Campus Circle Newspaper Vol. 20 Issue 48

December 15-21, 2010 \ Volume 20 \ Issue 48 \ Always Free

Film | Music | Culture

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10 FILM JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE Revists Childhood as Boo Boo in Yogi Bear

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10 FILM TOUCHING HOME The Miller twins honor a promise made after the death of their father.

14 MUSIC CISCO ADLER Catching Up With the Music Man 14 MUSIC CD REVIEWS 15 MUSIC PEACHES Brings One-Woman Show, “Peaches Christ Superstar,” to the Orpheum 16 MUSIC LIVE SHOW REVIEWS 17 MUSIC FREQUENCY 18 MUSIC MUSIC REPORT 18 CULTURE ON THE MENU 19 CULTURE CURTAIN CALL 20 CULTURE EXHIBITIONS 22 CULTURE GAMES & GADGETS 22 CULTURE JET SETTER

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23 EVENTS THE 10 SPOT Cover: AmeriCorps Credit: Corporation for National and Community Service; nationalservice.gov

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Film Editor Jessica Koslow film.editor@campuscircle.net

Editorial Interns Kate Bryan, Christine Hernandez

09 FILM DVD DISH

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06 FILM TRON: LEGACY Visually Stunning Sequel

08 FILM TV TIME

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

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08 FILM PROJECTIONS

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Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2010 Vol. 20 Issue 48

23 BLOGS THE ART OF LOVE

06 FILM KEVIN SPACEY Is Abramoff in Casino Jack

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Contributing Writers Tamea Agle, Christopher Agutos, James Bartlett, Jonathan Bautts, Scott Bedno, Erica Carter, Richard Castañeda, 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 Perl-Raver, Eva Recinos, Brianne Schaer, Mike Sebastian, Doug Simpson, David Tobin, Abbi Toushin, Anna Webber, Kevin Wierzbicki, Candice Winters

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For a large section of the population, this year’s holiday season will be a lean one. But even with the economy at its worst since the 1990s, not all is lost this season. Since necessity is the mother of invention, many households are keeping a sharper eye on the bottom line without sacrificing creativity. Several large chains posted Black Friday deals days in advance of their competitors.

Initial reports show that 2010 was successful (with spending increasing 28 percent over 2009’s sales figures). But with the jobless numbers rising in California, it is unknown how much of that money will be going under trees in this state.

For the frugal or the recently unemployed, there are a number of ways to avoid Christmas debt. Instead of buying a barrage of gifts that the recipient may not want, stay focused.

Decide upon a gift cap – that is, a firm number of presents that each friend or family member will receive. When dealing with children, three gifts that each child really wants is a sensible number. Parents can also sweeten the pot by making a large

D-DAY

DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR STUDENT LOANS by denise guerra

If you find yourself in a situation where student loans are bogging you down, there are options to ease the stress of this type of modern-day indentured servitude.

Sometimes I have to wonder if a student loan is the best option to finance one’s college tuition, and then I see the cost of a University of California public school is $29,450 per year.

For some people the only way to afford four years of higher education is to take out the dreaded student loan; the idea of borrowing now and paying it back later sounds sweet while you’re in school. Not so much when you get out. In retrospect, it’s the only way to get some people through school and the only way to keep them working after school to pay it off.

It’s the gift that just keeps on taking your money. With our economy in turmoil and the prospect for jobs dire, many recent graduates are struggling to handle just basic living expenses, let alone student loans.

One option you have is consolidation, which takes all your loans, puts them together and if necessary extends the

Susan Tripp Pollard/Contra Costa Times/MCT

by ebony march, NEWS EDITOR

purchase for the household. This can be a high-end item such as a video game console or new television. By gifting this item to everyone, the entire family feels like they’re getting a fancy slice of the pie.

The types of gifts being purchased are also a great way to save. Presents that repeat themselves (such as magazine subscriptions) are gaining in popularity due to their low cost.

The average subscription to a magazine can range from $10 to $20. They also provide easy entertainment because they already cater to specific likes.

Charitable donations made in the name of loved ones gained in popularity during the 1980s. However, this practice is more popular than ever. Not only does it awaken altruism, but contributions are also tax deductible.

Some families are also practicing Secret Santa. Family members draw names and make a purchase for their person and their person only. Parents can choose to supplement Secret Santa with a large purchase that everyone in the household can use or by treating the entire family to a large dinner.

The Christmas stocking is making a comeback. Drug stores are great resources for knickknacks and tchotchkes. For $20 or less, a stocking can be filled to the brim with everything from chewing gum and candy to quirky office supplies and gift cards.

DIY (do-it-yourself) gifting is also popular this season.

Mix CDs, arts and crafts and even home maintenance projects (like changing the wall color in a teenager’s room) will be creeping into American households.

Holiday-related family vacations are also a cost-effective alternative to the recession. Travel agents have reported a spike in cruises and shorter-distance domestic travel. Many cruise lines offer two-for-one deals on destinations like Costa Rica and British Columbia Canada. Shorter-distance

The Christmas stocking is making a comeback. excursions to Catalina Island are also enjoyable. Cruises are also all inclusive, so food and lodging are included in the final price.

Purchasing themed items in a series is also popular during the Christmas season; foodies can be gifted top-of-the-line prep equipment as well as a cooking class at a local school.

Hairstylists can be given the latest tools of the trade as well as an introductory class at a local beauty school. Even music enthusiasts can receive their instrument of choice along with instruction by a local teacher.

Experts urge consumers to make as many purchases with cash. This way, budgets are more easily adhered to. Instead of taking out short-term or payday loans, scaling down on holiday spending is encouraged. But more importantly, a good rule is to realize that this season is about family as opposed to consumerism. The recession is global, not personal, so families can rest easy knowing that we’re all in this together.

Campus Circle > Blogs > D-Day terms of your loan (the amount of months it takes to pay it off). By putting all your loans together instead of paying off a bunch of little ones, consolidating your loans might just be a good idea if you’re looking for a lower monthly payment.

The federal government Web site loanconsolidation.ed.gov is easy to use. You just need to be diligent with the paperwork and most of all, be patient with the process. Also something to consider when consolidating is an option called the IncomeBased Repayment program. It calculates your monthly payments based on a percentage of your income each year, and they will forgive any amount remaining after 25 years.

Another option that actually helps to erase some, if not all, of your student loan is student loan forgiveness programs (as if student loans were a sin to take out in the first place). To help ease the pain of paying off your student loan, opportunities where you can trade in volunteer hours for money are available. It’s a good deal; volunteering not only for the intrinsic value but for the monetary payoff seems like a winner all around. Here are a few programs to check out: AmeriCorps: Awards are given for completing 12 months of service including $5,550 for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. AmeriCorps is a nationally renowned community service group that partners with nonprofits to address critical needs in underserved communities. Volunteers work in capacities such as disaster relief, illiteracy, improving health services and cleaning parks and streams among other things. americorps.gov Peace Corps: For 50 years the Peace Corps has been sending Americans to over 77 different countries to live and work. It is a commitment of 27 months, but during that time you’re able to defer paying your Stafford, Perkins or Consolidation Loans.

You can even work to integrate Peace Corp volunteerism with grad school. Those only with a Perkins Loan can receive partial

cancellation, up to 70 percent of their loan cancelled for four years of service. peacecorps.gov Teaching: The Federal Government has programs allow– ing teachers working in low-income, special needs schools to reduce or cancel their Perkins or Stafford Loans. For Stafford Loans, you Receive up to $5,550 after a year must teach full-time of service with AmeriCorps. for five consecutive years. Studentaid.ed.gov.

Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA): Listed under AmeriCorps, this program is specifically organized to fight poverty. Volunteers commit for one year at a nonprofit or local government agency doing work such as fighting illiteracy and community building. By the end, you can either receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (See AmeriCorps) or an end-of-service stipend of $1,500.

If consolidation and student loan forgiveness programs aren’t for you, then simple diligence is the key. Making your payments on time every month and keeping your loan from going delinquent will help you stay in the clear. But for many Americans right now, keeping up with their loans is the problem. Student loans are one of the only debts that you can’t file for bankruptcy, so if you default on them, it will be on your credit report for seven years.

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LAST-MINUTE TIPS FOR AVOIDING HOLIDAY DEBT

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Campus Circle 12.15.10 - 12.21.10

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EVENTS DVD GAMING SPORTS MEDIA BLOGS DVD Dish Interviews Movie Reviews Projections Screen Shots Special Features TV Time

FILMINTERVIEWS

TRON: LEGACY

Onslaught of 3-D Awesomeness by david tobin When was the last time you went into a movie with expectations? When you went in thinking that you were about to be on the ride of your life? You watched every trailer, heard every interview and now is the time to see this masterpiece.

Well, if you’re me that just happened when I screened Tron: Legacy.

Watching the movie, it’s easy to see that they took care to make everyone happy: the old fanboys who know its history inside out, the kids who were seeing a lightcycle for the first time and all the fans of The Big Lebowski who were hoping to see a little bit of “The Dude.”

Usually when you create a movie like this and try to bring in such diverse elements as the aforementioned, it ends up being a train wreck. However, this movie seems to be something out of the ordinary.

“I wanted it to feel like we took motion picture cameras into the world of Tron,” director Joseph Kosinski starts to say.

“I wanted the materials to be real materials: glass, concrete, steel, so it had this kind of visceral quality to it.”

And it works. The mix is seamless. The directing is amazing, but if it weren’t for production designer Darren Gilford and his way with light, we would all be sitting in the dark. The mix of color is perfectly set against a stark backdrop of black.

Campus Circle > Film > Interviews “The first film was so iconic and lots of that was because of the limitations of the computer, what they really could do back in the ’80s. It was very geometric, very simplistic. With what we have now, it’s limitless,” explains Kosinski.

Then there’s the 3-D. Thank God for 3-D. I’m not saying exactly when or what, but when it hits for the first time, when it really hits, you’re going to feel like you can fly.

Never has there been this kind of attention to digital detail. It’s the first movie to integrate a fully digital head and body of an actor playing against the younger version of himself; to reate molded costumes using digital sculpture exclusively from molds directly from computer files using CNC (Computer Numerical Cutting) technology; to extensively use self-illuminated costumes; and it’s the first 3-D movie shot with 35mm lenses and full 35mm chip cameras.

Then, you get Jeff Bridges. “The Dude” and Starman.

He plays himself twice, and it’s like two different guys.

There’s no way this movie could have been made any earlier.

The technology wasn’t good enough, and we didn’t have this awesome older version of Bridges.

“As an actor, it’s very gratifying to know that I can play myself or the character that I’m playing at any age, from an infant to an old man,” Bridges says.

The cast really sits in the smaller size of things but remains to have a big feel. The character Michael Sheen plays, Castor, fits so well it’s uncanny. And, of course, the cameo

by Daft Punk is going to be one of the most-talked-about moments in the flick.

Which brings us to the sound of Tron: Legacy.

Daft Punk scored a soundtrack that not only pushes their sound to new levels, but acts as a character in the film itself. With over 100 minutes of music, the fans are sure to

FILMINTERVIEWS

CASINO JACK

Kevin Spacey turns a political tragedy into a buzzworthy performance. by ebony march The one thing that Hollywood and Wash– ington, D.C. have in common is their love of a great story.

A political lobbyist named Jack Abramoff managed to piss off throngs of Washington’s elite when he and his friends defrauded a number of American-Indian tribes. Abramoff, a number of White House officials and other D.C. staffers were accused of trading meals, fancy gifts and even vacations in exchange for political favors. In January 2006, Abramoff pled guilty to three felony counts for his fraudulent activities against the Chippewa, Coushatta, Agua Caliente and Choctaw tribes and their gaming interests. He and his colleagues would lobby against their own clients to drive up costs and even overbilled the tribes for services rendered. His tale of deception, greed and lies is told in the dark comedy, Casino Jack.

Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey stars as Abramoff. Rounding out the film’s all-star cast is Kelly Preston (as Abramoff ’s wife), Barry Pepper and “Saturday Night Live” alum Jon Lovitz, who plays a mob-affiliated friend of Abramoff ’s. Spacey and Lovitz have maintained their friendship for over 20 years, and Spacey even does a spot-on impersonation of the comedian (who is sending critics into a

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Douglas Curran

FILM

Olivia Wilde, Joseph Kosinski and Jeff Bridges on the set of Tron: Legacy be thrilled, and the new ones will surely follow. The video for “Derezzed” that caught like wildfire online is the essential track for this musical offering.

Without a doubt, this movie will be what I’m giving as a gift for the holiday season, just so I can see it again.

The story is Disney safe, but it’s more about the visual and audio onslaught of awesomeness that will have you counting the days until Halloween so you can throw on your LED-infused wetsuit.

Tron: Legacy releases in theaters Dec. 17.

Campus Circle > Film > Interviews delighted frenzy with his winning performance). Spacey may also be garnering additional Oscar buzz for his role as the fallen politico, but he admits to being somewhat oblivious to the scandal as it erupted.

“I didn’t know anything about him because when the story broke, I was already living in London, and so I didn’t get the kind of news – it sort of didn’t mean anything in England.”

The actor had been busy with his theatrical partnership at the Old Vic in England. He was pleased to get the chance to meet with Abramoff to gain insight into his emotional state during his trial and conviction.

“In the interest of full disclosure, I think he was deeply upset that George Clooney wasn’t playing him,” jokes Spacey.

He goes on to praise their first meeting: “It was a fascinating opportunity.”

Abramoff had a number of traits that Spacey found unique. Despite his brazen behavior among D.C.’s movers and shakers, Abramoff is an Orthodox Jew who hides his religion, literally under his cap.

“The reality is that he always wore hats. He always wore a yarmulke [under hats] because he didn’t like to push his religion on other people.”

Spacey’s role was also steeped in irony, as he’s a staunch Democratic portraying a notorious conservative. At the time of his arrest, Abramoff was a top lobbyist for the Preston Gates & Ellis and Greenberg Traurig firms. He was also a director of the National Center for Public Policy Research, which is a well-known conservative think tank. In addition, he was also a College Republican National Committee National Chairman during the early to mid-1980s.

Even in the face of their differences, Spacey was still compelled by Abramoff. He surprisingly managed to find compassion in some of the more hostile treatment doled

out to his on-screen counterpart during the course of the scandal.

“There were peo– ple he had known for years, who, when the scandal broke, all of a sudden couldn’t pronounce his name,” he explains.

In conjunction with empathy for his subject, Spacey found his working Kevin Spacey and Kelly Preston relationship with in Casino Jack Casino Jack’s director George Hickenlooper to be enlightening. Hickenlooper died in his sleep in October 2010 at the age of 47. Casino Jack may have been his final film, but his presence has been felt in the weeks following his death.

“I loved George,” says Spacey. “He had this great laugh – it was actually more like a giggle. I absolutely adored him.”

Some of Hollywood’s talented up-and-comers (like Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake and Jesse Eisenberg) may soon hold Spacey in the same esteem. Aside from his theatrical pursuits, he also has a little gold statue in his sights for his role as executive producer of the blockbuster, The Social Network.

Until nominations are rolled out in early 2011, Spacey returns to his London home, satisfied with his performance and continuing to influence film and theatrical performers with his effortless style.

Casino Jack releases in select theaters Dec. 17.

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NEWS

“THE PERFECT FAMILY MOVIE FOR THE HOLIDAYS. IT’S BIG, 3D FUN!” Jim Ferguson, ABC-TV

“CUTER THAN YOUR AV-ER-AGE FILM!” Francine Brokaw, Los Angeles Family Magazine

“A TREAT FOR ALL AGES.”

“TWO PAWS WAY UP!”

Patty Spitler, WNDY-TV

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PROJECTIONS

BLACK CHRISTMAS PARTY Dec. 18 @ The Cinefamily by candice winters For me, the best kind of Christmas films are the ones that take the holiday season and find the mystery and morbidity that also comes with an overabundance of food, family drama and the need people feel to go over and above the joyful spirit of giving. There is definitely something funny about it and our sudden willingness to so freely act in the cheesy and corny ways people act around this time of year.

That juxtaposition between the sudden sincerity of people’s affections and the horrible acts of violence in horror films is what I live for. Gremlins (1984) was marketed as a kid’s film, but it’s a severely demented (and awesome) flick about creepy little creatures that ravaged a sleepy, snowy town trying to celebrate Christmas. Black Christmas (1974) is another stark and stylish horror film set during the holiday at an ill-fated sorority house.

However, possibly the most intense Christmas horror film is Christmas Evil (1980). It is the story about a boy who loves Christmas, but is scarred when he learns that Santa isn’t

Campus Circle > Film > Projections real. As an adult, he becomes obsessed with the behavior of children and the toys he develops for them. When his work is met with criticism, he snaps and goes on a bloody-good killing rampage.

You may not appreciate the horror film (or be able to stomach it) like I can, but there is an alternative. Copresented by Comedy Death-Ray, the Cinefamily is hosting “Black Christmas Party” on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. featuring writer Shane Black (schedule permitting). If you’re sick of boring, cheerful films and famished for an actionthriller about the Christmas season, then you should get to know a little bit about Black, who is considered one of the pioneer screenwriters of the action genre. He made a name for himself with his Lethal Weapon (1987) screenplay and went on to write The Last Boy Scout (1991) and The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996).

“Christmas appeals to me because it’s promised magic,” Black has said about what draws him to the holiday. “But in L.A. it’s against the backdrop of something that’s very sterile and something not full of goodwill. There’s so little Christmas available, you sort of have to conjure it yourself.

The magic is striving to break through. You have to really pay attention to find your Christmas, almost to earn it, which is what the characters have to do.”

The screening on Dec. 18 is a double feature: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) was Black’s directorial debut. Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer, the film is set during (shocker) Christmas in Hollywood where Harry Lockhart (Downey Jr.), a petty thief who auditions and gets a movie part, meets Gay Perry (Kilmer), a homosexual private eye.

While researching for the role with Perry, Lockhart is thrust into the middle of a murder investigation, and he seeks to solve it.

TVTIME

WILL ESTES A Hollywood Blue Blood by ariel Paredes Have you heard the tale that has been told many times about the overnight success and how he/she was suddenly discovered? I had an opportunity to talk with one of those overnight successes, except he has been in the acting business for over 20 years.

Will Estes, one of the stars of CBS’ breakout police drama “Blue Bloods,” is a Los Angeles native who has been acting since he was chosen to star in “The New Lassie” at age 10.

“When I think of childhood, only tiny pieces of acting come to mind,” Estes says about starting out in the industry so young. “I don’t really feel like I grew up in the industry. I was, however, lucky to get a jump-start. Many actors were showing up out of high school or college to try acting, but I already had a resume!”

He has appeared in some big network shows from NBC’s “American Dreams” to Fox’s “Reunion” and now “Blue Bloods.” For actors, there is always some disappointment when their show is cancelled, or their character does not continue for a new season. What is thrilling, however, is when a new role comes their way.

“It’s always exciting to be a part of a new show, but for some reason ‘Blue Bloods’ stands out for me,” Estes says.

The show gave him an amazing opportunity to leave his hometown of Los Angeles and move to New York City.

“I didn’t go away to college, so in some ways I was

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Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang The second film of the double feature is The Long Kiss Goodnight, which was written by Black and directed by Renny Harlin. Geena Davis stars as Samantha Caine, the perfect wife and PTA parent who also teaches at the local school.

When she bumps her head, Caine begins to remember parts of her previous life as a lethal, top-secret agent. When her old co-workers target her as their next assassination, she hires a cheap detective (Samuel L. Jackson) to help her find the truth.

The Cinefamily’s invite reads: “Come to a kick-ass Christmas party celebrated in high Hollywood style – with eggnog, presents, decorations and awesome blockbuster action flicks.” Sounds like it should get us in the mood for the holidays quite nicely.

The Cinefamily is located at 611 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles.

For More information, visit cinefamily.org.

Campus Circle > Film > TV Time waiting for an adventure. I love Los Angeles, but I couldn’t be happier to be [in New York]. I’ve always wanted to live [here],” reflects Estes.

He continues, “The only thing more fun than chasing bad guys is playing a guy who chases bad guys. I’ve got a fake Glock and everything. I swear it was yesterday I stopped playing with fake guns because I was getting too old. Now, I play with one in front of a camera.”

In the series, he plays Jamie Regan, a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer and the younger son of the fictional police commissioner, played by Tom Selleck. The entire family is centered around the law in some respect in this police drama. The cast also boasts Donnie Wahlberg, who plays his older brother Danny Regan, and Bridget Moynahan, who is assistant district attorney as well as his sister, Erin Regan-Boyle.

“The cast is great. It’s tremendous to be surrounded by a talented cast because they will make you better,” effuses Estes.

“Tom is a consummate professional, and I intend to learn a lot from him. And Bridget is who you want to be with if things ever get difficult. Her sense of humor always glides us through.”

New York is not simply just a backdrop for him on the show but a serious learning experience as well. Estes is getting the opportunity to discover a complete new world.

“Argentinean food! New York is an international food destination. You can eat around the world right here on the Lower East Side,” he says enthusiastically.

Also, there is the change of climate that any native West Coaster would have to adjust to.

“So far, I ain’t scared,” he states, but then adds quickly, “But maybe give it a month!”

His career is not just limited to the show; Estes also has

John Russo

NEWS

two upcoming independent films, Not Since You and Magic Valley with Scott Glenn, that will hit the film festival circuits.

“I think they will both be fine little films, and I look forward to seeing final cuts myself.”

Lastly, I couldn’t resist asking if he would be able to catch co-star Wahlberg’s New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys tour this winter, to which he slyly replies, “I keep telling him I want to come to the show, but he’s a rock star, so we’ll see if I even get tickets!”

“Blue Bloods” airs Fridays at 10 p.m. on CBS.

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SPECIAL FEATURES by mike sebastian

The Majors: John C. Reilly is a lonely divorcee who thinks he’s found the perfect woman (Marisa Tomei), until he meets her son (Jonah Hill) in Cyrus.

Mumblecore auteurs the Duplass brothers go mainstream with this thoughtful and funny dramedy.

Also available: Nanny McPhee Returns starring Emma Thompson Under the Radar: Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth) made his directorial debut with Cronos, an ingenious rethinking of the vampire mythos now available from the Criterion Collection. A 16th century alchemist designs a clockwork device designed to grant the user eternal life, however, the gift soon becomes an addiction. Like Pan’s Labyrinth, del Toro uses dark fantasy to tell a heartfelt story, in this case about the love between a grandfather and granddaughter.

A multigenerational look at motherhood, Mother and Child stars Annette Bening, Naomi Watts and Samuel L. Jackson.

Also available: Frenemy starring Zach Galifianakis, Dear Mr. Gacy starring William Forsythe In Toon: Steve Carell is out to become the world’s greatest supervillain in Despicable Me. Only one thing stands in his way: the appearance of three ragamuffin orphans on his doorstep. Jason Segel, Russell Brand and Julie Andrews lend their voice talents to this fun-for-all-ages animated film.

A new hero dons the cape and cowl under the tutelage of an aged Bruce Wayne in Batman Beyond: The Complete Series. Included in the set are all 52 episodes, plus three new making-of featurettes. Kevin Conroy reprises his role from the excellent “Batman: The Animated Series,” while Will Friedle (“Boy Meets World”) is the new high-tech Dark Knight.

Franz Kafka’s A Country Doctor & Other Fantastic Films includes Japanese animator Koji Yamamura’s visionary adaptation of the Kafka story as well as the Oscar-nominated short Mt. Head.

Master of animation Bill Plympton crafts a grotesque black comedy about a murdered high school couple that returns from the grave for prom in Hair High.

The Vault: Alan Rudolph’s noir homage Trouble in Mind comes to DVD in a 25th Anniversary Edition. Kris Kristofferson is an ex-con who falls for Georgia (Lori Singer), the wife of a small-time criminal (Keith Carradine) in Rain City.

Canadian auteur Guy Maddin has a style all his own. Using silent film techniques, Maddin crafts a singular blend of black humor and surrealism which is on display in The Quintessential Guy Maddin!, a collection of five films, including Careful, Twilight of the Ice Nymphs, Archangel, Dracula: Pages from a Virgin’s Diary and Cowards Bend the Knee.

Two great little-seen films from the second golden age of Hollywood are now available online through the Warner Archives: Francis Ford Coppola’s directorial debut and UCLA thesis project You’re A Big Boy Now, and the Richard Stark adaptation The Outfit. Robert Duvall is a cold-blooded professional thief who takes on the mob. Karen Black and Joe Don Baker co-star.

Straight to Hell Returns is director Alex Cox’s (Repo Man) reworking of his 1986 cult bank robber film Straight to Hell. A slew of rock icons make appearances, including Joe Strummer, Courtney Love and Elvis Costello.

Also available: erotica films Scandalous Gilda, Schoolgirl Report Volume #7

Stranger Than Fiction: British street artist-turned-art world phenomenon Banksy stars in his first documentary, Exit Through The Gift Shop.

Gasland investigates fracking, the controversial but little-known process for finding natural gas. At the center of the Sundance doc is yet another web of lies and corporate skullduggery from our old friend Halliburton.

Check out Shaq, Kobe and other basketball greats showing off and screwing up in NBA A-Z: The NBA’s Best Bloopers, Highlights and Hijinx.

Also available: Graham Parker & the Figgs: Live at the FTC, Ghost Bird The Idiotbox: “Frontline” and “American Experience” examine the role religion has played in shaping the American identity in the six-hour documentary series God in America. From the Puritans to Jerry Falwell, it’s a fascinating journey for believers and nonbelievers alike.

Sci-fi TV legend Gerry Anderson (“Thunderbirds”) brings his indelible style to Space Precinct: The Complete Series. Premiering in 1994, the series follows a former NYPD detective in charge of keeping the peace among aliens and humans on the planet Altor.

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FILMINTERVIEWS

YOGI BEAR

Justin Timberlake’s Boo Boo by sasha perl-raver Justin Timberlake is, without question, one of the most talented people on the planet. He can sing like an angel, dance like his middle name is Thriller, is rivaled only by Alec Baldwin as the best “SNL” host in recent memory and an Oscar nod for his turn in The Social Network is almost a foregone conclusion.

His new film, Yogi Bear, a 3-D film adaptation of the beloved Hanna-Barbera cartoon that mixes animation and live action, is – shall we say – an unexpected choice, especially on the heels of a role that’s earning him serious critical acclaim, but Timberlake says he’s been a huge fan of the pica-nic snatching bear and his bow-tied sidekick for decades.

“I grew up with Hanna-Barbera cartoons and laughed with them as a kid,” he explains. “Nostalgia is probably the reason I did [the film].”

At the press day for Yogi Bear, which Timberlake attended on crutches after injuring himself on the set of his current project, Now (He jokes it was sustained by “kickin’ ass.”), the former teen idol explained his process to nail the voice of Boo Boo. “I had someone on hand with the old ’60s and ’70s cartoons, and I would sit there and listen to it in between takes and before we would start our sessions,” Timberlake begins.

“It would take me 15 to 20 minutes to really get – this is

Campus Circle > Film > Interviews all really boring, geeky vocal stuff – but to get your palate to the right level of the character. So after the first 20 minutes, I would go back and re-record everything we’d done in the first half hour because you just get in the pocket of the tone and inflection. Wow, I’m really killing any sort of coolness I had before I got here,” he laughs. “At the risk of ruining my social life, funny enough, I kind of learned how to sing when I was a kid imitating singers on the radio; Al Green and Michael Jackson and Don Henley, but also I was an only child and obviously really bored. I would entertain my parents by imitating Scooby-Doo and Boo Boo, all the cartoon voices.”

Having grown up watching the cartoons, we asked Timberlake what touchstones he wanted to make sure he brought to his performance.

“I wanted to sort of Buster Keaton, if I may, to offset the bigness and brashness and almost absurdity of Yogi that [Dan Aykroyd] was able to find and so hilariously portray. It was sort of a Laurel and Hardy type of thing.”

Unlike most animated films, where the vocal tracks are recorded without any of the actors ever seeing each other, Yogi Bear director Eric Brevig brought Aykroyd and Timberlake together for their recording sessions.

“It really made a difference with the rhythm of the banter between Yogi and Boo Boo,” the actor-singer insists. “We really did see this as a Batman and Robin sort of duo.”

Timberlake explained that after the live-action portions of the film, which also stars Anna Faris, T.J. Miller and Tom Cavanagh, were shot in New Zealand, they were shown footage with “these weird stencil drawings [of Yogi and Boo Boo] running through, and it was our job to find what we thought was funny. Anna and Tom had way harder jobs than we did. To have to remember 8,000 things while not forgetting to act is a feat. I’ve never worked in that way where

FILMINTERVIEWS

TOUCHING HOME

Twins’ Take on Their Pops by sasha perl-raver It’s difficult not to be slightly awed by Logan and Noah Miller. First, there’s their physical presence – a one-two punch of looming, squared-jawed, broadshouldered manliness that makes their brief but loathed foray into modeling seem an obvious choice – and then there’s what they’ve accomplished, which is nothing short of miraculous.

Growing up, the identical twins had their sights set on a career in major league baseball. But when that dream evaporated, they found themselves blindly embarking on a film career. Without any experience, or even the knowledge that the written form of a film is called a “screenplay,” the Miller Brothers set off on a path that brings them to this week’s release of Touching Home, an independent feature they wrote, directed, produced and star in alongside fourtime Oscar nominee Ed Harris. To say these guys are ballsy is a serious understatement.

Touching Home is an unabashedly sincere and heart– breaking semi-autobiographical film about the Millers’ relationship with their father (played with breathtaking brilliance by Harris), a man who struggled with alcoholism, was homeless for the last 15 years of his life and died suddenly

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Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

FILM

Boo Boo, as voiced by Justin Timberlake, in Yogi Bear you’re looking at tennis balls or leaves as reference points. To get to work with Dan and feel like we were modernizing the characters and building on the relationship really makes a difference. We found so many things we thought were funny.

It was a very cool collaboration.”

When asked what intrigued him most about re-voicing such iconic characters and tackling the role of Yogi’s sidekick, Timberlake says he was “honored to pay tribute to multigenerational characters” and was thrilled to know he would be introducing young minds to Yogi Bear for the first time, “so we were encouraged to put a new spin on them.”

But, most of all, he says, “I was just excited to wear a bow tie.”

Yogi Bear releases in theaters Dec. 17.

Campus Circle > Film > Interviews in prison. It was in the coroner’s office, holding their dead father’s hand, where the brothers swore they’d get the film made within a year, and through an astonishing series of events, they kept their word.

The Millers asked to meet at their de facto office, a Star– bucks situated on a typically yuppie-flooded intersection of Santa Monica, so we could discuss their journey from working in a car wash in Tucson to assembling a cast and crew with 11 Oscars, 26 nominations and a budget seven times what they’d originally anticipated. Seemingly unremarkable, with cars, dogs and strollers whizzing by, this is the same place where the unflappable 33-year-olds convinced Ed Harris to star in their movie. Like I said, they’re ballsy.

As they sip green tea, I ask them to identify themselves so I can accurately attribute quotes later. Noah, the more assertive brother, begins.

“It doesn’t matter who said what,” he assures me. “So long as we say it or it’s flattering, it’s totally OK.” “We don’t worry about that,” Logan, the seemingly kinder, gentler brother adds.

As they continue talking, you realize why it won’t matter; rarely does a sentence started by one, go unfinished by the other. Speaking in swirling tandem, they describe the dark days that brought them to Los Angeles for “an extended pit stop” on their way home to Northern California, their naïveté when they began the scripting process by reading a few screenwriting books to finishing their feature debut and landing a mega-agent whose rooster includes Michael Bay. Asked how they had such an incredible string of good fortune, Noah says without hesitation, “Because we’d had such a string of bad fortune, it finally evened itself out. If there’s any justice, or whatever you believe in in the universe, you can only get so many no’s and eventually you’ll get a yes.”

David moir

NEWS

Touching Home’s directors, Noah and Logan Miller “And, if you’re diligent, it becomes a constant game of leverage,” Logan adds. “Once you build that momentum, you just keep driving it.”

“And we always were prepared,” Noah interjects. “We were always going to make the movie, it just turned out we made it in the way we did.”

“We were going to make it on a video camera from Circuit City,” Logan says, without sarcasm.

On the other side of the filmmaking process, an ordeal they chronicled in their book, Either You’re In or You’re In the Way, the Millers are working on new writing projects, finalizing a book and a screenplay, but Logan admits life hasn’t changed much.

“We’re in a similar position to before we made the movie,” Logan says, “but we’re in a better position because we have a little more credibility and the experience of having been through the entire process.”

“When you do it on your own and smash your face a million times, you learn so much,” Noah says.

Touching Home releases in select theaters Dec. 17.

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MUSICINTERVIEWS

CISCO ADLER

by DAVID TOBIN

So, there’s this guy named Cisco Adler. He used to be in a band called Whitestarr.

They hailed from Malibu and brought back good old-fashioned ’70s rock ’n’ roll. The parties were amazing, and MTV even gave them their own show.

Then he hooked up with a guy named Shwayze and started making songs that ended up on your summer soundtrack. The two traveled the world and are getting ready for a second album. So what is Adler up to now?

“I’m just trying to work with as many amazing artists as I can,” he says. “I’ve had the chance to work with everyone from Yellow Wolf to Lil Jon. I basically wrote the new Unwritten Law album. It’s just been nonstop creating with all these people.”

Having the ability to play with great artists is a luxury, but can the current state of the music industry handle such range?

“It’s the Wild West out there, which is a great place to be if you’re a cowboy. We were born in the midst of this new game. We weren’t counting on record sales for our money.

We get out there and play the songs, and that’s what keeps us going.”

Cisco has created his own studio where he has had a steady stream of musicians from all backgrounds collaborate and develop their sound with him on their side.

The innovation and diversity in the artists that Adler is working with only adds to the anticipation of what’s to come. He is hosting a new weekly gig at On the Rox every Wednesday night, a showcase of new talent in association with Banana Beat Records.

Shwayze and Cisco will be out in the summer, that’s a given. The question is, what will he bring with him? Perhaps it will be something more than music. After all, he just started airing a TV show online that beams you directly into a living room: a new version of Wayne’s World that can be seen on justintv.com. Whatever comes next, at least we know it won’t be boring.

For more information, visit ciscoadlerpresents.com.

CDREVIEWS Volbeat

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Beyond Hell/Above Heaven (Universal Republic) This Danish band has been scratching and thrashing their way to the upper echelons of the indie scene for almost a decade.

Beyond Hell/Above Heaven is poised to push Volbeat to the next level with songs like “The Mirror and the Ripper,” a galloping fusion of melodic metal and psychobilly; the punky mash-up is the keystone of the Volbeat sound and is also featured on “A Better Believer,” “16 Dollars” and “Being 1.”

Michael Denner of Mercyful Fate and Mike Petrozza of Kreator contribute to the western movie theme-like “7 Shots” where Volbeat get to live out every little boy’s fantasy of being a Wild West gunslinger.

Throughout Beyond Hell/ Above Heaven, Volbeat seems to be having lots of fun, and fans new and old will most likely appreciate the pretense-free attitude that these rockers exude.

Grade: B —Kevin Wierzbicki Beyond Hell/Above Heaven is currently available.

Become a CAMPUS CIRCLE Fan on Facebook http://bit.ly/dhFhEE Campus Circle > Music > Interviews

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MUSICINTERVIEWS

FORBIDDEN FRUIT

Peaches delivers slice of childhood with one-woman show. by stephanie nolasco Electro-glam goddess Peaches – who isn’t afraid to flash her assets, ride a giant phallus on stage or rap about threesomes – has found religion. As an early Christmas present to her fans, the singer brings her critically acclaimed rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” to Los Angeles. It’s an unlikely match made in heaven, but for the potstirring Peaches, it was about time to make a childhood dream a reality. As Canadian-born Merrill Beth Nisker, she grew up singing the entire soundtrack of the musical alone in her room; as the Berlin-based provocateur, she’s now reliving her youth in front of hundreds. “‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is a musical where you don’t have to say a bunch of crap in between just to get to the next song,” explains Peaches. “I became obsessed with it. I would sing it all the time and always thought how cool it would be to do a one-woman show.”

The glittering spandex-wearing blonde’s wish came true when she was approached earlier this year by a theater in Berlin to start her own production. Peaches instantly knew that not only would she launch “Jesus Christ Superstar,” she would make it her own, just as she always intended. The result is “Peaches Christ Superstar,” where she takes on the Herculean task of playing every character, all while singing the entire soundtrack.

Peaches spent her teenage years preparing for her most ambitious career move to date, yet many wondered if the gender-bending star, often rumored to be a transvestite (she isn’t), was trying to take her explosive stage antics to new heights. Like Madonna during her Like a Prayer era, was Peaches trying to lure audiences with sex and religion? She giggles like a Catholic schoolgirl hearing a naughty secret just at the thought.

“As ridiculous as it is, I think it’s actually great to demystify and realize that we’re all the Romans, we’re all the Jews, we’re all Jesus,

we’re all Judas, we’re all traitors, we’re all religious sometimes, we’re all whores, we’re all faggy kings,” she states while laughing. “I can see all the characters as me, as one person. People are like, ‘Oh, you’re relating to Jesus now.’ No, I just think it’s a cool story, and I don’t really have a particular religious affiliation with it. It’s a situation that happens over and over again. You know, a person has good intentions and ideas, but people’s fears get in the way.”

Peaches may have just wanted to live out her fantasies, but her European debut was quickly faced with the hellish backlash of critics. A month before the premiere, German rights holders denied permission to the singer due to her “unconventional production.”

In response, she took to her Twitter and informed fans about the cancellation. The gospel according to Peaches spread like wildfire among the media, resulting in permission to ultimately be granted for the one-woman show. She insists that she wasn’t doing “Peaches Christ Superstar” for the money, yet the performances became an overwhelming success, especially when original “Jesus Christ Superstar” writer Sir Tim Rice, who always advocated for Peaches’ production, traveled to Berlin just to see her in action.

“It was fantastic!” gushes Peaches. “I was scared out of my mind and crapping in my pants before I went on. I think for him to bother to travel to another country just to see a performance done by an independent theater was really outrageous on his part. And then he actually liked it. We had quite the friendly interaction, which I find really validating, even though that wasn’t the point of why I did it.”

While audiences won’t find electrifying capes, flying mics or vision-piercing laser beams in “Peaches Christ Superstar,” they can expect the determined singer to belt out every single note with Chilly Gonzalez on piano. Whether she reenacts Judas with soul, Jesus if he were fronting Iron Maiden or the more vulnerable Mary Magdalene as the only actual woman in the production, Peaches proves to the world that she’s more than just a star who gets off at raising eyebrows. Rather, she is, and always will be, an artist. And if that’s not enough to convince curious critics, then they’ll have to wait for 2011 to discover some of Peaches’ upcoming projects that are just too juicy to reveal just yet.

“This was my busiest year,” says Peaches. “I just finished coming back from Korea doing an art installation where I took all the things that people threw on stage at me and made a cave out of it. Things are going in many directions right now. It’s much more than music.

It’s about surviving creatively.”

Peaches performs “Peaches Christ Superstar” Dec. 17 at the Orpheum.

For more information, visit peachesrocks.com.

Campus Circle 12.15.10 - 12.21.10

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LIVESHOWREVIEWS

Campus Circle > Music > Live Show Reviews

Jacob Gaitan

beats to faster drumming rhythms.

Because the venue was small and intimate, the crowd became just as much of the act as the songs were. Ostrander shined light on his comical side while reading a series of feats the band had accomplished throughout the year.

From quitting smoking to the Twilight soundtrack, which is nominated for a Grammy, they thanked the audience for their amazing support and love as they continued the setlist.

Ostrander wore multiple hats on stage while switching from harmonicas to a baby grand piano. The chemistry all of the members shared was perfect. They complimented each other musically and delivered stellar songs one after another.

“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” was an instant crowd pleaser. The harmonica followed pleasantly with Dougherty’s guitar. Across the room many sang along softly and followed the beat with their feet. “Common Sense” was more aggressive but still well accepted. Eastern Conference Champions final 2010 show was a success as the crowd’s ovation proved. — Jacob Gaitan

Passion Pit Capital Cities captivated the Troubadour with a 45-minute set.

Brendan Benson Dec. 3 @ Club Nokia Brendan Benson lit up Club Nokia when he played with Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer of the Posies. Their combined indie rock sound proved to be a winning collaboration. Auer and Stringfellow joined in with Benson beautifully, as if they had been playing together for ages.

Playing his melancholy set of sad and hopeful love songs from 2009’s My Old Familiar Friend, he and the band kept the night light. When Benson started singing “Cold Hands (Warm Heart)” and “Garbage Day,” the audience happily sang along.

Between songs, the guys broke it up with banter among the band and some audience involvement. Benson has been touring with the Posies and Aqueduct to promote his 2009 album as well as Blood/Candy, the Posies’ latest release. — Tamea Agle

Capital Cities Dec. 4 @ The Troubadour Los Angeles based electro pop group Capital Cities headlined the Troubadour and instantly capturing new fans across the floor. As they took the stage, the audience immediately responded with cheers and anticipation.

Lead singer Ryan Merchant quickly established the musical direction of the night as he blew bubbles into the crowd near the front of the stage. As the crowd burst the bubbles floating in the room, the message of dancing, fun and games filled the air. The group’s other core member, Sebu Simonian, hovered behind a keyboard while delivering vocals.

Simonian controlled the audience with addictive dance beats and tempos that caused strangers to dance with each other.

Completing the three-piece act was guitarist Nick Merwin who swayed back and forth dancing along his instrument.

The trio showcased their abilities to entertain a packed audience well, as they interacted and involved everyone in their performance.

Merchant’s vocals seemed embedded with frequencies that quickly stuck in your head. Everyone sang along throughout the night regardless if they were first-time listeners. Songs like “Sold My Bed” are a perfect example. Simonian continued the feel-good tempo by providing ridiculously large neon glasses to the audience. As most of the front audience wore colorful neon shades, Capital Cities played their track “Safe and Sound,” receiving the biggest crowd reaction of the night.

Arms flew back and forth in the air as others hopped on the dance floor.

Capital Cities’ music proved to be extremely catchy as many continued to sing after the songs were over. The 45-minute setlist begged for more. With a full-length album in the works, expect Capital Cities to invade the radio airwaves

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in 2011. —Jacob Gaitan

Wu-Tang Clan Dec. 5 @ Club Nokia The other night I had the opportunity to catch a live performance by the Wu-Tang Clan at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. Every member of the Wu was in attendance, except for RZA who couldn’t be there because he’s making his directorial debut on a martial arts film. To say that they killed it would be an understatement.

They performed a plethora of their best and most infamous songs, including “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Protect Ya Neck,” “Triumph,” “Bring Da Ruckus,” “One Blood Under W” and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ Ta F*** Wit.” Not to mention each member rocked one of their best solo songs, like Raekwon’s “Ice Cream,” Meth’s “Bring the Pain,” GZA’s “Liquid Swords,” U-God’s “Dat’s Gangsta,” Ghostface’s “Mighty Healthy” and Masta Killa’s “No Said Date.”

A couple of times the DJ took the beat out and Cappadonna rhymed a cappella, making the crowd go nuts.

But perhaps one of the biggest highlights of the evening came toward the end when the group paid tribute to their fallen member Ol’ Dirty Bastard by bringing out one of his sons who performed “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” “Brooklyn Zoo” and “Got Your Money.” The aptly named “Young Dirty Bastard” sported his father’s vintage hairstyle and did a solid job sounding like him. I have to admit seeing him on stage with the rest of the Wu imitating his Dad wound up being quite endearing.

I grew up listening to the Wu. There is no other highconcept music group like them, and I have no doubt they will go down in history as one the best collective hip-hop groups of all time. Between songs, Raekwon summed it up best: “No matter what happens, there will never, ever be another WuTang Clan!” —Zach Hines

Eastern Conference Champions Dec. 7 @ Hotel Café Promoting their latest EP release titled Akustiks, indie rock trio Eastern Conference Champions presented an amazing show for the crowd. Releasing a record at Hotel Café proved to be successful as the band interacted with the crowd without hesitation.

Kicking off the night with an acoustic guitar was lead singer Joshua Ostrander. The tempo quickly was set as a series of mellow songs filled the air. His voice was soothing for the crowd as they gently swayed back and forth. Guitarist Melissa Dougherty carried herself with confidence throughout the night while showcasing her talents as a musician. Greg Lyons completed the lineup as he sat behind the drums. Lyons set the perfect vibe for the night as he alternated from soft cymbal

Dec. 7 @ The Palladium Passion Pit played to a crowd of dancing, screaming fans when they took over the stage at the Palladium. From the second the band members hit the stage, the audience was dancing and singing along. Warmed up by Michael Cera’s band, Mister Heavenly, the audience was more than ready for Passion Pit’s lively and energetic set.

Frontman Michael Angelakos worked the front of the stage, getting uproarious reactions from his fans as he made his way to the keyboards and back. New songs “Eyes Like Candies” and “Moths Wings” were the highlights of the night and kept the energy going.

Hailing from Boston, Mass., Passion Pit has successfully made a name for themselves in just a few short years. Band members Ian Hultquist, Ayad Al Adhamy, Jeff Apruzzese and Nate Donmoyer ­– all Berklee College of Music graduates – became Passion Pitt with Michael Angelakos in 2007 and have since been growing a loyal fan base and busily touring to promote their three recent albums. —Tamea Agle

The Bad Plus Dec. 9 @ The Mint People quickly filled their seats as dinner plates and cocktails arrived in time for the Bad Plus to take the stage. The club pressed the limits of capacity, as standing-room-only became the last resort. Meanwhile, the lights dimmed as powerful bass vibrations consumed the floor. Piano keys bounced about the club and gentle drumbeats filled the air. At last, the jazz show had begun.

Reid Anderson stood in the middle of the stage with a double bass while strumming each chord with grace and finesse. His expressions reflected the deep rhythms escaping his bass. Drummer Dave King provided the pleasant thunder of the night, as he slowly built the atmosphere from a soft gentle notion to a violent rage of fury. Pianist Ethan Iverson, who also served as the host, unleashed a series of musical outbursts providing a dynamic sound that completed the Bad Plus’ essence. Together they carried the audience through an amazing musical journey for two hours.

Between musical arrangements, Anderson would introduce the songs and provide quick descriptions that caused the audience to laugh uncontrollably. Everyone erupted with applause and cheers between every song as the trio earned the crowd’s respect.

After taking a quick intermission, they continued the melodious night in a much faster direction. The musical performance displayed variations of peace, tranquility, excitement, anticipation and utter madness. With all those elements combined, the concert proved to be nothing short of spectacular. They delivered an encore performance before bowing to the crowd.

These three gentlemen have played together for a decade and share deep chemistry unlike any other. —Jacob Gaitan

Join CAMPUS CIRCLE www.campuscircle.com FREQUENCY by brien overly Peaches Dec. 17 @ Orpheum Theatre You have to give someone like Peaches credit. Much as I hate to invoke the name of that other singer who has basically set the standard of comparison on a nearly existential level, short of Gaga, Peaches is the only other singer who can be provocative and controversial while still make legitimately infectious dance music.

And really, Peaches has been challenging gender norms, social mores and music industry politics for years, before we had any concept of what a Gaga was.

Better yet, girl puts on one of the Celebrate Hotel Café’s 10th anniversary with most visually engaging live shows Butch Walker. (Make sure to bring Kleenex.) around, and you don’t have to deal with screaming children and disapproving parents surrounding you while you try to drink your PBR in peace at an arena-sized venue. That alone should be reason enough to stick to the original HBIC of stereotype-challenging prog-pop.

Hotel Café 10th Anniversary Party Dec. 17, 18 @ Hotel Cafe OK, there are about eleventy-hundred singer-songwriters performing between these two days, but most importantly, one of them is Butch Walker.

Butch.

Effin’.

Walker.

Bring a box of Kleenex with you to this show, because I swear, the Georgia native will have you sobbing like your 5-year-old self just saw Bambi’s mom gunned down in front of you again by the time he’s done playing. The dude knows how to emote like nobody’s business when he sings, with even his more dance-friendly jams having some heavier emotional undertones to them.

And since you’re already there for the night, you can catch the set of L.A. native Austin Hartley-Leonard. A little less Southern blues than Walker is, a little more old west folk-y, Hartley-Leonard had been my homegrown jam since I discovered him on the Hotel Café stage some time ago, as it were.

On top of all that awesomeness, ticket proceeds go to the L.A. Fire Department’s toy drive, so, y’know, you can leave the show knowing that you’ve finally done something to balance out your rock ’n’ roll debauchery from the rest of the year. Kind of.

Billy Idol Dec. 18 @ Ventura Theatre If you were to turn on MTV right now, or at any other given time, one might easily assume that the entirety of the music industry was not yet of legal adulthood.

I don’t know about y’all, but if I wanted to hear a bunch of adolescents sing in perfectly auto-tuned key about things they’re not old enough to understand yet, I’d buy a Kidz Bop album.

As a quick aside, apparently they still make those? And the last one had their rendition of Gaga’s “Alejandro” on it?

That hardly seems appropriate. Not that I’m in a position to judge anyone else’s parenting decisions given who I hang out with and where, but I’m growing morbidly curious as to whether they did some creative editing on some of these songs’ lyrics before recording. If I don’t ram an ice pick into my ears before next week, will report back on findings.

Point being, I think it’s always a good time to stop and think about the good, the inspiring and the badass of years past, just to put things in perspective. While mainstream media outlets are so quick to jump on the bandwagon of cycling through Next Big Things, punk rock icons like Billy Idol continue to be awesome, despite being largely unnoticed.

Idol helped shape punk rock back in the ’70s and ’80s, meaning that despite the fact that all those terrible bands that Alternative Press puts on their covers and on their tours* owe at least partial credit for their existence to Idol and his contemporaries.

And even though he’s older than my own dad is now, Idol still puts on a killer live show, and even when sharing the stage with some of those young upstart Warped bands, is able to convey more authenticity and integrity than dudes who are only a third of his age. *That statement is indeed inclusive to the just announced 2011 A.P. Tour, but not to VersaEmerge, whom I still wholeheartedly support.

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Campus Circle 12.15.10 - 12.21.10

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L’EPICERIE MARKET 9900 Culver Blvd., Culver City by erica carter I’ve been so excited about the opening of L’Epicerie Market since I heard the news in the summertime. A European market is hard to find in these parts, the closest being Venice’s best-kept secret, the French Market Café. After a lengthy process of dotting all the i’s and crossing the t’s with permits and health compliancy, ecofriendly L’Epicerie has finally opened this month.

All of the products that you can’t find in your local supermarket: fresh pâtés, peppercorn mayonnaises, champagne vinegar pickled vegetables and fresh artisan breads are right at your fingertips at L’Epicerie. Nestled on the corner of Culver Boulevard just blocks from the booming restaurant row off Washington Boulevard, L’Epicerie offers something for everyone with a very neighborly vibe. Should you choose to visit the market for a brewed-to-order cup of coffee while you read a magazine or the newspaper, you can do that and sit at the window to people watch. Or, take a seat at the bar, which while it’s not a bar in the simplest sense, there are breads, ice cream, gelatos and more to choose from.

Even better, a full brunch can be enjoyed if you sit at the table! I started my brunch with an obligatory glass of Prosecco, my drink of choice on weekend mornings. The dry finish does something to the palate, almost cleans it and prepares it for breakfast foods.

It’s best when you have eggs (especially organic eggs) to compliment the taste, so my friend and I ordered a poached egg salad with frisée and goat cheese. This dish is similar to another weekend favorite of mine, Salade Frisée aux Lardons – without the lardon.

The “lardon” on L’Epicerie’s salad is actually bright beets! Who needs bacon when you can order crepes oozing with the salted cured meat accompanied with cheddar and jack cheese? L’Epicerie’s version is light, but hearty. I liked that the crepe was not too thick or rubbery, and the bacon’s texture was crisp. But in keeping with European flavors, I wish the cheese had been just a little more imaginative, something that could hold its own against the bacon … perhaps a gruyere or a tanginess offered by a soft cheese?

L’Epicerie’s menu is large and inviting, so if crepes and salads don’t sound like a meal, order a sandwich or even better, the Eggs Florentine. I ordered the signature L’Epicerie sandwich: ham and cheese and butter! Make sure to ask for the bread to be toasted because you need that texture to fully enjoy the ingredients within. Accompany your sandwich with the roasted garlic-tinged potatoes and you’ve got a great thing going.

The chefs’ youthful, imaginative energy is evident, especially with the tapas menu served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The region of southern France is honored with the slowcooked Cassoulet of duck confit, pork belly and sausage from the city of Toulouse. Try the crisp chicken wing confit, field mushrooms with garlic, parsley and country bread and the ceviche with popcorn (yes, popcorn). If you’d like to take it up a notch, try the marinated octopus or anchovies.

Another aspect that’s great is you really don’t have to sit down to experience the market. Pick up a bottle of wine or champagne from the huge selection; it’s practically its own room. Then peruse the shelves for dips or the deli case for cheeses, duck confit (wrapped in a cute mason jar) and the aforementioned cured vegetables. These are great for a quick meal at home or enjoying your personal bottle of choice on the weekends with these treats. L’Epicerie’s macarons are a delight for those of us with a sweet tooth.

Pistachio, hazelnut, raspberry and chocolate are several of the flavors to choose from.

The difference between these and other macarons I’ve tried? L’Epicerie’s are softer and easier to chew.

L’Epicerie has just opened, and it’s on the right track.

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

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by KEVIN WIERZBICKI Ten GRAMMY Nominations for Eminem Talk about a recovery! Nominations are in for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, and Detroit rapper Eminem leads the pack with 10 noms, including a chance to take home the Album of the Year and Best Rap Album awards for Recovery. Em is also up for Song of the Year, Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Love the Way You Lie,” his duet with Rihanna. Other potential big winners this year include Bruno Mars, up for seven awards, Lady Antebellum with six nominations, Drake and Katy Perry with four nods each and Muse with three. Ozzy Osbourne is nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance, Slayer and Lamb of God are among those duking it out for Best Metal Performance, while acts like the Band Perry hope to take home their first-ever trophy.

An interesting situation may test network censors this time around as Cee Lo Green’s hit “Fuck You” is up for multiple awards, something that is no doubt giving executives at CBS fits at this very moment. CBS airs the GRAMMY Awards show live from the Staples Center Feb. 13. For a complete list of nominees, visit GRAMMY.com.

JanSport Battle of the Bands They started with over 800 entries but the list of semifinalists in the JanSport Battle of the Bands has been narrowed down to 50, and the company is now asking for fans to vote online to help choose 10 finalists. The grand-prize winner gets to play at the SonicBids Official SXSW party in Austin in March; they’ll also have travel expenses to Texas covered and win a JanSport luggage set.

Fans meanwhile can cast a vote once a day until Dec. 20 at jansport.com/ battleofthebands. Nine California-based bands are in the running, and the Bay Area’s Dangermaker and Buckeye Knoll are among the contest’s top 10 vote-getters. If you’d like to help a Los Angeles band catch up, log in and vote for City City, Research Material, Acidic, Grand Vanity or Cannoneers of the New Command.

Puro Instinct at Room 205 Are you familiar yet with Room 205? It’s a former rehearsal space in downtown Los Angeles that has been converted into a full audio recording studio where local and nationally known bands stop by to play three songs and sit for a casual interview, all of which is later streamed at goincase.com/room205.

So far performances by Abe Vigoda and Crystal Antlers have been featured on the site, and music from L.A.-based glam rockers Puro Instinct has just gone up. Two songs from Puro Instinct, including their single “Silky Eyes,” can be seen and heard now, and their third tune goes up this Monday, Dec. 20. Catch Puro Instinct live the following day at the D.I.Y. Gallery in Echo Park.

How About Some Grouplove?

For more information, visit lepiceriemarket.com.

Beth D. Jamieson, Ph.D., Dept. of Medicine, Principal Investigator UCLA IRB#: 07-03-009-04 Expiration Date: December 8, 2010

Grouplove begin their Bootleg Theater residency Jan. 3.

APPROVED JAN 28, 2010 UCLA MEDICAL NSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD

Maybe you’ve already been getting your Grouplove – they were the opening band on the recent Florence + the Machine tour that played the Wiltern for three nights. Or maybe you’ve just been craving some Grouplove after reading about the joys of the band in NME and Nylon magazine. Now based in Los Angeles, the sonic orgy that is Grouplove came together in a roundabout way. The band’s core members, Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi, met one late evening on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and quickly became inseparable. The pair decided to head to Greece where Hooper had been invited to an art residency, and on a visit to the island of Crete they met the persons who would become the rest of Grouplove.

“We never could have dreamed this up,” says Zucconi. “But at the same time we’re not at all surprised; Grouplove is meant to be. Our story is a testament to fate, and our music is something we are ready to share.”

Grouplove will be sharing their self-titled debut EP come Jan. 25, and they’re also scheduled for a Monday night residency at the Bootleg Theater beginning Jan. 3.

Florence on Vinyl And speaking of Florence + the Machine, the band’s recent performance on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic program is now available on 10-inch vinyl. Find the seventrack collector’s item at amazon.com.

Follow CAMPUS CIRCLE on Twitter @CampusCircle T H E I N C R E D I B L E T R U E S T O RY O F HOW THE GREATEST GRAFFITI MOVIE O F A L L T I M E W A S N E V E R M A D E . . .

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CURTAINCALL “Cyrano de Bergerac”

Michael Myers

Now-Jan. 23 @ Ruskin Group Theatre You won’t regret it. Don’t judge by the extremely cozy lobby you will wait in until the intimate house opens or even the program that notes there will be not one – but two – intermissions; the show’s cast for “Cyrano de Bergerac” is going to take you on an absolutely unforgettable journey.

The classic tale of “Cyrano de Olivia D’Abo, Julia McIlvaine, John Colella and Bergerac” is delightfully played out Jonathan Redding in “Cyrano de Bergerac” at the Ruskin, impressive in every way. When you take your seat in the theater so tight that your feet are protruding onto the actors’ stage, you could never imagine that this miniature set could be filled with some of the greatest actors.

“Cyrano de Bergerac” tells the story of a man with an abnormally colossal nose.

Because of his ugliness, everyone in town pokes fun at his appearance. Anthony Burgess’ translation of the play is nothing short of magnificent as the plot unfolds to show the townspeople of Cyrano’s day, and our audience today, that there is more than meets the eye. Although his nose is large, his heart is much bigger. His lovable yet wounded personality is overpowering and so sincere. John Colella as Cyrano is ravishing in this role. He is so dearly dedicated to the script and the character that there is not one second you doubt his performance or his commitment to the role.

Colella holds the show together so brilliantly that the three hours of show time dwindle away without you checking your watch. Three hours is a lot to ask of anyone, but these actors deserve it. Everyone is well trained and has a beautiful story to share.

Olivia D’Abo (whom you might recognize from “The Wonder Years”) plays Roxanne, Cyrano’s biggest crush. She is mighty with a winning personality in this role.

There will be no shows Dec. 20-Jan. 7.

—Stephanie Forshee Ruskin Group Theatre is located at 3000 Airport Ave., Santa Monica. For more information, visit www.ruskingrouptheatre.com.

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Courtesy of Maira Kalman and Julie Saul Gallery, New York

EXHIBITIONS

Disney characters and artwork © Disney, Disney/Pixar characters © Disney/Pixar.

Maira Kalman, New York, Grand Central Station, 1999, goauache and ink on paper, 15-3/8 x 22-1/4 inches.

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MAIRA KALMAN: VARIOUS ILLUMINATIONS (OF A CRAZY WORLD) Now-Feb. 13, 2011 @ Skirball Cultural Center by danielle lee In this digital and high-tech era, we are reflective of the day’s happenings, writing small notations and taking photographs of things that are worthy enough to be deemed interesting.

Even though there is a plethora of those who cannot envision themselves living without the constant want for the best and newest technology at our fingertips, there are people who are capable of using their cameras for reasons other than updating their online profile pictures. Maira Kalman is one of those people.

As an artist, author, designer and illustrator, it’s apparent Kalman does not observe the world around her lightly, and she uses her camera to document and shed light on issues that arise in a very extraordinary way without any formal training. To fully understand Kalman as the creative person that she is, you must be clear on what catalysts shaped her life for better.

Though Kalman was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, her family immigrated to America in the ’50s and settled in hectic New York City. Kalman attended the High School of Music & Art on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

“It was wonderful,” she says, “because in high school you are surrounded by musicians and artists, and even though they are teenagers, there’s a lot of intensity and beautiful stuff to be surrounded by.”

After graduation, Kalman would continue her education at the prestigious New York University, but would pause her writing career. During these formative years as a fledgling adult, Kalman’s attention seemed to stray from her studies and she dropped out of NYU. “I decided I was going to be a writer,” she states.

“So when I left college I decided my writing was really awful and that I would prefer to tell my story in pictures, cartoons and narrative illustrations and that seemed like a good way to do it.”

To this day Kalman draws family and friends, but she also walks the streets of NYC sketching and observing particular people and things she finds interesting. These illustrations and compositions serve as a colorful journal.

Her current exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center showcases a bulk of her creative endeavors, which include early sketches, paintings, the 12 children’s books she has written and illustrated, multiple fashion items designed for Kate Spade and her 11 The New Yorker magazine covers.

“I prefer to use less, it’s a little bit touching on the world of poetry,” explains Kalman. “It’s combining journalism and poetry and trying to convey a message that isn’t pretentious. It’s just about life with a sense of humor and a sense of the absurd.”

The collection also includes various items from M&Co, a design firm created by her late husband, as well as onion rings they collected from restaurants they visited and a pink package containing bangles and wrapped in a pink paper that has never been opened.

It is plain to see why so many children and adults alike are enamored with her work, because it calls attention to things that most busy individuals overlook and take for granted. Kalman has a definite skill for finding and interpreting visions that others are too bogged down to notice and broadcasting them in a light that is intriguing.

“I think of myself as a traveling artist at large or journalist, and basically what I like to do is walk a lot,” says Kalman, adding, “I walk around, which gives me a lot of peace of mind and gives me a lot of ideas. I’m really looking at the people who are around me because I have a lot of compassion for how vulnerable everybody seems. We all have to eat, we all have to sleep, we all try to get from point A to point B and try to function. I’m constantly overwhelmed by how brave everybody is, and I’m really looking a lot at stuff, and I fall in love with something, and so that’s when I think, ‘Oh, this is something I’d really like to paint.’ A person or a thing, and that’s really what guides me through half the day. When I fall in love, then I know that I’m OK.” Skirball Cultural Center is located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, visit skirball.org.

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GAMES&GADGETS by mike sebastian AGF Beetle iPhone Case: The Beetle line of cases for iPhone 4 offer seven stylish color options in a hardshell that is lightweight. The case combines two materials, a strong polycarbonate for impact protection and an inner layer made from a soft TPU for shock absorption and scratch protection.

The Beetle looks great and offers sturdy protection while still allowing access to all of the iPhone’s controls. agfindings.com Dyson DC31 Handheld Vacuum: The Dyson DC31 is the perfect vacuum for a smaller living space. Weighing under three pounds, it’s a quick and easy way to pick up food crumbs or clean your computer. It has an adjustable nozzle to tackle different jobs, plus a crevice tool attachment.

Plus, it’s low maintenance. The LED indicator tells you when it’s time to charge the battery – 10 minutes at regular suction, six minutes for intense cleaning. It doesn’t require any bags and has a lifetime filter that only needs a wash once a month. The bin is hygienically emptied with the push of a button. dyson.com Hercules Dualpix HD720p:

The Hercules Dualpix is a terrific webcam designed specifically for notebook computers. Its clip allows for highly versatile placement and pivoting.

It features 720p HD video, a wide-angle autofocus lens with 3x zoom and a built-in microphone with a noise reducer. It can also take five megapixel photos. It’s the perfect way to Skype or use other video chat applications. hercules. com

iTag: iTag is a free app for Android and BlackBerry smart

Campus Circle > Culture > Gaming phones that places a homing feature on your phone. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can log onto the Web site and see exactly where it is. Premium features also allow you to render the phone unusable, restore the address book or permanently delete data. itag.com

Jostens Personal Yearbook: Create and design your own yearbook with Jostens. Just log onto the Web site, upload photos, chose your color and layout and you’re ready to go.

Fifteen dollars gets you four custom pages, along with signature pages. You can even upload photos from Facebook or Flickr. yearbookyourself.com JVC HA-EBX5 Earbuds: These splash-proof

earbuds from JVC are designed for the athlete. The rubber ear hooks make sure the buds stay in place during exercise, while the three different sized earpieces allow you to find the ideal fit.

They come in nine different colors that match the iPod Nano 5G. They’re also very affordable at $19.95. jvc.com

Laplink PCmover: Upgrading to Windows 7? Getting a new PC or laptop for Christmas?

PCmover will transfer all of your selected programs, files and settings from your old computer to your new one.

Upgrade without missing a beat. laplink.com/pcmover “Shawn Johnson Gymnastics”

(Nintendo Wii): Olympic gold medalist and “Dancing with the Stars” winner Shawn Johnson guides you through a gymnastics career from amateur to champion. Using the Wiimote, Nunchuck and Balance Board, the game captures your balance, coordination and timing in order to progress to increasingly difficult moves.

JETSETTER

BAJA GETAWAY

Land at the Rosarito Beach Hotel by kevin wierzbicki Where’s the nearest place to go for a nice Mexican getaway? That would be Rosarito Beach, a seaside playground located in Baja, Calif., a mere half hour south of the border. For 85 years now, the place to stay when you get there is the Rosarito Beach Hotel.

Situated on a wide, clean beach, the Rosarito Beach Hotel offers everything you need for a fun beach holiday, plus a healthy dose of romantic history. A favored spot of movie stars during Hollywood’s golden era, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Robert Stack and Gregory Peck are just a few of the luminaries who’ve been guests at the hotel. More recently, Britney Spears escaped to the Rosarito Beach Hotel with her entourage and a gaggle of paparazzi in tow. You don’t have to be a celebrity to stay at the hotel, but by the time you leave you just might feel like one!

Fun at the Hotel: Most of the original rooms where the Hollywood stars stayed have been torn down and replaced by modern towers, but much of the Hollywood mystique remains. The portion of the hotel that houses its restaurants,

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Campus Circle 12.15.10 - 12.21.10

Become a master in every area of gymnastics competition, from un– even bars and vault to floor and balance beam routines.

You can play single player mode and work your way through “Leaping Hill Academy,” unlocking bonus content by perfecting routines or you can play against up to eight friends in multiplayer mode.

Johnson offers her advice along the way. You can also design your own routines with the choreograph editor. shawnjohnsongame.com

XtremeMac Tango TRX: The iPod docking system has gone wireless with the Tango TRX. Stream music from your iPad, iPhone, iPod and other Bluetooth devices from 45 feet!

Download the free app and turn your device into a remote, with control over the five-band equalizer and presets for different musical genres.

The Tango has a sleek design that makes it ideal for apartments or dorm rooms. It features two midrange drivers, two dome tweeters and a downward firing subwoofer for a clear, dynamic stereo sound.

You can also dock your device to charge it or plug directly into the line-in for other MP3 players. It also includes a remote. xtrememac.com

Campus Circle > Culture > Travel front desk and spa are original colonial-style buildings decorated variously with fine imported tiles, Mexican art and Mayan art, and throughout these areas you can find wall plaques indicating where specific celebrities held court.

Take the hotel’s historic tour (usually daily, by request) and you’ll see all of these areas as well as the remaining beachside bungalows where the stars stayed. The bungalows are closed for remodeling now but eventually you’ll be able to stay in one of these historic apartments. The hotel also has a ghost, and you’ll see the stairway where she likes to appear.

History aside, the Rosarito Beach Hotel has a spa with a diverse menu, several pools including a rooftop infinity pool, a karaoke bar and lots more. Beach activities include horseback riding, ATV riding, relaxing under a palapa or taking a stroll on the hotel’s lengthy pier where you can have a cold drink or try your hand at fishing. Surfing and boogie boarding are popular here, too.

In the Vicinity: If it’s nightlife you crave, there’s plenty a short walk away. Five minutes up the beach is the largest nightclub on Mexico’s western shore, Papas & Beer (rosarito. papasandbeer.com). The club is famous for its French fries (papas is Spanish for potatoes), and the tradition is to have a fresh batch with your beer. But more so, Papas & Beer is known for its nightly dance party. Right next door are two other popular night spots; Iggy’s and the Corona Club.

On Rosarito Beach’s main street, right in front of the hotel, stores frequented by locals are overflowing with fresh seafood, produce and baked goods unique to Baja. You’ll also see craftsmen making better quality souvenirs like handblown glass items.

If wine is your thing, take a daylong road trip to the Guadalupe Valley, the wine-making area of Baja where there

Stop for dinner at the famous “lobster village” of Puerto Nuevo. are dozens of vineyards. Get a wine trail map at the hotel, then drive south toward Ensenada. On the way you’ll pass the arts and crafts shopping area called Popotla, the famous “lobster village” of Puerto Nuevo (stop for dinner!) and the seaside studios where Titanic and Master and Commander were filmed.

L.A. Cetto Winery (cettowines.com) is the Guadalupe Valley’s premiere winemaker – if you’re only going to hit a couple places make sure they’re one of them. Tours of their facility are available and the tasting room offers a wide variety of reasonably priced bottles to take home. Remember, though, you can only take two bottles per person across the border. Any more than that you’ll have to enjoy in the comfort of your room at the Rosarito Beach Hotel.

For more information, visit rosaritobeachhotel.com.

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Get your

CALENDARTHE10SPOT

’ n i k c o t S ! ’ n i k c o R

BY FREDERICK MINTCHELL

Colin Young-Wolff

SATURDAYDEC. 18

SANTA Monica Pub Crawl santamonicapubcrawl.com Last year’s crawl had over 2,000 participants and raised 4,000 pounds of food for charity. Dress in your favorite holiday costume and enjoy drink and food specials at bars on Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Street and Broadway to Santa Monica Boulevard and Ocean Avenue as well as bars in and around the 3rd Street District. 5 p.m. Minimum donation of one non-perishable food item.

WEDNESDAYDEC. 15 Social Media Breakfast Club Launch Party Standard Hotel Hollywood Purple Lounge, 8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; smbla1210.eventbrite.com Enjoy networking, drink specials, appetizers, music from DJ Mirth and take home a holiday swag bag from SMBLA supporters while you meet and mingle with marketers, PR pros, entrepreneurs, bloggers, podcasters, new-media fanatics, future SMBLA speakers and more. 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. $10.

THURSDAYDEC. 16 College Night at Mountain High Mountain High Resort, 24510 State Highway 2, Wrightwood; mthigh.com Ride for only $20 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a college ID, plus live demos from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tent city at the Bullwheel from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and party at the Bullwheel from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with DJs, Monster Drink specials, $1 hot dogs, 1/2 off draft beer and more.

THURSDAYDEC. 16 The Tillman Story The Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles; cinefamily.org Director Amir Bar-Lev will be on hand to discuss his documentary about Pat Tillman, who gave up his professional football career to join the Army Rangers in 2002, becoming an instant symbol of post9/11 patriotic fervor. 8 p.m. $10.

FRIDAYDEC. 17 2010 Nihilist Film Festival Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado St., Echo Park; nihilists.net The festival includes two hours of short films from around the country and world ranging from troubling to hilarious, profound to completely silly. 8 p.m.

SATURDAYDEC. 18 John R. Wooden Classic Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim; woodenclassic.com Long Beach State takes on St. Mary’s followed by UCLA vs. BYU. Get a John R. Wooden Classic 4-Pack of four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas starting at $66.

11:45 a.m. Tix start at $10.

Lots of in-store specials and a custom

Sexy Gift Set

for just $9.99 with any $50 purchase.

SATURDAYDEC. 18 “The Nutcracker” Royce Hall, 245 E. Charles Young Drive, UCLA; losangelesballet.org The holiday tradition continues with Los Angeles Ballet’s acclaimed original production of “The Nutcracker.” Join Clara and her Nutcracker as they journey to magical realms where mischievous mice battle toy soldiers, snowflakes dance and Clara’s dolls come to life. Also Sunday.

SUNDAYDEC. 19 It’s a Wonderful Life Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; americancinematheque.com Sure, you can watch the Jimmy Stewart tear-jerker endlessly on cable. Why not see it on the big screen this year? 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $11, $9 w/student ID.

MONDAYDEC. 20 Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., Downtown; nba.com/clippers UCLA alum Kevin Love and company come to town as each team tries to get out of their respective division’s basements.

Stop at ESPN Zone before the game from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and get a free appetizer with the purchase of a beverage. 7:30 p.m. Tix start at $5.

TUESDAYDEC. 21 Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., Downtown; nba.com/lakers UCLA alum Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and company come to town as they try to get out of their division’s basement while the Lakers try to keep a stranglehold on theirs. Stop at ESPN Zone before the game from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and get a free appetizer with the purchase of a beverage.

7:30 p.m. Tix start at $10.

For more events, visit campuscircle.com/calendar.

To submit an event for consideration, e-mail calendar@campuscircle.net.

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THEARTOFLOVE

Q&A

by lucia I recently decided to end my marriage of seven years. He was cheating and I don’t love him anymore, but I can’t seem to move on as quickly as him.

Guys approach me, but I always back off and then regret it later. I just want to date right now; I don’t want to be in a relationship for a long time.

Is it too forward to ask a guy to hang out?

—Confused Believe it or not, “confused” is actually a good state to be in, because it means you are open to suggestions as to what you should do.

It doesn’t matter if your ex seems to have moved on before you. This isn’t a race.

Men generally do that because that is how they handle breakups. They are willing to get into another relationship a lot faster, in order to help them deal with their feelings of loss.

It’s perfectly understandable that you don’t want to be in a relationship right now and nor should you be. You need to heal from the divorce before you can be a good partner.

You don’t need to “ask a guy to hang out.” Dating these days often starts with just “hanging out” anyway.

If you’re interested in someone, start dating and don’t bring up commitment.

Eventually he will and that’s when you can say that you’re not ready for that yet, unless you are!

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 12.15.10 - 12.21.10

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