153 - Valley Planet

Transcription

153 - Valley Planet

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
#022312031412
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FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 14, 2012
IN THIS ISSUE:
3 Days with Truman Capote,
Microwave Dave & the Nukes: Last Time I Saw You,
Jackie Miller - The Artist Wears Many Hats,
Compassionate Legalization of Medical Marijuana,
Spotlighting Luz Tolentino-Ladrillono, News of the Weird,
The Greatest Calendars on Earth!!!
Microwave Dave and the
Nukes – Last Time I Saw You
By Ricky Thomason
W
ith their new CD, “Last Time I Saw
You,” Microwave Dave and the Nukes
have a grand slam.
With Rick Godfrey on bass on an easy walk,
drummer James Irwin plays the best of his life,
hitting a line drive that advances Godfrey to second
to none. You, lucky listener, loaded it up on third
when guitarist /vocalist Dave Gallaher stepped up
to home plate and hit a 3-2 pitch out of the park.
We fans are the winners.
Microwave Dave & the Nukes have long received
critical acclaim here and abroad. They have
headlined blues festivals in Europe, playing before filled soccer stadiums. Blues fans across the pond
have always seemed to have a greater appreciation for American blues than Americans. When they get
a taste of “Last Time I Saw You” they are going to need bigger stadiums.
Sci-Fi Review: Tron Legacy
by Matthew Kresal
J
ust over a year ago Tron: Legacy, the longawaited sequel to 1982’s Tron, was first released.
Given both the advances of special effects and
the legacy (no pun intended) of the original film,
expectations for Tron: Legacy were high. Looking
back a year later, how does Legacy stand up as a
sequel to the original film?
Let’s start by looking at the retuning cast members:
Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner. Bridges plays
Kevin Flynn and his digital avatar, the tyrannical
program named CLU. The Flynn of Legacy is
different from the quirky everyman seen in the
first film; Legacy’s Flynn is more philosophic.
Boxleitner reprises the roles of Alan Bradley and
Tron, effectively extended cameos that are crucial
to the plot. Both reprise their younger selves thanks
to a bit of digital de-aging that, for the most part,
works wonders. The result is a nice link back to
the original film that nevertheless expands on the
original characters.
Yes, it is that good.
The majority of the cast, though, is new characters.
Playing Flynn’s son Sam is Garrett Hedlund, who
convincingly portrays a fairly normal person sent
into a digital world. Outshining him to a certain
Lee Roop reported in The Huntsville Times that author Stephen King wrote in Entertainment Weekly: degree is Olivia Wilde as Quorra, whose performance perfectly captures what is effectively an innocent
“I want to beg you to go to YouTube and check out Microwave Dave & the Nukes blasting ‘Highway abroad character with a twist. The supporting cast includes Michael Sheen as Castor, James Frain as
49’ at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Huntsville, Ala. That electric slide guitar will change your way CLU’s henchman Jarvis and Beau Garrett as Gem. Together, the cast serves the film well.
of life.”
The biggest challenge Legacy faced was updating the iconic world of the original. In that regard, Legacy
succeeds. The digital world, “the Grid,” has a more physical presence, which makes it perhaps a more
“I’m kind of stunned,” electric slide guitarist Dave Gallaher said Friday. “I don’t know what to say.”
believable world with a solid feeling to it. That isn’t to downgrade what was done in the original film,
Say, “Thank You” and accept the love. King certainly knows good writing and good music. He is a by any means. But Legacy, with nearly three decades of technological advancement, takes it up a level
while still remaining true to it.
pretty darned good musician in his own right.
With Dave & the Nukes getting more airplay and recognition via satellite radio, the American venues
will swell as well.
Microwave Dave and the Nukes’ previous CDs have been excellent, but they have definitely turned it
up a notch with “Last Time I Saw You.” The rhythms are infectious and the hooks hang with you. It will
be in my CD player for a long time.
Lyrically, Dave has never been better, dropping lines and innuendos the listener may have to hear a few
times before catching onto.
Then there’s the script. The original has fairly been called simplistic in terms of its plotting, and the
same can be said here. The film’s sequence shows off different aspects of the digital world, which isn’t
to say that it is a rip-off. Appropriately, Legacy deals with the theme of legacies. In our world, Sam and
Bradley are dealing with the twenty-year legacy of Flynn’s disappearance. Once we reach the Grid,
Flynn himself begins a journey that will lead him to confront the consequences of his past. Like the
original, Legacy has a simple plot that hides intriguing ideas just beneath the surface.
As KBA Award Winner Dave Rubin wrote in the album notes, “The bopping shuffle ‘Jesus Was
Smart’ contains lyric content possibly never addressed before, with Dave listing romantic complaints
lodged against him before dropping the bomb, ‘Jesus was smart not to marry.’ ‘I’ve Got a Bet with
Myself” by David Elliot gooses the energy level and sonic assault with a roaring, pile-driving boogie
that could have graced Exile on Main Street, while showcasing the ‘sock in the ear’ rhythm section of
Godfrey and Irvin.
Where does that leave Legacy? The performances are on par with those seen in the original film. The
iconic world of the original is updated. The script is simplistic in terms of plot, but it harbors some
intriguing ideas. While Legacy is good, whether it will be as iconic as the original is something only
time will tell.
‘Tire Man,’ featuring Dave on drums and ‘Cigtone’ cigar box guitar, uses the rubber on the road as
a metaphor with a string of titillating double-entendres like, ‘I get high on your rack, baby, thinking
I might get rotated.’ The Gulf Coast/’second line’/Bo Diddley beat of Billy C. Farlow’s ‘Alabama
Saturday Night’ spotlights bass man extraordinaire Godfrey blowing squawky harp and Irvin
drumming loose and limber. The title track shows Dave’s inventive rhythm/lead guitar playing and
Irvin’s churning drumming producing a rocking cha cha beat with a sumptuous zydeco flavor.”
over 30 military vehicles from World War I to the
present. I even saw a helicopter. And there’s
an annual military vehicle rally. This year it’s on
May 19.
Our ghost hunting trip was at The Veterans
Memorial Museum on Airport Road (near the
fairgrounds). To be honest, I didn’t even know
the place existed until I learned that there was an
investigation going on. Patrick Burns and Marley
Gibson, lecturers and ghost hunters extraordinaire,
live the life I truly envy. They travel all over in
“The closing instrumental ‘Rafferty’ is reminiscent of Hendrix’ ‘Third Stone from the Sun. It is a an RV in search of ghosts. Basically, they are the
majestic two-chord composition with gentle melodies and dynamics that build to a dramatic, double- Scooby Gang. Patrick also had a show on TruTV
time climax.”
called “Haunting Evidence.” Marley is the author
The album is available on iTunes, Amazon.com, CD Baby, Napster, CD Universe etc.
of several books, including the Ghost Huntress
series. You can read more about them at PatrickTreat yourself, Buy a copy and don’t miss any chance to see this breaking bigger local power trio before Burns.com and MarleyGibson.com.
they are off to a 10-day gig at Daytona bike week and their next European tour.
But back to the story.
You can say, “I knew them when.”
It was a dark and stormy night. Okay, it wasn’t
actually. It was clear and cold. It was dark though.
9 o’clock on a January evening usually is. It just
sounds better when it starts with a dark and stormy
night. Then again, these sorts of stories usually
have a fortuneteller with a warning to stay away
from the haunted museum, or, in the case of Nancy
Drew, someone will throw a rock in your window
telling you to stay away before you’re even on the
case.
here are three career ambitions that, as impractical as they might seem, I just can’t shake:
•
Ghost Hunting (you know, like the Scooby Gang)
•
Private Detective (too many detective shows in the '80s)
•
Trapeze Artist (too many trips to the circus)
The Veterans Memorial Museum is open
Wednesday through Saturday from 10 to 4 (closed
on holidays). They will also do special hours
for veterans and student groups by appointment.
Admission is just 5 bucks (less for seniors
and students). They are not affiliated with the
downtown memorial. I think people get that
mixed up.
Because I will probably never run away and join the circus no matter how tempted I might be from time
to time, and because I have been terribly disappointed to learn that the average life of a gumshoe is less
like a Dashiell Hammett novel and more about going through people’s trash, I am left with only one:
ghost hunting. This also brings up the obvious question: am I a Velma or a Daphne? which I’m sure can
be answered through one of the 800 online quizzes I could easily find.
They have artifacts, remnants, military
thingamabobs, and official doohickeys from
current times dating back to the Revolutionary
War. But, most importantly: tanks! According
to the website (memorialmuseum.org), they have
Ghost Hunting In The Museum
T
2
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
They are always looking for new items to add to
their collection and donations of time or funds.
They are all-volunteer, so any help is appreciated.
(The website is currently asking for people to
assist in restoring armored vehicles and aircraft,
and plumbing, provided you’re licensed).
We didn’t get a lot of time to actually look
around the museum as much as I’d have liked.
My traveling companion has already requested
a second visit. The displays were all well done.
There was a cool box car (a gift from France in
the ‘50s) that had a nice view of the entire place.
So if you’re interested at all in military history,
it’s worth a go. Or if you just wanna see military
vehicles. Where else can you go for 5 bucks?
As far as the investigation, they did a lot of EVP
sessions (and I think they got a few). They had
some equipment that picked up words, which
kept looping. Also there were a few temperature
changes. Madison County Paranormal Research
Society came out as well with cameras and all
sorts of equipment. I’d love to hear their results.
I had a great time and would love to do it again.
I could get myself a ghost chasing crew and this
could be the life for me. I’m sure I have the
time. Working, starting a photography company,
shooting and editing movies, and trying to get two
rowdy schnauzers trained, and then taking into
account that ghost hunting is best done at night.
Hmmmm…do I really need sleep?
THE VALLEY PLANET
In
The
Planet
february 23 - march 14, 2012
NEXT ISSUE MARCH 15, 2012
THE VALLEY PLANET
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
#022312031412
203 Grove Ave , Huntsville Al, 35801, phone 256 533-4613
Publisher
Jill Wood
Calendar
Joanie Williams
Lay-Out
Douglas A. Lange
Contributors
Bonnie Roberts
Elaine Nelson
Tim Benton
Jackie Anderson
Ricky Thomason
Aaron Hurd
Allison Gregg
Jim Zielinski
Katherine Monahan
Auntie Jen
Terri L. French
Matthew Kresal
Rusty Michael
Stephanie Watson
“Han shot first. Jus’ sayin’.”
-- Anonymous Star Wars Fan
On the Cover
Table of Contents
2
Sci-Fi Review: Tron Legacy, Matthew Kresal
2
Microwave Dave and the Nukes – Last Time I Saw You, Ricky Thomason
2
Adventures in the Tennessee Valley, Tina Leach
3
Letter From the Publisher
3
Letter to the Valley Planet
3
On the Cover: Caroline Wang
4
True BS, Tim Benton
4
ReLit: Smokin’ Hot Reads Worth a ReKindle, Rick Thomason
5
The Single Guy: Communi-Date, Aaron Hurd
5
Auntie Jen’s Animal Crazy
6
THREE DAYS WITH TRUMAN CAPOTE, Rusty Michael
7
Compassionate Legalization of Medical Marijuana, Stephanie Watson
7
GLBT Advocacy and Youth Services, Terri L. French
7
Party of One, Allison Gregg
8
Jackie Miller – The Artist Wears Many Hats, Terri L. French
8
Spotlighting The Arts And The Artistes…Luz Tolentino-Ladrillono, Jim Zielinski
10
Dr. Anarcho’s Rx For Old Stuff That Don’t Suck
10
Music Calendar Begins
11
Music Calendar Continues
12
More Music Calendar
13
Music Calendar Continues
14
Regional Concert Calendar
14
Events Calendar Begins
15
Events Calendar Continues
16
Events Calendar Continues
17
More Events Calendar
18
Jazz Lounge, Jackie Anderson
19
Unchained Maladies, Ricky Thomason
19
Free Will Astrology
20
What Then Must We Do?, Bonnie Roberts
21
zee’s rocket city bEAT, Jim Zieliński
22
News of the Weird
23
To Yuno From Yunohoo
23
Valley Planer Classifieds
23
Music Exchange
H
untsville Artist, Caroline Wang, grew up in Taiwan, and grew up again (culturally) in the United
States. She has passions for art as well as science. She is a NASA Engineer and Researcher. She
believes that art training can help people to think outside of the box, and any invention comes
from unexpected creativity. Caroline also says that writers use writing to express their feelings, but Artists use paintings to express their feelings. Caroline composes her paintings from her inspirations. She
shares her experiences and her feelings in her paintings. Caroline is a diverse artists. She incorporates
Asian cultural into Western art and paints what ever subject inspires her. She experiments with different
types of materials for her artwork... Her original paintings have been on exhibition throughout many of
cities within Southeastern United States. Since 2004, she has selected a theme for her annual art exhibits. This allows her to focus on specific subjects. Her themes throughout the years have included “East
meets West”, “A new look for Asian Art’, “Expressions,”, “Tour around the World”, “Species around
Us”, “Dramatic Gardens” and “My inspiration”.
Letter from
the Publisher
I
hope that you all have had a chance to visit
one or more of the winners of the Best of the
Valley Readers’ Poll in the past three weeks
– nothing like broadening your experience here in
the Tennessee Valley!
As always, this issue is full of live music lineups,
concerts, plays, performances and all sorts of
entertainment going on in metro Huntsville – so
check both calendars while making your plans for
the next three weeks.
We have some great ops for you to win free tickets
in the coming months including: Free Tickets
to Bill Maher, Bonnaroo, Disney’s Phineas and
Ferb, the Monster Truck Jam and Ringling Bros
& Barnum and Bailey Circus. So make sure to
follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Myspace, as
well as look in each issue of the Valley Planet for
your chance to win!
Don’t forget to check out Huntsville’s HomeBrew
on WTAK every Wednesday night at 10pm. They
feature different local musicians each program
– maybe you will discover a new favorite!
Thank you for visiting our advertisers – they are
who makes this paper FREE!
Jill E. Wood, Bully Breed Lover
Caroline took a cruise with her children on a 2012
New Year to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.
“The beautiful ocean was breath taking.” She also
enjoyed watching the Dolphins and the Whales
playing. The theme for her next year’s exhibit
will be “The Ocean”.
Caroline Wang also enjoys public speaking. She
is a member of Toastmasters International, and
has received the highest honor as a Distinguished
Toastmasters, and also she served as a Toastmaster District Governor in 2001-2002. The most
fulfilling aspect of her artwork comes from the
opportunities for her to share her experiences and
her joy of art with others. Caroline has taught art
classes for a number of years in the past, and has
given many inspirational speeches to non-profit
Dear Valley Planet,
organizations, and schools. Through her exhibiy name is Robby Eichman and I am a musician from Huntsville. I grew up in Huntsville and tions and speeches, she hopes to encourage peobecame involved in the music scene at a pretty young age. My father was in bands, as well as ple to follow their passion, and explore their possibilities.
my stepfather. I grew up listening to the Huntsville talent play at my house and events.
Letter to the Valley Planet
M
After I got back from school and was finally of age to go out and see these wonderful bands more, www.cwanggallery.com
Valley Planet became my good friend. I spent a little over a year squeezing into the scene, making more Contact: cwang.art@knology net
friends, and learning so much from these incredible musicians. Some of my biggest musical influences
were born right there in the city!
In August I moved to San Francisco to see what the music scene was like out here, but sadly I
was disappointed. Where there is some good music in the Bay area, it lacks the pure talent Huntsville is
oozing with. The Rocket City has been rocking harder than most metropolitan city’s, and we have been
taking it for granted! Also, there is no “Valley Planet” equivalent magazines here. I didn’t realize how
important that magazine was to what I did every night until I left. I love your magazine, and I love the
Huntsville Music Scene even more.
R. Eichman
Thank you for reading the fine print of the Valley Planet. The Valley Planet and valleyplanet.com are published every three weeks by J W Publications in Huntsville, AL. You can pick up the paper free all over the
place or get it free on the web. Copyright 2003 by the Valley Planet, Inc. All rights reserved. You can contact
me at [email protected]
Reproduction or use without our permission is strictly prohibited. The views and opinions expressed within
these pages and on the web site are not necessarily those of the Valley Planet or its staff. The Valley Planet is
not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or art. Back issues are available for viewing on our web site www.
valleyplanet.com in the archives section. You may reach the Valley Planet office @ 256.533.4613 or by mail
at Valley Planet 203 Grove Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801. Subscriptions to the Valley Planet are now available
for $50 a year in the USA.
256-533-4613 VALLEY PLANET
THE VALLEY PLANET
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
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Now Showing in
February 2012
“An hour of stories
and conversation to
feed your soul.”
h alk
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SHOW NG:
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SHOWING:
Week of February 12
SHOW NG:
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SHOWING:
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True BS
Shuttling, Huntsville Style
by Tim Benton
H
untsville is famous for two kinds of shuttles. One of them, now retired, was an amazing
contraption with wings and a tail that looked pretty much like a giant paper airplane. This
high-tech baby could take up to seven passengers for a spin around the planet, offering
that most coveted of all travel packages, the “All-Inclusive” voyage. That meant food, beverage,
and oxygen were included in the price of the ticket, all for the unheard of price of just 250 million
dollars per person. More than a great value, it also had the bonus of being paid for by someone else.
This trip of a lifetime had some drawbacks, however. Though a desirable ride, it was an
exclusive one. You had to know a government bigshot to get a seat. But the lucky few who
made it aboard got to see all six continents and every country in a little under an hour. Exciting,
to be sure, but after a few hours of staring at the same blues, greens, and browns rolling
beneath the window, the savvy Conde Nast traveler would be left asking, “Now what?”
Another issue was that the shuttle didn’t fly very often because of huge operating costs. It gulped a
very expensive grade of unleaded diesel, and climbed skyward at the somewhat disappointing rate of
eleven inches per gallon. Another problem was that commodes don’t work in space so passengers
had to go to the bathroom in a cup. That oddity was a bit uncomfortable, but it did make for some
good stories to tell at journey’s end. Bathroom humor is even funnier when there’s no gravity.
Every Thursday 6:30-7:30 pm
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ReLit: Smokin’ Hot Reads Worth a
ReKindle:
American Sniper – The Autobiography Of The Most Lethal Sniper In U.S.
Military History by Chris Kyle
Review by Rick Thomason
I
t may seem strange, but I am recommending a book for people who can read, but do not. I used to
work with a guy who proudly boasted that he “hadn’t read a book since high school.”
These negatives ultimately led to the cancellation of that Huntsville shuttle program, but fortunately,
we have another one still going strong. The other shuttle consists of a fleet of amazing contraptions
with wheels and windows that look like miniature buses. These tastefully appointed vehicles with the
art deco blue and green pastel trim are usually seen meandering around Huntsville streets with seven
passengers — one live human and six mannequins.
My answer was “You certainly can’t tell it by talking with you.” The fool took that as a compliment.
I interviewed Shuttle Service Director, Garner Hemphill, and he explained this unusual arrangement
of passengers. “We don’t have enough people that want to ride the shuttle,” he said. “But we have to
average seven riders per route or the Feds will cut off our funding.” When asked how mannequins
could be considered passengers, he replied, “Nobody said they have to be alive.”
I can’t tell you better than the dust jacket.
At a purchase cost of over one hundred thousand dollars per bus, and an operating cost of five dollars
per mile, a program with so few riders seems to make little economic sense.
“We’ve addressed the cost issue before,” Hemphill said. “Since we only have twelve people who
regularly ride the shuttle, we thought it might be cheaper to get rid of the buses and just give each
person a car so they can shuttle themselves around. Ultimately, we decided to preserve the service
as is because the Huntsville Shuttle is a vital source of employment. We have fifteen buses with
fifteen drivers and five backup drivers, ten custodians, and thirty mechanics. Then there are the office
personnel. We employ over a hundred bureaucrats here at headquarters doing the vital desk work it
takes to keep a fleet of modern public transportation vehicles operating and shuttling a dozen of our
citizens to their daily appointments. Sure it’s expensive, but that’s the price we pay for civilization.”
I asked Hemphill to describe the average Huntsville Shuttle rider and he graciously offered a free
Shuttle day pass so I could see for myself. I took the opportunity to ride a route called the “Research
Park Loop.” After four excruciating hours of looping around University Drive and Bridge Street and
counting the geese at the UAH pond, another rider finally climbed aboard. I made conversation with
the gentleman and explained I was doing research for an article about the Huntsville Shuttle. He didn’t
mind being interviewed, but wished to remain anonymous.
When I asked him why he was riding the Shuttle that day, he said he really didn’t know. “Beats sitting
at home,” he said. “My cable ain’t working.”
In America’s gun saturated, bullet-riddled culture; I have discovered a book that even gun control
advocates and pacifists will find unbelievably fascinating. The book is American Sniper – The
Autobiography Of The Most Lethal Sniper In U.S. Military History, by former Navy Seal, Chris Kyle.
“He is the deadliest American sniper ever, called “the devil” by the enemies he hunted and “the legend”
by his Navy SEAL brothers . . . “From 1999 to 2009, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle recorded the most
career sniper kills in United States military history. The Pentagon has officially confirmed more than
150 of Kyle’s kills (the previous American record was 109), but it has declined to verify the astonishing
total number for this book. Iraqi insurgents feared Kyle so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the
devil”) and placed a bounty on his head.”
“Kyle earned legendary status among his fellow SEALs, Marines, and U.S.
Army soldiers, whom he protected with deadly accuracy from rooftops and stealth positions. Gripping
and unforgettable, Kyle’s masterful account of his extraordinary battlefield experiences ranks as one of
the great war memoirs of all time.”
“A native Texan who learned to shoot on childhood hunting trips with his father, Kyle was a champion
saddle-bronc rider prior to joining the Navy. After 9/11, he was thrust onto the front lines of the War on
Terror, and soon found his calling as a world-class sniper who performed best under fire. He recorded
a personal-record 2,100-yard kill shot outside Baghdad; in Fallujah, Kyle braved heavy fire to rescue
a group of Marines trapped on a street; in Ramadi, he stared down insurgents with his pistol in close
combat. Kyle talks honestly about the pain of war—of twice being shot and experiencing the tragic
deaths of two close friends.”
“American Sniper also honors Kyle’s fellow warriors, who raised hell on and off the battlefield. And in
moving first-person accounts throughout, Kyle’s wife, Taya, speaks openly about the strains of war on
their marriage and children, as well as on Chris.”
Tim welcomes comments at [email protected]
“Adrenaline-charged and deeply personal, American Sniper is a thrilling eyewitness account of war
that only one man could tell.” Even if you proudly boast you haven’t read a book since high school, this
a book you do not want to miss and can’t put down once you crack the cover.
4
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
THE VALLEY PLANET
The Single Guy:
Communi-Date
By Aaron Hurd
easier to approve of PDA? How about if it’s a
not-so-good-looking couple? Then does it tend to
be a problem? I started this article by saying if
the girl is good looking I give PDA a standing
ovation, but it is when the couple is not that good
looking that it has bothered me. Who knows?
I could be that ugly guy to some. (I blame my
parents if that’s the case!)
PDA . . . Yay or Nay?
Think back to that blind date when you were
thinking “I am going to kill _________ (fill in
name) for setting me up with this troll/bum/dirt
bag” I bet if he/she leaned over to kiss you in
public, your view of PDA would suddenly be a
big fat NO WAY ON PDA! However, if that date
is a hottie/hunk/babe etc., it would be “ON LIKE
DONKEY KONG”! In fact, you may even whip
out the camera phone and shoot a few pictures of
this PDA to make sure all who were not present
get to see the hot show. Am I right? Hey, I’ve
I must admit that if I am out with a gorgeous girl been there! If she’s a hottie, that photo proof is
who is all about making out at the restaurant table, coming out to show the boys.
movie theater, park, or church (okay, maybe not
church), who am I to stop her? If I am really into I say go on with the PDA….if nothing else it is
the girl, most of the time the rest of the world seems entertainment for all, even the folks it bothers.
to disappear. So if a make out session ensues, I am You know they’re going to keep on looking and, if
not worried about what others are thinking. Now, you’re lucky, keep on talking about you even after
on the flip side, when I am having a “poor single the fact. So the PDA lives on! I personally think
me” moment, I can see how a couple engaged in it has something to do with jealousy. The people
some deep PDA could get a little annoying, but it bugs are missing some affection in their lives,
only because someone else is getting the love and and if they really have a problem with PDA, they
I am not. Selfishly, when I am the one receiving have a problem with their dates or partners. It
the PDA I am all about the “Oh YAY,” but if some seems fishy to me. If the girl I am dating does not
other punk is groping the sexy girl I wish was want to kiss me in public, it tells me she is either
mine, I’m more on the “NAY” side. Unless she is embarrassed by me or I am not worth showing
looking and winking at me while she is putting on her love to in public. That, to me, is a big red flag
a show….then I feel like I am part of the action to that the relationship is not going to last. I want to
show off my kissable lips! I’ve been told I am a
some degree (gotta love the exhibitionists).
good kisser, so why not show it so others can take
Seriously though-Is there a limit to PDA? Should notes? My little way of giving back to society
it stop at kissing? How about groping? And is it through PDA, baby!
really a matter of how or what they are doing and
how far they are going, or is it a matter of looks? What do you think? Are you a fan of PDA? When
If it’s a good looking couple, are we more open to is it too much? Are there limits to PDA? If so,
PDA? In other words, if it’s a Brad and Angelina, what are they? Email me at aaronthesingleguy@
or Jay-Z and Beyonce-looking couple, is it much gmail.com!
P
DA is always a fun subject to discuss and
sometimes to watch (if the girl doing it is hot,
of course). Public Displays of Affection: we
have all been there and we have all seen it from
time to time, and I am surprised at the debate
regarding it. So, I ask: are you a fan of Public
Displays of Affection or is it something that needs
to happen in private? I am sure we all got a good
taste of it a few weeks ago on the big lovers’ day!
SATURDAY
MARch 17
8PM
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
Von Braun Center
VBC Box Office
All Ticketmaster Locations
1-800-745-3000
www.ticketmaster.com
I
t’s wintertime, and you could hibernate like a bear…or you could get out there and get yours like a
squirrel!
I’d like to dedicate this column to the amazing outdoor resources we have in Madison County that
you can enjoy and that will help you and your companion animals keep in shape.
Over the last year I’ve been introduced to a number of greenways, nature trails, and parks, particularly
in Huntsville, Madison and Decatur. Now I pay attention and regularly seek out new trails with
enthusiasm—and cherish and revisit the ones I have travelled before. There are too many to cover here,
so let me just get you on the right path.
To research and see which trails are most compatible for your interests, I’d suggest visiting www.
traillink.com. (Like if you’re in south Huntsville and you enjoy bicycling or walking your dog and
would like to explore Ditto Landing, let me suggest looking into the awesomeness of Aldridge Creek
Greenway.) Here you can search their database by activities such as biking and/or mountain biking, bird
watching, running, walking, geocaching, hiking, horseback riding and inline skating. You can also find
out which trails are wheelchair accessible.
Rainbow Mountain Trails (Madison, AL)
This system of trails is particularly close to my heart. Sometimes when I am feeling like I can’t breathe
deeply enough, I come here to meditate in motion. Sharky loves it here, too. There are trails ranging
from the Rainbow Mountain Loop (the main trail and the one I recommend to first timers) to the Spring
Trail (can be quite the scenic cardio adventure) to the Wild Trail.
Madison Greenway & Trails, Inc writes the following:
“The Rainbow Mountain Trails Park was initiated in an effort to promote the conservation of Madison’s
last remaining undeveloped areas. The area of the trails is located on 130+ acres of city land at Stoneridge
Park. The trails offer a panoramic view of the Madison areas stretching for miles to the southeast and
southwest.”
“The rapid development of Madison has left very few natural areas. Rainbow Mountain is quickly
becoming an island of the last indigenous fauna and flora in Madison. Spring and summer flowers are
abundant and easily photographed. Some of the larger animals seen on the mountain are wild turkey,
coyote, red-tailed hawk, great horned owl, fox, rabbit and groundhog. Reptiles range from the eastern
box turtle to tree lizards. Amphibious salamanders live in the springs. Redbuds, dogwoods, maples,
buckthorns, oaks, and many other species of trees can be found. Ferns, mosses, lichen, and mushrooms
are beautiful during the wet seasons.”
Sometimes it’s very soothing to the soul to step away from worldly distractions, elevate your body
above city traffic and just breathe and balance—in a state of rest or motion. (Let me not forget to add
that the sunrises and sunsets here are epic.) For more information, including geology, future plans and
directions to the trails visit www madisongreenways.org/Rainbow.
Flint River Greenway (Owens Cross Roads, AL)
My mother-in-law, her dogs, and I enjoy meeting here for an invigorating and scenic jog. It’s paved,
runs 1.8 miles in length, and can be accessed from the “Flint River Greenway” parking lot off Old
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Highway 431 or from inside Hays Nature Preserve
(7153 South US 431, Owens Cross Roads). Keep
in mind, you’ll want to make a trip sans pooch
if you’re keen to explore the nature preserve and
perhaps do a bit of bird watching, or enjoy the
other wildlife in their natural habitat. Wherever
the day takes you, I’d suggest packing a picnic or
some snackies and making a morning or afternoon
of this place.
including Wade Mountain Preserve—over the
years for hiking, cycling and just being. Most
of my readers are very familiar with this trail
system, so I won’t elaborate on these landscapes
here. I will share that as I get older, I cherish the
natural land more and more. I’d like to see this
40 mile plus trail system prosper. For maps and to
become a member, please visit www.landtrustnal.
org
Indian Creek Greenway (Madison, AL)
In closing, I’d like to encourage my readers to
consider getting involved in loving and respecting
our land and trails so we can leave a legacy of
serenity and beauty for future generations to enjoy.
That could mean anything from getting vocal in
local conservation legislation to something as
simple as picking up and recycling trash you come
across while you’re hiking. You don’t have to
literally be a Boy Scout or a Girl Scout to behave
like one. I hope you will visit the web sites listed
within this article for more information on how
to act and love the land locally. Also, if you like
to think globally, I’d suggest visiting www nrdc.
org.
This is a great place to walk, jog, bike and inline
skate. These 3.6 miles of paved greenway run
along the western Huntsville/Madison border.
The following description was taken from www.
traillink.com:
“The trail’s northern segment begins at
Providence Elementary and Middle School
(10 Chalkstone Street) and travels south nearly
a mile to US Highway 72. The pathway runs
through a heavily wooded area with spurs
that lead out to residential areas, restaurants
and shops in the Providence community.”
“The longer segment meanders along the creek for
just shy of 3 miles through woods and farmland. It
begins in Creekwood Park and
travels south to Old Madison
Pike. The park offers a large
playground, an 18-hole disc
golf course, covered picnic
tables and a fenced-in dog
park.”
Land Trust
Alabama
of
Thanks to all my loyal readers for keeping my
column alive! Send comments and ideas to me
at [email protected]!
North
The properties maintained
by Land Trust are where
my outdoor adventures first
began many years ago. Over
a decade ago, I jogged the
marked trails of Monte Sano
in a successful attempt to slim
both myself and my portly
black Lab rescue, Nicole
Mandy Sue.
I’ve joined
dozens of canine and human
friends on these properties—
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
5
THREE DAYS WITH
TRUMAN CAPOTE
by Rusty Michael
W
hile I was a student, in 1972-1973 and 1974-1975 I was fortunate enough to be
the Chairman of the Symposium & Lecture Series at UAH. The series hosted
speakers that addressed the most significant issues of the day and in my opinion
UAH had one of the best lecture series in the country. The Symposium & Lecture Series
contributed significantly to my education. I booked speakers that included Senator and
presidential candidate George McGovern, Israeli General Moshe Dayan, Grand Wizard
of the Ku Klux Klan Robert Shelton and consumer advocate Ralph Nader among others.
They were all interesting and controversial in their own particular way but none was more
fascinating than author Truman Capote.
Truman Capote was born in New Orleans and raised in Monroeville, Alabama by his
relatives. He was a prolific writer. Capote’s first novel, published by Random House in
1948, was Other Voices, Other Rooms. He went on to write Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The
Grass Harp, and Answered Prayers as well as numerous other novels, short stories, and
screenplays. His most famous book was In Cold Blood which was made into a blockbuster
movie. Norman Mailer called Truman Capote,”The most perfect writer of my generation”.
He counted as his friends Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Harper Lee, Tennessee Williams,
and Katherine Graham among others.
I mentioned to flamboyant evangelist Reverend Ike, who I had hosted previously that I was interested
in booking Truman Capote but I had no phone number. He provided the telephone number to his
residence in New York City and to this day I do not know how he came to have the number and what
the connection was but when I called, Truman Capote answered in his unmistakable squeaky voice. I
booked Capote on February 6, 1975. This was to be his first appearance on a college campus.
I had arranged for Truman Capote to be a guest at the home of John Frasier, a wealthy Huntsvillian, who
made his fortune as a planter and real estate owner. Frasier lived in the “Coca-Cola House” on Monte
Sano Mountain that was built by Jack Chambers, the long time owner of Coca Cola in Huntsville.
Truman Capote arrived from Key West on March 18, 1975. He was accompanied by his lover and
business manager John O’Shea, a former Vice President of Marine Midland Bank who Capote had met
at a gay bath house in New York City. John O’Shea was also an aspiring writer. John Frasier and I
picked Capote and O’Shea up at Huntsville International Airport and took them to Frasier’s residence.
To say that Truman Capote was eccentric was an understatement. He carried a black doctor’s bag which
held a variety of pills. He was very charming in a social setting with friends but he was an agoraphobic
otherwise and did not do well in crowds. Capote got up at 6:00 every morning and wrote for five hours.
Afterwards, he started drinking gin and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, his drink of choice.
On the first day he was in Huntsville Truman Capote and John O’Shea spent the afternoon having drinks
with John Frasier and his guests. That evening we went to Boot’s Restaurant for dinner and more drinks.
Afterwards, we went to car dealer Charles Bentley’s home for a small cocktail party. Capote felt very
comfortable in the historic mansion in the Twickenham Historical District and held court into the late
evening.
March 19 was a full day beginning with a press conference at UAH at 1:00 that afternoon. On the way
down Monte Sano Mountain I told Capote that, “I was going to get him in and out as soon as possible.”
The press was well represented with media from as far away as Birmingham and we received great
news coverage. The press conference was followed by a reception at the Noojin House at 5:30 which
at the time was owned by UAH. The Noojin House and the expansive lawn were crowded with people
when we arrived and when Truman Capote entered the home the attendees immediately backed him into
a corner asking him questions and for his autograph. Capote began to shake and broke out into a cold
sweat. He endured and got through the event but it was very difficult for him.
At 7:30 that evening Truman
Capote appeared at the Von
Braun Civic Center Concert
Hall for a reading and question
and answer session. A thousand
plus were in attendance.
Capote read excerpts from his
works and when he read from
A Christmas Story he wept. He
then answered questions from
the audience for a long time.
seen a party that rivaled this one and it was interesting to say the least. John Frasier invited a who’s who
of Huntsville’s social elite and I invited members of the UAH and the Huntsville community, including
intellectuals, radicals, and other interesting characters. As Capote and I watched Clifton Chenier late in
the evening he turned to me and said,” Rusty, you are destined to be an impresario”.
The next day I drove up Monte Sano Mountain with a friend of mine to take Capote and O’Shea to
Jacksonville State University for another appearance. JSU had called me the day before and booked him
at the last minute. The events in Huntsville had been a huge success. I stayed in touch with Capote for
several years and he called me when he was going to appear near Huntsville.
Truman Capote died on August
25, 1984 in Los Angeles at the
home of his close friend Joanne
Carson.
The Symposium & Lecture
Series
ultimately
became
my interpretation of what a
university should be, which is
a venue to share ideas. While
most major universities have
a speaker series, unfortunately
for UAH and the Huntsville
community the Symposium &
Lecture Series no longer exists.
An effort has been made to
revive the series in the last few
years but to date it has not been
successful. A community with
as much intelligence, resources,
and as large an international
demographic
as
Huntsville
deserves a speaker series.
[email protected]
The appearance at the VBCC
was followed by a party at John
Frasier’s home. I had made a
deal with Frasier that we would
split the guest list of one hundred
and he would provide the food
and liquor and I would provide
the entertainment. I booked
Clifton Chenier & His Red Hot
Louisiana Band, a Zydeco band
from Lafayette, Louisiana. I
had first heard Clifton Chenier
in Washington, D.C. and as
soon as I heard the band I
thought they would be a good
fit for Capote’s party. Truman
Capote was well known for his
parties, most notably the Black
& White Ball in 1966, which
was a tribute to Katherine
Graham. Huntsville has never
Truman Capote in his New York City apartment in 1970. Photo: Gary Settle.
6
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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
THE VALLEY PLANET
GLBT Advocacy
and Youth
Services
Alabama law allows parents to terminate financial
support as of a child’s 18th birthday, but also
prohibits anyone under the age of 19 to enter into
any sort of contract, even signing an apartment
lease. This means many teens kicked out of their
homes are forced to live on the streets.
The Huntsville Host Home Program (HHHP) is a
program of the GLBT set up to provide temporary
housing for homeless youth. The hosts must
ames Robinson, the Founder and Executive apply and undergo background checks.
Director of the GLBT Advocacy and Youth
Services, shows me the scars on his hands and Along with homelessness, teen suicide is a
arms. They are scars from a darker time in his growing and disturbing trend in the youth
life and reminders of what he has endured. Three community, particularly with youth struggling
years ago he was arrested for possession and with or bullied for their sexual orientation.
distribution of meth amphetamines.
Robinson speaks of the number of hands raised
“Being arrested saved my life,” said Robinson.
when he asks members of his weekly support group
“Meth is a very dark drug . . . three years
how many have attempted, or know someone who
ago I was still shooting up and also abusing
has attempted or committed suicide.
prescription drugs.”
“My heart hurts each time I hear that another
For many years, until his arrest, Robinson—who
young person has committed suicide because they
has a Master’s degree in Special Education—
felt they were not important, less than human,
abused himself while still working and helping
sinful, ugly or alone . . . do we hear of suicides
others.
reported due to youth being supported by their
families, friends and churches? Absolutely not.
“I was killing myself, not knowing I had the
It’s because they feel alone.”
option to live an open life (as a gay man).”
Though raised in the Church of Christ, Robinson
In 2009, a mere five months after he quit using all is now a member of Spirit of the Cross Church – a
drugs, Robinson formed the GLBT Advocacy and Christ-centered congregation which reaches out
Youth Services. The non-profit organization ( the to the GLBT community. But, he says, volunteers
first of its kind as far as he knows in Alabama) seeks for the GLBT come from all faiths and walks of
to support local organizations in offering resources life—Christian, atheist, pagan, Jewish, Native
to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth American. The only requirement is to “love
and young adults.
youth and the community.” The organization has
had as many as thirty volunteers come and go.
“I took all my money, my skills and my experience Volunteers receive orientation and background
and put it into this,” says Robinson.
checks.
by Terri L. French
J
Just two years after beginning the program,
Robinson became one of five winners of the
first Launch Pad contest, which aims to help
people over 45 turn creative ideas for solving
problems into solutions in their communities.
He was the youngest recipient of the award, of
over 1,000 applicants from all over the country.
On February 19 of this year, on the steps of the
state capitol, he will receive the Billy Jack Gaither
Humanitarian Award, at the 14th annual Vigil for
Victims of Hate and Violence.
Not only are violence, bullying and drugs a problem
with gay youth in Alabama, but also homelessness.
According to a 2010 report by The National Center
on Family Homelessness, Alabama is number one
in youth homelessness. To make matters worse
Stand Un-Corrected
Compassionate
Legalization of
Medical
Marijuana
Steve shared the current scholarly research about
the effects of marijuana on a person’s health,
both good and bad. Most of it good! But most of
all, he talked about how important it is for sick
Alabamians to be able to use an organic, Alabamagrown, God-given substance that has over 30,000
strains and can treat anything from anxiety to skin
cancer, and that’s just the beginning. He brought
the real point of backing the legalization of
medical marijuana straight home. It is immoral to
by Stephanie Watson
withhold a substance with no harsh side effects to
people who are suffering, and to force them to use
lot of readers may not be aware that the medications that do not work and have harsh side
Alabama legislature has been tossing effects, including death.
around a medical marijuana bill for the
last 7 sessions. Yes, that’s right, for once Alabama Crumpton and Butts made it clear that the group’s
isn’t going to be last at something that is good for intentions aren’t to make marijuana legal for all in
Alabamians. There are two bills: HB 0025, and the state of Alabama, but to give a compassionate
HB 0066.
option to sick people in the state of Alabama. It
is important for ill Alabamians to have medical
For the first 1 ½ years of operation Robinson’s HB0025 -- Filed by Patricia Todd (D), currently in
access to a proven drug that helps more than the
office was his bedroom. The organization now the Health Committee, is a bill called the Michael
current pharmaceuticals--pharmaceuticals that
has office space at 600 Saint Clair Ave., Building Phillips Compassionate Care Act. It would make
are addictive and are literally killing people and
7, Suite 16, Huntsville. But for the agency to marijuana legal for uses certified by a physician,
ruining their quality of life. Truly, the only thing
continue and thrive Robinson says there has and it regulates and controls the substance as a
wrong right now with marijuana is that it’s not a
to be financial stability and support from the medicine.
legal drug, therefore it is not regulated, and sick
community.
people are barred from obtaining treatment that
HB0066 -- Filed by Rep. Brown (R), also in the may be effective for them.
“The first year of the GLBT was amazing, the Health Committee, is called the Alabama Medical
second year incredible, and this year I have no Marijuana Patients Rights Act. It would authorize
I am simply a wife, a mother, a daughter and a sister
idea . . . but I can’t imagine myself doing anything medical use of marijuana for certain qualifying
who has seen family members suffer needlessly
else. I am happier than I have ever been. If I could patients.
and who also suffers from chronic pain with no
only get people to know how happy I am now the
relief in sight. I am unwilling to risk my freedom
whole world would change.”
Today, I attended the AMMJC meeting in to use an illegal substance that I know would work
Huntsville Alabama to discuss the second of for my symptoms, if only I were brave enough to
For more information on the GLBT, its support the bills. The meeting started at 10:00 am and
break the law. I know that it would work, because
group and activities go to http://www.glbtays.org concluded around 4 pm, with approximately 70
I have family members who live in legal medical
or visit their Facebook page.
people in attendance. Ron Crumpton and Chris use states who have seen great relief. Even if it
Butts ran the meeting. Also speaking was special didn’t work for me, it would be worth it to me to
guest Steve Elliott, author of The Little Black try it, if it were legal.
Book of Marijuana, and the editor at Village Voice
Media. Elliott, who has been a medical marijuana I went to the meeting worried about the type of
activist for over 16 years, gave arguments in favor people who would be there, but what I found
of legalizing medical marijuana. He’s a home were caring, compassionate Alabamians who need
grown Alabama boy who studied journalism at help with their health, which pharmaceuticals
the University of North Alabama.
aren’t helping. I left the meeting invigorated and
reassured that this bill will not allow a free-forall smoke house on every corner. This is serious
help for seriously ill individuals in the state of
boss calling me the Attorney to my male co-workers, they looked at each other and said, “Who’d make Alabama. While money was not the focus of the
that mistake?” Lesson number two: keep some stories to yourself.
group, I noted that legalization will bring to the
state of Alabama an estimated 36 million dollars
2. When you’re given credit where credit isn’t due. Now, don’t think I’m talking about major things a year, just from tax revenue alone. This does
like saving lives or what have you. But when you’re thanked for bringing in the King Cake or mak- not include the jobs it will produce, or the effects
ing sure the right people were invited to the party, just reply, “Well, it takes a team.” This way you’re decriminalization will have on people who are
neither denying nor confirming the assumption.
sick and in need.
A
When people speak simple errors, it’s human for
us to set the record straight. But lately, I’ve been
biting my tongue in certain situations. I figure
there is no harm in letting people believe what
they want and that correcting them may only cause
more awkwardness. So, in the tradition of my recent columns, I present to you a list. This one: 3. When someone misunderstands what you mean by “tummy trouble”. I took a new protein suppleWhen Not To Correct Someone
ment and it didn’t agree with my digestive system. I relayed this story to my trainer. When he said,
“You need to not take that again, you don’t need to spend the evening throwing up.” Yep. Throwing
1. When you’re mistaken for the prettier, smarter Up. Believe that one. No one wants the vision of the reality in this situation. Let them believe what
co-worker. My colleague is a tall, willowy attor- they want.
ney. She is effortlessly beautiful and I immediately wanted to dislike her, but as time has passed, 4. When your age is assumed to be younger. People really do treat you differently based on their
I’ve grown to really like her. In a meeting last assumption of how many years you’re got behind you. I don’t look my age. Based on most blind
week, our boss looked at me and called me by her advertising that’s targeted at me, I should be clipping coupons, balancing my children’s activities, and
name. I said, “Oh, no, I’m Allison.” My boss worrying about keeping my husband happy in the bedroom. In reality those three things never enter my
said, “Sorry I get you two confused.” I giggled. “Worry-Sphere”. I’m more worried about the same things as a free-willed 20-something. This isn’t
The similarities between the attorney and I stop at respectable for a near-40-year old. But if you don’t know how old I am, you really wouldn’t care.
smart, ambitious women. I quickly replied, “It’s
fine with me to make that mistake.” I shouldn’t 5. Finally, never correct someone when they say you’ve got moves like Jagger, but really dance like
have corrected my boss. Just the idea that some- Elaine from Seinfeld. After enough vodka everyone has moves like Jagger. Just keep the cameras
one would get the two of us confused pleases me pointed in the opposite direction.
beyond words. When I relayed the story about my
THE VALLEY PLANET
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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
It’s time to dispel the myths about marijuana.
With safely grown, regulated marijuana-- simply
bringing back God’s gift to all sick people across
the great state of Alabama-- most of the negative
aspects of marijuana will be eliminated completely.
I’d like to invite you to read three websites that
give really good information if you want to know
more:
Alabama Medical Marijuana Coalition -- http://
www.ammjc.org/
NORML -- Working to reform marijuana laws -http://norml.org/
The Bills -- http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/
view resource.php?resourceID=002481
7
Spotlighting
The Arts And
The Artistes…
Luz Tolentino-Ladrillono
by Jim Zielinski
W
hen the lights come up in Carnegie
Hall on March 1st, those lucky enough
to have reserved seating in the Weill
Recital Hall will enjoy the mellifluous tones of
North Alabama’s own Luz Tolentino-Ladrillono.
To those who’ve heard her singing the lilting
melodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s
“Something Wonderful,” Lloyd-Weber’s “Think
of Me,” or selections from various classic operas,
this will come as no surprise. The surprise should
rather be…what took so long? In this spotlight,
we’ll look into the background of the Owner/
Vocal Coach of Madison’s Lyrique Music Studio
(established 2004) and what brought her this
distinct honor.
move to Huntsville. Hmmm…the art of love
blends with the love of art…well rounded, that.
Classically trained since age 9, Luz balances her
work with Lyrique with appearing in community
productions and teaching “Broadway Bound”
classes for Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre. For her own company, Lyrique Music Productions,
she produced “13 the Musical” and “An Evening
with Tony Award-Winner Jason Robert Brown,
Live!” (singing for the opening act).
At her studio, Luz works with all ages and teaches
a wide variety of styles and techniques with a
basic classical foundation. While grounded in
this genre, her students are given opportunities to
gain experience and excel in the genre best suited
to them. Her best teaching, however, may be by
example…
Let’s go back a few years when college student
Luz befriended fellow opera singer Bituin
Domincel, asking the young lady to understudy
her role for a production of “Bisperas Ng Pasko,”
the Filipino take on “A Christmas Carol.” Both
were studying under vocal coach Fides CuyuganAsensio, the Prima Donna of Philippine Opera.
their peers…to be professional whether you like
your co-actors or not. So, I thought this story was
a great lesson to share!”
And she’s right!
Cognizant that students must be prepared for
whatever opportunities come their way, Luz
trains all students with the same regimen, whether
they compete or not. Those who do have pleased
her with superior ratings, as well as wins at the
All-State, Solo and Ensemble, Trumbauer, and
Thespian competitions.
Her goal is to share her passion through music
appreciation and musicality, with exposure to
music both past and present, and to ensure her
charges nurture their talents passionately and
more effectively by “planting the seeds of love
and knowledge for the arts.”
For information on Lyrique Studios and how you
can get involved, call (256) 658-5116 or join them
on Facebook. For tickets to the New York concert,
call CarnegieCharge at (212) 247-7800 or visit
www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2012/3/1/0800/
PM/Bituin-Domincel-Escarcha-ColoraturaSoprano/. Either way, your ears will thank you.
Graciously, Luz not only ensured Bituin would
Hailing from the Philippines, Luz graduated sing in some of the opera’s performances, but
Magna Cum Laude from the University of the also inadvertently pulled a “Dolly Levi”: Erwin
Philippines with a B.A. in Music—Voice Major; Escarcha, Luz and Bituin’s leading man, would
Piano Minor. She would go on to earn leading ask for the understudy’s hand in marriage.
roles in several operas, of which her favorites
were “Eugene Onegin” (“Tatyana”), “Hansel Though Luz had long since left her homeland for
and Gretel” (“Hansel”), and “Tales of Hoffman” Germany, England, and the US, the now-Mrs.
Domincel-Escarcha remained grateful for both
(“Giulietta”).
her first leading role and the introduction to the
It’s Luz’s more recent professional credits, love of her life. Years later, she would ask Luz to
however, that might stagger those unfamiliar with join her as one of her “Special Guest Sopranos”
her onstage pedigree: Cameron McKintosh’s at her upcoming Carnegie Hall concert. Long
“Miss Saigon” (Stuttgart, Germany; 1996-1998); story, short: Luz will be performing the Filipino
The World Premier/Original Cast Recording of folksong, “Sa Kabukiran”; “Libiamo Ne’lieti
Walt Disney Theater’s “The Hunchback of Notre Calici” from Verdi’s “La Traviata”; Amigos Para
Dame” (Berlin, 1999)—with award winners James Siempre”; and “The Prayer” in the Big Apple in
Lapine, Lar Lubovitch, Alan Menken, and Stephen just a few weeks, bringing the tale full circle. It
Schwartz; and the London Premiere of “The King even provides a moral of sorts; says Luz:
and I” (“Lady Thiang”) at the West End’s London
Palladium in 2000. However, she forsook her “I always try to remind my students to maintain
London contract to marry Robert Ladrillono and good character and humility, especially among
Jackie Miller
– The Artist
Wears Many
Hats
by Terri L. French
A
rtist Jackie Miller is saucy, sassy,
silly and classy—a ball of creative
energy
with
no
“off”
switch.
Her eclectic style reveals itself in a myriad of
artistic ways. Walking into her studio and gift
shop, Jac-Win Designs, on the 3rd floor of Lowe
Mill Center for the Arts, is like venturing into a
colorful wonderland. I was a girl again, playing
dress-up, touching and trying on everything I
could lay my hands on, ooh-ing and ahh-ing my
way from one corner of the room to the other.
There are baubles, bangles and beads, vividly
colored scarves, and whimsical hats. But before I
twirl around in circles and fall down dizzily into a
multi-colored heap of adjectives, let me introduce
you to Jackie.
Jacqualyn Whinnery Miller was born into family
of hardware merchants in Albany, New York-”Just enough years ago to give a woman character
and substance.” she says. Even as a child she saw
jewelry ideas in the many bins of hardware objects.
She created her first piece of jewelry as a precocious
four-year-old, began selling pieces in 1972 and
started her own whole sale business in 1984.
Not only has Jackie pulled ideas form hardware
bins, but also from her extensive travels to New
York, Puerto Rico, Nassau, Florida and other
places she has visited either physically or with her
artistic mind’s eye.
8
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“Inspiration comes from just about anything I see.
I’m always gathering beads everywhere I travel.
I’ve never met a bead I didn’t like!” she says.
She studied metalsmithing at Webster School
of Design in Winter Park, Florida and various
media at the Arrowmont School of Arts and
Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. She has won
many awards and has pieces in galleries and
boutiques in 21 states and Canada. Jackie and
her husband, Robert, an aerospace engineer, now
make Huntsville, Alabama their home.
Jackie is a multi-faceted lady and a multi-media
artist, working in metals, clay, beads, hand-dyed
textiles and yarns, and paint. For many of her
scarves, purses and accessories she collects handsheared wool from local sheep and alpaca, sends
it off to be cleaned, dyes the fibers herself, then
shreds, layers and rolls the yarn in a process
called “wet felting.”
She also manipulates
the yarns by means
of “needle felting”
and “nuno felting.”
The nuno felting
technique
bonds
loose fiber, usually
wool, into a sheer
fabric such as silk,
creating a lightweight
felt.
The hats are made of handmade papers and “upcycled” grocery bags, then adorned with flowers,
feathers and other unique finds.
“Since Eve reached for that extra fig leaf,
humans have adorned themselves with found and
fashioned objects,” she says.
Accessorizing expresses a woman’s mood and
personality, says Jackie. There is also an added
benefit.
“If you’re wearing the right hat no one will ever
notice your whiskers,” she laughs.
You may view and purchase Jackie’s work at her
gift shop and Studio # 316 on the third floor of the
Lowe Mill Center of the Arts. Also, visit Jackie’s
Facebook page. To inquire about shows and
classes Jackie may be reaches at 256-509-2164 at
by email at jwhinnery44@comcast net.
One of Jackie’s
latest projects is hats
– a fitting art form
for one who wears so
many!
“Hats can turn
any outfit into a
costume,” says
Jackie.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
THE VALLEY PLANET
THE VALLEY PLANET
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
9
Dr. Anarcho’s Rx for Old Stuff That Don’t Suck: John
Hiatt – The Best of John Hiatt 1973-1998.
John Hiatt is the man many outside the music world
have never heard of, but they’ve heard many, many hit
songs Hiatt has written. He is the man behind the curtain
with the words and music. Hiatt is a great performer,
singer and musician in his own right, yet his closest
brush with a hit of his own came with “Cry Love.”
I doubt he feels cheated in any manner, even though
many of his early albums garnered more critical acclaim
than commercial success.
If the average music-listening bear was lucky enough
to stumble into a club where Hiatt and his band were
playing, it would think it had run across a damned good
cover band. If all of the artists Hiatt has penned hits for
were in the audience, the same bear would be struck
by the stars. The bear might never know that the stars
would be in equal awe of the unassuming man on the
stage.
His songs have been covered by a variety of artists in
multiple genres, including Bob Dylan, Willy DeVille,
Ry Cooder, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton,
B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Three Dog Night, Joan Baez,
Paula Abdul, Buddy Guy, the Desert Rose Band, Jimmy
Buffett, Mandy Moore, Iggy Pop, Emmylou Harris,
Rodney Crowell, Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe, The Nitty
Gritty Dirt Band, Rosanne Cash, Suzy Bogguss, Jewel,
Aaron Neville, Jeff Healey, Keith Urban, Joe Cocker,
and Chaka Khan, among others.
His royalty checks must be delivered in a Well’s Fargo
armored truck.
Did it ever occur to you to wonder who wrote the “Riding
With the King” hit by B.B. King and Eric Clapton? Your
average music listener is not a reader of liner notes in
general, and writing credits in particular. “Riding With
the King” is not about what you might think. It was
written when Hiatt was in a dark, dark period of his life,
reeling from his wife’s recent suicide and in a thick fog
of alcoholism. One critic called the RWTK album “a cry
for help from a man in a downward spiral.”
Hiatt is so prolific that I had a hard time choosing which
of his myriad albums to recommend. In fact, I choose
to recommend anything he’s ever recorded, but will
suggest his “best of” collection for the newbie Hiatt fan.
Hiatt’s music is available on CD or for MP3 download.
Check out his official website for a discography and free
samples of his music. The popular download sites also
offer Hiatt downloads and free listens.
Dr. Anarcho’s Rx for Old Stuff That Don’t Suck:
John Hiatt – The Best of John Hiatt 1973-1998. If it
seems you have heard most of them before, you have;
they were hits for many of your better-known favorite
artists.
Tracks included:
Have a Little Faith in Me
Thing Called Love
Riding With The King
Cry Love
Slow Turning
The Way We Make A Broken Heart
Memphis In The Meantime
Child Of The Wild Blue Yonder
Drive South
Angel Eyes
Buffalo River Home
Feels Like Rain
Love In Flames
Perfectly Good Guitar
Tennessee Plates
Take Off Your Uniform
Don’t Know Much About Love
Listen To Huntsville’s
Homebrew On WTAK
Every Wednesday
Night At 10pm Our Very Own Local
Musicians Are
Featured!
10
#022312031412
Thursday, February 23
AMERICAN LEGION POST 237 (SEE AD
PG.11),Karaoke
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, DaveAnderson
BENCHWARMER, OpenMicw/Shannon
Hubbard
BENCHWARMER TOO, CollegeNightw/Vee
Ayee
CARSON’S, LaceyAtchison
DAILY BREW (DECATUR), OpenMicNight
EL PASO (NEW HOPE), Karaokew/Rob
FINNEGAN’S PUB, SlipJig
FURNITURE FACTORY, Gus&Conway
GLASS’S COCKTAILS & GRILL (DECATUR),
Karaokew/Lewis
GUADALAJARA (DECATUR), DJJammin’Jeff
HIGHWAY HAVEN, Karaokew/Jud
HOPPER’S, Karaokew/Tara
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, LanceAlmon
Smith
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, DaveAnderson
KNIGHT MOVES, Karaoke
LEE ANN’S, KeithTaylorandRobertaSilva
LONE GOOSE, TraciTraciOpenMic
MAC’S SPORTSBAR AND STEAKHOUSE
(ATHENS), OpenMic/Acoustics
OLIVIA’S BAR AND GRILL (SEE AD PG.13),
Karaoke
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaokew/Amber
SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, JasonAldeanafter
Partyw/DJSilver
SPORTS PAGE, 5iveOClockCharlie
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Blagburn
THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), TreyBrowder
THE STATION, LiveMusic/Karaoke
VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Barry
Kay
VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, OpenMic
Night
Friday, February 24
ALBANY BISTRO, AMellowTone
AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, TheMersey
Band
PG.11),Karaoke
BANDITO BURRITO (MADISON) Jonathon
Laird
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Bourbon&Shamrocks
BENCHWARMER TOO, MingleNightBluesw/
BlackPearl
BILLY’S SPORTS BAR (HAZEL GREEN),
Karaokew/Larry
BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Pla’Station
CARSON’S, AustinJennings
CASA MONTEGO, Reggae&MorewithDJ
FrankieJ
COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD
PG.10), WayneGamwell
COPPERTOP, TheMattTaylorBand
CROSSROADS, WithinReason,AlmostKings
andSuperBob
DIAMONDS, ProtonJoe
EARTH FARE, OpenMic(3:30-5:30pm)
EL HERRADURA, Edgar
EL PASO (NEW HOPE), Karaokew/Brandon
FINNEGAN’S PUB, SingAlongwithNancy
FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (DECATUR),
Karaokew/HowieandHDK
FURNITURE FACTORY, Fonetic
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), BlackEyed
Susan
HOPPER’S, Pla’Station
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, TrioElCamino
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, COJones
KNIGHT MOVES, WidowGrove
LEE ANN’S, Playback
LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaokew/DJAubreyWalker
LONDON’S SPORTS BAR (TULLAHOMA), Kris
Bell
LONE GOOSE, 45Surprise
MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke
MOORESVILLE BAR & GRILL, MattPrater
MY OLD SAN JUAN (SEE AD PG.4),Salsa
Night/Karaoke
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, DawnOsborneBand
SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJKeibot
SPORTS PAGE, TheMentones
THE BRICK (DECATUR), WhiteNoiseDJClint
THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), LaceyAtchison
THE STEM AND STEIN, Odion
VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, AnAbstract
Theory
Saturday, February 25
ALBANY BISTRO, OliviaJohnson
AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, Karaoke
PG.11),Karaoke
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, TangledString
BENCHWARMER, StoneAgeShows
BENCHWARMER TOO, MixedBoysParty
Karaokew/Larry
BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, DaveAnderson
BRIDGESTREET, BarryKay
CARSON’S, LaceyAtchison&PatrickHogan
PG.10), OpenMicNight
COPPERTOP, YourPestfromTokoyo,Skeptic,
andReallyLoudHamburgers
DIAMONDS, HotRodOtis
ELK’S LODGE, Karaoke
FLYING MONKEY ARTS CENTER, ChipGulbro
andFriendswithQueRico
SquareOne
FURNITURE FACTORY`, Fatso
GEE’S PLACE, ThePoorsBoysBand
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Juice
HOPPER’S, Pla’Station
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, ToyShop
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Bourbon&
Shamrocks
KNIGHT MOVES, DJMatt
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEE ANN’S, Big40
LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaokew/DJMikeB
LONE GOOSE, Chinchillanaires
(ATHENS), DJCalvin
MOODY MONDAYS, Karaokew/SweetT
Karaoke
SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJKeibot
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, DJDanceParty
SPORTS PAGE, Loveday
THE BRICK (DECATUR), BlackLabel
THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), BurtDavid
Newton
THE STEM AND STEIN, AlexDietrich
VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, WeThree
Kings
Sunday, February 26
ALBANY BISTRO, RobinPetty
BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Karaoke
CASA MONTEGO, RetroSundays
CROSSROADS,LaLahHathaway
DIAMONDS, OpenMic/OpenJamw/the
Crawlers
Karaoke
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, SundayBlues
JamhostedbyFreddyEarlandtheBlues
Mercenaries
Karaoke
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, OpenStagew/
KinseyMalone
SPORTS PAGE, JoshGant
VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Karaokew/
DJBrandonMac
Monday, February 27
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, RobbyEichem
COPPERTOP, HDKKaraokewithHowie
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, AcousticOpenMic
hostedbyRobAldridge
SPORTS PAGE, DaveAnderson
Tuesday, February 28
108 JEFFERSON STREET PUB, Karaokew/Doc
Roc
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, JazzJamOpenMic
BENCHWARMER TOO, DJCzar
FURNITURE FACTORY`, Karaokew/LouWalker
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, CharlieHowell
LEE ANN’S, Karaokew/Brian
(ATHENS), TreyMorgan
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, SongWriters
ShowcasehostedbyMargeLoveday
SPORTS PAGE, ChelvisandtheBean
THE STATION, KaraokeContest
music cont. on pg.11
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
THE VALLEY PLANET
music cont. from pg.10
VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Matt
Prater
VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Dave
Anderson
WATERCRESS, Live Jazz
Wednesday, February 29
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Microwave Dave
BENCHWARMER, Karaoke
BLACK WATER HATTIE’S, Open Mic
PG.10), Songwriter’s Jam
COPPERTOP, Open Mic w/ Thad & Co.
FURNITURE FACTORY`, O’Dell Johnson Duo
Karaoke w/ Lewis
HOPPER’S, DJ Lil’ Ed
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, The Robs
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Andrew Sharp
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEE ANN’S, Karaoke w/ Brian
LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ DJ Aubrey Walker
MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ Sweet T
OUR PLACE (DECATUR), Karaoke w/ DW
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Ladies Night/ Talent
Contest w/ Kinsey Malone
SPORTS PAGE, Bourbon & Shamrocks
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Chop Daddy
THE STATION, Karaoke
VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), The
Grant and Charles Show
VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, James Irvin
Thursday, March 1
PG.11), Karaoke
BANDITO BURRITO (MADISON), Marge
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Dave Anderson
BENCHWARMER, Open Mic w/ Shannon
Hubbard
BENCHWARMER TOO, Vee Ayee
CARSON’S, Josh Allison
CROSSROADS, Cody Canada and the Departed
DAILY BREW (DECATUR), Open Mic Night
EL PASO (NEW HOPE), Karaoke w/ Rob
FINNEGAN’S PUB, Slip Jig
FURNITURE FACTORY`, Scott Morgan
Karaoke w/ Lewis
GUADALAJARA (DECATUR), DJ Jammin’ Jeff
HIGHWAY HAVEN, Karaoke w/ Jud
HOPPER’S, Karaoke w/ Tara
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Grayson Owen
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Dave Anderson
LEE ANN’S, Pot Luck
LONE GOOSE, Traci Traci Open Mic
(ATHENS), Jacob Reynolds
Karaoke
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/ Amber
SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL, DJ Keibot
SPORTS PAGE, 5ive O’clock Charlie
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Acoustic Juice
THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Trey Browder
THE STATION, Live Music/ Karaoke
Kay
VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Open Mic
Night
Friday, March 2
ALBANY BISTRO, Emily Jones
AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, The Mersey
Band
PG.11), Karaoke
BANDITO BURRITO (MADISON), Jonathon
Laird
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Tangled String
BENCHWARMER TOO, Toy Lady
Karaoke w/ Larry
CARSON’S, Robert Lee
CASA MONTEGO, Reggae & More with DJ
Frankie J
PG.10), Fred Roberts
COPPERTOP, Bone Dry
DIAMONDS, Chaos
EL HERRADURA, Edgar EL PASO (NEW HOPE), Karaoke w/ Brandon
FINNEGAN’S PUB, Sing Along with Nancy
Karaoke w/ Howie and HDK
GEE’S PLACE, The Poors Boys Band
THE VALLEY PLANET
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Groove
HOPPER’S, The Breakers
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, The Dawn
Osborne Band
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Joe Breckenridge
LEE ANN’S, Pla’Station
LONE GOOSE, Cracker Jacks
Night/Karaoke
Karaoke
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL,
Partner’s Cabaret Show
SPORTS PAGE, Daikaiju
THE BRICK (DECATUR), 5ive O’clock Charlie
THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Glen and Libba
THE STATION, Crush/ Live Music
THE STEM AND STEIN, Jason Cunningham
256 533-2305
2806 S. Memorial Pkwy (next to Drake Wal-Mart)
$$ We Pay Cash Daily $$
BUY, SELL
& ORDER
BLU-RAY,
DVD, CD,
VIDEO GAMES,
AUDIO BOOKS
Saturday, March 3
ALBANY BISTRO, Robin Petty
PG.11), Karaoke
BENCHWARMER, Stone Age Shows
BENCHWARMER TOO, Mixed Boys Party
Karaoke w/ Larry
PG.10), Open Mic Night
COPPERTOP, Wolf Among Sheep
DIAMONDS, Elvis
FINNEGAN’S PUB, Whiskey River Kings
FLYING MONKEY, Tardi Gras Dance w/ZYDECO-T
Square One
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Big 40
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Microwave Dave
and the Nukes
KNIGHT MOVES, DJ Matt
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEE ANN’S, Rudy Mockabee
LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/DJ Mike B
LONE GOOSE, Minor Street Band
(ATHENS), DJ Calvin
Karaoke
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Girls with Guitars
SPORTS PAGE,
Beithemeans/Stone Mtn Freeway
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Jason Albert Band
THE STEM AND STEIN, Jim Cavendar
Sunday, March 4
ALBANY BISTRO, Phil Weaver
CASA MONTEGO, Retro Sundays
DIAMONDS, Open Mic/ Open Jam
w/ the Crawlers
Karaoke
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Sunday Blues
Jam hosted by Freddy Earl and the Blues
Mercenaries
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL,
Cabaret w/ Kinsey Malone
VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/
DJ Brandon Mac
Monday, March 5
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Robby Eichem
COPPERTOP, HDK Karaoke with Howie
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Acoustic Open Mic
hosted by Rob Aldridge
SPORTS PAGE, Dave Anderson
Tuesday, March 6
108 JEFFERSON STREET PUB,
Karaoke w/ Doc Roc
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Jazz Jam Open Mic
BENCHWARMER TOO, DJ Czar
FURNITURE FACTORY`, Karaoke w/ Lou Walker
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Charlie Howell
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Song Writers
Showcase hosted by Marge Loveday
SPORTS PAGE, Chelvis and the Bean
THE STATION, Karaoke Contest
VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS),
Matt Prater
#022312031412
Anderson
Wednesday, March 7
COFFEETREE BOOKS & BREW (SEE AD PG.10),
Songwriter’s Jam
Karaoke w/ Lewis
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, 45 Surprise KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Andrew Sharp
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEE ANN’S, Rudy Mockabee
LONE GOOSE, Bluegrass N Booze
(ATHENS), Tom McClung
SPORTS PAGE, Chris Cook
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Dusty and Gilbert
Thursday, March 8
AMERICAN LEGION POST 237 (SEE AD PG.11),
Karaoke
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
Hubbard
CARSON’S, Lacey Atchison
FLYING MONKEY ARTS CENTER, Jeffery Lewis
Karaoke w/ Lewis
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, J.Speegle Duo
(ATHENS), Trey Morgan
Karaoke
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Blues on a Half Shell
CO Jones
Kay
Friday, March 9
108 JEFFERSON STREET PUB, Jason Albert
Band
music cont. on pg. 12
11
music cont. from pg.11
Band
PG.11), Karaoke
Laird
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Silver Streak
BENCHWARMER TOO, Mingle Night Blues
w/Black Pearl
Karaoke w/ Larry
Frankie J
PG.10), Larry, Peggy and Friends
DIAMONDS, Thad & Co.
FLYING MONKEY ARTS CENTER, Slip Jig
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Black Dog
Saint
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, We Three Kings
LEE ANN’S, Full Circle
LONE GOOSE, Fatso
(ATHENS), Tom McClung Full Band
Night/Karaoke
Karaoke
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Ashley McBride and
Marge Loveday
SPORTS PAGE, Flannel
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Plato Jones
THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Ethan Dendy
THE STATION, Black Eyed Susan/Karaoke
THE STEM AND STEIN, Seducing Alice
VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Dawn
Osborne Band
12
Saturday, March 10
ALBANY BISTRO, A Mellow Tone
PG.11), Karaoke
Karaoke w/ Larry
DIAMONDS, CO Jones
FLYING MONKEY ARTS CENTER, Old City
Buskers
Square One
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), 4 on the Floor
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Marge Loveday
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Liquid Caravan
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEE ANN’S, Gryphon Rocks
LONE GOOSE, 45 Surprise MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke w/ Sweet T
Karaoke
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Pride of Kings
SPORTS PAGE, We Three Kings
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Altar Ego
THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Burt David
Newton
THE STEM AND STEIN, Abe Stock
VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, Toy Shop
Sunday, March 11
ALBANY BISTRO, Emily Jones
DIAMONDS, Open Mic/ Open Jam w/ the
Crawlers
Karaoke
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
Mercenaries
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Open Stage w/
Kinsey Malone
SPORTS PAGE, Sean and Mike
DJ Brandon Mac
Monday, March 12
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Robby Eichem
COPPERTOP, HDK Karaoke with Howie
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Acoustic Open Mic
hosted by Rob Aldridge
SPORTS PAGE, Dave Anderson
VILLAGE PIZZA (DOWNTOWN ATHENS), Matt
Prater
Tuesday, March 13
108 JEFFERSON STREET PUB, Karaoke w/ Doc
Roc
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Jazz Jam Open Mic
BENCHWARMER TOO, DJ Czar
FURNITURE FACTORY`, Karaoke w/ Lou Walker
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Fat Tuesday Roux
Du Bayou
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Charlie Howell
(ATHENS), Ezell
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Song Writers
Showcase hosted by Marge Loveday
SPORTS PAGE, Chelvis and the Bean
THE STATION, Karaoke Contest
Anderson
Wednesday, March 14
PG.10), Songwriter’s Jam
Karaoke w/ Lewis
music cont. on pg. 13
THE VALLEY PLANET
music cont. from pg. 12
HOPPER’S, Lil’ Ed
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Chelvis and the
Bean
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Andrew Sharp
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LONE GOOSE, Bluegrass N Booze
(ATHENS), Trey Morgan
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Blagburn
Thursday, March 15
PG.11), Karaoke
Hubbard
CARSON’S, Austin Jennings
COPPERTOP, CO Jones
Karaoke w/ Lewis
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Chris Cavanaugh
Trio
(ATHENS), Wayde Battle and Drew Smith
Karaoke
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Pat and the Peeps
Kay
Night
Friday, March 16
ALBANY BISTRO, Olivia Johnson
Band
PG.11), Karaoke
Laird
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Loveday
Karaoke w/ Larry
CARSON’S, Second Hand Smoke
Frankie J
PG.10), Locket
COPPERTOP, Cracker Jacks
DIAMONDS, Drivin’ Under
FLYING MONKEY ARTS CENTER, Brent
Bassham
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Crush
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, Kozmic Mama
KAFFEEKLATSCH @ NIGHT, Dawn Osborne
Trio
KNUCKLEHEADS, Jason Albert Band
LEE ANN’S, Groove
LONE GOOSE, Bourbon & Shamrocks
Night/Karaoke
THE VALLEY PLANET
Karaoke
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Partner’s Cabaret
Show
SPORTS PAGE, Sideshow
THE BRICK (DECATUR), Cheezee Band
THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Austin Jennings
THE STEM AND STEIN, Trey Morgan
Saturday, March 17
PG.11), Karaoke
Karaoke w/ Larry
CARSON’S, St. Patty’s Day Extravaganza w/
Alex Dieterich & Hunter of .45 Surprise
CROSSROADS, Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration
Metropolitan DJ
DIAMONDS, Mr. Jimmy
FINNEGAN’S PUB, Huntsville Irish Dancers
FLYING MONKEY ARTS CENTER, Slip Jig,
Kinvara, Finnegan’s Pub session players
Square One
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Jason Albert
Band
HOPPER’S, Proton Joe
HUMPHREY’S BAR &GRILL, St. Patrick’s Day!
Bourbon & Shamrocks/ Black Eyed Susan
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEE ANN’S, Playback
LONE GOOSE, The Robertsons’ St. Patty’s Day
Gala
(ATHENS), DJ Calvin
Karaoke
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Ladies of Disillusion
THE BRICK (DECATUR), 2nd Annual Rockin’ for
a Cause
THE STEM AND STEIN, Jason Cunningham
VOODOO LOUNGE BAR & GRILL, St. Patty’s
Day
Sunday, March 18
ALBANY BISTRO, A Mellow Tone
DIAMONDS, Open Mic/ Open Jam w/ the
Crawlers
Karaoke
Mercenaries
PARTNER’S BAR & GRILL, Open Stage w/
Kinsey Malone
DJ Brandon Mac
THE END
Lone Goose Voted Best New
Bar In Valley Planet’s Readers’
Poll! Lone Goose is located in
the Lumberyard on Cleveland in
Downtown Huntsville.
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
13
REGIONAL CONCERTS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Thursday, February 23
Art with a Twist will be at the Huntsville Museum
of Art from 5:30-8:30pm. www.hsvmuseum.org.
ATLANTA
February 23, Kelly Clarkson, Fox Theatre
March 1, Radiohead, Philips Arena
March 1, Diana Ross, Fox Theatre
March 5, Aretha Franklin, Fox Theatre
March 8, Trey Songz with Big Sean, Fox Theatre
March 27, Daughtry, Cobb Energy Performing Arts
Throughout February and March, the Atrium Art
Gallery on the first floor of the Huntsville/Madison
Public Library, will feature artwork produced by local
artists that celebrates African Americans.
www.hmcpl.org, 256-532-5989.
.
The Madison Mega-Marathon challenges you to
read a book a week – 52 books by year’s end – and
rate those books on the library’s GoodReads website.
256-461-0046.
BIRMINGHAM
February 25, Jimmy Buffet, BJCC Arena
March 24, Sandi Patty, BJCC Concert Hall
HUNTSVILLE
February 23, Jason Aldean w/ Luke Bryan, VBC Arena
March 9, Jim Parkers Songwriters, VBC Playhouse
May 10, Foreigner, VBC Arena
March 17, Bill Maher, VBC Concert Hall
March 21, Harlem Globetrotters, VBC Arena
The Lifetree Café’ at Latham United Methodist
Church will have Playing God, Is Science Going too
Far? from 6:30-7:30pm. www.lifetreecafe.com.
(See ad pg.4)
MEMPHIS
February 26, Puscifier, Orpheum Theatre
March 1, Jimmy Buffet, Verizon Arena
March 9, Jeff Dunham, Verizon Arena
March 10, Zac Brown, Verizon Arena
March 17, Maze, Verizon Arena
NASHVILLE
February 23-24, Needtobreathe, Ryman Auditorium
February 24, Jason Aldean, Bridgestone Arena
February 26, Nashville Blues Festival, Nashville Municipal Auditorium
March 2, Dianna Ross, Ryman Auditorium
March 6-8, Mumford and Sons, Ryman Auditorium
March 7, Big Time Rush, Bridgestone Arena
March 11, Trey Songz w/ Big Sean, Nashville Municipal Auditorium
March 19, Andrew Bird, Ryman Auditorium
March 20, George Thorogood, Wildhorse Saloon
March 21, Moody Blues, Ryman Auditorium
March 30, Daughtry, Ryman Auditorium
Follow the Valley Planet on
Twitter, FaceBook and MySpace!
February 23-26
The Renaissance Theatre will have a new workshop
play, Dr. King... My Life: Looking Back. It will be at
7:30pm each night and Sunday at 2:30pm.Tickets
are $14, for general admission and $12 for students/
seniors. www.renaissancetheatre.net.
Friday, February 24
Steven Curtis Chapman’s Songs and Stories Tour
will be at Capshaw Baptist Church in Harvest at 7pm.
itickets.com, 1-800-965-9324.
There will be a lecture on Iridology, the natural drugless system of caring for the body through the study
of the eye’s iris, will be presented at the Paranormal
Study Center at 6:30pm. It is located at the Radisson
Inn at the Olympus Room in Madison. Admission is
$10 and seating is limited. www.BrendaStar.org,www.
ParapsychologyStudyGroup.com. There will be a Huntsville Vegans Weekly Meetup at
Café 153 at Bridge Street from 6-8pm. The Small Business Lunch & Learn: “Social Media for
Social Good: A How-To Webinar for Nonprofits,” will be
at the Huntsville/Madison County Public Library
from noon until 1:30pm. www.hmcpl.org,
256-532-5975.
The Huntsville Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity Inc. presents, Final Friday at Surie in
Madison at 10pm. Pre-sale tickets are $10. www.
huntsvilleurbannetwork.com.
There will be a Salsa Night at OK Corral, 2322 South
Memorial Parkway, from 7:00pm until? It will be the
second and fourth Thursday of every month. The cost
is $2. www.salseroblanko.net.
The Madison Hospital Grand Opening MonthGrand Opening Gala will be from 6:30-10:30pm at
the Madison Hospital Atrium. The cost is $100 per
person. www.foundation.hhsys.org.
The Winter Festival - Dog Days of Winter will be at
the Huntsville Botanical Gardens from now until
February 29, 2012. www.hsvbg.org.
February 24-25
POURED OUT A Conference on Prayer and Missions
will be held at Asbury Church Campus. There will be 75 missionaries representing over a dozen agencies
and denominations from all over the world here to
speak during the conference with Keynote Speakers,
Leonard Sweet, author, preacher and teacher, and Joy
Griffin with International Leadership Institute. Over 50
workshops are being offered during this conference.
Cost is $40 and includes a boxed lunch each day. www.
asburygic.com.
“Finding our African-American Ancestors” will be
at the Huntsville/Madison Main Library from 23pm. Resident genealogy expert Richard White will
teach classes on how to use the newest genealogy
resources and technology to find your AfricanAmerican ancestors. www.hmcpl.org.
Alumni football is coming to Huntsville. Gridiron
Alumni is planning several full contact alumni
football games. Players are needed to sign up and
the first 40 players on each team get to play. Teams
from Huntsville, Johnson, Lee, Randolph Academy,
Westminster Christian, and other area teams are
forming now. Games are scheduled for March and
April, but spots and game dates fill up fast. www.
gridironalumni.com, 530-410-6396.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center proudly presents
“100 Years of Von Braun: His American Journey”
– an awe-inspiring exhibit showcasing the life of Dr.
Wernher von Braun, in honor of his 100th birthday on
March 23rd, 2012. It will be on exhibit now through
May 2012. www.ussrc.com.
The Huntsville Museum of Art will have the exhibit
Connections: Marilyn Murphy/Bob Trotman now
through March 18th. www.hsvmuseum.org.
The Huntsville Museum of Art will have the exhibit,
American Studio Glass and Buccellati Silver
Animals. 256-535-4350 or go to www.hsvmuseum.
org.
Moody Mondays will have a video golf tournament
every Thursday at 6:30pm. $10 per person.
256-539-9945.
The Huntsville Museum of Art will have the exhibit
Huntsville Photographic Society Members
Showcase, Southern Comfort now through February
26 www.hsvmuseum.org.
The Lee Lyric Theatre will have a performance of On
The Town at 7:30pm at the Lee Lyric Theatre. www.
huntsvilleartsmagnet.org.
February 24-26
Fantasy Playhouse presents Many Moons at the Von
Braun Center Playhouse. The cost is $14 per ticket.
www.letthemagicbegin.org.
The 2012 SECHC Tournament will take place in
Huntsville for the first time in its brief four-year history.
The championship tournament will be at the Benton
H.Wilcoxon Ice Complex. www.IceSkate.org.
IMP presents Company at the UAH Chan Auditorium.
Performance time is at 7:30pm. www.imphuntsville.org.
Saturday, February 25
There will be a Dart Tournament at 7pm at the
Benchwarmer on University Drive in Huntsville.
Brenda Star, Nashville’s most noted authority on the
science of Iridology will be available for Iridology
appointments. Iridology is a natural drug-less
system of caring for the body through the study of
the eye’s iris and refers to the iris as the “terminal” of
the body’s computer. www.BrendaStar.org,www.
ParapsychologyStudyGroup.com. The Art of Giving Painting Party will be from 3-5pm
in Studio 114 on the first floor of Lowe Mill. The cost
is $35. 15% of the proceeds from these workshops will
go to a local charity. www.lowemill.net. The Carnegie Visual Arts Center will have the exhibit,
Let the Good Times Roll! (mardi gras Comes to North
Alabama) now though February 25th. www.carnegiearts.org.
The Huntsville Art League will have an Art Product
Development from 9am until 12pm. www.artshuntsville.org.
Align and Wine will be every Thursday at 6pm at the
Huntsville Museum of Art. It is Yoga Class followed
by wine and hors d’oeuvres. The class is $15 and if
staying for wine and hors d’oeuvres please donate at
least $2. http://mitziconnell.
Sci- Quest Hands on Science Museum will have
Rocket Day to celebrate National Engineering Week.
Engineers from the Boeing Company will help children
to build and launch their own water rocket. www.sciquest.org.
February 23-24
The Decatur Civic Chorus Dinner Theatre will have the
production entitled “Music from the Sizzlin’ Sixties”
at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, 3310
Danville Road. It will be at 6pm and tickets are $25.
256- 350-0338.
There will be an Artist Market at the Flying Monkey
Arts Center from noon until 4pm every Saturday.
Admission is free. There will be art, jewelry, vintage
clothing, records, and more interesting things for sale
inside the facility. www.flyingmonkeyarts.org.
“Family Warfare” will be at the Flying Monkey
Theatre from 7-9pm. Admission is $8. All proceeds
go directly to the GLBT. Written, produced and
enacted by members and friends of GLBT Advocacy
and Youth Services, the play addresses contemporary
lifestyles and is recommended for mature audiences. www.flyingmonkeyarts.org.
There will be a Vegan cooking class at Earth Fare at noon. Free recipes and samples are provided for all attendees.
The Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Queen Clinic will
be at the Limestone Sherriff’s Rodeo on Hwy
99 in Athens. The cost is $25, must pre-register.
events cont. on pg.15
14
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
THE VALLEY PLANET
events cont. from pg.14
There will be an Adventure Fair at Early Works
Museumat10am.www.earlyworks.com.
Trinity United Methodist Church willhave Tell Me a
Story! A Story Telling Festival at10am.
www.trinityhsv.org.
The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra will have a
Family Free Concert from1-2pmattheVBC Concert
Hall.www.hso.org.
The Huntsville Havoc vs. Columbus Hockey Game
willbeat7:30pmatthe Von Braun Center Arena.
The 2012 Heart Society Ball willbeatthe Westin at
BridgeStreetTownCenterfrom6-11pm. www.heart.
org/huntsvilleheartball.
February 25-26
Salseroblanko presents The Lost Rhythms in Salsa
Winter Summit atthe Kinesthetic Cue Dance Club
Studio. Josue Joseph, renowned producer of the
famousLAEPOCAfilms(PartI&II)willbethere.www.
salserblanko.net.
The Festival of Spirits will be at the VBC Concert
Hall from4-6pm.Itwillfeature
Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University,
Fisk University, Miles College, Talladega College,
Tuskegee University,Troy State University, University
ofAlabamaTuscaloosa;a500voicemasschoir.
Monday, February 27
The Huntsville Art League willhave Figure Drawing
Group (non-nude), every Monday from 9 am until
noonattheHAL Gallery.
http://huntsvilleartleague.org.
Therewillbea Women’s Mountain Bike Rideevery
Mondayat5:30pm.ItleavesfromtheBiker’s parking
lot.Beginnersarewelcome.www.bicyclesetc.
There will be Film series,” Screwball! Romantic
ComedybeforetheWar,”atthe Huntsville/Madison
Main Library,ThefilmwillbeHisGirlFridayat6pm.
Admissionisfree.www.hmcpl.org.
Tuesday, February 28
Gee’s Place willhave Line Dance classeveryTuesday
from6-8pm.Thecostis$5.00.
Sunday, February 26
Radar Magazine’s 2nd Anniversary Celebration
and Fashion Show, The Royal Experience, will
be at the Calhoun Community College. http://
The Dance Club presents the best in ballroom
dancing every Tuesday night. It is located at South
Memorial@MythewoodDr.,Aldersgate.Itwillbegin
at7:30pmanddancingcontinuinguntil10:15pm.The
costis$5forregularand$3forstudents.
256-883-6107,dancehsv.mindspring.com.
TheValley ConservatorypresentsNew Orleans and
Straight Ahead Jazzfrom6-9pm.Itislocatedat5650
SandersonDriveinHuntsville.Admissionisfree.256534-3131.
Every Tuesday there will be a Comedy Open Mic
Night at Providence Cafe in Providence, sign up
starts at 7pm and the open mic starts at 7:30pm.
[email protected].
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library
archivistSusannaLebermanwilltalkaboutthepeople
inMaria Howard Weeden’s famous paintings.Linda
Wright Riley will recite poems that accompany the
original artwork. The program will be held in the
secondflooreventsroomoftheMainbranchfrom23pm.www.hmcpl.org.
The 3rd Rock the Vote will be from 5-8pm at the
Historic Huntsville Depot Roundhouse. The
Committee of 100 Young Professionals (YP) will be
hostingthisevent.Therewillbefood,beveragesand
livemusicbyKush.256-337-1278.
The Friends of the Library Hertha Heller Forum:
“ReadingandWritingasToolsforLife”willbeat2pm
at the Huntsville/Madison Main Library. www.
hmcpl.org.
THE VALLEY PLANET
The Huntsville Ballet Company hosts, The Moscow
Festival Ballet Gala Program willbeat7:30pmatthe
VBC Concert Hall.
www.huntsvilleballetcompany.org.
There will be a Black History Month Forum at J.F.
Drake Technical College in S.C.O’Neal Library from
12:30-1:30pm.Admissionisfree.
#022312031412
Face2Face Improv will be at 7:30pm at Sam and
Greg’s Pizzeria.
Wednesday, February 29
There will be a Wednesday Night Road Ride every
Wednesdayat5pm.ItleavesfromBicycles Etc.Itisa
27-30mileoneclimb,usually2groupsform.Ahelmet
andlightarerequired.www.bicyclesetc.
There will be a Peer Critique every Wednesday at
7pmatthe HAL Gallery.
http://huntsvilleartleague.org.
Gee’s Place will have West Coast Swing every
Wednesdayfrom6:30-8:30pm.Thecostis$5.00.
The Huntsville Main Library will have Free Family
Chess Nightat4:30pm.www.hmcpl.org.
TherewillbeNight Riding Disco LightingBikeRide
atFernbell Parkfrom6-8pm.
The Huntsville Museum of Art will have Voices of
Our Times - Presentation by Gloria Vanderbilt and
Wendy Goodman from 7-8pm. The cost is $50 for
non-membersand$40formembers.
www.hsvmuseum.org.
February 29- March 4
Motherhood the Musical willbeat Merrimack Hall
Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $42 for adults,
$39forseniorsand$37forgroups. Performancetimes
areWednesday-Saturdayat7:30pmandSaturdayand
Sundayat2pm. www.merrimackhall.com.
Thursday, March 1
The Lifetree Café’ at Latham United Methodist
Church willhaveADaughter’sDilemma,losingamom
to Alzheimer’s from 6:30-7:30pm. www.lifetreecafe.
com.(See ad pg.4)
The Museum of Art Gala Black Tie Dinner & Live
Auction willbetonightat6pm.
www.hsvmuseum.org.
The Alabama A&M Men’s Basketball vs. Jackson
Statewillbeat7:30pmattheElmore Gym.
March 1-3
IMPpresents Company atthe UAH Chan Auditorium
at7:30pm.www.imphuntsville.org.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
March 1-4
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
willbeat Grissom High School Theatre. Performance
times are Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm and
Sundayat2pm.Ticketsare$10forstudentsand$15
foradults.www.grissomtheatre.org.
March 1-5
The Annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee will be in
Selma, Alabama. TheBridgeCrossingisheldthefirst
full weekend of every March to commemorate the
righttovoteandrememberhistoric“BloodySunday.”
www.selmajubilee.com,334-526-2626.
Friday, March 2
The ArtCouncilandSeafareCommitteeMembers will
have Our Final Voyage attheHistoric Roundhouse
in Huntsville. There will be great seafood, silent
auction,dancingandmore.
www.artshuntsville.org.
The Spring into Summer Activities Fair will be
from9amuntil5pmatSci-Quest Hands on Science
Center.www.artshuntsville.org.
The Leaders and Lunch Spring Series, Essential
Documents; An Elementary Marketing Plan;
Promotions and Strategies that Sell will be today
from 11:30am-1:00pm, sponsored by Rock Solid
WealthStrategies,LLC.16294thAvenue,Decatur.The
registrationfeeis$20,whichcoversthecostoflunch
andmaterials.256.686.2999,
[email protected].
Monkey Speak will be from 8-11pm at the Flying
Monkey.Thecostis$5.www.flyingmonkeyarts.org.
The Huntsville Chamber of Music Guild presents a
concert with Nathan Lube on the organ at Trinity
United Methodist ChurchinHuntsville.
The2012 Arts Council SeafarewillbeattheRound
House from 6-10pm. There will be a silent auction,
freshfromthegulffoodbyRoussosCatering,andlive
music.www.artshuntsville.org.
March 2-4
Broadway Theatre LeaguepresentsMy Fair Ladyat
the VBC Concert Hall. Prices start at $37 for adults
and$17forchildrenunder17.
www.broadwaytheatreleague.org.
15
Sunday, March 4
The Film Co-op Monthly Workshop will be from 24pminDon’s StudioattheLowe Mill.Admissionis
free.www.lowemill.net.
The Flymo Community Garden Fundraiser will
be from 2-6pm at the Flying Monkey Community
Garden, located at the Flying Monkey Theatre.
Admissionis$5.www.flyingmonkeyarts.org.
LocalauthorMelonie McClendon-Kingwilltalkabout
hernewanthologyofpoetryandphotography,“Palm
to Palm with an Angel,” 2pm, in the second-floor
eventsroomofthemain library,915MonroeStreet.
Bookswillbeavailableforpurchaseandsigningbythe
author.Admissionisfree.www.hmcpl.org.
The UAH Spring 10K Road Race will be from 25pm, starting at UAHuntsville Fitness Center, 301
SparkmanDriveinHuntsville.256-876-6074.
Monday, March 5
There will be Film series,” Screwball! Romantic
Comedy before the War,” at the Huntsville/Madison
Main Library,The film will beTo Be or Not to Be at
6pm.Admissionisfree.www.hmcpl.org.
TherewillbeaclassonCollegeReadiness:FinancialAid
at5pmattheMain Libraryauditorium,915Monroe
Street,256-532-5940,[email protected].
Tuesday, March 6
TherewillbeaHungerGamesPartyfrom6-7:30pm
attheTillman D. Hill Public LibraryinHazelGreen.
Thisfreeeventforteensandadultswillinclude
refreshmentsandtriviagames.
256-828-9529,[email protected].
Wednesday, March 7
TherewillbeaSalsa NightatEmpire FitnessonHwy
72 from 7:30-11:30pm. It will be the first and third
Wednesdays of every month. The cost is $5. www.
salseroblanko.net.
The UAHuntsville SBDC/PTAC office will be
havingaSmallBusinessTrainingworkshop,Business
Organization and Tax Compliance.
http://sbdc.uah.edu.
Dr. Harry McCarty, an oncologist at the Center for
Cancer Care, will discuss risk factors for a variety of
commoncancers,includingwaystoreduceyourrisks.
Hewillalsoanswercancer-relatedquestions.Itwillbe
atnooninthesecond-flooreventsroomofthemain
library,915MonroeStreet.Admissionisfree.
www.hmcpl.org.
March 7-11
Motherhood The Musical willbeat Merrimack Hall
March 8-11
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
willbeat Grissom High School Theatre. Performance
times are Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm and
Sunday at 2pm.Tickets are $10 for students and $15
foradults.www.grissomtheatre.org.
Thursday, March 8
The 19th Scholarship Awards Banquet, sponsored
by North Alabama NSBE Alumni Chapter, will be
at the Holiday Inn Downtown at 7pm. http://
Saturday, March 3
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 byMaple
Hill andcallingbyVickiHerndonfrom7:30-10:30pm.
Lessons begin at 7pm. Admission is $7 and $4 for
students.256-837-0656,
http://secontra.com/NACDS.html.
The Kiwanis Club of Huntsville will have the Annual
Pancake Day Celebration to raise funds to support
our projects and events for the youth of our
community.Thisyear’seventwillbeattheHuntsville
High School cafeteria6amuntilnoon.Ticketsare$5
inadvanceor$6atthedoor.
[email protected].
The4th Annual Alabaster Scholastic Chess
TournamentwillbeatThompson Intermediate
School,10019Hwy119,Alabaster,Alabama.Email:
[email protected]
The Gala Cocktail Party & Silent Auction featuring
Artist Nancy Franke will be from 7-9pm at the
Huntsville Museum of Art.www.hsvmuseum.org.
TheAlabama A&M Men’s Basketball vs. Grambling
Statewillbeat5pmattheElmore Gym.
16
TherewillbeaBook SigningwithLRBarrett-Durham
andEGGloverattheCoffeetreeBooksandBrewfrom
8-11am.ThebookistitledFeartheBeastWithin.www.
coffeetreebnb.com.(See ad pg.10)
Tardi Gras with Zydeco T and the Cajun Zydeco
Connection will be at the Flying Monkey Theatre
from 7-11:30pm. Wear your beads, masks, hats and
boasorjustcomeasyouare.Admissionis$15.www.
flyingmonkeyarts.org.
The Huntsville Chamber Music Guild will host the
Vienna Boys Choir at Trinity United Methodist
Churchat5pm.www.trinityhsv.org.
The 2012 Jerry Brown Arts Festival marks the
tenth anniversary for this indoor, juried arts festival
held annually the first weekend of March at Marion
CountyAirportHangar,465AirportRoadinHamilton,
Alabama.www.jbaf.org.
Holy Family School’s Annual Silent Auction Dinner
& Grand Raffle Party “Life’s a Beach!” will be at the
VBC North Hall from6-11pm.Ticketsare$50. www.
holy-family-school.com.
Sci-Quest is hosting its popular Community Open
HouseeventwhereeveryonegetsintoSci-Questfor
free!Itwillbeginat9am.www.sciquest.org.
#022312031412
TheSpelman Jazz Ensemblewillbeinconcertatthe
Marriott HotelinHuntsvilleat7pm.Thecostis$25.
256-348-2332.
TheNational Pan Hellenic Council of North
Alabama Wine Tasting Scholarship Fundraiserwill
attheOmega Centerat181ImportCirclefrom7pm
untilMidnight.Advancedticketsare$20and$25at
[email protected].
There will be a“Spring Burst” Guided Hike Series
through Historic Trough Springs on Monte Sano
Mountainfrom10amuntil12pm.
www.landtrust.org.
There will be a “GREEN Means GO” Hike at the
Blevins Gap Nature Preserve.from9-10am.www.
landtrust.org.
The Huntsville Havoc vs. Pensacola Hockey Game
March 3-4
Therewillbea Spiritual Healing Workshop Intensive
with Dr. Laj Utreja. ItwillbeSaturdayfrom8am-4pm
andSundayfrom9amuntil3pm.Thepracticeofthe
disciplines fight fatigue and laziness, restore body’s
immune system, and inhibit extraneous thoughts
leading to mental peace and happiness in life. The
workshopwillbeatThe Yurt Garden, 270Shooting
StarTrail,Gurley.256-604-6927.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
The 14th Annual Spencer Lecture will be at the
Birmingham Botanical Gardens at 6:30pm in the
Linn-Henley Lecture Hall. Andrea Wulf will be the
featured speaker, holding a reception and signing
copiesofherbooksintheHodgesRoombeginningat
5:30pm.www.bbgardens.org.
2012 AGAPE Benefit dinner willhave Captain Mark
Kelly astheKeynoteSpeakerattheVonBraunCenter
at7pm.www.agapecares.org.
The Tennessee Valley Civil War Round Table
Meeting will be at the Elk’s Lodge at 6:30pm. The
topic will be Duty Driven: North Alabama African
Americans during the CivilWar.256-541-2483.
The 14th Annual Spencer Lecture with Andrea Wulf
will be at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The
NewYorkTimes best-selling author will greet guests
from5:30-6:3pmintheHodgesRoom,signingcopies
of her book, Founding Gardeners: the Revolutionary
Generation, Nature and the Shaping of the American
Nation.www.bbgardens.org/spencer.
TherewillbeaScarfCreationsClassattheMonrovia
Public Library,254AllenDrakeDrive,inHuntsvilleat
6:30pm.LearnhowtorecycleaT-shirtintoascarf.
256-489-3392,[email protected].
THE VALLEY PLANET
TherewillbeaGroup Hypnosis for Weight Loss.
MarshaMathes,CertifiedHypnotist,isconducting
thiseventat3313 Memorial Parkway SW,Ste116,
inHuntsville.Thecostis$65perperson.256-6982151
Friday, March 9
Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series willbeatthe
Von Braun Center Playhouse.Artistswillbe
TimThompson,CharlieandDanaBlackandhost
JimParker,specialguestHopeCassity.www.
JimParkerMusic.com.
TherewillbeaSt. Patrick’s Day Painting Class
attheMadison Public Libraryfrom10-11:30am.
Supplycostis$5.256-461-0046,hmcpl.org.
March 9-11
The24th Annual Building Home & Remodeling
Show willbeatthe VBC South Hall thisweekend
Saturday, March 10
TheHuntsvilleArtLeaguewillbeMaking and
Teaching Art in the CommunityatLowe Mill from
9amuntil12pm.256-519-278,
www.artshuntsville.org.
TheHuntsvilleSymphonyOrchestra presents
Unfinished but Unforgettable Concert attheVBC
Concert Hall at7:30pm.www.hso.org.
The Huntsville Havoc vs. Knoxville Hockey Game
There will be a“Spring Burst” Guided Hike Series
through Historic Old Railroad Bed Trail on Monte
Sano Mountainfrom10amuntil12pm.
www.landtrust.org.
Sci-quest Hands on Science Museum will have
Parent’s Night Outfrom6-9pm.www.sci-quest.org.
March 10-11
The Plaza Suite presentedbyRenaissance Theatre
willbeat7pm.www.renaissancetheatre.net.
Sunday, March 11
Come Fly with us! We fly our small electric radiocontrolledairplanesandhelicoptersindoorsonselect
Sundaysfrom1-4pmintheGrace United Methodist
Church Ministry Center Gymat2113OldMonrovia
Rd.Thisfamily-orientedsportflyingisfreeandopen
tothepublic.256772-3946.
Monday, March 12
There will be Film series, “ Screwball! Romantic
ComedybeforetheWar,”atthe Huntsville/Madison
Main Library,ThefilmwillbeThePhiladelphiaStory
at6pm.Admissionisfree.www.hmcpl.org.
Tuesday, March 13
The Decatur Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center
is beginning a new, monthly series. This series will
bepresentedbytheAttorneysofBlackburnMaloney
andSchuppert,LLC.Thetopicforthissessionwillbe
Succession planning for small businesses. Each
session will begin at 11:30am and will be located
in the Decatur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial
Center Training Room.
The UAHuntsville Alabama Procurement Technical
AssistanceCenter(PTAC)offi
cewillbehavingaTraining
Workshop,Government Contract Accounting Made
Easy-Meet the Expert. http://sbdc.uah.edu.
MichaelFlatley’sLord of the Dance willbeat7:30pm
inthe VBC Concert Hall. Ticketsstartat$37.50.www.
ticketmaster.com.
Wednesday, March 14
The1st Annual College Fair willbeat Pope John Paul
II Catholic High School at5pm.
March 14-18
Motherhood The Musical willbeat Merrimack Hall
Thursday, March 15
The Leaders and Lunch Spring Series, Essential
Documents; The Element of Money; Financial
Projections and Plans will be today from 11:30am1:00pm. 1629 4th Avenue, Decatur.The registration
feeis$20,whichcoversthecostoflunchandmaterials.
256.686.2999,[email protected].
March 15-18
The 60th Annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival
will be this weekend in downtown Fairhope.
Admissionisfree.www.eschamber.com/artscrafts.
Friday, March 16
The Huntsville Bead Society will have a class from
6:30- 8:30pm and participants will make a set of
cascadeearringwithcrystalsandwirelace.Therewill
be a meeting before class at 5pm at the Huntsville
Main Library. [email protected] or via our
facebookpage.
Anita Daniel of the Huntsville Botanical Garden
will talk about the purpose, theory, and structure of
logicmodels,planningtoolstographicallydefinean
organization’sprogram.Ticketsare$15.Itwillbefrom
1-4pmattheHuntsvilleMadisonMainLibrary.http://
store.hmcpl.org.
Disney’s Phineas and Ferb, The Best Live Tour Ever
willbeatthe VBC Concert Hall at3:30and6:30pm.
www.ticketmaster.com.(See ad pg.21)
March 16-17
The Selma 2012 Historic Pilgrimage follows the
AlabamaRiverfromSelmatonearbyCahawba,Orrville
and Molette’s Bend to discover historic sites that
datebacktotheearly1800s.Thetwo-dayeventalso
hosts artisans demonstrating their skills at Heritage
Village, an Antique Symposium and the Alabama
PleinAirArtists’paintingsallaroundthetown.www.
selmapilgrimage.org,334-412-8550.
The Advance Auto Parts Monster Truck Jam will
beattheVBCArena.ItwillbeFridayat7:30pmand
Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm. Kids tickets are only
$10.www.MonsterJam.com. (See ad pg.21)
March 16-18
The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and
members of the Tectonic Theater Project, will be
at the VBC Playhouse. Performance times will be
Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm.
Ticketsare$18foradultsand$15forstudents.www.
artshuntsville.org.
The NEACA Spring Craft Show will be at the VBC
South Hall.
The 17th Siege of Bridgeport Re-enactment will
be off Hwy 72, on CR 255 inBridgeport, Alabama.
256-259-5500.
Saturday, March 17
The4th Annual American Girl Fashion Showwillbe
atthePrincess TheatreinDecaturat10amand2pm.
www.jlmorgancounty.com.
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 Jane Ewing from 7:30-
10:30pm.Lessonsbeginat7pm.Admissionis$7and
$4 for students. 256-837-0656, http://secontra.com/
NACDS.html.
Comedian Bill MaherwillbeattheVBC Concert Hall
at8pm.www.ticketmaster.com.(See ad pg.5)
Huntsville Young Professionals will sponsor a St.
Patrick’s Day celebration! It will be at 4pm with a
beer tasting at Crossroads Music Hall. Tickets in
advanceare$10or$15atthedoor.MetropolitanDJ
willbeplayingandtherewillbevariousprizestobe
raffl
edoffthroughoutthenight!www.gethyp.net.
David Monohan’s Slideshow will be form 1-4pm.
Admission is free. There will be a showing of David
Monohan’s photographs of Irish refugees leaving
Dublin because of economic issues. It will be at the
Flying Monkey Arts Theatre.www.flyingmonkeyarts.
org.
Sunday, March 18
MadisonFriendsoftheLibrarywillpresentabook
signingandreceptionwithMargretMefford,author
of“JourneytoFreedom,”anaccountoflifeinWorld
WarIIGermanyasrememberedandtoldbythe
childrenwhoenduredthechaosandhardship
broughttotheirhomesbythewar.Itwillbeatthe
Madison Public Libraryfrom2-3:30pm.
www.hmcpl.org.
the end!
There will be a Creativity Night: Finding Your Muse,
attheBailey Cove Public LibraryinHuntsvillefrom
6:30-7:30pm. Explore aspects of“creative discovery”
and“innerlight”withabstractpaintinganddrawing.
Supplies and beverages will be provided. 256-8810257,[email protected].
March 15-17
The Spring Fling-Junior College Golf Tournament
willbeatGoose Pond Colonythisweekend.
256-259-2884.
THE VALLEY PLANET
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
17
just the process of putting it all together. From
the mind to finished physical product in hand is
an amazing journey. The first 2 albums were like
most: songs I had written and jammed and put
together with my wonderful musician friends, but
not with the kind of relationship to each other as
with B.E.L.L.
Jackie: Please talk about some of the songs.
W
elcome to The Jazz Lounge. This
session brings multiple award-winning
contemporary jazz guitarist Rob Tardik
– someone I think you should know about. Rob
is a native of Canada. He has performed for
five consecutive years at the Canadian Smooth
Jazz Awards, held annually in Mississauga’s
Living Arts Center – and won the 2010 Canadian
Smooth Jazz Guitarist Of The Year. Other awards
include 2011 Billboard Charting Artist and 2007
Mississauga Established Performing Artist Of
The Year.
them! Antonio Carlos Jobim is by far my favorite
for nylon guitar- influenced Brazilian Jazz/Bossa
Nova style guitar!! In the last 13 years its been
Larry Carlton, David Sanborn, Lee Ritenour, Pat
Metheny, Scott Henderson, Frank Gambale, Peter
White, Paul Brown, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis,
Chick Corea, Sonny Rollins. It’s endless! Love
the new Tony Bennett CD and Michael Bublé for
pop jazz.
Rob Tardik started playing the guitar at the age
of 7. He studied music at York University in
Toronto. Rob worked for Roland Canada as a
guitar product specialist/clinician. He has been
a faculty member at the prestigious Merriam
School Of Music in Oakville for over 15 years,
and has taught at the Guitar Workshop Plus music
program. He has also served as an adjudicator
for the Midland Y’s Music Festival.
Rob: Long, tough years spent working at your
craft. I think it’s the same as anywhere else in
the world for most artists. Study, Perseverance,
dedication, passion, hard work to get your
“Talent,” as mine was not something I was born
gifted with. I love to practice and do it as much
as my schedule allows. Its relationships and
networking, becoming familiar with the business
side of the industry, marketing and branding.
Simply being good with people, and not closing
doors behind you. Being an easy and likable
person to work with goes far!
Last year, Rob organized and hosted his first
annual “Out Of The Cold” Contemporary Jazz
Charity Concert with the assistance of other
musicians, including Grammy award winners
Liberty Silver and Paul Brown. All net profits
went to families of fallen Canadian soldiers for
the “Canadian Hero Fund.”
Jackie: What was it like getting into the music
business in Canada?
Jackie: You’ve shared the stage with other artists
like Greg Adams, Peter White, David Sanborn,
Paul Brown, legendary producer Phil Ramone,
and even opened for Jose Feliciano.
Rob’s third CD is his latest: “Balance.Energy.
Laughter.Love” (B.E.L.L.) – a glimpse into his
current life’s musical direction and growth. The
album is good and getting a lot of attention. Rob
does some very nice guitar work here. There are
12 tracks: 1) East Meet WES, 2) The Right Time,
3) Kimberley’s Song, 4) Shakin’ The House, 5)
When It Comes To Lovin’ You, 6) Frolic, 7) La
Buena Vida, 8) Sunday Morning, 9) Smile, 10)
Blue Midnight, 11) Waiting For Love, and 12)
Corazon Contento.
Rob: Those were amazing times I will not forget
and was honored to share a brief musical journey
together in time. These moments are when all
those years of hard work seem so worthwhile and
put a huge grin on my face! They are all amazing
artists and great people as well who have paid
their dues and so deserve their success!
Jackie: It’s a pleasure to welcome you to The
Jazz Lounge, Rob!
Rob: I have always been a keener/go getter/take
action type of guy. Taking risks and chances are
simply me and I love to stay busy and stimulated/
engaged in my career. Although these days my
artist career is first and foremost, I still take part
in other work activities as my schedule allows. I
have taught music, done clinics, master classes,
and workshops for over 20 years and have been
self employed for the last 12 years. I do work on
a contract type basis for a music school and am
just starting a new part-time position at the world
famous Metalwork’s studios on the guitar faculty
for their new 2 year Music diploma program. I
also have an invention called the Music Stamp
Series (www musicstampseries.com) that I sell
worldwide through retail and internet base.
Music teaching accessories to help notate music
concepts. Selling since the early nineties to retail
and went on-line in 2003 and have not looked
back!
Rob: Thanks Jackie, it’s a pleasure to be here!
Jackie: I’ve always enjoyed your music. You’re
very good, and I find your passion for the music
coming through in your work.
Rob: Ahh thanks! My new CD, B.E.L.L., is
all about that. Want the fans to feel Balance,
Energy, Laughter, and Love from the songs! I
think as an artist if your music’s message even
connects with one person, it is very meaningful.
I have had this experience on several occasions.
For example, one woman came up to me after a
performance many years ago after I performed a
track off my 1st CD, “Without Words,” called “A
New Life” which was a bonus track at the end
of the disk from 1997, actually, when I had my
son. It’s all about the stages/emotions of having a
child that we adults who are parents go through.
She recognized and felt every part of the song
with its association from conception to holding
your newborn in your arms for the first time. It
was surreal and an amazing moment for me to
connect with a fan on that level.
Jackie: Who were your musical influences?
Rob: I have always had very eclectic tastes in
music. From classical guitar greats like Segovia,
John Williams, Julian Bream, Christopher
Parkening in my early years of study as I started on
Classical. Rock superstars like Eddie Van Halen
and Jimi Hendrix to Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Nuno
Bettencourt, and Steve Vai during my 80’s shred
rock guitar days, to my last couple decades of
love for all styles of jazz, Latin, pop and flamenco
guitar. George Benson and Al Di Meola were
huge influences in my learning years as a teenager
as was John McLaughlin. For Flamenco Paco De
Lucia and Vincente Amigo are monsters-- I love
18
Jackie: You’re a very busy guy, Rob. Besides
being a musician, you’re a teacher, clinician, and
entrepreneur. Where do you find the time?
Jackie: Congratulations on the new CD “Balance.
Energy.Laughter.Love” (B.E.L.L.). It’s very
good.
Rob: Thanks so much!! It was a joy to create and
CDs are always a labor of love and with each
you reach another point in your musical journey
and artistic development. I am proud of what we
created and at the same time am already planning
and running ideas for my next one! It’s the way I
think! No rest for the wicked I guess, lol!
Jackie: There’s a unique concept here. How is
it different from your other albums (“The Right
Time” & “Without Word”)?
Rob: Yes I think you nailed this one, as the 3rd CD
was a concept project from the start. I have never
done one and I have not seen one in a while by
another artist from my recent listening. It came to
me very quick, as a concept for B.E.L.L. after the
writing part in December 2010, and then it was
Rob: Four quadrants as I called them, one for each
of my four life mottoes I live by. Three songs of
“Balance,” from “East Meets Wes,” the balance
of working from opposite sides of the country,
coming together to create music with Paul Brown.
Writing a vocal track and balancing performing
duties with a singer and balancing my life with
my personal relationships with “Kimberley’s
Song”!
Energy tracks like “Shakin The House” with
Darren Rahn, and “When it Comes to Lovin You”
and “Frolic” all have such an energy for me both
musically and personally with each co-writer, as
we had a blast writing and recording each song
and the spirit and vibe comes shining through in
the music. I wanted to have songs that lift people’s
spirits and put a grin on their face when working,
driving, or at home chilling and I think “La Buena
Vida,” “Smile” and “Sunday Morning” do that.
They are each such happy songs!
For the last 3 “Love” songs, I wanted to express
my connection, emotions and personal relationship
I share with my guitar and the feeling it has
provided me for 28 years now! All fingerstyle,
lights low, just feeling each note under my fingers
and loving each moment. I hope the fans get the
concept as I intended it as I wrote the CD. Wow,
where has the time gone!
Jackie: Nice lineup of guest artists.
Rob: Thanks. Working with Warren Hill, Paul
Brown, Jaared, Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, Darren
Rahn, Tony Moore, and Mel Brown was humbling.
Also my local artist friends like Don Breithaupt,
Davor Jordanovski, Carson/Curtis Freeman, Eric
Soostar, Gino Mirizio, Rich Brown, Jeff Salem
and Francois Mulder on vocals was simply
incredible. I have been blessed to meet and work
with some amazing musicians and people! Each
of them brought in their own vibe, energy, spirit
and musical magic to the tracks they performed
on and I cannot thank them enough for that! They
helped Balance the CD and provide the Energy,
Laughter and Love it needed to come alive!
Jackie: We all know that Smooth Jazz has faced
certain challenges and obstacles in recent times.
What do you think of the current state of things?
What would you like to see more or less of?
Rob: Radio has suffered especially in the Smooth/
Contemporary Jazz genre with a lot of stations
flipping, but perseverance pays off and toughing
it out. Internet stations have been increasing
greatly to pick up the slack-- which is awesome- but most fans in this genre and demographic are
not, say, as tech
savvy, and can
stream internet
and WIFI in
their cars say
going to work.
We still need
terrestrial radio
until at least
the technology
is simply in all
the cars and
fans can simply
tune in as they
did before by
simply pushing
a button on their
dash. I just heard
from U.S radio
promoter that
Smooth Jazz is
back on the air
in Cleveland,
so that’s a great
start to 2012.
The fans are still
there and are
very loyal. BUT
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
they must support the stations, and advertisers.
Many complain when the stations flip, but how
much did they honestly do to support? Go to the
advertisers stores, browse/shop, tell them you
heard about them on so and so radio.
It’s tough and uncertain all over as music in general
is going through a massive upheaval and paradigm
shift in how it’s created, distributed, promoted and
marketed! Technology has been both a blessing and
bane to artists, labels, retailers and manufactures
of the media. Illegal downloading is still huge and
lots of internet stations still don’t pay performance
royalties so the artists make nothing from airplay.
iTunes and all the others are good in that the artists
get paid, but they allow people to cherry pick
albums for the hits and many times miss the real
gems on an artists CD! You cannot get the liner
notes and all the other great art on a CD or albums
of yesteryear. I miss all that.
I will always say a great live performance and
merchandising is still were we can make an
income. I am hoping the festivals will work
towards balancing established and newer artists as
well moving forward. Signing autographs, taking
pictures with artists, selling CDs and t-shirts at
gigs is where we still can survive. Competition is
fierce, but I feel there is room for everyone! That
is where you must capture your business, in the
moment, that connection with the fans at a show,
the energy! Once they leave, their day-to-day lives
take over and your chances they will remember
your name or website are slimmer! Seize the
moment!
Jackie: What is your official website, and where is
the CD available?
Rob: My website is www robtardik.com and the
all my CD’s can be purchased through it. They are
also available on www.cdbaby.com, www.iTunes.
com and on www.amazon.com. Please note on
iTunes you have to search both Rob and Robert as
they split up the CDs into my first names so this
way you don’t miss them. All the other sites have
all 3 CDs on my artist page.
Jackie: Rob, thanks for your support of The Jazz
Lounge, and for being my guest.
Rob: Ahh thanks so much Jackie, I really
appreciate the opportunity and want to wish you
and all your fans the very best for 2012! Hope to
meet all of you in the near future! Best wishes!
Enjoy the article, it was fun to do!
Jackie: Happy New Year, and keep up the good
work!
Rob: Have a blessed and prosperous New Year as
well!
Again, the CD is “Balance.Energy.Laughter.Love”
(B.E.L.L.). Check it out!
THE VALLEY PLANET
Unchained
Maladies
by Ricky Thomason
I
t was recently announced that NASA, among
others, are experimenting with poop-powered
robots.
Sorry guys, the Tea Party beat you to it. Before
you can say, “Danger Will Robinson” your robots
will be as full of s*** as theirs -- and registered
to vote, too.
This is good news and bad news. The Bad: Anything so full of s*** shouldn’t be allowed to
vote.
The Good: There is absolutely no danger these
‘bots will ever become self-aware and think for
themselves. They won’t join Skynet unless the
Koch brothers tell them to.
Therein lies another problem: the people who
program them are bent on taking over the world.
Doubtless the robots are and will be creationists
- even if they evolve - but that seems an unlikely
prospect given what we know at this point, even
though they are proof that devolution is evolution, too.
The ‘bots are capable of speech, though it is rather primitive, often grammatically incorrect and
incoherent. All of them have the same voice and
sound just like parrots.
Among the things they can say when their strings
are pulled are, “Obama - yo’ mama,” “Call me
a Big Birther,” “Feed the homeless to the poor,”
and “Lower taxes on the rich.”
The robots come only in red and a constitutional
amendment will be passed to keep it that way.
Any rogue Blu-bots will be shot on sight. Did I
mention the ‘bots are well armed? All have side
arms, most deer and assault rifles, and a special
few RPGs and bazookas. Industrialists are excited about the new robot technology because they
work cheaper than illegal aliens and are made in
America.
*****
Attention all teachers: How do you guys feel
about the idea that you shouldn’t be paid more
because it will make you bad teachers? If you
aren’t smart enough to translate that to the ballot
box, it’s probably true. You have to love the state
legislators who say they should be paid more
because higher pay will lessen the temptation to
take bribes.
Excuse me? Since
when was too
much
enough?
Many will always
have more wherever, whenever
and however it
can be had. A millionaire will take
free money quicker than the homeless. What a legislator can steal is
worth more than
what they earn because instead of paying a little
tax on earnings, the stolen is tax-free.
Besides, it reinforces the feelings of superiority
because of the old saying, “If you’re so smart,
why aren’t you rich?” The flip side of that is “I am
rich and therefore smart - a hell of a lot smarter
than your poor a*s.”
“The richer the smarter” premise makes a lot of
sense in a way. If you need proof, think about this:
a poor man is dumb enough to get caught when
he steals. Don Henley nailed it in “Gimme What
You Got.” A man with a briefcase can steal more
money than any man with a gun.”
Incidentally, all you “Obama’s coming to take our
guns away” types save your ink on writing me
about that insanity. I am not anti-gun. I am antiidiots-with-guns.
Anyone who doesn’t own a gun may not make it
through this upcoming election bombardment of
BS via TV. If you don’t use it to shoot yourself,
you will still need one to shoot your TV. It never
ceases to amaze me that politicians trot out the
same tired, hot button issues every election.
Abortion and now the new “Life begins at conception” malarkey. Why not just make sure you
stop it all and say “Life begins with erection.”
That way, whacking off can be outlawed, too.
“Gay marriage, sex between men, is a sin.” I
know politicians don’t believe that because they
never tire of screwing the men who vote for them.
Ditto women and women.
Yet most never seem to learn - or like it. I am
reminded of an oldie but goodie joke.
Bob went bear hunting, got lucky and shot and
killed one. Bob goes back to the same place the
following year, but before he can fire a shot, a
huge bear grabs him, rapes him violently and says,
“You shot my wife last year.” Seeking revenge, he
goes back the next year. Same result, he is raped
by the bear again. The third year he returns the
bear grabs him and says, “You don’t really come
here for the hunting do you Bob?”
3 Skillets plate lunches
cooked up by
Ruth Mercado &
Brandon Pickens -
3 Skillets is a quaint new
restaurant located between
Sam & Gregg’s Pizzeria
and Amendment XXI
on the square in Downtown
Huntsville serving
breakfast and lunch
as well as some top secret
dinners by invitation!
YOUR AD COULD
BE HERE FOR AS LITTLE
AS $21.25 PER WEEK
so...why isn’t it??
THE VALLEY PLANET
#022312031412
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
February 23 - March 14
© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): I invite you to identify all the things in your life that you really don’t need
any more: gadgets that have become outdated, clothes that no longer feel like you, once-exciting music
and books and art works that no longer mean what they once did. Don’t stop there. Pinpoint the people
who have let you down, the places that lower your vitality, and the activities that have become boring or
artificial. Finally, Aries, figure out the traditions that no longer move you, the behavior patterns that no
longer serve you, and the compulsive thoughts that have a freaky life of their own. Got all that? Dump
at least some of them.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): If you’re a woman, you could go to the perfume section of the department
store and buy fragrances that would cause you to smell like Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Eva Longoria, or Paris Hilton. If you’re a man, an hour from now you could be beaming an aroma that makes you
resemble a celebrity like Antonio Banderas, Usher, David Beckham, or Keith Urban. You could even
mix and match, wearing the Eva Longoria scent on your manly body or Usher on your female form.
But I don’t recommend that you do any of the above. More than ever before you need to be yourself,
your whole self, and nothing but yourself. Trying to act like or be like anyone else should be a taboo
of the first degree.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “I try to take one day at a time,” says Ashleigh Brilliant, “but sometimes
several days attack me all at once.” I think you may soon be able to say words to that effect, Gemini
-- and that’s a good thing. Life will seem more concentrated and meaningful than usual. Events will
flow faster and your awareness will be extra intense. As a result, you should have exceptional power to
unleash transformations that could create ripples lasting for months. Would you like each day to be the
equivalent of nine days? Or would four be enough for you?
CANCER (June 21-July 22): When actor Ashton Kutcher is working on the set of his TV show Two
and a Half Men, he enjoys spacious digs. His trailer is two stories high and has two bathrooms as well
as a full kitchen. Seven 60-inch TVs are available for his viewing pleasure. As you embark on your
journey to the far side of reality, Cancerian, it might be tempting for you to try to match that level of
comfort. But what’s more important than material luxury will be psychological and spiritual aids that
help keep you attuned to your deepest understandings about life. Be sure you’re well-stocked with
influences that keep your imagination vital and upbeat. Favorite symbols? Uplifting books? Photos of
mentors? Magic objects?
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Veterans of war who’ve been wounded by shrapnel often find that years later,
some of the metal fragments eventually migrate to the surface and pop out of their skin. The moral of
the story: The body may take a long time to purify itself of toxins. The same is true about your psyche.
It might not be able to easily and quickly get rid of the poisons it has absorbed, but you should never
give up hoping it will find a way. Judging by the astrological omens, I think you are very close to such
a climactic cleansing and catharsis, Leo.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Distilled water is a poor conductor of electricity. For H2O to have electroconductivity, it must contain impurities in the form of dissolved salts. I see a timely lesson in this
for you, Virgo. If you focus too hard on being utterly clean and clear, some of life’s rather chaotic but
fertile and invigorating energy may not be able to flow through you. That’s why I suggest you experiment with being at least a little impure and imperfect. Don’t just tolerate the messiness. Learn from it;
thrive on it; even exult in it.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): According to my reading of the astrological omens, you are neither in a redalert situation nor are you headed for one. A pink alert may be in effect, however. Thankfully, there’s no
danger or emergency in the works. Shouting and bolting and leaping won’t be necessary. Rather, you
may simply be called upon to come up with unexpected responses to unpredicted circumstances. Unscripted plot twists could prompt you to take actions you haven’t rehearsed. It actually might be kind of
fun as long as you play with the perspective Shakespeare articulated in As You Like It: “All the world’s
a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Dear Rob: For months I’ve had a recurring dream in which I own a pet
snake. Here’s the problem: The only cage I have to keep the snake in is sadly inadequate. It has widely
spaced bars that the snake just slips right through. In the dream I am constantly struggling to keep the
snake in its cage, which is exhausting, since it’s impossible. Just this morning, after having the dream
for the billionth time, I FINALLY asked myself, what’s so terrible about letting the snake out of its
cage? So I gratefully wrote myself this permission note: ‘It is hereby allowed and perfectly acceptable
to let my dreamsnake out of its cage to wander freely.’ - Scorpio Devotee.” Dear Devotee: You have provided all your fellow Scorpios with an excellent teaching story for the upcoming weeks. Thank you!
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): For millions of years, black kite raptors made their nests with
leaves, twigs, grass, mud, fur, and feathers. In recent centuries they have also borrowed materials from
humans, like cloth, string, and paper. And in the last few decades, a new element has become quite
popular. Eighty-two percent of all black kite nest-builders now use white plastic as decoration. I suggest
you take inspiration from these adaptable creatures, Sagittarius. It’s an excellent time for you to add
some wrinkles to the way you shape your home base. Departing from tradition could add significantly
to your levels of domestic bliss.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There are many examples of highly accomplished people whose
early education was problematical. Thomas Edison’s first teacher called him “addled,” and thereafter
homeschooled by his mother. Winston Churchill did so poorly in school he was punished. Benjamin
Franklin had just two years of formal education. As for Einstein, he told his biographer, “my parents
were worried because I started to talk comparatively late, and they consulted a doctor because of it.”
What all these people had in common, however, is that they became brilliant at educating themselves
according to their own specific needs and timetable. Speaking of which: The coming weeks will be an
excellent time for you Capricorns to plot and design the contours of your future learning.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Nigeria has abundant deposits of petroleum. Since 1974, oil companies
have paid the country billions of dollars for the privilege of extracting its treasure. And yet the majority
of Nigerians, over 70 percent, live on less than a dollar a day. Where does the money go? That’s a long
story, with the word “corruption” at its heart. Now let me ask you, Aquarius: Is there a gap between the
valuable things you have to offer and the rewards you receive for them? Are you being properly compensated for your natural riches? The coming weeks will be an excellent time to address this issue.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Gawker.com notes that American politician John McCain tends to repeat
himself -- a lot. Researchers discovered that he has told the same joke at least 27 times in five years.
(And it’s such a feeble joke, it’s not worth re-telling.) In the coming weeks, Pisces, please please please
avoid any behavior that resembles this repetitive, habit-bound laziness. You simply cannot afford to be
imitating who you used to be and what you used to do. As much as possible, reinvent yourself from
scratch -- and have maximum fun doing it.
Homework: What is the best gift you could give your best friend right now?
Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
19
FIX YOUR PET!
$10 or LESS!!
If you or someone in your household
is on Medicaid, WIC, Food
Stamps, SS Disability or
if your annual household
income Is $25,000
FREESHOT
IES
B
or
less, you qualify.
RA WITH Y
R
GE
SUR
Call 830-8459.
Please leave your name and number.
Someone will return your call.
Madison Co. residents only.
missed the official “Suicide Prevention Week,”
but that really doesn’t matter. Every week
needs to address suicide prevention since
every 15 minutes someone in America takes his
own life.
I
There are 4 male suicides for every female suicide.
Suicide is not just an adolescent or teenage tragedy;
it is the 4th leading cause of death in individuals 18
to 65. Although suicide crosses all age, gender,
racial, and religious boundaries, among races,
Caucasians and American-Indians rank in the
highest in numbers, while African-Americans and
Hispanics rank in the lowest. Suicide is the 10th
leading cause of death in the U.S.
In 1962 when I lost my sister to suicide, not nearly
as much was known about the causes of suicide,
its signs, or ways to prevent it.
My parents were unaware that people who have
previously tried to kill themselves are at a much
greater risk to complete a suicide. My parents
thought they could “save” my sister through
“talking her out of it.” They didn’t realize that one
does not try to argue with someone who is acutely
suicidal, because that person is obsessed with one
thought only: how to escape the pain, desperation,
or sense of “no way out.” My parents, despite my
sister’s open threats and attempts, were in denial
that their daughter would actually kill herself. All
threats of suicide must be taken very seriously.
Most importantly, you can listen. Listening to a
suicidal person is a practical step to take. It helps
to lower the inner pressure for the person to vent
all he needs without your jumping in to try to “fix”
the problems or trying to act like a professional
counselor (unless you happen to be one).
Don’t be afraid to ask if he has ever thought of
hurting himself. If “yes,” ask, “How would you
do it? And do you have the means?” Every “yes”
answer is raising the “risk factor,” so you know
just how serious the situation is.
Give the person a “plan,” or a small measure of
hope and caring—something as simple as “I’m
going to phone you tomorrow,” or “I’m phoning a
therapist, and will go with you to the appointment.”
Let the person know that even though he may not
believe it at the moment, that suicidal feelings are
temporary and that depression can be treated.
The only time options/hope have run out is after
suicide.
Become actively involved in encouraging him to
see a physician or mental health professional. Take
him to the treatment appointment or facility.
If my sister and I had been born in the 1990s, I
believe her problems could have been treated with
medication and psychotherapy; and today, I would
have a sister with whom to share recipes and the
number of wrinkles on our faces.
In an acute situation—one in which the person is
an imminent threat to himself and refuses to get
help—do not leave the person alone, and remove
from the vicinity whatever you can that could be
used for suicide. Take the person to an emergency
room or walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital or
to the nearest hospital or clinic.
The following are signs of imminent danger
of suicide: open threats to kill oneself; talking
or writing obsessively about death, dying, and
suicide; actual plans and preparations for a
serious attempt (hasn’t just thought about it);
desperate actions; feelings of being trapped, “no
What can you do?
In 1962, understanding mental illness was in “the
Dark Ages” compared to now. One of the primary
ways for early prevention is a diagnosis from a
knowledgeable mental health professional, since
most—though not all – suicidal individuals suffer
from depression or other psychiatric illnesses,
such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. My
sister’s diagnosis was simply “maladjustment to
adolescence.”
I hope this column will help others to recognize
the warning signs of impending suicide, and also
offer some healthy, hopeful, and caring ways for
responding to a person who is contemplating
taking his or her own life.
Although “most depressed people are not suicidal,
most suicidal people are depressed” (American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention, copyright
2012). The following are some observable signs
of serious depression, which can lead to suicide:
unrelenting low mood; constant pessimism/
cynicism; sense of hopelessness; desperation;
psychic pain (inner tension, anxiety); withdrawal
from friends and family; sleep problems; increased
alcohol or drug use; recent impulsiveness; taking
unnecessary risks; expressing a strong wish to
die; giving away treasured possessions; a sudden
impulsive purchase of a firearm (firearms are used
in more suicides than homicides); obtaining other
means of killing oneself; unexpected rages or
anger.
20
way out,” hopelessness; obsesses about ending
pain; unconcerned about others. If not the
person’s normal behavior, these are signs, as well:
reckless acts; violent self-destructive behavior
(i.e., burning oneself with a cigarette); increasing
alcohol or drug use; complete withdrawal from
friends and family.
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
If he won’t listen to you, talk to anyone—
counselor, parent, pastor, daughter, spouse,
grandfather--who might influence him. As the
AFPS states, “Saving a life is more important
than violating a confidence.”
If the above options are unavailable, call 911;
the police will know the limits of what they
can or cannot do. Or call the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Basically, when involved with a suicidal person,
we all do the best we can. Ultimately, he is
responsible for his own actions. Sometimes, even
when the suicidal person makes it into treatment,
he still may choose suicide.
We cannot just stand back, however, and pretend
someone we know or don’t know that well is not
in trouble. I have walked with many students to
school counselors with the prayer in my heart that
this beautiful young person will go on to live, and
love himself and his life. I hope he has—and in a
way my sister never had the chance.
Sources: American Foundation for the Prevention
of Suicide, www.afps.org, Reverend Carl Malm,
the Center for Loss, Grief, and Change, malm.
[email protected]
THE VALLEY PLANET
zee’s rocket
city bEAT
Y
by Jim Zieliński
ou don’t have long: Wednesday, 7 March, is
the deadline for the 14th Annual “An Irish Evening,” benefiting United Cerebral Palsy [www.
ucphuntsville.org/news/13th-annual-an-irish-evening],
who are cohosting the event with Tennessee Valley, Inc.
This Hibernian fest is being presented by the gang at
Redstone Federal Credit Union…yes, the same bunch
that, in the 60’s, sent my family to West Germany and
a life rushing betwixt Schnitzels and the Officers’ Club.
The affair takes place on St. Paddy’s Eve, Friday, 16
March, at the Jackson Conference Center [600 Genome
Way, NW @ Moquin Drive, NW] in the heart, if not
the aorta, of Cummings Research Park, next to HudsonAlpha. Socializing and fraternizing begins at 6:00
p.m., with a buffet featuring Celtic cuisine following
at 7:00 (look for such repasts as Corned Beef Brisket,
Cabbage Braised in White Wine, and Homemade Bread
Pudding…with an Irish Whiskey Sauce!).
Live entertainment will take place throughout the evening, ranging from the mellifluous tones of Bourbon
and Shamrocks (the group) to the well-timed cadence
of the Fitness Arts Center’s Irish Step Dancers. Attendees can then dance the night away to the tunes of
America’s Party Pros, and the Irish Society of North
Alabama will host a salmagundi of fun Irish games
between 6:00 – 9:00 p.m…plus, WHNT’s Jerry Hayes
will be on hand to ensure things run smoothly. The
much-anticipated silent auction will feature fine dining,
vacation packages, jewelry, and more (a Saban-autographed football…Killarney Crystal…and on and on),
and/or you can buy keys for a chance on two Pot o’
Gold prizes! Advance reserved seating is $75 per person or $600 per table of eight. For more info, contact
Development Director Tracy Cieniewicz – originally
O’Cieniewicz, but that was too hard to spell – at (256)
859-4900 or [email protected]. Eating for a
good cause is always encouraged and all proceeds directly benefit more than 1,000 North Alabama families
through the client services of UCP.
Okay, remember that list that mentioned 100 things you
should eat in Alabama before you die (some great, some
WTH)? Well, we’re starting our own for the North
Alabama area…and will probably throw in a few from
lower Middle Tennessee…but all locals. You’ll doubtless have scads of your own, so do what you gots to do
to celebrate THE YEAR OF ALABAMA FOODS! But
call ahead for hours of operation; everybody marches
to their own drummer when it comes to the big, bad ol’
clock. Here we go:
HOMEMADEBREAD PUDDING W/WHISKEY
SAUCE at THE PO BOY FACTORY [815 Andrew
Jackson Way, NE; (256) 539-3616]. Sarah Brown
warns us, “The rum sauce in the bread pudding should
require a breathalyzer.” Check out the place that put
the PHAT in Fat Tuesday (I can smell the crawdads
NOW) and, just in case, bring along a Designated Dieting Driver. BTW, La Brown…ancient Cajun secret…I
hear it’s Canadian Mist.
LAMB CHOPS at NICK’S RISTORANTE [10300
Bailey Cove Road, SE, Suite 1; (256) 489-8280; www.
nicksristorante.com]. Lezlie Lanza lists them as her
must-haves. “You get a large portion, and it’s just so
tender…” exults she, ignoring the fact people used to
say the same of Jayne Mansfield. If you remember
The Corner, then you know where to find Nick’s, and if
you’re in a chop, but not a lamb, mood, by all means try
the fourteen-ounce FRENCH-CUT, BONE-IN VEAL
CHOP. Not something you see just anywhere.
CHOCOLATE-CAYENNE GELATO at SAM AND
GREG’S PIZZERIA/GELATERIA [119 North Side
Square; (256) 533-9030; www.samandgregs.com]. Samantha Hathorn’s ever knocking out new and unusual
flavors at this Southside Square favorite, but people in
particular talk about this throwback to Mayan days with
a combination of wonder and longing. Dramaturg-like
Jason Graham recommends you start out with their
CAJUN PIZZA, a novelty he feels well worth your
pursuing.
CRAWFISH ÉTOUFFÉE-STUFFED CORNISH
GAME HEN down in Gasoline Alley at CAJUN CAFÉ
[704 Highway 231 South, Lacey Spring; (256) 6505586]. My old-who-still-looks-too-young pal Patrick
Dorian Gray-Johnson keeps his Dick Clark Syndrome
roiling by feasting on this dish…but warns all concerned that if one doesn’t get there by 11:00 a.m. on
Thursday, one must prep for a rude awakening. Terrell
Nixon’s family likewise recommends this place, as do
John and Nose Barisa. Take heed: they’re only open
on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday…the lines can be
looooooong…and once it’s gone, it’s GONE. Great
atmos, too.
POOL ROOMS (SLAW BURGERS) at Fayetteville’s
HONEY’S RESTAURANT [109 Market Street East
(Southside Square); (931) 433-1181]. On the South
Side of the square…and a bag full will travel well between there and the Rocket City, provided you don’t
dive into them while driving and crash into the Park
City Piggly Wiggly. Rumor has it some of my cousins
have made it all the way back to Birmingham without
eating the whole bag…and the burgers therein…but I
need photographic evidence.
THE VALLEY PLANET
CINCINNATI CHILI at the still-new, still-fresh ANAHEIM CHILI [2030 Cecil Ashburn Drive, SE—Jones
Valley Station, Suite 102; (256) 489-5531/489-5391].
Chili lovers will revel in the taste of this Mediterranean
take, redolent with Greek and Middle Eastern seasoning, Americanized slightly. You’ll note in a recent review that Gary Gee favored the flavors of the Cincinnati; but its uniqueness scored points, as well. (Still, I
say check out the CUBAN…really!)
The DESSERT CASE at time-honored OL’ HEIDELBERG [6125 University Drive, NW, Suite E; (256)
922-0556; www.olheidelberg.com]. Don’t be an idiot:
despite the extra helping of Rotkohl and seven pieces
of butter-laden Bauernbrot, you know youse just gots
to have the desserts. If choosing gives you fits, close
your eyes and point. There’s a reason they’ve lasted
forty years…and this will pave your path towards finding out why.
BBQ NACHOS at Trinity’s DIRT ROAD BBQ [3630
Gordon Terry Parkway, Suite 7; (256) 584-0203]:
Says Decatur’s own Kim Parker, “I don’t think there’s
anything like them around here.” She lists the chips,
topped with pulled pork, what Dirt Road boasts as their
“signature BBQ sauce,” and queso (their blend of white
American cheese and assorted spices) – and it sounds
like a winner. Incidentally, you’ll soon be picking this
up at their new drive-through service window.
REGULAR GLAZED DOUGHNUTS at Cullman’s
DUCHESS BAKERY [222 1st Avenue, SE; (256) 7340684]. As we’ve said before, the feeling of these soft,
fresh, yet slightly chewy delights indicated to mamasan that they may contain potato…but Duchess hasn’t
revealed their secrets and has lasted for decades (says
the carryout bag: “Since 1939”). What is NO secret is
the delicious taste – people come from far and wide to
snarf up these with rapidity. Get there early, or you may
go home empty handed.
POULET DE NORMANDIE at the MAIN STREET
GRILL in Madison [101 Main Street (surprised?); (256)
461-8096]. The “venerable favorite” tag by a local periodical is seconded by Dorothy Weems, who is no pushover when it comes to cuisine, nouvelle or otherwise.
It’s a cornbread dressing layered with a chicken-celerygreen onion mix; atop it, you’ll find a mushroom-cheese
sauce. La Weems loves the rolls, as well and, just your
luck, they accompany this particular dish. Enjoy!
BUTTER ROLL at CLINTON AVENUE GROCERY
& DELI [2310 Clinton Avenue, W; (256) 534-1008]. I
remember my grandmother making these, but I haven’t
heard tell of anyone else that’s doing it, despite the
wealth of mom-and-pop joints I’ve visited. It may not
be good FOR you, but it’s good TO you.
GESCHNETZELTES at the SCHNITZEL RANCH
[1851 University Drive, NW; (256) 535-0840]. I’ve
yet to see this on any other German menus in the area,
and I include Birmingham, Nashville (sad overall), and
Points Wherever. It’s a taste of Zurich, Switzerland in
der Vaterland, and you can have this pork strip mélange,
nestled in a cream-based sauce, with either homemade
Spätzle (noodles) or Knödel (large, circular potato
dumplings, also known as Klöße). I do.
SHRIMP AND ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE RAVIOLI
at CAFÉ 113 [113 Grant Street, SE; (256) 351-1400;
cafe113.com]. Still batting for the Decatur team, Mme
Parker also recommends this lunch menu item which,
I’ve discovered, is nestled in a homemade, creamy tomato-pesto-Alfredo sauce. That did the trick.
“BLOODY MARTY” at BENNETT’S PHARMACY in
Winchester [1201 Dinah Shore Boulevard; (931) 9672777]. At the old-fashioned little soda fountain here,
they whip up this nonalcoholic concoction fresh for
each aspiring quaffer…it’s a conglomeration of lemon
juice, orange juice, seltzer water, cherry flavoring, and
who knows? Says Dave-Fred Mills, it’s “so sweet, it
will curl your toenails, if that’s something you desire.”
PAD BAI GA-PROW at family-run, family-friendly
THAI GARDEN RESTAURANT [800 Wellman Avenue, NE; (256) 534-0122; ilovethaigarden.com].
There is something about the semi-warmth (not nearly
the three-star level it claims to be) of this dish, melded
with its distinctive tastes, that has brought me back for
decades. Birds-eye peppers and Thai basil combine for
a savory meal that surpasses itself with the mixed meat
option…I have not been able to find this dish’s oomph
duplicated at any other Thai restaurant I’ve visited…and
there’ve been many.
BRUNCH at THE EAVES [501-A Church Street, NW;
(256) 489-1752; www.theeavesrestaurant.com]. Says
gal-about-town Marianne Windham, they’re “one of
the only [establishments] that serve authentic brunch on
Sunday. If you have out-of-town guests, they will NOT
be disappointed.” Any place serving frittatas, crêpes,
and “jumbo shrimp on smoked gouda grits” needs to
be perused at a max of forks-length distance…and is
there any surprise that you’d better make reservations?
Marianne also gives them extra gold stars for their catering expertise.
So there you have it: an armload of suggestions from
the myriad of Huntsville’s Best-Kept Secrets. (I was actually astounded that more of my generally loud friends
did not pipe up on this topic. They all have a lot to say
when it doesn’t mean anything to anyone. Suffice to
say…there are probably updates to this list already in
the offing.)
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
21
Just Can’t Stop Himself
Paul Rothschild, 40, was facing a Dec.
9 court date in Lake County, Ill., on a charge of
indecent solicitation of a minor -- a charge that
could have sent him to prison for five years. Apparently oblivious of the imminent danger, Rothschild was arrested on Dec. 7 after a months-long
campaign to entice another minor girl to engage
in sex.
The Force Is Not With You
In November, Rickie La Touche, 30,
was convicted in England’s Preston Crown Court
of killing his wife in a rage over her having allegedly destroyed the Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker memorabilia that he had collected since
childhood. And in January, a judge in Portland,
Ore., ordered a 45-day jail sentence, plus menby Chuck Shepherd
tal evaluation, for David Canterbury, 33, after he
attacked Toys R Us customers with a lightsaber
Sri Lanka has, as an “unwritten symbol of pride in each hand. And in February in Brooklyn, N.Y.,
and culture,” the world’s highest per-capita rate Flynn Michael expanded his search for his stolen
for eye-donation, according to a January Associ- $400 custom-made lightsaber. “I guess that’s the
ated Press dispatch from Colombo. Underpinning joke,” said Michael, self-pityingly. “Some Jedi I
this national purpose is the country’s Buddhist turned out to be.”
tradition that celebrates afterlives. “He’s dead,”
said a relative of an eye recipient about the do- Names in the News
nor, “but he’s still alive. His eye can still see the
Recent Newsmakers: In a Christmas
world.” Doctors even report instances in which Sri Lankans consider giving up an eyeball while still Eve alcohol-related auto accident in Buffalo, N.Y.,
alive, as a measure of virtue. A new state-of-the-art the injured victims included Chad Beers, and the
clinic, funded by Singaporean donors, is expected man charged was Richard Booze Jr. In Burnett
to nearly double Sri Lanka’s eyeball exports.
County, Wis., in October, Scott Martini, 51, was
arrested for suspicion of DUI, which would be his
The Way the World Works
fourth offense. In Madison, Wis., in January, police filed weapon and drug charges against the 30
Melissa Torres was a passenger in an year-old man who had legally changed his name
April 2011 auto accident in Texas City, Texas, in to Beezow Doo-Doo Zopittybop-Bop-Bop. And
which the five people involved were reported “un- charged with vandalism of a Rhode Island state
injured” by police, and indeed, Torres was released troopers’ barracks in November was the 27-yearfrom the Mainland Medical Center emergency old Mr. Wanker Rene.
room after a routine evaluation (for which she was
In 2011, for the first time in 10 years,
billed $4,850). In fact, records from April 2011 until September showed her balance as $4,850. How- Jose was not the most popular baby name in
ever, in December, Mainland learned that Torres Texas (it was Jacob), but more interesting were
had made an insurance claim against the driver the outlier names from the birth register examand settled it for $30,000. The hospital quickly ined by the Houston Press in December. Among
“updated” her balance to $20,211 and filed a claim last year’s Houston babies were boys with the
against the settlement.
first names Aa’den, Z’yun, Goodness, Godswill,
Clever, Handsome, Sir Genius and Dallas Cow
Hospitals, of course, are obligated to ren- boys. Girls’ names included Gorgeousg’zaiya,
der emergency care to anyone who needs it, even A’Miracle, Dae’Gorgeous and Praisegod. The
to undocumented immigrants and irrespective of newspaper had previously combed the register of
ability to pay. However, various state laws, such as convicts in Harris County (Houston) and found
New York’s, also prohibit hospitals from releasing Willie Nelson de Ochoa, Shi’tia Alford, Petrono
a patient who has no safe place to be discharged to. Tum Pu, Charmin Crew and Anal Exceus.
A January New York Times report noted that New
York City hospitals currently house about 300 of People Different From Us
those “continuing care” patients, with many in the
Bill Robinson, 66, of Decatur, Ga., was
five-year-long range and one patient now in his 13th year. (In some states, even, the laws’ wording arrested on a misdemeanor firearm charge in Depermits “pop drops,” in which adult children leave cember for gathering holiday mistletoe in the “best
“ailing” parents at a hospital when the children de- way” he knew -- shooting it out of a tree with a
cide they need a break.)
12-gauge shotgun. The fact that the tree was in
the parking lot of the suburban North DeKalb
A November Comtel airlines charter Mall (filled with holiday shoppers) apparently
flight from India to Birmingham, England, stopped completely escaped his attention. “Well,” said
in Vienna, Austria, to refuel, but the pilots learned Robinson to WGCL-TV, “about the time I did it, I
that Comtel’s account was overdrawn and that the got to thinking about it. ... I guess I assumed that
airport required the equivalent of about $31,000 everybody knew what I was doing.”
for refueling and take-off charges, and thus, if the
passengers were in a hurry, they needed to come Least Competent Criminals
up with the cash. After a six-hour standoff, many
of the 180 passengers were let off the plane, one by Not Ready for Prime Time: Mostafa
one, to visit an ATM, and eventually a settlement Hendi was charged with attempted robbery of the
was reached.
We Buy Gold store in Hendersonville, N.C., in
December, but clerk Derek Mothershead stopped
him. As Hendi reached for the money, Moth-
22
ershead punched him in the face, momentarily
knocking him out cold. He held Hendi down with
one hand and called 911 with the other, and as
the two waited for police, Mothershead handed
Hendi cleanser and paper towels and ordered him
to clean up his blood off of the floor.
Needed to Think It Through Better: Car
salesman Frank Ready was showing his inventory
to Pedro Prieto and Yordan Llauger at his lot in
Austin, Texas, in December, and they had settled
on a Nissan Maxima for around $9,000. “They
asked if I took Visa,” Ready told KVUE-TV. “I
said, ‘Yeah.’” The next day, Prieto and Llauger
returned with 90 $100 Visa gift cards. Naturally,
Ready called police, who later found at least 28
counterfeit credit cards on the pair and charged
them and a third person with fraud and identity
theft.
Recurring Themes
Almost No Longer Weird: (1) Fifteen
firefighters on three crews (estimated cost per
hour, the equivalent of $1,400) were dispatched
to Norwich market in Norwich, England, in January to rescue a gull entangled on tree branches
and, according to the animal rescue society, “in
distress.”
Women in Dado village on the southern
Philippines island of Mindanao went “on strike”
last year to persuade the men to stop their fighting over land disputes. (“If you do bad things,” a
September Agence France-Presse dispatch quoted
one woman, “you will be cut off, here,” motioning below her waist.) These sex strikes do not always work, but, reported AFP, this one did.
The Jesus and Mary World Tour
Recent Public Appearances of Jesus
and/or the Virgin Mary: Wiltshire, England, June
(Jesus in candle wax dripping from a church’s
pulpit). Anderson County, S.C., July (Jesus on
a Walmart receipt). Kinston, N.C., June (Jesus’
body on a cross formed by kudzu on a telephone
pole). Orpington, England, December (Jesus on
a sock). Fortitude Valley, Australia, January (Jesus on a tomato that had remained in an office
refrigerator a little too long). Yuma, Ariz., August
(Mary in a dried mango slice). Blue Springs, Mo.,
December (Jesus on crayons melted for a science
class project (“(W)hat better sign to get than (one)
right in front of you?” asked the student’s mother.).
“Dementiaville”: Swiss health officials
have authorized construction of an assisted-living
“village” of 1950s-style homes and gardens designed to “remind” patients with Alzheimer’s and
similar afflictions of surroundings that they might
actually recall and with which they might be more
comfortable and secure than they are with modern life. The 150-resident grounds, near the city of
Bern, will be similar to a Dutch facility set up in
2009 in a suburb of Amsterdam. “To reinforce an
atmosphere of normality,” reported London’s The
Independent in January, the Swiss caretakers will
dress as gardeners, hairdressers, shop assistants
and the like.
Can’t Possibly Be True
The varsity girls’ basketball teams at
predominantly white Kenmore East High School
near Buffalo, N.Y., have, for several years, apparently, psyched themselves up in a pre-game
locker-room ritual by chanting, “One, Two,
Three, (n-word (plural))!” before running out the
#022312031412
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
door and onto the court. Although the white players this year called the use of the word a “tradition” (passed down from year to year), and not
a racial “label,” the team’s only black player not
surprisingly had a problem with it and reported it
to school officials. According to a December Buffalo News report, it was always a players-only
tradition, and no adult was aware of the chant, but
upon learning of it, officials immediately imposed
player suspensions and team penalties.
The U.S. Treasury Department’s inspector general for tax matters revealed in January that the IRS certified 331 prison inmates as
registered “tax preparers” during a recent 12month period, including 43 who were serving
life sentences. None of the 43, and fewer than
one-fourth of the total, disclosed that they were
in prison. (The agency blamed a 2009 federal law
intended to encourage online filing of tax returns,
noting that “tax preparer” registration can now
be accomplished online by passing a 120-question test.) (USA Today reported in February 2011
that prisoners filing false or fraudulent tax returns
scammed the IRS for nearly $39.1 million in
2009.)
The Olympic Committee Will Not Be
Calling: (1) Mr. Badr Al-Alyani told a Saudi Arabian newspaper in November that he was nearing the world record for squirting milk from his
eye. The current champion, Mehmet Yilmaz of
Turkey, reached 2.7 meters (almost 9 feet), and
Al-Alyani reports one squeeze of 2.3 meters. He
said he “will continue training.” (2) In San Francisco, there is an annual refereed “Masturbate-athon,” and the supposed world record, set in 2009,
is held by Masanobu Sato, who remained aroused
for nine hours, 58 minutes. In a series of videos
released recently, Sato calmly explained how he
“practices” for about two hours every morning
while his live-in girlfriend goes about her business (in one video, ironing). Sato said he trains
by swimming twice a week and has “gained about
(11 pounds) in muscle,” which helped him with
“stamina.”
David Belniak, now serving 12 years in
prison after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter
for killing a woman and her adult daughter and
her husband in a Christmas Day 2007 car crash,
filed a lawsuit from prison in January against the
victims’ family, demanding justice from them in
the form of compensation for medical expenses
and his “pain” and “anguish.” Police records
show Belniak was driving between 75 and 85
mph when he rear-ended the victims’ stopped car
(and that he had alcohol, Xanax and cocaine in
his system). Attorney Debra Tuomey, Belniak’s
sister, represents him and called her brother’s
imprisonment “government sanctioned assassination.”
Inexplicable
Not One Second Longer With That
Wench: A man identified as Antonio C., 99, filed
for divorce in December against his wife of 77
years, Rosa C., age 96, in Rome, Italy. According
to an ANSA news agency report, Antonio became
upset when he discovered 50-year-old letters from
an affair Rosa once had.
Send your Weird News to
[email protected]
or P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, FL 33679.
COPYRIGHT 2006
CHUCK SHEPHERD
DISTRIBUTED BY
UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE
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(816) 932-6600
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sizes about 20. Stainless steel cart (like for
bussingtables)$25 EACH.Call256479-9463
Send in your random encounters today. It’s
FREE!!
We are putting all the categories together since
it seems like there are always more jeers than
anything else!! But just to give you an idea of
what the To Yuno from Yunohoos are about…
I Saw you: but you didn’t catch my name, You
saw me or you think you were seen: Cheers:
Pay your respect to those who deserve it and of
course Jeers: Frustrated? Tell us all about it.
Thankfully, we don’t know who you are!
To send in your FREE ad
1. Keep your word limit to 40 words. No names,
just initials if you want.
2. Meet the deadline.
3. Get it to us: Put “To Yuno from Yunohoo”
in the subject line of the email and send to
[email protected].
A sleeve of red solo cups for Valentines? Really?
I don’t get it.
The Good News: All of the waitresses at A’s in
Decatur are smoking hot sexy, and really friendly.
The Bad News: I can’t buy what I really want.
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 classifi[email protected].
Drummer wanted-tight, punchy, dynamic,
innovative, for unique rock/jazzblues/trance/
fusionproject.Duowithmeshouldexpandto
include bass and lead/rhythm people. I play
piano,organ,synth,el/acgtr,compose,doing
lead or backup including on vocals. Must be
able to play with looped or sequenced stuff
thatIaddtoinreal-time.Ihavekillerkeys,gtrs,
FX,more.Joe,831-331-7006(Calicellphone#
butI’mherenow).
COLLINGS CUSTOM D2HA GUITAR,
$4000.00 call for details 256-364-0106.
GUITARIST seeking interested jazz, classical,
easy listening, and light rock musicians in
northernAlabamaandsouthernTennesseefor
jamsessions.
(931)[email protected]
2001 Custom Grote model Epiphone for
sale. Displayguitar,barelyusedinmintcondition$350firm.Patrick,256-457-6937.
Q! Mrs. Williams, Q!
SC – You are MY HOT TAMALE! Yunohoo
Aye-Damn Jackson on facebook. Should be
open-minded,willingtotravelandwanttoplay
musicfull-time.
B-52 professional PA speakers 300 watts
each,80ohms,40-19hz,15inchwooferand
horn,usedverylittle.madeinUSA.mfghas
website,call256-706-3278
Musicians of all kinds needed for a lady with
a Nashville record deal.Preferwomenplayers
andsingers.Menarewelcome,too.Locatedin
Huntsvillearea.Call318-491-1995
HORN PLAYERS NEEDED! Localoriginalband
seekingexperiencedhornplayers.Reggae,jazz,
soul,blues,rock.256.361.5524
New Age Folk: Wanting to mix Master P,NIN,
WP,IndigoGirlsinto15yrsoffolkoriginals,accomplished baritone using simple rhythms.
[email protected]
Seeking a band or person: ExperiencedbanMusicians to play Open Mic Jam with the jo/guitarplayerseekingaband,personorperCrawlersonWednesdays8to12atCoppertop. sonstoperformwith,preferablygigsbutjustto
Call256759-7571
[email protected]
Southern Gospel Quartet, all parts needed:
singers, bass, tenor, baritone and lead. Instru- Drummer seeking open-minded musicians
mentplayersneededalso.
to join OR to start a new project,arrange
CallBilly256612-7509orWayne256603-4650. originals & play the local scene & beyond.
MusicallyI’mveryopenbutI’dpreferaltrock/
WANTED: Drummer and bassist, ideally al- neo-grunge/post emo on the level of FooFready tight together (onesinging),fortriow/ ighters,Mutemath,JanesAddiction(greatlocal
keybd/gtr/vocalist.Origsandselectcovers.Joe band‘EyesAround’)allthewaytostufflikeTool,
[email protected]:D/Bwho APC,NIN,TheCure,Dido,Tegan&SaratoPortiscontactedme,plsrecontact!Lostyrinfo!
head.Voyage2Infinity@hotmailor
256-232-7505Kirk
Something different? Rock Opera / Musical
performance piece. Our project needs M & Guitar Player Wanted to accompany a local
FsingerstocompleteCDproduction.IfUcan singer/songwriter whoplanstofocusonspirising&areinterestedinbroadeningURmusical tualbutNOTreligiousmusic.Wouldliketostart
resume,callus.Mike@828-342-3117orVic@ workingonbuildinguprepertoireandeventu256-497-4491
ally publish and hopefully tour Unitarian Universalistchurches.Mustbewillingtofollowmy
Pioneer Speakers: 15inchwoofers,solidwood leadyetaddnewideasorpossiblycollaborate
cabinets.$150/pair.Call256-694-3924
in writing. Must enjoy playing inspiring and
hopeful,liberal,spiritualmusic.Pleasecontact
For musical experiment of 2 girl/2 guy punk/ Vanessaat256-585-0260oremailmeatnessthrash/alt band with clean female vox. For [email protected].
more info contact adam @ 256-431-5130 or
THE VALLEY PLANET
High time RT and HT split - they are too red and
he is too good for them.
#022312031412
Mo Brooks can probably walk on water. That
would be a minor miracle after making Parker
Griffith look good.
Cheers and Kudos to Happy Tummy for your
Diablito!
C. Apologies unnecessary. Just don’t ever speak
to me again.
To Yunohoos in Arab; we know about you, don’t
think we don’t. We can’t pick up all trash until
you crawl in the bag.
Thomas - I can’t believe what you did with my
brother. Since we were almost engaged that is
almost incest. Katy
CHEERS to the Girlscouts!! What would I do
without your Samoas?
Soon, N, soon. Stay tuned for pt. 2. Kind of like
waiting for the other shoe to drop, huh?
City of Huntsville – how come Adams St. got
a new pave job and Washington St. off the 565
ramp is STILL a pothole playground? This is
what visitors see and what we have to drive on
daily. BTW – are you ever going to be finished
with Meridian St.?
Hey Red – keep shakin’ that Booty girl – I love
it! JM
Enough already - please stop putting your LSU
gear in the drop boxes.
Goodwill
No, Bob, your BBQ is really not all that! Your
neighbors
S.D. Lying, cheating AND stealing. So that’s who
you are now.
John, You really lost it at the SuperBowl – we
have photos! Next time, think MODERATION!
Cheers to the brunette with the big green eyes at
the Legion last week!
Readers’ Answers to…
Best Responses to Read the
Valley Planet?
Because The Valley Planet is event central!
Because it is awesome.
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Everything local
You guys rock the socks!
It’s the best source for what’s happening in the valley.
Keeps me informed of the latest greatest things going on in the greater Huntsville
area
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Fun
Does a better job of covering alternative happenings, arts and crafts, news of the
weird, etc.
Music Calendar
Ricky!!
The variety in writing styles!
To find out what’s going on in the Valley. :o)
Makes it easier to make weekend plans w/ friends too.
To Yuno from Yunohoo
What to do and where to go!
To know what is going on around the Tennessee Valley for the day or night life.
News of the Weird
Knowledge
You always know what is happening around town!
Interesting.
Bands and events
Articles on local musicians
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3
23
“I’m a member!
andd I got a great rate
on my auto loan”*
You’ll love the great rates and service on our loans,
as well as a host of other products, including GAP
coverage.** GAP covers the difference between the
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when you have a checking account, you are eligible
for even better rates with Redstone MemberPlus!†
Ask about it today!
* Must be RFCU member to obtain loan; all loans subject to credit approval; restrictions apply; contact us for
more information. This Credit Union is Federally Insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
** For a complete list of benefits and rules, see the GAP Waiver Election Form. The purchase of GAP is voluntary
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¤¤~ Ý oooj]\^[mgj_

153 - Valley Planet

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