2 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 LAGNIAPPE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WEEKLY September 17, 2015 – S eptember 23, 2015 | www.lagniappemobile.com

Ashley Trice BAY BRIEFS Co-publisher/Editor Federal prosecutors have secured an [email protected] 11th guilty plea in a long bid-rigging Rob Holbert scheme based in home foreclosures. Co-publisher/Managing Editor 5 [email protected] COMMENTARY Steve Hall Marketing/Sales Director The Trice “behind closed doors” [email protected] secrets revealed. Gabriel Tynes Assistant Managing Editor 12 [email protected] Dale Liesch BUSINESS Reporter Greer’s is promoting its seventh year [email protected] of participating in the “Apples for Jason Johnson Students” initiative. Reporter 16 [email protected] Eric Mann Reporter CUISINE [email protected] A highly anticipated

Kevin Lee CONTENTS visit to The Melting Associate Editor/Arts Editor Pot in Mobile proved [email protected] disappointing with Andy MacDonald Cuisine Editor lackluster service and [email protected] forgettable flavors. Stephen Centanni Music Editor [email protected] J. Mark Bryant Sports Writer 18 [email protected] 18 Stephanie Poe Copy Editor COVER Daniel Anderson Mobilian Frank Bolton Chief Photographer III has organized fellow [email protected] veterans from atomic Laura Rasmussen Art Director test site cleanup www.laurarasmussen.com duties to share their Brooke Mathis experiences and Advertising Sales Executive resulting health issues [email protected] and fight for necessary Beth Williams Advertising Sales Executive treatment. [email protected] 2424 Misty Groh Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] ARTS Kelly Woods The University of South Alabama’s Advertising Sales Executive Archaeology Museum reaches out [email protected] to the curious with 12,000 years of Melissa Schwarz 26 history. Editorial Assistant [email protected] MUSIC Mary Burts Distribution Manager Remember the White [email protected] Animals? Darlings of Contributors: the early indie rock Asia Frey • Brian Holbert Myles H. Criswell • Ron Sivak scene, they frequently Jeff Poor • Jennifer McDonald visited Mobile in the On the Cover: Atomic Cleanup Vets ‘80s. Now, despite By Laura Rasmussen their conflicting

LAGNIAPPE (USPS Applied for) is published professional careers, weekly, 52 issues a year, Volume 13, Issue 38, they are returning to every Thursday by Something, Extra Publish- 30 relive the glory days. ing, Inc. Entered at the Mobile Post Office, 250 30 St. Joseph St, Mobile, AL, 36601. Periodicals postage paid at Mobile Post Office, 250 St Joseph St., Mobile, AL 36601 FILM and other locations. Juliette Binoche and Kristen Stewart POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. offer fascinating performances in Editorial, advertising and production offices are a memorable character study fully located at 1102A Dauphin St. 36 Mobile, AL 36604. Mailing address is P.O. Box realized. 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Phone: 251.450.4466 Fax 251.450.4498. Email: MEDIA [email protected] or Merger puts WALA and WKRG under [email protected] LAGNIAPPE is printed at Signature Offset, the same corporate roof. 2610 Lakeview Road, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. All letters sent to Lagniappe are considered to 40 be intended for publication. Member: Association of Alternative News- weeklies and Alternative Weeklies Network SPORTS All rights reserved. Something Extra Publishing, Mobile’s Delta Bike Project continues Inc. Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied or in any way reproduced without the expressed to expand its mission, most recently permission of the publishers. with an effort to install accessible Individuals may take one copy of the paper free 42 of charge from area businesses, bicycle fix-it stations around town. racks or boxes. After that, papers are $3 per issue. Removal of more than one copy STYLE from these points constitutes theft. Violators are subject to prosecution. Trop rock tours highlight Jimmy Buffett’s life and legacy. For Lagniappe home delivery visit www.lagniappemobile.com/lagniappehd 44 Or call Mary Burts at 251-450-4466

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015| LAGNIAPPE | 3 GOING p OSt AL Time for Mobile-ity on park idea Also looking to SCORE I read with great interest the article by Rob or any of the myriad events for outdoors- While I do applaud the Mobile Police Department’s new approach with its SCORE program Holbert in the Sept. 10 issue of Lagniappe loving folks. (“Street-level drug dealers SCORE with new policing program,” Lagniappe, Sept. 10), at the same (“Use BP to build a great park and pier on the The Greenway initiative, with its proposed time it would be appreciated if they would also help law abiding citizens (in other words, me) find bay”) regarding a water access park on the bike and walking trails, will go right near the employment. I have never used drugs, have passed numerous background checks, have received grounds owned by the University of South area, thus providing access not only by car awards for perfect attendance in previous jobs, am re-trainable and dependable. But it appears no Alabama Foundation. This is an idea whose but also by bike. Imagine avoiding the traffic one wants to hire someone 57 years old (might as well say 60!) when they can hire someone in their time has come, and has so many possibili- on Interstate 10 because beautiful beach and 20s, 30s or even 40s. Do I need to become a drug dealer first? ties for making our great city a destination waterfront activity is in our own backyard. for those around us, providing access to that We have many great groups promoting David Adams which makes Mobile great (our waterways), our city, some of which I believe should find bringing jobs, helping rebuild a long-neglected this project matches many of their own goals. area and helping to keep Mobilians’ money in The many bike/greenway groups should see Mobile instead of Gulf Shores, Dauphin Island this as a way to grow interest in alternative pOLIce dISp A tch and the Eastern Shore. transportation. The Mobile County Health Just two years ago we moved here after Department should support this because it Cedar Wood homicide heading to grand jury living for more than 20 years in Cincinnati. provides so many possibilities for outdoor BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected] While the Cincinnati City Council bickered fitness. The Peninsula of Mobile (visit them for years over how to develop the Ohio River on Facebook) should be behind this because Authorities say a Mobile man died as a to confirm Devaney was in a physical alterca- shoreline, Northern Kentucky forged ahead, it would bring people, jobs and money to a result of wounds he received during a domestic tion with a family member at the time he was developing Newport on the Levee, with a beautiful and underserved area. Even the Dog altercation Friday, and the case is now heading cut. The facts of the case were presented to great entertainment and shopping district and River Clearwater Revival could see growth to a Mobile County grand jury to see if criminal District Attorney Ashley Rich’s office and will the world-class Newport Aquarium. It is now in the use of the beautiful river and its canoe charges are warranted. go before a grand jury to determine whether a a multi-state tourist attraction, with too many and kayak accessible Blueway as more folks According to the Mobile Police Department, crime was committed. Cincinnatians spending their money across the discover it. 52-year-old David Devaney was “cut” on the Devaney appears to have a criminal his- bridge in Kentucky. I cannot agree more with Holbert’s point afternoon of Sept. 11 but was transported to a tory in Mobile County that includes multiple Let’s not make the same mistake. Even our that the time has come and with his awareness local hospital by a personal vehicle as police violations of a protection order and previous real estate agent tried to talk us out of moving of the difficulty of politicians backing some- were enroute to the scene of the altercation on domestic violence charges. Police also said here as opposed to locations like Daphne and thing not in their district, though like so many Cedar Wood Drive. self-defense was a factor in the investigation, Fairhope. How BP money is being misused to entertainment and sporting venues it would The driver of the vehicle, whom police did which is why the matter is being presented to build a hotel or for projects inland seems con- benefit the entire city, and not just a specific not identify, flagged down first responders in the grand jury. trary to shoreline development and restoration, district. Likewise, the many groups we have area of Rangeline Road at Hamilton Boulevard. However, MPD homicide detectives are and to bringing jobs back to coastal communi- promoting Mobile may sometimes have a There the victim was transferred to an ambu- continuing to investigate the case, and any- ties hurt by the spill. proprietary perspective, but now need to view lance and brought to the hospital. However, the one with information is asked to call MPD at For a while we’ve had a group promot- the big picture. victim did not survive. 251-208-721. Tips can also be reported through ing this idea (mobilebaypark.com), but not This is an idea whose time has come. Let’s Through an investigation, officers were able CrimeStoppers at 251-208-7000. being a 501(c)(3) has limited access to funds put our collective weight behind it and get the to promote the idea. Imagine the traction this discussion going. CORRECTION: An article about the Mobile Police Department’s SCORE program in the Sept. idea might get if there had been a booth at the 10 issue of Lagniappe incorrectly identified the administrator of the Fatherhood Initiative. The admin- Brookley 5K, our many fishing tournaments Alvin Bernstein istrator for the Fatherhood Initiative under the Mobile County Health Department is James Dixon.

4 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 BAYBRIEFS BB 11th plea in bid rigging scheme BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected] t’s been more than a decade since a long- Division, noting “if there is anything pending or running illegal scheme to cut out the middle- not pending, we typically can’t comment on it man in foreclosure auctions began in Mobile, per Department of Justice’s rules.” and since then almost a dozen people have So far, questions submitted to the Antitrust Ipleaded guilty to federal charges for their roles Division have gone unanswered, and it’s still in the conspiracy. unclear why it has taken nearly four years to On Sept. 2, Michael P. Barbour was the latest bring the indictments against those involved in to admit to conspiring with the others to fraudu- the conspiracy in Mobile. It’s also unclear what lently acquire title to foreclosed properties at role the housing market crash played in the dis- “artificially low prices.” covery of this and similar schemes nationwide. The scheme, first revealed with the indict- Including Barbour, Buchman and French, the ment of Harold H. Buchman and Allen K. eight others who have pleaded guilty to charges French in 2011, involved a larger group of related to the conspiracy are Bobby Threlkeld investors intentionally suppressing bids on Jr., Steven J. Cox, Lawrence B. Stacy, David R. foreclosed properties to allow a single bidder to Bradley, Ali Forouzan, Chad E. Foster, Robert purchase said property without competition. M. Brannon and Jason R. Brannon. As a result, the properties could be acquired In addition to the individual indictments, two much cheaper by the defendants at the expense business have been indicted. M & B Builders of homeowners and banks overseeing the fore- LLC, of which French was part owner, pleaded closure process. According to court documents guilty in connection with the investigation in related to the case, the businesses and inves- 2011. Additionally, J & R Properties LLC, tors involved would create a secondary market owned by Robert and Jason Brannon, made a by “conducting secret, second auctions of the similar plea agreement with the court. rigged foreclosure properties, open only to More information about those individual in- members of the conspiracy.” dictments accompany this story on our website, Authorities say there was also a cash payoff lagniappemobile.com. system set up to pay members of the conspiracy The sentences each conspirator received based upon a predetermined formula they all varied depending on several factors, but each was agreed to. Though the time each individual or charged under the Sherman Act — a charge car- company was involved varies, authorities say rying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison the scam in its entirety was operational from at and a $1 million fine for individuals. Because least 2001 to 2010. correspondence and financial documents related After the housing market crashed in 2007, to the scheme were sent through the U.S. Postal the number of homes facing foreclosure dramat- Service, charges of mail fraud were also included. ically increased across the country, and Mobile Those charges carry a maximum penalty was no exception. Upon taking office in 2008, of 20 years in prison and a fine “of an amount President Barack Obama established a Financial equal to the greatest of $250,000, twice the Fraud Enforcement Task Force ordered to use gross gain the conspirators derived from the “aggressive, coordinated and proactive” efforts crime or gross loss caused to the victims of to investigate and prosecute financial crimes the crime.” If the mail fraud affects a financial using the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). institution, the maximum penalty is raised to 30 Shortly thereafter, the Antitrust Division and the years in prison and the fine moves into the $1 FBI’s Mobile field office began conducting an million range. investigation into Mobile’s real estate foreclo- “[These] guilty pleas demonstrate the An- sure industry with assistance from U.S. Attorney titrust Division’s resolve to pursue those who Kenyen Brown’s office. conspire to defraud distressed homeowners and “When individuals knowingly defraud financial institutions,” said Assistant Attorney homeowners and financial institutions, the FBI General Bill Baer. “The division will continue is committed to holding them accountable in ac- to hold accountable individuals who subvert the cordance with the law,” Special Agent Robert F. competitive process for their own gains.” Lasky of the FBI’s Mobile division said in a news While there have been a significant number of release after the most recent indictment. “We arrests in Mobile, Obama’s Financial Fraud En- will continue working with our law enforcement forcement Task Force has been active throughout partners to identify and stop those who line their the country, collaborating with more than 20 fed- own pockets at the expense of others.” eral agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state Both Lasky’s statements and the indictments and local partners to prosecute financial crime. that have been unsealed suggest the investiga- Since 2011, the DOJ has filed nearly 10,000 tion may not be over and more prosecutions financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 could be forthcoming. However, when asked, defendants including more than 2,900 mortgage Brown deferred questions to the DOJ’s Antitrust fraud defendants. cONVIcted IN FederAL bId rIGGING Scheme

Michael P. Barbour — sentence pending David R. Bradley — $24,148.68 restitu- Harold H. Buchman —12 months’ proba- tion, 3 years’ probation tion, $21,141.00 fine, $36,359.00 Chad E. Foster — sentence pending restitution) Ali Forouzan — two months in prison, Allen K. French — 5 years’ probation, $10,000 fine, $6,000 restitution $20,000.00 fine, $13,331.50 restitution Robert M. Brannon — 20 months in prison, 3 years’ supervised release, Bobby Threlkeld Jr. — $5,000.00 fine, $21,983.71 restitution $21,351.00 restitution, 5 years’ probation Jason R. Brannon — 20 months in prison, Steven J. Cox — $10,000 fine, 3 years’ supervised release, $21,983.71 $15,557.71 restitution, 3 years’ probation restitution Lawrence B. Stacy — $10,000 fine, $1,500.00 restitution, 5 years’ probation

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 5 BB BAYBRIEFS | MOBILE baybears still withholding rent in contractual ‘tug-of-war’ BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

he now 18-year-old contract between the Mobile BayBears of $817,736.40,” Colby said of the contract’s fourth amendment. same time, where we are obligated to upkeep a field we must keep and the city of Mobile has been amended several times “Rent was shifted to — the annual rent was moved to $100,000 it up, and that’s kind of where we are right now.” over its life to include rent waivers, improvements to Hank and [Mobile] received a percentage of gross receipts above $1.5 Morgan, who joined the organization at the tail end of the 2014 Aaron Stadium and other changes to the complex. million, and those percentages change based upon increased re- season, didn’t comment much on the recent amendments or back tThe first amendment to the original 21-year contract came in ceipts. The rent was then due in quarterly payments of $25,000.” rent, simply saying he hoped in the long term both sides could get September 1996, just five months after it was signed. That change The fourth change also extended the contract for the BayBears’ to a point where they are “comfortable with what’s agreed upon.” increased the city’s obligation for the stadium’s construction from use of the stadium to March 31, 2022, Cooper said. In 2013, the city awarded the BayBears $100,000 to fix the $7.2 million to $7.7 million and adjusted its cost from $8 million The contract’s second amendment was also significant, as it re- scoreboard as part of a performance contract. The next year, the to $9 million, Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s Chief of Staff Colby sulted in a reduction of rent paid by the club in the latter years of city awarded another contract in the amount of $159,000 to fix the Cooper said. It also reduced the number of seats from 8,000 to the agreement. The new terms required the BayBears to pay about locker rooms, concourse, restrooms and seating. 6,000 and increased the club’s financial burden from $800,000 to $291,000 per year in the first 10 years of the contract, an obliga- Meanwhile, the BayBears’ average attendance this season was $1.3 million. tion reduced to $273,000 in years 11 through 20. down to about 1,553 per game, Morgan said, a reduction of 100 Interestingly enough, Cooper said, the September 1996 adjust- The contract’s third amendment, signed in 2008, further re- from 2014. But if there is a bright spot in those numbers, he noted, ment also removed the provision to build an ice skating rink on duced the annual rent to $210,000. It also shifted the maintenance it’s that the reduction has slowed compared to the 27 percent drop the property, noting the mayor’s current proposal for a seasonal, cost for capital repairs to the city. in attendance from 2013, when it was as high as 2,100 per game, $132,000 ice skating rink in Cooper Riverside Park. Cooper said the city sent the club a demand letter for the back to 2014. “A skating rink was supposed to be out at Hank Aaron Sta- rent on Aug. 18, but is willing to negotiate. He acknowledged Morgan believes his first-year goal of improving the fan expe- dium,” Cooper said, defending the idea. “To the naysayers out maintenance issues in the stadium were one reason the club had rience has been successful. there, all we are doing is responding to the public need.” not paid rent. Cooper referenced letters the city received last year “We heard that it wasn’t a good experience [before],” Morgan Even with various rent waivers, including one in September from both the BayBears’ parent club, the Arizona Diamondbacks, said. “My hope is in the long term to get people to come back.” 2013 for $50,000, the BayBears still owe the city $150,000 in and Minor League Baseball. He said the media exposure this year was “as good as it has back rent, Cooper said. As a result, the City Council approved nearly $500,000 for been in a decade” and he hopes it will continue and have more of “As part of the FY 2014 budget amendments made by the City multiple repairs to the stadium before the start of the baseball sea- an impact in 2016. Council in October 2013, $50,000 for 2013 rent was waived,” son. Cooper said the city has since sought approval to fix drainage Morgan said the fans aren’t the problem. He said 16 years with Cooper explained. “So, as of Sept. 1, the outstanding principal issues and replace the stadium’s playing surface in the near future. the Senior Bowl and the past success of the BayBears has taught amount of $150,000 includes unpaid rent of $100,000 for year The BayBears led the league in rainouts a season ago with seven, him that. For instance, the Senior Bowl sold out 15 of 16 years 2014, and $50,000 for first two quarters of 2015, and it will Cooper and BayBears General Manager Chris Morgan said. he was there and the BayBears used to lead the Southern League increase from there.” “We recognize we’ve got to do our part, but we also expect in attendance with an average of 4,700 tickets sold per game. As After similar nonpayment in 2011, the city reconciled back rent them to do their part and we’re not going to get into this chicken- recently as five years ago, Morgan said the club had about 3,000 in exchange for the club’s contribution toward a roofing repair and-egg, tug-of-war of who has to do what first,” Cooper said. fans per game. project at the stadium. The club also agreed to profit sharing ar- “We have to be a responsible steward for the taxpayers and where “The ‘Mobile doesn’t support anything’ argument is garbage,” rangements with the city. there is someone not paying their rent, we must demand it. At the Morgan said. “The support is there.” “They agreed to fix the roof for the forgiveness of debt in terms

6 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 BAYBRIEFS | BALDWIN COUNTY BB baldwin’s budget broadened by health care, infrastructure BY ERIC MANN/REPORTER | [email protected]

he Baldwin County Commission Sept. satellite courthouses and probate office. The 15 adopted a $152,321,931 budget for county uses about 110,000 gallons per month, or the next fiscal year, representing a 22 1.2 million gallons per year, so Cink said it will percent increase from the previous year benefit from lower gas prices. tand a 38 percent increase since 2013. Interim “With a $152 million budget, there are a lot County Administrator and Budget Director Ron of moving parts,” Cink said. “We try to make Cink attributed much of the increase over last sure we focus on the things government is year’s budget to the county’s focus on road and responsible for.” infrastructure projects, along with a 25 percent This year, the county shifted some of its con- increase in health insurance premiums from the tract employees to part-time status. Cink said previous year. the county’s contract with the South Alabama The county’s health insurance premiums cre- Regional Planning Commission expired. Previ- ated a $1.3 million expense in the FY2015-16 ously, the county used a number of employees budget, and Cink said rising health care premi- from the contract to drive garbage trucks and ums and costs and sick employees accounted for BRATS buses or to guide weekend tours of the increase. historic sites like Bicentennial Park. This year, “It all depends on health care costs, and we 36 of those employees will be counted as part- all know health care costs have risen over the time county employees who work fewer than 30 last few years,” Cink said. “Our claims exceed- hours per week. ed our premiums, which caused the increase.” Commissioners held a series of weekly meet- Cink said the county expects 575 employees ings starting July 17 to begin considering the to participate in the Blue Cross Blue Shield fiscal year’s budget. Cink said the first meet- health insurance program offered to all full-time ings were held to discuss the county’s projected employees, while 144 employees, many who are revenues for the year. The county projects its part-time, are not participating. largest sources of revenue will be $31 million He said requirements of the federal Af- in ad valorem taxes and $28 million in revenues fordable Care Act (ACA) contributed to the from fees and charges. The county also projects cost increase but were not the sole cause. In $7.7 million from local gas taxes and $12 mil- the previous budget cycle, the county’s health lion in sales tax among its revenues. care premiums were steady, but in the 2013-14 Elliott said the meetings were intended to and 2012-13 cycles premiums decreased by 6 give Commissioners a thorough overview of the percent and 3 percent, respectively. county’s expenses and revenues and to allow for The last time the county’s health insurance greater transparency in the budgeting process. premiums rose was during the 2010-11 budget “We spent an awfully big amount of time cycle, when they rose 8.8 percent. The ACA was going through this budget in the most transpar- signed into law March 23, 2010; most of its ma- ent way possible,” Commissioner Chris Elliott, jor provisions were phased in by January 2014. the budget hearings chairman, said. “I want “The Affordable Care Act has something the public to know that if anyone has questions to do with it, but the bottom line is that health they can call me. This is a significant amount costs continue to increase significantly nation- of money, it is your tax money, and we want to wide,” Cink said. make sure the public feels comfortable asking The county’s $152 million budget is questions about it.” significantly higher than last year’s $124.8 mil- After approving its budget, the Commission lion, with Cink accounting for $16 million in then had to approve 12 additional expenditures infrastructure repair and improvement projects related to the budget to groups that “serve a targeting drainage problems the county suf- public purpose.” Those appropriations included fered following historic flooding in April 2014. $51,380 for the Alabama Cooperative Exten- There’s also $8 million set aside for resurfacing sion System, $15,000 for the Baldwin County projects prioritized on county roads. Heritage Museum Association, $64,438 for The county’s total General Fund is 2.4 percent the Baldwin County Soil and Water Conserva- higher than the previous year to $53.5 million to- tion District, $350,000 for the Baldwin County tal, which includes $22.9 million for the sheriff’s Economic Development Alliance, $4,800 to the office, $3.7 million for the probate court and $1.6 Baldwin County Historic Development Com- million for the revenue commission. The budget mission, $83,103 for the Baldwin County Li- includes $12.3 million in emergency reserves and brary Cooperative and $500 each to the county’s $3.1 million in unreserved funds. There is also four chambers of commerce. $25 million in the General Fund. The Commission approved 11 appropriations Highway and road projects will receive 25.4 unanimously, but a $10,000 appropriation to the percent of the budgeted funds this year with Mobile Bay National Estuary Program passed $38.9 million in projected expenditures, while with a 3-1 vote. Commissioner Frank Burt public safety will receive 19 percent at $29.4 voted “nay” because of a disagreement with the million and 18 percent or $27.8 million for MBNEP’s support of the so-called “rain tax.” general government operations. Burt noted he had voted to approve funds for the Cink said while the Commission focused a MBNEP in previous budgets. great deal of attention on road projects in this “I’m not quite ready to give $10,000 in tax budget, the county’s law enforcement remains money to an organization that, while they have fully staffed. He also said the Commission has done good things, is a proponent of tax schemes remained focused on customer service at its such as this,” Burt said.

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 7 BB BAYBRIEFS | MOBILE COUNTY mccd approves $16 million budget with increased salaries BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

ith an internal investigation still pending, the Mobile a more up-to-date appraisal. It is also worth mentioning that, until salary of the MCCD’s employees and municipal employees who County Communications District (MCCD) approved March of this year, Mobile County Engineer Joe Ruffer served on work alongside them in the call center. its largest budget yet last week with almost $16 mil- both the EMA’s board and as the chairman of the MCCD board. Though the increased budget passed unanimously, only one lion of planned expenditures and a continued practice Outside of capital expenses, salaries and personnel costs make point was discussed at length — a $500,000 increase in the gener- Wof annual merit raises for its employees. up one of the largest expenses for the MCCD. In total, the MCCD al operating costs associated with the MCCD’s current emergency Capital outlay projects and debt service make up the costliest is budgeting for $2.1 million in salary costs and almost $3 mil- communications radio systems. Tanner said the increase includes section of the budget, with just under $10.5 million set aside for lion in total personnel costs for its roughly 32 employees, which the maintenance of the current radio system and the new system those expenses. Radio system improvements, equipment replace- includes a planned 2.5 percent merit increase for all employ- currently being constructed by Harris Corporation. ment, network upgrades and new office furniture make up some ees. That’s a $196,000 increase from the employee costs in the During the meeting, Tanner said the figure was a rough esti- of that cost. MCCD’s FY2015 budget. mate, calling it a “shot in the dark.” Oliver took issue with the The biggest chunk of capital expenses comes from a $4.8 mil- fact that the MCCD is continuing to maintain the current system lion bond payment on a $34.9 million loan the board acquired to even though it’s owned by Mobile County and not the MCCD. finance a $40 million emergency communications enhancement Let’s just keep in mind that with “During that news conference, or whatever the county had, project awarded to Harris Corporation the same year. some of these expenses, we need they said they had a lot of spare parts for this old system, and The contract has been highly scrutinized by the public and that’s fine for them, but I just don’t see us having to bear the the MCCD’s own board members in recent months and even to keep monitoring them and expense of maintaining a system that their dump trucks, water prompted an investigation by the Mobile County District Attor- make sure we’re not paying for something trucks and garbage trucks use,” Oliver said. “That’s outside the ney’s office. scope of 911, and they had always maintained it up until we so The second-highest line item is a $2 million appropriation set we shouldn’t be paying for — whether we graciously took that off their hands.” aside to purchase the Mobile County Emergency Management have the money or not. Going forward, Oliver suggested there be more specificity in Agency’s current facility when the Mobile County Commission the board’s budgeted expenditures and again called for more fiscal finds the funding to build a new facility. -mccd board member trey Oliver accountability. Unlike the MCCD, the EMA is funded by the county, which “Let’s just keep in mind that with some of these expenses, we has been planning a new emergency operations facility from a Though the county commission is its appointing author- need to keep monitoring them and make sure we’re not paying hodgepodge of funding sources for the better part of a decade. ity, MCCD employees are not governed by the Mobile County for something we shouldn’t be paying for — whether we have the The Commission set aside $5.5 million for the new facility in its Personnel Board. However, MCCD Director Gary Tanner has money or not,” Oliver said. own multimillion-dollar bond in July and recently received its repeatedly said the MCCD typically follows the guidelines of Oliver also pointed out that the MCCD had paid Hurricane third three-year extension on a $711,000 federal grant designated the personnel board for its salary ranges and merit increases, but Electronics $22,000 per month for regular maintenance of the for the project. other board members have openly denied those practices. county’s emergency communications for a year and a half. After For years, the MCCD has planned to do its part by purchasing Last December, after an inquiry by board member and Mobile complaints arose about the recurring costs, the company agreed the old facility and using it as a backup for its current operations Metro Jail Warden Trey Oliver, the board agreed to stop a long- to cut that maintenance agreement to $12,000 last month with no center on Zeigler Boulevard. However, in this year’s budget, the standing practice of offering annual merit increases of 5 percent reduction in services. appropriation for that purchase more than doubled from $762,236 — opting to lower the annual increase to 2.5 percent of each Despite Oliver’s complaints, the MCCD is still obligated to to $2 million. employee’s salary. maintain those payments for the 16 months remaining on its con- A designation in the budget suggested that increase was due to At the time, Oliver cited a “growing discrepancy” between the tract with Hurricane Electronics.

8 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 BAYBRIEFS | BALDWIN COUNTY BB baldwin latest to consider confederate imagery on seal BY ERIC MANN/REPORTER | [email protected] hile municipalities and counties who went before us, including our Confederate have questioned or replaced public ancestors,” Elliott said. “But let’s make sure we displays of similar imagery, the do it in a historically accurate way.” Baldwin County Commission will Crosby suggested the commission consider Wconsider substituting the Beauregard Battle Flag involving the Baldwin County Archives and of the Confederacy with the seven-star First History Department in any discussions about National Flag of the Confederacy on its official changes to the official seal. Archives Director seal at its Oct. 6 meeting in Bay Minette. Felisha Anderson told commissioners she sup- The flags of Spain, England, France, Ala- ports using the First National Flag. bama, the United States and the battle flag are “I did some independent historical research represented on the county’s 41-year-old seal, de- and there are inaccuracies to the seal,” she said. signed to acknowledge nations with past or pres- “The flag is appropriate for Northern Virginia, ent jurisdiction over the county. But at a recent but not for Alabama.” commission work session, resident Sam Crosby Interim County Administrator Ron Cink said said the design is not historically accurate. the seal is kept in-house on a computer file, so The battle flag was created by General G.T. the flag change could be made with ease. Any Beauregard as a way to distinguish the Confed- supplies the county uses now would be replaced erate flag from the U.S. flag on the battlefield. with the new seal as stocks deplete. Signs and Crosby said the battle flag was not an official flags could be replaced as they are damaged or flag of the Confederacy and, thus, should not be worn by weather. among those on the county seal. This week, Anderson noted Baldwin County “It was widely used by Southern troops in played a role in two important Civil War battles, battle but was not made the official battle flag of at Fort Blakely in April 1865 and Fort Morgan the Confederate army,” Crosby said. in August 1864. In 1993, Congress designated Crosby said his family has lived in the area Blakely a Class A Civil War site, meaning it is for more than 200 years. In 1813, an ancestor considered the location of a decisive battle that survived the massacre at Fort Mims by hiding had a direct, observable impact on the direction under an overturned canoe. In 2013, his grand- or outcome of a campaign. The adjacent site daughter performed the same role at the fort’s of the town, now abandoned, is also part of the annual reenactment of the massacre, which was Civil War Discovery Trail. unrelated to the Civil War. Along with Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, But Crosby’s great-great grandfathers Fort Morgan played a critical role in the Battle fought for the Confederacy during the Civil of Mobile Bay, in which Union forces block- War and, according to the “United Daughters aded the last remaining port east of the Missis- of the Confederacy Patriot Ancestor Album,” sippi River. Fort Morgan was taken by Union one, Samuel Crosby, was captured by Gen. forces soon after a Confederate surrender at Fort William Sherman’s forces in Marietta, Georgia, Gaines. Fort Morgan is home to the largest Civil in July 1864 and held at prisoner-of-war camps War reenactment in the South. in Kentucky and Indiana for almost a year. He Anderson said the seal was originally de- died on his way home from prison, leaving signed 56 years ago by Rudolph Rosenquist for behind orphans who remained in Stockton, Bay the county’s sesquicentennial celebration and Minette and Foley. officially adopted by the county commission in The battle flag was used as the official flag of 1974. Anderson said the archives department the Army of Northern Virginia, while the First is also checking the other flags in the seal for National Flag of the Confederacy flew over the historical accuracy. state capitol in Montgomery at the time. The “The seal has been around for a long time, Confederacy is represented twice on the county and now that we are really looking into it, I do seal, with the flag and a separate depiction of a support making this change,” Anderson said. Confederate soldier in its lower left-hand side. “We aren’t taking anything away or trying to Commissioner Tucker Dorsey, who said his hide our history, but we do need to substitute the family is also steeped in Confederate history, current flag for the historically accurate one.” agreed the change makes “good, logical sense” Commission Chairman Skip Gruber em- and would be a way to honor the county’s heri- phasized the move is not an attempt to “erase” tage without using a flag that is often misunder- history, but to make sure the county maintains stood and divisive. the accuracy of its official seal. “The 13-star battle flag of the Confederacy “We want to be as accurate as we possibly does not mean today what it did in the 1860s,” can,” Gruber said. “By doing this we are saying, Dorsey said. “As a person of significant Confed- ‘this is our heritage and we can’t change that.’ erate heritage I am embarrassed that we’ve let You can’t tear it all down. It is part of our na- that flag get polluted into what it is today. As a tion’s history and it is part of history here.” Christian it says something that our Lord does Across the South, publicly displayed images not profess.” or representations of the Confederacy have been Commissioner Chris Elliott said he does removed since the South Carolina shootings in not support removing all representations of the June. Within a month, Alabama Gov. Robert Confederate flag, like many Southern cities Bentley ordered the flag removed from a monu- have chosen to do in response to a racially ment on the grounds of the state capitol build- motivated shooting in Charleston, South Caro- ing. In July, the Mobile City Council voted to lina, earlier this summer, but he does support remove the Third National Flag of the Confed- making sure the county’s representation is eracy and four other flags from the city seal. A historically accurate. similar motion at the Mobile County Commis- “Let’s make sure we continue to honor those sion failed for lack of second.

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 9 BB BAYBRIEFS | BAYOU LA BATRE Furloughs, additional taxes approved as bayou exhausts bp settlement BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected] n an attempt to fix a budget gap over the next four months, the “I haven’t heard one of you say, ‘let’s cut our own pay,’ but move forward, and we will do the very best we can.” Bayou La Batre City Council took several drastic steps to cut you’re taking out it of the working man,” she said. “Would y’all Though the possibility of furloughs made state news, it was spending and increase revenue Sept. 10, including increased consider that?” only one of numerous cuts the council approved at its most recent taxes, employee furloughs and spending cuts to city departments. Only two of the Councilors addressed the question — Johnson meeting. The Council also voted to increase cigarette taxes by 3 IMayor Annette Johnson told city employees at the meeting that and the Council’s most senior member, Ida Mae Coleman. John- cents, bringing the current tax to 9 cents per pack. In addition, Bayou La Batre has a little more than $500 in its general fund to son said “other people see much more of [her] money than [she] other taxes were considered and are currently being explored by meet its next $96,000 payroll. As a result, the Council approved does,” adding she tries to spend the majority of her city salary the city’s attorney. one furlough day each month over the next 12 months for the within the community. Those potential new taxes include a “steel tax” on industries city’s 50 employees. Coleman added to that sentiment, saying Council members are that utilize and disrupt the city’s drawbridge, a “splash tax” on Officials said the furloughs could save the city $6,701.10 in there to help the people. vessels launched into the bayou, similar to ones that exist in ports salary costs each month, or more than $80,000 per year, but the “By the time you go do service for this and go do service for of Louisiana, and even an “occupational tax,” which, if approved, motion simply authorized the city to enforce furloughs and does that, you don’t have any money,” Coleman said. “That’s part of would assess a small tax to people that work in Bayou La Batre not guarantee any hours will be cut. Johnson said the city’s only our job — to help the people, and yes I’m unemployed, but I give but live outside the city limits. going to use the days “it must” if the measure is subsequently ap- my share back to the people.” City departments also sacrificed city-paid cell phones, ad- proved by the Mobile County Personnel Board. City attorney Jay Ross chimed in, saying a state statute pre- ditional phone and fax lines and even vehicles, which were After a vote of the Council, employees will also begin losing vents sitting Council members from having their salary changed declared as surplus in preparation to sell them off. One vehicle is overtime or “holiday” pay for work performed on Christmas while they hold office, and said the only way a Council member a $168,000 ladder truck the city purchased for the Bayou La Batre Eve, New Year’s Eve and Good Friday — a benefit added by the could give up part of their salary would through donations after Fire Department only last year — a purchase touted by Dungan on administration of former Mayor Brett Dungan in 2013. Three the fact. more than one occasion. contract workers were also terminated by the city last week. Those The Council instructed Ross to explore that matter further, say- Fire Chief John Wiggins said the truck is currently valued positions were not specified, but Johnson said the move would save an additional $3,000 per month. ing it was something to consider. at roughly the same price, but exactly what it could net the city Council members said they took no joy in making the decisions Johnson told Lagniappe the city’s last payroll was met almost won’t be known until it’s sold. and had opted to reduce hours and holiday pay only to avoid per- entirely with money from a recent $300,000 settlement the city The Council also discussed selling a piece of city property on manent layoffs, which city officials still haven’t ruled out. reached with BP for its damages in the Deepwater Horizon Shine Road to the Bayou La Batre Utilities Board. According to “It’s very difficult, and I’ll tell you why,” Johnson told report- oil spill. However, after attorney fees, the city only saw about Ross, who also advises the board, a tentative purchase price has ers after the meeting. “I’m related to a lot of these folks here, $296,000 and the bulk of that went to a $185,000 bond payment been set at approximately $17,000. and I know the hardships they’re going to face. But yet again, I — one of the last on a multi-million-dollar debt the city accrued The Utilities Board intends to install a new well there, accord- still believe that these employees have the right to know ahead of from a dredging project in 1996. ing to Ross, which could help with water pressure issues at Anna time what our problems have been, what they are and how we can The city tried and failed to restructure that debt for the same F. Booth Elementary School that caused a controversy in the city resolve them. reason it was unable to obtain additional lines of credit, which earlier in the year. “If at any given time they choose to seek employment in a more Johnson attributed to the city’s lack of up-to-date audit reports. The sale is not finalized, but Johnson said the Utilities Board is secure situation I fully understand that. With this situation be- Defaulting on or delaying the bond payment would have “tremen- doing “doing everything possible to make this work for our city,” ing what it is, I would encourage them to do what is best for their dously damaged the city’s credit,” according to Johnson, which which is a sharp contrast from its relationship with the city during families.” is why the city moved forward with using the entirety of the BP Dungan’s administration. Corrine Busby, an office assistant and court clerk for the city, settlement it has waited for since 2010. The Council is also looking at 3 percent franchise tax on the said she and other city employees “didn’t mind the furloughs” be- “That cash flow would been very useful around here, but we Utilities Board, which would ultimately be passed on to custom- cause they understood why they were necessary, but she cautioned have have to protect the longevity of the city,” Johnson said. “It ers. Johnson said it would equate to about $3 for every $100 on a cutting pay around the holiday may cause budget problems for would have take four to five years to recover from that. We will customer’s water bill. families right before Christmas. BB BAYBRIEFS | BUSINESS Airbus assembly line inaugurated after years-long odyssey BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

or Jocelyn Wright, Airbus’ U.S. Manufacturing Facility at directly, and potentially several times more from suppliers. ing a paint shop to the Aeroplex and Tescal Group Inc. — a maker Brookley Aeroplex means steady employment and a way to “There are lots of [employees] in Germany,” she said. “We’re of calibration and asset optimization services — announced it was help support her two daughters. in a continuous ramp-up phase.” leasing a facility to partner with Airbus. The Mobile native said she snagged a job as the final Eighty-nine percent of employees hired thus far are from the Although assembly of the planes has already begun, rollout of Fassembly line’s mail clerk about two months ago, following a local region, Ogle said, suggesting “there’s a lot of experience on the first jets isn’t expected until early next year. By that time, the previous layoff and spell of temporary employment. the Gulf Coast.” company hopes to produce four planes per month and increase “It felt really good,” Wright said of getting the job. “It’s good Ogle also said Mobile’s existing talent and infrastructure was output from there. to find a good, stable and long-term job.” instrumental in attracting Airbus, even though many recruits don’t “We fully expect more to follow,” spokeswoman Kristi Tucker Wright said in the months before the France-based manu- have much, if any, aviation experience. said. “It’s just a trend.” facturer added her to its team, providing for her family became Gov. Robert Bentley, Sen. Jeff Sessions and Rep. Bradley Alabama Department of Commerce Aerospace Program Man- increasingly difficult. Byrne took turns at the lectern, also speaking highly of the area’s ager Bob Smith agreed, adding that once the facility introduces “It has been really exciting,” Wright said after the facility’s in- workforce. the “new engine option” in 2018, even more specialized suppliers auguration Monday, Sept. 14, marking the start of production after Meanwhile, as the facility’s construction has already drawn may be expected. years of planning and construction. “Everything is brand new.” several suppliers to announce their own plans to locate in or Monday’s ceremony brought international media attention to The facility is a final assembly line for Airbus’ A320 family of around Mobile, officials expect many more to follow suit. Mobile, as the long-awaited facility was showcased for guests aircraft, a popular, narrow-bodied model often used for short- and In June, Hutchinson Aerospace announced it would bring a from around the city, state, country and world. Some of the speak- medium-range flights and capable of carrying as many as 220 facility to Mobile to help support the Airbus facility. Mobile’s In- ers at the event focused on EADS’ loss of a U.S. Air Force tanker passengers. Major components for the operation are being shipped dustrial Development Board (IDB) voted to give the company an contract to competitor Boeing — a contract that would have to Mobile from domestic and international suppliers, where they incentives package just days before the announcement was made brought a similar facility to Mobile years sooner. will be assembled into the finished product. Maiden flights of the from this year’s Paris Air Show. Sen. Sessions spoke about the “ups and downs” of the state’s aircraft will originate from Brookley. The IDB approved more than $250,000 in sales and use tax initial courtship with Airbus, saying it resulted in the great rela- Wright is one of more than 260 employees currently working at abatements to the company that produces noise-reduction insulation tionship which ultimately resulted in the “thrill of victory.” the facility who participated in the inauguration ceremony. Jennifer systems for jet engines, as well as a 10-year ad valorem tax abate- “We went through the disappointment with the tankers,” he Ogle, head of human resources, said more employees could be ex- ment. Hutchinson, in turn, promised to create about 100 jobs and said. “The result of that resolve was this facility.” pected soon, as some are completing training in Hamburg, Germany. build a 20,000-square-foot facility with a five-year expansion plan. Airbus has had an engineering outpost at Brookley Aeroplex Ultimately, the facility is expected to support as many as 1,000 jobs Additionally, MAAS Aviation announced recently it was bring- since 2006 which employs roughly 100 people.

10 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 11 CC COMMENTARYD AMN T h E TORPEDOES Wastin’ away again … BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

have to admit being shocked when for that and should be spent like tax money. But Mobilians living on this side of the pond as it our intrepid reporter Dale Liesch when I looked over our revenues during the oil gives our quality-of-life quotient a giant shot in went out recently to engage in every spill years, it was pretty hard to see what we lost. the arm. little boy’s dream of getting to ride Frankly, downtown was booming for months dur- Right now USA Foundation wants to develop aI garbage truck and instead came back ing the spill as people flooded in to make money that area as “Brookley by the Bay,” a place for with a story not only about the truck on cleanup. hotel rooms, office space and industry. If that breaking down, but the city having just A list of the city’s tax revenues shows in happens, the last remaining opportunity for a nine functional garbage-getters. 2009 they were $188.3 million and in 2010 they bayside park in Mobile goes away. Suddenly it made perfect sense why were $201.7 million. “Da penny” came along in Too often we think small in this city. For my garbage can spends more time sitting June of 2010, a convenient knee-jerk reaction instance, the Mayor pushes an innovative idea on the side of the road waiting to be to the spill voted in about two weeks after the for ice skating downtown along the river for two picked up than a hitchhiker holding a explosion, but that could only have accounted months during the holidays — an idea that has severed head. for a portion of the $13 million annual increase. every opportunity to pay for itself — and people Yet another gift from inept admin- Even if you take away “penny money,” it looks whine they’d rather have a Christmas (oops, istrations gone by. Mobile is supposed like taxes for 2011 would have been greater Holiday) parade that’s a one-day event sure to to have about 35 of those “automated” than 2010, which were greater than 2009, so it’s cost money. bad boys hoisting tons of dirty diapers hard to sell me on the idea we’re just replacing This Friday, that sleepy little town of Pasca- and empty beer bottles — no curbside lost tax money. goula 30 miles to our west is naming part of its recycling — for a final ride to the dump, But don’t get me wrong, I’m happy the city beach after singer-songwriter-business tycoon- but the previous administration took that got BP money. My brother got money for fish he author Jimmy Buffett, but his hometown of Mo- function about as seriously as it did pav- “should” have caught. They’re scratching checks bile continues to snub him. We can’t seem to find ing roads or telling the truth. Now we’re at BP. But using that money to buy “groceries” any way to honor one of our most famous sons. left with a functional fleet of garbage is a mistake. It would make more sense to juggle Jimmy and his millions of fans are just another trucks barely big enough to service some of the police car money buy this year and “natural resource” we don’t seem to even notice. Grand Bay after the Iron Bowl. get garbage trucks and cop cars over the next few If he’d only played football too. So what do we do? The city has years out of the operating budget. Use the BP I’m sure the die is cast on the garbage trucks to pick up the garbage, right? Right. money for something that will last generations. already. Using that piece of BP money was the The mayor rightfully isn’t interested As I wrote last week, the city’s first prior- easy way out, but there is much more left to in heaping more debt on the city. So ity ought to be buying the old golf course at spend and I pray someone will think beyond the it didn’t take long for the mayor and Brookley from the University of South Alabama next election and put it toward a transformative council to come up with the easy an- Foundation and creating a majestic city park project that connects this city with the bay. Or swer — BP money. with a huge pier jutting into the bay. It could be we could take the easy way out again and name a Remember just a few weeks ago the our Audubon Park — a place that will help keep garbage truck after Jimmy. city got its $7 million settlement from the British oil giant, and after giving more than $2 million to the lawyers, a neat $4.7 million pile of found money ThE G ADFLY was left. And dang if it’s not going to buy trucks now. I can certainly understand where Mayor Stimpson and the Council are coming from. If the financial situation inherited from Silent Sam Jones could be loaded into a 50-gallon garbage can, one of our nine functional trucks would immediately be dispatched to collect the festering, reeking mess. Jones and his crew left the city’s finances in the same fiduciary shape one might expect of a meth addict’s checking account. We need a lot of things — road paving, garbage trucks and and new police cars being high on the list. In this newest budget, the mayor indeed proposes buying a number of police cars, but there wasn’t money for garbage trucks. Luckily there was that BP money. So now, as quickly as it ap- peared, the windfall has been assigned to help cover gaps in the budget. It’s kind of like using a surprise inheritance to buy a new car because you could never save enough money to buy that car, even though you know it would be smarter to use that money on an education. And that’s the issue I have with the way we’re using this money. Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen BP probably doesn’t care what we do with their money, but we should. As governments begin to allocate BP settlements, little has There are arguments we lost tax revenue during the oil spill and this is making up funded remaining environmental damage or threats.

12 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 COMMENTARYh IDDEN AGENDA C A revealing and oh-so-frighten- ing look ‘behind closed doors’ BY ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR | [email protected]

eople will often say, “Well, I guess you every night, but with the kids it’s obviously just never really know what goes on gotten a little more challenging. But even with behind closed doors.” Usually this state- them cramping our style, we have still made an ment is made when a seemingly happy effort to make time for us and do it at least a few pcouple suddenly takes a permanent vacation to times a week. I admit it was partially my fault, Splitsville. “They just seemed so in love, I just as I did fall asleep early one night. But he could can’t imagine what happened.” Or when you have shown a little restraint. Just a little. But find out a seemingly normal person has some alas, he did not. He totally cheated on me. shocking vice or obsession. “I mean, I knew he The morning after the night in question, he loved his dogs, but I didn’t know he loooooved confessed — although very matter-of-factly, like his dogs,” said with eyebrows raised to maxi- it was no big deal. mum height and head cocked to the side. “Hey, just so you know, I’m one episode While the phrase is primarily employed ahead of you on ‘Ballers,’” he said. while gossiping about extreme situations, it is WTH? really applicable to anyone’s home, like my You can’t skip ahead on an episode of a TV own, and in an effort to be totally transparent — series we are binge-watching together. That is and as an example to the Bentleys — I am going “television adultery.” (Seriously, it’s actually to let you in on some pretty sick things happen- called that.) It is right there in the vows with “in ing behind the doors of the Trice household, sickness and in health.” every eyebrow-raising detail. I feel so betrayed. Now he knows how Here we go … the Rock is going to handle getting Vernon’s Speaking of doing strange things to dogs fictional contract nailed down with the fictional you love, just wait until you hear what we do Dallas Cowboys before I do. How could he? to ours. Our schnauzer mix Mattie has recently “Poor Ashley. Did you hear? Frank was started smelling like Fritos, and not in a good unfaithful. Poor thing had to spend her entire way. Trust me, her aroma does not suddenly lunch hour trying to get caught back up to him. make you crave a bowl of chili con queso. After Disgraceful!” some research, we determined it’s a fairly com- Sure, husbands and wives are always doing mon condition caused by bacteria and fungus in awful things to each other behind closed doors, their paws. In an effort to de-Frito her, we have but there are other guilty parties in our house as been giving her long, warm vinegar baths, while well. gently massaging her corn-chip-smelling feet Our oldest, 6-year-old Anders, was sitting and other “hot spots” with a special potion de- on the couch one night this week pre-worrying signed to eliminate said fungi and bacteria. She about something that hasn’t happened yet, as he really didn’t like it at first, but now she seems to often does. His sister, a 3-and-a-half-year-old be getting used to it. terror known as Ellen, plopped right down by “You should see the way they bathe that poor him and just kicked him in the stomach for no dog of theirs. It’s sick,” says the old Southern apparent reason. Before I could even mobilize lady gossiping about us in my head. and scold “the terror” for sibling abuse, Anders And if you think that’s scandalous, just wait shouted out, “What the hell, Ellen?” until you hear this …. I froze. I didn’t even know who I should start Just last week, poor Frank was subjected to punishing first. And also it seemed like I had listening to me launch into a “10-minute tirade” read something about what to do in curse word over which TV commercial I was more sick of: situations — was it totally ignore it? Acknowl- the Land Rover Discovery Sport ad, featuring a edge it but not make a big deal out of it? Shove couple who gets married at the top of a moun- a bar of Lifebuoy soap down his throat (assum- tain in the middle of a monsoon with a bitchy ing they still manufacture it) until he chokes? Or maid of honor in their party who says “you was it something else entirely? know they say rain is bad luck for a wedding,” Before I could finish having this conversation to which the cheerful, handsome and unflap- in my head, Frank snatched him up and took pable, Discovery-driving groom says, “No, actu- him to his room to discuss his choice of words, ally it’s good luck” OR the Volkswagen spots though I couldn’t argue the motivation behind featuring the three loud, pervy old ladies, two of them. I talked to “the terror” about her actions, which are apparently twins. “You like your cars but she just gave her usual answer to — why did new or with many, many miles on it?” one of you do (insert something awful)? the randy old ladies asks a stubbly faced hipster “Because I did,” she says with a giggle. whose “rear end” she has been admiring, during “And those kids of theirs are just pure dee the “Year End, Rear End Sales Event.” (Just typ- heathens, especially that little one. They are go- ing this makes my blood pressure go up.) ing to have their hands full with that one.” “The thing is, I liked both of these commer- Since I’m airing all of the Trice dirty laundry, cials when they first started airing, but I have I’m not letting Mattie get off the hook. Before seen them so many times, I hate everyone in the kids were potty trained, she used to try and them now, except maybe the bitchy bridesmaid, get in the garbage and eat the poop out of their who was the only one I didn’t like at first,” I dirty diapers, like their little deposits were lamented to Frank, as if these actors had reached expensive delicacies. What a freak! out of the screen and personally assaulted me “And they wonder why that poor dog’s hav- in some way. “And those old ladies. Geez. Go ing problems with bacteria and fungus.” back to Boca. I can’t take hearing ‘We’re going See, I told you some pretty scary things to take the deal’ one more time!” go on behind closed doors, but I couldn’t be “That poor Frank. He has to live with that happier to have a cheating husband (who puts awful woman who hates beautiful mountaintop up with a wife who wants fictional newlyweds weddings and sweet, little, old grandmothers.” to crash their Land Rover down a mountain), Oh don’t you dare start feeling sorry for him! heathen children and a Frito-smelling dog who I’ve had to put up with a lot myself …. has been known to eat a little poop every now This is something most couples do almost and again.

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 13 C COMMENTARYTAO OF JEN Kung fu brings benJen warrior to life BY JENNIFER MCDONALD/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

little over a year ago, I made one of the scariest and most rare and serious illness at the age of 6. me at first, and although I’d sought martial arts to promote mental exciting decisions of my life. After spending much of my We were extremely fortunate our son recovered and regained and physical health and discipline for my son, I probably needed life daydreaming about learning kung fu, I finally decided his health, but he went through an agonizing stretch where it a lot more than he did. to enroll at the Shaolin Institute here in Mobile. he struggled with intense physical pain. He was pretty clingy By then I had become incredibly stressed and exhausted, strug- AGrowing up with five brothers, my childhood was full of throughout his illness, understandably, and he found great comfort gling with a long-term illness of my own and sleeping very little. cartoons, superheroes, action movies, kung fu movies, video in cuddling in bed with me, watching cartoons and reading his Distracted by problems I mistakenly deemed more important than games and epic adventures. We had a blast together, but I always favorite comics. During one particularly cozy rainy afternoon physical fitness, I had become lazy and completely out of shape, got stuck playing the “girl part” in our fantasy games, which often cuddle session, he told me he wanted the two of us to create our and felt overwhelmed and ineffective. I was desperately in need involved being rescued in some way or another. Ick. own comic book called “The Adventures of BenJen.” of a martial arts practice that could help me refocus my mind and Like many of my female peers, I wanted to BE the brave and The title character would be a two-headed, four-armed, four- body, and I had finally found the perfect opportunity. Sadly, the skillful warrior who faces danger to help others — not marry him legged superhero that formed when a boy named Ben and a mom only thing stopping me was fear. I was convinced I was too out — and I dreamed of defeating my opponents with my cleverness, named Jen were fused together after being struck by lightning of shape to learn kung fu and absolutely terrified I would make a speed, agility, swordsmanship and bo staff skills. while cuddling. From that point forward the two would be stuck fool of myself. Some of my earliest heroes included characters like Princess in a permanent cuddle, but the synergetic pairing turned the moth- My son seemed to sense my fear, and he patted my hand Leia, She-Ra, Xena: Warrior Princess and especially Cheetara er-son duo into a fierce warrior team dedicated to fighting crime with his own little hand and said, “It’s okay, Mama. We’ll do it from Thundercats, an anthropomorphic feline warrior known for and miscellaneous Evil. Best of all, the lightning strike magnified together, as a BenJen adventure, so you won’t have to be afraid.” her sixth sense, bo staff skills and super-fast sprints. their mutual strength and gave them expert kung fu skills and a How do you say no to that? I knew I needed to study some type of martial art, and given variety of superpowers. Walking into that very first class filled with warriors and ath- my fascination with Taoism and appreciation for the graceful He loved lying close beside me and talking about BenJen, letes and teenage acrobats was one of the scariest things I’ve ever and fluid movements of the ancient art, kung fu was always a making up one wild adventure after another to distract him from done, but I promised myself a solid commitment to challenge and natural fit. the worst of his pain. I understood instinctively that it brought push myself through a full year of training, no matter what, before Unfortunately professional lessons were never really an op- my son comfort to imagine himself literally fused together with making any permanent decisions. tion for me as a child, and before I knew it I was an overweight his mother so she could add to his strength and help him shoulder Here we are a year later, and despite the occasional days when and overstressed mom who would have laughed out loud at the the pain and anxiety. I also understood that as long as I kept it I went home in tears and struggled to walk after class, appar- thought of her chubby and achy-jointed self ninja-rolling across together through the pain and fear, he would keep it together, and ently I lived through it. Deep down I’m not sure I really knew I a room. However, I loved the idea of passing on the dream to I was deeply touched and humbled to realize just how much the could make it through, but it meant everything that my son never my children. boy trusts me. stopped believing in me. My equally geeky husband and I were excited when our son Shortly after he recovered from his illness, we finally found It hasn’t been an easy journey, but it’s a journey that has vastly finally expressed an interest in kung fu. We’ve always felt martial the right time to let Ben try out the kung fu school. He loved it strengthened my bond with my son and changed my life forever. arts lessons are one of the best things you can do for your chil- from the start and hadn’t been there more than a few weeks when I invite you to join me next time as I share some of the highlights, dren, proving a multitude of fantastic benefits and life skills, but he noticed a handful of adult students about my age and began en- successes and epic fails of my journey, and the reasons why your unfortunately Ben’s big plans were delayed when he developed a couraging me to join them. The idea seemed utterly ridiculous to family should consider studying martial arts together.

14 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 COMMENTARYBELTWAY BEAT C democratic voters holding out for a hero BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

ith each passing day, former Sec- retary of State Hillary Clinton’s status as the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination Wdeteriorates. Whether it is one of two controversies in- volving her family’s charitable foundation or the personal email server she used while serving as the nation’s top diplomat, voters aren’t as ready for Hillary as they were two months ago. Since July, Clinton’s numbers have fallen by a third, from 66 percent to 44 percent, accord- ing to the Real Clear Politics average of national polls. In the early primary states of Iowa and New Hampshire, it’s even worse for Clinton. She is tied with self-proclaimed socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) in Iowa and finds herself 11 points behind him in New Hampshire. Despite Sanders’ lead in Iowa and New Hampshire, it remains unlikely the Democratic Photo/ wikipedia Party would select Sanders as a nominee, espe- Vice president Joe biden may emerge cially with the party’s system that uses so-called with considerable likeability compared super delegates, which are unpledged delegates not bound by a state’s primary or caucus, made to existing democratic candidates. up of elected officials and party officials for the party’s convention next year. Something happened on Stephen Colbert’s Last month, Clinton’s campaign claimed she new late-night show on CBS last week that already had enough of these 440 super delegates made it even more evident there is an opening to give her an insurmountable lead for any chal- for Biden. lenger to overcome. But her campaign made the Colbert took a break from his usual clown same claim at this point in the 2008 presidential shtick to welcome Biden on his show. The two election cycle, and the early front-runner Clin- discussed his family’s tragedies and how he ton was soundly defeated by the party’s ultimate is dealing with the grief. But also during that nominee, Barack Obama. interview, Colbert on two occasions lobbied the If a guy like Sanders were to win Iowa and vice president to run for the White House in this New Hampshire, and gain enough momentum election cycle. from those states to build a lead heading into Colbert’s plea to Biden revealed something the 2016 Democratic National Convention in we kind of already knew about mainstream Philadelphia next July, it would still be hard to Democratic voters: they’re not quite on board see him winning the nomination. with Hillary Clinton and they’re also not ready For a lot of Democrats, Hillary Clinton is for a socialist president. the girlfriend you don’t really like, but both of For better or worse, Colbert and his former you are together out of desperation and fear of Comedy Central colleague Jon Stewart were fig- being single. ureheads for the coveted age 25-54 Democratic That’s why Vice President Joe Biden is now Party voter. Their 2010 Rally to Restore Sanity suddenly the man of the hour. a week before that year’s national midterm Biden hasn’t exactly been the country’s great- election in Washington, D.C., on the National est vice president, but how many vice presidents Mall drew over 200,000 — most of whom were make any sort of significant historical impact? Democrat voters at a time when all of the enthu- In fact, going back to the nation’s founding, siasm in the country was on the GOP’s side. only four sitting vice presidents have been elected With Stewart now playing a behind-the- president — John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, scenes role as executive producer of “The Martin Van Buren and George H.W. Bush. Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Colbert’s It’s even more complicated for Biden, who is national platform on CBS has made him the de overcoming the loss of his son Beau, who died facto leader of any possible political movement earlier this year from brain cancer. made up of left-leaning, pseudo-hipster young If you go back to the 2008 campaign, at suburbanites, whose votes count just as much as times things got downright nasty between the everyone else’s. Hillary and Obama camps. Given the history of Colbert may not swing an election for Biden, the Clinton camp and the willingness to sling but it would have to be somewhat concerning mud if necessary, would it be a little much for a to Clinton’s campaign that they don’t already guy like Biden to put up with over the year? have him sewn up in the win column. If you’re During Obama’s 2012 reelection, it was on the Democrat side, it’s not a good thing that you’re hemorrhaging support from the heart of documented Biden was courting some of the pop culture. president’s campaign contributors for his own It is late in the game, with the Iowa caucus potential run in 2016. Those in Obama’s inner five months away, and it would take a yeoman’s circle promptly shut that down and forced Biden effort from Biden to assemble the infrastructure to maintain a low profile for much of the presi- to fundraise, be on the ballot in all the differ- dent’s reelection campaign. ent primaries and be set up in a position to run So, if anything, we know Biden was at least against the eventual Republican nominee come considering the possibility of a run even before next summer. voters and the Democratic party grasped Clin- But that might be the kind of hero Democrat ton’s vulnerabilities. voters are holding out for.

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 15 BB BUSINESST h E REAL DEAL Greer’s promoting annual student initiative BY RON SIVAK/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

he 99-year-old, locally owned grocery Greer said. “Last month we converted our BCAR is part of the National Association of chain Greer’s recently announced its store on Wilson Avenue to a Greer’s CashSaver Realtors. Located in Robertsdale, the organi- “Apples for the Students” community and it is doing very well. We will be adding zation provides services to more than 2,000 school initiative has returned for a sev- self-checkouts to our new Dauphin at Midtown realtors and affiliate members throughout the tenth consecutive year. The goal of the program Market store in the next couple of weeks. This greater Baldwin County area and Alabama Gulf is to turn customer’s register tape receipts (ex- will be an investment of about $150,000.” Coast region. cluding alcohol and tobacco) into educational “The Greer’s CashSaver store located at supplies for the benefit of surrounding area Highway 98 and Bauer Road has just recently Commercial real estate moves schools, according to a news release. been remodeled. Additionally, we have plans Marco’s Pizza, touted as the fastest-growing All local schools in communities in or for major remodels this year for stores in pizza franchise in the country, has plans to open around any Greer’s store can become eligible to Florida and Mississippi,” Greer said. two new restaurants in the area. The Mobile participate in the program by contacting the lo- “This partnership is new and exclusive to all site being leased is currently under renovation cal store manager and/or by calling the Apples Greer’s grocery stores in this area. Please check in a 2,000-square-foot space at a former karate for the Students headquarters. with your school to make sure it is registered to school in the Cottage Hill Village Shopping “We’re teaming up with Apples for the receive the benefits,” Endfinger added. Center. Plans are in place to open the eatery by Students and the schools to help our children early November. Another targeted locale in the make the grade in these financially challeng- Baldwin County Realtors assist Spanish Fort area is in the works, with suitable ing times,” Jackie Greer Jr., vice president and MARC Enterprises sites currently being surveyed by Fairhope- co-managing partner of Greer’s, said. “From The Baldwin County Association of Realtors based franchise owner Ross Ciongoli. September through March of this school year, (BCAR) recently helped Mobile Arc Enterprises Ciongoli currently owns the two open every time one of our shoppers sends their (MARC) replace an important piece of machin- restaurants situated at 2380 Dawes Road in register tapes to a school set up in the program, ery. When Troy Wilson, chair of community out- Mobile and 2004 U.S. Highway 98 in Daphne. they earn that particular school credits toward reach and Bellator Real Estate and Development, According to Marco’s Pizza area representa- the free exchange of over 1,000 valuable educa- discovered MARC’s machine for making sign tive Woody Johnson, the local market in Mo- tional products.” stakes was broken, BCAR came to the rescue bile and Baldwin counties can feasibly sustain For the past 30 years, the Apples for the and initiated fundraising efforts to replace it. upwards of five to six stores based on current Students program has worked with grocers MARC Enterprises, located in downtown population metrics. throughout the United States, providing more Mobile, provides jobs for local citizens with “Our goal in the local area is to open about than $250 million in computers, equipment, mental disabilities. They manufacture a variety one store a year until we reach our goal,” books and educational tools to local schools. of products such as cypress furniture and lat- Johnson said. Since Greer’s local involvement in the tice and operate a greenhouse. In addition to Other targeted markets currently on the program began, participating schools in the area these products, MARC also creates and paints radar include Tillman’s Corner, Saraland and have benefited to the tune of more than $325,000 wooden sign stakes for most realty companies Semmes. When fully staffed, each new eatery in equipment and supplies. One example is in the area. The machine used to assemble these will employ upwards of 30 workers. Cora Castlen Elementary in Grand Bay, having stakes suddenly broke, and MARC did not have Ten years after Hurricane Katrina leveled the received upwards of $20,000 worth of supplies the funds to replace it. Catalina Restaurant in Coden, the operators of during the past six years via the initiative. “MARC is such a great local organization the popular eatery have opened Catalina Bayou “Schools that sign up by Oct. 1 earn 5,000 and has worked with our Realtors in the area Restaurant & Catering in a 1,463-square-foot bonus credits; schools that submit a winning a long time providing stakes for yard signs,” space at the former Shambeau’s building picture for the ‘Collection Box Contest’ will Sheila Dodson, CEO of BCAR, said. “We were located at 14060 S. Wintzell Ave. in Bayou La receive 10,000 bonus credits; and schools that grateful as an association to be able to purchase Batre. David Dexter of NAI Mobile handled the send in $75,000 in receipts by Nov. 30 will MARC a new sign router machine so they are lease transaction. receive 10,000 credits,” Jan Greer Endfinger, able to continue making products for us.” Point Pleasant, New Jersey, based Jer- director of marketing, said. MARC is a local advocacy established in sey Mike’s Subs franchise has leased a “Our family has owned and operated Greer’s 1956 to create a service system for people 1,350-square-foot space at Airport Oaks Market and Food Tiger stores locally since 1916. with intellectual and developmental disabili- Shopping Center on Airport Boulevard across We are pleased to offer shoppers our Greer’s ties. MARC’s philosophy is that those with from the new Academy Sports. This is Jersey CashSaver Cost Plus 10 Percent stores. We cur- disabilities should be afforded the same rights Mike’s first location in the Mobile area. Marl rently have 33 stores and are training fifth-gener- and protections as all citizens and have equal Cummings with Cummings & Associates Inc. ation family members,” Endfinger said. quality of life. MARC’s mission is to advocate, represented Jersey Mike’s Subs and Brent “We reinvest every year in remodeling our provide, educate and promote research. For Cumbest with Cumbest Properties Inc. worked stores and building or acquiring others,” Jackie more information, visit www.mobilearc.org. for the landlord.

16 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 17 CUISINET h E REVIEW melting pot meltdown BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

ven on a clear night, into one’s life a little rain must fall. A recent evening out led me to dinner with real estate mogul Catherine Mackey. We were in the mood for something different and figured fondue would be different eenough. So we headed out to Mobile’s version of the Melting Pot. On Montlimar Drive, the Melting Pot is where the former Chili’s once stood. As we walked in our hostess took my name and telephone number (warning me that many people inexplicably leave their credit cards in this establishment) and informed us it was happy hour until 8 p.m. and all signature menu drinks were $5. Glancing at my phone, I saw it was only 7:20 p.m. We had plenty of time to take advantage of that deal. So as soon as our server came to our table we ordered a pair of Grand Margaritas ($17.90 for both). Our server went to get our drinks, returned and asked, “Did you say Margarita or sangria?” I should have known we were not off to a good start. He returned with our drinks and gave us the lengthy version of our menu options. It was now 7:55 p.m. and as you can guess we both had sangria. I couldn’t take the sweet- ness but managed a couple of sips trying to like it. My dining companion grew tired of waiting for a correction and drank all of Photo/ Courtesy of the Melting Pot hers. Upon his return I sent mine back. He actually said, “I wondered why I smelled A promising four-course dinner at the melting pot in mobile turned into a pineapple when I brought these out.” lackluster experience that could have been prevented by a more prompt and We knew we were getting some type of attentive staff. fish, so we ordered a bottle ofFiresteed Pinot Grigio ($26). smoothed things out and For the grand finale we chose theFlaming Turtle, a mix of Here is the trick with the Melting Pot. we were dipping in no milk chocolate, caramel and candied pecans set afire right in You have to be careful when you look at time. Artisanal breads front of your very eyes. This was probably the best part of the the menu. It’s a little confusing the way it veggies were good, but meal, and the part I was least excited about. We had strawberries, all comes together, but the way it was ex- the best with the cheese bananas, marshmallows dusted with Oreos, brownies, blondies plained to us it’s cheaper to get the salad, was the apples. and pound cake. The thing you don’t think about before heading cheese fondue, main course fondue and Here come the entrees. to a fondue restaurant is that you can’t take dessert home with chocolate fondue than it is to leave any of The meal we ordered was you. The tiny confections were decent for a sampler platter and I these off. That’s what we did at $37.95 per called Fondue by You. tended to stay toward the fruitier side of the plate. person. This gives guests a chance Here is the skinny: Maybe we should have kept a better theme We started our four courses with to choose three items in to our entrée and picked a more suitable cooking style, but noth- salads. Catherine went classic with a Cae- smaller portions. There is also a choice of fondue cooking styles. ing we had was stellar. It was a generous amount of mediocre sar. Not much to complain about here. The menu description This could be canola oil, a mushroom-laden coq au vin or the food. They charged me full price for happy hour drinks and says it comes with Parmesan-encrusted pine nuts. She was not Caribbean-inspired Mojo, but our choices warranted a recom- then they refunded $7.45 of the $8.95 drink I sent back, I guess crazy about the dressing. I had a bite and it was pretty good, but mended vegetable broth-based Seasoned Court Bouillon. because I had a sip, and $3 for Catherine’s drink, I guess because not as good as my Melting Pot house salad. Tomatoes, croutons Catherine chose salmon filet, sesame-crusted Ahi tuna she drank it out of boredom. What could we do? There was no and eggs made this one as normal as anything else. The zip was and teriyaki sirloin as I doubled the salmon, couldn’t ignore one to send it back to. in the peppercorn ranch. the chicken potstickers and had to try the honey orange duck If you can only manage to get one drink in with 40 minutes left Our next dilemma was which cheese choice for our second breast. I got a chuckle when the waiter tried to explain Pacific in happy hour then it isn’t too happy of an hour. My ticket clock course. There were plenty to choose from. Alpine was Gruyere, white shrimp to me. I know what they are. I just wondered why out time was 9:15 p.m. and with a $120 pre-tip tab for nothing fontina and Raclette cheeses with white wine and nutmeg. There anyone from here would order them. special, I felt my two hours there could have been better spent was spinach and artichoke, a Wisconsin trio (vetoed because some- The salmon was really the best protein we had. Good thing we elsewhere. Not impressed with the food or service. one doesn’t appreciate Gorgonzola), a Fiesta version with salsa and both got it. The tuna was OK but the sesame crust was a bit of a the one we should have gotten, called Bacon and Jalapeno. distraction. The teriyaki steak and the honey orange duck breast The Melting Pot Instead we went for the classic Melting Pot Cheddar. This were in the same boat in that the sauce was too much for this 840 Montlimar Drive begins with garlic and seasonings topped off with cheddar and broth to handle. They may have been better off in the canola oil or Mobile, 36609 Swiss mix. A good bit of beer (which I also should have ordered) coq au vin. I did enjoy the corresponding dipping sauces. 251-341-7395

18 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 19 6120 Marina Dr., Dog River • 443-7318. 23 Upham St. • 473-6115 pdQ ($) Home cookin’ & BBQ. the hArbOr rOOm ($-$$) deW drOp INN ($) Chicken fingers, salad & sandwiches. 110 S. Florida St. • 478-7427 Unique seafood. Classic burgers, hotdogs & setting. 1165 University Blvd. • 202-0959 yAK the KAthmANdu KItcheN ($-$$) 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 1808 Old Shell Rd. • 473-7872. pItA pIt ($) Authentic foods from Himalayan region. the bLueGILL ($-$$) dOWNtOWNerS ($) 211 Dauphin St. • 690-7482 3210 Dauphin St. • 287-0115 A historic seafood dive w/ live music. Great sandwiches, soups & salads. QueeN G’S cAFé ($) 400 Eastern Shore Center. • 459-286 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625-1998 107 Dauphin St. • 433 8868 Down home cooking for lunch. $ unDER $10/PERSOn the GrANd mArINer ($-$$) e WING hOuSe ($) 2518 Old Shell Rd. • 471-3361 $$ 10-25/PERSOn Local seafood & produce. 195 S University Suite H • 662-1830. reGINA’S KItcheN ($-$$) ‘Cue $$$ OvER 25/PERSOn 6036 Rock Point Rd. • 443-5700 2212 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 479-2021 Sandwiches, subs and soups. bAcKyArd cAFe & bbQ ($) tIN tOp reStAurANt & OySter bAr ($$) FIrehOuSe SubS ($) 2056 Government St. • 476-2777 Home cookin’ like momma made. from the depths Seafood, Steaks, & extensive wine list. Hot subs, cold salads & catering. rOLy pOLy ($) 2804 Springhill Ave. • 473-4739 bAudeAN’S ($$) 6232 Bon Secour Hwy Cnty Rd. 10. 6300 Grelot Rd. • 631-3730 Wraps & salads. bAr-b-QuING WIth my hONey ($$) Fried, grilled, steamed & always fresh. 949-5086 FIVe GuyS burGerS & FrIeS ($) 809 Hillcrest Rd. • 607-6378 BBQ, burgers, wings & seafood 3300 River Rd. • 973-9070 WINtzeLL’S OySter hOuSe ($-$$) 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2393 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480 19170 Hwy 43 Mt. Vernon. • 839-9927 bONeFISh GrILL ($$) 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 4663 Airport Blvd. • 300-8425 rOSIe’S GrILL ($-$$) brIcK pIt ($) Eclectic dining & space. 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 FOOSAcKLy’S ($) Sandwiches, southwest fare, 7 days. A favorite barbecue spot. 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196 1208 Shelton Beach Rd., Famous chicken fingers. 1203 Hwy 98 Ste. 3D, Daphne 5456 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0001 bOudreAuX’S cAJuN GrILL ($-$$) Saraland • 442-3335 310 S. University Blvd. • 343-0047 626-2440 dreAmLANd bbQ ($) Quality Cajun & New Orleans 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 rOyAL KNIGht ($) Ribs, sandwiches & great sides. Cuisine. 29249 US Highway 98 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 Steak night on fridays. 3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9898. Daphne. • 621-1991 Completely 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761. 3004 Gov’t Blvd • 287-1220 mOe’S OrIGINAL bAr b Que ($) cAJuN SeAFOOd ($) 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000 rOyAL Street cAFe ($) Bar-b-que & music. Seafood market & deli fresh seafood. Comfortable GuLF cOASt cONey & Ice creAm pArLOr ($) Homemade lunch & breakfast. Bayfront Park Dr., Daphne • 625-RIBS 408 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 478-9897 ALL SpOrtS bAr & GrILL ($) Sandwiches, Coneys & Ice cream 104 N. Royal St. • 434-0011 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427 crAVIN cAJuN ($) Classic hotdogs, gyros & milkshakes. 5395 Battleship Pkwy. • 660-4899 SAtOrI cOFFeehOuSe ($) 4672 Airport Blvd. • 300-8516 Po-boys, salads & seafood. 3408 Plesant Valley Rd • 345-9338 IStANbuL GrILL ($) Coffee, smoothies, lunch & beers. SAucy Q bArbQue ($) 1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 287-1168 AL’S hOtdOGS ($) Authentic Turkish Resturant. 5460 Old Shell Rd. • 344-4575 Award-winning BarBQue. ed’S SeAFOOd Shed ($$) Classic hotdogs, gyros & milkshakes. 3702 Airport Blvd. • 461-6901 SerdA’S cOFFeehOuSe ($) 1111 Government Blvd. • 433-7427 Fried seafood served in hefty portions. 4701 Airport Blvd. • 342-3243 JAmAIcAN VIbe ($) Coffee, lunches, live music & gelato. SmOKey dembO SmOKe hOuSe ($) 3382 Hwy. 98 • 625-1947 AtLANtA breAd cOmpANy ($-$$) Mind-blowing island food. 3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000 3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 473-1401 FeLIX’S FISh cAmp ($$) Sandwiches, salads & more. 3700 Gov’t Blvd. Ste A • 602-1973 SpOt OF teA ($) Upscale dining with a view. 3680 Dauphin St. • 380-0444 JImmy JOhN’S ($) Mobile’s favorite spot for breakfast & lunch. 1420 Hwy. 98 • 626-6710 cAFe 219 ($) Sandwiches, catering & delivery too. 306 Dauphin St. • 433-9009. drop dead FIShermAN’S LeGAcy ($) Salads, sandwiches & potato salad. 6920 Airport Blvd. • 414-5444 SOutherN decAdeNce deSSertS ($) Deli, market and catering. 219 Conti St. • 438-5234 JOe cAIN cAFé ($) Soups, Salads, Desserts & Sandwiches. Gourmet 4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2266 cAFe mALbIS ($) Pizzas, sandwiches, cocktails. 1956 B University Blvd. ALAbAmA cruISeS ($$) hALF SheLL OySter hOuSe ($) Contemporary fare & spirits. 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 300-8304 Fine dining & sailing 3654 Airport Blvd. • 338-9350 28396 Hwy. 181, Daphne • 661-6620 mAmA’S ($) SteVIe’S KItcheN ($) Orange Beach • 973-1244 JAcK’S cAtFISh cAmp ($$) cAmILLe’S SIdeWALK cAFé ($) Slap your mama good home cooking. Sandwiches, soups, salads & more. bAy GOurmet ($$) Steak & Seafood Gourmet wraps, pizzas, & more. 220 Dauphin St. • 432-6262 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite 150. A premier caterer & cooking classes. 4815 Halls Mill Rd. • 661-4434 5817 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0200 mArS hILL cAFe ($) tp crOcKmIerS ($) 1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051 JOhN WOrd’S cAptAIN tAbLe ($$) cAmeLLIA cAFé ($-$$$) Great sandwiches, coffee & more. American Restaurant & Bar bIStrO eScOFFIe ($$) Come wine, dine and dance. Contemporary southern fare. 1087 Downtowner Blvd. • 643-1611 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 Fine dining French fare. 2701 Battleship Pkwy • 433-3790 61 Section St., Fairhope • 928-4321 mAry’S SOutherN cOOKING ($) the bLINd muLe ($) 1714 Dauphin St. • 450-2030 Lucy b. GOOde ($$) cAmmIe’S OLd dutch ($) 3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232 Daily specials made from scratch. brIQuetteS SteAKhOuSe ($-$$) Gulf Coast cuisine, reinvented. Mobile’s classic ice cream spot. mIcheLI’S cAFe ($) 57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853. Grilled steaks, chicken & seafood. 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores 2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710 6358 Cottage Hill Rd. • 725-6917 the hOuSe ($-$$) 720A Schillinger Rd. S. S2. 607-7200 967-5858 cArpe dIem ($) mIKO’S ItALIAN Ice ($) Seafood, sandwiches, salads & soups. cAFé 615 ($$-$$$) LuLu’S ($$) Deli foods, pastries & specialty drinks. Hotdogs Sandwiches & Cool Treats 4513 Old shell Rd. • 408-9622 American fare with local ingredients. Live music & great seafood. 4072 Old Shell Rd. • 304-0448 3371 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 300–4015 the huNGry OWL ($) 615 Dauphin St. • 432-8434. 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores chAt-A-WAy cAFe ($) mOmmA GOLdberG’S deLI ($) Burgers, flatbread pizza & seafood. cAFé rOyAL ($$-$$$) 967-5858 Quiches & sandwiches. Sandwiches & Momma’s Love. 7899 Cottage Hill Rd. • 633-4479 Prime steak & seafood in elegant setting. mudbuGS At the LOOp ($) 4366 Old Shell Rd. • 343-9889 3696 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500 the VILLAGe deLI ($) 101 N. Royal St. • 405-5251 Cajun Kitchen & seafood market. chIcKeN SALAd chIcK ($) 5602 Old Shell Rd. • 287-6556 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 929-3354 dumbWAIter ($$-$$$) 2005 Government St. • 478-9897 Chicken Salad, Salad & Soup. mONteGO’S ($-$$) three GeOrGeS cANdy ShOp ($) Serving local seafood & produce OrIGINAL OySter hOuSe ($-$$) 2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit R • 660-0501 Fresh Caribbean-style food & craft beer. Light lunch with Southern flair. 167 Dauphin St. • 458-9573 A great place for kids & seafood. dAuphIN St. cAFe ($) 6601 Airport Blvd. • 634-3445 226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725 ISAbeLLA’S ($$$) 3733 Hwy. 98 • 626-2188 Hot Lunch, daily menu (Inside Via) mOStLy muFFINS ($) trOpIcAL SmOOthIe ($) 305 DeLaMare Ave, Fairhope • 990-5513 OrLeANS pO-bOyS ($-$$) 1717 Dauphin St. • 470-5231 Muffins, coffee & wraps. Great smoothies, wraps & sandwiches. KItcheN ON GeOrGe ($-$$) Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. creAm & SuGAr ($) 105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855 Du Rhu Dr. • 378-5648 Contemporary American food. 960 Schillinger Rd S. • 633-3900 Breakfast, lunch & Ice cream too. NeWK’S eXpreSS cAFe ($) 570 Schillinger Road • 634-3454 351A George & Savannah St. • 436-8890 OrLeANS cAFe ($-$$) 351 George St. #B • 405-0003 Oven-baked sandwiches & more. uNcLe JImmy’S deLIcIOuS hOtdOGS ($) LeGAcy bAr & GrILL ($$$) Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. d’ mIchAeL’S ($) 252 Azalea Rd. • 341-3533 2550 Dauphin Island Pkwy South American, Seafood,Stekhouse. 3721 Airport Blvd. • 380-1503 Philly cheese steaks, gyros & more. pANINI pete’S ($) 307-5328 9 Du Rhu Dr. S. • 341-3370 OySter rOcKeFeLLer ($$-$$$) 312 7101-A Theodore Dawes Rd. • 653-2979 Original sandwich and bake shop. WILd WING StAtION ($) mAGhee’S GrILL ON the hILL ($-$$) Schillingers Rd. • 607-9527 deLISh deSSertS ($) 42 1/2 Section St., Fairhope • 929-0122 1500 Government St. • 287-1526 Great lunch & dinner. rIVer ShAcK ($-$$) Great desserts & hot lunch. 102 Dauphin St. • 405-0031 WhIStLe StOp ($) 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700 Seafood, burgers & steaks.

20 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 meLtING pOt ($$$) 5773 Airport Blvd. • 304-1155 Best wings & sporting events. A Taste of Italy . BYOB. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-625 840 Montlimar Dr. • 341-7395 KAN zAmAN cAFe ($) 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955 28691 U.S. Highway 98 • 626-1999 ruth’S chrIS SteAK hOuSe At NOJA ($$-$$$) 326 Azalea Rd. • 229-4206 butch cASSIdy’S ($) pINzONe’S ItALIAN dOWNtOWN ($$) hArd rOcK hOteL & cASINO ($$$) Inventive & very fresh cuisine. medIterrANeAN SANdWIch cOmpANy ($) Famous burgers, sandwiches & wings. Italian, catering, to-go. Exceptional servie & taste. 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 Great & quick. 60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690. 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 990-5535 777 Beach Blvd • 877-877-6256 OSmAN’S reStAurANt ($$) 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 cALLAGhAN’S IrISh SOcIAL cLub ($) pINzONe’S ItALIAN VILLAGe ($$) hArd rOcK cAFé At hArd rOcK hOteL ANd cASINO ($) Supreme European cuisine. 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725-0126 Burgers & beer. 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 990-5535 American fare & rockin’ memorabilia. 6890 US-90 (Daphne) • 621-2271 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374 rAVeNIte ($) 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 rOyAL ScAm ($$) mINt hOOKAh bIStrO ($) herOeS SpOrtS bAr & GrILLe ($) Pizza, Pasta, Salad & more SAtISFActION At hArd rOcK Gumbo, Angus beef & bar. Great Mediterranean food. Sandwiches & cold beer. 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525 hOteL ANd cASINO ($) 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226) 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376. rOmA cAFe ($-$$) Southern favorites & fresh-smoked meats. ruth’S chrIS SteAK hOuSe ($$$) zOrbA the GreeK ($-$$) Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464 Pasta, salad and sandwiches. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 Exceptional service & taste. Shawarmah & baba ghanouj. mANcIS ($) 7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217 tIeN At Ip cASINO 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516 1222 Hillcrest Rd, Ste. D • 633-2202 1715 Main St. • 375-0543 rOmANO’S mAcArONI GrILL ($$) reSOrt SpA ($-$$) SAGe reStAurANt ($$) mcShArry’S IrISh pub ($) Springdale Mall Pan-Asian cuisine made in front of you. Inside the Mobile Marriott. Brillant Reubens & Fish-N-Chips. 3250 Airport Blvd. • 450-4556 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400 far eastern fare 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope • 990-5100 tAmArA’S bAr & GrILL ($) hIGhLIGhtS SpOrtS LOuNGe At Ip uNION ($$$) bAmbOO bIStrO ($$) muG ShOtS ($$) Wings, po-boys, burgers. cASINO reSOrt SpA ($) Premium steaks & burgers. 3662 Airport Blvd. • 378-5466 Bar & Grill. 210 Eastern Shore Center, Hwy. 98 Brews & game on 65 screens. 659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300 bAmbOO FuSION ($$) 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514 929-0002 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 tAmArA’S dOWNtOWN ($$) 2400 Airport Blvd. • 307-5535 OLd 27 GrILL ($) VIA emILIA ($$) hIGh tIde cAFé At Ip cASINO Casual fine dining. bAmbOO SteAKhOuSe ($$) Burgers, dogs & 27 beers & wines. Homemade pastas & pizzas made reSOrt SpA ($) Casual & relaxing, extensive menu. 104 N. Section St., Fairhope • 929-2219 Sushi Bar. 19992 Hwy. 181 Old County Rd. daily. 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677 the buLL ($-$$) 650 Cody Rd. S • 300-8383 Fairhope • 281-2663 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 bANGKOK thAI ($-$$) br prIme At beAu rIVAGe ($$-$$$) N. Mexico/Santa Fe & Gulf Coast cuisine. the LANdING ($) Fine dining establishment. Delicious, traditional Thai cuisine. From seafood to steaks. 609 Dauphin St. • 378-5091 olé mi amiGo! 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 the treLLIS rOOm ($$$) 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 973-2696 cAbO cOAStAL cANtINA ($) JIA At beAu rIVAGe ($-$$) Contemporary Southern Cuisine bANzAI JApANeSe reStAurANt LucKy’S IrISh pub ($) 225 Dauphin St. • 441-7685 Exotic Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493 ($$) Traditional sushi & lunch. Irish pub fare & more. dAuphIN St. tAQuerIA ($) Korean & Vietnamese cuisine. zeA’S ($$) 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000 Enchiladas, tacos, & authentic 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 Gourmet rotisserie. Prime rib & seafood. beNJAS ($) the StAdIum ($) fare. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-2453 memphIS Q At beAu rIVAGe ($) 4671 Airport Blvd. • 344-7414 Thai & Sushi Catch the games with great food. eL chArrO ($) Memphis-style Q. 5369 D Hwy 90 W • 661-5100 19270 Hwy. 98 Fairhope • 990-0408 Finest Mexican in WeMo. 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 cuISINe OF INdIA ($$) WemOS ($) 7751 Airport Blvd. • 607-0882 cOASt reStAurANt At beAu a little Vino Lunch Buffet Wings, tenders, hotdogs & sandwiches. FueGO ($-$$) rIVAGe ($) dOmKe mArKet 3674 airport Blvd. • 341-6171 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-5877 Outstanding Mexican cuisine. Sports bar-style joint. Wine, Beer, Gourmet foods, & more. GOLdeN bOWL ($) 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 720 Schillinger Rd. S. Unit 8 • 287-1851 Hibachi Grill & Asian Cuisine. LOS ArcOS ($) Lb’S SteAKhOuSe At GrANd FAthOmS LOuNGe 309 Bell Air Blvd • 470-8033 Quaint Mexican restaurant. cASINO ($$-$$$) mama mia! Fine dining with steak & fine wine. A tapas reaturant, cocktails & live music hIbAchI 1 ($-$$) beNtz’S pIzzA pub ($) 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 2370 Hillcrest Rd. Unit B • 380-6062 Homemade pizza and Italian dishes. LA cOcINA ($) KAI JApANeSe reStAurANt ($-$$) cuu LONG Super phO At GrANd pOur bAby 28567 County Rd. 13 • 625-6992 Authentic Mexican cuisine. cASINO ($$) Wine bar, craft beers & bistro 5045 Cottage Hill Rd. • 607-6454 bucK’S pIzzA ($$) 4633 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553 LIQuId ($$) Asian noodle soups, bubble teas & more. 6808 Airport Blvd. • 343-3555 Delivery. mArIA bONItA AGAVe bAr & GrILL ($-$$) 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 FIrehOuSe WINe bAr & ShOp Amazing sushi & assortment of rolls. 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444 3977 Government Blvd. • 342-5553 emerIL’S GuLF cOASt FISh hOuSe 216 St Francis St. • 421-2022 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109 GAmbINO brOtherS ($) SANtA Fe GrILL ($) At ISLANd VIeW cASINO ($$-$$$) red Or WhIte mIKAtO JApANeSe SteAK hOuSe ($$) Homemade pastas & sandwiches. Locally-owned, fresh cuisine. Kick it up a notch. 323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 990-0003 Upscale sushi & specialties. 873 Hillcrest Ave. • 344-8115 3160 Bel Air Mall • 450-2440 3300 W. Beach Blvd. • 877-774-8439 1104 Dauphin St.. • 478-9494 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622 GAmbINO’S ItALIAN GrILL ($) tAQuerIA meXIcO ($-$$) c&G GrILLe At ISLANd VIeW cASINO ($) rOyAL Street tAVerN rIce ASIAN GrILL & SuShI bAr ($) Italian, Steaks & Seafood. Authentic Mexican flavor. Large breakfast, lunch or dinner menu. Live music,martinis & dinner menu. 3964 Gov’t Blvd. • 378-8083 18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990-0995 3733 Airport Blvd. • 414-4496 3300 W. Beach Blvd. • 877-774-8439 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 rOcK N rOLL SuShI ($$) GuIdO’S ($$) WAhOO’S pOOLSIde bAr & GrILL SOutherN NApA 3299 Bel Air Mall. • 287-0445 Fresh cuisine nightly on menu. At pALAce cASINO reSOrt ($-$$) no GamblinG Fresh seafood & more. Bistro plates, craft beers and pantry. tASte OF thAI ($$) 1709 Main St., Daphne • 626-6082 9091 US-90 Irvington • 957-1414 LA rOSSO ($$) Casino fare 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 2304 Main Street. • 375-2800 mIGNON’S At pALAce cASINO WASAbI SuShI ($$) Comfort food. atmore Japanese cusine. FIre At WINd creeK cASINO & reSOrt ($$-$$$) 1716 Main St. Ste. C, Daphne • 281-2982 Extraordinary wine, steaks & seafood. 3654 Airport Blvd. S. C • 725-6078 meLLOW muShrOOm ($) hOteL ($$-$$$) falafel? try Prime steaks, seafood & wine. 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 phO yeN ($) Pies & awesome beer selection. 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 the deN At treASure bAy some hummus Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. 2032 Airport Blvd. • 471-4700 cASINO ($-$$) 7 SpIce ($-$$) GrILL At WINd creeK cASINO & 763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 hOteL ($) Intimate & casual with daily specials. Healthy, delicious Mediterranean food. NAVcO pIzzA ($$) Contemporary & old-fashioned favorites. 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177 Pizza,subs & pasta. cQ At treASure bAy cASINO ($$-$$$) AbbA’S medIterrANeAN cAFe ($-$$) is the Game on? 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 AShLANd mIdtOWN pub ($-$$) 1368 1/2 Navco Rd..• 479-0066 biloxi Elegant atmosphere & tantalizing entrees. Beef, lamb & seafood. pIcKLeFISh ($$) 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 Pizzas, pastas, & calzones. VIbe At hArd rOcK hOteL 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464 Pizza, sandwiches & salads. bLu At treASure bAy cASINO ($) 245-A Old Shell Rd. 479-3278 ANd cASINO ($-$$) JeruSALem cAFe ($-$$) 5955 Old Shell Rd.• 344-9899 Fine surf, turf, atmosphere & cigars. Lounge with cocktails & tapas menu. Mobile’s oldest Middle Eastern cuisine. buFFALO WILd WINGS ($) pApA’S pLAce ($$) 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 21 C CUISINEWORD OF MOUTh carpe diem turns 20, celebrates with block party BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected] ld Shell Road would have been a much gloomier place the way through Jan. 17. A special member preview will be held if Carpe Diem Coffee & Tea Company had not opened Friday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m. at no cost to Exploreum members. their doors Sept. 18, 1995. They were only in the toddler You’ll need that savings to spend in their new chocolate store. stage when I moved to the Port City, and I frequented their This store sells chocolate (and is not made of chocolate) from Odoorsteps after my first visit to the Spring Hill area. international chocolatiers. Get there before I do or it will be slim In honor of their birthday week, they’ll be running customer pickings. For more information on this and how to become a appreciation specials through Saturday including 20 percent dis- member of the Exploreum visit www.exploreum.com. counts on Carpe Diem merchandise and bagged coffee. During the birthday week festivities they’re also introducing Chakli Diggs to open new downtown restaurant NITRO, a new cold brew coffee method. Cold brews are kegged Renovations are underway at 455 Dauphin St. for Chef Chakli and pressurized with nitrogen and poured through a stout faucet/ Diggs’ latest restaurant SaiSho. Meaning “new” in Japanese, this tap and the end products speak for themselves. could be the dining experience downtown has been looking for. Photo/ Courtesy of The Exploreum “The result is a super smooth, super rich and really strong cup We will keep you informed on the progress. of cold brew coffee that has the body and mouth feel of a glass of the exploreum is about to get a little sweeter with an Guinness Stout. You’ve got to try it!” says roast master Alan Tolson. exhibit all about chocolate open through Jan. 17. Oysterfest gaining more chefs and local faces Theirs will be the first shop in the Mobile area to offer NITRO. Sure, you’ve read about Iron Chef Ippy Aiona, Marty Duncan, Ann Burrell and other big name Food Network chefs coming to the On Friday, Sept. 18, the gang will be throwing a Carpe Diem Pizzeria Delfina shooting for this week neighborhood birthday bash from 5-9 p.m. There will be the usual The former Downtowners at 107 Dauphin St. (across from Hangout’s Oyster Cook-off and Craft Beer Festival Nov. 6 and 7 in Gulf Shores. We’ve even discussed regional James Beard winners food and fun as well as live music provided by Brett LaGrave. Panini Pete’s) delayed its scheduled opening this past Saturday to and nominees that are making their way to our coastline. But we Raffle tickets will be sold for $1 with prizes including Carpe Diem get some things squared away as a “better safe than sorry” plan have some local boys we’re proud to say have been added to the list merchandise, prints from local artists, gift cards, bagged coffee for inspection updates. They are hoping to be open this week. That of chefs and judges. It would be a disgrace to not mention them. and more. Proceeds from the raffle and accepted donations are to end of Dauphin Street is as hot as a two dollar pistol right now Our old hometown boy Wesley True, formerly of True and True benefit the Village of Spring Hill’s Sidewalk Project. “We wanted with many great restaurants. We can’t wait for Pizzeria Delfina to be in such company. Midtown Kitchen, now of Atlanta’s The Optimist, will be here. to give something back to the neighborhood and community that Let’s not forget he is a James Beard Award semi-finalist. It will be has supported us all these years,” Tolson adds. nice to see him return to our area. Explore Chocolate at the Exploreum Congrats to Carpe Diem. You’ve given us many cups of joy. Mobile will be represented well at this event. Chef Tony Here’s raising a latte to 20 more. Young, old, rich or poor, chocolate knows few strangers. It’s funny to hear someone say, “Chocolate is one of my biggest Nicholas from the Hungry Owl will be on hand. Dauphin Street’s weaknesses.” It’s actually one of my strengths. Trigonometry is Union restaurant will be readily represented by Woody Walker. von’s opens downtown my weakness. Just to the north, Brian Potter will be there from Satsuma’s L.A. The time has arrived — now you don’t have to drive all the Science can be delicious when it’s the science of chocolate, Spice House. way to Bayou La Batre or chase down a food truck to sample the and that is just what we’ll get on Saturday, Sept. 26, when Last but certainly not least, Stuart Donald of LoDa Bier Garten wizardry of Asian-Coastal American fusionists Von’s Bistro. Von’s Chocolate! The Exhibition finds its way to the Gulf Coast Explo- and host of Sip and Chew will be at this event. We’re glad to re- has opened its downtown doors at 69 St. Michael St., and after a reum Science Center. port Stu is out of the hospital after a work related injury and con- couple of days they are getting high praise from some of Mobile’s Explore the rich cultural history of chocolate and trace its tinues to recover. He will be as good as ever by early November. toughest critics. Run, don’t walk! origins from the rain forest to a global economic commodity all Recycle!

22 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 23 COVERSTORY Local veteran organizes service members affected by nuclear cleanup BY MYLES H. CRISWELL/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

s the third plane carrying engineers and soldiers landed on draftsman, he assured me I would, so I agreed to go.” the citizens of the Marshall Islands and was the only preparatory Enewetak Atoll, Mobile native Frank Bolton III contem- Bolton says a distinct duality existed on Enewetak. It was a training he and his colleagues received. plated the history of the land and the reason for his pres- place of unparalleled beauty, but within its picturesque splendor He said the availability of proper hazmat gear and its usage was ence there. existed a high concentration of radioactive nuclear waste. also lacking. Supplies were beyond scarce. In fact, many of the ANearly three decades earlier, in 1945, the threat from Nazi “When I stepped off the plane, I remember the heat and glare of men had to roll up their work pants for pillows at night. What little Germany was alive and well in the hearts and minds of Americans. the sun. Then I noticed the ocean and lagoon. The island was barely hazmat gear existed could easily be left on a shelf. Bolton said the This threat multiplied exponentially as rumors of the Nazis’ rapid wide enough for the airstrip our C-141 landed on. The air was superior officers told engineers and soldiers they were not in any advancements in the development of nuclear weaponry grew within salty and fresh. I’ll always have my memories and photo albums. I danger from the elements they worked, ate, recreated, rested and the scientific community. remember Enewetak to be the most romantic place I’ve ever visited lived in. The United States had assembled some of the brightest minds without a woman to enjoy it with,” Bolton said. Also, the temperature on Enewetak Atoll could easily eclipse in the world and given them but one task — to develop a nuclear He described the beaches, fishing for sharks, eating coconuts 100 degrees by midday, Bolton explained. At times, required pieces bomb and do so as quickly as possible. The country was on the and the indigenous life. The stars at night were brighter and more of hazmat equipment like face masks were not available to keep cusp of one of the deadliest creations ever imagined. numerous than any he had seen and the ocean was full of phospho- radioactive dust from being ingested. They were told they were on On July 16, 1945, “Operation Trinity,” named after a John Don- rous, giving the waves a green glow. But it was no vacation. backorder. With such complications in the supply chain and assur- ne poem, took place on Nevada’s White Sands Proving Ground. “Even though most of what I describe sounds like a dream ances from superiors of no radiation danger in their work areas, It was the first detonation of a nuclear weapon. Three weeks later, Bolton said men continued to labor in contaminated work environ- the U.S. bombed Hiroshima, Japan, with a uranium-based device ments — moving soil and debris polluted with fallout — wearing called “Little Boy.” Three days later that, another was dropped on nothing more than short pants and boots. Nagasaki, Japan — a plutonium-based device called “Fat Man.” As the men worked in the unrelenting heat, superiors and of- Four months after the first explosion, 225,000 Japanese had died ficials would come to visit and monitor their progress. Bolton says from either the blast itself or illness that followed. he and other soldiers were shocked to see the military brass and These two devices effectively brought Japan to its knees and government officials in full hazmat gear. by Aug. 15, it had surrendered. But the U.S. advancement in “I never questioned the harm the government exposed us to. I nuclear weaponry required additional testing. The military and feel many of my fellow ‘atomic cleanup vets’ have been cheated scientists were interested in needed improvements, atmospheric and lied to,” Bolton said, using a phrase that he’s since spun off effects and population impacts. The U.S. needed an isolated into a website and support group. offshore testing area. The soldiers and engineers did what military personnel do — This search brought military leaders — and eventually Frank they followed orders — and Bolton says each was exposed to Bolton — to the South Pacific Ocean. The Pacific itself is a vast the radioactive and contaminated elements of the environment. body of water — roughly 63.8 million square miles and larger than There was plenty to go around. In fact there was nowhere to go all of the world’s land combined. In the Southern Hemisphere, there to escape this omnipresent and lethal enemy. Following a hard are islands and atolls galore. Within the rings of coral atolls are day of work, a soldier would clean up and rest in his barracks. often partially or completely closed lagoons, formed over millennia Photo/ Courtesy of Frank Bolton III Bolton says the barracks were bunkhouses built on concrete slabs by dormant volcanoes or seamounts. Within the Pacific’s vast area, produced using contaminated coral reef aggregate and beach sand. the U.S. found a region perfect for its testing, the Marshall Islands Service members participating in the cleanup of Radiation was everywhere. of Enewetak Atoll. atomic testing sites in the South Pacific wore little, if The engineers and soldiers reduced radioactive levels by scrap- The native Marshallese people — in villages of dozens or any protective gear. Decades later, they are fighting ing layers of the island’s soil, transporting radioactive debris to the hundreds — were relocated to neighboring islands or regions. An containment area and sealing it inside a concrete Cactus Dome. area of operation was quickly developed, and scientists and soldiers for the same VA benefits currently limited to veterans However, even with the best of decontamination work, there were were ferried in by boat and plane, making the Pacific Proving directly involved with the blasts. many areas that remained “uninhabitable” or “restricted” and would Ground ready for testing. remain so classified due to the generations of half-lives in the radio- All in all, 43 nuclear bombs were detonated between 1948 and vacation, the morale of most of the troops would not agree. Some active elements so thoroughly scattered throughout the atoll during 1955, leaving Enewetak a heavily contaminated mess. To put it in grumbled that the government could not send prisoners to do the the testing. After all, plutonium has a half-life of 24,000 years and perspective, those 43 bombs of varying yields were comparable to a work because that would be inhumane. The heat, the sun, the long it has been less than 25 years since the last explosion. Hiroshima-sized bomb being detonated every day for 19 years. work hours, the lack of air conditioning, the lack of female com- Bolton had nearly completed his contract with the Army as he After repeated reminders to the U.S. from the Marshallese panionship and the [resulting] divorces. You get the idea.” left Enewetak Atoll following his second tour. people that they were promised a return to their homeland, in May If Bolton expected the military to train these men on how to “My military contract with the Army spanned from 1976 to 1977 the U.S. government assigned a military coalition of engi- safely gather and dispose of the radioactive waste created by 1980. I served two tours at Enewetak Atoll for a total of 14 months. neers and soldiers to clean up and decontaminate Enewetak Atoll. nuclear testing, he was disappointed. He says beyond boot camp When I left Enewetak Atoll, I finished my assignment at Schofield This mission is what drew Frank Bolton III. and the specialized job training for each soldier and engineer, the Barracks, Hawaii, and was transferred to Fort Carson in Colorado “I was transferred to the 84th Engineer Battalion as soon as I men received no training on the proper handling and disposal of for my final six months … ,” he said. finished [training],” Bolton recalled recently. “Shortly after I got to “hot” materials. With the skill sets he acquired while in the Army, Bolton quickly Hawaii, the Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Mission started. I worked as a “Once I arrived at Enewetak Island, our group was shown a found both employment and success. clerk in C Company Headquarters. I was trained as a combat drafts- video explaining the radiation issues. The video was created to “When I returned home to Mobile, I worked in several archi- man. When the captain asked me if I wanted to volunteer to go on explain the situation to the dri-Enewetak people.” tectural and engineering firms and was also self-employed and in the Cleanup Mission, I asked him if I would be able to work as a Bolton says the video was created as a public relations tool for partnerships,” he said.

24 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 Bolton’s name and reputation for exempla- As the men began to communicate with ry work grew steadily. He became a valuable one another, commonalities quickly emerged asset among his peers, an active member in in their experience with health issues. And as the community, a devoted husband and father they shared information, the source of their ill- and is currently a dedicated employee at nesses became more suspect. Two-thirds of the Heritage Homes of Mobile Inc. LLC. men who have reconnected with their fellow Thirty-five years following their mission, soldiers and engineers believe they have health Bolton says many of the veterans of En- issues that are the direct result of exposure to ewetak are getting sick and dying. They are ionizing radiation at Enewetak Atoll. suffering from all types of cancers, neurologi- A relatively new and powerful tool cal disorders, incapacitating arthritis — just emerged as Bolton continued his search for to name a few of the more common ailments. more brothers in arms — social media. He set The Atomic Cleanup Veterans are certain up a website where communication among their afflictions can be easily linked to their those who served could be easily accom- exposure to the soil and debris contaminated plished. The mission statement of the website with cesium-137, plutonium and other heavy he designed is twofold: “To help one another radioactive elements. with sharing information and providing Particularly galling to Bolton and his com- moral support during difficult times” and to patriots is they are not being supported by the “urge Congress to change current laws and military they served. recognize the soldiers of this cleanup mission These men are unable to get treatment at as ‘veterans who participated in radiation risk U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) activities during service.’” hospitals, Bolton says. It all comes down to a The website, atomiccleanupvets.com, of- simple matter of classification. The Enewetak fers an array of information and photos from workers are not considered to be “Atomic the Enewetak Atoll mission. Veterans.” By definition, “Atomic Veterans” Bolton believes he did not escape En- are personnel who served in the military be- ewetak Atoll without being affected by the tween the years of 1945 and 1962 and worked radioactive fallout that was scattered across in “Radiation Risk” activities while serving. the region. Because Bolton and his colleagues are “Not all of my health issues are because not classified as “Atomic Veterans,” they are of my time at Enewetak Atoll, but I believe not entitled to a VA health care service they the health issues from my exposure to ion- desperately need. For those who are “Atomic izing radiation involve digestive tract issues Veterans” as designated by the official defini- (stomach ulcers and diverticular disease), tion, VA health care of the highest standard neurological issues (tingling and numbness in — classified as “Priority One” — is available. hands and arms, and fibromyalgia-type pain There is even a cancer compensation fund for in my feet and calves), rheumatoid arthritis, them. The “Atomic Veterans” do not have to calcium issues with my bones (degenerative prove their illnesses are caused by radiation. disc disease) and teeth, and some memory The veterans of the Enewetak cleanup ef- loss.” fort are termed as “Occupational Exposure to Bolton believes it is only fair that as the Ionizing Radiation.” This carries a classifica- soldier protects his country, the country in tion of “Priority Six” and effectively closes turn protects and provides for the soldier. He and locks the door to the same treatment, and others say they are holding tight to the Bolton says. Ironically, the people respon- belief they will not be left behind. sible for generating the contamination on Bolton urges those who served at En- Enewetak are covered by the VA’s plan, but ewetak, as well as their families and friends, the engineers and soldiers who cleaned up the to contact their federal representatives and contamination are denied it. tell them simply that the veterans of the In 1996, the Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Enewetak Atoll cleanup need to be included Mission was declassified by the Clinton in the classification of “Atomic Veterans” so Administration and for the first time soldiers they can receive treatment from VA health and engineers were allowed to talk freely care facilities. about what they did and where they did it. Several efforts were made to contact the Prior to that, Bolton had already been using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs concern- the Internet as a means of searching for and ing the classification of these soldiers and the contacting his fellow veterans. lack of available medical care, but as of the “I’ve been actively looking for people publication of this article, the agency has not who participated in the atomic cleanup mis- responded to the messages left for them. sion back when the Internet was a bulletin Bolton remains optimistic in his activ- board using DOS, before it evolved into the ism for “Atomic Cleanup Veterans,” and has modern-day resource it is now. I found a site dedicated himself to getting all those who one of our guys created for those who partici- served on Enewetak Atoll the recognition and pated in our mission,” he said. medical coverage they deserve.

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 25 ARTARTIFICE USA Archaeology Museum reaches out to the curious BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

f Mobile swoons for anything, it would have to be “the past.” Delta. The chieftain climbing a ladder toward the viewer wears It’s a love affair 300 years in the making and written all across a resplendent robe of turkey feathers, meticulously fashioned by its civic face. Mary Spanos with due diligence to historical methods. Yet there comes a point where historical records can only Discoveries are everywhere. Artifacts from Old Mobile at 27 Itake you so far back, where other disciplines must lend a hand. A Mile Bluff rest in a recreated Creole home that doubled as an inn. glance into those methods and what they reveal is open to all at a There’s an explanation of how the Gulf Coast weather shaped the West Mobile showplace hidden in plain sight. architectural style. The University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum is The museum even went so far as to turn the correspondence nestled in an unassuming building in the midst of its namesake and journals of French-Canadian colonial Marguerite Messier into campus. As the crown of an archaeology complex of labs and of- a graphic novel. Its tale of frontier, life among the native tribes fices fashioned from former art studios, it sits appropriately near and pirate attacks is tailor-made for young imaginations. both the Humanities and Chemistry buildings. The tour moves on to divulge the life of former slave Lucrecia Since opening in October 2012, the museum has aimed to in- Perryman, a working mother who made her way through widow- troduce locals to more than 12,000 years of history and prehistory hood working as a midwife. Archaeological discoveries at her old Photo/ University of South Alabama as a nexus for the disciplines of science and history. That range of homestead uncovered the intricacies of her family’s daily life. vision is immediately obvious. Exhibits at the USA Archaeology Museum begin on the Archaeology’s role in a place as steeped in history as Mobile The building itself is ringed with a meandering footpath lead- exterior, landscaped by natural Gulf Coast habitats. is most apparent at a wall filled with a depiction of the greater ing visitors through a succession of natural Gulf Coast habitats. Mobile area. Across the map, hundreds of color-coded circles A plaque at the entrance reels off the zones: upland savanna, river A flint napping video sits above a display of various knives, mark spots of discovery. bottom, palmetto thicket, blueberry thicket, pitcher plant bog, scrapers and weapons. Though one of our species’ oldest skills, The museum isn’t content to wait for the curious to come Indian garden, hillside forest and the like. it’s deceptive. looking. They’re staging a monthly series of Science Cafes in an The exhibits start as far back as we know, with a scene of a “It looks easy but I’ve tried it,” Filion said. “I ended up with off-site venue and inviting the public to join in relaxed dialogue native woman and child on a coastal beach contributing to the cuts all over my fingers and hands. You have to know just how to of scientific topics aimed to inform and invigorate. ancient shell middens — piles of discarded shells from eaten strike it according to the material you’re working with and what “We’re going to use the OK Bicycle Shop’s courtyard,” Filion mollusks — in the area. Across the room and centuries into the you’re trying to make.” said. “It’s not a lecture, though, like the series at the museum. This present, an archaeologist unearths artifacts left for her discovery. Get a little too eager or misshape a flake, and it’s back to the is more casual and more about discussion than just listening.” “All these exhibits were done in-house,” museum Assistant beginning with a whole new stone. The Sept. 22 version is entitled “The Polio Express — Real Director Barbara Filion said. “We even got local peoples to model Resourcefulness reigned. There are examples of how natives Talk about Vaccines and the Origins of the Anti-Vax Movement.” for the figures. They flew off and did body casts to make the used every bit of the white-tailed deer they hunted. On Oct. 20, they’ll tackle “It Ain’t Easy Seeing Green: Prevent- mannequins.” The indigenous figures were based on members of A cabinet of drawers shows a cataloging system employed by ing Plant Blindness.” The Nov. 10 topic is “Kids These Days: The nearby tribes. the discipline. It also makes clear how quickly space becomes a Rise (and Fall?) of Narcissism in America’s Youth.” All events Clues to these early inhabitants are everywhere for the obser- premium. start at 6 p.m. vant. From textile patterns in pottery to mysterious tools found in “Archaeologists are the worst pack rats,” Filion laughed. Will the intellectual spark catch? It might be a bit trickier than castoff shells to geosourcing, deduction is utmost when delving There’s a recreated view from atop one of the pre-Columbian striking flint, and more than fingers can get dinged, but you can’t into prehistory. mounds at Bottle Creek Mound Site in the Mobile-Tensaw warm your soul without giving it a shot.

26 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 27 ARTART GALLERY Lunch forum features local maestro BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

Photo/ Courtesy of Joe Jefferson Playhouse Music instructor and band leader Daniel Driskell will perform his recital “Around the World in 88 Keys” Sept. 17 at USA. overnment Street Presbyterian Church Music teacher stages own recital at the corner of Jackson and Govern- It’s been a while since Daniel Driskell ment streets downtown is ready to (pictured above) was first a music student at serve up more than meals on Thurs- the University of South Alabama. Now with Gdays during the spring and fall. The repast comes with a series of speakers and forums a bachelor’s from USA and a master’s from designed to intrigue and inspire. Florida State, he is known around town as The Sept. 24 edition of the forum features the founder of Full Scale School of Music at Mobile Symphony Orchestra conductor Scott the Azalea City Center for the Arts. Speck, who will tell the gathering about Things come full circle when Driskell MSO’s upcoming season. Its first perfor- takes the stage at his old school Sept. 17, mance is Sept. 26 at the Saenger Theatre. 7:30 p.m., in the Recital Hall at Laidlaw The lunch costs $10 and is served at noon. Performing Arts Center (5157 USA Drive The forum itself is free and the speaker be- S.). Entitled “Around the World in 88 gins between 12:15 and 12:30 p.m. Keys,” the program features pieces from Other subjects through the fall are col- around the world including a Scarlatti so- legiate sports, Mobile Opera, tourism, the nata, Chopin’s Scherzo 2, Albeniz’s “Segui- GulfQuest Museum, meteorology and more. dillas,” Debussy’s “The Fairies are Exquisite For details, and to check on possible can- Dancers,” Liapounov’s Grand Polonaise de cellations or speaker changes, please call the church office at 251-432-1749. Please notify Concert, Von Dohnanyi’s Nocturne (“Kitten a day or so beforehand if you intend to bring on the Keys Suite”) and Gottschalk’s “La a large group. Union.” Admission is free. For more information, call 251-460-7116. Fred Baldwin honored at Bernheim For almost a half-century, Fred Baldwin has been a fixture of Mobile’s arts scene. Alcohol and art mix at As a designer, visual artist, writer, singer or Oakleigh museum composer, his presence has been well felt. Few things could be more quintessen- The Renaissance man’s vision and voice tially Mobilian than mixing libations with a has been everywhere, even on radio WHIL, little historical appreciation. One of the Aza- in announcements at the Saenger Theatre lea City’s most iconic historic sites invites and as the narrator of Mobile’s tricentennial visitors 21 and over to come sip as they tour documentary film. the collection of decorative and fine arts. On Sept. 24 at 6 p.m., a host of Baldwin’s “Masterpieces and Mimosas” happens at friends and colleagues will gather to honor the 66-year-old at Bernheim Hall in Ben May 10:30 p.m. every second and fourth Wednes- Main Library (701 Government St.). The day of the month at Historic Oakleigh House program is co-sponsored by Mobile Opera. Museum (300 Oakleigh Place). The private Officially entitled “An Evening in Music,” tours are $25, $15 for Historic Mobile Pres- an array of vocalists will be joined by actors ervation Society members. and speakers. All the evening’s pieces are The event is by reservation only, with 12 said to be drawn from works the honoree reservations available per tour. wrote, directed or performed. For more information, call Haley Ikner at The event is free. For more information, 251-432-1281 or email events@historicoak- call Maggie Mostellar at 251-648-8006. leigh.org.

28 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 29 MUSICFEATURE White Animals return for indie rock reunion BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: White Animals Date: Friday, Sept. 18, doors at 8 p.m. Venue: Spring Hill Swim Club, 736 Museum Drive, 251-753-6395 Tickets: $20/$40 VIP available from Riley Copeland at [email protected].

he Nashville indie culture has become the darling of today’s music industry, although it has been around since the ‘80s. Before the term “indie rock” was coined, White Animals were already a force. Kevin Gray T(rhythm guitar/vocals), Rich Parks (lead guitar/vocals), Steve Boyd (bass/vocals) and Ray Crabtree (drums/vocals) traversed the nation and performed before thousands of adoring fans, many of them from Mobile and elsewhere in the Southeast. Those same fans are bringing them back for a small tour, including a BYOB evening of music, fun and memories in Mobile. The Lumberyard (where Island Wing Co. now sits) was a local venue once frequented by White Animals. This locale was also the setting for one of Crabtree’s fondest memories from the road. “I walked up to the front door, and the bouncer said, ‘You can’t get in,’” Crabtree said. “I told him that I was the drummer for White Animals. He chuckled and said, ‘I don’t care if you’re Jesus Christ. You can’t get in. There’s too many people.’ We went around to the back of the building, and they had to lift us Photo/ facebook.com/whiteanimalsmusic up to play.” Better with age: College students and young, music-centric MTV were fond of indie rock pioneers White Ani- In those days, scenes like this were common for the quartet. White Animals, R.E.M. and The B-52’s were drawing more focus mals. Thirty years later, the band still occasionally performs, and you can catch them Friday in Mobile. to the alternative sounds emanating from the Southeast. While rotation on MTV. Those for “Don’t Care” and “This Girl of Mine” plan to bring a tidal wave of memories with them. Crabtree admit- most of the focus was centered on Athens, Georgia, Crabtree introduced the world to White Animals. The exposure these vid- ted the band feeds off the crowd’s energy. With the excitement described the Nashville indie scene at that time as “bubbling” and eos brought the band became evident for Crabtree one night at a this local show has been generating, the band should be pleased. “fertile.” Besides White Animals, Nashville bands such as Jason gas station in southern Mississippi. Crabtree also said the crowd should be prepared to sing along to & the Scorchers, Royal Court of China and The Questionnaires “Working at the store was a father and his daughter, who was “songs they sang along to in college.” In addition to their greatest were steadily gaining popularity. probably 15 or 16 years old,” Crabtree explained. “She recog- hits, White Animals will be sprinkling their set with covers. As bands they once shared the bill with steadily disappeared, nized Richie, our guitar player, from the video on MTV. She went The indie rock scene still thrives not only in Nashville but White Animals maintained a rigorous work ethic. In addition to nuts. It hit me at that point, and I was like, ‘Whoa! This is a pretty around the world. Over the years, members of the White Animals playing at least 250 shows a year, the band took a DIY approach good tool.’” have watched as the musical niche they helped create has spread. to their music. They released and distributed albums such as Eventually, White Animals decided to concentrate on indi- As far as Crabtree is concerned, the indie rock scene’s growth has “Nashville Babylon,” “Lost Weekend” and “Ecstasy” on their vidual goals and parted ways. Gray became Dr. Kevin Gray and left him with more questions than answers. His number one ques- Dread Beat label, which truly made them an indie rock band. currently practices medicine in Dallas. Boyd also made his way tion is fundamental: What is indie rock? “There were a lot of bands that had the ‘indie’ label, but they to Dallas and works in the music industry. Parks and Crabtree re- With Crabtree still residing in the Music City, he has watched had distribution deals,” Crabtree said. “We had our own label and main in the Nashville area. Parks still plays guitar and even gives Americana-influenced music become the new indie focus. Ameri- did our own distribution. It’s been said that at that point, the indie lessons, calling himself is a proud “home dad.” Even though they cana is a far cry from the ‘80s Southern alt. rock music of his own rock scene really started to take off with all of the indie record eventually disbanded, the creative and social bond formed during band and peer groups. So for Crabtree, the question of the nature stores and clubs that were playing more indie stuff and radio that their heyday remained. In 1999, White Animals reunited and have of the indie scene remains unanswered. was more open to indie material. It was a good time.” been playing five or six shows a year ever since. “Things that are indie or alternative, as soon as you put a label The peak of White Animals’ popularity came courtesy of “There’s something about the combination of the four of us on them, they become mainstream,” Crabtree said. “A lot of the MTV. During the music-centered glory days of the young cable when we play together,” Crabtree said. “It’s a bunch of fun, and stuff that I would consider indie rock … my daughter, who is 16, network, MTV filled its programming with hours of music videos, it’s real raw. It’s a great way for us to keep up with each other and has turned me on to some really cool stuff. So … what is indie including those of White Animals. In fact, the group was one of see old friends and old fans and get up there and do it again.” rock? Is indie rock now that Americana niche? I don’t know. It’s a few truly independent bands to have music videos enter steady When they reunite at the Spring Hill Swim Club Friday, they an interesting question.”

30 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 EDM trifecta BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: Keys N Krates, SFAM and DJ Krave Date: Thursday, Sept. 24, doors at 8 p.m. Venue: Soul Kitchen, 219 Dauphin St., Mobile www.soulkitchenmobile.com Tickets: $15 advance/$25 day-of, available at Soul Kitchen, online, Mellow Mushroom (both locations) or by calling 1-866-468-7630 oronto’s Keys N Krates is taking LoDa into the depths of the trap with their mélange of live per- cussion and electronic dance music (EDM). Since 2008, drummer Adam Tune, keyboardist David Matisse and turntablist Jr. Flo have been exploding through the scene with a captivating original sound. While Matisse and Jr. Flo lay out a groundwork of trap-influenced beats and synth, Tune Trolls across the drum skins with rhythmic stick work. Notable EDM artists such as Diplo and Flosstradamus have been mesmerized by the Keys N Krates sound, and Steve Aoki released the band’s “Solow EP” on his label Dim Mak Records. Key N Krates will be entertaining their Mobile audience with sounds from their latest, “Every Night EP.” Soul Kitchen will be sending EDM ambassadors to greet the Canadians with a double dose of Southeast electronica. Based in New Orleans, SFAM has been moving crowds at hometown clubs and events such as the Buku Music and Arts Project. Their intense beats sprinkled with smooth grooves should be a hit with the Azalea City crowd. DJ Krave has established local street cred with his memorable sets at the regular GlowRage shows. No matter where DJ Krave takes his beats, his EDM is riddled with an ethereal, dreamlike aura that even a Photo/ facebook.com/keysnkrates | Keys N Krates bass drop cannot stop. Opposites attract There and back again Band: PsychEquinox Band: Lisa Mills Date: Saturday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. Date: Sunday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. Venue: Portal Studio, 163 N. Lawrence St., Mobile Venue: Manci’s Antique Club, 1715 Main St., Daphne www.portalstudiomobile.com www.mancisantiqueclub.com Tickets: $5 donation at the door Tickets: $7 at the door ith a voice that charmed Robert Plant, local songstress Lisa Mills is bringing her ortal Studio remains LoDa’s epicenter of all things eclectic, often bringing together a collective beautiful Southern soul back home. Mills is still recuperating after an extensive of local artists with a deep appreciation for creativity. PsychEquinox is a regular celebration tour of the U.K., where she entertained crowds from London to Perth with cuts of the arts, and music plays an integral part. Portal Studios will takes its patrons across the from her remastered reissue of “I’m Changing,” as well as favorites from “Tem- spectrum of sound with this installment of PsychEquinox. pered in Fire.” She performed for the masses at the SummerTyne Americana Festival and the Before a screening of Portal Studio’s latest films scramble, the Portal SoundSpace Ensemble will W P Southern Fried Festival. entertain the crowd with a set of improvisation. The core of this group features Ryan Jetten (four-track Mills will be coming to Manci’s fresh off recording a live DVD at Azalea Manor in LoDa. chaos pad/Theremin), Michael Smythe (bass), Timothy Dixon (clarinet), Zach DePolo (violin), Joel While many locals have only experienced Mills’ solo acoustic shows, the upcoming Blu-ray Andrews (percussion) and a plethora of local musicians. DVD will capture a performance with Mills using a back-up band featuring supporting musi- Following the film scramble viewing and a performance by Baklava Bellydance, PsychEquinox will cians Lee Yankie, Chris Spies, Winter Baynes and Derek Jones. For filming and production, entertain guests with music from Leland Clay, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Glenwood Elemen- Mills decided to go local and use Prime Suspect Productions and Port City Media Productions. tary. If you’re looking for something different this is it!

Photo/ acebook.com/bellydancebaklava | Baklava Bellydance Photo/ facebook.com/LisaMillsMusic | Lisa Mills

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 31 AREA MUSIC LISTINGS SEPTEMBER 17 - SEPTEMBER 23

Joiner, Darrel Roberts, 2p/// Jezebel’s Felix’s— Rebecca Barry Duo Pinzones— Zack Chavers THUR. SEPT 17 Chill’n, 5:30p//// Hurricane Warning, Flora Bama— LeaAnne Creswell, Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Alchemy— The Sisters Sweet// Cary 6p//// Dallas Moore Band, 10p//// Wes John Joiner, Darrel Roberts, 1p// Melissa Joiner Laine Loper, 10:15p//// Nick & the Ovorols, Jezebel’s Chill’n, 5:30p/// J. Hawkins Trio, Veets— Matt and Sherry Neese, 8p Baumhower’s (OBA)— Destiny 10:30p 6p//// Al & Cathy, 9:30p//// Dallas Moore Brown Garage— Turbo Crab, 9p Band, 10p//// Ryan Balthrop, 10:30p BLUEGILL— Crowned Jewelz Hangout— Something Huge, 7p Garage— Nanafalia, 9p MON. SEPT 21 Blues Tavern— George Eberlein Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Golden Nugget— Bo Bice, 8p Felix’s— Melissa Joiner Trio, 8:30p Mojiles Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Flora Bama— Johnny Barbato, 2p// Callaghan’s— Phil Procter IP Casino— Rock the Yacht, 8p Mojiles Cathy Pace, 6p/// Haggard Fan, 10:15p Felix’s— Grits N Pieces Legacy— Voo Davis IP Casino— Kenny Wayne Shepherd Lucky’s Irish Pub— Marcus, 8p Flora Bama— Gove Scrivenor, 2p// Listening Room— The Leavin’ Band, 8p Lulu’s— Brent Burns Dueling Pianos, 5:30p/// Mark Sherrill, Brothers, 8p Listening Room— Julie Anne John Joiner, Mel Knapp, 6p//// Justin Live Bait— Blackberry Breeze, 8p Sellers, 8p Jeansonne Band, 9:30p//// Al & Cathy, Lulu’s— Alvarado Road Show, 5p Live Bait— Blackberry Breeze, 8p TUE. SEPT 22 10:15p Main Street Cigar Lounge— Lulu’s— Alvarado Road Show, 5p BLUEGILL— Bruce Smelley The House— Ryan Balthrop Long Gone, 8p Pinzones— Lee Yankie Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Legacy— Andy Cobb Duo Manci’s— Emily Stuckey, 7p Pirates Cove— Perdido Brothers, 6p Flora Bama— T. Bone Montgomery, Live Bait— Blackberry Breeze, 8p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Glass Joe, Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — 2p// Perdido Brothers, 6p/// Haggard Lulu’s— Jerry Diaz & Hanna’s Reef, 5p 6:30p Mickey Springston, John Fowler Duo Fan, 10:15p Manci’s— Rock Bottom, 7p Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Adam Top of the Bay—Mojiles Lulu’s— Jimmy Lumpkin, 5p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Emily Pinzones— Lee Yankie Holt Band, 8p Tropics— The Budz, 7p Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores) — Neil O’Daly’s— Gene Murrell, Tony Saenger— Wine Taste of Mobile Stuckey, 6p Dover, 5p Edwards and David White, 10p Veets— The Family Jewels, 8p Veets— Vickie Bailey, 8p Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Old 27 Grill— Whiskey Bridge Windmill Market— Leland Clay, Mickey Springston Pinzones— Rebecca Barry and John 11a Veets— Sherry Neese, 8p WED. SEPT 23 Cochran Bimini Bob’s— Destiny Brown Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores) — Neil Blind Mule— Comedy Open Mic, Dover SUN. SEPT 20 FRI. SEPT 18 BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard, 11a// 9:30p Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — BLUEGILL— Ross Newell All Sports Bar & Billiards— DJ Mac Walter, 6p Wes Loper Band, 6p Markie Mark, 10p Callaghan’s— Sweet Crude Blues Tavern— Band Audition Tropics— Southern Current, 7p Night Beau Rivage— Trace Adkins, 8p Veets— Sucker Punch, 9p Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Bill’s by the Beach— Chase Flora Bama— Beachbillys, 12:30p// Bucky’s Birdcage (Grand Wind Creek Casino— The Band Hotel)— Adam Holt Piano Show, 8p Brown, 6:30p Perry, 9p Johnny Barbato Trio, 2p/// Dallas Moore Blind Mule— SNAK and Rooster Band, 5:30p//// Perdido Brothers, 6p//// Butch Cassidy’s— Al and Cathy Windmill Market— Lisa Mills, Callaghan’s— Deluxe Trio Blues, 10p 11:30a// Deluxe Trio, 6p Tyler Mc Band, 9:30p//// Haggard Fan, BLUEGILL— Harrison McInnis Trio 10:15p Cockeyed Charlie’s— Doc St. Blues Tavern— Josh Garret Band, The Grand Mariner— The Hall Andre, 10p 9p SAT. SEPT 19 Family Reunion, 2p Felix’s— Jeff Johnson Cockeyed Charlie’s— Vertigo Baumhower’s (OBA)— Mike Legacy— Motown Brunch: Rebecca Flora Bama— Neil Dover, 2p// Haze, 10p Eagan Barry and John Cochran// Telluride Rick Whaley & Tommy Mazullo, 6p/// Felix’s— Blind Dog Mike Blind Mule— Comedy Whatever Reunion show with Deluxe Trio Smokin’ Elvis, 6p//// Shawna P and Fins— Mudbucket, 8p Showcase, 10p Lulu’s— Greg Brown, 1p// Cadillac Curtis Lance, 10:15p Flora Bama— J. Hawkins & James BLUEGILL— Fat Lincoln Attack, 5p Lulu’s— Lefty Collins, 5p Daniel, 1p// LeaAnne Creswell, John Cockeyed Charlie’s— DJ Chill, 10p Manci’s— Lisa Mills, 7p Veets— Open Mic, 8p

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32 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 AREA CLUB LISTINGS [DOWNTOWN] Skyview Lounge 28850 US Hwy 98| 626-7662 Pink Pony Pub [Gulf Shores] The River Shack Atop the Lafayette Plaza Plow [Fairhope] www.pinkponypub.net 6120 Marina Dr. S. Alchemy Tavern 301 Gov’t St.| 694-0100 96 Plantation Pointe| 410-7569 137 East Gulf Pl. | 978-6371 443-7318 alchemy.joltpro.com Soul Kitchen Courtyard 311 Pirate’s Cove [Elberta] 7 S. Joachin St. | 441-7741 Tin Top www.soulkitchenmobile.com 311 Fairhope Ave. | 928-2032 www.piratescoveriffraff.com The Blind Mule 6232 Bon Secour Hwy. County 219 Dauphin St. |433-5958 [Fairhope] 6600 County Rd. 95| 987-1224 57 N. Claiborne St. | 694-6853 Ravenite Pizzeria Rd. 10 | 251-949-5086 Spot of Tea’s Jaggers 102 N. Section St. | 929-2525 Tacky Jacks Boo Radley’s Touch Down Tavern 310 Dauphin St. | 375-6772 Rosie’s Grill and Record Bar www.tackyjacks.com www.booradleysmobile.com 5460 Inn Rd | 662-7543 Studio 5’4 [Daphne] [Orange Beach] 276 Dauphin St. | 432-1996 VFW Post 7320 [Saraland] 216 Dauphin St. | 725-0406 www.rosiesgrill.com 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, |981-4144 The Bar T.P. Crockmiers [Gulf Shores] 244 Old Telegraph Rd. |679-1188 352 St. Francis St. | 648-1596 1203 U.S. 98|626-2440 250 Dauphin St. | 476-1890 [Fairhope] 249 E. 24th Ave.| 948-8881 Whiskey Blues [Theodore] The Brickyard Windmill Market The Listening Room [Gulf Shores] 5791 Swedetown Rd.|633-1769 266 Dauphin St. | 473-4739 www.windmillmarket.org 78 St. Francis St.| 367-4599 85 N. Bancroft St. | 517-5444 1577 Alabama 180|968-8341 Zebra Lounge Buck’s Pizza http://thelisteningroommobile.com The Handlebar [Pensacola] www.buckspizza.com 2343 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Veet’s www.handlebarpensacola.com 350 Dauphin St. | 431-9444 [WESTMOBILE] 473-2997 www.veetsbarandgrill.com 319 N. Tarragona St.| 434-9060 Callaghan’s Irish Social Club All Sports Bar & Grill 66 S. Royal St.| 694-3090 The Wharf [Orange Beach] www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com 3408 Pleasant Valley Rd. [CASINOS] 345-9338 4985 Wharf Pkwy.| 224-1000 916 Charleston St. | 433-9374 Beau Rivage [Biloxi] [MIDTOWN] Billiards Club Dauphin St. Blues Company www.beaurivage.com Ashland Midtown Pub 4130 Gov’t Blvd.|447-2132 [AROUND AND ABOUT] & Draft Picks www.ashlandmidtownpub.com The Old Bama Barn [Theodore] 878 Beach Blvd.|228-386-7111 564 Dauphin St. | 725-6429 Cockeyed Charlies 2453 Old Shell Rd.| 479-3278 6920 Airport Blvd.|725-1112 11470-B Bellingrath Rd.|973-0388 or 888-595-2534 Firehouse Wine Bar Shop Blues Tavern Blue Gill Restaurant Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 216 St. Francis St. | 421-2022 Crooked Martini www.bluestavern.com www.thecrookedmartini.com www.bluegillrestaurant.com [Biloxi] Gabriel’s Downtown 3775 Battleship Pkwy. |625-1998 55 S. Joachim St. | 432-4900 2818 Gov’t Blvd. |479-7621 7639 Cottage Hill Rd. #C |633-5555 www.hardrockbiloxi.com Bottoms Up The Garage Butch Cassidy’s Cafe Flashback Club 777 Beach Blvd. 2605 Halls Mill Rd. | 287-7781 9 S. Washington Ave. | 433-2223 www.butchcassidys.com 10071 Airport Blvd.| 634-2239 |228-374-ROCK (7625) Briar Patch Hayley’s Downtown 60 N. Florida St. |450-0690 Jag’s Sports Bar & Grill 9371 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Harrah’s Hotel & Casino 278 Dauphin St. | 433-4970 Kimberly’s Midtown Bar 5602 Old Shell Rd.| 725-1102 973-1120 [New Orleans] Joe Cain Café 2660 Old Shell Rd. |478-1477 Lucky Irish Pub & Grill Celtic Irish Pub [Pascagoula] www.harrahsneworleans.com 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 Mellow Mushroom 3692 Airport Blvd.| 414-3000 4901 Chicot St. | 228-938-6800 228 Poydras St.|504-533-6000 Liquid www.mellowmushroom.com Mellow Mushroom Ed’s Seafood Shed Grand Casino [Biloxi] 661 Dauphin St. | 432-0109 2032 Airport Blvd. |471-4700 www.mellowmushroom.com 5660 Old Shell Rd. | 380-1500 www.edsshed.com www.grandcasinobiloxi.com Loda Bier Garten Rear Pocket 3382 Battleship Pkwy. | 625-1947 280 Beach Blvd. 251 Dauphin St. | 287-6871 2525 Emogene St. |476-0053 Patches 5100 Girby Rd.| 661-8028 Felix’s Fish Camp Mobile Civic Center Royal Knight Restaurant 228-436-2946 Satori Coffee House www.felixsfishcamp.com www.mobilecivicctr.com 3004 Gov’t Blvd. |287-1220 IP Casino Resort & Spa www.satori-coffee.com 1530 Battleship Pkwy. |626-6710 401 Civic Center Dr. | 208-7261 Silver Horse Pub [Biloxi] 5460 Old Shell Rd. | 344-4575 Midnight Rodeo Moe’s Original BBQ 151 S. Florida St. |478-7030 www.ipbiloxi.com Runway Billards 7790 Tanner Rd. |639-2222 www.moesoriginalbbq.com Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 850 Bayview Ave. 8000 Airport Blvd. | 634-8006 Mississippi Coast Coliseum 701 Spring Hill Ave|410-7427 110 S. Florida St.|478-7427 800-436-3000 The Hungry Owl [Biloxi] O’Daly’s Irish Pub 7899 Cottage Hill | 633-4479 www.mscoastcoliseum.com Wind Creek Casino 564 Dauphin St.|725-6429 [EASTERN SHORE] Stir Mobile 2350 Beach Blvd. |228-594-3700 www.windcreekcasino.com OK Bicycle Shop Bay House Pub [Daphne] 5821 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D | 342-9995 The End Zone Sports Bar 303 Poarch Rd., Atmore 661 Dauphin St. |432-2453 28850 Bayline Dr. | 626-0158 VFW Post 49 [Mt. Vernon] 19170 Hwy 43. Pat’s Downtown Grill 866-946-3360 Club 44 [Daphne] 2528 Govt Blvd. | 471-9438 829-9227

271 Dauphin St. | 438-9585 AREA CLUB LISTINGS 28850 US 98, #100 | 445-8069 The Oar House [Dauphin Island] Riverview Plaza (Fathoms [NEW ORLEANS] Gumbo Shack [THE BEACH] 1504 Bienville Blvd.| 861-4800 Lounge) House of Blues www.guysgumbo.com Flora-Bama Original Oyster House 64 S. Water St.| 438-4000 www.houseofblues.com 212 Fairhope Ave. | 928-4100 www.florabama.com www.theoysterhouse.com Royal Scam 225 Decatur St . |504-310-4999 Manci’s Antique Club [Daphne] 17401 Perdido Key Dr., 3733 Battleship Pkwy. |626-2188 www.royalscammobile.com www.mancisantiqueclub.com 850-492-0611 Pelican Pub & Restaurant Howlin’ Wolf 72 S. Royal St.|432-SCAM (7226) 1715 Main St. | 375-0543 The Hangout [Dauphin Island] www.thehowlinwolf.com/new- Royal Street Tavern McSharry’s [Fairhope] www.thehangoutal.com 1102 DeSoto Ave.| 861-7180 orleans 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 www.mcsharrys.com 101 Gulf Ct. | 948-3030 Pelican Reef Restaurant 907 S. Peters St. Saenger Theatre 101N Brancroft St. |990-5100 Live Bait 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. www.mobilesaenger.com 504-522-WOLF (9653) www.livebaitrestaurant.com | 973-2670 Moe’s Original BBQ [Daphne] Louisiana Superdome 6 S. Joachim St. |208-5600 24281 Perdido Beach Blvd. www.moesoriginalbbq.com Trader’s Saddle Up Saloon 974-1612 www.superdome.com 6423 Bayfront Pk Dr.|625-7427 4015 Battleship Pkwy www.saddleupmobile.com Lulu’s at Homeport Marina 1500 Poydras St. |504-587-366 [Fairhope] 626-5630 9 N Jackson St. 285-4596 Old 27 Grill www.lulubuffett.com Tipitina’s 19992 Hwy 181 | 281-2663 The Grand Mariner Serda’s Coffee Company 200 E. 25th Ave. 501 Napoleon Ave. 6036 Rock Point Rd. www.serdas.com Papa’s Pizza [Daphne] 251-967-LULU 443-5700 504-895-TIPS (8477) 3 S. Royal St. | 415-3000 www.papaspizza.com September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 33 MUSICRUNDOWN Footmarchers provide a Mardi Gras fall ball for all BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

n Friday, Nov. 13, the second annual Footmarchers Ball will be celebrated at Soul Kitchen. The inaugural event Oat Moe’s was one of the most memo- rable of 2014. This year, the ball will also be the kick-off party for the 50th anniversary of the Joe Cain Procession. Once again, the party will be a “bal masque in the tradition of L’Ancien Regime.” Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to wear anything from “a simple black mask to costum- ing in the manner of the Venetian Carnavale.” The Blow House Band will open the evening with its brassy festive sounds. Afterwards, NoLa’s Debauche will take the stage. These exotic Photo/ facebook.com/DebaucheMusic rockers introduced themselves to the Azalea City at last year’s SouthSounds Have a ball with “Russian mafia band” Debauche at the second coming of the Footmarchers Ball Nov. 13. Music Festival and describe them- selves as a “Russian Mafia band.” With with music. Growing up in Satsuma, all the fury of the mightiest Cossack, Coming up country his first step toward becoming a Debauche delivers a matchless sound Local country artist Carla Williams professional musician was when he characterized by punk rock with tra- gambled on Nashville a few years ago received a drum set at the age of nine. ditional Russian overtones. Their live as a promising up-and-comer, and has Eventually he picked up a guitar and shows take on the attitude of a raucous made some great connections. Now began strumming country. He used celebration around the campfire in the she is the CEO of BelleFire Records. venues such as the Bluegill, Saddle- shadow of the Ural Mountains. As boss of this new label, Williams Up Saloon and Top of the Bay to Tickets are $20 (includes light decided to return to Mobile and help hone both his live performance and hors d’oeuvres) and on sale now and sign Bruce Salters, a local artist his original music. Salters is currently through Eventbrite. Judging from who also has aspirations of establish- working on his first BelleFire effort Photo/facebook.com/Carla-Williams-Music the overwhelming success of the first ing a national reputation. with veteran Nashville producer/song- Bruce Salters of Satsuma has been signed to Carla Williams’ Salters’ life has always been filled writer Ray Barnette. Footmarchers Ball, tickets will be BelleFire Records.

34 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 35 FILMTHE REEL WORLD Stellar performances highlight ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC | [email protected] he performances of the mostly female territorial. Of course, the young actress, played cast of “Clouds of Sils Maria” simply by Chloe Grace Moretz, is a mirror of the older cannot be ignored. Even when the plot one. But this relationship is given far less screen slows and gets a bit redundant, I could time then that between Binoche and Stewart. Tnot stop watching Juliette Binoche as a success- There have been plenty of behind-the-scenes ful veteran actress and Kristen Stewart as her celebrity satires, but this story functions more assistant and companion. like an “above the scenes” one. Realistic and This is a story about an actress on her way subtle and occasionally quiet to a fault, it was to participate in an awards ceremony for the interesting to consider both the universal con- brilliant and reclusive writer and director who cerns of aging and death, and the juicy celebrity gave her her first big break. Sigrid, the character scandals and Chanel fittings. she portrayed, came to define not only her career It was also wonderful to have Stewart in the but her own sense of self, and when she is asked bespectacled role of assistant, considering a to portray another character in that play — the popular young actress besieged by paparazzi. older, doomed foil to the dynamic and exciting To have her explaining these matters to the Sigrid — she faces a crisis. old-fashioned Binoche functioned as a marvel- The death of the playwright further confuses ous “meta” moment. Stewart became the first the issue for her, and she retreats, with her American actress to win a Cesar Award, the assistant, to his house in the Alps, to rehearse French equivalent of an Oscar, for her role, and and consider things. Not surprisingly, Binoche she was truly interesting in this movie. She and is wonderful, loose and funny but also cerebral Binoche were so fascinating and real as friends, and insecure. It is a pleasant surprise, however, Photo/ CG Cinema with no flashy romance or even major conflicts that Stewart is also wonderful, and the platonic to lean on. chemistry between the two is absolutely the Juliette Binoche and Kristen Stewart of- “Clouds of Sils Maria” is a memorable heart of this film. fer fascinating performances in a memo- character study fully realized by quietly This film basically concerns the two of them rable character study fully realized. incredible performances. Its slow pace was not walking in gorgeous scenery and rehearsing boring, it was mesmerizing, and the plot gave and talking, and believe me their debates about visits to bars and casinos refreshing. the characters room to grow and maneuver. It’s Binoche’s character could have turned dread- On another level, Binoche must face her feel- a realistic portrayal of highly specialized lives fully dull. But in their hands, the material is ings about the popular actress portraying Sigrid, that still managed to be relatable, recognizable incredibly realistic and compelling, and their a role about which she feels more than a little and moving. NEW IN THEATERS NOW PLAyING PEOPLE, PLACES, plex theaters. Premiere Cinema THINGS NO ESCAPE VACATION Crescent Theater All listed multi- All listed multi- A WALK IN THE plex theaters. plex theaters. WOODS AMERICAN PIXELS All listed multi- ULTRA Eastern Shore plex theaters. All listed multi- Premier Cinema 90 MINUTES IN plex theaters. ANT-MAN HEAVEN HITMAN: AGENT Regal Mobile All listed multi- 47 Stadium 18 plex theaters. All listed multi- MINIONS Photo/ Cross Creek Pictures | “Black Mass” THE VISIT plex theaters. All listed multi- BLACK MASS Gladers face their greatest All listed multi- SINISTER 2 plex theaters. In 1970s South Boston, FBI challenge yet: searching for plex theaters. All listed multi- MISSION: IMPOS- agent John Connolly (Joel Edg- clues about the mysterious and MISTRESS plex theaters. SIBLE — ROGUE erton) persuades Irish mobster powerful organization known AMERICA THE MAN FROM NATION James “Whitey” Bulger (Johnny as WCKD. All listed multiplex Carmike Jubilee U.N.C.L.E. Carmike Jubilee Depp) to collaborate with the theaters. Square 12 All listed multi- Square 12 FBI against a common enemy: THE PERFECT GUY THE TRANSPORT- plex theaters. SHAUN THE the Italian mob. Also starring A woman fights back when the ER REFUELED STRAIGHT OUTTA SHEEP Benedict Cumberbatch as Wil- new man in her life reveals his All listed multi- COMPTON Carmike Jubilee liam Bulger, a powerful leader explosive and violent nature. All in the Massachusetts Senate. listed multiplex theaters. plex theaters. All listed multi- Square 12 All isted multiplex theaters. CAPTIVE WAR ROOMS plex theaters. INSIDE OUT THE MAZE RUNNER: THE The dramatic, spiritual true All listed multi- FANTASTIC FOUR Regal Mobile SCORCH TRIALS story of a single mother and plex theaters. All listed multi- Stadium 18 In this next chapter of the epic recovering drug addict taken WE ARE yOUR plex theaters. JURASSIC PARK “Maze Runner” saga, Thomas captive in her own home. East- FRIENDS THE GIFT Regal Mobile (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow ern Shore Premiere Cinema. All listed multi- Eastern Shore Stadium 18

Carmike Cinema’s hollywood stadium 18 Carmike Cinemas eastern shore Premiere Wynnsong 16 1250 Satchel Paige Dr. 23151 Wharf Ln. Cinema 14 785 Schillinger Rd. S. (251) 473-9655 Orange Beach (251) 981-4444 30500 Alabama 181 #500 (251) 639-7373 Spanish Fort, Al rave motion PiCture Cobb theatres PinnaCle 14 (251) 626-0352 CresCent theater Jubilee square 12 3780 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf 208 Dauphin Street 6898 U.S. 90 Daphne, Shores Information accurate at press time; please

area theaters (251) 438-2005 (251) 626- 6266 (251) 968-7444 call theaters for showtimes.

36 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS

1. Flimsy, as an excuse 5. Pool exercise 9. Be in a cast 12. Multicolored stone 13. Drop a line? 14. Congressional decla ration 15. Swift falcon 17. Freudian concept 18. Quiet okay 19. Height, to a basket ball player 21. Bad pun reaction 24. Fix over 26. Communication problem 27. Beaming 29. Mike holder 33. It’s burned at mid night 34. Time, metaphorically 36. Typist’s ailment DOWN 24. Delivers a diatribe 37. Missed, as a chance 25. Certain air current 39. Lid malady 1. Take a bough? 28. Worst place? 40. Hinny’s kin 2. Burroughs beast 30. Like some vaccines 41. Music, dance, etc. 3. Scratch the surface? 31. ___ buco 4. Tennis’s Dementieva 32. Driving hazard 43. American worker 5. Lady’s man? 35. Flower component 45. Yielding to gravity 6. Francois’s friend 38. Boxer’s approval 48. Bankroll? 7. Wrestling win 42. Golf trophy eponym 49. “Eureka!” 8. Fast lead-in 44. Landlocked state 50. Like ghost towns 9. Causes gaping, say 45. Render replete 56. Cat on the prowl 10. It may get rattled 46. Bridge call? 57. Abu Dhabi dignitary 11. Dressage gait 47. Brave, in a way 58. Leporid 16. Dinner summoners 48. Got boring 59. Design sense 20. Kind of story 51. Rhea’s cousin 60. Scammer’s ploy 21. Amount of goop 52. Amy, to Meg or Jo 61. Dentist’s order 22. Commuting option 53. Not a big hit? 23. Cad’s look 54. Before, to a sonneteer Answers on PAge 45 55. Retreat

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 37 C O E September 17 Veteran of the Year the Park. There is a $3 parking information, call 251-694-0278. is sponsoring a voter registration Black-Out Cancer Ball Nominations for the Mobile Bay fee, but the event is free to people drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The American Cancer Society Black- Area’s Veteran of the Year are and pups alike. Join dog lovers September 21 League of Women Voters of Out Cancer Ball will be held at being accepted through Sept. 24. and their furry friends at the park Helping Schools fundraiser Baldwin County will be assisting to the Fairhope Civic Center, 161 N. Nomination forms are available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For The Grounds partners with Mobile help citizens complete registration Section St., at 6 p.m. The night from the Mobile Area Chamber more information about the event, County Public Schools to raise forms, and will be available to includes drinks, dining, dancing of Commerce by contacting contact the park at: gulfevents. $100,000 for local schools over a answer questions regarding and a special presentation Carolyn Hunt at 251-431-8621 [email protected] or two-week period, Sept. 21-Oct. identification and absentee voting honoring the Bay area’s top men or [email protected]. 251-948-7275, ext. 2128. 5. The initiative offers students requirements. Any Alabama and women of influence who’ve Admiral Thad W. Allen, a former the opportunity to sell tickets resident who is 18 years of age dedicated their time to the fight Commandant of the U.S. Coast History series to the Greater Gulf State Fair at and a U.S. citizen may register to against cancer. For a list of Guard, will be the Mobile Bay Area The Daphne Public Library discounted prices while keeping vote. For additional information, honorees and to purchase tickets, 2015 Patriot of the Year. announces its first September a portion of the proceeds for their call 251-970-4010 or 251-644- visit www.blackoutcancerball.org. history series devoted to World schools. Adult tickets will be sold 5882. September 19 War I. It will be presented by Dr. at $8 (regularly $10) and child Oyster Trail addition Docks & Delta Explore Trip James M. Morris (Ph.D., University tickets will be sold at $4 (regularly Tea for Two Join Thompson Engineering, Port and other maritime activities of Cincinnati, 1969; Christopher $5). For more information about The Fairhope Museum of Watermark Design and the Mobile are featured on Blakeley State Newport University, 1971-2005; the Greater Gulf State Fair, History will host “Tea for Two” Bay National Estuary Program in Park’s boat tour of the Mobile- now professor emeritus of history). visit: www.thegroundsmobile.com. each Tuesday afternoon at 2 dedicating the latest oyster on the Tensaw River Delta. The tour All three sessions will be on p.m. Guests will enjoy a cup of Oyster Trail at GulfQuest National aboard the Delta Explorer gets Saturday mornings, Sept. 12, 19 Ballroom Dance delicious Baldwin County tea, Maritime Museum of the Gulf of underway at 9:30 a.m. returning and 26, in the Daphne Recreation The Moonlight Chasse Ballroom cookies and a lecture on an Mexico. The unveiling of “Estuary to the Blakeley Park dock at Center and are free of charge. This Dance Society hosts dance interesting aspect of Fairhope Gifts” by artist James Foster 12:30 p.m. Tickets for the boat week’s series will be “World War I: classes with professional history. These very popular will be at 10 a.m. at GulfQuest’s tour are $35 for adults, $17 for Battles” and begins at 10 a.m. For instructors at 7 p.m., followed by afternoon events are sponsored west parking lot. The Oyster Trail children 6-12 and free to children more information, call 251-621- dancing until 10 p.m. Admission by the Friends of the Museum. For benefits the Mobile Bay Oyster ages 4-5. All proceeds go to the 2818. is $10. This event is BYOB and no more information on upcoming Gardening Program. Learn more operation of Blakeley State Park. need to bring a partner. Beginners programs, call the Fairhope at www.theoystertrail.com. For more information go to www. Homebuyers seminar are welcome. Fitzpen Place, Museum of History at 251-929- blakeleypark.com or call 251- This seminar is full of tips and 11247 State Highway 31, Spanish 1471. Fairhope Fête fashion show 626-5581. information for those wanting to Fort. For more information, email Fairhope Fete, a Point Clear become a homeowner. Learn what Cassie Fishbein at Cassief13@aol. September 23 Charities event, features a fashion Jubilee Race for Life you need to know about the home com. Fowl River tree plantings show, in-store events, trunk shows Bayside Medical Missions buying process to avoid making The Alabama Coastal Foundation and other specials from Thursday, invites you to participate in the costly mistakes. This seminar Back-to-School Bookmark is working with high school Sept. 17 through Saturday, Sept. 8th annual Jubilee Race for starts at 8:45 a.m. and ends Contest students and community members 26, the day of Polo at the Point. Life 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run in at 3 p.m. Register at Lifelines/ The Daphne Public Library to conduct tree plantings in the Fairhope Fete will be Thursday, Daphne. The race features a Consumer Credit Counseling announces its Back-to-School Fowl River watershed. If you

EVENTS | SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 - 23, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Sonny certified course and participants office, 705 Oak Circle Drive E., Bookmark Contest, open to are interested in helping, please Hill-Clearwater Polo Complex, receive a TECH T-shirt. While Mobile. Due to limited space, students in grades K-12. The contact Mark Berte, mberte@ corner of U.S. Highway 98 and pre-registration is encouraged, please call 251-602-0011 to library invites local teachers, joinACF.org or 251-990-6002. OF County Road 32. day of race registration opens register in advance. school librarians, educational at 6:30 a.m. The 5K starts at the specialists and home-school Paint the Town fundraiser Shop Dauphin Street Daphne Baptist Church field, 1515 NoMoCo Food Park and educators to use this contest to “Paint the Town,” a fundraiser for Don’t miss this open house 6th St., at the corner of College Farmer’s Market inspire creativity and the love of Lifelines Counseling Services, will celebrating Fowler Lighting’s Avenue and 6th Street. The fun Join us in downtown Prichard for reading. Entries may be submitted be held at Moe’s Original BBQ in one-year anniversary, the grand run follows at 9 a.m. To register or a market full of food trucks, local either as a class assignment or by downtown Mobile, 6-8 p.m. For opening of Ryan’s Studio and for more information, visit www. produce, meats, artists, crafts individual students. The contest $40 guests will enjoy food, drinks, Access Magazine’s trunk show! and music. The market takes began Aug. 31 and ends Sept. 26. painting, shopping and a chance

ALENDAR jubileeraceforlife.org. Shop 6-8 p.m. Come and place the first and third Saturdays For more information visit www. to win door prizes. Sign up online C meet owners Curtis and Donna 28th annual Alabama Coastal of every month from 9 a.m. until daphnelibrary.org. at Eventbrite.com. For more Fowler at Fowler Lighting and Cleanup noon at 204 S. Wilson Ave., in the information, contect Sarah at 251- let them show you their antique Show your support for Alabama’s old Sawyer Furniture parking lot. September 22 602-0909, ext. 320. chandeliers, lamps, mirrors and waterways by participating in For more information, visit www. Life Matters accessories. Located at 1060 the Alabama Coastal Cleanup nomocofoodie.org. For help with Life Matters forums are an effort Brown Bag in Bienville Square Dauphin St., at the corner of scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon. additional questions, contact to raise education, awareness Fall is back and so is live jazz! Hallett Street in Midtown. In 27 years, more than 77,000 Jonathan Adams at 352-217-780 and prevention of suicide and Brown Bag your lunch and sit volunteers have removed more or [email protected]. depression. Each session will be under the swirl of oak trees in September 18 than 1.5 million pounds of held at the James P. Nix Senior Bienville Square, 11:30 a.m. Discover Odyssey trash from Alabama’s valued Greenleaf Writer’s Group Center, 1 Bayou Drive, Fairhope. to 1:30 p.m. Live music will be The annual “Discover Odyssey” coastline and waterways. With The Greenleaf Writer’s Group The one-hour presentation will provided by the city of Mobile membership drive will be held 28 locations you’re sure to find is currently welcoming new begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Special Events Department. This from 2-3:30 p.m. at the University one near you. Please visit www. members. We meet every third Discussion and resources will week features the Excelsior Band. of South Alabama’s West Regional AlabamaCoastalCleanup.com for Saturday of the month at the be available afterward. For Library. The Odyssey USA more information and to find a Semmes library from 10 a.m. more information, call 251-929- Ladies’ Wine and Drive Golf program is for adults interested zone nearest you. For questions, until noon. If you are an aspiring 1477. This week professionals Clinic in continued learning. Classes call 251-928-9792. writer, come join us. For more will discuss “The Link Between Learn to golf, improve your run on a quarterly basis at USA information call 251-490-5199. Traumatic Events, PTSD, game or just have fun with your on Friday afternoons. For more GO Run 5K Depression and Suicide.” girlfriends! Come to Foley for a information or to register please Nearly 1,000 participants are September 20 golf lesson, glass of wine and call 251-460-7200 or email aplatt@ expected at the 8th annual GO Sunday matinee at 5 Rivers Bridge lessons friendship. If you’ve always southalabama.edu. Run at the University of South Every Sunday throughout the day, The Mobile Bridge Center is wanted to learn, this is a great Alabama to support gynecological take a step inside 5 Rivers Tensaw offering free bridge lessons each opportunity in a fun, low-pressure Bullying Ends with Me cancer research. Meet on the Theater and catch a free film. This Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m. at atmosphere. One-hour golf lesson Sept. 14-18, the Mobile County main campus at Moulton Tower. week’s movie is “Alabama Moon.” the Mobile Bridge Center, 1510 with glass of wine (before and Coalition Against Bullying will hold Registration at 6:30 a.m., 5K For more information, call 251- University Blvd. Arrive a few after lesson) costs $20 per lesson. the second annual Anti-Bullying starts at 8 a.m, followed by the 625-0814. minutes early to register. If you All lessons taught by a PGA pro Week campaign in Mobile schools. fun run at 9 a.m. This is a certified have any questions, call the every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Students will hold related activities race route. Live entertainment Open studio Bridge Center at 251-666-2147 at Glenlakes Golf Club, 9530 for awareness and develop and a kids’ zone will be provided. Come enjoy complimentary between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Clubhouse Drive, Foley. Contact student advocates to help stop For more information, visit mimosas as artists work at the David for more information, 251- violence and abuse. Show your usahealthsystem.com/gorun. Cathedral Square Gallery, 612 Voter Registration Day 955-1220. support! Get a “Bullying Ends with Dauphin St., in downtown Mobile. On National Voter Registration Me” T-shirt. Call 251-639-0004 or Paws in the Park Works by more than 60 area artists Day, Sept. 22, the Baldwin County 251-574-3306. Gulf State Park will host Paws in also will be on display. For more Library Cooperative in Robertsdale SEND yOUR EVENTS TO [email protected] 38 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 The four-season salad bowl BY BRENDA BOLTON/MOBILE COUNTY MASTER GARDENER | [email protected] UPCOMING MASTER Q: When do I plant lettuce in my garden? Q: Last year my fall tomatoes rotted on the ends. Q: I would like to grow an What caused it? Can I prevent it this year? organic fall garden. Can I use GARDENER EVENTS A: During the sauna we call “coastal sum- a galvanized steel horse trough FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC mer,” I overheard my husband declare, “The A: While our coastal growing conditions give us fall for the planter? people who came here must have settled in win- tomatoes for salads and Saturday game day salsa, they ter!” Now, in our beautiful coastal autumn, it’s also present various problems brought on by those same A: Many experts mention clear they swapped two months in a sauna for a conditions. Yin and yang, right? Unfortunately, your the possibility of contamina- long planting season and a year-round harvest. fall tomatoes last year were the probable victims of a tion due to the galvanizing All summer we feasted on tomato, cucumber common condition known as Blossom End Rot (BER). process, which uses zinc and pepper in salads flavored with basil and I know, Blossom End Rot sounds like an ‘80s British having the potential to release WHEN: other summer herbs. This month begins our next heavy metal band. It’s actually a physiological disorder cadmium, a metal of concern Oct. 1, 9:30 to 11 a.m. three-season salad bowl, and your lettuce is the induced by over-irrigation and caused by calcium in vegetable production. At the main ingredient. deficiency, sometimes from too much acid. (OK, still very least, the metal container In our coastal zone, set out lettuce plants sounds like a heavy metal group.) could absorb and hold too WHERE: during the fall, winter and through early spring Droughty soil or damage to the roots from exces- much heat, damaging roots. months. In fact, a variety of healthy vegetables sive or improper cultivation (severe root pruning) can I would advise an organic Jon Archer Center, 1070 grow only in our cooler fall. Our area nursery re- restrict water intake, preventing the plants from getting gardener to plant vegetables in Schillinger Road N. tailers have fall lettuce and vegetable plants and the calcium they need. Control BER with these steps: plastic, canvas, untreated wood the Mobile Botanical Gardens fall marketplace • Keep the pH of the soil at 6.0 to 6.5. Perform a or clay containers and save the in October offers lettuce plants as well. soil test and apply the recommended rate of lime 2 to 4 galvanized trough for ornamen- Since you’re planting lettuce this fall, re- months before planting tomatoes. tals. A galvanized container WHAT: member that the “leaf lettuces” are the easiest to • Apply the required amount of fertilizer when nec- spilling over with ornamental “Succulents and Sedums: grow. Why not try some other cool season veg- essary based on soil test results for tomato. Applying cabbages, pansies, marigolds, gies, too? Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, too much fertilizer at one time can induce BER. mums and ivy would be beauti- Container Design and Uses carrots, collards, turnips, garlic and onions — all • Use mulches to conserve moisture. Use pine straw, ful this fall. in the Garden,” will be delicious on your fall and winter menu. straw, decomposed sawdust, plastic or newspapers. Time your plant maturity to occur around the • Give your plants adequate water but don’t over- Email us your questions at presented by first expected frost, but stay prepared to cover irrigate. Tomato plants need about 1.5 inches of water CoastalAlabamaGardening@ Melanie Lobel plants in our unpredictable weather. Mature per week during fruiting. Extreme fluctuations in soil gmail.com or call (toll free) lettuce plants aren’t as tolerant of freezing as moisture result in BER. 877-252-4769, the Master seedlings, but you can extend your fall crop by • If you experience severe problems with BER, Gardener Helpline answered using row cover protection from periodic freez- you should remove the infected fruits. Otherwise the by Mobile and Baldwin county ing temperatures. damaged area could serve as an entry point for disease- Master Gardener volunteers. causing bacteria or fungi.

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 39 MEDIAMEDIA FRENZY Merger puts WALA and WKRG back under same corporate roof BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected] ust a bit more than a year after WALA-TV changed owner- experience forecasting tropical weather while working in the Miami The six newspapers and four TV stations petitioning the court to ship, the station is set to do it again. and Fort Myers markets. He has a strong track record as chief me- unseal the documents argue the case should be open to the public, The FOX affiliate is part of a merger between Media teorologist in markets such as Philadelphia, Phoenix and Denver,” just as more than 99 percent of the state’s divorce cases are. Circuit General and Meredith Corp. that was announced last week. WPMI News Director Bob Noonan said in a statement. Judge Elizabeth Hamner sealed the Bentley court records from JWALA came to be part of Media General after it and Lin Media Dunn is expected to start Sept. 20 and will deliver the forecast view Aug. 31, three days after Dianne Bentley filed to divorce her merged in March of last year. That put WALA and sister station weeknights on LOCAL 15 News at 5, 6 and 10 p.m., and on LO- husband of 50 years. Since that time various political blogs have WFNA under the same roof as WKRG-TV, and Media General then CAL 15 News on UTV44 weeknights at 6:30 and 9 p.m. pushed the story that the divorce is due to an affair the governor is decided to sell WALA to Meredith last August. AMG reporter burned in crash having with one of his top aides. Insiders tell Lagniappe this new merger likely means either Alabama Media Group sports writer Natalie Pierre Williams was Despite there being no definitive evidence of an affair, the story WKRG or WALA will be sold off to another company. Last year still in the Trauma and Burn Intensive Care Unit at UAB Hospital has moved into the mainstream media, fueled in part by Bentley’s WALA was sold for $86 million. as of last report following a fiery car accident in the early morning refusal to address the speculation or to deny an affair. Given Bent- The merger will create Meredith Media General, a company hours of Sept. 8. ley’s position and accusations — again, without documentation — with $3 billion in annual revenues, which becomes the third-largest Williams, who turned 26 the day of the accident, was traveling that public money and property were used to facilitate an affair, the owner of major network affiliates in the country. The new company around 2 a.m. when her car jumped a curb and hit a tree. According petitioners believe unsealing the filing will provide a “smoking gun” will have 88 stations in 54 markets, reaching 30 percent of U.S. to reports, her husband, Chasten Williams, pulled her away from the to either prove or disprove whether an affair is why Dianne Bentley television households. Media General’s acquisition of Meredith will burning car. is suing for divorce. Of course, regardless of whether affair accusa- cost $2.4 billion. Williams reportedly received burns over more than 75 percent of tions are in the filing, it’s a pretty good bet that if it is unsealed, There is no word yet on how things will shake out locally. her body. She joined al.com in 2014 as a college football reporter. whatever dirty laundry the Bentleys have will be thoroughly aired. Dunn in at WPMI P-R sales changes At this time, especially in light of information that has come Chris Dunn has been named the new chief meteorologist at LO- According to insiders at the Press-Register, there are some rather out regarding the way the aide, Rebekah Mason, as well as the CAL 15 News, it was announced late last week. He takes the place big departures in the company’s local advertising arena. governor’s chief of staff are being paid by third parties rather than of Derek Beasley, who recently announced he is leaving. Aaron VanHauter, who was listed as director of sales on his directly by the state, I’d have to support unsealing the divorce fil- For the past six years Dunn worked at KPHO in Phoenix, but LinkedIn profile, is reportedly leaving the company. He has also ing. Bentley’s refusal to deal with the scandal has led to reasonable was part of a shakeup there in August when, according to Dunn’s carried the title of Advertising Hub Director and has been in the questions about what’s in the file. But I’d also imagine the Bentleys Facebook page, the station acquired another in the market. At Mobile office since March of last year. He worked for Digital First at this point would probably prefer to handle their differences in KPHO he led a four-person weather team. Before that he was chief Media before joining al.com, according to his resume. another way. meteorologist at stations in Denver, Philadelphia and Salt Lake City. Vicki Applewhite, the current vice president of marketing and Lagniappe HD Dunn has also worked along the Gulf Coast and in the Southeast at strategy for the whole state is also reported to be leaving Alabama Lagniappe HD will begin home delivery with our Oct. 1 issue. stations in Fort Myers and Miami, Florida. Media Group. She replaced former Press-Register advertising man- Papers will be mailed for $1 a week, and those who sign up for “It’s great to be heading back to the Gulf Coast and Local 15,” ager Larry Wooley when he retired in 2011. delivery will also receive the perks enjoyed by our Friends With Dunn said in a news release. “I’ve had the opportunity to live (and No word on whether either will be replaced or the reasons for Benefits — early stories and weekend entertainment emailed each forecast weather) in many parts of the country and it is hard to beat their departures. week, as well as being eligible for any ticket or product giveaways the mild climate and the warmth of the people that live here. ” Media petitions to unseal Bentley divorce we have. Dunn is known to many of his viewers as “The Flying Weather- Several media outlets across the state, with help from the Ala- If you’re interested in getting a paper at home, let us know by man,” as he holds a private pilot’s certificate with instrument ratings bama Press Association, on Monday filed a motion in Tuscaloosa signing up at www.lagniappemobile.com and clicking on the La- and offers weather flying lessons at theflyingweatherman.com. County Circuit Court to unseal Gov. Robert Bentley’s divorce gniappe HD tab, or you can email [email protected] “Chris brings a wealth of experience to our market. He has had proceedings. or call us at 251-450-4466.

40 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 THE LOADED QUESTION WHAT WOULD A BOOK ABOUT YOUR LIFE BE TITLED?

ASKED @ BRAGG- MITCHELL MANSION

“Here, There and Everywhere”

-Julie

“Around the U.S. in 80 Days”

-Ariel

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”

-Shanetta

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 41 SPORTSUPON FURTHER REVIEW Delta Bike Project leads effort to offer fix-it stations BY J, MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER | [email protected] | Twitter @goulaguy

he scope of the Delta Bike Project (DBP) continues to expand. Originally a gathering of friends who would listen to music while working on their rides, the cooperative has grown to be a major inspiration for the future of alternative Ttransportation in Mobile. DBP has joined with two other area charities in its latest endeavor. The groups have installed four bicycle fix-it stations throughout the city. “This expands our do-it-yourself model,” Jeff DeQuattro, exec- utive director of the DBP, said. “The volunteers at our downtown shop are here for a limited amount of hours. Having these fix-it stations helps to expand the empowerment of those riding their bicycles. That has always been our mission.” DeQuattro was on a business trip with The Nature Conser- vancy in Punta Gorda, Florida, last October when he saw his first fix-it station during a “team building” bike ride. “I knew that would be perfect for Mobile,” he said. “I took pictures and contacted Dero, the manufacturer. When I told them about the Delta Bike Project, they offered us a non- profit discount.” Photo/Lagniappe DBP approached the Gulf Coast Resource Thomas Carpenter of the Delta Bike Project demonstrates newly installed fix-it stations. Conservation and Development Council about the plan and received a $5,000 grant. DeQuat- tro then asked the One Mobile group if they downtown, so it is great to drive by The Gulf Coast RC&D Council (www.aarcd.net) is one of nine had any funding suggestions, and the organiza- our building and see people using it such groups in Alabama with the goal of protecting, enhancing and tion matched the $5,000. every day. developing the state’s natural and human resources. One Mobile This allowed for the purchase of four fix-it “There is also a lot of use at the (www.onemobile.org) is a nonprofit organization working to en- stations and tire pumps. The units come with 15 Place location. Cream & Sugar courage ideas to enable a community-powered future for the city. a repair stand to hold the bikes, along with has seen a good deal of use, and I tethered tools that include Allen wrenches, am sure Spring Hill will get busy Sports briefs screwdrivers and tire levers. The tire pumps with school back in session,” De- • The 15th annual Youth Dove Hunts begin Saturday for have pressure gauges to help riders adjust the amount of air in Quattro said. Mobile and Baldwin counties. Participants must be 15 or younger, their tires. The results have been so positive that DBP is already planning and be accompanied by an adult at least 25 years old or a parent Each fix-it station displays a Quick Response (QR) Code, to add more stations. The main obstacle is funding. who holds a valid state hunting license and a Harvest Information which a rider can scan with a smartphone to learn how to do basic “We are tapped out after buying those four stations,” DeQuat- Program stamp. bicycle repairs. tro said. “We have a grant on the table to pay for one more, but we Although the hunts are free, pre-registration is required. For “There has been super community support,” Jenn Greene of really want to put in four. With our nonprofit discount, it is about more information, visit www.outdooralabama.com or call 334- the DBP said. “It is awesome to see something new for the com- $2,500 to install and maintain one station.” 242-3469. munity. We already have had 15,000 hits on our Facebook page DeQuattro is also the chairman of the Crepe Myrtle Trail proj- • Cole Billingsley, a center fielder for the University of South about the fix-it stations. I just want to give Mobile a high-five!” ect, which hopes to have a bicycle and running path stretch from Alabama (USA), excelled this summer in the Cape Cod Base- The fix-it stations are spread throughout Mobile. The loca- downtown to the mouth of Dog River. This is a link in Mobile’s ball League. As a member of the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, he tions include: Greenway Initiative that stretches along Three Mile Creek to the earned a spot in the all-star game after finishing tied for first in the • DBP headquarters, 18 N. Warren St. downtown; University of South Alabama. league in triples (2), ranked second in hits (51) and runs scored • Spring Hill College’s Student Center, 4000 Dauphin St. in “Our planned route would cover about three miles,” DeQuattro (26), tied for second in doubles (11) and finished 15th in batting West Mobile; said. “If we put in the infrastructure, people would see a connec- average (.293). • 15 Place/Housing First’s Courtyard, 279 N. Washington tion. Our plan is to have fix-it stations along the trail in Arlington His team won the league championship as Billingsley had a Ave. downtown; Park and McNally Park.” home run and three RBIs in the title game. He was a first-team all • Cream & Sugar coffee shop, 351 George St. in the Oakleigh To learn more about the DBP, contact DeQuattro at 251-272- Sun Belt Conference performer as a USA sophomore. Garden District. 9644 or at [email protected]. DBP’s downtown • The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour is returning to Lower Ala- “It has been great to have people send us cell phone photos shop is open Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 6-9 bama. The Mobile Junior Classic will be September 26-27 at the of kids and avid riders using these stations,” DeQuattro said. p.m. In addition to repairs, a wide variety of used bicycles are for Lakewood Golf Course in Point Clear. For more information, call “These bikes are also the main transportation for many people sale to fund the nonprofit initiatives. 904-379-2697 or visit www.hjgt.org.

42 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 43 STYLEEXTRA Trop-rock tours highlight Buffett’s legacy BY J. MARK BRYANT/LAGNIAPPE

or more than 40 years, Jimmy Buffett has struck a chord group tours on a bus would not be a drag on the experience. “Every trip is going to be different, with new highlights,” Kropke with millions, thanks to semi-autobiographical tunes about “Some said they didn’t do group trips, but they ended up with said. “That was pretty cool to see the Navy jets like that. It was his wild escapades. He became the friend everyone wished some fantastic friendships,” he said. “We are narrating the entire almost like they were performing for us.” they had while listening to the son of a son of a sailor event, and we throw in some games to keep it fun. We did a After dining at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores, the trip continued west Ftell stories of growing up in Pascagoula and Mobile, hitting the tribute to Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall for the movie ‘Key along U.S. Highway 90 toward New Orleans. Kropke said it is beaches in Florida and playing for tips on Bourbon Street. Largo’ one night, and enjoyed the beautiful art deco buildings in Dragonfly’s philosophy to stay off the interstates, and show places Many local Parrotheads, as his followers are known, have their Miami Beach another night.” that are “real.” own tales of close encounters with the famed raconteur. Whether Following the positive response to the Florida trip, Dragonfly “When we got into New Orleans, we had a great tour guide,” it was seeing him play a tune at Judge Roy Bean’s or grabbing a next turned its attention to Buffett’s roots. They hosted the first Kropke said. “Trust me. I hire hundreds of tour guides, and I bite at his sister’s restaurant, this special bond continues today. “Creola in My Soul-a Beach and Bayou Adventure” last March. would have snapped him up if he was in Florida.” Some might take these local connections for granted. But for “Again, it was a success,” Kropke said. “Everyone but one Kropke said many of the basics about the trip can be found at those who are not fortunate enough to call the northern Gulf of couple was a repeat from our other tour. Once they travel with us, www.MargaritavilleTravelAdventures.com. For more information, Mexico home, the promise of seeing the landmarks of Buffett’s past they want to come back over and over. Now we want to build our call 1-800-598-9853 or send email to [email protected]. and the inspirations for his ballads and books is too strong to resist. brand and have some new people join us.” In addition to the itinerary listed on the website, Kropke said Charles Kropke, the managing partner of Dragonfly Expedi- The next local trip is set for Oct. 18-25. The price is $2,595 per he will have a few surprises. “The way we do the trip, it is even tions in Coral Gables, Florida, thought the same thing. For the person based on double occupancy. This includes all accommoda- relevant to local people,” he said. “We include history and themes past 24 years, the company has been organizing expeditions in tions, transportation, meals and excursions listed in the itinerary, that many people did not know about. And after the people finish Florida and the Caribbean. along with entrance and entertainment fees while on tour. the trip, some will come back and patronize the new places.” “One day we sat back and found ourselves doing a lot of ad- “This trip will focus on Jimmy’s life growing up,” Kropke said. Dragonfly Adventures is continuing to add new Buffett-themed ventures and themes that were concurrent with what Jimmy Buf- “It was great going to Pascagoula and seeing the creek near his trips. The next one will be the “Southeast of Disorder Bimini fett sang about,” he said in a telephone interview with Lagniappe. grandfather’s house. He told Jimmy stories about the world and Island Adventure.” This led Dragonfly to reach out to one of Buffett’s business let him sail out into the Gulf.” This journey will go from South Florida to Bimini and then partners, and Margaritaville Travel Adventures was born. The eight-day trip starts in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where back to the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. The first trip “We follow in the footsteps of songs he has written and places the first night is at the Gulf Hills Hotel. During the trip earlier this is set for Nov. 7-12. he has been,” Kropke said. The company started in familiar terri- year, the welcoming party took place during Elvis Presley Week “We are always thinking about different themes from Jimmy’s tory. The “Lost Shaker of Salt Adventure” began in Miami Beach (The King often stayed at the resort during the 1950s). songs and books that we will visit,” Kropke said. “We don’t look and from there followed the Florida Keys, ultimately reaching Then there are several stops in Mobile before the bus turns to for something with more luxury. We want something with more Key West. Pensacola Beach and the Margaritaville Hotel. Although the group character. We will retire some old ones and bring in some new “It was a phenomenal success,” Kropke said. “It was part his- was free to go anywhere they wanted that night, they all ended up ones. I hope one day we can go to the Yucatan and maybe take a tory, part adventure and part fun. We mix it all together and come walking together to Peg Leg Pete’s for waterfront dining. schooner to the South Pacific.” up with something, so people never know what will happen next. “This group knows how to laugh and have a great time,” And with the way Jimmy Buffett continues to live the life We are all grown-up kids. We love to hear great stories and have a Kropke said. “It is like tailgating that just keeps expanding.” most of us can only dream about, Kropke and his crew should good time.” While they were having a picnic at the Gulf Islands National have even more destinations from which to choose for many Kropke said the toughest job was convincing potential guests Seashore, the Blue Angels flight team was practicing overhead. years to come.

44 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 STYLEPORT CITY PREMONITIONS Leo’s look not leashed by the law BY DR. ZODIAC/ASTROLOGY GUY Virgo (8/24-9/22) — The inauguration of Airbus’ assembly Capricorn (12/23-1/19) — While your co-workers discuss Taurus (4/20-5/20) — A tattling neighbor will shut down your line has you feeling a little stir crazy. Taking your therapist’s their fantasy football teams for the first weekend of NFL games, child’s birthday party two Sundays from now. The incident will advice to be more spontaneous, you stow away in the wheel well you’ll lament that none of your college buddies invited you to involve the police, a noise complaint and a few choice words. of a domestic flight out of Mobile Regional Airport. You’ll regain participate in their fantasy leagues. You’ll realize you are the old Because of the complaint, you’ll have to cancel the rest of the consciousness as the plane descends into Topeka, Kansas, and guy of the group. With three kids, a desk job and an 8 p.m. bed- party. Still fuming a week later, you’ll start your lawnmower at 6 spend a week exploring landmarks in Middle America. You’ll time, you just aren’t cool enough for fantasy football anymore. It’s a.m. and leave it running, just staring in your neighbor’s general accept a ride back from a long-haul trucker, who will talk inces- OK, because you wouldn’t have time for fantasy football this year direction until the gas runs out. Your actions will result in the most santly about his fondness for the DynaGlo Dual Fuel Gas and anyway, since you moderate your wife’s book club on Sundays. satisfying backyard mudhole ever. Charcoal BBQ Grill™. Aquarius (1/20-2/18) — Despite the city’s deteriorating Gemini (5/21-6/21) — After you learn of one Alabama city’s Libra (9/23-10/22) — Increasingly anxious as the college financial shape, your small business in Bayou La Batre can expect decision to ban saggy pants, or “busting slack,” you’ll email your football season becomes more consequential, you are debilitated a solid fourth quarter. You’ll attribute the success of “Buy You A city councilor with a similar idea. You’ll plead with the represen- by six consecutive nights of insomnia. As your unrested mind Battery” to the store’s cheeky homage to the town in which it op- tative to ban Crocs from ever being worn on public rights-of-way. enters the realm of delusion, you’ll have visions of infinite yard erates, but the city’s financial struggles will definitely lend a hand You’ll write that the shoes are an unholy abomination and that lines, the Heisman Trophy running in reverse and deep emotional in the coming months. As power bills go unpaid, the electric grid God put it on your heart to say something. In a response message, reflections about the omnipresence of the phrase “The Process.” will suffer, causing the use of batteries to skyrocket. Indeed, your the elected officials will inform you that good fashion sense has Your madness will exceed the capacities of modern medicine, but store will be the area’s biggest success since the Bubba Gump already led to the blighted shoe’s downfall. a friendly bro will bring you back to reality with a beer and plate Shrimp Company. Cancer (6/22-7/22) — You’ll be “feeling the Bern” when self- of Buffalo wings. Pisces (2/19-3/20) — After a pair of male burglars named described Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders stumps in Mobile, Scorpio (10/23-11/21) — When a work friend discovers you Courtney and Caitlin begin a crime spree in Mobile, the area following the success of fellow fringe/oddly viable candidate were a film major in college, she’ll ask your opinion on every will come to fear the name “The Androgynous Bandits.” As their Donald Trump’s appearance at Ladd-Peebles stadium. Unlike movie in stock at the Redbox location near her house. “Should I prowess grows, they’ll begin to recruit retired crime lords from Trump, Sanders will only draw 20 people to his speech outside the rent ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2’?” she’ll ask. When you tell her you the ranks of androgyny such as Alex “Two Fingers” Campbell, Pat Keep Mobile Beautiful recycling center on Government Street, watched it with your kids and it was stupid, she’ll call you a film “The Peddler” Stephens and Chris “Longhairdontcare” Wallace.” but you’ll be happy to shake the hand of the man you initially be- snob. The next day she will ask you about “Scooby Doo!” and With their sexes undetectable on paper, the group will scour the lieve is a Doc Brown impersonator, Back from the Future. You’ll “KISS: Rock and Roll Adventure.” Your life will be like that of countryside in gender-neutral track suits and toboggans, baffling realize your folly when he begins to discuss the wage gap. Bill Murray’s character in “Groundhog Day.” police profilers for decades to come. Leo (7/23-8/23) — As the temperatures fall into unfamiliar Sagittarius (11/22-12/22) — While at the Fairhope Library Aries (3/21-4/19) — You’ll score a job working for a lo- “pleasant” territory, you consider your fall and winter wardrobe. researching drugs for a term paper, your computer will be cal congressman as he continues his efforts to let voters know Wary of allowing that red flannel softshell to be the centerpiece of flagged for suspicious behavior. A young man with a pompadour he doesn’t like President Barack Obama’s nuclear agreement your style for a sixth year in a row, you venture out to a depart- haircut will ask you why you’re looking at pictures of opium with Iran. Despite eight news releases about his stance during a ment store to get acquainted with more modern fashions. Falling at the library. When you say “research,” he’ll direct you to the ceremonial House vote opposing the agreement, you’ll still be for the look and feel of down microcell but put off by its price, library’s restroom, which is actually a CIA black site run by the called on to pass out stickers reading “Ayatollah? More like I’ya you slowly catch and defeather the local seagull population to town’s resident conspiracy theorist. After a couple minutes of told ya. #Iranisbad.” With your extra income, you’ll be able to buy tailor a jacket of your own. A deputy game warden will catch you waterboarding, you’ll give up everything you know about poop exorbitant amounts of $1.99-per-gallon gasoline between now and in the act, but despite his official-looking badge, he’ll be unable to on the beach. the impending nuclear apocalypse. prosecute you for looking damn good and feeling warm, too.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

FROM PAGE 37

F u t u r e s h o C k

September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 45 STYLEMOBILE MAGNIFIED Flying high and stupidity pondered on auto glass BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

all is in the air and Boozie just loves it! Football season is a class you can take. STUPID is FOREVER.” Boozie is dying here and so is the smack talking that comes with it! I find to know what “stupid” person drove this individual to do such to all of the jabs on social media almost as exciting as the his or her car. The car was also decked out in the University of games. And, too, there is just something about a little chill Alabama flags and Alabama “A” magnets. Maybe it was Uncle Fin the air (even if it’s only for a day or two), that makes folks a Henry. Roll Tide Roll! bit randy, which is good for me and this biz. So grab a pumpkin- spiced something, roll around in a pile of leaves and start a fire Mountain Jam in your fireplace using this newspaper — well, as soon as you’re Last Saturday night, folks headed downtown to the Saenger done reading the scoop the spies and I have been gathering the Theatre to see the Black Jacket Symphony perform The Allman last week. The point is to get your fall on. Enjoy! Brothers Band’s “Eat A Peach,” as well as a full set of their great- est hits. Though the show wasn’t sold out, there was a great turnout. One spy said it was an amazing show and a really good time. My other spy confirmed its amazingness and goodness and said he can’t wait for the Symphony’s next show in which they will play Photo/Lagniappe Journey songs. The inauguration of Mobile’s new Airbus facility was Now, this show hasn’t officially appeared on the Saenger’s website just yet, but do as I am do and “Don’t Stop Believin’”! the hottest ticket in town this week. couple of years ago that they’d be building planes here, Airbus Come fly with me opened this week’s ceremony with songs about airplanes. Some No movie star sightings to report this week, but Mobile was that played were Tom Petty’s “Learning to Fly,” Frank Sinatra’s buzzing with important people in town for Airbus’ opening of its “Come Fly with Me” and Steve Miller Band’s “Jet Airliner.” And Mobile plant Monday morning at Brookley Field. of course they closed the ceremony with none other than “Sweet Ambassadors from Germany, France and the United King- Home Alabama.” This got Boozie to thinking that maybe Lynyrd Photo/ Boozie Spy dom were in attendance as well some ‘Bama folks like Gov. Skynyrd should change some words around to add something Can you fix stupid? Removing this from your car Robert Bentley, former Gov. Bob Riley, Sen. Jeff Sessions, Rep. along the lines of “In Mobile they have the Airbus, zoom zoom, Bradley Byrne, Mayor Sandy Stimpson and former Mayor Sam would be a start. zoom. Now we all did what we could do. Now jetliners do not Jones. Most of the City Council was there as well. bother me. Does your city build airplanes too, tell the truth.” In case you haven’t heard, Airbus is a big deal, or as Vice Maybe not, that’s just plane silly. I will be waiting if anyone Just can’t fix stupid President Joe Biden would say, a big “f-ing” deal! Mobile is the calls on the fly for a record deal. Ok, I will stop now. Last week a car was spotted downtown with not just a first manufacturing location for the company on U.S. soil and bumper sticker about people being stupid, but a decal that took up only its second location outside of Europe. A big step for sweet Well, kids, that’s all I’ve got this week. Just remember, almost the entire back window. The decal read as follows: “You little ol’ Mobile. whether rain or shine, dramatic or scandalous, or just some plain just can’t fix STUPID. There’s not a pill you can take. There’s not Just as they did when they made the initial announcement a ol’ Airbus lovin’, I will be there. Ciao!

46 | LAGNIAPPE | September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 September 17, 2015 - September 23, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 47