Amy Goodman, P.6 * Bad Boys, P.16 * Advice Goddess, P.30 c a s c a d i a REPORTING FROM THE HEART OF CASCADIA WHATCOM SKAGIT ISLAND LOWER B.C. {05.16.12}{#20}{V.07}{FREE} Superheroes & SEQUELS A SUMMER OF CINEMA, P.24 Rail Travails: Do we have the capacity for coal? P.8 Embodiment: Portraits from queer America, P.18 :: Metric: Canny collective measures up, P.20 FOOD 34 a s c a d i a B-BOARD 27 c FILM 24 A glance at what’s happening this week Stock up on annuals, perennials and everything in between May 19 at the Cascade Cuts Plant Sale and also at the Backyard Habitat & Native Flora Fair at the Fairhaven Village Green FOOD MUSIC 20 Poet’s Table Dinner: 5:30pm, Maple Hall, La Conner VISUAL ARTS ART 18 Salmon Lifecycles Reception: 3-6:30pm, Lummi Gateway Center !-$4[05.x.12] VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 The Wiz: 7pm, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth Just Right for Right Now: 7pm, Bellingham Children’s Theatre Twelve Angry Men: 7pm, Alger Community Church Cinderella: 7:30pm, Mount Baker Theatre Rent: 7:30pm, Performing Arts Center, WWU One-Act Plays: 7:30pm, Syre Theater, WCC Happy Days: 7:30pm, Claire vg Thomas Theatre, Lynden Frankly Scarlet, You’re Dead!: 7:30pm, RiverBelle Theatre, Mount Vernon Briseis: 8pm, iDiOM Theater Doubles: 8pm, Upfront Theatre Cops 911: 10pm, Upfront Theatre ANGELA MILL S-WATSON WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ONSTAGE The women of the Provocateurs will explore 2 ) .4[05.x}.12] the dynamics of relationships through ONSTAGE movement at “Body Language” shows May 17- MUSIC MUSIC WORDS MAIL 4 Marcia Clark: 7pm, Village Books GET OUT CASCADIA WEEKLY #20.07 05.16.12 DO IT 2 Trawler Fest: Through Saturday, Cap Sante Boat Haven, Anacortes 2 Watch the sparks fly at the The Provocateurs: 8pm, Spark Museum Rent: 7:30pm, Performing Arts Center, WWU Charlie King, Karen Brandow: 7:30pm, Roeder Home 18 at the SPARK Museum DANCE /#0-.4[05.x~.12] ONSTAGE Early Music Festival: 7:30pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church COMMUNITY The Road Less Graveled: 8:30am-12:30pm, Bellingham Technical College Ladies Night Out: 5-8pm, downtown Bellingham GET OUT Bike to Work and School Day: 6:30-9:30am, throughout Whatcom County FOOD Food Solidarity Conference: Today and tomorrow, Academic West, WWU Rent: 7:30pm, Performing Arts Center, WWU Happy Days: 7:30pm, Claire vg Thomas Theatre, Lynden One-Act Plays: 7:30pm, Syre Theater, WCC Briseis: 8pm, iDiOM Theater Good, Bad, Ugly: 8pm, Upfront Theatre The Project: 10pm, Upfront Theatre VISUAL DANCE Rodeo May 18-19 ONSTAGE The Provocateurs: 8pm, Spark Museum on the grounds MUSIC Firehouse Performance Fundraiser: 6pm, Firehouse Performing Arts Center Happy Days: 2pm, Claire vg Thomas Theatre, Lynden The Wiz: 2pm and 7pm, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth Just Right for Right Now: 7pm, Bellingham Children’s Theatre Twelve Angry Men: 7pm, Alger Community Church annual sculpture competition known as the Welding of the Bellingham Technical College Wind Symphony: 8pm, Performing Arts Center, WWU WORDS Skagit River Poetry Festival: Through Sunday, throughout La Conner Welding Rodeo: 8am-5pm, Bellingham Technical College Molly Landreth Talk: 6pm, Jinx Art Space ./0-4[05.x.12] GET OUT Plant Sale: 9am-4pm, Cascade Cuts Backyard Habitat & Native Flora Fair: 10am4pm, Fairhaven Village Green Adaptive Cycles Expo: 10am-2pm, Civic Field FOOD Swedish Pancake Breakfast: 8-11am, Norway Hall Anacortes Farmers Market: 9am-2pm, Depot Community & Arts Center Bellingham Farmers Market: 10am-3pm, Depot Market Square Wine Tasting: 3-6pm, Vartanyan Estate Winery VISUAL ARTS Welding Rodeo: 8am-5pm, Bellingham Technical College Studio Tour: 10am-5pm, Camano Island .0)4[05.y.12] FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 Tim Scott: 6pm, Spark Museum Skagit Symphony: 7:30pm, McIntyre Hall, Mount Vernon ART 18 MUSIC STAGE 16 Mambo Mania: 7-10pm, Blue Moon Ballroom Life in the Garden: 7pm, Blaine Performing Arts Center GET OUT 14 DANCE WORDS 12 Cinderella: 7:30pm, Mount Baker Theatre Rent: 7:30pm, Performing Arts Center, WWU One-Act Plays: 7:30pm, Syre Theater, WCC Frankly Scarlet, You’re Dead!: 7:30pm, RiverBelle Theatre, Mount Vernon Doubles: 8pm, Upfront Theatre Briseis: 8pm, iDiOM Theater Cops 911: 10pm, Upfront Theatre GET OUT Haulin’ Axe Fun Run: 9:30am, Barkley Haggen FOOD Brewery Tour: 12pm, Chuckanut Brewery Southside Community Meal: 5-6:30pm, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church VISUAL ARTS Studio Tour: 10am-5pm, Camano Island Israeli Ceramics Celebration: 2-4pm, Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 05.16.12 Arto Javela: 2pm, Nancy’s Farm Keyboard Friends Concert: 3pm, Amadeus Project Organ Society: 3pm, Mount Baker Theatre Allegra Women’s Choir: 3pm, YWCA Ballroom Faculty Recital: 4pm, Performing Arts Center, WWU #20.07 MUSIC CASCADIA WEEKLY Rent: 2pm, Performing Arts Center, WWU Cinderella: 2pm, Mount Baker Theatre Just Right for Right Now: 2pm, Bellingham Children’s Theatre The Wiz: 2pm, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth Happy Days: 2pm, Claire vg Thomas Theatre, Lynden Twelve Angry Men: 2:30pm, Alger Community Church CURRENTS 8 ONSTAGE 3 /0 .4[05.yy.12] ONSTAGE Festival of Plays: 7pm, Bellingham High School FOOD 34 thisweek GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 Editor & Publisher: Tim Johnson E ext 260 ô editor@ cascadiaweekly.com Hope, the puppy who was found by the side of the road on the Lummi Reservation last month with critical injuries caused by a vicious beating, has been adopted from the Whatcom Humane Society by a local family. On her Facebook page, she reports she’s doing well—she’s already been on a day trip to Lopez Island, and is busy finding places to both sleep and sniff. VIEWS & NEWS 4: Mailbag 6: Gristle & Goodman 8: Looking at the lines WORDS 12 CURRENTS 8 VIEWS 6 18: Queer in America 20: Metric party 22: Clubs 24: Blockbuster blowout 26: Film Shorts REAR END 27: Bulletin Board 28: Wellness MAIL 4 DO IT 2 05.16.12 #20.07 Send all advertising materials to ads@cascadiaweekly.com Advertising Account Executive: Scott Pelton E360-647-8200 x 253 ô spelton@ cascadiaweekly.com Distribution Frank Tabbita, JW Land & Associates ô distro@ cascadiaweekly.com Letters Send letters to letters@ cascadiaweekly.com. Amy Goodman, P.6 * Bad Boys, P.16 * Advice Goddess, P.30 c a s c a d i a REPORTING FROM THE HEART OF CASCADIA WHATCOM SKAGIT ISLAND LOWER B.C. 30: Advice Goddess {05.16.12}{#20}{V.07}{FREE} 31: Free Will Astrology 32: Slowpoke, Sudoku 33: This Modern World, Tom the Dancing Bug 34: A helping of Homeskillet ©2012 CASCADIA WEEKLY (ISSN 1931-3292) is published each Wednesday by Cascadia Newspaper Company LLC. Direct all correspondence to: Cascadia Weekly PO Box 2833 Bellingham WA 98227-2833 | Phone/Fax: 360.647.8200 info@cascadiaweekly.com Though Cascadia Weekly is distributed free, please take just one copy. Cascadia Weekly may be distributed only by authorized distributors. Any person removing papers in bulk from our distribution points risks prosecution SUBMISSIONS: Cascadia Weekly welcomes freelance submissions. Send material to either the News Editor or A&E Editor. Manuscripts will be returned if you include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. To be considered for calendar listings, notice of events must be received in writing no later than noon Wednesday the week prior to publication. Photographs should be clearly labeled and will be returned if accompanied by stamped, self-addressed envelope. LETTERS POLICY: Cascadia Weekly reserves the right to edit letters for length and content. When apprised of them, we correct errors of fact promptly and courteously. In the interests of fostering dialog and a community forum, Cascadia Weekly does not publish letters that personally disparage other letter writers. Please keep your letters to fewer than 300 words. NEWSPAPER ADVISORY GROUP: Robert Hall, Seth Murphy, Michael Petryni, David Syre STA F F Art Director: Jesse Kinsman ô jesse@ kinsmancreative.com Stefan Hansen ô stefan@ cascadiaweekly.com 14: Ride on! L E T T E RS Production 11: Police blotter, Index 12: Behind bullying TOC Music & Film Editor: Carey Ross Eext 203 ô music@ cascadiaweekly.com Graphic Artists: ARTS & LIFE mail Arts & Entertainment Editor: Amy Kepferle Eext 204 ô calendar@ cascadiaweekly.com 10: Last week’s news 29: Crossword CASCADIA WEEKLY Cascadia Weekly: E 360.647.8200 Editorial 16: Bad boys, bad boys 4 Contact A SUMMER OF CINEMA, P24 Rail Travails: Do we have the capacity for coal? P.8 Embodiment: Portraits from queer America, P.18 :: Metric: Canny collective measures up, P.20 SUPPORT RECONVEYANCE SOS: SAVE OUR SLEDDING It is time for the county to move forward with the reconveyance of 8,700 acres of DNR-managed land in the Lake Whatcom watershed. Doing so would enable the county to create a park that would permanently protect 25 percent of the watershed from logging. Until very recently, we have drastically underestimated the adverse impacts of logging on water quality. We now know that logging in the watershed has channeled sediment to the lake and triggered massive landslides. This sediment delivery has degraded water quality, resulting in increased costs for water treatment, and will lead to significantly increased risks to public health. The DNR lands that are being considered for reconveyance include the steepest and most unstable slopes in the watershed. The risks of logging these types of sites have been very well documented. In other watersheds, these risks might be justified, but not in a watershed that serves as the sole drinking water source for more than 90,000 people. In the Lake Whatcom watershed, we need to recognize that water is a far more important natural resource than timber. It is noteworthy that many other cities, including Everett, Seattle, and Portland, have completely discontinued logging in the watersheds that serve as their water supplies. The best sledding hill in Bellingham is going to be destroyed. Save our hill from the excavators and do not let them turn it into another baseball field because then we would not have a safe hill to sled on when it snows. We like the sledding hill a lot because it’s good for lots of things to do. I like it. —David Wallin, Bellingham —Nathan Long, 1st Grade Cordata Elementary School PIER BRINGS JOBS, REVENUES As a 75-year-old Whatcom County resident and a father of two lifelong blue collar sons, I am totally in favor of Cherry Point as the location for the Gateway Pacific deepwater terminal. I believe the family-wage jobs this facility will supply to our community are very much needed to keep families together in our home area and secure a future for working years and a comfortable retirement, while also providing our community with local, state and federal taxes to support our communities. —Larry Johnson, Ferndale MONEY: WAY AHEAD OF WHATEVER’S IN SECOND PLACE I just don’t understand the growing skepticism in our little corner of the world. What’s to not like about a few more coal trains? And what’s —Harvey Schwartz, Bellingham FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 6KRZ\RXU86$RU&DQDGLDQPLOLWDU\ LGHQWL¿FDWLRQDWWKH:LQQHUV&OXE%RRWK WRUHFHLYHVSHFLDORIIHUVDQGD FRPSOLPHQWDU\JLIW6DWXUGD\0D\ 877.935.9300 5048 MOUNT BAKER HWY, DEMING WA FIND US ONLINE WWW.NOOKSACKCASINO.COM TWITTER.COM/NOOKSACKRCASINO FACEBOOK.COM/NOOKSACKRCASINO GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 Armed Forces Appreciation Day 5 FREE Drawing Tickets! 9DOLG0D\RQO\/LPLWRQHSHUSHUVRQ 9DOLGRQO\DW1RRNVDFN5LYHU&DVLQR9DOLGWRRQO\0XVWEHD:LQQHUV&OXE0HPEHUDQG \HDUVRIDJHWRUHGHHP1RFDVKYDOXH1RWWUDQVIHUUDEOH0DQDJHPHQWUHVHUYHVDOOULJKWVWRDOWHUDPHQGRU FDQFHORIIHUDWDQ\WLPH8VHRIFRXSRQLPSOLHVDQXQGHUVWDQGLQJDQGDFFHSWDQFHRIDOOUXOHV'XSOLFDWLRQVZLOO QRWEHDFFHSWHG&RXSRQUHTXLUHVYDOLGDWLRQDW:LQQHUV&OXE%RRWKWREHUHGHHPHG CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 )UH )UHH&KDLUWRWKH¿UVW:LQQHUV&OXE0HPEHUV H DWDPWKLV6DWXUGD\0D\DP DW VIEWS 6 Camp Chair Giveaway MAIL 4 &UHDWH<RXU2ZQ)UHVK'LQLQJ ([SHULHQFHDP±SPSP±SP (YHU\0RQGD\7XHVGD\:RN<RXU:D\ LVLQFOXGHGLQ\RXUEXIIHWSULFH DO IT 2 You’ve seen it before. Humongous pockets are so big that the numbers lose meaning. They shake free some pocket change—millions to you. There’s a barrage of robo calls, TV and radio ads. You’re told what’s good for you. You’re not supposed to think about their motive. You’re not to think. Divide and conquer. It works great. Tell them it’s jobs or the environment. Surround them with a media blitz. Give our coal project a feeling of inevitability. Break their spirit. These words echo from think tanks and seasoned corporate warriors. You feel depressed. The other side has so many resources. You’re just a ragtag group, mostly occupied with daily life. You hear someone yelling but can’t quite make out what they’re saying. Suddenly, the words come clear, “The British are coming, the British are coming!” Rise up and fight! 7KH1RRNVDFN5LYHU &DVLQRLVSURXGRI RXUFHUWL¿HG*UHHQ 6XVWDLQDEOH3UDFWLFH SDUWQHUVKLSZLWK*HQHUDO %LR'LHVHORI6HDWWOHZKR XVHVRXUFDVLQRNLWFKHQ¶V IU\HURLOLQDQHQYLURQPHQWDOO\ IULHQGO\SURFHVVWRSURGXFH UHQHZDEOHIXHOV SRXQGVXVHGLQ 05.16.12 RISE UP AND FIGHT 7KH 5LYHU *RHV *UHHQ -R -RLQLQWKH&DVK)LHVWDWKLV0D\DQGEHRQHRIRXU -RLQLQWKH H& JXDUDQWHHGZLQQHUV7RSFDVKSUL]H JXDUD XDUDQWW #20.07 —Darrel Weiss, Bellingham Af?mYjYfl]]\;Yk`Hjar]k CASCADIA WEEKLY the problem with expanding waterway activity at Cherry Point? It’s going to bring in some pretty great freighter traffic (i.e., Money). Just think of the Money to be made on that entire grand venture! China has more Money to spend than they know what to do with anyway. And let’s get that luxury marina built in the heart of our downtown waterfront. Just think of the rich people, and the Money, that will attract. What’s with these people who don’t seem to get that Money is what it is all about! What else is there? And how could something else possibly compare with Money? Let’s figure out how many corners we can cut on that costly bay cleanup thing. That will save us a ton of Money. (Mercury cleanups are so expensive!) Why not expand the airport and bring in lots more air traffic? There’s good Money in that, isn’t there? Think of the Money somebody will make on that venture and how much better things will be for us all simply because big Money is involved. What’s with the delays in Semiahmoo Spit development? There’s an awful lot of open space there, and think of the Money to be made (by somebody). Time’s a-wasting! Let’s quit dragging our feet and putting obstacles in front of Governors Point development too. There are a lot of folks who would love owning a piece of that action! So what’s with all these delay tactics? And what about all that open space north of Bellingham, just waiting to generate small fortunes for someone. How can we not want all of these great things? We are talking MONEY here. So what’s the problem? 5 CASCADIA WEEKLY #20.07 05.16.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 66 VIEWS CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 THE GRISTLE 6 RED HERRINGS NOT ON ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST: Rising to crisis, Port of Bellingham Commissioner Jim Jorgensen this week joined the motion of fellow Commissioner Michael McAuley, agreeing to place a proposal to expand the commission to five members on the November ballot. If approved by voters, two additional members could be added to the commission roster in a special election as early as February 2013, according to Whatcom County Auditor Debbie Adelstein, who advised the commission on their options. While the increase admittedly does not guarantee good decisions, it perhaps stalls bad decisions. Given a dysfunctional port authority, that is no doubt a preferred outcome. At their creation, port commissions by default have three members. State law enacted in the early 1990s allows voters to add representatives, creating five-member commissions. Former state Sen. Harriet Spanel, who sponsored the original legislation, attempted to explain its intricacies to a confused commission on Monday. Under the law, the commission can place the option on a ballot for consideration by voters. Citizens also have the option to collect signatures, and force the question on to a ballot by initiative. A citizen’s initiative would require about 7,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot, the auditor explained. Civic leaders—former mayors, activists, and board and commission members—spoke in favor of the measure introduced by McAuley, urging the commission to action. While Jorgensen and McAuley untangled their tackle, Commission President Scott Walker chummed the waters with red herrings aplenty. Opposed to the expansion, Walker suggested supporters go right on gathering signatures in an effort to demonstrate depth of support for the idea—as if tendering the matter to Whatcom voters was an insufficiently high bar. “I don’t see how this makes us any more accountable to the public,” Walker complained. “It just means we’d be subject to more lobbying” and decisions would take longer. Evidently, throwing obstacles in the way of the public’s control of their commission—in the form of dissembling non-sequiturs, misleading arguments and procedural obstructions—is Commisar Walker’s way of improving the commission’s accountability to said public. Yet inefficiency in decision-making, which creates time and opportunity to attempt to persuade (“lobby”) elected leaders, is the public’s guarantee—the only guarantee, really—of accountability in government. Small inefficiencies (we call them checks and balances) are in the very gears of our Madisonian instruments of government, as brakes to machinery. A decision to structurally improve the port commission—to in effect make it a more representative, more deliberative, more responsive body—extends far beyond trying to overwhelm one commisar’s obsessive experiments in micromanagement of port operations. As one commenter wryly noted, the only thing more efficient than a commission of three is a dictatorship of one. Under the current structure, Commisar Walker need only twist the feeble arm of one other commissioner to gin up a series of disasters that have rocked the agency in recent weeks. Two can negate one. Under an expanded commission, a commissar would have to ma- views OPI N IONS T H E G R IST L E BY AMY GOODMAN Power, and Demand COAL, FORECLOSURES AND BANK OF AMERICA’S ‘EXTRAORDINARY EVENT’ SHAREHOLDER meetings can be routine, unless you are Bank of America, in which case it may be declared an “extraordinary event.” That is what the city of Charlotte, N.C., called the bank’s shareholder meeting this week. Bank of America is currently the second-largest bank in the United States (after JPMorgan Chase), claiming more than $2 trillion in assets. It also is the “too big to fail” poster child of Occupy Wall Street, a speculative banking monstrosity that profits from, among other things, the ongoing foreclosure crisis and the exploitation of dirty coal. North Carolina, which went for Barack Obama in 2008, is a swing state in this year’s presidential election. Current polls indicate the Tar Heel State is a tossup. To boost its chances there, the Democratic Party has chosen Charlotte to host this summer’s Democratic National Convention. In preparation, the Charlotte City Council passed an amendment to the city code allowing the city manager to declare so-called extraordinary events. The ordinance is clearly structured to grant police extra powers to detain, search and arrest people who are within the arbitrarily defined “extraordinary event” zone. Many activists expressed outrage at the bank’s role in the subprime mortgage industry and the foreclosure crisis it helped spawn. As part of a federal settlement over widespread mortgage fraud, Bank of America agreed to hand over $11.8 billion. Just two days before the protest, the bank announced it was contacting the first 5,000 of 200,000 mortgage customers who are eligible for a loan modification, with a potential decrease in their mortgage principal of as much as to 30 percent. Earlier this month, Rainforest Action Network members climbed 100 feet to suspend a banner on Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, where President Obama is scheduled to make his nomination acceptance speech on Sept. 6. The banner read “Bank of America” with the word “America” crossed out and replaced with “Coal.” RAN is part of a broad coalition fighting the destructive practice of mountaintop removal. RAN Executive Director Rebecca Tarbotton told me: “Bank of America is the lead financier of mountaintopremoval mining, which is a practice of mining which is really the worst of the worst mining that we see anywhere, essentially blowing the tops off of mountains in Appalachia, destroying people’s homes, polluting their water supplies. And that’s even before it gets into the coal plants, where it’s burnt and creates air pollution in inner-city areas and all around our country... [It’s] the canary in the coal mine for our reliance on fossil fuels.” The broad coalition in and out of the shareholder meeting demonstrates a key development in Occupy Wall Street’s spring revival, and also foreshadows possible confronta- VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF CASCADIA WEEKLY tions with the Obama re-election campaign this fall. President Obama clearly responds to pressure. Look at the issue of marriage equality. In 1996, while campaigning for state senator in Illinois, Obama wrote that he supported same-sex marriage. While campaigning in 2008, then-U.S. Sen. Obama stated, “I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman.” This week, he told ABC News, “It is important for me to affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.” Given the political climate, it certainly is brave for Obama to endorse marriage equality, especially just hours after the voters of North Carolina voted in favor of a state constitutional amendment that bans same-sex marriage. But he was once a community organizer, and no doubt recalls the words of Frederick Douglass: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did, and it never will.” The LGBT community was organized and vocal, and the president’s position moved. Those gathered inside and outside the Bank of America shareholder meeting this week—homeowners fighting foreclosure, environmentalists, Occupy Wall Street activists—will take note of the president’s change. They are sure to continue their struggles, right through the Democratic National Convention, making it truly an “extraordinary event.” Amy Goodman is the host of “Democracy Now!,” a daily international TV/ radio news hour. Denis Moynihan contributed research to this column. Bike to Work & School Celebration May 18 in back Patio 5pm Brewery Tour May 20 at noon May 23 Art Talk-Jeanne McGee 7:30 Take your fork in a new direction Lands of Spice Lunch Specials &EGSR7[MWW&YVKIV8SVXE%LSKEHS 'LYGOERYX'LIIWI4PEXI8LEM&IIJ7EPEH Dinner Specials +EYGLS7XIEO[MXL'LMQMGLYVM 8LEM*MWLMR&ERERE0IEJ 'EWGEHME1YWLVSSQW[MXL5YMRSE *MZI7TMGI(YGO+MRKIVIH6LYFEVF Saturday & Sunday Brunch 'YVVMIH7LVMQT&IRIHMGX'SGSRYX;EJJPI &EGSR7TMREGL7[MWW7GVEQFPI Rhododendron Cafe Ghost Pepper Sauce Walla Sweet Starts Forbidden Black Rice Tablecloth & T Shirts Bedspread & Baskets Skillets & Saute Pans Hand Dip Ice Cream Tremendous Bargains 360-592-2297 www.everybodys.com Hiway 9 – Van Zandt MON - FRI, 5 - 11 P.M. SAT, 2 - 11 P.M. MISSING SUMMER? TRY OUR STRAWBERRY WINE LIVE MUSIC TUES - SAT 8PM B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 05.16.12 DO IT 2 Chuckanut & Bow Hill Rd. 360-766-6667 www.rhodycafe.com ART 18 www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org STAGE 16 www.andrewsubin.com GET OUT 14 (360) 734-6677 (360) 966-5859 6906 Goodwin Road, Everson Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4 WORDS 12 CONSULTATION CURRENTS 8 FREE VIEWS 6 Drug, Alcohol & Driving Related Offenses JAPANESE MAPLES RHODODENDRONS DWARF CONIFERSFRUIT PLANTS FLOWERING TREES & SHRUBS NW NATIVE PLANTS MAIL 4 QUALITY PLANTS FOR NW GARDENS FOOD 34 &RPPXQLW\_(GXFDWLRQ_6XVWDLQDELOLW\ #20.07 nipulate at least two others to achieve the same mischief. Other commissioners could cross-check the details of the blind con, without breaking state sunshine laws. But beyond that, and long after the peculiar mischief of any single commissioner is long forgotten, better structure invites better government. Commissioners and petitioners also have the option of creating an expanded commission in different flavors: Easiest is a commission with two atlarge representatives, commissioners not tied geographically to one of the county’s three legislative districts. More cumbersome, the port commission could draw its own five districts, based on voting populations, and require one commissioner of each distinct district. The added complication of flavors appeared to stir apprehension in Jorgensen. The Blaine resident expressed unease representation could become heavily weighted by Bellingham. Yet there’s no malady for the cure: Ultimately, all county elections in Whatcom County involve all county voters, and Bellingham—as the county’s population center—will inevitably produce a surfeit of candidates for office. At sea, Jorgensen’s waters were further chummed by the port’s legal counsel, Frank Chmelik, who—appearing to read the governing statutes for the first time—saw these flavors as mutually excluding one another. One path chosen, he suggested, would prevent the commission from considering the other. Chmelik’s hesitant herrings nearly swamped the commissioner’s resolve. But, in fact, the law allows for the commission to readily adopt either flavor or, for petitioners—again, in the law’s symmetry—to force a preference on to a future ballot. While time permits the proposed expansion to appear on the coming August primary ballot, McAuley expressed his preference that the measure appear in November’s general election, where more voters may participate. Yet even that produces a prickly outcome: While it’s true more people may be involved in the decision to change the commission’s structure in November, fewer will vote on the commission’s actual representatives in a special election in February. Given the latter will have a much more profound effect on the commission and its decision, a November election might’ve yielded a better balance of competing imperatives. If approved by voters, the top votegetter in the special election will serve through 2015. The candidate in second place could stand for re-election to a full four-year term in the fall of 2013. CRIMINAL DEFENSE CASCADIA WEEKLY THE GRISTLE Andrew L. Subin 7 FOOD 34 currents P OL I T ICS F U ZZ BU ZZ I N DE X CASCADIA WEEKLY #20.07 05.16.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 8 THOMAS GOTCHY CURRENTS NEWS 8 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 N E WS Peak Capacity BY FLOYD MCKAY *0)$' 0+/ . The Bellingham City Council Monday night sent a letter to Whatcom County asking that BNSF plans for transporting coal through Bellingham to the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal be made a part of the application for the terminal, because of its potential impact on the city. Mayor Kelli Linville and Council President Terry Bornemann signed the letter; it passed 5-0, with Stan Snapp and Gene Knudsen absent. Whatcom County is co-lead with Washington Department of Ecology and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for environmental review of GPT. The county last month accepted applications from proponents, but allowed until May 16 for added comments. The county can accept added material under its conditions. The Council was told in a May 14 letter from BNSF government affairs director Terry Finn that BNSF has long considered a second siding in Bellingham to allow expanded growth but such plans have nothing to do with Gateway Pacific’s proposal. “The railroad is looking at several ideas, and, as yet, has not concluded that a new or longer siding is the answer. Double tracking in certain areas may serve just as well,” Finn wrote. CWB’s Jack Delay told council that BNSF should reveal its plans in order for a fair assessment of the entire project to be made. CONFLICTING REPORTS INDICATE RAIL IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED DID ANYONE see this train coming? I mean, we looked both ways and then, bang, there it was, knocking down everything in its way. What happened? For more than a decade, state rail planners worked on plans for high-speed Amtrak from Portland to Vancouver, B.C. and a freight rail plan based on statements from the BNSF railroad that it saw no big changes ahead. “From a freight perspective, BNSF believes sufficient capacity exists for the foreseeable future,” state freight rail planners said as late as 2009. Meanwhile, planners in railside communities such as Bellingham and Marysville aggressively forged ahead with “green” ideas that sometimes co-existed with the tracks. What happened about three years ago was the world woke up to China and India growing like crazy and it was all based on burning coal. Suddenly America’s coal giants had a market to replace the U.S. coal plants that were being shut down to combat global warming. The coal giants could sell their coal to Asia. But they had no West Coast ports to ship their coal. They did have an eager railroad, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) with its new deep-pocket owner, Warren Buffett. That was the marriage made in... well, choose your word based on your worldview... and that was the train we didn’t see coming. State rail reports—a freight rail plan in 2009, Amtrak long-range plans in 2006, and 2008, and even a Discovery Institute study in 2011—simply didn’t reflect the new train in town. All were based on a 1992 plan for high-speed passenger rail. So we are aggressively seeking federal funds—the only game in town right now for a high-speed rail that is problematic unless someone comes up with big money to build a separate track and divorce the system from BNSF. Certainly that is true north of Seattle, where major bottlenecks persist on the present system. The serious nature of adjusting to the new world of massive coal unit trains to feed the Chinese dragon was illustrated Monday (May 7) in a presentation to Bellingham City Council by Jack Delay, president of CommunityWise Bellingham (CWB), which bills itself as working to inform the community about impacts of a planned coal-export terminal at Cherry Point, north of Bellingham. SSA Marine of Seattle wants to export 48 million tons of Powder River coal a year and already has a contract with Peabody Coal for half that tonnage. Delay told council members that doubletracking the present BNSF rail lines through the heart of the city’s waterfront appears to be the priority of both the state’s rail planners and BNSF. Details are contained deep within appendixes of state rail plans, he said, and include massive disruptions to one of the city’s most popular parks as well as homes, businesses and future waterfront development. The cost of the project, labeled the “South Bellingham siding,” was estimated at $102.6 million back in 2006, when it appeared in state long-range plans for Amtrak. Another $2.3 million is planned to relocate a portion of the rail line that bisects a proposed new waterfront development. CWB’s consultant, Transit Safety Management (TSM), is a national firm hired to examine ways added coal traffic might impact Bellingham. Their report concluded: “BNSF has made no public announcement of how it intends to handle the additional traffic, nor what infrastructure must be constructed to support it. It appears likely from examination of the infrastructure proposed in the WSDOT Long Range Plan for Amtrak Cascades, that the infrastructure solution developed for increased coal train traffic will probably be similar.” Studies declare that the BNSF mainline is the only practical way to ship the coal, and it is clearly BNSF’s preference. The CAPACITY, CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Divorce is an ending, but not The End FOOD 34 Let us help you close one chapter of your life And build the next. Collaborative Divorce LAW OFFICE OF PAMELA E ENGLETT PLLC 119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 1225 360-738-4659 www.englettlaw.com Adella Thompson =63=6 :PUJL PU)LSSPUNOHT Diagnosis U Repair U Service U We Buy and Sell Volvos New & used parts in stock U Visa, MasterCard and Discover [OL),:; Quality Household Furnishings s&URNITURE #ONSIGNBY!PPOINTMENT s/UTDOOR 360-650-1177 s#OLLECTIBLES #ORNWALL!VENUEs"ELLINGHAM7! AMPM-ONDAYTHROUGH3ATURDAY COOKING OUTSIDE THE BOX Open Nightly Except Monday 1055 N State St SINCE 1988 B’ham 671-3414 Great selection of Ales & Lagers Full Lunch & Dinner Menu Families Welcome Open Daily @ 11AM Best Happy Hour in the County 404 S. 3rd. Mt. Vernon www.skagitbrew.com 360-336-2884 Upstairs Banquet Loft To Go Orders DO IT 2 05.16.12 PEP PER SISTERS MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS NEWS 8 8 s!RT-ORE WORDS 12 s!NTIQUES STAGE 16 rainbowautoservice.com Open Monday to Thursday, 8-6 ART 18 360.734.6117 P[JHUIL& s(OUSEHOLD MUSIC 20 FILM 24 0Z`V\Y B-BOARD 27 * Domestic Partnerships * Modifications GET OUT 14 *Paternity * Child Support #20.07 day now use its tracks between Everett and Bellingham; that’s practical capacity for the present system, according to state reports and TSM. If Cherry Point is built to capacity it adds another 18 trains to the line—more than double present capacity. Without dramatic improvement, the coal can’t be shipped. Thus the sudden pressure on those old plans to add capacity for Amtrak, because they would also add capacity for the coal trains. Building a second track through Bellingham’s waterfront and also expanding the Samish siding south of Chuckanut Drive would boost daily train capacity to 24 trains, TSM believes. But that is still far short of the 33 per day that would be needed when the Cherry Point terminal is built to capacity. It would be possible, a 2008 WSDOT Amtrak report and the 2011 Cascadia Study concluded, to add a third Amtrak train between Seattle and Vancouver without the south Bellingham or Samish sidings. “This study shows that the addition of Bellingham-Everett regional rail service, plus the operation of one additional Cascade round trip Seattle-Vancouver, will not degrade current freight performance, but instead will improve it, assuming concurrent track capacity improvements,” the studies stated. But they also stressed that BNSF, if the coal terminal is approved, would be well beyond the capacity of the rail line to ship the coal, and could reject the third Amtrak run because its lines would be full. In that event, communities like Bellingham could wind up with more freight trains and rail tracks, but no added Amtrak. There is simply no other way to move the coal other than add the second Bellingham line, and probably other sidings along the route north of Everett. If the state can justify these improvements as benefitting Amtrak, taxpayer funds could be used. Otherwise, BNSF would need to finance the expensive projects itself, perhaps with help from its export partners. And Amtrak could be out of luck. State planners—and the TSM study agrees—see the added Bellingham sidings as the only solution if Gateway Pacific Terminal is built. In effect, if the city doesn't like the second siding, its only option is to work to defeat the coalexport terminal itself. WSDOT wants both an enhanced Amtrak and an enhanced rail-freight corridor from Everett to British Columbia. Clearly a second track would allow both—at a price to communities like Bellingham— but even that may not be enough to serve a full-capacity GPT operation. Because the second track only brings capacity to about 24 trains and GPT at capacity will need 33 trains. CASCADIA WEEKLY railroad has a little-used inland line running from Burlington parallel with Highway 9 to Sumas; conceivably it could be upgraded and expanded, but it could not qualify for high-speed transit taxpayer dollars so it would need to be financed by the railroad itself. The pattern of rail capital investments has been to depend on public funding when an opportunity is presented. For decades, federal investment in freightrail infrastructure has been minimal; funds have been directed to passenger rail. On smaller branch lines or in rural areas without mass transit the railroads are generally on their own. In its 2006 Amtrak report, the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) listed $607.7 million spent to that time on upgrading the rail system, with BNSF contributing $9.4 million, or 2 percent. Many of the improvements, such as stations, would not benefit BNSF, but others dealing with tracks and safety clearly would. The pattern is similar to that in other areas. As TSM commented in its report, “BNSF can be expected to support any new business, including the proposed coal trains, with the minimum amount of effective investment.” Washington rail planners did not design this system for coal trains; the plans originated well before coal exporting from Puget Sound or Columbia River ports was envisioned. WSDOT assumed for two decades that freight-rail traffic would be intermodal stack cargo along with grain and other products of the region. Coal caught them by surprise, as it did others; fortunately for BNSF, it has a railroad that connects to deep-water ports. And fortunately for SSA Marine, it owns 1,000 acres at Cherry Point with an 80-foot deep channel from which it once planned to ship grain and potash. During the past two decades, since the Legislature approved the high-speed rail plan in 1993, the state has plugged away, using federal and state grants to expand service, particularly between Seattle and Portland, where trackage is more developed and there is greater demand. Seattle to Vancouver limped along, finally getting two round trips a day, but is still far from its goal of four trains. Serious rail bottlenecks, particularly between Burlington and Blaine, and between the U.S. border and Vancouver, require huge investments and still wind up with the trains sharing tracks with freight. State plans to overcome the bottlenecks were not secret—they are outlined in 2006 and 2009 state reports—but the details have not been widely discussed, in part because the likelihood of their ever being funded is not high. Local planners worked on the basis of future freight traffic growing but not exploding with coal exports. Railroad officials have said 15 trains a 9 STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 WORDS 12 CURRENTS NEWS 8 8 VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 05.16.12 #20.07 CASCADIA WEEKLY 10 FROM PAGE 9 County Council is advised they may no longer receive comments about the Gateway Pacific Terminal coal port during council's open public comment period. The prosecutor’s office issues an opinion that council members are prohibited from learning about the facility because they will ultimately judge whether permits should be issued to construct it. The public may submit written comments council members may review when they formally consider the application for the coal port. Ferndale. Bergman was reported missing nearly two months ago. His death is ruled a suicide by the county medical examiner. 05..12 05.x{.12 City policymakers may continue to control decisions about medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits. The City of Bellingham issues a legal opinion noting that conflicts in state and federal laws governing medical marijuana open space for local rules that govern collective pot gardens. The City of Seattle, for example, allows medical marijuana dispensaries to set up shop like other businesses. Port of Bellingham commissioners agree to place a measure on the November ballot, asking voters to consider expanding the commission to five members. If approved, new commissioners could be elected next February. Perhaps in consideration of that point, BNSF told city officials last week that three tracks might be needed through at least part of the waterfront. The third track might be only a short siding, or it could be part of a plan to add track capacity along a much longer segment. The South Bellingham siding, WSDOT documents reveal, would close several busy crossings and eliminate vehicular access to the popular Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock; the city continues to make heavy investments in the park and dock, a walkway over Bellingham Bay that will eventually connect the historic Fairhaven village to downtown. Environmental reviews may be needed; the line runs along the bay. The process will be long and laborious and cost both SSA Marine and the public a bundle; it’s likely to take a couple of years, during which the volatile coal market could shift and political decision-makers change. Our historic and fractured rail system—or the way we make decisions for it—may not emerge unscathed. Determining a rational rail system for a state like Washington appears to be done in a “silo” system, with separate agencies (not to mention private railroads) drawing up grand plans, without knowing what’s in the nextdoor silo. Some in Bellingham claim to be blindsided by plans for massive rail changes, yet the plans have been published for years. Northwest Washington is certainly a different place than when these plans were adopted two decades ago, and coal transports for Asian furnaces was never on the table. Does it make a difference and, if it does, do we even have a process to rethink this complex an issue? Bellingham City Council rejects a zoning amendment to the Fairhaven neighborhood plan. Haggen, Inc., had proposed a plan that could change residential boundaries and partially restrict street access for an expansion of their Fairhaven market. The Bellingham Planning Commission had earlier recommended against the change. This article originally appeared in Crosscut, a Seattle-based online news site, on May 8. Floyd McKay is professor emeritus of journalism at Western Washington University and a Bellingham resident. He has edited the original story for space considerations, with an update, as of Tuesday, May 15. The W FILM 24 CAPACITY, BY TIM JOHNSON LAST WEEK’S NEWS MAY08-14 ART 18 MUSIC 20 t k h e e Wa at s B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 currents ›› last week’s news 05..12 TUESDAY After numerous delays, Whatcom County Council narrowly approves a conceptual plan for a new South Fork Park near Acme. A park has been planned for the area since 1968. WEDNESDAY 05.x.12 THURSDAY A body is found in the Nooksack River near Hovander Park. The body is identified as that of Daniel Bergman, 48, of Crowds in Seattle wildly cheered President Barack Obama one day after he expressed support for same-sex marriage. Appearing at fundraiser at Seattle's historic Paramount Theater on Thursday, Obama said his vision for a better America applies to everyone. Washington state has passed a law approving same-sex marriage, but opponents are gathering signatures for a ballot initiative to overturn the law. MONDAY FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 HULK SMASH!, CTD. On March 24, Bellingham Police attempted to pull over a van observed driving without lights in Roosevelt neighborhood. The driver jumped out of the van and ran, leading police on a short pursuit. A K9 unit eventually located the man’s hiding spot. He was arrested for multiple traffic offenses and vehicle theft. On March 31, callers reported a man and woman arguing inside a white minivan. The woman got out and walked away in the rain. The man followed her in the van. Bellingham Police located the couple on the Southside and learned that they were having relationship issues. The woman had decided to walk home to her instead of continuing to argue with her boyfriend. On April 8, a man was reported offering rides in his vehicle for fare. Bellingham Police reported he did not have a taxi license. On May 11, a caller told Bellingham Police a man was acting aggressively in the parking lot at Barkley Village. She said he challenged customers and swore at them. On May 11, a drunk was spotted groping his way toward his car in Barkeley Village, possibly preparing to drive. Bellingham Police advised him not to drive until he had sobered up. On May 13, a drunk was yelling and vomiting outside the Birnam Wood apartments on WWU campus. DELAYED REACTION On May 10, a citizen wanted Bellingham Police to know about an incident that happened about seven or eight years ago. WHISTLER AND HIS MOM On May 13, a man called Bellingham Police to report the elderly woman next door was using her rocking chair, which was keeping him awake. On May 10, Bellingham Police logged a dispute over a futon. |{ PERCENT of Americans expressing support for—or tolerance of—gay relationships, up dramatically from 38 percent in 2002. }z PERCENT of Americans who believe same-sex marriage should be legal, up from 32 percent who expressed support in 1986. Strong support now equals strong opposition to same-sex partnerships, polls show. || WASHINGTON voters express stronger support for same-sex marriage than most other states. More than half (55%) believe the new law permitting such unions should remain in place, according to a January poll. Only 38 percent oppose the new law. |~ PERCENT of self-declared liberals in Washington who indicate support for samesex marriage. PERCENT of self-declared moderates in Washington who indicate support for samesex marriage. }z {z SUPPORT is stronger in the Puget Sound region, with 63 percent expressing support for same-sex marriage. SUPPORT is lower in more conservative areas of the state, with only 43 percent expressing support for same-sex marriage in Eastern Washington. SOURCES: Seattle Police Dept.; Survey USA/KING-TV poll WORDS 12 no difference to a voter. Twice as many say it will make them less likely to vote for Obama as say more likely, although roughly half of the "less likely" group are Republicans who likely would not support Obama under any conditions. CURRENTS NEWS 8 8 On May 13, Bellingham Police learned that two large flower pots had been damaged near Laurel Park. CHANCE in 10 President Barack Obama’s newly announced support of gay marriage will make VIEWS 6 On May 13, police responded to a report of a man yelling and carrying on near the Bellingham Food Bank. GET OUT 14 } On May 13, Bellingham Police reported a man was yelling and stomping on the ground in the area of 300 Prospect Street. MAIL 4 On May 10, a motorist left his keys in the ignition of his van while he went into Quiznos on Samish Way to pick up lunch for his wife. The van was stolen and driven away, traveling south. Bellingham Police issued an advisory broadcast on the theft to state and county units. The van was reported traveling south on Interstate 5 in a manner that led police to believe the driver was intoxicated. State troopers stopped the van after a short pursuit near College Way in Mount Vernon. The thief was taken into custody. Bellingham Police let the owner know he could pick up his van. DO IT 2 VAN SHENANIGANS STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 On May 12, a fight broke out near Western Washington University campus. Reportedly, one of the combatants came after another with an axe. “The victim was able to disarm the suspect and incurred minor injuries consisting of bruises during the incident,” Bellingham Police reported. They arrested the 27-year-old alleged attacker. 05.16.12 On May 10, a Spokane man with ties to white supremicists was sentenced to 13 years in prison on federal weapons charges. According to court testimony, the 54-year-old had told associates he was saving for a "final solution" that would include a bombing bigger than the 1995 Oklahoma City blast. During his sentencing, the man disputed the testimony of federal agents, and said he had no plans to blow up a federal building or kill President Barack Obama. Calling Obama "the best thing since Skippy peanut butter," he told the court, "He's done more damage than 1,000 terrorists." On May 9, a guest at a Samish Way motel confronted a man he suspected had slashed three of his tires the previous day. The 50-year-old assaulted the guest. Bellingham Police were called in, but by that point the 50-year-old had barricaded himself inside his motel room. The standoff ended when a SWAT team lobbed “less-lethal impact munitions”—pepper ball shot from a bean bag gun—into the room to subdue the man. He was arrested on charges of assault and obstruction. #20.07 LIBERTY IS A THIRSTY OL’ TREE index CASCADIA WEEKLY FUZZ BUZZ PEOPLE WITH ISSUES 11 doit FOOD 34 words L E CT U R E S BOOK S B-BOARD 27 COM M U N I T Y WED., MAY 16 GUILT BY DEGREES: Former California prosecutor and current Entertainment Tonight correspondent Marcia Clark reads from her new Rachel Knight mystery, Guilt by Degrees, at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. WWW.VILLAGEBOOKS.COM WORDS WORDS12 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 THURS., MAY 17 CURRENTS 8 VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 05.16.12 #20.07 CASCADIA WEEKLY 12 WOR DS REVIEWED BY RANDY MYERS Bully A CALL TO ACTION ALL OF us have known an Alex Libby. He’s a geeky kid with a weird, stiff walk and goofy-looking glasses. We might have spotted him as bigger boys poke him with pencils, or witnessed him being tormented at the bus stop. Yet we probably did nothing. The relentless bullying of the 12-year-old boy in Sioux City, Iowa, is the heart-wrenching center of Bully, an intensely moving documentary that chronicles the 2009-10 school year in the lives of three harassed youths, and the tireless anti-bullying efforts of two families whose sons committed suicide. It’s a disturbing, beautifully realized piece of advocacy filmmaking—an urgent call to action for students, educators and communities to deal with the challenges facing the reportedly more than 13 million American kids who are bullied every year. Unfortunately, most of what we know about Bully comes from the distraction about the MPAA rating. To recap, the Motion Picture Association of America dug in its antiquated heels over an F-bomb quota, originally slapping Bully with an R. The studio trimmed out three so it could earn a PG-13. By doing so, they’ve made it much easier for young people to see it. It’s ironic the controversy revolves around words since they—as the movie so stirringly illustrates—can draw blood. Doubt it? I invite you to look into the redrimmed eyes of David and Tina Long of Murray County, Ga., for proof. They’re the parents of Tyler, a 17-year-old who came home one day and hanged himself in a closet. The Longs turned their grief into action, preserving Tyler’s legacy by rattling indifferent educators and the community into acknowledging that steps need to be taken to prevent it from happening again. We also see Kirk and Laura Smalley of Oklahoma become the unlikeliest of national advocates for change after their 11-year-old son takes his life. Kirk, who describes himself as “a nobody,” and his wife launched the anti-bullying group Stand for the Silent, organized via social media and recognized by President Obama. In addition to Alex, who also has Asperger’s syndrome, we learn about 16-year-old Kelby—a lesbian—from Tuttle, Okla., and 14-year-old Ja’Meya— an African-American honors student from Yazoo County, Miss., who was so desperate to protect herself she brought a gun on a bus. Ja’Meya was incarcerated in juvenile hall and hospiSEE IT WHAT: Bully talized, and later released. WHEN: Shows May Her story is perhaps the 18-24 most haunting because the WHERE: Pickford outcome could have been Film Center, 1318 tragic. It’s also the one that Bay St. INFO: www.pickford feels the most incomplete cinema.org since we don’t hear enough from her. But it is Alex’s narrative that hits the hardest. Here’s a sweet kid shunned by virtually everyone. By showing us life through his eyes, the filmmakers give us a palpable sense of how petrifying it is for him to go to school each day. We watch in horror as the harassment on a bus intensifies to the point that Hirsch—fearing for Alex’s safety—shows the footage of the abuse to educators and his family. Alex’s parents are stunned by what they see. When they meet with an assistant principal about stopping it, there’s a sense she’s placating them with old-school thinking and not addressing their concerns. (A school investigation does follow and Alex is placed on another bus.) As adults try to figure this all out, our hearts go out to Alex. Throughout his ordeal, you want to reach out and hug the kid, protect him and tell him that things will get better. Bully wants to provide the building blocks to help Alex get there. Now the onus is on all of us to play our part in making it happen. URBAN FARM REVIVAL: Learn more about brothers David and Michael Hanson and urban farmer Edwin Marty’s new book Breaking Through Concrete: Building an Urban Farm Revival at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. The book documents 12 successful urban farm programs. WWW.VILLAGEBOOKS.COM MAY 17-20 SK AGIT POE TRY FEST IVAL: Nikki Giovanni, Simon Ortiz, Tony Hoagland, Lorna Crozier, Tim McNulty, and Simon Ortiz will be among the many poets taking part in this year’s Skagit River Poetry Festival happening Thurs.-Sun. throughout La Conner. Interviews, literary conversations, musical performances, workshops and much more will be part of the wordy fun. Ticket prices vary. WWW.SKAGITRIVERPOETRY.ORG FRI., MAY 18 LIFE OF REIKI: Hawaii Reiki master Shalandra Abbey signs copies of her book Living a Life of Reiki: From Complete Healthcare to Ultimate Freedom in Day-to-Day Life from 5-8pm at Barnes & Noble, 4099 Meridian St. 319-5744 FAMILY STORY NIGHT: Members of the Bellingham Storyteller’s Guild will tell tales at Family Story Night at 7pm at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. Entry is free. 778-7188 MONK MESSAGES: Katherine Jenkins shares stories and passages from her autobiographical book, Lessons from the Monk I Married, at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. WWW.VILLAGEBOOKS.COM SAT., MAY 19 UNBREAK ABLE SPIRIT: Local bestselling author Dawn-Marie Hanrahan discusses the book Unbreakable Spirit: Rising Above the Impossible at 2pm at the Ferndale Library, 2007 Cherry St. 384-3647 SUN., MAY 20 MINDFUL WRIT ING: Writers Brenda Miller and Holly Hughes will discuss ideas from the book The Pen & the Bell: Mindful Writing in a Busy World at 4pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. 671-2626 MON., MAY 21 POE TRYNIGHT: Read your original verse at poetrynight at 8:30pm at the Amadeus Project, 1209 Cornwall Ave. Sign-ups start at 8pm. WWW.POETRYNIGHT.ORG TUES., MAY 22 POETRY CHALLENGE: Writers who took part in the annual Kumquat Poetry Challenge will read from their works at 12pm at Whatcom Community College’s Syre Theater. The poems submitted all include the following 10 words: FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 doit 778-7250 THURS., MAY 24 WRITERS LEAGUE: Acclaimed author Bill Dietrich will focus on “Using Facts in Your Fiction” at a Skagit Valley Writers League meeting from 6:30-8:30pm at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St. The workshop is free, but participants need to sign up in advance. (360) 391-2042 OR WWW.SKAGITWRITERS.ORG CHUCKANUT RADIO HOUR: Outdoor writer Mike McQuaide will be the featured author at tonight’s Chuckanut Radio Hour starting at 7pm at the Leopold Crystal Ballroom, 1224 Cornwall Ave. Columnist Alan Rhodes, serial radio comedy live music and more will be part of the fun. Entry is $5. WWW.VILLAGEBOOKS.COM COM M U N I T Y FRI., MAY 18 ROAD LESS GRAVELED: Local tradeswomen will demonstrate and teach skills and provide information about their nontraditional careers, training resources and employment opportunities at “The Road Less Graveled” from 8:30am12:30pm at the Bellingham Technical College. Register in advance. 752-8483 OR WWW.BTC.CTC.EDU BARN BINGO: Help build the South Whatcom Public Library at a “Bingo in the Barn” fundraiser from 6:15-9pm at the Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Gate 2. The event is all-ages. 306-1800 LADIES NIGHT OUT: Local retailers and restaurants will host exclusives sales, promotions and food and drink specials at Ladies Night Out starting at 5pm in downtown Bellingham. The ART 18 STAGE 16 SAT., MAY 19 WOMEN VOTERS: “Why Are We Voting for Judges Anyway? A Reality Check of Today’s Judicial Campaigns” will be the focus of a talk with political and media consultant Cathy Allen at today’s League of Women Voters annual meeting at 12pm at the YWCA Ballroom, 1026 Forest St. Lunch will be available for $15. INFO Visit DowntownBellingham.com for a complete list of participants or pick up a map at participating businesses on Friday May 18th. WWW.LWVBELLINGHAMWHATCOM.ORG OLDER AMERICANS CELEBRAT ION: Participants of all ages can celebrate Older Americans Month from 12:30-4pm at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck St. A panel discussion, dancing, singing, billiards and more will be part of the free fun. 733-4030 OR WWW.WCCOA.ORG WONDERS OF WHATCOM: “The Search for T.G. Nicklin” will be the focus of today’s Wonders of Whatcom presentation at 2:30pm at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. Entry is free. 778-7323 ARMED FORCES DAY: Retired Lieutenant Colonel Tom Schornak, a career Air Force pilot, will talk about his experiences at an Armed Forces Day presentation at 3pm at the Everson McBeath Community Library, 104 Kirsch Dr. 966-5100 FUNDRAISING AUC T ION: Whatcom County’s Habitat for Humanity will host a Fundraising Auction starting at 5:30pm at the Hotel Bellwether Ballroom. Tickets are $75 and include the auction, dinner and entertainment. WWW.HFHWHATCOM.ORG MON., MAY 21 ROCK S & GEMS: The public is invited to the monthly meeting of the Mt. Baker Rock & Gem Club at 7pm at the Bloedel Donovan Community Building, 2214 Electric Ave. There will also be a silent auction, door prizes and refreshments. WWW.MTBAKERROCKCLUB.ORG FREE Primp, Shop and Sip: 5-8pm at participating businesses in Downtown Bellingham $15 Party for a Cause: 8pm at The Underground. A benefit for Womencare Shelter including a fashion show, live music, raffle, and goodie bags (21+) Updates: Check our Facebook event page for updates GET OUT 14 Presale starting Friday May 4th at: Greenhouse Downtown Bellingham Partnership Womencare Shelter The Underground (8pm Friday May 18) WWW.WWU.EDU/BACK2BELLINGHAM/ WORDS GET OUT1214 BOOK SALE: The Ski to Sea Book Sale takes place from 10am-6pm Wed.-Sat. at the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave. Books, CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase. CURRENTS 8 MAY 23-26 TICKETS VIEWS 6 671-2626 BACK 2 BELLINGHAM: A carnival, concerts, live theater and improv, a lowrider show, educational and reunion activities, a golf tournament and much, much more will be part of the Back2Bellingham Alumni & Family Reunion Weekend from Friday through Sunday at a variety of venues both on the WWU campus and off. Prices vary. MAIL 4 GLASS BEACH: Acclaimed novelist Heather Barbieri reads from her new work of women’s fiction, The Cottage at Glass Beach, at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. MAY 18-20 DO IT 2 WED., MAY 23 WWW.DOWNTOWNBELLINGHAM.COM 05.16.12 WWW.VILLAGEBOOKS.COM #20.07 383-3300 MEMORY INTO MEMOIR: The writers of Laura Kalpakian’s 2012 memoir class will read from their words at 6pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. evening will continue at 8pm at the Underground with live entertainment, a fashion show, raffles and more. Tickets to the Underground event are $12 in advance and $15 at the door; funds raised benefit the Womencare Shelter. CASCADIA WEEKLY charm, keep, wind, step, element, fold, remote, curtain, never and foster. Entry is free. MUSIC 20 Hula dancing and a luau will be one of the more than 100 activities happening during WWU’s Back2Bellingham Alumni & Family Reunion Weekend May 18-20. Activities happen both on campus and off. 13 FOOD 34 Getout B-BOARD 27 H I K I NG RU N N I NG SK I I NG MAY 16-19 TRAWLER FEST: A five-day celebration of the cruising-under-power lifestyle known as Trawler Fest takes place through Saturday at the Cap Sante Boat Haven in Anacortes. A boat show, educational seminars and much will be part of the fun. WWW.PASSAGEMAKER.COM GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 THURS., MAY 17 WORDS GET OUT1214 CURRENTS 8 VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 05.16.12 #20.07 CASCADIA WEEKLY 14 C YCL I NG doit BY AMY KEPFERLE Ride On BIKING IN BELLINGHAM (AND BEYOND) BELLINGHAM IS home to an astounding array of bike riders. Some of them are clad head-to-toe in Spandex and enough assorted gear to bankrupt a small nation. Others dress for success and cinch up their work slacks so as not to get them caught in the spokes of their handy conveyances. Then there are those who ride as if they’re perpetually on the way to the beach—shorts, flip-flops and as little clothing as possible (if the sun is out, it doesn’t seem to matter that it’s only 55 degrees). However they’re dressed, one thing is certain: Around here, people like to get on their bikes and go. Whether it’s a short jaunt to the Farmers Market or a roller-coaster ride down Galbraith, if it’s a sunny spring or summer day, you should expect to share the roads and trails with those ambulating on two wheels. It doesn’t matter if you’re an everyday biker, a sometimes-rider or someone who’s been thinking about dusting off the vintage cruiser in the garage and joining the cycling hordes—there are plenty of events right around the corner that can make it easier to be a part of the biking community. As part of National Bike Month, Whatcom County will be more than ready for Bike to Work & School Day, which kicks off from 6:30-9:30am Fri., May 18 at approximately 30 “celebration stations” in the area. While the bulk of them are located in Bellingham—everywhere from Sehome Village to Marine Drive to Whatcom Community College—there’ll also be welcoming committees at the Lummi Fitness Center, Lynden Public Library, Blaine Schools, the C Shop in Birch Bay, Ferndale’s Main St., and at the Nooksack Valley Middle School. Even if you don’t have time to stick around at one of the stations for complimentary treats and beverages, pause for at least a minute or two in order to be counted. The numbers will come in handy next year, when organizers can demonstrate to nonbelievers (and city planners) just how many people in our community are biking or walking for transportation. Additional activities will happen throughout the day, ATTEND WHAT: Bike to Work & including a tricycle race at School Day noon at Bellingham City Hall WHEN: 6:30-9:30am and, beginning at 5pm, an Fri., May 18 after party at the Chuckanut WHERE: Thirty Brewery & Kitchen. celebration stations throughout Whatcom Once you’ve biked to work County and proven you can do it, the COST: Free choices for social riding just INFO: www.biketo keep coming. For example, even workandschoolday.org though the seasons haven’t ----------------------WHAT: Summer Rides technically changed over just WHEN: Weekly yet, Everybody Bike’s Summer through Aug. 26 Rides series has already kicked WHERE: Throughout off, and doesn’t show signs of Whatcom County slowing down until the end of COST: Free; no registration required August. INFO: www.every For those who didn’t catch bodybike.com wind of the series last year, the free, guided rides focus on different places and themes each week. Whether it’s the Petite Parks Tour featuring small parks and led by a Whatcom Museum historian (May 20), a Diva Ride (June 8), a Ferndale River Ride (June 17), a Birch Bay Beach Pedal (July 22), or a Lynden-based Dutch Treat Bike Ride (Aug. 5), each excursion brings with it a brand new experience. “The real story behind these themed bike rides is that it gives an opportunity for cyclists of any skill level to participate in learning how to safely navigate our city streets with a group of other cyclists in a non-competitive guided ride,” says outreach coordinator Linda Blake. “All the rides include routes that encourage riders to explore local businesses, connecting city trails, parks and historic elements of Bellingham.” The rides are all free and don’t require registration, so simply pick a themed outing of your choice and show up on time. As to how you dress, well, the possibilities are endless. BIRDING 101: Learn how to identify birds, birding etiquette and much more at a “Birding 101” Brown Bag presentation with expert Ken Salzman at 12:30pm at the Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St. Suggested donation is $3. WWW.WHATCOMMUSEUM.ORG TEDDY BEAR RUN: Join staff from Fairhaven Runners for a “Run for the Teddy Bear (Cove)” at 6pm starting at the Interurban Trail’s Rotary Trailhead parking lot off Old Fairhaven Pkwy. Entry is free. WWW.FAIRHAVENRUNNERS.COM FRI., MAY 18 SPRING FARM TOUR: Join Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland for a behind-the-scenes look at Skagit agriculture at a Spring Farm Tour starting at 8:30am at Mount Vernon’s Northwest Washington Research and Extension Center, 16650 State Hwy. Tickets are $15-$25 and include a continental breakfast and lunch. WWW.SKAGITONIANS.ORG NATURE BABIES: Children, adults and adventurers can join Wild Whatcom Walks for “Nature Babies” excursions from 9:30-11am every Friday in May at Cornwall Park. Entry is by donation. WWW.WILDWHATCOM.ORG SAT., MAY 19 CASCADE CUTS SALE: Help raise funds for Sustainable Connections’ Food & Farming Program at the annual one-day-only Cascade Cuts Plant Sale happening from 9am-4pm at the nursery at 632 Montgomery Rd. In addition to bargains on everything from hanging plants to ornamentals and veggie starts, there’ll be live music and lots to look at. WWW.SUSTAINABLECONNECTIONS.ORG SK I TO SEA JR.: Come cheer on young participants at the Jr. Ski to Sea races happening from 9am-4pm at Lake Padden. Registration has closed for the event. WWW.JRSKITOSEA.COM HABITAT AND FLORA FAIR: A native plant sale, guided plant walks and tours in Fairhaven, activities for kids, information booths and much more will be part of the annual Backyard Habitat & Native Flora Fair from 10am-4pm at the Fairhaven Village Green and beyond. Entry is free. 778-7105 OR WWW.WNPS.ORG BAY VIEW RUN: The 30th annual Bay View Women’s Walk/Run begins at 10am at the Bay View State Park. Attendees can choose from a 2-mile walk or run or a 10K race. Entry frees are $20-$45; proceeds benefit Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services. WWW.SKAGITDVSAS.ORG ADAPT IVE C YCLES EXPO: Conveyances for both kids and adults can be tested at an Adaptive Cycles Expo from 11am-2pm at the track at Bellingham’s Civic Field, 1225 Civic Field Way. Entry is free and all are welcome. 778-7025 Join your friends, neighbors and coworkers–plus thousands of Whatcom County residents FOOD 34 ZOMBIES VS. HUMANS: If you’re interested in taking part in the “Save Our City: Zombies vs. Humans” water balloon battle today, meet at 1pm at Maritime Heritage Park. The full rules for the event, as well as details for play and inspiration for costumes, are (or will be) available at the website listed below. WE SUPPORT THE ARTS B-BOARD 27 doit WWW.BLACKDROPCOFFEEHOUSE.COM SUN., MAY 20 FILM 24 HAULIN’ A XE: Benefit the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County at the Haulin’ Axe Fun Run/Walk starting at 9:30am at Bellingham’s Barkley Haggen, 2900 Woburn St. Cost is $35. WWW.WCFD4.ORG MUSIC 20 CLUB EXCURSIONS: Join the Mt. Baker Club for excursions to Lake Whatcom’s North Shore Trail and Bald Mt. today. Carpoolers will meet at Sunnyland Elementary. OIL IN EDEN: Eco-sailing adventure leader Dave Lutz leads an “Oil in Eden: The Great Bear Rainforest” presentation from 6:308:30pm at the Cordata Community Food Co-op, 315 Westerly Rd. Entry is free, but registration is requested. 734-8158 BACKPACK ING BASICS: Learn how to choose and load a pack, select proper clothing and gear and find out where to go at a “Backpacking Basics” course from 7-8:30pm at REI, 400 36th St. Entry is free; register in advance. 647-8955 OR WWW.REI.COM THURS., MAY 24 STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 WORDS GET OUT1214 Exploring non-traditional careers for women The ROAD Less Graveled FRIDAY, MAY 18 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM BTC CAMPUS Women are welders, builders, engineers, and electronics technicians. Talk to women who are thriving in these high-wage careers–and give them a try yourself, with hands-on experiences you won’t forget. Register Today. It’s Free! tthayer@btc.ctc.edu 360-752-8483 www.btc.ctc.edu/roadlessgraveled The Road Less Graveled is made possible by grants through the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act of 1990 and the SBCTC Non-traditional Employment and Training Grant. VOLCANO PRESENTAT ION: Geologist Dave Tucker talks about the volcanic history of Mt. Baker at a free presentation at 7:30pm at Backcountry Essentials, 214 W. Holly St. WWW.BACKCOUNTRYESSENTIALS.NET CURRENTS 8 671-6910 OR WWW.MTBAKERBIKECLUB.ORG VIEWS 6 SOCIAL RIDE: Join the Mt. Baker Bike Club for a Social Ride every Tuesday starting at 10am at Ferndale’s Pioneer Park. The 30- to 40-mile ride is chosen based on where the riders want to regroup for lunch. MAIL 4 TUES., MAY 22 DO IT 2 647-8955 For Celebration Station locations, and to check out all the day's festivities, visit BiketoWorkandSchoolDay.org, or call 360-671-BIKE. 05.16.12 TRIATHLON BASICS: Brent Detta leads a “Triathlon Basics” clinic at 7pm at REI, 400 36th St. You’ll learn how to get started, how to train and what to expect on race day. Register in advance for the free course. Stop by a Celebration Station for Free goodies & prizes #20.07 MON., MAY 21 CASCADIA WEEKLY 676-6736 Pick up a copy each Wednesday for our Art & Event Listings ART 18 WWW.MOUNTBAKERCLUB.ORG GARDENING WORK SHOP: As part of the WSU Whatcom County Master Gardener season of programs, show up for a “Poisonous Weeds” presentation at 2pm at Ferndale’s Hovander Homestead Park. Entry is free and registration is not required. 15 3028 Lindbergh Avenue Bellingham, WA 98225 www.btc.ctc.edu doit FOOD 34 staGe B-BOARD 27 T H E AT ER DA NC E FILM 24 MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 WORDS 12 CURRENTS 8 VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 05.16.12 #20.07 CASCADIA WEEKLY MAY 16-20 RENT: The song-and-dance spectacular known as Rent can be seen at 7:30pm Wed.-Sat. and 2pm Sun. at Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center mainstage. Tickets are $8-$12. 650-6146 THURS., MAY 17 BY AMY KEPFERLE 16 PROF I L ES STAGE Cops and Robbers WHEN CRIME IS A LAUGHING MATTER ONCE, DURING a dark time in my life, I lived with my sister in Tacoma in a super-sketchy apartment complex for a couple of months. While my sibling worked late hours at her nursing residency, I often spent my down time watching cable and wondering what the hell I was doing with my life. One night, my channel surfing led me to an episode of COPS. As the folks in blue cuffed the perpetrator—on SEE IT this night a drunk dude who was in trouble for slapping SEE IT WHAT: his baby mama and walking around outside without his Cops 911 pants on—I thought the surroundings looked familiar. WHEN: 10pm May 18-19 and 25-26 I was right: When my sister walked in the door, she WHERE: Upfront noted, “Oh, this is the episode that took place a few Theatre, 1208 doors down from me.” Bay St. Suffice it to say I got my behind out of Tacoma soon COST: $8-$10 after that. And now, years later, I can see the inherent INFO: 733-8855 or www.theupfront. humor in the situation. com While it’s true that in many cases law enforcement is no laughing matter, the brilliant minds behind the mockumentary Comedy Central show Reno 911 proved that, once in a while, poking fun at those who do stupid things and get arrested for it can make for good entertainment. Of course, anyone who watched the nowdefunct series knows the biggest laughs came from the parody of the cops, a perverse bunch of men and women who slept on the job, slept with others on the job, cursed, drank and generally proved themselves to be unfit for duty. Which brings us to “COPS 911,” a show playing every Friday and Saturday through May at the Upfront Theatre. Like its predecessors, it brings the voyeurism that is reality television entertainment to the stage, while keeping the shenanigans of the inept badge-carriers intact. On a recent Friday night, after listening to a reminder that the show was not for young kids and there was a strong chance of “blue” language, the host for the evening—a guy in shady sunglasses and a sheriff’s badge— asked the audience for a list of misdemeanors. Among the gems were spitting, public intoxication, urination, peeping, public nudity, vandalism, possession of illegal substances and shoplifting. Someone yelled out “tax fraud!” but was quickly informed that particular crime didn’t make the cut. Once the show got underway, it was soon clear the cops outnumbered the criminals, and those portraying the bad guys would have to pull double duty. Keeping track of who was who was part of the fun, and I spent the next hour and a half watching the cops—one who complained incessantly that his uniform was too tight, another who dubbed his patrol car the “Phoenix” and bragged about his sexual exploits—respond to streakers at the Co-op, bomb threats, a spray-paint-wielding hooligan and, among other things, a hilarious scuffle between elderly inmates at a retirement center. “He took my Jello!” one old man yelled as the guys with the badges tried to separate the dueling dodderers. “Well, he took my wife!” the other recounted. Since the shows are improvised, each showing of “COPS 911” promises to be completely different from what came before it—so rest assured you’ll get a fresh batch of crimes and officer quirks each time around. And, although it’s poking fun at the funny side of breaking the law, the show also gives props to those who work in the enforcement aspect of it. By flashing a real, or fake, badge at the door, you’ll get it for a measly $5. That’s so cheap, it’s almost a crime. GOOD, BAD, UGLY: Watch “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” at 8pm every Thursday at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. At 10pm, stick around for “The Project.” Entry is $4-$7. 733-8855 OR WWW.THEUPFRONT.COM MAY 17-19 ONE-AC T PLAYS: A variety of studentwritten, acted and directed one-act plays and monologues can be seen at 7:30pm Thurs.-Sat. at Whatcom Community College’s Syre Theater, 237 W. Kellogg Rd. Tickets are $5. WWW.WHATCOM.CTC.EDU BRISEIS: A new play by Glenn Hergenhahn , Briseis, opens this week with 8pm showings Thurs.-Sat. at the iDiOM Theater, 1418 Cornwall Ave. The comic tragedy focuses on one of the lesser-known characters of the Trojan War. Tickets are $5 opening night, $10 otherwise. Additional showings happen through June 2. 220-5446 OR WWW.IDIOMTHEATER.COM MAY 17-20 HAPPY DAYS: Happy Days, A New Musical shows for the final weekend at 7:30pm Thurs.-Fri. and 2pm Sat.-Sun. at Lynden’s Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 655 Front St. Tickets are $8-$12. WWW.CLAIREVGTHEATRE.COM MAY 18-19 MURDER MYSTERY: Frankly Scarlet, You’re Dead!, a murder mystery parody, shows at 7:30pm Fri.-Sat. at Mount Vernon’s RiverBelle Theatre, 100 E. Montgomery. Tickets are $30. WWW.RIVERBELLEDINNERTHEATRE.COM MIXED BAG: Through May, view showings of Doubles at 8pm at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. At 10pm, stick around for “Cops 911.” Tickets are $8-$10. 733-8855 OR WWW.THEUPFRONT.COM MAY 18-20 FOR RIGHT NOW: The Bellingham Children’s Theatre presents Just Right for Right Now at 7pm Fri.-Sat. and 2pm Sun. at its home base at 1412 Cornwall Ave. The play delves into stereotypes that elders have about kids, and vice versa. Tickets are $6-$12. 734-9999 OR WWW. BELLINGHAMCHILDRENSTHEATRE.COM THE WIZ: Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth students present showings of the musical The Wiz at 7pm Fri., 2pm and 7pm Sat., and 2pm Sun. at the group’s digs at 1059 N. State St. Tickets are $10. WWW.BAAY.ORG CINDERELLA: Wicked stepmothers and glass slippers will make appearances when the Northwest Washington Theatre Guild presents the timeless fairytale, Cinderella, at 7:30pm Fri.-Sat., and 2pm Sun. at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $15-$24. 734-6080 doit FOOD 34 T WELVE ANGRY MEN: A.L.T.A. Theatre presents the jury room drama, Twelve Angry Men, at 7pm Fri.-Sat., and 2:30pm Sun. at Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane. Tickets are $12-$14. SAT., MAY 19 You Here FILM 24 FIREHOUSE FUNDRAISER: Performances by the likes of Stone Town Theatre Works, Mike Mathieu, Dance Gallery, Bellingham Repertory Dance, Kuntz and Company, and others will be part of a fundraiser for the Firehouse Performing Arts Center at 6pm at the eponymous space at 1314 Harris Ave. Tickets are $65 per person or $100 per couple and include food and drink. B-BOARD 27 WWW.ALTATHEATRE.COM WHATEVER’S CLEVER: Expect everything from comedy to burlesque to music at the monthly “Whatever’s Clever” Variety Show starting at 8pm at the Shakedown, 1212 N. State St. Entry is $7. 1317 1131 3177 Commercial Commerc Comm ercial ial S St St. Bellingham, Bellin Bel lin ngha g m, W WA A 98 98225 225 360.734.1071 360 .73 734.1 734 4 1071 Info@brandywinekitchen.com WWW.SHAKEDOWNBELLINGHAM.COM STAGE 16 MAY 20-22 Free Meditation Instruction at 6:30pm. Meditation from 7-7:45. Class from 8-8:45. WORDS 12 CURRENTS 8 We offer other classes and events. Please see our website for up-to-date listings. b ng wi dra th eV en era ble p Chog yan Trungpa Rin VIEWS 6 756-0756 MAIL 4 DA NCE MAY 17-18 BODY LANGUAGE: The Provocateurs present “Body Language,” a cabaret/burlesque variety show exploring the dynamics of relationships through movement, at 8pm Thurs.-Fri. at the SPARK Museum, 1312 Bay St. Music from Bar Tabac will be part of the show. Tickets are $12. WWW.SPARKMUSEUM.ORG SAT., MAY 19 MAMBO MANIA: USA Dance Bellingham presents “Mambo Mania Under a Rumba Moon” from 7-10pm at the Blue Moon Ballroom, 1213 Cornwall Ave. Beginners and singles are welcome. Entry is $7-$10. WWW.BELLINGHAMUSADANCE.COM Choose from $20 | three menus Grab it & go-go! Each road-ready box includes: Hand-cut and wrapped cheese, a coordinating cheese condiment, a spreader, a Breadfarm demi-baguette, fresh fruit, napkins, and a sweet taste of chocolate. our three selections: The Chuckanut The San Juan The Mt. Baker SPRING SHOW: Day-to-Day Dance Productions and Whatcom Fitness’ children’s dance program present a spring benefit show, “Life in the Garden,” at 7pm at the Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H St. Tickets are $2-$8. 17 332-6613 SEND YOUR EVENT LISTINGS TO CALENDAR@CASCADIAWEEKLY.COM DO IT 2 y och e LAUGH HOUR: Improv Playworks presents a free “Lunch Hour, Laugh Hour!” class at 11am at its home base at 302 W. Illinois St. Call the number below to register. ink Rigon g-kha (pen and WED., MAY 23 Th ep e rilo us rou te t o 676-6575 05.16.12 MAY 22-25 #20.07 201-5922 OR DRUMMOND_DW@HOTMAIL.COM GET OUT 14 Monday Nights Open House Meditation and Talk CASCADIA WEEKLY MIDSUMMER AUDIT IONS: Stone Town Theatre Works will hold auditions for upcoming performances of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 7pm Sunday and again Tuesday at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave. FESTIVAL OF PLAYS: Advanced drama students will present their Spring Festival of Plays at performances at 7pm Tues.-Fri. at Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Ave. Different plays will show each night. Tickets are $5 at the door. ART 18 SUN., MAY 20 MUSIC 20 WWW.BHAMREP.ORG/SUPPORT ( "&%#! %#** *( ')+($) doit FOOD 34 visual B-BOARD 27 GALLERIES OPENINGS WED., MAY 16 GRIFFITH TALK: Seattle-based artist and curator Cable Griffith will present his work at a free public lecture at 4pm at WWU’s Community Facility Building, room 105. 650-3747 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 THURS., MAY 17 WORDS 12 CURRENTS 8 VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 05.16.12 #20.07 CASCADIA WEEKLY 18 PROFILES U P COM I NG E V EN TS BY AMY KEPFERLE Embodiment MOLLY LANDRETH’S QUEER VISIONS “EVERY TIME I look at this photograph, I stand up a little taller and feel a little braver.” The above words were written by Adrien, one of the many participants in photographer Molly Landreth’s far-reaching exhibit, “Embodiment: A Portrait of Queer Life in America.” Although viewers don’t learn Adrien’s last name, Landreth includes the town he’s from—Washburn, Wis.—and the fact that the photo was taken in 2009. We also intuit that he used to be a woman, but now identifies as male. “It’s been an intense journey since then and looking back at the boy I was in that photograph, I know he has the strength to get through it,” reads Adrien’s statement that goes along with the portrait. Landreth says she started collecting images for “Embodiment” in 2005 as her thesis project for a graduate program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. “I did it out of a real need to see images of the queer community I could connect with,” Landreth says. “I started out taking pictures of friends in Brooklyn, New York, and Seattle, but once I graduated, I started thinking about it in a much broader way.” Calling the exhibit a work in progress, Landreth says when she first started branching out, the project was pretty much funded out of her own pocketbook. If she knew she was going to be visiting Toronto, she’d do things like arrange to land in Ohio so she could shoot there for a few days before heading north—and photograph participants in Michigan on her way back to Ohio. Once her portfolio was beefed up, Landreth applied for, and got, a few grants. She also waged a successful Kickstarter campaign, and relied on sales of prints from the exhibit to fund a 2009 tour across the United States. “I decided to make it a national survey, in a personal way,” Landreth says. “As much as they are environmental portraits, they are also selfportraits. As I reached outside of my comfort zone—to those living in the Ozark mountains, for example—I realized I was shattering my own preconceptions of the project.” Landreth hasn’t been taking as many photos for “Embodiment” these days, but is still focused on publicizing the exhibit and talking about why it’s important to draw attention to the men and women—and those who identify as one, the other or somewhere between—caught in her strong . $/ lens. WHAT: “Embodi“I want it to be an archive ment: A Portrait of a moment of history in a of Queer Life in America” big, diverse country,” she WHEN: 12-4pm says. “A lot of the exhibit is Tues.-Sat., through looking at people living in May 27 places where we’re told queer WHERE: Jinx Art people don’t exist or thrive. Space, 306 Flora St. INFO: www.make Part of the visibility I want shiftproject.com to create is around that. Just --------------------people who are living day-toWHAT: Molly day. It’s proof that this comLandreth gives a munity is everywhere—and talk relating to the exhibit it’s also about understanding WHEN: 6pm Fri., that queer people don’t live in May 18 one place or look one way.” COST: Free When Landreth speaks May INFO: www.em 18 at Jinx Art Space, where bodimentusa.com or www.molly part of the exhibit is currently landreth.com on display, she says she’ll be open to questions about what she’s learned in the six-plus years she’s been seeking out those who’ve been brave enough to come along for the ride. When asked if she thought Americans were coming around when related to the topic of equal rights for gays and lesbians, the discussion naturally turned to President Obama’s admission last week that he believed same-sex marriage should be legal. Political move or not, Landreth says she’s on board with what he had to say. “I think it’s amazing,” she says. “There’s still so much more to be done, but I think these victories should be really celebrated. I think it was a really historic moment.” SALMON LIFEC YCLES: View “Honoring the Lifecycle of the Salmon” at an opening reception from 3-6:30pm at Ferndale’s Lummi Gateway Center, 4920 Rural Ave. In addition to the art, there’ll be storytelling, performances and more. The display shows through May. 384-2331 MAY 18-19 WELDING RODEO: Watch the sparks fly at the 11th annual Welding Rodeo happening from 8am-5pm Friday and Saturday at Bellingham Technical College, 3028 Lindbergh Ave. Amateurs will weld sculptures on Friday and pros will do their thing Saturday. In addition to watching what’s created from an “In the Garden” theme, there’ll be industry vendor booths, auctions of the items, food and more. Entry is free. WWW.WELDINGRODEO.COM MAY 19-20 CAMANO STUDIO TOUR: More than 60 artists will show and share their creative wares at 37 studios and galleries from 10am-5pm Fri.-Sun. as part of the Camano Island Studio Tour. The self-guided tour is free. WWW.CAMANOARTS.ORG SUN., MAY 20 CERAMICS CELEBRAT ION: Attend a “Contemporary Israeli Ceramics” celebration from 2-4pm at the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building, 250 Flora St. In addition to being able to check out the exhibit with a docent, you can learn dance steps with help from Temple Beth Israel student dancers and practice with live music from What the Chelm. Entry is free with admission. WWW.WHATCOMMUSEUM.ORG TUES., MAY 22 KIDS ART RECEPTION: Meet the artists of the children’s art program, “Art with B Calvert,” at a Kids Art Show reception from 6:30-9pm at the Lynden Library, 216 4th St. 354-4883 WED., MAY 23 PHOTO BASICS: Patrick Kennedy leads an “Outdoor Photography Basics” course at 7pm at REI, 400 36th St. Register in advance for the free talk. 647-8955 OR WWW.REI.COM MCGEE TALK: Photographer Jeanne McGee will host an informal art talk related to her current exhibit at 7:30pm at the Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, 601 W. Holly St. WWW.ARTOFPHOTOGRAPHY.COM ONGOI NG E X H I BI TS ALLIED ARTS: View professional work by teaching artists in Whatcom County WWW.ANCHORARTSPACE.ORG ART ISANS NORTHWEST: View works from as many as 100 Whatcom County artists on a regular basis at Artisans Northwest Art Crafts & Eats, 1215 Cornwall Ave. 733-1805 OR WWW.ARTISANSBELLINGHAM.COM ART WOOD: Works for Mother’s Day will be on display and for sale through May at Artwood, 1000 Harris Ave. Small tables of all shapes, sizes and wood choices will also be available. WWW.ARTWOODGALLERY.COM BELLINGHAM RAILWAY MUSEUM: The museum is open to the public from noon-5pm Tues. and Thurs.-Sat. at 1320 Commercial St. WWW.JANSENARTCENTER.ORG JINX: Planned Parenthood’s TASK Force presents “Embodiment: A Portrait of Queer Life in America” through May 27 at Jinx Art Space, 306 Flora St. The show can be seen from 12-4pm Tues.-Sat. WWW.JINXARTSPACE.COM LUCIA DOUGLAS: View the works of 23 contemporary printmakers through May 26 at “The Art of Prints” exhibit at the Lucia Douglas Gallery, 1415 13th St. WWW.LUCIADOUGLAS.COM MONA: “Everett DuPen and His Legacy,” “Veruska Vagen: Somewhere in Time,” “Tulipieres: The Tulip Vase Revisited,” and “Works on Paper from the Permanent Collection” can be seen through June 10 at La Conner’s Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St. Felony, Misdemeanor, Infraction, DUI, Assault, Drug & Sex Cases. Law Offices of Alexander Ransom (360) 392-8377 www.ransom-lawfirm.com FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 JANSEN ART CENTER: Sign up for classes and workshops at Lynden’s new Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St. FILM 24 ANCHOR ACCESS: “Take Me With You: Drawings from Near and Far” will feature work from artists Mara Baker, Lanny Bergner, Cara Jaye, and others through May 19 at Anchor Access, 216 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. WWW.GOODEARTHPOTS.COM MUSIC 20 WWW.THEAMADEUSPROJECT.ORG You Need Someone Who Understands the Law… GOOD EARTH: Stoneware artist Andy WollmanSimson’s “Classic Forms with a Twist” can be viewed through May at Good Earth Pottery, 1000 Harris Ave. ART 18 through May 30 at Allied Arts, 1418 Cornwall Ave. In honor of statewide Arts Education Month, the works will be up through May 30. AMADEUS PROJEC T: “Shadow Coats,” featuring mixed-media paintings by Maren Larson, can be viewed through May at the Amadeus Project, 1209 Cornwall Ave. STAGE 16 doit WWW.MUSEUMOFNWART.ORG BLACK DROP: View collages by Clayton Medeiros through May at the Black Drop Coffee House, 300 W. Champion St. 738-3767 QUILT MUSEUM: “Deep Spaces” and Carol Taylor’s “Contemporary Art Quilts: Working in a Series” can be viewed through June 24 at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 Second St. Entry is $5-$7. GET OUT 14 393-7540 CHUCK ANUT BREWERY: Works by photographer Jeanie McGee are currently on display at the Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, 601 W. Holly St. SMITH & VALLEE: A multimedia, multi-artist exhibit called “Vessels” shows through May 27 at Edison’s Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave. WWW.SMITHANDVALLEE.COM WWW.CHUCKANUTBREWERYANDKITCHEN.COM FISHBOY GALLERY: Check out the contemporary folk art of RR Clark from 12-5pm every Mon.-Fri. at the FishBoy Gallery, 617 Virginia St. 714-0815 OR WWW.FISHBOYGALLERY.COM FOG: View a variety of works by noted artists at the Fairhaven Originals Gallery, 960 Harris Ave. WWW.BELLINGHAMFOG.COM FOURTH CORNER FRAMES: “Here’s Looking At You,” featuring paintings of the majestic mountains of the Cascades, will be up through May 31 at Fourth Corner Frames, 311 W. Holly St. 734-1340 GALLERY C YGNUS: View an exhibit featuring works by Becky Fletcher and Patty Detzer through June 24 at La Conner’s Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial Ave. WWW.GALLERYCYGNUS.COM ST. JOSEPH: The latest Healing Through Art exhibit, “Spring Reflections: A Group Show,” will be up through May 19 at the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. The works are by Shirley Erickson, Ruthie V., Yvette Newman, Mary Froderberg, and Mary Jo Maute. WWW.PEACEHEALTH.ORG WHATCOM ART GUILD: From 10am-6pm every Friday through Sunday, stop by the Whatcom Art Guild’s Art Market at Fairhaven’s Waldron Building, 1314 12th St. WWW.WHATCOMARTGUILD.ORG WHATCOM MUSEUM: “From the Melting Pot into the Fire: Contemporary Israeli Ceramics,” “Art of Recycling,” and “ARTIFACTual” can currently be viewed at the Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall and the Lightcatcher Building. WWW.WHATCOMMUSEUM.ORG CURRENTS 8 VIEWS 6 MAIL 4 WWW.SKAGITCOUNT Y.NET 647-6933 DO IT 2 CEDARWORK S: Peruse and purchase a variety of Native American art from 10am-6pm Wed.Sat. at the CedarWorks Art Gallery, 217 Holly St. SK AGIT HISTORICAL MUSEUM: “The Murrow Brothers: Peak of Their Professions” shows through Dec. 21 at La Conner’s Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 4th St. The exhibit celebrates the lives of the sons of Skagit County who made an impact on their world. 05.16.12 WWW.REUSEWORKS.ORG WWW.SCOTTMILO.COM #20.07 BOUNDARY BAY: Works by local artists who’ll be taking part in the June 2 Appliance Art Revival can be seen though May 30 at Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave. CASCADIA WEEKLY WWW.BLUEHORSEGALLERY.COM SCOT T MILO GALLERY: The Women Painters of Washington’s “Summer Daze” can be viewed through `June 28 at Anacortes’ Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave. WORDS 12 WWW.LACONNERQUILTS.COM BLUE HORSE: “Sea Froth,” featuring new works by Erin Libby, can currently be viewed at the Blue Horse Gallery, 301 W. Holly St. 19 FOOD 34 music CASCADIA WEEKLY #20.07 05.16.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 SHOW PREVIEWS › › RUMOR HAS IT 20 BY CAREY ROSS Metric DON’T BE LATE TO THE PARTY I’M NOT going to lie; I was a little late to the Metric party. It goes without saying that a person can’t keep tabs on all bands at all times, so the guilt I feel about the Metric-sized hole in my musical knowledge is minimal, at best. It simply meant I had some catching up to do. Although I’d been aware of Metric as one of the many bands orbiting the musical sun known as Canada’s Broken Social Scene (singer Emily Haines and guitarist James Shaw both do time in that collective when they’re not busy being half of Metric), that was pretty much where my knowledge—or my ignorance, if you want to view it that way—of the band began and ended. That is, until their song “Gold Guns Girls” ended up in heavy rotation on any number of so-called “alternative” radio stations. With its distinctive opening salvo of “All the gold and the guns in the world couldn’t get you off” sung out in Haines’ serenely self-assured style and set to a backdrop of danceable synth pop, the song was perfect light radio fare—but also boasted a lyrical bent that was decidedly darker (the song was reportedly inspired by Scarface). The song was, I would come to ATTEND find out, a proper introduction to WHO: Metric this distinctive band. WHEN: 7:30pm As introductions go, this was a Thurs., May 24 WHERE: WWU’s late one, as Metric has actually been Viking Union MPR around since the late ’90s, when COST: $16-$24 Haines and Shaw first met in Toronto MORE INFO: through mutual friends in that music 650-6146 scene. Both had been active musicians for years, each befriending and playing separately with various members of the soon-to-be-formed powerhouse musical collective Broken Social Scene. He was born in the UK and educated at Julliard. She was born to a poet father in India and raised in Canada. Together, they found themselves to be artistically simpatico and part of Rumor Has It TIME TO TALK turkey on some Summer Meltdown action. If you’re anywhere near the internet—or anywhere in the vicinity of the Wild Buffalo, unofficial Meltdown booking headquarters—you’re probably well aware most (all?) of the lineup for this year’s event has been made public. This is a thing we are all very excited about, right? Aren’t you very excited? No matter. I am exceedingly capable of being very excited enough for everyone. Before I get down to the just-announced nitty gritty, I’d like to make it known that one of the Meltdown headliners was divulged to me weeks ago, and despite a strong and pesky desire to blab the word all over town, I managed to keep the info to myself, per very strict and stern instructions. What I’m trying to convey by saying this is, tell me your secrets. All of them. They will be marginally safe nearly all the time. I can promise you that, or my name isn’t Rumor Has It. Since I’ve gone off on one tangent already, no sense in getting to the point now. Because I’ve BY CAREY ROSS got something else to say, and it goes like this: the Wild Buffalo’s Craig Jewell and Buildstrong’s Austin Santiago have been working various parts of their respective anatomies off for months now to book Meltdown, and if you like anything (read: everything) on this year’s roster, much credit goes to them. I don’t know what kind of arm-twisting, haranguing, whining, flat-out begging and general promising of shameful favors went into securing the acts they booked, but I have an idea, and they are owed a debt of gratitude by the Meltdown-loving masses. Joining the already-announced crew of performers will be Beats Antique (it’s O.K. if a spontaneous exclamation of “holy shit” escapes you while reading this), Blitzen Trapper, Vicci Martinez, Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real, Pickwick, Mr. Rogers, Five Alarm Funk, Skerik’s Bandalabra, and Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons. They’ll be joining a lineup that already includes Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, EOTO, the True Spokes (the artists formerly known as Flowmotion, the band that founded Meltdown), Kraddy, the Moondoggies, Acorn Project, Polecat, Ha Ha Tonka, That 1 Guy, and so very many more. Of course, all this talk of Meltdown also brings to mind another much-beloved local festival, that being the Subdued Stringband Jamboree. While I don’t have a lineup announcement to offer you regarding that fest, I do have a question for organizers of both of them: For the love of all that is holy, is there any way you can schedule them for different weekends? I know, I know: you’ve tried. And tried. And then tried again. But on behalf of fans of both festivals who don’t want to have to choose: We will come to both Meltdown and Stringband if given the opportunity. I promise. I know you can make this happen. You’ll just need to move a little bit of heaven and a tiny bit of earth to make it so. KING AND BRANDOW: Musical storytellers and political satirists Charlie King and Karen Brandow perform at 7:30pm at the Roeder Home, 2600 Sunset Dr. Suggested donation is $10-$15. WWW.CONCERTSPIRITUEL.ORG SAT., MAY 19 T IM SCOT T: Musician Tim Scott and his band Red House will perform at a fundraiser for the Rainbow Recovery Center at a concert and dance happening from 6-10pm at the SPARK Museum, 1312 Bay St. Tickets are $20-$25. 752-2577 OR WWW.SPARKMUSEUM.ORG SK AGIT SYMPHONY: Violinist Mary Kay Robinson and oboist Joseph Robinson will be the featured performers at the Skagit Symphony’s “Masterpiece Concert” at 7:30pm at Mount Vernon’s McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way. Tickets are $20-$40. WWW.MCINT YREHALL.ORG FIDDLE FUN: World-renowned Finnish composer and master fiddler Arto Jarvela and the FinnishAmerican folk band Kaivama perform at 2pm at Nancy’s Farm, 2030 E. Smith Rd. Suggested donation is $15. WWW.NANCYSFARM.COM KE YBOARD FRIENDS: Pianists Ford Hill, Cassandra Carr, Dan Sabo, and Victoria Ebel-Sabo will be joined by guests from Western Washington University at a Keyboard Friends concert at 3pm at the Amadeus Project, 1209 Cornwall Ave. Tickets are $5-$15. WWW.BELLINGHAMHOUSECONCERTS.COM ORGAN SOCIE T Y: Jeff and Jody Fox will perform at a Mount Baker Theatre Organ Society concert at 3pm at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Suggested donation is $10. FILM 24 MUSIC 20 MUSIC 20 ART 18 EARLY MUSIC FEST IVAL: As part of the Salish Sea Early Music Festival, attend “An Evening with Wilhelmine” at 7:30pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2117 Walnut St. Performers include Jeffrey Cohan (flute), John Schneiderman (baroque lute, cello), and John Lutterman (cello). Suggested donation is $15-$20. STAGE 16 FRI., MAY 18 GET OUT 14 650-3130 WORDS 12 WIND SYMPHONY: Guest artists Charles Vilarrubian and composer Donald Grantham will perform with WWU’s Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band at 8pm at the school’s Performing Arts Center Concert Hall. Entry is free and open to the public. CURRENTS 8 THURS., MAY 17 B-BOARD 27 WWW.FRIENDSOFTHEROEDERHOME.ORG SUN., MAY 20 SARAH DAY PHOTOGRAPHY FOOD 34 WED., MAY 16 VIEWS 6 SO ADULT musicevents MAIL 4 more fans to the band than the product their music was supposed to push—an unintended victory for a band that was becoming increasingly well-known for their anti-consumerist stance and unconventionally successful DIY approach to handling their artistic output. During the next several years, Metric would only build on this success, releasing a couple of albums—Live It Out and the previously shelved Grow Up and Blow Away—to critical acclaim and platinum-selling success in Canada. As well, the band that had once struggled to convey their sound live had now become an onstage force to be reckoned with, and the next few years would see them touring nonstop, bringing their music to nearly every corner of the globe. Then came the album that forced Metric into my orbit. Tracks from the album, which would eventually be titled Fantasies, began to emerge live as early as spring 2008. Later that year, under the guise of a Haines solo show, Haines and Shaw played all 10 tracks from the album at an acoustic outing in Brooklyn, NY. By the time Fantasies finally dropped in April 2009, fans were more than ready to receive it. Fantasies, which features more personal lyrical content and a further refinement of Metric’s engaging synth-pop sound, has won the band some Juno awards, and led them to an opening slot on a Muse tour. As well, songs like the aforementioned “Gold Guns Girls” and “Sick Muse” have helped Metric’s reach grow farther and wider than ever before. Currently, the band has another album in the hopper—current working title, Synthetica—slated for a release just a few weeks after their May 24 show at WWU’s Viking Union. And this time, when the party starts, I won’t be late. DO IT 2 a music scene that encouraged collaboration early and often. They’ve been together and making music as Metric ever since. Shortly after they discovered each other, Haines and Shaw moved to New York City where they became more famous for sharing an apartment with the up-and-coming Yeah Yeah Yeahs than they were for their music. But that would all change soon enough. After making geographical changes and courting labels and engaging in other seemingly music-related activities that serve to distract fledging bands from the business of actually making music, Metric got serious about their craft. They worked on and recorded an album they dubbed Grow Up and Blow Away in 2001, but a dispute with their record label saw that album shelved for more than six years. No matter. Haines and Shaw had more than just one album’s worth of music up their sleeves—and they were about to double in size. Although Metric’s layered, synth-pop sound overlaid with Haines’ lovely vocals sounded great in the studio, it was tough for the duo to translate that experience into a dynamic live show. Using synth tracks and drum machines live made for a bogged-down stage show, and Metric’s onstage appearance didn’t exactly match their sound. Time to add a drummer. And a bass player because, well, why not? Which is how drummer Joules Scott-Key and bass player Josh Winstead became fullfledged Metric members. The timing of Metric’s personnel increase couldn’t have been better, as the band was enjoying an uptick in popularity owing to their having sold a song for use in a Polaroid commercial. The song, “Grow Up and Fly Away,” probably served to draw # As if to prove the world is indeed full of heartless savages, the Hub—Bellingham’s much-beloved nonprofit community bike shop—was robbed last month. Thousands of dollars in tools, inventory, cash and the personal belongings of devoted Hub staffers were stolen. And when the Hub gets ripped off, the greater community as a whole feels the loss—which is why the greater community has shown a strong interest in helping the Hub right this wrong. Besides, we don’t much like heartless savages around here. If you’d like to help out the Hub, it’s as simple as showing up to the Shakedown on Fri., May 18 (the same day as Bike to Work and School Day and the Hub’s yearly pancake feed) where Rhombus (the band for whom every show is their last), So Adult, Totalizer, and the Bellingham Circus Guild will be on hand to entertain you in the name of raising money so that the Hub can continue to do what it does so very well. Strike a blow against heartless savages and win one for the Hub. The Hub benefit takes place Fri., May 18 at the Shakedown, 1212 N. State St. Cost: $5-$10. More info: www.shakedownbellingham.com —by Carey Ross 650-3130 WED., MAY 23 REITZ, SPRING, FULLER: Guitarist, singer and songwriter Karen Reitz will be joined by Tracy Spring and Beth Fuller for a concert at 7:30pm at the Roeder Home, 2600 Sunset Dr. Suggested donation is $10-$15. WWW.FRIENDSOFTHEROEDERHOME.ORG #20.07 CASCADIA WEEKLY WWW.BELLINGHAMSINGS.ORG FACULT Y RECITAL: Lisa McCarthy presents a flute faculty recital with pianist Michael Refven, oboe player Jennifer Weeks, bassoonist Pat Nelson, violist Leslie Johnson, and marimba master Kay Reilly at 4pm at WWU’s Performing Arts Center Concert Hall. Entry is free and open to the public. 05.16.12 734-6080 OR WWW.MOUNTBAKERTHEATRE.COM ALLEGRA WOMEN’S CHOIR: Listen to songs of love, loss and devotion when the Allegra Women’s Choir performs at 3pm at the YWCA Ballroom, 1026 N. Forest St. Tickets are $12-$15. 21 FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 musicvenues See below for venue addresses and phone numbers Blue Horse Gallery STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 Boundary Bay Brewery 05.16.12 05.17.12 WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 05.18.12 05.19.12 FRIDAY SATURDAY WWU Faculty Jazz Collective Prozac Mtn Boys Boys Makin' Noise Sonja Lee Band Aaron Guest (Tap Room), Yogoman's Wild Rumpus (Beer Garden) Happy Hour Music w/ Mike and Nakos Marker Bellingham High School Scholarship Fundraising Dinner Back 2 Bellingham w/Spaceband Brown Lantern Ale House Open Mic GET OUT 14 SUNDAY Paul Klein Fox and Woman, Tumbleweed Wanderers, Keaton Collective Karaoke John Paul and the Apostles, The Fire Organ, Cutless Surpreme Black Tommy, East Coast Dave, Hillary Susz No Tomorrow Boys, Cyber Camel, more Conway Muse Ben Starner Argentine Tango The Muddy Sons Yogoman Burning Band Robert Sarazin Blake Commodore Ballroom Mark Farina, DJ Sneak Karaoke Green Frog Jam Night New Forge TUESDAY Montana Skies Cabin Tavern Cyndy's Broiler MONDAY Boxcar Millionaires Randy Oxford Band Edison Inn Josh Fleischmann Event w/Boxcar Millionaires Apocalyptica Steve Frame & The Western Rebels All-Ages Jam The Divas and the Dudes Steve Frame and Country Dave Tad Korening and Friends A Caleb Kors Birthday Celebration MIsty Flowers, Jack Wilson, Ron Hardesty Soul Night w/DJ Yogoman Blue Horse Gallery 8)PMMZ4Ut | Boundary Bay Brewing Co. 3BJMSPBE"WFt]Brown Lantern Ale House$PNNFSDJBM"WF"OBDPSUFTt ]The Business 402 Commercial "WF"OBDPSUFTt | Cabin Tavern8)PMMZ4Ut]Chuckanut Brewery8)PMMZ4Ut]Commodore Ballroom(SBOWJMMF4U7BODPVWFSt 5GL 5 ##TCPW2FSPQB?W $$PGB?W 11?RSPB?W'L+?W VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 05.20.12 05.21.12 05.22.12 CASCADIA WEEKLY #20.07 05.16.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 0DG6WDFNVLVEDFN:LQQHUV&OXE0HPEHUVJHWD 0 0DG G 6WDFNV NV LV ED EDFN :LQQ EDFN EDF : QQH :L H IIUHHGDLO\HQWU\IRUGUDZLQJVDWSPSPDQG U SPHYHU\7KXUVGD\WKURXJK6DWXUGD\QLJKWLQ0D\ (DUQPRUHHQWULHVZLWK\RXUSOD\ Win Jewelry Fit For A Queen On May 19! &HOHEUDWH 9LFWRULD 'D\ ZHHNHQG ZLWK VRPH IUHH VSDUNO\ MHZHOV 'UDZLQJV IRU IUHH MHZHOU\ HYHU\ PLQXWHV IURP SP WR SP 6HOHFWLRQ RI MHZHOU\ YDULHV)UHHHQWU\IRUDOO:LQQHUV&OXE0HPEHUV *HW; 5HZDUG 3RLQWV$OO'D\ (YHU\6XQGD\ LQ0D\ 6LJQXSDW :LQQHUV&OXE SULRUWR SOD\LQJ 22 W W W. N O O K S A C K C A S I N O S . C O M 9 7 5 0 N O R T H W O O D R O A D L Y N D E N WA 877.777.9847 WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Open Mic w/Scot Casey Tattered Dress Jinx Art Space Main St. Bar and Grill Country Karaoke McKay's Taphouse 05.18.12 05.19.12 FRIDAY SATURDAY Fritz and the Freeloaders David Ney The Bismark, How to Operate Your Brain, Casseopeia, Rookie Town Aviator, Feather and Bone, Redwood Sol DJ RoyBoy Live Music Chad Fox 05.20.12 05.21.12 05.22.12 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY The Shadies KINSKI/May 16/Shakedown Old World Deli FOOD 34 05.17.12 FILM 24 Honeymoon 05.16.12 MUSIC 20 MUSIC 20 See below for venue addresses and phone numbers B-BOARD 27 musicvenues The Daffodils, Memes Cherry Blossom Family Delivery The New Monkey Knife Fight Improvisational Struggle Frenchy Lounge Night Blues Playground CD Woodbury DJ Jester DJ Jester DJ Jester Karaoke Betty Desire Show, DJ Postal Throwback Thursdays w/ DJ Shortwave DJ QBNZA DJ Mike Tolleson DJ Postal, DJ Shortwave Robert Blake and the High, Wide & Handsome Band White Hills, Kinski, Sunshine ’90s Night Silver Reef Hotel Casino & Spa Skagit Valley Casino Skylark's Jazz Open Mic Hub Benefit feat. Rhombus, Bellingham Circus Guild, So Adult, Totalizer Devilry, Bell Witch, more Tony and the Tigers Tony and the Tigers The Randy Linder Band The Randy Linder Band Telefon Steve's Acoustic Jazz Trio Temple Bar Metal Tuesday w/ Casey and Anjali Bar Tabac The Underground ’70s Funk and Disco Underground Coffeehouse Jesse Morrow, more Last Band Standing Girls Night Out (early), DJ BamBam (late) Reverend JD and the Blackouts (early), DJ BamBam (late) APOCALYPTICA/May 22/Commodore Ballroom ’90s Night Open Mic The Village Inn Wild Buffalo Tom Waits Monday VIEWS 6 The Shakedown MAIL 4 Semiahmoo Resort Karaoke Spin Jam Happy Hour (early), Wild Out Wednesday w/Blessed Coast (late) Jurassic Party VibeSquaD, Splatinum, P-ZO Megatron, The Fabulous Party Boys GET OUT 14 Rattletrap Ruckus WORDS 12 Open Mic CURRENTS 8 Karaoke Fidalgo Swing Royal Rumors DJ Ryan I DO IT 2 Rockfish Grill Vaughn Kreestoe Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Massy Ferguson No Money Mondays Play and Destroy Conway Muse 18444 Spruce/Main St., Conway (360) 445-3000 | The Green Frog /4UBUF4UtXXXBDPVTUJDUBWFSODPN | Edison Inn $BJOT$U&EJTPOt | Glow&)PMMZ4Ut] Graham’s Restaurant.PVOU#BLFS)XZ(MBDJFSt Honey Moon/4UBUF4Ut]Jinx Art Space 'MPSB4Ut | Main Street Bar & Grill .BJO4U'FSOEBMFt 2982 | Nooksack River Casino.U#BLFS)XZ%FNJOHt | Poppe’s-BLFXBZ%St| The Redlight /4UBUF4UtXXXSFEMJHIUXJOFBOEDPGGFFDPN]Rockfish Grill $PNNFSDJBM "WF"OBDPSUFTt ]The Royal &)PMMZ4Ut]Rumors Cabaret3BJMSPBE"WFt| Semiahmoo Resort4FNJBINPP1LXZ#MBJOFt | The Shakedown 1212 /4UBUF4UtXXXTIBLFEPXOCFMMJOHIBNDPNSilver Reef Casino )BYUPO8BZ'FSOEBMFt ]Skagit Valley Casino Resort /%BSSL-BOF#PXt ]Skylark’s Hidden Cafe 1300 UI4Ut]Swinomish Casino$BTJOP%S"OBDPSUFTt |Temple Bar8$IBNQJPO4Ut] The Underground &$IFTUOVU4Ut | Underground Coffeehouse 7JLJOH6OJPOSE'MPPS886 | Village Inn Pub /PSUIXFTU"WFt | Watertown Pub $PNNFSDJBM"WF"OBDPSUFTt | Wild Buffalo 8)PMMZ4UtXXXXJMECVGGBMPOFU]5PHFU ZPVSMJWFNVTJDMJTUJOHTJODMVEFEJOUIJTFTUFFNFEOFXTQSJOUTFOEJOGPUPDMVCT!DBTDBEJBXFFLMZDPN%FBEMJOFTBSFBMXBZTBUQN'SJEBZ 05.16.12 The Redlight DJ Clint #20.07 DJ Little CASCADIA WEEKLY Poppe's STAGE 16 ART 18 Stirred, Not Shaken 23 MOVIE REVIEWS › › MOVIE SHOWTIMES BRAVE BY CAREY ROSS FOOD 34 CASCADIA WEEKLY #20.07 05.16.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 film 24 Get what you’ve got coming ALTHOUGH THE official start of summer is still more than a month away, with the April 25 release of The Avengers, the season of summer blockbusters is clearly upon us. And, much like the cinema of summers past, studios are offering up a steady diet of superhero movies, sequels and remakes of movies that were probably just fine the first time around. But this isn’t just any summer. The Avengers, director Joss Whedon’s superhero spectacular, has already raked in record-setting revenue at the box office—records that are expected to stand only until the July 20 release of The Dark Knight Rises, easily the mostanticipated cinematic event in recent memory. But other blockbusters lie in wait to carve out their piece of the lucrative summer box-office pie, and this guide, in order of release date, will help you get what you’ve got coming—at least as far as summer cinema is concerned. THE AVENGERS (April 24): This big-budget bonanza is clearly the standard-setter for this year’s crop of blockbusters. It Hulk smashed every box-office record in sight during its opening weekend, and even managed to accomplish that which is typically fairly difficult for movies of its ilk: garner universally positive reviews. Much credit for this goes to Nerd King Joss Whedon for capably helming a huge, multi-pronged affair from the beginning to its explosive, city-demolishing end. THE DICTATOR DARK SHADOWS (May 11): The latest collaboration between director Tim Burton and his muse, Johnny Depp, this remake of the weird late-’70s television series shows this dynamic duo recording one of their rare misses. Does anyone else think it might be time for this cinematic coupling to try on a temporary separation? BATTLESHIP (May 18): This movie stars Rihanna and is based on the board game of the same name. I don’t know exactly know what to make of the former, but the latter pretty much guarantees at some point, someone will utter the phrase, “You sank my battleship.” Must miss. THE DICTATOR (May 18): I have no great love for Sacha Baron Cohen, but even I have to admit that, with the creation of characters like Borat and Bruno, he's one of the better satirists of our time. And it seems his tale of an oppressive dictator who comes to the United States in order to deny his country democracy at all costs will be yet another success for the distinctive funnyman. MEN IN BLACK III (May 25): Yeah, I wasn’t aware this franchise required another installment either, but Hollywood has never exactly troubled itself with questions as to what is necessary when it comes to green-lighting projects. As well, it’s pretty tough to deny the box-office draw of the ever-affable Will Smith, and with Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin (who memorably shared the screen together in No Country for Old Men) both costarring as Agent K, Smith will have his hands full with more than just alien invaders. MOONRISE KINGDOM (May 25): I realize the following statement will cause all of my minimal hipster cred to be revoked but here it is: I do not especially favor Wes Anderson. I very badly want to like him, but, in reality, few filmmakers try my patience more. However, there is no doubt he’s inventive and engaging, and has a knack for brilliant casting. From all indications, Moonrise Kingdom seems to play directly to Anderson’s strengths, and you can’t beat a movie that has the good sense to cast Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, and Tilda Swinton all at the same time. Will this be the Wes Anderson movie that finally steals my heart? SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN (June 1): For whatever reason, Snow White is the trendiest fairytale heroine around these days. The second film this year based on the classic story, this one sees Snow White (played by Twilight’s Kristen Stewart) ditching the Seven Dwarves in favor of a huntsman (Thor’s Chris Hemsworth) and a righteous helping of girl power. If you’ve ever wanted to see this fair maiden throw down against the wicked queen (Charlize Theron) in a winner-take-all battle complete with eye-popping action sequences and fancy special effects, this is the fairytale for you. PROMETHEUS (June 8): Back when we all thought this Ridley Scott film was an unofficial prequel to Alien, we whipped ourselves into all kinds of a frenzy. Now we know that’s not the case, but that fact barely dampens the anticipation surrounding this release— and its killer preview featuring Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, and Noomi Rapace isn’t hurting anything either. No one brings dark style and bone-chilling scares like Scott, and he appears to be at the top of his mindbending directorial game with this sci-fi creature feature. ROCK OF AGES (June 15): I’m going to guess there may be more than one reason to see this movie, but this one is all I need: It’s a glam-rock musical that stars Tom Cruise. Yes, the correct response to that news is indeed, “OMFG.” See you in line for popcorn. FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 WORDS 12 CURRENTS 8 VIEWS 6 laserlike focus on the world of Mexican drug cartels seen through the lens of a pair of weed dealers that run afoul of one. Lest you forget, this is the director responsible for Midnight Express, which means this subject matter lies well within his comfort zone. And with a cast that includes Taylor Kitsch, John Travolta, Benicio Del Toro, and Uma Thurman, Stone has positioned himself well for cinematic success this summer. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (July 20): If I’d had any doubt (I didn’t) this is the Biggest Cinematic Event Ever, Ever, the reaction of the audience watching a just-released trailer for it during an opening-night showing of The Avengers more than confirmed that fact. It is impossible to overstate how visionary a director Christopher Nolan is, and in Christian Bale and a floundering Batman franchise, he found the perfect vehicle and outlet for that vision. With The Dark Knight, Nolan created the best superhero movie in existence and, in doing so, forever changed how superhero movies are both made and perceived. Expectations are sky high for Nolan’s swan song to the franchise he singlehandedly saved, but if that crowdwowing preview is any indication, Nolan has the world’s expectations well in hand. Step aside, Avengers. The Dark Knight is about to rise. MAIL 4 cess of Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen is, at 76 years old, currently a hot Hollywood property. This time, the locale is Rome, Woody appears both in front of the camera and behind it, and Jesse Eisenberg seems to be the heir apparent to Allen's mantle of neuroses. Always a Tinseltown anomaly, the prolific filmmaker has spent the past several years producing the best work of his long career, and anticipation runs high for this effort. MAGIC MIKE (June 29): This is a movie about male strippers starring Channing Tatum (former male stripper) and Matthew McConaughey (clearly a man who favors a clothing-optional lifestyle) directed by Steven Soderbergh. Seduce me, Hollywood. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (July 6): I think all would agree that, after the last installment in this franchise, Sony could’ve let a sleeping superhero lie a little longer. However, with a new star (Andrew Garfield) and retooled style, the studio is hoping to strike a little summer blockbuster gold. Frankly, I have a hard time believing any superhero movie can compete with the one-two punch that is The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises, but maybe there’s enough box-office love to go around. SAVAGES (July 6): Few directors can pull off a topical, gritty thriller like Oliver Stone. The ever-controversial filmmaker trains his DO IT 2 ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER (June 22): Question: What do we love right now more than vampires? Answer: Nothing. Predicated upon a decidedly weird premise—that, along with saving the United States from itself by intelligently and compassionately shepherding the fledgling country through arguably the darkest time in its history, Abraham Lincoln also took time out to hunt vampires—this movie would get my most skeptical eye roll were it not for one thing: it is directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the man also responsible for Night Watch and Day Watch. The Great Emancipator gets gory. BRAVE (June 22): Last year, the perfection palace known as Pixar made its first misstep with its critically drubbed sequel to Cars. I think we all knew their run of instant animated classics couldn’t last forever—no matter how badly we might’ve wanted it to. But rather than licking their collective wound, animation’s foremost brain trust went to work on this story of a sassy Scottish lass who defies the customs of her kingdom, falls in with an eccentric witch and learns to watch what she wishes for. Will Brave be another feather in the animation studio’s already well-adorned cap? Probably. It is Pixar, after all. TO ROME WITH LOVE (June 22): Thanks to the unexpected but well-deserved suc- THE CAMPAIGN 05.16.12 SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN #20.07 PROMETHEUS CASCADIA WEEKLY MEN IN BLACK III THE BOURNE LEGACY (Aug. 4): As a born skeptic, I also used to be a Bourne skeptic. I mean, Matt Damon as an action hero? At best, it seemed to be an egregious case of miscasting. Then I saw the first Bourne movie. And I understood what a genius decision it was to tap the impossibly versatile Damon to anchor the Bourne series. Fast forward to the present day, to a time when Damon has called it quits as the Unlikeliest Action Hero, leaving a franchise hanging in the balance. Again, an inspired casting call is made, and Jeremy Renner has now found himself the anchor of his own Hollywood megafranchise (his role in The Avengers notwithstanding). With a tagline of, “There was never just one,” and original Bourne screenwriter Tony Gilroy trying his hand at directing, a new Bourne is born. TOTAL RECALL (Aug. 4): Every summer spawns a pointless rehash of a movie no one required a remake of, and this year Total Recall gets the reboot. I realize this film is all about what is real and what is invented, so it’s in that vein that I express my wish that I lived in a reality that didn’t see a need to reinvent this movie. THE CAMPAIGN (Aug. 10): It wouldn’t be a summer movie roundup without some talk of what the season’s breakout comedy will be. And while summer 2012 boasts some worthy contenders (read: everything featuring Steve Carrell), methinks this Jay Roach effort is the funny film to beat. First of all, the story—that of two rival politicians vying for the same congressional seat—lends itself well to a comedic treatment, and the stars in question— Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis—are just the men for this job. Add to that a script by Eastbound & Down’s Shawn Harwell and a supporting cast that includes Jason Sudeikis, John Lithgow, and Dan Aykroyd, this will be one comedic campaign trail. THE EXPENDABLES 2 (Aug. 10): After the success of The Expendables, I suppose I should’ve seen this coming. It stars a group of almost-washed-up action stars—Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, and Dolph Lundgren (as well as the not-yet-washedup Jason Statham)—as a group of almostwashed-up mercenaries. If you’d like to spend part of your summer with a mustachioed Stallone sweating through his action sequences and slurring out witty one-liners, be my guest. SPARKLE (Aug. 17): This movie—a remake of the 1976 movie of the same name— didn’t exactly have anyone salivating with anticipatory delight. However, it costars Whitney Houston and is pretty much the last thing she’d worked on before her sudden death, meaning our semi-interest has coalesced into a more rabid curiosity. With this, Houston has hopefully crafted a swan song worthy of both her voice and the tremendous talent that came with it. 25 BY CAREY ROSS FILM 24 Bully: See review page 12. ★★★★★1(tIS NJO Pickford Film Center See www.pickfordfilmcenter.com for showtimes. DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 STAGE 16 ART 18 Battleship: I imagine the pitch meeting for this movie went something like this, "So, I know as board games go, this one isn't even much fun. But we can structure an entire script around the moment when someone says, 'You sank my battleship!' Just think of the possibilities." ★1(tISTNJO 4VOTFU4RVBSFBN]]]]] ]]]] Monsieur Lazhar: An Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language film, this movie involves an unlikely teacher with a secret past who takes over a classroom after the suicide of its teacher. Entertaining and poignant in equal measure. ★★★★★ (PG-13 tISNJO PFC's Limelight See www.pickfordfilmcenter.com for showtimes. Per fect Sense: An epidemiologist discovers a group of people who have lost one or more of their senses after experiencing some sort of emotional upheaval. She soon comes to understand what seems like an inexplicable anomaly is actually a threat to all of humankind. ★★★★6OSBUFEtISNJO Pickford Film Center See www.pickfordfilmcenter.com for showtimes. Damsels in Distress: Just when you think Whit Stillman has called it a day, he surprises the world by making another movie. His whimsical sensibilities on full display, this good-natured comedy revolves around three girls—one played by my new favorite actress, Greta Gerwig—who are just trying to make their world a better place. ★★★★6OSBUFEtIS NJO Pickford Film Center See www.pickfordfilmcenter.com for showtimes. Pickup on South Street: Sam Fuller is at his finest with this story of a bad man, a lady spy and the hell that breaks loose when their paths crisscross. A nasty little piece of eminently watchable film noir. ★★★★★6OSBUFEtISNJO 1'$hT-JNFMJHIU.BZBU Dark Shadows: I do not generally favor remakes. And frankly, I'm growing weary of Tim Burton's and Johnny Depp's cinematic love affair. I think it's time to see other people, you two. ★★1(tIS NJO 4FIPNF]]]]]] | 10:00 The Dictator: Sacha Baron Cohen plays a ruthless dictator who somehow wants to save his country from democracy by exiling himself to the United States. Whatever the premise (does he really even OFFEPOFBUUIJTQPJOU $PIFOBOEIJTMPXCSPX brand of satire seem equal to the task. ★★★★3t ISNJO 4VOTFU4RVBSF]]]]] | 7:00 | 7:50 | 9:10 | 10:10 Ear th vs. Spider: Giant spider gets mad, tries to kill everything in sight. Although it was made back JOUIJTWFSZXFMMNBZCFUIFTJOHMFTDBSJFTUmMN in existence. Because, well, spiders. Duh. ★★★★★ 6OSBUFEtISNJO 1JDLGPSE'JMN$FOUFS.BZ! WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ' RE E X P E C T ING practically its very own economy, netting about eleventy gajillion dollars in box-office revenue so far. And it happens to be a decent film with nary a wand-waver or glittery vampire in sight. Team KatOJTTMZGF★★★★1(tISTNJO #FMMJT'BJS]]] Mar vel's The Avengers: As this is a solid film, I'm TVSFUIF%WFSTJPOJTHSFBU#VUUIF%WFSTJPOJT so bitchin' (not my typical stance when it comes to % XIZOPUTFFUIBUPOF ★★★★1(tIST NJO #FMMJT'BJS]]]]]] 9:30 | 10:30 The Lucky One: Zac Efron is no longer a high school heartthrob, and if he has to sex everyone in this treacly Nicholas Sparks adaptation to prove it, he will. ★★1(tISNJO 4VOTFU4RVBSF]]]] Mar vel's The Avengers 3D: Much like every single other person on the planet, I saw this movie during its debut weekend. And I'd like to commend the Nerd King, Joss Whedon, for capably helming this oldschool superhero flick in such entertaining fashion. The Hunger Games: As predicted, this movie is TWENTY FREE WILLS AVAILABLE From A Community Focused Estate Planner The First 20 Clients Who Wish To Leave a Gift of Any Size to a Local Community Group Can Have Their Wills Done Completely Free of Charge. 26 Daniel Sobel Marley: While this is a documentary about Bob Marley, it fails to address the time I was forced to endure a campfire sing-along of "No Woman, No Cry" carried out by a bunch of people who otherwise should've known better. ★★★★1(tISTNJO PFC's Limelight See www.pickfordfilmcenter.com for showtimes. The Loves of Pharaoh: What's that you say? You'd like to watch an epic silent film that's been compared to Ben Hur and The Ten Commandments CVUIBTOhUCFFOTFFOCZBVEJFODFTJONPSFUIBO years? Because I'm pretty sure the Pickford can make that happen for you. ★★★★★6OSBUFEtIS NJO 1JDLGPSE'JMN$FOUFS.BZ! #20.07 The Five Year Engagement: The length of time in the title delineates how long I've been watching television spots for this rom-com starring Emily Blunt and Jason Segal. ★★★3tISTNJO 4FIPNF]]] The Pirates! Band of Misf its: This is some kind of high-seas adventure tale that has to do with pirates, but somehow does not involve Johnny Depp. Consider me confused. ★★★1(tISNJO 4VOTFU4RVBSFBN]] CASCADIA WEEKLY 05.16.12 Although nothing in this two-plus-hour movie was nearly as sexy as what I saw in the two-minute-long trailer for Dark Knight Rises that showed before the film. ★★★★1(tISTNJO #FMMJT'BJS]]]]]] 10:00 | 11:00 FILMSHORTS MUSIC 20 B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 film ›› showtimes VISIT WWW.DANIELSOBEL.COM TO LEARN MORE OR CONTAC T DANIEL SOBEL AT (360) 510-7816 Salmon Fishing in the Yemen: The plot of this quirky-yet-engaging movie is exactly what its title suggests: it's about a sheikh who wants to bring fly-fishing to the desert. And it happens to boast a top-notch cast consisting of Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, and Kristin Scott Thomas. ★★★★1(t ISNJO Pickford Film Center See www.pickfordfilmcenter.com for showtimes. Steve Jobs: The Lost Inter v iew: This is a longforgotten but extraordinary interview filmed in 1995. Watch Steve speak, and mourn the loss of the world's greatest visionary all over again. ★★★★★ 6OSBUFEtISNJO 1JDLGPSE'JMN$FOUFS.BZ! What to Expect When You're Expecting: Great. An ensemble comedy based on a self-help book about child rearing. I don't want to point any fingers here, but He's Just Not that Into You, believe we're all holding you responsible for this. ★★1(t ISNJO #FMMJT'BJS]]] The La Leche League will host a breastfeeding support and informational meeting from 10am-12pm Wednesday, May 16 at Mount Vernon’s Skagit Valley Food Co-op. Older children and partners are also welcome. More info: www.skagitfoodcoop.com or www.llli.org Certified Feng Shui practitioner Chikeola Karmiou leads a free “Skipping With Joy: Feng Shui Your Space and Your Life” clinic at 7pm Wednesdsay, May 16 at the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave. The event will help you begin to transform your spaces and achieve awareness and harmony in your surroundings. More info: 778-7206 “Ask the Organizer” will be the focus of a free talk with professional organizing consultant Rhonda McNett at 6:30pm Wednesday, May 16 at the Skagit Valley Food Co-op in Mount Vernon. Register in advance. More info: Attend the Mystical Winds Bellingham Holistic Fair from 10am-5pm Saturday, May 19 at the Majestic, 1027 N. Forest St. Massage, energy work, tarot readings, local art and jewelry, workshops, free speakers and much more will happen throughout the day. Entry is free. More info: (425) 220-9029 or www.olson walderevents.com Feng Shui design consultant Chikeola Karimou leads a miniworkshop focused on “Glowing With Confidence: Feng Shui Your Home, Office & You” from 4-6pm Saturday, May 19 at Village Books, 1200 11th St. Entry is free. More info: 671-2626 or www.villagebooks.com Waste reduction community education/outreach specialist Callie Martin leads a “Vermicomposting” primer at 6:30pm Tuesday, May 22 at Mount Vernon’s Skagit After Hours Social SPARK 1312 Bay St. May 9 5:00–7:00 pm Share a drink. Meet up with friends. Talk about the role of affordable housing in MyDowntown Bellingham planning www.KulshanCLT.org Certified nutritionist Jim Ehmke leads a “Take Control of Your Immune System Health” discussion from 6:308:30pm Wednesday, May 23 at the Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. Entry is $5$6. More info: 734-8158 “Healthy Aging Strategies on Stress” will be the focus of a workshop with Richard Tran, DC, at 6:30pm Thursday, May 24 at the Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. This workshop will cover specific strategies to address stress and is also customized to address participant questions. Register in advance for the free gathering. More info: 734-8158 Master reflexologist Sandy Melina leads a “Foot Reflexology” clinic at 6:30pm Thursday, May 24 at Mount Vernon’s Skagit Valley Food Co-op. Register in advance for the free event. More info: www.skagitfoodcoop.com “Healing the Earth,” gemstones takes place Powers from a workshop on and geology, at 12pm Satur- 200 MIND & BODY day, May 26 at Bellingham’s Ayurvedic Health Center, 203 W. Holly St. Ashlie Lalonde and Phil Roberts will lead the way. Advance registration is recommended. More info: 734-2396 or www.ayurvedichealthcenter.com Nutritionist Karl Mincin focuses on “Hormonal Health and Building Better Bones” at a presentation at 6:30pm Tuesday, May 29 at Mount Vernon’s Skagit Valley Food Co-op. Register in advance for the free event. More info: www.skagitfoodcoop.com Find out how to “Take Control of Your Hormonal Health” at a workshop with nutritionist Jim Ehmke at 6:30pm Wednesday, May 30 at the Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. Entry is $5-$6. More info: 734-8158 Co-Dependents Anonymous meets from 7-8:30pm every Tuesday at PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s South Campus, 809 E. Chestnut St. Entry is by donation. More info: 676-8588 Intenders of the Highest Good Circle typically meets at 7pm on the second Friday of the month at the Co-op’s Connection Building, 1220 N. Forest St. Len-Erna Cotton, part of the original group in Curious about Lummi Island? FOOD 34 VIEWS 6 Cerise Noah REALTOR ® Professional, knowledgeable, fun & friendly to work with. B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 200 MIND & BODY FILM 24 Annie Reynolds, Marilyn Rinn, and Jeni Miller will focus on sound as a powerful modality that promotes health, beauty and well-being at a “Nourishing Tones” workshop at 1pm Saturday, May 19 at the Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. Suggested donation is $7 or the equivalent in food (both of which will go to the Bellingham Food Bank. More info: 734-8158 Valley Food Co-op. Entry is free, but you need to register in advance. More info: www. skagitfoodcoop.com 200 MIND & BODY ART 18 MIND & BODY www.skagitfoodcoop.com or ww.sosbyrhonda.com 200 MIND & BODY STAGE 16 200 200 MIND & BODY GET OUT 14 Jen Andrews teaches a “Power Flow Yoga” course at 9:45am Mondays and Thursdays at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave. Entry is $10 per class, $48 for five or $90 for 10. More info: (763) 242-3254 or yogawjen@gmail.com 200 MIND & BODY WORDS 12 200 MIND & BODY CURRENTS 8 100 YOGA CLASSIFIEDS.CASCADIAWEEKLY.COM MUSIC 20 bulletinboard TO PLACE AN AD MAIL 4 C ALL R ESIDENT SPECIALISTS: DO IT 2 Angie Dixon Colleen McCrory at: 360-758-2094 or lummiislandrealty.com 05.16.12 Windermere Real Estate Whatcom, Inc. (360) 393-5826 HELP ONE. SAVE MANY. See where the good goes atGoodGoes.org ¶ CASCADIA WEEKLY #20.07 cerisenoah@windermere.com 27 arts, entertainment, news & FOOD 34 healthwellness hw 360-647-8200 47-8200 EXT. 20 202 OR MARKETING@CASCADIAWEEKLY.COM B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 TO PLACE YOUR AD WONDERLAND HERBS & TEAS & SPICES FILM 24 New Teapots Wildcrafting Classes Herbs for Allergy Season MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 (&KHVWQXW6W%HOOLQJKDP360-733-1926 Chinese Massage2SHQ'D\VDPSP Local for 35 years 1305 Railroad Rd. Bellingham 360-733-0517 www.wonderlandteanspice.com Body Type Bra Fitting Red Mountain Maria Monti, Postural Therapist If You Want Serious Results s#USTOMfiTTEDs#USTOMALTERED s#USTOMMADE s,ONGLASTINGs'REATvALUE 6 Free Pilates Equipment Classes! w/purchase of 6. New clients only. $90 plus tax for 12 classes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Healthy Bra Company The And check out our Fairhaven - 360-815-3205 $5 Drop-in Flow Yoga Classes 115 Unity Street, Bellingham 98225 redmountainwellness.com 360.318.6180 We’ve Advanced MOVED! "OOKING2EQUIRED by appt. only Contact us for our WAITINGLIST NEW location www.theHealthyBraCompany.com Transformative EFT Workshops twice a month BELLINGHAM, 4 SUNDAYS 1:00-5:00 MT. VERNON, 2 SUNDAYS 1:00-5:00 INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS AVAILABLE 5HJXODU)RRWPLQ 'HOX[H)RRWKU &KDLU0DVVDJHPLQ )XOO%RG\7KHUDS\DOVRDYDLODEOH Are YOU Interested in Becoming a Healthier, Happier, more Well-Balanced Version of Yourself? If ‘YES’ Contact: TH Evy L. Olson, CHHC ND Certified Holistic Health Coach EFT changes lives. Call for free 20 minute consult. EFT is “emotional acupressure.” Details: EFTSettings.com/welcome Daimon Sweeney, EFT-CC 360-441-1195 Programs Tailored to Your Health & Wellness Goals Specializing in Nutrition, Weight Loss and Energy Levels Call with Questions or to Schedule a FREE Initial Health Consultation! 520.306.8848 or www.wellnesbyevy.com WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 Golden Foot Massage CASCADIA WEEKLY #20.07 05.16.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 The Bellingham TM Program is pleased to offer 28 INTRODUCTORY SESSION 360-647-1537 circleoflifeco-op.com Serving elders respectfully Individualized service plans Personal and In-Home Care Affordable Rates Thurs., May 17 noon and 7 pm Gateway Centre 1313 E. Maple, Mt. Baker Room INTRODUCTORY CLASSES FOR BEGINNERS Sessions are FREE Instructor: Annie Skipper ¨ ©Û¤~ ÛÝÛooolegj_ Director, Seattle TM Program Video tour is online! $ 3900 1-hr massage Bellingham’s Finest 360 715-8722 Introduce your family and friends to the healthy goodness opportunities that we offer in-store. $5 off New Client Special Therapeutic Massage Yoga Instruction $225 FOR A TOTAL OF 13 WEEKS OF ADVERTISING COVERING ALL OF WHATCOM, SKAGIT, ISLAND COUNTIES AND LOWER MAINLAND, B.C.! Only a few spaces left! "EWFSUJTJOHFYUtNBSLFUJOH!DBTDBEJBXFFLMZDPN 200 MIND & BODY Hawaii, is the facilitator. More info: www.intenders.org Learn about Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) at a variety of workshops in Bellingham. More info: www. eftsettings.com A Grief Support Group meets at 7pm every Tuesday at the 200 MIND & BODY St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center. The free, drop-in support group is for those experiencing the recent death of a friend or loved one. More info: 733-5877 A Breastfeeding Café meets at 10:30am every Monday at the Bellingham Birth Center’s Life Song Perinatal 200 MIND & BODY 300 MEDITATION Wellness Center, 2430 Cornwall Ave. Entry is $10. More info: www.lifesongperinatal.com degree class May 19-20 in Bellingham. Participants will discover the location when they sign up. More info: (360) 319-5744 or www.reiki hawaii.com 300 MEDITATION Reiki master and author Shalandra Abbey leads a “Reiki Natural Healing” first- Attend a Reiki Share at 6:30pm Sunday, May 20 at Mount Vernon’s Skagit Valley Food Co-op. The free event Accepting all major credit cards Lic. # MA00016465 300 MEDITATION Rhys Webb, LMP 360-220-2838 rhyswebbmassage.com 300 MEDITATION features participants giving and receiving energy healing. Register in advance. More info: www.skagitfoodcoop. com Entry is $5. No registration is required, but please be on time, as the doors will close right at 5:30. More info: www. jillmillerpsychic.com Attend a Meditation Hour from 5:30-6:30pm every first and third Wednesday of the month at psychic Jill Miller’s offices at 1304 Meador Ave. The Bellingham Shambhala Meditation Center hosts an open house and introductory talk at 7pm most Mondays at its digs on the third floor Skagit Valley Food Co-op www.skagitfoodcoop.com 300 MEDITATION 400 MOVEMENT of the Masonic Hall, 1101 N. State St. A variety of meetings and workshops happen throughout the week. More info: 483-4526 or www.bellingham.shambhala.org The Pilates Loft, Bellingham’s only private Pilates studio specializing in the Mature Body Workout, is currently offering free half-hour intro sessions at 1229 Cornwall Ave., suite 207. More info: (360) 441-0211 CALENDAR@ CASCADIAWEEKLY.COM B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 Last Week’s Puzzle CURRENTS 8 11 Pensacola pronoun 2 Matty or Felipe of Voted #1 Italian Restaurant 10 GI T P U B Down explored by Mulder and Scully 52 She was “The Little Mermaid” 53 Disaster relief org. 54 Diamond heads? 55 Tattoo parlor supply 56 Meadows 57 ___ Lang (“Smallville” role) 58 Heavy burden 59 Laundry 60 Recede, like the tide 61 ”Rapa ___” (1994 movie about Easter Island) MAIL 4 EO P L E GP ’S S KA 27 Former Cincinnati Bengal Collinsworth 30 More unlike a chicken 35 Painkiller-induced dreams, now for all to see? 38 Literary detective’s outburst 39 ___-Magnon man 40 Cupid’s counter- 29 Belgraders, e.g. 31 One of Geena’s “Beetlejuice” costars 32 How some videos go 33 Bring out 34 Stopwatch button 36 Printable files 37 Knight’s neighbor 42 Family surname in R&B 43 Sam & Dave hit covered by the Blues Brothers 44 Peachy 45 ”The Hangover” actor 50 One of many by Evening Magazine & King 5 TV! DO IT 2 IN LI H C S 1 One-named musician born in Kalamata 6 ”In the Valley of ___” (2007 Tommy Lee Jones film) 10 Maligned clear drink of the 1990s 14 Actor Delon 15 What a link leads to 16 Brown or Rice: abbr. 17 It makes a Brit bright 18 Go with the joke 20 Hazy memory after a few rounds of drinks? 22 President pro ___ 23 ”The Jungle Book” snake 24 Cry convulsively baseball 3 Grandmas, for some 4 One of seven in a week 5 ”Office Space” company 6 ”SportsCenter” network 7 ”Mystic Pizza” actress Taylor 8 Sharp as ___ 9 Words before “Take a Walk on the Wild Side,” in the lyrics 10 Yankee follower 11 ”Are you ___ out?” 12 Like some keys: abbr. 13 Part of GPA 19 Dream interrupter 21 Katz of “Eerie, Indiana” 24 Need deodorant 25 Word appearing twice after “Boogie” in a 1978 #1 hit’s title 26 Sausages at picnics 28 ”Hedwig and the Angry ___” VIEWS 6 Across part 41 Did the candles for your cat’s birthday party? 46 On a smaller scale 47 Timetable, for short 48 Allow 49 Eur. country 51 ”Got it!” 53 Message that shows your car’s warning system is joking with you? 601985 sci-fi film with Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett, Jr. 62 Tropical vine 63 Baby ___ (tabloid term for a celeb’s pregnancy sighting) 64 ___-Seltzer 65 Pull-down directories 66 Tendency 67 Loch ___ Monster 68 Guns N’ Roses guitarist FOOD 34 rearEnd ›› ”Triple Billing” — what if these bands played together? — by Matt Jones 15 Entrees to choose from ««iÌâiÀ]Ê-Õ«ÊÀÊ->>`]ÊiÃÃiÀÌ Now Offering Ravioli, Gnocchi & Veal /FX%FTTFSU0QUJPOTtCréme Brulee made In-House *Offer valid 7 days a week (holidays excluded) For additional offers visit www.granaio.com CALL FOR RESERVATIONS Lunch hours 11am–3pm Dinner hours 3pm–10pm 360.419.0674 WWW.GRANAIO.COM EAT-ITALIAN@GRANAIO.COM £ääÊÊÌ}iÀÞ]Ê-ÕÌiÊ££ä]ÊÕÌÊ6iÀ #20.07 NOW AVAILABLE DURING LUNCH! Ê££>È«ÊUÊ->ÌÊEÊ-ÕÊΫȫ CASCADIA WEEKLY 95* 15 $ Four Course Sunset Specials 05.16.12 Try our New Full Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Menus! 29 NOW SHOWING MAY 18 - 24 T1 BEER & WINE ALLOWED IN THEATRE 1: 21 & OVER ONLY T1: PLAYING IN THEATRE 1 THIS WEEK ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 FOOD 34 BY AMY ALKON Perfect Sense (R) HD/88m. “An intriguing apocalyptic romance with a multi-purpose title.” EW Fri: 7:00; Sat & Sun: (2:15), 7:00; Mon: 7:00 Damsels in Distress (PG-13) 35mm/99m. “I laughed until I cried.” Salon.com Fri: (4:30); Sat & Sun: 4:30; Mon: (4:30) Tue & Wed: 6:45; Thu: 5:30 Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (PG-13) 35mm/107m. “An engaging love story that should appeal to moviegoers with a flair for the offbeat.” Fri - Mon: 9:10; Tue & Wed: (4), 9:10; Thu: (3) Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview (NR) Sat: (12:15) STAGE 16 La Fille mal Gardee (NR) $16/$20. Sun: 11AM WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 Bully (PG-13) 35mm/99m. “Forces you to confront not the cruelty of specific children — who have their own problems, and their good sides as well — but rather the extent to which that cruelty is embedded in our schools and therefore in our society as a whole.” NYT Fri: (4:15), 6:40, 9:00; Sat: (3:15), 5:40, 8:00 Sun: (12:50), (3:15), 5:40, 8:00; Mon: (4:15), 6:40, 9 Tue: 9; Wed: 11AM*, (4:15), 6:40, 9; Thu: (3:30), 5:50 *Wed 11AM Show = Mommy Matinee, Toddler’s Welcome Earth vs. the Spider (R) $2. Sat: (12:00 PM) Rocket! The Mountain Runners (NR) 90m. SOLD OUT Thu: 8:00, 8:15 - Run opens 5/25 at the Limelight. NEW PICKFORD FILM CENTER: 1318 Bay St. | 360.738.0735 | PickfordFilmCenter.org Box Office Open 30 Min Before First Showtime - Mary’s Happy Hour: 4-6pm, M-F $1 Off Beer/Wine NEW PRICING FOR STUDENTS: Students with Valid ID: $7 All Shows NOW SHOWING MAY 18 - 24 at PFC’s Limelight Cinema at 1416 Cornwall All films at this location are shown in HD DIGITAL. CASCADIA WEEKLY #20.07 05.16.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 Loves of Pharoah (1922) (NR) Unseen for 80 years! Tue: (4:15), 6:40 - Ernst Lubitsch lost classic restored. 30 Marley (PG-13) 144m. “Embodying all of the conflict, not always gracefully, is the icon himself, unavoidably a mystery (little interview footage exists), yet brought to life by Macdonald with a rare degree of complexity.” Time Out Fri: 8:15; Sat: (2:50), 8:15 Sun: (12:50), 6:15; Mon - Thu: 8:15 Monsieur Lazhar (PG-13) 94m. Nominee for Best Foreign Film! “...conveys the intensity and the fragility of these classroom bonds and the mutual trust they require.” NYT. A MUST-SEE. Fri & Sat: 6:00; Sun: (4:00); Mon-Thu: 6:00 THE ADVICE GODDESS I GET A KICKBALL OUT OF YOU My boyfriend of three months is 22, and so am I. He tells me he loves me but is horrible about returning texts and calls and following through with dates. (He seems to ditch me if something better comes along.) He also doesn’t treat me very well around others. Recently, he got really drunk at a party and was hitting on my friend all night, though she ignored him. I finally pulled him aside and said he was hurting my feelings, and he said I was too sensitive and I’m just jealous that people like him. He later disappeared from the party for over an hour, and when I asked him where he’d gone, he said, “What are you, my mom?” I know I don’t deserve to be treated like this, but he can be so sweet and kind when we are on my couch watching a movie or in bed snuggling. Part of me wants to leave, and part thinks he just needs to get used to being in a relationship, because this is his first “serious” one. —Loved and Unloved If you’re like a lot of women, you’ve dreamed about this since you were a little girl—that moment the man in your life puts his hands on your shoulders and says, “Would you mind ducking your head so I can see if that woman across the room is hot?” Men, like golden retrievers, have their flaws. They shed on the furniture, leave hairs in the soap and hump your leg at inappropriate times. But when it’s clear a particular man generally means well, these things are to be overlooked. Your boyfriend, on the other hand, claims to love you but ignores you, stands you up, belittles you and publicly humiliates you, making it pretty clear he’s looking to leave hairs in other women’s soap. And sure, he’s sweet to you when you’re snuggling in bed—probably because there are no other women under your comforter for him to hit on. Like many people, you place too much importance on hearing “I love you.” You want to believe that these words mean something—and they probably do: that he needs to throw you a chew-toy from time to time so you’ll stick around for all the casual cruelty. In an abusive relationship, which this is, you begin to crave the little moments of sweetness and intimacy that you use to justify staying through all the spirit-chomping parts. The big picture is, you aren’t so much this guy’s girlfriend as you are his backup girlfriend (the spare tire of girlfriendhood)—the one he keeps around in case there’s nothing or no one better to do. Part of you wants to leave? Follow that part. And turn this into a meaningful relationship after the fact—one you use to represent what you won’t put up with in the future. Sure, in the process of figuring out what you want in a man, you’ll have to “kiss a few toads,” but if you’re honest about who a guy is, you’ll see no reason to stick around for an extended makeout session. LAST TANGO IN SUBURBAN LIVING ROOM I’m staying at a friend’s house while on a business trip. She and I talk frequently, but since I moved away, we have not had any quality time. We’d both looked forward to hanging out and catching up, but her boyfriend of six months has been here every night. I like him well enough, but the worst, the absolute worst, is the extreme PDA. They share long, passionate kisses and lie on top of each other and make out while we’re all watching TV. I want to say something, but what? —Grossed-Out Girl How nice to have time to catch up with your friend—to learn how her job’s going, what’s happening with her family, the kind of faces she makes while being dry-humped. When you’re a houseguest, the things you should be expected to bring are wine and maybe a box of fancy soaps, not earplugs and a blindfold. As welcome as they’re making you feel, it must be tempting to go passive-aggressive when they’re getting it on: “Mind if I tweet this?” Or “Should I move over? I don’t want to be sitting on third base.” But, your best bet for shutting down the heavy petting zoo is evoking sympathy, not defensiveness. Do that by telling your friend that you feel bad—like you’re interrupting something—and that it’s no problem for you to stay at a motel. Sure, there may still be live sex acts there, but they’ll be separated from you by a wall and some innocuous framed print. You’ll hear everything, but in the morning, you’ll leave with the image of an adequately painted lighthouse forever burned into your brain. ©2012, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. CANCER (June 21-July 22): You spend nearly one-third of your life sleeping. For one-fifth of that time, you’re dreaming. So pretty much every night, you watch and respond to as much as 90 minutes’ worth of movies created by and starring you. Much of this footage is obscure and confusing and not exactly Oscar-worthy, which is one reason you may not recall many of the details when you wake up. But according to my astrological analysis, the immediate future could be different. Your dreams should be full of riveting entertainment that reveals important information about the mysteries of your destiny. Please consider keeping a pen and notebook near your bed, or a small recording device. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): It’s Oxymoron Season for you. That means you’re likely to encounter more than your usual share of sweet and sour paradoxes. The logic-loving areas of your brain will almost certainly have to seek assistance from your nonrational wisdom. I’ll give you a heads-up on some of the lucid riddles you should be ready to embrace: 1. a humbling triumph; 2. a tender rivalry; 3. a selfish blessing; 4. an opportunity to commune with risky comfort; 5. an invitation to explore a relaxing challenge; 6. a chance to get up-close and personal with a long-distance connection. For best results, Leo, memorize these lines from Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” and recite them periodically: “Do I contradict myself? / Very well then I contradict myself. / (I am large, I contain multitudes.)” VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): There’s at least a 50 percent chance that the coming days will be over-the-top, out-of-the-blue, and off-the-record. I’m half-expecting florid, luscious, and kaleidoscopic events, possibly even rococo, swashbuckling, and CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Sometimes I have a dream that seems cryptic or meaningless when I first wake up, but a few days later I realize it was a brilliant insight into what I most needed to transform about my life. If you don’t recall many of your dreams, that might not be a familiar experience for you. But you’ve probably had waking-life experiences with a similar arc. I predict you will be given at least one of those in the coming week. It may confound you while you’re in the midst of it, but will eventually reveal choice clues that have the power to change your life for the better. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may not have heard about the “forbidden colors.” And you certainly haven’t seen them, even though they exist. They’re reddish green and yellowish blue, which the cells of your retina are not built to register. However, scientists have figured out a trick by which these hues can be made visible. A few lucky people have actually caught a glimpse of them. I bring this to your attention, Aquarius, because I suspect you are close to experiencing a metaphorical version of this breakthrough—seeing something that is supposedly impossible to see. (If you’d like to read more about the forbidden colors, go here: tinyurl.com/ForbiddenColors.) PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “There’s no such thing as a wrong note,” said jazz pianist Art Tatum. “It all depends on how you resolve it.” Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis had a similar philosophy. “It’s not the note you play that’s the wrong note,” he said. “It’s the note you play afterwards that makes it right or wrong.” I think that’s an excellent understanding for you to keep in mind during the coming weeks, Pisces. Be wary of coming to premature conclusions about alleged mistakes. Wait to hear the entire song and see the bigger picture. FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MUSIC 20 ART 18 STAGE 16 GET OUT 14 EOE WORDS 12 www.tmobile.jobs CURRENTS 8 GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A Russian woman named Marija Usova decided to go skydiving even though she was eight months pregnant. “I wanted my baby to have the beautiful feeling of flying through the air and free-falling before it was born,” she said. Soon after she jumped out of the plane and opened her parachute, she went into labor. Luckily, her daughter waited until she landed to be born. What does this have to do with you? I don’t recommend you do anything even remotely like what Usova did in the next few weeks. But do be alert for healthier, saner approaches to the basic theme, which is to be adventurous and wild and free as you birth a new possibility. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In the coming weeks, you will have an excellent chance to develop more skill in the art of high gossip. High gossip has almost nothing in common with the mindless prattle that erodes reputations and fosters cynicism. It’s not driven by envy, pettiness, or schadenfreude. When you engage in high gossip, you spread uplifting whispers and inspirational hearsay; you speculate about people’s talents and call attention to their successes; you conspire to awaken generosity of spirit and practical idealism. High gossip is a righteous approach to chatting about the human zoo. It might not flow as easily as the cheap and shabby kind—at least at first—but it lasts a whole lot longer and creates connections that help keep your mental hygiene sparkling clean. Apply online at www.tmobile.jobs and look for requisition #12004660. VIEWS 6 of your life as a book, the title of the next chapter could very well be “In Quest of the Primal.” I encourage you to meditate on what that means to you, and then act accordingly. Here are a few possibilities: tapping into the mother lode; connecting to the source; communing with the core; returning to beginnings; seeking out the original; being in tune with the pulse of nature. Does any of that sound like fun? According to my reading of the astrological omens, you have a mandate to be as raw as the law allows—to be the smartest animal you can be. bind us most closely are the ones we have broken,” said Scorpio poet Antonio Porchia. In other words, the oppression from which we have freed ourselves may continue to influence us long after we’ve escaped. The imprint it left on our sensitive psyches might keep distorting our decisions and twisting our emotions. But I’m here to tell you, Scorpio, that you’re entering a time when you have an enhanced power to dissolve the lingering taint your broken chains still impose. You finally have the resources and wisdom to complete the liberation process. Salary ranges from $11.20 - $13.52/hour with the potential for monthly performance incentives! You can also expect that it will be high energy from day one at T-Mobile: career growth, personal recognition, and diversity are all part of the mix. You’ll also enjoy special employee phone plans, on-site fitness center, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, medical and dental coverage, a great company-matched 401(k) plan, advanced training and more. MAIL 4 TAURUS (April 20-May 20): If we thought SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “The chains that T-Mobile is hiring Customer Service & Sales Representatives in Bellingham! DO IT 2 ence in sound quality between relatively inexpensive modern violins and the multi-million-dollar violins created by master craftsmen in the 1700s? In research done at the Eighth International Violin Competition, most violinists couldn’t tell them apart. (Read more here: tinyurl.com/ViolinResearch.) In accordance with the astrological omens, Aries, I urge you to do comparable tests in your own sphere. There’s no need to overpay for anything, either with your money, your emotions, your energy, or your time. Go with what works, not with what costs the most or has highest status. ments. Crushes. Manias. Fetishes. Some astrologers think you Libras are mostly immune from these indelicate but sometimes delightful modes of human expression. They seem to believe that you love harmony and balance too much to fall under the spell of a bewitching passion that rivets your focus. I disagree with that view. It may be true that you’re better able than the other signs to be objective about your fixations. But that doesn’t necessarily dilute the intensity you feel when they rise up and captivate your imagination with the force of a thousand love songs. My advice? Have fun and stay amused. hiring! Helen, Customer Service 05.16.12 ARIES (March 21-April 19): Is there a differ- LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Obsessions. Enchant- Opportunities for Customer Service and Sales Representatives in Bellingham! #20.07 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY T-Mobile is CASCADIA WEEKLY BY ROB BREZSNY splendiferous adventures. Are you ready for all this? Of course not. That’s the point life will be trying to make: nudging you to learn more about the fine art of spontaneity as you improvise your way through unpredictable lessons that will lead you toward the resources you’ll need to succeed. 31 FOOD 34 organic & local HOW TO SUDOKU: Arrange the digits 1-9 in such a way that each digit occurs only once in each row, only once in each column, and only once in each box. Try it! 7 6 9 Basil Starts *URZQE\ 7KH*URZLQJ *DUGHQ STAGE 16 ART 18 MUSIC 20 FILM 24 B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 Sudoku GET OUT 14 Tomato Starts *URZQE\ CASCADIA WEEKLY #20.07 05.16.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 WORDS 12 6XQVHHG)DUP 32 rearEnd ›› comix IDUPHU %UHQW+DUULVRQ IURP 7KH*URZLQJ*DUGHQ Now is the perfect time to plant! IDUPHU1LFN*XLOIRUG IURP6XQVHHG)DUP FOOD CO OP Bellingham’s Natural Grocer ZZZFRPPXQLW\IRRGFRRS 'RZQWRZQ&RRS 1)RUHVW6W 2SHQ'DLO\ DPSP &RUGDWD&RRS :HVWHUO\5G 2SHQ'DLO\ DPSP 2 6 5 1 1 8 7 2 3 7 4 5 5 4 2 4 6 3 8 2 6 9 6 8 1 8 9 6 2 5 David & Karen Bellingar Kin Montgomery Rd. E. Bakerview Rd. Bring trays or boxes to carry your plants home. A huge variety of culinary herbs and ornamental treasures! Cascade Cuts packed greenhouses are normally available for wholesale only, so this quantity and diversity of plants is a rare treat for gardeners, landscapers, and anyone looking to have fun growing this season. Support local farms when you buy your plants this year! Parking is very limited. Please carpool if possible. For more info visit www.sustainableconnections.org or contact 360 647-7093, ext 108 Choose local businesses taking action for a healthy community. FOOD 34 B-BOARD 27 B-BOARD 27 FILM 24 MAIL 4 DO IT 2 05.16.12 gM tn. Rd . King Mountain neighborhood #20.07 632 Montgomery Rd. SU SUST STAI AINA NABL BLE E CO CONN NNEC ECTI TION ONS’ S SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIONS’ FOOD & FARMING FAR FARMI MING NG PROGRAM P PRO ROGR GRAM AM FOOD AND TO MAKE PLANT LOVERS HAPPY! CASCADIA WEEKLY TO BENEFIT VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 8 www.weldingrodeo.com WORDS 12 GET OUT 14 BTC CAMPUS MUSIC 20 18 &19 MAY ART 18 BELLINGHAM TECHNICAL COLLEGE STAGE 16 the INTO GARDEN James St. Rd. rearEnd ›› comix 33 FOOD 34 38 FOOD chow REVIEWS PROF I L ES BY HAYLEY WAKEFIELD Homeskillet A COLORFUL ADDITION TO SUNNYLAND CASCADIA WEEKLY #19.07 05.09.12 DO IT 2 MAIL 4 VIEWS 6 CURRENTS 10 WORDS 14 GET OUT 16 STAGE 18 ART 20 MUSIC 22 FILM 26 B-BOARD 31 RECIPES 34 AMONG THE aluminum-sided buildings that dominate the landscape of Bellingham’s industrial district, a small, electric orange structure acts like a highlighter, letting you know you are now in the Sunnyland neighborhood. The neon mass is the Homeskillet, one of Bellingham’s most recent restaurant upstarts, and the loud decor follows you from the exterior to the interior, from the chicken fried steak with chorizo gravy to the flourless chocolate cake. The joint’s modus operandi is good, cheap, fast food. With more than 50 years of cooking and restaurant experience between them—often in rough environments, including Antarctica—owners Tina and Kirby White are testing their personal relationship with a venture in the soul food biz. “We purchased a fixer-upper when we moved to the Sunnyland area, and once we saw this space was for sale, we started brainstorming,” Tina, who acts as waitress, host, cook and chief decorator, says. (My favorite touch is the My Little Pony figurine positioned atop the fireplace mantle in the dining room.) The location is marked by the silver Airstream / trailer the couple owns, WHAT: Homeskillet as well as co-owner KirWHEN: 7am-3pm by’s vintage Mini Cooper, Tues.-Sat., 8amall of which signal the 1pm Sun vintage diner feel they WHERE: 521 both were going for. Kentucky St., Bellingham Taking a cue from its INFO: 676-6218 or colorful exterior, Homewww.homeskillet skillet’s radical palette sunnyland.com reminds me what it would be like to live inside Joseph’s Technicolor Dreamcoat at an American diner. “Everything you see with acrylic on it was my wife’s doing,” Kirby says, as he reassures me that the menacing crow figures staring down at as us from the roof are actually statues. On the other hand, once you move past the energetic color play, and the funky accessories (including a plastic Santa stuffed inside a chimney shoot), the focus is on the food. Classic diner fare, combined with the culinary delights of the couple’s eclectic travels around the world, make for a tasty and assorted menu. “We love food,” Tina says. “The real focus is being able to serve good, hearty meals to our friends and family, and use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.” After weeks of driving past the construction site in anticipation of the restaurant’s grand opening, I was finally able to indulge in some Homeskillet’s carte de jour, as promised by their trifold menu that was hanging for weeks in their front window. Originally designed to be a breakfast, lunch and dinner spot, it wasn’t difficult to see why Kirby and Tina decided to scale back their hours and menu after my first, hectic visit. The diner was empty when I arrived but quickly became awash with patrons and activity within just a few minutes upon ordering my drink—but not before Tina brought over “set-ups,” a term used for forks and knives typical of many classic American diners and cafes of yesteryear. An appetizer of tater tots ($2) seemed fitting as a starter for my friend and I. After a nostalgic trip back in time to my elementary school cafeteria, I decided on the daily special of salmon cakes ($8.50) and my friend ordered the pulled turkey sandwich ($7.50). As eager foodies continued to insert themselves into the landscape, I overheard our waitress—who, remember, is also the owner, line-cook and cashier—repeat that several menu items were out of stock. A credit to good marketing, but a tall order for a two-person show, especially when attempting to satisfy the time standards of “fast food” and the lofty expectations of Bellingham’s foodie crowd. Ultimately, after a few missed orders and “We love food. The real focus is being able to serve good, hearty meals to our friends and family, and use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.” —TINA WHITE, HOMESKILLET OWNER a bees nest of a dining room, the food we ordered was simply lovely. My salmon cakes were creamy, not heavy, and my salad with edible flowers was as tasty as it was attractive. Likewise was my friend’s turkey sandwich I stole a few bites of—a scrumptious diner spin on pulled pork, no doubt. Days later, I rode by the colorful Sunnyland spot, and noticed a sign with Homeskillet’s new hours. After a hectic first week, the Whites made the executive decision their efforts will be best served through breakfast and lunch. I applaud their decision. Breakfast and lunch are best served with a side of local hospitality, good eats and a PBR tallboy. doit FOOD FOOD 34 38 THURS., MAY 17 BEST OF BACON: Mary Ellen Carter helms a “Best of Bacon” class from 6-8pm at the Cordata Community Food Co-op, 315 Westerly Rd. Cost is $39. B-BOARD 31 383-3200 MAY 18-19 FILM 26 FOOD SOLIDARIT Y: The 9th annual CASCAID Community Advocacy Conference focuses on the theme of “Food Solidarity” at WWU’s new Academic West building. Workshops, discussion forums, academic panels and more will happen throughout. Entry’s free. WWW.WWUCASCAID.INFO MUSIC 22 SAT., MAY 19 ART 20 SWEDISH PANCAKES: Enjoy “Swedish pancakes made by Norwegians” at the monthly Swedish Pancake Breakfast from 8-11am at Norway Hall, 1419 N. Forest St. Entry is $3-$7. ANACORTES MARKE T: The Anacortes Farmers Market takes place from 9am-2pm every Saturday through Oct. 27 at the town’s Depot Community & Arts Center, 611 R Ave. “A road map to the future of America. A blueprint of possibilities...” —NPR’s Kitchen Sisters WWW.ANACORTESFARMERSMARKET.ORG CHEESE CLASS: Native German cheese maker Corina Sahlin leads a “Gouda CheeseMaking Class” from 12-3:30pm at her family farm in Marblemount. Cost is $45. WWW.MARBLEMOUNTHOMESTEAD.COM SUN., MAY 20 BREWERY TOUR: A Brewery Tour begins at noon at Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, 601 W. Holly St. Entry is $5. WWW.CHUCKANUTBREWERYANDKITCHEN.COM SOUTHSIDE MEAL: Attend a free Southside Community Meal from 5-6:30pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1720 Harris Ave. 733-6749 MON., MAY 21 SEAWEED CUISINE: Jennifer Hahn leads a “Wild Seaweed Cuisine” course from 6-8:30pm at the Cordata Community Food Co-op, 315 Westerly Rd. Entry is $39. 383-3200 TRUCK FOOD: Five-time James Beard Award nominee and author John T. Edge shares recipes from The Truck Food Cookbook at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. WWW.VILLAGEBOOKS.COM &R6SRQVRUHGE\WKH &RPPXQLW\)RRG&RRS7UDQVLW :KDWFRP6XVWDLQDEOH&RQQHFWLRQV Thursday, May 17th, 7pm The Chuckanut Radio Hour IHDWXULQJ 0,.( 0F48$,'( GET OUT 16 $10 Slo Pitch Match Play Coupon $10 Coupon is non-transferable and void if altered. Only original coupon is accepted-no duplicates. Coupon plays once and is retained by the dealer at the end of the hand (if hand pushes, coupon remains in play until it wins or loses). Coupon may be used for any even money bet on any Slo Pitch pit game and must be accompanied by casino chips of equal or greater value. Limit two per day. COUPON EXPIRES 6/30/2012 Enjoy the Slo Pitch Table Games! 33¢ per wing with your choice of sauce Daily Shot Specials $385 3 Happy Hours Every Day! 11 am - 1 pm & 4 pm - 6 pm NEW! 9 to 10 Every Night! THE SLO PITCH IS OPEN DAILY FROM 11 AM TO 4 AM 0HULGLDQ6WVORSLWFKFDVLQRFRP &/$66+,&,15*,'7(621 :$6 WORDS 14 %XLOGLQJDQ 85%$1)$50 5(9,9$/ Wednesday Wing Night DO IT 2 647-2060 OR WWW.BELLINGHAMFARMERS.ORG Don’t Forget Wednesday is Trivia Night at the Slo Pitch 05.09.12 BELLINGHAM MARKE T: Get the freshest produce at the Bellingham Farmers Market from 10am-3pm every Saturday through December at the Depot Market Square. %5($.,1*7+(5278(*+ &21&5 Enjoy live music, fun skits, poetry, comedy, and hear our special guest discuss his book which describes the best biking routes in Washington! #19.07 WWW.BAKERVIEWNURSERY.COM +$1621 CASCADIA WEEKLY TOMATO CLASS: Gardening columnist Chuck McClung leads a “Tomatoes: Heirlooms, Grafted, Hybrids and More” class at 10am at Bakerview Nursery. CURRENTS 10 384-6244 FREE EVENT! VIEWS 6 '$9,' 0,&+$(/ MAIL 4 You Don’t Want to Miss... STAGE 18 733-6618 PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Attend a Pancake Breakfast from 8-11am at the Ferndale Senior Activity Center, 1999 Cherry St. Cost is $3 $6. Tickets $5 available at Village Books & BrownPaperTickets.com. Thursday, May 24th, 6:30pm in the Crystal Ballroom of the Leopold 1224 Cornwall Ave., Downtown Bellingham TUES., MAY 22 K IMCHI CLASS: Dashi Noodle Bar’s Andrew Clarke teaches a “Find Your Kimchi” class at 6:30pm at Ciao Thyme, 207 Unity St. Cost is $48. WWW.CIAOTHYME.COM Read More at VillageBooks.com VILLAGE BOOKS 1200 11th St., Bellingham 360.671.2626 Fresh ideas for planning your weekend every Wednesday Pick up the Weekly in more than 600 locations from Smokey Point to Lower British Columbia 35 MORE MOST TICKETS AL WINNERS MORE REWARDS! GONE! P AUL R EVERE & T HE R AIDERS Friday & Saturday, June 15 & 16 at 8 pm WIN A CAN-AM ROADSTER SPYDER RS Cash & Prize Drawings: 8 pm Grand Prize Drawings: Every Hour: 2 – 8 pm ALL THE TIME! TM On I-5 at Exit 236 theskagit.com 877-275-2448 Hot Seat Drawings: Hourly: 2:30 - 7:30 pm Earn Tickets Now – May 24! Display vehicles courtesy of Lifestyles Honda, Mount Vernon. Photos are representative of prize makes and models. Colors, trim levels and options may vary. Saturday Night Live Comedian May 17 tCAN-AM ROADSTER RS-S + $5,000 CASH – 1 WINNER t$5,000 CASH – 2 WINNERS t$500 SLOT TICKET – 3 WINNERS ALL YOU CAN EAT! FRIDAY NIGHT SEAFOOD J IM B REUER Friday & Saturday, July 20 & 21 at 8 pm CMA Horizon Winner J OHN ANDERSON Friday, August 17 at 7 & 9:30 pm Fresh, Local & Delicious! 4 – 10 pm 50 16 Only $ with your Rewards Club Card! $19.41 without. Tax & gratuity not included. Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter Why Pay More? JOAN OSBORNE Friday & Saturday, September 21 & 22 at 8 pm Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe Rewards SAVE 10 % with your Club Card! Casino opens at 9 am daily. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to enter casino, buffet or attend shows.*Must be a Rewards Club Member – Membership is FREE! Must be present to win. Visit Rewards Club Center for details. Management reserves all rights. CW WA: 800-745-3000 theskagit.com Buy Show Tickets Service Charge Free at the Casino Cashier Cage