Fusion Studios

(509) 389-4031 | www.fusionstudio.biz

This nearly brand-new studio is the brainchild of musician Mark Klock and his wife Angel. Located about an hour and a half north of Spokane (just north of Chewelah), the studio is far removed from the noise and frantic distractions of the city. According to Klock, “When we first started building the studio two years ago we had the option of moving to Spokane but instead we chose to set up shop way out here and make it a sort of getaway for musicians. There is nothing up here to distract you – you have to concentrate on your music.”

History
Klock, a graduate of the UCLA audio engineering program, officially started Fusion Studios in 2003 for his own private use in recording his own musical projects. A lifelong musician, he was f....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000108 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000108 Vol 2 Issue 10 Nick Lambert

If you live in Idaho or have an Idaho license plate, there is a strong chance that I dislike you. Seriously, where did you people learn to drive? Europe?

The left lane, that’s the same side that your left arm is on, is for passing traffic. It is not, however, a lane in which you drive 55 mph in a 60 mph zone. It also doesn’t give you the right to be wildly pissed off when someone then passes you on the right. Sorry to break it to you, but you are, in fact, breaking the law.

I also find that Idaho drivers interpret being passed as an insult directed towards their mother. Example: I’m driving behind a car that is going way to slow (Idaho driver), and I’m waiting patiently for the passing lane to arrive. When it finally does appear, and I merge to the left (legal passing lane only) the driver ahead of me then, no joke, speeds up 15 mph. By the time I g....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000107 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000107 Vol 2 Issue 10 Brian Clark

I think a lot of people would agree with the claim that some of the most rewarding viewing experiences come about when you know or expect little out of the movie you’re about to see. If there’s no hype to live up to, it’s easier to be pleasantly surprised.

Perhaps the most pronounced case of that, for me, came from my initial encounter with 28 Days Later. There are a couple of great zombie movies, but that angle’s been pretty thoroughly explored and I didn’t feel like I needed to see another one, especially one set in a not-too-distant, post-apocalyptic future. Frankly it sounded like kind of a drag.

And while 28 Days Later is a far cry from an uplifting and heartwarming tale, it’s much, much better than I would have thought possible. Cillian Murphy is fantastic, the digital cinematography is stellar and the soundtrack is one of my favorites of all....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000106 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000106 Vol 2 Issue 10 Brian Clark

Run Carlyle, Run!

You could probably file the 2001 release 28 Days Later in any of a number of genres or sub-genres: thriller, action, horror, science fiction, drama, or anything with the word “apocalyptic” in it would seem fairly logical to me. That’s not really the case with the sequel, however; 28 Weeks Later is pretty much a straight up horror film. Brutal, gruesome and undeniably intense, in the end it’s a surprisingly exciting and entertaining little movie.

That’s not to insinuate that 28 Weeks Later is better than the original, though. That’s not the case at all (see below). But as a sort-of edge-of-your-seat horror flick where everyone’s running around in full-blown survival mode, it works pretty well. You could dig a little deeper and find something at stake about cowardice paying a heavy price – or other vaguely h....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000105 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000105 Vol 2 Issue 10 M.W. Fritz The difference between winning and losing is typically as apparent as the contrast between black and white.

However, that’s when you’re talking about whether or not the Mariners scored more runs than the Yankees.

Attempting to discern what a win in Iraq is for the United States and our allies, however, becomes much more difficult to pinpoint. Nobody knows exactly how Iraq would look, if we reached what could be reasonably defined as victory.

The National Strategy for Victory in Iraq - posted on Whitehouse.gov, the official Web site for administration policies - “The United States is fully committed to meeting this challenge. We will do everything it takes to win.” The site also goes on to say that, “With resolve, victory will be achieved [in Iraq], although not by a date certain.”

And then the document quickly lowers expectations saying that unlike past wars, victory will not come in the form of an enemy’s surrender or be signaled by a partic....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000104 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000104 Vol 2 Issue 10 Brian Clark As a general and perhaps obvious rule, it seems more productive to me to try and be progressive, pointing out whatever aspects in a group of people or particular ideal that you find unhealthy while celebrating the positive characteristics that are being championed. But it’s pretty clear that we’ve gotten to a point where the Bush administration is an almost laughable debacle that deserves nothing in the way of credit. As Jon Stewart quipped sadly on The Daily Show a couple of weeks ago, “Apparently this administration is incapable of doing anything that isn’t ironic.”

The checklist includes, but certainly isn’t limited to: a borderline criminal non-response to the Hurricane Katrina fallout, draconian security measures that have been not only unconstitutional but illegal, and other domestic debacles in a number of departments, particularly justice. That’s not to mention a foreign policy that has bee....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000103 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000103 Vol 2 Issue 10 SiDEKiCK Editor / Joanie Eppinga

Gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day, the folk rock-infused Irish music of An Dochas can be heard at the Bing Crosby Theatre on Friday, March 9th. Though the band will be in Seattle on the holiday itself, performing as part of the city’s weeklong Irish festivities, their performance in Spokane is shaping up to be a memorable one. An Dochas hails from the Inland Northwest so the show is a homecoming of sorts and they will, of course, bring the Haran Irish Dancers with them for some traditional Celtic dancing to give a visual punch to their infectious, modernized version of the traditional Irish sound.

An Dochas is Irish for The Hope, which seems appropriate in light of their 2006 CD Dragonfly Redux being named Celtic Instrumental Album of the Year at the Just Plain Folks Internation....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000044 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000044 Vol 2 Issue 5 The Editors

Congratulations to For Years Blue for winning the 2007 Sound Off competition in Seattle. This statewide battle of the bands is held every year at the Experience Music Project in Seattle and pits young bands against one another for a chance to play at the Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle, among other things. After winning their semi-final round in February, the boys of For Years Blue competed in the finals on Saturday, February 24th and ended up winning the whole contest. We believe this makes them the “Best Young Band in the State,” but we didn’t need the EMP to tell us that. Check For Years Blue when they play the Empyrean Coffee House on Wed, March 14th with The Yearbook...

On ....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000043 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000043 Vol 2 Issue 5 The Editors About Our Theme: March Madness

In honor specifically of the holy grail of American sports that is March Madness and the NCAA basketball tournament, as well as the much awaited transition towards spring, this issue is dedicated to the month of March, the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and the orgiastic plate of college basketball going on over the next few weeks. On the bottom of several pages you’ll find fun facts about the month, holidays and college basketball happenings occurring throughout March. Enjoy.

By A.W. Rowse

Prago Argentine Cafe is like a sorority girl – during the day, when her parents are about, she is a mild mannered little cafe offering a selection of light foods and a full espresso bar. But at night, with her friends, Prago goes a little bit crazy. Out comes the booze (the majority scotch and wine), up goes the music, and the party begins.

Last Saturday night was the first time I experienced Prago’s wild side and was a little surprised when I found myself on the dance floor hopping around like a drunken idiot.

While the night ended a little fuzzy, it began in a civilized manner. When the SiDEKiCK entourage arrived, the crowd was tamer – a middle-aged couple enjoyed a glass of wine next to a group of high school girls sipping on coffee (yes, Prago is all ages). At this point local singer-songwriter <....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000035 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000035 Vol 2 Issue 4 Katie Shampeny

By Katie Shampeny

I am a huge lover of theatre. I am also a lover of all kinds of food. What better way to assuage both these loves than dinner theatre? And CenterStage fulfilled my desires completely. CenterStage Theatre is part of a wonderful venue that includes a ballroom, fondly called the “New Spot”, the actual “CenterStage”, and ella’s Supper Club. The dinner theatre at CenterStage is not an every week or every month occurrence, but when it does come around, it is well worth attending.

The evening began with a lovely salad of mixed greens with pumpkin vinaigrette and toasted pecans. This was followed by a buffet style dinner consisting of fresh pineapple and cantaloupe, wild rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, green beans in garlic butter, wild steelhead in a roasted red pepper sauce, and roasted baron of beef. To be honest, I tried it all. I mean, really, how was I supposed to ....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000034 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000034 Vol 2 Issue 4 Brian Clark As March Madness creeps closer, the college basketball picture is starting to clear up a bit. So here are a few brief lists, based on conjecture, intuition, superficial analysis, and entirely too many hours watching basketball since sometime around Thanksgiving ...

Five teams that I would put good money on to win at least two tournament games: Florida, Texas A&M, UCLA, Georgetown and Memphis.

Five teams that will lose in the first round (if they even get in at all): Florida State, Illinois, Alabama, Stanford and Gonzaga (sorry, but you know it’s true)

Five teams that I can’t figure out (i.e. five teams that could win it all just as easily as they could get upset in the first round): Kansas, Pittsburg, Texas, Arizona and Boston College If you couldn’t tell, I am waaaayyy too excited about the NCAA tournament …

One more college hoops note: I’m completely sold on Washington State as a viable threat. Everybody’s giving them credit as a nice story....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000033 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000033 Vol 2 Issue 4 Brian Clark

The Delta Force, a 1986 Chuck Norris vehicle about an elite military unit rescuing hostages taken by Middle Eastern extremists, is one of the first movies Chuck Norris fans talk about. In fact, as far as I could tell, it’s the only Norris film that the South Hills Blockbuster carries. Which is surprising, to me, as there’s a severe lack of ass-kicking here for a Chuck Norris flick. I mean, it’s at least an hour into Delta Force before he even kills anyone! And even then, there are no roundhouse kicks involved but, rather, Norris blasting away with a fully automatic weapon for several minutes before he gets within twenty feet of hitting somebody. When they finally get to the climax, there’s plenty of refreshingly ridiculous action and gratuitous explosions, but there’s way too much in the way of plot before the payoff.

The band of hijackers are led by Abdul something-or-other who, aside from ....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000032 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000032 Vol 2 Issue 4 Brian Clark

The only real hope I had going into Ghost Rider was that it would be hilarious – whether intentionally or unintentionally so. I held out absolutely no expectations that it would be a good movie in any sense of the word. If, on the other hand, you were generally optimistic about the film, then you probably shouldn’t ever read this column again because you and I are never, ever going to agree on a given movie.

Unfortunately, Ghost Rider wasn’t bad in the fun Walker Texas Ranger kind of way, nor was it better than advertised, or even memorably awful. Instead, there’s nothing worth remembering about Ghost Rider, and no reason to see it in the first place. It’s just a complete and utter waste of time. From the opening titles that look like a Mario Kart level set in hell, through the laughably melodramatic love story that acts as something of an inciting incident, all the way through the final sc....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000031 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000031 Vol 2 Issue 4 M.W. Fritz Whether you’re watching a 24-hour news channel or reading any editorial section of any newspaper, you get the feeling no viable presidential candidate in 2008 will succeed in getting the keys to the White House.

It’s a constant scalping these individuals are faced to endure, as they’re run through the gauntlet that is presidential politics. Some don’t have enough experience or inner connections, while others have been corrupted by too much time inside the beltway and K Street cronyism. Some are too old and some are too young, some are failures at marriage and some don’t have the proper skin pigmentation or a phonetically pleasing name. And one doesn’t even have a penis – an obvious necessity for occupying the oval office, according to many people with penises.

Let’s start with the “Maverick,” http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000030 Vol 2 Issue 4 Brian Clark The main dictionary entry for ‘political’ reads “of or relating to the government or the public affairs of a country.” Which sounds logical enough, but there’s a secondary meaning to the word that’s become more of a primary definition since the time I was old enough to know who the president was: “relating to, affecting, or acting according to the interests of status or authority within an organization rather than matters of principle.” While this is obvious to anybody who stops for a few seconds to think about it, there’s a distinction that’s worth making and a dichotomy that doesn’t mesh, in my opinion.

Tell me, how can you not resist a rock band that blatantly shouts out to you, “If I had something very nice that I could tell you, you’re a bitch!” from the stage? Especially when the music is based on the rhythm and beat, and all you wanna do is just shake your groove on the floor? Head out to the Empyrean Coffee House this weekend when it combusts into a dance rage powerhouse with four bands that mix the rawness of a sound straight out of grunge with their own swing twists.

The above lyrics are from none other than the local funk band Mistress and the Misters, a misleading name for a band composed of only four guys. It’s not entirely inaccurate, though, since there is always an official “mistress” of each show, as either vocalist Seth Swift or guitarist Ch....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000028 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000028 Vol 2 Issue 4 The Editors

The Thermals, a three-piece outfit from Portland, put out enough noise to sound like at least twice as many musicians rockin’ out in a garage or basement studio. You can almost feel the sweat dripping off their heads while listening to their CD, and a concert in the open space of CenterStage is all but guaranteed to provide an energetic, enthusiastic rock ’n roll concoction. As such, we’re excited about their upcoming Spokane performance and have selected it as our Pick of the Issue, our opinion of the one show over the next couple of weeks that’s not to miss.

Honestly, there’s not a lot to The Thermals sound. Throw in a repeating arsenal of power chords over the soothing, effortless screams of lead singer Hutch Harris, tie it together with a thumping bass and high octane drum....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000027 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000027 Vol 2 Issue 4 The Editors We wanted to take a few minutes at the front of the paper here to tell you about our website, which is a pretty invaluable tool for keeping up with what’s going on in the local arts and entertainment scene, as well as let you know about some improvements we’ve been making over the past few months. The content of the site is made up entirely of things Spokane related and it’s insanely cross-referenced and easy to navigate. Even the domain name is easy to remember; check it out at www.spokanesidekick.com.

Pretty much any event we know about is listed, which you can learn more about in a multitude of ways. There’s a venue listing that gives a map and contact information for most venues that house live entertainment, and anything they have coming up will be listed on the page as soon as you click on their link. Or, if you’re looking for a specific musical act, check out our band database, which lists the vast majority of local b....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000026 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000026 Vol 2 Issue 4 The Editors Chuck’s right foot:

The roundhouse kick is the essence of Chuck Norris, and we salute you, right foot, for being the power behind the kick. You are the reason that Chuck Norris has never been charged with murder, as his roundhouse kicks are recognized worldwide as acts of God. It’s true that roundhouse kicks are composed primarily of an element called Chucktanium, but where would they be without the powerful foot at the point of contact? You have been underestimated throughout history, and it’s time we properly salute you, right foot. It is inconceivable, given your sheer power, that somebody once tried to release a Chuck Norris edition of Clue. Quite obviously the answer always turned out to be Chuck Norris in the Library. With a roundhouse kick. We shall never doubt you again.

Chuck’s beard:

We salute you, beard of Chuck Norris. You are a mainstay of the apex of manliness that is Chuck Norris, and he draws much of his strength from you. We’ve no doubt....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000025 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000025 Vol 2 Issue 2 The Editors

As far as the SiDEKiCK is concerned there are only two kinds of bands – those that blow us away and leave us begging for more, and everyone else who we forget about in a way that would make a goldfish jealous. The forgettable bands may get an article in the SiDEKiCK, but only those in the first category are eligible for the prestigious title of SiDEKiCK Pick of the Issue. This issue’s recommendation for the show not to miss goes to The Shook Twins, an eclectic acoustic duo comprised of twin sisters Katelyn and Laurie Shook, a pair of extremely talented sisters who will perform on Friday, February 2nd at Brooklyn Nights in downtown Spokane.

When you listen to the Shook Twins, even live, it’s hard to imagine that the dynamic sound they create is coming from just two people....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000024 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000024 Vol 2 Issue 1 The Editors

We’re giving the nod for Pick of the Issue, our opinion of the best show in Spokane over the next couple weeks, to the return of Angie Aparo, who will be playing at the recently re-opened Empyrean Coffee House on Friday, January 12th. With a slate of top-notch local singer/songwriters set to open the show, and Aparo’s attention-grabbing, headlining performance to close it out, this evening should mark a fitting resurgence for the Empyrean as the biggest show held at the venue in months.

Angie Aparo, an indie rock force with some serious country roots, is in the midst of his most ambitious musical project to date. Starting last spring, Aparo vowed to release a trio of CDs over the course of the next 12 months that deal with overarching themes of love and war, a project ref....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000023 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000023 Vol 2 Issue 1 Katie Shampeny

By Katie Shampeny

For most people, Thai food is not one of their first choices when dining out. And to be honest with you, I am not the biggest fan of Asian cuisine in general. However, I am a curry fanatic. And honestly, the Thai Kitchen has the best curry I’ve ever eaten.

Located in the Spokane Valley on Pines Road, the Thai Kitchen, from the outside, doesn’t look like the most amazing place to eat. However, the amount of cars parked outside belies the unassuming exterior of this little restaurant. I immediately turned to the curry section of the menu and was debating between the red or green curry, when the waiter told me that the best curry in the house was the Panang curry. I went with his suggestion, and my taste buds are still praising his choice. It was the perfect amount of chicken, peppers, and basil leaves in the most amazing curry sauce ever. It was ambrosia in my m....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000022 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000022 Vol 2 Issue 1 A.W. Rowse

By A.W. Rowse

In the language of Thailand, the word Thai literally means “freedom.” The country is literally called “Freedom Land.” While this is kind of funny in light of the September 2006 coup d’état that toppled the Prime Minister, dissolved Parliament, and imposed martial law, they still have really good food. And is there anything more important than that?

According to wikipedia, Thai cuisine is known for its balance of five fundamental flavors in each meal – hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty and sometimes bitter. Basically the goal is a veritable explosion of flavors in your mouth. This will be my benchmark as I try the Spokane-owned-and-operated Thai chain, Thai Bamboo. With three locations across town (South Hill, Division, Valley) it is not nearly as prevalent as McDonalds, but you are never very far away.

The South Hill Restaurant is Thai Bamboo’s flagship lo....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000021 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000021 Vol 2 Issue 2 Katie Shampeny

By Katie Shampeny

Mmmm, breakfast, probably my favorite meal of the day. That is, when I actually have time to make a good one. Weekends seem to be the time of the really great breakfast. But let’s be honest. Most of the time, due to the events of the night before, you’re simply not motivated enough to make one of those amazing breakfasts we all dream about. So this issue we decided to eat, I mean review, breakfast.

Molly’s is not necessarily a back burner due to its location. It’s actually right in downtown Spokane. However, it’s one of those places that you’ve probably driven by a million times and said to yourself, “What the hell is that thing on the sign?” After thinking this ourselves several times (it looks like a cat-skunk-dog), we finally noticed the sign saying ‘Best Breakfasts in Town.’ We pulled in to determine if the claim was true.

I had the Western Omelet and H....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000020 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000020 Vol 2 Issue 2 A.W. Rowse

A.W. Rowse says

Frank’s Diner has a large reputation to live up to. According to the large banner that hangs on the train-car shaped restaurant, Frank’s has been voted “Best Breakfast in Spokane” (by the Inlander readers) for 11 out of the last 12 years. Those are some large shoes to fill. Having driven by the diner a million times without ever stopping in, I decided to go investigate the hype.

Most of the fun of the restaurant is the building, er, train-car itself. Built at the turn of the last century, the car was used for years as the personal car of the President of the Pacific Railroad (I think I just confused a Monopoly railroad with a real one but I don’t think anyone is really paying that much attention). While the thing is tiny, the gigantic open windows kept me from feeling claustrophobic.

One of the key requirements for a diner is that your food must be c....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000019 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000019 Vol 1 Issue 13 A.W. Rowse

Ways to Create, The sophomore release from Coeur D’Alene’s Melefluent is a good representation of the band’s diversity and range. This aptly named disk should have a full title of Ways to Create a CD That Spans Every Genre from Hip-hop to Funk but that probably wouldn’t have fit on the cover.

Pop tracks such as “Friends Don’t Let Friends Steal Friend’s Guitars” strike a nice balance between catchy lyrics and rocking guitar solos, while in “Fine Women and Wine” the band takes a funkier approach that reminds me of Hot Action Cop (wow, what an obscure reference).

Until we, at the SiDEKiCK, were alerted about the upcoming Gosling concert at the Big Easy Concert House on December 8th, we hadn’t heard much from any of the performing acts. That has certainly changed since then, however. Now, without fail, you’ll hear at least one of the artists busting out of our iTunes every few hours. There are three bands slated for the concert, and two of them are good enough to warrant a Pick of the Issue on their own merit.

Gosling is headlining the show, finally hitting their stride after undergoing some pretty severe changes over the past coupl....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000017 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000017 Vol 1 Issue 13 The Editors

A quick note:

Andy Rowse is a genius (at least according to Andy Rowse). The Co-Owner/Production Manager of this very paper has been toying with our website and, while it’s still under construction, it’s undeniably getting better. Log onto www.spokanesidekick.com and you can now download all the issues in full, or check out a backlog of our various features if there’s something specific you’re looking for. The band database has been significantly bolstered, as well, with a section for local bands in addition to a more comprehensive list with pretty much every act that’s come through Spokane since we started this publication in June. As always, if you are in or know of any group that is not included on our website, please ema....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000016 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000016 Vol 1 Issue 13 A.W. Rowse

Contrary to my grandmother’s most adamant assertions, Doug Clark does not have two heads and a forked tongue. Turns out he is actually a really nice guy. The SiDEKiCK caught up with Clark, lead singer of The Trailer Park Girls (a band that is neither from the park nor girls; not even one) at their recent concert at Pacific Pizza. For anyone who doesn’t know Doug Clark, he works as a columnist for the Spokesman Review and excels in bringing the hypocrisy of Spokane to light. His unapologetic editorials....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000015 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000015 Vol 1 Issue 12 The Editors Business up front; Party in the back. We Salute you

All mulleteers around the globe:
To every man, woman or child around the world who unabashedly sports his or her mullet, we salute you. You bring us all a little bit closer together through the universal language of laughter. No matter what you call it - the hockeyfrilla in Sweeden, the Duitse Mat (German Mat) in Holland, the laspotiras (mudflap) in Greece or alla MacGyver in Italy - all non-mulleteers can agree that your haircut is absolutely hilarious in the best and most unintentional way possible.

The Mini-mullet:
Young man/woman and/or child-like creature, we salute you for showing your face in public - despite your better judgement - with your freshly hewn mullet. With your mom and dad rocking various forms of the mullet since you were a mere stain on the mattress, you had absolutely no chance of escaping this hairdo that has long since run its course, yet remains as timeless as e....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000014 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000014 Vol 1 Issue 12 Brian Clark The bad news for Seattle SuperSonics fans is that the team started the season by rattling off four losses in their first five games. The good news is that they came back to square their record at 4-4, and they’re actually playing pretty good basketball. OK, maybe good is an overstatement, but they’ve been in every game – even the four they lost – and looked like the better squad in well over half the minutes they’ve played so far. That said, their defense has been somewhere between “poor” and “nonexistent,” and if they don’t find a big play guy – because, let’s face it, Nic Collison or Luke Ridnour is not that guy – then they’re going to struggle closing games out all season. Basically, I’m saying that Ray Allen needs to take control at key times, like he did against Atlanta, or they’re absolutely screwed …

It’s got to be a fairly exciting time for all you Cougars fans out there. While the WSU football team’s loss to Arizona a couple weeks ago hurts, they’re still in l....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000013 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000013 Vol 1 Issue 12 A.W. Rowse

A.W. Rowse says
I drive by Pinocchio’s Italian Express at least twice a day and never once have I had the desire to stop in for lunch. It’s not that this little Valley restaurant is hidden or unsightly – more that it looks like a fast food chain. It most definitely isn’t, although it does have a drive-thru and is located in what used to be Taco John’s (as far as I remember, but I could be wrong).

The building is only the beginning of the disparity. One quick look at the menu and you notice something very strange – an Italian restaurant serving borsch? I don’t think I’m in Sicily anymore. Turns out that a Russian family does in fact run this little Valley shop, located at 11511 E. Sprague Ave, near the corner of Bowdish and Sprague. Really, though, it doesn’t matter who cooks as long as the food is good.

The restaurant was fairly quiet on a sunny Saturday afternoon, but quic....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000012 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000012 Vol 1 Issue 12 Katie Shampeny

Katie says
When I think of a Deli, I picture an older man with a large belly and a thick mustache standing behind glass cases of meats, cheeses, and other assorted goodies. Jody Harville, the owner of Brooklyn Deli, and her employees are anything but old and portly. This downtown eatery has a funky artistic flair, a young vibrant feel, and great food to round out a very pleasant dining experience.

Brooklyn Deli is typical in the sense that it only serves the standards – hot and cold sandwiches, soup, and salad. Being a blustery, rainy day when I chose to partake of Brooklyn Deli’s fair, I decided on the bread bowl soup. There’s nothing like hot soup and delicious homemade bread to make you forget about the chill in the air. And the best thing is that you can eat the bowl when the soup is done.

For my sourdough bowl I chose the beef stroganoff soup. Now, I know that sound....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000011 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000011 Vol 1 Issue 12 Brian Clark It’s profoundly ridiculous to give an actual critique of MacGyver, but that isn’t stopping me, nor does it stop the thousands of bloggers who have felt the need to do so online. On countless websites, you’ll hear self-appointed critics labeling MacGyver as any combination of dumb, far-fetched, ridiculous, or just a good old-fashioned joke. Unless I’m mistaken though, isn’t that exactly the point?

These are the same people who deride James Bond movies because Bond never misses his target while his enemies couldn’t throw a bullet into the ocean while standing on the beach. Now, I’m not necessarily a Bond fan, but the films demand that 007 be unequivocally the coolest English dude in the history of the world. And that means surviving against all odds, always getting the girl and staying so cool under pressure that he’s thinking more about one-liners than his own survival. To deride something like MacGyver or James Bond for pulling off – pretty nicely, I might ad – exactly wha....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000010 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000010 Vol 1 Issue 12 Brian Clark Statistically, most people only read the first few sentences of the vast majority of print articles (often for good reason), so let me get this out of the way right now: Babel is a complete waste of time and money. Don’t go see it. You’re going to spend most of the running time thinking about other things anyway, so you might as well stay home, stare at the wall for a couple hours, and save yourself the eight bucks. I guarantee you’ll finish the session in a better mood, and the boredom factor will probably be about the same.

You can see what they were trying to do with Babel, something along the lines of how we’re all scattered geographically and linguistically, yet still connected in a very real way. A decent enough idea, I suppose, but it doesn’t work. Not by a long shot.

First of all - and I’m talking to you, here, pretentious filmmakers - you have to make us like some of the characters if we’re going to care about their stories. I’m not sure there’s a truly ....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000009 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000009 Vol 1 Issue 12 M.W. Fritz Elections, at least prima facie, are held so the views of the public can be expressed and enacted into policy.

But these passing midterm elections provided an interesting mirror to how fed up the public is by a divided and trite Washington. On paper, the results were a panoptic victory for a once impotent Democratic Party.

The House of Representatives fell easily to the Democrats, with the party picking up 29 seats (as of this writing) and they’re likely to pick up a couple more when everything is said and done. And with razor thin victories in Virginia and Montana, the party picked up the necessary six seats to hold a majority – including two independents that are expected to caucus with the Democrats - in the Senate.

Democratic candidates won 24 of 33 Senate races, and not one Democratic incumbent lost in either chamber or in any state governorship.

George W. Bush used the phrase “thumping” to describe the outcome. And pundits and talking he....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000008 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000008 Vol 1 Issue 12 Brian Clark Dear whomever,
Anybody who reads this column regularly (both of you) and is considering joining me in the radical middle – the place where common sense and discussion mean more than scare tactics and mindless convictions – should know something ahead of time: there are a lot of regrets here. They’re everywhere. They’re like crazy chicks in a Michael Douglas film; you just can’t get away from them.

I regret something every single day of my life. Whether it’s taking the wrong street, ordering the wrong meal, saying the wrong thing, failing to talk to that cute girl, sleeping in, not sleeping enough, etc. etc., I can’t imagine going an hour – let alone a day – without having at least one and as many as six thousand regrets. But I don’t see anything wrong with that. In fact, I view it as not only a healthy but an essential part of being a functioning human in contemporary society.

The word itself – regret – comes with all this baggage and all these negative co....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000007 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000007 Vol 1 Issue 11 The Editors Thee Emergency is an unquantifiable voltage of electricity that can shock anyone into feeling good. The energy in the air when these guys are wailing away is infectious, undeniable and, quite frankly, awesome. As such, they’re getting our nod as Pick of the Issue, our opinion of the one show over the next couple of weeks that’s truly not to miss.

Thee Emergency, from Seattle, is a four-piece rock ’n roll band that channels the energy of the 1970s, and they do it with conviction. Maybe saying that they reincarnate the period is a better description, as they pull off the look and sound with authenticity. When they played the Blvd. for Mistress and the Misters CD release show on October 20th, for exam....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000006 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000006 Vol 1 Issue 11 The Editors Thanks for picking up this latest issue of the Spokane SiDEKiCK, a bi-weekly publication chalk full of upcoming entertainment events including, but not limited to, concerts, comedy offerings, film screenings and sports happenings, as well as numerous features, reviews and a running theme of all that political stuff you can’t get away from (though our election content has the added benefit of being half-assed and concise).

You’d think it’d be impossible to cram anymore fun between these 24 pages, but we’ve managed to do so once again. Go us. For one, we’ve added a pretty fun pop cultur-ish Crossword Puzzle on page 14. Since we’re big fans of immediate gratification, we’re also printing the answers on page 23, that way you can cheat and look smart at the same time.

We’re especially pleased to announce that, from here on out, an old drinking buddy of the SiDEKiCK’s who’s involved in the Washington D.C. political scene will be writing a column specifically for this....]]> http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000005 http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000005 Vol 1 Issue 12 Brian Clark I don't know what I'll be doing in an hour and Nickelback has already booked a show at the Spokane Arena for late February of next year. Showoffs. The concert will take place on February 22nd and will include Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin. Tickets went on sale November 11th, set at $45.50 and $39.50, available through ticketswest.com, 1-800-325-SEAT, or any of the TicketsWest outlets around town (see page 11 for a list of outlets) ...

We like to highlight weekly entertainment staples in News & Notes now and again. One such recurring event takes place every Tuesday at Studio K Bar and Grill at 2819 E. 29th in the South Hills, where http://www.spokanesidekick.com/display.php?action=features&subtype=4&id=0000000004 Vol 1 Issue 12 The Editors / Adam Mangana