Campus Circle Newspaper Vol. 20 Issue 45 by Campus Circle

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campus circle Nov. 24 - Nov. 30, 2010 Vol. 20 Issue 45

Managing Editor Yuri Shimoda managing.editor@campuscircle.net

Cover Designer Sean Michael Editorial Interns Kate Bryan, Christine Hernandez

04 NEWS CAMPUS NEWS 06 FILM TANGLED Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi do Rapunzel, Disney style. 06 FILM LAVANDERIA Filmmakers aim to make a difference. 08 FILM TV TIME

Contributing Writers Tamea Agle, Christopher Agutos, Scott Bedno, Erica Carter, Richard Castañeda, Doxx Cunningham, Kantreal Daniels, Nick Day, Amanda D’Egidio, Natasha Desianto, Sola Fasehun, Gillian Ferguson, Stephanie Forshee, Jacob Gaitan, Christian Goss, A.J. Grier, Denise Guerra, Elisa Hernandez, Zach Hines, Damon Huss, Arit John, Don Le, Danielle Lee, Lucia, Ebony March, Brendan M. Newton, Samantha Ofole, Brien Overly, Ariel Paredes, Sasha PerlRaver, Mike Sebastian, Doug Simpson, David Tobin, Kevin Wierzbicki, Candice Winters

Contributing Artists & Photographers Tamea Agle, Natasha Desianto, Jacob Gaitan, Mike Mantusiewicz, David Tobin ADVERTISING Sean Bello sean.bello@campuscircle.net Joy Calisoff joy.calisoff@campuscircle.net Jon Bookatz Music Sales Manager jon.bookatz@campuscircle.net Ronit Guedalia ronit.guedalia@campuscircle.net

Calendar Editor Frederick Mintchell calendar@campuscircle.net

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Film Editor Jessica Koslow film.editor@campuscircle.net

11/7/10

THIS IS AN EXPERIMENT AND YOU ARE PART OF IT

08 FILM SPECIAL FEATURES 09 FILM DWAYNE JOHNSON The Rock returns to action in Faster. 10 FILM MOVIE REVIEWS 11 FILM SPECIAL FEATURES 12 MUSIC REPORT 12 MUSIC FREQUENCY

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13 MUSIC FAR EAST MOVEMENT Zoom to the Top of the Charts with “G6” 13 MUSIC CEE LO GREEN The Unforgettable Lady Killer 14 MUSIC LIVE SHOW REVIEWS 15 MUSIC CD REVIEWS 07 BLOGS THE ART OF LOVE 17 BLOGS THE WING GIRLS 07 CULTURE CURTAIN CALL 16 CULTURE JET SETTER 16 CULTURE PAGES 17 CULTURE BEAUTY BEAT 18 CULTURE ON THE MENU

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19 CULTURE L.A. FACES 19 CULTURE GRAPHIC NOVELS 20 SPORTS PIGSKIN BLITZ 20 SPORTS FANTASY FOOTBALL 21 SPORTS L.A. HOOPLA 21 EVENTS THE 10 SPOT Cover credit: Craig Litten/Tallahassee Democrat/KRT

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Campus Circle > News > Campus News

A group protesting UC tuition hikes charged the police barrier trying to get into the UC Board of Regents meeting Nov. 17.

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITIES

Tuition hikes raise concern. by carla rivera los angeles times (MCT) Since he entered UCLA in 2006, Carlos Juarez has interrupted his studies at the Westwood campus four times in response to increasing fees. At Cal State Fullerton, the rising cost of her education has caused Michelle Santizo to reduce her status to part time, and the health science major will leave the school next semester to complete her coursework at a less-costly community college. The two students have come of age at a time of unprecedented change at California’s public universities, when students and their families are being asked to pay a greater share of education costs because of declining state funding. That burden is growing. University of California regents last week approved raising basic undergraduate fees to $11,124 next year, not including campus charges and room and board. Cal State University trustees recently voted to boost undergraduate fees 15 percent by next fall, to $4,884, not including campus fees and other charges. And both university systems are now calling the charges “tuition,”

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in recognition that the student costs associated with the state’s once-promised “tuition-free education” are no longer incidental. As tuition has soared in recent years, many are concerned about the repercussions, especially whether the rapidly increasing costs are forcing students to drop out, permanently or for a while. A newly released analysis by UC found no correlation, at least so far. The review by UC researchers showed dropout rates to be fairly stable over the last decade for students at all income levels, despite higher charges. On average, two percent to three percent of UC students interrupted their studies between terms, while more than five percent typically left school after the spring term and did not return for fall. The review found that academic preparedness was the best predictor of who would drop out. But the period studied did not include the steep tuition hikes from this year, officials say, nor did it determine why students left. The review was prompted after officials heard anecdotal accounts of students dropping out because of higher fees, says Kate Jeffery, UC’s director of student financial support. The university will continue to track the effect of the increases, especially for middle-income students who may not qualify for financial aid. The regents last week also approved a one-year reprieve from the increase for qualified students with family incomes up to $120,000. Jeffery says officials recognize that there is a “tipping point” that will affect student access. “It does have a very definite impact on what fee increases are proposed and adopted,” she says. At Cal State, officials have found no indication so far that higher costs have caused growing numbers of students

to drop out, says Claudia Keith, assistant vice chancellor for public affairs. Officials at UC and Cal State say increased financial aid has mitigated the effect of the fee hikes. But even for lowerand middle-income students who qualify for financial aid, education costs combined with other living expenses can represent a sizable chunk of the family income, says Adrian Griffin, assistant director of research and policy development at the California Postsecondary Education Commission. The group is scheduled to release a report on affordability this week. “It could be that fee increases and living costs are driving marginal students out of Cal State just as a few years ago, rapid fee increases priced those students out of UC,” Griffin says. Hans Johnson, director of research at the Public Policy Institute of California, says tuition increases could push some students to graduate more quickly or result in increased enrollment at private colleges. There has been little research charting the effects of higher fees, and Johnson is seeking a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to study the issue. “California needs more college graduates, and we need to find ways to make the pathway more successful,” he says. But students like Juarez and Santizo have already had to alter their paths. Juarez, 22, is an illegal immigrant and doesn’t qualify for financial aid. His financial assumptions based on his freshman-year costs have been outstripped by basic undergraduate tuition and average campus-based fees that have risen nearly 65 percent over the five-year period of his enrollment. In his second year at UCLA, Juarez dropped out for two quarters. He skipped a term last year and is not enrolled this term. He plans to take extension courses in the winter and hopes to re-enroll full time in the spring. It is not what he envisioned as a youngster growing up in South Gate, even though he is one of the first in his family to attend college. “It’s like taking the whole summer off,” Juarez says of his forced breaks. “You have to rehabituate yourself to reading, to learning, getting yourself back into study habits, waking yourself up when you have morning classes.” Before Cal State trustees voted to raise fees this month, Santizo addressed them and offered her own experience as a caution. She stopped receiving financial aid this year when her father’s income edged slightly above the eligibility threshold. But other pressing needs left little money to cover tuition costs that increased 32 percent last year and five percent more this fall. Santizo obtained a student loan this semester but reduced her class load to save costs. “My dad helps out with the phone bill, but I pay for books, tuition, fees, groceries. I don’t really ask him for things because he’s got his own financial pressures,” says Santizo, 22, who shares a Fullerton apartment with four roommates. She plans to attend community college in the spring to complete the remaining credits needed to apply to a nursing program. She expects the move to delay her plans by at least a year. Getting into a community college is no sure bet, either; classes at those campuses are swamped with other Cal State refugees and those seeking new job skills. “It’s a shame that the universities are taking actions that put more pressure on students and families, especially when the economy is at such a low point,” says Santizo, who works part time with autistic children and is active in student government and other campus activities. “My plans and dreams of becoming a nurse and going out and helping people are not over. “But it’s gotten much harder.” © 2010, Los Angeles Times Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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TANGLED

Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi let their hair down. by sasha perl-raver Rapunzel, the tale of a long-locked PRIN– cess trapped in a tower, began as a Grimm’s fairy tale but has gone on to infiltrate culture on all levels, from bedtime stories to Beastie Boys lyrics to the classic farce, Airplane! In the new film, Tangled, the tale is rewoven once again. Renamed because Disney felt The Princess and the Frog would have fared better had it not had the word “princess” in the title to alienate male ticket buyers, Tangled infuses the classic story with a strong feminist streak, dazzling beauty that actually justifies its 3-D projection and Alan Menken music, one of the touchstones of Disney’s great late 20th century films like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. Featuring the vocal stylings of Mandy Moore (actress, singer, designer, well-adjusted former teen star) and Zachary Levi (“Chuck”’s Chuck), Rapunzel’s golden locks are fitting considering the film is the 50th released by Disney. Sitting down with the actors at Disneyland, where the night before they’d met their character counterparts in the park, neither had fully absorbed the enormity of what it meant to be part of the Disney legacy. “You can’t get more classic than being part of a Disney animated film,” Moore beams, tucking a stand of shiny brown hair behind her ear with a nail painted a sparkly nude.

Campus Circle > Film > Interviews “For me, that’s something I’ll have in my back pocket for the rest of my life, and I feel so honored, so lucky, to think this film will be around long after I’m gone.” “Some people have been working on [this movie] for seven years,” Levi points out. “It’s pretty incredible how long it takes to make an animated movie.” Asked what excited them most about their parts, beyond being plucked from a field of about 500 actors all jockeying to be the next Disney prince and princess, Moore says, “I loved having the opportunity to portray a young woman who is so fearless. She’s not a victim. She’s not naïve; she’s open and warm, engaged and spirited and ready to embrace the unknown, whatever comes her way. What I knew about Rapunzel was the sort of damsel in distress who lets down her hair so the prince can save her, and our story kind of flips that on its head.” “I consider myself to be a walking cartoon anyway,” Levi blurts, gesticulating wildly and beaming like he just got a new set of Star Wars bed sheets. “I kind of felt at home doing it. A little bit.” “I love musical theater, and I’m a huge Alan Menken fan,” Moore continues. “To be a Disney princess in a Disney film, it has been a total dream come true, but it wasn’t until I got into the studio that I realized, ‘Oh my gosh, how am I gonna do this? How am I going to get through this?’” For both actors, stepping into the recording booth had unexpected challenges, and they relied on directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard to shepherd them through the process. The directing duo came up through the ranks at Disney, beginning as interns, and first worked together in the animation department on Mulan in 1998. “They balance each other out and finish each other’s sentences,” Moore points out. “Bryon was really good at

FILMINTERVIEWS

LAVANDERIA Independent Film with 100 Percent Positive Purpose by sola fasehun Tyler Perry started the successful trend of movies with a message for communities across the world, and now other filmmakers are following in his footsteps but taking it further: making a film where the profits go back to the community. At a time when so many are going through difficult times, here is some background information about a movie with the goal of making a difference. Get the scoop from the filmmakers and stars of the independent film that is receiving industry buzz: Lavanderia. What is the message of Lavanderia? Tyrone Tann (director/producer): The message is about forgiveness, love, the act of kindness … ultimately, love. Is it true that you’re donating money made from screenings back to the community? Tann: When we first discussed the movie, Stephanie [Contreras, writer/co-producer] and I had talked about doing something positive. We wanted to hold free church screenings, invite the cast and do Q&As. If a church wanted to raise money, we offered to let them keep the money as a unique way for them to fundraise. We would like to reach high schools, colleges, soup

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Eric Charbonneau (c) Disney Enterprises, Inc.

FILM

Mandy Moore gives voice to Rapunzel in Tangled. picking up where Nathan left off. They’re really good partners because they worked in tandem. And they were just as excited to be there as we were.” Now that Tangled is completed, their place in the Disney pantheon secured, Levi admits watching the film can be a bit cringe-inducing. You know the answering machine phenomenon, where you hear your voice and think, “I sound like that?” I asked Levi if voicing an animated character is the ultimate version of that. “Yeah, it is, totally! One hundred percent,” he nods. “Mandy keeps saying, ‘Oh, I heard it, and my voice sounds so shrill but Zach’s got this classic Disney hero voice,’ and I’m like, ‘What are you, cra— I sound like Seinfeld. I sound just nasally.’ I don’t feel like I sound good, and I feel like she sounds fantastic.” Tangled releases in theaters Nov. 24.

Campus Circle > Film > Interviews kitchens, etc. We are open to any screening that involves giving back. With DVD sales, we see the possibility of making money, but the outreach is about giving back in a movie forum.

Steven Raven, courtesy of Stauros Entertainment, LLC

NEWS

What attracted you as actors to be a part of this project? Jai Bugarin (Ray): I’ve been friends with Ty, and I’ve always admired how much he pours his heart into his projects. Once I read the script, I really liked the arc of the character Ray and knew I wanted to tackle the role. Delanie Armstrong (Alina): I wanted to be a part of this film because Lavanderia has a beautiful message. It doesn’t matter who you are and what happens in your past. There are second chances, and there is a lot of forgiveness in this film. What was the biggest challenge in playing these characters for you as actors? Armstrong: One of the biggest challenges for me was the long hours and fast-paced schedule. We had to be prepared for every change, take and move. I tried to embody my character as much as I could, even when I was away from set. Bugarin: The biggest challenged was being a lead and carrying so much weight. This character was so complex. Ray goes through many spiritual and physical challenges with the people around him. I worked hard to make it believable. Is there any advice you can give to aspiring filmmakers and actors? Contreras: If anyone has a dream and desire, you should act upon it. You have to be willing to face success and face failure. But it will be an experience that you’ll never forget and you’ll learn from. Tann: For filmmakers, if you have a project in mind, just

Delanie Armstrong (Alina), Tyrone Tann (director/producer), Jai Bugarin (Ray), Stephanie Contreras (writer/co-producer) go out and do it. Get with people that believe in the same project and goal. Bugarin: My advice would be to believe in your craft, have perseverance and know that patience will get you anywhere. Armstrong: I would have to say that it’s very cliché, but don’t give up and you have to believe in yourself. We bypass those phrases because they are so commonly used. If you don’t have faith and believe in yourself, you will fall off track. The filmmakers and cast have agreed to do free screenings at churches in various communities in addition to Q&As with the cast and crew with all profits going back to the community. For more information, visit lavanderiathemovie.com.

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HOW I KNEW EVA LONGORIA WOULD BE DIVORCED by lucia

When news came out recently that Eva Longoria had filed for divorce from Tony Parker, almost everyone was surprised, except me. Before they were married in 2007, they broke up for a few months in 2006. In my weekly newsletter from Oct. 4 of that year, I wrote the following: As an expert looking at the situation, I can see that Eva seemed a “little too happy to be there.” It was always Tony this/Tony that. Did we ever hear him gushing? No. In a recent interview, Tony faced the camera while Eva was turned towards him almost the entire time and looked like she was ready to jump into his lap at any second. I also saw a photo of the couple at a sporting event. Eva had her arm around Tony’s shoulder. She was not letting him be the man, the protector, the instigator. Maybe because she was older she felt that she needed to take the lead, but that was a fatal mistake. Men want to be the man in the relationship, even if they are dating an older woman. With Longoria taking on the masculine energy role in the relationship, Tony Parker turned to another woman with whom he could feel like the man. However, I still think this marriage can be saved! Eva needs to get back in touch with her feminine side and let her husband be the man in the relationship. If she’s willing to learn how to do that, I can almost guarantee that they will not divorce. Write to Lucia at theartoflove.net. Read an excerpt from Lucia’s Lessons of Love at lessonsoflove.net. Listen to Lucia live every Sunday at 3 p.m. PST on latalkradio.com. Remember: Love inspires, empowers, uplifts and enlightens.

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Now-Dec. 18 @ studio|stage Have you ever dated someone you know isn’t good for you? “Summer in Hell” is sort of like that. The relationships are alarming and twisted yet so enticing to watch. When their family leaves Pat (Amy K. Harmon) and Milt (Tyler Tyler Jenich and Amy K. Harmon Jenich) unattended at their summer estate, the two engage in questionable behavior. Furthermore, another discontent couple, Nick (Dan Gordon) and Barb (Melissa Powell), enters the scene, creating love triangles and broken hearts. The world premiere of Miles Brandman’s play can best be compared to the drama and guilty pleasures of “Gossip Girl.” You watch with intensity and simultaneous disbelief. Nothing beats watching pretty people do bad things. The show is never stagnant, which is rare for a small cast in one setting. Director David Jette implements wonderful stage direction with smooth transitions. There is always something to watch. Whether you’re mesmerized by Pat walking around in a bikini or a hopeless fight against incest, the plot is fiercely intriguing. The four actors are all fantastic. They each play their characters with conviction and commitment to detail. Jenich perfectly portrays the mastermind of the operation. He’s always a step ahead, whether he’s scheming or just playing host. It doesn’t seem like this is Harmon’s first time playing the in-control girl with attitude. She has it nailed, making it completely believable. Powell and Gordon are perfectly and undeniably lovable. Their wit mixed with innocence makes them both a delight to watch. Their chemistry is fresh and comical. Set designer Sarah Krainin and costume designer Fabiana Pigna deserve additional applause for their contributions. Although there were only slight transformations in these areas, the audience really feels like they’re in the backyard of a hoity-toity summer estate. —Stephanie Forshee studio|stage is located at 520 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles. For more information, visit BrimmerStreet.org.

Miles Brandman

“Summer in Hell”

Left Photo: Small Natural Teeth (Before) Right Photo: Veneers, Teeth #5-12 (After)

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‘DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM’

‘BACKWASH’ Makes You Crackle Up

Robert Townsend conquers the Web. by samantha ofole

by mike sebastian Monica Calhoun

Robert Townsend is a trailblazer. An industry veteran who built his career writing, directing and producing movies such as Hollywood Shuffle, The Meteor Man and Holiday Heart, he’s become the first mogul to ever direct a successful Internet-based drama. Now in its third season with over a million viewers, “Diary of a Single Mom” is a Web-based series chronicling the challenges that single mothers face. “For those that want to be in showbiz, the Internet is a game changer,” says Townsend, who comes from a single-parent household. Starring Monica Calhoun (The Best Man), Valery Ortiz (“Cold Case”) and Janice Lynde (“The Young and the Restless”), the 12-minute drama, which tackles challenges such as childcare, healthcare, education and finances, told through the eyes of Calhoun, who stars as Ocean Jackson, a single mother striving to keep her family afloat, while finishing her G.E.D. Ortiz plays Lupe, another mother juggling different fathers for each of her two children, and Lynde plays a once-married and wealthy 50-something-yearold who suddenly finds herself widowed, broke and guardian to her only grandchild. Together, these three women strive to triumph over life’s challenges. “It sends a message of hope, for we have been helping a lot of people, as it’s also interactive where you can watch the show and click on the toolbox online,” Townsend explains. “So if you are having a problem trying to find a job, like a character was on the show, there is assistance available online, and it continues on my mission as an artist to do positive content that speaks to people.” “Diary of a Single Mom” Season 3 is currently airing on pic.tv/singlemom.

Some major stars are lending their talent to the new Web series “Backwash.” Each episode is a chapter from a supposed lost novel by William Makepeace Thackeray and is framed by a pretentious “Masterpiece Theatre”Michael Ian Black stars in type introduction with guest hosts like Jon Hamm, “Backwash.” Sarah Silverman and Hank Azaria. The show centers on three very odd friends, played by Michael Ian Black, Joshua Malina (“West Wing”) and Michael Panes, and takes place in the kind of fast-talking absurdist world perfected by Black and his “Stella” cohorts. When Panes’ dim-witted character accidentally robs a bank with a salami, the three friends hit the road in an ice cream truck to search for a new life. Each episode of the micro-budget Webcom runs about seven minutes. The creators promise to add animation and song-and-dance numbers to the absurd mix in future installments. Danny Leiner (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle) directed the script by Malina. Other guest stars include: Jamie-Lynn Sigler, John Stamos, John Cho and Fred Willard. A new episode airs every Monday and Wednesday through Dec. 20. For more information, visit crackle.com.

TVTIME

CANDYMAN

David Klein imagines confections. by candice winters What if you created one of the largest candy names in the business? Chocolate is a world unto itself and run by less than a handful of companies. But candy – hard, soft, gummy, chewy, colorful, non-chocolate candy – is an industry that takes a hard head and a great name to catch on and be eaten. David Klein is our real-life Willy Wonka, an eccentric, easily excitable candyman who, in 1976, developed a small, revolutionized jelly bean that would change our approach to candy. He named them Jelly Belly jelly beans, and they were not your grandmother’s old-fashioned jelly beans that stuck to glass bowls and tasted like stale, rotten sugar, granted sugar could get stale or rotten. These traditional jelly beans had uncolored pectin centers and only the outer candy coating was colored and flavored. Klein brought in a radical idea to the stagnant candy form by introducing the use of real fruit juices and natural flavors for the inside as well as for the outer shell. Additionally, Jelly Belly jelly beans contain about half the sugar of the regular jelly bean and none of the gelatin. The start of Jelly Belly was not a smooth one, however. Selling for $2 per pound at retail, the product was too expensive for many buyers. Klein took to the media as “Mr. Jelly Belly” to promote his product, appearing on television shows and strategically placing them in local candy shops

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Campus Circle > Film > TV Time and ice creams stores. He also appeared in magazines, most infamously in People magazine, which featured him taking a bath in Jelly Belly jelly beans. The logo, which was designed by Kathy Fosselman and is just as recognizable as the beans themselves, has been around since the inception of the company. Ronald Reagan was also a large influence on the success of the candy. Trying to kick his smoking habit, President Reagan famously took up eating the colorful Jelly Belly jelly beans, going so far as to try to convince America that they are good for your health. In 1980 with a deposit of $1,000, the Jelly Belly trademark was sold to Herman Goelitz Candy Company, which had been the only contract manufacturer since 1976. Klein signed a 20-year non-competitive clause, meaning he could not work on anything involving a jelly bean until 2000, and his payout was spread over a 20-year period. “I started a company in 1976 with my last $800,” Klein says, “and, in a bizarre turn of events, was pressured against my wishes to sell out for a pittance to my contract manufacturer in 1980. My story can inspire people both to follow their dreams, as well as find the strength to bounce back from adversity.” An official 2010 selection to the Hot Docs and Slamdance film festivals, Candyman: The David Klein Story chronicles Klein’s life in pursuit of candy creation and is an intriguing documentary, one that relies on footage and stills from the ’70s but manages to use this media as a source of irony. Klein’s appearance on the television show is simultaneously outdated and extremely familiar. Younger of course, but with the same enthusiasm, Klein is tangibly passionate. Hence, he is our protagonist, the character we know will lose, but one we hope finds another product as equally successful. He manages to create, but not with the same popularity

David Klein with his young son, Bert, in Candyman that greeted his Jelly Belly jelly beans. He is older, but still working on gummy urine in a jar or edible rats. He is actually in business with his daughter, but it is his son, Bert, who is so touched by his father’s triumphant rise and fall as an inventor that he is the driving force behind the creation of the film in the first place. “I wanted to make Candyman so my kids would know who their grandfather was and what he did for the world,” Bert Klein says. “Having lived through the adventure firsthand, I knew it would be very entertaining and inspiring. This film is about far more than just ‘Jelly Bellies.’ It is an amazing story about an extraordinary man living in extraordinary times. It is a Shakespearian tragedy through the eye of a jelly bean.” Klein currently has a new candy factory – Can You Imagine That Confections – in Covina, Calif., that specializes in “Sandy Candy” as well as his super sour jelly bean “Spanks.” Candyman: The David Klein Story airs Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. on the Documentary Channel.

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FILMINTERVIEWS

WINNER

2010 SXSW FILM FESTIVAL BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE

2 GOTHAM AWARD NOMINATIONS (c) CBS Films, Inc.

BEST ENSEMBLE • BREAKTHROUGH DIRECTOR

Dwayne Johnson stars as “Driver” in Faster.

FASTER

The Rebirth of Dwayne Johnson, Action Star by ebony march He was just a dumb kid following his brother into a life of crime, so he decided to be the driver of a getaway car in a bank robbery. The plan seems like a perfect way out of poverty and boredom. That is, until the robbers realize somebody who was aware of their heist has set them up. Each member of the crew is picked off, and as the driver looks on, he sees his brother murdered as well. The driver is carted off to prison where he will waste away on a 10-year stretch. But if you’re thinking this guy is merely marking time getting jail buff, finding Allah and trying not to drop the soap, think again. He’s making a list and checking it twice; this bad boy is out for revenge, and he’s starting with every person he suspects set him up.As the driver sets out on his vigilante quest, a slinky, James Bond-type killer (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) is fast on his trail. This guy is one of those “ab-tastic” rich boys who conquer every single thing they attempt. However, he finds that he has met his match against the driver. This killer is fast, but the driver is faster. Pursuing both of them is a cop (Billy Bob Thornton). With just a week left on the force before his pension kicks in, this guy isn’t looking to make any waves. He’s going to catch up with the driver and make sure he pays dearly ... for everything. Faster marks Dwayne Johnson’s return to the action genre after several G-rated collaborations with Disney. As the driver, he amps up his beefy physique, made famous early in his show business career. Johnson gained a mere 10 pounds of lean muscle over three-and-a-half months, but the results are staggering. “Bigger is always better,” he jokes. “I worked my butt off for this movie.” Still, working on his fitness was less an impetus for taking his role. Turns out, it was the material that moved him. “I didn’t think of [my character] as a hero, nor as a cold-blooded killer,” says Johnson. “I looked at him as a man I felt connected to.” The similarities the actor shares with his gun-toting, no-nonsense onscreen counterpart come from the more intense and dramatic scenes in the movie. Aside from the eardrum-splitting car crashes and gun battles, Faster boasts some amazing performances from its entire cast. Johnson had to dig deep to portray one altercation in which he appears opposite Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. The scene requires him to forgive the man who is partially responsible for his brother’s death and his incarceration. “I was pretty moved by the emotion,” he says. As for the fans, the real fun comes from watching Johnson’s impressive talents. Like Steve McQueen before him, he is the consummate badass, right down to his bitchin’ wheels. The driver does his dirty work in some good old-fashioned Detroit steel. “Uh, I loved the Chevelle,” boasts Johnson. “The Chevelle became the character’s second home.” The driving stunts are tense and well choreographed, but more importantly, Johnson executed them himself. Director George Tillman Jr. was adamant that Faster was steeped in the kind of authenticity that moviegoers crave. This has led some critics to question whether the movie glorifies killing, violence and destruction or is merely a reflection of it. Thornton, who has appeared in his fair share of controversial films, has his own opinion. “We’re living in a time when we’re making some of the worst movies in history because they’re geared toward the video game-playing generation,” he says. To him, Faster is not a glorification of senseless violence, but, in fact, acts as a story of one man’s quest to find himself – with some collateral damage along the way. As for Johnson’s future collaborations, now that he’s held his own alongside Thornton – an Academy Award winner – he doesn’t rule out teaming up with other action stars on future projects. So, don’t be surprised if this time next year, you’re watching the trailer for a Dwayne Johnson-Jason Statham testosterone-fest. “I love Jason,” he says. “We’re buddies.”

GRADE: A. A KNOCKOUT.’’

‘‘

-Lisa Schwarzbaum, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

★★★★!

‘‘

ONE OF THE YEAR’S BEST.’’

WRITER DIRECTOR/ STAR LENA DUNHAM IN-PERSON AT FOLLOWING SHOWTIMES

-V.A. Musetto, NEW YORK POST

POIGNANT, PERSONAL AND VERY FUNNY.’’

‘‘

FRI 11/26 & SAT 11/27 7:30PM & 9:50PM

-Richard Brody, THE NEW YORKER

TINY FURNITURE A Film By Lena Dunham

STARTS FRIDAY NOVEMBER 26TH

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Watch the trailer at IFCFILMS.COM

Faster releases in theaters Nov. 24.

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Campus Circle > Film > Movie Reviews his imagination and the element of 3-D to the fable about a prince trapped as a nutcracker and the young girl who must help him. Elle Fanning is 9-year-old Mary who is bored with her Viennese Christmas locked in the house. With the appearance of her Uncle Albert (Nathan Lane) and the enchanting nutcracker he bears as a gift, things start kicking into life, literally of course. The Nutcracker (Charlie Rowe) takes Mary to his world of fairies, sugar plums and Christmas toys. When attempts to overthrow the happy kingdom come into fruition by the evil Rat King (John Turturro) and his mother (Frances de la Tour), Mary must save the day. Featuring new songs penned by Oscar-winning lyricist Sir Tim Rice (“The Lion King,” “Evita”), the film is a hard one to place on a scale that doesn’t really have an axis. On the one hand, the scenes that play to our sense of Christmas cheer are why we see these films in the first place. The set décor and costume design are fantastic. On the other hand, the story turns gimmicky with the 3-D shtick we’ve seen too much lately, and Turturro’s rat crew are too modern to fit in with the rest of the film. However, Fanning is an on-screen doll who carries her scenes even alongside CGI co-stars. If anything else, The Nutcracker is a fun ride this holiday season to introduce kids of all ages to a classic. Grade: B —Candice Winters The Nutcracker in 3D releases in select theaters Nov. 24.

Joe Anderson

Tiny Furniture

Lena Dunham as Aura and Jemima Kirke as Charlotte in Tiny Furniture

Disco and Atomic War (Icarus) Was the hit American TV show “Dallas” responsible for the fall of Communism in Estonia? Was David Hasselhoff the West’s secret weapon against the USSR’s grasp on the Balkans? It sounds too absurd to be true. But it just might be. And that’s the premise behind the new documentary Disco and Atomic War. A very personal look at a pivotal time in the Cold War, director Jaak Kilmi recounts his family’s involvement in the illegal doctoring of televisions across the city of Talinn, where thanks to an enormous multidirectional broadcasting tower in Finland, Western broadcasting could be received for the first time and overnight popular culture in Estonia was literally revolutionized. Hilarity ensues as the film recounts the communist regime’s attempts at squashing the broadcasts. Everything from stealing people’s personal antennae to building a special net across the ocean to intercept the airwaves became legitimate plots to thwart this popular invasion of Western culture. Meanwhile, teenagers were dancing disco, emulating punk rockers and glued to the television in awe of “Knight Rider.” Adults and children alike went to any lengths to catch the latest episode of “Dallas” or the sexually charged French flick Emmanuelle, whose broadcast may have resulted in the conception of much of the next generation. Kilmi does an excellent job of weaving personal narratives with skillful re-enactments, photographs and archived footage. His storytelling is fluid and lighthearted as he reminds us of the universality of youth and the defiance in the face of oppression that is seen the world over. It comes to light here that Estonia was actually the focus of a grand experiment. The United States was trying to use its soft weapon of culture to infiltrate the masses, while the Soviets at first scrambled to outwit their Western rivals and then having failed at that, counteract the damage done. Extensive tests were conducted to measure the effects of

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Western corruption on the Soviet citizen’s mind. Regardless of their efforts, the cracks in foundation of Soviet Estonia were already pointing toward its impending collapse. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t tell the full story of Estonia’s break free from Soviet control and the massive civil disobedience that lead to their freedom. The subtitles are not in standard format and as a result, are oftentimes difficult to follow. Luckily, the story told here is so compelling and enjoyable that these minor faults are easily overlooked. Grade: B+ —Natasha Desianto Disco and Atomic War releases in select theaters Nov. 26.

The Nutcracker in 3D (Freestyle Releasing/Cinemarket) Much like many of Grimm’s tales of fairies and magic, “The Nutcracker” has left the realm of familiarity and entered into the territory of common reference and Disney cartoon spin-offs. Even if you haven’t seen it, it’s likely you know the storyline verbatim and could pick out the melody in an instant. In fact, most people don’t realize how many mediums “The Nutcracker” envelops. The two-act ballet, which was originally performed with the score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, was based on the story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann. It didn’t find initial success, but obviously has done well since its opening night. The double-edged sword is this: Although audiences love the classics they were raised on, it is often difficult and risky for filmmakers to adapt works like “The Nutcracker.” It happens, more often than not, that we who cherish the original are easily persuaded to rebel against the new version based on one false scene or one annoying actor. Which is why I was hesitant about this reinterpretation of The Nutcracker. As mentioned before, I don’t know exactly what I thought it was about or how I thought it was supposed to be. Acclaimed Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky brings

(IFC) Lena Dunham writes, directs and stars in Tiny Furniture, a tale of post-college life in New York City. Dunham plays Aura, who, days after graduating with a film theory degree, comes home to her mother’s high-end Tribeca loft exhausted and unsure of the next step. She falls back in with her old school friends, including the glamorous and spoiled Charlotte (Jemima Kirke). When Aura’s mother and sister leave town for a college tour, Aura falls in deep with her old crowd, partying with Charlotte and letting video-maker Jed (Alex Karpovsky, whom she has just met) sleep in her mother’s bed. A film of the indie persuasion, Tiny Furniture is an example of what happens when you graduate college and go back to your hometown – there are old friends around who did not leave after high school and are in a similar place emotionally to where you left them four years ago. In some cases, you wanted to leave these people behind. Especially in Aura’s case, her old friends are creepy. Even her successful mother and obnoxiously ambitious sister are creepy. I feel for Aura because she has no local friend who is a real, productive adult that can help her through her postgraduation depression. Dunham’s representation of post-college life is very honest, which endears the viewer. There is something very relatable to getting a degree in film theory and having only enough skills to get a crappy job as a restaurant hostess. People always say that you can find yourself in college, but sometimes it takes getting out of that safe environment to really find yourself. And it can take years, which Dunham takes into account: The story encompasses only two weeks at the most, and the film closes on the lowest point for Aura. She has pushed away her only real friend from college, she quit her job, she got used by a guy and now she is curled up in her mother’s arms. This is realistic, because it wouldn’t make sense for Aura to have it figured out so quickly. This moment is probably honest for Dunham as a filmmaker as well. She’s still figuring out her life, and this film is a way for her to creatively express that. As a graduate of film theory myself, I can say job well done. But what’s next? Grade: A—Kate Bryan Tiny Furniture releases in select theaters Nov. 26.

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Campus Circle > Film > Special Features

THE BEST REVENGE MOVIES EVER by barry koltnow THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER (MCT)

KRT Handout

This is a special time of year in Hollywood, when we express our thanks for our blessings and exact vengeance on the people who wronged us. We can thank the Thanksgiving holiday for the good feelings associated with the former, and Dwayne “Don’t Call Me The Rock” Johnson’s new revenge movie Faster for the latter. Well, it’s not really fair to blame Johnson for what we’re about to do. After all, the revenge theme has been a constant in literature and film for as long as people have been reading books and watching movies. Faster, starring the wrestler-turned-actor as a man bent on avenging the death of his brother, opens today, and it inspires us to think about a popular movie genre. Here is a countdown of the 30 best revenge movies of all time: 30) The Italian Job – Although some see this as a two-hour Mini Cooper commercial, it’s still a pretty good action yarn. Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey in Death Wish 29) The Patriot – If you ever wondered if Mel Gibson’s film career had a theme, think revenge. This will not be the first time you see Mel on this list, and we even left out a few. 28) The Karate Kid – Those nasty bullies in the skeleton costumes were scary, but they were waxed on and waxed off.

18) Desperado – This is Antonio Banderas the way we like to see him in movies – not in those Spy Kids flicks.

8) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan – Ricardo Montalban was really, really angry that his new car didn’t contain Corinthian leather.

17) Machete – Veteran character actor Danny Trejo got a chance to be an avenging hero and a leading man (He kissed Jessica Alba.) in this recent classic (if you accept it as a spoof).

7) Carrie – You might think twice about teasing that shy young girl in high school gym class.

26) Ghost – Whoopi won an Oscar, but Patrick Swayze got even with the guy who arranged his murder.

16) Trading Places – I’ve seen it 10 times and still don’t fully understand how they got those two old goats at the end of the movie, but it was great.

6) The Count of Monte Cristo – Novelist Alexandre Dumas practically invented the revenge genre. The book has been filmed countless times; this 2002 version was pretty good.

25) Mystic River – In Clint Eastwood’s brilliant film, the lesson learned was that you should be careful about the revenge you wish for ...

15) Nevada Smith – You might not have seen this 1966 film, but it had Steve McQueen and a revenge theme. It was awesome.

5) Braveheart – It’s Mel again, this time all done up for Halloween.

24) The Crow – The late Brandon Lee literally came back from the dead to get his revenge.

14) Munich – The Israelis taste revenge for the murders at the Olympics, but revenge often had a bitter taste.

4) The Outlaw Josey Wales – Of all the Clint Eastwood revenge Westerns (Hang ’Em High and High Plains Drifter are two others), this is my favorite.

23) Sleepers – A group of youngsters make a terrible mistake, pay dearly for that mistake and then grow up to exact revenge.

13) Mad Max – A very young Mel Gibson plays a futuristic cop who hunts down the killers of his wife.

3) The Bourne trilogy – Once he figured out who he was, he went after the people who made him who he was.

22) The Virgin Spring – Swedish director Ingmar Bergman’s 1960 film won the foreign language Oscar.

12) The Sting – Robert Redford didn’t get the revenge he wanted for the death of a close friend, but he took what he could get.

2) Gladiator – Russell Crowe was a little intense when the movie started. Imagine his rage when the evil emperor murdered his family.

11) Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and 2 – Hell hath no fury like a bride scorned.

1) Death Wish – Forget the four sequels. Remember only the original. It struck a chord when it came out in 1974 that still resonates. Identifying one of the muggers has become one of the most frequently asked movie trivia questions of all time.

27) Four Brothers – Four guys who don’t look alike respond like a family to avenge the murder of their mother.

21) V for Vendetta – Not a lot of people saw it, but those who did thought it was one of the coolest revenge movies ever made. 20) Straw Dogs – If you’re old enough to remember it, you’ll remember how shocking it was to see Dustin Hoffman get so violent. 19) Cape Fear – The next time your daughter brings home a guy you don’t like, remember this photo. It could be worse.

10) Man on Fire – Denzel is Dakota’s bodyguard, and he takes that responsibility very seriously. 9) Revenge of the Nerds – Come on; the word revenge is in the title. Very realistic. In real life, the nerds got their revenge by running the world.

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MUSICREPORT by kevin wierzbicki Henry Rollins – Rare Cuts and Conversation Henry Rollins has been hosting a show on KCRW for about a year and a half now, and if you listen once in awhile you know that he is very unpredictable. Rollins’ live shows can be even more surprising, and there’s no telling what’ll happen when the Black Flag and Rollins Band frontman appears at the Echoplex Dec. 9 for a one-of-a-kind DJ and spoken word show dubbed Rare Cuts and Conversation. “I’ll play stuff that I am unable to on my regular show, due to the rare nature of the material,” says Rollins. “I’ve been planning the set for weeks and am so excited to be able to get some truly unique tracks to your ears. Basically, the Echoplex will be my living room; you are the guests and I am playing some of my coolest cuts from decades of gathering, complete with the story around the track and its acquisition.” The show is a benefit for KCRW, but the station will not be recording the show for future playback. So if you want to see it, you’ll only have one chance. kcrw.com/rollinslive

Take a Hellride The Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club in Santa Monica will be the venue for a performance by Hellride, the supergroup of sorts consisting of Mike Watt, formerly of the Minutemen, Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction and Peter Distefano of Porno for Pyros. Hellride is a band that doesn’t record; they only play live and appear at various Los Angelesarea clubs whenever they feel like it. Their set list is a bit twisted too; the entire show consists of songs by the Stooges reinterpreted by way of jazz legend John Coltrane. The all-star punk-improv jam goes down Nov. 27.

Campus Circle > Music > Music Report Carey and Sample Conquer Genghis Cohen They’ll be serving up a little more than steamed dumplings at Genghis Cohen on Dec. 7; that’s the night the restaurant’s music room has a couple of upcoming acoustic acts on the menu in the form of Sarah Sample and Edie Carey. Sample, a California native, will be playing songs from her new album Someday, Someday and Carey, from Chicago, will be performing folk-rock music from her new latest album Bring the Sea. Venice folkie Mai Bloomfield plays on both albums, and Carey’s new one features guest appearances from Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket) and Shawn Mullins.

Honor Society Launches the Honor System Pop-rock band Honor Society is helping to carve a path in the age of free digital downloads via a new weekly download series called the Honor System. Every Thursday through the end of the year Honor Society will release a new song for free download at HonorSocietyMusic.com. Some songs will be brand new, some will be new versions of previously released material and all will be available only until the next freebie gets posted. “We wanted to give back to our fans but at the same time create something special that rewarded people for finding the music early,” says lead singer Mike Bruno. “With the seven day window it allows those who know to get it and still leaves the possibility of us releasing it as part of a future commercial release.” Honor Society play the Roxy Dec. 9.

Half Notes L.A.-based black metal group Lightning Swords of Death is getting lots of good press for their latest release, the Metal

FREQUENCY by brien overlY Matt Costa Nov. 24 @ House of Blues Anaheim I’m a big supporter of stripped-down, bare-basics indie folk, but as I’ve suggested via snark and sarcasm over the years, I’m most definitely not a fan of the stereotypical attitudes that accompany the genre. Lucky for me that homegrown singer-songwriter Matt Costa meets both of those criteria. With his signature soft and delicate crooning of simple but emotive acoustic guitar strumming, Costa might actually even have one up on some of his fellow contemporaries. While so many of the other typical flannel and skinny denimclad Silver Lake types opt for the melancholic, Costa doesn’t shy away from breathing a little emotion into his songs. I know, heaven forfend the idea of indie music that shows some cracks in the exterior of steely cool, but Costa reveals just enough vulnerability in his vocals to make his music relatable in ways those other singers only wish they were.

Weezer Nov. 26, 27 @ Gibson Amphitheatre I don’t even like Weezer that much myself, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go see them. Not going to lie, I’m completely blasé, entirely indifferent and utterly apathetic toward their music, but I was still stoked to see them live when I had the chance years ago. We all know the songs. We all know the words to every single they’ve ever released because KROQ refuses to let the ’90s die with any semblance of dignity, but in this case it just makes hearing those songs performed live that much more special.

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Join KCRW’s Henry Rollins for Rare Cuts and Conversation Dec. 9 at the Echoplex. Blade offering The Extra Dimensional Wound. The album has coughed up a third single, “Invoke the Desolate One,” and the band is scheduled to play a one-off show at the Blvd. Dec. 17. Freelance Whales have racked up an amazing million views of their “Generator 1st Floor” single; they hope to top that with a new song called “Enzymes” that’s featured in a new Twitter promo commercial. Download “Enzymes” for free at Mt. Dew’s GreenLabelSound.com page. You might have heard some of their music earlier this year on “Jersey Shore,” now you can hear what else San Diego’s Echo Revolution has been up to courtesy of their just-released Counterfeit Sunshine. Lee Harding, the band’s frontman, has an M.S. in Physics so you can bet Counterfeit Sunshine is a very special creation.

Campus Circle > Music > Frequency As iconic as Weezer is, they’re just one of those bands that everyone needs to check off their to-do list during their lives.

The Secret Handshake Nov. 28 @ The Troubadour Motown is one of the few sacred cows left of music genres, in the sense that it goes largely untouched by modern artists for the fact that to channel Motown is to ask for the most vicious of scrutiny by your critics. At best, an artist gets to pull Motown influences for one lesser talked about track on an early album that will go more or less unnoticed anyway. One, that’s it, and even then, haters are still going to have a field day with it. Because classic Motown is so intrinsically tied to a time period and the social goings on of that period, that any modernization faces an uphill battle in not coming off as trite. So when an artist decides to do a whole album that is essentially a Motown tribute, needless to say, there’s some cause for skepticism. When that artist happens to look like an understudy for any given member of All Time Low, said artist’s case isn’t much helped. The Secret Handshake’s Luis Dubuc, however, might just be the single musician this side of Warped Tour who can effectively pull off such a feat. No, scratch that. He definitely is the only dude in his scene who can play this kind of music and have it sound completely organic and completely uncontrived. Though you may not expect it just by looking at him, the dude’s packing some serious soul in his vocals and puts on one of the most energetic and engaging shows that also stays true to the time period he pulls from. Now maybe, just maybe, there’s hope yet for all those

Matt Costa croons at the House of Blues Nov. 24. dirty, uncultured, bathroom-humor-using bands/fans that make up the rest of Dubuc’s scene.

Faith No More Nov. 30, Dec. 1 @ The Palladium One more iconic band that everyone ought to see once in his/her life, Faith No More has influence that reaches far beyond what you might think. That favorite alternative rock band of yours? As long as they’re age 25 or older, they’ve probably got some Faith No More on their iPod. If they’re in their later 20s, they were probably front row when Faith No More was first around, yelling along with frontman Mike Patton. And while we’re at it, Mike Patton. Mike Effin’ Patton. An effortlessly unique vocalist and performer, the guy practically defines rock ’n’ roll badassery. Listen to him sing, his voice just drips with hauntingly moody atmosphere, the kind that says he’d seriously mess you up in a bar brawl.

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Campus Circle > Music > Interviews

FAR EAST Movement Take Off With “G6”

Far East Movement’s “Like a G6” – which just peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 – has dominated the pop and dance charts this autumn across the nation while the band has shared stages with such names as Lady Gaga and LMFAO. But the single’s good-time, party-hearty electro sound – all retro early NWA/Kraftwerk/Afrika Bambaataa/2 Live Crew beats married to a celebration of a pre-recessionary, club-going lifestyle – reflects the quartet’s Los Angeles adolescence. “We grew up listening to West Coast hip-hop, but one genre didn’t define what we listened to,” says Far East Movement’s Kev Nish (Kevin Nishimura), 27. “We were into a little hip-hop, electronic, dance, pop, Miami bass ... A lot of it was inspired by hitting different clubs every night in L.A. We kicked it in the same neighborhood in downtown L.A. and listened to Linkin Park, Beastie Boys, Michael Jackson, Kanye West. We’re influenced by so many genres.” Far East Movement – which also includes Prohgress (James Roh), J-Splif (Jae Choung) and DJ Virman (Virman Coquia) – came together in 2003, attracting attention for putting on a multi-act live event, Movementality, in Los Angeles’ Koreatown,

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by cary darling Mcclatchy newspapers (MCT) and getting a song (“Round and Round”) onto the The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift soundtrack in 2006. While the tracks “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Lowridin’” received some airplay, it was “Girls on the Dancefloor,” the lead-off song on their latest disc, Free Wired, that began to turn heads. “[That] got the DJs familiar with us,” Nish says. “Then ‘G6’ let everybody know that we’re definitely more than ‘Girls on the Dancefloor.’” But Nish is at a loss as to why “Like a G6” exploded the way it did. “We can’t say why it stuck,” he says. “We made it with fun in mind, sort of what it’s like to go out with Far East Movement and have a fly time.” Far East Movement perform Dec. 3 at Gibson Amphitheatre. For more information, visit fareastmovement.com. (c) 2010, Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

Campus Circle > Music > Interviews

CEE LO GREEN The Lady Killer

‘I am a rare occasion,’ says Cee Lo Green, turn– ing the word “rare” into a purring roar. “I think if everyone had known it was going be me who succeeded, they would have supported me a lot more. They would have known what to do with me a lot earlier. They just didn’t know.” Since his days as a co-founder of Goodie Mob, Green has dealt with the music industry’s attempts to squeeze his major talent into manageable packages. Green (born Thomas Callaway) made a few far-out solo albums after leaving Goodie Mob in 1999. He then found fame wearing costumes and perfecting his soul shout in Gnarls Barkley, the duo he formed with producer Danger Mouse. Now he’s returned to the solo career that Gnarls Barkley’s success had put on the back burner. His new album, The Lady Killer, offers a sharkskin-smooth framework for his constantly evolving sound. “This project is neatly defined, for the first time in my career,” he says. “Nice package, nice paper with a bow on top – consider it a gift.” The Lady Killer has proven to be a gift that keeps on giving. Its first single, “Forget You,” became the viral hit of late summer in its uncensored version and established Green’s new identity as the harbinger of forward-thinking retro-soul. Produced by the Smeezingtons (the team that includes Green’s rising Elektra labelmate, Bruno Mars), “Forget You”’s modernized doo-wop sound

Kai Regan

by ann powers los angeles times (MCT)

is just one example of Green’s time traveling on The Lady Killer, an album that extends the range of retro-soul to encompass its maker’s restless spirit. His commitment to staying open saves The Lady Killer from being just another costume shindig. His next move, he says, will be a return to the Goodie Mob fold. Green hopes that the fans he’s made through Gnarls Barkley and The Lady Killer project will be eager to explore his roots in a crew that itself was always one of the freest-thinking in hip-hop. “I’m using a bit of this platform to introduce new people to Goodie Mob,” he says. “And I’d like to do something new and interesting and provocative for Goodie Mob this time around. I don’t even want people to be so certain about what Goodie Mob could be. My task is to put a spin on it, a spin in the right direction.” For more information, visit ceelogreen.com. © 2010, Los Angeles Times. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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Mike Matusiewicz

Campus Circle > Music > Live Show Reviews

Florence Welch of Florence & the Machine dresses like a Roman goddess but rocks like Grace Slick.

Combichrist Nov. 7 @ The Music Box In support of their latest album, Making Monsters, Combichrist stopped by the Music Box for an amazing performance. A sea of people dressed in vinyl and leather pants were covered in tattoos, goggles, face masks and fascinating hairstyles. They stormed into the venue eagerly waiting to see the industrial band create chaos and anarchy. As the curtains rose, the strobe and LED lights illuminated the venue. Andy LaPlegua grabbed his skull microphone stand and released a shivering scream felt from all corners. The crowd erupted as LaPlegua traveled across stage feeding off the energy in the air. Quickly covering new material, they played their latest single, “Throat Full of Glass,” as the audience showed their dedication by screaming the chorus. LaPlegua marched across the stage along with the beat, making his signature facial expressions and stage antics. Covered in black body paint, Wes Borland from Limp Bizkit was invited as a special guitarist for the evening. He showcased his versatility of music genres. Also joining in for a song was Throwdown frontman Dave Peters. Joe Letz alongside Trevor Friedrich provided the aggressive drumbeats that caused everyone to bounce across the floor. Z Marr added the final touch to the electronic sound with his keyboard, beating the keys violently. The night included fan favorites like “Electrohead” and “Get Your Body Beat.” Mosh pits spread across the floor as “Today I Woke to the Rain of Blood” was played. LaPlegua directed the crowd like a drill sergeant while his fans followed in awe. There were two different encores, pushing the setlist past 90 minutes. They closed off the show with the always popular “This Shit Will Fuck You Up” and “What the Fuck Is Wrong With You?” Combichrist as always gave an unforgettable performance. A must-see band next time they are in town. —Jacob Gaitan

Florence & the Machine/Grouplove Nov. 8 @ The Wiltern For three nights, a little bit of heaven descended upon the Wiltern. And on this, the last of a string of sold-out shows, a mixed and enthusiastic audience is treated to the kind of spectacle that will undoubtedly be described as legendary. Grouplove warm up the crowd with their energetic and original brand of indie rock. All five members carry enormous stage presence, trading off vocals and instruments with both exuberance and precision. They’re clearly having a blast, and the energy is contagious. Next, Florence and the Machine hit the stage. Vocalist

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Florence Welch looks like a Roman goddess in a spectacular gown, but despite the fact that she’s dressed to the nines, this woman rocks like she’s our generation’s Grace Slick. They launch into “Howl,” which is a testament to the sheer power of her instrument. “Cosmic Love” drives the crowd into a frenzy that will last for the remainder of the show as people spill into the aisles to dance. An encore of “Kiss With A Fist” and “Dog Days Are Over” very nearly bring the house down, fixtures quaking as the entire audience to the back of the balcony joins in a tradition of a jubilant pogo. If only every show could transport us to heaven. —Natasha Desianto

Street Sweeper Social Club Nov. 8 @ The Roxy The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood is a tough place to be on a cold Monday night. The street is all but empty save for a few random cars and the occasional pedestrian. However, when you get to the very end of the street, just before the road takes you into Beverly Hills, there’s one last stop that keeps the energy flowing no matter what. The Roxy played host to local rock station KROQ’s Locals Only showcase and with it they brought Street Sweeper Social Club. This non-stop wall of groove and rock is propelled by the unforgettable stage presence and vocal styles of Boots Riley of the Coup and the one and only Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine on guitar. The minute the curtain went up, the crowd was moving. It’s like Morello’s guitar playing was the incarnation of a fired-up snake charmer. Matched with Riley’s powerful vocals, the show was off to a huge start. There’s something pure about watching a band with a vital message belting out a sound that not only inspires the crowd but moves them. These guys destroyed the Roxy with their sound and hearts. It’s rare to hear such a force in such a small venue. Morello’s guitar alone was worth the heat in the packed club. We are all very lucky that he has continued to create music instead of fading away like other members of great bands who break up. Overall, this show was a perfect 10. People were moving and singing all night and even Morello’s 87-year-old mom showed up to support the Social Club. In the end, that’s exactly what everyone became a part of: a true social club. —David Tobin

The Memorials Nov. 8 @ The Roxy Lead singer Viveca Hawkings immediately took control of the sold-out show with her strong vocals and soulful voice.

As she paced from corner to corner, the hard rock group instantly exploded to a massive crowd reaction. Every member on stage was a master of their domain, proving their talents individually without flaw. Drummer and group founder Thomas Pridgeon excessively punished his equipment with every beat, moving his arms faster than the eye could follow. Nick Brewer looked possessed as he shredded each song with his guitar. Clearly influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Brewer’s hands traveled across the fret boards, almost setting it on fire. With a dual guitar and bass solo, the Memorials quickly earned a colossal ovation. The Memorials demonstrated their wide range in genres perfectly. They quickly rotated from hard rock and alternative and then blended light soul and funk into their signature sound. Hawkings’ smile lit up the room every time she interacted with the crowd. She repeatedly screamed, “Let’s Party” throughout the night. As a sign of respect, some audience members purchased drinks for the group, and they expressed their gratitude. It’s safe to say the Memorials are one of the biggest underexposed bands in the music scene. Expect more soldout shows and bigger venues because this rock and roll act isn’t stopping soon. These guys could play with the best and most likely outshine them. The group will celebrate their first year as a band this winter, yet they outshine the oversaturated groups crowding the radio airwaves. —Jacob Gaitan

Fran Healy and Brandon Flowers Nov. 10 @ The Wiltern Fran Healy and Brandon Flowers make good bedfellows these days. They’re undoubtedly two of rock’s finest male vocalists and both have recently ventured away from the security of their respected bands in pursuit of solo careers. Healy, voice of the influential group Travis, braves the crowd armed with only an acoustic guitar, a handful of lovely tracks from his first solo album Wreckorder and a solid dose of Scottish wit. His storytelling is at least as good as his songs, offering up personal revelations about the making of his album, recent conversion to vegetarianism and how one night in Berlin he persuaded Neko Case to sing on his record (Oddly enough she also appears on Flowers’ release.). “I’m from Scotland. We like to blather,” he explains. His stripped-down set is gorgeous. Standout selections are the hauntingly beautiful “Anything” and recent single “Buttercups” with its self-deprecating but oddly uplifting chorus. Healy tosses in “Driftwood” and the shamefully few audience members hip to Travis’ impressive back catalogue erupt with approval. Hopefully, Healy will return with a full band and give audiences a real taste of the complex beauty that is evident on Wreckorder. Next, Flowers, charismatic frontman of the Killers, takes to the stage and the response is truly deafening. He kicks off his set with the gospel-influenced “On the Floor” but soon launches into the lifting and powerful “Crossfire.” He quickly takes command of the stage, bounding across the stage and atop monitors. Both Flowers’ energy and his voice are tremendous; he exudes a playful confidence and somehow makes quality showmanship look like a walk in the park. His set is comprised of tracks from his solo debut, Flamingo, with some covers like “Bette Davis Eyes” and of course Killers tracks like “Losing Touch” thrown in for good measure. He tells about growing up in Henderson, Nev., in introduction to a paired-down, acoustic performance of Flamingo’s opener “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” that showcases the remarkable power of his voice and then raises the energy tenfold on songs like “Swallow It” and the anthemic “Only the Young.” On “Playing with Fire,” he seems to channel Roy Orbison. The encore features surprise guest Andy Summers of the Police who joins Flowers for a rendition of “Roxanne” where Flowers effectively sings circles around Sting. He rounds out the night with the Killers’ “When You Were Young” and leaves the crowd begging for more. A blinding performance from two legends. —Natasha Desianto

Become a CAMPUS CIRCLE Fan on Facebook http://bit.ly/dhFhEE CDREVIEWS Apache Beat Last Chants (Summer Lovers Unlimited) Apache Beat is from New York, and this band is out with their first full-length indie, alternative rock album. The cover looks Flickr artistic. The title Last Chants appears to be clever. The content is torn right down the middle. Less than half of it is play-it-right-now good and the other half is, well, comme ci, comme ça, and the half of that half is just the kind that you skip every time. Sounds a bit confusing, but the journey through the album can feel that way. There are clashes of sounds here and there and mismatching harmonies every now and then. It’s a great attempt at trying to fuse different elements of sounds and instruments, but the lead signer’s notable voice is simply overpowered by the blend. Some of the tunes such as “Another Day” and “Last Chants” make for worthy downloads. They are lyrically rich and arranged lavishly and surprisingly are located at the bottom of the track listing. Grade: C—Christine Hernandez Last Chants is currently available.

Eux Autres Broken Bow (Bon Mots) For non-Francophones, it’s pronounced “Ohz Oh-trah.” And they’re not French; they’re from San Francisco. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, Eux Autres’ third album, Broken Bow, is fantastique. This body of work simultaneously reminds of classic indie pop à la Shonen Knife and the Bristols and at the same time contemporary bands you’d find rocking a gallery in Silver Lake. Heather and Nicholas Larimer’s vocals are genuine and honey sweet. The lo-fi sound is uncontrived and refreshing. The focus is instead on excellent songwriting, and there’s no reason to jazz up these tunes with flashy production. Producer Jason Quever’s live-sounding mix gets it just right. The disc opens with a seemingly obligatory French track, the only one on the album, the almost chant-like “Jamais” with its rudimentary lyrics and endearingly simple tune to match. “Queen Turner” is perfect daydreaming fall listening. “Under Rays” and “Wind Me Up” are reminiscent of classic ’60s garage pop, and I must admit I’m a sucker for nostalgic hand claps and “sha-la-la-la” backing vocals, which both use liberally to sweeten the deal. “A Band Undone” is melancholic without going off the deep end, remaining afloat on a hopeful undercurrent. “You’re Alright” is one of the album’s most memorable tracks, with highly personal lyrics that at times sound a bit like an inside joke between friends but with enough universal appeal to make it work. “Rosehill” rocks out with crunchy guitars and a driven beat. “Go Dancing” is sparse on the verses, rising up on the chorus and a lovely fuzz-guitar solo. Their cover of Springsteen’s “My Love Will Not Let You Down” is perfection, while “Take It or Leave It” rises up on a wave of thunderous toms, rhythmic guitar and droning organ. “Cover Rights” is urgent, full of bittersweet disappointment without losing its innocent edge. Grade: B+ —Natasha Desianto Broken Bow is currently available.

Giant Sand Blurry Blue Mountain (Fire) Over the course of 25 years and 17 albums, Howe Gelb, the man behind Tucson’s Giant Sand, has been described as everything from an Arizona-fied Lou Reed to the desert’s very own Tom Waits. Giant Sand is big in Europe, revered regionally in America’s Southwest and adored in other pockets of the country, but the band has never established an identity

Campus Circle > Music > CD Reviews with the masses. Some artists would consider that situation a major drawback and there’s little doubt that Gelb would love to be rolling in dough, but the upside to being a critic’s darling, a band making music just for insiders, is the artistic freedom that allows for the creation of sublime gems like Blurry Blue Mountain. There are a few western-flavored rockers here like “Thin Line Man,” but for the most part, Gelb’s singing is understated and set to subdued arrangements; the technique works perfectly on “Spellbound” where the mystery of falling deeply in love is made all the more mystical with poetry like, “There inside her whisper/Is a lyric that can’t be forgotten.” Gelb can certainly turn a romantic phrase but the music of Giant Sand, ironically in light of lack of sales, is geared to everyman and his concerns. For “Brand New Swamp Thing,” a funky Little Feat-like number, Gelb spins out a fantasy (or is it?) of the broke and lonely fellow who finds female salvation on a dark highway while on “Ride the Rail” he sings the workingman’s blues from the perspective of an olden days Arizona copper miner. There are so many comparisons to make here, but perhaps the best reference point comes via another often underrated Arizona band; if you like the sound of Meat Puppets albums like Too High to Die you owe it to yourself to check out Blurry Blue Mountain. Grade: A —Kevin Wierzbicki Blurry Blue Mountain is currently available.

Jupe Jupe Invaders (Self-released) There’s a thrilling sensation in the beats of Jupe Jupe. They bring the eerie spacey, sci-fi sounds and dusted glam together and create a different kind of pop that’s a little bit of Depeche Mode, New Order and Hot Chip. If you’re looking to drift and flow in your dance moves, Jupe Jupe’s first full-length album, Invaders, is the ticket that’ll get you to trance-opia faster than you can say “glow sticks.” Bryan Manzo, My Young, Patrick Partington and Jarrod Arbini are the guys behind the fancy jams. Though their songs might sound like indie-but-trendy Los Angeles, this band is from Seattle, Wash. Most of their songs, such as hypnotic tunes “Something About Love,” “Saturday, A Lovely Day” and “If I Could Go Back In Time,” have a complete vibe that’s totally big, puffed hair and neon gloves. It’s as though the ’80s have re-emerged but in a modern, reinvented-butnot-as-cool kind of way. It sounds good, but three songs in and it feels as though the album is actually a really long mix, with the same synthnoir notes and thick, low-pitched vocals. That said, we wouldn’t be too ecstatic about being invaded by Jupe Jupe if it meant listening to their songs over and over again. Grade: C+ —Christine Hernandez Invaders is currently available.

Kevens We Are One (Rum Bum) Kevens is a Miami-based musician who in the past has made traditional reggae music, but We Are One is an album inspired more by the melting pot of sounds coming out of the Miami nightclub scene and not by old school reggae. “HalleluJAH” begins with a dub effects heavy homage to Jah but quickly veers into a jazzy groove that sounds like early Police with a bit of dancehall toasting mixed in while the horn parts on “Misery” add Latin flavor to the mix. Kevens’ stated mission is to take reggae to a new level, to evolve the sound; with songs like the Capleton-lite “Breakdown the Walls” and a freaky version of the Police’s “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” it’s hard to say whether he’s evolved the sound or blown it completely apart. The spy-guitar driven madness of “How Could You”

is a perfect example; the song reminds a bit of the Two Tone ska bands, but it is just de l i g h t f u l ly weird, not ska. W h e n Kevens cho– oses to tune into the clas– sic reggae sound, he does it extremely well as the Marley-like “Open Your Eyes” proves, but if that’s what you’re looking for you need to look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you’re an adventurous listener who appreciates that same quality in the music you listen to it’s hard not to be taken with We Are One. Grade B+ —Kevin Wierzbicki We Are One is currently available.

Rikki Ililonga & Musi-O-Tunya Dark Sunrise (Now Again) Collectors of African rock rarities are in for a treat with this definitive new release from Now Again. Few have delved into the popular culture of ’70s Zambia to be sure, and unfortunately until recently, a great deal of what did survive over the decades was vinyl in a sorrowful state of decay. The progenitor of the Zamrock movement, Rikki Ililonga’s band Musi-O-Tunya rose to fame within the boundaries of his homeland, but like other Zambian musicians of the time, was largely ignored by the rest of the world. Dark Sunrise is a two-disc retrospective of Ililonga’s early career, encompassing Musi-O-Tunya’s singles, debut album and Ililonga’s solo album that followed. The collection does him a tremendous honor, reviving these historic tracks with superior sound but also presenting them in hardbound format with extensive liner notes, including a Zamrock primer and interview with Ililonga himself. It’s always interesting to see how rock and funk get reinterpreted when they are imported to other countries. This is especially true in the case of Africa, since it was African sensibilities that are ultimately responsible for their invention in the first place. Here, distinctly Zambian tonal qualities are magnified and rhythms of astonishing complexity come to the forefront. That Musi-O-Tunya were not as well known as other African rockers the likes of Fela Kuti is tragic. Their music is nothing short of mind-blowing, blending distinctly African rhythms with an often-understated sax, some of the most impossibly busy bass lines I’ve ever encountered and battered by a firestorm of Ililonga’s psychedelic fuzz guitar. Ililonga’s vocals soar above the instruments, and he is clearly a formidable frontman. Traditional call and response vocal motifs form a charged interplay. Ililonga’s solo work presented here shows another, at times more subdued side but no less impressive. The range is everything from Dylan-esque folk tunes to psych rock tracks no less impressive than anything Jimi Hendrix cranked out in his heyday. The songs, mostly in English, also contain passages in Silozi, Chinyanja and Ichibemba. In a country still emerging from the pressure of colonialism, this was an important proclamation of Zambian identity in the face of the once commonplace denigration of all things African. This is a wonderful release, a long time coming. It’s about time that a light was shone upon this tremendous, overlooked talent. Now Again has unearthed a real treasure. Grade: A —Natasha Desianto Dark Sunrise is currently available.

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GEORGIA

Its Very Own West Side Story by kevin wierzbicki Take any route out of Atlanta and you’re going to run smack dab into something wonderful that Georgia has to offer. Up north you’ll find Georgia’s wine country and the southern terminus of hiker paradise, the Appalachian Trail. Set an easterly course to find small-town gems like the Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle, renowned for serving up a feast of Southern cooking that includes the best fried green tomatoes in the country. But it is Georgia’s west side, not far from Atlanta, where you can check out something (seemingly) very old, something very new and a lot of places with surprising pop culture tie-ins, including a town where there’s always plenty of “action!” Start your exploration of Georgia’s west side by heading south on I-85 from Atlanta and find these things along the way. Newnan: Only a half-hour away from Atlanta, Newnan is a good place to stay when you’re visiting Georgia’s west side. Located “way down yonder on the Chattahoochee,” Newnan is the birthplace and childhood home of country music star Alan Jackson. If you’re a big fan of Jackson’s, stop in at the visitor’s center to hear a few stories and get directions to Jackson-related sites. If you’re a fan of Southern architecture, Newnan has more than 50 historic residences, including a home that served as a

Campus Circle > Culture > Travel headquarters for Confederate general Joseph Wheeler during the Civil War. The grounds at Newnan’s Dunaway Gardens are perfectly groomed and totally relaxing, but the place didn’t always look this way; ask the guides here to show you the spot that was torn up pretty good during the filming of horror flick Pet Sematary Two. Senoia: This charming little town is not always what it seems to be. Major filmmaking facility River Wood Studios is located here, and Senoia’s (say it like the locals do, “Sennoy”) main street is often transformed into Anytown U.S.A. to accommodate filming. River Wood Studios and nearby locations is where films Sweet Home Alabama, Killers, Fried Green Tomatoes, Consenting Adults and many other hit movies were filmed. Kanye West, Diddy, T.I., Lil Wayne, Ice Cube and Soulja Boy have all come to town to shoot music videos at River Wood. The studio is not currently giving tours, but locals will be happy to point you to some of the town’s notable film locales, and you can never tell whom from the world of film or music you might meet walking down the street. Redneck Gourmet (redneckgourmet.com) is a good place for lunch, and they have some curious movie props on display like the surfboard from Apocalypse Now and the multi-seat bicycle from Mary Poppins. Explorations in Antiquity Center: The Explorations in Antiquity Center (explorationsinantiquity.com) is located in LaGrange near the Alabama border, but as soon as you step onto the living museum’s grounds it seems as though you’re in the ancient Middle East. The center is home to an entire small village, complete with archeological replicas of tombs and catacombs, where “villagers” explain their lifestyle and

PAGES 27 Powers of Persuasion: Simple Strategies to Seduce Audiences & Win Allies (Prentice Hall) If you ever had a difficult time getting your foot in the door or getting people to side with you during an argument, you probably were using the wrong persuasion techniques. 27 Powers of Persuasion, by Chris St. Hilaire, provides the necessary methods to appeal to large audiences in order to get what you want. Strategy is extremely important when it comes to persuasion. St. Hilaire explains that persuasion is a craft that takes time to perfect. In order to be able persuade effectively and efficiently, you need to practice, practice, practice. Some strategies include: focus on a goal, be fair, stay terse and leave your ego at the door. 27 Powers of Persuasion is a useful book for anyone and everyone. When applicable, use a few, if not all, of the 27 strategies since they will only help you in the long run. Grade: A —Kantreal Daniels 27 Powers of Persuasion is currently available.

Coffee, Tea, or Kool-Aid: Which Party Politics are You Swallowing? (Abrams) Though elections are behind us, the political propaganda the various parties have bombarded us with still remain, and, for many of us, are still very convoluted and confusing. Coffee, Tea, or Kool-Aid is a fun, pocket-size book by Erin McHugh that explains the state of American politics, in so far as the Tea Party and its left-leaning rival group, the Coffee Party. Those who are politically savvy already know that

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Explorations in Antiquity

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Step back in time at the Explorations in Antiquity Center. offer samples of commonly eaten foods of the day like bread with honey. Sit for a while with a nomadic shepherd in a goat hair tent or walk through the “time tunnel” to learn about the worship habits of ancient peoples. To take the experience a step further, stay for a “biblical style” dinner where you’ll eat a feast of lamb, eggs, dates, nuts and lots more without the benefit of cutlery. Kia Factory: For quite a contrast to ancient life as portrayed at Explorations in Antiquity, take the tour of the Kia Motors factory in West Point near LaGrange. The state-of-the-art auto manufacturing facility is only a couple of years old and watching workers interact with the robotic devices on the assembly line is almost like watching a sci-fi movie. Leave your camera in the car for this one as no photography is allowed inside. All of these attractions are an easy day trip from Newnan or Atlanta. For more information, visit exploregeorgia.org.

Campus Circle > Culture > Books the Tea Party is a right-leaning group that takes their name from the Boston Tea Party. Tea, in the modern sense, stands for “Taxed Enough Already” and the Teabagger’s sense that President Obama’s stimulus plan isn’t working. McHugh humorously breaks down the politics to their nuts and bolts. Readers will be amused, educated, enlightened and empowered with the ability to understand references to the different parties and figure out why it all matters. Grade: B+ —Arit John Coffee, Tea or Kool-Aid is currently available.

Fist Pump: An In-Your-Face Guide to Going Guido (Running Press) So you want to be a guido, but it’s not working out. You’ve got the poof, you’ve got the melanoma-dark tan and you’ve watched every episode of “Jersey Shore” at least 10 times. You’re doing everything right, but when you dress down to bear essentials and hit up the club, your fist pump is lacking and no one will dance with you. Fret no more, would be guidos and guidettes, your goto how-to handbook has arrived. Written by certified guidos Guido DiErio and Rick “The Happenstance” Marinara, Fist Pump is a 223-page book of pages so bright they might just glow in the dark. It’ll teach you how to master the ABC’s (abs, biceps and chest) of the guido look, how to avoid the “spank bank” in the guidotude section and teach you about the nightlife of the juiced and infamous. Whether you take this as a funny joke between you and friends, or a book full of more life lessons than Chicken Soup for the Soul, this is a good book to have around. Grade: B

—Arit John Fist Pump is currently available.

Remarkable Creatures (Plume) Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring, has written a unique and interesting novel in Remarkable Creatures. It concerns Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot, two young women of the early 19th century who become paleontologists when the science was still in its infancy. An odd couple, pretentious middle-class Philpot and industrious workingclass Anning come to respect and admire each other as they engage in a pursuit that ladies were not encouraged to follow in 1804. Chevalier tells the story through the eyes of both girls, with each one narrating alternating chapters, and the reader gets to see the events through a set of experiences. The best part of the novel, however, is Chevalier’s extraordinary descriptions of the English coastline. It is certainly recommended for anyone interested in the history of paleontology, and the unusual subject matter makes it worth checking out. Grade: A—Brendan M. Newton Remarkable Creatures is currently available.

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URBAN COWGIRL’S BASIC FACE KIT BY stephanie nolasco

Imagine if only a handful of cosmetics could turn flaky lips plump, dreary eyes sparkling and tired skin glowing in time for your 9-5 routine. Sounds like a dream only a beauty fairy godmother could make come true? Urban Cowgirl, founded by Margeaux Mann, ensures active women that they’re getting the best makeup that’s not only trendy but also packs healthy ingredients. Since its debut in 2002, Urban Cowgirl has been providing ladies just that, including a revolutionary new set, the Basic Face Kit. When Urban Cowgirl debuted their “5 Minutes to Gorgeous Kit,” women on tight schedules tossed their Blackberrys and celebrated a new victory. However, at a whopping $88, many stuck to bargain hunting over surrendering their debit card. Fortunately, Urban Cowgirl returns with a more affordable variation in the Basic Face Kit ($39.95). Basic Face Kit comes in a hot pink paisley bag that’s easy to clean and spacious enough to hold all your favorite items, yet it fails to meet the standards of potential buyers. Basic Face Kit promises to give a sexy look in minutes, but the options provided are downright disappointing. While more expensive, women are better off buying Urban Cowgirl’s original kit, which offers more makeup to choose from. The Basic Face Kit’s blush “Sassy” is a light and smooth dusty rose, but the mini mascara is too creamy, easily melting during steamy afternoons. Urban Cowgirl claims that it’s “full of proteins,” but it has a strong aroma of chemicals. And although the whipstick in “Skinny Dip” is a luscious nude for everyday wear, it’s just too sticky for modest gloss wearers. Urban Cowgirl’s Basic Face Kit may have its flaws, but the line’s willingness to provide women a chance to look and feel their best in minutes is worth noting. However, if you’re looking for that one perfect bag that holds the right makeup for all your needs, you’ll need to giddy up elsewhere. For more information, visit urbancowgirl.com.

HIV NEGATIVE & POSITIVE WOMEN & MEN… Ages 18 to 65 are needed for a UCLA immunology research study

• You will be asked to donate up to 110 cc (approximately 4 ounces or 8 tablespoons) of blood up to 15 times over 4 years. • Volunteers will be paid $25 per visit. To find out more call Alfonso Coro at (310) 206-7288 or e-mail: acoro@mednet.ucla.edu Beth D. Jamieson, Ph.D., Dept. of Medicine, Principal Investigator UCLA IRB#: 07-03-009-04 Expiration Date: December 8, 2010

APPROVED JAN 28, 2010 UCLA MEDICAL NSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD

THEWINGGIRLS

COLLEGE DATING HIM: Anyway, I need help … I’m in college now, and I just can’t find myself with any girl. This is because in high school I knew this girl that was like super hot, fit, smart as hell, funny and everything, and every girl I see from now on, doesn’t compare. :-( If you two can help I’d appreciate it! I know you can’t help me find a girl, just advice on the situation would be nice. :)

WG: We’re gonna do a video soon on College Dating, so check back before you turn 80. But in the meantime, try to go out with some other girls. You’ve got to give them a chance, even if they don’t compare to your high school crush. You might not like anyone right now, but a lot of that is because you don’t know them well and you don’t feel comfortable around them. So give the ladies a chance! Believe us, we’ve crushed on some guys really hard in the past, and we’ve all thought to ourselves, ‘I’m never going to find someone who I like better than so-and-so,’ and then all of a sudden, it happens. Then you look back on your high school crush and realize they had their faults too, just like everyone else. So give some other girls a chance! For more information, visit thewinggirls.com.

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Campus Circle > Culture > Food

A CHINATOWN THANKSGIVING BY jessica koslow

For some, Thanksgiving can be the same every year: turkey, stuf– fing (the dish and your face), cranberry sauce, pie, family togetherness, etc. But what about mixing it up this year and either taking a trip to pick up some exotic treats or actually eating your traditional meal in Chinatown? This holiday just might be the perfect time for culinary exploration into traditional and progressive Chinese Thanksgiving cuisine. Recently, I had the immense pleasure of partaking in a feast fit for royalty at Golden City Seafood Restaurant (960 N. Hill St., Los Angeles; 213-253-2660). The dinner started with a whole roast turkey stuffed with sticky rice, mushrooms and sausage instead of what most of us know to be stuffing. The barbecue turkey is cooked in the traditional barbecue-duck style – brined in a unique soy sauce marinade and roasted, resulting in a crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, sweet and savory turkey. And then came the side dishes, in no particular order: steamed Santa Barbara prawns, Golden Garlic Bean Curd (with fried garlic pieces everywhere), Bamboo Fungus and Black Mushroom with Snow Pea Leaves, French-style Filet Mignon (too good to be true). One deliciously unique item was the Dried Scallop Winter Melon Soup with assorted meat. Even though we were served roast turkey, we were still treated to Peking Duck, served with bao, scallions and a special sauce to make into little sandwiches. All in all, this was an amazingly delicious twist on the Thanksgiving meal. If this sounds too good to miss, you can pick up a turkey or dine-in at these Chinatown establishments:

The star of the meal: the crisp on the outside/moist on the inside barbecue turkey

CBS Seafood Restaurant 700 N. Spring St., Los Angeles (213) 617-2323 Hong Kong Chinese BBQ 803-807 N. Broadway, Los Angeles (213) 687-7238 Hop Woo BBQ Seafood Restaurant 845 N. Broadway, Los Angeles (213) 617-3038 J&K Hong Kong Cuisine 724 N. Hill Street, #216, Los Angeles (213) 617-0638 Lien-Hoa Deli 721 N. Broadway, Los Angeles (213) 625-5001 Lucky Deli (Wol Deli) 706 N. Broadway, Los Angeles (213) 625-7847

The steamed Santa Barbara prawns were a spectacular side dish.

Master Chef Restaurant 937 N. Hill St., Los Angeles (213) 687-3638 Ocean Seafood Restaurant 750 N. Hill St., Los Angeles (213) 687-3088 San Woo BBQ Express 727 N. Hill St., #111, Los Angeles (213) 617-1063 Spring Street Smoke House 640 N. Spring St., Los Angeles (213) 626-0535 Yum Cha Café 638 N. Broadway, Los Angeles (213) 617-8698 For more information, visit chinatownla.com.

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The French-style Filet Mignon was too good to be true.

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L.A.FACES

Ed Araquel

Icons: The DC Comics and Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee

CINDY BUSBY Having a Big Year

by stephanie forshee If asked, would you be able to remember what you were doing four years ago? Furthermore, would you be able to regularly engage in interviews about that point in your life? “Heartland” actress Cindy Busby has to do just that. The Canadian TV show “Heartland” has arrived in the United States, but the show American viewers see in its first season is actually in its fourth in Canada, adding a layer of confusion for Busby and her fellow actors. “I definitely have to think about what I say before I say it,” admits Busby. “I don’t want to say too much because things have changed a lot since the first season. After a while, it kind of meshes into one, so I hardly remember what happens. I’ve been trying to remember all these things and look back on some of the episodes. It’s kind of fun to see how much we’ve grown in our acting and as a person.” Busby plays Ashley Stanton, a rich girl who plays an antagonistic role to the Fleming family, the show’s main characters. “We offer a lot of drama and challenges for the protagonists of the show,” says Busby. “[Ashley] starts off in the show as being a little more two dimensional in a sense being the rich, popular, mean girl. But as the seasons go on, you start to realize why she does act that way, which makes her a more three-dimensional character,” she explains. “I try to make her as real as possible,” assures Busby. “I don’t like to put her in any sort of corner. I like to give her her own personality.” While Busby has been adding to her character, she says the cast hasn’t experienced many drastic changes, just one. The most obvious transformation is with co-star Jessica Amlee (Mallory). Amlee began the show as a 12-year-old, putting her at 16 now. “She’s physically changed drastically since the beginning,” says Busby. “So for her it’s a big deal because people are seeing her still as a little kid, and she’s kind of grown into a woman.” It’s only fitting that Amlee would grow up in her home away from home. “Honestly, we’ve grown into such a family. It’s one of the best sets I’ve ever been on. Everybody is so understanding. Everybody is just so patient with one another,” boasts Busby. “Anyone who comes to visit on set or to guest star for an episode always leaves being like, ‘Wow, this has been such an amazing experience.’ Everybody’s just so down-to-earth and has a really good time doing the work,” Busby beams. Busby tells that it’s not all play without any work though. “We have fun, but we also deliver great performances so we have that really great balance,” she says. “I’m so proud of the show. It’s really come a long way. It’s really cool to see a Canadian show do so well. So I’m really glad to be a part of it.” Busby will also appear in the upcoming film The Big Year, with Steve Martin, Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Jim Parsons. She plays Susie Preissler, wife of Tony (Paul Campbell) and daughter-in-law to Stu (Martin). “I feel really blessed to be a part of the movie,” she says. “I’m kind of a fan of everybody in this movie.” “[Steve Martin] was really great. He’s an amazing performer and also a really wonderful man,” Busby tells. “I just felt it was a privilege to be in his presence let alone work with him and kind of get to know him. He keeps to himself, but he’d be funny kind of when you least expect it. It was just great to meet these people and watch them work.” Now that she’s gotten her feet wet with film, TV and theater, Busby plans to explore her options. “My focus right now is TV and movies. I just want to keep working on that. It does take a lot of time, auditioning and working on set. Theater is such a different feeling, and I love it so much. And I definitely want to go back to doing theater one day.” “Heartland” airs Sundays at 5 p.m. on KCAL.

(Titan) Jim Lee is undoubtedly one of, if not the most popular artists in modern comics. Now, some of his best work is collected in this gorgeous oversized hardcover volume. The book is really well thought out, highlighting Lee’s iconic work on Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. These sections are followed by chapters featuring the DC Universe and Wildstorm, the company Lee founded. Supplemental sections include pinups for various Vertigo titles like Preacher and Sandman, as well as statuette designs and Lee’s updated DC and Google logos. One fascinating excerpt is a script to final page comparison from Ed Brubaker’s Sleeper. Icons does an excellent job of showing Lee’s entire process, from character sketches to roughs to final colored pages. It’s a must-have for fans of comic art. Grade: A —Mike Sebastian Icons: The DC Comics and Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee is currently available.

Four Color Fear: Forgotten Horror Comics of the 1950s (Fantagraphics) While EC titles like Tales from the Crypt get most of the credit, they weren’t the only horror comics provoking the ire of self-righteous congressmen in the 1950s. There was a whole cottage industry of ghoulish tales of the undead, revenge from beyond the grave and deals with the devil. While you can see how these stories shocked conservative postwar parents (Their morbidity is still surprising today.), the irony is that these stories, like most good horror, were in actuality extremely moralistic. They just used zombies to tell these morals. Comic book historians Greg Sa–dowski and John Benson edited this fun time capsule, compiling over three dozen spine-tingling tales from the likes of Frank Frazetta, Al Williamson, Iger Studio, Joe Kubert, Basil Wolverton and others. Also included is a beautiful cover section, plus background commentary on each entry and an introduction by Benson. Grade: A—Mike Sebastian Four Color Fear is currently available.

Sin City: Vol. 1 & 2 (Dark Horse) Can’t wait for Sin City 2 to hit theaters? It’s a perfect time to revisit (or perhaps experience for the first time) the graphic novels that started it all. Dark Horse has reissued Frank Miller’s iconic take on pulp noir in a new edition, beginning with its first two entries, The Hard Goodbye and A Dame to Kill For. Sin City takes place in a bizarro noir world of amped-up violence and hard-boiled toughs, where deadly prostitutes have taken over a lawless section of the city. It’s a Mickey Spillane universe filtered through the distinct vision of the man behind The Dark Knight Returns. The Hard Goodbye opens with Marv, a scar-faced lug, waking next to a dead prostitute, the first person who was sweet to him. Given a purpose for the first time in his life, Marv sets out to find who framed him and why and to take revenge. A Dame to Kill For is a twist on the femme fatale narrative. Dwight is a disgraced journalist, newly sober and trying to rebuild his life when the woman who left him for a richer man comes back into his life asking for help. The second volume further develops Miller’s self-contained world, exploring the gang of prostitutes in more depth, while crossing paths again with Marv in a very Pulp Fiction way before there was Pulp Fiction. You know when you sit down with a Frank Miller book that he is going to push each story as far as it can go, wring all the possibilities from it. That is certainly the case with these seedy tales. While Miller’s super high-contrast black and white art can at times veer into indecipherable geometry, you certainly can’t fault its originality. And at its best, it is stunning. Also included in Volume 1 are some of Miller’s covers and promotional art. Grades: A/A—Mike Sebastian Sin City: Vol. 1 & 2 is currently available.

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FILM

MUSIC

CULTURE

EVENTS DVD GAMING SPORTS MEDIA BLOGS Baseball Basketball Football Hockey Soccer

PIGSKINBLITZ

TROJANS, BRUINS RIPPED ON THE ROAD by marvin vasquez Oregon State 36, USC 7 The USC Trojans lost a tough matchup in Corvallis, Ore., on Nov. 20 against the Beavers by a score of 36-7, but the SoCal team perhaps lost its starting sophomore quarterback, Matt Barkley, for an even tougher game this coming weekend. Barkley suffered an obviously painful sprained left ankle just before halftime, and he could be out when the Trojans host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The score read 20-0 in favor of the Beavers when Barkley went down and came out of the game. However, the game was rather competitive after one quarter of play, with the host squad ahead just 3-0. Oregon State went on to fire 17 points in the second quarter and took control of the contest thereafter. To begin the second quarter, Barkley threw an interception, and Beaver Jordan Poyer took the ball back the other way for a 65-yard scoring touchdown to put OSU up 10-0. Star running back Jacquizz Rodgers followed that with 7:06 on the clock when he rushed for a three-yard TD run through the left

Campus Circle > Sports > Football side. Kicker Justin Kahut added a field goal from 38 yards out before halftime. Kahut added another field goal later in the third quarter before the Trojans collected their lone score of the night when running back C.J. Gable rushed for a 13-yard gain and eventual TD run. Oregon State went on to add two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Oregon State’s Rodgers finished with 26 carries, 128 rushing yards and one touchdown. From the receiving side, Rodgers led his team as well with seven catches for 43 yards. Over the past years, USC has had trouble winning games in Oregon State’s field, and head coach Lane Kiffin recognizes that. “I don’t know that anybody has ever figured it out,” Kiffin says. “They play really well when they’re up here against us, and we’ve helped them out.” The Trojans (7-4) face non-conference rivals the Fighting Irish Saturday, Nov. 27, at 5 p.m. at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Washington 24, UCLA 7 In order to keep its Bowl hopes alive, Washington needed to outlast the visiting UCLA Bruins on Nov. 18, and they did just that with a 24-7 win in Seattle. All seemed like clear skies for the Bruins in the first quarter after taking a 7-0 lead on a Johnathan Franklin touchdown rushed to the right for 31-yards. Franklin finished the game with 18 rushes for just 53 yards. In the second quarter, the Washington Huskies responded to make the score 7-7. Star quarterback Jake Locker rushed through the left side for a three-yard gain and the TD with 5:57 left before halftime. Locker almost did not play in the game because of sore ribs, but his head coach Steve Sarkisian allowed it.

FOOTBALL

FANTASY FOOTBALL

The Janey Briggs Syndrome by scott bedno As of this writing, we’ve just finished week 10 of the fantasy football season. Some of you, like my 7-3 team, the Fargin’ Iceholes, are making a final push for the playoffs. Some of you are starting guys on bye weeks or injured reserve because you’re so far back you don’t give a damn anymore. Whichever camp you find yourself in, now is a perfect time to revisit my pre-draft fantasy football article where I talked about “Man Crushes.” Man Crushes are players who you not only want to have on your fantasy team, but you have to have them. They’re like the girl/guy you crushed on in high school and just could not bear living without. And like any crush, there is always the nice, pretty girl wearing glasses who you should have chosen in the first place, because she always turns out hotter than the girl you crushed on – like Janey Briggs from Not Another Teen Movie. If you haven’t seen Not Another Teen Movie, put down this newspaper/iPad now and buy it. Now. Go ahead, I’ll wait… Without further ado, here are my Man Crushes and their corresponding Janey Briggs: Quarterback

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Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times//MCT

NEWS

Johnathan Franklin made UCLA’s sole TD against Washington. “I felt really good, and [Sarkisian] knew I was going to be really honest with him,” Locker reveals. “We have a really good open relationship, and I truly don’t believe he would have let me be out there all week practicing and thinking I’m going to play without that intention.” Locker threw for 68 yards on 10-of-21 attempts, including one interception. For the Bruins, three different quarterbacks saw action and all threw for an interception. Defensive stops prevented the Bruins (4-6, 2-5) from doing additional scoring, and then the Huskies offense took over. The Huskies (4-6, 3-4) managed a 27-yard field goal in the third quarter before adding two touchdowns in the fourth quarter at 6:22 and 4:24, respectively. As a team, the Huskies finished with a season-high 253 yards on the ground. “We knew that we were going to run the ball, but I had no clue that we were gonna just keep running it like that,” running back Chris Polk remarks. “That was just a dream.” The Bruins return to action on Friday, Nov. 26, as they travel to Arizona for a tough affair against the Arizona State Sun Devils (4-6, 2-5) in Tempe.

Campus Circle > Sports > Football Man Crush: Jay Cutler Janey Briggs: Kyle Orton True story, and this is why fantasy football sucks so much. I was fully prepared to draft Kyle Orton as I had been flirting with him hard, almost as much as Cutler. However, I thought he would go undrafted, so in the 10th round I said, “Hey, I’ve never had David Akers on my team, wouldn’t it be fun to have David Akers?” Yeah, real fun. Of course, someone drafted Orton later in the round, and I was stuck playing Russian roulette with Kevin Kolb/ Donovan McNabb/Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback. I’ll bet if McNabb played Russian roulette he would miss his temple and shoot himself in the foot. Yes, I’m bitter. One of my worst fantasy blunders ever, and that’s saying something. Running Back Man Crush: Jamaal Charles Janey Briggs: Arian Foster Not to pat myself on the back or anything, but at the time I crushed on Jamaal Charles I wrote, “A Chris Johnson clone who can only be stopped by his coach. Talent-wise, he should get 400 touches this year but will probably get much less” (pat, pat, pat). I’m also pleased to let you know that I drafted Arian Foster in the third round and Jamaal Charles in the fourth, in addition to Chris Johnson in the first, so maybe my ignorance is reserved for quarterbacks. Wide Receiver Man Crush: Roddy White Janey Briggs: Hakeem Nicks OK, you people really have to start listening to me. Here’s what I said about Roddy White, “He’s already an elite receiver, but most people don’t know who he is. Let someone else take

the bigger name (Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald) while you get better production from White.” You’re welcome. Hakeem Nicks could be had in the sixth round (where I got him), and he’s the third highest-scoring receiver in fantasy. Tight End Man Crush: Jermichael Finley Janey Briggs: Zach Miller This one hurts. Not just me, but Jermichael as well, as he tore knee ligaments in week five and is out for the rest of the year. It’s as if your crush moves away during the school year; it just hurts that much more. A real shame as he was having a great year up to that point. Antonio Gates is far and away the best tight end in the league, but he doesn’t qualify as a Janey Briggs as he is already the head cheerleader and the most popular kid in school rolled into one. Defense Man Crush: 49ers Janey Briggs: Bears Having been born and raised in Chicago, you would think I’d have jumped at the chance to have the Monsters of the Midway. I was so seduced by the intensity of the Mike Singletary glare and the tackling machine that is Patrick Willis, I completely overlooked the hometown beauty queen. For shame, Scott, for shame. Kickers Man Crush: Who cares? Janey Briggs: Who cares? As I said before, who cares about kickers? Which makes my choice of Akers before Kyle Orton particularly painful. Oy. Have I mentioned I hate fantasy football?

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SATURDAYNOV. 27

Jimi Lott/SeattleTimes/MCT

Freestyle Session 13 The Music Box, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles; freestylesession.com Featuring some of the best b-boy/b-girl crews in the world battling it out for over $25,000 in cash and prizes – and the title of Freestyle Session Champions. Also Sunday. Noon-8 p.m.

WEDNESDAYNOV. 24 USC Men’s Basketball vs. CSU Fullerton Galen Center, 3400 S. Figueroa St., USC; usctrojans.com Both SoCal teams are hoping for a victory to give thanks for tomorrow. 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAYNOV. 25 Thanksgiving at the Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach; aquariumofpacific.org Discover over 11,000 animals and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving buffet in the Aquarium’s Café Scuba with turkey, yams, pumpkin pie and all the fixins’. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $34.

THURSDAYNOV. 25 Thanksgiving at L.A. Mission 303 E. 5th St., Downtown; losangelesmission.org If you have enough to give thanks for, then join celebrities, political leaders and hosts Kirk and Anne Douglas in feeding thousands of Angelenos in need. 11 a.m.3 p.m.

FRIDAYNOV. 26 Art & Architecture Hunt of Downtown LA outoftheboxevents.net This hunt challenges your wit and ingenuity as you explore some of Los Angeles’ most treasured art and architecture. Highlights of this urban safari include the building where the blueprint was a Ouija board, secret passageways, art hidden in plain sight and the world’s largest abstract mural. 2 p.m. Also Saturday. $25.

SUNDAYNOV. 28 Charles Phoenix’s “Disneyland” Tour of Downtown L.A. charlesphoenix.com This six-hour walking tour (They’ll ride on a school bus from location to location.) begins and ends at Union Station. This tour of legendary L.A. landmarks includes Clifton’s Cafeteria, Old Chinatown, Olvera Street, Bradbury Building, Carroll Avenue, Angel’s Flight, Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Union Station, Walt Disney Concert Hall and much more. 11 a.m.

SUNDAYNOV. 28 Mad Men: The Illustrated World Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; booksoup.com The officially licensed book celebrates the hit show “Mad Men” and the 1960s – packed with hairstyle how-tos, drink recipes, decorating tips and more. Author and illustrator Dyna Moe takes you into the fabulous world of mid-century America. With special guest, Rich Sommer, Harry Crane on “Mad Men.” 5 p.m. FREE.

SUNDAYNOV. 28 The Wizard of Oz Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; americancinematheque.com Witches and munchkins and flying monkeys, oh my! 4 p.m. $11, $9 w/student ID.

MONDAYNOV. 29 Roger Waters: The Wall Live Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., Downtown; staplescenter.com The co-founder and principal song– writer of Pink Floyd commemorates the 30th anniversary of the original release of The Wall with a monumental tour featuring a full band and a newly mounted state-of-the-art production. Also Tuesday and Sunday.

TUESDAYNOV. 30 Artivist Film Festival Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles; artivists.org Shorts, feature-length films, docu– mentaries, narratives, music videos, ani– mated works, experimental and animated film and videos that address either a human rights, social, political, children’s advocacy, animal rights or environmental issue. Runs through Saturday.

For more events, visit campuscircle.com/calendar. To submit an event for consideration, e-mail calendar@campuscircle.net.

LAKE SHOW BACK ON TRACK by marvin vasquez

Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times//MCT

BY FREDERICK MINTCHELL

L.A.HOOPLA

Matt Barnes of the Lakers

The Lakers bounced back quickly after experiencing two consecutive defeats. Currently, they own a four-game winning streak, including a threegame road trip they took last week. On that road trip, the Lakers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks (118-107), Detroit Pistons (103-90) and Minnesota Timberwolves (112-95) before coming home to face the Golden State Warriors for the second time this season. Against the Warriors, the star of the affair was Pau Gasol; he was perfect from the start. Gasol contributed 28 points on 10-of-10 from the field and eight-of-eight behind the free throw line. He pitched in nine rebounds, five dimes and four blocked shots in 30 minutes of play en route to leading the Lakers to an enormous 117-89 win. Kobe Bryant chipped in 20 points, six boards and five assists, while Lamar Odom (15) and Shannon Brown (17) collected double figures in scoring as well. Starting point guard Derek Fisher had eight points, four assists and three steals, while Matt Barnes registered nine points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Lakers defense looked sharp against the NorCal team, as they held the visitors to under 36 percent shooting and forced 17 turnovers. Los Angeles (12-2) is the best NBA scoring squad thus far in this campaign. The Lakers have pounded 100 points or more in all but one game this season, a five-point victory over Minnesota (99-94) Nov. 9. Through 14 games, the Lakers do not hold the best team record in the league. However, they are really not worried about that as of now, especially because their starting center has not even played a single second of basketball this season. Rumor has it that Andrew Bynum is set to make his season debut this coming Friday, Nov. 26, in Utah against the Jazz.

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OMG! Friday night was a blast. You should have seen the crowd. The people were going nuts, and so did we. My best friend was sooo excited – she nearly fainted. LOL. Saturday night was “GIRLS” night. We were looking fine and feeling good. Where were you? XOXO

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