Volume 2, Issue 1

S H R E V E P O R T - B O S S I E R ’ S V O I C E F O R T H E U N D E R G R O U N D

V O L . 2 . I S S U E 1 - 2 . J A N 2 3 . S H R E V E P O R T . L A

S H R E V E P O R T - B O S S I E R ’ S V O I C E F O R T H E U N D E R G R O U N D

Page 2 | Heliopolis | Volume 2 Issue 1-2 | jan. 23, 2014 | heliopolissbc.com | #heliopolissbc

Heliopolis StaffEditor-in-Chief

Karen E. [email protected]

Managing EditorKelly McSwain

[email protected]

Content EditorSusan Fontaine

[email protected]

Business ManagerSpencer Teekell

[email protected]

Layout EditorKelly McSwain

[email protected]

Contributors Amjad AzzaweRobyn BradleyMalari CoburnChris DeRosia

Reed EbarbTaryn Ferro

Matt HaynesJohn Jackson

Garrett JohnsonLandon Miller

Dacoda Montana Ryan Mustapha

Lindsay Johnson NationsHalley Rachal

Robert E. Trudeau

PHOTOGRAPHERSCasey Habich

Robert E. Trudeau

Cover “Sober Up” by Sean Starwars

Heliopolis is published bi-weekly on Thursdays by Front Row Press, LLC, 500 Clyde Fant Parkway, Suite 200, Shreveport, La. 71101. No portion of this publication may be reproduced by any means

without written permission. An endorsement of information, products or services is not constituted by distribution of said publi-cation. Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily refl ect the

views of the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2014.

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Use #HELIOPOLISSBC on your photos of shreveport-bossier’s arts & entertainment scene, and

your photo could be in our next issue!

Danielle Richard at Algur Meadows MuseumBy Robert E. Trudeau

Hwy Lions playing acoustic style at KSCL 91.3@hwylions

Greg Fogle (318huckabuck.com)@huck2885

Brandon Oldenburg, Gregory Kallenberg, Lampton Enochs & Heaher Evans

@chphotodesign

Sean Starwwars at Norsworthy Gallery@gjohn21

Flight of Real Beer at Great Raft Brewing@fatmalari

#heliopolissbc | heliopolissbc.com | Jan. 23, 2014 | Volume 2 Issue 1-2 | Heliopolis | Page 3

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19)Don’t be so stingy this week. Show some compassion, and give a homeless person a sandwich.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Get organized.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)I know it’s frustrating when your pet keeps peeing in that same spot on the rug, but just take a deep breath. It’s just another opportunity to build patience.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Volunteer.

Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20)It’s time to spice your life up. Get out of your head and go play laser tag.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Fall in love.

Cancer (Jun. 21-Jul. 22)I’m sensing some obstacles in your future. Maybe just stay home and nap tonight. It’s much nicer waking up in a familiar place, than one with bars and metal toilets.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Be less stressed.

Leo (Jul. 23-Aug. 22)Congratulations! Everything seems to be going your way. Keep going with the fl ow.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Go to the gym.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)I see your nose growing over there Virgo. Try starting the new year out with an honest, clean conscience.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Spend time with family.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)Don’t get down on yourself about that winter tummy pudge. It’s still cold and blustery out there; you need all the extra insulation you can get.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Travel to exciting places.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)Finances are looking good this week. You will fi nally be able to wash the mountain of laundry growing in your bedroom.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Get out of debt.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)With all the holidays over and the family fi nally gone, you’re free to focus on yourself once again. Spend the afternoon staring in the mirror and coming up with a new look.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Quit smoking.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)Let your creativity show. Channel your inner Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and

wear as many different colors as you possibly can.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Learn something new.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)You’re looking sexy these days, Aquarius. The horde of suitors comes naturally, so no need for cologne/perfume.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Eat healthy.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)There is illness everywhere! Stay inside. Avoid everyone.This week’s failed New Year’s resolution: Drink less.

HeliopolisVolume 2, Issue 1-2

January 23, 2014

Horoscopes By: Kitter-Lou B.

Feisty Kitter-Lou may come off strong and coarse, but his good natured spirit is here to help guide you into the new year. He offers his words of wisdom, but as always, it is up to you to transform your life.

Table of ContentsSean Starwars: Interviewed pg. 4

RFC in 2014 pg. 5

Rai ls to Trai ls pg. 6

Herbal Supplementss: A l l-Natural L ies? pg. 7

SBC: Design Capital of Ark-La-Tex? pg. 8

Cul inary Confessions: Lemongrass pg. 9

Campus Col lect ib les pg. 10

The Pour pg. 11

Pet of the Week pg. 11

Living Local pg. 11

Event Calendar pg. 12


Pink pigs wearing hats. Blue wolves wearing smirks. Green gorillas baring fangs. That’s typical imagery from the beastarium of printmaker Sean Starwars.

Ten years ago a Sean Starwars woodcut was acquired by collectors David and Michelle Holcombe of Alexandria, La. This year that fusty connection led to the Mississippi-based print artist, a member of the Outlaw Printmakers, being named an Attaway Fellow at Centenary College of Louisiana.

Meanwhile he has since produced a ton of art - goats on skateboards, hotdogs being expelled from the Garden of Eden, bats and wolves galore - and given workshops at art departments in schools across the country: examples being the University of Wisconsin, Madison, University of Oklahoma, University of Alabama, and Syracuse University.

Still a teen at heart, and despite having a wife and four children, his imagery is edgy and feels spontaneous. When he discovered Zippy the Chimp in an old magazine - Zippy was a live chimp who became a comedy fi xture on dozens of network television programs (many of them live) during the 1950’s - placement of chimp and gorilla images in American life became one of his themes.

He has a monster work ethic - a woodcut a day is sort of where he starts and a woodcut an hour is where he peaks - and a charming bedside manner.

Check his prints at Meadows Museum, Centenary campus and at Norsworthy Gallery, 214 Texas St., this month.

His work celebrates and satirizes Southern culture. It is cheap and highly collectible. The fun begins at seanstarwars.com.

Who are you?My name is Sean Starwars, I live in Laurel, Miss. with my wife and four kids. I drink a lot of Mountain Dew and make a lot of woodcuts. I teach art at Heidelberg High School in Heidelberg, Miss., and am a part of a group of artists known as the Outlaw Printmakers.

Why woodcuts? Well from the very beginning, when I was just starting to take art classes at Community College, I realized that I wasn’t very good at drawing, but when I started taking printmaking classes I recognized that the magical power of woodcuts could transform a bad drawing into a decent final image. There’s just something so powerful about physically imposing your will on a piece of wood. It takes force, energy, and effort to cut into a piece of wood. That energy is what makes the image come to life. Ever since that first relief print I made twenty three years ago, I knew this was for me, and that it was the only thing I’d really want to do for the rest of my life: keep making woodcuts! I love it!

Is your name really Sean Starwars, or did you have it legally changed? In a lot of states if you live with a woman for seven years, she becomes your common-law-wife, you don‘t have to get married in front of a judge or a preacher. I’ve been using Sean Starwars for close to 20 years…. before I was even an artist I was calling myself Sean Starwars. I used to have a really respectable “Star Wars” collection. And whenever I’d go to a fl ea market or antique show, to save time I’d just say to the dealer, “Got any ‘Star Wars?’”

When the doddering old fool would invariably come back with a pair of Spock Ears or some bogus toy from “Battlestar Galactica,” I’d say, “‘STAR WARS!’ I SAID ‘STAR WARS!’ Let me know if you have ‘STAR WARS’ TOYS YOU’RE TALKING TO SEAN STARWARS…” maybe I was a jerk when I was younger, but the name kind of stuck! Anyway I traded all my “Star Wars” stuff for Mountain Dew bottles and signage and other ephemera. It’s much more of a challenge to fi nd something exciting and just seems less like I’m being manipulated. You know, like they don’t keep making more “collectibles” just because the market’s there. There are only so many Mountain Dews that still exist from 1947 for instance…

What’s the deal with Mountain Dew anyway?I love the taste. I used to love the packaging and logos, although these days it’s pretty weak design. But the classic logo from the 70’s with the slightly psychedelic swirling letters in Green and Red have a magical effect on me. When the red is right next to the green like that, the eye temporarily creates a yellow line in between the two colors. It’s called color discord. When you are surrounded by hundreds of bottles and cans and that color discord is happening all around you, it makes for a nice bit of visual chaos. Plus I love the caffeine!

Tell me about the Outlaw Printmakers? There are a handful of printmakers that have been very infl uential over the last twenty years. Tom Huck, Bill Fick, Dennis McNett, and a couple others. Eventually our mutual respect and admiration for one another coalesced into what is now known as the Outlaw Printmakers. The Outlaws are all image driven rather than process driven printmakers who, regardless of their impact on the academic world of printmaking, have all been able to penetrate beyond the enclosed walls of academia.

What all are you doing here in Shreveport? Well, my primary reason for being here is for my exhibition at the Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College. It’s a great space - I’m having a great time trying to think of ways to take advantage of it. I know that I’ll have just about every woodcut I’ve made in the last 15 years hanging on the walls. It’s nice to be in a space that can accommodate that much work! We’ll also have an exhibition up over at Norsworthy Gallery in town. Beyond that, I’m giving a number of talks over at Centenary, including a woodcut workshop on Saturday and I’ll be spending the day working with the students at Caddo Magnet on Friday. I won’t have a lot of down time while I’m here but with a little luck I can get started on a new woodcut, it’s been a few days since I made one and I’m starting to miss it.

Robert Trudeau

Sean Starwars: exhibits at Meadows and downtown at Norsworthy

“Snake handlers”


With all of the impact the Robinson Film Center (RFC) has had on our area, it is hard to imagine SBC without it. The organization has made great strides in reinforcing the notion that film is an active experience rather than a passive one.

The fact is, however, that in this digital age there are infinite ways to binge through films on your own with very little physical or financial cost, but sometimes you have to get up and make an effort to find something really special.

Considering everything the Robinson has in store for 2014, there has never been a better time to do just that.

Alexandyr Kent, executive director at RFC, works daily to create an experience. He realizes that options are out there for audiences. Kent himself is an avid Netflix user, but he is also very passionate about the enrichment a movie theater can offer.

“There’s a lot of competition out there,” Kent said. “We’ve learned to make people feel invited, not welcome. We want people to arrive with smiles on their faces, no matter how sappy the film is they’re seeing.”

The folks at the Robinson are working to instill and preserve the magic of the movies, an age-old equalizer that defies income brackets and social classes. That all starts with what may seem a general task: to bring you good movies (but these are the types of

movies that would never have been in this market just a decade or two ago). Once that mission is satisfied it comes back to establishing an atmosphere that separates it from the rest. With niceties such as the newly added “mercedes-level” Digital 4K projectors, the place is bumping like never before.

“It’s so big for a small theater that the results are astounding.” Kent said. “ I’m more impressed with the sound quality. It’s like night and day. The theater can really rock out now.”

As one might expect, those at the helm have been devising an itinerary that they hope will meet the ever-evolving wants and needs of moviegoers in 2014. That process looks to yield programs to nurture the foundation that film has recently formed in the community. One of those fresh new programs is the Teen Film Council, a four-month-long project which, to 15 area high schoolers, will pose the question: Why does art matter? The teens will meet weekly to produce a monthly film series to broadcast their answers.

Kent said it’s “a unique opportunity for students,” adding, “They get the mic, the theater, and total control over the screen for the night.”

In addition, the Robinson will continue with a sophomore round of family matinee films intended to bring an interactive experience to films we’ve come to know and love.

“We realized there was a gap in our viewing experience,” Kent said. “Most indie flicks are not so family friendly.”

He hopes that the Family Matinee Series will bridge that gap. For just $5.50, such staples as “Annie,” “The Princess Bride,” “The Muppets,” and “The Wizard of Oz” may be seen and heard in the quality only a movie theater can provide. Thiry of those tickets will be given away to area nonprofits.

There are many other events to look forward to. Of course there’s the Oscar Watch Party, which has become an annual tradition, and Jewish and French film series are being planned for the spring. The film center will hold its biannual gala event fundraiser in May, where the focus is for people to just have fun. You can dress up, celebrate film, eat a bunch of food, and dance to an interactive DJ. A wild-game night is in order by which audiences are encouraged to donate their own game to be fixed up in the bistro and accompany a similarly themed film.

And don’t forget the movies! With the recent announcement of Oscar nominations, staff is working to get as many nominated films as possible.

One can only expect the list of RFC events to grow. As the year progresses, you don’t want to find yourself deprived of such an area gem. With quite an asset at your fingertips it is a great opportunity to create an experience, and as long as there are movies being made, you can bet on the Robinson to bring its A game.

To some of us, owning a comic book store seems like a dream. We drool as Sheldon and Leonard browse through Stewart’s comic book store, and wish we had something like that here. Well, we do!

In 1993, Chris Zepeda, Carla and Dale Frost opened Excalibur in Shreveport, originally located on Mansfield Rd. Today it dwells at 802 E. 70th St.

“Excalibur is a great source for comics,” said Excalibur shopper Robert Silvie, II. “Specifically, the back issue collection is excellent.”

In addition to comic books, Excalibur is home to graphic novels, collectors items, DND books, Magic cards, and baseball cards.

“Excalibur is for everyone,” said Zepeda. “For the comic readers, its the comic book store. For the card collectors, its the card store.”

Zepeda is always eager to help you find anything you are looking for. When he didn’t have “The Legend of Oz: The Wicked West” Vol. 1, he ordered it, and I had it in a week. If there is a series you read religiously, he will set it aside for you every time it comes out, similar to a subscription list. The store will also buy collection items from customers.

“My favorite part of owning a comic book store is being able to talk about comics all day with people who are really passionate

about it,” said Zepeda. “I enjoy helping them fulfill their collections, and it’s fun when they discover a new series.”

“Since the early ‘90s, I have been a satisfied patron of Excalibur Comics, Cards and Games!,” said Brad Campbell. “Their selection of comic books, graphic novels, and collectibles is unmatched by any other retailer in the Shreveport-Bossier area. The exemplary staff is not only helpful and friendly, but they are also very knowledgeable of the products that they sell. It’s a fun place to shop.”

The store also has a lot to offer kids, as Zepeda has a daughter who loves sci-fi. Marvel and DC have younger versions of superheroes (Captain America is Zepeda’s favorite, due to the character’s stance on “equality for the American dream”) and there’s always the reliable Archie Comics that have been around since the ‘40s. They are always bringing out new things to get kids more interested in reading, including having “My Little Pony” graphic novels in its inventory...who knew?

You can also find Excalibur at our local Ark-La-Tex Comic Con, based in Texarkana, Texas, which will have its fourth annual comic con this coming Labor Day.

There is no other place like this in within a 70 mile radius. It is truly a place we geeks, nerds, dorks, collectors, gamers, and comic book readers alike can shop and call home.

Comic book store offers collectibles for all ages [email protected] Ferro

Robinson Film Center: only getting better

[email protected] Mustapha


Rails to trailsDavid Maniccia

Shreveport and Bossier City are experiencing a growth surge. State, city, and parish leaders are working hard to bring durable industries to our area. Durable industries which will attract and retain the educated citizens needed to sustain and grow those industries. How do we provide a welcoming environment with diverse activities that will promote our cities? We have an opportunity to improve the Cities of Shreveport and Bossier. We have the chance to make Shreveport/Bossier a destination, and take a leap towards Shreveport’s motto: “The next great city of the South.” We can do this by creating linear parks by converting abandoned rail beds into paved multi-use trails. Taking advantage of this resource will contribute to a fi tness friendly amenity that will highlight Shreveport and Bossier City as the next great cities of the south.

Shreveport and Caddo Parish are making great strides to expand bicycle access and trails. As reported by Michele Marcotte in the Shreveport Times (November 2013) Caddo Parish and Shreveport constructed a 17 mile bike lane on North Lakeshore Drive. This provides a safe bike route insulated from the worst traffi c of our cities. Additionally, the city has began providing bicycle racks downtown to encourage bike commuting. An organization dedicated to expanding bike routes and hiking paths in Shreveport, ABetterShreveport, is energetically advocating use of drainage ditches for bike routes. These routes complement the existing paved trails that extend along the Clyde Fant and Arthur Teague Parkways on either side of the Red River. The next step should be to convert unused and abandoned railroad lines into paved, multi-use paths. Converting our unused rail lines will expand the existing trails and provide a safe alternative for bicyclists and hikers traversing or commuting in our city. It will also increase foot traffi c in the downtown areas.

Where to start? There are unused rail lines on both sides of the Red, but the majority are in Shreveport. A drive around Shreveport reveals some intriguing possibilities. A terrifi c start would be converting the Waddell “A” truss bridge over Cross Bayou into a biking and walking path. The industrial area the bridge connects to has many thriving businesses but it also has wide open areas. These open spaces could become parks and parking lots. This would give the citizens of Shreveport a park that directly links to Festival Plaza. Moreover, interspersed among the active businesses, are unused and collapsing buildings. These are hazardous and could be removed; creating more parks and open areas, removing eyesores and replacing them with attractive amenities which emphasize outdoor activity. The link to Festival Plaza avoids the surface streets and provides safer parking areas.

And what about the area between our new parks and Festival Plaza? The casinos are a prominent feature on the riverfront. However, efforts to breathe further life into that area have been met with diffi culties primarily because the Red River Arts District brought restaurants and bars which competed with the casinos. That’s impossible. El Dorado and Sam’s Town offer good entertainment and classy restaurants with reasonable rates, so why compete with them? Answer: You don’t.

The answer is recognizing the genuine gem of the confl uence of the Barnwell Arts Center, Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, and Riverview Hall. The Red River Arts district could become an artistic and intellectual hub, building on what is available with Barnwell and Sci-Port. It could emphasize art galleries, coffee shops, and upscale shopping. The area would be similar to Line Avenue, except patrons won’t have to fi ght traffi c to access them. They park their cars and ride their bikes from the parks, across the bridge, into the nascent arts district. From there it’s an easy bike ride to the Strand Theater, the Robinson Film Center, and the Shreveport Memorial Library.

The new multi-use trail doesn’t stop with a new park and link to an arts district. Looking at the map, you’ll note the rail lines in the industrial area link to an abandoned rail line that formally ran from Shreveport to Texarkana (detailed at abandonedrails.com/Texarkana_to_Shreveport). Parks and parking areas in the industrial area could serve as a jumping off point for the energetic explorers looking for a longer challenge.

You, dear reader, may have already noted many counterpoints. The largest of course is; who will pay for all this? I don’t know. Another question, are these rail lines abandoned or simply unused at this point? There’s an important distinction

that lies here that could derail the project before it even starts. I also mentioned abandoned buildings. The fact is, driving around and not seeing any cars in the parking lot doesn’t mean the property is unused. It doesn’t mean that development plans aren’t in the works. Nothing out there is free for the taking. I can’t begin to enumerate the studies necessary to ascertain ownership and intent of property use. Bottom line: I’m not advocating taking something that already belongs to someone for another purpose. So if you’re reading this and you own a railroad, a building, or property in one of the highlighted areas – rest easy. But do consider other ways it can be used if it’s not currently in use.

Nationwide, hundreds upon hundreds of miles of abandoned rail lines have been converted to multi-use trails. A great example lies just a few hours south of us in St. Tammany Parish, the Tammany Trace Rail Trail (tammanytrace.org). Resources abound for those looking to convert rails to trails. The National Rails to Trails conservancy (railstotrails.org) offers substantial assistance in the form of trail construction, all the way to community organizing to bring rail-trails to reality in local areas.

We have a real opportunity to realize Shreveport’s motto of being “the next great city of the South.” We can do this by expanding biking and multi-use trails and routes in Shreveport and Bossier City. There is a remarkable resource available to do this, our abandoned and unused railroad beds. These can be converted into multi-use trails, linking existing trails with new trails being constructed from drainage ditches and bike lanes. The nexus lying at The Barnwell Center, Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, and Riverview Theater could become the heart of an artistic and intellectual hub, shining brightly at the center of our two cities. I must acknowledge the assistance of the Bossier Parish Library History Center (bossierlibrary.org/depts/history/). The staff was very helpful in navigating their extensive map collection. They dropped everything to help me out one fi ne afternoon in December. I couldn’t have done this without their help. Moreover, the Shreveport Railroad Museum that is associated with the Shreveport Waterworks Museum has historical maps that reveal locations of old railroads in Shreveport and Bossier City. It is a phenomenal resource.

Map depicting routes of currently abandoned and unused rail lines in Shreveport. There may be more and there is more research still to do, but this is a

start.

David Maniccia is an Air Force veteran and transplant to Shreveport/Bossier City. He is an avid cyclist who shuns groups rides, favoring the contemplative quiet available only on solo rides. You might spy him pedaling around Cypress Black Bayou or climbing the hills at Rocky Mount.


180 Gram LP` by Malari Coburn

(Side B)

I want to make love to you on this rainy Autumn Tuesday

Shortly after noon, while Kind of Blue

Plays in the background.

Notes drifting high through the amber

light.

I kneel at your altar Asking for forgiveness from transgressions not yet made.

(Fuck absolution!) You give me permission With pleasure!

Red wine on the bedside Table, each kiss and caress: I sip, let it play on my palate, and

swallow.

(Side A)

Body of-- Christ! The Way

your fi ngers fi t perfectly in my intercostal spaces.

SerotoninOcytocinDopamine

Four years, Six time zones, and Waters charted long ago;

sensation and salination, a navigation

of you.

Afterwards, there is the circular silence

of the needle having reached the edge of the world:

hic sunt dracones.

The modern world is awash in plants. Plants defi ne and outline our landscape. Plants regenerate the air and shade our driveways. They both fuel our fi res and feed our hunger. Plant -based products are major contributors to our food, medicine, fi bers, construction materials, and cosmetics.

Perhaps our familiarity with plants is the major driving force behind the continued use of herbal remedies for medical complaints. Is the association with archaic healing practices enough to prop up the popular connotations that herbal supplements are safer and have fewer side effects than pharmaceutical drugs? On the contrary, modern scientifi c investigation of traditional healing plants shows that the effects of these herbal preparations are due to the drug- like compounds that they contain.

Natural products such as gingko biloba, St. John’s wort, valerian root, turmeric, and ashwagandha all have signifi cant biological effects because of these drug- like molecules. And unfortunately, signifi cant biological effects also come with signifi cant biological side effects, unlike the popular perception of these all -natural plants.

The “safe, all- natural” point of view is actively promoted by the dietary supplement industry, which successfully lobbied in 1994 to exclude natural products from FDA oversight. Led by Senator Orrin Hatch (R- Utah), the fi ght to deregulate the supplement industry has largely succeeded aside from the concession of a small warning label on supplement packaging.

Instead of making specifi c medical claims, manufacturers have used sciencey- sounding “body- function” claims like “aids heart health,” “boosts immune function,” or “increases digestive absorption.” While these terms are generally meaningless and their claims unfounded, consumers still use natural products for their drug- like effects. Sadly, supplement manufacturers have no legal responsibility to demonstrate safety or effi cacy before bringing their products to the market, unlike pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Of course, some number of herbal remedies have the potential to be safer and more effective than pharmaceutical drugs. In

practice, however, this is often hampered by poor manufacturing standards and a lack of research into safety and effi cacy.

A newstudy performed by Canadian researchers has found that commercial herbal supplements often contain contaminating and substitution plants. 59 percent of these samples contained plants not listed on the label. 32 percent of samples contained unlisted plants and lacked the primary ingredient. Plant substitution (e.g., alfalfa instead of gingko biloba) occurred in 68 percent of samples. Only two out of twelve companies had clean products with identifi able ingredients and no substitutions or fi llers.

A similar study performed by the Government Accountability Offi ce (GAO) in 2010 analyzed 40 common herbal supplement products. Contrary to their reputation as safe and natural, over 80 percet of the tested supplements contained heavy metal contaminants and nearly 50 percent contained pesticides. The same investigation by the GAO also discovered rampant deceptive marketing and sales techniques including illegal medical claims and harmful medical advice about drug interactions. Because these herbs contain drug like compounds and produce drug like outcomes, they may have serious negative interactions with prescription medications. The dangers, however, of combining herbal products with prescription medication are often underestimated by consumers. Dr. Allison Cormier, Medical Resident at LSU Health in Shreveport, agrees that these dangers are enhanced by patients who do not report their supplement use to their primary care physicians. She warns that common herbal supplements like ginger and ginseng may enhance bleeding when combined with aspirin or warfarin and that St. John’s Wort can increase the metabolism of many prescription drugs. Although many herbal remedies may be safe to use, consumers should discuss their supplement choices with their physicians and be aware of the production and marketing practices of the supplement industry. Plant -based remedies may seem appealing for their simple and safe appearance, however, their drug like effects can have serious consequences when used without care. Chris Schmoutz is a happy mutant living in Highland. Please direct all blind electronic fury to [email protected].

All-natural lies?A look at the real benefi ts of herbal supplements

[email protected] Schmoutz

Northwest Louisiana Chapter: National Alliance on

Mental Illness

Provides free family and peer support groups1st and 3rd Monday of each month

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Broadmoor Baptist Church4110 Youree Drive, Shreveport

For information 318-813-2956


Will Shreveport become the “Design Capital of the Ark-La-Tex?”

Randall Ross and Molly McCombs sell rare and unusual design books via their modernism101.com website.

What is modernism101, and what are its beginnings?We needed a catchy name that helped identify our curative philosophy. Molly and I try to serve as gatekeepers for clients interested in Design history. We specialize in Art, Architecture, and Industrial, Interior and Graphic Design, so a Venn diagram of these five areas would show an overlap that defines our customer base.

When or how did you decide to turn this hobby into a business?I’ve always been a collector: gum cards, comics, records, books; and all of these collections were Design-oriented to a certain extent. Eventually most collectors try their hand at dealing in order to support their habits. My timeframe for doing this coincided with the development of the World Wide Web. The Internet made location almost irrelevant, so a couple of design fanatics in Austin, Texas were able to reach an international audience.

For the uninformed: What is modernism, and how does it differ from other art movements? Is it similar to post-modernism or minimalism?I think the Bauhaus-trained architect Marcel Breuer summed it up best: “Modernism is not a style, it is an attitude.” The Modernists of the early 20th century broke away from the entrenched traditions of the 19th century in all of the plastic arts: painting, drawing, sculpture, and architecture. They were responding to the unspeakable horrors of WWI and “the crime of ornament,” as described by Viennese architect Adolf Loos. Modernism was a response to the excesses of the past, but history has a funny way of coming around full circle. The Post-Modernists responded to the austerity of classic Modernism by injecting vernacular references into their work. Minimalism was a more intellectually-based response, where the idea achieved supremacy over aesthetic or technique.

What is the rarest piece of work that you have come upon?We specialize in graphic design history, an area that has not yet been fully explored. As such, we consistently turn up items that have never been categorized or seen in the marketplace. It’s exciting, like an archaeologist finding a fossilized two-headed trilobyte.

What are some of the most unusual places that you have shipped books?We have shipped books to every continent except for Antarctica.

What books/artists/designers/architects are the best “jumping off point” for exploring the world of modern design?There is a constant stream of newly published material entering the marketplace, shining spotlights on dark and forgotten creative corners of the 20th century. We are partial to books published by the Museum of Modern Art for the depth of their scholarship and superior production values.

Living in a mid-century modern house in Shreveport, is the love for it purely aesthetic or do you have a sense of new perspective or creative energy?We love the rich architectural heritage of Caddo Parish, and will not rest until Shreveport is universally recognized as the “Design Capital of the Ark-La-Tex!” We were incredibly fortunate to find our dream house here. We find great solace and inspiration in our house, and realize we are very fortunate to live and work in such a stimulating environment. What are a few of your favorite modernist designers/artists/architects?Anything produced at the Bauhaus from 1919 to 1928 gets my automatic stamp of approval. My life was forever changed after touring the Walter Gropius House in Lincoln, Mass. years ago. Gropius founded the Bauhaus in 1919 and came to the United States to run the Graduate School of Design at Harvard. America was never the same after that. Standing on the Gropius House sun deck, all of my various interests, all of those loose strands of my life -- art, architecture, books -- started to intertwine and make sense. After exposure to the Gropius House I grabbed onto the Bauhaus founding principle -- “Art and Industry, a new unity” -- and starting selling Design books on the internet. After 15 years of working as a graphic designer, my life improved dramatically once I started selling a product instead of a service.

[email protected] Johnson

An electronic conversation between Garrett Johnson and Randall Ross

Alfred H. Barr, Jr.: CUBISM AND ABSTRACT ART [Painting, Sculpture, Constructions, Photography, Architecture, Industrial Art, Theater, Films, Posters, Typography]. New York: Museum of Modern Art, [April 1936]. First edition.

I have a lot of respect for Alfred Hamilton Barr, Jr. Not because of his role as the first director of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Not because he instituted aggressive advertising campaigns for MoMA, insisting that exhibition catalogs be accessible both financially and intellectually to the public. Not because he coined the term “international style” to describe the tectonic shifts occurring in architecture in the late 1920s. Not because he was one of the earliest (and greatest) proponents of modern art for the American public. Not because his perspective of modern art extended beyond painting, sculpture, and the graphic arts to embrace architecture, industrial design, theater, movies, and even literature and music.

The reason I have so much respect for Alfred Hamilton Barr, Jr. is that he synthesized his wide-ranging and inclusive view of the modern movement and gave it physical form as a diagram -- a flow chart (or family tree) of the Modern Art Movement -- on the dust jacket cover of CUBISM AND ABSTRACT ART. Anybody with any insight into the science of Information Design would certainly recognize Barr’s diagram as a true classic of the genre.

According to the MoMA website, Barr reworked the chart a number of times -- he never considered it definitive. The Dust jacket artwork for CUBISM AND ABSTRACT ART is definitive. Barr’s diagram was both high- and low-brow ten years before Kirk Varnedoe was even born. With one idiosyncratic diagram, Barr projected his theories of the origins of modern art to his audience in an entirely new way. Isn’t that the essence of modernism?

-Randall Ross


Culinary Confessions: LemongrassMatt Haynes Considering its location, SBC is expected to have a high concentra-tion of Cajun food to choose from – and it does. Many of the locals, however, prefer a bit more variety in our daily lives when it comes to lunch meetings with colleagues or dinner on Friday night with your sig-nifi cant other. Shreveport-Bossier City is meeting those needs by mak-ing strides in broadening our taste bud’s cultural horizons. International dishes are acquiring more exposure with each passing year, which is a good thing for our Thai food fans.

When craving the spicy/sweet foods of Thailand, natives to SBC have a handful of choices, and we chose to visit Lemongrass in Bossier City to see if they stood up to their reputation. As soon as I entered the restaurant I had a feeling it would be a great place to take a lunch – it was moderately busy that day, but not so packed that we had to wait for a seat. In fact, we were seated immediately. The dining area’s lighting was just right, the seats comfortable, and servers very attentive to our needs. They let us sit at our table as long as we wanted, never seeming to run out of hospitality.

Disliking the taste and texture of coconut, I don’t frequent Thai restaurants. However, I spent a few years overseas and had several occa-sions to eat some very enjoyable authentic Thai dishes. I like to think I have a good basis of comparison.

I fi nally decided to eat a not-so-adventurous Chicken Lo Mein and a sweet tea; I was actually more surprised at their sweet tea than anything else. This is the second restaurant I’ve reviewed where I can say their tea was among some of the best I’ve ever had to drink. When my dish fi nally came out, it was hot and looked completely appetizing. I love spicy food, so I was a little disappointed with the lack of heat my Lo Mein had, but aside from that, it was very good. The vegetables were extremely fresh, and the fl avor of the food was defi nitely enjoyable, comparable to many of the Thai dishes I’ve had overseas. And considering my bill came out to less than ten dollars before tip, it made for a very inexpensive lunch spot. I’ve had more expensive Taco Bell runs than what I spent for much better food.

The servers were amazing, the food inexpensive and good. It’s gluten-free friendly, vegan friendly, has a sports bar, and is conveniently located on Barksdale Blvd about a mile south of the Airforce Base’s West Gate. The only downsides that I could fi nd were a little less spice than I’d have liked and a lame fortune from my cookie. But I can’t really hold those against them. I give Lemongrass an A-minus.

Check out Lemongrass next time you’re in Bossier City and support another great local business.

[email protected]


Campus Collectibles’ phenomenal collectionMichael Chreene [email protected] I distinctly remember the first time I walked into Campus Collectibles. I had just bought my first record player. A Sylvania SRCD-817, complete with cd player and AM/FM radio. A $40 steal I had picked up off a scaly commission deal. It was time for some records. I asked around town and somehow or another was pointed to Campus Collectibles. Driving away, I asked if they had the good stuff. My friend told me, “you’ll see” with a peculiar grin on his face.

When I arrived at the store, located at 102 E. Kings Hwy. across from George’s Grill and the Centenary Gold Dome, I walked in expecting a letdown. A feeling that would quickly start its descent when I met John Matthews, a man with an earnest personality, who, when informed that my business there was records, grinned, and immediately asked if I’d ever seen his collection.

After shaking my head, I followed him to the back of the relic-filled store, only to discover a vast assemblage of vinyls. Shellacs and wax. 45’s, old 78’s, and 33’s. He had everything from Abba to Zappa. Classical, ragtime, blues, jazz, country, rock etc... As if the stockpile wasn’t overwhelming enough on its own, he notified me that I only had 23 minutes to look at it; they closed at 5, and it was 4:37 p.m.

When I went in to ask questions about the place, I wanted to know just how I had been out of the loop of this mind-numbing collection for so long.

Before it was Campus Collectibles, Dr. Sanders ran a doctor’s office which featured a tree growing right smack dab in the middle of the reception area straight through the ceiling. Probably for the children to have something to scratch, while their tired mothers carried out the daily chores. Back in those days, only the second floor existed. The building itself rested on a hill.

In the ‘60s, they removed the tree and dug out the area that would become the first floor occupied by Lewis Drugs, around the turn of the decade. Following Lewis Drugs, it served as The Patrician. Afterwards, an antique store. It laid vacant for a few years until 1995 when Matthews took it over and created Campus Collectibles.

Matthews, who is also a classical conductor and opera singer, started collecting in his childhood, well before he started pushing records and antiques. In fact he didn’t even get into the record business until 2001 when his brother passed away, leaving him his record collection. Not long after that in 2002, a guy came in with 40,000 records. Matthews bought them all, and made his money back in less than a month. Following that he bought someone out in Houston, Texas who had 100,000 additional records. Since then customers have just kept coming, itching to buy, sale, or trade. The current, alphabetized record selection stands at a total of 130,000 records.

Proudly, Matthews boasts it as the most extensive record collection in hundreds of miles.

He also shared with me his plethora of rare records, including, among other treasures, a signed first issue of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Street Fighters album, with artwork featuring the band standing and engulfed in flames. There is an urban legend about it, stating that the fire is only touching the members of the band that perished in that fateful plane crash. Whether that is true or not, the surviving members of the band decided to change the album cover.

Mr. Matthews plans to retire soon, and is hoping to sell Campus Collectibles. “This kind of business runs on discretionary income,” said Matthews, adding that it has been hit hard by the economy. “We’ve suffered.”

Often antique stores don’t last long in this reeling economy, let alone a good economy. Campus Collectibles has survived because of their record

collection. They give some of the props to the powerful comeback of the vinyl industry. They sold more record players last year than the ten previous years that preceded it.

“The records have saved us,” Matthews said.

They still have all of the odd and retro knick knacks you’d expect to find in a place like this. Plus, the antique store has handy dandy Richard King, who

does in-store custom framing and seems to be a jack of all trades.

“As far as antiques, they are built to last,” said Matthews. “They are always made well. They used real wood not that pressed crap.” Which is true, and it makes them good for repurposing projects.

If you are there on record business like so many, you will find that he also sells record player needles, and if he doesn’t have yours, he can get it. Matthews is currently going through his 20,000 78’s, and disposing of nearly all of them made past 1935.

If you are looking to preserve some history, it would be wise to get down there and

save some.

Shop local at Campus Collectibles. 102 E. Kings Hwy. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Their phone number is (318) 868-0001. Happy Hunting!


Meet Bubba Gump! Bubba is up for adoption through Two Girls Dog Rescue.

He is a larger dog, but one that is very friendly for his size. He gets along with other

dogs and would do great in any kind of home. To adopt Bubba, contact Two Girls

Dog Rescue at (318) 347-7337.

Pet of the Week

Only a couple of weeks ago we drank champagne, popped fireworks, and welcomed in the New Year with heartfelt resolutions and fresh goals to accomplish. “This time I really will do it!” we said to each other, but in the back of our minds we knew it was a lie. We silently and secretly gave ourselves permission to quit our goals as soon as they became the least bit difficult or inconvenient. We’re all guilty of allowing ourselves to settle for less than we’re capable of, but what’s worse is that every year we allow our friends to settle as well. It’s finally time to make a change, and there’s no time like the present! Maybe this really will be the year.

How many times have we written down our goals only to find them crumpled up on the floor weeks later? This time, memorialize it! Type up your goals and frame them, make them into your desktop background, create a vision board, build a shrine! Do anything it takes to keep your goals in sight and at the front of your mind. Find a way to make a daily reminder of what you want to accomplish. An idea is like a seed. It takes time and energy to grow. Writing down the goal is only the first step. The most important part is making an effort and taking action to turn your idea into a reality.

Figure out what the smallest and most immediate action step is to start your project. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and even the longest journey begins with a single step. Taking action, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can be very rewarding. Eventually it all adds up. Try to take action every day to build towards achieving your dream. Be patient and kind to yourself during the process. It’s not a race! Life is a journey not a destination.

While you’re making progress with your plans don’t forget about your friends. Encourage them to work on their own projects as well. Hold each other accountable, provide support, and always try to help whenever possible. It’s so easy to get distracted, give up, or become negative about yourself. Having a “goal wingman” is the perfect solution. Keep each other on track and celebrate all achievements!

So go forth! Lose those ten pounds! Finish your novels and screenplays! Start up those businesses and nonprofits! Cultivate those ideas that you’ve been holding back on. Now is the time! There has never been a better time and there never will be. The New Year is still fresh with possibilities. What does the world have in store for us? Better yet, what do we have in store for the world?

Living LocalMaybe This Will Be the Year

by Halley Rachal of SBC Visionaries

Resolutions don’t always have to be about sucking all the fun out of your life. Eating healthier, being more active and improving overall wellness are all good things, but they can be short-lived resolutions. And to be honest, they are complete lifestyle changes. Eating healthier and exercising are ways for me to drink what I want. I’ll eat one less slice of pizza in order to enjoy a full-flavored beer. But hey, that’s just me.

In 2014, we should all make a resolution that we can actually enjoy, and keep. After all, when is the last time you were excited about a New Year’s resolution? Whether you enjoy the occasional beer or are a craft beer connoisseur, everyone stands to gain something from resolving to learn more about and drink better beer. If you want to become a better and more educated beer drinker this year, add one (or all) of these resolutions to your list. They are in no particular order.

1. Introduce someone to craft beer – Probably best not to start with a Double IPA, but show someone that the US is full of creative, talented brewers that are pushing style boundaries and making delicious, enjoyable beers.

2. Try at least one new beer a month – There is so much new beer available, even in our market. But if you want to try some new out-of-market beers, check out some online buying sites or make a quick trip to South Louisiana or East / Central Texas.

3. Host a beer tasting with friends – Beer is meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends. Find a few folks, and ask everyone to bring a new or rare bottle. Chances are you’ll get to try something new and everyone will learn something.

4. Visit a local / regional brewery – There are nine manufacturing breweries in Louisiana, and a handful of them have tasting rooms. Dallas and Austin both have more than a dozen breweries. So, you’ve got options!

5. Cook with beer – I’ve always heard that you should only cook with wine you want to drink. The same should go for beer. Make some chili, bread, stew, ice cream, etc. with a delicious craft beer. If done right, it should enhance the dish.

6. Read a book about craft beer – There are countless books about brewing history, the science of beer making, cooking with beer, in depth studies of beer ingredients, reference guides and more. Some of my recommendations include: “Tasting Beer: An Insider’s Guide to the World’s Greatest Drink” by Randy Mosher, “The Complete Joy of Homebrewing” by Charlie Papazian and “The Oxford Companion to Beer,” by Garrett Oliver.

7. Drink less – Really! Drink less sub-par beer; be selective and drink craft beer. There’s plenty of good beer out there that doesn’t require iceberg expeditions. Pro tip: The colder your beer, the less you taste.

8. Always drink beer from a glass – Much of what we perceive as taste comes from the aroma. You can’t properly smell a beer if you are drinking from a long neck or can. Pour it into a glass (preferably not a frozen one) and enjoy an enhanced sensory experience.

9. Attend a beer event – Shreveport has the annual BREW festival and participates in Louisiana Craft Beer Week. However, there are many more beer festivals and homebrew events throughout the state all year around.

10. Keep notes – As you learn more about beer, you’ll likely want to keep track of what you like and what you don’t. You can keep a beer journal or log and rate your beer consumption via apps such as Untappd. Untappd lets you check into specific beers, find local breweries, rate beers and breweries, receive badges and achievements, etc. It will even make new beer recommendations based on what you like.

Lindsay Nations is Founder and Vice President of Great Raft Brewing in Shreveport.

The PourNew Year’s Resolutions for Beer Drinkers

Lindsay Johnson Nations


JAN.

/Feb

. 201

4 24 / FRIDAY Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963. Marjorie Lyons Playhouse. 7 p.m. $5.

Science on the Rocks Presents: Dogs After Dark Star Party. Sci-Port. 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Windmill of Corpses, the Bottoms & Vs the She Beast. Fatty Arbuckles. 10 p.m. $5.

Phoenix Underground Eighth Anniversary Weekend. Phoenix Underground. 10 p.m.

25 / SATURDAY Introduciton to Meditation. Refuge Meditation Group. 10 a.m.

Kids Breaking Rules with Skateboarder Steve Olson. Artspace. 12 p.m. Free.

Dan Ready and Action. Mojos. 11 p.m.

Living Sacrifice, Brokenbytheburden, Expletive, Dankhdjinn, All Hail the Yeti. Riverside Warehouse. 7:30 p.m.

31 / FRIDAY Generationless: Skateboarders are artists too! Opening. Artspace. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The Ian Quiet Band, Das Pretzels & Summit Falls. Naked Bean. 7 p.m. $5.

Engine with England in 1819. Fatty Arbuckles. 10 p.m.

1 / SATURDAY Grand Reopening. Olive Street Thrift & Vintage. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

The Hollow Decks Debut. Mojos. 11 p.m. $5.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Documents

Volume 2, Issue 1