147 - Valley Planet
Transcription
147 - Valley Planet
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 #102011110911 READ THE PLANET, IT’S FREE WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM (256) 533 • 4613 ROCKTOBER 20 - NOVEMBER 9, 2011 IN THIS ISSUE: Halloween Guide, Costumed Salsa Party, Ghosts of Fort Morgan, G-Side and Slow Motion Soundz, Auntie Jen’s Animal Crazy, Krispy Kreme Challenge, News of the Weird, The Greatest Music & Events Calendars on Earth!! Mic Nice hosted by Simply Tam brings you The “Independent Thought Artists” Series with some of the most notable names in Spoken Word/Poetry and the Arts Thursdays at 6p CST/7 EST www.blogtalkradio.com/micnice Listen by phone too: 323.410.0014. See you on the radio! www.simplytam.com 256 533-2305 2806 S. Memorial Pkwy (next to Drake Wal-Mart) $$ We Pay Cash Daily $$ Adventures in the Tennessee Valley (and a little beyond) BUY, SELL & ORDER BLU-RAY, DVD, CD, VIDEO GAMES, AUDIO BOOKS By Tina Leach Operation: Feed the Fish O n Thursday, October 6, roughly 200 people fed the fish at Big Spring Park. Granted, it wasn’t just a fish feeding. Those tend to be a bit dull, and 200 people wouldn’t show up without the promise of free booze. But what people really came for was…well, a lot of things. Occupy Huntsville is the local version of the Occupy Wall Street movement. People gathering, discussing, thinking, complaining, and understanding. Like all revolutions nowadays, it was organized on Facebook. The point of it all was listed under the aptly titled note “The Point.” The highlights of which are: • • • “Give people the chance to express themselves safely. Allow people the opportunity to show support/solidarity for the occupy movement in other cities without fear.” Also, a call for avoiding civil disobedience so that the movement can continue, grow, and find its direction. “Provide a peaceful and lawful model for other groups/cities that don’t want to risk arrest.” “Meet like minded people, realize your own strength, and problem solve.” So the long and short of it was that they had meetings to decide what the meetings should be about. People discussed the problems they have had, what they had seen, their opinions, what they’d like to see happen, etc. It was well organized. They had a mailing list. And they even had crackers for fish feeding. After a significant number of folks had gathered, they broke into little groups so that people could share their stories and really discuss things. The word “corruption” was brought up a lot. Facebook.com/OccupyHuntsville is their page if you want to like it for updates or give your own input. The next meeting is scheduled for October 15. I don’t know what it will be called, but Operation: Feed the Ducks does have a nice ring to it. Then again, so does Operation: It’s Cold Outside, How About Pizza and Wine?” Oct 30, Balthrop plays Two Shows at the Flying Monkey Arts Center. In 2006, Alabama-born songwriter-siblings Pascal and Lauren Balthrop moved to Brooklyn to start a band and ended up founding a town. Balthrop, Alabama, with a population of 11 or so, is their bustling folk rock township. G-Side and Slow Motion Soundz by Justin Markland t’s been a little over a year since I first saw G-Side live at Vertical House Records. In one year G-Side has released their latest album, The One…Cohesive, been interviewed on the MTV2 show, Sucker Free, and performed at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago, Illinois as part of a tour that included New York, Philadelphia, Asheville, and Greensboro, and they are now ready to release Island, their latest LP, on 11/11/2011. In shorter terms, they’ve been busy. I G-Side is part of the locally-owned Slow Motion Soundz (SMS), an “entertainment research and development company” opened in 1999. SMS originally had a large number of artists that were part of the SMS brand but eventually turned their focus on what has become the backbone of SMS- G-Side and Block Beattaz. Block Beattaz has become a highly sought after production group and has produced for artists including Mike Posner and Freddie Gibbs. Block Beattaz has produced each of G-Sides albums and together they have perpetuated the SMS brand to a globally respected status. Huntsville’s Haunting Halloween Activities: A Guide to Halloween Fun by Jessica Penot Family Fright Night: The Spirits of the Historic Lowry House On October 21 and 22 the Historic Lowry House will be offering several tours of this historic location. The tour will include ghost stories about the house and a haunted history tour. There will even be a mini-play of an 1800s funeral. Refreshments will be available in the garden after the tour. For more information or to book reservations for a tour go to www.thelowryhouse.com or call (256) 489-9200. The Haunted Gin The Haunted Gin is a new attraction in Meridianville just North of Huntsville. This year it will offer thrills and chills inside a corn maze. This will not be your average corn trail. Every turn in this maze will offer a new scare. The maze is located at 600 Meridianville Bottom Road and will opened its doors to victims beginning September 30 and will be open on weekends through Halloween. Spooktacular Science Halloween Party SciQuest turns Halloween into educational fun at its two day Halloween extravaganza on October 28 and 29. This Halloween party introduces children of all ages to the fun side of science. With exploding pumpkins, spooky games, costume contests, hands-on activities, and a special area designed for preschoolers. Mad Scientist’s Ball This fun fundraiser for SciQuest will feature live music and a silent auction. Bring your lab coat and prepare to go mad on October 21 at 5:30. Contact SciQuest for more information at (256) 837-0606. Tate Farms Tate farms is the perfect family friendly activity for Halloween lovers looking for that perfect pumpkin. Spend a beautiful day out picking pumpkins off the vine, petting animals, and exploring the hay maze in this Meridianville pumpkin farm. For more information call (256) 828-8288 Musically, the band travels the line between antebellum and antifolk, singing songs of love, dead people, and dead people in love. In 2007, they released their double-album debut, “Your Big Plans and Our Little Town,” on End Up Records, their friendly neighborhood record label. 2 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM #102011110911 Slow Motion Soundz is very proud to call Huntsville home and it has started to bring attention to Alabama’s music scene. G-Side was mentioned in The Oxford American, a literary magazine, which focused on Alabama in its twelfth-annual Southern Music Issue. The magazine also came with a CD that included tracks from G-Side along with older Alabama talent, including country singer Rose Maddox and funk act Black Haze Express. Erin Williams of The Washington Post Pop Music Blog thinks that “The Heart of Dixie is having a real moment” in music with young artists like Yelawolf, a rapper from Gadsden, and Ashton Shepherd, a country singer from Coffeeville. Metal Lungies in a review of their latest album said “Cohesive is 2011’s first great release, but some day, it might be the point of entry to some future legacy of the Huntsville/Slow Motion Soundz brand. SMS and G-Side have been patiently waiting for this kind of recognition but as G-Side says, ‘Slow motion, better than no motion.’” The new album is receiving a lot of hype and is an anticipated follow-up in a fast-paced year for G-Side. I’m guessing they will be on a pretty heavy touring schedule after its release so check out the music calendar for any local dates. Arx Mortis Arx Mortis is a fifty thousand-square-foot haunted attraction located at the old Graystone Manor site in Killin, Alabama. This classic North Alabama haunted attraction has been completely revamped to make it more terrifying than ever. Aux Mortis opened its doors to the brave on October 1, 2011 at 7 p.m. and will be open through Halloween. The Ghost Walk If you are looking for real ghosts and the real haunted history of Huntsville, this is the place to be. The Huntsville Ghost walk starts at Harrison Brothers Hardware in downtown Huntsville on Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. sharp. There are three different tours of haunted Huntsville to choose from and all of them will offer a haunting glimpse into Huntsville’s shadowy past. The 5th Annual Huntsville Zombie Walk Dress up as your favorite zombie, grab some food to donate to the Huntsville Humane Society, and meet at the downtown parking garage on Clinton Avenue on October 30 at 2 p.m. to wander the streets of Huntsville with other zombies searching for brains. A Haunted Evening with Author Jessica Penot Come join the author of Haunted North Alabama and Haunted Chattanooga at 6:30 p.m. on October 20 at the Main Branch of the Huntsville Public Library for an evening of ghost stories and local folklore. A book signing will follow. Contact Luisa at lmorinella@ hmcpl.org for more information. Disturbia Haunted Attraction “There are worse things than death” and Disturbia says you will see them at their haunted attraction. Located on North Memorial Pkwy by WAFF 48, Disturbia will bring you a screaming good time. Disturbia opened its doors on September 23 and will be open every weekend until Halloween. Darkwood Farms Darkwood Farms is hidden away on a farm in Arab, Alabama. On your journey through this haunted farm you will walk your way through an abandoned 300-foot farm house and acres of secluded trails where your fears come to life. Darkwood Farms is located just south of Huntsville on Hwy 231. Take the Pkwy South and follow the signs once you get to Arab. Scarecrow Walk Botanical Gardens The annual Scarecrow Trail at Huntsville Botanical Garden includes over 100 brilliant scarecrows. Come join the fun and see the creative side of Huntsville at this family friendly autumn activity. Kilborn Alley Blues Band is coming to Humphrey’s on Friday, October 21 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 THE VALLEY PLANET In The Planet ROCKTOBER 20 - NOVEMBER 9, 2011 NEXT ISSUE NOVEMBER 10, 2011 203 Grove Ave , Huntsville Al, 35801, phone 256 533-4613 Publisher Jill Wood Calendar Joanie Williams Lay-Out Douglas A. Lange Contributors Bonnie Roberts Elaine Nelson Tim Benton Jackie Anderson Ricky Thomason Aaron Hurd Allison Gregg Auntie Jen Jim Zielinski Lane Cobl Jessica Penot Justin Markland Shawn Bailey THE VALLEY PLANET 2 2 2 3 5 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 18 19 20 21 22 23 23 23 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 #102011110911 G-Side and Slow Motion Soundz, Justin Markland A Guide to Halloween Fun, Jessica Penot Adventures in the Tennessee Valley, Tina Leach More Halloween Events A Costume Salsa Party 3rd Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge Nov. 19 Unchained Maladies, Ricky Thomason The Ghosts of Fort Morgan Jessica Penot The Jazz Lounge, Jackie Anderson True BS, Tim Benton Dracula: Lord of the Vampires and The Head That Wouldn’t Stay Dead The Single Guy: Communi-Date, Aaron Hurd Party of One, Allison Greg Dr. Anarcho’s Rx For Old Stuff That Don’t Suck Music Calendar Begins Music Calendar Continues More Music Calendar More Music Calendar Jonathan Laird “Pops” Into The South To Promote His First Musical Release Calendar of Events Begins Calendar of Events Continues More Events Calendar Unemployed in Huntsville, Shawn Bailey More Calendar of Events ReLit: Smokin’ Good Reads Worth a ReKindle, Rick Thomason What Then Must We Do?, Bonnie Roberts News of the Weird Free Will Astrology Auntie Jen’s Animal Crazy Zee’s Rocket City bEAT, Jim Zielienski Valley Planet Classifieds To Yuno From Yunohoo Music Exchange Next Issue: Best of the Valley Voting Begins! Letter from the Publisher H alloween is my favorite holiday of the year! Does that say something? Anyway…this issue is about all the fun things going on in the Valley so make sure to read it cover to cover. We need some help from all of you loyal Valley Planet readers. Here is the problem: Another publication is putting their “paper” in our Valley Planet stands on top of our paper. So, some of our VP’s are getting overlooked. Here is the solution (and where we need your help Dear Readers): Take the other publications off of the Valley Planet stands, every time you see them there. No need to make paper airplanes or confetti out of them…just remove them and then leave me a message by phone or email so that I can personally thank you! Also, take a minute to thank the wonderful establishments that carry our paper – without them you would never find us! You have your mission: May the force be with you. Heads up! The next issue begins the 2011 Best of the Valley Reader’s poll voting! Thank you for reading the Valley Planet. Jill E. Wood, Incognito Delivery Girl On the Cover: “When you’re young, you look at television and think, There’s a conspiracy. The networks have conspired to dumb us down. But when you get a little older, you realize that’s not true. The networks are in business to give people exactly what they want. That’s a far more depressing thought. Conspiracy is optimistic! You can shoot the b*stards! We can have a revolution! But the networks are really in business to give people what they want. It’s the truth. ” ~ Steve Jobs (1955-2011) Zombie by George Bouton I am a local self taught artist who dabbles in different styles and mediums. My work was most recently shown at the Huntsville Art League gallery, and is also available to be seen on Artbreak.com. Contact information: [email protected] More Halloween Events October 20-23 and 27-30: Renaissance Theatre presents Dracula, Lord of the Vampires. October 21-23 & 27-31: The Huntsville Haunted Corn Maze will be open in Brownsboro. October 22: The 4th Annual Halloween Costume Salsa Party will be at the Von Braun Center. Dance in the Dark will be at Dance Trance Fitness. October 27: Halloween Party at the Madison Public Library Harry Potter - The Summer Caper for families: Burritt Mystery Game and Dinner will be at Burritt on the Mountain. October 28: The Paranormal Study Center will meet for Freaky Friday at the Radisson Hotel. Randy Duck Costume Party will be at the Coffeetree in Huntsville. Coppertop has its 7th Annual Halloween Bash with hourly costume contests and music by Driven Under. October 28-30: The Renaissance Theatre presents The Head that Wouldn’t Stay Dead. Broadway Theatre performs Young Frankenstein. October 29: The 3rd annual teen masquerade fae ball will be at the hmcpl main branch. Spooky Movies on the Green will be at 6pm in Hazel Green. The Vieux Carre Halloween Party will be tonight. The Station in Madison’s Halloween Party will be tonight with Black Eyed Susan. Knight Moves in Hazel Green will have a Halloween Costume Party and Contest. The grand prize is a trip to Las Vegas. The HSDS Halloween Costume Bash with Microwave Dave will be at the Flying Monkey Theatre. October 31: Nick’s Ristorante on Bailey Cove is having a Halloween Costume Party. Trunk or Treat Pumpkinpalooza will be at the First Baptist Church of Meridianville. There will be a Spooktacular Halloween Celebration at the Huntsville Public Library. *Check Our Music & Events Calendar for Details YOUR AD COULD BE HERE FOR AS LITTLE AS $21.25 PER WEEK Thank you for reading the fine print of the Valley Planet. The Valley Planet and valleyplanet.com are published every three weeks by J W Publications in Huntsville, AL. You can pick up the paper free all over the place or get it free on the web. Copyright 2003 by the Valley Planet, Inc. All rights reserved. You can contact me at [email protected] Reproduction or use without our permission is strictly prohibited. The views and opinions expressed within these pages and on the web site are not necessarily those of the Valley Planet or its staff. The Valley Planet is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or art. Back issues are available for viewing on our web site www. valleyplanet.com in the archives section. You may reach the Valley Planet office @ 256.533.4613 or by mail at Valley Planet 203 Grove Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801. Subscriptions to the Valley Planet are now available for $50 a year in the USA. 256-533-4613 VALLEY PLANET THE VALLEY PLANET #102011110911 so...why isn’t it?? Follow the Valley Planet on Twitter, FaceBook and MySpace! VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 3 4 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 THE VALLEY PLANET ca at 1 h o u r 1 g re e For questions or additional information, contact Tracy Cieniewicz at 256-859-4900 or email [email protected]. Challenge registration is $20 ($25 after Oct. 31) and includes a T-shirt at the Finish Line. Fun Mile Register today at imAthlete.com. Spectator Tip: Keep your distance from the finish line, a k.a. the “doughnut dump.” A Costume Salsa Party costume salsa party? What a great idea! Every year salserblanko hosts a fun Halloween Costume salsa party. This event is usually held on the weekend before Halloween. The great thing about this party is that almost 70% of the party goers wear a costume (although a costume in not required to attend). This is really cool. Salseroblanko’s costume salsa party attracts many salsa lovers from New Jersey, Nashville, Birmingham, and other cities close by. This party is not your typical costume party. You will not only see salsa dancers of all levels, you also get to enjoy several performances by local dancers and dancers from out of town. The highlight of this event is Cultural Explosion from New Jersey. The music is played by a professional salsa DJ from Virginia, salsa congress caliber DJ Stephen Greene. The dancing is pretty much nonstop. Costumes are awesome, attitudes are great, the dancing is spectacular and the music is very addictive. A m il fa t gra 4 144 The Challenge: Run 2 miles from the start line in beautiful downtown Huntsville to Krispy Kreme on North Memorial Parkway; Eat 1 dozen doughnuts; Run 2 miles BACK to the finish line... ALL IN ONE HOUR! The Challenge begins at 8 a m. es 2,400 calories H untsville’s 3rd annual Krispy Kreme Challenge to Benefit UCP will take place Saturday, Nov. 19, at 8 a m. at the registration is $15 (by Oct. 31) and late Fun Mile Blossomwood (former East Clinton) Elementary registration is $20 (Nov. 1-19) and includes a KKC event T-shirt. School campus, located at 200 White Street. Saturday, Nov.19th 8:00 am us 3rd Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge Nov. 19 ts m s 1 2 do ug hn u W! Doughnut Eating Contest NinEthe Fun Zone AND Team Registration! Ivy Joe and the Snowballs Play at Book Release Party on November 6. R ocket City Rock and Soul: Huntsville Musicians Remember the 1960s is a new book written by local author Jane DeNeefe. The book will also be available at two Huntsville events in November where you can meet the author and musicians. On Sunday November 6 at 5 PM, Bandito Southside will host a book launch party and celebration of Huntsville’s rock and soul musicians, including live music by Ivy Joe and the Snowballs, short readings, and book signing. The next event is Tuesday November 15, 6 PM, at the main branch of the Huntsville Public Library in the atrium, with reading and short book talk by Rocket City Rock and Soul author Jane DeNeefe and music by special guests Jim Cavender and Ivy Joe Milan. These are both child-friendly environments where all ages are welcome. Please look for updates on the web and on Facebook, or write [email protected] for more information. Saleroblanko has stepped it up this year. Because of the huge success last year, the costume party will be held at Ballroom 1 at the Von Braun center this year. How about some SALSA to go with your costume party? This is a great party to try. Something that is very different but so much fun. It is worth attending. WHAT: 4th Annual Costume Salsa Party WHEN: Oct 22, 2011 WHERE: Von Braun Center, ballroom 1 TIME: 8:30 pm – 12 am COST: $20 at the door For more info about the party contact Salseroblanko at [email protected], or 901-605-8246. Website is www.salseroblanko net BoomBox will be making a stop in Huntsville’s Crossroads B oomBox will be making a stop in Huntsville’s Crossroads on their ‘Dark End of the Street’ fall tour on Oct. 22. BoomBox consists of two versatile producers, DJs, songwriters, multi-instrumentalists and longtime friends Russ Randolph and Zion Rock Godchaux. Together they develop an electronic blend of vintage Rock and Blues made to move dance floors while incorporating their signature Backbeat, Psychedelia and Funky House sounds. THE VALLEY PLANET #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 5 Unchained Maladies by Ricky Thomason nd they’re off! With a clang and a bang, the 2012 presidential election circus is unofficially underway. Forget the option to send in the clowns when it all goes to hell; the clowns opened the show. A Mishy Bach is a cross-eyed Barbie with an effing mean streak. She and Rick Perry both believe The Flintstones were a documentary if you believe they believe what they say they believe-and I don’t believe a GD word of it. But a number of Americans do, and that’s sad--really sad. With Tea Potty influence and the resurgence of the KKK mentality among the ultra conservatives, Barack Obama has been painted into a corner by say “It’s about time to send all them damn a group of foes with a collective IQ smaller than Meskins back where they come from, ‘specially in his own. He has rolled over and played dead with Alabama.” There are more than enough morons in a bullying, crying Boehner with a boner for him Alabama to say “Amen” on that. almost to the point that he has disappointed even Brown is the new black and the racists who have his staunch supporters. been biting their tongues bloody unable to say Sarah Palin was mis-quoted as saying, “Once you anything openly about blacks are full-tilt-boogie go black you’ll never go back.” She was reminded on the Hispanics. the subject was politics. Cut across shortys like Micky Hammon are tailorThe remaining Republicans? Fuhgettaboutit. Can made to suit this bunch. It’s a small hope, but I anyone take this herd seriously? Mitt Romney have hope that Alabama’s electorate has seen supported health care reform in Massachusetts, enough damage from the Dud Brothers’, Beason/ and that alone is almost enough to doom him. Add Hammon bill; for sure, farmers and poultry the snide opinion that he is “not a Christian” but processing operations are suffering and the real a “cult member” and you have it. The rest of the effect won’t be felt until next year. field questions his religion while they barely resist asking “How many first ladies we gonna have I said I had small hope, but it’s damned small hope because Alabamians, particularly the Walmart when Mittens gets elected? Republicans have a long history of voting against Oh, they’d have you believe a communion wafer their own self-interests and demonizing whoever wouldn’t melt in their mouths when it comes to they are screwing over at the time. anyone’s religion having anything to do with their Add Hank Williams Junior’s barbaric yawp to this politics or candidacy. mess and he’s the cherry on the top of Alabama’s fruit and nut Sundays. Just remember, he really Bullsh*t. did land on his head in a fall from a mountaintop, Michelle Bachmann? Good grief; listen to her for and wouldn’t have amounted to a pimple on his a few minutes and she’ll let you know PDQ that daddy’s a*s anyway. Jesus told her to run and talks to her all the time. What she didn’t say was whether He told her to The Grand Poobah of the KKK did not respond run toward the White House or away from it. A to questions about HWJ’s past support of the spokesperson for Jesus confirmed, “He has talked organization, mainly because he wasn’t asked. directly to Mishy Bachmann more than any whore My guess is Williams would deny knowing sheet about the KKK when he lived in Cullman. You since Mary Magdalene.” can’t believe everything you hear and it’s hard Bachmann is much more dangerous. Not only is to believe even a brain-damaged son of a legend she far smarter than Palin (then again, so is my would do and say anything so stupid. dog), she seems vindictive and evil in a Cruella Lay off the guy. It’s a free speech issue. He can Deville kind of way. take his Monday Night Football and go home. His howling got on my nerves anyway. The Ghosts of Fort Morgan by Jessica Penot T he Fort Morgan area has become a vacation spot. It is south of here and its warm, sandy beaches draw many local tourists. Its beaches sit overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and tourists come to watch the dolphins and dip their toes in the sand. The sands of Fort Morgan carry an older, forgotten history, however. Most tourists will never know that the sands they play in were once soaked in blood. Fort Morgan began construction in 1812 and was finished in 1834, and it was widely regarded as the “finest example of military architecture in the New World.” The Fort was constructed in a unique star shape that made it easier to defend. Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines sat on opposing sides of Mobile Bay and acted together to close the Bay off and defend the waters. Fort Morgan saw heavy fire during the Civil War. It was used defensively by the Confederates and was also a starting point for blockade running ships. The Union took the Fort during the Battle of Mobile Bay. After Fort Gaines fell, Union soldiers lay siege to the Fort and set the wooden parts of the Fort on fire. Many men died in this battle and the Confederate soldiers did not meet happy ends. It is not surprising that this old Fort has more than its fair share of ghosts. It has a long history filled with war and fire. The old barracks are said to be the most haunted portions of the Fort. In 1916 or 1917 a prisoner hung himself in the barracks. According to local lore, you can still hear the hanging man cry late at night. He is not alone in his sorrow. During the Civil War, a bomb went off in the Fort and several men met a horrible fiery death. The bomb went off in a room with a big fireplace and they say you can still hear the men screaming at night. The final ghost comes from an unconfirmed story of woe and sorrow. They say that some time in the19th century, a young woman was dragged into the fort by unknown men. The woman was beaten, raped and murdered. According to legend, she still wanders the Fort looking for justice. 6 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 THE VALLEY PLANET W elcome to The Jazz Lounge. This session is extra special for me, and in a minute you will see why. A spectacular evening of jazz, in celebration of education, is in store for Huntsville on the evening of Saturday, November 5th, 2011. Maximum Life Enhancement, Inc. presents “Smooth Vibrations: A Benefit Concert,” from 8:00 p.m. – 11 p.m., at Calhoun Community College-Research Park, 102 Wynn Drive, Huntsville, AL. Proceeds from this event will support “The Jack & Annie Anderson 2nd Chance Endowed Scholarship. The evening will include good food, music and a silent auction. Featured in concert will be one of my favorite smooth jazz artists – keyboardist, composer, music director and studio musician Brian Simpson. Yes, Brian is coming to Huntsville! Brian Simpson is an extraordinary person. He has always made himself accessible and been very accommodating whenever I’ve reached out to him. He was a guest in “The Jazz Lounge” last October. I’ve also had the pleasure of interviewing him on my “Midday Jazz” show at WJAB 90.9 FM. With a solid fan base around the world, this very talented artist makes good music while exhibiting a class and style all his own. In 1991, Brian Simpson co-wrote the hit “The First Time” by the group Surface, which went to # 1 topping both R & B and Adult Contemporary charts. He took the smooth jazz world by storm, in 2005, when he hit # 1 with “It’s All Good.” Since that time, the hits just keep coming, including his latest CD “South Beach,” with a lineup that includes Euge Groove, George Duke and Peter White. The CD has received extensive airplay at WJAB. Brian is the best at what he does, and he is well respected in the music business. He has toured and performed with Stanley Clarke, Boney James, Gerald Albright, Janet Jackson, David Sanborn, Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, Chuck Loeb, Eric Benet, Brian Bromberg, Everette Harp, Larry Carlton, Norman Brown, Peter White, Teena Marie and many more. Besides this, Brian has been jazz saxophonist Dave Koz’s long-time musical director, as well as music director for THE annual cruise to be on – “The Smooth Jazz Cruise.” There’s lots of anticipation regarding Brian Simpson coming to Huntsville, and I reached out to ask him for his thoughts. Brian told me: “I’m very excited to be performing in Huntsville. This year has been something else in regards to me traveling. I’ve been to Indonesia, Thailand, Russia, and England already this year, but there’s something special about performing in your part of the country. I love how the fans there appreciate live music, and ‘jazz music’ in particular!” The President of Maximum Life Enhancement, Inc., who is responsible for coordinating this amazing event, happens to be my brother, Kenny Anderson. By the way, on October 4th, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held celebrating the company’s new membership in the Chamber of Commerce of Madison County. Kenny has been the host of “2nd Chance,” a weekly radio talk show at WJOU 90.1 FM, here in Huntsville, for 21 years. He’s also Dean of Humanities & Social Sciences at Calhoun Community College. He established “The Jack & Annie Anderson 2nd Chance Scholarship,” named in honor of our late parents, who had a strong commitment to education and were always very supportive of us. I asked Kenny to sum up the event and what this is all about. He said: “Mr. Simpson will perform a 75-minute concert as part of an evening of food, fellowship, and fundraising that will include a silent auction. Kathleen’s Catering will provide the catering, and several auction items will be available including sports memorabilia, trips, and service items. The Jack & Annie Anderson 2nd Chance Endowed Scholarship is a new scholarship being endowed with an initial investment of $25,000 at Calhoun Community College to support the academic success of students who have faced adversity in life and are now pursuing a college degree or certificate to reach their educational goals. The scholarship is named after our parents Jack & Annie Anderson (deceased) in honor of their life commitment to providing a quality education for their children. Although they did not benefit from the full range of educational opportunities available, they consistently made sacrifices so that their children could achieve academic success at every level possible and were my greatest cheerleaders in life. In my experience, I have found the community college student to be one of the best in the education arena. These students are also most representative of individuals who may have experienced the challenges of life and have overcome obstacles to pursue their educational dreams. The Jack & Annie Anderson 2nd Chance Endowed Scholarship will establish a legacy that will continue to provide financial support for these great students for years to come.” By the way, all donations made on behalf of the scholarship are tax deductible, and the Calhoun Foundation will provide a letter verifying donations for tax records. The Calhoun College Foundation can be reached at (256) 306-2583. For more information on Maximum Life Enhancement, Inc., the scholarship, and Brian Simpson concert: www maximumlifeenhancement.com, www.eventbrite.com. Kenny Anderson can be reached at: (256) 679-4241, or [email protected]. We’d love for you to join us the night of Saturday, November 5th, 2011, for a most memorable evening. A heartfelt thank you to all who have offered and expressed their support. It is greatly appreciated. You can always reach me at: [email protected]. Until next time, stay cool, and keep it jazzy! THE VALLEY PLANET #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 7 True BS vote with Romney. Huntsman hints of reviving the Mormon practice of polygamy. “Americans love their First Lady in the White House,” Huntsman said. “Why not have a second and third?” Rick Perry. The Texas governor started late but rose quickly, charming Republican voters when he boasted of shooting a coyote with his Ruger he Republican presidential candidates (all semi-automatic pistol. Perry dropped equally five dozen of them), having decided that quickly when he vowed to use the same gun to their previous debates this year (all three secure the border with Mexico. hundred of them) haven’t provided enough time to articulate their grievances against The President Herman Cain. The former businessman gained (all eight million of them), have scheduled another valuable leadership experience as CEO of round of debates. These extravaganzas of polemic Godfather’s Pizza. Cain touts his “9-9-9” tax plan genius will be used to further explain why Comrade to restore economic prosperity. Cain’s prospects Obama is turning the USA into the USSR, and tumbled recently, however, as an enraged Patrick why America’s only hope of survival is to elect Doyle, CEO of Domino’s Pizza, claimed the Cain [fill in the blank Republican] and to stop the flow plan is a rip-off of a recent Domino’s promotion: of illegal aliens by funding the construction of a “9 pizzas, 9 toppings, 9 dollars.” mile-wide canal along the length of our southern border, connecting the Gulf of Mexico to the Michelle Bachman. Bachman titillated Pacific Ocean. This aquatic security zone will be Republican voters and scored huge poll gains named “The Ronald Reagan Memorial Spillway”, when she stated she was a “submissive wife.” and will be patrolled and secured by a newly Her poll numbers dropped quickly, however, constructed US Naval Task Force, consisting of when Maxim Magazine responded by naming six nuclear aircraft carriers, five battleships, forty Bachman the 2011 “Milf of the Year.” missile cruisers, and ten pods of dolphins trained to locate, harass, and bite any Mexican who Newt Gingrich. The Gingrich campaign attempts to evade capture by scuba-diving across stumbled when he divorced and married for the the spillway. eleventh time. His campaign seemed to stabilize though, when he vowed to remain married To maximize viewer enjoyment of these vital during his run for the presidency. “This one’s a debates, let’s review the top six Republican keeper,” Gingrich said, “at least through the New candidates. (Sadly, as this issue went to print, Hampshire primary.” former Alaska governor and Maxim Magazine’s “Milf of The Month,” Sarah Palin, announced she Reviews of other Republicans to follow in a future would not be a candidate in 2012). issue. Meanwhile, the Democrats may be up to something themselves. At a meeting of campaign Mitt Romney. The front runner. His real first fundraisers, Bill Clinton seemed to be stirring the name is Williard. No wonder he calls himself fires of a Democratic challenge to Barack Obama. Mitt. Romney leads most polls because he “looks The former President shocked the party faithful Presidential” thanks to his Givenchy suits and by saying, “My wife is still the best man for the strategic “hint of grey” sideburns. Romney vows job.” to maintain the statesmanlike look with hair dye and select plastic surgery, so as to “cast a dashing Tim welcomes comments at [email protected] American figure at summits of world leaders.” It’s a Grand Old Party by Tim Benton T John Huntsman. This former Utah governor could doom party unity by splitting the Mormon Dracula: Lord of the Vampires and The Head That Wouldn’t Stay Dead: This Month! f Hollywood, pop culture, and teenage girls are to be believed, vampires are sensitive creatures that sparkle in the sunlight and date underage females. But some 6000 years of folklore contradict this sappy new stereotype. The vampire, as cultural archetype, is older than human civilization, and is anything but sweet and sensitive. Indeed, a vampire is, by definition, an animated corpse that preserves its “undead” condition by drinking blood. According to legend, anyone may become a vampire after death. Yet when one utters the word, one name comes first to mind. Wayne Miller, writer and director of Dracula, has taken the conventional vampire image that we all know and has shaken them up. “All the same characters are there and the story is essentially the one from Stoker’s narrative, but there are some twists. We do some things in this play that have, to my knowledge, never been done before. And, in my opinion, the changes work very well.” There is one thing, however, Miller wants to make crystal clear about his Dracula. “Evil doesn’t sparkle,” Miller says with a laugh. “And it never dies.” I What do you get when you mix a campy horror film and re-vamped versions of songs that everyone knows? You get The Head That Wouldn’t Stay Dead: The Musical. The brainchild of Writer-Director Bob Baker at Renaissance Theatre, this new horror musical is going to kill you with talent, laughter and its unforgettable songs. Writer Bob Baker got the idea for The Head That Wouldn’t Stay Dead: The Musical from a campy 1962 “B” science fiction-horror movie, The Brain That Wouldn’t Die. The plot centers on mad-scientist cum M.D., Dr. Mitch, who loses his gorgeous girlfriend, Penny, in a terrible car accident on the way for a weekend at his country estate (that just happens to have a Dr. Frankenstein-type laboratory in the basement). Dr. Mitch rescues the head of Penny and takes it to his laboratory, where he manages to keep her head alive. Penny is none too happy being a head on a platter, so Dr. Mitch starts looking for body-donor candidates. Hysterically funny antics ensue. This play is the perfect Halloween entertainment. Several thrills, not too many chills. See both Dracula: Lord of the Vampires and The Head That Wouldn’t Stay Dead: The Musical at Renaissance Theatre starting this month. Dracula is scheduled from October 14-30 at 7:30pm. The Head opens October 28 and runs through November 6 at 7:30pm. Dinner Theatre is scheduled for both shows on October 29 at 6:00pm with the shows to follow at 7:30pm. For tickets call 256-536-3117 or visit www renaissancetheatre net. 8 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 THE VALLEY PLANET My Hometown S hortly before 3:00 p m. the other day, I clasped my hands and said a silent prayer for a stranger I’ve never met or will ever meet. When the Italian judge read Amanda Knox’s verdict and the translator’s voice relayed the news, I exhaled. We grew up in the same area, I just a decade ahead of her. My heart went out to her four years ago, and stayed with her ever since. My attention to her case would probably border on weird-o and obsessive. (I never sent her a letter, so my fascination never stepped over that line.) When the next evening came, I imagined Amanda in her own home, walking through the door, smelling the air, soaking in the sights. There is no place like home. There’s no place like your hometown. These are the places we belong. Since relocating to the other side of Alabama, this lesson has been thrown at me many times. For 11 of the last 13 years, Huntsville was where I lived. It’s the longest I’ve lived anywhere; I’ve visited since I was born – was even in town for the 1974 tornadoes. It’s as close to a hometown as I’ve got. I know its streets, its leaders, and its secrets. The weekend before Amanda’s release I was back in the Rocket City, tending to family matters: mom in from Africa and a grandmother in quickly failing health. In addition, I did the regular check on my house: cleaning, purging, and dusting. It never ceases to amaze me that an empty house can get so dirty. Before I hit the road south, I shut down the power, turned off the water and waved farewell to the house. Six hours later, I called my mom to let her know I made it safely to Gulf Shores. “I’m home… I mean I’m here,” I said. “Which one feels more like home?” she asked. I paused, watched the dogs run about the apartment. They were glad to be out of the car and were busy stretching the legs. I replied, “They both do.” After we hung up, I wondered if this was actually possible. Can you feel at home in two different places? Can two sets of bedrooms, bathrooms, dishes, towels, and mailing addresses feel equally “home”? Can you be so lucky to have two homes, even if they are separated by 340 miles? Yes. You can. Because feeling at home has nothing to do with the stuff you buy. Feeling at home is exactly that – a feeling. Home is a feeling that gives you permission to be at ease with your surroundings. It’s a sense that you’re okay and everything else is as well. Home is more than a place. halloweenexpress.com/huntsville How fortunate am I to have many places where I feel at home. From the Tennessee Valley to the Emerald City, there are places and people where and with whom I am safe. As I danced in the place between awake and asleep, I imagined Amanda Knox as she relaxed into her own bed, feeling at home for the first time in four years. Before I surrender to sleep the dogs press against me and regardless of which side of the state I’m on, I’m pleased to be home. The Single Guy: Communi-Date by Aaron Hurd Bad Timing!?! W e just have bad timing” – How many times have you heard or used that line, and is there any truth to it? For a guy, who is famous for wanting what I can’t have - that line has pretty much shaped my dating world. My timing is great - as long as you and I want the same thing in the relationship. Not so great if you’re ready to settle down and I am not at the moment or vice versa. Is it really “timing” or is it an excuse? What do you think? The truth is: if a girl I am flirting with is all of a sudden into me and I am not as into her as I thought I was… I am suddenly too busy for a relationship and still trying to figure out things - the timing is just not right! Don’t get mad you have used it too! Plus, it’s always good to leave that door slightly open in case we want to come back and explore it again at another “time”. Maybe when we realize that someone better is not coming around during our “not the right time stage” then all of a sudden - the timing seems perfect, right!?! Then what happens!? That person we dissed is all of a sudden not around, not interested anymore, and hopefully, if they’re smart, moved on! It comes down to attraction and want. If we REALLY want the person then we are going to make time, make it work, and try to put forth the effort to make it happen. Bad timing is an excuse to basically say yeah at the time, you were not worth the time and we just have bad timing! I laugh every time I hear ‘bad timing’…because its goes back to keeping that person “on the hook.” The person who wants the other is not thinking I just have bad timing…if they are they are lying to themselves. We have all told ourselves that. I think it is a little bit of both. I am not the best at picking the right time to ask a girl out, or when to confess my feelings. But does it come down to timing or is it something else? How many times have you heard, “It happened when I least expected it, I was not even looking!” Does that tie in with timing? Plans revolve around time so it should, right? However, at the time they were not looking! Honestly, I believe timing has nothing to Timing is really regret in disguise! It is a line do with it - it’s an excuse! we tell ourselves and others to excuse our missed We have to blame something for why it did not opportunity. Bad timing really is bad attraction! work out so why not time? I mean it can’t be us! Believe me, if your dream girl or man came into I am too sexy for her not to like me so it must be your life at a “Bad Time,” I can guarantee you it that damn timing! (Yup-I’ve used that one). “If would all of a sudden be “Perfect Timing” fate I only asked her/him earlier”, “if I let her/him in and love, right? when I had the chance”…the timing just was not right! SURE! Keep telling ourselves what we want to hear. It’s pure BS. We are great at lying to ourselves when the time is right (no pun intended haha)! THE VALLEY PLANET Is timing everything in dating or just an excuse? What do you think? Email me at [email protected] Thanks for taking the “time” to read! #102011110911 Across From Madison Square Mall 5850 University Dr. NW Huntsville, AL 5.00 OFF $ a purchase of $25.00 or more. Expires Oct. 31, 2011. Only at this location. Limit one coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Across From Madison Square Mall 5850 University Dr. NW Huntsville, AL H 1 8 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 s ille L 4c ndd 1 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 2 9 Thursday, October 20 BANDITO BURRITO (MADISON) (SEE AD PG 13), Marge BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Dave Anderson BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Elvis Moonshine CROSSROADS, Renegade workshop DAILY BREW (DECATUR), Open Mic Night DIAMONDS, Bike Night w/ Live Music FINNEGAN’S PUB, Slip Jig FURNITURE FACTORY, 45 Surprise Acoustic GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), Open Mic/ Live Acoustics HIGHWAY HAVEN, Karaoke Contest HOPPER’S, Karaoke HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Lance Almon Smith KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Dave Anderson KNIGHT MOVES, Karaoke KNUCKLEHEADS, Bike Night w/ Live Music LEE ANN’S, Song Birds MOORESVILLE BAR & GRILL, Bike Night w/ Live Music PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ Amber SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJ Keibot SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, 5ive O Clock Charlie THE BRICK (DECATUR), Tim Tucker THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Trey Browder VIEUX CARRE, Ladies Night/DJ Brandon Mac VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Barry Kay VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Open Mic Night WILD HORSE SALOON, Karaoke w/ Dustin ackson Browne: Solo Acoustic Volumes one and two. Just because you can play in a band with a herd of other musicians behind you doesn’t mean you can do it alone. Playing solo is a very naked thing to do, just you, an instrument, your voice and an audience. J Anyone who saw Jackson Browne’s last solo tour can vouch that he’s getting better and better and is one of the few artists that may be much better solo than with accompaniment. That he is a songwriter extraordinaire has never been in doubt, but one of the things that makes Browne so powerful solo is guitar playing. It’s always just what the song needs to set the mood for the always moving lyrics. This is a man who can bring tears to your eyes with a few words and six strings, somehow melding so much emotion into the whole that it’s hard to explain. It’s something better understood with the ears. As with his guitar, Browne doesn’t overplay on the piano. He uses just enough notes to fill what is needed. Jackson Browne is truly a national treasure and one of the greatest songwriters of this or any other generation. It’s no accident that so many other artists have covered and had hits with Browne’s songs. Jackson Browne: Solo Acoustic Volumes is more than just a compilation of “Greatest Hits,” it’s a masterpiece by a master in his prime. You may have forgotten how much you love Jackson Browne until you hear this collection. “Too Many Angels” is worth the cost of the collection on its own. This is a must for all serious Jackson Browne fans and absolutely one of the best starts for any first time listeners – if there is such a thing. Browne’s music isn’t crash, bam, boom. It is serious, introspective work that relaxes and makes you think and marvel at how a stranger can get inside your head and say what you feel better than you can. Saturday, October 22 AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, Karaoke BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Dave Anderson BILLY’S SPORTS BAR (HAZEL GREEN), Karaoke w/ Larry COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD PG 10), Open Mic Night COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), Merriman CROSSROADS, Boombox w/ special guest White Noise and Grown Folks Band DIAMONDS, CO Jones FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (DECATUR), Square One FURNITURE FACTORY, Rob Aldridge/Booty Shakers GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), DJ/ Doc Roc HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Juice HIGHWAY HAVEN, Shameless Jackson Browne: Solo Acoustic Volumes one and two. Disc: 1 1. Barricades Of Heaven 2. Intro 3. These Days 4. Intro 5. St. Marks 6. Intro 7. Fountain Of Sorrow 8. Your Bright Baby Blues 9. For A Dancer 10. Too Many Angels 11. Intro 12. For Everyman 13. Intro 14. Lives In The Balance 15. Intro 16. Looking East 17. Intro 18. The Pretender 19. Intro 20. Take It Easy Disc: 2 1. Never Stop 2. Intro 3. The Night Inside Of Me 4. Intro 5. Enough Of the Night 6. Intro 7. Something Fine 8. Sky Blue And Black 9. In The Shape Of A Heart 10. Alive In The World 11. Intro 10 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM Friday, October 21 53 SPORTS BAR & GRILL, Blackbird AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, The Mersey Band BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Hashbrown BILLY’S SPORTS BAR (HAZEL GREEN), Karaoke w/ Larry BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Underdogs CASA MONTEGO, Reggae & More with DJ Frankie J COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD PG 10), Larry, Peggy and Jerry COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), Thad and Company and Fat Momma CROSSROADS, Steel Magnolia w/ special guest Elenowen DIAMONDS, Redd Letters EL HERRADURA, Edgar ELK’S LODGE, Karaoke FINNEGAN’S PUB, Sing Along with Nancy FLYING MONKEY ARTS CENTER, Abstract Artimus and Fargo with Oto Benga FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Howie and HDK FURNITURE FACTORY, Full Circle GEE’S PLACE, Jerry Don Collins Band GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), DJ/ Doc Roc HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Proton Joe HIGHWAY HAVEN, Shameless HOPPER’S, Peter and the Wolfe HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Dave Anderson/ Kilborn Alley Blues Band KNUCKLEHEADS, Jason Albert Band LEE ANN’S, Pla’station LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ DJ Aubrey Walker LONE GOOSE, Marge at Large MOORESVILLE BAR & GRILL, Todd Stovall Band OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Partner’s Cabaret Show SAM AND GREG’S, Chip Gulbro and Friends SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJ Keibot SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Boogafunk THE BRICK (DECATUR), The Strangers THE BRICKHOUSE (PROVIDENCE) (SEE AD PG 12), EZELL THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Glenn and Libba THE STATION, Live Music/ Karaoke VIEUX CARRE, The Vieux Carre Playmates w/ special guest #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 HOPPER’S, Peter and the Wolfe HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Black Eyed Susan LAS TROJAS, Edgar LEE ANN’S, Kozmic Mama LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/DJ Mike B LONE GOOSE, Cracker Jacks MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ Sweet T OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, Colt Ford SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Black Label THE BRICK (DECATUR), We Three Kings THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), John Laird THE STATION, Jason Albert Band VIEUX CARRE, The Vieux Carre Playmates w/ special guest VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Mississippi John Doude Sunday, October 23 CASA MONTEGO, Devere Pride Trio HOPPER’S, Karaoke w/ Tara Kearns KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Sunday Blues Jam hosted by Freddy Earl and the Blues Mercenaries OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ Amber SPORTS PAGE, Open Mic VIEUX CARRE, Jr. Playmates and Open Stage VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ DJ Brandon Mac Monday, October 24 BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Robert LaSalle BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Fat Momma GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Open Mic w/ Ant and Andrew KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Acoustic Open Mic hosted by Greg Rowell KNUCKLEHEADS, Karaoke SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Dave Anderson VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Lacey Atchison Tuesday, October 25 BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Jazz Jam Open Mic BAUMHOWER’S OF HUNTSVILLE, Dave Anderson (6-9) COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), HDK Karaoke with Howie FURNITURE FACTORY, Karaoke GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis HOPPER’S, Karaoke w/ Tara Kearns HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Noel Webster KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Charlie Howell LEE ANN’S, Rudy Mockabee LONE GOOSE, Toy Shop MAC’S SPORTSBAR AND STEAKHOUSE (ATHENS), Karaoke w/ Doc Roc OUR PLACE (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ DW PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Open Mic w/ Marge Loveday SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Chelvis and the Bean THE STATION, Karaoke VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Matt Prater VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Dave Anderson Wednesday, October 26 3RD BASE GRILL (SOUTH PARKWAY), Robby Reichmann (8pm) AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, Karaoke BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Microwave Dave CAZEDORES, Karaoke Night COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD PG 10), Songwriter’s Jam COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), Bike Night w/Sad Thad and Fat Momma FURNITURE FACTORY, Pla’station GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), Open Mic Night HOPPER’S, DJ Lil’ Ed HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Dave Anderson/ DeRobert and the Half-Truths KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Songwriter’s Jam Solo artists LAS TROJAS, Edgar LEE ANN’S, Johnny Collier LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ DJ Aubrey Walker LONE GOOSE, Dawn Osborne Band MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ Sweet T OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke OUR PLACE (DECATUR), Bike Night w/ Live Music PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Talent Contest SPORTS PAGE, Bourbon & Shamrocks SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke music cont. on pg.11 THE VALLEY PLANET music cont. from pg.10 THE BRICK (DECATUR), Mike Roberts VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), The Grant and Charles Show VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, James Irvin Thursday, October 27 BANDITO BURRITO (MADISON) (SEE AD PG 13), Marge BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Dave Anderson BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Smokin Guns DAILY BREW (DECATUR), Open Mic Night DIAMONDS, Bike Night w/ Live Music FINNEGAN’S PUB, Slip Jig FURNITURE FACTORY, Clay and Andy GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), Open Mic/ Live Acoustics HIGHWAY HAVEN, Karaoke Contest HOPPER’S, Karaoke HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Captain Midnight KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Dave Anderson KNIGHT MOVES, Karaoke KNUCKLEHEADS, Bike Night w/ Live Music LEE ANN’S, Love Child LONE GOOSE, Traci Traci MOORESVILLE BAR & GRILL, Bike Night w/ Pat and Cory OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ Amber SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJ Keibot SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, 5ive O Clock Charlie THE BRICK (DECATUR), Halloween Freak Out w/ DJ Clint THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Trey Browder VIEUX CARRE, Ladies Night/DJ Brandon Mac VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Barry Kay VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Open Mic Night WILD HORSE SALOON, Stacy Mitchhart / Karaoke with Dustin Friday, October 28 AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, The Mersey Band BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Bourbon & Shamrocks BILLY’S SPORTS BAR (HAZEL GREEN), Karaoke w/ Larry BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Kristin Ford and Cara Cobra CASA MONTEGO, Reggae & More with DJ Frankie J COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD PG 10), Randy Duck/Halloween Party COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), Drivin Under CROSSROADS, Perpetual Groove DIAMONDS, Horizon EL HERRADURA, Edgar ELK’S LODGE, Karaoke FINNEGAN’S PUB, Sing Along with Nancy FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Howie and HDK FURNITURE FACTORY, Liquid Caravan GEE’S PLACE, Open Mic GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), DJ/ Doc Roc HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Southbound Junkies HIGHWAY HAVEN, Shameless HOPPER’S, Peter and the Wolfe HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Dave Anderson/ We Three Kings and the Queen LEE ANN’S, Groove LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ DJ Aubrey Walker LONE GOOSE, O’Dell Johnson Duo MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ Sweet T MOORESVILLE BAR & GRILL, Section 8 OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Partner’s Cabaret Show SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJ Keibot SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, 5ive O’Clock Charlie THE BRICK (DECATUR), Chocolate Cracker THE BRICKHOUSE (PROVIDENCE) (SEE AD PG 12), EZELL THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Trey Browder VIEUX CARRE, The Vieux Carre Playmates w/ special guest VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Lance Almon Smith WILD HORSE SALOON, Karaoke w/ DJ Jimbo downstairs Matt Saturday, October 29 AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, Karaoke BANDITO BURRITO (MADISON) (SEE AD PG 13), Cracker Jacks, The Barnstormers, Pickin’ Addiction, The Pollies and a Car Show BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, LaSalle BILLY’S SPORTS BAR (HAZEL GREEN), Karaoke w/ Larry BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Destined COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD PG 10), Open Mic Night CROSSROADS, Halloween Costume Contest w/ DiscOasis DIAMONDS, Underdogs FLYING MONKEY ARTS CENTER, HSDS w/ Microwave Dave FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (DECATUR), Square One THE VALLEY PLANET FURNITURE FACTORY, The Zook’s (Halloween Bash) GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), DJ/ Doc Roc HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Booty Shakers HIGHWAY HAVEN, Shameless HOPPER’S, Peter and the Wolfe/ Halloween Bash HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, The Good Doctor LAS TROJAS, Edgar LEE ANN’S, Playback LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/DJ Mike B LONE GOOSE, Toy Shop OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, Halloween Party SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Bridges Burn, L.I.E. THE BRICK (DECATUR), Black Label THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Trey and Kenny THE STATION, Black Eyed Susan VIEUX CARRE, The Vieux Carre Playmates w/ special guest VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Two Days Gone WILD HORSE SALOON, DJ Dustin downstairs DJ Jimbo Karaoke Sunday, October 30 BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, HRO CASA MONTEGO, Devere Pride Trio COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), Open Mic FLYING MONKEY ARTS CENTER, Balthrop, Alabama HOPPER’S, Karaoke w/ Tara Kearns KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Sunday Blues Jam hosted by Freddy Earl and the Blues Mercenaries OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ Amber SPORTS PAGE, Open Mic VIEUX CARRE, Jr. Playmates and Open Stage VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ DJ Brandon Mac Monday, October 31 BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Robert LaSalle GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Open Mic w/ Marge KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Acoustic Open Mic hosted by Greg Rowell KNUCKLEHEADS, Karaoke SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Dave Anderson VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Tom Evanchuck & the Old Money Tuesday, November 1 BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Que Rico BAUMHOWER’S OF HUNTSVILLE, Dave Anderson (6-9) COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), HDK Karaoke with Howie FURNITURE FACTORY, Karaoke GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis HOPPER’S, Karaoke w/ Tara Kearns HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Noel Webster KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Charlie Howell LEE ANN’S, Pot Luck MAC’S SPORTSBAR AND STEAKHOUSE (ATHENS), Karaoke w/ Doc Roc PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Open Mic w/ Marge Loveday SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Chelvis and the Bean THE STATION, Karaoke VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Matt Prater VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Dave Anderson Wednesday, November 2 3RD BASE GRILL (SOUTH PARKWAY), Marge Loveday (8pm) AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, Karaoke BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Microwave Dave BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Open Mic CAZEDORES, Karaoke Night COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD PG 10), Songwriter’s Jam COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), Open Mic FINNEGAN’S PUB, Bourbon & Shamrocks GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), Open Mic Night HOPPER’S, DJ Lil’ Ed HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Jonathon Scales Fourchestra KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Songwriter’s Jam Solo artists KNUCKLEHEADS, Crush LAS TROJAS, Edgar LEE ANN’S, Sargent Peppers LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ DJ Aubrey Walker MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ Sweet T OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke OUR PLACE (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ DW PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Talent Contest SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Chris Cook VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), The Grant and Charles Show VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, James Irvin music cont. on pg.12 #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 11 music cont. from pg.11 Thursday, November 3 BANDITO BURRITO (MADISON) (SEE AD PG 13), Marge BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Dave Anderson DAILY BREW (DECATUR), Open Mic Night DIAMONDS, Bike Night w/ Live Music FINNEGAN’S PUB, Slip Jig GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), Open Mic/ Live Acoustics HIGHWAY HAVEN, Karaoke Contest HOPPER’S, Karaoke HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, We Three Kings KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Dave Anderson KNIGHT MOVES, Karaoke KNUCKLEHEADS, Bike Night w/ Live Music LEE ANN’S, Crush MOORESVILLE BAR & GRILL, Bike Night w/ Live Music OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke OUR PLACE (DECATUR), Bike Night w/ Live Music PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ Amber SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJ Keibot SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, 5ive O Clock Charlie THE BRICK (DECATUR), Pat and the Peeps THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Trey Browder THE STATION, Karaoke VIEUX CARRE, Ladies Night/DJ Brandon Mac VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Barry Kay VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Open Mic WILD HORSE SALOON, Karaoke w/ Dustin Friday, November 4 AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, The Mersey Band BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Tangled String BILLY’S SPORTS BAR (HAZEL GREEN), Karaoke w/ Larry BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Dawn Osborne CASA MONTEGO, Reggae & More with DJ Frankie J COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD PG 10), Showcase Performer EL HERRADURA, Edgar ELK’S LODGE, Karaoke FINNEGAN’S PUB, Sing Along with Nancy FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Howie and HDK GEE’S PLACE, Cross Cut Band 12 GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), DJ/ Doc Roc HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Jason Albert Band HIGHWAY HAVEN, Shameless HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Love Child LEE ANN’S, Pla’station LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ DJ Aubrey Walker LONE GOOSE, Fundraiser w/ Live Music MOORESVILLE BAR & GRILL, Randy Jones OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke OUR PLACE (DECATUR), Twodaze Gone PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Partner’s Cabaret Show SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJ Keibot SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Local Orbit, Destined, Guest THE BRICK (DECATUR), Bone Dry THE BRICKHOUSE (PROVIDENCE) (SEE AD PG 12), EZELL THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Glenn and Libba THE STATION, Live Music/ Karaoke VIEUX CARRE, The Vieux Carre Playmates w/ special guest VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, We Three Kings WILD HORSE SALOON, Karaoke w/ DJ Jimbo downstairs Matt Saturday, November 5 AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, Karaoke BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Dave Anderson BILLY’S SPORTS BAR (HAZEL GREEN), Karaoke w/ Larry BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Abstract Theory COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD PG 10), Open Mic Night COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), Carter G. CROSSROADS, Rasputina FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (DECATUR), Square One GEE’S PLACE, Huntsville Hootenanny-Huntsville Humane Society Benefit GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), DJ/ Doc Roc HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), The Breakers HIGHWAY HAVEN, Shameless HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, 5ive O Clock Charlie LAS TROJAS, Edgar LEE ANN’S, Big 40 LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/DJ Mike B LONE GOOSE, Redd Letters MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ Sweet T OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJ Keibot SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM SPORTS PAGE, Indian Rodeo THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Cheezee THE STATION, Live Music/ Karaoke VIEUX CARRE, The Vieux Carre Playmates w/ special guest WILD HORSE SALOON, DJ Dustin downstairs DJ Jimbo Karaoke Sunday, November 6 BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Rocket City Rock and Soul Book Launch w/ Ivy Joe and the Snowballs CASA MONTEGO, Devere Pride Trio HOPPER’S, Karaoke w/ Tara Kearns KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Sunday Blues Jam hosted by Freddy Earl and the Blues Mercenaries OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ Amber SPORTS PAGE, Open Mic VIEUX CARRE, Jr. Playmates and Open Stage VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ DJ Brandon Mac Monday, November 7 BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Robert LaSalle GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Open Mic w/ Ant and Andrew KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Acoustic Open Mic hosted by Greg Rowell KNUCKLEHEADS, Karaoke SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Dave Anderson VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Tim Tucker Tuesday, November 8 BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Jazz Jam Open Mic BAUMHOWER’S OF HUNTSVILLE, Dave Anderson (6-9) COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), HDK Karaoke with Howie GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis HOPPER’S, Karaoke w/ Tara Kearns HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Noel Webster KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Charlie Howell LEE ANN’S, Rudy Mockabee MAC’S SPORTSBAR AND STEAKHOUSE (ATHENS), Karaoke w/ Doc Roc OUR PLACE (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ DW PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Open Mic w/ Marge Loveday #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 SPORTS PAGE, Chelvis and the Bean THE STATION, Karaoke VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Matt Prater VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Dave Anderson Wednesday, November 9 3RD BASE GRILL (SOUTH PARKWAY), Robby Eichman (8pm) AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, Karaoke BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Microwave Dave BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Open Mic CAZEDORES, Karaoke Night COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD PG 10), Songwriter’s Jam COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), Open Mic GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), Open Mic Night HOPPER’S, Lil’ Ed HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, The Robs KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Songwriter’s Jam Solo artists LAS TROJAS, Edgar LEE ANN’S, Big 40 LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ DJ Aubrey Walker OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke OUR PLACE (DECATUR), Bike Night w/ Live Music PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Talent Contest SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Bourbon & Shamrocks THE BRICK (DECATUR), Tim Tucker VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), The Grant and Charles Show VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, James Irvin Thursday, November 10 BANDITO BURRITO (MADISON) (SEE AD PG 13), Marge BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Dave Anderson DAILY BREW (DECATUR), Open Mic Night DIAMONDS, Bike Night w/Live Music FINNEGAN’S PUB, Slip Jig GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Lewis GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), Open Mic/ Live Acoustics HIGHWAY HAVEN, Karaoke Contest HOPPER’S, Karaoke KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Dave Anderson KNIGHT MOVES, Karaoke music cont. on pg.13 THE VALLEY PLANET music cont. from pg.12 KNUCKLEHEADS, Bike Night w/ Live Music LEE ANN’S, LaRose LONE GOOSE, Traci Traci MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ Sweet T MOORESVILLE BAR & GRILL, Bike Night w/ Live Music OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ Amber SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJ Keibot SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, 5ive O Clock Charlie THE BRICK (DECATUR), Barry Hall THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Trey Browder THE STATION, Karaoke VIEUX CARRE, Ladies Night/DJ Brandon Mac VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Barry Kay VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Open Mic Friday, November 11 WILD HORSE SALOON, Karaoke w/ Dustin AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, The Mersey Band BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Silverstreak BILLY’S SPORTS BAR (HAZEL GREEN), Karaoke w/ Larry CASA MONTEGO, Reggae & More with DJ Frankie J COPPERTOP (SEE AD PG 13), Psycho Hillbillies CROSSROADS, Carolina Chocolate Drops EL HERRADURA, Edgar ELK’S LODGE, Karaoke FINNEGAN’S PUB, Sing Along with Nancy FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ Howie and HDK GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), DJ/ Doc Roc HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Hot Rod Otis HIGHWAY HAVEN, Shameless HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Scott Holt Band Acoustic KNUCKLEHEADS, Jason Albert Band LEE ANN’S, Full Circle LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ DJ Aubrey Walker LONE GOOSE, Chinchillionaires MOORESVILLE BAR & GRILL, Todd Stovall Band OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Partners Cabaret Show SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJ Keibot SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Brian Jones Trio THE BRICK (DECATUR), The Breakers THE BRICKHOUSE (PROVIDENCE) (SEE AD PG 12), EZELL THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Kenny Barry THE STATION, Live Music/ Karaoke THE VALLEY PLANET VIEUX CARRE, The Vieux Carre Playmates w/ special guest VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Dawn Osborne Band WILD HORSE SALOON, Karaoke w/ DJ Jimbo downstairs Matt Saturday, November 12 AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, Karaoke BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Dave Anderson BILLY’S SPORTS BAR (HAZEL GREEN), Karaoke w/ Larry BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Bo Steele and Ben Rabino COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD PG 10), Open Mic Night FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (DECATUR), Square One GRID IRON GRILL (NEW HOPE), DJ/ Doc Roc HIGHWAY HAVEN, Shameless HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Seducing Alice LAS TROJAS, Edgar LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/DJ Mike B LONE GOOSE, O’Dell Johnson Duo MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ Sweet T OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ Amber SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJ Keibot SANDY’S ROADHOUSE (GUNTERSVILLE), Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Jury THE BRICK (DECATUR), Lava Lamp THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Glenn and Libba THE STATION, Live Music/ Karaoke VIEUX CARRE, The Vieux Carre Playmates w/ special guest Sunday, November 13 VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ DJ Brandon Mac WILD HORSE SALOON, DJ Dustin downstairs DJ Jimbo Karaoke CASA MONTEGO, Devere Pride Trio HOPPER’S, Karaoke w/ Tara Kearns KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Sunday Blues Jam hosted by Freddy Earl and the Blues Mercenaries OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL, Karaoke SPORTS PAGE, Open Mic VIEUX CARRE, Jr. Playmates and Open Stage VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ DJ Brandon Mac #102011110911 INDEPENDENT ARTIST, JONATHAN LAIRD “POPS” INTO THE SOUTH TO PROMOTE HIS FIRST MUSICAL RELEASE W ith a chill in the air, and a turn of the seasons, Nashville artist Jonathan Laird celebrates the first leg of his Southeast regional “Tangled Up In Me” tour celebrating his critically acclaimed EP, “Tangled Up In Me.” Consisting of original music inspired by pop culture heroes, both young and old, this young music aficionado puts his own twist on some very familiar sounds. Huntsville’s publication, “Valley Planet” voted him “Best Jazz Artist” in their “Best of the Valley” reader’s poll in 2010. His songs have been spun on independent podcasts in Germany, New York, and the United Kingdom, and two songs from his current EP release, “Tangled Up In Me” have been aired on 104.3 WZYP out of Huntsville. His EP was produced by Cam DeVaney. (Flyleaf) Jonathan delivers a hooky slice of happiness by combining head-bopping grooves, silky vocals and picturesque lyricism. It’s a style of modern pop that meshes elements of Paul Simon and John Mayer with George Benson and Jason Mraz. He is currently writing songs for his first full-length recording, performing with Chopper Wilson of the Jason Albert Band (Heartland), Bonner Black and is co-writing with Lee Pinson and Sarah Ray Causey. In addition, Jonathan has shared the stage with Independent Christian artists Jonathan Lee, Kathleen Carnali, Jason Albert and Norris Jones (Michael Jackson). He has shared the studio with Buddy Hyatt (Toto) and Bruce Boughton (Reba McEntire). He currently performs as a solo artist and is also a supporting musician for other artists. Jonathan has also played benefits ranging from The Arthritis Foundation to Relay for Life and Susan G. Komen. Contact Jonathan at jonathan@ jonathanlaird.net for more information. www.jonathanlaird.net the end! VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 13 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Thursday, October 20 The Lawrence County Arts Council announces a call to artists for a juried photography exhibit entitled Sights of Lawrence County. The exhibit will be on display at Art Inspirations of the Valley beginning in September and ending October 31, 2011. The exhibition is open to all photographers18 years of age or older residing in the United States. www. lawrencecountyarts.com, 256-905-0700. The Hudson Alpha’s Tie the Ribbons luncheon will be at The Jackson Center, 6001 Moquin Drive, in Huntsville from 12-1:15pm. www.hudsonalpha.org Art with a Twist will be at the Huntsville Museum of Art from 5:30-8:30pm. www.hsvmuseum.org – Automata will be at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art in Tuscumbia now through October 28th. www.ttvaa.org There will be a Gallery Show Exhibit featured artists from Alabama A&M at Sam and Greg’s Pizzeria until November 3rd. www.artshuntsville.org Tate Farms Cotton Pickin’ Pumpkins is open for tours now through October 31st. The activities include hay bale, cotton picker slides, picking your own pumpkin and much more. www.Tatefarmspumkins.com Moody Mondays will have a video golf tournament every Thursday at 6:30pm. The cost to play is $10 per person. 256-539-9945 Mic Nice hosted by Simply Tam will be from 6-7:30 pm every Thursday evening. We have implemented the “Independent Thought Artists” series to help inspire dreamers to dream bigger, to face their fears, to step out on faith and live as artfully as life will allow. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/micnice. After Mic Nice, Black’s Smokehouse Presents Cocktails located at 3701 Governors Dr. It will be an evening of “Poetic Lyrical Intoxications”. 9pm with no cover charge. The Huntsville Museum of Art will have the exhibit Huntsville Photographic Society Members Showcase. These beautiful works can be found in the Prozan Community Gallery near the new Williams street entrance. Free. www.hsvmuseum.org Light the Night Walk will be at Bridgestreet Towne Center from 6:30-8:30pm. Align and Wine will be every Thursday at 6pm at the Huntsville Museum of Art. It is Yoga Class followed by wine and hors d’oeuvres. The class is $15 and if staying for wine and hors d’oeuvres please donate at least $2. http://mitziconnell.com/align-and-wine. The 37th Annual Taste of Huntsville will be at the Von Braun Center at 5:30pm. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. The 1st Floor at Lowe Mill will have Rooster Tail Graphic Designs at 5:45pm. It will be offered every Thursday. $20/Class/$60/Four Classes (Paid in Advance) 256-503-0718, www.theroostertail.com Bizarre and Unique Curiosities will be at Burritt on the Mountain from 9am until 5pm through October 30th. There will be a variety of collectables on display in the Burritt Mansion. www.burrittonthemountain. com The Exhibit, Documenting World War I & II will be at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art in Tuscumbia through November 11th.The Exhibit,Steve Armstrong 14 The Huntsville Museum of Art will have the exhibit Huntsville’s Own: Past, Present and Beyond until October 2nd. 256-535-4350, www.hsvmuseum.org Thursday Night Salsa will be at Bar 109 from 710:30pm. There will be a free intro to Salsa at 7pm. $5 cover charge. [email protected] The Huntsville Botanical Gardens will have Scarecrow Trails now through October. www.hsvbg.org or call 256-430-3571. October 20-21 Etta May; as Dr. Etta, Family Specialist will be at Merrimack Hall at 7:20pm. $30. www.merrimackhall.com October 20-23 The Renaissance Theatre presents Dracula, Lord of WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM the Vampires at the Main Stage at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15. www.rennaissancetheatre.net (See ad pg.6) Friday, October 21 Artoberfest, a fundraiser for the ArtKrewe will be from 6-10 pm at the Huntsville Museum of Art. There will be live music by The Charles and Grant Show, beer tasting and ten local artists in the Artist Market. It is $10 admission, $5 Art Krewe Members. 256-4294072. The Limestone County Commission and Urban Success for Children, Inc. announce the 2011 Limestone County Oratorical Competition. The public speaking competition is free and open to all Limestone County residence 1st -12th the grades. It will be November 13th at 3pm at the Limestone County Event Center, in Athens. Applications will be available at the Limestone County Library and at the Limestone County website thewww.huntsvilleurbannetwork.com. Applications must be received by October 21st 256-774-1367 UAH Hockey vs. The Air Force will be at the VBC at 7pm. Jim Parker’s Songwriter’s Series will be at the VBC Playhouse. Performers will be Angela Kaset, Michelle Malone, Will Kimbrough w/ special guest Carter Hamrick and host Jim Parker. www.jimparkermusic.com Fri. @ 5, at Carnegie Visual Arts Center, monthly member receptions, will be from 5-7pm. Appetizers and complimentary beverages will be served. Suggested admission is $5 for Carnegie members and $15 for non-members. www.carnegiearts.org Directly after the Fri.@ 5 at 7:15pm downstairs at The Carnegie, Bobby Horton performs a musical telling of the connections between music and visual art. Because seating is limited, reservations are recommended by calling the Carnegie. It is $20 per person at the door. Snacks and beverages are included. The Redstone Officers’ and Civilians’ Club will have Comedy Night from 6-11pm. The cost is $18. Dinner will start at 6pm and the show begins at 7:30pm. www.redstonemwr.com (See ad pg.17) Brasterpieces Reception/Celebration will be at the 1st Floor Connector of Lowe Mill. Admission is free/ donations accepted. It will be from 6:30-9:30pm. Join us for the celebration of this unique art breast cancer fundraiser. www.lowemill.net #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 Sci-Quest’s Third Annual Mad Scientist’s Ball will be from 5:30-9pm at Sci-Quest Hands on Science Museum. Tickets are $50 per person. www.sci-quest. org LearningQUEST presents: Ron Harris at the HMCPL Main Branch Library from 7-9pm. 256 532-5962 There will be a Figure Sculpting Class with Everett Cox – Foundry at Lowe Mill. It will be from 10:30am until 1pm. The cost is $325 (includes all materials). [email protected] There will be a Hands-on Class Photography Workshop, in Studio 114 at Lowe Mill from 9:00am2:30pm. The cost is $189. It is a hands-on, interactive class for photography lovers that want to capture better pictures and improve the workflow process that follows. [email protected], lowemill.net The Little Learners’ Workshop will be at 10:30pm at the Huntsville-Madison Public Library and will be every Friday until October 28th. hmcpl.org The Wild Horse Saloon will have Free Line dance lessons at 7pm every Friday. October 21-22 Family Fright Night will be at the Historic Lowry House. There will be tours, ghost stories and a miniplay. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 15 and under. The tour times available are: 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, and 8:00. www.thelowryhouse.com, 256- 489-9200 Schoolhouse Rock Live will be at Columbia High School at 7:30pm. Tickets are $7 students and $10 for adults. October 21-23 The 28th Annual Blount County Covered Bridge Festival will be in Oneonta, AL. 205-274-2153 The Disturbia Haunted House will be open this weekend and all weekends in October. It is located at 1918 N. Memorial Parkway in Huntsville. Tickets are $20 or $30 for VIP no waiting tickets. www. disturbiahauntedhouse.com The Haunted Gin, a haunted attraction in Meridianville will be open from 7pm until midnight. events cont. on pg.15 THE VALLEY PLANET events cont. from pg.14 The Huntsville Haunted Corn Maze will be open from 5:00-11pm. It is located at 165 Brownsboro Rd in Brownsboro. Theatre Randolph presents Bad Seed, a psychological thriller by Maxwell Anderson. It will be at the Upper School Theatre, 4915 Garth Road, 256-799-6163, www. showtix4u.com The Tennessee Valley Civil War Round Table will have,“The Road to Kennesaw - Sherman and Johnston in North Georgia, May-June 1864” Tour. The tour package includes transportation, admission to Picket’s Mill, Kennesaw Mountain Shuttle, Onboard Civil War Guide, two-night accommodations and two breakfasts. Rates per person start at $470. 256-890-0890 Saturday, October 22 The Coffee Tree Books and Brew will have a Market Place every Saturday from 2-4pm. There will be various vendors. www.coffeetreebnb.com, 256-8806464. (See ad pg.10) There will be a Concert of Music for Soprano & Flute, featuring the works of Handel, Liszt, Bach & Genzmer with Bob Gifford, flute, Christie Weber, soprano, Suzanne Purtee, piano and Eric Wilson, piano. The concert is free and open to the public. It will be held in Bibb Chapel at the Church of the Nativity. 256-533-2455. The Huntsville Ghost Walk will begin at the Harrison Brothers Hardware Store promptly at 6 pm. It will be every Saturday through October. Admission is $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for children 12 and under. www. huntsvilleghostwalk.com There will be a Benefit for One Brick at a Time, helping to rebuild and refill the band room at Phil Campbell High school. It will be at Gurley’s Soggy Bottom Music Barn in Summerville, 45 Peck Hollow Rd. There will be live music and an auction an will be from 11am until 5pm. 256-426-3685 The Flying Monkey Arts Center will have Your Yoga with Casey every Saturday. The intermediate class is at 9:45-11am. 256-679-7143, www.flyingmonkeyarts.org The Autumn Ramble, Guided Hike Series- The Walls of Jericho will be today from 9am-3pm. www. landtrustnal.org Operation Green Team is hosting Yoga by the River every Saturday in October from 9 to 10am. Enjoy a relaxing yet energizing morning of Yoga, taught by Whitnye Lolley, beside the gentle flowing waters of the Flint River in Hays Nature Preserve. 256-532-5326. The 4th Annual Halloween Costume Salsa Party will be at the Von Braun Center from 8:30pm until 12:30am. The cost is $20. www.salseroblanko.net (See ad pg.4) The Rocket City Short Film Festival will be at 7pm at Lowe Mill. Admission is $5. It is a showcase for locally made short films. www.lowemill.net There will be a concert with Bob Gifford, flute and Eric Wilson; pianist will accompany Christie Weber, soprano in arias by Handel and Sir Henry Bishop. It will be at 5pm at the Church of the Nativity, 208 Eustis Ave. www.nativity.dioala.org, 256 533 2455. The Invisible, fundraiser for Downtown Rescue Mission will be at the 2nd Floor Connector Gallery at Lowe Mill from 4-7pm. www.lowemill.net camp is open to men and women ages 15-up who need help getting in shape. myfitnesspartnershawn@ hotmail.com. The Pink Party will be in downtown Huntsville, 216 Westside Square from 6-9pm. The cost is $45 per person. www.eventhuntsville.com we will have a few different activities just for fun! Admission at the door is $10. www.parapsychologystudygroup.com 256--326-0092 The Madison City Farmers Market will be at 1282 Hughes Road in Madison.from 8am until 12pm. The Wild Horse Saloon will have Free Couples dance lessons at 7:30pm every Wednesday. It is for ages 19 and up. The Music Dance Hall will be open til 11pm. October 28-29 There will be a Spooktacular Science Halloween Party at Sci-Quest from 6-9pm. www.sciquest.org The 1st Floor at Lowe Mill will have Joomla! Classes with Rooster Tail Designs at 6:45pm. It will be offered the first four Wednesdays in October. $50/Class/$150/ Four Classes (Paid in Advance) 256-503-0718, www.theroostertail.com. October 28-30 The Broadway Theatre League will have the New Mel Brooks Musical, Young Frankenstein. It will be at the Von Braun Center. Performance times are Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm and 7:30pm. http://www.broadwaytheatreleague.org There will be an Artist Market at the Flying Monkey Arts Center from noon until 4pm. Admission is free. There will be art, jewelry, vintage clothing, records, and more interesting things for sale inside the facility. www.flyingmonkeyarts.org. October 22-23 The Fiber Guild-Garment Construction and Finishing Techniques workshop will be in Studio 112, Lowe Mill from 9:30am-4:30pm. Learn to be creative with your seam finishes, buttonholes, closures, linings, and embellishment. Bring a sewing machine and try many of the techniques. www.lowemill.net The Salsalabama Jam 2011 will be at the Von Braun Center on Saturday and the Rocket City Dance Club on Sunday. 901-605-8246, John Morey, www.salseroblanko.net/salsalabamajam.html (See ad pg.4) Sunday, October 23 Zydeco and Cajun dance lessons are taught every Sunday from 6 to 8pm at the Eagles Lodge located at Bob Wallace and 10th Street. Partners are not required. Dance lessons start off the evening and are taught in the round robin style. [email protected] The Harris Home for Children is hosting a 5k walk/ run at the Madison County Par Course (off Johnson Rd) on October 23 at 9am. The walk is to benefit the Therapeutic Foster Care program. www.harrishomeforchildren.org/ The Autumn Ramble, Guided Hike Series- Historic Trough Springs on Monte Sano Mountain will be today at 2-3pm. www.landtrustnal.org Monday, October 24 The Monaco Theatre will have Movies for Moms at 11am. It is designed to provide mothers with infants an opportunity to see one of the latest movie releases at a great value. www.monacopicturesusa.com (See ad pg.16) The Huntsville Art League will have Figure Drawing Group (non-nude), every Monday from 9 am until noon at the HAL Gallery. http://huntsvilleartleague. org There will be a Women’s Mountain Bike Ride every Monday at 5:30pm leaving from the Biker’s parking lot. Beginners are welcome. www.bicyclesetc.us The Flying Monkey Arts Center will have Your Yoga with Casey every Monday in October. The beginner class is 6-7pm. It is $14 a session or $45 for a 4 class pass. 256-679-7143, www.flyingmonkeyarts.org The Financial Seminar Series: Where to Invest? will be at the HMCPL Madison Branch Library256- 4610046, [email protected] The Bollywood Film Series will be at the HMCPL Madison Branch Library130 Plaza Blvd, in Madison from 6-8pm. 256- 461-0046, [email protected] October 24-27 The Unexpected Boys Does Broadway will be at Merrimack Hall. Performance times are 7pm Tuesday and 7:30pm on Wednesday and Thursday. www. merrimackhall.com Bootanica will be at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens from 10am until 2pm. There will be games, activities and more. www.hsvbg.org Tuesday, October 25 Face2Face Improv will be at Sam and Greg’s Pizzeria Gelateria, every Tuesday. Admission is $5. It will be at 7:30pm. www.face2faceimprov.com There will be a Pumpkin Planet Workshop at the US Space and Rocket Center. It will be at 10:30am and 12pm. www.spacecamp.org The Teens and Tweeners: Stitchy Witchery will be at the HMCPL Tillman D. Hill Branch Library in Hazel Green at 6pm. The Step Out: Walk to End Diabetes will be at Bridgestreet Town Center at 9am. Hoop Classes 101 with Chrisha of Circle Motion Hoops will be at the Flying Monkey Theatre from 6pm - 7:15pm, every Tuesday. The cost is $15 for a single class and $60- for a five class card. 229-630-2508 or go to, www.flyingmonkeyarts.org The Youth Studio: Print Your Own T-Shirt with Rachel Lackey will be at the Green Pea Press, studio 122 Lowe Mill. The cost is $50 and is for ages 15-18. It will be from 1-4pm. www.lowemill.net The Huntsville Ghost Walk now adds a Haunted Trolley Tour every Saturday night beginning at 6pm. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under and tickets should be purchased in advance at Harrison Brothers Hardware This one hour tour takes visitors past the old hanging tree, a forgotten graveyard, an abandoned school, and much more. www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com MyFitnessPartner Personal Training will host a Free Fitness Camp every Saturday in October. The THE VALLEY PLANET The Dance Club presents the best in ballroom dancing every Tuesday night at Roller Time skating rink, 707 Arcadia Circle with free lessons (East and West Coast Swing) beginning at 7:30pm and dancing continuing until 10:15pm. The cost is $5 for regular and $3 for students. [email protected] Wednesday, October 26 There will be a Wednesday Night Road Ride every Wednesday at 5pm leaving from Bicycles Etc. It is a 27-30 mile one climb, usually 2 groups form. A helmet and light are required. www.bicyclesetc #102011110911 There will be a Peer Critique every Wednesday at 7pm at the HAL Gallery. http://huntsvilleartleague.org The Denise Onwere Gallery Paint ‘n Homeschoolers Class will be in Studio 314, at Lowe Mill. It will be $35 if purchased per class, ages 8-15 years. It will be every Wednesday and Friday through the rest of the year. 256 -322-0184, www.deniseonweregallery.com Thursday, October 27 Bette Yeager will perform parts of A Room of One’s Own at the Huntsville Madison County Public Library (Main Branch) at 7pm. Yeager’s program will help celebrate Arts & Humanities month and is sponsored by the local branch of the American Association of University Women. Admission is free. 256-539-0723. The Whole Backstage in Guntersville will have Recess, the musical. Performance times are Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday at 7pm. Tickets are $10. 256-582-7469, www.wholebackstage. com (See ad pg.8) The Renaissance Theatre presents The Head that Wouldn’t Stay Dead, the musical. It will be at the Alpha Stage at 7:30pm and 2:30pm on Sunday. Tickets are $15. www.rennaissancetheatre.net The Huntsville Ballet Company presents Unplugged at the VBC Playhouse. This exciting new series offers ballets by outstanding cutting edge choreographers, as well as some Huntsville Ballet classics. Ticket pricing starts at $23.50. www.huntsvilleballetcompany.org (See ad pg.8) Eric Jordan the Opera Cowboy will be at the UAH Theatre Opera Wilson Theatre at 8pm. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 non-students. www.theater.uah.edu Fantasy Playhouse presents, Doctor Osborn’s Magical New Fangled Medicine Show, It will be at the Fantasy Playhouse, located at 3312 Long Avenue. www.letthemagicbegin.com There will be a Halloween Party at the Madison Public Library from 5-7pm. Come dressed in your costumes and enjoy spooky stories, crafts and snacks. hmcpl.org Saturday, October 29 The 3rd Annual Teen Masquerade Fae Ball will be at the HMCPL Main Branch from 8pm until 12am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite fae creatures (faeries, elves, etc.) This event is recommended for teens. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. hmcpl.org 256 532-5962 Harry Potter - The Summer Caper for families: Burritt Mystery Game and Dinner will be at Burritt on the Mountain from 6:30pm until 8:30pm. The cost is $50 per person. www.burrittonthemountain.com October 27-28 The Squidling Brothers Circus Sideshow hosted by the Posey Peep Show, will be at the Flying Monkey Theatre at Lowe Mill. It will be from 9-11pm. Admission is $10. www.lowemill.net October 27-30 The 2011 Women’s Hang Gliding Festival will be at Lookout Mountain Flight Park, located just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Festival is ideal for both women who are interested in seeing what hang gliding is all about and for pilots. There will be fun flying competitions, clinics, reduced priced training for our non-flying friends and family, prizes, and evening festivities. 706-398-3541 or 1-800-688-5637 www. hanglide.com The Renaissance Theatre presents Dracula, Lord of the Vampires. It will be at the Main Stage at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15. www.rennaissancetheatre.net (See ad pg.6) October 27-31 The Huntsville Haunted Corn Maze will be open from 5:00-11pm. It is located at 165 Brownsboro Rd in Brownsboro. The Haunted Gin, a haunted attraction in Meridianville will be open from 7pm until midnight. Friday, October 28 The class on How to Weave a Round Basket will be at the HMCPL Madison Branch Library from 9am until 3pm. 256-461-0046, [email protected] The Junior League of Huntsville Apple Annie Day is today at various locations. www.jlhuntsville.com The HYP Halloween Party will be at Mason’s in downtown Huntsville. Tickets are $15. There will be music provided by Metropolitan DJ. www.gethyp.net The Consul will be at the UAH Theatre Opera Wilson Theatre at 7pm. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 non-students. It will also be on Sunday at 7pm. www. theater.uah.edu Chanticleer, presented by the Huntsville Chamber Music Guild will be at Trinity United Methodist Church at 7:30pm. www.hcmg.us Save the Tatas Bachachasalsa Social will be at the Madison Ballroom, located at 9076 Madison Blvd. It will be from 8pm until midnight. The cost is $5. john. [email protected] The Paranormal Study Center will meet for Freaky Friday at 6:30pm at the Radisson Hotel in the Olympus Room. For our “Before Halloween” special, VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 The Annual North Alabama International Festival will be in the Atrium and open-air Courtyard of the Shelby Center for Science and Technology, just off North Loop Road on the UAHuntsville Campus. The event is free and takes place from 10am until 4pm. 256- 824-6432, [email protected]. There will be a Pumpkin Planet Workshop at the US Space and Rocket Center from 10:30am and 12pm. www.spacecamp.org The Spooktacular 5K/1 Mile Boo Run will be in downtown Huntsville at 8am. Mud-Slingin’, Music, and More will be at Fredricks Equipment and Fredricks Marine in Priceville. The first annual Muddin’ at the Farm Pro-Am Mud Race and Concert promises lots of mud, live music, special sales and pricing in a family-friendly atmosphere. It will be at 2pm and registration will be at 9am. At 6pm Ryan Couron will be performing with special guest Randy Houser. Admission is $25 per person for an allday pass which includes the mud race and concerts. www.fredricksequipment.com, 256.340.8899 There will a concert by pianist, Menahem Pressler, at Trinity United Methodist Church at 5pm. 256489-7415 The Falkville Fall Festival, sponsored by the Falkville Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Falkville, offers free pancakes, a car and tractor show, children’s activities, arts and crafts, and more culminating with country rock band Confederate Railroad live in concert. All activities take place in the town’s downtown area. It will be from 7am until 3pm. There will be live music with Dusty Winsett Band followed by Confederate Railroad. www.decaturcvb.org. Spooky Movies on the Green will be at 6pm at the HMCPL Tillman D. Hill Branch Library in Hazel Green. The Irish Society of North Alabama Halloween Ceili will be at Lowe Mill from 6:30- 9:30pm. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per family of 3 or more. A ceili is a traditional Irish dance event much like the American square dance. There will be costume contests and raffles, live music, and all ages are welcome. www.lowemill.net The HSDS Halloween Costume Bash with Microwave Dave will be at the Flying Monkey Theatre, Lowe Mill from 7-11pm. Admission is $10 general and $7 for students. www.flyingmonkey.org Beaters, Bands and Burritos, a Car Show and line up of live music will begin at 2pm in Historic Downtown Madison. (208 Main Street) Cracker Jacks, The Barnstormers, Pickin’ Addiction, The Pollies, events cont. on pg.16 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 15 events cont. from pg.15 and Traditional Bobbers and Choppers, Pre - 72, Traditional Hot Rods and Customs Only. 256 431-3562 (See ad pg. 13) Sunday, October 30 DRAW! Presented by the K.I.D. Artist Collective, will be at the Flying Monkey Arts Center from 2pm-4pm. Admission is $5. Practice drawing live models with interesting outfits. www.flyingmonkey.org The Zombie Walk will be at 3pm in downtown Huntsville. Monday, October 31 There will be a Figure Sculpting Class with Everett Cox – Foundry at Lowe Mill. It will be from 10:30am until 1pm. [email protected], www.lowemill. net Trunk or Treat Pumpkinpalooza will be at the First Baptist Church of Merdianville at 6pm. There will be a Spooktacular Halloween Celebration at the Huntsville Public Library (Main). The Youth Services department will also host some not-toospooky Halloween stories, fun and games. Make sure your little Trick or Treaters wear their costumes. There will be two different times 10am-12pm and 4-6pm. hmcpl.org Tuesday, November 1 The Business Expo will be at the Von Braun Center from 12-5pm. It is open to the public, free small business training classes hosted by the WBCNA, Door-Prizes given away every hour, plus hundreds of companies with which to network and grow your business. Wednesday, November 2 There will be a Figure Sculpting Class with Everett Cox – Foundry at Lowe Mill. It will be from 6:30am until 9pm. [email protected], www.lowemill. net The K.I.D. Collective Artist Critique will be in Studio 204 Lowe Mill. It is from 7-9pm and is free admission. Open to all visual artists. Bring an open mind. 256-5096545. Thursday, November 3 HAL5 (Huntsville AL L5 Society) will host a free public lecture at the Huntsville - Madison County Main Public Library at 7 pm. Dr. Philip Stalh of NASA MSFC will present a “Status on the James Webb Space Telescope.” The event is free and open to the public. www.HAL5.org The Princess Theatre presents The Secret Sisters at 7:30p.m. The concert celebrates the Year of Alabama Music. Admission is $29-$20. 256-340-1778 or www. princesstheatre.org The Ride for Relief will be at Mickey’s Upstairs/Bar 109 from 5:30-6:30pm. Admission is $5. There will be a Strictly Salsa Social and Free Salsa 101 Class at the Madison Ballroom Dance Studio at 7pm. The 25th Annual Vive Le Livre will be at the Von Braun Center North Hall. www.huntsvillelibraryfoundation. org November 3-4 The Merrimack Hall will have Mandy Barnett Live in Concert: Featuring a Tribute to Patsy Cline at 7:30pm. $30. www.merrimackhall.com November 3-6 The Renaissance Theatre presents The Head that Wouldn’t Stay Dead, the musical at the Alpha Stage at 7:30pm and 2:30pm on Sunday. $15. www. rennaissancetheatre.net (See ad pg 6) Friday, November 4 The Flying Monkey Theatre will have Monkey Speak at 8pm. Admission is $5. Monkeyspeak is an exciting spoken word open-mic night held the first Friday of every month. www.flyingmonkeyarts.org Jim Parker’s Songwriter’s Series will be at the VBC Playhouse. Performers will be Jerry Salley, Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle and host Jim Parker. www.jimparkermusic.com UAH Hockey vs. Ohio State will be at the VBC at 7pm. Santa Smiles Mini-Portrait Sessions will be in Studio 114, at Lowe Mill from 1-5pm. They are scheduling appointments for a limited number of sessions. suzi@ loveitout.com or lowemill.net There will be a Huntsville Master Chorale Concert at First Presbyterian Church in Huntsville at 7pm. 16 There will be Sacred Harp Playing at Burritt on the Mountain from 7-8pm. www.burrittonthemountain. com November 4-5 Ars Nova presents, Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at Trinity Methodist Church in Huntsville. Tickets are $10. 256883-1105 November 4-6 The 27th Annual under the Christmas Tree Market will be held at the VBC South Hall. 256-799-6105 Saturday, November 5 There will be a Contra Dance in the gym of Faith Presbyterian Church at the corner of Airport and Whitesburg Drive.There will be live music by Crosstown Traffic and calling by Gary Nelson. It is from 7:30 until 10:30pm. Lessons begin at 7pm. Admission is $7 and $4 for students, children under 12 are free. 256-8370656, http://secontra.com/NACDS.html The Liz Wagget Memorial 5K Fun Run/Walk will be in downtown Huntsville at the Beason and Nalley parking lot. $25. It will be from 8-1pm. www.raceforliz. org The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra presents, Opus Tadpole at the VBC Concert Hall. It is from 10:15-10:45am. This event is free. www.hso.org WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM The Hawk 5K will begin at the Huntsville Museum of Art at 8am. Sci-Quest, Hands-on Science Center will host Parents’ Night Out from 5:30 until 9pm. This event is for children ages 4-12. 256-837-0606, www.sci-quest. org. Smooth Vibrations, a benefit concert, featuring Brian Simpson will be from 8-11pm at the Heritage Club. Tickets start at $35 per person.www.eventbrite. com, 256-679-4251 (See ad pg.7) Sunday, November 6 The Film Co-op monthly workshop will meet in Don’s Studio (Studio 264, 2nd Floor) at the Lowe Mill from 2-4pm. Free. www.filmcoop.org Monday, November 7 Stars will light up the night for the HEALS clinics again this fall! Seven new “stars” of the Huntsville/Madison County community have been selected to perform and raise funds for the local non-profit organization at the 5th Annual Stars Dancing for HEALS gala event presented by Venturi, Inc. Individual tickets are $125. It will be he VBC Propst Arena. twww.healsinc.org Huntsville’s first Irons Cup Golf Tournament will be a four-man scramble where Alabama teams and Auburn teams compete on the Ledges Golf Course to win the title of Irons Cup Champions. The Irons Cup #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 Trophy will be on display year-round at The Ledges awaiting the champs to defend their title next tourney. The tournament will benefit UPC of Huntsville. www. ucphuntsville.org November 9-10 Henry Cho will be at Merrimack Hall from 8-10pm. www.merrimackhall.com Thursday, November 10 The Tennessee Valley Civil War Round Table will have “Joseph “Fightin’ Joe” Wheeler, Confederate Lieutenant General by Luke Slaton. It will be at 6:30pm at the Elks Lodge, in Huntsville. There is an optional chicken buffet at 5:30pm for $8.95. 256-539-5287 November 10-13 The annual Cotton Cluster Dog Shows will be at the Morgan County Celebration Arena located on Highway 67 East in Decatur. Spectators are welcome to attend. www.DAKC.org, www.akc.org. Friday, November 11 Salsa Prom Night (second chance prom) will be at the Heritage Club at Bridgestreet Town Center. It will be from 9pm until midnight. DJ Greene from Virginia will be there. [email protected] events cont. on pg.17 THE VALLEY PLANET events cont. from pg.16 Huntsville Hero’s Half Marathon will be at 8am at Hillwood Baptist Church at 300 Kohler Road in Huntsville. Huntsville’s Annual Veteran’s Day Parade will be today at 11am in downtown Huntsville. November 11-13th Sordid Lives, presented by Theatre Huntsville will be at the Von Braun Center Playhouse. It will be Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. www. yourseatiswaiting.org Saturday, November 12 The Alabama A&M Bulldogs vs. Jackson State University football game will be at the Lewis Crews Stadium, at Alabama A&M at 1pm. www.aamusports. com at the Von Braun Center Playhouse. It will be Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. www. yourseatiswaiting.org November 18-20 The Broadway Theatre League will have the Shrek, the musical. It will be at the Von Braun Center. Performance times are Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm and 7:30pm. http://www. broadwaytheatreleague.org Saturday, November 19 The Academy Children’s Theatre presents Honk! Performance times are 7pm tonight and Monday, November 21st. The cost is $5 per student and $7.50 per adult. 256-479-5360, [email protected] Sunday, November 13 The 2011 Limestone County Oratorical Competition will be at the Limestone County Event Center, in Athens at 3pm. thewww.huntsvilleurbannetwork. com, 256-774-1367 The 3rd Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge will be at 8am and begin at Blossomwood (former East Clinton) Elementary School campus, located at 200 White Street. The Challenge: Run 2 miles from the start line in beautiful downtown Huntsville to Krispy Kreme on North Memorial Parkway; Eat 1 dozen doughnuts; Run 2 miles back to the finish line, all in one hour. www.imAthlete.com, www.ucphuntsville.org (See ad pg.5) November 17-19 Sordid Lives, presented by Theatre Huntsville will be the end! Unemployed in Huntsville elbows in a bucket of Germ-X just because they walk out of Wal-Mart or pet their dog. I suppose white collar phobics who sit in front of a computer all day have more time to do, well, what I’m doing now. Surfing the Internet and reading about germs instead of performing a useful function. As by Shawn Bailey exemplified by any conspiracy theorist, the more information you have about anything, the more et me say right off that I generally have no paranoid and delusional you will become. Talk to problem with people washing their hands. a person in charge of counterterrorism and you’ll There are many cases where cleaning never open a piece of mail or ride a bus again. one’s hands is a mandate. Like the doctor after Talk to someone at the CDC for a couple of hours he gives you a prostate exam. After a particularly and you’ll feel your throat swelling shut every productive sneeze, assuming you use your hands time someone coughs in your vicinity. like a human and don’t do that vampire-looking thing where you explode into the bend of your But even if being over-informed is to blame for arm. Or after you check the oil or change a tire. this delusional behavior, that doesn’t explain why It all makes sense. As long as you perform these they wash their hands first. I could see scrubbing actions in a certain order. them after the fact until they turn red and blister, but doing it prior makes no sense. Germs usually You wouldn’t eat your pizza or fried chicken and enter the body through openings, hand to mouth in then think, “I should have washed my hands after general. I don’t see someone infecting that body changing junior’s diaper.” You wouldn’t wash part with bacteria from common office equipment. your hands to go work in the yard. There is an I can hear the doctor now: “I’m sorry to have to order here that makes sense. tell you this Mr. Bailey, but it looks like you have an acute keyboard infection on your penis.” That’s why it disturbs me that there appear to be a good many people out there who are washing their The Mayo Clinic, the CDC, the WHO-- they hands before they use the bathroom. It would be all give the same advice on when to wash your easy for you to say at this point, what does it hurt? hands. After using the restroom. Never do they I’ll tell you. My brain. say before. L It is a completely useless action and lacks any ties to reason or prudent judgment. They are snubbing rationality. They are obviously confused with respect to the linear flow of time and the very essence of cause and effect. I question the very soul of any individual performing this flawed and unusual action. Just to be clear, I would not let a doctor operate on me who washed his hands before using the bathroom. Why you say? Someone that confused as to the order of things could possibly sew me up first and then remove my appendix. They might prescribe me a medicine and then send my blood off to be tested. I think they do this anyway. I am also concerned that these Firsties will, like all deranged people who are infected with extraneous and afflicted ideas, eventually carry this on to the next level. I don’t wish to enter the bathroom to find a colleague scrubbing his junk in the sink like Meryl Streep in Silkwood. Or perhaps, since urine is acidic and actually kills bacteria, find the same person wetting their hands down thoroughly in front of the urinal. It has to stop. I’ll do my part by leaving these conspiracy theorists with some useless and harmless information they can be paranoid about and then misapply to their philosophies with deformed logic. Some soaps have been shown to cause irritation to the Don’t get me wrong, these people are still washing urethra. This can make it easier for bacteria to their hands after they do number one, and I don’t get inside your body and proliferate. Once the have a beef with that. And if you are laying asphalt bacteria are inside your body, they will multiply for a road crew, I’m not suggesting you run to the at a geometric rate inside your bladder. These are Porto-Pottie and wrap molten tar around your infectious living things that will be living inside gold-member without washing first, but that’s an of you. And the only way a doctor can remove anomaly. The people I see doing this are in offices them at this point is with a Q-Tip and a pair of and cubicles. It seems common sense that blue tweezers. collar workers, people who pulp wood, work in iron shops, fix cars, and are generally knee deep in the Signed Unemployed (with dirty hands) in grit and grime of everyday living, would actually Huntsville be less inclined to OCD tendencies concerning cleanliness than someone who doesn’t know how to check their transmission fluid. They are less paranoid. They don’t submerse their arms to the THE VALLEY PLANET #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 17 W e are all born into a pre-made civilization. Think of it as chicken divan your host made the night before and put in the freezer. It was already made when you got there. It’s the same for all babies. We are born into a chicken divan world, if you will, and it doesn’t matter if we like chicken divan or not. That’s what’s being served up. We can’t just scrape civilization away and start over. I would love to start over with “babies,” who would start fresh with their own ideas--like not even having chicken divan, at all! Maybe Mayo It’s not a “bad” thing we babies do. We just tend to would never be invented! Or cars, those silly accept the world our parents, as babies, accepted boxes with wheels we think are so grand. But, when they arrived into their pre-made world, who would feed these babies in the beginning, whether it was a slum, a fenced-in reservation, burp them, change their diapers, keep them out of a suburb, a bustling city, or a room in the White the poison ivy? House. If a global disaster left “some older children,” If our pre-made world was serving up racism, do you think we could think new ideas and start more than likely, we grew up as racists; or if our afresh? After teaching Lord of the Flies forever, I pre-made world was serving up unbridled greed, think human beings are so “variable” under duress, we grew up like some charge card company’s that any “new civilization” would end up with CEO; or if it was serving yak butter in the compassionate people; people with a plan; victims; Himalayas, we grew up humble and cold, and tyrants and their henchmen--the suspicious; dimwith compassion for others who are cold and have witted; inventive; just and unjust; peacemakers-to drink yak butter. Or maybe, most likely, we honest idealists; sociopaths; pedants; politicians, just accepted it as our pre-made world. thinkers--“yes men,” hedonists; blind followers; teachers; learners; the helpless; defenders-The civilization I was born into thought yellow explorers; exploiters; dreamers and visionaries; and white Chevrolets were wonderful. There hunters and harvesters; builders. Many “just-lost” was nothing wrong with having a gas-guzzling people would wander off into meadows--if any car. That term--“gas-guzzling”--wasn’t around in were left--never to be seen again. my parents’ pre-made world; gas was cheap and endless. When I became a teenager, my parents To add to the problem of human variability, it isn’t bought me a very used, 1956 pale green Cadillac, always easy to distinguish the bad from the good as long as a street block. I never thought about of our pre-made world. Some of the “good” ways mileage or the “black stuff” that came from could be lost. Cad’s muffler, only the embarrassment of driving something with fins that also looked like a float My Grandmother Gibbs, my paternal grandmotherin a parade. -daughter of Sarah Painter, half-Cherokee--always bathed from a pan, just as her mother had. When Every generation of civilization passes on its Granddaddy Gibbs had enough money, he installed ignorant ways, as well as its knowledge, depending an “indoor bathroom” for my grandmother; on several things: parents who question chicken but she just filled the tub with towels, laundry divan and teach their children to question and detergent, and stacks of books and magazines. think; teachers who don’t accept everything about It drove my Granddaddy to near-madness. My the world into which they showed up one day; great-grandmother had told my grandmother that and, also, how much thinking for oneself is valued if she got into the tub, when she let the water out, by the newborns. And the value of thinking for her spirit might go down that hole (drain) to “whooneself has a lot to do with parents and teachers. knows-where”? When one bathes in a pan or a (Very confusing. Which came first? The chicken stream, when one returns the soil of one’s body to divan or the egg?) earth, there is no doubt. Every generation passes on its rulers, its rabble, its intellectual elite, its rebels, its haters, its healers. But very few question why they are eating chicken divan. Who first came up with that recipe? Who named it? I would have called it “very-fattening-with-lots-of-Mayocream-of-chicken-soup-straight-from-the-canfresh-pieces-of-tender-steamed-chicken-breaststeamed-broccoli-cheese-and-bread-crumbs-ontop-baked-in-the-oven-at-350-until-it-bubblesaround-the-edges-yummy.” I’m verbal, and I like to know ingredients. But I was a baby, and nobody asked me what I thought. It was a donedeal by the time I got around to chicken divan. ReLit: Smokin’ Good Reads Worth a ReKindle – The Necroscope Trilogy by Brian Lumley by Rick Thomason F or the horror reader with an IQ above room temperature, there are much better reads out there than the Twilight series with the ditzy dimbulb Dum-Bella. If you are tired of her cold-asa-one-stick–popsicle-dicked vampire (who makes Richard Simmons look like Hulk Hogan in the Man Club), and a big Indian wolf that prefers it all doggy style, there is one good series on the subject that I found superior even to Anne Rice’s work before she was Jesus bitten. It’s not literature, but sometimes we all like our entertainment a little on the trashy side. You won’t be bored, I’ll assure you. All books are available used for 1 cent each, plus $3.99 S&H via Amazon. 18 Why don’t we question the world we were born into? Would we take just any cheap motel room without checking out the sheets for bedbugs? Vol. 1 – The Necroscope Vol. 2 - Vamphyri In the Balkan mountains of Rumania, a terrible evil is growing. Long buried in hallowed ground, bound by earth and silver, the master vampire schemes and plots. Trapped in unlife, neither dead nor living, Thibor Ferenczy hungers for freedom and revenge. Not the end of life, Harry Keogh discovered-and not the end of his battle against the terrible evil of vampires. In a secluded English village, Yulian Bodescu plots his takeover of the world. Imbued with a vampire’s powers before his birth, Bodescu rules men’s minds and bodies with supernatural ease. He is secretly creating an army of vampiric monsters, things that once were men but were now walking masses of destructive hunger. The vampire’s human tool is Boris Dragosani, part of a super-secret Soviet spy agency. Dragosani is an avid pupil, eager to plumb the depthless evil of the vampire’s mind. Ferenczy teaches Dragosani the awful skills of the necromancer and gives him the ability to rip secrets from the mind and bodies of the dead. Dragosani works not for Ferenczy’s freedom but world domination. He will rule the world with knowledge raped from the dead. His only opponent: Harry Koegh, champion of the dead and the living. To protect Harry, the dead will do anything--even rise from their graves. WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM Harry Keogh, Necroscope, thought that the war with the vampires had ended with the destruction of Boris Dragasani--and of Harry’s body! But the man who talks to the dead lives on, more powerful than ever, able to transport himself instantly to any spot on the globe and to speak mind-to-mind with both the living and the dead. Are Harry’s new powers enough to defeat Yulian Bodescu and his legion of monsters, or will the vampire army overrun the living earth? Vol. 3- The Source The third book in the Necroscope series traces the #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 Who’s to say that was right or wrong? No matter what one’s spiritual beliefs might be, my grandmother saved a lot of water, and “ringaround-the-tub” never troubled my grandmother, who had enough troubles as it was. Because of human variability, through genetics, bad parenting, or duress, and the lack of questioning of our pre-made or current civilization--which includes my great-grandmother’s bathing in a creek or pan; and the invention of a recipe called “chicken divan,” neither of which I had anything to do with--lasting change takes generations and generations of questioners to bring about. The more we question the pre-made world, the more we, ourselves, at least, can make positive and lasting changes within ourselves. battle between Harry Keogh and the horrifying Vamphyri on their home ground, an alien landscape of looming towers, impossible cliffs and ravenous vampire-beasts. Russia’s Ural Mountains hide a deadly secret: a supernatural portal to the country of the vampires. Soviet scientists and ESP-powered spies, in a secret military base, study the portal--and the powerfully evil creatures that emerge from it--intent on ravaging mankind. When Jazz Simmons, a British agent sent to infiltrate the base, is captured by the KGB espionage squad and forced through the portal, his last message tells Harry Keogh, the Necroscope, that the vampires are preparing for a mass invasion. Harry has only one option--to strike first. He must carry the human-vampire war to the vampires’ own lands. But his strongest psychic power will be useless there. What good is the power to summon the dead in a country where nothing ever dies, where every man, woman, and child become half-dead servants of the Vamphyri? THE VALLEY PLANET elevates the interior sounds of the body (such as heartbeat and the “friction” of muscles moving against muscles) to disturbing levels. Artificial meat (grown in a test tube from animal stem cells) has been theoretically planned for about 10 years, but a European Science Foundation audience in September heard predictions that lab-grown sausage might be available as soon as next year. The meat is produced in sheets (“shmeat”) and would be prohibitively expensive at first, in that the largest specimen produced so far measures only about one inch long and a third of an inch wide. The biggest drawback facing artificial muscle tissue: that even lab-grown muscles require exercise to prevent atrophy. by Chuck Shepherd London Fashion Week usually brings forth a shock or two from cutting-edge designers, but a September creation by Rachel Freire might have raised the bar: a floor-length dress made from 3,000 cow nipples (designed to resemble roses). Initial disgust for the garment centered on implied animal abuse, but Freire deflected that issue by pointing out that the nipples had been discarded by a tannery and that her use amounted to “recycling.” The 32-year-old Freire, who has worked with mainstream entertainers such as Christina Aguilera, was kept so busy with the animal-abuse angle that she was largely spared having to explain another issue -- why anyone would want to wear a dress made with cow nipples. The Entrepreneurial Spirit! Death is big business in Japan, with 1.2 million people a year passing away and overtaxing the country’s cemeteries and crematoriums. With the average wait for disposal at least several days, and space running short in funeral homes, “corpse hotels” have opened in many cities, with climate-controlled “guest rooms” renting for the equivalent of about $155 a night, with viewing rooms where relatives can visit the bodies daily until cremation is available. The world’s real economy may be flagging, but not necessarily the make-believe economy of online multiplayer games, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal (July) and the website Singularity Hub (August). For example, entrepreneur Ailin Graef’s Anshe Chung Studios is worth “millions” of real U.S. dollars, earned mostly by managing rentals of make-believe real estate and brokering make-believe money transactions in the game Second Life. Graef also commands top (real) dollar for her designs of make-believe fashions for players’ game characters (avatars). Two other companies are suing each other in federal court in San Francisco over the copyright to their lucrative business models of creating make-believe animals (horses, rabbits) that sell very well to players who take them on as game pets for their characters or breed them to make other make-believe animals. No sooner had Anthony Sowell been convicted in August of murdering 11 women in Cleveland and burying their remains around his property than entrepreneur Eric Gein of Florida had hired someone to fill sandwich bags of soil from Sowell’s property so that he could sell the souvenir dirt for $25 a gram on the Internet. (Gein follows well-publicized salesmen who have famously collected the pubic hair of New York prostitutekiller Arthur Shawcross, the crawlspace dirt from the house of John Wayne Gacy, and the “fried hair” of Ted Bundy -- that fell on the floor as he was executed.) Weird Science In July, a surgeon from Britain’s Oxford Radcliffe Hospital announced a cure for a 57-year-old man with a rare condition that made, in his mind, audible and ever-louder sounds whenever his eyeballs moved. “Superior canal dehiscence syndrome” THE VALLEY PLANET Recent Alarming Headlines: (1) “Miami Invaded by Giant, House-Eating Snails” (up-to-10-inchlong snails that attach to, and slowly gnaw on, stucco walls). (2) “Scientists Develop Blood Swimming ‘Microspiders’ to Heal Injuries, Deliver Drugs” (spider-like “machines,” made of gold and silica, smaller than a red blood cell yet which can travel through veins carrying drugs and be directionally controlled by researchers). In an art-science collaboration in August, Dutch artist Jalila Essaidi and Utah State researcher Randy Lewis produced a prototype bulletproof skin -- or at least skin that would limit a .22-caliber bullet to only about 2 inches’ penetration into a simulated human body. Genetically engineered spider silk (reputed to be five times stronger than steel) was grafted between layers of dermis and epidermis. Mused Essaidi, we “in the near future ... (may) no longer need to descend from a godly bloodline in order to have traits like invulnerability....” Leading Economic Indicators Turned down once before, liquor manufacturer EFAG convinced Germany’s Federal Patent Court in September to award trademark protection to its schnapps with the brand name Ficken, which in German translates directly into what in English is known as the F word. The court acknowledged that the name is unquestionably in poor taste but is not “sexually discriminatory” and does not violate public morals. In fact, the court noted, the word is widely used in Germany. (In March 2010, the European Union trademarks authority granted a German brewery the right to call its beer “Fucking Hell” -- the first word of which is the actual name of an Austrian village and the second a German word referring to light ale.) DMV Is a Dangerous Place The Department of Motor Vehicles office in Roseville, Calif., was closed for a week in July after a driving school student crashed into the building and left a five-foot hole in the wall. A young man taking a test at the drivers’ center in Brisbane, Australia, in August lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a bench outside the building, hitting his mother, who was waiting for him. A 56-year-old DMV driving tester was killed in July when the woman she was evaluating ran off the road in Williamsburg, Va., and struck a tree. People With Issues In October, a court in Ottawa, Ontario, sentenced pornography collector Richard Osborn, 46, to a year in jail on several charges, but dismissed the more serious child porn counts. Judge Robert Fournier ruled that Osborn’s hard-core images of Bart and Lisa Simpson, and Milhouse, were not illegal, on the grounds that he could not be sure of the characters’ ages. (Baby Maggie Simpson was depicted, but she was not involved in sex.) Judge Fournier was clearly exasperated at Osborn’s perversions, among them his homemade video of swimsuit-clad youngsters, interspersed with shots of Osborn himself masturbating, aided by a Cabbage Patch doll whose mouth had been cut open. At one point, a disgusted Judge Fournier cut off the presentation of evidence. “Enough,” he said. “We are not paid by the taxpayers to sit here and torture ourselves.” #102011110911 Least Competent Criminals One would think the robber of a gas station would consider filling the tank before fleeing. However, Moses Gift, 47, was arrested in September in Winston-Salem, N.C., and charged with robbing the Huff Shell station -- shortly before running out of gas a short distance away. And in Winder, Ga., Micah Mitchell was arrested in October shortly after, according to police, he crashed through the front door of a BP station to steal merchandise. He was arrested minutes later a few miles from the station, where he had run out of gas. Bureaucrat’s Delight: An update of the official index for classifying medical conditions (for research and quality control, and for insurance claims) was released recently, to take effect in October 2013, and replaced the current 18,000 codes with 140,000 much more specific ones. A September Wall Street Journal report noted, for example, 72 different codes for injuries involving birds, depending on the type. “Bitten by turtle” is different from “struck by turtle.” Different codes cover injuries in “opera houses,” on squash courts, and exactly where in or around a mobile home an injury occurred. “Walked into lamppost, initial encounter” is distinct from “walked into lamppost, subsequent encounter.” Codes cover conditions stemming from encounters with extraterrestrials and conditions resulting from “burn due to water skis on fire.” “Bizarre personal appearance” has a code, as well as “very low level of personal hygiene.” Ironies A small number of environmental and animal rights activists employ violence and physical threats in attempts to achieve their goals, and similar tactics have recently been used by another group bent on intimidating scientists: sufferers of “chronic fatigue syndrome.” London’s Observer reported in August that medical researchers who even suggest that the illness might have a “psychological” component have been subject to vitriolic abuse, stalking, disruptions to the scientists’ workplaces, and even death threats. In at least one case, the activists succeeded: A psychiatry professor said he had moved his area of research from chronic fatigue to Gulf War syndrome. “That has taken me to Iraq and Afghanistan where ... I feel a lot safer.” Political Correctness Lives: British authorities threatened Iain Turnbull, 63, with a fine (equivalent of $1,530) in August because he refused to complete the mandatory census earlier this year. Turnbull, from Wales, was protesting that the government, intending to be progressively “inclusive,” made available census questionnaires and instructions in such languages as Urdu, Punjabi and Tagalog -- but not Welsh (one of Britain’s native languages, spoken by a half-million citizens). Although the Patriot Act, drafted in the days after 9-11 and quickly enacted into law, was designed expressly to give prosecutors more leeway to challenge suspected terrorism, one of its key provisions has since then been used more than 100 times as often for drug investigations as for terrorism. New York magazine reported in September that “sneak and peek” warrants (enabling searches without notifying the targets) have been obtained only 15 times for terrorism threats but 1,618 times in drug cases. The Litigious Society In 2009 Diane Schuler, with a 0.19 blood-alcohol reading (and marijuana in her system), drove the wrong way for two miles on a New York freeway, finally crashing into another car, killing three people and herself. In July 2011, her widower, Dave Schuler, filed a lawsuit against the state, alleging that the collision was the state’s fault for not posting signs warning motorists like Diane Schuler that they were going the wrong way. (Dave Schuler’s own private investigator told The Daily Cortlandt newspaper that he tried to discourage Schuler from filing the lawsuit, to no avail.) “(My) client was devastated by what happened,” said the lawyer for Jean Pierre in announcing Pierre’s $80 million lawsuit in August against the VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 city of Newburgh, N.Y. Pierre’s estranged girlfriend had committed suicide by driving into a city lake, taking the couple’s three small children to their deaths, also. In the time before he became devastated, Pierre had been arrested for failure to pay child support and for endangering one of his children (found wandering the street in freezing weather on a Super Bowl Sunday), and friends of his girlfriend told the New York Post that Pierre constantly abused her, including immediately before her final drive. Chicago’s WLS Radio reported that a man (unnamed in the story) filed a $600,000 lawsuit on Sept. 2 against the Grossinger City Autoplex in the city, claiming that five employees had physically harassed him during business hours over a two-month period in 2009. Included was the man’s claim that he had been given multiple “wedgies,” one of which was a “hanging” wedgie. Compelling Explanations Cicero, Ill., Town President Larry Dominick, the defendant in sexual harassment lawsuits filed by two female employees, gave depositions in the cases, in March 2009 and February 2011, but provided challenging answers on one issue. Asked in 2009 whether he had “ever touched” the plaintiff, Dominick, under oath, said “No.” However, in 2011, Dominick (again under oath) gave a narrative of his relationship with the same plaintiff beginning in 2005, admitting that he had had sex with her numerous times at her home. (Dominick claimed to have misinterpreted the earlier question.) Unclear on the Concept: Pennsylvania state Rep. Michael Sturla, an opponent of increased natural-gas drilling in his district, warned in August that one effect of the drilling would be an increase of sexually transmitted diseases “amongst the womenfolk.” (He said later that he had heard that from a hospital administrator.) Nicholas Davis was arrested in a public park in Seattle in August while, according to a police officer, “masturbating violently.” The officer said Davis explained, “There just isn’t enough free love in Seattle.” Creme de la Weird A female Wisconsin prison chaplain was charged in September with several crimes in an alleged attempt to stage a fake hostage situation with an inmate for the purpose of gaining transfers of both to another prison in the state. Prosecutors said the chaplain, a Wiccan priest named Jamyi Witch, 52, instructed the inmate at Oshkosh Correctional Institution to come to her office, barricade the door, throw things around the room, and role-play with Witch as if she were his mother. While the office was under siege, the pair allegedly had consensual sex, and Witch supplied the man with drugs and sang him lullabies, supposedly to calm him down, ending the drama (until charges were filed). Least Competent Criminals Anthony Watson, sentenced to prison in 1992 for crimes that included rape and robbery, became a notorious jailhouse lawyer (even drafting a book, “A Guide to the Plea Circus”) and through successful challenges had reduced his 160-year sentence to 26 -- and a release date of 2018. However, he filed one appeal too many. A court ruled in his favor on that final appeal and ordered a new trial altogether (vacating the convictions and sentence but also the reductions Watson had worked so hard for). At the retrial in March 2011, he was found guilty again and this time sentenced to four consecutive life terms. Send your Weird News to [email protected] or P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, FL 33679. COPYRIGHT 2006 CHUCK SHEPHERD DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 19 GIFT & NOVELTY STORE UNBEATABLE PRICE UNBEATABLE SERVICE ALL PIPES AND ACCESSORIES ARE FOR TOBACCO USE ONLY 120 WEST MOBILE ST. FLORENCE , AL 35630 (NEXT TO LARRYS PAWN) STORE HOURS MON—SAT 9 AM—8PM STORE TEL: 256 712 5117 4320 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE C HUNTSVILLE, AL 35816 STORE HOURS MON—SAT 9 AM—9PM SUN 12 NOON—9 PM 805 6TH. AVE. SUITE 3 DECATUR, AL 35601 STORE HOURS MON—SAT 10 AM—9PM SUN 12 NOON—6PM STORE TEL: 256 715 1474 STORE TEL: 256 686 2364 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY © Copyright 2011 Rob Brezsny ARIES (March 21-April 19): If you have been resisting the command to go deeper, now is the time to surrender. If you have been hoping that the pesky little voice in your head will shut up and stop bugging you to get more involved, you’d better stop hoping. If you’ve been fantasizing about how to escape the growing pressure to give more of yourself, I suggest that instead you fantasize about how you could intensify your commitments. The time has come to explore what has been missing and what needs more love. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Did you know it is illegal to break into prison? That was the charge leveled against a Georgia man, Harry Jackson, who was arrested as he tried to sneak back into the jail from which he had escaped only a short time before. During his brief taste of freedom, Jackson allegedly stole 14 packs of cigarettes from a nearby store. Maybe that was his intention from the beginning -- to do an errand and return “home.” Please don’t be like him in the coming weeks, Taurus. If you do manage to spring yourself from a trap or bust out of your servitude (and I expect you will do just that), don’t come crawling back later and beg to be allowed back in. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): As I was meditating on your horoscope this afternoon, I gazed out my window at the creek flowing nearby. The tide was coming in, which meant that the current was surging swiftly south. Row upon row of small waves were coursing through the water. Then I spied a lone duck swimming north against the tide. I couldn’t imagine what her motivation was. Why not just relax and float downstream? She wasn’t in a hurry and wasn’t in the least flustered. Ever forward she went, determined to push on. And then it struck me, as I thought of your current astrological omens, that her approach would also suit you quite well right now. Go steadily and casually against the flow, Gemini. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Herbert Kitchener served as the British Consul-General in Egypt early last century. He wasn’t impressed with the creativity of the ancient nation’s art. “I can’t think much of the people who drew cats the same for 4,000 years,” he remarked. Is there an equivalent to this lack of development in your own life, Cancerian? Among your own activities, are there any whose history has shown no progression? Did you reach a certain skill level in some area of your life and then stop pushing to improve? This would be an excellent time to identify that knot of excess stability, and then get started on dissolving it. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I’m not warning you to cut down on all the leaping and cavorting you’ve been doing lately; I’m just saying that maybe you should add some ballast to your foundation and some gravitas to your demeanor. And I don’t mean to guilt-trip you into toning down your lust to connect with everyone and everything that tickles your synapses. But I do suggest you consider the possibility that beginning very soon variety will not be quite as spicy as it has been; your deft zigzags may need to be carried out with gentler zigs and slightly more cautious zags. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The autocorrect feature sometimes distorts the text messages people send on their smart phones. It tries to fix supposedly misspelled words that aren’t really misspelled, thereby creating awkward variations that can cause a ruckus when they’re received, like changing “I don’t want to leave” to “I don’t want to live.” Damn You, Autocorrect! is a book documenting some of the most outrageous examples, many NSFW. Be vigilant for metaphorical versions of this wayward autocorrect phenomenon, Virgo. Be sure that in your efforts to make things better, you don’t render them worse or weird. Consider the possibility that stuff is fine just the way it is. WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 6212 OLD MADISON PIKE SUITE E HUNTSVILLE, AL 35806 STORE HOURS MON—SAT 9 AM—9PM SUN 12 NOON—9 PM STORE TEL: 256 49 9418 LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Meraki is a Greek word that refers to the bliss you feel when you’re engaged in a task that’s important to you and that you’re doing really well. It’s your theme right now, Libra. According to my reading of the astrological omens, everything’s in place for you to experience meraki in abundance. Furthermore, that’s exactly what your destiny is pushing for. So please get out there and do everything you can to cooperate: Make this a meraki-filled time. October 20-November 9 20 ALL HERBAL INCENSES ARE NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your nightly dreams provide useful clues about your waking life. They can show you hidden patterns and unconscious motivations that your daytime mind hasn’t noticed. On rare occasions, they may even offer more literal guidance. That’s what happened for David Brown, a British man who one morning woke up from a dream of seeing a mysterious phone number. As an experiment, he sent a text message to that very number: “Did I meet you last night?” Michelle Kitson, the stranger on the other end, responded with a text, and then Brown texted back. More exchanges ensued, followed by a face-to-face encounter, and eventually the two were married. I can’t guarantee anything quite as dramatic for you, Scorpio, but I do expect your dreams will be unusually helpful. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In addition to reading your astrological omens, I did a Tarot reading, consulted the I Ching, and threw the runes. They all gave me the same message: The coming days would be a good time for you to spend quality time mulling over the Biggest Mystery of Your Life. It’s not mandatory that you do so. You won’t cause a disaster if you refuse. Still, wouldn’t it be fun? Life is inviting you to get re-excited about your personal version of the quest for the Holy Grail. Your future self is calling and calling and calling for you to dive into the ancient riddle you’ve been working on since before you were born. The mists are parting. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In Sue Allison’s theater piece “Lies I’ve Told,” two actors take turns telling each other some classic whoppers. Here are a few: 1. “It would be no trouble at all.” 2. “This will only take a second.” 3. “I didn’t get your message.” 4. “I have no idea how that got here.” 5. “I thought you said ‘the 16th.’” 6. “Would I lie to you?” See if you can avoid fibs like those, Capricorn. I’m not asking you to be a superstar of candor -- that’s unrealistic -- but I do encourage you to cut back on white lies and casual dishonesties as much as possible. This is a time when you really need to know the whole truth and nothing but. And the best way to work toward that goal is to be forthright yourself. That’s how karma operates. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Last June, Northern California artist Mary Sobrina Kuder did a gallery show of her paintings. She called it “Offerings of Grace and Mischief.” That would be an excellent title for the story of your life in the coming weeks, Aquarius. I believe that you will be receiving offerings of grace and mischief, and I hope you will also be making such offerings. For best results, remember this: The grace and mischief are not contradictory or at odds. In fact, they need each other and belong together. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do you realize how many connections to remote places you have? Are you aware of how routinely you are touched by distant events? As science writer David Bodanis reminds us, “We inhale many hundreds of particles in each breath we take. Salt crystals from ocean whitecaps, dust scraped off distant mountains, micro bits of cooled magma blown from volcanoes, and charred microfragments from tropical forest fires.” I urge you to use that as your metaphorical theme in the coming weeks, Pisces. Let your imagination run free as you renew your connections with faraway sources of nourishment. Revivify your intimacy with departed influences that continue to define you. Dream about the tantalizing future. Homework: What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever done? Testify! Go to Realastrology.com and click on “Email Rob.” #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 THE VALLEY PLANET drop by Garden Cove and inquire about natural alternatives to pet pharmaceuticals. This brings me to some important tips for responsibly enjoying Halloween with your pet. Thanks to www.ASPCA.org for the following (paraphrased) information: Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents 1. That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not ey there, you Happy Halloweenie dogs and scaredy cats! I found this puppy on www rachaelraymag.com. It’s called Gulliver’s Goblin Stoup. It’s for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms— especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very Halloween-inspired and it’s pet-friendly. Thank you, Rachael Ray. dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause • 2 carrots, grated problems. • 1 cup cooked shredded rotisserie chicken 2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins • 3 black mission figs, chopped and decorative corn are considered to be relatively • 1 pinch ground cinnamon nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in • 2 cups chicken broth or water pets who nibble on them. • 1 cup cooked brown rice 3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other Directions: In a deep, medium skillet, heat the EVOO, 1 turn of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add decorations should be kept out of reach of your the carrots and cook until slightly softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the chicken, figs and cinnamon and toss. pets. Stir in half of the chicken broth, then the rice and warm through, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in more broth, as 4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. needed, to make a slightly soupy mixture. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Watch out for your curious kittens! Speaking of recipes, lemme share a quick and low-cost healthy recipe I concocted in my kitchen 5. Please don’t put your dog or cat in a costume in recent weeks. After a shocking and uncharacteristic five-year hiatus from vegetarianism, I have UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few again returned to my veggie roots—for the good of animals, the planet and my own body and soul. pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their Well, I eat a li’l bit of salmon from time to time, but 95% of the time I actually practice a vegan “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may lifestyle and consciously choose to put a minimal amount of toxins in, on and around my body. Here cause undue stress. (Auntie Jen side note: Clearly goes my nameless midnight creation of vegetarian yumminess: camera ham “Sharky Gaga,” doin’ her “No Pup• 9oz (approx.) microwaveable basmati rice arazzi, Please” pose—pictured—is one of these • 12oz (more if you like a super soupy rice-soup ratio) tomato bisque soup pups who can temporarily indulge her mommy’s • 1 cup freshly diced pineapple squares freaky sense of humor…But can your canine • 1 small, thinly sliced chili pepper cope with a costume?) • Pinch of sea salt (and some cracked pepper) 6. Make sure your pet’s costume doesn’t annoy • 1 teaspoon of olive oil or constrict your animal’s movement or hearing, • 1 lime or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. • Fresh basil leaves Be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au Directions: Microwave rice as directed. Dice up pineapple chunks, add to cooked rice, and stir in naturel or don a festive bandana. olive oil. Heat soup to your liking, adding pepper slices and basil leaves to spice it up. Simmer until 7. Make sure the costume doesn’t have small, it looks mouth-watering. Pour soup over rice & pineapple bed, thus heating up the juicy pineapple. dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that your Add sea salt and cracked pepper, if desired. Squeeze half a fresh lime (or get crazy and squeeze the pet could choke on. whole thang) on top and serve! 8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be As for living naturally, I do a lot of my shopping at Garden Cove. While I was picking up my black kept in a separate room away from the front door tofu, carob almonds, avocadoes, and high alkaline water, I discovered a number of natural remedies during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many for humans—as well as drops to help ease pet stress. If you have a pet with anxiety issues, you might strangers can be scary and stressful for pets. H THE VALLEY PLANET #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside. 10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. Thank you, ASPCA for those Trick-or-Treat tips! Speaking of pranks and tom foolery, I’d like to give thanks to an anonymous drinker of Haterade. I got my first official Auntie Jen hate mail this September, just in time for my birthday. Woohoo! Your letter gave me a good laugh, a fat head (yup, your insults and threats backfired big-time, yo)—and a new kind of contribution to my “fan mail” folder. Thanks for sharing, Care Bear! I’d like to conclude with a very special “woof out” to Avery of Unleash Magazine. This beautiful online dog mag that particularly catches the eye of hip hop chicks like myself featured yours truly (and my best girl Sharky, naturally) in a candid interview earlier this month. (Of course in the interview I couldn’t resist comparing myself to Kanye…again.) So check out “Auntie Jen: Til Death Do Us Part!” at www.unleashmagazine. com. Like it, share it, and comment on it, puppy people! This dawg—Jen Dawg—digs your feedback. Email me at [email protected], or send me some snail mail to PO Box 144, Huntsville, AL 35804. Thanks for your loyal readership and for helping inspire Auntie Jen to keep on bein’ animal craaazy! WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 21 Time for Pie” (TC – Sun, 30 October; 1:00 p m.) and “The Perfect Turkey” (TC – Sun – Mon, 6 – 7 November; 1:00 p.m. & 5:30 p m., respectively). “Seasonal Supper” (CC – Tue, 1 November; 5:30 – 7:30 p m.; $40, prepaid) will include recipes for, and samples of, Arugula Salad, Garlic Cheese Bread, Steak and Mushroom Stroganoff, and Caramel Bread Pudding. Kinda knocks the stuffing out of the fourteen sweetand-sour chicken places in the Food Court, where differing nuances in taste can only be determined by looking at the restaurants’ marquees. Glasnost-to-Go: I’ve found something NEW, at least to us – a sure magnet for lovers of the Baltic and beyond. It’s the ST. NICHOLAS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH— ANNUAL RUSSIAN/SLAVIC FOOD FESTIVAL [(205) 674-1325/5574, 699-5663, or 595-3929; 105 Pastor Street, Brookside; www. stnicholasbrookside.org]. Can’t say I’ve ever been to Brookside…can say I will! It’s Saturday – Sunday, 5 – 6 November, 10 a m. – 4 p m. and Noon – 5 p m., respectively, in the Parish Hall. Since its inception, said to be 1981, this event somehow, somewhere, some way eluded me. On the first full weekend of November, following a couple months’ prep, the ladies of the “Sisterhood of St. Olga” – some of whom you may espy in native peasant dress – roll out trays full of Ukrainian-Slovakian delights. These bonnes bouches de babushka are based on vintage recipes bequeathed by relatives and friends who immigrated here, drawn by potential employ at local coal mines. Comestibles include beet-infused Borscht, Shschi (Russian soldiers’ cabbage/meat soup), Pirozhki (filled yeast buns), Blini (a Slavic crêpe of sorts), Pelmeni (filled dumplings), and Kolbasa, better known as the Polish kielbasa. The grand-slam “Imperial Platter” includes Halupki (cabbage rolls), Kolbasa, Kraut, Pirozhki, Halushki (dumplings & cabbage), Cucumber Salad, and Pigachi for only $14. Other, smaller platters, including a veggie option, are priced accordingly, and many of the two, you’ll find: regular pastries (Imperial Squares, Medivnyk, Russian and White Cinderella; teacakes, Pascha, and Bulochki) are individually Long Island Cheese; priced. Onsite, you’ll discover a Beriozka store Knucklehead, the largest with imported tchotchkes (e.g. matryoshkas, variety in the “SUPER or nesting dolls; iconography; hand-painted FREAK” Series; Big Max; ornaments) and other more practical imports, the slightly hideous Peanut such as books and woolen shawls, from Russia, (or do you prefer “Brodé Belarus, Ukraine, and The Republic of Moldova. D’Galeux Eysines”?); the On Sunday, you can enjoy Ukrainian terpsichory by Jim Zieliński spectral Full Moon; the via Nataliya “Natasha” Russo Dance Arts as Bunyanesque offering known as Prizewinner; and they present “Chervona Kalyna” folk dancing on all is just about mine favorite time of the beautiful, blue-green New Zealand heirloom, the grounds, some 30 minutes northwest of the the year…rustling leaves, cool winds Jarrahdale—which sounds suspiciously like a dish seminude Vulcan. Want more info? Call Father during warm days, the promise of nights on the SITAR buffet. In particular, Cinderella and Benedict or Matushka Brigid Davis at the with Karloff and Lugosi and days shopping for L.I. Cheese are said to be excellent on the table, numbers above. Then polish your samovar, tdoff pumpkins and objets d’wart. It’s a dream. It’s redolent of cinnamon and then some, or on the your ushanka, and make haste to St. Nick’s! And also harvest, so gather ye taste buds while ye may stoop, echoing with the screams of non compos pick up one of the Slavic cookbooks while you’re and sally forth with goblet and runcible spoon. Or mentis trick-or-treaters. Or turn a large one into there, nicht wahr? Sorry; da? marrow spoon, if you’re cutting back. a terrifying tureen… https://sites.google.com/a/ phoo-d.com/printable-recipes/how-to-make- If you want to get up early Sunday, drive on to Herewith, we offer another of our popular a-pumpkin-tureen...brimming with bloody-red lunch in Birmingham with the 9th ANNUAL ELEVENTH-HOUR CAVEATS (see our chili or a snappy sangria. FRIEDMAN FAMILY LJCC JEWISH Archives at www.valleyplanet.com for details)! FOOD FESTIVAL at the LEVITE JEWISH October ends with three Ethnophilic Field Days: The navigation of the culinary world should be COMMUNITY CENTER [3960 Montclair the 30th ANNUAL ST. GEORGE THE GREAT open to all ages, including waifs...but never Road; (205) 879-0411; www.bhamjcc.org; MARTYR (MELKITE RITE) CATHOLIC more so than during the Witching Season, when [email protected]]. Get there at 11:00 a m., – FOOD AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL [425 the world is rife with treat-munching bratlings. devour things, then hop in das Auto to make it to 16th Avenue South, Birmingham; (205) 252- And someone must provide those snacks. With Brookside for a Slavic follow-up (the JFF shuts 5788; www.saintgeorgeonline.org;Thursday that in mind, the HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL down at 3:00). The LJCC carte du jour includes – Friday, 27 – 29 October]; the GRACE GARDEN [4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, SW; such delectables as Brisket Plate, Noodle Kugel, LUTHERAN SCHOOL 21ST ANNUAL (256) 830-4447; www hsvbg.org ] invites your and Israeli Salad ($14); Smoked Whitefish, Bialy, GERMAN LUNCHEON [3321 South little 1st through 3rd grade kitchen goblins to the Kugel, and Israeli Salad ($12); Corned Beef Memorial Parkway; (256) 881-0533; www. Anderson Education Center Classroom in the Sammy, Israeli Salad, and Chips ($12); Matzoh gls-hsv.org; Friday, 28 October]; and the 2nd Nature Center for “TRICKS AND TREATS” Ball Soup ($4); and bevs such as Dr. Brown’s ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF on Saturday, 29 October. Thanks to Misty various sodas ($2)…that’s “Cokes” to you…the NORTH ALABAMA [Shelby Center; near the Hertzig, your tykes will discover how to create latter very popular in the Big Apple and South roundabout on John Wright Drive, NW, just Candy Corn AND Edible Brains, just the ticket Florida, nicht wahr? Ah, there we go. The off 301 Sparkman Drive, NW; (256) 824-6432; for your own zombie get-togethers. It’s all for Treasure Market, bake sale (look for Rugelach, Saturday, 29 October]…all less than a fortnight only $20/members or $25/non-members (classes Babka, Mandelbrot, and more), and the music away! fill up quickly!), and they’ll learn a few strange of the Klezmer Kings will further add to your Allhallows facts, as well, ending with a ghostly delight and, BTW, the price of each full entrée It’s jack-o-lantern time, and whether you long gallivant through the Scarecrow Trail. includes one’s drink. Or join in the Matzoh Ball to bake gourd cousins or to carve their faces Eating Contest, which requires pre-registration. like an unhinged cosmetologist, the most varied Boosting the elders’ holiday table knowhow, our Then Hava Nagila! Or have two. pumpkin displays we’ve seen locally are at WILLIAMS-SONOMA outpost in PARKWAY BROOKS MARKET [1022 Cook Avenue, PLACE [(256) 534-2008; 2801 South Memorial Having headed in a southerly direction, how about NW; (256) 533-0988] and AYER’S FARMERS Parkway] is kicking off a number of suitable a jaunt northward? About 24 miles north, that is, MARKET [2015 Memorial Parkway, SW Technique (TC – Free) and Cooking (CC – where you will join the citizens of Fayetteville @ Governor’s Drive, SW; (256) 533-5667; Various Pricing) classes…with limited seating, and Lincoln County for the 19th ANNUAL HOST http://ayersfarmersmarket.com]. Between the mmmkay? We alert you to “My Oh My, It’s OF CHRISTMAS PAST [(931) 433-1234/7006; F 22 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM #102011110911 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 www hostofchristmaspast.com], running Friday – Sunday, 11 – 13 November. In addition to sundry bake sales, options of Rib Eye sandwiches and such on and about the square, and some of the local faves’ offerings, from “Poolroom Burgers” to the spread at ELK RIVER COFFEE, this year’s celebration will feature HIGH TEA: “LACE, LINENS, AND LUXURY,” hosted on S-a-t-u-r-d-a-y at 11:00 a m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p m. by the FIRST NATIONAL BANK [(931) 433-5885; 2850 Huntsville Highway]. Tickets are $15, with proceeds benefiting FAYETTEVILLE MAIN STREET, a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing the district whilst maintaining its historic character (www fayettevillemainstreet.com). The menu includes assorted canapés, such as Bleu Gems, Salmon Pinwheels, and Tuna Mousse; Filowrapped Asparagus and Cheese; Grand Marnier and Apricot Dreams cheesecakes; Hot Russian Tea, Punch and more. Get your ADVANCE PURCHASE tickets at First National Bank [405 College Street West] or by calling (931) 4335855. Remaining in town through the evening? Check out the CHRISTMAS FEAST at the FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER [(931) 433-2251; 200 Elk Avenue, North; www fayettevillefumc.com]. Seatings are at 5:00 and 6:30 p m. for adults ($14) and kids eleven and under ($7). It features traditional Turkey and Dressing…and fixin’s. Should you forgo gobbling said gobbler, but still want to shoot for a Saturday two-fer, add a drive to 12200 Bailey Cove Road and SAINT THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH for their 18th ANNUAL LOBSTERFEST. Boasting a total yearly influx of some 2,500 live, ocean-fresh, pinch-happy decapods, this paean to crustaceous living runs—or scuttles?—from 10:00 a m. until 7:00 p m. and offers various Lobster, Rib, and Barbecue combos. Prices were unavailable at press time, so claw your way to a phone and dial (256) 880-0248 for the LOBSTERLINE or order online at http://stthomas-hsv.dioala.org/ lobsterfest/index.html! Linger awhile and visit the bake sale…it’s all for a good cause, so don’t be shellfish. Last year, over $31,000 was amassed for STEC’s Honduran medical mission, Habitat for Humanity, and First Stop for the Homeless. Leave us hoist a crimson cephalothorax in their honor! This time each year, thespian and co-owner Samantha Hathorn is always stirring up something in her chilly cauldron over at SAM AND GREG’S GELATERIA/PIZZERIA [119 North Side Square; (256) 533-9030; www.samandgregs.com]. Look into her kettle o’ plenty this go-round and find Bone Yard Chocolate with bone sprinkles, Gummi Snake (green and containing a huge adder), GumballEyeball Raspberry, Licorice, and something seasonally “Orange.” In honor of yet another season, S&G’s has also planned a Football Fiesta with team-inspired flavors. Think Orange Julius (Tennessee), Raspberry (Alabama), Blueberry (Auburn), and Purple Praline (LSU). And here’s an even BIGGER treat: this frozen dessert oasis is now open for lunch and dinner on Sundays, with a newly installed fountain…which means free soft drink refills! Want a quick take-home nosh for your bewitched, bothered, and bewildered guests? Nab some disposable plastic serving gloves; fill each finger’s end with candy corn “fingernails”; stuff the carpals and metacarpals with caramel corn; tie it off with black ribbon; place a spider, skull, or otherwise ghouliday-appropriate ring on one of the fingers; and voila! Send them home after the witching hour with some very literal finger food. Now, as you ready for the onslaught of grasping, costumed talons, while away some hours with John “Widgett” Robinson and his overly caffeinated mob at NEED COFFEE’S “32 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN” [www needcoffee.com], already well underway. That’ll put you in the mood…and here’s hoping your cauldron runneth over with merriment and that you’re haunted by nothing stronger than a sugar high. And one caveat: never bob for caramel apples. THE VALLEY PLANET A CLASSIFIED AD WITH THE VALLEY PLANET GETS YOU: A line ad (up to 30 words) in print in the Valley Planet for one issue (3 weeks). Internet ads for 3 weeks on The Daily Classifieds.com, CraigsList, LYCOS Classifieds, Oodle, myspace classifieds, military.com, Google Base, (Real Estate classifieds will additionally be on Google Maps Real Estate Listings, Zillow.com, trulia and Rentals will also be on hotpads.com.) SERVICE INCLUDES DAILY VIEWER REPORTS. ALL THIS FOR $40. Employment ads, Rentals, Items for Sale, etc… Need a pet sitter? “If you’re not home to play Mommy or Daddy, Auntie Jen will take care of your furry family.” Detailed info at auntiejenpetsitter.com, or call (256) 566-2020, 5am-9pm, 7 days/wk. Two Lighted Open signs for sale. $60 each or two for $100. Great for bar, restaurant or any retail store. Call 256 479-9463 Stainless Steel steam pans $5 EACH,various sizes about 20. Stainless steel cart $25 EACH (like for bussing tables). Call 256 479-9463 Send in your random encounters today. It’s FREE!! We are putting all the categories together since it seems like there are always more jeers than anything else!! But just to give you an idea of what the To Yuno from Yunohoos are about… I Saw you: but you didn’t catch my name, You saw me or you think you were seen: Cheers: Pay your respect to those who deserve it and of course Jeers: Frustrated? Tell us all about it. Thankfully, we don’t know who you are! To send in your FREE ad 1. Keep your word limit to 40 words. No names, just initials if you want. 2. Meet the deadline. 3. Get it to us: Put “To Yuno from Yunohoo” in the subject line of the email and send to classifieds@ valleyplanet.com. Julie, You make my heart sing! D N - Just wondering if you are still trying to save people by having a few drinks and telling them “Jesus loves your god*** a*s.” Re: Local cabbie who picked me up from downtown last Saturday night… aren’t their rules of etiquette for taxi drivers? And, are ya’ll drug tested? BW - Your best-friend golfing buddy is bragging that your wife really does like his longer putter. Wake up, stupid. LW: For the last fifty years you have made every day worth being alive! You are my soul mate. I am so proud you picked me those many years ago. Happy Anniversary! The Valley Planet Music Exchange is FREE to any individual (not businesses) looking to buy, sell, trade or find bandmates. You get a headline and 3 lines of text for FREE! Please call (256) 533-4613 or email your ads to [email protected]. Southern Gospel Quartet, all parts needed: singers, bass, tenor, baritone and lead. Instrument players needed also. Call Billy 256 612-7509 or Wayne 256 603-4650. WANTED: Drummer and bassist, ideally already tight together (onesinging), for trio w/ keybd/gtr/vocalist. Origs and select covers. Joe at [email protected]. NOTE: D/B who contacted me, pls recontact! Lost yr info! Something different? Rock Opera / Musical performance piece. Our project needs M & F singers to complete CD production. If U can sing & are interested in broadening UR musical resume, call us. Mike @ 828-342-3117 or Vic @ 256-497-4491 Pioneer Speakers: 15 inch woofers, solid wood cabinets. $150/pair. Call 256-694-3924 For musical experiment of 2 girl/2 guy punk/ thrash/alt band with clean female vox. For more info contact adam @ 256-431-5130 or Aye-Damn Jackson on facebook. Should be open-minded, willing to travel and want to play music full-time B-52 professional PA speakers 300 watts each, 80 ohms, 40-19 hz, 15 inch woofer and horn, used very little. made in USA. mfg has web site, call 256-706-3278 Musicians of all kinds needed for a lady with a Nashville record deal. Prefer women players and singers. Men are welcome, too. Located in Huntsville area. Call 318-491-1995 HORN PLAYERS NEEDED! Local original band seeking experienced horn players. Reggae, jazz, soul, blues, rock. 256.361.5524 New Age Folk: Wanting to mix Master P, NIN, WP, Indigo Girls into 15 yrs of folk originals, accomplished baritone using simple rhythms. Smokers Only. [email protected] Seeking a band or person: Experienced banjo/guitar player seeking a band, person or persons to perform with, preferably gigs but just to THE VALLEY PLANET jam is good also. I also sing. Contact Tim at 281650-2573 [email protected] Drummer seeking open-minded musicians to join OR to start a new project,arrange originals & play the local scene & beyond. Musically I’m very open but I’d prefer alt rock/ neo-grunge/post emo on the level of FooFighters, Mutemath, Janes Addiction(great local band ‘Eyes Around’) all the way to stuff like Tool, APC, NIN, The Cure, Dido, Tegan & Sara to Portishead. Voyage2Infinity@hotmail or 256-2327505.Kirk Lane, are you really a chicken whisperer? And, do they whisper back? A concerned neighbor. Cole - C’mon now, you have to admit using your dead kid’s grave as a spot to meet your ex for sex is pretty low - even for you. Damn. To Yunohoo. Not cool – stealing from someone who has less than you. Karma MD ---So ya wanna be a rockstar? In my book you are on your way! Yunohoo - You may have your conscience bound and gagged for now, but its going to wake up and haunt you by Halloween. To the guy at Humpheries: since you can’t figure it out “hockey mask drunk” means you are s***faced. Guitar Player Wanted to accompany a local singer/songwriter who plans to focus on spiritual but NOT religious music. Would like to start working on building up repertoire and eventually publish and hopefully tour Unitarian Universalist churches. Must be willing to follow my lead yet add new ideas or possibly collaborate in writing. Must enjoy playing inspiring and hopeful, liberal, spiritual music. Please contact Vanessa at 256-585-0260 or email me at [email protected]. Jeers to you CK: Why even wear pants when all we can see are your boxers? Original Country Band Forming. All instruments welcome, violin, pedal steel guitar, bass, etc. [email protected]. 256 652-9646. Dorvin. CHEERS: To the VP! You REALLY do ROCK! Thanks for the tix! Original Rock band seeks bass player. For more info please contact Philip: 256-658-4871 Beatles Tribute band seeking a ‘George’ for shows. Contact James (256) 783-7444, jtctoo@ yahoo.com or Tim (256) 417-3932. Bethany, when I asked if you liked acronyms and told you the guy you were trying to pick up was “Always In Disguise Sober.” I was suggesting you use a condom or two. Ain’t no morning-after pill for that stuff. Yushudnohoo: Quit sending us emails with everyone else’s email addresses on them! Don’t you know how to NOT send out everyone you know’s emails? If not, buy Email for Dummies or better yet – give your computer to the thrift store – you don’t deserve one! J. You’re acting more cucky than cocky when you brag your wife is feeding you creampies. She may make them at home but she’s not baking them. JEERS SJ: Sneaking food and drink into the dollar movie, really? Honey, Buffalo was nice but I said “Viagra Falls,” not Niagra. Original band seeks horn player(s). Eclectic rhythmic songs mixing reggae, soul, celtic, funk, rock and second line. Seasoned local players consisting of bass, drums, guitar, keys and vocals. We have a set and are ready to play out. Call 256.361.5524. David, You may call him “Lamont,” but I’m never coming back. Drummer Needed- Must have firm Funk/Rock/ Blues background for a Blues/Rock Artist that already has 1 album released and has been on several National Tours. Currently Booking October dates for regional touring. Must be available to gig 3-4 times a week. Please call Josh at 402309-0113. Tommy, Get your ears cleaned out. She didn’t call you a cheese stick. #102011110911 B. You do get that singing karaoke is not American Idol and…you aren’t the only one that can sing. No, we don’t want your autograph or to buy you a drink! From your “friends” at the neighborhood bar. Mary, Why are your friends saying, “One tequila, two tequila, three tequila four and she wakes up ………?” All you farmers who voted for Micky Hammon, how’s that working out for you? VOLUME 9 ISSUE 14 WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM 23 “I’m a member! and I got a great rate on my auto loan”* You’ll love the great rates and service on our loans, as well as a host of other products, including GAP coverage.** GAP covers the difference between the vehicle’s value and the amount you still owe. And when you have a checking account, you are eligible for even better rates with Redstone MemberPlus!† Ask about it today! * Must be RFCU member to obtain loan; all loans subject to credit approval; restrictions apply; contact us for more information. This Credit Union is Federally Insured by the National Credit Union Administration. ** For a complete list of benefits and rules, see the GAP Waiver Election Form. The purchase of GAP is voluntary and cannot be required as a condition of loan approval. GAP is a loan/lease deficiency waiver and is not offered as insurance coverage. Applies only to collateral financed by Redstone Federal Credit Union. A fee applies, please contact RFCU for more information. † Must have checking account to be eligible for Redstone MemberPlus! Restrictions apply. ¤¤~ÛÝÛoooj]\^[mgj_
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