Mar 21 - Cascadia Weekly
Transcription
Mar 21 - Cascadia Weekly
Amy Goodman, P.6 * Paper Cuts, P.18 * Free Will, P.29 c a s c a d i a REPORTING FROM THE HEART OF CASCADIA WHATCOM SKAGIT ISLAND LOWER B.C. {03.14.12}{#11}{V.07}{FREE} Wicked Games The undeniable attraction of CHRIS ISAAK P.20 Gas Grief: Easy oil’s grim realities, P.8 :: Green Scene: The sounds of St. Patrick’s Day, P.21 Sideshow Alert: Sword swallowing, music and more! P.16 FOOD 34 a s c a d i a B-BOARD 27 c !-$4[03.x}.12] CURRENTS 8 ONSTAGE ONSTAGE Lysistrata: 7:30pm, Syre Auditorium, WCC JustinCredible Sideshow: 7pm, 9pm and 11pm, The Fantasticks: 7:30pm, MBT’s Walton Theatre Bellingham Flea Market Persa Gitana: 7:30pm, Roeder Home DO IT 2 MAIL 4 2 ) .4[03.x{.12] VIEWS 6 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 A glance at what’s happening this week Stevie Coyle, a former member of the Waybacks and a lauded fingerstyle guitarist, performs March 21 at the Roeder Home MUSIC 03.14.12 #11.07 Cabaret: 7:30pm, RiverBelle Theatre, Mount Vernon Beer Week: Through March 17, throughout The Wizard of Oz: 7:30pm, McIntyre Hall, Mount Mount Vernon Vernon Celebrate your love of Japanese comics and animation at an Anime Convention March 18 at the Bellingham Public Library Harold: 8pm, Upfront Theatre /#0-.4[03.x|.12] Games Galore: 10pm, Upfront Theatre DANCE ONSTAGE Dance Gallery Spring Concert: 7:30pm, Fire- Tres Vidas: 7pm, Heiner Center Theater, WCC house Performing Arts Center feehouse, WWU Lysistrata: 7:30pm, Syre Auditorium, WCC MUSIC Diamond Rio: 8pm, Skagit Valley Casino Resort The Fantasticks: 7:30pm, MBT’s Walton Theatre WORDS Good, Bad, Ugly: 8pm, Upfront Theatre Family Story Night: 7pm, Fairhaven Library Vaudevillingham: 8pm and 10pm, Depot Market Kent Hartman: 7pm, Village Books Aida: 7pm, Nooksack Valley School District Dance Gallery Spring Concert: 7:30pm, Firehouse GET OUT Lysistrata: 7:30pm, Syre Auditorium, WCC Performing Arts Center Nature Babies: 9:30-11am, Whatcom Falls Park The Fantasticks: 7:30pm, MBT’s Walton Theatre Square CASCADIA WEEKLY The Fantasticks: 7:30pm, MBT’s Walton Theatre FOOD Stand-up Comedy Klub: 7pm, Underground Cof- 2 Lysistrata: 7:30pm, Syre Auditorium, WCC “Owls Outback” will be one of the many featured topics at this year’s 2 *2 Northwest Birding Festival, which takes place both outdoors and in March 17 throughout Blaine The Project: 10pm, Upfront Theatre MUSIC Mockingbird: 12:30pm, Whatcom Museum Lindsay Street: 6-8pm, Time in Play Café Cabaret: 7:30pm, RiverBelle Theatre, Mount Vernon VISUAL ARTS The Wizard of Oz: 7:30pm, McIntyre Hall, Mount Craft and Antique Show: 10am-8pm, NW Wash- Vernon ington Fairgrounds, Lynden Harold: 8pm, Upfront Theatre MUSIC Diamond Rio: 8pm, Skagit Valley Casino Resort Whatcom Wind Ensemble: 8pm, Performing Arts Center FOOD Murder at Timber Cove: 8pm, Bellingham Arts COMMUNITY Farm to Table Meeting: 9am-3:30pm, Commu- Antiques and Collectibles Evaluation: 11am-4pm, Games Galore: 10pm, Upfront Theatre Bellingham Senior Activity Center nity Health Education Center ./0-4[03.x~.12] Academy for Youth VISUAL ONSTAGE DANCE Craft and Antique Show: 10am-8pm, NW Wash- JustinCredible Sideshow: 7pm, 9pm and 11pm, St. Patrick’s Day Dance: 7-10pm, Blue Moon ington Fairgrounds, Lynden Bellingham Flea Market Ballroom Family Activity Day: 12-4pm, Whatcom Museum Fly Day: 12-4pm, Heritage Flight Museum Bellingham Roller Betties: 5pm, Orca Pavilion Gym, WCC Snowshoe Fest: 10am-2pm, Silver Fir Campground Wings Over Water Birding Festival: 10am- FOOD 34 GET OUT Runnin’ O’ the Green: 10am, Depot Market Square St. Patrick’s Day Parade: 12pm, downtown Bellingham B-BOARD 27 4pm, throughout Blaine Swedish Pancake Breakfast: 8-11am, Norway Hall Reel Food Film Fest: 3pm, Everson Library FILM 24 FOOD Craft and Antique Show: 10am-5pm, NW Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden MoNA Style: 10am-5pm, Museum of Northwest MUSIC 20 VISUAL ARTS Scott Schuldt Talk: 1pm, Anchor Art Space, Anacortes ART 18 Art, La Conner .0)4[03.x.12] ONSTAGE The Fantasticks: 2pm, MBT’s Walton Theatre Murder at Timber Cove: 8pm, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth GET OUT 14 Gallery STAGE 16 Yvonne Thomas Miller Talk: 1pm, CedarWorks JustinCredible Sideshow: 5pm, 7pm, and 9pm, Bellingham Flea Market DANCE Dance Gallery Spring Concert: 7:30pm, Firehouse Performing Arts Center MUSIC Whatcom Chorale: 3pm, First Congregational Church MacGregor Family Benefit Concert: 7pm, Our CURRENTS 8 Vernon VIEWS 6 The Wizard of Oz: 2pm, McIntyre Hall, Mount WORDS 12 Aida: 2pm, Nooksack Valley School District COMMUNITY Wedding & Quinceanera Expo: 1-4pm, Hamp- MAIL 4 Saviour’s Lutheran Church VISUAL ARTS Anime Convention: 12-6:30pm, Bellingham DO IT 2 ton Inn’s Fox Hall Exhibits (*)4[03.x.12] #11.07 Postal Art Workshop: 1-4pm, Mindport 03.14.12 Public Library Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: 10am and 12:15pm, Mount Baker Theatre WORDS Cara Black: 7pm, Village Books Poetrynight: 8:30pm, Amadeus Project /0 .4[03.y.12] MUSIC Chris Isaak: 7:30pm, Mount Baker Theatre CASCADIA WEEKLY ONSTAGE 3 FOOD 34 thisweek GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 Editor & Publisher: Tim Johnson E ext 260 ô editor@ cascadiaweekly.com Sixteen people died and five more were wounded last Sunday when a rogue Army staff sergeant from Washington’s Lewis-McChord military base walked off a base in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan and began shooting civilians in two nearby villages. The 38-year-old soldier, whose identity is being withheld pending charges, had served three tours of duty in Iraq before arriving in Afghanistan. VIEWS & NEWS Production Art Director: Jesse Kinsman ô jesse@ kinsmancreative.com 10: Last week’s news 11: Police blotter, Index ARTS & LIFE 14: Leaping leprechauns, etc. 16: Hard to swallow 18: Creative cuts WORDS 12 21: The green scene 22: Clubs CURRENTS 8 25: Friends with benefits 26: Film Shorts REAR END Send all advertising materials to [email protected] Advertising Account Executive: Scott Pelton E360-647-8200 x 253 ô spelton@ cascadiaweekly.com Bonnie Bitz E360-647-8200 x 205 ô bonnie@ cascadiaweekly.com Distribution 28: Wellness Letters 30: Advice Goddess Send letters to letters@ cascadiaweekly.com. 31: Crossword DO IT 2 Amy Goodman, P.6 * Paper Cuts, P.18 * Free Will, P.29 c a s c a d i a 32: This Modern World, 33: Slowpoke, Sudoku REPORTING FROM THE HEART OF CASCADIA WHATCOM SKAGIT ISLAND LOWER B.C. {03.14.12}{#11}{V.07}{FREE} Wicked Games The undeniable attraction of CASCADIA WEEKLY #11.07 03.14.12 CHRIS ISAAK 4 34: Fun with quiche Gas Grief: Easy oil’s grim realities, p.8 :: Green Scene: The sounds of St. Patrick’s Day, p.21 Sideshow Alert: Sword swallowing, music and more! P.16 ©2012 CASCADIA WEEKLY (ISSN 1931-3292) is published each Wednesday by Cascadia Newspaper Company LLC. Direct all correspondence to: Cascadia Weekly PO Box 2833 Bellingham WA 98227-2833 | Phone/Fax: 360.647.8200 [email protected] Though Cascadia Weekly is distributed free, please take just one copy. Cascadia Weekly may be distributed only by authorized distributors. Any person removing papers in bulk from our distribution points risks prosecution SUBMISSIONS: Cascadia Weekly welcomes freelance submissions. Send material to either the News Editor or A&E Editor. Manuscripts will be returned if you include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. To be considered for calendar listings, notice of events must be received in writing no later than noon Wednesday the week prior to publication. Photographs should be clearly labeled and will be returned if accompanied by stamped, self-addressed envelope. LETTERS POLICY: Cascadia Weekly reserves the right to edit letters for length and content. 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NEWSPAPER ADVISORY GROUP: Robert Hall, Seth Murphy, Michael Petryni, David Syre STA F F Stefan Hansen ô stefan@ cascadiaweekly.com 29: Free Will Astrology Tom the Dancing Bug L E T T E RS Graphic Artists: Frank Tabbita, JW Land & Associates ô distro@ cascadiaweekly.com 27: Bulletin Board TOC Music & Film Editor: Carey Ross Eext 203 ô music@ cascadiaweekly.com 6: Gristle & Goodman 8: Tough oil mail Arts & Entertainment Editor: Amy Kepferle Eext 204 ô calendar@ cascadiaweekly.com 4: Mailbag 24: Drugs and dick jokes VIEWS 6 Cascadia Weekly: E 360.647.8200 Editorial 20: One sexy singer MAIL 4 Contact COVER: design by Jesse Kinsman JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON COAL It’s not always clear how to contribute to the future we seek. Many of us have watched the debate surrounding the proposed GPT at Cherry Point and wondered how we can fit in, particularly how we can help prevent this project from being implemented in our community. I know that I have. Hosting the nation’s largest coal export facility so close to home contradicts our community’s values of environmental and human health, sustainable economic development and a clean energy future. We each have our own unique reasons to participate in the decisionmaking process of this project and to make sure our voices are heard. On March 20 from 6-8pm at the Bellingham High School Theater, 2020 Cornwall Ave., there will be an informational meeting with members of the Department of Ecology and the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the GPT, relevant railroad projects and the environmental impact scoping process. I invite you all to attend for the chance to have our voices heard and to do our part inensuring that the true cost of the coal in our community is considered. We have a choice. Let’s choose a healthy, clean energy future for our community. —Lauren Currin, Bellingham I was pleasantly surprised to see, in your recent coal article, my old ship MV Indiana Har- bor, downriver from the Blue Water Bridge at Port Huron/Sarnia, just south of the Marysville power plant. Because of limited draft and length on the Great Lakes, she’s carrying only 64,000 tons of coal. The coal, originating in Wyoming, comes from the terminal in Superior, Wis., the largest coal facility on the Great Lakes. Anyone interested in the effects of a coal terminal on the community should contact people in Superior, Wis. From them you’ll get facts, not speculation. —Dick Lovas, Ferndale STOP PADDEN DEVELOPMENT Cluster housing, higher-density neighborhoods and infill to reduce sprawl all are good ideas that Bellingham citizens have worked with the city government to design. But good ideas shoehorned into the wrong locations have no benefits, cause harm and set dangerous precedents for our future growth. The 113 acres Padden Trails wants to develop as a higher-density subdivision on the southern edge of Bellingham is the wrong location. It is isolated, distant from employment and shopping centers and lacks the basic infrastructures that the citizens of Bellingham have said are essential in new development. Padden Trails wants to build 492 units on the end of a half-mile road that borders In- FOOD 34 Join Us For The MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 Grand Finale! ART 18 St. Patrick’s Day, March 17! GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 7ULSOH&DVK3UL] 7ULSOH&DVK3UL]H'UDZLQJV 7 L O & K 3 L] IURPSP²S S IURPSP²SP —Greg McCracken, Bellingham LETTERS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 *UHHQ%HHUDQG'ULQN6SHFLDOV 0DUFKWKIURPSPDP 877.935.9300 5048 MOUNT BAKER HWY, DEMING WA FIND US ONLINE WWW.NOOKSACKCASINO.COM TWITTER.COM/NOOKSACKRCASINO FACEBOOK.COM/NOOKSACKRCASINO Bounce Back Brunch Buffet! 2))6XQGD\0DUFK )URPDP±SP 9 OLG O W 1 N N 5L & L 5 G 9DOLGRQO\DW1RRNVDFN5LYHU&DVLQR5HGHHPDW:LQQHU¶V&OXE%RRWK9DOLG W :L ¶ &O E % WK 9 OLG RQO\8VHRIFRXSRQLPSOLHVDQXQGHUVWDQGLQJDQGDFFHSWDQFHRIDOOUXOHV0DFKLQHPDO IXQFWLRQYRLGVDQ\DVVRFLDWHGUHZDUGV/LPLWRQHFRXSRQSHUSHUVRQ0XVWEH:LQQHUV &OXE0HPEHUWRUHGHHP1RWYDOLGZLWKDQ\RWKHURIIHU0HPEHUDQG\HDUVRIDJHWR UHGHHP0DQDJHPHQWUHVHUYHVDOOULJKWV CURRENTS 8 VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 St Patrick’s Day Party With Sovereign! 03.14.12 ¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ #11.07 With the ongoing discussion on PeaceHealth, I agree PH medical staff provide great care. The big issue is PH’s overpricing, not quality. During last year’s contract impasse, Regence provided data showing PeaceHealth St. Joseph was the most expensive full service hospital in Washington greater than 100 beds for subscribers, paying 27 percent above average. Regence negotiates the lowest rates, so people with other insurers have even higher costs. Above average PH charges include Maternity, Radiology, and Laboratory work. Hospital costs typically account for a third of all health care costs and premiums, so a high-cost hospital significantly impacts Whatcom citizens. PeaceHealth’s Herald ad sidestepped the problem by defending charged/ billed cost comparisons with hospitals, rather than negotiated paid price. It’s like comparing the car sticker prices, rather than the final car cost. With the growing health care crisis, I see teacher coworkers and their families, including my own, financially stressed with high out-of-pocket costs, skyrocketing premiums and wage cuts. I see school staff putting spouses on lowest-coverage catastrophic plans, or dropping coverage for their spouses completely. Adding to this assault, I WORDS 12 NEAR-MONOPOLY LEADS TO OVERPRICING CASCADIA WEEKLY terstate-5. It is almost a mile from the proposed entrance to the nearest bus stop and more than three miles from the nearest grocery store. And because there is only one road to the area, these distances are the best-case scenario; people living further in the development would have even further to go. Nothing about it encourages residents to walk, bike or take public transport. Padden Trails is a car-centric plan, a development that once again would demand residents to depend on their automobiles. This contradicts the city’s legacy statements and strategic commitments adopted by the City Council in 2009, which call for limiting sprawl and reducing dependency on single-occupancy vehicles. It also threatens the health of Padden Creek with its runoff, an affront to another commitment to protect, improve and restore ecological functions and habitat. Padden Trails does nothing for a city that prides itself on protecting the environment. City Council needs to recognize this a bad decision, one that sets a dangerous precedent and takes our growth in the wrong direction. 5 views CASCADIA WEEKLY #11.07 03.14.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 66 VIEWS CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 THE GRISTLE 6 KELLI @ 60: Mayor Kelli Linville delivered a report on her first 60 days in office at Bellingham City Council’s evening session this week, describing proposed organizational changes and and promising a more transparent and responsive city administration. Organizational changes in her office, she said, will save the City of Bellingham $55,000. She sketched the areas she will concentrate on in coming months, including economic development, and a focus on Bellingham’s two waterfronts. “One thing I made a commitment to early on was that I would be committed to leading the administration and the daily operations,” Linville said, noting she would not replace the position of deputy administrator vacated by David Webster. Webster left the city administration earlier this year to direct the Opportunity Council program for early learning and family services. Linville will hire an executive assistant that can help coordinate departments while she handles administrative matters. “I think,” Linville said, “it is important that the mayor, as the manager of the city, do that job herself.” Linville cautioned, “We still face the economic downturn—perhaps it is starting to stabilize, I hope so—but we face different economic times. Without serious decisions about prioritization and how we will pay for things, we will not be able to achieve our goals in the 2013 budget,” she warned. “I believe in fanatic discipline,” she said. “That means in good times we plan for bad times, and in bad times we can weather the storm.” The mayor outlined her thoughts on economic development, which she tied to fostering a vibrant downtown and rededicated efforts to redevelop the city’s central waterfront. Much of this, she said, would be bound into a special chapter in the city’s comprehensive plan. Addressing the waterfront, the mayor warned there were reduced resources moving forward. “I believe we need to focus on environmental cleanup, access and jobs. And I believe the Port of Bellingham also agrees with that,” she said. She predicted that as early as mid-April the council and port commission might meet to craft broad areas of agreement. Linville predicted a development plan for the waterfront district could come before the Bellingham Planning Commission before the end of the year, restarting a stalled public process. But, she cautioned, the public dollars available for the waterfront are diminished in the current economy. Turning her remarks to Lake Whatcom, the mayor observed a lack of action and a similar weakening of partnerships that have delayed water quality improvements. “We have had a lack of cooperation and teamwork on Lake Whatcom,” she admitted. “I think it is important that this is a shared plan and a shared responsibility in funding.” The mayor pledged the creation of a project manager position for the Lake Whatcom reservoir. “When you don’t have that coordination, you have a lot of activities happening,” she said. “Unfortunately, sometimes these are redundant; sometimes we have gaps.” Continuing the topic of repairing eroded relationships, Linville pivoted to the unified Emergency Medi- OPI N IONS T H E G R IST L E BY AMY GOODMAN Fallout Bailout THE BIPARTISAN NUCLEAR AGREEMENT ONE YEAR ago, on March 11, 2011, the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami hit the northeast coast of Japan, causing more than 15,000 deaths, with 3,000 more missing and thousands of injuries. Japan is still reeling from the devastation—environmentally, economically, socially and politically. Naoto Kan, Japan’s prime minister at the time, said last July, “We will aim to bring about a society that can exist without nuclear power.” He resigned in August after shutting down production at several power plants. He said that another catastrophe could force the mass evacuation of Tokyo, and even threaten “Japan’s very existence.” Only two of the 54 Japanese power plants that were online at the time of the Fukushima disaster are currently producing power. Kan’s successor, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, supports nuclear power, but faces growing public opposition to it. This stands in stark contrast to the United States. Just about a year before Fukushima, President Obama announced $8 billion in loan guarantees to the Southern Company, the largest energy producer in the southeastern United States, for the construction of two new nuclear power plants in Waynesboro, Ga., at the Vogtle power plant, on the South Carolina border. Since the 1979 nuclear accident at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, and then the catastrophe at Chernobyl in 1986, there have been no new nuclear power plants built in the United States. The 104 existing nuclear plants are all increasing in age, many nearing their originally slated life expectancy of 40 years. Political differences aside, Democrats and Republicans agree on one thing: They’re going to force nuclear power on the public, despite the astronomically high risks, both financial and environmental. While campaigning for president in 2008, Barack Obama promised that nuclear power would remain part of the United State’s “energy mix.” His chief adviser, David Axelrod, had consulted in the past for Illinois energy company ComEd, a subsidiary of Exelon, a major nuclear-energy producer. Obama’s former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel played a key role in the formation of Exelon. In the past four years, Exelon employees have contributed more than $244,000 to the Obama campaign—and that is not counting any soft-money contributions to PACs, or direct, corporate contributions to the new super PACs. Lamented by many for breaking key campaign promises (like closing Guantanamo, or accepting super PAC money), President Obama is fulfilling his promise to push nuclear power. That is why several groups sued the Nuclear Regulatory Commission last month. The NRC granted approval to the Southern Company to build the new reactors at the Vogtle plant de- VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF CASCADIA WEEKLY spite a no vote from the NRC chair, Gregory Jaczko. He objected to the licenses over the absence of guarantees to implement recommendations made following the Japanese disaster. Jaczko said, “I cannot support issuing this license as if Fukushima never happened.” Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, one of the plaintiffs in the suit against the NRC, explained how advocates for nuclear power “distort market forces,” since private investors simply don’t want to touch nuclear: “They’ve asked the federal government for loan guarantees to support the project, and they have not revealed the terms of that loan guarantee... it’s socializing the risk and privatizing the profits.” The Nuclear Information and Resource Service, noting the ongoing Republican attack on President Obama’s loan guarantee to the failed solar power company Solyndra, said, “The potential for taxpayer losses that would dwarf the Solyndra debacle is extraordinarily high... this loan would be 15 times larger than the Solyndra loan, and is probably 50 times riskier.” As long as our politicians dance to the tune of their donors, the threat of nuclear disaster will never be far off. Amy Goodman is the host of “Democracy Now!,” a daily international TV/radio news hour airing on more than 1,000 stations in North America. Denis Moynihan contributed research to this column. B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 CHAMPIONSHIP C TICKETS START AT VS. A NN S ANDY MARVO 5IF6MUJNBUF(JSMT/JHIU0VU FRI, APR 20 & SAT, APR 21 1.t5JDLFUT $30 EXPERIENCEEVERYTHING 24/7 ACTION SilverReefCasino.com (866) 383-0777 *&YJUt.JO8FTUt)BYUPO8BZBU4MBUFS3PBE Bouts subject to change. Management reserves all rights. ©2012 Silver Reef Casino VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 CHIPPENDALES DO IT 2 &WFS Z'SJEBZBU1. 03.14.12 NOW thru MAR 30 #11.07 8JOBXFFLMPOHHFUBXBZGPSUXPUP)BXBJJ Z GPS UXP UP)BXBJJ OJHIUEBZUSJQJODMVEFTBJSGBSFBOEIPUFM UFM CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 Available A ili bl att TTh The h G Gift ifft ft SShop h 39.50 ADRIAN HERM GET OUT 14 SAT MARCH 31st 7PM ST SU P E R N O R T H W EW E IG H T M ID D L E SH IP C H A M P IO N STAGE 16 ART 18 BOXING MUSIC 20 LLive Professional CASCADIA WEEKLY cal Services program jointly managed by the city and county. Whatcom County Council, alarmed by rising costs in medical aid units, proposed sunsetting the joint program as early as 2013. “I believe that the best thing we can do is keep our EMS unified,” she said. “I think it is better fiscally, and I think it is better for service delivery.” Linville said she and Whatcom County Executive Jack Louws have reestablished the working group dedicated to EMS and have revived discussion of the components of a sustainable unified systems and the associated costs. She is focused on keeping the system together rather than planning around a broken system. “I choose not to put any energy into that [split] right now,” she said. “Sometime in April I hope we’ll determine whether we’re moving forward together, or if we’re not going to be able to do that. Everything to me says we are moving forward.” Continuing to unwind some policies of the previous administration, Linville said she will champion a comprehensive strategy to create a capital facilities plan. Stalled efforts to construct a new public library led instead to a plan for capital facilities focused on maintaining, rather than expanding, public assets. Linville pledged to complete the multi-million dollar Post Point wastewater treatment expansion and redouble efforts to repair aging water and sewer systems. “We need to make sure we are investing in our infrastructure, we need to review or establish a strategy for comprehensive implementation of a capital facilities plan,” she said. “There are a lot of things that we can fix, and I think that is what we need to do. The library strategic plan, she said, is a further example of strategic partnering. “When we had talked about hiring a consultant to help the library complete their plan, I wondered if there was another way to do it that wouldn’t cost us $30,000 or $40,000,” Linville said. She said the library director had found staff at Western Washington University willing to develop a plan focused on providing additional library services. “I think that’s the kind of creativity and cost-effectiveness that we need to see all through City Hall,” she asserted. She summed up her administrative goals by thanking City Council: “We’re always going to have fair and respectful interactions. We are going to be open and transparent in our process, and we are going to be a responsible and accountable government.” FOOD 34 THE GRISTLE 7 B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 currents P OL I T ICS F U ZZ BU ZZ CASCADIA WEEKLY #11.07 03.14.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 NEW WS S 8 BY MICHAEL T. KLARE A TOUGH ACT TO FOLLOW WHY HIGH GAS PRICES ARE HERE TO STAY OIL PRICES are now higher than they have ever been— except for a few frenzied moments before the global economic meltdown of 2008. Many immediate factors are contributing to this surge, including Iran’s threats to block oil shipping in the Persian Gulf, fears of a new Middle Eastern war, and turmoil in energy-rich Nigeria. Some of these pressures could ease in the months ahead, providing temporary relief at the gas pump. But the principal cause of higher prices—a fundamental shift in the structure of the oil industry—cannot be reversed, and so oil prices are destined to remain high for a long time to come. In energy terms, we are now entering a world whose grim nature has yet to be fully grasped. This pivotal shift has been brought I N DE X about by the disappearance of relatively acab cessible and inexpensive petroleum—“easy ce oil,” in the parlance of industry analysts; in oil other words, the kind of oil that powered a ot staggering expansion of global wealth over sta the past 65 years and the creation of endless th car-oriented suburban communities. This oil ca is now nearly gone. The world still harbors large reserves of petroleum, but these are of the hard-to-reach, tro hard-to-refine, “tough oil” variety. From now ha on, every barrel we consume will be more on costly to extract, more costly to refine—and co so more expensive at the gas pump. Those who claim that the world remains “awash” in oil are technically correct: the “aw planet still harbors vast reserves of petropla leu leum. But propagandists for the oil industry usually fail to emphasize that not all oil res reservoirs are alike: some are located close to the surface or near to shore, and are co contained in soft, porous rock; others are loc located deep underground, far offshore, or tra trapped in unyielding rock formations. The fo former sites are relatively easy to exploit an and yield a liquid fuel that can readily be refin fined into usable liquids; the latter can only be exploited through costly, environmenta tally hazardous techniques, and often result in a product that must be heavily processed be before refining can even begin. The simple truth of the matter is this: mo most of the world’s easy reserves have alrea ready been depleted—except for those in wa war-torn countries like Iraq. Virtually all of the oil that’s left is contained in harderto-reach, tougher reserves. These include deep-offshore oil, Arctic oil, and shale oil, along with Canadian “oil sands”—which are not composed of oil at all, but of mud, sand, and tar-like bitumen. So-called unconventional reserves of these types can be exploited, but often at a staggering price, not just in dollars but also in damage to the environment. DEEPWATER OIL Oil companies have been drilling in offshore areas for some time, especially in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caspian Sea. Until recently, however, such endeavors invariably took place in relatively shallow waters—a few hundred feet, at most—allowing oil companies to use conventional drills mounted on extended piers. Deepwater drilling, in depths exceeding 1,000 feet, is an entirely different matter. It requires specialized, sophisticated and immensely costly drilling platforms that can run into the billions of dollars to produce. The Deepwater Horizon, destroyed in April 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico as a result of a catastrophic blowout, is typical enough of this phenomenon. The vessel was built in 2001 for some $500 million, and cost about $1 million per day to staff and maintain. Partly as a result of these high costs, BP was in a hurry to finish work on its ill-fated Macondo well and move the Deepwater Horizon to another drilling location. Such financial considerations, many analysts believe, explain the haste with which the vessel’s crew sealed the well— leading to a leakage of explosive gases into the wellbore and the resulting blast. BP will now have to pay somewhere in excess of $30 billion to satisfy all the claims for the damage done by its massive oil spill. Following the disaster, the Obama administration imposed a temporary ban on deepoffshore drilling. Barely two years later, drilling in the Gulf’s deep waters is back to pre-disaster levels. President Obama has also signed an agreement with Mexico allowing drilling in the deepest part of the Gulf, along the U.S.-Mexican maritime boundary. Meanwhile, deepwater drilling is picking up speed elsewhere. Brazil, for example, is moving to exploit its “pre-salt” fields (so-called because they lie below a layer of shifting salt) in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean far off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. New offshore fields are similarly being developed in deep waters off Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. By 2020, says energy analyst John Westwood, such deepwater fields will supply 10 percent of the world’s oil, up from only 1 percent in 1995. But that added production will not come cheaply: most of these new fields will cost tens or hundreds of billions of dollars to develop, and will only prove profitable as long as oil continues to sell for $90 or more per barrel. Arctic Oil The Arctic is expected to provide a significant share of the world’s future oil supply. Until recently, production in the far north has been very limited. Other than in the Prudhoe Bay area of Alaska and a number of fields in Siberia, the major companies have largely shunned the region. But now, seeing few other options, they are preparing for major forays into a melting Arctic. From any perspective, the Arctic is the last place you want to go to drill for oil. Storms are frequent, and winter temperatures plunge far below freezing. Most ordinary equipment will not operate under these conditions. Specialized (and costly) replacements are necessary. Working crews cannot live in the region for long. Most basic supplies—food, fuel, construction materials— must be brought in from thousands of miles away at phenomenal cost. OIL, CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 509 S 1ST STREET • MOUNT VERNON, WA FOR CLASS RESERVATIONS CALL: (360) 336-8747 WORDS 12 FORACOMPLETESCHEDULEWITHMENUSANDADDITIONALCLASSESGOTO: www.gretchenskitchen.com CURRENTS 8 Wine Tasting, Northwest Gems Tapas Nuevas Vietnam Pho and Banh mi Easter Brunch Pacific Northwest Cuisine Italian-Influenced Small Plates Indian Cuisine Latin American Cooking VIEWS 6 The Lightcatcher at the corner of Grand & Flora. Open noon-5, Tuesday – Sunday | www.whatcommuseum.org March 15th March 19th March 22nd March 23rd March 26th March 29th April 4th April 9th MAIL 4 Clay meets modern life in Israel. Astonishing art ensues. Upcoming Classes DO IT 2 OPENING SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 03.14.12 Contemporary Ceramics in Israel Learn about cuisines from around the world and close to home from our talented chefs and culinary experts. Classes include a cooking demonstration and samples of featured dishes served with wine. #11.07 From the M E LT I N G P O T into the F I R E Celebrate your love of cooking! CASCADIA WEEKLY THROW C 9 currents ›› last week’s news The W FILM 24 LAST WEEK’S NEWS MARCH07-12 ART 18 MUSIC 20 BY TIM JOHNSON DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 The Bellingham High School Alumni Band will march in its final parade at Ski-to-Sea this March, the organization announced. The band has marched in numerous parades, but now will only play concerts. The band was formed in 1998 to carry on the memory of the Bellingham High School Band while the school was closed for a two-year remodel. 03.~.12 WEDNESDAY Taggers target Western Washington University. The university's paint shop offers a $250 reward for information that leads to successful prosecution or disciplinary action for those involved with an unprecedented streak of graffiti. Vandals have been targeting the university's outdoor sculpture collection, as well as buses and buildings. Last year, graffiti damage cost the university nearly $32,000. 03..12 THURSDAY Gov. Chris Gregoire calls for a special session as the Washington state Legislature adjourns without passing a supplemental budget plan. Her announcement comes minutes before the midnight deadline to officially close out the regular 60-day legislative session. The Washington state Legislature does manage to pass a supplemental transportation budget with $57 million in new spending paid for by increased fees for drivers. House Bill 2190 passes 85-13 in the House after earlier passing the Senate and goes next to the governor for consideration. The new money in the two-year, $9.8 billion budget approved last year is a far cry from the $3.6 billion increase in transportation funding over the next decade that the governor called for in January. The Washington State Liquor Control Board launches an online public auction to sell rights to a major liquor license. Successful bidders will have the exclusive right to sell spirits at 167 locations less than the 10,000 square feet threshold established by Initiative 1183. Minimum bid is $1,000 per store. The online auction closes April 20. The Washington State Supreme Court finds local ballot initiatives cannot block the installation of traffic cameras. The 5-4 ruling concludes that the authority to install the cameras can lie only with city governments. The decision came after voters in Mukilteo supported a ballot measure banning the cameras. Bellingham supported a similar initiative. The court will decide later this month whether Bellingham’s effort merits further consideration. 03.xx.12 SUNDAY A Western Washington University student is recovering after being hospitalized for a blood infection caused by meningococcal pneumonia. The bacterial infection is contagious and fatal in approximately 12 percent of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Western has not had another case identified in the past decade. Rep. Jay Inslee resigns from Congress to focus full-time on running for governor of Washington. The Democrat is in his eighth term representing a Seattle-area district in the House. Inslee's 1st District seat will remain vacant until a new representative is elected in November. 03.xy.12 MONDAY Bellingham City Council authorizes the purchase of 47.5 acres in the Lake Whatcom watershed for $2.2 million, borrowing from the fund used to purchase the city’s fleet of vehicles. The purchase is one of last remaining large purchases of developable land offered to the city. Add Samish Bay to the list of areas closed for commercial and recreational shellfish harvests. A fast rise in river levels floods the bay with high fecal coliform levels, the Washington State Department of Health finds. Harvest areas in Whatcom County continue to be closed to harvests. CASCADIA WEEKLY #11.07 03.14.12 )*-/#2 ./ +.." . Wa at s B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 t k h e e 10 RESTAURANT X RETAIL X CATERING % $ &#& $ &# # " #&""" "! 100 N. Commercial St. next to Mount Baker Theatre X 360-594-6000 X bellinghampasta.com index On March 3, Anacortes Police arrested a 31-year-old woman after she violated the terms of a domestic violence protection order by having contact with her husband in her motel room. Police responded to reports of a quarrel in the room. No assault had occurred, but the woman was extremely intoxicated and she kicked at officers while being placed under arrest. The woman was handcuffed and hobbled and had to be carried down the stairs to a police car. On March 5, Anacortes Police returned to arrest the same 31-year-old woman after she once again violated the terms of a domestic violence no-contact order. The order prohibited the woman from being in the room or having contact with her husband, who had rented the room. She was again booked into jail. PUNCHY DRUNKS On March 10, police arrived to help boot a customer from a tavern on East Holly in downtown Bellingham. The 25-year-old left the tavern when asked. Outside, he turned and attacked the officer. “The suspect approached the officer and attempted to punch him in the face,” police reported. “There was a glancing blow from the suspect to the officer’s face. No injuries were reported, however, and the suspect was taken into custody.” He was booked on charges of trespass and assault. On March 11, a Bellingham bike patrol officer spotted a few people drinking booze in Maritime Heritage Park. When approached, one of the men began pacing and acting aggressively. The officer unholstered his taser and the 33-year-old calmed his behavior. The patrol officer walked the man up the hill to the nearby jail and booked him for obstruction. OLD GENT JUNK LORD, PASS OVER THIS HOME On March 6, Bellingham Police searched for an elderly man who reportedly exposed himself in Happy Valley. On March 5, a Sunnyland neighbor awoke to find a strange symbol painted on his front storm door. “The same symbol was painted at other locations and its meaning On March 6, Bellingham Police arrested a 42-year-old who was exposing himself on Lakeway Drive. FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 EIGHT of the 100 richest people in the world live in Washington state, including seven of the top 50 richest people. Forbes magazine’s annual list includes Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. xyy} ¹y NUMBER of the world’s billionaires, up AMOUNT of money Bill Gates has donated from 140 just 25 years ago. or given away, in billions, earning him the top slot in Forbes’ list of most generous people. ¹{} NET worth of the world’s billionaires, in trillions of dollars. xzxx WORDS 12 On March 12, Bellingham Police checked on a resident on Chuckanut Drive at the request of the crisis line. CURRENTS 8 On March 12, Bellingham Police took a Birchwood resident to the emergency room for a mental health evaluation after learning of a suicide threat. VIEWS 6 On March 8, Bellingham Police responded to a reported drug overdose at the Aloha Motel on Samish Way. A woman reported her husband had taken a bunch of his pills and her pills while drinking alcohol. Police eventually learned the woman was just annoyed that her husband wanted to go to a tavern. On March 12, Bellingham Police took a Maplewood resident to the emergency room for a mental health examination following a reported crisis. MAIL 4 On March 6, a man told Bellingham Police that his friend had “freaked out and broken two windows” in her room at the Lion’s Inn Motel. He said she was upset because he wouldn’t get her a beer. On March 12, Bellingham Police checked on a resident near Meridian Street who had made comments that alarmed a dispatcher monitoring the city’s crisis line. DO IT 2 BEREFT OF A MINI-BAR On March 12, Bellingham Police took a woman to the hospital for a mental health evaluation after the woman told a crisis line dispatcher she was planning suicide. 03.14.12 On March 2, Blaine Police broke up a loud argument over shrubbery. Officers learned, “Party A had thought his neighbor was going to prune a couple of trees along a nearby property line. Party B thought everyone had agreed that he would cut down the trees, and that's what he had done. Loud displeasure ensued,” police reported. It eventually dawned on officers that the two severed 7-foot trees had actually been growing on city park property. “Party A was still sad that the trees were gone,” police noted. ”Party B was even more sad to realize his mistake was going to have to be reviewed by the the Parks Department and prosecutor.” On March 12, Bellingham Police took a resident near Whatcom Falls Park into protective custody after they determined he posed a threat to himself and his mother. He was transported to the emergency room for a mental health exam after an attempt at suicide. He was noncompliant with officers and ER staff, police reported. #11.07 SHRUB FLUB ONE OF THOSE DAYS NUMBER of stairs Seattle-area firefighters climbed in the Columbia Center last weekend to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma research. The 69-floor climb is the world's largest firefighter stairclimb. x~y{ NUMBER of seniors in Whatcom County who received a benefit from changes to health care law in 2011. Residents received more than $1 million in prescription drug discounts through an adjustment in Medicare. SOURCE: Forbes; Associated Press; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services CASCADIA WEEKLY FUZZ BUZZ is unknown,” Bellingham Police reported. 11 doit currents ›› oil CASCADIA WEEKLY #11.07 03.14.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT12 14 WORDS STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 WOR DS 12 WED., MARCH 14 OIL, F ROM PAGE 8 But the Arctic has its attractions: billions of barrels of untapped oil, to be exact. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the area north of the Arctic Circle, with just 6 percent of the planet’s surface, contains an estimated 13 percemt of its remaining oil (and an even larger share of its undeveloped natural gas)—numbers no other region can match. With few other places left to go, the major energy firms are now gearing up for an energy rush to exploit the Arctic’s riches. As with all such extreme energy scenarios, increased production in the Arctic will significantly boost oil company operating costs. Shell, for example, has already spent $4 billion alone on preparations for test drilling in offshore Alaska, without producing a single barrel of oil. Full-scale development in this ecologically fragile region, fiercely opposed by environmentalists and local Native peoples, will multiply this figure many times over. Tar Sands and Heavy Oil Another significant share of the world’s future petroleum supply is expected to come from Canadian tar sands (also called “oil sands”) and the extra-heavy oil of Venezuela. Neither of these is oil as normally understood. Not being liquid in their natural state, they cannot be extracted by traditional drilling materials, but they do exist in great abundance. According to the USGS, Canada’s tar sands contain the equivalent of 1.7 trillion barrels of conventional (liquid) oil, while Venezuela’s heavy oil deposits are said to harbor another trillion barrels of oil equivalent—although not all of this material is considered “recoverable” with existing technology. Those who claim the Petroleum Age is far from over often point to these reserves as evidence that the world can still draw on immense supplies of untapped fossil fuels. And it is certainly conceivable that, with the application of advanced technologies and a total indifference to environmental consequences, these resources will indeed be harvested. But easy oil this is not. Until now, Canada’s tar sands have been obtained through a process akin to strip mining, utilizing monster shovels to pry a mixture of sand and bitumen out of the ground. But most of the near-surface bitumen in the tar-sandsrich province of Alberta has now been exhausted, which means all future ex- traction will require a far more complex and costly process. Steam will have to be injected into deeper concentrations to melt the bitumen and allow its recovery by massive pumps. This requires a colossal investment of infrastructure and energy, as well as the construction of treatment facilities for all the resulting toxic wastes. According to the Canadian Energy Research Institute, the full development of Alberta’s oil sands would require a minimum investment of $218 billion over the next 25 years, not including the cost of building pipelines to the United States (such as the proposed Keystone XL) for processing in U.S. refineries. The development of Venezuela’s heavy oil will require investment on a comparable scale. The Orinoco belt, an especially dense concentration of heavy oil adjoining the Orinoco River, is believed to contain recoverable reserves of 513 billion barrels of oil—perhaps the larg- “One thing is clear, the era of easy oil is over. New energy discoveries are mainly occurring in places where resources are difficult to extract, physically, economically, and even politically.” — David O'Reilly, CEO of Chevron est source of untapped petroleum on the planet. But converting this molasseslike form of bitumen into a useable liquid fuel far exceeds the technical capacity or financial resources of the state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. Accordingly, it is now seeking foreign partners willing to invest the $10-$20 billion needed just to build the necessary facilities. The Hidden Costs Tough-oil reserves like these will provide most of the world’s new oil in the years ahead. One thing is clear: even if they can replace easy oil in our lives, the cost of everything oil-related— whether at the gas pump, in oil-based products, in fertilizers, in just about every nook and cranny of our lives—is going to rise. Get used to it. If things proceed as presently planned, we will be in hock to big oil for decades to come. And those are only the most obvious costs in a situation in which hidden costs abound, especially to the environment. As with the Deepwater Horizon disaster, oil extraction in deep-offshore areas and other extreme geographical locations will ensure ever greater environmental risks. After all, approximately five million gallons of oil were discharged into the Gulf of Mexico, thanks to BP’s negligence, causing extensive damage to marine animals and coastal habitats. Keep in mind that, as catastrophic as it was, it occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, where vast cleanup forces could be mobilized and the ecosystem’s natural recovery capacity was relatively robust. The Arctic and Greenland represent a different story altogether, given their distance from established recovery capabilities and the extreme vulnerability of their ecosystems. Efforts to restore such areas in the wake of massive oil spills would cost many times the $30$40 billion BP is expected to pay for the Deepwater Horizon damage and be far less effective. In addition to all this, many of the most promising tough-oil fields lie in Russia, the Caspian Sea basin, and conflict-prone areas of Africa. To operate in these areas, oil companies will be faced not only with the predictably high costs of extraction, but also additional costs involving local systems of bribery and extortion, sabotage by guerrilla groups, and the consequences of civil conflict. And don’t forget the final cost: If all these barrels of oil and oil-like substances are truly produced from the least inviting of places on this planet, then for decades to come we will continue to massively burn fossil fuels, creating ever more greenhouse gases as if there were no tomorrow. And here’s the sad truth: if we proceed down the tough-oil path instead of investing as massively in alternative energies, we may foreclose any hope of averting the most catastrophic consequences of a hotter and more turbulent planet. So yes, there is oil out there. But no, it won’t get cheaper, no matter how much there is. And yes, the oil companies can get it, but looked at realistically, who would want it? OPEN MIC: The Chuckanut Sandstone Writers Theatre hosts an Open Mic for those who want to read their written words at 7pm at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center Café, 1314 Harris Ave. 734-2776 THURS., MARCH 15 BOYNTON POE TRY CONTEST: Submissions will be accepted through March 31 for the 7th annual Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest. All residents of Whatcom County are welcome to participate, regardless of age or experience. Read more about the guidelines at the website listed below. WWW.BOYNTONPOETRYCONTEST.WORDPRESS. COM FRI., MARCH 16 FAMILY STORY NIGHT: Members of the Bellingham Storyteller’s Guild will share tales for all ages at Family Story Night at 7pm at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. Entry is free. 778-7188 WRECK ING CREW: Author and music business insider Kent Hartman reads from his book The Wrecking Crew: The Inside Story of Rock & Roll’s Best Kept Secret at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. WWW.VILLAGEBOOKS.COM SAT., MARCH 17 BIRD ENCHANTMENT: As part of the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival, author, biologist and radio producer Dick Canning will speak about “An Enchantment of Birds” (based on his book of the same name) at 5pm at the Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H St. Entry is free. WWW.BLAINECHAMBER.COM INSAT IABLE CLOUD: Entrepreneur and inventor M.A. Farrell shares ideas from his book, The Insatiable Cloud: How Wall Street and Washington Broke Capitalism, at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. 671-2626 MARCH 17-18 POE TRY WORK SHOP: Wordsmith Paul Hunter leads a “Farming the Arts” poetry workshop from 10am-3pm Sat.-Sun. at Bow’s Harmony Fields, 7465 Thomas Rd. Cost is $45. WWW.HFPRODUCE.COM SUN., MARCH 18 WONDER AND WILDERNESS: LiDona Wagner shares images and ideas from Pilgrimage: Wonder, Encounter, Witness at 2pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. The book includes a visual and verbal record of her multi-decade quest throughout the world. WWW.VILLAGEBOOKS.COM MON., MARCH 19 MURDER AND MYSTERY: Cara Black reads from her latest Aimee Leduc mystery, Murder at the Lanterne Rouge, at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. 671-2626 POE TRYNIGHT: Read your original verse at poetrynight at 8:30pm at the Amadeus Project, 1209 Cornwall Ave. Sign-ups start at 8pm. WWW.POETRYNIGHT.ORG Michael T. Klare is professor of Peace and World Security Studies at Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass. His newest book is The Race for What’s Left: The Global Scramble for the World’s Last Resources. TUES., MARCH 20 LIFE CHOICES: Linda Weber explores the historical and spiritual aspects of abortion when she reads from Life Choices at 7pm at Village WWW.SKAGITHRF.WORDPRESS.COM FRI., MARCH 16 RAILWAY TALK: Mark Miller leads a presentation on “An Amtrak Journey from NYC/MSG to SEA” at 7pm at the Bellingham Railway Museum, 1320 Commercial St. WWW.BELLINGHAMRAILWAYMUSEUM.ORG SAT., MARCH 17 WOMEN VOTERS MEE T ING: The League of Women Voters will host a general meeting focusing on “Privatization as Public Policy” from 9am-12pm at the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave. Speakers include Nora Leach and Gene Knutson. WWW.LWVBELLINGHAMWHATCOM.ORG ANT IQUES EVALUAT ION: Skilled evaluators will review your items and tell you their value and history at an “Antiques and Collectibles Evaluation” event from 11am-4pm at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck St. Entry is $6 per item or $15 for three. Felony, Misdemeanor, Infraction, DUI, Assault, Drug & Sex Cases. Law Offices of Alexander Ransom (360) 392-8377 www.ransom-lawfirm.com FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 HUMAN RIGHTS TALK: As part of the Skagit Human Rights Festival, attend a talk on “Civil Liberties and E-Verify” at 7pm at the Skagit Valley College’s Phillip Tarro Theatre. Entry is free and other discussions take place Thursdays throughout March. FILM 24 THURS., MARCH 15 MUSIC 20 COM M U N I T Y ART 18 WWW.VILLAGEBOOKS.COM STAGE 16 You Need Someone Who Understands the Law… Books, 1200 11th St. GET OUT12 14 WORDS doit WEDDING, QUINCEANERA EXPO: Meet more than 40 vendors and enjoy music, door prizes, food and cake tasting and much more at a Wedding and Quinceanera Expo from 1-4pm at Hampton Inn’s Fox Hall, 3985 Bennett Dr. Entry will be $5 at the door. WWW.NWSPECTACULAREVENTS.COM CO-HOUSING OPEN HOUSE: Learn more about the McKenzie Green Commons at an Open House from 2-4pm at 1506 McKenzie Ave. CURRENTS 8 VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 SUN., MARCH 18 03.14.12 WWW.BELLINGHHAMROLLERBETTIES.COM #11.07 WWW.WHATCOMMUSEUM.ORG ROLLER BE T T IES: Get in on the action when the Bellingham Roller Betties host their second bouts of the season at 5pm at Whatcom Community College’s Orca Pavilion, 237 W. Kellogg Rd. Entry is $6-$14 (kids 5 and under are free. WORDS 12 733-4030 FAMILY AC T IVIT Y DAY: Leap into spring at a “Going Green!” Family Activity Day from 12-4pm at the Whatcom Museum’s FIG Gallery, 250 Flora St. In addition to photography art, there’ll be collage making, performances by the Clan Heather Dancers and tours of the museum’s green energy rooftop garden. Entry is $3. 733-6173 CASCADIA WEEKLY WWW.MCKENZIEGREENCOMMONS.ORG BACKGAMMON TOURNE Y: The Bellingham Backgammon Association offers up its monthly match play starting at 6:30pm at Pacific Martial Arts, 1308 N. State St. Cost is $15. MON., MARCH 19 ROCK S & GEMS: All are invited to the monthly meeting of the Mt. Baker Rock & Gem Club at 7pm at the Bloedel Donovan Community Building, 2214 Electric Ave. 739-0769 OR WWW.MTBAKERROCKCLUB.ORG 13 FOOD 34 Get out B-BOARD 27 H I K I NG RU N N I NG C YCL I NG THURS., MARCH 15 FITNESS FORUM: Physical therapist and coach Daryl Smith leads a free Fitness Forum focused on “Staying Injury Free” at 7:15pm at Fairhaven Runners, 1209 11th St. You’ll leave with knowledge and ideas on how to optimize your strength, flexibility, range of motion and biomechanics. WWW.FAIRHAVENRUNNERS.COM VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS GET OUT12 14 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 FRI., MARCH 16 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 03.14.12 #11.07 CASCADIA WEEKLY 14 SK I I NG doit BY AMY KEPFERLE Going Green HOW TO SPEND ST. PATRICK’S DAY FOR SOME, St. Patrick’s Day is simply an excuse to belly up to the bar and ask the resident leprechaun for a stiff Irish whiskey with a green beer chaser. While that’s all well and good, perhaps you’d like to spend the holiday—and part of the last weekend of winter—doing something a little more active (at least until later in the day). Following are a few suggestions. Don’t forget to don your kilt along with your seasonal snow gear for the inaugural Snowshoe Fest happening at Mt. Baker’s Silver Fir Campground today. In addition to hosting a variety of fun runs, the folks at Whatcom Events will also provide demos on everything from necessary gear to snow cave-making as well as oversee treasure hunts, avalanche awareness presentations, games of Tug-of-War, sledding sojourns and much more. And if you show up in St. Patrick’s Day attire, you’ll be all the luckier, as those who give nod to the celebratory nature of the day will be entered into a separate raffle to win a variety of prizes. When: 10am-2pm Sat., March 17. Where: Silver Fir Campground, Mt. Baker, milepost 47. Cost: Free (fun runs are $5). Info: www.snowshoewhatcom.com Get the family in on the festivities when the annual Runnin’ O the Green kicks off in downtown Bellingham. With divisions in every age range—from 10 and younger to 70-plus—you can bring along both the kids and the grandparents. While the wearing of green isn’t a dealbreaker, those taking part in either the 2.7 or 5-mile races are encouraged to don the requisite colors to get in on the fun. By the way, if you’ve taken part in this race before, you should know the starting line and routes, have changed this year so as to better align with the Paddy’s Day parade, which you shoul be able to get to with time to spare. When: 10am Sat., March 17. Where: Depot Market Square, downtown Bellingham. Cost: $20. Info: www.cob.org In the past two years, the Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade happened near the shamrockthemed holiday, but didn’t coincide directly with the big event. This year, the stars have aligned and those who choose to join the roster of celebrants will be doing so on Paddy’s Day proper. Led by a grand marshal—Mayor Kelli Linville—the line of those taking part will include everyone from the Yogoman Burning Band to a variety of outdoor entities, businesses, clubs, nonprofits, civic organizations, schools, musical groups and more. And, since it’s free and open to all, it’s not too late to get involved. The volunteer-led organization is helmed, per usual, by Boundary Bay Brewery’s Janet Lightner, who notes the parade is meant to give nod to local law enforcement and safety personnel. “It’s also about celebrating the great businesses, organizations and people who make this community so special,” she says. Additionally, she notes the annual event is going green in a variety of ways, including encouraging participants to use alternative sources of energy for their floats, recycling debris that gets left behind and sourcing costumes from one of Bellingham’s many thrift stores. And, just in case you’re wondering, by the time the parade is over, the beer will indeed be flowing. When: 12pm Sat., March 17. Where: The parade begins at the corner of Cornwall Avenue and Ohio Street and continues through downtown, ending at the parking lot at the Northeast corner of E. Maple Street and Cornwall Avenue. Info: www. stpatsbham.com NATURE BABIES: Kids, adults and adventurers can join Wild Whatcom Walks for Nature Babies excursions from 9:3011am every Friday in March at Whatcom Falls Park. Suggested donation is $5. WWW.WILDWHATCOM.ORG SAT., MARCH 17 DONUT RIDE: At 7am every Saturday through September, meet with members of the Mount Baker Bike Club for a “Donut Ride” of anywhere from 25 to 45 miles leaving from Kulshan Cycles, 100 E. Chestnut St. Additional rides happen throughout the week. WWW.MTBAKERBIKECLUB.ORG CHUCK ANUT 50K: Registration is now closed for the Chuckanut 50k, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cheer on participants along the route, which begins and ends at Fairhaven Park. WWW.WEB.ME.COM WORK PART Y: Join the Whatcom Land Trust and the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Group for a work party from 9am-12pm along the North Fork of the Nooksack River. Go to the website listed below for driving directions. WWW.WHATCOMLANDTRUST.ORG TRACKING CLUB: Head to the Snoqualmie River Valley for the monthly Tracking Club from 9am-12pm starting at the Wilderness Awareness School office. Dress for a morning outside and be sure to bring a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Cost is $5. WWW.WILDERNESSAWARENESS.ORG TREE SALE: The Whatcom County Farm Forestry Association hosts its annual Tree Sale from 10am-12pm at Lynden’s Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, 1775 Front St. Fourteen species of conifer seedlings will be available for 85 cents each (seedlings are two years old). WWW.WAFARMFORESTRY.COM WINGS OVER WATER: The 10th annual Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival takes place from 10am-5pm at a variety of venues in Blaine. In addition to guided field trips, there’ll be presentations, wildlife exhibits, cruises on the historic Plover Ferry, a talk by biologist and author Dick Canning, art and much, much more. Most events are free. WWW.BLAINECHAMBER.COM MON., MARCH 19 BIKE BASICS: Learn how to change a flat tire, deal with minor repairs and more at a “Bike Maintenance Basics” clinic at 6pm at REI, 400 36th St. Space is limited, so register in advance for the free workshop. 647-8955 OR WWW.REI.COM TUES., MARCH 20 SOCIAL RIDE: Join the Mt. Baker Bike Club for a Social Ride every Tuesday doit Celebrate St Patty’s w/Us March 17 4:30pm James x 2/ 7:30pm Piurt na Gael 671-6910 OR WWW.MTBAKERBIKECLUB. “From Seed to Plate” 1317 commercial st 360.734.1071 VIEWS 6 starting at 10am at Ferndale’s Pioneer Park. The 30- to 40-mile ride is chosen based on where the riders want to regroup for lunch. brandywine kitchen MAIL 4 Horticulturist Derek Duffy will dig deep into gardening particulars at an “All About Soil” class Tues., March 20 at the RE Store’s Sustainable Living Center CURRENTS 8 WORDS GET OUT12 14 Where are you going for St Patrick’s Day? GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 March 25 Brewery Tour @noon FOOD 34 Irish Food & Beer/Dancers at 3pm WED., MARCH 21 BIKE SLIDESHOW: “Salish Sea and Eastern Canada” will be the focus of a Bicycle Travel Slideshow Series presentation at 7pm at Whatcom Middle School’s Commons Area, 810 Halleck St. Suggested donation is $3, and no registration is required. WWW.EVERYBODYBIKE.COM THURS., MARCH 22 ANTARC T ICA SLIDESHOW: Cliff Leight shares images from a trip to Antarctica at a free slideshow at 7:30pm at Backcountry Essentials, 214 W. Holly St. WWW.BACKCOUNTRYESSENTIALS.COM 03.14.12 #11.07 WWW.RE-SOURCES.ORG CASCADIA WEEKLY ALL ABOUT SOIL: As part of a gardening series with certified horticulturist and landscape pro Derek Duffy, sign up for an “All About Soil” class at 6pm at RE Sources’ Sustainable Living Center, 2309 Meridian St. Cost is $25. DO IT 2 ORG 15 doit FOOD 34 staGe B-BOARD 27 T H E AT ER DA NC E FILM 24 MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 T YLER RAGSDALE WORDS 12 CURRENTS 8 VIEWS 6 MARCH 14-17 LYSISTRATA: Watch what happens when women withhold sex from men (at least until the war ends) when Lysistrata shows at 7:30pm Thurs.-Sat. at Whatcom Community College’s Syre Auditorium. Tickets to see the fast-paced comedy, which is inspired by the Aristophanes play, are $5-$10. 647-9242 BY AMY KEPFERLE MAIL 4 DO IT 2 03.14.12 #11.07 CASCADIA WEEKLY 16 PROF I L ES STAGE Deep Throat SHOW TOUTS DARK SIDE OF THE CIRCUS IT MAY not surprise you to learn that Justin Therrien once spent three days at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center after attempting to stick the blade of a 22-inch sword down his throat. “It wouldn’t go down,” Therrien, 28, says of the accident, which, unfortunately, happened when he was front and center for a crowd at a farmers market. “I pulled it up and there was blood on it. The doctors hadn’t really seen anything like it before, and didn’t quite know what to do with me.” Since the incident—which happened early in his stage career—Therrien has become much more adept at navigating the ups and downs (and ins and outs) of being a sideshow performer. Yes, he’s learned to be very careful when attempting dangerous feats such as swallowing sharp implements or walking on nails, but he’s also discovered more tricks, and secrets, of the trade. Apparently, learning to become a sword swallower isn’t easy. Therrien notes that when he first became interested in the phenomena, he carefully researched the anatomy of the human body, looked up what the Sword Swallowers Association International had to offer and ultimately came to the conclusion that he should ask someone who already knew what to do and how to do it. “I learned from a guy in Seattle named Shmootzi the Clod,” Therrien says. “I told him, ‘You probably get this all the time, but can I pay you to teach me how to swallow a sword?’ Turns out nobody had ever asked him, so he taught me what he knows.” Other performers have also entered and influenced Therrien’s life in the two years since he left Anacortes to get involved with the Bellingham Circus Guild, and he’ll be bringing a few of them along when he debuts the “JustinCredible Sideshow” this weekend in a special tent in the parking lot of O’Donnell’s Flea Market. Hearkening back to the days when traveling circuses would have a sideshow ATTEND in its own space, Therrien WHAT: Justin says the idea of showCredible Sideshow ing off the “darker side” WHEN: 7pm, 9pm, and 11pm Fri.-Sat., of the circus appealed to Feb. 16-17 and 5pm, him. While clowns and 7pm and 9pm Sun., acrobats are all fine and Feb. 18 good, he acknowledges WHERE: In the he’s more drawn to the parking lot at O’Donnell’s Belling“underbelly.” ham Flea Market, This means that in ad405 E. Champion St. dition to viewing the COST: $5 eponymous performer INFO: www.justin swallowing pointy obcrediblesideshow. com jects, audiences will also be treated to glass- and nail-walking and other feats of danger, as well as Balkan music by Bellingham band Skitnik, and the incorporation of everything from science to space to the deep blue sea. “There’ll be some stuff that hasn’t been seen before in Bellingham,” Therrien says. As this will be the debut of the tent Therrien hopes to use to perform up and down the West Coast this summer, he’s looking forward to setting it on its maiden voyage. He’s gone through the permitting process to make sure the performances are legit, and hopes big fun gets crammed into the small space (the tent is 20’ by 30’, and its peaks are 14-feet tall). “People should come to this show for a variety of reasons,” Therrien says. “For one thing, you’re going to be inside a circus tent downtown. Plus, five dollars on the table gets you a ticket for the most amazing sideshow tricks. It’s an amazing educational show, as well, acknowledging all the things that are just incredible about this world.” MARCH 14-18 THE FANTAST ICK S: The song-and-dance spectacular known as The Fantasticks shows for the final week at 7:30pm Wed.Sat., and 2pm Sun. at the Mount Baker Theatre’s Walton Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $10-$20. 734-6080 OR WWW.MOUNTBAKERTHEATRE.COM THURS., MARCH 15 TRES VIDAS: Live music and theater combine when Tres Vidas shows at 7pm at Whatcom Community College’s Heiner Center Theater. The performance focuses on the lives of painter Frida Kahlo, activist Rufina Amaya, and poet Alfonsina Storni. Entry is free. WWW.CORREENSEMLE.COM COMEDY KLUB: Western Washington University’s funniest Vikings will take the stage at the monthly Stand-Up Comedy Klub Show at 7pm at the Viking Union’s Underground Coffeehouse. Entry is free. WWW.AS.WWU.EDU GOOD, BAD, UGLY: Watch “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” at 8pm every Thursday at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. At 10pm, stick around for “The Project.” Entry is $7 for the early show, $4 for the late one. 733-8855 OR WWW.THEUPFRONT.COM VAUDEVILLINGHAM: The Bellingham Circus Guild’s monthly anything-goes variety show known as Vaudevillingham can be seen at 8pm and 10pm at the Depot Market Square. Suggested donation is $5-$10. WWW.BELLINGHAMCIRCUSGUILD.COM MARCH 16-17 CABARE T: Head into the song-anddance world of the Kit Kat Club when Cabaret shows at 7:30pm Fri.-Sat. at Mount Vernon’s RiverBelle Theatre, 100 E. Montgomery. Tickets are $30 and include a dessert buffet. Additional shows happen through April 7. WWW.RIVERBELLEDINNERTHEATRE.COM MIXED BAG: View a collection of scenes, games and monologues at the long-form improv format known as a “Harold” at 8pm Fri.-Sat. at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. At 10pm, stick around for “Games Galore.” Tickets are $8-$10. 733-8855 OR WWW.THEUPFRONT.COM MARCH 16-18 THE WIZARD OF OZ: Skagit County’s Theater Arts Guild presents the classic tale of Dorothy and her magical travels at showings of The Wizard of Oz at 7:30pm Fri.-Sat. and 2pm Sun. at Mount Vernon’s McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way. Tickets are $10-$30 and additional showings take place March 22-25. WWW.MCINT YREHALL.ORG FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 :5&(5&(.:,1* FILM 24 7KH,QVLGH 6WRU\RI5RFN 5ROO·V%HVW .HSW6HFUHW Friday, March 16th, MUSIC 20 MURDER AND MIRTH: ACT ONE Theater Company—an adult offshoot of the Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth—presents showings of the comedic Murder at Timber Cove at 8pm Sat. and 2pm Sunday at BAAY’s headquarters at 1059 N. State St. Tickets for Saturday’s show are $15 and include dessert and refreshments. Sunday’s show is a fundraiser for the family of Caleb Kors. 7KH 7pm 224-8168 OR WWW.BAAY.ORG 756-0756 MARCH 22-25 HANDFUL OF RAINBOWS: The Sehome High School Drama Department presents Jonathan Troy’s 1960s-era comedy, A Handful of Rainbows at 7:30pm Thurs.-Sat. and 2pm Sun. at the Sehome High School Little Theatre, 2700 Bill McDonald Parkway. Thursday’s preview show is free, and other showings will be $8-$10. WWW.SEHOMEDRAMA.WEEBLY.COM DA NCE THURS., MARCH 15 ART 18 STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 INTRO TO IMPROV: Sheila Goldsmith leads an introductory improv class from 7-9pm at Improv Playworks, 302 W. Illinois St. Register in advance for the free workshop. 0XUGHUDWWKH (528*( /$17(51$Q$LPHH/HGXF ,QYHVWLJDWLRQ 0<67(5< Monday, March 19th, WORDS 12 TUES., MARCH 20 %/$&. CURRENTS 8 WWW.MOUNTBAKERTHEATRE.COM &$5$ 7pm two FREE EVENTS at VILLAGE BOOKS 1200 11th St., Bellingham VIEWS 6 EDUCAT ION SERIES: As part of the Mount Baker Theatre’s Education Series, area youth are invited to watch Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters at 10am and 12:15pm at the theater’s headquarters at 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $5-$6.50. 360.671.2626 VILLAGEBOOKS.com MAIL 4 MON., MARCH 19 FOLK DANCE: Learn Balkan, Israeli, Romani and Greek dancing with the Fourth Corner Folk Dancers from 7-10pm every Thursday at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. Suggested donation is $5 (firsttime visitors and students are free). 541·P31 380-0456 :DONIRU:DWHU MARCH 16-18 DANCE GALLERY: Thought-provoking modern movement can be experienced when the longtime community dance collective known as the Dance Gallery presents its annual Spring Concert at 7:30pm Fri.-Sat. and 5pm Sun. at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave Tickets are $12. 1II161 E1?1NQ 676-4113 OR WWW.DANCEGALLERY.ORG SAT., MARCH 17 SHAMROCK DANCE: USA Dance will host a St. Patrick’s Day Dance from 7-10pm at the Blue Moon Ballroom, 1213 Cornwall Ave. Entry is $7-$10, and beginners and singles are always welcome. WWW.BELLINGHAMUSADANCE.COM I118E ̷ Ǥ ͚͔͗Ǧ͛͛͜Ǧ͔͔͛͛ ͕͕ ͕͖Ǧ͖ ǦǡƬ Ǧ Ǧ Ǧ DO IT 2 MARCH 17-18 +$570$1 03.14.12 WWW.NOOKSACKSCHOOLS.ORG .(17 #11.07 AIDA: Discover more about forbidden love and true devotion that transcends the cultural differences between warring nations when the contemporary musical, Aida, shows at 7pm Fri.-Sat. and 2pm Sun. at Everson’s Nooksack Valley School District, 3326 E. Badger Rd. Join us in Welcoming Authors... CASCADIA WEEKLY doit 17 doit FOOD 34 visual B-BOARD 27 GALLERIES OPENINGS WED., MARCH 14 WEAVERS GUILD: “Colors in Weaving: Go from Blah to Wow!” will be the focus of a Whatcom Weavers Guild presentation at 7pm at St. James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th St. The public is welcome. ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 WWW.WHATCOMWEAVERSGUILD.ORG STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 WORDS 12 CURRENTS 8 VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 03.14.12 #11.07 CASCADIA WEEKLY 18 PROFILES U P COM I NG E V EN TS MAGIC BUS BY AMY KEPFERLE Paper Cuts CHAD TOLLEY’S INTRICATE VISIONS GIVE A kid a piece of paper and some scissors, and you never know what will happen. Some will attack the paper with gusto, obliterating it with the scissors until all that remains is a circle, square or a rudimentary figure. Others will fold and cut, snowflake style, until they’re left with mirror images of the slices their sharp tools have rendered. Give Utah artist Chad Tolley the same tools—well, substitute the kid-safe scissors with an X-Acto knife and infuse artistic prowess— and what happens is something altogether different. While he appears to be using the basic premise as those who choose to make paper snowflakes do, it’s on a much more sophisticated scale. Lucia Douglas Gallery owner Linda Gardner, who first heard of Tolley through the Boston Printmakers and asked him to be included in a prior printmaking show, says she still isn’t quite sure how he ultimately achieved the works he sent her from his home base in Salt Lake City. On a recent walk-through of Tolley’s works, which are currently on display at the Fairhaven art space, Gardner put her nose to the glass to take a closer look at the intricate cutouts, which feature weirdbut-wonderful representations of humans, animals, trees and hybrids of the three (plus a few top hats). “How does he do that?” Gardner muttered. “I’m not the only one wondering. People have been fascinated with these.” While we talked about the basics behind the exhibit—specifically, folding and cutting—we both wondered how the fact that although many of the pieces appear to consist of mirror images that jibe with each other to finalize the visions, there are additions to each framed work that seem to be created independently of the process. Ultimately, we couldn’t quite figure it out. However, to clarify what the visions made of paper symbolize, I read Tolley’s artist statement, which explained, at least, what he was thinking when he started them. “These paper cuts were inspired by the paper cutouts of demons and deities that the Otomi Indians used in healing rituals,” Tolley writes. “I started this series as a creative . $/ exercise but soon found myself WHAT: Works by making larger and more intriChad Tolley and cate cutouts. Personal themes Susan Melrath WHEN: 11am-5pm began to surface as I began to Wed.-Sat., through work through the images. These March 29 themes are rooted in my childWHERE: Lucia hood experience playing in the Douglas Gallery, woods, rivers and streams of 1415 13th St. INFO: 733-5361 or western Montana. www.lucia “As I moved through this douglas.com work, I discovered that I was attempting to reconcile the past with my present and diminish the sense of loss and desire to return to the sacred wilderness of my childhood.” Tolley goes on to say that although his art typically has a narrative—whether it’s concerning paper cutouts, prints or etchings—he hopes the final images will be suggestive of meaning, but ambiguous enough to allow each viewer to infuse them with their own personal interpretation. Although I sense a playfulness inherent in the works currently on display, after reading Tolley’s thoughts on them I’m more inclined to see the other side of the images—those that question if men and beasts can co-exist together. Calling Tolley’s work “sophisticated folk art,” Gardner went on to say that he’s not the only artist out there making images come alive in this manner. “All cultures do this kind of thing,” she noted. “It’s a really contemporary art form right now, and there are many, many ways of doing it.” MARCH 15-17 CRAFT AND ANTIQUE SHOW: More than 100 artisans will display their wares at the 26th annual Spring Craft and Antique Show from 10am-8pm Thurs.-Fri. and 10am-5pm Sat. at Lynden’s Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, 755 Front St. Admission is $4-$5. WWW.LYNDENCRAFTANTIQUESHOW.COM MARCH 16-19 GREEN SALE: The Whatcom Art Guild celebrates St. Patrick’s Day and their second anniversary at the Art Market from 10am-6pm Fri.-Mon. in McKenzie Alley, 1314 12th St. A variety of demos will happen throughout the event. WWW.WHATCOMARTGUILD.ORG SAT., MARCH 17 HOW BIZARRE: Peruse art, listen to music and hang out by an outdoor fire at a “How Bizarre” gathering from 10am-4pm at Mount Vernon’s Rexville Grocery, 1927 Best Rd. (360) 466-5522 MONA STYLE: More than 35 selected artists from the Northwest will show and sell their designed clothing, jewelry, textiles and handcrafted items at the 28th annual “MoNA Style” fundraiser from 10am-5pm at La Conner’s Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St. Admission is free. WWW.MUSEUMOFNWART.ORG ARTIST TALK: Scott Schuldt discusses his current “View from the Canoe” project, among other things, at an Artist Talk at 1pm at Anacortes’ Anchor Art Space, 216 Commercial Ave. WWW.ANCHORARTSPACE.ORG IMAGES AND STORIES: Lummi artist and storyteller Yvonne Thomas Miller shares stories about her bronze sculpture, “Salmon Woman,” at 1pm at CedarWorks Gallery, 217 Holly St. The work was made after Miller lost her vision. 647-6933 SUN., MARCH 18 ANIME CONVENT ION: Celebrate your love for Japanese comics and animation at the Bellingham Anime Convention from 12-6:30pm at the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave. A timed and themed art contest, a ramen speedeating competition, anime screenings, Wii gaming and more will be part of the free fun. 778-7323 OR WWW. BELLINGHAMPUBLICLIBRARY.ORG POSTAL ART WORKSHOP: Attend the third Mail Art Workshop from 1-4pm at Mindport Exhibits, 210 W. Holly St. Entry is $10 and includes all materials. 441-7162 OR WWW.MINDPORT.ORG 393-7540 BLACK DROP: “The Lost Drawings of Charles ‘Bonesy’ Jones” can be viewed through March at the Black Drop Coffeehouse, 300 W. Champion St. 738-3767 BLUE HORSE: Valerie Collymore’s French Riviera series, Dianna Shyne’s China series, photographs by Lance Ekhart, and paintings by Troy Terpstra can currently be seen at the Blue Horse Gallery, 301 W. Holly St. WWW.BLUEHORSEGALLERY.COM CEDARWORK S: Peruse and purchase a variety of Native American art from 10am-6pm Wed.-Sat. at the CedarWorks Art Gallery, 217 Holly St. 647-6933 CHUCK ANUT BREWERY: Works by Laurie Potter are on display through March 10 at the Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen, 601 W. Holly St. WWW.CHUCKANUTBREWERYANDKITCHEN.COM DEMING LIBRARY: View paintings by Michael Davenport through March 24 at the Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Hwy. 592-2422 FISHBOY GALLERY: Check out the contemporary folk art of RR Clark from 12-5pm every Mon.-Fri. at the FishBoy Gallery, 617 Virginia St. 714-0815 OR WWW.FISHBOYGALLERY.COM FOG: View a variety of works by noted artists at the Fairhaven Originals Gallery, 960 Harris Ave. WWW.BELLINGHAMFOG.COM GALLERY CYGNUS: “Natural & Supernatural: Contemporary Art of the Northwest Coast” can be viewed through March 25 at La Conner’s Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial St. WWW.GALLERYCYGNUS.COM GOOD EARTH: View “Put a Lid on It!, a juried, multi-artist showing of lidded vessels, through March at Good Earth Pottery, 1000 Harris Ave. WWW.GOODEARTHPOTS.COM HISTORICAL MUSEUM: The Skagit Valley 734-5497 QUILT MUSEUM: “Ten Years of Beaded Quilts,” “Variations on a Theme: Wearables and Quilts,” and “Embroidered Beauties: Old and New” are on display through March 25 at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St. WWW.LACONNERQUILTS.COM SCOT T MILO GALLERY: Large format photographs by Dick Garvey can be perused through April 3 at the Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes. 0IWXIV ,]PHELP (9-'VMQMREP&EROVYTXG] ,IPTMRK+SSH4ISTPIMR,EVH8MQIW 8SQ0IWXIV(SYK,]PHELP0II+VSGLQEP %XXSVRI]WEX0E[ WWW.SCOTTMILO.COM SK AGIT VALLE Y COLLEGE: As part of the 9th annual Skagit Human Rights Festival, view works by Lee Mann through March at the Skagit Valley College’s Multipurpose Room. Local artists will also have their works on display at the Lincoln Theatre’s Art Bar. WWW.SKAGITHRF.WORDPRESS.COM SMITH & VALLEE: The multi-artist exhibition “Of Birds & Flight” shows through March 25 at Edison’s Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave. Hours are 11am-5pm Wed.-Sun. FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 ART 18 Chuckanut & Bow Hill Rd. 360-766-6667 www.rhodycafe.com ART 1816 STAGE WWW.ARTWOODGALLERY.COM BELLINGHAM RAILWAY MUSEUM: The museum is open to the public from noon-5pm Tues. and Thurs.-Sat. at 1320 Commercial St. Rhododendron Cafe GET OUT 14 ART WOOD: “Take a Seat,” featuring handmade chairs, benches and stools, shows through March at Artwood, 1000 Harris Ave. St. Paddy's Day Specials WORDS 12 733-1805 OR WWW.ARTISANSBELLINGHAM. COM WWW.MUSEUMOFNWART.ORG PACIFIC MARINE GALLERY: Artist James Williamson displays a series of new original watercolor miniatures and larger paintings of Northwest wildlife on an ongoing basis at Pacific Marine Gallery, 700 W. Holly St. Watercolor classes take place every Wednesday. Saturday & Sunday Brunch CURRENTS 8 WWW.ANCHORARTSPACE.ORG ART ISANS NORTHWEST: View works from as many as 100 Whatcom County artists on a regular basis at Artisans Northwest Art Crafts & Eats, 1215 Cornwall Ave. WWW.LUCIADOUGLAS.COM MONA: View “Yesterday’s Tomorrow,” a multi-artist exhibit of “old-fashioned futuristic work” and “Study in Blue” through March 14 at La Conner’s Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St. XEVE$PIWXIVL]PHELPGSQ VIEWS 6 ANCHOR ACCESS: Schott Schuldt’s multidisciplinary exhibition, “The Wildness Within,” will be on display until March 24 at Anchor Access, 216 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. WWW.HONEYBELLINGHAM.COM LUCIA DOUGLAS: View new paintings by Susan Melrath and paper cuts by Chad Tolley through March 29 at the Lucia Douglas Gallery, 1415 13th St. Memphis Ribs Catfish Gumbo Oyster & Andouille Stew Corned Beef & Cabbage WWW.SMITHANDVALLEE.COM ST. JOSEPH: The latest Healing Through Art exhibit, “Spring Reflections: A Group Show,” will be up through May 19 at the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. The works are by Shirley Erickson, Ruthie V., Yvette Newman, Mary Froderberg, and Mary Jo Maute. WWW.PEACEHEALTH.ORG THE TABLE: Original prints of made-up patron saints by Karie Jane Van Allmen can be viewed and purchased through April 2 at the Table, 100 N. Commercial St. 594-6000 WHATCOM ART GUILD: From 10am6pm every Friday through Sunday, stop by the Whatcom Art Guild’s Art Market at Fairhaven’s Waldron Building, 1314 12th St. WWW.WHATCOMARTGUILD.ORG WHATCOM MUSEUM: “Delivered Daily: The News Photography of Jack Carver,” “Art of Recycling,” and “ARTIFACTual” can currently be viewed at the Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall and the Lightcatcher Building. WWW.WHATCOMMUSEUM.ORG DO IT 2 WWW.LORNALIBERT.COM American Regional Cooking MON - FRI, 5 - 11 P.M. SAT, 2 - 11 P.M. MISSING SUMMER? TRY OUR STRAWBERRY WINE LIVE MUSIC TUES - SAT 8PM 03.14.12 WWW.ALLIEDARTS.ORG AMADEUS PROJEC T: View Lorna Libert’s “Larger Than Life” exhibit through March at the Amadeus Project, 1209 Cornwall Ave. WWW.SKAGITCOUNT Y.NET HONEY SALON: Fiber artist Denise Snyder’s “Following My Muse” exhibit can be viewed through March at Honey Salon, 310 W. Holly St. #11.07 ALLIED ARTS: See work from members of Cascade Clay when “Water’s Edge” shows through March 31 at Allied Arts, 1418 Cornwall Ave. Weavers Guild will display “Over ‘n Under” through April 29 at La Conner’s Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. 4th St. CASCADIA WEEKLY ONGOI NG E X H I BI TS Take your fork in a new direction MAIL 4 doit 19 FOOD 34 music CASCADIA WEEKLY #11.07 03.14.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 SHOW PREVIEWS › › RUMOR HAS IT 20 BY CAREY ROSS Chris Isaak HE DID A BAD, BAD THING FACT: IT is impossible to talk about Chris Isaak without also talking about That Song. You know the one. It’s the one that led to That Video. Oh, that video. The funny thing is, when Isaak originally recorded “Wicked Game” for his 1989 album Heart Shaped World, it didn’t even register a blip on the musical radar. Then David Lynch, who’d used two of Isaak’s songs in his iconic classic Blue Velvet, got his hands on the track, memorably featuring an instrumental version of it in the 1990 film Wild at Heart. Then a Lynch-obsessed radio DJ started playing the vocal version, and suddenly Isaak’s undeniably beautiful and weirdly distinctive song was blowing up airwaves everywhere. Then came that video. Its ingredients were deceptively simple. Isaak. Danish supermodel Helena Christensen. A black sand beach. A pair of white cotton men’s briefs (for her). A white wife beater (for him). A mournful guitar line. Isaak’s matinee-idol looks and a voice to match. Abject desire. Wanton sensuality. An implied-yet-obvious unhappy ending. The video had it all. Directed in black-andwhite by legendary photographer Herb Ritts, the was as breathtakATTEND video ing as its two stars, and WHO: Chris Isaak remains the dead sexiest WHEN: 7:30pm, four minutes and four March 20 WHERE: Mount seconds to be shown on Baker Theatre, 104 MTV and VH1 ever. N. Commercial St. Was the video responCOST: $35-$65 sible for “Wicked Game” MORE INFO: www. becoming a top 10 hit for mountbaker theatre.com the crooner? Probably. I’m surprised that thing didn’t get Isaak elected president. But Isaak is the sum of more than just one sexy video. Which is to say there’s another sexy video in the entertainer’s arsenal. Ten years after “Wicked Game”—time Isaak spent releasing several more albums and etching several more of his songs into our collective consciousness, as well showing off his acting chops in such films as Silence of the Lambs and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (as the ever-mem- Rumor Has It WELL HELLO, GREEN Frog. Welcome back. It's been awhile. We've missed you. After suffering the kinds of delays and setbacks that would suggest the Green Frog had jumped planets and then time traveled rather than simply moving across the street, James Hardesty's little slice of musical heaven officially opened its newly renovated doors for business last Saturday. In typical Green Frog fashion, Hardesty forewent issuing a press release, hanging a banner or doing anything splashy to announce the event, instead relying upon a couple of Facebook posts and word of mouth to get people in the door. And that was all it took to pack the place with familiar faces. Steve Leslie (who remains easily one of the best songwriters I've seen in this town) was tapped to be the first musician to play on the new Green Frog stage—an honor he'd earned several months prior when he built the thing from pieces of the old Green Frog stage. In looking around the room, it was easy to see where the old tavern left off and the new bar began (and I'm not just talking about the BY CAREY ROSS hard alcohol and grilled cheese sandwiches now served there, or the amazing new back deck area), and the final result shows the 10 months worth of hard work and real love Hardesty and his mostly volunteer crew of laborers put into the space. I encourage you wholeheartedly to check it out for yourself. Last week was also a pretty good one for Dog Shredder, who awoke Thursday morning to find that mighty music website Pitchfork had gotten their hands on the band's forthcoming Brass Tactics album, given it a listen and they didn't hate it. Why the emphasis? Because if you know anything about the taste-making website, you know being really good at hating nearly everything is the currency of Pitchfork's very existence. But they like Dog Shredder. And I think we're all O.K. with that. While this weekend heralds the shitshow known as St. Patrick's Day, it is also the Shakedown's first anniversary. As is the custom with such things, they're throwing a party Fri., March 16 to celebrate. As well as a celebration of their continued existence, the show—which features Leatherhorn, Ship to Ship, Cutlass Supreme, and Biagio & the Argonauts in what has to be the weirdest and most wonderful lineup ever (add to that the pancake feed at 7pm that will kick the whole thing off, and you've got yourself a night, folks)—will also act as a benefit for yours truly to offset the many thousands of dollars in medical expenses I incurred when I foolishly busted my ankle to bits. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Shakedown for offering to share their birthday with me, as well as the bands for donating their time and considerable talent. So, come on down Friday night, wish the bar a happy birthday, eat a pancake or two and see some great music. I may even let you ride my scooter if you ask real nice. LINDSAY STREE T: Kids and their keepers can attend a preSt. Paddy’s Day Dance Party with Celtic music by Lindsay Street from 6-8pm at Time in Play Café, 311 E. Holly St. Entry is free. PADDY WHACKERS BY CAREY ROSS BE WAY GREEN I KNOW that, when it comes to hitting the town, St. Patrick’s Day is regarded by many service-industry and bar-rat types (of which I suspect I may be the latter) as amateur night. I know the crowds tend to be large, and as the night goes on and the revelry intensifies, things can get obnoxious. I know these things, yet still I really like St. Patrick’s Day. At this moment, I am trying to figure a way to eat multiple helpings of corned beef and cabbage from various restaurants before foisting myself upon the many different entertainment offerings this town has in store for me. And while what follows is in no way comprehensive, it’ll be enough to get you started. WHATCOM CHORALE: “Joyful Accord: The Joys of Love and Laughter” will be the theme of a Whatcom Chorale concert at 3pm at the First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave. Tickets are $5-$15. 752-1423 OR WWW.TIMEINPLAY.COM St. Patrick’s Day SUN., MARCH 18 UKE GROUP: The Bellingham Ukulele Group (BUG) hosts a song circle from 7-9pm at the Herald Building, 1155 N. State St. (on the third floor conference room). Suggested donation is $5-$10. WWW. BELLINGHAMUKULELEGROUP.COM FRI., MARCH 16 EDDIE KILGALLON: A “Be the Change” concert featuring musician and motivational speaker Eddie Kilgallon begins at 7pm at the Sedro-Woolley High School Auditorium, 1235 3rd St. Tickets are $10 and include tunes by the high school band and choir. WWW.EDDIEKSONG.COM WWW.WHATCOMCHORALE.ORG BENEFIT CONCERT: Musicians from area organizations such as the Whatcom Symphony, Sunrise Strings, Western Washington University, and more will perform at a Benefit Concert at 7pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1720 Harris Ave. Entry is by donation. Funds raised will go to the MacGregor family. 733-6749 WED., MARCH 21 STEVIE COYLE: Renowned fingerstyle solo guitarist Stevie Coyle performs at 7:30pm at the Roeder Home, 2600 Sunset Dr. Suggested donation is $8-$15. B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 MUSIC 20 WWW.WHATCOMMUSEUM.ORG WWW.WHATCOMWINDENSEMBLE. WEEBLY.COM ART 18 MOCKINGBIRD: Songs both humorous and heartfelt can be heard when Mockingbird rings in spring with a 12:30pm concert at the Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St. Suggested donation is $3. STAGE 16 THURS., MARCH 15 (360) 724-0340 WIND ENSEMBLE: The Whatcom Wind Ensemble presents its Spring Concert at 8pm at Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center Concert Hall. The event is free and open to the public. GET OUT 14 671-4193 and Dudes will provide the music at a St. Patty’s Day fundraiser at 7pm at the Alger Community Center, 18735 Parkview Lane. The event is family-friendly and includes a potluck. WORDS 12 FLAMENCO AND PERSIAN: Vedada Theophilus and Bob Clifton present “Persa Gitana,” an evening of Flamenco and Persian songs, at 7:30pm at the Roeder Home, 2600 Sunset Dr. Suggested donation is $8-$12. CURRENTS 8 WED., MARCH 14 676-9164 OR SAT., MARCH 17 WWW.STEVIECOYLE.COM FUN FUNDRAISER: The D’vas ST. PATTY, CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 Voted #1 Italian Restaurant GI T P U B S KA 10 by Evening Magazine & King 5 TV! Try our New Full Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Menus! LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE WED 80s night, no cover $3.50 premiums FRI & SAT Live Music, 8pm–10:30pm March17 — Bag Piper (8:45pm) March24 — Blind Fate March30 — Clambake March31 — Walrus THURS Karaoke, no cover Progressive wells FRI & SAT DJ Bam Bam 10:30–close 95* 15 $ Four Course Sunset Specials NOW AVAILABLE DURING LUNCH! Ê££>È«ÊUÊ->ÌÊEÊ-ÕÊΫȫ 15 Entrees to choose from ««iÌâiÀ]Ê-Õ«ÊÀÊ->>`]ÊiÃÃiÀÌ Now Offering Ravioli, Gnocchi & Veal /FX%FTTFSU0QUJPOTtCréme Brulee made In-House *Offer valid 7 days a week (holidays excluded) For additional offers visit www.granaio.com CALL FOR RESERVATIONS LAST BAND STANDING on Thursdays in April & May *Joint Cover with the Royal* 03.14.12 EO P L E GP ’S #11.07 IN CASCADIA WEEKLY H LI S Find us on Facebook C 211 E Chestnut, Bham 360-306-3178 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 orable Special Agent Chester Desmond)—he unleashed “Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing.” Much as with “Wicked Game,” Hollywood gave the singer a helping hand, except this time the legendary director in question was Stanley Kubrick instead of David Lynch, and the film that featured the song was Eyes Wide Shut. The video for “Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing” relied upon many of the same elements that ensured the success of “Wicked Game.” It was, as before, directed by Ritts (albeit in rich, deeply saturated color), and featured a supermodel (Victoria’s Secret model Laetitia Casta), distinctive wardrobing (purple suit and white wife beater for him, black lingerie for her) and, of course, abject desire and wanton sensuality. But where “Wicked Game” was a study in artistry and beauty, “Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing” was nastier, grittier but somehow ultimately more playful than its predecessor. The video was naughty enough that VH1 demanded a tamer version to be played before 9pm, which gave the rock musician the air of being a dangerous man. But Isaak as an artist is more than the sum of even two (really sexy) videos. He continues to write and record, pairing the distinctive guitar tone that drew in David Lynch all those years ago with his rangy voice (his falsetto remains impeccable) and evocative lyrics about heartbreakers, the hearts that get broke and the heartless don’t care about either one. As well, his signature style (it takes a certain amount of fearlessness to rock a wardrobe full of Nudie suits) and razor-sharp wit (honed by years of hosting his own television show) continue to make him an in-demand artist whenever he decides to take his show on the road. But if you really need a compelling reason to catch one of Isaak’s shows, you need look no further than That Video. FOOD 34 musicevents FROM PAGE 20 VIEWS 6 ISAAK, Lunch hours 11am–3pm Dinner hours 3pm–10pm 360.419.0674 WWW.GRANAIO.COM [email protected] £ääÊÊÌ}iÀÞ]Ê-ÕÌiÊ££ä]ÊÕÌÊ6iÀ 21 See below for venue addresses and phone numbers Blue Horse Gallery 03.14.12 03.15.12 WEDNESDAY THURSDAY WWU Faculty Jazz Collective Brown Lantern Ale House Chris Eger Band Boundary Bay Brewery Cabin Tavern Conway Muse 03.17.12 FRIDAY SATURDAY Still Bill Band Chico's Paradise Daryl Hance, The Austerman File, Prowler Kings of Philistines, The Red el Colonel and Doubleshot Eagle's Whistle, The Bards of Keypoynt, and Lindsay Street Karaoke All-Ages Jam Buckaroo Blues SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY Louis Ledford Spirit of the West The Davanos Smokewagon Brittany Haas, Lauren Rioux Boxcar Strainsun, DJ Darksyde, Dominic Greer, Aviator Orville Johnson Derek Duffy and the Devilly Brothers Rita Hosking Blue Horse Gallery 8)PMMZ4Ut | Boundary Bay Brewing Co. 3BJMSPBE"WFt]Brown Lantern Ale House$PNNFSDJBM"WF"OBDPSUFTt ]The Business 402 Commercial "WF"OBDPSUFTt | Cabin Tavern8)PMMZ4Ut]Chuckanut Brewery8)PMMZ4Ut]Commodore Ballroom(SBOWJMMF4U7BODPVWFSt CASCADIA WEEKLY #11.07 03.14.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 Edison Inn Green Frog 03.18.12 03.19.12 03.20.12 The Paddy Whackers, Anna Schaad, The Wayfaring Strangers, more LEATHERHORN/ March 16/Shakedown Commodore Ballroom Cyndy's Broiler 03.16.12 Open Mic PHOTO BY HOLLIE HUTHMAN FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 musicvenues 99¢ Breakfast Deal ,W¶VVDGD\RIIRRGIXQDQG&$6+DVZHFHOHEUDWH ,W D GD\ RI IRRG IXQ DQG &$6+ DV ZH FHOHEUDWH 6W3DWULFN¶V'D\DW1RUWKZRRG&DVLQR )UHH6W3DWULFN¶V'D\3DUW\)DYRUVIRUDOO 6SHFLDO'LQQHU%XIIHWIURPSPWRPLGQLJKWIHDWXULQJ3ULPH5LE E DQGDZKLWHFKRFRODWHGHVVHUWIRXQWDLQIRURQO\ )UHHHQWHUWDLQPHQWIURPWKH)XQDWLFVSPWRDP LQFDVKGUDZLQJVVWDUWLQJDWSPHYHU\KRXUXQWLODP +RW6HDWVIURPDPWRDP )UHH%UHDNIDVW%XIIHWIURPDPWRDP 99 ¢ 0RQGD\±6DWXUGD\ <RXFDQJHWHJJV EDFRQRUVDXVDJH WRDVWFRIIHHRU MXLFHIRUOHVVWKDQ DGROODU6HUYHG IURPDPWRDP LQ&KHI¶V0RQGD\ WKURXJK6DWXUGD\ 22 W W W. N O O K S A C K C A S I N O S . C O M 9 7 5 0 N O R T H W O O D R O A D L Y N D E N WA 877.777.9847 WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Open Mic w/Scot Casey Live Music 03.17.12 FRIDAY SATURDAY Fritz and the Freeloaders Gilbert Grey & the Gingers MONDAY TUESDAY The Shadies Major Strum and Nick Hoag FILM 24 DJ RoyBoy RITA HOSKING/ Voyager, Bagpipers March 19/Green Frog MUSIC 20 MUSIC 20 Country Karaoke McKay's Taphouse Wayfaring Strangers, Robert Sarazin Blake Old World Deli Poppe's SUNDAY No-Fi Soul Rebellion, Young Yet Brilliant Sleuths, Vice Jinx Art Space Prozac Mtn Boys ART 18 Main St. Bar and Grill 03.18.12 03.19.12 03.20.12 DJ Clint Groove Friday DJ Ryan I The Redlight Owen and His Checkered Past Lucas Hicks and Rattletrap Ruckus Chambers, Boris Budd Lumpkins, Craisins Rockfish Grill Stilly River Band Chris Stevens and the Surf Monkeys Ben Rice Trio DJ Jester DJ Jester DJ Jester Karaoke Throwback Thursdays w/ DJ Shortwave DJ QBNZA DJ Mike Tolleson DJ Postal, DJ Shortwave Semiahmoo Resort Skagit Valley Casino Skylark's Walt Burkett Anniversary Party feat. Leatherhorn, Ship to Ship, Cutlass Supreme, Biagio & the Argonauts MacArra, Peadar MacMahon Midlife Crisis & the Alimony Horns Midlife Crisis & the Alimony Horns Diamond Rio (Showroom), Phamous Phaces (Lounge) Diamond Rio (Showroom), Phamous Phaces (Lounge) Telefon Irish Pub Music feat. Robin Brown, Merry Teesdale, Paul Englesberg Temple Bar Tom Waits Monday Metal Night Bar Tabac ’70s Funk and Disco The Village Inn Wild Buffalo Devilry, Cower, Friends Nor Leaders VIEWS 6 ’90s Night MAIL 4 Vetiver, Gold Leaves, Cassiopeia Silver Reef Hotel Casino & Spa The Underground GET OUT 14 Cheryl Hodge Group DO IT 2 The Shakedown CURRENTS 8 Betty Desire Show, DJ Postal Frenchy Lounge Night 03.14.12 Rumors STAGE 16 DJ Bird Man Royal Wild Out Wednesday w/ Blessed Coast ’80s Night Live Music (early), DJ BamBam (late) St. Patrick's Day Bagpipers (early), DJ BamBam (late) Peadar Macmahon Karaoke Open Mic Kytami and the Phonograph, Lynx Free Friday Funk Jam, DJ Booger Yogoman Burning Band, Medium Troy FOOD 34 03.16.12 WORDS 12 03.15.12 DIAMOND RIO/March 16-17/Skagit Casino Vokab Company, My Dad Bruce ’90s Night Blues Jam Conway Muse 18444 Spruce/Main St., Conway (360) 445-3000 | Edison Inn $BJOT$U&EJTPOt | Glow&)PMMZ4Ut]Graham’s Restaurant.PVOU#BLFS)XZ(MBDJFSt 599-1964 Honey Moon/4UBUF4Ut]Jinx Art Space 'MPSB4Ut | Main Street Bar & Grill .BJO4U'FSOEBMFt | Nooksack River Casino 5048 Mt. Baker Hwy., Deming t | Poppe’s-BLFXBZ%St| The Redlight /4UBUF4Ut]Rockfish Grill $PNNFSDJBM"WF"OBDPSUFTt ]The Royal &)PMMZ4Ut]Rumors Cabaret3BJMSPBE"WFt| Semiahmoo Resort4FNJBINPP1LXZ#MBJOFt | The Shakedown /4UBUF4UtXXXTIBLFEPXOCFMMJOHIBNDPNSilver Reef Casino 4876 Haxton Way, 'FSOEBMFt ]Skagit Valley Casino Resort /%BSSL-BOF#PXt ]Skylark’s Hidden Cafe UI4Ut]Swinomish Casino$BTJOP%S"OBDPSUFTt |Temple Bar8$IBNQJPO4Ut] Underground Coffeehouse Viking Union 3rd Floor, WWU | Village Inn Pub /PSUIXFTU"WFt | Watertown Pub $PNNFSDJBM"WF"OBDPSUFTt 293-3587 | Wild Buffalo 8)PMMZ4UtXXXXJMECVGGBMPOFU]5PHFUZPVSMJWFNVTJDMJTUJOHTJODMVEFEJOUIJTFTUFFNFEOFXTQSJOUTFOEJOGPUPDMVCT!DBTDBEJBXFFLMZDPN%FBEMJOFTBSFBMXBZTBUQN'SJEBZ #11.07 Honeymoon 03.14.12 CASCADIA WEEKLY See below for venue addresses and phone numbers B-BOARD 27 musicvenues 23 FOOD 34 film GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 MOVIE REVIEWS › › MOVIE SHOWTIMES CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 The film uses our willing acceptance of ridiculous genre conventions as a clothesline on which to hang its ruthlessly immature sense of humor VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 03.14.12 #11.07 CASCADIA WEEKLY 24 and the popular kids (headed by Dave Franco) all look like well-coiffed extras from the Disney Channel. “I totally know the cause: Glee,” sneers Tatum, who hasn’t looked this comfortable onscreen since Step Up, embracing the awkwardness as he attempts to blend in with the science nerds, while Hill’s character fumbles his way through flirting with a student suspect. The operative idea here is that two guys who would have been rivals in high school have to buddy up to make it as cops. But instead of complementing one another, brainy Schmidt and brawny Jenko merely bring each other down, botching their first arrest attempt. After that debacle, the duo is reassigned to a canceled undercover project from the ”80s overseen by a surly captain (Ice Cube). “All they do now is recycle shit from the past and expect us not to notice,” quips their chief, in a line that hints at just how little respect the script shows its source. (Just wait’ll you see how it treats Depp’s cameo.) Most of the humor concerns how inappropriate the language, behavior and attitudes are for the high-school setting, especially coming from grown men expected to act as role models: When it comes time to earn the drug dealers’ trust, they steal weed from the evidence lockup and throw the ultimate high-school party. These two may not look like teens, but they sure as heck don’t behave like cops. REVIEWED BY PETER DEBRUGE 21 Jump Street THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON DRUGS IN 1987, new-kid-on-the-block Fox attracted a teenage demographic by programming a gritty primetime show about baby-faced cops who go undercover at high schools. A quarter-century later, Columbia Pictures targets the over-17 set, reviving 21 Jump Street as a raunchy R-rated comedy full of drug and dick jokes—an odd choice, since the radical genre switch seems best suited to those too young to have seen the original series. Still, by casting Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as fish-out-of-water buffoons, the irreverent result feels fresher than most '80s-show reboots, effectively flipping the address Johnny Depp made famous. Hill, who pitched the film’s producers on attempting 21 Jump Street as an action-comedy, was 23 when he shot Superbad, and already he looked too old to pass as a high schooler. Now 28, the star has shed his baby fat and appears undeniably adult. Pair him with Tatum, 31, and there’s no way teens would mistake the duo as two of their own—a paradox that sets the tone for the film’s patently absurdist approach, which uses our willing acceptance of ridiculous genre conventions as a clothesline on which to hang its ruthlessly immature sense of humor. High school was hell for Schmidt (Hill), a booksmart outcast with braces and a bad Eminemstyle dye job. Jocks like Jenko (Tatum) had it relatively easy, though both were forced to sit out prom. That’s why their first big assignment after graduating from police academy—to infiltrate a high-school drug ring—feels less like punishment than a chance for a “do-over.” Older and wiser, the mismatched partners plan to apply the lessons learned the first time around to the case, only to discover that things have changed since they were in school. Now, tolerance is cool, bullying is uncouth, Given the cartoonish way co-directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller approach the premise, it should come as no surprise that the two got their start in animation. Together, they made the disaster-movie spoof Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, and they apply that same wink-wink sensibility to their live-action debut. Such a flip attitude serves the comedy well (the action feels more clunky), but belies just how insincerely everyone involved feels toward the story’s emotional core. Maybe those raised on a diet of Family Guy don’t require the courtesy of a script that cares about its main characters, but why bother packaging the story as a male-bonding experience if the plan is merely to undermine it with vulgarities and homophobia? Where Superbad set the standard for mixing high-school sentimentality with gross-out humor, this lesser effort seems content redefining audiences’ idea of “dirty cops.” Considering that hardly anyone was asking for a 21 Jump Street reboot, they’ve put a playful stamp on it—which just goes to show what happens when a bunch of pot-positive cut-ups get their hands on a relic of Reagan-era anti-drug hysteria. Fahrenheit 451 (1966) (NR) DVD/112m. $2 Sat: (12:00 PM) This month’s Rocket Sci-Fi Matinee! Bolshoi Ballet: Le Corsaire Encore (NR) HD/215m. Sun: 11:00 AM $16/$20 NEW PICKFORD FILM CENTER: 1318 Bay St. | 360.738.0735 | PickfordFilmCenter.org Open 30 Min Before First Showtime 7 Days a Week Join us for a drink before your movie! Mary’s Happy Hour: 4-6pm, M-F $1 Off Beer/Wine FILM 24 MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 WORDS 12 A Separation (PG-13) 35mm/120m. Best Foreign Film of 2012. “It’s a thrilling domestic drama that offers acute insights into human motivations and behavior as well as a compelling look at what goes on behind a particular curtain that almost never gets raised.” Fri: (3:45); Sat: (2:50); Sun: (3:15); Mon-Thu: (3:45) CURRENTS 8 when we needed it? Remember what the choices were on Valentine’s Day? There was The Vow, with plenty of Channing Tatum abs-candy for the women, and enough sudsy soap opera to make any self-respecting man gag. Great. Oh, and there was This Means War, with plenty of fights and loud explosions for the guys, but a plot that seemed barely interested in women, let alone its female star. Lovely. But now, a month late, comes the smart, funny Friends With Kids. And this Friends has benefits—among them a sprightly cast, a smart script and characters who show some real emotion, and a connection to each other and to real life. Imagine: a romantic comedy that’s actually both. It’s been a long, long time. Thank director, writer and star Jennifer Westfeldt, whose first film, Kissing Jessica Stein, came out of her desire to create some material for herself. She’s done it again, wonderfully, here. Westfeldt plays Julie, a late-30s single New Yorker who is clear-eyed about her looks (“I’ve got good hair, and I can pull it together”) and her age. But while she’d like a kid, she doesn’t want to end up like her friends who got married, had babies and now seem to hate each other. So best friend Jason—who is, unfairly, cuter than she is, as well as uninterested in a relationship—has an idea. Why not just skip the relationship part (which always seems to go wrong anyway), have a one-night stand and have a kid, together? While staying apart? After a few drinks, it sounds like a good idea. It’s not, necessarily—and any romantic comedy fan knows they’re going to find that out. (We also know how the movie’s going to end—as bright as Westfeldt is, she still gives in to the usual third-act cliches, particularly in the last 10 minutes). But it’s still great fun watching her characters, particularly with this cast, mostly borrowed from Bridesmaids—with Kristen Wiig and Jon Hamm as a bitterly feuding couple, and Maya Rudolph and Chris O’Dowd as a semi-affectionately squabbling one. They’re all good—Rudolph and O’Dowd especially—and some of that must come from the comfort of having worked together before. But a lot of it comes from Westfeldt’s script, which captures the jealousies, judgments and jabs that sometimes pass among real friends. Because she knows that’s the twisted truth—if you didn’t really like a group of people, you wouldn’t care enough to be catty. As Julie, Westfeldt is sweetly vulnerable without toppling over into distressingly needy. And the acerbic Adam Scott gets a rare movie lead as the wolfish Jason, and nails it. A fresh romantic comedy is a hard thing to make, and Westfeldt isn’t 100 percent there. But she’s still miles ahead of everyone else out there. And if Jennifer Aniston is really, really smart, she’s calling her right now. And praying that Westfeldt doesn’t, again, save her next great big part for herself. VIEWS 6 Friends With Kids DO IT 2 WHERE WAS NOW SHOWING MARCH 16 - 22 at PFC’s Limelight Cinema at 1416 Cornwall Check out our old theater’s revamped new space! 03.14.12 ROMANTIC + COMEDY = ROMANTIC COMEDY The Artist (PG-13) 35mm/100m. Winner, 5 Oscars Fri: 6:30, 8:50; Sat: 5:35, 7:55; Sun: 6:00, 8:20 Mon - Thu: 6:30, 8:50 #11.07 Friends With Kids Pina in 2D (PG) A Wim Wenders masterpiece “Most documentaries put us inside people’s heads. The dazzling, experimental Pina puts us inside people’s feet.” Charlotte Observer Fri: (1:30), (4), 6:30; Sat: (12:30), (3), 5:30 Sun: (2:00), 4:30; Mon - Wed: (4:30), 7:00 Thu: (4:00), 8:50 + Bullhead (R) 123m. Oscar Nominee! Fri: 9:00; Sat: 8:00; Sun: 7:00 + Sound and Vision: Toxic Runoff CSOs in Puget Sound (NR) Thu: 6:30 PM CASCADIA WEEKLY REVIEWED BY STEPHEN WHITTY Friends With Kids (R) 35mm/109m. New Hit! “...an indelibly funny and touching comedy with a real sting in its tail. The laughs leave scars. For this, credit Westfeldt, an actress of rare wit and grace, and now a filmmaker with a keen eye for nuance. Westfeldt plays Julie, a thirtysomething Manhattanite who can’t find a guy to make her feel as alive as Jason (Adam Scott), her platonic BFF from college. Her peers have already coupled up. Missy (Wiig) and Ben (Hamm) are so hot for each other, they sneak off for quickies. Leslie (Rudolph) and Alex (O’Dowd), appalled at the sight of kids in chic restaurants, live lives out of Sex and the City.” Rolling Stone Fri: (2:10), (4:30), 6:45, 9:05 Sat & Sun: (2:10), 4:30, 6:45, 9:05 Mon - Thu: (4:30), 6:45, 9:05 MAIL 4 BEER & WINE ALLOWED IN THEATRE 1: 21 & OVER ONLY T1: PLAYING IN THEATRE 1 THIS WEEK T1 B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 NOW SHOWING MARCH 16 - 22 25 FOOD 34 film ›› showtimes CASCADIA WEEKLY #11.07 03.14.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 BY CAREY ROSS 26 3ZBO3FZOPMETDBOOPUFYJTUJOUIFTBNFQMBDFBUUIF TBNFUJNFCVU*hNBMJUUMFBGSBJEIJTDPTUBS%FO[FM 8BTIJOHUPOXPVMEmOENFBOELJDLNZBTT)FEPFT OPUTVGGFSGPPMT&YDFQUNBZCFGPS3ZBO3FZOPMET ★★3tISNJO 4VOTFU4RVBSF$BMMGPSTIPXUJNFT FILMSHORTS 21 Jump Street: See review previous page. ★★★ (R tISNJO 4VOTFU4RVBSF$BMMGPSTIPXUJNFT A Separation:5PUIFTVSQSJTFPGMJUFSBMMZOPPOF UIJTmMNQJDLFEVQUIF#FTU'PSFJHO-BOHVBHF'JMN BXBSEBUUIJTZFBShT0TDBST*UhTPTUFOTJCMZBCPVUBO *SBOJBODPVQMFBOEUIFJSNBSJUBMTUSJGFCVUUIFSFBM JUZJTUIJTTFBSJOHBOEJOTJHIUGVMESBNBJOWPMWFTTP NVDINPSF★★★★★1(tISTNJO 1JDLGPSE'JMN$FOUFS4FFXXXQJDLGPSEmMNDFOUFSDPN GPSTIPXUJNFT Act of Valor:&WFSTJODF4&"-5FBNLJMMFE0TBNB #JO-BEFO/BWZ4&"-TBSFUIFIPUUFTUDPNNPEJUZ HPJOH4PXIZOPUHJWFUIFNUIFJSPXONPWJF /P UIJTJTOPUBESBNBUJ[FEBDDPVOUPGUIFJSSBJEPO#JO -BEFOSBUIFSBOBDUJPONPWJFXJUIUIFBDUJPO QBSUPGUIFFRVBUJPOQSPWJEFECZBDUVBM/BWZ4&"-T #FDBVTFXIFOXFBSFWFSZCVTZEFDJNBUJOHUIF FDPOPNZJOPSEFSUPmHIUNVMUJQMFXBSTXIBUXF SFBMMZXBOUPVSBSNFEGPSDFTUPEPJTNBLFNPWJFT )PMMZXPPEUIF/BWZ'"*-★3tISNJO #FMMJT'BJS]]] Silent House:&MJ[BCFUI0MTFOGPMMPXTVQIFS DSFFQZUVSOJOMartha Marcy May MarleneXJUIBO FWFODSFFQJFSUVSOJOUIJTNPWJF5IJTIPSSPSnJDL QSFTFOUTBOBEEJUJPOBMDIBMMFOHFGPSUIFBDUSFTTJU IBQQFOTJOSFBMUJNF★★★3tISNJO 4VOTFU4RVBSF$BMMGPSTIPXUJNFT The Ar tist:5IJTNPWJFTDPSFE0TDBSHPMEJOmWF DBUFHPSJFTJODMVEJOH#FTU"DUPS#FTU%JSFDUPSBOE #FTU1JDUVSF"MMXJUIPVUUIFVTFPGDPMPSPSBMNPTU XJUIPVUTBZJOHBXPSE★★★★★1(tIS NJO 1JDLGPSE'JMN$FOUFS4FFXXXQJDLGPSEmMNDFOUFSDPN GPSTIPXUJNFT Bullhead:%PNJOFFSJOHDBUUMFGBSNFS+BDLZ 7BONBSTFOJMMF.BUUIJBT4DIPFOBFSUT DPOTUBOUMZ QVNQFEPOTUFSPJETBOEIPSNPOFTJOJUJBUFTBTIBEZ EFBMXJUIBOPUPSJPVT.BmPTPNFBUUSBEFS#PEJFT TUBSUUPTVSGBDFQBTUJTTVFTCFDPNFQSFTFOUEBZ QSPCMFNTBOEUIFDPOTFRVFODFTPGJUBMMNVTUCF GBDFE★★★★3tISTNJO 1'$hT-JNFMJHIU4FFXXXQJDLGPSEmMNDFOUFSDPNGPS TIPXUJNFT Dr. Seuss' The Lorax:*UFOEUPCFTLFQUJDBMPG 4FVTTBEBQUBUJPOTCBTFEPOUIFUIPTFUIBUIBWFIJU UIFCJHTDSFFOUIVTGBSBOEUIJTPOFJTOPFYDFQUJPO #VUJUGFBUVSFT%BOOZ%F7JUPQSPWJEJOHUIFWPJDFGPS UIFGV[[ZPSBOHFEVEFGPSXIJDIUIJTTUPSZJTOBNFE TPBUMFBTUJUhTHPUUIBUHPJOHGPSJU★★1(tIS NJO #FMMJT'BJS]]]]] Dr. Seuss' The Lorax 3D:*GBOZPOFDBOEP%KVT UJDFJUNJHIUCF%S4FVTT*hNKVTUOPUTVSFBOZPOF DBOEP%KVTUJDFPSKVTUJGZUIFVTFPG%BUUIJT QPJOU1SPWFNFXSPOH)PMMZXPPE*EBSFZPV★★ 1(tISNJO #FMMJT'BJS]]] Farenheit 451:#BTFEPOUIF3BZ#SBECVSZTUPSZ BOEIFMNFECZ'SBODPJT5SVGGBVUUIJTNBZKVTUCF UIFCFTUTDJmmMNJOFYJTUFODF5IFNPSBMPGUIF TUPSZJOBSPVOEBCPVUGBTIJPO SFBENPSFCPPLT ★★★★★6OSBUFEtISNJO 1JDLGPSE'JMN$FOUFS.BSDI! This Means War:*UhT$ISJT1JOFWT5PN)BSEZJO UIJTTQZWTTQZDPNFEZBDUJPODBQFS5IFZhSFKPVTU JOHGPSUIFIFBSUPG3FFTF8JUIFSTQPPO8IJDIPOF XJMMTIFDIPPTF 0I3FFTFZPVBOEZPVS'JSTU8PSME QSPCMFNT★★1(tISNJO 4VOTFU4RVBSF$BMMGPSTIPXUJNFT A Thousand Words:"NPWJFJOXIJDI&EEJF.VS QIZDBOhUTQFBLXJUIPVUSJTLJOHEFBUI *UhTHPJOHUP UBLFNPSFUIBOUIJTUPXPPNFCBDL)PMMZXPPE#VU JUhTBHPPETUBSU★1(tISNJO 4VOTFU4RVBSF$BMMGPSTIPXUJNFT '"3& /)& *5 For ty Guns:)FSFJT4BN'VMMFSJOUPQHFBSBT XSJUFSEJSFDUPSBOEQSPEVDFSXJUIB8FTUFSOUIBUJT TPMJEMZDSBGUFEBOECSJMMJBOUMZDBTU#BSCBSB4UBOXZDL JTBUIFSQFBLBMUIPVHIIFSQFBLMBTUFEEFDBEFT ★★★★★6OSBUFEtISNJO 1JDLGPSE'JMN$FOUFS.BSDI! Fr iends With Kids: See review previous page. ★★★★6OSBUFEtISNJO 1JDLGPSE'JMN$FOUFS]]].BSDI ! John Car ter:"MM*LOPXBCPVUUIJTJTJUhTTPNF TDJmFQJDUIBUUPPLBCPVUBDFOUVSZUPNBLFBO FYBHHFSBUJPO BOEDPTUBRVBSUFSPGBCJMMJPOEPMMBST UIFUSVUI 0IBOEJUTUBSTFriday Night Lights'5JN 3JHHJOT$MFBSFZFTGVMMIFBSUTDBOhUMPTF★★★ 1(tISTNJO 4FIPNF]]] John Carter 3D:'PSUIFEVEFT$SB[ZBDUJPOTFRVFOD FTSFOEFSFEJO%0.('PSUIFMBEJFT5JN3JHHJOT SFOEFSFEJO%0.'(★★★1(tISTNJO 4FIPNF]]] Journey 2: The Myster ious Island:5IF3PDLJO %0IHPPEZ★1(tISNJO #FMMJT'BJS Journey 2: The Myster ious Island 3D:5IF3PDL JO%0IHPPEZ★1(tISNJO #FMMJT'BJS]] Le Corsaire:4UBHFECZUIFGBNFE#PMTIPJ#BMMFU UIFTUPSZGPMMPXT.FEPSBBZPVOH(SFFLHJSMBOE $POSBEBEBTIJOHQJSBUFBTUIFZKPVSOFZUISPVHIB UBQFTUSZPGESBNBUJDFWFOUTDVMNJOBUJOHJOBTIJQ XSFDLDPOTJEFSFEUPCFPOFPGCBMMFUhTNPTUEB[[MJOH TQFDUBDMFT★★★★★6OSBUFEtISTNJO 1JDLGPSE'JMN$FOUFS.BSDI!BN Trailer Wars XXIV: People vs. Nature:*IBENZ PXO1FPQMFWT/BUVSFNPNFOUOPUMPOHBHPBOE XIBU*MFBSOFEGSPNUIBUFYQFSJFODFJT/"563& "-8":48*/4*hNHVFTTJOHBGFXFOUSJFTJOUIJT JODBSOBUJPOPGUIFIVHFMZQPQVMBSGBVYmMNDPMMFD UJWFLOPXOBT5SBJMFS8BSTXJMMCFBSUIJTPVU"TGPS XIBUUIFSFTUPGUIFQSFUFOEQSFWJFXTXJMMDPOUBJO ZPVSHVFTTJTBTHPPEBTNJOF★★★★★6OSBUFE tIS 1JDLGPSE'JMN$FOUFS.BSDI! Pina:'VMMPGCFBVUZBOEQBTTJPOUIJTJTBGFBUVSF MFOHUIEBODFmMNGFBUVSJOHUIFJOOPWBUJWFBOE CSFBUIUBLJOHDIPSFPHSBQIZPG1JOB#BVTDIXIPEJFE JO★★★★★1(tISNJO 1'$hT-JNFMJHIU4FFXXXQJDLGPSEmMNDFOUFSDPNGPS TIPXUJNFT The Vow:'PSUIFMPWFPGBMMUIBUJTIPMZ3BDIFM .D"EBNT8BTJUOPUCBEFOPVHIUIBUZPVJOnJDUFE The NotebookPOBMMPGVT :PVIBWFUPDPNNJUUIJT DSJNFBHBJOTUDJOFNBUPP :PVBSFBmOFBDUSFTT .BLFCFUUFSDIPJDFT★1(tISNJO #FMMJT'BJS]]] Project X:*ODBTFZPVhSFDPOGVTFEUIJTJTOPUUIF NPWJFJOXIJDI'FSSJT#VFMMFSMJCFSBUFTBCVODI PGDIJNQTVTFEJOMBCFYQFSJNFOUTCVUSBUIFSB GPVOEGPPUBHFFTRVFTUPSZPGBCJHUFFOQBSUZ#SJOH CBDLUIFDIJNQT*TBZ★★3tISNJO 4FIPNF]]]] Wanderlust:*hNBXBSFUIBUMFHJPOTPGGPMLTIBWF MJUUMFPSOPVTFGPS+FOOJGFS"OJTUPOBTBOBDUSFTT #VU*BNOPUPOFPGUIPTFQFPQMF5IJTNPWJF BQQFBSTUPCFUFSSJCMFCVUJUIBT"OJTUPOBOEQFSFO OJBMMZGVOOZ1BVM3VEEBTJUTTUBSTTPJUTHPUBUMFBTU UXPSFEFFNJOHRVBMJUJFT★★3tISNJO #FMMJT'BJS Safe House:*XBOUUPQPLFGVOBUUIJTNPWJFPO UIFQSFNJTFUIBU*hNDPOWJODFEBRVBMJUZmMNBOE Great selection of Ales & Lagers Is School Interrupting Your Educat ion? Our New Bellingham School Offers a Student-Friendly Alternative! The Old Foundry Building, Downtown Bellingham Affiliate Campus of the Alger Learning Center & Independence High School Full Lunch & Dinner Menu WA State Approved & Nationally Accredited K-12 School - Enthusiastic Support for Unschoolers, Homeschoolers & Independent Learning - College Prep & Adult H. S. Completion Programs Families Welcome Consideration & Respect for Learning Differences - Self-Paced & Year-Around - Enroll Anytime Open Daily @ 11AM Best Happy Hour in the County “The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson) 404 S. 3rd. Mt. Vernon www.skagitbrew.com 360-336-2884 Upstairs Banquet Loft Unconditional, beyond-the-box, free-range learning - Earn your H. S. Diploma on your terms More Information: (800) 595-2630 email: [email protected] www.independent-learning.com To Go Orders Call Resident Specialists at: 360-758-2094 or lummiislandrealty.com Real Estate for Real People Just Ask Cameron Jennings * Paedar McMahon Mark & Katie Lazich * Tom Amend Chris Con Carne & Jen Westover Robert Blake * Steeb & Libby Jeff Braimes 961.6496 cell 734.3420 office [email protected] “Cancer Prevention 101” will be the focus of a workshop with Alethea Fleming at 6:30pm Monday, March 19 at Mount Vernon’s Skagit Valley Food Co-op. Fleming is a naturopathic physician specializing in mature adults. Register in advance for the free course. More info: www. skagitfoodcoop.com or www. vitalagingclinic.com Kathryn Lyons, LMHC, leads an “Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction” workshop from 6:30-8pm Monday, March 19 at the Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. The class is based on Byron Katie’s “The Work,” which teaches you to identify and question thoughts that cause suffering, and to address your problems with clarity. Cost is $5-$6. More info: 734-8158 Find out more about “Living a Healthy Lifestyle with SparkPeople.com” at a free guest lecture with Morgaine Angelowe at 6pm Tuesday, March 20 at Bellingham’s Butterfly LIFE at Sunnyland Square (next to Trader Joe’s on James St.). More info: www.butter flylifebellingham.com Kathleen Malnor, ARNP, focuses on “Optimizing Our Health, Vitality and Sexuality” at a free presentation for seniors from 2-4pm Wednesday, March 21 at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St. More info: 7333837 or www.buf.org Karl Mincin leads a “Tame Your Tummy, Calm Your Colon: Improving Digesting” clinic at 6:30pm Wednesday, March 21 at Mount Vernon’s Skagit Valley Food Co-op. Register in advance for the free workshop, which includes a common sense “continuum” approach to selecting the remedies best suited to your individual needs, as well as a fascinating tour. More info: Smart Home Buying Classes For anybody thinking of buying a home. Presented by a former home inspector. Learn how to pre-inspect houses. Save money and avoid buying a home with serious issues. FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 STAGE 16 ART 18 Native Plant Sale & KulshanCLT Benefit FILM 24 March 18th 11am–2pm 2306 No. Shore Rd. GET OUT 14 Curious about Lummi Island? An “Introduction to Beekeeping” short course takes place from 8:30am-4pm Sunday, March 18, at the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave. The class is designed for new and beginning beekeepers. Cost is $43. More info: www.honey beeaware.org “The 10 Principles of Health and Longevity” will be the focus of a workshop with Dr. Jacob Harris, DC, at 6:30pm Thursday, March 22 at Mount Vernon’s Skagit Valley Food Co-op. This free presentation will cover the 10 most important principles to improving and maintaining the health of your body. Register in advance. More info: www. skagitfoodcoop.com “Cancer Prevention 101” takes place with Alethea Fleming at 6:30pm Monday, Carpools Encouraged. Please bring your own containers. WORDS 12 “Living It Up! 40-Plus” will be the focus of a talk with Dr. Ely at 6:30pm Wednesday, March 14 at the Bell- Learn more about Feng Shui from 6:30-8:30pm Thursday, March 15 at the Cordata Community Food Co-op. Chikeola Karimou leads the class, which focuses on the Chinese art of creating balance and harmony in one’s living space. Cost is $5-$6. More info: 734-8158 “Allergies, Sensitivities, Irritations and Limitations” will be the focus of a presentation by homeopathic practitioner Monique Arsenault from 6:30-8pm Wednesday, March 21 at the Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. Entry is $5-$6. More info: 734-8158 200 MIND & BODY 360-671-5600, x5 www.KulshanCLT.org CURRENTS 8 Learn how to incorporate superfoods and internal cleansing into your wellness program at a “Creating Vibrant Health” workshop at 6:30pm Wednesday, March 14 at Mount Vernon’s Skagit Valley Food Co-op. HealthForce Nutritionals rep Doug Walsh will lead the way. More info: www.skagitfoodcoop.com or www.rawhike.com www.skagitfoodcoop.com 200 MIND & BODY Call Jerry Swann for details. 360-319-7776 Cerise Noah VIEWS 6 MIND & BODY ingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave. “The Power of Movement: A Prescription to Health” will focus on seeking optimum health and holistic wellness. More info: 778-7323 200 MIND & BODY REALTOR ® Professional, knowledgeable, fun & friendly to work with. MAIL 4 A “Kids Yoga & Art Workshop” happens from 5-8pm Saturday, March 17 at the 3 Oms Yoga Studio, 1210 Bay Street, suite #100. Through 200 200 MIND & BODY DO IT 2 A Beginners’ Yoga Series takes place from 9:45-10:45am every Saturday through March 17 at La Conner’s Crescent Moon Yoga. The course is for those new to yoga, those returning after time off or an injury, and seasoned students who want to review the ABC’s of yoga. Cost is $60. More info: (360) 466-3801 or www. blissdogyoga.com imaginative stories and games kids will learn yoga poses and breathing and relaxation techniques. Entry is $30-$35. More info: 671-3510 or www.3omsyoga.com 200 MIND & BODY Windermere Real Estate Whatcom, Inc. 03.14.12 Jen Andrews teaches a “Power Flow Yoga” course at 9:45am Mondays and Thursdays at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave. Entry is $10 per class, $48 for five or $90 for 10. More info: (763) 242-3254 or [email protected] 200 MIND & BODY (360) 393-5826 [email protected] #11.07 100 YOGA ¶ HELP ONE. SAVE MANY. See where the good goes atGoodGoes.org CASCADIA WEEKLY 100 YOGA CLASSIFIEDS.CASCADIAWEEKLY.COM MUSIC 20 bulletinboard TO PLACE AN AD 27 & FOOD 34 healthwellness hw TO PLACE YOUR AD FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 360-647-8200 47-8200 EXT. 20 202 OR [email protected] March Tuesday Movies STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 Free! Popcorn provided... Body Type Bra Fitting Red M o untain s#USTOMfiTTEDs#USTOMALTERED s#USTOMMADE s,ONGLASTINGs'REATvALUE (with purchase of 6. $95 for 12.) Healthy Bra Company The 115 Unity Street, Bellingham 98225 redmountainwellness.com 360.318.6180 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 Fairhaven - 360-815-3205 $5 Drop-in Flow Yoga Classes Skagit Valley Food Co-op Room 309 Advanced Advanced Appointments "OOKING2EQUIRED Needed. WAITINGLIST Waiting List by appt. only more information at www.skagitfoodcoop.com www.theHealthyBraCompany.com *ROGHQ)RRW0DVVDJH s Become Naturally Calm & Confident with EFT s CURRENTS 8 (&KHVWQXW6W%HOOLQJKDP360-733-1926 Chinese Massage2SHQ'D\VDPSP 360-647-1537 circleoflifeco-op.com Serving elders respectfully Individualized service plans Personal and In-Home Care Affordable Rates VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 03.14.12 #11.07 CASCADIA WEEKLY Q&A with raw foods chef Carol Roberge March 20, 6:30pm Maria Monti, Postural Therapist 6 Free Pilates Equipment Classes! Dig Deep … Live Light! 28 Forks Over Knives, plant strong diets fight disease 2011 B’ham’s Best $89 New Patient Special (360) 715-8722 Bellingham Spinal Care Massage – 1 hour Intro Special $32.95 200 MIND & BODY help prevent cancer. Register in advance for the free presentation. More info: www. skagitfoodcoop.com or www. vitalagingclinic.com Learn about Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) at a variety of workshops in Bellingham. An introductory class happens from 2-4pm EFT is a body/mind way of releasing stress, fears and anxieties. Your naturally calm, confident, creative self emerges. LEARN TO DO EFT YOURSELF 5HJXODU)RRW(30 min.) $25 $20 'HOX[H)RRWKU.) $40 $29.99 &KDLU0DVVDJH(20 min.) )XOO%RG\ 7KHUDS\DOVRDYDLODEOH MONTHLY CLASSES - WORKSHOPS - INTROS ADVANCED GROUPS FOR GRADUATES See EFTSettings.com/welcome Daimon Sweeney, EFT-CC 360-441-1195 New Pathways Pain Reduction Classes An Innovative Body-Mind Approach Chiropractic exam, x-rays, adjustment Rates “This is way beyond coping. This is transformative.” Call Now! 200 MIND & BODY Wednesday, March 21 at the Red Center Dharma Hall, 1021 N. Forest St. Suggested donation is $7. More info: www. eftsettings.com 300 MEDITATION Doug Bentley, a Oneness SKILL TRAINING IN: The Bellingham TM Program is pleased to offer t/IJłĿļįĶļĹļĴņļij1ĮĶĻ t.ĶĻıijłĹĻIJŀŀ.IJıĶŁĮŁĶļĻ t4IJĻŀļĿņ"ńĮĿIJĻIJŀŀ t"İłĽłĻİŁłĿIJ Monday, March 26 Gateway Centre, 1313 E. Maple Mt. Baker Room Effective & Affordable* INTRODUCTORY SESSION Liz Bernstein, D.C., L.Ac. Lairmont Manor Call (360) 756-8531 for January schedule or bellinghamacupuncture.com for more information for Beginners, Noon Session is FREE ¨ ©Û¤~ ÛÝÛooolegj_ *May be covered by insurance 200 MIND & BODY 200 MIND & BODY 300 MEDITATION 400 MOVEMENT Guide from a spiritual school in India, leads “Transmission of Divine Energies” workshops at 6pm and 7:30pm Monday, March 19 at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall, 1021 N. Forest St. Admission is by donation. More info: 671-6586 and third Wednesday of the month at psychic Jill Miller’s offices at 1304 Meador Ave. Entry is $5. No registration is required, but please be on time, as the doors will close right at 5:30. More info: www. jillmillerpsychic.com of spring with sacred chants and meditative movement from 7-9pm Sunday, March 18 at Presence Dance Studio, 1412 Cornwall Ave. Suggested donation is $5-$10. More info: 733-5745 As part of a “March Man*Ness” campaign, new male customers can try their first Pilates class for free at Joy of Pilates, 209 Prospect St. More info: www.joyof pilates.net Attend a Meditation Hour from 5:30-6:30pm every first Dances of Universal Peace will celebrate the beginning CALENDAR@ CASCADIAWEEKLY.COM Bring kids 14 and younger to a free Children’s Rolfing Clinic from 12-4pm Saturday, Instructor: Annie Skipper Director, Seattle TM Program 400 MOVEMENT 400 MOVEMENT March 17 at the Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. More info: 305-4126 or www. lucasrolfing.com Ave., suite 207. More info: (360) 441-0211 The Pilates Loft, Bellingham’s only private Pilates studio specializing in the Mature Body Workout, is currently offering free half-hour intro sessions at 1229 Cornwall Nia: A movement practice that leads to health, wellness and fitness, can be experienced at 9:30am Wednesdays and 5:30pm Fridays at Presence Studio, 1412 Cornwall Ave. Cost is $10-$12. Info: www.presence-studio.com CANCER (June 21-July 22): British writer Kenneth Tynan asked a movie director about how he’d film an advancing army. Did it matter whether the action went from right to left across the frame or left to right? “Of course!” said the director. “To the Western eye, easy or successful movement is left to right, difficult or failed movement is right to left.” The director showed Tynan an illustrated book as evidence. On one page, a canoe shooting the rapids was going from left to right, while a man climbing a mountain was headed from right to left. Use this information to your benefit, Cancerian. Every day for the next two weeks, visualize yourself moving from left to right as you fulfill a dream you want to accomplish. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Hanadi Zakaria al-Hindi is the first Saudi Arabian woman to be licensed to fly a plane. But there’s an absurd law in her country that prohibits women from driving cars, so she needs a man to give her a lift to the airport. Is there any situation in your own life that resembles hers, Leo? Like maybe you’ve advanced to a higher level without getting certified on a lower level? Or maybe you’ve got permission and power to operate in a sphere that’s meaningful to you even though you skipped a step along the way? Now would be a good time to think about whether you should do anything about the discrepancy, and if so, how to do it. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Recent scientific studies have confirmed what Native American folklore reports: Badgers and coyotes sometimes cooperate with each other as they search for food. The coyotes are better at stalking prey above ground, and the badgers take over if the hunted animal slips underground. They share the spoils. I suggest you CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Writing in the science magazine Discover, Corey S. Powell says, “There’s an old joke: If you tell someone the universe is expanding, he’ll believe you. If you tell him there’s wet paint on the park bench, he’ll want to touch it to make sure.” In accordance with the astrological omens, Capricorn, I invite you to rebel against this theory. I think it’s quite important for you to demand as much proof for big, faraway claims as for those that are close at hand. Don’t trust anyone’s assertions just because they sound lofty or elegant. Put them to the test. FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 Attorney At Law GET OUT 14 30 Years Experience 360-671-2990 119 North Commercial Street, #920, Bellingham, WA 98225 stopdebtcollectorproblems.com PEP PER SISTERS COOKING OUTSIDE THE BOX Open Nightly Except Monday 1055 N State St SINCE 1988 B’ham 671-3414 AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It’s an excellent time to better appreciate your #@%(!)* vexations and botherations. In fact, let’s go ahead and make this Honor Your #@%(!)* Irritations and Annoyances Week. To properly observe this holiday, study the people and things that irk you so you can extract from them all the blessings and teachings they may provide. Are you too tolerant of an annoying situation that you need to pay closer attention to? Is it time to reclaim the power you’ve been losing because of an exasperating energy-drain? Does some jerk remind you of a quality you don’t like in yourself? Is there a valuable clue or two to be gleaned from a passive-aggressive provocateur? PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Seahorses have an unusual approach to reproduction. It’s the male of the species that cares for the eggs as they gestate. He carries them in a “brood pouch” on his front side. Of course it’s the female who creates the eggs in the first place. After analyzing the astrological factors coming to bear on your destiny, Pisces, I suspect you will benefit from having a seahorse-like quality in the coming weeks. Whatever gender you are, your archetypal masculine qualities should play an especially strong role as you nurture a project that’s in its early developmental phases. WORDS 12 James A. Sturdevant CURRENTS 8 were a spider in a previous life? If so, please call on the abilities you developed back then. You need to create an extra big, super-fine web, metaphorically speaking, so that you can capture all the raw materials you will be needing in the coming weeks and months. If you’re not sure whether you are the reincarnation of a spider, then simply imagine you were. Stimulate daydreams in which you visualize yourself as a mover and shaker who’s skilled at snagging the resources and help you require. Debt Collection Defense. VIEWS 6 GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Is it possible you SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): According to my Sagittarius friend Jonathan Zap, the Greek playwright Aristophanes had an ambivalent attitude about divine blessings. He said that no great gift enters the human sphere without a curse attached to it. I’m sure you know this lesson well. One of last year’s big gifts has revealed its downside in ways that may have been confusing or deflating. But now here comes an unexpected plot twist, allowing you to add a corollary to Aristophanes’ formulation. Soon you will find a second blessing that was hidden within the curse in embryonic form. You’ll be able to tease it out, ripen it, and add it to the bounty of the original gift. You Have Rights. There Are Rules!! MAIL 4 But let the wings grow roots and the roots fly.” That was written by Spanish poet Juan Ramon Jimenez, and now I’m passing it on to you. It will serve as a keynote for the turning point you’re about to navigate. In the coming weeks, you’ll generate good fortune by exposing your dark mysterious depths to the big bright sky; you’ll be wise to bring your soaring dreams down to earth for a pit stop. The highs need the influence of the lows, Taurus; the underneath will benefit from feeling the love of what’s up above. There’s one further nuance to be aware of, too: I think you will find it extra interesting to interweave your past with your future. Give your rich traditions a taste of the stories that are as-yet unwritten. DO IT 2 TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Roots and wings. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you set up two mirrors in just the right way, you can get a clear look at the back of your head. You’re able to see what your body looks like from behind. I suggest you try that exercise sometime soon. It will encourage your subconscious mind to help you discover what has been missing from your self-knowledge. As a result, you may be drawn to experiences that reveal things about yourself you’ve been resistant to seeing. You could be shown secrets about buried feelings and wishes that you’ve been hiding from yourself. Best of all, you may get intuitions about your soul’s code that you haven’t been ready to understand until now. 03.14.12 ARIES (March 21-April 19): This week you may learn the real reason the tortoise beat the hare, why two of the three blind mice weren’t really blind, and the shocking truth about the relationship between Cinderella’s fairy godmother and the handsome prince. Myths will be mutating, Aries. Nursery rhymes will scramble and fairy tales will fracture. Thor, the god of thunder, may make a tempting offer to Snow White. The cow’s jump over the moon could turn out to have been faked by the CIA. An ugly duckling will lay an egg that Chicken Little claims is irrefutable proof the 2012 Mayan Apocalypse is imminent. Sounds like a rowdy good time for all! LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): How did the Vikings navigate their ships through rough northern seas on cloudy and foggy days? Medieval texts speak of the mysterious “sunstone,” a “Viking compass” used to detect the hidden sun. Modern theories suggest that this technology may have been Iceland spar, a mineral that polarizes light, making it useful in plotting a course under overcast skies. Do you have anything like that, Libra? A navigational aid that guides your decisions when the sun’s not out, metaphorically speaking? Now would be an excellent time to enhance your connection with whatever it is that can provide such power. #11.07 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY D I V O R C E and FA M I LY L A W M A R R I A G E S A N D D O M E S T I C PA R T N E R S H I P S Child Custody and Visitation Dividing Property and Debts Alimony and Child Support Traditional and Collaborative Representations $350 Flat Fee Advice Packages Also Available Daniel Sobel - VISIT WWW.DANIELSOBEL.COM TO LEARN MORE Family Lawyer F R E E I N I T I A L C O N S U LTAT I O N (360) 510-7816 CASCADIA WEEKLY BY ROB BREZSNY draw inspiration from their example, Virgo. Is there a person you know who’s skilled at a task you have trouble with and who could benefit from something you’re good at? It’s prime time to consider forming symbiotic relationships or seeking out unusual partnerships that play to both parties’ strengths. 29 LETTERS, FROM PAGE 5 ST. PATTY, FROM PAGE 21 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 BY AMY ALKON was shocked Whatcom residents were saddled with the additional burden of an overpriced hospital. PeaceHealth’s cost problem is enabled by a near-monopoly in the county. Reportedly, more than 60 percent of medical billings are PH. A series of mergers and sole ownership has created low competition and market domination. Studies on hospital mergers “before and after” show a 10-20 percent price increases. Even if a struggling clinic willingly sells to PH, the outcome for a patient’s cost is the same. Interestingly, PeaceHealth settled in an Oregon anti-competitive lawsuit. PH was charged with being “dangerously close” to achieving market domination because of “market share, high barriers to entry, the lack of capacity of its competitors, its technological advantages,” and its “acquisition of or affiliation with physician clinics and multiple locations” (The Columbian). I urge PeaceHealth executives to set prices down to the average level, and reign in the yearly cost increases for Whatcom citizens. CASCADIA WEEKLY #11.07 03.14.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 —Chris Wermus, Bellingham 30 CHAIN THE WAR MACHINE Your editorial cartoon last week depicted Bibi Netanyahu deceiving President Obama about the ultimate outcomes of our unquestioning support for Israel. First, let us please put to an end the anti-semitic trope that Jews (or Israelis) secretly control our government. Second, Obama is not a fool who can be easily deceived. This leaves us with the conclusion that Obama’s support for Israel’s (ultimately self-destructive) violent actions, most recently its bombing in Gaza which killed 21 people, is being undertaken with a full understanding of the consequences. Furthermore, it is perfectly consistent with decades of U.S. foreign policy, all of Obama’s public pronouncements and Congress’s routine yearly lavish funding of the Israeli war machine. It is perhaps comforting to think that the problem lies with “those people out there” who are deceiving our wellintentioned leaders. It is more accurate (though uncomfortable) to realize that the policy choices of our government are determined at home by the militaryindustrial-congressional complex. It is also hopeful to realize that this is so, because we can actually have an impact on our domestic decision-makers, if we muster the numbers and the will. —Matteo Tamburini, Bellingham No St. Patrick’s Day conversation could be had in this town without first talking about Boundary Bay Brewery. Not only is longtime brewpub manager and brain trust Janet Lightner responsible for spearheading the now-annual St. Patrick’s Day parade that will take to the downtown streets Sat., March 17, but Boundary is also the place to be if you want to be front and center at the biggest St. Pat’s party in town. It all kicks off at 11am (no, that’s not a typo) with a menu full of Irish classics (corned beef, how I love you), and the dancers will dance, the bagpipers will bagpipe and the musicians—with perennial favorites the Paddy Whackers making their annual appearance—will make music both traditional and non well into the night. Chuckanut Brewery will stick to a similar program as its brewpub counterpart, and I can personally attest to the tastiness of their corned beef dinner as well. Its somewhat cozier confines only contribute to the festive atmosphere, and there’s a certain measure of fun to be obtained from trying to watch Irish dancers and musicians negotiate the crowds and the servers while still managing to show everyone a good time. The Shakedown also looms large on my entertainment landscape. The bar first opened its doors on St. Patrick’s Day last year, and they’ll be celebrating their birthday and the holiday all weekend long. Saturday night will see ever-popular but rarely seen MacArra onstage with the always-beloved Peadar MacMahon. If you want to hit up what I predict could be Bellingham’s most raucous good time, this will be your likely locale. Needless to say, St. Patrick’s Day is a pretty big deal at Uisce, for reasons obvious (it’s an Irish pub) and not (the holiday marks their birthday, and they have the distinction of hosting Bellingham’s post-parade party). Maggie’s Fury, Peadar MacMahon, bagpipers, dancers and more will provide the entertainment portion of the proceedings, while the expert bartenders will make certain your Guinness tastes just the way it’s supposed to. If all this bagpiping ain’t your bag, never fear—there’s no need for you to hole up in your house. Simply take yourself to the Wild Buffalo, where the Yogoman Burning Band will be only too happy to show you a nontraditional good time. And, as Yogo himself is more likely to don his typical red uniform than he is to dress like a leprechaun, the opportunity to give him a pinch may act as incentive as well. THE ADVICE GODDESS LARD OF THE DANCE When I got married, I was a slim 6’2”, but I’ve gained a lot of weight. My wife gained about 20 pounds but recently lost that and more. I’ve been as high as 265, but I’m now at 238 and losing about a pound a week, which isn’t fast enough for my wife. When I contemplate going on a stricter diet, what comes to mind is feeling angry, tired and hungry at my high-stress job. My wife said that I obviously love food more than her, and that if I won’t lose weight for her, maybe I’ll do it for our boys. She considers me self-centered and narcissistic because I’m not losing enough weight, and I consider her self-centered and narcissistic for framing every argument in terms of what she wants and isn’t getting. What do you think? Does being overweight mean you don’t love your significant other? —Fatso Some women just can’t appreciate their husband’s collections: comic books, shot glasses, broken-down cars, chins. There’s your wife, wagging a carrot stick at you, telling you that if you loved her you’d be surviving on iceberg lettuce sandwiches or going on the Drink Your Own Urine Diet—whatever it takes to drop flab fast. Probably because weight loss seems easier for her, she assumes you’re lazy and self-indulgent. She’s now trying to guilt-ivate you into losing weight (“Picture your children fatherless…Doritobreath”), which is more helpful than voicing the other thing she’s probably thinking: “I don’t want to have sex with you; I want to harpoon you.” Chances are, the problem isn’t that your diet isn’t “strict enough”—as in, you should be sniffing celery sticks instead of eating them—but that you’ve been following the obesity-causing dietary “science” promoted by the government and much of the medical establishment. The “weight loss” diet they advise—high-carb, low-fat—is actually a weight-gain diet. Also, as Dr. Mary Dan Eades, co-author of The Protein Power Lifeplan, writes, “Study after study has shown the low fat diet to be a failure in treating obesity, in solving diabetes, in reducing blood pressure or in decreasing heart disease risk.” Investigative science journalist Gary Taubes spent more than a decade digging through the body of research on diet. As he writes in Why We Get Fat, the evidence shows that it is carbohydrates—from sugar, flour, easily digested starchy vegetables like potatoes, and juice and beer—that cause the insulin secretion that puts on fat. So, if you want to drop pounds—and not just one a week but like they’re stones falling off a truck—eat low-carb/high-fat foods like cheeseburgers. Even bacon cheeseburgers. (Just see that you feed the bun to the pigeons.) Unfortunately, it seems your love handles have become resentment handles. Some of the ill will between you may melt away as you lose the gut that Ding Dongs and Mountain Dew built, but it points to a bad pattern. You don’t win marital arguments by clinging to how right you are and how wrong your spouse is; you win by working together to make things as right as you can for both of you (“us first” instead of “me first”). Some problems aren’t solvable, but you’ll be more able to shrug off an impasse if you’re consistently putting yourselves in each other’s place. That’s the spirit that keeps you from striking out in revenge—for example, by insisting you’re on the Zone diet (but not mentioning that it’s the zone from the outermost wall of Dunkin’ Donuts to the outermost wall of Cinnabon). MEMORY BANK FRAUD I’m trying to start a relationship with a woman, but I can’t stop thinking about my last girlfriend. I want a family (eventually), so I couldn’t marry her. She already has two children, which is a dealbreaker for me, and has other baggage: debt and baby daddy drama. But, we developed a deep love, and I’m having a hard time getting over her. —Stuck It was the best of times, it was the best of times. And it’s called selective remembering. Your mental projector keeps playing this loop of your ex trying on lingerie. There are never any misty shots of the repo man or your ex emerging from the mist to chase the baby daddy with a big cleaver. And where are the little mind movies of her children? Or as you call them, “dealbreakers,” not “dealbenders.” Keeping this woman as your fantasy girlfriend will be a wedge between you and any woman you’re with in real life. To move on, harness the power of negative thinking. Sure, go ahead and indulge. Take that walk down memory lane with your ex. Just be sure you ask the cameraman to pull out to reveal the stroller you’re pushing with some other guy’s screaming kids in it. ©2012, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. (advicegoddess.com) Divorce With Dignity & Mutual Respect Patrick Gallery Notary Public Service Territorial Seeds Soil Test Kits Regional Books Organic Espresso Hearty Microbrews Hand Dip Cones A Real Convenience 360-592-2297 arts, entertainment, news B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 WORDS 12 DO IT 2 Collaborative Divorce (360) 647-8897 [email protected] 1010 Harris Ave. #201 Bellingham CURRENTS 8 MAIL 4 1 Bale stuff 2 Gold, to Pizarro 3 Wistful beginning of some stories 4 Cosmetics businesswoman Lauder 5 Contribute (to) Last Week’s Puzzle VIEWS 6 Down 65 “Walking on Thin Ice” songwriter Yoko 66 Bipolar disorder, for short ©2012 Jonesin’ Crosswords www.everybodys.com Hiway 9 – Van Zandt 03.14.12 Family Law Attorney with 18 years experience We Care about Your Children’s Well-Being Settle Your Case Without Going to Court Free Consultation 37 ___ gobi (Indian potato dish) 38 Kilmer who played Jim Morrison and Batman 39 “___ Tries Anything” (Ani DiFranco song) 43 Clue for the northeast corner 48 ___ wait (prepare to ambush) 44 Started the pilot 45 “Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)” singer 46 Field judges 47 Barton of “The O.C.” 48 “Ed Wood” Oscar winner Martin 49 Statement of denial 52 Il ___ (cathedral of Florence) 53 Toyota hybrid 54 Like some threats 55 Actress Elg of “Les Girls” (hidden in MAINTAINABLE) 60 Always, in poetry 61 Hwy. 63 Large British ref. book #11.07 1 Gordie on the ice 5 Circus performance 8 Mo-rons 13 “Give it ___, will ya?” 15 “___ Day” (hiphop single of 1993) 16 Threepio’s buddy 17 Spring chicken 18 “Lost” actor Daniel ___ Kim 19 Overwhelmingly 20 Airline reservation 22 Calligraphy need 24 Suffix for McCarthy 25 Clue for the northwest corner 30 Assistance 31 Actor Gulager of TV westerns 32 Wipe out 33 Clue for the southwest corner 6 Jenny of diet plans 7 Frigid temperature range 8 File folder feature 9 Like a crooked smile 10 Exclamation after trying on old clothes, maybe 11 Perfectly 12 More miffed 14 Simple roofing material 21 Register tray 23 “Hooked on Classics” record company in old TV ads 25 Explorer Vasco da ___ 26 Iran’s currency 27 ___ York (NYC, to some residents) 28 Former Notre Dame coach Parseghian 29 They’re half the diameter 34 Makes do 35 ___-T-Pops (“the lollipop with the loop”) 36 Camera effect 40 Guide to getting around a mall 41 Get wind of 42 Punta del ___, Uruguay CASCADIA WEEKLY Across 50 Pai ___ (“Kill Bill” tutor) 51 ___ bran 52 Clue for the southeast corner 56 Lateral start 57 Barbed wire tattoo spot 58 “The Lion King” bad guy 59 More bizarre 62 Event that makes a CEO rich(er) 64 Sign message at football games 67 “The Absinthe Drinker” painter 68 Sport-___, aka “SUV” 69 Current World Chess Champion Viswanathan ___ 70 Bizarre 71 Late Pink Floyd member ___ Barrett 72 Each FOOD 34 rearEnd ›› ”Corner Squares” — 4x3x3 — by Matt Jones 31 B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 rearEnd ›› comix FILM 24 MUSIC 20 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 Ti k t $35-$65 Tickets: $35 $65 plus applicable fees Season Sponsor WORDS 12 Mount Baker Theatre | 360.734.6080 | www.mountbakertheatre.com Fri, April 30, 8:30am-4pm Whatcom Community College Bellingham, WA The best investment you can make for info on: Improved Margins, Innovative Financing, Lean Business, Meaningful Employment, Excellent Customer Service and more. Enjoy keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking with peers, and delicious food. CASCADIA WEEKLY #11.07 DO IT 2 Join us for inspiration and hands-on tools at the best business conference in NW Washington 03.14.12 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 Thurs, April 26, 5:30pm-8pm Whatcom Museum REGISTER NOW Special Thanks to our Sponsors For more details or to register visit: www.sustainableconnections.org Featured Speaker: Jason McLennen, CEO, Cascadia Green Building Council Hear Jason speak at the opening reception about Living Cities and our role in making them a reality. Not to be misssed! Index Sensors Sponsorship opportunities still available Call 360 647-7093, ext105 32 Choose local businesses taking action for a healthy community. FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 Sunday - Thursday STAGE 16 ART 18 Just $19.95! GET OUT 14 Surf & Turf Sudoku MAIL 4 DO IT 2 03.14.12 #11.07 4VOEBZUISV5IVSTEBZXFSFQMFBTFEUPPGGFS BTFMFDUJPOPG4VSGBOE5VSGEJOOFSTGFBUVSJOH PVS4OBLF3JWFS'BSNT8BHZVCFFGQBJSFEXJUI ZPVSDIPJDFPGPOFPGPVSTFBTPOBMTFBGPPE TQFDJBMUJFTGSPN"OUIPOZT4FBGPPE$PNQBOZ #FMMXFUIFS8BZt#FMMJOHIBN (360) 527-3473 XXXBOUIPOZTDPN CASCADIA WEEKLY 8 4 2 3 1 3 5 6 1 2 9 1 4 3 4 1 7 5 6 8 4 6 1 2 9 8 5 4 6 7 2 5 6 VIEWS 6 HOW TO SUDOKU: Arrange the digits 1-9 in such a way that each digit occurs only once in each row, only once in each column, and only once in each box. Try it! 33 FOOD 34 34 FOOD chow REVIEWS PROF I L ES GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 RECIPES He places the eggs in a saucepan of cold water on high heat, brings it to a boil and lets the eggs boil for exactly one minute. Then he removes the pan from the heat and lets the eggs sit in the hot water for another minute, before scooping them out with a spoon and transporting them to egg cups (so English!) with a spoon. Quickly and without fanfare, the top third of the egg (officially known as “the top,”) is sliced off with a butter knife. The exposed surface of the egg in the cup, with its firm white and slightly runny yolk, is embellished with pinches of salt and ground pepper. Toasted slices of bread are buttered and cut into fingers about a half-inch wide. These bread slices, also known as soldiers, are dipped into the rich and creamy yolk. The rest of the egg is eaten with a small spoon. Heaven. The egg symbolizes fertility, rebirth and renewal. Whether you boil them or make a quiche, eggs are a symbol of spring, which is, theoretically, right around the corner, making this is the perfect time to eat them. This quiche recipe is quick and easy to prepare and because it is crustless, a few extra calories and a fussy step are eliminated. CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 recipe VIEWS 6 -0./' ..,0$# MAIL 4 FOR THE CUSTARD, BEAT TOGETHER UNTIL WELL-COMBINED: CASCADIA WEEKLY #11.07 03.14.12 DO IT 2 BY GRACE JACKSON 34 Spring Quiche ELEVATING THE HUMBLE EGG AN EGG in its shell is a humble object—a silent little soldier standing quietly in the shadows of your fridge, awaiting its chance to serve. Eggs do not clamor for your attention, like the saucy Tabasco or the spicy lime pickle. No, the cool, curved egg is smooth to the touch, a symbol of life and a whole world unto itself. When its shell is broken and its contents whipped and beaten, the stoic and singular egg elevates to excellence even the simplest ingredients. This is why I love to make quiche. With a few eggs and some basic ingredients such as onions, cheese and sauteed greens, you can create a mindful masterpiece that’s typically popular with the whole family. Supposedly “real men don’t eat quiche,” but every man I know eats quiche with reckless abandon and without shame, especially if you toss in a few “manly” ingredients such as ham or bacon and serve it with a smile. In my world, real men not only eat quiche, but they also prepare them. Because quiche is easy to assemble, they make great dishes for potlucks and ailing neighbors. Leftover quiche is the best of all: cold from the refrigerator or reheated in a microwave, I say quiche can be breakfast, lunch and dinner in a pie plate. Speaking of men and eggs, while my English husband loves and cooks quiche, he has also taught me there is nothing as pure, simple and sensuous as a soft-boiled egg for breakfast. He has his own way of ensuring his boiled eggs are cooked perfectly every time—no cracked shells, and a yolk that is hard at the edges and soft in the middle. 4 large eggs 1 ½ cups light cream 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, or 1 teaspoon dried (optional) ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg Ground black pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 10” glass or ceramic pie plate. For the filling: Use your imagination. Sautee a little spinach, red onions and mushrooms in butter, or add cooked bacon pieces or ham to the custard. I always add cheese, so toss ¾ cup of any cheese you have on hand with a tablespoon of flour to coat. Add the filling to the custard mixture and stir well to distribute evenly in the custard. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and bake until set, golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes to settle, then cut into wedges and serve. —Adapted from The Joy of Cooking doit FOOD FOOD 34 34 MARCH 14-17 B-BOARD 27 MOUNT VERNON BEER WEEK: Head to Skagit County for the inaugural Mount Vernon Beer Week, which will take place through Saturday at the Empire Alehouse, Trumpeter Public House, the Porterhouse, Skagit River Brewery, and North Sound Brewery. Food and drink specials, performances, a “Cask Crawl” and much more will take place throughout the week. WWW.MOUNTVERNONBEERWEEK.COM THURS., MARCH 15 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 FARM TO TABLE MEETING: Find local products, meet buyers and make connections at the 2012 Farm to Table Trade Meeting from 9am-3:30pm at the Community Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Pkwy. Cost is $15 and includes a light lunch and snacks. Panel topics will feature farmers, chefs, food producers and buyers. WWW.SUSTAINABLECONNECTIONS.ORG FRI., MARCH 16 POULTRY WORK SHOP: Sustainable Bellingham and the Bellingham Flying Chickens 4H Clubs present a Backyard Poultry Workshop from 1-4pm at the caretaker’s house at Fairhaven Park. 820-3323 OR BHAMFLYINGCHICKENS4H@ HOTMAIL.COM FOOD FILM FEST: As part of the Reel Food Film Fest, watch King Corn at 3pm at the Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Dr. The documentary follows two friends, one acre of corn and the subsidized crop that drives our fast food nation. Entry is free. 966-5100 OR WWW.SUSTAINABLECONNECTIONS. ORG INCOGNITO BEER DINNER: Watch culinary skills in action at a St. Patty’s Day Beer Dinner starting at 6pm at Ciao Thyme, 207 Unity St. Cost is $85 and includes beer pairings. WWW.CIAOTHYME.COM SUN., MARCH 18 SOUTHSIDE MEAL: Join the Happy Valley Neighborhood Association for the monthly Southside Community Meal from 5-6:30pm at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 1720 Harris Ave. Everyone is invited to the free feast. WWW.HAPPYVALLEYNA.COM MON., MARCH 19 SUSTAINABLE AG CONFERENCE: Semi- TUES., MARCH 20 PAN-ASIAN PROSPEC TS: Spencer Santanello from Prospect Street Café leads a “Pan-Asian Prospects” course at 6:30pm at Ciao Thyme, 207 Unity St. Cost is $45. STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 WORDS 12 CURRENTS 8 A WINE MAKER’S DINNER VIEWS 6 WWW.BBAYBREWERY.COM WWW.GRETCHENSKITCHEN.COM Featuring Wines From MAIL 4 WWW.CLOUDMOUNTAINFARM.COM PAT T Y’S PART Y: Attend St. Patrick’s Day celebrations starting at 11am at Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave. In addition to Irish fare and Dry Irish Stout, there’ll be dancers, bagpipers, live music and much more. WWW.WHATCOM.WSU.EDU TAPAS NUEVAS: Chef Peter Belknap will teach participants about “little plates” of savory snacks from the bodegas of Spain at a “Tapas Nuevas” cooking course at 6:30pm in Mount Vernon at Gretchen’s Kitchen, 509 S. First St. Cost is $40 (includes wine). WWW.CIAOTHYME.COM NIGHT IN BOLOGNA: Lisa Dixon leads a “Night in Bologna” class from 6:30-8pm at the Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. Cost is $35 with an optional $7 wine option. +PJOVTGPSBmWFDPVSTF QFSGFDUMZQBJSFEXJOFEJOOFS 383-3200 WED., MARCH 21 WINE DINNER: Sign up now for a Washington Wine Dinner taking place from 6:30-8:30pm at the Old World Deli, 1228 N. State St. Cost is $40 and includes six wines with a menu to pair. WWW.OLDWORLDDELI1.COM THURS., MARCH 22 MEXICAN KITCHEN: Ana Jackson helms a “Mexican Kitchen: Chiles Rellenos” from 6-9pm at the Cordata Community Food Co-op. Cost is $39. 383-3200 DO IT 2 733-6618 FRUIT WORK SHOPS: Show up for a “Growing Apples and Pears” workshop at 10:30am at Everson’s Cloud Mountain Farm, 6906 Goodwin Rd. At 1:30pm, there’ll be a “Growing Stone Fruits: Cherries, Peaches, & Plums” workshop. Entry is free and no registration is required. nars on topics relevant to sustainable and organic producers will take place as part of the Northwest Washington Sustainable Agriculture Conference from 8am-4pm at Lynden’s Mt. Baker Rotary Building, 1775 Front St. Cost is $50-$70. 03.14.12 PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Nosh on “Swedish pancakes made by Norwegians” at the monthly Swedish Pancake Breakfast from 8-11am at Norway Hall, 1419 N. Forest St. Entry is $3 for kids, $7 for adults. SATURDAY, MARCH 31 AT 6:30 PM IN S TARS R ESTAURANT Dinner Only Hotel & Dinner Package Per Person #11.07 SAT., MARCH 17 Whether you’re taking part in Mount Vernon Beer Week or quaffing a few on St. Patrick’s Day at your neighborhood watering hole, chances are good green beer will be part of the equation. Cheers! Includes a Classic Room and Dinner for Two CASCADIA WEEKLY 733-4030 ART 18 PIE SOCIAL: The 2nd annual Leah McAtee Pie Social takes place from 10am-3pm at the Bellingham Senior Center, 315 Halleck St. Volunteers are needed to make pies or help out at the event. For reservations call 360-318-2000 or Book Hotel Online at semiahmoo.com VIE TNAMESE SOUP & SANDWICH: Bellingham cookbook author and chef Mary Ellen Carter leads a “Vietnam Soup and Sandwich: Pho and Banh mi” Course from 6:30-8pm in Mount Vernon at Gretchen’s Kitchen, 509 S. First St. Cost is $40. WWW.GRETCHENSKITCHEN.COM 35 *&YJUt#MBJOF8"tTFNJBINPPDPN *Tax and gratuity not included. Management reserves all rights. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to attend dinner. CCW W MORE REWARDS ALL THE TIME! TM Saturday Show Sold Out! Grammy Winning and Gra 6-Time Vocal Group of the Year IN CASH & PRIZES THIS WEEK! * UP TO Friday & Saturday, March 16 & 17 at 8 pm $!"&! "!'!% " QNtXJOOFSTFWFSZIBMGIPVS OVER 900 HOT SLOTS! 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