2 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 LAGNIAPPE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WEEKLY January 8, 2015 – January 14, 2015 | www.lagniappemobile.com

Ashley Trice BAY BRIEFS Co-publisher/Editor The Mobile City Council is considering the [email protected] diversity of companies receiving contracts. Rob Holbert Co-publisher/Managing Editor 5 [email protected] Steve Hall COMMENTARY Marketing/Sales Director Some pre-filed fun on Goat Hill. [email protected] Gabriel Tynes Assistant Managing Editor 10 [email protected] Dale Liesch BUSINESS Reporter The historic Azalea Court apartments [email protected] at the Loop are for sale. Jason Johnson Reporter 13 [email protected] Alyson Stokes CUISINE Web & Social Media Manager/Reporter [email protected] To gluten or not to

Kevin Lee CONTENTS gluten? As more people Associate Editor/Arts Editor are jumping on the fad [email protected] diet, that is the question. Andy MacDonald Cuisine Editor [email protected] Stephen Centanni Music Editor [email protected] J. Mark Bryant Sports Writer 14 [email protected] Daniel Anderson Chief Photographer COVER [email protected] A nonprofit foundation is Laura Rasmussen working with the Mobile Art Director County Public School www.laurarasmussen.com 20 System to bring back Brooke Mathis Advertising Sales Executive Barton Academy, a [email protected] downtown landmark that Beth Williams has been vacant since Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] 2007. Misty Groh Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] Kelly Woods ARTS Advertising Sales Executive A Mobile playhouse premieres a [email protected] unique “feast-ival” for the stage- Melissa Schwarz Editorial Assistant 22 hungry. [email protected] Contributors: Asia Frey • Brian Holbert MUSIC Ron Sivak • Jeff Poor Tas Cru and his Band Jennifer McDonald of Tortured Souls will On the Cover: “Bringing Back Barton” By Dan Anderson highlight an evening of

LAGNIAPPE (USPS 20) is published weekly, blues Jan. 9. 52 issues a year, Volume 13, Issue 2, every Thursday by Something, Extra Publishing, Inc. Entered at the Mobile Post Office, 250 St. Joseph St, Mobile, AL, 36601. Periodicals postage paid at Mobile Post Office, 250 St Joseph St., Mobile, AL 36601 and other locations. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Editorial, advertising and production offices are located at 1102A Dauphin St. 25 Mobile, AL 36604. Mailing address is P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Phone: 251.450.4466 Fax 251.450.4498. Email: ashley- [email protected] or FILM [email protected] Mobile’s Jewish Film Festival returns LAGNIAPPE is printed at Signature Offset, 2610 Lakeview Road, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Sunday with a week-long selection of All letters sent to Lagniappe are considered to be intended for publication. 30 dramas and documentaries. Member: Association of Alternative Newsweek- lies and Alternative Weeklies Network All rights reserved. Something Extra Publishing, MEDIA Inc. Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied or in any way reproduced without the expressed In 2015 get behind stronger open permission of the publishers. Individuals may take one copy of the paper free meetings and open records laws. of charge from area businesses, racks or boxes. After that, papers are $3 per issue. Removal of more than one copy 32 from these points constitutes theft. Violators are subject to prosecution. SPORTS Help support Lagniappe Weekly by becoming a “Friend with Benefits.” Get in the ring with the stars of Scan this code for more info: wrestling as the WWE returns to 34 Mobile Jan. 11. STYLE The sounds of breaking plates and 38 laughter at GoDaddy.com luncheon.

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 3 Police DisP atch Nine 2014 homicides remain unsolved, two on books for 2015 BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

In less than 10 days, 2015 has already seen two open-and-shut murder cases in the Mobile area, cords, Davis is now being charged with sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12, second degree but even as those investigations are underway, there are still nine unsolved murders from 2014. sexual abuse and first and second degree rape in the case. Altogether, the Mobile Police Department handled 31 homicide cases last year, including the Lori Myles, a spokesperson for the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, said the victim was admit- death of Timothy Williams, a missing man who was found dead in December, and David Patrick ted to a local hospital Dec. 24. There, medical staff and members of the Mobile County Depart- Kyles, the 29-year-old who law enforcement officials believe was murdered by a police imperson- ment of Human Resources alerted authorities to what they suspected to be signs of sexual abuse. ator in October. Both cases remain unsolved. Myles confirmed that Davis was known to the victim, and said he’d confessed the sexual abuse On Jan. 2, Mobile police responded to what would become to authorities during the investigation. An arraignment for Davis is scheduled Jan. 8 in Mobile the scene of 2015’s first homicide. After receiving a report of district court. a gunshot victim at the 2000 block of Stockton Drive, officers arrived to discover the body of Tracy Clipper, who had died Local man arrested for multiple sexual assaults inside the residence from an apparent gunshot wound. The Mobile police officers believe they have a suspect responsible for the sexual assault of multiple mother of four children was killed by her long-time boyfriend juveniles in custody, the result of an ongoing investigation. Police arrested 22-year-old Daniel Jeffery Leon Moss, 44, of Mobile. Moss was taken into cus- Rendon, of Mobile, Dec. 30 on two counts of first degree sexual abuse. tody at the scene and is charged with murder. On Dec. 23 local authorities responded to a report of a sexual assault on Old Pascagoula Road Later that day, the year’s second death occurred, but after a juvenile female reported she and her sister, who had walked to a gas station near their whether it will be considered a homicide will be determined by residence, were approached by an unknown male driving a Ford Mustang. The young woman told a grand jury. According to authorities, an argument in the park- authorities she and her sister were sexually assaulted before the suspect fled the scene. ing lot of KFC in Tillman’s corner lead to the fatal shooting of On Dec. 30, a similar case was reported at a Chevron Station on Government Street around 50 year-old James Naylor. Photo/MCSO 12:30 a.m. There, a female victim advised an unknown male in a Ford Mustang parked near In a press release last week, a spokesperson with the MPD her vehicle and sexually assaulted her after she left the store. According to police, 12 officers Jeffery Leon Moss said a suspect had been detained for questioning, but his iden- responded to the scene and Rendon was identified as the suspect in both cases. He was taken into tity wasn’t being released. Earlier this week authorities said custody without incident. the evidence from the incident will be presented to a grand jury to determine if any charges will be filed. Two behind bars for multiple fraud, identify theft charges An alleged con man was put behind bars New Year’s Eve after an investigation by the Mobile Man accused of raping child multiple times Police Department led authorities to James Michael Newburn, 34, who’s charged with multiple over five years counts of theft by deception and identity theft. Authorities says a Mobile man is in jail today after being By the numbers, Newburn is charged with 21 counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, second charged with raping a minor over a period of five years in degree theft of property, identity theft and operating a scheme on Craigslist to defraud others. Eight Mile. Tavares LeJames Davis, 33, is accused of forc- Newburn is currently on bond for theft by deception charges in Mobile County — the result of ing a known juvenile into sexual contact beginning in 2009, selling electronics on Craigslist to a victim, but delivering a wrapped up rock and other worthless when the “girl” was only 8 years old. Now 13, authorities objects instead. say the victim was abused as recently as December, but it Ashley Anne Fairchild, 34, was also arrested and charged with 17 counts fraudulent use of a was stopped when Mobile County Deputies charged Davis credit card in connection with the case. with multiple sex crimes Dec. 30. Authorities say Davis was During the investigation, additional victims were discovered to have been deceived by New- already being held at the Mobile Metro Jail for safekeeping burn. Anyone who believes they may be a victim of the suspect is encouraged to contact Mobile Photo/MCSO by agencies in Mississippi and Baldwin County for charges police at 251-208-7211 or the Fourth Precinct at 251-208-1300. Tavares LeJames Davis unrelated to the alleged sex crimes. According to MCSO re-

4 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 BAY BRIEFS BB Proposed ordinance will add diversity question to bids BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

f a business doesn’t have a diverse work- City Attorney Ricardo Woods said the state’s force, it won’t be getting a nod from Coun- law does offer some wiggle room in that the cilman Fred Richardson for any future city word “responsible” isn’t clearly defined. He work. An ordinance proposed by the Dis- said asking a contractor about the level of diver- Itrict 1 representative would ask any contractor sity among its workforce is “perfectly accept- about the diversity of its workforce as a part able.” He added that the law might change the of the city’s bid process. But during Tuesday’s way the council does business. City Council meeting, Richardson asked that Lori Lein, general counsel for the Alabama a vote on the proposal be held over for two League of Municipalities, agreed. She said the weeks, in order to allow it to go through the state law “doesn’t spell out what a responsible council’s Administrative Services Committee bidder is” and it’s within the council’s discre- for further review. tion to determine. Richardson explained the ordinance was his John Robinson Sr., co-owner of Engineered response to a disparity study the city commis- Textile Products, said he has questions about sioned during the last year of the Sam Jones the proposal. He said his company doesn’t ask administration. Results of the study were pub- about race or gender when they set up inter- lished in February. views with job seekers. At that time, the council disagreed on what “It bothered me when it came across my to do with the recommendations of the study. desk,” he said. “It seems like this is the first step “When we took the disparity study into in something that could be onerous.” committee nobody wanted to mess with it,” Robinson said he doesn’t see what good it Richardson said. “It was so complicated. I came will do the city and might lead to contractors back with something easy. This is at minimum making hiring decisions based on race and what we ought to be doing.” gender. The $30,000 study prepared by Speeches Robinson, whose company does about Etc., LLC found disparity existed in the number $10,000 in work for the city each year, has 30 of contracts awarded to minority-owned busi- to 35 employees. He said half are black and the nesses by the city, a fact that Richardson said workforce is divided “fairly evenly” between did not surprise him. men and women. “I knew what the answer was going to be,” In other business, the council voted to rezone he said. “There is disparity. Now that you know property at the corner of Springhill Avenue that, what are you going to do?” and Kilmarnock Street to allow for a parking The study collected data on procurement lot expansion at McGill-Toolen Catholic High activities over a three-year period from 2010 to School. No one spoke in opposition of the move 2012. The study group prepared surveys to col- at a public hearing. Councilman John Williams lect demographic data on participating agencies said the move was just one of many the school and minority-owned businesses. was planning to make in the future to help al- While the study found “under-utilization” leviate traffic concerns. He asked permission to of minority-owned businesses, it didn’t neces- work directly with city staff to help the school sarily find discrimination, according to the move future items forward. executive summary. The council also approved a $19,000 con- A table included in the study provided a tract to Medical Disposal Systems for the dis- list of “self-reported accounts of all minority- posal of blood contaminated medical products owned businesses awarded contracts.” During for the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department. the three years of the study it showed awards of The council approved a three-year, $72,648 just over $1 million to 10 different businesses. contract with Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation for Recommendations included requiring the the lease of 80 electric golf carts for Azalea City city to compile and regularly update a minority- Golf Course. And the council also called for a owned vendor list and hire a full-time compli- future public hearing on rezoning from residen- ance officer. Another recommendation suggest- tial to business of various lots on Furr Street. ed developing a diversity policy or procedure The rezoning would make way for a storage to include minority-owned businesses in the facility. The hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. contracting and procurement processes. Tuesday, Feb. 3. Richardson said if the ordinance is approved, Councilors and the administration spoke he would vote against any contract award for an about the success of the MoonPie Over Mobile agency that has less than 15 percent diversity in New Year’s Eve event. An initial report from its workforce. He added that the law could force Events Mobile confirmed all four hotels down- businesses that rely on the city to change their town were sold out, city spokesman George hiring practices. Talbot said. The only complaint, he told the “I hope this will bring change,” Richardson council, was the length of time it took to get a said. “We can bring a company in here and say meal, due to long restaurant lines. No official ‘if you want money from the city then you’re count on the number of visitors was taken. going to have to answer the question.’” Finally, Council President Gina Gregory an- It remains to be seen if such an action would nounced the city would be accepting resumes in run afoul of the state’s bid law, which requires February for municipal judgeships. Interviews cities and other public entities to accept the for one full-time judgeship and two part-time lowest responsible bid for work or procurement positions would occur after the Friday, Feb. 20 of services. application deadline.

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 5 BAY BRIEFS BB Mobile Mask provides ‘better understanding’ of Cain legacy BY GABRIEL TYNES/ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

new account of Joe Cain’s legacy as the “patron saint of Mobile 1867, while a story from the former Mobile Daily Register a year later Mardi Gras” may change the way his contributions to the city’s suggested any celebration around Fat Tuesday was “heretofore unnoted.” carnival season are remembered. In the 2015 issue of the Mobile “I think if you’re a member of the Order of Myths, it makes your Mask, on stands this week, publisher Steve Joynt writes about organization look a little less like a copycat and a little more as being on Awhat he found while investigating Cain’s historical record. same footing as Joe,” Joynt said about the impact of his discovery. “They According to legend, Cain resurrected Mardi Gras in Mobile by parad- weren’t years apart, they were hours apart.” ing through the streets in 1866 and 1867, before the newly-formed Order Joynt will be delivering a presentation on his findings during the of Myths organization joined the celebration in 1868. The number of Learning Lunch program at the History Museum of Mobile at noon, Jan. mystic societies and parading organizations grew from there. 14. Mobile Mask is an independently owned, once-a-year guide to Mardi But years of research anchored by a key newspaper clipping suggests Gras in the Mobile area. The 2015 edition is 84 pages and includes ball Cain did not parade in Mobile in 1886 and was in New Orleans during and parade schedules, parade route maps, and feature stories about the Mardi Gras season in 1867, only to actually began Mobile’s celebration people and organizations that make Mardi Gras happen. It is available at alongside the Order of Myths in 1868. all area Rouses’ and Toomey’s stores, plus several other retail outlets and “The way we’ve been telling it, he brought Mardi Gras back to Mobile online at themobilemask.com. and there really was no Mardi Gras prior to that,” Joynt explained. “There Joynt compares Mobile’s recollection of Cain to Henry Wadsworth were masked balls and various secret societies — primarily to celebrate Longfellow’s account of Paul Revere. the New Year — but no public demonstration around Fat Tuesday.” “I think we can continue to refer to Joe Cain as the patron saint of Lacking any dated, written record of the account, Joynt combed Mobile Mardi Gras,” he said. “As I say in the story, the legend and the through old newspapers for any hint of a spectacle regarding Cain, who facts tend to coexist fairly comfortably, and you’re never going to dis- legend has it, wore traditional Chickasaw dress while parading through suade people from the legend because it’s a good story. Joe has become the streets. Yet, at a time when the city had three daily newspapers, not a rallying figure because we think of him as our own and as the founder Photo/Steve Joynt one mentioned the episode, either in 1866 or 1867. of Mardi Gras and that’s fine. in his own time, he was referred to as In fact, a newspaper on microfilm currently housed at Louisiana State the founder of Mardi Gras. So I don’t think it’s important in the overall The 2015 Mobile Mask is University indicated Cain was observing Mardi Gras in New Orleans in scheme of things, but it does give us a better understanding.” available now. Phone records, physical evidence show probable cause in child murder BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

he small beads in an 8-year-old’s hair turned out to be a big investigators the last time he had seen his daughter was the Friday Mr. Robinson became very irritated and stopped answering ques- factor in a preliminary hearing Monday morning dealing before her disappearance, or Sept. 12. According to Taylor, on that tions altogether — even though we were trying to help find out with charges Hiawatha Robinson Jr. murdered his own day Robinson took Hiawayi to a Texaco gas station to get candy. where his daughter was.” daughter, Hiawayi Robinson, last September. He said the surveillance video from that location shows Hiawayi According to Taylor, Robinson told one FBI investigator the TMobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich and other prosecu- had her “hair down” and had “no beads.” only thing he wanted to do was “to go home and take a dump.” tors were able to convince District Judge Joe Basenburg of probable “Her family said the braids were put in on the Sunday before Though there have been rampant rumors about how the 8-year- cause linking Robinson to his daughter’s sodomy and death. The she went missing,” Taylor said. “At the scene where her body was old’s body was discovered, prosecutors hadn’t discussed the case will now move forward to a Mobile County grand jury. discovered, there appeared to be one braid in her hair that looked details until Monday. According to Taylor, the site where her body Information about the beads in Hiawayi’s hair — highlighted like it had come apart to where some of the beads had fallen out.” was found is a “dump” for trash and old appliances. in testimony from Special Agent Deric Taylor of the Alabama Bu- Phone records were another motivating factor in Basenburg’s de- “The body was laying next to a large pile of trash, and the body reau of Investigation — were key in establishing probable cause cision to move the case forward to a grand jury. Investigators were itself was laying on other trash,” Taylor said. “The Hello Kitty T- Robinson was involved in his daughter’s murder. given permission to search Robinson’s cell phone, and used “pings” shirt she was wearing was pulled up just above her navel, and her According to Taylor, investigators found two clear plastic beads to determine its location during the day Hiawayi went missing. pants and underwear were off of her body.” along Rebel Road near where her body was discovered Sept. 18 that According to Taylor, “pings” from Robinson’s phone were Taylor said an autopsy performed later revealed signs of were similar to those found in the hair of “the deceased.” A piece of detected at the apartment complex where Hiawayi lived with her vaginal and anal trauma, but the exact mechanism of death is black duct tape was also found in the same vicinity. mother, at the convenience store where she was last seen in sur- unknown, resulting in the official cause of death being listed as Robinson later gave authorities permission to search the red veillance videos and at the site where her body was discovered. “homicidal violence.” Chevrolet Tahoe owned by his girlfriend Taisheira “Tasha” Parker, Taylor also said Robinson made calls shortly after Hiawayi’s A toxicology report showed no signs of drugs or poison. Swabs which Robinson frequently drove. According to Taylor, during disappearance that the family considered “abnormal.” taken from the mouth, anus and vagina were sent to a FBI lab for search of that vehicle investigators found a single clear plastic hair “Within about 15 minutes after she left the store, a phone call examination, and at least one of those tested positive for seminal bead and a piece of black duct tape similar to that found at the site was placed from Mr. Robinson to Brenda Populus (Hiawayi’s fluid. However, what DNA evidence was collected was consid- where Hiawayi’s body was discovered. grandmother) and then there were three more calls made in about ered to be too contaminated to be used. Still, Rich said there were “The Tahoe has a hatchback part of it, and the third-row seats an hour and a half,” Taylor said. “According to the family, he well over 100 other pieces of evidence still being processed at the can fold down,” Taylor said. “The bead was found in the rear wanted to know where Hiawayi was and if she had returned home. FBI’s lab in Quantico, Virginia. along the tracks at the base of third-row seats.” During interviews with investigators, the grandmother said it was She said the prosecution was “very confident” in the evidence The prosecution also discussed the collection of surveillance abnormal. According to her, he would never call looking for her or it has collected, and said she wouldn’t consider the case to have “a footage for the area where Hiawayi lived, which Rich said was wanting to know where she was.” lack of DNA evidence.” another crucial link between Robinson and his daughter’s disap- Another piece of evidence came from a surveillance system in During the court proceedings, most of the victim’s family were pearance. Footage from a Best Future convenience store shows Parker’s house, where Robinson would often stay. According to in tears after hearing some of the initial evidence presented. Oth- Hiawayi buying candy at approximately 4:03 p.m. the day she investigators, footage turned over to police shows Robinson wash- ers had to the leave the courtroom entirely. disappeared. A second camera from the same area also shows ing a pair of adult-sized pants at 7 p.m. the night Hiawayi went “This (hearing) was extremely emotional for the family,” what appears to be the red Tahoe Robinson often drove in the area missing. According to Taylor, Robinson was holding the pants in Rich said. “It’s the first time the mother and relatives had heard a of the store and later turning onto Bear Fork Road. the video with his fingertips, “as if he didn’t want to get anything graphic description of how she was found.” According to investigators, Hiawayi came home from school on them.” Jeff Deen, Robinson’s defense attorney, called the case “sad,” on Sept. 16 and spoke with her father on the telephone — a When asked, Parker told investigators Robinson rarely did 17-minute conversation documented in phone records obtained by laundry at her house, which is why authorities found him washing but raised questions about the prosecution’s allegations that his law enforcement. a single pair of pants to be suspicious. When a search warrant was client was involved in Hiawayi’s death. Sgt. Robert Martin, of the Prichard Police Department, said issued for Parker’s house two weeks later, authorities said they Deen said there was no evidence or testimony to suggest an family members told authorities that after she spoke with her were unable to locate the particular article of clothing. animosity between Hiawayi and her father and he also questioned father, Hiawayi left the house to meet him at a relative’s apartment During his testimony, Taylor also discussed Robinson’s the prosecution’s attempts to link Robinson to the case by the to get money for her birthday. demeanor through the course of the initial investigation, which surveillance footage of the red Tahoe. “(Robinson) stated that he did speak with his daughter on the Taylor said was helpful at first but changed over time. “There’s no DNA evidence connecting him to the case. It’s all day she was reported missing,” Martin said. “He said she had “At first it appeared, according to the interviews, that he was circumstantial,” Deen said. “All the people that have spoken to us asked him to give her $150 for her birthday, which he thought was cooperating, but as time progressed, it appeared that he became that know him say ‘Hiawatha Robinson couldn’t be involved with the next day, but he got confused.” very agitated with law enforcement,” Taylor said. “One time dur- something like this.’ The state has their case of what they think However, in his testimony, Taylor said Robinson initially told ing a portion of an interview conducted at the command center, happened, but we’ll have to see what happens from here.”

6 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 BAY BRIEFS BB Proposed Fairhope townhome development shelved BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

he status of a controversial residen- increasing amounts of sediment in the creek. tial development in Fairhope remains During construction of the Regency Center uncertain, after the application for an Publix, Kant cited problems with runoff in a amendment to the planned unit devel- retention pond. He said the pond has since been Topment was pulled from Monday’s Planning cleaned out and there are no longer any prob- Commission agenda. lems with that development. The move comes after Mayor Tim Kant’s He said plans for the apartment development office received a letter from Preble-Rish, a local won’t negatively impact plans for the park or engineering firm, requesting the application reduction of sediment in Fly Creek. be withdrawn. Fairhope Planning and Zoning “You can’t stop development,” Kant said. Director Jonathan Smith cited problems with “As long as they follow the rules I don’t know the site’s layout as a reason why the application how to stop development. We’re going to watch was pulled. them and make sure they do it right.” “I expect something to come back to us,” Also at issue for those opposed to the devel- he said. opment is the placement of a Fairhope volunteer The original PUD for townhomes on 214 fire station nearby on Parker Road. Kant said acres owned by Arthur Corte was approved in a fire station was needed for the growing north 2006, according to a planning staff report on the side of the city. He said it was a recommenda- project. It is the second phase of project that built tion of the city’s insurance carrier. the Publix store and others at the intersection of “We’ve spent a number of years looking at U.S. Highway 98 and Parker Road. The amend- it,” Kant said. “They were going to build it a ment, which would allow for 285 apartments and couple years ago, but the price came back too 15 townhouses, had the approval of staff, Smith high.” said, contingent upon certain criteria. The city and Fairhope VFD will hold a “We’ve been reviewing this over the last few groundbreaking for the new station later this weeks,” Smith said. “They’ve given us what month. we’ve asked for and made some concessions.” “This is the worst place they could put a fire Planning staff requested the applicant leave station,” Wavrunek said. “It’s a small street that a 50-foot buffer for nearby wetlands, the report dead ends.” states. Staff also requested a building height of In addition to environmental concerns, resi- 35 feet for the two-story buildings on the site. dents of Rock Creek are concerned about the The applicant wanted 40 feet, according to the proposed development allowing access to the report. Staff also requested a site plan review neighborhood, Steve Novak, vice president of and a tree preservation plan for the project, the Rock Creek Property Owners’ Association. before approval would be granted. “We’re opposed to any additional connec- John Avent, vice president of Preble-Rish, tions to Rock Creek,” he said. “Additional said he didn’t know why the project was pulled connections are not in the best interest of the from the agenda and the firm was doing what neighborhood.” their client wanted them to do. He said the de- Novak said increased connectivity would veloper on the project was Professional Equity bring about more traffic and safety concerns. He Management out of Scottsdale, Arizona. said the top complaint among residents in Rock When reached for comment, Corte, the ap- Creek is speeding. plicant and property owner, had no comment on Planning Commission member and City development plans. Council President Jack Burrell understands Some Fairhope residents are against future complaints of Rock Creek residents, but doesn’t development of that property. For some, its see connectivity being an issue. He added that proximity to Fly Creek creates an environ- the issue with Fly Creek’s erosion won’t be a mental issue and others believe it will allow problem “as long as you don’t add sediment.” unwanted access to the Rock Creek subdivision. “I don’t think you can hold back 100 per- Jackie Wavrunek, president of the Fly Creek cent,” Burrell said. “There has to be a reason- Preservation Association, said the change in able attempt to prevent runoff. To get my vote, density from townhouses to apartments will be (developers) will have to convince me they’re an issue for the creek that is “already so dam- doing everything they can to prevent undue aged” from previous development. damage (to the creek).” “We’re talking about huge, huge trees Regarding the fire station, Burrell said the down in the creek, where it was once open,” traffic concerns of residents would have to be Wavrunek said. “Runoff from the shopping addressed moving forward. center is continuing. The banks are eroding. The At the meeting Monday, the Planning Com- whole wetlands are eroding.” mission also tabled a vote to rezone property She said the problems with development at the entrance of River Mill Subdivision at near the creek are making flooding in the area Fairhope Avenue to allow townhouses. Com- “amazingly worse.” missioners made the decision after residents Meanwhile, the city of Fairhope has a showed them photographs documenting persis- competing plan to use RESTORE Act money tent flooding on the property. Nine River Mill to help preserve Fly Creek, Kant said. The city residents spoke out against the proposal from plans to use funds for a 75-acre park near the R.M. Development Corporation. creek. Thus, he said, stopping development on The commission did approve a minor, four-lot that 75-acre parcel and helping to put a stop to subdivision at Bishop Road and Morphy Avenue.

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 7 BAY BRIEFS BB ‘One of a kind’ Calcedeaver Elementary School opens BY ALYSON STOKES/REPORTER | [email protected]

hen Calcedeaver Elementary School their socks and shoes off to go to class, but students returned to class Jan. 6 because the new facility is enclosed under one after holiday break, students stepped roof, such problems will no longer exist. into brand new facility complete “It’s really going to mean a lot for our Wwith unique architecture designed to reflect the students because they’ve never had anything school’s Native American culture. that nice as far as the school is concerned,” Out of the 250 students enrolled at the Williams said. Mobile County public school, 87 percent are As now required by Alabama law for new from the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians, ac- schools, Calcedeaver also has a built-in tornado cording to Rena Philips, supervisor of market- shelter, with one of its wings built with walls ing and partnerships with the Mobile County strong enough to withstand 200 mph winds in school system. case of an emergency, Philips said. The $12 million, 58,000-square-foot school, Philips also said this particular wing has a built on property donated by Riley Boykin generator and restrooms, and the MCPSS is Smith, was designed for up to 400 students and planning to use the new building as a hurricane is wired for 21st century technology with sev- shelter for the community as needed. eral computer labs, wireless Internet and “smart However, in addition to new buildings and boards” in every classroom, Philips said. incorporating Native American culture into the But perhaps the most unique aspect of the physical and architectural components of its school is its Native American heritage and the facility, Calcedeaver Elementary School has efforts made to incorporate the area’s culture always strived to embed cultural elements into into the school’s new building. its academic curriculum as well. “Our facilities department worked closely Williams, who has worked at Calcedeaver with members of the MOWA Choctaw tribe to since 2001, said her job as Indian education incorporate their heritage into the design with teacher is to ensure that the children in the com- colors, artwork, etc.,” Philips told Lagniappe munity know their heritage and are proud of via email. who they are. According to Nicole Williams, Calcedeav- “If you can be proud of who you are, no er’s Indian education teacher, the entire school matter where you go, you’ll be successful,” reflects Native American culture, whether it she said. be through the tile work in the floor, the brick Historically, Williams said students some- walls, the outdoor signs or the giant eagle mural times failed to realize the importance of their on the outside of the building. heritage upon leaving the elementary school “We wanted people to know that when they and would have trouble transitioning to higher pull up at Calcedeaver and walk in the building, education because “they didn’t have that pride.” that this is a school that has a high population of When Williams began her career at Cal- Native American students,” she said. cedeaver, she said the student dropout rate was Currently, Calcedeaver’s old campus is still greater than 50 percent. However, currently 100 home to a special Choctaw culture exhibit, fea- percent of students who graduated from sixth turing 12 traditional, pre-colonial Indian dwell- grade at Calcedeaver also went on to graduate ings including a teepee and wigwam, which from high school, she said. was built in 2001 and served as an outdoor “It’s been a dramatic increase” in the classroom. Though Williams said there were number of students who finish high school, some concerns within the community about Williams said. what would happen to the exhibit, she praised “They make us as a community and as a the school system for working with the school school, so proud of them,” she said. “Our kids to keep its heritage alive. are a special group of kids.” “They [MCPSS] assured me that they will Additionally, Williams even follows students work with us to get it moved,” she said. all the way through high school by visiting The new school, located between Mount middle and high schools throughout the week. Vernon and Citronelle on Patilla Road and Williams said Calcedeaver especially works about a half-mile from the former school, also very closely with Lott Middle School and Citro- has a gymnasium and a cafeteria with a state-of- nelle High School. the-art kitchen, Philips said. Incorporating Indian education into its cur- Calcedeaver’s previous campus never had a riculum has been a “definite positive” for Cal- gymnasium, and Williams said students often- cedeaver, Williams added, noting the family- times were forced to remain in classrooms dur- like atmosphere between staff and students that ing rain or icy weather instead of being allowed also makes the school successful. somewhere to play. With its new building, Calcedeaver also has In addition, when Calcedeaver needed to a new principal. Laura Kittson was appointed as host big events that included accommodating interim principal during a special-called school students and parents, the school had to borrow board meeting Dec. 30, replacing Paige Mixon, the gym at neighboring Aldersgate United who was appointed principal at North Mobile Methodist Church, she said. K-8 School. Further, because the old campus connected Williams said she met Kittson a couple buildings from the outside, students had no weeks ago and she is on board with Calcedeav- choice but to go out in the elements during class er’s mission and what it means to the staff, changes and were often required to “muddle students and community. through standing water,” Williams said. “It takes a very special person to be the She went on to say students would have to principal at our school because the culture is so roll their pants up and even sometimes take unique,” she said.

8 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 9 DA mn THe T orpeD oeS COMMENTARY C Some pre-filed fun on Goat Hill BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

t’s that magical time of the year when mem- to the interstate to help pay for the new ballpark It would require criminal sex offenders bers of the state legislature are readying for may have backfired if this bill passes. over the age of 21, whose victims were 12 or “session.” To the uninitiated that’s the time So far there are two new specialty license younger, to be surgically castrated before they of the year when they get to pass laws and tags on tap for approval. One would be to honor could be released from prison. That’s right, Ihave lobbyists rub them with exotic oils. (Not the Alabama Nurses Association and another they’d have to drop by the chop shop before necessarily in that order. Actually, not in that would be a distinctive tag bringing attention to hitting the streets again. Talk about a reason for order at all most of the time.) ovarian cancer — both worthy causes. not wanting to leave prison. Assuming one’s legislator is actually at- I would still like to see the state go the extra And HB58 might be particularly appealing tending this “session” — and that’s been quite mile and issue the “I love my wife” license to our own City Councilman Fred Richard- an assumption when it comes to some people plate to really drive the issue home for those son, as it would allow him to attend meetings over the past few years — he/she may be busy men who did something screwed up enough while also jet setting. If passed the bill would pre-filing a few bills just to get the jump on the that they were forced to put an “I love my wife” allow public officials to attend meetings and to rest of the schlubs who think they’re going to bumper sticker on their cars. What says “I’m deliberate electronically. It’s a win-win for Fred just waltz in during the middle of things and sorry” more than taking your humiliation to the and the city. He could angrily demand crowd roll through that ridiculous bill legalizing cock license tag level? Just a thought. Still lots of numbers for his precious MoonPie Drop while fighting as long as there’s a little rooster pres- time to get that one in there. simultaneously embarrassing Mobile in another ent dressed in a referee outfit. House Bill 5 is one many of us have been city or country. The smart lawmakers go ahead and pre-file expecting for years. It would do away with And I don’t know what kind of chance HB bills so others can start getting warmed up any criminal penalties for the sale or purchase 98 has of passing , but it seems like another bat- to them before “go time.” There is a list of of domestic animals or fowl between sunrise tle in the ongoing war between the boll weevil such pre-filed bills and I thought it might be and sunset. This could finally move us past all and more “productive” insects. This bill would educational to read through and highlight a the middle-of-the-night chicken buys we’ve designate the queen honey bee Alabama’s Of- few that caught my eye. Fortunately that bit I become accustomed to over the years. Well, ficial State Agriculture Insect. wrote about cock fighting and rooster judges is except the ones at Church’s at 2 a.m. Nobody’s It’s just like the queen bee to pull a move just the result of my own pre-filing of several stopping those. like this. glasses of wine before this column officially And HB 14 is one that should interest Hi- And finally there’s a bill that would allow kicked off being written. Our legislators won’t awatha Robinson Jr., who was recently arrested school districts to educate students about “tradi- be debating anything quite that ridiculous. and charged with murdering and raping his own tional winder celebrations and offer traditional That’s not to say the pre-filed House bill daughter, Hiawayi Robinson, 8, last September. greetings.” I know, it was a head-scratcher at that would strictly outline which words may If Robinson did what he’s charged with, he first for me as well, but then I figured it out. legally be said during an adult-on-adult spank- should never see the outside of a prison again, It has to be about teaching students about ing isn’t any less strange. but if he were convicted and later offered the Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide football OK, I’ll stop. opportunity to be released, he might think twice team. Traditional greetings? RTR. To my chagrin our legislators hadn’t taken if 14 becomes law. Let the law making begin. this opportunity to pre-file any truly bizarre bills that might make national news for their ridiculousness, but there’s always next year. However, perusing the list here in the first The Gadfly full week of January, there are definitely a few that stick out — if not for oddness, then prob- ably just for the questionability of whether they would be remotely effective or necessary. For instance, one senator has introduced a bill requiring cars attempting to pass bicycles to keep at least three feet from the bicycle. Otherwise known as “No One Shall Ever Pass on Old Shell,” should this become law it will effectively make it illegal for motorists to pass any bicyclist who is traveling at 15 mph down Old Shell, or some other skinny road. Really, who’s going to measure this and also shouldn’t it come with the addendum that any bicyclist hogging up the whole lane ought to be to at least pedal the speed limit? So you get the drift. Here are some other unusual pre-files: Senate Bill 15 is particularly interesting for those who would still want to enjoy the benefits of democracy while avoiding the dangers presented by hurricanes or riots. It deals with voting and absentee voting during a state of emergency declared by the governor. It’s good to be able to get the voting out of the way before lawlessness ensues. That’s what I always say. Looks like a source of funding for some small communities may be on the line with Senate Bill 24. It would rescind the author- ity of municipalities under 19,000 to enforce

speed limits on interstate highways. Gee, I can Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen only imagine why that happened. Giving the patrolman a ticket book and sending him out The flea market parasites begin to look for new concessions.

10 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 HIDDen AGenDA CommenTArY C Hunting, gathering, cleansing and fasting your way to a better you BY ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR | [email protected] es, I did it. I managed to fudge, corn- I was always a much bigger fan of the “fad bread dressing, cream cheese dip, giblet diet.” gravy, Oreo Bark, cheese grit, sugar One time in college, my roommates and I cookie and eggnog myself into gaining went on the “Cabbage Soup Diet.” It promised Yan extra amount of weight during the holidays. to help you lose like 10 pounds in a week or I’m not deliberately withholding from you the something like that. We were already skinny exact amount of said weight gained, I just don’t back then (though we didn’t realize it and would know myself. all kill to be as “fat” as we were then), so I can’t I refuse to get on the scale just yet, as I don’t really remember if it worked. But I do remem- think my heart can take whatever horrendous ber just how awesome the apartment smelled number it may be. But trust me, my zippers have for seven days ... for a variety of reasons. And a good idea. They say to me quite smugly, “You why it took me years to eat cabbage again, but do understand there is only so much pressure I digress. There are a bajillion new fad diets out we can take before we blow, right? It’s called there now guaranteed to skinny you up — some science, fatty.” in as little as three days or as many as 17. So like most Americans this time of year, I Gluten-free is popular, as is the raw food diet am now searching for the magic answer to shed and two others based on as if we still lived like these pounds and also the ones who moved in cavemen or during The Great Depression. long before. I had hoped to rid myself of those The former is the Paleo diet designed for us “earlier settlers” quickly too, but I didn’t, and to eat like our “hunter-gatherer” ancestors. I am they eventually put down roots in my hips, stom- not sure if a spear and fur loincloth is included ach and thighs and are now having children of with this plan but I hope it comes with an elastic their own and inviting their friends to move into waistband. their neighborhoods too. Obviously, my lower The other is called “Intermittent Fasting” torso must have an excellent school system. because our bodies “were programmed for feast Luckily, there are many plans out there to rid and famine.” You basically eat nothing for two yourself of these “communities.” Just turn on the days of the week and then “whatever you want” tube and you can find a variety of former plump for the other five. That sounds reasonable. celebrities schlepping diet solutions. These days, I think you could pretty much Men get much better spokesdudes to appeal market any kind of weight loss plan and make a to their beer bellies — Dan Marino, Terry Brad- million dollars. shaw and Sir Charles Barkley. Hell, even Jared In fact, I am thinking of writing a book seems like a nice enough guy. If I were sitting on called the “al-Qaeda prison camp diet.” It’s my couch watching football covered in Cheeto based on “the science” of how our bodies dust and one of their commercials came on, I can indeed survive in captivity and on bread, would totally “pick up the phone and call now.” rice and roaches alone. It will guarantee rapid And I’m sure it works for them in seconds, as weight loss and scurvy and will be available on every diet does for the male gender. (Grrrrrr. iTunes by the end of the week for $12.99. I will Hate y’all and your stupid fast metabolism!) follow it up next year, with the “CIA torture But we lady folk do not get such inspiring, diet,” which will come with your own tube trustworthy former fatties. We get Eddie Van and pre-packaged meals for rectal feeding. But Halen’s ex wife, Krazy Kirstie Alley and Marie don’t worry that’s just in what we will call the Osmond, who also pushes “meals ready to eat” “induction phase,” where you are guaranteed to in case of the apocalypse. Seriously, she does. I lose weight like the world’s most wanted — yet hear Rapture Ravioli is their biggest seller. recently captured — terrorists. So needless to say, I was not really feeling “But Ashley, this is what the CIA uses,” my much faith in these ladies to be my fat shepherd- mother would whisper excitedly. esses, so I decided I would explore other options. Even more frightening than these fad diets is And boy oh fat boy, are there options. the other fad accompanying them: “the cleanse.” There are the well-known and probably most The word cleanse in many other contexts is sensible ones pushed by doctors and health care awesome but in this one, it just means pooping organizations, like the Mayo Clinic diet. This … lots of pooping. would have been my mom’s diet of choice. Just yesterday, I was invited by a dear friend God rest her soul, she was always a big fan of to join a group who would be doing a cleanse for these kinds of plans. And this was pre-Internet 10 days, then a diet for a couple of weeks. They so I am not even sure how she got her hands on were going to have a friendly competition for them, but she always acted as if she was holding each phase to see who did the best. Xeroxed copies of highly classified miracle diet I thought to myself, how exactly will the documents she had come across surreptitiously, cleanse portion of the competition be measured. as if she had broken into the American Heart Yuck. Yuck Yuck. Association world headquarters or Dr. Atkins’ I know diets and even “cleaneses” are a good office in the dead of night and nabbed them out way for people to get motivated, but it doesn’t of their safes. really take a doctor from the Mayo Clinic to tell “Ashley, this is the diet doctors give to us what we need to do. (Though my mom would people in the hospital just after they’ve had a disagree.) triple bypass — people who have almost died My thinnest friend would always tell me she — so you know it’s a good one,” she would was on the “put down the fork and get your fat whisper excitedly. ass off the couch” diet. No hunting or gathering, Great mom, you’ve come across the top- cabbage, fasting or excessive pooping required. secret recipes for hospital food. I can’t wait to Sounds like a plan my zippers could really get started. get behind, as well as my behind.

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 11 BELTWAY BEAT COMMENTARY C TAO OF JEN COMMENTARY C Alabama’s best shot to sway No wait weight loss the 2016 presidential outcome BY JENNIFER MCDONALD/COLUMNIST | [email protected] BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST | [email protected] appy New Year, friends! I hope ries including nausea, vomiting, bloating, everyone had a wonderful holiday malnourishment and, well, having a gigantic he last three decades have found If they successfully pull it off, such a move and you’re all feeling fresh and worm living inside your body and feasting Alabama overlooked in the entire would have a profound effect on the process. rested and excited to spend the next on your innards. presidential election contest, from the Over the last few election cycles, there Hsix months accidentally writing 2014 on all That’s pretty gross, but at least they primary process through Election Day. has undoubtedly been an effort by the so- your paperwork. weren’t cutting off body parts in a desper- TFor years, Alabama’s primary has been too called Republican establishment to dilute the I’m sure many of you have been busy ate attempt to lose weight. The Amputation late in the cycle to have any real impact on influence of the more conservative elements fine-tuning your New Year’s resolutions, and Diet, which I sincerely hope is the Internet’s the directions of the races for the Democratic of the party. The fact that a state like New if you’re like the rest of us gluttons, you may idea of a sick joke, involves having body and Republican presidential nomination. Hampshire has an early primary is part of be planning to lose some of the weight you fluids or even actual body parts removed in Prior to 2008, the state’s contest was held the reason the more moderate elements put on eating decadently during the holidays. order to shave off a few pounds. in the summer, long after many of the candi- of the GOP have had success in getting Or, you know, all the days. While some followers may attempt to dates had dropped out, thus giving Alabam- Bob Dole, John McCain and Mitt Romney With all the conflicting information avail- shed pounds by trimming nails, cutting hair, ians little incentive to vote in the primary. nominated. able, it can be pretty overwhelming trying to donating blood and taking laxatives and In 2008, the powerbrokers in Alabama The electorate in New Hampshire has select the right diet plan. Should you go with other medications to encourage the elimina- politics recognized this trend and sought a made it harder for so-called conserva- Weight Watchers, Paleo, or maybe follow tion of body fluids, apparently others take way to give the state more of a voice in the tive firebrands to get far into the process. Gwyneth Paltrow’s simple recommendations it to the extreme by attempting to remove process by the moving the primary date from Once New Hampshire selects its candidate, and eschew alcohol, caffeine, sugar, gluten, non-essential limbs and organs. Just in case June to February. regardless of what happens in Iowa, those dairy, soy, corn, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, you were wondering, you can lose up to The shift still wasn’t quite enough to with the deep pockets tend to behind the tomatoes, love, joy and happiness? Hint: three pounds donating a kidney and up to an lure the remaining candidates to spend a lot more “establishment” figure and that makes Never trust Gwyneth. She recommends the ounce from trimming nails or removing a of time in state, but it did allow for a much it a very difficult task for those banking consumption of beets, which is a clear sign wart. Hey, it all adds up! more interesting narrative that motivated on rally conservatives in later primaries to of madness. It sounds crazy on the surface, sure, but more voters to go to the polls. What prob- mount a challenge. Then again, maybe you like things a little think about it. You can’t have fat thighs if ably wasn’t accounted for at the time was a Let’s say, however, there are potentially crazy, or maybe you’re so desperate to drop you haven’t got any legs at all. Am I right? candidate like Mike Huckabee, who would 400 delegates in the balance for a so-called the pounds you’re willing to indulge in the Genius! rally social conservatives before primary “SEC primary.” That would be enough to tilt most absolutely insane weight loss “tricks.” You especially lazy readers — yes, day, which made it harder for the eventual the balance of the contest by making the pool You’re in luck because there’s definitely even lazier than folks willing to consume a nominee, Sen. John McCain, to prevail. of candidates more conservative or give the some craziness out there! parasite to eat away their fat from the inside In 2012, Alabama and Mississippi teamed more conservative candidate a better chance Those who prefer their insanity in the — may appreciate the Sleeping Beauty Diet. up to have their Republican primary election of going deeper into the primary fight. form of a tasty edible may be interested in This bizarre approach involves subjecting on the same day, settling on a slightly later This would especially be true for the a weight loss trick that requires nothing but oneself to heavy sedation for several days at March date. The strategy forced the remain- more socially conservative candidates. In eating. Most of us became horizontally chal- ing Republican candidates at the time, Rick early southern primaries over the last two lenged because we love to eat, right? This a time in order to physically prevent oneself Santorum, Newt Gingrich and eventual- cycles, the social conservative bon fides of diet sounds like a dream until you realize it from eating. nominee Mitt Romney, to spend time and Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum earned requires you to eat a live tapeworm. Eeeeek! Other dieters requiring a physical barrier money in the states. statewide victories. It wouldn’t necessar- But hey, what do I know? Maybe that to eating may be interested in acquiring a Santorum would go on to win both ily discount the need to do well in Iowa, sounds positively delicious to some of you weight loss tongue patch. Invented by a primaries, but the lesson there was there was New Hampshire and even South Carolina, weirdoes. After all, there are people who plastic surgeon in 2009, this fun and friendly power in numbers — especially since, de- however. actually claim to enjoy beets. Tapeworms little patch is made from the abrasive mate- spite having smaller populations than some In 2008, Republican presidential hopeful can’t possibly be any worse than that earthy rial used for hernia repair and transvaginal states, Alabama and Mississippi have been Rudy Giuliani gambled on waiting on the red taproot of the antichrist. mesh, which sounds exactly like something loyal Republican states with Republicans later Florida primary, where he put most of As truly disgusting at it may sound to that belongs in your mouth. The patch is holding key offices in both the national and his resources. But, having no momentum or the rest of us, apparently at least a few attached to the tongue, which makes it statewide level. the media attention coming out of Iowa and people have intentionally ingested tape- extremely painful or even impossible to Last month, the secretaries of state of New Hampshire, the delay was too much of worms for the purpose of losing weight. consume solid foods. Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia offered an obstacle for Giuliani to overcome. The basic idea is the worm grows inside It sounds pretty effective in theory al- up an expansion of the idea there is power It would also potentially create more your body and lives off the food you con- though I will caution (from personal experi- in numbers. awkward situations like Mitt Romney tout- sume, burning up extra calories and helping ence) that one should never underestimate a For the 2016 presidential primary contest, ing “cheesy grits” and awkward pronun- you shed unwanted pounds while it lays a hungry fat person’s will to eat. the idea would be to create a “southern super ciations of “y’all” on the eve of the 2012 million eggs and slowly grows to the length My personal favorite has to be the primary” by holding the Texas, Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi primaries. On of a garden hose. Breatharian Diet, which is based on a Hindu Mississippi, Florida and Alabama primaries the Democrat side, moments like Hillary According to legend, sterile tapeworm belief that humans don’t require food to live. on the same day or close to the same day. Clinton’s attempt to impersonate an African- egg pills intended for intentional consump- While intended more as a spiritual journey “A southern Super Tuesday, or ‘SEC pri- American preacher in Selma in 2007. tion were first marketed for weight loss in than a weight loss scheme, followers are mary’ as some are calling it, would greatly The point is that candidates pander- the early 20th century. I first heard of this in- taught to find satisfaction in the consumption increase the importance of the Southeastern ing in such way is symbolic of the larger sane idea last year when I saw a story about of sunlight and fresh air, which fills their states to presidential hopefuls,” the recently aim, which is to be aware of what voters in a woman who admitted feeding her teenage spirits if not their bellies. elected John Merrill for Alabama’s secretary Alabama desire in a candidate, which would daughter pills containing tapeworm eggs in The strange “diet,” which was once of state wrote in an op-ed for Yellowham- hopefully translate into better representation hopes of helping her lose weight before a practiced by Michelle Pfeiffer but sounds mer News. “This consolidated Election should they be elected president. beauty pageant. more like something Gwyneth Paltrow Day would separate the South for the same As for the actual presidential election, the I figured it was an isolated act of random would promote, has killed a number of reason that Iowa, New Hampshire, South state had a short-lived era as a swing state insanity until I later caught an episode of participants who were apparently surprised Carolina and other states receive national at- as it transitioned from an electorally blue “The Doctors” discussing the buzz around to discover that oddly enough, the human tention. The main goal of this effort is to cre- Democrat state to solidly red Republican. the “Tapeworm Diet.” For the record, the body cannot survive on sunshine and fresh ate an environment that forces candidates to But after the 2010 election, the transition was doctors admitted the presence of the slimy air alone. Who knew? appeal to an even larger and more complete completed when the GOP ended 136 years of parasite would indeed lead to weight loss, All sorts of crazy fun awaits you, intrepid constituency than they currently do.” Democrat control of the state legislature. along with a handful of other pleasant- dieters. Good luck!

12 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 THe reAL De AL BUSIneSS BB Historic Azalea Court Apartments up for sale BY RON SIVAK/COLUMNIST | [email protected] | Twitter @rcvak

ccording to www.cityfeet.com, historic conditioning. The 75 year-old property also Hassell among 40 under 40 Azalea Court Apartments, consist- includes a New Orleans style balcony. Harry Hand Arendall LLC recently announced ing of 23 multi-family units and St. Johnson with Baldwin Rental Properties man- that member Katie Hammett Hassell has been Charles Apartments with 35 multi- aged the transaction. honored as one of Mobile Bay Magazine’s 40 Afamily units in Mobile, totaling 58,000-square- McGill-Toolen High School recently paid Under Forty. The award recognizes business feet, are both up for sale for $3 million. A $315,000 for two lots, one located on Spring- executives under the age of 40 who have source close to the deal recently disclosed hill Avenue and the other on Kilmarnock Street shown leadership, professional excellence and that a private local investor is considering the for parking lot expansion according to Merrill a commitment to the Mobile Bay area. purchase of Azalea Court, with a ballpark offer Thomas. The Mitchell Company represented “We are proud to have Katie as a member of $1.2 million. McGill-Toolen and Merrill P. Thomas Co. Inc. in our in our firm. Her dedication to both her Located at 1820 Airport Blvd., Azalea Court represented the seller, DeJ Investments. clients and the community is a great example is a historic three-story loop area apartment Two gas stations, one located at 225 Schil- to all of us, and this award is recognition of her complex built in 1928. It was designed by ar- linger Road and another at 3351 Springhill hard work,” Preston Bolt, managing attorney chitect J. Platt Roberts in the Spanish Colonial Ave. were acquired by a local speculator for for Hand Arendall’s Mobile office said. Revival style and was added to the National $825,000. The properties were previously Hassell’s practice includes toxic tort Register of Historic Places in 1988. St. Charles owned by a local bank in the area. Plans are Apartments are located at 963 Government St. for the businesses to open again in the same litigation; transportation and trucking litiga- Rock-N-Roll Sushi Bar recently leased a capacity sometime in 2015. tion; medical malpractice; premises liability; new 3,200-square-foot space in The Gateway Construction on a new Zaxby’s eatery, banking practices and conduct litigation; Shopping Centre in Saraland, according to fronting the Wal-Mart located at 21141 commercial litigation and OSHA disputes. She Amber Dedeaux of Vallas Realty, who coordi- State Highway 59 in Robertsdale, will start has successfully tried several jury and non-jury nated the transaction. According to Dedeaux, first quarter of this year. The property was cases and obtained a number of dismissals for this was the last vacancy in the Gateway Cen- purchased for $385,000 by a current franchise clients. Hassell is admitted to the Alabama and tre, which is anchored by Tractor Supply and owner. Jay O’Brien of O’Brien & Associates Mississippi state bars. Dollar Tree, and also includes smaller retailers represented Wal-Mart. Tim Herrington of Her- Hassell received her bachelor’s degree, such as Chill, Rue 21, Rotolo’s Pizzeria and rington Realty worked for Zaxby’s. Closing on magna cum laude, from the University of Mama Goldberg’s. the transaction was handled by Charlie Gray of South Alabama. She received her juris doctor- The property still has an out parcel avail- Surety Land Title Inc. ate, magna cum laude, from the University Of able fronting Industrial Parkway (Highway Alabama School Of Law. 158). The new restaurant is expected to open SARPC’s 2015 annual meeting In the community, Hassell serves as sec- sometime in the spring of 2015. This will be The 2015 South Alabama Regional Plan- retary and a member of the board of directors the fourth location opening locally for the ning Commission’s (SARPC) annual meeting for the Mobile Museum of Art. She also is an popular eatery with other spots at Bel Air Mall, is slated for Jan. 15-16 at the Grand Hotel active member of the Junior League of Mobile West Mobile at 6345 Airport Blvd. and 10 N. in Point Clear. The annual meeting provides (JLM), through which she has previously Section St. in Fairhope. representatives of SARPC’s 32 member gov- served as chair of the Goodwill Easter Seals Popular downtown weekend brunch spot ernments as well as other interested citizens an adult literacy program and the St. Mary’s Café 615 was recently put up for sale for opportunity to participate in a day and a half Home transitional living program. $249,500 according to Harry Johnson, owner conference that features informative presenta- She also serves as a big sister in the Big of Baldwin Rental Properties. The property tions and exchanges on a variety of public Brothers, Big Sisters program. Hassell partici- on 615 Dauphin St. is 7,000-square-feet and policy issues relevant to the South Alabama pates in Mobile’s Volunteer Lawyers Program, includes two courtyards. All furniture and fix- region. in which she routinely takes pro bono cases. tures will be included in the sale. With space to Key speakers include: Dr. Ted Mashburn, Hand Arendall is a full-service law firm, seat up to 250 patrons, banquet rooms and on- dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, providing its clients with legal services in all site parking, the venue currently averages 75 University of Mobile; Laura Barber, director of areas of traditional civil practice. The firm was booked parties per year, according to Johnson. hunger initiatives, National Council on Aging; organized in 1941, has more than 70 lawyers The Courtyard @ 311, housed appropri- Vince Calametti, division engineer, ALDOT; making it one of the largest law firms in Ala- ately at 311 Fairhope Ave., recently sold for Sydney Raine, Mobile Works; Laura Chandler, bama and has offices in Athens, Birmingham $149,000. The restaurant is 3,500-square- Southwest Alabama Workforce Development as well as Mobile and Baldwin counties. The feet, seats up to 175 patrons and was recently (SAWDC) and Herb Malone, CEO, Gulf Coast firm provides legal services to clients through- remodeled in 2012 with new ADA restrooms, Visitors and Convention Bureau. out Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. upstairs dining and upgraded heating and air

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 13 THE REVIEW | CUISINE To gluten or not to gluten? That is the question BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

ow, I hear about this all of the time. Gluten is bad for you. Is it? I could certainly hop on the old information superhighway and find statistical evidence to support or disprove the idea. I know statisticians can cook the Wbooks, but maybe this one is worth looking into. There is undeni- ably a thing called celiac disease that is a digestive and autoim- mune disorder certainly aggravated or caused by the introduction of gluten into a diet. Simply put, one cannot eat wheat, rye, barley or oats, all of which contain gluten proteins. Here is what happens. You eat the gluten and your immune system sees it as a bogey sending antibodies to your intestine to attack. The intestinal lining takes a full barrage of gunfire and the villi (hair-like structures that absorb the nutrients) are damaged to the point that absorption is difficult. In extreme cases you can become malnourished now matter how much you eat. Celiac disease can be diagnosed by your doctor, but even if it is ruled out there is such a thing as non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This is the grey area. There is no true way to diagnose this other than trial and error. If removing gluten completely from your diet makes you feel better, then I guess you have gluten intolerance rather than a full-blown disease. According to WebMD there are about 300 possible symptoms for Photos/wikipedia.org Celiac disease. I’ll bet you’ve got more than one of them. These can Is avoiding gluten healthy eating or just a fad? range from iron deficiencies, depres- sion, bone and joint pain to dermatitis flavored coffee. Look for 100 percent coffee on the ingredients. herpetiformis and seizures. Coupled The journey begins We know gravys, most salad dressings, sauces, and non-fruit with stress the effects can worsen. So let’s say we are going glu- based products thicker than water have usually been tightened up Often times bloating is a symptom. ten free. It will be a tough road. with a little gluten. The weirdest one is ketchup. Yes, there are Some may have the disease but show You have to completely rethink certain brands of ketchup that are not gluten free. no symptoms, but Celiac will still take your shopping list and your Fat free products may contain gluten while the normal version its toll and lead to malnutrition and restaurant habits. At first glance may not. Be on the lookout for this mistake. liver disease. it seems easy. Stay away from anything wheat, barley or oats. It Weigh the risks, make the decision Gluten free: it’s not just for isn’t that simple. There are pitfalls around every corner. Many blindly accept that the words “gluten free” are synony- Celiacs anymore You would think potatoes are mous with a healthy lifestyle. This simply isn’t true. The absence So why don’t we all just avoid fine. Cooked at home they are. In of gluten will not give the average eater that bikini body this gluten and lead a happy dietary life? If a restaurant you have many variables so you have to ask. A gluten spring. It’s a struggle to maintain proper nutrition when going you fall into the estimated one percent of the population that actu- purist would not want French fries cooked in the same oil as without, and many celiacs suffer from deficiencies. Those that ally has Celiac disease then you must avoid gluten. For those not breaded chicken. Potato chips should be okay, but some season- do have to work with their doctors to find the right vitamins to intolerant to gluten avoiding it is a bad idea. ings are piggybacked onto wheat flour. The same goes for any supplement their diets and some vitamins contain, you guessed it, It isn’t the gluten you should worry about. If you are contem- other vegetable chip. Mashed potatoes are naturally gluten free if gluten. plating a gluten-free diet because your cool neighbor is doing it, you make them from scratch. Beware of the ones in the micro- When going gluten free you may go through withdrawals. proceed with caution. The gluten isn’t the nutritionally redeeming wavable tubs and the instant versions. Read the labels. Many claim it is like a drug that your body craves. Think of the part of the food. But to avoid gluten is to avoid whole grains that Want to know how to upset someone with Celiac disease? Bor- commitment it would take to say you will never eat another donut are rich in fiber, iron and B vitamins. row their peanut butter. It’s a serious disease, and they don’t take as long as you live. The thought of that gives me anxiety. A lot of We need whole grains in our diet, and one should not live kindly to double dipping. That’s cross contamination once you us would consider a donut a drug. on quinoa alone if he doesn’t have to. Think of those that have touch the bread. We still don’t have all the answers. Is this disease and related to abstain from cakes and cookies and pizza dough made with Why would chicken broth not be gluten free? I am not sure, intolerances a fad or are people more easily diagnosed? Is the wheat flour. I’m sure they would love a big plate of semolina but some broths are not. Weird I know, but once again, get used to rise in celiac due to how we process foods in the modern world? pasta. Sure, not all forms of gluten are good for us, but some of reading every label. If you make your own, you are safe. Maybe it is. If you have to dine this way there are menu options them are. Watch out for the fad factor of any diet. If I want to play There isn’t anything wrong with a cup of coffee. The only for you. Be careful shopping. Read the labels. But only take this piano like Ray Charles, I will not start by closing my eyes. time you have to be careful is when you come across artificially path if you need to.

14 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 15 tin top reStAUrAnt & oySter BAr ($$) CreAm & SUGAr ($) mAmA’S ($) romA CAfe ($-$$) Best seafood, premium aged Breakfast, lunch in Oakleigh. Ice Slap your mama good home Pasta, salad and sandwiches. steaks, extensive wine list. 6232 Bon cream too. cooking. 7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217 Secour Hwy County Rd. 10.• 949- 351 George St. #B • 405-0003 220 Dauphin St. • 432-6262 roSie’S Grill ($-$$) 5086 D’ miCHAel’S ($) mArS Hill CAfe ($) Sandwiches, southwest fare, 7 days wintzell’S oySter HoUSe ($-$$) Philly cheese steaks, gyros & Great sandwiches, coffee & more. 1203 Hwy 98 Ste. 3D, Daphne 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 more. 7101-A Theodore Dawes 5025 Cottage Hill Rd. • 643-1611 626-2440 $ unDeR $10/PeRSon 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 Rd. mAry’S SoUtHern CookinG ($) royAl kniGHt ($) $$ 10-25/PeRSon 1208 Shelton Beach Rd., 653-2979 3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232 Steak night on fridays. Saraland • 442-3335 $$$ oveR 25/PeRSon DeliSH DeSSertS ($) mellow mUSHroom ($) 3004 Gov’t Blvd • 287-1270 zeA’S ($$) Pies & awesome beer selection. royAl Street CAfe ($) Gourmet rotisserie with prime rib Great desserts & hot lunch 23 Upham St. • 473-6115 2032 Airport Blvd. • 471-4700 Homemade lunch & breakfast. & seafood. 104 N. Royal St. • 434-0011 4671 Airport Blvd. • 344-7414 Dew Drop inn ($) 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 Business Casual Classic burgers, hotdogs & miCHeli’S CAfe ($) SAGe reStAUrAnt ($$) Inside the Mobile Marriott. BonefiSH Grill ($$) setting. 1808 Old Shell Rd. • 473- 6358 Cottage Hill Rd. • 725-6917 3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400 Eclectic dining & space. 7872. mommA GolDBerG’S Deli ($) 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196 Completely Sandwiches & Momma’s Love. SAtori CoffeeHoUSe ($) DowntownerS ($) Coffee, smoothies, lunch & beers. BAuDEAN’S ($$) Great sandwiches, soups & salads. 3696 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500 Fried, grilled, steamed & always ComfortaBle 5460 Old Shell Rd. • 344-4575 Al’S HotDoGS ($) 107 Dauphin St. • 433 8868 5602 Old Shell Rd. • 287-6556 SerDA’S CoffeeHoUSe ($) fresh. 3300 River Rd. 973-9070 Classic hotdogs, gyros & e winG HoUSe ($) monteGo’S ($-$$) BoUDreAUX’S CAJUn Grill ($-$$) Fresh Caribbean-style food & craft Coffee, lunches, live music & milkshakes 195 S University Suite H gelato. Quality Cajun & New Orleans beer. 6601 Airport Blvd. 4701 Airport Blvd. • 342-3243 662-1830. 2212 Dauphin Island 3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000 Cuisine. 29249 US Highway 98 ASHlAnD miDtown pUB ($-$$) Pkwy • 479-2021 634-3445 Smokey DemBo Smoke HoUSe Daphne. 621-1991 Pizzas, pastas, & calzones. fireHoUSe SUBS ($) moStly mUffinS ($) ($) eD’S SeAfooD SHeD ($$) Muffins, coffee & wraps. 3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 245-A Old Shell Rd. 479-3278 Hot subs, cold salads & catering. 473-1401 Fried seafood served in hefty AtlAntA BreAD CompAny ($-$$) 6300 Grelot Rd. 105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855 Sandwiches, salads & more. Spot of teA ($) portions. 3382 Hwy. 98 • 625- 3680 631-3730 mUDBUGS At tHe loop ($) Dauphin St. • 380-0444 Cajun Kitchen & seafood market. Mobile’s favorite spot for breakfast & lunch. 1947 fiSHermAn’S leGACy ($) 306 Dauphin St. • 433-9009. feliX’S fiSH CAmp ($$) BenJAmin’S ($) 2005 Government St. • 478-9897 Burgers,wings and seafood. Deli, market and catering. SoUtHern DeCADenCe DeSSertS Upscale dining with a view. 4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2266 mUG SHotS ($$) ($) Soups, Salads, Desserts & 2107 Airport Blvd. • 450-9377 Bar & Grill. 1420 Hwy. 98 • 626-6710 BriqUetteS SteAkHoUSe ($-$$) five GUyS BUrGerS & frieS ($) Sandwiches. HAlf SHell oySter HoUSe ($) Grilled steaks, chicken and 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2393 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514 1956 B University Blvd. 3654 Airport Blvd. • 338-9350 seafood. 4663 Airport Blvd. • 300-8425 newk’S eXpreSS CAfe ($) 300-8304 720A Schillinger Rd. S. Oven-baked sandwiches & more. JoHn worD’S CAptAin tABle ($$) Suite 2. • 607-7200 fooSACkly’S ($) Stevie’S kitCHen ($) Come wine, dine and dance. CAfe 219 ($) Famous chicken fingers. 252 Azalea Rd. • 341-3533 Sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, 2701 Battleship Pkwy • 433-3790 Salads, sandwiches & potato 310 S. University Blvd. • 343-0047 olD 27 Grill ($) soups, salads & desserts Burgers, dogs & 27 beers & wines. leGACy BAr & Grill ($$$) salad. 219 Conti St. • 438-5234 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite 19992 Hwy. 181 Old County Rd. American, Seafood,Stekhouse. CAfe mAlBiS ($) 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 150. Fairhope • 281-2663 9 Du Rhu Dr. S. • 341-3370 Contemporary fare & eclectic 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761. tAmArA’S BAr & Grill ($) spirits. orleAnS po-BoyS ($-$$) lUCy B. GooDe ($$) 28396 Hwy. 181, Daphne • 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000 Wings, po-boys, burgers. 661-6620 Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. 210 Eastern Shore Center, Hwy. 98 Gulf Coast cuisine, reinvented. CAJUn SeAfooD ($) iStAnBUl Grill ($) 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores Authentic Turkish Resturant. 960 Schillinger Rd S. • 633-3900 • 929-0002 Seafood market & deli fresh orleAnS CAfe ($-$$) tp CroCkmierS ($) 967-5858 seafood. 408 Dauphin Island 3702 Airport Blvd. • 461-6901 lUlU’S ($$) JAmAiCAn viBe ($) Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & American Restaurant & Bar Pkwy. 478-9897 wings. Live music & great seafood. CAmille’S SiDewAlk CAfé ($) Mind-blowing island food. 3721 Airport Blvd. • 380- 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores 1503 tHe BlinD mUle ($) Gourmet wraps, pizzas, & more. 3700 Government Blvd. Ste A pAnini pete’S ($) Daily specials made from scratch. 967-5858 5817 Old Shell Rd. 602-1973 Original sandwich and bake shop. 57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853. oriGinAl oySter HoUSe ($-$$) 343-0200 JACk’S CAtfiSH CAmp ($$) tHe HoUSe ($-$$) A great place for kids and CAmelliA CAfé ($-$$$) Steak & Seafood 42 1/2 Section St., Fairhope Contemporary southern fare. 929-0122 Seafood, sandwiches, salads & seafood. 3733 Hwy. 98 • 626- 4815 Halls Mill Rd. • 661-4434 soups 61 Section St., Fairhope Jimmy JoHn’S ($) 19 S. Conception St. • 405-0031 2188 pDq ($) 4513 Old shell Rd. • 408-9622 oySter roCkefeller ($$-$$$) 928-4321 Sandwiches, catering & delivery CAmmie’S olD DUtCH ($) Chicken fingers, salad & tHe HUnGry owl ($) 312 Schillingers Rd. • 607-9527 too. 6920 Airport Blvd. • 414- sandwiches. Burgers, flatbread pizza & riCe ASiAn Grill & SUSHi BAr Mobile’s classic ice cream spot. 1165 University Blvd. 2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710 5444 202-0959 seafood. 7899 Cottage Hill Rd. ($) 3964 Government Blvd. • 378- CArpe Diem ($) Joe CAin CAfé ($) qUeen G’S CAfé ($) 633-4479 8083 Deli foods, pastries & specialty Pizzas, sandwiches, cocktails. Down home cooking for lunch. tHree GeorGeS CAnDy SHop ($) tHe HArBor room ($-$$) drinks. 4072 Old Shell Rd. 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 2518 Old Shell Rd. • 471-3361 Light lunch with Southern flair. Unique seafood. 304-0448 kitCHen on GeorGe ($-$$) reGinA’S kitCHen ($-$$) 226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 CHAt-A-wAy CAfe ($) Contemporary American food. Sandwiches, subs and soups. tropiCAl SmootHie ($) 351A George & Savannah St. tp CroCkmierS ($-$$) Quiches & sandwiches in Spring 2056 Government St. • 476-2777 Great smoothies, wraps & American Restaurant & Bar Hill. 4366 Old Shell Rd. 343-9889 436-8890 river SHACk ($-$$) sandwiches. Du Rhu Dr. • 378-5648 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 CHiCken SAlAD CHiCk ($) lAp’S GroCery & Grill ($-$$) 570 Schillinger Road • 634-3454 Sandwich, Chicken Salad, Salad Seafood, burgers & steaks. tHe BlUeGill ($-$$) Casual Seafood & southern 6120 Marina Dr., Dog River wilD winG StAtion ($) A historic seafood dive with live & Soup. 2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit classics. 1595 Battleship Parkway, 1500 Government St. • 287-1526 R • 660-0501 443-7318. music. 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625-1998 Spanish Fort • 626-0045 roly poly ($) yAk tHe kAtHmAnDU kitCHen CrAvin CAJUn ($) mAGHee’S Grill on tHe Hill ($-$$)Authentic foods from tHe itAliAn fiSHermAn ($$) Po-boys, salads & seafood. Wraps & salads. ($-$$) Great lunch & dinner. Himalayan region. Seafood Italian style. 1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy 809 Hillcrest Rd. • 607-6378 2503 Old Shell Rd. • 478-2881 287-1168 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480 3210 Dauphin St. • 287-0115

16 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 tHe trelliS room ($$$) wASABi SUSHi ($$) rAvenite ($) HiGH tiDe CAfé At ip CASino Italian dishes & local flair. Japanese cusine Pizza, Pasta, Salad & more reSort SpA ($) Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493 3654 Airport Blvd. S. C • 725-6078 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525 Casual & relaxing, extensive yen reStAUrAnt ($) viA emiliA ($$) menu. 850 Bayview Ave. Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Homemade pastas & pizzas made 888-946-2847 Br prime At BeAU rivAGe ($$-$$$) a little Vino 763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814 daily. 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677 Domke mArket Jubilee Shopping Center, Daphne Fine dining establishment. Wine, Craft Beer, Gourmet foods, 625-4695 875 Beach Blvd. 888-952-2582 ‘Cue & more. 2410 Dawes Rd. Ste. D. olé mi amiGo! JiA At BeAU rivAGe ($-$$) BACkyArD CAfe & BBq ($) 375-0599 is tHe Game on? CABo CoAStAl CAntinA ($) Exotic Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Home cookin’ like momma made. fAtHomS loUnGe BUffAlo wilD winGS ($) 225 Dauphin St. • 441-7685 Korean & Vietnamese cuisine. A tapas reaturant, cocktails & live 2804 Springhill Ave. • 473-4739 Best wings & sporting events. DAUpHin St. tAqUeriA ($) 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 music 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 Enchiladas, tacos, & authentic BAr-B-qUinG witH my Honey ($$) 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955 mempHiS q At BeAU rivAGe ($) reD or wHite fare. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-2453 Memphis-style Q. BBQ, burgers, wings & seafood BUtCH CASSiDy’S ($) el CHArro ($) 19170 Hwy 43 Mt. Vernon. • 839-9927 323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 990-0003 Famous burgers, sandwiches & 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 1104 Dauphin St.. • 478-9494 Finest Mexican in WeMo. CoASt reStAUrAnt At BeAU BriCk pit ($) royAl Street tAvern wings. 60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690. 7751 Airport Blvd. • 607-0882 A favorite barbecue spot. CAllAGHAn’S iriSH SoCiAl ClUB rivAGe ($) Live music,martinis & a light fUeGo ($-$$) Sports bar-style joint. ($) Burgers & beer. Outstanding Mexican cuisine. 5456 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0001 dinner menu. 26 N. Royal St. • 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 DreAmlAnD BBq ($) 338-2000 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 lB’S SteAkHoUSe At GrAnD Ribs, sandwiches & great sides. SoUtHern nApA HeroeS SportS BAr & Grille ($) loS ArCoS ($) CASino ($$-$$$) 3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9898. Bistro plates, craft beers and pantry. Sandwiches & cold beer. Quaint Mexican restaurant. Fine dining with juicy steak moe’S oriGinAl BAr B qUe ($) 2304 Main Street. • 375-2800 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376. 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484 & fine wine. Bar-b-que & music. Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464 lA CoCinA ($) Bayfront Park Authentic Mexican cuisine. 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 Dr., Daphne • 625-RIBS mCSHArry’S iriSH pUB ($) CUU lonG SUper pHo At GrAnD Brillant Reubens & Fish-N-Chips 4633 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427 CASino ($$) falafel? try 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope SAntA fe Grill ($) Asian noodle soups, bubble teas SAUCy q BArBqUe ($) Locally-owned, fresh cuisine. Award-winning BarBQue. some Hummus 990-5100 & more. 7 SpiCe ($-$$) tHe lAnDinG ($) 3160 Bel Air Mall • 450-2440 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 1111 Government Blvd. • 433-7427 emeril’S GUlf CoASt fiSH wHiStle Stop ($) Healthy, delicious Mediterranean food. From seafood to steaks. 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 973-2696 HoUSe At iSlAnD view CASino Home cookin’ & BBQ. lUCky’S iriSH pUB ($) ($$-$$$) Kick it up a notch. 110 S. Florida St. • 478-7427 ABBA’S meDiterrAneAn no GamBlinG CAfe ($-$$) Irish pub fare & more. 3300 W. Beach Blvd. Beef, lamb & seafood. 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000 Casino fare 877-774-8439 tHe StADiUm ($) atmore C&G Grille At iSlAnD view 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464 CASino ($) Drop DeaD JerUSAlem CAfe ($-$$) Catch the games with great food. fire At winD Creek CASino & 19270 Hwy. 98 Fairhope Hotel ($$-$$$) Large breakfast, lunch or dinner Mobile’s oldest Middle Eastern cuisine. menu. Gourmet 990-0408 World-class prime steaks, 3300 W. Beach Blvd. AlABAmA CrUiSeS ($$) 5773 Airport Blvd. • 304-1155 seafood & wine. 877-774-8439 Fine dining & sailing from kAn zAmAn CAfe ($) wemoS ($) wAHoo’S poolSiDe BAr & Grill Of Wings, tenders, hotdogs & sandwiches. 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 Orange Beach • 973-1244 326 Azalea Rd. • 229-4206 Grill At winD Creek CASino & At pAlACe CASino reSort ($-$$) BAy GoUrmet ($$) meDiterrAneAn SAnDwiCH 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-5877 Hotel ($) Fresh seafood & more. A premier caterer & cooking classes. CompAny ($) Great & quick. Contemporary & old-fashioned 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 favorites. miGnon’S At pAlACe CASino CAfé 615 ($$-$$$) 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725- mama mia! 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 reSort ($$-$$$) American fare with local ingredients. 0126 Bentz’S pizzA pUB ($) Biloxi Extraordinary wine, steaks & 615 Dauphin St. • 432-8434. mint HookAH BiStro ($) Homemade pizza and Italian viBe At HArD roCk Hotel seafood. CAfé royAl ($$-$$$) Great Mediterranean food. dishes. 28567 County Rd. 13 • 625- AnD CASino ($-$$) 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 Fine surf, turf, atmosphere & cigars. tHe Den At treASUre BAy Prime steak & seafood in elegant setting. 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191 6992 CASino ($-$$) 101 N. Royal St. • 405-5251 zorBA tHe Greek ($-$$) BUCk’S pizzA ($$) 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-625 noJA ($$-$$$) Shawarmah & baba ghanouj. Delivery. rUtH’S CHriS SteAk HoUSe At Intimate & casual with daily specials. 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 Inventive & very fresh cuisine. 1222 Hillcrest Rd, Ste. D • 633-2202 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444 HArD roCk Hotel & CASino ($$$) Exceptional servie & taste. Cq At treASUre BAy CASino ($$-$$$) 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 GAmBino BrotHerS ($) 777 Beach Blvd • 877-877-6256 Elegant atmosphere & tantalizing oSmAn’S reStAUrAnt ($$) Homemade pastas & sandwiches. HArD roCk CAfé At HArD roCk entrees. Supreme European cuisine. far eastern fare 873 Hillcrest Ave. • 344-8115 Hotel AnD CASino ($) 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006. BAnGkok tHAi ($-$$) GAmBino’S itAliAn Grill ($) BlU At treASUre BAy CASino ($) Delicious, traditional Thai cuisine. American fare & rockin’ royAl SCAm ($$) Italian, Steaks, Seafood, memorabilia. Lounge with cocktails & tapas 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995 Gumbo, Angus beef & bar. 18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990-0995 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 menu. 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226) BAnzAi JApAneSe reStAUrAnt GUiDo’S ($$) 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 ($$) Traditional sushi & lunch. SAtiSfACtion At HArD roCk rUtH’S CHriS SteAk HoUSe ($$$) Fresh cuisine nightly on menu. Hotel AnD CASino ($) mArGAritAville 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 Exceptional service & taste. 1709 Main St., Daphne • 626-6082 Southern favorites & fresh- reStAUrAnt ($$$) 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516 GolDen Bowl ($) Burgers, salads, specialties & more. Hibachi Grill & Asian Cuisine lA roSSA ($$) smoked meats. tAmArA’S Downtown ($$) Catering and Market. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 309 Bell Air Blvd • 470-8033 feeDinG frenzy BUffet ($-$$) Casual fine dining. liqUiD ($$) 1716 Main St. Ste. C, Daphne TIEN AT IP CASINO 104 N. Section St., Fairhope reSort SpA ($-$$) (mArGAritAville CASino) Amazing sushi & assortment of 625-0345 Featuring Gulf Coast Cuisine 929-2219 rolls. piCklefiSH ($$) Pan-Asian cuisine made in front 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109 of you. 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 Union ($$$) mikAto JApAneSe SteAk HoUSe Pizza, sandwiches & salads. Premium steaks & burgers. 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 mArinA At lAnDSHArk ($$) Upscale sushi & specialties. 5955 Old Shell Rd.• 344-9899 HiGHliGHtS SportS loUnGe At ip lAnDinG($-$$) 659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622 pApA’S plACe ($$) (mArGAritAville CASino) tHe BUll ($-$$) roCk n roll SUSHi ($$) CASino reSort SpA ($) N. Mexico/Santa Fe & Gulf Coast cuisine. A Taste of Italy . BYOB. Brews & game on 65 screens. 4 portable food stations. 3299 Bel Air Mall. • 287-0445 160 5th St. • 855-667-6777 609 Dauphin St. • 378-5091 28691 U.S. Highway 98 • 626-1999 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 17 WorD of moUTH CUISIne CC Cammie’s old Dutch hits carnival season with new flavors BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected] little bit of cold weather never deters me from grabbing ‘delicious,’ ‘great service,’ and ‘thanks for a great dining experi- ice cream from Cammie’s Old Dutch, especially right ence.’ Thank you, thank you!” Weichman said. before Mardi Gras. It seems she has come up with a new Not one to rest on his laurels, Weichman is entertaining ideas flavor every year getting ready for the season, and this for the future. He’s considering having some of his most popular Ayear is no different. dishes, frozen and fresh selections, available for advanced order We have all tried the chocolate moon pie and banana moon pie, takeout. He’s also offering services as a personal chef for in-home but this year’s latest Mardi Gras-themed flavor is salted caramel cooking and a consulting service for up-and-coming restaurateurs. moon pie. I think I could have predicted it. Salted caramel is the For the time being let’s celebrate a three decades long (and then hottest trend right now. some) restaurant career by visiting the Italian Fisherman at 2503 She didn’t stop there. It may interest sugar lovers to know there Old Shell Road as many special meals at special prices are sure to is also the truly decadent new Krispy Kreme donut flavor with be had over the next two months. Thank you for everything, John. Cammie’s own glaze mixed in! I’m not sure just how seasonal We will miss your restaurants. these flavors are, so get them while it’s cold. Lupita’s on Broad out of business Italian Fisherman closing after valentines Day I have no idea where to get my cabesa tacos now. Lupitas on It is with a heavy heart that we bring word of a scheduled clo- Broad Street has closed its doors and moved out all of the tables. sure of the Italian Fisherman. Old Shell Road will be a little less It was a favorite of mine for a non-alcoholic Cinco de Mayo as bright after the final meal on Valentine’s night of this year. I once experienced a surreal meal complete with a screening of photo/Virginia’s Health foods/facebook Chef John Weichman has been involved with the Mobile res- “The Karate Kid” from a VHS machine on a tube television. The taurant industry for over 36 years, beginning with his wife’s family combination of “soul food” and Mexican was perhaps fusion at its virginia’s Health foods has a new home on restaurant Constantine’s, formerly at 1500 Government St. Many lowest common denominator, but I was fond of the place, espe- Dauphin Street. of you will also remember the prime rib and other favorites from cially the tacos. Buenos noches, Lupitas. Weichman’s All Seasons on the beltline, the Old Shell Road Grill and the final incarnation we enjoy today at the Italian Fisherman. Hungry owl readies the food truck and new menu virginia’s takes over spot on Dauphin The restaurant will be open Wednesday through Saturday Winter is coming on and the temps are low today, but Mardi With the upcoming Whole Foods moving into the Pinebrook through Feb. 14 from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Gras is just around the corner and the Hungry Owl is bustling with shopping center on Airport Boulevard (the one with the deer, as One of the things I will miss the most is his wine dinner series. new practices and menu items. my son calls it) Virginia’s Health Food is preparing to move. The I have learned a great deal and met a lot of new friends at these. Within the next week or two we should be seeing the new new location will be in the shopping center at the corner of Dau- Fortunately he has one more ready to go. Though details are still Hungry Owl food truck terrorizing the streets. In recent weeks we phin Street and Sage Avenue. They will be in good company with being worked out with the distributor, the date will either be Jan. saw a social media contest to name the stainless steel monster and Smoothie King, Rite Aid, Krystal and Tuesday Morning. 28 or 29, featuring wines of Oregon and California along with a the winning name was Hoot Wheels. I like it. The new façade on that whole building looks nice, and the four-course meal of what Chef John says are, “exceptional offer- New winter hours at the restaurant at Cottage Hill and Schil- place looks ready to move in. While in transition, the Pinebrook ings fitting for a final act.” We will notify you of a solid date in an linger roads are Tuesday through Saturday opening at 11 a.m. location is looking to lighten its load before they cross I-65. Ac- upcoming issue. They will be closed Sunday and Monday. There is also a new cording to Virginia’s Facebook page all freezer items are now 40 “I am grateful for the many fine Mobilians and the guests they menu rolling out Jan. 13 featuring oysters along with some of percent off regular price! Everything must go. brought to the restaurant for their support and regular words of Chef Tony’s recent fried additions. Welcome to Mid(ish)town Virginia’s. Recycle!

18 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 19 COVER STORY Ambitious plans to transform state’s first public school BY ALYSON STOKES/REPORTER | [email protected]

t’s been nearly a decade since footsteps frequented the rotunda support BAAWS are as follows: Present: Fundraising and restoration under the historic dome of Barton Academy, and it’s been even When the MCPSS moved their central offices to West Mobile • The dome: $500,000 to $1 million longer since the laughter and chatter of children could be heard in 2007, the Mobile Historic Development Commission and the • 20 classroom spaces: $50,000 throughout the halls as their curious minds were filled with a Historic Mobile Preservation Society joined forces to push the idea • Four science labs: $250,000 each or $1 million for entire suite public education. I of restoring Barton Academy, recognizing that the school system’s • Language and communication lab wired for 30 computers: Until the opening of Murphy High School in 1926, Barton move would leave the historic building vacant for a second time in $1 million Academy had served as Mobile County’s only public high school its history. and continued in place as an elementary and middle school until • Research and business center wired for 30 computers: “We wanted to work with the school system to be able to help the 1960s, when the building was then converted to the Mobile $1 million them come up with a way to preserve the building and put it to good County Public School System’s central office. • Three administrative offices: $100,000 each use,” Barton Academy Foundation President Jaime Betbeze said. Vacant since 2007, Barton Academy has twice found a spot • Four staff offices: $25,000 each From there, the idea developed and garnered attention from the on Alabama’s list of “Places in Peril,” but the Barton Academy • Music room: $250,000 Downtown Mobile Alliance, which also became a partner in the Foundation, along with the MCPSS, are preparing the landmark project. The partnerships ultimately led to the 2012 founding of the • Art room: $250,000 (taken by Hearin-Chandler Foundation) for a bold new role in the 21st century as the Barton Academy for Barton Academy Foundation, a private 501(c)(3), nonprofit orga- • Dance studio: $250,000 Advanced World Studies. nization geared toward funding the complete restoration of Barton • Small auditorium with stage/presentation area: $500,000 According to MCPSS Superintendent Martha Peek, exterior • Physical education and exercise space: $250,000 renovations to the building began about six weeks ago, and the Academy, Betbeze said. activity now surrounding the once-lively schoolhouse has many “We recognized that there would have to be a fundraising com- • Cafeteria: $300,000 Mobilians quite curious. ponent to be able to come up with the funds necessary to restore • General office, front desk and reception area: In fact, one former MCPSS employee parked his vehicle right in the building,” he said. “It’s a big project … there’s a lot that has to $25,000 (taken by Barton Foundation Board) the middle of busy Government Street, just to inquire about what be done.” • Large conference and boardroom: $100,000 was taking place at the active construction site. On Dec. 15, the Mobile County school board approved an • Bulletin boards, student product display areas and historic agreement for the restoration project at Barton Academy through a “I think when you look at Barton, it’s a symbol for the com- display: $100,000 capital campaign undertaken by the Barton Academy Foundation. munity of education … [and] what we stand for in the community While the current funding appears minimal compared to the “I think the most exciting thing will be to see it be back as an with wanting our quality of life to being at the highest level,” Peek amount needed in order to get the school up and running, Peek education institution … I think that preserves the very proud tradi- said. “And of course education is a foundation for that.” and Betbeze are confident Barton Academy will come back to tion of education in Mobile,” Peek said. “For the school system, life, first with the expected completion of the exterior restoration [anytime] we can provide another pathway for student success, Past: Alabama’s first public school in fall 2015. it’s always exciting. I think now that’s what we’re about, making Led by Willoughby Barton, Mobile County established Ala- However, the remaining timeline ultimately depends on the sure that there are multiple pathways for families to choose for bama’s first public school system in 1826 and a decade later, began amount of money raised. education in the Mobile County Public School System. So, this building Barton Academy as the state’s first public school. The “At that point, we hope to have sufficient funds where they is another pathway for learning, for success in preparing for the school commissioned major figures in the Greek Revival move- can go into doing design work for the interior and then start after future. I think this is also an exciting project because it’s a true col- ment, James Gallier Sr. and brothers James and Charles Dakin, to 2015, if we have sufficient funds, to actually begin work … it laboration between the school system and our partners.” lead the development of the building’s unique architectural design. sort of depends on how quickly we’re able to line up the money,” According to Peek, the board allocated $3.5 million as part of According to the Barton Academy Foundation, Barton Academy Betbeze said. its construction program from the 2012 Capital Outlay Warrants and the nearby Government Street Presbyterian Church, also on the According to Peek, all necessary funds will need to be raised for structural and exterior restoration of Barton Academy, “that National Historic Landmark, are the last surviving works created before moving forward. will be to stabilize the exterior of the building.” by Gallier and Dakin in the city of Mobile. “I think you’ll have [to have a] significant amount to know that “The other funds that will be needed will be for the interior de- While the school commission in 1830 purchased an entire block the money is there to move forward because it’s a total package velopment of the school because at one time, it was a school with on Government for the development of a school, funding problems when you move forward with design for a school,” she said. “You surfaced and construction was delayed. However, the state legisla- classrooms, but then it functioned for a long time as office space, go through the Alabama Building Commission and in working that, ture eventually permitted the commission to raise funds through a so it’s got to be brought back to an actual interior of what would be you pretty much have to have all of your funding in place to move lottery. needed for schools with classrooms, labs and facilities for the arts forward,” she said. By 1836, the school system had raised $50,000 in lottery funds and things like that,” she said. However, Peek said she believes the initial phase of getting in addition to a $15,000 municipal loan and private donations, An additional $11 million to $15 million is needed to restore the the outside of the building restored will demonstrate the commit- which included a large sum of money from local millionaire and interior of the 90,000-square-foot, 175-year-old Barton Academy ment on the part of the school system to make sure Barton is being major funder of Government Street Presbyterian, Henry Hitchcock. in order to make it a functioning academic facility, Betbeze said. restored as a school. Further, she said the extensive efforts between Though students began attending the school in 1839, a tuition According to Betbeze, the Barton Academy foundation has all of the partners working with the Barton Academy Foundation, a fee was required. The school system was hindered from offering raised a “committed” $300,000 to $400,000 of the needed funds group she called “very dedicated,” will also be a positive indication free public education due to a large construction debt. It ended for the school’s complete restoration. for those who may be wishing to contribute. up renting classrooms to a number of private and denominational “That is firm commitments, but other indications that significant “It is a true landmark for our community that needs to be schools. contributions will be made give us confidence that we will be able preserved,” Betbeze said. “It needs to be put back to good use, It wasn’t until 1952 that the school system reorganized and to meet the goal,” he said. so from that perspective, I just feel a great commitment to see it reopened Barton Academy as a true public school, becoming the Costs and naming opportunities for physical modifications to model for Alabama’s public school system. through.”

20 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 course knowledge and instruction and participa- Future: Barton Academy for tion in community international activities and Advanced World Studies programs. In order to help students succeed in today’s “There will be an international flavor to the global economy, the MCPSS and the Barton curriculum,” Peek said, citing a similar curricu- Foundation ultimately decided on the idea of lum in place at Murphy High School known as Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies, the International Baccalaureate program. an innovative program aimed at providing a While Peek said all students in the MCPSS multicultural, specialty school with an emphasis are welcome and encouraged to apply for on social diversity and international awareness. enrollment in BAAWS, there will be strict According to Betbeze, the idea was actu- academic guidelines for admission. Because ally a brainchild of Dr. Russ Lea, former vice of its rigorous curriculum, a 3.4 GPA or 85 president for research at the University of South percent yearly average in all core classes will Alabama, who envisioned a school that would be required for admission and continuation really help the entire community develop its in the program. Additionally, strict discipline ability to interact on the international stage. requirements will include no suspension in the “Dr. Lea has indicated this would be some- year prior to application, and suspension at thing that would be very beneficial for this BAAWS will call for immediate removal from community, and not only for those international the program. students, but for Mobile County students to “It’ll be open to anyone and everyone to ap- have the opportunity to study in a truly inter- ply,” Peek said. “The anticipated enrollment is national community and develop from a very about 400, but we’ll work up to that grade level young age … [and] that it would have a real by grade level. We wouldn’t discourage anyone firm foundation for roles in international busi- from applying, but I think also people need to ness,” Betbeze said. look at what the program is in itself and really Further, BAAWS will play a critical role in decide, ‘is this the educational pathway [for helping students understand the importance of me]?’ If not, we have other pathways that we’d languages and world culture while recognizing encourage people to follow too, but it will be a that economic development in Mobile is largely very specialized [program] with that emphasis dependent on international investment, he said. on global studies.” As a “real learning center of global studies,” It has long been said by educators, business BAAWS will instill a “very advanced curricu- leaders and economic strategists that it is vital lum” in each study area and focus on “hands for a city’s downtown to include an institution on, innovative projects” however, the academy for learning and currently, Mobile is lacking will also have the basic curriculum required by that particular aspect. the state of Alabama, Peek said. “From a community perspective, it’ll be “There’s a core curriculum that is required, a tremendous asset to downtown Mobile in but this will have more of a global studies the sense of, once again, having teachers and feature, a more international foundation with students in the building and having life and languages, culture, economics, geography and activity down here,” Betbeze said. exchange of ideas,” she said. Furthermore, both Peek and Betbeze noted According to the Barton Foundation, the that the school system would like to see Barton curriculum at BAAWS will include, but not be Academy collaborate with the downtown arts limited to, intense foreign language instruction organizations for the school’s art component at all grade levels (Spanish, French, German, of its curriculum and for businesses to have Russian and Chinese will be offered), senior the opportunity to interact with students and project and project-based cultural studies of provide mentoring from leaders who work in individual countries or regions, international program opportunities beginning at sixth grade, the downtown area. opportunities to earn high school credits while “Where you have school, you have life,” in middle school and college credits while in Peek said. “You have a focus for a community high school, required Advanced Placement … [Barton] certainly has a proud history of examinations in all AP classes, technology being a school here in Mobile, and it would be integration as a platform for instruction and really great to have students back in the build- learning, development of critical thinking and ing, to have it return to its original purpose of reasoning skills so students become life-long education.” learners, instruction by highly qualified teach- For more information about the effort to ers with proven records of success, professional restore Barton Academy, visit www.bartonacad- development training for teachers to strengthen emy.org.

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 21 ARTIFICE | ART Theatre fest is stage feast in seven courses BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

he Southern dinner table is rich in flavor and variety and John Cariani. Jamie Boykin. Sunday features Alan Ball’s “Power Lunch,” di- right now is high season for winter feasting. In mid-Jan- “It is about a fictional New England town and the aurora rected by Lars Tatom and Chekhov’s “The Marriage Proposal,” uary, a local arts institution offers up a new smorgasbord borealis is just low enough where people in Maine can see it,” helmed by Joe Fuselli. of its own. Radoslovich said. “It is kind of making everyone lose their “If you get the package you can come Friday one weekend, TMobile Theatre Guild’s inaugural Festival of One-Act Plays mind in a romantic, quirky kind of way. It’s about falling in and then come see Saturday and Sunday the next weekend,” Ra- offers patrons three days’ worth of comic and dramatic fare, out of love.” doslovich said. “They’re letting people split it.” varying the menu from night to night, with recipes written and A New York Times review of the original play described Three-performance packages are $30, or $20 for students, prepared by an assortment of hands. It’s meant as an introduc- it as “amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of seniors and military. Single day tickets are $15, or $10 for tion on all fronts. good-natured magic realism.” It was widely acclaimed as one students, seniors and military. “I think the idea came from Chris Hill and [MTG board of the best new plays of 2006. Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. for member] Barney Marchman sitting around together in casual Radoslovich’s piece anchors the Friday slate. Leading Sunday matinees. conversation,” Tania Paredes Radoslovich said. A veteran of off the night will be “Boise, Idaho” by Sean Michael Welch, “I think people are going to be pleased when they come see Mobile stage, she is one of seven fledgling directors stepping helmed by Corey Wornell. Following that is a Susan Vinson- it, it’s such a variety up there,” Radoslovich said. “You’re never into thin air with the effort running from Jan. 9 until Jan. 18 at directed version of “Habit” by John Patrick, each of those going to see the same thing twice.” 14 N. Lafayette St. running about 30 minutes, while Radoslovich’s closer is 45 The novice director believes the festival’s aim of expanding According to Radoslovich, Hill and Marchman’s aim was minutes long. and strengthening Mobile’s theatre community across genera- to invigorate the theatrical scene. Seven short stageplays by Efficiency is utmost. Minimalist approach prevails. tions has paid dividends. It’s been obvious. authors from Edward Albee to Anton Chekhov were circled for “Everybody has got their own backdrop so mine will fly “Though it’s been chaotic with seven people trying to focus and MTG opened the doors. down when it’s time,” Radoslovich said. “We’ll throw in a share the theater, everybody’s working really nicely together. “They deadlined it, gave a date you could put a proposal in chair here or a table there to kind of add in what’s going on, but Nobody’s pulling rank. Everybody’s cooperating,” Radoslovich by,” Radoslovich said. “They had a committee that said ‘yes’ or in the background will be a kind of a snow globe effect.” said. “Everybody’s meshing really, really well though half of us ‘no’ and that’s how we did this.” Even more daunting than physical changes will be the men- don’t know each other.” The masterminds made available the draw of plays and al- tal and emotional shifts. Some of the actors are pulling multiple It’s also reached out beyond the confines of Mobile Theatre lowed each director their own process for filling out the cast. duties that evening. Guild as physical limitations came into play. Some held auditions while others hand picked, as Radoslovich “We’ve got Christopher Spencer, Victoria Johnson, Kim “Other theaters have been very generous in donating facili- did from castmates in another production. McKenzie, Rick Miller, Corey Wornell and Mark Nager in ties because seven plays can’t get in a rehearsal space at the Her background in Mobile theatre and as a drama major at mine,” Radoslovich said. “Christopher and Mark are in the first same time,” Radoslovich said. “Sunnyside Theater, Joe Jef- the University of South Alabama — “I’ve been on stage locally play so at least with another work between them, they have ferson and the University of South Alabama let us use space. since I was about six and have been in probably close to 50 Susan’s play to kind of recover emotionally and regroup.” They’ve all been very kind with their time and generosity of things” — also paid off in finding the six actors who make up The Saturday shows are Albee’s “The Zoo Story”, directed by space, donating props, just being very helpful. It’s been a true the three couples in her work, an abridged “Almost, Maine” by Brendon Cook and Jonathan Rand’s “Check, Please,” led by community theater experience.”

22| LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 23 ART GALLERY | ART Broadway legend on big screen for local fest BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

startling child prodigy of Viennese-born American immigrants, Marvin Hamlisch exhibited his piano skills at age five and was enrolled in Juilliard Pre-College Division at age seven. Through the connections he made in New York, Hamlisch would have one of the most storied careers in American theatrical history. He was hired to write his first score after being heard playing at a party. Before long, he was penning pieces for Woody Allen and began aA string of chart-busting hits. At age 29, he took home three Academy Awards, the first in a string of successive nominations and wins throughout the 1970s and ‘80s. The next year he pulled in a Tony Award and a Pulitzer for his work on “A Chorus Line.” Hamlisch went to win a Drama Desk award and was tapped as principal pops conductor for 10 orchestras in major American cities. He was one of only 12 people to win all four major American Performing Awards. He and Richard Rodgers are the only two to have those four and a Pulitzer. In 2008 he was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame. His death at age 68 from complications following a kidney transplant was untimely and momentous. Four-time Tony-winning producer Dori Berinstein launched this first-ever biography of Hamlisch. The deeply intimate look at his smashing suc- cess, the difficulties it brought and his struggle for personal happiness features a panoply of stars from the American stage and screen. This matinee in Mobile’s Jewish Film Festival will play at Springhill Avenue Temple, 1769 Springhill Ave. Sunday, Jan. 11 at 3 p.m. A Broadway sing-along with Terry Maddox will follow. Admission is $8, $6 for students and seniors. For more information, call 251-343-7197 or go to mobilejewishfederation.org.

Alabama artist Symphonic rock launches Zep at paints to inner Saenger

The Black Jacket Symphony has found a popular recipe by emphasizing the “classic” in “clas- peace sic rock.” Utilizing musicians hand-selected for the work in focus, they faithfully recreate the familiar strains for their opening set. Post-intermission, their attention turns to the featured artist’s For Alabama artist Trés Taylor, the wider catalog. path to art was a path to enlightenment. The album at the heart of matters is Led Zeppelin’s “Houses of the Holy,” the fifth studio The self-taught painter was a biochemist release from the 1970s titans that set new records for their popularity while opening doors to their when a visit with outsider artist R.A. Miller innovation in the studio. The album of all original works was recorded at the estate of Mick Jagger inspired him to change focus from the lab and was certified 11 times platinum. to visual arts. His concentration now is Tickets for this show run from $32.05 to $37.15. Curtain is at 8 p.m. in the midst of the monthly house paint on tarpaper and the results have LoDa ArtWalk, so plan accordingly. earned him shows across the United States For more info, call 251-208-5600 or go to mobilesaenger.com. and Japan. His “enCHANTment” show at Fairhope’s Eastern Shore Art Center, 401 Oak St., closes this month and is built around the Jolly Lama Peace Project, a 15- Academic quartet crosses lines foot tall sculptural monk draped in red and gold beneath a “cascade of hummingbirds.” Visitors are encouraged to enter the struc- to make music ture and jot down prayers for peace which Musical masters from four institutions — University of South Alabama piano professor Robert will then be folded into origami birds. This Holm; University of Alabama violin professor Jenny Gregoire; University of Illinois viola profes- project was in Birmingham during the Dalai sor Rudolf Haken and University of Southern Mississippi cello professor Alexander Russakovsky Lama’s October visit. — combine efforts to bring a breathtaking exhibition of emotive skill to life for Mobilians. The show finishes Jan. 10. Taylor will be Dubbing themselves the Tri-State Piano Quartet, the ensemble will bring to life Czech com- on hand Jan. 9 at 3:30 p.m. to talk to visi- poser Bohuslav Martinu’s First Piano Quartet, a work in three movements showing the burgeoning tors about his work. influence of American sounds on his art not long after his arrival in 1941. Following intermission, ESAC hours are Tuesday through Fri- the quartet will perform After intermission, the quartet will play Brahms’ Second Piano Quartet in day, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. A major, op. 26, a large-scale work that builds intensity over four movements until its concluding For more info, call 251-928-2228 or go “Hungarian Dance.” to esartcenter.com.

24 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 FEATURE | MUSIC Cru’s crew keeps the blues alive BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: Tas Cru & His Band of Tortured Souls featuring Super Chikan, Johnny No Date: Friday, Jan. 9, 9 p.m. Venue: The Blues Tavern, 2818 Government Blvd., www.bluestavern.com Tickets: Free ailing from upstate New York, Tas Cru & His Band of SC: You’ve always been involved with blues Tortured Souls will be making their Mobile debut Jan. education for young people. You even won a 9 at The Blues Tavern. Known as the “Master of the Keeping the Blues Alive award for your work Triple Entendre,” Cru is making his way through the with Blues in the School. What’s the best thing HSoutheast on his annual journey to the International Blues Chal- about introducing young people to the blues? lenge in Memphis. Cru is also bringing along Clarkdale legend TC: The one best thing is hard to figure. James “Super Chikan” Johnson, who is known for crafting guitars It really depends on the age group. Different out of everything from gas cans to ax handles. Johnson will also things matter to different ages. One thing is that return to The Blues Tavern the following Sunday, Jan. 11, for the you’ve got a kid who might be making choices Gulf Coast Blues Society’s International Blues Challenge benefit. that might not be real good, but they pick up Cru and his band are on their “Sun Please Shine on Me Tour” on the blues and think, “Hey, maybe I can do in support of his latest album, “You Take the Money.” The album this. Maybe I can pick up a harmonica or guitar presents Cru’s versatile take on the blues with tracks that trip ef- or some drums or something. Maybe I can fortlessly across subgenres ranging from country to rock. Cru used put my energy into that instead of something the inconvenient pause of a traffic jam to give locals a preview of that doesn’t seem to be doing me much good.” their upcoming show and his new album. That’s the first thing that jumps out, but you don’t always know when that happens, because SC: How does it feel to be the “Master of the Triple Entendre?” you don’t see it right away. Keb’Mo is a perfect TC: You know, when somebody tells me what that means, then example of that that. He was in Compton, and it will probably feel real good. I don’t know what the hell that his shop teacher used to play for him. He was means. Some guy said that to me one time, and somebody picked a gangbanger, and he decided not to do that up on it or something. I guess it means something about lyrics anymore. Who knows when something like that meaning different things to different people is what it all boils will happen? Photo/tascru.com down to. SC: You’re on tour in support of your new SC: I was reading in your bio that you come from a very album, “You Keep the Money.” How does it feel Tas Cru & His Band of Tortured Souls includes James “Super musical family, but you were the only one who pursued a career to have this one out? Chikan” Johnson, who crafts guitars out of cigar boxes, ax in music. What was different about you? What made you want to TC: It feels real good. It hasn’t really hit handles, gas cans and other objects. make it a career? me yet, because it doesn’t release until tomor- TC: Girls like guys who play guitar. Of course, it doesn’t work row. So, people have advanced copies, but there Clarksdale over the past few years. We know a lot of the same for me like it used to. Yeah, that’s mostly true. I just always sur- hasn’t been any hype yet. There have been a few reviews here and people. He and I have a little cigar box (guitar) connection. He rounded myself with it as a kid. It was fun to do. there. People tell me that they like it, but I guess we’ll find out. We makes these instruments, and I’ve seen some of his crazy stuff. So, SC: When you first found the blues, you fell in love with the did a show last night that featured some of that stuff, and people we’ve gotten to know each other that way. Coming into his town, country blues sound. What was it about that style that appealed to seemed to like it. It’s gonna hit the stands here in the next couple he’s always been very gracious and open to hanging out a little you so much? of days or so. I see some traffic of people asking me to do things. bit and share the stage. So, I got asked to return the favor. He was TC: Well, the stories and the lyrical parts are very interesting. I think some people are interested in it, so it’s good to get it out coming through, and it seemed to work out. There were stories about things that I had never experienced and there. I’m very happy with it. We’ll see. SC: In the blues scene, you’ve got all these people talking didn’t know much about. That’s why they were interesting. I really SC: What was it like putting this one together? about keeping the blues alive. What do you think is the best way enjoyed that. My uncle loved that stuff. He used to tell me that TC: It was a little different than what I’ve done in the past. I to keep the blues alive? there’s more to it than what that guy is talking about. Like (How- took my time and wasn’t in a big hurry. I let things simmer and TC: Well, I guess the best way is just to keep playing it. People lin’) Wolf singing “300 Pounds of Joy” and stuff like that. He used stew a little bit. The engineer was really great to work with. He who don’t play it just need to come out to the live performances. to say, “There’s more to this.” I just commented to the guys, we offered some good input, and we became good friends during that. I don’t care if it’s blues or country or whatever. The places that were listening to the blues channel on XM and saying, “Did you I think the process was real different this time by not being rushed. feature blues acts don’t have people in the seats. People don’t go hear anything there that she just said? What’s she singing about? SC: When you play Mobile, Super Chikan will be joining you out like they used to. People gotta come out. They just can’t sit in I have no idea. There’s nothing that grabs me. I can’t remember on stage. How did you guys hook up? their homes and listen on their computers. They have to come out what she’s talking about.” The story is important. TC: We’ve known James for a while. I spent a lot of time in and see the live thing.

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 25 AREA MUSIC LISTINGS JANUARY 8 - JANUARY 14

8p Fusion Sushi Bar— Bryant Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 4p THUR. JAN 8 IP Casino— Uncle Kracker, 8p Gilley, 6p Blues Tavern— 61/49, 8:30p John Word’s Captains John Word’s Captains TUE. JAN 13 Celtic Irish Pub— Thomas Table— Jerry Squires, 7p Table— Jerry Squires, 7p Butch Cassidy’s— John w/ McCormack & Jacob Cauley Legacy— Johnny Hayes, 6p// Legacy— David Chastang Cornbred Cockeyed Charlie’s— Sammy Rumour Mill, 9p Lulu’s— CoConut Radio, 4p Cockeyed Charlie’s— Matt Sixx Lulu’s— Kyle & Karl, 4p McSharry’s— DJ Demps, 10p Neese +1 Felix’s— Jerri Main Street Cigar Lounge— Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— This Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Flora Bama— T. Bone Ryan Balthrop Side of 49, 6:30p Flora Bama— Alan Rhody, 3p// Montgomery, 3p// Bo Roberts, Mark McSharry’s— DJ Demps, 10p Top of the Bay— Missused Perdido Brothers, 7p Sherrill, Chris Newbury & Friends, Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Emily Tropics— Al & Cathy, 7p Lulu’s— Jimmy Lumpkin, 4p 5p Syuckey, 6:30p Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p R-Life Live— David Chastang John Word’s Captains Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Brett Soul Kitchen— Eric Erdman Table— Jerry Squires, 7p LaGrave, 8p SUN. JAN 11 Album Release Party, 6:30p Legacy— Ryan Balthrop R-Life Live— Grant Dunaway Blues Tavern— Fundraiser for Veets— Ryan Balthrop & Drew Lulu’s— Adam Holt, 4p Tropics— Halfway Show Band Memphis, 5p Bentley, 8p McSharry’s— TJ & Marshall Saenger— Black Jacket Symphony Butch Cassidy’s— Trivia, 6p R-Life Live— Grant Dunaway Performs Led Zeppelin’s “Houses of Callaghan’s— Shannon McNally WED. JAN 14 Veets— Elvis Palooza w/ Tim the Holy”, 8p Felix’s— Brandon Bailey Blues Tavern— Grant & Bayne, Kinsey, Jeff Fidler, Daryl Huffman & AREA MUSIC LISTINGS | Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Flora Bama— J. Hawkins & James 8p Elvis Presley, 8p Windmill Market— Harrison Daniel, 12p// Perdido Brothers, 4p/// Bucky’s Birdcage (Grand McInnis, 6p Logan Spicer, 8p Hotel)— Adam Holt Piano Show, FRI. JAN 9 Lulu’s— Greg Brown, 1p// Greg 8p Beau Rivage— Johnny Mathis SAT. JAN 10 Brown, 5p Callaghan’s— Deluxe Trio Blues Tavern— Tas Cru w/ Blues Tavern— Cazanovas, 9p McSharry’s— Trad Irish Session, Celtic Irish Pub— Mike Super Chicken & Johnny No, 9p Callaghan’s— Julie Anne 6:30p Cockeyed Charlie’s— Dave Celtic Irish Pub— Champion Celtic Irish Pub— Michael Ross Picklefish— Jazz Brunch with Chatel Club Benefit Bayou Rhythm, 12p Felix’s— Julie Anne Sellers Cockeyed Charlie’s— Shawna P. Cockeyed Charlie’s— DJ Chill Stir— Bryant Gilley, 9p Flora Bama— Tophat & Jackie, Felix’s— Grit’s N Pieces Felix’s— Blind Dog Mike Veets— Adam Holt & John Keuler, 11a// Neil Dover, 3p/// Smokin’ Flora Bama— Foxy Iguanas, Flora Bama— J. Hawkins & 8p Elvis’, 7p 5:30p// LeaAnne Creswell, John James Daniel, 2p// Alan Rhody, Legacy— Lee Yankie Joiner, Darrel Roberts, 6p/// Lee 4p/// Rebecca Barry Band, 5:30p//// MON. JAN 12 Lucky’s Irish Pub— Bryant Yankie, 6p//// Neil Dover Band, LeaAnne Creswell, John Joiner, Felix’s— Corey Rezner Gilley, 8p 9:30p//// Hart Break Hill, 10p Darrel Roberts, 6p//// Lee Yankie & Flora Bama— Cathy Pace, 4p Lulu’s— Joey Arata, 4p Fusion Sushi Bar— Bryant HellzYeah, 9:30p//// Smokin’ Elvis’, Hangout— Gary, 12p// Snowbird, R-Life Live— Brett LaGrave Gilley, 6p 10p 5p Veets— Grits N’ Pieces, 8p Hard Rock (Live)— Foreigner,

SENd YoUR MUSIC LISTINGS To [email protected]

26 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 AREA CLUB LISTINGS [doWNToWN] 9 N Jackson St. 285-4596 Ravenite Pizzeria [Fairhope] 251-967-LULU Trader’s Serda’s Coffee Company 102 N. Section St. | 929-2525 Pink Pony Pub [Gulf Shores] 4015 Battleship Pkwy Alchemy Tavern www.serdas.com Rosie’s Grill and Record Bar www.pinkponypub.net 626-5630 alchemy.joltpro.com 3 S. Royal St. | 415-3000 [Daphne] 137 East Gulf Pl. | 978-6371 The River Shack 7 S. Joachin St. | 441-7741 Skyview Lounge www.rosiesgrill.com Pirate’s Cove [Elberta] 6120 Marina Dr. S. The Blind Mule Atop the Lafayette Plaza 1203 U.S. 98|626-2440 www.piratescoveriffraff.com (under Dog River bridge) 57 N. Claiborne St. | 694-6853 301 Gov’t St.| 694-0100 Windmill Market [Fairhope] 6600 County Rd. 95| 987-1224 443-7318 Boo Radley’s Soul Kitchen www.windmillmarket.org Tacky Jacks www.booradleysmobile.com Tin Top www.soulkitchenmobile.com 85 N. Bancroft St. | 517-5444 www.tackyjacks.com 276 Dauphin St. | 432-1996 6232 Bon Secour Hwy. County 219 Dauphin St. |433-5958 [Orange Beach] The Bar Rd. 10 | 251-949-5086 Spot of Tea’s Jaggers [WESTMoBILE] 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, |981-4144 352 St. Francis St. | 648-1596 Touch Down Tavern 310 Dauphin St. | 375-6772 All Sports Bar & Grill [Gulf Shores] The Brickyard 5460 Inn Rd | 662-7543 Studio 5’4 3408 Pleasant Valley Rd. 249 E. 24th Ave.| 948-8881 266 Dauphin St. | 473-4739 VFW Post 7320 [Saraland] 216 Dauphin St. | 725-0406 345-9338 [Gulf Shores] Buck’s Pizza 244 Old Telegraph Rd. |679-1188 T.P. Crockmiers Billiards Club 1577 Alabama 180|968-8341 www.buckspizza.com Whiskey Blues [Theodore] 250 Dauphin St. | 476-1890 4130 Gov’t Blvd.|447-2132 The Handlebar [Pensacola] 350 Dauphin St. | 431-9444 5791 Swedetown Rd.|633-1769 Veet’s Midnight Rodeo www.handlebarpensacola.com Cabo Cantina Zebra Lounge www.veetsbarandgrill.com 7790 Tanner Rd., Ste. B|639-2222 319 N. Tarragona St.| 434-9060 225 Dauphin St. | 441-7685 2343 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 66 S. Royal St.| 694-3090 Cockeyed Charlies The Wharf [Orange Beach] Callaghan’s Irish Social Club 6920 Airport Blvd.|725-1112 4985 Wharf Pkwy.| 224-1000 473-2997 www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com [MIdToWN] Crooked Martini 916 Charleston St. | 433-9374 Ashland Midtown Pub www.thecrookedmartini.com [ARoUNd ANd ABoUT] [CASINoS] AREA CLUB LISTINGS | MUSIC Dalhia’s Electric Piano Hall www.ashlandmidtownpub.com 7639 Cottage Hill Rd. #C |633-5555 Bill and Charlie’s [Theodore] Beau Rivage [Biloxi] 258 Dauphin St. | 378-5025 2453 Old Shell Rd.| 479-3278 Flashback Club 11470-B Bellingrath Rd.|973-0388 www.beaurivage.com Dauphin St. Blues Company Blues Tavern 10071 Airport Blvd.| 634-2239 Blue Gill Restaurant 878 Beach Blvd.|228-386-7111 & Draft Picks www.bluestavern.com Jag’s Sports Bar & Grill www.bluegillrestaurant.com or 888-595-2534 564 Dauphin St. | 725-6429 2818 Gov’t Blvd. |479-7621 5602 Old Shell Rd.| 725-1102 3775 Battleship Pkwy. |625-1998 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Firehouse Wine Bar Shop Butch Cassidy’s Cafe Lucky Irish Pub & Grill Bottoms Up [Biloxi] 216 St. Francis St. | 421-2022 www.butchcassidys.com 3692 Airport Blvd.| 414-3000 2605 Halls Mill Rd. | 287-7781 www.hardrockbiloxi.com Gabriel’s Downtown 60 N. Florida St. |450-0690 Mellow Mushroom Briar Patch 777 Beach Blvd. 55 S. Joachim St. | 432-4900 Kimberly’s Midtown Bar www.mellowmushroom.com 9371 Dauphin Island Pkwy. |228-374-ROCK (7625) The Garage 2660 Old Shell Rd. |478-1477 5660 Old Shell Rd. | 380-1500 973-1120 Harrah’s Hotel & Casino 9 S. Washington Ave. | 433-2223 Mellow Mushroom Moe’s Southwest Grill Burnout’s Bar & Grill [Saraland] [New Orleans] Grand Central www.mellowmushroom.com www.moes.com 7151 Hwy 158 W | 679-9255 www.harrahsneworleans.com grandcentralmobile.com 2032 Airport Blvd. |471-4700 280 McGregor Ave. S.| 342- 5233 Celtic Irish Pub [Pascagoula] 256 Dauphin St. | 432-6999 228 Poydras St.|504-533-6000 Royal Knight Restaurant Royal Knight 4901 Chicot St. | 228-938-6800 Hayley’s Downtown Grand Casino [Biloxi] 3004 Gov’t Blvd. |287-1220 3004 Gov’t Blvd.| 476-6044 Ed’s Seafood Shed 278 Dauphin St. | 433-4970 www.grandcasinobiloxi.com Silver Horse Pub Patches www.edsshed.com Joe Cain Café 280 Beach Blvd. 151 S. Florida St. |478-7030 5100 Girby Rd.| 661-8028 3382 Battleship Pkwy. | 625-1947 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 228-436-2946 Whistle Stop Bar & Grill Satori Coffee House Felix’s Fish Camp Liquid IP Casino Resort & Spa 110 S. Florida St.|478-7427 www.satori-coffee.com www.felixsfishcamp.com 661 Dauphin St. | 432-0109 [Biloxi] 5460 Old Shell Rd. | 344-4575 1530 Battleship Pkwy. |626-6710 Loda Bier Garten www.ipbiloxi.com [EASTERN SHoRE] Runway Billards Midnight Rodeo 251 Dauphin St. | 287-6871 850 Bayview Ave. Bay House Pub [Daphne] 8000 Airport Blvd. | 634-8006 7790 Tanner Rd. |639-2222 Mobile Civic Center 800-436-3000 28850 Bayline Dr. | 626-0158 The Hungry Owl Mississippi Coast Coliseum www.mobilecivicctr.com Wind Creek Casino Club 44 [Daphne] 7899 Cottage Hill | 633-4479 [Biloxi] 401 Civic Center Dr. | 208-7261 www.windcreekcasino.com 28850 US 98, #100 | 445-8069 Stir Mobile www.mscoastcoliseum.com O’Daly’s Irish Pub 303 Poarch Rd., Atmore Gumbo Shack 5821 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D | 342-9995 2350 Beach Blvd. |228-594-3700 564 Dauphin St.|725-6429 866-946-3360 www.guysgumbo.com VFW Post 49 The End Zone Sports Bar OK Bicycle Shop 212 Fairhope Ave. | 928-4100 2528 Govt Blvd. | 471-9438 [Mt. Vernon] 19170 Hwy 43. 661 Dauphin St. |432-2453 McSharry’s [Fairhope] 829-9227The Oar House [NEW oRLEANS] Pat’s Downtown Grill www.mcsharrys.com [THE BEACH] [Dauphin Island] House of Blues 271 Dauphin St. | 438-9585 101N Brancroft St. |990-5100 Flora-Bama 1504 Bienville Blvd.| 861-4800 www.houseofblues.com Riverview Plaza (Fathoms Moe’s Original BBQ [Daphne] www.florabama.com Original Oyster House 225 Decatur St . Lounge) www.moesoriginalbbq.com 17401 Perdido Key Dr., www.theoysterhouse.com |504-310-4999 64 S. Water St.| 438-4000 6423 Bayfront Pk Dr.|625-7427 850-492-0611 3733 Battleship Pkwy. |626-2188 Howlin’ Wolf Royal Scam Old 27 Grill [Fairhope] The Hangout Pelican Pub & Restaurant www.thehowlinwolf.com/new- www.royalscammobile.com 19992 Hwy 181 | 281-2663 www.thehangoutal.com [Dauphin Island] orleans 72 S. Royal St.|432-SCAM (7226) Papa’s Pizza [Daphne] 101 Gulf Ct. | 948-3030 1102 DeSoto Ave.| 861-7180 907 S. Peters St. Royal Street Tavern www.papaspizza.com Live Bait Pelican Reef Restaurant 504-522-WOLF (9653) 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 28850 US Hwy 98| 626-7662 www.livebaitrestaurant.com 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Louisiana Superdome Saenger Theatre 24281 Perdido Beach Blvd. Plow [Fairhope] | 973-2670 www.superdome.com www.mobilesaenger.com 974-1612 96 Plantation Pointe| 410-7569 Tacky Jacks [Spanish Fort] 1500 Poydras St. |504-587-366 6 S. Joachim St. |208-5600 Lulu’s at Homeport Marina Courtyard 311 www.tackyjacks.com Tipitina’s Saddle Up Saloon www.lulubuffett.com 311 Fairhope Ave. | 928-2032 1175 Battleship Pkwy. |621-8988 501 Napoleon Ave. www.saddleupmobile.com 200 E. 25th Ave. 504-895-TIPS (8477) LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 27 An evening with three singer-songwriters BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: John Moreland, Caleb Caudle, Aaron Lee Tasjan Date: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. Venue: Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, 916 Charleston St., www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com Tickets: $25 at Callaghan’s obile’s favorite neighborhood bar will be maximizing its listening room environment with a triple-shot of up-and-coming singer-songwriters Jan. 13. The show will feature two familiar faces and one newcomer Cal- laghan’s regulars are sure to love. MLast year, John Moreland made a stop in the Azalea City with a very powerful first impression. Moreland combines pure emotion with honest lyrics in his delivery, quite a contrast from his punk and metalcore roots. His latest release, “In the Throes,” is a mélange of modern Americana. With its acoustic foundation and Moreland’s trademark vocals, “In the Throes” manages to capture the essence of his sound. Last time Caleb Caudle rolled through Callaghan’s, he was opening for Justin Townes Earle. Caudle’s shows are emotionally versatile. His lighthearted stage banter is sandwiched between acoustic masterpieces that have made him a local favorite. Caudle will be entertaining the Callaghan’s audience with cuts from his latest release “Paint Another Layer On My Heart,” which was released on the This Is American Music label. Aaron Lee Tasjan will complete the lineup. Tasjan has worked with bands rang- ing from New York Dolls to Drivin’ N Cryin’. As a solo artist, Tasjan has crafted a rock-infused folk sound that earns him new fans with each performance. Tasjan will be presenting tracks from his latest EP, “Crooked River Burning.” Photo/ johnmoreland.net| John Moreland Improv jazz at portal Eric Erdman and Band: Charles Pagano, Scott Leonard Bazar, guests debut Portal Improv Group Date: Thursday Jan. 8, doors at 7 p.m. Venue: Portal Studio, 163 N. Lawrence St., new album 454-4923 Band: Eric Erdman album Tickets: $5 donation at the door release party Date: Tuesday, Jan. 13, ortal Studio is a local institution paying homage to all types doors at 6 p.m. of art. Their featured mediums range from visual to aural, and this show will bring together three eclectic musical acts for Venue: Soul Kitchen, an evening of unique sounds. The improvisational evening of 219 Dauphin St., Pmusic will feature the debut of the 2015 Plutonian Burrito Tour to the www.soulkitchenmobile.com Azalea City. Tickets: $10 adv./$15 day-of The Plutonian Burrito Tour brings together two of the music world’s most innovative musicians. Charles Pagano is a percussionist who puts ver the years, Eric Erdman has become no limitations on his work. The best description of his style could be one of Mobile’s most revered song- “spontaneous fusion jazz.” smiths. Since embarking on his solo Scott Leonard Bazar will be joining Pagano. Bazar takes a no holds career, Erdman has dreamed of traveling barred approach to his music, highlighted with pieces such as “Guitar to Muscle Shoals to record in Alabama’s music PitchFork Sampler and Animations.” Bazar inundates his audiences O capital. In order to fulfill his dream, he looked to with a wave of chaos he wrangles into memorable songs. the philanthropic website Kickstarter. After his The Portal Improv Group will complete the free-wheeling lineup and campaign ended, Erdman had raised more than add their influence to the mix. enough money to finance the creation of his latest album, “Not Slowing Down.” Erdman has always peppered his songs with soul and the tracks on “Not Slowing Down” are no exception. “Ain’t Been Right (Since I Left You)” displays Erdman’s talent for mixing smooth vocals and soulful grooves. The album also has its share of poignant ballads, such as the album’s title track. Erdman also had a host of special guests on “Not Slowing Down,” and they will be joining him at the release party. The crowd can expect appearances from The Hussy Hicks, The Deluxe Trio, Ryan Balthrop, Lee Yankie, Harrison McIn- nis, Kristy Lee, Les Hall, Cary Laine and Holli Mosley. The show will also feature a horn section comprised of Blake Nolte, Jeff Lynn, Chip Her- rington and Larry Carter. Photo/Portal Studios/Facebook Photo/ericerdman.com| Eric Erdman

28 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 RUNDOWN | MUSIC Saenger books Costello in March BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

lvis Costello’s career has describe as “Alabama psychedelic surf spanned nearly four decades. rock.” 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’s During that time, Costello has sound mingles a variety of genres and released 25 studio releases the creative environment of the Mobile Eincluding a host of hit singles such Museum of Art should provide a superb as “Watching the Detectives,” “Ve- environment in which to experience it. ronica” and “Radio Radio.” His career A cover charge of $10 is requested. has resulted in the culmination of an extremely dedicated cult following that Recording is a (sn)app grows with each generation. Smart phone apps have been a big On Friday, March 13, Costello will part of the music game for quite some play at the Saenger Theatre. Costello time. Now, Magix has released the has never been scared to innovate, a Music Maker Jam app for the iPhone. practice evident in his latest release, The free app is geared toward live- “Wise Up Ghost.” The 2013 album is looping enthusiasts. Over 1,000 loops a collaborative effort between Costello and sounds are combined with an and organic hip-hop collective The eight-track mixer for use by even the Roots. Tickets are on sale now at the inexperienced. Users can edit live and Saenger box office and through Ticket- link tracks in order to export com- master. plete songs. The app also features an extensive list of filters and effects on Music at MMoA the electronic mixing board. Without Mobile Museum of Art continues its hesitation, the user can change tempos, “Live at the Museum” concert series instruments, harmonies and melodies. Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. The latest “We’ve known about the affinity of installment will feature the sounds of iPhone users for music, design and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Many creativity for a long time,” Magix CEO local music junkies were extremely Sascha Lazimbat said in a press release. disappointed when the group went on “Now we can finally offer them Mu- a hiatus. However, good music is hard sic Maker Jam as a free download to ignore, and the members of this — completely redesigned and with a Photo/Elvis Costello/Facebook exceptional band reunited to continue brand new look. We’re really looking their musical legacy. The group delivers forward to seeing what iPhone users are Elivs Costello will bring nearly 40 years of career experience to the Saenger Theatre March 13. its own brand of rock ‘n’ roll that they going to create.”

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 29 THE REEL WORLD/MOVIE REVIEW | FILM Jewish Film Fest begins Sunday BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC | [email protected]

he Jewish Film Festival returns with another stel- author Uri Orlev. Americans risked losing their citizenship by joining the lar lineup beginning Sunday, Jan. 11 and ending fight. This remarkable film celebrates the pilots who laid Thursday, Jan. 22. A wide array of international “Body and Soul – The State of the Jewish Nation” the foundation for the Israeli Air Force. films with a Jewish perspective will be shown Wednesday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m., Laidlaw Performing Arts Tat venues around town. Whether you want to start your Center, USA, guest speaker Gloria Greenfield, director. “The Jewish Cardinal” Wednesday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m., new year off with thoughtful reflection on historical Gloria Z. Greenfield’s powerful new documentary Ben May Library, Bernheim Hall, guest speaker, Jerry events, an exploration of current issues, or a Broadway addresses a complex issue eloquently and compre- Darring, Holocaust scholar. sing-along, there is something for everyone this year. hensively. It not only shows the undeniable historical A dramatic clash of ecclesiastical politics and spiritual The films are described below, with show time and connection between the Jewish people and the land of soul-searching, “The Jewish Cardinal” is the remarkable AREA venue information. Israel, but also seeks to debunk the propaganda, myths true story of the son of Polish-Jewish immigrants who, THEATERS “Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did for Love” Sun- and misinformation that have become accepted as truth while maintaining his Jewish identity, became leader of day, Jan. 11, 3 p.m., Springhill Avenue Temple, followed by so many. the French church and close confidant to the Pope. by a Broadway sing-along and cheesecake dessert! Laurent Lucas brings intensity and heartache to his role MoBILE The musical showman who scored some of the most as the cardinal who faces a crisis of faith, while Aurélien indelible melodies of stage and screen is affectionately Recoing gives a tour de force portrayal of the reform- remembered in “Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did for minded pontiff. Helmed by Ilan Duran Cohen and shot CoUNTY Love.” From humble beginnings as a Manhattan boy on location in Paris and Rome, this handsomely mounted and son of Viennese Jews, Hamlisch was a child piano historical biopic is winner of the Best French TV Grand CARMIkE prodigy destined for greatness, having been accepted Prix prize at the Festival de Luchon. CINEMAS into the Juilliard School as a six-year-old. Wynnsong 16 He quickly achieved unprecedented success as a com- “Aftermath” Thursday, Jan. 22 7 p.m., Ahavas 785 Schillinger Road S. poser of such pop hits as “The Way We Were,” scores for Chesed Synagogue, post-film discussion led by author 251-639-7373 Hollywood films “The Sting” and “Sophie’s Choice,” as Roy Hoffman. well as the Broadway juggernaut “A Chorus Line.” By One of the most controversial Polish films ever made, CRESCENT the age of 31, he had won every major award: a stagger- “Aftermath” is a harrowing mystery-thriller based on the ing four Grammys, an Emmy, three Oscars, a Tony and a real-life cover-up of a Jewish massacre at the hands of THEATER Pulitzer Prize. Interviews with Hamlisch, and a constel- Photo/Far Films | “Zaytoun” Catholic Poles. 208 dauphin St. lation of his collaborators — from Barbra Streisand and After decades living abroad in Chicago, Franek (Ire- 251-438-2005 Carly Simon to Woody Allen and Lucie Arnaz — trace “Zaytoun” Thursday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m., Laidlaw Perform- neusz Czop) is prompted to return to his ancestral family the creative and personal highs and lows of this consum- ing Arts Center, USA, Followed by a dessert reception. farm by news that his estranged younger brother Józef HoLLYWood mate artist. Director Eran Riklis (“The Syrian Bride”) gives the 1982 (Maciej Stuhr) has come into conflict with fellow vil- STAdIUM 18 Lebanon War an unexpectedly humanistic and child- lagers. Upon his arrival, Franek is greeted by seething 1250 Satchel paige drive “Run, Boy, Run” Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m., Laidlaw Per- centric outlook in “Zaytoun,” the heartwarming story of hostility and escalating harassment from the local peas- 251-473-9655 forming Arts Center, University of South Alabama, guest a downed Israeli fighter pilot and Palestinian boy thrown ants. As they repair fraternal ties, the brothers literally speaker Rabbi Steven Silberman. together on a perilous trek. A People’s Choice Award uncover half-buried secrets of the past and disturbing Encore performance: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m., Univer- winner at the Toronto International Film Festival, this historical clues that ultimately lead to an appalling sity of South Alabama, Fairhope campus, guest speaker film probes the contested borders — physical, historical, revelation. BALdWIN Rabbi Steven Silberman. personal — that divide Israelis and Palestinians. The first feature in a decade by acclaimed filmmaker A superlative saga of courage and compassion, “Run, Władysław Pasikowski, “Aftermath” sent shockwaves CoUNTY Boy, Run” tells the extraordinary true story of a Polish “Above and Beyond: The Birth of the Israeli Air throughout Poland upon its release, forcing the country boy who seeks the kindness of others in his solitary Force” Sunday, Jan. 18, 3p.m., Ahavas Chesed Syna- to confront a long history of virulent anti-Semitism. RAvE MoTIoN struggle to outlast the Nazi occupation and keep his Jew- gogue, guest speaker Nancy Spielberg, producer. Nominated for seven Polish Academy Awards, with wins pICTURE ish faith alive. Some will help him survive and others This gripping documentary is a true-life wartime for Best Acting and Set Design, and winner of the Yad JUBILEE will betray him. An unforgettable cinematic experience adventure story. In 1948, as five Arab nations prepared Vashem Chairman’s Award at the Jerusalem Interna- featuring exceptional performances, arresting cinema- to invade Israel, a group of young men from around tional Film Festival. SqUARE 12 tography and a transcendent musical score, “Rub, Boy, the globe volunteered to defend the new country. Many For tickets, and to view trailers for the films, visit www. 6898 U.S. Highway 90 Run” is directed by Oscar-winner Pepe Danquart and were World War II veterans from the U.S. Because of mobilejewishfederation.org or call 251-343-7197 for daphne based on the bestselling Holocaust novel by Israeli an embargo imposed by the Truman administration, more information. 251-626-6266

CARMIkE NEW IN THEATERS NoW pLAYING CINEMAS 23151 Wharf Lane “SElMA” Carmike Jubilee Square 12, “THE HUNgER gAMES: orange Beach Carmike Jubilee Square 12, Cobb Carmike Wynnsong 16, Regal Mo- MOCkINgJAy- PART 1” 251-981-4444 Pinnacle 14 bile Stadium 18, Eastern Shore Carmike Jubilee Square 12, “THE WOMAN IN BlACk 2: ANgEl Premiere Cinema 14, Carmike Carmike Wynnsong 16, Eastern CoBB OF DEATH” Wharf 15 Shore Premiere Cinema 14, Car- THEATRES All listed multiplex theaters. “UNBROkEN” mike Wharf 15 pINNACLE 14 “WIlD” Carmike Jubilee Square 12, “ExODUS: gODS AND kINgS” 3780 Gulf Shores pkwy Eastern Shore Premiere Cinema Carmike Wynnsong 16, Eastern Carmike Jubilee Square 12, Gulf Shores 14, Carmike Jubilee Square 12, Shore Premiere Cinema 14 Carmike Wynnsong 16, Carmike 251-968-7444 Carmike Wharf 15 “THE HOBBIT: THE BATTlE OF THE Wharf 15 “BIg EyES” FIvE ARMIES” “BIg HERO 6” Carmike Wynnsong 16, Carmike All listed multiplex theaters. All listed multiplex theaters. EASTERN SHoRE Photo/imdb.com Jubilee Square 12, Carmike “ANNIE” “Penguins of Madagascar” Wharf 15 All listed multiplex theaters Regal Mobile Stadium 18, pREMIERE “TAkEN 3” “INTO THE WOODS” “NIgHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET Carmike Wynnsong 16, Eastern CINEMA 14 Liam Neeson returns — yet again — as Crescent Theater, Carmike OF THE TOMB” Shore Premiere Cinema 14 30500 State Highway 181 an ex-covert operative on a venge- Wynnsong 16, Carmike Jubilee Carmike Jubilee Square 12, “TOP FIvE” Spanish Fort ful crusade against those who have Square 12, Eastern Shore Pre- Carmike Wynnsong 16, Eastern Carmike Wynnsong 16, Eastern wronged him and his family. The 251-626-0352 poster promises “It Ends Here,” but I miere Cinema 14 Shore Premiere Cinema 14, Car- Shore Premiere Cinema 14 wouldn’t be so sure. All listed multi- “THE gAMBlER” mike Wharf 15 “HORRIBlE BOSSES 2” plex theaters. Information accurate at press time; please call theaters for showtimes. Carmike Wharf 15 30 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 31 MEDIA FRENZY | MEDIA Making things more open in 2015 BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

his year promises to be a big one in Alabama media if for no particular having to take the previous city administration to court regard- other reason than what it could mean to the state’s open meet- ing records for trips taken by the Mobile Police Department’s Explor- ings law. ers program. The records were clearly public, but the city delayed and A run was taken at upgrading the law last year and the Ala- obfuscated in providing them until Lagniappe was forced to file suit. Tbama Press Association and others are going after it again this session. Likewise, Mobile County Revenue Commissioner Marilyn Wood For those of us in the business of providing the public with informa- a few years ago attempted to charge $1,800 for three pages of public tion, Alabama’s open records and meetings laws are both pretty pathetic. information, citing a standard $600 per request policy she had just made Certainly both are violated frequently with little to no recourse. up out of thin air. Ultimately we engaged an attorney and the price for In October of 2014, a circuit judge blocked The Montgomery the records came down, although there’s not much practicality for a Advertiser from publishing records obtained from the Public Service media outlet suing every time it needs records. Commission about the location of Alabama Gas Corporation’s gas lines. In both situations, we were told by the state’s Attorney General’s Of- He later lifted the block, but it was as clear a prior restraint as I could fice that in Alabama citizens are pretty much left on their own to handle imagine. The judge even did it without letting the newspaper be heard things when a public entity disobeys open records laws. The AG’s not on the matter. going to come charging in, nor are any other law enforcement agencies. And since September 2013, this state has been operating under a The same can be said of open meetings. Supreme Court ruling that essentially says the Legislature doesn’t have Hopefully the media and citizens will get behind efforts this year to to meet publicly and also severely limited who can sue for redress if strengthen Alabama’s open meetings laws and open records too. They they don’t do so. need real teeth and real penalties for those who brazenly violate them. Meanwhile, Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur is planning to introduce a Information is the most important part of having a free society. bill in the upcoming session that would allow citizens to use their cell phone cameras to take photographs of public documents. This comes How’s weekly been? after a newspaper reporter was barred by the Alabama Department of It’s a question we’re asked repeatedly — “How’s it been since you Corrections from taking a photo of a medical contract — a public record went weekly?” — with his phone. The attitude is the same at the Alabama Department With almost nine months under our belts as a weekly newspaper, I of Safety, which is so belligerent about the way it keeps the records, that think we can answer, “Pretty good.” Things have been hectic at Lagniappe Tim McCollum, assistant attorney general with the ADPS was quoted Thanks to a tremendous response from both readers and advertisers World Headquarters since our first equating taking such a photo “to steal(ing) from the citizens of Ala- from the minute Lagniappe went weekly at the beginning of April last weekly issue (pictured above) hit the bama.” year, we’ve been able to improve the product in most every way. We’ve The issues surrounding open records and meetings are nothing new added staff, improved distribution and hopefully expanded what we’re streets on April 3, 2014, but so far we when it comes to reporting in Alabama in particular. While it must be covering. are pleased with how things are going. said most public bodies do appear to be interested in adhering to open Yes, it’s more work to bring the Mobile area a weekly newspaper meetings laws and open records as well, those that aren’t typically face now, but the support from readers and advertisers is allowing us to get little recourse. where we need to be to help really keep this community informed. For This newspaper has fought many battles for public records — in those who have gotten behind us, we thank you.

32 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 C O E FIRST LIGHT MARATHON WHERE: DOWNTOWN MOBILE WHEN: SUNDAY, JAN. 11

Run for a cause beneath a canopy of oaks in the heart of downtown Mobile. The event consists of a full marathon, a half marathon, a five-person relay and a 1.2 mile fun run for both runners and walkers. Proceeds benefit L’Arche Mobile Foundation. The start of the race will be at Mobile Government Plaza and a Post-Race Gala will be held in Bienville Square. Form more information visit firstlightmarathon.com. Photo/Mobile Sports Authority

January 8 studios and unique shops as they open 7 p.m. at USA’s Laidlaw Performing Arts County tea, cookies and a lecture on an Master Gardner Meeting their doors and welcome you inside to Center — “Run, Boy, Run” followed by interesting aspect of Fairhope history. Join Alabama Extension for their monthly see beautiful artwork, sample delicious guest speaker Rabbi Steven Silberman. These very popular afternoon events are meeting. The guest speaker will be Chef foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at USA’s sponsored by the Friends of the Museum Abba Mayah of the Abba Mediterranean ArtWalk. The ArtWalk gets better and Laidlaw Center, “Body and Soul — The group. For more information on the Café. Abba will discuss ways to cook better each month. From 6–9 p.m. in the State of the Jewish Nation,” followed by upcoming “Tea for Two” programs, call the delicious and healthy vegetables of lower Dauphin Street district. guest speaker Director Gloria Greenfield. the Fairhope Museum of History at 929- the warm Mediterranean. The meeting For more information and a full schedule 1471. will be held at Jon Archer Center, 1070 January 10 visit mobilejewishfederation.org Schillinger Road N. For more information Saturday Rabies Clinics Green Drinks call 251-574-8445 or visit aces.edu/ The Mobile County Public Health WWE Live Mobile Bay Green Drinks is a community Mobile/mg for more information. Department provides low cost rabies See all your favorite WWE superstars for group open to anyone interested in shots for cats, dogs and ferrets during one night only. Over 20 superstars will sharing ideas for sustainable living. Their Walk and Talk with Ron Barrett Saturday clinics in January. Clinics appear under one roof for what will be goal is to connect with other progressive Mobile has sprouted many Mardi Gras planned for Saturdays during January in one Sunday night to remember. Tickets people in our area who work to address customs all its own. Local Mardi Gras Mobile County include: Jan. 10, 1:30 to start as low as $15. Go to Ticketmaster. environmental issues in some capacity. aficionado Ron Barrett is coming to 4 p.m., Pet Supplies Plus, 803 Hillcrest com to buy your tickets. Tickets also There is no charge to attend, but you unpack our native tradition of the Road. Jan. 17, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., City available at the Mobile Civic Center box are responsible for your own drinks. The

14, 2015 8, 2015 - J ANUARY EVENTS |J ANUARY tableau, and the decidedly unique role of Mobile Animal Shelter, 855 Owens St. office or by calling 1-800-745-3000. gathering starts at 5 p.m. at Fairhope of storytelling through tableau in Mobile Jan. 24, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., B&B Pet Stop, Brewing, 914 Nichols Ave., Fairhope. Mardi Gras culture. Here to share on his 5035 Cottage Hill Road. Jan. 31, 12:30 to Open Studio OF own overwhelming installation of work 2:30 p.m., city of Mobile Animal Shelter, Come enjoy complimentary mimosas BINGO in the exhibition, and to talk through the 855 Owens St. The cost of the shot is as artists work at the Cathedral Square Join The Haberdasher at 451 Dauphin specificity of setting a stage for short- $10 per pet, except at Pet Supplies Plus, Gallery, 612 Dauphin St. There will also St. every Tuesday beginning at 9:30 p.m. term royalty, Barrett will delve into his where the cost is $8. Payment must be be works by more than 60 area artists on for Bingo, with prizes every round and extensive knowledge on the history of ball made in cash. display. For more information call 251- drink specials. Free to play. For more culture, how war has changed carnival 694-0278. information call 251-287-1976. traditions and how the balls in Mobile are Ark of India singularly unparalleled. The talk will begin “Ark of India: An Alabama Artist Explores January 12 January 14 ALENDAR at 7 p.m. at the Mobile Museum of Art, Southern Asia” is an exhibit about Lunch & Learn Learning Lunch C 4850 Museum Drive. personal discovery and exploration. It Ellen Huckabay, Mobile County Extension “Chasing Folly ‘round The Stump: Getting is an account of late 19th and early Agent, will present information on to the Real Joe Cain” featuring Steve Thursdays at the Museum 20th century India as seen by Alabama creating planters through the Hypertufa Joynt and the Blow House Brass Band. Every Thursday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. artist Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his method. Bring your lunch and learn about After nearly 30 years in newspapers, the Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum paintings, drawings, sculptures and most Hypertufa for beginners. The lunch will including 11 years as an assistant city Drive, offers free admission to all visitors. importantly, photographs and writings. start at 12 p.m. at Jon Archer Center, editor at the Press-Register, Steve Join MMOA each week to experience The exhibition is organized by the History 1070 Schillinger Road N. For more Joynt founded Mobile Mask first as a the museum in new and exciting ways Museum of Mobile at 111 S. Royal St. information call 251-574-8445 or visit website in January 2012. Since then, throughout the year. No reservations are and is on view until Sept. 1, 2015. aces.edu/Mobile/mg. Joynt has published three annual necessary. Mobile Mask magazines. This year, the January 11 January 13 publication features a story about Joe January 9 First Light Marathon Seafood Savvy Cain’s recollection of starting Mardi Gras Black Jacket Symphony Run for a cause beneath a canopy of Seafood Savvy will demystify local in Mobile, and what historical accounts The Black Jacket Symphony offers a oaks in the heart of downtown Mobile. aquatic creatures, one at a time. This have to say about it. Bring a sack lunch, unique concert experience through The event consists of a full marathon, a installment will focus on redfish and drinks will be available. Program starts at recreating classic albums in a live half marathon, a five-person relay and snapper from the Gulf of Mexico, as noon at the History Museum of Mobile. performance setting. Led Zeppelin’s a 1.2 mile fun run for both runners and well as Alabama farm-raised catfish. For more information call 251-208-7557. “Houses of the Holy” album is performed walkers. Proceeds benefit L’Arche Mobile Chef Markus Haeusler of the Saltwater in its entirety by a group of handpicked Foundation. The start of the race will Grill in Point Clear will prepare the fish Bend & Brew musicians specifically selected for be at Mobile Government Plaza and a several ways and discuss his personal Join Fairhope Brewing every Wednesday each album, with no sonic detail being Post-Race Gala will be held in Bienville experiences cooking fish in professional night starting at 6 p.m. for Hoppy Yoga. overlooked — the musicians do whatever Square. Form more information visit kitchens. The panel will also include The taproom is transformed into a yoga it takes to musically reproduce the album. firstlightmarathon.com. several local scientists, fishermen and studio with Soul Shine Yoga leading The show will begin at the Saenger experts on the bounty of our coastal the session. It’s only $5 to participate Theatre, 6 S. Joachim St. For more Jewish Film Festival waters. This event is free and open to in the class and then you can stick information visit mobilesaenger.com The 2015 Mobile Jewish Film Festival the public. Complimentary light hors around for beer specials as well as light will show seven acclaimed Jewish films d’oeuvres will be provided. Windmill snacks provided by Pretty Mean Sweets. Gallery Talk & Tour at venues around Mobile and Baldwin Market is located at 85 N. Bancroft St. in Fairhope Brewing is located at 914 Enjoy a guided tour and gallery talk with counties Jan. 11-22, as it celebrates downtown Fairhope at the corner Equality Nichols Ave., Fairhope. the exhibits artist, Tres Taylor. Taylor’s 14 years of presenting films that reflect Street. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., program exhibit will break down Jan. 10, so this the Jewish experience in an attempt to begins at 6 p.m. Please call 251-990- Tour Space 301 may be your last chance for romance! promote dialogue between religions, 8883 or email Maggie@windmillmarket. Tours of the Main Gallery and Fabrication The tour will begin at 3:30 p.m., at the cultures and generations. Films are org for more information. Hall are every Wednesday and Saturday, Eastern Shore Art Center, 401 Oak St., followed by events ranging from 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Centre for Fairhope. Admission is free. Call 251- Broadway sing-alongs to “meet the Tea for Two the Living Arts/Space 301, 301 Conti 928-2228 for more information. director” forums: Sunday, Jan. 11 at 3 The Fairhope Museum of History will host St. Tours included with the price of p.m. Springhill Avenue Temple — “Marvin “Tea for Two” at 2 p.m. The speaker will admission. Call 251-208-5671 or visit LODA ArtWalk Hamlisch: What He Did for Love.” be Nancy Raia. Each Tuesday afternoon www.centreforthelivingarts.com for more Downtown is the place to be! Join Followed by a Broadway sing-along and at 2 p.m., the Museum hosts a tea where information. downtown art galleries, institutions, cheesecake dessert. Tuesday, Jan. 13 at guests enjoy a cup of delicious Baldwin

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 33 UPON FURTHER REVIEW | SPORTS WWE bring cast of superstars to Mobile Civic Center BY J, MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER | [email protected] | Twitter @goulaguy

et’s get ready to rumble! And I am not talking about fight- ing over a smashed moonpie during a Mardi Gras parade. World Wrestling Entertainment, better known as the WWE, will bring its cavalcade of stars to the Mobile Civic LCenter for a night of theatrical athletics Sunday, Jan. 11. The competition begins at 5 p.m. The lineup currently posted on the WWE website, which is subject to change, includes an impressive list of performers. Among the 20 wrestlers expected are: John Cena (6-1, 251) is one of the most popular wrestlers who debuted on SmackDown in 2002. His signature moves are the “Attitude Adjustment” and “STF (Stepover, Toehold, Face- lock).” His career highlights include WWE World Heavyweight Champion, United States Champion, World Tag Team Champion, WWE Tag Team Champion, two-time Royal Rumble Match win- ner, and 2012 Money in the Bank Ladder Match winner; Seth Rollins (6-1, 217) is one the newest standouts who started his career as an independent wrestler before joining the WWE in 2012. His signature move is the Curb Stomp. His career highlights include WWE Tag Team Champion, NXT Champion, and 2014 Money in the Bank Ladder Match winner; Dean Ambrose (6-4, 224) also started his career as an inde- pendent wrestler. He entered the WWE along with Rollins and Roman Reigns. His signature move is the Dirty Deeds. His career highlight includes being the United States Champion; Bray Wyatt (6-3, 285) is known in WWE circles as the “new Photo/WWE face of fear” and the “eater of words.” His signature move is the Sister Abigail; Dolph Ziggler (6-0, 213) was an accomplished amateur wres- Seth Rollins (left) and John Cena are among the wrestlers set to appear at WWE Live in Mobile Jan. 11. tler, who set school records for wins at Kent State. He entered the WWE’s top field in 2011 when he held the World Heavyweight Compton, who shared the team lead with nine goals each. On the The Lady Jags are coming off their best record ever at 19-3-1, Championship for a short time. His signature move is the Zig SSAC first-team were Molloy, Compton, Rebecca Wynne, Leah which included a second straight trip to the NCAA playoffs along Zag. Other career highlights include Intercontinental Champion, Corse and Melissa Beaulieu. Saskia Adriance were second-team, with the regular season and tournament crowns. Winkworth was United States Champion, and Money in the Bank Ladder Match while Cayla Hebert, Savanna Rommel and Rachel Forestell were named the Sun Belt Conference’s coach of the year for the effort. winner for a World Heavyweight Championship Contract in 2012; all-freshmen picks. The cost of the camp is $110, which includes lunch and Luke Harper (6-5, 275) entered the WWE field as a trio with The Rams won the men’s SSAC regular season with a 14-4-3 T-shirt. For more information, visit www.GrahamWinkworthSoc- Wyatt and Erick Rowan. Among his career highlights is taking record. Gaetan Massiah and Jubril Lawal were on the NAIA All- cerAcademy.com. the Intercontinental Championship from Ziggler in November. America second team. Xavier Audergon was a third-team pick. Admission prices are $24.90 to $106.60 for riser seating, Massiah, who led the Rams in every offensive categories, was USSA honors world’s top athletes $106.60 for floor seating, along with $24.90 to $45.35 for box also the SSAC player of the year, while Lawal was the defensive The United States Sports Academy in Daphne focused on pro- seating and balcony seating. Tickets are available at the Mobile player of the year. Others getting all-league mention were Auder- fessional tennis in selecting its 30th annual Athletes of the Year Civic Center box office, by calling 800-745-3000, or by visiting gon, Gunnar Steindorssosn, Adedapo Adenivi, Harry McGregor, Awards. Novak Djokovic of Serbia earned the male award while www.wwe.com and www.ticketmaster.com. Takumi Jeannin and Newton Henry. Maria Sharapova of Russia was the women’s winner. Among the highlights for Djokovic was winning his fourth UMobile picks up honors Getting ready for next season Sony Open Title along with a second Wimbledon trophy. It was an outstanding season for the men and women’s soccer The University of South Alabama is hosting the Graham Sharapova captured the Madrid Open and her second French teams at the University of Mobile. Special awards have gone out Winkworth Soccer Academy’s Winter ID Camp. The event is set Open. to the coaching staffs and players. for Saturday, Jan. 24, at The Cage facility on the USA campus. This year’s ballot include 12 men and 12 women from 12 Daniel Whelan, the men’s mentor, and Brian Person, who The ID stands for “identification camp.” The event, for girls in different countries. The awards were the culmination on the coached the women, were each named the Southern States Athlet- grades 7 through 12, aims to give campers an insight into life as a yearlong Athlete of the Month Program, which recognizes players ic Conference Coach of the Year. This is the second time Person member of the Jaguar soccer program. from throughout the world. has been recognized, having also received the trophy in 2011. Winkworth and his staff will conduct training sessions, small- The runners-up on the men’s side were Kenyan marathon run- The Lady Rams took the regular season and tournament sided (fewer players on smaller field) and 11-on-11 games, along ner Dennis Kimetto and soccer player Lionel Messi of Argentina. championship with a 15-3-3 record. Earning honorable mention with a question-and-answer session for campers and parents at the Just behind on the women’s ballots were Ethiopian distance run- NAIA All-America notice were Tyler-Rae Molloy and Katie end of the day. ner Genzba Dibaba and American swimmer Katie Ledecky.

34 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. “Space Oddity” major 4. Radiate 8. Bank offering 12. “___ momento!” 13. Double agent 14. Disco do 15. Dog holder? 16. Kid’s transport 17. Burgoo, e.g. 18. Covert comments 20. Babysitter’s charge 22. Causing a pucker 23. Latched, in a way 27. Rob Roy, et al. 29. Whistle-blower 30. Ecol. watchdog 31. Anecdotal history 32. Assist the waiter 33. All hands on deck? 34. Fossey subject 35. Fee follower 36. Queens, for example 37. Retired, with “down” 39. For Pete’s ___! 2. Difficult duty 27. Bacon buy 40. Cookbook direction 3. Recorded (progress) 28. Get along 41. Rich, as foods 4. Fading memories 29. French way 44. Naval base? 5. Like a good cake 32. Sotheby’s patrons 47. Panache 6. Sort 33. Popular pop 49. Mad Hatter’s drink 7. Cuts canines 35. Bureau member 50. Colorful mineral 8. Doesn’t fall apart 36. On notice 51. Cheese off 9. Frequent, to Keats 38. Loiter 52. Be fallible 10. A word with you? 39. Cartographer’s con- 53. Glimpse from afar 11. When, for an eager cern 54. Broke a limit beaver 42. Scarcely enough 55. Hibernation spot 19. Time line inclusion 43. Kitten’s plaything 21. Big galoot 44. Break new ground? DOWN 24. Pervaded 45. Boom periods 1. Marching-band 25. Tool for a duel 46. A place of luxury? burden 26. Vampire’s curfew 48. Some disrespect Answers on Page 36

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 35 PORT CITY PREMONITIONS | STYLE

Leo keeps kidney for future abuse BY DR. ZODIAC/ASTROLOGY GUY

Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19) — After failing good review of your work and will invite you to to pass a drug test, you’ll have to take one of interview for a play in Washington D.C. Low on the few jobs that consider drug dependency a funds, you’ll take in the scenery by train. Dur- bonus — a music store associate. You’ll turn ing the long trip you’ll connect with the train’s your passion for staring at guitars into a big op- janitor, Richard Stain, while he cleans your car’s portunity, finally finding an outlet for your finite restroom. You’ll discuss your lives in detail knowledge of Fender products. However, after a aboard the Southeast and Pacific Limited, known tragic break room fire singes some of your flow- colloquially as the “P-Train.” You’ll enjoy the ing locks, you will unknowingly commit career trip, but you won’t get the part. Your lucky sound suicide by getting a slight haircut. With a hairline in 2015 is a sigh of relief. above your ears, you’ll be walked to the door by the manager in shame after being immediately Leo (7/23 - 8/23) — The year ahead promises terminated. Your lucky sound in 2015 is stomach to be one in which you’ll spend significant rumblings. amounts of time speaking with members of law enforcement. The stars don’t say whether you’re Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18) — Depressed after the going to be arrested, but they do offer the names collapse of the SEC West during bowl season, of some very expensive attorneys you may need you’ll attempt to find solace in a new sport. to call. A relative in need of a kidney calls soon. Your presence on the croquet circuit will be Let it go to voicemail. You never know when welcome until you try to introduce a new contact you may drink out one of your own kidneys. element to the game. You’re are ejected from a You’ve got plenty of relatives. Your lucky sound tournament after you sack a player during a title in 2015 is Tom Brady screaming “Omaha!” match, but “full contact croquet” will thrive in frat houses around the country, especially after a Virgo (8/24 - 9/22) — After realizing that an drinking component is added. You lucky noise in “icing applicator” in Play-Doh’s Sweet Shoppe 2015 is a shallow splash. Cake Mountain Playset looks like a phallic- shaped toy, you’ll be outraged. What appeared Pisces (2/19 - 3/20) — Your time spent to be an innocent children’s toy will have you with the construction worker from The Village trolling the Internet hardcore, blasting photos of People will be rewarding and life-changing, but the obscene “toy” all over Play-Doh’s Facebook. eventually you’ll realize he’s just a knock-off of Though you’ll learn you aren’t alone in thinking the original and you’re using him to fill a void the design of the “applicator’ was ill planned, created when your father took that job as a cruise you’ll be the angry parent ringleader. That is director when you were 10. Macho up and drop until Play-Doh, in addition to Jell-O, is added to that hard hat off at the YMCA. Get your life the list of Facebook pages you have been indefi- back! A lunch conversation about “The Hobbit” nitely banned. Your lucky sound in 2015 is a guy CRoSSWoRd pUZZLE ANSWERS makes you wonder what the hell is wrong with revving up his crotch rocket motorcycle. you. Your lucky noise in 2015 is Taylor Swift accepting an award. Libra (9/23 - 10/22) — You’ll think enough time has passed that it’s safe to take back all Aries (3/21 - 4/19) — In 2015 significant of the terrible gifts family members gave you opportunities for love exist — just not for you. at Christmas. Not so fast! You’ll be busted by Is this because your personality sucks and your your significant other while hauling back a pair looks aren’t what they once were? Maybe, but of salmon-colored pants that made you queasy. the real fly in the ointment is your decision to In an effort to prevent a rift, you’ll explain that buy a Smart Car. Let’s be honest, those cars real- you loved the pants but they weren’t “salmony” ly should only be purchased by people consider- enough. Unfortunately your mate will immedi- ing a life of celibacy. On the plus side, you’ll be ately find a pair fitting that description for your able to include your gas mileage in your profile exchange. Your lucky noise in 2015 will be the on Christian Mingle and Farmers Only. Your sound of Fred Richardson’s voice. lucky sound in 2015 is silence. Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21) — At a fancy meal Taurus (4/20 - 5/20) — January will bring a downtown, you’ll be bitten by a plate of radioac- new-found motivation to your life. Upon hearing tive spaghetti. Then, as expected, you’ll develop the news of Giada De Laurentiis’ divorce you’ll superpowers related to the Americanized Italian FRoM pAGE 35 become obsessed with making sweet lasagna classic dish. With the newfound ability to “hide with the famed Italian chef. You’ll pursue her small pieces of diced onion” and “taste better and win her affection, but news of her possible after a few days,” you’ll take to the streets of affair with John Mayer and the way she pro- Mobile as Spaghetti Man, defender of all that is nounces words from her motherland will make long and squiggly. Meatballs flying from your F you rethink the move. You’ll figure you’re better fingertips, you’ll stop all the crime Midtown has U off jobless and alone than with that situation. to offer and do so with an alarming assortment of Your lucky sound in 2015 is searing meat. pasta-related puns at your disposal. Your lucky T sound in 2015 is a paper shredder. U Gemini (5/21 - 6/21) — You will be demoti- vated from job hunting once the “Twilight Zone” Sagittarius (11/21 - 12/22) — After contro- R marathon begins. You’ve seen every episode versy finally drives House Majority Whip Steve E of the Rod Serling classic (not to be confused Scalise out of his position, you’ll start to worry by the new ones hosted by Forest Whitaker’s that former speeches at white supremacy rallies one-eyed self) about five times each, but watch- will come back to haunt your own aspiring po- S ing will still be better than finding a job. You’ll litical career. How were you to suppose know the fantasize about the good ol’ days when a grown “Aryan Brotherhood” was a hate group and not H man could smoke on television. You’ll wax a Mardi Gras society? Figuring the best defense poetic about the pale rings of smoke curling up is a good offense, you’ll automatically start O to the heavens and the cool way the ash is tapped booking speaking engagements with anti-Anglo- C into its tray. Your lucky sound in 2015 is striking Saxon groups like the New Black Panther Party, a match. and before long you’ll wind up as opening act K for Lauryn Hill. Your lucky sound in 2015 is the Cancer (6/21 - 7/22) — An agent will see the adjustment of handcuffs.

36 | LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 THE LOADED QUESTION WHAT EvENT ARE yOU LOOkINg THE mOST fORWARD TO IN 2015? Asked @ The garage

“The American Red Cross “My birthday, I am turning 40!” “Mardi Gras” Gumbo Cook-off on April 11.” -Jennifer (left) -Tracey -Ana Arango “My birthday! It is on Memorial Day!” -Lisa

LAGNIAPPE | January 8, 2015 - January 14, 2015 | 37 MOBILE MAGNIFIED | STYLE Ringing in the New Year with an angry Indian BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

appy New Year everybody! I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season and got so tired of your friends, family and/or kids that you were actually happy to come back to work or send them back to work. Who knew how peace- Hful sitting in your home and/or office alone could be? But for those of you missing festivity, fear not, we only have a few short weeks before Senior Bowl and the Gras, so take this opportunity to rest. Your liver will thank you for it on Ash Wednesday. I promise. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to get ahead of myself here. Before we can start taking about the NFL and Carnival, we have other business from last year to attend to, so let’s button all that up. Shall we?

NYE shenanigans The MoonPie over Mobile event drew thousands to down- town Mobile this New Year’s Eve, although apparently we do not have a firm number on that, much to Councilman Fred Richard- son’s chagrin. But my spies said it looked like “a lot of people.” Sounds scientific enough for me. They came down to not only have a nibble of the “World’s Largest MoonPie” and a sip (or is it a nip?) of MoonPie Moon- shine, but also to see disco legend Evelyn Champagne King and The Village People. Miss King and her band arrived a day early and hit up at least one karaoke bar downtown. Rumor has it, it was The Flip Side. Though no word yet on what they sang. We also hear that though they put on a good show, the Indian from the Village People was kind of an “a-hole.” Everyone knows the biker dude is the heart of the Village People. I guess we now know who the behind is. “He was dissing Mobile a bit and said something about being here before and not finding our city to be that great. When Mardi Gras was mentioned he stated that he would only go to New Orleans. The rest of the band was in the background looking amazed and pissed,” my spy said. We hear the makers of the MoonPie Moonshine had a huge party in the presidential suite of the Battle House Hotel, with fireworks watching off their private balcony. They had member Photo/Facebook/Official Vilage People of the Jim Beam family with them and were serving up MoonPie Shine with a variety of mixers. They were having a good time and had nice things to say about Mobile. So there, VPI! The village people performed at the “Moonpie over Mobile” event in dowtown on New Year’s Eve, We hear the award for the best-dressed major corporate but Boozie’s spies say at least one member wasn’t too impressed with Mobile. sponsor went to the folks from Austal, who “were dressed to the nines.” Getting in on the fun was of course Councilman Fred Richard- front, party in the back. A reveler in the tableau had an ornate game and festivities. And local hairstylist and Nappie Award son, who is credited with starting the event, Mayor Sandy Stimp- costume going to mid-thigh in front and provided posterior expo- winner Phrankey Lowery did her hair for the events. He said she son and First Lady Jean, and other members of the City Council. sure in the back. Laissez les bon temps rouler, indeed. was the “easiest” client he has ever had. Once again, Fred and Sandy cut the world’s largest MoonPie, We even hear Flash Gordon and a yellow alien were spotted. “She sat down and said do whatever you want,” he said, add- as if they had just gotten married. I demand they shove a piece ing she was very nice. in each other’s mouths next year. They all also participated in a Breaking bad Well it was a pretty hair-raising game. I know, I know. I’m second line. Sweet as Banana MoonPie MoonShine! Try saying The GoDaddy.com Bowl Mayor’s Luncheon was again a big sorry that was bad. Forgive me. that three times fast. hit as a huge crowd gathered for grub in the Convention Center. The day’s guest speaker was former Washington Redskin QB and They can’t take our freedom or shots Order of Pan Scoop Lawrence Taylor plaything Joe Theismann. Small Zoo was playing at Traders and an intoxicated man with One of Mobile’s newest all-inclusive Mardi Gras organiza- Known for many things — NFL MVP, Super Bowl Cham- a British or Scottish accent was dancing in front of the band and tions The Order of Pan gave party-goers an “Out of this World” pion, one of the most gruesome career-ending injuries ever making requests. He later got up on the bar to dance, even though way to say farewell to 2014. Held at the Government Plaza captured on TV — Theismann had lots to brag about, but his you cannot stand on the bar! He was helped down by friends and atrium, tables were draped in blue with white flowers and silver speech was mostly about keeping your humility. To whit he told while talking to the band, they realized he sounded just like Mel accents. One party goer said they had never seen Government a number of stories about his most embarrassing failures on the Gibson in “Braveheart.” Plaza look so lovely. big stage, getting lots of laughs. So the band made a request and he accepted. He took the But I hear the backdrop was the showstopper of the night. He also told a story that’s bumped around football circles for mic and yelled to the crowd, “They may take our lives, but they Featuring characters from Star Wars it truly made you feel out of years — that his last name originally was pronounced THEEZ- can never take OUR FREEDOM!” Laughter and high fives all this world. man, not THIGHS-man, but was changed by Notre Dame’s around. The Pranicng Elites did two numbers with a costume change publicity team in college to help in his bid to win the Heisman in between. Trophy. They figured the rhyme would work. It didn’t, but the Just asking… My spies also offered up these tidbits: pronunciation stuck. Which councilperson’s recent appointee to a city board may Nappie Award winner for Best Drag Queen Performer, Miss The lunch was accompanied by a rather continuous breaking have gotten a look at others’ ink while in the clink? Jawakatema Davenport, who was rocking a fur ensemble, looked of dishes around the room, as servers attempted to get everyone Well kids, that’s all I got this time. Just remember, whether fabulous. fed. It even earned a comment from Theismann. rain or shine, dramatic or scandalous, or just some plain ol’ One costume brought a whole new meaning to business in the Speaking of Go Daddy Bowl, the title sponsor’s spokesper- Indian hatin’, I will be there. Ciao! son NASCAR driver Danica Patrick was in town for the parade,

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