Campus Circle Newspaper Vol. 20 Issue 47 by Campus Circle

December 8-14, 2010 \ Volume 20 \ Issue 47 \ Always Free

Film | Music | Culture

HAUL IN THE CHEER A Grab Bag of Gift Ideas

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campus circle Dec. 8 - Dec. 14, 2010 Vol. 20 Issue 47

Editor-in-Chief Jessica Koslow editor.chief@campuscircle.net

Managing Editor Yuri Shimoda managing.editor@campuscircle.net

06 FILM THE FIGHTER

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Campus Circle 12.8.10 - 12.14.10

Mark Wahlberg enters the ring with

Christian Bale and director David O.

Russell.

06 FILM KIRSTEN DUNST

Attempts to Escape a Dreadful Marriage

in All Good Things

08 FILM ANGELINA JOLIE & JOHNNY DEPP

Cross Paths on the Run in Venice in The

Tourist

08 FILM MOVIE REVIEWS

Film Editor Jessica Koslow film.editor@campuscircle.net Cover Designer Sean Michael Editorial Interns Kate Bryan, Christine Hernandez

Contributing Writers Tamea Agle, Josephine Basch, Jonathan Bautts, Scott Bedno, Lauren Brodsky, Erica Carter, Richard Castañeda, 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, Lucia, Ebony March, Angela Matano, Samantha Ofole, Brien Overly, Ariel Paredes, Sasha Perl-

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10 FILM PROJECTIONS

Raver, Mike Sebastian, Cullan Shewfelt, Doug Simpson, David Tobin, Anna Webber, Kevin Wierzbicki, Candice Winters

20 FILM DVD DISH Contributing Artists

14 MUSIC CD REVIEWS 15 MUSIC AIMEE MANN

Brings Holiday Cheer to Angelenos

& Photographers Tamea Agle, Amanda D’Egidio, Jacob Gaitan, David Tobin ADVERTISING Sean Bello sean.bello@campuscircle.net

15 MUSIC FREQUENCY 16 MUSIC LIVE SHOW REVIEWS

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17 MUSIC REPORT 17 CULTURE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 18 CULTURE PAGES 22 CULTURE ON THE MENU 22 CULTURE CURTAIN CALL

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FILMINTERVIEWS

THE FIGHTER Three Kings of the Ring

by sasha perl-raver Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and David O. Russell aren’t men who shy away from a fight. Each has a haunting tale from the past where their dark side got the best of them; whether it’s Wahlberg’s early prison stint on assault charges, Bale’s notorious on-set rant or Russell attempting to choke out George Clooney while filming Three Kings. But when the three men bound into a press conference to promote their new film, The Fighter, it’s all jokes and hugs and laughs. This time, it seems, all the drama stayed on the screen. The Fighter is the true story of boxer “Irish” Micky Ward (Wahlberg) and his crack-addicted older brother and trainer, Dick “Dickie” Eklund (Bale). It’s a film Wahlberg championed for four years, eventually signing on as a producer, and one that will almost surely land Bale an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Micky’s squirrelly, charismatic, troubled but loving other half. Asked how he got into the role, which required he drop down to an almost Machinist level of emaciation, Bale grins. “I felt so good and calm playing Dickie. I was just running. I could run for hours. Usually I say, ‘Oh, I just did a lot of coke,’ when I lose weight for a movie, but I don’t think it’s so funny for this movie,” he says, causing the entire room to erupt with laughter. For Wahlberg, he explains he signed on to star and

produce the project “out of sheer desperation to get the movie made. It seemed, at first, like a no-brainer,” Wahlberg shrugs, “amazing parts, wonderful story, a new and interesting world you’re not that familiar with, but it just wasn’t meant to be.” After losing both Matt Damon and Brad Pitt, who would have played Bale’s role, and director Darren Aronofsky, who eventually signed on as a producer instead, Wahlberg says he “had to grab a hold of [the film] and force it to happen out of sheer will and determination.” Though, when it came to casting Bale, the inspiration came in the least likely of places. “These guys met at preschool, right?” director Russell asks his two leads. “Yeah, dropping off my daughter,” Bale grins. “[Mark] looked across the parking lot, saw Christian Bale and was like, ‘BING!’” Russell laughs. “What I said was, ‘There is the guy who’s not scared of this part,’” Wahlberg corrects. “Everybody loved the idea of [playing a drug addict] but nobody wanted to commit and go there. I’d seen The Machinist. I’d seen Rescue Dawn; he’s a fearless actor. He responded to it immediately, and everything fell into place after that.” When asked about bringing in Russell, whom Wahlberg previously worked with on Three Kings and I Heart Huckabees, to direct, Wahlberg has a moment of quiet sincerity, “That’s my brother, man. We’ve been through a lot together, and we’re so comfortable with one another. We’re like family. To be able to work with someone you admire so much, and you trust and care for, I just loved it. When it dawned on me that there is a way to get this movie made with David as the director, I thought we have a chance to make something really special. He brought a level of humor and emotion that I don’t think anyone else could have brought.” “A lot of other people were overemphasizing the druggy

JoJo Whilden

Campus Circle > Film > Interviews

Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg in The Fighter nature, the addiction, as if that was something fascinating to see,” Bale adds. “We both felt, we’ve seen that in so many movies, and [when you] meet Dickie and Micky, it’s not what you think about.” More importantly, Bale felt it was the director’s emotional nature that made him the perfect choice. “David’s got this great earnestness and complete silliness at the same time, which was perfect,” Bale says. “He’s got a big heart. He’d often be crying with laughter and also just flat out crying. [He’d be] listening to Dickie or Micky, and they had his sides splitting with laughter and then it would segue into tragedy, and he’d be bawling his eyes out. You could really see how much he felt it and was going through a roller coaster of emotions, which is usually what the actors are doing, but David was right there, feeling it as much as any of us.” The Fighter releases in select theaters Dec. 10.

ALL GOOD THINGS Kirsten Dunst in The Year’s Worst Marriage by ebony march

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Campus Circle 12.8.10 - 12.14.10

Katie McCarthy (Kirsten Dunst) in All Good Things All Good Things is based on the true story of Robert Durst and Kathleen McCormack and the strange things that can happen when love meets mental illness. In the 1970s, a young medical student named Katie McCarthy (Kirsten Dunst) is married to a New York real estate heir, David Marks (Ryan Gosling). As the marriage progresses Katie finds that her husband’s demanding and abusive personality is too much to bear. Katie tries to shame the family into letting her go (perhaps with a hefty settlement?), but David would sooner see her die than give her anything. That’s right. He’d sooner see her die. Katie disappears, and soon David’s story spirals into a bizarre tale of cross-dressing, fraud and murder. Dunst had the opportunity to sit down with McCormack’s family and chat about their daughter, who is still considered a missing person. Other preparations that Dunst took to flesh out her performance involved doing a bit of pre-shooting homework. “I do a lot of prep beforehand,” she says. “I’m an actor who doesn’t like to read scenes.” Instead, she and Gosling worked together to develop a convincing cadence between their characters. As for art imitating life in other ways, Dunst is no stranger to highly publicized romances. Much has been reported about her own personal relationships. In a way, this provided her with a unique sense of empathy for McCormack and her character, Katie McCarthy. “I think that when you’re immersed in an unhealthy relationship, you can’t really see your way out of it,” she says. All Good Things releases in select theaters Dec. 10.

Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

FILMINTERVIEWS

INVITES YOU TO SEE

To enter to win tickets to an advance screening in Los Angeles and Orange County, register at: Los Angeles

Monday, December 13 7:00 p.m. Campuscircle.com/screening/YogiBearLA Orange County

Monday, December 13 7:00 p.m. Campuscircle.com/screening/YogiBearOC WARNER BROS. PICTURES PRESENTS A SUNSWEPT ENTERTAINMENT/DE LINE PICTURES PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH RHYTHM & HUES “YOGI BEAR” MUSIC DAN AYKROYD JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE ANNA FARIS TOM CAVANAGH T.J. MILLER SUPERVISOR JULIANNE JORDAN MUSIC EDITED PRODUCTION DIRECTOR OF BY JOHN DEBNEY BY KENT BEYDA , A.C.E. DESIGNER DAVID R. SANDEFUR PHOTOGRAPHY PETER JAMES, ACS, ASC BASED ON CHARACTERS EXECUTIVE CREATED BY HANNA-BARBERA PRODUCTIONS PRODUCERS ANDREW HAAS JAMES DYER LEE BERGER WRITTEN BY JEFFREY VENTIMILIA & JOSHUA STERNIN AND BRAD COPELAND PRODUCED DIRECTED BY DONALD DE LINE KAREN ROSENFELT BY ERIC BREVIG “Yogi Bear” and all related indicia are trademarks and copyright of Hanna-Barbera Productions

www.yogibear.com

DECEMBER 17 IN 3D ALSO PLAYING IN 2D THEATERS www.yogibear.com

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prize pack: Campuscircle.com/sweeps/ YogiBear No purchase necessary. While supplies last. No phone calls, please. Late, misdirected or incomplete entries will be invalid. Screening is overbooked to ensure capacity. Please arrive early. Ticket does not guarantee admission. All seating is first-come, first-served. Employees of Warner Bros. Pictures, Campus Circle and their affiliated agencies are not eligible.

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FILMINTERVIEWS

THE TOURIST

Together at Last: Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp by josephine Basch There are three men sitting inside a van, parked outside of a Paris apartment. Their cameras are tracking the movements of Angelina Jolie as she walks past a window from room to room. Finally, she appears downstairs at the front door and makes her way down the cobblestone streets as the men scramble to continue following her. Zooming in on her back, the men speculate about whether she is wearing underwear or not. On the street, heads turn and people smile as the beautiful actress arrives at her destination – a nearby café. While this sounds like it could just be another day in the life of Jolie, it is in fact the opening scene of her new film, The Tourist. In a collaboration that feels like it was years in the making, Jolie and Johnny Depp have finally come together for director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s second feature film, The Tourist. The plot is a fairly simple one. Elise (Jolie), a beautiful English woman living in Paris, is summoned to Venice by her illusive lover, Alexander Pearce, who is a wanted thief that has gone to great lengths, including $20 million in plastic surgery, to hide from authorities. En route from Paris to Venice, she is to find a decoy that resembles her mystery man and throw off the authorities tailing her. Enter the American tourist, Frank (Depp) – the innocent and

Campus Circle > Film > Interviews unsuspecting nerdy math teacher who fits the profile – who is immediately mesmerized by the seductive woman on the train. Once in Venice, the pair find themselves being chased by Scotland Yard, the Italian police, Interpol and an angry mobster, who all want the same thing: to find Pearce. At its core, The Tourist is a tribute to beauty. From the stunning scenery of Venice to the perfect casting of two of Hollywood’s most beautiful leading actors, the film has something for everyone: action, comedy, romance and plenty of eye candy. Now, back in Paris, where the opening scene of the film takes place, Jolie is once again being watched and recorded. But this time, it’s in a pressroom full of writers and reporters. “It was definitely different for me to be a little more of the traditional girl,” she says about playing Elise. “But I had a lot of fun with her,” which is one element that comes across on screen. Another is the influence of old cinema. From makeup and wardrobe, to dramatic gestures and reactions, to the humorous play on certain cultural stereotypes, The Tourist manages to borrow from the old while still keeping it new – a juxtaposition that the supporting cast also had a hand in. Timothy Dalton is cleverly cast as the head of the Scotland Yard division tracking down Pearce, while Paul Bettany plays the overly zealous and smarmy agent desperately trying to crack the case. But for most fans, the driving force of The Tourist is the chance to finally see Jolie and Depp sizzle on the big screen – a task the director was more than happy to undertake. Having Jolie already attached to the project, his first mission was to find a male counterpart whom he felt would not be eclipsed by her, followed by satisfying his own “hunger for more” on-screen Johnny Depp. And indeed, the love and

MOVIEREVIEWS The Company Men (The Weinstein Co.) As if we didn’t need reminding. As if most of our lives are not consumed by the dominating question of how we will be making money, supporting our family and retiring easily. With the exception of the few lucky ones who hit the jackpot, these fears are valid. Recent films like Waiting for “Superman” have been adamant about pointing out the blaring misappropriations made by our government officials who are more focused on problems overseas than in our own country. Although it is important for films to document these crises in our society, there are certain projects that depress us more than they uplift us. So is the case of The Company Men, a film with an all-star cast including Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Costner and Chris Cooper. Despite acting that carries the dreary and often witless dialogue, the film is far overshadowed by the mood it sets, not on the screen, but in the theater. Bobby Walker (Affleck) has been a salesman for over 12 years until his company starts downsizing to stay afloat. Entire divisions are laid off; even one of the founding members, Gene McClary (Jones), is fired by his best friend and CEO boss (Craig T. Nelson), who is raking in millions of dollars while the likes of Walker and 20-plus-year veteran Phil Woodward (Cooper) are forced back into the shark tank of the job market. The film ultimately aims at drawing the common message that what counts the most is family, that work is only second to all else. Walker eventually goes to work at his brother-inlaw’s (Costner) construction company, doing the manual labor never required when he wore a suit to work every day. From this, of course, he learns the value of being present in the lives of his family members and how lucky he is to have them. Grade: B-

Campus Circle 12.8.10 - 12.14.10

Peter Mountain

FILM

Elise (Angelina Jolie) and Frank (Johnny Depp) in The Tourist mutual respect amongst the cast and director of The Tourist is evident not only in the performances that they deliver, but also the way in which they speak about one another. When asked if she would want to work with Depp again, a beaming Jolie says, “I would love to work with him again, something that we haven’t done, something different. I like all the extreme character work he does, so maybe he could encourage me to do something a little wacky.” Depp’s praise is no less. “What I was most impressed by with Angelina, first and foremost, was her kind of normalcy. She’s very down to earth, she’s very smart, she’s very funny and very kind and caring, and a great mommy.” The Tourist releases in theaters Dec. 10.

Campus Circle > Film > Movie Reviews —Candice Winters The Company Men releases in select theaters Dec. 10.

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (Oscilloscope) The problem with Christmas movies, and there are many, seems to be a rigid adherence to some moral obligation or some other holiday cliché about the brotherhood of man. Finnish film Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, written and directed by Jalmari Helander, does an exceptional job of throwing away the Christmas story playbook and starting from scratch to reimagine a classic childhood fantasy for the holidays. Helander manages to artfully craft a timely disrobing of that ubiquitous spokesman for retailers and the corporate dollar machine, Jolly ol’ Saint Nick. Any obvious holiday spirit or moral lesson in Rare Exports is buried nicely under the unadulterated vision of St. Nicolas and the Krampus of Alpine tradition and lore. Before the corporate makeover in the 19th century, the Krampus were St. Nick’s elves, and they did the more unpopular tasks assigned to Saint Nick these days. They were depicted in legend with long, pointed tongues, cloven hooves and the curled horns of a goat. It’s a characterization that would have a hard time selling bottles of Coca-Cola and Barbie dolls these days. It’s in this land of the Krampus that Rare Exports takes place: the frozen north, the birthplace of the myth of Santa Claus, the Finnish countryside, a place where the children break into. Buried deep in the bowels of a mountain, ostensibly for his crimes rather than his benevolence, an archaeological team is working overtime to blast Saint Nick from the mountain in time to take advantage of his presence for the holidays. It’s a town of wicked little children who smoke and curse, and when they start to go missing, Pietari (played with spark by Onni

Folger/The Weistein Company

NEWS

Kevin Costner and Ben Affleck star in The Company Men. Tommila), the one good little boy in the whole town, soldiers up to save the town from certain doom at the hands of Saint Nick and the Krampus. For a holiday that breeds cynicism and derision from even the most down to earth, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is that welcome film that allows you to exhale and have an ironic laugh amidst the mountain of shiny packaging and the nonstop patter of slick salesmanship. A simple, smart and direct telling of a holiday story that is visually arresting without the bludgeoning of Hollywood CGI and a darkly comedic holiday tale. It’s a safe bet that you won’t find a similarly engaging depiction of Santa Claus this season unless you give your outof-work uncle $50 and a fifth of bourbon to entertain the kids in the neighborhood. Season’s greetings. Grade: A —Christian Goss Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale releases in select theaters Dec. 10.

THA

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AMC Burbank 16 Tuesday, December 14th at 8:00pm To register for the 3D advance screening, please visit: www.campuscircle.com/ screening/Tron To register to win a TRON: Legacy prize pack, please visit: www.campuscircle.com/ sweeps/Tron

©Disney

No purchase necessary. Entries are open online and will close when the screening is full. Limit one (admit-two) pass per person. Theatre is overbooked to ensure capacity. Arrive early, seating is on a first come, first serve basis. IMAX®3D is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation

opens in theatres on Friday, December 17 in , and Disney.com/Tron • Text TRON to DISNEY (347639)

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guy and madeline on a Park bench

“ delightful...can take your breath away!” Jeannette Catsoulis, THE NEW YORK TIMES

“ no movie i’ve seen this year has given me more joy.” J. Hoberman, VILLAGE VOICE

“ grade: a extraordinary!”

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INVITE YOU AND A GUEST TO SEE

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‘PARTY DOWN’ MEMORIAL SERVICE Dec. 12 @ The Cinefamily BYcandice winters The day that television died for me was the day ‘Freaks and Geeks” was cancelled. I guess die is a harsh word, but I lost much of my faith in TV. It was a little bit like finding out there wasn’t a Santa Claus and then realizing that the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy were the cruel invention of the candy companies as well. “Freaks and Geeks” was written, directed and produced by Judd Apatow from 1999 to 2000. As you know, Apatow went on to make several hits like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up. “Freaks and Geeks” starred young Seth Rogen, Jason Segel and James Franco, all of whom had starring roles or at least small parts in Apatow’s later films. Whether or not you watch television on a daily basis, there is something inspiring and exciting about finding a truly impressive show, one that may in fact replace your nightly movie, which definitely happened to me. You expect these types of things from networks like HBO and Showtime, but don’t ever assume that all of what they produce is something you will automatically connect with. I tried getting into “Hung” but to know avail. I enjoyed “Big Love,” but couldn’t keep up with its ambiguous subplots and identical-looking polygamist families. The moral of the story is choose wisely, but give everything a try. The always-lovely people at the Cinefamily have obviously had a similar experience to my traumatic period of grief and mourning for the demise of “Freaks and Geeks.” They, however, are doing something to let the head honchos at the studios know how we feel. On Dec. 12, come support the cause at their “Party Down” Memorial Service & Cinefamily Fun-Draiser. It’s a long day – a full 12 hours from noon to midnight – but you will surely get the full “Party Down” experience. What is “Party Down” you ask? Like “Freaks and Geeks” and “Arrested Development,” the short-lived but highly acclaimed shows of the last decade, “Party Down” only lasted two seasons and saw talent like “Glee”’s Jane Lynch, Adam Scott and Martin Starr. It had its run on Starz, and although it can be characterized as another one of those funny sitcoms (think “The Office” or “30 Rock”), there was something surprisingly original about “Party Down.” Unlike the others, it didn’t seek to monopolize on overly quirky characters but instead told the story of aspiring actors working as caterers with wit and originality. None of the characters were annoying, and the plot moved steadily through, even if the writers, scared of the eventual cancellation, decided to throw in a pointless pregnancy and out-of-control plot that were the downfall of the show. “Our fans, even though we didn’t have huge numbers, were exactly the type of people we were hoping to impress: smart, vocal, funny and almost snobby about their comedy preferences,” “Party Down” co-star Lizzy Caplan has said about the show. “I think if a girl who liked ‘Party Down’ found out that her boyfriend liked ‘Two and a Half Men,’ she would break up with him.” The show’s co-creators John Enbom and Dan Etheridge will be there in person (schedules permitting) along with many of the other cast members. Most importantly, the event will be catered, so you can have a full-fledged drunk night watching a quality show with fellow admirers. The Cinefamily is located at 611 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. For more information, visit cinefamily.org.

Campus Circle 12.8.10 - 12.14.10

SOUNDTRACK INCLUDES “COUNTRY STRONG” PERFORMED BY GWYNETH PALTROW

SCREEN GEMS PRESENTS A MATERIAL PICTURES PRODUCTION “COUNTRY STRONG” SUPERVISIONMUSICBY RANDALL POSTER WRITTEN AND MUSIC EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY MICHAEL BROOK PRODUCER MEREDITH ZAMSKY BY JENNO TOPPING & TOBEY MAGUIRE DIRECTED BY SHANA FESTE

To register to win, enter at http://www.campuscircle.com/screening/CountryStrong Screening will take place: Thursday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Los Angeles.

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IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE JANUARY 7 COUNTRY STRONG is rated “PG-13” for THEMATIC ELEMENTS INVOLVING ALCOHOL ABUSE AND SOME SEXUAL CONTENT. RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE is rated “R” for SEQUENCES OF STRONG VIOLENCE AND LANGUAGE.

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KINA GRANNIS

DARKER MY LOVE • THE FLING december 8 » the music box

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december 17 » the orpheum

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CDREVIEWS Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Def Jam) Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is an album that crosses the threshold of hip-hop into a genre musically exclusive to the genius of Yeezy. The album features some of the most well-known artists in the game right now, including Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Rick Ross, John Legend and RZA, as well as many familiar artists like Elton John, Gil-Scott Heron, Beyoncé, Rihanna and up-and-coming indie talent Bon Iver. Lyrically, West dives into the hardships of stardom but also goes much deeper into this fantasy of his. West, despite his dramatic persona, truly reveals that he is human too, searching for purpose and love. At first listen, the powerful beats behind “All of the Lights, Devil in a New Dress” or “Dark Fantasy” will instantly stick out, while tracks like “Lost in the World” and “Gorgeous” will more than likely grow on you. Being his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is West’s most musically artistic, creative and emotionally exposed album, and in my opinion, his best so far. Grade: A—Cullan Shewfelt My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is currently available.

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Atlantique (K7!) Europeans own electro music. One example? Minitel Rose and their full-length album Atlantique. The trio dress each song with elegance, panache and a sound that’s so Frenchy. Their album is addictive, due to their groovy bass beats and synth keys. The lyrics are catchy, the songs all tie in nicely together and the accent these guys sing with is just oohla-la, sexy. These garçons have hits that’ll set you on fire and dancing in no time. Listen to “So You,” a tune that’s playfully attractive, something in the way the lead singer says, “so you/ so you/and that’s what I love about you” just makes it a 10 on our list. Then try “Captain” and “Stay.” If you claim to not know how to dance, both songs will work their magic. Grade: B+ —Christine Hernandez Atlantique is currently available.

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Fifth Annual Christmas Show by angela Matano With an ironic nod to television Christmas shows of yore, Largo at the Coronet presents Aimee Mann’s Christmas Show Dec. 9 through 12. Chock full of an eclectic mix of comedians, fellow musicians and actors, this unique pageant most definitely has something for everyone. This year’s lineup includes Zooey Deschanel, Patton Oswalt, Paul F. Tompkins, Ben Gibbard, Michael Penn and “Mad Men”’s Rich Sommer. Mann hints at further, unannounced guests to be determined (or persuaded) right up to the last moment. Though Mann may not be the first artist who comes to mind for a holiday variety show, she has earned her stripes with four previous extravaganzas, as well as her 2006 Christmas album, One More Drifter in the Snow. However, according to Mann, the idea for a Christmas concert of sorts was not her idea. “It was something my manager suggested that at first I thought was ridiculous,” she says. Not a big fan of the genre, Mann remembers, “[Variety shows] were always around so you absorbed them even if you didn’t want to. I found them a little dull – the sheer ridiculousness of it.” The addition of comedians was what turned the tide for Mann. “Because I had worked with comedians before, I started to think about it as more fun. I really admire

comedians. They’re very fast on their feet. Their minds are always working – everything that happens is being translated in their minds into writing jokes – being creative around the clock.” Mann’s alternative take on the usual festivities extends to her perception of Christmas as a whole. “Sitting around the fire, drinking eggnog and eating turkey, singing Christmas carols – there’s a mellow, spooky part, a ghostly aspect, A Christmas Carol stuff. It’s like a more interesting version of Halloween.” Even though a variety show may not seem a natural fit for Mann, the truth is her career has seen more twists and turns than most singers. Starting out in a punk group called the Young Snakes, Mann later found success with the New Wave group ’Til Tuesday and has settled comfortably in singersongwriter mode. “Most young people try out one thing and then you’re done with it,” Mann says. “Punk had a great do-it-yourself vibe – it was very welcoming. If I hadn’t had that atmosphere I wouldn’t have had the courage to try stuff. Post-New Wave pop music was a reaction against that. I found punk constricting – like ‘I want to write a pop song!’ I eventually realized what I like to do is somewhere in the middle.” Mann wonders if today’s musicians, with their early success, will have the room to grow that she did. “I’m really fascinated to see someone like Taylor Swift with a full-blown career at 20. The business is so different. But maybe the advice is always the same – you have to love doing it and do it a lot. The more you do it the better you get. You practice anything and your brain starts to get things down.” Another interesting facet in Mann’s evolution is her contribution to the Magnolia soundtrack. Unlike most collaborations between musicians and directors, where the

FREQUENCY by brien overly Delta Spirit Dec. 8 @ The Music Box Soulful-indie folk that’s dark and gritty but can still be sung along to? Just tell me where to sign up, that’s all I need to know. While, admittedly, I was sure that these guys were that English band with the girl singer until a heated debate in which I was most efficiently shut down, it turned out to all be for the best. Otherwise, I would’ve remained ignorant of a band who have been on my jam list ever since. Dark and brooding, moody and atmospheric, the Long Beach natives effortlessly capture a kind of Southern-gothicindie, a sort of surly-but-cool hybrid of Cold War Kids and Murder By Death. Like both of those bands, the Delta Spirit foursome can create a stunning and surreal aural landscape with the music, and tell you a full cinematic story with it. Like, the kind that involves road trips, hard-learned life lessons and whiskey. Lots and lots of whiskey.

Henry Rollins Dec. 9 @ Echoplex Whether you’ve been on board with him since his Black Flag days or have only recently discovered his existence, Henry Rollins is a quintessential badass. One of the forefathers of American punk, the dude continues to be relevant now, nearly three decades later. Whether he’s howling away in that iconic punk style that’s uniquely his or taking the more subdued approach with his spoken word material, Rollins never fails to bring the same fiery intensity with him to the stage. On top of all that, Rollins is highly socially and politically active, and is really friggin’ smart to boot, with his work

songs get put in after the film is finished, Mann and director P.T. Anderson used each other to shape the story. “It all came at the same time. We had a lot of conversations about the characters and themes. At some point it kind of mutated into that. He was listening to my music while he was writing,” Mann explains. Frustrated by the recording industry, Mann branched out in 1999 and started her own label, SuperEgo Records. “Being on a major label – it’s always the lunatics running the asylum situation. It’s very hard to get anything done.” If all that isn’t enough, Mann is currently turning her latest album, The Forgotten Arm, into a musical. “It’ll take a while. It’s a totally different skill – a whole different way of thinking.” As for the singer’s favorite holiday tune? “I like ‘Chestnuts Roasting [on an Open Fire],’ man. It’s a great stand-alone song.”

Sheryl Nields

AIMEE MANN

Campus Circle > Music > Interviews

The Aimee Mann Christmas Show is Dec. 9, 10, 11 & 12 at Largo at the Coronet. For more information, visit aimeemann.com.

Campus Circle > Music > Frequency showing a level of insight that seems sorely lost on the socalled “punk rock” of modernity. When you listen to Rollins talk, he doesn’t pull his punches, and he doesn’t hesitate to ask the hard-hitting questions; he’s going to give you something real no matter what medium he decides to do it in. And really, look at him. Did you see him on “Sons of Anarchy?” A guy like that does whatever he wants.

Jimmy Eat World Dec. 10 @ Ventura Theater I’m going to make a bit of a bold statement here: Sometimes Jimmy Eat World bums me out. Before you jump to conclusions though, this is not going to be an “I hate all their new music” rant, because I don’t. And because I already do plenty of those rants elsewhere for other bands, but that’s beside the point. Jimmy Eat World bums me out sometimes because there’s not a single other band in this scene of music that can evoke feelings of nostalgia the way these guys do. They couldn’t personalize the universal experience of growing up any more if they had torn pages directly out of your own diary for lyrical quote-age. Frontman Jim Adkins is a master at evoking all those awkward transitional emotions that are a part of coming into adulthood, just as his band mates are themselves masters of backing him with instrumentation that is as timeless as Adkins’ words.

Rooney Dec. 11 @ Chain Reaction Man, whatever happened to these guys? I didn’t even know they had fallen into obscurity, and then one day this year they had a new video, prompting the realization that I probably

Hear Delta Spirit create a stunning aural landscape Dec. 8. hadn’t thought about the band in years. Rooney was one of those “it” bands emerging out of Los Angeles’ indie scene that had long been untapped by mainstream markets, and even though they were leading the pack once it did start to break, their time in the spotlight was short-lived. Now, in the name of journalistic research, I went and caught up on all the Rooney I had missed over the years, and despite how much they’ve evolved stylistically over the years, they’re still as infectiously catchy as ever. Slightly more popfriendly, yes, but these guys can write a pop jam like nobody’s business. And maybe most importantly, they all have better haircuts these days too.

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Campus Circle > Music > Live Show Reviews When given the chance, each member of the band showed off their talents and prowess at their respective instruments. Nick D’Agostino on the drums was particularly entertaining throughout the night with his highly animated expressions and constant enthusiasm. Marty O’Kane played lead guitar, ukulele and accordion through the night but made his solo performance on the ukulele. Even if you have not heard of April Smith and The Great Picture Show, it is certain that you have heard their work. With on-air promo songs for Showtime’s “Weeds” and the NFL, their sunny sound has been reaching us for some time. Continuing their tour for the rest of the year, April Smith and her band will be making their way up the West Coast through December. —Tamea Agle

Tamea Agle

Dimmu Borgir

Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo got up close and personal with the Gibson Amphitheatre crowd.

Zion I

Pepper Rabbit

Nov. 11 @ Central Known for their upbeat and positive lyrics, Zion I played for an eager crowd at Central in Santa Monica. Zion I are currently on tour in support of their new album, Atomic Clock. The performance came at the end of the highly anticipated album release party. Though the venue is small, they did get as much excitement and audience participation as the intimate Central could handle. Zion I producer and DJ, Amp Live, was given the opportunity to show off in the middle of the set when he came out from behind the turntables to entertain. His extra addition to the show kept the energy in the crowd going. Written by Zumbi, the group’s lead vocalist, this new album is brutally honest and highly personal to the band, and it seems to the audience as well. —Tamea Agle

Nov. 18 @ The Echo Pepper Rabbit brought a gentle sound to the dimly lit stage at the Echo. The diversity of their instruments really portrayed their natural talent. Although the band seemed quite bashful and nervous, their show exhibited their sound accurately. The soft notes from the clarinet and ukulele brought the rhythm together to produce classical, yet psychedelic tunes. “Older Brother” had the crowd swaying back and forth and singing along. The smooth lyrics of lead singer Xander Singh helped lead the audience into a mysterious state of peacefulness that no one wanted to escape from. —Amanda D’Egidio

Fitz and the Tantrums Nov. 17 @ The El Rey About four months ago, someone gave me an advance copy of Fitz and the Tantrum’s Picking Up the Pieces. I thought, “Oh what a good band,” but I didn’t think twice after hearing it. Fast forward to Nov. 17 and the opportunity arose to see Fitz and the Tantrums headlining a show with a friend’s band AWOLNATION, so I gladly accepted. I was excited to see AWOLNATION, featuring Aaron Bruno from previous bands Hometown Hero and Under the Influence of Giants, perform their dance rock tunes, including “Burn It Down.” Their energy was great, and I noticed more than a few people rocking out. Around 10:30 p.m. came FATT with their Motown-esqe sound, who by the way came out with a vengeance from the get-go. For a band that is fairly new – their first show was in 2008 – they have already garnered an impressive fan base. The El Rey was sold out and rightfully so. From the brass section to frontman Michael Fitzpatrick’s crystal clear voice, I could tell FATT was pumped to be in front of the standing-room-only crowd. My only complaint is that the mixers did not do background singer Noelle Scaggs justice. I shouldn’t say background because honestly she has a set of pipes on her that can burn a house down. Her voice is completely electrifying and provides the perfect balance to Fitzpatrick. One thing is for sure, FATT is on the brink of crossing over. With a little fine-tuning and more word of mouth, the sky is the limit. —Erica Carter

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Trey Songz Nov. 18 @ Staples Center What better way to kick off your 26th birthday celebration than performing with one of the greatest entertainers from our generation in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital? Trey Songz took the stage with Usher for the OMG Tour at Staples Center greeted by a sold-out crowd of adoring fans. Songz appeared and began to sing his hit single “Say Aah” before going on to perform songs from his Ready album as well as Passion, Pain, and Pleasure. When performing “I Invented Sex,” rapper Drake came out as his special guest to sing his verse. Wanting to slow things down, Songz crooned hits like “Jupiter Love” and “Can’t Be Friends.” Much to the delight of thousands of screaming ladies, Songz sang to the crowd asking, “Who’s coming home with me?” Lights covered the stage with his name shining in the back, the Passion, Pain and Pleasure symbol flashing back and forth. Songz exited the stage not disappointing his fans with his performance. Songz electrified the crowd, and Usher continued that intensity. He performed hit singles such as “You Remind Me,” “Yeah,” “Lovers and Friends,” “Burn,” “OMG” and “DJ’s Got Us Fallin’ in Love.” Overall, both performers did what they did best: entertain. —Lynda Correa

April Smith and the Great Picture Show Nov. 19 @ Bootleg Theater April Smith and The Great Picture Show were a joy to see when they played the Bootleg. With a mixture of swing and ragtime sounds, they brought a refreshing point of view to old-time music. April Smith is a talented vocalist, and her audience interaction was a perfect balance of comedy and self-proclaimed sass.

Nov. 27 @ Fox Theatre Symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir completely destroyed the Fox Theatre on their Darkness Reborn Tour. Dressed as if they walked out of the movie Hellraiser, the Norwegian group sent an eerie and haunting groan across the room. The intro music accompanied with fog machines and state-of-the-art light shows drove the crowd insane once they appeared. Lead singer Shagrath roared into the microphone repeatedly as everyone mimicked his every word. Drummer Daray expressed his love for the double pedal bass drum by continuously kicking the life out of it. Half the time the beats sounded faster and louder than machine guns. Guitarists Silenoz and Galder shared countless face-offs, providing the heavy metal sound in each song. Keyboardist Brat was in charge of playing the band’s signature symphonic sound that could scare Frankenstein. The setlist spanned across all albums, playing favorites like “Puritania” and “Indoctrination” to recently released songs “Dimmu Borgir” and “Born Treacherous.” Dimmu Borgir is unlike other black metal bands. Their music is heavily driven by orchestral sounds and symphonic melodies. The concert was directly motivated by stage shows and theatrics. As a live group they provided much more than a musical performance. They captured the audience for roughly two hours and took them to thematic heights of epic proportions. The audience fed off the energy as many in the crowd surfed across the floor, raising devil horns in the air and jumping in circle pits of utter destruction. They continue their 32-city North American tour throughout the fall while promoting their latest album, Abrahadabra. With nine studio albums and countless world tours, this group shows no signs of stopping. Dimmu Borgir is a must-see act for all the black metal fans. —Jacob Gaitan

Weezer Nov. 27 @ Gibson Amphitheatre With incredibly enthusiastic and loyal fans, Weezer won over Gibson Amphitheatre the weekend of Nov. 26. Following Best Coast’s upbeat opening set, Weezer took to the stage with their newest addition, Memories, and were greeted by a full house of screaming fans. Frontman Rivers Coumo spared no time in getting up close and personal with the audience. By song two, “Pork and Beans,” he was in the middle of the theater surrounded in a sea of people. Spotlights struggled to keep up as he made his way through the crowd. This continued off and on throughout the set with a momentary dance with a fan in the aisle, and he wore another audience member’s cowboy hat on another venture into the crowd. Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast joined the band for their rousing performance of “Island in the Sun.” The audience took care of every “hip hip” in perfect time. Playing to a full house, Weezer did not disappoint. Many audience members came out for both nights of the band’s Gibson weekend and were eager to join in on day two. Going through the decades with the band was a fantastic way to close out the busy holiday weekend. —Tamea Agle

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A GRAB BAG OF GIFTS by lauren brodsky

by kevin wierzbicki

Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 7S

Amazon Kindle: This innovative and tech-savvy eBook reader has built-in Wi-Fi, features a global 3G connection to ensure Internet access at all times and is perfect for any and all bookworms. The newest Kindle is light, trendy, perfect for on-the-go and can store up to 3,500 books. You could literally have your entire library in the palm of your hand. Apple TV: Wish you could watch your favorite movies and TV shows from your computer on the big screen? Now you can. For only $99, you can stream digital media stored on your computer in high-definition on the new Apple TV. Bhaktiveda Tulsi Body Lotion: Rub your skin with a rejuvenating potion of sesame oil and herbs from the Himalayas ($22). Beats Audio Headphones: The Beats Headphones by Dr. Dre are essential for anyone who loves listening to music. Both comfortable and sleek, these headphones create the ultimate music experience that puts you in the front row at your favorite concert. You can also log on to your school’s HP Academy Web site to get incredible discounts on these headphones exclusively for college students! Biscoff Cookie Tubes: The cookies are made with all-natural ingredients, no artificial colors or preservatives, have as few as 30 calories each and boast a unique caramel flavor and crisp texture. Ten percent of this year’s holiday proceeds benefit Teach For America ($14.95-$26.95). Dark by Fusion Menswear: Jeans, button-downs, you name it: Their Spring/Summer 2011 collection won’t disappoint men who love to look fly. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 7S: Remember when Polaroids were all the rage? Relive those glory days with point, shoot and peek mini-photos ($65). Kahina Giving Beauty Antioxidant Mask: Cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate with a mask that contains Rhassoul clay and Moroccan argan oil ($62). Illume Monogram Candle: Pick the initial and scent of your choice, from A-Z and cedarwood to vanilla ($10). iPad: We all know that staying at the top of the technological curve is essential. This compact, light and portable computer lets you watch movies, read your favorite newspaper or book, check out all your photos and more. Perfect to bring to class, work or on an airplane, the iPad is Wi-Fi enabled, has a large screen and only weighs 1.5 pounds. iPod Nano 6th Generation: The Apple iPod nano 8 GB can hold up to 2,000 songs, has a 1.54-inch color display and can play up to 24 hours of audio playback on a single charge. This new model is redesigned for music with multi-touch capabilities and is smaller and lighter than ever (only one pound!). At only $149.99, this new media player is a musthave. “I Renew” Anti-Hangover Bands: We all know that in college the morning after a crazy night comes complete with your favorite friend: a hangover. This holiday season you can avoid those dreadful pains by purchasing the iRenew Energy Balancing Bracelet ($30). This bracelet will restore your balance, help you regain strength and renew your energy after a long night of partying. O’Quinn: Ride in style in the Solo Sail Hoodie in white or Gull Cruzin’ in grey. Petprojekt Toys: Our canine friends shouldn’t be left out during gift-giving season, and Petprojekt toys (otomik.com; $8-$25) are durable and mess free. Style and creativity drive toys like the BonBal, a barbell looking contraption which folds over into a ball. The products are nontoxic and come in fun shapes and sizes. The feeders are innovative in their resolve to prevent bloat in your doggie: The cylinder accessory deters fast eating and gulping, which causes pups tummies to distend. Taylor Swift’s Speak Now: It’s a love story baby – just say yes! This beautiful and talented country star’s new album, Speak Now, has already sold over a million copies. She has won hearts all across America with her catchy and romantic lyrics, and her new CD is nothing less than fabulous. Featuring the hit single “Mine,” this new CD can be yours for only $12.99!

Do you have a musician or a music lover on your Christmas list? Surprise them with one of these new books, and don’t forget to write a little note to them on the first page – that’s as traditional as spiking the eggnog! Atlanta: Hip-Hop and the South (Chronicle): Georgia’s capital city has long been a hip-hop hotbed, and here, photographer Michael Schmelling aims his lens at the people and places that make the scene so vibrant. Lots of shots of club kids taken at nightspots like Fusion, Lonestar, Club Caliente and the Body Tap are interspersed with pictures of performers like Bubba Sparxxx, Travis Porter, Yung LA, Witchdoctor, Lil Texas and big stars like Big Boi. Bling, bulldogs, booty shots and T-Pain’s red piano are just a few of the other subjects portrayed in this hard cover coffee table book, also packed with essays and interviews with Gucci Mane, Andre 3000, Ludacris, Big Boi, Shawty Lo and the-Dream. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Playing Rock Guitar (Alpha): Guitarist, do you know what the Silly Putty Principle is? You will after you’ve scoured this self-help tome by David Hodge that teaches everything from basic strumming to learning how to recognize and play the elusive minor major seventh chord. A 99-track CD that demonstrates each lesson is included, as is lots of helpful “side” information about things like getting along with band mates. Also new in the C.I.G. series: Guitar (for the beginner, also by Hodge), the indispensable Music Dictionary and The Music Business, an industry primer. December 8, 1980 – The Day John Lennon Died (Backbeat): A portion of this book (by Keith Elliot Greenberg) sets up the situation: how Lennon’s life led him to become a resident of the Dakota in New York City and how assassin Mark David Chapman got a gun and plotted Lennon’s murder. But the real chill comes from the minute-by-minute account of Chapman walking up to Lennon and pulling the trigger, the reactions of those in the hospital where Lennon was taken, the stunned disbelief of Lennon’s Beatles band mates and the condition of a deeply depressed and paranoid widow, Yoko Ono. Mountains Come Out of the Sky – The Illustrated History of Prog Rock (Backbeat): Most of this book focuses rightfully on the big daddies of prog rock; acts like Yes, Genesis, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Pink Floyd, the Moody Blues and Rush basically defined the genre that many consider to be indefinable. Author Will Romano, a scribe for Modern Drummer, Guitar Player and Goldmine, is very thorough, not forgetting acts like Gentle Giant, Caravan, Soft Machine and the Strawbs while also covering prog radio mainstays like Kansas and Styx and more current bands like Coheed & Cambria, Dream Theater, the Mars Volta and Spock’s Beard. Lots of rarely seen photos and illustrations accompany Romano’s enlightening text, compiled from several hundred interviews with the musicians themselves. Q on Producing (Hal Leonard): Quincy Jones, affectionately known as Q, has an incredible resume with highlights that include Berklee graduate, jazz musician and producer of some of the most successful records of all time like Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Bad and Off the Wall. Q on Producing, by Jones with Bill Gibson, touches on all aspects of Jones’ career with an emphasis on his production work, using a unique give-and-take format where Jones comments on artists he’s worked with and they comment back about him. Lavishly illustrated and appended with a discography of Q’s work, Q on Producing also includes a DVD holding performances from Jackson, Frank Sinatra, LL Cool J and a host of other Q-associated acts. Shelter From the Storm – Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Years (Jawbone): Lots of books have been written about Bob Dylan; this one by Sid Griffin focuses on a very specific time in the life of America’s most noted living troubadour, the mid-’70s. This was the era where Dylan went on the road with his Rolling Thunder Revue, a hodgepodge band and posse that included the infamous Beat Era poet Allen Ginsberg. Included are transcripts of conversations recorded on the tour bus; some are lucid and enlightening and others are just plain weird. This is also the era when Dylan (personally miserable at the time but at a creative high point) made the movie Renaldo and Clara and a good portion of the book is an insider’s look at the making of that film.

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Campus Circle > Culture > Books side of camaraderie and sisterhood.

Kim Gottlieb-Walker, Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae, Titan Books.

Friend: The best part of the film Julie & Julia was being introduced to the woman behind the chef: Julia Child. As Always, Julia delves even further into the intelligence and humanity of this great American treasure by revealing her correspondence with her good friend, Avis DeVoto. Friend, Musician: Photojournalist Kim Gottlieb-Walker, wife of Jeff Walker (former head of publicity for Island Records in the United States) documented the reggae god in 1975 and 1976, and the result is this amazing photographic coffee table book, Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae, with the vast majority of photos unpublished until now.

Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae also contains reminiscences from director Cameron Crowe.

SECRET SANTA FOR DUMMIES The Perfect Book for Any/ Everyone by angela matano Art-loving Aunt: Wharton Escherick: Journey of a Creative Mind, by Mansfield Bascom, will blow your mind with hundreds of photos illustrating the artist’s journey from Impressionist painter to experimental sculptor. Fascinated with ordinary objects, like staircases, Escherick managed to turn the mundane into something thrillingly beautiful. Booby Prize: For the person who knows everything, why not give 150 Movies You Should Die Before You See? Including titles like, Sister Street Fighter and Cannibal Holocaust, think of all the time saved by reading the book and avoiding the films. Boss: Walter Mosley, known for irresistible detective tales set against a Los Angeles backdrop, travels new territory with The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. A touching story of an unlikely friendship, the author preserves his ear for language while imbuing his characters with impressive depth. Boss, Spiritual: A’dayara BudAea Rivera’s near death experience after a drug-alcohol overdose resulted in a memoir entitled Awaken the Kryst Within. A very personal take on the meanings of life, this story will whet the appetite of the hungry. Boy, Man, Boy-man: Iron Man: The Ultimate Guide to the Armored Super Hero will thrill any fan of the superhero with the gorgeous drawings, foreword by Matt Fraction and zillions of facts and background information.

American democracy is, in her own words, “funny and sad.” Co-worker, Bachelor, Bachelorette: Beautiful both inside and out – Jane Hornby’s What to Cook and How to Cook It – could be a newly minted bachelor’s best friend. Illustrated with how-to photos and utilizing simple techniques, this cookbook makes being an epicure easy with hearty, manly recipes like, Roast Pork with Caramelized Apples and Chicken & Chorizo Casserole. Co-worker, Clown-type: The theory of truth being stranger than fiction bears fruit in Hometown Police Blotter, created by Sean Michael Beyer and Andy Spurlock. Illustrated by David “Star” Fields, this collection of real life recorded calls made to law enforcement promises to shock and awe even the most jaded viewer. Co-worker, Erudite: With previous works, like The Hours, under his belt, Michael Cunningham continues to probe the human psyche in By Nightfall. The story explores the complications of relationships with insight to spare. Family, Separated by distance: A genius of an idea, especially for faraway grandparents, recordable storybooks let anyone read a story aloud and tape it. Two great choices from RecordA-Books, Toy Story 3 and Princess Dreams, are sure to be favorites at bedtime with the under-five set. Another terrific choice, Record a Story’s Together at Heart, stars the alwaysfabulous Elmo. Finally, Hallmark’s I Love You, Grandma and My Grandpa and Me are sweet tales, perfect for bedtime. Fashion-forward Friend: The Fashion File, by Janie Bryant, the costume director of “Mad Men,” will thrill fans of the show and period costuming. A foreword by love-it-or-hateit fashion forward January Jones is the cherry on top of the sundae. Father, Traditional: The always-excellent John le Carré lives up to his rep with Our Kind of Traitor. Chock full of intrigue, travel and thrills, the book follows an average couple caught up in an international crime involving money laundering, the Russian Mafia and the British Secret Service.

Children (5-12): A delicious present for the emerging gourmand, The Silver Spoon for Children presents Italian recipes in an easy-to-follow fashion that promises to get kids off the couch and into the kitchen.

Favorite Boy Cousin (4-40): An atypically age-defying phenomenon, Star Wars, easily trips through the generations. Star Wars Art: Visions, a gorgeous coffee table book, features a variety of works inspired by the films and a foreword by the creator himself, George Lucas.

Coolest Chum: Like the world’s most sophisticated graphic novel, Maira Kalman’s And the Pursuit of Happiness combines the artist inimitable drawings with hand-lettered text in a unique and often moving way. The author’s take on

Frenemy: With reality TV fanning the flames of female backstabbing, Kelly Valen’s The Twisted Sisterhood arrived at just the right moment. An exploration of friendship, cliques and mean girls, this treatise makes you think about the dark

Campus Circle 12.8.10 - 12.14.10

Friend, Witty: Comparing a modern author to Jane Austen has become de rigueur – almost trite – but Stephen McCauley deserves the comparison. His latest novel, Insignificant Others, again shows off his stellar attributes of small insights and knowing comments about characters and the choices they make. Grandfather, Traditional: Both visceral and thoughtful, John Sharer’s Honor Knows No Borders, set in WWII London, relays the improbable relationship of a Jewish boy and a German pilot. This story alternates with that of the boy’s father, fighting in North Africa, in a way that questions loyalties, alliances and the nature of right and wrong. Grandmother: Quick, before the movie comes out next year, read Kathryn Stockett’s The Help. This moving and unique story of race and friendship will stay with you long after the last page is turned. Mom, Eco-Type: Along with the rise in local, organic farming comes an increasing desire to plant one’s own subsistence plot. Rosalind Creasy combines the desire for homegrown food with the desire for a pretty outdoor space in Edible Landscaping. Any green thumb will be thrilled to receive such a tome. Niece/Nephew (7-10): A clever concept for budding writers and storytellers, Pop-Up is a kit that lets you choose your own tale and build it accordingly. A fun project for kids and parents! Political Wonk Cousin: Tim Weiner’s Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA will knock the wind out of you as surely as if you’ve been punched. This in-depth look into the inner workings or America’s intelligence agency shows a breadth of ineptitude that will surprise even the most cynical. Sibling Un-Rivalry: Told from the differing point of views of four siblings, orphaned as minors, The Kids Are All Right (not to be confused with the film of the same title) manages to be poignant yet unsentimental. The shifting narrative, rather than becoming gimmicky, perfectly mirrors the disparate voices of family life. Teens, Tweens and Tweens-at-heart: Mockingjay, the final book in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, will leave readers of all ages gasping for breath up until the last page. This post-apocalyptic tale of a future where children are forced to fight to the death, on reality television, chills and provokes as it entertains. Uncle: Like broccoli dipped in bacon, Oliver Sacks writes books that go down easy even though they are good for you. His latest, The Mind’s Eye, focuses on bizarre yet very true cases of people who have lost their power of speech. Younger Sibling: National Geographic’s Animal Pop! captures the grandeur of the tiger, panda, dolphin and more with life-size foldouts that literally jump out at you.

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CONSIDERING A CAREER IN THE HAIR INDUSTRY?

If you dream of owning you’re own salon, working behind the scenes on motion pictures, fashion shows or magazine shoots, then the Sassoon Academy Cosmetology program is the finest start to help you realize you’re goals. Choosing to study Cosmetology at Sassoon Academy provides you the unique opportunity to access the Sassoon culture, with its world renowned reputation and over 50 years of experience in Cosmetology education. After finishing the Sassoon course, you will be fully prepared for the realities of business and ready to begin your career in hairdressing. At the Sassoon Cosmetology School, we prepare you for a career in the real world. For this reason, hands on learning with male and female clients are a key part of the curriculum. This includes consultation, cut and color, finish and product recommendation. The knowledge that you gain from this will go far beyond what you learn from textbooks and working with mannequins. With the strong personal attention of our professional teachers, you will fully develop your skills.

NIGHT SCHOOL | The Sassoon Cosmetology Program can now be studied as a night course for anyone who has prior commitments during the day, such as work, childcare or study. STudeNT PrOFILe | No formal experience is necessary, although you will be required to be hardworking and passionate about hair. durATION | 44 WeekS COST | $22,000* * PAYMeNT PLANS | Sassoon now offers comprehensive payment plans to suit any budget and payment term – please ask one of our Administrators about our various options. FOr MOre INFOrMATION ANd TerMS & CONdITIONS, PLeASe SPeAk TO Our AdMINISTrATION dePT AT 888 757 5100 SASSOON ACAdeMY | 321 SANTA MONICA BLVd SANTA MONICA | CA 90401

Campus Circle 12.8.10 - 12.14.10

NEWS

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EVENTS DVD GAMING SPORTS MEDIA BLOGS Baseball Basketball Football Hockey Soccer

PIGSKINBLITZ

by marvin vasquez

Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/MCT

TROJANS TOP BRUINS IN RIVALRY GAME

DVDDISH

USC’s Allen Bradford powers through UCLA’s defense Dec. 4.

In a season that will soon be forgotten, the USC Trojans came out victorious, 28-14, in the crosstown rivalry football game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena Dec. 4. USC, who finish the 2010 campaign at 8-5 and without a bowl game, fired first with 4:39 left in the first quarter. Freshman tailback Dillon Baxter completed a pass to Rhett Ellison for a five-yard touchdown reception. The Bruins (4-8), however, knotted the score less than a minute later when running back stud Johnathan Franklin rushed for a 59-yard touchdown at 3:47. UCLA was perhaps on the verge of scoring again with less than three minutes before halftime, but Franklin fumbled around USC’s 34-yard line. Then, Trojan Malcolm Smith returned the recovered fumble 68 yards the other way for the score and lead, which the Trojans never relinquished thereafter. After a scoreless third quarter, running back Allen Bradford took over the affair. Bradford collected a 47-yard touchdown pass at 11:17 and then carried the ball 73 yards for another score at 3:31. UCLA went on to score with less than a minute left, but it obviously was not enough to overcome the more talented Trojan squad. “It was a good ride,” Bradford tells reporters after the contest. “I’m a Trojan for life. To go down in history like this to top off my career, I couldn’t ask for a better day.” For the game, Bradford rushed for 212 yards on 28 carries and a total of two touchdowns. Franklin had 109 rushing yards in just 13 carries.

THEARTOFLOVE

Q&A

by lucia I’ve been dating this man for about two months. He wants to see me several times a week, calls constantly and now after a few dates he says he is in love with me. I feel that he is moving too fast, and it troubles me that he is so eager. —Joan When a guy is very interested, this is how he behaves! It should only trouble you if you are not as interested, or if you feel you can’t control the situation. It’s up to you how often he sees you, not him. If you are only comfortable with once a week at this point, don’t be available the rest of the time. If he complains, you can say: I’d love to see you, but I already have plans. He can call every day but that doesn’t mean you have to answer. If he leaves a message, take your time calling him back. It’s up to you to slow this down if it’s moving too fast. In terms of his being in love with you, at this point, he probably means that he loves being with you and enjoys your company. If you don’t feel the same way yet, say something like, “Oh thank you, you’re so sweet.” I can certainly understand your concern over his eagerness though. One caveat I must add is that if someone is quick to rush in, they will usually be just as quick to rush out. Keep in mind, you hold the power. Use it wisely! 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.

Campus Circle 12.8.10 - 12.14.10

SPECIAL FEATURES BY mike sebastian The Majors: The most jaw-dropping film since The Matrix, Christopher Nolan’s Inception is a mind-bending Escher drawing of a film. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a corporate spy who goes inside peoples’ dreams to extract secrets or implant ideas. Sylvester Stallone enlists the ultimate cast of badasses for the throwback action flick The Expendables. Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke and Bruce Willis co-star. Stephenie Meyer’s vampire romance phenomenon returns for part three in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. The Disappearance of Alice Creed is a taut and twisty British thriller about two men who outfit an apartment to hold a woman for ransom. Sam Rockwell and Emma Roberts star in the inspirational sports drama The Winning Season. Stranger Than Fiction: Two fascinating documentaries take you behind the scenes at Disney. Waking Sleeping Beauty covers the renaissance that began in 1984 and led to a string of classic films. The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story profiles the Oscar-winning songwriting team behind countless classic songs from films like Mary Poppins. Harlan: In the Shadow of Jew Suss profiles Joseph Goebbels’ go-to filmmaker Veit Harlan, director of the most infamous propaganda film of all time, Jew Suss. LENNONYC culls home movies, studio footage and interviews with Yoko Ono, Elton John and others for an intimate look at the legendary songwriter’s later years. Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning Restrepo gives unprecedented, unbiased access to soldiers on the ground in Afghanistan. Over 80 stand-up comics, including Sarah Silverman, Jim Gaffigan and Louis C.K., describe life in the trenches in I Am Comic. The director of Trekkies examines the ultimate question in The Nature of Existence. Also available: Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel

The Idiotbox: Missed Pee-wee’s comeback stage show? Not to fear, you can relive all your favorite moments in Pee-wee’s Playhouse: The Complete Collection. The eight-part miniseries adaptation of Ken Follett’s historical tale of love and political intrigue, The Pillars of the Earth, stars Ian McShane, Donald Sutherland and more. Idris Elba (“The Wire”) stars as a detective in BBC America’s Luther. The funniest show on TV, “Parks and Recreation” returns for Season Two. Rob Lowe joins the stellar cast including Amy Poehler and Aziz Ansari. Cory, Topanga and the gang tackle their final year of high school in Boy Meets World: The Complete Fourth Season. Lennon Naked is a dramatization of the Beatle’s turbulent journey spanning 19641971. Martin Shaw stars in the exorcism mini-series Apparitions. In Toon: Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 come to Blu-ray in a four-disc set, which includes Salvador Dali’s long-unfinished short Destino as well as a slew of extras. Also available: Sid & Marty Krofft’s Saturday Morning Hits, SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 6, Vol. 2 Under the Radar: The Sicilian Girl is the true story of a girl who defied the Sicilian Mafia’s code of silence. Valhalla Rising is a hypnotic, nightmarish Viking film from the director of Bronson. Also available: Gay coming-of-age story Anderson’s Cross, Cairo Time with Patricia Clarkson, Caged Animal with Ving Rhames, The Year of Getting to Know Us with Jimmy Fallon, Harpoon: Whale Watching Massacre The Vault: The Bob Hope Collection contains five of the legendary comedian’s films, including The Lemon Drop Kid, Road to Bali, Road to Rio, My Favorite Brunette and The Seven Little Foys. James Cagney, Peter Lorre and Bing Crosby co-star. Blu Notes: Neo holiday classic Elf comes to Blu-ray in the Ultimate Collector’s Edition. The set is packaged in a collectible holiday tin with a soundtrack sampler, stocking, magnetic picture frame and more.

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COMPARTES CHOCOLATIER

912 S. Barrington Ave., Los Angeles by erica carter

‘Come with me, and you’ll be in a world OF pure imagination.” To quote Sir Willy Wonka when talking about chocolate might sound a bit cliché, but it’s apropos as these chocolates truly are made from pure imagination. Compartes Chocolatier’s flagship is small and off the beaten path of San Vicente Boulevard, a hidden treasure amongst the hustle and bustle of Brentwood’s main street. The Compartes’ tradition began in 1950. Mrs. Compartes’ focus was simple: marrying European techniques with the U.S. taste for wholesome chocolate. Today, the Compartes brand is still family owned and helmed by 24-year-old Jonathan Grahm, who took over the chocolate shop at the tender age of 15. Through his worldwide travels as a kid, not to mention the fact that his family is firmly planted in the food industry, Grahm’s imagination is the driving force behind Compartes. From the moment you step through the patio, pass the lavender and herb plants to the fresh baby blue interior the feeling that something special is at work is overwhelming. The

Campus Circle > Culture > Food display cases of bright confections, nuts and trinkets galore layer the walls at Compartes. It’s evident that Compartes is Grahm’s passion as he whisks us through the kitchen of copper kettles and bowls filled with velvety chocolate, paintbrushes for the details on the sweets and dusting powder throughout the space. Modern-day confections are derived from nothing but the best ingredients. Grahm notes, “All of the equipment is old school. There’s no manufacturing done here, everything is handmade and from the heart.” Grand ideas of my personal Charlie and the Chocolate Factory dreams aside, Compartes is a glimpse into the mind of a chocolatier gone wild. Grahm’s creations run the gamut but are anything but ordinary. With over 60 varieties, the truffles’ ganache is organic with no sugar or preservatives. From infused tea to a hint of spice, the Signature Truffle Collection is 20 pieces of hand-dipped surprises. Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate is a hot seller, the cayenne-cinnamon blend with Día de los Muertos skulls on top. The sky’s the limit at Compartes, just like the famous Roald Dahl character mentioned above. Artisan delights in the form of chocolate bars include strawberry and banana, orange peel with spicy pink peppercorn and the pumpkin sea salt medley, ideal for those of us with a slightly savory sweet tooth. My absolute favorite thing at Compartes is the famed Love Nuts. Wrapped in a petite cellophane bag, these babies are the real deal. Vanilla caramel pecans, roasted jumbo macadamias from Hawaii, cashews and almonds are covered in sea salt, chocolate and cocoa powder. You can’t eat just one! If you haven’t decided already to pay a visit to Compartes, here’s one more reason. Compartes is taking their famed peanut butter cream filling and putting it in a jar. That’s right,

CURTAINCALL “Next to Normal” Now-Jan. 2, 2011 @ Ahmanson Theatre Every note, every line of “Next to Normal” is addictive and will make you insane with an immense desire for more. Diana (Alice Ripley) is not your average sexually frustrated soccer mom. She is suffering an incurable mental disorder and not only breaking down herself, but dragging down her entire family. Her faithful husband Dan (Asa Somers) and rebellious teen daughter Natalie (Emma Hunton) are struggling to pick up all the pieces, but there may be too many to catch. Ripley’s eccentric vocals coupled with her schizophrenic role are absolutely electrifying. The Tony Award-winning actress who originated this monster of a role will mess with your mind and leave you in tears. The touching story leaves you questioning your sanity but grasping to it with a tight fist. Watching Ripley fail in nearly every method of treatment to cure her insanity is heartbreaking and painful. Tom Kitt’s music paired with Brian Yorkey’s book and lyrics are phenomenally moving. The pop-rock score is mind-blowing and unique. The demanding score requires top-notch talent to do it justice. Luckily, that’s exactly what this set of actors is made of. The cast and band are all rock stars. Their voices blend as flawlessly as their acting touches the hearts of every member in the audience. The three-tiered set is not just eye-catching, but entirely complimentary to the story. “Next to Normal” soars to new depths and will absolutely wow you. —Stephanie Forshee

Campus Circle 12.8.10 - 12.14.10

Compartes offers a glimpse into the mind of a chocolatier gone wild. Peanut Butter Spread for your toast, cupcake, spoon or even more chocolate! Especially during this season, Compartes has a special holiday collection that you don’t want to miss. For more information, call (310) 826-3380 or visit compartes. com.

Campus Circle > Culture > Theater Ahmanson Theatre is located at 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. For more information, visit centertheatregroup.org.

“West Side Story” Now-Jan. 2, 2011 @ Pantages Theatre Angeleno Lauren Boyd is fulfilling two lifelong dreams at once this holiday season. Not only is she on tour with “West Side Story,” but she will be performing this month at the legendary Pantages Theatre. “I am absolutely blessed to be performing at the Pantages,” Boyd says. “I’ve been going there seeing shows since I was a little girl. Just to walk into the theater itself and be inspired by the people on stage is amazing. That was something I definitely wanted to do.” It’s no surprise that an actress growing up in Los Angeles would wish to perform at the Pantages, but the musical itself is especially meaningful to Boyd. Her favorite scene is “America.” Coming from an Italian and Puerto Rican background, the number is right up her alley. “It’s a big family and to have that kind of family-style type of scene with my cast members, it’s something I do at home,” she says. “We always have these big parties and gatherings. There’s always a lot of food and loud talking, and it’s always so much fun.” This tour isn’t the first time Boyd rehearsed for this particular scene; she’s been preparing since she was young. “I put the movie in all the time and watched “America” over and over and over and tried to learn the dance,” admits Boyd. Boyd is thrilled to be up on stage portraying Bebecita. “She definitely has an important role as far as being there to support Anita and the other Shark girls,” explains Boyd. “I

Craig Schwartz

NEWS

Alice Ripley in “Next to Normal” portray her as being feisty and very new to America. A lot of the girls have different ideas if they want to be a part of this new country or go back to Puerto Rico. I know my character, the way I portray her she definitely wants to be a part of this new country.” —Stephanie Forshee Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, visit broadwayla.org.

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CALENDARTHE10SPOT

’ n i k c o t S ! ’ n i k c o R

BY FREDERICK MINTCHELL SATURDAYDEC. 11

Unique L.A. Holiday Show California Market Center, 110 E. 9th St., Downtown; uniquela.com The largest independent design show in the country allows attendees the rare chance to meet and shop directly from over 300 designers and artists where over 95 percent of the products are made in the U.S.A. Besides the shopping, the event also boasts free workshops, an eco lounge and two cafes featuring some of Los Angeles’ best restaurants and gourmet food trucks. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Also Sunday. $10.

WEDNESDAYDEC. 8 Rock to Roll

SATURDAYDEC. 11 Marina del Rey Boat Parade

Key Club, 9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; sideonedummy.com The fifth annual charity event benefits the non-profit organization UCP Wheels for Humanity. Headlining the event this year is Anti-Flag. The night also features performances from the Black Pacific, Punk Rock Karaoke, Heartsounds and Destruction Made Simple. 7 p.m. $20.

Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way; mdrboatparade.org The theme this year is “A Rock ’N Roll Christmas” with fireworks preceding the parade at 6 p.m. and the skillfully decorated boats competing in over a dozen categories. 5:55 p.m. FREE.

THURSDAYDEC. 9 Funatical: Taking Comedy to the Extreme Comedy Store, 8433 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; funaticalcomedy.com This multicultural comedy show features the world’s only Indian Jewish comedian, a black Muslim convert, an Arab Jewish performer, famous American Muslim comedians, a Jordanian Catholic, a half Iranian/half black performer, Hindu comedians, a half Persian/half Russian, an Armenian Orthodox and an Iranian Bahai performer. 8 p.m. $20.

THURSDAYDEC. 9 PoleStars Whisky a Go Go, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; politemoves.com A friendly competition between different pole studios in the L.A. area – the audience votes for their favorite. A fashion show by Kelly Maglia Couture follows, along with a live band. 9 p.m.

FRIDAYDEC. 10 Martin Scorsese Double Feature Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; americancinematheque.com Two of the respected director’s gangster classics, Mean Streets and Goodfellas, both starring his pre-Leo DiCaprio muse, Robert De Niro. 7:30 p.m. $11, $9 w/ student ID.

SUNDAYDEC. 12 Comic Book and Sci-Fi Convention Shrine Auditorium, 700 W. 32nd St., Los Angeles; comicbookscifi.com Tanya Roberts and Kevin Sorbo are the featured guests and will meet attendees and sign autographs. Also featured is a dealers’ room with over 100 tables of comic books and collectibles at great prices to fit any budget. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $8.

MONDAYDEC. 13 PXL THIS 20 Unurban, 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica; laughtears.com Who says you need expensive equipment to make films when this 20th annual festival features films made with the Fisher-Price PXL 2000 toy camcorder? 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. FREE.

TUESDAYDEC. 14 Moth Slam Busby’s East, 5364 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; themoth.org/events Without scripts, notes, props or accompaniment, participants tell true stories, live on stage, alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers mixing humor, heartbreak and poignant tales that captivate audiences with their honesty, bravery and humor. 7 p.m. FREE.

SATURDAYDEC. 11 Brokeback Mountain Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles; theautry.org Commemorate the fifth anniversary of the film with a screening followed by a staged reading based on the book Beyond Brokeback, a powerful collection of stories about the film. 11:30 a.m. $9, $5 w/student ID.

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

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BEAUTYBEAT

HOLIDAY TREATS

by erica carter

If you’re looking to light up your dorm or living room with– out the danger of fire or an astronomical electric bill, try Enjoy Lighting (enjoylighting. com), a flameless candle that gives you the soft ambience candles provide in a battery operated-LED light flicker effect. These candles ($9 for single candles; $30 for jumbo or sets of candles) can be programmed up to 12 hours, so you don’t have to worry about running out of batteries. Enjoy Lighting products are suited for every occasion – holiday, textured colors or neutral, everyday use. Here’s a green tip: Use rechargeable batteries. AXE (axeeffect.com) is usually not the first thing I think when gift giving for men, but the Holiday Collection ($8-$20) is festive and not overpowering in the least. There’s the Downpour Mint Shampoo that contains an extract from the peppermint leaf. There’s gift sets: Dark Temptation, with its musky undertones, and the Phoenix Deodorant set. These sets include the 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioners, and styling pastes. Originally created for cow’s chafed udders, farmers noticed that the cream was also keeping their own hands soft. Today, Dr. Hess’ ointments (udderointment.com) offer baby products, lip gloss and the original ointment ($6.99-$23). This is “udderly” wonderful, and it smells good, too! A Wine of the Month club for accessories, Shoe Dazzle (shoedazzle.com) is a style of the month club for fashionistas. For a monthly fee of $40, you get a shipment tailored to your tastes with a pair of shoes or item of your choice. It’s like having your own showroom and not worrying about anything selling out! Perfect Color Nail Lacquer ($15; available at qvc.com) lasts forever and comes in a great selection of colors, from Stiletto, the perfect seasonal red, to Pashmina, a hot variation on the perfect “greige.” 100% Pure Cosmetics (100percentpure.com) makes it easy to have it both ways: environmentally conscious and product obsessed. Their line of skin care and make up is free of chemicals and artificial fragrances but still packs a punch with color and quality. The fruit pigmented lip and cheek tint comes in scrumptious colors like pink grapefruit glow and sugar plum ($15 and up).

Campus Circle 12.8.10 - 12.14.10

Savvy Shoppers, GET Low Prices and Great Selection. See Big 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s December 8th Holiday ad in your local newspaper. To view this ad on-line, buy Gift Cards and find Big 5 store locations go to big5sportinggoods.com

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