210 - Valley Planet

Transcription

210 - Valley Planet

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
#0604015062415
READ THE PLANET, IT’S FREE
WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM
(256) 533 • 4613
Entertainment, Arts & Lifestyle
JUNE 4 - 24, 2015
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Microwave Dave Day, Cipher-Inflections at Mango’s Restaurant,
Recycle Different, Boston’s Tommy DeCarlo, Lifelong Learning,
Local Farmers Markets, Dr. Anarcho: BB King, Doctor Who – Shada,
What Then Must We Do?, An Eye for What’s Really Valuable,
The Greatest Music & Event Calendars on Planet Earth!!!
2
#0604015062415
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
THE VALLEY PLANET
In
The
Planet
june 4 - 24, 2015
NEXT ISSUE: JUNE 25, 2015
203 Grove Ave., Huntsville Al, 35801, phone 256.533-4613
THE VALLEY PLANET
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
#0604015062415
Table of Contents
3
Letter From The Publisher
3
On the Cover
4
Riding The Pulse with Boston’s Tommy DeCarlo, Tom Colbey, Jr.
4
The Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation and
Microwave Dave Day, Jane DeNeefe
5
An Eye For What’s Really Valuable, John Davis
5
Cipher-Inflections at Mango’s Restaurant, Tom Colbey, Jr.
5
The Farmer, The Cowhand, and YOU Should be Friends, Jim Zielinski
6
News of the Weird, Chuck Shepherd
7
What Then Must We Do?, Bonnie Roberts
7
Zee’s Rocket City bEAT, Jim Zielinski
7
Dr. Anarcho’s Rx For Old Stuff That Don’t Suck: B.B.King
8
Sci-Fi Review: Doctor Who, Matthew Kresal
8
Lifelong Learning has a Home at The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Excerpts from an article by Linda McAllister
8
The Jazz Lounge, Jackie Anderson
10
Music Calendar Begins
11
Music Calendar Ends
12
Events Calendar Begins
13
More Events Calendar
14
Events Calendar Ends
15
Free Will Astrology, Rob Brezsny
15
Unusual Place for Entertainment, John Davis
16
Marley From The Darkside, Marley
16
Pet Store Disappointment, Mark Hauer
16
Unchained Maladies, Ricky Thomason
17
ReLit: Smokin’ Good Reads Worth A ReKindle: Big Bad Love,
Review by Ricky Thomason
17
The Owl’s Eye: A Tale of Many Cities, John Davis
17
Auntie Jen’s Animal Crazy
17
Recycle Different, John Davis
18
Music Exchange
18
To Yuno From Yunohoo
18
The Single Guy: Communi-Date, Aaron Hurd
18
Regional Concert Calendar
Publisher
Jill E. Wood
Calendar
Joani Williams
Graphic Design
Douglas A. Lange
Contributors
Bonnie Roberts
Elaine Nelson
Ricky Thomason
Jim Zielinski
Tim Owen
Aaron Hurd
John Davis
Tom Colbey, Jr.
Jennifer Roberts
Marley & Her Human
Jackie Anderson
Matthew Kresal
Jane DeNeefe
Mark Hauer
“Stop looking at me like that!”
- Capt Lewis Nixon
On The Cover :
Letter from the
Publisher
T
o me, June always signals vacation, school’s
out, swimming, picnics, hammocks, and
family. Summer has always seemed like
a break that you look forward to all year. I am
not sure why… Still stuck in childhood, I guess,
because I haven’t had a summer off since I was
in school!
With fathers’ day and my father’s birthday both
this month, I have a mixture of feelings. This is
our first fathers’ day without our Dad. And June
13th is the first of his birthdays without him. I have
the greatest of memories. I think of his big grin
and his booming laugh. How I could go for one of
his big, tight hugs.
This summer and this month are full of great
opportunities to have fun, make memories, and to
spend time and energy on things and with people
who are most important to you. Both our events
and music calendars have tons of great options
again this issue!
Thank you to all of you who read the Valley Planet
and thank you to everyone in the community who
contributes to it, distributes it, and especially to
our advertisers who keep it free for everyone.
We appreciate your calls, emails, and letters and
especially love the smiles and the high fives!
Thank you to my Dad, who always believed in
me, was always proud of me, and always loved
me, no matter what. And to my Mom, who still
does.
Jill E. Wood
Amita B. Bhakta
“E
migrated as a teenager from India and
moved around in US, finally settled in
beautiful Tennessee Valley of North
Alabama. Happily married with two sons and
successful business owner, yet art is where my
journey begins and continues on. I was a chemistry major who ended up doing business. Even
when it appeared that my path was not leading me
to art yet all along it was propelling me towards
it. I was submerged into family, friends, business,
community; yet my creative passage whether
it was in paint, clay or words always stayed on
course. I am pretty much self taught artist, my
work vibrates with my thoughts, my feelings it is
a journal of my heart.
Now as my journey continues, I feel blessed that
God has granted me the heart of an artist. He’s
given me such nurturing, and supportive family,
and surrounded me with valuable friends and
wonderful community in North Alabama. I feel
extremely lucky to have the opportunity of combining the cultural ideals of the two vastly different free nations: one of my ancestors and the one
of my family’s future.”
www.artbyamita.com
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.
Reproduction or use without our permission is strictly prohibited. The views and opinions expressed within
these pages and on the website 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 website www.
valleyplanet.com in the archives section. You may reach the Valley Planet office @ 256.533.4613 or by mail
at Valley Planet 203 Grove Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801. Contact by email: [email protected].
256-533-4613 Valley Planet
Deadline for June 25 issue is June 12, 2015.
THE VALLEY PLANET
#0604015062415
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
3
Riding The Pulse
with Boston’s
Tommy DeCarlo
by Tom Colbey, Jr.
B
oston. Say that name, and I think of a wave
of great music; the sound of smooth melodies oscillating speaker cone stacks (taller
than I was at the time) accompanied by childhood
visuals of multi-colored shag carpet, Formicapaneled walls, and beanbag chairs. Say it, and my
sixty-two year old father remembers the spaceship flame from his favorite album cover. Say the
word, my ten year old niece will belt out the chorus to More Than a Feeling. Say it on a good day,
and my ninety-three year old grandfather may remember that one of their songs was performed on
The Voice, a show he never misses.
It’s a groovy kind of loud that punches both big
and minor bruises onto four generations. It takes
a special kind of lyrical sincerity for a chorus to
embed itself into the mind of a 21st century child
as deeply as for the near-retiree who remembers
8-track tapes. A lot of energy (converted from the
weighty mass of smash hits and attitude and peace
of mind) goes into the atomic blast of a resonating
intergenerational pulse through so much time and
space and brain.
Tommy DeCarlo is in the middle of all that physics. I talked to Tommy about the upcoming Huntsville show, the band, and Boston’s music.
Tommy, the new front man, and the embodiment
of Boston’s internal intergenerational journey
himself, sees graying fans with their own kids and
grandkids rocking out in the crowds he sees on
tour. Fans create other fans by many methods, having babies is most effective. Tommy appreciates
every fan because, since twelve years of age, with
his school buddy, Tim, in Utica, New York, he’s
been one. He’s dedicated to delivering the goods
precisely like the long-rocking fans remember it
(how he remembers it, too), to recreating the Boston sound people love (the sound he loves, too).
However, he’s also focused on the young; focused
on Boston’s own Generation Next fan base personified in ten-year olds like my niece. Tommy’s
not just riding the pulse in a sugar high of good
fortune, he’s exploring and expanding it.
Months before they hit the road for the Life,
Love, & Hope tour, Tommy and the band hit
rehearsals. Recreating that sound means repeatlooping through those songs until they’re right.
“Trying to dial into the original sound,” his body
gets tired, but his mind never tires of those songs.
Really, though, Tommy is still amazed he’s not
singing Boston lyrics into a Karaoke machine at
a hometown bar, so the hard work of repeat-loop
rehearsals is bonus!
Tommy says Tom Scholz is the kind of easy-going it takes to smooth the rough edges inevitably
exposed in critical band transitions and the grueling tour grind. Tommy says Tom drives him to
get it right, but there are nights when a particular
high note just doesn’t happen, and Tom’s cool
with that. Really, though, Tommy is still amazed
he gets to sing next to the true original, at all, so
Tom Scholz being so cool is bonus!
The Microwave Dave Music Education
Foundation and Microwave Dave Day
by Jane DeNeefe, author of Rocket City Rock and Soul: Huntsville Musicians Remember the 1960s
H
untsville, Alabama Mayor Tommy Battle has issued a proclamation establishing Sunday June 28,
2015 as “Microwave Dave Day,” and the formation of The Microwave Dave Music Education
Foundation. You probably already know Microwave Dave, whether as the radio host of Talkin’
the Blues on WJAB and WLRH, as the lead guitar player of Microwave Dave and the Nukes, as a solo
blues artist and digital looping pioneer, or as a key focalizer of the cigar box guitar scene. You might
have caught him on Science Friday or even seen him hitting the classical music circuit occasionally.
Recently, Dave received an admiring Tweet from author Stephen King, but accolades from the
famous cannot replace Dave’s daily bread and butter: repeat bookings. The people of Huntsville have booked Dave for gigs again and again, and he has given back to the community completely, beaming with love at his listeners. It doesn’t matter to Dave whether he can count his audience on one hand or if they fill a stadium; Dave tunes in and connects. His devoted fan Allison
Lewis wanted to find a way to thank him and honor his service. She knew others would as well.
The planning started out a secret but friends knew Dave would not want an embarrassing surprise - and sure enough, when Dave heard the idea, he was just not okay with it being all about
him. He would accept a gig’s fee for playing a gig, but any extra money should benefit the community. Out of this, The Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation was born. The Foundation will support the kind of philanthropy Dave has already been doing on his own for years.
The Microwave Dave Day
celebration will include a
concert to honor Dave for his
ongoing social and musical
contributions to our community. The concert will be held
at A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard
downtown from 3 P.M. until 9
P.M. 108 Cleveland Ave NW,
Huntsville, AL 35801. This
family-friendly event will include many of Huntsville’s finest musicians, culminating in a
performance by Huntsville’s
rockingest blues band Microwave Dave and the Nukes.
At some point the mayor will
present Dave Gallaher: beloved blues man, diplomat,
teacher and scholar, with a
well-deserved key to the city.
A $10 donation is requested
to cover the costs of the event.
All proceeds beyond event
expenses will be used to fund
The Microwave Dave Music
Education Foundation.
Please join the Microwave
Dave Day Facebook Event
Page for updates. Tell your
friends!
Photo by Dennis Keim.
Tommy DeCarlo means we will continue to hear Boston classics on the radio well into my retirement
home doddery, that we’ll continue to listen to children sing those always-relevant choruses, and see
cover performances of the best of Boston on TV. Most of all, though, it means the Boston-centered
strands-a-million pulse will condense right here in downtown Huntsville on June 14 at the VBC Propst
Arena! Tommy says the band is jiving well and ready to make the fans proud, and that Huntsville better
be prepared… prepared to rock!
Follow me on Twitter @colbey_ jr
An accelerating rate of attrition holed the Boston
ship over the decades, depopulating the crew, the
threat of the pulse being short-circuited could
have veered the band (and its fans) off course.
But, Tommy and other newer members aren’t just
finger-plugging empty wall space. In the wake of
“Great music that keeps the band alive, provides
staying power,” they build anew.
“There’s always writing going on, but right now
we’re focused on the Life, Love, & Hope tour.”
Fans are going to have to wait for what that might
mean, but my guess is another pulse extension
may loom in the distance. Expect another atomic
blast of a resonating intergenerational pulse that
will continue through even more time and space
and brain.
4
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VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
THE VALLEY PLANET
An Eye for What’s Really Valuable
by John Davis
P
hotographers see differently than we do.
They place you in yellow poppy fields and
make you believe you are there. Their lens
draws in fresh fields of breeze and color. Or, your
imagination sparkles as they put you at rest under
a gnarled old oak tree. With a camera they capture
bursting pinks, reds, and yellows from the pistil
of an orchid. When they photograph dogs, or even
squirrels, you want to pet them.
   
The same can be said of our natural parks. Greg
Lein, the Alabama State Parks director, says,
“Finding a place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful natural landscape of Alabama is easy.” Easy
indeed. He notes most Alabamians are less than an
hour from a state park. Who doesn’t like fishing,
camping or canoeing, or just sitting and watching
a lake, or a river roll by? Who is so dead of soul
they can’t enjoy being in the majesty of a forest?
We have it all. Lein adds, “You do not have to
break the bank to get outside to have an adventure
or just relax in the sun this spring break.” Yes indeed. Caves, waterfalls, hiking trails, the Gulf of
Mexico itself, and animals in the wild. We have
it all.
   
Or do we? As Governor Bentley says, we are now
broke. We are Alabama, welfare bums who get
more from the Federal government than we put
in. Now, in a discovery that came after the election, we find we are grossly in debt in State funding, too. We’re so broke the governor calls our
(Food Diversity Series)
by Tom Colbey, Jr.
“A
Get Fed”
budgeting dysfunctional. What to do? One option
is to close the state parks, and ‘save’ money.
     
In Arizona, they are confronted with a Navajo
nation that wants to monetize the Grand Canyon.
They want to build a giganto-Mall on their part
of the canyon rim, with a cable car that will ride
you to the fast food places down on the Colorado
River bank. This billion buck enterprise will be
visible from six of the seven overlooks in the
Grand Canyon National Park itself. This is not
a joke, or satire, either. The god almighty Dollar
has spoken. Sacred stillness will be replaced by
zany plastic people. “Get your yucks at a Micky
D’s and cast your burger bags upon the waters of
the Grand Canyon!” will be the new mantra, for
all I know. Wonder of ages, meet Walmart. 
     
The same rationale is why we are closing the parks.
They don’t make money. What gives wealth to the
soul cannot make a buck in this state, so they are
going to close them. We can’t afford, nor can we
manage, to make people happy.
The Farmer, the Cowhand, and YOU
Should be Friends
by Jim Zielinski
O
ur farmers markets bridge the vast grower/consumer chasm fostered by The Age
of Supermarket Chains, shepherding an
unwary, convenience-hungry America towards
blander and blander tastes and, oftentimes, lower
nutritive values. Many area emporia also maintain a benevolent thrust, utilizing profits to assist
small business and the needy, while all strive to
keep LOCAL money LOCAL.
One can’t address every aspect of every market;
like puffballs, they materialize overnight. But
among other items, expect Fresh Fruits/Veggies;
Organic Meat and/or Poultry Products; Cut Flowers; Hand-woven Baskets; Baked Goods; Local
Honeys; Artisanal Goat (Chèvre)/Sheep (Brebis)
Cheeses and/or Soaps/Lotions…and, always, surprises!
CAVEATS:
Always shop early for the best selection.
Open markets’ comparatively freewheeling nature
allows them considerable adaptability. Don’t depend on ending times to be “the time things end”;
closing hours tend towards approximations based
on that day’s haul, sales, WEATHER, and/or special circumstances. In other words, don’t arrive
fashionably late, or you’ll feel like Gary Cooper
about forty minutes into High Noon.
The manifold payment options vary by vendor…
but everybody takes cash!!!!
Lastly…for those not on Facebook, or even online, many markets’ heavy reliance on FB is disadvantageous. Contact them directly for specifics.
Clip and post this article…that’s why fridges and
walls were created. Then catch the “zee’s rocket
city bEAT” column for updates and special market events, including live entertainment.
Now, leave us wade into the fray, keeping our
Runcible Spoons at the ready, and we’ll see you
booth-side!
DAILY/MULTIPLE DAYS
Ayers Farmers Market [2015 Memorial Parkway, SW @ Governor’s Drive, SW; (256) 533-
THE VALLEY PLANET
Cipher-Inflections at Mango’s
Restaurant
ll Skin Teeth Nah
Laugh”
“Close Mouths Nah
Once I stopped reading the
words, I started feeling them.
Eating the food helped. The story
of how the food came to be is the
hyperkinetic turbulence burn of
multiculturalism. It smells like a multiple personality disorder of Euro-flags and Afro-tribes (if schizophrenia
had a taste!); it rewired my brain so I could listen to all the voices melting into the chicken.
“Moon Ah Run Till Day Ketch Am”
The words are English enough to provide major components to the lingo, but there’s a lot happening in the
strange cypher-inflections in the middle. Think of the missing center of a multi-thousand piece puzzle just
started; after nailing the corners quickly, and feeling uber-brilliant, I won’t make it look like the front box cover
for a mentally disabling number of hours.
“Tongue Nah Get Teeth But He Ah Bite”
The cuisine is Dutch and French and Portuguese and African. Don’t leave out the Spanish because they owned
a lot of the geography. It’s a lot of Anglo and Irish and Scottish and Welch because the British owned a healthy
chunk of the real estate, also. Because of the British, it’s East Indian, too; it’s a lot of the old world and the best
parts of the new world, which means it’s our kind of Indian. It’s black, white, lots of browns.
“Hand Wash Hand Mek Hand Come Clean”
“One One Dutty Build Dam”
At Mango’s eating West Indian cuisine, strange words spirit-loop through my brain like a Bob Marley song that
doesn’t quite sound English but remains so comfortable it reminds me of my own tongue. My eyes tell me I’ve
seen the buffet before, my mouth tells me I haven’t. The chicken and cabbage and rice and soups are the big
puzzle pieces in the corners, but there’s a lot of West Indian flavors in the middle just mango-melting me.
“The Same Dog That Brings A Bone Carry A Bone”
5667; http://ayersfarmersmarket.com] Daily, 8:00
a.m. – 6:00 p.m. It’s Jack-o-Lantern Central, but
their Etheridge, TN Amish connection ensures
there’s much, much more.
If the verbal mulatto on the wall isn’t clue enough, Caribbean cooking was an integrated multicultural experience centuries before “fusion” became a foodie-hipster buzzword, and with the half-planet ethno-stew fermenting in the kitchen, there’s so much going on at the buffet line at Mango’s Restaurant, I’m just going to have go
back every week.
Decatur Farmers Market [211 First Avenue,
SE; (256) 476-5595; www.decaturfarmersmarket.
org ] Through November; Spring Times, Monday,
Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 1:00
p.m. Summer extended hours/days, as well as fall
hours/closing date, based on demand and produce
availability.
“Never Cuss The Bridge You Cross”
Guntersville Farmers Market [Civitan Park,
1500 Sunset Drive; (256) 571-7590; www.guntersvilleal.org; grover.williams@guntersvilleal.
org] through November; Tuesday, Thursday, &
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Doesn’t lakeside
shopping sound inviting? Covered facility, off US
Highway 431 South @ Lurleen B. Wallace Drive
(right @ GSV Chamber of Commerce Welcome
Center).
Limestone County Farmers Market [409
Green Street West; (256) 233-6400; www.limestonecounty-al.gov/LC_Farmers_Market.html]
Closing Date/Times TBA; Tuesday & Friday;
6:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A covered facility, LCFM is
open rain or shine (excepting severe weather) till
demand or seasonal items prove insufficient.
Madison County Farmer’s Market [1022 Cook
Avenue, NW; (256) 532-1661; farmersmarket@
madisoncountyal.gov] 2 June – 14 November;
Tuesday, Friday, & Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00
p.m. …is that which locals referred to as THE
Farmers Market for eons, perhaps due to the fact
that, as an entity, it dates from the 1800’s! Covered facility.
TUESDAY
Farmers Market @ Latham United Methodist Church [109 Weatherly Road, SE; (256)
881-4069; http://farmersmarketatlathamumc.org;
Facebook; [email protected]]
May – October; 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thanks
to the Blakesworthington Nix and Sharon Ryan
families, I’m well aware of Latham. Enter via
Strong Road. The market, not the families.
#0604015062415
With Lauren in the kitchen, Ian upfront, and their daughter Keisha serving, if you need help understanding the
words on the wall, ask. If you’re lucky, Lauren may tell you other West Indian proverbs. You get puzzles and
culture and intense flavors with that $8.99 buffet. Get the full experience. Though, trying to get into the Mango’s
parking lot, I always end up at IHOP or the bookstore, so watch closely.
I have a mission of eating odd food or in odd places, or the power combo of odd food in odd places. If you know
a place that fits: [email protected]
Follow me on Twitter @colbey_ jr
Farmers Market @ Meridianville First Baptist Church [175 Monroe Road; (256) 828-1607;
www.tuesdayfarmersmarket.com; [email protected]] June – August;
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.; 1 – 29 September, 4:00 – 6:00
p.m. Covered facility; supply/weather will dictate
whether dates extend into October.
NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center Farmers
Market [Parking Lot/“Food Truck Corral,” SE
Corner of Rideout and Martin Roads, Redstone
Arsenal; Bill Mayo, (256) 544-7564] through
October; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. NEW location!
Arsenal access is required.
WEDNESDAY
Terry Heights/Hillendale Market @ Meadow
Drive Baptist Church [100 Meadow Drive, NW;
(256) 337-0663; www.meadowdrivebaptist.org;
[email protected]] June – October; 4:00
p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Bear in mind, THFM is Cash
Only!
THURSDAY
Greene Street Market @ Nativity [304 Eustis
Avenue, SE @ Greene Street; (256) 682-4429;
www.greenestreetmarket.com; [email protected]] through August, 4:00 – 8:00
p.m.; September, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.; October, 3:00
– 7:00 p.m. In the vanguard, if not in fact the
spearhead, of our local movement. Hosts of the
“Tater Toss.”
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
**GSM Store [208 Eustis Avenue, SE; (256)
763-6616; [email protected]]:
Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday,
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
HealthWorks Farmers Market [Plaza Resource
Center, 101 Governor’s Drive, SE @ Madison
Street; (256) 265-6288] through 1 October, 7:30
a.m. – Noon. Cash/Check Only.
SATURDAY
Athens Saturday Market [Farmers Market Pavilion, 409 West Green Street; (256) 998-0232;
[email protected]; www.athenssaturdaymarket.com] 6 June – August, 8:00 a.m. – Noon.
Covered facility.
Bailey Cove Farmers Market @ St. Thomas
Episcopal Church [12200 Bailey Cove Road,
SE; (256) 880-0248/0247; http://stthomas-hsv.
dioala.org; [email protected]]
June – September, 8:00 a.m. – Noon. Closed on
Independence and Labor Day weekends.
Madison City Farmers Market @ Trinity
Baptist Church [1088 Hughes Road; (256)
656-7841; www.madisoncityfarmersmarket.com;
[email protected]] 11 April
– 26 September, 8:00 a.m. – Noon; 3 October –
21 November, 9:00 a.m. – Noon. No re-sellers all goods are produced within a 100-mile radius.
5
tem matched no known organism, and less than 1
percent was human. Weill Cornell Medical College researchers announced in February that they
had identified much DNA by swabbing passenger
car and station surfaces, finding abundant matches to beetles and flies (and even traces of inactive
anthrax and bubonic plague) but that since so few
organisms have been fully DNA-”sequenced,”
there was no cause for alarm. The lead researcher
fondly compared the bacteria-teeming subway to
a “rain forest,” deserving “awe and wonder” that
“there are all these species” that so far cause humans relatively little harm.
by Chuck Shepherd
Crime Does Pay
When officials in Richmond, California,
learned in 2009 that 70 percent of the city’s murders and firearms assaults were directly linked to
17 people, they decided on a bold program: to pay
off those 17 to behave themselves. For a budget of
about $1.2 million a year, the program offers individual coaching, health care coverage and several hundred dollars a month in stipends to former
thugs who stick to their “life map” of personal
goals and conflict-resolution training. According to an April report on National Public Radio’s
“This American Life,” Richmond is no longer
among the most dangerous towns in America,
with the murder rate in fact having fallen from its
all-time yearly high of 62 to 11 last year.
Can’t Possibly Be True
One might believe that a 6th-grader,
suspended for a whole year after school officials
found a “marijuana” leaf in his backpack, might
be immediately un-suspended if authorities (after
three field tests) found the leaf was neither marijuana nor anything else illegal. Not, however, at
Bedford Middle School in Roanoke, Virginia,
whose officials said they had acted on gossip that
students called the leaf “marijuana,” and therefore
under the state schools’ “look-alike-drug” policy,
the 6th-grader was just as guilty as if the leaf were
real. Formerly a high-achiever student, he has,
since last September, suffered panic attacks and is
under the care of a pediatric psychiatrist, and his
parents filed a federal lawsuit in February.
The Job of Researcher
Biologist Regine Gries of Canada’s Simon Fraser University devotes every Saturday to
letting about 5,000 bedbugs suck blood from her
arm -- part of research by Gries and her biologist-husband Gerhard to develop a pheromonebased “trap” that can lure the bugs from infested
habitats like bedding. (She estimates having been
bitten 200,000 times since the research began, according to a May Wired magazine report.) Regine
holds each mesh-topped jar of bugs against her
arm for about 10 minutes each (which Gerhard
cannot do because he is allergic) -- leading, of
course, to hours of itchiness and swelling in the
name of progress.
The Continuing Crisis
The three gentle grammar pedants (one
an environmental lawyer calling himself “Agente
Punto Final,” i.e., “Agent Period”) devoted to
ridding Quito, Ecuador, of poorly written street
graffiti, have been patrolling the capital since
November 2014, identifying misplaced commas
and other atrocities and making sneaky corrective
raids with spray paint. Punto Final told The Washington Post in March that he acts out of “moral
obligation” -- that “punctuation matters, commas
matter, accents matter.” As police take vandalism
seriously in Quito, the three must act stealthily, in
hoodies and ski masks, with one always standing
lookout.
Suspicions Confirmed
Almost half of the DNA collected from
a broad swath of the New York City subway sys-
6
Latest Religious Messages
“I’m doing what God wants,” Mike
Holpin, 56, told British TV’s Channel 5 in April.
“In the Bible, God says go forth and multiply,”
said the unemployed former carny who claims to
have fathered at least 40 children (now aged from
3 to 37) by 20 different women. Holpin has been
married three times, and lives with his fiancee Diane and two kids in the Welsh town of Cwm. “I
(will) never stop,” Holpin said. “I’m as fertile as
sin...”
First Things First
(1) A 21-year-old man in Hefei, China,
collapsed in May after 14 straight days of Internet gaming, yet when paramedics revived him,
the man begged them to leave and put him back
in front of the screen. (2) Then, two weeks later
in Nanchang, China, a 24-year-old female gamer
took only a minutes-long break at an Internet
cafe, at 4 a.m., to head to a rest room and give
birth -- returning with her blood-covered baby in
her arms to resume her place at the mouse pad.
(London’s Daily Telegraph, reporting from Beijing in May, estimated that China has 24 million
Internet “addicts.”)
Undignified Deaths
It takes only four of the U.S. Supreme
Court justices to accept a case for review, but it
takes five to stay an execution. On January 23, the
Court accepted the case challenging Oklahoma’s
death penalty chemicals, but the lead challenger,
Charles Warner, lacking that fifth “stay” vote, had
been executed eight days earlier (using the challenged chemicals), during the time the justices
were deliberating. (The case, Warner vs. Gross,
was immediately renamed Glossip V. Gross, but
Richard Glossip himself was scheduled to die on
January 28. Then, without explanation, at least
one other justice supplied Glossip’s missing fifth
vote, and, with one day to spare, his execution
was stayed until the challenge to the chemicals is
resolved.)
Only 17 states have specific laws to
protect against “revenge porn” (exposing exlovers’ intimate images online as retaliation for
a break-up), but a possible solution in the other
states, reported CNN in April, is for the victim to
file a “takedown” demand under the federal Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which would subject the avenger to penalties for not removing the
images. However, to prove copyright, the victim
must file copies of the bawdy images with the U.S.
Copyright Office, increasing the victim’s trauma
(though an office spokesman told CNN that only
the copyright examiner would see them).
Recurring Themes
Drivers Hit With Their Own Cars Recently: (1) A 64-year-old woman was knocked
down by her in-gear minivan in Lake Crystal,
Minnesota, as she got out to retrieve something
from her house (March). (2) A man in South Centre Township, Pennsylvania, was hospitalized after leaving his idling car to adjust something under the hood and apparently adjusted the wrong
thing, sending the car thrusting forward (February). (3) Jamie Vandegraaf, 23, was slammed by
his own car as he leaped from the driver’s side
(not far enough to clear the door, apparently) to
avoid South Portland, Maine, police and U.S.
Marshals pursuing him concerning the robbery of
a Shaw’s supermarket (April).
From the Third-World Press
Mohamed Nafiu was arrested in Lagos,
Nigeria, in April and charged with robbery after
he and his pet baboon intercepted a pedestrian
leaving a bank and frightened him into fleeing,
leaving his money behind. Police said the versatile baboon had also previously snatched victims’
valuables.
Police in eastern South Africa were
searching in May for the three women who accosted a man in Kwazakhele Township, near Port
Elizabeth, raped him in the back seat of a black
BMW, collected his semen in a cooler, and sped
away without him. Constable Mncedi Mbombo
told the Sowetan Live website, “This is really
confusing to us because we have never heard of
such a thing before.”
Great Art Class!
Among the requirements of “Visual
Arts 104A” at the University of California, San
Diego is that, for the final exam, students would
make a presentation while nude, in a darkened
room. Professor Ricardo Dominguez (who would
also be nude for the finals) told KGTV in May
that a nude “gesture” was indeed required (and
disclosed to students in the first class) as a “performance of self,” a “standard canvas for performance art and body art.” After an inquiry by
KGTV, the department chairman announced that
nakedness would not be required for course credit
-- even though professor Dominguez said in his
11 years teaching the course, no student had ever
complained before.
The Litigious Society
Sober Driver Pays: Sapearya Sao, then
25 and sober that night in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, was rammed by a drunk hit-and-run driver
(Nathan Wisbeck), who later rammed another
drunk driver -- but Sao finds himself defending
the lawsuit by the two people injured in Wisbeck’s second collision. Sao recently settled the
lawsuit brought by that second drunk driver, but
still faces a $9.8 million lawsuit brought by the
estate of the second drunk driver’s late passenger,
which argues that if Sao had not pursued Wisbeck
in an attempt to identify him, the second crash
would not have occurred. (Of course, that crash
also might not have occurred if the second driver
-- 0.11 blood alcohol -- had been sober.)
Wait, What?
British forensic scientist Dr. Brooke
Magnanti, 39, has written two best-selling books
and inspired a TV series based on her life, but she
recently filed a lawsuit accusing her ex-boyfriend
of libeling her -- by telling people that she was
NOT formerly a prostitute. A major part of Magnanti’s biography is how she paid for university
studies through prostitution -- which has supposedly enhanced her marketability.
Murder “contracts” are ubiquitous in
novels and movies, but an actual murder contract
cannot be enforced in American courts. However,
a recent “contract” case in Norway (according to
the Norwegian newspaper Varden, as reported on
Vice.com) came down hard on a hit man who got
cold feet. The hit man, who stalled repeatedly,
was finally sued by the payer, who won a jury
verdict (later set aside) for the unrequited killing.
Then, because the hit man had attempted to extort
even more money from the payer (to find a substitute killer), the hit man was fined the equivalent
of $1,200.
Unclear on the Concept
About three-fourths of the 1,580 IRS
workers found to have deliberately attempted to
evade federal income tax during the last 10 years
have nonetheless retained their jobs, according to
a May report by the agency’s inspector general.
Some even received promotions and performance
bonuses (although an internal rule, adopted last
year, now forbids such bonuses to one adjudged
to owe back taxes).
Latest Religious Messages
The long-time swingers’ club in Nashville, Tennessee (The Social Club), is seeking
to relocate to the trendy Madison neighborhood
-- but near two churches and an upscale private
Christian school in a state that bars sex businesses within 1,000 feet of a church or school.
The Social Club’s preferred solution: re-open as
the United Fellowship Center and attempt to hold
services on Sunday mornings, converting, for example, its “dungeon room” into the “choir room.”
While courts are reluctant to examine religious
doctrine, they often judge cases on “sincerity of
belief.” (Any shrieks of “Oh, God!” “Oh, God!”
coming from the on-premises swing club are not
expected to carry weight with the judges.)
#0604015062415
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
Is This a Great Country or What?
Lightly regulated investors’ “hedge
funds” (the province of wealthy people and large
institutions) failed in 2014 (for the sixth straight
year) to outearn ordinary stock index funds following the S&P 500. However, at hedge funds,
underperformance seems unpunishable -- as the
top 25 fund managers still collectively earned
$11.62 billion in fees and salaries (an average
of over $464 million each). The best-paid hedge
fund manager earned $1.3 billion -- more than 48
times what the highest-paid major league baseball
player earned.
Bright Ideas
Body cameras for police officers is yesterday’s news. At the Sanmenxia canyon rapids in
China’s Henan province, the issue is body cameras for lifeguards. The all-female White Swan
Women’s Rafting Rescue Team has complained
recently about swimmers deliberately throwing
themselves into the water so they could scream
for help -- in order to fondle the women when
they arrived to save them. Attaching cameras to
the women’s helmets and legs is expected to deter
perverts.
Pets With Issues
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: (1) A
veterinarian at Brighton (U.K.) Pet Hospital, operating on Garry, age 2, a black-and-white cat with
a tumor-like bulge in his abdomen, found instead
(and removed) a large collection of shoelaces and
hairbands that might soon have cost Garry his
life. (2) Benno, the Belgian Malinois, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, has eaten a ridiculous series
of items over his four years, but his latest meal, in
April, was 23 live rounds of .308- caliber bullets
(all swallowed after Benno had partially gnawed
them). Among Benno’s other delicacies: a bra,
lawn mower air filter, TV remote, styrofoam peanuts, drywall, magnets, and an entire loaf of bread
still in the wrapper.
Least Competent Snake: Owner Aaron
Rouse was feeding his python, Winston, a tasty
rat in May, using barbecue tongs, when Winston
got hold of the tongs and would not let go. Rouse,
of Adelaide, Australia, decided not to engage in a
tug-of-war, but when he returned (believing Winston would see no food value in the metal clamps),
the tongs had been swallowed and were halfway
through the snake’s comically bloated body. After
taking X-rays (that of course became Internet attractions), a veterinarian at Adelaide University
removed the tongs by surgery.
Crime in Florida
(1) Daniel Palmer, 26, was arrested in
Miami Beach in April only after he returned to
the crime scene area to berate his victim, a New
York tourist from whom he had snatched a “fake”
necklace at gunpoint. Palmer initially got away,
but was upset and returned to confront the tourist, who pointed out Palmer’s car to an officer.
(2) Ms. Joey Mudd, 34, of Largo was arrested in
May, along with her husband, Chad, on charges
that they routinely shared marijuana and even cocaine with their daughters, aged 13 and 14. Deputies said Ms. Mudd freely admitted that she used
the drugs as incentives to get the girls to do their
chores and do well in school.
Is This a Great Country or What?
There’s hardly a more “generic” song
in America than “Happy Birthday to You,” but
to this day (until a judge renders a decision in a
pending case), Warner/Chappel Music is still trying to make big dollars off of the 16-word ditty
(15 original words plus a user-supplied 16th). Its
original copyright should have expired, at the latest, in 1921, but amendments to the law and technicalities in interpretation (e.g., did the copyright
cover all public uses or just piano arrangements?)
bring Warner at least $2 million a year in fees.
A federal judge in California is expected to rule
soon on whether the song is in fact uncopyrightably “generic” -- 125 years after the Hill sisters
(Mildred and Patty) composed it.
Send your weird news to
WeirdNews at
earthlink dot net,
and P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, FL 33679.
Copyright,
Chuck Shepherd
THE VALLEY PLANET
I
t is people’s frailties - much more than their
“perfect” actions or their pretense at perfection - that most of us truly love.
A poet, whom I know well, was quite “frail” at a
poetry reading she gave not long ago.
The poet dropped her poems, couldn’t find the
poem she wanted to read last, and graciously (?)
offered to give the audience time for a sing-a-long
while she pulled herself together. One dear young
man in the audience tried to help her find the lost
poem; other conscripted volunteers went through
several stacks.
It was a human reading by a discombobulated poet
- a well-meaning poet who wanted to give her audience her best. Some would say it was “not her
best,” but people most likely learned from it, i.e.,
how not to run from a reading when they want to,
how not to give a poetry-reading, and how to help
a sister poet look through reams of paper for a
poem the poet later realized had never been there
in the first place.
Ultimately, after a final poem was read, the audience gave the poet thunderous applause. Why she
received such applause, she wasn’t exactly sure.
No doubt, some people liked or admired her poetry; others were just happy to get on with their
lives - finally. Or perhaps the audience felt they
had been “engaged” or entertained in ways neither they nor the poet could have foreseen.
Recently, a friend of mine died. He played an important role in my life as the first person to publish
a book of poetry for me, and, later, he became my
good friend. When I think of him at this moment,
it is not of his many polished accomplishments
as both poet and publisher. What I remember is
that, from time to time, he insisted we go off our
diets - diets meant to control both sugar and fat to share a gargantuan dessert called “triple-tripletriple chocolate tall cake.” That cake - served with
a cherry on top, plus a side of vanilla ice cream,
dribbled with the same warm chocolate sauce that
was generously poured over the varying layers
of chocolate - turned me into a sociopathic cake
eater. I had no conscience at all about
taking a “bit” more than he. My friend
never complained that I took more
than my share - though we both knew
it as an unspoken “secret” between us.
I loved my friend more than the tripletriple-triple chocolate tall cake. No, I
really did - and do. Mostly, I love him
for not blatantly pointing out that I was a cake
predator. Over the years, we kept meeting for
“tall” cake even though his portion was always
“short.”
When we catch human beings with bright gold
safety pins showing on their hemlines, or with
their tee-shirts on inside-out, those can be moments of simply a confidential whisper, or they
can be much more - a real moment of connection. We may have once done something similar
ourselves, such as carrying on a rather lengthy
conversation with a piece of spinach entirely covering a front tooth, or we may have worn grossly
unmatched socks while giving a PowerPoint presentation to our new boss.
Those moments - rather than hurting our opinion of ourselves or making us feel embarrassed
or apologetic - have the potential to help us “relax” into the okay-ness of “messing up” or letting
down the veneer of perfection, which most of us
try to wear. Making a public faux pas is a strange
gift, perhaps. However, it is a gift of joining in and allowing others to join in - the absolute giddy
absurdity of being human.
Cracks in our superficial veneer will happen. We
may very well bump heads with a stranger when a
pencil falls to the floor, forget ourselves and take
two rolls from the platter instead of one, or wrestle with the “push” when we are told, in bright red
letters, to “pull.”
Little eccentricities, “unpolished” moments, and
“goofs” add dimension to us and
our lives; contribute to the individual nature of
who we are; bring us - sometimes kicking - into
the human race; and often bring forth acts of kindness or grace from others.
I might as well snatch a little chocolate cake when
I can, if I can - and always in memory of my good
friend who never called me out on it.
This article is dedicated to J. William Chambers,
Alabama poet, publisher, and friend, 1932-2015.
Zee’s Rocket
City bEAT
by Jim Zielinski
Dessert Theatre presents Kilroy Was Here, a “musical salute to the 1940’s G.I. Joes and Jills,” running 5 – 13 June at the Pope John Paul II Catholic
High School Theatre [7301 Madison Pike], with
Dinner or Café Matinée (Dessert Only) options.
Call for menu/tickets.
uzzah! Blue Plate Café will finally open
its Rosie’s Shopping Plaza branch [7540
Memorial Parkway, SW, Suite E (**formerly Victoria’s Café, transmogrified into “Follow Me Food Truck,” (256) 650-1018**)].
I truly like the good ol’ Italian Sausage and
Sauce on Star Market’s Terry’s Pizzas. But I’d
LOVE them if they also had the original, chewy,
REAL cheese. This doesn’t stretch, it breaks. …
WHAT?!?!
We understand the delay was occasioned by The
City…again… Permit(s), due Julyish, appeared
Decemberish, by which time most would be hanging themselves by the chimney, with care. Given
this state of affairs, it’s a wonder we still have any
mom-and-pop trade.
Yoicks! Signor Emanuel Ravelli reminds us to
call on the embedded Chef Wil the Palate [2211
Seminole Drive, SW; (256) 617-6052; http://chefwill.yolasite.com] en route to that paean to short
films, the 34th Annual Black Maria (mah-RYE-ah)
Film + Video Festival [www.blackmariafilmfestival.org] $10 admission; 7:30 p.m., Friday, 12
June; Lowe Mill’s Flying Monkey Theatre.
H
Speaking of mom-pop debuts, Mullins Restaurant
[607 Andrew Jackson Way, NE] is RE-reopening
under new-ER management! It seems we’ll again
nosh on Broasted Chicken, “dry” Chili Dogs, and
down-home Brekkie… Moreover, new selections
will augment time-honored ones.
Things bode well. Having (repeatedly) sampled
the Coconut Cream Pie, I can relate it’s on par
with Miss Ann Burdette’s creations for the Fanning and Mullins families lo, those decades ago.
We wish Mark and Cindy Schrimsher good luck.
Or maybe…break an egg?
Keeping to Makeovers: a rebooted Hamburglar,
the Golden Arches’ larcenous Arch-Enemy,
looms…but an aboveboard brigand; no Sid and
Marty Krofft groupie, he. Biggest Crime: Not
Stealing the McRib.
Rumors that Jonah Hill is portraying The Evil
Grimace were dispelled once paramedics dislodged the begnawed ham hock blocking his trachea. Incidentally, if you don’t grasp the irony in
christening him “Jonah,” you owe the Gideons an
apology.
The beef-thief’s reemergence spotlights Mickey
D’s, bolstered in no small measure by Special
Sauce connoisseur James Franco’s op-ed-like
Washington Post piece extolling his somewhat
wilted salad days manning the counter. Can the
Francwrangler be far behind?
Dr. Anarcho’s Rx for Old Stuff That Don’t
Suck: B.B. King - Blues and rock lovers the
world over mourn the passing of blues legend
B.B. King.
R
iley B. King (September 16, 1925
– May 14, 2015), better known by his
stage name B.B. King, was an American Hall of Fame blues singer, songwriter and
guitarist.
Rolling Stone ranked King number 6 on its
2011 list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all
time (previously ranked number 3 in the 2003
edition of the same list). He was ranked No. 17
in Gibson’s “Top 50 Guitarists of All Time.”
According to Edward M. Komara, King “introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on
fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that
would influence virtually every electric blues
guitarist that followed.” King was inducted into
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He was
considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname “The King
of the Blues,” and one of the “Three Kings of the
Blues Guitar” (along with Albert King and Freddie King). King was also known for performing
tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing at more than 200 concerts per year on average
into his 70s. In 1956, he reportedly appeared at
342 shows.
THE VALLEY PLANET
Alackaday! Sadly, The Foyer [600 Jordan Lane,
NW, Suite 2; http://thefoyerhuntsville.com] closes on Saturday, 6 June.
In 1990, King was awarded the National Medal of
Arts by President George H.W. Bush. In 2006, he
received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from
President George W. Bush. He is widely regarded
as one of the most influential blues guitarists of
all time, inspiring countless other electric blues
and blues rock guitarists. King died at the age of
eighty nine from diabetes complications in Las
Vegas, Nevada on May 14th, 2015. (Wikipedia)
I am kicking myself for not seeing King when
he recently appeared in Huntsville. Even then, I
knew it was likely my last chance to do so. I hope
you weren’t equally stupid and took that final
chance to see a musician that had more influence
on rock music than Elvis.
#0604015062415
Thanh Hung Asian Market’s [Spencer Square
Shopping Center, 8760 Madison Boulevard, Suite
B; (256) 464-0944; asiainalabama.com] unrestrained expansion only serves to make a grand
thing, grander.
You’ll find extraordinary offerings, e.g., Pickled
Mimosa, Crab Extract, and murderously mammoth Jackfruit; familiar merch, including a metric ton of microwaveable soups; and must haves,
like Indonesian coffee- and tea-based pastilles. If
your wok’s in rehab, your wasabi’s apoplectic,
and your hoisin sauce is now technically a wine,
you must needs visit.
Prepare to be overwhelmed. And to maddeningly
run out of mad money.
Farmers Market @ Latham UMC [109 Weatherly
Road, SE; (256) 881-4069; http://farmersmarketatlathamumc.org] Kids’ Events, Tuesdays: “OldFashioned Games” (9 June); “Favorite/Least-Favorite Veggie Game” (16 June).
Madison City Farmers Market @ Trinity Baptist
Church [1088 Hughes Road; (256) 656-7841;
www.madisoncityfarmersmarket.com] Live Music, Saturdays: Harpist, Steve Todd Miller (6
June); Old Friends Band (13 June); Todd Steve
returns (20 June).
Athens Saturday Market [Farmers Market Pavilion,
409 West Green Street; (256) 998-0232; www.athenssaturdaymarket.com] “Kids’ Day” (20 June).
Aren’t you disturbed to discover Cinnamon Toast
Crunch is cannibalistic? …Though I’d take fiendish delight were the Chik-fil-A and California
cattle to follow suit. “Just desserts!” scream ratite
industry concerns.
Day Trips:
Can the 21st Annual RC Cola and MoonPie Festival [(931) 389-9663; www.bellbucklechamber.
com; [email protected]] truly
be nigh?
Can, and ‘tis! On Saturday, 20 June, you’ll find
downtown Bell Buckle, TN awash in chocolate, carbonation, and a sugar surplus enabling
the Cavity Creeps to fully trounce the legacy of
Bucky Beaver, if not Jack LaLanne.
RC remains “pop” royalty, and everyone loves
a good MoonPie or twelve, but be warned…this
bacchanal might make it difficult to distinguish
Glycemic Index numbers from those of the Scoville Scale.
Lesson Learned: roasting workaday garlic produces a mild spread. For some, roasting the already mild Elephant Garlic defeats both the purpose of the procedure and the pachydermatous
bulb, itself…the flavor is nearly eradicated, rather
than ameliorated.
Given, some may like that, but as Bing once told
Bob - in reference to anyone enjoying the latter’s
singing - “Some people like to wear their shoes
in the pool.”
Huntsville Community Chorus [Long Avenue;
(256) 533-6606; www.thechorus.org] Dinner/
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
7
Sci-Fi Review:
Doctor Who – Shada And More Than 30 Years In
The TARDIS
by Matthew Kresal
I
n 1979, Douglas Adams was working as the
script editor on Doctor Who. Having written
or co-written two stories for the series (including the fan favorite City Of Death) and on the
brink of his own creation, The Hitchhiker’s Guide
to the Galaxy, becoming a worldwide success,
Adams wrote his Doctor Who swansong: Shada.
The story was partially filmed before a BBC strike
led to the story being left uncompleted and thus
never shown (though a novelization of the story
was released in 2012 as readers may recall from
its review). It has finally been released on DVD.
This DVD release contains the version put together in 1992 for its VHS release. It features scenes
filmed at the time with an older Tom Baker (who
played the Doctor at the time when Shada was
made) filling in missing scenes with narration.
Even in this form, Shada comes across well. The
performances are strong across the board (with
special mention being made of Denis Carey as
retired Time Lord Professor Chronotis) with a
sour note coming only from Victoria Burgoyne’s
Clare. Adams script is taut, tense, and of course
full of wit and fun. Baker, for his part, narrates
the story’s missing parts expertly, giving us an inkling of what Shada could have been. It is a testament to his power as an actor that the story works
as well as it does in an uncompleted form.
30 Years In The TARDIS. With its combination of
archive footage (which includes rare footage of
first Doctor William Hartnell at a 1966 air show
as well as outtakes and spoofs) , interviews and
more, this documentary looks at not just the series
itself but also why it ran so long (and hints at its
eventual return). While perhaps not as informative as many of the documentaries now found on
numerous Doctor Who DVDs, if one is looking
for a good documentary on the original series as a
whole then this documentary is perhaps the single
best place to look.
All told, this is one of the strongest Doctor Who
DVDs yet released. The reconstruction of Shada,
even with a few flaws, nevertheless gives fans the
chance to at least glimpse what does exist of the
story while More Than 30 Years In The TARDIS
celebrates the show’s first three decades in style.
As a result, it’s a worthy addition to any fans
DVD shelf.
That’s not to say that it isn’t without faults. As
with Doctor Who stories of the era, there are special effects that don’t quite work though some of
the more questionable ones date not from 1979
but from 1992. There’s also the score that is not
only totally out of pace with the story itself but
frankly isn’t very good either. Still, this version
works well under the circumstances.
Lifelong Learning has a Home at The
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Excerpts from an article by Linda McAllister
I
t might be the best kept secret in the Tennessee
Valley, but if you’re over 50 and retired, semi-retired, or still working, once you’ve learned about
it, you’ll be hooked. Cited in national publications
and other media, the “robust lifelong learning program at the University of Alabama [in Huntsville]”
accounts for the 2013 ranking of Huntsville as number 8 on the listing of the top 20 places to retire.
The lifelong learning program at UAH is called,
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (or OLLI)
at UAH. The goal of the UAH program is to provide lifelong learning opportunities for adults 50+
who want to learn for the sheer joy of it—without
tests, grades, or mandatory assignments. For others,
the program has provided the opportunity for social
interaction, filling a huge void in their lives. Members report that this program has “improved the
quality of their lives,” or reduced their loneliness, or
opened a “whole new world” of knowledge.
More than 50 stimulating courses are offered during
each of three annual terms on a variety of subjects
for members. In addition, summer courses provide
opportunities to update computer skills and be introduced to new technology. Quality courses are offered in foreign languages, literature, art history, nature, finance and economics, health and psychology,
civics and history, math and science, religion, and
hands-on learning—with no tests, grades, or mandatory homework. Though these quality courses
are the primary focus for OLLI, numerous cultural,
social and other special events are planned through-
out the year. OLLI members enjoy travel in neighboring states as well as abroad, banquets, picnics,
and dances, industrial tours, “popcorn-and-a-movie
events,” as well as plays, chorale concerts, and museum tours. Weekly Bonus lectures and travelogues
are popular, and diverse Member Interest Groups
include Hiking and a Stock Market Study Club
As one OLLI member has commented, “OLLI provides an opportunity to be part of a community of
people like us – no matter what kind of “us” we are.
It provides a source of new and old friends, a chance
to satisfy and stimulate our quest to understand our
world, a chance to once again use our skills that we
acquired during our careers and a chance to develop
new ones. OLLI provides a way to enhance our relevance to life.”
The cost of participation in the program is low in
order to make it accessible to people from all walks
of life.
On July 15, OLLI at UAH is starting a membership
campaign to share information about OLLI throughout North Alabama and to encourage new members
to take advantage of the program. Actress, songwriter, author, and activist Naomi Judd, a member of the
OLLI at Vanderbilt, will make a special presentation at the Jackson Center to help our campaign get
underway. We hope that many new members in the
community will join us for the event, and to enjoy all
the benefits of being an OLLI at UAH participant.
This release is also noteworthy for including the
thirteenth anniversary documentary More Than
W
elcome to the Jazz Lounge. This session will focus
on acclaimed jazz bassist Ben Williams. I was really looking forward to his new album, which is now
out, “Coming Of Age.”
Ben Williams is a native of Washington, D.C. This 30-year-old
musician crosses between straight ahead, funk, and gospel-influenced jazz. He graduated from the Duke Ellington School Of
Music before studying with renowned bassist Rodney Whitaker, while earning a B.A. in jazz studies at Michigan State University. Ben is an in-demand sideman, and has performed with
an impressive list of artists including, Roy Hargrove, Wynton
Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, and others. He is also a regular
member of Stefon Harris’ hip-hop-influenced “Blackout” ensemble, and leads his own group. In 2009, Ben won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, and subsequently signed a recording deal with
Concord Records. Two years later, he released his debut solo album, “State Of Art”.
Ben Williams delivers his sophomore album, “Coming Of Age” on CD and vinyl via Concord Jazz.
There are 11 tracks, with 9 original compositions by Ben. The rare vinyl addition offers 8 pieces from
the CD’s repertoire, including a free download of all 11 tracks. Continuing to implore the common elements of jazz, hip-hop, rock, and soul, this bandleader embarks on a bolder journey with this album,
which showcases his impeccable talent for acoustic and electric bass, and reflects on his new outlook
as a seasoned musician. Ben cites his winning the 2009 Monk Institute Competition as a turning point
in his musical journey, “My career as a bandleader and composer started from the moment I won. I had
this opportunity to say something – and an obligation, too.”
Special guests on “Coming Of Age” include renowned jazz trumpeter Christian Scott on the cover of
Lianne La Havas’ “Lost And Found” with a string quartet, vibraphonist Stefon Harris on an original
song “The Color Of My Dreams,” and emcee/poet W. Ellington Felton who leads the listener through
“Toy Soldiers (reprise)”. Ben also reconnects with American soul singer Goapele for a second collaboration with the anthem “Voice Of Freedom (for Mandela).” Ben’s band, Sound Effect, is comprised of
Marcus Strickland (tenor and soprano saxophone), Matthew Stevens (guitar), Christian Sands (piano
and Fender Rhodes), Masayuki “Big Yuki” Hirano (synths and Fender Rhodes), John Davis (drums,
and Elienne Charles (percussion).
If you haven’t experienced the music of this extraordinarily talented gentleman, you can check out his
debut album, “State Of Art,” as well as this new release, “Coming Of Age.” They would make nice additions to your jazz collection. By the way, Ben Williams’ upcoming tour dates include venues around
New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Maryland, and California, with other dates to
be announced.
That’s it for this session of the Jazz Lounge. Remember, you can always reach me at: teekynyc@
yahoo.com. It is always a pleasure receiving your emails!
Until next time, stay cool, & keep it jazzy!
8
#0604015062415
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
THE VALLEY PLANET
An Afternoon With
July 15 | 12:30 – 2:00 pm | Jackson Center
Join us for lunch and a motivational talk by Naomi Judd.
To transcend hardship and create breakthroughs in her life, Naomi
Judd has used her indomitable spirit, first in the music business and
later in her health. She made music history and charmed Hollywood,
but her story is far more than a heartwarming rags-to-riches tale. It is a
quintessentially American lesson in perseverance and the life-altering
power of positive thinking.
Register Today! 256.824.6010 or
Osher.uah.edu/NaomiJudd
$40 – Includes Lunch and a 2015/16 Annual
Membership for OLLI at UAH – A vibrant
learning community of adults 50+
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE
PUB/DATE: VP 6.04.15
SIZE: 5.104 x 6.533
COST: $228.75
TOPIC: Naomi judd
DUE:
CREATED:____________________
PROOFED: ___________________
DIRECTOR: ___________________
KMC: ________________________
HURRY, TICKETS MOVING FAST!
SUN • JUNE 14
7:30 PM
VBC
VON BRAUN
CENTER
Tickets: VBC Box Office • Ticketmaster.com
1 800-745-3000 • All Ticketmaster outlets
THE VALLEY PLANET
#0604015062415
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
9
MVP SPIRITS, Open Mic
NICK’S RISTORANTE, Josh Allison
THE BRICKHOUSE, Dave Anderson
VOODOO LOUNGE, Dr. Whateva
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Thursday, June 4
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Dave Anderson
BLUE PANTS BREWERY, 45 Surprise
FURNITURE FACTORY, Big Daddy Kingfish
GUADALAJARA GRILL (DECATUR), DJ Jammin Jeff
HIGHWAY HAVEN, Karaoke
HOPPER’S, Karaoke w/ DJ Tara
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Microwave Dave &
The Nukes
JUNO, John Miller
LONE GOOSE, Traci Traci Music Communion
MADISON STATION BAR & GRILL, Karaoke w/
Jim McGriff
MOODY MONDAYS, Karaoke
PINCHI’S 2, Hitmaster D Karaoke
SPORTS PAGE, 5ive O’clock Charlie
THE BRICK DELI, Shannon Woods
THE BRICKHOUSE, Cheryl Lewellyn
THE DOCKS (SCOTTSBORO), Trey Browder
THE HOT SPOT, Bike Night w/ Live Music
ENTERTAINMENT
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06/05 - FUZZY GOUDA
06/06 - STEADY ROLLERS
06/12 - DAMN SKIPPY
06/13 - MR. CROWLEY
06/19 - DRIVEN UNDER
06/20 - DIZZY TRIP
06/26 - SPACE DONKEYS
06/27 - BUCKED UP
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THE STEM AND STEIN, Abigail Lee
VOODOO LOUNGE, Open Mic
Friday, June 5
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Snake Doctors
BISHOP’S WEST, Hitmaster D Karaoke (8 - 12pm)
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.10), Fuzzy Gouda
EL HERRADURA, Edgar
FURNITURE FACTORY, Black Eyed Susan
HARD DOCK CAFE (DECATUR), Crush
HICKORY HOUSE, Karaoke
HOPPER’S, Peter and the Wolfe
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), 45 Surprise
JEFFERESON STREET PUB, Matt Bennett
JUNO, Ron Simmons Trio
LEEANN’S, Emily Joseph Band
LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ KJ Aubrey
LONE GOOSE, Tony Perdue and the Devastators
MAC’S SPORTSBAR (ATHENS), Tequila Falls
MVP SPIRITS, Gus Hergert
SAMMY T’S, DJ Keibot, DJ Josh P, and DJ Whirl
STRAIGHT TO ALE, Matthew Frantz
SUDS GRILL AND GROGG, Karaoke w/ Carol
THE BRICK DELI, Shaken Not Stirred
THE BRICKHOUSE, Josh Allison
THE HOT SPOT, Karaoke
THE STEM AND STEIN, Seducing Alice
VOODOO LOUNGE, Kings Haze
YELLOWHAMMER BREWERY, Dawg Haus
Saturday, June 6
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Chris Simmons
BLUE PANTS BREWERY, Seducing Alice
CD’S PUB, Hitmaster D Karaoke
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.10), Steady Rollers
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Festival Expressions
JUNO, John Miller Trio
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEEANN’S, Emily Joseph Band
LISA’S LOUNGE, Karaoke
LONE GOOSE, Twickenham Sam
MAC’S SPORTSBAR (ATHENS), Blue Handle Band
Jim McGriff
MVP SPIRITS, Christian Lee
SPORTS PAGE, Liberty in Embers
THE BRICK DELI, Trick Zipper
THE BRICKHOUSE, JESSE
THE STEM AND STEIN, Jim Cavender
YELLOWHAMMER BREWERY, James Irvin
Sunday, June 7
AMERICAN LEGION POST 176, Karaoke
EAGLES (DECATUR), Hitmaster D Karaoke
THE BRICKHOUSE, Chaka Boom
VOODOO LOUNGE, Karaoke w/ DJ Brandon
Monday, June 8
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Robby Eichman
COPPERTOP, Karaoke w/ DJ Wes
FURNITURE FACTORY, Open Jam w/ Andrew
Johnson and Clay O’Dell
VOODOO LOUNGE, Josh Allison
Tuesday, June 9
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Gus Hergert
ENVY ENTERTAINMENT & RESTAURANT, The Silvery
Moon Band
FURNITURE FACTORY, Karaoke w/ Super Lou
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Tim Cannon
JUNO, Dave McConnell, Sinatra Review
MAC’S SPORTSBAR (ATHENS), Hitmaster D Karaoke
Jim McGriff
MOODY MONDAYS, Open Mic
MVP SPIRITS, Josh Allison
SPORTS PAGE, Chelvis and the Bean
VOODOO LOUNGE, Dave Anderson
Wednesday, June 10
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Microwave Dave
BISHOP’S WEST, Hitmaster D Karaoke
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Lisa Bustler
JEFFERESON STREET PUB, Karaoke
JUNO, Pete Harrison
LOWE MILL (FLYING MONKEY), Tim Kaiser
Jim McGriff
#0604015062415
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
Thursday, June 11
BLUE PANTS BREWERY, Brent Byrd
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Ron Ethridge
JUNO, Alex Shor
Jim McGriff
MVP SPIRITS, Daniel Yalowitz
THE BRICK DELI, Tim Cannon
THE BRICKHOUSE, Travis Black
Friday, June 12
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Milltown
BLUE PANTS BREWERY, The Robertsons
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.10), Damn Skippy
EL HERRADURA, Edgar
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Forlorn Stranger
JEFFERESON STREET PUB, Wes Loper
JUNO, Dave McConnell with Ron Simmons
LEEANN’S, Groove
LONE GOOSE, 5ive O’clock Charlie
MADISON STATION BAR & GRILL, Kozmic Mama
MVP SPIRITS, Trick Zipper
THE BRICK DELI, Rollin in the Hay
VOODOO LOUNGE, Dawn Osborne Trio
YELLOWHAMMER BREWERY, Gus Hergert/ Banditos
Album Release Show
Saturday, June 13
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.10), Mr. Crowley
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Dirt Circus
JUNO, Pete Harrison Trio
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEEANN’S, Tom Cat & Bark the Dog
LONE GOOSE, Them Damn Dogs
LOWE MILL (FLYING MONKEY), The Dean Martinis
Jim McGriff
NICK’S RISTORANTE, Dave McConnell as Sinatra
THE BREW STOOGES, Drew Richter
THE BRICK DELI, Natchez Trace
VOODOO LOUNGE, Ant and Andrew Sharpe
YELLOWHAMMER BREWERY, Cox & Coffee
Live Music
Sunday, June 14
THE BRICKHOUSE, Chaka Boom
Monday, June 15
COPPERTOP, Karaoke w/ DJ Wes
VOODOO LOUNGE, James Irvin
Tuesday, June 16
ENVY ENTERTAINMENT & RESTAURANT, The Silvery
Moon Band
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Alex Dietrich
JUNO, Dave McConnell Sinatra Review
Jim McGriff
MVP SPIRITS, Josh Allison
music cont. on pg. 11
THE VALLEY PLANET
music cont. from pg. 10
Wednesday, June 17
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Gus Hergert
JUNO, Pete Harrison
LEEANN’S, Love Child
Jim McGriff
THE BRICKHOUSE, Dave Anderson
Thursday, June 18
BLUE PANTS BREWERY, Seducing Alice Acoustic
JUNO, Alex Shor
Jim McGriff
MVP SPIRITS, Tim Cannon
THE BRICK DELI, Michael Barber
THE STEM AND STEIN, Falcon Punch
Friday, June 19
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Red Headed Step Child
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.10), Drivin Under
EL HERRADURA, Edgar
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), The Robertsons
JUNO, John Miller
LEEANN’S, Crush
LONE GOOSE, Buck’ol up
MVP SPIRITS, Matt Carroll
STRAIGHT TO ALE, 45 Surprise
THE BRICK DELI, 3 Hour Tour
YELLOWHAMMER BREWERY, Denim Jaw Bones
Saturday, June 20
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Lisa Bustler
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.10), Dizzy Trip
GOOD PEOPLE BREWERY (BIRMINGHAM),
Happenin Fest
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Charlie Howell &
Southbound
JEFFERESON STREET PUB, Swinging Dixie
JUNO, Roberta Silva with Keith Taylor
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEEANN’S, Real Deal
LONE GOOSE, Steady Rollers
LOWE MILL (FLYING MONKEY), Folk Off
Jim McGriff
MVP SPIRITS, Christian Lee
THE BRICK DELI, DJ K Good
THE BRICKHOUSE, Brian Holder
YELLOWHAMMER BREWERY, Sound and Shape
Sunday, June 21
THE BRICKHOUSE, Chaka Boom 
Monday, June 22
COPPERTOP, Karaoke with DJ Wes
VOODOO LOUNGE, Josh Allison
Tuesday, June 23
ENVY ENTERTAINMENT & RESTAURANT, The
Harlequin Jazz Band
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Donnie Cox
JUNO, Dave McConnell Sinatra Review
Wednesday, June 24
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Tim Cannon
JUNO, Pete Harrison
Jim McGriff
Thursday, June 25
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), O’Dell Duo
Jim McGriff
MVP SPIRITS, Dawn Osborne
THE BRICK DELI, The Wheelers Acoustic
Hump Day at
Humphrey’s
Every
Wednesday!
Friday, June 26
11TH FRAME, Saving Abel
BANDITO SOUTHSIDE, Bourbon & Shamrocks
BISHOP’S EAST, Blue Handle Band
COPPERTOP, Those Crosstown Rivals
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.10), Space Donkeys
EL HERRADURA, Edgar
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Steady Rollers
LEEANN’S, Kozmic Mama
LONE GOOSE, Will George
MAC’S SPORTSBAR (ATHENS), Hot Rod Otis
MVP SPIRITS, Drivin Under
STRAIGHT TO ALE, The Robertsons
THE BRICK DELI, Permagroove
VOODOO LOUNGE, 5ive O’clock Charlie
YELLOWHAMMER BREWERY, Blake Nix
Saturday, June 27
DIAMONDS (SEE AD PG.10), Bucked Up
HUMPHREY’S (SEE AD PG.11), Pyrite Parachute
LAS TROJAS, Edgar
LEEANN’S, Sweet Root
LONE GOOSE, Moon Pie
LOWE MILL, Dixie Danger Fest
MADISON STATION BAR & GRILL, Damn Skippy
Karaoke w/ Jim McGriff
MVP SPIRITS, Local Orbit
NICK’S RISTORANTE, Dave McConnell as Sinatra
THE BRICK DELI, 5ive O’clock Charlie
YELLOWHAMMER BREWERY, Tap Room Music Tour
Sunday, June 28
THE END!
THE VALLEY PLANET
#0604015062415
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
11
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
COMPUTER CAMP
Join a Vibrant Learning Community For Adults 50+
Have fun this summer while improving your computer skills!
Something for everyone! OLLI has designed summer courses to
entertain you, to enable your creativity, to challenge you, and best
of all, to make your summer enjoyable and fun! Learn how to sell on
eBay, create your own greeting cards, ask Google everything (and get
the right answer), edit photos, or step up to Windows 8. Not sure you
are ready? Start with learning basic computer skills.
June 3 – 6
Disney on Ice: Frozen will be at the VBC Arena.
256-533-1953.
Healthy Huntsville & Free Rocket City Yoga Week
- Yoga for Athletes will be at Big Spring Park from
5 - 6pm.
Thursday, June 4
The exhibit, Dinosaurs Alive! will be at the
Imagination Place Children’s Museum now through
August 3. $8. www.culruralarts.com, 256-543-2787.
There will be an AUSA Young Professionals Gathering
will be from 5 - 8pm at Yellowhammer Brewery. Open
to the public. www.yellowhammerbrewery.com.
There will be a Summer Computer Camp at the
University of Alabama in Huntsville. $60 for
first course and $50 for each additional and OLLI
Membership is required. Camps begin in June and run
through July 31st. Osher.uah.edu/ComputerCamp,
256-824-6010. (See ad pg.12)
There will be a Book Club Meeting from 6 – 8pm in
Studio 131 of Lowe Mill. Jennifer@jenniferpinkley.
com, www.lowemill.net.
Beginning Wheel Throwing will be in DesignbyHart
Pottery Studio 2009 of Lowe Mill from 6 - 7:30pm.
$90. It will be every Thursday in June.
www.lowemill.net.
Texas Hold’em Tournament for door prizes (Huntsville
High Wrestling Fundraiser) will be at Straight to Ale
Brewery from 7 - 9pm. $20. www.straighttoale.com.
$60 for first course | $50 for each additional
OLLI Membership is required.
The Madison Gazebo Concerts will have the US
Army Materiel Command Band / Winslow Davis at
the Gazebo in downtown Madison at 6:30pm. Free.
http://artsmadison.org/gazebo-concerts.
REGISTER TODAY!
Osher.uah.edu/ComputerCamp
or 256.824.6010
Rocket City Yoga Week - Yogo @ Yoga Fire will be
from 11am - 12pm. yogafirehsv.com.
There will be a Quilting Demonstration with Artist
Guadalupe Lanning Robinson at the Huntsville
Museum of Art from 5:30 - 7pm.
www.hsvmuseum.org.
The Sound of Summer Jam Session will be on the
Westside Square from 5 - 8pm every Thursday
through August. www.downtownhuntsville.org.
The Time Travel Adventure Exhibit will be at the
Burritt Museum through September 20th and the
exhibit: From Cotton to the Cosmos will be on display
through September 6th.
www.burrittonthemountain.com.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE
June 4 – 6
Putt-Putt in the Library will be at the HuntsvilleMadison Library will be open Thursday 9am - 9pm
and Friday and Saturday 9am - 6pm Free.
www.hmcpl.org.
Friday, June 5
Alright Bayou Comedy is a standup comedy show
every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Friday at 8pm at Tim’s Cajun
Kitchen. $5.
Indie Singer/Songwriter Matthew Frantz will be at
Straight to Ale at 6pm. www.straighttoale.com.
The Art Walk will be on the Historic Square in
Huntsville from 5 - 8pm.
www.downtownhuntsville.org.
The Huntsville-Madison County Library will have
the Summer Reading Kick-Off. “Every Hero Has a Story,”
Puppet Show at 2pm. Free. www.hmcpl.org.
Rocket City Yoga Week - Yoga & Chocolate!, will be
at the Lowe Mill from 5:30 - 8pm. www.lowemill.net.
First Fridays Book Club will be from 6 - 8pm the first
Friday of every month in Jennifer Pinkley’s Studio 131
of Lowe Mill. www.lowemill.net.
Friday Night Art Walk will be in Downtown Historic
Square from 5 – 8pm.
“Loosen the Bible Belt” Tour for Humanity will be
from 8 - 9:30pm in the Flying Monkey. $15.
www.flyingmonkeyarts.org.
There will be a Watercolor Class with Yuri Ozaki
from 5:30 - 7:30pm in Studio 307 of Lowe Mill. $30.
Every Friday in June. www.lowemill.net.
The 2015 “Spring Burst” Guided Hike Series – Insect
Safari Wade Mountain Night Hike: will be from 8:30 10:30pm. www.landtrustnal.org.
HealthWorks Farmers Market will be from 7:30 - 12pm
at Plaza Resource Center at Huntsville Hospital.
The 2015 Spring Golf Classic will be at the Decatur
Country Club. www.dcc.org.
The US Space & Rocket Center will have the exhibit
The Robot Zoo now through September 13.
www.rocketcenter.com.
PUB/DATE:
VP 6.04.15
Downtown Live will be at Historic Square in downtown
Huntsville from 5 - 8pm. Free.
Green
SIZE:The
5.104
x Street
6.533Market will be every Thursday in
downtown Huntsville. Free.
COST: $228.75
Thursday Night Bike Rides will be from 4 - 8pm
meeting
at the Camp
Green Street Market Downtown. It
TOPIC:
Summer
will be every Thursday through October. Free.
DUE:
The Butterfly House Garden is now open at the
Huntsville Botanical Gardens. www.hsvbg.org,
CREATED:
____________________
256-830-4447.
The Huntsville Museum of Art will have the exhibits,
PROOFED:
___________________
Dori DeCamillis
now through June 14th, John James
Audubon: Quadrupeds of North America now through
June 27th ___________________
and the Huntsville Photographic Society:
DIRECTOR:
th
2015 Members’ Showcase through September 20 .
www.hsvmuseum.org.
KMC: ________________________
The Shirts-n-Skirts square dance club will have
dancing on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month at
the Dance Factory on Freeman Ave. then on the 2nd
& 4th Thursdays at the Athens Recreation Center on
Hwy 31. 256-423-4141, www.shirts-n-skirts.com.
The Huntsville Botanical Gardens will have the
exhibit Nature Connects Lego Bricks through July
26. www.hsvbg.org, 256-830-4447.
Thursday Night Swing will be at the Flying Monkey
Theatre from 6:30 – 10pm (every Thursday.)
www.flyingmonkeyarts.org, www.huntsvilleswing.com.
Duos and Solos Square Dance Club will be offering
lessons to couples and singles every Thursday at
6:30pm at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center in
Rainsville, AL. www.duosandsolos.com.
Harmony Park Animal Safari will have self-guided
tours daily 10am until sundown. 877-726-4625. 431
Clouds Cove Rd. $8
Stein and Dine will be at the US Space & Rocket
Center Biergarten every Thursday from 4:30 - 7:30pm.
www.rocketcenter.com.
Kind Society will host the Society Ciphers and DJ ATwist at 8pm. It will also be June 19th.
https://www.facebook.com/oﬃcialkindsociety.
June 5 - 7
Lyrique Music Productions presents, 13 the Musical
at the VBC Playhouse. $20-$25.
http://www.lyriquemusicproductions.org.
Sean Starwars Woodcut Workshop will be Friday6:30 - 9:30pm, Saturday- 10 - 2pm and 4 - 8pm and
Sunday noon - 4pm. $150 at the Green Pea Press
Studio 122 of Lowe Mill. www.lowemill.net.
Saturday, June 6
There will be a Contra Dance in the gym of Faith
Presbyterian Church from 7:30 - 10:30pm. There will
be live music by Fiddlin’ in the Parlor and calling by
Jane Ewing. $8 and $6 for students. Children under 12
are free. 256-837-0656.
http://www.secontra.com/NACDS.html
Rocket City Yoga Week - Yoga in the Park will be at
Big Spring Park from 9 - 10:30am. Free.
Healthy Huntsville & Free Rocket City Yoga Week
- Ales & Asanas (Yoga & Beer) will be at Rocket
Republic Brewing Company, 289 Production
Avenue in Madison from 2 - 4pm.
There will be a Book Swap at EarlyWorks Museum
Complex from 10am - 2pm. Free.
www.earlyworks.com.
Dixie Derby Girls vs. Little Chattanooga Bout will
be at 2pm at Skate Odyssey.
www.dixiederbygirls.com.
Cruise In will be in Downtown Athens. Bring your
hot rod, motorcycle, truck or unique vehicle and park
on the square to share your love of automobiles with
other enthusiast from 3 - 6pm.
There will be a Family Fun Festival & Expo at the VBC
South Hall from 10am - 8pm. Free.
Gentle Yoga will be at the Huntsville-Madison
Library from 11:30am - 12:45 pm. It will be every
Thursday in June. Free. www.hmcpl.org.
Heritage Days will be at Rogersville Town Hall and
Heritage Park 54 in Rogersville, AL from 3 - 9pm. 256247-5466, www.RogersvilleAlabama.com.
Rocket City Yoga Week - Bends & Brews (Yoga &
Beer) will be from 4 - 6pm at The Brew Stooges, 109
Maple Avenue. Free. www.brewtrail.com.
The City of Guntersville will have a Crush Wine
Festival along the lakeside with City Harbor Crush.
There will be over 150 wines to taste, live music, food
events cont. on pg. 13
12
#0604015062415
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
THE VALLEY PLANET
events cont. from pg. 12
Huntsville Madison Library will have Free Health
Screenings from 9:30am - 12pm. www.hmcpl.org.
trucks, a grape stomping area and more. The North
town Merchants will be hosting artists and craft
vendors. http://www.homegrown.events,TheArtsFact
[email protected], 256-202-3725.
The Arts Council presents the Concert in the Park,
Christian Lynn and The Beasley Brothers, starting at
6:30pm at Big Spring Park. Free.
www.artshuntsville.org.
The 11th Annual Charity Car Show will be at Milton
Frank Stadium from 9am - 2pm. Free.
Putting League and Bag Tag will be at Yellowhammer
Brewing from 6 - 8:30pm. It will be every other
Monday. www.yellowhammerbrewery.com.
The Artist Market will be every Saturday from 12
– 4pm at the Flying Monkey. Free.
The Bessie K. Russell Library presents Vision Board,
Part 2 – dream it, see it, and design it-at 2pm. Free.
256-859-9050, www.hmcpl.org.
The Madison City Farmers Market will be from 8am noon at 1008 Hughes Road in Madison. It will be every
Saturday through October. 256-656-7841.
Saturday Fitness Classes in Big Spring Park East
will be every Saturday through August 29th from 10
- 11am.
A New Leash on Life will have dogs and cats available
for adoption every Saturday from 12 – 4pm at Pet
Smart on Carl T. Jones. www.anewleash.org.
There will be a Planetarium Show every Saturday
night at 7:30pm at the Planetarium. www.vbas.org.
Picking and Grinning will be every Saturday from 6
– 9pm at the New Hope Senior Center on Church
Street. 256- 723-2208.
The 18th Annual Freedom Creek Festival will be at
Cookieman’s Place on Hwy 17, 1438 Wilder Circle in
Aliceville, AL from 11:00am - 8pm.
www.freedomcreek.org.
Vets with Vettes & Corvette owner’s Car Show will
be at Milton Frank Stadium Parking Lot from 9am 2pm. Free. 256-828-5351.
Music in the Park at Village of Providence will have
Roxy Roca at 7pm.
The 2nd Annual Huntsville Mom Prom will be at UAH
University Center from 7 - 11pm.
http://www.huntsvillemomprom.com.
Just For Me Dance Dorothy The Dinosaur’s Pajama
Birthday Party and Interactive Dance Recital will be
at Just For Me Dance, 1432 Freeman Avenue, Athens
from 10:30am - noon. 256-998-6382,
[email protected].
Digital Painting will be from 10am - 12pm in Studio
318 of Lowe Mill. $49. This is an ongoing course
that requires a monthly subscription. It will be every
Saturday in June. 256-652-6180, www.lowemill.net.
Turntable Tour 2 with Sean Starwars will be from 12
- 6pm in the First Floor Connector of Lowe Mill. Free.
www.lowemill.net.
There will be a Silk Painting Class from 12 - 6pm in
Studio 2008 of Lowe Mill. $47. www.lowemill.net.
Straight to Ale will have a Dixie Derby Girls After
Party at 7pm. www.straighttoale.com.
The North Alabama Sickle Cell Foundation Walka-Thon will be at Big Spring Park at 9am. 256-5362723, www.sicklecellna.org.
Sunday, June 7
The Film Co-op Monthly Workshop will be from
2 - 4pm at the Film Co-op Studio 251 of the Flying
Monkey Arts. www.flyingmonkeyarts.org.
Huntsville’s First Annual Downtown Cheese Festival
will be from 3 - 7pm at the Historic Roundhouse.
http://huntsvillecheesefestival.com.
The Hidden Garden Tour will be in various homes/
gardens in downtown Huntsville from 1 – 5pm.
Together We Stand Dinner and a Show will be at
the Limestone County Event Center in Athens at
6:30pm. 256-998-0048.
Monday, June 8
There will be a Women’s Ride (every Monday) at
5:30pm. Meet at the MSSP Biker’s Parking Lot.
256-585-0905.
The Women’s World Cup Viewing Party will be at
Straight to Ale Brewery at 6:30pm. It will also be
June 12th and June 16th. www.straighttoale.com.
The Paul Stroud Concerts by the River will have Papa
Rox at 6pm at Rhodes Ferry Park. Free.
www.decaturparks.com.
Your Yoga with Casey Beginner’s class will be in
studio # 258 at Lowe Mill. Fee. It will be every
Monday and Wednesday in May from 6 - 7pm. casey@
youryogahuntsville.com. www.lowemill.net.
Maggie Meyer’s will have Comedy Open Mic Night
hosted by Matthew Tate every Monday at 8pm.
www.maggiemeyersirishpub.com.
Live Trivia will be every Monday at Straight to Ale
Brewery. www.straighttoale.com.
THE VALLEY PLANET
June 8 – 12
There will be a Recycled Art Camp from 9am - 1pm
daily, in Studio 314 of Lowe Mill. Ages 7- 16. $250.
256-322-0184, www.lowemill.net.
Tuesday, June 9
Latham United Methodist Church will have a
Farmers’ Market every Tuesday from 3 - 7pm, now
through October.
http://downtoearthcrier.blogspot.com.
Nicks Ristorante will have Trivia every Tuesday night
from 6 - 8pm. www.nicksristorante.com.
Game Night will be every Tuesday from 6 - 9:30pm at
Straight to Ale Brewery. www.straighttoale.com.
St. Jude Children’s Hospital Fundraiser will be at
Yellowhammer Brewing from 5 - 8pm.
www.yellowhammerbrewery.com.
Basic Genealogy Classes will be in the Special
Collections Department at the Huntsville-Madison
Library every Tuesday at 6pm. Free. 256-532-5969,
www.hmcpl.org.
The 34th Annual Black Maria Film Festival will be
from 7:30 - 9:30pm in the Flying Monkey Theatre.
$10. www.flyingmonkeyarts.org.
The Rocket City Pride 2015 Kick-Off Party hosted
by the Dream Dolls will be at Club Safari. at 9:30pm.
free2be.org/pride/ (See ad pg.12)
West Coast Swing presented by Rocket Westies will
be at Flying Monkey Arts Theater every Tuesday at
7pm. $10. www.RocketWesties.com
There will be a Flag Day Ceremony and Celebration
in the Ballroom Sandridge Center at Athens State
University. Free. 256-233-8185
How to Do Things: Beaded Kumi Himo Bracelet from
3:30 - 8:30pm at the Downtown Huntsville Library.
$3. 256-532-2362, www.hmcpl.org.
June 12 – 13
KidzBlitz LIVE! will be at Capshaw Baptist Church in
Harvest, AL. Kindergarten to 6th grade. Friday night
6pm and Saturday at 12pm. - 5pm. 256-232-7763
www.capshaw.org.
Wednesday, June 10
Every Wednesday there will be a Bike Ride at 5:30pm
starting at Bicycles Etc. www.bicyclesetc.us.
Dine & Dash will begin at 5:15pm- 8:30pm in the
Clinton Street Parking Garage in downtown
Huntsville. The Trolley will take you to five different
downtown establishments. It will be every 2nd
Wednesday through October. 256-850-3231.
The Huntsville Polish-American Culture Club will
meet Wednesdays from 7 - 9pm at the Good Shepherd
Church. 256-653-4450, [email protected].
Comedy Open Mic Night will be every Wednesday at
Copper Top in Huntsville. 256 -536-1150.
The Singles & Doubles Square Dance Club will meet
each Wednesday night at Berachah Gym from 6
– 8:45pm. 256-881-5720.
The Business of Art will be from 12:30 - 1:30pm in
Studio 2008 of Lowe Mill. [email protected],
www.lowemill.net.
Intro to Letterpress will be from 6 - 8pm in the Green
Pea Press Studio 122 of Lowe Mill. It will also be on
June 17th and 22nd. $70 Green Pea Press Members,
$80 Non-members. www.lowemill.net.
Thursday, June 11
The Madison Gazebo Concerts will have the Max
Russell / Tres Locos at the Gazebo in downtown
Madison at 6:30pm. Free.
http://artsmadison.org/gazebo-concerts.
The Tennessee Valley Civil War Round Table will
host Richard Bailey from the University of Alabama in
Tuscaloosa. It will be at the Elks Club at 6:30pm. Free.
256- 278-5533.
There will be a Cornhole Tournament with Huntsville
Sports League at Straight to Ale Brewery at 7pm.
www.playhuntsville.com, www.stratightoale.com.
June 11 – 12
The John Stallworth Celebrity Golf Tournament will
be at the Hampton Cove Golf Course. The pairings
party will be Thursday and the tournament will begin
Friday at 8am.
http://johnstallworth.com/golf-tournament.
June 11 - 14
Lyrique Music Productions presents 13 the Musical at
the VBC Playhouse. $20-$25.
www.lyriquemusicproductions.org.
The Bonnaroo Music Festival will be in Manchester,
TN. www.bonnaroo.com.
Friday, June 12
City Lights and Stars Concert Series will have Karen
Johns and Company at Burritt on the Mountain.
Gates open at 6:30pm, music at 7:30pm.
www.burrittonthemountain.com.
Downtown Open, Huntsville’s Miniature Golf Trail,
will be open June 12th - 28th. It includes more than 20
holes. Open all day. Free.
Movies in the Park, Maleficent will be at around
sundown at Big Spring Park. Food trucks, facepainting, and vendors will be setting up at 5pm. Free.
www.historichuntsville.org/movies-in-the-park.
#0604015062415
Saturday, June 13
The Huntsville Bead Society will meet the 2nd
Saturday of the month at the Crestwood Women’s
Center at 10am. Facebook-huntsville bead society.
downtown Huntsville-Madison Library.
www.hmcpl.org.
June 13 – 14
The North Alabama Feline Fanciers present the 9th
Annual Championship and Household Pet Cat
Show from 9am - 5:30pm Friday and 9am – 1pm on
Saturday at the Jaycee’s Building. $5.
facebook.com/challengershouseoﬃcial.
Sunday, June 14
There will be a Docent-led Public Tour of Encounters:
Dori DeCamillis from 2 - 4pm at the Huntsville
Museum of Art. www.hsvmuseum.org.
Art N’ Soul Society of Expression White Linen Party
with a splash of Pomegranate at the Bob Harrison
Senior Center in Huntsville.
Learning to Fly Yoga Workshop will be from 10am 12pm in Your Yoga Studio 258 of the Flying Monkey
Arts. $35. www.flyingmonkeyarts.org.
There will be a Concert by the Madison Community
Band will be at Bridge Street Town Centre at 6pm.
Free. www.bridgestreethuntsville.com.
Vacation Bible School in the Park will be at John
Barnes Park Ardmore Ridge Road in Ardmore, TN
from 4 - 6pm. Free. www.maysmemorial.org.
Huntsville’s Largest Family Picnic will be right
before the Grotto Light Concert at Big Spring Park.
This picnic will have live music, kids’ activities and
giveaways. The picnic will be from 4- 6pm and the
Grotto Light Concert will be from 6 - 8pm.
The Tennessee Valley Jazz Society, WJAB 90.9FM and
Focus Live Martini Bar & Grill celebrates “Jazz Fall for
the Arts” with “Talking all that Jazz.” It is every 2nd and
4th Sunday from 6 - 9pm at Focus Live Martini Bar &
Grill. http://tvjs.webs.com. (See ad pg.8)
The 2015 Heart of Dixie Romance Reader’s
Luncheon will be hosted at the Westin Hotel –
Bridgestreet at 2pm. Pre-registration required.
www.heartofdixie.org.
The Rashad Moore Youth Football Camp and
Community Day Celebration will be at Johnson
High School. The camp will be from 8am - 3pm and
the Community Day will be from 3 - 8pm.
www.huntsvilleurbannetwork.com.
The 18th Annual Kappa Alpha Psi Golf Tournament
will be at the Huntsville Municipal Golf Course at
7:30am. $80.
Monday, June 15
The Paul Stroud Concerts by the River will have
Bimini Road at 6pm at Rhodes Ferry Park. Free.
The Arts Council presents the Concert in the Park
with Ashlyn Maine and JED Eye starting at 6:30pm at
Big Spring Park. Free. www.artshuntsville.org.
June 15 – 18
The SonTreasure Island VBS will be at Mays
Memorial Baptist Church in Toney, AL, from 6 - 8pm.
www.maysmemorial.org.
There will be a Car Boot Sale from 12 - 4pm in the East
Field of Lowe Mill. www.lowemill.net.
Tuesday, June 16
Our Town: Smart 911 will be at the Center for
Lifelong Learning at 121 South Marion Street in
Athens from 2:30 - 3:30pm. $5. 256-233-8262.
S.N.A.P. will have dogs available for adoption June 13
and 27, July 11 and 25, Aug 8 and 22 from 10am to
1pm at Pet Smart 6275 University Dr NW 35, Westside
Centre, Huntsville, AL 35806.
www.snapalabama.org, [email protected].
Dancing with the Library Stars II with the Moondust
Big Band & the Huntsville Swing Dance Society, Round
Two of our big band dance contest will be at 6:30pm
at the Huntsville-Madison Downtown Library. Free.
www.hmcpl.org.
The Decatur-Athens Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha
Psi Fraternity 2015 Father~Daughter Gala will be at
the Best Western Plus in Madison.
www.kapsimad.com.
Wednesday, June 17
Lowe Mill Out Loud! Featuring Sara Bowen will be
from 6 - 7:30pm in the Classroom Studio 2008 of
Lowe Mill. Free. www.lowemill.net.
Taste the Spirit of Madison Family Fun Festival
will be at the Insanity Complex, 100 Skate Park
Drive from 11am - 10pm. There will be BBQ cook off
challenge, bazaar shopping, live music and more.
www.madisonchamber.net.
The Huntsville Ski Club is offering 8 ski trips at group
rates for the 2015-16 season. Attend the monthly
meeting at 7pm and get the details! Open to the
Public. (See ad pg.13)
Core Strength Transformer Yoga Workshop will be
from 10am - 12pm in Your Yoga Studio 258 of the
Flying Monkey Arts. $35.
The Annual Alabama Children’s Classic Bass
Tournament will be at Lakepoint State Park on Lake
Eufaula. Early entry fee is $120. The tournament will
start at safe light and weigh in begins at 2pm.
www.AlabamaChildrensClassic.org.
Indoor Football Alabama Hammers vs. Lehigh Valley
will be at the VBC Arena at 7pm. 256- 551-2222.
Saturday Scientist-The Past Comes Alive: Making
Fossils will be at the US Space & Rocket Center at
11:30am. www.rocketcenter.com.
The Friends of the Library will present the annual
Blooming Book Sale from 10am - 4pm at the
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
Thursday, June 18
The Madison Gazebo Concerts will have The Beasley
Brothers at the Gazebo in downtown Madison at
6:30pm. http://artsmadison.org/gazebo-concerts.
Friday, June 19
There will be a Palette Pitstop: Craft Beer and Wine
Bar at the Huntsville Museum of Art in conjunction
with Downtown Huntsville’s Street Food from
6 - 9pm. www.hsvmuseum.org.
Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series will be at the VBC
Playhouse from 6 - 10pm. It will feature Steve Seskin,
Tony Arata, Jesse Terry and Jim Parker with special
guest, Nicole Johnson.
www.jimparkermusic.com/main.html.
3rd Friday in Downtown Decatur will be from 5
- 9pm. Enjoy dining, shopping, music, artists and
vendors. http://www.decaturdowntown.org.
events cont. on pg. 14
13
The North Alabama NSBE Professionals Golf
Tournament will be at Sunset Landing Golf Course.
Registration and Announcements will begin at 11am.
www.nsbe-northalabamaae.com.
There will be a Food Truck Rally/ Street Food
Gathering from 6 - 9pm on Church Street in
downtown Huntsville. Free.
June 19 - 20
The Elkmont Lions Club Smokin’ Railroad Street
Barbecue will be in Downtown Elkmont, AL. Live
Music will start at 6:30 pm Friday; and Saturday at
8am. www.elkmontlionsclub.com.
June 19 – 21
Oklahoma! will be at the Main Stage Theatre Friday
and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. Ticket
prices start at $18. http://www.imphuntsville.org.
Saturday, June 20
There will be a Drop-In & CREATE Saturday: Artful
Expressions at the Huntsville Museum of Art from
11am - 1pm. www.hsvmuseum.org.
The Happenin Fest will be at Good People Brewery
in Birmingham from 2pm – midnight.
http://www.goodpeoplebrewing.com.
The Stewart Standouts 2nd Annual Youth Football
Camp hosted by Denver Broncos’ and Huntsville Native
Darian Stewart will be at Milton Frank Stadium from
8am - noon. Ages 7 - 15. Free. Register on line, www.
StewartStandouts.org.
The Huntsville-Madison Downtown Library will have
a Scrabble Tournament at 11am. Fee is $3.
www.hmcpl.org.
There will be a Contra Dance in the gym of Faith
Presbyterian Church from 7:30 - 10:30pm. There will
be live music by Ed and Elsie and calling by Nancy
Harden. $8 and $6 for students. Children under 12
are free. 256-837-0656. http://www.secontra.com/
NACDS.html
NASA on the Square will be in Downtown Huntsville
from 10am - 2pm. There will be exhibits, food trucks,
music and more. www.downtownhuntsville.org.
Bubble Ball or Bust will be at Big Spring Park from
9:30am – 4pm. $40.
http://www.downtownhuntsville.org.
Thursday, June 25
Susie’s Beach Fest will be at A.M. Booth’s
Lumberyard. This is a concert fundraiser featuring
a mini-beach, music by CBCB, food trucks, beach
cocktails and artwork. $15.
www.susiesbeachfest.eventbrite.com.
The Madison Gazebo Concerts will have Microwave
Dave at the Gazebo in downtown Madison at 6:30pm.
Free. http://artsmadison.org/gazebo-concerts.
June 25 - 27
The Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival, located at
309 East Forrest Street, Athens, AL will open every
Thursday, Friday & Saturday night, 6:30 - 9:30pm
except July 4th, through August 1st.
www.visitathensal.com.
June 25 – 28
Oklahoma!, will be at the Main Stage Theatre
Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday
at 2:30pm .Ticket prices start at $18.
http://www.imphuntsville.org.
Friday, June 26
Jazz-N-June Concert featuring Alabama A&M’s James
Blair and friends, with Gary Motley (pianist), Regi
Wooten (guitarist), J.D. Blair (the Groove Regulator)
will be at the Ernest Knight Reception Center at 7pm.
$20. 256-604-8172, www.jazznjune.org, www.tvjs.
webs.com.
The Art Walk will be on the Historic Square in
Huntsville from 5 - 8pm.
The Paranormal Study Center will host: Angelique
(Angel) Moselle “Messages from Your Heart” at the
Hilton Garden Inn at 6:30pm. $10.
www.ParapsychologyStudyGroup.com.
Saturday, June 27
There will be a Teen Fashion Show, Fundraiser, Expo
& After-Party at the Design Lab (2nd floor) at Lincoln
Mill from 6 - 10pm. $10. www.thebric.info
The Exhibit Connections: Diane Fox and Beauvais
Lyons opens today at 11am at the Huntsville
Museum of Art. www.hsvmuseum.org.
DIY Mineral Make-Up will be from 6 - 8:30pm in
Studio 266 of Lowe Mill. $65. soaptreasures@outlook.
com, www.lowemill.net.
The 5 Points BLOK Party will be held on the ground
of KindSociety located at 403 Pratt Avenue from 1 9pm. [email protected].
Sunday, June 21
Miss Spirit of America will be at the Princess Theatre
from 7 - 9pm. www.princesstheatre.org.
Beer Quest will be at Sci-Quest from 5 - 9pm. There
will be games, food trucks, cornhole tournament and
scientific demos. www.sci-quest.org.
The 4th Annual Rocket City Pride Community
Festival & Equality Pride Parade will be at the Historic
Roundhouse Depot from 12 – 9pm, the Pride Parade
will be at 4:30pm. Free. free2be.org/pride/ (See ad
pg.12)
Kappa Alpha Psi Huntsville Alumni Chapter Black &
White Ball will be at the Huntsville Marriott at 7pm.
$65. 256-425-2027,
The Tennessee Valley Jazz Society’s 29th Annual JazzN-June Festival will be at various locations. June 22nd
- 28th. For details go to http://tvjs.webs.com.
The Arts Council presents the Concert in the Park
with The U.S. Army Material Command Band starting
at 6:30pm at Big Spring Park. Free.
www.artshuntsville.org.
June 22 – 26
Youth Studio: Summer Break will be from 1 - 3pm in
Green Pea Press Studio 122 of Lowe Mill. $120. Ages 8
- 12. www.lowemill.net,
contact [email protected].
Children’s Art Camp Sampler will be from 9am - 1pm
in Studio 314 of Lowe Mill. $250. www.lowemill.net.
June 23 - 24
The 2015 U.S. Army Soldier Show Tour will be at
Redstone Arsenal on Tuesday and Wednesday night
from 7 - 10pm. www.armymwr.com. (See ad pg.9)
Writer’s Group will be from 3 - 5pm in Studio 131 of
Lowe Mill. Free. www.lowemill.net.
Monday, June 22
The Paul Stroud Concerts by the River will have Jeff
Whitlow at 6pm at Rhodes Ferry Park. Free.
14
The Alabama A&M Boys and Girls Basketball Camp
will be at the Elmore Gym from 8am - 4pm Monday
- Thursday and 8am - noon on Friday. $125. 2nd - 12th
grades. 256-372-8240.
#0604015062415
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
The Taproom Music Tour will be at Yellowhammer
Brewery from 6 – 9pm. $5.
www.yellowhammerbrewery.com.
The Bessie K. Russell Library presents a Jazz-Inspired
Painting Class at 11am. 256-859-9050,
www.hmcpl.org.
The Breakfast Edition Street Food Gathering will
be in Downtown Huntsville on the Northside Square
from 7 - 10pm. www.downtownhuntsville.org.
Sunday, June 28
The Huntsville Museum of Art will have a Colored
Pencil and Reclaimed Materials Demonstration with
Artist Susie Garrett from 1 - 3pm.
www.hsvmuseum.org.
The Huntsville Museum of Art will have a Gallery
Walk with Connections Artist Dian Fox and Beanvais
Lyons from 2 - 4pm. www.hsvmuseum.org.
THE END!!
THE VALLEY PLANET
FREE WILL
ASTROLOGY
June 4 - June 24
© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): The Persian scholar
Avicenna was so well-rounded in his knowledge
that he wrote two different encyclopedias. Even
as a teenager he was obsessed with learning all
he could. He got especially consumed with trying to master Aristotle’s Metaphysics, which did
not easily yield its secrets to him. He read it 40
times, memorizing every word. When he finally
understood it, he was so excited he celebrated by
giving out money and gifts to destitute strangers.
I suspect you will soon be having an equivalent
breakthrough, Aries. At last you will grasp a truth
that has eluded you for a long time. Congratulations in advance!
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When it’s rush hour
in Tokyo, unwieldy crowds of commuters board
the trains and subways. They often need help at
squeezing in. Railway workers known as oshiya,
or pushers, provide the necessary force. Wearing
crisp uniforms, white gloves, and neat hats, they
cram the last stragglers into each car. I foresee the
possibility of you being called on to perform a
metaphorical version of the service these pushers provide. Is there a polite and respectful way
for you to be indelicate? Could you bring lighthearted tact to bear as you seek an outcome that
requires everyone to compromise?
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Nobel Prize-winning
physicists Wolfgang Pauli and Niels Bohr were
both amused at how counterintuitive their innovative theories seemed. Once Pauli was lecturing a group of eminent scientists about a radical
new hypotheses. Bohr got out of his seat in the
audience and walked up to the front to interrupt
his colleague. “We all agree that your theory is
crazy,” Bohr told Pauli. “The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a
chance of being correct. My own feeling is that it
is not crazy enough.” Pauli defended himself. “It
is crazy enough!” he said. But Bohr was insistent.
“It’s not crazy enough!” he argued. I’m going to
pose a comparable query to you, Gemini. Are
your new ideas crazy enough to be true? Make
sure that they are.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): It seems you’ve
wandered into an awkward phase of your cycle.
Missed connections have aroused confusion. Disjointed events have led to weirdness. I’ve got a
suggestion for how you might be able to restore
clarity and confidence: Make a foray into a sacred
border area and risk imaginative acts of heroism. Does that sound too cryptic or spooky? How
about if I say it like this: Go on an unpredictable
journey that will free your trapped vitality, or try
a mysterious experiment that will awaken your
sleeping magic. P.S. For best results, ask for help
every step of the way.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Gesamtkunstwerk is a
German word that can be translated as “total art
work” or “all-embracing art form.” It refers to a
creative masterpiece that makes use of several
genres. The 19th-century composer Richard Wagner had this in mind when he produced his opera
cycle The Ring of the Nibelung, which included
orchestral music, singing, theater, and literature.
I’m invoking the spirit of Gesamtkunstwerk for
your use, Leo. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to synthesize and coordinate all the
things you do best, and express them with a flourish.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Defender was a
popular video game that young people played in
video arcades during the 1980s. Fifteen-year-old
Steve Juraszek was profiled in Time magazine
after he racked up a record-breaking 16 million points while playing the game for 16 hours
straight. But when his high school principal found
out that Juraszek had skipped classes to be at the
arcade, he was suspended. I’m wondering if there
may soon be a similar development in your own
life, Virgo. Will you have to pay a price for your
success? You should at least be prepared to risk
an acceptable loss in order to accomplish an important goal.
THE VALLEY PLANET
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): People I meet are
sometimes taken aback by how many probing
questions I ask them. Recently an acquaintance
said to me, “Why don’t you feel driven to talk
about yourself all the time, like everyone else?” I
told him the truth: “Being curious is just the way
I was made. Maybe it’s because of my Mercury
in Gemini, or my seventh-house sun, or my three
planets in Libra.” I suspect that you are due to go
through a phase similar to the mode I’m in all the
time. If it doesn’t happen naturally, I suggest you
coax it out. You need to be extra inquisitive. You’ll
benefit from digging as deeply as you dare.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I love to watch an
evolved Scorpio get his or her needs met by helping other people get their needs met. It’s thrilling
to behold the paradoxical Scorpio assets in action:
the combination of manipulativeness and generosity; the animal magnetism working in service
to the greater good; the resourceful willpower that
carries out hidden agendas and complex strategies
designed to make the world a better place. I fully
expect to see a lot of this crazy wisdom from you
in the coming weeks.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Would that
life were like the shadow cast by a wall or a tree,”
says the Talmud. “But it is like the shadow of a
bird in flight.” That’s a lyrical sentiment, but I
don’t agree with it. I’ve come to prefer the shimmering dance over the static stance. The evershifting play of light and dark is more interesting to me than the illusion of stability. I’m more
at home in the unpredictable flow than the solid
block of certainty. What about you, Sagittarius? I
suggest that in the immediate future you cultivate
an appreciation for the joys and challenges of the
shimmering dance.
Kellye McCormick, Owner
Master Esthetician
Licensed Barber
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The core of
your horoscope comes from the poem “A Color
of the Sky” by Tony Hoagland. Imagine that you
are the “I” who is saying the following: “What
I thought was an end turned out to be a middle.
What I thought was a brick wall turned out to be
a tunnel. What I thought was an injustice turned
out to be a color of the sky.” Please understand,
Capricorn, that speaking these words might not
make total sense to you yet. You may have to take
them on faith until you gather further evidence.
But I urge you to speak them anyway. Doing so
will help generate the transformations you need in
order to make them come true.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Lessons in luck
are coming your way. Will they help you attract
more luck? Maybe. Will they show you how to
make better use of your luck? Maybe. A lot depends on your ability to understand and love the
paradox of luck. I’ve assembled a few enigmatic
teachings to prepare you. 1. “Luck is believing
you’re lucky.” - Tennessee Williams. 2. “It is a
great piece of skill to know how to guide your
luck even while waiting for it.” - Baltasar Gracián.
3. “Sometimes not getting what you want is a brilliant stroke of luck.” - Lorii Myers. 4. “The harder
I work, the luckier I get.” - Samuel Goldwyn. 5.
“You’ve got to try your luck at least once a day,
because you could be going around lucky all day
and not even know it.” - Jimmy Dean. 6. “Go and
wake up your luck.” - Persian proverb.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The word “boudoir” means a woman’s bedroom. But hundreds
of years ago, it had a more specific definition. It
was a room where a well-bred girl was sent when
she was pouting. It’s derived from the French
verb bouder, which means “to sulk.” If it were in
my power, Pisces, I would send you to the sulking
room right now. In fact, I would encourage you to
sulk. In my opinion, a good long sulk would be
just the right prescription for you. It would trigger brainstorms about how to change the soggy,
foggy conditions that warranted your sulking in
the first place.
Homework: I dare you to bestow a blessing on a
person you’ve considered to be beneath you. Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com
#0604015062415
Melissa Steelman
Master Hair Design Color Specialist
Lesley Williams
Color Specialist, Hair Stylist
Unusual Place for Entertainment!
by John Davis
H
untsville/Madison County should be proud of its community spirit symbolized by its many excellent
libraries and their thought provoking projects.
Andrew Carnegie, the captain of industry who worked with towns all across the world to build libraries, knew
that merit and hard work brought about great accomplishments. He insisted that the public library would be open
to all, even those “working boys” who otherwise would have no access to books. With books they got ideas, and
those ideas could then be developed, modified, and shared in that same public forum. His ideas led to open stacks
in libraries, where the very concept of ‘browsing’ was introduced.
How many of us today learned about other, totally unknown subjects, places, and people because we spent time in a library, just
browsing? How many of us heard our first public presentation
there, or engaged in a discussion? I know I learned that I was not
alone in my ideas, nor that my ideas were always right, when
I could test my thinking there. A public center of discussion reminds me of the great era of coffee shops when our forefathers,
in colonial times, gathered in such houses to debate, discuss, and
explore ideas of the day. I’m not afraid of public forums, and I’m
proud of a city that has the wisdom to share this idea.
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
15
Marley From The
Darkside
W
hile cruising through the kitchen, I
came upon an unattended rice crispy
treat. It was a beautiful specimen, quite
possibly the finest treat ever produced by human
hands. I suppose you humans are good for some
things after all. I settled on to this treat, like Eddie
Van Halen jumps on a guitar solo, I shredded it.
Shortly after consuming this marshmallowy morsel, I started to feel a familiar, yet strange feeling
come over me. The next thing I know, I’m running through a meadow, heading towards a lake,
when I noticed a sweet blue and yellow boat, that
seemed to be inviting me to take a ride.
What the hell, why not. I jumped on board and
off we went. Not long after leaving the weather
got kind of rough, and the boat turned into a black
and white, and apparently evil version of its former self. Nice, I dig the new look, and then we hit
land. As I got off the boat, and headed ashore, I
noticed that everything here seemed to be alive.
Trees spoke, rocks spoke, and then a big yellow
dragon came out of the forest, offering his assistance in helping me return to whence I came. Who
asked you? I replied, and quickly severed his big
dumb head, from his big dumb shoulders. The
trees and rocks, the birds and bees, every living
thing on this living island began to freak the f***
out. Then a scrawny little annoying boy appeared.
“Oh no, not Puffnstuff”,he wailed, and before this
little b*st*rd could utter another word, I relieved
him of his tongue, then his eyes, then I basically
pulled a Leather Face on him, then turning my
rage on the rest of these singing and dancing, talking weirdos.
Not long after my killing spree another inhabitant of this island showed up on the scene. AHA-
Pet Store Disappointment
By Mark Hauer
T
he other day I went into a new pet store after an interview. So new it still had that
fresh retail smell of paint and still pee-free
industrial carpet. I walked in and just felt this pall
of depression. Two people were “working.” By
that I mean staring into space - obviously bored
out of their minds at 10:30 am - they could barely
summon the energy to attempt to smile and mumble a resentful “hello.” A good ol’ boy from the
HAHAHAHAHA, this lady shrieked, “Did you stock room nearly collided with me. He was busy
do this?” she asked, “ Yep” I replied, then she tapping at his phone with the befuddled energy of
told me how this Puffnstuff and Jimmy had been a chimp out of his depth, glowering, and with his
harassing her for quite some time, burning feath- bottom lip hanging loose.
ers off her Vulture, and tearing down her spiders
webs. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of this, I’ve “Jeez! Whatchit!” he said, without looking up.
always used some stupid spell that never seems to
work.” I then explained to her why most witches “Dude, “ I said. “ Takes a while getting used to
have cats. “You see Witcheepoo, the evil doesn’t opposable thumbs. Keep it up. You’ll get the hang
come from the witch, it comes from the cat, dump of it.”
these losers and get yourself a real sidekick.”
“Huh? Whachu-say?” And shuffled toward an“Will do,” she replied, then she showed me why other set of doors. “F#*#ing weirdo.”
she had been after this talking flute that the human, had kept in his pocket, that is until I removed Normally I don’t go into pet stores. There is just
said pocket, leaving only a bloody rag of a shirt, something depressing about them. I don’t mind
in its place. Witcheepoo then picked up Freddy the fish. But the birds always look stressed. And
the Flute, and POOF he was now Noah the never the mammals all look... sad. Both ferrets were
ending Blunt. “I like your style girl”, I said to the asleep, sprawled bonelessly on the bottom of
witch, then we put the fire to Noah, creating an their wooden and Plexiglas enclosure. The gerbils
ark of smoke, flooding the room.” Then, to my and hamsters were asleep, or chewing their food
surprise, my human was standing over me, inquir- pellets slowly, staring ahead as stoically as Clint
ing as to the whereabouts of a missing rice crispy Eastwood trying to remember his lines. The mice
treat. “I can’t help ya dude, but feel free to drop were gathered into protective knots. And the rats
me a line at [email protected] and napped or sniffed the air, perhaps stretched and
we can discuss it.
then curled up again. None of the exercise wheels
were in use. Would I be wrong in suggesting these
You can’t do a little, cause a little’s not poor animals had inherited the southern disdain
enough…….Meow
for needless exercise?
Unchained
Maladies
pit bull owners than sane people.
At this point the following stats
point a mauled finger the Pit
Bull’s way.
by Ricky Thomason
I
Report: U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities January 2006 to December
2008. A 2009 report issued by
DogsBite.org shows that 19 dog
breeds contributed to 88 deaths in
the 3-year period of 2006 to 2008.
Pit Bulls accounted for 59% followed by Rottweilers with 14%.
n defense of the much maligned,
misunderstood, gentle as a lamb
Pit Bull:
I am the first to admit that statistics
and numbers can be manipulated
for and against anything, or any
cause. For instance, take the number of cars on the road by make. If there are more
of one make (Brand “X”) than any of the others it
stands to reason the number of crashes and injuries / fatalities may appear to condemn “Brand X”
for being the deadliest vehicle on the road.
It’s not until you take the numbers of accidents,
injuries and fatalities by percentage of the numbers for every make that you get a clearer picture
of what brand is the deadliest.
I have listened to both sides of the great Pit Bull
debate to the point of throwing up. I decided to
research and determine for myself the answer to
the following question.
Do Pit Bulls deserve their reputation as vicious
“attack” dogs?
As in the automobile example above, one should
consider the most popular breeds of dogs in
America by numbers weighed against the number
of attacks by breed that the stats constitute evidence.
According to Time Magazine Online the ten most
popular breeds of dogs are, in ascending order.
#10) Rottweiler. # 9) Dachshund. #8) Poodle. #7)
Boxer. #6 English Bulldog. #5) Yorkshire Terrier.
#4) Golden Retriever. #3 Beagle. #2) German
Shepherd. #1) Labrador.
I was surprised that the American Pit Bull (a.k.a.
Staffordshire Terrier) did not appear on the list. In
the neighborhood where we live there are more
16
Remember, the Pit Bull was absent from the list
and the Rottweiler barely made the cut at #10.
Of the 88 fatal dog attacks recorded by DogsBite.
org, pit bull type dogs were responsible for 59%
(52). That is measured against all other breeds
combined.
Put in real life perspective rather than just numbers that is equivalent to a pit bull killing a U.S.
citizen every 21 days during this 3-year period.
The data also shows that pit bulls commit the
vast majority of off-property attacks that result in
death. Only 18% (16) of the attacks occurred off
owner property, yet the 16 pit bulls were responsible for 81%.
That suggests that if you own pit bulls or other
potentially dangerous dogs you should do so responsibly. Keep them inside a tall, securely fenced
enclosure, and some people do so.
However, a standard 4’ chain link, backyard fence
is a mere suggestion to pit bulls, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and other large breeds. I am
a witness. I provoked a few into a fence jumping frenzy by merely walking by on the public
sidewalk.
A five-year review of dog-bite injuries from the
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, published in
2009 in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery, found that almost 51 percent of the attacks were from pit bulls, almost 9 percent were
All the rodents were inexpensively priced. They
were trailer park cheap. I always liked rats. So I
went up to the near-somnolent cashier and asked
her if anybody actually handled the rodents.
tal embrace. I mean tight enough the eyes pop a
half inch from the sockets and the idiot sh*ts his
pants.
When I was a kid in high school I raised rats in biology class. And I admit I had a kind of squeamish
fascination watching our boa constrictor feed. But
that was a child’s fascination with the darker side
of nature, that nasty side of MY nature that actually enjoyed destruction, the power of setting into
motion the demise of a fellow creature.
What does it say about the adults who still enjoy
this illusory power?
“Yeah, it is sad.” I agreed.
I dunno about you, but I suspect quite a few of my
old bosses and teachers might have been among
this group of exotic animal enthusiasts. Or maybe
I’m just getting soft-hearted in my old age. I mean
I sometimes feel bad these days when I tell someone to go to hell or kiss my a**.
I guess I was a little near to the huge bird enclosure as I was walking out. Rather, I paused to
read the sign next to the birds. I’m a compulsive
reader.
“Don’t get too close to the birds” the sign read in
print small enough YOU HAD to stand next to the
bird enclosure to read it. “It causes stress.”
That’s good to know, I thought. The glass was
covered by the greasy hand prints of bird-stressers. Not mine, though. I hurried out the door.
“No. Sad to say they are just there to be food.”
She wrinkled her nose and shrugged.
“Have a nice day,” followed me as I left. Or perhaps it was a chorus of yawns.
Yes, I know: “circle of life,” and all that. But there
was just that small part of me that kinda hoped
one of these days one of those snakes grew freakishly big one year and gave its owner a near fa-
“Well, there’s a reliable disappointment.” (Quote
by Harvey Pekar in American Splendor)
from Rottweilers and 6 percent were from mixes
of those two breeds.
remained unharmed. Doubtless, there are cases
where this and similar stories are true.
In other words, almost two-thirds of the hospital’s
dog-attack injuries involved just two breeds, Pit
Bulls and Rottweiler’s.
And a 2011 study from the Annals of Surgery
revealed that “attacks by pit bulls are associated with higher morbidity rates, higher hospital
charges and a higher risk of death than are attacks
by other breeds of dogs.”
I would be remiss if I did not include the opinion
of TV’s “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Milan. He whispers “Pit bulls have a strong desire to please and
will do anything for their family or friends. Pit
bull owners are courageous, full of vitality, and
are constantly looking out for those they love.
They enjoy being around children and make excellent parents and grandparents. There is no better babysitter than a pit bull.”
The authors of that 2011 study go on to say, “Strict
regulation of pit bulls may substantially reduce
the U.S. mortality rates related to dog bites.”
Obviously, he is talking about pit bull owners who
have more sense than their dog and therefore able
to train them, an increasingly rare occurrence.
Far too often, the owners are irresponsible and
have little more control over their beasts than I
do the ocean tides. Many of us have visited dog
owners and had their dogs jump all over us while
beaming owners sat and grinned like foolish children in an “aren’t our puppies cute” manner.
I marvel at the number of dogs that pass my house
dragging their people on a daily walk.
Yes, they are cute, and we love dogs – but we’d
love them more if they were under some semblance of control.
Criticize peoples’ children all you want, but you
dare not say a damned thing about their dogs and
other pets. If you do, more than likely you will
hear some version of, “This is the dog’s home
– not yours.”
This piece is certain to garner a lot of mail from
rabid pit bull owners with heartwarmingly foolish tales about their pit bull being so gentle they
would place their newborn baby’s head in the
dog’s mouth and leave them alone - and the baby
#0604015062415
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
One has to wonder if the tales of usual gentleness
are true why the owners go Daffy Duck nuts over
the very idea of ordinances and laws that would
not affect their well-behaved dogs. It’s only the
owners with the “loaded and ready to go off at
any time” dogs that need be concerned.
After looking at the deal closely, I have to ask
once more if Pit Bulls deserve their reputation as
vicious “attack” dogs.
I concluded, not always, but an overwhelming
amount of evidence suggests many times, they
do.
Let’s not single the poor, pitiful Pit Bull out; the
ordinances should apply to Rottweilers and German Shepherds as well.
You may now attack, dawg,
THE VALLEY PLANET
ReLit:
Smokin’ Good Reads Worth A ReKindle:
“Big Bad Love” by Larry Brown
T
hough Larry Brown has passed from this
vale of tears he is immortal so long as his
books remain available. I had the pleasure
of working with the former Oxford MS firefighter a decade ago for two weeks at the Breadloaf
Writer’s Conference in Killington, VT.
A Tale of Many Cities
T
he great city of Anniston, Alabama, decided years ago to plant thousands of broadleaf trees on a grand reception boulevard.
They wanted to show visitors and residents what
is valuable: walkable streets, memorable architecture, and in Autumn, natural color. Chattanooga welcomes tourists with a protected parking
area, and then free shuttle rides to all its famed
attractions and restaurants. St. Louis took a sad,
neglected Soulard neighborhood, and sold the
properties for one dollar each with the stipulation that buyers would upgrade those places. Now
that neighborhood is one of the star attractions of
upscale brick row houses, lofts, restaurants, and
taverns. It attracts young and future oriented people to its many welcoming gathering places and
pocket parks.
Brown’s “Dirty Work” remains one of my alltime faves and he was an acknowledged master
of the short story and later proved equally adept
at the novel form.
Many writers say that they find short stories to
be a more challenging endeavor than novels.
The reasoning is that the author has more time to
establish characters and plot in the novel. Short
stories are a study in the economy of words; you
don’t have many so you can’t waste any.
Brown is/was “Grit Lit” at its best. I listed “Big
Bad Love” as a starting point, but wholeheartedly
urge you to check out any and all of his works.
“Big Bad Love” was made into a movie and I saw
it on “on Demand.’ He lived and played hard and
the world is a lesser place without him.
Review by Ricky Thomason
Raleigh, North Carolina, links its university to the
rest of the city with walkways that wend through
the campus and town. They pass by memorials,
through manicured lawns and gardens. These lead
to art, sports, festivals, and cultural events. All the
city’s neighborhoods are linked by a free shuttle
which carries the visitor to different hubs of entertainment, shopping, and culture. Arlington,
Virginia, has taken its location along the Potomac
River as inspiration to build walkways, a shopping and restaurant district, and small parks where
none existed before to take advantage of the now
delightful views. This type vision has been multiplied in San Antonio. That city took the small
river flowing through it to create ‘Riverwalk’, a
true shopping, cultural, and enjoyment district
which ties the town together. With this vision, San
Antonio transformed dusty, dead neighborhoods
and turned them into a true national attraction.
Decatur took the Princess Theater, and renewed
this movie house of the 1930’s, creating a cultural
hub, a place to come for entertainment and refreshment of body and soul.
Auntie Jen’s Animal Crazy
I dedicate this article to the endangered elephant. Too many live heartbroken in captivity. Too many are
killed every day for their ivory. If this sentient species is to survive, we must stand up for them now.
F
or Mother’s Day, I wanted to choose a gift
that would uplift my mom’s heart. The
obvious choice was to do something to help
an endangered species in her honour.
refuge created specifically for African and Asian
elephants. This accredited non-profit is a sanctuary
for special needs elephants who have been retired
from zoos and circuses.
At that moment, an action alert came from the
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Founded in 1977,
the DSWT is “dedicated to the protection and
conservation of wildlife and habitats in Kenya.
Best known for the rescue and hand-rearing of
milk-dependent orphaned baby elephants and
rhinos, so that they can return to the wild when
grown, the DSWT also manages anti-poaching
teams, mobile veterinary units and community
outreach programs.”
The Elephant Sanctuary provides a number of
ways you can help, from “adopting” elephants to
shopping at their extensive online gift shop. June
21 will mark the first Father’s Day since my dad
departed. To help elephants and his legacy live
on, I adopted an elephant named Sissy from the
Elephant Sanctuary in his memory.
I went on to explore their website and found you
can “foster” the elephants, rhinos and giraffes
that reside at their sanctuary. What better way
to honour my mom on Mother’s Day than to
foster an orphaned elephant? I read through the
profiles and chose Roi, an orphaned little girl who
was found next to her dead mother, a victim of
poaching. Without rescue, milk-dependent Roi
would not have lasted long. Thanks to the DSWT,
Roi is now reported to be very playful, attached
to her keepers, and genuinely happy. Their foster
program is fully digital, so I can electronically
keep up with Roi’s progress while my entire
donation goes to her care.
To learn more, visit the DSWT online at
sheldrickwildlifetrust.org and like them on
Facebook at facebook.com/thedswt.
Please also check out the Elephant Sanctuary
in Tennessee. Established in 1995, the Elephant
Sanctuary is the U.S.’s largest natural habitat
THE VALLEY PLANET
run small stores. Then there are places that put
no stock in manufacturing, having voted time and
again for those who have run our textiles and labor intensive jobs out of town. We begin to look
like everywhere else in the US. Malls to the right
of us, strip malls to the left of us, folly and blunder. Who, really, is proud of the miles long strip
mall called Highway 72?
As this is a true sanctuary, the facility is not open
to the general public. However, you can virtually
visit via their “Elecams” at elephants.com and get
updates at facebook.com/ElephantSanctuaryTN.
Another non-profit leader in the fight to save
elephants that I highly endorse is International
Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Visit them at
ifaw.org and scroll to “protecting elephants” to
learn how you can combat the ivory trade.
In May, musicians Slash and Myles Kennedy
teamed up with IFAW to raise awareness via the
release of their song “Beneath the Savage Sun,” a
story written from the point of view of an elephant
who has lost a loved one.
As their press release states, “Elephants show
emotions like love and joy. They can express
empathy. They are loyal to their families and
devoted to their young. They grieve in some of
the same ways we do: it’s not uncommon that
they’ll keep weeklong vigils over fallen family
members, then later revisit their bones. When an
estimated 25,000 to 50,000 elephants are killed
each year for their ivory, those who survive must
#0604015062415
Each of these ideas can be applied here in Huntsville, Madison, and Athens. To do so requires
seeing each city as a whole, not already existing,
inviolate neighborhoods. Trees, shuttles, waterways, entertainment, large and small business
support equals progress.
We should never have to ask why our young
leave our cities. Is it because we have no vision
that includes them, their dreams and abilities, to
be special in the world? We boast our business
friendliness. Yet, do we not rather mean corporate
friendly cities? Huntsville has begun great efforts
toward encouraging small, imaginative, privately
be in nearly constant mourning . . . We know that
many of you love your guitars with ivory bridges
and pianos with ivory keys, but we need you to
think about where things came from and what are
your ethics when buying and selling them?”
If you aren’t in a position to donate money to help
elephants, you can spread the word through social
media posts. Like IFAW on Facebook at facebook.
com/ifaw. I also suggest 96 Elephants at facebook.
com/96Elephants and Save the Elephants at
facebook.com/savetheelephants.kenya.
Another action you can take to help elephants that’s
free: Boycott circuses that use animals. It breaks
my heart every time I hear someone has taken
their kids or grandkids to the circus. What’s more
devastating is the pain and isolation an elephant
suffers when he or she is taken from family and
natural habitat and violently forced to perform,
often for many lonely decades. Please remember
that we live in a supply-and-demand world. What
we choose to demand will be supplied. Instead
of encouraging the next generation to demand
elephants perform, let’s encourage them to get
involved in demanding elephants be respected
and protected before it’s too late.
We can be so much better. I can imagine cities
linked by broadleaf trees along manicured avenues and winding creekways. Those waterways
are lined with interconnected small businesses,
galleries, and restaurants. There is outdoor seating to enjoy the passing streams from well-kept
gardens. I see true welcoming avenues on roads
which lead naturally to our seats of government, a
pedestrian zone for visitors, and a large population
of lofts over the businesses downtown. I imagine
shuttles that carry the visitor to all the live theater, outstanding restaurants, festivals, concerts,
museums, and parks our cities have to offer. Our
educational and sporting events will be known
across the land as the place to be, and something
to be a part of. We can do this; we just need the vision and the will. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our
children decided to open a business here, rather
than work as a clerk in Walmart? Wouldn’t it be
grand if the ancient symbol of the owl, wise, foresighted, and thoughtful, was our model?
Recycle. Different.
by John Davis
S
o I went to the Athens Earthday event, never
realizing the absolutely intriguing story I’d
find there. At this show, free and open to the
public, I met a couple of representatives of Custom Polymers, PET, of Athens, Alabama. They
literally changed my viewpoint on recycling.
These guys were pleasant, enthusiastic, and told
the most astounding story... but first some background on me, and maybe you, and recycling.
I often doubted the utility of recycling. What a
pain to drop off just a couple of plastic bottles,
cans, and whatnot. These guys changed my appreciation of recycling in general, and enlightened me on what they do specifically. They gave
a simple, but powerful, demonstration.
You know the plastic bottle we all drink from
these days? They held up a single empty plastic
bottle. Then they showed what it looked like pulverized, and turned into tiny pellets. Then they
showed how those pellets could be formed into
a simple tube, about two inches long. This tube
could then be shipped at minimal cost, and then
‘grown again’ as a complete bottle at its destination. Or...and this is where it got amazing,
these pellets could be turned into components in
clothes, in hand bags, or in fleece materials. My
list could go on, but you get the point. Their work
ethic says it best:
Recycle. Different.
It’s not just part of our logo, it’s the way we do
business. What makes us different from our competitors starts with a team of experienced professionals who care about what we do. We enjoy
the people we work with, and we embrace our
environmental responsibility. We at Custom Polymers PET, LLC are passionate about what we do.
We make a superior product for our customers,
generate business for our suppliers, benefit our
economic community, create a livelihood for our
employees, and make a positive impact on the environment. Custom Polymers PET, LLC is committed to making a difference and we challenge
you to find a recycler more collaborative, reliable, or trustworthy. These are just some of the
things that make us different and have allowed us
as a part of Custom Polymers to become the 4th
largest plastic recycle in North America.
Check these guys out. And recycle.
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
AuntieJenValleyPlanet.
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
17
Looking for a music comedy side kick. I change words in
songs but, I need a guitar player or Keys. call Fred
256-653-3503
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].
15” Hartke Transporter Bass Guitar Cabinet for Sale.
Comes with Eminence Alpha A-15 speaker inside. Large
enough to play with a loud band but light enough for
convenient transport. $150 256 431-5130
K.C. – You’ll soon meet a band that knows nothing of sunshine. Once Friend, turned Acquaintance.
Charvel Model One, made in Japan Mid 80’s. One
Humbucker, one volume knob, Rock Maple neck, Glossy Red
finish, Spring fulcrum Trem, Charvel Hardshell Case,Simple,
Classy, Hard to find in Very good Condition, Serious Only
$325 call Mark 256-722-9250
PK – That’s my brother you are talking about.
Enough is more than enough. Yes, it’s me. RT
The Valley Planet Music Exchange is FREE to any individual (not businesses) looking to
buy, sell, trade or find bandmates. You get a headline and 3 lines of text for FREE!
Please call (256) 533-4613 or
email your ads to [email protected].
Hofner Model 4910 bought in West Germany 1984.
Excellent condition and hard shell case. Loads of music
books, tuners, etc. $650 firm. Serious?
email [email protected]
Professional musician seeking to rent space for live music
rehearsal, price and terms negotiable. References available
upon request. Chris 256-541-9118
Multi-inst’ist/vocalist seeks guitarist/harmonicist/singer
named Danny, 65, from Madison. Call/text Joe at
256-617-1395.
Guitarist/Keyboardist/Singer seeks another guitarist
and/or keyboardist, as well as a bassist who’s quick on the
uptake. Ideally, should sing (well). Have drummer. For
multiple different projects: Wedding/corporate gig band
(covers, ‘60s-‘10s); jazz/blues/fusion; originals in ALL styles.
Call/text Joe at 256-617-1395.
Speaker For Sale, Used 50 inch tall, 25 inch wide and 16
inch deep. Black with wheels. $110. 256 606-5152, Decatur.
The Single Guy: Communi-Date
by Aaron Hurd
Ladies, what’s the deal?
A
s you know, this article is all about communicating with each other about dating
and our concerns and unanswered questions. I write these few words every three weeks
in black and white as a way we all (boys and girls)
can help “clear the air,” be honest, and, basically,
share “real talk” about both sexes in this game of
love. Once in a while, I open up and share what
bothers me. I just lay it out there to vent and in
the process maybe it educates some ladies as to
what a least one single dude thinks…maybe more,
but they won’t tell you… In return, once in a blue
moon the ladies email me and share some knowledge (although, you ladies take your secrets to the
grave - been around long enough to learn that).
Nonetheless, we are all in the same search for that
special someone. If we can shed some light on
the game in the meantime then we are doing each
other a favor and saving time and getting a peak
at the other sex’s way of thinking. Basically what
I am saying is, take notes - this could help!
In this issue, I am going to touch on two things
that I just don’t get and I think ladies would be
better off if they just don’t do it. Or at least play it
smart. Shall we start?
First head scratcher - Why you sending me pictures?
Look, I am the first guy to try and get a girl I
am feeling to send me a picture, a selfie, a sexy
lil’ something just for me - I love it. However,
did you notice the three important words in that
first sentence? Let me tell you, they were “I”,
“Try”, and “FEELING”…..I TRY to get a girl I
am FEELING to send me a picture. PERIOD. Let
me tell you a story…..
I started talking to this nice girl on-line; we met
up and had a nice night out. She was fun and cool,
but I did not feel the spark so I knew it was not
going to go anywhere deeper than friendship.
She texted for a while, we chatted, I was friendly
and cool. Then she randomly started sending me
“selfies” What’s wrong with that? Nothing, if I
ASKED for them! Her text was a selfie in front
of a mirror (guys-she was clothed-I know you’re
18
wondering Ha-ha) with a text, “Would love to
hang out again soon - we should meet for a drink
this week or next?” I replied, “Yes for sure, when
I find some time… pretty busy next few weeks” (I
was trying to be nice). See something wrong with
my reply? I did…so my guilt got to me and 45
minutes later I wrote, “Nice picture by the way!”
Yes, 45 minutes later! Call me smooth!
JW – Hot Hot Hot! Yunohoo
L: Hope you recover quickly from your surgery
– we are rooting for you! T
Congrats and thanks to the DPD for catching a
number of thugs that have been terrorizing the
SW side. It’s a good start. If we’re lucky the
adult gets a nice ride on the express trolley to
hell and the triplets a place to perform for the
next 30 years. River City Residents
It is official: VHS has gone to hell. It sucks more
than Big O. Get your monitoring service from
anyone but them. I have never seen such abominably poor customer service from any company
that wants to stay in business. Screw them from
N. Alabama
I clearly did not think the picture was very amusing or sexy. In fact, because I was not into her it
just reassured me she is not my type…the picture
was not her best. And again, I did not ask for it!
Why did she send it? I am guessing for a compliment, and this, ladies, brings me to issue number
two.
It was date number 2 and we had a fun time, at
the end of the night I told her to text me when she
got home to let me know she made it safe. This is
what I got. “I’m home thanks for a great night!”
I replied “Fun night for sure. Glad you made it sleep tight!” That should have been it! I get a text
back, “Can I ask you a random question?” This
is never good…I am automatically thinking, “Arghhh here we go!” I sigh and text back “sure!” she
writes back, “Never mind, good night” then 30
minutes later I get, “Do you find me attractive?”
Hmmmm if I did….. Not anymore! I couldn’t be
mean so I wrote, “Yes of course” but honestly I’m done with her. Don’t Do This!!!
Ladies, be honest, there is nothing attractive when
you date an insecure dude, right? Well, news flash,
R – What are you, some kind of beast. MG
S, I really miss you. I still love you. The emotional distance is going to end our relationship.
Please take us seriously. B
N: you still out there taking men for anything
you can get your hands on b****? FY
Cops: Can you please stop everyone from running the four way stop at Adams and Lowe and
gunning it? People with driveways, kids riding
bikes and joggers are taking their lives in their
own hands! Concerned
GS – Do you still think every boss’s butt has a
wormhole just for you? 1 of 5
BB – You will be missed by more than Lucille.
Blues Fans
J, hoped Nashville went OK. R&L
L – Cats can be hard to keep in a hat. Nothing
can prepare you for the meet and greet. DrA
To whoever hit and ran my parked car on Beirne
Ave on Monday, Karma…
L – You have to stop that merry-go-round and
come by or eat wings with us at MO’s. R&L2
Ladies: For Crissakes, can anyone tell me why it
is suddenly in style to have surgery to make your
lips so huge that someone could stick you to the
wall like a plumber’s helper? Looks like it would
be like kissing the mouth of a mayonnaise jar.
Wondering
REGIONAL CONCERTS
Why you fishing for compliments?
There is nothing more unattractive to me than an
insecure woman. Listen, I get it - we are all insecure! The older I get the more I seem to lose my
confidence, especially the longer I am single. It
does not help the ego at all. I have written articles
on this more than once - I’ve been there. However, the last thing I am going to do is show my insecurities to a potential mate or interest. Insecure
behind the scenes is one thing but DO NOT show
your cards to your crush no matter what! Here is
another story from another date I went on.
LGT – Forever means forever you know? Don’t
forget. Me
it is the same for us fellas.
Insecurity is not sexy at all!
STOP fishing for a compliment. If he likes you at some
point he will let you know
- and it might not be in just
two dates. Be patient, hide
the insecurity, and avoid the
insecure questions and comments…PLEASE I beg you!
I had to get that off my chest,
and ladies feel free to write
me and tell me what we are
doing wrong. Maybe we can
avoid the pit falls and at least
“up our game” to make dating what it is supposed to be
- FUN!
What’s your experience good
or bad? What’s working,
what’s not? Email me at [email protected].
But don’t send a selfie unless
I ask! LOL
#0604015062415
ATLANTA
June 4, Third Eye Blind, Dashboard Confessional, Chastain Park
June 4, Barry Manilow, Gwinnett Center
June 9, Courtney Barnett, The Loft
June 9, The Rolling Stones, Bobby Dodd Stadium
June 10, SBTRKT, Masquerade
June 13, Kenny Chesney, Georgia Dome
June 13, AWOLNATION, The Tabernacle
June 13, Morrissey, Atlanta Symphony Hall
June 13, Royal Blood, Mini Mansions, Center Stage Theatre
June 14, Lana Del Rey, Aaron’s Amphitheatre
June 14, D’Angelo, The Tabernacle
June 20, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Chastain Park
June 26, Brian Wilson, Fox Theatre
June 26, The Indigo Girls, Chastain Park
BIRMINGHAM
June 9, AWOLNATION, Iron City
June 12 - 13, Garth Brooks, Legacy Arena at BJCC
June 24, Yelawolf, Iron City
HUNTSVILLE
June 14, Boston, VBC Arena
July 8, Jerry Seinfeld, VBC Concert Hall
MANCHESTER, TN
June 11 – 14th, Bonnaroo Music Festival, Manchester
NASHVILLE
June 6 – 11, CMA Music Festival, LP Field
June 8, Darius Rucker, The Wildhorse Saloon
June 10, Oakridge Boys, The Wildhorse Saloon
June 12, Michael McDonald, Ryman Auditorium
June 14, Elle King, 3rd & Linsley
June 15, Twin Peaks, The High Watt
June 17, The Rolling Stones, LP Field
TUSCALOOSA
June 5, Old School Fest, Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre
June 7, Steve Miller Band, Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre
June 20, Heritage Festival, Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
THE VALLEY PLANET
THE VALLEY PLANET
#0604015062415
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 8
19
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210 - Valley Planet

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