work. If anything, the shocks CRESCENT exterior, the film becomes more interesting. their whereabouts become increasingly jumbled with delivered by “Trainspotting” have long since created a THEATER He is ably assisted onscreen by a nice mixed bag of his hallucinations. They constitute just one of the many cinematic world where the nauseating hijinks depicted 208 Dauphin St. fellow officers, especially Eddie Marsan as his meek, questions we wince over as we await the answer. in “Filth” no longer stun the viewer. What is stunning, 251-438-2005 bespectacled best friend. Also, Imogen Poots showed “Filth” does not pack the memorable visual punch however, is the truly convincing and harrowing depic- up — if you’ll remember my recent review of “A Long of Welsh’s far more famous book to movie adaptation, tion of insanity displayed by James McAvoy. Way Down” you’ll realize I seem to have found myself “Trainspotting,” but McAvoy’s performance is on par HOLLYWOOD STADIUM 18 1250 Satchel Paige Drive NEW IN THEATERS NOW PLAYING 251-473-9655 BALDWIN COUNTY RAVE MOTION PICTURE JUBILEE SQUARE 12 6898 U.S. Highway 90 Photo/ imdb.com |”The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1” Daphne 251-626-6266 KIRK CAmERoN’S SAvINg oUIjA CHRISTmAS Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Car- Carmike Wynnsong 16 mike Wynnsong 16, Eastern CARMIkE

Photo/ imdb.com | “Exodus: Gods and Kings” HoRRIblE boSSES 2 Shore Premiere Cinema CINEMAS All listed multiplex theaters. FURy 23151 Wharf Lane “ExoDuS: GoDS AND KINGS” companying art installation next PENgUINS oF mADAgASCAR Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Car- Orange Beach Christian Bale stars as Moses, door. Crescent Theater, Saturday, All listed multiplex theaters. mike Jubilee Square 12, Carmike 251-981-4444 who leads 400,000 slaves on a Dec. 13 at 4:15 p.m. THE HUNgER gAmES: Wharf 15 monumental journey from Egypt moCKINgjAy- PART 1 AlExANDER AND THE TER- COBB and its terrifying cycle of plagues. “ThE PyRAMID” All listed multiplex theaters. RIblE, HoRRIblE, No gooD, THEATRES Spectacular effects should be es- The ancient wonders of the world bIRDmAN vERy bAD DAy PINNACLE 14 pecially dazzling in 3D. All listed have long cursed exploders who Eastern Shore Premiere Cinema Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Eastern 3780 Gulf Shores Pkwy multiplex theaters. dared to uncover their secrets. 14, Carmike Wharf 15 Shore Premiere Cinema 14 But a team of uS archeologists Gulf Shores bEyoND THE lIgHTS goNE gIRl 251-968-7444 “Who IS Bozo TExINo?” gets more than they bargained Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Car- Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Car- Filmmaker Bill Daniel spent 16 for when they discover a lost mike Wynnsong 16, Eastern mike Wynnsong 16, Carmike years chronicling his search for pyramid unlike any others in the Shore Premiere Cinema Wharf 15 EASTERN the answer to that question — a Egyptian desert. Carmike Wyn- DUmb AND DUmbER To THE EqUAlIzER SHORE simple sketch that has been seen nsong 14 All listed multiplex theaters Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Eastern PREMIERE in railcar graffiti for decades. This bIg HERo 6 Shore Premiere Cinema 14, Car- CINEMA 14 gritty black and white film uncov- “ToP FIVE” All listed multiplex theaters. mike Wharf 15 30500 State Highway 181 ers a secret society and its un- A very intriguing comedy from INTERSTEllAR THE mAzE RUNNER Spanish Fort derground universe of hobo and Chris Rock, who stars as a come- ll listed multiplex theaters. Regal Mobile Stadium 18 251-626-0352 railway graffiti. The filmmaker will dian forced to confront his past joHN WICK THE jUDgE be present at the screening for a after a challenging encounter Regal Mobile Stadium 18 Carmike Wharf 15 Q & A, and there will be an ac- with a journalist. Information accurate at press time; please call theaters for showtimes. 38 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 MEDIA FRENZY | MEDIA P-R cites First Amendment right to throw bags of ads in yards BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

f you’re still getting those unsolicited throws of Press-Registers unsuccessful, so it’s not clear whether the company believes it is been responsive when his office receives complaints about the or their advertising circulars Bargain Finder and Yes, it’s because being unfairly targeted by the city as a major source of litter, or if products, but the out-of-town leadership has seemed uninterested they’re exercising what they believe are their First Amendment the company’s financial goals outweigh any environmental issues in the city’s complaints. He said at this time the most people can rights, according to Mobile City Councilman Joel Daves. it may be creating. Anecdotal evidence, as well as first-hand ob- do is call their complaints into 311. IDaves and City Attorney Ricardo Woods met with leadership servation, would suggest little has changed in terms of how many from the Alabama Media Group, the statewide organization that or how often Bargain Finder and Yes are being thrown. Certainly Baldwin newspaper changes runs the Press-Register, back in October to express concerns the many readers have told this writer that they have asked that the As of this week the Gulf Coast Media chain will merge two of rampant throwing of unsolicited materials was a major cause of products not be thrown only to have them continue. its papers and begin having its other three publish on Wednesdays, litter in the city. At the time the city said the P-R could face fines At this point Daves said the Press-Register has not been according to management. if the undesired throwing continued, but Daves says it appears not ticketed for continuing to throw indiscriminately across the area. GCM has consolidated The Robertsdale Independent and much has changed and the P-R is claiming a constitutional right to Much of the reason for that, he said, is people just have not been Baldwin Times in Bay Minette, creating a new newspaper called continue tossing the bags of ads into yards across the area. filing complaints. Ticketing would require a formal complaint be- The Times Independent. The new paper will print on Wednesdays. “The claim they have a First Amendment right to throw those ing filed and the city’s 311 service coming to verify the problem. The remaining newspapers — The Courier, The Islander and The things out there,” Daves said. But another part of the issue is the city having to try to handle Foley Onlooker, will continue to publish twice a week, but will The frustrated councilman said his research into the issue a Goliath media company with deep pockets. Ticketing or other- move their mid-week edition to Wednesdays. across the nation did not reveal many cities that have found a way wise trying to curtail the paper’s efforts to keep tossing the bags The move comes just months after the five-newspaper group to curb the trashy activities of their dominant or once-dominant of ads is likely to lead to a legal showdown in which the city is was purchased by OPC News out of South Carolina. Group Pub- local newspapers. He said the closest he could find was that New likely to spend a lot of money fighting a fight it is likely to lose. lisher Sudie Gambrell said the merger of the Times and Indepen- York has issued a sticker for residents to use to let newspapers Daves said the P-R pointed to a ruling in an Ohio court of dent will allow the new paper more resources to cover a larger know they’re not interested. appeals that sided with a newspaper’s rights to throw unsolicited area effectively. The move to publishing once a week is actually a In Mobile, though, the issue is one that has created both ag- materials. move back to what has worked in the past she said. gravation for residents and a problem for the city. Mayor Sandy At the same time the P-R is essentially thumbing its nose at the “The independent and The Baldwin Times were once-a-week Stimpson’s administration has pointed to the unsolicited bags of city’s complaints that it is one of the areas major litterbugs, many newspapers for years and years. They were twice-a-week news- pre-printed advertising as a major source of litter contributing citizens have complained about what they feel is a heavy-handed papers for only the past three or four years, so we are truly going to the city’s problem with waterway-clogging trash running into approach by the city to enforcement of the litter ordinance. Some back to a former tradition with this particular change. creeks and rivers during heavy rains. Daves said during discus- have complained they received very large fines at properties The Independent has been publishing since 1976, while the sions with the P-R they admitted to throwing more than 200,000 where they weren’t aware issues existed. Baldwin Times has been going since 1890. Bargain Finders a week in Mobile County. Daves is hoping to possibly pass an ordinance that would One of the biggest changes announced by GCM is the discon- “The problem for the city is guess who has to clean it up? require the paper to make the ways to discontinue the throws tinuation of in-house printing of its publications. Management We have to. It floats into the storm system and into Dog River. more prominent on their publications. Whether that would run up said the decision to close its printing shop was due to the age and And what are we getting from the newspaper? Less and less each against the issue of a governmental agency requiring press content condition of the equipment. No word on where the printing will year,” he said. “I wish we had a solution.” is a looming issue with that it would seem. be done, but the press crew was given a two-month notice in order Efforts to contact the leadership at Alabama Media Group were The councilman said some local leaders of the newspaper have to find new employment and management said most have.

LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 39 C O E the day to ensure everyone has to invites you to celebrate Christmas ThE NuTCRACKER opportunity to join in. One class with us at Hank Aaron Stadium, will be offered from 1 p.m. to 4 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd. The WhEN: DECEMBER 13 p.m. and the other will be from 6 show is nightly at dusk until 10 p.m. to 9 p.m. The ladies will also p.m. Admission is $6 per person. holiday splendor returns to the stage with have some of their other goods Mobile Ballet’s lavish production of The for sale in a “market” fashion just December 16 Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2:30 and in case you need to pick up a few Menorah Lighting 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2:30 p.m. at more gift items. Paint the Town Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Featuring is located at 412 Dauphin St. For will mark Hanukkah this year by a cast of more than 100 dancers, along with questions contact Suzy at 228- lighting a 9-foot-tall menorah in guest artists Vilia Putrius and Mindaugas 238-2183. Bienville Square on the first day Bauzys, this annual tradition is a “must see” of the Jewish holiday. Another for all ages! Purchase tickets online at www. A Christmas Blessing candle will be lit on each of the Christmas concert, “A Christmas eight nights of Hanukkah, through mobileballet.org or call the Mobile Ballet Box Photo/Mobile Ballet office 251-342-2241. Blessing,” will be at 3 p.m. at Little Dec. 24. The event begins at Flower Catholic Church, 2053 6:30 p.m. and is free of charge. In Government St. There is a $10 keeping with the theme of light, December 11 There is no cost for admission bring nonperishables for the food suggested donation at the door, the Bienville Square event will holiday Night Market but a packaged toy for Toys for pantry, for every item donated you and 100 percent of donations include a fire juggler, glow-in-the- Mobile Museum of Art is excited to Tots would be appreciated. The will receive a door prize ticket. will go to Mulherin Home here dark Hanukkah T-shirts and a free host its second artisan bazaar of Baldwin Winds, Adult Strings and Contact Lore at 251-824-1135 for in Mobile. You are invited to a raffle for a Kindle Fire. There will very special wares. Just in time for Youth Strings will also perform more information. reception following the concert; also be hot potato pancakes and the holidays, come get that one-of- holiday favorites prior to the youth please plan now to join us for doughnuts, as well as crafts for a-kind gift. Many locally sourced orchestra. For more information Flora-Bama Santa Drop this joyous celebration of the children. handmade products and arts and email [email protected] or Kick off the holidays with toes in season. Contact Marian for more crafts will be available starting at 5 visit bcyorchestra.com. the sand and a bushwacker in hand information at 251-533-9810. Ark of India p.m. The event will also feature the at this festive beachside shindig “Ark of India: An Alabama Artist Geaux Boy food truck and music LoDA ArtWalk/ElfWalk complete with hot chocolate, holiday Cheer at The Bull Explores Southern Asia” is an by Emily Stuckey. MMoA is located Downtown is the place to be as Christmas carols and more. Bring Benefiting the Child Advocacy exhibit about personal discovery at 4850 Museum Drive. For more December’s ArtWalk becomes the kids along to watch as the jolly Center, featuring a sampling of and exploration. It is an account information call 251-208-5200. ElfWalk. Join downtown art galleries, old soul parachutes down to the The Bull’s southwestern signature of late 19th and early 20th century institutions, studios and unique beach at 12 p.m. The Flora-Bama is dishes and wines, as well as a India as seen by Alabama artist Classic Christmas shops as they open their doors and located at 17401 Perdido Key Drive live auction of holiday gifts and Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his Popular vocalist/entertainer Doug welcome you inside to see beautiful in Perdido Key, Florida. For more entertainment by Jerry Squires. A paintings, drawings, sculptures Breau and the Magnificent 5 close artwork, sample delicious foods information visit florabama.com. variety of packages featuring hotel and most importantly, photographs out a year of successful concerts with and hear the sounds. This month, stays, local art and accessories, and writings. The exhibition is a celebration of your holiday favorites the city of Mobile is also hoping North Pole Bakery spa and pampering services and organized by the History Museum along with several American pop to break a world record for largest Join Crystal’s Custom Cakes in EVENTS | DECEMBER 11, 2014 - 17, more will be available for auction. of Mobile at 111 S. Royal St. and is classics from the ‘50s and beyond at amount of elves in one place. The the North Pole Bakery for cupcake The fun begins at 4 p.m. Tickets on view until Sept. 1, 2015. Davidson High School Auditorium, elf gathering begins at Bienville decorating, games and a visit from are only $35. For more information OF 3900 Pleasant Valley Road. Featuring Square at 6 p.m. and the count will Mrs. Claus. The North Pole Bakery visit cacmobile.org. The Bull BINGo musicians Sean Worrell, Steve begin at 7 p.m. Each participant is located at Heron Lakes Country is located in downtown at 609 Join The Haberdasher at 451 Jacobs, Phil Proctor, Shane Philen must wear a complete elf costume, Club, 3851 Government Blvd. Dauphin St. Dauphin St. every Tuesday and John Keuler. The show will including pointy ears and a pointy Cost is $10 per child and each beginning at 9:30 p.m. for Bingo, begin at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $15 at hat, which can be made of any participant will go home with their December 15 with prizes every round and drink the door. For more information visit material. The costumes worn must cupcake and a holiday fun pack. Bear hunting with ozanam specials. Free to play. For more dougbreau.com. be a combination of the colors red Reserve your spot today, 251-802- Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy information call 251-287-1976. and green. 7253. will be hosting a fundraiser ALENDAR Thursdays at the Museum ArtWalk continues until 9 p.m. “Bear Hunting With Ozanam” at December 17 C Every Thursday from 10 a.m. until An Appalachian Christmas O’Daly’s Irish Pub, 564 Dauphin 2014 Advent Music 9 p.m. the Mobile Museum of December 13 As the weather turns colder, the St., from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral will host Art, 4850 Museum Drive, offers holiday under The Stars Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim St., 100 percent of the proceeds will the annual Advent Music at noon free admission to all visitors. Join The Exploreum, 65 Government St., heats up with superstar fiddler Mark go toward the work of Ozanam Wednesday, Dec. 17. Immediately MMOA each week to experience will host Holiday Under the Stars O’Connor and his Appalachian Charitable Pharmacy. For more following the program at 12:30 the museum in new and exciting from 3 until 7 p.m. featuring a wide Christmas. This heart-warming information contact Christopher at p.m. a lunch will be served. An $8 ways throughout the year. No range of fun, interactive holiday concert also features all your 251-432-4111. donation is requested for lunch. reservations are necessary. activities, Santa Claus, one of the holiday favorites you know and Everyone is welcome. Christ largest model railroad trains in love. Tickets start at $20. Call 251- Ballroom Dance Church Cathedral is located at 115 December 12 Alabama, penguins, a special IMAX 432-2010 for more information. The Moonlight Chasse Ballroom South Conception St. For more Magic Christmas in Lights movie called “Santa versus the Show starts at 8 p.m. Dance Society hosts dance information call 251-438-1822. Visit Bellingrath Gardens and Snowman,” the Voices of Jerusalem classes with professional Home during its 19th season of exhibit, and more. Learn about Mobile SantaCon instructors at 7 p.m., followed by Bend & Brew Magic Christmas in Lights. Magic the science of Santa and enjoy a Grab your red fur outfit and join dancing from 7:30 until 10 p.m. Join Fairhope Brewing every Christmas in Lights runs until Jan. paper “snowball” fight. Learn about the 3rd annual pub crawl of people Admission is $10. There will be a Wednesday night starting at 6 p.m. 3 and is closed on Christmas and stars, constellations, the Northern dressed as Santa Claus to have a cash bar and no need to bring a for Hoppy Yoga. The taproom is New Years Day. The gardens are Lights and much more. Admission great time while spreading cheer partner. Beginners are welcome. transformed into a yoga studio open during Magic Christmas in prices are half off for everyone: $7 and goodwill. Crawl starts at 6 Fitzpen Place, 11247 State with Soul Shine Yoga leading the Lights from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., and for adults; $5 for children, or free p.m. at O’Daly’s. A pub list and Highway 31, Spanish Fort. For session. It’s only $5 to participate the holiday lights are on from 5-9 for members. There will also be drink specials will be available. more information, email Cassie in the class and then you can stick p.m. on each of these days. Home special deals for anyone who wants Organizers will be trading door Fishbein at [email protected]. around for beer specials as well tours run every half hour until 8 p.m. to give an Exploreum membership prizes for unopened donations to as light snacks provided by Pretty throughout the season. Bellingrath as a holiday gift this year. For more Toys for Tots. For more information Christmas Nights of Light Mean Sweets. Fairhope Brewing Gardens and Home is located at information visit www.exploreum. visit www.facebook.com/ Hundreds of thousands of LED is located at 914 Nichols Ave., 12401 Bellingrath Road. Theodore, com or email jholland@exploreum. santaconmobile. lights, driven by over one thousand Fairhope. Alabama. Call 251-973-2217 for com. computer channels, synchronized more information. December 14 to both traditional and new Tour Space 301 Jingle Rock in the Boon Docks holiday Workshop rocking Christmas music playing Tours of the Main Gallery and Peter and the Wolf Please come and be a part of what Paint the Town, along with seven through your car radio. Pack your Fabrication Hall are every The Baldwin County Youth makes this area special with eight local artisans/crafters will be hosting vehicle full of friends and family Wednesday and Saturday, 11:30 Orchestra proudly presents “Peter hours of live music at the Coastal a Handmade Holiday Workshop to enjoy the show as you begin a a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Centre and the Wolf” by Sergie Prokofiev. Response Center building, 7385 to meet all of your holiday gift new Christmas tradition. The fun for the Living Arts/Space 301, This classical piece, written as a State Highway 188, in Coden. giving needs. At the price of $60 doesn’t stop after you drive thru 301 Conti St. Tours included story told with instruments and Bluegrass from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. per participant, you’ll get to leave the mile and a half Christmas show with the price of admission. Call narration, will take place at 7 p.m. Oldies, classic rock and country with seven small DIY lessons and — afterward you can visit Santa’s 251-208-5671 or visit www. at Eastern Shore Baptist Church, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is seven very UNIQUE gifts. There will Village. Christmas Nights of Lights centreforthelivingarts.com. 6847 Park Drive, Daphne, Alabama. $2 and reentry is permitted. Please be two classes offered throughout 40 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 41 UPON FURTHER REVIEW | SPORTS ‘Mission: Montgomery’ battle cry for Jags’ first-ever bowl bid BY J. MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER | [email protected] | Twitter @goulaguy

he seed was planted on Dec. 6, 2007, when the University of South Alabama’s Board of Trustees approved a plan to add football to the list of Jaguar sports. Joey Jones, a Mobile native and former University of Alabama star Treceiver, was selected to serve as head coach and be the face of the fledgling program. With a mandate to be among the Football Bowl Subdivision teams by 2013, the Jaguars exploded out of the gate by winning their first 17 games. When the competition grew tougher, Jones kept his team focused on their goals: conference championships and bowl games. The first objective has yet to be obtained, but the second wish has been granted. The USA football team will play the Bowling Green Falcons (7-6) on Saturday, Dec. 20, in the inaugural Camel- lia Bowl. The game at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery kicks off at 8:15 p.m. “I want to thank ESPN and the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl for inviting us to their bowl game,” Jones said, whose team is 6-6 overall and 5-3 in Sun Belt Conference play. “Last year, we be- came bowl eligible, but didn’t quite get in. This year, we became Photo/University of South Alabama bowl eligible and got in. “I’m so proud of our players and the sacrifices they’ve made to USA Tight End Wes Saxon is among a large group of seniors who’ll play their last game for the have this moment. My heart goes out to them; it’s really all about the players.” Jaguars at the Camellia Bowl in Montgomery Dec. 20, against the Bowling Green Falcons. USA pointed out that this is the fastest an FBS program has cana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. game, and can attest that the hospitality shown by the GoDaddy been invited to participate in a bowl game. This is the Jags’ sixth Saxton ranks fourth all-time in USA record books with Bowl and the City of Mobile is second to none,” said ASU athletic season of competition, and second as a full member of the FBS. 96 catches and 1,126 receiving yards. Last fall, the 6-foot-4, director Terry Mohajir. “So we know the tremendous experience Florida Atlantic was the previous record-holder, having made it to 235-pounder finished with 50 receptions for 635 yards and earned ahead for our program and our fans.” a bowl in its seventh year of competition. first-team all-SBC honors. This is the 100th year that Arkansas State has fielded a football “The importance of this bowl game is great, obviously for the A preseason candidate for both the John Mackey and Bilet- team. Head coach Blake Anderson’s team set the SBC record with football team and all the fans, but it’s also great for the student life nikoff Awards, he enters the bowl game with 20 catches for 155 764 yards of total offense in a 68-35 win over New Mexico State here,” USA President Dr. Tony Waldrop said. “What an accom- yards, after having been hampered by injuries this year. this year. They also lead the conference with 15 interceptions. plishment. After just six years of having a football program, we Teams are set to arrive Wednesday, Dec. 31. The highly antici- are going to a bowl game.” pated Mardi Gras-style parade will be the night before the game, Tickets for the game are $25 per person. For information on Sweet home Alabama along with a pep rally, fireworks show and street party in down- ticket plans, call 251-461-1USA (1872). At first glance, most college teams and fans would hope to town. Tickets are $45 for sideline seats and $15 for end zone. Call “We are all one team, we are all one family, we represent this avoid going to the same bowl year after year. In the case of the 251-635-0011 for information. university and our community,” said USA athletic director Dr. Joel Arkansas State Red Wolves, though, it is more of a homecoming. • ASU was mentioned recently after the hiring of Colorado Erdmann. “The team and the coaches have a certain role; that’s to For the fourth consecutive year, ASU will represent the Sun State’s Jim McElwain to become Florida’s new football coach. practice, to compete and to win. We — the ones not on the team Belt in the GoDaddy Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Their op- The Gators had to agree on a $5 million buyout to get McElwain — have a different role, and that’s to support them and drive that ponent from the Mid-American Conference will be the Toledo out of his contract with the Rams. engine. We need to be able to go to Montgomery and represent Rockets (8-4). The game is set for Sunday, Jan. 4, at 8 p.m. This was the highest buyout ever paid by a college. The previ- ourselves to the best of our ability.” “Over the past few years, the Arkansas State fans have made ous mark was the $4.375 million Texas had to give to Louisville Erdmann said USA has adopted a battle cry for the bowl game, the City of Mobile their home away from home,” said GoDaddy for Charlie Strong. calling it “Mission: Montgomery.” The three goals are to buy Bowl president Jerry Silverstein, “and we are excited to once Next on the list was the $1.75 million that Boise State had to tickets, travel to the game and rally around the team. again be hosting them for a record breaking fourth time. Last give to Arkansas State for the services of head coach Brian Harsin. The official USA website shows the team has an incredible year’s win over Ball State with a blocked field goal in the final The Red Wolves are accustomed to these type of arrangements, 34 seniors on the roster. Among those playing his last game in a seconds of regulation made for a thrilling game for football fans and they have recently lost several coaches to other schools. Jaguar uniform is tight end Wes Saxton. everywhere.” Other very familiar names are Gus Malzahn, who left for However, it will not be the last outing for the Hueytown native. The Red Wolves first played in the 2012 game, falling to North- Auburn after a $700,000 buyout, and Hugh Freeze, who became He has been selected for the 90th annual East-West Shrine Game ern Illinois. They returned to defeat Kent State 17-13 in 2013 and the Ole Miss head coach after Arkansas State received $225,000 on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 3 p.m. The game will be played on Tropi- Ball State 23-20 last year. “We’re delighted to be a part of this first-class bowl for his contract.

42 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 STYLE Optimist Club’s Christmas tree tradition BY CASANDRA BUTLER ANDREWS/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ome December, the pungent scent of fresh go through our clubs. We give them a Christmas scholarships awarded each year to high school conifers hangs in the air at the corner of party and everyone gets a gift. That’s the whole seniors based on community service, goals, aca- Virginia and Ann streets near downtown thing. We try to have a good time and encourage demic achievements and character; the recogni- Mobile, beckoning families to step inside a young people.” tion of male and female athletes of the week in Cmakeshift lot and take home a tree. The Mobile Optimist Club supports the Boys cross-country, track and field, swimming and Last week, children scampered down long and Girls Club on Michigan Avenue. One perk diving, soccer and basketball; financial support for rows of Frasier firs at the Mobile Optimist Club for the high-school-aged young men who are Boys and Girls Clubs including hosting an annual Christmas tree lot, running their outstretched members of the Michigan Avenue Boys and Girls Christmas party where gifts are provided for all hands along dark green branches. At least a few Club, is to work after school at the Virginia Street youth who attend. adults reached out to touch the still soft needles, tree lot for tips. James said the teens have to be The Mobile Optimist Club also presents too, breathing in the unmistakable aroma. members in good standing to qualify for the part- a Youth of the Year Program, an “I’m Per- A young couple snapped photos of their time positions. fect” school attendance award, a Boys and Girls 4-month-old daughter in front of the tree they Roy Davis, 17, a student at Williamson High Club Cookout and provides sales training on its were bringing home to celebrate her first Christ- School, has been volunteering at the Virginia Christmas tree lot and a chance for area youth to mas. Several families selected more than one. For Street site for three years. He stood near the edge earn extra money for the holidays. Club members many, picking out the perfect tree at the Virginia of the trees a few nights ago, asking customers sponsor and attend local sporting events with Street lot has become a tradition that spans gen- what size tree they were looking for. He said help- honor members of the Boys and Girls Club. These erations. ing people pick out a good Christmas tree was the include college and professional basketball, base- Erica McElhaney and her son, John, 17, were pay- best part of the job. Earning some extra cash for ball and hockey events. ing for a set of Frasier firs on Dec. 3. “We’ve been the holidays was a nice, too, he said. The Mobile Optimists also sponsor a Junior coming here since 1993,” McElhaney said. “It’s in James, who has worked at the lot all six years Optimist Club at UMS-Wright Preparatory our neighborhood and it’s a way for us to support he has been a member of the Mobile Optimist School. This middle school based club has an the community. I like it that they have young men Club, said they teach the teens about salesman- active “school and community service” program, to help you.” ship, offering pointers on how to help customers, organizers said. The mother of four was making plans to put instructing the young volunteers to always make With its international organization founded in the taller of the two trees in the living room of her eye contact, introduce themselves and ask about 1919, the purpose of Optimist Clubs is to instill home in Oakleigh, with the smaller one to hold assisting with tree selection. optimism as a philosophy of life using the tenets all the ornaments that won’t fit on the first. She Besides Davis, at least half a dozen other of the Optimist Creed: to promote an active prefers live trees to the faux variety for several young men held out numerous trees for customers interest in good government and civic affairs, to reasons, with the scent of a fresh-cut fir at the top on a recent evening. When a tree was picked, the inspire respect for the law, to promote patriotism of her list. Her adult daughter who lives in Mobile teen volunteers would bring it to an adult member and work for international accord and friend- also comes to the Optimist lot for Christmas trees, for trimming. The young men are not allowed to ship among all people, to aid and encourage the McElhaney said. slice the bottoms from the trees with power tools. development of youth, in the belief that the giving The main attraction at the month-long sale — “It’s too dangerous to let them use a chainsaw,” of one’s self in service to others will advance the the trees — were trucked in from two farms in James said. “Adults have to do that part.” well-being of humankind, community life and the Leland, N.C. just days earlier. In all, members of Optimist Club members cut off the bottoms world. the Mobile Optimist club purchased 1,060 trees from the Christmas trees, before nailing on a Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer they hope to sell before Dec. 24 to raise money small stand or a bucket by request. The stands organization with more than 2,600 local groups to support the Boy’s and Girl’s Club on Michigan cost no more than $10, while the buckets are $4. whose members strive, they say, to make the Avenue in Mobile, among 30 other programs they Customers are welcome to bring their own stands future brighter by bringing out the best in children, maintain or lend support to. Members hope to and have them attached there, organizers said. in their communities, and in themselves. There bring in about $20,000 during the 2014 fundraiser, Hand-crafted wreaths also are for sale for $20 this are three optimist Clubs in Mobile and five in said Buzz Jordan, a local attorney and member of year, James said. Baldwin County, according to the Optimist the Mobile Optimist Club. Once the trees are trimmed, the young volun- International website. Those 2,600 or so groups The Mobile Optimist Club lot is at the corner teers slide them through a device that wraps the serve an average of six million children a year. of Virginia Street and Ann Street across from trees in plastic netting. Ready for transport, the Besides sports, essays and oratorical contests, in Magnolia Cemetery, next to the Mobile Police young men take the netted trees to waiting ve- recent years Optimist Clubs in 35 countries have Department’s mounted unit. Trees are sold seven hicles where they tie them down for the trip home. raised millions for childhood cancer research and days a week. Hours are Monday through Friday, “We have a few people who come in and say ‘I have waged national campaigns to promote safe noon until 8 p.m. On weekends, the lot is open buy my trees here because I worked here as a kid,” Internet use among children. from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Trees are priced by size James said, nodding at a group of young men Some customers at the Optimist Club Christ- and variety and range from $33 to $135 for a 14- across the grass waiting for more customers. mas tree lot didn’t know that by buying a tree foot Frasier fir. The Mobile Optimist Club sponsors more than at the Virginia Street site they were supporting Members working at the lot on a 30 local programs supporting children. a charitable organization that empowers youth warm Wednesday evening talked about how the Among them is an essay contest for high across the globe and down the street. longtime fundraiser supports their mission. school students where district winners receive “Some of our neighbors come here, so we “Our motto is ‘for the youth,’” said Tom partial college scholarships; an annual oratorical thought we would, too,” said Millie Cross, the James, an Optimist Club member who manages contest for boys and girls where district winners mother of two young children. “I’m glad to know the lot. “It’s really fun to see young people who receive college scholarship support; three college we are supporting something worthwhile.”

LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 43 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1. Mac alternatives 4. Clinches 8. From the same tree? 12. “You’ve Got Mail” company 13. It may come to light 14. ___ fide 15. NY engineering sch. 16. Infuriating 18. Whet the appetite 20. Fitting 21. Hardship’s opposite 24. Little run-ins 28. Speech problems 32. Coin in the Trevi Foun- tain, once 33. One with a beat 34. Baylor of basketball fame 36. Stocking stuffer? 37. Bug-eyed, perhaps 39. Envisions 41. Far from original 29. Robe for Caesar 43. Certain hardwood 4. Mirror 30. “Once ___ a time” 44. Promgoer’s woe 5. Opposing 31. Arab’s father 46. Salon supply 6. List letters 35. Picks up 50. To one’s liking 7. Hangar, e.g. 38. Park structure 55. Test the patience of 8. Rappel 40. Make tracks? 56. Social slight 9. Ornamental carp 42. Blip on a polygraph 57. Cub raiser 10. What a keeper may 45. Saga 58. Business apparel keep 47. Lousy deposits? 59. Big sport in Japan? 11. Ride, and then some 48. Many a jazz combo 60. Abates, as a tide 17. Brazil, e.g. 49. Bias 61. Plant 19. Favorite project 50. Pack animal 22. Narcissist’s obsession 51. African grazer DOWN 23. Grain disease 52. Buccaneer’s drink 1. Actor’s goal 25. Record holder 53. It’s served with lobster 2. Get along 26. Priceless? 54. High ball 3. Common cowboy 27. Doesn’t hold up well nickname 28. Healing sign Answers on Page 48

44 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 45 THE LOADED QUESTION

What was the last concert you attended at the Civic Center? Asked Downtown

“I can honestly say I’ve never been to one, I usu- ally go out of town for concerts, to places such as Nashville, Atlanta or New orleans.” -Amberly

“I think it was two or three years ago for a Rick Ross concert.” -Willie huntley

“Probably five or six years ago when Carrie underwood came.” -Kaki Mayhall

46 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 47 PORT CITY PREMONITIONS | STYLE Cancer’s hot dog adventures were good to the last bite BY DR. ZODIAC/ASTROLOGY GUY

Sagittarius (11/21 - 12/22) — After a be- will, in effect, be demoted. Unfortunately for loved office stress reliever goes on to the great you the day only gets worse. You won’t be cubicle in the sky, you’ll find yourself delivering told to bring a dish for the holiday potluck and a eulogy for a beach ball. “Debra was sister, a therefore will be banned from participation. No mother and a friend,” you’ll say about the plas- cookies for you, loser. To make a bad day worse, tic sack of air that kept so much from getting you’ll get a flat tire on the way home. You’ll done for months. Later, behind the office, you soon be longing for the injured days, full of joy. and rest of the gang will scatter the remains of what used to be the highlight of a slow Friday, Cancer (6/21 - 7/22) — Sales will keep only to get a $250 fine from the City of Mobile. improving, as the popularity of your hot dog cart continues to climb. The “Sour Krauts” will Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19) — You’ll be sur- leave you alone in the coming weeks, which prised with how your dog’s behavior changes af- will further improve your bottom line. You will ter being prescribed tramadol for a leg injury. At happily sling wieners for the throngs of fans first it’s just lethargy, but over time she’ll perfect until a grown man asks for ketchup on his hot the art of feigning injury until she starts full on dog. You will refuse. When he begins to get an- fiending. After the veterinarian turns her down noyed, you’ll spray him in the face with a squirt for a fifth refill, you’ll start to notice electronics bottle of mustard and run away. The run-in will missing from around the house. You’ll confront lead to a lawsuit and you’ll be forced to give up her and out of love, ask her to move out. Even- your cart dreams. tually, you’ll see her working the streets near Moffett Road, broken and alone. Leo (7/23 - 8/23) — You’ll find yourself in an unsettling situation when you run into some Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18) — A story about the disgruntled Baylor and TCU fans at a local bar. history of concerts at the Mobile Civic Center There’s no surprise the Crimson Tide landed reminds you of that ZZ Top show you almost the top spot going into the college playoffs, forgot. You sort of blacked out after catching a and while (almost) everyone is happy, you’ll contact high and slipping in some kid’s vomit, pick the wrong night to yell “Roll Tide!” One hitting your head on the concrete floor. Hyp- particular horned-frog fan will punch you in the notherapy will reveal what happened next, you mouth, resulting in a few missing teeth. You’ll CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS were crowd-surfed unconscious to the stage, and really fit the Alabama stereotype now, but at awarded a complimentary beard. least you won’t be wearing an Ohio State jersey.

Pisces (2/19 - 3/20) — Jealous at a neigh- Virgo (8/24 - 9/22) — An upcoming office bor’s over-the-top holiday light display, you Christmas party will leave you naked and engage in a little friendly sabotage. You slightly stranded on Bourbon Street. Having no recol- unscrew his lightbulbs. You pin-prick his festive lection of what led you to such a ratchet state, inflatables. You write your name with pee on you’ll wake up, reeking of sewage, near a gutter his fake snow. Suspicious, the neighbor pulls an surrounded by an ungodly amount of empty all-nighter to keep watch. You are busted and Hand Grenade cups. You’ll be angered at your given a very stern talking to after he catches you coworkers, especially after having bought the replacing the icons in a nativity scene with sum- most coveted secret Santa gift, but come Mon- mer squashes that you’ve drawn faces on. day morning, an empty office will reveal that you were the only one to make it out alive. Aries (3/21 - 4/19) — A relationship with a younger partner gets dangerous after someone Libra (9/23 - 10/22) — After realizing one disapproves. Complicating matters, the lover can shamelessly make up a story and pass it does not understand your age-related ailments. as factual for publication in one of the na- FROM PAGE 44 That and the matter of entertainment — every tion’s most well-recognized magazines, you’ll time you are in the car together they sing along begin to develop a pitch for your own compel- to that new song from Lorde. Suddenly you re- ling piece. You’ll pen the heroic tale of Kris alize if you want to keep this thing going, you’re Kringle, a former gang member rising from the F going to have to drop some bills on the “What’s slums of East Harlem to become one of the most U Hot” section of iTunes. beloved characters of all times. Your dreams will be shattered when it’s discovered that your T Taurus (4/20 - 5/20) — The holiday season St. Nick is actually just a drunk old man from U is a time for joy, love and family. This is true Mobile SantaCon. for most, but not you. You will be reaching a R full month of unemployment and will have no Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21) — A ban on puns E money for gifts for family and friends. In a in news reporting will spread from China to normal family the fact that you can’t afford gifts the United States, and local TV stations will wouldn’t be a big deal, but your conservative have no outlet for “dad jokes.” After failing to S family will shun you. Your father will wonder squeeze in a few in during live segments, a gang H openly why you can’t just find a steady job and of male anchors will start a network of comedy your sister encourages you to pull yourself up spots known as the “Punderground,” which O by your bootstraps. explodes in popularity due to its illegality. Like C an Al Capone of one liners, the ring leader will K Gemini (5/21 - 6/21) — You’ll come back eventually be driven mad by power (and syphi- to work, after weeks of being sidelined after lis). His death in the Mobile Metro Jail will the accident. You’ll find that your job has been bring about the end of era. filled, and while your boss won’t fire you, you

48 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 49 MOBILE MAGNIFIED | STYLE Rollerblading Santa dashes through MiMo and the OGD BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY ffice parties every weekend. Misbehaving and celebrity and we hear the matches have been quite competitive. But we are sightings from WeMo to LoDa. It really is Christmas! told the “mallet was buried” last weekend so the De Tonti folks Mrs. McCarron Y’all just don’t understand - after Mardi Gras, a gossip gal could have their annual Christmas party, which I am told was a getting her like myself really does find this to be the most wonderful blast. There were even some OGD-ers spotted at the party. Uh craft on? Otime of the year. Santa may prefer those who are nice, but I am oh. Let’s just hope nothing “wicket” as going on – you know like Word on the street more interested in the naughty list. And that list is quite long! I’ve mallet sabotage. (I know that was a terrible croquet joke, but just that Mrs. A.J. McCar- got switches a plenty to hand out. go with it.) ron, the lovely Kather- So let’s get to it! Poke-oake ine Webb was spotted On Monday night Dec. 8, a self proclaimed “nerd spy” said at Hobby Lobby on The Roller Express? he spotted what he felt were fellow nerds downtown at Alchemy Schillinger recently. I had numerous reports that a person dressed in a skin-tight Tavern. One of the “gentlemen” was wearing a bath robe as some No word on if she was Santa suit and very short pink shorts was spotted roller blading sort of overcoat and this seemed slightly nerd-esque, but it wasn’t scrapbooking or bedaz- through Midtown and the OGD last Sunday, Dec. 7. This suave until they sang karaoke that our spy could confirm without ques- zling or just picking up Santa even had a boom box on his shoulder that was playing tion they were in fact, nerds. Their karaoke song of choice: the some Christmas décor, Christmas music. With that suit, I think it’s safe to say, his bells Pokemon theme song. Yep, definitely nerds! but we hear the model were not jingling, if you know what I mean. But I do love this! I (What I found most surprising about this story is that the and reality show star certainly hope we see some more of this Santa! Pokemon theme song is available as a choice for karaoke perfor- was gracious enough to mances.) take pics with at least hot times at “The Polar Express” one young fan. As part of the month-long, best-Christmas-in-the-Port-City- Mobile horror Story? since-the-beginning-of-time celebration, parents and kids alike “American Horror Story” fans might have noticed a familiar Well kids, that’s all headed to Cathedral Square last Friday night to watch “The Polar face who has been getting a lot of screen time on the show. Ac- I got this week. The Express.” I am told by my spies that Mayor Sandy Stimpson was cording to our AHS spy, Port City native Nathan O’Neil Smith bulk of Christmas in attendance but it was not the good mayor who was garnering all has been seen in just about every parties happen next the attention but the officer who often accompanies him. Let’s just episode this season. According weekend (including say the word “hot” was thrown around a lot by one group of ladies to imdb.com. his film credits Lagniappe’s), so look as they watched him, I mean, the movie. Naughty, naughty ladies! also include our own locally- for even more naughti- Photo/Facebook/Via Boozie Spy This Friday night Dec. 12, the city is trying to set the Guinness filmed blockbusters, “Tokarev” ness next issue. And record for most number of elves in one place (other than the North (aka “Rage” with Nic Cage) and just remember, whether Pole obviously). Participants are asked to dress in elf costume or at “Convergence” (with Mykelti “Santa” rollerblades rain or shine, dramatic or least elf ears and head to Bienville Square before 7 p.m. Williamson). The Boozester has through MiMo and OGD. scandalous, or just some not cracked out on this show yet, plain ol’ roller blading Something “wicket” this way comes but look forward to seeing some There has been a weekly croquet match between De Tonti Santa lovin’, I will be there, Ciao! Square and Oakleigh Garden District residents for some time now. local talent in it when I do! Photo/imdb.com Each week they alternate locations between their historic locales

50 | LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | December 11, 2014 - December 17, 2014 | 51