Independent News March 21 issue

“I’m 91, but I’m still working at it.”

"For me, the guitar has to obey the command of the story."

"It’s a really hurried glimpse of what it’s like to be onstage."

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Independent News | March 21, 2013 | Volume 14 | Number 12 | inweekly.net | Cover Art by Meredith Taylor

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publisher & editor Rick Outzen production manager Joani Delezen art director Samantha Crooke staff writer Jeremy Morrison contributing writers Joani Delezen, Hana Frenette, Brett Hutchins, Sarah McCartan, Kate Peterson, Chuck Shepherd

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winners & losers Jennifer Carroll

Bentina Terry The co-chair of the

Chamber's Vision 2015 initiative for economic development, was recently named Community Leader of the Year by the Greater Pensacola Chamber for her efforts with both the initial fundraising effort and the securing of its more than $8.5 million in pledges, as well as for her work with the Community Maritime Park Board and helping to ensure that several minority contractors were given the opportunity to be a part of the project.

Pensacola Opera Coming off another

record-setting season, the Pensacola Opera has announced its “Secure its Future” fundraising campaign that will raise $1 million to secure the organization’s future.

Its first goal is stabilize the company financially by eliminating debts, growing the endowment fund and establishing annual operating reserves. The second is to expand and enhance programming to excite opera patrons, reach new audiences and educate more children.

Beaver’s Inc. Emerald Coast Utilities

Authority presented its “Protector of the Environment” (POE) Award to Beaver’s Inc., operator of six Arby’s franchised restaurants located in the Pensacola area.

The POE award rewards local businesses and food service establishments that promote a positive safe working and clean eating environment through the ECUA’s Fats, Oils, and Grease and Backflow Programs.

March 21, 2013

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losers

Jennifer Carroll Florida’s Lieuten-

ant Governor suddenly resigned after law enforcement officials questioned her regarding her ties to Allied Veterans of the World, a phony veterans charity that owned a $300-million Internet café network that allegedly operated as minicasinos. Carroll said in her resignation statement that she does not believe that investigators have targeted her. The former U.S. Navy lieutenant commander was the first African-American Republican woman elected to the Florida Legislature and the first African-American woman elected lieutenant governor.

Honor Our Marines The volunteer group

that raised funds for the Marine Aviation Memorial Tower at Pensacola’s Veterans Memorial Park has left the contractor responsible for building its base hanging for $32,420 because Pensacola companies reneged on their pledges. The 30-foot steel clock tower, which features a 250-pound bronze bell and recorded music from a carillon, was dedicated last August.

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City Workers Did city employees give up their pensions too quickly? Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford is pressing to change Florida’s retirement system, which he says is in trouble. He wants to phase out the pension plan by enrolling new state workers in a 401(k)-style investment plan.

If that happens new city workers could see their pension plan drop from a Cadillac model to a pedicab.

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by Rick Outzen

INVESTMENT IN KIDS In my hometown, Greenville, Miss., the YMCA was where we learned how to play football.

All the Outzen boys, plus most of the Roman Catholic and African-American kids in the program, played for my father. Most of the teams broke even, although a couple of my younger brothers might have won a league championship.

My dad believed in the value of team sports. He never yelled anything but words of encouragement. He never cut corners on teaching the basics of the sport. He made every kid, not just his sons, feel special.

He grew up in the Great Depression, never knowing his father who had died when he was young. He went to a small Catholic school, St. Rose of Lima—so small that his graduating class only had five students. Yet he loved football and instilled that love in all five of his boys and most of the kids in our neighborhood.

The Greenville YMCA on Theobald Street, just a few blocks from the levee that protected the town from the Mississippi River, was his second home when he was a child. Its indoor pool, gym and game room were his after-school program.

When he returned to Greenville from

the Korean War and his sons became school age, dad became a coach and Y football was never the same. He believed every kid should play, regardless of race or family wealth. It’s why his teams usually had most of the black kids. He made sure everyone had uniforms, helmets, cleats and pads.

For a lot of the boys in the 1960s and ‘70s, Y football was the first place they played with kids of another race. Though he never talked about it, I’m sure my dad had pushback, but people didn’t tell my father “no.”

The city of Pensacola is debating whether a new downtown YMCA should be built at the Community Maritime Park. The naysayers get one more opportunity to bash a park that they never supported. The Y building is in step with the original concept of a public park on Pensacola Bay, the ideal substitution for the maritime museum that the University of West Florida dropped from its capital plans.

My dad, who died over 20 years ago, wouldn’t have hesitated in supporting the Maritime Y. He knew what it meant to his childhood, his children and hundreds of other kids.

What better investment can we make? {in} rick@inweekly.net

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LOWBALL LOGJAM

Photo courtesy of northescambia.com

Are There Riches in the River?

by Jeremy Morrison If something seems too good to be true, maybe it is. Or, maybe there’s treasure under the water.

“I don’t think it’s a gold mine, but ...” Vince Whibbs, Jr. explained. “We know that there’s some cypress, some juniper and there’s some pine ...”

For years, a logjam has grown on the Escambia River, in the north of the county near McDavid. The Escambia County Commission recently contracted Whibbs’ company to clear the jam and remove derelict vessels from the river. The price was right. Maybe.

“I know we got a great deal,” said Commissioner Grover Robinson during a February meeting, “but I just wanna make sure we’re gonna be able to get that done.”

BETTING ON THE LOW BID

Escambia County received three bids for the logjam job. Whibbs’ company—Florida Forest Recyclers, LLC—was the lowest by far.

County staff recommended commis66

sioners go with the low bid. Interim County Administrator George Touart expressed his reservations when the issue landed on the commissioners’ table.

“My concern is, we took three bids and discrepancy in price is unbelievable, so we’ve asked legal to look at it and they have come back to us and said you can go ahead and award this project,” Touart told the commissioners.

Florida Forest Recyclers bid the job at $68,498. Crowder Gulf Joint Venture, Inc., a

“I don’t think it’s a gold mine, but ..."

Vince Whibbs, Jr. company based in Theodore, Ala., made a bid of $572,000. DRC Emergency Services, LLC, out of Mobile, bid $792,622.44 “There’s obviously a huge discrepancy in bids,” Commissioner Steven Barry told the board. “My understanding for the reason for that is that this is really going to be some start-up money, some seed money to get the project begun, because once the boats come out of the way, evidently there is quite a bit

of tangible value to a considerable amount of that wood that is in the logjam.”

DREAMING OF DEBRIS DOLLARS

During a late February town hall in Barry’s district, Whibbs explained his intentions. He said his company was better positioned to complete the job and already had the permits in place.

Whibbs—who in a former life was a prominent local attorney and one-time candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives—launched Florida Forest Recyclers with his partners after a stint in prison following his disbarment and convictions on theft, fraud and racketeering charges. The company has been singularly focused.

“It was basically formed for the specific purpose of working and removing the logjam,” Whibbs explained at Barry’s town hall.

When he looks at the Escambia River logjam, Whibbs doesn’t see a one-dimensional debris-removal job or a navigational hazard. He sees a potential bounty in the logs, some perhaps left over from logging operations of yore.

“We think there’s between 1,500 and 2,000 logs in there,” Whibbs explained later. “Different sizes and stuff, along with woody debris.”

Insofar as the bid goes, Whibbs said

his competitors weren’t factoring in the profit potential of the wood. “[The other companies] had no use for the wood itself,” he said. “Their bids were based on that.”

Whibbs is confident his crew—three people will work the site—can clear the jam within the parameters of the county contract and do it for the price quoted.

They’ve got 180 days—“we hope we can do it in less time than that”—but won’t begin until the river’s water level drops and Gulf sturgeon spawning season has ended.

Escambia County officials sound hopeful they’re getting a good deal. They also don’t sound completely convinced.

Touart stressed to commissioners that he was “very concerned.” He said the county will “hold their feet to the fire for this money,” and that there would be no change-orders—allowing the price to balloon once work started—unless they were made for unforeseen aspects of the job—“but logs underneath the water for a profit ain’t one of ‘em.”

“I’ve never seen a bid come in this far apart and recommended for award,” Touart told the commissioners. “I’ve never heard—and I’m not in the business—I’ve never heard that there’s profit underneath the water in this river, but so be it if that’s the case.” {in} inweekly.net

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During the final week of March, the U.S. Supreme Court dives into a pair of marriage equality cases. Sara Latshaw, regional organizer for the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, is excited about the prospects.

“I think this is a real time for change,” she said.

Latshaw is helping organize a candlelight vigil scheduled before the court gets down to business.

“There’s no way to tell what the outcome will be, but I hope the Supreme Court will make the right decision,” she said. “I’m so hopeful, and I want to see things move in the right direction so badly.”

On March 26, the court will consider overturning California’s Proposition 8.

The next day, they will tackle the Defense of Marriage Act.

Buzzing on the Blog The How Of The Y City Attorney Jim

Messer is left hanging by Mayor Ashton Hayward and City Administrator as he tries to explain how the proposed YMCA lease for the Community Maritime Park was developed.

Valentino In Line for Lt. Governor?

Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino wants to be Rick Scott’s next Lt. Governor, and his prospects have been discussed and joked about by courthouse insiders.

Was Lt. Governor Carroll forced out of office? Art Rocker, chairman of the Florida Southern Christian Leadership Conference believes so. In a statement

March 21, 2013

In 2008, California voters passed Proposition 8, which added a new provision to the state constitution which stated “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

The proposition overturned an earlier California Supreme Court ruling, which had found that same-sex couples did have the right to marry. In 2010, the measure was challenged in court, found to be unconstitutional and overturned. The decision was appealed, upheld, and again appealed, this time to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Defense of Marriage Act—or DOMA—passed both houses of congress and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996. It defines marriage as the legal union between one man and one woman. Like Proposition 8, DOMA has

weathered the courts and is now headed to the highest in the land.

In 2011, President Barack Obama’s administration let it be known it considered DOMA unconstitutional. The administration would no longer defend it in court.

As the court prepares to hear the two cases, demonstrations of support for marriage equality are being planned around the country. Locally, a candlelight vigil is scheduled for 6 p.m., March 25 in downtown Pensacola’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza.

Jonathan Franqui, who’s husband is stationed locally in the military, will be among the featured speakers at the event.

“We’re lighting the candles to light the way to justice, but it also shows we are here,” Franqui said. “There’s light at the end of it. This is going to be such a powerful moment.” {in}

to the media, Rocker hinted that the first African-American female to hold the office of Lt. Governor may have been forced to resign because she might have switched political parties.

on the Escambia County School Board.

Bennett pledged to work for civil citations for young offenders and better school guidance to help more students graduate from the school district.

Chamber Chair Gives BP Gift Card Update Sandy Sansing, chairmen of the

Gaetz Speaks Out Against Internet Cafes After law enforcements arrested

Greater Pensacola Chamber, sent an email to the chamber board and its Vision 2015 partners to ensure them that a comprehensive audit is under way by Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, CPAs, to fully examine records to determine the number of gift cards received by the chamber, when and to whom they were dispersed and their current status.

Bennett files to run for School Board The former president of the Escambia County chapter of Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Ellison Bennett, has pre-filed to run for the District 3 seat

people tied to a network of Internet cafes for operating illegal gambling operations, Florida Senate President Don Gaetz (RNiceville) said he supported legislation to ban such cafes in Florida. He also said he would conduct a “top to bottom” review of his own campaign contributions as well as funds raised by the Republican Senate Majority for the Republican Party of Florida during the 2012 cycle for any contributions from the cafes’ lobbyists and political action committees. ▶ For the whole story everyday check out ricksblog.biz 7

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by Jeremy Morrison e feat ury stor

March 21, 2013

Hustling the halls of Tallahassee, Jodi James and Bob Jordan are on a mission.

They’ve been at it for weeks, since the 2013 legislative session began.

“Am I optimistic?” said Jordan. “I have to be.”

The Vietnam vet has joined James for some shoe-leather politicking. Talking to any legislator that will listen.

“You talk to ’em in the hallway, you talk to ’em in the elevator, you talk to ‘em in the office,” Jordan said. “That’s the way things happen over here, as I understand it.”

When they’re able to bend a lawmaker’s ear, they urge them to support the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes—a one-time pipe dream that seems evermore realistic with each passing election cycle.

Cover art by Meredith Taylor

“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. We’re confident of that, every office we go in knows that,” said James, the executive director of Florida Cannabis Action Network (FLCAN). “They understand this is coming.”

For Jordan, this mission is personal.

“I don’t feel like a criminal, I really don’t,” Jordan explained. “I don’t feel like I did 9

anything wrong. It’s a moral thing for me. What? Am I suppose to let my wife die?”

Having suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease—since the 1980s, Cathy Jordan hit upon marijuana as a sort of wonder drug.

It eased her aching and the shaking, helped her find an appetite and cleared her bronchial tube of phlegm.

Jordan credits marijuana with helping her far outlive the five-year, ALS life expectancy death sentence doctors handed her. During the more than 20 years since her diagnosis, she has become a passionate advocate for legalization and is currently the president of FLCAN. In late February, the Jordan’s home in Parrish was raided by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities walked away with a number of marijuana plants Bob was growing on the property. Walked away with his wife’s medicine.

“Anyone else who loves their wife would do the same,” Jordan said. “It’s a plant you can grow like a tomato.”

Days before the raid, the Jordans had met with state legislators to discuss a bill aimed at legalizing medical marijuana in Florida. Two days after the raid, Sen. Jeff Clemens (D-Lake Worth) introduced SB 1250—the already-titled Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act—in the Senate. The day after that, Rep. Katie Edwards (D-Plantation) filed a similar bill in the House.

“I filed the bill mainly out of compassion,” Sen. Clemens said. “It’s hard to look ’em in the eye and not try to help.”

NOT THAT HIP

This isn’t the first time marijuana advocates have pushed for change in Florida.

But it might be the first time such a notion hasn’t sounded completely crazy, like something from Outer Space—or California.

“Obviously, with what happened last fall in Colorado and Washington, you’re seeing a shift,” Clemens said.

Last November was a big month for marijuana in America. For the first time, voters in two states legalized pot for recreational purposes. That means that after a day of skiing the slopes in Steamboat Springs or touring the Space Needle in Seattle, people can go get stoned. Legally.

Just because they want to.

The recreational moves of Colorado and Washington represent a gigantic leap, but they come only after years of a determined shuffle, which has seen 18 states and the District of Columbia loosen laws to allow for medical marijuana. Florida has stumbled alongside this shuffle-parade since the beginning with a series of gonowhere efforts.

In 1996, California became the first state to allow for medical marijuana after voters passed Proposition 215. That same year, remembers Kim Russell, director of People United for Medical Marijuana 010 1

TOTAL ABSORPTION OR INTERCEPTED?

(PUFMM), there was also a ballot initiative in the Sunshine State.

“1996 was the very beginning of the movement,” Russell said, noting that the initiative fizzled after a couple of years.

“Florida is not that hip.”

While legalization talk has long lived on the fringe of Florida politics, the PUFMM director feels such conversation may now be more palatable—“for each state that turns it makes it easier for us”—more realistic. At least that’s what some serious people are telling her.

“It’s an issue that’s becoming less controversial as the days go on,” said Ben Pollara.

Pollara—a South Florida political strategist with significant connections to the establishment—recently signed on as PUFMM’s treasurer and is one of several heavy hitters giving the organization’s current ballot initiative an air of legitimacy. He is joined by Orlando-based attorney John Morgan—a Democratic fundraiser, presidential dinner guest and boss of former Gov. Charlie Crist—who has taken the reins as PUFMM’s chairman and vowed to invest some of his personal fortune into the 2014 ballot initiative. Eric Sedler—a former business partner of current presidential advisor David Axelrod—is also in the mix.

Pollara and pals afford the movement inroads with the likes of Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), former President Bill Clinton,

said in a statement to supporters. “This is exactly what we have been working towards for four years. God is hearing our prayers— keep up the good work!”

Such serious people have until now watched from the sidelines. But the dynamics of the game have shifted and the A-team appears ready to play.

“It’s something that I’ve been passionate about for a while,” Pollara explained.

“It’s something I thought about doing a couple of years ago, but the polls were not as good. It’s a different ballgame now than it was two years ago.”

In 2011, Gov. Rick Scott’s then-advisor Tony Fabrizio polled the issue of legalizing medical marijuana in Florida. The results were notable: nearly six in 10 voters would approve of such a Constitutional amendment.

This year, PUFMM commissioned David Beattie—Sen. Nelson’s pollster—to field the issue again. The results—suggesting that seven out of 10 Florida voters now favor legalization—have demanded attention. The poll showed support across party and demographic lines.

“Florida is a reliably conservative state, a purple state, so I was a little surprised, but not really,” Pollara said. “This is not the same state as it was four years ago, eight years ago or 10 years ago.”

While the PUFMM poll showed the strongest support in areas such as South Florida and Orlando, medical marijuana

“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.

We’re confident of that, every office we go in knows that.”

Jodi James former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama. PUFFMM co-founder Russell has framed the additions as a blessing.

“The team we are putting together have the expertise to get the job done right,” she

proponents also consider the Panhandle in play.

“Actually, what I find with the folks in North Florida,” said Clemens, “is that they’re very independent and want government out of their business.”

In the 1970s, a teen-age Barack Obama enjoyed his Honolulu afternoons getting high, taking “roof hits” in a VW bus and perfecting a smoking technique he and his friends called “total absorption” or “TA” for short.

When a joint was making the rounds, according to Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss’s 2012 Obama-biography, the future president apparently liked to jump ahead in rotation. He would shout “intercepted!,” and take an extra hit.

It was a simpler time. President Richard Nixon had only recently ushered in America’s War on Drugs and marijuana was illegal across the board.

Things are different now. Obama doesn’t get stoned anymore and America is a patchwork of conflicting laws.

While 18 states have laws on the books that sanction marijuana to whatever degree, the federal government still considers it to be an illegal drug. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency routinely raids establishments that are considered legitimate in-state.

The Obama Administration has offered a conflicted response to this state-driven issue. The October 2009 Ogden Memo indicates that federal resources shouldn’t be focused “on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana.” But the June 2011 Cole Memorandum cited the federal Controlled Substances Act and clarified that “the Ogden Memo was never intended to shield such activities from federal enforcement action and prosecution, even where those activities purport to comply with state law.”

A month after Colorado and Washington voters legalized weed, President Obama sat down with ABC’s Barbara Walters. When asked about the issue, he said the administration had “bigger fish to fry.”

“It would not make sense for us to see a top priority as going after recreational users in states that have determined that it’s legal,” Obama told Walters.

The president said Attorney General Eric Holder and the Justice Department would be studying the legal questions surrounding conflicting federal and state laws.

“This is a tough problem, because Congress has not yet changed the law,” Obama said in the December interview. “I head up the executive branch, we’re suppose to be carrying out laws. And so what we’re going to need to have is a conversation about, how do you reconcile a federal law that still says marijuana is a federal offense and state laws that say that it’s legal?”

Earlier this month, Holder said he would soon decide how best to deal with the issue.

In the mean time, the United Nations has indicated that allowing the state laws to stand would violate international drug treaties.

Also at the federal level, two pieces of marijuana-centric legislation have been introduced in the House. A proposed bill from Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) would create a federal excise tax on the sale of marijuana, while a bill proposed by Rep. Jared Polis (DColo.) would remove marijuana from the list inweekly.net

of controlled substances and allow for its regulation, much like alcohol.

As D.C. mulls the matter over, states that have green-lit medical— and, now, recreational—marijuana, move ahead into unchartered waters.

“The voters have spoken and we have to respect their will,” Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper said a few days after his state passed Amendment 64. “This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug, so don’t break out the Cheetos or Goldfish too quickly.”

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Bob and Cathy Jordan with Sen. Jeff Clemens, sponsor of the proposed Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act.

MIRACLE MEDICINE OR GATEWAY DRUG?

If the legalistic questions surrounding marijuana seem sticky, the scientific ones also beg for more definitive answers. Depending on whom you ask, marijuana is either a miracle or a mess.

Advocate groups such as NORML, or the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, point to studies that indicate pot is useful in treating conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, AIDS, ALS, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain. In states with medical laws, doctors are prescribing marijuana for anxiety and appetite stimulation, while researchers are increasingly focused on emerging data that suggests cannabinoids can reduce the spread of specific cancer cells.

Opponents of medical marijuana, and marijuana legalization, in general, point to the federal government’s refusal to budge from its long held position that pot is a harmful drug with high potential for addictiveness. This camp takes a more traditional view of marijuana as a gateway drug, and validates their position with statements from the DEA, the FDA and the American Medical Association.

“Ask anyone in government what does it mean to win the War on Drugs and they can’t tell you.”

The former prosecutor supposes a victory might mean lower addiction and crime rates.

“But that’s what we’ve been trying to do for 40 years,” he said.

Nightingale is currently a criminal defense attorney in Pittsburgh. He is also a member of LEAP, or Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.

Founded in 2002, LEAP is a group of current and former members of the criminal justice community. The group advocates for the legalization of pot, for its regulation and taxation.

Nightingale pointed out that Raymond Shafer, a former Pennsylvania governor and the chairman of President Nixon’s National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse, also lobbied for legalization.

As congress drafted the Controlled Substance Act in 1970, Nixon formed the commission to study marijuana abuse in the United States.

Marijuana had been slated for the most restrictive Schedule I category pending the commission’s report.

Shafer’s commission instead debunked years of Reefer Madness-esque misconceptions, questioned prohibition and concluded that “the use of drugs for pleasure or other non-medical purposes is not inherently irresponsible.” The report

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“Anyone else who loves their wife would do the same. It’s a plant you can grow like a tomato.”

Bob Jordan

WHAT’S A WIN?

Paul Nightingale doesn’t know what a victory in the War on Drugs might look like.

“I have no idea whatsoever,” he said.

March 21, 2013

11

was, obviously, shelved in favor of the War on Drugs.

Nightingale feels the country’s current laws have proven a failure. While drugs flow freely through American society and a black market thrives, countless people have had their lives negatively impacted by repressive policies.

“Try getting student loans, try getting advanced degrees, try getting professional licenses with any kind of drug conviction,” he said, mentioning that the country’s laws have proven particularly trying for minorities. “We incarcerate our minorities at a higher rate than even the system in South Africa.”

Like Florida, Pennsylvania also has medical marijuana legislation on the table this year.

“But that bill,” Nightingale explained, “is introduced into a Republican controlled senate and the House is controlled by Republicans, as is the Governor’s house and Pennsylvania is pretty socially conservative— we’re not all that optimistic that we’ll even get a committee hearing.”

THE STRAIGHT DOPE

In 2010, voters in California tried and failed to pass Proposition 19—the Regulate, Control & Tax Cannabis Act—that would have legalized marijuana in the state.

CALM got up and running a couple of years before that.

“We started back in 2008 because we anticipated this was coming,” recalled Scott Chipman, CALM’s Southern California co-chair.

CALM, or Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana, was formed to combat Prop. 19, but the organization is still active and opposes legalization efforts of any kind. Last November particularly pained the folks in CALM. “Every inch that has been given to allow for marijuana for medical reasons has been stretched into 100 miles,” Chipman said. “There’s going to be a portion of this generation—Colorado and Washington children—who are going to be susceptible to this way of thinking about marijuana.

They will become addicted.”

Members of CALM believe that California’s medical allowances are a farce.

Anyone—“if you get a doctor’s recommendation from some shiesty doctor”—can walk into a medical marijuana dispensary and buy a bag of herb.

“Members of our coalition have spent thousands of hours standing and watching who goes in and comes out of these socalled dispensaries,” Chipman said, contending that most of the state’s marijuana users are recreationally driven.

Legalization opponents argue that relaxing marijuana laws would be bad for society. They are worried what impact the medical movement is having on American culture.

“Everybody basically has a family member, or knows somebody with a family member, who has lost years or lost decades, or lost motivation while they have been addicted to marijuana,” Chipman said. “— what’s even more frightening is the perception that marijuana does harm is dramatically decreasing since we identified it as medicinal.”

Chipman is comfortable with stereotypes.

Stoners are stupid—“they are losing IQ!”—and marijuana is a worthless weed.

“The science is telling us that marijuana is dramatically harmful, particularly to the human brain,” he explained. “That’s why we call it ‘dope.’ That’s why we call heavy and chronic users ‘dopers.’”

In Florida, Calvina Fay is fighting against legalization efforts. She is the executive director of the Drug Free America Foundation—formally, Straight, Inc.—and cofounder of Save Our Society From Drugs.

“We help push back against bad bills that are proposed,” Fay said.

“Ask anyone in government what does it mean to win the War on Drugs and they can’t tell you.”

Paul Nightingale

Charging that legalization advocates’ true aim is “building a marijuana empire,” Fay said the public has been misinformed of the plant’s medicinal qualities and disputed the notion of a societal shift toward legalization. Rather than a trend, she sees a series of well-funded and persistent campaigns.

“If you keep trying to pour water through a board without a hole in it,” Fay said, “eventually it’ll bore a hole in it. I don’t by any means see it as a trend.”

THE POLITICS OF THE POLITICS OF POT

Roger Stone is a flamboyant political consultant and strategist with a tattoo of Nixon—his former boss—emblazoned across his back. He is very pro-pot. He’s also threatening a 2014 gubernatorial run in Florida.

“The prospect of a pot initiative on the 2014 ballot is particularly delicious because it will make every Florida candidate that year take a stand on the issue,” Stone wrote recently in a Huffington Post opinion piece.

A ballot initiative, sure to attract leftleaning voters, would also probably help Stone’s gubernatorial prospects. A former Republican—he worked for Nixon, Bob Dole and Ronald Reagan—Stone switched to the Libertarian Party in 2012.

With Stone stepping onto the stage— and Crist, who works for PUFMM’s Morgan, also hinting at a run at Tallahassee—the

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state’s medical marijuana conversation has taken on a political feel.

This doesn’t sit well with FLCAN’s James.

“I’m very concerned they’re trying to make this partisan,” she said. “I refuse to take part in anything that is going to be a partisan issue. The only way this is a Democratic issue is if only Democrats get sick, and that’s not accurate.”

“We still might be a little ahead of the curve, but all we can do is keep pushing forward,” said Sen. Clemens.

And while the conversation continues across the country and at the federal level, it still sounds a little like crazy-talk here in Florida.

“It’s certainly a challenge,” said PUFFM’s Pollara. “Florida would be the first southern state to pass something like this. Again, it’s not a small lift.”

But the Jordans believe that the heavy lifting will eventually payoff. That’s why Bob continues to lug such a weight around the state capitol.

“If I didn’t believe, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “It’s coming. Whether they like it or not, medical cannabis is coming. If not this year, then next.” {in}

“Florida would be the first southern state to pass something like this."

IF NOT THIS YEAR...

Ben Pollara

So far, the medical marijuana bills sitting in Tallahassee have yet to gain traction, or a committee hearing. And the 2014 ballot initiative—with its signature requirement and 60 percent approval threshold—is a long shot at best.

Everyone understands this.

Other Bills Before Florida Lawmakers PUBLIC INPUT, SB 50, HB 23

These bills would guarantee the public’s right to speak at public meetings.

There have been questions as to whether such a right is covered by Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law.

THE COMPETITIVE WORKFORCE ACT, HB 653, SB 710

This pair of bills update Florida’s Civil Rights Act of 1992 to include protections against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.

GUNS, HB 1229 , SB 1678

There are a few gun-related bills in play this legislative session. These two would require people to complete an anger management class before purchasing firearms or ammunition. Others attempt to rework Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, allow local governments to ban guns in certain instances. None of these are expected to survive.

DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP, HB 259, SB 196

Dubbed the Families First bills, these proposals allow couples—same-sex or heterosexual—to register as domestic partners. It would afford domestic partners limited rights, such as hospital visitations, buying real estate and making funeral arrangements.

ABORTION, HB 396, SB 1056

Local Sen. Greg Evers is sponsoring the Florida for Life Act in the Senate. This bill would effectively prohibit abortions in the state. In the House, Rep. Charles Van Zant filed a similar bill on the 40th

March 21, 2013

anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

CITIZENS INSURANCE, HB 7093, SB 1622

These two bills are among several dealing with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. The aim is to funnel policies away from Citizens, meant to be an insurer of last-resort.

TEXTING AND DRIVING, HB 13, SB 52, ETC.

There are a number of bills in play this legislative session that address texting while driving. Florida is one of five states without laws addressing the practice.

This year’s proposals leave loopholes, but are still seen as a progressive step.

PLASTIC BAGS BAN, HB 957, SB 722

These bills were introduced in order to establish uniform criteria for local governments to use if they choose to pursue ordinances restricting retail checkout bags. Proposed criteria include an outright ban on plastic bags and a 10-cent fee for paper bags.

UWF Downtown: A LECTURE SERIES HONORING THE ARTS &HUMANITIES

NATASHA TRETHEWEY, United States Poet Laureate

An Evening with Natasha Trethewey Thursday, March 28, 2013 Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, 40 S. Alcaniz 5:30 p.m. refreshments 6 p.m. lecture

SUNSHINE PROTECTION ACT, SB 734

This proposed act would require that the “state of Florida and its political subdivisions observe daylight saving time year-round.”

LET THEM BUY GROWLERS, SB 1344, HB 715

Currently, Florida law limits the sale of growlers—glass jugs of beer—to 32 oz. or less, or one gallon or more; the standard market size of a growler in the U.S. is 64 oz. If passed, these bills will allow brewers more flexibility. {in}

uwf.edu/cas/DowntownSeries 13

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March 21, 2013

WEEK OF MARCH 21-27

Arts & Entertainment art , f ilm, music, stage, books and other signs of civilization...

Second Exposure

by Jessica Forbes

Willie "The Lion" Smith, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie / photo by Duncan Schiedt, 1950 Duncan Scheidt, 91, has photographed jazz musicians since 1939. Until April 20, a selection of his personal favorites from an over 70-year career will be on display at the Pensacola Museum of Art. Co-sponsored by PMA and the Jazz Society of Pensacola (JSOP) the exhibit is part of a series of programs for the “Viva Pensacola Jazz!” celebration, marking the 30th anniversary of the Pensacola Jazz Fest.

Photos from Schiedt’s archives have been reproduced over the years in a variety of publications and mediums, including the epic 2001 10-part PBS series “Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns.”

Capturing artists both on and off stage, Schiedt’s collection of performance and candid photos document some of the most seminal figures in jazz, including Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Wes Montgomery—to name only a few.

Though his photography career began in the 1930s, Schiedt (pronounced ‘sheet’) first exhibited his photos in 1986 at a jazz festival. From there, he chose to let requests for exhibitions and sales of prints to occur with relatively little promotion.

“I don’t aggressively pursue exhibits,” said Scheidt, who prefers word-of-mouth networking over marketing campaigns to promote his work, the quality and importance of which speaks for itself. By attending festivals and setting up occasional exhibits at jazz events, invitations for gallery shows developed.

As part of his personal and low-key exhibition style, Schiedt typically drives his photos to the exhibition venues in his station wagon. The photos arrive mounted and framed, ready to install.

Scheidt hand selected the photos currently on exhibit, which he regards as “his number one set.” Many of the photos are also featured in Schiedt’s 2004 book

inspired the title of his most recent book, “Jazz in Black and and of the exhibit.

White,” featurBorn in 1921, Schiedt fell in love with ing images along jazz and photography in close succeswith anecdotes sion in the mid-to-late-1930s. In 1939, about the subject a Benny Goodman concert in New York musicians, many City marked the convergence of the two of whom have bepassions, and set Schiedt on a path he has come icons in part stayed on for over 70 years. through images In 1989, the Jazz Society of Pensacola such as Schiedt’s. held the first of three Jazz Parties, which Looking at were essentially conferences featuring nuhis collection in merous musicians and speakers. Scheidt the early 2000s, attended and exhibited photos at that Schiedt decided to visit the Indiana inaugural event, and struck up a relationship with Dr. Norman Vickers, who would University Press occasionally see Schiedt at jazz events to develop an across the U.S. in the following years. inclusive volume When looking for venues to partner of his images. with for the “Viva Pensacola Jazz!” events, “I’m particularcurrent JSOP President Crystal Joy Albert ly proud of how it said PMA was a natural fit. Having been was put together, several years since JSOP sponsored a phothe art and design. tography exhibit, the time seemed ripe to The reproductions bring such a display back to Pensacola. were flawless,” Vickers, a co-founder of JSOP and said Schiedt, who President Emeritus, e-mailed Schiedt to worked with the press to assure the ask whether his photos would be available for display, and they were. The PMA highest quality of exhibit, Schiedt’s second showing in Penreproduction of sacola, took shape from there. his photos, all of Having traveled to Pensacola over two which he origidays to deliver the prints and participate nally developed in the exhibit installation and opening, himself.

Schiedt will personally return to take the In addition to “Jazz in Black and photos back to Indiana.

White,” Schiedt has authored three other Though not hunting down photo ops books that focus on musicians and/or jazz the way he used to, Schiedt still snaps history, including a biography of pianist shots when inspiration strikes. Said the Thomas “Fats” Waller and a history of jazz photographer, “I’m 91, but I’m still working in Indiana, where Schiedt has lived since at it.” {in} 1951.

Aside from being a jazz historian, Schiedt is a pianist himself, and recently showed off his skills at his PMA exhibit’s opening on March 7.

WHAT: Jazz Photography of Duncan Schiedt Surprisingly, in decades of WHEN: Exhibit open through April 20; 10 photography, Schiedt says he has a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday; 12 to 5 p.m. never taken a color photograph of Saturday a jazz musician. “The addition of WHERE: Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. color in jazz photos weakens the Jefferson St. idea,” he said, of an art form he COST: Free for members and children under believes is best represented by the 5; $2 for students (with ID) and active duty drama and contrast inherent in military; $5 for adults black and white photography. His DETAILS: pensacolamuseumofart.org passion for that form of processing

JAZZ IN BLACK AND WHITE

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music

inweekly.net

by Brett Hutchins

Music Festival Celebrates East Hill’s Funkiness friendly event for people all over Pensacola to hang out with one another and see how East Hill supports itself,�

Kelly Gibson, organizer of the 2013 East Hill Music Festival said. “East Hill is the very definition of Pensacola to me.�

Singer/songwriter and Pensacola regular Grant Peeples will be headlining the festival. Books lined his walls growing up. You can see that influence in his vivid storytelling— both musically and in interviews. IN recently spoke with Peeples about his roots and writing.

IN: Do you remember the moment you decided you to become a musician? Â

Grant Peeples / courtesy photo The East Hill area of Pensacola is a neighborhood in the truest sense of the word. Local businesses do things their way. Artists of all types call the place home. The community is a modern throwback, but what holds its charm is the simple fact that its people know and get to know each other here. “We wanted to put together a family-

PEEPLES: I picked up the guitar in college because I had songs I wanted to write.

Plain and simple. I remember deciding to do that. It was through that decision that I became a musician. By default, I guess.

It was many years later that I decided to leave my plow in the field and become a performer. I was driving home from a studio where I had recorded some songs that day, and when I was listening to the playback I thought: I owe it to these songs to try to find them some light where they can be seen. And boy, my whole life changed.  IN: What about the first time you ever performed in front of a crowd?

PEEPLES: The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival in St. Augustine, Fla. on my 50th birthday. It’s never too late to change your major—as I like to say. I remember there being about 10,000 people listening to me, but it was probably more like a hundred.

IN: As a singer/songwriter, you depend on your lyrics more than the typical rock and roll band might. How do you handle crowds when they’re less attentive than you would like? PEEPLES: Well, if the whole crowd is inattentive, that’s my problem. Either I’m not doing my job, or I booked myself in the wrong place. But if there are two people talking in an otherwise quiet room that is paying attention, then those two people and I have a problem. Out of respect to the room itself, I have no qualms about stopping right in the WHEN: 2 – 9 p.m., Saturday, March 23 middle a song and asking— WHERE: Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. through the microphone— COST: $10 suggested donation will bento let me know when they efit Gulf Coast Kid’s House are finished so that I can DETAILS: easthillmusicfestival.com or do what everybody else is grantpeeples.com wanting me to do.Â

EAST HILL MUSIC FESTIVAL

“It’s never too late to change your major—as I like to say.�

Grant Peeples

$

Open- "

IN: What’s your songwriting process like?

PEEPLES: I’ve learned not to pick up the guitar until I have a good written draft of the song. Otherwise I can’t keep things authentic. For me, the guitar has to obey the command of the story. The story tells me if I’m in a minor key, if it’s 3/4 time, if it’s up tempo. I don’t write to a beat. The beat goes to the story. I write from the inside out, not from the top down. The thing that gets me going might be a single couplet that ends up in the second verse.

If it’s real, if it’s authentic, if I like the way it feels coming out of my mouth, and I know it has connective tissue running out into my universe, I’ll start nailing things to it. A slew of Pensacola locals will also be performing at the festival, including Betsy Badwater, Chainsaw Kelly, Said Simple, and Chloe Channell. Mondo Mike, a blues-rock outfit from Jacksonville, Fla. completes the bill.

UWF’s Bistro Blue and the latest addition to the East Hill culinary family, The Yard, will cover the festival’s food needs.

A number of arts and crafts vendors will also be on hand.

Our beaches and thriving downtown get a lot of the publicity these days, but the East Hill Music Festival will provide a glimpse into yet another part of what makes Pensacola what it truly is. {in}

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culture

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by Lilia Del Bosque Oakey Whitehouse

From Page to Stage in 24 Hours

Putting on a play is, normally, not something that happens in a day. But, at Pensacola Little Theatre, “24 Hour Theatre” breaks tradition and challenges actors, writers and directors to produce an entire play in a single day. From the fi rst word on the page to the fi nal bow, it all has to come together in 24 hours.

It all begins on Friday, March 22 at 8 p.m. with auditions. During auditions, four teams of writers and directors make notes, jotting down ideas based on the actors’ strengths and talents. Then, each team chooses their cast and the writers get to work, writing

a new, original play tailored for their actors.

In the morning, actors learn lines, directors’ block and crewmembers pull costumes and set pieces. Somehow, it all needs to come together by 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

“It is nothing like a regular play,” said Renee Jordan, lead director and coordinator of “24 Hour Theatre.”

“Some of the plays have a theme or are about an idea, but some are just chaos.”

The time crunch also pushes months of rehearsals into just a few hours.

“Normally, you have 6 to 8 weeks to learn your lines and blocking, but here you have about 10 hours,” said Jordan. “Normally, tech is a week. With ’24 Hour Theatre,’ it is 30 minutes. It’s a really hurried glimpse of what it’s like to be onstage.”

Jordan believes that “24 Hour Theatre” is the perfect opportunity for experienced thespians to challenge themselves and push the boundaries of their creativity and skills.

“It’s fast-forward theater. It’s hurried and you only get one chance to perform it,” said Jordan. “You don’t have the chance to perfect it, but it’s fun and exciting. Even for people that have done theater forever, it’s a thrill to know you can learn lines, do blocking and put a show on in a day.”

The fast paced setting allows writers and directors to produce organically, letting

them play to actors’ strengths and even alter scripts on the spot to make the play as strong as possible. The result is a play that

skills to the test, the troupe will have their own writer and director team writing a scripted play just for them.

They will also contribute mayhem, which Jordan believes is always needed in “24 Hour Theatre.” “People come to the show to see a train-wreck but it always seems to come together,” said Jordan. “Normally, if there is a problem, the only people that notice are the actors. But this year, with the help of Improvable Cause, we are throwing a few curve balls so it might be more of a train-wreck. We are just letting them create a little bit of havoc this year.”

But Jordan assures that, even with a little bit of havoc, “24 Hour Theatre” will still showcase local talent and highlight the depths of the cast’s and crew’s creativity, all in a unique theater experience.

“This year, we have a group of writers that have all written before,” said Jordan.

“We are lucky to have amazing writers and directors that are sure to make the production a blast.” {in}

“It’s fast-forward theater. It’s hurried and you only get one chance to perform it.”

Renee Jordan

is tailor made for the cast, an opportunity that actors don’t normally receive.

“24 Hour Theatre” isn’t only for experienced actors, it is the perfect opportunity for new actors, people who have thought about acting, and those who haven’t acted in a while to get exposed to theater and to get a feel for the stage.

Each play runs about 10 minutes, allowing for a brief exposure to the stage, and the writer and director teams try to cast all who audition.

Jordan also considers “24 Hour Theatre” a perfect opportunity for actors at other local theaters and performing groups to come together.

“We have a lot of theaters WHAT: Five plays that are written, casted, and groups in Pensacola, but it’s and performed in 24 hours important for all of us that do WHEN: Auditions are Friday, March 22 at community theater to intermingle 8 p.m. Performance is Saturday, March 23 as much as possible,” said Jordan. at 8 p.m.

“We are all doing the same thing WHERE: Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 and it’s important to know that evS. Jefferson St. eryone is welcomed everywhere.”

COST: $10 In that spirit of collaboration, DETAILS: pensacolalittletheater.com local improv group Improvable Cause will be performing at “24 Hour Theatre.” To put their improv

STUDIO 400 PRESENTS: 24 HOUR THEATRE

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March 21, 2013

happenings

THURSDAY 3.21

‘RETURN TO CLAY AND FIRE: WOOD FIRED CERAMICS BY BEN TWINGLEY’ 8 a.m. Gallery 88, inside WUWF 11000 University Pkwy.

Through April 26. 474-2787 or wuwf.org.

‘A ROADTRIP THROUGH FLORIDA ARCHAEOLOGY’ 10 a.m. DARC, 207 E. Main St. 595-0050, ext. 107 or flpublicarchaeology.org/ darc.php.

ARTEL ‘FAMILY’ 10 a.m. Artel Gallery, 223 Palafox, 1st floor of the Old Escambia County Courthouse. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

‘POSTCARDS FROM PENSACOLA’ 10 a.m.

Through April 6. Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

‘THE JAZZ PHOTOGRAPHY OF DUNCAN SCHIEDT’ 10 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org.

HISTORIC PENSACOLA TROLLEY TOUR 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. Pensacola Visitor Center, 1401 E. Gregory St. 941-2876 or beachbumtrolley.com.

PLAY HAPPY HOUR 4 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. Ninth Ave. 433-9463 or aragonwinemarket.com.

VEGAN DINNER AT EOTL 6 p.m. End of the Line Café, 610 E. Wright St. 429-0336 or eotlcafe.com.

AFRICAN DRUMMING CLASSES 6:30 p.m. $2$5. Gull Point Community Center, 7000 Spanish Trail. For more information contact, 291-2718, 324-4928 or hurreyupstageandfilmworks.com.

live music

KEN LAMBERT 1 p.m. Florabama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. 492-0611 or florabama.com.

BO ROBERTS, RHONDA HART, AND MARK SHERILL, TROY BRANNON 5 p.m. Jared Ashley, Rollin in the Hay, The Rez 10 p.m. Florabama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. 492-0611 or florabama. com.

THE DAVENPORTS 6 p.m. The Leisure Club, 126 S. Palafox. 912-4229 or tlcdowntown.com.

LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 6 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com.

DEW AND YOUR FRIENDS 6 p.m. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach. paradisebar-grill.com.

JORDAN RICHARDS 7 p.m. Peg Leg Pete’s, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. 932-4139 or peglegpetes.com JAMES AND FRIENDS 7 p.m. Hub Stacey’s Downtown, 312 E Government St. 469-1001or hubstaceys.com.

THE REVIVAL TOUR 7:30 p.m. $18- $20.

Featuring Chuck Ragan, Rocky Votolato, Jenny Owen Youngs, Matt Pryor. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, vinylmusichall.com BRAD BARNES OPEN COLLEGE JAM 7:30 p.m. Goat Lips Beer Garden, 2811 Copter Rd. 474-1919.

KARAOKE WITH BECKY 7:30 p.m. Sabine Sandbar, 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. 934-3141 or dalesbigdeck.com.

TIM SPENCER 8 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach. 9322211 or sandshaker.com.

DUELLING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

KRAZY GEORGE’S KARAOKE 8 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

ALVERADO ROAD SHOW 9 p.m. End O’ The Alley Bar at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government

St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter. com.

DANCE PENSACOLA 9 p.m.

Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter. com.

VAMPIRATES, DENOUNCER, AND MORE 9 p.m. The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. 434-9060 or pensacolahandlebar.com.

BLACKWATER 9 p.m. Chan’s Nightclub, 610 E. Nine Mile Rd. 477-9961 or chanspensacola.com.

COLLEGE DANCE NIGHT: DJ TONY C 9 p.m. Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

EXTREME KARAOKE WITH G.C.P.C 10 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or gulfcoastpartycrew.com.

FRIDAY 3.22

‘RETURN TO CLAY AND FIRE: WOOD FIRED CERAMICS BY BEN TWINGLEY’ 8 a.m. Gallery 88, inside WUWF 11000 University Pkwy.

Through April 26. 474-2787 or The “Family” wuwf.org.

GULF COAST MUSTANG AND ALL-FORD MEGA CAR SHOW 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Come see the Mustang Club and other car clubs that will be shown: European Car Club, Deep South Mopar Chapter, Emerald Coast Jeep Club, Panhandle British Car Association, Falcon Club Of America Southern Coast Chapter, Christian Motorcycle Association, Bad Boys Hot Rod And Custom Display. Ford Racing Trailer Display. Cars, hot rods, motorcycles, Jeeps and more. There will also be food and vendors present. Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 W. Mobile Highway. 221-4425 or gulfcoastmustangclub.org TAI CHI AT FLORIDA BLUE 8:30 a.m. Free.

Florida Blue, 1680 Airport Blvd. For information, call 202-4188.

‘THE JAZZ PHOTOGRAPHY OF DUNCAN SCHIEDT’ 10 a.m. through April 20. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org.

ARTEL ‘FAMILY’ 10 a.m. Artel Gallery, 223 Palafox, 1st floor of the Old Escambia County Courthouse. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

‘POSTCARDS FROM PENSACOLA’ 10 a.m.

Through April 6. Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

MAKE YOUR OWN ORNAMENT, FLOWER, PAPER WEIGHT or SWEDISH BOWL 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $25-$95 The workshops offer a short but comprehensive introduction for people to become familiar with the process of working molten hot glass. Students will be able to pick out their color then design and create a piece of glass with the assistance of our professional glass artists. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. For information or to sign up for workshops call 429-1222 or visit firstcityart.org.

PLAY HAPPY HOUR 4 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

WINE TASTING AT SEVILLE QUARTER 5 p.m.

Palace Café at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

WINE TASTING AT CITY GROCERY 5:15 p.m.

City Grocery, 2050 N. 12th Ave. 469-8100.

exhibit at Artel Gallery / photo by Suzanne Robbert WINE TASTING AT EAST HILL MARKET 5:30 p.m. 1216 N. Ninth Ave. Meter Rentals $5. T.T. Wentworth Museum, 330 S. Jefferson. 595-5985 ext 111.

PERDIDO KEY WINE AND ART FEST VIP EVENT 5:30-8:30 p.m. $25 per person or $45 per couple.

Spirits will be high at this VIP gathering where people can sip amazing wine and sample some of the Gulf Coast’s finest appetizers under the stars. A silent auction, live music and other entertainment are among the features at the VIP event. Guests will choose winners in a competition between chefs.

Soccer fields next to the Sacred Heart Group, 13160 Gulf Beach Hwy. visitperdido.com.

“TALKING SMACK: THE SAILING VESSELS OF THE GULF COAST FISHING INDUSTRY” 6 p.m.

Public lecture. Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City. 595-0050, ext.103 or flpublicarchaeology.org .

PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS 7 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolaiceflyers.com.

JSOP STUDENT JAZZ COMPETITION FINALS 7:30 p.m. The live finals of the Jazz Society of Pensacola’s 2013 Student Jazz Competition is free and open to the public. The competition includes three divisions: College Instrumental, High School Instrumental, and Jazz Vocal. Finalists will compete for cash awards to further their jazz education.

Each finalist will perform two songs, with backing by a professional rhythm section, before the three judges and the live audience. Additional performances by an All-Star group of professional jazz musicians. Winners announced at the conclusion of the evening, with a short jam session to include all finalists to close the show. Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd, Building 8. 433-8382 or jazzpensacola.com.

3 GAME SPECIAL 8:30 p.m. $12, includes shoes.

DeLuna Lanes, 590 E. 9 Mile Road. 478-9522 or delunalanes.com.

SWING DANCING 8:30 p.m. $5. American Legion, 1401 Intendencia St. 437-5465 or pensacolaswing. com.

‘STAND UP COMEDY SHOW’ 9:30 p.m. Big Easy Tavern, 710 N. Palafox. bigeasytavern.com

or 208-5976.

COSMIC BOWLING 11 p.m. DeLuna Lanes, 590 E. 9 Mile Road. 478-9522 or delunalanes.com.

live music

JOHNNY BARBATO TRIO 5 p.m., The Big Earl Show, Sam Glass Trio 5:30 p.m., Tall Paul & Kristi Bobal 5:45 p.m., Lee Yankie Trio 9:30 p.m., Jared Ashley,10 p.m., Trunk Monkey 10:30 p.m.

Florabama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. 492-0611 or florabama.com.

LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 5 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com.

PAXTON NORRIS BAND 6 p.m. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach. paradisebar-grill.com.

RONNIE LEVINE 6 p.m. The Oar House, 1000 S Pace Blvd. 549-4444 or the-oar-house.com.

DOWNTOWN BIG BAND 6:30 p.m. Gregory Street Assembly Hall, 501 E. Gregory St. 307-8633.

3 AMIGOS DUO 7 p.m. Peg Leg Pete’s, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. 932-4139 or peglegpetes.com.

KARAOKE WITH BECKY 7:30 p.m. Sabine Sandbar, 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach.

934-3141 or dalesbigdeck.com.

MIKE BOCCIA 7:45 p.m. Goat Lips Beer Garden, 2811 Copter Road. 474-1919.

SCOTT KOEHN 8 p.m. The Grand Marlin, 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach. 677-9153 or thegrandmarlin.com.

HEATHER LUTRELL 8:30 p.m. Tin Cow, 102 S. Palafox. For more information, call 466-2103.

THE BLENDERS 8:30 p.m. Hub Stacey’s Downtown, 312 E Government St. 469-1001or hubstaceys.com.

DAYJOY AND MORE 9 p.m The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. 434-9060 or pensacolahandlebar.com.

CLASS X 9 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach. 932-2211 or sandshaker.com.

BLACKWATER & BUZZCUTT 9 p.m. Chan’s Nightclub, 610 E. Nine Mile Rd. 477-9961 or chanspensacola.com.

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happenings

IRENE TORRES & THE SUGAR DEVILS9 p.m.

Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom, 20 S. Palafox. hopjacks.com.

LIVE MUSIC 9 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse. goodgrits.com.

DJ MR. LAO 9 p.m. Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

HOTEL OSCAR 9 p.m. Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

THE REZ 5 9 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

THE ALVERADO ROAD SHOW 9 p.m.

End O’ the Alley at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

SATURDAY 3.23

games, fishing, marine creatures, arts and crafts, food, displays, explore a seagrass bed, boating safety, fishing, kayaking and more. Shoreline Park South, Shoreline Dr. MAKE YOUR OWN ORNAMENT, FLOWER, PAPER WEIGHT or SWEDISH BOWL 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $25-$95 The workshops offer a short but comprehensive introduction for people to become familiar with the process of working molten hot glass. Students will be able to pick out their color then design and create a piece of glass with the assistance of our professional glass artists. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guil-

Commerce and Visitor Information Center sponsors the event, showcasing artists, musicians, vendors and wine distributors. For $15 a guest will receive a commemorative wine glass and five tastes of wine. Additional tastes cost $2, or $8 for a full glass. The selections will be palatable to everyone from a casual wine fan to a connoisseur. Visitors who spend three nights in lodging on Perdido Key may qualify for a $50 gas card.

Soccer fields next to the Sacred Heart Group, 13160 Gulf Beach Hwy. visitperdido.com.

3RD ANNUAL LIGHTHOUSE DAYS FESTIVAL 12 a.m. Celebration of the Pensacola Lighthouse

PALAFOX MARKET 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox St. palafoxmarket.com.

NWFAEYC ANNUAL SPRING CONFERENCE 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The Northwest Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (NWFAEYC) is pleased to present Daniel J. Hodgins as the speaker for the Annual Spring Conference. For the NWFAEYC Conference, Mr. Hodgins will present: Looking through the Eyes of Boys and Girls; Children Who Take You to the End of Your Rope; and Supporting Children Who Color Outside of the Lines. Doors will open at 8 a.m. The conference is $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Fees include lunch.

Continuing Education Credits (.5) are available and will be free for members and $15 for non-members. Registration forms must be postmarked by March 18.

First Presbyterian Church, 33 E. Gregory St. 932-1647.

GULF COAST MUSTANG AND ALLFORD MEGA CAR SHOW 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Come see the Mustang Club and other Chainsaw Kelly will be at East Hill Music Festival this weekend /courtesy photo car clubs that will be shown: European Car Club, Deep South Mopar Chapter, Emerald Coast Jeep Club, Panhandle British Car and lighthouses in general. A family event with lemard St. For information or to sign up for workAssociation, Falcon Club Of America Southern music, food, arts and crafts, and children’s shops call 429-1222 or visit firstcityart.org.

Coast Chapter, Christian Motorcycle Associaactivities. Pensacola Lighthouse,2081 Radford ‘THE JAZZ PHOTOGRAPHY OF DUNCAN tion, Bad Boys Hot Rod And Custom Display.

Blvd, NAS. 393-1561 or pensacolalighthouse.org.

SCHIEDT’ 10 a.m. through April 20. Pensacola Ford Racing Trailer Display. Cars, hot rods, EAST HILL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2-9 p.m. DayMuseum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or motorcycles, Jeeps and more. There will also be long event filled with fun, food & fantastic pensacolamuseumofart.org. food and vendors present. Pensacola Interstate musical performances featuring Grant Peeples, ARTEL ‘FAMILY’ 10 a.m. Artel Gallery, 223 Fairgrounds, 6655 W. Mobile Highway. 221-4425 Said Simple, Betsy Badwater and Chainsaw Kelly.

Palafox, 1st floor of the Old Escambia County or gulfcoastmustangclub.org.

Other festival activities include a Kids PerforCourthouse. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS HOSTS AREA SUMMER mance Stage, Food & Beverage vendors, Arts & ‘POSTCARDS FROM PENSACOLA’ 10 a.m.

GAMES 9 a.m. Special Olympics Escambia/SanCrafts Vendors, Aerial Swing Yoga Demos, and Through April 6. Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. ta Rosa will be hosting Area 1 Summer Games, Thai Massage & Structural Integration Demos.

Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com. which includes Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

There is a $10 suggested donation, with all INTRODUCTION TO UNDERWATER ARCheer on local Special Olympics athletes as they proceeds benefitting Gulf Coast Kid’s House, CHAEOLOGY PRESENTATION AND BUILDcompete in Tennis, Soccer, Bocce, Volleyball, Escambia County’s child advocacy center. Food, A-BOAT ACTIVITY 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Children’s Cycling and Track & Field events. Opening beverages, beer & wine will be available for Event. Bay County Public Library, 898 West Ceremonies at 9 a.m. at the track will include purchase, no coolers permitted. Bayview Park.

11th Street, Panama City. 595-0050, ext. 103 or the lighting of the torch and Color Guard. The easthillmusicfestival.com. flpublicarchaeology.org. day will continue with individual and group PLAY HAPPY HOUR 4 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, 25TH RIVERWALK ARTS FESTIVAL 10 a.m.-7 competitions. This is a wonderful opportunity Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com. p.m. Family event with visual and performing to see firsthand how Special Olympics programs ‘A STARRY,STARRY KNIGHT’ AUCTION FOR arts, childrens activities, live entertainment and benefit, building life-skills for our athletes and QUALITY EDUCATION 5 p.m. $40. The 24th great food. Riverwalk Park, Downtown Milton. promoting social inclusion. This event is free and annual “A Starry, Starry Knight” fundraiser 981-1100 or santarosaarts.org. open to the public. Corry Station athletic facilipresented by Catholic High School. Appetizers, HUMANE SOCIETY ADOPTION EVENT 10:30 ties. 291-6234 or SpecialOlympicsEscambia.org. dinner and dessert will be served by Nancy’s a.m.-2 p.m Humane society dogs will be available SEAGRASS AWARENESS CELEBRATION 10 Haute Affairs from 5:30-7 p.m. There will be a for adoption. Petco, 1670 Airport Blvd. 432-4250 a.m-2 p.m. A free family event. Activities will Silent Auction beginning at 5 p.m. and a Live or humanesocietyofpensacola.org. include live marine life in touch tanks, “eat a seaAuction beginning at 7:30 p.m. Master Card PERDIDO KEY WINE AND ARTS FESTIVAL grass bed,” make a shark tooth necklace, seining, and Visa accepted for auction items. Early noon-8 p.m. The Perdido Key Area Chamber of

reservations are encouraged. Pensacola Catholic High School. 436-6400 ext.123 or PensacolaCHS.org.

GHOST HUNT 8 p.m. $20. Is the Pensacola Lighthouse haunted? The Travel Channel and SciFi’s Ghost Hunters (TAPS) think so. Join this ghost hunt in the historic 1869 Keeper’s Quarters and see if the ghosts are willing to meet you.

Follow in the footsteps of TAPS using real ghost hunting equipment. Bring your own equipment or share ours (some items available for purchase in the Gift Shop before tours commence.) Tours are two hours in duration. This tour does include a trip to the top of the Lighthouse for a look across Pensacola Bay, weather permitting. Per Coast Guard Safety Regulations backless/open toed shoes are not permitted to climb the tower stairs. We recommend this tour for children 12 and over only. Pensacola Lighthouse, 2081 Radford Blvd, NAS Pensacola. 393-1561 or pensacolalighthouse.org LAVELL CRAWFORD IN CONCERT 8:30 p.m. Presented by Jokers Wild Comedy Tour. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Pl. 595-3882 or pensacolasaegner.com.

COSMIC BOWLING 11 p.m. DeLuna Lanes, 590 E. 9 Mile Road. 478-9522 or delunalanes.com.

live music

JOE OCCHIPINTI SMALL GROUP JAZZ 10 a.m. The Drowsy Poet Coffee Company, 86 Brent Lane. 434-7638.

WB SEARCY 12 p.m., Dave and Joe Show 7 p.m. Peg Leg Pete’s, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. 9324139 or peglegpetes.com.

NEIL DOVER BAND 5 p.m., J. Hawkins Band 5:30 p.m., Jared Ashley Duo 8 p.m., Rusty Tabor 9 p.m., Lee Yankie and Hellz Yeah 10 p.m., Trunk Monkey 10:30 p.m. Florabama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. 492-0611 or florabama.com.

DAVE MEADOWS 6 p.m. The Oar House, 1000 S Pace Blvd. 549-4444 or the-oar-house.com.

PAUL KILLOUGH 6 p.m. Crabs We Got ‘Em, 6 Casino Beach. 932-0700 or crabswegotem.com.

PAXTON NORRIS BAND 6 p.m. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach. paradisebar-grill.com.

FISH SANDWICH 7 p.m. Hub Stacey’s the Point, 5851 Galvez Rd. 497-0071 or hubstaceys.com.

DEADLY FISTS OF KUNG FU 8 p.m. $5. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, vinylmusichall.com.

WES HEATH & THE WHISKEY BAND 8 p.m.

The Grand Marlin, 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd.

Pensacola Beach. 677-9153 or thegrandmarlin. com.

DUELLING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

CIVILIZED NATIVES 8:30 p.m. Tin Cow, 102 S. Palafox. For more information, call 466-2103.

PETTY CASH 9 p.m. Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom, 20 S. Palafox. hopjacks.com.

PETER B’S KARAOKE WITH DJ CHRIS UPTON 9 p.m. DeLuna Lanes, 590 E. 9 Mile Road. 4789522 or delunalanes.com.

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March 21, 2013

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March 21, 2013

news of the weird HOLY HANDGUNS One of the many decisions greeting Pope Francis, as Salon.com pointed out, is whether to officially recognize a Patron Saint of Handgunners—as urged by a U.S. organization of activists for more than 20 years. According to legend, St. Gabriel Possenti rescued an Italian village from a small band of pillagers (and perhaps rapists) in the 19th century by shooting at a lizard in the road, killing it with one shot, which supposedly so terrified the bandits that they fled.

No humans were harmed, activists now point out, signifying the handgun was obviously a force for good. The head of the St. Gabriel Possenti Society has noted that, however farfetched the “lizard incident” may be, it was rarely questioned until U.S. anti-gun activists gained strength in the 1980s.

CAN’T POSSIBLY BE TRUE Though Americans may feel safe that the Food and Drug Administration approves a drug only for certain specific uses, the U.S. Court of Appeals in New York ruled in December that drug company salespeople have a First Amendment right to claim that drugs approved for only one use can be marketed for nonapproved uses, as well. Doctors and bioethicists seemed outraged, according to the Los Angeles Times, generally agreeing with a University of Minnesota professor who called the decision “a complete disgrace. What this basically does is destroy drug regulation in the United States.”

• Denials of disability allowances in the town of Basildon, England, near London, are handled at the Acorn House courthouse, on the fourth floor, where afflicted people who believe they were wrongly rejected for benefits must present their appeals. However, in November, zealous government safety wardens, concerned about fire-escape dangers, closed off the fourth floor to wheelchairusing people. Asked one woman, turned away in early February, “Why are they holding disability tribunals in a building disabled people aren’t allowed in?” (In February, full access resumed.)

• Among the helpful civic classes the city

by Chuck Shepherd

government in Oakland, Calif., set up earlier this year for its residents was one on how to pick locks (supposedly to assist people who had accidentally locked themselves out of their homes), and lock-picking kits were even offered for sale after class. Some residents were aghast, as the city had seen burglaries increase by 40 percent in 2012. Asked one complainer, “What’s next? The fundamentals of armed robbery?” (In February, Mayor Jean Quan apologized and canceled the class.)

WE MUST KILL THIS LEGISLATION BECAUSE TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE FOR IT In February, the North Carolina House of Representatives Rules Committee took the unusual step of pre-emptively burying a bill to legalize prescription marijuana (which 18 states so far have embraced). WRAL-TV (Raleigh-Durham) reported Rep. Paul Stam’s explanation: Committee members were hearing from so many patients and other constituents (via phone calls and emails) about the importance of medical marijuana to them that the representatives were feeling “harassed.”

INEXPLICABLE Two teachers and three student teachers at a Windsor, Ontario, elementary school somehow thought it would be a neat prank on their eighth-graders to make them think their class trip would be to Florida’s Disney World, and they created a video and PowerPoint presentation previewing the excursion. The kids’ exhilaration lasted only a few days, when they were informed that plans had changed and that they would instead be visiting a local bowling alley. Furthermore, the teachers captured the students’ shock on video, presumably to repeatedly re-enjoy their prank. (When the principal found out, she apologized, disciplined the teachers, and arranged a class trip to Niagara Falls.) {in}

Exquisite Edible Art

From Universal Press Syndicate Chuck Shepherd’s News Of The Weird © 2013 Chuck Shepherd

Send your weird news to Chuck Shepherd, P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, Fla., 33679 or weirdnews@earthlink.net, or go to newsoftheweird.com

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Independent News | March 21, 2013 | inweekly.net