July 13, 2011

Home , The Phantom (miniseries)

North of Center Wednesday, JULY 13, 2011 Free TAKE HOME AND READ NOCLEXINGTON.COM Volume III, Issue 12 Gray’s mean hyzer Waterbody Disc golf politics Short film nears completion By Danny Mayer Gray went on the offensive, declar- ing that the council had challenged his Here’s the skinny on the skinny pro-business solutions (outsourcing, budget, and how disc golf came to rep- right-sizing, cutting social services). resent the evils of citizen entitlement The Herald-Leader backed him up, run amok: accusing the council of lacking budget In April, Jim Gray proposed a $271 discipline. “This is the time,” its edito- million city budget, which he described rial admonished the council, “for belt as a “businessman’s budget,” that rep- tightening.” resented a $10 million dollar reduction Zeroing in on the money restored from the previous year. The budget for the two disc golf courses, Gray’s called for eliminating 56 city jobs, an message was simple: here we are going overall 10% reduction in funding to through a massive economic reces- partner agencies (mostly social services sion that has hit this city hard, and and arts groups), and an overall reduc- those out of touch council people are tion in the city workforce to 2,835 bud- out securing $150,000 for people who geted jobs—the lowest city workforce play a park game that involves throw- since 1999, when the city had 35,000 ing frisbees around? The nerve of those less residents. out of touch politicians, wasting our In June, the city council sent Gray money like that! The “hard realities” of Still from Bianca Spriggs’ short filmWaterbody . a revised budget. They restored much of the current economy meant, the Leader the 10% reduction in funding to social quoted Gray saying, that “it’s not the service agencies, restored several of the right timing to take on issues like By Barbara Goldman Spriggs and Waterbody’s Director of city jobs cut by Gray, and added 25 Frisbee golf.” Photography, Angel Clark, this March. police recruits. Council also proposed When Gray vetoed three line If you’ve been doing double takes at “We kept talking about the visuals bonding (borrowing) $400,000 for items from the council budget earlier what appear to be mermaids in down- and finding ourselves saying ‘wouldn’t the construction of 2 disc golf courses this month, here’s the headline from town Lexington recently, your eyes this make a good movie,’” says Clark. ($150,000) and a lacrosse complex the Mayor’s office:M “ ayor announces aren’t betraying you. Sightings of the leg- “By the time we got back to Lexington, ($150,000) on city owned parkland, veto, including frisbee golf.” The press endary long-tailed sirens of the sea have we knew we could do this.” and for handicap access at the Charles release highlights cuts to disc golf and occurred in area creeks, pools, parks, res- Spriggs says she was ready to get Young Center ($100,000). All told, the lacrosse, though curiously, the likewise taurants, and even a clawfoot bathtub. started on the project immediately. council budget restored $2.8 million, de-funded handicap entrance for senior Local urban fantasizers and artists The young writer/director is scheduled or 1% of the city’s general fund, a fig- citizens at the Charles Young Center have found a way to bring the mythi- to begin the University of Kentucky’s ure that still shaved $7 million off the cal creatures to life with the short film PhD program in English this fall. previous year’s budget. continued on page 6 Waterbody, written by central Kentucky “This is my year to be an artist and poetry/publishing diva Bianca Spriggs. writer full time,” says Spriggs. “This is The film concluded principal photogra- my swan song.” phy on June 12th and is anticipated to Pre-production meetings between The phantom map debut early this fall. Spriggs, Clark, and videographer According to Spriggs, who also Landon Antonetti began immediately West Irvine to Drowning Creek directed the production, the film is to see if the vision would even be pos- based on a poem she wrote of the same sible. No impediments were seen and By Gortimer T. Spotts Northrupp appeared at the foot of the title. Spriggs describes the tale as a more meetings involving more creative stairs with two loaded dry bags and contemporary urban fantasy steeped designers began. Soon after the show We’d agreed to rally at dawn and two collapsible coolers slung over his in magical realism in which a lonely was cast, the wheels of this Kentucky attack the river before the unseason- arm. “Ah, Gorty, you’re early. Think woman finds and adopts a sickly mer- creation really began to churn. ably scalding June sun had a chance to we’re all ready.” With quiet goodbyes to maid and nurses her back to health. In “No one told us no,” says Clark. fully preheat the western hemisphere. the semi-roused parents, we made our the process, the mermaid turns into a “We were probably over ambitious, But a very small window is the dawn. break, the General plugging baby Josie human and the woman turns into a as this was our first-time film endeavor. I awoke at noon and hustled to Mayer back into her vintage General Electric mermaid. But the support has been remarkable Manor on the north side of Lex, well, Slumbersling and turning the dial to At its core, Spriggs said, this is a and things have gone so smoothly. just north of center, to rendezvous eleven, heavy drool mode. narrative about the power of friend- People are hungry to be creative,” says with the General and Northrupp, ship, but also the power of reinvention Spriggs. who were both convalescing with the The drive to Irvine and the discovery of one’s true identity. The film’s creators describe it as Mayer family on a kind of sympathetic The drive to Irvine took longer The poem is available in her chap- theatrical with humorous moments. and extended maternity leave. General than it should have due to the frag- book, “How Swallowtails Become Bright color and texture paint a mythi- Dallas, bare-chested and unshaven, ile condition of the borrowed Isuzu Dragons.” Spriggs, who always has been cal tale that is open to interpretation. greeted me at the kitchen door holding Rodeo, which seemed to be operat- interested in mythical creatures, “mer- According to Spriggs, the story was shot baby Josie just like a nursing mother, ing exclusively on escape velocity, that maids especially”, wrote the eight part in a form known as magical realism. a delicate white towel draped over strange phenomenon whereby cer- poem in April 2010 during National “We had to be really creative the shoulder, a corncob pipe clenched tain organisms and mechanisms seem Poetry month. because of the budget,” says Clark. in the jaw, unlit. “Good morning, just to elude death the older they get, The poem took on a new life dur- young Gortimer. We’re just wrapping ing a car ride from Louisville with continued on page 5 up the morning feed.” And just then continued on page 2 Selling prisoners to balance the budget

NoC News Analysis the bidding, though, the corporations have to come to the table with all kinds Well, now it’s shamelessly clear: of war-game plans like how they would prisoners are chattel. engage in “hot pursuit of escapees.” Ohio is trying to close an $8 mil- (This quote from Linda Janes, the chief lion budget deficit, and, as necessity of staff for theO hio agency responsible is the mother of invention, it’s trying for the state’s prisons.) something new: selling state prisons Here’s how the Ohio plan goes: to private corporations to raise money for the state budget. However, this isn’t 1. Incarcerate a bunch of people. simply a property sell-off of outdated 2. Refuse to raise state taxes because and unused prison buildings. Rather, the state has to “tighten its belt.” the state is offering prison packages: 3. Sell prisons and prisoners to private buy the land, the buildings, and your corporations. corporation gets the prisoners, too! 4. Pay corporations to maintain The best (meaning astounding) prisoners. part is that winning bidders can even operate their new prisons with 20-year Seems like a strange business plan contracts, which include a per-diem to NoC. Forget the fact that it’s com- payment from the state. In order to win pletely immoral.

Contents Coming soon 2 – Neighborhood 4 – Music 5 – Film & Media 7 – Opinion UK’s gold standard Danger lurks Music calendar Review: Green Lantern Letters Mines and suits Boomslang back 7 – Sports 8 – Comics Lexington watershed festival ROCK = freedom Fierce Company General Dallas Prisoner enfranchisement 2 North of Center

JULY 13, 2011 The Neighborhood It’s getting dangerous around here Misadventures in the city

By Beth Connors-Manke PEPPER SPRAY, you scoundrel! That’s see things more clearly—you have to It’s a quick bite, so I keep calmly right, you’d better run! more precisely discern friend from foe. walking before he can go in again, Ok, it turns out to be true: a lady I didn’t have my pepper spray at the About a month ago, I’m almost deeper this time isn’t safe on the streets on the north time of my assault so it wasn’t in play, finished with my walk as I come down When I get home, I’m pissed. I’ve side. And so now I’ve bought some pep- but clearly the only way to deter an a street of cute little brick and stone spent the last year and half negotiat- per spray. assailant with pepper spray is to spray houses. I hear a dog bark. It’s across ing the hazards on N. Lime so I could I’ll start by saying that it’s hard to it in his eyes. Then you’ve got another the street, without leash or owner. I make the streets safer for myself, and find pepper spray. It’s not at Rite Aid. problem: drift. Will the wind blow it look away from it, hoping it won’t get now someone’s damned dog has made I suspended my Wal-Mart boycott and back in your eyes? Do you close your interested in me. That’s my street strat- my walks dangerous again. Seriously, looked there, thinking “if Wal-Mart eyes while you spray him? (This seems egy: pretend to look away from aggres- I’d rather have a drunk yell profanity at sells guns sometimes, surely they’ll a flawed strategy.)D o you lick your fin- sors or solicitors, which has worked me three times a week than have some have pepper spray.” Wrong. Not at gertip and check wind direction, like a pretty well with men on N. Limestone lame-o’s loose dog take a big chunk out Lowe’s either. Finally, I came upon my golfer, and then let loose on the jerk? lately. of my calf. weapon at Meijer’s, which even stocks These are important consider- Not so with this little, muscular I told my neighbor about “the it in breast-cancer pink. ations for me, as now I know just how dog. He runs across the street, bristles incident” and about my pepper spray I haven’t carried pepper spray in likely I am to be hurt on the street by up, barking and jumping forward at purchase, making a sarcastic remark years because it’s an awkward weapon. a stranger. the same time. He’s getting closer. about the real dangers of the north First off, you have to dig in your purse Street strategy number two: talk side. She then regaled me with a scar- for it or isolate it from the jingle-jangle The Incident in a calm, nonchalant way, but keep ier story. A while back, a loose pit bull mess of your keys. Second, when do Over the summer, I’ve been explor- walking. had to be shot on “the ’wild” (that’s you pull it out, and how do you scare ing new walking routes in my neigh- Beth: Hey doggie. Hey doggie. what we call our street) because it was someone with it? borhood. I walk down side streets and (Again, strategy works better with men attacking another woman’s dog. My Criminal: Hey lady, your ugly loop around the park. My theory is than with this dog.) friend was protector to the woman purse or your life. that you don’t really understand if a Now he’s growling. I know I’m in and her blood dog as a cop put the pit Beth: It’s not a purse, it’s my BAG. street is safe until you walk down it. trouble because no one else is on the bull down. Thank goodness the blood- There’s a difference. A purse you carry Driving doesn’t give an accurate assess- street, and I know he wants to bite me. thirsty pit bull hadn’t gotten to a kid on your shoulder. A bag you carry with ment because it isolates you, allowing My only recourse is Jedi mind state: yet. the strap across your chest so you look you to feel simultaneously protected by my senses sharpen, my mind becomes After I heard this story, I again more athletic and a little bit indie. This your ability to speed away and scared of utterly clear, and I yell at him in as deep reconsidered my Wal-Mart boycott. way, my hands are also free to pull my strangers outside your window. If you a voice as I’ve got. Maybe I need a gun. It’s dangerous pepper spray. Yeah, that’s right, I’ve got walk, you’re more vulnerable, but you He bites me. around here. Phantom map (cont.) Castlewood Neighborhood continued from page 1 Coca from Patoka “If we’re going to keep the General Association Meeting beating the odds the rest of us organ- in our sights, we’d better chew some of isms and mechanisms are doomed to these. I picked ‘em up on a layover in fail against. Northrupp massaged it Bolivia last week.” Northrupp gently ever onward, and we reached West sidled his canoe up to mine, extending Irvine by 2 p.m. just as the clouds that the opened end of a brown paper bag in were threatening rain dissipated to the my direction. “What’s this?” I asked as south. At the gas station nearest the 52 I reached in and grabbed a handful of bridge, we stocked up on last minute little waxy leaves. “Coca from Patoka,” essentials, an extra jug of water and two Northrupp grinned, his lower lip and heat-lamp corndogs. “Better eat ‘em jaw already stuffed green. Within min- Thursday, July 28 quick or these dogs will want some- utes, we were grinding away at the river, thing in return,” Northrupp muttered small scale Vikings with newfound 6:30pm at the Loudoun House as we loaded back into the Rodeo. chemical vigor. Within twenty minutes, we were on Between Locks 12 and 10, the the water, shuffling and restowing gear, Kentucky River threads three distinct we glimpsed the acts of man played out under decades of coal piled house-high. checking trim and draft, just off the state geographical regions, the Cumberland in theater of the absurd. This was a grand mess to last a life time ramp, a mile or so down stream from the Plateau, the Knobs, and the Bluegrass, Case in point: the Southeast Coal and all of it right on the water’s edge. mouth of Station Camp Creek, where with the Pottsville Escarpment cut- Company’s processing operation above “I wonder if Southeast Coal had to pay Cubbard Rock, near the hamlet of for the mess they made?” I thought out Calloway Crossing. Northrupp and loud. Don’t be silly, replied the ghost- I cleared the ever so slight mile-long voice. With a wave of disgust from the dogleg bend downstream from White General, we pushed off in pursuit of Oak Creek and between the four of our Northrupp. nearsighted eyes, spied the General in [See sidebar on the next page for riverine stasis, his tie-die colored Old more. —Ed.] Town cloaked muddy by the intensity of his concentration, his gaze fixed This is not the RINY-B on what appeared to us (a half mile The next two miles clipped by in upstream behind him) to be the lead- a coca-leaf blur, and at last Northrupp ing ledge of Cubbard Rock. “What the came into view just as the bow of his hell is that thing?” General seemed to canoe disappeared into the mouth of ask the sky. “It’s…it’s…shitting yellow Calloway Creek. The light spattering water into the river…” of rain picked up into a heavy drizzle, Yes it is, came a voice from nowhere. backed by deep rumbling to our east. “Yes it is what?” General turned ever so “It would appear we’ve flanked the slightly in his yak. Yes it is shitting yellow brunt of the storm, Gortimer.” The water into the river, and it has been for General cut his yak hard to starboard many, many years. You can’t wash coal and entered the creek mouth. “Let’s without fouling the water table for good. wait out this little squall under the That’s the nature of unnatural things. canopy here.” “Northrupp, is that you?” The Fifty or so yards in, a massive deep blue storm front that had dissi- deadfall closed off navigation, and pated at our put-in reinserted itself with there Northrupp stood upright, his feet a light spattering. Northrupp and I had balanced on the gunnels of his boat, just come upon the General, we two his gaze fixed on the train trestle loom- in an elevated and tad bit giddy state ing overhead above the canopy. “Is this but determined like seasoned water part of the old RINY-B railroad?” mules. “No, that definitely wasn’t me, “It’s the L&N. This line runs up General.” Northrupp interrupted. “It through Winchester and north. The wasn’t me either.” I added. RINY-B would have run on the south “There’s something else paddling side of the river from Richmond to with us, boys. It’s giving me signals, Irvine.” General Dallas was shuffling the ancient “Warrior’s Path” crossed the ting through at a southwest to north- information.” The General was pale- through his maps, drifting slowly back river and where in 1750 a very self-sat- east angle. But these different regions faced, serious. “This is some serious- toward the mouth. “Looks like the isfied Doc Walker made camp, having don’t announce themselves; from the bad fouled earth we’re looking at. weather’s breaking, boys. Better cut a recently named the Cumberland Gap surface of the river, they seem to dance I’m hearing the ghost of waters-past.” choagie if we want to make Drowning the Cumberland Gap. and mingle, a knob to the north, roll- Cubbard Rock presented itself beneath Creek by sundown.” And he was right. “Boys, we don’t have time for ing savanna to the south, a long nar- the remains of a massive water intake It was already 4:30 and we’d barely sightseeing around here. Too much row ridge appearing in the next bend, and tipple. made five miles. We hit the mainstream river to cover today. Better get under- followed by tree-lined, pasture bot- “This view sucks” Northrupp said, with the General forcing a hard pace. way.” And with that, General Dallas set tomland, and so on and so forth. Each shaking his summer mane. Renewing off like a torpedo, his long, thin Old new bend seemed to offer a new type his coca leaf cud, he cut a fierce wake Up on Drowning Creek Town Dirigo slicing the water with of terrain. The river has autonomy; the around the next sharp bend. He was Richardson and Shaving Machine but a shimmer of wake. “I’ll see you at land to either side just seems to form right. The entire bank—the entire Bend’s came and went, and just when Cubbard Rock,” he called as he shrunk and reform its identity like a deep green bend—seemed an open wound, oozing into the developing summer haze. condensation, and in the condensation a rust-colored acidic goop accumulated continued on the next page North of Center 3

JULY 13, 2011

Phantom map (cont.)

continued from the previous page The General turned in his grav- The United Mine Workers elly repose. “Ah, Uncle Ranck…” I thought my biceps would explode, Northrupp stared a thousand miles of America v. South East Northrupp cut hard to port and pointed into the fire. I began: “Gentlemen, in the General’s direction. “Follow his fellow rafters of the sixth life of the Coal Co., Inc.; etc. lead. Looks like he’s found the mouth Kentucky River, slackwater paddle- of Drowning Creek.” Drowning Creek, venturists, tonight I’m pleased to offer Dear Gortimer, the jagged boundary between Estill selections from Lexington’s own Mr. Returned is your wonderful manuscript, “The phantom map,” with some and Madison Counties, empties into Ranck, esteemed member of the Filson minor GUM revisions in thick red ink. You may be interested in the story the Kentucky at a 45 degree angle, all Club. This is the sweeping account of behind the demise of the great South East Coal Company that you mention us but hidden from upstream approach. the Henderson Company’s saga and passing nearby Cubbard’s Rock. The General seemed to disappear into a the travails of Dan’l Boone, our colo- The company was incorporated in 1915, when Henry LaViers, an immigrant tangled bank. Once inside the mouth, nial hero-king-pioneer-revolutionary… from Wales, secured the mineral rights needed to organize five coal camps. The however, the creek opened up, fifty explorer, uh, hero.” I adjusted my read- most well known of these, apparently still generally intact, is located at Seco feet wide with maples and sycamores ing lamp. “I’ll begin with ‘The Great (renamed “South East Coal Company Operation 1” upon its purchase in 1915), on either side interweaving an arched Grant’, March 17th, 1775”: on the banks of Boone Fork, a tributary of the Kentucky River’s North Fork canopy overhead. We eased our way up “Boone, who had been commis- and not far from Whitesburg in Letcher County. and around several large bends with sioned by the Company to open a road South East Coal remained a family business; Henry’s son Harry LaViers broad bottomland on the Madison to the Kentucky River, never ceased was a particularly hands on boss. In the late 70s, one report relates, as retali- county side, rising to high meadow and collecting woodmen in Powell’s Valley ation against his workers’ attempts to better their working conditions, Harry wooded hillock, and steep, wooded for the work, and concentrated them “got into trouble for running down a picket line with a coal truck.” By this palisade and outcropping on the Estill at Long Island, in the Holston. While time, South East was selling most its coal, so-called “compliance coal” because County side. At last we came upon a arrangements for the expedition were its use absolves power companies from installing expensive sulfur dioxide riffle and shoal, and General gave us being made, provisions for the enter- scrubbers, to the Kentucky Utilities Company (KU). the “this place and no farther” nod. tainment of the Cherokees went on to The LaViers family interest in the health of their workers continued into Having paddled half the the appointed conference ground, and the 1990s, when on October 12, 1992, Harry filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Kentucky’s 254 some-odd-mile main- so did the Indians and the white men, This act authorized South East Coal to pay its creditors (banks, individual stream over the years with my current and early in March, 1775, the biggest investors) by selling off its assets, “free and clear of any and all liabilities what- comrades, we had honed river camp- crowd that had ever gathered in the soever...including, but not limited to, any successor liability for claims for ing to a fine skill. Each outing seemed Watauga Settlement of North Carolina benefits under the Federal Black Lung Benefits Act or the Kentucky Worker’s a fine tuning of the balance between was encamped about the stockaded Compensation Act.” necessity and comfort. We unpacked cabins of Sycamore Shoals… The This last statement was important to DLX, inc., the company who shelled our gear in neat piles according to use: negotiators in behalf of the Company out $5.75 million, paid out in lump sums to several creditors, for South East tents, tarps, bedding over here, stoves, were Henderson and Boone, Nathaniel Coal’s preparation plant at Irvine, the Lexington office, the mine and all other utensils, country provender over there. Hart and Luttrell. The most promi- real property, inventory, equipment and other intangibles necessary to keep The only luxury I’d afforded myself nent representatives of the Indians were coal production profitably engaged. While DLX bought the land and opera- was Big Black Johnson, the incredibly Ocanostota, the aged, crippled, and tions, they were not beholden to the purchase of South East Coal’s labor his- cheap, laminated, jet black acoustic distinguished head of the Cherokees; tory. In the case of The United Mine Workers of America v. South East Coal guitar I’d acquired as final payment on the remarkable Attacullaculla, withered Company, Inc.; DLX, Inc.; and Newco, Inc., this interpretation translated into an old debt—the perfect instrument and even more aged, but still reputed a $707,315.06 savings, or the amount DLX did not have to pay into a required for a river bivouac. Should it succumb the ablest of the Indian diplomatists; pension fund for former miner’s working on the site. to the elements, be needed as a paddle, Savanooko, and Dragging Canoe. continued on page 8 life preserver, or even emergency kin- “Days were consumed in the con- dling, it would be no great loss. sideration of the boundaries and extent It was 7:30 when we entered the of the territory the Company desired, mouth of Drowning Creek. By 8:30 the price offered, and the wisdom of the bastard sister of George Ranck. of most of his clothing. Rawlings had it was dark and our camp was set. making such a sale, and interpret- Yes, apparently old man Ranck had been shot down, tomahawked in the Northrupp and the General foraged for ers were kept busy translating “talks” a drunken tryst with a lowly maid back of the neck, and scalped, but, firewood while I arranged a flat rock for and documents and speeches. Earnest at “The Lucky Clover” down on De though mortally wounded, was still cooking and unpacked the two single protests against the treaty were made Roode Street. This maid, my ancestor, alive, and the two negroes were prison- burner stoves from their dry bag. The by orators of the Cherokees, and espe- hailed from the heart of Irish Town on ers, destined for savage slavery. They General treated us to an amazing din- cially by the eloquent and prophetic Lexington’s lower west side. The prod- were heard of no more. The Indians ner: thick, perfectly marbled ribeyes and Dragging Canoe, but without effect, uct of this lusty liaison grew up impov- who, almost as a matter of course, a medley of collard greens, kale, bok and on the 17th of March “The Great erished, never once enjoying the genteel were Shawanese, and who successfully choy, borage, and green onions from Grant” was signed, and for the mer- graces the wealth of her “unknown” eluded pursuit, had evidently watched his award-winning garden, flash-wilted chandise then stored on ground and father could have provided. Meanwhile, the movements of the boat-builders, in steak-grease delicately cut with olive valued at ₤10,000 Henderson and his her half-brother, George Ranck, rose and fired with impunity from a nearby oil. One large Idaho baker, sliced in associates were declared owners of ter- on the calm swell of age-old affluence, place of concealment. thick chips and fried in the remaining ritory south of the Kentucky River, gaining prominence as a narrativist of “There was sudden, crushing grief grease rounded out the feast. In all, the comprising more than half of the history and conspirator to provincial in two homes, and sorrow throughout meal was a pleasant vacation from our present state of Kentucky. The twelve myths. the settlement as the stricken forms staple river rat mulligan stew. For desert, hundred Indians present assented to “When Darla, my grandmother, were tenderly brought in, and there we set about soaking our livers in vari- the treaty, and, though a few of them came of age, she was hired by none other was even deeper gloom soon after, for ous distillations, but ever the thought- grumbled that they had received only than George Ranck, her own flesh and the terribly wounded Rawlings died ful provider, General’s New Amsterdam one shirt apiece for their share of the blood yet unrevealed, to serve as house- before the setting of the sun. The gal- Gin shots with lime wedges seemed territory, the transaction seems to have maid and nanny. In this capacity, she lant old leader and his brave lieutenant most complimentary to the coca cuds been open and fair, and certainly they learned a great deal about the settle- were buried in one grave back of the we couldn’t seem to relinquish. all joined at the close of the meeting ment of Kentucky, as Uncle Ranck was fort they had helped to defend, and in the big feast the Company had given to dictating his notes with volu- where the soil they loved overlooks the Uncle Ranck’s Tales provided.” minous gusto to his ever-present sec- beautiful river that is consecrated to the After a few river ballads on Johnson, I paused for a moment to listen to retary, young Nimrod Richardson. In memory of the pioneers.” we settled back around the fire like civi- the gurgling shoal-water. Northrupp her feather-dusting, Darla relived the General paused again to gather his lized gentlemen, and this trip being my eased back onto the creek-cobble and tribulations of those early days. thoughts and light the corncob pipe. turn to provide the pre-slumber read- re-fixed his stare on the fireflies’ - mil “When I was but a sprout, she Northrupp expelled a large coca-cud ing, I unpacked the copy of George W. lion-strong strobe through the canopy. recounted verbatim the tragic demise and sipped from a chilled bottle of Ranck’s 1901 Boonesborough: Its found- Just as I returned my headlamp to the of one Richard Calloway, compan- Svetka. ing, pioneer struggles, Indian experiences, text, the General spake: ion to Boone, and heroic defender of “Colonel Calloway’s hair was Transylvania days, and revolutionary “Ah, Uncle Ranck. You know, Boonesborough. You’ll remember the noticeable both for its length and for annals for post-nosh ponderance. boys, my maternal grandmother was creek we sheltered in earlier today, its peculiar shade of gray, and when Calloway Creek? It takes its name from the scalp was carried by the exult- poor Richard.” ing savages to their town across the The General paused, the fire reflect- Ohio it was recognized with horror ing on his wire-rimmed spectacles. “It and sadness by Joseph Jackson, one was the spring of 1780, and the Indians of Boone’s unfortunate party of salt- were, alas, not too happy with life. And boilers of the Blue Licks, who was here I’m quoting grandma Darla quot- still a captive.” ing Uncle Ranck”: “And that, my comrades,” General “Early in March Colonel Calloway waved off the story as though done with began preparations to establish his ferry, it, “is the long and short of Richard and on the eighth of the month while Calloway’s last day on earth.” The he, Pemberton Rawlings (or Rollins), fireflies continued their grand synap- and three negro men were building a tic display while the gurgling riffle on ferryboat on Canoe Ridge, about a Drowning Creek offered its hypnotic mile above Boonesborough, a volley of counterpoint. rifle shots was heard, and shortly after “What a marvelous coincidence, one of the negroes rushed, panting and my choosing to bring along Ranck and terrified, into the settlement with the Ranck being your…illegitimate great- news that the boat-builders had been uncle. Simply marvelous. With friends attacked by Indians. A party of rifle- like you, who needs popular culture?” men, headed by Captain Holder, and I waited for some reply, but the including young Bland Ballard, then two dark forms before me had lapsed just commencing his career as a scout into post-paddle comatose, sawing logs and spy, galloped to the rescue, but befitting a godly fortress in the savage were too late. wilderness. “Colonel Calloway had been instantly killed, scalped, and robbed To be continued… 4 North of Center

JULY 13, 2011 Music Live music to saw Tickets on sale for third wood to: 7/14-26 annual Boomslang fest NoC Music Pelican, New Orleans bounce artist Thursday, July 14 But then, in 1992, came Jackyl Big Freedia, San Francisco garage- and their hit song “The Lumberjack,” Tickets are now on sale for WRFL’s rocker Ty Segall, and the British new Jacykl with The Nigel Dupree and it was as though 1989 had never third-annual Boomslang Festival, a wave group The Psychedelic Furs. Band and Switchmen happened. Nuanced? Contemplative? three-day, multi-venue music and arts Other artists confirmed for this Buster’s; 899 Manchester. 9 P.M. No, man: drug-fueled orgies. Which extravaganza scheduled for September year’s lineup include Secret Chiefs When we were still impressionable was actually refreshing, because Eddie 23-25, 2011 at various Lexington ven- 3, Tom Tom Club, Sir Richard youths, under Reagan, we decided, all Vedder was really starting to harsh our ues. Early Bird Weekend Passes will Bishop, Julianna Barwick, Cough, of us, that we were going to like, listen buzzes with all the social-consciousness be on sale at a discounted rate of $35 Horseback, SSION, and Woodsman, to, and purchase music produced by stuff, and all Jackyl apparently wanted until July 8. After the Early Bird as well as local and regional talent. blow-dried, androgynous men wearing us to do was drink beer and get laid. passes are gone, weekend passes will The final line-up will be announced spandex trousers and sequinned vests. And bless them for that. be available for $40 for University of in the coming weeks. So we did, and that arrangement car- And theyr’e still at it, bearing the Kentucky students and $50 for the Additional Boomslang events ried on for the best part of the decade. same message of happiness and fulfill- general public. Single day passes will include the Lexington Fashion But the quality of the music declined ment, even as the world has continued also be available for each of the three Collaborative’s haute couture art instal- over time: early Crüe gave way to early to change, almost always in unsettling days. Tickets are available in person at lation; community “skill share” work- Posion gave way to early Warrant, or ways. They’re still at it. Maybe rock the UK Student Center ticket office, shops; Stars with Accents: A Literary just Warrant in totality. So goes rock doesn’t need to reflect the times at all. I by phone at (859)257-TICS, or online Celebration, in conjunction with the ‘n roll, in cycles. And since this cycle don’t know. I don’t know anymore. at www.boomslangfest.com. Kentucky Women Writer’s Conference; of rock had reached low ebb by ‘89 or The Early Bird Weekend Pass and the inaugural Queerslang Festival, so, we realized we wanted something Friday, July 15 provides admission to all of the week- a series of concerts, film screenings, new, something serious. Something to end’s festivities, including concerts presentations, and other events geared reflect the gravity of the times. Churchill Jax from New York avant-rock legends toward Lexington’s queer community Well, as you know, what happened Cheapside; 131 Cheapside. 9 P.M. Swans, Chicago instrumental rockers and its supporters. is that we decided the blow-drying and Since I went on and on about androgyny had to go, and with them Jackyl, the remaining bands listed in the cartoonish lyrics and sophomoric this calendar will receive one-word subject matter, because in ‘89 the world previews to save space. This word will was changing, sometimes in unsettling be the best possible word in English to ways. We needed rock tough enough to describe to experience of attending the carry us through uncertain, unstable listed show, and you should simply read times. Kip Winger didn’t write that the word, close your eyes for a moment, music, you know? and apprehend how you feel about This cultural need generated two the word. Happy? Sad? Melancholic? primary responses. First, the remain- Sanguine? Let your feelings be your ing hair bands wiped off the makeup, guide. Ready? washed out the mousse, and tried to get Homegrown. tough. Most failed, but two of those who succeeded went on to be consid- Orgone with Oh My Me ered among the most important heavy Cosmic Charlie’s; 388 rock bands of their generation: Guns Woodland. 9 P.M. N’ Roses and Pantera. Sexual. The second response came from Seattle, where the ‘80s narrative of the Monday, July 18 drug-fueled orgy had long since given way to the narrative of the overdose, and Cinderella so the Seattle bands played loud guitars Buster’s; 899 Manchester. 9 P.M. but sang sensitive lyrics, about real feel- Nostalgic. ings and such. Of those bands, the first couple were excellent, and also went on Friday, July 22 to be considered among the most important heavy rock bands of their genera- Asylum on the Hill with tion: Audioslave and Foo Fighters. Truckfighters and Valley of the Sun So that was the scene, back then: The Green Lantern; 497 shooting up, grabbing an espresso, and W. Third. 8 P.M. headbanging to songs with nuanced, Cocksure. BOOMSLANG contemplative lyrics. —Buck Edwards

Oh My Me close out the official opening of the Lexington Rescue Mission’s artist bazaar. Photo by Lucy Jones. North of Center 5

Film & Media JULY 13, 2011 Review: Green Lantern Disappointing adaptation scores low on Tufnel scale

By Kevin Martinez Sur, portrayed by Temura Morrison Hammond’s father, and it’s astounding better than, say, the ones in Avatar. The (Jango Fett in Star Wars Episode II). He how bad he is. He really deserves to be 3-D actually looks great in this film Yeah, it’s yet another comic becomes part of the intergalactic police beaten with an air conditioning unit, but, again, only if you can get past the book movie. But, unlike all the other force known as the Green Lantern after having seen this. Angela Bassett is fact that none of it ever really makes entries this summer, this one is from Corps. He meets his alien counterparts playing Amanda Waller but, if they are you feel like you are seeing something DC Comics. And it’s not a Batman and they train him. The Guardians Of planning to go the same route Marvel with a true physical form. The depth is or Superman movie. Finally, Warner The Universe are little blue people who has gone with Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick what makes the 3-D better than most. Brothers has decided to dip into the give the Green Lanterns their power Fury, well, they better think again. I really wanted to like this movie, stable of characters that they own and and their orders. It’s all there, but it There is no way we are getting a Justice but I’d recommend Sucker Punch pull out something new. doesn’t work. League movie out of this insipid mess. before I would this one. I love the I’m a big fan of Green Lantern. I don’t know where they found this This film, in some ways, reminded Green Lantern characters, but this I have to admit that it comes from actress, Blake Lively, who plays Hal me of the issues I had a couple of years movie ranks up there with Howard The being a kid and discovering the Justice Jordan’s love interest, Carol Ferris. But ago with Watchmen. There, the per- Duck, Red Sonja, Spawn, Catwoman, League comics. I knew Superman and this chick makes Denise Richards’ per- formances were very flat at times and and Batman and Robin. Sometimes Batman, but when I found that they formance as Dr. Christmas Jones in The it made it hard to really relate to the there are the comic book movies that teamed up with guys like the Flash, World Is Not Enough look like it was an characters. The saving grace of that are bad but entertaining—like Swamp Green Lantern, and Hawkman, sud- Oscar-winning role by Meryl Streep. I film, though, was that it was based Thing. But this isn’t one of those. denly comics became much cooler mean, this woman is just plain awful. on the most solid story in comics. In a summer with movies like Thor to my young mind. Green Lantern I bet there are porn actresses who are The effects also didn’t distract, they and X-Men: First Class, you would always looked very elegant—his cos- more convincing and on the mark than enhanced the film. Green Lantern, on think that the competition would give tume didn’t have a clumsy looking this vacant twit. the other hand, has really jarring CGI. Marvel something with which to con- cape. Then you discover that he’s one of many Green Lanterns who are part of an intergalactic police force guided by small blue men in red robes. Yeah, this is a movie I’ve wanted to see all my life. Unfortunately, when casting began for the movie, they screen tested three actors for this role: Bradley Cooper from The Hangover, the always unimpressive and most hated Justin Timberlake, and the man who ruined Blade Trinity. Yeah, Ryan Reynolds. I was very disappointed that the choices to play Hal Jordan centered around these guys. I had hopes for Firefly star Nathan Fillion, or Farscape star Ben Browder. Instead, they choose the most annoying dude they could find. To me, Reynolds was the Jar Jar Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern. Binks of the Blade series. The first two Blade films were big favorites of mine. The third one turned into a festering You would expect better from a Nothing really works while this film tend. Instead, DC gives us a frustrating pile of crap the minute Reynolds shows film directed by Martin Campbell. He is earthbound. Special effects should mess and lets down all of their fans— up. But, in all fairness, I didn’t expect directed Casino Royale and Goldeneye make the viewer think they are actually which is something they are doing in much out of Heath Ledger when he was for the James Bond franchise, as well seeing the impossible as if it were tak- their upcoming comics, as well. So far cast as the Joker, so I admit I can be as The Mask Of Zorro, and he usually ing place in front of them. Instead, you in recent years, DC has only gotten the wrong. Not that I think that Reynolds understands how to tell a story and have scenes where Reynolds’ costume Batman films right. All other efforts could be anywhere near that great in make you care about the characters. is so obviously not real that I almost seem to fail. Remember last year’s Jonah his role, but he may show me some- This film is the exact opposite of that. felt as if I were watching Pete’s Dragon Hex? Yeah, I don’t really either since I thing I’m not expecting. Peter Sarsgaard’s performance as or Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Yeah— didn’t bother. My advice to you is to save Unfortunately, Reynolds isn’t the Hector Hammond is just ridiculous. hokey Disney flicks from the 1970s your money and go to a roller derby bout problem with this movie. He’s not A villain should be somewhat inter- with dated special effects. Which goes instead. ROCK vs Chemical Valley great, but neither is anything else in the esting, instead of a dull and annoying to show you that, regardless of how is coming the Lexington Convention film. This movie is the biggest letdown freak. The actor playingS inestro, Mark much money you spend, if you can’t Center on July 30. I’ve had since Ang Lee’s Hulk. I mean, Strong, is much better in his role but, make something that’s an improve- On the Nigel Tufnel scale of 1 to they do get the characters right. And unfortunately, this film is a set-up for ment, you shouldn’t do it at all. 11, I’m giving this one a very generous they keep all the familiar elements of his character to be the villain in a sequel I will say, in all fairness, that the 2, only because it does get so much right the comics. Test pilot Hal Jordan gets that will hopefully never get made. You scenes in space looked great, and so did with the characters, but gets everything his power ring from dying alien Abin also have Tim Robbins playing Hector the planet OA. The alien characters were else so wrong. Waterbody (cont.)

continued from page 1 or lending. Project creators keep 100% wouldn’t have if we didn’t believe in execution. But we did it. Nothing fell ownership and control of their work. this so much,” says Spriggs. “It’s a labor apart. No one was arrested. The worst “There are no special effects, no green All projects must reach their funding of love.” that happened was two people got screen. This leaves more room for fan- goal before time runs out or no money “Everyone has asked what they can parking tickets.” tasy and wild, untamed images.” changes hands. do—there has been no hesitation from Waterbody fans will be able to find The Kentucky production has “We want people to support local people. They all want to know how they hard copies, DVD’s, mermaid tail auc- been made possible in large part to art by local artists,” says Spriggs. can help,” says Clark. “That’s how we tions, a prospective concert featuring the successful fundraising program “Support is validating the art, as well raised the money so fast. People wanted the soundtrack’s artist, and even a pho- Kickstarter, the largest funding plat- as the artist, to keep doing what they’re it for us. They wanted to see it succeed.” tography exhibit when the film debuts form for creative projects in the world. doing.” Filming was concluded after three this fall. Every month, tens of thousands of Waterbody was funded success- intensive 13-hour days of camera work. “It’s not over for this group,” dreamers and do-ers pledge millions fully within 24 hours of the official “We were all a little nervous at assures Clark. “We hope this will kick of dollars to projects from the worlds Kickstarter launch. The campaign ulti- first,” says Spriggs, who added that off a collection of tales.” of music, film, art, technology, design, mately raised $731 dollars, taking the everyone became more and more com- Both Clark and Spriggs agree that food, publishing and other creative project $231 over the original goal. fortable. “There were some intense this experience has given them and the fields. “We’re paying for stuff we already moments. Girls were in mermaid tails participating artists “a gift that keeps The program is based solely on com- paid for. We all believed in it so much. for eight hours, which is a lot to ask on giving.” merce and patronage, not investment We’ve all donated something. We of anyone. People pulled out amazing “We all want to start something,” things. There was no pretension.” says Clark. The film is currently being edited “If you’re a true artist,” says Spriggs, in Lexington. Actually, everything “You want to do things that make you about the film is Kentucky based, even grow and curious.” down to the basic backbeat of the pic- Spriggs says that, in the weeks to ture. The entire soundtrack will include come, viewers should look forward to area artists and original music from two trailers and one teaser. The film’s Michelle Hollis and Scott Wilmoth, ultimate length is estimated to be Mason Colby and Art Mize, Coralee around 25 minutes. and the Townies, Bunny Day and the “We need people to see it when it Mercy Buckets, and N.W.L. comes out,” says Clark. “Support local Spriggs confesses that the only art by being present.” things about the project that aren’t “There are so many artist avenues entirely Kentuckian are the mermaid in Lexington, we want to keep that tails. Spriggs said she found them spirit alive,” says Spriggs. online and they are beautiful. “This is why people leave Kentucky For more information go to Waterbody: and go to New York,” says Spriggs. “And A Short Film at www.kickstarter.com or it’s all been done here in Kentucky...We visit www.biancaspriggs.com. If you need all have big dreams. A lot of it we do, further details, you also can e-mail Still from Bianca Spriggs’ short filmWaterbody . usually on our own from concept to [email protected]. 6 North of Center

JULY 13, 2011 Sports Freedom derby fireworks BBRG blockers control bout, best ROCK

By Sunny Montgomery

The Fourth of July weekend is perhaps my favorite weekend of the year. It encompasses everything I love best about Lexington: the barbeques, the downtown festivities, the closing of the streets, all my friends in one place and of course, the excuse to start drinking at 11 o’clock in the morning. This year I added another event to my list of favorites: ROCK’s Saturday night bout against Covington’s Black-n-Bluegrass (BBRG). I’d attended only one roller derby prior to this one. I remembered how frenzied I’d felt trying to keep up. But while ROCK’s style on the track is fast and strong, BBRG is known for their slow play. This means that when the pack begins to move, BBRG will not. The strategy is used to run down the clock. It is particularly advantageous when your team has the lead, which JACK KING BBRG did for most of the bout. I could see frustration creasing the brow of ROCK forms a wall. Ragman, ROCK’s coach. I felt a little frustrated too. I missed the fast-paced Later I learned that Coach T of BBRG My mother asked if it would be later for the fireworks, I will be proud drama of my first roller derby. But alas, used to coach ROCK in 2007. appropriate for her to bring her twelve to live in Lexington. And after a morn- Covington’s roller girls were formidable Scrapes and bruises aside, there are year old step-granddaughter to the next ing of Magners on ice, I too will have and they won the bout: 202 to 90. no hard feelings. Every person involved bout. “Of course it is,” I tell her. For the already forgotten who won and who Afterward I asked ROCK’s in the roller derby is involved for love same reason that the Fourth of July week- lost last Saturday’s bout. Meracle Whip if they’d beaten BBRG of the sport. They are all volunteers: the end is my favorite weekend of the year, So let us look forward to the next the last time but she couldn’t remem- skaters, the referees, the jam timers and the roller derby is about community. one! ber. [Editor’s Note: BBRG bested even Lexington’s beloved announcer, It is about having all your friends ROCK by a score of 167-113.] “They’re Bill Widener. At the end of every bout, in one place. ROCK’s next bout will take place great girls,” she told me. “They invite both teams head to Buster’s after-party When I wander downtown that Saturday, July 30at Heritage Hall. Bout ROCK for scrimmages all the time.” and celebrate together. following Monday for the parade and begins at 7. Doors open at 6. Disc golf (cont.)

continued from page 1 $25,000 and going to $50,000. But there shopping at Fayette Mall Friday and council. The new census confirms what was a catch. The city, which had seen Saturday night…etc...” we already knew: Latinos are this city’s gets mentioned only as “other capital how cheaply the Shilito and Riverhill “Interestingly,” the report con- fastest growing demographic. Cutting projects.” courses had transformed under-used cludes, “in April of this year, Bowling the Center at Cardinal Valley, while To date, the council, bombarded park space, asked BDGA to prepare a Green, KY hosted a tournament over at the same time loudly lobbying for by outraged citizens who had read the plan for Coldstream, too..“This came 3 days for 458 players. [T]hey are able expensive infrastructure upgrades coverage in the Herald-Leader, have no as a shock to us,” Smith recalled, “as we to do this because there are 9 18-hole to entice (certain) out-of towners to interest in revisiting the topic of disc had originally only been bidding for one courses within Bowling Green. Using visit and relocate to the area, seems to golf course construction. course and now it looked like we were the $53 figure above as a per-day strike a discordant tone. Message and possibly getting two.” cost, that 3-day event would have (funded) action seem out of whack. The rest of the story Coldstream was trickier. The south put approximately $73,000 into the But alas, Lexington didn’t really “A few years ago we approached end, where the city wanted the course Bowling Green economy.” want to have that discussion about Parks and Rec with the proposal of built, has no facilities. It would require which demographics are really valued installing a course at Jacobson Park the construction of an entrance road, By way of conclusion in this city. Led by Mayor Gray, it with the assistance of Councilman parking and bathrooms. It would be After a decade in operation, the instead got tough and hacked away at George Myers,” says Drew Smith, more expensive, but even so, Smith Cardinal Valley Center closed its doors low cost, low impact leisure sports that president of the Bluegrass Disc Golf claims that the estimate BDGA handed for good this past month, resulting in enliven suburban city parks and seem Association (BDGA). “We helped to to Parks/Rec was much smaller than the layoff of four employees and the loss to have at least some economic impact install Riverhill in his district and he the $150,000 that ultimately made it of what La Voz de KY, the newspaper on the city. For his foot in the sand, this was very interested in the idea that disc onto the bond, closer to $100,000 for covering Lexington’s Latin-American will not stand moment, Gray saved a golf could help the city generate money both parks. If the city had stuck with population, described as “an iconic grand total of $150,000 in a $271 mil- through tourism. This was all on the BDGA’s original request, just Jacobson, center” for many of the city’s Latino lion budget. heals of the Equestrian Games and the the price tag could have dropped as low communities, a victim of Lexington’s City leaders now preaching auster- original intent was for Lexington to as $25,000. first round of austerity cuts. City coun- ity take the line that borrowing money host a huge international disc golf tour- Keep these figures in mind. cil did not attempt to include Cardinal to pay for sports leisure is a waste of city nament each year but in order to do *The cost to the city, bonded, for Valley in their unsuccessful attempt to money. While the line sounds good, it this we simply needed more courses.” the inflated $150,000 price tag for two restore funding to (mainly social ser- holds little more value than Tea Party Drew Smith is the person you disc golf courses amounted to $30,000- vice) partner agencies. Peggy Hanson, rants about Obama’s “wreckless spend- should have read about in the Herald- $35,000 a year for 5 years. city council rep for the Cardinal ing,” as if it were a new phenomenon. Leader. The current president of the *The cost to the city, bonded, for Valley area, supported the closure. Lexington is one year removed Bluegrass Disc Golf Association the expensive price tag of $50,000 The Herald-Leader ran one story, a from the borrowed extravaganza (BDGA), Smith is frustrated by the for one disc golf course would have Friday, June 3, 2011 article by Valerie known as the World Equestrian way the media has allowed Gray to amounted to $10,000-$11,000 a year Honeycutt Spears, which appeared in Games. Estimates range between 100 frame the story. Though he and other for 5 years. the City/Region section, A-3. and 200 million dollars in federal, state BDGA members have attended council Writing in La Voz, Andres Cruz and local funds. Gray’s concerns over meetings to voice support for the new Another economic devel- credited the center with having played “a $150,000 sports-tourism infrastructure courses, their perspectives have received opment report decisive role for many families that later seems a bit over-blown. scant focus in regional coverage. At the urging of Myers, the BDGA made Lexington their home. For many This is also the same Mayor who This is interesting because Smith produced an economic development people that had just arrived to the city, has spent $30,000 of his own money and members of the BDGA express report on the Lexington Open, the the Cardinal Valley Center provided helping to fund a $300,000 study of a genuine desire to model the lofty group’s largest annual tournament, very important help and orientation.” Rupp Arena renovations. A cynical rhetoric of non-mainstream, niche which played at Lexington’s Shilito and “Thanks to the Cardinal Valley person might suspect that, having been sports-tourism that the city’s backing Veteran’s parks, and at Nicholasville’s Center,” Cruz observed, “other impor- tapped out after last year’s WEG infra- of WEG promoted. As BDGA mem- RINY-B course. The document, pre- tant institutions of our community structure spree, Gray’s gone austerity to bers began scouting out potential loca- pared by former BDGA president were born. The Bluegrass Farm Worker save up for the inevitable commitments tions, Jacobson Park seemed like an Lewis Willian, was short and simple. Clinic (assisting more than five thou- of city money that will be required easy choice. The park, which Kentucky It divided the 138 player field into dif- sand people per year) and the Hispanic to (1) renovate Rupp, and (2) provide American Corporation all but dumped ferent groupings in order to arrive at library, later the Village Library (which infrastructure for the newly formed on the city last year, contains untold an average dollar amount each player became the most visited library in the Distillery District. You can lay good un-used acreage. spent in Lexington for the tournament. city), had their origins there. Moreover, odds that Gray will take those eco- “It’s low maintenance and we had the The number: a conservatively-arrived in the Center many students, social nomic impact reports seriously. idea that the course would generate traf- at $53 per player per day. (Dollar service providers and activists had So remember these numbers: fic in areas where they have been having amounts take into account gas, lodging their first hand-to-hand contact and between $25,000 and $125,000. Use problems with “Cruising” or picking up and food spent while in Lexington over training to serve Latino immigrants them, as comparison, when Gray hits people for sex in the woods or bathrooms. the 2-day tournament.) in the Bluegrass. The Lexington Police the city up for a Rupp loan. Look for This would help eliminate the seclusion “That totals $14,640 that was spent Department had officers there as com- him to use the same sports/economy factor,” says Smith, channeling his best locally (a VERY conservative estimate.) munity volunteers and educators...” argument as Smith’s BDGA folk used. Jane Jacobs. “For us there’s enough room This does not take into account trips The lost future of the Cardinal Except Gray will ask for untold mil- to install a top of the line course bigger to Walmart for Sunday rain gear,” the Valley Center is what we should have lions, not tens of thousands, which will than Veterans or Shillito.” report reads, “or stops at Hobbytown been discussing as a community when of course guarantee it gets funded. Smith and the BDGA prepared or Phillip Galls to buy extra discs, or Jim Gray unveiled his get-tough, Think big, spend big, be big, as the three budget proposals, beginning at movie tickets in the late afternoon, or business-tight austerity budget to city big business leaders always remind us. North of Center 7

Opinion JULY 13, 2011 Open letter to KCTCS prez Michael McCall On the occasion of a 3% raise for faculty and staff

Dr. McCall: years. An e-mail I received from a vet- 12 years, including this one. Surely years--recognize me as a valuable part eran adjunct expresses this disappoint- there is some way you can recognize of their education. I am asking that First of all, I’d like to thank you ment much more eloquently than I my hard work and dedication, as you do the same. I am aware that and the Board of Regents for the recent can: well as the work of similarly-situated times are hard; in fact, since I haven’t approval of a 3 % salary increase for adjuncts, many of whom have been had a raise for 9 years, I’m more aware FT regular faculty and staff “’who earn “I have been employed as an teaching for as long or longer than I than most (I taught 10 classes for you the Fully Met Job Requirements (M)’ adjunct instructor . . . for the last 12 have (we used to get a pen and a tote in 2010 for a gross pay of $19,575.) rating in the 2010-11 KCTCS perfor- years. After the first few years, I almost bag at Christmas, but now we don’t This, to you, may just be “good busi- mance evaluation system (or at least always taught 4 or 5 classes a semes- even get that!). ness”, but please know that we are the “Achieves (A)” rating in the 2010- ter, earning excellent evaluations. I’ve “My students--and there have people, not machines, and recognize 11 evaluation process piloted in 2010- also taught every summer for those been hundreds of them over the us in some way for our efforts. If 11.” The recognition of hard work and nothing else, maybe you could delete sacrifice is deeply appreciated. us from the list of future announce- My appreciation, however, is tem- ments about something we will not pered by my disappointment that there get. Again. (There’s really no point in was no similar financial reward for the rubbing salt into the wound.)” adjunct instructors who are responsible for providing at least 60%, if not I respectfully urge you and the more, of Kentucky Community and Board of Regents to validate the work Technical College System (KCTCS) of adjuncts by correcting this demoral- course offerings. izing oversight and providing a raise or As an English Coordinator at a bonus for adjunct faculty. I would be Bluegrass Community Technical willing to serve on an action committee College (BCTC), I sat in on many of to address this problem. the writing courses offered by adjuncts Adjunct faculty deserve to be rec- and reviewed the course evaluations ognized and rewarded. The mission of submitted by their students. Their the college cannot be sustained without tireless support of BCTC’s mission them. and their dedication to their students Thank you for your time. is remarkable and inspiring. Despite this, they have not received any finan- Gerry Adair cial recognition of their work in the BCTC Associate Professor, form of a raise or bonus in almost 10 Humanities Letter to the editor: cut to the bone Dear Editor: The point of this distinction is that Even a cursory survey of governments and businesses do not public discussion about auster- In your June 22 editorial, suffer the pain of economic “austerity ity measures in various coun- “Austerity comes to Lexington,” you measures”—citizens (those breathing tries, states, and cities shows wrote: “Austerity is always sold as dis- things called “humans”) do. how abstractly most are treat- ciplining government through the use Now, Lexington’s citizens haven’t ing the anxiety attack that of good business practice.” been uniformly affected by the pains has paralyzed and sometimes Your comment reminded me that of the recession. Some have felt little choked parts of the U.S. and austerity is really a disciplinary prac- effect. Others have had to choose a Europe. The discussion is full tice of the body—not of governments public school over a private one for of calculations about bailouts, or businesses, abstract entities that their child or been forced to buy a deficits, tax scales. know nothing of being “austere” or cheaper car. For still others, the reces- Now, I’m not about to “spendthrift.” We tend to treat gov- sion has come in the form of losing a suggest that, if we concentrate ernments and businesses as if they job or a home. more on individuals’ stories of are living and breathing entities, and For these people, the pain is woe, we’ll solve this financial they’re not. We live and breathe; they partially the pain of change, as they problem and create a more do not. move to a lower-paying job or have humane system. I think that to become a renter again. type of idea is often a lark. Yes, things are rough for a Systems are not humane or while, but most of them will inhumane; rather, they are

survive. simply systems – sometimes CAPTAIN COMMANOKERS And then there are those purposely created by people, who have already been liv- sometimes just a cluster mash Resistance to bailout austerity program in Ireland ing the austere life: living of circumstances born of time in January 2011. off beans and cheap bolo- and chance. gna, taking only half a dos- I will suggest, though, that age to make medication austerity imposed abstractly from North of Center is a periodical, a stretch longer, selling more the top by politicians and institu- place, and a perspective. Read on to and more belongings at yard tions like national and local govern- find out what that means. sales. All this, even before ments, the European Union, and the politicians started trumpet- International Monetary Fund (IMF), Editor & Publisher ing austerity as “a matter of will push into revolt those who already Danny Mayer financial responsibility.” live lean and desperate lives. It hap- Features If you have ever lived pened in Greece; it has threatened to Beth Connors-Manke this life, you know that it’s bubble up in Ireland. not a healthy one: it degrades Perhaps in response to Ireland’s Film & Media body and mind. austerity program that was created Lucy Jones Austerity doesn’t “right- to please foreign creditors, someone size” (the business speak that very prominently and professionally Sports our politicians use) anybody; painted on a bridge near the Port of Troy Lyle rather, sustained over time, Dublin: “Greed is the knife & the it pares one down to skin scars run DEEP.” Sounds like a warn- Music and bones—literally and fig- ing to me. Buck Edwards uratively. And when you cut Lexington isn’t Greece or Ireland, too close to the bone, you’re but I think the same warning holds: Design in danger of killing a living Don’t fool yourself with righteous Keith Halladay creature. rhetoric about “belt-tightening” and Illustrations “financial responsibility”; think about Noah Adler the effect of austerity on flesh and blood. More than just sad stories about Contributors families losing their homes come out Michael Benton of austerity. Anger comes, too. Andrew Battista Dylan Blount Mary Grace Barry Wes Houp Kenn Minter Captain Commanokers Tim Staley

Please address correspondence, including advertising inquiries and letters to the editor, to: [email protected].

JULY 13, 2011 Comics

United Mine Workers (cont.)

continued from page 3

DLX, Inc., was a real family affair. Formed only months before purchasing South East Coal’s assets, the Kentucky corporation listed Donald and Stephen LaViers as its owners and operators. Papa Harry LaViers sold his bankrupt company, its assets any way, to his own sons. This turned out to be a shrewd move: Sons Donald and Stephen, it seems, were also vice-presidents and (indirectly) large stock holders in the South East outfit. In purchasing South East Coal assets used to pay back creditors and investors, and simultaneously casting off the obligations Papa Harry’s company neglected to pay, the brothers were, essen- tially, paying off themselves. To be sure, I can’t say for sure if the site we passed on the Kentucky was the same South East Coal Company quarters. The tipple, acidic water and markings on the barge map lead me to believe that it was; that we passed what the Mine Workers lawsuit referred to as the “preparation plant at Irvine.” I should look closer at it. Thinking back on our last trip, I recall my revulsion at passing the bend around Cubbard Rock. The orange rock banks, scalded and utterly lacking life, brought to mind that iconic image of Rick Handshoe and Steve Beshear in Floyd County, their backs to the camera, star- ing at a settling pond nearby Rick’s home, the water reflecting back orange and clear. At Cubbard’s bend, slackwatering past bankrupt South East Coal’s orange, leaky rocks, I got a better sense of what Rick and the Governor were looking at. Death. I wasn’t just revolted; I was also pissed. Earlier that afternoon while survey- ing our Kentucky River barge map, I had made a mental note to drop a line around Cubbard, tether up to the boat, ease into the water and get started on a river rat kind of day. Those plans, along with any notions of fishing for the next bend-and-a-half, were snuffed out. South East Coal now has the distinction of being the second coal plant to fuck up my summer plans for a quick dash of Kentucky Bathing. At any rate. Thanks for sending over your piece. It was a most delightful read and nice treasure of an even more fantastical weekend. Take it easy, but take it, Rick Handshoe points out tainted water to Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. Photo Rupp courtesy of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth.