Metro Spirit 09.08.2011 by Metro Spirit

Get to know Fort Gordon! HELPS E YOU? - ALADDIN TRAVEL 1 | WHERE CAN WE TAK 9/1 N CE TIO SIN ME VEN CO PRE E WE CID VE SUI HOW FAR HA NE - A LOOK AT ALL | YOU ARE NOT ALO YOU GET AWAY FROM IT

SEPTEMBER 2011

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TABLE of CONTENTS

Beautiful Skin Begins Here! whine line - TOM TOMORROW - INSIDER metro - FEATURE - NYTIMES CROSSWORD are you not entertained - CALENDAR the8 - SIGHTINGS - JENNY IS WRIGHT - ART45 - FREE WILL ASTROLOGY slab - THE DOWNLOAD - AUGUSTA TEK - EARDRUM - MATT’S MUSIC - BALL - ADVICE GODDESS - EDGE OF ADVENTURE - AUSTIN RHODES

04 04 06 08 12 14 19 20 34 37 38 39 40 41 46 47 48 50 52 53 53 54

Complimentary Complexion Analysis

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COVER DESIGN

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Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.

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902 Ponder Place Court | Evans | 706.922.3376 Dr. Florentino is a Board-Certified Dermatologist from Detroit, Michigan. She is fluent in Spanish, has four children and one Labrador Retriever named Leo. METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

WHINELINE NY Butcher Shoppe closed. Was it NY Butcher Shop? Shoppe? NY or New York? Lets say it was New York Butcher Shoppe. It closed. Will be missed. Good steaks. Hey, maybe when the government cuts 1.3-trillion from its budget without bringing in any revenue, WJBF will suddenly magically be so flush with cash as a result, Matt Monroe will get hired back with a big raise. In fact, I bet, as Mr. Rhodes assures us every day, we’ll all be hired back with huge pay increases when that glorious day comes. Austin Rhodes is at the top of the mountain, and even though we may not all get there together, someday, he promises us, we all will be, as long as business and the wealthy are allowed to do whatever they want financially, because the wealthy have the God-given right to stay wealthy and the poor have the God-given right to stay poor. Great paper this week. Very impressive. It’s not April Fool’s so why is there a billboard at the beginning of Calhoun Expressway from the 70’s? Is it retro month maybe? That is hilarious! Chicks looked funny back then! Ahhh....It’s that’s beautiful time of year again where we get to hear some angry SEC fans spew forth their disdain for any team not in the SEC. There are lots of good times out there that are NOT in the SEC. So get over it. I have lived all over this country and SEC fans are the worst by far when it comes to respecting other conferences.

welfare-state European Union all laid-off people are required by law to be given severance packages. Tens of thousands of people are laid-off each month in our country right now because the economy ain’t great. Seemingly the only way he can feel anything for the unemployed is if he personally knows them and he all of a sudden gets all socialist about it. I call crappers on Mr. Rhodes! buy american buy american buy american buy american buy american buy american buy american, GET IT! To all the prudes that are glad about 95 ROCK being, basically, off the air: Why are you so glad? Ok, they were rude, crude and offensive. but this is America and you can change the station. Some of us know what a joke is and how to take it. Some of us don’t get our panties in a wad when an alternative language or lifestyle is suggested. And some of us actually try to enjoy life and all it”s quirks and differences. So go home to your boring life, your fat spouse and your nerd kids, and try to live and let live. Why does Deke not want us to vote on his ballpark? If it’s such a great idea then let the people decide. What’s wrong with you people! Bedroom slippers to the grocery store? And is there no such thing as “too fat for spandex”? Weren’t you taught anything? Wow, Jerry Brigham needs his own TV show!Come to think of it, maybe they will bring “Jake and the Fatman” back to TV and our JerBear could play William Conrad’s title role.

These pretzels are making me thirsty! Talk radio SUX! I suppose Austin Rhodes realizes severance packages are a liberal/ socialist reform? And that in the socialist

METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

I think maybe we should just let South Augusta secede from the city. They

Advice You’ll Want to Follow

Difficult time sleeping last night, and dragging your tired butt out of bed this morning, because your mind just wouldn’t take a break from reminding you of all the things you have to do? Head over to dailyom.com and sign up for My Daily Om. Simply provide the site with your email address and they’ll send you a little nugget of wisdom each morning to help you through your hectic day. A recent directive dispelled the notion that naps are for the lazy: “The desire for a short nap during the day does not arise out of laziness, rather the need for the body to rejuvenate,” it says. See? You are normal!

WERECOMMEND really don’t offer much to Augusta. Everyone knows it’s the smelly, ugly side of town anyway with most of the crime. Plus all they ever do is whine about things that will help move Augusta forward like a new ballpark.

Austin Rhodes says Matt Monroe should’ve at least been given a severance package in his latest column. Unless, I missed it somehow and Mr. Rhodes is now a Lefty, doesn’t he know severance packages are socialism? No self-respecting, profits-driven, entirely capitalistic business entity anywhere,

much less WJBF, gives out severance packages. And forcing them to do so is socialism, unconstitutional, thus unpatriotic! Severance packages and tax increases are the same thing. They are both increased spending the wealthy are too poor to pony up. No self-respecting conservative like Mr. Rhodes claims to be, can force the wealthy-poor to ever pay any more than anyone else, “because it’s just not fair.

Format changed a little this week. Is that because of the fall schedule and the parent mag portion? I’ll admit I’m partial to Jenny Wright. I’m a good friend of hers. Just curious if the paper is

THUMBS

GreenJackets improbably nab South Atlantic League division championship, which means they’ll return to the playoffs for the first time since ’08.

down THUMBS

An early Tuesday shooting at an Augusta Waffle House leaves lots of ballistic evidence. Leave our WH’s alone! What’s wrong with you people?

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WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM

always going to be this crowded or if this is a one episode type thing. Otherwise, love the paper. Jenny brings me copies when she comes to Atlanta. Nice work! Whether they fire Russell or not – Mason still needs to get with the Justice Department for that Audit….. BUT – the audit should be for the whole county government including the Commissioners ACave. Shutup. Growup. Get a seat at the grownups table. You can make all the noise you want from that wobbly table in the living room, but until you put in the work to be relevant please shut up. We don’t care. Austin Rhodes fancies himself a journalist, but when he tries to use words that he thinks will impress his readers, he shows his ignorance. “Wither Matt Monroe?”...come on Austin, take a little time beyond the spell check and make sure the word you’re using is being used correctly. It is “whither”, and don’t act like you were trying to use a play on words. By the way, did you figure out how to spell Cal Ripken’s last name, yet?

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This cheese has had me puckered up for a week! A mega-RANT for the people who designed and operate the traffic control system in Downtown Augusta. A wonderful lunch in Bonnie Ruben’s dining room was tainted by running the gauntlet of parked trains and extended green lights on streets on which no vehicles were operating. To the chick who wrote she can’t find good men to pick up a check: Quit dating male bimbos! I’m making at least three times as much as my boyfriend. He’s using his GI Bill to get his Master’s and is smart enough to avoid burying his future under student loans. We go to places he can afford; when it’s my turn to pay, he looks at the right side of the menu as well. If we can’t afford to go out, we stay home and play Naked Jeopardy!- he cheats, I think. (But I don’t care.) Austin Rhodes spends all his time railing about how unfair it is the U.S. government makes the wealthiest five percent of Americans pay a little more percentage-wise in income taxes, that no

Do these whines need explanation? Does a Ferb need a Phineas? Sorry chum. Take it for what it is. Everyone has a voice now. re:”Scheduling Conflict keeps Four NASCAR Drivers from Visit with President”: I DUNNO! I mean! That’s like “Inviting an IRS AUDIT! Sorry Pres! I’ll take that Bread & Water in Leavenworth Prison Over That “WHITE HOUSE DINNER! re: “Johnson , Kurt Busch on the Edge of Trouble”: Yeah! During the Final Laps of Sunday’s Pocono 600, there was a “Little Rubbing”! After which Jimmy Johnson approached Kurt Busch to “Discuss That Situation”! Dale SR Must’ve been Turning Over in His Grave...With Laughter! re:”Ricky Stenhouse Wins in Wild Finish at Iowa(NASCAR) Yeah! Lack Rousch Owns Both the 6 &99 Cars! Driven by reicky Stenhouse & Carl Edwards, respectively! They’ve a “Not-So-Friendly Rivalry”! As they approached the Finish Line , Stenhouse Blew his Engine! The Ensuing Smoke blinded Edwards, Edwards Inadvertently “Punted” Stenhouse across the Finish Line! What A Finish to a “Rubbing & Roughing each Other Up Race!” re:”Ricky Stenhouse Wins at Iowa in Wild Finish”: I’ll say! Jack Rousch owns Both the 6 & 60 Race Cars, Driven by Ricky Stenhouse & Carl Edwards, respectively! These Two Drivers have a “Not-So-Friendly Rivalry”! They Roughed each other up throughout the Race, then, approaching the Finish Line,on the Final Lap. the 6 Car Blows Up! Edwards, 60, Blinded by that Smoke. “Punted” Stenhouse Across the Finish Line to Win the Race!

METROMASHUP one should be able to force anyone to pay more. But then he has the gall to use his public podium, his bully-pullpit, to put WJBF on the spot for not giving

Matt Monroe a severance package. Isn’t this an attempt at trying to force someone to pay more than they have to?

METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

INSIDER

INSIDER@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Insider is an anonymous, opinion-based examination of the hidden details of Augusta politics and personalities.

Things Getting Hotter for Fire Chief

Alvin Mason’s grilling of Fire Chief Howard Willis at last week’s committee meetings seems downright prophetic, given the concerns about the fire department that were brought before the commission Tuesday afternoon. Were they prophetic, or was he Mason just shaking things up? Crashing through the line and letting them follow through the hole? But given the severity of the accusations, should they even have needed blockers? The show of support displayed by the firefighters was impressive. Eighty-seven active firefighters were in attendance, some of whom had to listen outside the packed commission chambers while

METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

Firefighters Association VP Charles Masters addressed the commission. He painted such a critical picture that it seems as though Willis and his chief deputies might soon be sliding down the fire pole for the last time. But if things have really deteriorated to this point — and are really this dangerous — just who is responsible? Claiming the department has been destroyed by Willis and his chief deputies, Masters threw enough bombs at the commission to bring in crews from several surrounding counties, since after the presentation you seriously doubt our guys have the equipment to handle the job safely. Alleging that the department has

lost a wellness grant because the chief officers refused to participate in the required physicals is one thing, but what about the lack of handheld radios that he claims have resulted in recent near death experiences for four firefighters, including one who was separated from his crew during a fire and found later in a closet suffering from shock, exposed to the dangerous smoke because he didn’t have a radio to call for help? Ten years after such easily-solved problems were suffered by the first responders at the World Trade Center, how has this been allowed to continue? How have the protests been stifled? Is it really that bad? Has the department really been on autopilot

for the last six years? There’s a lot that needs to become clear from all sides of this story, which is why insiders are questioning why such serious questions have taken so long to bubble to the surface. Firefighters have been hovering around the commission chambers for months now. Whether commissioners have been playing the delay game or whether fire department brass has been effective in intimidating enough of the ranks to keep things quiet until Mason blew through the line we’re not sure, but there’s about to be enough light shining on it to get a good look at what wants to scurry back into the darkness.

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Wee-Peats Fall and Winter Sale 2011

Back in Business Redheaded newsman Scott Hudson is back at WGAC, though Insiders have learned that his duties will be a little different the second time around. Instead of the investigative pieces he was sandwiching in between traffic reports, Hudson will be working straight news in a freelance capacity, something GAC has not done before. Since leaving GAC, Hudson has opened a liquor store, joined and left a competing radio station, come out of the closet and is now ready to give GAC another go. Not sure if that qualifies as a midlife crisis, but if it isn’t, you wonder what he’s got to look forward to. While there aren’t that many openly gay reporters, his public coming out

may have come at the best time for him, since it’s doubtful any news organization would allow a reporter’s personal life to upstage his professional work. It’s one of those unwritten rules in the industry: reporters report news, they don’t make news. But with his sexuality established on his own time and his news assignments less likely to wander into the advocacy journalism he had grown known for, conservative powerhouse WGAC may have inadvertently put Hudson once again in the center of the story. Savvy media watchers are sure to get a kick out of listening to Augusta’s first openly gay journalist covering straight news for our Rush Limbaugh affiliate.

Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged...

Greg Rickabaugh Jerry Springer. Jersey Shore. Judge Judy. Jail Report. While they all have the letter “J” in common, that’s not the only similarity between the exploitative media vehicles. They all seek out the basest of human experience and seek to profit from tawdry sensationalism. While Springer, Jersey Shore and Judge Judy require at least some form of voluntary

participation, the Jail Report can happen to anyone. Innocent people get arrested. When they do, they make the Jail Report. This publicity affects lives in ways that can’t be corrected. People lose jobs over such publicity. Marriages are strained. Children taunted at school. There’s a “J” missing from all of this. That “J” stands for Justice. There is none for the innocent brought to the town square in stocks by the Jail Report. Jail Report owner Greg Rickabaugh has stumbled upon his own seedy meal ticket. He’s not engaging in journalism. He’s engaging in sensationalism. Larry Flynt served a more honorable journalistic purpose. At least Hustler didn’t obtain its copy verbatim from the public record. When he’s riding his high horse to the print shop to do the Lord’s work, Rickabaugh should remember the injunction to “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” Of course, were he to be judged for his actions, that would still give him something that has not been extended to those who have appeared in the Jail Report: Adjudication and justice.

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METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

METRONEWS

ERICJOHNSON

What’s a Picture Really Worth? When it’s in the mug shot papers, it’s hard to define the price

Around 9 p.m. on the night of April 22, Stevie Dement and his wife Cissy were having dinner at the Evans Pizza Joint with Cissy’s 21-yearold daughter and a couple of Stevie Dement work associates when Cissy excused herself to use the restroom. On her way back, a guy at the bar leaned over and brazenly positioned himself at breast level. Dement noticed the guy, and when she walked by unaware, he watched the guy as he swirled around and readjusted himself to butt height. “When I stood up to let her back in, his line of sight goes from her butt to my face,” Dement says. “I said, ‘What are you looking at?’ and he said, ‘I’m looking at you, bitch.’” These things are always tense, and when Dement took a step toward the guy, the guy slapped him. Dement hit him once in the face, which sent the guy swirling back into his stool. From there he inexplicably spun around until he was facing the bar, where he collapsed on it as if asleep. Dement continued to eat, but when the guy regained consciousness and was asked to leave, management discussed things with Dement and he decided that it was best if they all left out the back way, just to prevent things from escalating.

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“All I saw was you hit me once, I hit you once,” Dement says. “He got the worst of it, but for me it was a strike for a strike. It’s done. Let’s be grown men.” And that was pretty much that until about two weeks later, when Dement got a call from a Columbia County Sheriff’s investigator asking for his version of events. Dement told his story and gave her a list of witnesses, then called his lawyer, who after hearing what happened told him not to worry. So he didn’t… until a week or so later when the same investigator called and told him the judge had decided to issue a warrant for his arrest. Dement turned himself in, posted $1,100 cash bond and continued with his life until his wife came out of a convenience store with a copy of the Jail Report. “There I am,” he says. “Battery.” That’s the price you pay for finding yourself behind bars around here. If the Jail Report doesn’t have you, the Arrest Book does — right there on the counter next to the five hour energy drinks and the disposable lighters. What makes Dement’s story unique, however, is the fact that the charges against him were dropped. “There were many witnesses,” says Captain Steve Morris of the Columbia County Sheriff’s office. “Some were interviewed prior to the issuance of a warrant. Additional witnesses were interviewed after the warrant was issued, and in light of developments from those interviews, the warrant was dismissed by the District Attorney’s office.”

No harm, no foul, right? The charges were dropped, his bond returned and his record was cleared. But in the court of public opinion, he’s still guilty of battery. Pictures may be worth a thousand words, but mug shots are worth even more. “It just killed me,” he says. “It broke my heart. I’m humiliated.” As a professional kickboxer who has represented the country in international tournaments, a battery charge plays into the stereotype, but Dement also sells cardiovascular devices to physicians and assists doctors during the installation surgeries. “I represent the company that builds the device,” he says. “If there’s an issue, the doctor looks at me. If something’s not right, I look at him.” The people looking back at him weren’t expecting to see someone arrested for battery, yet after appearing in the Jail Report, his coworkers were certainly looking at him closely. And differently. “I see these nurse assistants with the Jail Report running around showing it and you can see them snickering,” he says. “It’s humiliating. It hurt me. My business went into the crapper.” As painful as the situation may have been, according to Jail Report owner/ publisher Greg Rickabaugh, it’s just one of those things. “I can hear the argument, but I just think they’re a bunch of crybabies,” he says. “The state has made it a law to allow people to have access to mug shots and public records and information, so

we are doing nothing wrong and we feel like we are a benefit. Are there innocent people on our pages? Yes, there are. And we don’t mind publishing that fact at their request after they’ve been found innocent. And we have.” Dement says he’s emailed the Jail Report about his charges being dismissed, but has not seen a retraction. Beyond that, however, he still feels like the damage has been done. How effective is a retraction, even if accompanied by the original mug shot, when so many have already digested the original information and assumed so much. “I’m guilty until proven innocent, and I can never be adequately proven innocent,” Dement says. “You’re dealing with idiots. They assume that where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Rickabaugh will tell you that he’s dealing in cold, hard facts. The fact is, Dement was arrested. Period. That’s all he’s reporting, and it’s not up to him to worry about how far into realm of speculation people might run with that information. While he’s upset that Columbia County put the cart before the horse and charged him before all the witnesses were interviewed, including an FBI agent who was sitting at the bar, Dement’s main frustration remains with the Jail Report. “Here’s the deal — I can understand if you’re convicted,” he says. “That’s something else. There’s been a trial and a jury and you’ve been convicted. But with this, you’re tarred and feathered, V. 22 | NO. 55

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he’s doing nothing but providing easier access to it. But is there a difference between allowing you to seek out that information and having it there waiting for you, without context, at the convenience store checkout? According to Rickabaugh, no. “The daily newspaper picks and chooses what it gives the reader,” he says. “They choose to go to the city council meetings where the public has expressed for decades that they do not have an interest in going. So the news reporters go and they sit in the city council meetings and they splash the headlines across the front page about what has happened. “What is the difference in us going down there and the public wanting to know, just not wanting to go through it themselves?” he asks. “To me, it’s even worse if someone’s accused of driving drunk on the streets. Shouldn’t we let the public know?” Competitor Darnik McAlpin, a Davidson grad who owns the Arrest Book, takes issue with Rickabaugh’s argument about picking and choosing. McAlpin alleges that the Jail Report does not print all the mug shots available to print. “When I saw there was a discrepancy between who was making the paper and the information that I was receiving, that motivated me to make sure that everyone in the paper gets put in,” he says. “The Georgia statute doesn’t state we have to put everyone in there. That’s not illegal, but the point is, who decides who gets left out?” In turn, Rickabaugh accuses the Arrest Book of accepting cash for keeping faces out of the paper, a charge McAlpin surprisingly does not deny. “As far as people paying for the removal — in certain situations that has happened, and here’s my take on that,” he explains. “If you’re going to go out and do a crime, which is stupid enough to me because you know the law, and you are going to be willing to pay to keep yourself from being embarrassed, I think it’s even more of a crime to not take your money and give it to charity and stuff like that.” He says a percentage of that money goes to charity, but says some is directed to the time and effort that goes with fixing the problems associated with pulling a mug shot out of the paper at potentially the last minute. Anxious to show that unlike Rickabaugh, he’s receptive to people like Dement, McAlpin says he’s printing the Conviction Book, which follows cases through the legal process and prints the outcome, whatever it might be. “You pick up the Conviction Book and you’re going to see the initial arrest

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man. I was tarred and feathered by that magazine.” Greg Rickabaugh worked for the Augusta Chronicle for six years, four of which he strictly covered crime. He moved to Charlotte, worked for the Charlotte Observer for a few months, then worked for a marketing firm before being laid off. While trying to figure out what he was going to do, he read an AP story in the Charlotte Observer about a guy in Florida who had been arrested and wondered what his mug shot would like. When he got it, and others, he decided to publish a paper of mug shots. “I had actually had the idea before then of doing some kind of crime paper where it was just statistics and neighborhood crimes and all that was going on, but the idea that somebody was just putting mug shots in the paper and people were eating it up I thought was brilliant,” Rickabaugh says. When it came down to it, though, he wanted to do more than mug shots. “I thought that was kind of simple, and I am a crime writer,” he says. “I love crime news and dumb crook stories and so I kind of put more effort in the paper and really expanded the vision. In my paper you see plenty of mug shots, but almost on every page you’ve got an article of local crime significance. You’ve got a center spread of dumb crook news from around the country and you’ve got fun with captions. And now we’ve added a cartoon and have the Match the Convict with the Crime game.” It’s an irreverent and unfiltered look at the seediness that most of us would rather not acknowledge but seem unable to resist. Headlines like Drunk Son Fights with Dad, Hits Mother in the Face and Unthinkable! Man Drags Wife Through His Feces compete with the sometimes unbelievable mug shots — the pretty girl posing like it’s a glamour shot, the wild-eyed woman with the crazy hair, the crackhead with no teeth, the beat-up drunk who’s your next-door neighbor. Though he prides himself for including crime stories of local significance, Rickabaugh doesn’t pretend the paper’s all serious crime fighting. “I’m not going to say that our sole purpose is crime fighting, because I do need something to pay the bills, but my ultimate goal is to provide a resource for law enforcement and for the public,” he says. “As far as how I see myself, I really see myself as showing the people the information they want to know.” They want to know who’s in jail, he says. They want to know who the sex offenders are and who’s been charged with burglarizing the neighborhood and who is stealing from the stores and driving drunk on the roads. And because it’s all public record, he insists

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METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

photo, you’re going to see the final verdict, including the people who are found innocent,” he says. “I’ve done that because of that criticism.” Not surprisingly, Rickabaugh doesn’t think much of the Conviction Book. He wants as much exposure for those arrested as he can and is suspect of anything that might smack of the privilege he remembers from his youth. He tells a story about a guy he knows who was constantly getting out of DUIs because the same lawyer went before the same judge. “I know if he had been in a paper that showed people who had been arrested, that he would have stopped driving drunk because his clients would not have given him business,” he says. “But he was able to hide behind an expensive lawyer, and we don’t do that.” He says he once turned down an offer of $20,000 to keep a picture from running, then fought off the guy’s attempt to buy up all the papers around his place of business. Of course what makes the Jail Report and the Arrest Book interesting is the fact that these people haven’t been convicted. The mug shots are relevant to people in the community because these people aren’t tucked away safely in jail, off the streets and off your mind. They’re out among us. The guy on page 16 might be pumping

gas right next to you. While the public might be divided about the concept, law enforcement takes a takes a fairly well-defined approach. Richmond County Sheriff Ronnie Strength admits there may be a public perception of guilt associated with a mug shot, but because he himself lives in a black and white legal world where the

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thing is the thing, it’s not something he worries too much about. “I don’t think the paper is saying that any of these folks are guilty of what they’re accused of,” he says. “They’re saying that they’ve been arrested on a warrant. That’s the way it is.” The extra exposure that comes from additional crime stories and, of course, the photos, does tend to help the sheriff’s office do its job. “It has been beneficial to us,” Strength says. “Especially the folks who we were looking for. That section — we’ll run them in there, and more times than not we’ll get a phone call telling us where they are, where they’re working or where they’re living. In that aspect, it has definitely been beneficial to us.” As for McAlpin’s admission that he takes money to withhold mug shots, the sheriff didn’t hesitate to voice his opinion. “It’s unethical to start with,” he says. “You’ve got to treat everybody the same. You feed everybody out of the same trough.” Capt. Morris from Columbia County says pretty much the same thing about the papers. “I’m not sure how to comment on that other than it’s true that a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” he says. “If a person is arrested and additional information or evidence is developed that leads us to believe they’re innocent or should not have been charged, then corrective action will be taken.” And corrective action is exactly what happened in Dement’s case. Legally, he was cleared of any wrongdoing. Whatever conclusions the uninformed might draw don’t matter. A federal prosecutor interviewed for

this story took a similarly pragmatic approach. “Ultimately, it’s public information, so there’s nothing anybody can do about it,” she said. As for the turmoil suffered by people like Dement, she is understanding, but dismissive. “People have a memory of, like, two seconds when it comes to stuff like this,” she said. “Yes, it’s traumatic when it happens to you and you think all eyes are on you, but trust me — people forget.” Dement, however, doesn’t buy it. “He’s selling crack,” he says. “It’s over, but I still have to defend myself.” Unlike famous people, Dement can’t send out a press release and inject his innocence into the public consciousness. He’s just a guy — more well-known than most of us in certain circles, but he’s still just a guy and he feels Rickabaugh is profiting from his misfortune and the misfortune of others. “I love the one about how we’re just making a buck off of people’s misfortunes,” Rickabaugh says in return. “My god, man — I still live in a threebedroom house. I am not a billionaire off of this thing.” He may not be a billionaire, but he’s got himself a very profitable enterprise, and whatever the value might be to the community in the form of increased awareness or as an additional resource, there’s no doubt a lot of people read it for kicks and to see how many people they know were arrested during the last week. “It’s really low hanging, rotten fruit,” Dement says. “I can’t believe people actually want rotten fruit.”

V. 22 | NO. 55

Ten Years Later

Panel discusses where we are 10 years after 9/11

While most of us are preparing to observe the 10-year anniversary of September 11 in quiet reflection or by attending one of the patriotic events that will undoubtedly have lots of flags and solemnity, a few progressive-minded individuals will be holding a discussion aimed at looking at where we’ve come in the years since the towers fell. Titled A Post-9/11 World: Enduring Triumph and Tragedy, the panel discussion, which takes place at Augusta State University’s Student Center Ballroom at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, will try to move beyond the reflexive politics that have slowly coopted the issue. “Essentially, it’s a chance to have some honest dialog about where we see improvements in this country and in our democracy and our international relations and where, quite frankly, it’s been a regressive situation,” says Sid Gates, one of the organizers. “We just thought that the community deserved some dialog that was focused and honest and transparent about just where we are V. 22 | NO. 55

a decade later.” Panelist Omar Neal, a radio talk show host and the mayor of Tuskegee, Ala., considers such a discussion an important opportunity to reconsider the effects of that day. “It’s one of those events that shaped our country in terms of how we saw terrorism and how we saw ourselves,” he says. “Not only will we have an opportunity 10 years later for retrospection, I think it’s also critically important for introspection, to ask ourselves how we have changed as a result of what took place on that dreadful day and if that change is congruent with who we would like to be as a nation.” It gives us a touchy philosophical question to wrestle with, he says. Did the terrorists get us to alter who we are as a nation? “If I can get you to alter who you are, then that’s winning, too,” he says. While the time immediately after the attack was rich in debate, the years after have distanced us from the event, not just through time, but by the events that

occurred in reaction to it. “At the point 9/11 took place, it was a galvanizing experience, not only for the people in America, but for people all over the world,” Neal says. “It’s the post-9/11 activities — the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, the preemptive strikes — that lead people to question the legitimacy of our response.” Those questions, he says, have come at a national cost. “You can have a legitimate response based upon being attacked, but if you then take what would be a legitimate response and redirect it into an area that people do not see legitimacy in, it dilutes the support you would have had,” he says. The fact that not everybody would agree that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are an illegitimate response is part of the idea behind the event. Disagreements like that are a starting point for the discussions we no longer seem to be having. “The fact that this kind of subject matter is sensitive, to me, makes it even

more imperative for these subjects to be brought to the light of dialog and good debate,” Gates says. “That’s how this country was founded.” Panelists include Neal; Dr. Sudha Ratain, ASU’s political science chair; Rev. Ellen Francis, an Episcopal priest; Dr. Hossam Fadel, member at large of the Islamic Society of Augusta; conservative talk show host Austin Rhodes; Dr. Lowell Greenbaum, chair of the Richmond County Democratic Party; and Sherry Barnes, past chair of the Richmond County Republican Party. The discussion will be moderated by Laurie Ott. Each presenter will be allowed a five-minute opening statement, after which several rounds of predetermined questions will follow, including a question and answer period with the audience, time permitting. Gates says that the fact that the panel covers the spectrum from conservative to moderate to progressive should guarantee that the discussion will be thorough and thought provoking. “If there is ever to be growth, one must METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 11

be able to confront and overcome fear,” Neal says. “The fear is not unfounded, because of how we react to differing opinions. In this hyper-partisan climate, people are very afraid that if they say something, it will be blown out of proportion, particularly if they are in any kind of significant position. But I think that is just the time we need to speak.” People are entitled to their own opinions, he says, but they’re not entitled to their own facts. Given the proximity to the actual anniversary, both Gates and Neal acknowledge it might be difficult to get people to participate with in complete honesty. “Does it make some people feel uncomfortable?” Neal asks. “Absolutely. But if we’re not able to confront these issues and do so with serious introspection, then we will never grow and the world will be stagnant as a consequence.” While Thursday’s discussion might be uncomfortable and frustrating and downright depressing, some might find it a more productive way of observing the national tragedy than going to one of the scheduled events. Sometimes, a moment of silence isn’t enough.

Sid Gates

Quarterback Evades Sack, Picks Up Yards One commission meeting removed from a serious threat to his job as administrator, Fred Russell looks to be back in charge, back on the offensive and seemingly back in favor with a growing number of commissioners. Are they still mad at Russell’s pay increases to the 44 employees? Yes. But that anger seems to now be tempered with a growing understanding that the alternative might not be worth the trouble. Commenting on the motion to rescind the 44 raises, Russell seemed to grow more and more confident, defending the scope of his authority while recommending that the commission wait until the internal auditor submits his report before making a final judgment. Later, he chastised the commission for entertaining a regressive stance. “It looks like you’re trying to move back to the point where each commissioner has a vote on whether or not Johnny, who gets to pick up 10 or 12 additional duties, gets a raise or doesn’t get a raise,” he said. “For years and years and years we did nothing but stagnate under that policy. It was my understanding that we were attempting

12 METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

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to move forward by centralizing that authority and we voted on the personnel manual to go ahead and make those decisions management decisions and not political decisions.” In the old days, he said, reclassified employees would often go to individual commissioners with their concerns. “We can no longer afford to have politics rule the day in these particular situations,” he continued. “You developed a policy. The policy said that the administrator had the authority to do A, B, C and D. Six of you voted on that. That’s all it takes, no matter what your opinion is.” He said that while operating by those rules he’s been able to accomplish most of what the commission has asked him to do, and while it might have been a backdoor apology, he did manage to say the words many commissioners might have been waiting to hear.

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“I don’t know how to do it any different than the way you tell me to do it,” he said. “If that was poor judgment, I apologize for my poor judgment. If that was not what you meant, I apologize for not understanding what you said. But the vote said to reorganize. The vote said to save money. The vote said to take those positions and do it in the best manner possible given that authority that you’ve got.” The vote to rescind the raises failed, as did Mason’s subsequent attempt to fire Russell. Mason again argued that Russell failed to follow his own plan in issuing the raises and took issue with the commissioners who have said that they needed a plan in place before they would consider firing Russell. The first to come out in support of Russell was Grady Smith. “I’d just like to say that looking at

Mr. Russell’s past, I think he’s done a lot of good things,” he said. “Anybody that’s playing quarterback like he is for us — they’re not going to like every play, but the thing about it is, if you look at what’s been involved and the direction we’re headed, it’s positive. We just need to make sure that we get on the same team.” As if sensing that Smith’s support had the potential to break the ice jam, the recently detached Mayor Deke immediately lectured the commission about how their problems are being seen throughout the rest of the state. “We do not operate in a vacuum,” he said. “People are following what goes on in Augusta, and it does not look good.” Objecting to being characterized as one of the “white” commissioners in the press by one of his colleagues, Wayne Guilfoyle issued the most direct criticism of the attempt to fire Russell.

“As far as the statement about terminating the administrator, the first time was a statement, the second time was an overstatement.” While not exactly defending Russell, Corey Johnson, who broke with the black commissioners by voting to retain Russell at the last commission meeting, aggressively defended the logic of his decision. “I’ve been probably called more names in the last two weeks than the man on the moon,” he said. “I’ve been called those names for making a factual evaluation.” In the end, only Mason and Lockett voted for Russell’s termination, and though some of the more critical white commissioners kept their own council during the meeting, the pendulum seems to be moving in Russell’s favor.

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V. 22 | NO. 55

Border War

The Border Bash continues to bring SEC excitement to Augusta

You know those “House Divided” bumper stickers you see around town? The ones with the Bulldogs on one side and the Gamecocks on the other? For nearly two decades, a group of Augustans have worked hard to turn that annual skirmish into a long and lucrative border war. The 18th Annual Border Bash will be moving to the depot property at Sixth and Reynolds this Friday night, and organizers are expecting this one to be the be the biggest party yet. “I think it’s going to be a great set up this year,” says Beasley Broadcasting’s Augusta Market Manager Kent Dunn. “The way that property’s laid out is real conducive to this type of event. It allows us to have even more vendors and have more of a sectioning off of the VIP area. It’s going to be a good layout.” Dunn has been around since the early days, and Beasely Broadcasting actually owns the Border Bash name. In the past, the event has been held at the Golf and Gardens and, most recently, at the Augusta Common. It consistently draws between 10,000 and V. 22 | NO. 55

12,000 people and is always the Friday night before the big game. At the beginning, however, this mighty institution was just a little pre-game party. “It was just sort of a get together with Georgia fans and some South Carolina fans that got together and just had a good, friendly party the night before,” says Tom Rogers, president of the Augusta Gamecock Club. “That’s the way it started, out there at the old Augusta Sheraton. We probably had 200 people.” “The first couple were pretty small,” Dunn admits. “In fact, after about the third or fourth year we had a meeting downtown and talked about not even having the event anymore because it wasn’t growing. We ended up deciding to move it to the fountain down at the river. We had the Swinging Medallions that year, and it just exploded. I think we ended up with 4,000 people.” While Dunn says it started out as a way to promote the fact that both teams’ games were broadcast on Beasley-owned stations, there was always a charitable component to the event, though even

that has changed over the years. “Back when it first started, all the proceeds went to the Children’s Medical Center at MCG, but some years back we kind of decided that we’d try to help a lot of different charities, so we ended up making smaller donations to a number of different children’s charities,” Dunn says. “Always, the money goes to children’s charities.” “The Children’s Medical Center still gets some funds, but we saw a huge need in many, many organizations,” Rogers says. “From my standpoint, the reason that we enjoy it is because we know we’re out there raising money for children’s charities. That’s the fun part. It’s a lot of work, but there’s a tremendous response from those charitable organizations.” Past recipients include the Boys and Girls Clubs, Junior Achievement, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Child Enrichment. Last year, Dunn estimates the Border Bash Foundation awarded around $75,000 to local children’s charities. “It’s probably one of the single largest

donations of charity in the CSRA,” he says. “One hundred percent of our proceeds go to local charities.” The Border Bash Foundation has a board of directors to help distribute the money and direct the event, but it also has an advisory board of about 30 that makes sure the yearly event goes off as smoothly as possible. This board, comprised of representatives from the sheriff’s office, the city, sponsors, fencing and tent companies, vendors and beverage suppliers, makes sure there are no last-minute problems, because when you’ve got 12,000 fired-up football fans, you don’t want any surprises. “We start in January, take a break during Masters, then start back up again,” Rogers says of the planning process. “We gather these people together and cover everything from portable toilets to power to where we’re going to set the gates up.” Given the amount of planning needed, Dunn is quick to point out the importance of the volunteers. “The Gamecock Club and the Bulldog Club here in Augusta are a huge METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 15

part of pulling this thing off,” he says. “They rally the membership and get them involved at all levels of it, from the organization of it to the board to volunteers — just the whole nine yards.” Rogers, who’s been a part of the event since the beginning, says it’s particularly gratifying to see the kind of destination event it’s become. “It’s exciting to see,” he says. “We all come together that night and see all of these people and listen to the bands and then we have the cheerleaders from both schools and the mascots from both schools get up there and do their cheers and get the crowd all excited and kind of whipped up in a frenzy for the game the next day. And it’s all friendly. We’ve had very little in the way of incidents. It’s all in fun.” As a party, Border Bash has always had a following, but as far as the game itself is concerned, it wasn’t always the rivalry it is now. “Really, the rivalry between Georgia and South Carolina years ago was not as big as it seems to have become, and I think that’s certainly helped the popularity of the event,” Dunn says. “There was a time when it was mostly Georgia fans who came to the event. Now, there are a lot of other fans who come to the event.” As a USC graduate, that changing tide

is something Rogers is obviously proud of. “We’ve grown the Carolina crowd a good bit,” he says. “Out of about 10,000 people we get a good showing. Of course, we’re outnumbered probably 65 [percent] to 35, but we’re working on that.” One of the things that has ensured the event has really taken off is the participation it gets from the schools themselves. Moving the Border Bash to the actual border there by the river really reinforced the perception of a border war, and buy-in from the schools made the loose yearly party a kind of

sanctioned event. “They do a great job for us,” Rogers says. “The cheerleaders have told us that they look forward to coming to Border Bash just about more than any event they do.” And while it may be something to look forward to, the boosters make sure they get the most out of the participants. “We treat them really well,” he says. “They come into town early and we feed them. They visit the Children’s Medical Center, where they do cheers and hand out goodies to the sick kids at the hospital. Then they do some other functions.”

This year the game is in Athens, so Augusta is simply the halfway stop along the way for the Gamecock faithful, but even when the game is in Columbia, the cheerleaders and mascot (and fans) come to Augusta to participate in the event before turning back around for the game. This year’s move to the depot property, necessitated by the TEE Center’s construction, which took the area below Reynolds usually reserved for parking and vendors, presents organizers with advantages as well as disadvantages. While larger than the Common, the depot is nevertheless a new space, and

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new spaces mean starting the planning process over from scratch. Plus, many of the technical necessities required by the event were easily satisfied by the Common. Not so with the depot. “It’s a big field behind the old train depot and we’re going to set up a stage and, of course, all the associated things that go with that,” Rogers says. “We have plenty of room for everyone to have some space, but we’ve had to deal with some issues. Just the nuts and bolts of it.” By nuts and bolts he means things like power and lights. It’s nothing some generators and a little forethought can’t handle, but they’re both things that were

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pretty much supported by the Common, so they’re being extra careful to think things through. “It’s a very large area, so we’ve also had some more fencing issues that we had to deal with and a few more security issues that we have to deal with, but we think we’ve got it under control,” Rogers says. New this year are some ATMs, the ability to use credit and debit cards and an LED video board, which will be behind the stage. This year’s musical acts are Sister Hazel and the Joe Stevenson Band, and the video board should add an extra bit of star power to the two popular acts.

“There will be a gentleman working the crowd with a camera that will be showing up on that video board,” Rogers says. “When we’re not showing the event on the screen, we’ll be showing spots for recognition and we’re going to play some South Carolina football highlights and some Georgia football highlights. And you’ll be able to see the cheerleaders from a further distance because they’ll be projected up on that screen.” Add beer tents, food vendors, 10,000 college football fanatics, cheerleaders, mascots and all sorts of merchandise, and you’ve got a whale of a Friday night. And it’s all supporting the needy

children of the CSRA. “It’s a lot of work for us to pull this thing off, but last year we were able to donate about $75,000 to different charities, and we hope to at least have that amount again this year,” Rogers says. “That’s our minimum goal — we hope to get more. The most enjoyable part is when we get to sit down and hand those checks out to those organizations. When we turn those checks over, you wouldn’t believe the smiles on those faces. That’s what it’s all about.”

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PARDON‘E’INTERRUPTION By Patrick Berry / Edited by Will Shortz

DOWN 1 1970 #1 hit for the Jackson 5 2 Waterfall sound 3 Sufficiently aged 4 “Hamlet” courtier

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5 Consider carefully 6 Stiffly awkward. as movement 7 One doing course work 8 Minh (1940s independence movement) 9 “Miss Julie” composer Ned 10 Shinto shrine entrance 11 Filled in 12 Cook so as to lock in the flavor, say 13 Comrade 14 Bogeymen’s hiding places 15 Hoi ___ 16 Compound also called an olefin 17 Puts on the ballot 20 Mathematician Gödel 24 Comrade 25 Continuing to criticize unnecessarily 27 Pop name 32 Border 33 “What nonsense!” 34 Plan for the evening? 36 Start of a Wagner title 37 Biblical priest at Shiloh 39 Stable sounds 40 Hurt badly 42 Opposing 43 Snug retreat 44 “Wall Street” character Gordon ___ 45 ___ Chicago Grill 46 Far-away connector 47 Notorious investor 51 Brabantio’s fair daughter 52 Not deceived by 53 “Gotta go,” in chat rooms 55 “Last Time I Saw ___” (Diana Ross song) 57 Seer’s perception 58 Blue uniform wearer 60 All-Star Dick of the 1960s-’70s Knicks 61 Dumbfounded 62 Knuckle-headed action? 65 U.S.N. rank 66 It’s due south of Iran 68 “C’mon, sleepyhead!” 69 Starchy staple of Africa 72 Bloodmobile supply 75 Tuscaloosa university, for short 77 Smidgen 78 Workers’ rights agcy. 79 W.P.A. initiator 81 Like the climate of 66-Down 82 “So I ___” 86 “Evita” narrator 87 Predatory fish 89 Like the day of the summer solstice 90 Smiley’s creator 91 Is caught up in the Rapture, e.g. 92 “Cool” 93 Dennis of the court 94 Orchestral work premiered in 1805 95 Moves laterally 100 Tried to convince 101 “That’s fine” 102 Thousand thou 103 Certain dental repair 105 Aboveboard 106 Valley ___ 108 Ring 109 Richard of “Bee Season” 110 Outhouse door symbol 111 Take turns? 112 One going on foot? 114 HP products 116 Salty fillet

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ACROSS 1 Director 6 Stereo syst. component 10 Recipe abbr. 14 Number crunchers, for short 18 State capital whose name comes from the French for “wooded area” 19 Mississippi River’s largest tributary 20 The Hermit Kingdom, once 21 Lie a lot 22 Island from which Tiberius ruled 23 Lively dance performed as a six-pack is being laid to rest? 26 Canine king’s regime? 28 Small chain component 29 Baker of jazz 30 Dominant theme 31 West African monetary unit 32 Ones crunched during crunch time? 35 Tanned skin 38 Hostile feelings 41 Eco-warriors? 48 Grammatical topic 49 Earth tone 50 Smoke 51 Web address component 54 Beat soundly 56 Encounter with an Alaskan bear? 59 Beneficiary of a 2008 bailout 63 Expected 64 Very unpleasant 65 Red Scare prosecutor Roy 67 Mr. of old cartoons 68 1813-14 vice president 70 Fan club focus 71 Stockpile 73 Hundred Acre Wood young ’un 74 Not permanent 76 Set of shot glasses for Christmas? 80 A man or a mouse 83 ___ equivalent (measure of explosive strength) 84 Eggs served raw 85 W.W. II title 88 Native New Zealander 89 Sharpshooter Oakley when she was a charming young musician? 93 Have an emotional impact 96 “Or ___ what?” 97 Interject 98 Canning seal 99 Paterson’s successor as New York governor 104 Newborn on a ranch 107 Sneaky trick 108 Interstellar valet’s job? 113 Ship info kept for the Spanish Armada? 115 Foo Fighters frontman Dave 117 Golf rarities 118 Drew on a screen 119 A.L. M.V.P. in 2005 and 2007, informally 120 House that won’t catch fire 121 Old Harper’s Weekly cartoonist 122 Wheelless vehicle 123 Desires 124 Bygone communication

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R.U.N.E ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED

Razzle Dazzle Roxie Hart is in a pickle. She’s killed her lover, gotten her husband to take the blame, but the police in 1920s Chicago aren’t that stupid. So she’s stranded in the Cook County Jail with Velma Kelly, who killed her husband and sister when she caught them in bed together. The two vie over everything, most notably media attention and attorney Billy Flynn. Who will come out on top? Find out when the Aiken Community Playhouse presents their version of “Chicago: The Musical.” Should be a roaring good time.

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acp1011.com/shows/chi.php V. 22 | NO. 55

METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 19

ENTERTAINMENT Theater

“The 39 Steps,” a Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre production, shows September 9, 10, 16, 17, 22-24, with dinner starting at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. $25-$40. Call 706793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com. “Chicago: The Musical,” a production of the Aiken Community Playhouse set in the roaring ’20s, shows September 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m., and September 18 and 24 at 3 p.m. Visit acp1011.com/shows/chi.php.

Flix

When men in a Pennsylvania state prison join with victims of crime to create a mural about healing, what happens? That’s what Cindy Burstein and Tony Heriza set out to discover when they co-directed and produced the documentary “Concrete Steel & Paint,” which shows at the Morris Museum of Art Wednesday, September 14, at 6 p.m. as part of the Southern Circuit Film Series. Burstein and Heriza will be onhand for a Q&A session after the showing. Members, free; nonmembers, $3. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

Arts

Educator Appreciation Night at the Morris is Wednesday, September 14, from 5-6:30 p.m. Public and private schoolteachers, administrators and support staff are invited to bring their family and friends for an evening of gallery tours, art activities and light refreshments. Free. Visit themorris.org. Artists Row is now accepting recycled materials to build ARTie, a 72-foot-dragon designed by Sarah Mays, their 2011 student art scholarship winner. The group needs plastic soda and water bottles, plastic grocery bags and leftover cans of spray paint, which can be delivered to Artistic Perceptions, Gallery on the Row, Oddfellows Gallery, the Book Tavern and Zimmerman Gallery. They also need volunteers to help build the sculpture September 29-October 5, with construction shifts available 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Call 706-8268991 or visit artistsrowaugusta.com. Day of Art, hosted by the North Augusta Artists Guild, is each Tuesday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Arts and Heritage Center and includes a group of artists painting in the center who will answer questions or allow visitors to join in. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

Exhibitions

ArtExhibitionOpeningReception for Judy Gillespie and Ginny Griffin is on Thursday, September 8, from 5-7 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center. The exhibit shows through

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October 28. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.

shows at the Morris Museum of Art. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.

Expect the Unexpected, an exhibit of ceramic art by members of the Clay Artists of the Southeast (CASE), including Pricilla Hollingsworth and Ann Baker, shows through October 29 at the Arts and Heritage Center in North Augusta. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

Philip Juras: The Southern Frontier, landscapes inspired by Bartram’s travels, shows at the Morris Museum of Art. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

Aiken Artist Guild Gallery Series: Leslie Hutto. Throughout the month of September, Leslie Hutto’s work will be displayed on the first floor of the center. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterfortearts.org. The Art of Millinery will be showcased through the month of October at the Center for Arts and Heritage in North Augusta. Millinery is the art of making hats and fascinators, and this exhibit showcases the works of local milliner Elizabeth Tudor. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com. AikenArtistGuildGallerySeries: Leslie Hutto. Throughout the month of September, Leslie Hutto’s work will be displayed on the first floor of the center. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterfortearts.org. No Nature, No Art, an exhibition by William Willis, shows at the Morris Museum of Art. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org. Civil War Redux: Pinhole Photographs by Willie Anne Wright

Music

Augusta Canal Moonlight Music presents Wayne Capps on Friday, September 9, at 6:30 p.m. on the Augusta Canal. Bring snacks and enjoy live music on an hour and a half tour of the canal. Pre-registration required; $25. Call 706-823-0440 or visit augustacanal.com.

Literary

VIP Book Signing Party with Victoria Miguel-Joseph is being held at Crums on Central on Thursday, September 8, from 7-11 p.m. Her debut novel, “When Never Comes Again,” takes place in Augusta and in surrounding areas. A percentage of the book proceeds will be donated to Crime Advocacy Council. Call 706-955-9875 or visit crumsoncentral.com. Coffee Club at the Evans Library meets Tuesday, September 13, at 10 a.m. Talk with Columbia County Librarian Mary Lin Maner. Open to all ages. Free. Call 706-863-1946 or visit ecgrl.org. NOOK Tutorials at Barnes and Noble in the Augusta Mall are each Saturday beginning at noon, followed by a NOOKcolor tutorial at 12:30 p.m. Free. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

Southern Circuit Film Series: “Concrete Steel & Paint” shows at the Morris Museum of Art on Wednesday, September 14, at 6 p.m. After the movie will be a question-and-answer session with co-directors and producers Cindy Burstein and Tony Heriza. Members, free; nonmembers, $3. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

Special Events

Wee-Peats Children’s Consignment, a sale featuring children’s clothing, toys, furniture, equipment and more, is Thursday-Saturday, September 8-10, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at 596 Bobby Jones Expressway between Walmart and Sams. Saturday’s sale will feature a Dollar Dash between 2-4 p.m. Call 706-495-4843 or visit weepeatsconsignment.net. 2011 CSRA Community Expo is Thursday, September 8, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Gordon Conference and Catering Center. The CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon, Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chambers of Commerce, and Fort Gordon Morale, Welfare & Recreation Directorate are cosponsoring the 2011 CSRA Community Expo to welcome new arrivals to the area. Contact Thom Tuckey at ttuckey@ augustagausa.com. CSRA College Night is Thursday, September 8, from 5-8:30 p.m. at the James Brown Arena. High school students will have an opportunity to meet recruiters from more than 140 colleges and universities and win scholarships totaling approximately $17,000. Free. Call 706-722-3521 or visit augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. September 11th Remembrance at USC-Aiken is Friday, September 9, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the SAC Patio. Free and open to the public. Visit usca.edu. V. 22 | NO. 55

The Annual Aiken’s Makin Festival is Friday, September 9, and Saturday, September 10, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in downtown Aiken. Crafters and food vendors will be on hand. Call 803641-1111 or visit aikensmakin.net. Border Bash will be held Friday, September 9, at the depot property next to St Paul’s on Reynolds Street in downtown Augusta. The annual event is from 4-11:30 p.m. and includes music from Sister Hazel and The Joe Stevenson Band. Cocky and Hairy, along with both schools’ cheerleaders, will also be on hand. $10, advance; $15, gate; kids 12 and under, free. Visit borderbash.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church will hold a rummage sale on Saturday, September 10, from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at 402 Aumond Road. Call 706-733-6076 or visit orlcaugusta.com. Augusta’s Youth Got Talent, presented by Virginia College, is Saturday, September 10, from 10 a.m.3 p.m. at their Wylds Road campus. Contestants must be between the ages of 5 and 18 and a parent/guardian must be present to participate. Call 706-721-1869 or visit vacollege.net/augusta. Gentleman Start Your Engines will be held on Saturday, September 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Warren Baptist Church. This is a free car show and health screening/expo. To register for the car show, fill out the online registration form at livingwellaugusta.com. Behind the Scenes at Redcliffe Plantation will be held on Saturday, September 10, from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the historic site in Beech Island, S.C. A behind the scenes tour of the historic mansion including the circa 1935 kitchen, historic basement and the old garage/slave quarters is included. Preregistration required. $15. Call 803-8271423 or visit southcarolinaparks.com. CSRA’s Got Talent auditions will be held at North Augusta High School on Saturday, September 10, from 1-4 p.m. $10. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com. The Art of Cupcakes, a cupcake decoration demonstration led by Molly Meek of Neapolitan Cupcake & Gift Shoppe, is Saturday, September 10, at 2 p.m. at Gallery on the Row downtown. Call 706-724-4989 or visit galleryontherow.com. Fall Psychic Fair supporting Augusta Pagan Pride will be held Saturday, September 10, from 3-8 p.m. at Brigan’s Land of Enchantment and Pops, V. 22 | NO. 55

912 Broad Street. $5-$15 (tax-deductible) and includes a psychic reading. Remembering 9/11, a presentation of the Second Saturday Concert Series, is Saturday, September 10, at 7 p.m. behind the Columbia County Library. There will be special program and guest speakers, along with music by the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserves to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this monumental day in history. Free. Call 706-312-7192 or visit columbiacountyga.gov. SongwritersComeHomeConcert is Saturday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. and will feature Archie Jordan, Mike Stewart, Stewart Harris and Jim McBride at the Etherredge Center in Aiken. After party will feature the Palmetto Groove Band. $40. Proceeds benefit USC-A scholarships. Contact 803-641-3305 or visit usca.edu. 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will be held Sunday, September 11, at 9 a.m. at the Augusta Common. The service will include recognition of all volunteers and families from the CSRA, American flags to symbolize all public safety members who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and in the years that have followed, and the tolling of the bells indicate the exact times that the World Trade Center Towers fell, as well as messages and remarks from several local community members. Contact 706821-1642 or visit augustaga.gov. Grandparents Day at the Augusta Museum of History is Sunday, September 11, at 2 p.m. The Mangelly Accordion Band will perform. Free with paid admission to museum. Call 706722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org. White Christmas Kickoff will be held Tuesday, September 13, at noon at St. John United Methodist Church on Greene St. Open to all ages. Pre-registration required. $25. Call 706-722-8195 or email rherring@ actionministries.net. Augusta Area Newcomers Club will host a luncheon on Thursday, September 15, at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center. Guest speaker Molly McDowell will talk about the Westobou Festival. AANC helps new residents to the Augusta area to familiarize themselves with the community, make friends, participate in numerous activities, and get involved with charitable organizations. Email Debbi at wolfarth2@comcast.net. WeeklyWineTastingsatVineyard Wine Market in Evans are each Friday METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 21

from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and each Saturday from 1-6 p.m. Call 706-922-9463 or visit vine11.com. Saturday Market at the River, located at 8th Street Plaza, downtown Augusta, is each Saturday through October 29, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit theaugustamarket.com.

Health

Community Forum on Health Care, hosted by the Greater Augusta Healthcare Network, is Thursday, September 8, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Richmond County Health Department Clinic on Laney-Walker Boulevard. The purpose of the forum is to get community input on improving the health of CSRA residents. Visit georgiahealth.edu. Car Seat Class will be held Thursday, September 8, from 5:45-8 p.m. in MCGHealth Building 1010C. $10. By appointment only. Contact Renee Hopkins at 706-721-7606 or visit mcghealth.org. The Weight is Over: Weight Loss Seminar will be held Thursday, September 8, at 6 p.m. in the h2u building on the Doctor’s Hospital campus. Learn more at this seminar about Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding. Open to the public. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-4343 or visit doctors-hospital.net. Aiken Regional will hold a Surgical Weight-Loss Information Seminar on Thursday, September 8, at 6 p.m. Participants will learn about options available at ARMC for weight loss. A light, complimentary dinner will be served. Pre-registration required. Call 803-641-5751 or visit aikenregional.com. Infant CPR Anytime Learning Program will be held Thursday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the first floor Information Desk, west entrance, of MCGHealth Medical Center. This class is taught by a certified instructor. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706721-9351 or visit mcghealth.org. Aiken Regional will hold Family and Friends CPR Class on Thursday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the sixth floor, rooms A and B. Pre-registration required. $10. Call 800-322-8322 or visit aikenregional.com. University Hospital will host a Women’s Center Tour on Thursday, September 8, at 7 p.m. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

22 METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

Baby 101 will be held Thursday, September 8, at 7 p.m. in Ste. 310 of the Medical Office Building One on the Doctor’s Hospital campus. This class will discuss infant development and offer guidance on care for their new bundle of joy. Open to the public. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net. MCGHealth will host a Weight Loss Seminar on Thursday, September 8, at 7 p.m. at the Columbia County Library. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2609 or visit mcghealth.org. Weight Loss Seminar, hosted by Georgia Health Sciences University’s Weight Loss Center, is Thursday, September 8, at 7 p.m. at the Columbia County Library in Evans. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-721-2609 or visit mcghealth.org/weightloss. Short and Sweet, a weekend childbirth class covering the process of labor and delivery, comfort techniques and childbirth, medication/epidurals and relaxation and breathing techniques, will be held on Saturday, September 10, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, September 11, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. in Ste. 310 of the Medical Office Building One on the Doctor’s Hospital campus. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors.hospital.net. Aiken Regional will hold Standard First Aid, CPR and AED Class on Saturday, September 10, from 9 a.m.4 p.m. in the sixth floor, rooms A and B. Participants will receive a completion card. Pre-registration required. $45 (includes book). Call 800-322-8322 or visit aikenregional.com. University Hospital will host a Free Prostate Specific Antigen Test on Saturday, September 10, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of North Augusta on Georgia Avenue. Open to all ages. Visit universityhealth.org. MCGHealthwillofferChildbirth Tours on Saturday, September 10, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday, September 13, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. This free tour guides expectant parents through the Labor and Delivery and Mother/Baby units. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-9351 or visit mcghealth.org. Healing Arts Class: Crochet 101 will meet on Saturday, September 10, from 1-3 p.m. in the Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center Resource Library. The goal is to redirect one’s pain and thoughts into an activity

that reduces stress. A hat will be made during the class. $5. Pre-registration required. Call 706-513-7301 or visit mcghealth.org. AngioScreen will be held on Monday, September 12, in the mobile coach at 635 Ronald Reagan Drive in Evans. Stop in anytime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to have this simple, noninvasive vascular screening designed to provide information about heart rhythm, neck and leg arteries, blood pressure, and body mass index. Call 706-651-4343. Breast Self-Exam Class will be held on Monday, September 12, at 4 p.m. in the University Breast Health Center. Pre-registration required. Free. Call 706774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org. Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Seminar will be held Tuesday, September 13, at noon in the University Hospital Dining Rooms 1-3. Lunch will be served. Pre-registrations required. Call 706-828-2502 or visit universityhealth.org. Aiken Regional will hold a Breastfeeding Class on Tuesday, September 13, at 6 p.m. in the sixth floor’s room A. $5 for singles or couples. Pre-registration required. Contact 800322-8322 or visit aikenregional.com. Ready and Able will be held on Tuesday, September 13, at 7 p.m. in Ste. 310 in the Medical Office Building One on the Doctor’s Hospital campus. This is a three-session class recommended for late pregnancy. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctorshospital.net. Benefits of Exercise will be held on Wednesday, September 14, at 8:25 a.m., 9:25 a.m. and 1:55 p.m. in the University’s Heart and Vascular Institute in Classroom 2 on the First Floor. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-3278 or visit universityhealth.org. Car Seat Safety Class is Thursday, September 15, at 5:45 p.m. at the MCGHealth Building to teach proper selection, use and installation of car seats. Safe Kids East Central also provides car or booster seats to families who meet financial need guidelines when available for a $10 fee. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-7606 or visit mcghealth.org. Breastfeeding Class will be held on Thursday, September 15, at 6:30 p.m. in Ste. 310 in the Medical Office Building One on the Doctor’s Hospital campus. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

University Hospital will hold a Breastfeeding Class at Babies R Us on Thursday, September 15, at 7 p.m. Preregistration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org. Fresh Start Smoking Cessation Class will be held every Thursday in September at 6 p.m. in the University Hospital Cafeteria. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, University Hospital instructors will help participants give up all forms of tobacco. Open to the public. Preregistration required. Call 706-774-8900 or visit universityhealth.org. Volunteers needed at Georgia Health Sciences University and Health System in both the adult program, open to those 18 and older, and the afterschool program, open to high school juniors and seniors at least 17 years of age. To request a volunteer application, call 706-721-3596 or visit georgiahealth.org/ volunteer. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease Aquatics Class, sponsored by the CSRA Parkinson Support Group and The Family Y, is a group class designed specifically for ambulatory participants affected by Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease. Held each Friday at noon at the Wilson Family Y indoor pool. Call Claudia Collins at 706-922-9664 or visit thefamilyy.org. Joint Efforts, an informational class about knee and hip pain causes and treatments sponsored by Trinity Hospital of Augusta, meets every Thursday at 11 a.m. at Augusta Orthopaedic Clinic. Call 706-481-7604 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.

Support

ALS Support Lunch and Learn is Thursday, September 8, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in MCGHealth Medical Office Building’s fourth floor, room 4306. Lunch is provided. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2681 or visit mcghealth.org. Look Good… Feel Better meets Thursday, September 8, at 5 p.m. in the American Cancer Society Office. This group is a community-based, free, national service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Contact 706-731-9900 or visit cancer.org. Breast Cancer Support Group meets Thursday, September 8, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in MCGHealth’s Cancer Center’s first floor community room. Call V. 22 | NO. 55

706-721-4109 or visit mcghealth.org. ACancerSurvivorSupportGroup will meet Thursday, September 8, at 6 p.m. at Augusta Oncology Associates (upstairs). Group designed to help survivors and their families. Contact 706651-2283. PFLAG CSRA, for parents, families and friends of those who are lesbians and gay, will meet on Thursday, September 8, from 7-9 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta. Meeting is open to the public. Email pflag.csra@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/PFLAGAugusta. Divorce Recovery: The First Step will meet Sundays, September 11-October 16, at 4 p.m. at First Baptist of Augusta. Childcare provided for children through age 5. Call 706-7332236 or visit fbcaugusta.org. Paul F. Milner Sickle Cell Support Group will meet Monday, September 12, at 6 p.m. at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Room 2B106. Call Cecil at 706-798-2526 or Mary at 706-793-8471. The Pink Magnolias Breast Cancer Support Group will meet Monday, September 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the University Hospital Breast Health Center. Light refreshments will be served. This support group is open to all women who have undergone breast cancer surgery or are going through treatment for breast cancer. Contact 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org. Aiken Cares Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet Tuesday, September 13, at 11 a.m. in the Aurora Pavilion at Aiken Regional. Open to the public. Call 800-332-8322 or visit aikenregional.com. Caregiver Support Group will meet Tuesday, September 13, at 3 p.m. in Ste. 310 of Medical Office Building One on the Doctor’s Hospital campus. This support group is designed for anyone that provides care (both professional and non-professional) for another individual. Open to the public. Call 706-651-2283 or visit doctors-hospital.net. Diabetes Support Group will meet Tuesday, September 13, at 3 p.m. at the O’Dell Weeks Center. Open to the public. Pre-registration required. Call 803-293-0023 or visit cityofaikensc.gov. Celiac Disease Support Group will meet Tuesday, September 13, in the Summerville Building Ste. 120 at 7 p.m. Also support for the gluten intolerant. V. 22 | NO. 55

METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 23

Open to the public. Call Rose at 706738-8253. Weight Loss Surgery Support Group will meet Wednesday, September 14, at 1:30 p.m. in Ste. 110 in the Medical Office Building Two on the Doctor’s Hospital campus. Open to the public. Visit doctors-hospital.net. Bariatric Support Group will meet Wednesday, September 14, at 6 p.m. in the Bariatric Services second floor room 209 at Aiken Regional. Open to the public. Pre-registration required. Call 803-641-5751 or visit aikenregional.com. Burn Support Group meets every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Lori Rogers Nursing Library, on the second floor of the JMS Building on the Doctors Hospital campus. All burn survivors and their families and friends are invited to attend. Call Tom Dorn at 706-651-6660 or visit doctors-hospital.net. Families Who Have Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early Infancy Support Group is ongoing. For information and support following a pregnancy loss, call Sue Ellen Abney at 706-721-8299 or visit mcghealth.org. Moms Connection meets every Tuesday from 1-2 p.m. at 1225 Walton Way (the old Fairway Ford dealership), room 1010C. Preregistration required. Call 706-7219351 or visit mcghealth.org. Weight Loss Surgery Support Group meets each Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in Suite 110 of Medical Office Building 2, 3624 J. Dewey Gray Circle, on the Doctors Hospital campus. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Education

A Post-9/11 World: Enduring Triumph and Tragedy is a panel discussion that takes place Thursday, September 8, at 7 p.m. at ASU’s student center ballroom. Moderated by Laurie Ott, panelists include religious and political leaders from the community, as well as members of the media and ASU’s political science department. The event is sponsored by ASU’s Political Science Cub and the Progressive Religious Coalition. Visit aug.edu. The West Augusta Alliance will meet Monday, September 12, at Warren Road Gym at 7 p.m. Scheduled to speak is Paul DeCamp, planning director of the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission. The alliance is comprised of neighborhood

24 METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

associations within the 30904, 30907 and 30909 zip codes. The meeting is free and open to the public. Visit westaugustaalliance.augustaneeds.com. Snakes of the Southeast will be held on Tuesday, September 13, at 7 p.m. at Birds & Butterflies, 117 Laurens St NW in downtown Aiken. This educational seminar uses real snakes to help participants identify particular snakes in the region. $5. Pre-registration required. Call 803-649-7999. Preserving History: Behind the Scenes at the Augusta Museum of History, a tour of the collection preparation area and the processing laboratory with Registrar Amanda Klaus, is each Saturday in September at either 1 or 2 p.m. at the Augusta Museum of History. The one-hour tour is limited to 15 people on a first-come first-served basis and is free with museum admission. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org. GED Classes are held every Monday and Tuesday night at 6 p.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library. No pre-registration is required, but participants must have a valid PINES library card. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org. ESL Classes are held every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library. Preregistration required. Call 803-279-3363 or visit ecgrl.org. Saturday Historic Trolley Tour, every Saturday, begins at the Museum of History and tours historic downtown Augusta from 1-3:15 p.m. Reservations required. All seats are $12. 706-724-4067.

Benefits

A Benefit for Milo is Thursday, September 8, at Sky City and will include music and an auction to raise money for Rich and Julie Menger, whose new baby boy was born with a heart defect that will require several surgeries. For more information, email Veronica at vjbrownlee@gmail.com or visit skycityaugusta.com. Huisman Sickle Cell Foundation Benefit Banquet and Ball will be held Friday, September 9, in the Gordon Club North Ballroom at Fort Gordon. Silent auction begins at 6 p.m. with the banquet and ball following at 7 p.m. This is a semi-formal event and is open to all ages. $30 per person. Call Natasha Brown at 706-925-1352. Ribfest 2011 to benefit Feathered

Friends Forever will be held Saturday, September 10, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at 612 Byrd Drive in Harlem. All you can eat ribs and an assortment of other goodies will be available for $20 a person. Call Bob Courtwright at 706-831-7223 or visit featheredfriendsforever.org. Community Enabling Grant Applications are now available at the Junior League of Augusta’s website. Grants are available to nonprofits in the area who apply by 5 p.m. on the September 2 deadline. Visit jlaugusta.org. Karma Yoga is offered at Just Breathe Studio, downtown Aiken, each Friday at 10 a.m. and is free if participants bring a donation of a personal item which will be given to the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons. Call 803-648-8048 or visit justbreathestudio.com.

Sports-Outdoors

Border Bash Bulldog/Gamecock Golf Tournament is Friday, September 9, at The River Golf Club. It will consist of four-member teams and will be played in the Lauderdale format. Shotgun start is at 12:15 p.m. Limited to first 30 teams. $380 per team, with entry forms available at the club. Call 803-202-0110 or visit rivergolfclub.com. Augusta’s First Annual Bragging Rights Softball Tournament will be held Saturday, September 10, at Diamond Lakes Regional Park. $150 per team. This is an all day event. Contact 706796-5025 or visit augustaga.gov. City of Aiken Amateur Championship will be held September 10-11 at the Aiken Golf Club. Tee times begin at 8:30 a.m. Cost for participation is $80 and includes cart for both days, lunch and prize money. Contact aikengolfclub.com/news.php. Golf 9/12 is a national program that reflects on unity and patriotism felt immediately after 9/11. Registration is $50 per person or $200 per team. Pre-registration required. Call Forest Hills Golf Club at 706-733-0001 or visit golf912.org. Fight for Freedom Boot Camp is going on September 3-October 1 at Greubel’s MMA. Sponsored by FAST (Freedom Fighting Athletes Against Slave Trafficking), this program includes kickboxing, jiu jitsu, circuit training, yoga and weekend boot camp classes for participants who will pay $150, 100 percent of the proceeds of which will go to a charity to help combat Southeast Asia’s sex trafficking industry. Call Leesa Gray at 706-284-

4831, email indigohands@gmail.com or visit greubelsmma.com. Lakeside Rideouts at Hilltop Riding Stables at Fort Gordon are each Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis. The ride, which begins at two, is a twohour guided ride to Wilkerson Lake. $45-$50. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com. Guided Trail Rides at Hilltop Riding Stables at Fort Gordon are available Saturdays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Sundays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon; and Wednesday-Friday at 11 a.m. with reservations 24 hours in advance. All trail rides are on a first come, first served basis, and participants should arrive 30 minutes prior to the trail ride starting for sign in procedures. $23-$30. Call 706-7914864 or visit fortgordon.com. Augusta Rugby Football Club meets every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Larry Bray Memorial Pitch, 100 Wood Street. New players are welcome. Email arj6402@yahoo.com. Group Run begins each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Nacho Mama’s. Three- and four-mile routes are available for all ages and abilities of runners. Call 706-414-4059 or email jim@ enduranceconcepts.com. Hockey Skills & Drills is every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Augusta Ice Sports Center. $10-$15. Call 706-863-0061 or visit augustaicesports.com. Thursday Night Chain Reaction Ride begins at 6 p.m. each Thursday at Patriots Park in Grovetown. For intermediate to fast-paced cyclists, who average 25-32 miles. Participants should bring their own water and helmet. Call 706-855-2024 or visit chainreactionbicycles.net. Riverview Disc Golf League meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. at Riverview Park in North Augusta. $5 entry fee and $1 ace pool. Call 803-2158181 or visit augustadiscgolf.com. Road Bike Ride meets each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse downtown for an approximately 25-mile ride at a moderate to fast pace. Front and rear lights, as well as a helmet, are required. Call 706-7246777 or visit andyjordans.com. Wheelchair Tennis Clinic, presented by the Walton Foundation for Independence, meets each Monday V. 22 | NO. 55

Gold's Gym Today September 2011

INTERVIEWS

BROOKE JONES military RANDY BOATRIGHT police officer RORY HANSEN fireman CHRIS O’KELLEY media personality CHRIS KANE wjbf sports

Gold's Gym members look back on

9/11

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Standing, from left: Tayla Jones, Keleigh Glover, Taylor Hensley, Lisa Dixon, Cody Day and George Grieve. Standing middle: Megan Bohlander, Tony Dempsey. First row, from left: Grant Grantham, Danielle Manders, Kelsey Buerker, Katie Silarek, Corey Critell, Cody Goetz, Kenny Harvey, Ken Pullen, John Toole and Lee Banks. Not pictured: Sandra Freeman, Jarus Myles, Melissa Stone and Robert Desiders.

Premier Fitness Premier Fitness would like to take a moment to remember and say thank you to all the men and women who gave their lives on that tragic day on September 11, 2001, that we all remember watching unfold in front of our eyes. We would also like to take the time to reflect and say thank you to the men and women who have fought for our freedom over the last 10 years. We at Premier Fitness appreciate all that these people have done to ensure the quality of life that we have all become accustomed to in the United States of America. This time of year, as the seasons begin to change and the kids are back in school, it is time to focus on putting yourself first and creating some “me time.” It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and to be consumed by life: the school functions, carpools, soccer games and all the other things that get in the way of focusing on ourselves. It is important to remember that when you put yourself first and make yourself emotionally, mentally and physically fit, you will be a better person for all the people in your life. We at Premier Fitness challenge everyone to sit and carve out three hours a week to devote to making yourself the best you can be. For example, Monday: Go to the gym and do 30 minutes of cardio, challenging yourself physically and remembering that your cardiovascular health is the key to living a long and healthy life. Dedicate 30 minutes to strength training and designate two muscle groups, such as back and biceps. Do three sets of 20 with light and

Nutrition Tip

manageable weight. Wednesday: 30 minutes of cardio, different than Monday. Thirty minutes of strength training, such as shoulders and triceps; three sets of 20 with light and manageable weight. Friday: 30 minutes of cardio that is different than Monday and Wednesday. Thirty minutes of strength training working two different major muscle groups than Monday and Wednesday, for example, legs and chest. Do three sets of 20 reps with light and manageable weight. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, also make sure to designate 10 minutes to core training such as sit ups, leg raises, etc. Remember the key is carving out Me Time. This will better your job performance, your energy levels and mental clarity. This will help you be the best you that you can be. Make it happen!

Challenge yourself to only eat out two times this week. Cut down the times you eat out and cut your daily calorie intake! Designate Sunday and Wednesday night as the times you cook your lunch for the following days. That’s right; it’s back to the basics. Find a fun and exciting lunch box because you will be taking your lunch each day. Your lunch box should consist of two snacks such as 15 almonds and an apple with a tablespoon of all natural peanut butter. Lunch should be a serving of lean meat (chicken breast), starch (sweet potato) and a vegetable (broccoli).

Gym Etiquette The Dos and Don’ts You’ve mastered the cable crossover and amped up your push up. Now it’s time to perfect your form on a set of skills that often get overlooked at the gym: your manners. We spoke to author and etiquette expert Dan Post Senning (great-great-grandson of the original maven of manners, Emily Post!) and Ramona Braganza, Gold’s Gym Fitness Institute member and personal trainer to the stars, about what constitutes courteous — and crass — behavior at the gym.

In the Locker Room Do: Towel It Up, Dude Let’s just get right to the point. Not everyone is cool with nudity. Yes, the human form is a beautiful thing. And we get that you’re proud of the work you’ve done and the way your body looks. But given the semipublic nature of the gym locker room, save those hour-long looks in the mirror for your bedroom. “You’re not there to be on display, or to preen and promenade about,” Senning says. “You have some liberties to be naked, to shower, to get dressed and undressed, but out of consideration for others, exercise a little bit of modesty.” Don’t: Burn Through Your “Anytime” Minutes This rule definitely applies to every area of the gym: Save the cell-phone conversations and marathon email sessions for outside the gym. Most people see the gym as a chance to tune out from telephones and email — so whether you’re running late to work after your early-morning workout or letting the kids know that you’re on your way home, keep your phone calls, text messages and emails short. “The same rules apply as in a restaurant,” Senning says. “Out of respect for your fellow diners and the owners of the establishment, you wouldn’t carry on a conversation in the middle of the dining room floor, so don’t do so in the locker room.” Do: Wash Your Hands This might seem like a no-brainer for most folks, but a quick reminder never hurts: Clean hands are a must for anyone heading out to the gym floor to use cardio equipment or weight machines. (And just to be extra courteous and hygienic, wipe down those machines when you’re done using them.)

At the Weight Room Don’t: Create a Slip-n-Slide Most people go to the gym with the express purpose to sweat, but do a favor for everyone queued up behind you at the bench and wipe down the area when you’re done. Do: Keep the Noises to a Minimum A small expression of exertion — a sigh or long breath — are perfectly acceptable; grunting, groaning, weights slamming and other Olympic-lifting noises are better suited for, well, the Olympics. If you’re planning to bench some scream-inducing weight, schedule your workout for an off-peak time. Don’t: Offer a Tutorial “As a trainer, it bugs me when people try to correct my form,” Braganza admits. “Whether they’re using it as a pickup line or trying to show off how much they

know, it’s just rude to offer unsolicited advice.” Of course, if someone is clearly attempting an unsafe movement or is on a crash course with injury, definitely offer a helping hand or alert a member of the gym staff. Do: Get Help Never be afraid to ask for advice or for a spot. If you don’t feel comfortable asking a fellow gym member, then look for a Gold’s Gym trainer. Don’t: Double-Dip Repeat after us: I can only use one machine at one time. Don’t try to reserve the hip sled by throwing a towel on it while you finish that set of lat pull downs or take a 10-minute break to chat with a buddy. We understand you want to get the most muscle burn in the shortest time, but there are other people who want to use the hip sled and the lat pull down. Do: Ask to Share Instead of tapping your foot and checking your watch over and over while you wait for the chest press, ask your fellow gym member if you can switch out sets. That said, if you can see that two people are already sharing a machine, then just keep moving. Two is company, but three is a crowd.

On the Cardio Floor Do: Limit Your Screen Time Sure, you get a little ego boost every time you whip out that iPad or Kindle, but be sure to watch the clock — or even set the alarm. When lines of members are waiting to use the machines, focus on your workout rather than on your epic Angry Birds battle. “E-tablets have a tendency to draw people in so they lose awareness of the people and environment around them,” Senning says, meaning that those intense 20 minutes you planned to spend on the recumbent bike may stretch to a leisurely 45. Which brings up another point… Don’t: Hog the Machines Most gyms assign time limits to the machines, especially during peak hours. Pay attention to how long you’ve used a piece of equipment when other people are vying for a turn, and give someone else a chance when that time is up. “If you want to get in a 40-minute run at 6 p.m., switch cardio machines halfway through,” Braganza recommends. Do: Share the Water Fountain After a monster, water-bottle-emptying workout, you head to the fountain to refill your Nalgene when a parched yet water-bottle-less lad sidles up behind you. In this situation, Braganza offers this tip: Step aside and let the dude quickly quench his thirst before you spend five minutes commandeering the faucet. Hopefully, the next time you forget your water bottle at home, someone will return the favor. Don’t: Forget the Deodorant “The No. 1 rule of gym etiquette is to be clean,” Senning says. That means wearing deodorant and antiperspirant at all times, and putting on a fresh set of clean clothes. The Emily Post Institute even recommends asking a person you trust to give you a quick sniff test every now and again. “Have them evaluate your breath, body odor and even hair — things you yourself may overlook sometimes,” Senning explains.

In a Group Fitness Class

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Do: Leave the Front Row to the Pros While everyone should try out new classes, nothing bursts Yoga Zen faster than a person who keeps falling out of a pose directly in your line of sight. Don’t ruin a Zumba routine for your fellow classmates by taking center stage on your first go-around. “Stay near the instructor but to the far left or far right, so you’re not interrupting others’ concentration,” Braganza says. Don’t: Make a Beeline for the Door “What tends to happen is that people gather outside the door before the class begins, then when it’s time to enter, everyone bum-rushes the studio,” Braganza says. To avoid a stampede situation, hang back and let the pushy pushers go in first. It’s not like the class is going to start any earlier for them. That said, if a certain fitness class is constantly overcrowded, talk to the gym staff about creating a sign-up sheet.

Remembering 9/11 Gold’s Gym members look back at the event that changed America Brooke Jones was a freshman in high school on September 11, 2001, and it’s safe to say that the event she remembers so clearly changed her life forever. “I kind of knew on that day that I wanted to do something bigger than myself. I think, like a lot of people, it kind of resonated,” she said. “We are a country that was founded on patriotism and bands together when you need to and kind of as the time passed on people forgot more and more about 9/11. Not forgot, per se, but you know, you move on and I still kind of knew that I wanted to do something bigger.” Jones, who was going from biology to Spanish class when news broke of the plane hitting the first tower of the World Trade Center, said that even as time passed, she couldn’t get the images out of her head… even as she was preparing for her college career. “So when it came time to decide on college, for me the answer was pretty simple. I wanted to be an athlete in college and I wanted to go someplace that fostered a great learning environment that would give me a great education,” she said. “So the decision became pretty easy to go to West Point so I could still have that awesome education and serve my country at the same time.” Jones graduated in 2009 and had a feeling she’d be deployed shortly thereafter, but still attempted to reassure her parents that everything would turn out okay. “And I was one of the first people in my class to actually deploy,” she laughed. “In January of 2010 I was in Bagdad. You graduate in May of ’09 and you go through a little bit of training and then you go over there and you’re expected to lead, expected to bring home these other men and women who are under you as a freshly commissioned second lieutenant. It was a big eyeopener and something I value greatly, to be able to lead America’s sons and daughters.” Jones is an adjutant general officer, which she equates to a human resources position. In Iraq, however, human resources meant making sure personnel are accounted for, casualty processing and, for those injured and killed, making sure they (or their bodies) were taken care of and making sure their families were kept apprised of what was going on. Jones says it was a daunting task for anyone, especially a recently graduated 23-year-old. “It makes you grow up really fast. I’ve had to face a lot of things you

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don’t really think about. You see how valuable life is,” she explained, adding that she herself had a couple of close calls while in the Middle East. “I’ve lost three classmates. The class of 2009 has lost three people. I’ve had two of my good friends lose limbs and it’s not just people you know randomly. This is my next-door neighbor in college and people who you took classes with and, yeah, your dear friends and you realize you’re actually giving up something you can’t get back, which is your life or your limbs. But you realize that you signed up to do it and I know exactly what I’m doing and I’m happy to do it. It means that other boys and girls after me can live a life that I got to live that’s fantastic with freedom and privilege.” Now that she’s back in the U.S. and trying to resume her life before deployment, Jones said she still can’t forget the sacrifices her fellow soldiers made. That’s why, beginning in October, she’s running a marathon a month through February of 2012 for Team Red, White and Blue. It’s in memory of First Lieutenant Dimitri Del Castillo and Capt. Dave Hortman, friends from college who both lost their lives. Team Red, White and Blue is a nonprofit that advocates for wounded veterans and their families, helping them integrate back into society. Jones had pledged to raise $10,000 for the organization and is currently a little over the $7,000 mark (to donate, visit teamrwb.org). “I can’t think of a better way to give back,” she said of the opportunity. “These guys were both tremendous athletes and amazing leaders and they paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for our chance to live completely free. I’m completely indebted to them, just like I feel everybody else is, and I can’t think of a better way to give back.”

A Life-Changing Event Brooke Jones may be one of the Gold’s Gym members who has fought in the war brought on by 9/11, but she’s not the only one who remembers that day. Chris O’Kelley, music director and midday on-air personality at KICKS 99 in Augusta, was working at a radio station in Lynchburg, Va., and remembers the attacks vividly. “In my 26-27 years of doing this it was probably without a doubt the most chaotic, scared, uncertain day in my entire career,” he said. “We had never experienced a disaster of that type in my

time in radio and we really didn’t know what to do at that point.” Personally, O’Kelley said he experienced what many in the country did that day. “First and foremost it was unbelievable. You couldn’t believe what you were seeing coming across the TV and across our news wires and, second, I personally got really scared because of where I was living at the time,” he explained. “We were probably an hour and a half south in Lynchburg, Va., and we didn’t know where the next one, or if the next one, was coming over us, through us or right over our head and it was a pretty scary feeling at that point when you saw everything coming together.” Despite the fear and uncertainty, however, O’Kelley had a job to do. How

to do that job, however, was a mystery. As the morning show personalities pored over the news, the management conferred. As the situation became clear, the station turned to the national news, breaking in later in the day to talk about local lives affected. They also pulled certain commercials and certain songs at the classic rock station. “‘Jet Airliner’ by the Steve Miller Band, we were pulling songs like that off the radio real quick because of the sensitivity of it,” he remembered. In the days and weeks afterwards, the station sponsored vigils and drives and, 10 years later, O’Kelley said KICKS 99 will honor the event with patriotic songs and highlights of media coverage from that day. Rory Hanson, a firefighter in Columbia

Brooke Jones Occupation Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army

What She Loves About Gold’s Gym Jones is running five marathons in five months to raise money for Team Red, White and Blue, a nonprofit that provides for wounded veterans and their families. Participating in honor of two of her fallen soldier-friends, Dimitri Del Castillo and Dave Hortman, Jones says the atmosphere at Gold’s Gym makes it easy for her to train for her upcoming races. “I really like the environment it brings. It’s really clean and the atmosphere is upbeat and it makes you inspired to work out and the trainers here are great,” she says. “I consider myself in pretty good shape and I just got my butt smoked [during a workout]. I love it. I love the atmosphere and it makes you want to come and work out.”

Chris O’Kelley Occupation Music Director-Midday On-Air Personality, KICKS 99

What Gold’s Gym Has Done for Him “I’ll stand on the highest building in town and say that Gold’s Gym has changed my life 100 percent,” says O’Kelley. “I’m doing things now that just even a year ago, after losing 100 pounds, I didn’t think I could do. I couldn’t run more than four or five steps. Even though I had lost the weight, I was not in a fit condition and I did not have endurance.”

What He Tells Others About Gold’s Gym “It’s very simple: If I can do it at almost 400 pounds, anybody can do it. I was at my end. If I didn’t do something soon, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you, but, yes, I tell them you can,” O’Kelley says. “Every day is a step towards the right direction. Even if you just come in and spend five minutes in here each day, that five minutes will turn into 10, 20, and the next thing you know you have an hour under your belt and you’re going to see changes immediately. So I tell them, ‘Let’s go.’”

County, will remember some of those media clips and what they meant to him while he was watching the coverage 10 years ago. “You’re looking at it going, man this is stuff you see on TV as entertainment, not as this is really happening and then, you know, you step back and say, this is really happening,” Hanson said. “And then you realize how big this building is, what entails searching this building, how long it would take, how many people may still be in there, how many fireman, how many police, how many people. The manpower it’s going to take to search this. And then, of course, they collapse and you think, how many people have you got inside that you’ve possibly lost, firemen and civilians and so on.” As a firefighter, Hanson said that day changed his profession forever. And for

him personally, he said it made him realize how careful he must be while on the job. “The way things were practiced — mayday communications, radio technology — it’s important to take a step back and find another way to look at things that you’re about to do,” he explained. “Step back and take a moment, just a moment, to look at things a little closer, to see and think about what you’re getting ready to do, if there’s something you’re missing.” He said it also made everyone in public safety realize that they have to be vigilant, no matter how routine they think the situation might be. “We go on bomb scares a lot of times through the schools, the kids will call in bomb scares, and you always take them seriously even though we’re going,

Rory Hanson Occupation Columbia County Firefighter, AirMed Emergency Technician

How He Got Started at Gold’s Gym “I’ve been with the fire department for 13 years and there’s been a few times when we have done some drills and I have come out and said, ‘Whew, I’ve got to get in the gym. I’ve got to start doing something,’” Hanson says. “Well, that something turned into, ‘Well, I’ll get to it in a little bit.’ Well, that little bit turned into a long time and then the next time or the next year we had another drill or physical fitness challenge, once again I said, ‘Whew I’ve got to get into the gym.’ Well, once Gold’s came around and I heard what the deal was and there were some friends I knew that I worked with that were going to be there, I decided that I was going to go give it a shot. And now, I pretty much miss it if I don’t. It just makes me feel better, it gets me up and going in the morning, and it kind of keeps me going all day long and I almost can’t sleep at night. It gets me going that much.”

What He Loves About Gold’s Gym “Everybody I’ve had a question for, they’ve answered it,” Hanson says. “Folks that I have spoken to and kind of asked them about a routine, a technique, a motion, they’ve talked to me, they’ve helped me, they’ve offered classes.”

Randy Boatright Occupation Retired Richmond County Police Officer, former Assistant Chief of Police in Harlem

What He Loves About Gold’s Gym At 64 years of age, retired police officer Randy Boatright isn’t ready to slow down a bit, and he credits his health club with helping him maintain a lifestyle that keeps him feeling great. “I’ve been doing a lot of walking on the treadmill and doing the recumbent bike. I do those every time and then I do, not real heavy weights but a kind of a medium-heavy weights, mostly on the machines, but it’s been a real good experience,” he says. And what would he tell others who think they may be too old to exercise? “I would tell them that they need to do it because you will feel much better.”

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Brooke Jones and Dimitri Del Castillo, one of her friends who lost his life in the Middle East. ‘Great, it’s another bomb scare,’” he cited as an example. “But you’ve got to be ready, you’ve got to change things up for those situations because if they’re real and if people have been making those phone calls, they’re expecting you to do the same old thing and you can’t do the same old thing anymore. The fire department, we try to be nice in everything we do and predictable, and we’ve had to change from not being so predictable. But we still try to be nice.” And while Hanson was in the midst of his career in public safety, Randy Boatright was well into his as an officer with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department and former assistant chief of police in Harlem. Even after all his years of service, however, he was still prepared to fight. “I was actually working nights on the sheriff’s department when this occurred and my oldest son, Randall III, called me about 9 o’clock in the morning, woke me up, and said we were under attack and of course I didn’t get any more sleep that day,” he said. “But I was very upset and had I been young enough to reenlist in the Marine Corps I would have done that. You just really wanted to be there because where you probably couldn’t do anything, you feel like you could help possibly save someone.” Boatright, who served with the Marines during the Vietnam War, got his chance to help make America safer shortly after

9/11 when he became a part of the Richard County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 unit, a unit that later became part of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA). In that capacity, his unit was on call to investigate bomb threats in the entire state of Georgia. “While we never really found any live bombs, we went a lot of places and made things safe for people and made them feel safe,” he said. “Like the football stadium at Georgia Tech and things like that, where they wanted to make sure things were safe before a big crowd of people came in there.” Boatright, who said he’s always been a patriotic person, said the only aspect of his life that really changed after 9/11 was a heightened sense of vigilance, something that Chris O’Kelley wholeheartedly agrees with. “I really hate to admit this, but I think we all watch over our shoulders just a little bit more,” he said. “I’m not sure what we’re looking for, but I guess that’s kind of the new norm. When you go to an airport, when you see that line for security, you can’t help but think about the events that led up to that. So, yeah, every time I travel via the air or even a bus or a subway, you’re looking around, you’re a little more cautious and I think that’s probably a lot of people and it’s probably a good thing we still are because we really never need to forget those events because they’re very traumatic to our country.”

Fitness Puzzle Across 4) Harms your respiratory system 5) Gives you energy 6) Sport that requires the use of a racquet 8) Buildup of fat in bloodstream

Down 1) Uncontrollable growth of cells 2) Involves nine players, including a pitcher and catcher 3) Game that involves passing plays and running plays 7) Sport that requires cardio strength 8) Organ that controls blood flow in your body 9) Popular sport that uses ice skating 10) Gets you warmed up for exercise 11) Do this to maintain physical fitness

Raising Kane

Chris Kane, sports director for WJBF-TV (ABC News Channel 6), is a member of Gold’s Gym. Yep, that’s me wearing the sportcoat, tie and running shorts. Of course, the most surprising thing about this photo is the running shorts. Three years ago, I didn’t even own these type of shorts. You see, the word “running” was never part of my vocabulary. I hated running as a kid and my attitude about it now has really never changed. However, in December of 2008, I realized that I wasn’t in the best shape and I needed to do something about it. In the local news business, we work crazy, odd hours. My typical day usually has me at News Channel 6 by 2 p.m. and I don’t get home until after midnight. As you can imagine, these hours aren’t conducive to healthy eating habits. I knew my fitness was heading in a bad direction and I decided to make some lifestyle changes. The first thing I did was join Gold’s Gym. I’ll never forget my first day when I “attempted” to work out. You talk about a fish out of water. I couldn’t even figure out how to get the treadmill to work. Once I got the thing to move, I lasted six minutes on the treadmill before I finally hit the stop button. That’s right, I couldn’t run more than six minutes before I had to call it quits. It was a deflating first day, but I didn’t give up. Slowly, six minutes on the treadmill turned into eight and then 10... 20... 30 minutes. Three months after joining Gold’s, I joined the Augusta Striders. It’s a local running group that trains specifically for races and long-distance running. I joined with one goal in mind: I wanted to run in the 2009 Augusta Half-Marathon. On November 1, 2009, I completed the race in 2:05:06. I just ran 13.1 miles without stopping once! Crossing the finish line on that cool, November morning was easily one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Since then, I haven’t stopped running. I did another half-marathon in 2010 and my ultimate goal one day is to sign up for a full marathon. In late August, the editor of Gold’s Gym Today approached me about writing a monthly column. At first, I laughed... a sportscaster writing an article for a magazine that focuses on fitness? Even though I try to run at least 3.5 miles a day and go to Gold’s five days a week, I’m not one to dish out advice on keeping in shape. Trust me; I’ve got enough to worry about in that department. When I was told the column didn’t have to focus on fitness, I liked the idea even more. In the coming months, I truly have no idea what I’m going to write about. Sure, I’ll mix in some sports topics, but this space could very well turn into a column about nothing. You know, like a “Seinfeld” episode. Along the way, hopefully you’ll get a few laughs and can relate to the sports guy who, at one point in his life, could only run six minutes on a treadmill.

Quick College Football Thoughts

Georgia: Am I surprised that Georgia lost to Boise State? No. Am I surprised how Georgia lost? Yes. The Bulldogs had eight months to prepare for this game and they played liked they had prepared for eight minutes. Bulldogs fans have been telling me for the past couple of years that they’ve run out of patience with Mark Richt and his laid-back coaching style. Where is the fire on the sideline? The Mark Richt era ends at Georgia if he fails to win nine games and beats Florida. South Carolina: Hopefully, Steve Spurrier learned his lesson. Just let Stephen Garcia play. Spurrier loves to play mind games with quarterbacks and there is no doubt he wanted to send a message to Garcia by not starting him at East Carolina. It nearly proved to be the worst coaching decision of his life. Thankfully for Gamecocks fans, Garcia entered the game in the second quarter and rallied his team back from a 17-0 deficit. The only way South Carolina wins the SEC is with Stephen Garcia taking the snaps... period. Clemson: Is this a make or break year for Dabo Swinney? Now in his third season, many believe so. The schedule is difficult and it includes a three-week stretch of Auburn, Florida State and Virginia Tech. The Tigers have to find a way to go at least 2-1 in these games. Georgia Tech: Paul Johnson is too good of a coach to have another losing season like 2010. The schedule also looks promising. Clemson, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Maryland and Georgia all come to Bobby Dodd stadium this fall.

Kane’s Fitness Tip of the Month

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Don’t forget to bring your iPod to the gym and make sure it’s charged!

Open to ages 12 to 18. Free. Call Tracy at 706-447-7674 or visit ecgrl.org.

at 6 p.m. (weather permitting) at The Club at Rae’s Creek. Free and open to the public. Call 706-826-5809 or email alsalley@wrh.org. Augusta Canal Boat Tours lasting one hour are offered daily at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday Sunset Cruises, lasting three hours, are at 5 p.m. All tours include admission to the Augusta Canal Interpretive Center. Call 706-823-0440 or visit augustacanal.com.

Kids

Clarks Hill Beekeepers Program is Thursday, September 8, at 4 p.m. at the Columbia County Library in which participants ages 6-11 will learn about beekeeping with the Clarks Hill Beekeepers. Call 706-447-7657 or visit ecgrl.org. Self-Defense Class is Thursday, September 8, at 5 p.m. at the Harlem Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-556-9795 or visit ecgrl.org. Insect Investigations is Saturday, September 10, from 10-11 a.m. at Reed Creek Park. Participants will catch and release insects with bug nets in different areas of the park. Ages 5 and up. Members: free; non-members: $2 per child.Pre-registration required. Call 706210-4027 or visit reedcreekpark.com. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Around the Town with Mr. Bill. Join entertainer Mr. Bill, Sunday September 11, at 2 p.m., as he celebrates Augusta with special songs and stories. Afterwards, make a painting inspired by our city’s landmarks. This event is free at the Morris Museum. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

DECLASSIFIED

Stop Motion Animation Workshop will be held on Thursday, September 15, from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Library. Learn the basics of making a stop-motion video.

“Mission to Mars” shows Saturdays in September at USC-Aiken’s DuPont Planetarium at 7 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $4.50 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, $2.50 for 4K-12th grade students, and $1 for USC-A students, faculty and staff. Reservations are not required. Call 803-641-3654 or visit usca. edu/rpsec/planetarium. Toddler Story Time and Preschool Story Time take place every Thursday in September at 10:30 a.m. and at 11:15 a.m. at the North Augusta Library. Toddler story time is for children under 3. Pre-school story time for children 3 to 6 years old. Free. Call 803279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org. Story Time in Hopelands will take place every Tuesday through the end of October at 4 p.m. at Hopelands Gardens in Aiken. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov. Registration for Couch to 5K continues throughout the month of September at the Wilson Family Y. This program is designed for beginner and intermediate runners and walkers to prepare for the Y’s Gasping Gobbler 5K on November 19. A six-week session is offered October 11-November 17 at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. Participants will be guided through a workout twice a week and one on their own. Cost is $15 per session for Family Y members and $25 per session for non-members. Register at any Family Y location or online at thefamilyy.org. AdaptedWiiSpecialPopulations, throughout the month of September, is at the Wilson Family Y. Individual ½-hour classes (one-to-one ratio) for all physically and developmentally challenged individuals of all ages. Specially trained staff uses the Wii interactive computer games to improve participants’ independence and quality of life. $10

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The Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club Junior Academy, for boys and girls ages 5-8, meets each Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Augusta Soccer Park. Call 706-854-0149 or visit augustasoccer.com. Toddler Time, free play for children ages 5 and under, is each Monday and Wednesday from 9:3011:30 a.m. at the H.O. Weeks Center in Aiken. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Host a Bridal Shower Wine Party! For the bride who doesn't need a toaster.

p.m. at Paine College. Visit ypaugusta. com. The Garden City Chorus, the area’s leading men’s singing group and a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, is seeking new members. Those interested are welcome to attend Tuesday night rehearsals, held at 7 p.m. at North Augusta Church of Christ on W. Martintown Road. Visit gardencitychorus.org. Augusta Genealogical Society meets every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 9 a.m. and Sundays from 2-5 p.m. at the society’s Adamson Library, 1109 Broad St. Free. Call 706-722-4073.

Ceramics Class, for ages 14 and up, meets Mondays at 9 a.m. or 6 p.m., Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. in the Weeks Ceramics Center. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters Meeting, for those who want to brush up on their public speaking skills, is every Wednesday at noon at the Cotton Patch downtown. Free. Call 803-593-6605.

Wacky Wednesday Story Time is each Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the children’s department of Barnes and Noble in the Augusta Mall. Call 706-7370012 or visit bn.com.

French Club meets each Thursday at 7 p.m. at Borders. Free. Call 706-737-6962.

Homeschool Playgroup meets each Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Creighton Park in North Augusta. Call 803-613-0484.

Hobbies

Augusta Genealogical Society will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, September 8, at 3 p.m. at the Augusta Museum of History. Admission is free and open to all ages. Call 706-7224073. Greater Augusta Stamp Club will meet Monday, September 12, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist of Augusta Activity Center. Free and open to the public. Call Alexander at 706-860-8898.

Volunteer

Afterschool Mentors and Tutors are needed Mondays-Fridays from 4-6 p.m. at MACH Academy, where they will provide help to students both one-on-one and in small group settings. Call 706796-5046 or visit machacademy.com. Kayakers needed for water safety at the Ironman 70.3 on Sunday, September 25. To volunteer, call 706722-8326 or visit ironmanaugusta.com/ volunteer/. If you would like to see your organization’s events listed in our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. The deadline for each Thursday’s issue is the previous Friday at noon.

Young Professionals of Augusta will meet Tuesday, September 13, at 5:30

Stand Up Paddleboard Excursions

Call for details:706.829.7505 AUGUSTAWINETASTINGS.COM

(actual size) 1.5” x 1.9” Tall $40 per week

for members; $20 for non-members. Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs. By appointment only. Call Claudia Collins at 706-9229662 or visit thefamilyy.org.

Canal |River | Lake 706.833.9463 Weekday evenings are SUPer cool! Whitecap SUP

Rape Crisis Volunteer Training September 15-19, 2011 At University Hospital Seeking Volunteer Advocates •Attend 24 hours of training to become a sexual assault victim advocate, plus a free self-defense class •Provide advocacy and crisi intervention for survivors of sexual assault •Be on call at least 24 hours per month •Assist in community education programs (community health and resource fairs) •Participate in agency and fundraising events (Take Back the Day: A Walk to Prevent Sexual Violence, Take Back the Night, Sawbones v. Jawbones) If you are interested in volunteering with RCSAS, please call (706) 774-2746 or email volunteerrcsas@uh.org

Evans Yard Sale September 9-11, 7am-12 Multi-Family. 1107 Autumn Blaze Lane off North Belair. Misc. Furniture, Sofas, Chairs, BR Suit, China, Kitchenware, Household Items & Decor, Clothes, Schwinn Airdyne Bike, Womens Del Sol Bike.

All declassified ads are Cash in Advance (credit card payment required) and are $40 per week. Visit metrospirit.com to place your ad in minutes. METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 33

THEEIGHT BOX TOPS

“The Help” holds on for another week on top. Considering what it was up against, however, and it’s a hollow victory. RANK

TITLE

WEEKEND GROSS

TOTAL GROSS

WEEK #

LAST WEEK

THE HELP

$19,881,571

$124,272,124

THE DEBT

$12,851,600

$14,753,014

APOLLO 18

$10,705,556

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

$10,325,485

$162,550,178

SHARK NIGHT 3D

$10,,126,458

$10,126,458

MOVIEREVIEW

“The Debt”

Sam Eifling Two halves of this one movie are equally strong The action of “The Debt,” a satisfying take on the post-war thriller, slips between the cloak-and-dagger ’60s to a grayer ’90s, by which point a trio of Israeli Mossad agents, so sleek and coolly mod in the opening, have succumbed to time. Michael (Ciarán Hinds) is haggard and haunted; Stephan (Tom Wilkinson) has risen in the bureaucracy but maintains a savage edge; and Rachel (Helen Mirren) puts an inscrutable exterior over her scars, notwithstanding the faded slashmark on her cheek. If not the first movie that imagines younger spies of the Cold War era as middle-aged, “The Debt” does so with more realism than the genre usually engenders, and with something like equal time for both the younger and older versions of the leads. Between the two halves we have what feels like a complete story, pockmarked by the pains of aging, artfully told, neatly booby-trapped with twists. Its release now reminds us that summer’s brain-dead blockbuster season is giving way to movies that feel smarter, more dangerous and worth of repeat viewings.

34 METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

The screenplay, credited to British noir veteran Matthew Vaughn plus Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, and adapted from a 2007 Israeli film of the same title, metes out details like monkeybars, at intervals to keep you swinging but never stuck hanging. The story is, in a sense, a Holocaust thriller on extensive time delay. Young Rachel (Jessica Chastain), Michael (Sam Worthington) and Stephan (Marton Csokas) are sent to divided Berlin to identify and capture a former Nazi, Doktor Bernhardt (a chilling Jesper Christensen), the socalled Surgeon of Birkenau, who eluded capture after a war career of sadistic experiments on Jews to become, of all things, a practicing ob-gyn. When we meet him, he is concerned now only for the curiously accented patient who turns up in his office claiming she’s unable to conceive. The examination scenes — Rachel vulnerable in hospital gown and propped supine in stirrups, Bernhardt as cold and precise as his instruments — are models of calm tension, and genuinely unsettling. Long after you forget other moments in “The

Debt,” these will linger. From this point of vulnerability, Rachel is the fulcrum on which the mission will turn. Because of her it is a success, and because of her that success is only partial, and because of her a rift between Michael and Stephan forms, then widens. The quieter Michael, so consumed with the desire to bring Bernhardt to trial, assumes the role of Rachel’s husband for their cover, holding her hand and escorting her to her appointments, yet pulls away when his feelings for her flare. Stephan, more brazen, less single-minded, flaunts his charms and is too happy to pick up where Michael leaves Rachel dangling. The director, John Madden, an old hand at period romances, spins this love

triangle like a top. The pull of duty is strong — duty to a young Israel, duty to family, duty to extract, if only through a bloodless court system, a measure of revenge for the crimes against Jews — but for their fealty to the cause, the three young agents are still fallible, at turns soft, at turns cruel. When the mission falters, their frailties are largely to blame. The fear of shame leads to lies that amplify over the years. All four major characters try, at some point, to evade the truth, but none really escape it. As dark as “The Debt” turns for its protagonists, even for the Israelis, it is a comforting conceit after the Holocaust that justice, truly blind, will sniff us all out eventually.

V. 22 | NO. 55

INJURED?

FORMER PROSECUTOR TRIAL ATTORNEY

THE8ERS Masters 7 Cinemas

September 9 The Change-Up (R) 1:15, 4:15,7, 9:45; Horrible Bosses (R) 12:45, 3, 5:10, 7:30, 10; Zookeeper (PG) 12:30, 3, 5:20, 7:45, 10:10; Green Lantern (PG-13) 1:30, 4:30, 7:15, 10; Super 8 (PG-13) 1:15, 4:15, 7, 9:30; Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG) 5; Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13) 8; Bridesmaids (R) 4, 6:45, 9:30 September 10 The Change-Up (R) 4:15,7, 9:45; Horrible Bosses (R) 5:10, 7:30, 10; Zookeeper (PG) 5:20, 7:45, 10:10; Green Lantern (PG-13) 4:30, 7:15, 10; Super 8 (PG-13) 4:15, 7, 9:30; Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG) 12:30, 2:45, 5; Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13) 8; Bridesmaids (R) 1, 4, 6:45, 9:30

9:25; Colombiana (PG-13) 12:50, 3:50, 6:50, 9:35; Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (R) 1:45, 4:40, 7:25, 10:05; Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (PG) 12:20, 2:30, 4:45; The Help (PG-13) 1:15, 4:30, 8; Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13) 1:35, 4:20, 7:15, 9:50; Crazy, Stupid, Love (PG-13) 7:05, 9:55; The Smurfs (PG) 12:40, 3:05, 5:20, 7:35, 9:40

Mack Taylor | Attorney at Law | 706.922.1992 AUTO ACCIDENTS | DUI DEFENSE | PERSONAL INJURY

Regal Exchange 20

September 9-10 Contagion (PG-13) noon, 12:30, 1, 4, 4:30, 5, 7, 7:30, 8, 9:30, 10, 10:30, midnight, 12:30; Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star (R) 12:15, 2:35, 4:55, 7:15, 9:40, 12:05; Warrior (PG-13) 12:40, 4:10, 7:20, 10:25

M A C K T A Y L O R L A W . C O M

Evans Cinemas

September 9 Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star (R) 2:50, 5:15, 7:40, 10:10; Contagion (PG13) 2:40, 5:05, 7:30, 10; Creature (R) 3:15, 5:30, 7:50, 10:10; Warrior (PG-13) 4, 7, 10; Apollo 18 (PG-13) 4:10, 7:10, 9:50; Seven Days in Utopia (G) 2:35, 4:55, 7:20, 9:45; Shark Night (PG-13) 3, 5:25, 7:45, 10:05; The Debt (R) 3:40, 6:40, 9:25; Colombiana (PG-13) 3:50, 6:50, 9:35; Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (R) 4:40, 7:25, 10:05; Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (PG) 2:30, 4:45; The Help (PG-13) 4:30, 8; Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13) 4:20, 7:15, 9:50; Crazy, Stupid, Love (PG-13) 7:05, 9:55; The Smurfs (PG) 3:05, 5:20, 7:35, 9:40 September 10 Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star (R) 12,25, 2:50, 5:15, 7:40, 10:10; Contagion (PG-13) 12:15, 2:40, 5:05, 7:30, 10; Creature (R) 12:55, 3:15, 5:30, 7:50, 10:10; Warrior (PG-13) 1, 4, 7, 10; Apollo 18 (PG-13) 1:25, 4:10, 7:10, 9:50; Seven Days in Utopia (G) 12:15, 2:35, 4:55, 7:20, 9:45; Shark Night (PG-13) 12:35, 3, 5:25, 7:45, 10:05; The Debt (R) 12:45, 3:40, 6:40, Surrey Center | 443 Highland Avenue Augusta | 706.738.8386

Out with the Old and In with the New... New Fall merchandise is arriving daily and we must bid Summer farewell to make room!

Final Days of Summer SALE

September 7th - September 14th

Markdowns will be storewide with Summer merchandise priced to move! Hope to see you soon! Find us on Facebook!

V. 22 | NO. 55

METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 35

Thank you Augusta for making our opening day a sweet success! Call anytime for custom orders! Shop doors open every Friday at 10 a.m. featuring all your favorite sweets and gourmet lunches to go!

OPENING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Big Day Cakes

DRAMA

“Warrior,” rated PG-13, starring Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton. It’s taken Hollywood a long time to make a movie about MMA, don’t you think?

THRILLER

“Contagion,” rated PG-13, starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet, Elliott Gould. Damn that’s a lot of pretty people to be killed off by a deadly pandemic. Well, besides Elliott Gould, of course.

COMEDY

“Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star,” rated R, starring Nick Swardson, Christina Ricci, Don Johnson, Stephen Dorff, Kevin Nealon. This comedy, about a kid who finds out his parents were 1970s porn stars and sets off to Hollywood to follow in their footsteps, was co-written by Adam Sandler.

Open Friday September 9th for Border Bash and all weekend for Arts in the Heart and Westobou!

Studio 285 Hair Salon

536 Grand Slam Drive Suite A &B Evans, GA 30809 706-945-0175 M-Sat

We Are The Best. We Train With The Best. Only Regional Kim Vo Retailer. Kim Vo Pure Salon.

Kim Vo Voted Best Colorist In The USA 2011

36 METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

“Blood Into Wine”

WERECOMMEND

120 9th Street 706.255.7316 www.BigDayCakesBakery.com

This pretty interesting documentary follows Tool and A Perfect Circle frontman Maynard James Keenan as he leaves rock behind and begins a winery. In the desert. But the main reason to pick this up is for the first five minutes. Coolest opening credits ever! — MS

V. 22 | NO. 55

SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson

mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Nikki Matthews, Travis Vernon and Hillary Laird at the Loft.

Dylan Chavous, Allison Mathews, Alexandra Maibusch and Andrew Reynolds at The Country Club.

Jessica and James McPeake with Beth and Russell Minton at Cadillac’s.

SIGHTINGS

Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s Z, Jennifer Voth, artist Randy Lambeth and Kate Sideman at 5 O’clock Bistro during First Thursday at the Shops in Midtown.

Meighan Still, singer/songwriter Corey Smith and Deanne Andrews at the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre.

Brittany Gaylor, Gina Zagarella, Rachel Ludick and Rebecca Montgomery at the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre.

SIGHTINGS

Taylor Gray, Forrest Patrick, Courtney Concks and Brittani Turner at Shannon’s.

Tom Sprague, Cindy Rutherford, Hope Key and William Loomer at Rehab Sports Bar.

Michael Johnson

mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Rachel Lloyd, Cindy and Cameron Chance and Danny Turner at the Limelite Cafe.

$9.99 one pound of Happy Hour MON-FRI peel and eat shrimp 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Drink Specials

SURRY CENTER ON HIGHLAND AVE. - THE FRENCHMARKETGRILLE.COM - 707.737.4865 V. 22 | NO. 55

METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 37

JENNYISWRIGHT

Jenny Wright lives in Summerville with her husband, who she calls The Man, and two kids, who she affectionately calls The Boy and The Girl. She enjoys taking photos, cooking and playing tennis.

Is it Hot?

Everyone has pet peeves, right? These aren’t just things that just bother you. These are things you simply can’t tolerate. After a lifetime of whistling and loving whistlers, I learned recently that there are people out there who hate to hear it at all. I grew up playing wind instruments (proud band nerd!), which I think fostered my whistling habit. My father in law is an avid whistler. The Man pretty much whistles constantly and The Boy and The Girl follow suit. From what I’ve gathered, those who hate the sound even despise the word. The only kind of whistling that bothers me is unintentional nasal whistling. Trim those nose hairs, please. I really can’t blame the haters of bird-like song. While I find joy in the sound of a perfectly whistled tune, I certainly have my things. The Man would probably say that I have hundreds of things. Maybe he’s right, but I can narrow it down for the sake of limited space. The thing that drives me the absolute craziest is when people chew with their

mouth open. The sound of crunching food makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. The Kids love to eat dry cereal and I practically have to leave the room when I give it to them. I’m not sure when this became more than a little thing. I do remember when The Man and I were first married and I noticed that he did it. Once I even (politely, this time) asked him if he could please stop smacking his lips while he was eating. “Hey Babe? Can you please try not to make so much noise when you eat?” “It’s hot,” he replied, innocently. To give him credit, it was hot. We’d just opened a steaming pizza box. The next time I really noticed it (or felt like pointing it out), we were eating popcorn. “Is it hot?” I asked. That’s become my standard question when I really mean “OH MY GOSH PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF PETE QUIT CRUNCHING.” Bless his heart. I guess it’s a manners thing with me. It’s not hard to chew with your mouth closed, especially once you’re past the

initial bite-down. I mean, there’s no way someone can put an entire tortilla chip in their mouth in one bite, without making a sound. Okay, so if you’re one of those people who can fit your entire fist in your mouth, I suppose you can. For everyone else, there’s the Break it in Half rule. Break it in half before you eat it. The Boy takes after his daddy, The Girl her mama. You know what that means. Before The Boy even thinks about taking a bite of food, she is complaining about it. “Mama, he is about to crunch those chips.” Whoops. What bothers you? When someone fails to use their blinker? When someone misunderstands your intentions? When someone asks a question and doesn’t listen for the response? When someone complains about their food at a restaurant? What? None of these bother me. I was just asking. Things like this don’t affect me (laid back), and I’d certainly never commit a single one (innocent). If there should be an audible crunch coming from my direction, just know this: it’s hot.

NOWDowntown OPEN Aiken

Augusta, GA 106 Pleasant Home Road 706-814-8959

38 METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. www.neapolitangifts.com

Aiken, SC 126 Laurens Street NW 803-514-4240

V. 22 | NO. 55

ART45

AMYCHRISTIAN

Mending Milo’s Heart

Spur of the moment benefit for the infant of a local family just keeps growing

Julie Menger visits son Milo in the hospital; a limited edition print of a Luna album cover (below), signed by the artist and band members, is just one of the items up for auction this Thursday. Rich and Julie Menger were excited about their 20-week sonogram. The Augusta couple, who already had two boys at home, were going to find out whether they were going to have another or were going to add a girl to the mix. “We were super excited because his was the visit we were to find out the sex of the baby,” Rich said via Facebook message from Atlanta. “So a boy! We are thrilled to add another Menger to our home, but the news of a possible Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome was the second news the doctor gave us.” It turns out baby Milo Emerson Menger, born August 29 at Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, did indeed have HLHS, a defect in which the left side of the heart does not develop as it should. “We hoped maybe they were wrong, but three doctors and hours of level 2 sonograms later it was confirmed: HLHS,” Rich said. “It was then we began our journey to mend Milo’s heart.” Treatment includes at least three surgeries, the first of which Milo underwent Tuesday, September 6. Rich said the approximately eight-hour surgery went better than expected. “They’re all finished now and they were actually able to close his chest,” he said Tuesday afternoon. “A lot of V. 22 | NO. 55

times they have to leave it open due to swelling, but Milo once again exceeded all expectations!” The fact that Julie and Rich have been in Atlanta, staying in the Ronald McDonald House for the most part, coupled with the fact that their other two children are home in Augusta with family, prompted their friends to action. “I’m a financial person, so that was the first, well the second, thing I thought of,” said Veronica Mulkey, coordinator of A Benefit for Milo Thursday night. “Just thinking about the emotional burden of having to deal with this and then, of course, I thought about how much money this is going to cost them out of pocket. That’s something you shouldn’t have to worry about when you’re dealing with such an emotional situation.” Rich is a Richmond County firefighter, as well as a well-known local artist and an avid cyclist; Julie is a stay-at-home mom, a volunteer with the Le Leche League and a retired member of the Soul City Sirens roller derby team. So Mulkey, who met Julie through roller derby, thought that their friends and acquaintances would be generous if only they knew what was going on. “And then Rich, being involved in the art community and having ties to a bunch of people in the community with music, having run Squeaky’s [Tip Top]

back in the day, there’s so many people who know them who, if they knew what they were going through, they would want to help.” And help they have. Since Mulkey and

friends had the idea of a silent auction, people have come out of the woodwork to donate. Many are Rich’s artist friends — Jay Jacobs, Leonard Zimmerman, Chris Murray, Jason Craig, Staci Swider,

METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 39

and Shishir Chockshi among them have put work up for bid — but not all of them are. And some of the silent auction items are impressive. Christi Gibson Johnson of Make It Yours Monograms, for instance, has designed and made embroidered shirts as a fundraiser. Local filmmaker Matthew Buzzell, a good friend of Rich’s, contacted Luna, the band he brought to Augusta during last year’s Westobou Festival for “13 Most Beautiful… Songs for Andy Warhol’s Screen Tests.” When the band found out that Rich was a big fan, they donated a limited edition print by artist Adrian Tomine that the band used as the cover of “The Best of Luna.” It is signed by the artist, as well as the members of the band. Only 120 prints were made, and they are currently out of print. The event has even spread beyond Augusta. “The Atlanta Rollergirls listed this whole thing on their newsfeed and that’s really cool because that’s going out to 2,000 people in Atlanta,” Mulkey said.

“And because of that, a photographer in Atlanta is donating a $150 photography sitting, and she has no idea who Jules and Rich are.” The event, held at Sky City and featuring guest DJs (another donation from owner Coco Rubio), will feature additional donations from the following: Jeff Thomas, Elizabeth Reynolds, Wierhouse, Oddfellows Gallery, Jennifer and Ron Vaz, Michael Morkve, Karen Banker, the Book Tavern, Master Chevrolet Cadillac, Nature’s Way and DiChicko’s, Vintage Ooollee, Challenge Coins, Austin Art Glass, USAF Team Aim High, Massage CSRA, Blue Highway Books, Marian David Photography, Pabst Blue Ribbon, the Soul City Sirens and the Richland County Regulators. Mulkey said they also plan to have computers on hand, so those who simply want to donate can do so by visiting Rich’s website, mojogoat.com/milo.html. The outpouring of support is exactly what Mulkey thought would happen and she hopes those who attend Thursday

FREEWILLASTROLOGY VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

On one episode of “Wheel of Fortune” not too long ago, a contestant solved a puzzle even though just one letter had been unveiled. The winning answer was “I’ve got a good feeling about this.” You’ve got a similar aptitude, an ability to foresee how things are going to develop simply by extrapolating a few clues. Make liberal use of your temporary superpower.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You have about 100 billion neurons in your brain. That also happens to be the approximate number of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. The better you know yourself, the more likely you are to understand how the world works — and vice versa. Your week will be successful if you make it your background meditation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

“By the year 2021, the complete gratification of sexual desires will be as easy and stress-free as drinking a glass of water,” said a polite, well-spoken madman I met on a July morning in a cafe in Earls Court, London in 1990. Sixteen of his other predictions have come true so far, so I’m thinking that this one could turn out to be accurate as well. The coming weeks are shaping up as one of your closest approximations to the supposed 2021 levels of erotic bliss.

40 METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

A recent winner of a beauty contest in Saudi Arabia, Aya Ali al-Mulla, was crowned “Queen of Beautiful Morals” without ever revealing the face and form shrouded beneath her garment. Instead, her excellence emerged during a series of psychological and social tests. You could and should be a paragon of moral beauty, a shining example and inspiration to all the other signs of the zodiac.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

If you don’t go crazy in the coming days, I’ll meet you here again next week. There is an excellent chance you will be able to keep our appointment. You’ll call on reserves of wisdom that haven’t been accessible before, and that alone could prevent you from a brush with lunacy. Even if you do take a partial detour into the land of kooky, it will have an oddly healing effect on you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Hexagram 18 of the I Ching is “Work on What Has Been Spoiled.” Here’s an interpretation: “It is not fate that has caused the state of corruption, but rather the abuse of human freedom. Toil that is done to correct the situation bodes well. Success depends on diligent deliberation followed by vigorous action.”

night will be equally supportive. “Hopefully, we’ll have a lot of people who will be really generous with donations,” she said. The thought of it is enough to warm anyone’s heart. And, hopefully, it will mend Milo’s as well. A Benefit for Milo Sky City Thursday, September 8 8-10 p.m. http://milo-braveheart.tumbler.com mojogoat.com/milo.html

FREEWILLASTROLOGY@FREEWILLASTROLOGY.COM Rob Brezsny

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Breaking the rules could be a boon for your closest relationships if it’s done out of deep caring and not out of anger or boredom. It’s prime time to shake up and reinvigorate stale concepts about togetherness. Take a collaborative risk you’d never want to face alone.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

“Don’t be angry with the rain,” counseled author Vladimir Nabokov. “It simply does not know how to fall upward.” Apply that principle to a host of phenomena. Don’t get all knotted up about any force of nature that insists on being itself, and don’t waste your time trying to figure out how to disobey the law of gravity. Don’t expect the flow to follow you in your rebellion.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Where will you be in the latter half of 2016? You’re likely to have a good bit of intuitive foresight in the coming days. But even more importantly, you will have extra power to dream up potent visions for your best possible future and plant them as seeds in your subconscious mind.

a time when you will never again be susceptible to getting dragged into the bottomless pit. I’m not saying you will be forever free of all suffering. But you will tap into a reservoir of stabilizing poise so strong that “the devil” will have no further claim on your soul.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

In “The Blood” episode of “Seinfeld,” George tries to go for “the Trifecta”: eating a pastrami sandwich and watching TV while having sex. His girlfriend isn’t pleased about it, though, so the tripleintense pleasure doesn’t materialize in the way George had hoped. But you will have a knack for stirring up more fun and pleasure that usual through the inventive use of multitasking.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

In Wiccan circles, a “familiar” is a supernatural entity or magic animal that serves as a spirit ally. Some witches regard their cats as their familiars. This would be an excellent time for you to develop a closer relationship with a familiar. You have more hidden power at your disposal than you realize, and it’s a propitious time to call on it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

I believe you’re close to getting permanent immunity from hell. Consider the possibility that there may soon come V. 22 | NO. 55

Surrey Tavern

Who’s playing? Who cares? You don’t need an excuse to visit this Augusta institution.

Crums

Now serving lunch Wednesday-Friday. If you stay long enough, you’ll hit Happy Hour, with half-price drinks, at 4:30 p.m. 5 O’Clock Bistro King's Way's secret gem Bistro 491 fancy food with a sense of humor Calvert’s Restaurant old school Continental Club Argos LGBT

Verandah Grill

Wine Down Wednesday features half off select wines by the bottle or glass.

Crums on Central live jazz on weekends French Market Grille New Orleans in the Garden City

The Vue

Helga’s med student heaven

All dressed up? Then this upscale dance club is the place to go.

Polka Dot Pig unique atmosphere & unique bar Sheehan’s Irish Pub the nicest pub ever Surrey Tavern the original neighborhood bar Tako Sushi Asian / Mexican fusion The Vue upscale dance club w/ occasional bands Verandah Grill at the Partridge Inn Augusta’s best balcony

Mellow Mushroom

All pints are $3 every Thursday in September. Kind of makes you want a pizza, doesn’t it?

Augsburg Haus Traditional Bavarian Cuisine Cue n’ Brew pool hall

Laura’s Backyard Tavern

Laura’s Backyard Tavern Laura’s house

No matter what the calendar says, it’s always summer in Laura’s backyard.

Mai Thai Authentic Thai Experience Mellow Mushroom plus full bar

Rhineheart’s

Pizza Joint Beer Me Tuesday

Get the weekend started a day early with Thursday’s Xtreme Date Night for Two, two entrées, one appetizer for $22.99. And Bud Lites are $1.99 each.

Pickles locally owned restaurant in ColCo Rhinehart’s backyard seafood The Tavern at the Bean discreet, top shelf Sidetrack Bar & Grill by the railroad tracks Tako Sushi Asian / Mexican Fusion

THE HILL

V. 22 | NO. 55

EVANEZ

WEST AUGUSTA

SOUTH AUGUSTA

METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 41

42 METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

The Highlander

Manuel’s Bread Cafe - locally sourced bistro

One dollar PBRs on Tuesday nights? It’s not very English, but we won’t say no.

The Highlander - real Bristish pub

Augusta Canal - music on the water Sweet Lou’s Crab Shack - Broad & 13th

Beamie’s

Yeah, it’s after Labor Day. But you can still feel like you’re at the beach at this seafood joint.

Frog Hollow Tavern - upscale restaurant & bar / locally sourced

Pizza Joint - 40 beers on tap and slices Mellow Mushroom - plus full bar Sky City - large music venue

13T H ST

Tropicabana - salsa. no chips.

Frog Hollow Tavern

The Peach Carpaccio with country ham prosciutto, blue cheese, honey and microgreens pairs nicely with the MacMurray Ranch Pinot Gris.

Firehouse - proud downtown dive

1102 - block deep restaurant & bar

Metro Coffee House - coffee, beer, liquor, people

Soultry Sounds - jazz club Wicked Wasabi - authentic Japanese Soy Noodle - Asian sensation Blue Sky Kitchen - new parents

08 09 10 11

12 14 13

03 The Firehouse

The PBR pairs nicely with the layers of cigarette smoke.

New Moon Cafe - ecclectic grindhouse

1102 Bar & Grille

Like to play games? Then go directly to the back bar.

Bee’s Knees - small plates Rooster’s Beak - tacqueria w/ great ice cream Soul Bar - pure funk Playground - rock-n-roll

Stillwater Taproom - blugrass before bluegrass was cool Casa Blanca - JB White’s storefront Wheels - cool & on the corner The Loft - liquor with attitude

H ST

Nacho Mama’s - rolling ‘em fat

12T

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Rooster’s Beak

What’s new? Almost everything, including the Samurai Taco—ground beef, sautéed zucchini and onions and something called a Steven Seagal sauce. Don’t mind if I do.

Bar on Broad - contemporary South Beach vibe Club Rehab - upscale sportsbar Joe’s Underground - live music underneath Broad St. Imperial Theatre - old majestic with a kickin’ sign

V. 22 | NO. 55

The Loft

The lounge area at the front of the bar makes people watching extra relaxing.

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Joe’s Underground Tuesday, September 13 Cocoa Dylan

OAD

The Soul Bar

As if anyone needed an excuse to visit this bar, Friday night is Pop Life, and the DJ will be playing all your guilty pleasures.

32 EE

Tipsy McStumbles - confess later

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Riverfront Stage - candle light jazz series

Fox’s Lair - coolest bar in America

01 02 03 01 34

Sector 7G - laundromat turned landmark Eagle’s Nest - best view downtown Blue Horse Bistro - jazz tapas The Sports Center - old school pool hall and burgers Luigi’s - Augusta institution Beamie’s Restuarant & Oyster Bar - taste of the beach downtown The Boll Weevil - great food and the best desserts Cotton Patch - eat, drink, be happy Mi Rancho - chips & salsa on the Savannah 209 Restaurant & Lounge - soul food & lounge

La Maison on Telfair - fine dining & tapas

The Joker Lounge girls dancing nightly Fantasy Showgirls girls dancing nightly Discoteque girls dancing nightly

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The Sports Center

Pretend you’re a regular: Sit at the bar and have a big-ass beer while you wait for the best lunch ever.

Club Rehab

Reborn as a sports bar… just in time for Bulldog season.

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GO R

4T H

5TH

OLD

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Allie Katz good cheap drinks Bar West martini lounge

Carolina Ale House

Cadillacs cozy neighborhood spot

September specials include $11 Coors Light buckets, $3.50 Fat Tire drafts and $2.50 Miller Lite drafts. Register to win a Fat Tire bike.

Cadwallader’s Cafe Italian flair Carolina Ale House sports themed restuarant / feat. outdoor covered bar Country Club dance hall and saloon

Hooter’s

Chicken wings, college football and pretty girls. What else do you need?

Cue & Brew great burgers Doubletree Hotel popular restuarant French Market Grille West NOLA in the Garden City Hooters hooters Limelite Cafe extensive beer selection Malibu Jacks beach themed restaurant & bar

Somewhere in Augusta

Mi Rancho chips & salsa on the Savannah

Augusta's No. 1 sports bar, with 45 TVs covering all college and NFL games.

Prime 1079 Steakhouse

Wild Wing Cafe

Rack & Grill true pool hall

Monday, September 12 Trivia and karaoke on the same night? Must be heaven… or hell, depending on who’s singing.

Rae’s Coastal Cafe worth finding Rhinehart’s backyard seafood Robbie’s Sports Bar true pool hall Shannon’s old lounge / new look Somewhere In Augusta sports bar & grill TakoSushi Asian / Mexican Fusion

Coyote’s

Saturday, September 10 Outshyne, Doug McCormick - $7

TGI Friday’s How many pieces of flair do you have?

Villa Europa

How about a Schweinehaxe and a boot of beer?

Wild Wings Cafe live music 7 nights a week Coyote’s great live music & DJs Road Runner Cafe in front of Coyote’s Villa Europa German / Italian /International favorites since 1974

THE HILL

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EVANEZ

WEST AUGUSTA

SOUTH AUGUSTA

V. 22 | NO. 55

Coyote’s Swyrv French Market Grille West Doc Easton Smooth Jazz Joe’s Underground Paul Arrowood Malibu Jack’s Marilyn Adcock One Hundred Laurens Kenny George Rose Hill Stables Preston & Weston Sky City A Benefit for Milo Wild Wing Sibling String The Willcox Four Cats in the Doghouse

What’s Tonight?

Cadillac’s Karaoke Casa Blanca Thursday Tango Club Argos Karaoke Club Rehab Candy Stripers Cabaret Cocktails Lounge Karaoke Fishbowl Lounge Karaoke Fox’s Lair Soup, Suds & Conversations Helga’s Pub & Grille Trivia Islands Bar & Lounge DJ Fred Nice The Loft Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) Karaoke Mi Rancho (Evans) Karaoke Pizza Joint, Evans DJ Kris Fisher The Playground Open Mic with Brandy Shannon’s Karaoke Somewhere in Augusta Karaoke with Charles Soul Bar Boom Box Villa Europa Karaoke with Just Ben Wooden Barrel ‘80s Night Karaoke

Friday, September 9 Live Music

Augusta Canal Moonlight Music Cruise w/ Wayne Capps Country Club Larry Frick Coyote’s Matthew Dave and New Soul Doubletree Hotel 3 Sides of Jazz French Market Grille West Doc Easton

Joe’s Underground Keith Gregory One Hundred Laurens John Kolbeck Polo Tavern Robbie Ducey Band Sky City Bass All Stars with Guage, 69 Boyz, Splack Pack, LA SNO, and DJ Kiki Somewhere In Augusta The Unmentionables Surrey Tavern Playback with Tutu Dyvine Wild Wing Toyzz The Willcox Kenny George

What’s Tonight?

Cadillac’s DJ Tim Club Argos Variety Show Club Rehab DJ C4 Cocktails Lounge Grown-Up Fridays with DJ Cork and Bull Pub Karaoke Fishbowl Lounge Karaoke Iron Horse Bar & Grill Karaoke Islands Bar & Lounge Caribbean Night with DJ Spud Mi Rancho (Downtown) Karaoke with Ryan Moseley Mi Rancho (Washington Road) Karaoke with Jeff Barnes Mi Rancho (Clearwater) Karaoke Ms. Carolyn’s Karaoke Palmetto Tavern DJ Tim Rebeck’s Hideaway Open Mic Roadrunner Cafe Karaoke Somewhere in Augusta Footloose Dance Party Soul Bar Pop Life Tropicabana Latin Friday Wheels Live DJ Wooden Barrel Karaoke Contest

Saturday, September 10 Live Music

The Acoustic Coffeehouse Open Acoustic Jam Session with Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold Blue Sky Kitchen Joel Cruz, Travis Shaw

WAFFLEHOUSEBEAT

Thursday, September 8 Live Music

WTF? Smothered and covered! Not...you know...like...gunfights?

When we last visited the Southgate Waffle House on Gordon Highway, there was a gent living on the roof. That was back in May. Made the national news. We put in a call to Sheriff Strength to get his reaction at the time. “Claims” he’s never seen such a thing before. The sheriff has been pursuing bad guys since zoot suits and pocket watches. This week the same location was home to a fair amount of “gunplay” which resulted in “27 pieces of gun-related evidence” to be spread around the parking lot. Gunplay is not the same thing as foreplay, by the way. One leads to misery, regret and pain. Sheriff Strength, speaking by phone from his gilded, moldy throne next to the jail, remarked that these types of things seem to happen after midnight. After the clubs let out. Wash, rinse, repeat. ‘ello? Waffle House? Hire a damn off duty like we said in May. If we were ever to eat at the Southgate Waffle House (we won’t) after dark (uh… no) after midnight (only if I’m joining Sheriff Strength), we would have large armed gunmen with us. Not to be outdone, Deans Bridge got into the action same night as well. William Woodrow Wells was arrested shortly after “an armed gunman” demanded money. What other type of gunman is there? An unarmed gunman demanded cash and had his ass kicked by short order cook Octavious Lerue. Nope, if you are a gunman, the citizenry expects a firearm. William Woodrow Wells? I grew up with a Winston Weston Watson. He was a complete criminal even in seventh grade. Sheriff, what are you doing specifically to put an end to Waffle House crime? Maybe a statute that would make the penalties more serious if the crime is executed on, in or around a WH? Not a hate crime. A hater’s crime. What do you say, sheriff? This is all your fault.

Roseanne Cash — singer, songwriter, best-selling author and, for better or worse, perhaps best known as the Man in Black’s daughter — visits the parade grounds of the Old Academy of Richmond County on Friday, September 30, at 7 p.m. as part of the Westobou Festival. Tickets, $30 in advance and $40 at the gate, can be purchased by calling 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com. V. 22 | NO. 55

METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 45

What’s Tonight?

Cadillac’s DJ Rana Club Argos Variety Show Club Rehab DJ C4 Cocktails Lounge Latin Night Fishbowl Lounge Karaoke Fox’s Lair Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille Trivia Islands Bar & Lounge Reggae Night with Island Vybez The Loft Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) Karaoke Mi Rancho (Clearwater) Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) Karaoke Ms. Carolyn’s Karaoke One Hundred Laurens DJ Kenny Ray The Playground DJ Fugi Tropicabana Salsa Saturday Wheels Live DJ Wooden Barrel Kamikaze Karaoke

Sunday, September 11 Live Music

Iron Horse Tommy O.D. and The Survivors Live Music P.I. Bar and Grill Live Music Wild Wing Cody Webb

What’s Tonight?

Caribbean Soul Love Jones Sundays Malibu Jack’s Karaoke with Denny Mi Rancho (Downtown) Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) Karaoke, Salsa Dancing

Monday, September 12 Live Music

Sky City Adelitas Way, Emphatic, Eye Empire

What’s Tonight?

Applebee’s (Evans) Trivia Club Argos Karaoke Club Rehab Jenn’s Crazy Karaoke Malibu Jack’s Trivia with Mike Thomas Mi Rancho (Downtown) Karaoke with Danny Haywood Somewhere In Augusta Poker Tourney Wild Wing Trivia and Karaoke

Tuesday, September 13 Live Music Cocktails Lounge Live Music Joe’s Underground Cocoa Dylan

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Somewhere In Augusta Trivia with Charles Wild Wing Sabo & Mike The Willcox Hal Shreck

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos Karaoke Club Rehab Jenn’s Crazy Karaoke Fishbowl Lounge Dart League Islands Bar & Lounge DJ Fred Nice Malibu Jack’s Karaoke with Denny Somewhere in Augusta Trivia with Charles

Wednesday, September 14 Live Music 209 on the River Smooth Grooves Joe’s Underground Sibling String Wild Wing Old Man Crazy The Willcox Hal Shreck

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos Santoni’s Satin Dolls Club Rehab Jenn’s Crazy Karaoke Cocktails Lounge Augusta’s Got Talent The Cotton Patch Trivia and Tunes with Cliff Bennett Laura’s Backyard Tavern Karaoke The Loft Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) Karaoke with Rockin’ Rob The Place on Broad Jazz DJ The Playground Krazy Karaoke with Big Troy Polo Tavern Karaoke with Tom Mitchell Somewhere In Augusta The Comedy Zone with Tim Stadium and Big B

Upcoming

The Jeremy Graham Band Joe’s Underground September 15 Sibling String Surrey Tavern September 15 Paul Roberts Fresh Music All Stars Augusta Canal Moonlight Music Cruise September 16 Joe Stevenson Country Club September 16 Jason Sturgeon Coyotes September 16 & 17 Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives Imperial Theatre September 16 The Atom Blonde The Playground September 16 Daddy Grace Somewhere In Augusta September 16 The Whiskey Gentry Stillwater Tap Room September 16 Electric Voodoo Iron Horse September 18 Efren Stillwater Tap Room September 23 The Broadcast Surrey Tavern September 23

THEDOWNLOAD

Country Club Thomas Tillman Coyote’s Outshyne, Doug McCormick Joe’s Underground John Kolbeck P.I. Bar and Grill Not Gaddy Polo Tavern Jim Fisher Band Sky City The Dirty Guv’nahs with Ponderosa Surrey Tavern Stereo Reform Wild Wing Almost Famous

The Moth Podcast: Bokara Legendre, “Mummy Was a Wild Game Hunter”

Deciding which podcasts to write about for this column every week is not what you would call a scientific process. If I don’t have a particular one in mind, I fire up the iTunes store, go to the “Podcasts” tab, and then enter whatever search term happens to hover across whichever of my synapses aren’t thinking up new synonyms for “boner.” I mean, come on — why else would I write about a crappy British metal show/advertisement Bokara Legendre for Cockney Valium, or give Ricky “My Lymph Nodes are Made of Marshmallow Cream” Gervais the time of day? That dough-bowl full of bangers and mash can’t ride the wake of “The Office” forever. Sometimes, though, I hit upon a gem. If you tune in regularly to NPR, you’ll likely have heard some of the stories featured on “The Moth,” but if not, here’s the rundown: Every week or so, a bunch of people gather, and someone tells a story. It’s a remarkably simple premise, but these are interesting people, with insanely cool stories to tell — think TED Talks crossed with indie stand-up comedy. This week, painter/writer/producer Bokara Legendre recounts her days growing up the daughter of a big-game hunter, the inheritance of her mother’s South Carolina plantation, and her occasionally misguided attempts to hippie-fy the place and get rid of some 150 trophies still hanging in the estate’s halls. Part spiritual quest, part fireside chat and part slapstick, it’s certainly an engaging tale, and one indicative of “The Moth’s” consistently solid offerings.

Hidden Universe HD: The Galactic Center Revisited

So — NASA has this thing called the Spitzer Space Telescope hovering out there in deep… um, space… and it exists for the sole purpose of taking beautiful, indescribably mind-blasting footage of the final frontier and broadcasting it back to you in HD. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about space (mostly from a jarringly imbalanced combo of information from a subscription to Scientific American and episodes of “Mystery Science Theater 3000”), it’s a largely unfathomable, unf***withable miasma of bioexistential wonder and pants-crapping. I burned my telescope after reading “Call of Cthulhu,” and this will be the last time you ever laugh. “Hidden Universe HD” does little to temper that cosmic fear, but it’s also difficult not to stand in complete and utter awe at the blatant majesty of endless space. Take this week’s episode, for instance: The telescope sent back some infrared images of the Milky Way galaxy’s center, and the whole thing looks like Hieronymus Bosch set all the LSD in the world on fire, and then painted it. But that’s not the best part. There is, I swear to Swayze, a 600-light-years-across dust ring encircling the galaxy’s center, in the shape of — get ready — the infinity symbol. So, yeah… basically the universe is telling us “Don’t even try.” How meta of you, void.

Josh Ruffin is a published journalist and poet, who just received his MFA from Georgia College & State University. He was once the most unintimidating bouncer at Soul Bar.

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AUGUSTATEK

Late Night 9-11 pm ($1.50 wells, $1.50 drafts-any flavor) Happy Hour daily 4-7 pm ($2 wells, $5 wings)

Dear Jenny…

Monday - Friday Miss D's Country Lunch Specials $6.99 Wednesday Cliff Bennett packs the patio for trivia 7-9 pm Thursday Alaskan Snow Crab Legs $8 per pound served with homemade succotash and garden salad 6 pm till we run out!

Eat, Drink, Be Happy!

E A T D R I N K B E H A P P Y. C O M

Friday Bo Handy's Prime Rib, hand rubbed, slow roasted, cut to order w/ au jus, steamed veggies, and garden salad 10oz cut - $15.95 Saturday Tenderloin Time! 6oz filet with 1/2 dozen flash fried shrimp, choice of side, garden salad $16.95

I’ve got a bone to pick with Jenny Wright. Last week, she advocated taking away fast food, the internet, videogames and cell phones (I’ll presume she means smartphones). What’s up, Jenny? Do you have something against technology? Or are you just The Woman out to destroy my life? I’m sorry… That probably came out too strong. Most of the points you make are valid and reasonable. Technological innovation commonly results every-day conveniences that change the way we live. To some, it may appear that things are too easy. To others, it makes perfect sense to text someone two rooms away in order to avoid a human interaction. A century ago, I’m sure there were folks that thought washing machines made life too easy for the homemaker or that real men plow fields with a mule. We see how that turned out for them. I do agree that it seems that our society has lost something in its work ethic. Technology has made our business work so efficient that we only need to apply real effort a few hours a day to earn a living. Likewise, technology has simplified so many routine household tasks, recreation and leisure activities are considered requirements. Somewhere along the way, we’ve accepted the doctrine that the purpose of technology is to help us do less. In reality, the true power of technology lies in its ability to help us accomplish more. Let’s take that school project The Kids will have to tackle. You are absolutely right that the encyclopedias are a thing of the past. All research starts with the internet. But think about how much more information exists and the wider variety of available resources. The Kids can go deeper and broader that we ever could and gain insight that simply wasn’t possible for us. Technology isn’t about accomplishing the same results with less effort. It’s about giving the same effort and achieving more than one could think possible. It’s true in education. It’s true in business. It’s true in life. Attack fast food if you must, but Jenny please don’t knock our technology. And to answer your last question… if you want to know when the next Angry Birds update is available, Google it. Google can fix everything. :-)

We Will Not Forget

I remember waking up 10 years ago in a hotel room in San Jose, Calif., and turning on the TV news to begin my morning routine. American Airlines Flight 11 had just struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center, and the news organizations were scrambling to establish coverage. Shortly thereafter, United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower. My wife worked in downtown Washington, D.C., at the time. She was already at work when I called to see if she had heard the news. A short time after that American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon, and suddenly the day became more than a news story. I only knew one person that died that day. Robert Ploger was an engineering manager at Lockheed Martin. He and his wife were headed to Hawaii for their honeymoon, but they ended up on the flight that struck the Pentagon. I plan to spend some time this week remembering 9/11 and how America came together when our lives and our freedom was placed in jeopardy. I hope you do, too. Until next time, I’ll see you on the internet… tweet me @ gregory_a_baker. L8R. Gregory A. Baker, Ph.D., is vice president and chief rocket scientist for CMA, which provides information technology services to CSRA businesses and nonprofits.

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METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 47

EARDRUM The Best Music You’ve Never Heard Chuck Williams

In 2006, I started hearing rumors about a new venue opening in downtown Augusta, a venue called The Blue Horse Music Hall. The main concept of the Blue Horse was that it was going to be a “listening room,” a room where the seated audience stays silent while the performer sings. Talking during a performance in a venue like this is frowned upon, because the main focus is the music. I immediately became very excited about the Blue Horse because even though we were putting on our own listening-room shows, being a patron would allow me to really take in and absorb the night of live music as opposed to being the one in charge at my shows. Once the Blue Horse opened we tried our best to support it. I think we attended around eight shows during the six months they were open. I like the listening-room atmosphere because I’m pretty sure I’m ADD: too old to have been diagnosed, but very aware that I need total silence around me when trying to take in what a performer has to offer. At the shows we attended, most in the audience were respectful of the “be quiet” rules, which made for an enjoyable, intimate concert experience. Unfortunately, there were way too many empty seats at those shows. Over the next six months, attendance declined and the Blue Horse slowly faded away and closed its doors. To me the message was clear… Augusta wasn’t ready for an every-day listening room. I miss the Blue Horse Music Hall, and I’m disappointed

that Augusta didn’t support it. Life went on and we kept our pace of four listening-room shows a year. Some early evidence that we had something special happening with this whole Downstairs Live thing was when our guests sold out a Tuesday night show. That’s impressive because most of the people on our email list are parents who have to go to work early every Wednesday morning. This happened in 2008 when I was trying to book David Ford, an amazing artist from the UK. We discovered him one night as we tuned in to the final minutes of “The Carson Daily Show.” David was finishing up his song “I Don’t Care What You Call Me” and my wife and I watched in amazement. I jumped out of bed and started Googling his name, and spent the next day listening to his music. A month later we saw him live in Greenville and he totally blew us away. His performance was filled with passion and well worth the two-hour drive on a work night. Over the next two years I sent periodic emails to his manager, and the reply was always the same: “Be patient, we’ll get him on your stage one day.” Then in May of 2008 I received an email asking if I had a June date available for David. I could barely contain myself, but as I read on, my smile quickly disappeared. The only day he had available was a Tuesday. Are you kidding me? A Tuesday? Apparently David was driving from Texas to New York and was wanting to play a few places during the trip.

David Ford I stared at my computer, wondering if the Downstairs Live faithful would support a Tuesday show. I also knew I only had one shot at David Ford before he flew back to England. So I went for it and booked him, hoping our guests would support the show. It took a few weeks, but our dedicated following stepped up and reserved every seat in the room. David was impressed by the turnout and applauded the fact that 90

people took time out of their lives to come see an artist whose music they had never heard. Selling out that show sent a clear message that we were doing something right and our guests wanted it to continue. For more information on David Ford, go to davidfordmusic.com, or check out his many videos on YouTube… especially “Go To Hell.”

There Was a Time When We Used to Play... Stak

You all know Glen Campbell... yep, the “Rhinestone Cowboy” guy. If you’re of my generation and ilk, he might be the butt of jokes or disdain or nothing at all. Regardless, Glen Campbell is an icon of American music. And you can punk rock your way around that idea all you like. Bottom line, Glen Campbell is greater than any host of numbers of punk rock bands (and if you disagree with me you can suck it). Kurt could’ve had a run, but he couldn’t stand the heat apparently. The reason why I bring Glen Campbell up is this: In June 2011, Glen Campbell revealed to the world the he had recently been diagnosed with

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Glen Campbell Alzheimer’s Disease. His last release is called “Ghost on the Canvas.” Besides the fact that he chose to cover “Hold on Hope” by Guided By Voices, this album carries considerable weight for

me personally. Some years back, I helped my grandmother move her effects from one place to another at a time when my grandfather, Lt. Col. Orlo B. Allen, was

in the throes of the progressive disease that is Alzheimer’s. At one point during that weekend, he came out of his fog and remembered who I was (among other family members present) when a harmonica was handed to him. For a hot second there, he gave us a serenade. How I loved that man. Glen Campbell is shoving off...with Alzheimer’s Disease you die twice. And your loved ones live through every second. Go out and buy “Ghost On The Canvas.” Let’s all remember what’s worth remembering, shall we? V. 22 | NO. 55

Pizza Joint The

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HOMEMADE PIZZA BAKERS since1996 56 taps in Evans + liquor 706.447.4992 30 taps downtown 706.774.0037 30 taps in aiken + liquor 803.648.9074 24 taps in columbia + liquor 803.454.1743

$1.95 Draft $1.95 Specialty Slices

Open Late Every Tuesday 5PM to Close

39 STEPS Presents ...

by Bobby Dimon

Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan, “The 39 Steps” is a two-time, Tony Award-winning hit show and continues to be a total audiencepleaser ... where Hitchcock meets hilarity! The cast of 4 plays over 140 characters in this fast-paced comedy thriller that’s great fun for ages 9 to 90. The production will be the ultimate actors’ challenge. An absolutely terrific show. It will be our Army Festival entry.

SHOW DATES:

SEPTEMBER 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23 & 24 Dinner, 7:00 p.m. | Show, 8:00 p.m. Civilians: $40 | Seniors (65 & over), Retirees, DA Civilians, Active-Duty E7 & above: $38 | Active-Duty E6 & below: $30 | Show only: $25

For reservations, call 706-793-8552 V. 22 | NO. 55

METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 49

INMUSIC

Jack White Plus Insane Clown Posse Equals WTH?

Rock music seems to be alive and well as seen this past weekend at Coyote’s with a packed crowd to see Drowning Pool, Burn Halo and Echoes the Fall. Technically not known for being a rock outlet, Coyote’s was a great host to these bands and an amped-up crowd. Drowning Pool is a solid rock band, but this time, Burn Halo stole the show. Burn Halo is solid, and will definitely have a future in the rock music scene. Did anyone else notice that Ryan McCombs, the lead singer of Drowning Pool, had two black eyes? When asked what happened, McCombs replied, “We had a fun night last night.” Ahhh, to be in a rock band. Another big show from Steve Hall Productions is Monday, Jack White September 12, at Sky City with Adelita’s Way and Emphatic. A “Low Dough Show” thanks to 95 Rock, with tickets for only $9.51. Maybe Steve should adjust the price to $9.31. Oh, this seems like a bad idea. Jack White, best known as the frontman of the White Stripes, has teamed up with Insane Clown Posse for a new single on White’s Third Man Records. That’s not a typo; yeah, Insane Clown Posse and Jack White. You can quote me on this: Insane Clown Posse is one of the worst bands of all time. There’s even a Facebook page: ICP=Worst Band Ever. Could Jack White know something we don’t know? No; the answer to that is no. It was revealed that Lady Gaga wore a prosthetic penis during the MTV Video Music Awards. I don’t know if that was to cover up her own penis, or that she just wanted two of them. True Blood: Music from the HBO Original Series, Volume 3, was just released. This way, when you are waiting a year for a new season of “True Blood” to start, you can sit back, play “Bad Things” and dream of getting bit by Eric Northman or making out with Sookie. Ohhh Sookie. Slipping under my radar, a couple weeks ago Lenny Kravitz released “Black and White America.” Is it good you ask? Ehhh. The album is definitely heading in a political direction, with the title track opening up the album with the lyrics, “Martin Luther King, he had a vision.” Kravitz goes on to tell us the problems with America; I turned off the disc before I heard his solution. Not only are you going to get a dose of Bulldog and Gamecock smack talk at this year’s Border Bash, you are going to get some great live music from Sister Hazel and The Joe Stevenson band. Don’t forget that it’s now at a brand new location, the Old Depot, on the corner of 6th and Reynolds. If you are looking for a post-Border Bash party, check out a new band in Augusta, The Atom Blonde. The band is playing at The First Round, downtown Augusta, on 11th Street. I haven’t seen The Atom Blonde, and I’ve never been to The First Round, but I’ll review both for next week. No pressure. What am I missing? What shows do I need to see? It’s all up to you guys. Email matt@ themetrospirit.com and tell me where to go. And don’t say Hell; that joke is too easy.

Matt Stone — can be heard weekdays from 2-6 p.m. on 95 Rock.

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METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 51

ONTHEBALL

Matt Lane is host of The Weekend Rundown which airs from 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays on News-Talk-Sports 1630 AM. He can be reached at mattlane28@gmail.com.

If you happened to get to the Lakeside-Thomson game during halftime, you didn’t miss much in the first half. As a matter of fact, you were right on cue. Both offenses combined and exploded for 70 points in the second half of the marquee Week 2 matchup that Thomson won 57-39. There were also plenty of penalties to go around — Thomson had 20 of the combined 32 by themselves! Mark Weidenaar led the rally effort in contributing with over 400 yards of total offense, but fell short after the defense gave up two late touchdowns to the Bulldogs. Washington County (AAA) did an incredible job keeping Statesboro (AAAA) on the ropes for as long as they did. The Golden Hawks held the lead into the fourth quarter until Statesboro’s Quan Daniels ran for the go-ahead touchdown on a threeyard run with 11:26 left in the game. WACO’s QB William Walker, who passed and rushed for over 100 yards apiece, was knocked out for a crucial down in the fourth quarter. The backup threw an interception for a touchdown, tipping the balance of the game. Statesboro snuck out with a win in this one with a 31-26 finish. Grovetown continued its ascension into the upper echelon of Columbia County teams with a 28-14 win over Evans. It was another great game for the Warriors, who capitalized on a muffed punt late in the fourth quarter to get the ball back and let Jamal Cummings (18 rushes for 138 yards, two TDs) — who battled cramps throughout the game — slam the door shut on a 42-yard run to seal it for Grovetown. Eddie Johnson for Evans had another solid game (11-16, 174 yards), but could not get enough run support to pad the scoreboard. We also got introduced to another Grovetown running back, Terrell Hughes, a sophomore who came in for the cramping Cummings and totaled 11 carries for 114 yards and a TD, which came on a 82-yard scamper in the fourth quarter. With the win, Grovetown ran the table in both their non-region games for the first time in school history. Not too much to say in the Lincoln County-McCormick finish from last Thursday night. Well, except that after playing a tremendous first half until the four-minute mark in the second quarter, McCormick decided to ditch the revolver and go with a Gatling gun to shoot themselves in the foot with. It was tied 13-13 until Lincoln County went on a 43-6 run.

photo by laurie morrison

Prep Rehash

Lincoln County’s Larry Campbell

Games to Watch

Augusta Christian @ Ben Lippen: Friday, September 9, 7:30 p.m. ACS heads to Columbia to see if they can continue their outstanding start of the season and move to 3-0. North Augusta @ Lakeside: Thursday, September 8, 7:05 p.m. TV: Comcast 380, Knology/Atlantic Broadband 246 A Who’s Who cast of local talent will be on display in this offensive showcase. We’ll see which team packs the better defense. Getcha popcorn ready! Greenbrier @ Hephzibah: Friday, September 9, 7:30 p.m. The start of a grueling slate of games for the Wolfpack as they take on Lincoln County and Lakeside after getting this talented Rebel bunch coming off a bye week.

College Games to Watch

South Carolina @ Georgia: Saturday, September 10, 4:30 p.m. ESPN How bad did Georgia look against Boise State? Bad enough that, with a loss here, Mark Richt will be taking is talents anywhere but Athens. True story. Notre Dame @ Michigan: Saturday, September 10, 8 p.m. ESPN It’s that team I love to hate heading to the Big House in primetime. Can’t wait to see which team blinks first. Should be a fun one to watch. Catawba @ Coastal Carolina: Saturday, September 10, 6 p.m. No TV That’s right! Keep up with local folks like former Strom Thurmond star and USC transfer Aramis Hillary, junior quarterback who was named Big South Offensive Player of the Week after going 10-13 for 130 yards in the air and rushing for 61 yards with two touchdowns. On his longest pass of the day, Hillary connected with sophomore receiver Matt Hazel, former North Augusta standout, on a crucial 39-yard completion in the Chanticleers’ 30-23 win over the Furman Paladins.

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ADVICEGODDESS

This Is Where You Draw the Spine

My boyfriend lives in Germany, and I’m in Switzerland (a one-hour plane ride away). His close female friend is getting married, and I’m not invited to the wedding. Last spring, when we were broken up for three months, he had a fling with the bride’s friend. As a courtesy to the fling woman, I’m blacklisted. Last summer, when we got back together, I asked that he clear up things with his fling immediately, which he agreed to do. Our relationship grew stronger for a couple weeks, and then I learned he was going on vacation with her. (He had already booked the trip and didn’t want to cancel!) Fun fact: He wrote me a postcard while away with her. I was incredibly hurt. Only when I screamed at him afterward did he muster the courage to break up with her. Since then, he has been nothing short of wonderful and tells me I’m “the one.” I love him, but I’m feeling humiliated by this wedding situation. He has promised to try to persuade the bride to invite me but feels he shouldn’t miss her wedding. — The Girlfriend What kind of man sends his girlfriend a postcard from his sex vacation with his fling? Well, probably one who got to the gift shop too late to buy her an “I Cheated on You at Euro Disney” snow globe or an “I Had Sex with Another Woman at Lake Lucerne” bobblehead. Happily, you report that the guy’s been “nothing short of wonderful” postvacation — save for how quick he was to throw you under the wedding bus “as a courtesy” to his ex-sex friend. Your boyfriend — let’s call him “Werner von Bendover” — is a suckup of legendary proportions. As hurtful as this has been for you, he probably isn’t driven by malevolence, just a crushing need to be liked. This is tough to overcome because it typically traces back to parents who gave conditional love (“I’ll love you, you rotten kid, if you dry the dishes”). He has no problem saying no to you — probably because he feels secure that you love him — but for everyone else, it’s “Shall I lick your boots or just use my toothbrush and a little soapy water?” A people pleaser is an emotional chameleon, constantly transforming himself into the person he thinks other people want him to be. If your boyfriend ever had values and opinions of his own, they’re probably so long gone that he has no idea how to find them. (Too bad you can’t look them up on Facebook like an old school chum: “Hey, whassup?!”) It was only when you made some squeak of objection about the vacation plans — letting old Werner know he’d displeased you — that he flew into action. He wasn’t about to cancel and disappoint “the other woman” and his travel agent just to preserve the dignity of the woman he (supposedly) loves. But, he did loop you in with a postcard: “Gerta wore her milkmaid outfit today. Wish you were here!” Don’t you think you deserve a man who treats you more like “the one” than the one he sells out first? If so, the only German you should be with now is a German shepherd — one you borrow to help you search for the word “dealbreaker,” which seems to have been kidnapped from your vocabulary. Likewise, if you find this man “wonderful,” it’s because you’ve downgraded your idea of wonderful, and you’d best take a long, wonderful bath in raw sewage so you can contemplate how you’ll keep yourself from engaging in anything so wonderful ever again.

Wishful Finking

A woman I ran into mentioned an affair she had with a man we both know and revealed that he’s had many affairs with different women over the past five years. This man’s wife is a friend. (We teach at the same school.) Do I tell her about her philandering husband? — Disturbed The average wife doesn’t snoop through her husband’s cellphone history because she has a funny feeling that he’s got three other families in three other states or that he’s a weekend serial killer who dresses up as a clown. But the possibility that a husband might cheat has to cross every wife’s mind. Although a whole lot of wives would want to be told, don’t assume that of all wives. If this guy is having serial affairs, he’s probably leaving serial evidence — or at least some evidence. Maybe for this wife, the most comfortable sex position is “head in the sand.” Avoid setting yourself up as the cheating husband news agency unless you know her pretty well — well enough to know whether their marital arrangement is the traditional “Forsake all others…” or “Forsake all others except on Tuesdays when the Econo Lodge has a really good deal.” ©2011, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email adviceamy@aol.com. Also visit advicegoddess.com and read Amy Alkon’s book: “I See Rude People: One Woman’s Battle to Beat Some Manners Into Impolite Society” (McGraw-Hill, $16.95).

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METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11 53

AUSTINRHODES

The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

Hell Freezes Over as Strength Turns to Reserves While I am not a believer in manmade global warming, I am pretty sure Sheriff Ronnie Strength is singlehandedly responsible for the blizzard that has buried the hoary underworld and forced Satan to cancel school for all the little demons. Richmond County’s top lawman has never been a fan of the concept of the reserve deputy programs that many of his neighboring law enforcement leaders have had in place for years, but drastic times call for drastic measures and the financial pinch he finds his department facing has him considering what was once unconsiderable. Strength currently has 32 fewer deputies working the streets than he did when he first took over the office of sheriff in 2001, even though the population has officially remained constant in the last decade at approximately 200,000 residents. But of course, it is a much different

54 METRO SPIRIT 9.8.11

200,000 matched up with Strength’s small street force from then until now. We all know Columbia County, Aiken County, North Augusta and other nearby bedroom communities have been growing at a pretty good clip, and many of the upwardly mobile newcomers are immigrants from the former urban center of the entire CSRA, the aforementioned Richmond County-City of Augusta. The new residents replacing those of us who have moved to the suburbs since 2001 (yes, that would include me) tend to be less educated, lower earning and less law abiding than their predecessors. That means Sheriff Strength is having to work more cases with fewer sworn officers and with a smaller base of serious taxpayers footing the bill than ever before. For all of his struggles in the daily battle his people have with the criminal element, and the outright inability of the court system to

properly lock up (and keep) those who disrupt society and public safety, if you ask me, Sheriff Strength deserves the Nobel Prize for making chicken salad out of chicken sh**. It could be worse, people. It could be a whole lot worse. Strength’s commitment to professional law enforcement has always made him reject the notion of the reserve deputy program, simply because his people work the front lines of a whole different world than most of the surrounding departments who use reserves. A Richmond County deputy is the local law enforcement equivalent of a United States Marine. No slam on the other services, but the Marines are bad asses who are trained and ready to deal with the worst enemies under the worst conditions in the regular course of doing business. Strength’s decision to move to the reserve program is something that he hopes will result in fewer short-staffed

shifts, and also give his hard-working street deputies better backup in place than what is currently available, which ain’t much simply for a lack of sworn officers. He is hoping he gets retired military who want to stay active, and, better yet, retired or former lawmen who are already state certified, who can keep their lucrative day jobs while helping out his guys in their free time. The reserves will be able to work special duty assignments for third parties and make some money at the same time. The sheriff tells me he has too many requests for such duty to handle, and that he often calls in other departments to fill the void. In the meantime, look for other department heads in Augusta government to start thinking about previously unconsidered options to reduce costs and make due in the city’s new economic reality... which ain’t pretty.

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