Whatcom Middle School MUSIC Expires in 2011

THE GRISTLE, P.6 /# "'* .+xFREE WILL, P.28 cascadia REPORTING FROM THE HEART OF CASCADIA WHATCOM*SKAGIT*ISLAND*LOWER B.C. 12.z.09 :: #52, v.04 :: !-

- .*'0/$*). MAKE ‘EM, DON’T BREAK ‘EM, P.13 ) 2 "$))$)". BELLINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE, P.15 -0(*-#.$/ IT WAS A YEAR, P.18 ./2009&2*-./

30 30

FOOD cascadia !'0/$./ % !!- 4*#) 25 25 WILL MAKE MUSIC DURING THE CAS- CADE EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL’S “LOUIS XIV’S BASSOON” CONCERT JAN. 3 AT CLASSIFIEDS A glance at what’s happening this week ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 22 22 FILM FILM 2 ) . 4[12.z.09] 18 DANCE NYE Crash Course: 7pm, Blue Moon Ballroom MUSIC MUSIC Cole Anderson: 7:30pm, Lairmont Manor 16

ART ART GET OUT Epic Run: 7pm, Fairhaven Runners 15 /#0-. 4[12.zx.09]

STAGE STAGE $!4*0- ON STAGE Vampire Hearts: 7pm, RiverBelle Dinner # .)*/ Theatre, Mount Vernon 14 The Cody Rivers Show: 8pm, iDiOM Theater +*0) $)" New Year’s Eve Shows: 9pm and 11pm, Up- FROM AN OVERABUNDANCE

GET OUT front Theatre OF END-OF-THE-YEAR DANCE CHAMPAGNE, STRIP DOWN 13 NYE Contra Dance: 8pm-1am, Norway Hall TO YOUR SWIMSUIT ON NEW MUSIC WORDS No-Fi Soul Rebellion: Boundary Bay Brewery YEAR’S DAY AND START 2010 Flowmotion, Acorn Project: 9pm, Wild Buffalo OFF WITH EITHER A “POLAR

8 Yogoman Burning Band, the Dt’s: Nightlight Lounge PLUNGE” IN BIRCH BAY OR THE ANNUAL “PADDEN COMMUNITY CURRENTS CURRENTS Labyrinth Walk: 3-5pm, Bellingham First POLAR DIP” Congregational Church 6 Labyrinth Walk: 4-9pm, Leopold Crystal Ballroom VIEWS VIEWS First Night Bellingham: 9pm-2am, Best West- ern Lakeway Inn 4 GET OUT MAIL MAIL Get Movin’ Kickoff: 6-9pm, Bellingham

Sportsplex 2 Ring of Fire: 7pm, Birch Bay waterfront DO IT IT DO DO IT 2 VISUAL ARTS ./0- 4[01.y.10] VISUAL ARTS pretive Center, Rockport Make.Shift Art Show Closing: 9pm, Casa Que Guy Anderson, Ann Morris Opening: 5-7pm,

09 09 Pasa ON STAGE Lucia Douglas Gallery

.30. Vampire Hearts: 7pm, RiverBelle Dinner (*) 4[01.{.10] 12 Theatre, Mount Vernon !-$ 4[01.x.10] Games Galore: 8pm, Upfront Theatre .0) 4[01.z.10] ON STAGE

.04 The Cody Rivers Show: 8pm, iDiOM Theater Radium Girls Auditions: 7pm, Claire vg Thomas

52 ON STAGE Director’s Cut: 10pm, Upfront Theatre ON STAGE Theatre, Mount Vernon # Vampire Hearts: 7pm, RiverBelle Dinner Comedy Night: 8pm, Fairhaven Pub Theatre, Mount Vernon MUSIC WORDS Games Galore: 8pm, Upfront Theatre Thomas Harris Quintet: 2-5pm, VFW Hall Poetrynight: 8pm, Anker Café The Cody Rivers Show: 8pm, iDiOM Theater MUSIC Director’s Cut: 10pm, Upfront Theatre COMMUNITY Cascade Early Music Festival: 4pm, St. Paul’s Resolutions: 11am-4pm, Village Books Episcopal Church /0 . 4[01.|.10] GET OUT

CASCADIA WEEKLY New Year’s Day Ride: 10:15am, Fairhaven Park GET OUT COMMUNITY ON STAGE Resolution Run: 11am, Lake Padden Birding the Beaches of Semiahmoo: 9am-12pm, Community Breakfast: 8am-1pm, Rome Grange Radium Girls Auditions: 7pm, Claire vg Thomas 2 Polar Plunge: 12pm, Birch Bay Drive Semiahmoo Park Museum Laughter Club: 4pm, Co-op Connections Building Theatre, Mount Vernon Padden Polar Dip: 12pm, Lake Padden Eagle Watching: 10am-4pm, Skagit River Inter- Eagle Tour: 1:30-4pm, with the Whatcom Land pretive Center, Rockport GET OUT GET OUT Trust Eagle Watching: 10am-4pm, Skagit River Inter- Ski and Snowboard Tuning 101: 6pm, REI

30 30

YOUR LOCAL PLACE FOR FUN FOOD EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK! 25 CLASSIFIEDS 22 22 FILM FILM 18 MUSIC 16 ART ART

(YHU\)ULGD\ 6DWXUGD\QLJKWVWDUWLQJ 15 RQ-DQXDU\ZLQDFKDQFHWREXU\\RXU

RSSRQHQWLQVQRZDQGZLQFROG STAGE KDUGFDVK6HH:LQQHUV&OXEIRUGHWDLOV 14 GET OUT

3 13 WORDS

Sports Bar 8 Games Pull Tabs CURRENTS Pool Tables 6 Darts VIEWS 4

Dance Floor MAIL

2 Music 2 DO IT IT DO DO IT Live Entertainment! 09 09 .30.

January’s Club 542 Pizza & Beer Deal 12 7KLV -DQXDU\ RQO\ LQ &OXE ² EX\V \RX D

LQFKWRSSLQJSL]]D SLWFKHURIGRPHVWLFEHHU² .04 52

DOOGD\HYHU\GD\ #

See works from the late Guy Anderson—one of the Every Week in January: Plus Live Entertainment: “mystic painters of the Northwest”—at an opening Wednesdays: Karaoke January 9th Live music featuring Silver City reception Jan. 2 at the Lucia Douglas Gallery. New Thursdays: .+(0/".," &(.*! +2 +2 January 16th Live music featuring The Tropics works from Lummi Island sculptor Ann Morris will also be on display Fridays: +2 +2*! * &*$ CASCADIA WEEKLY

TO GET YOUR EVENTS LISTED, 3 SEND DETAILS TO CALENDAR@ CASCADIAWEEKLY.COM WWW.NOOKSACKCASINOS.COM 4 877.777.9847 4 5048 MOUNT BAKER HIGHWAY 4 DEMING WA MAIL Contact Cascadia Weekly:

THIS ISSUE E 360.647.8200 30 30 Perennial bad Editorial

FOOD boy Charlie Sheen allegedly spent Editor & Publisher: Christmas Day in Tim Johnson 25 25 Aspen wielding a E ext 260 mail knife at his wife, ô editor@ Brooke Mueller, cascadiaweekly.com CONTENTS CREDITS LETTERS and threatening to Arts & Entertainment

CLASSIFIEDS kill her if she told Editor: Amy Kepferle anybody. Mueller Eext 203 says Sheen became ô calendar@ 22 22 enraged when cascadiaweekly.com she told him she

FILM FILM Music & Film Editor: wanted a divorce. Carey Ross Happy holidays, Eext 204 indeed.

18 ô music@ cascadiaweekly.com

MUSIC Production Art Director: Jesse Kinsman 16 VIEWS & NEWS ô graphics@ ART ART 4: Mailbag cascadiaweekly.com 6: Keeping Whatcom united Graphic Artists: Kimberly Baldridge

15 8: The year in news ô kim@ 11: Horseplay and hijinks kinsmancreative.com STAGE STAGE Stefan Hansen ô stefan@ ARTS & LIFE cascadiaweekly.com 14 13: Resolving resolutions Send All Advertising Materials To [email protected] 14: Pedal pushers GET OUT 15: BCT is back on track Advertising Advertising Director: 16: Worth the wait Nicki Oldham 13 18: Globetrotters E360-647-8200 x 202 ô nicki@ cascadiaweekly.com WORDS 20: Clubs 22: Crazy Cage Account Executives:

8 Marisa Papetti E360-647-8200 x 252 REAR END ô marisa@ stimulates our local economy golden orb now sits in some- 25: Services, Troubletown cascadiaweekly.com and the and the principle to one’s home as a trophy to their CURRENTS CURRENTS KEEP THE HOLIDAY 26: Advice Goddess, Sudoku Frank Tabbita SPIRIT “buy local,” which makes Bell- lack of community interest. E360-739-2388 6 27: Wellness ô frank@ When I picked up a copy of ingham such a unique, special Please bring it back and cascadiaweekly.com the Dec. 23 Weekly, the front place to live. leave it after hours at the 28: Free Will Astrology VIEWS VIEWS Holley Gardoski page evoked joyful child- —Nancy Steele, Bellingham back door of Village Books. 29: Crossword, comics E360-421-2513 hood memories of Christmas’s The good folks there will get it 4 4 30: Spicing things up ô holley@ past: Waiting for Santa to ﬂy into the proper hands to be re- cascadiaweekly.com VILLAGE GREEN MAIL MAIL MAIL over our home in his sleigh VANDALISM installed on the kiosk. There Distribution and pop down the chimney to Fairhaven Village Green has will be no questions asked. If

2 JW Land & Associates lay gifts under the Yule tree. been a well-used and treasured you did not take it, but know cascadia Christian Clark

DO IT IT DO Disappointingly, the bottom gift to our community. Half of who did, please urge them to ô distro@ right-hand corner of the cover its expense, its artwork and return it; our community is di- ©2009 CASCADIA WEEKLY (ISSN 1931-3292) is published each Wednesday by cascadiaweekly.com Cascadia Newspaper Company LLC. Direct all correspondence to: Cascadia Weekly

09 09 page depicts a black-and- all of its adornments—such minished by its absence. PO Box 2833 Bellingham WA 98227-2833 | Phone/Fax: 360.647.8200 [email protected] white drawing of a figure lift- as the pergola, the steel fence —Village Green Committee .30. Though Cascadia Weekly is distributed free, please take just one copy. Cascadia 12 Weekly may be distributed only by authorized distributors. Any person removing Letters ing up the corner of the page and the benches and the pav- papers in bulk from our distribution points risks prosecution Send letters to letters@ to peer at a barcode. Yes, ers—were paid for with the ZOMBIE NATION SUBMISSIONS: Cascadia Weekly welcomes freelance submissions. Send material cascadiaweekly.com. .04 to either the News Editor or A&E Editor. Manuscripts will be returned of you there is decidedly a great de- donations of committed indi- The really sick thing about 52 include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. To be considered for calendar list- # THE GRISTLE, P.6 /# "'* .+xFREE WILL, P.28 ings, notice of events must be received in writing no later than noon Wednesday cascadia gree of commercialism tied viduals and businesses. There our zombie-market economy REPORTING FROM THE HEART OF CASCADIA the week prior to publication. Photographs should be clearly labeled and will be WHATCOM*SKAGIT*ISLAND*LOWER B.C. 12.z.09 :: #52, v.04 :: !- in with Christmas. The media has been virtually no vandal- of consumer exploiting hype returned if accompanied by stamped, self-addressed envelope. - .*'0/$*). MAKE ‘EM, DON’T BREAK ‘EM, P.13 LETTERS POLICY: Cascadia Weekly reserves the right to edit letters for length and ) 2 "$))$)". BELLINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE, P.15 bombards us with it, and we’re ism to the park until now. is the degree it is addicted -0(*-#.$/ content. When apprised of them, we correct errors of fact promptly and courteously. IT WAS A YEAR, P.18 In the interests of fostering dialog and a community forum, Cascadia Weekly does led to believe we’d best spend Some unthinking person to bubble inflation as a sub- not publish letters that personally disparage other letter writers. Please keep your lots of money at the mall dur- letters to fewer than 300 words. has removed the gold-foiled stitute for healthy economic SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year $70, six months $35. Back issues $1 for walk-ins, ./&2*-./OF ing the season. bronze ball with metal wind growth. Nobody wants to be $5 for mailed requests when available. Cascadia Weekly is mailed at third-class rates.Postmaster: Send all address changes to Cascadia Weekly, PO Box 2833, CASCADIA WEEKLY But let’s not forget about vane from atop the public an- left behind the super-specula- Bellingham, WA 98227-2833 the many creative, hard- nouncement kiosk. The kiosk tive chase after higher prices 4 working local artists that and its crowning ball and flag for coveted status symbols. are able to survive by selling were entirely handcrafted by People invested in waste- their wares during the holi- volunteers at no cost to the ful, polluting technologies NEWSPAPER ADVISORY GROUP: Robert Hall, Seth Murphy, Michael Petryni, David Syre day season. That—in turn— Parks Department. Its shining think they are taking a stand against too much change by dogmati- rational pragmatist. That he would cally pushing their regressive product rather seek consensus than indulge in of fear. The truth is, they have become polemics and score political points. dependent on its comfortable denials, I know that is what attracted me to 30

complacent in unfounded assurances. him. I was, and still am concerned FOOD For an economy to resume its resil- about his political naiveté, but no one ient growth, entrenched attitudes of who was looking for an alternative to scorn and spite toward other cultures “bidness-as-usual” politics should be 25 must be dropped, opening prospects surprised at his political process. Sure for realizing new potential instead of he’s made some mistakes... for sure, slamming doors shut, vainly attempt- he’ll make more. But when I look at CLASSIFIEDS ing to exclude grassroots trends al- the inventory of who is left out there

ready quietly underway. to take on this lousy, thankless job of 22 —Eric Lovald, Blaine POTUS—well, I cringe.

I know there are many who feel FILM THE AUDACITY OF HOPE disillusioned, yes, even betrayed by

President Obama is not overreaching Obama’s actions, or inactions. But, lest 18 by attempting to deal holistically with we forget, it is the Congress, not the

an American political system that is president, that creates/ratiﬁes legis- MUSIC essentially dysfunctional. It is a failed lation. You want meaningful change, state thinly disguised as a democratic change campaign ﬁnance and lobbying representative government; not gov- rules through the legislature. Practi- 16

erned, but controlled by the Board of Di- cally, this cannot happen, unless and ART rectors of the U.S. Corporatocracy, Inc. until the composition of the U.S. Su- The Corporate Complex has ruled this preme Court reflects more mainstream country even before President Eisenhow- progressive philosophy. 15 er uttered his famous military industrial If you want to change the court, pro- complex caveat. The Corporatocracy de- gressives must hold the court, at least STAGE fines the rules of engagement, including for the next two presidential terms. and especially healthcare and defense Then and only then can one even have a 14 appropriations. hope of meaningful change. But it can- The only way to redefine the narrative not and will not happen overnight. GET OUT is to redefine the constitutional status This is the genius of Obama. He un- of corporations. derstands the human condition element Obama’s unlikely election to the of politics and how positive, durable 13 presidency, in itself, has demonstrated change can only come incrementally... a rare political prescience. He has a one small success at a time. WORDS unique gift of having a field of vision It will take time and, yes, compro- and broad perspective that few mortals mise, much compromise, to reverse the 8 possess, and I submit that the American vicissitudes of the previous adminis- people are very fortunate indeed this trations...but it can only happen if the young, brilliant energetic man is willing American people are willing to not allow CURRENTS to sacrifice all, perhaps even his life, to ideology and petty self-interest to be 6 serve the interests of all of us. the enemy of positive overall change. The magnitude and complexity of the I believe Obama will grow into the VIEWS VIEWS task of governing this often puerile job much as did Lincoln, probably our 4 populace is truly staggering. greatest president. And much like Lin- 4 Frankly, I am stunned by the level of coln, who sought out political rivals MAIL MAIL MAIL vehemence, vitriol and lack of apprecia- to serve on his cabinet, I think Obama

tion toward this president. I am deeply realizes his best chance to ultimately 2 troubled that demagoguery has been al- prevail, and get something positive for DO IT IT DO lowed to hijack reasonable and rational the American people, is not through debate and, sadly, sometimes ﬁnd my- political gamesmanship, but through self ﬁlled with a sense of weltschmerz compromise. 09

(world pain/weariness). Piling on, fu- I deeply deplore that he has to capit- .30. 12 eled by corporate media, seems to be ulate to get something less than what the new American pastime. everyone should agree on as moral im- .04

I shudder to think what magnitude peratives, but frankly, compromise was 52 # of existential crisis it might take for all the entire basis of the formation of this us to cease this unproductive, constant grand experiment called democracy. tendentious cacophony of cynicism. We all knew he would be tested by Is Obama perfect? Of course not... the Corporatocracy/radical right, but I but, no one could possibly meet the think history will prove that the right expectations of a spoiled-rotten, atten- was desperately wrong, if the progres- tion deficient culture that is so self-ab- sive American people will only unite, CASCADIA WEEKLY sorbed and selfish it cannot bring itself support and stand with Obama. 5 to endure even the most insignificant Patience brothers and sisters...pa- inconvenience. tience. Much of Obama’s appeal as a candi- —Michael Kominsky, Bellingham date was that he was a reasonable and (edited for length) THE GRISTLE

30 30 PETE’S PICK: In a move certain to please conservatives, Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen decided in FOOD tandem last week to veto a portion of the county budget and appoint retiring council member Ward Nelson

25 25 to complete the term of Bob Kelly, who announced his views early departure from council in November on the same OPINIONS THE GRISTLE day that budget was approved. Kremen’s appointment of Nelson drew criticism from CLASSIFIEDS outgoing council members who’d sought to honor Kelly’s request that they replace him with a “likeminded” rep- 22 22 resentative, but—as we’ve pointed out before—there was a pretty logic to Pete appointing Ward to finish out FILM FILM Bob’s term. Nelson is a known factor, a person the council and 18 administration know they can work with, and someone who will leave the District 1 seat open when the term Whatcom Middle School MUSIC expires in 2011. Equally significant—for good or ill, as SUPPORT PLANS THAT KEEP THE COMMUNITY UNITED council slides sharply to the right in supermajority—it shifts the mercurial Barbara Brenner from a position of 16 central leadership on County Council to her more famil- A SCHOOL is much more than a attended impromptu neighborhood survey requests that people suggest ART ART iar and suited role as champion of the underrepresented building. It is a community. A school meetings and packed the December a potential location. One promising view. This creates a council of veterans—in both policy is a network of relationships between School Board meeting. site is the Squalicum Lofts facility and history—in majorities sufficient to get things done teachers, administrators, students, Throughout, one message has on Squalicum Parkway. The buildings 15 in 2010 and, hopefully, war-weary enough that they’re families, neighbors and others; rela- been clear: Keep the Whatcom Middle feature radiant floor heating, space

STAGE STAGE not eager to resurrect old biases (and grievances) to tionships that are built over time. School community united. Teachers, for a cafeteria, high-speed Internet, amend them again. After Whatcom Middle School was staff and students have produced multiple classroom spaces, office Kremen stressed his belief that not only is Nelson severely damaged by fire Nov. 5, the some of the county’s most impressive space for teachers, parking and good 14 capable of a moderate, reasoned approach to govern- Bellingham School District affirmed academic gains over the past few access for school buses. ment, he holds broad bipartisan support within the its commitment to return Whatcom years. Test scores are up. Behavioral Other options that might keep

GET OUT community. “Ward ran unopposed four years ago,” Kre- to its Halleck Street site, but the problems are down. Whatcom in existence over the next men explains. “Before that, he received more than 70 effort may take at least two years Many parents believe the outstand- few years—with Whatcom students

13 percent of the vote when he ran in 2001. That says to to repair or rebuild the old building progress at Whatcom has been due taught by Whatcom teachers—incu- me he has balanced community support.” ing. In the interim, WMS can, and to the working relationships staff and de proposals to “double-shift” at a The appointment is a conﬁdent move by the execu- should, remain a school. students have established. Wholesale middle school or high school, or to WORDS tive, particularly in light of his (seldom used) veto pow- The ﬁre on Halleck Street dam- dispersal of Whatcom staff and stu- continue to spread the students by

8 ers... which this council is now in sufficient majority to aged a building, but the Whatcom dents into other schools puts these grade across different schools. override. community remains strong. accomplishments—and the Whatcom There was little interest for dou- One hand can count the number of matters Pete Kre- After the fire, school district of- community—at risk. ble-shifting at our meetings, and men has vetoed in his four terms in office; and a five- ficials did a remarkable job making Unfortunately, five of the 10 sce- dividing the students across two CURRENTS CURRENTS vote council override of his current veto is unlikely, the best of a bad situation by keep- narios provided by the district would sites generated more interest than 6 6 with Nelson and Brenner having already voted in the ing Whatcom teachers and students eliminate Whatcom by “integrating” having three sites. There is no spe- minority in November against an amendment that united. Students remained with Whatcom students and teachers into cific “two-site” proposal, but the VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS would have added $250,000 to the budget of Whatcom their teachers in the same classes, other schools. Despite a continuing district asks for input about “other County Superior Court while easing back the budgets of albeit scattered across town. Sixth deficit in operating funds that pre- scenarios.” One would be for What- 4 other county departments by 1 percent. graders are at Geneva Elementary, vented the re-opening of Lowell El- com to operate as a school within

MAIL MAIL Complaining that the universal 1 percent cut comes 7th graders are at Fairhaven Middle ementary in Fall 2009, one scenario two schools—preferably schools on top of departmental budgets already reduced by mil- School, and the 8th grade is at would “accelerate” the construction with some capacity that are close

2 lions of dollars as the county seeks to close a $4 million Bellingham High. The district will of a new elementary school—a proj- to each other, such as Happy Valley

DO IT IT DO shortfall in its biennial budget, Kremen noted, “Deci- maintain this arrangement through ect planned in a place that some City and Fairhaven Middle School.

sions such as this penalize and demoralize the rest of the academic year, but this three- of Bellingham elected officials have The fire destroyed a building, but questioned and that one recently not a school. It is important that 09 09 the departments and offices in our organization.” He site situation may not be an option continued, “The message conveyed by this allocation beyond June 2010. elected School Board member said citizens—particularly current and .30.

12 is essentially to reward a department (Superior Court) District ofﬁcials have announced should be a low priority. future Whatcom families—visit the that traditionally overspends its annual budget and 10 scenarios detailing where What- The district has provided an In- Bellingham Schools web site and

.04 needs to be supplemented at the end of every year. In com students may attend school ternet survey and will be accept- explore the survey. Give priority to 52 # 2008,” the executive noted, “the supplemented amount for the next two or three years. ing public input on their scenarios the option that keeps Whatcom in was $165,000.” These are listed on the Bellingham until noon, Jan. 4, 2010. A group of operation during reconstruction. “I believe,” he concluded, “my ofﬁce and the public Schools website. Shortly after Jan. Whatcom parents arrived at the idea needs to be more involved in a decision that effectively 4, ofﬁcials will narrow this to two that one scenario would be best for This article was prepared by Concerned carves out only one branch of our government for tar- or three scenarios. keeping Whatcom united: Scenario Whatcom Parents, an ad hoc group of geted budget cuts.” Families and neighbors of current 6, leasing a “non-district facility.” parents, educators and community

CASCADIA WEEKLY Kremen’s complaint about rising costs in Superior and future Whatcom students have One advantage of this is that leaders dedicated to preserving What- Court is an enduring one, the only county department been meeting to discuss their prior- lease costs provide a major ﬁnan- com Middle School. For more infor- 6 that has failed consistently in recent years to offer a ities for the future. Hundreds have cial incentive to accelerate the re- mation, bham.wednet.edu/families/ reduced budget for council’s consideration. That cre- signed a petition, and scores have construction on Halleck Street. The WhatcomMiddleSchoolUpdate.htm ates immediate downstream pressure on the budgets of prosecutors, public defenders, sheriff’s department VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF CASCADIA WEEKLY THE GRISTLE Make Your Holiday Make Your Holiday personnel and others, Kremen explains. 30

The lack of cost controls in Superior FOOD Court is exacerbated by the court’s $$ GoGo FartherFarther failure in 2008 to apply for funds available from the Washington State Ofﬁce Chinese Medicinals 25 of Public Defense. In fatter times, the Legislature had offered the court funds Vitamins & Tinctures to assist low-income parents in hiring Diet, Flu & Dream Teas CLASSIFIEDS attorneys in juvenile dependency cases.

While the governor later eliminated this Aromatherapeutic Oils 22 OPD grant program, Whatcom County Make gift giving might have had the opportunity to re- Comfrey Aloe Salves Make gift giving FILM ceive nearly half a million dollars each Ayurvedic Supplements easyeasy withwith

year for the past three years. 18 “Our understanding from other coun- Local Organic Honeys aa Plato’sPlato’s ties that have received these funds is Gift Card MUSIC ‘all you had to do is ask’” for them, Kre- To Your Health Gift Card men explains. “At this point that would Across from Bellis Fair down frOM2OSSs-ERIDIAN3T"ELLINGHAM have amounted to about a million and a Hiway 9 – Van Zandt 16 www.everybodys.com 1sWWwPLATOSCLOSETBELLINGHAMCOM half bucks of state money to help fund ART the court, so—yes—it does hurt. You add that to the $2.3 million in other Happy Holidays expenditures the council has approved from 15 over the recommendations of the administration and there’s your $4 million Il Caffe Rifugio STAGE Plan your parties here please call for details. deﬁcit right there,” Kremen concludes. “Council has for years been habitually Rifugio’s Espresso Express 14 authorizing expenditures for more than Opens early January 2010 the levels recommended by the admin- Come drive up for fresh coffee & pastry GET OUT istration,” he explains. “The funding of Superior Court, while I understand their reasoning, is just another example of 13 them spending money we don’t have.”

The crisis, he says, arrives when on- WORDS going county expenses are offset by a patchwork of one-time or limited rev- 8 enue sources. Il Caffe Rifugio Kremen believes county policies will stand with the new council. CURRENTS “You’ll recall in my ﬁrst years in of- 6 ﬁce, I was able to work with a council 6 much more extreme than this one,” he VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS says. “I believe them to be much more moderate than perhaps the general pub- 4 lic believes they are. MAIL MAIL “Above all else, I really do want to

bring the community together. We just 2 went through a pretty divisive, polar- DO IT IT DO ized election and I want—not just with U U this appointment—to bring the community back to a place where we can have 09 meaningful dialogue and make decisions .30. 12 that are not, while not unanimously ac- Ring in the cepted, are more widely accepted.” New Year .04

On the other hand, Kremen notes, “I 52 # have made it clear to those currently on with Us! the council that I don’t want to see the good, important advances the council has made over the past decade unrav- eled. I am going to resist any signiﬁcant effort to change the land use, the critical areas, the shoreline rules that have CASCADIA WEEKLY been put in place. 7 “I think,” he says, “we can get there with this new council.” Let’s hope so, because Pete just threw 111 W. Holly St. s 360-715-1839 away his brake.

30 30 FOOD

25 25 currents news commentary briefs CLASSIFIEDS 22 22 FILM FILM 18

MUSIC The Year’s Top Stories 16

ART ART YES, WE KNOW: IT’S THE STUPID ECONOMY. That was the story that deﬁned and undergirded so many others, as various Cascadia bubbles—slower to collapse than in other parts of the nation—ﬁnally gave 15 way in a cascade failure. Municipal budgets soured; businesses were imperiled; bankruptcies and foreclosures

STAGE STAGE and joblessness skyrocketed; and economic angst and social unrest leaked bile and acid into our political process. But there were many other stories, too: 14

GET OUT UNACCUSTOMED HOMICIDES in prison. His sentence commences after he Bellingham went years without a homicide or a homicide trial. That has completed his sentence in Oregon.

13 changed dramatically in 2009. A man was discovered fatally shot on the Derek Cameron Collier, charged with stabbing another man to death corner of East Ivy Street in Bellingham in No-

WORDS after a road-rage incident in May 2008 in Bellingham, pleaded guilty vember. Brian Marriott, 43, died of a gunshot in February in Whatcom County Superior Court. Collier, 23, admitted to wound to the chest before paramedics could Whatcom Middle School 8 8 second-degree murder. While awaiting sentencing, Collier attempted an render aid. Marriott’s car was found with the escape from Whatcom County Jail with a suspect in another, unrelated engine running and the driver’s side door open, murder, Nathan Goninan. leading police to suspect a road rage incident or on schedule as originally promised. Ofﬁcials CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS Dave McEachran successfully prosecuted Bruce A. Hummel, accused drug deal gone wrong. Police offered a $6,000 had considered keeping the historic school of killing his wife, Alice, in October 1990. McEachran had no body, no reward for information about the crime, which closed as a cost-saving measure, triggering a 6 weapon, no confession, no theory of the crime and no crime scene evi- remains unsolved. community debate about the importance of dence, yet he was able to persuade a jury to return a verdict of murder After misleading police for more than a day, neighborhood schools. VIEWS VIEWS in the ﬁrst degree within hours of the close of trial in August. a man confesses to strangling a woman at a No sooner had Lowell’s fate been decided,

4 A man who killed six people, including a sheriff’s deputy, in a shoot- homeless camp north of Bellingham in No- however, than historic Whatcom Middle ing rampage near Alger in 2008 pleads guilty in September. Isaac Zamora vember. James Kevin Schultea, 45, admitted School caught ﬁre in the early morning hours

MAIL MAIL will spend the rest of his life in a mental hospital or prison in an agree- he strangled 41-year-old Rubey A. Erickson. of Nov. 5, requiring students to be relocated

ment with Skagit prosecutors that they not seek the death penalty. He threw her nude body in a pond in order to throughout the district. As the investigation 2 In Sept. 2007, the body of Jessica Franklin was found strangled un- throw off a police investigation. continues, the ﬁre appeared to have started DO IT IT DO

der a freeway overpass in Bellingham. In perhaps the most heartbreaking story of on the roof of the 106-year-old school, en- Police say DNA evidence collected 2009, the search for a missing 10-week-old baby gulﬁng upper ﬂoors in a blaze fanned by high

09 09 at the scene points to Nathan ends in the arrest of the boy’s father—Jonathan winds. The ﬁre burned for more than 12 hours,

.30. R. Goninan, later arrested V. Frazier, 42—after the boy’s abused body is destroying classrooms on the upper ﬂoors

12 and serving an 11-year found hidden about a mile away from his Custer while water from fire hoses flooded the lower sentence in Salem, home. Frazier later admits to killing his son, levels of the school. .04 Ore. He was extra- Cecil, after spending an evening drinking with As with Lowell, officials must now assess 52 # dited to Whatcom neighbors at the family’s double-wide trailer. the future of Whatcom Middle School in a County, where he In March, a woman and her baby son were range of scenarios that, like Lowell, include pled guilty to stran- found murdered inside her Ferndale apartment. retiring the school in favor of a new one. gling Franklin. In No- Her live-in boyfriend, Daniel Edward Johnson, vember, Goninan was 27, is suspected in the death of Laura McQueen WATERFRONT WOES sentenced to 10 years and her 1-year-old son, Dominic Blackburn. Rancor introduced late in 2008 unwound

CASCADIA WEEKLY through early 2009 as Port of Bellingham and In other art news, a new kinetic sculp- A SCHOOL OPENS; City of Bellingham ofﬁcials continued to clash 8 ture—an 8-foot-diameter globe that spins A SCHOOL BURNS on master planning of the central waterfront. under a light breeze, was added to Belling- Organized parents and community activ- The port introduced a street plan that, on ham’s downtown transit station. Less fabulous, a kitschy stickpin sculpture is added to the ists persuaded Bellingham School District of- the face of it, appeared to doom certain his- entrance to Old Town with mixed reviews. ﬁcials to reopen Lowell Elementary School CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

QUITTING BUSINESS 30 FOOD

ONE WEEK PRICING! 25 ORIGINAL NOW FINAL DAYS PRICE* ONLY! CLASSIFIEDS ON GREAT $ $ 22 9 P RIS 22 CLOTHING

$ $ FILM 36 15 ACCESSORIES $ $ 58 25 GIFTS TEXAS 18 $ $ 93 42 4 PROSPECT ST., DOWNTOWN BELLINGHAM MUSIC *PRICE CHARTS IN STORE MON - SAT 11 - 7 FIXTURES FOR SALE!

15.12.09 IAW RCW 19.178 BEG/END 14.02.10 16 ART ART 15 STAGE STAGE 14 GET OUT 13 Active Trax

Weight Machines WORDS Free weights 8 Ryan Stiles Kids Programs 8 Racquetball CURRENTS CURRENTS Personal Training CURRENTS Swimming Lessons

Friends 6 AtAt tthehe UpfrontUpfront TheatreTheatrer Group Exercise

Fitness Classes VIEWS Kids Club & 4 Jan 88thth & 9t9thh - 8 & 10pm10pm Lap Swimming Four shows only Ellipticals MAIL

Tickets $20 Advanced tickets Lifestyle Programs 2 Treadmills DO IT IT DO Wed-Fri 12-3pm 09 09 .30. 12 .04 52 # “It’s about WELL-BEING” For me, staying in shape means looking and feeling good. BAC encourages me. Elisabeth Bays, BAC member CASCADIA WEEKLY #"$&913&44 5FMFHSBQI3E 9 12081208 BayBay StSt - Bellingham,BeB llinghham, WA $03%"5" .FSJEJBO %08/508/ $PSOXBMM (360)(360) 733-8855733-8855 Serving XXXCFMMJOHIBNBUIMFUJDDMVCDPN www.theupfront.com Beer & Wine CURRENTS THE NEWS IN REVIEW

30 30 FOOD

TOP STORIES, FROM PAGE 8 strate other ratepayers receive through BRINGING HOME THE CRAZY

25 25 power subsidy to Alcoa. Bud Norris, the While Alcoa provides 528 jobs, em- politically tone- toric structures Bellingham City Council ployment related to the Ferndale alu- deaf mayor of thought should receive consideration. minum smelter is estimated in excess Mount Vernon, had CLASSIFIEDS Mayor Dan Pike forced a reconciliation of 2,400 jobs, according to one eco- the brilliant idea by demanding council accept the port’s nomic analysis. to award the key 22 22 planning framework. Within weeks of As the year closes, Horizon Bank— to that city to FOX

FILM FILM this agreement, the port’s Executive Di- undercapitalized and under limitations News rodeo clown rector Jim Darling, a strong leader on imposed by federal deposit insurers— and carney barker waterfront planning, stepped down. teeters on the brink of uncertainty. The Glenn Beck, touching off a Septem- 18 With contested issues tabled, an elec- Bellingham-based bank received notice ber storm of protest and a rebuke from tion underway, and new players emerg- this week that its listing with the Nas- Mount Vernon City Council. A sold-out MUSIC ing—including a Public Development daq Stock Market is imperiled by poor event honored native-son Beck, who, it Authority newly empowered by COB—the stock performance. The bank is given 90 turns out, was not born in Mount Vernon

16 port and city seemed tight partners on days to improve its performance or its nor did he live there for any length of the central waterfront. securities will be delisted. Meanwhile time (he attended Sehome High School ART ART The vessel capsized in July when the Na- Horizon continues to struggle under in Bellingham). tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- the gaze of the FDIC, which ﬁnds the Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike added to

15 istration announced it had selected New- bank precipitously undercapitalized. the crazy by offering the keys to his city port, Ore., over Puget Sound applicants to Daily Show host Jon Stewart, whom After a delay caused by budgetary woes, Whatcom Museum opens the Lightcatcher

STAGE STAGE FRIENDS AND FAMILY LOST to homeport its Paciﬁc Marine Operations Pike said he went to school with in New building, an $18.3 million addition to the Center and research ﬂeet. Disconsolate at Bringing America’s war home, be- Jersey. Pike’s gesture was admittedly city’s arts and entertainment district.

14 the loss of an anchor tenant that would loved Custer son, Spc. Aaron Aamot, tongue-in-cheek and—mercifully for the add more than 200 marine-based jobs to was killed Nov. 5 by a roadside bomb. continuing relations between Whatcom the waterfront, the port appealed the de- Aamot, 22, was in the 1st Battalion, and Skagit counties—Stewart declined THE STATE’S TOP GET OUT cision to federal watchdogs who agree, 17th Infantry Regiment and was part the offer. STORIES NOAA’s got some ‘splainin’ to do. of the 5th Stryker Brigade based in (according to Associated Press) UNDOCUMENTED 13 NOAA’s response is due in early 2010. Fort Lewis. He was on his first deploy- 1. Four Lakewood police officers ment to Afghanistan when the vehicle WORKERS ICE’D INTALCO SAVED; gunned down in coffee shop. WORDS he was driving struck a bomb buried An immigrations raid at Yamato En- Following a manhunt, the killer HORIZON IMPERILED in the road. Aamot, the fifth of eight gine Specialists in Bellingham created is later shot by Seattle patrol

8 officer. 8 An endangered and dwindling spe- children of Mark and Julie Aamot, was an early embarrassment for the Obama cies—good-paying jobs in heavy in- given field honors at Haynie Cemetery administration, which had pledged to 2. Washington becomes first in the nation to support civil unions dustries—were protected in an energy in Custer on Nov. 14. Ferndale Mayor reduce aggressive inspections by U.S. by popular vote. Voters approve CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS agreement between Alcoa Aluminum Gary Jensen named the day in honor of Immigration and Customs Enforcement “everything but marriage law” and Bonneville Power Administration, Aaron Seth Aamot. officers. More than two dozen Yamato for gay couples after opponents 6 the federal hydroelectric power supplier. Bellingham’s nightlife was devastated workers were spirited off to a deten- force it on the ballot. The first phase of the new contract when a sailboat capsized on Bellingham tion facility in Tacoma following the 3. Continued economic woes pushes

VIEWS VIEWS the state’s jobless rate over 9 lasts 17 months, until May 26, 2011. Pow- Bay in the early morning hours of June raid. In April, federal agents returned percent.

4 er provided through the agreement will 5. Snowboarder Sean “Donnkie” Mans- to Yamato and seized computers and 4. Seattle Post-Intelligencer ends increase from 285 average megawatts to ﬁeld and photographer Gunther Frank employment records. In August, two Ya- 146 years of publishing, but

MAIL MAIL 320 average megawatts in March of 2010, plunged into the frigid waters along with mato ofﬁcials pleaded guilty to felony breeds two news websites. 5. Boeing struggles to launch 787,

enough power for Alcoa to open an addi- four others. Two women made it to shore immigration law violations, admitting 2 decides to move second produc- tional potline, closed since energy rates and went for help. Two others drifted they knew that at least some of their tion line to South Carolina. DO IT IT DO spiked earlier this decade. A second, with the boat until it neared the shore. workers were in the country illegally. 6. Gov. Chris Gregoire will propose ﬁve-year phase of the contract requires Gunther and Donkie, who swam with the Despite signs the workers might be re- tax hikes as a means of closing the state’s 2010 budget. 09 09 resolution by federal courts concerning ﬁrst two women, were lost and remain habilitated, ICE reported they would be

.30. the level of beneﬁts BPA must demon- missing, presumed drowned. deported. 12 .04 52 # $ 00 Pair 2Single Vision Eyeglasses107 includes eye exam

CASCADIA WEEKLY R5.#)(5) 5 &)(35),5 #- ' (),5)(0#.#)(- $ 00 R5 -.),.#)(5) 5).#(!5#!".- 1303 Cornwall Ave. Pair 10 R5 -.),.#)(5) 5/(5#!".- 1 149 R5 &#(!5 /0 (#& 5)(0#.#)(5 ),- Progressive Eyeglasses Downtown Bellingham includes eye exam Daelyn R. Julius (360) 647-0421 Lowest Price Contact Lenses hhh5,(50 865. 85 #& &'%$""! Sunglasses - Additional $17. Standard Bifocals ad $15/pair. Eye Exam by independent Doctor of We Bill Most Insurance Plans Optometry. Lenses are CR 39 Material. Frames are from the 30’s Collection. Criminal Defense Attorney &&#(!"'655onhhk 1118 /-.#%8)' INDEX CURRENTS POLICE SCANNER

30 30 FOOD had already parked it and apologetically

FUZZ BUZZ promised to leave it alone,” police re- 25 ported. “They were advised that the ma- GET SMART chine was not street legal and would be On Dec. 18, Whatcom County Sheriff’s impounded if brought back on the road- CLASSIFIEDS deputies followed Michael G. Smart, 38, way.” of Bellingham on a wild chase around the county. The chase led through Fern- On Dec. 15, passing U.S. Border Patrol 22 dale, up Enterprise Road, across Birch agents reported a bout of horseplay in FILM FILM Bay-Lynden Road, and then terminated the snow. Police advised the two alco- on the Guide Meridian north of Belling- hol-fueled adult brothers to keep the ham, deputies reported. The chase end- noise down. They did. 18 ed when Smart crashed into a stump in front of his home. He leaped out of his On Dec. 15, a Blaine resident reported MUSIC vehicle and dashed into the home, where seeing a man on foot on D Street, his he attempted to barricade himself in a face covered, clutching what appeared 16 bedroom. Deputies eventually smashed to be a riﬂe. Police located the teen, in the door and took him into custody. who said he’d been covering his face ART They also arrested a woman who was a because it was cold outside and he was

passenger in the vehicle. freezing. Police noted, “What had been 15 mistaken for a riﬂe was actually

CRETINS AND the youth’s umbrella.” STAGE URCHINS On Dec. 12, a Blaine Po- BORDER 14 lice ofﬁcer discovered van- DISORDERS x|zx x|{~ dalism at Salishan Park. On Dec. 7, U.S. Customs “Cretins had ripped the and Border Patrol agents DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL Average at DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL Average at GET OUT close on Dec. 28, 1999. close on Dec. 28, 2009. bench seat off a picnic table reported that a possibly im-

to use as a ramp, and had paired driver had arrived at 13 broken two of the tables’ top the Peace Arch Point of Entry.

boards as well,” police reported. A check found the driver was not WORDS “A smashed green plastic lawn chair under the influence of intoxicants. 8 littered the grass nearby.” He was, however, in possession of a xz{} 8 stolen vehicle and was a convicted felon LEVEL DOW JONES needs to achieve to equal its 1999 level when adjusted for inflation. On Dec. 10, a passerby observed a large in possession of a loaded handgun. Offi- CURRENTS CURRENTS group of kids gathering on a Blaine street, cers discovered a loaded magazine in the CURRENTS “looking like they were up to no good,” vehicle’s center console and a Russian police reported. “An officer arrived in the Makarov 9mm pistol in the man’s duffel 6 area and discovered that whatever they bag. Also found in his duffel bag was a had done, the youngsters did quickly, be- “Jason” style hockey mask and dark cap. }} ~| VIEWS cause they were already gone.” The car and 9mm semi-automatic pistol UNEMPLOYMENT IN WHATCOM County UNEMPLOYMENT IN WHATCOM County 4 were impounded. (percent), Nov. 1999. (percent), Nov. 2009.

On Dec. 13, Washington State Patrol MAIL

asked for police backup to locate a group On Dec. 15, USCBP agents detained a of kids throwing snowballs at passing man who was possibly driving under the 2

cars. Police checked the area requested, influence of alcohol. They discovered he IT DO yy xxx but the kids had already fled. was in possession of a firearm. Police JOBS CREATED PER month nationally, JOBS LOST PER month nationally, 2008.

learned he was not currently under the 09 1999.

On Dec. 14, a Blaine woman complained inﬂuence of alcohol, but he did admit to .30. about kids lobbing snowballs at her having smoked marijuana earlier in the 12 home’s window. “She didn’t mind the day. “The weapon in his possession was kids, really,” police reported, “but was unloaded and properly packaged away .04 ¹x||}x~ ¹x}z} 52 afraid they were going to break her win- from the driver’s area for transport,” po- # dow with the icy projectiles. The culprits lice noted. The man asked police to take MEDIAN REAL HOME price in the U.S., MEDIAN REAL HOME price in the U.S., Q3 1999 Q3 2009 (adjusted). prints in the snow blended in with the possession of the gun. They did. herd, so ofﬁcers gave the neighborhood some extra patrol.” On Dec. 10, a motorist who had just crossed the Peace Arch international

On Dec. 14, neighbors complained about border became confused about wheth- x CASCADIA WEEKLY the sounds of a four-wheel ATV caroming er to turn left onto I-5 or right into CHANCE IN TWO an American thinks the ﬁrst decade of the around in the snow in the late evening. Blaine. “When he tried to back in to a new century generally sucked. 11 Blaine Police responded and found kids decision,” police reported, “he instead sledding in the new-fallen snow. “They crashed into the car behind him. No SOURCES: Dow Jones; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Washington Center for Real Estate admitted to riding the ATV around, but one was injured.” Research; Pew Research Center Buy Local, for Less! Vasectomy. 30 30

FOOD When it’s right for you, 3AVEON0RODUCTS 3ERVICES &OODAND&UN you can depend on us.

25 25 With over 250 coupons At Bellingham Urology Specialists, we perform the most advanced No-Needle, for the BEST local No-Scalpel Vasectomy – right here in and independently owned our ofﬁce. With this approach there is no knife, no incision and no stitches. CLASSIFIEDS businesses in NW Washington We do everything possible to make this and a cost of only $12 procedure simple and quick for you. 22 22 this book pays for When you’re ready, give us a call at Bellingham Urology Associates. Or to

FILM FILM itself over and over learn more, visit our website at again. www.bellinghamurologyassociates.com.

18 FOR SALE NOW! “Thanks for making this such a stress- free experience, I was made to feel MUSIC Affordable Business Systems, comfortable from start to ﬁnish.” Bay City Supply, Community Food Co-op (Forest St. & Westerly Rd. locations), 16 Dream On Futon, Fairhaven Runners & ART ART Walkers, Film is Truth, Greenhouse, Griggs Office Supplies, Joy of Pilates,

15 NW Handspun Yarns, Pastazza, Quicksilver Photo Lab and Village Books STAGE STAGE

14 ONLY $12 We are Currently Accepting new Patients.

340 Birchwood Ave WE ACCEPT MOST MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS INCLUDING:

GET OUT www.SustainableConnecitons.org Bellingham, WA 98225-1782 Regence, Premera, Group Health, First Choice, and Medicare (360) 671-9197 www.bellinghamurologyspecialists.com. Choose local businesses taking action for a healthy community. 12 13 WORDS WORDS 8 CURRENTS CURRENTS 6 VIEWS VIEWS 4 MAIL MAIL

2 DO IT IT DO

09 09 .30. 12 .04 52 # CASCADIA WEEKLY

12 doit

2*- . MON., JAN. 4 30

POETRYNIGHT: Sign up to read from your writ- FOOD words ten verse at the weekly Poetrynight at 8pm at the Anker Café, 1424 Cornwall Ave. Readings

COMMUNITY LECTURES BOOKS begin at 8:30pm. 25 WWW.POETRYNIGHT.ORG TUES., JAN. 5

STORY TIME: Bring kids ages 3 to 5 to “Pre- CLASSIFIEDS school Story Time” at 10:30am at the Maple Falls Library, 7509 Mt. Baker Highway. The event is

free. 22 599-2020 FILM FILM

*((0)$/ 4 18 THURS., DEC. 31

LABYRINTH WALK #1: Certiﬁed labyrinth fa- MUSIC cilitators will lead a New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk from 3-5pm at Bellingham’s First Congre- gational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave. 16 734-3720 LABYRINTH WALK #2: Project Labyrinth will ART host its 8th annual Bellingham Labyrinth to celebrate the New Year from 4-9pm Thurs. and 8am-5pm Fri. at the Leopold Crystal Ballroom, 15 1224 Cornwall Ave. If you’re interested in tak-

ing a meditative walk, come see what it’s all STAGE about. 752-0048 OR WWW.PROJECTLABYRINTH.NET 14 GRAND FETE: Live music, a ﬁve-course dinner menu, dancing and a champagne toast will be part of the “Soiree a Paris: Grand Fete” New GET OUT Year’s Eve party starting at 7pm at the Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce. Tickets are $50-$60. WWW.THECONWAYMUSE.COM 12 13 FIRST NIGHT BELLINGHAM: Get your tickets Because they understand people sometimes now for “First Night Bellingham: A Formal Af- WORDS BY AMY KEPFERLE WORDS need a push to get them revved up to full speed, fair,” which happens from 9pm-2am at the Best Western Lakeway Inn. Tickets are $49 per person

the kindly folks at Village Books are offering up or $79 per couple in advance ($59 at the door). 8 a full day of free events simply dubbed “Resolu- All proceeds from the event go the Whatcom tions.” Mini-workshops throughout the day will Volunteer Center. Resolutions WWW.FIRSTNIGHTBELLINGHAM.COM feature a variety of experts who’ll offer timely CURRENTS CURRENTS A MAKE-OR-BREAK SITUATION tips about how to get started and where to go SUN., JAN. 3 from there. COMMUNITY BREAKFAST: Get served by lo- 6 Whether your 2010 goals are focused on getting cal political types at the monthly Community MY SISTER turned 43 this December. She celebrated by flying to fit, saving money or tapping into your creative Breakfast happening from 8am-1pm at the Rome VIEWS Hawaii—along with her husband and four towheaded kids—and running side, there will be a little Grange, 2821 Mt. Baker Hwy. Cost is $2 for kids, $5 general. 4 the Honolulu Marathon. something for everybody. 671-7862 MAIL MAIL I am proud of my sibling for reaching the finish line ahead of approxi- If there’s a lot you want LAUGHTER CLUB: Certified laughter leaders mately 600 other people in her age range, but I’m also a little confused, to change about your life, will host the monthly meeting of the Belling- 2 as I’m not quite sure how she manages to work as a full-time nurse, raise you’re welcome to stay for ham Laughter Club at 4pm at the Community Food Co-op’s Connections Building, 1220 N. For- and regulate her ever-growing progeny, do the bookkeeping for her hus- the entire day, but mixing IT DO band’s business and, in the meantime, get in fighting shape to run 26 and matching will also be est. Entry is $2. 734-4989 OR miles in tropical heat. The only way I think I’d be able to manage that allowed. WWW.WORLDLAUGHTERTOUR.COM 09 feat on my own two feet would be if I were being chased—downhill—by To prepare for “Reso- // ) .30. MON., JAN. 4 12 a deranged killer wielding a machete. WHAT: lutions,” you’ll probably TURNING POINT: A “Self-Esteem and Effective “I’m just trying to be healthier the older I get,” my sister modestly Resolutions want to make a list of what Communication” workshop will be offered by says. Still, there’s got to be something that sets those who can make WHEN: 11am-4pm you’d like to see improve .04

Turning Point from 8:30am-2pm at the Whatcom 52

Sat., Jan. 2 # resolutions and keep them apart from those of us who, year after year, in the new year. Another Community College’s Cascade Building, room WHERE: Village start January 1 with a list of things they want to achieve and, year after hint: Keep it short, and 110. The event is free, but registration is re- Books, 1200 11th quired. year, don’t quite live up to their own expectations. St. don’t set yourself up for 383-3132 According to a recent survey by Health Net, one of the nation’s largest COST: Free failure by taking on more health care companies, as many as 100 million Americans make resolu- INFO: 671-2626 or than you can masticate. WED., JAN. 6 tions at the beginning of every January. Predictably, four out of ﬁve of villagebooks.com While my own New Year’s GREEN DRINKS: If you’re interested in meeting up with likeminded, environmentally con- them don’t keep the goals they’ve set. If you don’t want to set yourself resolution list probably CASCADIA WEEKLY up for failure, they say, it’s important to set more realistic goals. (If won’t include training for a full marathon, my scious folks, attend the monthly Green Drinks from 5-7pm tonight. Check out the contact info 13 your objective is to eventually run a marathon, for example, but you get sister has inspired me to want to get healthier for location details. winded going up a ﬂight of stairs, start off by walking around your block and in better shape. After all, I want to be pre- WWW.RE-SOURCES.ORG every day for 30 minutes. Incrementally increase your speed and see pared to make it uphill when that person starts where it leads you.) chasing me with sharp objects. doit

THURS., DEC. 31

30 30 GET MOVIN’: The ofﬁcial kickoff to the “Get Movin’” month-long exercise challenge—which

FOOD aims to see kids and families breaking a sweat for 30 minutes a day, ﬁve days a week—happens from 6-9pm at the Bellingham Sportsplex, 1225

25 25 getout HIKING RUNNING CYCLING Civic Field Way. The event is free. 778-7027 OR WWW.COB.ORG RING OF FIRE: Head to the Birch Bay waterfront starting at 7pm for the annual “Ring of Fire and CLASSIFIEDS Hope” gathering. The evening of “light, reﬂection and camaraderie” asks attendees to bring their own

22 22 ﬂares, or pick one up in advance at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, 7900 Birch Bay Dr.

FILM FILM 371-5004 OR WWW.BIRCHBAYCHAMBER.COM

18 FRI., JAN. 1 EAGLE TOUR: Join the Whatcom Land Trust for a New Year’s Day Eagle Tour happening from 1:30- MUSIC 4pm at a popular eagle ﬁshing site protected by the Whatcom Land Trust (you’ll ﬁnd out more when you sign up). Suggested donation is $5-

16 $10, and pre-registration is requested. to Sea numerous times, participated in weeklong bike BY AMY KEPFERLE 650-9470 OR ART ART camping tours and, just last summer, conquered Mt. WWW.WHATCOMLANDTRUST.ORG Evans—the highest paved road in the United States. POLAR PLUNGE: The annual Birch Bay Po- “I was so ﬂattered that this total stranger would lar Plunge starts with registration at 9:30am 15 Ride On care and want to help to teach me something to im- in front of CJ’s Beach House Restaurant, 7900 Birch Bay Dr. The plunge begins at noon, and

STAGE STAGE prove my cycling,” Kimball says of her ﬁrst New Year’s there’ll be hot drinks, T-shirts and more at the PEDAL PUSHERS CELEBRATE Day outing. “You never know if that small amount of free event. time you take to share an experience with someone 371-5004 OR 14 14 THE SEASON will change a life forever—but don’t be afraid to show WWW.BIRCHBAYCHAMBER.COM up and take that chance. Bob was never afraid to make RUN & DIP: Starting at 11am, show up at Lake GET OUT GET OUT a new friend on a bicycle and, as a result, nor am I.” Padden for the annual “Resolution Run” and Doug Schoonover, another longtime afﬁliate of the “Padden Polar Dip.” First, you’ll take a lap or two around the lake, then at noon there’ll be a

13 inclusive organization, says Lindquist—who died in countdown as everyone takes a quick “dip” into 2007—acted as a catalyst for many of the events, and the (very cold) lake. The event is free, and no members, of the Mt. Baker Bike Club. Lindquist was the registration is required. WORDS one who proposed starting the New Year’s Day ride, 647-7665 OR WWW.TRITHECOOKIE.COM

8 and, from there, it took on JAN. 1-3 a life of its own. SKAGIT EAGLES: From 10am-4pm every Fri.- Now, on the ﬁrst day Sun. through Feb. 15, visit Rockport’s eagle- of every year—rain or focused Skagit River Interpretive Center, 52809 CURRENTS CURRENTS shine, frigid tempera- Rockport Park Rd. While optimal eagle viewing along the Skagit River happens during this time 6 tures or pleasant win- frame, the center is only open on weekends. ter mornings—as many WWW.SKAGITEAGLE.ORG VIEWS VIEWS as 40 people show up on two wheels, ready to cel- SAT., JAN. 2 4 // ) SEMIAHMOO BIRDING: A “Birding the Beaches WHAT: New Year’s Day ebrate the day by getting of Semiahmoo” excursion happens from 9am- MAIL MAIL Ride their blood pumping in the 12pm starting at the Semiahmoo Park Museum. WHEN: 10am Fri., Jan. 1 great outdoors. The event is free, and pre-registration is not

2 WHERE: Meet at “We ride year-round,” required. Fairhaven Park 733-2900

DO IT IT DO Schoonover says of mem- COST: Free. Bring funds for lunch at the Old bers of the 32-year-old TUES., JAN. 5 Edison Inn TUNING 101: Get your gear in shape by attend-

09 09 club, some of whom also INFO: http://mtbaker- show up every Wednesday ing a free “Ski & Snowboard Tuning 101” clinic at .30. bikeclub.org/ 6pm at REI, 400 36th St. 12 night—even in the dead of 647-8955 winter—at Boundary Bay

.04 Brewery for 30-mile group rides, or on early morning WED., JAN. 6 52 # Saturday outings dubbed “donut rides” that cover 25 ALPINE AWARENESS: Members of the Alpine to 50 miles. Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) will offer up an “invaluable overview” of the challenges and ON THE first day of 2002, Marie Kimball decided that, even “We’ve all got lights on our bikes, and there are trail realities of alpine activities at a free program at though she didn’t consider herself a very proficient cyclist, she’d systems, so why not?” says Schoonover, who, at 56, 6pm at REI, 400 36th St. Once there, you’ll find sign up for the Mt. Baker Bike Club’s annual New Year’s Day ride. has been biking seriously since 2000 and plans to keep out how to make safety a habit. Her bike at the time wasn’t a perfect fit, but that didn’t stop her at it for as long as he can. 647-8955 OR WWW.ALPINESAFTEY.ORG

CASCADIA WEEKLY from taking part in the event, which typically features attend- “I love the fresh air, the exercise and what they both THURS., JAN. 7 ees pedaling along Chuckanut Drive from Fairhaven to Edison for do to my mental health,” Kimball says of the time she SKI CLUB: Hook up with the Nooksack Nordic Ski 14 lunch before heading back from whence they came. spends on her bike, whether with members of the Mt. Club for its monthly meeting at the ReStore, 2309 Eight years later—after getting some sage advice from now- Baker Bike Club or on her own. “It is funny that even Meridian St. All are welcome. If you’re new to the deceased club member Bob Lindquist on her riding style on the when you are working so hard riding it is not stressful club, show up at 6:30pm for an orientation. 733-4815 return trip that day—Kimball has cycled the Alps, raced in Ski and, when you are done, you have shed your stress.” doit

./" 30 30 THURS., DEC. 31

NYE SHOWS: Expect a hilarious take on FOOD the best and worst of 2009 at special New Year’s Eve shows at 9pm and 11pm at the

stage 25 Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. If you show THEATER DANCE PROFILES up for the late show—and you’re 21 or older—a champagne toast at midnight will be part of the excitement. Tickets are $15. 733-8855 OR WWW.THEUPFRONT.COM CLASSIFIEDS DEC. 31-JAN. 2 CODY RIVERS SHOW: Be the ﬁrst to see 22 the 15th incarnation of “The Cody Rivers Show” at 8pm on New Year’s Eve at the FILM iDiOM Theater, 1418 Cornwall Ave. The sketch comedy talents of Mike Mathieu 18 and Andrew Connor—titled “Right Back Where We Finished” this time around—can be seen every Thurs.-Sat. through Jan. 23. MUSIC If you’re unfamiliar with Robinson and her Tickets are $10 and reservations are recommended. work, the ﬁrst thing you should know is that 201-5464 OR WWW.IDIOMTHEATRE.COM 16 “children’s theater” is kind of a misnomer for VAMPIRE HEARTS: A modern-day tale of ART ART what she does. Yes, there are multiple young good versus evil can be seen when Vampire people involved in BCT productions—which Hearts opens this weekend at 7m at Mount Vernon’s RiverBelle Dinner Theatre. The

are often revamped, revitalized renditions of 15 15 popular fairy tales that are as likely to mix revue will continue every Fri.-Sat. through Feb. 13. Tickets are $35 with dinner, $20 STAGE STAGE Shakespeare and environmentalism as they STAGE with dessert. are to take on consumerism and other foibles (360) 336-3012 OR WWW. of modern society. RIVERBELLEDINNERTHEATRE.COM 14 But, if you come to one of Robinson’s shows, JAN. 1-2 expect to see characters of all ages. Tap-danc- MIXED BAG: Show up for “Games Galore” GET OUT ing grannies, a real-life mayor in a duck suit at 8pm at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay and a 90-year-old poet are examples of those St. At 10pm, stick around for “Director’s Cut.” Tickets are $8-$10.

who have made the way to her stages in shows 13 such as Once Upon the 733-8855 OR WWW.THEUPFRONT.COM End: A Y2K Fairy Tale SUN., DEC. 27 WORDS COMEDY NIGHT: A weekly Comedy Night hap- Former BCT players Jordyn Gustafson, Alex Couvelier, and Megan Wight in Whistlin’ Dixie Crisis Musical, The Wa- pens at 8pm every Sunday at the Fairhaven

zard of Iz, and How the 8 Slug Stole Solstice. Pub & Martini Bar, 1114 Harris Ave. FAIRHAVENPUB.COM “On a grand scale, BY AMY KEPFERLE I want to include as JAN. 4-5 CURRENTS many people in Bell- RADIUM GIRLS AUDITIONS: If you’re

ingham as possible,” interested in being part of the upcoming 6 production of Radium Girls, you should Robinson says. “One of know auditions happen at 7pm at Lynden’s Class Act VIEWS " /$/ the best compliments I Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 655 Front St. WHAT: Bellingham ever got was someone 739-5078 OR [email protected] BELLINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE IS BACK Children’s Theatre 4 WHEN: Various from Vancouver, B.C., ON TRACK classes begin Jan. who would come down MAIL 4-30 just because he loved )

WHERE: 1412 the stuff we were do- WED., DEC. 30 2 Cornwall Ave.

WHEN DRUE Robinson started the Bellingham Children’s Theatre (BCT) ing. ‘You shouldn’t call CRASH COURSE: The Cha Cha and Rumba IT DO INFO: 734-9999 or are on the roster for tonight’s “New Year’s in 1994, the organization consisted of six kids gathered in her living room. By bhamchildrensthe- it children’s theater,’ Eve Crash Course” class starting at 7pm at

the time she skedaddled out of town in the year 2000 to make her way to New [email protected] he told me, ‘This is 09 the Blue Moon Ballroom, 1213 Cornwall York City to pursue a master’s degree, more than 3,000 students of varying theater with children Ave. Entry is $20, and no experience—or .30. ages had benefited from her knowledge. in it, but it’s professional theater.’” partner—is necessary. 12 Since her return to the northwest in 2004, Robinson has continued to teach Robinson notes her ultimate dream is to 647-8988 OR both children and adults various aspects of the theatrical arts, but, without have a fully operational 500-seat theater that WWW.THEBLUEMOONBALLROOM.COM .04 52 a home base, she’s hasn’t made the return of the BCT as official as she’d have would be available to the community at large, THURS., DEC. 31 # liked to. That will change Jan. 4, when she’ll exuberantly fling open the doors but considers her new space a step in the right NYE CONTRA DANCE: Northern Contra- to a new phase of her life. direction. Upcoming items on the roster in- band and the Happy Valley Sluggers will “I’ve been looking for a space for years,” Robinson—who’ll hang up her shingle clude everything from teen workshops to in- provide the live tunes at tonight’s New in one of the roomy studios that housed the Nancy Whyte School of Ballet for 35 tergenerational offerings to master classes to Year’s Eve Contra Dance from 8pm-1am at Bellingham’s Norway Hall, 1419 N. Forest years—says. She’ll share the rental with a dancer friend to help make it afford- summer school and, next holiday season, a run St. Tom Wimmer and Karen Marshall will do able, but will have a 1,600-square-foot chunk of real estate to call her very own. of a little something called The Wutcracker. the calling, and festive attire is encour- CASCADIA WEEKLY “It’s beautiful,” Robinson says of the historic Cornwall Avenue building with “I’m doing this in the name of wacky, crazy aged. The event is alcohol-free, in case high ceilings and wood floors. “I feel like I’m going into a New York studio.” original theater involving as many commu- you were wondering. Tickets are $5 for 15 For those who’ve studied with Robinson or have acted in—or seen—the nity misfits as a I possibly can,” Robinson kids, $10 for students and $15 general. 676-5710 OR multigenerational theatrical extravaganzas she’s pulled off over the years, says. “I’m going to open the doors and let WWW.BELLINGHAMCOUNTRYDANCE.ORG the news that the BCT is back on track is welcome news, indeed. the magic happen.” doit

1 )/.

30 30 DEC. 30-31 SKAGIT FREEBIE: If you’ve never

FOOD checked out La Conner’s Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. 4th St., now’s the time. Through Dec.

25 25 visual GALLERIES OPENINGS PROFILES 31, admission to the current exhibit, “Paint Me A River,” is free for everyone (typically, it’s $5). The show features the diverse work of more than CLASSIFIEDS 100 local artists who focused their offerings on the history and beauty of the Skagit Valley. 22 22 (360) 466-3365 OR

FILM FILM WWW.SKAGITCOUNTY.NET work together to get an exhibit of Sebastian’s works displayed here. THURS., DEC. 31 18 Although the original idea was to transport the ART PROJECT: “Once in a Blue Moon,” an event for kids that celebrates the sculptures and get them installed outdoors at Bell- old and invites the new through in- MUSIC ingham’s Zuanich Point Park in time for those going teractive art projects, happens from to Vancouver, B.C.’s winter Olympics to see them, 1-3pm at the Center for Expressive things didn’t quite work out that way. Scheduling Arts, 1317 Commercial St. An open 16 16 conﬂicts on Sebastian’s end—manana, manana, house will also take place from ART ART ART ART 10am-5pm for those interested in manana was the name of the game—and disagree- the space. ments with the Port about the speciﬁcs of the ex- 671-5355 OR [email protected] hibit led organizers in a different direction. 15 MENAGERIE CLOSING: Show up for As it stands now, the Feb. 12 “Sebastian in the closing art reception for Make. Shift’s fundraising exhibit, “A Mysti- STAGE STAGE Bellingham” soiree at the warehouse—which was previously scheduled for Jan. 9, so take note of cal Menagerie of Miraculous Oddi- ties,” at 9pm at Casa Que Pasa, 1415 the new date—will kick off a commemoration of

14 Railroad Ave. In addition to the art Mexico’s 200th year of independence from Spain. up for sale, there’ll be rafﬂe prizes, And, while those who are making their way to the a midnight champagne toast and live

GET OUT Olympics will have time to stop off and see them in music by the Holy Tailfeathers, Baltic the weeks before they’re dispersed on streetscapes Cousins, and Queen Amina. Suggested donation is $3. P.S. You must be at

13 throughout Bellingham’s cultural district in early least 21 to gain entry. March, that won’t be the main focus. WWW.MAKESHIFTPROJECT.COM “A walking tour will be de- WORDS signed to start at the Whatcom SAT., JAN. 2 GUY AND ANN: Works from the es-

8 Museum’s Lightcatcher Build- tate of Guy Anderson, along with ing,” says organizer Al Zimmer- Lummi Island sculptor Ann Morris’ man. “It will wend its way past new works in bronze, can be seen at the Mount Baker Theatre, back an opening reception from 5-7pm at CURRENTS CURRENTS around the old museum, to City the Lucia Douglas Gallery, 1415 13th St. The pieces will be up through 6 . $/ Hall and the library, then back Jan. 30. WHAT: “Sebastian to the Lightcatcher. We’re an- 733-5361 OR VIEWS VIEWS in Bellingham” ticipating it’s going to be a six- WWW.LUCIADOUGLAS.COM preview party to eight-block walk.” 4 BY AMY KEPFERLE WHEN: 6-10pm Sat., Feb. 12 Until recently Drake, Zim-

MAIL MAIL WHERE: 2107 Iron merman, and the owner of the *)"*$)" St. warehouse, Jim Nichols, had

3#$$/. 2 Sebastian in COST: $30 almost given up on the idea ARTWOOD: The works of more than INFO: 676-8548 or 100 woodworking artists can be seen

DO IT IT DO of being the ﬁrst city in the http://sebastian- through December at Artwood Gallery, bellingham.org United States to host a full- 1000 Harris Ave. 09 09 Bellingham scale exhibit of Sebastian’s WWW.ARTWOODGALLERY.COM works (they’re in cities throughout the country, .30. BELLINGHAM RAILWAY MUSEUM: 12 THE WAITING WAS THE HARDEST PART but have never been shown in a cluster like this The museum is open to the public before). Then they got the call. from noon-5pm Tues. and Thurs.-Sat.

.04 “Two weeks ago we almost said ‘to hell with at 1320 Commercial St. 52 393-7540 # BIG THINGS are happening in a hulking warehouse on the outskirts it,’ Nichols says. “And then we found out the two BLUE HORSE: View Brett Baunton’s of Bellingham’s Sunnyland neighborhood. You wouldn’t know it if you were semis carrying the sculptures were at the border. It “Bay to Baker” photos through Dec. just passing by, but a treasure trove of pieces by renowned Mexican sculp- wasn’t until they actually arrived last week that we 31 at the Blue Horse Gallery, 301 W. tor Sebastian are nestled inside its tall walls, waiting like debutantes for knew this thing was really happening.” Holly St. their debut. While the February event will be a historic hap- 671-2305 To ﬁnd out just why 19 oversized sculptures from an internationally fa- pening replete with foreign dignitaries, leaders of BOUNDARY BAY: Erica Epperson’s “Harvest” is currently on display at

CASCADIA WEEKLY mous artist are currently sitting in a dark warehouse in Bellingham, it’s the Hispanic community in Washington and (hope- Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad necessary to back up a bit. fully) the artist himself, you should come for the Ave. 16 The seeds of the “Sebastian in Bellingham” project were planted more chance to see the sculptures themselves. The works WWW.BBAYBREWERY.COM than 20 years ago, when George Drake—a former City Council member and are bold, beautiful and larger than life. They are CHUCKANUT BREWERY: Ria Har- university administrator—met the sculptor at his vast studios in Mexico steel and aluminum forged into truly impressive boe’s paintings and clay sculptures City. They forged a lasting friendship and, over a year ago, decided to works of art. doit Whose sweet chestnuts, can be viewed until Jan. 16 at Chucka- sprightly green beans, nut Brewery, 601 Holly St. crisp apples, pert cranberries, 752-3377 30 DIGS: Take a peek at intricately de- and juicy pears will tailed miniature world created by lo- grace your table? FOOD cal artist Kevin Hernandez through Try our new Ciaboagies! December at Digs, 200 W. Holly St. Five delicious sandwiches available only at our James Street store 25 306-8301 GOOD EARTH: Deb Martin’s high-ﬁred stoneware can be viewed through De- Weekly readers voted us cember at Good Earth Pottery, 1000 BestBest BBakeryakery CLASSIFIEDS Harris Ave. WWW.GOODEARTHPOTS.COM Best Sandwich

INSIGHTS: “Petite Pieces” can be 22 viewed through December at Insights Best Inexpensive Gallery, 516 Commercial Ave., Ana- LLunchunch FILM cortes. WWW.INSIGHTSGALLERY.COM Thank you, Bellingham!! (3354) We have what you’re looking for 18 MONA: The multi-artist “Represent- ing Abstraction,” along with glass in the Produce Department artist Boyd Sugiki’s “Layers,” sculptor Open daily in www.avenuebread.com 715-DELI MUSIC Tony Angell’s “Spirits of Place” and downtown Mount Vernon selections from the permanent col- Downtown FairhavenFairh SunnylandSld 16 lection can be seen through Jan. 3 at skagitfoodcoop.com 1313 Railroad Ave 1135 11th Street 2301 James Street 16 La Conner’s Museum of Northwest Art, ART ART ART ART 121 First St. (360) 466-4446 OR WWW.MUSEUMOFNWART.ORG 15 MT. BAKERY: The photos that com- prise “Whatcom Bounty: Living on the STAGE STAGE Land” can be seen through December at the Mt. Bakery, 308 W. Champion

St. 14 WWW.FUTUREWISE.ORG NEW YORK PIZZA: Works by Sher- man R. Buck, Phil Rose, Jessica Bjorn, GET OUT John DeBeeld, and Kristina Collins can currently be viewed at New York Pizza

& Bar, 902 State St. 13 733-3171

PAPERDOLL: “What I Want But WORDS Never Got,” a group show featuring paintings, works and sculptures from 8 featured 2009 artists, can be seen through December at the Paperdoll, 312 W. Champion St.

WWW.THEPAPERDOLL.NET CURRENTS SKAGIT HISTORICAL MUSEUM:

“Paint Me a River!” is on display until 6 Jan. 3 at La Conner’s Skagit County

Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St. VIEWS The exhibit features the work of more than 80 local artists and reﬂects each 4 of their views of area history.

(360) 466-3365 OR MAIL WWW.SKAGITCOUNTY.NET

WHATCOM MUSEUM: “Out of 2 Bounds” and John Grade’s “Bloom: The DO IT IT DO Elephant Bed” can currently be seen at the Whatcom Museum’s new Light-

catcher Building. 09 WWW.WHATCOMMUSEUM.ORG .30. 12 .04 52 #

$6 Shaker Martinis & If you want to own a piece of visual CASCADIA WEEKLY and theatrical history—and raise funds $8 Burgers on Mondays! for the iDiOM Theater—purchase a 17 work of art by Ruthie V. used in the recent performances of Snow Globe. Find $2 Well Drinks & out more at ruthiev.blogspot.com $7 10" Pizzas on Tuesdays! Rumor Has It 30 30 SO, IS THIS the part where I’m supposed to look FOOD back on 2009 and sum it all up in a few pithy sen- tences? Maybe provide a list of all the best shows I

25 25 went to, albums I listened to and other happenings music of note? I could then follow that up with a few ra- PREVIEWS RUMOR HAS IT tional, carefully considered resolutions for the year to come. CLASSIFIEDS Yeah, but I’m not going to do that. Mostly because, for every truly epic show I 22 22 went to, there were probably three really great ones I missed—and I went to a lot of shows in FILM FILM 2009. And, for every local album that is currently in my personal heavy rotation, there’s a stack 18 18 18 gathering dust on my desk, coffee table, stereo, etc. that also merit mention. MUSIC MUSIC As for those well-intentioned resolutions, well, they’d probably sound a lot like, “Go to 16 more shows in 2010. Listen to ART ART more albums. Familiarize my- self with more bands.” In other words, the same resolutions 15 I’ve made either overtly or

STAGE STAGE subconsciously for the better part of the past two decades. And whether I adhere to said 14 resolutions often has little or nothing to do with the prox-

GET OUT imity to New Year’s Eve with which they are uttered. BY CAREY ROSS

13 However, in the interest of the obligatory year-end wrap-up, I will say this: For me, 2009 will go down in my own personal his- WORDS tory as the year many of my favorite bands called

8 it quits, but then somehow managed to placate my self-righteous ire by throwing farewell shows that will loom large and live long in my memory. As most of the folks in these bands went on to start new CURRENTS CURRENTS endeavors of the musical variety, I am eager to see

6 what 2010 has in store in terms of ﬁlling the void that has been left by all the breakups.

VIEWS VIEWS 2009 was also the year in which operating a music venue—always an act of courage of sorts in any 4 town—became a little bit easier in Bellingham, with

MAIL MAIL a shift in city administration also signaling a similar shift in how this city treats its venues. And I’m told

2 BY CAREY ROSS further changes are in store, with a revamped noise

DO IT IT DO ordinance (you didn’t think I’d forgotten about that,

did you?) possibly on the agenda for 2010.

09 09 As always, the high-stakes and often worry- making game of musical chairs with regard to the .30. The Globes 12 venues themselves plays on, and this year, with HOLY CROW AND OMG its attendant economic downturn, has seen some

.04 struggle and others succeed in the face of ﬁscal 52 # ABOUT A month ago, hundreds of people packed Seat- And, when Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla adversity. And, of course, that sprinkler law didn’t tle’s Showbox to watch a trio of Northwest bands. On the all- was spotted in the audience (he would later exactly make things any easier for those venues local roster of what would become a much-talked-about night sit in with Telekinesis), it became clear this affected by it. Undoubtedly, further changes are of music were Anacortes’ Lonely Forest, as well as Telekinesis wasn’t your average night of music. Prior to in store for our music venues and it is with a side- and the Globes, both from Seattle. the show, the Globes were expected to be a ways glance that is equal parts anticipation and Of course, it was understood that the show’s real draw was pleasant footnote to a night that should, by trepidation that I look to 2010 in this regard.

CASCADIA WEEKLY the Lonely Forest, a band that has of late experienced a well- all rights, belong to the Lonely Forest. All in all, it’s been a year. I think a self-pro- deserved explosion in popularity. And, indeed, what with Then Chris Walla and Twitter inadver- claimed “lyrical poet” by the name of Vanilla Ice 18 some healthy boosterism from Seattle DJs, music writers and tently teamed up to steal some of the put it best when he once said to me, “Yesterday is the blogosphere, people began to line up outside the bar as Lonely Forest’s spotlight and train it di- yesterday and tomorrow is tomorrow, which means early as 5pm to make certain they didn’t miss this musical rectly on the Globes. today is today.” I think we all know what he meant menage a trois. “Watching the Globes at the Showbox. by that. MUSIC preview

Holy crow and OMG,” so said the Tweet Spokane, the quartet ﬁrst began to 30

heard round the cyberworld. play music together in high school, FOOD As far as gaining legitimacy as a realizing sometime around when they band goes, there are few ways to get it were due to graduate, that the end more instantaneously than an in-the- of high school did not actually have 25 moment endorsement from someone of to mean the inevitable end of the Walla’s ilk. band. From this came the decision to

But the Globes have been getting forgo enrollment in traditional four- CLASSIFIEDS it right for a long time. Although the year colleges (which would spell the

band’s sole tangible output has been band’s demise) in favor of a move to 22 one ﬁve-song EP released in 2008 that Seattle to see what they could make even they admit was haphazardly re- of themselves musically. Since then, FILM corded, critics have still found enough they’ve gone 18

in it (and the band’s prodigious live about the task of 18 shows) to fawn over, often prefacing making a go of it MUSIC their compliments with the phrase “not with the kind of MUSIC yet signed” before the band’s name, as enviable work though a record deal for the four-piece ethic that sees indie popsters is a foregone conclusion. them playing 16

And, indeed, it might be, as the Globes 100-plus shows ART have reportedly been in talks to re- # - a year and earns WHO: The Globes lease their mostly done full-length (re- WHEN: Thurs., them accolades corded with John Goodmanson, who Dec. 31 from just about 15 has worked with Blonde Redhead, the WHERE: The Brown everyone who Blood Brothers, and Death Cab, among Lantern, Anacortes catches them STAGE MORE INFO: www. VILLAGEVILLAGE many others) on Barsuk, the label that live, up to and myspace.com/ launched that one band that features globesmusic including Chris BOOKSBOOKSat 14 the aforementioned Walla. Walla. It’s nice when things all work out so While it’s still too soon to tell what & GET OUT neatly like that. 2010 has in store for this band, one While the Globes, with their tough- thing seems certain: should you choose

PAPER DREAMS 13 to-classify, darkly infectious and un- to ring in the New Year with them at deniably brainy indie pop may seem their show at the Brown Lantern in An- like yet another of Seattle’s many mu- acortes, it might be one of a dwindling New Year’s WORDS sical upstarts, in truth, they’ve been a number of chances to see them in such band longer than most—just not in an intimate setting before the Globes, 8 our neck of the woods. Hailing from as they say, take over the world. CURRENTS CURRENTS

20%20% 6

S VIEWS

MUSIC events OFFOFF 4 * WED., DEC. 30 EVERYTHING! MAIL COLE ANDERSON: Works by Liszt, Handel, De-

bussy, and Brahms will be on the bill when A 2 young pianist Cole Anderson—a native of BOTH DO IT IT DO Whatcom County—performs at 7:30pm at the Lairmont Manor, 405 Fieldston. Suggested do- STORES!

nation is $10; proceeds beneﬁt the Enid Car- 09 *Almost! Ask for details rick Piano Scholarship. .30. 733-4676 L 12 FRI., JAN. 1 SWIL KANIM: Virtuoso violinist Swil Kanim Two Days Only! .04 52 will perform at a special New Year’s Day concert # from 7-9pm at Stuart’s at the market, 1530 Corn- wall Ave. The event is free. Thursday The Yogoman Burning Band—along with the st 714-0800 DEC. 31 Dt’s—are throwing a New Year’s Eve Soul Party 9am-6pm Thurs., Dec. 31 at the Nightlight Lounge E SAT., JAN. 2 JAZZ SOCIETY: The Bellingham Traditional Jazz Society presents the Thomas Harris Quar- Friday

tival presents “Louis XIV’s Bassoon” at 4pm at St. st CASCADIA WEEKLY tet at a concert and dance from 2-5pm at the JAN. 1 VFW Hall, 625 N. State St. Admission is $6-$10. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2117 Walnut St. Baroque & 10am -9pm ﬂutist Jeffrey Cohan, bassoonist Anna March, 19 527-8611 and lute player John Lenti will perform at the 1200 -1206 11th St., SUN., JAN. 3 unique event. Suggested donation is $15. LOUIS’S BASSOON: The Cascade Early Music Fes- 445-3164 Historic Fairhaven, Bellingham 360.671.2626

30 30 ( Venues FOOD See below for venue addresses and phone 12.30.09 12.31.09 01.01.10 01.02.10 01.03.10 01.04.10 01.05.10

25 25 numbers WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

Anker Café Open Mic Poetrynight Open Mic CLASSIFIEDS Archer Ale House T-Bone Taylor Laura Overstreet T-Bone Taylor 22 22 Boundary Bay No-Fi Soul Rebellion, Guin- Jazz Jam feat. Jennifer Paul Klein Brewery nesss and the Reparations Scott Trio FILM FILM

Brown Lantern The Globes 18 18

18 Alehouse MUSIC MUSIC Cap Hansen's Harkonen

Baltic Cousins, Queen

16 Casa Que Pasa Amina, Holy Tailfeathers ART ART Chuckanut Brewery All Hail the Rain GARAJ MAHAL/Jan. 1/Wild Buffalo 15 Chuckanut Ridge Wine Blake Angelos Jazz Trio James Lee Harris Band Company STAGE STAGE Common Ground Post Harbor, The Masques Coffeehouse 14

Edison Inn Bob Caloca and Friends Country Dave GET OUT

Fairhaven Pub Karaoke Spaceband Spaceband Comedy Night 13

WORDS Glow DJ Mikey Swift DJ Triple Crown DJ Booger DJ Cide 8 Graham's Hell's Belles

Green Frog Café First Sunday Singer Song- CURRENTS CURRENTS Brian Ragsdale Big Sur Acoustic Tavern writer Slam 6

Honeymoon Open Mic The Naked Hearts Sabrina Y' Los Reyes Barnum Jack VIEWS VIEWS

4 Hot Shotz Sawchosiz, Lok Skywalker Karaoke w/Poops MAIL MAIL

Main St. Bar and Grill Death By Radio Hell's Belles The Replacements Karaoke 2 DO IT IT DO Yogoman Burning Band, ’90s Night w/DJ Josh Nightlight Lounge The Dt's Holland 09 09 Sugar Sugar Sugar, The .30. Cheeps, All-Nighters, Boss

12 Plan B Saloon Rhino .04

52 Vaughn Kreestoe Swervewon, DJ 100proof Swervewon, DJ 100proof # Poppe's HELL’S BELLES/Dec. 31/ Graham’s Restaurant Tribute to Stevie Ray Rockﬁsh Grill Jack Hamilton Vaughn

Royal One Hit Wonder Night DJ Jester DJ Jester DJ Jester DJ Jester v ’70s Disco Night CASCADIA WEEKLY

20 Anker Cafe $PSOXBMM"WFtNZTQBDFDPNUIFBOLFSDBGF | Archer Ale House UI4Ut | Boundary Bay Brewing Co. 3BJMSPBE"WFt]Brown Lantern Ale House$PNNFSDJBM "WF "OBDPSUFTt ]Chuckanut Brewery8)PMMZ4Ut ]Chuckanut Ridge Wine Company/4UBUF4Ut]Commodore Ballroom(SBOWJMMF4U 7BODPVWFSt ]Common Ground Coffeehouse1FBTF3PBE #VSMJOHUPOt ]Department of Safety UI4U"OBDPSUFTt ]Edison Inn $BJOT$U &EJTPOt| Glow &)PMMZ4Ut| Fairhaven Pub & Martini Bar )BSSJT"WFt]Graham’s Restaurant.PVOU#BLFS)XZ (MBDJFSt ]Green Frog Café Acoustic Tavern/4UBUF4Ut ]Honey Moon/4UBUF4Ut]Hot Shotz/4UBUF4Ut

( Venues 30 FOOD See below for venue addresses and phone 12.30.09 12.31.09 01.01.10 01.02.10 01.03.10 01.04.10 01.05.10 numbers WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY 25

Betty Desire Show, DJ Rumors DJ Buckshot, DJ Deerhead DJ Q-bnza DJ Mike Tollenson Karaoke w/Poops DJ Postal, DJ Shortwave Velveteen CLASSIFIEDS

Silver Reef Hotel Albritton McClain and the

Tony and the Tigers Tony and the Tigers 22 Casino & Spa Bridge of Souls

Garrat Wilson and the FILM Skagit Valley Casino Parrotheads (Showroom), Shane Thomas Shane Thomas

Shane Thomas (Lounge) 18 18 MUSIC Skylark's The Spencetet Sarah Jane & Steve Faucher Stirred Not Shaken Irish Session MUSIC

Three Trees Open Mic feat. Merrily Bob Martin, Jon Roberts 16 Coffeehouse James ART ART

Watertown Pub Karaoke w/Rick 15

Reggae Night w/Blessed Japanther, The All- JAPANTHER/Jan. 2/Wild Buffalo Wild Buffalo Flowmotion, Acorn Project Garaj Mahal STAGE Coast DJs Nighters, The Pharmacy 14 Main Street Bar & Grill .BJO4U 'FSOEBMFt]New York Pizza and Bar /4UBUF4Ut| The Nightlight Lounge&$IFTUOVU4U]Old Foundry &.BQMF4Ut]Rockﬁsh Grill $PNNFSDJBM"WF "OBDPSUFTt ]The Rogue Hero /4UBUF4Ut]The Royal &)PMMZ4Ut]Rumors Cabaret3BJMSPBE"WFt]Silver Reef Casino

)BYUPO8BZ 'FSOEBMFt]Skagit Valley Casino Resort /%BSSL-BOF #PXt ]Skylark’s Hidden Cafe UI4Ut]Swinomish Casino$BTJOP%S "OBDPSUFT GET OUT t]Three Trees Coffeehouse 8)PMMZ4Ut | Tivoli $PNNFSDJBM4Ut | Underground Coffeehouse 7JLJOH6OJPOSE'MPPS 886 | Watertown Pub 314 Commercial Ave., "OBDPSUFTt | Wild Buffalo 8)PMMZ4UtXXXXJMECVGGBMPOFU]5PHFUZPVSMJWFNVTJDMJTUJOHTJODMVEFEJOUIJTFTUFFNFEOFXTQSJOU TFOEJOGPUPDMVCT!DBTDBEJBXFFLMZDPN%FBEMJOFTBSF

BMXBZTBUQN'SJEBZ 13 WORDS 8 CURRENTS CURRENTS 6 VIEWS VIEWS 4 MAIL MAIL

2 DO IT IT DO

09 09 .30. 12 .04 52 # CASCADIA WEEKLY

30 30 FOOD

25 25 ﬁlm REVIEWS FILM TIMES CLASSIFIEDS 22 22 22 FILM FILM FILM FILM 18 MUSIC 16 ART ART 15 STAGE STAGE REVIEWED BY CARRIE RICKEY 14

GET OUT Bad Lieutenant CAGE UNHINGED 13

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, Werner Herzog’s lu- WORDS ridly entertaining police noir, is a one-of-a-kind experience

8 that boasts a twice-in-a-lifetime performance from Nicolas Cage. The actor has not gone this deep into the abyss since Vampire’s Kiss (1989). You watch, hypnotized. Will he crawl CURRENTS CURRENTS his way out? Will you?

6 In Herzog’s ﬁlm, which shares a title and little else with Abel Ferrara’s 1992 Bad Lieutenant, Cage plays a crackpot

VIEWS VIEWS (not to mention crackhead) law-enforcement ofﬁcer emerg- ing from the primal ooze of post-Katrina New Orleans. 4 Then again, Terence McDonagh (Cage) may be more of a

MAIL MAIL snake skimming the murk, like the water moccasin navigat- ing the rising tide in the ﬁlm’s unsettlingly beautiful open-

2 ing shot.

DO IT IT DO Not so much inspired as ignited by an eccentric script

from television writer William J. Finkelstein, Herzog creates

09 09 an atmosphere sticky with amorality. For the ﬁlmmakers, New Orleans is a delirium state where all bad deeds go un- .30. NOT SO MUCH INSPIRED AS IGNITED BY AN ECCENTRIC SCRIPT

12 punished and vice versa. The ﬁlm spins with McDonagh’s whirling moral compass. As FROM TELEVISION WRITER WILLIAM J. FINKELSTEIN, HERZOG

.04 the waters rise in the Katrina prologue, McDonagh dives into 52 CREATES AN ATMOSPHERE STICKY WITH AMORALITY. # a lockdown to set free a drowning prisoner. His reward for this act of kindness? A promotion and a back injury that gets him addicted to Vicodin. In a pinch, he’ll use any prescription or street drug that can stanch the through town, getting himself deeper and deeper ages in this seriocomedic nocturne. pain. And there are a lot of pinches. into drugs, gambling, debt, and danger. With his scaly skin and darting movements, Cage McDonagh routinely shakes down suspects for drugs. And Herzog (Grizzly Man), a courageous explorer of is demonic, clinging to professional responsibilities

CASCADIA WEEKLY if the suspects don’t have them, there’s always the property the thin evolutionary line between man and beast, while behaving most unprofessionally. As the Bad room at the precinct or the stash of his prostitute girlfriend, sees McDonagh as a cold-blooded guy who thinks Lieutenant spirals down into hell, his spirit dances 22 Frankie (Eva Mendes), whose johns McDonagh loves to mess only with his reptilian, i.e., primitive brain. to police-procedural rhythms only he can hear. It’s with. And did I mention that he is a sports gambler who In keeping with that metaphor, when McDonagh ridiculously entertaining. owes thousands to his bookie? is coked-up, he hallucinates Gila monsters on the When Cage is good, he is very, very good, but Physically and morally compromised, McDonagh lurches coffee table, one of the many surreally funny im- when he is bad, he is better. Washington’s 1st total gluten free menu, Built On Your Trust using local produce, made fresh daily. And Confidence

40 Single Malt Scotch Whiskeys. 30 18 rotating taps, Northwest and European. FOOD Local & World Class Wines. Milton’s has added to the long list 25 Monday Night Trivia 7-9 pm of cars we service. “We’ll save you both time and money, I guarantee it!” 428-0121 1226 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon Tom Milton www.MiltonsAutoService.com 1st Place owner CLASSIFIEDS Winner of King5 22 22 Best in the NW Family Law Attorney 22 Evening with 18 years experience Collaborative FILM FILM FILM FILM Magazine We Care about Your Children’s Well-Being Divorce (360) 647-8897 18 Open Mon- Sat 11-11 P.M. Settle Your Case [email protected] MUSIC Happy hour drink/food specials M-F, 4-6 P.M. Without Going to Court 1010 Harris Ave. #201 Free Consultation Bellingham 416 Myrtle St. (Oldtown), Mount Vernon, Washington 98273 Patrick Gallery 16 (360) 588-4515 trumpeterpublichouse.com Divorce With Dignity & Mutual Respect ART ART

NOW SHOWING @ The Pickford Cinema 15 JANUARY 1-7 STAGE STAGE

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans 14 “Mr. Herzog’s film is a pulpy, glorious mess. Its maniacal unpredictability is such a blast that it reminds you just how tidy and dull most crime thrillers are these days.” NYT t64"tNJOt3 GET OUT 'SJ t4BU5VF t8FEQN 5IV QN 13 The Road - FINAL WEEK t64"tNJOt3 'SJt4BU5VFt8FEt5IVQN WORDS 2009 Sundance Shorts The best short films of the year, specially curated 8 for Pickford Film Center & Friends t7BSJPVT$PVOUSJFTtNJOt6OSBUFE 'SJt4BU4VOQN CURRENTS CURRENTS Trailer Wars! - Vol. 6 - FREE

The best part of movies, some would say. Locally made. 6 t64tNJOt6OSBUFE 8FEQN VIEWS VIEWS

2 YOGA NORTHWESTsince 1979 DO IT IT DO QUITTING BUSINESS THE B.K.S. IYENGAR YOGA CENTER OF BELLINGHAM Come experience the power of Iyengar Yoga.

With the most highly trained & certified group of instructors in the NW. 09 .30. ONE WEEK PRICING! 12 .04 52

ORIGINAL NOW FINAL DAYS # PRICE* ONLY! ON GREAT $ $ Winter Classes 22 9 P RIS Welcome to our Jan 11 - April 4 CLOTHING 34 Classes Weekly $ $ FREEJan 4-10, Classes 2010 For Total 36 15 ExperiencedBeginners Yogis & ACCESSORIES New Students -

$ $ sign up at a$10 Free ClassOff! & receive CASCADIA WEEKLY 58 25 GIFTS TEXAS (our Winter classes) $ $ Voted Best of Bellingham 2009! 23 93 42 4 PROSPECT ST., DOWNTOWN BELLINGHAM yoganorthwest.com 360.647.0712 *PRICE CHARTS IN STORE MON - SAT 11 - 7 FIXTURES FOR SALE! 1440 10th Street Historic Fairhaven, Bellingham 15.12.09 IAW RCW 19.178 BEG/END 14.02.10 FILM 4)085*.&4

30 30 FOOD

BY CAREY ROSS that good. ★★★★★ 3tISNJO 4VOTFU4RVBSF 25 25 Nine The Princess and the Frog: %JTOFZ FTDIFXT BMM FILM SHORTS that newfangled CGI for a return to the old-school, hand-drawn animation that is the cornerstone of its Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel: It’s CLASSIFIEDS ﬁlm empire. The ﬁlm looks great, but mayhaps they about rodents. They sing in rodent-like, high-pitched should’ve worked a bit harder on the story. ★★ (t voices. What else do you need to know? ★★ (t ISNJO 22 22 22 hr. 28 min.) #FMMJT'BJSBN]]]] 4VOTFU4RVBSF]]]]] FILM FILM FILM FILM ]]] Sherlock Holmes: Guy Ritchie refashions this super-sleuth into an action hero—and manages not to Avatar: Everything about this movie pretty much ruin the movie in the process. Of course, he receives blows—except the way it looks. That said, it is, 18 a whole lot of help from my movie-star boyfriend, hands down, the most visually arresting two-and-a- 3PCFSU%PXOFZ+SJOUIFUJUMFSPMF BOE+VEF-BX half hours I’ve ever witnessed on a big screen any-

MUSIC as the suavest Watson ever. ★★★★ 1(tIST XIFSF %PSOP*TJUXPSUIUIFSFQPSUFE NJO million it took to make? You’ll have to decide that for 4VOTFU4RVBSF]]]]] yourselves. ★★★ 1(tISTNJO ]] 16 #FMMJT'BJS]]] Sundance Shorts:"SFDPSE TIPSUmMNTXFSF ART ART Avatar in 3D:4FFBCPWF/PXBEEEJHJUBM%0.( submitted for consideration in this year’s festival. Of ★★★★ 1(tISTNJO UIPTFTVCNJTTJPOT NBEFUIFmOBMDVU5IFTF #FMMJT'BJSBN]]] shorts, culled by the Art House Project, represent the 15 The Blind Side: Well, I turned my back for one sec- cream of that crop among domestic, international, ond, and Sandra Bullock went and made a movie that live-action and animated entries. ★★★★★ (Unrated

STAGE STAGE tISNJO might not suck. This is the based-on-actual-events Disney’s A Christmas Carol: Robert Zemeckis TVDIUPQOPUDIUBMFOUBT.FSZM4USFFQBOE"MFD#BME- 1JDLGPSE+BO!]+BO! story of a homeless teen taken in by a couple who gets his hands—and the performance-capture ani- win—but something tells me this may not be the is determined to see him make the most of his natu-

14 NBUJPOUFDIOJRVFIFTPMPWFTUPVTFPOUIJT%JDL- rom-com I’m looking for. ★★ 3tISNJO The Twilight Saga: New Moon:0.(&EXBSEBOE SBMGPPUCBMMQSPXFTT%PFTIFTVDDFFE 0OMZJGZPV ens classic with decidedly mixed results. ★★ 1(t #FMMJT 'BJS ] ] ] ] ] ] #FMMBBSFCBDL*LOPX)BSSZ1PUUFSJTUIFIJHIFTU DPOTJEFSBmWFZFBS NJMMJPODPOUSBDUXJUIUIF ISNJO grossing movie franchise in history, but methinks he Baltimore Ravens a sign of success. ★★★★ 1( GET OUT #FMMJT'BJSBN] could be usurped by a certain sleepy-eyed vampire Nine: This musical, which is front-loaded with such tISTNJO and his forbidden ladylove. Sure, Harry waves his Invictus:8IBUIBQQFOTXIFO/FMTPO.BOEFMBUFMMT TUBSTBT%BOJFM%BZ-FXJT 1FOFMPQF$SV[ /JDPMF,JE- 4VOTFU4RVBSF]]] wand around, but Edward glitters. He’s a tween dream your rugby team to win the World Cup in the name of man, and more, is supposed to equal and possibly 13 come true. ★★ 1(tISTNJO Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans: See uniting the hearts and minds of your apartheid-torn TVSQBTTUIFTVDDFTTEJSFDUPS3PC.BSTIBMMIBEXJUI #FMMJT'BJS]]] review previous page. ★★★★ 3tISTNJO DPVOUSZ 5IJTNPWJF TUBSSJOH.PSHBO'SFFNBO .BUU Chicago, and be prime bait for this year’s Academy

WORDS 1JDLGPSE$BMMGPSTIPXUJNFT %BNPO BOEIFMNFECZ$MJOU&BTUXPPEJOIJTTJHOB- Awards. It fails on both fronts. Better luck next time, Up In the Air:%FTQJUFIJTNBUJOFFJEPMHPPE Did You Hear About the Morgans?: Another film ture subtly excellent style, will provide you with your I guess. ★★ 1(tISNJO looks, George Clooney is building an enviable career 4FIPNF]]] 8 that revolves around big-city folk mingling with BOTXFS)JOU5IFQSPYJNJUZPGUIJTmMNTSFMFBTFEBUF founded on his subtly nuanced portrayal of men bro- to Oscar season is no coincidence. ★★★★ 1(t ken by time and circumstance. This one, as a corpo- country bumpkins with all the attendant, played-out Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: ISTNJO SBUFEPXOTJ[JOHFYQFSUMPPLJOHUPBNBTTNJMMJPO gags. Remember when Hugh Grant had a promising If every single critic and film festival is to be be- 4FIPNF]]] GSFRVFOUnZFSNJMFTCFGPSFIFIJNTFMGJTEPXOTJ[FE film career and Sarah Jessica Parker was the queen lieved, this raw, gritty but ultimately life-affirming CURRENTS CURRENTS just might win him the Best Actor Oscar he so richly of HBO? Yeah, those were good times. ★★ 1(t It’s Complicated: I’m all for intelligent, adult ro- NPWJFJT XJUIPVUBEPVCU UIFCFTUmMNPG"MM* deserves. ★★★★★ 3tISNJO ISNJO mantic comedies—particularly when they call upon have to say about that is, believe the hype. It’s really 6 4VOTFU4RVBSF]]]] 4FIPNF]]] VIEWS VIEWS 4

MAIL MAIL Learn Jewelry Open New Year’s Eve & Day

2 Making Jan 4 Monday Pitcher Night 7:30pm DO IT IT DO

Road Safe? Independent Service & Repair Brewery Tour Jan 17 09 09 .30. 12 .04

52 Mini

# Metalworking, Silversmithing, PMC, Metal Clay, Enameling, Etching. BMW Subaru Beginning Jewelry Making VW Classes Starting in December Audi Visit our website for complete class schedule Gift Certiﬁcates Available CASCADIA WEEKLY

24 :HVW+ROO\6WUHHW 521 Kentucky St. Bellingham %((56 360-715-3005 www.pouncingrain.com 360 671.2420 ZZZFKXFNDQXWEUHZHU\DQGNLWFKHQFRP broadcast

TO PLACE AN AD 30 30 CLASSIFIEDS.CASCADIAWEEKLY.COM classiﬁeds FOOD 25

100 100 200 200 200 300 300 400 25 EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES BUY SELL TRADE BUY SELL TRADE BULLETIN BOARD

HELP WANTED enced housesitter/petsitter From hazard tree removals (such as deodorizer and soil re- 1470 or [email protected]. Corona neon sign $150, PETS please email: brwneyebeau- CLASSIFIEDS available to take care of your to pruning a full spectrum tardant) included in our rates. Or visit KeyEdits.com. 966-2663 [email protected] CLASSIFIEDS Mystery Shoppers home and loved ones while you of tree maintainence and You arrange for service directly 2 AKC registered pup- Wanted! National Market are away. References available preservation. Free estimate, with the technician and receive COMPASSIONATE BIRTH “On the Spectrum” thrift pies free to a good home 6:15 am Yoga Class Early

Research Firm seeks indi- upon request. Fee based on Licensed & Insured. Call free estimates for work per- SUPPORT Local Doula Now store is now open! All of our They have current shorts and Morning Yoga with Dave Ko- 22 viduals to evaluate service day-to-day needs of home and Brandon (360)305-5525 formed on a flexible schedule. Accepting NEW Clients!! proceeds go to organizations play along with children and shinz at Everybody’s Yoga at local Bar and Grill. Meals pets. I may also be interested in Low overhead = competitive Comforting, compassion- that support people on the other animals. contact juli- 1609 Broadway, Suite 202 (Up- reimbursed for completion of partial barter for services. If in- The Every Day Gour- prices. And our hypo-allergenic ate care celebrating birth Autism spectrum. This year’s [email protected] for stairs), Bellingham WA 98225 FILM online survey form. Please ap- terested, please write to me at met Executive Chef, Gail cleaning products are safe for as a life changing experi- recipients are the University more information. 360.738.2207 yogabellingham. ply at www.bestmark.com [email protected]. Walker has opened The Ev- pets, children, and anyone with ence of infinite possibil- of Washington (CHDD), Au- com. Change the course of

eryday Gourmet, a personal allergies. Safeco insured. Call ity. NURTURING PRENATAL, tism Society of Washington, Two English Bulldogs your day with an early prac- 18 All-around home helper, EDUCATION- chef service for Christmas 360-510-3404! LABOR and POSTPARTUM Wintros Academy, Toddler Free to good home,AKC reg- tice! Tuesday and Thursday, including some indoor INSTRUCTION parties, private parties, SUPPORT. For more informa- Learning Center, and Autism istered, vet checked, contact 6:15-7:30 am $35 per month painting. Need to be brunches or special din- Expert Editing / Business tion about my services and Outreach. We only sell preme at james.martins101@ for once per week, $50 for MUSIC strong and fit, preferably a ATTEND College on- ners for guests 2-100 and Writing I specialize in editing rates please view karuna washed, gently-worn cloth- sify.com twice This is a mixed levels woman. Experience required line from home. Medi- anything in between. The thesis papers, manuscripts, wellness.blogspot.com ing. We have brand name class. Payment is due at the in housekeeping, cleaning for cal, Business, Paralegal, Everyday Gourmet special- and marketing copy. For your clothing for men, women, beginning of each month.

others, and some caregiving. Computers, Criminal Justice. izes in quality, gourmet, low business, I can write a feature children, and infants. We also 400 16 Non-smoker, with progressive Job placement assistance. cost parties. In this service, article or create a business Looking for a FUN accept donations at the store BULLETIN BOARD Beginner Quilting Class- liberal outlook. Work three Computer provided. Finan- the client buys the food and biography that will strengthen or email us for the pick-up es Learn the basics of quilting, ART afternoons, 2-6:30ish and Sat- cial aid if qualified. Call Walker prepares it in con- your ties to your community way to get fit? schedule (onthespectrum@ including rotary cutting, using urdays 2-6. Fairhaven area. 1(866)858-2121; www.Online nivance of the hosts home. and expand your customer hotmail.com). 4152 Meridian CLASSES & templates, basic piecing, pa- Try an hour of WORKSHOPS 733-2756 TidewaterTech.com Full service and clean up are base. Free consultations. Con- dancing at Street, suite 113, Bellingham per piecing, applique, semi- also offered in the low price. tact Dale Schmidt at 206-234- [(360) 733-3013](across from nole patchwork, log cabin, 15 Product Manager sought by PROFESSIONAL For custom designed menus Dancing Thin. Lover’s Pkg.). Experience the joy of strip piecing, circular piecing School Specialty, Inc. (Belling- SERVICES to fit your special occasion, Classes are led playing marimba (wooden- while completing a 40”x40” ham, WA) Req.Bach (or foreign shopping lists, wine and bev- by a certified THREE BED FURNITURE key xylophones) at a free wall quilt. 6-2hr classes for STAGE equiv) + 3 yrs exp (2+ yrs in edu Auto Detailing - Happy erage suggestions, contact ZUMBA instructor BARNS GMC Furniture Barm introductory class. Informa- $60. [email protected] mkt). Apply by mail to School Helpers We will come out Executive Chef Gail Walker has 200+ beds, All sizes, tion: nancysteele@comcast. andare designed Specialty, Inc., Attn: Nicole- to a location of your choice and the Everyday Gourmet at $79.95 Queens; George’s 58th net or 360-920-6494. Music Theory and Left- 14 Hélène Jones, 2000 Kentucky and detail your car, motor- (360)392-8527. Gail Walker for women. Year on Guide Rd; 398-2771 handed Guitar Instruc- St., Bellingham, WA 98229 cycle, boat, RV or anything was featured on Comcast’s Burn upwards Please Lv. Msg. Cheer and Dance! All girls tion Take your songwriting to you want. We clean the popular show “A Taste Of,” aging from 7-14 are welcome the next level. I also specialize EMPLOYMENT windows, carpet, door jams, during her ownership of Em- of 600 calories SOAPS, LOTIONS, WOOL to come cheer and dance! You in left handed guitar instruc- GET OUT OPPORTUNITIES dash, trunk, the rims, the erald Bay Events. per class HATS ,TRUFFLES, JEW- will learn basic cheer jumps, tion. Email Adam at bluebiz@ seats and the floor mats then while ELERY Hand milled oatmeal work on flexibility, and learn mac.com for more info. VAN.B.C. WORK All skills, we Armor All every surface Let Carpet Medic rescue soaps, hand and body lotions, short choreographed dances. having 13 especially trades. Live/ that takes it. The charge for your rugs and uphol- Bellingham’s hand knit wool hats and No experience necessary! CHILDREN’S DANCE work/both sides of the bor- this service is $55 for a soft stery We’re a small, respon- Greenest Home! a chocolate truffles for sale. Date and Cost: Every Monday CLASSES Creative Dance der. Van.bc is booming,esp. shell wax, please call Travis sible business providing a BLAST! Call Rena at 360-714-0570 4pm-5pm. Only $10 an hour! and Beginning Ballet for chil- construction, the Olympics/ at 360-224-0473. quick,effective cleaning job Enjoy the stability of La Vida Dance Studio: 929-B dren. Ferndale - 6 miles North WORDS oil and gas. Fast track work that dries fast, without your homeownership for North State St., Bellingham, of downtown Bellingham. visas.1800 661 7799 or www. Earthworks Tree Ser- paying premium for services Visit CLASSIFIEDS@ WA. For more inforamtion or Ballet Arts Northwest, (360) 8 businessnavigator.com vice Earthworks a low ONLY $150,000 dancingthin.com CASCADIAWEEKLY.COM to add your name to the list 333-0293 impact tree service. Pre- THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE, EMPLOYMENT serving and maintaining the Hey Home AFFORDABLE HOMES! WANTED health, safety and beauty of This home will be Bellingham’s the trees in our community Buyers First net-zero energy home. CURRENTS Housesitter/Petsitter with a mentality of benefi- Energy-efficient with Passive Available I am an experi- cial environmental impact. Rates are low solar design. PV-ready. 6 and selection is Three Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths. high. 8K Tax Close to amenities in the Birchwood neighborhood Credit plus Zip VIEWS Curious about Lummi Island? Realty Rebate.

For complete information Zero Down 4 on island living and all the Loans. Call your listings from local Realtor, MAIL

resident 2 island specialists… You may DO IT IT DO

be eligible if you: Call Have good credit and are able to obtain a bank loan 360.758.2094 09 Haven’t owned a home or visit in the last 3 years .30. 12 lummiislandrealty.com Meet the income guidelines for your family size .04 52

(see our website for new # income limits) Apply now for 2010 availability

For more information visit www.kclt.org or call CASCADIA WEEKLY 360-671-5600, ext. 7 25 Aggressive. REAR END AMY ALKON ǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ͘īĞĐƟǀĞ͘ 30 30 ͻ&ĞůŽŶǇ͕DŝƐĚĞŵĞĂŶŽƌ͕/ŶĨƌĂĐƟŽŶ͕h/͕ FOOD ƐƐĂƵůƚ͕ƌƵŐΘ^ĞǆĂƐĞƐ͘ BY AMY ALKON meet ‘n’ greet. If you really want to ͻ͞ZŝƐŝŶŐ^ƚĂƌ͕͟tĂƐŚŝŶŐƚŽŶ>ĂǁΘWŽůŝƟĐƐ͘ prevent it, you get an IUD and bring in 25

25 25 ye olde latex windsock for backup. But, >ĂǁKĸĐĞƐŽĨůĞǆĂŶĚĞƌZĂŶƐŽŵ THE ADVICE I’m guessing you gambled that having ;ϯϲϬͿϯϵϮͲϴϯϳϳǁǁǁ͘ƌĂŶƐŽŵͲůĂǁĮƌŵ͘ĐŽŵ a kid would move your relationship to the next level. And lookie here, it did: CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS GODDESS into bitterness, envy, and resentment. Your husband’s paying big-time for his 22 22 KNIT BOOTY CALL own cavalier approach to birth control: I left my husband for a coworker I was having

FILM FILM the unspoken understanding that he an affair with, and accidentally got pregnant. was up for a few hot minutes in the He wasn’t thrilled, but manned up and married ofﬁce supply closet, not 21 years in a 18 me. Sex soon dried up. We haven’t had it for suburban tract home. two years! He never hugs me, never says he Terribly sorry you aren’t getting any, MUSIC loves me. I asked why he married me. He said, but it isn’t like you bought a new purse “I never wanted to or to be a father, but now that didn’t quite have the pockets you I have to deal with both.” I know he isn’t need. Your right to be all about you 16 cheating, but I told him he was setting me up ended the day another human being ART ART for an affair. He said, “Do what you need to came out of your body. Those so-called do.” I started sleeping with my ex-husband— “resilient” children of parents who’ve until his wife found out. My girlfriends say I

15 split up have the worst outcomes across should leave, that children are resilient, but the board— in everything from school my 5-year-old son adores his father. We don’t STAGE STAGE PEPPER performance to their own relationships ﬁght, but we don’t talk, either, and he won’t as adults. Unless your home life is so do anything with me unless our son’s involved. ugly that your kid would be better off 14 SISTERS —Not Miserable, Not Happy if you divorced, you and Frosty need to This little boy isn’t in your lives be- “do what you need to do” to make this

GET OUT SINCE 1988 COOKING OUTSIDE THE BOX cause you walked out on the porch one work the best you can. Open Nightly Except Monday 1055 N State St B’ham 671-3414 day as a stork in a UPS outﬁt was drop- Although he was as big a boob as

13 ping him off in a basket: “Gotta sign you were about birth control, your for this kid, lady. And I think he needs best chance of thawing him is express-

WORDS his diaper changed. And soccer camp ing remorse for sucking him into this and a college education.” situation. This isn’t about getting him

8 Since you aren’t 11 and sneaking cig- from “you’re in my space” to “you’re the arettes behind the elementary school light of my life,” but getting him to a dumpster when you should be in sex couples therapist so you can ﬁgure out

CURRENTS CURRENTS ed, you know very well what happens how to be a couple of loving roommates when Mr. Sperm and Miss Egg have a raising a kid together. 6 VIEWS VIEWS 4

MAIL MAIL Sudoku

2 How to 37 Sudoku: DO IT IT DO

Arrange the 765 digits 1-9

09 09 in such a way that .30. 96 5 2 12 each digit occurs only

.04 4536 once in 52

# each row, 84only once Eff!Xjmefsnvui!BSOQ!!XpnfoÖt!Ifbmui!Ovstf!Qsbdujujpofs!'!Dmbttjdbm!Ipnfpqbui in each column, and 5132only once in each box. 31 57Try it!

CASCADIA WEEKLY 3487!Nbjo!Tusffu-!Tvjuf!4 Gfsoebmf-!XB!:9359 451 26 )471*!495.3:11 xxx/cfuufsifbmuiczdipjdf/dpn!!!!!Dpwfsfe!cz!nptu!jotvsbodf!qmbot 84 35!zfbst!pg!fyqfsjfodf jo!dmjojdbm!qsbdujdf XpnfoÖt!Ifbmui!Dbsf

30 30 FOOD 25

To place your ad, contact Advertising 360-647-8200, ext.202 or [email protected] 25

2Q(DJOH·V:LQJV&RXQVHOLQJ A NEW PARADIGM =DDAF?@9E CLASSIFIEDS Beginner & intermediate classes Spinal Decompression & 5HGXFH6WUHVV 5HOD[5HFKDUJH 5HMXYHQDWH offered in a non-competitive, Sue Stackhouse, RC, CHT, CRMT Chiropractic care combined 5HOLHYH3DLQ ZLWKRXUHQWKXVLDVWLFGHGLFDWHGDQGFDULQJLQVWUXFWRUV nurturing environment. “Perhaps we can help 22 )HHO*UHDW where others have failed.” Small class sizes allow for 'R\RJD Call today for a complimentary FILM Life Transitions, LGBTQ, Relationships, individualized instruction. consult with Dr. Hill Codependency, PTSD/Trauma Relief, Grief/Loss, BELLINGHAM SPINAL CARE Depression, Anxiety, Gender Identity, Recovery, (360) 715-8722 18 Spirituality, Regression, Smoking, Weight Loss. 8petalsyoga.com 1633 Birchwood Ave. Ste 102 7KDQN

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Healthy Bellingham Fitness Challenge 16 WONDERLAND Drew Weidenbacher, MS, LMHC Great Adult & Adolescent Therapy Have you fallen off the Massage! ART n n t"OYJFUZ %FQSFTTJPO"OHFS t5SBVNB154% Exercise Bus? –60min. –75min. /RFDOO\PDGH t(SJFG-PTT 15 +HDOLQJ7HD%OHQGV t"EEJDUJPO"CVTF Gift Certificates Available %RG\&DUH&RORUIXO7HDSRWV t"EPQUJPO"UUBDINFOU STAGE t"TQFSHFS4ZOESPNF Health & Exercise Prescriptions *,)76 2LOV 9LWDPLQV -HZHOU\ Low sliding fee schedule. Laura S. Lilly LMP EGNI#+.41#&&T'..+0)*#/ Weekends & Evenings Call or e-mail for more information www.bellinghamsbestmassage.com 14 360-393-9266 License # 60038734 GJNgKGGgNIEK 360.223.3696 Bellingham Herald Building #618 Free Parking! 910&'4.#0&6'#5T%1/ www.weidenbacher.net www.healthybellingham.com GET OUT

Body Type Bra Fitting 5 ELEMENTS ACUPUNCTURE 13 Based on 8 Body Types Maria Monti, Postural Therapist :ML5W]V\IQV For chronic pain & infectious diseases s#USTOM ﬁ TTEDs#USTOM ALTERED ([FHSWLRQDO,QVWUXFWLRQ WORDS s#USTOM MADE 2XWVWDQGLQJ9DOXH Herbal & Dietary Consultation included

s,ONGLASTINGs'REATvALUE 8 TheHealthy Bra Company 3LODWHV(TXLSPHQW&ODVVHV www.onearrowacupuncture.com Fairhaven - 360-815-3205 'URSLQ)ORZ

'IFT 8QLW\6WUHHW%HOOLQJKDP 360.441.6768 CURRENTS #ERTIFICATES available ZZZUHGPRXQWDLQ\RJDFRP T.N. Kim 6 by appt. only www.theHealthyBraCompany.com Available for lectures on 8 body type diets VIEWS VIEWS

Nina 4 Weight Gain, Hormone Imbalances? Nancarrow Whole Sole REFLEXOLOGY

3 MAIL Rejuvenation–Healthy Fast Track Weight Loss Program: 360.305.7022

[email protected] # A hypothalamus detox & balancing program with homeopathy & supplements… Allow yourself… 2 Client-reported benefits include: No HCG injections (the hypothalamus controls the endocrine system including weight.) An experience of pure DO IT IT DO weight loss, increased energy, stress tHelps correct metabolism… your body’s natural ability to keep weight off. relaxation & enhanced reduction, healthier looking skin, relief vitality with a 70 minute

t5IPTFUIBUGPMMPXUIFQMBOUFOEUPlose weight quickly, averaging 1/2 - 1lb / day. from bloating & abdominal discomfort. reflex massage for hands, 09 ears & feet in my peaceful, tDiscounts available for you and a friend. .30. FDA Certified 'Open' System. Fairhaven studio.

Call 12 tIRS tax credit: 100% reimbursement for expenditure Cleansing and detox packages available. Richard Savory $55 / Session when your Dr. recommends weight loss Safe U Effective U Knowledgeable at 360.961.9575 for your health. .04 52 # t$BMMUPSFHJTUFSGPS We want to help you Only One Space Left! Jan Templeton free consultation. ™ $225 FOR A Natural Health Specialist Be clutter free TOTAL OF 13 WEEKS January is Get OF ADVERTISING Organized Month. COVERING ALL OF Lost 42 lbs. in 42 days Join us for free weekly WHATCOM, SKAGIT, informal “Be Clutter over two years ago… ISLAND COUNTIES and kept it off! Free” coaching sessions CASCADIA WEEKLY through January. AND LOWER Health for the Body, Home & Office www.enharmony.net MAINLAND, B.C.! 27 Tuesdays 3-4 pm at the Public Market CALL TODAY! www.HarmonyMatters.com 360-647-8200, ext. 202 360.647.7667 360-510-6291 [email protected] REAR END ASTROLOGY

30 30 FOOD 25

25 25 GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “We should not regularly create the same effect without drinking the munity, you thrive when you’re in regular touch with BY ROB BREZSNY think of our past as definitely settled, for we are beer? I have it on good astrological authority that a homing signal that keeps you grounded. According not a stone or a tree,” wrote poet Czeslaw Milosz. this will be the case. Due to fundamental shifts in to my analysis, 2010 will be prime time for you to your relationship with the life force, and having noth- CLASSIFIEDS “My past changes every minute according to the find or create or renew your connection to a source CLASSIFIEDS meaning given it now, in this moment.” I suggest ing to do with how much alcohol you consume, the that serves this purpose well. FREE WILL you make abundant use of this wisdom in 2010. entire world will often be at least 25 percent more CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “I am a man of 22 22 According to my reading of the astrological omens, attractive to you than it ever was before. fixed and unbending principles,” said American poli- you will have unprecedented power to re-vision and LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your limitations tician Everett Dirksen, “the first of which is to be

FILM FILM ASTROLOGY reinterpret your past. Keep the following question will be among your greatest assets in 2010. Yes, ﬂexible at all times.” That’s the kind of playful and in mind as you go about your work: “How can I you heard me right, Libra; I’m not speaking ironi- resilient spirit I urge you to aspire to in 2010, Capri- ARIES (March 21-April 19): One of my favor- recreate my history so as to make my willpower cally or sarcastically. During the coming months, corn. I think you’re most likely to have a successful ite landscape painters makes a livable wage from 18 stronger, my love of life more intense, and my you will be able to beneﬁt from circumstances that year if you regularly explore the joys of improvisa- selling her art. She has had many gallery showings future more interesting?” you might otherwise imagine would prevent you tion. The more empirical and less theory-bound and has garnered much critical acclaim. That’s

MUSIC CANCER (June 21-July 22): I think everyone from operating with maximum freedom. It might you’re willing to be, the better you’ll feel. Practicing the good news. The bad news is that she feels should always have an improbable quest playing at require you to look at the world upside-down, or the art of compromise doesn’t have to be galling, I obligated to keep churning out more landscape the edges of their imagination—you know, some work in reverse to your habitual thought patterns, promise you; it may even turn out to be more fun paintings—even when her muse nudges her to heroic task that provokes deep thoughts and rouses but you could actually generate interesting oppor- and educational than you imagined possible.

16 take a detour into, say, abstract expressionism or noble passions even if it also incites smoldering tunities, vital teachings, and maybe even ﬁnancial surrealistic portraits. Galleries don’t want anything AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Who and what gain by capitalizing on your so-called liabilities. ART ART torment. I’m talking about an extravagant dream from her except the stuff that has made her semi- do you hold most dear, Aquarius? I encourage you that’s perhaps a bit farfetched but not entirely famous. “Sometimes I fantasize about creating a SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Dear Rob: I sure to get clear about that. Once you do, I hope you’ll insane; a goal that constantly rouses you to stretch series of ‘Sock Puppet Monkeys Playing Poker,’” she don’t like so much God stuff mixed into my horo- make a vow to bestow extra care and attention on your possibilities and open your mind further; a wild scopes. Can you cut it out, please? I understand them in 2010—I mean literally write out a one- 15 told me. If she were an Aries, I’d advise her to do hope whose pursuit makes you smarter and stronger what I think you should do in 2010: Listen to what it’s common for the masses to believe in an Ultra page oath in which you describe the inner states even if you never fully accomplish it. The coming your version of the sock puppet monkeys are urging Being, but you? Pul-lease. You’re smarter than you will cultivate in yourself while you’re in their STAGE STAGE year would be an excellent time to keep such an you to do. that. I just can’t abide all the ‘Divine Wow’ this presence and the speciﬁc actions you’re going to adventure at the forefront of your awareness. and ‘Cackling Goddess’ nonsense that you dispense; take to help them thrive. Nothing else you do will TAURUS (April 20-May 20): My Taurus friend Jill LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A guy who goes by the it doesn’t jibe with the practical, sensible, unsu- be more important to your success in 2010.

14 had a dream in which she stopped by a blackberry name of “Winter” has made it his goal to visit every perstitious, non-mushy world I hold dear. -Sally bush on a summer afternoon. All the ripe blackber- PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The philosopher Starbucks in the world. According to his website, Scorpio.” Dear Sally: I predict that many Scorpios ries were too high on the bush, just out of reach. She Nietzsche said there was no middle ground: You he has thus far ordered drinks in 9,874 stores. His will have sensational, ongoing, up-close and either said “yes” to life or you said “no.” You GET OUT stood there gazing longingly up at them for a long project contrasts dramatically with an acquaintance personal communion with the Divine Wow in 2010. time. Finally three people in medieval garb came by, either celebrated your vitality, enjoyed your power, of mine who calls herself “Indian Summer.” She is You’re free, of course, to call it something else, like as if having stepped out of a deck of Tarot cards—a and thrived on challenges, or else you practiced in the midst of a global pilgrimage to the hundreds an unprecedented eruption of creative energy or constant self-denial, hemmed yourself in with

13 warrior, magician, and priestess. “I really want those of sites listed in Colin Wilson’s book The Atlas of a breakthrough in your ability to access your own blackberries,” she said to them. “Could you give me deluded rationalizations, and tormented yourself Holy Places and Sacred Sites, including cave paint- higher powers. a boost?” They stooped down to make their backs with indecision. I’m not so sure it’s always as

WORDS ings, dolmens, medicine wheels, and temples. Guess available. She climbed up, but still couldn’t reach the SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You Sagit- clear-cut as that. While I’m usually in the “yes to which of these two explorers I’m nominating to be berries. “Oh well, we tried,” she said. “Follow us,” tarians may wander farther and wider than the other life” camp,” I’ve gone through “no to life” phases, one of your inspirational heroes in 2010. signs of the zodiac, and you may get itchier when as well as some extended “maybe to life” times.

8 said the priestess, and she did. After a while they came to another bush whose blackberries were lower VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Scientiﬁc studies required to stay in one place too long, but you still What about you, Pisces? Whatever you’ve done in and easy to pluck. Then the four shared the feast. have proved what we all knew already: A person who’s need a sense of belonging. Whether that comes from the past, I hope that in 2010 you will take maxi- After analyzing the omens for 2010, Taurus, I’ve come only mildly interesting to you will probably become having a certain building where you feel comfortable mum advantage of the cosmic rhythms, which will or a wilderness that evokes your beloved adventur- be encouraging you to give life a big, resounding, CURRENTS CURRENTS to the conclusion that Jill’s dream is an apt metaphor more attractive if you drink a couple of pints of beer. for your best possible destiny in 2010. What if I told you, Virgo, that in 2010 you could ousness or a tribe that gives you a sense of com- ongoing YES. 6 VIEWS VIEWS 4

MAIL MAIL New Charcuterie & Cheese Plates Menu CURED MEATS & ARTISAN CHEESES

2 Make your Join us* QUALITY for HAPPY FOODSTUFFS HOUR * MADE-TO-ORDERNo Corkage SANDWICHESon Wine! DO IT IT DO

car hum. TUES–FRI 11–6 & SAT 10-5 1140 N. State St * downtown B’Ham 09 09 Servicing most European .30.

12 & Japanese models in Bellingham for

.04 over 31 years. 52 #

%OHQGHVSUHVVR CASCADIA WEEKLY QVWDWHVWUHHW 28 %X\JHWIUHHWKURXJK-DQWK ³7KH'ULYHWKUXZLWKDZDONXS´ 360 671.2420 (360) 738-2090 REAR END CROSSWORD REAR END COMIX

30 30 FOOD 25

25 25 CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS 22 22 FILM FILM 18 MUSIC 16 ART ART 15 STAGE STAGE BY MATT JONES

Best of the Decade, Pt.3 14

THIS WEEK: 2004-05 GET OUT Across 29 “How disgusting” most searched 18 “...___ time in the 1 Merriam-Webster 31 Holy men: abbr. celebrity of 2005 old town tonight” 13 Online’s #1 word 32 Disaster relief org. 58 Tooth polish 22 Comedy offering 33 Get into an ac- variety 24 Late Ledger of 2004 WORDS 5 Take to the stage count 61 Person with con- 27 Grp. for the Mon- 36 TV moment that viction? treal Alouettes

8 Former nightclub 8 entertainer Lola made Wired’s Best 62 Win over with 28 ___ Speedwagon 14 Hitchcock’s first Tech Moments of flattery 30 Move like a bunny Technicolor film 2005 list 64 One who makes 33 Tennis star Graf 15 Gift adornment 42 Beekeeper’s of- people happy 34 Like winter roads, CURRENTS 16 Paint store option ferings 65 Drinker’s police maybe 17 So cute it hurts 43 It’s NSFW material blemish 35 Katmandu’s land 6 19 Go over (unless your store 66 Charge option 37 “___ was I sup- 20 Poll response sells it) 67 Powerhouse posed to know that?” VIEWS 21 Richard Roeper’s 44 Nightmarish street 68 Summer in la cite 38 Not-so-noble #1 pick in his Best 47 “That can’t be!” 69 Blender maga- protagonist 4 Movies of 2004 list Internet abbr. zine’s #1 song 39 “Eh, I don’t mind” MAIL MAIL 23 It can measure 48 Petting zoo noises (by Usher and 40 Major time period

50 Give the impres- Ludacris) on the 41 Kind of ﬁngerprint

anywhere from 20 2 to 50 ml sion 100 Best Songs of 44 Spotted 52 “...___ and buts 2004 45 In a meager way DO IT IT DO

25 ___ chi 26 Eastern sch. with were candy and 46 Broadway belter a Buffalo campus nuts...” Ethel Down 09 27 Salad oil pourers 54 1151, in Rome 48 Low-budget ﬂick

55 Dogpile.com’s #1 1 Donkey noise 49 Face spots .30. 2 Mining deposit 51 Mazda model 12 Last Week’s Puzzle 3 They play dead 53 Trombone part,

really well mostly .04 52

4 It was once divided 56 Broccoli bit # into East and West: 57 Letter-shaped abbr. fastener used in 5 Heads of monas- woodworking teries 59 Lanchester of 6 Young bucker? “Bride of Franken- 7 Twitter dispatch stein” 8 Lou who played the

60 Remini of “The CASCADIA WEEKLY Incredible Hulk King of Queens” 9 From the top 63 Creeping plant 29 10 Volcanic outputs 11 90%, perhaps ©2009 Jonesin’ 12 Is unobliged to Crosswords 13 Forever and ever

30 30 30 FOOD FOOD

25 25 chow RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSIFIEDS 22 22 FILM FILM

BY GRACE JACKSON 18

MUSIC Chicken Jalfrezi

16 SPICING UP YOUR NEW YEAR ART ART

15 /

STAGE STAGE CHICKEN JALFREZI From Allrecipes.com 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 14 1 onion, grated 2 cloves garlic, chopped

GET OUT 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in half 3 teaspoons ground turmeric 1 teaspoon chili powder 13 1 ½ teaspoons salt 1 (14.5 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes WORDS 3 teaspoons ground cumin 3 teaspoons ground coriander 8 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger root ½ cup chopped cilantro leaves One cup cooked rice CURRENTS CURRENTS Measure out and lay all the spices on two plates: one 6 with the turmeric, chili powder and salt and another with the cumin and coriander.

VIEWS VIEWS Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic, and

4 cook for about 2 minutes. Add the chicken, and season with turmeric, chili powder and salt. Fry

MAIL MAIL gently, scraping the bottom of the pan frequently and turning the chicken.

2 MANY YEARS ago, I lived in the south of England. crisps with strange ﬂavors, like prawn and marmite. In Eng- Pour in the tomatoes with their juice, cover the pan, and simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes.

DO IT IT DO Each Friday night my husband and I walked down a cobbled land, potato chips are “crisps” and French fries are “chips”— Uncover, and simmer for another 10 minutes to let street to our neighborhood pub, which was a dark room go ﬁgure. The bartender would engrave a shamrock in the the excess liquid evaporate. Add the cumin, ground

09 09 with wooden tables, a sticky bar and a silent but attentive Guinness’ foam with his thumb, and then we’d sit in the smoky coriander, ginger and cilantro, and simmer for an- bartender. room, eating our crisps and listening to the low hum of con- other 5 to 7 minutes. Serve the chicken pieces with .30.

12 We’d order a couple pints of Guinness stout and munch on versation. There was no television and smoking was still al- rice, with sauce spooned over the top. .04 52 # You never know when you might need a good lawyer t Felonies t Traffic Infractions t Free Consultation t Never a Prosecutor Misdemeanors Domestic Violence Reasonable Fees CASCADIA WEEKLY t t t t DUI & Driving t Rights Restoration t Excellent Results 30 t Drug Offenses t Probation Violations t Over 17 years experience Andrew Subin - Criminal Defense - 360-734-6677

30 30 30 FOOD FOOD 25 25 CLASSIFIEDS

Caring 22 Bellingham Family Health Clinic Convenient Comprehensive FILM lowed inside.

After the pub, we walked across 18 another cobbled street to our favor- Group Health Patients Now Welcome! ite restaurant, the Arundel Tandoori. Caring Staff MUSIC A friendly maitre d’ seated us at a Rusty Dodge • Steeb & Libby • Peadar McMahon s"ONNIE3PRAGUE !2.0 s-EGAN'RUBER !2.0 table covered with a starched white Caryn Simmons • Linda Tessier • Chris Fuller s+IRSTIN#URTIS !2.0 s2EN£E7ILGRESS !2.0 s(IGH1UALITY#ARE s(IGH0ATIENT3ATISFACTION linen cloth. Heavy, gleaming silver- s&OCUSONTHE0ATIENT s(OLISTIC!PPROACH 16 ware sat on top of oversized white Convenient Medical Care ART napkins. It was here that I fell in s#ONVENIENT,OCATION s)MMUNIZATIONS love with the deeply spiced food of s%XTENDED(OURS s3PORTS0HYSICALS India and Pakistan. s-OST)NSURANCES s#OLDS &LU #OUGHS 15 Comprehensive Primary Care We started our meal with a platter

s7OMENS(EALTH s-ENS(EALTH STAGE of tandoori chicken; boneless chicken s&AMILY0LANNING34$ s4EENS#HILDREN thighs marinated in yogurt and gin- s3TRESS$EPRESSION s$ERMATOLOGY ger, served with a slice of lemon and s2EFERRALSTO3PECIALISTS s(EALTH#OUNSELING 14 chopped onions; and little samosas, www.BellinghamHealth.com Extended Hours deep-fried pastries stuffed with pota- 302 36th STsSehome 6ILLAGEsBellingham, WA 98225 7am–7pm GET OUT toes and peas and ﬂavored with ground roasted cumin seeds, and a spicy mix- For an Appontment Call: 360-756-9793 ture called garam masala. 13 After these appetizers, it was sur- prising we had room enough for dinner. WORDS My husband would choose the lamb Dos Padres in Fairhaven jalfrezi and I had the chicken biryani, Mexican Cuisine 8 a garlicky chicken dish served with Happy Hour 3-6 Daily basmati rice seasoned with saffron, +DOI3ULFH$SSHWL]HUV'ULQN6SHFLDOV cardamom and cloves. We couldn’t get CURRENTS enough of these intensely ﬂavorful 6 and colorful dishes. We’d spend hours (360) 733-9900 1111 Harris Avenue talking and picking food off each oth- VIEWS VIEWS er’s plates. Often, it would be close to midnight when we got home. 4 When we moved back to the United MAIL MAIL States, I became homesick for those

delicious meals in the Arundel Tan- 2 doori, so I ventured to make my own DO IT IT DO Indian food. We stocked our pantry with a plethora of spices and bought a good cookbook (anything by Mad- 09 hur Jaffrey). I learned to make green .30. 12 lentils with garlic and onion; chana dal, yellow split peas with turmeric .04 and ginger; and aloo gobi, cauliﬂow- 52 # er and potatoes made with ground roasted cumin seeds. It can be quite intimidating to cook Indian food because the recipes are usually a mile long and require several spices, but a little effort goes a long way. I typically ﬁnd all my CASCADIA WEEKLY recipes in Madhur Jaffrey’s book, In- 31 dian Cookery, but I found this jalfrezi recipe online. It’s easy to prepare, and you probably already have some of the spices in your pantry. Now – December 31

$31,130 in Cash Prizes! 14 Chances to Win! $BTI1SJ[F%SBXJOHT5IVSTEBZ %FDFNCFS31 t Every Half Hour, Noon – 6 pm

Must be a Rewards Club member $5,000 (SBOE1SJ[FBUBN+BOVBSZ Membership is Free! Must be present to win. A Celebration of Jimmy Buﬀett’s Music Paciﬁc Showroom 5IVSTEBZ %FDFNCFStQN t$PNQMJNFOUBSZ1BSUZ'BWPST t,FFQTBLF(MBTT t%FMJDJPVT#VòFU%JOOFS t$PVOUEPXOUP.JEOJHIU t1MVT.VTJDCZ%+.JLF:FPNBO

Buy Show Tickets Service Charge Free at the Casino Cashier Cage Get tickets at theskagit.com 800-745-3000 Owned by Upper Skagit indian Tribe

the Winter Dinner Specials! Prime Rib -OR- Local Paciﬁc Salmon

4VOEBZ5IVSTEBZt5 – 9 pm $ 95 OnlyOnly13 8JUI3FXBSET$BSE XJUIPVUSETT$$BSE XJUIPVU Tax & gratuity not included.

.PSF3FXBSET"MM5IF5JNF 4IPX:PVS$BSEGPSUIFTF(SFBU%FBMT .FNCFSTIJQJT'3&&4JHOVQPOZPVSmSTUWJTJU *&YJUt.JOVUFT4PVUIPG#FMMJOHIBNtUIFTLBHJUDPNt Casino opens at 9 am daily. d Must be 21 or older with valid ID. *Management reserves all rights. Rewards discounts cannot be combined with any other offer. Tax and gratuity not included. CW