Economic Assessment Shows Bayfest As a ‘Tourism Engine’ by JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

Economic Assessment Shows Bayfest As a ‘Tourism Engine’ by JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | Jason@Lagniappemobile.Com

2 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 WEEKLY LAGNIAPPE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• June 19, 2014 – June 25, 2014 | www.lagniappemobile.com

Ashley Trice BAY BRIEFS Co-publisher/Editor The Crescent Theater’s benefactors are [email protected] looking for supporting patrons. Rob Holbert Co-publisher/Managing Editor 6 [email protected] Steve Hall COMMENTARY Marketing/Sales Director Some questions will never be answered. [email protected] Ashley explains why the Hangout Festival Gabriel Tynes extension is a no brainer. Assistant Managing Editor 12 [email protected] CUISINE Dale Liesch Reporter The scuffle about truffles: [email protected] The diamond of the Jason Johnson culinary world. Reporter 18 [email protected] Kevin Lee Associate Editor/Arts Editor [email protected]

Andy MacDonald CONTENTS Cuisine Editor [email protected] Stephen Centanni Music Editor [email protected] J. Mark Bryant BUSINESS Sports Writer With storefronts in Robertsdale and [email protected] Saraland, Lickin Good Doughnuts is Daniel Anderson expanding locally. Chief Photographer 22 [email protected] Laura Rasmussen Art Director COVER www.laurarasmussen.com Lagniappe speaks with Brooke Wilder former commissioners Advertising Sales Executive and directors of the [email protected] 24 Mobile Area Water and Leigh Wright Advertising Sales Executive Sewer System, who talk [email protected] about the Board’s role at Beth Williams the utility. Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] Jeff Winter Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] Melissa Schwarz ARTS Editorial Assistant Following up with recent stories about [email protected] potential art plagiarism and the scrutiny Alyson Stokes Web & Social Media Manager 27 of a proposed light show. [email protected] Contributors: Asia Frey • Brian Holbert MUSIC Jeff Poor • Ron Sivak The Ben Walls Memorial Susan Larsson • Kelsey Davis Jam Session June 22 at The Garage remembers For Music Listings & Events Calender a downtown staple Email your info to Melissa at: [email protected] & while raising money for [email protected] a good cause. Lagniappe is published every Thursday, 52 issues a year by SOMETHING EXTRA PUBLISH- ING, INC. Business offices are located at 1102- A Dauphin Street and mailing address is P.O. Box 3003, Mobile AL 36652-3003. Telephone (251)450-4466. Email editor@lagniappemobile. com. Reproduction in whole or in part without express, written approval of the publisher is prohibited. Individual readers may take one 30 copy of the publication. After that, papers are $2 per copy. Removal of more than one copy from any distribution point constitutes theft. FILM Violators are subject to prosecution. All letters sent to Lagniappe will be treated as intended There are riveting moments in the for publication. Publishing history: Lagniappe was first published bi-weekly otherwise lengthy ‘WikiLeaks’ drama. July 24, 2002. 36 On the Cover: “MAWSS Commissioner Sam Jones” By Dan Anderson SPORTS Volume 12 Issue 18 Mississippi State and Troy are two Help support Lagniappe highlights on South Alabama’s 2014 Weekly by becoming a 40 home football schedule. “Friend with Benefits.” Scan this code for more info: MEDIA Why Sam Jones should talk to 42 Lagniappe STYLE One of RuPaul’s queens spotted out on The Loop, and a porn star/ 46 gubernatorial candidate is coming to town. LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 3 MPD officer reinstated after demotion

BY ALYSON STOKES/REPORTER | [email protected]

The Mobile County Personnel Board reinstat- of failing to provide proper supervision. As a ed Mobile Police Department Sergeant Ronald result, he was reassigned and demoted. Brown to his former position as lieutenant at an “He’s served his time, and the chief felt it appeal June 12. was an appropriate time,” MPD Attorney Wanda Lt. Brown was reassigned and demoted Rahman said at the hearing. “He wants to give to sergeant on Jan. 23, 2014, after an internal him another chance.” investigation found two other officers, who were Brown has been serving as sergeant since under his supervision at the time, guilty of mis- January while Officer Brandon Cotton was fired handling adult entertainment compliance checks and Officer Timothy Johnson was given a six- and failing to turn in citations for violations at week suspension without pay. local strip clubs. “Officers Cotton and Johnson’s verdicts were Brown led the Narcotics and Vice Unit, which upheld,” said MPD Spokesperson Ashley Rains the two officers were assigned. According to via email. Mobile Police Chief James Barber at the press The board’s decision to restore Brown to conference in January, Brown was found guilty lieutenant was effective immediately.

police blotter police blotter is a collection of reports from the Mobile police Department over the past two weeks. information is supplied by MpD.

June 8, at approximately 11:30 a.m., officers responded to Budget Zone, 3949 Airport Blvd., June 11, at approximately 7:30 a.m., officers for the report of a robbery. The victim stated responded to Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, while in the in parking lot an unknown male 5 Infirmary Circle, for the report of one subject reached in her vehicle, struck her in assaulted. The victim stated that the arrested the face and took her GPS system. The victim person physically assaulted him as he tired to changed her story several times. stop her from entering a restricted area of the hospital. June 9, at approximately 1:10 a.m. officers responded to Chevron, 5454 Zeigler Blvd., for June 12, at approximately 12:00 p.m., officers the report of a robbery. The victim stated three responded to Gordon Oaks Assisted Living, unknown male subjects entered the location 3145 Knollwood Dr. for the report of theft. armed with handguns and demanded cash. The A representative of the company stated the victim complied and was not harmed. arrested person deceived elderly tenants and took money from them. From Dec. 2013 June 10, at approximately 4:30 p.m., officers through April 2014, the arrested person moved responded to LeFlore High School, 700 Donald tenants into the facility with out putting their Street, for the report of a vehicle burglary. The names on the book. She would have tenants victim witnessed the two arrested juvenile to the check blank and she would stamp the subjects unlawfully entering his vehicle. Both business name in for them. She deposited nearly juveniles were transported to Strickland Youth $21,000 into her personal account. Canter. June 13, at approximately 12:40 a.m., June 10, at approximately 6:25 p.m., officers officers responded to One Stop Convenience responded to the 600 block of Crawford Ln. for Store, 601 Holcombe Ave, for a report of a the report of one shot. The victim stated during commercial burglary. Officers located and a verbal argument the suspect, the arrested arrested two male juveniles inside the business. person, shot him in both his legs. The victim The juveniles were transported to Strickland was transported to a local hospital for medical Your Center. treatment.

ore than four months after the parties The settlement isn’t finalized, but its tentative agreed to the terms of a settlement, the terms show the city paying Wilson $40,000 in lawsuit brought on the city of Bayou back pay for March 1, 2013 to March 1, 2014. la Batre by former police captain Dar- The city has also agreed to pay Wilson’s Tier 1 Mryl Wilson remains unresolved in federal court. RSA obligations for that time period. Wilson filed suit against the city, former The remainder will be awarded to Wilson mayor Stan Wright and former council members through the city’s payroll from March 1, 2014 to Louis Hard and Mathew Nelson in 2011 —alleg- Nov. 1, 2016, at which point Wilson is scheduled ing Wright retaliated against him after discov- to retire. ering he was assisting the FBI in a corruption He’ll be paid for 40 hours each week at a rate investigation of the former mayor. of $12 an hour. Those payments will be subject Those allegations were substantiated when to all payroll deductions, customary employee Wright was convicted of a charge of retaliating taxes and government charges for Social Secu- against a witness during his criminal proceedings rity and Medicare cumulative. Wilson will also in 2013. receive a W-2 statement from the city. Though the conditions of the settlement have “He’s not going back as an employee. It’s like been outlined, United States District Judge Kristi he’s on the payroll, but he’s not actually coming DuBose delayed her final approval at a June 10 in to work,” Dungan said. “He has two and a half hearing over concerns of how the settlement was years before he retires and what the city worked “procedurally postured.” out, because of severe cash flow issues, was to Andrew Rutens, an attorney representing the pay over the next 32 months.” city of Bayou la Batre, said the matter could be In addition to the weekly or bi-weekly pay- resolved by the end of the week but wouldn’t ments, Bayou la Batre will pay the employer comment further because of the nature of the Tier 1 RSA obligations and provide individual active lawsuit. medical insurance coverage to Wilson consistent According to court documents filed in June, with the terms and provisions the city pays its all of the parties agreed to the terms of a settle- other employees. ment during mediation in February. They also Dungan said setting up the retirement pay- requested a joint motion to be entered in court ments to Wilson caused some of the delay final- “due to the involvement of third parties” in the izing the suit because of the changing nature of case. the RSA. The documents state Wilson will receive Wilson wouldn’t comment on the details of $91,000 from all four defendants “in consider- the settlement because of a confidentiality agree- ation of emotional distress.” ment, but did say he resented comments Dungan During a meeting on May 8, members of the made to Lagniappe in May about the lawsuit. Bayou la Batre City Council approved up to “I do not appreciate being referred to as a nui- $67,000 to be used in a legal settlement. Follow- sance and a cancer, when I stood up and did the ing the meeting, Mayor Brett Dungan confirmed right thing,” he said. “Especially when the man the payment was related to the Wilson lawsuit. that said it would not be in office today to try to At that time, Dungan told Lagniappe the city move this city forward if I hadn’t.” “probably paid the least” of the parties in the set- Dungan’s original statement called lawsuits tlement agreement, but said he wasn’t sure what stemming from Wright’s administration a “can- Wright, Hard and Nelson were contributing. cer (the city) needed to get rid of,” but Dungan “It’s very complicated because part of the said he wasn’t ever directing that comment at city’s monies are being reimbursed by (Wright),” Wilson personally. Dungan said. “There were a lot of moving parts “There were four lawsuits I inherited when that had to be pinned down.” I took office,” he said. “I’m not saying Darryl At this point it’s unclear how much of the did anything wrong, we just inherited a dysfunc- city’s contribution to the settlement may be reim- tional government and we’re trying to get things bursed by Wright. on the right financial footing.”

6 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 7 BAY BRIEFS BB Crescent Theater benefactors looking for supporting patrons BY KELSEY DAVIS/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

orty years ago Max Morey took his For the theater to break even, it would first steps inside an independently need to sell approximately 40 tickets per owned movie theater. It was about day (which is about what it’s currently the same size as The Crescent The- averaging). Fater in downtown Mobile, which he now Ten percent of revenues from ticket sales owns, and it featured one of Woody Allen’s go toward sales taxes. From the remainder, first films. about 50 percent goes back to the studio “I had been to other movie theaters,” that produced the film. What’s left gets Morey said. “There was a booth with a divvied up between rent, salaries and other lady giving tickets. There was a concession bills. thing. That’s been around for 75 years.” This is where the Crescent Theater Film Leaning back in a black leather office Society, a non-profit entity dedicated to en- chair with his hands locked behind his suring the theater’s financial stability comes head, Morey continued to recall his first into play, along with the screen ads that roll independent movie theater experience. before each movie. “But this theater had an old man who’d “You see our theater? That’s a hell of a take your money for the ticket, and then little atmosphere out there,” Morey said. he’d come over here and he’d give you ap- “It’s a dying thing. A single room with a ples and brownies,” Morey said as he stood screen in front of it is a dying thing. We’re up and took a side step across the office hanging on by a thread. We barely make that sits above the theater and overlooks the enough money to stay open. If we didn’t Peanut Shop on Dauphin Street. have screen ads and help from the Crescent Notes from patrons, movie posters and Theater Film Society we’d be closed long samples of his favorite art line the walls. ago. There’s almost no profit.” The British film “Belle” was playing The screen ads are bought by local busi- downstairs, but Morey was still in a 1960s nesses. Those businesses act as the Cres- single-screen theater. cent’s sponsors and help pay its bills. The “And then he’d come over here and he’d film society concentrates on paying rent. give you your juice — it was apple cider,” In the past five years of involvement, Morey said, taking another side step. “And CTFS has been able to supply rent pay- then he’d go upstairs and project it. Every- ments purely by contributions from donors. thing was different about this theater. So This year, however, that’s going to have to my story is, 40 years later, I’m that guy.” change. While patrons mill in and out of the “Our rent doubled this year,” said Carol Crescent seven days a week to see plot Hunter, CTFS board member. “We had a lines play out on the screen, a different very, very low rent the first five years to story is unfolding in the office upstairs. help the theater get established. The owner Sometimes it’s about getting the right of the building helped Max open up that films playing at the theater. theater and so he gave us a very favor- Most multi-screen theaters play movies able rent for the first five years. Now it’s according to decisions made by a buyer. gone up to market-rate rent. It was hard to The buyer negotiates with the studio that sign that lease, but (the building owner) produced the film about getting it to play at deserves to have a market rent in that build- select theaters. He then calls the shots about ing, and what we’re paying is probably still which films will be shown in which theaters a little bit low.” at what times. Many times the buyer makes The ends that need to meet are now sep- decisions on a corporate level and hasn’t arated by yards instead of inches, but CTFS visited the theaters. plans to launch a patrons’ program that will Of course, that isn’t the case for the help make up the difference. The program independently-owned Crescent. will be limited to 25 patrons (individuals or “We decided since day one we’re going families) who will donate $750 each. The to be the buyer,” Morey said. “Nobody’s society is also looking to start a corporate going to tell us what to play and when to sponsorship program to help bolster the play it. We’ll make that decision and that’s theater’s presence. the best thing we’ve ever done because who “[Rent rising] is a little scary, but we do knows our patrons better than us?” have a plan and hopefully we’ll be able to And the patrons have responded. get the community to support us,” Hunter “We kind of tried to keep (the theater) said. our secret, but it’s really not a secret any- So while the story taking place upstairs more,” said Donald Dreaper, who frequents is always changing, the theme stays the the Crescent. “I knew we were going to same; doing what needs to be done to main- have to come down here and fight for chairs tain a slice of culture for Mobile. one day when people found out what was “We want (the Crescent) to always be down here.” there,” Hunter said. “It is such an important Other times the inside story is about cultural asset for downtown and gives us making ends meet. Attendance has steadily the opportunity to have independent films increased since the Crescent’s opening in and documentaries that just aren’t on any 2008, but ticket sales are not sufficient for other theaters. You never see them at the keeping the theater running. multi-screen cineplexes.”

8 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 BAY BRIEFS BB Local courts team up with VA to offer veteran intervention BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

he embattled Department of Veterans Affairs is helping to The screening process will start with the new specialist for violence and heavy alcohol use. The veteran went through a 90- bring Mobile County’s version of veterans’ court to fruition Mobile and Baldwin counties, Dave Nelsen, who will do an as- day program in Biloxi. this summer. sessment of treatment need to determine if the veteran needs men- In another case, a veteran was having trouble sleeping and While a clinic in Mobile is under VA review for appoint- tal health or substance abuse treatment. Monson said sometimes experienced anger management problems, Baughn said. Tment wait times, the department is also putting forward resources both problems occur. Baughn said it’s still unknown how many cases the court will to help District Judges Jay York and Joe Basenberg, as well as Monson said substance abuse can occur when veterans try to see when it becomes available to veterans. drug court Judge Ed Blount develop a new court to handle the self-medicate to deal with stress, anxiety and nightmares associ- “I don’t know what we’ll see as far as numbers,” Baughn said. legal troubles of qualifying veterans. ated with PTSD. In turn, substance abuse can lead to legal trouble “We’ve suggested 30 per year.” The veterans’ court would be similar to the county’s drug like domestic violence or battery charges. Meanwhile, the VA clinic in Mobile was one of four in the court, in that it would be a treatment court, said Sam Baughn, “Sometimes there is more of an instance of domestic violence Gulf Coast region flagged for further review as a result of wait drug court coordinator. He said the pre-adjudication program once someone comes back from war and suffers from PTSD.” times for appointments, according to Derron Barnett, a spokesman would put the charges of any qualifying veteran on hold and The need for treatment in the area has increased, Barnett said. for the Gulf Coast Veteran’s Healthcare System who last week would allow the defendant to complete a treatment program for Last year, 1,950 veterans in the Mobile area reported suffering was “waiting to find out what the specifics are.” either substance abuse, or mental health issues, like post traumatic from PTSD. Barnett said it represents a 49 percent increase from As a result of waitlist concerns, hospitals and clinics within the stress disorder. 2006, when the number was just over 1,300. Gulf region began to partner with local medical facilities to move “We would put the charges on hold until they complete the The screening process would also look at a veteran’s criminal veterans through the system faster, Barnett said. In addition, the program,” he said. “If they complete the program, they’ll get history, Baughn said, and like drug court, veterans would not local clinics have addressed other problems a VA audit discov- dismissal papers.” qualify for the program if a serious felony is committed. ered. The court would refer the veteran to either an outpatient clinic “The DA’s office will be involved at looking into the nature “The audit teams told us things we could fix and we did,” he in Mobile, or a more intense, in-patient treatment program in of the offense,” Baughn said. “A repeat offender, or a violent of- said. “No veterans should have to wait on coverage they deserve Biloxi, Miss., said Kathy Monson, a Veterans Justice Outreach fender might not be let into the program.” and we’re working to fixing that.” Specialist. Blount said organizers are still “working out the parameters of The court is set to launch in July or August, Monson said. A “One of the biggest issues we address is post-traumatic stress what cases we’re going to take.” He said Class A felonies, like sex similar program in Baldwin County started in February. disorder,” said Monson, a certified social worker who was part of crimes, homicides and assaults would be off the table. “It’s growing quickly,” Monson said. “From my perspective, the initial meetings about the Mobile County court. Baughn said drug court has seen an increase in veterans going it’s going well.” Monson said there would be a screening process for veterans through the program in the last year or year and a half. Many of Courts on both sides of the bay are part of a larger move- wishing to use veterans’ court as an option. the veterans in the program are suffering from substance abuse ment nationwide, Barnett said, with more than 300 similar courts “Just because someone is a veteran doesn’t mean they’re right issues related to military service. In one case, a graduate of the throughout the country. for veterans’ court,” Monson said. “Not every veteran is in need program was initially suffering from severe PTSD as the result of “Veterans’ courts are successful,” Blount said. “They’re all of treatment.” a head injury. Before the program, Baughn said, he was prone to over the country. It’s a big deal and everybody’s signing on.” State seeks to dismiss claims in same-sex adoption case BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

otions to dismiss claims against four state officials have would allow the adoption under Alabama’s stepparent adoption this litigation, but naming him as a defendant and subjecting him to been filed in federal court as a part of Alabama’s response statute (Ala. Code 226-10A-27) — an argument that already been the attendant rigors of litigation, is incompatible with basic notions to a lawsuit challenging its same-sex marriage ban. denied both in Mobile County’s Probate Court and the Alabama of sovereign immunity and the federal courts’ proper adjudicative The motions aim to dismiss claims against Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. role,” the response reads. MGov. Robert Bentley, Attorney General Luther Strange, Alabama Davis is named in the suit because he denied Searcy’s petition Hernandez said all of the defendants named in suit have filed Department of Human Resources Commissioner Nancy Buckner for an adoption in 2012. Probate courts have sole jurisdiction over motions to dismiss and she and her partner have two weeks to sub- and Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis. the adoptions of minors in Alabama and Davis is the only probate mit responses to those requests. The state has yet to respond to the “This is a case about marriage equality and the recognition judge in Mobile County. actual complaint filed in federal court on May 7. “We’re currently of out of state lawful marriages of same-sex couples,” attorneys In its response, the state maintains ‘the claims asserted against set in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine Nelson,” Hernandez David Kennedy and Christine Hernandez said in a press release. Judge Davis are based on judicial actions and are barred by judicial said. “We’ve already filed a summary judgment and we’re planning “Alabama’s unilateral decision to nullify, or strip away the lawful immunity,” which is outlined in the 11th Amendment. to file a motion for an injunction next week.” marriage of Alabama residents without due process negatively af- In all previous cases the Alabama Code 1975 Section 30-1-19(e) A date for a hearing on the case won’t be set until all of the fects all those lawfully married same-sex couples in other states and has been used to deny Seracy the right to adopt Khaya despite being responses have been filed. particularly their children.” McKeand’s spouse. Hernandez said her client’s case in the Southern District is one of A child was at the root of this particular case, which was filed That section of the law states Alabama “shall not recognize any three filed against the state currently. by Mobile resident Cari Searcy. She has sought to legally adopt her marriage of parties of the same sex” that occurred in other states. It joins similar suits in the Northern and Middle districts attempt- wife Kimberly McKeand’s son Khaya since 2011. In a separate filling, the defense requested dismissals for Bentley ing to challenge Alabama’s refusal to recognize same-sex marriages Searcy’s lawsuit seeks a judge’s injunction in federal court that and Strange. “Governor Bentley fully supports the laws at issue in performed in other states. FEMA assistance still available in Baldwin, Mobile counties BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

ore than a month after severe weather left much of the aged residents to register for disaster assistance even if they believe to keep a center open.” Bay Area damaged by straight-line winds and flooding, insurance would cover their losses from the recent storms. Each loan outreach center is staffed with a FEMA specialist. Baldwin and Mobile County residents are being encour- “It is important to know what your policy covers,” he said. They are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on aged to apply for disaster assistance through FEMA — “For example, if insurance does not include the expense of being Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until further notice. Meven if their homes were insured. displaced from your home, FEMA disaster housing assistance may Baldwin County also has the option to receive public assistance As of June 12, more than 3,464 requests for assistance had been help.” funds from FEMA, which are available to county and local govern- granted in Mobile County and 1,797 had been approved Baldwin The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is midnight of July 1. ments and certain nonprofit organizations. County. As of June 19, Disaster Loan Outreach Centers, which assist The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved nearly Those cases involved damages sustained in nine Alabama coun- survivors with questions about federal loans, were still open in $10 million through its low-interest disaster loan program, which ties declared as disaster areas as a result of storms and heavy rains Baldwin and Mobile counties at: available to businesses in the affected counties. during the April 28-May 5 window approved for federal funding. • Elberta Town Hall, 10352 Main St., Elberta Officials are also encouraging any storm survivor denied as- In Baldwin County, more than $6.7 million has been approved • Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section St., Fairhope sistance to appeal, which they have a right to do within 60 days of for housing assistance and up to $1.1 million has been approved for • Old Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Center, 4851 Museum Drive, receiving a determination letter from FEMA. other needs. Mobile Those who have suffered from storm damage can apply for In Mobile County, $4.6 million has been allocated for housing “We make the determination on these same way we do the assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone and assistance and $1.1 million has been awarded for other needs. disaster recovery centers,” said Robin Smith, with FEMA’s media tablet at m.fema.gov. In a press release from FEMA earlier this month, Art Faulkner, relations. “It’s based on the number of people that are there each Assistance can also be applied for over the phone from 7 a.m. to Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, encour- day. As those numbers drop off, we know there’s not enough need 10 p.m. at 800-621-3362.

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 9 BB BAY BRIEFS Revamped performance contracts expected to curtail generous fee waivers BY GABRIEL TYNES/ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

esides an estimated $2.9 million in fees waived last year, Since October 2013, the Civic Center has waived $120,614 But significant fee waivers have been granted for more ob- the city of Mobile performed hundreds of additional in rental fees, notably to the Mobile International Festival, scure or exclusive events, according to the evaluation. favors for private organizations and events at no cost, Mobile Municipal Court and organizations such as the Mobile In 2010, the Convention Center waived $56,960 in fees for according to Finance Director Paul Wesch. Opera and Mobile Chamber of Commerce. the Alabama League of Municipalities’ annual conference. In BAs minor as some of the tasks may seem, he said recently, In previous years, the Tennis Center has also cut deals at the 2011, the Alabama All-State Band conference was awarded they contributed to lost time and are among the expenses the Civic Center, where it avoided $216,335 in scheduled fees from $27,640 in waived fees. In 2012, the All-State Band, the Com- new administration hopes to itemize and assign value with 2011-2013. The Tennis Center uses both the Civic Center and mission for Accreditation for Law Enforcement, the Marine revamped performance contracts in the fiscal year 2015 budget. Convention Center for indoor events, Wesch said. Corps League and Harley-Davidson were awarded a combined This year, the city paid out 65 performance contracts worth Just last week, the City Council hesitated to award $86,221 total of $159,240 in free rent. just over $3 million. While some organizations, such as Mo- for repairs at the Copeland-Cox Tennis Center over concerns The top three fee waivers at the Convention Center since bile’s Singing Children and the Joe Jefferson Playhouse received about mounting public financial support of the sport. Mayor 2009 were $143,340 awarded to the General Conference of the less than $1,000 in public contributions, others, like the Boys & Sandy Stimpson’s Chief of Staff Colby Cooper told the council Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in the summer of 2010, Girls Clubs, the Center for the Living Arts and the Exploreum, the center brings in $45 million to $51 million a year, which $121,770 for the ISA Automation Week in October 2011 and were awarded well north of six figures. equates to about $2 million in tax revenue for the city. $103,900 for the Southern Legislative Conference in 2013. Still others, like the Mobile Tennis Center, the GoDaddy But the Tennis Center was also not charged for other minor During that same time, a total of $3.49 million in fees were Bowl and the Senior Bowl, don’t have traditional performance tasks performed by the city, such as the delivery, set-up and waived at the Convention Center, while the Civic Center for- contracts, yet still secure separate city funding and routinely removal of tables and chairs for several events in 2013 — favors gave $818,412 in fees. benefit from additional waivers granted on a case-by-case basis. similar to hundreds of others public employees performed last Applications for 2015 performance contracts were due in For example, in fiscal year 2014, the Mobile City Council ap- year for dozens of private organizations for no compensation. April and will be awarded along with the approval of the general proved a $482,045 transfer from the general fund to the Mobile “These are basically service requests for city work without fund budget. In addition to criteria such as vision alignment, Tennis Center but in the same year, the center has been granted overtime,” Wesch said, explaining the unbilled expenses. “They community impact, funding leverage, collaborative efforts and a total of $228,000 in fee waivers from the Convention Center would call the city and ask for something like barricades and innovation, the new application requires contractors to align in five separate requests. the barricades would be delivered during normal work hours for with Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s public safety, business-friendly The GoDaddy Bowl, which secured a five-year contract with free and the city did not have the ability to capture that time.” and family-friendly objectives. the city in January worth $1.15 million per year, has also been Dozens of the city’s more popular annual events have ben- The city will also require agencies entering into performance granted $47,720 in fee waivers from the Convention Center this efitted from the apparent lack of accountability, from the First contracts to participate in a mandatory clean-up initiative with year. Light Marathon in January to the North Poll Stroll in December. Keep Mobile Beautiful and submit quarterly progress reports Since 2009, the Tennis Center has been awarded $1.6 mil- The $243,000 the City Council awarded Bayfest last year with financial and performance metrics “designed to bring a lion in fee waivers from the convention center alone, while the did not include the costs of such chores as delivering T-shirts, greater degree of accountability and fiscal responsibility to the GoDaddy Bowl (previously GMAC Bowl) has been granted providing EMT service, removing parking meters, placing trash process.” $244,960 in waivers and the Senior Bowl has enjoyed $363,320 cans, running street sweepers and trimming trees before, during “We’re not suggesting waivers won’t be granted in some in waived rent. and after the event. instances or the city won’t provide assistance when it’s re- The Civic Center is also a prolific granter of waived fees, “What we are trying to do is eliminate services that are not quested,” Wesch said of the new contracts. “It just needs to be according to the Finance Department’s evaluation. clearly defined or requested in the contract,” Wesch said. accounted for.” Dispute over license commissioner’s newsletter ‘resolved’ BY GABRIEL TYNES/ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

obile County License Commissioner Kim Hastie “In the statement that you would elimiate (sic) 15 positions license commissioner. took a step back from a recent newsletter mailed through attrition, your office is now closed on Wednesday State ethics laws specifically prohibit elected officials from along with tag renewal notices after language in the because you stated that you don’t have enough employees in the using their public time or resources for campaigning or voting newsletter drew the scorn of Revenue Commissioner License Commissioner’s office,” Wood wrote. “Employees can on issues “materially affecting his or her financial interest.” MMarilyn Wood. be cross trained yes, but how can you not fill the vacant posi- Dismissing the concern, Hastie said the mailer was “just a In an email to Hastie and the Mobile County Commission tions when both office(s) are at [peak] times of the year.” newsletter” and an extension of the platform she campaigned for last week, Wood expressed “how disappointed and angry” she Wood reminded Hastie that some of the revenue commis- as a candidate for revenue commissioner. was “in the way you are implying that I am not running my of- sion’s appraisers are directed in their duties by the Alabama Hastie said the original bill was contested locally by County fice efficienctly (sic).” Department of Revenue and wrote that she was “angry that you Commissioner Jerry Carl, who encouraged the legislature to Hastie’s one-page, two-sided newsletter included an endorse- have put me in a position of defendng (sic) the way I run my table it for a later date. Responding, Carl said Hastie overesti- ment of her year-old plan to combine the duties of the license office.” mated his influence in the legislature, yet he doesn’t deny his and revenue commissioners, a plan she says can save the county “If I were trying to combine the offices like you are, I would fundamental concerns with the bill. more than $1 million annually by consolidating duplicative have waited until I was Revenue Commissioner,” Wood con- “I don’t understand how it’s going to save us money,” Carl departments, eliminating positions through attrition and cross- cluded. said. “I’ve heard numbers and all we’re doing is transferring training existing employees to perform multiple roles. Last weekend, Hastie said she did not proofread the newslet- employees from one place to the other so I don’t necessarily un- Last year, Wood announced she would retire as Revenue ter before it was sent and admitted that it could be misinterpret- derstand the savings. I’d like to see some numbers. I don’t want Commissioner in October 2015. Subsequently, Hastie became an ed, but also asserted the claims “were not about [Wood].” to move people around for the sake of moving people around.” unopposed candidate for Wood’s position, running on a platform “Marilyn ran a great office and chose to retire,” Hastie said. Curiously, the original bill also provided for the revenue that her current role is unnecessary. “This is about me coming in and doing what I think will work. commissioner to appoint “up to six additional persons to serve Wood took issue with a timeline on the newsletter accompa- I am in no way saying it is not running efficient right now — it as employees of the office in any capacity.” A seperate source nying Hastie’s plan, which suggests Wood is actually retiring was never about that — it’s about combining the office and who expressed concern about the plan suggested that provision in October 2014 and Hastie would actually “hold both offices becoming more efficient as a whole.” alone would eliminate half the savings Hastie is proposing to (License + Revenue) until at least October 2015.” Hastie also noted that she obtained an Attorney General’s create. Calling further attention to a point about “revamping the opinion and an independent counsel’s opinion about any poten- Meanwhile, Hastie said Mobile was one of only nine counties efficiency of the appraisal appeal,” Wood accused of Hastie tial conflicts-of-interest arising from her endorsement of the bill in the state to have separate license and revenue commissions of implying that the office of the Revenue Commissioner was while she simultaneously stands to gain from the consolidation and she hopes to support her cost-saving claims later this month mismanaged. financially. when a study currently being undertaken by local economist Wood said the newsletter was “misleading” and accused Has- The original bill provided a new salary for the revenue Semoon Chang is complete. tie of “taking shots” at her while campaigning for the legislative commissioner that would equal to 75 percent of the combined If the offices do not combine, Gov. Robert Bentley would bill that would be necessary to approve the consolidation. salaries of both the license commissioner and revenue com- appoint a successor to the license commission. Wood went on to be critical of Hastie’s own management missioner. A revised version provides for a simple $5,000 raise Late Monday, Wood issued a statement reading, “Kim and I style, which has included keeping the license offices closed equal to the salary of Montgomery County’s revenue commis- have talked and the matter has been resolved,” adding there is every Wednesday. sioner, which is about $15,000 more than Hastie earns today as “no need to go into further discussion with this issue.”

10 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 BAY BRIEFS BB Economic assessment shows Bayfest as a ‘tourism engine’ BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

r. Christopher Keshock of the University of South is 41-61 percent, which is typically calculated by dividing net Bostwick said the county and city’s contribution help sustain Alabama gave a presentation to the Mobile County profit by total assets. the festival, but only account for less than 10 percent of the festi- Commission last week showcasing the return on the Because of the additional city sales taxes, the return on Mo- val’s $6-7 million budget. taxpayers’ annual investment into Bayfest. bile’s $243,000 investment is between 300-366 percent. According to Bostwick, the majority of the festival’s income DUnlike a majority of music festivals, Bayfest Inc. is a reg- The range is reflective of several variables in the data, includ- is generated through the sale of tickets, which typically cost $60 istered non-profit organization. It’s not affiliated with the city ing in-kind tickets given out by the festival through sponsorships for a weekend pass or $40 per day. of Mobile or the county, though both entities do subsidize the and promotions. Bayfest also allows children under the age of 12 During its 20-year history, Bayfest generated a small stockpile festival each year with $243,000 and $200,000 contributions, into the festival for free. of cash to help stage the upfront costs of the festival each year. respectively. Mobile County residents, though calculated separately, But in 2013, Tropical Storm Karen hovered in the Gulf in the “Bayfest was originally meant to bring people downtown, but generate an additional $3 million in sales taxes. Seventy percent days leading up the Bayfest and caused a serious drop in ticket it has really grown into a tourism engine,” Bayfest President and of residents surveyed said they would attend a music festival sales. CEO Bobby Bostwick said. “That’s why we hired Dr. Keshock. elsewhere if Bayfest didn’t exist. “Fifty to 60 percent of our tickets are sold the last eight days We wanted a really good and thorough economic impact study In total, Bayfest generates between $20-24 million in the and last year during that period, sales pretty much stopped,” that we felt could hold up to any kind of scrutiny.” county each year and has generated more than $300 million in its Bostwick said. “We lost close to a million dollars out of [a rainy Unlike many studies, Keshock’s was conducted over four 20-year history, according to the study. day] fund and six of our nine stages weren’t put up at all.” years and took information from balance sheets, cash flow state- Compared to the Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Despite the hit, Bostwick said Bayfest isn’t asking either of its ments and a sampling of people attending the event. Keshock Bayfest generates slightly less income. But the Hangout Music public partners for additional funding. performed a similar study for the Senior Bowl. Festival isn’t subsidized at any level by either Gulf Shores or Karen eventually came ashore and dropped a good bit of rain “A lot of economic impact findings should be called economic Baldwin County. on Mobile, but Bostwick said the festival still generated some benefit in most reports. To get a true number you have to subtract “The services that are provided to (the Hangout) by the city revenue despite a lapse in attendance. the direct spending amounts from the county and city,” Keshock and county, such as sheriff’s officers and sanitation, are reim- “We very fortunate we had enough to go into this year’s said. “Some reports also do best guess estimates, use inflated bursed by the festival,” said Grant Brown, Director of Recreation festival,” he said. “We couldn’t stand many years like that. I don’t multipliers and assume each individual is staying in and paying and Cultural Affairs for the city of Gulf Shores. “We actually know anyone who could.” for a hotel room.” send a bill for the services and materials to the festival.” Because only six of the nine stages were operating last year, Keshock said the figures produced from those studies are bet- Brown said city receives close to $700,000 in direct tax rev- several performers either couldn’t perform and some artists ter than nothing, but don’t necessarily represent a true return on a enue for providing those services. refused to travel to Mobile because of the tropical storm. city’s investment. An economic impact study on the Hangout concluded the fes- “Anybody that was scheduled last year and wasn’t able to On average, more 200,000 people attend the music festival tival generates $31.2 million for the Gulf Shores area using a 1.5 perform has been sent a letter, and they will have the first option in downtown Mobile. According Keshock’s data, 57 percent of multiplier. It also determined 90 percent of the festivals attendees to play this year,” Bostwick said. “There’s only about three or festival attendees live outside Mobile County and of those, 65 are coming from outside of Baldwin County. four bands we haven’t heard back from.” percent are traveling from outside the state. “There have been other reports submitted (on Bayfest), but I Bayfest 2014 is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 3-5, but the The festival itself spends an average of $766,474 within the don’t know that any has been quite as complete and comprehen- lineup has yet to be announced. county each year, and based on survey data collected, each per- sive as Dr. Keshock’s,” County Commission President Connie Each year several local and regional bands are featured on son visiting from outside of the county typically spends around Hudson said. “That really helps us in terms of looking at our the Launching Pad stages or are billed as opening acts for larger $170.06 each night on food, beverage, lodging and parking. budget. There’s definitely a return on our investment.” bands. These positions are applied for online. “When city residents ask, ‘Why are we subsidizing Bay- The commission is currently working on its budget for FY A majority of those bands weren’t able to play last year, but fest?’ — the return on that investment is justified by the tourism 2015, which Hudson said should be complete and approved Bostwick said they too have been extended an invitation this year. coming in,” Keshock said. “(The festival) generates between sometime over the summer. “We’re going to fill a lot of those slots with the acts that didn’t $280,000 and $320,000 in sales tax alone.” Hudson said she anticipates the county’s funding level for get to play last year,” he said. “We just felt that was the right In broad terms, the county’s return on its $200,000 investment Bayfest will stay the same in next year’s budget. thing to do.” Council votes to revoke license of shop suspected of spice sales BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

he Mobile City Council voted unanimously Tuesday told councilors. to revoke the business license of a convenience store MPD Chief James Barber said after the hearing that Mat- suspected of selling spice, or synthetic marijuana, to thews should’ve known about the spice sales because she was customers. present during the execution of the search warrant. TOn three separate occasions undercover officers bought spice In other business, the council approved a contract to provide from D&D One Stop on Halls Mill Road, before executing a sidewalks to a portion of Old Shell Road in the Village of search warrant at the store on May 23, Mobile Police Depart- Spring Hill. The $173,950 contract with Asphalt Services, Inc. ment Attorney Wanda Rahman told councilors during a hearing. is part of a grant where the city’s portion of the matching funds, The search warrant resulted in the arrest of storeowner which is close to $50,000, was paid for by the community Desha Matthews on charges of trafficking of a controlled through a fundraiser. substance and the arrest of her boyfriend, Fredrick Howard on The council approved a contract with Espalier, LLC in the trafficking and distribution charges. amount of $9,800 to make improvements to a soccer field at Matthews spoke at the hearing and told councilors she didn’t Herndon Park. The council also approved a $13,843 contract know the illegal activity was taking place. She blamed Howard with MDS Construction for a handicap ramp at the Springhill for the spice sales. Recreation Center. “It really wasn’t me,” she said. “When I did realize what was Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Councilman Levon Manzie rec- going on I tried to put an end to it.” ognized St. Mary’s Catholic School Principal Debbie Ollis for The revocation means Matthews won’t be able to operate a winning the Distinguished Principal award from the elementary business in any location within Mobile city limits. Photo/Dan Anderson school division of the National Catholic Education Association. The MPD initially went through the court system to acquire Manzie read a proclamation making Tuesday, June 17, 2014 a temporary restraining order to bar Matthews from entering Debbie Ollis Day in Mobile. the store before the hearing could take place. Capt. Jack Dove spice, using $100, she said. “I’m so proud of her,” Manzie said. “We graduated together has previously said the building’s owner had already evicted Rahman said the officers went into the store and asked for from the greatest class of Leadership Mobile in 2006.” Ollis Matthews. “Jo,” a slang term for Mojo, or spice. thanked the council, Stimpson and Manzie for the recognition. Rahman said officers made an initial buy at the store on On another visit to the store on May 21, MPD officers used She also thanked the staff at St. Mary’s. Halls Mill Road on May 20. $50 to purchase two packs of the drug and on a third visit offi- “I’m proud to be a Catholic school principal,” she said. “We During that operation, officers purchased five packets of cers purchased 46 grams of spice in 12 packs for $300, Rahman couldn’t do it without the city of Mobile.”

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 11 Damn the torpeD oes CommentarY C It’s a question that can’t be answered BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

walked into Griffith’s Service Station Monday So it was just a couple of months we decided to go in and cheer him up. morning as I do almost every day. Generally the after graduation, Bart, a couple of our What we found is still burned in my mood is light, putting it politely, which is one reason female friends who lived locally and I brain. I start the day there. But Monday was different. decided to go out for the evening. No He had taken his own life, and it IPreston Griffith told me about one of our “regulars,” double date, just four friends having a was the last thing any of us would ever if any of us could actually be described by that title, who few beers. But for once in his life, Bart have expected. I still don’t understand had died over the weekend. He was a guy a couple of was in a bad mood. I’d never seen it it at all. His death was devastating for years younger than me and I was shocked. Then I was before. friends and way beyond devastating told he had actually taken his own life. I couldn’t even As we drove to a party — he’d had for his family. I know I still think about really hear it. maybe one beer at an earlier stop — he him and can only wonder why. It just seemed unbelievable. While we never did just plowed his new car into the back I suppose why is the question as I things together and probably didn’t know each other truly well in a traditional sense, we’d spent hours over the past several years talking about life and politics, jok- ing and philosophizing. To me he seemed like a guy who I like to think maybe this is just a reminder had everything in order. to take a closer look at the people we know This boyish-looking attorney always stood out to me for an extremely balanced outlook on the law and life. — well or not so well — from time to time. Who I knew he was married and had two boys — I’d just seen him with them a few weeks ago at the Five Rivers knows what can trigger something like this, Center during a demonstration on birds of prey. Reading or maybe even stop it from happening. over his obituary Monday night I remembered things he’d told me about his upbringing and education, as well as other small details. We’d gotten together for lunch at of another in the road. It was almost look at this column. Why write it? What Callaghan’s once, but busy schedules didn’t allow more. purposeful. In fact, I was warning him does it mean? Over the course of Monday, my mind found its way way before the wreck. Maybe it’s just remembering two back to our morning coffee friend again and again, won- Instead of getting out of the car and friends linked in no way other than dering why. What had been bad enough for him to do pulling out insurance, etc., Bart just manner of their death. Maybe they’re that? It made me wish I’d known him better and perhaps yelled “I can’t handle this!” or some- linked because to me they were both could have helped in some way, but I’m sure those far thing to that effect and took off running. good men and still are. closer to him than I are asking the same questions and We weren’t sure what he was doing, but But also I like to think maybe this is feeling the same way. It’s really not my place, and I hope I figured it might be better for me to try just a reminder to take a closer look at his family will know I only write this out of respect for to keep him out of trouble for leaving the people we know — well or not so him and them. the scene of an accident than to chase well — from time to time. Who knows I’ll be away during his funeral and won’t get to pay him. I should have chased him. what can trigger something like this, my respects, but if it makes any difference to anyone, The cops came and towed the car, or maybe even stop it from happening. I thought he was a smart, compassionate, funny and a letting me know my buddy ought to In any case, the world is a poorer place good man, and I know those of us he passed the time turn himself in. We couldn’t find Bart at because people like these men didn’t or with us in the mornings did as well. I still feel the same the party and really didn’t know where felt they couldn’t reach out for help. about him regardless of the way he died or why. he’d gone. Much later we hooked a ride If anyone reading this feels that way, As much as my thoughts turned Monday to this lost back to his apartment. It was late, but trust me, people do care about you. friend, they also turned to another who was closer. A fraternity brother of mine at Spring Hill College, Bart was one of the first three people I met when I arrived from Gautier, Miss. in August 1985. We were instantly The Gadfly friends and over the course of our four years together we pledged a fraternity, Alpha Delta Gamma, made an even wider web of friends, traveled together, partied together, pulled some dumb pranks together and generally had a blast. Bart was the guy who never stopped smiling. He was a Baptist kid from Saraland trying to fit in with all the Catholics, not to mention kids from Miami, Cincinnati, New Jersey and St. Louis, to name a few big cities represented. I had the Catholic part down, but was working on the rest as well. Along with two other idiots, I was asked not to live on campus any longer after my sophomore year and we got a house nearby. Naturally that became the de facto frat house, so Bart and the other guys were there nearly every day. One thing I could always count on from him that perhaps some of our wealthier, bigger city brothers hadn’t learned, was some respect for the fact we actually lived there (lived is loosely defined). Small town kid ethics. A couple of houses and lost deposits later, we all eventually graduated. It seems like the kind of thing that after four years you’re damned ready to do. We all started trying to figure out what was next. To me, Bart seemed a little further ahead of some of us. He had a new car, a job and an apartment on Old Shell Road near USA. I admit being a bit jealous. I was Cartoon/Laura rasmussen still shacking at mom and dad’s, driving a 1978 VW bug and looking for the big journalism break. Marilyn Wood is feeling footsteps on her grave.

y husband and I were standing at the Palladia Stage at Gulf Shores City Council on June 30, it should be a no brainer. Hangout waiting for Valerie June to start playing, when Sure it’s not without hassles, especially for the locals. There is Frank started chatting up the couple standing next to set-up and clean up in the days leading up and following this fes- us. Striking up conversations with total strangers is tival that makes me the public beach feel more like a construction Msomething that comes naturally to him. It comes to me, let’s just zone than a place to chill-ax. And of course, traffic is an issue the say, more organically — with the help of fermented yeast, barley weekend of the festival. And restaurateurs have complained it’s a and hops. slow weekend for them, as the festival-goers favor dining on site He asked the couple where from where they were visiting. The rather than in their establishments. husband said, “St. Louis.” One of us said something like, “Oh But even still, the long-term benefits far outweigh the brief really? That’s cool. Did you grow up coming down here on vaca- sacrifices that irritate some “locals.” tion?” And it seems most Gulf Shores residents and business owners I think we both just kind of assumed that to be the case. agree. A survey conducted by the council found 64 percent of They said, “Nope, first time we’ve ever been here. We just the residents and 72 percent of local businesses think the festival couldn’t pass on this line-up.” should get the five-year extension. “Oh, wonderful,” I said kind of surprised. “Well, welcome. We Furthermore, a recent impact study indicated the festival puts live in Mobile, so this is practically home to us.” more than $30 million into the Gulf Coast economy. That’s huge, “Didn’t realize y’all had beaches like this,” they said. “In Photo/Gabriel Tynes especially on a weekend before Memorial Day. Alabama.” Studies and surveys are always nice, but three conversations I know, it’s hard for out-of-staters to realize there are spectacu- Outkast headlined the 2014 Hangout Fest. told me more than either of those reports ever could. When that lar things in Alabama. But we ignored the backhanded compli- up stoned college kids at a music festival. About as much as I got married couple gets back to St. Louis, they will tell their friends ment and carried on. from them was that they were a group of college buddies that had what exquisite beaches they have in Alabama. Yes, in Alabama. “Oh yes, they really are beautiful. We’re lucky to live so close. driven down from Illinois or Indiana or somewhere like that. But When those stoned college boys turn into husbands themselves, Well, we hope y’all come back,” we said, throwing in some extra they were having a blast. perhaps they’ll bring their wives to that cool place where they saw y’alls for effect as many of us do when talking to out-of-staters. They looked at me like, shut up, old lady. So I did, y’all. a music festival back in the day. Because, you know, they think it’s precious, y’all. Waiting for The Avett Brothers to play on Sunday, we were And perhaps the tweens and teens who are brought by their “Oh, we are,” they said. shooting the (Gulf Coast) breeze with a lady from Louisiana who parents to the festival each year will carry on that tradition with Later, Frank and I wandered over to the Malibu tent situated had obviously been to our beaches before, but since coming to the their own kids. And not just during Hangout weekend. right next to the ocean, waves crashed as the music thumped. We very first Hangout, she and her husband, along with their tween So maybe it’s been Zac Brown or the Black Keys who have ended up plopping down on a lounge chair next to some college and teenage kids, had made it an annual family trek and say they introduced all of these new people to our little piece of paradise, kids who were obviously having a very “mellow” time. I had had plan to do it every year. but once they’ve seen our beaches, it will be the sugary WHITE enough yeast, barley and Swedish wheat (Absolut) that I tried to These were just three conversations, but the enthusiasm for our sands of the Gulf Coast that will continue to bring them down for chat them up like we had the St. Louis folks. sandy backyard was the same. Now, multiply that by 35,000. generations to come. Frank rolled his eyes. The “natural” knows you don’t try to chat So when a five-year extension for the festival comes before the You just can’t put a price tag on that, y’all.

14 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 BELTWAY BEAT COMMENTARY C Vulnerabilities in the Alabama congressional delegation BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

WASHINGTON – Last week, perhaps proved to be in his contest. the biggest political news story of the year There has been some corporate and to-date occurred just 100 miles south of U.S. Chamber of Commerce money in the the U.S. Capitol in the northern suburbs of last few years spent in Alabama contests. Richmond, Va. In 2010, the Chamber dabbled in the 2nd In case you missed it, House Major- congressional district race between Martha ity Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) lost Roby and then-incumbent Rep. Bobby the Republican primary in Virginia’s 7th Bright (D-Montgomery). Bright was only congressional district to a relative unknown, one of the five Democrats the Chamber sup- Tea Party upstart named Dave Brat. Brat, ported that year but Bright’s effort still came an economics professor at Ashland, Va.’s up short. Randolph-Macon College, will now face More recently and closer to home, the fellow Randolph-Macon professor Jack Chamber spent nearly $200,000 on Rep. Trammel, the Democratic Party’s nominee Bradley Byrne’s behalf in his contest against for Cantor’s soon-to-be old seat. Dean Young last fall. Right now, being The takeaway: If this can sneak up and perceived to be in the pockets of the U.S. happen to someone as powerful and as well- Chamber of Commerce, which is touting an financed as Cantor, it can happen to any immigration policy that is not popular with Republican incumbent caught off guard. conservatives is a bad place for an incum- The Monday morning quarterbacks are bent Republican to be, at least for now. attributing Cantor’s loss to a wide range A similar campaign with the right of factors – taking his seat in Congress for candidate and the backing of any one, granted, being too cozy to corporate interest conservative radio heavy hitter, like Laura like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or Ingraham, Mark Levin or Ann Coulter could really just being in the wrong place at the be problematic for an incumbent like Byrne, wrong time – namely being seen as soft particularly if the immigration issue is still on immigration, as the news cycle focuses relevant in 2016. on the deluge of illegal Central American The other vulnerability, which is more youths coming across border. prevalent amongst Alabama’s House delega- The 2014 Alabama Republican primary tion, is the reluctance to go against the party has come and gone. With exception of the elders, whether it is the Republican House July 15 runoff for the GOP nomination for Leadership for the five Republican members Alabama’s 6th congressional district, there running for reelection or the reluctance to likely will not be spillover from the Cantor- go against President Barack Obama for the Brat contest reaching Alabama, as it may state’s lone Democrat, Rep. Terri Sewell with other primary races around the country. (D-Birmingham). But it may come into play in the 2016 elec- Every member is vying for that spe- tion cycle. cific committee assignment or leadership It takes a certain kind of person to run for post within a particular committee, all in political office, whether it’s dog catcher or the name of being in a better position to president. In recent years, the Yellowham- bring home federal government goodies, or mer State has had some sketchy candidates protect the goodies that are already here – seeking office, trying to ride the Tea Party’s military bases, NASA, federal government wave. contracts, etc. The Brat victory however, creates a Rep. Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) is roadmap where the path to success doesn’t one example of how loyalty to the House include creating a gimmick YouTube video Republican leadership pays off. Early on, with the hopes it goes viral. Instead, it can Politico mentioned her as a member on the consist of a real, intellectual fight against the verge of being within House Speaker John status quo. Boehner’s circle of trust. The latest Gallup poll puts Congress’ Remarkably, Roby has been able to use approval rating at 13 percent. That’s about her office to preserve military programs where it has been since the 2012 election within her district at Maxwell AFB and Fort cycle. Yet in 2012, 91 percent of congres- Rucker. She’s also been appointed to what sional incumbents won their contests for will prove to be a very high-profile position reelection. on the House Select Committee on Beng- That suggests that while Congress as an hazi, led by Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC). entity is perceived the problem, locally the As we learned last week in Virginia, there individual member is perceived as someone is a “throw the bums out” sentiment that who is fighting for the right causes within can be politically costly for an incumbent that entity. Until David Brat came along, if things line up just right. Fortunately for none of these upstart challengers on either Alabama incumbents, most challenges in the Democrat or Republican side success- this Tea Party era may have been perhaps a fully portrayed their incumbent competition little too extreme. as part of the problem of Washington. But if the right candidate comes along, With exception of whoever wins the 6th there is a lot ammunition available that congressional district in November, every could show these incumbents are part of member of the U.S. House of Representa- the problem that reflects Congress’ abysmal tives from Alabama is theoretically vulner- approval rating. able in at least one of the same ways Cantor

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 15 CaJun seafooD ($) maGhee’s Grill on the hill ($-$$) 306 Dauphin St. • 433-9009. osman’s restaurant ($$) Seafood market & deli fresh seafood. Great lunch & dinner. southern DeCaDenCe Desserts ($) Supreme European cuisine. 408 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 478-9897 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700 Soups, Salads, Desserts 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006. Camille’s siDeWalk Café ($) mama’s ($) 1956 B University Blvd. • 300-8304 royal sCam ($$) Gourmet wraps, pizzas, & more. Slap your mama good home stevie’s kitChen ($) Gumbo, Angus beef & bar. 5817 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0200 cooking. 220 Dauphin St. • 432-6262 Sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226) Camellia Café ($-$$$) mars hill Cafe ($) soups, salads & desserts ruth’s Chris steak house ($$$) $ under $10/person Contemporary southern fare. Great sandwiches, coffee & more. 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite 150. Exceptional service & taste. $$ 10-25/person 61 Section St., Fairhope • 928-4321 5025 Cottage Hill Rd. • 643-1611 stray DoG’s hash house Diner ($) 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516 $$$ over 25/person Cammie’s olD DutCh ($) mary’s southern CookinG ($) Breakfast & lunch made to order tamara’s DoWntoWn ($$) Mobile’s classic ice cream spot. 3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232 263 St Francis St. • 402-4919 Casual fine dining. Business Casual 2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710 melloW mushroom ($) tamara’s Bar & Grill ($) 104 N. Section St. Fairhope • 929- Bonefish Grill ($$) Carpe Diem ($) Pies & awesome beer selection. Wings, po-boys, burgers. 2219 Eclectic dining & space. Deli foods, pastries & specialty 2032 Airport Blvd. • 471-4700 210 Eastern Shore Center, Hwy. 98 • union ($$$) 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196 drinks. 4072 Old Shell Rd. • 304-0448 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 929-0002 Premium steaks & burgers. CatCh of the Day ($$) Chat-a-Way Cafe ($) momma GolDBerG’s Deli ($) tp CroCkmiers ($) 659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300 Fried, grilled, steamed & always Quiches & sandwiches in Spring Hill. Sandwiches & Momma’s Love. 3696 American Restaurant & Bar the Bull ($-$$) fresh. 3300 River Rd. • 973-9070 4366 Old Shell Rd.• 343-9889 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890. N. Mexico/Santa Fe & Gulf Coast eD’s seafooD sheD ($$) ChiCken salaD ChiCk ($) 5602 Old Shell Rd. • 287-6556 the BlinD mule ($) cuisine. 609 Dauphin St. • 378-5091 Fried seafood served in hefty Sandwich, Chicken Salad, Salad & monteGo’s ($-$$) Daily specials made from scratch. the trellis room ($$$) portions. 3382 Hwy. 98 • 625-1947 Soup. 2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit R • Fresh Caribbean-style food & craft 57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853. Italian dishes & local flair. felix’s fish Camp ($$) 660-0501 beer. 6601 Airport Blvd. • 634-3445 the CourtyarD at 311($) Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493 Upscale dining with a view. ColD snap miDtoWn ($) mostly muffins ($) Great food and large selection of 1420 Hwy. 98 • 626-6710 Carpe Diem Coffee & Frozen yogurt. Muffins, coffee & wraps. spirits. leGaCy Bar & Grill ($$$$) 2425 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9500 105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855 311 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope • 928- a little Vino American, Seafood,Steakhouse. Cravin CaJun ($) muDBuGs at the loop ($) 2032 Domke market 9 Du Rhu Dr. S. • 341-3370 Po-boys, salads & seafood. Cajun Kitchen & seafood market. the house ($-$$) Wine, Craft Beer, Gourmet foods, & luCy B. GooDe ($$) 1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 287- 2005 Government St. • 478-9897 Seafood, sandwiches, salads & more. 2410 Dawes Rd. Ste. D. • 375- Gulf Coast cuisine, reinvented. 1168 muG shots ($$) soups 0599 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores Cream & suGar ($) Bar & Grill. 4513 Old shell Rd. • 408-9622 fathoms lounGe 967-5858 Breakfast, lunch in Oakleigh. Ice 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514 the hunGry oWl ($) A tapas reaturant, cocktails & live lulu’s ($$) cream too. neWk’s express Cafe ($) Burgers, flatbread pizza & seafood. music 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 Live music & great seafood. 351 George St. #B • 405-0003 Oven-baked sandwiches & more. 7899 Cottage Hill Rd. • 633-4479 reD or White 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores • 967- D’ miChael’s ($) 252 Azalea Rd. • 341-3533 three GeorGes CanDy shop ($) 323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 5858 Philly cheese steaks, gyros & more. olD 27 Grill ($) Light lunch with Southern flair. oriGinal oyster house ($-$$) 990-0003 7101-A Theodore Dawes Rd. • 653- Burgers, dogs & 27 beers & wines. 226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725 1801 Old Shell Rd. • 478-9494 A great place for kids and seafood. 2979 19992 Hwy. 181 Old County Rd. tropiCal smoothie ($) royal street tavern 3733 Hwy. 98 • 626-2188 Delish Desserts ($) Fairhope • 281-2663 Great smoothies, wraps & Live music,martinis & a light dinner oyster roCkefeller ($$-$$$) 312 Great desserts & hot lunch orleans po-Boys ($-$$) sandwiches. Du Rhu Dr. • 378-5648 menu. 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 Schillingers Rd. • 607-9527 23 Upham St. • 473-6115 Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. 570 Schillinger Road • 634-3454 southern napa riCe asian Grill & sushi Bar ($) DeW Drop inn ($) 960 Schillinger Rd S. • 633-3900 true miDtoWn kitChen ($) Bistro plates, craft beers and pantry. 3964 Government Blvd. • 378-8083 Classic burgers, hotdogs & setting. orleans Cafe ($-$$) Gourmet Southern at a good price. 2304 Main Street. • 375-2800 the harBor room ($-$$) 1808 Old Shell Rd. • 473-7872. Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. 1100 Dauphin St. • 434-2002 Unique seafood. DoWntoWners ($) 3721 Airport Blvd • 380-1503 WilD WinG station ($) 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 Great sandwiches, soups & salads. panini pete’s ($) 1500 Government St. • 287-1526 taCky JaCks ($-$$) 107 Dauphin St. • 433 8868 Original sandwich and bake shop. 42 yak the kathmanDu kitChen ($-$$) falafel? try some Gulf Shores favorite on the e WinG house ($) 1/2 Section St., Fairhope • 929-0122 Authentic foods from Himalayan Hummus Causeway. 1175 Battleship Pkwy. • 195 S University Suite H • 662-1830. 19 S. Conception St. • 405-0031 region. 3210 Dauphin St. • 287-0115 7 spiCe ($-$$) 621-8988 2212 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 479- pDq ($) Healthy, delicious Mediterranean the BlueGill ($-$$) 2021 Chicken fingers, salad & sandwiches food. 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177 A historic seafood dive with live firehouse suBs ($) 1165 University Blvd. • 202-0959 ‘Cue aBBa’s meDiterranean Cafe ($-$$) music. 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625-1998 Hot subs, cold salads & catering. queen G’s Café ($) BaCkyarD Cafe & BBq ($) Beef, lamb & seafood. the italian fisherman ($$) 6300 Grelot Rd. • 631-3730 Down home cooking for lunch. 2518 Home cookin’ like momma made. 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464 Seafood Italian style. fisherman’s leGaCy ($) Old Shell Rd. • 471-3361 2804 Springhill Ave. • 473-4739 Jerusalem Cafe ($-$$) 2503 Old Shell Rd. • 478-2881 Deli, market and catering. reGina’s kitChen ($-$$) BriCk pit ($) Mobile’s oldest Middle Eastern Wintzell’s oyster house ($-$$) 4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2266 Sandwiches, subs and soups. A favorite barbecue spot. cuisine. 5773 Airport Blvd. • 304- 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 five Guys BurGers & fries ($) 2056 Government St. • 476-2777 5456 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0001 1155 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2393 river shaCk ($-$$) DreamlanD BBq ($) meDiterranean sanDWiCh 1208 Shelton Beach Rd., Saraland 4663 Airport Blvd. • 300-8425 Seafood, burgers & steaks. Ribs, sandwiches & great sides. Company ($) Great & quick. 442-3335 foosaCkly’s ($) 6120 Marina Dr., Dog River • 443- zea’s ($$) 3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9898. 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 Famous chicken fingers. 7318. moe’s oriGinal Bar B que ($) 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725-0126 Gourmet rotisserie with prime rib & 310 S. University Blvd. • 343-0047 roly poly ($) Bar-b-que & music. mint hookah Bistro ($) seafood. 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 Wraps & salads. Bayfront Park Dr., Daphne • 625-RIBS Great Mediterranean food. 4671 Airport Blvd. • 344-7414 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 809 Hillcrest Rd. • 607-6378 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427. 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480 sauCy q BarBque ($) zorBa the Greek ($-$$) 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000 roma Cafe ($-$$) Award-winning BarBQue. Shawarmah & baba ghanouj. Completely istanBul Grill ($) Pasta, salad and sandwiches. 1111 Government Blvd. • 433-7427 1222 Hillcrest Rd, Ste. D • 633-2202 Authentic Turkish Resturant. 7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217 Whistle stop ($) ComfortaBle 3702 Airport Blvd. • 461-6901 rosie’s Grill ($-$$) Home cookin’ & BBQ. al’s hotDoGs ($) JamaiCan viBe ($) Sandwiches, southwest fare, 7 days. 110 S. Florida St. • 478-7427 Classic hotdogs, gyros & milkshakes. far eastern fare Mind-blowing island food. 1203 Hwy 98 Ste. 3D, Daphne • 626- BanGkok thai ($-$$) 4701 Airport Blvd. • 342-3243 3700 Government Blvd. Ste A • 602- 2440 Delicious, traditional Thai cuisine. ashlanD miDtoWn puB ($-$$) 1973 royal street Cafe ($) Pizzas, pastas, & calzones. Drop DeaD 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995 Jimmy John’s ($) Homemade lunch & breakfast. Banzai Japanese restaurant ($$) 245-A Old Shell Rd. • 479-3278 Sandwiches, catering & delivery too. 104 N. Royal St. • 434-0011 Gourmet Traditional sushi & lunch. atlanta BreaD Company ($-$$) 6920 Airport Blvd. • 414-5444 saGe restaurant ($$) alaBama Cruises ($$) Sandwiches, salads & more. Fine dining & sailing from 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 Joe Cain Café ($) Inside the Mobile Marriott. Of Orange liquiD ($$) 3680 Dauphin St. • 380-0444 Pizzas, sandwiches, cocktails. 3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400 Beach • 973-1244 Amazing sushi & assortment of rolls. BenJamin’s ($) 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 satori Coffeehouse ($) Bay Gourmet ($$) Burgers,wings and seafood. A premier caterer & cooking classes. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109 kitChen on GeorGe ($-$$) Coffee, smoothies, lunch & beers. mikato Japanese steak house ($$) 2107 Airport Blvd. • 450-9377 Contemporary American food. 5460 Old Shell Rd. • 344-4575 1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051 Upscale sushi & specialties. Briquettes steakhouse ($-$$) 351A George & Savannah St. • 436- serDa’s Coffeehouse ($) Café 615 ($$-$$$) Grilled steaks, chicken and seafood. American fare with local ingredients. 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622 8890 Coffee, lunches, live music & gelato. roCk n roll sushi ($$) 720A Schillinger Rd. S. Suite 2. • 607- 615 Dauphin St. • 432-8434. lap’s GroCery & Grill ($-$$) 3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000 3299 Bel Air Mall. • 287-0445 7200 Casual Seafood & southern classics. smokey DemBo smoke house ($) Café royal ($$-$$$) Cafe 219 ($) Prime steak & seafood in elegant WasaBi sushi ($$) 1595 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort 3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 473- Japanese cusine Salads, sandwiches & potato salad. setting. 101 N. Royal St. • 405-5251 • 626-0045 1401 3654 Airport Blvd. suite C • 725-6078 219 Conti St. • 438-5234 lava spot of tea ($) noJa ($$-$$$) Cafe malBis ($) Inventive & very fresh cuisine. yen restaurant ($) ($) Fish & Chicken Mobile’s favorite spot for breakfast & Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Contemporary fare & eclectic spirits. 396 Azalea Rd. • 345-8121 lunch. 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 28396 Hwy. 181, Daphne • 661-6620 763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814 16 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 St. • 432-2453 American fare & rockin’ memorabilia. island view casino ($$-$$$) Kick it mama mIa! el charro ($) 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 up a notch. Benedetto restaurant ($$) Finest Mexican in WeMo. satisfaction at hard rock hotel 3300 W. Beach Blvd. • 877-774-8439 Catering and Market. 7751 Airport Blvd. • 607-0882 and casino ($) c&g grille at island view casino 1716 Main St. Ste. C, Daphne • 625- fuego ($-$$) Southern favorites & fresh-smoked ($) Outstanding Mexican cuisine. meats. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877- 0345 Large breakfast, lunch or dinner Bentz’s pizza puB ($) 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 6256 Homemade pizza and Italian dishes. los arcos ($) tien at ip casino resort spa ($-$$) menu. 3300 W. Beach Blvd. • 877- Is The Game On? Quaint Mexican restaurant. Pan-Asian cuisine made in front of 774-8439 Baumhower’s wings ($) 28567 County Rd. 13 • 625-6992 Buck’s pizza ($$) 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484 you. wahoo’s poolside Bar and grill Famous wings, burgers & steaks. Delivery. la cocina ($) 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 at palace casino resort ($-$$) 3673 Airport Blvd. • 344-2134 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444 Authentic Mexican cuisine. highlights sports lounge at ip Fresh seafood & more. Jubilee Shopping Center, Daphne • gamBino Brothers ($) 4633 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553 casino resort spa ($) 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 625-4695 Homemade pastas & sandwiches. santa fe grill ($) Brews & game on 65 screens. Buffalo wild wings ($) mignon’s at palace casino resort 873 Hillcrest Ave. • 344-8115 Locally-owned, fresh cuisine. 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 ($$-$$$) Best wings & sporting events. high tide café at ip casino resort gamBino’s italian grill ($) 3160 Bel Air Mall • 450-2440 Extraordinary wine, steaks & 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955 Italian, Steaks, Seafood, spa ($) Butch cassidy’s ($) Casual & relaxing, extensive menu. seafood. Famous burgers, sandwiches & 18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990-0995 guido’s ($$) 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 wings. 60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690. nO GamblInG Fresh cuisine nightly on menu. 1709 Br prime at Beau rivage ($$-$$$) the den at treasure Bay callaghan’s irish social cluB ($) Fine dining establishment. casino ($-$$) Burgers & beer. Main St., Daphne • 626-6082 CasInO Fare la pizzeria ($$) 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 Intimate & casual with daily specials. 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374 Italian, pizza, seafood & steaks. aTmOre Jia at Beau rivage ($-$$) heroes sports Bar & grille ($) fire at wind creek casino & hotel 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 1455 Monroe St. • 380-6419 ($$-$$$) Exotic Japanese, Thai, Chinese, cq at treasure Bay casino ($$-$$$) Sandwiches & cold beer. picklefish ($$) Korean & Vietnamese cuisine. World-class prime steaks, seafood & Elegant atmosphere & tantalizing 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376. Hillcrest Pizza, sandwiches & salads. wine. 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 entrees. 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747- & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 memphis q at Beau rivage ($) 5955 Old Shell Rd.• 344-9899 grill at wind creek casino & mcsharry’s irish puB ($) papa’s place ($$) Memphis-style Q. 2839 Brillant Reubens & Fish-N-Chips hotel ($) Blu at treasure Bay casino ($) 101 A Taste of Italy . BYOB. 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope • 990-5100 Contemporary & old-fashioned c oast restaurant at Beau rivage Lounge with cocktails & tapas menu. the landing ($) 28691 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne • favorites. 626-1999 ($) 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 From seafood to steaks. ravenite ($) 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 Sports bar-style joint. margaritaville restaurant ($$$) 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 973- Pizza, Pasta, Salad & more 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 Burgers, salads, specialties & more. 2696 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525 bIlOxI lB’s steakhouse at grand casino 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 lucky’s irish puB ($) via emilia ($$) viBe at hard rock hotel and ($$-$$$) Irish pub fare & more. feeding frenzy Buffet ($-$$) Homemade pastas & pizzas made casino ($-$$) Fine dining with juicy steak & fine 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000 Fine surf, turf, atmosphere & cigars. (margaritaville casino) daily. 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677 wine. the stadium ($) 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-625 Featuring Gulf Coast Cuisine Catch the games with great food. ruth’s chris steak house at 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 19270 Hwy. 98 Fairhope • 990-0408 cuu long super pho at grand marina at landshark hard rock hotel & casino ($$$) casino ($$) wemos ($) Olé mI amIGO! Exceptional service & taste. landing($-$$) caBo coastal cantina ($) Asian noodle soups, bubble teas & Wings, tenders, hotdogs & 777 Beach Blvd . • 877-877-6256 (margaritaville casino) sandwiches. 312 Schillinger Rd. • 225 Dauphin St. • 441-7685 hard rock café at hard rock more. dauphin st. taqueria ($) Enchiladas, 4 portable food stations. 633-5877 hotel and casino ($) 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 tacos, & authentic fare. 661 Dauphin emeril’s gulf coast fish house at 160 5th St. • 855-667-6777

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 17 THE REVIEW | CUISINE The scuffle about truffles: The diamond of the culinary world BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

here aren’t many chances to sample truffles around here. is a problem. When the pigs start to root around it isn’t easy to Flavoring quality olive oil is one of the more popular ways to get When you see them on the menu you better jump at the keep the old gals from eating them once they hit the jackpot. For the most out of the glorified mushroom. opportunity. I recently had some stellar truffle mashed that reason certain breeds of small dogs are being trained to sniff Softening them up in a bouillabaisse, placing slices under the potatoes at Restaurant R’evolution in New Orleans (more out the delicacy. skin of your favorite fowl, in pate, in omelets, don’t let me stop Ton that later) and thought it might be a good idea to attempt to Black truffles from France are commonplace in the high-end you. The truffle is the quickest way to church up anything. educate the less familiar on what a truffle is and why they are out- truffle world. Also known as the Perigord, this version is of course rageously expensive and maybe provide some ideas for their use. black on the outside but a little paler and veiny from the cross sec- The spark that started it all tion view. These can range from very small to very large, maxing If you have not visited Restaurant R’evolution I suggest you out at a couple of pounds. make a reservation right now. Located in the bottom of New White truffles from Italy are referred to as Piedmont truffles. Orleans’ Royal Sonesta on the Bienville side, this gem is the These usually grow as large as one pound, but more rare than their combined forces of John Folse and Rick Tramonto. It’s nothing French counterparts. These have a much more powerful aroma and shy of amazing. a little will go a long way. By far the most expensive, Piedmonts A recent brunch had me almost in tears with poached eggs over are the gold standard of the truffle world. boudin with pork cracklins, the best barbecue shrimp and grits I We Americans can boast of an infant truffle market that is have ever had the pleasure of sampling, and the previously men- gaining popularity and even getting the thumbs up by the likes tioned truffle mashed potatoes. of James Beard. Oregon truffles compare favorably to the Italian Start with a ramekin full of the creamiest, finest mashed pota- whites and are far less expensive (only $150 per pound compared toes with the perfect amount of salt. Add to that truffles sliced so to $450). These were originally discovered in California and grow thinly you would swear it’s the garlic guy from Goodfellas. How hand in hand with the Douglas Fir. simple is that? Oregon truffles require rodents and other wildlife to dig them It was the first thing I tasted, and it was breathtaking. It was up, consume them, and scatter the seeds in order for the species also my least favorite thing on the table, if that tells you how Photo/Facebook to continue. Ah, the circle of life. They are considered a viable fantastic everything else was. substitution for their European cousins and could possibly help I get to eat well in Mobile on a regular basis and we do have So what’s a truffle? settle the market a bit. some amazing restaurants. But it is a rare occasion that most The best way to think of a truffle is to imagine a subterranean anyone gets to experience something as high-end as Restaurant mushroom. They can get pretty big, maybe the size of a fist and R’evolution. New Orleans has never hurt for fine dining. If these they grow in a symbiotic relationship with a tree’s root system. An infinite number of uses Nobody is sitting around getting full off of truffles. You are guys can’t rule the city they can at least rule the rest of the world. These tubers are pretty firm and very hard to find. paying for an aroma, not a piece of flesh. There are even truffle I found it was a great place to sink my teeth into, and not sur- The most common method for locating truffles is with the use slicers that shave these babies paper thin for adding that extra zip prising considering the credentials. I have other favorites – some of specially trained hogs. The aromatic fungi have an odor that to a dish. Sprinkling raw bits atop a glorious recipe is a great way old, some new – scattered across the Big Easy. This one is just my is not dissimilar to the pheromones in the saliva of male hogs. to not waste this fungal gold. latest. I’m sure most of you have favorites over there, too. Female hogs in a loving mood are keen to the scent, undetectable Infusion is a good way to ensure longevity. Truffle oil neither But wherever you go, here, there, anywhere, if you have the for humans since they grow a foot or so below the soil. But there comes from truffles nor contains truffle parts other than the aroma. opportunity, get the truffles.

18 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 Word of mouth CuISINE CC Mississippi Seafood Trail debuts at ‘Summer of Seafood’ BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

sure wouldn’t mind one of these in Alabama! Mississippi’s weekly contests and prizes. But beware, shy people and those “Summer of Seafood” runs from June 21 through August who have something to hide. There are digital billboards along 15 and celebrates all the critters from the Gulf of Mexico. I the coast that may flash your picture for all the casino bound personally think SOS should be a national holiday where all travelers to see. Iforeigners, like Arkansans and Minnesotans and the like, make Send me your favorites from the list and I will be sure to a pilgrimage to the Gulf of Mexico to find out how fresh shrimp stop by. and blue crab rule the seafood world. Let’s hope all those attending will head east on I-10 to sample This multi-month celebration will also be the launch for Mis- a few of our great businesses. For a complete list of restaurants sissippi’s Seafood Trail. Created by the Mississippi Hospitality and more information on this grand idea visit www.mississip- and Restaurant Association, the seafood trail was a no-brainer. piseafoodtrail.com. There were already music trails dedicated to the blues. Why not seafood? The MHRA established this trail to create awareness of Krystal brings Stackers to Mobile restaurants that proudly serve Gulf seafood, and more emphati- The Krystal chain has pretty much kept the “go with what got cally Gulf shrimp. you there” approach to business, rarely introducing new prod- With more than 40 restaurants participating, Mississippi’s 62 ucts. If you are a fan then the new items are pretty much what miles of coastline is peppered with some amazing offerings from you’ve always loved, just more of it. I can appreciate a place Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula. I personally have a few favorites that doesn’t try to offer “something for everyone.” on the list and am eager to try the others. The Krystal Crave Cruiser embarked on a 10-city tour begin- Both Half Shell locations (Biloxi and Gulfport) are worth ning in Atlanta and working its way through Tennessee before visiting anytime. Thank heavens we are getting one, too. Pay reaching Huntsville, Birmingham and Mobile. All of this to attention to the oysters, but do not neglect the shrimp as these Photo/facebook promote their new item the Krystal Stacker. guys do it right. Great for a Sunday wake-up. At each stop 1,000 of the new burgers were given away (limit Possibly my favorite restaurant on the coast is Mary Ma- Not until I discovered Jack’s by the Tracks. I now have what two per person) in traditional, cheese, bacon cheese or deluxe honey’s. Lunch or dinner, it’s usually amazing. some might call an addiction to this place. (featuring lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise). It’s the double Rob and I have discussed the years when they were slipping. Lots of people love their fish tacos, but I cannot get past the cheeseburger of the Krystal world. They are now bringing their “A” game. Petite soft shell crabs sushi. This place does it well. The Tigger, Black Pearl, and Awe- On Wednesday, June 18 at high noon, the cruiser (or is it with three dipping sauces is the way to begin. Oyster soup is some Crawsome are three of my favorite rolls. Kruiser) rolled into the Walmart on the I-65 Service Road sling- great, but oh, the gumbo. It is life-changing. Regular Geoff Painter has his own barstool complete with ing the new burgers, t-shirts and coupons. Though I was not My biggest problem is deciding whether I should get stuffed a seatbelt, so someone else likes it as much as me. Live music in attendance I am anxious to see what a Krystal with lettuce, snapper or flounder. You can cram crabmeat au gratin into any is the norm, and the folks are so friendly you’ll want to know tomato and mayonnaise tastes like. fish and I will enjoy it. Most entrees come with pasta covered every employee by name. The next stops are Jacksonville and Orlando. in crawfish étouffée. Shame on you if you’ve never been. It’s During this celebration attendees will want to take selfies Beat that heat, boys and girls, and start getting those Fourth closed on Sundays. at participating restaurants to share on Facebook, Instagram of July plans together. That watermelon ain’t going to spike Making our way back to the Alabama line, Pascagoula was and Twitter with the hashtag #seafoodselfie for a chance to win itself. Recycle! never a stopping point even for an old Mississippi boy like me.

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 19 THIRSTY WORK CUISINE CC Excuse me bartender, there’s a gender in my drink… BY SUSAN LARSSON/CONTRIBUTING WRITER | [email protected]

o alcoholic beverages have genders? explained that the choice of alcohol wasn’t Should I have been lifting them up as important as the choice of mixer, so now and checking their undersides all these mixers have gender, too! Apparently women years, to see if I was drinking the right can have vodka-based fruity cocktails, but men Dthing? Have I been gender-bending without should drink their spirits neat. even knowing it? Can I buy a break here, please? Even “The More and more in 2014, I’m seeing certain Times of India” — a newspaper whose social adult beverages marketed to men and oth- columnists face the Herculean task of helping ers to women when you’d think, by now, we a largely abstinent culture adjust to the concept would’ve gotten over such practices. of social drinking—just ran an article debunk- Take the latest Applebee’s commercials as ing the myth that vodka was a woman’s drink. one example. The majority of their ads show Nonetheless, once you start looking you’ll alcoholic beverages being enjoyed with meals find all sorts of articles devoted to “popular (bless them), but it’s usually men having beer vodka drinks for women” and “girly vodka (seems to be pilsner, but at least it’s in a glass) cocktails.” Most of the latter focus on flavored and women having (usually white) wine. In martinis (banana, for example), with abundant only one ad have I also seen women enjoying use of Grenadine and large dollops of choco- beer. What’s up with that? late liqueur. I’ve got a chocolate martini recipe Then there was the Woodford Reserve proven, however, to kill with both sexes — so I Bourbon ad broadcast during horse-racing challenge the assertion that these are necessar- season, which had a man say, “When I see a ily “girly” drinks. woman drinking bourbon, I figure she can pick Pity the poor men, though, who can’t go out a horse…she’ll know sire lines and gaits, but and order a fruity cocktail if they want one. won’t let them override her instincts.” They’re possibly more boxed-in than even the So not only is it apparently noteworthy women. when a woman drinks bourbon, but women are I was once out with a male colleague in instinctive, not scientific? Do women bet on London and he ordered something called a horses based on catchy names, similar to the “Frou-Frou,” because he wanted to try it. way we buy cars based on color? I’m not liking He took loads of grief from the pint-quaffers this line of march. nearby, so you had to admire his courage. My To top things off, I received any number own husband likes frozen drinks — he’ll order of Father’s Day sale emails from some of my a frozen Margarita while I prefer mine on the favorite wineries and do you want to know rocks. Does that make me the pants-wearer in what they’re almost uniformly suggesting you the family? Is all this getting a bit silly? buy dear ol’ dad for his special day? Red wine. In the world of beer, I recently heard SAB- Heavy-duty red wine. Miller CEO Alan Clark on TV saying he felt Magnums of cabernet, gift baskets of cab- beer had not been marketed properly to women ernet, monthly shipments of cabernet — many and he hoped to expand beer-drinking demo- from wineries that make excellent chardon- graphics by redesigning ads to avoid their past nays, chenin blancs and rieslings. Do men not emphasis on sports and male bonding. (So far, drink white wine, really? so good; I’ll hold off commenting on the pos- How have we trapped ourselves in this gen- sible implication that women dislike sports.) der-based beverage box? I admit it’s not new, Clark separately told Reuters he wanted to but how can these stereotypes still exist and are keep the theme of sociability in his ads, but they getting more entrenched than ever? include both genders. (Again, so far, so good.) I read recently that vodka was considered, Where the report went astray was when the in the mid-20th century, to be a “woman’s columnist, not Alan Clark, told beer lovers drink” because she could sip it discreetly (it not to worry, because SABMiller ads weren’t had no telltale aroma). I think I was reading “about to get all pink and frilly.” one of those etiquette books that also advised As my father used to say, “Cheese and a woman to “freshen up” before her husband rice!” Are women “all pink and frilly?” Apart came home from work and not to annoy him from tweaking its ads, SABMiller plans to by discussing petty household problems from target women by injecting low-alcohol shandy- her insignificant day. (And maybe while she style beverages (mixing beer with lemonade or was making him a nice pitcher of martinis she fruit juice) into its brand line-up. I’m going to could have a discreet snort in the kitchen.) say it again: Can I buy a break? If you look online, though, you’ll still find Rounding out his report, the Reuters col- questions about whether a particular beverage umnist claimed SABMiller was implementing is a “woman’s drink” or not. Some are posted these changes to compete with craft brews, by young ladies going out to parties and not which were “inherently more female-friendly.” wanting to make a faux pas by drinking the Now, I love craft beer, but I have no clue why “wrong” thing. it should be any more friendly to women than Now, I’m all in favor of young ladies not to men and the reporter didn’t explain. He making faux pas at parties, but let me say claimed craft breweries in Europe have “large clearly: You can drink anything you darned numbers” of female customers and Britain’s well please and if some folks judge you by Campaign for Real Ale added 20,000 women your choice, then they’re the ones with poor (of which I was one) to its membership during manners, not you. the past 10 years. All good news, but the un- One of my favorite thoughtful answers to derlying context, that beverages have genders, the “Is it OK for a woman to drink X” question still bothers me.

he newest sweet tooth competitor in Down significantly (25 percent or more) was 14 goals. “This award targets enterprises within town, Lickin Good Doughnuts, is open- percent; down slightly (approximately 10 per- the local community that set environmental ing storefronts in Mobile and Baldwin cent) was 9 percent; no change was 16 percent; commitments,” said Chris Thompson, President counties at the blistering pace of one up slightly was 28 percent; up significantly was of Cam-Air, LLC. “In addition, it recognizes Tevery three to four months. Their first shop 34 percent. companies that go beyond measuring perfor- opened in Robertsdale in December 2013 and In summary, 62 percent of brokers responding mance and embrace a mindset of continuous a second store was added in Saraland April of said activity was up versus 23 percent surveyed improvement to help surpass their targets by this year. The newest, 1,900-square-foot loca- indicating that activity was down compared to leveraging the partnerships of experts in the tion will welcome customers in July at 3915 2013. energy efficiency industry.” Government Blvd. “I think business brokerage activity is a pretty Lickin Good Doughnuts is a family-owned accurate indicator of the general economy, so Local Allstate agency owners business consisting of the husband and wife this is encouraging,” Bruce said. named Premier Agencies for 2014 team of Doug and Donna Wynn; son DJ Wynn Allstate exclusive agency owners throughout and daughter Heather Wynn. Recently relocated Airbus loses massive contract Mobile were recently designated as Allstate from Shreveport, La., Doug Wynn has 30 years Per Bloomberg News, Airbus was recently Premier Agencies for 2014. The Allstate Pre- of experience in the doughnut making business. hit with one of their most massive order cancel- mier Agency designation is bestowed on fewer “My son and I drove all over the Southeast lations in recent memory. Emirates Airlines than 48 percent of Allstate’s nearly 10,000 looking at new markets. We traveled through- dropped a deal for 70 A350 aircraft. The value agency owners across the country. out Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and of the contract was estimated to be $21 bil- The designation was presented to agency Alabama. Mobile is around the same size as lion, according to a New York Times report. owners Alvin Presnell Jr., Burt Blair, Gabriel Shreveport but there are about 30 doughnut Airbus stock price dropped roughly 4 per- Peck, John E. Brown, Jr., Daniel Cottrell, Leslie shops over there versus only a handful here.” cent in morning trading after the news release, Addison, Robert Paul Munger, Travis Everette Wynn said. per the Associated Press. and Kenneth Paul Morgan for outstanding busi- Wynn said that his recipes are unique “The A350 is a good aircraft, it’s a clean ness performance and commitment to putting compared to the competition. A hot seller ship, it’s cutting edge, but I don’t think the customers at the center of their agencies’ work. in Saraland, for example, is a glazed maple delivery schedule of the A350 fits in line with “These awards are not just about successful confection sprinkled with bacon bits (recently Emirates’ growth capabilities at this moment,” business results,” said Bob Holden, field senior invented by daughter Heather). A Czech pastry Mark D. Martin, chief executive officer of vice president. “They also demonstrate the called a Kolache (Conecuh sausage wrapped in Dubai-based Martin Consulting LLC., told agents’ commitment to being accessible to cus- homemade bread) will be sold alongside usual Bloomberg. tomers and leveraging expertise to help ensure fare at the new store. The Emirates order was the second-largest customers have the insurance products they Plans are to aggressively grow moving in Airbus’s A350 order book, behind Qatar Air- need to protect themselves and their families.” forward. “We don’t have a set number or time- ways with 80 aircraft and alongside Singapore frame on stores to open over the next few years, Airlines with 70. It represented about 9 percent Commercial Real Estate Moves it just depends on the opportunity and where of Airbus’s total outstanding orders for the new Labor Smart, an on-demand staffing com- the Lord leads us,” family patriarch Doug plane, according to the New York Times. pany, is having its ceremonial ribbon cutting Wynn said. Starting in 2015, Airbus will assemble A320 on Friday June, 13 at 4:15 p.m. According to a To learn more about Lickin Good Dough- family aircraft at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, press release, Labor Smart is the fastest grow- nuts, visit their Facebook page at: where a $600 million final assembly line is cur- ing company of its kind in the U.S. with 31 www.facebook.com/LickenGoodDonuts rently under construction. Calls made to Airbus branches – a number that will grow to 100 by North America for additional commentary were 2017. Seven branches were recently opened in Small Business Sales activity shows not returned prior to press time. Gulfport, Pascagoula, Pensacola, Panama City, positive trends New Orleans, Baton Rouge and now Mobile. The American Business Brokers Association Meador Warehousing wins John Delchamps, associate broker with (ABBA) recently surveyed their 4,500 mem- ‘Green’ Award Merrill P. Thomas Co., recently leased a bers with interesting results. Locally-owned Meador Warehousing & 1,000-square-foot office/warehouse space to “The survey of the ABBA membership ran Distribution, Inc. has won an Environmental Power & Rubber Supply Inc. for three weeks ending June 10,” said William Stewardship Award by Cam-Air, LLC & Orion American Home Patient has leased a Bruce, owner of William Bruce Sales & Acqui- Energy Systems in recognition of their ongoing 2,400-square-foot space at 875 & 877 Hillcrest sitions LLC and current ABBA president. efforts to reduce climate change impact within Road in Sugar Mill Village shopping center, The members were asked how their activity the local community. Mobile. Bob Cooper with Prudential Cooper from both business buyers and sellers, exclud- The Environmental Stewardship Award represented the tenant and Sharon Wright, ing closings, compared to the same period last recognizes exceptional performance in achiev- CCIM, CRB, GRI with White-Spunner Realty, year to date. The results were listed as follows: ing sustainability, objectives and financial worked for the landlord.

22 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 23 COVER STORY Former MAWSS commissioners and directors discuss the growing role of the Board in the utility’s daily operations BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

eevones Fisher didn’t know the difference between a sewer Former MAWSS Executive Director Jim Fibbe said the county would personally want that because of the service they’re produc- drain and a storm drain when her six-year term as a com- personnel board handled the initial hiring phase when he was in ing,” she said. “It’s such an essential service that they have to be missioner on the board of the Mobile Area Water and Sewer charge. They would put together a list of candidates and the direc- very serious about the appointment.” System began in 2008. tor and department heads would then interview the candidates. The Councilman Joel Daves said it’s important to nominate members L“Anybody can serve on the board because you’re representing director would then hire the best candidate. to the board that have the best interest of the city in mind. He said the people,” Fisher said. “I don’t think you have to go to college to “There were times when the board would recommend someone that while the council should show deference to nominees their serve. It was interesting information. It was educational.” on the list, but the way I look at it, hiring was done by the director,” colleagues want to appoint, there is a duty to appoint members who Fisher said she quickly learned about the system, spending 10 to he said. have a certain skillset. 20 hours a week working for MAWSS. Fibbe said he and the board had a good working relationship “We need to look at people who’ve run businesses, engineers, “It’s like a part-time job,” she said. “I know for a fact I spent 52 when he was director. accountants,” Daves said. “People who have the skills to know weeks a year for six years dealing with it.” “We always had a professional relationship,” he said. “They what’s going on.” The MAWSS board not only handles the budget, but also may didn’t always agree with me, but we kept it on a professional Fibbe said he didn’t give board member salaries much thought discipline employees, approve contracts, borrow money and vote level.” when he was director. on rate adjustments for customers, according Bess Rich, former He added that he didn’t feel board members were too involved “It’s a pretty demanding board to be on, as far as activity,” he board commissioner and current city councilwoman. in the day-to-day operation of MAWSS. said. “It’s pretty complex with the water side and wastewater side.” “It’s very similar to the things you do in the city government,” “They were certainly involved in some issues, but they weren’t Rich added that board members, in addition to attending meet- Rich said. “It’s like a mini-city, only it’s a very specialized service.” here every day and they didn’t have offices here,” Fibbe said. ings twice a month, must also attend committee meetings and chair Contracts awarded by the board mainly go toward building and a committee during their terms. maintaining infrastructure, Rich said, adding that MAWSS was Salaries “They have to go to sometimes weekly meetings, especially if “excellent” at maintaining infrastructure and the board had a prac- Steeves said the $1,100-a-month salary and other financial they’re getting ready to do bonds, or look at their rates and look at tice of evaluating bids for work. considerations for MAWSS board members could attract the wrong the contracts and whatnot,” she said. “It’s something where it’s not “They are rated by in-house engineers and assigned points for people to serve. Ten to 15 years ago, board pay began increasing, just those meetings they’re going to have to devote time to.” every contract with different things, like did it come in on time, did he said. The committees include growth and development, human it come in under budget and were they communicating well,” Rich “In Mobile, they’re paid a lot more than most water boards are resources, finance, insurance, property and consultant/contractor said. “It’s a scale and it’s wonderful.” paid,” Steeves said. “Some of the motivation for board members is complaint review. pay, and that didn’t used to be the case.” Rich said the amount of time she worked for MAWSS depended Too much interference Board spokeswoman Barbara Shaw confirmed that commission- on the time of year. Former Executive Director Malcolm Steeves, who retired in ers get $1,100 per month, while the board chairman makes $1,300. “It really depended on what cycle you were in what they were 2013 after nearly 20 years with MAWSS, said the board spends In comparison, members of Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary doing, what committees you were assigned to and what the issues between $75 million and $100 million a year. Sewer Board get $100 per month, while the chairperson gets $125, were,” Rich said. “They take the level of control they want,” he said. “They gener- according to General Manager Buddy Morgan. Fisher said she had to get a separate email account just to deal ally look after the purse strings and award contracts.” Mobile’s board salaries increased to their current level in 1998, with correspondence dealing with the water board because she said Members aren’t supposed to be involved in much else, although Shaw said. she had more than 15,000 messages about her work on the board. sometimes they interfere with the daily operations of the service, Steeves said when he started as an engineer for MAWSS in Steeves said. 1994, commissioners’ salaries were set at about $500 a month, “and Appointments “More often than not, the members would be too involved,” even that was high.” Politics sometimes factor into the job for board members, like he said. “The involvement of board members is the single biggest “The cost was originally supposed to be for gas and meals they the recent fight over the appointment of former mayor Sam Jones complaint of water system directors.” missed,” he said. “It’s not that way anymore.” to replace Fisher on the board. The one-term commissioner said she On multiple occasions, Steeves said board members told him Shaw said MAWSS has approximately 89,000 accounts with an doesn’t feel her support of Mayor Sandy Stimpson had anything to who to hire. Steeves said he believes board members should only average of 2.8 people per account. The Montgomery board serves do with Councilman Fred Richardson appointing Jones to replace be allowed to hire and fire the director. 85,000 accounts, with about three people per account, Morgan said. her. Fisher said she never saw an instance of board members pressur- In addition to a salary, Steeves said during his tenure he knew “It was not revealed to me that was the reason,” Fisher said. “He ing the director to hire a certain person, but she did recall an occa- board members who would also rack up travel expenses, which explained that he and Sam Jones were good friends and that Sam sion where an employee went over the director’s head and straight made a board appointment a “coveted” position. wanted to be on the board.” to the board instead of dealing with a supervisor. “Some did it for power, money and travel,” Steeves said. Fisher said she was relieved when she found out she would be “I know of it happening once,” Fisher said. “The employee tried Rich said the fact that it’s a paid position does have an effect replaced, adding that she never asked to be on the board and never to go to a board member in order to break protocol. We didn’t put on its attractiveness, but at the same time, the importance of the asked to be replaced. up with that.” service dictates that only those serious about serving should be “The first thing I thought was hallelujah,” Fisher said. “Every As far as the board being too involved, Fisher said some people appointed. She used her appointee, Vice Chairwoman Sheri Weber, day of my life I thought about MAWSS.” may look at it that way, but she maintains many of the commission- as an example. Nevertheless, a political fight over Richardson’s appointment ers were just very detail oriented and asked a lot of questions. “The person I appointed is someone I know very well and I ensued. District 1 representative Richardson saw his appointment

24 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 Photo/Dan Anderson

blocked twice as the council spent weeks budget to the board,” Fibbe said. deadlocked on the decision. The average bill for a residential MAWSS The stalemate resulted in failure to approve customer runs about $50 a month for 5,000 gal- other measures and remained in place until cur- lons, Shaw wrote in an email. That breaks down rent Mayor Sandy Stimpson came out in support to about $16.05 for water, $34.90 for sewer and of the appointment, which changed two council 56 cents in tax. votes and resulted in a 5-1 vote to approve the appointment. Only Rich voted against the Jones Prichard Water takeover appointment. Councilman John Williams was A countywide referendum allowing MAWSS absent for the vote. to takeover the assets of the Prichard Water Jones is the newest member of the board. Works and Sewer Board passed by a slim He joins current commissioners, Chairman margin on Tuesday, June 3. MAWSS has yet to Maynard V. Odom, Vice-Chair Sheri Weber, decide on its next step on what is an “issue of Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Tyrell, James Bell, hope,” Fisher said, for the people of Prichard. James Laier and Barbara Drummond. The Trinity Gardens resident said she has no Daves, Rich and Williams each said they idea what MAWSS might do in response to the have good communication with their board ap- vote. pointments. “They’re hoping water bills will go down,” Council appointments aren’t district-based, Fisher said. “They’re hoping for this and that.” Shaw said, because until recently MAWSS only Steeves said if it’s done correctly, merg- had five commissioners on the board. It wasn’t ing the two systems “would be the best for all until 2008 that councilors in districts 1 and 7 citizens.” He said the takeover would result in had an appointment to the board, Shaw said. less overhead. Rich said she remembers councilors drawing Prichard Mayor Troy Ephriam warned before straws at one point to make MAWSS board ap- the vote that a decision by county voters to al- pointments. low the takeover would lead to the insolvency of his city. Ephriam has said the city would lose Rates $1.3 million in municipal fees tacked onto water Board members vote on rate increases for bills. Proponents of the legislation said MAWSS customers and approve the utility’s budget each would continue collecting these fees for Prich- year, Fibbe said. ard. Ephriam and others have said MAWSS isn’t “Normally you adjust rates to generate obligated to collect them. enough money to operate and meet budget According to the legislation, MAWSS has 90 demands,” he said. days from the June 3 date of the election to draft Often, MAWSS would predict revenues and and pass a resolution accepting the Prichard then look at capital projects and maintenance system. issues before determining whether a rate adjust- Shaw said she doesn’t expect a decision until ment was needed. The rate increase was then MAWSS gets a copy of a $34 million contract advertised to give customers an opportunity to with Severn Trent the Prichard board signed comment before a vote, Fibbe said. just before the referendum passed a countywide MAWSS department heads and the finance vote. department compile the overall budget before “We have repeatedly asked for a copy, but the director reviews it and “gets a complete have not yet received it,” she said.

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 25 A E & GUIDE 27/ART Following-up with recent stories about potential art plagiarism and the scrutiny of a proposed light show.

Photo/myspace.com 30/MUSIC The Ben Walls Memorial Jam Session June 22 at The Garage remembers a downtown staple.

Photo/imdb.com 36/FILM There are riveting moments in the otherwise lengthy ‘WikiLeaks’ drama.

40/SPORTS Mississippi State and Troy are two highlights on South Alabama’s 2014 home football schedule. 42/MEDIA Jones gives a Lagniappe staffer the cold shoulder. Rob disagrees.

46/STYLE One of Ru Paul’s queens spotted out on The Loop, and a porn star/ gubernatorial candidate is coming to town.

26| LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 ARTIFICE | ART Hot arts stories keep delivering BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

t’s been an eventful week in Lagniappe’s arts quarters and the general body and would give him 30 days to respond in any cathedral is breathtaking.” we’ve got some catching up to do. I prefer to end on a better fashion. Again, Morris never responded. Richemont told one reporter he was most excited about a note, so let’s get the unpleasant part over with first. The general membership vote was contentious, according to segment toward the end he called “The Faces of San Antonio” several of those present. Morris still had loyal fans, but the vote featuring home-grown celebrities, religious figures, politicians I resulted in his membership being rescinded. and athletes. He also implemented weeks of photos culled in More Morris It seems the June 12 cover story on the William “Bill” Morris is still listed as president of the Watercolor Society contemporary San Antonio. Morris saga stirred commentary. Apparently it was the topic of Alabama (WSA) on the group’s website. In a posted letter to “I’m excited about the reception we’ve gotten,” Richemont of much conversation during the June 13 LoDa Artwalk, with the membership dated June 11, 2014 and signed by Morris, he told mysanantonio.com. “I’m here from nine at night until some going so far as to say Mobile’s art news was “finally” outlines stringent requirements for their 73rd annual com- 2 a.m. every morning for the last week working on this and getting the attention it deserved. petition. Among those things listed as strictly prohibited are we’ve had hundreds of people just come and look, excited, Other information reached Artifice that wasn’t as laudatory “copies or likenesses of another’s work (i.e. painting, drawing, already starting to reconnect.” in nature. It would seem a pair of local arts groups knew about photograph, digital image or print),” and “artwork derived from If you want to see this incredible work for yourself, it’s the Morris issue with the Western artists for a while now. any published source.” available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB- The Watercolor and Graphic Arts Society of Mobile BEB-kH5k. Bear in mind when watching how scale and maj- (WGAS) took severe action as a result, facts Artifice confirmed Triumph in Texas esty improves in person as compared to mere video recording. with a trio of sources and a copy of the official investigative From out west, we caught wind of Xavier de Richemont’s As stated in the last Artifice, the only thing keeping us from summary. In 2012, WGAS sent a certified letter to Morris out- triumphant premiere of “The Saga,” the outdoor light and enjoying the same attraction here is us. History shows us we lining the charges against him and offered him an opportunity sound installation in San Antonio that was the subject of can make it happen if we want. to respond. It was clearly stated that if no response was issued the June 12 Artifice. Apparently the space surrounding San When the USS Alabama was bound for the scrap yard in 15 days’ time, the prohibition would stand. No response Fernando Cathedral – the architectural canvas for Richemont’s in 1962, Mobilians launched into action, forming the USS appeared. 24-minute masterpiece – was packed with curious residents Alabama Battleship Commission with haste. A corporate WGAS rescinded Morris’ awards though they did not at- who sat in awestruck rapture as the installation burst forth on fundraising campaign amassed nearly $1 million and school tempt to retrieve prize money. Then, they removed his name June 13. children collected close to $100,000 in spare change. Adjusted from their membership lists. The kaleidoscopic display ran the historic gamut and the for inflation, those sums would be $7.5 million and $750,000 On the advice of legal counsel, WGAS did not make this musical accompaniment followed suit, employing everything respectively, far more than it would take for Richemont’s tour- public. Individuals privy to the actions were free to speak. from Native American work, to traditional Mexican strains, ist magnet to manifest on our landmark. The sources revealed the decision was difficult. Mixed feel- to the Maple Leaf Rag, to Bob Dylan. If the number of As I watched the goings on in San Antonio, I imagined ings were stirred not just based on Morris’ talents, but the fact smartphone video recorders held aloft are any measure of ap- a similar premiere in Mobile. I envisioned the massive field he had donated award money several times to their exhibitions. proval, Richemont did his job. It was further confirmed by the at Battleship Park stuffed with thousands of observers. The Within three months’ time, the board of the Mobile Art rapturous standing ovation that filled the air upon the work’s Causeway would be similarly lined with onlookers and the bay Association (MAA) took a look at the same evidence that completion. itself could be crowded with boats and pleasure craft enjoying prompted WGAS’ actions. According to numerous sources “This is more astounding that I imagined,” President and our three centuries of American story writ large for the very privy to their decisions, the MAA board sent Morris a certified CEO of Witte Museum Marise McDermott exclaimed to first time. letter telling him they would put his membership to a vote of mainplaza.org. “To challenge the understanding of an iconic It will happen if we want it. Meanwhile, I can dream, right?

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 27 ART GALLERY | ART Regional arts fraud subject of documentary BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

ll the talk about suspicious works and questionable artistic renderings in the last issue started an avalanche of feedback. One of the stories we caught pointed to a man whose practice of forgery has landed him notoriety on the big screen. The tale of Mark Landis, a native of Laurel, Miss., was captured on film and premiered at this April’s TriBeCa Film Festival in New York City. “Art and Craft” follows the slippery Mr. Landis as he meticulously recreates works by notable artists, some Old Masters, and thenA pawns the works off on museums. Donning several identities – sometimes himself, sometimes as fictitious Jesuit Fr. Arthur Scott, other times as equally fake collector Steven Gardiner – his pattern is that he donates the works to museums, complete with proper parework but refuses compensation, including tax write-off forms. Apparently, it’s the thrill of fooling them that counts for Landis. While the museums don’t pay him, they often lose funds when they pay for inspections and verifications, legal advice and analysis of their collection to see if other Landis forgeries exist. His first successful donation was given to the New Orleans Museum of Art in 1987. He’s called on roughly 40 museums since then. Landis came by his artistic interests honestly. His mother, Jonita Joyce Brantley, was a longtime arts patron of the museum in Laurel. Landis himself once owned a gallery in San Francisco before returning to the Southeast. The FBI has been working in concert with a few institutions to see if any laws may have been broken. The feeling is he could be held responsible for theft of goods and services. Shady artistic motivations are apparently in ample supply near the Gulf Coast. Is it something in the water down here?

Library helps to climb the What do you do when Jazz group family tree you’re branded? celebrates summer

Workshop on Family Workshop: Am I Really A Brand? MOJO Jambalaya with Research Where: Mobile Arts Council David Jones Where: Mobile Public (318 Dauphin St.) Where: Gulf City Lodge Library, Local History When: June 24, 5:30 p.m. (601 State St.) and Genealogy Division For many of us, it’s hard to marry creative When: June 23, 6:30 p.m. (753 Government St.) pursuits and business acumen. One seems fraught David Jones certainly qualifies as a Renaissance with idealism while the other feels associated with When: June 21, man. The Birmingham-area native was drawn to a realm most artists find tedious at best. However, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. the arts, playing trumpet and singing at the age of if you want to make your passion a singular, self- 12. After fulfilling a music scholarship through col- supporting pursuit, today’s world nearly requires As you would expect in any lege, he entered the teaching world, which included you apply business principles. tradition-bound culture, family is a coaching basketball, but never put music completely The Mobile Arts Council sees this picture and nearly overwhelming aspect of life in aside. problem for all its pitfalls and they’re offer- the South. They move us, rescue us, Finally, after 30 years away from musical compo- ing help. In this evening workshop, instructors condemn us and confound us, but like sition, he put together an album’s worth of material Erica Hunter and Carlisha Bagsby will offer their it or not, they’re all ours. in what he called “soul jazz.” This debut album, expertise to help artists of any discipline establish Now the members of the Tristan de “Beautiful Music,” has made an appearance on the themselves as a brand. From promotion, to devel- Luna Chapter of the Daughters of the Smooth Jazz charts and propelled him to widening opment and marketing, they’ve got answers. All American Revolution can show you fame across the nation. you have to do is ask. how to get the most out of our ample Appearing with Jones at this special seasonal Tickets to this event are $20 each, or $15 for historical archives. They will hold a opener will be guitarist Dennis “Finger Roll” MAC members and the deadline for enrollment is workshop on climbing the branches of Nelson, horn player Larry Carter, bassist Chris June 20. your family tree, taking advantage of Snowden, drummer Rickey Duffy and keyboardist Tickets are available at BrownPaperTickets. public records and general sleuth- Gino Rosaria. com and the MAC offices. To obtain the password ing that might escape the amateur Entrance is $12, $8 for members with student and for the member price, call 251-432-9796, ext. genealogist. military rates available. Fee includes a light jamba- 8000. The workshop is free. laya dinner. A cash bar is available. For more info, call 251-432-9796 or go to For more info, call 251-208-7093 For more info, call 251-459-2298, email mobile- www.mobilearts.org. or go to www.mplonline.org. [email protected] or go to mojojazz.org.

Band: Ben Walls Memorial Jam Session Date: Sun., Jun. 22 at 1 p.m. Venue: The Garage, 9 S. Washington Ave., 433-2223 Tickets: $10 at the door

en Walls loved many things in life. He loved his wife get a year,” explained Walls. “His sister Noretta. He loved sailing alongside the other members and her husband were (also) members of the Buccaneer Yacht Club. He also loved Downtown of the Buccaneer Yacht Club. So, we Mobile. knew about it, and we asked his sister if BIn fact, this former Garage employee became quite a fixture we could help. She said, ‘yes.’ So, we in the downtown scene, making many friends through his treks have her involved.” down the streets of LoDa. All of the important people in his life In addition, some proceeds will be were devastated when Walls was unexpectedly diagnosed with donated to the USA Mitchell Cancer colon cancer. Center. “We just never knew,” Noretta Walls said. “Ben had no symp- Eventually, Walls would like to see toms until he woke up one morning and said, ‘I have a terrible the event evolve into a non-profit orga- pain.’ They thought that it was his appendix, so he went on to the nization, one that would be tasked with hospital.” generating funds for families facing the Upon arrival, Ben was given a CT scan, one that revealed a horrors of cancer. condition much worse than appendicitis. By the time Noretta The annual Ben Walls Memo- arrived at the hospital, the scan had found masses that could only rial Jam will be a focal point of the be cancer. organization’s actions. If future jams Ben spent the next 22 months going through chemotherapy, are anything like this one, then it should surgeries and complications from surgeries. Then, in May 2014, continue to be highly successful. Ben visited his oncologist and received some troubling news. The Garage will be offering a drink “They told him there was nothing else he could do,” said special and free crawfish for this year’s Walls. “Ben came home, and we started on hospice, because he jam. There will also be another impres- didn’t want to go back to the hospital.” sive line-up of musical acts, which All the while, Ben’s many downtown friends were plan- once again includes Day of the Iguana. ning a benefit that would generate funds to assist in his medical Vocalist Roy Truxillo and Ben were expenses, bringing together an impressive line-up of local musi- very good friends and shared a love cians to perform for a philanthropic crowd from downtown and of sailing, but in 2008, Truxillo found the yacht club. Nineties alt. rockers Day of the Iguana planned to another bond with Ben when the front Photo/myspace.com | Day of Iguana reunite for a very special performance. Unfortunately, Ben lost man was diagnosed with lymphoma, his battle to cancer on June 21 (his birthday), just two days before which he eventually conquered through “You can expect Day of the Iguana to be loud, raucous, loud, the event. a series of treatments. funny, loud, memorable and loud,” said Truxillo. “I promise you “People were really freaked out, and they wanted to know if “When Ben was diagnosed with cancer, it gave us another that at some point in the set, the comment, ‘I never thought any- we still wanted to have the memorial,” Walls said. “I said, ‘Yes.’ thing in common, and our conversations naturally turned toward body could do that song’ will be uttered more than once.” We changed it to a celebration of life. Honest to God, The Garage what we had dealt with and what we felt was our obligation Other bands scheduled to perform include Grits-N-Pieces, Last looked like how it does at Mardi Gras. I have never seen so many to convince our friends to pay attention to their health,” said Call Rodeo, Ryan Balthrop, Markus Fox, Harrison McInnis, Mark people there.” Truxillo. “This benefit is Ben’s idea of how you deal with having Saunders, Chico & Chris, Cool Rayz and The Perry Wall. As the bands played and Ben’s friends visited, Walls was still bad things happen to you. Accept your life for what it is, fight for “I’m looking forward to the fun and fellowship with my fel- in shock over her husband’s death. However, she was touched by what believe in and help others avoid what you have already been low musicians, music lovers and anybody that shows up for this the fellowship surrounding the celebration of her husband’s life. through.” event,” said drummer Chico McCollum (Chico & Chris). Then, she was struck with an idea of giving something back. For Truxillo, this event is a good excuse to once again pool his As far as her own predictions, Walls has high hopes. Last With that in mind, she has joined other charitable individuals talent with fellow band members Brian Graves and brothers Chris year’s event paid for all of Ben’s medical bills and Walls is hop- to create the Second Annual Ben Walls Memorial Jam Session. and Michael Banker. He said joining Graves and the Banker ing this year will be a repeat. All the while, she keeps in mind This year’s event will generate funds for the family of Daniel Brothers on stage will be a “refreshing” experience, amplified by something that her husband would say during his battle with Martin. Last April, Martin, a 26 year-old, lost his battle with the mission of the event. cancer. cancer. As far as what Day of the Iguana will bring to the mix, Trux- “When Ben had cancer, people would say, ‘We’re praying for “He died of a very rare cancer that only 50 people in the U.S. illo was confident the crowd will not be disappointed. you.’ He was so humble and would say, ‘Don’t pray for me. Pray for a cure for cancer.’”

Photos courtesy of (Left) fundly.com/luke-s-trip-to-grammy-camp (Right) Barryrowland.com

Luke Weathersby of Daphne (l) has been chosen to represent the Mobile area at this year’s ‘Grammy in the Schools’ program. Barry Rowland & Deliverance (r) will participate in the Alabama Quartet Convention in July. he National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences created the This convention will bring over 20 Alabama quartets to fill the air with Grammy (short for Gramophone) Award as way to honor the best sweet, inspirational harmonies. of the best in the music industry. Over the years, the Grammy Barry Rowland & Deliverance will co-headline with songwriter Awards have evolved into something more than just a ceremony. Kyla Rowland. Rowland is known for songs such as “Safe Thus Far” T“Grammy in the Schools” is one program associated with the awards and “Still Blessed.” These two musical acts will be joined by the Three ceremony that is preparing young musicians for careers in the music Sixteen Quartet, Calvary’s Harmony Quartet, Amy Dunnam, The Riders, industry. The Camerons, Big Blessin’, The Girls of Grace, Answered Prayer, The “The Grammy Foundation’s Grammy Camp has become our signa- Paul Family, Promised Land Quartet, New Dawning, Cliff Roberson, ture program that provides young people with an extraordinarily in-depth Harmony Ridge Quartet, Heart’s Desire, Ted McDuffie, Paul Tillman, experience, giving them a genuine sense of what it’s like to have a career Crimson City Quartet, Paula Upthagrove and Crimson Stained. in the music industry,” said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of The Record- Tickets will be sold at the door for $5. Call 802-6041 for more info. ing Academy and the Grammy Foundation. “Each and every Grammy camper benefits from this program and takes with them valuable lessons NoLa’s Cowboy Mouth has been a favorite in the Azalea City for learned as they continue their music journeys.” more than two decades. Fronted by the charismatic drummer Fred LeB- Daphne High School junior Luke Weathersby has been chosen to lanc, this group is known for their energetic rock sound and electrifying represent the Mobile Bay area at this year’s Grammy in the Schools live performances. 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of Cowboy Mouth program. This young musician is one of only 173 students chosen to and the band will be celebrating with the release of their tenth studio participate nationwide. Weathersby will be traveling to McNally Smith album “Go!.” College of Music in St. Paul, Minn. working with industry figures to pol- According to a press release, this album is touted as a “wide-ranging ish his songwriting skills. mix of electric blues, rockabilly, punky pop and guitar-oriented rock & The gospel quartet is a time-honored music tradition in the South. On roll.” While there are no show dates for Mobile on their current itinerary, July 25-26, a cavalcade of statewide gospel quartets will visit the Azalea local fans should not be surprised if the band pays a visit later this year. City for the Alabama Quartet Convention at Forest Hill Church of God.

32 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 New marching society celebrating with open-door ball BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: Inaugural Joe Cain Footmarchers’ Ball Date: Thu., Jun. 26 at 7 p.m. Venue: Moe’s Original BBQ, 701 Spring Hill Ave., www.moesoriginalbbq.com Tickets: $20 in adv. (avail. through Eventbrite)/$25 at the door oe Cain Day 2014 was a parade of controversy. In order to participate in the annual Joe Cain procession (also known as the “People’s Parade”), the traditional footmarching groups (including The Wild Mauvillians and The Mis- tresses of Joe Cain) were told at the last minute to adhere to new policies and Jpay new fees. In the eyes of the footmarchers, the new policies and fees clashed with the ideologies fueling the procession, which led to some protesting instead of participating. It also led to the birth of the Joe Cain Marching Society, whose members are celebrating with a grand ball. This ball will be a “bal masque in the tradition of L’Ancien Regime.” Organiz- ers encourage guests to don a mask (simple black or grand Venetian), but masking is optional and guests with “street clothes” will also be allowed to enter. Kansas Bible Company will be splitting the bill with Alanna Royale for the evening’s musical entertainment. Kansas Bible Company, fresh of their debut at Bonnaroo 2014, will bring an arsenal of instruments (including a full horn section) to support their versatile rock sound. Alanna Royale is a Nashville-based siren who will add a soulful edge to the soiree. Royale has skillfully captured old school R&B sensibilities to become one of the neo-soul movement’s brightest stars. Photo/ Facebook | Kansas Bible Company Play and spray at Elements Dolls, Daughtry and ‘Delilah’

Band: Elements: Graffiti Party Band: Goo Goo Dolls, Daughtry, Plain White T’s Date: Fri., Jun. 20, 9:30 p.m. Date: Sat., Jun. 21, 7 p.m. Venue: Soul Kitchen, 219 Dauphin St., www.soulkitchenmobile.com Venue: The Amphitheater at The Wharf, 23101 Canal Rd. Tickets: $7 adv. /$8 day-of avail. at Soul Kitchen (Orange Beach), www.amphitheateratthewharf.com Tickets: $28.10-$79 avail. through Ticketmaster n addition to showcasing the area’s best in up-and-coming hip-hop, Elements will add an artistic edge by pairing the music with graffiti. At typical graffiti parties, everything from skin to clothes to props lain White T’s, a five-piece pop rock outfit from Chicago formed in the late 90s, will is blasted with spray-painted street art. In between sprays, the audience will be treated to O.N.E., DJ open this three-band show. In 2005, Plain White T’s entered the mainstream with their Ream, DJ Elevate and two other, very interesting hip-hop acts. megahit “Hey There Delilah.” The group is currently preparing to release its seventh INuNation is a collective of Alabama artists specializing in everything from spoken word to rap. studio album “American Nights.” They bring a philosophical aspect to rhythm and rhyme with insightful word play. Regenerates will be PDaughtry, a mainstream rock band fronted by “American Idol” fifth-season finalist Chris performing tracks from “Bad Dreams,” a conceptual album that takes the listener through a hip-hop Daughtry, will take over, touring in support of their 2013 release “Baptized.” The group’s self- nightmare with roughneck beats and tracks. titled debut sold millions of copies and spawned hits like “It’s Not Over” and “Home.” The Goo Goo Dolls exploded out of the 90s alternative rock movement with a sound that tended to be less intense than some of their contemporaries. 1995’s “A Boy Named Goo” put the band on the charts with singles such as “Naked” and “Name.” You can also expect the group to play hits off of their successful 2013 release “Magnetic.”

Photo/Facebook| Regenerates Photo/Chapman Baehler | Goo Goo Dolls

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 33 AREA MUSIC LISTINGS JUNE 19 - JUNE 25

Green, 9p 6:30p Gambino Duo, 11a// Jimmy Lee Hanaford Duo, 2p THURS. JUNE 19 Hard Rock (Live)— Trace Adkins, 8p Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Yellowhammer Windmill Market— Cane Pole Soul, 11a Baumhower’s (OBA)— Jerry Powell Laps— Peek Productions, 8p Bimini Bob’s— Destiny Brown Live Bait— Stellar Old 27 Grill— Them Again, 11a// Grits N’ MON. JUNE 23 BLUEGILL— Andy & Chris (Peek), 6p Lulu’s— The Nashville Gang, 6p Pieces, 6:30p Felix’s— Chris Powell Blues Tavern— Harrison McInnis Trio, 8:30p McSharry’s— DJ Demps, 10p Tacky Jacks (Causeway) — Trunk Monkey, 8p Flora Bama— Cathy Pace, 3p// Riley Green, 6p/// Compleat Angler (The Wharf)— Greg Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)—Corey Rezner Duo, Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores) — Bar Stool Davis Nix, Rowdy Cope, Chris Hennessee, 10p Brown 6:30p Surfers, 6p Hangout— The Investments, 6p// Ellux Furor, 10p Callaghans— Julie Ann Sellers Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Cat and the Truth, 8p Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — John and Hard Rock (Center Bar)— KB Unplugged Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Scott Mor- Old 27 Grill— Christina Christian, 6:30p Melissa Joiner, 12p// Kyle and Karl, 6p Trio, 8p lock, Gene Murrell and David White Tacky Jacks (Causeway) — Philo, 8p Tropics— Rebecca Barry Live Bait— DJ J. Steven Felix’s— Soulshine Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores) — Charlie & Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 6p Flora Bama— Gove Scrivenor, 3p// J. Hawkins Mel, 6p The Wharf— Goo Goo Dolls// Daughtry/// & James Daniel, 5:30p/// Dave & Joe Show, 6p//// Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Mickey Plain White T’s Hung Jury, 10p//// Wes Loper & Thomas Jenkins, Springston// Preachin to the Choir, 6p Wind Creek Casino— Bill Engvall, 8p 10p//// David Kroll, 10:30p Tropics— Groovinators Windmill Market— Eric Jones, 11a TUES. JUNE 24 BLUEGILL— Tim Kinsey, 6p Hangout— Cornbred, 6p// Matthew Win- Soul Kitchen— Elements Graffiti Party Butch Cassidy’s— Al & Cathy ningham, 10p Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p DeCuba— Roman Street, 6p Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Eugene Eash Windmill Market— Jimmy Lumpkin, 11a// SUN. JUNE 22 Baumhower’s (OBA)— Justin Fobes Felix’s— Greg Brown Trio, 8p Nikki Talley Duo, 6p Ryan Balthrop Bimini Bob’s— Tony Bowers Flora Bama— Brent Burns, 3p// Troy Bran- Live Bait— Stellar BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard Jr, 11a// Splendid non, 5:30p/// Perdido Brothers, 6p//// Davis Nix,

AREA MUSIC LISTINGS | Lulu’s— Crowned Jewelz, 6p SAT. JUNE 21 Chaos, 6p Rowdy Cope, Chris Hennessee, 10p//// Gaslight McSharry’s— Kyle & Karl, 7:30p Baumhower’s (OBA)— Destiny Brown Blues Tavern— Funky Monkey Duo, 5p Street, 10p Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Yellowhammer Bimini Bob’s— Jerry Powell Callaghans— Mulligan BrothersCompleat Hangout— Rhythm Intervention, 6p// DJ Productions, 8p Blues Tavern— Ric McNaughton Band Angler (The Wharf)— Sremba, 10p Traders— The Lizards Callaghans— Swing Destiny Brown Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Me Too Duo, 8p Veets— Jeff Roberts & Allen Sanders, 8p Compleat Angler (The Wharf)— Greg Felix’s— Jimmy Lumpkin Live Bait— DJ J. Steven Brown Flora Bama— Cornbred, 1p// Rhythm and Lulu’s— Lee Yankie and Hellz Yeah, 6p Courtyard @ 311— Rhythm and the Truth Truth, 2p/// First City Blues, 5p//// Ric McNaugh- Veets— Julie Anne Sellers, 7p FRI. JUNE 20 Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Scott Mor- ton Band, 5p//// Perdido Brothers, 6p//// Corey Baumhower’s (OBA)— Double D lock, Tony Edwards and David White Rezner, 7p//// Hunter Lawley Band, 9:30p//// Wes Bimini Bob’s— Greg Brown Felix’s— Blind Dog Mike Loper, 9:30p//// Nikki Talley, 10p WED. JUNE 25 Baumhower’s (OBA)— Mike Eagan BLUEGILL— Brittany Grimes, 12p Flora Bama— Jezebels Choir, 1p// Troy Bran- Garage— Ryan Balthrop// Markus Fox/// Har- Bimini Bob’s— Greg Brown Blues Tavern— Big Al & The Heavyweight, 9p non, 1p/// Johnny Barbato, 3p//// Jack Robertson rison McInnis//// Mark Saunders//// Cool Rayz//// BLUEGILL— Ross + 1, 6p Compleat Angler (The Wharf)— Al and Show, 5:30p//// Jay Williams Band, 6p//// LeaAnne Last Call Rodeo//// Chico & Chris//// The Perry Blues Tavern— Funk Monkey Duo Cathy Creswell Trio, 6p//// Sam Glass Trio, 8p//// Big Wall//// Grits N’ Pieces//// Day of the Iguana Compleat Angler (The Wharf)— Jay Courtyard @ 311— Meacham Motor Co., 8p Muddy, 10p//// Hart Break Hill, 10p Hangout— Jay Williams Band, 6p// The Perry Williams Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Scott Mor- Garage— Meacham Motor Company Wall, 10p Courtyard @ 311— Alan lock, Tony Edwards and David White Grand Central— The Viridian Sons// Broken Hard Rock (Center Bar)— KB Unplugged Felix’s— Brandon & John DeCuba— Kyle & Karl, 8p Paradym// Black Titan Trio, 8p Flora Bama— Neil Dover, 3p// Riley Green, Felix’s— Grits N’ Pieces Hangout— Mojiles, 7p// DJ Sremba, 11p Lulu’s— Greg Brown, 1p// Blind Dog Mike and 5:30p/// Hart Break Hill, 6p//// Davis Nix, Rowdy Flora Bama— Troy Brannon, 1p// Johnny Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Brandon the Howlers, 6p Cope, Chris Hennessee, 10p Barbato, 3p/// Jack Robertson Show, 5:30p//// Green, 9p McSharry’s— Trad Irish Session, 6:30p LeaAnne Creswell Trio, 6p//// Cornbred Duo, Garage— The Perry Wall IP Casino— Vicki Lawrence & Mama, 8p Old 27 Grill— Melissa Joiner, 11:30a Hangout—Cool Rayz, 6p// Ellux Furor, 10p 8p//// Hart Break Hill, 10p//// Hung Jury, 10p//// Laps— Julie Anne Tacky Jacks (Causeway) — Phil and Foster, Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Me Too Duo, 8p David Kroll, 10:30p Live Bait— Stellar 3p Live Bait— Billy B Hangout— Mario Mena Band, 7p// Foxy Lulu’s— The Nashville Gang, 6p Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores) — Damien Lulu’s— The Deluxe Trio, 6p Iguanas, 11p McSharry’s— DJ Demps, 10p Lamb, 5p Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores) — Nigel, 5:30p Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Brandon Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Adam Holt Duo, Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Jonesy- Veets— Grits N’ Pieces, 7p

SEND yoUR MUSIC LISTINGS To [email protected]

34 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 AREA CLUB LISTINGS [DOWNTOWN] Royal Street Tavern 101N Brancroft St. |990-5100 850-492-0611 Pelican Reef Restaurant 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 Moe’s Original BBQ [Daphne] The Hangout 11799 Dauphin Island Alabama Music Box Saenger Theatre www.moesoriginalbbq.com www.thehangoutal.com Pkwy. | 973-2670 www.alabamamusicbox.net www.mobilesaenger.com 6423 Bayfront Pk Dr.|625-7427 101 Gulf Ct. | 948-3030 Tacky Jacks [Spanish Fort] 455 Dauphin St. | 441-8934 6 S. Joachim St. |208-5600 Old 27 Grill [Fairhope] Live Bait www.tackyjacks.com Alchemy Tavern Saddle Up Saloon 19992 Hwy 181 | 281-2663 www.livebaitrestaurant.com 1175 Battleship Pkwy. |621-8988 alchemy.joltpro.com www.saddleupmobile.com Papa’s Pizza [Daphne] 24281 Perdido Beach Blvd. 7 S. Joachin St. | 441-7741 Trader’s 9 N Jackson St. 285-4596 www.papaspizza.com 974-1612 The Blind Mule 4015 Battleship Pkwy|626-5630 Serda’s Coffee Company 28850 US Hwy 98| 626-7662 Lulu’s at Homeport Marina 57 N. Claiborne St. | 694-6853 The River Shack www.serdas.com Plow [Fairhope] www.lulubuffett.com Boo Radley’s 6120 Marina Dr. S. (under Dog 3 S. Royal St. 96 Plantation Pointe| 410-7569 200 E. 25th Ave. www.booradleysmobile.com River bridge)| 443-7318 415-3000 The Pub 251-967-LULU 276 Dauphin St. | 432-1996 VFW Post 7320 [Saraland] Skyview Lounge 311 Fairhope Ave. | 928-2032 Pink Pony Pub [Gulf Shores] The Brickyard 244 Old Telegraph Rd. |679-1188 Atop the Lafayette Plaza Ravenite Pizzeria [Fairhope] www.pinkponypub.net 266 Dauphin St. | 473-4739 Whiskey Blues [Theodore] 301 Gov’t St.| 694-0100 102 N. Section St. | 929-2525 137 East Gulf Pl. | 978-6371 Buck’s Pizza 5791 Swedetown Rd.|633-1769 Soul Kitchen Rosie’s Grill and Record Bar Pirate’s Cove [Elberta] www.buckspizza.com Zebra Lounge www.soulkitchenmobile.com [Daphne] www.piratescoveriffraff.com 350 Dauphin St. | 431-9444 2343 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 219 Dauphin St. |433-5958 www.rosiesgrill.com 6600 County Rd. 95| 987-1224 Cabo Cantina 473-2997 Spot of Tea’s Club Insanity 1203 U.S. 98|626-2440 Tacky Jacks 225 Dauphin St. | 441-7685 310 Dauphin St. | 375-6772 Windmill Market [Fairhope] www.tackyjacks.com Callaghan’s Irish Social Club Studio 5’4 www.windmillmarket.org [Orange Beach] [CASINOS] www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com Beau Rivage [Biloxi] 216 Dauphin St. | 725-0406 85 N. Bancroft St. | 517-5444 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, |981-4144 AREA CLUB LISTINGS | MUSIC 916 Charleston St. | 433-9374 Veet’s [Gulf Shores] www.beaurivage.com Elixir Lounge www.veetsbarandgrill.com [WESTMOBILE] 249 E. 24th Ave.| 948-8881 878 Beach Blvd.|228-386-7111 101 Dauphin St. | 405-5251 66 S. Royal St.| 694-3090 All Sports Bar & Grill [Gulf Shores] or 888-595-2534 Dalhia’s Electric Piano Hall 3408 Pleasant Valley Rd. 1577 Alabama 180|968-8341 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 258 Dauphin St. | 378-5025 [MIDTOWN] 345-9338 The Handlebar [Pensacola] [Biloxi] Dauphin St. Blues Company Ashland Midtown Pub Billiards Club www.handlebarpensacola.com www.hardrockbiloxi.com & Draft Picks www.ashlandmidtownpub.com 4130 Gov’t Blvd.|447-2132 319 N. Tarragona St.| 434-9060 777 Beach Blvd.|228-374- 564 Dauphin St. | 725-6429 2453 Old Shell Rd.| 479-3278 Midnight Rodeo The Wharf [Orange Beach] ROCK (7625) Firehouse Wine Bar Shop Blues Tavern 7790 Tanner Rd., Ste. B|639-2222 4985 Wharf Pkwy.| 224-1000 Harrah’s Hotel & Casino 216 St. Francis St. | 421-2022 www.bluestavern.com Cockeyed Charlies [New Orleans] Gabriel’s Downtown 2818 Gov’t Blvd. |479-7621 6920 Aitport Blvd.|725-1112 [AROUND AND ABOUT] www.harrahsneworleans.com 55 S. Joachim St. | 432-4900 Butch Cassidy’s Cafe Crooked Martini Bill and Charlie’s [Theodore] 228 Poydras St.|504-533-6000 The Garage www.butchcassidys.com www.thecrookedmartini.com 11470-B Bellingrath Rd.|973-0388 9 S. Washington Ave. | 433-2223 Grand Casino [Biloxi] 60 N. Florida St. |450-0690 7639 Cottage Hill Rd. #C |633-5555 Blue Gill Restaurant Grand Central www.grandcasinobiloxi.com Kimberly’s Midtown Bar Flashback Club www.bluegillrestaurant.com grandcentralmobile.com 280 Beach Blvd. 2660 Old Shell Rd. |478-1477 10071 Airport Blvd.| 634-2239 3775 Battleship Pkwy. |625-1998 256 Dauphin St. | 432-6999 228-436-2946 Mellow Mushroom Jag’s Sports Bar & Grill Bottoms Up Hayley’s Downtown IP Casino Resort & Spa www.mellowmushroom.com 5602 Old Shell Rd.| 725-1102 2605 Halls Mill Rd. | 287-7781 278 Dauphin St. | 433-4970 [Biloxi] 2032 Airport Blvd. |471-4700 Mellow Mushroom Briar Patch Joe Cain Café www.ipbiloxi.com Royal Knight Restaurant www.mellowmushroom.com 9371 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 850 Bayview Ave. 3004 Gov’t Blvd. |476-6044 5660 Old Shell Rd. | 380-1500 973-1120 Liquid 800-436-3000 Silver Horse Pub Moe’s Southwest Grill Burnout’s Bar & Grill [Saraland] 661 Dauphin St. | 432-0109 Wind Creek Casino 151 S. Florida St. |478-7030 www.moes.com 7151 Hwy 158 W | 679-9255 Liz’s Haven www.windcreekcasino.com Taste Wine Bar 280 McGregor Ave. S.| 342- Celtic Irish Pub [Pascagoula] 665 S. Conception St. | 433-1221 303 Poarch Rd., Atmore 2033 Airport Blvd.|287-1490 5233 4901 Chicot St. | 228-938-6800 Loda Bier Garten 866-946-3360 Whistle Stop Bar & Grill Patches Ed’s Seafood Shed 251 Dauphin St. | 287-6871 110 S. Florida St.|478-7427 5100 Girby Rd.| 661-8028 www.edsshed.com Mobile Civic Center Satori Coffee House 3382 Battleship Pkwy. | 625-1947 [NEW ORLEANS] www.mobilecivicctr.com [EASTERN SHORE] www.satori-coffee.com Felix’s Fish Camp House of Blues 401 Civic Center Dr. | 208-7261 Bay House Pub [Daphne] 5460 Old Shell Rd. | 344-4575 www.felixsfishcamp.com www.houseofblues.com O’Daly’s Irish Pub 28850 Bayline Dr. | 626-0158 Runway Billards 1530 Battleship Pkwy. |626-6710 225 Decatur St .|504-310-4999 564 Dauphin St.|725-6429 Club 44 [Daphne] 8000 Airport Blvd. | 634-8006 Mississippi Coast Coliseum Howlin’ Wolf OK Bicycle Shop 28850 US 98, #100 | 445-8069 The Hungry Owl [Biloxi] www.thehowlinwolf.com/new- 661 Dauphin St. |432-2453 Compleat Angler [Daphne] 7899 Cottage Hill | 633-4479 www.mscoastcoliseum.com orleans Pat’s Downtown Grill 29249 U.S. 98 | 621-1086 Stir Mobile 2350 Beach Blvd. |228-594-3700 907 S. Peters St. 271 Dauphin St. | 438-9585 Fly Creek Café [Fairhope] 5821 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D | 342-9995 The Oar House [Dauphin Island] 504-522-WOLF (9653) Riverview Plaza (Fathoms www.theflycreekcafe.com VFW Post 49 1504 Bienville Blvd.| 861-4800 Louisiana Superdome Lounge) 831 N. Section St. | 990-0902 2528 Govt Blvd. | 471-9438 Original Oyster House www.superdome.com 64 S. Water St.| 438-4000 Guy’s Gumbo Shack www.theoysterhouse.com 1500 Poydras St. |504-587-366 Royal Knight www.guysgumbo.com [THE BEACH] 3733 Battleship Pkwy. |626-2188 3004 Gov’t Blvd.| 476-6044 Tipitina’s 212 Fairhope Ave. | 928-4100 Flora-Bama Pelican Pub & Restaurant www.tipitinas.com Royal Scam McSharry’s [Fairhope] www.florabama.com [Dauphin Island] www.royalscammobile.com 501 Napoleon Ave. www.mcsharrys.com 17401 Perdido Key Dr., 1102 DeSoto Ave.| 861-7180 72 S. Royal St.|432-SCAM (7226) 504-895-TIPS (8477)

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 35 THE REEL WORLD/MOVIE REVIEW | FILM riveting moments in lengthy ‘Wikileaks’ drama BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC | [email protected]

n existing interest in the Julian Assange scan- dal is not an absolute requirement to make “The Fifth Estate” watchable. But it would definitely help. aYou could also be a die-hard Benedict Cumberbatch freak to want to sit through this lengthy, fact-based and star-studded drama. I will leave it to you, dear reader, to guess which camp I fall into. The high-cheekboned, gloriously named star of the BBC’s “Sherlock” is riveting to watch as the intelligent but morally-suspect Assange, the Australian AREA founder of the infamous website WikiLeaks, which THEATERS was ostensibly created as a safe platform for whistle- blowers to expose society’s most egregious capitalists, warlords and other powers that be. Mobile County He would’ve been a lot more riveting if they had trimmed this thing down about 20 minutes or so. I love Benedict Cumberbatch, but that’s a lot of rivets, even CarMike CineMa’s for him. Plus he’s disfigured by a weird hairdo, but Wynnsong 16 this might not mean as much to all viewers as it does 785 schillinger rd. s. to me. The entire cast is great actually- even Dan Stevens (251) 639-7373 aka Matthew Crawley is in it. He was good too, but Photos/imdb.com not good enough to kill off his character on “Downton Abbey” for God sakes. (Why Matthew why?) information they were handed. And yet, somewhere are literally acted out in these fake offices. The story, as a detailed journalistic procedural along the lines, the drama failed to really snap. I would have shaved time off by deleting these un- CresCent theater drama, was appropriately peopled with intelligent ac- The whole business was dragged down by being necessary scenes, which were kind of goofy and naïve. 208 Dauphin street tors that I love- Laura Linney, Peter Capaldi, Stanley over-explained by the director, beginning with a totally Nevertheless, this is a truly worthwhile story and (251) 438-2005 Tucci, and David Thewlis. didactic montage at the beginning, showing the ways even if the filmmaker’s perspective ends up being Above all, Daniel Bruhl was highly watchable as that information has changed over the centuries, just distinctly biased towards a certain point of view about Assange’s second in command, and all these interest- to let us know that we’re in a new digital age. This Assange, there is plenty of gray area left to ponder. ing people grappled with compelling questions about impulse continues with several interrupting visual se- That is if (and this is a big if) you start this movie early hollyWooD staDiuM 18 what their rights and responsibilities were towards the quences in which the virtual exchanges of information enough in the evening and make it through to the end. 1250 satchel Paige Dr. (251) 473-9655 noW PlayinG neW in theaters • “Chef” regal Mobile stadium 18, Carmike Jubilee square 12, Cobb Pinnacle 14 balDWin County • “How to Train Your Dragon 2” Crescent theater, all listed multiplex theaters. rave Motion PiCture • “22 Jump Street” Jubilee square 12 all listed multiplex theaters. 6898 u.s. 90 • “The Fault in Our Stars” Daphne, al all listed multiplex theaters. (251) 626- 6266 • “Edge of Tomorrow” All listed multiplex theaters. • “A Million Ways to Die in the West” all listed multiplex theaters. • “The Railway Man” CarMike CineMas Carmike Jubilee square 12, Carmike Wharf 15 23151 Wharf ln. • “Maleficent” All listed multiplex theaters orange beach, al • “Blended” All listed multiplex theaters (251) 981-4444 • “X-Men: Days of Future Past” all listed multiplex theaters Photo/imdb.com Photo/imdb.com • “Godzilla” All listed multiplex theaters Cobb theatres • “Million Dollar Arm” PinnaCle 14 “Jersey Boys” “Think Like a Man Too” eastern shore Premier Cinema, Carmike Wharf 15 3780 Gulf shores Pkwy Clint Eastwood brings the All the couples are back for a • “Neighbors” All listed multiplex theaters Gulf shores, al Broadway musical smash hit to wedding in Las Vegas, but plans • “The Amazing Spiderman:2” (251) 968-7444 the big screen telling the story of for a romantic weekend go awry all listed multiplex theaters Frankie Valli and the Four Sea- when various misadventures get • “The Other Woman” Carmike Wharf 15 • “Mom’s Night Out” sons. Considering Eastwood’s them in to compromising situa- eastern shore early career, it’s kind of amaz- tions that threaten to derail the eastern shore Premiere Cinema 14 • “The Other Woman” Carmike Wharf 15 PreMiere CineMa 14 ing to consider that sentence, big day. Regal Mobile Stadium 30500 alabama 181 #500 isn’t it? Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Carmike Wynnsong 16, Car- • “Heaven is For Real” Regal Mobile Stadium 18 spanish Fort, al 18, Carmike Jubilee Square 12, mike Jubilee Square 12, Eastern • “Rio 2” Regal Mobile Stadium 18 (251) 626-0352 Eastern Shore Premiere Cinema Shore Premiere Cinema 14, Car- 14, Carmike Wharf 15 mike Wharf 15 Information accurate at press time; please call theaters for show times.

36 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 **Indicates new category Bar Where You Are Most Likely to Best Florist Pick Up a Cougar Most Eligible Bachelorette Style Mechanic/ Auto Repair Shop (where Nightlife Bar Where You Are Most Likely to you don’t feel violated afterwards) Best Place to take Out-of-Towners – Pick up a Sugar Daddy Restaurant Best All Around Bar Best Carwash/Detail Best Jukebox Best Place to take Out-of-Towners – Best Bartender Best Lawyer if Your Spouse is a Ho Local Attraction Best Place to Shake Your Booty (divorce) Hottest Bartenderess Best Place to Antique Best Beer Selection Best Lawyer to Keep You from Hottest Bartender Becoming Someone’s Bitch (Criminal) Hippest/Trendiest Clothing Store Best Crawfish Bar (Men) Best Dive Best “Slip and Fall” Lawyer Best Place to Get a Fancy Drink Hippest/Trendiest Clothing Store Best New Bar Best Yoga Studio/Instructor (Ladies) Best Margarita Best E-Sho Bar Best Wedding Photographer Best Fine Jewelry Best Bloody Mary Best WeMo Bar Best Personal Trainer Best Dry Cleaners The Perfect Martini Best MiMo Bar Best Realtor Best Home Cleaning Service ServiceS Best LoDa Bar Best Hairstylist Best Car Dealer Best Little Shop to Pick up a Gift

Best SoMo Bar Best Make-up Artist Best CPA Best Furniture Consignment Store

Best Beach Bar Best Day Spa Best Landscaper Best Clothing Consignment Store

Favorite Casino Best HooHa Waxer Best Caterer Best Lingerie/Naughty Store

Favorite Craft Beer Best Place to Get a Mani/Pedi Best Gentleman’s Club Best Local Home Furnishings Store

Favorite Imported Beer Best Hoo-Ha Doctor Best Place to Hold a Reception/ Best Local Four Year College Special Event Best Alternative Lifestyle Bar Best Boob Doc Best Local Non-Traditional College Best Mobilian Ever Best Bar Bathroom Best Facelift Doc **Best Vape Shop Best Mobilian Right Now The Bar Bathroom Most Likely to be Best Dermatologist **Best Bank/Credit Union Replicated in Hell Best Golf Course Best Weight Loss Doc KiddieS Best After-Hours Bar Coolest Neighborhood (Mobile) Best Kids’ Clothing Store – New **Best Gym Best Happy Hour Bar Coolest Neighborhood (E Sho) Best Kids’ Consignment Store Best Dentist Best Eastern Shore Happy Hour Coolest Up-and-Coming Hood Best Kids’ Room Furnishings Best “Doc In the Box” Clinic (Mobile) Best Sports Bar Best Summer Camp Best Veterinarian Coolest Up and Coming Hood (ESho) Bar Where You Are Most Likely to Best Nursery School Get Lucky Best Pet Groomer Best Annual Event Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant Best Massage Therapist Most Eligible Bachelor

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 37 Best Birthday Party Place Best Annual Food Event DJ Whose Voice Leads You to Believe cuisine You May Want to See HER Naked Best Park/Playground Best Locally Owned Restaurant Best Gumbo Best Talk Radio Host Best Pediatrician Best New Restaurant (Fine Dining) Best Po Boy Best Sports Radio Show Best Kid Dentist Best New Restaurant (Casual) Best Sushi Television Best Kid’s Photographer Best Chain Restaurant Best Bakery Best Local Evening Newscast Music Best Beach Restaurant Best Burger Best Local Morning Newscast Best Club to See Live Music Best Eastern Shore Restaurant Best Steak Best Anchor

Best Outdoor Bar to See Live Music Best Chef Best Seafood Best Meteorologist

Best Non-Bar Venue Best Server Best Brunch Best Investigative Reporter

Best Local Band Best Atmosphere Best Ethnic Food Best Sports Coverage

Best New Local Band Best First Date Place Best Mexican Sexiest Local TV Newsman

Best Band Name Best Cheap Date Place Best Italian Restaurant Sexiest Local TV Newswoman

Best Solo Musician Most Underrated Restaurant Best Pizza PRinT Favorite Lagniappe Columnist Best Guitar Player Most Innovative Menu Best Coffeehouse Favorite Lagniappe Feature Best Area Singer Best Outdoor Dining Best Eastern Shore Coffeehouse Favorite Lagniappe Cover Best Area Drummer Best Sweet Tea Best Grocery Store Favorite al.com “Content Creator” Best Area Bassist Best Biscuits Best Place to get Local Produce/Foods Favorite Glossy Magazine Best Area Piano Player Best Home Cookin’/Soul Food Best BBQ Best Local Website or Blog Best Drag Queen Performer Best Service Best Cupcake

Best DJ (not radio, the record Best Dessert Best Seafood Market Politicos scratchin’/ mashin’-up kind) **Hardest Working Elected Official – City of Mobile Best Restaurant Wine List Best Drunk Food

**Hardest Working Elected Official – Arts Best Wings Best Hangover Food Best Local Artist Mobile County Best Chicken Fingers MediA Best Art Gallery Radio Hardest Working Elected Official – Baldwin county or city Best Ice Cream/Yogurt/Gelato Favorite Radio Station Best Museum Issue You Are Most Tired of Hearing Best Lunch Spot Best Local DJ Best Theatre Group About (Mobile)

Beast Eastern Shore Lunch Spot Best DJ team Best Play or Performance of the Year Issue You Are Most Tired of Hearing About (Baldwin) Best Ice Best Morning Show/DJ Best Local Actor **What year will the I-10 bridge be Best Wine/Gourmet Shop DJ Whose Voice Leads You to Believe You May Want to See HIM Naked completed?

38 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 C O E When: Saturday, June 21, 8 a.m. Walk for Wishes and 5K Run Where: Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway

Make-A-Wish Alabama will be hosting E 25, 2014 “Walk for Wishes and 5K Run” raising money for Alabama children living with life-threatening medical conditions. The event will be at Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway. Registration is $10 per participant. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. with the walk/run beginning at 8 a.m. For more

information and to find out how to E 19, 2014 - JU n register, log on to www.alabama.wish. org/walkforwishes or call 288-0692. Photo courtesy of Facebook

June 19 walk on Church and Government Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship of five drop-off locations in A Story Told: Human streets, visiting such sites as Parkway. Registration is $10 per Mobile and Baldwin County. nts | JU n Trafficking Church Street Cemetery and Fort participant. Check-in begins at 7 June 23-24, 6 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Space 301, 301 Conti St., and Condé. You can hear some of a.m. with the walk/run beginning locations are: Thomas Hospital, Eye Heart World host this black Mobile’s dark, macabre, strange at 8 a.m. For more information 750 Morphy Ave. in Fairhope; tie gala event to unveil a series and unusual stories from the and to find out how to register, North Baldwin Fitness Center, of 12 charcoal pieces telling the past and not so distant past. log on to www.alabama.wish. 2115 Hand Ave. in Bay Minette; story of a girl who was a victim Tours are booking now at www. org/walkforwishes Infirmary Eastern Shore, 7101 of sex trafficking. The art will spiritexpeditions.com, for every or call 288-0692. serve to educate guests about Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. U.S. Hwy. 90 in Daphne and the issue of human trafficking Market on the Square Thomas Medical Center, 27961 and will be auctioned off to raise June 21 Vendors will be selling locally U.S. Hwy. 98 in Daphne. June ndar OF E v E funds to support the cause lead Benefit for Madison Alford produced tomatoes, potatoes, 25-26, 6 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. drop-off by Eye Heart World, a non-profit 2-year old Madison Alford was sweet corn, cantaloupe, at Mobile Infirmary Diagnostic organization raising funds and diagnosed with a rare form of watermelon, seafood, flowers, & Medical Clinic’s ProHealth awareness to stop modern day brain cancer in January. Her plants, baked breads, pastas, Parking Lot, 5 Mobile Infirmary Cal E slavery. The event starts at 7 p.m. parents, Matt and Jessi Alford, casseroles, pies and handcrafted Circle. For more information, call and a $25 donation is suggested. are parishioners at the Sacred goods, plus live music and so 435-3902. For more information visit Heart of Jesus Catholic Student much more. The market is open eyeheartworld.org/gala. Center and alumni of the each Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Free Children’s Lunch University of South Alabama. through July 26 on Cathedral The Springhill Avenue Tryouts for the Mighty They are seeking treatment at St. Square in downtown Mobile. Community Center’s Summer Marching Tigers Jude Children’s Organic produce is available. Lunch Program is open, Band students ages 11-18 are Research Hospital in Tennessee. invited to tryout for the James Join family and friends from 7 June 22 offering a free, nutritious lunch Seals Recreation Center’s Mighty a.m.-12 p.m. for a yard sale, Ben Walls Memorial Music for children in need. Lunch is Marching Tigers from 5:30-8:30 art sale and breakfast event Jam served from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. p.m.. For assistance please call at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Remembering Ben Walls, who Monday - Friday at the Center 251-438-7498. Catholic Student Center at passed away after a two-year at 1151 Springhill Ave. Call 438- 6051 Old Shell Road. For battle with colon cancer. Join 7415 for questions regarding the Thursdays at the Museum questions, please email Andrea friends and family at The Garage, program. Every Thursday from 10 a.m. - 9 at [email protected]. To read 9 S. Washington Ave., starting at p.m. the Mobile Museum of Art more about Madison’s story, 1 p.m. for live music from local June 24 (4850 Museum Dr.) offers free visit caringbridge.org/visit/ artists such as Ryan Balthrop, Line Dancing admission to all visitors. Join the madisonalford. The Perry Wall, Grits N’ Pieces The Springhill Avenue MMOA each week to experience and many more. There will also Community Center hosts line the museum in new and exciting Make Music Day be silent auction items, raffles dancing Monday, Tuesday, ways throughout the year. No Andy’s Music joins the and a draw down. Admission is Wednesday and Friday every reservations necessary. worldwide Make Music Day $10 and includes crawfish and celebration with Mobile’s largest $2 Bud specials. The money week throughout the summer. June 20 harmonica jam session. Andy’s raised will benefit the family Classes are from 4:30 p.m. - Cheap Chic Boutique Music invites everyone from of Daniel Martin and the USA 7 p.m. Mondays, 5 - 7 p.m. Our Sisters’ Closet will be professional musicians to people Mitchell Cancer Institute. See this Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. hosting their fundraiser at the who have never picked up an week’s music feature for more - 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Sisters of Mercy Building, St. instrument to join in the global information. Classes are free and open to Mary Parish, 1405 Old Shell music celebration between 10 all ages at the facility at 1151 Road, Thursday 4-7 p.m., Friday a.m. - 4 p.m. at 1412 Hillcrest Open Studio Springhill Ave. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday Road. We will feature live music Come enjoy complimentary 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cheap Chic performances, food and drinks, mimosas as artist work at the June 25 Boutique is a great chance to plus you can join in the largest Cathedral Square Gallery, 612 Tour Space 301 purchase new, nearly new, retro harmonica jam session on the Dauphin St. There will be works Tours of the Main Gallery and vintage clothing, shoes, coast. Free harmonicas for the by more than 60 area artists on and Fabrication Hall will be purses and jewelry all while first 100 participants! For more display. For more information call Wednesday and Saturday, 11:30 helping increase self-confidence information please call 633-8944. 694-0278. and job opportunities for a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Centre disadvantaged women. For more Walk for Wishes and 5K Run June 23 for the Living Arts/Space 301, information visit oursisterscloset. Make-A-Wish Alabama will Donation Drive 301 Conti St. Tours are included org or call 423-2001. be hosting “Walk for Wishes Please join us and clean out with the price of admission. Call and 5K Run” raising money for your closet or home and donate 215-208-5671 or visit www. Spirit Expeditions Alabama children living with life- your new or gently used items centreforthelivingarts.com for The Haunted History Tour in threatening medical conditions. to Goodwill June 23-26 at one more information. Downtown Mobile is a two-hour The event will be at Battleship LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 39 UPON FURTHER REVIEW | SPORTS Mississippi State, Troy highlight exciting home football schedule for Jaguars BY J. MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER | [email protected] | Twitter @goulaguy

ell, the old calendar on the wall shows summer officially things up on the day after Thanksgiving will be a showdown with USA’s Renaldo Frechou became the sixth individual in program begins on Saturday, June 21, and that can mean only one the Midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy. history to claim All-America honors. The sophomore from Paarl, thing. College football season is just around the corner. USA will actually open the season on the road Sept. 6, with a South Africa, finished seventh in the men’s hammer throw at the This will be the most highly-anticipated campaign game against Kent State at 1 p.m. on ESPN3. After the two home NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Wyet for the young program at the University of South Alabama. games, the Jaguars will face Idaho on Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. All other Eugene, Ore. The SBC champ surpassed his own school mark four After finishing with bowl eligibility last year with a 6-6 record, the game times for USA are still to be determined. times, finishing with a 67.64-meter effort on his final toss. Jaguars are shooting for a winning record and perhaps a run at the To purchase tickets, individuals can go to tickets.southalabama. At the NAIA Women’s Track and Field Championships in Gulf Sun Belt Conference title. edu or call 251-461-1USA (1872). For more information on pur- Shores, Corinne Missi of Spring Hill was named to the All-America This will also be the most attractive home schedule yet put chasing season tickets, fans should visit www.usajaguars.com. team for her seventh-place finish in the triple jump. The freshman together by USA. The marquee game arrives early, when the Mis- from Yaoundé, Cameroon, recorded her best effort at 11.71 meters, sissippi State Bulldogs play on Saturday, Sept. 13. Kickoff is set for Fire another volley which is a school record. Her two points allowed SHC to be the 3 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPN News. The football team at South Alabama is not the only one looking only Southern States Athletic Conference women’s team to score at This will likely be the first time a Southeastern Conference team forward to next season. The Lady Jaguars are coming off their best the meet. has played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium since Alabama closed out a record in nearly 20 years and return all six starters in 2014. Former USA left-handed pitcher Hannah Campbell was named three-game run against Southern Mississippi in 1968. The Crimson Leading the way are sophomores Mechell Daniel and Jessica to the third-team All-American club. The Satsuma native estab- Tide first played in Mobile in 1948, and went 10-7-2 over the years. Lewis. Daniel was the SBC’s freshman of the year and was named lished a school record with a 0.95 earned run average, while going Auburn has a 3-3-2 mark on Virginia Street, playing from 1948 to first-team all-conference. Lewis made the second-team squad. 18-6 on the mound with 176 strikeouts. She was also the third 1955. USA closed out the 2013 season as one of the hottest clubs in the overall player taken in the 2014 National Pro Fastpitch draft. There is a good chance this game will sell out. The Bulldogs are Sun Belt, winning seven of its final nine regular-season matches. University of Mobile’s Deonica McCormick was named the coming off an overtime win over rival Ole Miss, a 44-7 blowout The only school that did better was Western Kentucky, which went Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Small College Athlete of the of Rice in the Liberty Bowl, have an all-star candidate in junior on to win the regular-season title. Year. The Biloxi native helped the Lady Rams win the SSAC tour- quarterback Dak Prescott and have already established a record in Head coach Amy Hendrichovsky’s team will open play at the nament title and a berth in the NAIA national playoffs. The 5-foot-8 season ticket sales. Asics Classic on Aug. 29-30, hosted by Pepperdine University. Last senior guard was a first-team All-American and conference player Tickets for the MSU game are currently available only as part spring in Gulf Shores, Pepperdine won its second AVCA Collegiate of the year after averaging 21.2 points, 3.5 records, 3.6 assists and of the Jaguars’ 2014 season-ticket plan, with prices starting at $60. Sand Volleyball National Championship in the last three seasons. 2.3 steals. Quantities are limited on the west side of the stadium and single- The Sun Belt will have a new look next year, as Western Ken- game availability is not guaranteed. tucky left for Conference USA. New members include Georgia Outstanding effort This is the second of a three-game series between the Bulldogs Southern and Appalachian State, both coming from the Southern Robby Shelton of Wilmer, a St. Paul’s graduate, made an im- and Jaguars. State won 30-10 in Starkville during the 2012 season, Conference. GSU won both the regular season and tournament titles pressive showing at the U.S. Open last week. However, his 78-75 and the teams will play there again in 2016. last year. total of 153 was not enough to make the cut. Cross-state rival Troy will come to Mobile for a Sun Belt match- The first home match for the Lady Jags will be Sept. 21 against Shelton, who just finished his freshman year by helping Ala- up on Friday, Oct. 24. This will mark the third time in as many Georgia State. bama defend its NCAA golf championship, is a three-time state years the two schools will play on TV, as ESPNU will broadcast the prep champion and a member of the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team. game at 6:30 p.m. Best of the best He was named the SEC’s Freshman of the Year and a first-team Also on the home schedule are Georgia Southern on Sept. 20, Several local college athletes have received special recognition All-American. Georgia State on Oct. 18 and Texas State on Nov. 15. Wrapping for their efforts this last season.

40 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1- “The dog ate my home- work,” e.g. 6- Russian no 10- Illustrious warrior 14- Gogol’s “___ Bulba” 15- I could ___ horse! 16- In the blink ___ eye 17- Astrologer Sydney 18- CPR experts 19- Cracker topper 20- Capital of the Bahamas 22- Monotony 24- Double curve 26- Biblical dancing girl 27- Tumid 31- Apprehend 32- Shinto temple gateway 33- One more time 36- Skye cap 39- “Judith” composer 40- Mazda model 41- “The Joy of Cooking” author Rombauer 42- “Citizen Kane” studio 43- Tablets 44- Betelgeuse’s constellation 4- Obstructs 37- Latin love 45- Sleazy paper 5- Sharon, e.g. 38- Jazz flutist Herbie 46- Primitive form of wheat 6- Maiden name preceder 40- Headache 48- 1998 Masters winner Mark 7- Edible roots 41- Annoy 51- Sound booster 8- Kett and James 43- Carson’s predecessor 52- Shame 9- Island S of mainland Aus- 44- Theoretically 54- Ornamental plasterwork tralia 45- Governor 59- Shoppe sign word 10- Informal chat 47- Mischievous fairy 60- Apple product 11- Violinist Zimbalist 48- Fuel transport 62- Sao ___ 12- Elevate 49- Windows predecessor 63- Inert gas 13- Till stack 50- High points 64- Adopted son of Claudius 21- Function 52- Completed 65- “Barnaby Jones” star 23- Vivacity 53- Facial features lacked by 66- Formerly, once 25- Slow mover snakes 67- Canadian gas brand 27- Celestial body 55- Broccoli ___ (leafy veg- 68- Put a new price on 28- Toil etable) 29- Yes ___? 56- Sudden blast of wind DOWN 30- Tell it like it isn’t 57- Zeno’s home 1- Lots and lots 34- Guy’s partner 58- Chinese secret society 2- Buddhist monk 35- Baffled 61- Dove sound 3- Some nest eggs 36- Small combo Answers on Page 45

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 41 MEDIA FRENZY | MEDIA The return of ‘Silent Sam’ BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

art of being a reporter is dealing with occasionally bel- new job with MAWSS, Jones is back to his old ways of trying wkrg.com, and other. Lagniappemobile.com slightly bested the ligerent or uncooperative sources of stories. It just goes to manipulate who will get half the truth and who will get a statewide al.com, which received 28 percent of the votes while with the territory, and it does make the reporter’s job total lie. (Haven’t seen him tell the whole truth much yet, but fox10tv finished in third place with 15 percent. tougher. Some of these hard cases are simply lawyered we’re waiting.) According to Bruce, the results rounded out with wkrg. Pup and others are completely private citizens, but you do run So the newest member of MAWSS’ board isn’t going to com at 11 percent of the vote, “other” grabbing 9 percent and across those public figures who won’t talk with the media in talk to a newspaper that has tens of thousands of readers being local15tv.com finishing with 7 percent. Weartv.com did not general or one agency in particular. Enter Sam Jones. served by his new employer. That makes sense. And Council- receive any votes, Bruce said. The former-mayor-turned-water-board-commissioner took man Fred Richardson wonders why people voted against this the occasion of his first meeting on the Mobile Area Water and guy. Frankly if Richardson had any sense he’d tell Jones to try Tiner update Sewer Service board to let our reporter know he won’t be talk- to hit the reset button. Stan Tiner, who guided the Press-Register in the late ‘90s ing to your favorite newspaper during his tenure. I can assure the former mayor, interviewing him is among and early 2000s, is still hitting it hard at the Biloxi-Gulfport “I don’t give interviews to Lagniappe,” he said, smiling to just about any reporter’s least favorite things simply because of Sun-Herald. our reporter, Dale Liesch. Liesch had asked him a very hard all the fact checking necessary after the fact, not to mention the With Tiner as editor, the paper continues playing the question about what his first day was like. bad attitude. watchdog role and when I picked up the Father’s Day edition at I suppose Dale made out lightly since the last time I person- But, Mr. Jones, our reporters will continue to do their jobs my parents’ house in Gautier, the number of big, investigative ally interviewed Jones he cursed at me in a voice that ratcheted and report accurately what you say and do. stories on the front page was impressive. up into the “Thriller” range. That we were in City Council On Monday the Sun-Herald got the payoff for a lot of chambers may have been the only thing that saved me from get- Favorite local sources online hard work over the past two years regarding an investigation ting flipped off. The 1,700-member LinkedIn “Business Forum of Mobile & the newspaper started into former Mississippi Department of Oh well, it’s part of the job. Baldwin Counties” was recently surveyed as to their prefer- Marine Resources Director Bill Walker when he was sentenced I’m sure Jones has been no fan of mine since the first time ences when it comes to local online news, and our little online to five years in prison and ordered to pay a $125,000 fine and I interviewed him in 2005 and he fibbed regarding a campaign rag fared quite well. $575,000 in restitution for using his position to defraud the fundraiser in Pennsylvania (What?!) for him where some of the The 1,749 members of the forum were asked, “What is your state of more than $1.2 million, according to the paper’s report- people who supposedly attended had never heard of the event favorite ONLINE source of local news?” and the survey was ing. when I called them. conducted between May 26 and June 8. According to modera- On the heels of their dogged reporting on former Jackson Mr. Jones no doubt grew used to a lapdog newspaper in the tor William Bruce, lagniappemobile.com topped the list as County Sheriff Mike Byrd that led to his resignation and Press-Register that absolutely wouldn’t cover him critically the choice of 30 percent of respondents. In the name of full conviction, the Sun-Herald is on a roll lately. Of course a good at all, even to their own detriment. So it’s understandable he disclosure, Bruce wrote business columns for Lagniappe a few part of that is having prosecutors’ offices willing to go after cor- wouldn’t like tough questions. years ago. ruption reported on by a newspaper — something that’s still not But you might think after getting his clock cleaned in the Members were given seven choices in the survey: al.com, very popular in Alabama. election last year Jones would have learned something or at fox10tv.com, lagniappemobile.com, local15tv.com, weartv.com, It’s good to see a newspaper doing its job and thriving. least turned his arrogance meter down to 9. On day one of his

42 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 CELEBRATIONS Weddings • Engagements • Special Events

McLendon – Dick Shelley Williams McLendon and Jonathan Lee Dick will be married at St. Joseph’s Chapel on the campus of Spring Hill College on March 7, 2015. The bride is the mother of Carter and Miles McLendon and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Williams of Mobile and the late Mary Ellen Miller (Kim Miller). She graduated with a BS in Polchow-Liesch Sociology from the University of South Alabama and has a Masters of Social Work from It’s not often guests at an elegant wedding end the night by chomping on MoonPies, University of Southern Mississippi. She is a Social Worker for Fresenius Medical. The but those lucky invited few in attendance to the wedding of Hillary Cowles Polchow and groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Dick of Monroeville. He graduated with a BS Dale Anthony Liesch had just that experience. in computer information systems from Spring Hill College. He is employed by Televox The Polchow-Liesch wedding on May 10 featured the marshmallow confections as as a systems architect. The couple will reside in Mobile. favors and did its best to encapsulate so many other wonderful aspects of life in the Port City. From the rehearsal dinner at Wintzell’s to the beautiful ceremony at the Cathedral- Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, to the reception in the Crystal Ballroom of the Battle House Hotel, a truly elegant Mobile theme flowed throughout.

Strangely enough, neither the bride nor the groom hail from Mobile, but picked the theme as a nod to the city that brought them together. They met on the shores of Mobile Bay, after chatting on Match.com. By the way, they are still waiting for that elusive commercial deal with the website. The couple’s first dance was to “Stars Fell on Alabama,” but not the Jimmy Buffett version (Shhh! Don’t tell anyone.) The nuptial mass was celebrated by Mobile’s Archbishop T.J. Rodi and Deacon Ronald Martin, of Little Flower Catholic Church.

The bride is the daughter of Neal and Janet Polchow, of Pascagoula, Miss. and the granddaughter of Joan Cowles, of Fairhope, and the late John Robert Cowles. She grew up in Pascagoula, by way of Fairhope and graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2013, with a degree in early childhood education. She is currently working on a master’s degree and is an employee of Mobile County Public Schools.

The groom is the son of David and Judy Liesch, of Loxley. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 2007, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and Information Sciences. He doesn’t intend to further his education and currently works in the salt mines as a reporter for Lagniappe.

The wedding was attended by family and friends, who literally came from coast to coast ( as far away as Brooklyn and Los Angeles) to watch it happen. The matron of honor was the bride’s sister-in-law Naomi Polchow, while the best man was the groom’s college roommate Robert White. The bridesmaids included: Robin Higgins, Brittany Liesch, Charla Eubanks, Monica Valenzuela, Megan McAlpin and Mary Banks. The groomsmen included: John Robert Polchow, Brad Robinson, Lee Goggins, Josh Henebry, Blake Bell and Ben Lanier. The Junior bridesmaid was Marguerite Cowles, the flower girl was Sawyer Bell and ring bearer was Rusty Cowles.

Wedding planner Katie Leavins, of Dana Goodman Weddings, helped organize the festivities. Belle Bouquet, of Saraland, crafted the flower arrangements, while Robinson Studio and Design captured images for posterity. D.J. Marcel Lanoux, of Night Shift Sounds, provided the music. Griffice Printing Company provided the programs.

The couple lives in Midtown with their poodle mix Kota. The couple plans to live in Midtown for the foreseeable future, even if it means getting a new dog at some point down the road.

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 43 THE LOADED QUESTION

If you could spend one hour with someone dead or alive, who would it be and what would you talk about?

Asked @ LoDa Bier Garten

“Ronald Reagan, what should we do about the Middle East?” -Essell

“Mitch Hedberg, what is the driest joke you’ve ever told?” -Justin

“Nikola Tesla, his stolen se- crets, how to think about life and how to better humanity.” -Infinit MC

“Rolling Thunder (John Pope), the medicine man for Grateful Dead, life concepts and learn his influential ways. -Hillary Raley

44 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 PORT CITY PREMONITIONS | STYLE Leo gets a lap dance from the ghost of Harry Carey BY DR. ZODIAC/ASTROLOGY GUY

Gemini (5/21 – 6/21) — You will find your- Though it will seem like a good idea at the time, self in an unwinnable argument with your signifi- you’ll spend the better part of that day sleeping cant other over whether it’s OK for a man to say and moaning under the table in the conference “we’re pregnant” when a couple is expecting a room. You’ll forget about the staff meeting and child. Your lover takes the side of a popular ce- be forced to lay motionless as the rest of the lebrity who says men shouldn’t say it. You think workforce tries to figure out where you are. After back to the weird food cravings you experienced 15 minutes, you’ll give up and announce your and the mood swings and the argument shifts presence during a dash towards the restroom. the other way. The only thing you learn from the argument is that the couch is lumpy. Capricorn (12/22 -1/19) — Wearing a red, white and blue three-piece suit, you’ll make Cancer (6/22 – 7/22) — In honor of the World your way out to O’Daly’s to take advantage of Cup you will try to perfect your goal celebration the penny shots for each goal during the United and begin to use it in everyday life. An example States’ second World Cup match. Much to the of this will take place two weeks from Wednes- surprise of you and the planet, USA is going to day when you get promoted at work. You will rout Portugal — leaving you unable to operate a immediately rip off your shirt, swing it over your vehicle or do much more than randomly scream head and slide across the floor on your knees. the names of the founding fathers. After a few Thinking that your show of jubilation is some hours, you’ll wake up hoarse and suitless in the sort of mental breakdown, your boss will im- tiny ally by the OK Bike Shop. mediately rescind the offer. Americans just don’t understand soccer. Aquarius (1/20 – 2/18) — The guy in the cubicle next to yours will come down with the Leo (7/21 – 8/23) — A well-known stripper flu this week, and he’ll refuse to take time off. and former California gubernatorial candidate You’ll spend a good part of the workweek spay- will come to a local strip club next week. Disap- ing everything near you with Lysol and holding pointed, you will get her confused with a famous, your breath as you run by him. After a day or two deceased Chicago Cubs announcer. You attend, of being polite, you’ll start wearing a doctor’s interested in the hologram technology it will take mask to work. Eventually, you start methodically to bring Harry Carey back to life in Mobile and to sealing him in to his desk area with plastic wrap. eat hot dogs, but will only see what one normally In a moment of compassion, you’ll splash some sees at a strip club. The scene won’t stop you soup and crackers through the grommet. You’re from screaming, “Go, Cubs, Go!” no monster.

Virgo (8/23 – 9/22) — You will lose your job Pisces (2/19 – 3/20) — A conference call will next week when your boss finds you napping devolve into a shouting match when several ac- in the office conference room. You’ll blame complished professionals refuse to admit it might your groggy state on a lunchtime double bacon be their phone buzzing awkwardly. You’ll know cheeseburger, but as your boss will point out, it could be your phone, but you won’t like Linda that doesn’t explain your nakedness. When you from the Dallas branch’s tone when she asks mumble about the temperature of the office if “you’re still using Cisco in Mobile.” You’re always being on the warm side of Venus, he’ll response of, “everything is buzzy in Texas” call for security. Deborah, the snarky reception- won’t get a laugh either, which prompts you start ist, will throw you a towel while laughing in your arbitrarily pressing buttons while simultaneously face because of your canning. asking if someone is pressing buttons. Despite all that, the team still manages to formulate an Libra (9/23 – 10/22) — You will get fed up at impressive marketing strategy. the lack of heart on your son’s tee-ball team. You will eventually get kicked out of the game by the Aries (3/21 – 4/19) — You’ll order a pizza umpire, who also tends a bar downtown, but not after a late day in the office. Keeping with the before screaming obscenities at the children and times, you’ll prepay online with a credit card, and FROM PAGE 41 leisurely but aggressively running the bases. You as usual, the delivery guy will have no idea where will get restrained by two of the bigger fathers in your house is. After telling him several landmarks the crowd, but before they pull you from earshot and road names to no avail, you’ll go and stand F you wonder aloud how nine infielders could al- in the middle of Springhill Avenue and tell him U low the other team to score 16 runs. to drive until he sees someone standing in the median. After several hours you’ll make some T Scorpio (10/23 – 11/21) — You will get more Ramen noodles under the assumption you’ve U aggressive than necessary at a local silent auc- made some random guy in the street’s day. tion. A chance at cheap Braves tickets will have R you strong-arming potential bidders, despite the Taurus (4/20 – 5/20) — After days of failing E prize not being great. You will hover over the to come up with an excuse, some friends will list and at one point hide it, hoping to remain the drag you out to a rock show. Being younger than highest bidder. You’ll win tickets to the Braves you, they’re going to set up shop just in front of S and Marlins and immediately regret the decision, the main speakers on stage, which you immedi- H after making the hours long trip. Stay out of the ately decide isn’t for you any longer. Wincing Gulf this week. There are too many things in and plugging your ears, you’ll officially realize O there that can eat you. you’re old in that moment. You’ll wonder how C anyone could prefer this to an evening of James K Sagittarius (11/22 -12/21) — You’ll try the Taylor and a glass of cabernet. You’ll then leave 16-ounce burger at Roshell’s on your lunch break the show, buy a pair of Crocs and open an IRA. next week after being coerced by a coworker.

LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 45 MOBILE MAGNIFIED | STYLE All kinds of stars shining on Gulf Coast BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

eality and country superstars have been popping up all election will be mak- over the place and an adult entertainment star/gubernato- ing an appearance at rial candidate is on the way. Yeppers, just another day on The Candy Store on the magnificent Gulf Coast. July 17. Mary Carey RIt’s the heat. It makes us all crazy. Or maybe it’s the humidity. entered the political I don’t know. I’m too hot to think about the “whys” – Boozie is race as a publicity more about the “whats,” as in what’s been happening. stunt. Does that even make any sense? I don’t know. I’m too hot to “She was an in- think about it. dependent candidate, Anyway, just read this and when you are done, might I suggest placing tenth in a field using the paper as a fan. It is also super absorbent if you are look- of 135 candidates. She ing for something to soak up excessive perspiration. ran on an eleven-point platform that included A ‘horny’ night in the Loop? somewhat tongue- My self-described Fruit Loop spies had plenty to report from in-cheek promises of Saturday, June 14, as Bianca Del Rio, hit the stage at B-Bob’s. My Photo/Boozie Spy taxing breast implants, spies say they have never seen “the Bob’s” so packed and Miss making lap dances tax- Del Rio put on the quite the show. Country superstar Miranda Lambert had a sur- deductible, and creat- Not familiar with her? Well obviously you didn’t watch the ing a ‘Porn for Pistols’ sixth season of RuPaul’s “Drag Race,” which Del Rio won the top prise show in Fort Walton Beach last weekend. exchange program,” according to Wikipe- Photo courtesy of Bianca Del Rio prize. My spies said she threw plenty of shade on her fellow “Drag Walton Beach tonight!! Come party with us! 9:30 at The Block!,” dia. The site also said Race” contestants, with every insult imaginable. She doesn’t sing the message read. she was interested in a or lip synch but the show was very interactive. She followed up Our spies raced over and waited in long lines to get in, but they RuPaul’s “Drag Race” win- bid for president. with a meet and greet downstairs. made the cut before the place reached capacity. The Boozester likes ner Bianca Del Rio had a Move over RuPaul and Bianca, also, getting rave reviews was They said Miranda told the crowd she just wanted to do a free some of these policies, fabulous show at B-Bob’s Nappie Award winner for Best Drag Queen performer, Ms. Venus, show because it was always good to go back to where you started. especially the boob tax! who was sporting “Maleficent” horns for her performance and I’m With tickets for her upcoming show in Tuscaloosa in July going Saturday, June 14. Carey also appeared told it was pretty darn fabulous. Go Venus! for as much as $75, that was a pretty nice gift for the several hun- on the VH1 reality shows, dred people in attendance at The Block. “Celebrity Rehab” and “Sober House.” My spies said she played all of her hits and it was a “flawless” Lambert has surprise concert in FWB Now, you can catch her in TiCo. Speaking of pretty darn fabulous performances, a couple of my performance. Mob-town spies were sitting around checking their social media Well kids, that’s all I got this time. Just remember, whether rain sites on Saturday, June 14, when one such spy saw an Instagram Mary Carey coming to the Candy Store message from Miz Miranda Lambert. or shine, dramatic or scandalous, or some plain ol’ pornographic A former adult entertainment star who challenged Arnold actress/gubernatorial candidate lovin’, I will be there. Ciao! “We were on our way to Jacksonville and decided to stop in Ft. Schwarzenegger, among many others, in the 2003 California recall

46 | LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | June 19, 2014 - June 25, 2014 | 47