187

Transcription

187

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
#020614022614
READ THE PLANET, IT’S FREE
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FEBRUARY 6 - 26, 2014
It’s Inside!
Results of the Best of the Valley Readers’ Poll, The Culture Queen,
Grandmother’s House, Homebrewed, LOVEHuntsville, Indie Projects & Crowdfunding,
Alabama’s Hidden Treasures, Deqn Sue, Origins of Valentine’s Day,
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#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
THE VALLEY PLANET
In
The
Planet
february 6 - 26, 2014
NEXT ISSUE: FEBRUARY 27, 2014
203 Grove Ave., Huntsville Al, 35801, phone 256.533-4613
Publisher
Jill E. Wood
Calendar
Joanie Williams
Graphic Design
Douglas A. Lange
Contributors
Bonnie Roberts
Elaine Nelson
Jackie Anderson
Ricky Thomason
Aaron Hurd
Allison Gregg
Jim Zielinski
Tina Leach
Brady Thomas
Tim Owen
Jackie Anderson
Stephanie Schrenk
Auntie Jen
Anne Wood
Amanda Conger
Ted Roberts
Tom Niemann
Lucia Cape
Betty Boyd
Cameron Reeder
“Wait. Hol’this fr’a sec.”
- Justin Bieber
THE VALLEY PLANET
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
#020614022614
Table of Contents
3
Letter from the Publisher
4
Best of the Valley 11th Annual Readers’ Poll Begins
5
Best of the Valley
5
Grandmother’s House, Amanda Conger
5
Homebrewed, Lucia Cape
6
Best of the Valley
7
Gal About Town, Tina Leach
7
ReLit - Smokin’ Hot Reads Worth A Rekindle, Rick Thomason
7
Unchained Maladies, Ricky Thomason
8
The Single Guy: Communi-Date, Aaron Hurd
8
LOVEHuntsville, Stephanie Schrenk
8
Best of the Valley
9
The Culture Queen, Tom Niemann
9
Indie Projects Gain Momentum through Online Crowdfunding, Anne Wood
9
The Origins of Valentine’s Day, Ted Roberts
10
Best of the Valley
11
News of the Weird
12
Auntie Jen’s Animal Crazy
12
Zee’s Rocket City bEAT, Jim Zielinski
12
Party of One, Allison Gregg
13
Alabama’s Hidden Treasures, Cameron Reeder
14
Music Calendar Begins
15
Music Calendar Continues
16
Dr. Anarcho’s Rx For Stuff That Don’t Suck
16
Music Calendar Ends
17
Regional Concert Calendar
17
Events Calendar Begins
18
Best of the Valley
19
What Then Must We Do?, Bonnie Roberts
19
Best of the Valley
20
Best of the Valley
20
Events Calendar Continues
21
Events Calendar Ends
22
Free Will Astrology, Rob Brezsny
22
Best of the Valley
23
The Jazz Lounge, Jackie Anderson
23
Deqn Sue: Breaking Through, Betty Boyd
24
Best of the Valley
25
Best of the Valley
26
Music Exchange
26
Best of the Valley
26
To Yuno From Yunohoo
27
Valley Planet Demographics
Letter from the
Publisher
I
t is hard to believe this is the Valley
Planet’s 11th year of holding the Best
of the Valley Readers’ Poll! As some
of you remember, we started out with
paper ballots and people handwriting
in their choices. Truly a nightmare for
us to decipher and calculate! Luckily,
technology has come a long way and
makes it much easier to handle the votes
of the thousands of voters that take the
online poll.
This poll is meant to be fun! And to give
an opportunity for the community to
share who, where and what they think is
the Best in the Valley! It is also a way to
give recognition to people and places that
shine. Remember that the Valley Planet
is NOT doing the voting so…don’t shoot
the messenger!
I hope you enjoy this issue, as always it
has all that is local – writers, musicians,
artists, small businesses and more. Take a
minute to look through all three calendars
(events, live music and concerts) because
there is something if not many things that
you will enjoy!
The Messenger,
Jill E. Wood
Best Reason to Read the Valley Planet?
(Readers’ Speak! And…Readers’ Rule! Thank you!! Will include more in future issues!)
To know what is going on in the TN Valley!
Great local writing and content
Interesting
Informative
LIVE Music and cool things going on in North AL!
Very diverse
It’s FREE!
Find out who playing and what’s for dinner....any
specials.
Ricky’s Book Reviews
Tina’s crazy roadtrips which usually lead to some
sort of Batman adventure
Entertaining!
Find out about small local shops
Events calendar
Because you’re thebomb.com
Best source for what is really going on in the
Huntsville/Madison area
The completely anonymous personals
Because they were the only choice in their “best
publication in the valley” question
Local
Party of One!
Disperse the holy roller fog.
EVERYTHING
Great and thorough local resource. Many kisses.
Uno to unowho
To check out local artists
Music scene
Auntie Jen’s Animal Crazy
All the Arts and Entertainment you need to know
Best Publication in the Valley?
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.
1st The Valley Planet 96.5%
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. Contact by email: [email protected].
Subscriptions to the Valley Planet are now available for $50 a year in the USA.
256-533-4613 VALLEY PLANET
Deadline for February 27 Issue is Feb. 14.
THE VALLEY PLANET
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
3
Best Restaurant?
1st Connor’s Steak and Seafood 5.5%
Best New Restaurant (Opened 2012-2013)
1st The Bottle 31%
Others Receiving Votes: 3rd Base Grill, 5A’s Cafe, 88 Buffet, Adtran, Albany Bistro, Alfonzo’s, Anaheim Chili, Another
Broken Egg, Applebee’s, Asian Cuisine, Asian Grill/Decatur, Back Alley Bistro/Decatur, Bandito Burrito/Governors,
Bandito Burrito/Madison, Bandito Southside, Baumhower’s, Beauregard’s, Below The Radar, Big Ed’s Pizza, Big
Spring Café, Bishops Pub, Blue Plate Cafe, Bonefish, Brix, Cajun Cafe, Cantina Laredo, Carrabba’s, Carson’s Grille,
Casa Blanca, CD’s Pub and Grill, Cheddar’s, Chef Will, Chili’s, China House, Chipotle, Chuckwagon, City Cafe
Diner, Clarks, Commerce Kitchen, Copper Top, Costco on free sample day, Cotton Row, Cracker Barrel, Cricket’s,
D&L Bistro, Dallas Mills, Diamonds Sports Bar And Grill, Ding How II, Drake’s, Dreamland, Eaves, Edith Ann’s,
Edo, El Coyote, El Herradurra, El Monte, El Omeca, El Palacio, Famous Joe’s Pizzeria, Five Guys, Food Fighters
Bustaurant, Francesco’s Italian Restaurant, Fresh Traditions Port of Madison, Furniture Factory Bar & Grill, Garam
Korean Restaurant, Gibson’s Bar-B-Q, Granville’s Barbecue, Grille 29, Guadalajara, Happy Tummy, Hard Dock Cafe,
Hooter’s, Humphrey’s, I Love Sushi, Ichiban, India Café, Indian Palace, J Gumbo, Jamo’s, Jason’s Deli, Jefferson
Street Pub, Jets Pizza, JW Steakhouse, Korea House, La Alameda, Lake Guntersville Ice Cream Shop, Las Trojas,
LeeAnn’s, Little Rosie’s, Logan’s, Longhorn, Macaroni Grill, Mac’s Athens, Main Street Café/Madison, Mango’s
Caribbean Grill, Mellow Mushroom, Melting Pot, Mezza Luna, Mikato, Mikawa, Miyako’s, Moe’s Original BBQ,
New China -Decatur, New Market BBQ, Nick’s Ristorante, No Brakes Bistro, Nothing but Noodle’s, O’ Charlie’s, Ol’
Heidelberg, O’le Dads Bar-B-Q, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Panda Express, Pane e Vino, Panera Bread, Papa
Gyro’s, Partner’s Bar and Grille, Peppered Pig, PF Chang’s, Phil Sandoval’s, Phuket, Po’Boy Factory, Port of Madison,
Red Lobster, Red Robin, Redstone Village, Rock House Eatery/Guntersville, Rosie’s, Ruth’s Chris, Saffron, Sakura,
Salvation Army Chow Hall, Sam and Greg’s, Sandwich Farm, Schnitzel Ranch, Shaggy’s, Shea’s Express, Shogun,
Simp McGhee’s, Sitar, Smash Burger, Sports Page, Stanlieo’s Sub Villa, Steak Out, Stem and Stein, Sun Cafe, Supper
Heroes, Surie/Madison, Surin of Thailand, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, Ted’s BBQ, Terranova’s, Thai Garden, The
Bottle , The Brick /Decatur, The Creek Bar, The Docks, The Eaves Restaurant, The End Zone, The Huntsville Brewery,
The Ledges, The Nook, The Scene Lounge, The Summit at Redstone, Thirsty Turtle, Thomas Pit Barbecue, Tim’s
Cajun Kitchen, Top of the River, Tortora’s, Venice Pizza, Viet Huong, Viet Sandwiches, Vittone’s, Voodoo Lounge,
West End Grill, Whitt’s Bar-B-Cue, Wintzell’s
Others Receiving Votes: 5 As, Back Alley Bistro/Decatur, Bar Louie, Choppers, Dave’s, DJs Pizza, D’Liscous Dining,
El Monte, El Olmeca, El Omeca, Food Fighters Bustaurant, Fuji, Hibachi Express, Honey Pie Bakery, Huntsville
Brewery, I Heart Korea, I Love Sushi, I Love Sushi/Madison, J Gumbo, Jimmy Johns, Jo Jo’s, Lake Guntersville Ice
Cream Shop, Las Vias, Lecroys, Mellow Mushroom/Decatur, Moe’s Southwest Grill - Madison, Nothing Bundt Cakes,
On and On Tacos, Pizzelle’s, Saffron Indian Cuisine/Madison, Stevi B’s Pizza, Sun Cafe, Sunny Street Cafe, Taffee,
Ted’s BBQ/5 Points, The Boot, The Huntsville Brewery, The Java Cafe, Viet Sandwich
2nd 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern 4.5%
3rd
Hildegard’s 4%
Best Service?
1st
Hildegard’s 4%
2nd Tie: 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern AND Rosie’s 3.5%
3rd
Big Ed’s 3%
Others Receiving Votes: 3rd Base Grill, 5As, Albany Bistro, Amendment XXI, Anaheim Chili, Angel’s Island Coffee,
Another Broken Egg Café, Applebee’s, Back Alley Bistro, Bandito Burrito /Madison, Bandito Burrito/Governor’s,
Bandito Southside, Bar Louie, Baumhower’s, Beauregard’s, Below The Radar, Bench Warmer, Big Spring Café, Blue
Plate Café, Bonefish Grill, Brewbaker’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Café 113, Cantina Laredo, Carrabba’s, Carson’s Grille,
Casa Blanca, CD’s Bar and Grille/Madison, Cheddars, Chick-fil-a, Chili’s, Chipotle, City Cafe Diner, Commerce
Kitchen, Connor’s Steak and Seafood, Coppertop, Cotton Row, Cracker Barrel, Crickets, Crossroads, D&L Bistro,
Daily Brew, Diamonds Sports Bar and Grill, Drakes, Edith Ann’s, El Herradura, El Palacio, End Zone, Famous Joe’s
Pizzeria, Food Fighters Bustaurant, Francesco’s, Fresh Traditions/Port of Madison, Furniture Factory, Garam Korean
Restaurant, Gibson’s, Granville’s Barbecue, Grille 29, Happy Tummy, Hard Dock Cafe, Hooter’s, Humphrey’s, I Love
Sushi, IHOP, India Café, J Gumbo, Jason’s Deli, Jefferson Street Pub, La Alameda, Lake Guntersville Ice Cream Shop,
Lawler’s BBQ, LeeAnn’s, Lisa’s Lounge, Little Rosie’s, Logan’s, Longhorn Steakhouse, Los Mariachis, Macaroni
Grill, Main Street Café/Madison, Mango’s Caribbean Grill, Mellow Mushroom, Melting Pot, Mezza Luna, Mikato,
Mikawa, Miyako’s, Moe’s Original BBQ, New China/Decatur, New Ichiban, New Market BBQ, Nick’s Ristorante, O’
Charlie’s, Ol’ Heidelberg, Ole’ Dad’s BBQ, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Pane E Vino, Papa Gyro’s, Papou’s,
Partners Bar and Grille, Peppered Pig, PF Chang’s, Phil Sandoval’s, Phuket, Pizzelle’s Confections, Po’ Boy Factory,
Port of Madison, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Redstone Village, Ruggby’s, Ruth’s Chris, Sage Grill inside Westin Hotel,
Sakura, Sam and Greg’s, Sandwich Farm, Schnitzel Ranch, Showcase Lounge, Simp McGhee’s, Sitar, Smash Burger,
Sportspage, Stanlieo’s Sub Villa, Steak Out, Stem and Stein, Straight to Ale, Strike Zone at Redstone Lanes Bowling
Center, Supper Heroes, Surie/Madison, Surin of Thailand, Taco Bell, Terranova’s, Texas Roadhouse, Thai Garden,
The Bottle, The Brick Deli and Tavern, The Docks, The Hard Dock Café/Decatur, The Huntsville Brewery, The Nook,
The Scene, Tim’s Cajun Kitchen, Tokyo, Top of the River, Tortora’s, Viet Huong, Viet Sandwiches, Vittone’s, Voodoo
Lounge, Waffle House/Madison, West End Grill, Which Wich, Zoe’s
Best Fine Dining?
1st Connor’s Steak and Seafood 11%
2nd
Tie: Cotton Row 8%
AND 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern
3rd
Grille 296%
Others Receiving Votes: Albany Bistro, Back Alley Bistro/Decatur, Bandito Burrito Governors, Below the Radar, Big
Spring Cafe, Bonefish, Brix, Café 113, Cafe 302, Cafe Berlin, Cantina Laredo, Carrabba’s, Carson’s Grill, Chipotle,
Commerce Kitchen, D&L Bistro, Diamond’s Sports Bar and Grill, Edo, El Coyote, Grille 29, Hardee’s, Hildegard’s
German Cuisine, Huntsville Brewery, I Love Sushi, Main Street Café/Madison, Melting Pot, Mezza Luna, Mikato,
New China/Decatur, Nick’s Ristorante, Ol’ Heidelberg, Ole’ Dad’s BBQ, Olive Garden, Pane e Vino, Papou’s, PF
Chang’s, Phuket, Port of Madison Cafe, Redstone Village, Ruth’s Chris, Scene Lounge, Shogun, Simp McGhee’s,
Surie/Madison, Surin of Thailand, Terranova’s, Texas Roadhouse, Thai Garden, The Eaves, The Bottle, The Hungry
Heifer, The Ledges, The Summit at Redstone, Tokyo, Tortora’s , Waffle House, West End Grill
4
#020614022614
2nd Supper Heroes
3rd Peppered Pig
11%
8%
Best Coffee Shop?
1st
Starbucks21%
2nd Tie: Angel’s Island Coffee
AND Olde Town Coffee Shoppe
3rd Cafe 153 18%
6%
Others Receiving Votes: Atlanta Bread Company, Barnes & Noble Cafe, Bean Café/Chocolate Gallery, Below the
Radar, Brewbaker’s, Bruegger’s Bakery/Madison, Bruegger’s/Bailey Cove, Common Grounds Cafe, Cozy Cow, De
LaVega Coffee & Treats, Denny’s, Digium Beans & Bytes, Dunkin Donuts, Edith Anne’s, Flint River Coffee Company,
Grounded Coffee, Huddle House, IHOP, JaMoka’s Coffee Company/Guntersville, Jamo’s, Java Jaay’s, Kaffeeklatsch,
Lake Guntersville Ice Cream Shop, Mapco, McDonalds, Panera/Airport, Pizzelle’s Confections, Rooster’s/Arab,
Sam and Greg’s, Shea’s Express, Southern Reflections, Star Market /Bailey Cove, The Foyer, The Java Cafe, Waffle
House
Best Breakfast?
1st Another Broken Egg
17%
2nd
Blue Plate Café12%
3rd
Cracker Barrel11%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East, Anaheim Chili, Atlanta Bread, Bandito Governors Dr. Menudo on SUNDAY!,
Below the Radar, Big Spring Café, Biscuit Express, Bojangle’s, Brewbaker’s, Bruegger’s, Burritos To Go, Chickfil-A, City Café, City Diner Cafe, Commerce Kitchen, Dallas Mill, Dee’s Diner, Denny’s, Dominos, Dunkin Donuts,
Edith Anne’s, Embassy Sweets, Gibson’s, Graves Grocery/Lacey’s Spring, Green Tomato, Grille 29, Hardees, Harvest
House, Huddle House, IHOP, Jack’s, Krispy Kreme, Krystal, Lil Debs, Lisa’s Lounge, Little Farm Grill, Little Libby’s
Catfish, Little Rosie’s, LuVici’s/Athens, Main Street Café, MAPCO/MY Deli, McDonalds, Meridian Street Café,
Mezza Luna, Mimi’s, Mullins, Olde Towne Coffee Shoppe, Panera Bread, Port of Madison Cafe, Redstone Village,
Rod’s Diner, Rolo’s, Sandwich Farm, Shaggy’s, Shea’s Express, Starbucks, Steak and Biscuit/Moulton, Sunny Street
Cafe, Tavern, The Daily Brew, The Eaves, The Little Diner, Victoria’s Café, Waffle House, Waffle King, Weeden
Mountain Grill, West End Grill
Best Seafood?
1st Bonefish 2nd I Love Sushi
3rd Po’ Boy Factory
21%
7.5%
7%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East, Albany Bistro, Bandito/Governors, Below the Radar, Cajun Café, Captain D’s,
Carrabba’s, Carson’s Grill, Catfish Cabin/Athens, Clarks, Commerce Kitchen, Connor’s Steak& Seafood, Cotton
Row, Crawmama’s, D&L Bistro, Edo, Greenbriar, Grille29, Hardees, Humphrey’s, Landry’s, LeeAnn’s, Libby’s
Catfish Cafe, Logan’s Roadhouse, Long John’s, McCollum’s Catfish, Meteor Buffet, Mezza Luna, Mikato, Mikawa,
Miyako’s, Nick’s Ristorante, Old Greenbrier, Outback Steakhouse, Partners Bar and Grille, PF Chang’s, Phuket, Red
Lobster, Red Robin, Rusty ‘s , Sakura, Shogun, Simp McGhee’s, Sun Cafe, Surie, Surin of Thailand, Texas Roadhouse,
The Bottle, The Dock/Scottsboro, The Huntsville Brewery, The Scene, Tim’s Cajun Kitchen, Tokyo, Top of the River,
Wintzell’s
Best Mexican Restaurant?
1st Rosie’s Cantina 16%
2nd Bandito Burrito Governor’s
9.5%
3rd
Phil Sandoval’s9%
Others Receiving Votes: Anaheim Chili, Bandito Burrito/Madison, Bandito/ Southside, BuenaVista, Burrito Express,
Burritos to Go, Camino Real, Cantina Laredo, Casa Blanca, Casa Mexican, Casa Ole, Casa Santiago, Cazadores,
Chapala, Charrito’s Bar & Grill, Chipotle, Chips and Salsa, El Camino Real, El Cazador (South Parkway), El Cazador
No 2 (The Taco Bus), El Coyote, El Herradura, El Mariachi, El Monte’s, El Omeca, El Palacio, El Paso/New Hope,
El Rio/ Moulton, Fiesta Mexican, Guadalajara, La Alameda, La Hacienda, La Placitas, Las Trojas, Lime Grill, Little
Rosie’s, Los Arcos, Los Mariachi, Margaritas/Scottsboro, Mexico Lindo, Mi Casa, Mi Hacienda, Michocana, Moe’s,
Partners Bar and Grille, Salsarita’s, Shaggy’s, Sierra’s Mexicanismo, Taco Bell, Taco Truck/ Gov. Drive, Taco Truck/
Jordan Lane, Taqueria El Palomino, Taqueria Las Pinas
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
THE VALLEY PLANET
Grandmother’s
House
T
ucked away in Owen’s Cross Roads,
Grandmother’s House manages to strike
the perfect balance of fancy and down
home. Mismatched china and homey décor give
off the casual vibe of a home host making do
with what they have on hand. The menu is packed
with home cooked favorites like catfish, ribs, and
steak.
Best Asian Restaurant?
1st Tie: I Love Sushi 9%
AND Surin of Thailand
2nd PF Chang’s 7%
3rd
88 Buffet6%
Others Receiving Votes: A Taste of China, Anaheim Chili, Aqua Asian/Oxford, Bandito fish tacos!!, Bento Box, Canton
House, China Buffet, China Cook, China Express, China Gourmet, China House, China Moon, China One, China Sun,
China Taste, Ding How II, Dragon Buffet, Dragon Garden, Edo, Fire Wok Asian Bistro, Four Leaves, Fulin’s, Garam
Korean Restaurant, Golden China, Golden Phoenix, Golden Star, Goram, Great Panda, Great Wall, Ichiban, India
Palace, King Buffet, Korean House, Kyoto, Mandarin House, Mei Wei, Meteor Buffet, Mikato, Mikawa, Miyako’s, Mt
Fuji, New China Buffet, New Ichiban, Oriental Express, Panda Express, Phuket, Saigon, Sakura, Shinsegae, Shogun,
Sitar, Sun Café, Surie, Tai Pan, Thai Garden, Toke-Guntersville, Tokyo, Viet Huong, Viet Sandwiches
Best Italian Restaurant?
1st Carrabba’s 19%
2nd Tie: Olive Garden
AND Terranova’s 3rd Macaroni Grill 8%
7.5%
Others Receiving Votes: Alfonso’s, Big Ed’s, Connors Steak & Seafood, D& L Bistro, Di Romos -Decatur, Dominos,
Famous Joe’s Pizzeria, Francesco’s, Grille 29, Jets Pizza, Macaroni Grill, Marco’s Pizza, Mellow Mushroom, Mezza
Luna, Newks, Nick’s Ristorante, Nothing but Noodles, Pane e Vino, Pie in the sky, Raphael’s, Sam and Greggs,
Stanlieo’s Sub Villa, Stem and Stein, Stevarino’s (Scottsboro), Tellini’s, The Boot, The Sicilian / Arab, Tony’s Italian
Deli, Tortora’s, Venice Pizza, Village Pizza, Vittone’s
Best German Restaurant?
1st Ol’ Heidelberg 36%
2nd Hildegard’s German Cuisine 3rd Schnitzel Ranch 34%
15%
Others Receiving Votes: Below the Radar, Cafe Berlin, The Nook, The Officer’s Club/ Redstone Arsenal, The
Soldatenstube/ The Summit, Wintzell’s
Best International Restaurant?
1st Hildegard’s 8%
2nd Ol’ Heidelberg 3rd Surin of Thailand 2nd Mellow Mushroom 3rd Sam and Greg’s 6%
5%
21%
16%
8%
Best Cajun Restaurant?
1st Po’ Boy Factory 41%
Where to find them:
Grandmother’s House Restaurant
3980 Old Highway 431
Owens Cross Roads, Alabama 35763
(256) 725-7444
Hours:
Wed - Thu: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Fri: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Sat: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Sun: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Amanda Conger is on a mission to explore Huntsville...one bite at a time. Read her reviews of local
restaurants at http://thediningdragon.com.
C
raft beer is best consumed by an attentive
drinker. Unlike [insert commercial brew],
craft beer doesn’t funnel well. In musical
terms, craft beer is a song written by a local artist, whereas [insert commercial brew] is Top 40
radio. So it is fitting that Dan Perry, founder of
Straight to Ale – known and loved for craft beer
with local-color names like Monkeynaut IPA and
Lily Flag Milk Stout – is launching a concert series featuring local artists doing original songs.
Home Brewed is modeled after the Folk Mission
series that brings national artists to the STA tap
room for a “listening room” experience.
Perry was inspired to start the series after the Music Has a Meaning benefit at STA in October. Alan
Little was on stage, and because this is the heart of
SEC country and Auburn was playing, the game
was being shown at one corner of the room. Perry
was impressed with Little’s music but thought
he deserved a more attentive audience. He asked
Little to play the first Home Brewed show at STA
on Feb. 8.
Little quickly recruited some friends and, as he
describes them, “local music heroes,” to join him,
so the first in the Home Brewed series will be a
high-gravity growler of original songs from Little,
Jim Cavender, Charlie Howell and “Microwave”
Dave Gallaher.
2nd Tim’s Cajun Kitchen 25%
3rd
Cajun Café 8%
Others Receiving Votes: Cajun Grill, Cajun Lunchbox, Cajun Shack, Connor’s Steak & Seafood, Crawmama’s, Hard
Dock Café, Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Huntsville Brewery, J Gumbo, Landry’s, New Orleans Lunchbox, Pane e Vino,
Papa Dubi’s, Popeye’s, Simp McGhee’s, The Nook, Wintzell’s
#020614022614
What not to miss: The hushpuppies, which come
standard with the dinners, are outstanding. The
fried pickle rounds are dangerously addictive, and
the caramel coconut pie is heavenly. You would
be hard pressed to go wrong though, as we enormously enjoyed everything we tried.
by Lucia Cape
Others Receiving Votes: Alfonzo’s, Bucks Pizza, Carrabba’s, Chuck E Cheese, CiCi’s, Costco, Di Romos, DJ’S Pizza,
Dominos, Donato’s, Famous Joe’s Pizzeria, Francesca’s, Giovanni’s, Jets Pizza, LeeAnn’s, Little Caesars, Mama
Mia’s, Marco’s Pizza, Maters, Mezza Luna, Newks, Pane e Vino, Papa Johns, Papa Murphy’s, Pie in the Sky, Pizza
Hut, Pizza Inn, Raphael’s, Rigatoni’s, Sbarro, Snappy Tomato, Stevarino’s/ Scottsboro, Terry’s Pizza, The Boot, The
Nook, The Pizzeria, The Sicilian/Arab, Tortora’s, Totino’s, Venice Pizza, Village Pizza, Vittone’s, Voodoo Lounge,
West End Grill
THE VALLEY PLANET
When it shines: Grandmother’s House is the perfect place to take out of town guests. Nice enough
to feel special, quiet and cozy enough to chat and
catch up. Delicious southern cooking for those
unfamiliar with the “meat and three” concept.
They are primarily open for lunch, but do offer
dinners on Friday and Saturdays.
Homebrewed
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East Restaurant & Tavern, 3rd Base Grill, 5 A’s Restaurant, Anaheim Chili, Bandito
Burrito/Governor’s, Bandito/ Southside, Bandito/Madison, Below the Radar, Big Ed’s, Cafe Berlin, Cajun Grill,
Carson’s Grille, Casa Montego, Charrito’s Bar & Grill, Cheddar’s, City Cafe, Connors Steak & Seafood, Curry in a
Hurry, D&L Bistro, Ding How II, Dominos, Edo, El Palacio, Fulin’s, Furniture Factory, Garam Korean Restaurant,
Grille 29, I Love Sushi, Ichiban, IHOP, India Café, India Palace, Jamo’s, Korea House, Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse,
LeeAnn’s, Mango’s Caribbean Grill, Mei Wei, Mezza Luna, Mikato’s, Mikawa, Miyako’s, Mt. Fuji, Nick’s Ristorante,
Papa Gyro’s, Papou’s, PF Chang’s, Phil Sandoval’s, Phuket, Redstone Village, Ruths Chris, Saffron, Sakoa Japan
Grill, Sakura, Sandwich Farm, Schnitzel Ranch, Shogun, Sitar, Spice of India, Sun Café, Surie/Madison, Tai Pan,
Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, Thai Garden, The Bottle, The Huntsville Brewery, The Scene, The Sicilian, The Summit
at Redstone, Tortora’s Grille, Viet Huong, Viet Sandwiches, Voodoo Lounge, Waffle House
Best Pizza?
1st Big Ed’s Why I love it: The atmosphere is charming and intimate. Because the restaurant is inside a converted house, the dining area is spread across multiple
rooms. So while there are a few other tables in
your room, it still feels much more private. The
food is outstanding, with each dish outshining the
last.
While Huntsville has longstanding venues that
are receptive to original music – the Tip Top, the
Kaffeeklatsch, the Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill,
and Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series were mentioned by the artists – the opportunity to play all
originals to an attentive audience is very appealing to song writers.
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
“A listening audience gets the best focus and detail out of a performing artist,” says Gallaher, who
usually weaves his originals into his sets with
cover songs that he loves.
“These types of gigs give me genuine excitement
or ‘butterflies,’” says Little. “That is the fun part.
February eighth, I’ll have butterflies!” His favorite original is “Sammy the Bull,” a song about
John Gotti’s main hit man. The song reflects
Little’s love of mob movies, but it’s also special
because his wife, Maryanne, helped him write it,
and it’s a tip of the hat to Steve Earle.
While he loves “all his children,” Cavender has
a special affection for “I Ain’t Got No Time,”
which always gets a good reaction from listeners.
“Nothing beats a good audience response to an
original tune,” says Cavender.
“At STA it’s almost an auditorium feel and people
are SO tuned in, it’s great, so as a performer I
want to do my absolute best and enjoy it,” says
Howell, whose favorite original song is currently
“State 49,” a response to the impact of Hurricane
Katrina on people struggling to make ends meet
in the poorest states in the country.
Perry has enlisted the help of Evan Billiter, the
heart and soul of Lowe Mill’s Concerts on the
Dock, to help plan future shows. The wish list
includes many performers who have developed a
local following, but the series is also an opportunity for new artists to share their music with a
receptive audience.
“There’s a lot of talented young folks out there
that I’ve never even met,” says Howell. Cavender
agrees, “There’s a lot of creativity out there.”
The series is sponsored by The Fret Shop, your
local source for all things stringed. The first show
is February 8 at 7 p.m. Food Fighters Bustaurant
will be serving food. Cover is $5. Straight to
Ale is located at 3200 Leeman Ferry Road. The
brewery offers free tours on Saturdays (reservations required). Visit straighttoale.com for more
information.
5
PF Chang’s, Phil Sandoval’s, Popeye’s Buffet, Posey, Red Robin, Rolo’s, Rosie’s, Ruby Tuesday’s, Ryan’s Steakhouse,
Saffrons/Madison, Sam and Greg’s, Sandwich Farm, Schnitzel Ranch, Shaggy’s, Sitar, Snappy Tomato, Stanlieo’s Sub
Villa, Star Market, Supper Heroes, Tai Pan, Ted’s BBQ, TGI Friday, The Bottle, The Brick, The Huntsville Brewery,
The Summit at Redstone, Thomas Pit Barbecue, Tim’s Cajun Kitchen, Tokyo Japanese Restaurant, Top O The River,
Tortora’s, Venice Pizza, Viet Huong, Voodoo Lounge, Waffle House, West End Grill, Wintzell’s, Zaxby’s
Best Sushi?
1st I Love Sushi Best Steak?
2nd
Ruth’s Chris 12%
3rd
Tie: Longhorn AND Outback Steakhouse 6%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern, All Steak in Cullman, Applebee’s, Bandito/Gov,
Baumhower’s, Below the Radar, Bonefish, Cantina Laredo, Carrabba’s, Carson’s Grille, Cheddars, Chili’s, Commerce
Kitchen, Cotton Row, Crawmama’s, D&L Bistro, Dales, Edith Ann’s, Francesco’s Italian Restaurant, Furniture Factory,
Grille 29, I Love Sushi, JW’s Steakhouse, LeeAnn’s, Logan’s, LoneStar, LuVici’s, Mac’s Sportsbar and Steak House,
Mezza Luna, Mikato’s, Moody Mondays, Nick’s Ristorante, O Charley’s, O’Bryan’s, Papou’s, Partners Bar and Grille,
Port of Madison, Redstone Village, Ryan’s, Sandwich Farm, Sedona Steakhouse, Shogun, Simp McGhee’s, Sports
Page, Stanfield’s, Steak Out, Surin of Thailand, Texas Roadhouse, TGI Friday’s, The Eaves, The Bottle, The Docks,
The Ledges, The Nook, The Summit at Redstone, Tokyo, West End Grill, Western Sirloin/Moulton
35%
2nd Surin of Thailand 12%
3rd
Edo’s 7%
Others Receiving Votes: Aqua, Canton House, Drakes, Earth Fare, Four Leaves, Fuji, Fulin’s, Ichiban, Kumos, Kyoto,
Meteor Buffet, Miako’s, Mikato’s, Mikawa, Miso House, Miyako’s, Mt Fuji, New China Buffet, Panda, Phuket’s,
Publix, Sakoa Japanese Grill, Sakura, Samurai Steak House/Athens, Scene Lounge, Shogun, Sparkman Cafeteria, Sun
Café, Super 88 Buffet, Surie, Target, Toke-Guntersville, Tokyo Steakhouse
Best Thai Restaurant?
1st Surin of Thailand 39%
2nd
Thai Garden 30%
3rd
Phuket 17%
Others Receiving Votes: Charm Thai, Curry in A Hurry, Spring Garden, Surie, Try My Thai, Viet Huong
Best Burger?
1st Five Guys Burgers and Fries Best Restaurant for Vegetarians?
22% 1st 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern11%
2nd
Red Robin 8%
3rd
Tie: Below The Radar AND Smashburger 5%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern, 3rd Base Grill, Anaheim Chili, Applebee’s, Backyard
Burgers, Bandito/Governors, Baumhower’s, Beauregard’s, Big Spring Café, Biscuit Express, Bishops, Blue Gill Grille
in Tim’s Ford, Blue Pantry, Bonefish, Brickhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, Burger King, Cafe 302, Carson’s Grille, CD’s
Pub and Grill, CF Penn’s, Checker’s, Cheddars, Chili’s, Chopper’s Bar and Grill, City Cafe Diner, Commerce Kitchen,
Connors Steak & Seafood, Coppertop, Crickets, Dallas Mill Deli, Diamonds Sports Bar, Drakes, Dubs, Duffy’s, Edith
Anne’s, Elks Club, End Zone, Flyboys, Food Fighters Bustaurant, Frizzle’s, Furniture Factory, Grille 29, Half-Time
Bar and Grill, Hardees, Humphrey’s, Jack’s, JW Steakhouse, Knight Moves, Lee Ann’s, Little Debs, Little Diner, Little
Farm Grill, Little Paul’s, Logan’s, Longhorn, LuVici’s, Mezza Luna, Milo’s ;-), Mr. Henry’s, Mullins, Nick’s Ristorante,
No Brakes Bistro, Outback Steakhouse, Papa Gyros, Partners Bar and Grille, Peppered Pig, Po’ Boy Factory, Port of
Madison Cafe, Rolo’s, Ruby Tuesday’s, Ruggby’s, Ruth’s Chris, Shaggy’s, Sonic, Sports Page, Steak and Shake, Steak
Out, Steve’s Bar and Grill, Supper Heroes, Taco Burger @ Bandito Gov, Texas Roadhouse, TGI Friday’s, The Brick
Deli, The Creek, The Daily Brew, The Hard Dock, The Huntsville Brewery, The Nook, The Scene, The Station, The
Summit at Redstone, Thirsty Turtle, Tortora’s Grille, Voodoo Lounge, West End Grill
Best Wings?
1stBeauregard’s
Others Receiving Votes: Anaheim Chili, Atlanta Bread, Bandito/Governor’s, Bandito/Southside, Below the Radar, Big
Spring Café, Blue Plate, Brewbaker’s, Casa Blanca, Cheddars, Chef Will’s The Palette, Chipotle, Connors, Curry
in a Hurry, D&L Bistro, Dreamland, Enchanted Forest Nursery, Garden Cove, Grille 29, G’s Country Cooking, I
Love Sushi, India Café, India Palace, Jamo’s, Jason’s Deli, Longhorn Steakhouse, Mango’s Caribbean Grill, Mellow
Mushroom, Mezza Luna, Moe’s, Newks, Nothing but Noodles, Olive Garden, P.F. Chang’s, Panera Bread, Papa Gyro’s,
Phuket, Ruby Tuesday, Ruth’s Chris, Ryan’s, Saffron, Salsarita’s, Sandwich Farm, Shea’s Express, Shogun, Sitar Indian
Cuisine, Stanlieo’s Sub Villa, Subway, Surin of Thailand, Texas Roadhouse, Thai Garden, The Corn Field, Viet Huong,
Voodoo Lounge, Zaxby’s, Zoe’s Kitchen
Best Indian Restaurant?
1st Sitar Indian Cuisine
33%
2nd Surin of Thailand 20%
3rd
India Café 9%
16%
2nd
Baumhower’s15.5%
3rd Buffalo Wild Wings
10%
Others Receiving Votes: Curry in a Hurry, India Palace, Jamo’s, Macaroni Grill, Masala, Saffron/Madison, Spice of
India, Surie/Madison, Taj Mahal, Taste of India, Texas Roadhouse
Others Receiving Votes: 3rd Base Grill, Anaheim Chili, Applebee’s, Below the Radar, Best Wings, Bishops, Bison’s,
Blue Jay, Blue Pantry, Brickhouse, Carson’s Grille, Charlie’s Wing Shack, Chick-fil-A, Chili’s, Commerce Kitchen,
Coppertop, Crickets, Diamond’s Sports Bar, Dominos, Drakes, Edz Wingz, End Zone, Famous Joe’s, Furniture
Factory, Gas Station near Ditto Landing on Hobbs Is. Road, Granville’s BBQ, Hard Dock Cafe, Hooters, Humphrey’s,
Huntsville Brewery, Jefferson St Pub, LeeAnn’s, Logan’s, Moe’s Original BBQ, New Market BBQ, Nick’s Ristorante,
Ole Hickory BBQ, Outback, Partners Bar and Grille, Phuket, Pie in the Sky, Port of Madison Cafe, Publix Hot and
Spicy, Rooster’s, Shane’s Rib Shack, Sports Page, Strike Zone/Redstone Lanes Bowling Center, Sud’s Grille & Grog,
Tenders, Thai Garden, The Eaves, The Hard Dock, The Nook, Thirsty Turtle, Thrill, Tim’s Cajun Kitchen, Touchdown
Wings, Viet Huong, Voodoo Lounge, West End Grill, Wing Zilla, Wings Express, Wings to Go, Wintzell’s, Zaxby’s
Best Hot Dog?
1st Five Guys Burgers and Fries
2nd
Happy Tummy 9%
3rd
Earth Fare 6%
9%
2nd
Sonic 8%
3rd
Costco 7%
Others Receiving Votes: 3rd Base Grill, Anaheim Chili, Below the Radar, Big Spring Café, Carson’s Grill, CD’s
Pub and Grill, Checker’s, Coppertop, Dairy Queen, Dip n Dog, Dodger’s Store, Downtown Dawgs, End Zone, Food
Fighters Bustaurant, Happy Tummy, Heavenly Delights Hwy 31 S Athens, Hooter’s, Hot Dawgs, Hot Dog It!, Hot
Dog Vendor by Sammy T’s, Hot Dog Vendor Downtown Huntsville, Hot Doggin, Humphrey’s, Huntsville Brewery,
Huntsville Municipal Golf Course, Joe Davis Stadium, Kangaroo, Krystal, Little Paul’s, Meridianville BBQ, Milton
Frank Stadium, Mullin’s, Ole’ Dad’s BBQ, Ole Hickory BBQ, Pony Hot Dog Cart, Quickie’s Gourmet Hot Dogs,
Rocket City Dogs, Ruggby’s, Sam & Greg’s, Sam’s Club Deli, Schnitzel Ranch, Shaggy’s, Smashburger, Sneaky
Pete’s, Sports Page, Stanlieo’s Sub Villa, Steak n Shake, Target, That’s My Dog, The Brick Deli and Tavern, The
Furniture Factory, The Nook, “Tony’s Italian Deli “”Chicago Polish made with Vienna Beef”””, Varsity, VBC, Voodoo
Lounge, Weeden Mountain Grill / Links at Redstone, West End Grill, Zaxby’s
Best Chinese Restaurant?
1st Ding How II 17%
2nd PF Chang’s 3rd 88 Buffet 15%
9%
Others Receiving Votes: Asian Cuisine, Bento Box, Canton House/ Decatur, China Buffet, China Cook/Hampton
Cove, China Dragon/Athens, China Express, China Gourmet, China House, China Moon, China One/ Meridianville,
China Star/Madison, China Sun, China Taste, Chong Wah/ Decatur, Fire Wok Asian Bistro, Four Leaves, Fulin’s,
Golden China, Golden Phoenix, Golden Star, Great Panda, Great Wall, Hibachi Express, Ichiban, King Buffet, Mandarin
House, Mei Wei, Meteor Buffet, New China Buffet, Oriental Express , Panda Express, Panda Restaurant, Papa Gyros,
Red Pearl, Rice Box, Shogun, Sun Café, Tai Pan, Taste of China, Viet Sandwiches
Best Japanese Restaurant?
1st I Love Sushi 18%
2nd
Edo 11%
3rd Tie: Mikato’s AND Shogun 10%
Others Receiving Votes: Bento Box, Fulin’s, Hibachi Express, Ichiban, Kyoto/ Decatur, Meteor Buffet, Mikawa, Miso
House, Miyako’s, Mt. Fuji, New Ichiban, Nori Japan, Panda, Sakoa Japanese Grill, Sakura, Samurai Steak House/
Athens, Sun Café, Tokyo, Umi, Yamato’s
Best Place to Pig Out?
1st 88 Buffet 13%
Best Late-Nite Grub?
1st Waffle House 14%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East, 3rd Base Grill, Anaheim Chili, Asian Grill, Bandito Southside, Baumhower’s,
Below the Radar, Blue Plate Café, Bob Gibson’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Canton House, Carson’s Grille, Casa Blanca,
Catfish Cabin II/Athens, CD’s Pub and Grill, Cheddar’s, China Buffet, China Gourmet, Chuckwagon BBQ, CiCi’s Pizza,
City Cafe Diner, Connors Steak & Seafood, Copper Top, Cracker Barrel, Crawmama’s, Curry-in-a-Hurry, Diamond’s
Sports Bar, Downtown Dawgs, Dream Land, Duffy’s Deli, Earthfare, El Coyote, El Herradura, El Palacio, End Zone,
Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Food Fighters Bustaurant, Francesco’s Italian, Furniture Factory, Gibson’s, Granville’s
Gourmet Ribs & BBQ, Greenbriar Restaurant, G’s Country Kitchen, Happy Tummy, Hildegard’s, Hog Farm, Hooters,
Humphrey’s, I Love Sushi, IHOP, India Palace, Jason’s Deli, Jefferson St Pub, King Buffet, Korea House, Krystal’s, La
Alameda, Lake Guntersville Ice Cream Shop, Lawler’s BBQ, LeeAnn’s, Lone Goose, Longhorn, Mellow Mushroom,
Melting Pot, Meteor Buffet, Mikato’s, Miyako, Moe’s Original BBQ, New China Buffet, New Market BBQ, Nicks
Ristorante, No Brakes Bistro, O Charley’s, Old Hickory BBQ, Ole’ Dad’s BBQ, Papa Gyros, Partners, Peppered Pig,
Others Receiving Votes: 3rd Base Grill, Amendment XXI, Anaheim Chili, Applebee’s, Bandito Burrito/ Madison,
Bandito Burrito/Governors, Bandito Burrito/Southside, Bar Louie, Below the Radar, Big Ed’s Pizza, Bishops,
Bojangle’s, Bonefish, Buffalo Wild Wings, Carson’s Grille, CD’s Pub and Grill, Checkers, Cheddar, Chili’s, Chipotles,
Chips and salsa, City Cafe Diner, Connors Steak & Seafood, Coppertop, Denny’s, Diamond’s Sports Bar, Domino’s,
Drakes, End Zone, Firehouse Subs, Food Fighters Bustaurant, Furniture Factory, Hard Dock Cafe, Hildegard’s German
Cuisine, Hooters, Hopper’s Bar & Grill, Huddle House, Humphrey’s, Jefferson Street Pub, Jimmy John’s, Lee Ann’s,
Lisa’s Lounge, Lone Goose, McDonalds, No Brakes Bistro, Partners, Pie in the Sky Pizzeria, Ruggby’s, Sammy T’s,
Sandwich Farm, Scene, Shady Lawn Truck Stop/Ardmore, Sonic, Sports Page, Steak & Shake, Taco Bell, TGI Fridays,
The Bottle, The Brick, The Huntsville Brewery, The Nook, Thirsty Turtle, Voodoo Lounge, Waffle King, Wendy’s,
West End Grill, Zoe’s Kitchen
2nd
IHOP 6%
3rd
Krystal 5%
2nd Bandito Burrito Governors 6%
3rd
Big Ed’s 4%
6
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
THE VALLEY PLANET
Customers are usually either seasoned hot
chicken veterans or tourists. Tourists can
easily be picked out by their confusion
(Go behind the big table at the front,
order at the window. When your number
is called, go pick it up at the window or
the other window, or the table if they
put it there. It varies and there are no
instructions.)
Hot Chicken! (Yes, It’s a Thing)
I
don’t actually know how I found out about hot
chicken. I think my Traveling Companion told
me about it. He’s adept at reading internets so
I’ve no doubt he found it on the magical information superhighway.
So we’re clear, I don’t just mean spicy chicken. That
can be found at a bevy of chain retailers locally. This
is chicken made with a spicy dry rub. It even looks
red (the color of fire). And it’s served on a slice of
white bread to soak up the grease and extra hotness.
It’s a Nashville thing. Many restaurants boast of
the deliciousawesomitude of their hot chicken.
There’s even an annual hot chicken festival 4th of
July weekend (musiccityhotchickenfestival.com).
But for our first foray into hot chicken, we had to
start at the source. We had to go to Prince’s.
Prince’s Fried Chicken is located at 123 Ewing
Drive in east Nashville. It’s just a little hole in the
wall dive in a strip mall. But the parking lot is
ReLit – Smokin’
Hot Reads
Worth A Rekindle
– Anthony Bourdain - Kitchen Confidential
Updated Edition: Adventures in the Culinary
Underbelly (P.S.) 
 
n this wonderful book you will learn why
it’s never a good idea to eat fish on Monday.
You’ll learn that the chef in these overpriced
places is often nothing more than a supervisor of
a motley collection of immigrants taught to repeat by rote certain dishes, really nothing more
than an assembly line of automatons who do one
dish “right.”
 
You may learn you don’t want to eat out again.
I
“Most diners believe that their sublime sliver of
seared foie gras, topped with an ethereal buckwheat blini and a drizzle of piquant huckleberry
sauce, was created by a culinary artist of the highest order, a sensitive, highly refined executive
chef”. The truth is more brutal. “More likely,”
writes Anthony Bourdain in Kitchen Confidential, “that elegant three-star concoction is the collaborative effort of a team of ‘wacked-out moral
degenerates, dope fiends, refugees, a thuggish
assortment of drunks, sneak thieves, sluts, and
psychopaths’,”
 As I said, he pulls no punches.
This makes Bourdain a not- made-for-TV chef;
he is potty-mouthed and acerbic. His advice to
aspiring chefs: “Show up at work on time six
months in a row and we’ll talk about red curry
paste and lemon grass. Until then, I have four
words for you: Shut the f*** up. “
He openly disdains vegetarians, warns against
ordering food well done (You’ll get the bottomof-the-barrel stuff) and cautions that restaurant
brunches are a gamble at best.
Shying at nothing, Bourdain details his drug use
before he was a world traveling food-taster and
cultural commentator. He is as unsparing of those
things he hates, as he is evangelical about his passions.
The legend of the chicken: One 1930s-ish morning,
Thornton Prince’s girlfriend cooked him some fried
chicken for breakfast and added some peppery
fire to it to teach him a lesson (he was a bit of a
womanizer). It backfired, he loved it, and he and
his brothers opened the BBQ Chicken Shack Café.
(Thus proving that revenge really is a dish best
served COLD.)
Andre Prince Jeffries is the owner of Prince’s now.
She’s Thornton’s grandniece.
I did a ton of research on this (or possibly just
looked up hot chicken on Wikipedia) and found
that the general recipe involves soaking the
chicken in buttermilk and then adding a paste of
cayenne pepper and lard (1950s healthy style
cooking!) and deep frying it. Some put the
paste over the breading, some put the breading
over. Prince’s put the paste over. If you took
the breading off you’d never know it was hot.
Unchained
Maladies
by Ricky Thomason
J
ay Hopper (aka “Darkside”) former Decatur / Huntsville, Alabama
resident is slated to be on the Animal Planet show “My Cat From Hell”
along with his wildcat, Marley.
He has resided in California since medical marijuana became legal. It helps
the condition his condition is in.
My Cat from Hell is an American reality television series that airs on the Animal Planet and premiered in May 2011. It stars Jackson Galaxy, a
mild-mannered cat behaviorist by morning — and
an untamed musician by night — who visits the
homes of cat owners in order to resolve conflicts
or behavior issues between the owners and their
cats or between pets.
I can’t wait for Jackson and Marley to meet. When
you enter Jay’s abode the first thing you are told,
warned is “Don’t f*** with the cat.” He does so
for two good reasons. A.) The wild-eyed beast
will hurt you. B.) For fun: Some goofballs are
sure they can pet Marley because “Cats always
like me.”
My money is on the cat.
After Marley balls up on their heads like a Tasmanian devil scratching, clawing and biting Jay
says, “like I told you, I told you, don’t f*** with
the cat.”
No one has tried it twice. It even attacked the producer and advance crew as they checked the deal
out and prefilmed before the cat whisperer’s arrival. The producer said she might have seen one
that comes close, but the cup is Marley’s for the
taking.
They’re open Tuesday-Thursday noon10pm, Friday 11:30-4am, Saturday 2pm4am, closed Sunday and Monday.
I would suggest going early. We went
a little before dinner and the wait was
pretty short. Also, bring cash or no
chicken for you.
And it’s hot.
Even the mild has heat to it. There’s mild, medium,
hot, and x hot (which is pretty much the fires of hell
with extra torture sauce). I tried the mild. It had a
great flavor. I think I’m ready for medium now.
The menu is simple enough. Breast quarter, Leg
Quarter, Half Chicken, Whole Chicken. There are
a few sides. You can also get extra bread, extra
pickles, and ranch dressing to cool the burn.
Also, pie.
spaces within homes to
call their own, and that
they send signals when
they no longer desire
petting, a condition he
refers to as “over stimulation”. Cats do not like
being cornered, and lash
out when over stimulated. Certain cats (whom
he calls “tree-dwelling cats”) behave better
when they have access
to above-ground perches,
and he often instructs
owners of such cats to
install an above-the-floor walkway with no dead
ends, in order to provide these cats with the psychological comfort of escape routes.
Apparently, Marley loves over-stimulation; Jay
and a friend were romping some metal on their
electric guitars. Marley lay curled up, content
and asleep on the visitors booming amp. She
came uncurled and unwound on the dude when
he switched from electric to acoustic guitar. Several Band-aids later, he resumed with the electric.
Marley calmed and went back to sleep again on
the amp.
As for a place to call its own, Jay and Marley
live in a two-bedroom apartment. One of them is
solely the cat’s territory. It even has its own TV.
While Jay is at work, Marley watches the Animal
Planet and cartoons.
Jackson does not believe in cats being surgically
de-clawed, believing that the animals suffer for
it. On episode 5 of season 2, “Cat Fight!”, he said
that cats become hyper aware of the weapons they
have left, going straight for back claws (if these
So for all you folks that do crazy stuff
like order your Thai Garden 10 star
hot, here’s a new challenge: X Hot Chicken at
Prince’s. Do it. But please don’t sue me when the
pain triggers an endorphin release that causes you
to never see the color orange again.
Tina semi-regularly updates her blog at TinaLeach.
com and can be found discussing her films and
sketch comedy at StanAndTina.com. She will also
be blogging for the Valley Planet soon. Stay tuned
for more details. If you have any tips or cool places
for Tina to visit, email her at
[email protected].
have not been removed) and teeth, because that’s
what they have to fight with. Later on in life, they
suffer a lot more arthritis. Instead of de-clawing,
he encourages owners to use soft claws or vinyl
claws which cover the claws rather than having
the claws removed.
I have a feeling that after Jackson meets Marley
he’s not only going to wish the beast had been declawed, but have its feet and teeth removed also.
He teaches that there are correct and incorrect
ways to pick up a cat, and that when cats are
picked up incorrectly, they will often injure humans in an attempt to escape. Some cats need exercise to release excess energy in a positive way;
toys and play with owners are outlets Jackson
encourages. When this is not done, such cats find
ways to release energy on their own, which are
often undesirable to their owners and/or destructive to the home.
In multi-animal situations, Jackson creates barriers in homes to divide the space into areas which
the animals can claim as places of their own. He
slowly introduces the cat to the other animals
in positive situations (such as a feeding). Occasionally, Jackson suspects that certain behavioral
problems which defy conventional explanation
are due to an underlying health problem (such as
arthritis), in which case he instructs the owners to
take their cat to a veterinarian before continuing
efforts at modifying the behavior.
Asked how it came to be that he and only he can
handle the hellcat, Jay replied, “You knew one
of my exes back in Bama. The ho was a thieving
crack addict from hell. Probably still is. The devil
wouldn’t have her.
I knew her years ago, but as I recall, he is right.
She needed an exorcism.
Galaxy believes that he can help any “problem
cat” - provided that its human guardians follow
the advice he provides - and that most behavioral
problems result either from triggers in the cat’s
environment or from mishandling of the cat by
humans.
Bourdain’s books are a delicious delight. I’ll have
another serving. Won’t you join me?
Marley qualifies; Jay found her under a car, almost
dead when she was a small kitten, took her in and
nursed her to health.
Review by Rick Thomason.
Jackson teaches that cats are territorial, needing
THE VALLEY PLANET
And be prepared to wait.
always full, and if you find a table, you grab it. On
weekends, people sometimes wait an hour and a
half for that chicken.
by Tina Leach
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
Animal Planet’s
“My Cat From Hell”
7
The Single Guy:
Communi-Date
by Aaron Hurd
Hang out or take out?
A
nybody with a pulse who is over the age
of 25 can tell you that the dating game has
certainly changed in many ways. I was
overhearing a conversation the other day from
two girls talking about how guys do not ask girls
out anymore and that they can hardly remember
the last time someone actually “asked” them out.
It got me thinking that they are so right. I remember in high school and even grade school where it
seemed that dating was so much easier - guys, including me, actually asked out girls! We got yeses
and we got no’s, but we certainly knew where we
stood when all was, literally, said and done.
I have said it before…as we get older, our confidence seems to fade. There are plenty of things to
blame for this like social media, TV, magazines,
years of getting “rejected” by the ones we like,
etc. However, really guys -we have our selves to
blame. Believe me, I am definitely guilty of this!
The older I get, the more afraid of getting rejected
I am – even to the point of stopping even trying.
Yes, I have asked out girls and continue to ask
them out, but clearly based on the conversation I
overheard - me along with plenty other men have
been doing it wrong! Ladies this is where we need
your help?
In grade school, I would pass a note to the prettiest girl in class with a simple yes, no maybe answer…I even wrote the answers with just a check
box for the girl. Simple, easy and most of all… to
the point! It went something like this, “Will you
be my girlfriend?” with a ‘Yes, No, or Maybe” after it. I would get it back with one of the three answers checked and maybe an extra note if the girl
was so inclined. And guys, remember back in the
day that even if the note said “No” the world kept
turning and we ran onto recess and forgot about it
by lunch! In fact, maybe by then we moved on to
the next girl to pass a note to.
Let’s flash forward to today! What do we do? If
you’re like me, you try to figure out all you can
about the girl through social media, friends, etc.
before making any move and then when you actually do - you half ass it! Then, you sit around
and wonder why? Time after time we start thinking no one wants us - what happened? It took me
ease-dropping on a conversation to find out what
happened - we became weak, unsure of ourselves,
and “safe.” Honestly we became Wimps! I am
probably one of the biggest out there!
Once we finally get the courage to ask them out we don’t even do it! Am I right ladies? Instead, we
text message them, send them an Instant message,
etc. and we STILL don’t ask them out! Instead, we
say something “clever” like “hey there… wanted
to see if you wanted to meet downtown for a
drink?” or “Hey, found this new place for lunch,
want to meet up and try it?”, or “Hey I think we
could really have a great time - we should hang
out sometime?” Any of these sound familiar?
I personally have used them many times. In all
these examples, not once did I say “Hey, I really like you and would love to take you out on a
date-dinner and something fun?” Duh! How hard
is that? What is the worst that can happen? She
can say no, or maybe… she will actually say yes
because we finally grew a pair and asked her out.
(And hopefully in person or with a call instead of
a text or email!) The thing is she knows what we
want a date! She knows we are interested in being
more than just friends, and we all know what the
intentions are prior to meeting up!
Ladies - think about this - no more talking with
your friends before “meting up” asking “you
think it’s a date or we just hanging?” It is clear
ahead of time. Guys - we save money without
“hanging out” three different times just to find out
in the end we are just another “friend” who buys
her dinner every now and then. She says “NO”
we saved three nights of wondering if she likes
us or not! She says “YES” – it is clear to both of
us it is a date; we can then focus on if we really
like each other at dinner instead of is this a date or
not? It also puts an end to the awkward “Do I kiss
her at the end of the night or not?” If we already
established ahead of time that it is in fact a date
- all we have to worry about is making sure there
is chemistry so it ends with a kiss at the end of
the night!
So simple, and I can’t believe I have been doing
it wrong for so long! My 7 -year old self would
be ashamed! Little Aaron would be asking “Why
the hell are you wasting time? Found out if she
likes you and get going or move on!” And the fact
that I can find out before I even pick her up-can
make the date that much more fun and one less
hoop I have to jump through to find out if she is
interested.
LOVEHuntsville
by Stephanie Schrenk
A
t the Lowe Mill Pop-Up Shop last December, a certain booth asked visitors who stopped by to write
down their hopes and dreams on small pieces of paper. The paper was then tied to red balloons and released
at midnight outside of the former Crossroads building. I remembered being moved by how this group was using such
Photo by Joe Davis.
a simple gesture to foster a sense of community with the
people at the event. That group is called LOVEHuntsville, a non-profit organization that uses creative
projects to inspire Huntsvillians to give back to people in their city. Founder Candace Stough started
LOVEHuntsville in 2011 with the documentary I Heart Revolution, where she was struck with the idea
that change could be started in your own backyard. “If everyday people did everyday things, it could
really make a difference” Candace states as she perches on an ottoman in their Lowe Mill studio “We
wanted to bring in the idea of justice.”
LOVEHuntsville’s first major project, called HelpPortrait, provided free professional photos to people
who couldn’t afford them or had lost them in a natural disaster. HelpPortrait garnered support of over
100 volunteers, from photographers to make-up artists to hairdressers, and gave personalized attention
to each individual and family. Through HelpPortrait and other projects, LOVEHuntsville was able to
solidify its mission as a group that expresses love through public art. Candace makes a point of telling
me that the focus on every project is storytelling, and their purpose is to “use story to love Huntsville
through the mediums of film, photography, paint, and the written word.”
A prime example of this storytelling was their project “When Life Hands You Lemons,” where volunteers wearing shirts that said “Life” handed lemons to passers-by at an outdoor event. The attendees
could then write something “sour” about their life and tell their story, if they chose. The final step
was squeezing the lemons to make lemonade at
LOVEHuntsville’s stand. This project as well as
other past projects can be viewed on their website at www.lovehuntsville.com, and updates can
be found on their twitter @lovehsv.
The year 2014 is looking to be big for LOVEHuntsville, whose upcoming projects include a
documentary about inner beauty and an appearance in this year’s TEDx Huntsville event. But
even as ideas get bigger, one element will remain the same: the simple art of storytelling. 
You can purchase LOVEHuntsville t-shirts at the
Green Pea Press studio on the first floor of Lowe
Mill Suite 122, or at the LOVEHuntsville studio
Photo by Lezli Lewis.
on the third floor, Suite 318.
So ladies - what is your take on this? Would you
rather have a guy ask you out and make his intentions clear - or play the lets hang out and keep
each other guessing game? Take out the fact you
get free food and drinks during this stage. Haha!
I know two ladies that I overheard would rather
have the guys be clear and ask them out. Also,
think back to when you were actually clearly
“asked out” - has it been awhile? Were the two
girls I overheard a rare case or is this common?
Would you appreciate it if we guys actually asked
you out on a date and made it clear?
We are calling on you ladies to make us better
men - Help! Email me at aaronthesingleguy@
gmail.com.
Photos by Ian McCalister.
Best Desserts?
1st GiGi’s Cupcakes Best Deli?
1st Jason’s Deli 2nd Happy Tummy 3rd Dallas Mill Deli 2nd City Cafe Diner 3rd Chocolate Crocodile 16%
9%
8%
Others Receiving Votes: 3rd Base Grill, 9th Ave Hub Grub, Anaheim Chili, Atlanta Bread Company, Brewbaker’s,
Bruegger’s, Cahoots, Chef Wills, Chipotle, City Cafe, Clementine’s, Covington’s, Cyn Shea’s, Daily Brew, Duffy’s
Deli, Earth Fare, Edith Anne’s, Firehouse Subs, Fresh Market, Honey Baked Ham, Jamo’s, Java Cafe, Jersey Mikes,
Jimmy Johns, Kroger, Lee Ann’s, Lenny’s, Lyn’s Gracious Goodness, Main Street Café, Mama Goldberg’s, Mapco/My
Deli, McAlister’s, New York Deli, Newk’s Express Café, Panera Bread Company, Peppered Pig, Publix, Quizno’s,
Sandwich Farm, Schlotsky’s, Shea’s Express, Sports Page, Stanlieo’s, Star Market, Subway, Sunny Street Cafe, The
Brick Deli, The Cozy Cow, The Huntsville Brewery, Thirsty Turtle, Timbuktu, Tony’s Italian Deli in Madison, Which
Wich, Wildwood Deli, Zoe’s
8
#020614022614
6%
5.5%
5%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East, 32 Degrees Yogurt Bar, Anaheim Chili, Angel’s Island Coffee, Applebee’s, Atlanta
Bread Company, Bandito Burrito/Governor’s, Bandito Madison, Baskin Robbins, Baumhower’s, Below the Radar,
Big Bob Gibson’s, Bonefish, Brewster’s, Cafe Baba, Café Berlin, Cahoots, Cantina Laredo, Carrabba’s, Carson’s
Grille, Cheddars, Chili’s, Chocolate Gallery, Clementine’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Commerce Kitchen, Connor’s
Steak & Seafood, Cotton Row, D&L Bistro, Daily Brew, Dairy Queen, Dallas Mill Deli - Strawberry Pretzel Salad,
Earth Fare, El Palacio, Emma’s Tea Room, Francesco’s/Decatur, Gibson’s, Golden Corral, Grille 29, Happy Tummy,
Hildegard’s, Honey Pie Bakery, I Love Sushi, Jamo’s, Jason’s Deli, Kaleidoscoops of Harvest, Lake Guntersville
Ice Cream Shop, Landry’s, Ledges, Logan’s, Longhorn, Macaroni Grill, Maggie Moo’s, Main Street Café/Madison,
Mason Dixon Bakery, Melting Pot, Mezza Luna, New Market BBQ, Nick’s Ristorante, Nothing Bundt Cakes, O’
Charlie’s, Ol’ Heidelberg, Ole Hickory BBQ, Pane e Vino, Panera Bread, Peggy Ann Bakery, PF Chang’s, Pizzelle’s
Confections, Publix, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Redstone Village, Ruby Tuesday’s, Ruth’s Chris, Ryan’s, Sam and
Greg’s Gelateria/Pizzeria, Sandwich Farm, Schnitzel Ranch, Shea’s Express, Sonic, Star Market/5 Points, Sugar Belle
Truck, Surin of Thailand, Sweet Cece’s, Terranova’s, TGI Friday’s, The Bottle, The Brick, The Corner Bakery, The
Docks, The Huntsville Brewery, The Nook, The Scene, The Summit at Redstone, Victoria’s Café, Yogurt Mountain,
Yogurt Twists, Zen Beri
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
THE VALLEY PLANET
The Culture Queen
by Tom Niemann
I
t’s a bitter cold night in Five Points; I’m greeted by a fire engine red haired woman. She invites me in to eat dinner with her family. One
of the first things that impressed me about her was
the way she juggles her time. Like most Americans, she raises a family, works two jobs and finds
time to do booking. Salina is used to cooking for a
small army, some related, some not. Reminds me
of many in my generation, raised on metal albums
and tapes, dabbling in fringe do it yourself music,
doused with a touch of all things guitar driven and
danceable. Some say the last of the album buying
generation.
Raised in the heart of Chicago, exposed to the
bohemian side of Clark and Belmont streets by
her parents, (she assures me her mom never had a
Mohawk or anything like that), her father worked
at the world Famous Rocket 69 head shop doing
the window displays. Raised by bus and train,
eventually taking a job at the Hot House, a nonprofit world music exhibition center where she
was exposed to the performance side of the music
business.
When Salina and Amber first took over the entertainment for copper top it transformed the small
corner bar. Being able to balance the local crowd
from the neighborhoods surrounding and the music lovers is definitely a challenge. For instance,
the lack of a stage is due to the fact that there is
not enough room for the dartboards; she sees this
as a plus. “Being on the floor eye to eye with the
entertainment creates a closer, better experience.”
Most nights you can actually feel the sweat from
the performers. Being a smaller venue has its advantages. For the past few years Salina has been
booking touring and local acts from the dustiest
cow punk to the heaviest thrash metal bands and
everything in between. According to her (anything
you can dance too), which is a normal response
from most of the women when I ask this question; I assure you she is not. She is everything that
embodies Huntsville. A city, who has always tried
to lead Alabama in technology and culture, now
has a voice. With the influx of professionals from
around the country and globe, she represents the
big city attitude towards diverse music and nightlife Huntsville has sorely needed.
While we have had night life Mecca’s in the past
such as the Tip Top, the Crossroads, Carriage Inn
and several others, they inevitably become facebook groups yearning for the nostalgia and the
fun times that we once had. We have a chance to
appreciate and support something that is happening now.
She admits that none of this would be possible
without Amber Jones of Roaring Anchor Promotions and very supportive owners Cassie and John.
The small army of girlfriends and local musicians
who love her are proof alone. Through an online
campaign the group came up with the money for a
sound system. “I was worried about these younger bands having to pay most of their payout to
someone to provide the PA system.” The bar has
been voted best place to hear original live music.
Her passion for music speaks for itself, music is
booked months in advance and trying to get a spot
is difficult.
I must point out that what probably started out
as a bartender wanting to hear some good music
while serving up drinks can turn into a success
and we have found our culture queen.
Salina Brilla and Amber Jones sporting t-shirts by
David Butler.
Indie Projects Gain Momentum
Through Online Crowdfunding
by Anne Wood
I
n recent years, there has been a surge of support for all things local and indie. From musicians and
artists to non-profits and charities, it has become clear that small is trendy, local is chic, and indie is
undeniably cool. This upswing in supporting small, however, is much more than just a fad. Perhaps
it is the sense of pride that supporting local cultivates among the members of a given community, or
maybe it is the nostalgic warmth that clings to the start-from-scratch mission of the American Dream
that propels this movement. Whatever the motivation, it is undeniable that small, local, and independent entities are receiving more attention and support than they have in years past and that support isn’t
going anywhere just yet.
While the support for small, local initiatives is on the rise, the problem that indie projects commonly
face remains: money. To be an indie artist, writer, or musician is to be independent from a large record
label, agency, publishing house, or other company supporting your craft. Of course, as they become
more popular, the group or individual may gain that kind of corporate support and still describe themselves as “indie,” because of the DIY ethic they likely originated from. Getting there, though, is extremely difficult, if not damn near impossible.
Enter crowdfunding. From KickStarter, to GoFundMe, to IndieGoGo, crowdfunding initiatives are
gaining momentum and proving to be hugely beneficial to independent folks who have a goal but lack
the financial means to reach it.
In the FAQ section of IndieGoGo’s website, they answer “What does IndieGoGo do?” quite simply
by stating: “IndieGoGo is a crowdfunding platform where people who want to raise money can create
fundraising campaigns to tell their story and get the word out. IndieGoGo is also a place to discover
what people all over the world are passionate about and how to get involved.” These platforms are
capitalizing on the growing public interest in indie projects and hoping to offer a solution to the money
issues the projects face.
Free to join and easy to use, IndieGoGo is the platform of choice for Huntsville based writer Shawn
Bailey. Bailey, who explains on his IndieGoGo page that he has been writing since the fifth grade, is
using the site to gain support for his upcoming book, The Village. Bailey is no stranger to world of
indie endeavors as he has already self-published one novella titled Sorry Charlie. He has decided to
utilize IndieGoGo for his newest adventure in writing because of the aforementioned financial issues
that seem to be inevitable for indie projects.
Whether you are seeking support or seeking to support, IndieGoGo and other similar platforms are certainly worth checking out! The variety of campaigns represented on the sites ranges from independent
writers like Shawn Bailey seeking support for their upcoming projects to large research institutions like
The Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center seeking to fund medical research. There was even a guy
seeking money to fix a chipped tooth since he was living without dental insurance.
IndieGoGo provides a wonderfully unique network for people from all over to connect and support one
another, so if you’ve got some extra money and want to learn more about supporting people’s ambitions and dreams, visit www.indiegogo.com or www.kickstarter.com. Or, to check out Shawn Bailey’s
upcoming project, The Village, visit http://igg.me/at/the-village/x/ 2399958.
For more info: www.hothouse.net
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Copper-Top-Dive-N-Dine/
196636139621?rf=124071231030330
The Origins of Valentine’s Day
by Ted Roberts
I
t all began in 19th century England. A simple childhood romance - manipulated by the Candy
Lobby into an immensely profitable tradition - like your wife’s birthday.
Here’s how it started: Young Bobby Shaftoe suddenly noticed that the world contained girls as well as
kidney pudding. (He loved kidney pudding). He worshipped - from a distance of course - his schoolmate, Vicki Valentine. Their combined age was twenty-three and Bobby was thirteen. So, you can figure that Mistress Vicki was only ten. But emotionally, physically, and intellectually she was a giantess
compared to shy Bobby.
He preferred a pounding with a cricket bat to a short conversation with this half-grown schoolgirl. He
stuttered and blinked, and a rash (which spelled “I LOVE YOU” in blotchy red bumps) popped out on
his back.
So Bobby - eager to proclaim his emotions - approached his good friend, young Master Marcus Hallmark, two years post graduation. Hallmark was well known for his courage with young ladies and a
talent for fond phrases. Yes, and a need for shillings, pence, and pounds. Bobby Shaftoe begged his
pal, Hallmark, to deliver a devotional message to Vicki, the playground Queen. “I’ll give you a whole
handful of pence, Hallmark.”
That very afternoon they held their planning session.
“What thoughts should I convey to Mistress Valentine,” began the silver-tongued emissary.
“Well, tell her I think she’s cuter than a plate full of kidney pudding.” Bobby was fascinated with kidney pudding. In fact, the same devotion was applied to anything that came on a plate. Consequently, he
was a rounded little fellow.
“I love her yellow hair and I think her eyes are shinier than my finest Aggie marble,” said Bobby.
green eyes framed by crayon yellow hair. Gad – Bobby Shaftoe should have warned him. Who could
look at those eyes and still command brain and tongue to work sensibly together?
He tried, but like his employer, he developed palpitations. And only gibberish fell on the sugar cookie
ears of Mistress Vicki Valentine.
The messenger fled, but not before he thrust his notes in Victoria’s palm.
The next day the owner of the emerald eyes and sugar cookie ears coyly approached a trembling Bobby
Shaftoe. She wore a modest shawl over her hypnotic hair and she turned down the volume of those
radiating emerald eyes so that Bobby could breathe normally and articulate without slobbering.
It made no difference. But luckily, Victoria opened the conversation with, “Yes, yes, yes, I’ll be your
Valentine forever. What a loving heart lies in your pudgy chest. And what a poetic soul pulses in your
cuddly body. And I’d love to share a plate of kidney pudding with you.”
The poetic soul moved its head up and down in recognition and gratitude. That’s all it could do.
Well, the word soon got around the playground that Hallmark could make a golden cage of phrases that
could capture any girlish heart.
“You just give him a few clues,” Bobby Shaftoe told a group of spellbound listeners, “like her hair
color and whether she’s thick or thin. He makes up a mushy note and takes it to her. Next thing you
know - you’re sitting at her parents’ dining room table. She’s smiling at you. And you’re eating a jam
sandwich.”
Business boomed for Young Master Hallmark. He kept that lucky last line that had heralded his new
career. With a slight twist it became - “Won’t you be MY Valentine”. In fact, since all young ladies of
ten have hair so fine and eyes that shine, he used the very same verse for years. It went with everything
- like your white socks. His career thrived.
Young Master Hallmark, blessed with a maturity beyond his age, duly took notes. “Hair so fine - Eyes
that shine - Will you be mine, Valentine?”
That Hallmark, he was a card!
The next day young Master Hallmark, note in hand, was waiting by the playground swing for the golden girl. He was idly making a dollar sign in the dust at his feet when he looked up at a pair of emerald
The humor of Ted, the Scribbler on the roof, appears in newspapers around the US, on National Public
Radio, and numerous web sites.
THE VALLEY PLANET
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
9
Best BBQ?
1st Gibson’s ( Huntsville) 2nd Lawler’s BBQ 3rd Tie: Chuck Wagon AND Moe’s Original BBQ 17%
12%
7%
Others Receiving Votes: 306 BBQ, Badd Newz BBQ, BB Perrin’s, Below the Radar, Big Bob Gibson’s, Big Cove
BBQ, Budday’s, Carson’s Grille, Chief and Snoogies/Trinity, Corner Pit, David Gibson’s, Dirt Road BBQ, Donny’s
BBQ, Dreamland, Edith Ann’s, Golden Rule, Granville’s, Greenbrier (New), Greenbrier (Original), Harvest Time
BBQ, Hickory Stick, Humphrey’s, Jim & Nick BBQ, Johnny Ray’s/B’ham, Johnny’s BBQ, Little Paul’s, Logan’s,
Marshall’s House, Mary’s Pit, Melvin’s, Meridianville BBQ, Mud Creek BBQ, Nash’s BBQ, New Hope BBQ, New
Market BBQ, New Orleans Lunch Box, No Brakes Bistro, Ole Dad’s, Ole Hickory BBQ, Pig Stand, Sandwich Farm,
Scruggs, Shane’s Rib Shack, Smokehouse BBQ, Smokey C’s, Smokey’s, Sons/Arab, Southern Hickory, Star Market
Bailey Cove, Sticky Fingers, Surin of Thailand, Ted’s BBQ, Texas Roadhouse, The Summit at Redstone, Thomas Pit
BBQ, Top Hat BBQ, Wagon Wheel, Walker’s Carry Out, Whitt’s
Best Home Cooking?
1st Blue Plate Café 2nd Cracker Barrel 3rd G’s Country Kitchen 10%
6%
Best Lunch?
1st Bandito Burrito Governors 5%
2nd
Blue Plate Café 4%
3rd
Happy Tummy 3.5%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern, 3rd Base Grill, 5 Guy’s, 88 Buffet, Albany Bistro, Anaheim
Chili, Angel’s Island Coffee, Apple Lane Farms, Applebee’s, Atlanta Bread Company, Atrium Cafe / Hudson Alpha,
Bandito Burrito/Madison, Bandito Southside, Baumhower’s, Beauregard’s, Below The Radar, Bento Box, Big Ed’s
Pizza, Big Spring Café, Bishops, Brewbaker’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cafe 302, Cafe 336 Guntersville, Cafe Berlin,
Cajun Cafe, Carson’s Grille, Casa Blanca, CD’s Pub and Grill, Cheddar’s, Chef Will’s The Palate, China Taste,
Chipotle, Chips and Salsa, Chuckwagon BBQ, CiCi’s Pizza, City Cafe Diner, Clementine’s, Commerce Kitchen,
Connor’s Steak & Seafood, Coppertop Dine & Dive, Cotton Row, Cracker Barrel, Crickets, D&L Bistro, Dallas
Mill, Diamonds Sports Bar, Ding How II, Downtown Dawgs, Duffy’s Deli, Earth Fare, Edith Ann’s, El Herradura, El
Palacio, Firehouse Subs, G’s Country Kitchen, Gibson’s BBQ, Granville’s, Great Panda, Grille 29, Hibachi Express/
Madison, Hildegard’s, Hooters, Humphrey’s, I Love Sushi, Jamo’s, Jason’s Deli, Jersey Mike’s, Knuckleheads, Korea
House, Kroger 72, LeeAnn’s, Libby’s, Limestone Bay Trading Co., Lisa’s Lounge, Little Paul’s BBQ, Little Rosie’s,
Logan’s, Lynn’s Gracious Goodness, Main Street Café, Mama Annie’s, Mango’s, Marketplace Cafe, McAllister’s,
Mello Mushroom, Mezza Luna, Moe’s Original BBQ, Moe’s Southwest Grill, New China Buffet, New Market BBQ,
New Orleans Lunchbox, Newk’s, Nothing but Noodles, Charley’s, Ole’ Dad’s BBQ, Pane e Vino, Panera’s, Papa
Gyro’s, Papou’s, Partners Bar and Grille, Peppered Pig, PF Chang’s, Phil Sandoval’s, Phuket, Po Boy Factory, Port of
Madison Cafe, Red Robin, Rocket City Cafe, Rolo’s, Rosie’s, Ruby Tuesday, Ruggby’s, Salsarita’s, Sam and Greg’s,
Sandwich Farm, Schlotzsky’s, Schnitzel Ranch, Shaggy’s, Shea’s Express, Shogun, Sitar, Sports Page, Stanlieo’s, Star
Market/ Bailey Cove, Strike Zone/ Redstone Lanes, Subway, Supper Heroes, Surin of Thailand, Taziki’s, Tenders,
Thai Garden, The Brick Deli, The Brickhouse Sports Cafe, The Eaves Restaurant, The End Zone, The Huntsville
Brewery, Thirsty Turtle, Tim’s Cajun Kitchen, Tortora’s, Venice Pizza, Victoria’s Café, Viet Huong, Voodoo Lounge,
Waffle House, West End Grill, Which Wich, Wintzell’s, Zaxby’s, Zoe’s
2nd 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern 3rd Below The Radar 19%
12%
7%
Others Receiving Votes: 3rd Base Grill, Albany Bistro, Anaheim Chili, Atlanta Bread Company, Bandito Governors,
Bandito Southside, Bishops, Bonefish, Bonefish Grill, Brix, Bruegger’s, Butler’s (Rogersville), Café Berlin, Cantina
Laredo, Carrabba’s, Carson’s Grille, Casa Blanca, City Street Cafe, Clementine’s, Commerce Kitchen, Connors Seafood
and Steakhouse, Cracker Barrel, D and L, Daily Brew, Decatur Country Club, Diamonds Sports Bar, Ding How, Edith
Ann’s, Furniture Factory, Grandmother’s House, Green Tomato, Grille 29, Hopper’s, Huntsville Country Club, IHOP,
India Palace, Jason’s Deli, Lake Guntersville State Park, Mac’s Sportsbar and Steakhouse, Macaroni Grill, Main Street
Cafe, Mellow Mushroom, Meteor Buffet, Mezza Luna, Mullin’s, Newk’s, O’ Charley’s, Olde Towne Coffee Shoppe,
Olive Garden, PF Chang’s, Piccadilly, Posey’s, Redstone Village, Rolo’s, Ruby Tuesday, Ryan’s, Sandwich Farm,
Shea’s Express, Simp McGhee’s, Sitar, Snak Shack, Subway, Supper Heroes, Surin of Thailand, Texas Roadhouse,
TGI Friday’s, The Eaves Restaurant, The End Zone, The Huntsville Brewery, The Ledges, The Westin, Valley Hill
Country Club, Victoria’s Cafe, Waffle House, West End Grill
Most Romantic Restaurant?
1st Melting Pot 11%
21%
Others Receiving Votes: 3rd Base Grill, Anaheim Chili, B and B’s Soul Food, Bandito Burrito/Governor’s, Below
the Radar, Bento Box, Betty Mae’s, Big Spring Cafe, Brewbaker’s, Cahoots, Cajun Cafe, Carlisle’s/ Scottsboro,
Carson’s Grille, CD’s Pub and Grill, City Cafe, Commerce Kitchen, Country Kitchen, Dee’s Diner, Diamonds Sports
Bar, D’Licious Dining , Dot’s, Duffy’s Deli, Edith Anne’s, Ernie’s, Furniture Factory, GEE Todd Catering, Gibson’s
BBQ (Decatur), Gibson’s BBQ (Huntsville), Grandmother’s House, Granville’s, Greenbrier, Happy Tummy, Harvest
House, Harvest Time BBQ, Hildegard’s, Humphrey’s, Jackson Family Restaurant, Kroger Hwy 72, L Rancho/Arab,
LeeAnn’s, Libby’s Catfish Diner, Little Diner, Little Farm, LuVici’s (Athens), Lynn’s Gracious Goodness, Main Street
Cafe, Mama Annie’s, Marketplace Cafe, Meridian Street Cafe, Minnie Lee’s/Decatur, Moe’s BBQ, Mullins, New
Market BBQ, Nick’s Ristorante, Ole Hickory BBQ, Pardue’s Wings and More, Partners Bar and Grille, Piccadilly’s,
Port of Madison Cafe, Posey’s, Redstone Village, Rolo’s, Ryan’s, Sandwich Farm, Schnitzel Ranch, Shea’s Express,
Sports Page, Supper Heroes, The Blue Willow Bistro, The End Zone, The Huntsville Brewery, The Nook, Tim’s
Cajun Kitchen, Voodoo Lounge, Waffle House, West End Grill
10
Best Sunday Brunch?
1st Another Broken Egg 2nd
Cotton Row 9%
3rd Connor’s Steak and Seafood 7%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern, Albany Bistro, Anaheim Chili, Angel’s Island Coffee,
Bandito Burrito/Governor’s, Bandito Southside, Below the Radar, Big Ed’s, Bonefish, Brix, Café 113, Cafe Berlin,
Carrabba’s, Carson’s Grille, CD’s Pub and Grill, Cheddars, Commerce Kitchen, Continental Coffees, D&L Bistro,
Dale’s Steakhouse, El Palacio, Francesco’s Italian, Fulin’s, Grille 29, Happy Tummy, Hard Dock, Hildegard’s, I Love
Sushi, LeeAnn’s, Macaroni Grill, Mezza Luna, Mikato’s, Nick’s Ristorante, Ol’ Heidelberg, Olive Garden, Outback,
Pane e Vino, Papou’s, Partners Bar and Grille, Phuket, Pizzelle’s Confections, Red Lobster, Ruth’s Chris, Schnitzel
Ranch, Simp McGhee, Sports Page, Stem & Stein, Surin of Thailand, Terranova’s, Thai Garden, The Bottle, The
Huntsville Brewery, The Ledges, The Scene, The Tavern, Voodoo Lounge
Best Special Occasion Restaurant?
2nd
Melting Pot 8%
3rd
Cotton Row 7.7%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East, 3rd Base Grill, Albany Bistro, Anaheim Chili, Bandito Burrito Governors,
Bandito Burrito Madison, Bandito Southside, Below the Radar, Big Ed’s Pizza, Bonefish Grill, Brix, Cafe 113, Cafe
Berlin, Cantina Laredo, Carrabba’s, Carson’s Grille, Casa Blanca, CD’s Pub and Grill, Cheddar’s, Chuck E. Cheeses,
Commerce Kitchen, Continental Coffees, D & L Bistro, Dale’s Steakhouse, El Palacio, Emma’s, Francesco’s, Grille
29, Guadalajara, Hildegard’s, Huntsville Country Club, I Love Sushi, LeeAnn’s, Logan’s, Longhorn, Macaroni Grill,
Mellow Mushroom, Mezza Luna, Mikato’s, Mikawa, Nicks Ristorante, Ol’ Heidelberg, Olive Garden, Outback
Steakhouse, P.F. Chang’s, Pane e Vino, Phil Sandoval’s, Phuket, Po Boy Factory, Red Lobster, Response, Rosie’s,
Ruth’s Chris, Sandwich Farm, Scene Lounge, Schnitzel Ranch, Shogun, Simp McGee’s, Sports Page, Stem and Stein,
Subway, Supper Heroes, Surin of Thailand, Terranova’s, Thai Garden, The Bottle, The Docks, The Eaves, The Huntsville
Brewery, The Ledges, The Nook, The Sage Grill, The Summit at Redstone, Thirsty Turtle, Voodoo Lounge
Best Chef in the Valley?
1st Andy Howery/ The Bottle
2nd Michael Berry / Below the Radar 3rd Thad Gerrell / Redstone Village 12%
10%
8%
Others Receiving Votes: Adam Coppens/Cotton Row, Ann Robinson/Sports Page, Anne Ragland / Sports Page, April
Boggus/Huntsville Brewery, Becky Vibbart /The Bottle, Ben Howard /The Summit at Redstone, Beth Wilder/ Po
Boy Factory, Brian Michael /The Westin , Cary Mason / Carson’s Grill, Catherine Shearer /Happy Tummy, Chef Will
/ Chef Will the Palate, Chris McDonald / The Bottle, Chris Worley / UAH, Darrell Denton / Big Ed’s Pizza, David
Helba / Nicks Ristorante, Deon /Big Ed’s Pizza, Dequi Xue / I Love Sushi, Diana Henry/ Redstone Federal Credit
Union, Dion Denton, Dylan Lee / El Palacio, Everett Stewart /Mezza Luna, Forrest / Chef Will the Palate, G Todd
Daniel/Gee Todd’s Catering, Garian Shelby, George / Cajun Cafe , Heather Gutierrez /Bandito Governors, Hildegard
/ Hildegard’s German Restaurant., Jakob Reed/ Albany Bistro, James Boyce/ Cotton Row/ Commerce Kitchen, Jason
Dille/ Fresh Traditions at Port of Madison, Jason Humphress/ Jason’s Deli, Jason Morris, Jason Schauer / Mezza
Luna, Jay Hendricks/ Cotton Row, Jim Xeu / I Love Sushi, Joe Clevenger/ Lake Guntersville Ice Cream Shop, Joey
Kindred/Cyn Shea, Jordan Lambert/ Mellow Mushroom, Josh Moore/ Simp McGhee’s, Josh Soto /The End Zone,
Kevin Bullard / Star Market , Kevin Mitch/ Baumhower’s, Kirstie Williams /I Love Sushi, Lauren Herbert / Mango’s
Caribbean Restaurant, Luke Hawke / Cotton Row, Margaret Baggett, Margaret Humphrey / Diamonds Sports Bar,
Mark Woodard / Supper Heroes, Matt Martin / The Jackson Center, Matt Streeter/ Commerce Kitchen, May Mercado
- Sandwich Farm, Merle Phillip/ The Eaves, Michael Beamer /Below the Radar, Mike Horgan/Bandito Gov, Mr. Liu /
I Love Sushi, Oscar Gutierrez/ Bandito Burrito-Governors Dr., Randy Wilson / Grille 29, Robert Charles/The Scene,
Russell Tomson/ Main Street Cafe, Ruth Mercado /Sandwich Farm, Sabina Cool / Hildegard’s, Sam Parks /The Nook,
Savannah Montgomery/ Grille 29, Scott Harriman, Shawn Duvall / Peppered Pig, Steffan Rost / Sandwich Farm,
Stephen Stockton/ Kroger’s, Steve Bunner / 1892 East, Stuart North /Ruth’s Chris, Tom Chapman / Nick’s Ristorante,
Tony
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
THE VALLEY PLANET
1,067 cars nationwide (down from 1,193 the previous Jan. 1). (2) In the Hillbrow neighborhood
of Johannesburg, South Africa, celebrants apparently decided to abandon a 20-year-old tradition
and not hurl furniture from high-rise apartments.
(The Hillbrow custom was highlighted on one
social-networking website, along with the New
Year’s graveyard gathering of relatives in Chile
and Ireland’s banging bread on walls to dispel
evil spirits.)
Holy Mutations: Deformed animals born
in developing countries often attract streams of pilgrims, seeking to touch a creature considered divinely blessed. In December, a five-legged cow in
Raipur, India, had supposedly “caused” the last 30
women who touched it to give birth to boys. And a
day after that report came one from Phuket, Thailand, in which a newborn gecko with six legs and
two heads has become a magnet for visitors seeking
clues to winning lottery numbers.
by Chuck Shepherd
LEAD STORY -- Going Postal
America’s returning warriors continue
to experience inexplicable difficulty after putting
their lives at risk for their country. It took 13 years
for Army Sgt. Maj. Richard Erickson to get his
job back from his civilian employer after he took
leave in 2000 to serve in the National Guard special forces. The employer soon fired him for taking
“excessive military leave.” The employer? The
U.S. Postal Service, for which Erickson worked
as a window clerk (and which was forced to reinstate him after a January 2014 ruling awarding
him $2 million in back pay). Erickson had won
several interim victories, but USPS fought each
one, extending the case, and said in January that it
might even appeal the latest ruling.
Recurring Themes
Happy New Year: (1) Once again, celebrants in France marked Jan. 1 by setting fire to
THE VALLEY PLANET
In November the Journal-News of
Hamilton, Ohio, examining various police union
contracts in the state, learned that in several jurisdictions, officers are allowed to work their shifts
even when less sober than some drivers whom
they ticket for DUI. In Lebanon, Ohio, for instance, cops can work with a .04 blood-alcohol
reading. In Butler County, a .04 reading triggers
legal protections for officers that are unavailable
to ordinary drivers. (However, in Lebanon, an officer’s right to suck on a breath mint before taking
the test was recently removed from the contract.)
Judges as Romantics: (1) In December,
Italy’s top appeals court awarded a new trial to
a man, 60, who had been convicted of having
sex with an 11-year-old girl. Evidence had been
excluded that the pair were having an “amorous
relationship” with “feelings of love.” (2) Alabama
Judge James Woodroof of Limestone County,
given two separate chances in December to sentence Austin Clem, 25, to jail time for raping a
girl beginning when she was 13, both times opted
for probation. (The no-jail sentences perhaps reflected that Clem’s family and hers continued to
socialize after the rapes.)
#020614022614
The Continuing British Campaign
to Abolish Risks: (1) Britain’s Royal Mail announced in December that it would stop delivery
to Jeff and Sheila White’s cottage in Carnforth
because the carrier was frightened of cows. (Mrs.
White said he was just lazy, in that when the cows
were present, the carrier had to open and close
a gate to get to their cottage.) (2) A 65-year-old
school crossing guard resigned in October from
a job he said he liked because officials at Manadon Vale Primary School had ordered him to
stop playfully “high-fiving” students. Guards, the
school said, need both arms free to hold signs and
make proper signals.
News of the Weird has reported the
emerging mainstream treatment (for various
bowel disorders) of fecal transplants, in which a
healthier relative “donates” via enema supposedly
healthier microbes to a sickly patient to normalize intestinal activity. The process, still strange to
many patients despite its apparent success, has
become so popular that in October Canadian officials felt the need to warn patients not to perform
amateur transplants. Said one mother, after successfully having her 10-year-old daughter treated,
“I think one day ... we will have fecal-matter
banks like (blood banks and sperm banks).”
Unclear on the Concept: In December,
after Carmen Reategui, 34, was arrested for DUI
in Readington Township, N.J., and was too impaired to drive home, she called Nina Petracca,
23, who arrived at the police station impaired herself (and was arrested for DUI), and both women
called Ryan Hogan, 33, to take them home, but he
also arrived impaired and was arrested.
Classics: (1) Jamal Garrett, 29, was arrested in Antioch, Calif., in January after, police
said, he tried to rob a Wells Fargo bank, but had
fled empty-handed after a teller struggled to read
a poorly written holdup note. (She and her manager said they did not even know immediately if it
was a holdup or just a note requesting assistance.)
(2) Daniel Severn, 27, pleaded guilty to burglary
in England’s Hull Crown Court in December, for
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
trying to enter a home through the roof but getting trapped, upside down, in the bathroom. He
dug his phone out of his pocket, but it fell into the
toilet, and he remained hanging for an hour and a
half until a resident arrived and found him.
Updates on News of the Weird Stories
Unrelenting, swastika-tattooed New
Jersey neo-Nazi Heath Campbell, 40, saw child
No. 9 born in November, and once again, the
county family welfare office removed it almost
immediately. “I’m not allowed to have children
because I’m a Nazi,” he lamented. Campbell first
made headlines in 2008 when a bakery declined
to decorate a birthday cake for his son, Adolf
Hitler Campbell, leading child welfare officials
to investigate, and more seizures followed, now
including the November-born Eva (Lynn Patricia)
Braun. Campbell told reporters he would continue to fight for offspring. “I’ll stop making them
when they stop taking them.”
News of the Weird informed readers in
November that the Snuggle House was about to
open in Madison, Wis., promising clients pajamaclad bedmates -- as long as no sex (or foreplay,
even) took place. In fact, Snuggle House has yet
to open (in part because the Madison assistant city
attorney has yet to overcome her belief that cuddling without sex is impossible). However, a December Associated Press report noted that no-sex
cuddleries thrive in Rochester, N.Y. (The Snuggery), Boulder, Colo. (Be the Love You Are), and
San Francisco (Cuddle Therapy). Snuggle House
owner Matthew Hurtado said he is still working
with Madison officials on regulations to prevent
naughtiness.
See more News of the Weird
updated weekly on valleyplanet.com.
Send your weird news to
WeirdNews at earthlink dot net,
and P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, FL 33679.
COPYRIGHT 2013 CHUCK SHEPHERD
11
Auntie Jen’s
Animal Crazy
“Destroying sharks and the oceans isn’t a legacy
we want to leave for future generations.” ~Shark
Angels
T
o pay tribute to the young endangered species activist I became in the early ‘80s, I
am dedicating this feature to you, kids and offering fun and easy ways you can help save
sharks.
While seeking ways I can help, I came across
Shark Angels, a nonprofit co-founded in 2008 by
its director, Jamie Pollack. Jamie was inspired to
get involved in the shark conservation movement
after she saw the film “Shark Water.” (Your family can check out the trailer at www.sharkwater.
com and download the film on iTunes.)
In January, Jamie was featured in an excellent
ABC Nightline news segment titled “Shark Junkies Push the Limits” in which the ABC reporter
revealed this shocking statistic: “Up to 100 million sharks are killed by humans every year,
while only 5 humans - yup, just 5 - are killed by
sharks.”
“Sharks really can’t afford any more
negative publicity because we really
need to save sharks on this planet,”
Jamie told ABC. “We need them.”
In our January 10 phone interview,
Jamie and I discussed threats facing
sharks today: bycatch & overfishing
(“bycatch”: sharks getting caught on
longlines fishing gear - big problem
since sharks can’t reproduce nearly as
fast as fish; “overfishing” - we must
practice responsible fishing or our
seas will run out of fish); finning (the
killing of sharks just for their fins to
make “shark fin soup” - once thought to be a status symbol, now revealed to be a global threat to
sharks); and culling (the gut reaction to the rare
news of a surfer’s death that leads communities to
barbarically kill off sharks like in “Jaws.”)
you. 7. Keep Your Beaches Clean. Throw trash in
the right place. All that ends up in the ocean. 8.
Donate! Get your family, friends and neighbors
to help. Any amount makes a big difference for
sharks. 9. Make smart choices about the fish your
family eats. Only Eat Sustainably Caught Seafood. 10. Encourage other schools and friends to
get involved. Start A Local Shark Angels Club!
As you increase your “Shark IQ,” educate others. Ask them to “check their ingredients” - shark
can be found in some cosmetics (look for a word
like “squalene”), medicines, supplements, energy
drinks, pet products, imitation seafood, and more.
Tell your family about the free Seafood Watch
App for Android & iPhone - and encourage them
to learn more at www.seafoodwatch.org. Remember: Every dollar you spend is really a vote. If
we are to save sharks, it’s very important that
we don’t give our “votes” to businesses that sell
shark or shark products.
SharkAngels.org also offers great gear, from
hoodies to tanks & tees to “pup onesies” for babies. You and your family can also learn all about
diving with sharks - where to do it and how to do
it right!
Shark Angels has offices in the U.S. and South
Africa and are coming soon to France and
Canada. Please “like”
them on Facebook and
follow them on Twitter
(@sharkangels).
For
my Aussie friends, you
can get involved closer
to home by supporting
“Save Our Sharks” on
Facebook or at www.
saveoursharks.com.au.
As Shark Angels writes,
“Kids, you have a very
powerful voice! And
we have seen you accomplish amazing things for
sharks!” Please share this article so that we can
reach & educate greater numbers and save our
sharks & oceans. Together, we can do this!
12
Natch, we rang in 2014 noshing on Black-Eyed
Peas, Kale, and such (leftovers nestle next to the
Flan). Hope you were revived and replenished…
physically, mentally, spiritually…during your
time off.
CAVEAT: This Friday is Redstone’s Wild Game
Cookout… Social Hour, 5:00 p.m.; Dining, 6:00
at Building 3711 [Diane Campbell Conferencing/Convention Center; Aerobee Road] off Patton Road. Tickets are $25; free for 12 and under.
Licensed Redstone hunters get in for $20 but, of
course, they’ve got guns.
The menu includes Alabamian Boar Roast, Wild
Goat, the famed Chili Cook-Off (hope there’s
Pheasant Chili…), and Squirrel. No word on
whether Yak, Boa, or Crocodilians will play a return engagement, but the sky (and land and sea) is
usually the limit.
#020614022614
If you’re really in the groove, order Marie’s justifiably renowned Bread Pudding on the side.
Both you and your dentist should be delirious.
• Pączki (“Pawntchkee”) - Know any Eastern Europeans seeking pre-Lenten pastries before fasting
kicks in? Discover these yummy, filled Polish treats
at Publix #0574 [Piedmont Point Shopping Center;
4851 Whitesburg Drive, SE, Suite B; (256) 6502390]. Call for availability, as this seems the favorite outpost for those in the know, outdistancing
WalMart and Kroger in the Polonia Sweepstakes. .
• Maslenitsa, the family-friendly, Eastern European Spring Festival, returns Saturday, 1 March,
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Now at Madison’s Hogan Family YMCA [130 Park Square Lane], it’s hosted by
the International Society of Huntsville [http://internationalsocietyofhuntsville.org] and the City
of Madison. The festival’s edible mascot is the
crêpe known as blini, made even more attractive
by slathering it with honey, preserves, sour cream,
and so on.
While in that same vein, or esophagus, I have no
grand desire to sample “The Taste.” Promos featuring an Agnatha-faced judge longing for a paramedic verify “taste” is incidental. Once again,
they’ve taken a simple hobby like fressen and
turned it into blood sport.
The upcoming, FREE Williams-Sonoma [Parkway Place Mall - First Level; 2801 South Memorial Parkway; (256) 534-2008; www.williamssonoma.com] Technique Class portends to be as
unique as 2013’s Moroccan excursion. “Passport
to Istanbul” - NOT Constantinople - begins at
1:00 p.m., Sunday, 23 February.
All I can say is, Raspberry and Chocolate, and
Chocolate and Raspberry…a truly Valentinian
• King’s Cake - if not available today, this traditional Mardi Gras favorite should be on hand next
week at Po Boy Factory [815 Andrew Jackson
Way, NE; (256) 539-3616; poboyfactory.com].
Each year, Donnie and Marie Thigpen - not Osmond - ferry these filled delights from Paul’s Pastry Shop in the Bayou State to their counters just
north of Five Points. Either way, call ahead and
reserve yours NOW!
Admission is $5 (free to card-carrying YMCA
members and kids under twelve); plates are $5
each. Expect a more detailed menu/schedule, next
issue!
Also, savored a most delectable Baskin-Robbins
[5000 Whitesburg Drive, Suite #156 @ Airport
Road; (256) 881-7920; www.baskinrobbins.com]
flavor: “Love Potion #31”…
you do not say speaks louder than the words that
trickle out of your mouth. The hardest words and
phrases are the ones that turn hearts vulnerable.
Wondering about words, I put out a query to my
Facebook fans: Besides “I love you”, what are
the three words that have changed your life.
An array of responses appeared. People shared
their good news (It’s a girl!) and bad (I’m leaving
you). Personal mantras included relentless forward
motion, don’t be scared, and rise above it. They
were great and provided me much inspiration,
ultimately forcing me to figure out what threeword phrase turned my life around. Much
contemplation brought me back to a quick moment
that transitioned my life, from the inside out.
Let me set the scene: staff meeting, six of us
– diverse to say the least – talking about longrange goals. It was my turn to voice my opinions.
As quickly as I began, a colleague interrupted
combo for your sweet noogums (es).
Just encountered a billboard for Dr. Pepper 10
boasting the slogan, “Testosterone.” My imagination vomited. First, the gibbering Dennis Rodman
made me dropkick a Kimchee right in the leaf,
and now this.
• Many eateries will host Valentine’s Specials.
Consider - Ol’ Heidelberg Café’s [6125 University Drive; (256) 922-0556; www.olheidelberg.
com] Dinner for Two: Imported Cheese Plate
Appetizer; Two Entrées; and Choice of Dessert to
Share (no infighting!) – $45.
1. Join Shark Angels and get involved locally.
2. Bring a Shark Angel to your school to Do A
Presentation On Sharks - or give one yourself.
3. Increase Your Shark IQ! Learn more at www.
sharkangels.org, then stand up for sharks. 4. Host
a “Fin-Raiser.” Donate your birthday party, have
a bake sale, get creative! 5. Develop A Voice. Author articles for school, local and national media.
Write your government officials. 6. Don’t Support Stores and restaurants that sell shark products. Ask them to stop selling sharks - we can help
P
H
ow we holidayed, alternating the rehab
of multitudinous Scrooges with armchair
gun-slinging via Clint and the Duke. On
the international front, the Coma Queen met my
Polish ami Krupnik and, even as I type, I’m finishing off Caldo Gallego in the shadow of yesterday’s Paella.
It’s…that…time of yeeeeear…for other holiday
repasts and culinary celebrations!
What YOU Can Do to Earn Your Wings:
roperly or improperly used, words pack a
punch. The use of words, you using words
has marked milestones in your life: your
first word, the first time you said mom or dad, and
the first word you wrote. You spent hours working on words for spelling, writing, and grammar
tests. Words we hear and use dictate our lives
– whether we say them to others or ourselves.
Words, as you’ll see, can change a life.
As a writer, words are my first love. Listening
to people use (and misuse) words illustrates
their character. I can immediately assess their
upbringing, education level, and priorities. What
by Jim Zieliński
To quote Jason “Raccoon Boy” Graham, “Huzzah!” Olga at European Market [(256) 882-7710;
www.europeanmarketonline.com] has reopened
at her new location: 2745 Bob Wallace Avenue,
Suite B. Expect to see select, delish, markeddown Christmas items.
To become a “Shark Cherub” - a “Shark Angel
in Training” - go to www.sharkangels.org. Click
“What We Do,” and scroll down to “Shark Cherubs.” Here you’ll meet Ella, the original Shark
Cherub. Follow the links to learn how to save
sharks. At the top of the homepage you’ll also see
“Issues Facing Sharks” - click that link, and then
scroll down to “Why We Need Sharks” to learn
more about how sharks regulate the food web and
help keep our oceans healthy.
Three Little Words
Zee’s Rocket City
bEAT
me, as usual. I was tired of interruptions. I kept
on. So did he. I slammed my right hand on the
table and roared, “LET ME FINISH!” The room
went silent. It took a second for me to gather my
composure, but I finished. My thoughts are just
as important as the interrupters. Let me finish, I
declared. Let me use my words. Do not tell me
your thoughts carry more value than my thoughts.
Let me finish. Let me contribute and state my
point of view.
The meeting went on, with me sitting a little
straighter. When it ended, I went to my boss’
office and said, “I’m really proud of myself.”
She had tried for months to pull me out of me.
She was proud, too. It wasn’t my most graceful
moment. However, I never looked back. It was
not that “they” saw me different. It was that I
was different after that moment. The frustration
and anger I had felt resulted in three words that
changed my life.
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
The only specifics: somehow, it involves Turkey. Köfte? Dolma? Mücver? Dunno. Keep your
Ibriks at the ready.
Having survived Polar Vortex/Winter Storm Ion
(what next, Hurricane Chromatograph?), one
wonders what the long-term impact on Florida
will be. Each time a chill hits, orange crops suffer, orange prices skyrocket…and they never, no
never, recover. We may be paying Washington
DC prices for a glass of OJ…shudder…and here
comes Janus.
Obamacare (spelled “ACA”) decrees that all fastfood chains with twenty-plus outlets post their
food’s nutritional content on site. Great news, if
only because that makes Reason Number Fourteen to hate the McRib.
Now, let’s meet for Broasted Chicken and Potatoes at Mullins [607 Andrew Jackson Way, NE;
(256) 539-2826], eh wot?
In the many moons that have passed since I
declared “Let me finish!” my life has changed
tremendously. Moments of crippling fear, terror,
and anxiety have consumed me. But what “Let me
finish!” taught me is that with enough gumption, I
can do anything. If I can stop a bully from talking
over me, what else can I do? Can I join a tennis
league? Yes – and win the season undefeated.
Would I be able to attend a boot camp that will push
me to the limits? Yes – and I love it! Can I open
my heart, my once black, bruised heart, to love and
let it grow? You bet your sweet self I can – and did.
Not all these things happened because I believed.
They happened because I believed in me.
“Let me finish” raised within me a power that I
suspected existed, but wasn’t completely sure of.
Use your words to raise your esteem and respect.
However, do it with class, grace, and humor – three
words that are never to be said, but always spoken.
THE VALLEY PLANET
Alabama’s Hidden
Treasures
by Cameron Reeder
I
worked in the Alabama tourism industry for
a decade. I have spent the last decade writing
about it. So when I see a perfectly unique attraction, I never fail to wonder at the lack of resources used to showcase it to the world. To this
day, I continue to marvel at the majority of people
I talk to who have never once heard of Anniston’s
Berman Museum.
Granted, Alabama has some spectacular attractions
and natural scenic beauty. But if we are all honest,
doesn’t every state? With a few rare exceptions,
there is a reason why 50 percent of state tourism
comes from the four million people within the borders of our great state. That’s why, when I stumble
across a spectacular find, I feel compelled to tell
everyone I meet. 
The first and last time I met the late Colonel Farley Berman, I was both shocked and impressed.
This unassuming older gentleman had managed to
amass at least 6,000 one of a kind treasures from
around the world and ship them back to the small
city of Anniston. This collection would make the
fictional characters Indiana Jones and Benjamin
Gates envious!
Colonel Berman kept all these possessions in his
home, a majority of them wall to wall in his basement. The year was 1995, and I was working with
the Alabama Bureau of Tourism. I was in the middle of a press trip with a half dozen travel writers
in tow. The trip had gone well and we were touring
the collection in advance of the Bermans’ negotiations for a city museum that would house the thousands of rarities by 1996. The Colonel, who could
pass for a doddering grandfather, seemed nice
enough as he escorted us through the upstairs and
eventually down into the basement. That’s when
his younger, fun side emerged. As we dazed un-
THE VALLEY PLANET
believing on items such as a Persian scimitar with
1,200 precious gems encrusting the scabbard and
handle, Frederick Remington statues, Qing and
Sung Dynasty vases, and Hitler’s silver tea service,
we were made ever more aware of the Colonel’s
vast collection of weapons from the 16th century to
the present. This was because as we made our way
through the room, several of these weapons were
set to discharge at regular intervals. With the bang
of every blank cartridge, I was left with a roomful of jittery travel writers like cats in a roomful of
rocking chairs, not at all sure if they were going to
get out unscathed. The Colonel and I thought it was
hilarious! But from a public relations point of view,
this could have been a disaster. Fortunately, most of
our writers were able to look past our host’s quirky
sense of humor and see the collection for what it
was…nothing less than extraordinary. 
Berman may have been unconventional, but he was
no nut. His collection was gathered piece by piece
over a period of about 40 years of travel with his
French wife, like him a former spy and avid collector of antiquities. Many of the items, (wink wink,)
may have been obtained under less than ideal circumstances, a fortunate benefit of their time spent
in military intelligence during World War II. And
his vision coupled with Anniston’s willingness to
invest a lot of money to keep the collection local,
resulted in an unforgettable legacy for the city and
the state.
A must-see at the Museum is Peculiar Possessions:
An Eclectic Collection, which includes some of
the museum’s most unusual assortments of items
which are often problematic to include with other
displays. These include torture devices, spy gear,
and way, way, out of the ordinary weaponry.
The Berman Museum is located in Lagarde Park
in Anniston. Lagarde is also home to the Anniston
Museum of Natural History, a nationally accredited museum. See them both. Bonus!
Hours of operation for the Berman are Tuesday
through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday
from 1-5 p.m. Admission for an adult is a paltry $5. 
#020614022614
Clockwise from top left: 17th Century Scold Masks, WWII Spy Weapons, Napoleon’s Dressing Room
Set, WWII Spy Weapons, Photo Credit: David Fort
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
13
Open:
Tue - Thu: 3:00 pm - 12:00 am
Fri: 3:00 pm - 1:00 am
Sat: 11:00 am - 1:00 am
Closed:
Sun - Mon
Thursday, February 6
AMERICAN LEGION POST 237, Karaoke
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Dave Anderson
BLUE PANTS BREWERY, 45 Surprise Trio
CHARLOTTE’S (THE HOT SPOT), Bike Night w/ Barry
and the Bandits
COPPERTOP, Tom Nieman
FURNITURE FACTORY, Pete & Scott
GUADALAJARA (DECATUR), Karaoke w/
DJ Jammin Jeff
HICKORY HOUSE, Karaoke
HIGHWAY HAVEN, Karaoke
HOPPER’S, Karaoke w/ DJ Tara
HUMPHREY’S, The Sharpe Bro. Duo
KAFFEEKLATSCH BAR, Dave Anderson
KNIGHT MOVES, Karaoke
LONE GOOSE, Traci-Traci’s Acoustic Communion
MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ Sweet T
PINCHI’S PLACE (DECATUR), Karaoke w/
HitMaster D
SAMMY T’S, DJ Keibot and DJ Blin
SPORTS PAGE, 5ive O’clock Charlie
SUDS (MADISON), One Man Blues Band, Bro Ric
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Tim Cannon
THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Trey Browder
VOODOO LOUNGE, Open Mic
Friday, February 7
AMENDMENT XXI, Drew Richter / Chelsea Cerha
AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, The Mersey Band
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Silverstreak
BISHOP’S (MADISON), Karaoke w/ HitMaster D
BISHOP’S EAST SIDE, Blackbird
BLUE PANTS BREWERY, Robby Eichman
CHARLOTTE’S (THE HOT SPOT), Karaoke
COPPERTOP, Electric Sheep and Marc MacNiel
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.14), Geoff & Bryan + One
EL HERRADURA, Edgar
FRATERAL ORDER OF EAGLES (HUNTSVILLE), Hot
Rod Otis
FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (DECATUR),
Karaoke
FURNITURE FACTORY, Relayer
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Doubleshot
HOPPER’S, Space Donkeys
HUMPHREY’S, Shane Dwight
LEE ANN’S, Groove
LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke
LONE GOOSE, Marge Loveday
MOE’S BBQ (PROVIDENCE), Coal Rain
MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ Toddsmack
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ Lena /
Diamond Dolls
SPORTS PAGE, Kings Haze
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Plato Jones
THE STEM AND STEIN, Seducing Alice
Saturday, February 8
AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, The Mersey Band/
Karaoke
BLUE PANTS BREWERY, Miltowne
CELEBRETIES BAR & GRILL, Bob Marley Celebration
AckeeWalk Rude Bwoys w/ Queen Naima, Chief
Fiyahmanxx and DJ’s
CHARLOTTE’S (THE HOT SPOT), Josh Allison &
Friends
COPPERTOP, Marrow, Phylum, and Evil Eye
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.14), Travis Posey Band
ELK’S LODGE, Karaoke
FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (DECATUR), Square
One Band
FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (HUNTSVILLE),
Anita & 565
FURNITURE FACTORY, Ezell
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Kush
HIGHWAY HAVEN, Legend Band
HOPPER’S, Crush
HUMPHREY’S, Josh Garrett
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEE ANN’S, Under Cover
LONE GOOSE, Rob Aldridge and Rob Malone
MOE’S BBQ (PROVIDENCE), Tim Cannon
MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ DJ Larry
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Pride of Kings
SPORTS PAGE, Bucked Up
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Trinity Mountain Boys
THE LOWRY HOUSE, Chapman James
Sunday, February 9
COPPERTOP, Mandi Rae, and Elijah Ocean
Karaoke w/ HitMaster D
HUMPHREY’S, Tracy & Eddie
KAFFEEKLATSCH BAR, Sunday Blues Jam hosted by
Freddy Earl and the Blues Mercenaries
MOODY MONDAYS, Morgan Sloan
VOODOO LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ DJ Brandon Mac
14
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
Monday, February 10
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Robby Eichman
COPPERTOP, Karaoke with DJ Wes
FURNITURE FACTORY, Open Mic with Andy Johnson
and Matt Michael
HIDEAWAYS, Open Mic w/ Jonathon Laird
HUMPHREY’S, Dave Anderson
KAFFEEKLATSCH BAR, Open Mic w/ James Irwin
VOODOO LOUNGE, Open DJ Night
Tuesday, February 11
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Josh Allison
FURNITURE FACTORY, Karaoke with Super Lou
HUMPHREY’S, Tim Tucker
KAFFEEKLATSCH BAR, Charlie Howell
LISA’S LOUNGE, Bike Night w/ Thad Co.
MAC’S SPORTSBAR (ATHENS), Karaoke w/ Blondie
MOODY MONDAYS, Open Mic w/ Karaoke w/ Dorvin
Paul
SPORTS PAGE, Chelvis and the Bean
VOODOO LOUNGE, Dave Anderson
Wednesday, February 12
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Microwave Dave
CHARLOTTE’S (THE HOT SPOT), Ladies Night w/
Live Music
COPPERTOP, Roulette, and Abe
EMMA’S TEA ROOM, Open Mic
FURNITURE FACTORY, Dave Anderson and Johnson
Michael Duo
HOPPER’S, DJ T-Bop
HUMPHREY’S, Mike Slaten Solo
JEFFERSON STREET PUB, Karaoke
KAFFEEKLATSCH BAR, Andrew Sharp
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEE ANN’S, Tom Cat
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Diamondettes w/ DJ Derek
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Faron Davis
THE FOYER, Open Mic
VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Grant and
Charles Show
VOODOO LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ Tongue Lash
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Noel Webster
and the Bandits
COPPERTOP, The Barn Yard Stompers (
Rock a Billy) on tour
Karaoke
FURNITURE FACTORY, Robby Eichman Duo
GUADALAJARA (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ DJ
Jammin Jeff
music cont. on pg. 15
THE VALLEY PLANET
music cont. from pg. 14
HUMPHREY’S, 45 Surprise Duo
LEE ANN’S, Leo Liebeskind
MOE’S BBQ (PROVIDENCE), Travis Bowlin
PINCHI’S PLACE (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ HitMasterD
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Dusty French
THE STATION, Space Donkeys
VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Barry Kay
Friday, February 14
AMENDMENT XXI, Drew Richter/ Chelsea Cerha
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Miltown
CHARLOTTE’S (THE HOT SPOT), Danny Della-Calce
COPPERTOP, Seaguls, Random Conflict
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.14), EZELL
EL HERRADURA, Edgar
Karaoke
FURNITURE FACTORY, Big Daddy Kingfish
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Booty Shakers
HOPPER’S, Chop Daddy
HUMPHREY’S, Kush
LEE ANN’S, Black Eyed Susan
LOWE MILL (FLYING MONKEY), Classical Blues
Cabaret with Phil Weaver and Microwave Dave
Diamond Dolls
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Group 6
THE STATION, Karaoke w/ KJ Jim McGriff
VOODOO LOUNGE, Dawn Osborne Band
Karaoke
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Jim Cavender & Friends
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.14), Spellbinder
ELK’S LODGE, Karaoke
One Band
Anita & 565
FURNITURE FACTORY, Yellowhammer
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Section 8
HOPPER’S, Chop Daddy
HUMPHREY’S, L.T.G.
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEE ANN’S, Crush
MOE’S BBQ (PROVIDENCE), J Curly & Ruth Ann
NICKS RISTORANTE, Dave McConnell (Sinatra)
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Ladies of Disillusion
THE EBONY CLUB, Chickenbone Reunion
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Natchez Trace
THE STATION, Grand Opening w/ Juice
VOODOO LOUNGE, Toy Shop
Sunday, February 16
Monday, February 17
and Matt Michael
COPPERTOP, Pirate Nights, and The Hudson Falcons
(New Jersey)
THE VALLEY PLANET
MOODY MONDAYS, Open Mic w/ Karaoke w/ Dorvin
Paul
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Microwave Dave
Live Music
COPPERTOP, Open Mic comedy followed by
Nightmare Boyzz
Michael Duo
HUMPHREY’S, Travis Posey Duo
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
THE FOYER, Open Mic
Charles Show
and the Bandits
Karaoke
Jammin Jeff
HIDEAWAYS, Adrian and the Sickness
HUMPHREY’S, Slatens Writers Round
LEE ANN’S, J.C. and the D.J. B’s
MOE’S BBQ (PROVIDENCE), Travis Posey
PINCHI’S PLACE (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ HitMasterD
VOODOO LOUNGE, Open Mic Night
Friday, February 21
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Red Headed Step Child
BISHOP’S EAST SIDE, Hot Rod Otis
COPPERTOP, Skeptic, Devils Got Ahold on Me
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.14), Locked & Loaded
EL HERRADURA, Edgar
Karaoke
FURNITURE FACTORY, Robby Eichman & Juice
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Unbroken
HIDEAWAYS, Tim Landers
HOPPER’S, Emily Josephs Band
HUMPHREY’S, Seminole Strut
LEE ANN’S, Kozmic Mama
MOE’S BBQ (PROVIDENCE), Real Deal
Diamond Dolls
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Seducing Alice
VOODOO LOUNGE, John D’Amato
Karaoke
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Snake Doctors
CHARLOTTE’S (THE HOT SPOT), Chickenbone
Reunion Blues and Soul Trio
COPPERTOP, Forgotten Grey, Beithemeans, and
Jacks Remains
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.14), Damn Skippy
ELK’S LODGE, Karaoke Grey
ENCORE PUB & GRILL, Tim Landers
One Band
music cont. on pg. 16
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
15
Dr. Anarcho’s Rx For Old Stuff That Don’t
Suck: “Shout” by Gov t Mule.
“S
hout” is the Mule’s first studio
recording in 4 years. It marks the
band’s debut for Blue Note records and
Blue Note should feel blue no more.
Gov t Mule was the name Warren Haynes started
as a side project in addition to his guitarist gig
with The Allman Brothers Band. No one knew
what to expect other than it was sure to be good.
Haynes is arguably the best guitarist in the rock
world today. A man of boundless energy he tours
almost constantly with the Mule, ABB, The
Warren Haynes Band and others, including the
Grateful Dead – most of whom are doubtfully
grateful but assuredly dead.
Haynes’ is a prolific, gifted songwriter and his
gift for lyrics does not receive its proper due. The
songs say something and the music never fails to
elevate the words.
Anita & 565
FURNITURE FACTORY, FD/DC
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Ahead of the Wake
HOPPER’S, Emily Josephs Band
HUMPHREY’S, The Good Doctor
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEE ANN’S, Big Daddy Kingfish
LOWE MILL (FLYING MONKEY), Winslow Davis
MOE’S BBQ (PROVIDENCE), Akoustik Juice Project
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ Lena
PLAYMOR LANES, Fuzzy Gouda
SAMMY T’S, World Famous Chippendales
THE BRICK (DECATUR), 45 Surprise
VOODOO LOUNGE, Seducing Alice
Sunday, February 23
16
Monday, February 24
and Matt Michael
MOODY MONDAYS, Open Mic w/ Karaoke w/
Dorvin Paul
#020614022614
Haynes is riding the Mule into Huntsville and will
appear at VBCC on Tues Feb 11th at 8:00 PM.
Get a ticket if you can. I promise you will not be
disappointed and will leave craving more. Song
titles are below:
DISC 1:
1. World Boss
2. No Reward
3. Whisper in Your Soul
4. Captured
5. Scared to Live
6. Stoop So Low
7. Forsaken Savior
8. Done Got Wise
9. When the World Gets Small
10. Funny Little Tragedy
11. Bring on the Music
Gov t Mule’s success does not rely on radio play
for its popularity, probably because they play real
music instead of the pitch corrected over dubbed
drivel that crowds the airwaves; also, being a jam
band, their songs are rarely less than 6 minutes
on a studio cut, and live run as long as they want
to play.
DISC 2:
1. World Boss - (featuring Ben Harper)
2. Funny Little Tragedy (featuring Elvis Costello)
3. Stoop So Low
4. Captured - (featuring Jim James)
5. Whisper in Your Soul
6. Scared To Live
7. No Reward - (featuring Glenn Hughes)
8. Bring on the Music - (featuring Ty Taylor)
9. Forsaken Savior - (featuring Dave Matthews)
10. Done Got Wise - (featuring Myles Kennedy)
11. When the World Gets Small (featuring Steve Winwood)
VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Barry Kay
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Straight to Ale Takeover w/
Microwave Dave
Live Music
COPPERTOP, Slow Death
Michael Duo
HUMPHREY’S, Seducing Alice Duo
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Tim Tucker
THE FOYER, Open Mic
Charles Show
Friday, February 28
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Bourbon & Shamrocks
COPPERTOP, Dixie Derby Gils Gong Karaoke
Fund raiser
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.14), Bucked Up
EL HERRADURA, Edgar
Karaoke
FURNITURE FACTORY, Scott Morgan and 3/4 Boogie
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Black Eyed Susan
HOPPER’S, Groove
HUMPHREY’S, Hana Lena
LEE ANN’S, The Real Deal
Diamond Dolls
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Usual Suspects
VOODOO LOUNGE, 45 Surprise
Unwilling to be boxed in by his own material,
Haynes and his Mule do covers of past greats
from other Artists and improves on them. They
delight in having special guests appear with them
and disc 2 of “Shout” proves that true.
music cont. from pg. 15
I like the Mule best in a live setting. Despite their
heavy tour load you know they are having fun,
too. They never fail to please.
and the Bandits
Karaoke
FURNITURE FACTORY, Geoff & Bryan Duo
Jammin Jeff
HUMPHREY’S, Jason Speegle Duo
PINCHI’S PLACE (DECATUR), Karaoke w/
HitMaster D
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Josh Allison
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
THE END!
THE VALLEY PLANET
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 5 – 7
The American Shakespeare Center’s Company will
have Henry IV on Wednesday, The Merry Wives of
Windsor on Thursday, and Othello on Friday. There will
be a pre-show lecture at 6pm each night at Huntsville’s
University Center Exhibit Hall at 7pm. 256-489-7089.
February 5 – 9
The School of Art Fashion Event, Fashion and Heirloom
Sewing Workshops will be at the VBC.
www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/schoolofartfashion.
com.
The US Space and Rocket Center will have the exhibit,
Davinci: The Genius through March 2, 2014.
www.rocketcenter.com.
The Celebration of Writers and Artists Creative
Communication announces the spring 2014 Essay,
Poetry and Art Contests. The deadline for the Poetry
Contest is April 10, 2014, deadline for the Essay
Contest is February 18, 2014 and deadline for art
contest is April 9, 2014.
www.poeticpower.com, (435) 713-4411.
The Carnegie Carnival Photography will be on Exhibit
at The Carnegie Visual Arts Center now through
March 1st. www.carnegiearts.org.
The Boys and Girls Club Annual Banquet and
Fundraiser will be at FUMC Beasley Center in Athens
at 6:30pm. $20 per person. 256-232-4298.
The Exhibit: This is Rocket City USA, Let Freedom
Begin Here: The Civil Rights Movement in Huntsville
will be at Burritt on the Mountain through February
28th. www.burrittonthemountain.com.
Our Space Community Center, located at 2004 Poole
Dr. Unit C, will have a weekly meeting of Narcotics
Anonymous every Thursday at 6pm. This is an Open
Group which focuses on the gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgender, and queer community.
Align and Wine is hosted by Mitzi Connell every
Thursday at 6pm at the Huntsville Museum of Art.
http://MitziConnell.com.
Art with a Twist will be at the Huntsville Museum of
Art from 5:30 – 8:30pm. www.hsvmuseum.org.
The Huntsville Havoc vs. Bloomington Hockey Game
will be at the VBC Arena at 7:30pm. 256-518-6160.
February 7 – 9
Broadway Theatre League presents, The Play: Million
Dollar Quartet at the VBC Concert Hall on Friday and
Saturday at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and
Sunday at 7:30pm. Ticket prices start at $69. www.
broadwaytheatreleague.org.
The Shirts-n-Skirts square dance club will have
dancing on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month at the
Dance Factory on Freeman Ave then on the 2nd &
4th Thursdays meet at the Athens Recreation Center on
Hwy 31. 256-423-4141, www.shirts-n-skirts.com.
The First 40 Years: A Tribute to Dot Moore will be
at the Whole Backstage Theatre in Guntersville.
Performance times are at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm.
$18 for adults and $16 for students/seniors. www.
wholebackstage.com, 256-582-7469.
Harmony Park Animal Safari will have self-guided
tours daily beginning at 10am until sundown. It is
located at 431 Cloud’s Cove Road in Huntsville. There
is an admission charge. 877-726-4625.
The US Space and Rocket Center will have a Winter
Masquerade, an evening of mystery and frivolity at
7pm. Masks and period costumes are encouraged.$100.
http://rocketcenter.com/masquerade.
“FISHART” will be on display at the Mountain Valley
Arts Council now through March 1st. This exhibit will
feature works of art that are fish and/or fishing related.
www.mountainvalleyartscouncil.com.
Friday, February 7
The Veterans of America Night will be every Friday
night at Knuckleheads in Madison from 6 – 10pm.
The Greater Huntsville Humane Society will have the
Dog Ball in the VBC South Hall at 5:45pm. There will
be a silent auction, live auction, dinner and visit with
the dogs. 256-881-8081, www.thedogball.org
Not Your Mama’s Craft Circle’ will meet from 1 – 5pm
at Our Space Community Center at 2004 Poole Drive,
Suite C. 256-886-1150.
The Homegrown Comedy Show will be at the Flying
Monkey Theatre on at 8pm. $7
www.flyingmonkeyarts.org.
The Teen Writing Group will meet at 5pm at the
Madison Public Library. [email protected], 256461-0046.
Jim Parker’s Songwriters Showcase will be at the
VBC Playhouse at 6:30pm
Bring Your Lunch Social will be at Our Space
Community Center, 2004 Poole Drive, Unit C from
11:30am – 1pm. 256-886-1150.
Columbia Elementary School Drama Club will
present Roald Dahl’s musical stage adaptation of
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Friday at 7pm and
Saturday at 2 and 7pm. It will be at James Clemens High
School Theater in Madison on County Line Road. $5.
www.facebook.com/CESDramaClub, 703-317-7841.
Duos and Solos Square Dance Club will be offering
lessons to couples and singles every Thursday at the
Tom Bevill Enrichment Center, 115 Main Street W in
Rainsville, AL. Classes will be from 6:30 – 9pm.
www.duosandsolos.com.
The Huntsville Museum of Art will have the exhibits,
Encounters: Rocío Rodríguez through May 18th and
AdriánVilleta: Romantic Portraitist, through May 4th.
www.hsvmuseum.org.
Thursday Night Swing will be at the Flying Monkey
Theatre from 6:30 – 10pm. The lesson is $10 and the
dance is $5. New beginner and intermediate lessons
will be taught from 6:30-7:30 before the dance. It will
be every Thursday. www.flyingmonkeyarts.org,
www.huntsvilleswing.com.
February 7 – 8
IMP’s Upcoming Production, The Last Five Years will
be at 7:30pm on Friday and 2:30pm on Saturday at Lee
High’s Black Box Theater, 2500 Meridian Street. Tickets
are $25 for adults and $23 for students/seniors/military.
www.imphuntsville.org,256-415-SHOW.
The Friday Night Artist Market will be from 5 – 8pm.
Admission is free. There will be art, jewelry, vintage
clothing, and much more at the Flying Monkey Arts
on the second floor of Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment.
Free. www.flyingmonkeyarts.org.
McCloud Entertainment and Eventblack.com presents
Comedy in the Ville featuring Renad Hirsch and Mike
James and hosted by Flash Flood. It will be at the
Country Hearth Inn, 8716 Madison Blvd. Show starts
at 8:30pm. $12. www.eventblack.com, 256-693-2004.
REGIONAL CONCERTS
ATLANTA
February 7, Panic! at the Disco, The Tabernacle
February 8, Corey Smith, The Tabernacle
February 13, Buddy Guy, Atlanta Symphony Hall
February 22, Young the Giant, The Tabernacle
February 23, Demi Lovato, Phillips Arena
February 24, Eagles, Philips Arena
February 26, Imagine Dragons, Phillips Arena
February 27, Austin Mahone, The Tabernacle
BIRMINGHAM
February 23, Bill Maher, BJCC Concert Hall
HUNTSVILLE
February 7, Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series, VBC Playhouse
February 11, Gov’t Mule, VBC Concert Hall
February 13, Amy Grant and Vince Gill, VBC Concert Hall
February 16, Celtic Women, VBC Concert Hall
NASHVILLE
February 7, Kings of Leon, Bridgestone Arena
February 14 -15, Rick Springfield, Wildhorse Saloon
February 18, Scott McCreery, Ryman Auditorium
February 18, Sea Wolf, The High Watt
February 20, Jennifer Nettles, Ryman Auditorium
February 22, Braid Paisley, Bridgestone Arena
February 24, Imagine Dragons, Bridgestone Arena
The 6th Annual Jessica Elkins Memorial Pageant will
be at the Athens Middle School Auditorium at 5pm.
Print Your Own Letterpress Valentines will be from
12 – 4pm at the Green Pea Press Studio 122 in the
Lowe Mill. Admission is $5. Spin the wheel on our 100year-old letterpress to print your own set of valentines.
[email protected], www.lowemill.net.
La Femme Studio, located at 106 Castle Drive in
Madison, Pre-Valentine’s Day Girls Nite Out Party will
be at 6pm. Admission is $10. 256-542-1286.
Hooping with Chrisha will be at 2:30pm in the Flying
Monkey Theatre at Lowe Mill. Admission is $15. 1-2:30
PM, $15 Admission. Free for hoop jam/free play time. It
will be every Saturday in February and March 1st. www.
lowemill.net.
Speak To My Heart Red Dress Luncheon will be at
Four Points Sheraton Hotel Airport at 11am. Tickets
are $30. 256-603 0324, www.eventbrite.com/e/speakto-my-heart-red-dress-luncheon-tickets.
The Huntsville Bead Society’s monthly meeting at
the Crestwood Women’s Center on 185 Chateau Drive
will be at 10:30am .Class on peyote stitch will start soon
after. Open beading available from 10am to 6pm. Check
our Facebook page.
The Huntsville Personal Computer User Group
(HPCUG) will meet at the Senior Center on Drake
Avenue in the Merrimac Room. Ms. Dean Shockney will
speak on Robotics at 9:45am. 256-830-2232,
www.hpcug.com.
The Artist Market will be from 12 – 4pm. Admission is free.
There will be art, jewelry, vintage clothing, and much more
at the Flying Monkey Arts. It will be every Saturday. www.
flyingmonkeyarts.org.
There will be a Planetarium Show every Saturday night at
7:30pm at the Planetarium. www.vbas.org.
Drop –In & Create Saturdays, From the heart Valentines
will be at the Huntsville Museum of Art. Admission is free.
www.hsvmuseum.org.
There will be a Mardi Gras Party at Improv Entertainment.
There will be beads, masks, crawfish and New Orleans
Hurricanes.
http://huntsvilleurbannetwork.com.
There will be a Transgender Support Group Meeting.
To maintain the anonymity and safety of group
participants, this group’s meeting place and time are
confidential. Please contact our office Monday - Friday
from 10:00 am to 5:00pm for more information at 256886-1150.
AWF Wild Game Cook-Off will be at Talladega
Superspeedway. Tickets are $50 per couple. There will
be Pace Car Rides around the Talladega Superspeedway.
www.alabamawildlife.org.
The Kappa Alpha Psi Decatur-Athens Alumni Chapter
will host A Chocolate Affair at the Best Western Plus
Vieira Ballroom, Madison Blvd. from 8pm – 1am. There
will be a Complimentary Chocolate Fondue fountain,
EVENTS cont. on pg. 20
THE VALLEY PLANET
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
17
Best Bar Overall?
Best Bartender
1st Kirstie Williams @ I Love Sushi 7.5% 1st Below The Radar 7%
2nd Tie: Jennifer Peters @ Diamonds Sports Bar
AND Stephanie Cato @ Club Rush
3rd Dianne Weiss @ Sportspage 6%
5.5%
Others Receiving Votes: “Stitch” Smith @ Diamonds Sports Bar”, Aaron Malofsky , Adam @ Charley’s and TGIFs,
Akindai @ Amendment XXI, Ali King @ Stem and Stein, Alyson Duke @ Sports Page, Amber Jones @ Coppertop,
Angela @ Rosie’s , Annalise Crawford @ Humphreys, April Peshe @ Chips N Salsa, Ashish Silwal @ Cantina Laredo,
Barefoot @ Mellow Mushroom, Belle Hallmark @ The Brick Deli , Ben Going @ 1892 East, Ben Howard @ PF
Changs, Beverly Dufour @ The Nook, BJ (Barbara Jean) Carlin @ Kaffeeklatsch, Brandi Doane @ Bar Louie, Brandi
Parker @ The Bottle, Brandon Combs @ Hard Dock Cafe, Brandy @ Dawg House Pub, Bre Boyle @ Grille29,
Brit Crossley @ Nicks , Brittany Evans, Camille @ Lisa’s, Caroline Crunk @ Partner’s, Carolyn @ Bonefish, Chad
Henderson @ The Brick Deli, Chad Howard @ Fubar, Chase Shelton @ Below the Radar, Chris Burch @ Jefferson
St. Pub, Chris Wayne @ The Nook, Christina Hall @ Diamonds, Chuck Harwood @ Humphreys, Cliff Carey @ The
Nook, Cortni Lloyd @ Sammy T’s, Courtney Lee @ Furniture Factory, Daniel Gazda @ Diamonds, Danna Alma @
Knight Moves, Dara Duenas @ Rosie’s, David Dufour @ The Nook, Denise Livingston @ Sammy T’s, Eddie Yessick
@ Furniture Factory, Gail Young @ The Thirsty Turtle, Gary Smith @ Sammy Ts, Gary Ward @ Jefferson St. Pub,
George @ The Bottle, George Burt @ West End Grill, Gina Sharp @ West End Grill, Grecia Hernandez @ Rosie’s
South Parkway, Heather MC Cray @ Bumpers, Heather Simmons @ Lisa’s Lounge, Ivan @ BuenaVista, Jackie Cagle
@ O’ Charley’s, Jana Jones @ The Hard Dock, Jeanne Goodenough @ Carson’s Grill, Jeff Austin @ Fubar, Jeff G @
Holiday Inn Downtown, Jesica Pugh @ Amberley Lounge, Jesse Engle @ Tortora’s, Jessica Chandler @ Choppers,
Jessica Crooks @ Amendment XXI, Jessica Woodruff @ CD’S Bar and Grille, Jessie Engle @ Tortora’s Grille, Jill
Nuss @ Fubar, Jimmy Simpson @ Voodoo Lounge, Jimmy Sin @ The Scene, Josh Funderburk @ Amendment XXI,
Joshua Crowe @ Bandito Madison, Kayla Carden, Kendall T @ The Huntsville Brewery , Kenny Burke @ Nick’s
Ristorante, Kevin Wesley @ Ruggby’s, Kim Dunar @ Westin Sage Grill Bar, Kyle Ratliff @ Buffalo Wild Wings
, Lauren Tolbert @ Vittone’s, Lindsey Hollins @ The Lone Goose Saloon, Lisa Jones @ CD’s Pub and Grill, Lucy
Allen @ Partners, Lyndsey Rogers @ Voodoo Lounge, Mandy Barefoot@ Mellow Mushroom, Maria Reyes, Marie
Thomas @ Charlotte’s Place, Markus Ellis @ Drakes, Marnie Schmidt @ Lone Goose, Mary Findlay @ Below the
Radar, “Matt Ortega @ Lumberyard, Voodoo Mezza Luna”, Matthew Tippy @ Club Rush, Megan Bisenius @
Carson’s Grille, Melissa Maslowski @ Encore Bar, Meredith Campbell @ Voodoo, Michelle Nielson @ Partners &
PF Chang’s, Mickey @ Fubar, Mike Groce @ Lone Goose, Mike Poppe @ Straight to Ale , Misty Templet @ Hard
Dock, Monika Battle @ The Nook, Nichole @ Furniture Factory, Nick Poppe @ Straight To Ale Taproom, Nicolette @
Bar Louie, Patricia Cavanaugh @ CDs, Patsy Moore, Patty @ Sports Page, Philip Dougherty @ Lone Goose Saloon,
Priscilla Hughes @ Furniture Factory , Ray Pitfield @ Club351, Rebecca @ D&L Bistro, Rebecca Erby @ Sammy T’s,
Rebecca Moore @ Simp McGhee’s, Redd Reynolds @ Bishops West, Reeves Jordan @ Cotton Row, Rick Schwarze
@ The Brix, Robby Lomenick @ Sammy T’s/Humphrey’s/West End Grill, Robert Crabtree @ Connors, Rosemary
Baker @ The Creek, Ryan McGowan, Ryan Stone @ Humphreys, Salina Brilla @ CopperTop, Sara @ Thirsty Turtle,
Scott @ Carson’s Grill, Shasta Jenkins @ Drakes and The Huntsville Brewery, Shelly Rhoades @ Coppertop, Shirley
Goan @ The Scene, Sonya Petroff @ Yellowhammer Brewery, Stephanie Grady @ Carrabba’s, Stephanie Lytle @
Bonefish Grill, Stephanie Smith @ Diamonds, Stephanie Sterling @ Humphreys, Stitch’ Smith @Diamonds, Tess
Grella-Stockton @ Bandito South, Tim @ Rosie’s, Tim Hastings @ The Bottle, Tim O’Connell @ Rosie’s, Todd @
Partners, Tom Yack @ Below the Radar, Traci Traci @ Lone Goose Saloon, Trish Penrod @ Diamond’s Sports Bar,
Victor Melonas @ Cafe 113, Wesley Russell @ Voodoo lounge
Best Local Brewery?
1st Straight to Ale 2nd Below the Radar 3rd Blue Pants Brewery 56%
The “Coolest” Bar in the area?
1st Straight to Ale Taproom 8%
2nd
Below The Radar 7%
3rd
Amendment XXI 6%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern, 19th Hole, 3rd Base Grill, 6 Pockets Bar and Billiards,
Anaheim Chili, Bandito Burrito/Governor’s, Bandito Southside, Bandito/Madison, Bar Louie, Baumhower’s,
Benchwarmer, Big Ed’s, Bishops, Blue Pants Brewery, Bonefish, Brickhouse, Brooklyn’s Sports Bar, Cafe 113,
Cantina Laredo, Carson’s Grille, CD’S Bar and Grille, Charlotte’s Place, Chips and Salsa, Choppers, Club Rush,
Connors Steak & Seafood, Coppertop, Crossroads, Crossroads/Arab, Diamonds, Drakes, End Zone, Flying Monkey,
Fubar, Furniture Factory, Grille 29, Hard Dock, Hooters, Hopper’s Bar & Grill, Humphrey’s, Huntsville Brewery,
I Love Sushi, Jefferson St Pub, Jefferson’s, Kaffeeklatsch, Knuckleheads, Lee Ann’s, Lone Goose Saloon, Mac’s
in Athens, Mellow Mushroom, Mezza Luna, Moody Mondays, Nick’s Ristorante, P.F.Chang’s, Partners, Ruggby’s,
Ruth’s Chris, Sammy T’s, Schnitzel Ranch, Simp McGhee’s, Sports Page, Stem & Stein, Steve’s Bar and Grill, Surin of
Thailand, The Bottle, The Brick, The Creek Bar, The Huntsville Brewery, The Nook, The Scene Lounge, The Station,
The Thirsty Turtle, Tim’s Cajun Kitchen, Tortora’s Grille, Voodoo Lounge, West End Grill, Wild Cherry, Wine Rack,
Yellowhammer Taproom
17%
2nd
The Nook 11%
3rd Humphrey’s Bar and Grill 9%
14%
12%
What is the Best Place to Have a Beer?
1st The Nook 12%
2nd Straight to Ale Taproom 10%
3rd Below The Radar 8%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East Restaurant & Tavern, 19th Hole, 3rd Base Grill, 6 Pockets Bar and Billiards,
Amendment XXI, Anaheim Chili, Applebee’s, Bandito Burrito/Governors, Bandito Burrito/Madison, Bandito
Southside, Bar Louie, Baumhower’s, Big Ed’s, Billy’s Sports Bar, Bishops, Blue Pants, Bogies, Bonefish,
Brickhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, Carson’s Grille, Casa Blanca, CD’s Bar and Grille, Chili’s, Chips n Salsa,
Choppers, Connors Steak & Seafood, Coppertop, Crossroads/Arab, Diamonds, Drakes, El Coyote, El Monte, El
Omeca, El Palacio, End Zone, Furniture Factory, Grille 29, Hard Dock, Hildegard’s, Hooters, Hopper’s Bar &
Grill, Humphreys, Huntsville Brewery, I Love Sushi, Jefferson St Pub, Kaffeeklatsch, Knuckleheads, LeeAnn’s,
Liquor Express, Lisa’s Lounge, Lone Goose Saloon, Lowe Mill, Mellow Mushroom, Moe’s Southwest , Nick’s
Ristorante, Partners Bar and Grille, Pie In The Sky Pizzeria, Rosie’s, Ruggby’s, Schnitzel Ranch, Simp McGhee,
Sports Page, Stem and Stein, Steve’s Bar and Grill, TGI Fridays, The Bottle, The Brick Deli, The Creek Bar, The
Daily Brew, The Firehouse Pub, The Station, Thirsty Turtle, Tim’s Cajun Kitchen, Tortora’s, Voodoo Lounge, West
End Grill, Wild Cherry Cabaret, Wine Rack, Wish You Were Beer, Yellow Hammer Brewery
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East Restaurant & Tavern, 19th Hole, 3rd Base, 6 Pockets Bar and Billiards, Alfonzo’s,
Amendment XXI, Another Broken Egg, Applebee’s, Bandito Burrito/Governors, Bandito Madison, Bandito Southside,
Bar Louie, Baumhower’s Wings, Benchwarmer, Big Ed’s, Bishop’s, Blue Pants Brewery, Bogies, Bonefish, Brickhouse,
Buffalo Wild Wings, Cafe 113, Cantina Laredo, Carson’s Grille, CD’S Bar and Grille, Charlotte’s Place, Cheddars,
Chips and Salsa, Choppers, Club Rush, Commerce Kitchen, Connors, Coppertop, Crossroads Arab, Crossroads/Arab,
Diamond’s Sports Bar, Drakes, End Zone, Fubar, Furniture Factory, Grille 29, Hard Dock, Hildegard’s German Cuisine,
Hooter’s, Humphrey’s, Huntsville Brewery, I Love Sushi, Jefferson St. Pub, Jefferson’s, Kaffeeklatsch, Knight Moves,
Knucklehead’s, Lee Ann’s, Lisa’s Lounge, Lone Goose Saloon, Mac’s in Athens, Mellow Mushroom, Mezza Luna,
Monaco Pictures, Nick’s Ristorante, P.F. Chang’s, Partners, Pinchi’s Bar Decatur, Rosie’s, Ruggby’s, Ruth’s Chris,
Sam and Greg’s, Sammy T’s, Scene Lounge, Simp McGhee’s, Sports Page, Stem & Stein, Steve’s Bar and Grill, Surin
of Thailand, TGI Fridays, The Bottle, The Brick, The Elks, The Firehouse Pub, The Melting Pot, The Station, Thirsty
Turtle, Tortora’s Grill, Voodoo Lounge, West End Grille, Wild Cherry, Wine Rack, Yellowhammer Taproom
Best Outdoor Patio?
1st Furniture Factory Others Receiving Votes: Brew Stooges, Old Black Bear Brewing Company, Rocket Republic Brewing, Yellow
Hammer
18
2nd
The Nook 6%
3rd Straight to Ale Taproom 5.5%
Others Receiving Votes: 3rd Base Grill, 6 Pocket- Decatur, Amendment XXI, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Bandito
Burrito/Governors, Bandito Burrito/Madison, Bar Louie, Baumhower’s, Bison’s, Blue Pants, Brickhouse, Cantina
Laredo, Carson’s Grille, Casa Blanca, Connors, Cotton Row, D & L Bistro, Daily Brew, Diamonds, Grille 29, Hard
Dock, Hildegard’s, Huntsville Brewery, I Love Sushi, Jamo’s, Kaffeeklatsch, Knucklehead’s, Ledges, LeeAnn’s, Lime,
Lone Goose, Los Mariachis, Lowes, Main Street Cafe, Mellow Mushroom, Melting Pot, Mezza Luna, Moe’s Original
Bar-B-Que, Nick’s Ristorante, Olde Towne Coffee Shoppe, Pane e Vino, Partners, PF Chang’s, Phil Sandoval’s,
Phuket, Rosie’s, Sam and Greg’s Gelateria, Scene Lounge, Surin of Thailand, The Bottle, The Brick, The Docks,
The End Zone, The Firehouse Pub, The Scene, The Station, The Stem and Stein, The Twilight, Tim’s Cajun Kitchen,
Tortora’s, West End Grill, Westin Hotel
Best New Bar Opened in 2012-2013?
1st Bar Louie 35%
2nd The Huntsville Brewery 20%
3rd The Bottle 10%
Others Receiving Votes: 19th Hole, 6 Pockets Bar and Billiards, Backwaters, Choppers, Hide aways, Huntsville
Brewery, Jefferson Street Pub, Miller’s Tavern, Moe’s Original BBQ Cullman, The Backwaters Bar and Grill, Wild
Cherry, Yellowhammer Taproom
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
THE VALLEY PLANET
ments of redemption that revive our belief that
people can and do love, or, rather, give love, perhaps, the very best they can.
What Then Must We Do?
T
his is a special column, to let you know
about several talented Huntsville writers.
I rarely promote my own work as a writer, and
I’m not making an exception now. I am, however,
announcing the launch of my micro-press, Mule
on a Ferris Wheel.
I have published a science fiction/horror e-book,
SORRY, CHARLIE, by Shawn Bailey, using the
Mule on a Ferris Wheel imprint. Sorry, Charlie
makes Cujo look like a baby Chihuahua. The
other e-books I’ve published- “experiments in
learning.”
My first paperback launch is a stunning collection
of poems, TIME’S FOOL, by Dr. Harry Moore
of Decatur. Harry is a poet of literary substance,
rooted in earth, ancestry, and family.
Harry entitled his book Time’s Fool based on the
Shakespearean quote from Sonnet 116: “Love’s
not Time’s fool/though rosy lips and cheeks within his bending’s sickle compass come./Love alters
not with his brief hours and weeks,/But bears it
out e’vn to the edge of doom.” Huntsville’s Beth
Thames speaks of Harry’s poems as those of
“bridges broken and bridges mended, and while
some of them chronicle loss and regret, most sing
with simple gratitude for the love that alters not.”
In 2013, Finishing Line Press published Harry’s
first chapbook, WHAT HE WOULD CALL THEM,
poems about the earth and his father, poems reminiscent of Seamus Haney. Harry read from What
He Would Call Them at a 2013 Huntsville Literary Association soirée.
One of the best parts of Souls to Keep is the central character of Lindsey Porter - though brilliant, beautiful (thought she doesn’t know it), and
someone who questions the “norms” of family
and society, she is impulsive, self-destructive,
at times outrageous, and most often unaware of
what motivates her actions. These traits make her
who she is, and, the reader may, like I did, come
to love her for her flaws and for her incredible
strength, determination, and her growing recognition of “souls to keep.”
SOULS TO KEEP is now at Amazon.com. Soon
to be at Barnes and Noble.
The author of SORRY, CHARLIE, The Valley
Planet’s own Shawn Bailey, wishes to take out
some time to write a novel that has been “lurking”
in his head for a long time. The novel is called
THE VILLAGE. It’s not like any other “Village”
that’s already out there; in fact, The Village, is the
working title. I read a sampling of The Village,
and, as always, I was terrified by Shawn’s science
fiction writing. I mean, it’s good! When I came
to the end of the sample, I kept hitting the “down
arrow,” in my refusal to accept that the non-stop
suspense was over.
Shawn has a “kickstarter” on Indiegogo.com.
Please check out his writing project and give
him a jumpstart in any way you can. Very small
monetary donations, just a $1, are appreciated;
though, right now, what Shawn needs most is for
word of his project to “get around.” Please Facebook, Twitter, or discuss this kickstarter on any
blog site or other social media.
Thank you for kickstarting Mule on a Ferris
Wheel and for supporting your area writers.
TIME’S FOOL will be available after January
31st at Amazon.com, or you may order the book
directly from the author at 33 Jackson St. SE, Decatur, AL 35601.
Mule on a Ferris Wheel is not, in any way, a vanity press. The poets who apply to Mule on a Ferris
Wheel never pay fees. Neither do poets have to
wait for advanced copies to be sold.
The press’s goal is to publish two male poets a
year, then two female poets. Mule has slated
THE CATERPILLARS OF ST. BERNARD, by
James (Jimmy) Robinson for June 2014.
Jennifer Horne, Tuscaloosa poet and friend,
commented that “as you gain your ‘publisher’s
legs,’ you may find you can do three - or more
- a year.” Let’s see how this first one goes! So
far, so good.
Best Place for a Margarita?
1st Tie: Cantina Laredo 12%
AND Rosie’s 2nd
Casa Blanca 8%
3rd
Las Trojas 7%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East, Amendment XXI, Applebee’s, Bandito Burrito/Madison, Bandito Southside, Bar
Louie, BB Perrin’s/Decatur, Bison’s, Bonefish, BuenaVista, Burrito/Governor’s, Carson’s Grille, Casa Mexicana,
Casa Santiago, Cazadores, Chapala, Charlotte’s Place, Charrito’s Bar & Grill, Cheddars, Chili’s, Chips & Salsa,
Club 351, Club Rush, Connors Steak & Seafood, Copper Top, Diamond’s Sports Bar, El Camino Real, El Coyote,
El Herradura, El Mariachi, El Monte, El Omeca, El Palacio, End Zone, Furniture Factory, Grille 29, Guadalajara,
Hard Dock, Humphrey’s, I Love Sushi!, Jefferson Street Pub, Kaffeeklatsch, La Alameda, La Hacienda, La Placita,
LeeAnn’s, Lime, Los Mariachis, Mezza Luna, Nick’s Ristorante, O’ Charley’s, Olive Garden, On the beach!!!,
Outback, Partners, Phil Sandoval’s, Red Lobster, Ruby Tuesdays, Ruggby’s, Sports Page, Surin of Thailand, TGI
Fridays, The Brick, The Firehouse Pub, The Huntsville Brewery, The Lone Goose Saloon, The Nook, The Scene,
Tortora’s Grille, Voodoo Lounge, West End Grill
THE VALLEY PLANET
#020614022614
Another writer who needs to be in the spotlight
now is Lynn Roberts of Union Grove, Alabama.
After 10 years, and at 72, Lynn accomplished
what most people only dream of. She finished
writing her first novel! SOULS TO KEEP was
released in October 2013. Despite the title, it is
not a religious book; despite the cover, designed
primarily in pink, with a dash of purple, it is not a
Harlequin Romance. To the contrary.
This novel spins around a broken young woman’s
journey to find herself. It is by turns, gritty, raw,
hopeful, tragic, funny, suspenseful, mysterious,
despairing, shocking, seeking, unconventionally
romantic, heartbreaking, and - though ultimately
left to the reader to decide - punctuated with mo-
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
19
events cont. from pg. 17
champagne fountain and appetizers and music by DJ
Fresh of Hot 103.5 Fm.www.eventbrite.com.
There will be a Chamber Music performance by
Noriko Mitchell (viola), David Mitchell (clarinet) and
Derek Zhi Guang Chiu (piano) at 6pm at Roberts Hall
at UAH. Free.
Best Place for a Shot?
1st Sports Page February 8 – 9
The Huntsville Art League’s Classroom Studio #103
at Lowe Mill will have Painting the Portrait with
Mia Bergeron, from 10am – 5pm. The class is $235 for
members and $265 for non-members.
www.lowemill.net.
8%
2nd
Amendment XXI 7%
3rd Tie: Diamonds AND Voodoo Lounge 6%
Others Receiving Votes: 11th Frame Bar & Grill , 19th Hole, 3rd Base Grill, 6 Pockets, American Legion Post 237,
Bandito Governors, Bandito’s Southside, Bar Louie, Below the Radar, Benchwarmer, Bishop’s Eastside, Bishop’s
Southside, Bogey’s, Bumper’s, Cafe 113, Cantina Laredo, Carson’s Grille, CD’s Bar and Grille, Charlotte’s Place,
Chicken Shack, Chips and Salsa, Club 351, Club Rush, Coppertop, Cotton Row, D&L Bistro, Dawg House Pub,
Dream Girls, El Omeca, El Palacio, End Zone, FuBar, Furniture Factory, Hard Dock, Hopper’s, Humphrey’s Bar
and Grill, Huntsville Brewery, I Love Sushi, Jefferson St. Pub, Jefferson’s, Kaffeeklatsch, Knuckleheads, Larry’s
Pistol, Lee Ann’s, Lisa’s Lounge, Lone Goose Saloon, Lowe Mill, Moody Mondays, Nick’s Ristorante, On the
Beach!!!, Partner’s Bar and Grill, Ruggby’s, Sammy T’s, Shooter’s, Silver Dollar, Simp McGhee’s, Steve’s Bar
and Grill, Surin of Thailand, TGI Fridays, The Brick, The Creek Bar, The Firehouse Pub, The Nook, The Station,
The Westin, Thirsty Turtle, Tim’s Cajun Kitchen, Tortora’s, West End Grill, Wild Cherry Cabaret
Best Place For a Glass of Wine?
1st Tie: Amendment XXI 8%
AND Stem and Stein Others Receiving Votes: Albany Bistro, Anaheim Chili, Back Alley Bistro, Bandito Madison, Bar Louie, Below
the Radar, Bonefish Grill, Brix, Cafe 113, Carrabba’s, Carson’s Grille, CD’s Pub and Grill, Club 351, Commerce
Kitchen, Connors, Costco, Cotton Row, D&L Bistro, Diamonds Sports Bar, Earth Fare, Exxon/Hospital District,
Francesco’s Decatur, Fresh Market, Fuel City 5 Points, Great Spirits, Grille 29, Hildegard’s, Huntsville Brewery, I
Love Sushi, Jefferson Street Pub, JW steakhouse, Kroger, Lee Ann’s, Liquor Express, Lisa’s Lounge, Lone Goose
Saloon, Mary’s Grocery, Mezza Luna, Nick’s Ristorante, Olive Garden, On the beach!!, P F Chang’s, Papa Jacks 5
Points, Partners Bar and Grille, Port of Madison, Ruth’s Chris, Simp McGee’s, Sports Page, Star Market, Steve’s
Bar and Grill, Taziki’s, Texaco/5 points, The Bottle, The Grapevine, The Summit at Redstone, Tortora’s Grille,
Vino’s/Arab, Vintage Wine & Cigars, Wagonwheel, Windmill Beverages, Wine Cellar, Wine Market, Wine Rack,
Work
Best Place for a Martini?
1st Amendment XXI 12%
10%
9%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern, 19th Hole, Albany Bistro, Applebee’s, At Home, Back
Alley Bistro, Bandito Madison, Bandito Southside, Bar Louie, Below the Radar, Bishops, Brix, Cafe 113, Cantina
Laredo, Carrabba’s, Carson’s Grille, CD’s Pub and Grill, Club 351, Commerce Kitchen, Connor’s Steak and
Seafood, Cotton Row, D&L Bistro, Diamonds Sports Bar, Drakes, Focus Martini Bar and Grill, Fulin’s Madison,
Furniture Factory, Grille 29, Hopper’s Bar & Grill, Humphreys, Huntsville Brewery, I Love Sushi, Jefferson
Street Pub, Kaffeeklatsch, LeeAnn’s, Lisa’s Lounge, Lone Goose Saloon, Mezza Luna, Monaco Pictures, Nick’s
Ristorante, On the beach!!!!, Outback Steakhouse, Pane e Vino, Partners, Phuket, Port of Madison, Ruby Tuesday,
Ruggby’s, Rush, Ruth’s Chris, Simp McGhee’s, Sports Page, Steve’s Bar and Grill, Surie, The Bottle, The Brick,
The Melting Pot, The Sage Grill, The Scene, The Station, The Summit at Redstone, The Tavern, The Thirsty Turtle,
Tortora’s Grille, Voodoo Lounge, West End Grill
Best Sports Bar?
1st Tie: Drake’s AND Sports Page
8.5%
2nd Buffalo Wild Wings 8%
3rd
Baumhower’s 7.5%
Others Receiving Votes: 19th Hole, 3rd Base Grill, 6 Pockets, Anaheim Chili, Back Waters, Bandito Burrito/
Governor’s, Bar Louie, BB Perrins, Below the Radar, Benchwarmer, Big Ed’s, Billy’s Sports Bar, Bishops,
Brickhouse Sports Café, Brooklyn’s Sports, Carson’s Grille, CDs Bar and Grill, Charlie’s Wing Shack, Chips and
Salsa, Copper Top, Diamonds, End Zone, Furniture Factory, Halftime Bar and Grill, Hooters, Hopper’s Bar & Grill,
Humphrey’s, Huntsville Brewery, I Love Sushi, Jefferson Street Pub, Jefferson’s, Knight Moves, Knucklehead’s,
LeeAnn’s, Lisa’s Lounge, Logan’s, Lone Goose Saloon, Mac’s Sportsbar and Steakhouse, Mellow Mushroom,
Mezza Luna, Moe’s Original BBQ, Partners, Ruggby’s, Sammy T’s, Steve’s Bar and Grill, Straight To Ale, The
Hard Dock, The Nook, The Station, Thirsty Turtle, Tortora’s Grille, Vittone’s, Voodoo Lounge, West End Grill
20
Sunday, February 9
The Downtown Huntsville Retro Winter Games will
be at Big Spring Park from 1 – 4pm. There will be
Dodge ball, Capture the Flag, and Four Square. Free. It
is for ages 15 and up. The opening ceremony will be at
Amendment XXI on February 7th at 6:30pm.
Whitedread Productions presents Bob Marley Earthday
Celebration at Celebrities Sports Bar & Grill, 1407
Jordan Lane in Huntsville. There will be live music by
Ackee Walk Rude Bwoys Band, featuring Queen Naima,
Chief Fiyahmanxx, and Thomo Whitedread. Live reggae
DJs, hand drummers, Jamaican food, and more island
fun. Admission is $10 256- 722-9191.
2nd 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern 5.5%
3rd
Pane e Vino 5%
2nd Surin of Thailand 3rd Bonefish IMP’s Upcoming Production, I Do! I Do! will be at
7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm at Lee High’s Black
Box Theater, 2500 Meridian Street. Tickets are $25 for
adults and $23 for students/seniors/military. www.
imphuntsville.org, 256-415-SHOW.
The Dog Body Language Seminar will be at 4pm at
Goin’ to the Dogs Supply, 814 Wellman Avenue. Free.
Register in advance, [email protected], 256424-3934.
“A Duet of the Heart” will be at Unity of Huntsville
on Governor’s Drive from 1pm to 3pm featuring
Karen Taylor Good and Stowe Dailey Shockey. Two of
Nashville’s award winning songwriter/authors give you
an intimate afternoon of story and song.
Our Space Community Center will have a Social, as
a safe place for people to meet and talk with friends,
meet new friends, socialize, play cards or board games,
etc. We will have a movie selected and playing upstairs
in the Community Room from 1 – 5pm every Sunday.
256-886-1150
Monday, February 10
The Community Gay-Straight Alliance for Youth
(Support Group / Safe Space) will meet every Monday
at Our Space Community Center, located at 2004
Poole Dr. Unit C. 256-886-1150
Your Yoga with Casey, Beginner’s class will be in
studio # 258 at Lowe Mill. The cost is $14 session or
$45 for 4 class pack (valid one month from purchase). It
will be every Monday. [email protected].
www.lowemill.net.
Student Center. Classes are $5 per person with every
5th class free. 256- 749-5485.
Gee’s Place will have Zumba Class from 6 -7pm and
Line Dance class every Tuesday from 7– 9pm. The cost is
$5. The Zumba Class is also offered on Thursday nights
from 6 – 7pm. The cost for Zumba is $6.
Every Wednesday there will be a Bike Ride at 5:30pm
starting at Bicycles Etc. It is usually 27 miles with
significant climbing and a fast pace.
www.bicyclesetc.us.
Comedy Open Mic Night will be at Copper Top, 200
Oakwood Avenue, and every Wednesday night.
The Singles & Doubles Square Dance Club will meet
each Wednesday night at Berachah Gym located at
3011 Sparkman Drive from 6 – 8:45pm. 256-881-5720.
Calhoun in Motion, “Celebrating Music and Poetry,”
will be at 11:45am at the Chasteen Student Center at
Calhoun Community College, 6250 Hwy 31. 256-3062634, 256-306-2560, www.calhoun.edu.
The Athens Garden Club will meet at the Tanner
Baptist Church, social: 9:00am and meeting will
commence promptly at 9:30am.
256-374-5520, [email protected].
There will be a presentation on SBA Loans at the UAH
Charger Union from 10 – 12pm. This presentation will
be given by LD Ralph, Lead Lender Relations Specialist,
SBA. http://www.uah.edu/sbdc.
Salserblanko will be having Salsa Night at Fubar Night
Club from 7:30 - 10:30pm. Admission is $3.
www.alabamasalsa.com.
Dixie Scrabblers will be meeting every Wednesday
from 6 - 8pm to play social Scrabble. Please check
Facebook page for location.
Our Space Community Center will have Friends of Bill
W. weekly at 6pm. This is an open Group. Please contact
our office at 256-886-1150 for more information.
The Tennessee Valley Civil War Round Table will
have Jim Ogden, Civil War historian and speaker,
“Telegraphing Burnside: Bragg, Longstreet, and the
Moves against Knoxville”, at 6:30pm at the Elks Lodge,
725 Franklin Street. Free.
The Hideaways Lounge, 2616 North Memorial
Parkway, will have Open Mic Comedy Night.
256-270-7123.
There will be a Tween Afternoon: Anti-Valentine’s
Day, 4pm at the Bailey Cove Library. Celebrate
everything Valentine’s Day is not with games, crafts,
and snacks. Free. www.hmcpl.org.
The Teen Fandom Fest will be at 5pm in the Madison
Library, 130 Plaza Blvd. Free. www.hmcpl.org,
256-461-0046.
The Movers and Shakers, celebration of African
Americans’ cultural contributions; “History Makers:
Courage and Faith,” including civil rights activist the
Rev. Al Sharpton, poet Nikki Giovanni, and best-selling
author Terry McMillan; will be at 2pm at the Bessie K.
Russell Library. Free. 256-859-9050.
February 13 – 16
The First 40 Years: A Tribute to Dot Moore written
and directed by Jan Price will be at the Whole Backstage
Theatre. Performance times are at 7pm and Sunday at
2pm. $18 for adults and $16 for students/seniors. www.
wholebackstage.com, 256-582-7469.
The Dance Club will have dancing every Tuesday night
at Roller Time Skating Rink, 707 Arcadia Circle. The
dance starts with a free tango lesson at 7:30, followed
by regular dancing to recorded music from 8:15 until
10:15. Admission is $9 for adults and $5 for students.
256-880-7636, dancehsv.home.mindspring.com.
The Renaissance Theatre presents, Love Letters at the
Alpha Stage, 1212 Meridian Street. All seats are $15.
There will be a show and dinner theatre for $80 a couple,
on February 14th. www.rennaissancetheatre.net.
There will be a Meditation & Mindfulness (Free 8
Week Beginner’s Class) at Our Space Community
Center from 6 – 7pm. The Introductory class is for stress
reduction & relaxation. Please bring a cushion or mat
but you may also sit in one of our chairs. 256-886-1150.
Friday, February 14
There will be a Valentine’s Day Parents’ Night Out
from 6 – 9pm at Madison Martial Arts Academy,
located at 11156 County Line Road. It is $35 for the first
child and $25 for each additional child. 256-258-8554,
[email protected].
The Pretty Things Peepshow: Vaudeville Show and Vintage Pin Up Hair
and Make Up Class will be at the Flying Monkey on February 16th.
Check it out at www.prettythingspeepshow.com.
Gov’t Mule will be at the VBC Concert Hall at 8pm.
(See ad pg.16)
The Anti – Valentine Party will be at Straight to Ale
from 7 – 10pm. Featuring I Killed Cupid Brew. $10.
All proceeds benefit the Downtown Huntsville Small
Business Initiative.
Location: Flying Monkey Arts Center
2211 Seminole Dr SW #501, Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 489-7000
West Coast Swing will be at Club Rush downtown
at 7pm with a lesson followed by open dancing until
10pm.
The Sweetheart Soiree: A Valentine’s Affair will be at
Our Space Community Center, 2004 Poole Drive, Unit
C from 7 – 11:45pm. Admission is $10. 256-886-1150.
Dates: Sunday February 16, 2014
Time: Pin Up Class 5pm Show 8pm
Valentine’s Day Pop Series – The Music of ABBA, will
be at 7:30pm at the VBC Concert Hall. www.hso.org.
Tickets: $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
Advanced Ticket Link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/
event/568258
Pin Up Class website: www.prettythingsacademy.com Class fee: $40
The National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) is
presenting a free training entitled Preventing Child
Sexual Abuse in Youth-Serving Organizations from
8:30am to noon at the NCAC Auditorium at 210 Pratt
Avenue and is intended for any group that provides
services to children or youth.
www.nationalcac.org/yso.
Pretty Things Peepshow website: www.prettythingspeepshow.com Promotional Tour Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnOx1N2a9_Q”
Zumba Fitness with Hannah will be every Tuesday from
5 – 6pm in the Athens State University Sandridge
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
The Valentine’s Day Ball will be in the Grand Ball
Room at EarlyWorks Children’s Museum from 7
– 10pm. $50. All proceeds benefit the Huntsville Youth
Orchestra. 256- 880-0622.
events cont. on pg 21
THE VALLEY PLANET
events cont. from pg. 20
February 14 – 16
Fantasy Playhouse presents the play, The Great Cross
Country Race at the VBC Playhouse. $15. www.
letthemagicbegin.org.
Guys and Gals Shooting Clinic--Learn How to Shoot
a Pistol will be at Cavern Cove Rimfire, 373 Ambush
Trail, in Woodville, AL. from 9am – 3:30pm. The cost
is $175 plus ammunition. www.tutelargroup.com/
civilian-training-courses.
Cat Palooza will be at Goin’ to the Dogs in 5pts, and
the SNAP Thrift Shop on Bob Wallace from 11am – 3pm.
There will be cats of all colors and ages for adoption.
www.petsupplyhsv.com.
There will be a Transgender Support Group. Call 256886-1150 for time and location.
There will be a Black History Jazz Art Lesson at 11am
at the Bessie K. Russell Library. Free. Registration is
required. 256-859-9050.
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
Kaleidoscope and calling by Chrissy Davis Camp. It is
from 7:30 - 10:30pm. Lessons begin at 7pm. Admission
is $7 and $4 for students. Children under 12 are free.
256-837-0656, http://secontra.com/NACDS.html.
Burritt Museum Free Day will be from 10am – 5pm.
www.burrittonthemountain.com.
The Alabama A&M Basketball Doubleheader vs.
Alabama State Women’s and Men’s Game will be in
the Elmore Gymnasium.
The HBCU College Recruiting Fair will be at Union
Chapel MBC Family Life Center, 315 Winchester Road
from 10am – 1pm. Free. 256-509-4554
The Huntsville Master Chorale will have a Valentine’s
Concert with some of the greatest love songs ever
filmed, along with great adventure anthems and much
more. The concerts will be at 3pm and 7pm at the
Cooper House, 405 Randolph Avenue. Advance tickets
are $20. 256-519-2787, HsvMasterChorale.org.
The Ebony Club will have the Perfect Valentine Gift
with live performances from Starr Adkins, Vanessa Hill,
and Chickenbone Reunion Blues Band. Admission is
$15. 256-279- 5279.
Sunday, February 16
Huntsville Havoc vs. Knoxville Hockey Game will be
at 5pm at the VBC Arena.
There will be a Movers and Shakers, celebration of
African Americans’ cultural contributions, boxing
legend Muhammad Ali at 2pm at the Bessie K. Russell
Library. Free. 256-859-9050.
February 19 – 21
Warriors to the Work Force Hiring Event for
Veterans will be at the VBC East Hall #3.
www.warriorstotheworkforce.net.
Huntsville Havoc vs. Fayetteville Hockey Game will
be at 7:30pm at the VBC Arena.
Not Your Mama’s Craft Circle’ will meet from 1 – 5pm
at Our Space Community Center at 2004 Poole Drive,
Suite C. 256-886-1150.
Bring Your Lunch Social will be from 11:30am – 1pm
at Our Space Community Center. Bring your lunch
and meet and greet. 256-886-1150.
Studio Night at Bailey Cove: “The Reading Tree,” will
be at 6pm at the Bailey Cove Library. Free. Registration
is required. 256-881-0257.
February 21 -22
The UAH Chargers vs. Lake Superior State Hockey
Game will at 7:00pm at the VBC Arena.
February 21 – 23
Flashdance the Musical will be at the VBC Concert
Hall. Performance times are Friday at 8pm, Saturday at
2pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm and 7:30pm.
Fantasy Playhouse presents the play, The Great Cross
Country Race at the VBC Playhouse. $15. www.
letthemagicbegin.org.
Friday, February 21
There will be a Children’s LEGO Workshop at 3:30pm
at the main Huntsville-Madison County Public
Library, limit of 24 participants. Free. 256-532-5949.
The Princess Theatre will have Jon Batiste & Stay
THE VALLEY PLANET
Human Jazz Band performing at 7:30pm. $33 - $25.
www.princesstheatre.org.
The Huntsville Havoc vs. Mississippi Riverkings will
be at 2pm at the VBC Arena.
Hospice of Limestone County will have the Chili
Challenge and Silent Auction from 10am – 2pm at
Athens High School. $10. http://athensplus.com.
The Flint River Brass Quintet presents the concert
Passports to the World at the Church of the Nativity
at 5pm. Attendees are also invited to attend the Grand
opening reception for ICONS in Transformation taking
place at 6 pm in Ridley Hall. 256-533-2455.
February 22 – 23
The Storytelling Festival: Tell Me A Story will be at
Trinity United Methodist Sanctuary. Free. 256-8833200 ex 253
Sunday, February 23
The Festival of Spirituals will be at the Oakwood
University Church, 5500 Adventist Blvd. at 3pm. 256726-7278
The Hertha Heller Forum: “Restless Alabama,” will
be at the main Huntsville-Madison County Public
Library at 3pm. Lowell Zoller discusses geological
history and the formation of Alabama. Free. www.
hmcpl.org.
The Church of the Nativity will have the exhibit “Icons
of Transformation,” by Ludmila Pawlowska. This exhibit
is free and on display now through April 20, 2014. 256755-3980 or by email to [email protected]
Monday, February 24
The North Alabama Songwriters workshop, will
meet on the 4th Monday night of each month at the
Malibu Apartment Clubhouse, 8003 Benaroya Lane in
Huntsville. www.northalabamasongwriters.com, email
[email protected], 256-682-2564.
The Movers and Shakers, celebration of African
Americans’ cultural contributions, exploration of hiphop and rap music will be at 2pm in the Bessie K.
Russell Library. Free. 256-859-9050.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Party will be at Our Space
Community Center from 8 – 9:30pm. This group is
open to all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and
questioning and their supportive friends – all ages
welcome. We will be watching the premiere of RuPaul’s
Drag Race. 256-886-1150.
There will be a Digital Printing with Photoshop
Elements workshop from 6 – 8pm at the Huntsville
Art League Studio 103 at the Lowe Mill. The cost is $40
members/$45 non-members, www.lowemill.net.
The Gala Luncheon will be at the Huntsville Museum
of Art and it will feature internationally renowned
interior designer Mario Buatta. www.hsvmuseum.org.
How to Do Things: Painting in Watercolor with local
artist Cynthia Massey Parsons will be at 6:30pm at the
main Huntsville-Madison County Public Library. $3
fee, registration required. 256-532-2362.
Tyler Perry’s “Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman
Scorned” at the VBC Concert Hall at 7:30pm.
There will be a presentation on Government Cost
Accounting at the UAH University Center Exhibit
Hall from 10 am – 12pm. www.uah.edu/sbdc.
The Gala Black Tie Dinner and Live Auction will be at
the Huntsville Museum of Art. Chances to win a 2014
BMW X5 will be available $100 per ticket or two for
$150 and can be acquired by contacting the museum
at 256-535-4350. Proceeds benefiting the Huntsville
Museum of Art. www.hsvmuseum.org.
There will be a presentation on How to Start a Business
at the UAH Charger Union from 10am – 12pm. www.
uah.edu/sbdc.
The Hideaways Lounge, 2616 North Memorial
Parkway, will have Open Mic Comedy Night. 256-2707123.
The All Nation Christian Center Community Career
Fair will be at Jackson Center, 6001 Moquin Drive
from 11am – 5pm. www.ancccf2013.eventbrite.com,
[email protected].
The Teen Tinkers, steam punk-style crafting hour
will be at 5pm at the Madison Library. It will include
clockwork crafts and various Victorian ventures. Free,
THE END!
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
21
FREE WILL
ASTROLOGY
February 5 - February 25
© Copyright 2014 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): “You know it’s
Saturday when you are wiping off vodka stains
from your face with a marshmallow,” testifies the
woman who writes the Tumblr blog “French Fries
Absinthe Milkshakes.” I really hope you don’t
even come close to having an experience like
that anytime soon, Aries. But I’m worried that
you will. I sense that you’re becoming allergic to
caution. You may be subconsciously wishing to
shed all decorum and renounce self-control. To be
clear, there’s nothing inherently wrong with relaxing your guard. I hope you will indeed give up
some of your high-stress vigilance and surrender
a bit to life’s sweet chaos. Just please try to find a
playful and safe and not-too-insane way to do so.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What is the single
best thing you could do to fulfill your number one
desire? Is there a skill you should attain? A subject you should study? A special kind of experience you should seek or a shift in perspective you
should initiate? This is a big opportunity, Taurus.
You have an excellent chance to identify the specific action you could take that will lead you to
the next stage of your evolution. And if you do
manage to figure out exactly what needs to be
done, start doing it!
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): When songwriters
make a “slant rhyme,” the words they use don’t
really rhyme, but they sound close enough alike
to mimic a rhyme. An example occurs in “The
Bad Touch,” a tune by the Bloodhound Gang:
“You and me baby ain’t nothing but mammals /
So let’s do it like they do on the Discovery Channel.” Technically, “mammals” doesn’t rhyme with
“channel.” I suspect that in the coming weeks you
will have experiences with metaphorical resemblances to slant rhymes. But as long as you don’t
fuss and fret about the inexactness you encounter,
as long as you don’t demand that everything be
precise and cleaned-up, you will be entertained
and ecuated. Vow to see the so-called imperfections as soulful.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Almost,” writes
novelist Joan Bauer. “It’s a big word for me. I
feel it everywhere. Almost home. Almost happy.
Almost changed. Almost, but not quite. Not yet.
Soon, maybe.” I’m sure you know about that feeling yourself, Cancerian. Sometimes it has seemed
like your entire life is composed of thousands
of small almosts that add up to one gigantic almost. But I have good news: There is an excellent chance that in the next 14 to 16 weeks you
will graduate from the endless and omnipresent
almost; you will rise up and snatch a bold measure of completeness from out of the ever-shifting
flow. And it all kicks into high gear now.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): One of the chapter titles
in my most recent book is this: “Ever since I
learned to see three sides to every story, I’m finding much better stories.” I’m recommending that
you find a way to use this perspective as your own
in the coming weeks, Leo. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, it’s crucial that you
not get stuck in an oppositional mode. It would be
both wrong and debilitating to believe that you
must choose between one of two conflicting options. With that in mind, I will introduce you to
a word you may not know: “trilemma.” It transcends a mere dilemma because it contains a third
alternative.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In 1984, Don Henley’s song “The Boys of Summer” reached the top
of the Billboard charts. “Out on the road today /
I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac,” Henley
sings wistfully near the end of the tune. He’s dismayed by the sight of the Grateful Dead’s logo,
an ultimate hippie symbol, displayed on a luxury
car driven by snooty rich kids. Almost 20 years
later, the band The Ataris covered “The Boys of
Summer,” but changed the lyric to “Out on the
road today / I saw a Black Flag sticker on a Cadillac.” It conveyed the same mournful contempt,
but this time invoking the iconic punk band Black
22
Flag. I offer this tale to you, Virgo, as an encouragement to update the way you think about your
life’s mythic quest . . . to modernize your old storylines . . . to refresh and refurbish the references
you invoke to tell people about who you are.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Food aficionado Michael Pollan says that Americans “worry more
about food and derive less pleasure from eating”
than people in other countries. If you ask them
what their association is with “chocolate cake,”
they typically say “guilt.” By contrast, the French
are likely to respond to the same question with
“celebration.” From an astrological perspective, I
think it’s appropriate for you to be more like the
French than the Americans in the coming weeks not just in your attitude toward delicious desserts,
but in regards to every opportunity for pleasure.
This is one of those times when you have a license to guiltlessly explore the heights and depths
of bliss.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In the Inuktitut
language spoken among the Eastern Canadian
Inuit, the word for “simplicity” is katujjiqatigiittiarnirlu. This amusing fact reminds me of a certain situation in your life. Your quest to get back
to basics and reconnect with your core sources is
turning out to be rather complicated. If you hope
to invoke all of the pure, humble clarity you need,
you will have to call on some sophisticated and
ingenious magic.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “What is the
purpose of the giant sequoia tree?” asked environmentalist Edward Abbey. His answer: “The
purpose of the giant sequoia tree is to provide
shade for the tiny titmouse.” I suggest you meditate on all the ways you can apply that wisdom
as a metaphor to your own issues. For example:
What monumental part of your own life might be
of service to a small, fragile part? What major accomplishment of yours can provide strength and
protection to a ripening potential that’s underappreciated by others?
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “To burn with
desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves,” wrote the
poet Federico García Lorca. I urge you to make
sure you are not inflicting that abuse on yourself
in the coming weeks, Capricorn. It’s always dangerous to be out of touch with or secretive about
your holy passions, but it’s especially risky these
days. I’m not necessarily saying you should rent
a megaphone and shout news of your yearnings
in the crowded streets. In fact, it’s better if you
are discriminating about whom you tell. The most
important thing is to not be hiding anything from
yourself about what moves you the most.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Back in 2002,
three young men launched Youtube, in part motivated by a banal desire. They were frustrated
because they couldn’t find online videos of the
notorious incident that occurred during the Superbowl halftime show, when Janet Jackson’s
wardrobe malfunction exposed her breast. In
response, they created the now-famous website
that allows people to share videos. I foresee the
possibility of a comparable sequence for you,
Aquarius. A seemingly superficial wish or trivial
interest could inspire you to come up with a fine
new addition to your world. Pay attention to your
whimsical notions.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “I believe more in
the scissors than I do in the pencil.” That’s what
20th-century author Truman Capote said about
his own writing process. Back in that primitive
pre-computer era, he scrawled his words on paper
with a pencil and later edited out the extraneous
stuff by applying scissors to the manuscript. Judging from your current astrological omens, Pisces,
I surmise you’re in a phase that needs the power
of the scissors more than the power of the pencil.
What you cut away will markedly enhance the
long-term beauty and value of the creation you’re
working on.
Best Place to Dance?
1st Fubar 13%
2nd Sammy T’s 3rd Flying Monkey 11%
7%
Others Receiving Votes: Amendment XXI, Bandito Governors, Bandito Southside, Billy’s Sports Bar, Bishop’s
Eastside, Carson’s Grille, Casa Montego, CD’s Pub and Grill, Club Rush, Coppertop, Diamonds Sports Bar, Eagles
Lodge, Elk’s Lodge, Factory, Focus, Foxxtails, Furniture, Green Room, Hard Dock, Hoppers, Humphreys,
Kaffeeklatsch, Knight Moves, LeeAnn’s, Lisa’s Lounge, Lone Goose, Partners Bar and Grille, Rocket City Dance
Club, Schnitzel Ranch, Sports Page, The Brick, The Firehouse Pub, The Pony, The Station, Vertical House Records,
Visions, Voodoo Lounge, Wild Cherry Cabaret
Best First Date Bar?
1st Amendment XXI 2nd Tie: Bonefish AND Drake’s 3rd Straight to Ale 8%
4%
3.5%
Others Receiving Votes: 1892 East, 19th Hole, 6 Pockets Bar and Billiards, Bandito Burrito/Governor’s, Bandito
Burrito/Madison, Bandito Southside, Bar Louie, Below the Radar, Benchwarmer, Billy’s Sports Bar, Bison’s,
Buffalo Wild Wings, Bumpers, Café 113, Cafe Berlin, Cantina Laredo, Carrabba’s, Carson’s Grille, CD’s Pub and
Grill, Chicken Shack, Chips and Salsa, Club Rush, Connor’s, Coppertop, Cotton Row, D & L Bistro, Diamonds
Sports Bar, El Palacio, End Zone, Flying Monkey, Francesco’s Decatur, Furniture Factory, Grille 29, Hard Docks,
Hopper’s Bar & Grill, Humphrey’s, Huntsville Brewery, I Love Sushi, Ichiban, Jefferson Street Pub, Kaffeeklatsch,
Las Trojas, LeeAnn’s, Lisa’s Lounge, Lone Goose Saloon, Long Branch Lounge, Melting Pot, Mezza Luna, Moe’s
BBQ, Nick’s Ristorante, Old Towne Coffee, Outback, Partners, PF Chang’s, Phil Sandoval’s, Phuket, Prive at
Monaco, Ruggby’s, Ruth’s Chris, Sam & Greg’s, Sammy Ts, Simp McGhee’s, Sports Page, Stem and Stein,
Subway, Surin of Thailand, The Bottle, The Brick, The Nook, The Scene Lounge, The Station, Thirsty Turtle,
Tortora’s Grille, Vertical House Records, Visions, Voodoo Lounge, West End Grill
Best Place to Hear Live Music?
1st
Lowe Mill 12%
2nd
Furniture Factory 9%
3rd Tie: Bandito Southside AND Sports Page 7%
Others Receiving Votes: 11th Frame Bar And Grill , 3rd Base Grill, Amendment XXI, Bandito Madison,
Baumhower’s, Beauregard’s, Below The Radar, Benchwarmer, Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House, Billy’s Sports Bar
Hazel Green, Bishops, Blue Pants Taproom, Brick/Decatur, Brickhouse, BuenaVista, Burritt on the Mountain,
Carson’s, Coppertop, Crossroads, Crossroads/Arab, Diamonds Sports Bar, Eagles Club, Flying Monkey, Hard
Dock Cafe, Hopper’s, Humphrey’s, Huntsville Brewery, Jefferson Street Pub, Kaffeeklatsch, Knight Moves, La
Placita, LeeAnn’s, Lone Goose, Mac’s in Athens, Mellow Mushroom, Nick’s Ristorante, Partner’s, Rock House
Eatery, Sammy T’s, Simp McGhee’s, Songwriter’s Showcase, Stem & Stein, Straight To Ale Brewery, The Brick,
The End Zone, The Firehouse Pub, The Nook, The Station, Tortora’s Grille, VBC Concert Hall, Vertical House
Records, Voodoo Lounge
Best Place for Karaoke?
1st The Station 23%
2nd Voodoo Lounge 9%
3rd
Partners 7%
Others Receiving Votes: 3rd Base Grill, American Legion #237, Bandito Southside, Benchwarmer Too, Billy’s
Sports Bar/Hazel Green, Bishop’s, Brooklyn’s Sports Bar, Carson’s Grill, Charlottes Place, Coppertop, El Omeca,
Elk’s Lodge, End Zone, Flying Monkey, Fubar, Furniture Factory, Hickory Hut, Hog Wild, Hoppers, Humphrey’s,
Kaffeeklatsch Bar, Knight Moves, Lisa’s Lounge, Mac’s Bar & Grill, Madison Bowling Alley, Moody Mondays,
Pinchi’s/ Decatur, Plamor Lanes, Ruggby’s, Rush Upstairs, The Backwaters, The Eagles, The Moose Lodge, The
Sports Page, TK’s, West End Grille
Best Karaoke DJ?
1st DJ Brandon Mac
18%
2nd
Jim McGriff 14%
3rd DJ Rodney Wes 9%
Others Receiving Votes: Aubrey Walker, Bill Locke, Blair Scott, Brian Carpenter, DJ E-Lyte, DJ Hi-Tek, DJ
Inubito, DJ Jammin Jeff, DJ Jimbo, Dj Keibot, DJ Mickey, DJ Rodney Wesley, Don Mount , DW Daryl Weidman,
Hawkings Horse, Howie, J D Pollard, “James “”Doc”” Wright”, Jay Arauz Campos AKA DJ Panama, Justin
Goldsmith, Khaos Entertainment, KJ Aubrey, Lee Kearns, Lena, Little Ed, Lou Walker , Marty Williams, Megan
Marr, Mike Bennett, Rob Minor, Rob Nelson, Roger Fields, Shannon Hubbard, Spoony, Steve Martin, Super Dave
Rush Upstairs, Sweet T - Terri Michael Rector, That guy that looks like santa, Trey Baker
Homework: I’ve gathered together all of your
long-range, big-picture horoscopes in one
place. Go here to read your forecasts for 2014:
http://bit.ly/BigLife2014
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
THE VALLEY PLANET
Deqn Sue: Breaking Through
by Betty Boyd
D
eqn Sue loves history. Her music reflects
the cultural perspectives of today, and is
provocative in the lyrics she uses to convey her message.
W
elcome to the Jazz Lounge. For this session, the focus is on one of several new releases that
have caught my attention. The group 5th and York is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their
debut album “Nascentum” came out in 2011. The new album, “All In,” which draws from
jazz, funk, old school, R & B, hip-hop, and rock & roll, is definitely worth checking out. From the
artwork and design of the cover and actual CD to the music, it is well put together.
“All In” takes the listener on a trip through a casino-like atmosphere. You are immediately drawn in
from the start. Very interesting. There are 13 tracks: “The Casino”, “All In”, “Your Move”, “Maputo”,
“Ace High”, “Key Of G (EA)”, “Roll”, “1st Date”, “Phases”, “Blue Monday (Skit)”, “Broken Record”,
“Cigars And Cognac”, and “Crazy”. “Maputo,” the first single from the album, is the classic written
by Marcus Miller, which was originally recorded by Bob James and David Sanborn on their Grammywinning album “Double Vision.”
What a wonderful conversation with Derwin Friday, sax player for 5th and York! :
“First, thank you, Jackie, for the opportunity to speak with the Jazz Lounge audience. It’s an honor! I
guess the most appropriate thing to do to get started is to introduce the crew and tell you a little about
us as a band.
First, is Dewarren Tate on bass. He and I have been best friends and road dogs for about 10 years now.
We started doing road gigs together around 2003 in a Dave Matthew Tribute band called “Two Step.”
From there, we went on to play in several other bands together until finally going out on our own and
forming 5th and York.
Then, there is Derric Friday or “Big D. Friday,” as he likes to refer to himself, on lead guitar. He is my
first cousin and has been one of my biggest musical influences since I was too short to reach the foot
pedal on my first drum set. Our entire family is very musical, but Derric was a rock star to me well
before he was 20…in a way I guess he still is…
On vocals, we have Tra Mason. I met Tra back in college on the campus of East Carolina University,
and she was my first vocalist in my first smooth jazz band, in 1999. We lost contact for awhile after
graduation, but like manifest destiny when it was time to start 5th and York, out of nowhere she appeared in Charlotte. Some would call that fate. I call it divine intervention.
Next is Jay Gillard on drums, who has brought such a dynamic piece to the band since starting with us
in 2010! I’m pretty sure we never would have been able to reach the level of musical expression we
have been able to, without his ability to hold all of our ideas together like rhythmic glue.
Deqn Sue says, “I aspire to inspire others, I want
to do my part and I write about subjects that I feel
strongly about.” There are juxtapositions on the
subjects in her music that are done in a fun way.
Her debut album “Zeitgeist” had its soft release in
September 2013.The title reflects her music at this
time in her life. Zeitgeist, according to the Merriam
dictionary is defined as, the general intellectual,
moral, and cultural climate of an era.
Deqn Sue’s music is a reflection of our culture today. One of the songs that reflects this is “Magenta” (which made its release as a single at the end of
January 2014). This song according to Deqn Sue,
pokes fun at herself. “I find it hard to fully commit
to one emotion so I create this melting pot of colors
associated emotions and I get magenta, so I wrote a
song called “Magenta.”
She is trying to break through the barriers that
women in music are encountering. Deqn Sue
states, “As an artist the whole body of work that
this album represents, is an amalgamation
of who I am at this point in my life.” “I
want to break through the ‘commercial’
barriers of music as it is today and being a
woman in the music industry makes it a bit
harder but not impossible”.
instrumentation was done by her producer Kelvin
Wooten, of WoodaWorx, Inc. in Huntsville.
Deqn Sue asked me to mention my favorite song
on the CD. My favorite song is entitled “Sick”.
This song reflects a certain malaise in today’s society. Everyone is complaining and not coming up
with solutions for these problems.
Deqn Sue will be performing at the Coppertop in
Huntsville on February 18th and at UAB in Birmingham on February 28th where she will be promoting her CD.
She plans to tour Alabama and surrounding cities
and states, as well as in California in the upcoming
months. Deqn Sue is making plans for a European
tour and she is also working on new material for
another project release whose date is yet to be determined.
For information on Deqn Sue, you can look at her
website, DeqnSue.com. Twitter: @Deqnsue, Facebook page: Deqn Sue, @DQS on Instagram.
Deqn Sue is an inspiring artist who is breaking
through and you do not want to miss this rising
star.
Deqn Sue’s name is also unique as her music. She is named from a character her father portrayed in the 1970’s show S.W.A.T.
Her father’s character’s name was Deacon
Kaye, and her middle name is from her late
mother whose name is Sue.
On the Zeitgeist album all the songs and
lyrics were written by Deqn Sue, and the
My music director, writing partner, mad scientist, and all around tech geek is Mr. George Mason, or
“G” as we call him, is on keys, and has been instrumental in bringing all this madness together. The
sound that we make as a unit has a lot to do with his arrangements and talents as a keyboardist. Funny
thing is, before we drafted him in the 5th and York fold in 2007, he had absolutely no knowledge of
smooth jazz or jazz in general. When I met him, he was doing hip-hop loops, and writing R & B songs
for various independent labels.
Photo by Amanda Chapman
I suppose if there were something that I want to convey to the readers in this conversation, it would be
that we have been doing this for awhile, and there is no such thing as overnight success in this business. Our new album ‘All In’, is the culmination of years of good and bad times on the road, premier
opportunities and unpaid gigs in small smoky clubs, and at this point, we do this because we love to do
it. We love this music. It’s the lifeblood that holds this little family of 6 together, and we hope that you
feel the love and passions that we put into this project when you listen to it.”
Derwin summed it up perfectly, and I couldn’t agree with him more. You certainly can feel the love
and passion put into “All In”. This is one album you will want to add to your collection. Find out
more about this extraordinary group at: www.5thandyork.com; www.facebook.com/pages/5th-andYork/153102551380940. They’re also on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/5thandyork. All the best to 5th
and York: Derwin, Dewarren, Derric, George, Jay, and Tra!
That’s it for this session of the Jazz Lounge. Remember, you can reach me at: [email protected].
Until next time, stay cool, & keep it jazzy!
THE VALLEY PLANET
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
23
Best Local Band Overall?
1st Tie: 5 O’Clock Charlie
AND Rear View Ghost
5.5%
2nd Dave Anderson 3rd Drew Richter 2nd Whiskey River Kings 4%
3rd
Kings Haze 3.5%
Others Receiving Votes: 4 On The Floor Band, 45 Surprise, 7’ Clearance, 911 Reporters, Angry Native, Asher,
Barricades at Night, Beatles Tribute Band, Big Daddy Kingfish, Black Eyed Susan, Black Label, Black Market
Haggis, Blackeyed Susan, Blood River, Blue Handel Band, Bootyshaker, Bourbon & Shamrocks, Brad & Clint,
Caddle, Cancerslug, Carridale, Chop Daddy, Code Bluez, Committed, Counter Clockwise, Cousin Boogie,
Crackerjacks, Crush, Daikaiju, Damn Skippy, Dave Anderson, Dawn Osborne Band, Dead Nerves, DiscOasis,
Dixie Voodoo Revival, Dizzy Trip, Drew Richter and Chelsea Cerha, Driven Under, Exalted Ruler 1998, Fatso,
Fender Bender, Fistful of Beard, Flux Capacitor Overdrive, Freddy Earl and the Blues Mercenaries, Fuzzy Gouda,
Gag Order, Go-Go Killers, Groove, Group 6, Gryphon, G-Side, Gus Hergert, Heartland, Hurricane Creek, Illicit
Ties, In The Pines, Jason Albert Band, JED Eye, Jonny & The Black Frames, Josh Allison, Josh Allison & Cody
Allen, Juice, Kosmic Mama, KUSH Reggae Band, Lance Almon Smith Band, Liberty In Embers, Liquid Caravan,
Liquor Store Orphans, Local Orbit, Loveday, Microwave Dave & The Nukes, Mojo Goon, Moon Pi, Mother
of Pearl, Natchez Trace, Nightmare Boyzz, O’Dell Johnson Duo, Old Electric, Oto Benga, Pine Hill Haints,
Pla’Station, Playhouse, Porcharitas, Post War, Radiotron, Raw Sugar, Really Loud Hamburgers, Road Kill, Robby
Eichman, Rolling Jazz Revue, Saints Don’t Grieve, Screaming Mary, Seducing Alice, Seminole Strut, Send More
Cops!, Sexually Transmitted Frequency, Silver Streak, Sister Luck, Smoking Guns, Snake Doctors, So Long
Gemini, Soft Revenge, Soundtrust, Space Donkeys, Spellbinder, Stand Up Chuck, Straight Forward, Systematic
Shame, Taylor, Thad & Co., The Barfly’s from Cullman, The Blank Regeneration, The Brakers, The Devastators,
The Dirty Swagger, The Dozens, The Flannel Umbros, The Gentleman Bastards, The Kenneth Brian Band, The
Pulse, The Vegabonds, The Zooks, Them Damn Dogs, Thomas Function, ThunderKrotch, Tom Cat and Bark The
Dawg, Tony Perdue & the Devastators, Toy ShoP, Traci Traci and the Communion, Trippin’ Dixie, Turner Family
Band, Ugli Stick, Ugly Houses, Undercover, Wayne Mills Band, We Dwell Within, Widow Grove, Wolf Among
Sheep
Best Local Musician Overall?
1st Dave Anderson 11%
Others Receiving Votes: Alan Little, Alex Dietrich, Alex Story, Alex Wright, Andrew Richter, Andrew Sharpe,
Antony Sharpe, Autumn Diver, Bill Conflict, Bill Reed, Billy Smart, Bob Walters, Bobby Shepard, Bobby Taylor,
Brad Miller, Brent Morgan, Brian Zaremba, Brice Johnston, Brotha Ric, Bryan Williams , Carla Russell, Chad
Reeves, Charlie Howell, Chelsea Cerha, Chief Fiyahmanxx, Chopper Wilson, Christopher Cook, Clay O’Dell,
Conway Campbell, Cristina Lynn, Dan Hardin, Daniel Halbrooks, Daniel Lambert, Danny Hall, Dave Gallaher
- Microwave Dave, David McCullough, David Stocks, David Terry, Dawn Osborne, Derek Summer, DJ A-Twist,
Donnie Coc, Donnie Pylant, Drew Bolling, Drew Richter, Duane Walker, Dynomite Kid, Edgar Acosta, Eric
Erdman, Eric Watters, Flip Mcpeters, Flipper White, Francesca Gordiani, Frankie Gardner, Freddy Faust, Gabe
Larose, Geoff Ryan, Gus Hergert, Heath Kinzer, Ingrid Marie, Jake Daniels, James Irvin, James Irwin, James
Parker, Jason Albert, Jason Humphress, Jay Balcerek, Jeff Goebel, Jim Cavender, Jim Sloan, Jimmy Simpson,
John Isom, John Onder, John Woodard, Jonathan Laird, Jonathan Shrout, Jonathan Sparkman, Jonathon Shrout,
Jonny Yen, Josh Brown, Joshua Hill, Josia Fiore, Katie Herron, Keith Ramsey, Ken Watters, Kenneth Coates,
Kenneth Ortega, Kim Stone, Kipp Cain, Kira Hughes, Kira Hughes, Kirk Russell, Krys Carpenter, Kush, Lance
Wright, Larry Woellhart, Lee Bolden, Lee Henry, Local Orbit, Marge Loveday, Mark Torstenson, Matt Bakula,
Matt Michael, Michael Kilpatrick, Mike Horgan, Mike Kilpatrick, Mike McAllister, Mike Myerson, Mike Slaten,
Mike Slavin, Nathan Edwards, Newt Johnson, Nick Walker, Noel Webster, Pat Sloan, Pete Politis, Preston Black,
Raeph Hargrave, Raidy Hodges, Rashard Phillips, Rob Aldridge, Rob Buck, Robby Eichman, Robby Stone,
Rodney Powell, Ryan Beard, Sam McCleroy, Scot Clayton II, Scott Wagnon, Sean Coleman, Sean Hopkins,
Shannon Hubbard, Shawn Webster, Steve Felice, Stone Anderson, Tania White, Taylor Hoch, Taylor Moore, Thad
Usry, Tim Tucker, Todd Anderson, Todd Haller, Tom McLung, Tom Smith, Tommy Shepard, Tony Perdue, Tony
Thunder, Traci Traci, Travis Posey, Vince Lambert, Wes Russell
Best Local Female Singer?
1st Tie: Dawn Osborne
AND Josia Fiore 15%
8%
6%
Others Receiving Votes: Alabama Shakes, Alli Cat, Ally Free, Amy McCarley, Angel Dingler, Anita Palmer,
Ann Craft, Ashley Clifford, Ashley Martin, Ashley Vaughn, Brittany Howard, Carla Russell, Roberta Silva,
Casey Bakula, Charelle Hudgins, Chelsea Brinkley, Chelsea Cerha, Cheryl Lewellen, Clara Belle, Criss Ashwell,
Cristina Lynn, Daphne Emery, Debbie Light, Francesca Gordiani, Heather Battles, Helen Keller’s Ukulele (Rita
Burkeholder), Holly Hines, Ingrid Marie Felts, Jesse Denton, Joi Tiffany, Jonathan Shrout, Judy Allison, Kim
Coffey, Kim Stone, Laura Lynn Hardy, Laurelyn Carter, Leann Irvin, Linda Turner, Lynette Hartley, Madeline
Albright, Neeve Weinburger, Nichelle Johnson, Rachel Larose, Rebecca Jordan, Roberta Black, Roberta Silva,
Roxanne Hartis Embler, Sandy Lane, Sarah Cayhill, Shawna P, Shelley Butler, Shelley Sumner, Stacie Felice,
Stephanie Booker, Summer Smith, Tania White, Taylor Barrett Moore, Taylor Hoch, Toni Hamilton, Traci Traci,
Tracy Marvin, Wanda Wesolowski, Xan Simon
24
#020614022614
8%
4%
Others Receiving Votes: Alabama Sharp, Alan Little, Alex Dietrich, Alex Story, Andrew Sharpe, Andrew Thompson,
Andy Braden, Anthony Nicholson, Anthony Sharpe, Antony Osborne, Arnold Corbin , Bert Corbin, Bill Reed,
Bobby Shepard, Bobby Taylor, Brad Curtis, Brent Morgan, Brian Zaremba, Brice Johnston, Brotha Ric, Chad
Reeves, Chad Zolynsky, Charles Markham, Charlie Howell, Chief Fiyahmanxx, Chopper Wilson, Chris Garrison,
Chris Simmons, Clay O’dell, Clint Kirkland, Colin Brooks, Colin Duckworth, Cory Higgins, Dan Hardin, Danny
Fields, Danny James, Dave Cunningham, Dave Gallaher - Microwave Dave, Dave Handel, Dave McConnell,
Dave McCullough, David Terry, Derek Summer, Donnie Cox, Duane Walker, Dylan Stanfield, Eddie Littrell,
Eric Edwards, Eric Erdman, Fatbelly, Flip Mcpeters, Frank Cole, Frank Gardner, Freddy Faust, Gabe Larose,
Garrett Hibbard, Geoff Ryan, Gordon MacGregor, Gus Hergert, Heath Kinzer, Ivy Joe Milam, Izzy Miller, Jacob
Robertson, James Irvin, James Parker, Jason Albert, Jason Humphress, Jason Jackson, Jason Pauls, Jeff Hemphill,
Jeff Williams, Jeremy Barkley, Jerome Villarreal, Jimmy Sherode, John Jattuso, John McCartney, John Onder,
John Woodard, Johnathan Shrout , Jon Anderson, Jonathan Byham, Jonathan Carter, Jonathan Laird, Josh Macero,
Joshua Hill, Keith Ramsey, Kenneth Coates, Kevin Bullard, Lawrence Crawford, Lee Henry, Lyle Douglass, Matt
Bakula, Matt Carroll, Matt Michael, Matt Shook, Mike Johnson, Mike Lynn, Mike McAlister, Mike Myerson,
Mike Roberts, Mike Slaton, Mike Smith, Nick Robey, Noel Webster, Patrick Bakula, Raeph Hargrove, Reno
Roberts, Rob Aldridge, Robby Eichman, Robert Ward, Rodney Anderson, Scott Johnson, Scott O’Hanian, Scott
Wagnon, Seth Berry, Shannon Hubbard, Steve Reichert, Stone Anderson, Thad, Tim Tucker, Tom McClung,
Tommy Nieman, Tony Perdue, Travis Posey, Travis Thompson, Tyler Nafe, Vince Lambert, Will Quinn
Best Local Country Artist or Band?
1st Ugly Houses 13%
2nd
3rd
2nd
Josh Allison 7%
3rd Mike Roberts 6.5%
2nd Carla Russell 3rd Marge Loveday Best Local Male Singer?
1st Josh Allison 9%
Jonathan Carter 9%
Tie: 45 Surprise
4%
AND Crosscut
AND Whiskey River Kings
Others Receiving Votes: 5ive O’Clock Charlie, Amy McCarley, Andrew Richter, Andy Dale Petty, Blue Handel
Band, Bo Bice, Brian Dawson, Bryan Wilbourn and Straight Shot, Caddle, Chapman James, Charles Markham,
Chopdaddy’s, Chris Garrison, Corporate Sponsored Uprising, Cristina Lynn, Damn Skippy, Daniel Jones, Dave
Anderson, Double Shot, Drew Richter and Chelsea Cerha, Duane Walker, Duane Walker Band, Gus Hergert, Hank
3, Heartland, Hurricane Creek, In The Pines, Jason Albert, Jason Albert Band, John Isom, John Mccartney, Josh
Allison, Ken Randolph, Kim Stone, Kings Haze, Leann Irvin, Madison Station, Marge Loveday, Matt Prater,
Mersey Band, Natchez Trace, O’Dell Johnson Duo, Pine Hill Haints, Post War, Rodney Powell, Seminole Strut,
Shane Atkins, Shannon Hubbard, Sister Luck, Smoking Guns, Space Donkeys, Tangled String Band, Taylor, Thad
Company, The Snake Doctors, Tim Cannon, Tim Tucker, Todd Stovall Band, Tom Cat And Bark The Dawg, Tommy
Nieman, Tony Perdue and the Devastators, Traci Traci, Trippin’ Dixie, Others Receiving Votes:, 5ive O’Clock
Charlie, Amy McCarley, Andrew Richter, Andy Dale Petty, Blue Handel Band, Bo Bice, Brian Dawson, Bryan
Wilbourn and Straight Shot, Caddle, Chapman James, Charles Markham, Chopdaddy’s, Chris Garrison, Corporate
Sponsored Uprising, Cristina Lynn, Damn Skippy, Daniel Jones, Dave Anderson, Double Shot, Drew Richter and
Chelsea Cerha, Duane Walker, Duane Walker Band, Gus Hergert, Hank 3, Heartland, Hurricane Creek, In The
Pines, Jason Albert, Jason Albert Band, John Isom, John McCartney, Josh Allison, Ken Randolph, Kim Stone,
Kings Haze, Leann Irvin, Madison Station, Marge Loveday, Matt Prater, Mersey Band, Natchez Trace, O’Dell
Johnson Duo, Pine Hill Haints, Post War, Rodney Powell, Seminole Strut, Shane Atkins, Shannon Hubbard, Sister
Luck, Smoking Guns, Space Donkeys, Tangled String Band, Taylor, Thad Company, The Snake Doctors, Tim
Cannon, Tim Tucker, Todd Stovall Band, Tom Cat And Bark The Dawg, Tommy Nieman, Tony Perdue and the
Devastators, Traci Traci, Trippin’ Dixie, Others Receiving Votes:, 5ive O’Clock Charlie, Amy McCarley, Andrew
Richter, Andy Dale Petty, Blue Handel Band, Bo Bice, Brian Dawson, Bryan Wilbourn and Straight Shot, Caddle,
Chapman James, Charles Markham, Chopdaddy’s, Chris Garrison, Corporate Sponsored Uprising, Cristina Lynn,
Damn Skippy, Daniel Jones, Dave Anderson, Double Shot, Drew Richter and Chelsea Cerha, Duane Walker, Duane
Walker Band, Gus Hergert, Hank 3, Heartland, Hurricane Creek, In The Pines, Jason Albert, Jason Albert Band,
John Isom, John McCartney, Josh Allison, Ken Randolph, Kim Stone, Kings Haze, Leann Irvin, Madison Station,
Marge Loveday, Matt Prater, Mersey Band, Natchez Trace, O’Dell Johnson Duo, Pine Hill Haints, Post War,
Rodney Powell, Seminole Strut, Shane Atkins, Shannon Hubbard, Sister Luck, Smoking Guns, Space Donkeys,
Tangled String Band, Taylor, Thad Company, The Snake Doctors, Tim Cannon, Tim Tucker, Todd Stovall Band,
Tom Cat And Bark The Dawg, Tommy Nieman, Tony Perdue and the Devastators, Traci Traci, Trippin’ Dixie,
Others Receiving Votes:, 5ive O’Clock Charlie, Amy McCarley, Andrew Richter, Andy Dale Petty, Blue Handel
Band, Bo Bice, Brian Dawson, Bryan Wilbourn and Straight Shot, Caddle, Chapman James, Charles Markham,
Chopdaddy’s, Chris Garrison, Corporate Sponsored Uprising, Cristina Lynn, Damn Skippy, Daniel Jones, Dave
Anderson, Double Shot, Drew Richter and Chelsea Cerha, Duane Walker, Duane Walker Band, Gus Hergert, Hank
3, Heartland, Hurricane Creek, In The Pines, Jason Albert, Jason Albert Band, John Isom, John McCartney, Josh
Allison, Ken Randolph, Kim Stone, Kings Haze, Leann Irvin, Madison Station, Marge Loveday, Matt Prater,
Mersey Band, Natchez Trace, O’Dell Johnson Duo, Pine Hill Haints, Post War, Rodney Powell, Seminole Strut,
Shane Atkins, Shannon Hubbard, Sister Luck, Smoking Guns, Space Donkeys, Tangled String Band, Taylor, Thad
Company, The Snake Doctors, Tim Cannon, Tim Tucker, Todd Stovall Band, Tom Cat And Bark The Dawg, Tommy
Nieman, Tony Perdue and the Devastators, Traci Traci, Trippin’ Dixie
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
THE VALLEY PLANET
Best Local Rock Artist or Band
1st Rearview Ghost 8%
2nd Tie: Barricades at Night AND Dave Anderson 3rd Whiskey River Kings 5%
4.5%
Others Receiving Votes: 45 Surprise, 5ive O’Clock Charlie, 7’ Clearance, Alabama Shakes, Alan Little, Angry
Native, Ant Sharpe, Ben Chambers, Big Daddy Kingfish, Black Label, Blackeyed Susan, Blood River, Blue
Handel Band, Bridges Burn, Brother Cane, Caddle, Cancerslug, Carridale, Chelsea Cerha, CODE BLUEZ,
Conway Campbell, Corporate Sponsored Uprising, Cousin Boogie, Crush, Daikaiju, Damn Skippy, Daniel
Halbrooks, Dave McCullough, Dead Nerves, Dirt Circus, Dizzy Trip, Donnie Cox, Drew Richter, Driven
Under, Exalted Ruler 1998, Fatso, Fender Bender, Flux Capacitor Overdrive, Fuzzy Gouda, Gag Order, Gentle
Ben, Geoff & Bryan Acoustic Duo, Go-Go Killers, Groove, Group 6, Gryphon, Gus Hergert, Heartland, Illicit
ties, In the Pines , Jack’s Remains, JED Eye, Jim Cavender, John Isom, John Woodard, Jonny & The Black
Frames, Josh Allison, Josh Allison & Cody Allen, Juice, Keith Ramsey, Kim Stone, Kings Haze, Kosmic Mama,
Liberty in Embers, Liquid Caravan, Liquor Store Orphans, Local Orbit, Marge Loveday, Matt Carroll & the
Brown Coats, Matt Michael, Microwave Dave, Microwave Dave and the nukes, Mike Johnson, Mike Roberts,
Nightmare Boyzz, O’Dell Johnson Duo, Old Electric, Oto Benga, Philip Mcpeters Angry Native, Pine Hill Haints,
Playback, Porcharitas, Post War, Preston Black, Quinta Essentia, Radiotron, Really Loud Hamburgers, Repeat
Offenders, Road Kill, Robby Eichman, Ryan Beard, Screaming Mary, Second Hand Lincoln, Seducing Alice,
Seminole Strut, Send More Cops!, Silver Streak, Sister Luck, Snake Doctors, So Long Gemini, Soft Revenge,
Soundtrust, Space Donkeys, Spellbinder, ST 2Lettaz, Stand Up Chuck, Systematic Shame, Tangled Strings,
Taylor Hoch, The Blank Regeneration, The Brakers, The Dirty Swagger, The Dozens, The Fast Jack Band, The
Gentlemen Bastards, The Space Donkeys, The Ugli Stick, Them Damn Dogs, Thomas Function, ThunderKrotch,
Tim Tucker, Tomcat and Bark the Dawg, Toni Hamilton, Tony Perdue, Tony Perdue & the Devastators, Toy Shop,
Trippin’ Dixie, Ugly Houses, Undercover, We Dwell Within
Favorite Local Attraction?
1st Space and Rocket Center 22%
2nd Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment 19%
3rd
Big Spring Park 7%
Others Receiving Votes: Alabama Music Hall Of Fame, Art Strolls, ASRC, Beautiful Southern Women, Big Spring
Jam, Bridge Street, Burritt on the Mountain, Cathedral Caverns, Comic Science Improv, Con Kasterborous (Doctor
Who Convention), Concerts in the Park, Dancing Dave, Davidson Center, Dead Children’s Playground, Ditto
Landing, Dixie Derby Girls, Downtown, Early Works, Flint River, Flying Monkey Arts, Ghost Walks, Green
Mountain Park, Greene Street Market, Harmony Park Drive-through Safari, Havoc Hockey, Hays Nature Preserve,
Huntsville Botanical Garden, Huntsville Havoc, Huntsville Stars, Iceplex, Indian Creek Greenway, Kids Space,
Lake Guntersville, Land Trust, Lowry House, Merrimack Theater, Monaco Pictures, Monte Sano State Park,
NASA, North Alabama Canoe Kayak, Panoply, Point Mallard Park, Rocket City Brewfest, Sci-Quest, Southern
Adventures, Sportspage, Stargate Studio, Straight To Ale, Tennessee River, The AVO Reunion, THE BARS OF
HUNTSVILLE, The Huntsville Brewery, Wheeler Wildlife Refuge
Best Local Blues Artist or Band?
1st Dave Gallaher - Microwave Dave 22% Best Art Gallery?
2nd
Blue Handel Band 9%
1st Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment 37%
3rd Microwave Dave & The Nukes 8%
Others Receiving Votes: 5ive O’Clock Charlie, Alabama Blues Brothers, Alabama Shakes, Angry Native, Blues
night at the Kaffeeklatsch, Bob Walters, Brotha Ric, Carla Russell, Chelvis and the Bean, Chicken Bone Reunion/
Brotha Ric, Chop Daddy, Chris Simmons, CODE BLUEZ, Corporate Sponsored Uprising, Daniel Halbrooks,
Dave Anderson, Dawn Osborne, Dawn Osborne Band, Donnie Cox, Downtown Busker Blues Dude (next to
Sammy t’s), Drew Richter and Chelsea Cerha, Exalted Ruler 1998, Freddy Faust, Gary Edmonds, Gus Hergert,
Heartland, Ivy Joe Milan, Jason Humphress, Jim Cavender, John Isom, Josh Allison, Kim Stone, Kings Haze,
Kosmic Mama, Lance Almon Smith, Liquor Store Orphans, Marge Loveday, Max Russell, Nick Robey, O’Dell
Johnson Duo, Oto Benga, Philip Daugherty, Seminole Strut, Shannon Hubbard, Sister Luck, Space Donkeys,
Thad Company, The Brakers, The Snake Doctors, The Zooks, Tommy Nieman, Tony Perdue, Tony Perdue and
the Devastators, Toy Shop, Ugly Houses
Watters Felts Project Tie: Jim Cavender AND Newt Johnson
AND Rolling Jazz Revue
AND Ugly Houses 2nd Switch House 3rd Cracker Barrel 6.5%
5%
Others Receiving Votes: 5 O’clock Charlie, Billy Bargetzi, Chris Simmons, Corporate Sponsored Uprising,
Crackerjacks, Daniel Halbrooks, Dawn Osborne, DiscOasis, Drew Richter and Chelsea Cerha, Exalted Ruler
1998, Freddy Faust, Groove, Harry Waters, Heartland, Ingrid Marie Felts, Jazz Revue, Jeff Beasley, John Isom,
Keith Taylor, Kim Stone, Kings Haze, Kush, Liquid Caravan, Marge Loveday, Microwave Dave, Microwave
Dave and the Nukes, Moon Pi, Moondust Big Band, O’Dell Johnson Duo, Phil Weaver, Radiotron, Shane Parks,
Shelly Williams, The 911 Reporters, The Brakers, The Dawn Osborne Band, The Jungle, The Snake Doctors,
Timiny & Cary, Tommy Nieman, Tony Perdue and The Devastators, Trio El Camino, Valentine Trio, Walter
Robinson
Favorite Local Sports Team?
1st Huntsville Havoc 39%
2nd Dixie Derby Girls 3rd Huntsville Stars 22%
16%
Best Place to Shoot Pool?
1st
Bumpers 18%
Others Receiving Votes: ABC Store, Adult Emporium, Adult Video Erotica, AL Christopher, Art & Soul, Botanical
Garden, Champs Sports Cards, Daisy Lane, David Christopher’s, Dream Maker, Emma’s Tea Room, Erin Michael,
Farmhouse Treasures, Flying Monkey, Goin’ To The Dogs Pet Supply, Golden Griffen, Gypsy Chicks, H Raines,
Harrison Brothers, Hobby Lobby, Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Huntsville Hospital Gift Shop, Huntsville Hospital’s
Gift Shop, Huntsville Massage Marketplace, In Bloom, Interior Marketplace, It’s Sugar, J Whitener, Jan’s Hallmark,
Josies at Burritt on the Mountain, Kala’s Cottage, Karma Rags (at Flying Monkey), Kirklands, Larry’s Pistol and
Pawn, Lawren’s, Lola’s Flowers and Gifts, Lynn’s Hallmark, Marie’s Hallmark, Mint Julep Market, Mint Julip
Market, Mole Hole, Ozaki Fine Art, Pizzelle’s Confections, Pleasures, Portobello, Railroad Bazaar, Railroad
Station Antiques, RC Hobby Barn, Red Door Interiors, Sam Frank and Moore, Southerland Adventure, Space and
Rocket Center, Spencer’s, Susan Knecht Studio, The Little Green Store, The Crafty Behr, The DeeP Comics &
Games, The Mustard Seed, The Toy Store, Things Remembered, Tin Man, Trishland, Tuesday Morning, Two
Friends, U.S. Space and Rocket Center, University Pickers, Vertical House Records, Williams and Sonoma, Wine
Cellar, Wine Rack, World Conspiracy, Zero Gravity
2nd Stem and Stein 3rd Tie: Great Spirits AND Wine Rack
16%
11%
10.5%
Others Receiving Votes: AAFES (Redstone), Cafe 113, CITGO/Brownsboro, Conoco/Hwy 431, Costco, Earth
Fare, Exxon/Hospital District, Fresh Market, Fresh Spirits, Fuel City/ Whitesburg Dr., Fuel City/5 Points, Kala’s
Cottage, Kroger, Liquor Express, Market Place, Mary’s Grocery, Papa Jacks/5 Points, Publix, Star Beverages/
Decatur, Star Market, Texaco/5 Points, The Grapevine, Vintage Wine & Cigars, Wagonwheel, Windmill Beverages,
Wine Market
Best Liquor/Beer Shop?
1st Liquor Express 39%
2nd
Diamonds 16%
3rd Tie: Chips and Salsa AND Shooter’s 6%
Others Receiving Votes: 19th Hole, 3rd Base Grill, 6 Pockets Bar and Billiards , 8 Ball Billiards, Bandito’s
Southside, Benchwarmer, Billy’s Sports Bar, Bishop’s Eastside, Bishop’s Southside, Cafe 113, Carson’s Grille,
CD’s Pub and Grill, Chicken Shack, Classics Pizza and Arcade, Dream Girls, End Zone, Fubar, Knight Moves,
Lee Ann’s, Lisa’s Lounge, Lone Goose, Lowe Mill, Madison Bowling, Partners, Redstone Arsenal, Ruggby’s,
Rush, Sport’s Page, Steve’s Lounge, The Brick, The Creek, The Station, Thirsty Turtle, Visions, Wild Cherry
Cabaret
#020614022614
10%
7%
Best Wine Shop?
1st Wine Cellar Others Receiving Votes: Alabama, Alabama Hammers, All the high school athletic programs, Auburn, Bike
Polo Kids, Bob Jones Cheerleaders, Bob Jones Football!, Carson’s Drinking Team, Grissom, Hartselle Tigers,
Huntsville Hockey Club, Huntsville Rockets, Huntsville Rugby Club, Huntsville Wild Turkeys Rugby Club, New
Hope Indians, Rocket City Titans, Rocket City United, Rolling Arsenal Of Derby, Tanner Rattlers Football, UAH
Chargers Basketball, UAH Chargers Hockey Team, UAH Chargers Volleyball
THE VALLEY PLANET
Others Receiving Votes: 305 8th Street, Art & Soul, Artistic Images, Bandito Southside, Burritt Museum, Carlisle
Gallery, Carnegie Visual Art Center, Carol Foret Gallery, Chevre Cheval, Connie Ulrich, Dana Brown, Erin
Michael, Forever 20, Fortunes Rock, Grille 29, Hot Rods House Of Color, Huntsville Art League, Little Green
Store, Madison Square, Meridian Arts, Pane Vino, Railroad Antiques, Sam and Greggs, Spirited Art, Susan Knecht
Studio, Thai Garden, The Crafty Behr, The Pulse, The Switch House, UAH Student Gallery, Vertical House, Wild
Cherry, Willis Gray
Best Gift Shop
1st Lowe Mill 12%
Best Local Jazz Artist or Band?
1st Ken Watters 8%
2nd
3rd
2nd
Flying Monkey 21%
3rd Huntsville Museum of Art 16.5%
2nd Wish You Were Beer 3rd ABC Store 29%
8%
Others Receiving Votes: Costco, Fresh Spirits, Fuel City, Great Spirits , Lanza’s Beverage, Mary’s Wine and Spirits,
Papa Jacks, R & R, Rite Aid, River City Beverages, Shell Store, Stem and Stein, Texaco/ 5 Points, The Huntsville
Brewery, The Liquor Store/Golf Rd, The Nook, The Wine Rack, Vices Liquor, Vintage Wine & Cigars, Wagon
Wheel, Windmill Beverages, Wine Market, Wine Rack
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
25
Best Place to Buy Musical Instruments?
1st The Fret Shop 27%
2nd The Guitar Center 3rd AB Stephens 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].
Club lighting system used in home studio for recording
and performances. 7 different lights. Package includes the
lights and an 8 channel control system. Various quality
instruments for sale as well. Rick 256-425-4992.
Epiphone Wildkat Electric Guitar. Buff Colored Hollow
body Archtop Brand new condition! All set up & ready
to play! Includes case, tooled leather strap and ‘Pignose’
practice amp. All this for $600, firm. Serious inquiries only.
Text me at (256) 457-9204
Pearl Export 5pc drum set w/ hardware & cymbals, $400.
256-684-9399.
Church band looking for keyboard or piano player.
Also needing strong lead singer. If interested and for more
information, call or text 2566588200.
Long time drummer/musician seeking to form (or join)
high energy ‘neo-grunge’-’post apocalyptic’ original music.
My influences include everything from Foo Fighters, Tool,
Deftones, Janes Addiction, The Mars Volta, QOTSA, NIN,
APC, RATM, Anthrax, Portishead, Massive Attack, Dido, Eisley,
MuteMath, Silversun Pickups, etc. I like concept records,
beautiful melodies backed by driving rhythms & deep
meaningful words. Anyone interested I can be reached at
[email protected]. or 256-431-6252 (txt or call).
Looking forward to making magic - FLY THE SOULCRAFT.
TAMA Starclassic Bubinga 7 pc. Drum Set (magnetic
orange) with hard cases, plus 10 piece set of Paiste
Signature cymbals with TAMA stands and pro touring case.
All professional equipment in excellent condition. $2,950.
Call Steve at: 256-771-3385.
“I’d appreciate referral to a musical techie/engineering
type interestedin a potential project that could become a
business. I have designed anincredibly versatile instrument
that puts a limitless amount of capability in the hands of an
electric guitarist - too versatile to explain in ashort ad. Call
Joe at 256-617-1395 or email to [email protected].”
14%
10%
Others Receiving Votes: Alabama Music, American Pawn and Jewelry, Band Wagon, Boaz Music and Sound,
Counts Brothers Music, Emiron Music, Hallman’s, Harmony Sound, Henry’s Music/Hartselle, Lake Guntersville
Music Academy and Fine Instruments, Madison Band Supply, Nickel Cigar Box Guitars, Railroad Bazaar, Robbins
Music, Southeastern Music, T Shepard, Tangled String, The Sound Shoppe, Tim’s Garage, Tornado Alley Music
Inc, Twisted Strings, Walkers Music in Arab
Best Place to Buy Music for Listening?
1st Vertical House Records 36%
2nd
FYE 13%
3rd
Best Buy 11%
Others Receiving Votes: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Excalibur Vintage & Vinyl, James Records and Tapes, Lifeway,
Pegasus Records, Richard Shepard, Target, The Exchange (CD Exchange), Walmart
Best Shop to Get a Tattoo?
1st Blue Rose Tattoos 21%
“I’ll do the cover tunes if we can also try origs. I play el/ac
guitar,all keys, other instruments, and sing lead/harmony.
Seek bassist anddrummer, or already-formed band. Contact
Joe at 256-617-1395.”
2nd
No Regrets 13%
3rd Hot Rod Tattoos 11%
Holton Maynard Ferguson ST550 Trumpet for sale.
Includes mouthpieces, cup mute, lyre & music stand. Asking
$500. 256.289.1196.
Others Receiving Votes: All The Rage, Art and Soul, Art-i-facts Tattoos, Artistic Ink, Bama Tattoos, Black Dagger
Tattoo , Brittany Johnson Howery, CMB Tattoos, Devotion Tattoo, Free Spirit Tattoos, Ink City, Ink Spot, Kreations
Tattoos , Kurse Kreations, Landers Custom Ink Shop, Living Ink Tattoos, Mad Tatter’s, Magic Needles, Mild to
Wild, New Needle, Platinum Koi, Rocket City Tattoo, Tattooed Lady, Timepiece Tattoo Company
Best Adult Store?
1st Pleasures 30%
2nd Adult Emporium 3rd Zero Gravity 16%
10%
Others Receiving Votes: ABC Store, Adult Video, Crossroads/Arab, Fresh Spirits, Hit Video, Naughty and Spice,
Peace Pipe, Still Smokin’, Twilight Zone, Vertical House Records, Wagon Wheel, Wish You Were Beer
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 [email protected].
M.b , This is another new year together !! Lets
make this year better than the last . I love you
more everyday !! Pack your bags n lets run away
this weekend ! < 3 CaT
Congratulations to the Barn. Wahoo, you’re
number two. UA / Fla. St. fan.
Alisa - We are not all rednecks and people without a clue. Also we are not being tacky like you
stated for keeping our Christmas decorations up
past New Years. You see my dear, some people
keep up Christmas decorations and lights till the
day after the Epiphany. Clueless as to what that
is  .... Google it and then you will have a clearer
understanding.
26
Do not judge unless you want to be judged.
Regards,The 3 Kings
Nic - Marley is going to be on TV; we’ll look for
you on Crimestoppers. Those who know.
G - How do you like your new paint job? The
Key
Jan - When you said you wanted to play “Let’s
Make a Deal” Dough, I misunderstood. Liz
Bobby - Buy you some new sneakers, dude.
Yours smell like a mixture of kim-chi and
Limburger cheese and will probably run off by
themselves soon. Your dwindling friends
T.T.T. Happy Valentine’s Day. Remember ...
Virginia is for lovers. 
I Love You. Your, Sunshine
NCH - If you don’t cough up your part of the
taxes - soon - the place is going up for sale. A
Promise Keeper
Gretchen - Hon, you in that little black dress
make all the men walk like pirates. Please,
Ma’am, may I have some more? C. D.
Imagine. Happy Valentine’s Day xoxo John
Lennon
When the little hand is on the big 1, and the big
hand is hidden, what time is it? The Riddler.
#020614022614
Best Place to Hike?
1st Monte Sano Mountain 35%
2nd
Green Mountain 11%
3rd Bankhead National Forest 9%
Others Receiving Votes: Bell Mountain, Bucks Canyon, Burritt on the Mtn, Cathedral Caverns, Cave Mountain,
DeSoto State Park, Elkmont Rails to Trails, Fagan Spring, Guntersville State Park, Hay’s Nature Preserve, Huntsville
Mountain, Hurricane Creek Park, Joe Wheeler State Park, Lake Guntersville, Land Trust Trails, Little River Canyon,
Lost Sink Trail Keel Mountain, Madison County Nature Trail, McMullen Cove, Rainbow Mountain, Sewanee,
Sipsey Wilderness, Tennessee River/Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, Wade Mountain Preserve, Walls of Jericho
Best Park?
1st Monte Sano 2nd Big Spring 3rd Green Mountain 23%
21%
6%
Others Receiving Votes: Athens drive-in, Braham Springs Park, Braham’s Springs Disc Golf, Creek Wood, Dead
Children’s Playground, Deibert Park, Delano Park, Desoto State Park, Dog Park/Cleveland Ave Huntsville, Dublin
Park, Hays Nature Preserve, HoneyComb Campground, Indian Creek Greenway/Dog Park, Joe Wheeler State Park,
John Hunt Park, Kid’s Kingdom, Kid’s Space, Lake Guntersville State Park, Land Trust, Madison County Nature
Trail, Madison County Skate Park, Maple Hill Cemetery, McGucken Park, Mill Creek, Optimist park, Palmer Park,
Research Park, Rhodes Ferry Park, Sharon Johnston Park , Sherwood Park’s Park, Sparkman Park/Hartselle, Stoner
Park, US Space and Rocket, Willow Park, Wilson Morgan
Best Bowling Alley?
1st Plamor Lanes 2nd AMF Parkway Lanes 3rd Redstone Arsenal Bowling Center 25%
23%
20%
Others Receiving Votes: Madison Bowling, Pin Palace, Rivercity Bowling
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
THE VALLEY PLANET
THE VALLEY PLANET
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
27
instant access to your checking–
anytime. anywhere.
Whether you’re out on the town or out in the woods, your
checking account is right at your fingertips. With Redstone’s
online banking, text banking and mobile app*, you can:
• Deposit Checks
• Transfer Funds
• Pay Bills
• Get Special Offers
• Check Balances
• View Transactions
• Apply for Loans
• and Much More!
Redstone members also have access to over 70,000
surcharge-free ATMs,** so if you need cash, you
can get that, too. Visit www.redfcu.org or any
branch for details.
Must be RFCU member to obtain loan. Loans subject to credit approval. RFCU is an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender.
Must be eligible for membership and open a share account and checking account. Minimum balance of $5.00 is
required to open and maintain share account. Restrictions apply. Contact us for details.
*Standard wireless carrier text message and/or data rates and fees may apply; check with your carrier for more
information. Must have online banking service and PIN/password to access mobile banking.
**Must have RFCU Visa® debit card and PIN to access ATMs.
Federally Insured by NCUA.
800-234-1234 • www.redfcu.org
28
#020614022614
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2
THE VALLEY PLANET

187

Transcription

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