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FOOD BEGINS THIS WEEK WHEN THE DANCE STUDIO OFFERS UP ITS RENDITION OF

28 28 THE NUTCRACKERNUUTCRACKE DEC. 9 AT THE MOUNT A glance at what’s happeningappening thisthhiis weekweekek BBAKERAKER TTHEATREHEATRE CLASSIFIEDS

12. .08 VISUALVI ARTS

24 03 NativeNat Art Market: 9am-3pm, Northwest Indian WEDNESDAY ColCollege FILM FILM HolidayHo Art Walk: 10am-5pm, Anacortes MUSIC FestivalFe of the Arts: 10am-7pm, 1301 Cornwall Ave. North Cascades Concert Band: 7:30pm, Belling- FishboyFi Holiday Show: 2-9pm, 617 Virginia St. 20 ham High School PerspectivesP in Clay: 5-8pm, Lucia Douglas Gallery

MUSIC VISUAL ARTS Festival of the Arts: 10am-7pm, 1301 Cornwall Ave. 12.07.08 18 18

ART ART SUNDAY 12.04.08 ON STAGE 16 THURSDAY Scrooge: 2pm, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth Jane Eyre: 2pm, Sehome High School

STAGE STAGE ON STAGE The Velveteen Rabbit: 2pm, Bellingham Theatre Scrooge: 7pm, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth Guild The Monologue Project: 7:30pm, Firehouse Per- It’s A Wonderful Life: 2pm, Anacortes Com- 15 forming Arts Center munity Theatre Hansel & Gretel: 7:30pm, Claire vg Thomas The- Sherlock Homes Auditions: 7pm, Bellingham atre, Lynden Theatre Guild GET OUT It’s A Wonderful Life: 7:30pm, Anacortes Com- Comedy Night: 8pm, Fairhaven Pub munity Theatre Good, Bad, Ugly: 8pm, Upfront Theatre DANCE 14 The Project: 10pm, Upfront Theatre Fantasy on Ice: 1pm, Bellingham Sportsplex

WORDS DANCE MUSIC Fall Into Dance: 7:30pm, Performing Arts Centernter Mount Baker Toppers: 2pm, Whatcom Museum -) 4'-&—OTHERWISE KNOWN AS FISHBOY—WILL Whatcom Symphony: 3pm, Mount Baker Theatre 8 WORDS Christmas Concert: 3pm, Norway Hall Chuckanut Radio Hour: 7pm, American Museumeum HOLD AN “ECONOMIC STIMULUS” HOLIDAY ART SHOW FROM 2-9PM DEC. North Cascades Concert Band: 3pm, Brodniak of Radio 6 AT HIS SUNNYLAND STUDIO. MORE THAN 100 PAINTINGS THAT ARE Hall, Anacortes

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6 Pavilion Festival of the Arts: 10am-7pm, 1301 Cornwall Ave. BHS Jazz Ensemble: 7pm, Community Bible Fel- Scrooge: 7pm, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth VIEWS VIEWS 12.05.08 lowship The Monologue Project: 7:30pm, Firehouse Per- Deck the Halls: 7:30pm, McIntyre Hall forming Arts Center 4 FRIDAY Brenda Lee: 8pm, Skagit Valley Casino Resort Jane Eyre: 7:30pm, Sehome High School 12.08.08

MAIL MAIL Bellingham Sings: 8pm, First Congregational Church Unscripted: 8pm, Upfront Theatre ON STAGE It’s A Wonderful Life: 8pm, Anacortes Community MONDAY

3 3 The Velveteen Rabbit: 7pm, Bellingham Theatre COMMUNITY Theatre Guild Holiday Port Festival: 12-8pm, Bellingham Cruise Theatresports: 10pm, Upfront Theatre ON STAGE

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The Monologue Project: 7:30pm, Firehouse Per- DANCE Theatre Guild forming Arts Center VISUAL ARTS Rhythm in Motion: 2pm, U & Me Dance 08 08 Jane Eyre: 7:30pm, Sehome High School Festival of the Arts: 10am-7pm, 1301 Cornwall Fantasy on Ice: 5pm, Bellingham Sportsplex

.03. Hansel & Gretel: 7:30pm, Claire vg Thomas The- Ave. The Nutcracker: 7pm, Mount Baker Theatre 12 atre, Lynden Holiday Art Walk: 6-9pm, Anacortes Fall Into Dance: 7:30pm, Performing Arts Center, 12.09.08 Unscripted: 8pm, Upfront Theatre Art Walk: 6-10pm, downtown Bellingham WWU

.03 It’s A Wonderful Life: 8pm, Anacortes Community Professional Dance Showcase: 8pm, U & Me Dance TUESDAY 49

# Theatre Theatresports: 10pm, Upfront Theatre MUSIC DANCE 12.06.08 Jazz Masters: 7pm, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon The Nutcracker: 7pm, Mount Baker Theatre DANCE Bernadette Peters: 8pm, Mount Baker Theatre Fall Into Dance: 7:30pm, Performing Arts Center, SATURDAY Brenda Lee: 8pm, Skagit Valley Casino Resort MUSIC WWU Seattle Women’s Chorus: 7pm, McIntyre Hall, Rhythm in Motion: 8pm, U & Me Dance ON STAGE COMMUNITY Contra Dance: 8-11pm, Fairhaven Library The Velveteen Rabbit: 2pm and 7pm , Bellingham Bellingham Farmers Market: 10am-3pm, Depot

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34 34 Editorial Editor & Publisher:

FOOD Tim Johnson E ext 260 mail ô editor@ 28 28 cascadiaweekly.com CONTENTS CREDITS LETTERS Arts & Entertainment Editor: Amy Kepferle Eext 203 CLASSIFIEDS Black Friday turned even darker when Jdimytai Damour, ô calendar@ a worker at a Valley Stream, N.Y. Wal-Mart, was trampled cascadiaweekly.com

24 to death after more than 2,000 shoppers broke down the store’s electronic doors in a frenzied effort to nab sale items. Music & Film Editor: Carey Ross

FILM FILM An autopsy showed Damour died of asphyxiation. Happy holidays, indeed. Eext 204 ô music@

20 cascadiaweekly.com Production MUSIC VIEWS & NEWS 4: Words from our readers Art Director: Jesse Kinsman

18 18 6: A forum for all ô graphics@ cascadiaweekly.com ART ART 8: New news Graphic Artists: 12: Crimes and misdemeanors Kimberly Baldridge 16 13: Last week’s news ô kim@ kinsmancreative.com

STAGE STAGE Stefan Hansen ART & LIFE ô stefan@ 14: Women of Whatcom cascadiaweekly.com 15 15: Making the point Send All Advertising Materials To [email protected]

GET OUT 16: Ice, ice baby 17: Walking for art Advertising Sales Manager: PRO-LIFE MEANS otherwise, and yet our media annually. Those numbers ought 20: Scholarly sounds 14 Nicki Oldham JUST THAT seems to relish in publishing to convince the skeptical, but 24: Milk and music E360-647-8200 x 202 ô nicki@ It is so common for by- ignorance rather than fact. there’s also a common-sense

WORDS cascadiaweekly.com standers to assume pro-lif- The media needs to stop in- approach to thinking about REAR END Account Executives: ers are not concerned with sulting the intelligence of its war and economy. Rosemary Guarino preserving life throughout readers and its community. Bombs, bullets and battle- 8 28: Help Wanted, Services, Sodoku E360-647-8200 x 254 the lifespan. Why is that? —Debra Black, Bellingham ships have but one purpose: 29: Wellness ô rosie@ When I see someone protest- damaging the enemy. Once cascadiaweekly.com 30: Troubletown, Ogg’s World, Crossword ing the Iraq war, I don’t as- NEW DEAL VS. RAW used, they have no further CURRENTS CURRENTS 31: The Advice Goddess Marisa Papetti sume they think it is OK to effect on the economy. War- E360.224.2387 DEAL

6 32: This Modern World, ô marisa@ run down homeless people So-called “conservatives” ships, airplanes, riﬂes and Tom The Dancing Bug cascadiaweekly.com or that migrant workers are would have you believe Amer- tanks not destroyed are used

VIEWS VIEWS Nancy Rhodes all criminals. I don’t assume ica’s Great Depression was not for another war, mothballed, 33: Free Will Astrology E360-647-8200 x 253 the war is the only ﬂaw of ended by the New Deal but by or melted down for scrap. ô nancy@ 4

4 38: To market cascadiaweekly.com humanity they are concerned World War II. This mistaken On the other hand, if you with. Yet pro-abortion folks belief has been around for make roads, bridges, dams, MAIL MAIL MAIL

cascadia Distribution always seem to assume that so many years it has become trails and electrical networks

3 David Cloutier, Robert pro-lifers are only concerned accepted as fact, despite evi- (a la FDR’s New Deal), you get

©2008 CASCADIA WEEKLY (ISSN 1931-3292) is published each Wednesday by Bell, JW Land & As- with stopping abortion. In dence to the contrary. If war lasting infrastructure that DO IT IT DO Cascadia Newspaper Company LLC. Direct all correspondence to: Cascadia Weekly sociates fact, they assume we support could pull us out of economic continues to produce jobs, PO Box 2833 Bellingham WA 98227-2833 | Phone/Fax: 360.647.8200 ô distro@ [email protected] all other atrocities against problems, why are we bankrupt support the economy and cre- Though Cascadia Weekly is distributed free, please take just one copy. Cascadia cascadiaweekly.com 08 08 Weekly may be distributed only by authorized distributors. Any person removing humanity. after seven years of war in Af- ate wealth. Almost all periods

.03. papers in bulk from our distribution points risks prosecution SUBMISSIONS: Cascadia Weekly welcomes freelance submissions. Send How insulting of them to ghanistan and Iraq? We should of great economic growth are

12 Letters material to either the News Editor or A&E Editor. Manuscripts will be Send letters to letters@ assume we don’t “oppose cap- be sitting pretty, not wonder- preceded by what those on returned of you include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. To be cascadiaweekly.com. Keep considered for calendar listings, notice of events must be received in

.03 letters shorter than 300 words. ital, punishment, speak out ing where our next mortgage the right call “socialism.” writing no later than noon Wednesday the week prior to publication. 49

# Photographs should be clearly labeled and will be returned if accompa- against the Iraq war, support payment, job or meal is com- We need to stop the wars nied by stamped, self-addressed envelope. /# "-$./' +}ART WALK, P.18 !- 2$''+zz cascadia REPORTING FROM THE a living wage, lobby for hand- ing from. in Iraq and Afghanistan and LETTERS POLICY: Cascadia Weekly reserves the right to edit letters for length and HEART OF CASCADIA WHATCOM*SKAGIT*ISLAND*LOWER B.C. content. When apprised of them, we correct errors of fact promptly and courteously. 12.03.08 :: #49, v.03 :: !- gun laws, promote universal Recovery began with New turn our resources to build- In the interests of fostering dialog and a community forum, Cascadia Weekly does not publish letters that personally disparage other letter writers. Please keep your health care and have adopted Deal programs and spending. ing infrastructure as a means letters to fewer than 300 words. SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year $70, six months $35. Back issues $1 for walk-ins, a couple of crack babies” as By FDR’s second term the econ- of ending our dependence on $5 for mailed requests when available. Cascadia Weekly is mailed at third-class Alan Rhodes has stated. Pro- omy was growing six percent foreign capital and oil. Let’s rates.Postmaster: Send all address changes to Cascadia Weekly, PO Box 2833, +-*%+-+-*%*% // Bellingham, WA 98227-2833 life should intuitively mean annually, a remarkable rate. push the incoming Obama +++ CASCADIA WEEKLY BLUE SCHOLARS: SATISFYING YOUR HIP-HOP HUNGER, P.20 BLADE RUNNERS: SKATING CLUB’S FANTASY ON ICE, P.16* POINT OF INTEREST: WALKING TO WHITEHORN, P.15 we are for supporting life at During the war years, 1941- administration to stop the all ages and stages. What don’t 1945, the economy grew only 2 wars and use our resources for 4 COVER: Design by Jesse Kinsman they understand about that? percent for the entire ﬁve years, America: a Real Deal. NEWSPAPER ADVISORY GROUP: Robert Hall, Seth Murphy, Michael Petryni, David Syre It is pure ignorance to think an average of only 0.4 percent —David M. Laws, Bellingham

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THE OTHER WATERFRONT: Back in July, the ex-

ecutive produced a spreadsheet for Whatcom 34 34 County Council that described and prioritized

FOOD 277 projects and the personnel needed to address and repair the county’s deteriorating views

28 28 lakes, streams, bays and groundwater sources. OPINIONS THE GRISTLE Of these, at least 20 were identiﬁed as re- quiring immediate action. The executive also produced a spectrum of suggested funding CLASSIFIEDS for those projects that ranged from a level of service less than is currently funded, to one

24 similar to current funding, to a service level that’s actually required under new environ- FILM FILM mental laws, onward to fund stafﬁng improve- BY DONNA AUER ments needed to adequately tackle that list

20 of water quality projects, all the way up to a multi-million dollar package that might actu- MUSIC ally address all of those projects in something Citizens’ Forum less than a century. The administration asked 18 18 council for guidance on selecting a level of GROUP PROMOTES DIALOGUE ON ISSUES OF PUBLIC BENEFIT

ART ART service as an initial step in preparing a budget to address their policies. Council suggested a “middlish” level of ser- I AM sure you have noticed over majority of Bellingham residents val-

16 A MAJORITY OF vice that would meet new state stormwater the years, as I have, that Bellingham ued their views, by whatever definition minimums and that might begin to modestly is blessed with many citizens who are BELLINGHAM the word meant to them. Similarly, if STAGE STAGE shave away at the long list of dormant and un- personally dedicated to understand- RESIDENTS VALUE we were asked today, most of us would funded water quality projects—all of which, in ing the issues of growth and develop- claim we find personal benefit and en- 15 total, admittedly do little more than slow the ment in our city. They are motivated OUR CURRENT joyment from living in Bellingham be- continued decline of Whatcom’s water systems by a commitment to their community QUALITY OF LIFE, cause it is a city that still includes for GET OUT or in some cases restore them to their condi- and its quality of life, rather than by the public an open skyline that lets in tion 40 years ago. special interests or personal gain, BUT QUESTION the light, views of the bay, islands, sur- What they got back from the County Execu- and they give their time and energy rounding foothills and mountains, easy

14 tive was, instead, a budget proposing the low- attending public meetings and study- HOW THE CITY HAS access to the shoreline, neighborhoods est level of service for water quality projects ing the complexities of urban land APPROACHED ISSUES unmarred by congestion or major road- WORDS in Whatcom County. What they got back from use. They offer a variety of perspec- ways slicing through them, reasonably Pete Kremen was a level of service funding in- tives based on their experiences and OF GROWTH affordable housing and general peace- adequate by even meager standards and one professional expertise in other ﬁelds, fulness—made better when we protect 8 that was, moreover, unlawful in that it did not and so add a refreshing and inven- FORUM is a citizen-led and managed our natural areas, wildlife corridors address new state requirements. tive outlook to solving the problems group whose mission is to promote and rural/agricultural lands. Such is the enduring legacy of Pete Kre- of urban development. full and open dialogue, to exchange All of this registers on our psyche CURRENTS CURRENTS men—he never raised taxes, sure; but he A recent city satisfaction survey ideas and to stimulate debate about every day, and research shows our health is increased and our stress re- 6 allowed county assets to deteriorate by the noted that a majority of Bellingham the larger issues of growth and devel- 6 same measure. residents value our current quality opment in our city. We see engaged duced when we live in this kind of an VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS County Council, exercising a bit more civic re- of life, but question how the city citizens as one of the city’s greatest environment. Yet, all of this can be sponsibility than the shiftless shopkeeper sleep- has approached issues of growth. assets, because given the right ven- lost by increments, in the fraction of

4 ily minding the store, decided to raise revenues We have noticed that many people ue, citizens can help find exceptional a decade, if citizens do not remain to address flood protection and those pressing want a more reflective, heartfelt and answers to the difficult challenges of aware and bring their voices to the MAIL MAIL water quality projects. The increase—which imaginative approach to the evolving urban change we face today. work that is required.

3 they’ve debated for years—raises property tax- cityscape. And they want an avenue We believe growth can be accom- CITIZENS’ FORUM offers the best es by 4 cents for every $1,000 of a property’s by which their significant input is in- modated in a way that respects neigh- of participatory democracy and DO IT IT DO assessed value. The decision was in the council’s tegrated with other decision makers borhoods, the natural features of the grass-roots responsibility. It is a capacity acting as the board of supervisors for and then generously disseminated to landscape and avoids sprawl. To do venue that welcomes full discus- 08 08 the countywide flood control district. the media and the whole community. this, we must shift the paradigm of sion and thorough examination of .03. Of course, any tax increase will touch off a Unfortunately, in the past there have how we approach the problem of infill. the important land use issues of the 12 storm of protest (ironically, the loudest, angri- been few opportunities for citizens To get there will require honest and day, and does so in the spirit of col-

.03 est shrieks invariably come from rural property in Bellingham to share their ideas in inclusive attempts to envision and laboration. Watch for CF-sponsored 49

# owners living in ﬂood plains), but particularly a deep and productive way, because master-plan a truly livable city. events in the future. so in this troubled economy. Most residents most public meetings are highly One pressing question that underlies who spoke at the council’s public hearing op- structured, often with seemingly Bellingham land use planning is this: Donna Auer, CF Steering Committee, is a posed the increase and the council—er, Flood predetermined outcomes. How do we grow as a city and still professional artist, and former licensed Control Zone Board of Supervisors—split 4-3 This summer, a steering commit- maintain our “sense of place?” One psychotherapist, program director and along a familiar divide, with Sam Crawford, Bar- tee of neighborhood leaders came starting point is to seriously acknowl- college instructor. She is past president bara Brenner, and Ward Nelson opposed. together to establish a different edge neighborhood and community of her neighborhood association and CASCADIA WEEKLY The increase would generate an extra kind of meeting—one that is a con- core values. For instance, a citywide former representative on the Mayor’s

6 $940,000 in 2009 and roughly $960,000 in 2010. versation among citizens. CITIZENS’ survey on views in 2001 showed the Neighborhood Advisory Commission. With the tax increase, the owner of a $300,000 property would pay an extra $12 a year. VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF CASCADIA WEEKLY THE GRISTLE

As the county Assessor and Treasurer 34 34 sourly noted, it’s a hefty increase—as Thank you for voting us nearly all belated responses to systems Best Steak FOOD allowed to decline to a state of emer- in Bellingham gency invariably are. It took courage for in the Best of Bellingham 28 the council to approve what is neces- by Cascadia Weekly! sary, and for that they deserve credit. To this, Council President Carl Weimer If you haven’t tried us yet, come and others have also championed a storm- see why we received this honor. CLASSIFIEDS water utility fee that would help reduce pollutant discharges into Lake Whatcom Now accepting reservations 24 and Lake Samish, as well as fund marine for the holidays. FILM FILM restoration efforts in Drayon Harbor and Gift Certificate Available. elsewhere. The largest portion of the Serving dinner from 4pm Monday 20 fee, under Weimer’s proposal, would go thru Saturday & from noon on Sunday. to ﬂood control projects (the county’s

Bar Open at 3pm MUSIC current Flood Fund is diverted to shore up the general fund). Even if approved 1218 Fielding Ave. by council, revenues for the utility would (360) 738-0275 18

not begin to kick in until 2010. ART Bellingham City Council, too, wrassles with a budget crafted by the executive that similarly woefully short changes 16 Lake Whatcom. STAGE STAGE To their credit, City Council appears willing after some struggle to at least match 2008 revenues committed to the 15 city’s sole drinking water reservoir (still

less than three times what COB has al- GET OUT located to the marine waterfront), their )"&! ").( “#1 priority.” Yet, while the Gristle does %(&( 1&&, credit their struggle, City Council’s 2009 14 )'!,"+)' plan for Lake Whatcom amounts to little more than a status quo response to a )(,.'!+ 113 Grand Ave. WORDS resource in decline. !&! -+)(% , Bellingham Slippery reassignment of city road 8 funds (which in part fund storm water 360.671.3080 improvements) to the city’s 2009 general fund and sorely diminished, post-bub- CURRENTS CURRENTS ble real estate excise tax revenues to Bartenders

the marine waterfront further challenge 6 6 what’s tant amount to a “no action” pol- Choice VIEWS VIEWS icy with regard to Lake Whatcom. VIEWS So it goes. City Council frets about how little im- RECYCLE 4 pervious surface they may permit in the MAIL MAIL watershed in the future in order to roll ALL OLD back impervious surfaces that are al- ELECTRONICS 3 ready judged 74 percent overbuilt: “How DO IT IT DO little can we add to equal a subtrac- tion?” The situation would be comical if it weren’t so dire. 08 The arc of administrative response to .03. 12 Lake Whatcom over the decades has been

one of active harm (ferociously, even .03 49

dia bolically, urbanizing a public water- # shed while the rest of the enlightened Serving breakfast all day. world moved in the opposite direction, Come in and try one of our 15 1-800-RECYCLE omelets, eggs and corn beef hash, busy closing and protecting theirs) fol- lowed by benign neglect (recognizing pancakes and more. 1800recycle.wa.gov a response is necessary but failing to Featuring Tony’s coffee. launch it) that does little to undo the 7:00–4:00 Monday–Friday 9PM–Midnight CASCADIA WEEKLY original harm while decline proceeds 8:00–4:00 Saturday & Sunday apace—dogpaddling against a current. gZ"hdjgXZh#dg\ 7 232 36th St. Sehome Village We didn’t fix these systems when I=>HEGD9J8IL6H;JC9:9I=GDJ<=6CA: times were good and money flowed; and I=:H:B6I:G>6AHL:G:G:K>:L:9;DGHI:C8N!I=>H9D:HCDIC:8:HH6G>AN 8DCHI>IJI::C9DGH:B:CI7NI=:9:E6GIB:CI# DAY& now, alas, we find we can’t. SATUR currents news commentary briefs

BY AMANDA WITHERELL 1. HOW MANY IRAQIS HAVE DIED? Nobody knows exactly how many lives the Iraq War NEWS THAT DIDN’T MAKE THE has claimed. But even more astounding is that so few journalists have mentioned the issue or cited the top estimate: 1.2 million. During August and September 2007, Opinion Research Business, a British polling group, surveyed 2,414 adults in 15 of 18 Iraqi provinces and found that more than 20 percent had experienced at least one war-related death since March 2003. Using common statistical study methods, it determined that as many as 1.2 million people had been killed since the war began. The U.S. military, claiming it keeps no count, still employs civilian death data as a marker of progress. For example, in a Sept. 10, 2007, report to Congress, Gen. David Petraeus said, “Civilian deaths of all categories, less natural causes, have also declined considerably, by over 45 percent Iraq-wide since the height of the sectar- Ten stories mostly ignored by mainstream media ian violence in December.” But whose number was he using? Estimates range wildly and are based on a variety of sources, including hospital, morgue and media reports, as well as in-person surveys. In October 2006, the British medical journal Lancet PERHAPS WE may give thanks that we may hear fewer “The war on terror is a sort of mind published a Johns Hopkins University study vetted by four of these stories under a new administration—provided we ever terror,” said Nancy Snow, one of the independent sources that counted 655,000 dead, based heard about them in the first place. project’s 24 judges and an asso- on interviews with 1,849 households. It updated a similar study from 2004 that counted 100,000 dead. The Associ- The untold story of our times is the continuing erosion of civil ciate professor of public diplo- ated Press called it “controversial.” liberties in exchange for universal surveillance and the increased macy at the Newhouse School The AP began its own count in 2005 and by 2006 said militarization of peaceful society for the sake of an endless and of Public Communications at that at least 37,547 Iraqis had lost their lives due to amorphous war on terror—a promise of protection in exchange Syracuse University. Snow— war-related violence, but called it a minimum estimate for the very items that guarantee that protection. Privacy for the who has taught classes on at best and didn’t include insurgent deaths. Iraq Body Count, a group of U.S. and U.K. citizens individual is reduced in tandem with greater secrecy of govern- war, media, and propagan- who aggregate numbers from media reports on civilian ment. As usual, major news media weren’t paying attention. da—elaborated: “You can’t deaths, puts the figure between 87,000 and 95,000. In The daily dispatches and nightly newscasts of the mainstream declare war on terror. It’s a January 2008, the World Health Organization and the media regularly cover terrorism, but rarely discuss how the fear tactic used by groups Iraqi government did door-to-door surveys of nearly of attacks is used to manipulate the public and set policy. That’s to gain publicity and 10,000 households and put the number of dead at 151,000. the common thread of many unreported stories last year, accord- it will remain with The 1.2 million figure is out there, too, ing to an analysis by Project Censored. us. But it’s unlikely which is higher than the Rwandan geno- Since 1976, Sonoma State University has released an annual that [the number of cide death toll and closing in on the survey of the top 25 stories the mainstream media failed to re- terrorist acts] will 1.7 million who perished in Cambodia’s port or reported poorly. Culled from worldwide alternative news spike. It spikes killing fields. Justifying the higher number, Michael Schwartz, writing sources, vetted by students and faculty, and ranked by judg- in the minds of on the blog AfterDowningStreet.org, es, the stories were not necessarily overtly censored. But their people.” suggests the aggressive “element controversial subjects, challenges to the status quo, or general Both Phillips of surprise” tactics employed by under-the-radar subject matter might have kept them from the and Snow agree soldiers is likely resulting in several front pages. Project Censored recounts them, accompanied by that comprehen- thousands of deaths a day that either go unreported or are categorized as media analysis, in a book of the same name published annually sive, contextual insurgent casualties. by Seven Stories Press. reporting is miss- SOURCES: “Is the United States killing “This year, war and civil liberties stood out,” Peter Phillips, ing from most of 10,000 Iraqis every month? Or is it more?” project director since 1996, said of the top stories. “They’re mainstream cov- Michael Schwartz, After Downing Street. closely related and part of the War on Terror that has been the erage. “That’s one org, July 6, 2007; “Iraq death toll rivals dominant theme of Project Censored for seven years, since 9/11.” of my criticisms of Rwanda Genocide, Cambodian killing fields,” Joshua Holland, AlterNet, Sept. 17, Whether it’s preventing what one piece of legislation calls “home- the media,” Snow 2007; “Iraq conflict has killed a million: grown terrorism” by federally funding the study of radicalism, using said. “They spot- survey,” Luke Baker, Reuters, Jan. 30, vague concerns about security to quietly expand NAFTA, or refusing light issues and 2008; “Iraq: Not our country to return to count the number of Iraqi civilians killed in the war, the threat of don’t look at the en- to,” Maki al-Nazzal and Dahr Jamail, Inter Press Service, March 3, 2008. terrorism is being used to silence people and expand power. tire landscape.” 2. NAFTA ON STEROIDS 4. ILEA: TRAINING GROUND FOR ILLEGAL WARS?

Coupling the perennial issue of security with Wall Street’s measures of prosperity, the leaders of the The School of the Americas earned an unsavory reputation in Latin America after many graduates of

three North American nations convened the Security and Prosperity Partnership. The White House–led the Fort Benning, Ga., facility turned into counterinsurgency death squad leaders. So the Interna- 34 initiative—launched at a March 23, 2005, meeting of President Bush, Mexico’s then-president Vicente tional Law Enforcement Academy recently installed by the Unites States in El Salvador—which looks,

Fox, and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin—joins beefed-up commerce with coordinated military acts and smells like the SOA—is also drawing scorn. FOOD operations to promote what it calls “borderless unity.” The school, which opened in June 2005 before the Salvadoran National Assembly approved it, Critics call it “NAFTA on steroids.” However, unlike NAFTA, the SPP was formed in secret, without has a satellite operation in Peru and is funded with $3.6 million from the US Treasury and staffed public input. with instructors from the DEA, ICE, and FBI. It’s tasked with training 1,500 police ofﬁcers, judges, 28 “The SPP is not a law, or a treaty, or even a signed agreement,” Laura Carlsen wrote in a report for the prosecutors and other law enforcement agents in counterterrorism techniques per year. It’s stated Center for International Policy. “All these would require public debate and participation of Congress, purpose is to make Latin America “safe for foreign investment” by “providing regional security and both of which the SPP has scrupulously avoided.” economic stability and combating crime.”

Instead the SPP has a special workgroup: the North American Competitiveness Council. It’s a coalition As Wes Enzinna noted in a North American Congress on Latin America report, when the U.S. CLASSIFIEDS of private companies that are, according to the SPP Web site, “adding high-level business input [that] decided it wanted a training ground in Latin America, El Salvador was not the first choice. In 2002 will assist governments in enhancing North America’s competitive position and engage the private sec- U.S. officials selected Costa Rica as host—a country that doesn’t even have an army. The local gov- 24 tor as partners in finding solutions.” ernment signed on and the plan made headlines. But when citizens learned about it, they revolted A look at NAFTA’s unpopularity among citizens in all three nations is evidence of and demanded the government change the agreement. The U.S. bailed for a more discreet FILM FILM why its expansion would need to be disguised. “It’s a scheme to create a bor- second attempt in El Salvador. derless North American Union under U.S. control without barriers to trade Now, after more than three years in operation, critics point out that Salvadoran

and capital ﬂows for corporate giants, mainly U.S. ones,” wrote Steven police, who account for 25 percent of the graduates, have become more violent. 20 Lendman in Global Research. “It’s also to insure America gets free and A May 2007 report by Tutela Legal implicated Salvadoran National Police unlimited access to Canadian and Mexican resources, mainly oil, and in (PNC) ofﬁcers in eight death squad–style assassinations in 2006. MUSIC the case of Canada, water as well.” El Salvador’s ILEA recently received another $2 million in US funding through the congressionally approved Mérida Initiative—but still SOURCES: “Deep Integration,” Laura Carlsen, Center for International

Policy, May 30, 2007; “The Militarization and Annexation of North refuses to adopt a more transparent curriculum and administration, 18 America,” Stephen Lendman, Global Research, July 19, 2007; “The despite partnering with a well-known human rights leader. Enzinna’s ART ART North American Union,” Constance Fogal, Global Research, Aug. 2, FOIA requests for course materials were rejected by the government, 2007. so no one knows exactly what the school is teaching, or to whom.

SOURCES: “Exporting US ‘Criminal Justice’ to Latin America,” “Com- 16 munity in Solidarity with the people of El Salvador,” Upside Down World, June 14, 2007; “Another SOA?” Wes Enzinna, NACLA Report STAGE STAGE on the Americas, March/April 2008; “ILEA funding approved by Sal- 3. INFRAGARD GUARDS ITSELF vadoran right wing legislators,” CISPES, March 15, 2007; “Is George

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have effectively Bush restarting Latin America’s ‘dirty wars?’” Benjamin Dangl, AlterNet, 15 deputized 23,000 members of the business community, asking Aug. 31, 2007. them to tip off the feds in exchange for preferential treatment in

the event of a crisis. “The members of this rapidly growing group, GET OUT called InfraGard, receive secret warnings of terrorist threats before the public does—and, at least on one occasion, before elected officials,” Matthew Rothschild wrote in the March 2008 14 issue of The Progressive. InfraGard was created in 1996 in Cleveland as part of an FBI probe into cyberthreats. Yet after 9/11, membership jumped from WORDS 1,700 to more than 23,000, and now includes 350 of the nation’s Fortune 500 companies. Members typically have a stake in one of 8 several crucial infrastructure industries, including agriculture, bank- 8 ing, defense, energy, food, telecommunications, law enforcement and transportation. The group’s 86 chapters coordinate with 56 FBI field offices nationwide. CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS While FBI Director Robert Mueller has said he considers this segment of the private sector “the first line of defense,” the American Civil Liberties Union issued a grave warning about the potential for abuse. 6 “There is evidence that InfraGard may be closer to a corporate TIPS program, turning private-sector corporations—some of which may be in VIEWS a position to observe the activities of millions of individual customers— into surrogate eyes and ears for the FBI,” it cautioned in an August 4 2004 report. “The FBI should not be creating a privileged class of Americans who MAIL get special treatment,” Jay Stanley, public education director of the

ACLU’s technology and liberty program, told Rothschild. 3 And they are privileged: a DHS spokesperson told Rothschild that DO IT IT DO InfraGard members receive special training and readiness exercises. They’re also privy to protected information that is usually shielded

from disclosure under the trade secrets provision of the Freedom of 08 Information Act. .03.

Steve Maviglio, Davis’s press secretary at the time, told Rothschild, 12 “The governor got a lot of grief for releasing the information. In his defense, he said, ‘I was on the phone with my brother, who is an invest- .03

ment banker. And if he knows, why shouldn’t the public know?’” 49 # SOURCE: “The FBI deputizes business,” Matthew Rothschild, The Progressive, Feb. 7, 2008. CASCADIA WEEKLY

9 5. SEIZING PROTEST Protesting war could get you into big trouble, according to a critical read of two executive orders recently signed by President Bush. The ﬁrst, issued July 17, 2007, and titled, “Blocking property of certain persons

who threaten stabilization efforts in Iraq,” allows the feds to seize assets from anyone who “directly or

34 34 indirectly” poses a risk to the U.S. war in Iraq. And, citing the modern technological ease of transferring funds and assets, the order states that no prior notice is necessary before the raid.

FOOD On Aug. 1, Bush signed another order, similar but directed toward anyone undermining the “sov- ereignty of Lebanon or its democratic processes and institutions.” In this case, the Secretary of the Treasury can seize the assets of anyone perceived as posing a risk of violence, as well as the assets of 28 28 their spouses and dependents, and bans them from receiving any humanitarian aid. Critics say the orders bypass the right to due process and the vague language makes manipulation and abuse possible. Protesting the war could be perceived as undermining or threatening US efforts in Iraq. “This is so sweeping, it’s staggering,” said Bruce Fein, a former Reagan administration ofﬁcial in

CLASSIFIEDS the Justice Department who editorialized against it in the Washington Times. “It expands beyond terrorism, beyond seeking to use violence or the threat of violence to cower or intimidate a population.”

24 SOURCES: “Bush executive order: Criminalizing the antiwar movement,” Michel Chossudovsky, Global Research, July 2007; “Bush’s executive order even worse than the one on Iraq,” Matthew Rothschild,

FILM FILM The Progressive, Aug. 2007.

20 6. RADICALS = TERRORISTS On Oct. 23, 2007, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed—by a vote of 404-6—the MUSIC “Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act,” designed to root out the causes of radicalization in Americans.

18 18 With an estimated four-year cost of $22 million, the act establishes a 10-member National Commis- sion on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism, as well as a university- ART ART based Center of Excellence “to examine the social, criminal, political, psychological and economic roots of domestic terrorism,” according to a press release from the bill’s author, Rep. Jane Harman (D-Los Angeles). 16 Paciﬁc Arts Holiday Market Pictures with Santa Downtown During debate on the bill, Harman said, “Free speech, espousing even very radical beliefs, is protected by our Constitution. But violent behavior is not.”

STAGE STAGE Allied Arts Festival of Arts Downtown Tree Lighting Jessica Lee, writing in the Indypendent, a newspaper put out by the New York Independent Media Festival of Trees Center, pointed out that in a later press release Harman stated: “the National Commission [will] pro- Buy Local Week pose to both Congress and [Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael] Chertoff initiatives 15 Wintertainment to intercede before radicalized individuals turn violent.” Dine Downtown Which could be when they’re speaking, writing and organizing in ways that are protected by the First Jingle Bell Run Amendment. This redefines civil disobedience as terrorism, say civil rights experts, and the wording GET OUT Giving Back Art Walk is too vague. For example, the definition of “violent radicalization” is “the process of adopting or promoting an extremist belief system for the purpose of facilitating ideologically based violence to advance political, religious, or social change.” 14 See all the details at downtownbellingham.com/12 days “What is an extremist belief system? Who defines this? These are broad definitions that encompass so much.... It is criminalizing thought and ideology,” said Alejandro Queral, executive director of the

WORDS Northwest Constitutional Rights Center in Portland, Ore. Sponsored By: SOURCES: “Bringing the war on terrorism home,” Jessica Lee, Indypendent, Nov. 16, 2007; “Examin- HOLIDAY ing the Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act,” Lindsay Beyerstein, In These Times, Nov. 2007; “The 8 8 Violent Radicalization Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007,” Matt Renner, Truthout, Nov. HOTSPOTS 20, 2007 23 CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS Downtown Bellingham is full of great places for holiday shopping, dining, and entertainment. 7. SLAVERY’S RUNNER-UP

6 Here’s 28 of Bellingham’s best and brightest: Every year, about 121,000 people legally enter the United States to work with H-2 visas, a program legislators are touting as part of future immigration reform. But Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) called

VIEWS VIEWS this guest worker program “the closest thing I’ve ever seen to slavery.” The Southern Poverty Law Center likened it to “modern day indentured servitude.” They interviewed 22

4 thousands of guest workers and reviewed legal cases for a report released in March 2007, in which 1 Allied Arts 14 Greenhouse authors Mary Bauer and Sarah Reynolds wrote, “Unlike U.S. citizens, guest workers do not enjoy the Festival of Arts 24 27 4

MAIL MAIL 15 Giuseppe’s most fundamental protection of a competitive labor market—the ability to change jobs if they are 2 Backcountry Italian mistreated. Instead, they are bound to the employers who ‘import’ them. If guest workers complain

Essentials Restaurant 3 5 about abuses, they face deportation, blacklisting, or other retaliation.” 3 Barbo Furniture 16 Ideal 20 17 When visas expire, workers must leave the country, hardly making this the path to permanent 25 15 DO IT IT DO 4 Bellingham 17 Johnson’s 2 9 citizenship legislators are looking for. The H-2 program mimics the controversial bracero program, Public Market Flower Shop 23 established through a joint agreement between Mexico and the United States in 1942 that brought 8 5 Bellingham 18 Kids Northwest 4.5 million workers over the border during the 22 years it was in effect. 08 08 3 i. 11:30 Frameworks 12 -Fr -1 19 Left Right Left 21 n. :3 Many legal protections were written into the program, but in most cases they existed only on paper .03. 18 o 0 6 Boundary in a language unreadable to employees. In 1964 the program was shuttered amid scores of human

12 M 20 Lucky Monkey 13 FREE Bay Brewery 1 rights abuses and complaints that it undermined petitions for higher wages from U.S. workers. Soon 21 Merch-Bot 19 & Bistro 14 DOWNTOWN 16 after, United Farm Workers organized, which César Chávez said would have been impossible if the .03 7 DesignLab 22 Paciﬁc Arts bracero program still existed. 49 PARKING

# Holiday Market 8 Digs N Years later, it essentially still does. The H-2A program, which accounted for 32,000 agricultural work- 23 Pacific Marine o 31 10 v. . ers in 2005, has many of the same protections—and many of the same abuses. Even worse is the H-2B 9 Downtown Galley & 15-Dec Emporium Exchange program, used by 89,000 non-agricultural workers annually. Created by the Immigration Reform and 10 Eva Salon 26 Control Act of 1986, none of the safeguards of the H-2A visa are legally required for H-2B workers. 24 The Paperdoll 7 11 Still, Mexicans are literally lining up for H-2B status, the stark details of which were reported by 11 Frank James 25 Paris-Texas Felicia Mello in The Nation. Furthermore, thousands of illegal immigrants are employed throughout the 12 Garys’ Men’s 26 Red Berry 28 country, providing cheap, unprotected labor and further undermining the scant provisions of the laws. & Women’s Labor contractors who connect immigrants with employers are stuffing their pockets with cash, while CASCADIA WEEKLY Wear 27 Temple Bar 6 the workers return home with very little money. 13 GB Heron 28 YMCA 10 SOURCES: “Close to Slavery,” Mary Bauer and Sarah Reynolds, Southern Poverty Law Center, March 2007; “Coming to America,” Felicia Mello, The Nation, June 25, 2007; “Trafficking racket,” Chidan- and Rajghatta, Times of India, March 10, 2008. are. The Department of Justice doesn’t tell me what the law is. I 10. PSYCHOLOGISTS HELP 8. BUSH CHANGES THE RULES tell the Department of Justice what the law is.” The issue arose within the context of the Protect America Act, CIA TORTURE The Bush administration’s Office of Legal Counsel in the Depart- which expands government surveillance powers and gives telecom ment of Justice has been issuing classified legal opinions about Psychologists have been assisting the CIA and US military companies legal immunity for helping. Whitehouse called it “a with interrogation and torture of Guantánamo detainees— surveillance for years. As a member of the Senate Intelligence Com- 34 second-rate piece of legislation passed in a stampede in August at mittee, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) had access to the DOJ which the American Psychological Association has said is fine, the behest of the Bush administration.” opinions on presidential power and had three declassified to show despite objections from many of its 148,000 members. FOOD He pointed out that the act does not prohibit spying on Americans how the judicial branch has, in a bizarre and chilling way, assisted A 10-member APA task force convened on the divisive issue overseas—with the exception of an executive order that permits President Bush in circumventing its own power. in July 2005 and found that assistance from psychologists was surveillance only of Americans whom the Attorney General deter- 28 According to the three memos: making the interrogations safe and the group deferred to U.S. mines to be “agents of a foreign power.” “There is no constitutional requirement for a President to issue a standards on torture over international human-rights organiza- “In other words, the only thing standing between Americans new executive order whenever he wishes to depart from the terms tions’ definitions. traveling overseas and government wiretap is an executive order,” of a previous executive order. Rather than violate an executive The task force was criticized by APA members for deliberating

Whitehouse said in an April 12 speech. “An order this president, CLASSIFIEDS order, the President has instead modified or waived it”; in secret, and later it was revealed that six of the 10 partici- under the first legal theory I cited, claims he has no legal obliga- “The President, exercising his constitutional authority under Ar- pants had ties to the armed services. Not only that, but as tion to obey.” ticle II, can determine whether an action is a lawful exercise of the Katherine Eban reported in Vanity Fair, “Psychologists, working 24 President’s authority under Article II,” and SOURCES: “In FISA Speech, Whitehouse sharply criticizes Bush in secrecy, had actually designed the tactics and “The Department of Justice is bound by the President’s legal Administration’s assertion of executive power,” Sheldon White- trained interrogators in them while on contract FILM FILM determinations.” house, Dec. 7, 2007; “Down the Rabbit Hole,” Marcy Wheeler, The to the CIA.” Or, as Whitehouse rephrased in a Dec. 7, 2007, Senate speech: Guardian (UK), Dec. 26, 2007. In particular, psychologists James Mitchell and Bruce Jessen, neither of whom are “I don’t have to follow my own rules, and I don’t have to tell you 20 when I’m breaking them. I get to determine what my own powers APA members, honed a classified military training program known as SERE [Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape] that teaches MUSIC soldiers how to tough out torture if captured by enemies. “Mitchell and Jessen reverse- 18 18 engineered the tactics inflicted on SERE 9. SOLDIERS SPEAK OUT trainees for use on detainees in the global ART war on terror,” Eban wrote. Hearing soldiers recount their war experiences is the closest many And, as Mark Benjamin noted in a Salon people come to understanding the real horror, pain and confusion of article, employing SERE training—which 16 combat. One would think that might make compelling copy or power- is designed to replicate torture tactics ful footage for a news outlet. But in March, when more than 300 that don’t abide by Geneva Convention STAGE veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan convened for four days standards—refutes past administration of public testimony on the war, they were largely ignored by the media. assertions that current CIA torture Winter Soldier was designed to give soldiers a public forum to air some techniques are safe and legal. 15 of the atrocities they witnessed. Originally convened by Vietnam Vets “Soldiers undergoing SERE training Against the War in January 1971, more than 100 Vietnam veterans and 16 are subject to forced nudity, stress civilians described their war experiences, including rapes, torture, brutalities positions, lengthy isolation, sleep GET OUT and killing of non-combatants. The testimony was entered into the Congressio- deprivation, sexual humilia- nal Record, filmed, and shown at the Cannes Film Festival. tion, exhaustion from exercise

Iraq Veterans Against the War hosted the 2008 reprise of the 1971 hearings. and the use of water to create 14 Aaron Glantz, writing in One World, recalled testimony from former Marine a sensation of suffocation,” Cpl. Jason Washburn, who said, “his commanders encouraged lawless Benjamin wrote. WORDS behavior. ‘We were encouraged to bring ‘drop weapons,’ or shovels. In case Eban’s story outlined how we accidentally shot a civilian, we could drop the weapon on the body SERE tactics were spun as and pretend they were an insurgent.’” 8 “science” despite a lack of data 8 An investigation by Chris Hedges and Laila Al-Arian in The Nation and the critique that building that included interviews with 50 Iraq war veterans also revealed rapport works better than blows an overwhelming lack of training and resources, and a gen- to the head. Specifically, he said, CURRENTS CURRENTS eral disregard for the traditional rules of war. it’s been misreported that CIA CURRENTS SOURCES: “Winter Soldier: Iraq & Afghanistan eyewit- torture techniques got Al Qaeda ness accounts of the occupation,” Iraq Veterans operative Abu Zubaydah to talk, 6 Against the War, March 13-16, 2008; “War comes when it was actually FBI rapport- home,” Aaron Glantz, Aimee Allison, and Esther building. In spite of this, SERE tech- VIEWS VIEWS Manilla, Pacifica Radio, March 14-16, 2008; “US niques became standards in interroga- Soldiers testify about war crimes,” Aaron Glantz, tion manuals that eventually made their 4 One World, March 19, 2008; “The Other War,” way to U.S. officers guarding

Chris Hedges and Laila Al-Arian, The Nation, Abu Ghraib. MAIL July 30, 2007. SOURCES: “The CIA’s torture

teachers,” Mark Benjamin, Sa- 3 lon, June 21, 2007; “Rorschach DO IT IT DO and awe,” Katherine Eban, Vanity Fair, July 17, 2007. 08 08 .03. 12 .03 49 # Lustick Law Firm Criminal Defense, Civil & Family Law Experienced, Effective Counsel for Citizens in Whatcom, San Juan

& Skagit Counties CASCADIA WEEKLY

11 Jeffrey A. Lustick Mark A. Kaiman [email protected] [email protected] Fmr. Bellingham City Prosecutor (360) 685-4221 Fmr. State & City Prosecutor currents POLICE BEAT :: INDEX

34 34

FOOD On Nov. 28, bungling burglars attempt- INDEX fuzzbuzz ing to steal a motor from a boat in a Bell-

28 28 ingham storage yard accidentally set ﬁre DOWN THE TUBE to the vessel. Fireﬁghters quickly extin- On Nov. 24, federal prosecutors in U.S. guished the blaze. Police say the thieves District Court charged Anthony Curcio of may have made off with the motor from a CLASSIFIEDS Lake Stevens with one count of interfer- second boat. ing with commerce. In September, Curcio

24 allegedly sprayed an armored car guard in MICKEY FINN DRINKS HERE the face with pepper spray and made off On Nov. 22, a woman reported feeling FILM FILM with $400,000 by hopping into a yellow in- “weird” after consuming part of a drink ner tube and escaping down Woods ordered for her by a stranger at

20 Creek near Monroe. The FBI an establishment near Grant says it cracked the case when Street in Bellingham. MUSIC agents learned that about two weeks before the robbery a NOT SO CRAZY

18 18 homeless man called 911 to On Nov. 29, a Bellingham

ART ART report that he found a can of resident called police for ad- Mace, a wig and a two-way radio vice about defecting to another behind a trash bin nearby. When a country and requesting amnesty 16 man came to retrieve the items, the before the caller was scheduled homeless man wrote down the license to be returned to the Western State STAGE STAGE plate number of his car. mental facility the following day.

15 ‘TIS THE SEASON On Nov. 19, Blaine Police scolded a man On Nov. 28, a woman allegedly attempted who had apparently invited himself into

GET OUT to steal clothing from Bellis Fair Mall dur- another person’s vehicle for a ride home. ing the chaos of Black Friday. Bellingham PRELIMINARY SALES ESTIMATE, in billions, for "Black Friday," the launch of Christmas season sales. Police officers spotted the 38-year-old On Nov. 26, a fight broke out on Railroad $10.6 14 leave the mall carrying an estimated $480 Avenue and Holly Street in Bellingham af- worth of new clothes with the security tags ter one man was unable to provide a ciga- ESTIMATED MILLIONS OF shoppers over Thanksgiv- WORDS still attached. Police say the woman fled in rette to another man. Police and a passer- ing weekend. her car down the wrong lane of Telegraph by managed to stave off a homicide until 134.8 Road. Eventually, she crashed. She faces the assailant could be jailed, where—it 8 8 theft and reckless driving charges. is presumed—he might successfully bum PERCENT INCREASE IN 2008 Black Friday sales over a cigarette. 3 2007. On Oct. 24, a Blaine store clerk spotted CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS a transient trying to filch a carton of egg SHARP DRESSED MEN NUMBER OF AMERICANS shot, trampled or badly

6 nog. The woman protested, but surrendered On Nov. 24, Washington State Patrol ad- the nog before leaving. Ofﬁcers noted they vised Blaine Police of a man reportedly 7 injured in weekend shopping riots.

VIEWS VIEWS contacted other stores in her ﬂight path, “dressed like The Joker” walking on Inter- “to advise them of the poor perturbed per- state 5. Ofﬁcers found the theatrical tran-

4 son’s predilection for pilfering potables.” sient, who explained he was hiking to a BANKRUPTCY FILINGS PER business day in Septem- ber (national). coffee shop for a cup of java. Once caffein- 4,500 MAIL MAIL COPS ROBBED ated, he declared, he hoped to divine his

3 On Nov. 30, a Bellingham Police officer next direction of travel. Police reported, PERCENT INCREASE IN bankruptcies in Washington responding to a fight reported outside “He accepted an admonition against inter- State compared to one year ago. DO IT IT DO the Royal Inn returned to find his police state ambulation, and was bid adieu.” 40 cruiser had been stolen. The officer had 08 08 parked the car in an alley near the res- On Nov. 24, a Blaine resident shooed away

.03. RANK OF WASHINGTON among 50 states with taurant, with the engine still running. a man dressed in black whom he found ly- 12 increases in bankruptcy ﬁlings. The car was recovered the same evening, ing on his porch in the evening gloom. Ofﬁ- 12

.03 abandoned near the harbor. The vehicle cers contacted the spectral suspect nearby. 49 # had a flat right rear tire and two radio “The young man explained he was walking ESTIMATED NUMBER OF professional economists microphones and cords had been ripped after arguing with his girlfriend, and had nationwide. out. Damage was estimated at $500. just paused to perch and ponder,” police 15,000 noted. “He was taught that terrace tarry- On Nov. 24, a fire broke out in a Bellingham ing was tantamount to trespass.” ESTIMATED NUMBER OF professional economists fire station after an electrical problem in a who understood and foresaw current economic down- fire truck’s engine compartment results in a UNFORTUNATE FIND 12 turn. CASCADIA WEEKLY blaze. Sprinklers took care of most of the On Nov. 30, Bellingham Police discovered a SOURCES: National Retail Federation; ShopperTrak RCT; AACER Manage- 12 flames, but fortunately fire personnel were dead man lying in the front yard of a South- on hand to avert most of the damage. side residence. Suicide is suspected. ment Firm; University of Illinois; New York Times interview with economist James K. Galbraith currents THE WEEK IN REVIEW

34 34 FOOD Mukasey last week, during a dismisses complaints against

BY TIM JOHNSON speech in which Mukasey later Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike, Bell- 28 fainted. Judge Richard Sanders ingham City Council candidate Bill says he was speaking his con- Geyer and County Council incum- science when he interrupted Mu- bent Sam Crawford that their cam- kasey at a black-tie dinner Thurs- paigns may have violated federal CLASSIFIEDS day night in Washington, D.C., for election laws by accepting dona-

the Federalist Society, a conser- tions from Canadian citizens. 24 vative legal group. Sanders said FILM FILM he had already left the speech 12.01.08 about the Bush administration's MONDAY ee policies in the war on terrorism PASSAGES 20 before Mukasey collapsed, and Washington is hardly alone. THE THAT WAS did not learn of it until the fol- State governments are fore- MUSIC lowing day. casting more than $100 billion

in budget gaps over the next 18

Ten young men armed with two fiscal years, according to a ART rifles and grenades begin a 60- new report from an association 11.25.08 hour terror campaign in Mum- of state governments. Twenty 16 TUESDAY bai, a city of 18 million, turn- states have already cut $7.6 bil- Jeff Koenings, director of ing its postcard-perfect icons lion from their budgets for fiscal the Washington Depart- STAGE STAGE Whatcom County Council, in its capacity as the Flood Control Zone into battlefields until security 2009, and 30 states have identi- ment of Fish and Wildlife, is Board of Supervisors, votes to raise the flood fee portion of local forces end one of the deadliest fied additional shortfalls totaling resigning after 10 years in

the position. The state Fish 15 property taxes to help pay for water quality programs. The increase attacks in India's history. A pre- more than $30 billion, according and Wildlife Commission has raises property taxes $1 per month on a $300,000 home. viously unknown Muslim group to a report by the National Con- appointed Phil Anderson as

called Deccan Mujahideen—a ference of State Legislatures. interim department director. GET OUT 11.26.08 name suggesting origins inside Anderson has been the India—claims responsibility for Just in time for the holidays, JP- department's deputy director WEDNESDAY for resource policy since 14 the attacks that kill more than Morgan Chase announces they'll July 2007. In what's becoming a familiar pattern, Western Washington Uni- 170 people. But Indian officials lay off 3,400 Washington Mutual versity President Bruce Shepard announces the university will cut say the sole surviving gunman, employees in Seattle. That's about WORDS its operating budget 12 percent for the 2009-11 biennium. The an- now in custody, was from Paki- one-third of the 9,200 WaMu lay- nouncement came after the state's Office of Financial Management stan and voiced suspicions of offs planned nationwide. 8 8 asked state institutions to make plans to cut their budgets for the their neighbor. Pakistan denies it 2009-11 biennium by 20 percent. was involved and demanded evi- Canadian NDP Leader Jack Lay- dence. An investigation suggests ton and Liberal Leader Stéphane CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS CURRENTS A report from Western State Hospital finds the man charged with the attackers planned to massa- Dion sign a historic accord to Mark Johnson of the Nook-

killing six people in a shooting rampage in Skagit County is incom- cre 5,000 people. form a coalition government 6 petent to stand trial, a Skagit prosecutor reports. Isaac Zamora, 28, to replace Prime Minister Ste- sack Valley School District 11. 08 is named superintendent of is charged with murdering six people, including a sheriff's deputy, 28. phen Harper’s Conservatives. the year by the Washing- VIEWS during a Sept. 2 shooting spree near Alger. A competency hearing is FRIDAY Bloc Quebecois separatist party ton Association of School rescheduled for Dec. 8. agrees to support the coalition, Administrators. Johnson is 4 In perhaps the ﬁnal holdover meaning by next week Canada's credited with leading the MAIL MAIL A Washington State Supreme Court judge admits he was the one from the 2007 election, the recently reelected PM may be district's efforts to expand early childhood education who stood up and yelled "tyrant!" at U.S. Attorney General Michael Federal Elections Commission out of a job. and English programs for 3 non-native speakers. DO IT IT DO

08 08 .03. 12 .03 49 #

Ferndale School District Su- perintendent Roger Lehnert, 65, announces he'll retire at the end of the school year after 19 years at the post. CASCADIA WEEKLY

13 President-elect Barack Obama unveiled his national security team this week, including formally announcing his plan to nominate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton as Secretary of State. Obama also said he'd keep current Defense Secretary Robert Gates in his post, and would nominate Susan Rice as ambassador to the United Nations, retired Marine Gen. James Jones as his national security adviser, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as homeland security director and Eric Holder as attorney general. doit

Writers’ Theatre at 7pm at

WORDS the Firehouse Café, 1314 34 34 WED., DEC. 3 Harris Ave. NOT ONE DROP: Riki Ott, 676-5853 FOOD words author of Not One Drop: COMMUNITY LECTURES BOOKS Betrayal and Courage in the 28 28 Wake of the Exxon Valdez Oil COMMUNITY Spill, will give a slideshow at 7pm at Village Books, DEC. 5-7 1200 11th St. PORT FESTIVAL: The an- 671-2626 nual Holiday Port Festival CLASSIFIEDS SPOKEN WORD: Read your and Gingerbread House prose as part of Spoken Contest happens from 12- 24 Word Wednesdays at 8pm 8pm Fri., 11am-6pm Sat., BY AMY KEPFERLE every week at Stuart’s at and 11am-5pm Sun. at the FILM FILM the Market, 1530 Cornwall Bellingham Cruise Termi- Ave. nal, 355 Harris Ave. Perfor- 714-0800 mances by local choirs and 20 dance groups, horse-drawn Challenge and Change DEC. 3-6 wagon ride, visits by Santa

MUSIC BOOK SALE: A Holiday and much more will be part TEN DECADES OF WHATCOM WOMEN Book Sale happens from of the fun. 3-6pm Wed., 10am-8pm PORTOFBELLINGHAM.COM 18 18 Thurs., 10am-6pm Fri., and OLDE FASHIONED

ART ART Although the YWCA was first created 10am-3pm Sat. at the Bell- CHRISTMAS: Historical to “promote growth in Christian char- ingham Public Library, 210 reenactors, photos with acter and service,” the mission of the Central Ave. Santa, and much more 16 countrywide organization has grown by 778-7250 will be part of the Olde leaps and bounds. These days, women in Fashioned Christmas from STAGE STAGE THURS., DEC. 4 5-9pm Fri., 1-9pm Sat., and CHUCKANUT RADIO crisis—whether it’s of the domestic or 1-4pm Sun. at Ferndale’s HOUR: Mystery author J.A. financial variety—can find a safe haven. Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry

15 Jance will be the featured Eliminating racism is also of great impor- St. Entry is $2-$3. author at the latest Chuck- 384-6461 tance to the nearly 300 associations in anut Radio Hour at 7pm at

GET OUT the United States. the American Museum of SAT., DEC. 6 Readers of Challenge and Change can Radio and Electricity, 1312 HARBOR LIGHTS: A used ﬁnd out why the modiﬁcations were Bay St. Entry is $7.50. book sale, caroling and 14 14 necessary while perusing the variety of 671-2626 live music will be part of photos that are used to great advantage the Blaine Holiday Harbor FRI., DEC. 5 Lights fest from 10am-7pm WORDS WORDS HAIKU FOR LIFE: Learn in the book. Thanks to help from histo- on Blaine’s waterfront. The to write your own haiku rians at the Whatcom Museum of History event will culminate in a masterpieces when David & Art, the use of tree lighting and lighted 8 Ash, author and humor- boat parade. black and white ist, shares his knowledge BLAINECHAMBER.COM images reaching at 7pm at Village Books, CHRISTMAS PARADE: back through the 1200 11th St. CURRENTS CURRENTS The annual Sinterklaas and 671-2626 IN 1915, single ladies in Whatcom County who elected to become decades makes it Lighted Christmas parade

6 teachers were often required to sign contracts that forbade them to possible to con- SAT., DEC. 6 festivities kick off at 1pm marry during the term of their tenure. Additionally, they couldn’t “keep nect a little deep- ALL ABOUT LULU: Bain- in downtown Lynden. Mu- bridge Island author Jona- sic, klompen dancing, sto- VIEWS VIEWS company” with members of the opposite sex, needed to be home be- er with the women tween the hours of 8pm and 6am and, among other draconian decrees, from the past cen- than Evison reads from All rytelling and more will be part of the holiday fun. 4 ATTEND were advised not to dress in bright colors or dye their hair. For this tury. The book it- About Lulu at 7pm at Vil- WHAT: Lynne Masland lage Books, 1200 11th St. 354-5995 OR LYNDEN.ORG amazing job opportunity, they were paid between $50-$60 per month. self was conceived MAIL MAIL talks about 100 Years 671-2626 To ﬁnd out how far women have come in the last century, it might of Challenge and after a photo ex- SUN., DEC. 7

COMMUNITY BREAK- 3 help to read local writer and former professor Lynne Masland’s 100 Years Change hibit Masland co- MON., DEC. 8 WHEN: 4pm Sun., MARCO’S ODYSSEY: Au- FAST: Get served by local of Challenge and Change: Whatcom Women and the Bellingham YWCA. The curated as part of politicians at the monthly DO IT IT DO Dec. 7 thor and traveler Harry

book, which was meant to commemorate the important work achieved WHERE: Village Books, last year’s centen- Rutstein talks about his Community Breakfast from by the local chapter of the Young Women’s Christian Association, also 1200 11th St. nial celebration. book, The Marco Polo Odys- 8am-1pm at the Rome 08 08 manages to provide a fascinating glimpse into the storied history of the COST: Entry is free. “As I delved sey, and gives a slideshow Grange, 2821 Mt. Baker .03. members of the fairer sex who paved the way for changes both large and The book will be avail- into YWCA history at 7pm at Village Books, Hwy. Entry is $2-$5. 12 671-7862 small in this region we call home. able for $20 and funds for the exhibit, I 1200 11th St. raised through its sale 671-2626 LAUGHTER CLUB: A

.03 “Written to celebrate the YWCA of Bellingham centennial, this book will support the YWCA’s became fascinat- Bellingham Laughter Club 49

# focuses on one volunteer organization in one region of our state,” says transitional housing ed with how it re- TUES., DEC. 9 gathering starts at 4pm at Jo Collinge, the current YWCA president, in the preface to the tome. program. ﬂected what was AMERICAN IN ICELAND: Co-op’s Connection build- “And yet, it is also the history of enormous challenges and changes in INFO: 671-2626 happening in our Bill Holm reads from The ing, 1027 N. Forest St. All Windows of Brimnes: An the lives of American women and their families since 1907.” country and our are welcome. American in Iceland at 7pm 920-3617 OR Collinge points out that in 1907 the state of Washington was only community and how one service orga- at Village Books, 1200 WORLDLAUGHTERTOUR.COM 18 years old. Bellingham itself had only been around for three years nization in one part of our nations re- 11th St. SILVER TEA: Attend the at that point. The space that houses the bustling Western Washington sponded—or led,” Masland says. “I’ve 671-2626 25th annual Silver Tea from CASCADIA WEEKLY University campus was a teacher’s training school and women couldn’t tried to capture the challenges and WED., DEC. 10 2-6pm at the Everson Mc- Beath Community Library, 14 vote. For many women arriving in town from rural areas and overseas, changes that have shaped all women’s WRITERS’ THEATRE: Jin 104 Kirsch Dr. the Bellingham YWCA was like a lighthouse beacon in a dark night. Here, lives through the decades and continue the Chuckanut Sandstone 966-5100 they could ﬁnd inexpensive housing, moral support and job referrals. to resonate today.” doit

DO IT SANTA TRAIN: Join the

big fella in red when 34 THURS., DEC. 4 the Lake Whatcom Rail-

WAX ON: Learn to “take way Santa Train steams FOOD getout care of the gear that takes along at 9:30am, 12pm, care of you” at a Ski and and 2:30pm through the HIKING RUNNING CYCLING 28 Snowboard Waxing/Tun- woods of Wickersham. ing Clinic at 7pm at WWU’s Cost is $9-$18. The train Outdoor Center, located in will run again Dec. 13 and the Viking Union. Cost is 20, and reservations must

$5 for students and $10 for be made in advance. CLASSIFIEDS the general public. (360) 595-2218 OR 650-3112 LAKEWHATCOMRAILWAY.COM BY TRAIL RAT 24 NORDIC SKI CLUB: Join BOAT PARADE: The Semi-

the Nooksack Nordic Ski ahmoo Yacht Club will hold FILM Club for a meeting from a lighted boat parade and 7-9pm at the RE Store, Christmas Cruise leaving Making the Point 2309 Meridian St. There’ll the Blaine and Semiahmoo 20 be a presentation on win- marinas at 4:30pm and re-

WALKING TO WHITEHORN ter driving in the moun- turning at 6:30pm. MUSIC tains. P.S. Show up at SEMIAHMOOYACHTCLUB. 6:30pm if you’re looking to COM

join the club. JINGLE BELL RUN: Jingle 18 NOOKSACKNORDICSKI Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis ART ART CLUB.ORG at 8:30am at Mount Ver- SAT., DEC. 6 non’s Skagit Station, 105 E. Kincaid St. Entry is $25 16 WORK PARTY: The Nook- per person or $40 for two. sack Salmon Enhancement SKAGITJBR.KINTERA.ORG

STAGE Association and Belling- ham Parks will host a work SUN., DEC. 7 party from 9am-12pm along GPS DASH: If you’ve got 15 15 the new Racine Trail, which a Global Positioning Sys- runs along Whatcom Creek. tem, you’ll want to take 715-0283 OR N-SEA.ORG GET OUT part in today’s GPS Geo GET OUT BEACH BIRDING: Paul Dash starting at 1:30pm Woodcock will lead a free at Lake Padden (take the “Birding the Beaches of east entrance and follow 14 Semiahmoo” excursion the REI signs). Coordi-

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN MARTIN from 9am-12pm along the nates will be given, and

mudﬂats of Semiahmoo contestants will have one WORDS THE AFTERNOON sun was glaring bright and the tide was eelgrass, bull kelp and sea stars, the Bay and Drayton Harbor. hour to collect as much ebbing fast by the time we ﬁnally hit the beach in Birch Bay State Park tired old workaday world seemed miles Meet at Semiahoo Park swag as possible. The Museum. Registration is event is free. 8 and struck southward toward the furthest visible promontory on the gone and ages away. not required. 647-8955 discernible horizon—Point Whitehorn. Suddenly, the water erupted in a tre- 733-2900 It was almost a year ago to the date before Whatcom Land Trust mendous splash and the air exploded WED., DEC. 10

FAIRHAVEN FROSTY: The CURRENTS TUNING 101: Get your unloaded this stunning 54-acre parcel of coastal forest between Birch with birds. Diving for cover, I caught annual Fairhaven Frosty 5K gear ready so the snow and 10K begins at 10am at Bay and Cherry Point into the Whatcom County park system for a song sight of the gleaming, fur-plastered doesn’t stick to your bases 6 Fairhaven Park, 107 Chuck- earlier this year. head of a mischievous otter blinking at a free “Ski & Snowboard anut Dr. The course takes

Tuning 101” clinic at 7pm VIEWS At the time, nary a single member of our three- through the foamy surf. place both on Chuckanut at REI, 400 36th St. man expedition even knew Point Whitehorn had a By the time we ﬁnally reached Point Drive and the Interurban

647-8955 4 name. But with the pristine shoreline and misty Whitehorn, the sun stood at its highest, trail. Entry is $8 general. blue islands looming so temptingly before us, such the sparkling strait had sunken to its low- GBRCT.NET AVALANCHE AWARE- NESS: Find out how to MAIL VOLKSWALK: The NW triﬂing topographical details hardly mattered. est and the once-distant blue islands now stay safe in the winter

Tulip Trekkers will hold a Our packs laden with candy bars, ham sand- loomed so near it looked like we might be backcountry at a free “Ava- 3 Volkswalk starting at 10am lanche Awareness” seminar wiches and a two-day supply of liquid refresh- able to skip rocks and hit them. at the Bellingham YMCA, DO IT IT DO at 7pm at the American ment, we loped down the soft, clayey sand like Packs were dropped. Hoodies were re- 1256 N. State St. The 6.2- DO IT Alpine Institute, 1515 apes let loose from our cages, arms swinging and WHAT: Point White- moved. Supplies were shared. We lazed mile walk will include a

12th St. 08 mouths agape in sheer mammalian happiness. like seals. We ate like walruses. We trek along Whatcom Creek. horn Marine Reserve 671-1505 OR MTNGUIDE. Seagulls screamed in terror. Innocent ducks WHERE: Take I-5 drank like ﬁsh. The event is free. .03.

COM 12 NWTREKKERS.ORG quaked urgently. A massive, airplane-shaped bald exit 266 and go The saline serenity washed over us in NOOKSACK EAGLES: BIKE CLUB: The Mt. Baker west on Grandview Naturalist David Bean will eagle circled silently through the air, casting a a huge and holy tsunami of silence. We .03 Road for 8.5 miles. Bike Club will host a recep- lead an “Eagles of the 49 wary glance. didn’t dare utter a single word for fear of tion from 7-9pm at the # Follow the road as it Nooksack” excursion at Fleeing like trespassers, we started moving interrupting the beachside baptismal. Community Food Co-op’s curves left and be- 10am at the Deming Home- Connection Building, 1220 faster, pushing ourselves outward and ever closer comes Koehn Road. About an hour later, when the re- stead Eagle Park, located N. Forest St. Members and to the point. And the further out we went, the Continue .5 miles to bounding tide chased us from our on Truck Road off the Mt. non-members are welcome parking area on left. Baker Hwy. Cost is $2 at more intensely our perspectives began to shift. rookery of recreation and relaxation, to come hear about the COST: Free the start of the outing. Before we knew it, our parked car had been we dutifully gathered up our things successes of 2008 and INFO: Whatcom- Additional outings happen reduced to a tiny black speck. Up ahead, what I landtrust.org and hurried back through the jumbled get a preview of biking in

Dec. 13 and 20. CASCADIA WEEKLY first surmised to be a large group of schoolchil- gallery of flotsam and jetsam piled so 2009. The event is free. 733-2900 734-8540 OR dren turned out to be 16 Great Blue Herons. stubbornly upon that farthest, ever- 15 MTBAKERBIKECLUB.ORG I didn’t know where—or who—the hell I was anymore. But it didn’t shrinking margin between crumbling matter. Trudging onward through the sopping, flea-bit entanglement of rock and breaking tide. doit STAGE

34 34 DEC. 4-6 MONOLOGUE PROJECT: The third incarnation of The

FOOD Monologue Project can be seen at 7:30pm at the Fire- stage house Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave. Tick- ets are $5-$8. 28 28 THEATER DANCE PROFILES 650-7320 DEC. 4-7 SCROOGED: Watch Scrooge: The Musical! at 7pm Thurs.-

CLASSIFIEDS Sat. and 2pm Sun. at the Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, 1059 N. State St. Tickets are $10. 306-1543 OR BAAY.ORG 24 HANSEL & GRETEL: See The Story of Hansel and Gre- tel at 7:30pm Fri.-Sat. and 2pm Sat.-Sun. at Lynden’s FILM FILM BY MELANIE MERZ Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 655 Front St. Tickets are $11-$13.

20 CLAIREVGTHEATRE.ORG WONDERFUL LIFE: It’s A Wonderful Life shows at

MUSIC Fantasies On Ice 7:30pm Thurs., 8pm Fri.-Sat., and 2pm Sun. at the Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave. Tickets GLIDING INTO THE HOLIDAY SEASON are $16.

18 18 ACTTHEATRE.COM

ART ART DEC. 5-6 is really all about, the camaraderie,” AFSC MIXED BAG: “Upfront Unleashed” shows at 8pm at the board member Sarah Williams explains. Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. At 10pm, watch The- 16 16 “Skating is such an individualized sport, atresports matches. Tickets are $8-$10. having these group things is important to THEUPFRONT.COM STAGE STAGE STAGE STAGE the skaters; some of them have been skat- DEC. 5-7 ing together for years.” VELVETEEN RABBIT: The Velveteen Rabbit can be seen 15 The advanced skaters (most of them aged at 7pm Fri.-Sat. and 2pm Sat.-Sun. at the Bellingham 11-18) see each other at least twice a week. Theatre Guild, 1600 H St. Tickets are $7-$11.

GET OUT They have practice Monday evenings, and—a 733-1811 true testament to their dedication—arrive at JANE EYRE: Jane Eyre will be brought to life at the rink at 5:45am every Saturday morning. 7:30pm Fri.-Sat. and 2pm Sun. at the Sehome High

14 Eleven-year-old Lau- School Little Theatre, 2700 Bill McDonald Parkway. Tickets are $5-$8. ren Bell gets frustrated 676-6481, EXT. 4971 WORDS when the boys in her class say skating isn’t a sport. “It takes a lot of DANCE 8 hard work,” says Kayla DEC. 4-6 Solari, who choreo- FALL INTO DANCE: Original choreography can be graphed and is teach-

CURRENTS CURRENTS seen at “Fall Into Dance” at 7:30pm at WWU’s Per- Skater Scott Orvik nails ing two of the group forming Arts Center. Tickets are $8-$11. his spin during a rehearsal 650-6146

6 numbers for her senior of “Fantasy On Ice.” SEE IT project at Ferndale High WHAT: Fantasy On FRI., DEC. 5

VIEWS VIEWS School. “You don’t just PHOTO BY MICHAEL LONGENEKER MICHAEL BY PHOTO CONTRA DANCE: Out of the Wood provides live Ice get it in one day. You tunes at tonight’s Contra Dance from 8-11pm at the WHEN: 5pm Sat., 4 Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. Suggested donation Dec. 6 and 1pm Sun., have to stick with it.” is $8-$10. ELTON JOHN’S tiny dancer may have been ﬂitting around in the Dec. 7 Most skaters ﬁrst set MAIL MAIL BELLINGHAMCOUNTRYDANCE.ORG sand, but this weekend there will be more than 40 tiny dancers gliding WHERE: Bellingham foot on the ice at skat-

Sportsplex, 1225 3 over ice when the Bellingham Figure Skating Club (BFSC) puts on their ing parties or in classes DEC. 5-6 Civic Field Way 11th annual winter show. With the holidays just around the corner, this at the Sportsplex. It’s RHYTHM IN MOTION: Catch the “Rhythm in Mo-

DO IT IT DO COST: $6 year’s theme is a ﬁtting “Fantasy On Ice.” the skaters who want to tion” ballroom dance showcase at 8pm Fri. and 2pm INFO: bfsc.info/ Sat. at U & Me Dance, 1027 N. Forest St. Tickets are These winter icescapades are BFSC’s main fundraiser. As a boost to take their sport to the $12-$25. 08 08 their efforts this year, before Saturday’s 5pm performance there will next level that join the BFSC. “I think that UANDMEDANCE.COM .03. be a Synchronized Skating Exhibition from 3:15-4:15pm available to we’ve all just excelled so much,” 12-year-old 12 the public by donation. Six teams, hailing from British Columbia to Morgan Van Brink, who has been skating for SAT., DEC. 6 NUTCRACKER PREVIEW: Characters from The Nu-

.03 Seattle, will join the Bellingham Northern Lights Synchronized Skat- more than ﬁve years, says. “I think it’s going tracker will dance at 2pm at Barnes & Noble, 4099 49

# ing Team for the exhibition. to be really good, and I’m excited that I get Meridian St. “As a child growing up, what was my holiday fantasy? That’s how I to do a solo this year.” 647-7539 approached the show,” Simone Finley, BFSC Artistic Director, says. “The “Fantasy On Ice” will feature six group num- FOLK DANCERS: Orchestar RTW will perform at the First opening number is my statement. If you sit back and relax, all I want you bers, as well as ﬁve solos. The soloists include Saturday Folk Dance from 8-11pm at the Fairhaven to see is images. I want you to feel as if you were in a fantasy world.” both the youngest and the oldest BFSC skaters: Library, 1117 12th St. Entry is $10-$12. 380-0456 The music ranges from Beethoven to Disney classics, with modern 5 years old on up to 45. touches from the likes of Rufus Wainwright in between. To help set the “There are a lot of different ability levels,” TUES., DEC. 9 CASCADIA WEEKLY scene, skaters will be performing in front of a winter wonderland set Finley says, “some who skate recreationally, THE NUTCRACKER: The Dance Studio presents The Nutcracker at 7pm at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. 16 constructed by the BFSC dads. and a lot of skaters who focus really hard. Commercial St. Tickets are $16. “The big winter show is an opportunity for us to put something This is their time to shine, and to inspire ev- MOUNTBAKERTHEATRE.COM together and work together as a club. Because that’s what the show erybody to have a great holiday season.”

34 34 FOOD 28 28 CLASSIFIEDS 24 FILM FILM 20 MUSIC 18 18

Caring ART Bellingham Family Health Clinic Convenient 16 Comprehensive 16 STAGE STAGE Active Trax STAGE “People are Happy Seeing Nurse Practitioners” Weight Machines Free weights #ARING3TAFF 15 s"ONNIE3PRAGUE !2.0 s(IGH1UALITY#ARE Kids Programs s+IRSTIN#URTIS !2.0 s(IGH0ATIENT3ATISFACTION Racquetball GET OUT s2EN£E7ILGRESS !2.0 s(OLISTIC!PPROACH Personal Training #ONVENIENT-EDICAL#ARE Swimming Lessons s#ONVENIENT,OCATION s)MMUNIZATIONS 14 s7ALK INS7ELCOME s3PORTS0HYSICALS Group Exercise s-OST)NSURANCES s#OLDS &LU #OUGHS #OMPREHENSIVE0RIMARY#ARE WORDS s7OMENS(EALTH s-ENS(EALTH

s&AMILY0LANNING34$ s4EENS#HILDREN 8 s3TRESS$EPRESSION s$ERMATOLOGY s2EFERRALSTO3PECIALISTS s(EALTH#OUNSELING

www.BellinghamHealth.com CURRENTS TH3Ts3EHOME6ILLAGEs"ELLINGHAM 7! 6 For an Appontment Call: 360-756-9793 Fitness Classes VIEWS

Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Kid’s Club 4 We Proudly Accept Food Stamps!

Lap Swimming MAIL Ellipticals

3 Lifestyle Programs DO IT IT DO Treadmills 08 08

with the freshest food – find .03. 12 local greens, squash, pumpkins,

Join us December 6, at 4 pm at the Depot potatoes, carrots, beets, onions, .03 49 apples, hazelnuts, cheeses, “It’s about ENERGY” # Market Square for the Annual Lighting of a giant chicken, meat, milk, honey, Staying active helps me chase four kids all day. BAC keeps me going. Evergreen Tree. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be breads, sweet treats, & much, much more. PLUS, find the stopping by. Bring the entire family for free hot Jackie Broselle, BAC member perfect original holiday gifts cider, kettle corn and festive music. all hand crafted by local artists. #"$&913&44 5FMFHSBQI3E $03%"5" .FSJEJBO CASCADIA WEEKLY

%08/508/ $PSOXBMM 17 XXXCFMMJOHIBNBUIMFUJDDMVCDPN doit

EVENTS

34 34 DEC. 3-6 ROOM WITH A VIEW: Advanced photography FOOD students from WWU will present “Room With A View” Dec. 3-6 at Western’s B-Gallery and also

28 28 at the Darkroom Gallery, 310 W. Champion St. visual A reception will happen from 7-10pm Dec. 5 at GALLERIES OPENINGS PROFILES the Darkroom. 961-3860

CLASSIFIEDS WED., DEC. 3-7 FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: The annual Allied

24 Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts happens from 10am-7pm every Wed.-Sun. through Dec. 24 at

FILM FILM 1301 Cornwall Ave. ALLIEDARTS.ORG

20 FRI., DEC. 5 TRESPASSING: View the new “Trespassing” exhibit from 7-10pm as part of the Art Walk MUSIC at the Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St. The BY AMY KEPFERLE show, which will show simultaneously at Allied 18 18 18 18 Arts, features contemporary works by Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawai- ART ART ART ART ian artists. WHATCOMMUSEUM.ORG

16 Art Walking MINDPORT OPENING: “Escape Routes: Map- ping Many Worlds” opens tonight from 6-10pm at Mindport Exhibits, 210 W. Holly St.

STAGE STAGE TEMPORARY GALLERIES, PERMANENT PIECES MINDPORT.ORG WORKS ON CANVAS: See works by resident 15 dation, 1509 Cornwall Ave., offers up its annual artist Sharon Kingston from 6-10pm at Works “Positive Art ” exhibit. As part of the orga- on Canvas Studio and Gallery, 301 W. Holly St. 739-2474

GET OUT nization’s weeklong celebration of 20 years of GOTTLIEB SHOW: Small-scale sculptural providing help for those with who have been heads by Dale Gottlieb can be seen from diagnosed with AIDS or are HIV-positive, the 6-10pm during the Art Walk at Ideal, 1227 14 show will feature “positive” contributions from Cornwall Ave. a variety of people. ANIDEALSHOP.COM WORDS On the lighter side of the spectrum, lo- DEC. 5-6 cal photographer Joe Briggs brings his “Time BAZAAR #1: Attend a Christmas Bazaar from Light Love” show to Innate Snow & Skate, 9am-6pm Fri. and 9am-4pm Sat. at the Living 8 1215 Cornwall Ave. Since most of the shots are Water Fellowship, 4767 Meridian St. of local riders surﬁng the white stuff on Mt. 398-9838 Baker and beyond, it makes sense to host the HOMEMADE HOLIDAYS: A “Homemade for CURRENTS CURRENTS the Holidays” craft fair happens from 12-8pm show in a place where you can look at the pics, Fri. and 10am-3pm Sat. at Christ the King Com-

6 then peruse the gear needed to make your win- munity Church, 4173 Meridian St. “Rodeo Venus Tile” by Ritama Haaga. Peruse her work—plus a plethora of other art—at the “TA ter dreams a reality. 733-1337 DA! Bazaar” during the downtown Art Walk BAZAAR #2: A “Homemade Arts & Crafts” VIEWS VIEWS If you’re the type who likes to mix art with performance, then the “TA DA!” Bazaar is the place Christmas bazaar takes place from 9am-4pm 4 WHAT DOES it take to make an everyday space a bona ﬁde gal- to go to make your heart pitter-patter. Put on Fri. and 9am-7pm Sat. at the Blaine Community Senior Center, 764 G St. lery? For one day of each month, it’s as simple as gathering art together by members of the Bellingham Circus Guild, the MAIL MAIL 332-8040 in a room, placing it in an interesting and inviting way, uncorking a few event—which, when translated means “Thrilling ANACORTES ART: The Anacortes Holiday Art

3 bottles of vino and opening the doors to the general public. Arts Displayed Alive!”—happens at the collec- Walk features the work of many Skagit Valley Since most people are aware of the real galler- tive’s temporary home at 142 Ohio St. (behind Artists from 6-9pm Fri. and 10am-5pm Sat. DO IT IT DO ies that already exist—the Whatcom Museum, Blue Consign Northwest on Cornwall Ave.). throughout downtown Anacortes. Horse Gallery, Mindport, Studio UFO, and Allied In addition to the paintings, glasswork, sculp- (360) 293-6938 08 08 Arts among them—it seems ﬁtting to draw your ture and photography, attendees at “TA DA!” will DEC. 5-7 .03. attention to a few nontraditional exhibits that be turned on to edible and wearable art as well HOLIDAY MARKET: The annual Paciﬁc Arts 12 will open and close on the same night as part of as a plethora of multimedia creations. Because Holiday Market happens from 10am-6pm every Fri-Sun. through Dec. 21 at the old Fountain

.03 the Dec. 5 Art Walk in downtown Bellingham. they’re circus folks, you can also expect to be Drug, 2416 Meridian St. 49

# ATTEND First up is “The War Experience Project: A Uni- entertained with live music, ambient aerial ac- PACIFICARTSHOLIDAYMARKET.COM form Exhibit” at the Whatcom Peace & Justice WHAT: Art Walk robatics, life-sized roaming puppets, live mural WHEN: 6-10pm Fri., painting, sound art installations and more. Al- SAT., DEC. 6 Center, 100 E. Maple St. Iraq War veteran Rick Dec. 5 Lawson organized the unique show, which features though entry is free to the soiree, funds raised NATIVE ART MARKET: Cedar baskets, hats, WHERE: Downtown coastal carvings, jewelry and more will be creations by local artists on the back of soldiers’ Bellingham will beneﬁt both the Circus Guild and Womencare available at today’s Native Art Market from uniforms. Meant to express what war means to the COST: Free Shelter, so feel free to pick up some Christmas 9am-3pm at Northwest Indian College, 2522 people in our community, Lawson himself painted INFO: downtownbel- goodies along the way. Kwina Rd.

CASCADIA WEEKLY lingham.com a scene of an exploding humvee at the moment of When Dec. 6 comes along, you’ll have missed 392-4259 CHILDREN’S SHOP: Craft vendors will take 18 impact. “It felt good to get that out, and espe- your chance to see what happens when a sim- cially on to something that was so personal: my uniform,” he explains. ple room becomes an art gallery for the night. part in today’s “Children’s Shop” from 10am- 3pm at the Bloedel Donovan Gym, 2214 Elec- More art with a mission can be seen when the Evergreen AIDS Foun- Don’t say we didn’t warn you. doit tric Ave. The exhibit offers a chance for kids to shop for handcrafted gifts that are all $8 or less. 34 778-7000 FOOD OPEN HOUSE #1: Glass blowing demos will be part of the fun at a Holiday Open House from

10am-4pm at Morrison Glass Art, 122 Ohio St., 28 #104. SERVICE & PARTS 714-8732 GALLERY SALE: Unframed prints, small-scale sculptures, quality art crates and more will be CLASSIFIEDS up for purchase an Art Sale from 10am-4pm at NOW OPEN SATURDAYS! WWU’s Western Gallery. 24 650-3963 OPEN HOUSE #2: A Holiday Open House hap- FILM FILM pens from 12-5pm at the Bellingham Railway Museum, 1320 Commercial St.

BELLINGHAMRAILWAYMUSEUM.ORG 20 FISHBOY HOLIDAY SHOW: Attend Fishboy’s

“Economic Stimulus Show” from 2-9pm at his MUSIC Sunnyland studio at 617 Virginia St. The show offers more than 100 paintings for $100 or 18 18 less, as well as additional offerings from the 18 artist’s collection. ART ART ART ART 714-0815 PERSPECTIVES IN CLAY: A reception for

“Perspective in Clay,” a group exhibit featur- 16 ing top ceramic artists from the region, hap-

pens from 5-8pm at the Lucia Douglas Gallery, STAGE 1415 13th St. LUCIADOUGLAS.COM 15 SUN., DEC. 7 Visit us at our GATHERING ARTISTS: Artisans and crafters

will sell their wares at a “Gathering Artists Gift GET OUT Show” from 10am-4pm at the Fairhaven Park Pavilion, 107 Chuckanut Dr. brand new location! 14 ONGOING EXHIBITS BELLINGHAM RAILWAY MUSEUM: The mu- On Iowa Street next to I-5 WORDS seum is open to the public from noon-5pm Tues. and Thurs.-Sat. at 1320 Commercial St. 8 393-7540 BLUE HORSE: “Tuscan Travelers” opens Dec. 5 at the Blue Horse Gallery, 301 W. Holly St.

671-2305 CURRENTS BOUNDARY BAY: View “Second Chances”

through Dec. 5 at Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 6 Railroad Ave. Come by today for the BEST deals bbaybrewery.com VIEWS VIEWS MONA: Shelley Muzylowski Allen’s “Modern Me- nagerie” and Sonja Blomdahl’s “Incalmo/Glass” on the BEST vehicles! 4 will be on display until Jan. 4 at La Conner’s

Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St. MAIL (360) 466-4446 OR MUSEUMOFNWART.ORG

MUSEUM OF RADIO: “Nature’s Tapestries,” At the NEW Wilson Motors! 3 a collection of original paintings by Candace DO IT IT DO

Buethorn, can be seen as part of the Art Walk from 6-10pm Fri., Dec. 5, at the American Mu- seum of Radio, 1312 Bay St. 08 08 AMRE.US .03.

ONE OF ONE: Local artisans will have their 12 works on display and up for sale at a “Holiday Handmade Bazaar” through Dec. 14 at Bison .03

Bookbinding’s One of One Gallery, 1420 N. 49 # State St. 734-0481 SKAGIT MUSEUM: A Smithsonian Institution exhibition, “Key Ingredients: America by Food” shows through Jan. 4 at La Conner’s Skagit County Historical Museum, 504 S. Fourth St. SKAGITCOUNTY.NET M - F 9am - 8pm 800 634-1395 WHATCOM MUSEUM: “World of the Shipwright” 1100 Iowa Street CASCADIA WEEKLY is currently on display at the Whatcom Museum, Sat 9am - 7pm 1100 Iowa Street 121 Prospect St. Next to the Freeway Sun 11am - 5pm Bellingham, WA 19 WHATCOMMUSEUM.ORG Rumor Has It

SO, IF YOU happen to go see Robert Sarazin Blake 34 34 and Jordan Rain at their weekly Tuesday gig at

FOOD the Green Frog, you should know a few things. 1. With two shows every Tuesday, one beginning

28 28 music at 7:30pm and the other at 10pm, you should be PREVIEWS RUMOR HAS IT able to ﬁnd one that works with your schedule. 2. As if that wasn’t enough variety, each week will feature a different opening act, which, come Dec. CLASSIFIEDS 9 will be Leah Abramson. 3. While these are not holiday shows, per se, “nontraditional holiday

24 numbers” have been promised, along with the duo’s trademark heartfelt and honest songs. 4. FILM FILM Last, but certainly not least, although Blake and musicPREVIEW Rain have played together under the moniker of 20 20 Yogoblade in the past, and although this is Blake that have nurtured their talent while they and Rain playing together once again just like MUSIC MUSIC honed their craft. how they did as Yogoblade, and although they’ll But hitting the road did not take the duo play much of the same music as they did when

18 18 of Geologic and DJ Sabzi out of their element. they were Yogoblade, I’m led to believe they are

ART ART Rather, sold-out shows in New York and all not called Yogoblade—but I’m also told you can points between, not to mention bringing down call them that if you want. Which I do. So go see the house at SXSW and ushering in an era of Yogoblade two times 16 hip-hop with their third visit to the Sasquatch every Tuesday at the Fest, have proven that, not only is Seattle a Green Frog. STAGE STAGE force to be reckoned with when it comes to The ever-busy Dt’s hip-hop, but also that the Blue Scholars are no are ready to unleash 15 regional ﬂash in the pan. a 7” on all their ea- At this point, much of the story of the Schol- ger fans, and willl

GET OUT ars is pretty well known: How Geologic, a poet, do it in their inimi- and Sabzi, a former jazz pianist, met in 2002 as table on-the-ﬂoorr part of the SHOW (Student Hip Hop Organiza- style Sat., Dec. 6 at BY CAREY ROSS 14 tion of Washington) while Boundary Bay. They students at the University will undertake this

WORDS of Washington. How they endeavor with the discovered themselves to Fixers, who, for the be of like minds and pos- unfamiliar, feature 8 sessing of similar musical folks who earn their inclinations and, as such, paychecks playing with the likes of the Presi- decided to form the Blue dents of the United States of America and the CURRENTS CURRENTS HEAR Scholars, with a name that Supersuckers. Best part? It’s all free, so you really

6 WHO: Blue is a riff on “blue collar.” have no excuse. Scholars How, in the past six years, A couple of big shows are also on the horizon

VIEWS VIEWS WHEN: 8:30pm the duo has shared stages during December at the Wild Buffalo. Come Dec. Fri., Dec. 5 with Kanye West, the Coup, 21, the March Fourth Marching Band will return

4 WHERE: Viking A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, to Bellingham in all their circus-style glory. Also Union Multipur- Mos Def, the Pharcyde, tentatively slated for a Dec. 28 show, although MAIL MAIL pose Room, WWU BY CAREY ROSS COST: $18 MURS—and the list con- unconﬁrmed at this point (cross your ﬁngers, say

3 MORE INFO: tinues to grow. How they a prayer, do whatever you need to do) is Devotch- 650-6146 ended 2007 with ﬁve, back- ka. Needless to say, after their last show at the DO IT IT DO to-back, sold-out shows at Buff—which was great—we’ve all been waiting Blue Scholars Seattle’s Neumo’s dubbed “The Program.” with bated breath for them to come back again. 08 08 And while all that certainly gives a solid When the show is conﬁrmed, I’ll let you know. .03. THROW YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR glimpse of how successful this group has been, And, for those of you who attended the last De- 12 the question of why theirs is such a winning votchka show and somehow thought it was a good

.03 WHEN WE last checked in with them, Seattle’s Blue formula begs to be addressed. idea to talk loudly through the entire thing (and 49

# Scholars had sold out a show at WWU’s Viking Union with such The answers lie within both the current state there were a lot of you), this time around, just rapidity, a second one had to be added to satisfy Bellingham’s of hip-hop itself and what the Blue Scholars buy the ticket, tell people you were there (since hip-hop hunger. It’s been almost a year since the last time the bring to it. During an era that has seen hip-hop that’s obviously what you were after in the ﬁrst duo lit up the VU with their back-to-back shows, and during that artists rise to meteoric fame largely by imitat- place) and spare us all the distraction. Seriously. time, the phenomenon has been repeated in town after town, ing one another, the Blue Scholars effortlessly And, in the latest word-on-the-street report venue after venue, in places as far away as the Big Apple. stand out. And in a time when hip-hop, once regarding the long-awaited opening of the Night- Athough they are undeniably Seattle’s reigning kings of the music of the streets in a way no musical light Lounge, I hear Dec. 13 is the day. Of course, CASCADIA WEEKLY hip-hop—and, given the explosion of talent in the city’s hip- genre has been before or since, has seemingly I heard this third hand, from someone not in any

20 hop scene in the past few years, that’s a hotly contested title devoted itself to detailing the delights of con- way afﬁliated with the bar, but it is my duty to these days—the Blue Scholars have spent the better part of spicuous consumption, the Blue Scholars repre- pass these things along, regardless of whatever the past year on the road, far from the hometown audiences SCHOLARS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 level of truth involved, so there you have it. musicPREVIEW

full of the kind of wave-’em-like-you- to continued success. Following their

FROM PAGE 20 just-don’t-care energy that makes the Dec. 5 show at the Viking Union, the SCHOLARS, 34 Blue Scholars’ live show such a draw, duo will return to Neumo’s Dec. 18 for a

but, at the same time, rife with fear- three-day reprisal of “The Program.” Af- FOOD sent the gritty, grassroots energy upon lessly smart lyrics and turns of phrase ter that, one can only assume that the

which hip-hop was founded. that will keep you thinking long after sky’s the limit. Regardless of where they 28 Set to Sabzi’s crisply wicked beats, the show is over—and that’s just what go or how big they become, one thing Open year-round! Geologic’s lyrics often speak to the duo’s Geologic and Sabzi are after. is certain: on any stage, in front of ev- Locally grown flowers & bulbs stance on a variety of pressing social is- In terms of what the future holds ery audience, the Blue Scholars will be sues. Their songs tend to be catchy and for the Blue Scholars, all signs point keeping it real. Gifts for your home & garden CLASSIFIEDS Ship flowers anywhere in the USA overnight! 24

musicPREVIEW All Bulbs 50% OFF! FILM Choose from a wide selection of tulips, 20 20 the time, has gone on to sell millions daffodils, iris and specialty bulbs 20 of copies and become a staple of far while supplies last. MUSIC BY CAREY ROSS MUSIC more holiday seasons than just my It’s not too late to plant now for spring blooms! own. And, although it has been record- -ONTHROUGH3ATTOs3UNDAY(OLIDAYSTO "EAVER-ARSH2OADs-OUNT6ERNON 7! ed by other artists over the years, her s6ISITUSONLINEWWWTULIPSCOM 18 Brenda Lee rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock”—a song ART I once tap-danced to in a crowded mall as part of a Christmas program—has

LITTLE MISS DYNAMITE 16 also become one of the more distinctive sounds of the season. STAGE STAGE I GREW up on Brenda Lee. Or, rath- When Lee pays a visit to the Skagit er, it’s more accurate to say I’ve spent Valley Casino this weekend, she will every Christmas of my life with the tiny bring with her a whole host of seasonal The Brenda Lee Christmas Show takes 15 singing powerhouse, dubbed “Little Miss songs with which to delight her many place at 8pm Fri. and Sat., Dec. 5-6 at

Dynamite.” fans. But to me, and so many others, the Skagit Valley Casino Resort (5984 GET OUT Almost 60 Christmases ago, Lee the song we most want to hear is the N. Darrk Lane, Bow). At press time, the brought her distinctive voice to a sea- one that has kept us rockin’ around show was sold out, but it’s a season for sonal song, “Rockin’ Around the Christ- various Christmas trees since 1959. And miracles, so check theskagit.com for 14 mas Tree,” which, although not a hit at that’s a tradition worth preserving. more details. WORDS

miscMUSIC 8 WED., DEC. 3 SWIL KANIM: Virtuoso violinist Swil Kanim will DEC. 6-7 MAGIC OF DANCE #1: The North Cascades Con- give a free performance from 8-10pm at Stuart’s at HOLIDAY CONCERT: The Skagit Valley Chorale CURRENTS cert Band will present “The Magic of Dance”—a the Market, 1530 Cornwall Ave. and the Skagit Symphony present their “Holiday 714-0800 concert featuring dance music of many times and Concert” at 7:30pm Sat. and 2pm Sun. at Mount 6 cultures—at 7:30pm at Bellingham High School, DEC. 5-6 Vernon’s McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way. Tick- 2020 Cornwall Ave. Tickets are $5-$12. ets are $22-$35. BRENDA LEE: The “Brenda Lee Christmas Show” VIEWS NCCBAND.ORG MCINTYREHALL.ORG can be seen at 8pm at the Skagit Valley Casino FRI., DEC. 5 Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane. Tickets to the sold SUN., DEC. 7 4 SONGS FOR DARK: The Bellingham High School Jazz out show are $48. TOPPERS: The Mount Baker Toppers present a Ohm^];^lm=^eb MAIL Ensemble will perform a fundraising concert dubbed THESKAGIT.COM program of traditional barbershop holiday fare at

“Songs for the Dark of December” at 7pm at the 2pm at the Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St. The MphR^ZklKnggbg` SAT., DEC. 6 3 Community Bible Fellowship, 2826 Birchwood Ave. concert is free. CURED MEATS & ARTISAN CHEESES NORWEGIAN NOISES: The Bellingham Norwe- * QUALITY FOODSTUFFS * 676-6575 778-8930 IT DO gian Male Chorus presents its annual Christmas MADE-TO-ORDER SANDWICHES SNOW BALL: The Prawns will provide cool jazz Concert with a guest appearance by the Women’s WHATCOM SYMPHONY: The Whatcom Symphony tunes at “The Great Snow Ball” from 7-10pm at the Orchestra and the Western Washington University

Damekor at 3pm at Norway Hall, 1419 N. Forest MON 11–3, TUES–FRI 11–6 & SAT 10–5 08 Lynden Pioneer Museum, 217 Front St. Bring your St. Entry is $12. Concert Choir present a “Holiday Treasures” con-

GGJFbDghUhYgh@XckbhckbV=\Ua .03. dancing shoes. Admission is $10 per person or $15 cert at 3pm at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N.

332-5524 12 per couple. Commercial St. Tickets are $30-$35. JAZZ MASTERS: Renowned musicians Walt 201-7373 734-6080 OR MOUNTBAKERTHEATRE.COM

Weiskopf, Bruce Forman, Ramon Yslas, Steve Korn, .03 DECK THE HALLS: “Deck the Halls & All That Jazz,” MAGIC OF DANCE #2: The North Cascades Con- and Bob Taylor—among others—will take part in 49 # an evening of holiday music with the Skagit Val- tonight’s “Jazz Masters: A Christmas Jazz Program” cert Band will present “The Magic of Dance”—a ley College Music Department and guest artists, the at 7pm at Mount Vernon’s Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. concert featuring dance music of many times and Solid Brass Quintet, happens at 7:30pm at Mount First St. Tickets are $15-$18. cultures—at 3pm at Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Vernon’s McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way. LINCOLNTHEATRE.ORG Anacortes. Tickets are $5-$12. MCINTYREHALL.ORG NCCBAND.ORG BERNADETTE PETERS: A 36-piece orchestra will BELLINGHAM SINGS: Five choral ensembles and join singer and actress Bernadette Peters when Vancouver’s acclaimed brass quintet, A Touch of TUES., DEC. 9 she performs at 8pm at the Mount Baker Theatre, SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS: “Dressed in Holiday

Brass, will join forces for tonight’s “Bellingham CASCADIA WEEKLY 104 Commercial St. The show will be part of the Style” will be the theme of tonight’s concert by Sings: Seasonal Music for Choirs and Brass” con- MBT’s grand reopening after months of renova- the Seattle Women’s Chorus at 7pm at Mount Ver- cert at 8pm at the First Congregational Church, 21 tion. Tickets are $59-$250. non’s McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way. Tickets 2401 Cornwall Ave. Tickets are $10-$12. ;>EEBG@A:F%P: 734-6080 OR MOUNTBAKERTHEATRE.COM are $20-$25. 676-2396 OR BELLINGHAMSINGS.COM MCINTYREHALL.ORG d\ILFDMINDHFOFZlILFDMIIDIGLO See below for venue addresses and phone 12.03.08 12.04.08 12.05.08 12.06.08 12.07.08 12.08.08 12.09.08 numbers WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY End of Prohibition Party Jazz Jam feat. John

Boundary Bay feat. The Gallus Brothers, The Dt's, The Fixers Stowell, Larry Holloway, Brewery 34 34 The Pasties Jud Sherwood

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28 28 Kimya Dawson, An- Department of Safety gelo Spencer, L’Orchidee D’Hawaii, Teeath

CLASSIFIEDS Edison Inn Ron Bailey, Al Kaatz 24 Fairhaven Pub Karaoke DJ Bam Bam Floater Comedy Open Mic w/Chuck D College Night FILM FILM

Green Frog Café Robert Sarazin Blake

20 Justin Farren Cainthardly Playboys Coyote Grace 20 String Band Open Mic 20 Acoustic Tavern (early and late) MUSIC MUSIC Honeymoon The Naked Hearts Live Music The Shadies 18 18 Open Mic w/Chuck D feat.

ART ART Main St. Bar and Grill Country Karaoke Live Music Live Music Karaoke Tom Sandblom

16 Quarterback Pub and Loyal Sinners, Diamond- Toxic Toys Eatery backs, Penny Stinkers STAGE STAGE The Black Dahlia Murder, Richard's on Richards Players Club Soilent Green, Misﬁt Index 15

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Strait A Students, The Rise N Shine, Vaughn Rogue Hero Drunken Guitarists, Eli

14 Kreestoe Porter

WORDS Royal Industry Night College Night Ladies Night Party Night Karaoke

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

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6 Brenda Lee Christmas Show Brenda Lee Christmas Show Skagit Valley Casino (Showroom), Wes Jones (Showroom), Wes Jones

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20 REVIEWED BY MICHAEL PHILLIPS MUSIC

18 18 Milk

ART ART A CINEMATIC COMING OUT

16 THE STORY of Harvey Milk is a tragedy, but not since Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High has STAGE STAGE Sean Penn played such a serenely happy individual. It does an actor good to play a joyous character. In CADILLAC RECORDS comes from Sony 15 Milk, Penn is superb as the martyred San Francisco city Music Film, so it’s no surprise that the project supervisor, America’s ﬁrst widely acknowledged openly is more a soundtrack in search of a movie than

GET OUT gay elected ofﬁcial. He was killed by Milk’s former col- a ﬁlm about the pre-eminent blues record label league, Dan White, minutes after White’s fatal shooting of the ’50s and ’60s, Chess Records, and the fab- of Mayor George Moscone in 1978. The key to Penn’s per- ulous artists who passed through its Chicago

14 formance is its utter refusal to play the ending rather recording studio. than the process—personal, political, human—that put Nevertheless, writer-director Darnell Martin

WORDS Milk in a position of martyrdom. has assembled a stellar cast. That starts with Penn makes each new exchange and encounter some- executive producer Beyonce Knowles, who thing to behold, a lesson in giddy, knowing interper- performs dynamic versions of Etta James clas- 8 sonal relations. His easy grin is infectious. Milk reminds sics and delivers the dramatic goods as the us that politics is a matter of time, luck and the right troubled and badly addicted young woman force of nature. who lives the blues she sings. CURRENTS CURRENTS A conventionally structured but very satisfying biog- With Adrien Brody as Polish emigre Leon-

6 raphy, director Gus Van Sant’s film confines its narrative friend and ally. Hirsch is first-rate. All the performanc- ard Chess, who ran Chess Records, and Jeffrey to the years 1970 through 1978. An ex-Navy and ex-Wall es are. This is an actors’ picture, and Van Sant shapes Wright as the great Muddy Waters, Mos Def as

VIEWS VIEWS Street man, Milk tried San Francisco with a boyfriend it as such, as he brings the Castro district to scruffy, “crossover” artist Chuck Berry, and Cedric the in 1968, returning to New York in 1970. Two years later “degenerate” (Milk’s own playful label), teeming life. Entertainer as multitalented Willie Dixon, it’s a

4 he again went west, this time with lover Scott Smith, In the past the director’s capital-R Respectable movie that catches the eye as well as the ear. played by a genial, charismatic James Franco. Pho- mainstream pictures—Good Will Hunting, Finding For- Brothers Phil and Leonard Chess, who owned MAIL MAIL tographed by Harris Savides, who cast a more sinister rester—have avoided all the idiosyncrasies of subject an upscale nightclub on Chicago’s South Side,

3 light on a very different San Francisco story, Zodiac, Milk and style found in Van Sant’s most compelling indepen- began recording blues artists on their indie la- shrewdly keeps the melodrama out of the drama. Josh dent work. Milk is far more interesting than those two, bel Chess Records in the ’50s. The movie reduc- DO IT IT DO Brolin mines Dan White’s rage and political impotence however. There’s a deftness of tone in Milk, unshowy es this to a single brother, Leonard (Brody), and for all they’re worth, but subtly. Like Penn, Brolin plays but rich, that recalls Van Sant’s bracing Drugstore Cow- whizzes us through the brief but pivotal history 08 08 each scene as a slice of a man’s life rather than a sign- boy nearly a generation ago. To be sure, Milk sticks of the label. .03. post en route to bloodshed. to a familiar template. The writing is more efﬁcient What jumpstarts the company are the record- 12 We know from the start what is going to happen. than inspired; Danny Elfman’s musical score is on the ings of Delta-born slide guitarist Waters, fol-

.03 Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black begins with Penn, alone heavy, stringy side; and certain aspects of Milk’s per- lowed by the addition of Dixon, a bassist who 49

# in his apartment at night, tape-recording a last will and sonality, especially the temper alluded to in the 1984 also is a talented producer and songwriter. testament months before his death, acknowledging that documentary, are papered over rather than explored. The film touches on Leonard’s indulgence in as a newly elected member of the San Francisco board But on its own terms it’s deeply satisfying. The film payola and his shoddy bookkeeping but never of supervisors he “could be assassinated at any moment, has an obvious topical hook in California’s Proposition makes up its mind whether he is a man who any time.” The same words are heard, for real, in the 8, which bans same-sex marriage. Milk, however, is not genuinely loves music or exploits his artists for Oscar-winning 1984 documentary The Times of Harvey primarily topical, even though it reminds us all that his own financial gain. Milk. Penn clearly has studied his subject, but he makes the march of history is full of fear-based obstacles. In watching this film, it’s best not to worry CASCADIA WEEKLY him his own. Van Sant’s only real agenda here is to pay tribute to an much about the film’s fidelity to history but

24 Emile Hirsch plays Cleve Jones, one of thousands of unlikely politician, and to remind us all that guiding rather simply lean back and enjoy one great Castro district newcomers in the 1970s. He became Milk’s lights are not to be taken for granted. jam session on ﬁlm.

34 34 www.nwskyferry.com 360-676-9999 FOOD 4165 Mitchell Way, Bellingham 28 28 CLASSIFIEDS 24 24 FILM FILM FILM FILM 20 MUSIC Your best choice for flights to the San Juan Islands, Bellingham, Skagit Regional or any airport in the Pacific Northwest. 18 ART ART 13th Annual Gingerbread House Contest 16 Free to Enter - Open to All

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28 28 Quantum of Solace: Daniel Craig’s blond Bond is SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK leaner and meaner than ever before. He’s got some FILM SHORTS revenge fantasies to fulﬁll—and this time it’s personal. Step aside or be stepped on. ★★★★ 3 t Australia: I know this is Baz Luhrmann’s latest at- ISNJO CLASSIFIEDS tempt to dazzle us with the eye candy that is the 4FIPNF]]] manifestation of his directorial vision. But it feels a Role Models: Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott 24 24 lot more like someone took Hugh Jackman and Nicole get into a little bit of legal trouble and are forced to Kidman and said, “Hey, he’s from Australia. She’s from TQFOEIPVSTNFOUPSJOHBDPVQMFPGEFDJEFEMZVO- FILM FILM FILM FILM Australia. I’ve got a great idea: Let’s make a movie ruly children in this surprisingly funny movie. ★★★ about Australia! We can even call it—get this—Aus- 3tISNJO tralia!” But I could be wrong about that. ★★★ (PG-13

20 4VOTFU4RVBSF]]] tISTNJO 4VOTFU4RVBSF]]]]] State By State: What do we talk about when we

MUSIC UBMLBCPVUPVSTUBUFT 0OBTVNNFSEBZJO Bolt: Take one Disney dog with faux-superhero pow- contributors to the new book State by State gathered ers, strand him in the Big Apple, give him a couple of to tackle the question. The result: this ﬁlm, which cartoon companions and have them all try and ﬁnd 18 18 one critic has called “informative and fun.” ★★★★ their way back home. Do, that, and you will have this

ART ART 6OSBUFEtNJO movie. ★★★ 1(tISNJO Pickford Sat. @ noon #FMMJT'BJS$BMMGPSTIPXUJNFT Synecdoche, New York: You know when Charlie Kauf-

16 Burn After Reading: After their multi-Oscar-win- man is at the helm and he’s directing the likes of Philip ning, near-perfect No Country For Old Men, the Coen Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Emily Watson, and brothers return to their other love, screwball comedy, STAGE STAGE Samantha Morton, that the ﬁlm will be quirky, sensitive in this farce starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Fran- and uniquely visionary. ★★★★ 3tISTNJO ces McDormand, and Richard Jenkins. And what a de- 4FIPNF]]]

15 lightful romp it is. ★★★★ 3tISNJO 1JDLGPSE4VO5IVST! Transporter 3: I know, from firsthand perusal, that Happy-Go-Lucky: Mike Leigh, sometimes known for #FMMJT'BJS$BMMGPSTIPXUJNFT these Transporter films are nothing more than adren- Christmas on Mars: If you love the Flaming Lips, GET OUT crafting cinematic bummers (I mean, Vera Drake was aline-fueled, mindless fluff. But when that fluff in- and you appreciate their distinctive sense of what is Mamma Mia—Sing Along: A soundtrack comprised CSJMMJBOUBOEBMM CVUDPNFPO NBLFTBmMNUIBUJT cludes red-hot Jason Statham, I, for one, do not mind. quirky, then you will love this long-awaited ode to solely of ABBA songs sung by Meryl Streep, Pierce Bro- totally void of cynicism of any kind. Trust me, if you ★★★ 1(tISNJO what Coyne and Co. think is cool. ★★★★ (Unrated snan, and others; a gorgeous Greek isle setting and a are not smiling after spending two hours watching the 14 story of love both young and old—what else do you 4FIPNF]]] tISNJO exploits of terminally cheerful Polly, you clearly have 1JDLGPSE'SJ4BU! need? Why, to follow the bouncing ball and sing along no soul. ★★★★★ 3tISNJO Twilight: First, if you haven’t heard of this vampire yourself, of course. ★★★★ 1(tISNJO WORDS love story, you clearly haven’t been paying attention. Four Christmases: Vince Vaughn tries his hand at 1JDLGPSE] 1JDLGPSE4BU! Second, that high-pitched sound you’ll hear near ev- yet another seasonal comedy of dubious distinction. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa: Those crazy Central ery movie theater in the country is merely the squeals This one features a stellar cast—Reese Witherspoon, Punisher: War Zone: Is it a coincidence that, in Park animals are back for another animated adven- 8 of all the tweens and teens who have been waiting Vaughn’s hetero life partner Jon Favreau, Robert Du- this movie, the Punisher’s ruthless foe is named Jig- ture. Inadvertently marooned in Africa, will they dis- their whole lives for this movie to come out. Do not vall, and Sissy Spacek among them—but It’s a Wonder- saw? Does this mean the Jigsaw killer has somehow cover they love their native land more than the cozy be afraid. ★★★★ 1(tIST ful Life, it ain’t. ★★ 1(tISNJO come back to life, escaped the Saw series only to ter- confines of Central Park? And what will those crazy 4VOTFU4RVBSF]]]]] #FMMJT'BJS$BMMGPSTIPXUJNFT rify folks in this film? If that’s the case, Lord help us CURRENTS CURRENTS penguins do next? ★★★ 1(tISNJO all. ★ 3tISNJO ]] 6 VIEWS VIEWS

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14 want taken care of. There is EMPLOYMENT Whatcom All-ages Arts provided. Financial aid if from one to four employees OPP. and Music Put up fliers for qualified. Call 1(866)858- available for your needs, we

WORDS our events around the county. 2121; www.OnlineTidewater- will be on time, ready to work, VAN.B.C. WORK All skills, Sign up for 25 locations and Tech.com with a good attitude. I am and especially trades. Live/ get a free ticket to any upcom- I only employ positive people work/both sides of the bor- ing event. Ages 16+. Call Ross who will work hard for you.

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VIEWS VIEWS Available I am an experi- cent curriculum. Call Anne Price $500. Lively, upbeat folk that dries fast, without your enced housesitter/petsitter Bargetz:(360) 738-3886. and good-time blues with em- paying premium for services available to take care of your phasis on fun. You’ll want to (such as deodorizer and soil 4 home and loved ones while Explorations Academy wrap them up and take them retardant) included in our you are away. References GCI Help with grant writing home. For more info, or to rates. You arrange for service

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of home and pets. I may also for work performed on a flex- 3 be interested in partial barter Assistance League of The Every Day Gourmet ible schedule. Low overhead for services. If interested, Bellingham Assist in the Executive Chef, Gail Walker = competitive prices. And DO IT IT DO

please write to me at laven- back of our thrift shop at vari- has opened The Everyday our hypo-allergenic cleaning [email protected]. ous tasks, including steam- Gourmet, a personal chef products are safe for pets, ing/ironing clothing, receiv- service for Christmas parties, children, and anyone with al-

08 08 ing and sorting donations, private parties, brunches or lergies. Safeco insured. Call 200 organizing, sorting/cleaning special dinners for guests 360-510-3404! .03. VOLUNTEER back rooms. Call Judy Oxford: 2-100 and anything in be- 12 (360) 319-3453. tween. The Everyday Gour- Expert Editing / Busi- Sean Humphrey House met specializes in quality, ness Writing I special- Board members attend month- People For Puget Sound gourmet, low cost parties. In ize in editing thesis papers, .03

49 ly meetings, represent Sean Volunteer to intern with “Puget this service, the client buys manuscripts, and marketing # H.H. in the community, sup- Sound Voices,” a radio broad- the food and Walker prepares copy. For your business, I can port fundraising opportuni- cast focused on environmen- it in connivance of the hosts write a feature article or cre- ties, & assist in developing the tal news. Help with program home. Full service and clean ate a business biography that policies that will guide S.H.H. development, marketing, and up are also offered in the low will strengthen your ties to into the future. Call Elizabeth evaluation. Call Britta Eschete: price. For custom designed your community and expand Page: (360) 733-0176 (360) 336-1931. menus to fit your special oc- your customer base. Free casion, shopping lists, wine consultations. Contact Dale GRADS Childcare Seek- EDUCATION- and beverage suggestions, Schmidt at 206-234-1470 or ing caring and loving people INSTRUCTION contact Executive Chef Gail [email protected]. Or visit to rock, hold, and cuddle Walker and the Everyday KeyEdits.com. CASCADIA WEEKLY infants (1month-12 months) ATTEND College online Gourmet at (360)392-8527. during the school year. Call from home. Medical, Busi- Gail Walker was featured on MIND BODY 28 Rebecca Pendergraft: (360) ness, Paralegal, Computers, Comcast’s popular show “A SPIRIT classiﬁ eds.cascadiaweekly.com 676-6470 ext. 5493. Criminal Justice. Job place- Taste Of,” during her owner- ment assistance. Computer ship of Emerald Bay Events. Massage can help Un-

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600 600 700 700 To place your ad, contact Marisa Papetti 360-224-2387 or [email protected] 28 28 28 REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD Jin Shin Jyutsu® Come enjoy country liv- $460,000 Columbia I will come to your house and Old Country, Old Timey. All ing for 179,000. 360-714- Craftsman 4BD/2BA 1,700 teach you everything there Levels. Banjo: Learn Scruggs- CLASSIFIEDS 0570 sq. ft., 600 sq. ft. basement, is to know about how to trap style on your 5-string banjo Healing touch Personal Training CLASSIFIEDS 2 car garage, 8,000 sq. ft. lot, moles. It will take me about using finger & thumb picks. Weight Loss A HOUSE AND A MU- 2734 Walnut Street, $469,000, 2 hours and I will show you Mandolin: Learn how Bill Mon- for chronic SIC STUDIO - FOR SALE 738-1427 exactly where to set them roue & other greats flat pick Nutrition Ed 24 $349,950 House - Approx. on your property and how to leads or chop chords. Guitar: stress & pain 1,740 sq ft, 4 bedrooms 2 bath- Buildable lot w H20, stop new moles from entering Learn how to flat pick or strum (360) 927-0820 FILM rooms, large master bedroom $40000.00, EZ TERMS, 98266 your yard. Call Travis 253- & sing at the same time in any Marjorie Scarlett, LMP with deck, fireplace, private ZIP, 966-2663 886-4763 key. Music theory is optional- [email protected] space & parking. Music studio learn to play by ear. 20+ years (360) 752-9595 - Was used as music school, Beginner Quilting Class- teaching experience. Contact Susy Hymas, NFPT Certified 20 approx. 900 sq ft, bright & 700 es Learn the basics of quilt- Jordan Francisco (360)296- Cascadia Center for Massage open, ADA 1/2 bathroom, con- BULLETIN BOARD ing, including rotary cutting, 5007 at Coda Music 1200 Har- 2301 Elm Street, Bellingham Personal Trainer + Nutrition Specialist ditional use permit as a mu- using templates, basic piec- ris Ave #104 in Fairhaven. MUSIC sic studio. Plentiful storage ing, paper piecing, applique, throughout house & studio. CLASSES & seminole patchwork, log Knitting Lessons by Jen WORKSHOPS In the Cornwall Park Neigh- cabin, strip piecing, circular Interested in learning to knit Active Isolated Stretching 18 borhood. Call Danne for more piecing while completing but don’t know where to start? information @ (360)303-4428 DREAM WORKSHOP on a 40”x40” wall quilt. 6-2hr Wish you could learn at home & Strengthening ART or email at dannen@muljat- 12/9 in BELLINGHAM classes for $60. Classes start- where you’re comfortable and Beea_d]=bWiiIWbed group.com. Details & Photos “DREAM SEEDS FOR THE NEW ing March 1 nancls60@juno. you can find the time? Then Add grace to your movement, strength to at DanneNeill.com. YEAR” - Learn 6 easy steps to com I’m your girl! My name is Jen your game, and enjoy your life without 16 understand the helpful and and I’ll do everything for you stiffness or pain. healing messages in every Dynamic Dance Classes that I wish someone had done

dream. How to end night- New dance classes offered in for me when I started knitting. 9ec[Y^[Yaekj STAGE mares, increase creativity, re- Bellingham: Hip Hop, All skill Let’s make a scarf, dishcloth Susan Guttzeit, LMP duce stress and apply dream levels and abilities welcome. or hat for your first project! ekhd[mbeea Flexibility Technician™ insights to real life problems Join us every Tuesday 4-5pm Call Jen at 303-7300 909 Harris Ave., Ste. #201H are benefits of this exciting @ BAAY- Bellingham Arts 15 dream workshop. All levels Academy for Youth (located Music Theory and Left- 118 E. Magnolia St. (360) 738-9800 welcome - no need to remem- at 1059 N. State St.). Begin- handed Guitar Instruc- (360) 676-1887 http://sguttzeit.abmp.com ber dreams to take part in ning Modern Dance: every tion Take your songwriting to GET OUT guided dreamwork exercises! Tuesday 6-7 @ the Chinese the next level. I also specialize Bellingham location just off Martial Arts Academy. Con- in left handed guitar instruc- exit 252 on Tues. Dec 9, from tact Improvisation Classes: tion. Email Adam at bluebiz@ 7-9 pm. $20. Presented by suitable for teens and adults mac.com for more info.

WONDERLAND 14 Enjoy the stability of Jenny Davidow, M.A., author 16 and over. Every Tuesday homeownership for of “Embracing Your Subcon- 7-8pm @ Chinese Martial Arts CHILDREN’S DANCE HERBS & TEAS & SPICES scious.” More info and to reg- Academy (located at 1705 N. CLASSES Creative Dance $ WORDS ONLY 123,660 ister: Call 360.676.1009. State St., near Hot Shots and and Beginning Ballet for chil- Locally made (total monthly housing Bellingham Fitness). All class- dren. Ferndale - 6 miles North costs of $955 FREE DANCE CLASSES En- es are $10 drop-in or $35 for of downtown Bellingham. Healing Tea Blends $

with 1,500 down!) ergize and Ignite! Dance with the month More info at Dance- Ballet Arts Northwest, (360) 8 the element of fire. Free intro- Plant.org. Instructor: Nicole 333-0293 Colorful Teapots A permanently duction classes will be held Byrne, [email protected] Vitamins • Books affordable condo for on Friday Dec. 5th and Dec. 12th. Bring a friend! For more Play Bluegrass Banjo,

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levels class. Payment is due at 08 Business (360) 734-7500 Ext. 273 .PTU*OTVSBODFT"DDFQUFE 360.676.0171 obtain a bank loan the beginning of each month. Plus Sized Cell (360) 393-5826 0OMZ0SHBOJD )ZQPBMMFSHFOJD .03. 1SPEVDUT6TFE /P/VU0JMT PTSD Welcome www.natural-home-design.com 12 Meet the income Mole Trapping Lessons guidelines for your On Eagle’s Wings Counseling .03

family size “If you’re buying or selling 49 YOGA NORTHWEST # (See our website for Real Estate, contact us. Counseling | Hypnotherapy | Reiki | EFT The B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Center of Bellingham new income limits!) Come stretch, breathe & relax in our beautiful new studio You’ll be glad you did!” Sue Stackhouse, RC, CHT, CRMT For more information visit Canadian Financing Available 360-599-2627 www.kclt.org Life Transitions, GLBTQ, Grief/Loss, or call GORDON & KIMBERLY AMES 360-671-5600, ext. 7 Depression, Anxiety, Relationships, 11 Bellwether Way, Suite 105 CASCADIA WEEKLY Codependency, Spirituality, Smoking, Bellingham, WA 98225 360-527-8785 office Health Enhancement, Regression 29 Voted Best Yoga Studio 2007! [email protected] Sliding Scale Rates yoganorthwest.com 360.647.0712 rear end COMIX CROSSWORD

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GET OUT 40 1960s war the- Across the power to 64 Coffee additive ater, for short 1 Backside produce Japanese endorsed by Star 41 ___ standstill 14 7 Vehicles at stands noodles? Wars bounty 42 Mo. for Inde- 11 Body art, slangily 32 Hosp. staffers hunter Fett? pendence Day in 33 Actress Dushku 65 Line showing a Brazil WORDS 14 City east of Denver 34 Waldorf, for one cold front, maybe 44 Litter that may 15 Give ___ on the 36 Did some shoe 66 It ain’t nothing not be ready for repair 67 “___ is only an 8 shoulder litter yet 16 ___ Lilly and 39 Beachside chang- egg’s way of mak- 46 Worth a B+, Company ing facilities ing another egg” perhaps 17 Occupation in 43 Yankees captain (Samuel Butler) 47 Waiting for a CURRENTS CURRENTS a Eugene O’Neill Jeter 68 Doing some party, perhaps title 45 Make big bodybuilding 48 Toy advertised 6 18 Hold up a group speeches reﬁnement with the slogan of stores one at a 46 Today, but quicker 69 Presidential “but they don’t

VIEWS VIEWS time? 49 Feature of a monogram of the fall down” 20 Claim from a fan Canadian weather- 1950s 50 ___ Te Ching 4 of a classic oozy man’s display, 70 Nine-digit IDs 51 Planetary paths horror movie? perhaps? 71 Condescending 53 Mrs., in Madrid MAIL MAIL 22 “Funky Cold 52 Change for a five 56 Grandmothers, in 54 Paving material Down Medina” rapper Germany 3 1 Switch partner? Tone ___ 55 Hope/Crosby 57 Massage parlor travel flick that 2 “That’s gotta sounds DO IT IT DO 23 Have on hurt!” 24 Superhero with takes place in 58 Fourth-column Mali’s capital? 3 Palm, e.g. selection in 08 08 4 Memorial monu- Battleship .03. Last Week’s Puzzle ment 59 “Kurt Cobain: 12 5 Like some exams About ___” 6 Shoe designer (documentary) .03 Blahnik 60 Ailment also 49 # 7 Capital near the called “the kissing Caribbean disease” 8 Nuclear fission 61 Somewhat target 62 “Critique of Pure 9 “The Howard Stern Reason” philoso- Show” crony ___ pher Immanuel Booey 63 Menage-a-many? 10 Like, totally CASCADIA WEEKLY uncool person 11 Little sample 30 12 Late rock guitarist Duane rear end AMY ALKON Bellingham Parks and Recreation invites you to

34 34 FOOD A Special Holiday Craft Bazaar for Young Shoppers 28 28 28 BY AMY ALKON doing anything of a permanent nature in your early 20s. These years should be re- named the Idiot Years. Recent research THE ADVICE by child and adolescent psychiatrist Jay CLASSIFIEDS N. Giedd suggests the prefrontal cortex, CLASSIFIEDS the judgment department of the brain, 30 craft vendors offering unique

GODDESS 24 is still developing through the early-to- mid 20s. While individuals do vary, you hand crafted items , FILM FILM THE BEGINNING OF THE most likely got together with this guy ENDLESS before you were fully brained, and cer- all priced at $8 or less . I’m a 21-year-old student who’s been dating tainly before you had the life experience 20 a 45-year-old man for three-and-a-half years. to know who to let into your world and Concession area for waiting adults. He’s been technically married throughout our who to send back to his wife. MUSIC relationship (two years ago, I discovered he Be honest: You know this guy is a bad lied about being divorced). I’ve given him bargain—a married liar and one-man 18 an ultimatum: He has to be divorced by July, welfare state who’s bailing out every- ART when I graduate. He agrees, but supports his body but General Motors. But, because 26-year-old daughter and unmarried sister you got attached (perhaps both to the 16 (even paying to remodel her bathroom), and guy and to the guy paying your rent) pays his wife’s mortgage and bills. He manages you’re working very hard to tell yourself STAGE STAGE to take me to dinner and helps with my rent, love is all you need. Be sure to tell that but he’s pulled in so many directions. I’m told to your kid when he has a toothache and I’m very mature for my age, but I don’t know you can’t afford the dentist, or when 15 how to handle this. I do love him, and we plan you’re consoling him after he wets the to get married and have children. Please don’t refrigerator box (he’ll have a bed to wet GET OUT focus on the age difference. A 27-year-old just as soon as Daddy ﬁnishes paying off could have the same issues with a guy. his sister’s new kitchen).

—Got Competition 14 “THE BIG C” (YA LATER)

At 21, being “very mature” for your Several months ago, I started dating this WORDS age makes you less likely to end up on woman. She’s great—just not for me. Several the Internet, naked and compromised, so weeks in, I was about to tell her when she 8 corporate recruiters can lean across the burst into tears and told me she’d been diag- table on job fair day and whisper, “So, nosed with gastric cancer. She was diagnosed tell me...were you in business school on early (doctors think she’ll be cancer-free by CURRENTS CURRENTS a gymnastics scholarship?” summer). I love her as a friend, so I plan on A few years back, you probably just being totally there for her, and leaving once 6 missed taking a married, middle-aged she’s cancer-free. Meanwhile, I wouldn’t cheat, dad to prom. Even if you were “mature” but I find myself flirting with other women. VIEWS VIEWS for your age, at 17 your greatest ac- —Am I Horrible? complishment is something like getting When there are guys who are only with 4 a handle on your pimples. Ask yourself women for sex, their money, or their big MAIL MAIL what man in his 40s finds a 17-year- pontoons, only being with a woman for

old girl his peer, his partner, his equal? her cancer certainly is a cut above. But, 3 Probably one who knows better than think this through. She’ll get more and DO IT IT DO to hit on all-growed-up women who’d more attached as you care for her in her be quick to notice he doesn’t just have time of need, and then, when she’s ﬁ- baggage, but a caravan of broken-down nally in remission, you’ll break the bad 08 U-Hauls. Think about it: You’re planning news: “I wasn’t really your boyfriend; I .03. 12 to marry and have children with a guy was your tumor’s boyfriend.” The right who’s not only still married to somebody time to break up with somebody is as .03

else, but supporting three other adults. 49

soon as you realize it’s over. OK, so you # And you’re seriously expecting this to don’t respond to sobbing and “I have change? OK, it could—should an aster- cancer” with “There’s something I need oid ﬂatten all of them (ideally, Wizard of to get off my chest, too.” You have to Oz-style, so you can scavenge any fabu- tell her, but before you make any prom- lous shoes he bought them). ises, ﬁgure out whether you’re truly up Here you are in your early 20s, the for “being totally there for her”—or peak of your hotitude, the time to date whether that’s guilt talking, trying to CASCADIA WEEKLY around and see what’s out there, and drown out a little voice in your head 31 you’ve taken yourself off the market for that keeps wondering whether she’ll this guy? You actually have no business have any hot chemo nurses. rear end COMICS

34 34 FOOD 28 28 28

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS 24 FILM FILM 20 MUSIC 18 18 ART ART 16 STAGE STAGE 15 GET OUT 14 WORDS 8 CURRENTS CURRENTS 6 VIEWS VIEWS 4 MAIL MAIL

3 DO IT IT DO

08 08 Evergreen AIDS Foundation Friday, December 5th, 6-10pm

.03. Allied Arts of Whatcom County fifthonsixth at Kulshan CLT Silver for Life at the Old Newstand

12 American Museum of Radio Frank James & Electricity Swell Fourth Corner Frames Temple Bar Backcountry Essentials Garys’ Men’s and .03 Waterfront Artists Studio Collective Barbo Furniture Women’s Wear 49 Whatcom Museum: ARCO Exhibition Building # Bellingham Circus Guild Georgie Girls Whatcom Museum: Old City Hall Building Bellingham Public Market Greg Aanes Furniture Whatcom Peace and Justice Center Bison Bookbinding Ideal Whatcom Winemakers Blue Horse Gallery IN8 Snow & Skate Wise Awakening Blue Moon Ballroom Johnson’s Flower Shop Works on Canvas Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro Left Right Left Chameleon Ink Tattoo/ The Leopold Camden Chameleon Locust CASCADIA WEEKLY Center for Expressive Arts & Lucky Monkey Experiential Education The Paperdoll 32 The Darkroom Digs PFC Dreamspace Studio UFO For more information visit DIS downtownbellingham.com rear end ASTROLOGY

34 34 performance artist, Jonathon Keats, did a remix of that

BY ROB BREZSNY tune and made it available as a ring-tone. I’d love for FOOD you to be inspired by those two geniuses in the coming week, Virgo. It’ll be an excellent time for you to come 28 28 28 to a perfect stop, ﬁll yourself with stillness, and bask FREE WILL in the healing power of undiluted nothingness. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I urge you not to Google the word “duh,” Libra. If you do, you’ll mark CLASSIFIEDS ASTROLOGY yourself as a conformist trend-slave, joining over 33 CLASSIFIEDS million people who have already done it before you. ARIES (March 21-April 19): The European Union Furthermore, you will be in danger of wasting the po-

has had rules banning the sale of ugly carrots with 24 tential the cosmos is offering you, which is to reap rich knobby protrusions, cucumbers that are grossly curved, rewards by exploring brave new frontiers on the edges and equally unaesthetic specimens of 24 other fruits of your awareness. So please be insanely curious about FILM and vegetables. Recently that changed, however. The stuff you’ve never heard of and people you’ve never stiff standards were relaxed. “It makes no sense to met. Research subjects that tantalize your imagination I’M VERY, VERY WILD… throw perfectly good products away, just because they 20 and stick your nose in where it supposedly doesn’t are the ‘wrong’ shape,” said the EU’s commissioner belong. But don’t Google “duh.” AND OH SO POPULAR for agriculture. I suggest you make a metaphorically Catch Me MUSIC similar shift, Aries. It’s time for you to expand your SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Researchers have capacity to welcome some ﬁne, useful things that hap- determined that you’ve got longer than you imagine pen to look a bit imperfect. to salvage food that has dropped on the ﬂoor. Bacteria don’t get a foothold and start growing on your pizza or 18 TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the Broadway play

mufﬁn for at least 30 seconds. Keep that in mind as an ART Passing Strange, the narrator praises the healing power all-purpose metaphor in the coming days, Scorpio. Any- of mysterious songs, saying: “You know when the music thing that you fear has already been spoiled or tainted goes right over your head, bypasses your mind, and

may actually be possible to restore and redeem. You 16 strengthens the part of you that’s most beautiful?” probably have more time than you thought. That’s the kind of nourishment I encourage you to seek I got an invitation out in the coming week, Taurus. You need soul-toning SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): STAGE experiences that elude your rational understanding— through MySpace to audition for an upcoming production encounters with wise animals, waking dreams, unpre- of the Vagina Monologues. While I was honored to be Try a made-from-scratch sockeye salmon burger– dictable love, exotic music, and twilight whispers that asked, I wasn’t sure that the kind of audience members 15 blissfully boggle your imagination. who would come to see the monologues would want to you’ll be hooked! Our new menu also includes hear me, a man, expound on the central topic. Upon read- GEMINI (May 21-June 20): According to the ing the fine print, however, I found out that the producers bison and turkey burgers (if you’re game). imaginative reporters at the Weekly World News, the GET OUT were indeed seeking some male actors. The metaphorical devil doesn’t sit by passively as people beseech God for moral of the story, Sagittarius, is to be open to invita- www.fiammaburger.com 1309 RAILROAD AVE. help and consolation. Using his own version of stealth tions, opportunities and requests that may at first seem technology, the evil one “intercepts or jams” up to 14 odd, misdirected or irrelevant. one-third of all prayers on their way heavenward. Timid and fuzzy prayers are the easiest for him to block. Just CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): From 1987-2006, in case there’s a grain of truth in this claim, Gemini, Alan Greenspan was Chairman of the Federal Reserve and CELEBRATE WORDS take special measures when you send out appeals for a major force in shaping the economy. When the recent assistance in the coming days. You need and deserve troubles hit, Congress called on him to testify. With attention from higher powers, both the earthbound shocking humility, he confessed there had been a flaw BUY LOCAL WEEK 8 and divine kind. To ensure that the devil (or one of his in his model of reality. All those years he’d believed that surrogates) can’t interfere, formulate your messages “free, competitive markets are by far the unrivaled way st th concisely and communicate them with crisp confidence. to organize economies.” Now he saw he was wrong. While December 1 -7

I’m sorry for the pain his mistaken ideas have unleashed, CURRENTS CANCER (June 21-July 22): Lame-duck U.S. Presi- I’m elated for him: How many 82-year-old men are open dent George Bush is mostly dreaming of his retirement to the possibility that their philosophy of life needs these days, although he takes time out now and then to 6 adjustment? I invite you to take your inspiration from Think Local create executive orders that undo environmental protec- Greenspan, Capricorn. Be curious about how your own

tions. Barack Obama is planning hard for the monu- VIEWS major theories might need revision. Doing this heroic mental recovery he hopes to lead when he assumes the deed will energize you with good karma and fresh mojo. FIRST!

presidency, but his time won’t come until January 20. 4 Meanwhile, all the things that have been falling apart AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): What’s the healthi- est, holiest rebellion you could launch, Aquarius? What

under Bush’s watch are continuing to fall apart, only MAIL bigger and badder. Writes Josh Marshall in Talkingpoints- would be the most constructive way to channel your memo.com, “We’re paying mightily for having no captain longing to live in a more perfect world? How might you 3 at the helm at one of the most perilous points in our overthrow the status quo in ways that would so thor- recent national history.” In regard to your own personal oughly enhance the greater good that even the people DO IT IT DO life, Cancerian, please avoid acting like America. Don’t bent on preserving the status quo would beneﬁt? Given wait for some formal deadline before you make your the fact that you are in a phase when your trouble- moves. Expedite the transition from the old order to the making skills are dovetailing very nicely with your ability 08 to bestow blessings, these are excellent questions for

new with the force of a thousand ecstatic activists. .03. you to consider. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “It’s better to be clumsy www.sconnect.cmarket.com 12 than clever,” says an ancient Chinese book called Poets’ PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A column in the Washington Post called “The Style Invitational” has Jade Splinters, “better plain than affected, better crude Dec 1st-14th • Bid on one-of-a-kind, .03 than weak, better eccentric than vulgar.” That’s a good identified the “Top 10 New Religions.” I’m calling your 49 “100% Whatcom” Experiences. # prescription for you to use in the way you live your life attention to two that might be attractive to you in in the coming days, Leo. Here’s another observation the coming months, a time when you’ll probably have To see examples of auction items and that should also be helpful: “Inspiration enters at the urges to transform and expand upon your spiritual border between hard work and laziness.” That suggests practices. First, there are the Oxymormons, who Buy Local Week specials check out the Think Local First flyer. you’ve got to work hard and discipline yourself in order engage in polygamous monogamy. The second group to earn the right to inspiration, but often the inspira- is the Salivationists. They speak in tongues like some THINK LOCAL, BUY LOCAL, GIVE THE GIFT OF LOCAL tion flows in when you’re goofing off or giving yourself other sects, but they also speak in drool. A third some slack. option is for you to whip up your own brand new, totally unique religion using just the parts you really CASCADIA WEEKLY VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In 1952, renowned like from all of the other traditions. However you do modern composer John Cage created the infamous it, Pisces, I encourage you to be playfully creative as 33 “4’33”.” It’s a “song” that consists of four minutes and you get more disciplined about your relationship with 33 seconds of pure silence. Recently a San Francisco the Divine Wow. Choose local businesses taking action for a healthy community.

34 34 34 FOOD FOOD chow 28 28 RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSIFIEDS 24

FILM FILM The freshest Brussels sprouts around can be found at the market, still on the stem. Roasting them gives them

20 a salty and sweet ﬂavor that makes them tolerable, in my mind (see recipe). Parsnips and potatoes are also de- MUSIC licious when roasted. You can also ﬁll your canvas bag with blood-red

18 18 beets and bread made from potatoes; there’s goat

ART ART cheese, smoked salmon, freshly pressed apple cider, hazelnuts and honey. If I’m hungry and need sus- tenance right away, I’ll grab a plate of pad thai or 16 chicken curry, add a couple of vegetable samosas and eat it all with gloved hands. ROASTED STAGE STAGE The freshest chickens are also at the market. BRUSSELS Anna Martin, proprietor of Osprey Hill Farms, along SPROUTS 15 with her husband and their three kids, sells certi- FROM ALLRECIPES.COM ﬁed organically fed chickens and heritage turkeys,

GET OUT pasture-raised on 15 acres on their farm in Acme. INGREDIENTS (Pasture-raised animals 1 ½ pounds Brussels forage on green grasses in sprouts, ends trimmed

14 their natural environment, and yellow leaves enjoying fresh air and sun- removed

WORDS shine.) Martin says their 3 tablespoons olive oil customers understand not 1 teaspoon kosher salt only the value of buying ½ teaspoon freshly 8 locally grown animals, but ground black pepper the added health beneﬁts, DIRECTIONS as well. Preheat oven to 400 de- CURRENTS CURRENTS With the holiday season grees. Place trimmed Brussels BY GRACE JACKSON sprouts, olive oil, kosher salt,

6 ATTEND in full swing, gift ideas and pepper in a large, reseal- WHAT: Bellingham abound for yourself or any- Farmers Market able plastic bag. Seal tightly,

VIEWS VIEWS body on your list. Peruse WHEN: 10am-3pm ev- and shake to coat. Pour onto ery Saturday through soaps made from olive oil a baking sheet, and place 4 Bellingham and goat’s milk, lavender- on center oven rack. Roast Dec. 20 WHERE: Depot Mar- scented bath salts, candles in the preheated oven for MAIL MAIL 30 to 45 minutes, shak- ket Square, located at atop leaf-shaped dishes, ing pan every ﬁve to seven the corner of Railroad 3 Farmers Market hand-sewn purses or hand- minutes for even browning. Avenue and Chestnut Street thrown pottery, jewelry Reduce heat when necessary DO IT IT DO NIBBLE ON lusciously iced cupcakes, sniff ruby red apples and press the INFO: 647-2060 or made from precious stones, to prevent burning. Brussels ﬂesh of oddly shaped squash—all grown or baked in Whatcom County—when you bellinghamfarmers.org T-shirts for the little ones, sprouts should be dark brown

08 08 when done. Adjust seasoning clothing made from hemp, visit the Bellingham Farmers Market every Saturday through Dec. 20. with kosher salt, if necessary. .03. And there’s no better way to celebrate Buy Local Week (Dec. 1-7) than by red-twigged dogwood, 12 Serve immediately. shopping here. eucalyptus and rosemary wreaths for yourself or Whenever I eat these, I always think adding a couple

.03 “Everyone can take a leadership role to ensure that our local economy stays your neighbor.

49 of minced garlic cloves to

# strong by choosing local first,” Michelle Grandy, manager of Sustainable Connec- The market will remain open through the next the olive oil would kick this to the last weekend in December. Being outside tion’s Think Local First program, says. recipe up a notch. “It’s a great feeling to give a special friend or family member a memorable gift and dealing with Pacific Northwest elements adds and support a local crafter or business owner at the same time,” Grandy says. a layer of complexity, particularly in these early The Market’s casual “village square” atmosphere invites human connections be- winter months. But I find the open air invigorating tween producers and consumers. Having long conversations with vendors about and more refreshing than fluorescent lights and felted hats or mushrooms shaped like trumpets is the norm, replacing robotic electric heating. CASCADIA WEEKLY responses often found in a sterile malls or national grocery store chains. Whenever I shop at the Market, I know I am con-

34 I love the soaps and creams at the market, which make perfect gifts for my tributing to the notion that locally grown food sisters, my mother-in-law and my kids’ teachers. And even though I hate Brus- is most delicious, and locally made products are sels sprouts, my husband adores them. most precious. Serving Cascadia since 1973 Ready to Ride? urth Corn 34 34

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