State Supreme Court Upholds Alabama Accountability Act After

2 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• LAGNIAPPE WEEKLY March 12, 2015 – March 18, 2015 | www.lagniappemobile.com

Ashley Trice BAY BRIEFS Co-publisher/Editor Two more local restaurants hit with [email protected] discriminatory wage lawsuits. Rob Holbert Co-publisher/Managing Editor 5 [email protected] Steve Hall COMMENTARY Marketing/Sales Director Joe Camel gets a toe in the governor’s [email protected] budget. Gabriel Tynes Assistant Managing Editor [email protected] 12 Dale Liesch BUSINESS Reporter Downtown incubator Urban Emporium [email protected] adds tenants at record pace. Jason Johnson Reporter 18 [email protected] Alyson Stokes CUISINE Web & Social Media Manager/Reporter [email protected] Taste of Thai is well worth

Kevin Lee CONTENTS the short road trip to Associate Editor/Arts Editor South Mobile County. [email protected] Andy MacDonald Cuisine Editor [email protected] Stephen Centanni Music Editor [email protected] J. Mark Bryant Sports Writer 19 [email protected] 19 Daniel Anderson Chief Photographer COVER [email protected] Local law enforcement Laura Rasmussen recently coordinated Art Director another synchronized www.laurarasmussen.com drug raid, indicative of a Brooke Mathis 2424 Advertising Sales Executive change in tactics to fight [email protected] systemic crime. Beth Williams Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] Misty Groh Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] Kelly Woods ARTS Advertising Sales Executive A Mobile author unravels his small- [email protected] town past and a history or racist Melissa Schwarz Editorial Assistant 26 anger buried in personal dynamics. [email protected] Contributors: Asia Frey • Brian Holbert MUSIC Tommy Hicks • Ron Sivak Joe Taylor went from a Debra Braggs • Jeff Poor Ken Robinson session musician to a On the Cover: Chief James Barber by band leader and will Dan Anderson. be bringing a talented LAGNIAPPE (USPS 20) is published weekly, band to The Brickyard 52 issues a year, Volume 13, Issue 11, every Thursday by Something, Extra Publishing, Inc. March 13. Entered at the Mobile Post Office, 250 St. Joseph St, Mobile, AL, 36601. Periodicals postage paid at Mobile Post Office, 250 St Joseph St., Mobile, AL 36601 and other locations. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. 30 Editorial, advertising and production offices are located at 1102A Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36604. Mailing address is P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Phone: FILM 251.450.4466 Fax 251.450.4498. Email: ashley- [email protected] or No beating around the bush: Academy [email protected] Award winning “Whiplash” is great. LAGNIAPPE is printed at Signature Offset, 2610 Lakeview Road, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. All letters sent to Lagniappe are considered to be intended for publication. 36 Member: Association of Alternative Newsweek- lies and Alternative Weeklies Network MEDIA All rights reserved. Something Extra Publishing, Inc. Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied or Mobile Baykeeper gets behind the in any way reproduced without the expressed permission of the publishers. battle against ad circulars. Individuals may take one copy of the paper free of charge from area businesses, racks or boxes. After that, papers are $3 per 38 issue. Removal of more than one copy from these points constitutes theft. Violators are subject to prosecution. SPORTS Help support Lagniappe Weekly by becoming a “Friend with Benefits.” Bishop State achieves longtime Scan this code for more info: 40 dream with baseball complex. STYLE 46 Treegate hits the OGD.

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015| LAGNIAPPE | 3 GOING POSTa L SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR THOSE UNWANTED TIME TO qUIT cUTTIN’ bAIT AND FISH DELIVERIES IN YOUR YARD Editor: park traffic. I live in the area surrounding lem in just a few easy steps. Last The last phase of BP oil spill litigation is underway and The park would be an enormous economic stimulus by Murphy High School, in the Dog year I spent the time finding the will possibly conclude soon, so there is urgency here. We spurring neighborhood revitalization and real estate demand River Watershed area. During my direct telephone number to stop this want to challenge all the leaders of the different environ- across the whole county. The park would also attract tourists daily walk I notice all the plastic unwanted delivery. Now I have the mental organizations, civic groups, fraternities, sororities, and sporting events — this is only way we can compete for alumni and faculty associations, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, major tournaments against our Baldwin County neighbors. wrapped Gulf Coast Life adver- e-mail address (easier). It may take churches, schools, doctors and lawyers, bowling leagues, The new skate park and the proposed soccer complex tisements laying in driveways and more than one attempt. I have not bicycle clubs, any and all groups and their members who are only offer activities for a very small segment of the popula- yards. I would have to say at least had one thrown in my yard since. interested in making Mobile a much better place to live, with tion where this park would be for everyone. People have an average of 75% have not been You can opt out of this service a much better quality of life, to let their members speak out to experience the outdoors and nature to really love it, to picked up after a few days, some by email: [email protected] on our project! fight for it, to protect it. This park will instill that love and houses have two or three past is- or by direct telephone 251-219- Most people have never heard of the Mobile Bay Project. idealism for our beautiful bay and nature. The park will be sues lying there! 3000. If you are a member of any group please ask your leaders a tangible benefit and appropriate compensation for all the Most folks grumble, complain If one is in your drive or yard to either support the project or let members vote on it. If problems caused by the oil spill. The park will mean more and ignore it saying that’s not my and you don’t want it please pick it your church, organization or club has a newsletter please to the citizens than all the other environmental projects problem I didn’t ask for them to up and put it in your recycle bin or mention this project. If you are an individual please call, combined! throw that in my yard. Funny thing trash cab. write or email your local politicians especially the mayors This park will certainly be enjoyed by many more citizens is, we don’t hesitate to pick up If you live next to a vacant of Fairhope, Bayou la Batre, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, than the planned convention center at Gulf State Park. For any other litter that is tossed in our house pick those up too! Dauphin Island and Mobile. once let the public interest override business interests. We They are part of the selection committee who will decide can locate the USAF commercial park at another location yard! If you are reading this and what projects receive oil spill funding. Tell them to sup- that doesn’t take the only spot that would be suitable for Well, sorry, once it lands in your don’t want these thrown in your port Mobile Bay Park project and like us on Facebook. Our a large, centrally located, free public waterfront park. Try yard is YOUR problem. At least yard PLEASE take time NOW to website is mobilebaypark.com. We have to convince the to imagine a beautifully landscaped park with over a mile it is if you care about Dog River. opt out! Wow what a difference it University of South Alabama Foundation that this project is of snow white sand, live oaks and hundreds of palm trees, They don’t even tie the wrapping would make. We don’t have to wait in the university’s and the region’s best interest. crystal clear water (when it hasn’t rained) only 10 minutes to seal them. When it rains they get until someone in office puts a stop The Foundation will receive full compensation for its in- from downtown Mobile. wet. I picked one up and weighed to it, EACH one of us can make it vestment. Mobilians are not just interested in our area being It’s almost impossible to imagine. This is our only it. It weighted over one pound! stop by opting out of this unwanted a manufacturing hub, but also a great place to live and raise a chance. If we don’t do it no one else will! When we have a huge rain storm delivery service. family with a great quality of life. We will design the park to thousands of them end up in Dog Cidnee Bradshaw have minimal impact for Airbus. There are three entrances to Clarence Carrio River. Mobile Brookley and a fourth could easily be built to accommodate Mobile YOU can help solve this prob- P OLIce dISPa T ch BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

Landolt said Hansberry wasn’t among the recent candidates for from the location, according to the statement. Deputy fire chief arrested on DUI charge after ac- fire chief and he didn’t seek out the position. The health department found code violations, such as a sewage cident On the issue of a new chief, Landolt said the department would A Mobile Fire-Rescue Department deputy chief was arrested leak near the kitchen, food being improperly stored and expired stand pat for now, leaving interim Chief Billy Pappas in charge. on a charge of driving under the influence early Sunday morning. food at the facility, according to the statement. Landolt said Mayor Sandy Stimpson was happy with the way the Mark Hansberry, 50, was arrested and charged with DUI after Police and DHR then conducted an investigation at 1260 department was running at the current time. officers with the Mobile Police Department responded to a two- Springhill Ave., at a male youth residential facility reported to vehicle accident at the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and be managed by the same organization. Once again, investigators MPD, DHR officials remove 36 from youth facilities McRae Avenue, according to an incident report and MPD spokes- found enough evidence to remove 21 residents from that facility, Two men were arrested and a total of 36 children were woman Ashley Rains. according to the statement. Young and Knott were at the Springhill removed from group homes after the Alabama Department of Hu- There were no injuries, Rains wrote in an email. Avenue facility when they were arrested, according to the state- man Resources and Mobile Police Department officials conducted Hansberry was booked into Mobile Metro Jail at 3:41 a.m., ac- ment. a criminal abuse investigation at two youth residential facilities. cording to jail records. He was released just after 8 a.m. According The criminal abuse investigation is ongoing. The facilities that DHR spokesman Barry Spear said could to jail records, Hansberry also faced a DUI charge in 1999. be classified as boarding schools under the department’s defini- Spear said under DHR policy, relatives of the children involved Hansberry is a 26-year veteran of the MFRD. He has been a tion were operated by Saving Youth Foundation. MPD arrested are notified when they are removed from a residential facility. He deputy chief of the department for nine years and is currently in the organization’s Founder and CEO, John Young Jr. on a traffic said if relatives are unavailable, the child is put into foster care. charge of the Emergency Medical Services division. warrant. Police also arrested employee William Knott on three Spear said neither of the facilities were licensed through DHR, On Monday, MFRD spokesman Steve Huffman said Hansberry outstanding traffic warrants and a warrant for domestic violence in but added it’s unclear if they were licensed through another state was currently on personal leave from the department, although it the third degree, from the Prichard Police Department, according department. Michael Sibley, Communications Director with the was unclear if it was related to the incident. In an email, Huffman to a statement from MPD Chief James Barber. Alabama Department of Education, said the facility would not be said Hansberry “took a week’s vacation.” Mobile Police, DHR and Mobile County Health Department licensed through that department, as it is not a public school. Richard Landolt, executive director of public safety, said officials conducted an investigation first at a facility for girls at Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich said her office discipline of Hansberry wouldn’t be discussed until after his court 770 Sullivan St., after the MPD received a complaint alleging was still in the process of determining under which authority the date on Monday, March 23 at 1 p.m. because he’s allowed “due abuse, according to Barber’s statement. facilities were licensed. process.” Officials found enough evidence to remove all 15 residents

wo more local restaurants joined a crowded table of tender and would receive “a portion of the tip out.” the complaint reads. defendants facing allegations of improper wage payments, Because the tip pool was “invalid,” the suit argues, the defen- The suit alleges Wintzell’s required servers to participate in a as a Birmingham law firm continues filing lawsuits against dant improperly claimed the Fair Labor Standards Act tip credit, tip pool as well that had them tip out 1 percent of their total net some of the Mobile-area’s best-known restaurants alleging which allows Butch Cassidy’s and other restaurants to pay servers sales each day to the dishwasher. The complaint argues the inclu- Temployees were improperly compensated. The two latest suits less than minimum wage for non-tipped positions. sion of the dishwashers into the tip pool invalidates it. were on behalf of current and former employees at both Butch According to a U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Wintzell’s owner Bob Omainsky could not be reached for Cassidy’s and Wintzell’s Oyster House. Division fact sheet, a tipped employee is any worker who “regu- comment, but in an April 9, 2014 Lagniappe story about an earlier The first, filed by plaintiffs Melissa Kennedy, Sylvia Pipkin and larly receives more than $30 per month in tips.” The tips are the lawsuit against The Original Oyster House, Omainsky said servers Tracy Cochran on March 4, targets the popular “almost famous” property of the employee, according to the WHD, but that doesn’t at his restaurant were paid $2.25 an hour. burger joint on Florida Street and its owner, Roy Seewer. preclude a tip pool, as long as it’s a valid tip pool. The most recent lawsuits come on the heels of similar com- Represented by attorney Daniel Arciniegas, the plaintiffs seek A valid tip pool, according to the WHD, includes servers, bell- plaints filed by the same team of Birmingham attorneys against wages and overtime payments impacted by an alleged “invalid hops, counter attendants, who work with customers; bussers and four other Mobile-area restaurants to date. Earlier this year, the tip pool” and side work that took up “more than 20 percent of a service bartenders. A valid tip pool may not include employees Original Oyster House settled its case with 68 employees for a shift.” who do not regularly receive tips, such as dishwashers, cooks, or total of $770,000 and payment of attorneys’ fees. Seewer, a familiar face at the eatery and on its television com- chefs, according to the law. Mikee’s Seafood and The Shrimp Basket in Gulf Shores were mercials, declined to comment at this time. An employer must also ensure the minimum wage they pay named in a similar suit last month, but denied any wrongdoing. According to the suit, Kennedy started at Butch Cassidy’s in to tipped employees and the tips received by an employee equals Lambert’s Cafe in Foley was also sued under the same circum- 2006 and still works there as a server and bartender. Cochran the $7.25-per-hour federal minimum wage amount, according to stances. worked there for more than three years and Pipkin was employed the WHD. If the tips and wage doesn’t equal the minimum, the Elizabeth Darby Rehm, a local attorney representing Missouri- for more than a year and a half. employer must make up the difference. based Lambert’s, said restaurant management denies all of the The plaintiffs were paid $3 per hour, according to the suit. A similar suit was also filed against the downtown Mobile lo- allegations. The minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour. The cation of Wintzell’s Oyster House. In that complaint, filed Friday, In an answer filed Feb. 20, Lambert’s posed 14 affirmative complaint states the restaurant required the plaintiffs to participate March 6, plaintiffs Raven Williams and D’Andre Wilkerson claim defenses, including that the request for damages in the case is in a tip pool that was invalid because it included “employees who they were only paid the $2.13 per hour wage, despite coming in a barred because the defendant was “at all times acting in good faith do not customarily receive tips,” like dishwashers. half hour before Wintzell’s opened and doing non-tip-producing and had reasonable grounds for believing that its actions were not “Dishwashers (given the inaccurate title of “busboys”) are activities. Neither Williams nor Wilkerson currently work at Win- in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.” non-tipped employees, as they are not employed to engage with tzell’s, according to the complaint. Additionally, Lambert claimed “the relief sought in the com- customer, but to wash dishes in the kitchen, away from custom- The suit also alleges the plaintiffs performed non-tip producing plaint is not appropriate because, even if any unlawful practices ers,” the suit reads. “The dishwashers do not customarily and do activities at the end of their shifts before being released, or “cut” occurred, which defendant expressly denies, such practices were not regularly receive more than $30 in tips a month directly from for the day. prohibited by corporate policy and not committed, approved or customers; nor do they provide ‘service’ to customers in a way “Plaintiffs and other similarly situated employees spent a ratified by upper management.” that warrants a share of the gratuity left by customers.” substantial amount of time — in excess of 20 percent of their Neither Wintzell’s nor Butch Cassidy’s legal teams have re- The suit also alleges the restaurant owner would fill in as bar- working time — performing these non-tip-producing activities,” sponded to the complaints at this time. State Supreme court upholds alabama accountability act BY ALYSON STOKES/REPORTER | [email protected]

fter a lower state court ruled the Alabama Accountability school voucher at the end. interested in the survival of the school, including the AAA. Act (AAA) unconstitutional, the Alabama Supreme Court The law has earmarked up to $25 million annually from the “AAA made it possible for families to choose a private school last week announced its decision to uphold the embattled Education Trust Fund (ETF) to be used for tax credits to corpora- education for their children,” she told Lagniappe via email. “Many law. tions donating scholarships aimed at helping students transfer of our students have always wanted to be at HOM, but were finan- aIn its early stages the law was originally called the Local Con- from failing schools. The AEA believes an inherent problem exists cially unable to attend.” trol School Flexibility Act and intended to allow school boards because public school tax money comes out of the ETF budget According to Crain, HOM has approximately 50 more students more flexibility dealing with education regulations. However, on each year and earmarking funds for tax credits can reduce the over last year, but not all of the new students are recipients of the day of the vote, Senate Republicans changed the bill to include amount of money for public schools. AAA scholarship funds. Still, she said she has personally wit- a $3,500 tax credit for families transferring a child from a failing AEA President Anita Gibson, Lowndes County School Super- nessed HOM students who have greatly benefited from the AAA. school — defined by law as being “persistently low-performing by intendent Daniel Boyd and State Sen. Quinton Ross (D-Montgom- “One of my students from a failing school told me that HOM the State Department of Education” or having scored in the bot- ery) ultimately filed the lawsuit challenging the law. saved his life, and he’s so happy he was able to get the scholarship tom 6 percent on standardized state reading and math assessments Those opposed to the AAA maintain the scholarship portion so he could have a better life away from the trouble he was getting three or more times during the last six years. of the bill is being abused while those in favor of the law believe into at his old school,” she said. “Another student broke down cry- Last May, Montgomery Circuit Judge Gene Reese ruled the it is simply attempting to fund tuition for students of non-failing ing saying he felt like he didn’t know anything in math class here. AAA unconstitutional, agreeing with plaintiffs who alleged there schools to attend private schools on scholarships. According to the When I asked why, he told me they didn’t have a math teacher as were procedural violations. On March 2, the Alabama Supreme law, unused funds may be given to any student after scholarships his old school and they watched movies instead. AAA is giving so Court rejected the lower court’s ruling, including provisions con- are distributed to those students in failing schools. many kids a chance for a better education and a better life filled cerning legislative procedure and prohibitions against appropria- “More than half the scholarship credits have not gone to kids in with opportunity.” tions of money to non-state charitable, educational or religious failing schools. They’ve gone to kids who have never set foot in As a downside to the AAA, Crain said she isn’t sure there is an institutions, according to a March 3 news release from the office a failing school,” Jesse McDaniel, UniServ director of the Mobile accurate accounting of all the failing schools because she has seen of Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange. area AEA, told Lagniappe last month after the Alabama State several students entering middle school for the first time as a sixth “In their Monday ruling, the Alabama Supreme Court rejected Department of Education named more than 50 schools across the grader, who have a second or third grade reading and math level. multiple claims from the plaintiffs that the Alabama Accountabil- state as failing schools. “Those kids never stepped foot into the ‘failing middle school,’ ity Act is unconstitutional,” Strange said. “The Supreme Court’s However, students enrolled at Mobile’s Pure Heart of Mary yet they’re still very behind, so I think it’s a blessing for those ruling makes it crystal clear that Alabama parents have the right to Catholic School (HOM), which has been rumored to be closing students as well,” she said. school choice in seeking the best education for their children.” its doors for the last 20 years, have seen direct benefits from the In Mobile County, Augusta Evans School, Jeremiah A. Denton In the 222-page ruling, the Supreme Court also affirmed the AAA, according to principal Jamie Crain. Middle School, Booker T. Washington Middle School, Mae Eanes Legislature did not make any violations in changing the bill from While a decline in enrollment was only one of the reasons for Middle School, Mobile County Training Middle School and CL its original purpose. However, the Alabama Education Association the archbishop to recommend closing the school, Crain said it was Scarborough Middle School were all named as failing schools. (AEA) retracted its support when there were noticeable changes also lacking community members to provide support. Further, All institutions listed as failing schools were required by the to the law. The AEA and other opponents maintain the bill was she said the school has grown tenfold in community support over AAA to notify parents of their transfer options by Feb. 13, and the rushed through the Legislature without proper debate and passed the last two years due to support from HOM parish, surrounding deadline for parents to return a student transfer form to their local in a matter of hours, with authors ultimately adding the private parishes, local businesses, private benefactors and many others school system for the 2015-2016 school year is May 1.

6 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 BAYBRIEFS BB elderly residents question where they will live after Portier Place sale BY ALYSON STOKES/REPORTER | [email protected] eventeen residents at a local retirement and residential Mercy Medical Executive Director Necie Borroni, the sale of and monitor those contracts just as if residents remained at Portier facility on Old Shell Road are searching for a new place to Portier Place completes the transformation. Place, according to Wilhelm. call home after the building was recently sold to a group of “Although it is certainly not easy to do, for Mercy to truly “She will never see an increase in her bill, even though the rate investors and will now be used by Spring Hill College. focus on its core ministry of home and community-based services, might increase,” she said. SJoanne Bolling, 82, who signed a lifetime lease with Mercy we needed to move forward with this divestiture,” she said in the Wilhelm said Mercy Medical was not actively marketing the Medical’s Portier Place in 2008, said residents were notified of the news release. building, but were introduced to a group of interested buyers by a news last week but are still confused about who is responsible for According to Bolling, she and two other residents at Portier former board member who was aware of their interest in the prop- the decision. Mercy Medical owns the building she calls home, Place purchased a lifetime contract policy offered by Mercy erty, and both parties came to a “mutually beneficial agreement.” but Spring Hill College owns the land. Medical and were under the impression they were entitled to live While Mercy Medical could not disclose the names of the “To say we were shocked wouldn’t cover it,” Bolling said. at Portier Place for the remainder of their lives, unless a disabling buyers, Wilhelm said the building will definitely be repurposed, “All of us are going out now and trying to find a place to live. We condition lead them to need care provided by an assisted-living meaning the buyers have no intentions of running it as a retire- were under the impression that this was going to be our home and home or nursing home. ment facility. we would never have to leave, unless there was some physical or “We don’t understand,” she said. “We are just puzzled by Fred Salancy, vice president for advancement at Spring Hill mental disability that we had. It’s really sad.” everything.” College, said he could not speak on any specific plans for the According to Mercy Medical officials, the building, which sits Bolling said she spent between $140,000 and $150,000 for the building at this time. However, he did provide Lagniappe with a on land leased from Spring Hill College, will be repurposed, and life-care contract. prepared statement from the college. current residents of Portier Place will be provided with assistance “They’re supposed to take care of us,” she said. “I thought in “Spring Hill College has a friendly, strong and long-standing finding a new housing facility in the area. the contract that we had, that we were entitled to stay here.” relationship with Mercy Medical since 1991 and has enjoyed “Mercy Medical divested all of its residential facilities, with According to Donna Wilhelm, vice president of marketing and being a neighbor of Portier Place and its residents during this the exception of Portier Place, in 2011. Our shift to focusing government relations for Mercy Medical, residents who purchased time,” the statement reads. “We are not purchasing Portier Place exclusively on the home health, hospice and PACE programming a “life-care program” will still be entitled to all of its benefits. from Mercy but recently learned of its intent to divest itself of the that has become so critical to our communities will be complete “We still intend to honor the contract,” she said. “It’s a real facility. Following this announcement, it became our hope and ex- with this sale,” Mercy Medical officials said in a prepared state- hedge against inflations and much less if you were just private pay pectation to enter into an agreement to lease the repurposed space ment. “Portier Place residents were recently notified of the closing in a facility.” from a third-party purchaser. Such an agreement would be very of the facility and the sale and we have offered our support to The program, which Wilhelm said Mercy Medical used to sell welcome in our educational community, but we recognize that the them in terms of transition planning. With each sale, our highest years ago, pays for future care such as assisted living and long- transition creates challenges for residents and their families. We priorities have been to respect the welfare of residents during what term care, essentially allowing pre-payments of anticipated health respect the efforts of Mercy Medical to support residents and their is always a difficult change and to keep the community updated.” care costs. Wilhelm went on to say all residents who purchased families with transition planning.” A press release from Mercy Medical said the institution several life-care contracts will continue to have access to the same ser- Portier Place residents have until June 30 to move before the years ago underwent a mission transformation, aimed more at vices Portier Place provided at other retirement communities. sale is finalized. focusing their efforts and resources on their core healthcare As an example, Wilhelm said if life-care contract holders re- “Whoever is responsible, it’s just a wrong thing to do,” Bolling ministries of home and community-based services, mainly home quire assisted living or long-term care, they would continue to pay said. “I know it’s a business, but it’s a Catholic faith-based busi- health, hospice and PACE, or “Program of All-Inclusive Care for their normal rate for independent living and Mercy Medical would ness, either one of them, and they’re here to take care of people the Elderly” for individuals require nursing home care. pick up the rest of the cost. like us. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Even if it costs them The residential facilities sold in 2011 include a rehabilitation Furthermore, Mercy Medical will contract to whichever resi- money, and this place may not be making money, you still don’t hospital and skilled nursing facility, officials said. According to dential facility the residents choose to live and continue to honor throw people out of their homes.”

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 7 BB BAYBRIEFS Bayou councilor turns ‘unauthorized’ loan documents over to prosecutors BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

ayou la Batre councilwoman Annette Johnson says she’s To the contrary, Dungan has made multiple public statements personally asked Dungan to sell it to the highest bidder at or near turned over financial documents to the Mobile County about saving the city at least $600,000 since his staff took over in its fair market value. District Attorney’s office related to an unauthorized loan 2013. Yet, the $50,000 loan was taken out just a few days after the “I have an email showing that the transaction took place, but in the city’s name approved by Mayor Brett Dungan and missed insurance payment was first reported to city officials by city staff couldn’t come up with the documentation or deed dur- Bmembers of his staff without the City Council’s approval. multiple municipal employees. ing the meeting,” Johnson said. “According to the mayor, it was On Tuesday morning, Johnson said the disclosure of the docu- At the work session, councilors also “cut up” and destroyed costing us $20,000 to have the property, but it was actually only ments was the first step in an investigation into the activities of several city credit cards they believed had been misused, and ac- costing around $200 a month to cut the grass.” certain city staff members that will involve “the DA, the Alabama cording to Johnson, “were all delinquent, some of them by three Though she accused the mayor of “just giving the property Department of Examiners of Public Accounts and the Alabama or four months.” away,” Johnson conceded the city of Montgomery was likely Ethics Commission.” Johnson said the cards were assigned to department heads, going to charge the city to demolish the property because it no Last week, Councilwoman Annette Johnson questioned a Dungan and Overstreet. However, Johnson said a review of more longer complied with building codes. $50,000 loan Dungan allegedly set up in the city’s name through than a year’s worth of credit card statements showed accounts Johnson called it “a beautiful lot in a very poor neighborhood,” Region’s Bank without the council’s knowledge or consent. At a designated for certain city employees had been used by other but said she was certain it was worth much more than $10. working session on Monday, Johnson claimed the bank made the members of the staff without consent. Last week city councilors went through $30,000 worth of representation to her that “everything about the loan was in order,” “The bank said those (delinquencies) will come against the recurring bills by hand because of growing concerns about the including the council’s approval. actual person the card is assigned to,” she said. financial state of the city. Following Monday’s work session, “It was there very clearly, ‘the council met and approved on A similar situation occurred during the administration of Johnson told Lagniappe she’s been documenting all of her official Dec. 18, 2014,’” Johnson said by phone after the meeting. “But, former Mayor Stan Wright, who was arrested and convicted on interactions since October 2014, a time she claims the attitude of we met after business hours and the loan was never brought up on public corruption charges, leading to a vacancy in the office Dun- Dungan and his staff began to change. the agenda and never discussed by the council.” gan later filled after a runoff election. “I think they’re anxious over the situation. These are some seri- Johnson said the document is one of several she “had no Among the charges in question was the purchase of two $175 ous charges they’ll be having to look at,” she said. “At the end of choice” but to turn over the Mobile County District Attorney’s tickets to a gala event on Dauphin Island. According to Johnson, the day, whatever comes of this whole thing I never meant for him office. She told Lagniappe Tuesday that “Everything is in the DA’s Dungan attended with his wife, but did not reimburse the city for to have any harm. I asked that he be respectful of municipal law hands.” She also said City Attorney Bill Wasden was preparing a the price of her ticket. and the statues we have to follow. Instead, he was arrogant and resolution to “affirm the council’s authority over the mayor relat- Johnson said there were also charges on city credit cards listed chose to run (the city) like a shipyard and do his own thing, and ing to financial issues, signatures, contracts, etc.” for Court Clerk Marsha Barnes and Assistant Fire Chief Jimmy it’s caused quite a bit of grief for all of us.” Though Dungan himself hasn’t responded to media inquires Payne. Charges on Payne’s credit card were also the subject of a At the same time, Johnson said she and the council were not about the loan, Johnson said last week it was used to pay off debt complaint against Dungan filed with the Alabama Ethics Commis- blameless in the situation, admitting she has “not been diligent owed by the city, though it was debt the council was apparently sion last December. enough” in city finances prior to the recent concerns. unaware of. According to copies of the complaint provided to Lagniappe, the “I hold myself accountable. I’m just glad we caught this in “I went through more than 1,000 emails this weekend and in charges arose from a dinner Dungan allegedly purchased his wife time to stop the freight train from running like it was,” she said. none of those did (Dungan) let anybody know there were financial at a municipal event in November using Payne’s city-issued credit “We look forward to this coming to a resolution. It’s not that we issues,” Johnson said. “I only heard through (an employee’s hus- card. Payne later told Lagniappe he was unaware of the charges. don’t want the city to move forward, we just have to live within band) that our insurance payments didn’t get made.” Also during the work session, Johnson said councilmembers our means.” City staff failed to make a monthly payment to Blue Cross openly discussed the sale of real estate owned by the city of Dungan was present during the meeting, but emails sent to and Blue Shield in December, an incident that led to more than a Bayou la Batre in Montgomery, which Dungan allegedly agreed to him afterward have gone unanswered, as have multiple phone month of lapsed health insurance coverage for city employees. At sell for $10 without the council’s knowledge or consent. calls since last Thursday’s special-called meeting. As always, the time, Dungan’s assistant Wanda Overstreet called it a “mis- Johnson said the Montgomery house was donated to the city those comments will added to the online story if and when they take,” and made no mention of any financial troubles. years ago, but since, it was listed as surplus property. She said she are received. Members of local delegation react to governor’s tax plan BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

ov. Robert Bentley recently proposed a plan to increase fix for the budget concerns in the past has been one-time revenue, Although he advocated cuts to other areas, he admitted that if certain state taxes as a way to shore up a $700 million but that revenue is no longer available. problems within The Department of Corrections aren’t solved and shortfall in the general fund budget, but some local legisla- As the second week of the legislature continues, Bentley’s tax the federal government has to intervene, it would end up costing tors feel more can be done to cut state spending before plan will be one of the more hotly debated topics and could take the state more money. Gsteps are taken to raise revenue. the entire session or more to resolve. Hightower said the state should do more to help former inmates Bentley’s plan would inject $541 million into state coffers by Sen. Trip Pittman, of Fairhope, agrees the Alabama Department find jobs in order to help cut down on recidivism. For instance, increasing taxes in some areas and closing tax loopholes. The plan of Corrections needs additional funding, but said he’s against rais- he said, the state could remove restrictions on felons’ drivers’ targets eight taxes in all, according to a statement from Bentley’s ing taxes. licenses to start. press office, including an increase of 4 percent on the tax paid for “I think it’ll be hard to pass without doing all we can to save Additionally, work should be done to identify at-risk youths automobile sales and an increase to $1.25 per pack on the cigarette money,” Pittman said of the tax plan. before they become part of the prison system. More could also be and tobacco tax. He admitted it doesn’t seem like there is enough to cut and done for mental health care in the state, he said. Those two moves together would increase state revenue by that some new revenue would have to be raised. This year, un- Chris Pringle, who has officially started his second stint as a $405 million, according to the statement. The plan would also like in previous years, Pittman said the legislature can not look State Representative for Mobile County, said a tax increase would increase the automobile rental tax to 4 percent, and would remove to cut the corrections budget because “corrections needs more be a hard sale. He blamed the cost of Medicaid, which he said has certain tax credits related to corporate income tax, financial insti- money, not less.” tripled since when he left office last in 2002. Pringle said he too tution excise tax, insurance premium tax, public utilities license Additional revenue is needed in corrections for more parole opposes expansion through the ACA because the “money cuts off tax and individual income tax. officers and diversion programs, Pittman said. after a while.” “We have spent the last four years making government operate He added that Medicaid will increase by $100 million this year. “Everybody would love to get money to help people, he said. more efficiently and effectively, saving the taxpayers over $1.2 Like other state lawmakers, Pittman is against the expansion of “How will you pay for it when the federal subsidy goes away and billion annually,” Bentley said in the statement. “As we begin the Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act, calling it “unsustain- there’s no taking it back?” 2015 legislative session, one of the most serious issues we face is able,” even though it would mean additional federal money for the State Rep. David Sessions of Mobile said he doesn’t know the funding of our state’s general fund. We have debts that must be program for a limited time. how Bentley chose the taxes he’s proposing, but he’s not crazy repaid and we must help our two largest agencies — Medicaid and “At the end of the day somebody ultimately has to pay for it,” about them. corrections — with funding increases. Pittman said. “There’s no free lunch.” “The people that are being taxed keep getting hammered,” Ses- “I am presenting a plan that will increase revenue in the gen- Sen. Bill Hightower of Mobile said he has asked for more de- sions said. “I think there’s some more cutting to do. I think we can eral fund and make taxes more fair and equitable for everyone,” tailed information on the magnitude of the state’s problem. He said grow the economy a little bit.” he added. there seems to be a debate over how bad the problem really is. Phone calls last week to the local legislative office of Sen. Additionally, Bentley plans to remove earmarks from another Hightower said he has not seen Bentley’s plan in bill form, but Vivian Figures and Rep. James Buskey went unreturned as of $187 million to make up the rest of the shortfall. added that he would like to see a tax decrease instead of an increase, press time. A call to Rep. Napoleon Bracy was also not returned The general fund supports most non-education related func- an accomplishment that can be reached by better budgeting. by press time. tions of state government. According to the statement, a temporary “If you don’t have the money, you need to cut spending,” he said.

8 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 BAYBRIEFS BB Planning commission approves grocer, apartments, restaurant

BY GABRIEL TYNES/ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

Photo/Jason Johnson The former Old Shell road School is targeted for residential development.

ollowing the recommendations of city of the nine-story former office building at 951 staff, the Mobile Planning Commission Government St. is under construction now, approved at least three notable develop- he reported, with workers preparing to install ments March 5. Perhaps most visible sheetrock in some of the lower floors. Fwould be the redevelopment of the former Old Across Midtown, developers are propos- Shell Road School in Midtown into a moder- ing to demolish the former Kmart building ately sized apartment complex. at 2570 Government Blvd. to construct a Real estate developer Pace Burt, who has new 41,000-square-foot grocery store with a shown interest in the property since the Mobile 176-space parking lot and an adjacent six- County Public School System vacated it 2010, pump gas station and convenience store. The returned to the Commission with a smaller plan applicant, Gonzalez, Strength & Associates, than was initially pitched in February 2013. of Birmingham, did not return a call seeking Proposing to renovate rather than demolish information about a possible tenant, but the the historic school, Burt is asking to build four, application did note the store would be open “24 three-story buildings in a vacant lot next to the hours a day.” school that will house a total of 48 units, or 12 While the Planning Commission approved units each. The school building itself will house both the Planned Unit Development and rezon- 24 units, according to the new plan. ing applications, it also denied a request for a The total number of 72 units is down from waiver to construct a sidewalk in front of or 134 units another developer initially proposed at beside the new building. Although a sidewalk the site. The 3.69 acres will also provide room does not exist now, city staff cited the “complete for 116 parking spaces and a swimming pool. streets” program and suggested the grocery While parking at the proposed apartments store would likely attract pedestrians from the was an early concern for some neighbors, An- Greyhound bus terminal across the street as well drea Moore, a resident of Levert Avenue, spoke as from a neighboring motel and the WAVE at the meeting to report that a group of residents municipal bus route. have been working with investors on the plan. Downtown, chef Chakli Diggs of NoJa ap- “If you consider the traffic that used to take plied for a new restaurant at 455 Dauphin St., place at the school, you’re probably looking at formerly the Alabama Music Box. According to equal to or less number of cars,” she said. the application, “the final use of the renovated Moore also told the commission residents property will be a restaurant with a maximum were in agreement with a staff recommenda- building occupancy of 148 persons … Renova- tion to perform a traffic engineering study at the tions will include a new commercial kitchen, a school. new free-standing bar, new bathrooms and all Burt is seeking to rezone the property from associated mechanical, electrical and plumbing R-1 Single Family Residential District to R-3 items. Exterior work is limited to new signage Multiple Family District. and paint colors (pending approval).” “The next step will be taking it before the Contacted before the meeting, Diggs said the City Council and if we get approval, there are venture was still in a “prospective phase.” still several conditions that have been placed on “It’s kind of backwards and we’re not at a the property and some architectural consider- point where we can say much, but we’re trying ations before we can build,” Burt said after the to find out whether we can or want to put a meeting, hesitant to suggest a timeline. “We will restaurant in there possibly,” Diggs said. “If close on the property in the next six months and the Planning Commission has any problems, or take it from there.” there are any major obstacles, we won’t do it. Burt and other investors will be using Even if it passes the Planning Commission, we historical redevelopment tax credits on the have to go through many other negotiations with project. He said he remains interested in doing the building owners and others.” the same at the former Russell School building Diggs said he was not moving or abandoning on Broad Street. His residential redevelopment NoJa, his only restaurant.

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 9 BB BAYBRIEFS Breaking down county law costs BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

n the two years since January of 2013, Mobile for work mostly done for Sheriff Sam Cochran and County has spent around $3 million on various his department, according to Ross. legal work and litigation, but County Attorney “We usually let the elected official make the Jay Ross says those numbers are on the low call as to who represents their legal interest,” he Iside considering the size of the county and its large said. number of employees. Probate Judge Don Davis also has a preferred Employed by Adams and Reese LLP, Ross is firm and lawyer despite having in-house attorneys one of three attorneys working within the county’s at his disposal. According to Ross, Michael Druhan legal department full time. Ross is a contract performs legal work for Davis’ office in and out employee who is paid an hourly rate that varies of court, and records show he has charges nearing depending on the type of work. $119,000 at two law firms since 2013. The other attorneys are salary employees, and Ross also said Druhan is working with Davis on though they are exempt from the merit system and the “interesting and complicated predicament” he’s the Mobile County Personnel Board and draw a found himself in regarding same-sex marriage in combined salary of around $165,000. Alabama and the conflicting orders probate judges As the attorney, Ross is tasked with oversee- have received from state and federal courts. Be- ing and managing all the legal matters that come cause those charges would have occurred in 2015, before the county. they aren’t reflected in the financial data provided “It’s challenging to handle all of that litigation to Lagniappe. sometimes,” Ross said. “Containing costs is always “I don’t have a tally on that, but it’s continuing the number one factor, and I think we’ve gotten a to increase daily, as the judge now finds himself really good value for the dollars we’ve paid.” in a predicament of having to adhere to federal Those dollars — specifically the $3 million fig- a court order and dealing with the possibility of ure above — do not included the cost of financial contempt charges,” Ross said. settlements the county agrees to, but rather com- Other significant expenditures included prise the legal fees generated from contracts with $119,000 to Hand Arendall for work related to the various law firms brought in as outside counsel. county’s numerous bond issues and advisement According to Ross, the county pays a $135 an hour related to the Plains Southcap pipeline lawsuit, and for non-litigious work and an hourly rate of $175 $201,000 paid to Christopher Kern for bankruptcy for active litigation. litigation related to the office of Revenue Commis- In Alabama, legal and professional services are sioner Marilyn Wood. expressly exempt from state bid requirements, and A full list of all the expenditures to each of the delegating the county’s legal obligation to outside 22 firms is available at www.lagniappemobile.com. counsel falls solely on Ross’ shoulders. “There’s a myriad of issues the county can see “That decision is based on business practices, legal action from, and pretty much the larger the legal judgment and ethics,” Ross said. “Somewhat municipality, the bigger the target,” Ross said. of a benefit to being the county attorney is the “There’s a perception that large government enti- ability to get the extra legal work, but I share it ties have deep pockets and can pay out more in a around.” judgment.” Ross also said, by practice, each commissioner Despite that target, Ross said he feels like has some discretion over selecting attorneys who the legal costs since 2013 have been extremely litigate issues in their district, but said there’s no reasonable, and said going forward — barring any law or policy that expressly states that. However, unexpected suit — they should be on a downward Ross said the commissioners aren’t briefed on ev- trend as the county has settled most of active litiga- ery detail or every legal matter because of the sheer tion and is currently only involved in one material volume the county sees. lawsuit. “They generally are not involved in the day-to- Ross said an additional decrease is expected day process of litigation. That is something that’s because a state pool for worker’s compensation left to the legal department and me to handle, using claims has been set, which will prevent both inter- best practices and ethical standards,” Ross said. nal and external lawyers from billing the county for “Now, they could be involved if they chose to, but that type of litigation. typically, as the level of exposure, cost and country The county also pays an additional $60,000 resources becomes higher — I try to let them know annually to Abercrombie, Simmons & Gillette, more of what goes on.” Inc., a third party claims investigations company Commission President Connie Hudson said she that helps determine the county’s possible liability and her fellow commissioners are actively in the when claims are initially filed, but typically before legal decision making process, but do so under the they have become full-fledged lawsuits. advisement of Ross and the county’s legal experts. The county also pays for insurance against In the two years of data provided to Lagniappe, settlements and incurred legal fees that provides 22 different law firms are listed as having received coverage for up to $300,000, which can actually contract work from Mobile County and its legal mean the county gets money back when a settle- department. The largest recipient of those funds is ment for less than that amount is reached. by far Adams and Reese, which came in at around Though the amount wasn’t disclosed, Ross said $1.6 million. the SouthBARK settlement was one such example Ross said that includes the hourly work he bills of the county getting money back from its carrier. to the county as well as litigation costs for issues Ross said when such instances occur, any money like financial claims against the county, lawsuits recovered is placed back into the general fund and over drainage and erosion issues and the South- disseminated to all of the county’s departments. BARK federal lawsuit the county settled out of Though he couldn’t quantify it, Ross said “a court in late 2014. lot” of the claims alleged against the county are The most expensive single lawsuit has been the resolved internally, and in many cases, it’s deter- ongoing legal battle with the Mobile County Dis- mined the county doesn’t have any legal liability. trict Attorney’s office, which filed sues the county Still, Ross said there’s always something to do over “historic staffing shortages.” The lawsuit, when practicing law in the public sector. which is still pending before Alabama’s Supreme “I’ve been here nine years. If you can name it, Court, has cost Mobile County more than $200,000 it’s probably happened,” He said. “We live in a — money that has gone to the Battle Law Firm. very litigious society, and we live with laws that In total, the Atchison Firm is the second-high- are almost constantly changing.” est-earning firm on the list, coming in at $240,000 10 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 11 CC COMMENTARYD AMN T h E TORPEDOES The Joe Camel plan for financial security BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

s my favorite child-star-turned- seem to have no stomach for flipping the script least with gambling no one loses a lung and we embittered-‘90s-femme-rocker by raising property taxes and lowering sales tax. won’t have to see any TV commercials where might say, “Isn’t it Ironic?” And we also have no stomach for raising rev- people show holes in their throats or pull out Naturally I’m talking about enue by doing something like allowing casinos dentures because they lost some money at a aGov. Robert Bentley’s plan to raise taxes or a lottery. When I mentioned that a few weeks blackjack table. and the complaints against it, nothing to ago, I got a letter from an eloquent gentleman That in and of itself is reason enough for me. do with Alanis Morissette and her various who called me a “sucker,” among other things. Year after year, every state and federal ad- odes to rage against lame “Full House” Gambling is bad, you see, and preys upon the ministration says getting its citizenry to cut back star Dave Coulier. If I haven’t lost you yet poor and causes some people to become ad- on smoking is a goal. I’m sure somewhere in the with all the ‘90s references and French dicted. Bentley administration there’s someone working names, please stick around. So it makes more sense to tie our financial to get Alabamians not to smoke so much. But if As I pointed out a few weeks ago, well being to something solid and wholesome that person is successful the state will continue there’s some serious irony in the state like smoking cigarettes, because no one gets to be broke. electing someone as fiscally conservative addicted to cigarettes and the poor seldom buy Clearly Alabama is going to rely on smok- as Dr. Governor, only to have him come them. There’s some more irony — the people ing and mirrors to budget for the rest of time, so along and push a tax increase that could who don’t want our government funded by a why not have a lottery or allow casinos? I would be upwards of $540 million. Bentley says vice such as gambling are Kool with people certainly argue anytime someone smokes he’s the state is $700 million in the hole and smoking their lungs out if it helps balance the doing himself a disservice, whereas most of the he can’t see any way to cut our way to budget. time people gamble it’s simple entertainment, no prosperity. I just sort of imagine Joe Camel and the different than going to a movie. Besides, no one At the same time, those who oppose the governor sitting down at the conference table ever got hurt by second-hand gambling. increase — ironically members of his own to come up with this plan. “Look Gov., if you’ll I know casinos or a lottery aren’t even being party — claim more cutting needs to be start letting me include some samples in free discussed as a solution to our current budget done in order to stave off ruination. They school lunches, we can probably get you a great woes, but they should be. Besides helping at the point primarily to Medicaid and the prison surplus in a year or two.” state level, they might even bring some (oh my!) system as the two main budget breakers. Perhaps one could argue legalizing gaming in tourists to our little town or solve the issue with But let’s get back to that tax increase. the state or starting a lottery is the state actively our empty cruise terminal. Bentley — a doctor — wants to bring in involving itself in the business of sin, but when At the very minimum it seems better than the vast majority of that new “revenue” we’re actually counting on people smoking to putting our money on how many people will get by increasing the current tax on cigarettes make ends meet, how is that much different? At lung cancer over the next year. by about 49 percent. So we have a doctor pinning his hopes on people continuing to smoke at the same rate. At the same time Medicaid costs continue rising. And, you know, cigarettes kind of cause health problems and are generally more popular ThE G ADFLY among people with lower incomes, the very people who might be on Medicaid. Wow. Meanwhile the governor and many in state government don’t want to take $1.5 billion being offered by the federal government under Obamacare to expand Med- icaid, claiming the money would eventually be used up and the state would be left having to pay for it. Yet at the same time, Bentley has said he plans to streamline the current Medicaid program and cause it to stop losing money each year. So we have a Medicaid program that will increase in cost by $100 million this year that the governor says he can fix, but he can’t take $1.5 billion and make that work. Now I’m getting dizzy. Just for the record, I’m not a big fan of making Medicaid a lot bigger, BUT that is a lot of money and it just seems given the overall shakiness of Obamacare and Bentley’s confidence he can make Medicaid work, we’d be better off putting that money to work in Alabama before it all gets spent on fighter planes and tax incentives for ISIS members to move to the U.S. But let’s get back to the basic issue here — Alabama’s tax system. A few weeks ago I wrote about how it makes little sense

that we rely on consumption taxes (sales) Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen instead of property taxes, since the former Some believe the new police tactics are like a fluctuates so much, making it pretty tough to budget properly. For some reason we game of whack-a-mole.

12 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 COMMENTARYh IDDEN AGENDA C Leave our restaurants alone BY ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR | [email protected] had a very life-changing moment in college thanks to an Eng- as a hostess at a hot new LoDa establishment before it was even shift or what rate they were paid to do “side work.” lish bulldog. Though I had started out as a communications ma- called LoDa. And I loved it. Everyone was young and fun and most For those of you who didn’t do a tour of duty in the restaurant jor at South Alabama, about two years in, I decided to change were going to college too. And shockingly, it proved to be way biz, though I think everyone should, side work includes such my major to pre-veterinary medicine, a pretty drastic change of more exhilarating than assisting in expressing a dog’s anal glands. things as cutting up lemons, refilling Ketchup bottles and salt and Icourse from communications. We all loved the restaurant and wanted to help each other out pepper shakers, spraying off trays, cleaning out tea urns — basi- So I started taking classes like chemistry instead of communi- and make sure our guests enjoyed their dining experience. When cally everything you have to do to be prepared for the current and/ cation theory and looking into going to Auburn for vet school. I we would get really slammed, I would help the servers out by or next shift. And it’s just part of it. also got a part time job at a vet’s office in West Mobile. bussing their tables, rolling silverware if we were running low You can’t make all the tips you want to make if you don’t Things went along fine, though I quickly found chemistry and or delivering their drinks for them. Just whatever it took to keep have all this stuff prepared and at your disposal. If it takes you other science classes didn’t come as easily to me as all of the writ- things moving. Sometimes they would tip me out for this, but I two hours to prepare and two hours to clean up to make a couple ing classes had. I also found myself daydreaming more about the didn’t expect it. hundred dollars in tips in four hours, so be it. It still all works out newsletter I would send out to my future clients rather than the work Eventually I became a server myself and we tipped out several to you making way more than minimum wage. itself. After the coolness of seeing intestinal worms in fecal scans people in the front and “back of the house” (AKA the kitchen As far as the tipping goes, these suits claim tipping people “who began to wear off, I began to have my doubts about this decision. staff), and I was happy to do it because I knew I couldn’t have do not interact with the public” is a violation of the Fair Labor Stan- The vets I worked for specialized in English bulldogs. I can’t done my job without them, and I also I had just made way more dards Act. Maybe it is, but I can tell you there are many restaurants really remember if that is something they sought to do or if it just money than I ever would have made during a shift at the vet’s whose servers tip out whoever it is that is enabling them to make kind of happened, but whatever the case we saw a lot of them. office explaining the difference between various flea preventatives a nice pile of cash in a single shift, whether it’s the dishwasher, They are adorable pups and many people want them as pets, to a crazy cat lady. And also way more money than these kitchen the lady plating up their salads and desserts or the guy expediting so they are in high demand, or at least they were back in the ‘90s. employees had made in a single shift. their orders – (that’s the dude who is watching all of the tickets and But what you may not know is bulldogs have trouble, well, let’s I was able to support myself through college, finance a post- putting all of the plates on the servers’ tray and making sure all the just say, “naturally mating.” So we performed a good many AIs graduation trip to Europe and survive financially while we were condiments and garnishes are on each dish properly.) It’s all hard at the clinic, or artificial inseminations, for our bulldog breeders. starting up this newspaper all by waiting tables and bartending. work and everyone is a vital part of the process. As such, “fresh semen” had to be collected. While some times the Though I did eventually burn out, as waiting on the public is hard, I’m also pretty sure it’s a “violation” for servers not to claim all male dog would get turned on enough to provide such a sample y’all, — Yeah, yeah, yeah, old lady, I know you want your tea of their tips, but I can assure you that ain’t happening. while sniffing his lady friend and his efforts could be “redirected,” “half and half” because sometimes someone here makes it too I have never worked at any of the establishments involved in often it had to be collected by “manual stimulation,” which is sweet for your “liking.” Oh the horror! — I am grateful to this these cases and perhaps something unseemly could have been go- exactly what you think it is. Are you enjoying that mental picture industry for not just providing me a job, but a really good income ing on. But on the surface, it just seems like what goes on at every right now? I bet you are. at each of these stages of my life. It took my friends who were restaurant in America. One day as our vet was performing this service for one of our folding sweaters at the GAP twice as long, if not longer, to make And the local restaurants that this one Birmingham law firm dogs, he looked up at me as he was, shall we say, “clinically excit- the same amount of money I did in three shifts a week. is attacking are some of the ones that are very important threads ing” the dog and said, “Are you sure this is what you want to do And I am sure that is true for all really successful restaurants. in the fabric that is our community — ones who are vital to the for the rest of your life?” And not just for people who work in this industry part time but culture we know and love. And these suits could cripple them or Um, yeah, no. who also make a career out of it. maybe even put them out of business. I don’t think I said a word but that moment is still so crystal clear And that is why it is so very disheartening to see a Birmingham This will do nothing but hurt our community. And in turn, in my mind because it put me back on the path I was supposed to be law firm leading the charge against several of our most popular lo- eventually prevent a student from putting himself through col- on. I almost immediately changed my major back to communica- cal restaurants, filing law suits against them on behalf of former or lege, a mom from putting food on the table for her kids, a young tions and turned in my notice at the clinic. Thanks, Doc. even current servers who say they were required to tip people who entrepreneur from financing a start-up, or even a girl who realized It was right after that, I got my first part-time job in a restaurant, shouldn’t be eligible to be tipped and also what percentage of their “exciting” bulldogs just wasn’t going to be for her.

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 13 C COMMENTARY Support rather than eliminate underperforming schools BY KEN ROBINSON/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

onfusion. That’s precisely what I’ve felt right out of the schools, but also notes “mixed results” from their research. In in experimenting with charter schools as a trial option. But that gate, as the Alabama legislature crafted a bill that would summary conclusions researchers observed, “While the actual has not been the case. open wide the door for charter schools. No, nothing has degree of autonomy that charter schools enjoy differs from place Stanford University’s, Linda-Darling Hammond, who is one been decided about the state’s massive budget problems, to place, they typically have more freedom than (traditional pub- of the foremost education researchers and policy analyst’s in the cbut it’s full steam ahead on charter schools. lic schools) … Even with this decentralized degree of control, we country, observed how when you compare U.S. schools to other To many observers it was hardly a surprise. As the proverbial do not see dramatic improvement among existing charter schools schools around the globe (something that always causes vocifer- saying goes, the “handwriting on the wall” could be seen in the over time.” ous cries and great hand-wringing amongst our politicians) and run up to the opening of last week’s legislative session. More tellingly they expound by saying, “In other words, the take away the poverty equation, U.S. schools come out on top In print and other media, various voices were consistently de- charter school sector is getting better on average, but not because internationally. claring the imperative need for charter schools in the state. After existing schools are getting dramatically better; it is largely For example, for U.S schools in which only 10 percent of years of massively overfunding public education in Alabama (a driven by the closure of bad [charter schools]. Our analysis sug- the students live in poverty, they come out ranked first in the bit of hyperbole here on my part) it’s time to try something new, gests that in many places, the standards of performance are set Program for International Student Assessment rankings (PISA). we were told. too low, as evidenced by the large number of underperforming Bump it up to U.S. schools with a 25 percent student poverty rate This new effort comes on the heels of the Alabama Account- charter schools that persist.” makeup and the country’s schools only drop to third place. Take ability Act passed in 2013. The AAA allowed students in public Let’s be honest, Alabama has never been a state on the it all the way to 50 percent and U.S. schools still rank above the schools to go to the private school of their choice if they were in forefront of progressive reform and change. Which is what international average. a failing school at the expense of the state — taxpayer money. makes listening to proponents of charter schools so intriguing. What does all this mean? Darling-Hammond propounds, “If The original language even stated that if a child from a failing From whence comes this intense zealotry for charter schools, you spent more in schools on the education of children who have school chose to go to a particular private school, said private particularly among those who have consistently advocated and fewer socioeconomic advantages, you would do better as a coun- school was required to take the student. That language lasted for promoted underfunding education in Alabama to the point that try. Other countries invested more money and that is what shot all of three months. since 2008, the state has made the second deepest cuts to educa- them up in the rankings.” Most likely aghast at the thought of the type of child they tion in the nation? In other words, spend more money on the under-performing would be forced to take in, a consortium of private school inter- While “innovation” and “reform” are being bantered about schools to bring them up to the level of the many, many public ests ensured legislators hastily reworded the act to give them the as motivation, many look to the documented monies coming schools that do well. However, this is something many politicians “option” to accept or deny a child. Besides, who would want to from charter school entities to state legislators, and the massive and citizens likely won’t do. be forced to take in a child with a history of discipline issues or email dump of prosecutors in the Mike Hubbard corruption case In Alabama 75 schools, around 5 percent, are failing schools. complex learning problems: that’s for the public schools to do! revealing gross conflicts of interest on the issue, as proof that In Mobile, six out of its 90 schools are on the failing list. For all Unable to garner support in 2012, 2015 seems to be the year. something more nefarious may be going on. the massive short-changing of Alabama’s education system, it In defense of the charter school legislation, Senate Bill 45, pro- If legislators had been adequately funding education in has been doing pretty well in spite of the Spartan diet it’s being ponents have touted the results of several studies, in particular, Alabama and really addressing the needs of underperforming fed. Let’s allow the professional educators to do their jobs. If our the 2013 National Charter School Study conducted by research- schools by addressing the chronic issues that underlie their inef- elected state leaders listened to them more than the charter school ers at Stanford University. fectiveness: poverty, early educational exposure, woeful lack of lobbyists, I believe Alabama’s education system could take great The report does have some positive things to say about charter school resources, etc … I believe many would have no problem leaps forward.

14 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 COMMENTARYBELTWAY BEAT C What if hillary 2016 falls apart? BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

WASHINGTON — The current front-runner for the Democrat- candidate Biden as they have been to Vice President Biden. In votes last year because she considered them to be too favorable ic Party’s 2016 presidential nomination, former Secretary of State six-and-a-half years, Biden has committed a number of gaffes and for Wall Street. Hillary Clinton, has had a rough couple of weeks — facing even been in the middle of a number of awkward situations. Where Biden and Hillary Clinton don’t check boxes, Warren more scrutiny following the revelation she used a personal email During Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, Biden disappeared seems to do so. She out-raised her 2012 opponent, then-incumbent system rather than the government-run account while serving as from the forefront, having seemingly gone on hiatus after he said Republican Sen. Scott Brown, by nearly $9 million. And whereas the United States’ lead diplomat. 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney was “going Clinton seems to have the cloud of corruption following her, War- Clinton’s use of private emails seems to have violated State to let the big banks once again write their own rules, unchain Wall ren is relatively new to political scene. Department rules put in place in 2005 and may have even been il- Street.” Should she run, we’d certainly have to revisit her claims on legal, violating the Federal Records Act. “He is going to put y’all back in chains,” Biden said at the Cherokee Indian heritage, but that is seemingly small compared to Should controversy continue to linger, and all indications campaign event in Danville, Va., which led to some to suggest he Biden’s gaffes or allegations of impropriety surrounding Hillary are it will, the personal emails could derail her presidential bid. was intentionally using racially charged words. Clinton and fundraising for her husband’s Clinton Foundation, If the media choose to continue to press on the issue, Clinton’s There is also the question of Biden’s ability to raise the amount which took foreign money while she was secretary of state. front-runner status will be in jeopardy, especially if an alternative of money it would take to be competitive in a presidential contest. Warren has some peculiar ideas about the role of government emerges on the Democratic side. In 2012, both Romney and Obama raised in excess of $1 billion in American lives. Last year, she argued that U.S. Post Offices That may be Clinton’s saving grace, as an alternative has yet for their respective campaigns. Biden has yet to show he would be should offer banking services to those who don’t have personal to emerge. Unlike the Republican side of the equation, Democrats capable of raising such an amount. banking. She would also would crack down on payday lenders, don’t have a deep bench of rising stars. Last month’s Conserva- Even with Hillary’s struggles, Biden still finds himself behind peg student loan interest rates to what banks pay when they bor- tive Political Action Convention was a parade of up-and-comers, her and Warren in most of the online gambling sites. row from the Federal Reserve’s discount window and other things including governors, senators and even non-officeholders like Ben One Democrat worth taking notice of is former Maryland Gov. that may have unintended consequences to the U.S. banking Carson and Donald Trump. Martin O’Malley. He appears to be on the rise after receiving a system. On the other side of the aisle, alternatives include Vice Presi- standing ovation at a Democratic Party event in the early primary A Warren candidacy would also have the unintended conse- dent Joe Biden, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and former Gov. state of South Carolina over the weekend. quence of bringing Republican voters out to the polls. If there Martin O’Malley (D-Md.) O’Malley is perceived by Democrats to have been a success- were an ideologically pure candidate in the 2016 cycle, Repub- Should Biden run, he would have history on his side. Prior to ful governor. However, after two terms in Annapolis, O’Malley’s lican or Democrat, Warren would likely fit that description best Biden, all three of the past five vice presidents that have sought hand-picked successor, then-Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, lost a close among all the candidates in the entire 2016 slate. their party’s presidential nomination, former Vice Presidents race to current Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. However, history shows these ideological candidates don’t par- Walter Mondale, George H.W. Bush and Al Gore, have been suc- Some have suggested the loss in a deep blue state like Mary- ticularly fare well in national elections. Barry Goldwater, the 1964 cessful. land was a blow to the O’Malley machine and casts doubt on his Republican nominee, only received 38 percent of the national However, Biden may put that streak in jeopardy in that he ability to win a national contest. vote in his run against Lyndon Johnson. Eight years later, the would essentially be running for President Barack Obama’s third That leaves us with Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Warren strikes all Democrats went with the candidate out on its left flank in George term. As Obama’s vice president, it would make it more difficult the right chords with the typical Democratic Party activist and McGovern and lost the presidency to Richard Nixon with only 37 for him to run away from Obama’s policies, whereas anyone else, primary voter. As a first-term senator, Warren has yet to publicly percent of the vote. perhaps with some exception Hillary Clinton, wouldn’t have the The lesson here is that although a Warren presidency would be same baggage. express any interest in running for her party’s nomination, but Biden also has a tendency to be a punch line. In a presiden- there have been some subtle signs, including compiling email lists scary for conservatives, a Warren candidacy might be a blessing in tial campaign, the media may not be as forgiving to presidential for a possible bid and even bucking her own party in a number of disguise for them.

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 15 C COMMENTARY Selma was more than just a selfie BY DEBRA BRAGGS/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

hen I arrived in Selma last Friday And yes, I hoped to snap a photo of President evening, I headed straight for the Obama with my cell phone and boast about Edmund Pettus Bridge. I wanted to hearing him speak. get my selfie under the arch before But for me, the sojourn to Selma was much Wthe crowds came. Unfortunately, I was met more than that. by a brigade of Alabama State Troopers who When I think of Bloody Sunday and the blocked the bridge’s entrance. Voting Rights movement, I feel as if I owe There would be no selfies that night. And a debt to Dr. King and all foot soldiers who from the looks of the many vehicles that were suffered on the bridge — a debt I could never also turned around behind me, lots of other repay. I wanted to stand where they stood and folks had the same idea. pay homage. The bridge was closed and being prepared Saturday afternoon, it seemed as if I stood for the 50th annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee. for hours among people of all ages and races A stage sat at its foot, where President Obama awaiting the president’s arrival. I watched a would speak the next day. Tents lined the other small group of kids hold spelling contests to side of the stage and flowed down the city pass the time while they waited to see “the first streets as far as the eye could see. black President.” I admired a selfless young Even though it was late in the evening, African doctor jumping barricades to attend to my friend and I decided to explore the city. many older attendees who were overcome by We saw a small crowd gathered at a historic heat or exhaustion. marker. The title on the sign read: “Martyrs For I watched as a group of teens pointed to the Justice,” and it bore the names and pictures of sky towards snipers that stood on top of build- Jimmie Lee Jackson, James Reeb and Vila Li- ings carrying their big guns. The teens mar- uzzo. Underneath each photo was the story of veled at catching a glimpse of Secret Service how each had lost their life during the Voting agents that peeped from windows of buildings Rights movement. overlooking the celebration. “This is no joke,” Around the corner at Brown Chapel AME I heard one teen say. Church, folks were taking pictures of a large I saw a lady wipe away a tear when it was monument bearing a bust of Dr. Martin Luther announced the granddaughters of former Ala- King, Jr. The landmark stands in front of the bama Gov. George Wallace and freedom fighter iconic chapel, marking the spot where foot Hosea Williams would sit on stage together. soldiers often gathered to meet and discuss “Selma has certainly changed,” people whis- their plans. pered throughout the crowd. Tourists were everywhere. At every turn, I was disturbed as a group of protesters cell phones were held high in the air and their who began to chant after the President was flashes filled the night sky. introduced. However, I was quickly reminded Like me, everyone seemed eager to start the that this is America. weekend celebration commemorating the 50th Obama continued his speech, undisturbed, anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the Voting reminding us all how those foot soldiers Rights Act of 1965. marched on and “comforted themselves with Having a friend who lived in the heart of the final verse of the final hymn they sung: Selma proved to be more of a blessing than I God will take care of you.” had ever imagined. She was gracious enough As Obama recited the words of the hymn, to offer me weekend accommodations. “Hope I felt a large lump in my throat. I remembered you brought your walking shoes,” she said. that my Grandmother loved that hymn and “There will be no driving around Selma for the seemed to be comforted by the same words. rest of the weekend.” Now I have to wonder no more how they The small town overflowed with cars, vans endured the tear gas, the beatings, the harsh and buses. Every hotel was full, every yard words and more. Yet, returned another day to near downtown was filled with cars and avail- face the same trials. able parking was hard to come by. “What a solemn debt we owe,” Obama said. I woke up early Saturday morning to attend Again, my heart was stirred with a chal- a summit presented by Emerging ChangMak- lenge to repay the debt. ers, a nonprofit that inspires young community Thank you Mr. President for making it plain leaders. Following the summit, we would hear and clear. an address from Obama. “Selma shows us that America is not the At 8 a.m., I put on my walking shoes and project of any one person,” he said. “Because headed downtown. A line that wrapped three the single most powerful word in our democra- city blocks had already formed, with folks ea- cy is the word ‘We.’ We The People. We Shall ger to gain entrance to the president’s speech. Overcome. Yes We Can. It is owned by no one. His address would come some six hours later. It belongs to everyone. Oh, what a glorious At the summit, conversations filled with task we are given, to continually try to improve ideas about building communities were led this great nation of ours.” by inspiring speakers from across the country. On Sunday morning, I walked across the They challenged me to discover “my Selma,” bridge, snapped my selfie and looked out to learn what the weekend meant to me and among a vast sea of thousands. I recognized how I could use its inspiration to change my “my Selma” and the power of “we.” community. I will no longer feel sad about owing the “Are you here for a selfie on a bridge and debt, but encouraged to continue the march. a glimpse at the president? Or are you here to Like the president said, “Our job is easier make a change?” because somebody already got us through that Yes, I wanted my selfie on the bridge. first mile.”

ith reports of permanent closings for Former general manager of Roberts Broth- Commercial real estate moves established downtown businesses as Tippy Toes and Dancin’ Clothes have leased ers, past President of the Mobile Area Associa- well as the temporarily shuttering 1,600-square-feet of retail space at 19 Shelton tion of Realtors (MAAR) and 2014’s Realtor of another for six months, rumors Beach Road in Saraland. Amber Dedeaux of of the Year, Sue Winter recently opened a small Wof vibrant vendor activity occurring over at the Vallas Realty brokered the transaction. The business coaching and consulting firm called Urban Emporium (UE) are welcome indeed. dancing attire retailer expects to be open in Great Ideas, Inc. Goals of the firm are to help “Our recruitment effort for tenants has been their new space by May 1. clients enhance customer service, grow the rigorous and focused since I’ve arrived,” Kati Infirmary Health System, Inc. recently business’s sphere of influence and facilitate the Lovvorn, the UE’s director said. purchased a 24,157-square-foot building on development of best practice ideas. “The local economy has improved State Highway 181 in Daphne across from the “I’m excited to be working with creative, somewhat and it seems that more people are Eastern Shore Center for $2.4 million. The entrepreneurial and community-minded own- looking to open start-up businesses. The UE property sits on a 1.90-acre lot on Woodrow ers who recognize the value of an ‘IDEA’ ap- is now in its fourth year of existence, people Road facing the highway. proach supported by a different perspective,” see that we have staying power and I believe The building was originally constructed for Winter said. are now deciding it is the time to try retail Basset Furniture, but was converted to office downtown. Social media and word of mouth DMA hosting downtown open has also been a big contributor to our new ten- and retail use in 2012. The property was fore- ants,” Lovvorn said. closed on in 2014 and the Infirmary purchased house event On March 21 from noon to 4 p.m. the Since inception, the incubator’s mission has it from the lender. Vallas Realty, Inc. was the Downtown Mobile Alliance (DMA) will be been to help aspiring entrepreneurs start a busi- real estate firm that handled the transaction and hosting “Downtown Open House Saturday.” ness from scratch and/or assist helping existing it was closed with Surety Land Title. “Walkable, mixed-use urban communities retailers expand their current footprint. The According to Richard Weavil of the Weavil are rapidly growing in popularity, both nation- Urban Emporium provides staffing, point-of- Company, a 20,000-square-foot property ally and locally, driven by the desire for the sale equipment, inventory and loss prevention located at 1015 Montlimar Dr. in Mobile was controls to enterprising companies with the leased by Altapointe Health Systems. Weavil social interaction of great neighborhoods. The intent of facilitating a lowered entry barrier represented the tenant and the Bender Real goal of this event is to introduce more Mobil- into the downtown market. Estate Group worked for the landlord. ians to an opportunity in their own backyard,” In roughly 90 days, five new businesses Two businesses in Southwood Place Shop- Fred Rendfrey, DMA’s director of downtown have joined the ranks of the Urban Emporium: ping Center across from Providence Hospital economic development said. Little Smack Boutique offering upscale brands have added space. Pour Baby Wine Bar and Fifteen properties will be open to view on of baby, toddler clothes and accessories; Ellen- Restaurant has leased a 1,000-square-foot the tour, all of them currently on the market for JAY Stylish Events + Sweets producing a vari- space adjacent to their current location and sale. Visitors will see a great diversity of hous- ety of custom sweet treats; Bottega Collection formerly occupied by Olivella, a specialty oil, ing options: historic homes, condominiums, Boutique designing women’s contemporary vinegars and artisan foods retailer. apartment houses and houses converted into clothing, scarves and handbags; Frios Gourmet In turn, Olivella has relocated within the office use. Pops making gourmet popsicles from local shopping center into a 1,200-square-foot retail The goal of the tour is to focus on residen- dairy and Chic Jolie Boutique selling women’s space with plans for a new grand opening tial properties; either a house ready to occupy clothing and accessories. slated for Saturday, March 14. Pratt Thomas or one built as a single-family structure, with “Kari Benson, owner of Frios, has made with the Merrill P. Thomas Co. Inc. handled a current commercial use, that is awaiting the UE her second location — her original both transactions. conversion into a new residence. A diversity of store is at the Windmill market in Fairhope,” Dollar Tree has leased 9,600-square-feet of housing options will be seen by visitors. Lovvorn said. retail space in Overlook Shopping Center for a Members of the real estate industry who Since opening their first store in October new store to be located at 5301 Moffett Road. visit a minimum number of properties on the 2014, EllenJAY co-owners Lauren Kapluck and Amber Dedeaux of Vallas Realty represented tour will also be eligible to win several prizes Jennifer Christ have been extremely busy with the landlord and Jonathan Rudolph of Rudolph from downtown businesses, according to the custom orders at their midtown Mobile location. Development Group, Inc. worked for the tenant. press release. “When our customers started to ask for A speculator recently paid $280,000 for “The Downtown Open House is more than something sweet on a daily basis rather than two former Habitat for Humanity of South- a tour; it is an opportunity to experience the just for special occasions, we decided to open west Alabama properties currently owned by downtown lifestyle. A list of properties is on a second retail location inside the Urban Em- a local bank and located at 4128 Government the Downtown Mobile Alliance’s website and porium. In less than two months, our business Blvd. in Mobile. Bob Craft of REMAX rep- maps for the free, self-guided tour will be has already benefitted from this partnership,” resented the buyer. M.J. Baxter & Associates available in Bienville Square on the day of the Kapluck said. worked for the seller. event,” Rendfrey said.

18 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 CUISINET h E REVIEW Taste of Thai makes trip to Irvington worthwhile BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

very now and then I run into a sound man by the name of Albert. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Albert on several occasions with no complaints. That’s a rarity in the music biz. Albert has brought to my attention that he refuses eto eat Thai food anywhere in south Alabama except for one place: Taste of Thai in Irvington. I’d like to think we have decent Thai food here and there scat- tered about Mobile County. So why would he journey all the way to Irvington? How good can it be? It seemed important enough to him, as we rarely spoke of sound equipment anymore. Our last few run-ins have yielded discussions of dishes and the quality of the food, service, etc. OK, ok, I get it, the Thai place in Irvington, I’ll go. There are two ways to get there. The first is the Calamity way. Let’s call this the scenic route where you take Highway 90 all the way from Mobile. You’d better have time to kill. If I were you I’d take the interstate to the Irvington exit. Then hang a right on 90. It cuts the drive down to where a Mobilian could make this trip on a slightly elongated lunch break. For this review I brought along my good friend and avid Pad Thai fiend Dutchie Cunningham. Dutch is a pretty straight shooter when it comes to food, and if anyone can lend a critical perspective to Thai food it would be him. This place is in a small strip mall type of shopping center with a very helpful Asian market. Upon entering Taste of Thai I noticed from my corner table the “Wall of Flame” above the front door. Photographs of customers beaming with pride provide diners a glimpse into the who’s who of Irvington spice lovers. Each picture has a number indicating the level of heat. I don’t recall Photo/Dan Anderson anything under 100. Dutch and I were playing it safe by ordering level 3. authentic Thai cuisine makes the trip to Irvington All of the appetizers looked appealing so we started the meal with Family Delight sprouts, chicken and peanuts from the Chef’s Specialties section of the menu. I was impressed. ($12.95). This sampler platter arrived with made this a very affordable Good-sized shrimp and smaller scallops were plentiful in the four of each. Chicken Sa-Tay was tenderly knockout of an option. mixed vegetables, but once again the sauce is what brought it over cooked with coconut milk and served with I was daring enough to the top. a side of peanut sauce. Fried wontons were try the daily special of Rice So what sets Taste of Thai apart from some other Thai restau- surprisingly fantastic and enhanced by Cakes ($12.95, add shrimp rants in our area? Let’s begin by saying the freshness is noticeable. sweet and sour sauce. Thai spring rolls (the $1). The vegetables were There is a special amount of care that goes into crafting every fried variety) were vegetarian and not to be perfectly tender yet crunchy plate. The sauces are amazing. No dish was a slop of overcooked ignored. Shrimp rolls were out-of-this-world and the soft rice cakes were vegetables or tough meat. I had shrimp both visits and found them good. It’s just an egg roll wrapper around a the first I have ever tried in to be spot on as far as cooking goes. The portions are humongous shrimp deep fried. I could eat a dozen. this fashion. As much as I if you’re into the leftover thing. Add to all of this a slightly smart Still recovering from a bit of a cold, Tom loved the Pad Thai, this was aleck waiter who would love to sell you fried ice cream for dessert Ka shrimp ($9.95) was the ticket to clearer my favorite today. We left and you’ve got a great lunch or dinner spot. sinuses and better health. This came family style as do all of their with enough leftovers for two more meals. Open 10:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, Taste entrees and was so large two fairly stout fellows had to take half I needed more research. of Thai is a diamond in the middle of nowhere. Hats off to you, of it home. A wonderful version, the cilantro isn’t overbearing and Another visit with Calamity Courtney along for the lunch ride Albert, this was worth the drive. the lemongrass hits the perfect note. The coconut milk was not too had me in stitches. The waiter was cracking jokes and poking fun at rich. This is one of my favorites. my goofy-but-charming friend about the way she chooses her pro- Taste of Thai I admit to not being the biggest fan of Pad Thai ($8.95, add tein options. She ended up with Crispy Chicken ($12.95) over its 9091 Highway 90 W chicken $1) so I was glad Dutchie ordered it for himself. Let me pork twin with little ridicule about the cuteness of pigs versus chick- building 2 Unit c tell you I am a fan now. The clench ingredient in this dish was ens. Crispy breaded chicken over stir-fry mixed vegetables were in Irvington, AL 36544 an excellent brown sauce. I think I liked it more than she did. the homemade sauce. It was a little soupy on the serving plate, (251) 957-1414 but perfect on the fork. The right combination of noodles, eggs, On this visit I had to try Shrimp and Scallop Delight ($14.95)

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 19 steaks, extensive wine list. 6232 Bon d’ MIchaeL’S ($) MarS hILL caFe ($) rOMa caFe ($-$$) Secour Hwy County Rd. 10.• 949- Philly cheese steaks, gyros & more. Great sandwiches, coffee & more. Pasta, salad and sandwiches. 5086 7101-A Theodore Dawes Rd. 1087 Downtowner Blvd. 7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217 WINTzeLL’S OySTer hOUSe ($-$$) 653-2979 643-1611 rOSIe’S GrILL ($-$$) 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 deLISh deSSerTS ($) Mary’S SOUTherN cOOkING ($) Sandwiches, southwest fare, 7 days 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 Great desserts & hot lunch 3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232 1203 Hwy 98 Ste. 3D, Daphne 1208 Shelton Beach Rd., MeLLOW MUShrOOM ($) 626-2440 Saraland • 442-3335 23 Upham St. • 473-6115 $ UNDER $10/PERSON deW drOP INN ($) Pies & awesome beer selection. rOyaL kNIGhT ($) zea’S ($$) Steak night on fridays. $$ 10-25/PERSON Gourmet rotisserie with prime rib Classic burgers, hotdogs & 2032 Airport Blvd. • 471-4700 $$$ OVER 25/PERSON setting. 1808 Old Shell Rd. 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 3004 Gov’t Blvd • 287-1220 & seafood. rOyaL STreeT caFe ($) 4671 Airport Blvd. • 344-7414 473-7872. MIcheLI’S caFe ($) dOWNTOWNerS ($) 6358 Cottage Hill Rd. • 725-6917 Homemade lunch & breakfast. Great sandwiches, soups & salads. MOMMa GOLdBerG’S deLI ($) 104 N. Royal St. • 434-0011 SaGe reSTaUraNT ($$) Business Casual 107 Dauphin St. • 433 8868 Sandwiches & Momma’s Love. BONeFISh GrILL ($$) Completely e WING hOUSe ($) 3696 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500 Inside the Mobile Marriott. Eclectic dining & space. 3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400 ComfortaBle 195 S University Suite H 5602 Old Shell Rd. • 287-6556 SaTOrI cOFFeehOUSe ($) 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196 662-1830. MONTeGO’S ($-$$) aL’S hOTdOGS ($) 2212 Dauphin Island Coffee, smoothies, lunch & beers. BaUdeaN’S ($$) Classic hotdogs, gyros & Pkwy • 479-2021 Fresh Caribbean-style food & craft Fried, grilled, steamed & always beer. 5460 Old Shell Rd. • 344-4575 milkshakes FIrehOUSe SUBS ($) 6601 Airport Blvd. Serda’S cOFFeehOUSe ($) fresh. 3300 River Rd. 973-9070 634-3445 4701 Airport Blvd. • 342-3243 Hot subs, cold salads & catering. Coffee, lunches, live music & BOUdreaUX’S caJUN GrILL ($-$$) aShLaNd MIdTOWN PUB ($-$$) 6300 Grelot Rd. MOSTLy MUFFINS ($) Quality Cajun & New Orleans Pizzas, pastas, & calzones. Muffins, coffee & wraps. gelato. 631-3730 3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000 Cuisine. 29249 US Highway 98 245-A Old Shell Rd. 479-3278 FISherMaN’S LeGacy ($) 105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855 SMOkey deMBO SMOke hOUSe Daphne. 621-1991 aTLaNTa Bread cOMPaNy ($-$$) Deli, market and catering. MUdBUGS aT The LOOP ($) Sandwiches, salads & more. 3680 ($) 3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. ed’S SeaFOOd Shed ($$) 4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2266 Cajun Kitchen & seafood market. Fried seafood served in hefty Dauphin St. • 380-0444 473-1401 BeNJaMIN’S ($) FIve GUyS BUrGerS & FrIeS ($) 2005 Government St. • 478-9897 SPOT OF Tea ($) portions. 3382 Hwy. 98 • 625- 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2393 MUG ShOTS ($$) Burgers,wings and seafood. Bar & Grill. Mobile’s favorite spot for breakfast & lunch. 1947 2107 Airport Blvd. • 450-9377 4663 Airport Blvd. • 300-8425 306 Dauphin St. • 433-9009. FeLIX’S FISh caMP ($$) BrIqUeTTeS STeakhOUSe ($-$$) FOOSackLy’S ($) 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514 SOUTherN decadeNce deSSerTS Upscale dining with a view. Grilled steaks, chicken and Famous chicken fingers. NeWk’S eXPreSS caFe ($) ($) Soups, Salads, Desserts & 1420 Hwy. 98 • 626-6710 seafood. 720A Schillinger Rd. S. 310 S. University Blvd. • 343-0047 Oven-baked sandwiches & more. Sandwiches. haLF SheLL OySTer hOUSe ($) Suite 2. • 607-7200 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 252 Azalea Rd. • 341-3533 1956 B University Blvd. 3654 Airport Blvd. • 338-9350 caFe 219 ($) 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 OLd 27 GrILL ($) 300-8304 JOhN WOrd’S caPTaIN TaBLe ($$) Salads, sandwiches & potato 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761. Burgers, dogs & 27 beers & wines. STevIe’S kITcheN ($) Come wine, dine and dance. salad. 219 Conti St. • 438-5234 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000 19992 Hwy. 181 Old County Rd. Sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, 2701 Battleship Pkwy • 433-3790 caFe MaLBIS ($) ISaBeLLa’S ($$$) Fairhope • 281-2663 soups, salads & desserts Contemporary fare & eclectic OrLeaNS PO-BOyS ($-$$) LeGacy Bar & GrILL ($$$) 305 DeLaMare Ave, Fairhope 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite spirits. 28396 Hwy. 181, Daphne • Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. American, Seafood,Stekhouse. 990-5513 150. 661-6620 960 Schillinger Rd S. • 633-3900 TaMara’S Bar & GrILL ($) 9 Du Rhu Dr. S. • 341-3370 caJUN SeaFOOd ($) ISTaNBUL GrILL ($) LUcy B. GOOde ($$) Authentic Turkish Resturant. OrLeaNS caFe ($-$$) Wings, po-boys, burgers. Seafood market & deli fresh Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & Gulf Coast cuisine, reinvented. 3702 Airport Blvd. • 461-6901 210 Eastern Shore Center, Hwy. 98 seafood. 408 Dauphin Island wings. 3721 Airport Blvd. • 380- 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores Pkwy. 478-9897 JaMaIcaN vIBe ($) 929-0002 967-5858 caMILLe’S SIdeWaLk caFé ($) Mind-blowing island food. 1503 TP crOckMIerS ($) LULU’S ($$) Gourmet wraps, pizzas, & more. PaNINI PeTe’S ($) American Restaurant & Bar 3700 Government Blvd. Ste A Original sandwich and bake shop. Live music & great seafood. 5817 Old Shell Rd. 602-1973 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores 343-0200 Jack’S caTFISh caMP ($$) 42 1/2 Section St., Fairhope The BLINd MULe ($) 967-5858 caMeLLIa caFé ($-$$$) Steak & Seafood 929-0122 Daily specials made from scratch. Contemporary southern fare. 102 Dauphin St. • 405-0031 57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853. OrIGINaL OySTer hOUSe ($-$$) 4815 Halls Mill Rd. • 661-4434 Pdq ($) The hOUSe ($-$$) A great place for kids and 61 Section St., Fairhope JIMMy JOhN’S ($) Chicken fingers, salad & Seafood, sandwiches, salads & soups seafood. 3733 Hwy. 98 • 626- 928-4321 Sandwiches, catering & delivery caMMIe’S OLd dUTch ($) sandwiches. 1165 University Blvd. 4513 Old shell Rd. • 408-9622 too. 6920 Airport Blvd. • 414- 2188 Mobile’s classic ice cream spot. 202-0959 The hUNGry OWL ($) OySTer rOckeFeLLer ($$-$$$) 2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710 5444 PINzONe’S ITaLIaN dOWNTOWN ($$) Burgers, flatbread pizza & 312 Schillingers Rd. • 607-9527 carPe dIeM ($) JOe caIN caFé ($) Italian, catering, to-go seafood. 7899 Cottage Hill Rd. rIce aSIaN GrILL & SUShI Bar Pizzas, sandwiches, cocktails. Deli foods, pastries & specialty 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 990-5535 633-4479 ($) 3964 Government Blvd. • 378- drinks. 4072 Old Shell Rd. 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 PINzONe’S ITaLIaN vILLaGe ($$) The vILLaGe deLI ($) kITcheN ON GeOrGe ($-$$) 8083 304-0448 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 990-5535 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope The harBOr rOOM ($-$$) chaT-a-Way caFe ($) Contemporary American food. qUeeN G’S caFé ($) 929-3354 Quiches & sandwiches in Spring Unique seafood. 351A George & Savannah St. Down home cooking for lunch. Three GeOrGeS caNdy ShOP ($) Hill. 4366 Old Shell Rd. 343-9889 436-8890 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 2518 Old Shell Rd. • 471-3361 Light lunch with Southern flair. TP crOckMIerS ($-$$) chIckeN SaLad chIck ($) LaP’S GrOcery & GrILL ($-$$) 226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725 Sandwich, Chicken Salad, Salad reGINa’S kITcheN ($-$$) American Restaurant & Bar Casual Seafood & southern Sandwiches, subs and soups. TrOPIcaL SMOOThIe ($) & Soup. 2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit classics. 1595 Battleship Parkway, Great smoothies, wraps & 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 R • 660-0501 2056 Government St. • 476-2777 The BLUeGILL ($-$$) cravIN caJUN ($) Spanish Fort • 626-0045 rIver Shack ($-$$) sandwiches. Du Rhu Dr. • 378-5648 A historic seafood dive with live Po-boys, salads & seafood. MaGhee’S GrILL ON The hILL Seafood, burgers & steaks. 570 Schillinger Road • 634-3454 Great lunch & dinner. WILd WING STaTION ($) music. 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625-1998 1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy ($-$$) 6120 Marina Dr., Dog River The ITaLIaN FISherMaN ($$) 287-1168 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700 443-7318. 1500 Government St. • 287-1526 Seafood Italian style. creaM & SUGar ($) MaMa’S ($) rOLy POLy ($) yak The kaThMaNdU kITcheN 2503 Old Shell Rd. • 478-2881 Breakfast, lunch in Oakleigh. Ice Slap your mama good home Wraps & salads. ($-$$)Authentic foods from Himalayan region. TIN TOP reSTaUraNT & OySTer Bar ($$) cream too. cooking. 809 Hillcrest Rd. • 607-6378 Best seafood, premium aged 351 George St. #B • 405-0003 220 Dauphin St. • 432-6262 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480 3210 Dauphin St. • 287-0115

20 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 The TreLLIS rOOM ($$$) rOck N rOLL SUShI ($$) raveNITe ($) hIGhLIGhTS SPOrTS LOUNGe aT IP Italian dishes & local flair. 3299 Bel Air Mall. • 287-0445 Pizza, Pasta, Salad & more caSINO reSOrT SPa ($) Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493 WaSaBI SUShI ($$) 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525 Brews & game on 65 screens. Japanese cusine vIa eMILIa ($$) 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 3654 Airport Blvd. S. C • 725-6078 Homemade pastas & pizzas made yeN reSTaUraNT ($) hIGh TIde caFé aT IP caSINO a little Vino daily. 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677 reSOrT SPa ($) dOMke MarkeT Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Wine, Craft Beer, Gourmet foods, 763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814 Casual & relaxing, extensive & more. Jubilee Shopping Center, Daphne menu. 850 Bayview Ave. ‘Cue 2410 Dawes Rd. Ste. D. olé mi amiGo! Backyard caFe & BBq ($) 375-0599 625-4695 caBO cOaSTaL caNTINa ($) 888-946-2847 Home cookin’ like momma made. FaThOMS LOUNGe 225 Dauphin St. • 441-7685 Br PrIMe aT BeaU rIvaGe ($$-$$$) 2804 Springhill Ave. • 473-4739 A tapas reaturant, cocktails & live is tHe Game on? daUPhIN ST. TaqUerIa ($) Fine dining establishment. Bar-B-qUING WITh My hONey ($$) music 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 BUFFaLO WILd WINGS ($) Enchiladas, tacos, & authentic 875 Beach Blvd. BBQ, burgers, wings & seafood red Or WhITe Best wings & sporting events. fare. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-2453 888-952-2582 323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 990-0003 eL charrO ($) JIa aT BeaU rIvaGe ($-$$) 19170 Hwy 43 Mt. Vernon. • 839-9927 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955 Finest Mexican in WeMo. 1104 Dauphin St.. • 478-9494 BUTch caSSIdy’S ($) Exotic Japanese, Thai, Chinese, BrIck PIT ($) rOyaL STreeT TaverN 7751 Airport Blvd. • 607-0882 A favorite barbecue spot. Live music,martinis & a light Famous burgers, sandwiches & FUeGO ($-$$) Korean & Vietnamese cuisine. wings. 5456 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0001 dinner menu. 26 N. Royal St. • 60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690. Outstanding Mexican cuisine. 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 dreaMLaNd BBq ($) 338-2000 caLLaGhaN’S IrISh SOcIaL cLUB 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 MeMPhIS q aT BeaU rIvaGe ($) Ribs, sandwiches & great sides. SOUTherN NaPa ($) Burgers & beer. LOS arcOS ($) Memphis-style Q. 3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9898. Bistro plates, craft beers and pantry. 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374 Quaint Mexican restaurant. 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 MOe’S OrIGINaL Bar B qUe ($) 2304 Main Street. • 375-2800 herOeS SPOrTS Bar & GrILLe ($) 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484 Sandwiches & cold beer. La cOcINa ($) cOaST reSTaUraNT aT BeaU Bar-b-que & music. Bayfront Park rIvaGe ($) 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376. Authentic Mexican cuisine. Dr., Daphne • 625-RIBS Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464 4633 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553 Sports bar-style joint. 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427 falafel? try McSharry’S IrISh PUB ($) SaNTa Fe GrILL ($) 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 SaUcy q BarBqUe ($) Brillant Reubens & Fish-N-Chips Locally-owned, fresh cuisine. LB’S STeakhOUSe aT GraNd Award-winning BarBQue. some Hummus 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope 3160 Bel Air Mall • 450-2440 caSINO ($$-$$$) 1111 Government Blvd. • 433-7427 7 SPIce ($-$$) WhISTLe STOP ($) Healthy, delicious Mediterranean food. 990-5100 Fine dining with juicy steak 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177 The LaNdING ($) & fine wine. Home cookin’ & BBQ. From seafood to steaks. 110 S. Florida St. • 478-7427 aBBa’S MedITerraNeaN no GamBlinG 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 caFe ($-$$) 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 973-2696 cUU LONG SUPer PhO aT GraNd Beef, lamb & seafood. LUcky’S IrISh PUB ($) Casino fare caSINO ($$) Irish pub fare & more. 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464 Asian noodle soups, bubble teas Drop DeaD 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000 atmore JerUSaLeM caFe ($-$$) & more. Mobile’s oldest Middle Eastern cuisine. The STadIUM ($) FIre aT WINd creek caSINO & Gourmet Catch the games with great food. hOTeL ($$-$$$) 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 aLaBaMa crUISeS ($$) 5773 Airport Blvd. • 304-1155 kaN zaMaN caFe ($) 19270 Hwy. 98 Fairhope World-class prime steaks, eMerIL’S GULF cOaST FISh Fine dining & sailing from Of 990-0408 seafood & wine. hOUSe aT ISLaNd vIeW caSINO Orange Beach • 973-1244 326 Azalea Rd. • 229-4206 MedITerraNeaN SaNdWIch WeMOS ($) 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 ($$-$$$) Kick it up a notch. Bay GOUrMeT ($$) Wings, tenders, hotdogs & sandwiches. GrILL aT WINd creek caSINO & A premier caterer & cooking classes. cOMPaNy ($) Great & quick. 3300 W. Beach Blvd. 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-5877 hOTeL ($) 1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 Contemporary & old-fashioned 877-774-8439 caFé 615 ($$-$$$) 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725- favorites. c&G GrILLe aT ISLaNd vIeW American fare with local ingredients. 0126 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 caSINO ($) MINT hOOkah BISTrO ($) mama mia! Large breakfast, lunch or dinner 615 Dauphin St. • 432-8434. BeNTz’S PIzza PUB ($) caFé rOyaL ($$-$$$) Great Mediterranean food. Biloxi menu. 3300 W. Beach Blvd. Prime steak & seafood in elegant setting. 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191 Homemade pizza and Italian vIBe aT hard rOck hOTeL dishes. 877-774-8439 101 N. Royal St. • 405-5251 zOrBa The Greek ($-$$) 28567 County Rd. 13 • 625- aNd caSINO ($-$$) 6992 WahOO’S POOLSIde Bar & GrILL NOJa ($$-$$$) Shawarmah & baba ghanouj. Fine surf, turf, atmosphere & cigars. aT PaLace caSINO reSOrT ($-$$) Inventive & very fresh cuisine. 1222 Hillcrest Rd, Ste. D • 633-2202 BUck’S PIzza ($$) Delivery. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-625 Fresh seafood & more. 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 rUTh’S chrIS STeak hOUSe aT OSMaN’S reSTaUraNT ($$) 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444 hard rOck hOTeL & caSINO ($$$) 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 Supreme European cuisine. GaMBINO BrOTherS ($) MIGNON’S aT PaLace caSINO far eastern fare Homemade pastas & sandwiches. Exceptional servie & taste. 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006. BaNGkOk ThaI ($-$$) reSOrT ($$-$$$) 873 Hillcrest Ave. • 344-8115 777 Beach Blvd • 877-877-6256 rOyaL ScaM ($$) Delicious, traditional Thai cuisine. hard rOck caFé aT hard rOck Extraordinary wine, steaks & Gumbo, Angus beef & bar. GaMBINO’S ITaLIaN GrILL ($) 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995 Italian, Steaks, Seafood, hOTeL aNd caSINO ($) seafood. 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226) BaNzaI JaPaNeSe reSTaUraNT 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 rUTh’S chrIS STeak hOUSe ($$$) ($$) Traditional sushi & lunch. 18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990-0995 American fare & rockin’ GUIdO’S ($$) memorabilia. The deN aT TreaSUre Bay Exceptional service & taste. 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 caSINO ($-$$) GOLdeN BOWL ($) Fresh cuisine nightly on menu. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516 Intimate & casual with daily specials. TaMara’S dOWNTOWN ($$) Hibachi Grill & Asian Cuisine 1709 Main St., Daphne • 626-6082 SaTISFacTION aT hard rOck La rOSSa ($$) hOTeL aNd caSINO ($) 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 Casual fine dining. 309 Bell Air Blvd • 470-8033 Catering and Market. 104 N. Section St., Fairhope kaI JaPaNeSe reSTaUraNT ($-$$) Southern favorites & fresh- cq aT TreaSUre Bay caSINO ($$-$$$) 1716 Main St. Ste. C, Daphne smoked meats. Elegant atmosphere & tantalizing 929-2219 5045 Cottage Hill Rd. • 607-6454 625-0345 UNION ($$$) LIqUId ($$) PIckLeFISh ($$) 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 entrees. Premium steaks & burgers. Amazing sushi & assortment of Pizza, sandwiches & salads. TIeN aT IP caSINO 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300 rolls. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109 5955 Old Shell Rd.• 344-9899 reSOrT SPa ($-$$) BLU aT TreaSUre Bay caSINO ($) The BULL ($-$$) MIkaTO JaPaNeSe STeak hOUSe PaPa’S PLace ($$) Pan-Asian cuisine made in front Lounge with cocktails & tapas N. Mexico/Santa Fe & Gulf Coast cuisine. ($$) Upscale sushi & specialties. A Taste of Italy . BYOB. of you. menu. 609 Dauphin St. • 378-5091 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622 28691 U.S. Highway 98 • 626-1999 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 21 CUISINEWORD OF MOUTh C happy times all around for St. Patrick’s day BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

et on your green and get ready for the one day, er, one arepas and ceviche really stand out as fresh, light, authentic weekend of the year when everyone is Irish. The party works of art. The sad news is after a while of dealing with a begins Saturday March 14 when Callaghan’s Irish Social month-to-month lease the landlord is saying adios to the tenants. Club opens its doors. They, of course, are famous for their A terminated lease would normally get you down, but plans Gburgers, beer and live music. This day is no exception. are for Haberdasher to open a new location soon. I would imagine There will be bands all day long so fill the streets and be a this next incarnation will be something remarkable. In the mean- part of the 69th annual street party. Best news is there is no cover time enjoy free crawfish at 5 p.m. every Sunday until they close charge! And you thought Joe Cain Day was crazy over there. This the doors March 31. will be massive. If you need a break from the redheaded rabble rousers on Five is the lucky number for Moe’s Original bbq the corner of Charleston and Marine then head to Conception No doubt Moe’s Original Barbecue is at the top of their game and Dauphin. The Luck of the Irish Cook-off will be serving up right now. The West Mobile establishment at Airport and Univer- samples at Bienville Square until 2 p.m. Tickets for this event sity just opened bringing our total to four in Mobile and Baldwin are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. The proceeds benefit the Counties. Orange Beach, Daphne, downtown Mobile and West Family Center of Mobile. For ticket information call the Center at Mobile are now getting ready to welcome Foley to the list of ‘cue (251) 479-5700 or visit www.luckoirish.com. Don’t forget about masters. the 2 p.m. parade before you head back to Callaghan’s. Photo/ www.moesoriginalbbq.com The only news we have on the Foley location is “coming Tuesday, March 17, actual St. Patrick’s Day, the fun is shaping WeMo BBq just got a lot Moe Betta. soon.” They are still looking for help. Interested parties should up at Lucky Irish Pub and Grill at 3692 Airport Blvd. (former apply online at www.moesoriginalbbq.com/employment/foley Paddy O’Toole’s). They are calling it Lucky Fest 2015 and after a bit of the vile stuff got into his eye. someone will be getting lucky for sure. Aside from a St. Paddy’s “That is some of the worst pain and panic I have ever felt,” For all the glory: backyard barbecue Throwdown Day menu, a Guinness food and drink tent, there will be live en- said the ailing restaurateur. Keep the pros at home. Wind Creek Casino is back at it again tertainment beginning around 1:30 p.m. and a Dodge Challenger We wish him a speedy recovery. At that close of a distance I with its “amateurs only” Backyard Barbecue Throwdown to be giveaway at 5 p.m. bet it even looked hot. I guess he didn’t see it coming. held Saturday, March 28. This is a Kansas City Barbecue Society If I hear one person say he is bored this weekend… The addition of Sunday brunch means the restaurant will sanctioned event that pits homegrown teams against each other now be closed on Monday and Tuesday. I can’t wait to enjoy the for a total of $12,000 in cash and trophies. birth of a brunch at Hungry Owl friendly atmosphere and new true brunch menu listening to bands If you think you have what it takes to bring home first prize The people have voted and the results are in. The Hungry Owl at the growler bar. then strap on an apron and register today. The entry fee is $200 will begin brunch this Sunday, March 15 from 10:30 a.m. until 4 per team and the deadline is March 20. The three categories of p.m. This will be a brunch-only menu so expect great things from Days are numbered for Haberdasher’s Dauphin competition are chicken, ribs and pork butts. But wait. Festival Chef Tony and the gang, but the regular menu will be off limits. attendees will be sampling the food that Saturday to vote for the Bottomless mimosas and bloody Marys will get you into the location. New digs to follow Aside from being one of the greatest places in Mobile to get People’s Choice Award. mood for live music every week. Let’s hope things don’t get too a fancy cocktail the Haberdasher has shaped up to being a fine For more information on this event visit www.windcreekat- spicy. Chef Tony has taken to fooling around with ghost pepper food establishment, too. The tacos in the homemade corn tortillas, more.com extract and a recent social media post showed him at the doctor Non-recyclers, recycle!

or all the preparation and precaution taken prior to exe- ment in check, he has since developed a less formal “citizens’ a difference as well. During the previous administration, the cuting search warrants at the culmination of a five-month, panel” to build a dialogue with residents interested in working facility would often swell to 40 percent above capacity and multi-agency drug investigation, the last thing heavily- along with the department, rather than apart from it. inmates would have to sleep six to seven people to a cell. armed and synchronized law enforcement officers ap- Before the bust on State Street, Barber met with the panel to “Imagine getting up in the middle of the night and having to Fpeared to need as they descended on their target Feb. 27 was the inform them exactly who they were targeting, when and why. tip-toe over people to go to the toilet,” Warden Trey Oliver said. element of surprise. It was, after all, the middle of the day. “The citizens’ panel is actually community leaders and this “We’d have a lot of incidents start by people who got stepped As the downtown business crowd took its Friday lunch particular one is in the most disenfranchised part of the city,” he on or disturbed while they were trying to sleep.” break, a convoy of police cruisers and paddy wagons pulled out said. “They were the ones that I first started meeting and from Designed for a maximum of 1,200 inmates, the population of the Mobile Police Department’s administration building on there we’ve grown relationships where not only would I share on a weekday in late February was 1,179. Broad and St. Anthony streets for a simple half-mile jaunt to the postoperative information with them, but now we have reached “It’s great right now,” Oliver said. “We’ve been enjoying 11- Campground neighborhood, a few blocks north of Springhill a point where we will sit down with them before police even year lows lately. We got below 1,200 around Mardi Gras where Avenue. conduct an operation in the area and share the intelligence with two or three summers ago we’d be between 1,700 and 1,800.” Police had been to the location before. Last summer, the them. So now they know where we’re going, who we’re look- Oliver cited the elimination of Operation IMPACT, as well same area was the focus of a series of sweeps that led to more ing for and why we’re doing it.” as support from judges and the District Attorney in keeping the than 50 arrests on drug possession and distribution charges. Barber contrasts the tactic with that of his predecessor, numbers down, adding that even federal law enforcement agen- In August, the MPD arrested more than 20 people in and who led a city-wide crackdown known as Operation IMPACT, cies seem to be making fewer arrests. around the R.V. Taylor housing complex in a multi-phased mis- which essentially arrested anyone for any infraction, no matter “The Sheriff went to the judges a couple years ago and said, sion dubbed “Operation ReVitalize.” A separate operation net- how minor. ‘there is always room for one more, we’re not about to tell ted at least 18 arrests in the Maysville neighborhood in April. “For 18 months we ran an operation with 40 to 50 officers you to not send anyone else,’ but he asked the judges, if there A break-of-dawn mission in February targeted a two-block area that would saturate mostly impoverished areas and the measure are alternatives, please use them,” he said. “The economy has of Webb Avenue police said was responsible for 995 incident of success was output,” he said. “So people were arrested for also picked up … The former police chief was real big on road reports over a two-year period. loitering, failure to obey the police, traffic attachments — really blocks and traffic stops and old warrant arrests and it seems the Mobile Police Chief James Barber and Mayor Sandy Stimp- anything they could figure out to put you in jail for. Four thou- new mayor and the new chief are focusing more toward violent son returned to the Campground in December, canvassing the sand, one hundred people were arrested in an 18-month period. crimes or entrenched crime, so we’re seeing less people arrest- neighborhood on foot and encouraging citizens to take a stand That’s a huge amount of people, but it’s kind of like throwing a ed. The female and juvenile inmate numbers are also down.” against entrenched drug activity and crime. cast net into a pond that you’re trying to catch a bass in. So you But through it all, one house in particular remained a “hot catch catfish, bream, crappie — you get a lot of bycatch that DOOR STILL REVOLVING spot.” Aided by undercover purchases and surveillance, officers really was not contributing to any of the criminal conduct of the Despite the targeted approach, the majority of suspects ap- determined a residence at 1076 State St. operated essentially as area. So what happens is your relationship with the community prehended in the MPD’s recent drug operations were constitu- a drive-thru “drug den,” where a bag of crack cocaine was as begins to deteriorate, because you’re now seen as an occupying tionally afforded bail. Of 11 defendants arrested during a bust quick and easy to obtain as Taco Bell’s new Sriracha Quesarito. force.” in Maysville last April, six spent fewer than 24 hours behind Within a few hours, “Operation Drive-Thru” had served up Barber said the resulting mistrust of the department was a bars. Only one pleaded guilty, but the rest are awaiting formal another 20 arrests. After the suspects were removed from the barrier he is still trying to overcome, but he is hopeful regu- charges from a grand jury. Three have since reoffended. premises, public works employees used a bulldozer to clear lar meetings and discourse with citizens’ panels will restore In Operation Drive-Thru, more than 50 charges were filed debris from a blighted property next to the target house, while confidence in communities where police are often seen as against the 20 individuals arrested. Of those, 31 were felonies workers boarded up its doors and windows. adversarial. and 20 were misdemeanors, according to a press release. “Once the successful raid was made, our team acted quickly “IMPACT was abolished immediately by me, I saw the harm Looking at the demographics, all but one of the individuals to clear the debris because it was endangering citizens’ lives,” it was doing and we’ve actually spent the past year trying to were black, 14 were male and six were female. Their average Stimpson said in a press release afterward. “I applaud the po- recover from [it],” he said. “You can imagine living in a neigh- age was 42.1 years old. lice, public works and urban development departments for shut- borhood and walking down the street or across the street with Exploring their arrest records, only one, a 19 year-old male, ting down one of the largest drug rings in the city, removing a beer in your hand to talk to your neighbor and all the sudden had no prior arrests in Mobile County. The 19 others had an dangerous debris and transforming a blighted neighborhood all you’re put on the ground, handcuffed and arrested for drinking average of 15 previous arrests each. Fourteen of those swept up in one day. This didn’t just happen. Our teams worked tirelessly in public. That’s the kind of operation we ran. in the operation had previous felony charges, and nine had been across departments to make today a reality.” “Now, we specifically go in and identify the problems of arrested previously for violent crimes. the area … we identify which locations are responsible for it Of the 20 arrested in Operation Drive-Thru, nine individuals A NEW APPROAcH and which individuals are participating. And then when we do remained in jail as of March 9, while the others had bonded out. Law enforcement officers and drug users weren’t the only come, we’ll share the information with the community leaders In February, Barber announced a 9.3 percent reduction in people aware of the illicit activity on State Street. As part of a ahead of time … so that’s the difference between the two styles crime from the year before. In preliminary numbers provided community outreach initiative, Barber recently began sharing of leadership. What we’re doing is taking community-oriented to the FBI, the city reported that while violent crime (rob- select police intelligence with community leaders, an “unprece- policing — which is the beat officer engaging with the com- bery, murder, assault and rape) experienced a 1.9 percent drop dented” move he hopes will build trust between the department munity — and institutionalizing it with the leadership in law from the previous year, the rates of murder and rape increased and areas that require a heavier police presence. enforcement engaging with community leaders, and we’re by 14.8 percent and 55.2 percent respectively. The spike in While early in his leadership he rejected a suggestion to beginning to see a huge difference.” reported rape cases is attributed to a more inclusive definition form a citizens’ oversight committee to keep the police depart- Down at Mobile Metro Jail, corrections officers are noticing of the crime.

24 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 Photo/Gabriel Tynes a k-9 unit searches for narcotics during a multi-agency drug operation on State Street Feb. 27. The Mobile Police department arrested 13 at the location and seven other suspects in the operation.

Meanwhile, nonviolent crime like burglary, drug markets, prostitution, all the way up to larceny and motor vehicle theft all saw reduc- burglary, robbery and even murder. You have tions of at least 9 percent in the city, although systemic violence that follows that. And so there were still more than 2,500 individual how you develop trust is through communica- burglaries reported. tion. And communication is probably the most When the numbers were released, Barber important factor, being transparent and com- pointed out that about 10 percent of Mobile’s municating with the communities that need geographic area is responsible for nearly 80 you most.” percent of the city’s criminal activity. Mobile’s It led him back to the role of the citizens’ first precinct, which encompasses the Dauphin panels. Island Parkway and areas south of downtown, “We have laws that allow us to police, but saw the most crimes per capita in 2014 report. an effective police organization asks the com- Barber said selective focusing on these munity for permission to police it. There is no problem areas has helped keep crime down, right to govern in this country — it’s a democ- as well as a renewed focus on repeat offender racy. So even though certain tactics may be or career criminals, which he claimed were legal they might be completely unacceptable behind roughly 60 to 80 percent of the crime to the community you serve. So you have to in Mobile. be able to base the values of your community, While he has taken some criticism for which may not be the same as anywhere else. perceived heavy-handed tactics in minor- But if the tactic is important enough that is ity neighborhoods, Barber said the statistics really makes a difference to public safety, then justify the approach. it is up to leadership to work with leadership “Most of communities that need the police of the community to explain that and commu- the ones that feel the most disenfranchised nicate it. And you have to do so effectively or by the police,” he said. “So they are the ones you’re not going to be near as effective as you that are policed more heavily — because of a want to be.” disproportionate amount of criminal activity in those communities. You have open-air Jason Johnson contributed to this report.

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 25 ARTARTIFICE Mobile author finds redemption in ‘racist’ past BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

e had to cross more than a bridge to change Alabama. members into smaller discussion groups. He saw headway and whatever position of influence they had,” Otts said. “But they We had to span years. heard many credit the technique and his example of candor for also were not a part of the culture that reinforced it and what they For S. McEachin “Mac” Otts, those years became making it possible. reinforced in others were the kinds of things that eventually were journal entries, then those entries became a book. That “The first thing was being honest with myself,” Otts said. “I’m going to help people gain a different perspective.” Wwork, “Better Than Them: The Unmaking of an Alabama Racist” telling you it was real hard.” The counselor of course believes change in the individual is is the Mobilian’s collection of therapeutic musings that head back What proved most difficult was seeing his family in bare possible. to his family’s origins in Greensboro, Alabama. terms. He had to make peace with legacy. “Prejudice is a part of life anyway, we’re all prejudiced,” Otts In particular, it begins with a jarring image of Mac on a Less than a handful of generations ago, Otts’ paternal forebear said. Greensboro street corner, an iron pipe in his hand as the 18-year- was a plantation owner with “multitudes” of slaves. It reshaped He gives an example of a woman with a trio of rambunctious old raged in reaction to a 1965 civil rights march. He was typical their relationship to the community at large. kids holding up a grocery line with food stamp issues. He said for the times, a boy who revered his grandmother’s whispered “My family was not an easy family,” Otts said. “I wanted any difference in our reaction based even slightly on the woman’s phrase that became the book’s title. people to see I was looking at it all and so I had to go back to race isn’t unusual. Fast forward a pair of decades and Otts calmed down. He cred- my father’s own drinking, problems my mother had, it got pretty “It becomes racism if I take that assumption with me,” Otts its religion for part of that change, a profession for the rest of it. personal in the book. said. “If I categorize it like I do other things that are false and say “In time we adopted a child who was mixed race. We saw the The small town was a bubble that skewed Otts’ interaction ‘I’m taking that over here and I’m not letting that change the way mixed reactions to that,” Otts said. As their son reached 11 or 12, with the world so he left for college up the road in Tuscaloosa. I treat people.’ We all have prejudices but they cross the line when the father’s observations stirred introspection. His days at the Capstone opened doors that led to his current we can’t catch them for what they are and put them in a proper “By then he was getting to be the person he was going to be. I role aiding others on similar journeys, dialogues he feels society perspective before they become racist.” could see the character, how much love we had for him and he for needs. One place Otts has seen change is familiar and inspirational. us. I started thinking here I am trying to understand people and “I’ve had people say ‘why can’t we just forget it, ya’ know? It’s at the source point. help them help themselves and I don’t know why I was the person Let’s just not talk about it and move on. It’s no longer a part of “I had one event at the Greensboro Library. We had about 50 I was in 1965, with the views that I had and the anger I had,” Otts our lives,” Otts said. people which was a good turnout for a town like that,” Otts said. said. “What I say about that is that I’ve been a counselor for a long “Of them, there were probably seven or eight black people. It was So he began to fill legal pads with questions and thoughts. time and it’s those areas that you never talk about that come back a significant turnout and significant that there was that mix.” What traveled through his head went straight to paper and later to on you. And if you don’t learn from history, you’re bound to Lots of space and time between Mobile and Greensboro, even keyboard. repeat it.” more between 1965 and 2015. The tire iron Otts held was made “I started this in my 40s and finished in my 60s,” Otts said. “It Otts also recognized individual acts. He was able to separate for prying apart. The story he brought a half-century later was was about trying to understand myself.” The result was printed by the system from the person. made for closing those gaps. New South Books and is available in e-book form. “When I look back, there were people who may not have “The Greensboro people were quite conversant about it,” While teaching a sociology class at Faulkner State Commu- spoken out against things and if they had their effect would have Otts said. “This was something I really wanted to see in publish- nity College, Otts divulged his story to classes, then broke the been diminished because they would have been removed from ing the book.”

One of the most resonant percussions Southern a special screening of “Directed by William Wy- literature has had on our culture has been on ler,” a documentary produced by Catherine Wyler. the silver screen. William Faulkner worked as a The elder Wyler was a Hollywood legend and screenwriter, Tennessee Williams’ plays naturally Oscar-laden director with films such as “Funny became films and the American cinema is rife Girl,” “Roman Holiday,” “Wuthering Heights,” with Southern influence. “Dodsworth,” “Ben-Hur” and “The Best Years Demopolis product Margaret Tallichet was an of Our Lives.” In “Directed by William Wyler,” aspiring actress when she moved from Dallas to the director was interviewed about his career Hollywood then married William Wyler, an estab- just three days before his death on July 27, 1981. lished director with the Oscar-winning “Jezebel” Actors and actresses he guided to acclaim and already among his credits. The couple became Oscars are also interviewed for the film includ- close friends with Lillian Hellman, another De- ing Bette Davis, Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier, mopolis descendant and playwright of “The Little Audrey Hepburn and Barbra Streisand. Foxes” and “The Children’s Hour.” The film on Wyler will be followed by a The Wylers’ daughters Catherine and Melanie screening of “Jezebel.” will be on hand March 21 in Mobile for Trailfest Entrance is free. For more information, call 2015. At the Ben May Main Library at 2 p.m., the library at 251-208-7097 or the Mobile Arts they will introduce two of their father’s films and Council at 251-432-9796.

Congressional office announces art contest

The office of Congressman Bradley Byrne has pendent art experts” and the winning piece will announced details for a First Congressional Dis- be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington trict Art Competition. It’s open to all high school D.C. students in the district. It is advised students work with their art All entries must be an original concept, two- teachers for submission. Teachers may submit dimensional, no larger than 28 inches high and artwork to the Mobile Museum of Art, 3:30 28 inches wide when framed, no more than four – 4:30 p.m., March 19-20. No work will be ac- inches in depth, weigh no more than 15 pounds cepted after 4:30 p.m. on March 20. and be within the following categories: All submitted pieces will be displayed at the • Paintings: oil, watercolors, acrylics, etc. Mobile Museum of Art during a month-long • Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, graphite, exhibit. charcoal, ink, etc. More information about the Congressional • Collages: must be two-dimensional Art Competition and the necessary submission • Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints forms can be found online at Byrne.House.Gov/ • Mixed media ArtCompetition. • Computer-generated art Fo more information, contact Martha Sim- • Photography mons in Congressman Byrne’s Mobile office at The judges panel will be composed of “inde- 251-690-2811.

Piano Trio closes Chamber Music’s 54th season

Violinist Jesse Mills first performed with cel- they will stop in Mobile at the Laidlaw Perform- list Raman Ramakrishnan decades back, when ing Arts Center on the USA campus, March 15, they were both kids. Mills went on to draw a pair 3 p.m. of Grammy nominations and Ramakrishnan went Pieces scheduled for performance that day in- on to form the Daedalus Quartet. clude works by Faure, Schubert and Joan Tower. Meanwhile, pianist Rieko Aizawa made her Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for students. U.S. debuts at Kennedy Center and Carnegie Mobile Chamber Music will also stage an Hall. When she crossed paths with the aforemen- up-close-and-personal outreach program on Sat- tioned string musicians, a new combo emerged. urday, March 14 at 6 p.m. at Broussard’s Piano Since their 2011 debut in New York City, the Gallery. Space is extremely limited so interested trio’s website said they have been booked for parties should call Broussard’s at 251-344-8856 over 130 concerts in the Americas and Asia. Now in order to reserve a place.

New venue looking for interested groups

Well, it looks as if the long-rumored per- possible site for performances with attention paid formance space at St. Francis Street Methodist to its pews and acoustics. The estimated capacity Church is closer to reality. An eager new owner that day was roughly 500 and a pipe organ is still called last week wanting to issue word that in place. renovations are underway at the 120-year old Having boasted author Augusta Evans Wilson structure a block off Dauphin where 15 Place as a former member, the building is also on the once was. National Register of Historic Places. No exten- It was some five years ago we joined a tour of sive plans for the entire facility was revealed. cultural leaders through the dormant facility that New owner Jenna Inge is eager to give tours last hosted a congregation in 1993. The second- to interested parties. You can reach her at 251- floor sanctuary in particular was noted as a 656-3269.

Band: Joe Taylor Group, Shelly Waters Date: Friday, March 13, 10 p.m. Venue: The Brickyard, 266 Dauphin St., 219-6488 Tickets: $5 at the door or more than two decades, session guitarist/producer Joe Taylor lived in Manhattan and worked with famous music industry figures such as Ahmet Ertegun and Keith Diamond. He was also a go-to musician for Donna Sum- Fmer and Al B. Sure. His guitar work echoed throughout television and film. Eventually, Taylor decided that it was time to focus on his own music and moved to a little island off the coast of South Carolina to develop the Joe Taylor Group, who locals may recognize from their appearances at BayFest. Currently, the band comprises Tay- lor, bassist Sean O’Bryan Smith (Lady Antebellum, Billy Joel, P. Funk) and percussionist/native Mobilian Blair Shotts. Taylor took time out of his visit to the mainland to talk about fronting his own band and living in his version of paradise. SC: So, tell me a little bit about where you live. JT: After being in Manhattan for 25 years as a session guitar player and an artist on RCA/Victor, I decided to build a house and a studio back down in my native area, which is the low country of South Carolina. We live on a little island just south of Charles- Photo/ thejoetaylorgroup.com ton, and it’s called Bennett’s Point. They’re only 32 permanent Joe Taylor went from a session musician to a band leader and will bring his talented group to Mobile March 13. residents on the island. It’s a little shrimping village, if you could call it that. It’s not even a village, really. It’s a bunch of shrimp year. He blew off Warren Haynes’ Christmas show and played SC: Tell me about the new album. docks on a nice piece of water. Blair said it reminds him of the mine instead. It was really nice having him there. JT: The new album is called “Sugardust and the Devil Wind.” way home used to be in Mobile. It’s in the middle of a wildlife SC: How did you go from being a session guitarist and pro- It is the follow-up to “Accidental Sugar.” It’s a little bit of a depar- preserve called the Ace Basin. It’s a really nice area to be in, ducer to fronting your own band? ture for me, because it’s a little hotter. It’s a mix of Jeff Beck and because there will never be any development. I built a house and JT: It’s a long, convoluted trip. When I was signed to RCA as Chet Atkins. I’m a finger-style player. I don’t use picks. The record a separate studio that emulates my favorite studios in Los Angeles an artist in the ‘90s, I was put within a genre that was classified as is a collection of material that I started writing three or four years and New York. We put a 48-channel Mead console in the control “contemporary jazz.” I hate to use the j-word, because I’m not a ago. Sean helped write some of it, and Tommy Thunder was a room. Now, everybody comes here when I’m doing a project. It’s jazz player. It just so happened that I was doing instrumental pop co-writer on some of it. It represents me breaking out of the genre great. Blair loves it. I bring in all my guys from New York and LA music. So, RCA decided to sell it through that genre. They had to of that contemporary jazz idiom. It’s more rock. A lot of people and Nashville. put me somewhere. I’m really more of what the “Village Voice” are saying it sounds like (Joe) Satriani with a twang. There’s some SC: What’s it like running a studio on the island? called me: “the redneck Jeff Beck.” That’s really more of my thing. smooth stuff on there, but we try to rock it a little bit more. JT: The purpose and mission of the studio is not to be a retail I was on the road throughout the ‘90s with my records on RCA. SC: How do you shape your guitar parts? room. I only do my projects as a producer. I don’t depend on any I had a record called “Spellbound,” which was actually a hit and JT: The solos are spontaneous. As an instrumentalist, the guitar local talent pool or anything like that. When I’m ready to produce charted in the top five. In the second half of the ‘90s, I concen- becomes the vocalist. So, it’s a real challenge to create a piece of a new artist or produce one of my records, I just bring my guys trated more on television and film. I did Stephen King’s “Golden music that will compel the listener when there is no singer. I have in. The last three records that I’ve done, I brought Blair in to Years” on CBS and did a bunch of shows like “Roger Moore’s to treat the guitar like a voice. I try to play nice, simple melodies play drums. Sean O’Bryan Smith, who’s an amazing bass player Spy Tech” as a composer and scoring these television shows. That and establish a groove there. That being said, the stretches in out of Nashville, comes in too. That’s the Joe Taylor Group. For took me away from a career of fronting my own group on the road. between, we’ll go nuts and play spontaneous solos and improvise. keyboards, I will generally use Randall Bramblett. Randall plays After I made the move to this island here about 10 years ago, I That’s a jazz influence that I got from being in that jazz genre, but with Widespread Panic. He lives in Athens, and I bring him in to started turning my attention back to my thing. We put out a record it’s a rocking thing. I’d hate to say that we’re a jam band, but live, do Hammond or piano or what-not. We have a really sweet deal. that was called “Accidental Sugar,” which charted in the top 20 in we don’t know where we’re going to go. Even though I’m a guitar player, I have a relationship with Yamaha 2010. Now, I’ve got a new record coming out on March 24. SC: You introduced yourself to Mobile at BayFest. Now, you’ll in New York. The head of artist relations, Bonnie Barrett, is a good SC: You mentioned the nickname “The Redneck Jeff Beck.” be playing The Brickyard, which is a smaller place. As far as friend of mine. She kindly sends down a grand piano when we What do you think about that nickname? returning to Mobile, what are you looking forward to the most? need it, courtesy of Yamaha Corporation, of course. JT: I actually love it. Jeff Beck is one of my favorites, and I do JT: The town is so special. My wife and I just love stroll- SC: Randall is a regular around here and very well-known. play with a twang. I also talk with a twang. Even though I was in ing Dauphin Street. It’s just such a lovely area to be in. We’re so JT: Yeah, he’s great, and he’s certainly done a lot for us. He New York so long, I still talk with a Southern accent. Some people thankful to Bobby Bostwick for bringing us back to BayFest each loves coming out here hanging out and playing. He’s actually a might see it as an insult, but I love it! Hell yeah! I’ll take that all year. I think without the hustle and bustle of Mobile that we’ll be featured artist on a big charity even that we do at Christmas each day long. able to taste more of Mobile.

30 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 Chris Bradley’s Motown soul is extraordinary BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

angout Fest (May 15-17) is only two months away, and music lovers worldwide are already making travel plans Hto attend the premiere music festival in Gulf Shores. The schedule has not yet been finalized, but those wanting to put a little old school soul in their experience should not miss Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires. Bradley is a true “victim of love,” and he pours unbridled emotion upon his audiences. Conjuring the spirit of Otis Redding, Bradley fills his set with a repertoire of songs evoking classic Mo- town. He captured the vibe on his two albums “No Time for Dreaming” (2011) and “Victim of Love” (2013). The work earned Bradley praise from “Rolling Stone,” “GQ,” “Paste” and the general public. His music has also led him to sets at SXSW, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Newport Folk Festival, Outside Lands and many other notable festivals. When he arrives in Gulf Shores, the crowd will not be able to resist moving and grooving to his nostalgic sound. Tickets for Hangout Fest are on sale now online. VIP and travel packages are Photo/ facebook.com/thecharlesbradley available as well. Get ready for authentic soul sounds in the sand as Chris Bradley & His Extraordinaires take the stage at Hangout Fest 2015.

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 31 MUSICRUNDOWN Guilty verdict in Wayne Mills murder BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

n Friday, March 6, a Nashville jury found Christopher Ferrell guilty Melt in your mouth metal Midnight Rodeo invites all local hell- of the second-degree murder of raisers to make the drive out to WeMo for country musician Wayne Mills. a hurricane of merciless rock. Phunk Blue For months, Mills’ friends, fans and family O Moon and StrongFold will be represent- have waited for this attempt at closure after ing the Azalea City on the Midnight Rodeo the country artist was shot by Ferrell at a stage. Both of these BayFest veterans have Nashville bar owned by the defendant, after remained a fixture in the local scene with an altercation between the two on Nov. 23, their intense music and stage presence. 2013. Ferrell claimed that the shooting was Phunk Blue Moon is one of Mobile’s in self-defense. He will be sentenced on most unforgettable bands. Fronted by local April 10. Mills was very popular not just in verbal assassins Phile Phil and Sir William, Music City but also The Port City, playing this group mingles hip-hop and rock, which venues around here quite regularly, such they accent with an electrifying live delivery. as the former Monsoon’s and Flora-Bama, The crowd will have a hard time deciding among others. whether to dance or headbang during their set. I want my MTV StrongFold will have no problem engulf- The music video has been an excellent ing Midnight Rodeo in their metal act, medium for interpreting songs visually. Now, providing the perfect segue way into the Portal Studio has recruited local filmmakers evening’s headliner. to try their hand at making a music video Hailing from Memphis, Saliva has with their latest film scramble. Those inter- remained a dominant force on mainstream ested in participating in the music video film radio. Their breakout hit “Click Click Boom” scramble should head over to Portal Studio placed them on the world scene, and they (163 N. Lawrence St.) for the Friday, March followed with super-hits such as “Ladies and 13 Artwalk. Filmmakers will have one week Gentleman,” “Always” and “Rest in Pieces.” to create a music video. On Friday, March Saliva is touring in support of their latest 20, Portal Studio will hold another epic release “Rise Up.” PsychQuinox and screen the videos. There Midnight Rodeo Mobile is located at Photo/ waynemillsband.com will also be live music from 20,000 Leagues 7790 Tanner Williams Road #B. Tickets are Under the Sea and McKinney Lillian with $12 for general admission and $20 for VIP Wayne Mills (above) was murdered by Christopher Ferrell in 2013. the Portal SoundSpace Ensemble. available through Ticket Biscuit.

32 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 Get your green on BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: Callaghan’s St. Patrick’s Day Block Party Date: Saturday, March 14 at 1 p.m. Venue: Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, 916 Charleston St., www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com Tickets: Free

ach year, Mobile’s Mardi Gras season is calmed by Lent. But the denizens of the Azalea City make an exception for St. Patrick’s Day. Callaghan’s Irish Social Club’s St. Patrick’s Day Block Party has become a legendary event. The celebration is so big that it spills freely into neighboring streets. Thousands of green-clad revelers Eswill beer and dance to the sounds of some of the venue’s favorite bands. With another lineup of excellent entertainment, Mobile’s oldest Irish pub will not disappoint it faithful patrons this year A Drunker Shade of Green will return to Callaghan’s for this incarnation. The acoustic-pow- ered three-piece will deal out a set of traditional Irish songs and a few favorites that should have the crowd singing along with the band. Callaghan’s will bring some of the Crescent City’s newest funk sounds with a performance from Naughty Professor, a band that delivers funk at light speed with bright horns and intricate bass lines. Cardinal Sons will also return to the OGD for the St. Paddy’s festivities. This band has quickly become a Callaghan’s favorite and feature bring tracks from their EP “The Echo Choir.” When Kansas Bible Company made their debut at Callaghan’s, they instantly won over locals with their mix of horns, rock and party vibes. This large communal of Nashville musicians will have everyone in the crowd moving and grooving to their memorable set. Photo/ facebook.com/CallaghansIrishClub Nothing’s Run and then fun shocking to Band: O’Hooligans Ball & Green Dress Run Date: Sat., Mar. 14 with doors at 4 p.m. Venue: O’Daly’s Irish Pub, 564 Dauphin St., the F’n A-Holes www.odalysirishpub.com Band: The F’n A-Holes, Tickets: $25 for runners (T-shirt and post-race party included) SHEHEHE, Shantih Shantih, /$15 for children under 12/$10 for post-race party Earl’s Killer Squirrel available through Eventbrite Date: Saturday, March 14, ’Daly’s has quickly become LoDa’s premiere spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The doors at 9 p.m. pub’s celebration of Ireland’s patron saint begins at 4 p.m. with the Green Dress Run, a Venue: Soul Kitchen, 5K inviting runners to don green dresses and take on a course through downtown and 219 Dauphin St., midtown. After the last runner crosses the line, all in attendance will get to enjoy gallons Oof green brew and a triple-shot of quality entertainment. www.soulkitchenmobile.com Infant Richard & the Delta Stones will begin the evening’s entertainment. This collective of Tickets: $8 at the door talented local musician has a plethora of jams for the green-clad crowd. Their brand of alt. rock oul Kitchen is preparing to feature comes in many styles. Jammed out numbers such as “Chattanooga Chocolate Factory” are joined what could be called an urban by eclectic soul tracks like “Heavy,” both of which are found on the band’s “VD” EP. legend of the Mobile Bay music Fly-By Radio has collected a legion of Azalea City fans with their jukebox band vibes. Their scene. The F’n A-Holes (who once song list transcends the decades with party hits from the ‘50s to modern day. A Hank Williams, Jr. had their name banned from a Columbus, hit may be followed by one of Guns N’ Roses’ memorable track. S O’Daly’s will get the phunk out to end the evening. From their first performance in Mobile, Mississippi marquee) has made its presence known all over the Gulf Coast and at major locals have loved NoLa supergroup Dumpstaphunk. Crescent City music icon Ivan Neville fronts a festivals such as Heavy Rebel Weekender in band with some of the nastiest funk jams in existence. Winston-Salem, North Carolina. From many years, fearless lead vocalist Joey F*ckstick and a rotating cast of colorful characters and stage set-ups have kept the band chugging along like an ‘86 Oldsmobile. F*ckstick has crafted a versatile catalog of songs that float in the ether between punkabilly, alt. country and surf rock. The quirky front man also fills his songs with humorous lyrics that spin grease-soaked tales of white trash romance, aliens and devilish female genitalia, which makes them quite a unique band locally and nationally. The F’n A-Holes has produced albums such as “Loser’s Lullaby” and “Aces N’ A- Holes.” Now, they are serving up new cuts from their upcoming album “Atomic Diner.” The evening’s lineup will also feature a menagerie of wild sounds from SHEHEHE, Shantih Shantih and Earl’s Killer Squirrel. Photo/facebook.com/odalysirishpub March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 33 AREA MUSIC LISTINGS MARCH 12 - MARCH 18 Captain’s Table— Jerry Squires, 7p Arron, 7p Top of the Bay— The Blacklist Bayou Boys, 9:30p/// Brasher/Bogue, 10p THUR. MARCH 12 Cockeyed Charlie’s— Shawna P Bill’s by the Beach— Lisa Zanghi, Tropics— Al & Cathy Hangout— Oliver’s Twist, 7p// DJ Bill’s by the Beach— Damien Trio 7p// Mental Extract, 10p Saenger— The Sing Off Live Ellux Furor, 11p Lamb, 5p Felix’s— Blind Dog Mike Blind Mule— Comedy Whatever Soul Kitchen— Shehehe // Shantih Lucky’s Irish Pub— Marcus, 8p Blind Mule— Of Legends and Flora Bama— J. Hawkins & James featuring Billy Wayne Davis, 10p Shantih // The F’n A-Holes // Earl’s Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 5p Liars, 10p Daniel, 1p// John Joiner, Darrel BLUEGILL— Cary Lane, 6p Killer Squirrel, 10p BLUEGILL— Al & Cathy, 6p Roberts, Rock Killough, 2p/// Jack Blues Tavern— Ric McNaughton Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p TUE. MARCH 17 Blues Tavern— 61/49, 8:30p Robertson Show, 5:30p//// Bat, 7p//// Band, 9p BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard, 6p Callaghan’s— Bobby Butchka Dallas Moore Band, 10p//// Smokin’ Callaghan’s— St. Patrick’s Day SUN. MARCH 15 Callaghan’s— Harrison McInnis Captain’s Table— Jerry Squires, 7p Elvis’, 10p//// Kyle Wilson, 10:30p Street Party// DJ Pablo, Drunker Bill’s by the Beach— Mental Band// Peek Cockeyed Charlie’s— Haley Hangout— Rumor Mill, 7p// DJ Shade of Green, Naughty Professor, Extract, 12p Captain’s Table— Jerry Squires, Felix’s— Jerri Ellux Furor, 11p Cardinal Sons, Kansas Bible Company, Blind Mule— Whiskey Bitches 7p Flora Bama— Gove Scrivenor, 3p// Hard Rock (Center Bar)— 11a-11p BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard, 11a Cockeyed Charlie’s— Brandon Bo Roberts, 5p/// J. Hawkins & James Goldy Locks, 9:30p Captain’s Table— Jerry Squires, 7p Blues Tavern— Capt. Jerry, 5p Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Daniel, 5:30p//// Dave & Joe Show, Hard Rock (Live)— Kansas, 8p Cockeyed Charlie’s— Haley Captain’s Table— John Wynn, 11a Flora Bama— Johnny Barbato Trio, 6p//// Mark Sherrill, Chris Newbury, IP Casino— The Temptations & The Felix’s— Grits N Pieces Felix’s— Jimmy Lumpkin 5:30p// Perdido Brothers, 6p/// Hung Mel Knapp, 6p//// Kyle Wilson Band, Four Tops, 8p Flora Bama— John Joiner, Darrel Flora Bama— Beachbillys, 12p// Jury, 9:30p//// Wes Loper & Thomas 10:30p//// Dallas Moore Band, 10:30p Legacy— Cary Lane, 6p// Adam Roberts, Rock Killough, 2p// Wayne Dave & Jee Show, 12p/// Last Honky Jenkins, 10p Hangout— Adam Holt Band, 7p// Holt Band, 8p Mills Tribute, 4p/// Jack Robertson Tonk Music Series, 1p//// Davis Nix Hangout— The Investments, 7p// DJ DJ Sremba, 11p Lulu’s— Honeyboy and Boots, 5p Show, 5:30p//// Jezebel’s Chill’n, 6p//// Band, 5:30p//// Cat Rhoades & The Sremba, 11p Legacy— Ryan Balthrop, 7p McSharry’s— DJ Shadow, 10p Brian Hill Trio, 10p//// Dallas Moore Truth, 6p//// Perdido Brothers, 6p//// Lulu’s— Albert Simpson, 4p Lulu’s— Honeyboy and Boots, 5p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Charlie Band, 10p//// Brasher/Bogue, 10:30p Ryan Conner, 7p//// Wes Loper, McSharry’s— Kyle and Karl, 3p// McSharry’s— Dublin Down, 7:30p Wilson Duo, 6:30p Hangout— Rumor Mill, 7p// DJ Thomas Jenkins, 10p//// Nick & the The Leavin’ Bros, 6:30p Old 27 Grill— Chad Austin Parker, Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Philo, 8p Sremba, 11p Ovorols, 10:30p 6:30p O’Daly’s— Gene Murrell, Tony Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Hangout— Mario Mena Band, 7p// WED. MARCH 18 Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Edwards and David White, 10p Goldy Locks, 9:30p The Perry Wall, 11p BLUEGILL— Ross + 1, 6p Cornbred, 6p Old 27 Grill— Acoustic Punch, Hungry Owl— Bayou Rhythm, 2p Legacy— Rebecca Barry and John Blues Tavern— 61/49, 8p Traders— The Lizards, 7p 6:30p Legacy— David Chastang, 8p Cochran, 11a Bucky’s Birdcage (Grand Soul Kitchen— Flow Tribe, 9:30p Royal Knight— Karaoke w/ Gary Lulu’s— Kyle & Karl, 5p Lulu’s— Greg Brown, 1p Hotel)— Adam Holt Piano Show, 8p Veets— Lisa Mills, 8:30p Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores) — McSharry’s— Tullamore Two, 3p// McSharry’s— Trad Irish Session, 4p Callaghan’s— Deluxe Trio Johnny Barbato, 5p Drunker Shade of Green, 6:30p/// DJ Pinzones— Ross Newell, 5p Captain’s Table— Jerry Squires, FRI. MARCH 13 Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Russell, 10p Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores) — 7p Art Walk (Cathedral Marty McIntosh, 6p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— This Side Soul Food Junkies, 5p Cockeyed Charlie’s— Al & Cathy Square)— Bayou Rhythm, 6:30p Tropics— Fortunate Few Revue of 49, 6:30p Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Felix’s— Corey Rezner Beau Rivage— Santana Saenger— Elvis Costello Old 27 Grill— Christina Christian, Cornbred, 11a Flora Bama— Neil Dover, 3p// Bill’s by the Beach— Sam Glass, 7p Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p 6:30p Soul Kitchen— Leon Bridges, 7p Zach Diedrich, 5:30p/// Smokin’ Elvis’, Blind Mule— Fairest, CALYX and Windmill Market— Jimmy Pirates Cove— Grayson Capps Veets— Brent Loper, 8p 6p//// Brasher/Bogue, 10p//// Wes Satelite Graveyard, 10p Lumpkin, 11a// Ground Level Fall, 6p and The Lost Cause Minstrels, 6p Loper & Thomas Jenkins, 10p BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard, 11a// Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores) — 3 MON. MARCH 16 Hangout— Velcro Pygmies, 7p// DJ Jon Cowart, 6p SAT. MARCH 14 Bean Soup, 5p Felix’s— Tim Kinsey Ellux Fruror, 11p Blues Tavern— Big Al & The American Legion Post— St. Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Flora Bama— Dublin Down, 2p// Legacy— Emily Stuckey, 7p AREA MUSIC LISTINGS Heavyweights, 9p Patty’s Celebration, Karaoke, 2p// Charlie Wilson Duo, 6p Zachary Thomas Diedrich & the Bama Veets— Grits N’ Pieces, 8p

34 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 AREA CLUB LISTINGS [DOWNTOWN] Skyview Lounge Pirate’s Cove [Elberta] Tin Top Atop the Lafayette Plaza Rosie’s Grill and Record Bar www.piratescoveriffraff.com 6232 Bon Secour Hwy. Alchemy Tavern 301 Gov’t St.| 694-0100 [Daphne] 6600 County Rd. 95| 987-1224 alchemy.joltpro.com County Rd. 10 | 251- Soul Kitchen www.rosiesgrill.com Tacky Jacks 7 S. Joachin St. | 441-7741 949-5086 www.soulkitchenmobile.com 1203 U.S. 98|626-2440 www.tackyjacks.com The Blind Mule Touch Down Tavern 219 Dauphin St. |433-5958 Windmill Market [Fairhope] [Orange Beach] 57 N. Claiborne St. | 694-6853 5460 Inn Rd | 662-7543 Spot of Tea’s Jaggers www.windmillmarket.org 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, |981-4144 Boo Radley’s [Saraland] 310 Dauphin St. | 375-6772 85 N. Bancroft St. | 517-5444 [Gulf Shores] VFW Post 7320 www.booradleysmobile.com Studio 5’4 249 E. 24th Ave.| 948-8881 244 Old Telegraph Rd. |679-1188 276 Dauphin St. | 432-1996 216 Dauphin St. | 725-0406 [WESTMOBILE] [Gulf Shores] Whiskey Blues [Theodore] The Bar T.P. Crockmiers All Sports Bar & Grill 1577 Alabama 180|968-8341 5791 Swedetown Rd.|633-1769 352 St. Francis St. | 648-1596 250 Dauphin St. | 476-1890 3408 Pleasant Valley Rd. The Handlebar [Pensacola] Zebra Lounge The Brickyard Veet’s 345-9338 www.handlebarpensacola.com 266 Dauphin St. | 473-4739 2343 Dauphin Island Pkwy. www.veetsbarandgrill.com Billiards Club 319 N. Tarragona St.| 434-9060 Buck’s Pizza 473-2997 66 S. Royal St.| 694-3090 4130 Gov’t Blvd.|447-2132 The Wharf [Orange Beach] www.buckspizza.com Cockeyed Charlies 4985 Wharf Pkwy.| 224-1000 350 Dauphin St. | 431-9444 [CASINOS] [MIDTOWN] 6920 Airport Blvd.|725-1112 Cabo Cantina Beau Rivage [Biloxi] Ashland Midtown Pub Crooked Martini [AROUND AND ABOUT] 225 Dauphin St. | 441-7685 www.beaurivage.com www.ashlandmidtownpub.com www.thecrookedmartini.com Bill and Charlie’s [Theodore] Callaghan’s Irish Social Club 878 Beach Blvd.|228-386-7111 2453 Old Shell Rd.| 479-3278 7639 Cottage Hill Rd. #C |633-5555 11470-B Bellingrath Rd.|973-0388 www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com or 888-595-2534 Blues Tavern Flashback Club Blue Gill Restaurant 916 Charleston St. | 433-9374 www.bluestavern.com 10071 Airport Blvd.| 634-2239 www.bluegillrestaurant.com Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Dauphin St. Blues Company 2818 Gov’t Blvd. |479-7621 Jag’s Sports Bar & Grill 3775 Battleship Pkwy. |625-1998 [Biloxi] & Draft Picks 5602 Old Shell Rd.| 725-1102 Bottoms Up www.hardrockbiloxi.com 564 Dauphin St. | 725-6429 Butch Cassidy’s Cafe Lucky Irish Pub & Grill 2605 Halls Mill Rd. | 287-7781 Firehouse Wine Bar Shop www.butchcassidys.com 777 Beach Blvd. 3692 Airport Blvd.| 414-3000 Briar Patch 216 St. Francis St. | 421-2022 60 N. Florida St. |450-0690 |228-374-ROCK (7625) Mellow Mushroom 9371 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Gabriel’s Downtown Kimberly’s Midtown Bar Harrah’s Hotel & Casino www.mellowmushroom.com 973-1120 55 S. Joachim St. | 432-4900 2660 Old Shell Rd. |478-1477 [New Orleans] 5660 Old Shell Rd. | 380-1500 Burnout’s Bar & Grill [Saraland] The Garage Mellow Mushroom Moe’s Southwest Grill 7151 Hwy 158 W | 679-9255 www.harrahsneworleans.com 9 S. Washington Ave. | 433-2223 www.mellowmushroom.com www.moes.com Celtic Irish Pub [Pascagoula] 228 Poydras St.|504-533-6000 Hayley’s Downtown 2032 Airport Blvd. |471-4700 280 McGregor Ave. S.| 342- 5233 4901 Chicot St. | 228-938-6800 Grand Casino [Biloxi] 278 Dauphin St. | 433-4970 Royal Knight Restaurant Patches Ed’s Seafood Shed www.grandcasinobiloxi.com Joe Cain Café 3004 Gov’t Blvd. |287-1220 5100 Girby Rd.| 661-8028 www.edsshed.com 280 Beach Blvd. 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 Silver Horse Pub Satori Coffee House 3382 Battleship Pkwy. | 625-1947 228-436-2946 Liquid 151 S. Florida St. |478-7030 www.satori-coffee.com Felix’s Fish Camp 661 Dauphin St. | 432-0109 IP Casino Resort & Spa Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 5460 Old Shell Rd. | 344-4575 www.felixsfishcamp.com Loda Bier Garten [Biloxi] 110 S. Florida St.|478-7427 Runway Billards 1530 Battleship Pkwy. |626-6710 251 Dauphin St. | 287-6871 www.ipbiloxi.com 8000 Airport Blvd. | 634-8006 Midnight Rodeo Mobile Civic Center [EASTERN SHORE] The Hungry Owl 7790 Tanner Rd. |639-2222 850 Bayview Ave. www.mobilecivicctr.com Bay House Pub [Daphne] 7899 Cottage Hill | 633-4479 Mississippi Coast Coliseum 800-436-3000 401 Civic Center Dr. | 208-7261 28850 Bayline Dr. | 626-0158 Stir Mobile [Biloxi] Wind Creek Casino O’Daly’s Irish Pub Club 44 [Daphne] 5821 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D | 342-9995 www.mscoastcoliseum.com www.windcreekcasino.com 564 Dauphin St.|725-6429 28850 US 98, #100 | 445-8069 VFW Post 49 2350 Beach Blvd. |228-594-3700 303 Poarch Rd., Atmore OK Bicycle Shop Gumbo Shack 2528 Govt Blvd. | 471-9438 The End Zone Sports Bar 661 Dauphin St. |432-2453 866-946-3360 www.guysgumbo.com [Mt. Vernon] 19170 Hwy 43. Pat’s Downtown Grill 212 Fairhope Ave. | 928-4100 [THE BEACH] 829-9227 271 Dauphin St. | 438-9585 [NEW ORLEANS] McSharry’s [Fairhope] Flora-Bama The Oar House [Dauphin Island]

Riverview Plaza (Fathoms House of Blues AREA CLUB LISTINGS www.mcsharrys.com www.florabama.com 1504 Bienville Blvd.| 861-4800 Lounge) www.houseofblues.com 101N Brancroft St. |990-5100 17401 Perdido Key Dr., Original Oyster House 64 S. Water St.| 438-4000 850-492-0611 225 Decatur St . Moe’s Original BBQ [Daphne] www.theoysterhouse.com Royal Scam |504-310-4999 www.moesoriginalbbq.com The Hangout 3733 Battleship Pkwy. |626-2188 www.royalscammobile.com www.thehangoutal.com 6423 Bayfront Pk Dr.|625-7427 Pelican Pub & Restaurant Howlin’ Wolf 72 S. Royal St.|432-SCAM (7226) 101 Gulf Ct. | 948-3030 Old 27 Grill [Fairhope] [Dauphin Island] www.thehowlinwolf.com/new- Royal Street Tavern Live Bait 19992 Hwy 181 | 281-2663 1102 DeSoto Ave.| 861-7180 orleans 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 www.livebaitrestaurant.com Pelican Reef Restaurant 907 S. Peters St. Saenger Theatre Papa’s Pizza [Daphne] 24281 Perdido Beach Blvd. 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. www.mobilesaenger.com www.papaspizza.com 974-1612 504-522-WOLF (9653) | 973-2670 6 S. Joachim St. |208-5600 28850 US Hwy 98| 626-7662 Lulu’s at Homeport Marina Louisiana Superdome Trader’s Saddle Up Saloon Plow [Fairhope] www.lulubuffett.com www.superdome.com 4015 Battleship Pkwy www.saddleupmobile.com 96 Plantation Pointe| 410-7569 200 E. 25th Ave. 1500 Poydras St. |504-587-366 251-967-LULU 626-5630 9 N Jackson St. 285-4596 Courtyard 311 Tipitina’s Serda’s Coffee Company 311 Fairhope Ave. | 928-2032 Pink Pony Pub [Gulf Shores] The River Shack 501 Napoleon Ave. 6120 Marina Dr. S. www.serdas.com Ravenite Pizzeria [Fairhope] www.pinkponypub.net 504-895-TIPS (8477) 3 S. Royal St. | 415-3000 102 N. Section St. | 929-2525 137 East Gulf Pl. | 978-6371 443-7318

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 35 FILMTHE REEL WORLD No beating around the bush: Whiplash is great BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC | [email protected]

he reason you usually love J.K. Simmons Fletcher’s influence. The definition of “benefit” in everything is that he brings a gruff is what the film explores. Fletcher’s stated goal warmth to his no-nonsense dad types. is to brutally rouse talented musicians from That is not however, the reason he won complacency, and he says “good job” is the most Tan Oscar for his role as sadistic music profes- destructive thing they can hear. sor Fletcher in “Whiplash.” His treatment of his We have the dad’s character to suggest that students goes a few ticks past no-nonsense, and this is not for the best, and we have Andrew’s that gruff warmth is flashed purely as a trap. It character to test the theory. I won’t ruin the takes Simmons as an actor from memorable to rather wonderful ending by telling you the film’s unforgettable. answer, and it’s one to argue over long after the This is a story stripped of any extra baggage. movie ends. It’s a short, taut little movie, any- It is only about a young music student and his Photo/imdb.com way, and you won’t have to wait long. teacher. As a story in which everything except Academy Award winning “Whiplash” ambition must be abandoned, maybe this is French film fest begins March 12 appropriate; the tale is as single minded as its results he gets. The University of South Alabama Department subject. And what a fascinating subject it is, and When he discovers Andrew, he gives him of Foreign Languages and Literatures welcomes how stunningly portrayed. a shot at the big leagues, and soon the young the Tournées Film Festival to campus March Fletcher is a notoriously tough teacher at the drummer is subjected to the same crushing 12-21, 2015. All films are free and open to the public. And each film will be accompanied by a “best music school in the country,” and Miles insults and perfectionism that ostensibly makes lecture or discussion featuring USA Faculty. Teller stars as Andrew, a young but determined the rest of the group great. Rather than running out of the room crying, though, Andrew seems Thursday, March 12: “Of Gods And Men,” 7 student. His face is boyish and blank, but in his p.m. Student Center Ballroom to blossom as a musician, and willingly bleeds social interactions he hints at ruthlessness that Friday, March 13: “The French Minister,” 7 could one day match the level of his mentor. all over everything in pursuit of his goals to be a p.m. Student Center Terrace Room As flashy a role as Simmons had, Teller had truly great musician. Saturday, March 14: “Jimmy P,” 7 p.m. Student a pretty juicy one too. Lots of bleeding and When he runs away, injured, from a car crash Center Ballroom sweating on drums. to make it to a competition, the issue between Thursday, March 19: “Augustine,” 7 p.m. Marx Simmons is pompously muscular and lean, pure drive and self-destruction comes into Library Auditorium dressed habitually in all black. He is a virtuoso question, one Andrew’s concerned father (Paul Friday, March 20: “Grand Illusion,” 7 p.m. Stu- of vicious insults, skillfully weaving personal Reiser) asks. Fletcher works his magic on col- dent Center Ballroom details into his criticism of musical ability. He lege kids, and the line between pushing them and Saturday, March 21: “The Princess of Mont- is the conductor of the conservatory’s highly destroying them is an interesting one. ponsier,” Bertrand Tavernier 7 p.m. Student Center Terrace Room competitive (all-male) studio band, and no one His cruel methods work on the talent in Visit www.southalabama.edu/colleges/art- seems to question his methods because of the Andrew, but it is the young man’s existing anti-social tendencies that also “benefit” from sandsci/frenchfilmfestival/ for more information. NEW IN THEATERS NOW PLAYING

Photo/ imdb.com THE SECOND BEST ExOTIC All listed multiplex theaters. AMERICAN SNIpER MARIgOlD HOTEl FIFTy SHADES OF gREy All listed multiplex theaters. Crescent Theater. All listed All listed multiplex theaters. pADDINgTON multiplex theaters. KINgSMAN: Regal Mobile Stadium 18, CINDERELLA CHAppIE THE SECRET SERvICE A sumptuous live action Eastern Shore Premiere All listed multiplex theaters. All listed multiplex theaters. Cinema 14 fairy tale directed by UNFINISHED BUSINESS JUpITER ASCENDINg THE WEDDINg RINgER Kenneth Brannaugh All listed multiplex theaters. All listed multiplex theaters. Regal Mobile Stadium 18, and starring Lily James FOCUS SEvENTH SON All listed multiplex theaters. All listed multiplex theaters. Eastern Shore Premiere (“Downton Abbey”), THE lAzARUS EFFECT THE SpONgEBOB MOvIE: Cinema 14, Richard Madden (“Game All listed multiplex theaters SpONgE OUT OF WATER Carmike Wharf 15 of Thrones”), and Cate Photos/imdb.com STIll AlICE All listed multiplex theaters. TAKEN 3 Blanchett. It certainly Regal Mobile Stadium 18, BlACK OR WHITE Regal Mobile Stadium 18, looks gorgeous, and it Carmike Jubilee Square, Carmike Wynnsong 16, Cobb Pinnacle 14 RUN ALL NIGHT Carmike Wharf, Eastern Eastern Shore Premiere SElMA will be interesting to see Liam Neeson stars as a Shore Premiere Cinema 14 Cinema 14, Cobb Pinnacle Regal Mobile Stadium 18 how today’s anti-princess mob hitman fleeing the THE DUFF 14, Carmike Wharf 15 BIRDMAN sentiments work with wrath of a vengeful crime All listed multiplex theaters. THE BOy NExT DOOR Carmike Wharf 15 this ultimate princess boss with his estranged HOT TUB TIME Regal Mobile Stadium 18, THE THEORy OF story. All listed multiplex son in tow. All listed mul- MACHINE 2 Carmike Wynnsong 16 EvERyTHINg All listed multiplex theaters. THE IMITATION gAME Carmike Wharf 15 theaters. tiplex theaters. MCFARlAND, USA Carmike Wharf 15

CARMIKE CINEMA’S HOllyWOOD STADIUM 18 CARMIKE CINEMAS EASTERN SHORE pREMIERE Wynnsong 16 1250 Satchel Paige Dr. 23151 Wharf Ln. CINEMA 14 785 Schillinger Rd. S. (251) 473-9655 Orange Beach (251) 981-4444 30500 Alabama 181 #500 (251) 639-7373 Spanish Fort, Al RAvE MOTION pICTURE COBB THEATRES pINNAClE 14 (251) 626-0352 CRESCENT THEATER JUBIlEE SqUARE 12 3780 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf 208 Dauphin Street 6898 U.S. 90 Daphne, Shores Information accurate at press time; please

AREA THEATERS (251) 438-2005 (251) 626- 6266 (251) 968-7444 call theaters for showtimes. 36 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 37 MEDIAMEDIA FRENZY Baykeeper pushing to help stop unwanted Press-Register ad circulars BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

obile Baykeeper has decided to enter the fray in helping resulting in hundreds of likes and comments across numerous pro- prior to the meeting’s start. City Clerk Jamie Abastoflor had asked city residents who want to stop the Press-Register from files. To date, this post is one of our most viewed and has garnered them to move from two chairs they were occupying near the coun- continuing to throw unsolicited bags of advertising the most community interaction since the BP oil spill.” cil podium. When Finch asked why, Abastoflor said they were too circulars in their yards. Circulation information obtained from the Press-Register close and would be able to hear what councilors whispered to one MThe effort was sparked by a Press-Register representative at the shows the company is putting out 210,000 pieces of Gulf Coast another. Abastoflor contended that only things said through the March 3 City Council meeting claiming the company was getting Life each week across Mobile and Baldwin Counties. By zip code microphone were public. far more requests to have the circulars delivered than there were to within the city of Mobile, it can be seen that more affluent areas Despite the apparent concern over council members being have them stopped. Baykeeper Executive Director Casi Callaway generally receive more of the circulars. overheard whispering, the next week WPMI reporter Jasmine took to Facebook asking citizens to post pictures of the bags of For instance, the 36695 zip in West Mobile gets 16,361 pieces Williams was allowed to stand in the same spot and record the Gulf Coast Life circulars, as well as letting them know how often thrown. Spring Hill’s 36608 zip isn’t far behind, with more than meeting. they’ve tried to cancel. 11,000 pieces thrown. By comparison, 36607 has just 2,463 Baykeeper says from the initiation of their efforts last week, thrown, 36602 has 648 and 36603 has 2,312. Cell tower situation ends five posts were made and drew about 12,600 likes and had 122 An ongoing fight between AT&T and the Muir Woods Home- shares straight from their Facebook page. Baykeeper staff estimate Register circulation continues declining owners Association appears to have come to a resolution that will their campaign influenced 328 cancellations of Gulf Coast Life, The latest circulation figures for the Press-Register show the take another 18 months to be realized. although that number comes only from those who publicly an- newspaper continues trending sharply downward. Even though the On March 6, the two groups agreed to work together to co- nounced they had cancelled. latest figures now include distribution from Mississippi — which locate AT&T’s antennas and additional equipment to an existing Baykeeper’s efforts to help citizens who wish to have the at one time was a separate newspaper — the numbers show de- nearby tower located behind the Publix Supermarket off Hillcrest Press-Register stop throwing the circulars in their yards comes as cline. Wednesday’s total circulation is now just over about 49,000. Road. the City Council is still debating a resolution about such adver- Friday’s paper sells just about 48,700 and Sunday is now down to The Homeowners Association petitioned the Mobile City tising. Whether an ordinance is actually passed and whether it 75,056. Council to allow a continuance on the matter until September will exempt the Press-Register from being cited for continuing By comparison, in November 2013 Wednesday circulation 2016 in order to allow both parties to finalize the new site. to throw the circulars is still being worked out between the city’s was listed at 54,400 and Friday was 56,666. That’s roughly a 10 attorneys and attorneys for Alabama Media Group. percent decrease for Wednesday and a 14 percent decrease for Hamming it up But Callaway agrees with Mayor Sandy Stimpson, whose Friday. Sunday’s decrease from 78,600 in November 2013 is Mobile’s amateur radio operators will be dialing up some fun administration has pointed to the circulars as a major source of about 4 percent. April 11 when they host their annual Ham Fest at the Abba Shrine litter in the city and pollution in area waterways. For their part, Center. the Press-Register and AMG have argued throwing the circulars Maybe it’s not too close after all… There will be radio equipment vendors from around the region, unsolicited into area yards is protected by the First Amendment A week after a Lagniappe reporter and a Press-Register re- along with local enthusiasts, will be selling new and used equip- and have threatened to sue if the city attempts to stop the practice. porter were both tossed from a Bayou la Batre work session after ment. Also, local Boy Scouts will be there with an amateur radio “Anything you throw on the ground ends up in a river, creek, questioning why they were being forced to move from two seats station demonstration. waterway and then ultimately the Bay. Baykeeper developed the near the City Council podium, a television reporter was allowed to The event takes place at 7701 Hitt Road, and admission is ‘Cancel the plastic bag of ads?’ to raise awareness of the litter stand in the same spot and record. $5, and children 12 and under are admitted free. Military, civil issue that unused Gulf Coast Life handbills add around Mobile Lagniappe reporter Jason Johnson and P-R reporter Michael servants and scouts in uniform will be admitted free. Bay,” Callaway said. “Our ‘Cancel the plastic bag of ads?’ ban- Finch were both escorted out of the meeting by a Bayou la Batre License testing will begin at 9 a.m. for those wishing to be- ner has received more than 100 shares from our Facebook page, police officer after Mayor Brett Dungan ordered them removed come a ham radio operator.

38 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Go back 4. Silly 8. Honoree’s place 12. ___ Bo 13. Drachma replacer 14. ___ buco 15. D.J.’s stack 16. Word on a gift tag 17. Storage site 18. Atlas, for one 20. Assail 21. Drive away 23. Not adventurous 25. Dots on a map 27. Test the water? 28. Farm butter 31. Ketchikan is there 33. One of the Gorgons 35. Become cohesive 36. Annoy 38. Trash collectors? 39. Let out or take in 41. Fairy tale frog trans- former 42. Whimsical 4. Nimble-fingered 28. Cud-chewing ani- 45. Aloft 5. Glows mal 47. Early Hitchcock 6. Weather system 29. Nile snakes movie borders 30. Body measurement 48. Inside stuff, briefly 7. Barnyard male 32. Creative endeavor 49. Bat wood 8. Treated with tablets 34. Ellington of jazz 52. ___ and anon 9. Sale sign 37. Bit of truth? 53. Tumbled 10. Bermuda, e.g. 39. All-points bulletin 54. Born in Burgundy? 11. Lampblack 40. Biathlete’s need 55. Left 19. They have their 42. Attracted 56. Luge, for example pluses and minuses 43. Wander 57. Basker’s hue 20. Human being, foot- 44. Dentist’s instruction wise 46. Convinced DOWN 21. Bachelor party 48. Qualifiers 22. Financial predica- 50. Swell place 1. And so on ment 51. House sitter? 2. No longer edible 24. Align the crosshairs 3. Presentation 26. Technique

Answers on PAge 46

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 39 SPORTSUPON FURTHER REVIEW Bishop State achieves longtime dream with baseball/softball complex BY J, MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER | [email protected] | Twitter @goulaguy

“If you build it, they will come” is not a just a line from a movie. mitted that most community college teams play during the daytime. not be reached for comment. The next home game for the Lady For many years, it was the mantra of James Lowe Jr., Bishop State Although Johnston is not a Gulf Coast native, he has spent a good Wildcats will be a doubleheader with Wallace Community College- Community College’s president. part of his life here. He was recruited while playing high school ball Dothan on March 17 at 1 p.m. The school administrator, who passed away Feb. 18, was given in Michigan in the mid-1970s. the helm in 2008 after several financial and staffing scandals rocked “They asked if I wanted to play in Mobile,” he said. “I asked if College honors the Mobile school. Among his initial moves was to hire Mark John- the weather was warm and we could play all year. They told me, — The University of Mobile had several basketball players hon- ston as the school’s baseball coach. ‘yes.’ ored by the Southern States Athletic Conference. Earning second- “Having our own baseball and softball fields has been a dream of “When I arrived, I saw someone putting tape on a window. When team honors for the women was Kali Koenig and for the men was this school for 25 years,” said Johnston, who was a first-team All- I asked why, they said it was for the hurricane. I looked at them and Daouda Soumaoroa. Named to the all-freshman team was James American outfielder while playing for the legendary Eddie Stanky at said, ‘What’s a hurricane?’” Davis, a Faith Academy graduate. Koenig was also on the SSAC all- the University of South Alabama. “When Dr. Lowe came aboard, it Johnston weathered the storm and had a tremendous career for academic roster, with teammate Laura Beth Wright. The Lady Rams’ got more serious.” the Jaguars. He ended being a third round draft choice of the New Champions of Character representative was Michelle Swopes. Construction, though, did not immediately begin. The Wildcats York Yankees. After playing several seasons in the minor leagues — University of South Alabama freshman Devin Brown has have been forced to play “home” games at Hank Aaron Stadium and and overseas, he became a hitting coach for a Chicago Cubs farm been named the Sun Belt Conference’s Softball Pitcher of the Week on the campuses of the University of South Alabama, University of club. Then he got a chance to return to Mobile. for a second time. She is 7-2 on the season, with a 1.88 earned run Mobile and Spring Hill College. Johnston believes the new facility will give his baseball program average and 123 strikeouts in 67 innings. “It has been challenging, but the other teams have been very kind a boost. He has been recruiting a lot of his players from Louisiana — Adam Ballew, an outfielder for the Jaguars, earned the SBC to us,” Johnston said. “In the meantime, we got to play on some and Florida, but he really wants to start going after local athletes. Baseball Player of the Week honors in baseball. In a five-game really nice fields.” “This field is our crown jewel,” he said. “It is going to be a great stretch, he went 8-for-18 with a double, a triple and 10 runs bat- With the plans laid out, assistant coach David Pugh and some of park. I really think it will be one of the better fields in our confer- ted in. his friends — most notably Jim Brooks and Lane Brayko — came ence. After we add locker rooms and offices, we really hope it will — In tennis, USA swept the conference’s Athlete of the Week aboard to help. Over the last five years with the use of borrowed draw the kids in.” awards. Senior Daniel Leitner won the honor for the fifth time in his equipment, more than 150 trees have been removed from a section The next action at the baseball field will be a South Division career, while sophomore Monica Mitta of Fairhope was named for of Bishop State’s Southwest Campus on Dauphin Island Parkway. doubleheader on Saturday, March 14, at noon against Jefferson the first time. The cleared grounds were then leveled to place down baseball and Davis Community College. A dedication of the baseball and softball — Joe Niland, the men’s basketball coach at the University of softball fields. facility will take place in April. Mobile, recorded a milestone career win recently during an 88-75 The facility was not quite ready to open the 2015 season. Having Johnston said his greatest regret is not having Lowe around to victory over Coastal Georgia. In his 16th season with the Rams, he to start on the road, the Wildcats dropped their first seven outings. enjoy the facility. has gone 300-204. He is the school’s all-time leader in wins. However, Bishop State has since managed to split four straight “Dr. Lowe was very proud of how it turned out,” he said. “It is — Karen Curtis McConico, the women’s basketball coach at doubleheaders at its new park. so disappointing that he passed away so soon. We would not have Spring Hill College, has been selected for induction into the High “It is a whole lot better to have our own field,” said Johnston, all this today without Dr. Lowe, Bonita Allen (dean of Business and Point University Athletic Hall of Fame. McConico, in her fourth who also has Randall Dover as an assistant coach. “We still have to Finance) and Tim Broughton (athletic director). We would never season with the Lady Badgers, holds numerous High Point’s get bleachers and a scoreboard in.” have had the funding without their support.” records in scoring and assists. She was a two-time Kodak All- While lights for night games remain in future plans, Johnston ad- Angelo Archible, the coach of the women’s softball team, could American performer.

40 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 SPORTSFEATURE McCarron, cleared from injury, looks to future as NFL starter BY TOMMY HICKS/CONTRIBUTING WRITER ne by one they lined up, patiently wait- mechanics. ing their time to shake hands, get an “Mr. Tom is one of the smartest individuals autograph and take a photo with former I’ve ever been around when it comes to mechan- Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron. ics and knowing the throwing motion,” McCar- OEach person received a greeting and a warm ron said. “They worked with me for a week and smile from the former St. Paul’s all-state football it has helped my mechanics and I’m excited to and baseball player and McCarron seemed to be get back and throw the football. having as much fun as those who had come to “I just want to stay consistent and keep work- The Hank to see him. ing on my mechanics. That was the biggest thing “I can always remember my time growing up. for me when I was (in California), learning a I remember going to see (former NBA all-star) new way. It’s hard to do that in one week, but I Allen Iverson – [the Philadelphia 76ers] played was able to achieve that. That hardest thing is be- down in New Orleans and Allen Iverson was my ing able to keep the new way without them being favorite player when I was growing up. I stood there every day and reverting back to your old outside in the garage and waited on him. He ways. That’s why I flew David Morris out there came by and told me ‘No autographs.’ I always with me so he could watch everything and film try to remember that moment and never let a it, so when I come back I’m not just relying on younger kid have that moment in his life.” myself to remember what all they taught me and No one was turned away Friday night as Mc- he can help me through the process.” Carron took part in a meet-and-greet with fans McCarron said House’s teachings go against and threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to what most quarterbacks are taught growing up as the first of a three-game series between Alabama to the proper way to throw. and Lipscomb. His brother Corey, who showed “He’s coached some of the best – Nolan up after the pitch, jabbed at McCarron, saying Ryan, Randy Johnson, Mark Prior – some of the he heard the throw missed the strike zone. “It best pitchers of all time. I’ve really learned a lot was a strike,” AJ protested. “I painted the outside from him.” corner.” While he supports Dalton as the Bengals’ A strike or a ball, McCarron, without benefit starter, McCarron – who won the Maxwell of any warm-up pitches, delivered the throw with Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm effortless ease, which is important. McCarron Award his senior season at Alabama – is working was forced to the Cincinnati Bengals’ sideline each day to prepare himself to move into the No. most of last season – his first in the NFL – be- 2 spot and to be ready to play when and if the cause of a shoulder injury in his right throwing opportunity arrives. arm. He started the year on the reserve/non- “My job is to support Andy. He’s the starting football injury list. He wasn’t cleared to practice quarterback and he’s one of my good friends. until Nov. 19 and wasn’t placed on the active I look up to him and he’s like a big brother. I roster until Dec. 9. always text him and remind him how much he Like those who waited to visit with him Fri- helped me through my first year and I never day night, McCarron displayed patience, and he want any controversy. I want us both to go out continues to do so as he trains for the upcoming and compete and try to make each other better. season. Former TCU star Andy Dalton is the It’s my job to support him and try to help him in Bengals’ starting quarterback and former Auburn whatever way I can. Good comments from coach standout Jason Campbell is the team’s backup. (Marvin Lewis) are very exciting, but Andy’s Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis made it clear still the starter and I’m looking forward to work- recently there is no quarterback race or contro- ing my way and hopefully getting there one day.” versy, that Dalton is the starter, and McCarron The offseason has allowed McCarron the said that’s the way it should be. opportunity to work on his game – he gets in “I don’t know about the future. I just know a practice session most every day, he said – as I’m trying to work and I’m finally healthy,” he well as spends time with family and friends here said. “I know I’m better now than I’ve ever been in Mobile. He said he and his wife, Katherine arm-wise. I’m just excited to get back playing Webb, have built a house in Mobile during the football and showing the coaches what I can do. offseason. McCarron has also found time to They have yet to really see me healthy the whole assist with several charities and other organiza- time, especially my teammates. I’m just ready to tions. He spoke to the Baker High School foot- get back to work and get back up to Cincinnati ball team and Friday night, taped messages for and get to work. the Children’s Miracle Network and spent time “It’s always different because I’ve started so with young patients at area hospitals. many games, but I sat for two years (at Alabama) Again, he is pushed into taking on such before I ever got to play behind Greg (McElroy). projects, McCarron said, based on things he has It’s just a role you have to go through; you have encountered in his own life. to wait your time. (Green Bay Packers quarter- “That’s what means the most to me. If people back) Aaron Rodgers sat for four years. It’s part don’t help those kids and those organizations and of the process. I’d rather sit there and learn rather all the hospitals, that hurts the kids in the end,” than playing on a team and getting my brains he said. “I was one of those kids at a point in my beat in and losing every game and having to life back in the day. I know how much they need learn that way.” it and how much people donating and always In an effort to make progress and keep his putting their name out there in public will help shoulder healthy, McCarron and his long-time those kids in the long run. My mom (Dee Dee coach David Morris, the former Ole Miss player McCarron) has done a great job of teaching me who created QB Country, a training facility for throughout my life the right ways and it’s really quarterbacks, recently traveled to California to paid off. Me and my wife and my family, we visit with Tom House, who helps quarterbacks love giving back because we’ve been so blessed and baseball players with proper throwing and it’s nice to bless others.”

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 41 C O E March 12 SPCA Spay-Ghetti Dinner please call 251-471-6364. and neglect through education, Vision Rehab: Stars Fell on The seventh annual Spay-Ghetti training and support. Teen Tech Tutor Program Alabama Dinner will be held at Our Savior March 14 The Baldwin County Library Community Services for Vision Catholic Church (1801 Cody Smocking Arts Guild of America Mobile Historic Homes Tour Cooperative (BCLC) recently Rehabilitation (CSVR) is hosting Road), starting at 5 p.m. Proceeds Fashion Show Our doors open for Mobile’s implemented a Teen Tech Tutor a fundraiser to purchase more benefit the MSPCA Spay/Neuter Smocking Arts Guild of America, 46th annual spring pilgrimage. program at the Robertsdale educational equipment. The event Program. Tickets are just $10. Azalea City Chapter, will hold Tour architecturally significant Library, 18301 Pennsylvania is called “A Vanity Affair: Stars Eat-in or carry out! For more their annual fashion show and properties in the Spring Hill St., Robertsdale. This program Fell on Alabama.” It will be held information call 251-633-3531 or silent auction at 10 a.m. at the Neighborhood. Tour tickets are is designed to match high 6:30-9 p.m. at Byrne Hall on the visit MobileSPCA.org. Marriott hotel. Tickets are $25, $25 in advance and $30 day of. school age students with strong campus of Spring Hill College with which includes lunch. This event The tour will be March 13 & 14, technological skills with adults and a silent auction and wine tasting. Government Street Forum helps support needle arts and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets available seniors who are unfamiliar with Tickets are only $50 and may be Join the Government Street the local Wee Care Program. for purchase on-line at www. basic laptop computer technology. purchased online at csvrlowvision. Presbyterian Church for lunch Members smock, embroider, historicmobiletour.com. Presented The program is available Monday org. For more information call 251- and a speaker every Thursday and sew gowns, caps, bonnets, by Historic Mobile Preservation through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 476-4744. through March 26. The speaker and blankets and donate them Society. For more information, 4:30 p.m. and is free of charge. An this week will be Martha Peek, to local hospitals for babies who contact 251-432-6161 or email appointment is required and can Friends of the MPL Spring superintendent, Mobile County are stillborn or pass away shortly [email protected] be made by calling the library at Luncheon school system. The lunch and after birth. This year’s recipient 251-970-4010. Author Laura McNeill, writing forum is held in the church’s is The Mobile Infirmary. For more Village of Springhill Art as Lauren Clark, will speak at Fellowship Hall at the Jackson information call 251-479-8811. Showcase March 17 Friends of the Mobile Public Street entrance on Government The Spring Hill Merchants Top Cats Toastmasters Library Spring Luncheon, Mobile and Jackson streets. Lunch is Cinderella Association “Art Showcase” is Are you terrified at the idea of Marriott, 3101 Airport Blvd. Meet served at noon and costs $10, Don’t miss Winthrop Corey’s scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. public speaking? We were. We author at 11 a.m., lunch at noon. which includes tea, coffee and humorous telling of the classic The Art Showcase will feature local got over it. Top Cats Toastmasters Cash bar and door prizes. $45 per dessert. There is no charge to Cinderella story! Starring Raul artist with their artwork on display invites you to join us. We meet person. Contact Bettina Prager attend the forum. For information, Peinado, Lauren Woods, Noel in front of Spring Hill Merchants every Monday from noon to 1 at [email protected] or call the church office at 251-432- Hanley and the Mobile Ballet storefronts. Enjoy refreshments p.m. at the Red Lobster located Amber Guy at 251-208-7902 for 1749. Company’s Lauren Woods and as you stroll the Village while near the southeast corner of reservations or more information. Noel Hanley, Principal dancers, viewing various forms of art Airport Boulevard and Azalea March 13 in lead roles. Mobile Civic Center. from canvas to glass art. Art is Road in Mobile. You can practice Cheap Chic Boutique for Our Tee Off for a Cure Tickets start at $20 plus discounts! available to purchase. Free to the your speaking and listening skills Sisters Closet Benefiting patients and cancer For Tickets and more information public. For additional information and learn to think on your feet in Shop spring fashion essentials research at Children’s of Alabama. visit: www.mobileballet.org like the “Spring Hill Merchants a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. including prom gowns & Easter Admission to Friday’s pre-party Association” at facebook.com/ Dues are $43 twice a year, dresses/suits to support a good is complimentary to participating Callaghan’s St. Patrick’s Street springhillmerchantsassociation. and lunch must be purchased. cause. Friday, March 13, from golfers, donors, sponsors, Party Toastmasters International is an

EVENTS | M ARCH 12, 2015 - 18, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday, volunteers and their guests. Toss back a couple of green Mobile Mystery Dinner international organization. For March 14, from 9 a.m. until 3 Admission for all other attendees is beers with 1,000 of your nearest The Case of the Maple Tree further information, contact 251- p.m. Sisters of Mercy Building, $25 per person and includes heavy and dearest friends and family Murder! Join the Mobile 344-2938.

OF St. Mary Campus, 1452 Old Shell hors d’oeuvres and beverages members while listening to Mystery Dinners for their next Road, across from McGill-Toolen provided by the Wash House. live music from Cardinal Sons, performance at Carnival Museum, March 18 High School. Call 251-423- Saturday’s golf tournament will Naughty Professor and Kansas 355 Government St. Advance State of the City and County 2001, www.OurSistersCloset. begin at 9 a.m. with a shotgun Bible Company at Callaghan’s reservations are required, to make Address org, OurSistersCloset@comcast. start and a four-man scramble St. Paddy’s Day Block Party. reservations call 251-865-7398. State of the City and County net. Proceeds provide job search format. For more details or to Callaghan’s is located at Tickets are $59 and include dinner Address. City of Mobile Mayor training and resources for in-crisis register for the golf tournament 916 Charleston St. For more and unlimited wine the fun begins Sandy Stimpson and Mobile job seekers. contact Kerrie Benson, Children’s information call 251-433-9374. at 7 p.m. County Commission President development associate, at 251- Connie Hudson Chamber ALENDAR Tune In! Dinner and Presentation 610-4969, or visit give.childrensal. Adopt Me, I’m Irish! March 15 President & CEO Bill Sisson will

C for Adults org/teeoff. “Adopt Me, I’m Irish” Pet Mobile Boat Show give a state of the city, county Motivational speaker Romal Adoptions at Petsmart at the The Mobile Boat Show brings you and economic development Tune of www.RomalTune.com is Spring Tea at the Bragg-Mitchell Eastern Shore Shopping Plaza. the biggest selection of boats, address. starting at noon to 1:30 coming to Mobile March 11-12 for An afternoon tea and tour of the From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adoption motors, trailers, kayaks, tackle p.m. at Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile two community events to bring mansion will be from 1 to 4 p.m. fees are reduced to $50 for dogs and many other boat and fishing Convention Center, Main Ballroom. a message of hope and positive In lavish Southern style, this event (usually $90) and $25 for cats related items on the Gulf Coast! decision-making. Dinner and will offer delicious treats in a (usually $65). Hosted at the Mobile Convention Lenten Music Series presentation for adults, featuring setting reminiscent of days gone Center. Visit gulfcoastshows.com Lenten noonday concerts are 30 Romal Tune at St. Paul’s Episcopal by. An informal tour of the mansion Luck of the Irish Cook-Off for more information. minutes, followed by a luncheon Church. The event is free and open will follow. Our gift shop will be Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with in the Chapter House. An $8 to parents, teachers, community open for visitors to stock up on the 14th Annual Luck of the Irish March 16 donation is suggested. This leaders, and anyone who cares unique gifts. Admission for this Cook off put on by the Exchange Mobile Area Chamber Forum concert features performances about the future of young people. fundraiser event is $12 for adults Club of Mobile to benefit The Sen. Richard Shelby will discuss from Belle Voce, the ever-popular For questions or more information and $8 for children 12 years and Family Center of Mobile in Bienville pressing issues such as national “premier” women’s chorus of contact Jan Bailey at 251-378- younger, and includes a tour of the Square from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. security, taxes, government Mobile. Engaging and innovative, 7549 or jbailey@dauphinwayumc. mansion. All proceeds from this Admission is free for children 12 spending and regulatory reforms this group of ladies is sure to org or Lydia Johnson at 251-342- event help support the continued and under. Gate admission is $15. Mobile Area Chamber’s Forum delight and inspire. The series are 8522 or [email protected]. preservation and operation of the All proceeds benefit The Family Alabama at 7:30 a.m. at The Battle held at Christ Church Cathedral, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion at 1906 Center, which helps strengthen House Renaissance Mobile Hotel 115 S. Conception St. For more Springhill Ave. For questions families and prevent child abuse & Spa, Moonlight Ballroom. information call 251-438-1822.

42 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 THE LOADED QUESTION WHAT BRINGS yOu LuCK? OR WHAT IS yOuR LuCKy CHARM? ASKED @ O’DALy’S

A shamrock necklace with 13 in it (my first ice hockey number) I always lost it but managed to find it. -Kyle

I have a little angel baby and I’ve had it for about two years, it seems to bring me luck. -Kalyn

I was a baseball player so I’m superstitious. If my dog falls asleep on my right I move him to my left. I always seem to have a better day when he sleeps on my left. -Josh

March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 43 STYLEPORT CITY PREMONITIONS Taurus and Aquarius feign death for T&A BY DR. ZODIAC/ASTROLOGY GUY Pisces (2/19 - 3/20) — Inspired by the 50th jail without bond while awaiting trial. You’ll hear the dress is actually purple and green. You’ll mar- normally be an intense but ultimately safe expres- anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma but disen- great stories in the clink and become somewhat ket a scientific study called “Pure Imagination,” sion of your inner angst soon becomes the fight of chanted with the Alabama Attorney General’s fight fearful for your life, when you tell fellow inmates and your campaign, quickly garnering national at- your life, as the office furniture assumes its final against gay marriage, you intend to lead an equally how you ended up behind bars. Unfortunately, tention on Twitter, will earn you more money than form and challenges you in combat. An unlikely poignant march from Mobile to Montgomery, stealing a golf cart and smoothie while being you know what to do with. But before you can master of jiu jitsu, Cubie — as you’ve grown to beginning at the Dolly Parton Bridge. You will be entranced by a video game is not the type of crime take it to the bank, a lawyer for Willy Wonka will know him — holds his own for a few rounds but stopped in the cleavage by Alabama State Troop- that earns jailhouse respect. At the same time, hit you with a lawsuit for stealing the copyrighted ultimately perishes at your superior hand. A single ers — not to discourage your effort, but because you’ll begin jonesing for a way to scratch the phrase. At least you’ll be awarded a coveted ever- tear rolls down your face as you send his remains you are a legitimate traffic hazard. All is not lost virtual itch. You’ll begin to reassess your life deci- lasting gobstopper. out to sea on a flaming, paper boat. however, as busloads of elderly tourists headed for sions, locked away from society. the Indian casinos stop in solidarity and a massive Libra (9/23 - 10/22) — After hearing several Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19) — You’ll get invited dance party breaks out on the left breast. Cancer (6/21 - 7/22) — The day after your members of your favorite SEC football team were to a reunion for your old college fraternity Kappa episode of “Ghost Hunters” airs you’ll get a call attacked during a high-profile rap concert at an Kappa Kappa this week. With fraternal organiza- Aries (3/21 - 4/19) — Eager to help out with from a producer who wants you and Richard Stain infamous spring break location, you’ll become tions getting bad press in the national news, it’ll be the police chief’s new tactics against crime, you to star in your own reality series. Excited by the outraged. Unable to sit idly by and allow such construct riot gear out of cardboard and begin news, you’ll tell Richard about the opportunity, but despicable behavior, you’ll develop a scheme to a good time to catch up with the boys and discuss storming your neighbors’ homes. Turning the he’ll decline and accuse you of taking advantage seek revenge. The plan, consisting of several pit how to protect the brand and its public image. As places upside down in search of illicit narcot- of him because he’s emotionally challenged. He’ll bulls disguised as bulldogs, will seem like a genius you and other wealthy anglo saxons from larger ics and contraband, you are disappointed when get a group of the undead together to protest the idea, but before you can unleash the beasts, the ca- metropolitan cities in Alabama work to find a way lab results reveal that powder you thought was production company and you’ll continue to be job- nines will turn on you and run away to Tuscaloosa, to outwardly express your inner commitment to cocaine was just confectioner’s sugar and those less. This will further strain your relationship with where they track down a head coach’s daughter diversity and inclusivity, the thought will cross flakes you were sure were crack were just shavings your ghoulish friend. known for other alleged brutal attacks. RTR! your mind that — barring some significant and from homemade candles. Undeterred, you present fundamental changes — this might be an uphill the evidence to a grand jury who returns promptly Leo (7/23 - 8/23) — A mysterious message on Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21) — Almost a whole battle. with an indictment: your neighbors are lame. social media will leave you paranoid this week. week after recovering from the “Spring Forward” The message, containing only the acronym “ISIS,” fiasco, you’ll still be getting to work behind sched- Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18) — With Spring Break Taurus (4/20 - 5/20) — You’ll take your Bible will rub you the wrong way, and you’ll immedi- ule. When you’re fired for repeated truancy, you’ll 2015 in full effect, you head to the beach to get study a bit too far, when you get drunk on Jesus ately jump to the conclusion that Jihadi John has do the only rational thing and aggressively blame your game on. Unbeknownst to you, the game has juice and attempt to walk on water, like your Lord tracked you down. Naturally, you’ll want to keep Germany — a country whose people developed changed considerably since you last played, and and savior. It obviously goes poorly, but you’ll your head, so you’ll alert a national conservative the concept of daylight savings. Too cheap to fly, the opposite sex is not drawn in as you sit in the be saved by a pair of bikini-clad co-eds on spring news outlet. Surprisingly, they’ll laugh in your you’ll take your rage to LoDa Bier Garten and sand reading a Jack Kerouac book and listening to break, so it won’t be all bad. You’ll pretend to be face instead of stirring up their usual one-sided stand on Joachim Street hurling sausages at the Sleater-Kinney on a portable CD player. Taking unconscious in hopes they’ll give you mouth-to- garbage. Instead of giving up your first born window shouting “give my hour back, Krauts” a cue from Taurus, you mock drown in the Gulf, mouth, but instead they’ll enlist the help of the daughter, you’ll just join ISIS instead. Your lucky until you’re ultimately arrested and charged with hoping you’ll at least get some CPR action. But burly lifeguard on duty. You’ll quickly jump to charm this month is a black ski mask. disturbing the peace. CPR has also changed, and as a beautiful hero your feet in a demonstration of good health. You pulls you from the water, they break several of decide to lay off the wine for a while. Virgo (8/24 - 9/22) — While still debating Sagittarius (11/21 - 12/22) — Workplace anger your ribs performing chest compressions in lieu of will get the best of you, and you’ll begin aggres- whether #TheDress is white and gold or black and mouth-to-mouth. Gemini (5/21 - 6/21) — You’ll be stuck in blue, you’ll start a GoFundMe account to prove sively punching your padded cubicle. What would

44 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 45 STYLEMOBILE MAGNIFIED Oh geez! Don’t touch our trees BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY h my goodness! As Phil Collins would say, I can feel it of over-reacting and being inhospitable, causing all kinds of drama (spring) coming in the air tonight, oh lawd. Or something on their neighborhood Facebook page. like that. Even though the weather has been wet and weird The Boozester is no tree expert, but I am pretty sure I am not and sometimes, unlike Phil, jackets have still been required going out on a limb here to say this was definitely handled very O(who gets that reference?), the time change always puts a little pep poorly by the “branch” of city government or department who ap- in my step, well once I get adjusted to it. But apparently, it has put proved this contest. A little communication to the residents would some pep in your steps too, as I have heard tales of rare Lenten have cleared much of this up. misbehavior and we haven’t even gotten to St. Patrick’s Day yet. But also, it may suggest social media is perhaps not the best Yippee! way to have a discussion with your neighbors. It just gets too heat- ed and people bark at each other. Grab a bottle of wine and walk Arboreal showdown in the OGD outside and have a nice conversation face to face. Maybe even One of my favorite lines in local filmmaker Margaret Brown’s bring a nice foie gras. That way, no one’s feelings will get hurt and documentary “Order of Myths,” which takes a look at our segre- everyone’s roots will want to stay firmly planted in your hood. (I’m gated Mardi Gras, didn’t have anything to do with Mardi Gras or sorry about the tree references; I just couldn’t resist.) segregation, but rather our oak trees. I can’t remember who said it but some local said something to the effect of “we aren’t exactly Robert Earl Keen quite the scene Druids, but we love our trees.” Robert Earl keen played at the Saenger Friday night, March 6 That has never been as obvious as it was last week when an to about 700 people. We hear it was a real lively atmosphere and extreme lack of communication led to an arboreal showdown in the there were some people there who were obviously having a good Photo/Boozie Spy OGD. time, including one gentleman who was somehow able to wander Leave our trees alone! Apparently a group of “world class” arborists were in town for a backstage. Thankfully, he was just directed to leave rather than get- convention and had a tree climbing contest planned in Washington ting the Afroman concert treatment for entering a space he wasn’t Square, which required them to do a little trimming beforehand. supposed to be in. worthy charity. My spies said the one dude even won a door prize, Few of the Oakleigh residents were privy to this and it appeared to After the show, we hear all kinds of drunken debauchery was a gift certificate to Sadie’s, a women’s boutique in Fairhope. An- them like a utility company was just butchering their oaks. displayed up and down Dauphin Street, more than usual. See, I other spy said she did notice one funny Facebook post during the Calls were made to local officials and media and eventually the knew you kids wouldn’t be able to behave for all of Lent. event that read, “if you are a guy come to Moe’s Downtown, 150 arborists were stopped from having their contest in Oakleigh and tipsy ladies will be hanging out.” sent downtown to Bienville Square to have their fun. The “experts” Brunch and Brushes After the event was over, many of these tipsy ladies headed over were upset saying they had made the trees healthier and performed Last Sunday, there was a fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s to the Garage for their first Sunday crawfish boil of the season. Oh thousands of dollars of free tree work for the neighborhood. Hosptial at Moe’s BBQ Downtown where over a hundred ladies yes! It’s that time of year again. The residents who were key in getting it stopped still said these and one dude came to paint their own magnificent works of ab- people were harming the oaks, despite their claims. But when a lo- stract art. My personal favorites were one known as “Equality” and Well kids, that’s all I have this week. Just remember, whether cal gardening expert weighed in saying these guys were legit, some another known as “Freedom.” rain or shine, dramatic or scandalous, or some plain ol’ tree lovin’, of the other residents began accusing the tree-defending residents We hear it was a fabulous time and a huge success for this very I will be there. Ciao!

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS F U T U R E S H O C K FROM PAGE 39

46 | LAGNIAPPE | March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 March 12, 2015 - March 18, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 47